The Bretti or Brutti were an Italian tribe of Lucanian descent.
During the 2nd Punic War they allied themselves with Hannibal, and produced some interesting coinage. Following the defeat of Hannibal they were deprived of a great part of their territory, and the whole nation was reduced to a state bordering on servitude.
They were not admitted like the other nations of Italy to rank as allies, but were pronounced unfit for military service, and only employed to attend upon the Roman magistrates as couriers or letter-carriers, and attendants for other purposes of a menial character.
To completely subjugate the Brutti, an army was annually sent there to keep the peace, and three colonies were established to keep them under control; Tempsa, Croton, and Vibo Valentia. From this point in time, they disappear from history.
During the 2nd Punic War they allied themselves with Hannibal, and produced some interesting coinage. Following the defeat of Hannibal they were deprived of a great part of their territory, and the whole nation was reduced to a state bordering on servitude.
They were not admitted like the other nations of Italy to rank as allies, but were pronounced unfit for military service, and only employed to attend upon the Roman magistrates as couriers or letter-carriers, and attendants for other purposes of a menial character.
To completely subjugate the Brutti, an army was annually sent there to keep the peace, and three colonies were established to keep them under control; Tempsa, Croton, and Vibo Valentia. From this point in time, they disappear from history.
(1)
Brettian League
Obverse: Laureate head of Zeus right, stalk of grain behind
Reverse: Eagle standing left on lightning, cornucopia right, star above; BPET_TIΩN
Diameter:
21.5 mm
Die Orientation: -
Weight: 7.3 g
Die Orientation: -
Weight: 7.3 g
No notes for this coin
SNG ANS 44; SNG Cop 1663; Pfeiler p. 22, 1; HN Italy 1942
(2)
Brettian League
.jpg)
Obverse: Laureate head of Zeus right; behind, thunderbolt
Reverse: BP - ETTIΩN / Helmeted, naked warrior charging r. holding shield and spear; below shield, torch
Diameter:
22 mm
Die Orientation: -
Weight: 8.14 g
Die Orientation: -
Weight: 8.14 g
No notes for this coin
SNG ANS-104, Sear-703