Conquest of Italy I
Italy
- Not a political or ethnic entity
- Large numbers of divided language groups
- Latins
- Oscan-Umbrians
- Along Apennines from east of Rome southwards
- Greek colonies
- Etruscans
- Gauls
Latins
- To south of Rome
- Rome part of Latium
- Long trad. of Rome vs. Latins
- Latin League
- 30 Latin populi
- populus=community centered around town with rural territory (like Rome)
- Conubium, commercium
- Loose confederation
- Common religious rites
- Leader chosen on ad hoc basis for emergencies
- Roman kings attempted to subjugate Latium?
- Foedus Cassianum, 493
- Defensive pact b/w Rome & Latins
Umbrian Hills Tribes invade Latium
- Hill tribes' invasion of s. Latium starts 490s
- Causes cooperation of Latins and Rome
- Roman expansion halted temporarily
- Umbrians halted by 430s
Etruscans
- Various conflicts in s. Etruria in 400s
- Etruscan city states unable to cooperate
- Romans could always find Etruscan ally in wars with Etruscan towns
- War with Veii,406-396 (Varronian)
- Capture/destruction of city first major extention of Roman territory
- Roman territory more than doubled
Gauls
- Invaded Italy from cent. Europe
- Defeat Romans at Allia, capture Rome itself
- 390 (Varronian), 386 (Grk. synchronism)
- Fasti suggest date 4 yrs. earlier
- Defeat shocking to Romans
- Vae victis ("woe to the defeated!")
- Temporary setback
- No long-term consequences
Latin Revolt
- Roman pressure on Latium resumes soon after Gallic capture
- Latin commmunities revolt 341
- Revolt not v. enthusiastic, soon collapses
- Latin League dissolved 338
- Romans assume religious rites of league
- Closest Latin cities directly annexed
- More distant cities retain Latin status
- Retain internal autonomy
- Military forces controlled by Rome
- Roman list lays out numbers of forces to be provided
- Furthest cities (non Latin) given second-class Rom. citizenship
- Duties of Roman citizens
- No voting rights
- Not allowed to hold office in Rome
- Latin communities have conubium, commercium only with Rome
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