Lucanian
Quick Summary
The Lucanians were a Samnite tribe who conquered the region of Lucania in southern Italy around the mid-5th century BC. This area corresponds to most of modern-day Basilicata and parts of Salerno and Cosenza. The Lucanians developed a vibrant culture, as evidenced by discoveries at Paestum, a city they took around 400 BC.1
Although they initially allied with Rome, the Lucanians opposed the growing Roman power, leading to their defeat in several wars, including the Pyrrhic War, the Second Punic War, and the Social War. The establishment of Roman citizen colonies in Lucania during the late 2nd and early 1st centuries BC led to increased population and prosperity. However, by the 3rd century AD, economic and social issues caused the region's decline.1
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