Final answer:
Etruscan temples typically featured low wooden roofs, a high podium, a frontal entrance, and mud brick construction, distinguishing them from Greek temples. Their square configuration and ornate exteriors with terracotta sculptures were also characteristic, and while none have survived, their influence is seen in later architecture.
Step-by-step explanation:
A typical characteristic of Etruscan temples is the use of mud brick for construction, rather than the marble or stone commonly found in Greek temples. These structures often had low wooden roofs covered in tile, extending beyond the foundation to protect the mud brick from the elements. Notably, Etruscan temples featured a high podium and a frontal entrance, creating a distinct approach compared to Greek temples, which usually had multiple entrances and were surrounded by columns.
Another key feature of Etruscan temples was their square configuration, in contrast to the more rectangular shape of Greek temples, and they could house multiple cellas or interior spaces. The temples also boasted colorful and ornate exteriors, with terracotta sculptures and other architectural elements that contributed to the richness of their appearance, such as akroteria on the roofline.
Although none of the original Etruscan temples survive to the present day due to their ephemeral building materials, their design was influential in later architectural styles, including the Renaissance. Knowledge of these temples comes from ancient texts, such as those by Vitruvius, and archaeological remains, like the foundations discovered at sites such as Orvieto.