Who were the first Italians? Contrary to popular belief, they were not the Romans. Italy was populated by many cultures throughout the past.  Archaeological evidence shows there were settlements in Italy as far back as 6000 BC, but the first people to establish major cities in Italy were the Etruscans. Their civilization was contemporary with the Greeks and their cities rivaled those of Egypt.

During the first millennium BC the Italian Peninsula was ruled by a highly advanced civilization whose origin is shrouded in mystery. Who were these mysterious people who, at the height of their power, defeated the seafaring Greeks and the mighty Roman Legions? Did they come from the coast of Asia Minor as the ancient historians surmised? What was the mysterious language they spoke, which to this day has not been deciphered? Unknown to many, they contributed immensely to art, architecture, engineering, and even the alphabet by passing this knowledge to the Romans.

This book will appeal to scholars as well as the general public. Illustrations include photographs, figures, and informative maps. The maps show the relationship of the cultures on the Italian Peninsula from c. 6000 BC to 300 BC.

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People are talking about MENTORS TO THE ROMANS:

"Congratulations, Richard, on an exceptionally well-written book, a fascinating and in narrative, an historical text suitable for reference and/or for one's reading pleasure. "
                                                Ralph Ferraro, Director The Italian American Press
                                                 www.italianamericanpress.com


"As fascinating for the lay reader as it is informative to professional archaeologists and historians, and recommended for library and personal history, archaeology, and civilization reference shelves.”
                                                James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief, Midwest Book Review



"Anyone in the field [history] should have the book."
                                                Len Fulton, Small Press Review, Subsidiary Dustbook


"We have found Mentors to the Romans to be of great interest.”
                                                Andrew W. Parvel, Director of Marketing, Jenkins Group