Ancient Rome had deep roots in the "Villanovan" culture that we call
today the Etruscans. Their long-lived civilization can be traced to
900--750 BC in northwest Italy. They were a sea-faring people trading
with and competing against Greek and Phoenician peoples, including the
Carthaginians. They were also a great land-based power, especially in
the "Classical" period, where they expanded their power north into the
Po Valley and south to Latium. In the 6th century BC an Etruscan dynasty
ruled Rome, and their power extended southwards to the Amalfi coast. In
509 BC the Romans rose up to expel their kings, which began the long
"Etruscan twilight" when their power was squeezed by the Samnites and,
most especially, the Romans.
Drawing on archeological evidence including warrior tombs, paintings,
sculptures, and fully illustrated throughout, this study examines one of
the early rivals to Ancient Rome.