Hilltop Towns

Etruscan

In ancient times (750BC), modern Tuscany made up a large part of Etruria, whose people were called Etruscans. Theirs was the dominant culture in Italy by 650 BC. The Lega dei Popoli (League of the Peoples) were loose confederations of independent towns that shared a common Etruscan language and culture: the original city states of Italy. From ancient inscriptions the Etruscan names for these town are known as well as their Roman names and finally their Italian names.

Volterra, which was once a member of the most important League, Murlo (“A historic village in the Siena area with a medieval appearance but Etruscan soul”) and Castellina in Chianti are towns where I sought Etruscan artifacts and history. There are many others.