Satricum in the post-archaic period

How can material culture be related to written history? The archaeological record of ancient Satricum (Borgo, Le Ferriere, Latium) pents an interesting case study. During the fifth and fourth centuries BC, the area was reportedly invaded by the Volscians. This Central-Italian people had long been archaeologically invisible, but recent investigations at Satricum have brought to light a rich record of material remains from precisely this period. The question is: does it reflect a Volscian presence or prove the continued occupation of the original, Latin inhabitants? This study argues that the material culture does indeed reflect a Volscian presence, but that it in no way confirms the barbarian image presented by ancient sources such as Livy.