Oscans

Oscans were ancient inhabitants of southern Italy who spoke the Oscan language, part of the Italic language family. They flourished around the 5th to 1st centuries BCE and shared cultural similarities with neighboring peoples like the Romans and Samnites. The Oscan people contributed to regional trade, art, and early political organization. Their society was organized into tribes and city-states, often resisting Roman expansion. Over time, their language and culture were absorbed or replaced by Latin as the Roman Empire expanded across Italy. Today, the Oscan language is extinct but offers valuable insights into Italy's diverse ancient heritage.