Villanovan people

The Villanovan people were an ancient Italic civilization that thrived in Italy around the 9th to 8th centuries BCE, considered the precursor to the Etruscans. Known for their sophisticated society, they built early urn cemeteries, developed advanced metalwork, and established rich cultural traditions. Their settlements featured organized towns with defensive walls and distinctive pottery. The Villanovan culture laid the groundwork for later Etruscan civilization, significantly influencing Italian history through their art, social structure, and technological innovations.