Umbria (ancient world)
Umbria, in the ancient world, refers to a region in eastern Italy that encompasses much of what is now modern Umbria. This area is bordered by Etruria to the west, Sabine territory to the south, and Picenum and the Ager Gallicus to the east, the latter being a coastal zone that was intermittently settled by the Gauls. The Umbrians, often described as one of the oldest races in Italy by ancient sources like Pliny the Elder, are believed to have a name derived from the Greek term "Ombrikoi," meaning "rainy," indicative of their historical narratives surrounding survival from ancient floods. While the Umbrians frequently found themselves in conflicts with the Etruscan city-states, they were also significantly influenced by Etruscan culture, particularly evident in their artistic expressions. Linguistically, the Umbrians spoke a unique Indo-European dialect, with evidence of its use around 400 BC in the town of Iguvium (Gubbio). The region was divided into various tribes and townships, and although they participated minimally in supporting the Samnites against Roman expansion, they eventually established a peace with Rome during the Social War. Overall, Umbria's complex history reflects a blend of indigenous cultural elements and external influences, shaped by its interactions with neighboring civilizations.
Subject Terms
Umbria (ancient world)
A region of eastern Italy beyond the Apennines, including most of modern Umbria and extending northward to the Adriatic
It was bounded to the west by Etruria (across the Tiber), to the south by Sabine territory and to the east (toward the Adriatic) by Picenum and the Ager Gallicus, a coastal strip settled for a time by the Gauls as an extension of their dominions in northern Italy (Cisalpine Gaul).
The name `Umbrians’ was used very loosely and with a variety of meanings. Pliny the Elder states that they were said to be the most ancient race in Italy, attributing their Greek name Ombrikoi (`rainy’) to survival from the primeval Flood. Although frequently engaged in hostilities against the Etruscan city-states, the Umbrians were nevertheless subject to strong Etruscan influences, as is evident from their art. Linguistic evidence shows that a non-Etruscan, Indo-European (`Umbrian’) dialect was spoken at Iguvium (Gubbio) c 400 BC. The Umbrians, who were subdivided into tribes as well as into townships, made only insignificant attempts to help the Samnites against encroachment by the Romans, who built the Via Flaminia through their country in 220, and in 200 gave them part of the reconquered Ager Gallicus. During the Social War (91–87), in which Rome's Italian allies revolted, they were late in assisting the rebels, and quickly made peace with the Romans.