Since 1999, the Sangro Valley Project has searched for remains of the
Samnites at Monte Pallano in Italy's Abruzzo region.
Born around 333, reputedly to a humble plebeian family; led an army to victory over the
Samnites at Aquilonia (293); elected consul (290), he quelled a revolt by the Sabines and directed the partial drainage of Lake Velinus (near Terni) (289); elected to replace consul L.
Principal war: First
Samnite War (343-341); Latin War (340-388).
Principal wars: Second
Samnite War (327-304); Etruscan War (311-309).
Norbanus at Mount Tifata near Capua (autumn 83), and wintered nearby; advanced north to Rome and defeated the Marians and their
Samnite allies at the battle of the Colline Gate then just outside the city (spring 82); as dictator (82-81) and both dictator and consul (80) he carried out many reforms, strengthening the senate and the criminal courts, gutting the tribunate's powers, and forcibly settling his veterans in Italy; retired suddenly from public life (79) and died on his estate in the Campania (78).
Barabas's opening speech refers to his equal degree of comfort and familiarity with Persia, the
Samnites (Southern Italy), Uz (bordering Palestine), Arabia, Spain, Greece, India, the Moors, Egypt, Alexandria, and 'Candy-shore' (Crete).
"May Pyrrhus and the
Samnites believe these teachings as long as they are our enemies".
Rome had incorporated the territories of many peoples, Etruscans, Greeks and various Italic peoples; most notably Oscan-speakers such as
Samnites, into their state, and for a while had an even military alliance with them.