wall pediments
symbols of wealth and power architectural terracotta decoration in etruria and central italy 640 510 b.c.
p although initially intended for the innovative if prosaic purpose of providing waterproof and fireproof cover for earlier thatch roofed homes fired clay tiles in seventh and sixth century etruria and central italy combined with etruscan love of adornment to create exceptional domestic and religious building decoration . featuring statues and figured friezes of humans animals and mythological figures intended to convey the status of the owner or dedicator the surviving terracotta roofs provide important insights into the architectural history of etruria . with symbols of wealth and power nancy a. winter has provided a definitive overview of the evidence for these roofing elements that will enhance our knowledge of etruscan and more broadly ancient architecture . p nancy a. winter is an archaeologist and former librarian of the american school of classical studies athens . she is the author of greek architectural terracottas from the prehistoric to the end of the archaic period 1993 . also of interest br role models in the roman world identity and assimilation edited by sinclair bell and inge lyse hansen br the maritime world of ancient rome edited by robert l. hohlfelder br cosa the black glaze pottery 2 by ann reynolds scott jacket illustration tuscania ara del tufo 560 550 b.c.