Daunians

The Daunians were an ancient Italic people who inhabited the northeastern part of the region of Apulia in southern Italy, in what is now the province of Foggia. They are believed to have settled in the area in the 10th or 9th century BCE, possibly originating from the Balkans. Archaeological evidence suggests they were a distinct cultural group with their own language and traditions.

Daunian settlements were typically fortified hill towns, and their economy was based on agriculture, particularly the cultivation of cereals and olives, and animal husbandry. They were also known for their metalworking skills, producing bronze tools, weapons, and ornaments. The Daunians engaged in trade with other peoples of Italy and the Mediterranean, as evidenced by the presence of Greek pottery in their burial sites.

Their language, Daunian, is classified as an ancient Italic language, though it remains poorly understood due to the limited number of surviving inscriptions. These inscriptions, found on pottery and other artifacts, are written in a script derived from the Greek alphabet.

The Daunians interacted with various neighboring peoples, including the Messapii to their south and the Samnites to their west. Their history is intertwined with the expansion of the Roman Republic. By the 3rd century BCE, the Daunian territory had largely come under Roman control, and the Daunian people were gradually assimilated into Roman culture. Archaeological finds, especially from necropolises like that of Ordona, continue to provide valuable insights into their daily life, social structure, and religious beliefs.