Vulci

one of 12 ancient city-states of Etruria and a very important cultural center. It is located 20 km northwest of the present-day city of Tarquina on the shores of the Tyrrhenian Sea. The Romans destroyed Vulci in 280 B.C. The city was known for its production of bronze objects and artistic ceramics. During excavations (which have been conducted since 1828) an extensive necropolis was discovered. Graves from the seventh century B.C. contained articles made in the eastern style, and in graves from the sixth century a large quantity of Greek ceramics were found. Of the later Etruscan monuments the most interesting is a fresco on a late fourth and early third century B.C. tomb (François Tomb) describing a scene from the tale of the brothers Vibenni and Mastarna, who are known from Roman legends.