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Map showing the Etruscan civilization

Cippus Perusinus. 3rd-2nd century BC, the tablet has 46 lines of Etruscan text

Etruscan votive heads IV-II century BC found in various sanctuaries of Etruria

Etruscan riders, silver panel 540/520BC, from Castel San Marino, near Perugia

The Etruscan civilization lasted from about 900 BC to 27 BC and was a culture in ancient Italy. The Romans called the people Etrusci or Tusci. The Ancient Greeks called them Tyrrhenoi or Tyrrsenoi. The Etruscans called themselves Rasenna.

The Etruscan civilization began in pre-history. They lived in an area which included modern Tuscany, but was larger. At their height, they had three confederacies (like modern states): Etruria, Latinum and the Po Valley, and Campania. The Etruscans ruled Rome until 396 BC.