The Etruscans: 9th-2nd Centuries BC, Paperback

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. In the 6th century BC an Etruscan dynasty ruled Rome, and their power extended southwards to the Amalfi coast. In 509 BC the Romans rose up to expel their kings, which began the long "Etruscan twilight" when their power was squeezed by the Samnites and, most especially, the Romans.

Drawing on archeological evidence including warrior tombs, paintings, sculptures, and fully illustrated throughout, this study examines one of the early rivals to Ancient Rome.

About the Author:

Raffaele D'Amato is an experienced Turin-based researcher of the ancient and medieval military worlds. After achieving his first Ph.D. in Romano-Byzantine Law, and having collaborated with the University of Athens, he gained a second doctorate in Roman military archeology. He currently works as vice-head of the Laboratory of the Danubian Provinces at the University of Ferrara, Italy.

Giuseppe Rava was born in Faenza in 1963, and took an interest in all things military from an early age. Entirely self-taught, Giuseppe has established himself as a leading military history artist, and is inspired by the works of the great military artists, such as Detaille, Meissonier, R chling, Lady Butler, Ottenfeld, and Angus McBride. He lives and works in Italy.

Andrea Salimbeti has had a lifelong interest in ancient military historical research, in particular the Bronze Age in Greece and the Middle East, and has collaborated with magazines and special publications in these fields. He also writes on aviation topics such as aerospace technology and flight equipment.