Conquest of Italy II
Samnites
- Oscan tribes in s. Apennines
- 3 Samnite Wars
Major wars:
- 326-304 (Great Samn. War)
- 298-290
- Major Roman defeat at Caudine Forks (321)
- Makes Romans sign truce, but they're soon back at war
- In 300s, Etruscans, Umbrians join in
- Too little, too late
- Soon give in
- Etruscans not annexed
- Umbrians not annexed
- Provide major contingents to Roman armies
- Samnites decisively at Sentinum, 295
- Roman expansion into Campania
- Some direct annexation
- Some communities forced to sign treaties with Rome
Greeks
- Under pressure from native elements (Samnites)
- Threatened by Roman victory over Samnites
- Call in Pyrrhus, 281
- King of Epirus seeking glory like Alexander
- Pyrric victories
- Pyrrhus' troops tactically superior at first
- Romans able to make good losses, won't give in
- Pyrrhus abandons Italy in 275
Roman Expansion
- Annexation of communities most similar to Romans in culture, language
- Latins communities closest to Romans
- Closest in status to Romans
- Latins can vote to a limited extent when in Rome
- More alien communities bound by treaties
- Bound to act in Rome's interest
- Must provide troops
Colonies
- Independent communities with own mags.
- Latin rights
- Colonies of Roman citizens not important
- After dissolution of Latin League most Latin comms. are colonies
- Permanent Roman presence in hostile territory
- Spread Roman lang., culture in Italy
Roman control of Italy
- Complete by ca. 270
- Solid block of Roman territory in cent. Italy
- Rest of Italy bound to Rome by treaties
- Roman finesse means most people are generally content
- Left to run internal affairs as they see fit
- So long as this doesn't conflict with Roman interests
- Oligarchic govs. like Rome's
- Control of Italy gives Romans huge manpower reserves
- Italian comms. have no control over use of their military
- Italian troops do share in Roman victories
Warlike Romans?
- Rom. political system ensures regular succession of (more or less) competent commanders
- Roman magistrates won glory/electoral support from victory
- Victory gave wealth to magistrates, troops
- Romans probably not more warlike, violent than others
- Are more organized, efficient
- Note wars halt in 360s when Romans distracted by internal discord, resume after discord settled
WSJ
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