The Etruscans

D_Amato, RaffaeleRaffaele D'Amato, PhD, is the author of some 40 books and numerous articles on the military of Ancient Greece, the Roman Empire, Byzantium and the Middle Ages. For two years he taught at Fatih University, Istanbul as a visiting professor. He currently works as a lawyer and as an external researcher for the Laboratory of the Danubian Provinces at the University of Ferrara, Italy which is part of the Scientific Committee.Salimbeti, AndreaAndrea Salimbeti is an independent researcher of ancient military history, particularly of the Bronze Age in Greece and the Middle East. He is professionally engaged in international space programmes, and has published articles in the field of aerospace technology and equipment. This is the sixth Osprey book to which he has contributed.Rava, GiuseppeGiuseppe 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, Röchling, Lady Butler, Ottenfeld and Angus McBride. He lives and works in Italy.

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 north-west 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 archaeological evidence including warrior tombs, paintings, sculptures, and fully illustrated throughout, this study examines one of the early rivals to Ancient Rome.

Colour plates reconstruct a wide range of splendidly equipped warriors.

Introduction - chronology * The Villanovan warrior culture - the Villanovan army * Arms and equipment of the Villanovan era: offensive weapons - defensive equipment: helmets, shields and armour - ranks symbols and insignia - clothing * The Classical and late Etruscan armies - organization * Arms and equipment: offensive weapons - defensive equipment: helmets, shields and armour - rank symbols and insignia - clothing * Chariots and cavalry * Select bibliography [Plate commentaries dispersed throughout].