The Messapians were an ancient people who inhabited the southeastern region of Italy, particularly in modern-day Apulia. They were known for their impressive skills in metalworking, horse breeding, and agriculture. They were also famous for their defensive structures, such as the city walls of their capital city, Uzentum. The origins of the Messapians remain unclear, but they are believed to have migrated from the Balkans or the eastern Mediterranean region. Despite their significant contributions to ancient Italian civilization, much about the Messapians and their way of life remains a mystery to this day.