Roman History III: The Conquest of Italy
Culture Lesson for 1st and 2nd year Latin
Roma, 509 B.C.
• Under Tullus Hostilius, Rome conquered the city of Alba
Longa and moved her citizens to Rome.
• Under Servius Tullius, city expanded to it’s traditional seven
hills (Palatine, Capitoline, Aventine, Esqualine, Quirinal,
Viminal, Caelian). Still, all territory within Latium, Rome’s
home region.
Conquest of Latium
• 496 B.C.- Romans defeat Latin League at the
battle of Lake Regillus
• 493 B.C.- Treaty with the League allies cities of
Latium with Rome. Rome becomes the dominant
partner.
Conquest of Etruria
• Originally rulers of Rome, evidenced by kings Tarquinius
Priscus and Tarquinius Superbus
• Constant war with Veii, capital of Etruria, from 482 to 474 B.C.
• Other enemies weaken the Etruscans, fully fall to Rome in
396 with conquest of Veii
Issues at home
• Plebeians feel increasingly powerless, complain about lack of
codified law.
• Romans give power over to council of the Decemviri (10
men), for the purpose of developing Rome’s first written laws
• Rule from 451-449 B.C., eventually create the laws known as
the “Duodecim Tabulae,” 12 Tables.
Excerpts from the 12 Tables
• Debtors given time to repay debts, then could be sold into slavery (originally
could be killed)
• Thieves would be flogged, then made to make restitution to the victim. If a
slave, thrown from the Tarpeian Rock
• Demonstrations against causes was permitted, but not against specific people
• Punishment for stealing crops worse than punishment for murder
• Social status of criminal affected punishment (Plebeians get worst, Patricians
lesser, slaves Least)
Galli Opugnant!
• 390 B.C.- Gauls sweep south to Italy, sack Rome. All records destroyed.
• Attempting to take the Capitoline hill at night, the Gauls awaken the
sacred geese of Iuno’s temple, and their noise awakens the Roman
defenders. Assault turned by commander Camillus
• Romans agree to pay off the Gauls. When Gauls are found cheating in
the payment method, their leader, Brennus, shouts Vae Victis, “Woe to
the conquered”
Rome vs. Samnium
• Samnites- mountain people of south-central Italy
• Romans and Samnites fight each other in three wars, starting in
343 and ending finally in 290 with Samnite surrender and alliance
to Rome.
• 321 B.C.- Samnites defeat Romans at the battle of Caudine Forks
during the 2nd Samnite War; Rome’s worst military defeat to date
Almost There...
• With the surrender of the Samnites, Rome’s hold on Italia is
almost complete.
• To the south, however, are the lands of Magna Graecia,
colonies founded and maintained by Greek cities, now
controlled by the massive Macedonian Empire of Alexander
the Great.
The coming of Pyrrhus
• Romans besiege the city of Tarentum, one of the cities of Magna
Graecia
• In response, citizens appeal to Macedonia for aid. King Pyrrhus of
Epirus responds to their call.
• Brings with him two great military innovations: the phalanx formation
and...
Pyrrhic Victories
• Pyrrhus initially victorious over the Romans, but his victories
are very costly. Is also not getting reinforced from native
tribes or Macedonia.
• Eventually defeated by Romans outside the town of
Beneventum.
• Pyrrhic Victory- a victory so costly it is practically a defeat.
Results
• Except for Gallia Cisalpina (modern day northern Italy, not finally
pacified till c. 150 B.C.), all Italy is in Roman hands.
• Rome took land from the Macedonians, a world power. This gets the
attention of powers around the known world.
• Rome begins eyeing the island across from the boot’s toe, Sicily.
Unfortunately, Sicily is currently in the hands of the great
Mediterranean sea power– CARTHAGE!