Excavation of the Etruscan tombs began in the early nineteenth century following the major explorations at Pompeii and Herculaneum. The archaeological metaphor in relation to Etruria is an apt one to follow the account of the degradation of Venice' s architectural and artistic heritage since the Etruscan tombs were in reality subject to as much looting and vandalism as they were to archaeological exploration. It is also fitting since Etruria, like Venice, noted for its culture, art and opulence, had also fallen victim to imperialism - that of Rome.