What was the significant contribution of the Etruscans to Roman culture?

The Etruscans made a significant contribution to Roman culture that included the introduction of alphabetic writing. This was crucial because the Etruscan alphabet was adapted from the Greek alphabet, which in turn was derived from the Phoenician alphabet. The adoption of this writing system by the Romans facilitated the development of their own literary traditions, record-keeping, and administrative practices, laying the groundwork for Roman literature and communication.

While the other options point to areas where the Etruscans may have had some influence — such as military tactics that could have evolved as a result of their interactions with neighboring cultures, architectural styles seen in the use of arch and vault in their buildings, and certain democratic elements in city governance — these contributions do not hold the same foundational importance as the development and use of an alphabetic writing system. The establishment of an alphabet was pivotal as it transformed how the Romans expressed ideas, recorded laws, and maintained historical accounts, thereby shaping the very fabric of Roman society and culture.