BC310-291 Rome Conquers the Latin Samnites
In the twenty years from 310-291 BC Rome began a war with the Samnites (pictured) in 295 BC and by 280 BC had control over central Italy.
In 295 BC, Rome began a war with a tough Latin people living in the Appenine mountains -- the Samnites -- who were joined by the remaining Etruscan cities, Gaulish tribes, and some rebellious Italian cities.
The result of this war, in 280 BC, was total Roman control over all of central Italy.
In 300 BC, plebeians were allowed to serve at all levels of the priesthood, thus making them religiously equal to the patricians.
Rome successfully managed to keep control over its conquered territories with both liberal and militaristic policies. Rather than destroying conquered cities, Rome granted them certain rights. Cities near Rome were allowed full Roman citizenship, and those further away were allowed certain Roman rights. Some were allowed complete autonomy, and some were allowed to become allies.
All conquered territories, however, were taxed by Rome and required to provide troops.
Rome was able to maintain a permanent military settlement in every conquered land by settling soldiers on captured lands as payment for their service. Settled soldiers were able to get quite wealthy from land farmed by slaves, and Rome's control over these lands was assured by the presence of Roman soldier settlements.
To reinforce these settlements, Rome began an ambitious road-building project. Roman roads were solid and straight -- no matter how undulating the terrain -- so that soldiers and supplies could be quickly moved into rebellious territories.
The liberal policy of granting conquered territories rights or citizenship -- and the military policy of building roads and settling soldiers able to provide a swift response to rebellion -- ensured peace in central Italy under Roman control.
In 295 BC, Rome began a war with a tough Latin people living in the Appenine mountains -- the Samnites -- who were joined by the remaining Etruscan cities, Gaulish tribes, and some rebellious Italian cities.
The result of this war, in 280 BC, was total Roman control over all of central Italy.
In 300 BC, plebeians were allowed to serve at all levels of the priesthood, thus making them religiously equal to the patricians.
Rome successfully managed to keep control over its conquered territories with both liberal and militaristic policies. Rather than destroying conquered cities, Rome granted them certain rights. Cities near Rome were allowed full Roman citizenship, and those further away were allowed certain Roman rights. Some were allowed complete autonomy, and some were allowed to become allies.
All conquered territories, however, were taxed by Rome and required to provide troops.
Rome was able to maintain a permanent military settlement in every conquered land by settling soldiers on captured lands as payment for their service. Settled soldiers were able to get quite wealthy from land farmed by slaves, and Rome's control over these lands was assured by the presence of Roman soldier settlements.
To reinforce these settlements, Rome began an ambitious road-building project. Roman roads were solid and straight -- no matter how undulating the terrain -- so that soldiers and supplies could be quickly moved into rebellious territories.
The liberal policy of granting conquered territories rights or citizenship -- and the military policy of building roads and settling soldiers able to provide a swift response to rebellion -- ensured peace in central Italy under Roman control.
Labels: bc310, bishop of rome, military settlement, roman citizenship, samnites
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