According to legend, the brothers Romulus and Remus founded the city of Rome after being rescued from drowning by a she-wolf. Romulus waited upon the Palatine hill and saw 12 vultures in the sky, which convinced him he was destined to be king. The Etruscans, who lived in the region of Etruria, were a highly civilized people that influenced the Romans through their advanced architecture, use of sewers, and cultural customs like gladiator games that were later borrowed by the Romans. The Etruscans dominated northern Italy for over 100 years through their strong military until they were eventually overcome by the Romans.

1. CHAPTER 13 BEGINNINGS Founding of Rome 1000 BC – 500 BC