In this paper I will discuss briefly the transformation of different theories regarding the origin of Etruscan city-states during the history of Italian archaeology. The question of state formation can be seen as one of the key problems of Italian archaeology. Generally, the concept of Italian archaeology can be understood in two different ways: it can either refer to the research undertaken by Italian archaeologists themselves, or to research in or upon Italy by any member of the archaeological community. I will concentrate on the first sphere of studies, in order to stress the academic context of discussion being analysed. Furthermore, there has been very little research on the history of Italian archaeology outside Italy (cf. Loney 2002).