"The Second Samnite War Phase 2: The Caudine Peace" Topic

by Gordon Davis

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Following the disaster of the Caudine Forks in 321 BC, the Roman state was forced into an unexpected and unwanted peace with the Samnites. For the balance of 321 BC and the following four years down to the end of 317 BC, there followed a cessation of direct hostilities between Rome and Samnium. Livy (9.1) calls this interlude the ‘Caudine Peace' ("Caudina pax") and as such the period may be viewed as a distinct phase of the Second, or Great, Samnite War of 327 – 306 BC.[1] The moniker of peace for the short five-year period, however, needs to be interpreted in a very narrow sense. The annalistic tradition clearly indicates that there was little actual peace in central Italy during these five years. The crisis caused by the military disaster, the most significant to befall Rome since defeat by the Gauls at the river Allia in 390 BC, quickly led to further misfortune and setbacks for the Latin state. Within a year, various uprisings rose up on the frontiers of city's hegemony, which the Quirite's were obliged to move against in force. Such was the Roman's success in these operations that by the end of 317 BC they had effectively restored the limits of their previously gained influence. In the final year of the peace, we can also discern an intent to prepare for the resumption of direct war with Samnium, which did indeed come to pass in the following year with Rome's move to besiege the Caudine fortress of Saticula…."
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Amicalement
Armand

Thanks for providing that link.

No mention my friend!. (smile)

Amicalement
Armand