The Umbrians

Abstract The core area of the Umbrian peoples in inner central Italy was enlarged by expansion into the southern Po Plain and the nearby Adriatic region from the sixth century BCE. The existence of easily traversed passes over the Apennines was of particular significance for the cultural and historical development of the Umbrian peoples. Central settlements emerged, and the influence of the nearby Etruscans often played an important role. In the late fourth century, the defense against Rome began, which saw several military coalitions between Umbrians and Etruscans, and even with Celts and Samnites. The following phase of increasing Roman influence culminated in the legal integration of the Umbrian populi into the Roman citizenry as a result of the Social War.