Etruscan political organization

The Etruscan political system was composed of city-states, each governed independently. Each city was led by a group of officials called "duty-takers," including a chief ruler known as the "lucumon" or "zilach," and other magistrates. These leaders held authority for fixed terms and were responsible for administration, religious duties, and military defense. Etruscan city-states often allied or cooperated with each other but maintained their independence. Their organization combined elements of monarchy, aristocracy, and oligarchy, with a strong emphasis on priestly and aristocratic classes playing significant roles in governance.