The Unification of Italy Flashcards
What is the behaviour of Rome during the early days of the Republic?
Behaved as an expansionist power, fighting frequent wars to gain new territory and safeguard its security.
What was the first major gain?
The capture of Veii, the southernmost of the Etruscan cities in 396 B.C.
What followed the capture of Veii that temporarily set the Romans back?
Six years later, the Celtic raiding party descended from northern Italy and defeated the Romans at River Allia, and sacked Rome.
How did the Romans regain their power?
Rest of 4th century B.C., they steadily expanded their political and military influence through central Italy by a smart mixture of warfare and diplomacy. They also adopted a policy of founding Roman colonies at strategic places to consolidate their hold on newly conquered territory.
In what war did the Romans gain control over Latium?
The Latin war of 340 B.C. to 338 B.C.
In what wars did the Romans defeat their allies, the Samnites?
The Second (327- 304 B.C.) and Third Samnite Wars (298 - 290 B.C.)
To where did the Romans extend their powers?
To the Adriatic (east) and Bay of Naples (south)
Who is Pyrrhus?
Pyrrhus was the King of Epirus in northwest Greece, who invaded Rome in 280 B.C.
What did Pyrrhus bring with him in his invasion of Rome?
25,000 men and 20 elephants, which Romans had never seen before.
After how many years did Pyrrhus retreat back to Epirus?
5 years.
After the Romans consolidated their hold on southern Italy, where did they aim to conquer next?
Sicily, where they conflicted with Carthaginians in 264 B.C.
