Messapian Skyphos

The Messapians were a tribe inhabiting Southern Apulia in antiquity. Their origins are debated, but it is generally believed that they migrated across the Adriatic from Illyria during the Bronze Age. Although heavily influenced by the Greek colonies of Magna Graecia, Messapian material culture remained distinct until the region was overrun and absorbed by the Romans during the course of the second century BC.