Etruscan civilization reached its zenith around 280 BCE. Etruria's neighbor the small upstart
Republic of Rome is fighting for its survival. The Romans who are the descendants of the
Etruscans are locked in a bitter struggle against the Greeks in the South. Faced with the
fears of fighting on two fronts and confronted with dwindling resources the Senate sends the
Centurio Lucius (who has Etruscan roots) on an unusual mission. His goal is to negotiate a
peace agreement with the twelve Etruscan cities that will secure the survival of Rome. His
difficult journey is colored by magical and sensual impressions. Whereas at the outset the
signs seem to point to success in the end everything turns out much different than the
ambassador had planned as intrigue murder and blasphemy abound signaling what might be the
beginning of the end of Etruscan civilization.
