ancient tribe of Central Italy, inhabited the district around the Lake Fucinus (Lago di Celano). They were of Sabine origin, and accordingly they were closely related by descent, as well as by common political interests, with their neighbours, the Vestini, the Peligni, and the Marrucini. Indeed, their name seems to indicate that they were the parent stock of the last tribe. Their only important town was Marrubium, still seen in ruins on the E. shore of Lago di Celano. At what period the Marsians became allies of the Romans is unknown; but we find that they revolted in 308 B.C., and leagued themselves with the Samnites. After they had been subdued, they again, in 301 B.C., shook off the alliance of Rome, and not until they had ceded part of their territory could they conciliate their former ally. From this period they continued to fight submissively under the Roman banners, until the Italians demanded in 91 B.C. a share in the privileges of the citizens of Rome. The Marsians then took so prominent a position among the malcontents, that the struggle which ensued, though generally known as the Social War, was frequently styled the Marsian War. When a series of defeats, or the concessions of their enemies, had won the rest of the allies to submission, the Marsians kept the field alone, and although they were often defeated, only laid down their arms in 87 B.C., when they had attained the object for which they had taken them up. Thus they became amalgamated with the other Italian tribes, and lost their national individuality.

Inhabiting a mountainous district, the Marsians were simple and temperate in their habits, but hardy, brave, and stubborn in action. So marked was their valour, that at one time there was a current saying that Rome had achieved no triumph over the Marsi or without the Marsi. The ancient Marsians were noted for their ability to tame serpents and to heal their bites; and it is rather remarkable that the jugglers who at present amuse the populace of Rome and Naples by handling these reptiles, are natives of the vicinity of the Lago di Celano.