Ancient Rome had deep roots in the "Villanovan" culture that we call today the Etruscans. Their long-lived civilization can be traced to 900--750 BC in northwest Italy. They were a sea-faring people trading with and competing against Greek and Phoenician peoples, including the Carthaginians. They were also a great land-based power, especially in the "Classical" period, where they expanded their power north into the Po Valley and south to Latium...
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History