ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the urbanization of Larinum and its effects on the lower Biferno Valley from 400 BCE to 50 BCE. It begins by analyzing developments at nearby urban centers, namely Luceria, Saepinum, Bovianum, Aesernia, and Venafrum. The urban characteristics displayed at these sites that correspond to developments in Larinum are highlighted. Next, the discussion moves to the lower Biferno Valley. The continuity seen in the settlement patterns of the valley is shown to be associated with the successful urbanization of the town. Then, Larinum’s development is investigated through an analysis of its early occupation, fortification wall, urban planning, forum area, coinage, an intramural sanctuary, and an atrium house. The chapter concludes by evaluating potential catalysts for Larinum’s urbanization. It argues that the Roman conquest likely played a minor role, since the town displays a pre-Roman urbanism that was not dependent on Roman contact. Instead, Larinum participated in the broader Hellenistic koiné of material culture types and styles and was motivated to adopt new urban elements because of competition with nearby sites. The local elites spearheaded these developments to keep pace with the elites of neighboring towns as well as Rome.
