Terracotta askos (flask with a spout and handle over the top)

The Etruscan civilization was developed by a people of Etruria in ancient Italy with a common language and culture who formed a federation of city-states. After conquering adjacent lands, its territory covered at its greatest extent, roughly what is now Tuscany, western Umbria, and northern Lazio, as well as what are now the Po Valley, Emilia-Romagna, south-eastern Lombardy, southern Veneto, and western Campania. The earliest evidence of a culture that is identifiably Etruscan dates from about 900 BC. This is the period of the Iron Age Villanovan culture, considered to be the earliest phase of Etruscan civilization, which itself developed from the previous late Bronze Age Proto-Villanovan culture in the same region. Etruscan civilization endured until it was assimilated into Roman society. Assimilation began in the late 4th century BC as a result of the Roman–Etruscan Wars; it accelerated with the grant of Roman citizenship in 90 BC, and became complete in 27 BC, when the Etruscans' territory was incorporated into the newly established Roman Empire.

Askos can be recognized by their flat shape and a spout at one or both ends, which could also be used as a handle. They were usually ornately painted, like vases, and were used mainly for storing oil and refilling oil lamps. They were widely traded in and around the Mediterranean. The original meaning of the word ἀσκός was bard. From them the early Christian sect of Ascotarians takes its name. The Ascodrugites, however, are not related to them except by popular etymology.