IAPYGES

The 'Iapyges' or 'Iapygians' were an Indo-European people who inhabited the heel of Italy (modern Apulia) before being absorbed by the Romans.
The Iapyges came most likely from Illyria. They spoke the Messapian language. The Messapians were the most southerly tribe of the Iapyges. Their other tribes included the Daunii and the Peucetii. The name "Iapyges" was given them by the Greek authors, who linked the tribe's origin to Dedalus's son Iapyges. They were called ''Apuli'', ''Salentini'' (o ''Sallentini'') and ''Calabri'' by Roman authors.
Iapygians were akin to the Enotri, another tribe of Illyrian descent who lived in the territory of Basilicata and Northern Calabria.