Etruscans: 9th-2nd Centuries Bc

Ancient Rome had deep roots in the `Villanovan` culture that we call today the Etruscans. Their long-lived civilization can be traced to 900-750 BC in northwest Italy. They were a sea-faring people trading with and competing against Greek and Phoenician peoples, including the Carthaginians. They were also a great land-based power, especially in the `Classical` period, where they expanded their power north into the Po Valley and south to Latium.