Meet the Etruscans

A holiday which lets you explore ancient Rome and the Etruscan civilisation which gave birth to the Roman Empire

Somewhere around the 10th century BC, the Italian peninsula was settled by a mysterious peoples called the Etruscans. We know very little about them, even their origins are obscure, however archaeologists suspect that they came from the eastern Mediterannean, possibly Asia Minor. We don't really know what brought them to Italy, but we do know that when they came, they brought civilization and urbanization with them. They founded their civilizations in north-eastern Italy between the Appenine mountain range and the Tyrrhenian Sea. Their civilization stretched from the Arno river in the north to the Tiber river towards the center of the Italian peninsula; it was on this Tiber river that a small village of Latins was situated. This village was to become Rome, and the villagers, the pioneers of the Roman empire.They would have been in close contact with the Etruscans, their language, their ideas, their religion, and their way of life. There is no doubt that the Etruscans were the single most important influence on Roman culture in its transition to civilization.

Much of what we have come to know of Etruscan culture has stemmed from the writings of other cultures, mainly that of the Greeks and the Romans, and directly from archaeological evidence gathered from the objects they left behind.The Etruscans left us no written historical records. However, we can see samples of their writing from the engravings on their tombs. The Etruscan writing system is unique in that its letters come from the Greek alphabet, yet its grammatical structure is unlike any other European language. The epitaphs usually tell of the person's name, class, occupation, and perhaps details of their families/relationships, so it is possible to establish something of their lifestyles.

The very best way to find out more about these mysterious and fascinating peoples is to spend a little time exploring their ancient kingdom of Etruria, and perhaps there is no better place to be based than in a beautiful 4 star relais hotel in the historical centre of

Civita Castellana, in the province of Viterbo in Lazio.

From here, you can explore the ancient Etruscan site of Tarquinia; believed to have been founded in the 12th century BC,it was home to the Tarquin kings, who ruled Rome before the Republic. The necropolis here contains tombs richly decorated with frescoes, and the medieval town features several churches and the National Museum, full of Etruscan treasures, including a beautiful terracotta frieze of winged horses taken from the Etruscan site.

Not far away is Cerveteri,founded in the 8th century BC, and famous today for the tombs known as tumoli, great mounds of earth with carved stone bases. Just by here, too is a most marvellous restaurant where you can enjoy lunch on a terrace surrounded by lemon and olive groves - It is rural, uncommercialised and an amazing experience.

Veio was once the largest city in southern Etruria, but today the only remains from this period are portions of a swimming pool and the lower section of a temple. From Civita Castellana, you can explore Tuscany and the north of Lazio but just as easily spend some time in Rome. A great way to explore two very great empires, as well as see wonderful countryside, and enjoy great food and wines.

The hotel is situated just 50m from the Duomo dei Cosmati Cathedral and 100m from the Sangallo fort. Built as a 17th century mansion, it has been skilfully restored to highlight the refinement of the architectural features and elegance of that age. The hotel today is testimony to the savoir- faire and skill of hospitality of that same age. Staying here, you will discover the charm of this historic mansion and enjoy its magical l atmosphere.

The hotel has a gym, sauna and jacuzzi, amazingly located in the 17th century cellar. What a place to relax !

� Duomo dei Cosmati Cathedral

Creativity Travel can plan your holiday, with personal itinerary as well as arranging

flights, accommodation, car hire or other transport, as well as guides and other services.

Please do contact us for quotations, and to discuss your ideas for this fascinating journey back in time and the chance to meet the Etruscans on their own territory !