The New International Encyclopædia/Samnites

SAM′NITES. An ancient people of Samnium or Sabinum, in the mountainous region of Middle and Southern Italy. As their name indicates, they were an offshoot of the Sabines, and belonged to the old long-headed prehistoric race. They comprised four divisions: (1) the Caraceni, on the north, whose capital was Anfidena; (2) the Pentri, in the centre, most powerful of all, with their capital Bovianum; (3) the Caudini, in the southwest; (4) the Hirpini, in the south, capital Beneventum. The earliest account of the Samnites relates to their conflict with the Oscans, whose speech they adopted. On the founding of Rome the Samnites took sides against the city. See Rome.