Map of Italy and Sicily.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