Etruscans (was: minimal pairs)

[X99Lynx at aol.com]

In a message dated 1/6/2001 9:22:03 PM, edsel at glo.be writes:
<< the date of arrival of the Etruscan's forefathers is rather unclear: the
estimates vary from the 13th to the 6th c. B.C.>>

Archaeologically, it seems that it is difficult to distinguish Etruscans in
terms of the surrounding Villanovan culture before the early 8th century.
Beginning at that time certain distinctive features -- many of them Asian --
begin to emerge that will mark Etruscan culture in later centuries, including
their unique grid-like urban system.   As far as consensus goes, most
historians would probably agree that "the Etruscans as we know them represent
a combination of elements from Asia Minor and local Villanovan, with a strong
infusion of Greek culture for good measure."

Long before the Lemnos inscription, of course, Herodotus had told us that the
Etruscans came from Lydia.

Regards,
Steve Long