The Etruscan civilization
The Etruscans were an ancient Italic people who thrived between the 8th and 3rd centuries BCE in Etruria, a region roughly corresponding to present-day Tuscany. Their civilization greatly influenced ancient Rome. Known for their art, architecture, and divinatory skills, the Etruscans left behind a rich yet mysterious legacy.
The origin of the Etruscans remains debated, but it is believed they migrated to the Italian peninsula from Asia Minor. Their society was organized into independent city-states with a powerful aristocratic elite. They adopted the Greek alphabet, developing their own writing system, though much of their texts have been lost, leaving their language partially deciphered.
The Etruscans were skilled artisans, creating diverse works of art, from frescoes to sculptures to ceramics. Their tombs, often in the form of tumuli, provided significant archaeological discoveries, revealing details about their daily life, religious beliefs, and funeral practices.
