Living on the margins. Society and culture in the inner Sabina, between the Iron Age and the Roman conquest

This lecture presents the results of my doctoral research on the society and culture of the communities inhabiting the inland and northernmost part of the historical region of Sabina, in the mountainous heart of central Italy. Specifically, I focus on the territory, straddling the modern regions of Lazio, Umbria and Marche, that in Roman times was included in the municipium of Nursia (modern day Norcia). The study examines the period between the Iron Age and the Roman conquest in 290 BC, focusing on settlement patterns, cultural interactions, and economic structures within this rugged environment. Traditionally perceived as marginal and isolated, these communities have been understudied in archaeological research. However, analysis of burial sites, sacred areas, and settlement evidence—complemented by GIS-based landscape modelling and recent fieldwork—suggests a complex, decentralized socio-economic system. Settlement choices appear strongly influenced by environmental constraints, favouring intermediate altitudes and proximity to key communication routes. The archaeological record reveals extensive interaction with neighbouring regions, particularly through networks facilitating the trade of salt and pastoral transhumance. Material culture further attests to connections with the wider Italic world, while also displaying distinctive local traits. Despite the absence of urbanization, these communities maintained vibrant cultural traditions, as reflected in funerary practices and ritual landscapes. Notably, elements such as warrior burials and elite objects, including the famous Monteleone di Spoleto chariot, underscore the region’s role in interregional exchange. This study challenges long-held assumptions about mountain societies, highlighting their adaptability, resilience, and engagement with broader Italic dynamics before the advent of Roman rule.