Concensus now is that the Etruscans did not immigrate from Lydia, not ancient autochthonous or indigent people. Archeological record shows central Italy undeveloped for most of the 2d millenium BC, with simple hillside settlement without fortifications--suggesting an absence of external menace. [32] Change came in the late Bronze Age 1300 - 1000 BC., with the abandonment of settlements and larger fortified centers, with changes in burial customs and trade links. This coincides with the "Sea Peoples" or Philistine time of troubles. By the 10th century BC as the Bronze gave way to the Iron Age, Etruscan culture established itself in Italy: 1000 to 700 BC. Etruscans had a reputation as pirates, and they controlled the richest iron ores in the Mediterranean.

Etruscan women were not closeted in chambers like the Greek, nor did they lose their names to husbands as did Romans. They were buried with equal care, partied and toasted each other, and lived in a mixed society - no separation of sexes or races. [87-88] Visible affection in the paintings and sculpture [82, 115]. In Livy's history of Rome, compiled in the first century AD, a capable Etruscan woman stands behind the first monarch, Lucius Tarquinius Priscus.[90].

The Triclinium is Etruscan, and they were devoted to dining, with wine and seasoned marinades provided for rich and poor alike, often prepared to musical accompaniment. [94] They were a strenuously sociable people.

Citing Polybius' description of Etruscan swineherds: "Instead of walking behind their pigs to keep them moving, they led their charge from the front, blowing a trumpet to produce a note or tune that the pigs would recognize and follow".[100] ???!!

Most of the Etruscan cities lie beneath layers of 2000 years of urban life. However, Spina was recently found -- an almost mythical lost Etruscan trading port on the Adriatic Sea.

"Spurinna" (spurious) warned a skeptical Caesar to beware the Ides of March. An Etruscan soothsayer-- the "science" of haruspices and fulguriatores lasted longer than any other part of the culture.

Etruscans sacrificed captives to honor their dead and victories. [141]