エトルリア人は紀元前8世紀から3世紀頃のイタリア半島で最も隆盛を誇った創造的・先進的民族で、貴重な考古学的遺跡が今に伝えられています。本書ではそうした歴史的な証拠や当時の地理的、経済的、政治的背景を踏まえ、その起源や文化、言語、習慣などを探究します。エトルリア人に係わる謎は、古来よりさまざまな議論を惹起してきました。今日に至るまで我々がどのように理解し歴史に位置づけてきたかについても論じます。
   

• Considers the available archaeological evidence of the Etruscans to tell the story of the people, the place, and the time they lived in
• Emphasizes the ways in which the Etruscans have been received and presented, both in ancient times and in the present day
• Places the Etruscans in the wider context of the historical period

　
From around 900 to 400 BC, the Etruscans were the most innovative, powerful, wealthy, and creative people in Italy. Their archaeological record is both substantial and fascinating, including tomb paintings, sculpture, jewellery, and art. In this Very Short Introduction, Christopher Smith explores Etruscan history, culture, language, and customs. Examining the controversial debates about their origins, he explores how they once lived, placing this within the geographical, economic, and political context of the time. Smith concludes by demonstrating how the Etruscans have been studied and perceived throughout the ages, and the impact this has had on our understanding of their place in history.