Final answer:
Etruscan culture impacted Roman society in various ways such as art, funerary customs, social customs, city planning, and maritime trade. Etruscan art influenced Roman aesthetics, while Etruscan tombs inspired Roman funerary practices. Moreover, Etruscan social customs and city-design principles were adopted into Roman culture.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Etruscans contributed significantly to the formation of Roman culture. Etruscan art, characterized by its own distinctive and enigmatic style, greatly influenced Roman aesthetics. For instance, the portrayal of gods and figures in Etruscan art carried over to Roman artwork. The cultural practice of divining from a sacrificed animal's entrails, an Etruscan tradition, became a staple in Roman religious ceremonies. Moreover, the elaborate tombs and funerary customs of the Etruscans impressed upon the Romans the importance of honoring the dead, which is reflective in the Roman catacombs.
Social customs of the Etruscans also mingled with Roman practices. Etruscan influences on Roman temple design, hydraulic engineering, and the spectacle of gladiatorial games are notable examples of this cultural intertwining. Additionally, the Etruscans' detailed governance and societal structure provided a rudimentary framework for the early Roman political system. Though the Romans would later conquer Etruscan lands, the imprints of their customs and beliefs remained evident in Roman society.
In terms of city planning, Etruscan cities set on high places for defensive purposes influenced the strategic placement of early Roman settlements, including the iconic seven hills of Rome. The Etruscans' maritime prowess, demonstrated by their seafaring and trade, also impacted Roman expansion and trade practices.