Were the Trojans and the Etruscans the same group of people?

Question

I know that the Trojans came from Western Turkey, and many archaeologists have assumed that the Etruscans did too. Does anyone have any info on this?

Answer 1

The Romans had a myth that some Trojan survivors fled to Italy and a woman with them had twin children who were lost and a she-wolf suckled them and the two, Romulus and Remus, founded Rome. Somewhere in there, Romulus killed Remus.

But I am not aware of anything but speculation on the matter.

Answer 2

I'd highly doubt that the Etruscans and the Trojans were of a similar ethnicity.

Etruscans were close enough to Roman themselves. Of course the Romans did that that myth that all Romans were descended from Trojans, but there is little to prove it... it would actually be pretty difficult. Many Roman traditions are rooted from Etruscans, such as gladiatorial combat, certain gods and goddesses (in fact the veneration of females as many Roman religious groups did is an Etruscan tradition), and probably most importantly, linguistically.

Trojans as you mentioned are from Turkey, and are probably more closely related ethnically to Greeks or (obviously) Turks. Trojans and Greeks are pretty closely related in the same ways that the Etruscans and Romans are.... again a key close element being the language spoken and writing styles.

I've done a fair amount of study on the ancient world.

Answer 3

The Etruscans were from Italy while the Trojans were from Asia Manor - the Etruscans were already there when the Trojans arrived

Answer 4

There are stories that the Etruscans migrated from Asia Minor ('Turkey' as you call it). Some historians believe it, others don't. Greeks tended to think of civilised non-Greek people in the West as escapees from the Trojan war

Answer 5

There is a History Channel Special on this you should watch it. its called Julius Caesar's Rome, you can get it at www.historychannel.com


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