Sabellic Languages
The Sabellic languages are a group of ancient languages that were spoken in parts of Italy, primarily by the Sabines, Samnites, and other Italic tribes. These languages are part of the larger Italic branch of the Indo-European language family. They are known mainly from inscriptions and some literary sources, providing insights into the cultures and societies of the tribes that spoke them.
Among the most notable Sabellic languages is Osco, which was used in the region of Campania, and Umbrian, spoken in Umbria. These languages share similarities with Latin but also exhibit distinct features that reflect their unique historical and cultural contexts. The study of Sabellic languages helps linguists understand the development of languages in ancient Italy.