Suasa
SUASA (σουάσα: Eth. Suasanus: Ru. near Castel Leone), a town of Umbria mentioned both by Ptolemy and Pliny, of whom the latter reckons it among the municipal towns of that country. Ptolemy places it, together with Ostra, in the district of the Senones, and it was therefore situated on the northern declivity of the Apennines. Its site is clearly identified at a spot between S. Lorenzo and Castel Leone in the valley of the Cesano, about 18 miles from the sea. Considerable ruins were still extant on the spot in the time of Cluver, including the remains of the walls, gates, a theatre, &c.; and inscriptions found there left no doubt of their identification. (Cluver, Ital. p. 620.)
[E.H.B]A Roman municipium in the Gallic march of Umbria (Suasa Senonum) and belonging to the tribus Camilia. It was situated in the Piano Volpello ca. 3 km from the modern settlement and was served by a road from Cales to Sena Gallica. It was probably destroyed by Alaric in 409. The ruins, extensive but overgrown, include walls and gates, a theater, and an amphitheater. Architectural spoils from the ruins and inscriptions ornament buildings at Castelleone, and a small museum is maintained at S. Lorenzo in Campo. Much material is now elsewhere, notably a large fragment of a gilt bronze horse's head (Walters Art Gallery, Baltimore).
BIBLIOGRAPHYG. Giorgi, Suasa Senonum, Istituto Saveriano, Parma (1953) MI; EAA 7 (1966) 536 (G. Annibaldi).
L. RICHARDSON, JR.