War And Conquest 400 - 343 BC
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During the fifth century BC, the Roman state struggled against a perpetual series of raids, assaults and invasions, primarily from its Sabellian and Etruscan adversaries. As the century neared its end however, the tide began to turn in the favour of Rome and its allies: the Latins and Hernici. The Sabellian threat began a long wane, allowing enough of a breathing space at the beginning of the 4th century for the Romans to execute a decisive blow against the Etruscans. The twin conquests of Veii and Falerii, while by no means ending the constant raids and incursions from that quarter, were nonetheless a significant turn of events which set Rome’s northern foes back on their heels. While basking in the glow of this success, the city was dealt a crushing blow by a massive invasion of Gauls from the Po Valley. Rome was sacked and plundered and its army scattered. Luckily for the city, the Gauls soon vanished with their booty and slaves, but there were other, more serious consequences stemming from the turn of events. The long-standing alliance between Rome and its Latin and Hernician allies was broken asunder, as Rome's desire to expand and the Latin state's desire to remain free and independent collided. From 390 BC until 343 BC, the Romans therefore engaged in a steady series of annual military campaigns, sometimes several per season, against Latins, Hernicians, Volscians, Aequi , Gauls and Etruscans. The final result was major defeats for all of these foes by the Roman arms, the formation of a number of new colonies on enemy lands and the resumption of Roman hegemony over the reluctant Latins and Hernici. The firm basis of Roman state power, already evident at the start of the 4th century BC was by 343 BC, greatly expanded and in the process of consolidation.