The great civilisation of the Etruscans, centred north of Rome, was characterised by a brilliant material culture, a complex and fascinating religion and a powerful empire. This reflects the astonishing range of cultural contacts established by the cities of Etruria (modern day Lazio and much of Tuscany) via their trading links stretching from the Phoenician cities on the Leantine coast to Greek traders and colonists. The Etruscans could easily have remained a dominant power in their part of the Mediterranean world, but they were overcome by Rome. Why did they fail, and what did Rome take from the civilisation which was both so geographically close and yet so culturally distinctive?