Petulanos

Petulanos refers to a controversial figure or group of figures in a historical event, specifically related to the Roman Empire. The term most often arises in discussions of the Catiline Conspiracy of 63 BCE. These "Petulanos" were individuals, typically from Picenum (a region in Italy), who were reported to be involved in or associated with the conspiracy to overthrow the Roman Republic, led by Lucius Sergius Catilina (Catiline).

Their significance stems primarily from their inclusion in historical accounts, notably those by Sallust in his Bellum Catilinae (The Conspiracy of Catiline). However, details about the individual Petulanos and their precise roles in the conspiracy are often sparse and debated among historians. Some scholars view the claims concerning Picene involvement with suspicion, suggesting it might have been a smear tactic employed by Catiline's political enemies or an exaggeration based on limited evidence. The specific motivations and the precise nature of their involvement are unclear and subject to interpretation. Because of the limited and potentially biased source material, verifying the exact composition, number, and activities of these individuals remains a challenge. The term "Petulanos," therefore, is more of a general descriptor for suspected conspirators from Picenum than a concrete identification of specific historical actors.