65. Mars of Todi, Todi, Etruscan,

end of the 5th century B.C.E. Bronze,

hollow-cast bronze, height: 141 cm.

Gregorian Etruscan Museum, Vatican City.

 

 

The Mars of Todi (Marte de Todi) is one of the rare statues still existing from ancient Etruscan civilisation. It is a sculpture of a warrior, cast in bronze, wearing armour and, in principle, a helmet. He is preparing to perform a battle ritual by pouring liquid from a peculiar shaped cup or bowl from his extended right hand while his left hand leans on an iron spear. The style portrays strong influences from mid-fifth century Greek art and was found between two slabs of Travertine in Todi, a town located in the state of Umbria in Italy, perhaps after being struck by lightning. There is a dedicatory inscription written in the Etruscan alphabet which states that it was a gift given by a certain Ahal Trutitis.