What role did the Etruscans play in civilizing the Romans? To what extent could you argue that the Romans created their own civilization?

Question

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Answer 1

The Etruscans contributed many of the infrastructure elements that are the building blocks for civilization, such as urbanization. They constructed the first paved roads, built stone buildings, and constructed the Forum. They helped to develop trade in the primarily agricultural and self-sufficient city of Rome and established new professions such as artisan and craftsman. They helped make Rome a commercial center, and provided Romans with a Greek-based alphabet that the Romans adapted. The system of government in Rome was initially monarchy, probably installed by the Etruscans. However, one could make the argument that while the Etruscans provided the tools necessary for civilization, it was the Romans themselves who took the tools and shaped their own society. They subsequently did away with the position of king and developed their own system of social ordering, forming a senate that was to become the primary characteristic of both the Roman Republic and the Roman Empire. What also set the Romans apart, and did not come from the Etruscans, was an emphasis on law, with Romans recording the first compiled law code in 450 B.C.E. under the Law of Twelve Tables.