Definition: The Samnite culture is one of several ethnic groups in the Roman empire, originating from the Samnium region, roughly encompassing the Sangro Valley region of the Abruzzo in Italy. While Samnium was considered a cultural backwater by the Romans, investigations by the Soprintendenza per i Beni Archeologici dell'Abruzzo and the Sangro Valley Project on Monte Pallano have identified a society quite influential to the development of greater Italy. Recent investigations at Pompeii have identified an influx of Samnite culture at the time of the Roman occupation of the 2nd century BC.
This glossary entry is part of the Dictionary of Archaeology. Sources for the term include the references listed on the front page of the Dictionary, and the websites listed in the sidebar.
This glossary entry is part of the Dictionary of Archaeology. Sources for the term include the references listed on the front page of the Dictionary, and the websites listed in the sidebar.
Examples:
Monte Pallano, Samnium, both in Italy
