Volterra, Italy has had a long and illustrious history, being originally established by the Etruscans(8th century B.C.). Later, the hilltop village was inhabited by the Romans (1st century B.C). We strolled through its ancient streets toward the amphitheater ruins while enjoying the Tuscan sunshine and brilliant red poppies basking amid cracks in the Roman walls. Advancing through a darkened passage, the illuminated stone staircase seemed to beckon us upward.