Originated with the Etruscans
The origin of Etruscan civilization is a topic of debate among historians and archaeologists. The Etruscans were an ancient civilization that inhabited the central part of the Italian peninsula, primarily in what is now modern-day Tuscany, during the 8th to 3rd centuries BCE.
There is no consensus on the origin of the Etruscans. The prevailing theory suggests that they were indigenous people of Italy, with their culture developing over time through interaction with other ancient Mediterranean civilizations, such as the Greeks and Phoenicians. However, some scholars argue that the Etruscans were a non-Indo-European people who migrated to Italy from other regions, such as Anatolia or the eastern Mediterranean.
The Etruscan civilization flourished during this period and left behind an extensive archaeological record, including monumental tombs, elaborate art and pottery, alphabetic inscriptions, and detailed religious and funerary practices. They had a significant influence on the development of ancient Rome, particularly in terms of art, architecture, and religious beliefs.
Despite their importance and influence, much of their language and culture have been lost to history. The decline of the Etruscans began around the 4th century BCE, as their territories were gradually absorbed by the expanding Roman Republic. Eventually, their language, which is distinct and unrelated to any other known language, fell out of use in the 1st century BCE.