Picenum

Picenum was an area of ancient Italy, the homeland of the Picentes. It was located on the Adriatic coast, bounded approximately by the Apennine Mountains to the west, the Aesis River (modern Esino) to the north, and the Truentinus River (modern Tronto) to the south. The area corresponds roughly to the modern Italian region of Marche and the northern part of Abruzzo.

The Picentes, an Italic people, inhabited Picenum from at least the 9th century BC. Their origins are debated, with some theories linking them to Sabellian groups from the interior. They were known for their distinctive culture, language (related to Umbrian and Oscan), and military prowess. They formed a loose tribal confederation rather than a unified state.

Notable Picentine settlements included Asculum (Ascoli Piceno), Firmum Picenum (Fermo), and Ancona. They engaged in trade with the Etruscans and Greeks, leaving archaeological evidence of their interaction.

The Picentes were allied with Rome during the Second Samnite War (326-304 BC). However, they revolted against Roman rule during the Social War (91-88 BC), seeking Roman citizenship. Following the Roman victory, Picenum was gradually incorporated into the Roman Republic. Asculum was sacked in 89 BC, marking a significant turning point.

After the Social War, Picenum was organized into the Roman region of Picenum. Its fertile land and coastal location made it an important agricultural and trading center. Roman colonies were established in the region, and the Picentes were eventually assimilated into Roman society. The region experienced Romanization, adopting Latin language and culture.