Lucania

Lucania map

Chimera Lucana

Grab der Granatäpfel heimkehrender Ritter

Paestum BW 2013-05-17 15-49-10 DxO

Lucania was an ancient area located in southern Italy. It was bordered by Campania to the west, Apulia (Puglia) to the east, Bruttium (now Calabria) to the south, and Samnium to the north. The region is mostly coincident with the modern Italian region of Basilicata, with parts extending into the northern part of Calabria. The area was primarily inhabited by the Lucani, an Italic tribe who were thought to have arrived in the area in the early first millennium BC. Their origins are somewhat unclear, but they are believed to have been related to the Samnites and possibly migrated from central Italy.

History

The history of Lucania is marked by its strategic position in southern Italy, making it a focal point for various conflicts and cultural exchanges. Initially, the Lucani came into conflict with the indigenous populations of the region, such as the Oenotrians and the Greek settlers along the coast. By the 5th century BC, the Lucani had expanded their control to parts of the coast, coming into further conflict with the Greek cities, notably Tarentum (Taranto).

During the Samnite Wars, Lucania found itself caught between the expanding Roman Republic and the Samnites. The Lucani initially allied with the Samnites against Rome but were eventually subdued by the Romans in the 3rd century BC. Lucania then became part of the Roman Republic, and later the Roman Empire, undergoing a process of Romanization that included the establishment of Roman law, culture, and infrastructure.

The region's importance declined in the late Roman Empire, and it suffered during the Gothic Wars and under Lombard rule. The name "Lucania" began to be replaced by "Basilicata" during the Middle Ages, a name that has persisted into modern times.

Geography

Lucania's geography is characterized by its rugged and mountainous terrain, with the Apennine Mountains running through its center. This terrain made communication and travel difficult in ancient times, contributing to the region's isolation and the fierce independence of its inhabitants. The region also features a coastline along the Tyrrhenian Sea to the west and the Ionian Sea to the southeast, which were crucial for trade and cultural exchanges with the Greeks and other civilizations.

Culture

The Lucani were known for their warrior culture, which was influenced by both their Italic heritage and interactions with the Greeks. They spoke an Oscan language, which was part of the Italic language family. The Lucani were also skilled in agriculture, benefiting from the fertile lands in the valleys. Their society was tribal, with a strong emphasis on family and clan connections.

Legacy

The legacy of Lucania lives on in the modern region of Basilicata, where ancient traditions and the Lucanian language have left a lasting imprint on the culture. Archaeological sites, such as those at Paestum and Grumentum, offer insights into the ancient Lucani and their interactions with the Greeks and Romans. The name "Lucania" is still used in historical and cultural contexts to evoke the rich history of this ancient land.