Rome in the Age of Etruscan Domination – Reality and Mythologies

One of the most controversial questions about the history of Ancient Rome that is debated in modern historiography is whether the Etruscans ruled the Eternal City in the initial period of its existence. Many modern authors deny the existence of Etruscan control over Rome, although they acknowledge the legendary nature of Roman historical tradition for this period. Analysis of the ancient narrative tradition shows that the Etruscans undoubtedly ruled Rome in the 6th century BC. Arguments in support of this thesis are the creation of several Roman institutions by them, and also the fact that they excavated the Cloaca Maxima, by which they dried the lands under the future forum, then paved the latter, turning it into a city square, and in this way it is practically possible to create the city of Rome.