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OENOTRIA

Volume 15 · 90 words · 1823 Edition

an ancient name of Italy; so called from the Oenotrii, (Virgil); inhabiting between Praetium and Tarentum, (Ovid). Originally Arcadians, (Dionysius Halicarnassus), who came under the conduct of Oenotrus son of Lycaon, 17 generations before the war of Troy, or 459 years, at 27 years each generation, and gave name to the people. Cato derives the name from Oenotrus, king of the Sabines and Etruscans; but Varro from Oenotrus, king of the Latins; and Servius from the Greek name for wine, for which Italy was famous; of which opinion is Strabo.