TheSentii (Gaulish:Sentioi) were a smallGallic tribe dwelling around present-daySenez, in southeastern France, during theRoman era.
They are mentioned as Σέντιοι (var. Σένποι) byPtolemy (2nd c. AD).[1][2]
The ethnic nameSentii is a latinized form ofGaulishSentioi. It derives from the stemsentu- ('pathway') and can be interpreted as 'the people who live near the path', 'those who know the path', or as 'those who control the road'.[3][2]
The Sentii dwelled around their chief town, Sanitium (modernSenez).[4][5] The settlement is not mentioned in ancient sources until theNotitia Galliarum (4th–6th centuries AD).[5]
Their territory was located west of theVergunni, north of theSuetrii, east of theReii andVocontii, and south of theBodiontici.[4][6] The area of theircivitas corresponded mainly to the upper basin of theriver Asse; it may have also included parts of the valley of theVerdon, further east.[5]
The economy of the area must have been rather poor in ancient times. The Sentii probably relied principally on pastoral activity, although the road crossing through Sanitium andBarrême may have helped trade.[5]
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