MARSI, an ancient tribe of central Italy, inhabiting the district around the lake Fucinus (Lago di Celano). Their origin, like that of other Italian tribes, is involved in obscurity and fiction. They were probably of Sabine origin. They are worthy of notice , chiefly on account of their warlike spirit. The Marsians were at one time allies of the Romans, but, in 308 P.c., they revolted and joined the Samnites. After being subdued they again, 301 B. c., shook off the alliance of Rome, but were beaten in the field, and lost several of their fortresses. From this time they continued the firm allies of Rome, con tributing by their valor to her triumphs until the Italians were aroused in 91 B. C. to demand a redress of their wrongs and a share in the privileges of Roman citizens. A war ensued, generally known as the social war, but frequently called the 'Marsic war, because the Marsi were prominent among the malcontents. Their leader was Silus Pomptedius.
Though often defeated, their perseverance gained the object for which they bad taken up arms in 87 B. C. The Marsians, inhabiting a mountainous district, were simple and tem perate in their habits, but hardy, brave, and unyielding. So marked was their valor that there was a proverbial saying recorded by-Appian, " that Rome had achieved no triumph over the Marsi. or withou.t the Mani." The ancient Marsi Were represented as enchanters, able to tame serpents and to heal their bites; and it is worthy of note that the jugglers who now amuse the people by handling serpents are natives of the region in the vicinity of Lago di Celan°. Their only important town was Marruvium (San Benedetto), the ruins of which are visible on the east shore of the lake