An area of northwest-central Italy, north of Rome, rich in metal and dominated by several independent cities, with a common language. Their origin is obscure but probably local (from the Bronze Age Villanovans). From the 8th century BC on it was heavily influenced by Phoenicians and Greeks; Etruscan art is an amalgam of foreign styles, but becomes dominantly Greek in appearance and much subject matter. It was gradually absorbed by the growing power of Rome but retained much of its individuality in arts and religion.
Above: Map of Italy and Sicily. © Beazley Archive, Ian Hiley
