Final answer:
The Etruscan tombs were situated outside city walls to mirror the living cities and follow social customs that separated the living and dead. The Banditaccia necropolis exemplifies these sophisticated 'cities of the dead' with its city-like layout and variety of tomb structures.
Step-by-step explanation:
The tombs in the Campania region, and more broadly in Etruscan culture, were to be kept outside of city walls due to their conception of the 'cities of the dead.' Much like the living cities, these necropolises were methodically laid out to resemble the layout of the living, with streets and neighborhoods, signaling the Etruscans' enduring respect for their ancestors and the ongoing connection between the living and the dead. Additionally, this practice of locating tombs outside of city walls was also a practical measure, adhering to religious and social customs that often dictated separation between the living and the dead to ensure purity and prevent contamination.
The renowned Banditaccia necropolis, with its extensive array of Etruscan tombs, is a prime example. It exhibits a sophisticated city-like plan, complete with streets and small squares, with the tombs ranging from simple trenches to impressive tumuli and complex multichambered structures.