Carlo De Simone is an Italian classical scholar and epigraphist born in 1932. He is known for his extensive work on the Etruscan language, which is one of the major pre-Roman languages of the Italian peninsula. De Simone's contribution to the field of Etruscan studies has been significant, as Etruscan texts are quite rare and the language is not fully understood even today.
De Simone studied at the University of Rome, where he was a pupil of the famous Etruscan scholar, Massimo Pallottino. Under Pallottino's guidance, De Simone developed a keen interest in the Etruscan civilization, which flourished in what is now modern-day Tuscany, western Umbria, and northern Lazio. After completing his studies, De Simone went on to become a professor and researcher, focusing on Etruscan inscriptions and the interpretation of the Etruscan language.
Throughout his career, De Simone has published numerous articles, monographs, and books on Etruscan epigraphy and philology. His work often involves the analysis of inscriptions found on ancient artifacts, such as pottery, metal objects, and stone slabs, which contain valuable information about the Etruscan culture, religion, and society. De Simone's efforts have greatly enriched the understanding of this enigmatic culture and provided insights into its place in the broader context of Mediterranean history.
Despite his focus on Etruscan studies, De Simone's expertise is not limited to this field alone. He has also contributed to the understanding of other ancient Italic languages and cultures, and he has participated in numerous international conferences and symposia dedicated to ancient studies. His academic work is highly regarded by scholars in the field of classics and ancient history.
As of my knowledge cutoff date in 2023, there has been no widely reported announcement of Carlo De Simone's death, so it is assumed that he is alive. However, it is important to verify this information from up-to-date sources, as the status of individuals can change.