[4][5][6][7][8] The ancient city was situated about 7 km (4.3 mi) from the sea, a location which made it a wealthy trading town derived originally from the iron-ore mines in the Tolfa Hills.

[9] It had three sea ports including Pyrgi, connected to Caere by a road about 13 km (8.1 mi) long and 10 m (33 ft) wide, and Punicum.

Pyrgi was also known for its sanctuary of monumental temples from 510 BC, built by the king of Caere and dedicated to the goddesses Leucothea and Ilithyia, of which several sculptures are exhibited at the Villa Giulia.

The contents of the tombs were excavated, often chaotically and illegally; over the last few centuries, they have yielded rich and exquisite objects, including ceramics and jewellery which today grace many of the world's museums.

The name Banditaccia comes from the leasing (bando) of areas of land to the Cerveteri population by the local landowners.

The earliest tombs are in the shape of a pit, in which the ashes of the dead were housed; also, simple potholes are present.

Modern knowledge of Etruscan daily life is largely dependent on the numerous decorative details and finds from such tombs.