The Lucanians were an ancient Italic people who inhabited the region of Lucania, which is now part of modern-day Basilicata in southern Italy. They were known for their warrior culture and played a significant role in the conflicts between the Romans and other Italic tribes during the early centuries of the Roman Republic. The Lucanians spoke a dialect of the Osco-Umbrian language and were influenced by neighboring cultures, including the Greeks and Etruscans. They established several settlements and were known for their agricultural practices, particularly in the fertile valleys of their homeland. Their society was organized into tribes, and they often engaged in alliances and conflicts with surrounding peoples.