TheOrobii (alsoOrobi,Oromobi orOrumbovii) were aCelto-Ligurian tribe dwelling around present-dayComo andBergamo during theIron Age.
They are mentioned asOrobii byCato the Elder (early 2nd century BC).[1]
The ethnic nameOrobii appears to be of Celtic origin. It can be compared with theGaulish nounorbioi (sing.orbios), meaning 'the heirs', with the feminine formsOrobia andUrbia (earlier *Orbia), the ancient names of theOrge river andOrge stream [fr], and with the i-stemOrobis, now theOrb river.[2]
Some classical writers such asPliny the Elder thought that their name was of Greek origin, tracing the etymology from the GreekOrōn bion (Ορων βιον).[3]
The Orobii dwelled between the modern cities ofComo andBergamo. TheSottoceneri was part of their area of influence.[1]
Their territory was located north of theGallianates,Bromanenses, andAnesiates, east of theSubinates andAusuciates, west of theGennanates,Trumplini andCamunni, south of theAneuniates.[4]
Modern archaeologists and linguists see the Orobii as a population ofCelticizedLigures, or Celtic-Ligures, formed with the contribution of Celtic immigrants from theRhine and theDanube areas in an early historical period, before the Gallic invasions of the 4th century BC.[5][6]
Pliny the Elder says they founded the cities ofComo,Bergamo,Licini Forum, andParra.[7]
Like theLepontii andInsubres, the Orobii are associated with the archaeologicalGolasecca culture.[1]
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