Dead inside Quote by Benjamin Blech
““THE VATICAN The very name Vatican comes from a surprising source. It is neither Latin nor Greek, nor is it of biblical origin. In fact, the word we associate with the Church has a pagan origin. More than twenty-eight centuries ago, even before the legendary founding of Rome by Romulus and Remus, there was a people called the Etruscans. Much of what we think of as Roman culture and civilization actually comes from the Etruscans. Even though we are still trying to master their very difficult language, we already know a great deal about them. We know that, like the Hebrews and the Romans, the Etruscans did not bury their dead inside the walls of their cities. For that reason, on a hillside slope outside the confines of their ancient city in the area that was destined to become Rome, the Etruscans established a very large cemetery. The name of the pagan Etruscan goddess who guarded this necropolis, or city of the dead, was Vatika.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Vatican: A History, Benjamin Blech, 2001
The name “Vatican” originates from a pagan Etruscan deity, showing deep pre‑Roman roots of the site.
In simple terms: Vatican name is from pagan Etruscan goddess.
Recognize historical layers beneath modern institutions.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- archaeology
- tourism
- educational curricula
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does ancient heritage shape current identity?
- What other institutions have hidden pagan roots?
May overlook later Christian significance.