The Etruscans were an ancient Italic civilization that developed from the prehistoric Villanovan culture. By the beginning of the seventh century BCE, they occupied central Italy between the Arno and Tiber rivers, organized politically into independent city-states. They eventually settled as far north as the Po valley and as far south as Campania.

Etruria, the Etruscan homeland, was rich in metals. The Etruscans became master bronzesmiths, exporting finished bronze objects across the Mediterranean. Etruscan jewelry features intricate goldwork techniques, an example being the large fibula from the Regolini-Galassi Tomb. The Etruscans are also well known for their terracotta sculpture, including freestanding architectural sculpture, sarcophagi and cinerary urns. Etruscan fineware pottery was influenced by Greek painted vases, which were imported into Etruria in quantity. Distinctively Etruscan pottery wares were also created, the most successful being  a burnished black fineware known as bucchero. Among the best-known products of Etruscan art are the lively, colorful paintings that decorated tombs in the necropolises of Tarquinia and Cerveteri (video here).

Etruscan culture flourished until the end of the second century BCE, when the Etruscan city-states were absorbed by the expanding Roman Republic. Although looting has been a persistent problem at Etruscan sites, archaeologists continue to expand our understanding of Etruscan culture through scientific excavations. Web resources here, here and here.

Sarcophagus of the Spouses (The Villa Giulia Sarcophagus). From the Banditaccia necropolis, Cerveteri. Terracotta. Ca. 520 BCE. Museo Nazionale Etrusco di Villa Giulia, Rome.