Etruscan

Etruscan, name for the people whose civilization flourished in Italy before the rise of Rome. The Etruscans seem to have migrated from Asia Minor to Italy in the 12th century B.C. A distinctive culture had emerged by the 8th century, reaching its peak in the 6th. The early governments were monarchical and changed subsequently to republican states that were controlled by oligarchies. The Etruscans carried on extensive maritime trade with the Greeks and Phoenicians and had colonies in Sicily, Corsica, Sardinia, the Balearic Islands, and Spain. After the 5th century B.C. the Etruscan cities were absorbed by the expanding Roman state.

See also: Rome, Ancient.