The Etruscans were a people who inhabited central Italy, particularly Tuscany, before the Romans took control of their city-states. Their civilization, still largely unknown and mysterious, extended from northern Emilia-Romagna, including Bologna, down to Campania near Naples. Their peak, between the 8th and 5th centuries BCE, was marked by thriving trade with the Greeks and Celts, as well as a refined culture. Their religion, centered on divination (such as reading entrails), and their language, which remains poorly deciphered, add to their mystery.
Artistic Heritage and Tourist Visits
Their level of development is revealed in the impressive necropolis-cities of Etruria — a historical region north of Rome — such as Cerveteri and Tarquinia, UNESCO-listed sites adorned with frescoes depicting banquets and dances. Their exceptionally fine gold jewelry rivals modern goldsmithing, while their terracotta sarcophagi, like the famous Sarcophagus of the Spouses, bear witness to their artistic talent. In its early days, Rome was strongly influenced by the Etruscans, particularly through the city of Veii, whose kings such as Tarquin the Elder left their mark on its history. The region also included other peoples, such as the Latins and the Sabines, who coexisted with Rome and contributed to its rise. To explore this civilization, visit the National Etruscan Museum of Villa Giulia in Rome, the necropolises of Cerveteri and Tarquinia, or many other sites and museums across the region.
North of Rome, in the province of Viterbo, there are many Etruscan remains. This land was indeed at the heart of Etruria, where this civilization long eclipsed behind their prestigious Roman successors, was nevertheless of great richness and influence.
In Cerveteri, the Etruscan necropolis extends over hundreds of hectares. They form real cities with streets and neighborhoods. In Tarquinia, there are other necropolis with tombs painted with remarkable frescoes, and into Tusciaare many other fascinating sites, often located in the middle of nature, such as Vulci, Norchia, Blera, San Giovenale, etc.
Cerveteri is one of the main Etruscan sites of Lazio with its huge necropolis occupying hundreds of hectares. They date from the period from the 9th to the 3rd century BC.
The main site is the Necropolis of Banditaccia, which the the area to visit has "only" 10 of the 400 hectares of its surface, with thousands of graves organized according to an almost urban plan with its neighborhoods and streets and squares. Some tombs look like houses, while others are monumental and have large circular tumuli.
North of Rome, in the province of Viterbo, there are many Etruscan remains. This land was indeed at the heart of Etruria, where this civilization long eclipsed behind their prestigious Roman successors, was nevertheless of great richness and influence.
In Cerveteri, the Etruscan necropolis extends over hundreds of hectares. They form real cities with streets and neighborhoods. In Tarquinia, there are other necropolis with tombs painted with remarkable frescoes, and into Tuscia are many other fascinating sites, often located in the middle of nature, such as Vulci, Norchia, Blera, San Giovenale, etc.
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