There have been three hypotheses as to the origins of the Etruscan civilization in the Early Iron Age: either by autochthonous development in situ out of the Villanovan culture of Etruria in northern and central Italy, or via an eastern (Anatolian or Thessalian) colonization of Italy. The third hypotheses was reported by Livy and Pliny the Elder, and puts the Etruscans in the context of the Rhaetian people to the north and other populations living in the Alps.
Three theories have been put forward regarding the origins of the Etruscan civilization in the Early Iron Age: either through internal development from the Villanovan culture in Italy, or via an eastern migration from Anatolia or Thessaly. The third theory, documented by Livy and Pliny the Elder, situates the Etruscans within a larger context with the Rhaetian people to the north and other Alpine populations.