"Tarquinia was one of the great cities of ancient Etruria, where the most powerful, creative and, sometimes, elusive civilisation of pre-Roman Italy emerged. The archaeology of Tarquinia has been at the forefront of Etruscan studies since the dawn of antiquarian scholarship and is renowned for its unique painted tombs and vast cemeteries." "Drawing on archaeological, artistic and written evidence, Robert Leighton charts the rapid growth and transformation of the city from later prehistory until late antiquity, with reference to social, political and economic trends in each period."--Jacket.