Ancient Samnium focuses on the region of Samnium in Italy, where a rich blend of historical, literary, epigraphic, numismatic, and archaeological evidence supports a fresh perspective on the complexity and dynamism of a part of the ancient Mediterranean that is normally regarded as marginal. This volume presents new ways of looking at ancient Italian communities that did not leave written accounts about themselves but played a key role in the early development of Rome, first as staunch opponents and later as key allies. It combines written and archaeological evidence to form a new understanding of the ancient inhabitants of Samnium during the last six centuries BC, how they identified themselves, how they developed unique forms of social and political organisation, and how they became entangled with Rome's expanding power and the impact that this had on their daily lives.

About the Author
Rafael Scopacasa is a research fellow at the Department of Classics and Ancient History, University of Exeter.

Reviews
Rafael Scopacasas Ancient Samium has provided us with what has been needed for a long time: a sweeping and refreshingly new discussion of the Samnites... This work has much to offer to scholars of Samnium, pre-Roman Italy, and anyone interested in the development and construction of identity. * Joshua Hall , The Journal of Roman Studies Vol.107 *
Scopacasa's work on Samnium is a valuable contribution to English-language scholarship in the study of ancient Central Italy. * Amy Richardson, Sehepunkte *
Scopacasa's book testifies to a fresh and welcome interest in the history and archaeology of ancient Samnium * Gianluca Tagliamonte, Antiquity *



Book Information
ISBN 9780198713760
Author Rafael Scopacasa
Format Hardback
Page Count 368
Imprint Oxford University Press
Publisher Oxford University Press
Weight(grams) 574g
Dimensions(mm) 224mm * 159mm * 27mm