MAR'SI. An ancient tribe of Central Italy. inhabiting the district around Lake Fueinus (Lago di Celano, now drained). Their like that of other Italian tribes, is involved in obscurity and fiction. They were probably of Sabine origin, but spoke a dialect akin to the Latin. They are worthy of notice chiefly on ac count of their warlike spirit. The Marsians were at one time allies of the Romans. but in B.C. 308 they revolted and joined the Samnites. After being subdued they again (n.c. 301) shook off the alliance of Rome, but were beaten in the field, and lost several of their fortresses. From this they continued the firm allies of Rome. con tributing by their valor to her triumphs until the Italians were aroused in B.C. 91 to demand a re dress of their wrongs and a share in the privi leges of Roman citizens. A war ensued, generally known as the Social War, but frequently called the Marsic War, because the Marsi were promi nent among the malcontents. Their leader was
Silo. Though they were often de feated, the perseverance of the allies gained the object for which they had taken up arms in B.C. Si. The Marsians, inhabiting a moun tainous district, were simple and temperate in their habits. but hardy. brave, and un yielding. So marked was their valor that there was a proverbial saying recorded by Ap pian, "that Rome had achieved no triumph orcr the Marsi, or without the Marsi." 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 Celano. Their only important town was Marruvium (San Benedetto), the ruins of which are visible on the east shore of the lake.