Marsi
1.
An Italian people of Sabellian race, living on the high land in which Lake Fucinus is
situated, and surrounded by the Apennines. Their chief town was Marruvium. Owing to their
knowledge of herbs, which they used medicinally, they got a reputation for a skill in magic
(
Verg. Aen. vii. 750-758;
Gell. xvi. 11), and were said to be descended from the enchantress
Circé. In B.C. 304, the Marsi, Peligni, and others concluded a peace with Rome,
but later took a prominent part in the Social War for the Roman franchise, which from their
bravery is often called the Marsic War. In imperial times they furnished a valuable
contingent to the Roman army (
Hor. Carm. ii. 20,
18;
iii. 5, 9).
2.
A German people, dwelling by the Amisia (Ems). They were allied with the Cherusci.