Populonia was one of the most important cities of ancient Etruria. Today a district of the municipality of Piombino in the province of Livorno, it is the only Etruscan city located along the coast.
Founded under the name of Fufluna or Pupluna, Populonia was part of the Dodecapoli, the group of twelve Etruscan city-states.
Populonia was known for its significant metallurgical activity, particularly in ironworking, and its location favored its commercial role, especially in trade with Corsica and Sardinia.
It reached the height of its splendor in the 6th century BCE, becoming a commercial crossroads within the western Mediterranean.
Throughout its history, it was influenced by Rome, but it retained some degree of autonomy. After deteriorating relations with Rome, the city slowly declined until the 1st century BCE, when the historian Strabo described it as in ruins.