[SoftrermaBioniaSat]

So, basically this confirms what has been supposed by many since Antiquity. The more important enigma is when and how they got to Italy, which cannot be unraveled simply by genetic research. Also, it seems that they developped a quite unique culture, the obvious oriental element notwithstanding, thus claiming they were anything like "a branch" of whoever doesn't seem to fit very well.

Just nitpicking.

[i6mbwwdh]

So are they going to rename Tuscancy as Etruscany?

[beepbeet]

Originally posted by Wernazuma III

Also, it seems that they developped a quite unique culture, ) I think this could be explained by geographic and cultural separation from the homeland or points of origin.

The Lydians who settle in Italy become isolated from the Lydians who lived in what is now modern day Turkey, end up next to Celtic settlements, are exposed to the Latin peoples and Greeks and Phoenicians, so a different set of influences start to act on an isolated cultural/linguistic group.

[ImmitsRom]

This falls quite well together with Aeneid, the general systems collapse of late 13th century BC, sea people, the collapse of Hittite empire and probably some other important events in that time.