Samnite
/ˈsæm.naɪt/noun
A member of an ancient Italic people who lived mainly in the central and southern Apennines of Italy.
Did you know?Roman gladiators called Samnites were equipped in an imagined version of Samnite military style, including a large shield, greave, and distinctive helmet.
Etymological Timeline
Pre-Roman Italy
Oscan
Safinim
“The Oscan name associated with Samnium; its deeper origin is uncertain.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
Σαυνῖται (Saunîtai)
“The Samnites, as recorded by Greek authors.”
3rd Century BCE
Latin
Samnites
“The Samnite people, in Roman historical and military writing.”
1st Century BCE–1st Century CE
Latin
Samnites
“Samnite people; also the name applied to a type of gladiator modeled on their supposed equipment.”
Middle English
English
Samnite
“A member of the ancient Italian people.”
Modern English
English
Samnite
“Relating to the Samnites or their language, culture, and territory.”