In the North of the City of Rome, past the Borghese Gardens and a few blocks off the Tiber river, sits the Museo Nazionale Etrusco di Villa Giulia. Built to house remnants of one of oldest Italian societies, this building is must visit for any aficionado of history — or the mildly curious. Their initial origins are debated — whether they come from Lydia or were native to Italy or were descended from another ethnic group — but from the 900, to 400's B.C. the Etruscans lived throughout central Italy and influenced those who would build after them. A building walls in the collection of artifacts, and encircles a garden featuring architectural marvels. With elaborate sarcophagi and elongated statues, the initial observer may interpret more in common with an Egyptian than a Medeteraineon or European artistic style. Wander out into the Etruscan Museum's garden and you will find beautiful greenery and artwork, noticeably a series of statues and a large dark mythic design adorning the ground. As with many Roman Museums, entrance to the Etruscans is only a few euros. Full of gods and goddesses, tablets, and ornamented vases, the Etruscan Museum is a site well worth visiting. Sources: The Etruscans: A Very Short Introduction (By Christopher Smith) The Villa Giulia National Etruscan Museum: Short Guide (By Museo nazionale di Villa Giulia)