Messapian language

Messapian (also known as Messapic) is an extinct Indo-European language of South-Eastern Italy, in the regions of Apulia and Calabria. It was spoken by the Messapians, a Iapyges tribe, and other tribes in the region.

Related Topics:
Indo-European language - Italy - Apulia - Calabria - Messapians - Iapyges

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The language was preserved in about 260 inscriptions dating from the 6th to the 1st century BC.

Related Topics:
6th - 1st century BC

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Many linguists believe that Messapian was an Illyrian language. The Illyrian languages were spoken mainly on the other side of the Adriatic Sea. The link between Messapian and Illyrian is based mostly on personal names found on tomb inscriptions and on classical references, since hardly any traces of the Illyrian language are left.

Related Topics:
Illyrian language - Adriatic Sea

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The language became extinct after the Roman Empire conquered the region and assimilated the inhabitants.

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