Liver of Piacenza

Liver of Piacenza is an ancient Etruscan artifact that was discovered in 1877 near the city of Piacenza, in what is now northern Italy. It is a life-sized bronze model of a sheep's liver covered with Etruscan inscriptions. The artifact is believed to date back to the late 2nd century BCE and is considered a significant piece of evidence in the study of Etruscan religion and divinatory practices. The Liver of Piacenza is thought to have been used as a tool for haruspicy, a form of divination that involves examining the entrails of sacrificed animals to predict future events.

Description

The Liver of Piacenza measures approximately 126 mm in length and 76 mm in height. It is intricately inscribed with the names of various Etruscan gods, divided into regions that are believed to correspond to different celestial and terrestrial domains. These inscriptions provide valuable insights into the Etruscan pantheon and their religious practices. The artifact's detailed craftsmanship and the complexity of its inscriptions highlight the Etruscans' advanced understanding of religion and divination.

Historical Context

The Etruscans were a significant civilization in ancient Italy, known for their rich culture and advanced society. They had a complex religion that included the worship of multiple gods and the practice of various forms of divination. Haruspicy, in particular, played a crucial role in Etruscan religious rituals. Priests, known as haruspices, would interpret the will of the gods by examining the livers of sacrificed animals, among other methods. The Liver of Piacenza is a rare archaeological find that offers a direct link to these ancient practices.

Significance

The discovery of the Liver of Piacenza has provided scholars with a tangible piece of evidence to better understand Etruscan religious practices and their pantheon of gods. It is one of the few surviving artifacts that directly illustrate the practice of haruspicy. The inscriptions on the liver have been the subject of extensive study, as they offer a glimpse into the Etruscan language and their religious beliefs. This artifact not only sheds light on the religious practices of the Etruscans but also on their skills in metallurgy and sculpture.

Current Location

Today, the Liver of Piacenza is housed in the Museo Civico di Palazzo Farnese, located in Piacenza, Italy. It remains a significant piece of Etruscan heritage and attracts scholars and visitors interested in ancient civilizations and their religious practices.

See Also

• Etruscan civilization
• Divination
• Haruspicy
• Etruscan language
• Museo Civico di Palazzo Farnese

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