The Etruscans and the First Romans: The History and Legacy of the Civilizations that Fought for Control of Italy

“These people of Greek descent were called Etruscans, and it has been discovered that they had advanced so far in civilization, that they afterwards gave many of their customs to the city of Rome when it came to power. A confederacy known as the `Twelve Cities of Etruria' became famous afterwards, though no one knows exactly which the twelve were.” - Arthur Gilman, The Story of Rome from the Earliest Times to the End of the Republic

When people think of ancient Italy, the Romans are usually ...