Roman History 03 - The Roman Republic 386 - 300 BC

hello and welcome to the history of hello and welcome to the history of Rome in a single generation Rome had Rome in a single generation Rome had Rome in a single generation Rome had recovered from the devastation of the G recovered from the devastation of the G recovered from the devastation of the G sack and regained its dominant position sack and regained its dominant position sack and regained its dominant position within the region the plees had demanded within the region the plees had demanded within the region the plees had demanded and received greater political power and received greater political power and received greater political power culminating with the election of the culminating with the election of the culminating with the election of the first ple Cil in 366 BC the year after first ple Cil in 366 BC the year after first ple Cil in 366 BC the year after Camila shephered the linian law through Camila shephered the linian law through Camila shephered the linian law through the Senate I did not mention this last the Senate I did not mention this last the Senate I did not mention this last week but the admittance of plees into week but the admittance of plees into week but the admittance of plees into the consulship also saw the end of the consulship also saw the end of the consulship also saw the end of military tribunes with Consular power as military tribunes with Consular power as military tribunes with Consular power as one of the highest offices of State the one of the highest offices of State the one of the highest offices of State the Dual consulship was reinstated for good Dual consulship was reinstated for good Dual consulship was reinstated for good and the obsolete office of military and the obsolete office of military and the obsolete office of military Tribune was never Tribune was never Tribune was never revived subsequent years would see other revived subsequent years would see other revived subsequent years would see other plea first including the first plea plea first including the first plea plea first including the first plea dictator in 356 BC and the first plea dictator in 356 BC and the first plea dictator in 356 BC and the first plea sensor in 351 BC both Feats achieved by sensor in 351 BC both Feats achieved by sensor in 351 BC both Feats achieved by a single man guas Martius rulis who over a single man guas Martius rulis who over a single man guas Martius rulis who over the course of his illustrious career the course of his illustrious career the course of his illustrious career would also be elected Cil four times by would also be elected Cil four times by would also be elected Cil four times by 343 BC the Romans were once again seen 343 BC the Romans were once again seen 343 BC the Romans were once again seen as the great force in central Italy and as the great force in central Italy and as the great force in central Italy and as we are about to see this meant that as we are about to see this meant that as we are about to see this meant that their neighbors forever sought to their neighbors forever sought to their neighbors forever sought to involve them in squabbles that had involve them in squabbles that had involve them in squabbles that had nothing to do with Rome or Roman nothing to do with Rome or Roman nothing to do with Rome or Roman interests the Romans were the big kid on interests the Romans were the big kid on interests the Romans were the big kid on the Block every other kid wanted on the Block every other kid wanted on the Block every other kid wanted on their side as I did last time I would their side as I did last time I would their side as I did last time I would like to open this week with a quote from like to open this week with a quote from like to open this week with a quote from Livy discussing the year hostilities Livy discussing the year hostilities Livy discussing the year hostilities began with the samit and it's began with the samit and it's began with the samit and it's significance in the greater Arc of Roman significance in the greater Arc of Roman significance in the greater Arc of Roman history from now on the wars describ history from now on the wars describ history from now on the wars describ will be of Greater importance our will be of Greater importance our will be of Greater importance our enemies were more powerful and campaigns

enemies were more powerful and campaigns enemies were more powerful and campaigns lasted longer and were mounted in remote lasted longer and were mounted in remote lasted longer and were mounted in remote areas for this was the year when an areas for this was the year when an areas for this was the year when an attack was launched against the samnites attack was launched against the samnites attack was launched against the samnites a people who were strong both in a people who were strong both in a people who were strong both in resources and in arms after the samite resources and in arms after the samite resources and in arms after the samite war which was inconclusive pyus was the war which was inconclusive pyus was the war which was inconclusive pyus was the enemy and after him the carthaginians enemy and after him the carthaginians enemy and after him the carthaginians what a series of moment events how often what a series of moment events how often what a series of moment events how often we were in Mortal danger to enable us to we were in Mortal danger to enable us to we were in Mortal danger to enable us to raise up our Empire to its present raise up our Empire to its present raise up our Empire to its present Heights of grandeur where only with Heights of grandeur where only with Heights of grandeur where only with difficulty it is difficulty it is difficulty it is sustained Rome was on the precipice of sustained Rome was on the precipice of sustained Rome was on the precipice of its rise to its rise to its rise to Greatness the samnites as I've said Greatness the samnites as I've said Greatness the samnites as I've said previously were a semi-nomadic tribe previously were a semi-nomadic tribe previously were a semi-nomadic tribe from the south central section of the from the south central section of the from the south central section of the appenines called samnium starting in the appenines called samnium starting in the appenines called samnium starting in the 300s BC the samnites along with a number 300s BC the samnites along with a number 300s BC the samnites along with a number of other Hill tribes began to come down of other Hill tribes began to come down of other Hill tribes began to come down out of the hills and onto the plains out of the hills and onto the plains out of the hills and onto the plains that lay between the mountains and the that lay between the mountains and the that lay between the mountains and the coastline some moved South and began to coastline some moved South and began to coastline some moved South and began to encroach on the Greek cities of magnar encroach on the Greek cities of magnar encroach on the Greek cities of magnar Gracia others like the samnites began to Gracia others like the samnites began to Gracia others like the samnites began to move west and came down to a land known move west and came down to a land known move west and came down to a land known as compia which lay southeast of Rome as compia which lay southeast of Rome as compia which lay southeast of Rome the Greeks in the South sent envoys the Greeks in the South sent envoys the Greeks in the South sent envoys across the Adriatic to beg for across the Adriatic to beg for across the Adriatic to beg for assistance in fighting off the hill assistance in fighting off the hill assistance in fighting off the hill tribes and were answered by Alexander of tribes and were answered by Alexander of tribes and were answered by Alexander of ayrus who sent an army to help rid the ayrus who sent an army to help rid the ayrus who sent an army to help rid the Greeks of the encroaching Menace as we Greeks of the encroaching Menace as we Greeks of the encroaching Menace as we will see later this introduction of an will see later this introduction of an will see later this introduction of an army from a pyrus would have far army from a pyrus would have far army from a pyrus would have far reaching consequences for the Romans 60 reaching consequences for the Romans 60 reaching consequences for the Romans 60 years later an army from a pyus would years later an army from a pyus would years later an army from a pyus would again answer Greek calls for Aid only again answer Greek calls for Aid only again answer Greek calls for Aid only this time not to battle nomadic Hill this time not to battle nomadic Hill this time not to battle nomadic Hill tribes but rather The Growing Power of

tribes but rather The Growing Power of tribes but rather The Growing Power of Rome but we still have a ways to go Rome but we still have a ways to go Rome but we still have a ways to go before we get to before we get to before we get to that the largest and most important city that the largest and most important city that the largest and most important city in compania where the samnites were in compania where the samnites were in compania where the samnites were setting up shop was Capa known for its setting up shop was Capa known for its setting up shop was Capa known for its rich soil and soft lifestyle cap is no rich soil and soft lifestyle cap is no rich soil and soft lifestyle cap is no match for the hardened samite Warriors match for the hardened samite Warriors match for the hardened samite Warriors so like the Greeks they cast about for a so like the Greeks they cast about for a so like the Greeks they cast about for a savior envoys were sent to the largest savior envoys were sent to the largest savior envoys were sent to the largest and strongest power in the region Rome and strongest power in the region Rome and strongest power in the region Rome to beg for Aid the Romans however turned to beg for Aid the Romans however turned to beg for Aid the Romans however turned the envoys away Rome had already the envoys away Rome had already the envoys away Rome had already concluded a treaty with the samnites and concluded a treaty with the samnites and concluded a treaty with the samnites and could not in good conscious break it could not in good conscious break it could not in good conscious break it they had after all sworn Oaths before they had after all sworn Oaths before they had after all sworn Oaths before the the the gods the desperate capin then took an gods the desperate capin then took an gods the desperate capin then took an extraordinary step they formally extraordinary step they formally extraordinary step they formally surrendered Capa its land and citizens surrendered Capa its land and citizens surrendered Capa its land and citizens to Rome willingly making themselves to Rome willingly making themselves to Rome willingly making themselves subjects of Rome the Senate did not look subjects of Rome the Senate did not look subjects of Rome the Senate did not look this massive gift horse in the mouth the this massive gift horse in the mouth the this massive gift horse in the mouth the land controlled by capua was some of the land controlled by capua was some of the land controlled by capua was some of the best in Italy and the food it could best in Italy and the food it could best in Italy and the food it could provide would put the days of grain provide would put the days of grain provide would put the days of grain famine in the rearview mirror forever famine in the rearview mirror forever famine in the rearview mirror forever the Romans accepted the surrender and the Romans accepted the surrender and the Romans accepted the surrender and sent their own envoys to samnium where sent their own envoys to samnium where sent their own envoys to samnium where they explained that Capal was now Roman they explained that Capal was now Roman they explained that Capal was now Roman territory and as per their treaty the territory and as per their treaty the territory and as per their treaty the samnites must desist all attacks the samnites must desist all attacks the samnites must desist all attacks the samnites would have none of this and samnites would have none of this and samnites would have none of this and scoffed at the Roman envoice taking the scoffed at the Roman envoice taking the scoffed at the Roman envoice taking the insulting step of ordering a raid into insulting step of ordering a raid into insulting step of ordering a raid into compa right in front of the Roman legats compa right in front of the Roman legats compa right in front of the Roman legats the Romans offended by this obvious the Romans offended by this obvious the Romans offended by this obvious breach of protocol felt they had no breach of protocol felt they had no breach of protocol felt they had no choice at this point but to declare war choice at this point but to declare war choice at this point but to declare war and so the first samite War and so the first samite War and so the first samite War began the two consoles for that year 343

began the two consoles for that year 343 began the two consoles for that year 343 BC by our Reckoning were Alis Cornelius BC by our Reckoning were Alis Cornelius BC by our Reckoning were Alis Cornelius cus a capable of forgettable leader and cus a capable of forgettable leader and cus a capable of forgettable leader and Marcus Valerius corvis a true blue Marcus Valerius corvis a true blue Marcus Valerius corvis a true blue member of the legendary Roman Heroes member of the legendary Roman Heroes member of the legendary Roman Heroes Club he was a member of The prominent Club he was a member of The prominent Club he was a member of The prominent valarian family whose famous ancestral valarian family whose famous ancestral valarian family whose famous ancestral patriarch was buus valious puola patriarch was buus valious puola patriarch was buus valious puola himself the surname corvis or Raven was himself the surname corvis or Raven was himself the surname corvis or Raven was earned as a young man while serving in earned as a young man while serving in earned as a young man while serving in the Army the legions were squaring off the Army the legions were squaring off the Army the legions were squaring off against an army of Galls when a huge against an army of Galls when a huge against an army of Galls when a huge gallic fighter stepped forward and gallic fighter stepped forward and gallic fighter stepped forward and challenged any Roman to single combat challenged any Roman to single combat challenged any Roman to single combat young Marcus valus all of 22 stepped young Marcus valus all of 22 stepped young Marcus valus all of 22 stepped forward and accepted the challenge as he forward and accepted the challenge as he forward and accepted the challenge as he approached the gall a raven landed on approached the gall a raven landed on approached the gall a raven landed on his shoulder a sign that the gods his shoulder a sign that the gods his shoulder a sign that the gods favored him the Gul was worried by this favored him the Gul was worried by this favored him the Gul was worried by this clear Omen but proceeded with the fight clear Omen but proceeded with the fight clear Omen but proceeded with the fight anyway and the Raven far from leaving anyway and the Raven far from leaving anyway and the Raven far from leaving when The Clash began actually joined in when The Clash began actually joined in when The Clash began actually joined in pecking at the G's eyes while valious pecking at the G's eyes while valious pecking at the G's eyes while valious ran him through with his ran him through with his ran him through with his sword but larious triumphant The Raven sword but larious triumphant The Raven sword but larious triumphant The Raven flew off the legions then swept into the flew off the legions then swept into the flew off the legions then swept into the gall line and defeated them almost gall line and defeated them almost gall line and defeated them almost without resistance and auspicious if without resistance and auspicious if without resistance and auspicious if obviously embellished beginning to a obviously embellished beginning to a obviously embellished beginning to a career to say the least corvus would be career to say the least corvus would be career to say the least corvus would be elected cul for the first time the very elected cul for the first time the very elected cul for the first time the very next year at the unprecedented age of next year at the unprecedented age of next year at the unprecedented age of 23 before before dying at the also 23 before before dying at the also 23 before before dying at the also unprecedented age of 100 he would be unprecedented age of 100 he would be unprecedented age of 100 he would be elected Consul five more times and named elected Consul five more times and named elected Consul five more times and named dictator dictator dictator twice but getting back to the war with twice but getting back to the war with twice but getting back to the war with the samnites corvis was sent to protect the samnites corvis was sent to protect the samnites corvis was sent to protect compia and his colleague kasus was sent

compia and his colleague kasus was sent compia and his colleague kasus was sent to invade samnium between the two they to invade samnium between the two they to invade samnium between the two they figured to have the samnites at heel in figured to have the samnites at heel in figured to have the samnites at heel in no time corvis was the first to meet the no time corvis was the first to meet the no time corvis was the first to meet the enemy and after a fierce battle at the enemy and after a fierce battle at the enemy and after a fierce battle at the base of Mount garus fiercer than the base of Mount garus fiercer than the base of Mount garus fiercer than the Romans expected the samnites were routed Romans expected the samnites were routed Romans expected the samnites were routed it was not an easy victory put the it was not an easy victory put the it was not an easy victory put the Romans on notied that they were not Romans on notied that they were not Romans on notied that they were not fighting Mulan Raiders fighting Mulan Raiders fighting Mulan Raiders anymore cus in samnium almost blundered anymore cus in samnium almost blundered anymore cus in samnium almost blundered his way into the destruction of his own his way into the destruction of his own his way into the destruction of his own Army but was saved by one of his Army but was saved by one of his Army but was saved by one of his tribunes the conso had led his army into tribunes the conso had led his army into tribunes the conso had led his army into a Ravine and noticed only too late that a Ravine and noticed only too late that a Ravine and noticed only too late that the samnites had taken up a position on the samnites had taken up a position on the samnites had taken up a position on the Ridge and stood ready to shower them the Ridge and stood ready to shower them the Ridge and stood ready to shower them with with with projectiles one of his tribunes puus projectiles one of his tribunes puus projectiles one of his tribunes puus Deus noticed that the samnites were Deus noticed that the samnites were Deus noticed that the samnites were positioned in the shadows of a steep positioned in the shadows of a steep positioned in the shadows of a steep hill and if a company of Romans could hill and if a company of Romans could hill and if a company of Romans could take the Hill then they would be able to take the Hill then they would be able to take the Hill then they would be able to pin down the samnites allowing the pin down the samnites allowing the pin down the samnites allowing the legions to escape cus immediately legions to escape cus immediately legions to escape cus immediately ordered Deus and a Detachment of ordered Deus and a Detachment of ordered Deus and a Detachment of volunteers to execute the Plan D slipped volunteers to execute the Plan D slipped volunteers to execute the Plan D slipped up and took the hill before the samnites up and took the hill before the samnites up and took the hill before the samnites realized what was going on and realized what was going on and realized what was going on and immediately began pelting the samnites immediately began pelting the samnites immediately began pelting the samnites with missiles in the confusion cus was with missiles in the confusion cus was with missiles in the confusion cus was able to withdraw his army to safety but able to withdraw his army to safety but able to withdraw his army to safety but Deus was left on the hill surrounded by Deus was left on the hill surrounded by Deus was left on the hill surrounded by an army of angry samnites who had just an army of angry samnites who had just an army of angry samnites who had just been denied an easy been denied an easy been denied an easy Victory secure on the high High Ground Victory secure on the high High Ground Victory secure on the high High Ground the Roman Detachment was able to hold the Roman Detachment was able to hold the Roman Detachment was able to hold out until Nightfall at which point out until Nightfall at which point out until Nightfall at which point recognizing their hopeless position they recognizing their hopeless position they recognizing their hopeless position they decided to risk death by sneaking decided to risk death by sneaking decided to risk death by sneaking through the samite Army rather than through the samite Army rather than through the samite Army rather than remaining on the hill and safely remaining on the hill and safely remaining on the hill and safely starving to death they'd gone about

starving to death they'd gone about starving to death they'd gone about halfway through the camp when one of the halfway through the camp when one of the halfway through the camp when one of the soldiers dropped his shield on a soldiers dropped his shield on a soldiers dropped his shield on a sleeping samite D immediately began sleeping samite D immediately began sleeping samite D immediately began yelling at his men to attack anything yelling at his men to attack anything yelling at his men to attack anything that moved the samnites half asleep and that moved the samnites half asleep and that moved the samnites half asleep and panicked by the sudden violent commotion panicked by the sudden violent commotion panicked by the sudden violent commotion did not know what or who to attack DC did not know what or who to attack DC did not know what or who to attack DC and his men made a break through the and his men made a break through the and his men made a break through the Army killing everything in their path Army killing everything in their path Army killing everything in their path when they emerged on the other side Deus when they emerged on the other side Deus when they emerged on the other side Deus took a head count and realized to his took a head count and realized to his took a head count and realized to his great pleasure that of the company of great pleasure that of the company of great pleasure that of the company of men he had led on a sure suicide mission men he had led on a sure suicide mission men he had led on a sure suicide mission he had not lost a single man in the he had not lost a single man in the he had not lost a single man in the morning they made their way to the Roman morning they made their way to the Roman morning they made their way to the Roman camp and were greeted to thunderous camp and were greeted to thunderous camp and were greeted to thunderous applause costus was about to launch into applause costus was about to launch into applause costus was about to launch into a speech praising Deus when the Tribune a speech praising Deus when the Tribune a speech praising Deus when the Tribune cut him off saying that the samnites cut him off saying that the samnites cut him off saying that the samnites were in complete disarray and the time were in complete disarray and the time were in complete disarray and the time to finish the job was now cus took the to finish the job was now cus took the to finish the job was now cus took the advice and sent his army out the Romans advice and sent his army out the Romans advice and sent his army out the Romans found the samnites exactly as dcus had found the samnites exactly as dcus had found the samnites exactly as dcus had described in confused disarray attacked described in confused disarray attacked described in confused disarray attacked them immediately and won them immediately and won them immediately and won easily the Romans had now won their easily the Romans had now won their easily the Romans had now won their first two engagements with the samnites first two engagements with the samnites first two engagements with the samnites but the first had been an unexpectedly but the first had been an unexpectedly but the first had been an unexpectedly hard slog and the latter would have been hard slog and the latter would have been hard slog and the latter would have been a disaster had it not been for the a disaster had it not been for the a disaster had it not been for the Tactical blunder the samnites had Tactical blunder the samnites had Tactical blunder the samnites had committed by not immediately falling on committed by not immediately falling on committed by not immediately falling on casas's casas's casas's Legions the third and final battle of Legions the third and final battle of Legions the third and final battle of the war was fight at suula near the the war was fight at suula near the the war was fight at suula near the border between compania and samnium border between compania and samnium border between compania and samnium envoys from that City came to Marcus envoys from that City came to Marcus envoys from that City came to Marcus corvis with news that the Army he had corvis with news that the Army he had corvis with news that the Army he had driven off was regrouping and planning driven off was regrouping and planning driven off was regrouping and planning to to to reinvade corvis ordered his army forward reinvade corvis ordered his army forward reinvade corvis ordered his army forward with all haste leaving behind all

with all haste leaving behind all with all haste leaving behind all non-essential Personnel in gear marching non-essential Personnel in gear marching non-essential Personnel in gear marching only with his infantry Cavalry and what only with his infantry Cavalry and what only with his infantry Cavalry and what could be carried on their backs this could be carried on their backs this could be carried on their backs this decision to pack light would prove decision to pack light would prove decision to pack light would prove unexpectedly to be the decisive factor unexpectedly to be the decisive factor unexpectedly to be the decisive factor in the coming in the coming in the coming fight when corbus arrived at C he fight when corbus arrived at C he fight when corbus arrived at C he ordered a camp built due to the pity of ordered a camp built due to the pity of ordered a camp built due to the pity of men and material the camp turned out to men and material the camp turned out to men and material the camp turned out to be physically much smaller than the be physically much smaller than the be physically much smaller than the samnites were used to seeing the Romans samnites were used to seeing the Romans samnites were used to seeing the Romans build they assumed this meant that a build they assumed this meant that a build they assumed this meant that a smaller force was encamped and all their smaller force was encamped and all their smaller force was encamped and all their strategic decisions flowed from this strategic decisions flowed from this strategic decisions flowed from this faulty faulty faulty assumption they decided that the best assumption they decided that the best assumption they decided that the best course would be to starve the small course would be to starve the small course would be to starve the small Roman Garrison out and began preparing Roman Garrison out and began preparing Roman Garrison out and began preparing for a Siege the samnite commanders for a Siege the samnite commanders for a Siege the samnite commanders rather than keeping their army together rather than keeping their army together rather than keeping their army together ordered foraging parties out across the ordered foraging parties out across the ordered foraging parties out across the countryside for supply to sustain their countryside for supply to sustain their countryside for supply to sustain their army while they waited for the Romans to army while they waited for the Romans to army while they waited for the Romans to surrender corvus caught wind of the surrender corvus caught wind of the surrender corvus caught wind of the samnite activities and as soon as the samnite activities and as soon as the samnite activities and as soon as the bulk of the army was scattered he bulk of the army was scattered he bulk of the army was scattered he ordered his men to attack the samnites ordered his men to attack the samnites ordered his men to attack the samnites were shocked when the whole of the were shocked when the whole of the were shocked when the whole of the legions came pouring out of the small legions came pouring out of the small legions came pouring out of the small camp not the minor Detachment they had camp not the minor Detachment they had camp not the minor Detachment they had supposed they were dealing with corvus's supposed they were dealing with corvus's supposed they were dealing with corvus's army took the samite camp almost without army took the samite camp almost without army took the samite camp almost without a fight and then spent the rest of the a fight and then spent the rest of the a fight and then spent the rest of the afternoon rounding up the dispersed afternoon rounding up the dispersed afternoon rounding up the dispersed samite foraging parties the Battle of samite foraging parties the Battle of samite foraging parties the Battle of culu was over before it had really begun culu was over before it had really begun culu was over before it had really begun this Victory marked the end of the first this Victory marked the end of the first this Victory marked the end of the first samnite war corvus and cus were both samnite war corvus and cus were both samnite war corvus and cus were both awarded triumphs and Deus was given the awarded triumphs and Deus was given the awarded triumphs and Deus was given the grass crown for his grass crown for his grass crown for his heroics the grass Crown was the most heroics the grass Crown was the most heroics the grass Crown was the most prestigious and rarely given military

prestigious and rarely given military prestigious and rarely given military honor the highest decoration a Roman honor the highest decoration a Roman honor the highest decoration a Roman soldier could receive it was given to an soldier could receive it was given to an soldier could receive it was given to an individual who single-handedly or nearly individual who single-handedly or nearly individual who single-handedly or nearly single-handedly saved an entire Legion single-handedly saved an entire Legion single-handedly saved an entire Legion from destruction it was a rare honor from destruction it was a rare honor from destruction it was a rare honor because it was granted only by a vote of because it was granted only by a vote of because it was granted only by a vote of the saved legionnaires themselves and it the saved legionnaires themselves and it the saved legionnaires themselves and it took extraordinary circumstances for took extraordinary circumstances for took extraordinary circumstances for proud Roman soldiers to admit that they proud Roman soldiers to admit that they proud Roman soldiers to admit that they had to be rescued but in this case it had to be rescued but in this case it had to be rescued but in this case it was universally understood that Deus had was universally understood that Deus had was universally understood that Deus had saved their butts so Deus got the grass saved their butts so Deus got the grass saved their butts so Deus got the grass Crown after the fighting ended however Crown after the fighting ended however Crown after the fighting ended however the Romans were forced to deal with the Romans were forced to deal with the Romans were forced to deal with trouble from an unexpected Source their trouble from an unexpected Source their trouble from an unexpected Source their own Legions during the winter of 342 341 own Legions during the winter of 342 341 own Legions during the winter of 342 341 BC the legions were garrisoned across BC the legions were garrisoned across BC the legions were garrisoned across compia to keep an eye out for further compia to keep an eye out for further compia to keep an eye out for further Sam that aggression the largest Garrison Sam that aggression the largest Garrison Sam that aggression the largest Garrison was outside of Capa the city famous for was outside of Capa the city famous for was outside of Capa the city famous for its soft Easy Living and detrimental its soft Easy Living and detrimental its soft Easy Living and detrimental effect on Military effect on Military effect on Military discipline indeed as we would later see discipline indeed as we would later see discipline indeed as we would later see some note a marked change in the power some note a marked change in the power some note a marked change in the power and endurance of Hannibal's Army after and endurance of Hannibal's Army after and endurance of Hannibal's Army after spending the winter in Capa during the spending the winter in Capa during the spending the winter in Capa during the Second Punic War the Roman Garrison Second Punic War the Roman Garrison Second Punic War the Roman Garrison cooped up for the winter in Camp looked cooped up for the winter in Camp looked cooped up for the winter in Camp looked on at the comfortable capin and began on at the comfortable capin and began on at the comfortable capin and began asking themselves why people who could asking themselves why people who could asking themselves why people who could not even defend themselves were allowed not even defend themselves were allowed not even defend themselves were allowed to have so much when they the soldiers to have so much when they the soldiers to have so much when they the soldiers who would secure the peace were given so who would secure the peace were given so who would secure the peace were given so little the consules for that year began little the consules for that year began little the consules for that year began to hear mutinous rumors coming from the to hear mutinous rumors coming from the to hear mutinous rumors coming from the companian legions and took steps to nip companian legions and took steps to nip companian legions and took steps to nip the conspiracy in the bud but the move the conspiracy in the bud but the move the conspiracy in the bud but the move backfired their plan was to quietly

backfired their plan was to quietly backfired their plan was to quietly reassign the men identified as reassign the men identified as reassign the men identified as conspirators and Shuffle groups of conspirators and Shuffle groups of conspirators and Shuffle groups of soldiers around so no hard plans could soldiers around so no hard plans could soldiers around so no hard plans could be laid but the conspirators quickly be laid but the conspirators quickly be laid but the conspirators quickly caught on and rather than reporting to caught on and rather than reporting to caught on and rather than reporting to their new assignment they collected at their new assignment they collected at their new assignment they collected at an arranged point and began actively an arranged point and began actively an arranged point and began actively plot a rebellion they were soon strong plot a rebellion they were soon strong plot a rebellion they were soon strong enough numbers-wise but lacked a leader enough numbers-wise but lacked a leader enough numbers-wise but lacked a leader to make them a cohesive unit in a to make them a cohesive unit in a to make them a cohesive unit in a classic display of counterproductive ego classic display of counterproductive ego classic display of counterproductive ego and pride nobody was willing to submit and pride nobody was willing to submit and pride nobody was willing to submit to the command of anyone else so they to the command of anyone else so they to the command of anyone else so they remained a body without a remained a body without a remained a body without a head as they brainstormed for ways out head as they brainstormed for ways out head as they brainstormed for ways out of their dilemma it was noted that an of their dilemma it was noted that an of their dilemma it was noted that an exgen Titus quintius lived in the area exgen Titus quintius lived in the area exgen Titus quintius lived in the area quinches had retired fully from public quinches had retired fully from public quinches had retired fully from public life despising the backstabbing Intrigue life despising the backstabbing Intrigue life despising the backstabbing Intrigue of Roman politics and the conspirators of Roman politics and the conspirators of Roman politics and the conspirators decided he was the perfect choice to decided he was the perfect choice to decided he was the perfect choice to lead them a company of men was sent to lead them a company of men was sent to lead them a company of men was sent to persuade the old man to join their cause persuade the old man to join their cause persuade the old man to join their cause quenches however wanted nothing to do quenches however wanted nothing to do quenches however wanted nothing to do with the mutinous rabble but was with the mutinous rabble but was with the mutinous rabble but was persuaded when the men threatened to persuaded when the men threatened to persuaded when the men threatened to kill him and his whole family if he did kill him and his whole family if he did kill him and his whole family if he did not come not come not come along having successfully hijacked a along having successfully hijacked a along having successfully hijacked a leader the Revolt moved forward and the leader the Revolt moved forward and the leader the Revolt moved forward and the men marched towards Rome though what men marched towards Rome though what men marched towards Rome though what exactly they hop to accomplish is exactly they hop to accomplish is exactly they hop to accomplish is unclear they probably wanted to secure unclear they probably wanted to secure unclear they probably wanted to secure land grants and compon land grants and compon land grants and compon but how they thought the senate or the but how they thought the senate or the but how they thought the senate or the people of Rome would simply give them people of Rome would simply give them people of Rome would simply give them what they wanted and then go on as if what they wanted and then go on as if what they wanted and then go on as if nothing happened is a mystery the nothing happened is a mystery the nothing happened is a mystery the Rebellion had taken on an irrational Rebellion had taken on an irrational Rebellion had taken on an irrational inertia all its inertia all its inertia all its own upon hearing the news that a own upon hearing the news that a own upon hearing the news that a rebellious Army was marching on Rome the

rebellious Army was marching on Rome the rebellious Army was marching on Rome the Senate immediately named Marcus corvis Senate immediately named Marcus corvis Senate immediately named Marcus corvis to the first of his two dictatorships to the first of his two dictatorships to the first of his two dictatorships and he rode off at the head of Alle and he rode off at the head of Alle and he rode off at the head of Alle Legion to stop the mutinus Legion to stop the mutinus Legion to stop the mutinus army they met each other at the Alburn army they met each other at the Alburn army they met each other at the Alburn Mount near the birthplace of Romulus and Mount near the birthplace of Romulus and Mount near the birthplace of Romulus and Ramos Ramos Ramos but neither side was destined to draw but neither side was destined to draw but neither side was destined to draw their swords in their swords in their swords in Anger instead the occasion was defined Anger instead the occasion was defined Anger instead the occasion was defined by reconciliation and secured corvus's by reconciliation and secured corvus's by reconciliation and secured corvus's place in the history books not just as a place in the history books not just as a place in the history books not just as a great warrior but also a wise and great warrior but also a wise and great warrior but also a wise and compassionate leader of men he was loved compassionate leader of men he was loved compassionate leader of men he was loved not just by the men he led that day but not just by the men he led that day but not just by the men he led that day but also by the mutineers most of whom had also by the mutineers most of whom had also by the mutineers most of whom had fought with him against the samnites fought with him against the samnites fought with him against the samnites corvus implored them to put down their corvus implored them to put down their corvus implored them to put down their swords and not draw the blood of their swords and not draw the blood of their swords and not draw the blood of their fellow citizens quenches the hijacked fellow citizens quenches the hijacked fellow citizens quenches the hijacked General who wanted no part of the General who wanted no part of the General who wanted no part of the Rebellion anyway ordered his men to Rebellion anyway ordered his men to Rebellion anyway ordered his men to stand down and the combined weight of stand down and the combined weight of stand down and the combined weight of these two towering figures compelled these two towering figures compelled these two towering figures compelled them to give them to give them to give up corvis then led a combined Force back up corvis then led a combined Force back up corvis then led a combined Force back into Rome where he famously asked for into Rome where he famously asked for into Rome where he famously asked for and received clemency for the rebellious and received clemency for the rebellious and received clemency for the rebellious soldiers corvus did not want the affair soldiers corvus did not want the affair soldiers corvus did not want the affair to remain a thorn in the sight of Roman to remain a thorn in the sight of Roman to remain a thorn in the sight of Roman solidarity and he made sure no Soldier solidarity and he made sure no Soldier solidarity and he made sure no Soldier was cast off the census roles or in any was cast off the census roles or in any was cast off the census roles or in any other way penalized for his actions it other way penalized for his actions it other way penalized for his actions it was a singular case of leniency toward was a singular case of leniency toward was a singular case of leniency toward mutinous solders ERS and though corvis mutinous solders ERS and though corvis mutinous solders ERS and though corvis was hailed forever as a great man for was hailed forever as a great man for was hailed forever as a great man for securing the leniency his example was securing the leniency his example was securing the leniency his example was rarely followed by later generations who rarely followed by later generations who rarely followed by later generations who treated any hint of mutiny quickly and treated any hint of mutiny quickly and treated any hint of mutiny quickly and without without without Mercy soon after the abort of rebellion Mercy soon after the abort of rebellion Mercy soon after the abort of rebellion a truce was formalized with the samnites

a truce was formalized with the samnites a truce was formalized with the samnites the companions however were in no mood the companions however were in no mood the companions however were in no mood for peace and Allied themselves with a for peace and Allied themselves with a for peace and Allied themselves with a combined Latin Army that took the fight combined Latin Army that took the fight combined Latin Army that took the fight into samnium as a punitive response to into samnium as a punitive response to into samnium as a punitive response to the samnite invasion of the samnite invasion of the samnite invasion of compa the Latin communities hoped to compa the Latin communities hoped to compa the Latin communities hoped to grab some samnite land and enhance their grab some samnite land and enhance their grab some samnite land and enhance their own power in the region hopefully own power in the region hopefully own power in the region hopefully securing better terms of alliance with securing better terms of alliance with securing better terms of alliance with Rome the samnites immediately appealed Rome the samnites immediately appealed Rome the samnites immediately appealed to the Romans to Halt the attacks the to the Romans to Halt the attacks the to the Romans to Halt the attacks the Romans agreed to order the companion who Romans agreed to order the companion who Romans agreed to order the companion who were now their subjects to Halt but were now their subjects to Halt but were now their subjects to Halt but claim their treaty with the Latins claim their treaty with the Latins claim their treaty with the Latins granted them no authority over their own granted them no authority over their own granted them no authority over their own internal military internal military internal military decisions this decision had two effects decisions this decision had two effects decisions this decision had two effects for one it offended the samnites who for one it offended the samnites who for one it offended the samnites who thought the Romans were just hiding thought the Romans were just hiding thought the Romans were just hiding behind legal ease and directing the behind legal ease and directing the behind legal ease and directing the Latins subjects to Rome and all but name Latins subjects to Rome and all but name Latins subjects to Rome and all but name to keep fighting illegally after the to keep fighting illegally after the to keep fighting illegally after the treaty had been established second it treaty had been established second it treaty had been established second it perked the ears of the Latins who took perked the ears of the Latins who took perked the ears of the Latins who took the Roman decision to me that the Romans the Roman decision to me that the Romans the Roman decision to me that the Romans did not believe they could stop the did not believe they could stop the did not believe they could stop the Latins from what they were Latins from what they were Latins from what they were doing the time was rip the Latin decided doing the time was rip the Latin decided doing the time was rip the Latin decided to renegotiate their status with Rome to renegotiate their status with Rome to renegotiate their status with Rome for over a hundred years they had sent for over a hundred years they had sent for over a hundred years they had sent men and money to fight Roman wars and men and money to fight Roman wars and men and money to fight Roman wars and were consistently given only a pittance were consistently given only a pittance were consistently given only a pittance of the spoils and Turn full equality of the spoils and Turn full equality of the spoils and Turn full equality they decided was theirs for the taking they decided was theirs for the taking they decided was theirs for the taking and turning away from the samnites they and turning away from the samnites they and turning away from the samnites they set their sights on Rome itself having set their sights on Rome itself having set their sights on Rome itself having just concluded one war the Romans were just concluded one war the Romans were just concluded one war the Romans were about to be embroiled in another the about to be embroiled in another the about to be embroiled in another the Latin War which would not turn out Latin War which would not turn out Latin War which would not turn out exactly as the latin's plan resulting in exactly as the latin's plan resulting in exactly as the latin's plan resulting in not full equality but full subservience

not full equality but full subservience not full equality but full subservience to Roman rule and an end even to the to Roman rule and an end even to the to Roman rule and an end even to the appearance of appearance of appearance of Independence the first samnite war would Independence the first samnite war would Independence the first samnite war would prove to be mere foreplay between the prove to be mere foreplay between the prove to be mere foreplay between the samnites Romans the Romans had gotten samnites Romans the Romans had gotten samnites Romans the Romans had gotten the upper hand but it could have just as the upper hand but it could have just as the upper hand but it could have just as easily gone the other way the second or easily gone the other way the second or easily gone the other way the second or Great samnite War would start 20 years Great samnite War would start 20 years Great samnite War would start 20 years later and not last for 2 years but 22 later and not last for 2 years but 22 later and not last for 2 years but 22 years in that war the samnites would years in that war the samnites would years in that war the samnites would hand the Romans some of their greatest hand the Romans some of their greatest hand the Romans some of their greatest and most humiliating and most humiliating and most humiliating defeats the Romans had since their defeats the Romans had since their defeats the Romans had since their founding used the Greek failing system founding used the Greek failing system founding used the Greek failing system for their army but soon found it for their army but soon found it for their army but soon found it unsuited for the mountainous terrain of unsuited for the mountainous terrain of unsuited for the mountainous terrain of samnium the samnite Cavalry and light samnium the samnite Cavalry and light samnium the samnite Cavalry and light infantry where he will easily infantry where he will easily infantry where he will easily outmaneuver the heavy Roman failinks outmaneuver the heavy Roman failinks outmaneuver the heavy Roman failinks forcing the Romans to completely forcing the Romans to completely forcing the Romans to completely overhaul their military structure before overhaul their military structure before overhaul their military structure before they could beat the samnites in the they could beat the samnites in the they could beat the samnites in the field but that war was still a field but that war was still a field but that war was still a generation away next week the Romans generation away next week the Romans generation away next week the Romans will follow the old adage that the enemy will follow the old adage that the enemy will follow the old adage that the enemy of my enemy is my friend and join forces of my enemy is my friend and join forces of my enemy is my friend and join forces with the samnites to quash forever Latin with the samnites to quash forever Latin with the samnites to quash forever Latin dreams of Independence hello and welcome to the history of

hello and welcome to the history of real the outcome of the first s Night real the outcome of the first s Night real the outcome of the first s Night War had been War had been War had been inconclusive yes the Romans had gotten inconclusive yes the Romans had gotten inconclusive yes the Romans had gotten the better of it in battle but nothing the better of it in battle but nothing the better of it in battle but nothing resembling a definitive conclusion was resembling a definitive conclusion was resembling a definitive conclusion was reached the samnites seemed content to reached the samnites seemed content to reached the samnites seemed content to consolidate their games and not press consolidate their games and not press consolidate their games and not press the issue and the Romans were the issue and the Romans were the issue and the Romans were disinclined to take the fight to the disinclined to take the fight to the disinclined to take the fight to the next level they had done right by their next level they had done right by their next level they had done right by their allies and driven the samnites out of allies and driven the samnites out of allies and driven the samnites out of compa they had no interest for now in compa they had no interest for now in compa they had no interest for now in invading samnium and trying to conquer a invading samnium and trying to conquer a invading samnium and trying to conquer a strong willed capable and well supplied strong willed capable and well supplied strong willed capable and well supplied Army plus the Winds of discontent were Army plus the Winds of discontent were Army plus the Winds of discontent were blowing in from Lum and the Romans knew blowing in from Lum and the Romans knew blowing in from Lum and the Romans knew full well that if they got entangled full well that if they got entangled full well that if they got entangled with the samnites the Latin communities with the samnites the Latin communities with the samnites the Latin communities would be in a strong position to would be in a strong position to would be in a strong position to leverage concessions from the Romans so leverage concessions from the Romans so leverage concessions from the Romans so a treaty of Peace was concluded between a treaty of Peace was concluded between a treaty of Peace was concluded between the Romans and samnites the Latin saw the Romans and samnites the Latin saw the Romans and samnites the Latin saw this as a tacid admission of weakness this as a tacid admission of weakness this as a tacid admission of weakness and seeking a more personally beneficial and seeking a more personally beneficial and seeking a more personally beneficial arrangement with the Romans decided to arrangement with the Romans decided to arrangement with the Romans decided to strike while the iron was strike while the iron was strike while the iron was hot but before any sort of conflict with hot but before any sort of conflict with hot but before any sort of conflict with the Latins were joined a further step the Latins were joined a further step the Latins were joined a further step was taken in the paan thanks to John for was taken in the paan thanks to John for was taken in the paan thanks to John for correcting my my pronunciation quest for correcting my my pronunciation quest for correcting my my pronunciation quest for a greater share in power in 342 BC not a greater share in power in 342 BC not a greater share in power in 342 BC not long after the Mutiny of the Garrison long after the Mutiny of the Garrison long after the Mutiny of the Garrison soldiers in compa the plees pushed soldiers in compa the plees pushed soldiers in compa the plees pushed through another set of reforms that through another set of reforms that through another set of reforms that solidified their power the package solidified their power the package solidified their power the package included the important provision that included the important provision that included the important provision that one of the consoles for each year not one of the consoles for each year not one of the consoles for each year not just could be a ple but had to be a ple just could be a ple but had to be a ple just could be a ple but had to be a ple but more importantly it set the but more importantly it set the but more importantly it set the well-known and offs sited requirement well-known and offs sited requirement well-known and offs sited requirement that 10 years must pass before a man that 10 years must pass before a man that 10 years must pass before a man could hold the same office twice the

could hold the same office twice the could hold the same office twice the move was designed obviously to prevent move was designed obviously to prevent move was designed obviously to prevent one man from Gaining too much power but one man from Gaining too much power but one man from Gaining too much power but at times the Cure was worse than the at times the Cure was worse than the at times the Cure was worse than the disease especially for example during disease especially for example during disease especially for example during the Second Punic War when it became the Second Punic War when it became the Second Punic War when it became nearly impossible to run the war when nearly impossible to run the war when nearly impossible to run the war when the leadership kept changing so though the leadership kept changing so though the leadership kept changing so though the 10e requirement was followed and the 10e requirement was followed and the 10e requirement was followed and disregarded according to circumstance it disregarded according to circumstance it disregarded according to circumstance it did set a cultural precedent strong did set a cultural precedent strong did set a cultural precedent strong enough that when between 104 and 100 BC enough that when between 104 and 100 BC enough that when between 104 and 100 BC gas Marius was elected conso five times gas Marius was elected conso five times gas Marius was elected conso five times in a row it was a scandal that in a row it was a scandal that in a row it was a scandal that engendered enough ill will that the engendered enough ill will that the engendered enough ill will that the social fabric of the state began to social fabric of the state began to social fabric of the state began to unravel but that is for a much later unravel but that is for a much later unravel but that is for a much later date probably sometime early next year date probably sometime early next year date probably sometime early next year at the pace we at the pace we at the pace we going when the Romans withdrew from going when the Romans withdrew from going when the Romans withdrew from fighting the samnites The Companions and fighting the samnites The Companions and fighting the samnites The Companions and Latins both wanted to carry on with the Latins both wanted to carry on with the Latins both wanted to carry on with the fight as I mentioned last week the fight as I mentioned last week the fight as I mentioned last week the samnites implored the Romans to put a samnites implored the Romans to put a samnites implored the Romans to put a stop to the aggression but the Romans stop to the aggression but the Romans stop to the aggression but the Romans refused to order the Latins to do refused to order the Latins to do refused to order the Latins to do anything one way or the other the Latins anything one way or the other the Latins anything one way or the other the Latins immediately took this to mean that if immediately took this to mean that if immediately took this to mean that if Rome did not feel strong enough to Rome did not feel strong enough to Rome did not feel strong enough to enforce its will enforce its will enforce its will politics being the Zero Sum game that it politics being the Zero Sum game that it politics being the Zero Sum game that it is then that meant the Latin must be is then that meant the Latin must be is then that meant the Latin must be stronger than their supposed Masters stronger than their supposed Masters stronger than their supposed Masters they resolve to use this to their they resolve to use this to their they resolve to use this to their advantage a delegation representing the advantage a delegation representing the advantage a delegation representing the Latin League was sent to Rome to demand Latin League was sent to Rome to demand Latin League was sent to Rome to demand a political a political a political reordering up to this point the Latin reordering up to this point the Latin reordering up to this point the Latin had enjoyed varying degrees of Roman had enjoyed varying degrees of Roman had enjoyed varying degrees of Roman citizenship usually trade and citizenship usually trade and citizenship usually trade and intermarriage rights stopping short of intermarriage rights stopping short of intermarriage rights stopping short of full suffrage the delegation asked of full suffrage the delegation asked of full suffrage the delegation asked of the Romans not just full suffrage but the Romans not just full suffrage but the Romans not just full suffrage but also audaciously demanded that one of

also audaciously demanded that one of also audaciously demanded that one of the two yearly consuls come from the the two yearly consuls come from the the two yearly consuls come from the Latin Latin Latin communities the Romans were shocked and communities the Romans were shocked and communities the Romans were shocked and practically laughed the delegation out practically laughed the delegation out practically laughed the delegation out of the Senate no Roman was going to of the Senate no Roman was going to of the Senate no Roman was going to submit himself to the rule of air Latin submit himself to the rule of air Latin submit himself to the rule of air Latin the plebes had just guaranteed their own the plebes had just guaranteed their own the plebes had just guaranteed their own consulship and weren't about to give it consulship and weren't about to give it consulship and weren't about to give it up while the patricians had just given up while the patricians had just given up while the patricians had just given up one of their Consul ships and weren't up one of their Consul ships and weren't up one of their Consul ships and weren't about to let go of the other on the about to let go of the other on the about to let go of the other on the question of a Latin conso the two question of a Latin conso the two question of a Latin conso the two classes were United the Senate and I'm classes were United the Senate and I'm classes were United the Senate and I'm paraphrasing here answer to the Latin paraphrasing here answer to the Latin paraphrasing here answer to the Latin delegation was no no there will be no delegation was no no there will be no delegation was no no there will be no political reordering we like things just political reordering we like things just political reordering we like things just the way they are thank you very much do the way they are thank you very much do the way they are thank you very much do you not remember that we wiped the floor you not remember that we wiped the floor you not remember that we wiped the floor with you at Lake regillus and that's why with you at Lake regillus and that's why with you at Lake regillus and that's why things are the way they are if you things are the way they are if you things are the way they are if you really want what you're asking for then really want what you're asking for then really want what you're asking for then come take it if you can the senate then come take it if you can the senate then come take it if you can the senate then immediately voted for war to teach the immediately voted for war to teach the immediately voted for war to teach the impertinent Latins a lesson Legions were impertinent Latins a lesson Legions were impertinent Latins a lesson Legions were raised and sent out to meet the Latin raised and sent out to meet the Latin raised and sent out to meet the Latin force that had been massing in force that had been massing in force that had been massing in anticipation of the the Senate's anticipation of the the Senate's anticipation of the the Senate's rejection of Latin demands the consuls rejection of Latin demands the consuls rejection of Latin demands the consuls for that year were Titus Manlius for that year were Titus Manlius for that year were Titus Manlius torquatus and our old friend and hero of torquatus and our old friend and hero of torquatus and our old friend and hero of the first samite war puus Deus he of the the first samite war puus Deus he of the the first samite war puus Deus he of the grass crown on a brief tangent the grass crown on a brief tangent the grass crown on a brief tangent the Romans dated the past by reference to Romans dated the past by reference to Romans dated the past by reference to the consules for a given year rather the consules for a given year rather the consules for a given year rather than by an arbitrary numbering system so than by an arbitrary numbering system so than by an arbitrary numbering system so that for example last week's battles that for example last week's battles that for example last week's battles with the samnites were said to have with the samnites were said to have with the samnites were said to have taken place in the consulship of corvis taken place in the consulship of corvis taken place in the consulship of corvis and casus rather than in say

and casus rather than in say and casus rather than in say 167 dating from the founding of the 167 dating from the founding of the 167 dating from the founding of the Republic or 409 dating from the founding Republic or 409 dating from the founding Republic or 409 dating from the founding of the city it seems a bit unwieldy to of the city it seems a bit unwieldy to of the city it seems a bit unwieldy to us but the Romans liked it just fine us but the Romans liked it just fine us but the Romans liked it just fine down the road the system of reference down the road the system of reference down the road the system of reference would lead to the Roman joke that events would lead to the Roman joke that events would lead to the Roman joke that events occurring in the year of Julius Caesar's occurring in the year of Julius Caesar's occurring in the year of Julius Caesar's consulship 59 BC took place not in the consulship 59 BC took place not in the consulship 59 BC took place not in the consulship of Caesar and bibis but in consulship of Caesar and bibis but in consulship of Caesar and bibis but in the consulship of Julius and Caesar get the consulship of Julius and Caesar get the consulship of Julius and Caesar get it the Romans could be a laugh Riot when it the Romans could be a laugh Riot when it the Romans could be a laugh Riot when the mood struck the mood struck the mood struck anyway in the consulship of deus and anyway in the consulship of deus and anyway in the consulship of deus and Manlius 340 BC by our Reckoning war with Manlius 340 BC by our Reckoning war with Manlius 340 BC by our Reckoning war with the Latins began in the beginning the the Latins began in the beginning the the Latins began in the beginning the outcome was very much in doubt it had outcome was very much in doubt it had outcome was very much in doubt it had been years since the Romans had fought been years since the Romans had fought been years since the Romans had fought an enemy that so evenly matched them it an enemy that so evenly matched them it an enemy that so evenly matched them it was almost like facing a mirror the was almost like facing a mirror the was almost like facing a mirror the Romans and Latin forces were nearly Romans and Latin forces were nearly Romans and Latin forces were nearly identical in size they used all the same identical in size they used all the same identical in size they used all the same tactics spoke the same language prayed tactics spoke the same language prayed tactics spoke the same language prayed to the same gods and in most cases knew to the same gods and in most cases knew to the same gods and in most cases knew each other personally there would not be each other personally there would not be each other personally there would not be any surprises or Innovative tactics just any surprises or Innovative tactics just any surprises or Innovative tactics just a standard Straight Ahead infantry a standard Straight Ahead infantry a standard Straight Ahead infantry battle and victory to the strongest or battle and victory to the strongest or battle and victory to the strongest or luckiest B sides knew it and new heavy luckiest B sides knew it and new heavy luckiest B sides knew it and new heavy casualties loomed as Force pitted itself casualties loomed as Force pitted itself casualties loomed as Force pitted itself against against against Force two legends emerged from the war Force two legends emerged from the war Force two legends emerged from the war one revealing how the Romans were able one revealing how the Romans were able one revealing how the Romans were able to win a fight that seemed destined to to win a fight that seemed destined to to win a fight that seemed destined to produce a draw the second hammering home produce a draw the second hammering home produce a draw the second hammering home the idea that obeying conso or authority the idea that obeying conso or authority the idea that obeying conso or authority is Paramount and the only way to is Paramount and the only way to is Paramount and the only way to maintain the critical discipline maintain the critical discipline maintain the critical discipline required for Rome to defeat its

required for Rome to defeat its required for Rome to defeat its enemies the first Legend states that enemies the first Legend states that enemies the first Legend states that after the legions had built their camp after the legions had built their camp after the legions had built their camp near the Latin force and settled in for near the Latin force and settled in for near the Latin force and settled in for the night both consols had the same the night both consols had the same the night both consols had the same dream in it an operation revealed that dream in it an operation revealed that dream in it an operation revealed that in the coming battle the Victorious side in the coming battle the Victorious side in the coming battle the Victorious side would sacrifice its Commander while the would sacrifice its Commander while the would sacrifice its Commander while the losing side would sacrifice its whole losing side would sacrifice its whole losing side would sacrifice its whole Army when they awoke the two conferred Army when they awoke the two conferred Army when they awoke the two conferred and realized that they had had the same and realized that they had had the same and realized that they had had the same dream they made a pact that each would dream they made a pact that each would dream they made a pact that each would lead one flank of the army and whichever lead one flank of the army and whichever lead one flank of the army and whichever side began to fail first that conso side began to fail first that conso side began to fail first that conso would charge into the enemy and seek would charge into the enemy and seek would charge into the enemy and seek death so the gods would grant their death so the gods would grant their death so the gods would grant their whole Army whole Army whole Army Victory the second Legend states that Victory the second Legend states that Victory the second Legend states that the consul Manlius had given orders to the consul Manlius had given orders to the consul Manlius had given orders to his troops that no one should Engage The his troops that no one should Engage The his troops that no one should Engage The Latins until he had given the okay he Latins until he had given the okay he Latins until he had given the okay he wanted the battle to start at the time wanted the battle to start at the time wanted the battle to start at the time and place of his choosing and didn't and place of his choosing and didn't and place of his choosing and didn't want Reckless brawling to spark a battle want Reckless brawling to spark a battle want Reckless brawling to spark a battle he wasn't prepared for Manlius his son he wasn't prepared for Manlius his son he wasn't prepared for Manlius his son Titus however disobeyed the order while Titus however disobeyed the order while Titus however disobeyed the order while leading a Cavalry Detachment on patrol leading a Cavalry Detachment on patrol leading a Cavalry Detachment on patrol they encountered a group of Latins and they encountered a group of Latins and they encountered a group of Latins and Titus was challenged to single combat by Titus was challenged to single combat by Titus was challenged to single combat by one of them Titus demurred understanding one of them Titus demurred understanding one of them Titus demurred understanding his orders but the Latins called him a his orders but the Latins called him a his orders but the Latins called him a coward and all sorts of other nasty coward and all sorts of other nasty coward and all sorts of other nasty names his hackles raised Titus accepted names his hackles raised Titus accepted names his hackles raised Titus accepted and proceeded to kill his Challenger and proceeded to kill his Challenger and proceeded to kill his Challenger returning to Camp with the spoils taken returning to Camp with the spoils taken returning to Camp with the spoils taken from his dead enemy Titus was greeted by from his dead enemy Titus was greeted by from his dead enemy Titus was greeted by cheers but the festive atmosphere died cheers but the festive atmosphere died cheers but the festive atmosphere died under the withering stare of his father under the withering stare of his father under the withering stare of his father who ordered his son who ordered his son who ordered his son arrested manle gave a brief speech in arrested manle gave a brief speech in arrested manle gave a brief speech in which he defended what he was about to

which he defended what he was about to which he defended what he was about to do his family he said would be torn do his family he said would be torn do his family he said would be torn apart by the punishment he was about to apart by the punishment he was about to apart by the punishment he was about to hand down but that was far better than hand down but that was far better than hand down but that was far better than having the entire State torn apart by having the entire State torn apart by having the entire State torn apart by Disobedience to Cel or Disobedience to Cel or Disobedience to Cel or authority then without compassion into authority then without compassion into authority then without compassion into the horror of his men Manlius ordered the horror of his men Manlius ordered the horror of his men Manlius ordered his own son flogged and his own son flogged and his own son flogged and beheaded Titus was given a hero's burial beheaded Titus was given a hero's burial beheaded Titus was given a hero's burial and the Army from that point on hated and the Army from that point on hated and the Army from that point on hated their Commander but it was to Manley's their Commander but it was to Manley's their Commander but it was to Manley's credit a far more disciplined in credit a far more disciplined in credit a far more disciplined in professional Army that was doing the professional Army that was doing the professional Army that was doing the hating than hating than hating than before there's nothing new about either before there's nothing new about either before there's nothing new about either of these Legends and there are both of these Legends and there are both of these Legends and there are both retreads of previous stories those of retreads of previous stories those of retreads of previous stories those of you who know Greek history will you who know Greek history will you who know Greek history will recognize the familiar elements of King recognize the familiar elements of King recognize the familiar elements of King leonitis Vision that Sparta must either leonitis Vision that Sparta must either leonitis Vision that Sparta must either lose a king or its freedom to the lose a king or its freedom to the lose a king or its freedom to the Persians which led him to make his Persians which led him to make his Persians which led him to make his suicidal Last Stand at suicidal Last Stand at suicidal Last Stand at thermopolymerization follows closely the story of the consul follows closely the story of the consul Brutus and his treason his sons from the Brutus and his treason his sons from the Brutus and his treason his sons from the early days of the Republic Roman early days of the Republic Roman early days of the Republic Roman analysts were enamored with the idea analysts were enamored with the idea analysts were enamored with the idea that Romans of the past displayed a that Romans of the past displayed a that Romans of the past displayed a dedication to the state that had fallen dedication to the state that had fallen dedication to the state that had fallen out of fashion and needed to be out of fashion and needed to be out of fashion and needed to be rekindled to the later Romans just as it rekindled to the later Romans just as it rekindled to the later Romans just as it is today and in most other times and is today and in most other times and is today and in most other times and places the past became bathed in the places the past became bathed in the places the past became bathed in the Golden Light of simple nobility and Golden Light of simple nobility and Golden Light of simple nobility and selfless virtue whether or not any such selfless virtue whether or not any such selfless virtue whether or not any such thing was thing was thing was true Legends aside there was a battle true Legends aside there was a battle true Legends aside there was a battle and it did take place near the base of

and it did take place near the base of and it did take place near the base of Mount vvus yes that mount vvus the Mount vvus yes that mount vvus the Mount vvus yes that mount vvus the Latins and Romans lined up for battle Latins and Romans lined up for battle Latins and Romans lined up for battle and the fight was joined with Deus and the fight was joined with Deus and the fight was joined with Deus leading the Left Flank and Manus leading leading the Left Flank and Manus leading leading the Left Flank and Manus leading the right the fighting was intense and the right the fighting was intense and the right the fighting was intense and evenly matched but soon the Roman left evenly matched but soon the Roman left evenly matched but soon the Roman left began to buckle under the weight of the began to buckle under the weight of the began to buckle under the weight of the Latin Advance supposedly desius knowing Latin Advance supposedly desius knowing Latin Advance supposedly desius knowing what he must do dawned a ceremonial what he must do dawned a ceremonial what he must do dawned a ceremonial purple tinged toga and veiled his face purple tinged toga and veiled his face purple tinged toga and veiled his face then fully armed he mounted his horse then fully armed he mounted his horse then fully armed he mounted his horse and charged into the opposing line the and charged into the opposing line the and charged into the opposing line the Latin were at first terrified at the Latin were at first terrified at the Latin were at first terrified at the appearance of this mad masked Horseman appearance of this mad masked Horseman appearance of this mad masked Horseman and Deus killed not an insignificant and Deus killed not an insignificant and Deus killed not an insignificant number before he was finally taken down number before he was finally taken down number before he was finally taken down by a shower of Spears Manlius watching by a shower of Spears Manlius watching by a shower of Spears Manlius watching his colleague fall knew that victory was his colleague fall knew that victory was his colleague fall knew that victory was within his grasp he held back a reserve within his grasp he held back a reserve within his grasp he held back a reserve of Veteran soldiers and when the Latin of Veteran soldiers and when the Latin of Veteran soldiers and when the Latin were worn down manle sent in the fresh were worn down manle sent in the fresh were worn down manle sent in the fresh troops and the Latin broke returning to troops and the Latin broke returning to troops and the Latin broke returning to Rome it is said that Manlius was greeted Rome it is said that Manlius was greeted Rome it is said that Manlius was greeted with a claim by the older men but with a claim by the older men but with a claim by the older men but shunned by the young who hated him for shunned by the young who hated him for shunned by the young who hated him for executing Titus a well-liked young Noble executing Titus a well-liked young Noble executing Titus a well-liked young Noble and whether it was deus's sacrifice or and whether it was deus's sacrifice or and whether it was deus's sacrifice or Manlius his tactics the Latin were Manlius his tactics the Latin were Manlius his tactics the Latin were beaten over the course of the next year beaten over the course of the next year beaten over the course of the next year and a half the Romans pursued a policy and a half the Romans pursued a policy and a half the Romans pursued a policy of laying Siege to each of the Latin of laying Siege to each of the Latin of laying Siege to each of the Latin cities one by one dividing them so none cities one by one dividing them so none cities one by one dividing them so none could offer aid to any of the others it could offer aid to any of the others it could offer aid to any of the others it was during this stage of the war that was during this stage of the war that was during this stage of the war that the samnites provided auxiliary forces the samnites provided auxiliary forces the samnites provided auxiliary forces to the Roman effort joining the two to the Roman effort joining the two to the Roman effort joining the two enemies briefly under the same Banner it

enemies briefly under the same Banner it enemies briefly under the same Banner it was in both of their interest to put was in both of their interest to put was in both of their interest to put down the rising Latins before the Roman down the rising Latins before the Roman down the rising Latins before the Roman samnite battle for Italian Supremacy samnite battle for Italian Supremacy samnite battle for Italian Supremacy really got going no sense in having some really got going no sense in having some really got going no sense in having some third-party wild card in the mix they third-party wild card in the mix they third-party wild card in the mix they both agreed on both agreed on both agreed on that some of the Latin cities that some of the Latin cities that some of the Latin cities surrendered at the sight of the Roman surrendered at the sight of the Roman surrendered at the sight of the Roman army some resisted a little and then army some resisted a little and then army some resisted a little and then gave up and some fought to The Bitter gave up and some fought to The Bitter gave up and some fought to The Bitter End when it was over Rome had subdued End when it was over Rome had subdued End when it was over Rome had subdued the entirety of lum the entirety of lum the entirety of lum at this point the Latin League was at this point the Latin League was at this point the Latin League was abolished once and for all and any abolished once and for all and any abolished once and for all and any independent Latin identity was destroyed independent Latin identity was destroyed independent Latin identity was destroyed forever in the aftermath the Senate forever in the aftermath the Senate forever in the aftermath the Senate gathered and decided the fate of each gathered and decided the fate of each gathered and decided the fate of each Latin tribe on a case-by casee basis Latin tribe on a case-by casee basis Latin tribe on a case-by casee basis those who gave up quickly or never those who gave up quickly or never those who gave up quickly or never joined the Rebellion were given full joined the Rebellion were given full joined the Rebellion were given full Roman citizenship those who resisted Roman citizenship those who resisted Roman citizenship those who resisted some were allowed to keep inter marriage some were allowed to keep inter marriage some were allowed to keep inter marriage and trade rights but denied the vote and trade rights but denied the vote and trade rights but denied the vote while those who led the Revolt were while those who led the Revolt were while those who led the Revolt were turned off their land and their Holdings turned off their land and their Holdings turned off their land and their Holdings were colonized by Roman were colonized by Roman were colonized by Roman citizens this treatment of the Latins citizens this treatment of the Latins citizens this treatment of the Latins was typical of Roman official policy was typical of Roman official policy was typical of Roman official policy anyone who is predisposed to friendship anyone who is predisposed to friendship anyone who is predisposed to friendship and did not resist Roman rule was and did not resist Roman rule was and did not resist Roman rule was welcomed openly into the Empire and welcomed openly into the Empire and welcomed openly into the Empire and given an array of Rights and privileges given an array of Rights and privileges given an array of Rights and privileges while those predisposed to hostility and while those predisposed to hostility and while those predisposed to hostility and resistance were simply wiped off the map resistance were simply wiped off the map resistance were simply wiped off the map most Nations and tribes fell into the most Nations and tribes fell into the most Nations and tribes fell into the former camp and found themselves well former camp and found themselves well former camp and found themselves well treated by their new Roman overlords it treated by their new Roman overlords it treated by their new Roman overlords it was this policy of generosity that was this policy of generosity that was this policy of generosity that secured the longevity of the ethnically secured the longevity of the ethnically secured the longevity of the ethnically diverse Empire that and the ruthless diverse Empire that and the ruthless diverse Empire that and the ruthless extermination of those tribes and extermination of those tribes and extermination of those tribes and Nations who fell into the latter

Nations who fell into the latter Nations who fell into the latter Camp the stage is now set for one of the Camp the stage is now set for one of the Camp the stage is now set for one of the most important Wars in Roman history the most important Wars in Roman history the most important Wars in Roman history the second or Great samnite War it is second or Great samnite War it is second or Great samnite War it is comparable in historical importance to comparable in historical importance to comparable in historical importance to the Second Punic War which saw the the Second Punic War which saw the the Second Punic War which saw the Romans defeat Carthage and the Romans defeat Carthage and the Romans defeat Carthage and the Macedonian Wars which brought Greece Macedonian Wars which brought Greece Macedonian Wars which brought Greece under Roman under Roman under Roman control in the second samnite war the control in the second samnite war the control in the second samnite war the Romans for the first time set themselves Romans for the first time set themselves Romans for the first time set themselves on a course of ious expansion with an on a course of ious expansion with an on a course of ious expansion with an eye on winning a far-reaching eye on winning a far-reaching eye on winning a far-reaching Empire it was a decades long fight and Empire it was a decades long fight and Empire it was a decades long fight and the Romans nearly lost a number of times the Romans nearly lost a number of times the Romans nearly lost a number of times but when it was over Rome found itself but when it was over Rome found itself but when it was over Rome found itself in control of all in control of all in control of all Italy but before we get into all that I Italy but before we get into all that I Italy but before we get into all that I want to pause and give a fuller account want to pause and give a fuller account want to pause and give a fuller account of the Roman legion how it fought how it of the Roman legion how it fought how it of the Roman legion how it fought how it operated and how it was commanded the operated and how it was commanded the operated and how it was commanded the samnite war has marked a period of samnite war has marked a period of samnite war has marked a period of transition for the Army and this is a transition for the Army and this is a transition for the Army and this is a good time to take a look at how the good time to take a look at how the good time to take a look at how the Romans had fought in the past and how Romans had fought in the past and how Romans had fought in the past and how they would fight in the future the they would fight in the future the they would fight in the future the strategy and tactics and formation of strategy and tactics and formation of strategy and tactics and formation of the Legion would remain in place for the the Legion would remain in place for the the Legion would remain in place for the next 200 odd years until Marius came next 200 odd years until Marius came next 200 odd years until Marius came along and reorganized it yet again and I along and reorganized it yet again and I along and reorganized it yet again and I want you to have a good picture in your want you to have a good picture in your want you to have a good picture in your mind of what things looked like as we mind of what things looked like as we mind of what things looked like as we move forward because it will allow you move forward because it will allow you move forward because it will allow you to visualize the battles of the upcoming to visualize the battles of the upcoming to visualize the battles of the upcoming Punic Wars better and later to fully Punic Wars better and later to fully Punic Wars better and later to fully understand why the Romans were able to understand why the Romans were able to understand why the Romans were able to so decisively defeat the so decisively defeat the so decisively defeat the Greeks so next week we will learn about Greeks so next week we will learn about Greeks so next week we will learn about the failings its strengths and weakness the failings its strengths and weakness the failings its strengths and weakness and why the Romans scrapped it in favor and why the Romans scrapped it in favor and why the Romans scrapped it in favor of the maniple system how many Mena of the maniple system how many Mena of the maniple system how many Mena Centurion really LED hint the answer is

Centurion really LED hint the answer is Centurion really LED hint the answer is not 100 and what the word legion not 100 and what the word legion not 100 and what the word legion actually means hello and welcome to the history of hello and welcome to the history of Rome to answer one of the most basic Rome to answer one of the most basic Rome to answer one of the most basic questions about Rome why was it able to questions about Rome why was it able to questions about Rome why was it able to control so much territory for so long control so much territory for so long control so much territory for so long one need look no further than the Roman one need look no further than the Roman one need look no further than the Roman legion there are Myriad secondary legion there are Myriad secondary legion there are Myriad secondary reasons competent hands-off reasons competent hands-off reasons competent hands-off Administration sound economic policies Administration sound economic policies Administration sound economic policies and Superior engineering skills but at and Superior engineering skills but at and Superior engineering skills but at the beginning and end of the day it was the beginning and end of the day it was the beginning and end of the day it was the legion that secured the longevity of the legion that secured the longevity of the legion that secured the longevity of Rome no fighting force matched it in the Rome no fighting force matched it in the Rome no fighting force matched it in the ancient world but its dominance was not ancient world but its dominance was not ancient world but its dominance was not the result of finding a perfect method the result of finding a perfect method the result of finding a perfect method of organizing and Leading Men and then of organizing and Leading Men and then of organizing and Leading Men and then sticking to that static model forever sticking to that static model forever sticking to that static model forever rather the Romans constantly tinkered rather the Romans constantly tinkered rather the Romans constantly tinkered rearranged and improved the legions rearranged and improved the legions rearranged and improved the legions depending on depending on depending on circumstances one of the great Virtues circumstances one of the great Virtues circumstances one of the great Virtues Of Rome and one the Romans themselves Of Rome and one the Romans themselves Of Rome and one the Romans themselves took immense pride in was their ability took immense pride in was their ability took immense pride in was their ability to learn from their own mistakes and to learn from their own mistakes and to learn from their own mistakes and adopt the superior methods of their adopt the superior methods of their adopt the superior methods of their enemies when I was in college I took a

enemies when I was in college I took a enemies when I was in college I took a course in ancient political Theory where course in ancient political Theory where course in ancient political Theory where we studied Plato and Aristotle the we studied Plato and Aristotle the we studied Plato and Aristotle the sophists and other Greek thinkers but sophists and other Greek thinkers but sophists and other Greek thinkers but when we got to the Romans apart from when we got to the Romans apart from when we got to the Romans apart from some cursory reading of Cicero and some cursory reading of Cicero and some cursory reading of Cicero and Marcus Aurelius my professor spent the Marcus Aurelius my professor spent the Marcus Aurelius my professor spent the class periods teaching us Legion class periods teaching us Legion class periods teaching us Legion infantry tactics and how the Roman roads infantry tactics and how the Roman roads infantry tactics and how the Roman roads and camps were built that was Roman and camps were built that was Roman and camps were built that was Roman political Theory not discourses on the political Theory not discourses on the political Theory not discourses on the meaning of Justice or comparative essays meaning of Justice or comparative essays meaning of Justice or comparative essays on state organization but rather how on state organization but rather how on state organization but rather how best to build a wall and how to maintain best to build a wall and how to maintain best to build a wall and how to maintain lines of communication in the thick of lines of communication in the thick of lines of communication in the thick of battle the Romans did not spend a lot of battle the Romans did not spend a lot of battle the Romans did not spend a lot of time with their head in the clouds but time with their head in the clouds but time with their head in the clouds but they did spend a lot of time with their they did spend a lot of time with their they did spend a lot of time with their feet in the feet in the feet in the mud the power dominance and stability mud the power dominance and stability mud the power dominance and stability and Legacy of Rome is all wrapped up in and Legacy of Rome is all wrapped up in and Legacy of Rome is all wrapped up in its Army understanding the legions is its Army understanding the legions is its Army understanding the legions is critical to understanding the Romans and critical to understanding the Romans and critical to understanding the Romans and shifts in how the legions operated shifts in how the legions operated shifts in how the legions operated mirrored shifts in the sociopolitical mirrored shifts in the sociopolitical mirrored shifts in the sociopolitical world that surrounded world that surrounded world that surrounded them I originally intended this section them I originally intended this section them I originally intended this section to be one episode but as I progressed it to be one episode but as I progressed it to be one episode but as I progressed it kept growing and growing and so rather kept growing and growing and so rather kept growing and growing and so rather than inundating you with too much than inundating you with too much than inundating you with too much information I have decided to divide it information I have decided to divide it information I have decided to divide it into two parts today I will give a brief into two parts today I will give a brief into two parts today I will give a brief overview of how the legions changed over overview of how the legions changed over overview of how the legions changed over the years and then go into detail about the years and then go into detail about the years and then go into detail about the Greek failinks in particular what it the Greek failinks in particular what it the Greek failinks in particular what it was why it was so strong and what its was why it was so strong and what its was why it was so strong and what its flaws were the Romans used the failinks flaws were the Romans used the failinks flaws were the Romans used the failinks until the samnite wars when they morphed until the samnite wars when they morphed until the samnite wars when they morphed into a new system I will detail next into a new system I will detail next into a new system I will detail next week for those of you with a background week for those of you with a background week for those of you with a background in ancient history I'm sure you've heard in ancient history I'm sure you've heard in ancient history I'm sure you've heard more than enough about the fic but I

more than enough about the fic but I more than enough about the fic but I want to make sure everyone is on the want to make sure everyone is on the want to make sure everyone is on the same page and I think understanding same page and I think understanding same page and I think understanding infantry tactics is critical to infantry tactics is critical to infantry tactics is critical to understanding classical Mediterranean understanding classical Mediterranean understanding classical Mediterranean history as a history as a history as a whole in general and this is very whole in general and this is very whole in general and this is very general the army of the Roman Republic general the army of the Roman Republic general the army of the Roman Republic had four distinct phases the first phase had four distinct phases the first phase had four distinct phases the first phase was ushered in by Romulus when he was ushered in by Romulus when he was ushered in by Romulus when he founded the Army it was a originally founded the Army it was a originally founded the Army it was a originally formed like any other Barbarian horde formed like any other Barbarian horde formed like any other Barbarian horde with a strong leader leading a mass of with a strong leader leading a mass of with a strong leader leading a mass of men who charged at the enemy and battled men who charged at the enemy and battled men who charged at the enemy and battled hand to hand one-on-one until one side hand to hand one-on-one until one side hand to hand one-on-one until one side overpowered the other the second phase overpowered the other the second phase overpowered the other the second phase began roughly with the class reforms of began roughly with the class reforms of began roughly with the class reforms of cus in the mid 500s BC at this point the cus in the mid 500s BC at this point the cus in the mid 500s BC at this point the Romans began to utilize the Greek Romans began to utilize the Greek Romans began to utilize the Greek failinks relying on disciplined group failinks relying on disciplined group failinks relying on disciplined group oriented attacks rather than the freefor oriented attacks rather than the freefor oriented attacks rather than the freefor all of romulus's day this lasted until all of romulus's day this lasted until all of romulus's day this lasted until the mid 300s BC when the samite wars the mid 300s BC when the samite wars the mid 300s BC when the samite wars exposed dangerous flaws in the failinks exposed dangerous flaws in the failinks exposed dangerous flaws in the failinks and forced the Romans to reorganize and forced the Romans to reorganize and forced the Romans to reorganize their entire Army and start a third their entire Army and start a third their entire Army and start a third phase based around the maniple which I phase based around the maniple which I phase based around the maniple which I will discuss at length next week later will discuss at length next week later will discuss at length next week later around 100 BC Marius ushered in the around 100 BC Marius ushered in the around 100 BC Marius ushered in the fourth and Final Phase of the Republican fourth and Final Phase of the Republican fourth and Final Phase of the Republican Army instituting a series of reforms Army instituting a series of reforms Army instituting a series of reforms affecting not just how the Army fought affecting not just how the Army fought affecting not just how the Army fought tactically but also how the soldiers tactically but also how the soldiers tactically but also how the soldiers were recruited removing property were recruited removing property were recruited removing property qualifications and creating the first qualifications and creating the first qualifications and creating the first full-time professional Legion full-time professional Legion full-time professional Legion this was a major contributing factor to this was a major contributing factor to this was a major contributing factor to the death of the Republic and the rise the death of the Republic and the rise the death of the Republic and the rise of the of the of the Imperium at this point in the podcast we Imperium at this point in the podcast we Imperium at this point in the podcast we have reached one of those watershed

have reached one of those watershed have reached one of those watershed moments the mid 300s BC that saw a moments the mid 300s BC that saw a moments the mid 300s BC that saw a transition from one of these phases to transition from one of these phases to transition from one of these phases to another and this transition is another and this transition is another and this transition is particularly of vital importance because particularly of vital importance because particularly of vital importance because it moved Rome from having just another it moved Rome from having just another it moved Rome from having just another classical Greek hoplight army to having classical Greek hoplight army to having classical Greek hoplight army to having an army that was distinctly an army that was distinctly an army that was distinctly Roman the Romans as I've mentioned were Roman the Romans as I've mentioned were Roman the Romans as I've mentioned were heavily influenced by the Greeks not heavily influenced by the Greeks not heavily influenced by the Greeks not just in art and culture but also in the just in art and culture but also in the just in art and culture but also in the employment of arms in the mid sth and employment of arms in the mid sth and employment of arms in the mid sth and 8th centuries BC the Greeks adopted a 8th centuries BC the Greeks adopted a 8th centuries BC the Greeks adopted a formation of attack called the failinks formation of attack called the failinks formation of attack called the failinks which was composed of individual which was composed of individual which was composed of individual soldiers called hotlights the failing soldiers called hotlights the failing soldiers called hotlights the failing was the most formidable method of attack was the most formidable method of attack was the most formidable method of attack in its day and spread throughout the in its day and spread throughout the in its day and spread throughout the Mediterranean finding its way to Rome as Mediterranean finding its way to Rome as Mediterranean finding its way to Rome as I said around the mid 500s I said around the mid 500s I said around the mid 500s BC put simply the Greeks abandoned the BC put simply the Greeks abandoned the BC put simply the Greeks abandoned the chaotic charges of man-to-man fighting chaotic charges of man-to-man fighting chaotic charges of man-to-man fighting in favor of a highly organized formation in favor of a highly organized formation in favor of a highly organized formation which would charge and engage the enemy which would charge and engage the enemy which would charge and engage the enemy as one for hundreds of years the only as one for hundreds of years the only as one for hundreds of years the only thing that could stop a failinks was thing that could stop a failinks was thing that could stop a failinks was another failing of equal strength hence another failing of equal strength hence another failing of equal strength hence the speed of its adoption throughout the the speed of its adoption throughout the the speed of its adoption throughout the Western Western Western World a failing was composed of a single World a failing was composed of a single World a failing was composed of a single line 8 to 16 men deep depending on the line 8 to 16 men deep depending on the line 8 to 16 men deep depending on the battlefield and number of hop lights battlefield and number of hop lights battlefield and number of hop lights available as a rule of thumb deeper was available as a rule of thumb deeper was available as a rule of thumb deeper was better for failes and there were counts better for failes and there were counts better for failes and there were counts of failes up to 50 men deep in some of failes up to 50 men deep in some of failes up to 50 men deep in some battles commanders had to make hard battles commanders had to make hard battles commanders had to make hard choices however because the line had to choices however because the line had to choices however because the line had to be long enough to prevent any be long enough to prevent any be long enough to prevent any outflanking maneuver which meant certain outflanking maneuver which meant certain outflanking maneuver which meant certain death so a balance was always sought

death so a balance was always sought death so a balance was always sought between length and depth at Marathon for between length and depth at Marathon for between length and depth at Marathon for example the Greeks gambled by spreading example the Greeks gambled by spreading example the Greeks gambled by spreading their phics thin to prevent the their phics thin to prevent the their phics thin to prevent the numerically Superior Persians from numerically Superior Persians from numerically Superior Persians from outflanking them the gamble paid off but outflanking them the gamble paid off but outflanking them the gamble paid off but the Persians nearly did break the thin the Persians nearly did break the thin the Persians nearly did break the thin Greek line and had they done so the Greek line and had they done so the Greek line and had they done so the history of the world would have been history of the world would have been history of the world would have been altered dramatically altered dramatically altered dramatically during battle the men in the front line during battle the men in the front line during battle the men in the front line held their oval Shields called hoplon held their oval Shields called hoplon held their oval Shields called hoplon hence the name hoplight in their left hence the name hoplight in their left hence the name hoplight in their left hands and long Spears in their right the hands and long Spears in their right the hands and long Spears in their right the hoplight stood close together and in hoplight stood close together and in hoplight stood close together and in such a way that their Shield protected such a way that their Shield protected such a way that their Shield protected the man to their left and the man on the man to their left and the man on the man to their left and the man on their right protected them this formed a their right protected them this formed a their right protected them this formed a shield wall that was virtually shield wall that was virtually shield wall that was virtually impenetrable in between the shields the impenetrable in between the shields the impenetrable in between the shields the spears of the second third and sometimes spears of the second third and sometimes spears of the second third and sometimes fourth ranks shot through the gaps fourth ranks shot through the gaps fourth ranks shot through the gaps stabbing and gorging any anything they stabbing and gorging any anything they stabbing and gorging any anything they could a mass of individual Fighters could a mass of individual Fighters could a mass of individual Fighters would simply be massacred if they would simply be massacred if they would simply be massacred if they attempted a head-on attack they would be attempted a head-on attack they would be attempted a head-on attack they would be unable to break through a welld unable to break through a welld unable to break through a welld disciplined disciplined disciplined failing now I know what you're thinking failing now I know what you're thinking failing now I know what you're thinking if a failing was 8 or 12 or 16 men deep if a failing was 8 or 12 or 16 men deep if a failing was 8 or 12 or 16 men deep and only the front four lines were and only the front four lines were and only the front four lines were attacking what were the other four eight attacking what were the other four eight attacking what were the other four eight or 12 lines doing the answer is or 12 lines doing the answer is or 12 lines doing the answer is three-fold but all three folds relate to three-fold but all three folds relate to three-fold but all three folds relate to the all important task of maintaining the all important task of maintaining the all important task of maintaining the cohesion of the failings the cohesion of the failings the cohesion of the failings the first fold is that as the failinks the first fold is that as the failinks the first fold is that as the failinks initially charged each other and in the initially charged each other and in the initially charged each other and in the subsequent shoving match the front lines subsequent shoving match the front lines subsequent shoving match the front lines had to be braced by the men behind them had to be braced by the men behind them had to be braced by the men behind them so they literally physically could not

so they literally physically could not so they literally physically could not be pushed be pushed be pushed back the second fold is that the most back the second fold is that the most back the second fold is that the most common way of failing was broken was by common way of failing was broken was by common way of failing was broken was by Retreat from the rear once men started Retreat from the rear once men started Retreat from the rear once men started running out the back there was no more running out the back there was no more running out the back there was no more bracing no more support and the other bracing no more support and the other bracing no more support and the other Army could push right through Army could push right through Army could push right through you a deep line meant removing those you a deep line meant removing those you a deep line meant removing those back ranks from danger and hence back ranks from danger and hence back ranks from danger and hence removing their desire to run away the removing their desire to run away the removing their desire to run away the man in the backline of a 16-man failings man in the backline of a 16-man failings man in the backline of a 16-man failings was in no danger of being run through was in no danger of being run through was in no danger of being run through with a spear so he wasn't going to run with a spear so he wasn't going to run with a spear so he wasn't going to run it's basic it's basic it's basic psychology the third fold is that the psychology the third fold is that the psychology the third fold is that the stable back ranks prevented the men in stable back ranks prevented the men in stable back ranks prevented the men in front who really were in physical Danger front who really were in physical Danger front who really were in physical Danger from running away even if they were from running away even if they were from running away even if they were scared out of their minds if anyone in scared out of their minds if anyone in scared out of their minds if anyone in the front ran then the whole failings the front ran then the whole failings the front ran then the whole failings would break down and everyone would be would break down and everyone would be would break down and everyone would be slaughtered now I know what you're slaughtered now I know what you're slaughtered now I know what you're thinking again and the the answer is yes thinking again and the the answer is yes thinking again and the the answer is yes the first few ranks of a failinks was a the first few ranks of a failinks was a the first few ranks of a failinks was a really really crappy place to be tra really really crappy place to be tra really really crappy place to be tra between an enemy who was trying to kill between an enemy who was trying to kill between an enemy who was trying to kill you and friends who forced you to stay you and friends who forced you to stay you and friends who forced you to stay put even as they sat essentially on the put even as they sat essentially on the put even as they sat essentially on the sidelines the only way to live if you sidelines the only way to live if you sidelines the only way to live if you were in the front was to stick together were in the front was to stick together were in the front was to stick together and move forward so there was a and move forward so there was a and move forward so there was a motivational element to the formation as motivational element to the formation as motivational element to the formation as well there was indeed a lot of well there was indeed a lot of well there was indeed a lot of psychology built into the failing maybe psychology built into the failing maybe psychology built into the failing maybe all that philosophizing on The Human all that philosophizing on The Human all that philosophizing on The Human Condition paid off in po Society like Condition paid off in po Society like Condition paid off in po Society like Greece though men clamored to be in the Greece though men clamored to be in the Greece though men clamored to be in the front ranks because that's where all the front ranks because that's where all the front ranks because that's where all the honor and Glory was and where the honor and Glory was and where the honor and Glory was and where the commanders placed their best men so commanders placed their best men so commanders placed their best men so despite all the dangers they didn't despite all the dangers they didn't despite all the dangers they didn't think the front was such a bad place to

think the front was such a bad place to think the front was such a bad place to be to each his own I be to each his own I be to each his own I guess now a last important word on the guess now a last important word on the guess now a last important word on the failinks it was designed for and used on failinks it was designed for and used on failinks it was designed for and used on flat open planes where the ranks could flat open planes where the ranks could flat open planes where the ranks could be deployed properly and there were no be deployed properly and there were no be deployed properly and there were no holes in the line in a failinks a single holes in the line in a failinks a single holes in the line in a failinks a single Gap meant death the survival of the Army Gap meant death the survival of the Army Gap meant death the survival of the Army was absolutely dependent on an unbroken was absolutely dependent on an unbroken was absolutely dependent on an unbroken Shield wall in Greece this worked well Shield wall in Greece this worked well Shield wall in Greece this worked well because both sides used failes and so because both sides used failes and so because both sides used failes and so both sought the same sort of terrain but both sought the same sort of terrain but both sought the same sort of terrain but against an army who used vastly against an army who used vastly against an army who used vastly different tactics on unstable hilly different tactics on unstable hilly different tactics on unstable hilly terrain the failings was vulnerable a terrain the failings was vulnerable a terrain the failings was vulnerable a fact the Romans would learn the hard fact the Romans would learn the hard fact the Romans would learn the hard way in the hundreds of years that the way in the hundreds of years that the way in the hundreds of years that the Romans had used the standard failinks Romans had used the standard failinks Romans had used the standard failinks they had been well served because they they had been well served because they they had been well served because they were fighting either other failes or were fighting either other failes or were fighting either other failes or gallic hordes who were no batch for a gallic hordes who were no batch for a gallic hordes who were no batch for a solid Shield wall with hundreds of solid Shield wall with hundreds of solid Shield wall with hundreds of Spears jutting out of it but when they Spears jutting out of it but when they Spears jutting out of it but when they met the samnites the weaknesses of the met the samnites the weaknesses of the met the samnites the weaknesses of the failinks became all to apparent the failinks became all to apparent the failinks became all to apparent the Steep rough country of samnium where Steep rough country of samnium where Steep rough country of samnium where most of the fighting of the samnite wars most of the fighting of the samnite wars most of the fighting of the samnite wars took place made it difficult to deploy took place made it difficult to deploy took place made it difficult to deploy and maintain a cohesive failings plus and maintain a cohesive failings plus and maintain a cohesive failings plus the samite light infantry and Cavalry the samite light infantry and Cavalry the samite light infantry and Cavalry used to the terrain were able to easily used to the terrain were able to easily used to the terrain were able to easily outflank the Romans and as I said an outflank the Romans and as I said an outflank the Romans and as I said an outflanked failings was as good as dead outflanked failings was as good as dead outflanked failings was as good as dead this fatal flaw spelled the end of the this fatal flaw spelled the end of the this fatal flaw spelled the end of the Roman use of the failings it was simply Roman use of the failings it was simply Roman use of the failings it was simply not maneuverable enough when attacking not maneuverable enough when attacking not maneuverable enough when attacking head-on a failing was indestructible but head-on a failing was indestructible but head-on a failing was indestructible but once hit from the side or back it was a once hit from the side or back it was a once hit from the side or back it was a Sitting Duck the densely packed Soldier

Sitting Duck the densely packed Soldier Sitting Duck the densely packed Soldier simply could not turn and set up the simply could not turn and set up the simply could not turn and set up the critical defense of Shield wall in time critical defense of Shield wall in time critical defense of Shield wall in time encumbered as they were with heavy armor encumbered as they were with heavy armor encumbered as they were with heavy armor and long Spears if given enough time the and long Spears if given enough time the and long Spears if given enough time the laugh right-and column could reform into laugh right-and column could reform into laugh right-and column could reform into a front line but in battle time was a front line but in battle time was a front line but in battle time was measured in seconds and a Cavalry measured in seconds and a Cavalry measured in seconds and a Cavalry Detachment that managed to get around Detachment that managed to get around Detachment that managed to get around the line was charging through the ranks the line was charging through the ranks the line was charging through the ranks in a heartbeat slaughtering the closely in a heartbeat slaughtering the closely in a heartbeat slaughtering the closely packed hoplight who could not even turn packed hoplight who could not even turn packed hoplight who could not even turn around to defend themselves this was why around to defend themselves this was why around to defend themselves this was why the failinks had to avoid being the failinks had to avoid being the failinks had to avoid being outflanked at all costs and why when the outflanked at all costs and why when the outflanked at all costs and why when the samnites proved they could get around samnites proved they could get around samnites proved they could get around the Romans the Romans changed forever the Romans the Romans changed forever the Romans the Romans changed forever their organizational deployment to their organizational deployment to their organizational deployment to develop an immunity to this chronic develop an immunity to this chronic develop an immunity to this chronic disease what the Romans developed was disease what the Romans developed was disease what the Romans developed was the system that has been handed down as the system that has been handed down as the system that has been handed down as the classic Republican Army formation the classic Republican Army formation the classic Republican Army formation which we will talk about about in detail which we will talk about about in detail which we will talk about about in detail next week the maniple system and its next week the maniple system and its next week the maniple system and its three-line deployment famously referred three-line deployment famously referred three-line deployment famously referred to as a failing with joints to as a failing with joints to as a failing with joints [Music] hello and welcome to the history of hello and welcome to the history of real last time we focused on the Greek real last time we focused on the Greek real last time we focused on the Greek failinks the formation of battle used by

failinks the formation of battle used by failinks the formation of battle used by the Roman army until the time of the the Roman army until the time of the the Roman army until the time of the samite wars this week I want to talk samite wars this week I want to talk samite wars this week I want to talk about the new system the Romans about the new system the Romans about the new system the Romans developed during and after their war developed during and after their war developed during and after their war with the samnites the new organizational with the samnites the new organizational with the samnites the new organizational structure would remain the standard for structure would remain the standard for structure would remain the standard for the next 250 odd years years until the the next 250 odd years years until the the next 250 odd years years until the Maran reform of 107 BC and become known Maran reform of 107 BC and become known Maran reform of 107 BC and become known to history as the maniple system it was to history as the maniple system it was to history as the maniple system it was called the maniple system because it was called the maniple system because it was called the maniple system because it was based around a tactile unit of 120 men based around a tactile unit of 120 men based around a tactile unit of 120 men called the maniple which roughly called the maniple which roughly called the maniple which roughly translates as a handful this unit was translates as a handful this unit was translates as a handful this unit was capable of acting independently of the capable of acting independently of the capable of acting independently of the rest of the army or in concert with the rest of the army or in concert with the rest of the army or in concert with the whole giving Roman commanders an whole giving Roman commanders an whole giving Roman commanders an advantage over their predecessor who had advantage over their predecessor who had advantage over their predecessor who had to deal with the bulky single line of a to deal with the bulky single line of a to deal with the bulky single line of a failinks designed only for closely failinks designed only for closely failinks designed only for closely coordinated forward movement in a pinch coordinated forward movement in a pinch coordinated forward movement in a pinch a general could now order off a single a general could now order off a single a general could now order off a single maniple to secure a ridge or plug a hole maniple to secure a ridge or plug a hole maniple to secure a ridge or plug a hole or turn to face an enemy from behind or turn to face an enemy from behind or turn to face an enemy from behind without jeopardizing the cohesion of the without jeopardizing the cohesion of the without jeopardizing the cohesion of the rest of the Army and the new Roman rest of the Army and the new Roman rest of the Army and the new Roman general had another advantage over his general had another advantage over his general had another advantage over his predecessor the Romans abandoned the predecessor the Romans abandoned the predecessor the Romans abandoned the single line in favor of a staggered single line in favor of a staggered single line in favor of a staggered three-line three-line three-line deployment at the outset of battle the deployment at the outset of battle the deployment at the outset of battle the lines formed with 10 manipol in the lines formed with 10 manipol in the lines formed with 10 manipol in the front 10 in the middle and 10 half front 10 in the middle and 10 half front 10 in the middle and 10 half manipol in the back arrayed in a checker manipol in the back arrayed in a checker manipol in the back arrayed in a checker board fashion some sources say there board fashion some sources say there board fashion some sources say there were 15 manaul in the front line and were 15 manaul in the front line and were 15 manaul in the front line and some say there were 15 in the front to some say there were 15 in the front to some say there were 15 in the front to the specifics are hard to weed out due the specifics are hard to weed out due the specifics are hard to weed out due to the lack of source material and the to the lack of source material and the to the lack of source material and the competing claims held therein so I'm competing claims held therein so I'm competing claims held therein so I'm saying 10 10 and 10 because that seems

saying 10 10 and 10 because that seems saying 10 10 and 10 because that seems to be the general consensus but just to be the general consensus but just to be the general consensus but just know that I could be wrong and without a know that I could be wrong and without a know that I could be wrong and without a time machine we'll never know for sure time machine we'll never know for sure time machine we'll never know for sure somewhere between 10 and 15 in the front somewhere between 10 and 15 in the front somewhere between 10 and 15 in the front two lines anyway and definitely 10 in two lines anyway and definitely 10 in two lines anyway and definitely 10 in the back the back the back the Frontline maniples were made up of the Frontline maniples were made up of the Frontline maniples were made up of the youngest and most inexperienced the youngest and most inexperienced the youngest and most inexperienced soldiers generally aged 16 to 20 out on soldiers generally aged 16 to 20 out on soldiers generally aged 16 to 20 out on their first campaigns the second line their first campaigns the second line their first campaigns the second line was made up of soldiers in the prime of was made up of soldiers in the prime of was made up of soldiers in the prime of their lives between the ages of 20 and their lives between the ages of 20 and their lives between the ages of 20 and 40 the back line was made up of the 40 the back line was made up of the 40 the back line was made up of the oldest troops Veterans of countless oldest troops Veterans of countless oldest troops Veterans of countless campaigns with all the wisdom and skill campaigns with all the wisdom and skill campaigns with all the wisdom and skill that follows from age and that follows from age and that follows from age and experience organizationally each single experience organizationally each single experience organizationally each single maniple had four officers two front maniple had four officers two front maniple had four officers two front senior centur centons and two back senior centur centons and two back senior centur centons and two back junior centurions they were called junior centurions they were called junior centurions they were called centurions because they commanded a centurions because they commanded a centurions because they commanded a single Century the most basic single Century the most basic single Century the most basic organizational unit of the army and a organizational unit of the army and a organizational unit of the army and a maniple was composed of two centuries maniple was composed of two centuries maniple was composed of two centuries hence two officers a Roman army century hence two officers a Roman army century hence two officers a Roman army century was not composed of 100 men as is was not composed of 100 men as is was not composed of 100 men as is commonly and mistakenly believed but commonly and mistakenly believed but commonly and mistakenly believed but rather 60 to 80 men the senior of the rather 60 to 80 men the senior of the rather 60 to 80 men the senior of the two senior centurions was the commander two senior centurions was the commander two senior centurions was the commander of the maniple and placed in the front of the maniple and placed in the front of the maniple and placed in the front right when in battle they were expected right when in battle they were expected right when in battle they were expected to lead by example and be the first ones to lead by example and be the first ones to lead by example and be the first ones in and the last ones out of any fight in and the last ones out of any fight in and the last ones out of any fight the mortality rate among centurions was the mortality rate among centurions was the mortality rate among centurions was thus the highest in the Army but again thus the highest in the Army but again thus the highest in the Army but again as with the front ranks of the failinks as with the front ranks of the failinks as with the front ranks of the failinks men clamored for the position because of men clamored for the position because of men clamored for the position because of the honor it brought them and their the honor it brought them and their the honor it brought them and their families the basic theory was to attack

families the basic theory was to attack families the basic theory was to attack first with the Frontline only who being first with the Frontline only who being first with the Frontline only who being young were strong and full of stamina young were strong and full of stamina young were strong and full of stamina ideally the rest of the army would never ideally the rest of the army would never ideally the rest of the army would never have to attack and the front line would have to attack and the front line would have to attack and the front line would take care of the enemy but this rarely take care of the enemy but this rarely take care of the enemy but this rarely happened inevitably the second line happened inevitably the second line happened inevitably the second line would be ordered in to support the first would be ordered in to support the first would be ordered in to support the first these troops hardened strong and these troops hardened strong and these troops hardened strong and experienced were usually enough to experienced were usually enough to experienced were usually enough to secure Victory the enemy worn down from secure Victory the enemy worn down from secure Victory the enemy worn down from fighting the Roman youth would be no fighting the Roman youth would be no fighting the Roman youth would be no match for those youth plus an equal match for those youth plus an equal match for those youth plus an equal number of veterans if this was not number of veterans if this was not number of veterans if this was not enough however the last line was ordered enough however the last line was ordered enough however the last line was ordered into support if this backline got into support if this backline got into support if this backline got involved it meant that things were not involved it meant that things were not involved it meant that things were not going well for the Romans but the old going well for the Romans but the old going well for the Romans but the old men were usually enough to break the men were usually enough to break the men were usually enough to break the back of a particularly stubborn back of a particularly stubborn back of a particularly stubborn enemy the maniple system was based enemy the maniple system was based enemy the maniple system was based around the principle of time relase around the principle of time relase around the principle of time relase freshness opponents of Rome would attack freshness opponents of Rome would attack freshness opponents of Rome would attack all at once and with great fervor often all at once and with great fervor often all at once and with great fervor often overexerting themselves by the belief overexerting themselves by the belief overexerting themselves by the belief that they could overwhelm the front that they could overwhelm the front that they could overwhelm the front Roman line easily and move on to the Roman line easily and move on to the Roman line easily and move on to the rest of the army but things were rarely rest of the army but things were rarely rest of the army but things were rarely that easy for them and bogged down by that easy for them and bogged down by that easy for them and bogged down by the front line of Roman youth the the front line of Roman youth the the front line of Roman youth the opposing armies became fatigued and were opposing armies became fatigued and were opposing armies became fatigued and were then routed when the rest of the Roman then routed when the rest of the Roman then routed when the rest of the Roman army got involved army got involved army got involved Beyond these three basic lines of heavy Beyond these three basic lines of heavy Beyond these three basic lines of heavy infantry there were three other infantry there were three other infantry there were three other important elements needed to complete important elements needed to complete important elements needed to complete the legion as it lined up for battle the legion as it lined up for battle the legion as it lined up for battle first there was the light infantry made first there was the light infantry made first there was the light infantry made up of men Rich enough to qualify for up of men Rich enough to qualify for up of men Rich enough to qualify for service but too poor to afford all the service but too poor to afford all the service but too poor to afford all the gear needed to survive in heavy infantry gear needed to survive in heavy infantry gear needed to survive in heavy infantry fighting in any given Legion there were

fighting in any given Legion there were fighting in any given Legion there were between a, and 1200 of these fighters between a, and 1200 of these fighters between a, and 1200 of these fighters who at the beginning of battle stood in who at the beginning of battle stood in who at the beginning of battle stood in front of the three lines to mask the front of the three lines to mask the front of the three lines to mask the size and formation of the Roman army size and formation of the Roman army size and formation of the Roman army when the signal for battle was given the when the signal for battle was given the when the signal for battle was given the light infantry would rush the enemy and light infantry would rush the enemy and light infantry would rush the enemy and hurl Spears and javelins attempting to hurl Spears and javelins attempting to hurl Spears and javelins attempting to disrupt the cohesion and inflict some disrupt the cohesion and inflict some disrupt the cohesion and inflict some minor damage before retreating quickly minor damage before retreating quickly minor damage before retreating quickly through the three lines to the back of through the three lines to the back of through the three lines to the back of the Legion light infantry never made the Legion light infantry never made the Legion light infantry never made much of a difference in the actual much of a difference in the actual much of a difference in the actual fighting having served their purpose if fighting having served their purpose if fighting having served their purpose if the enemy remained in the dark about the enemy remained in the dark about the enemy remained in the dark about Roman formations and eventually when the Roman formations and eventually when the Roman formations and eventually when the state began to take responsibility for state began to take responsibility for state began to take responsibility for the arming of soldiers the light troops the arming of soldiers the light troops the arming of soldiers the light troops were phased out and folded into the rest were phased out and folded into the rest were phased out and folded into the rest of the lines of the lines of the lines on the wings as was typical of the day on the wings as was typical of the day on the wings as was typical of the day the Romans placed the Cavalry their job the Romans placed the Cavalry their job the Romans placed the Cavalry their job was to engage the opposing Cavalry and was to engage the opposing Cavalry and was to engage the opposing Cavalry and take them out of the fight so the two take them out of the fight so the two take them out of the fight so the two infantry lines had to fight head-to-head infantry lines had to fight head-to-head infantry lines had to fight head-to-head without help a fight the Romans always without help a fight the Romans always without help a fight the Romans always felt they could felt they could felt they could win once the opposing Cavalry was out of win once the opposing Cavalry was out of win once the opposing Cavalry was out of the way the Roman Horsemen would plunge the way the Roman Horsemen would plunge the way the Roman Horsemen would plunge into the Enemy Lines and attempt to do into the Enemy Lines and attempt to do into the Enemy Lines and attempt to do as much damage as they possibly as much damage as they possibly as much damage as they possibly could in addition to these two basic could in addition to these two basic could in addition to these two basic tasks the Cal was always watchful of tasks the Cal was always watchful of tasks the Cal was always watchful of potential flanking Maneuvers or surprise potential flanking Maneuvers or surprise potential flanking Maneuvers or surprise attacks from the attacks from the attacks from the rear constitutionally the cavalary was rear constitutionally the cavalary was rear constitutionally the cavalary was initially made up of the richest Romans initially made up of the richest Romans initially made up of the richest Romans the equites but as the years passed the the equites but as the years passed the the equites but as the years passed the Romans farmed out Cavalry work to their Romans farmed out Cavalry work to their Romans farmed out Cavalry work to their allies never being great Horsemen allies never being great Horsemen allies never being great Horsemen themselves and these allies were the themselves and these allies were the themselves and these allies were the third element needed to complete a

third element needed to complete a third element needed to complete a standard Legion also stationed on the standard Legion also stationed on the standard Legion also stationed on the wings between the Roman lines and the wings between the Roman lines and the wings between the Roman lines and the Cavalry the Allies were somewhere in Cavalry the Allies were somewhere in Cavalry the Allies were somewhere in between heavy light infantry through the between heavy light infantry through the between heavy light infantry through the Republican period they were led by Roman Republican period they were led by Roman Republican period they were led by Roman officers But as time went on they began officers But as time went on they began officers But as time went on they began to be led by their own Chiefs or to be led by their own Chiefs or to be led by their own Chiefs or generals the Allies were required to generals the Allies were required to generals the Allies were required to contribute an equal number of infantry contribute an equal number of infantry contribute an equal number of infantry and twice the Cavalry that the Romans and twice the Cavalry that the Romans and twice the Cavalry that the Romans themselves provided these draft themselves provided these draft themselves provided these draft requirements would cause constant requirements would cause constant requirements would cause constant tension between Rome and her subjects tension between Rome and her subjects tension between Rome and her subjects and was the main precipitous for the and was the main precipitous for the and was the main precipitous for the Latin War the Latins becoming Fed Up was Latin War the Latins becoming Fed Up was Latin War the Latins becoming Fed Up was sharing equally in the burdens but sharing equally in the burdens but sharing equally in the burdens but getting shafted in the getting shafted in the getting shafted in the spoils in total the Roman fighting spoils in total the Roman fighting spoils in total the Roman fighting strength was optimally between 8 and strength was optimally between 8 and strength was optimally between 8 and 10,000 men with 4,200 Roman legionnaires 10,000 men with 4,200 Roman legionnaires 10,000 men with 4,200 Roman legionnaires an equal number of allies and just shy an equal number of allies and just shy an equal number of allies and just shy of a thousand Cavalry the numbers varied of a thousand Cavalry the numbers varied of a thousand Cavalry the numbers varied based on time place and mitigating based on time place and mitigating based on time place and mitigating factors and these numbers are around but factors and these numbers are around but factors and these numbers are around but they will give you some ideas to the they will give you some ideas to the they will give you some ideas to the size of the Legion as it marched into size of the Legion as it marched into size of the Legion as it marched into battle when it marched from place to battle when it marched from place to battle when it marched from place to place however it was attended by a place however it was attended by a place however it was attended by a baggage train of non-combatants baggage train of non-combatants baggage train of non-combatants numbering themselves in the thousands so numbering themselves in the thousands so numbering themselves in the thousands so it would not be surprising to see a it would not be surprising to see a it would not be surprising to see a legion of 4,200 men marching through the legion of 4,200 men marching through the legion of 4,200 men marching through the countryside 15,000 countryside 15,000 countryside 15,000 strong when actually engaging the enemy strong when actually engaging the enemy strong when actually engaging the enemy the Roman tactics were straightforward the Roman tactics were straightforward the Roman tactics were straightforward each Soldier was equipped with two each Soldier was equipped with two each Soldier was equipped with two Spears and a sword as they approached Spears and a sword as they approached Spears and a sword as they approached the enemy they hurled the Spears and the enemy they hurled the Spears and the enemy they hurled the Spears and inflicted as much damage as they could inflicted as much damage as they could inflicted as much damage as they could before meeting them hand to

before meeting them hand to before meeting them hand to hand this tactic differs little in hand this tactic differs little in hand this tactic differs little in theory from today's artillery which is theory from today's artillery which is theory from today's artillery which is supposed to soften up the enemy for an supposed to soften up the enemy for an supposed to soften up the enemy for an infantry attack infantry attack infantry attack the Romans experimented with the the Romans experimented with the the Romans experimented with the composition and design of their Spears composition and design of their Spears composition and design of their Spears settling generally on an instrument that settling generally on an instrument that settling generally on an instrument that had a thin metal connector between the had a thin metal connector between the had a thin metal connector between the blade and shaft so when the spear struck blade and shaft so when the spear struck blade and shaft so when the spear struck its Target the thin metal connector its Target the thin metal connector its Target the thin metal connector would bend under the weight of the heavy would bend under the weight of the heavy would bend under the weight of the heavy shaft behind it this served two purposes shaft behind it this served two purposes shaft behind it this served two purposes it weighed down soldiers and shields it weighed down soldiers and shields it weighed down soldiers and shields that were struck but it also made the that were struck but it also made the that were struck but it also made the Roman Spears unusable to the enemy for Roman Spears unusable to the enemy for Roman Spears unusable to the enemy for it was common practice in the ancient it was common practice in the ancient it was common practice in the ancient world to throw back Spears hurled in by world to throw back Spears hurled in by world to throw back Spears hurled in by the enemy the enemy the enemy when the gap between the armies was when the gap between the armies was when the gap between the armies was closed the legionnaires pulled out their closed the legionnaires pulled out their closed the legionnaires pulled out their short swords double-edged and sharp at short swords double-edged and sharp at short swords double-edged and sharp at the tip this could be used either for the tip this could be used either for the tip this could be used either for stabbing or slashing and were incredibly stabbing or slashing and were incredibly stabbing or slashing and were incredibly destructive in close quarters the famous destructive in close quarters the famous destructive in close quarters the famous Gladius has not appeared yet in our Gladius has not appeared yet in our Gladius has not appeared yet in our narrative which emerged after the Romans narrative which emerged after the Romans narrative which emerged after the Romans encountered Spanish Swordcraft in The encountered Spanish Swordcraft in The encountered Spanish Swordcraft in The Next Century but the principles behind Next Century but the principles behind Next Century but the principles behind that famous sword were already present that famous sword were already present that famous sword were already present once engaged in hand-to-hand combat it once engaged in hand-to-hand combat it once engaged in hand-to-hand combat it was simply a matter of killing or was simply a matter of killing or was simply a matter of killing or wounding everything that moved until the wounding everything that moved until the wounding everything that moved until the enemy broke and enemy broke and enemy broke and fled in addition to these forward fled in addition to these forward fled in addition to these forward offensive minded tactics the new maniple offensive minded tactics the new maniple offensive minded tactics the new maniple system also had a built-in defensive system also had a built-in defensive system also had a built-in defensive strategy if the front lines were strategy if the front lines were strategy if the front lines were overwhelmed they could quickly Retreat overwhelmed they could quickly Retreat overwhelmed they could quickly Retreat between the gaps in the middle line and between the gaps in the middle line and between the gaps in the middle line and regroup behind the more capable regroup behind the more capable regroup behind the more capable middle-aged Fighters and if they middle-aged Fighters and if they middle-aged Fighters and if they faltered then they could all hide behind

faltered then they could all hide behind faltered then they could all hide behind the third line and by this time the the third line and by this time the the third line and by this time the first line would be ready to fight again first line would be ready to fight again first line would be ready to fight again which allowed the Romans to retreat which allowed the Romans to retreat which allowed the Romans to retreat without without having it devolved into without without having it devolved into without without having it devolved into a frightened unorganized a frightened unorganized a frightened unorganized free-for-all the failinks lacked this free-for-all the failinks lacked this free-for-all the failinks lacked this element and once it broke it was every element and once it broke it was every element and once it broke it was every man for man for man for himself the maniple system also had the himself the maniple system also had the himself the maniple system also had the advantage of being far harder to flank advantage of being far harder to flank advantage of being far harder to flank than a failing any attempt to do so than a failing any attempt to do so than a failing any attempt to do so would either be met by the Cavalry would either be met by the Cavalry would either be met by the Cavalry backline manipul ordered forward or by backline manipul ordered forward or by backline manipul ordered forward or by Frontline manipol themselves peeled off Frontline manipol themselves peeled off Frontline manipol themselves peeled off from the main fight and sent in a from the main fight and sent in a from the main fight and sent in a different different different direction all in all it was a direction all in all it was a direction all in all it was a significant advancement from the significant advancement from the significant advancement from the failings and as we will later see when failings and as we will later see when failings and as we will later see when the Romans clashed with the macedonians the Romans clashed with the macedonians the Romans clashed with the macedonians around 200 BC the result would be a around 200 BC the result would be a around 200 BC the result would be a clear and decisive victory of maniple clear and decisive victory of maniple clear and decisive victory of maniple over over over failinks but it was not just the system failinks but it was not just the system failinks but it was not just the system that made the legion so dominant it's that made the legion so dominant it's that made the legion so dominant it's not that anyone could be inserted and not that anyone could be inserted and not that anyone could be inserted and the result would have been the same nor the result would have been the same nor the result would have been the same nor was it the case that the Romans were was it the case that the Romans were was it the case that the Romans were bigger or stronger than their opponents bigger or stronger than their opponents bigger or stronger than their opponents in fact in many cases facing huge in fact in many cases facing huge in fact in many cases facing huge lumbering Germanic tribes the Romans lumbering Germanic tribes the Romans lumbering Germanic tribes the Romans look puny by look puny by look puny by comparison rather the legions prevailed comparison rather the legions prevailed comparison rather the legions prevailed because of a group discipline that because of a group discipline that because of a group discipline that became the nightmare of opposing armies became the nightmare of opposing armies became the nightmare of opposing armies in general Ancient Warfare was a in general Ancient Warfare was a in general Ancient Warfare was a passionate affair with lots of yelling passionate affair with lots of yelling passionate affair with lots of yelling chest beating and frenzy but the Roman chest beating and frenzy but the Roman chest beating and frenzy but the Roman legion was a cold inhuman machine they legion was a cold inhuman machine they legion was a cold inhuman machine they were never intimidated and rarely broke were never intimidated and rarely broke were never intimidated and rarely broke ranks their comrades could be dying to ranks their comrades could be dying to ranks their comrades could be dying to their right and left but the legionaire their right and left but the legionaire their right and left but the legionaire himself seemed unaffected and kept

himself seemed unaffected and kept himself seemed unaffected and kept moving forward this was unsettling to moving forward this was unsettling to moving forward this was unsettling to say the least and sapped the morale of say the least and sapped the morale of say the least and sapped the morale of Rome's enemies the Roman soldier did Rome's enemies the Roman soldier did Rome's enemies the Roman soldier did this not because he was unfeeling quite this not because he was unfeeling quite this not because he was unfeeling quite the contrary the Romans were a the contrary the Romans were a the contrary the Romans were a passionate people but in war there was passionate people but in war there was passionate people but in war there was only one thing a legionnaire feared more only one thing a legionnaire feared more only one thing a legionnaire feared more than the enemy his commanding than the enemy his commanding than the enemy his commanding officer Roman discipline was notoriously officer Roman discipline was notoriously officer Roman discipline was notoriously harsh though it was not without its harsh though it was not without its harsh though it was not without its positive aspects it was based on a positive aspects it was based on a positive aspects it was based on a system of rewards and punishment that system of rewards and punishment that system of rewards and punishment that were designed to promote bravery and were designed to promote bravery and were designed to promote bravery and eliminate cowardness punishment ranged eliminate cowardness punishment ranged eliminate cowardness punishment ranged anywhere from psychological humiliation anywhere from psychological humiliation anywhere from psychological humiliation for example a disgraced Century might be for example a disgraced Century might be for example a disgraced Century might be forced to eat standing up so their forced to eat standing up so their forced to eat standing up so their comrades would always know who had lost comrades would always know who had lost comrades would always know who had lost their standard to scourging for say their standard to scourging for say their standard to scourging for say disobeying orders and up to death a disobeying orders and up to death a disobeying orders and up to death a punishment that was handed down punishment that was handed down punishment that was handed down routinely when the actions of an routinely when the actions of an routinely when the actions of an individual put the entire Army at risk individual put the entire Army at risk individual put the entire Army at risk like for example falling asleep while on like for example falling asleep while on like for example falling asleep while on Sentry Duty woe to the Sentry who fell Sentry Duty woe to the Sentry who fell Sentry Duty woe to the Sentry who fell asleep he was stoned and beaten to death asleep he was stoned and beaten to death asleep he was stoned and beaten to death by his comrades not a pretty sight but by his comrades not a pretty sight but by his comrades not a pretty sight but keeping watch was a sacred trust that keeping watch was a sacred trust that keeping watch was a sacred trust that could not be breached under any could not be breached under any could not be breached under any circumstances it was simply too circumstances it was simply too circumstances it was simply too important on the flip side the Romans important on the flip side the Romans important on the flip side the Romans invented a plethora of fancy medals and invented a plethora of fancy medals and invented a plethora of fancy medals and awards given out to soldiers who awards given out to soldiers who awards given out to soldiers who distinguish themselves in battle I've distinguish themselves in battle I've distinguish themselves in battle I've already talked about the grass Crown already talked about the grass Crown already talked about the grass Crown given to a soldier who saves an entire given to a soldier who saves an entire given to a soldier who saves an entire Legion but there were literally hundreds Legion but there were literally hundreds Legion but there were literally hundreds of other honors for example an award was of other honors for example an award was of other honors for example an award was given to the first man over a wall when

given to the first man over a wall when given to the first man over a wall when the Army was assaulting an enemy camper the Army was assaulting an enemy camper the Army was assaulting an enemy camper City and this was not taken lightly for City and this was not taken lightly for City and this was not taken lightly for whole centuries lines and Legions took whole centuries lines and Legions took whole centuries lines and Legions took it as a matter of great pride when one it as a matter of great pride when one it as a matter of great pride when one of their own took the prives so when of their own took the prives so when of their own took the prives so when competing claims were brought to the competing claims were brought to the competing claims were brought to the attention of a commander great care had attention of a commander great care had attention of a commander great care had to be taken in adjudicating the decision to be taken in adjudicating the decision to be taken in adjudicating the decision because tempers were always running hot because tempers were always running hot because tempers were always running hot when awards were on the when awards were on the when awards were on the line the most common rewards rang from line the most common rewards rang from line the most common rewards rang from double rations a huge motivator to double rations a huge motivator to double rations a huge motivator to Promises of more land when released from Promises of more land when released from Promises of more land when released from service to heads of C ble anything a service to heads of C ble anything a service to heads of C ble anything a soldier valued would be metered out for soldier valued would be metered out for soldier valued would be metered out for instances of selfless bravery which the instances of selfless bravery which the instances of selfless bravery which the Roman commanders were always promoting Roman commanders were always promoting Roman commanders were always promoting there was a Darkly humorous case during there was a Darkly humorous case during there was a Darkly humorous case during the Second Punic War of a commander the Second Punic War of a commander the Second Punic War of a commander promising extra rations for every enemy promising extra rations for every enemy promising extra rations for every enemy head brought back to camp but the head brought back to camp but the head brought back to camp but the soldiers became so burdened by the work soldiers became so burdened by the work soldiers became so burdened by the work of beheading and carrying heads that of beheading and carrying heads that of beheading and carrying heads that they began to actually lose the fight they began to actually lose the fight they began to actually lose the fight and In the Heat of battle the commander and In the Heat of battle the commander and In the Heat of battle the commander had to issue a proclamation that had to issue a proclamation that had to issue a proclamation that everyone would receive extra rations everyone would receive extra rations everyone would receive extra rations regardless of the head but they did have regardless of the head but they did have regardless of the head but they did have to actually win the fight which the to actually win the fight which the to actually win the fight which the soldiers now free of their Grizzly soldiers now free of their Grizzly soldiers now free of their Grizzly baggage promptly baggage promptly baggage promptly did this discipline allowed the Romans did this discipline allowed the Romans did this discipline allowed the Romans to keep their cool in battle and keep to keep their cool in battle and keep to keep their cool in battle and keep plugging away rather than running they plugging away rather than running they plugging away rather than running they knew what would happen if their corpse knew what would happen if their corpse knew what would happen if their corpse was found on the field with a wound in was found on the field with a wound in was found on the field with a wound in the back they would be buried without the back they would be buried without the back they would be buried without honor and their family would be honor and their family would be honor and their family would be ostracized those who fled from can one ostracized those who fled from can one ostracized those who fled from can one of the greatest defeats in Roman history of the greatest defeats in Roman history of the greatest defeats in Roman history were never allowed to return home

were never allowed to return home were never allowed to return home remaining in Exile fighting in Sicily remaining in Exile fighting in Sicily remaining in Exile fighting in Sicily until finally they were allowed to serve until finally they were allowed to serve until finally they were allowed to serve as bait for Hannibal and die with as bait for Hannibal and die with as bait for Hannibal and die with dignity in a suicide mission something dignity in a suicide mission something dignity in a suicide mission something they had pleaded for for years and were they had pleaded for for years and were they had pleaded for for years and were finally finally finally granted the last thing I want to impress granted the last thing I want to impress granted the last thing I want to impress upon you about the superiority of the upon you about the superiority of the upon you about the superiority of the Roman legion over enemy forces was their Roman legion over enemy forces was their Roman legion over enemy forces was their meticulous attention to detail it is meticulous attention to detail it is meticulous attention to detail it is often said that amateurs study tactics often said that amateurs study tactics often said that amateurs study tactics but professional study Logistics and the but professional study Logistics and the but professional study Logistics and the Romans embodied this belief they took Romans embodied this belief they took Romans embodied this belief they took great care to always Preserve Reserve great care to always Preserve Reserve great care to always Preserve Reserve supply lines communication lines and set supply lines communication lines and set supply lines communication lines and set up their camps in the most defensible up their camps in the most defensible up their camps in the most defensible possible position this last was critical possible position this last was critical possible position this last was critical because the Greeks for example set up because the Greeks for example set up because the Greeks for example set up their camps to simply be close to the their camps to simply be close to the their camps to simply be close to the sight of battle without thought to any sight of battle without thought to any sight of battle without thought to any other practical other practical other practical considerations the Romans however took considerations the Romans however took considerations the Romans however took great care in ensuring they held The great care in ensuring they held The great care in ensuring they held The High Ground and were in a well High Ground and were in a well High Ground and were in a well defensible spot a routed Roman army defensible spot a routed Roman army defensible spot a routed Roman army often staved off final defeat Behind the often staved off final defeat Behind the often staved off final defeat Behind the Walls of their camps and many Roman Walls of their camps and many Roman Walls of their camps and many Roman victories were secured by overrunning victories were secured by overrunning victories were secured by overrunning the poorly constructed camps of their the poorly constructed camps of their the poorly constructed camps of their enemies the Romans always scouted and enemies the Romans always scouted and enemies the Romans always scouted and protected sources of food and fresh protected sources of food and fresh protected sources of food and fresh water and knowing that this often meant water and knowing that this often meant water and knowing that this often meant the difference between a strong Army in the difference between a strong Army in the difference between a strong Army in the field and a weak one always sought the field and a weak one always sought the field and a weak one always sought to cut off the food and water supplies to cut off the food and water supplies to cut off the food and water supplies of their enemies before engaging in of their enemies before engaging in of their enemies before engaging in battle battles were often won or Lost battle battles were often won or Lost battle battles were often won or Lost based on nothing more than the existence based on nothing more than the existence based on nothing more than the existence of a good breakfast on the day of the of a good breakfast on the day of the of a good breakfast on the day of the battle so as much time as they spent battle so as much time as they spent battle so as much time as they spent trying to figure out how to neutralize

trying to figure out how to neutralize trying to figure out how to neutralize opposing Cavalry they spent 10 times as opposing Cavalry they spent 10 times as opposing Cavalry they spent 10 times as much time thinking about how to secure much time thinking about how to secure much time thinking about how to secure pasture land for their horses it was the pasture land for their horses it was the pasture land for their horses it was the boring details of making sure everyone boring details of making sure everyone boring details of making sure everyone had proper Footwear and that the had proper Footwear and that the had proper Footwear and that the trenches were dug to a proper depth that trenches were dug to a proper depth that trenches were dug to a proper depth that really set the Romans apart from their really set the Romans apart from their really set the Romans apart from their enemies who often had every intention of enemies who often had every intention of enemies who often had every intention of just showing up for a fight the Romans just showing up for a fight the Romans just showing up for a fight the Romans never just showed up for a fight they never just showed up for a fight they never just showed up for a fight they planned everything down to the smallest planned everything down to the smallest planned everything down to the smallest detail the fight itself became almost an detail the fight itself became almost an detail the fight itself became almost an afterthought so there you have it that afterthought so there you have it that afterthought so there you have it that in a nutshell is the Roman legion of the in a nutshell is the Roman legion of the in a nutshell is the Roman legion of the Republic three lines made up of units of Republic three lines made up of units of Republic three lines made up of units of 120 men with Cavalry and allies 120 men with Cavalry and allies 120 men with Cavalry and allies protecting the wings more versatile than protecting the wings more versatile than protecting the wings more versatile than the failings the maniple system would the failings the maniple system would the failings the maniple system would remain largely unchanged for the next remain largely unchanged for the next remain largely unchanged for the next 250 years and it would be this 250 years and it would be this 250 years and it would be this incarnation of the Legion that did most incarnation of the Legion that did most incarnation of the Legion that did most of the heavy lifting of the territorial of the heavy lifting of the territorial of the heavy lifting of the territorial expansion throughout the expansion throughout the expansion throughout the Mediterranean when we get to Marius I Mediterranean when we get to Marius I Mediterranean when we get to Marius I will discuss at length the changes he will discuss at length the changes he will discuss at length the changes he introduced and how they changed the face introduced and how they changed the face introduced and how they changed the face of Rome forever but that is for another of Rome forever but that is for another of Rome forever but that is for another time next week we will get back into the time next week we will get back into the time next week we will get back into the action as Rome prepares for her longest action as Rome prepares for her longest action as Rome prepares for her longest and most grueling challenge to dat the and most grueling challenge to dat the and most grueling challenge to dat the second or great Sam Night War second or great Sam Night War second or great Sam Night War [Music]

hello and welcome to the history of hello and welcome to the history of Rome the Romans enjoyed 10 years of Rome the Romans enjoyed 10 years of Rome the Romans enjoyed 10 years of Peace after the end of the Latin war in Peace after the end of the Latin war in Peace after the end of the Latin war in 338 BC and spent the years quietly 338 BC and spent the years quietly 338 BC and spent the years quietly expanding their territory this decade expanding their territory this decade expanding their territory this decade saw the emergence of a new attitude saw the emergence of a new attitude saw the emergence of a new attitude towards territorial expansion it was no towards territorial expansion it was no towards territorial expansion it was no longer enough to merely ensure the surv longer enough to merely ensure the surv longer enough to merely ensure the surv rival of Rome by controlling Lum and rival of Rome by controlling Lum and rival of Rome by controlling Lum and fending off Intruders the Romans now fending off Intruders the Romans now fending off Intruders the Romans now sought to spread their influence over a sought to spread their influence over a sought to spread their influence over a much wider geographic area in order to much wider geographic area in order to much wider geographic area in order to draw taxes and Manpower from a wider draw taxes and Manpower from a wider draw taxes and Manpower from a wider pool of pool of pool of citizens no one power had controlled the citizens no one power had controlled the citizens no one power had controlled the entire Italian Peninsula before but the entire Italian Peninsula before but the entire Italian Peninsula before but the Romans started to think that maybe they Romans started to think that maybe they Romans started to think that maybe they could pull it off they essentially could pull it off they essentially could pull it off they essentially looked around Italy sized up the looked around Italy sized up the looked around Italy sized up the competition liked their odds and went competition liked their odds and went competition liked their odds and went for it the samnites were a number one on for it the samnites were a number one on for it the samnites were a number one on the list of potential threats and the the list of potential threats and the the list of potential threats and the Romans knew that if they were able to Romans knew that if they were able to Romans knew that if they were able to conquer the powerful Hill tribe nothing conquer the powerful Hill tribe nothing conquer the powerful Hill tribe nothing would stand in their way of conquering would stand in their way of conquering would stand in their way of conquering all of Italy however the Romans were all of Italy however the Romans were all of Italy however the Romans were loath to Simply expand that would be loath to Simply expand that would be loath to Simply expand that would be immoral the Romans only engaged in just immoral the Romans only engaged in just immoral the Romans only engaged in just Wars when they or one of their allies Wars when they or one of their allies Wars when they or one of their allies was threatened they would never declare was threatened they would never declare was threatened they would never declare a war unprovoked it was considered a war unprovoked it was considered a war unprovoked it was considered barbaric so they set about needling the barbaric so they set about needling the barbaric so they set about needling the samnites into attacking first so Rome samnites into attacking first so Rome samnites into attacking first so Rome could enter the war it wanted could enter the war it wanted could enter the war it wanted honorably they dispatched citizens to honorably they dispatched citizens to honorably they dispatched citizens to form a colony in samnite territory form a colony in samnite territory form a colony in samnite territory figuring the samnites would either let figuring the samnites would either let figuring the samnites would either let them get away with it and the Romans them get away with it and the Romans them get away with it and the Romans would have gained more land without would have gained more land without would have gained more land without drawing swords or the samnites would drawing swords or the samnites would drawing swords or the samnites would attack and the Romans would come to the attack and the Romans would come to the attack and the Romans would come to the rescue of their besieged

rescue of their besieged rescue of their besieged citizens things did not go exactly by citizens things did not go exactly by citizens things did not go exactly by Roman design but in the end they did get Roman design but in the end they did get Roman design but in the end they did get their War the samnites were caught up at their War the samnites were caught up at their War the samnites were caught up at the time fighting the Greeks in the the time fighting the Greeks in the the time fighting the Greeks in the South and could not immediately respond South and could not immediately respond South and could not immediately respond to the Roman settlement so the Romans to the Roman settlement so the Romans to the Roman settlement so the Romans emboldened set up another when the emboldened set up another when the emboldened set up another when the samnites concluded their war with the samnites concluded their war with the samnites concluded their war with the Greeks they did turn west but it was not Greeks they did turn west but it was not Greeks they did turn west but it was not to directly engage the Roman colonies to directly engage the Roman colonies to directly engage the Roman colonies rather they moved on the Greek city of rather they moved on the Greek city of rather they moved on the Greek city of neopolis which is present day Naples neopolis which is present day Naples neopolis which is present day Naples forging an agreement with its citizens forging an agreement with its citizens forging an agreement with its citizens to Aid their dream of expanding off the to Aid their dream of expanding off the to Aid their dream of expanding off the coast and into greater coast and into greater coast and into greater compa the nobility of neopolis however compa the nobility of neopolis however compa the nobility of neopolis however dismayed at the samnite Garrison and the dismayed at the samnite Garrison and the dismayed at the samnite Garrison and the loss of control over their own study loss of control over their own study loss of control over their own study turned to Rome for assistance it was the turned to Rome for assistance it was the turned to Rome for assistance it was the call Rome was looking for but it was call Rome was looking for but it was call Rome was looking for but it was something think of a let down fighting something think of a let down fighting something think of a let down fighting the samnites in compania would not the samnites in compania would not the samnites in compania would not Garner them any more land if they won Garner them any more land if they won Garner them any more land if they won which was the whole point of provoking which was the whole point of provoking which was the whole point of provoking the samnites but reluctant to pass up the samnites but reluctant to pass up the samnites but reluctant to pass up the opportunity they agreed to help the the opportunity they agreed to help the the opportunity they agreed to help the Neapolitan nobility and drive off the Neapolitan nobility and drive off the Neapolitan nobility and drive off the samite Garrison which they did sparking samite Garrison which they did sparking samite Garrison which they did sparking the second samnite war in 327 the second samnite war in 327 the second samnite war in 327 BC the early momentum was clearly in BC the early momentum was clearly in BC the early momentum was clearly in Roman hands samnite allies were peeled Roman hands samnite allies were peeled Roman hands samnite allies were peeled off and the Romans won Victory after off and the Romans won Victory after off and the Romans won Victory after Victory on the battlefield in fact the Victory on the battlefield in fact the Victory on the battlefield in fact the only major defeat for the Romans in only major defeat for the Romans in only major defeat for the Romans in these early years came as a result not these early years came as a result not these early years came as a result not of Sam Knight's strength but of a of Sam Knight's strength but of a of Sam Knight's strength but of a psychological muty by the Roman army psychological muty by the Roman army psychological muty by the Roman army against their own Commander the result against their own Commander the result against their own Commander the result of an extended melodrama which is too of an extended melodrama which is too of an extended melodrama which is too juicy for me to not relate in

juicy for me to not relate in juicy for me to not relate in detail in 325 BC as would be the case in detail in 325 BC as would be the case in detail in 325 BC as would be the case in many of these years a dictator lucious many of these years a dictator lucious many of these years a dictator lucious perious cursor was appointed to oversee perious cursor was appointed to oversee perious cursor was appointed to oversee the war effort and quintis Fabius the war effort and quintis Fabius the war effort and quintis Fabius Maximus the grandfather of the more Maximus the grandfather of the more Maximus the grandfather of the more famous Fabius Maximus who saw Rome famous Fabius Maximus who saw Rome famous Fabius Maximus who saw Rome through the early disastrous years of through the early disastrous years of through the early disastrous years of the Second Punic War was named his the Second Punic War was named his the Second Punic War was named his master of master of master of horse they set out for samnium but the horse they set out for samnium but the horse they set out for samnium but the taking of the opes a critical taking of the opes a critical taking of the opes a critical superstitious step for all Roman superstitious step for all Roman superstitious step for all Roman Endeavors had been done poorly or was Endeavors had been done poorly or was Endeavors had been done poorly or was messed up or showed ill Omens whatever messed up or showed ill Omens whatever messed up or showed ill Omens whatever was wrong papirius decided to head back was wrong papirius decided to head back was wrong papirius decided to head back to Rome and retake them in an attempt to to Rome and retake them in an attempt to to Rome and retake them in an attempt to secure a favorable sign from the gods he secure a favorable sign from the gods he secure a favorable sign from the gods he very clearly ordered Fabius not to very clearly ordered Fabius not to very clearly ordered Fabius not to engage the samnites while he was gone engage the samnites while he was gone engage the samnites while he was gone but Fabius being young could not help but Fabius being young could not help but Fabius being young could not help himself the samnites knowing the Roman himself the samnites knowing the Roman himself the samnites knowing the Roman Commander was away were relaxed Commander was away were relaxed Commander was away were relaxed believing no battle imminent Fabius on believing no battle imminent Fabius on believing no battle imminent Fabius on his own initiative decided that it would his own initiative decided that it would his own initiative decided that it would be a perfect time for a sneak attack he be a perfect time for a sneak attack he be a perfect time for a sneak attack he ordered the Army out routing the ordered the Army out routing the ordered the Army out routing the surprise samnites easily and captured surprise samnites easily and captured surprise samnites easily and captured their Camp along with a great deal of their Camp along with a great deal of their Camp along with a great deal of plunder when papirius returned however plunder when papirius returned however plunder when papirius returned however he was enraged red in the face screaming he was enraged red in the face screaming he was enraged red in the face screaming and cursing and cursing and cursing enraged how could Fabius have so clearly enraged how could Fabius have so clearly enraged how could Fabius have so clearly disobeyed him when the whole purpose for disobeyed him when the whole purpose for disobeyed him when the whole purpose for leaving was to align Roman interests leaving was to align Roman interests leaving was to align Roman interests with the God's favor by attacking before with the God's favor by attacking before with the God's favor by attacking before securing favorable offices Fabius securing favorable offices Fabius securing favorable offices Fabius endangered not just the Army but Rome as endangered not just the Army but Rome as endangered not just the Army but Rome as a whole then singing the Praises of

a whole then singing the Praises of a whole then singing the Praises of Manlius who you will recall executed his Manlius who you will recall executed his Manlius who you will recall executed his own son for Disobedience papirus ordered own son for Disobedience papirus ordered own son for Disobedience papirus ordered Fabius Fabius Fabius arrested the Army was incredulous they arrested the Army was incredulous they arrested the Army was incredulous they had just won an easy Victory thanks to had just won an easy Victory thanks to had just won an easy Victory thanks to Fabius his decisive action and now Fabius his decisive action and now Fabius his decisive action and now papirius wanted to punish him it was papirius wanted to punish him it was papirius wanted to punish him it was absurd the general feeling was that absurd the general feeling was that absurd the general feeling was that papirus was simply jealous for missing papirus was simply jealous for missing papirus was simply jealous for missing out on the glory despite in treaties out on the glory despite in treaties out on the glory despite in treaties from the officers however papirius from the officers however papirius from the officers however papirius insisted on Fabius as insisted on Fabius as insisted on Fabius as Arrest a slow-moving Riot began to build Arrest a slow-moving Riot began to build Arrest a slow-moving Riot began to build which was cut off only by Nightfall and which was cut off only by Nightfall and which was cut off only by Nightfall and during the night Fabius understanding during the night Fabius understanding during the night Fabius understanding that papirius had every intention of that papirius had every intention of that papirius had every intention of executing him the next morning escaped executing him the next morning escaped executing him the next morning escaped from the camp and made for Rome with all from the camp and made for Rome with all from the camp and made for Rome with all haste upon reaching the city Fabius and haste upon reaching the city Fabius and haste upon reaching the city Fabius and his father who had previously been his father who had previously been his father who had previously been Consul and was a man of high standing Consul and was a man of high standing Consul and was a man of high standing went before the Senate to plead the went before the Senate to plead the went before the Senate to plead the young man's case papirus showed up and young man's case papirus showed up and young man's case papirus showed up and the scene from the camp was repeated the scene from the camp was repeated the scene from the camp was repeated papirius was a Towering Inferno of Rage papirius was a Towering Inferno of Rage papirius was a Towering Inferno of Rage he railed against Fabius Disobedience he railed against Fabius Disobedience he railed against Fabius Disobedience and sacrilege and pointed to the and sacrilege and pointed to the and sacrilege and pointed to the irreparable harm the boy had done to irreparable harm the boy had done to irreparable harm the boy had done to Army discipline and the moral fiber of Army discipline and the moral fiber of Army discipline and the moral fiber of the state the state the state itself there was nothing nothing untrue itself there was nothing nothing untrue itself there was nothing nothing untrue about what papirius said but the Senate about what papirius said but the Senate about what papirius said but the Senate pleaded with him to go easy on Fabius he pleaded with him to go easy on Fabius he pleaded with him to go easy on Fabius he was a popular young Noble and after all was a popular young Noble and after all was a popular young Noble and after all had just won a great Victory wasn't had just won a great Victory wasn't had just won a great Victory wasn't perious taking this all just a bit too perious taking this all just a bit too perious taking this all just a bit too far by this point papirus was getting far by this point papirus was getting far by this point papirus was getting shrill and I can't help but picture the

shrill and I can't help but picture the shrill and I can't help but picture the Senators looking sideways at each other Senators looking sideways at each other Senators looking sideways at each other as he launched into another red-faced as he launched into another red-faced as he launched into another red-faced herang and thinking geez man lighten up herang and thinking geez man lighten up herang and thinking geez man lighten up in the end when it became clear that in the end when it became clear that in the end when it became clear that absolutely no no one supported him absolutely no no one supported him absolutely no no one supported him papirus attempted to salvage some papirus attempted to salvage some papirus attempted to salvage some dignity not just for himself but for the dignity not just for himself but for the dignity not just for himself but for the office of dictator which was in danger office of dictator which was in danger office of dictator which was in danger of becoming of becoming of becoming irrelevant he agreed to lift the irrelevant he agreed to lift the irrelevant he agreed to lift the sentence of death and content himself sentence of death and content himself sentence of death and content himself with stripping Fabius of his power and with stripping Fabius of his power and with stripping Fabius of his power and leaving him behind in leaving him behind in leaving him behind in Rome returning to the Army papirius Rome returning to the Army papirius Rome returning to the Army papirius ordered his troops to pursue and engage ordered his troops to pursue and engage ordered his troops to pursue and engage the reformed samnite Army but this time the reformed samnite Army but this time the reformed samnite Army but this time instead of an easy Victory the samnites instead of an easy Victory the samnites instead of an easy Victory the samnites managed to get the upper hand the Roman managed to get the upper hand the Roman managed to get the upper hand the Roman soldiers Who Loved Fabius and hated soldiers Who Loved Fabius and hated soldiers Who Loved Fabius and hated papirus had no intention of letting the papirus had no intention of letting the papirus had no intention of letting the dictator win any battles so they in dictator win any battles so they in dictator win any battles so they in effect threw the effect threw the effect threw the fight papirius though did not write off fight papirius though did not write off fight papirius though did not write off into the history books as a shrill and into the history books as a shrill and into the history books as a shrill and overbearing failure and to his credit he overbearing failure and to his credit he overbearing failure and to his credit he saw the error of his ways he had come saw the error of his ways he had come saw the error of his ways he had come down too harshly on Fabius and in doing down too harshly on Fabius and in doing down too harshly on Fabius and in doing so had lost the support of his troops so so had lost the support of his troops so so had lost the support of his troops so he spent the next few days endearing he spent the next few days endearing he spent the next few days endearing himself to them visiting the wounded and himself to them visiting the wounded and himself to them visiting the wounded and treading lightly with his discipline treading lightly with his discipline treading lightly with his discipline he won back the favor of the men and he won back the favor of the men and he won back the favor of the men and when he ordered them out to fight the when he ordered them out to fight the when he ordered them out to fight the next time they did not disappoint and next time they did not disappoint and next time they did not disappoint and delivered to him the victory that he delivered to him the victory that he delivered to him the victory that he sought over the course of the war sought over the course of the war sought over the course of the war papirius would serve as Consul four papirius would serve as Consul four papirius would serve as Consul four times and when he finally did write off times and when he finally did write off times and when he finally did write off into the history books he was remembered into the history books he was remembered into the history books he was remembered as a great commander and one of the best as a great commander and one of the best as a great commander and one of the best men of his

generation after pius's Victory the generation after pius's Victory the samnites sued for peace but the Roman samnites sued for peace but the Roman samnites sued for peace but the Roman senate demanded such lopsided terms that senate demanded such lopsided terms that senate demanded such lopsided terms that the samnites could not accept and the the samnites could not accept and the the samnites could not accept and the war continued it would prove to be a war continued it would prove to be a war continued it would prove to be a mistake of the highest order because the mistake of the highest order because the mistake of the highest order because the Romans were about to walk into one of Romans were about to walk into one of Romans were about to walk into one of their greatest and arguably most their greatest and arguably most their greatest and arguably most humiliating defeats in their history at humiliating defeats in their history at humiliating defeats in their history at least at K the Roman army was beaten in least at K the Roman army was beaten in least at K the Roman army was beaten in the field but Codine Forks ended with the field but Codine Forks ended with the field but Codine Forks ended with the Romans so completely outmaneuvered the Romans so completely outmaneuvered the Romans so completely outmaneuvered that their army never drew their swords that their army never drew their swords that their army never drew their swords before offering them to the samnites and before offering them to the samnites and before offering them to the samnites and surrender many saw his punishment for surrender many saw his punishment for surrender many saw his punishment for the huous Rome had shown towards the the huous Rome had shown towards the the huous Rome had shown towards the samite peace samite peace samite peace envoys the defeat at Codine Forks envoys the defeat at Codine Forks envoys the defeat at Codine Forks however just as the defeat of can would however just as the defeat of can would however just as the defeat of can would a century later did nothing less then a century later did nothing less then a century later did nothing less then prove that the Romans were cut from a prove that the Romans were cut from a prove that the Romans were cut from a completely different cloth than their completely different cloth than their completely different cloth than their contemporaries any other state when contemporaries any other state when contemporaries any other state when faced with such catastrophic defeat faced with such catastrophic defeat faced with such catastrophic defeat would have quit and prayed for Mercy would have quit and prayed for Mercy would have quit and prayed for Mercy from their enemies but the Romans never from their enemies but the Romans never from their enemies but the Romans never even gave it a thought they never quit even gave it a thought they never quit even gave it a thought they never quit they just kept they just kept they just kept coming at Codine Forks the Romans were coming at Codine Forks the Romans were coming at Codine Forks the Romans were set up perfectly by the Sam Commander set up perfectly by the Sam Commander set up perfectly by the Sam Commander gas ponus he dispatched some of his gas ponus he dispatched some of his gas ponus he dispatched some of his soldiers into Roman territory soldiers into Roman territory soldiers into Roman territory masquerading his non-combatant herdsmen masquerading his non-combatant herdsmen masquerading his non-combatant herdsmen when they inevitably fell into the hands when they inevitably fell into the hands when they inevitably fell into the hands of Roman patrols they all told the same of Roman patrols they all told the same of Roman patrols they all told the same story to their captors the full force of story to their captors the full force of story to their captors the full force of the samite army was besieging the city the samite army was besieging the city the samite army was besieging the city of lucaria a Roman Ally the Romans of lucaria a Roman Ally the Romans of lucaria a Roman Ally the Romans hearing this information repeated from hearing this information repeated from hearing this information repeated from multiple sources bought the story Hook

multiple sources bought the story Hook multiple sources bought the story Hook Line and Sinker they sent both consoles Line and Sinker they sent both consoles Line and Sinker they sent both consoles with their armies to Aid luk lucaria but with their armies to Aid luk lucaria but with their armies to Aid luk lucaria but of course the samnites were nowhere near of course the samnites were nowhere near of course the samnites were nowhere near lucaria they were stationed near codium lucaria they were stationed near codium lucaria they were stationed near codium specifically at the pass where the specifically at the pass where the specifically at the pass where the Romans would have to travel to get to Romans would have to travel to get to Romans would have to travel to get to lucaria called the Cod and forks the lucaria called the Cod and forks the lucaria called the Cod and forks the path started very narrow then opened path started very narrow then opened path started very narrow then opened into a wide plane and then became very into a wide plane and then became very into a wide plane and then became very narrow again on the way out on either narrow again on the way out on either narrow again on the way out on either side steep Peaks prevented any movement side steep Peaks prevented any movement side steep Peaks prevented any movement besides forward and besides forward and besides forward and backward the consuls LED their army backward the consuls LED their army backward the consuls LED their army hastily into the past believing all the hastily into the past believing all the hastily into the past believing all the danger to lie ahead but when they danger to lie ahead but when they danger to lie ahead but when they reached the other side of the flat plane reached the other side of the flat plane reached the other side of the flat plane they found their exit blocked off by a they found their exit blocked off by a they found their exit blocked off by a pile of Boulders sensing that something pile of Boulders sensing that something pile of Boulders sensing that something was a miss the consuls immediately was a miss the consuls immediately was a miss the consuls immediately ordered a retreat but by this time it ordered a retreat but by this time it ordered a retreat but by this time it was too late the samnites had already was too late the samnites had already was too late the samnites had already blockaded the other end as well the blockaded the other end as well the blockaded the other end as well the Roman army was trapped and in a hopeless Roman army was trapped and in a hopeless Roman army was trapped and in a hopeless position soldiers joked Darkly about position soldiers joked Darkly about position soldiers joked Darkly about their pointless labor as the consols their pointless labor as the consols their pointless labor as the consols ordered them to build a fortified Camp ordered them to build a fortified Camp ordered them to build a fortified Camp there was no getting out and the there there was no getting out and the there there was no getting out and the there would be no attack to would be no attack to would be no attack to repel the samnites would simply wait the repel the samnites would simply wait the repel the samnites would simply wait the requisite 3 days for them to run out of requisite 3 days for them to run out of requisite 3 days for them to run out of food and demand food and demand food and demand surrender the consuls and their officers surrender the consuls and their officers surrender the consuls and their officers recognized the immensity of their recognized the immensity of their recognized the immensity of their blunder as they tossed around impossible blunder as they tossed around impossible blunder as they tossed around impossible to execute escape plans the next morning to execute escape plans the next morning to execute escape plans the next morning Pon is sent for his father who though Pon is sent for his father who though Pon is sent for his father who though retired was a great military strategist retired was a great military strategist retired was a great military strategist and asked for the old man's advice about and asked for the old man's advice about and asked for the old man's advice about what to do with the trapped

what to do with the trapped what to do with the trapped Romans at first his father sent word Romans at first his father sent word Romans at first his father sent word that ponus should let the the Army walk that ponus should let the the Army walk that ponus should let the the Army walk away unharmed unsure of the message for away unharmed unsure of the message for away unharmed unsure of the message for it seemed a crazy notion Pon sent for it seemed a crazy notion Pon sent for it seemed a crazy notion Pon sent for clarification and when word came again clarification and when word came again clarification and when word came again the message had changed it now read kill the message had changed it now read kill the message had changed it now read kill them all down to the last man this them all down to the last man this them all down to the last man this sounded more like his father but Pontius sounded more like his father but Pontius sounded more like his father but Pontius was confused and unsure whether the old was confused and unsure whether the old was confused and unsure whether the old man had slipped into senility hadn't he man had slipped into senility hadn't he man had slipped into senility hadn't he just said to let them all go so he sent just said to let them all go so he sent just said to let them all go so he sent for his father and asked him to join him for his father and asked him to join him for his father and asked him to join him at at at codium when the old man arrived he told codium when the old man arrived he told codium when the old man arrived he told his son that he still retained his his son that he still retained his his son that he still retained his senses and neither message had been a senses and neither message had been a senses and neither message had been a mistake the best option by far he said mistake the best option by far he said mistake the best option by far he said was to spare the Army and return them was to spare the Army and return them was to spare the Army and return them unharmed to Rome for in doing so they unharmed to Rome for in doing so they unharmed to Rome for in doing so they would win the internal friendship and would win the internal friendship and would win the internal friendship and gratitude of the Roman people and gratitude of the Roman people and gratitude of the Roman people and hostilities would end hostilities would end hostilities would end forever the second best option was to forever the second best option was to forever the second best option was to kill them all and end hostilities for at kill them all and end hostilities for at kill them all and end hostilities for at least a generation by decimating Rome's least a generation by decimating Rome's least a generation by decimating Rome's available Manpower and filling the Roman available Manpower and filling the Roman available Manpower and filling the Roman populace with Terror of the populace with Terror of the populace with Terror of the samnites there are no other options the samnites there are no other options the samnites there are no other options the old man said extreme generosity or old man said extreme generosity or old man said extreme generosity or extreme cruelty that was it but ponus extreme cruelty that was it but ponus extreme cruelty that was it but ponus was unnerved by both and settled on a was unnerved by both and settled on a was unnerved by both and settled on a third option that his father warned him third option that his father warned him third option that his father warned him correctly would win him no friends and correctly would win him no friends and correctly would win him no friends and eliminate no eliminate no eliminate no enemies he would let the Army go but enemies he would let the Army go but enemies he would let the Army go but forc them to surrender under the Yoke a forc them to surrender under the Yoke a forc them to surrender under the Yoke a humiliating ritual in which the defeated humiliating ritual in which the defeated humiliating ritual in which the defeated Army must pass beneath a horizontal Army must pass beneath a horizontal Army must pass beneath a horizontal spear lash to two vertical Spears spear lash to two vertical Spears spear lash to two vertical Spears creating a gate of sorts that the

creating a gate of sorts that the creating a gate of sorts that the soldiers had to stoop to pass beneath to soldiers had to stoop to pass beneath to soldiers had to stoop to pass beneath to the honor crazed armies of the ancient the honor crazed armies of the ancient the honor crazed armies of the ancient world this humiliation was far worse world this humiliation was far worse world this humiliation was far worse than being killed on the battlefield far than being killed on the battlefield far than being killed on the battlefield far far far far worse and to The Men Who surrendered at worse and to The Men Who surrendered at worse and to The Men Who surrendered at Codine their humiliation would be Codine their humiliation would be Codine their humiliation would be doubled because they had never even doubled because they had never even doubled because they had never even drawn their swords they were never given drawn their swords they were never given drawn their swords they were never given the opportunity to die gloriously in the opportunity to die gloriously in the opportunity to die gloriously in battle and take as many samnites as they battle and take as many samnites as they battle and take as many samnites as they could with them it was absolutely could with them it was absolutely could with them it was absolutely unheard of to give up without a fight unheard of to give up without a fight unheard of to give up without a fight and the thought of it mortally offended and the thought of it mortally offended and the thought of it mortally offended every soldier in the army Army but their every soldier in the army Army but their every soldier in the army Army but their orders were clear and pass under the orders were clear and pass under the orders were clear and pass under the Yoke they did the army that marched back Yoke they did the army that marched back Yoke they did the army that marched back to Rome was unlike any that had gone to Rome was unlike any that had gone to Rome was unlike any that had gone before it or would come after they before it or would come after they before it or would come after they marched weaponless and in complete marched weaponless and in complete marched weaponless and in complete silence walking and eating without silence walking and eating without silence walking and eating without saying a word or even looking up from saying a word or even looking up from saying a word or even looking up from the ground some said that the samnites the ground some said that the samnites the ground some said that the samnites had defeated the spirit of Rome itself had defeated the spirit of Rome itself had defeated the spirit of Rome itself but Savvy observers warned that this was but Savvy observers warned that this was but Savvy observers warned that this was unlikely that the silent Army was not unlikely that the silent Army was not unlikely that the silent Army was not devoid of spirit but merely smoldering devoid of spirit but merely smoldering devoid of spirit but merely smoldering with such an intense rage that words with such an intense rage that words with such an intense rage that words could not express their emotions and woe could not express their emotions and woe could not express their emotions and woe to those upon whom Rome's Fury would be to those upon whom Rome's Fury would be to those upon whom Rome's Fury would be unleashed the terms of the peace also unleashed the terms of the peace also unleashed the terms of the peace also called for 600 Cavalry men I.E the sons called for 600 Cavalry men I.E the sons called for 600 Cavalry men I.E the sons of the richest men in Rome to be held as of the richest men in Rome to be held as of the richest men in Rome to be held as hostages as well as for the consuls and hostages as well as for the consuls and hostages as well as for the consuls and their officers to become guarantees of their officers to become guarantees of their officers to become guarantees of the peace an official half religious the peace an official half religious the peace an official half religious half legal position in ancient half legal position in ancient half legal position in ancient International International International diplomacy in effect it meant that upon

diplomacy in effect it meant that upon diplomacy in effect it meant that upon their return to Rome they must Force the their return to Rome they must Force the their return to Rome they must Force the Senate and people to accept the terms of Senate and people to accept the terms of Senate and people to accept the terms of Peace offered at the Peace offered at the Peace offered at the battlefield if they did not the gods battlefield if they did not the gods battlefield if they did not the gods would punish Rome as a whole if the would punish Rome as a whole if the would punish Rome as a whole if the guarantees who were in breach of their guarantees who were in breach of their guarantees who were in breach of their Duty did not hand themselves back over Duty did not hand themselves back over Duty did not hand themselves back over to the samnites who would sell them as to the samnites who would sell them as to the samnites who would sell them as slaves this threat was supposed to be slaves this threat was supposed to be slaves this threat was supposed to be enough to compel even unhappy guarantees enough to compel even unhappy guarantees enough to compel even unhappy guarantees to do their Duty and it usually was but to do their Duty and it usually was but to do their Duty and it usually was but like I say the Romans were cut from a like I say the Romans were cut from a like I say the Romans were cut from a completely different completely different completely different cloth it is unclear at what point cloth it is unclear at what point cloth it is unclear at what point postumius one of the consules decided to postumius one of the consules decided to postumius one of the consules decided to breach the trust whether it was his plan breach the trust whether it was his plan breach the trust whether it was his plan all along or whether he decided to do so all along or whether he decided to do so all along or whether he decided to do so after reaching after reaching after reaching Rome but when he stood before the Senate Rome but when he stood before the Senate Rome but when he stood before the Senate and delivered the official account of and delivered the official account of and delivered the official account of events leading up to the surrender and events leading up to the surrender and events leading up to the surrender and the terms of the peace he urged them not the terms of the peace he urged them not the terms of the peace he urged them not to accept but reject the samnites offer to accept but reject the samnites offer to accept but reject the samnites offer and immediately rea the Army and attack and immediately rea the Army and attack and immediately rea the Army and attack he and his colleagues had been foolish he and his colleagues had been foolish he and his colleagues had been foolish but that did not mean Rome itself should but that did not mean Rome itself should but that did not mean Rome itself should admit defeat further he said he and his admit defeat further he said he and his admit defeat further he said he and his officers would immediately marched back officers would immediately marched back officers would immediately marched back to where ponus waited for word and to where ponus waited for word and to where ponus waited for word and surrender themselves releasing Rome from surrender themselves releasing Rome from surrender themselves releasing Rome from its obligation to honor the terms of the its obligation to honor the terms of the its obligation to honor the terms of the treaty the Senate who had been ready to treaty the Senate who had been ready to treaty the Senate who had been ready to castigate POS jius and his colleague in castigate POS jius and his colleague in castigate POS jius and his colleague in the harshest terms now praised them to the harshest terms now praised them to the harshest terms now praised them to the the the heavens the two consuls and their heavens the two consuls and their heavens the two consuls and their officers a priest and Tow to witness the officers a priest and Tow to witness the officers a priest and Tow to witness the whole thing returned to the samnite Army whole thing returned to the samnite Army whole thing returned to the samnite Army and surrendered themselves announcing and surrendered themselves announcing and surrendered themselves announcing that Rome rejected peace and did so with that Rome rejected peace and did so with that Rome rejected peace and did so with the full favor of the the full favor of the the full favor of the Gods Pontius was was incensed and

Gods Pontius was was incensed and Gods Pontius was was incensed and refused to accept the surrender claiming refused to accept the surrender claiming refused to accept the surrender claiming that the sneaky Romans were just trying that the sneaky Romans were just trying that the sneaky Romans were just trying to weasel their way out of defeat with a to weasel their way out of defeat with a to weasel their way out of defeat with a legalistic reading of The Pact no one legalistic reading of The Pact no one legalistic reading of The Pact no one who swore to be a guarantee abandoned who swore to be a guarantee abandoned who swore to be a guarantee abandoned his duty and thought that just by his duty and thought that just by his duty and thought that just by surrendering himself he had absolved his surrendering himself he had absolved his surrendering himself he had absolved his nation of guilt it was outrageous but nation of guilt it was outrageous but nation of guilt it was outrageous but there postumia stood doing exactly that there postumia stood doing exactly that there postumia stood doing exactly that if Rome wanted to play chicken with the if Rome wanted to play chicken with the if Rome wanted to play chicken with the gods that was fine with Pontius and gods that was fine with Pontius and gods that was fine with Pontius and ordered his men to let postumius and his ordered his men to let postumius and his ordered his men to let postumius and his officers walk away unmolested so the officers walk away unmolested so the officers walk away unmolested so the offer of surrender would never be offer of surrender would never be offer of surrender would never be accepted and The Pact at least from the accepted and The Pact at least from the accepted and The Pact at least from the samnite perspective would remain in samnite perspective would remain in samnite perspective would remain in breach how much of this story is breach how much of this story is breach how much of this story is propaganda and how much is true is up in propaganda and how much is true is up in propaganda and how much is true is up in the air there is no doubt though that the air there is no doubt though that the air there is no doubt though that following the defeat the Codine Forks following the defeat the Codine Forks following the defeat the Codine Forks there was a 5-year lull in there was a 5-year lull in there was a 5-year lull in hostilities it seems reasonable that the hostilities it seems reasonable that the hostilities it seems reasonable that the 5 years of Peace was somehow related to 5 years of Peace was somehow related to 5 years of Peace was somehow related to the terms of the surrender but according the terms of the surrender but according the terms of the surrender but according to the Romans they never recognized any to the Romans they never recognized any to the Romans they never recognized any peace and were free and clear to peace and were free and clear to peace and were free and clear to continue fighting if they continue fighting if they continue fighting if they wished I suspect that the story of wished I suspect that the story of wished I suspect that the story of postumius surrender is overblown it postumius surrender is overblown it postumius surrender is overblown it mirrors closely a story from the first mirrors closely a story from the first mirrors closely a story from the first Punic War in which a captured General is Punic War in which a captured General is Punic War in which a captured General is returned to Rome to secure a peace returned to Rome to secure a peace returned to Rome to secure a peace treaty but instead tells the Senate to treaty but instead tells the Senate to treaty but instead tells the Senate to keep fighting and then honorably returns keep fighting and then honorably returns keep fighting and then honorably returns to Carthage where the promise of torture to Carthage where the promise of torture to Carthage where the promise of torture and death await and death await and death await him but even if the Romans had belied him but even if the Romans had belied him but even if the Romans had belied they could keep fighting Unbound by any they could keep fighting Unbound by any they could keep fighting Unbound by any treaty that did not mean that they would treaty that did not mean that they would treaty that did not mean that they would necessarily have wanted to Codine Forks necessarily have wanted to Codine Forks necessarily have wanted to Codine Forks had been a humiliation that much is

had been a humiliation that much is had been a humiliation that much is certain and the Romans would have had no certain and the Romans would have had no certain and the Romans would have had no interest in allowing history to repeat interest in allowing history to repeat interest in allowing history to repeat itself perhaps the 5-year layoff was itself perhaps the 5-year layoff was itself perhaps the 5-year layoff was simply Rome being cautious clearly the simply Rome being cautious clearly the simply Rome being cautious clearly the samnites were more clever than they had samnites were more clever than they had samnites were more clever than they had been given credit for there was no sense been given credit for there was no sense been given credit for there was no sense in giving them the opportunity to crush in giving them the opportunity to crush in giving them the opportunity to crush Rome's dreams of Empire so soon after Rome's dreams of Empire so soon after Rome's dreams of Empire so soon after they had been fully consciously they had been fully consciously they had been fully consciously articulated the Romans would buy their articulated the Romans would buy their articulated the Romans would buy their time patience was another great Roman time patience was another great Roman time patience was another great Roman virtue they were in no hurry they just virtue they were in no hurry they just virtue they were in no hurry they just wanted to be sure of wanted to be sure of wanted to be sure of Victory most likely though a 5-year Victory most likely though a 5-year Victory most likely though a 5-year peace was forced on the Romans who had peace was forced on the Romans who had peace was forced on the Romans who had no choice but to submit to the samnite no choice but to submit to the samnite no choice but to submit to the samnite terms and no such episode of Bold terms and no such episode of Bold terms and no such episode of Bold Defiance ever Defiance ever Defiance ever occurred next week we will pick up when occurred next week we will pick up when occurred next week we will pick up when hostilities begin again around 3:15 BC hostilities begin again around 3:15 BC hostilities begin again around 3:15 BC at that point the atrans in the North at that point the atrans in the North at that point the atrans in the North and the Greeks in the South would both and the Greeks in the South would both and the Greeks in the South would both become involved as well leading the become involved as well leading the become involved as well leading the fight between the Romans and samnites to fight between the Romans and samnites to fight between the Romans and samnites to become a struggle that embroiled all the become a struggle that embroiled all the become a struggle that embroiled all the major powers in major powers in major powers in [Music] [Music] [Music] Italy hello and welcome to the history Italy hello and welcome to the history Italy hello and welcome to the history of

of of Rome the Romans licked their wounds or Rome the Romans licked their wounds or Rome the Romans licked their wounds or perhaps more accurately nurse their egos perhaps more accurately nurse their egos perhaps more accurately nurse their egos after the defeat at Codine Forks in 321 after the defeat at Codine Forks in 321 after the defeat at Codine Forks in 321 BC 5 years passed with the Romans BC 5 years passed with the Romans BC 5 years passed with the Romans engaging their neighbors in minor engaging their neighbors in minor engaging their neighbors in minor skirmishes but avoiding another major skirmishes but avoiding another major skirmishes but avoiding another major confrontation with the samnites whether confrontation with the samnites whether confrontation with the samnites whether this was because of an official peace this was because of an official peace this was because of an official peace treaty or out of Roman fear is still treaty or out of Roman fear is still treaty or out of Roman fear is still unclear but whatever the cause there was unclear but whatever the cause there was unclear but whatever the cause there was a break in the fighting all that changed a break in the fighting all that changed a break in the fighting all that changed in 316 BC however when the Romans in 316 BC however when the Romans in 316 BC however when the Romans confident once again marched out and confident once again marched out and confident once again marched out and attempted again to conquer the attempted again to conquer the attempted again to conquer the samnites this second stage of the war samnites this second stage of the war samnites this second stage of the war started out no better for the Romans started out no better for the Romans started out no better for the Romans than the first had ended though but they than the first had ended though but they than the first had ended though but they soon gained the upper hand and after 10 soon gained the upper hand and after 10 soon gained the upper hand and after 10 years of hard fighting the Romans would years of hard fighting the Romans would years of hard fighting the Romans would force the samnites to submit in 304 force the samnites to submit in 304 force the samnites to submit in 304 BC in the race to Victory the Romans BC in the race to Victory the Romans BC in the race to Victory the Romans stumbled out of the gates in 315 BC they stumbled out of the gates in 315 BC they stumbled out of the gates in 315 BC they met the samnites near lay and were met the samnites near lay and were met the samnites near lay and were defeated in convincing fashion details defeated in convincing fashion details defeated in convincing fashion details of the battle are sketchy but it appears of the battle are sketchy but it appears of the battle are sketchy but it appears certain that the dictator commanding the certain that the dictator commanding the certain that the dictator commanding the Roman legion was killed in the fighting Roman legion was killed in the fighting Roman legion was killed in the fighting R's power was now on the verge of R's power was now on the verge of R's power was now on the verge of completely unraveling they had lost a completely unraveling they had lost a completely unraveling they had lost a major battle at Codine without a fight major battle at Codine without a fight major battle at Codine without a fight and now on their big comeback tour when and now on their big comeback tour when and now on their big comeback tour when they actually took the field against the they actually took the field against the they actually took the field against the samnites they were soundly beaten things samnites they were soundly beaten things samnites they were soundly beaten things were not looking good for the Romans were not looking good for the Romans were not looking good for the Romans compania the territory over which Rome compania the territory over which Rome compania the territory over which Rome and samnium had originally clashed was and samnium had originally clashed was and samnium had originally clashed was ously close to abandoning their treaty ously close to abandoning their treaty ously close to abandoning their treaty with Rome so recently entered into and

with Rome so recently entered into and with Rome so recently entered into and giving themselves over to the samnites giving themselves over to the samnites giving themselves over to the samnites taranum a major Greek city in the South taranum a major Greek city in the South taranum a major Greek city in the South had already declared for the samnites had already declared for the samnites had already declared for the samnites and now negotiations had begun to bring and now negotiations had begun to bring and now negotiations had begun to bring the atrans into the fry however the at the atrans into the fry however the at the atrans into the fry however the at truskin bought high on samite power and truskin bought high on samite power and truskin bought high on samite power and when they did enter the war found when they did enter the war found when they did enter the war found themselves overmatched by a newly themselves overmatched by a newly themselves overmatched by a newly resurgent resurgent resurgent Rome it was during these years that the Rome it was during these years that the Rome it was during these years that the Romans began to radically alter the Romans began to radically alter the Romans began to radically alter the legion's organization and tactics legion's organization and tactics legion's organization and tactics switching from the clunky failinks into switching from the clunky failinks into switching from the clunky failinks into the maneuverable three-line maniple the maneuverable three-line maniple the maneuverable three-line maniple system once the structural deficiencies system once the structural deficiencies system once the structural deficiencies of their army were ironed out Rome's of their army were ironed out Rome's of their army were ironed out Rome's advantage in wealth and Manpower left advantage in wealth and Manpower left advantage in wealth and Manpower left little doubt as to the final outcome of little doubt as to the final outcome of little doubt as to the final outcome of the the the war one of the ways that wealth war one of the ways that wealth war one of the ways that wealth manifested itself as an aid to the war manifested itself as an aid to the war manifested itself as an aid to the war effort was in an infrastructure project effort was in an infrastructure project effort was in an infrastructure project that survives today a living Monument to that survives today a living Monument to that survives today a living Monument to Roman engineering genius the Via Appia Roman engineering genius the Via Appia Roman engineering genius the Via Appia or appan or appan or appan way during the first samite war though way during the first samite war though way during the first samite war though they emerged Victorious the Romans they emerged Victorious the Romans they emerged Victorious the Romans struggled constantly to move troops and struggled constantly to move troops and struggled constantly to move troops and supplies South into compia and samum in supplies South into compia and samum in supplies South into compia and samum in anything resembling quick time Wet Mary anything resembling quick time Wet Mary anything resembling quick time Wet Mary land separated the two points literally land separated the two points literally land separated the two points literally bogging down efforts roads through the bogging down efforts roads through the bogging down efforts roads through the Foothills above were too hazardous and Foothills above were too hazardous and Foothills above were too hazardous and the only other route was a long arduous the only other route was a long arduous the only other route was a long arduous trip along the trip along the trip along the coast the Romans needed a way to get coast the Romans needed a way to get coast the Romans needed a way to get into compania quickly and began to into compania quickly and began to into compania quickly and began to entertain the idea of building a entertain the idea of building a entertain the idea of building a straight road linking Rome and capua the straight road linking Rome and capua the straight road linking Rome and capua the capital city of capital city of capital city of compia the proposals never got off the compia the proposals never got off the compia the proposals never got off the ground as resources were tied up first

ground as resources were tied up first ground as resources were tied up first with the Latin War then again with the with the Latin War then again with the with the Latin War then again with the samnites but in 312 BC a man came samnites but in 312 BC a man came samnites but in 312 BC a man came forward with the vision and will to forward with the vision and will to forward with the vision and will to accomplish the goal appius Claudius accomplish the goal appius Claudius accomplish the goal appius Claudius whose name was attached to the road for whose name was attached to the road for whose name was attached to the road for his efforts was a member in good his efforts was a member in good his efforts was a member in good standing of one of the more standing of one of the more standing of one of the more controversial families in Rome the controversial families in Rome the controversial families in Rome the CLA implacable foes of the pans the CLA CLA implacable foes of the pans the CLA CLA implacable foes of the pans the CLA never lacked for enemies indeed it had never lacked for enemies indeed it had never lacked for enemies indeed it had been another apus Claudius who had been another apus Claudius who had been another apus Claudius who had headed the Des in its efforts to headed the Des in its efforts to headed the Des in its efforts to consolidate power after compiling the 12 consolidate power after compiling the 12 consolidate power after compiling the 12 tables of law around 450 tables of law around 450 tables of law around 450 BC but the appus Claudius of whom we BC but the appus Claudius of whom we BC but the appus Claudius of whom we speak today outdid them all in pomposity speak today outdid them all in pomposity speak today outdid them all in pomposity and pretensions to and pretensions to and pretensions to infallibility he remains himself one of infallibility he remains himself one of infallibility he remains himself one of the more interesting and Infamous the more interesting and Infamous the more interesting and Infamous figures in Roman history both the figures in Roman history both the figures in Roman history both the driving force behind some of the most driving force behind some of the most driving force behind some of the most ambitious Public Works projects in ambitious Public Works projects in ambitious Public Works projects in history and a man who seemed cooly history and a man who seemed cooly history and a man who seemed cooly untroubled by his own thrashing of untroubled by his own thrashing of untroubled by his own thrashing of constitutional and religious constitutional and religious constitutional and religious precedence Claudius was elected censor precedence Claudius was elected censor precedence Claudius was elected censor an office of enormous importance in 32 an office of enormous importance in 32 an office of enormous importance in 32 BC along with a BC along with a BC along with a colleague one of the critical functions colleague one of the critical functions colleague one of the critical functions of the censors at this point was to of the censors at this point was to of the censors at this point was to declare who was eligible for the Senate declare who was eligible for the Senate declare who was eligible for the Senate and who is eligible to vote Claudius and who is eligible to vote Claudius and who is eligible to vote Claudius rather than simply following the rather than simply following the rather than simply following the previous year's roles as was the custom previous year's roles as was the custom previous year's roles as was the custom decided to drastically alter the decided to drastically alter the decided to drastically alter the composition of the Senate and the composition of the Senate and the composition of the Senate and the electorate expelling members he electorate expelling members he electorate expelling members he considered his enemies and enrolling men considered his enemies and enrolling men considered his enemies and enrolling men who promised him who promised him who promised him loyalty a gast his colleague resigned loyalty a gast his colleague resigned loyalty a gast his colleague resigned knowing that if he did so Claudius would

knowing that if he did so Claudius would knowing that if he did so Claudius would be stopped because anytime One sensor be stopped because anytime One sensor be stopped because anytime One sensor died or resigned the other stepped down died or resigned the other stepped down died or resigned the other stepped down so two fresh sensors could stand in so two fresh sensors could stand in so two fresh sensors could stand in their place but Claudius refused to step their place but Claudius refused to step their place but Claudius refused to step down sparking a minor constitutional down sparking a minor constitutional down sparking a minor constitutional crisis the manipulated Senate however crisis the manipulated Senate however crisis the manipulated Senate however made of senators who owed their office made of senators who owed their office made of senators who owed their office to Claudius predictably remained to Claudius predictably remained to Claudius predictably remained silent despite calls for his head silent despite calls for his head silent despite calls for his head Claudius remained in office he then Claudius remained in office he then Claudius remained in office he then further infuriated public opinion by further infuriated public opinion by further infuriated public opinion by taking certain sacred rights away from a taking certain sacred rights away from a taking certain sacred rights away from a family he disapproved of and passing family he disapproved of and passing family he disapproved of and passing them into the hands of public them into the hands of public them into the hands of public slaves for this offense Claudius was slaves for this offense Claudius was slaves for this offense Claudius was allegedly struck Blind by the gods allegedly struck Blind by the gods allegedly struck Blind by the gods though accounts of his eyesight loss do though accounts of his eyesight loss do though accounts of his eyesight loss do not crop up until later in the annals not crop up until later in the annals not crop up until later in the annals and then seemed to only describe his and then seemed to only describe his and then seemed to only describe his final days as old blind Claudius final days as old blind Claudius final days as old blind Claudius declaring Rome's determined opposition declaring Rome's determined opposition declaring Rome's determined opposition to pius's invasion to pius's invasion to pius's invasion in any event blind or not Claudius set in any event blind or not Claudius set in any event blind or not Claudius set to work on his pet projects two of which to work on his pet projects two of which to work on his pet projects two of which stood foremost in his mind the road to stood foremost in his mind the road to stood foremost in his mind the road to capoa which would bear his name and a capoa which would bear his name and a capoa which would bear his name and a series of aqueducts that would guarantee series of aqueducts that would guarantee series of aqueducts that would guarantee a fresh water supply for Rome which a fresh water supply for Rome which a fresh water supply for Rome which would also bear his name the Romans had would also bear his name the Romans had would also bear his name the Romans had finally accepted Claudius as single finally accepted Claudius as single finally accepted Claudius as single sensor and even applauded his lead in sensor and even applauded his lead in sensor and even applauded his lead in the public works but he set off a fresh the public works but he set off a fresh the public works but he set off a fresh Firestorm when his term of office Firestorm when his term of office Firestorm when his term of office expired after 18 months he shocked expired after 18 months he shocked expired after 18 months he shocked everyone by declaring that he would not everyone by declaring that he would not everyone by declaring that he would not be stepping down Rome was a gast at this be stepping down Rome was a gast at this be stepping down Rome was a gast at this sacrilege he had sworn an oath to step sacrilege he had sworn an oath to step sacrilege he had sworn an oath to step down and now flouted it with all the

down and now flouted it with all the down and now flouted it with all the hubris of a Greek tragic hubris of a Greek tragic hubris of a Greek tragic hero in the end Claudius would remain hero in the end Claudius would remain hero in the end Claudius would remain censor for five unprecedented years censor for five unprecedented years censor for five unprecedented years generally upsetting constitutional generally upsetting constitutional generally upsetting constitutional purists but endearing himself to the purists but endearing himself to the purists but endearing himself to the people with his liberal dispensations people with his liberal dispensations people with his liberal dispensations from the treasury the obvious benefits from the treasury the obvious benefits from the treasury the obvious benefits of his projects and his policies of of his projects and his policies of of his projects and his policies of enfranchisement for he extended the vote enfranchisement for he extended the vote enfranchisement for he extended the vote to landless citizens to landless citizens to landless citizens who otherwise had no voice at who otherwise had no voice at who otherwise had no voice at all he proved sufficiently popular that all he proved sufficiently popular that all he proved sufficiently popular that when he stepped down he immediately won when he stepped down he immediately won when he stepped down he immediately won election as election as election as Consul in later years the scandals of Consul in later years the scandals of Consul in later years the scandals of appius Claudius were largely forgotten appius Claudius were largely forgotten appius Claudius were largely forgotten and he was remembered first and foremost and he was remembered first and foremost and he was remembered first and foremost as the man who gave the Romans their as the man who gave the Romans their as the man who gave the Romans their most important Road and their most most important Road and their most most important Road and their most important network of important network of important network of aqueducts the appan way after it had aqueducts the appan way after it had aqueducts the appan way after it had served its immediate military purpose served its immediate military purpose served its immediate military purpose would evolve into the main artery of would evolve into the main artery of would evolve into the main artery of travel and trade for the Romans travel and trade for the Romans travel and trade for the Romans eventually stretching over 500 mil eventually stretching over 500 mil eventually stretching over 500 mil Southeast across the Southeast across the Southeast across the peninsula equipped with their new road peninsula equipped with their new road peninsula equipped with their new road Made of Stone bowed to prevent water Made of Stone bowed to prevent water Made of Stone bowed to prevent water collection and supported by retaining collection and supported by retaining collection and supported by retaining walls the Romans were now able to keep walls the Romans were now able to keep walls the Romans were now able to keep their troops in samum far better their troops in samum far better their troops in samum far better supplied than before and the War Began supplied than before and the War Began supplied than before and the War Began to slowly turn against the to slowly turn against the to slowly turn against the samnites the Roman strategy was samnites the Roman strategy was samnites the Roman strategy was straightforward though it took years to straightforward though it took years to straightforward though it took years to see it through to the end the samnites see it through to the end the samnites see it through to the end the samnites unlike their neighbors in the lowlands unlike their neighbors in the lowlands unlike their neighbors in the lowlands did not concentrate in large cities and did not concentrate in large cities and did not concentrate in large cities and as a result there is no one place the as a result there is no one place the as a result there is no one place the Romans could Target to bring a swift Romans could Target to bring a swift Romans could Target to bring a swift conclusion to conclusion to conclusion to hostilities they had to preced peace

hostilities they had to preced peace hostilities they had to preced peace meal cutting off samnite communities meal cutting off samnite communities meal cutting off samnite communities from each other by holding the mountain from each other by holding the mountain from each other by holding the mountain passes and building fortresses along passes and building fortresses along passes and building fortresses along navigable navigable navigable Rivers once an area was Secure the Rivers once an area was Secure the Rivers once an area was Secure the Romans could move on at all times doing Romans could move on at all times doing Romans could move on at all times doing their best to cut off supply routes and their best to cut off supply routes and their best to cut off supply routes and access to summer winter pasture land and access to summer winter pasture land and access to summer winter pasture land and so disrupt the entire samnite way of so disrupt the entire samnite way of so disrupt the entire samnite way of life in this way the Romans slowly life in this way the Romans slowly life in this way the Romans slowly hemmed in the samnites and annexed more hemmed in the samnites and annexed more hemmed in the samnites and annexed more and more of their territory sending in and more of their territory sending in and more of their territory sending in colonists and taking possession of colonists and taking possession of colonists and taking possession of samnium bit by little samnium bit by little samnium bit by little bit the samnites however were not the bit the samnites however were not the bit the samnites however were not the only enemy the Romans now faced the only enemy the Romans now faced the only enemy the Romans now faced the atrans mustering what solidarity they atrans mustering what solidarity they atrans mustering what solidarity they could rose up in arms in 311 BC and could rose up in arms in 311 BC and could rose up in arms in 311 BC and opened a whole new theater of opened a whole new theater of opened a whole new theater of operations each year the Romans operations each year the Romans operations each year the Romans designated one of their consoles to designated one of their consoles to designated one of their consoles to handle operations in samum while the handle operations in samum while the handle operations in samum while the other went North to other went North to other went North to aturia it speaks volumes of the Manpower aturia it speaks volumes of the Manpower aturia it speaks volumes of the Manpower and wealth available to Rome that they and wealth available to Rome that they and wealth available to Rome that they were able to run Wars on two completely were able to run Wars on two completely were able to run Wars on two completely separate fronts and emerg Victorious separate fronts and emerg Victorious separate fronts and emerg Victorious from from from both the Romans were in the driver's both the Romans were in the driver's both the Romans were in the driver's seat for most of the decade with the seat for most of the decade with the seat for most of the decade with the Senate truly gri by Panic only once in Senate truly gri by Panic only once in Senate truly gri by Panic only once in 310 BC and even then it was a panic from 310 BC and even then it was a panic from 310 BC and even then it was a panic from a lack of information rather than from a lack of information rather than from a lack of information rather than from any true any true any true danger in the north the Consul in charge danger in the north the Consul in charge danger in the north the Consul in charge former insubordinate master of horse former insubordinate master of horse former insubordinate master of horse quintis Fabius went off the radar for a quintis Fabius went off the radar for a quintis Fabius went off the radar for a while he had defeated an at truscan Army while he had defeated an at truscan Army while he had defeated an at truscan Army and the survivors had fled into the and the survivors had fled into the and the survivors had fled into the chinian forest a dense roadless wooded

chinian forest a dense roadless wooded chinian forest a dense roadless wooded area which was off limits to the area which was off limits to the area which was off limits to the superstitious Romans but Fabius decided superstitious Romans but Fabius decided superstitious Romans but Fabius decided reports about rodents of unusual side reports about rodents of unusual side reports about rodents of unusual side lurking in the forest were overblown and lurking in the forest were overblown and lurking in the forest were overblown and took his army in pursuing the fleeing at took his army in pursuing the fleeing at took his army in pursuing the fleeing at truscan truscan truscan army he was out of contact for some time army he was out of contact for some time army he was out of contact for some time which would have been a cause for which would have been a cause for which would have been a cause for concern but not alarm had not his concern but not alarm had not his concern but not alarm had not his colleague in samnium been wounded in colleague in samnium been wounded in colleague in samnium been wounded in battle at the same time the Senate back battle at the same time the Senate back battle at the same time the Senate back in Rome received word that one Consul in Rome received word that one Consul in Rome received word that one Consul was injured who knew how badly and the was injured who knew how badly and the was injured who knew how badly and the other had led his army into the other had led his army into the other had led his army into the nightmare Woods of the chinian forest nightmare Woods of the chinian forest nightmare Woods of the chinian forest and began to and began to and began to panic in point of fact though the Consul panic in point of fact though the Consul panic in point of fact though the Consul in samum recovered from his minor in samum recovered from his minor in samum recovered from his minor injuries quickly and quintis Fabius was injuries quickly and quintis Fabius was injuries quickly and quintis Fabius was actually in the process of securing an actually in the process of securing an actually in the process of securing an alliance with the people who dwell alliance with the people who dwell alliance with the people who dwell inside the communion but the Senate knew inside the communion but the Senate knew inside the communion but the Senate knew none of this papirus cursor the man who none of this papirus cursor the man who none of this papirus cursor the man who had ordered the execution of young had ordered the execution of young had ordered the execution of young Fabius was appointed Dictator by the Fabius was appointed Dictator by the Fabius was appointed Dictator by the panicky Senate and led an army of fresh panicky Senate and led an army of fresh panicky Senate and led an army of fresh recruits into aturia to track down the recruits into aturia to track down the recruits into aturia to track down the Lost Lost Lost Legions when he arrived Fabius had Legions when he arrived Fabius had Legions when he arrived Fabius had already emerg from the woods new allies already emerg from the woods new allies already emerg from the woods new allies and toe he was surprised and horrified and toe he was surprised and horrified and toe he was surprised and horrified to find that his command had been given to find that his command had been given to find that his command had been given to papirius whom he understandably bore to papirius whom he understandably bore to papirius whom he understandably bore some resentment over the drama a few some resentment over the drama a few some resentment over the drama a few years earlier but he submitted to the years earlier but he submitted to the years earlier but he submitted to the Senate's will and allowed papirus to Senate's will and allowed papirus to Senate's will and allowed papirus to take take take command together they LED their combined command together they LED their combined command together they LED their combined Army against the regrouped atrans near Army against the regrouped atrans near Army against the regrouped atrans near Lake Lake Lake vadimo the resulting battle was the only vadimo the resulting battle was the only vadimo the resulting battle was the only clash with the atrans that was ever in

clash with the atrans that was ever in clash with the atrans that was ever in doubt all three Roman lines became doubt all three Roman lines became doubt all three Roman lines became involved and the tide did not turn until involved and the tide did not turn until involved and the tide did not turn until late in the day the at truskin however late in the day the at truskin however late in the day the at truskin however eventually broke and fled they never eventually broke and fled they never eventually broke and fled they never again caused the Roman serious trouble again caused the Roman serious trouble again caused the Roman serious trouble surrendering in 308 BC leaving the surrendering in 308 BC leaving the surrendering in 308 BC leaving the samnites to carry on alone samnites to carry on alone samnites to carry on alone the samnites were now in desperate the samnites were now in desperate the samnites were now in desperate Straits they were having difficulty with Straits they were having difficulty with Straits they were having difficulty with their supply lines their armies could their supply lines their armies could their supply lines their armies could not link up with one another they were not link up with one another they were not link up with one another they were constantly outnumbered and their constantly outnumbered and their constantly outnumbered and their communities were beginning to suffer communities were beginning to suffer communities were beginning to suffer terribly under what was in essence a terribly under what was in essence a terribly under what was in essence a massive Siege not of a city but of an massive Siege not of a city but of an massive Siege not of a city but of an entire entire entire territory the samnites held on as long territory the samnites held on as long territory the samnites held on as long as they could but finally reluctantly as they could but finally reluctantly as they could but finally reluctantly sued for peace in 304 BC bringing an end sued for peace in 304 BC bringing an end sued for peace in 304 BC bringing an end to the second samnite war they had lost to the second samnite war they had lost to the second samnite war they had lost a great deal of their territory and the a great deal of their territory and the a great deal of their territory and the Romans had founded 13 colonies in and Romans had founded 13 colonies in and Romans had founded 13 colonies in and around around around samnium in the north the Romans had samnium in the north the Romans had samnium in the north the Romans had pushed deep into a trustan territory and pushed deep into a trustan territory and pushed deep into a trustan territory and either controlled by arms or Alliance either controlled by arms or Alliance either controlled by arms or Alliance most of what had once been the most most of what had once been the most most of what had once been the most powerful Confederation in Italy Roman powerful Confederation in Italy Roman powerful Confederation in Italy Roman Garrison settled in across the peninsula Garrison settled in across the peninsula Garrison settled in across the peninsula leaving only the Greek controlled South leaving only the Greek controlled South leaving only the Greek controlled South Untouched by Roman Untouched by Roman Untouched by Roman power the second samite war had been an power the second samite war had been an power the second samite war had been an incredibly transformative period of time incredibly transformative period of time incredibly transformative period of time Italy had gone for being a land of Italy had gone for being a land of Italy had gone for being a land of fractured and competing sovereigns to a fractured and competing sovereigns to a fractured and competing sovereigns to a land under the control of a single land under the control of a single land under the control of a single dominant dominant dominant power Roman citizenship was extended in power Roman citizenship was extended in power Roman citizenship was extended in its various gradient forms to tribes its various gradient forms to tribes its various gradient forms to tribes across the Peninsula Who recognized more

across the Peninsula Who recognized more across the Peninsula Who recognized more and more that their future Prosperity and more that their future Prosperity and more that their future Prosperity would be determined by their would be determined by their would be determined by their relationship with relationship with relationship with Rome and though the Romans were of Rome and though the Romans were of Rome and though the Romans were of course resisted and at this point their course resisted and at this point their course resisted and at this point their domination was by no means complete as domination was by no means complete as domination was by no means complete as many as fought simply acquiesced and many as fought simply acquiesced and many as fought simply acquiesced and welcomed the Romans with open arms as I welcomed the Romans with open arms as I welcomed the Romans with open arms as I noted previously the Romans treated noted previously the Romans treated noted previously the Romans treated those who submitted without a fight with those who submitted without a fight with those who submitted without a fight with amazing generosity giving them full amazing generosity giving them full amazing generosity giving them full access to Roman access to Roman access to Roman Prosperity though they gave up their Prosperity though they gave up their Prosperity though they gave up their sovereignty and were required to submit sovereignty and were required to submit sovereignty and were required to submit soldiers through the legions they soldiers through the legions they soldiers through the legions they received their fair share of the spoils received their fair share of the spoils received their fair share of the spoils and were allowed as was standard Roman and were allowed as was standard Roman and were allowed as was standard Roman practice a great deal of latitude in practice a great deal of latitude in practice a great deal of latitude in their own local their own local their own local rule the Romans themselves also changed rule the Romans themselves also changed rule the Romans themselves also changed obviously the makeup of the legions was obviously the makeup of the legions was obviously the makeup of the legions was now radically different than it had been now radically different than it had been now radically different than it had been when with its strategy tactics and when with its strategy tactics and when with its strategy tactics and organization completely overhauled but organization completely overhauled but organization completely overhauled but the completion of the appan way in the the completion of the appan way in the the completion of the appan way in the aqueducts so impressive in their scope aqueducts so impressive in their scope aqueducts so impressive in their scope and so well conceived in their and so well conceived in their and so well conceived in their construction that it signaled a change construction that it signaled a change construction that it signaled a change in the Romans as a whole as they began in the Romans as a whole as they began in the Romans as a whole as they began to outpace their contemporaries in terms to outpace their contemporaries in terms to outpace their contemporaries in terms of their level of of their level of of their level of civilization Rome in short was becoming civilization Rome in short was becoming civilization Rome in short was becoming the Rome we think of and remember today the Rome we think of and remember today the Rome we think of and remember today the Rome that keeps us fascinated 1500 the Rome that keeps us fascinated 1500 the Rome that keeps us fascinated 1500 years after the fall of their empire years after the fall of their empire years after the fall of their empire the samnites however were not done yet the samnites however were not done yet the samnites however were not done yet after 10 years of peace they realized after 10 years of peace they realized after 10 years of peace they realized that any treaty with Rome me effectively that any treaty with Rome me effectively that any treaty with Rome me effectively an end to their independence an end to their independence an end to their independence forever Rome was moving inexorably in forever Rome was moving inexorably in forever Rome was moving inexorably in the direction of Imperial Master not

the direction of Imperial Master not the direction of Imperial Master not simply powerful neighbor in a last simply powerful neighbor in a last simply powerful neighbor in a last desperate play for General Italian desperate play for General Italian desperate play for General Italian Independence the samnites organized and Independence the samnites organized and Independence the samnites organized and led a coalition that included the atrans led a coalition that included the atrans led a coalition that included the atrans the umbrians and even the Galls against the umbrians and even the Galls against the umbrians and even the Galls against Roman Roman Roman power next week we will cover the power next week we will cover the power next week we will cover the resulting conflict known as the third resulting conflict known as the third resulting conflict known as the third samite war though the name is a bit of a samite war though the name is a bit of a samite war though the name is a bit of a misnomer it was not simply Rome against misnomer it was not simply Rome against misnomer it was not simply Rome against the samnites but Rome against the samnites but Rome against the samnites but Rome against everyone and in this war against everyone and in this war against everyone and in this war against everyone Rome would win and everyone everyone Rome would win and everyone everyone Rome would win and everyone else would lose hello and welcome to the history of hello and welcome to the history of Rome as the 300s gave way to the 200s BC Rome as the 300s gave way to the 200s BC Rome as the 300s gave way to the 200s BC Rome found itself the de facto master of Rome found itself the de facto master of Rome found itself the de facto master of Italy it was not yet official but for Italy it was not yet official but for Italy it was not yet official but for all intents and purposes Italy belonged all intents and purposes Italy belonged all intents and purposes Italy belonged to Rome to Rome to Rome certainly the Romans saw themselves as certainly the Romans saw themselves as certainly the Romans saw themselves as being in charge and their actions in the being in charge and their actions in the being in charge and their actions in the immediate aftermath of the long second immediate aftermath of the long second immediate aftermath of the long second samite war demonstrated this but in the samite war demonstrated this but in the samite war demonstrated this but in the volatile ancient world a beaten enemy volatile ancient world a beaten enemy volatile ancient world a beaten enemy one year was often Victorious the next

one year was often Victorious the next one year was often Victorious the next so though Rome was surrounded by beaten so though Rome was surrounded by beaten so though Rome was surrounded by beaten enemies next year was just around the enemies next year was just around the enemies next year was just around the corner Rome's attitude towards the corner Rome's attitude towards the corner Rome's attitude towards the fiercely independent samnites and once fiercely independent samnites and once fiercely independent samnites and once Regal truskin led to smoldering Regal truskin led to smoldering Regal truskin led to smoldering resentment across Rome's new territory resentment across Rome's new territory resentment across Rome's new territory which I suppose was the source of their which I suppose was the source of their which I suppose was the source of their resentment Rome considering auran resentment Rome considering auran resentment Rome considering auran samnium to be newly conquered territory samnium to be newly conquered territory samnium to be newly conquered territory right for settlement and colonization right for settlement and colonization right for settlement and colonization while the natives saw their treaties while the natives saw their treaties while the natives saw their treaties with Rome as being between equals with Rome as being between equals with Rome as being between equals unequal terms yes but between unequal terms yes but between unequal terms yes but between equals when Rome started planting equals when Rome started planting equals when Rome started planting colonies in samnium and parading the colonies in samnium and parading the colonies in samnium and parading the legions through Uria a fresh talk of legions through Uria a fresh talk of legions through Uria a fresh talk of resistance and War Began again the resistance and War Began again the resistance and War Began again the samnites in particular understood that samnites in particular understood that samnites in particular understood that Rome was now driven by V of a peninsula Rome was now driven by V of a peninsula Rome was now driven by V of a peninsula wide Empire and peace meant little more wide Empire and peace meant little more wide Empire and peace meant little more than death by population migration and than death by population migration and than death by population migration and displacement rather than by a sword to displacement rather than by a sword to displacement rather than by a sword to the the the Head they were proud of their culture Head they were proud of their culture Head they were proud of their culture and language and way of life and saw all and language and way of life and saw all and language and way of life and saw all too well what the future held for a too well what the future held for a too well what the future held for a passive samite Nation a mere footnote in passive samite Nation a mere footnote in passive samite Nation a mere footnote in Roman history books at least if they Roman history books at least if they Roman history books at least if they fought they could be the subjects of one fought they could be the subjects of one fought they could be the subjects of one more podcast more podcast more podcast episode in 298 BC the samnites began to episode in 298 BC the samnites began to episode in 298 BC the samnites began to resist Roman incursions into their land resist Roman incursions into their land resist Roman incursions into their land Rome sent envoys to samnium to demand Rome sent envoys to samnium to demand Rome sent envoys to samnium to demand that the Treaty of peace be honored but that the Treaty of peace be honored but that the Treaty of peace be honored but the samnites were done with the treaty the samnites were done with the treaty the samnites were done with the treaty and War was declared once again two and War was declared once again two and War was declared once again two Consular armies two armies under the Consular armies two armies under the Consular armies two armies under the command of a Consul so four total command of a Consul so four total command of a Consul so four total Legions were sent into samnium in 297 BC

Legions were sent into samnium in 297 BC Legions were sent into samnium in 297 BC the samnites were unprepared for this the samnites were unprepared for this the samnites were unprepared for this Onslaught and the army they had raised Onslaught and the army they had raised Onslaught and the army they had raised at its level best to stay away from the at its level best to stay away from the at its level best to stay away from the Romans not wanting to risk a fulls scale Romans not wanting to risk a fulls scale Romans not wanting to risk a fulls scale battle that they would surely battle that they would surely battle that they would surely lose so the consules Marcus Valerius no lose so the consules Marcus Valerius no lose so the consules Marcus Valerius no longer the intemperate young master of longer the intemperate young master of longer the intemperate young master of horse but by now an old man and widely horse but by now an old man and widely horse but by now an old man and widely considered to be the most able of all considered to be the most able of all considered to be the most able of all the Roman generals and puus Deus son of the Roman generals and puus Deus son of the Roman generals and puus Deus son of the legendary Deus who won the grass the legendary Deus who won the grass the legendary Deus who won the grass crown and sacrificed himself in battle crown and sacrificed himself in battle crown and sacrificed himself in battle spent the year rans sacking the spent the year rans sacking the spent the year rans sacking the countryside eventually the samnite Army countryside eventually the samnite Army countryside eventually the samnite Army still unwilling to fight in the open still unwilling to fight in the open still unwilling to fight in the open left samum all together and made its way left samum all together and made its way left samum all together and made its way to aturia they knew they could never to aturia they knew they could never to aturia they knew they could never defeat the Romans alone they needed help the next year appius Claudius he of the the next year appius Claudius he of the Appian Way was elected Cil again the Appian Way was elected Cil again the Appian Way was elected Cil again the people wanted to return Marcus valious people wanted to return Marcus valious people wanted to return Marcus valious as conso for the second year in a row as conso for the second year in a row as conso for the second year in a row but he begged off citing the mandatory but he begged off citing the mandatory but he begged off citing the mandatory decade wait before holding office again decade wait before holding office again decade wait before holding office again scolding the Romans for attempting to scolding the Romans for attempting to scolding the Romans for attempting to abandon the rule of law just because abandon the rule of law just because abandon the rule of law just because they were faced with an they were faced with an they were faced with an emergency chassen the electorate revoted emergency chassen the electorate revoted emergency chassen the electorate revoted and elected instead a paan named Lucius and elected instead a paan named Lucius and elected instead a paan named Lucius volumnius volumnius volumnius when the atrans began to rise up as well when the atrans began to rise up as well when the atrans began to rise up as well the two new consoles Drew lots to the two new consoles Drew lots to the two new consoles Drew lots to determine their spheres of command determine their spheres of command determine their spheres of command volumnius was assigned samnium while volumnius was assigned samnium while volumnius was assigned samnium while Claudius Drew aturia when volumnius Claudius Drew aturia when volumnius Claudius Drew aturia when volumnius arrived in samnium he found that its arrived in samnium he found that its arrived in samnium he found that its Army remained in semi Exile he marched Army remained in semi Exile he marched Army remained in semi Exile he marched around capturing towns raiding for

around capturing towns raiding for around capturing towns raiding for plunder generally enriching himself and plunder generally enriching himself and plunder generally enriching himself and his men with ease but he knew that there his men with ease but he knew that there his men with ease but he knew that there was no threat to Rome to be found was no threat to Rome to be found was no threat to Rome to be found amongst the women and children and old amongst the women and children and old amongst the women and children and old men of samum Rome's enemy were in aturia men of samum Rome's enemy were in aturia men of samum Rome's enemy were in aturia he thought what in the world am I doing he thought what in the world am I doing he thought what in the world am I doing here at this point a discrepancy in the here at this point a discrepancy in the here at this point a discrepancy in the record emerges according to volumus record emerges according to volumus record emerges according to volumus Claudius sent him a distress letter Claudius sent him a distress letter Claudius sent him a distress letter confirming his fears stating that the confirming his fears stating that the confirming his fears stating that the atrans and samnite armies had joined atrans and samnite armies had joined atrans and samnite armies had joined forces and volumnius must come to at forces and volumnius must come to at forces and volumnius must come to at trur at once to help volumnius seeing no trur at once to help volumnius seeing no trur at once to help volumnius seeing no danger in leaving samnium marched his danger in leaving samnium marched his danger in leaving samnium marched his Legions North to Atria to answer Legions North to Atria to answer Legions North to Atria to answer claudius's call for help when he arrived claudius's call for help when he arrived claudius's call for help when he arrived however Claudius denied having ever however Claudius denied having ever however Claudius denied having ever written such a letter Claudius said that written such a letter Claudius said that written such a letter Claudius said that he was well in command of the situation he was well in command of the situation he was well in command of the situation and did not need volumus around trying and did not need volumus around trying and did not need volumus around trying to Horn in on his glory it was not to Horn in on his glory it was not to Horn in on his glory it was not explicit but the implication was that explicit but the implication was that explicit but the implication was that the Patrician Claudius did not need the the Patrician Claudius did not need the the Patrician Claudius did not need the assistance of a mere assistance of a mere assistance of a mere plean volumnius offended by the reaction plean volumnius offended by the reaction plean volumnius offended by the reaction to what he thought was requested Aid to what he thought was requested Aid to what he thought was requested Aid said fine have it your way and wield his said fine have it your way and wield his said fine have it your way and wield his army army army around but the officers and Men of around but the officers and Men of around but the officers and Men of claudius's army blocked his path claudius's army blocked his path claudius's army blocked his path despite the vain assertions of their despite the vain assertions of their despite the vain assertions of their Commander they told volumnius that the Commander they told volumnius that the Commander they told volumnius that the situation in aturia was Dire and the situation in aturia was Dire and the situation in aturia was Dire and the presence of both armies was necessary presence of both armies was necessary presence of both armies was necessary for for for victory volumnius decided to put it to a victory volumnius decided to put it to a victory volumnius decided to put it to a vote of the legions who by loud Acclaim vote of the legions who by loud Acclaim vote of the legions who by loud Acclaim demanded he stay Claudius was non-plus demanded he stay Claudius was non-plus demanded he stay Claudius was non-plus but was a Savvy enough politician not to

but was a Savvy enough politician not to but was a Savvy enough politician not to fly in the face of resounding popular fly in the face of resounding popular fly in the face of resounding popular opinion and agreed to fight with volumus opinion and agreed to fight with volumus opinion and agreed to fight with volumus by his side the United Legions then by his side the United Legions then by his side the United Legions then rushed out to find the mixed truscan and rushed out to find the mixed truscan and rushed out to find the mixed truscan and samnite army the resulting battle was an samnite army the resulting battle was an samnite army the resulting battle was an ill organized and sloppy affair on both ill organized and sloppy affair on both ill organized and sloppy affair on both sides the general of the samnites wasn't sides the general of the samnites wasn't sides the general of the samnites wasn't even present so the samnites were even present so the samnites were even present so the samnites were completely disorganized in their completely disorganized in their completely disorganized in their deployment and the Roman Legions with deployment and the Roman Legions with deployment and the Roman Legions with their commanders at odds with one their commanders at odds with one their commanders at odds with one another and Hasty in their search for a another and Hasty in their search for a another and Hasty in their search for a fight just charged into the fry without fight just charged into the fry without fight just charged into the fry without any plan at all but in spite of this the any plan at all but in spite of this the any plan at all but in spite of this the Romans prevailed scattering the atrans Romans prevailed scattering the atrans Romans prevailed scattering the atrans and leaving the samnite Army in disarray and leaving the samnite Army in disarray and leaving the samnite Army in disarray however this Victory did not end the however this Victory did not end the however this Victory did not end the danger the next year 295 the samnite danger the next year 295 the samnite danger the next year 295 the samnite Army regrouped and the atesin Army regrouped and the atesin Army regrouped and the atesin communities committed fresh troops to communities committed fresh troops to communities committed fresh troops to the the the struggle in addition the umbrians a hill struggle in addition the umbrians a hill struggle in addition the umbrians a hill tribe from the northern appenines tribe from the northern appenines tribe from the northern appenines officially joined the Coalition against officially joined the Coalition against officially joined the Coalition against the Romans and in a surprise development the Romans and in a surprise development the Romans and in a surprise development gallic tribes that had settled in the po gallic tribes that had settled in the po gallic tribes that had settled in the po valley allowed their services to be valley allowed their services to be valley allowed their services to be bought by the rich at truskin swelling bought by the rich at truskin swelling bought by the rich at truskin swelling the size and strength of the army Rome the size and strength of the army Rome the size and strength of the army Rome would soon fade would soon fade would soon fade the armies of these four races gathered the armies of these four races gathered the armies of these four races gathered near clusium in Northern Atria to plan near clusium in Northern Atria to plan near clusium in Northern Atria to plan their next their next their next move in Rome cular elections were held move in Rome cular elections were held move in Rome cular elections were held and despite his renewed protest Marcus and despite his renewed protest Marcus and despite his renewed protest Marcus valious was returned once again this valious was returned once again this valious was returned once again this time he bowed to public pressure and time he bowed to public pressure and time he bowed to public pressure and agreed to serve his only stipulation was agreed to serve his only stipulation was agreed to serve his only stipulation was that puus Deus be made his colleague the

that puus Deus be made his colleague the that puus Deus be made his colleague the two had been Partners in the consulship two had been Partners in the consulship two had been Partners in the consulship twice before and had served together as twice before and had served together as twice before and had served together as censors there were obvious Tactical censors there were obvious Tactical censors there were obvious Tactical disadvantages to having consoles at odds disadvantages to having consoles at odds disadvantages to having consoles at odds with one another as Claudius and with one another as Claudius and with one another as Claudius and volumnius had proven and Marcus valious volumnius had proven and Marcus valious volumnius had proven and Marcus valious wanted to make sure that there was wanted to make sure that there was wanted to make sure that there was Harmony at the top as Rome went off to Harmony at the top as Rome went off to Harmony at the top as Rome went off to challenge the largest and most dangerous challenge the largest and most dangerous challenge the largest and most dangerous enemy it had ever enemy it had ever enemy it had ever faced the people agreed with this logic faced the people agreed with this logic faced the people agreed with this logic and returned and returned and returned Deus however despite their previous Deus however despite their previous Deus however despite their previous excellent working relationship things excellent working relationship things excellent working relationship things immediately got off on the wrong foot immediately got off on the wrong foot immediately got off on the wrong foot the Senate wanted to assign Marcus the Senate wanted to assign Marcus the Senate wanted to assign Marcus valious to aturia without the tradition valious to aturia without the tradition valious to aturia without the tradition drawing of lots dcus protested saying drawing of lots dcus protested saying drawing of lots dcus protested saying that he had no problem being sent to that he had no problem being sent to that he had no problem being sent to samnium to lead the war on a quiet front samnium to lead the war on a quiet front samnium to lead the war on a quiet front but he would not do so arbitrarily but he would not do so arbitrarily but he would not do so arbitrarily because Marcus valus a patrician was because Marcus valus a patrician was because Marcus valus a patrician was considered better suited for the greater considered better suited for the greater considered better suited for the greater danger that lay in danger that lay in danger that lay in aturia he demanded that Lots be drawn aturia he demanded that Lots be drawn aturia he demanded that Lots be drawn and let the chips fall where they may and let the chips fall where they may and let the chips fall where they may Marcus valious for his part exacerbated Marcus valious for his part exacerbated Marcus valious for his part exacerbated the situation by accepting command in the situation by accepting command in the situation by accepting command in inria and in fact claiming it as his inria and in fact claiming it as his inria and in fact claiming it as his right right right if it had not been for his bold decision if it had not been for his bold decision if it had not been for his bold decision to enter the camaran forest and secure to enter the camaran forest and secure to enter the camaran forest and secure the natives as allies of Rome the the natives as allies of Rome the the natives as allies of Rome the legions would not have the supply Roots legions would not have the supply Roots legions would not have the supply Roots needed to enable a major campaign in needed to enable a major campaign in needed to enable a major campaign in aturia in the first place he considered aturia in the first place he considered aturia in the first place he considered aturia to be his country and wanted to aturia to be his country and wanted to aturia to be his country and wanted to finish the job he had started a heated finish the job he had started a heated finish the job he had started a heated exchange of words followed but in the exchange of words followed but in the exchange of words followed but in the end precedent gave way to popular

end precedent gave way to popular end precedent gave way to popular pressure and Marcus valus LED his pressure and Marcus valus LED his pressure and Marcus valus LED his Legions into aturia without Lots being Legions into aturia without Lots being Legions into aturia without Lots being drawn drawn drawn however after the Senate began to read however after the Senate began to read however after the Senate began to read Marcus Valerius reports of the massive Marcus Valerius reports of the massive Marcus Valerius reports of the massive Army Gathering and hearing appius Army Gathering and hearing appius Army Gathering and hearing appius Claudius describ the desperate situation Claudius describ the desperate situation Claudius describ the desperate situation he had just left they were called Deus he had just left they were called Deus he had just left they were called Deus from samum and asked him to join valus from samum and asked him to join valus from samum and asked him to join valus in in in aturia every enemy of Rome was gathered aturia every enemy of Rome was gathered aturia every enemy of Rome was gathered in the North and the Romans absolutely in the North and the Romans absolutely in the North and the Romans absolutely positively had to win the upcoming positively had to win the upcoming positively had to win the upcoming battle if they were to have any peace at battle if they were to have any peace at battle if they were to have any peace at all in the all in the all in the future so Deus marched with his armies future so Deus marched with his armies future so Deus marched with his armies North leaving a token forced to watch North leaving a token forced to watch North leaving a token forced to watch over the non-combatant over the non-combatant over the non-combatant samnites Marcus valus was a far more samnites Marcus valus was a far more samnites Marcus valus was a far more practical man than Claudius and when he practical man than Claudius and when he practical man than Claudius and when he saw Deus approaching he welcomed him saw Deus approaching he welcomed him saw Deus approaching he welcomed him with open arms Glory could only be had with open arms Glory could only be had with open arms Glory could only be had in Victory and the size of the in Victory and the size of the in Victory and the size of the anti-roman Coalition Army was anti-roman Coalition Army was anti-roman Coalition Army was drastically reducing the odds of Victory drastically reducing the odds of Victory drastically reducing the odds of Victory but joined together the legions would be but joined together the legions would be but joined together the legions would be more than a match for this formidable more than a match for this formidable more than a match for this formidable enemy the two armies met near sentinum enemy the two armies met near sentinum enemy the two armies met near sentinum and set up camp across from one another and set up camp across from one another and set up camp across from one another on a plane on a plane on a plane deserters from the gall Camp brought the deserters from the gall Camp brought the deserters from the gall Camp brought the consul's word of the coalition's plan consul's word of the coalition's plan consul's word of the coalition's plan they had decided that the GS and they had decided that the GS and they had decided that the GS and samnites would fight Rome on the samnites would fight Rome on the samnites would fight Rome on the battlefield while the atrans and battlefield while the atrans and battlefield while the atrans and umbrians overwhelmed the undermanned umbrians overwhelmed the undermanned umbrians overwhelmed the undermanned Roman Camp they HED to catch the Romans Roman Camp they HED to catch the Romans Roman Camp they HED to catch the Romans without an exit strategy and crush them without an exit strategy and crush them without an exit strategy and crush them between the force of their four combined between the force of their four combined between the force of their four combined armies but now knowing the plan the

armies but now knowing the plan the armies but now knowing the plan the consols immediately took measures to consols immediately took measures to consols immediately took measures to prevent its prevent its prevent its implementation in a classic display of implementation in a classic display of implementation in a classic display of indirect strategy a contingent of indirect strategy a contingent of indirect strategy a contingent of legionnaires was ordered out into the at legionnaires was ordered out into the at legionnaires was ordered out into the at truscan Countryside to attack and burn truscan Countryside to attack and burn truscan Countryside to attack and burn at will any house Community town or at will any house Community town or at will any house Community town or field they field they field they encountered this Devastation could not encountered this Devastation could not encountered this Devastation could not be tolerated by The atrans Who broke be tolerated by The atrans Who broke be tolerated by The atrans Who broke camp and made off to protect their homes camp and made off to protect their homes camp and made off to protect their homes having now peeled off at least a fourth having now peeled off at least a fourth having now peeled off at least a fourth of the opposing forces and throwing a of the opposing forces and throwing a of the opposing forces and throwing a wrench in the Coalition plan the Romans wrench in the Coalition plan the Romans wrench in the Coalition plan the Romans immediately sought a battle which the immediately sought a battle which the immediately sought a battle which the remaining samnites umbrians and GS remaining samnites umbrians and GS remaining samnites umbrians and GS welcomed abandoning their dual attack welcomed abandoning their dual attack welcomed abandoning their dual attack strategy for one allout attack they were strategy for one allout attack they were strategy for one allout attack they were confident of Victory today would be the confident of Victory today would be the confident of Victory today would be the day they broke Rome and lifted its day they broke Rome and lifted its day they broke Rome and lifted its oppressive yoke from the back of Italy oppressive yoke from the back of Italy oppressive yoke from the back of Italy that was the plan that was the plan that was the plan anyway the Battle of sentinum was the anyway the Battle of sentinum was the anyway the Battle of sentinum was the largest ever fought in Italy to that largest ever fought in Italy to that largest ever fought in Italy to that date both sides fielded armies upwards date both sides fielded armies upwards date both sides fielded armies upwards of 40,000 men with allies and Cavalry of 40,000 men with allies and Cavalry of 40,000 men with allies and Cavalry included on the Roman side Deus included on the Roman side Deus included on the Roman side Deus commanded the Left Flank against the GS commanded the Left Flank against the GS commanded the Left Flank against the GS while Marcus valer arus took the right while Marcus valer arus took the right while Marcus valer arus took the right against the against the against the samnites though United in purpose they samnites though United in purpose they samnites though United in purpose they took very different approaches valus took very different approaches valus took very different approaches valus felt that Rome strength lay in its felt that Rome strength lay in its felt that Rome strength lay in its discipline and endurance that the Galls discipline and endurance that the Galls discipline and endurance that the Galls and samnites started strong but faded and samnites started strong but faded and samnites started strong but faded down the stretch he took a conservative down the stretch he took a conservative down the stretch he took a conservative approach holding against samite rushes approach holding against samite rushes approach holding against samite rushes but not pressing the advantage or taking but not pressing the advantage or taking but not pressing the advantage or taking risks once they tired though he planned risks once they tired though he planned risks once they tired though he planned on crushing them Deus however the junior

on crushing them Deus however the junior on crushing them Deus however the junior partner had no such patience partner had no such patience partner had no such patience he wanted to meet strength with strength he wanted to meet strength with strength he wanted to meet strength with strength and push back with everything he had and push back with everything he had and push back with everything he had against the GS when they began to falter against the GS when they began to falter against the GS when they began to falter dcus decided to win the battle early and dcus decided to win the battle early and dcus decided to win the battle early and decisively but in his haste for Glory he decisively but in his haste for Glory he decisively but in his haste for Glory he sealed his own fate he let a bold sealed his own fate he let a bold sealed his own fate he let a bold cavalry charge Into the Heart of the GIC cavalry charge Into the Heart of the GIC cavalry charge Into the Heart of the GIC line but rather than breaking them he line but rather than breaking them he line but rather than breaking them he found his own forces scattered and found his own forces scattered and found his own forces scattered and killed and when the Cavalry wheeled killed and when the Cavalry wheeled killed and when the Cavalry wheeled around to escape the gallic attack they around to escape the gallic attack they around to escape the gallic attack they charged headlong into the front lines of charged headlong into the front lines of charged headlong into the front lines of the Roman Infantry crushing under hoof the Roman Infantry crushing under hoof the Roman Infantry crushing under hoof many of their own many of their own many of their own men the Roman left was in complete men the Roman left was in complete men the Roman left was in complete disarray and began to panic and flee disarray and began to panic and flee disarray and began to panic and flee Deus however recognizing his folly and Deus however recognizing his folly and Deus however recognizing his folly and here we are moving into romantic Vivid here we are moving into romantic Vivid here we are moving into romantic Vivid Roman storytelling knew what he had to Roman storytelling knew what he had to Roman storytelling knew what he had to do he called a priest and declared that do he called a priest and declared that do he called a priest and declared that as his father had sacrificed himself to as his father had sacrificed himself to as his father had sacrificed himself to ensure Victory so too would he to atone ensure Victory so too would he to atone ensure Victory so too would he to atone for his folly he anointed himself and for his folly he anointed himself and for his folly he anointed himself and wrapped in a ser ceremonial robe wrapped in a ser ceremonial robe wrapped in a ser ceremonial robe followed his father into the followed his father into the followed his father into the underworld seeing their Commander's underworld seeing their Commander's underworld seeing their Commander's sacrifice the Roman left rallied and sacrifice the Roman left rallied and sacrifice the Roman left rallied and charged the charged the charged the GS on the right Marcus valious plan was GS on the right Marcus valious plan was GS on the right Marcus valious plan was about to come to fruition he saw that about to come to fruition he saw that about to come to fruition he saw that the spears were thrown with a little the spears were thrown with a little the spears were thrown with a little less force and a little more aimlessly less force and a little more aimlessly less force and a little more aimlessly he ordered his Cavalry in Middle Line he ordered his Cavalry in Middle Line he ordered his Cavalry in Middle Line around to the right and pressed the around to the right and pressed the around to the right and pressed the samnite flank when they turned valus samnite flank when they turned valus samnite flank when they turned valus ordered his main line to charge ahead

ordered his main line to charge ahead ordered his main line to charge ahead and take no prisoners and take no prisoners and take no prisoners the samnites could not long endure the the samnites could not long endure the the samnites could not long endure the Dual front and finally after a full Dual front and finally after a full Dual front and finally after a full day's fighting they broke and day's fighting they broke and day's fighting they broke and fled the guls along with the umbrian fled the guls along with the umbrian fled the guls along with the umbrian forces were now pinned between two forces were now pinned between two forces were now pinned between two armies and recognizing the fight was armies and recognizing the fight was armies and recognizing the fight was lost followed the samnites into the at lost followed the samnites into the at lost followed the samnites into the at truscan truscan truscan Countryside the Romans had faced a Countryside the Romans had faced a Countryside the Romans had faced a combined Army of the four strongest combined Army of the four strongest combined Army of the four strongest tribes in Italy and emerged tribes in Italy and emerged tribes in Italy and emerged Victorious the peninsula was now Rome's Victorious the peninsula was now Rome's Victorious the peninsula was now Rome's and would remain so for the next 800 and would remain so for the next 800 and would remain so for the next 800 years years years the war against the samnites would carry the war against the samnites would carry the war against the samnites would carry on for another 5 years but at sentinum on for another 5 years but at sentinum on for another 5 years but at sentinum the fate of Italy was sealed a final the fate of Italy was sealed a final the fate of Italy was sealed a final clash between the Romans and samnites clash between the Romans and samnites clash between the Romans and samnites was fought at aqualon in 293 BC with the was fought at aqualon in 293 BC with the was fought at aqualon in 293 BC with the Romans completely dominating an enemy Romans completely dominating an enemy Romans completely dominating an enemy that had once been more than equal to that had once been more than equal to that had once been more than equal to Roman strength the samnites were beaten Roman strength the samnites were beaten Roman strength the samnites were beaten finally and completely and the five finally and completely and the five finally and completely and the five decades long struggle came to an decades long struggle came to an decades long struggle came to an end but though they could no longer end but though they could no longer end but though they could no longer muster the force necessary to resist muster the force necessary to resist muster the force necessary to resist Roman domination samite resentment never Roman domination samite resentment never Roman domination samite resentment never died 200 years later the samnites would died 200 years later the samnites would died 200 years later the samnites would be at the center of the social war an be at the center of the social war an be at the center of the social war an Italian revolt against Roman Italian revolt against Roman Italian revolt against Roman discrimination in that war they were the discrimination in that war they were the discrimination in that war they were the first to take the field and the last to first to take the field and the last to first to take the field and the last to surrender but that story is for another surrender but that story is for another surrender but that story is for another day next week we will turn our attention day next week we will turn our attention day next week we will turn our attention South the new Roman dream of an Italian South the new Roman dream of an Italian South the new Roman dream of an Italian Empire was fast becoming a reality and

Empire was fast becoming a reality and Empire was fast becoming a reality and the only thing that stood in there way the only thing that stood in there way the only thing that stood in there way now was the Greek cities of magn now was the Greek cities of magn now was the Greek cities of magn Gracia the time had come for the Gracia the time had come for the Gracia the time had come for the independent city states in the South to independent city states in the South to independent city states in the South to recognize a new master though subduing recognize a new master though subduing recognize a new master though subduing the Greeks would be no easy task they the Greeks would be no easy task they the Greeks would be no easy task they were as skilled at War as the Romans and were as skilled at War as the Romans and were as skilled at War as the Romans and had the resources of Greece to support had the resources of Greece to support had the resources of Greece to support them in their struggle and one General them in their struggle and one General them in their struggle and one General in particular purus of ayrus a relative in particular purus of ayrus a relative in particular purus of ayrus a relative of Alexander the Great to lead them of Alexander the Great to lead them of Alexander the Great to lead them Greece was fresh off conquering half the Greece was fresh off conquering half the Greece was fresh off conquering half the world under Alexander and was the world under Alexander and was the world under Alexander and was the premier civilization of its premier civilization of its premier civilization of its day this would be the first in a series day this would be the first in a series day this would be the first in a series of clashes between the upstart Romans of clashes between the upstart Romans of clashes between the upstart Romans and the long-established Greeks that and the long-established Greeks that and the long-established Greeks that would Mark the transition from Greek to would Mark the transition from Greek to would Mark the transition from Greek to Roman dominance in the Roman dominance in the Roman dominance in the Mediterranean though when purus climbed Mediterranean though when purus climbed Mediterranean though when purus climbed aboard his ship to sail for Italy he aboard his ship to sail for Italy he aboard his ship to sail for Italy he knew none of this he thought he was off knew none of this he thought he was off knew none of this he thought he was off to put down some barbaric rabble and to put down some barbaric rabble and to put down some barbaric rabble and maybe get rich but he had no idea what maybe get rich but he had no idea what maybe get rich but he had no idea what he was up against he was up against he was up against [Music] hello and welcome to the history of Rome

hello and welcome to the history of Rome after defeating the atrans in the North after defeating the atrans in the North after defeating the atrans in the North and the samnites in the East the Romans and the samnites in the East the Romans and the samnites in the East the Romans now looked at Magna Gracia in the South now looked at Magna Gracia in the South now looked at Magna Gracia in the South for fresh conquests all that stood for fresh conquests all that stood for fresh conquests all that stood between Rome and an Italian wide Empire between Rome and an Italian wide Empire between Rome and an Italian wide Empire was the fiercely independent and was the fiercely independent and was the fiercely independent and disunited Greek cities despite the disunited Greek cities despite the disunited Greek cities despite the collective threat they faced from Rome collective threat they faced from Rome collective threat they faced from Rome the Rivalry between the cities of magn the Rivalry between the cities of magn the Rivalry between the cities of magn Gracia precluded any organized Gracia precluded any organized Gracia precluded any organized resistance the Romans decided all they resistance the Romans decided all they resistance the Romans decided all they had to do was play the cities off one had to do was play the cities off one had to do was play the cities off one another knowing they would have little another knowing they would have little another knowing they would have little trouble finding a few willing Greek trouble finding a few willing Greek trouble finding a few willing Greek accomplices who in return for accomplices who in return for accomplices who in return for preferential treatment from their new preferential treatment from their new preferential treatment from their new Roman overlords would Aid Rome in Roman overlords would Aid Rome in Roman overlords would Aid Rome in subduing their Greek subduing their Greek subduing their Greek countrymen but Roman plans were countrymen but Roman plans were countrymen but Roman plans were Complicated by the introduction of an Complicated by the introduction of an Complicated by the introduction of an army from across the Adriatic led by the army from across the Adriatic led by the army from across the Adriatic led by the Greek king purus answering calls for Aid Greek king purus answering calls for Aid Greek king purus answering calls for Aid against the Romans purus had dreams of against the Romans purus had dreams of against the Romans purus had dreams of an Italian Kingdom for himself and an Italian Kingdom for himself and an Italian Kingdom for himself and though his dreams were ultimately foiled though his dreams were ultimately foiled though his dreams were ultimately foiled the battles he fought against the Romans the battles he fought against the Romans the battles he fought against the Romans marked the opening Salvo in a struggle marked the opening Salvo in a struggle marked the opening Salvo in a struggle between the Roman West and the Greek between the Roman West and the Greek between the Roman West and the Greek East they would end 100 years later with East they would end 100 years later with East they would end 100 years later with a bewildered Greek Nation kneeling a bewildered Greek Nation kneeling a bewildered Greek Nation kneeling before their new Roman before their new Roman before their new Roman Masters prior to the invasion by purus Masters prior to the invasion by purus Masters prior to the invasion by purus the Eastern and Western Mediterranean the Eastern and Western Mediterranean the Eastern and Western Mediterranean had for the most part been completely had for the most part been completely had for the most part been completely separate from one another divided separate from one another divided separate from one another divided roughly by the Adriatic and ionian seas roughly by the Adriatic and ionian seas roughly by the Adriatic and ionian seas the two halves had politically at least the two halves had politically at least the two halves had politically at least developed developed developed independently Greek attention had always independently Greek attention had always independently Greek attention had always faced East and been consumed by its faced East and been consumed by its faced East and been consumed by its rivalry with Persia when it wasn't cons rivalry with Persia when it wasn't cons rivalry with Persia when it wasn't cons consumed with battling endlessly within

consumed with battling endlessly within consumed with battling endlessly within itself there were of course Greeks who itself there were of course Greeks who itself there were of course Greeks who had migrated West to the south of Italy had migrated West to the south of Italy had migrated West to the south of Italy and Sicily but once their cities were and Sicily but once their cities were and Sicily but once their cities were founded it was like they lived in a founded it was like they lived in a founded it was like they lived in a different world there was no attempt different world there was no attempt different world there was no attempt from the motherland to control them and from the motherland to control them and from the motherland to control them and no involvement by the Italian colonies no involvement by the Italian colonies no involvement by the Italian colonies in persistent internal Greek in persistent internal Greek in persistent internal Greek squabbles the only major historical squabbles the only major historical squabbles the only major historical overlap was the Athenian invasion of overlap was the Athenian invasion of overlap was the Athenian invasion of Sicily during the pipian war in 415 Sicily during the pipian war in 415 Sicily during the pipian war in 415 BC the Expedition had ended so BC the Expedition had ended so BC the Expedition had ended so disastrously for the Athenians many disastrously for the Athenians many disastrously for the Athenians many point to it as the principal reason point to it as the principal reason point to it as the principal reason Athens ultimately lost that war that the Athens ultimately lost that war that the Athens ultimately lost that war that the thought of going west filled the Greeks thought of going west filled the Greeks thought of going west filled the Greeks with prudent revulsion for with prudent revulsion for with prudent revulsion for Generations they had enough to deal with Generations they had enough to deal with Generations they had enough to deal with in the East without courting disaster in in the East without courting disaster in in the East without courting disaster in the the the west when Alexander ascended to the west when Alexander ascended to the west when Alexander ascended to the throne in 338 BC all of his ambition lay throne in 338 BC all of his ambition lay throne in 338 BC all of his ambition lay East with the conquest of Persia and East with the conquest of Persia and East with the conquest of Persia and Beyond it has long been a source of Beyond it has long been a source of Beyond it has long been a source of speculation how different things would speculation how different things would speculation how different things would have turned out had Alexander turned have turned out had Alexander turned have turned out had Alexander turned turn west and face the nent Roman Empire turn west and face the nent Roman Empire turn west and face the nent Roman Empire rather than going east to fight the rather than going east to fight the rather than going east to fight the Persians it was only 650 mi from Athens Persians it was only 650 mi from Athens Persians it was only 650 mi from Athens to Rome and Alexander who marched 3,000 to Rome and Alexander who marched 3,000 to Rome and Alexander who marched 3,000 miles to India undefeated could have miles to India undefeated could have miles to India undefeated could have taken Italy almost as an taken Italy almost as an taken Italy almost as an afterthought but the Romans were granted afterthought but the Romans were granted afterthought but the Romans were granted a stay of execution and the greatest a stay of execution and the greatest a stay of execution and the greatest General in the ancient world marched his General in the ancient world marched his General in the ancient world marched his armies East all the way to India armies East all the way to India armies East all the way to India allowing Rome to continue to gather its allowing Rome to continue to gather its allowing Rome to continue to gather its strength strength strength unmolested 40 years of war shifting unmolested 40 years of war shifting unmolested 40 years of war shifting alliances and rivalries between alliances and rivalries between alliances and rivalries between Alexander's generals had followed his

Alexander's generals had followed his Alexander's generals had followed his death in 323 BC but by 280 things had death in 323 BC but by 280 things had death in 323 BC but by 280 things had fairly well settled themselves so that fairly well settled themselves so that fairly well settled themselves so that when a Greek Commander finally did look when a Greek Commander finally did look when a Greek Commander finally did look West with ambition it was only because West with ambition it was only because West with ambition it was only because of the limited opportunities for of the limited opportunities for of the limited opportunities for Conquest in the post alexandrian Eastern Conquest in the post alexandrian Eastern Conquest in the post alexandrian Eastern Mediterranean that commander purus of Mediterranean that commander purus of Mediterranean that commander purus of ayrus was born in 318 BC right into the ayrus was born in 318 BC right into the ayrus was born in 318 BC right into the middle of the post alexandrian struggle middle of the post alexandrian struggle middle of the post alexandrian struggle he was a prince of ayrus a kingdom Lo he was a prince of ayrus a kingdom Lo he was a prince of ayrus a kingdom Lo located in what is today the Balkans on located in what is today the Balkans on located in what is today the Balkans on the periphery of the Greek world he was the periphery of the Greek world he was the periphery of the Greek world he was a second cousin of Alexander and found a second cousin of Alexander and found a second cousin of Alexander and found himself caught up in the volatile post himself caught up in the volatile post himself caught up in the volatile post alexandrian battles for control of alexandrian battles for control of alexandrian battles for control of Greece Egypt and Persia his father was Greece Egypt and Persia his father was Greece Egypt and Persia his father was dethroned when purus was only two and dethroned when purus was only two and dethroned when purus was only two and the family was forced into Exile at 16 the family was forced into Exile at 16 the family was forced into Exile at 16 his father now dead purus was returned his father now dead purus was returned his father now dead purus was returned to the throne of ayrus by the powerful to the throne of ayrus by the powerful to the throne of ayrus by the powerful King his family had taken Refuge with King his family had taken Refuge with King his family had taken Refuge with but a year later he was deposed through but a year later he was deposed through but a year later he was deposed through true marriage purus managed to gain some true marriage purus managed to gain some true marriage purus managed to gain some powerful friends while enduring his powerful friends while enduring his powerful friends while enduring his second second second Exile taking a daughter of tmus his wife Exile taking a daughter of tmus his wife Exile taking a daughter of tmus his wife and marrying his sister to Demetrius the and marrying his sister to Demetrius the and marrying his sister to Demetrius the reigning king of reigning king of reigning king of Macedon with these new allies purus Macedon with these new allies purus Macedon with these new allies purus regained the Throne of a pyus a few regained the Throne of a pyus a few regained the Throne of a pyus a few years later his sister dead purus turned years later his sister dead purus turned years later his sister dead purus turned on his ex- brother-in-law conquering on his ex- brother-in-law conquering on his ex- brother-in-law conquering Macedon and proclaiming himself Macedon and proclaiming himself Macedon and proclaiming himself King his Reign Over Alexander's Homeland King his Reign Over Alexander's Homeland King his Reign Over Alexander's Homeland was brief however and he was driven back was brief however and he was driven back was brief however and he was driven back to a pyus into 84 to a pyus into 84 to a pyus into 84 BC by this time the situation in the

BC by this time the situation in the BC by this time the situation in the East had begun to East had begun to East had begun to solidify what had once been Alexander's solidify what had once been Alexander's solidify what had once been Alexander's Empire was now divided into three major Empire was now divided into three major Empire was now divided into three major kingdoms antigonid Greece and Macedon kingdoms antigonid Greece and Macedon kingdoms antigonid Greece and Macedon sald Persia and Asia Minor and toic sald Persia and Asia Minor and toic sald Persia and Asia Minor and toic Egypt there was little room here for an Egypt there was little room here for an Egypt there was little room here for an ambitious 34-year-old leader of a minor ambitious 34-year-old leader of a minor ambitious 34-year-old leader of a minor Greek Greek Greek Kingdom when then in 282 BC taranum One Kingdom when then in 282 BC taranum One Kingdom when then in 282 BC taranum One of the leading cities of Magna Gracia of the leading cities of Magna Gracia of the leading cities of Magna Gracia sent envoys into Greece begging for Aid sent envoys into Greece begging for Aid sent envoys into Greece begging for Aid against Roman encroachment Pierce leapt against Roman encroachment Pierce leapt against Roman encroachment Pierce leapt at the opportunity the major powers at the opportunity the major powers at the opportunity the major powers disdained to get involved but Pier saw a disdained to get involved but Pier saw a disdained to get involved but Pier saw a chance for Glory there may not be room chance for Glory there may not be room chance for Glory there may not be room for him in the East but there was for him in the East but there was for him in the East but there was abundant space for a Savvy General to abundant space for a Savvy General to abundant space for a Savvy General to acquire a rich and Powerful Empire in acquire a rich and Powerful Empire in acquire a rich and Powerful Empire in the the the west purus nobly answered the call for west purus nobly answered the call for west purus nobly answered the call for Aid and readied his army of 25,000 to Aid and readied his army of 25,000 to Aid and readied his army of 25,000 to sail to the rescue of his besieged sail to the rescue of his besieged sail to the rescue of his besieged countrymen who would soon hopefully also countrymen who would soon hopefully also countrymen who would soon hopefully also be his be his be his subjects taranum had run a foul of Rome subjects taranum had run a foul of Rome subjects taranum had run a foul of Rome because Rome had run a foul of because Rome had run a foul of because Rome had run a foul of taranum the Romans had formed an taranum the Romans had formed an taranum the Romans had formed an alliance with the minor city of th and alliance with the minor city of th and alliance with the minor city of th and when their new allies were threatened when their new allies were threatened when their new allies were threatened Rome offered assistance this annoyed the Rome offered assistance this annoyed the Rome offered assistance this annoyed the tarentines who considered internal Greek tarentines who considered internal Greek tarentines who considered internal Greek matters to be their domain they were matters to be their domain they were matters to be their domain they were further incensed when a small Roman further incensed when a small Roman further incensed when a small Roman Fleet sent to Garrison thy was blown off Fleet sent to Garrison thy was blown off Fleet sent to Garrison thy was blown off course and ended up in tarantine waters course and ended up in tarantine waters course and ended up in tarantine waters a clear violation of a standing treaty a clear violation of a standing treaty a clear violation of a standing treaty between Rome and between Rome and between Rome and taranum the tarentines attacked the

taranum the tarentines attacked the taranum the tarentines attacked the Roman Fleet and sunk a number of the Roman Fleet and sunk a number of the Roman Fleet and sunk a number of the aant ships so now it was Rome's turn to aant ships so now it was Rome's turn to aant ships so now it was Rome's turn to be incensed and envoys were sent to be incensed and envoys were sent to be incensed and envoys were sent to taranum to demand an apology the taranum to demand an apology the taranum to demand an apology the tarentines however greeted the envoys tarentines however greeted the envoys tarentines however greeted the envoys rudely and sent them packing to A Chorus rudely and sent them packing to A Chorus rudely and sent them packing to A Chorus of insults Rome needed no further of insults Rome needed no further of insults Rome needed no further provocation and in 282 BC war was provocation and in 282 BC war was provocation and in 282 BC war was immediately immediately immediately declared before Aid could arrive from declared before Aid could arrive from declared before Aid could arrive from Greece though the Romans sacked tantum Greece though the Romans sacked tantum Greece though the Romans sacked tantum and had begun negotiations of peace with and had begun negotiations of peace with and had begun negotiations of peace with its aristocratic party who favored an its aristocratic party who favored an its aristocratic party who favored an alliance with Rome an advanced party alliance with Rome an advanced party alliance with Rome an advanced party from ayrus however arrived in 281 BC from ayrus however arrived in 281 BC from ayrus however arrived in 281 BC just as the papers were being signed and just as the papers were being signed and just as the papers were being signed and drove the Romans out in 280 Pius arrived drove the Romans out in 280 Pius arrived drove the Romans out in 280 Pius arrived with his full Army including 4,000 with his full Army including 4,000 with his full Army including 4,000 Cavalry and 20 war elephants they landed Cavalry and 20 war elephants they landed Cavalry and 20 war elephants they landed in Italy without opposition and the in Italy without opposition and the in Italy without opposition and the Greek king began to lay plans for the Greek king began to lay plans for the Greek king began to lay plans for the systematic conquest of the peninsula systematic conquest of the peninsula systematic conquest of the peninsula but the Romans who had just recently but the Romans who had just recently but the Romans who had just recently secured Italy for themselves were in no secured Italy for themselves were in no secured Italy for themselves were in no mood to give it up mood to give it up mood to give it up easily the Romans sent an army eight easily the Romans sent an army eight easily the Romans sent an army eight Legion strong South to deal with this Legion strong South to deal with this Legion strong South to deal with this invading Army and met purus near invading Army and met purus near invading Army and met purus near heraclea a Greek city located on the heraclea a Greek city located on the heraclea a Greek city located on the InStep of the Italian InStep of the Italian InStep of the Italian boot Pius was confident of Victory but boot Pius was confident of Victory but boot Pius was confident of Victory but began to have doubts as he watched the began to have doubts as he watched the began to have doubts as he watched the Romans methodically build their Romans methodically build their Romans methodically build their fortified camps this was not the fortified camps this was not the fortified camps this was not the Barbarian horde the tarentines had Barbarian horde the tarentines had Barbarian horde the tarentines had described it was an organized and described it was an organized and described it was an organized and disciplined Army of a civilized disciplined Army of a civilized disciplined Army of a civilized society mildly worried but undeterred

society mildly worried but undeterred society mildly worried but undeterred purus led his army out into the field purus led his army out into the field purus led his army out into the field the disciplined Greek failinks was more the disciplined Greek failinks was more the disciplined Greek failinks was more than a match for the Romans and pius's than a match for the Romans and pius's than a match for the Romans and pius's army soon gained the upper hand but the army soon gained the upper hand but the army soon gained the upper hand but the Romans were stubborn in defeat and the Romans were stubborn in defeat and the Romans were stubborn in defeat and the battle took its toll on the Greek army battle took its toll on the Greek army battle took its toll on the Greek army purus lost 4,000 of his best troops and purus lost 4,000 of his best troops and purus lost 4,000 of his best troops and watched with consternation as the Romans watched with consternation as the Romans watched with consternation as the Romans far from breaking and fleeing in panic far from breaking and fleeing in panic far from breaking and fleeing in panic withdrew in an orderly fashion back to withdrew in an orderly fashion back to withdrew in an orderly fashion back to their camp this was not going to be as their camp this was not going to be as their camp this was not going to be as easy as he easy as he easy as he thought the Battle of heraclea was thought the Battle of heraclea was thought the Battle of heraclea was important for two reasons first it was important for two reasons first it was important for two reasons first it was the first time the newly reformed the first time the newly reformed the first time the newly reformed maniple Legions had faced the might of a maniple Legions had faced the might of a maniple Legions had faced the might of a full Greek full Greek full Greek failinks true the legions had lost but failinks true the legions had lost but failinks true the legions had lost but the fight was by no means the fight was by no means the fight was by no means lopsided second it was also the first lopsided second it was also the first lopsided second it was also the first time the Romans faced war elephants the time the Romans faced war elephants the time the Romans faced war elephants the Roman Cavalry was terrified by the huge Roman Cavalry was terrified by the huge Roman Cavalry was terrified by the huge beasts and the presence of the elephants beasts and the presence of the elephants beasts and the presence of the elephants played a major role in tipping the played a major role in tipping the played a major role in tipping the battle in pius's favor the Romans would battle in pius's favor the Romans would battle in pius's favor the Romans would learn from their defeat and craft new learn from their defeat and craft new learn from their defeat and craft new ways to attack the failinks and tactics ways to attack the failinks and tactics ways to attack the failinks and tactics to deal with the hither two unknown to deal with the hither two unknown to deal with the hither two unknown elephant tactics that would come into elephant tactics that would come into elephant tactics that would come into play when Hannibal deployed them time play when Hannibal deployed them time play when Hannibal deployed them time and again against the Romans in the and again against the Romans in the and again against the Romans in the Second Punic Second Punic Second Punic War the Romans next met purus further War the Romans next met purus further War the Romans next met purus further north at asilum on the east side of the north at asilum on the east side of the north at asilum on the east side of the appenines by this time Pius had appenines by this time Pius had appenines by this time Pius had reinforced himself with some new Italian reinforced himself with some new Italian reinforced himself with some new Italian allies most notably a collection of allies most notably a collection of allies most notably a collection of samnite tribes but the Greek king was samnite tribes but the Greek king was samnite tribes but the Greek king was disappointed by his inability to peel

disappointed by his inability to peel disappointed by his inability to peel off more Italian allies from Rome the off more Italian allies from Rome the off more Italian allies from Rome the Romans had done much to shore up their Romans had done much to shore up their Romans had done much to shore up their alliances and pius's plan of turning the alliances and pius's plan of turning the alliances and pius's plan of turning the Italians and mass against Rome was not Italians and mass against Rome was not Italians and mass against Rome was not coming to fruition coming to fruition coming to fruition easily when the two sides met near easily when the two sides met near easily when the two sides met near asilum they fielded equal armies of asilum they fielded equal armies of asilum they fielded equal armies of about about about 40,000 the Romans were led by puus Deus 40,000 the Romans were led by puus Deus 40,000 the Romans were led by puus Deus son of the hero of the third samite war son of the hero of the third samite war son of the hero of the third samite war and Grandson of the hero of the first and Grandson of the hero of the first and Grandson of the hero of the first samite war who brought with him new samite war who brought with him new samite war who brought with him new devices to deal with the war elephants devices to deal with the war elephants devices to deal with the war elephants including chariots that would Circle the including chariots that would Circle the including chariots that would Circle the legs of the huge Beast with rope and legs of the huge Beast with rope and legs of the huge Beast with rope and bring them crashing down it was the same bring them crashing down it was the same bring them crashing down it was the same tactic that had served the Rebel tactic that had served the Rebel tactic that had served the Rebel Alliance so well against the Imperial Alliance so well against the Imperial Alliance so well against the Imperial Walkers during the battle for Walkers during the battle for Walkers during the battle for Hoth the first day of the battle ended Hoth the first day of the battle ended Hoth the first day of the battle ended in a stalemate the Greek forces broke in a stalemate the Greek forces broke in a stalemate the Greek forces broke the legions they faced on the left wing the legions they faced on the left wing the legions they faced on the left wing but the Romans defeated the samnite and but the Romans defeated the samnite and but the Romans defeated the samnite and tarantine forces in the center purus tarantine forces in the center purus tarantine forces in the center purus tried to press his advantage on the wing tried to press his advantage on the wing tried to press his advantage on the wing but the beaten Romans retreated up a but the beaten Romans retreated up a but the beaten Romans retreated up a steep hill too steep for the Greek steep hill too steep for the Greek steep hill too steep for the Greek failinks to follow raining projectiles failinks to follow raining projectiles failinks to follow raining projectiles down the Romans forced purus to withdraw down the Romans forced purus to withdraw down the Romans forced purus to withdraw and the day ended with neither side and the day ended with neither side and the day ended with neither side holding the holding the holding the advantage the next day purus ordered his advantage the next day purus ordered his advantage the next day purus ordered his men to hold the Steep ground and they men to hold the Steep ground and they men to hold the Steep ground and they forced the Romans into the flat open forced the Romans into the flat open forced the Romans into the flat open plane this time his elephants plane this time his elephants plane this time his elephants overwhelmed the Roman l and they broke overwhelmed the Roman l and they broke overwhelmed the Roman l and they broke Pierce had won again but the battle had Pierce had won again but the battle had Pierce had won again but the battle had been costly and many of his best been costly and many of his best been costly and many of his best officers had fallen congratulated on his

officers had fallen congratulated on his officers had fallen congratulated on his Triumph purus famously commented one Triumph purus famously commented one Triumph purus famously commented one more such Victory and we are undone more such Victory and we are undone more such Victory and we are undone giving rise to the expression Puck giving rise to the expression Puck giving rise to the expression Puck Victory to describe a costly Victory to describe a costly Victory to describe a costly success worn down by fighting the Romans success worn down by fighting the Romans success worn down by fighting the Romans purus offered terms of Peace but was purus offered terms of Peace but was purus offered terms of Peace but was rebuffed by the Roman senate they were rebuffed by the Roman senate they were rebuffed by the Roman senate they were persuaded by the old and by now truly persuaded by the old and by now truly persuaded by the old and by now truly blind appus Claudius to deny any treaty blind appus Claudius to deny any treaty blind appus Claudius to deny any treaty with a foreign army while it remained on with a foreign army while it remained on with a foreign army while it remained on Italian Italian Italian soil at this point Pius was in quite a soil at this point Pius was in quite a soil at this point Pius was in quite a bind for the Romans had just concluded a bind for the Romans had just concluded a bind for the Romans had just concluded a new treaty with the carthaginians and new treaty with the carthaginians and new treaty with the carthaginians and now the true great powers of the Western now the true great powers of the Western now the true great powers of the Western Mediterranean would not be turned Mediterranean would not be turned Mediterranean would not be turned against one another so Pierce decided to against one another so Pierce decided to against one another so Pierce decided to move on from Italy it had after all been move on from Italy it had after all been move on from Italy it had after all been his plan all along to use Italian bases his plan all along to use Italian bases his plan all along to use Italian bases as a springboard for the real prize as a springboard for the real prize as a springboard for the real prize Sicily Sicily Sicily he was allowing himself to get bogged he was allowing himself to get bogged he was allowing himself to get bogged down with preliminary and unnecessary down with preliminary and unnecessary down with preliminary and unnecessary fighting he did not need the Italian fighting he did not need the Italian fighting he did not need the Italian bases they just would have been bases they just would have been bases they just would have been nice his ego saving rationalizations nice his ego saving rationalizations nice his ego saving rationalizations thus complete purus left Italy and thus complete purus left Italy and thus complete purus left Italy and sailed for Sicily in 278 sailed for Sicily in 278 sailed for Sicily in 278 BC at this point Sicily was divided BC at this point Sicily was divided BC at this point Sicily was divided between the carthaginians who held the between the carthaginians who held the between the carthaginians who held the west and the Greeks who held the East west and the Greeks who held the East west and the Greeks who held the East upon hearing the news of pius's imminent upon hearing the news of pius's imminent upon hearing the news of pius's imminent Invasion the caragan Ians laid Siege to Invasion the caragan Ians laid Siege to Invasion the caragan Ians laid Siege to Syracuse the most important Greek city Syracuse the most important Greek city Syracuse the most important Greek city on the island and attempted to capture on the island and attempted to capture on the island and attempted to capture it before purus arrived but they were it before purus arrived but they were it before purus arrived but they were unsuccessful and were driven off when

unsuccessful and were driven off when unsuccessful and were driven off when purus purus purus landed the Greek king claimed Syracuse landed the Greek king claimed Syracuse landed the Greek king claimed Syracuse as his own and led the Grateful Greeks as his own and led the Grateful Greeks as his own and led the Grateful Greeks against the carthaginians who were against the carthaginians who were against the carthaginians who were pressed back until they held a single pressed back until they held a single pressed back until they held a single City on the west City on the west City on the west coast the carthaginians offered to coast the carthaginians offered to coast the carthaginians offered to relinquish claims to the rest of Sicily relinquish claims to the rest of Sicily relinquish claims to the rest of Sicily as long as they were allowed to hold the as long as they were allowed to hold the as long as they were allowed to hold the one port but purus confid in final one port but purus confid in final one port but purus confid in final Victory refused the offer but unable to Victory refused the offer but unable to Victory refused the offer but unable to dislodge the carthaginians from their dislodge the carthaginians from their dislodge the carthaginians from their stronghold he decided to attack the stronghold he decided to attack the stronghold he decided to attack the North African mother City directly he North African mother City directly he North African mother City directly he ordered the Sicilians to raise an army ordered the Sicilians to raise an army ordered the Sicilians to raise an army and build him a fleet for The Invasion and build him a fleet for The Invasion and build him a fleet for The Invasion but the locals had by this time grown but the locals had by this time grown but the locals had by this time grown tired of pius's dictatorial style and tired of pius's dictatorial style and tired of pius's dictatorial style and refused the strength of his army Sat by refused the strength of his army Sat by refused the strength of his army Sat by the campaigns in Italy and Sicily and the campaigns in Italy and Sicily and the campaigns in Italy and Sicily and his rear guard pressed hard by the his rear guard pressed hard by the his rear guard pressed hard by the Romans Pius decided to return to the Romans Pius decided to return to the Romans Pius decided to return to the mainland lest he find himself trapped on mainland lest he find himself trapped on mainland lest he find himself trapped on the island by the carthaginian fleet he the island by the carthaginian fleet he the island by the carthaginian fleet he would consolidate his Holdings in Italy would consolidate his Holdings in Italy would consolidate his Holdings in Italy and return to Sicily with a large enough and return to Sicily with a large enough and return to Sicily with a large enough Army to drive out the carthaginians once Army to drive out the carthaginians once Army to drive out the carthaginians once and for and for and for all so in 275 BC he returned to Italy all so in 275 BC he returned to Italy all so in 275 BC he returned to Italy and immediately faced a Roman army and immediately faced a Roman army and immediately faced a Roman army determined to drive the Greek Invader determined to drive the Greek Invader determined to drive the Greek Invader off they faced each other near off they faced each other near off they faced each other near maleventum and once again pius's Army maleventum and once again pius's Army maleventum and once again pius's Army defeated the legions but this time Roman defeated the legions but this time Roman defeated the legions but this time Roman fire arrows had sent the war elephants fire arrows had sent the war elephants fire arrows had sent the war elephants crashing through pius's Own Line crashing through pius's Own Line crashing through pius's Own Line wrecking havoc and killing a good chunk wrecking havoc and killing a good chunk wrecking havoc and killing a good chunk of his of his of his infantry by now the casualties had infantry by now the casualties had infantry by now the casualties had mounted up and purus at his Wit's End

mounted up and purus at his Wit's End mounted up and purus at his Wit's End decided he had had enough of Italy he decided he had had enough of Italy he decided he had had enough of Italy he gathered up what was left of his army gathered up what was left of his army gathered up what was left of his army and sailed back to a pyrus never had a and sailed back to a pyrus never had a and sailed back to a pyrus never had a general won so many battles with so general won so many battles with so general won so many battles with so little to show for it the Romans little to show for it the Romans little to show for it the Romans delighting in their non victory victory delighting in their non victory victory delighting in their non victory victory renamed maleventum beneventum changing renamed maleventum beneventum changing renamed maleventum beneventum changing it from the place of bad events to the it from the place of bad events to the it from the place of bad events to the place of good place of good place of good events purus left behind a Garrison in events purus left behind a Garrison in events purus left behind a Garrison in taranum but the Romans quickly overran taranum but the Romans quickly overran taranum but the Romans quickly overran the outnumbered Greeks and in short the outnumbered Greeks and in short the outnumbered Greeks and in short order had solidified their hold on magn order had solidified their hold on magn order had solidified their hold on magn Gracia the Romans now controlled the Gracia the Romans now controlled the Gracia the Romans now controlled the entire Peninsula and had proven entire Peninsula and had proven entire Peninsula and had proven themselves to be an emerging power in themselves to be an emerging power in themselves to be an emerging power in panm Mediterranean panm Mediterranean panm Mediterranean Politics the East began to wake up to Politics the East began to wake up to Politics the East began to wake up to the threat that was rising from the threat that was rising from the threat that was rising from Italy as long as the Romans were Italy as long as the Romans were Italy as long as the Romans were confined to the peninsula the balance of confined to the peninsula the balance of confined to the peninsula the balance of power that had settled in the post power that had settled in the post power that had settled in the post alexandrian world would hold but if this alexandrian world would hold but if this alexandrian world would hold but if this new Roman Force which had just driven new Roman Force which had just driven new Roman Force which had just driven off a more than able Greek army led by a off a more than able Greek army led by a off a more than able Greek army led by a man widely considered to be the best man widely considered to be the best man widely considered to be the best general of his generation decided to general of his generation decided to general of his generation decided to expand its Horizons it spelled nothing expand its Horizons it spelled nothing expand its Horizons it spelled nothing but trouble for the old but trouble for the old but trouble for the old Powers the Roman capture of Magna Gracia Powers the Roman capture of Magna Gracia Powers the Roman capture of Magna Gracia represented not just another step in represented not just another step in represented not just another step in Roman expansion it also effectively Roman expansion it also effectively Roman expansion it also effectively brought to a close the era of the city brought to a close the era of the city brought to a close the era of the city state in the ancient world state in the ancient world state in the ancient world the poity that Plato and Aristotle had the poity that Plato and Aristotle had the poity that Plato and Aristotle had held as the ideal form of government was held as the ideal form of government was held as the ideal form of government was now a thing of the past the Macedonian now a thing of the past the Macedonian now a thing of the past the Macedonian conquest of Greece had already ended conquest of Greece had already ended conquest of Greece had already ended forever the existence of the independent

forever the existence of the independent forever the existence of the independent city state there but it had survived in city state there but it had survived in city state there but it had survived in the Greek colonies of magn the Greek colonies of magn the Greek colonies of magn Gracia now though the subjugation by Gracia now though the subjugation by Gracia now though the subjugation by Rome ended any official autonomy for the Rome ended any official autonomy for the Rome ended any official autonomy for the Greek city states of Italy and Greek city states of Italy and Greek city states of Italy and henceforth politics and government in henceforth politics and government in henceforth politics and government in the ancient world would move permanently the ancient world would move permanently the ancient world would move permanently into the hands of large Empires into the hands of large Empires into the hands of large Empires the only true hold out was Syracuse the only true hold out was Syracuse the only true hold out was Syracuse which managed to survive more or less which managed to survive more or less which managed to survive more or less independently until the end of the independently until the end of the independently until the end of the Second Punic War but its longevity was Second Punic War but its longevity was Second Punic War but its longevity was only secured by a close personal only secured by a close personal only secured by a close personal alliance between Hierro the king of alliance between Hierro the king of alliance between Hierro the king of Syracuse and Rome had hyro been less of Syracuse and Rome had hyro been less of Syracuse and Rome had hyro been less of a friend to Rome Syracuse would have a friend to Rome Syracuse would have a friend to Rome Syracuse would have fallen long before it did the city state fallen long before it did the city state fallen long before it did the city state as a political institution was as a political institution was as a political institution was effectively dead and Rome had dealt The effectively dead and Rome had dealt The effectively dead and Rome had dealt The Killing Killing Killing stroke as for Cirus he never got the stroke as for Cirus he never got the stroke as for Cirus he never got the chance to avenge his losses in Italy and chance to avenge his losses in Italy and chance to avenge his losses in Italy and was allegedly killed in 272 BC while was allegedly killed in 272 BC while was allegedly killed in 272 BC while fighting in the Greek city of Argos by a fighting in the Greek city of Argos by a fighting in the Greek city of Argos by a tile thrown from a rooftop by an argad tile thrown from a rooftop by an argad tile thrown from a rooftop by an argad woman he never won the Empire he sought woman he never won the Empire he sought woman he never won the Empire he sought and his main Legacy lay in teaching the and his main Legacy lay in teaching the and his main Legacy lay in teaching the Romans how to effectively battle a Greek Romans how to effectively battle a Greek Romans how to effectively battle a Greek army and introducing them to war army and introducing them to war army and introducing them to war elephants the Romans always adapting elephants the Romans always adapting elephants the Romans always adapting their techniques would apply what they their techniques would apply what they their techniques would apply what they learned a 100 years later when they learned a 100 years later when they learned a 100 years later when they again met the Greeks in battle though again met the Greeks in battle though again met the Greeks in battle though the tables would be turned the next time the tables would be turned the next time the tables would be turned the next time they met and it would be the Greek's they met and it would be the Greek's they met and it would be the Greek's turn to lose to an invading Roman army turn to lose to an invading Roman army turn to lose to an invading Roman army though the Roman victories were far from though the Roman victories were far from though the Roman victories were far from pck and Greece was conquered pck and Greece was conquered pck and Greece was conquered easily next week we will take a break

easily next week we will take a break easily next week we will take a break from The Narrative and jump ahead so from The Narrative and jump ahead so from The Narrative and jump ahead so that I may present the history of Rome that I may present the history of Rome that I may present the history of Rome Christmas special as Rome transitioned Christmas special as Rome transitioned Christmas special as Rome transitioned from Pagan to Christian in the 300s ad from Pagan to Christian in the 300s ad from Pagan to Christian in the 300s ad the emperor Constantine introduced a the emperor Constantine introduced a the emperor Constantine introduced a number of edicts that ensure the success number of edicts that ensure the success number of edicts that ensure the success of the conversion including the eventual of the conversion including the eventual of the conversion including the eventual choice of December the 25th as the birth choice of December the 25th as the birth choice of December the 25th as the birth date of Jesus it is a fascinating and date of Jesus it is a fascinating and date of Jesus it is a fascinating and still relevant story and I can't let the still relevant story and I can't let the still relevant story and I can't let the occasion pass without telling it after occasion pass without telling it after occasion pass without telling it after that we will be on Hiatus for a week but that we will be on Hiatus for a week but that we will be on Hiatus for a week but return after the new year fresh return after the new year fresh return after the new year fresh recharged and ready to pile headlong recharged and ready to pile headlong recharged and ready to pile headlong into the Punic warse the most important into the Punic warse the most important into the Punic warse the most important conflict in the long history of Rome conflict in the long history of Rome conflict in the long history of Rome [Music]