Paeligni

The Paeligni were an Italic people who inhabited the central Apennine Mountains in ancient Italy. They resided in the region known as the Peligni Valley, situated in modern-day Abruzzo, east of the Samnites and north of the Vestini. Their territory was characterized by rugged terrain, with significant settlements like Sulmo, the birthplace of the poet Ovid, becoming their most prominent center.

The Paeligni are believed to have spoken an Italic language, likely a dialect of Oscan or Umbrian, though little direct evidence of their language survives. Their society was organized into a tribal structure. Like many of their neighbors, they were known for their martial prowess and their participation in the conflicts that shaped ancient Italy.

Initially, the Paeligni maintained a degree of independence, often allied with or subject to more powerful neighbors such as the Samnites. They became increasingly involved in Roman affairs, particularly during the Samnite Wars. The Paeligni ultimately fell under Roman dominion and were integrated into the Roman Republic, likely by the late 4th century BCE. Their territory became part of Roman Italy, and they participated in Roman military campaigns. Their distinct identity gradually faded as they assimilated into the broader Roman cultural and political sphere.