The original name of Benevento came from Oscan : Maloenton. Latinized to Maleventum. Benevento was an important ancient Samnite city in the territory of the Hirpini. Its founding is placed in mythical times, and Diomedes is named as its supposed founder. After the victory over Pyrrhus, the city was therefore renamed Beneventum ("good event") when the colony was founded in 268 BC .