New Samnitic Provincial Museum: A Journey Through Molise's Ancient Past

Located in the heart of Campobasso, the New Samnitic Provincial Museum, also known as Museo Sannitico, invites visitors to explore the ancient roots of the Molise region. The museum's collection primarily focuses on the Samnite civilization, an Italic people who inhabited this area between the 7th and 6th centuries BC, and who were known for their fierce resistance against Roman rule. The museum's exhibits feature a wide array of artifacts unearthed from archaeological sites across Molise. These include objects related to domestic life, religious practices, and funerary rituals, providing a comprehensive overview of Samnite culture. Highlights include bronze weapons and jewelry, attesting to the Samnites' skill in metalworking and their social structure. The museum also displays Roman and medieval artifacts, including richly adorned tombs of Bulgarian knights discovered in the Piana di Bojano, illustrating the region's diverse history through the ages. The museum itself is housed in a historic building, once owned by the Mazzarotta family, adding to the atmosphere of historical immersion. The museum's collection also includes Oscan inscriptions, offering insights into the Samnite language.