Etruscans were a people who settled in Etruria (present day Tuscany, Umbria and Latium) in Italy, shortly after the Trojan War in around 1000 BC.
The historical importance of the Etruscans lies in their influence on early Rome, especially during the 5th Century BC when Rome itself grew from a village to a city and became prosperous and powerful.
The Etruscan language is written in letters much like Greek. Etruscan art was greatly influenced by the Greeks, especially the wall paintings displayed in their tombs.