Ligures

The Ligures were an ancient Indo-European people who inhabited Liguria, a region of north-western Italy, and parts of south-eastern France. Their territory roughly corresponded to the modern Italian region of Liguria, extending into Piedmont, Tuscany, and Emilia-Romagna, as well as the French regions of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur and parts of Occitanie.

Linguistic evidence suggests the Ligures spoke a language distinct from both Italic and Celtic, though it is believed to have been Indo-European. The precise relationship of the Ligurian language to other Indo-European branches remains a subject of scholarly debate due to the scarcity of surviving inscriptions and place names. Some scholars hypothesize a connection to the Raetic language.

Historically, the Ligures were known for their independence, seafaring skills, and resistance to Roman expansion. They engaged in piracy and were considered formidable warriors. They were gradually subdued by the Roman Republic through a series of conflicts spanning several centuries, finally becoming fully integrated into Roman society.

Their culture, while distinct, was influenced by neighboring peoples, including the Celts and Etruscans. Roman influence eventually led to the assimilation of Ligurian culture and language. The name "Liguria" has persisted to the present day, maintaining a connection to the ancient people who once inhabited the region. While little remains of their original language, place names and archaeological findings offer glimpses into their history and culture. The descendants of the Ligures are generally considered to be the inhabitants of modern Liguria.