The Bretti (or Brutti) emerged from the rugged hills of southern Italy in the mid-4th century BC as an insurgent force of escaped slaves and other fugitives rebelling against the Lucanians, who had subjugated the area a generation earlier. Having thrown off the yoke of oppression, the Bretti retained their independence until 280 BC, when they helped the Greek king Pyrrhus of Epirus in his war against the Romans. After defeating Pyrrhus, the Romans invaded Bruttium and occupied most of the country. The Brettii remained pacified throughout the First Punic War (264-241 BC) but were among the first to declare in favor of the Carthaginian general Hannibal against Rome in the Second Punic War (218-201 BC), resulting in their final crushing as a separate people and absorption by Rome. Bruttium.

The Brettii AR Drachm / River god Attribution: Arslan dies 39/55; HN Italy 1961 Date: 216-214 BC
Obverse: Winged bust of Nike right Reverse: BPETTIΩN, The River god Aisaros standing facing, crowning himself and holding sceptre, M and serpent to right Size: 18.63mm Weight: 4.23 grams