Lepontic is an ancient language that was spoken in the region of the Lepontii, a Celtic tribe located in what is now northern Italy and parts of Switzerland. It is classified as a member of the Celtic languages and is primarily known from inscriptions and a few written records dating back to the 1st century BCE. The Lepontic language is significant for understanding the spread of Celtic culture in the Alpine region. It shares similarities with other Celtic languages, such as Gaulish, and provides insights into the linguistic landscape of ancient Europe. Lepontic inscriptions often include personal names and place names, contributing to the study of ancient Celtic history.