Here's why:
* Early Influence: The Etruscans, who inhabited central Italy before the rise of Rome, were deeply influenced by Greek culture. They adopted Greek art, architecture, religion, and alphabet.
* Transmission: The Etruscans acted as intermediaries, transmitting Greek culture to the Romans.
* Roman Adoption: The Romans learned from the Etruscans, adopting many aspects of Greek civilization. This included their alphabet, gods and goddesses, architectural styles, and artistic techniques.
* Cultural Blending: The Etruscans themselves blended Greek elements with their own traditions, creating a unique cultural identity.
While the Romans eventually conquered the Etruscans, the influence of Etruscan culture on Roman development was significant. It helped lay the groundwork for the later cultural achievements of the Roman Empire.