The Italic Tribes were a group of ancient peoples who inhabited the Italian Peninsula before the rise of the Roman Empire. They included various tribes such as the Sabines, Samnites, and Latins. These tribes spoke languages belonging to the Italic branch of the Indo-European language family and had distinct cultures and social structures. The Italic Tribes played a significant role in the early history of Italy, often engaging in conflicts and alliances with one another. Their interactions laid the groundwork for the eventual unification of the region under Roman rule, influencing the development of Roman culture and society.