Locrians
Nation | Defunct
1200 BCE to 190 BCE
The Locrians are an ancient Greek tribe in Greece.
The Locrians speak the Locrian dialect, a Doric-Northwest dialect, which indicates that they may have been relatives of the Dorians.
They inhabit the ancient region of Locris in Central Greece.The prehistoric residents of Locris were Leleges, who were replaced by Locrians when the Greek tribes started to arrive in southern Greece.
However, Dionysius of Halicarnassus does not separate them, mentioning that Locrians is the later name of the Leleges, in the way other ancient historians identify Hellenes with the peoples who preceded them in Greece.
Aristotle and other writers supposed the name of the Locrians to be derived from Locrus, an ancient king of the Leleges.
According to some traditions, Deucalion, the founder of the Hellenic race, is said to have lived in the Locrian town of Opus or Cynus.
Related Events
Showing 8 events out of 8 total
The citizens of Himera—where Greek forces under Gelo of Syracuse, and Theron, the sole ruler of Akragas, had defeated the Carthaginian force of Hamilcar in 480 BCE, ending the Carthaginian threat to the Greek colonies on the island—appeal in 476 BCE to Hiero I for aid against the oppressive rule of Theron’s son Thrasideios, but this only leads to the citizens' massacre by Theron and a resettlement of the town with Dorians.
Hiero also removes the inhabitants of Naxos and Catana (Catania) to ...
...Leontini, ...
...resettles Catana (originally a Sicelian city called Inessa or Inessum, which he renames Aetna in 476) with Dorians, ...
...concludes an alliance with Akragas (Agrigentum, modern Agrigento), and ...
...espouses the cause of the Locrians of southern Italy against ...
...Anaxilas, tyrant of Rhegium.
Mediterranean Southwest Europe (405–394 BCE): Carthaginian Dominance and Etruscan Decline
The era 405–394 BCE in Mediterranean Southwest Europe witnesses decisive military conflicts, expanding Carthaginian influence, significant shifts in regional power dynamics, and notable Roman territorial expansion amid continued cultural flourishing.
Carthaginian Supremacy in Sicily
During this period, Carthaginian influence peaks under the command of Himilco, who assumes control of the Carthaginian forces in Sicily. Himilco decisively sacks the city of Camarina and repeatedly defeats the forces of Dionysius I, the newly established tyrant of Syracuse. Despite military success, a devastating plague strikes the Carthaginian army, prompting Himilco to negotiate a peace treaty. The treaty solidifies Carthaginian dominance, making cities such as Selinus, Thermae, Akragas, Gela, and Camarina tributary vassals.
Expansion and Resistance under Dionysius I
In response to Carthaginian pressure, Dionysius I intensifies military efforts from 397 BCE, engaging Carthage in renewed conflict. Dionysius concurrently undertakes aggressive campaigns in southern Italy, capturing Rhegium and attacking its allied cities throughout Magna Graecia. With support from the Lucanians, Dionysius devastates territories belonging to Thurii and Croton in defense of the city of Locri, highlighting Syracuse’s regional ambitions and influence.
Roman Expansion and the Fall of Veii
Significant developments also unfold on the Italian mainland, particularly involving the Roman Republic. Rome, under the leadership of the semi-legendary general Marcus Furius Camillus, initiates a prolonged siege of Veii, the wealthiest city within the Etruscan League. In 396 BCE, Rome successfully captures and occupies Veii, significantly extending its influence and territory. This event marks a turning point, initiating the gradual decline of Etruscan dominance in the region.
Celtic Incursions into Northern Italy
This era also witnesses notable Celtic incursions into northern Italy, significantly reshaping the regional landscape. Around 400 BCE, the Senones, a Gallic tribe originating from present-day France, cross the Alps, settle the eastern Italian coast between Ariminum and Ancona, and establish Sena Gallica (modern Sinigaglia) as their capital. Additionally, Celts seize the city of Melpum (present-day Milan) around 396 BCE and found new settlements including Turin and Bononia (modern Bologna), significantly expanding their territorial foothold.
Cultural and Artistic Continuity
Cultural achievements continue alongside these conflicts. Notable Etruscan artistic production remains vibrant, demonstrated by fine metalwork and sculptural accomplishments. The production of red-figure pottery at Orvieto and Chiusi in Etruria flourishes, representing ongoing artistic innovation and maintaining the region’s rich cultural legacy amid political instability.
Legacy of the Era
The era 405–394 BCE dramatically reshapes Mediterranean Southwest Europe, characterized by Carthaginian ascendancy in Sicily, significant Roman territorial expansion, and influential Celtic settlements in northern Italy. These transformations decisively influence regional power dynamics, setting the stage for subsequent historical developments across the Mediterranean.