The Etruscans are one of the enigmas of history. A cultured, artistic, socially adept and seemingly tolerant and pleasure-loving people, they dominated Central Italy for 800 years until their civilization was absorbed and their identity obliterated by the growing power of Rome in the fourth and third centuries BC. During the last 400 years their art has come to be appreciated and enjoyed; rich archaeological evidence survives despite a continuing history of pillage, with the emergence of richly frescoed tombs, exquisite jewelry and sculpture, metalwork and painted vases at sites such as Ceverteri, Tarquinia and Vulci paying testament to the rich artistic culture of the Etruscans. The author has also written "Understanding Greek Sculpture".