Their dominance in the area led to a rivalry with the Greeks in the Mediterranean trade, and increasingly, pressure was put on their civilization by Greeks, Romans, and Gauls. In 509 B.C. they were chased out of Rome. Eventually their civilization was taken over by the Romans, who adopted much of the Etruscan culture. The Etruscans left behind many beautiful artifacts, including wall frescoes, terracotta portraits in tombs, and beautiful gold work. Etruscan goldsmiths were famous for their granulation technique, which can be seen on this beautiful pendant.
Granulation involves the formation of tiny beads of gold for decorative purposes.
In this piece, granulation is used to render geometric designs, to suggest plant shapes, and to outline the body of the lion. The piece was probably intended to be worn around the neck, as the craftsman attached a cylinder at the top through which a cord could be passed. The pendant was made at a time the Etruscans were influenced by Near Eastern designs and motifs. The lion, which may have served as a symbolic guard for a grave, was one such common motif. B.C. Etruscan art.