One of the most dynamic heroes of the Trojan Cycle is Aeneas, whose depiction can be found throughout Italy before Rome usurped him as a national icon.

The early history of Rome is dominated by its rivalry with the Etruscan city of Veii, just up the Tiber. Until now, Anglophone readers had few resources to explore the latter’s story.

Few Greek vases have spawned as much discussion as one found in Cerveteri and dating to the seventh century BC.

Near Orvieto, in the Italian region of Umbria, there are the remains of an Etruscan necropolis that dates to the sixth century BC. The site is today known as Crocifisso del tufo.

The centre of Perugia’s upper town features an ancient Etruscan well that dates back to the third century BC and is open to visitors.

The archaeological museum of Perugia without a doubt houses the largest collection of Etruscan objects in Umbria.

According to prophecy, Troy wouldn’t fall until a number of conditions had been met. One of them was the death of the Trojan prince Troilus.

The archaeological museum of Orvieto features wall-paintings from Etruscan tombs found in the nearby village of Porano.

On the northern side of the cliff face of the town of Orvieto, in Umbria, lies Crocifisso del Tufo, an ancient Etruscan necropolis.

Scholarship has tended to downplay the promiscuity of Etruscan women as described by Greek sources. But with evolving modern sexual sensibilities, perhaps a different approach is required.