During the second millenium migrating Germanic tribes entered Italy. These were later to imerge as the Romans, but until 5,000 BC remained in a tribal state. From Asia about 1,000 BC came the Etruscans who settled in Italy and made subjects of these native tribes. The Etruscans brought from the west a knowledge of ancestory and a dread of evil powers and superstitions. They were bold vigorous people and had a love of fine things and comfortable living. From 800 BC onwards, the Etruscans came into close contact with the Greek colonies in southern Italy. In Etruscan cities, have been found objects of Greek origin.
The Roman tribes united and rose in power from 500 BC onward until 196 BC the last Etruscan city fell. The Etruscan buried their dead with all their possessions so we have a good knowledge of their way of life.
Architecture
The Etruscans used the arch to span spaces. This knowledge is from Asian origin and was used in Assyria and Babylon whereas the Egyptians and Greeks knew only post and lintel construction. In this respect the Etruscans were in advance of the Greeks. The Etruscans had a knowledge of the bridge and aqueduct construction and town planning. This laid the foundations for the engineering feats of the Romans. The Etruscan temple did not develop from the house as did the Greek temple.
Painting
Underground tombs and cryupts were decoraqted in a manner derived from Greek vase painting.
Sculpture
Archaic figures of Greek influence were made of terra-cotta and later, bronze were made which showed the "Archaic smile".
Minor Arts
The Etruscans were masters of metallurty casting and working precious and semiprecious metals (animal figures, jewellery, mirrors etc)