U4 AOS1 - The Italian wars (499 - 275 BCE) Flashcards
When was the Battle of Lake Regillus against Tarquinius Superbus?
499 BCE
“In 499 BCE the Roman army at Lake Regillus began to bend the battle line of the Latins.” (Livy)
What were the consequences of the Battle of Lake Regillus? (499 BCE)
Rome showed that it had sufficient military power by itself to stand up to the combined forces of the Latin League.
The Cassian Treaty was negotiated - Rome and the Latin league would be seen as two independent but equal political powers, therefore contributed equal forces against a common enemy, and receiving equal spoils of war.
When was the War with Veii?
396 BCE
“Whilst peace prevailed elsewhere, Rome and Veii were confronting each other in arms.” (Livy)
What were the consequences of the War with Veii? (396 BCE)
The long duration of the war led to the custom of paying citizen soldiers, establishing the foundation for a professional army rather than a citizen militia.
Rome doubled the size of its territory; becoming the largest city in Latium. More land = More landowners = More eligible soldiers = More military power.
When and who did the Sack of Rome?
In 390 BCE the Gauls sacked Rome.
What were the consequences of the Sack of Rome? (390 BCE)
Much archival material was destroyed about the regal period and the first century of the Republic, and Rome’s reputation was weakened.
The “Servian Wall” was constructed, keeping Rome from being captured again by foreigners again until 410 CE.
The Gauls occupied Rome for seven months, eventually leaving after accepting 1000 pounds of golf as a ransom.
When was the Latin War?
340 - 338 BCE
The Latins had demanded either equality with Rome or freedom from Rome’s influence.
“Now the Latins, although under treaty with the Romans, revolted and began war.” (Cassius Dio)
What were the consequences of the Latin War? (340 - 338 BCE)
Some Latin cities were granted the rights of Roman citizens and fully absorbed into the Roman State.
Most were just given private rights (legal, trade, marriage) but not the public rights (voting, etc.)
When was the First Samnite War?
343 - 341 BCE
When was the Second Samnite War?
326 - 304 BCE
What were the consequences of the First and Second Samnite wars? (343 - 341, 326 - 304 BCE)
More Roman territory and a weaker Samnium.
When was the Third Samnite War?
298 - 290 BCE
Rome faced a coalition of Samnite (east of Rome), Etruscan (north of Rome), Umbrian (north-east of Rome), and Gallic (far north of Rome) forces.
What were the consequences of the Third Samnite War? (298 - 290 BCE)
Roman territory expanded significantly, and Samnite was forced to become allies with Rome, obliging it to supply Rome with troops.
Rome was now the strongest power in Italy.
When was the Pyrrhic War?
280 - 275 BCE
King Pyrrhus of Epirus responded to Tarentum’s request for help after the Roman’s sent an army to Tarentum
Who was King Pyrrhus and why was his invasion of Italy significant?
He was a noble prince, related to Alexander the Great, with ambitions of conquering Italy, then Sicily, then possibly Carthage.
He was the first non-Italian force Rome ever faced in battle.
He introduced Rome to the Phalynx formation.
He introduced Rome to War Elephants
Even though he’d pillaged the countryside of Italy up to Latium, Rome’s Latin allies refused to swap sides, demonstrating the strength of their alliance system.
