TheBelaci were a smallGallic tribe dwelling in theAlpes Cottiae, around present-dayOulx, during theIron Age.
They are mentioned asBelacorum on theArch of Susa.[1][2]
The ethnonym Belaci is possibly Celtic, stemming from the rootbelo- ('strong') extended by the suffix -aco-. Variants beginning withV- may also occur in inscriptions, as inVellaconis, Velaci, Velaco, Velagenius, Vilagenio, Vilagenia, Velagenus, orVelacena.[3][2]
The toponymBeaulard, located in their territory, derives from an earlierBelas.[4]
The Belaci dwelled around the settlements of Ad Martis (modernOulx) and Diovia (Bardonecchia).[4][5] Their territory was located north of theSegovii, south of theMedulli, west of theSegusini, and east of theGraioceli.[5]
Their chief town, Ad Martis, was situated on the road crossing through theAlpes Cottiae aboveSegusio, at the confluence of theDora di Bardonecchia and theDora Riparia. It derives its name from a cult site dedicated to the Roman godMars,ad (fanum)Martis.[6] The settlement of Ad Fines (modernFenils [it]) may have served as the border between the territories of the Segovii and Belaci.[4]
They are mentioned on theArch of Susa, erected byCottius in 9–8 BC.[7]
