HERNICI, an inland tribe of Italy, apparently of Sabine origin, inhabiting that part of Latium which was bounded on the N. by the Æqui and on the S. by the Volsci. They seem to have been at first on friendly terms with Rome, but after the great Gallic invasion they joined the Æqui and Volsci against their former friends. Their rebellion was at first successful, but their capital, Ferentinum, at length fell into the hands of the foe, and they were compelled to acknowledge the Roman supremacy. They obtained, however, such favourable terms that in the general rebellion of the Latins, B.C. 340, they remained faithful to their allegiance. At the end of that same century they again appear in arms against Rome, but there was no unity of action among them, and they were easily subdued. Such of their cities as had refused to countenance this rebellion were allowed to retain their own laws and magistrates. Anagnia and the other towns that had held out were presented with the honorary civitas of Rome, and reduced to the condition of prefecture. After this date the Hernici disappear from
Hernosand the political history of Italy. Their chief towns, besides Anagnia, were Ferentinum, Verulae, Aratrium, and perhaps Trebia. The country of the Hernici, lying along the upper course of the Tiberis (now the Sacco), is described by Virgil as the Rosida rivis Hernica Saxa. Besides being well watered with countless streams, it contained magnificent woods of chestnut and oak trees, making it in all one of the most picturesque and delightful nooks of the Apennine range.