Etruscan Civilization Timeline

Definition

The Etruscan civilization flourished in central Italy between the 8th and 3rd century BCE. The culture was renowned in antiquity for its rich mineral resources and as a major Mediterranean trading power. Much of its culture and even history was either obliterated or assimilated into that of its conqueror, Rome. Nevertheless, surviving Etruscan tombs, their contents and their wall paintings, as well as the Roman adoption of certain Etruscan clothing, religious practices, and architecture, are convincing testament to the great prosperity and significant contribution to Mediterranean culture achieved by Italy's first great civilization.

More about: Etruscan Civilization

Timeline

c. 1100 BCE - 900 BCE
Proto-Villanovan culture in central Italy.
c. 900 BCE - c. 750 BCE
Villanovan culture in central Italy.
800 BCE
Beginning of the Etruscan civilization in Italy.
700 BCE - 300 BCE
The Etruscan city of Vulci flourishes as a trade and manufacturing centre.
c. 680 BCE - c. 660 BCE
The Etruscan Regolini-Galassi Tomb is constructed at Cerveteri.
675 BCE
First instances of Etruscan bucchero wares are found at Cerveteri.
675 BCE - 626 BCE
Fine bucchero pottery style in Etruria.
625 BCE - 575 BCE
Transitional bucchero pottery style in Etruria.
575 BCE - 480 BCE
Heavy bucchero pottery style in Etruria.
540 BCE
A joint Carthaginian and Cerveteri force wins the Battle of the Sardinian Sea against the Phocaeans.
539 BCE
Etruscan & Carthaginian alliance expels the Greeks from Corsica.
535 BCE
Battle of Alalia. Carthaginian navy, in alliance with Etruscans, defeated Greek ships off the island of Corsica.
530 BCE - 520 BCE
The Etruscan Tomb of the Lionesses is constructed at Tarquinia.
c. 510 BCE
The Etruscan Portonaccio Temple is constructed at Veii.
c. 500 BCE - c. 400 BCE
The Etruscan bronze statue known as the 'Chimera of Arezzo' is sculpted.
c. 500 BCE
Etruscan Acquarossa is destroyed and definitively abandoned.
c. 475 BCE
Celts defeat the Etruscans at the Ticino River.
474 BCE
An Etruscan fleet is defeated by the navy of Syracuse at the Battle of Cumae.
400 BCE
Celts enter Italy and settle in the Po Valley.
396 BCE
Rome sacks the Etruscan town of Veii after a ten-year siege.
396 BCE
Celts defeat an Etruscan army at the battle of Melpum. Afterwards the Celts heavily settle all over the Po Valley.
396 BCE
Roman expansion begins with the capture of Veii from the Etruscans.
394 BCE
Etruscan Volsinii and their ally Sappinum unsuccessfully attacks Rome.
391 BCE
Senones besiege Clusium, an Etruscan city.
384 BCE
Syracuse attacks the ports of the Etruscan city of Cerveteri.
356 BCE
307 Roman prisoners are sacrificed in the forum of the Etruscan city of Tarquinia.
c. 350 BCE
The paintings of the Etruscan Francois Tomb at Vulci are created.
298 BCE - 290 BCE
Third Samnite War. Victory for Rome, peace with the Etruscans.
294 BCE
A Roman army led by L. Postimius Megellus defeats an army from Etruscan Volsinii.
283 BCE
Romans defeat the Etruscans and Celts at lake Vadimo.
280 BCE
The Romans conquer the Etruscan cities of Tarquinia, Volsinii and Vulci.
264 BCE
Etruscan Volsinii is sacked by the Romans and its residents relocated to Bolsena.
225 BCE
Celts defeat 6000 Romans at Faesulae and proceed to overrun Etruria.
82 BCE - 80 BCE
Volterra is besieged and sacked by Roman general Sulla.