Latium and the Latini

Abstract

Abstract Ancient historians portrayed the Latins either as faithful allies or as rebels envious of Rome’s power. In reality, this situation was the end result of a long-lasting historical process that progressively transferred the Latins’ cultural, political, and religious identity to Rome. This chapter examines the reasons for—and the steps of—this process, highlighting the characteristics of the Latin communities and the formation of their common ethnic identity from their origins to the fourth century, with an overview of the main changes in the Hellenistic period. Special attention is given to settlement patterns in proto-historic Latium, the historical role of the Latin League, sanctuaries and religion, Latin rights, and colonies.