The Inscriptions

This chapter focuses on the epigraphic evidence from Larinum and its territory as well as examples found in the wider Mediterranean. It begins with a prosopographical discussion of the eight principal families of the town, noting the survival and prominence of local families in the late Republic and early Empire, as well as newly prominent local families under the Roman Empire. The families discussed are the Cluentii, the Didii, the Paquii, the Papii, the Vibii/Vibbii, the Raii, the Coelii, and the Gabbii. These families, along with other residents bearing family names of Oscan origin, appear to have been the chief protagonists of Larinum’s transition into the Roman state. The continuity of the elite as an institution at the site, even if power changes hands between different families, allows for Larinum’s successful incorporation after the conquest. The importance of the epigraphic record for understanding of the social and administrative history is also discussed. The inscriptions provide evidence of linguistic developments in Oscan and early Latin. The patronage inscriptions show Larinum’s desire to forge links with key individuals within the Roman state. The epigraphy also provides information about territorial administration and tribal affiliation, demographics, and intermarriage. This information reinforces the conclusions drawn from looking at Cicero’s Pro Cluentio. The strong evidence of continuity seen in the inscriptions matches the stability seen in the settlement patterns in the territory and supports the conclusion that Larinum’s transition into the Roman state at the hands of the local elites was generally a smooth one.