The Etruscans played a significant role in Rome's early development in several ways, but most notably:
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They were the first kings: The early Roman kings were heavily influenced by Etruscan culture. Rome was ruled by a series of kings, some of whom were Etruscan (e.g., Tarquin the Proud, Tarquin the Elder). This Etruscan influence helped shape the political structure of early Rome.
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They provided a model for the Roman government: Etruscans had a developed political organization that influenced the establishment of Roman governmental systems. Their practices in governance and social organization served as a reference for early Roman leaders.
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They influenced the Romans' writing system and architecture: The Etruscans contributed significantly to Roman writing systems, particularly the alphabet, which was adapted from the Etruscan script. Their architectural innovations, such as the use of the arch and advanced urban planning, also had a lasting impact on Roman construction techniques.
Thus, while the option "they founded the first city in the Roman republic" is inaccurate (since the Roman Republic was established later after the fall of the monarchy), the Etruscans indeed had a profound influence on Rome's early kingship, governance, writing, and architecture.
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