Latin League and War
The Latin League was a confederation of central Italian cities in the Latium region, formed shortly after the establishment of the Roman Republic in 509 BCE. Rome was a key member of this league, which facilitated cooperation in military efforts, shared civic rights, and promoted cultural exchange among member cities through events like the annual Latin Games held on the Alban Mountain. The league played a significant role in military campaigns, often leading to the establishment of new colonies populated by veterans from the combined forces.
The first conflict between the Latins and Rome occurred during the reign of King Ancus Marcius in the 7th century BCE, followed by additional conflicts during the rule of Lucius Tarquinius Priscus. Despite the combined military strength of the Latins and Romans, the league faced internal strife and ultimately dissolved around 340 BCE due to warfare among its members. By 338 BCE, Rome emerged as the dominant power following the league's collapse, leading to a more structured military and resource relationship where Rome exerted greater control over its former allies. While the league's basic framework persisted for another 150 years, cities retained significant internal autonomy even as Rome consolidated its power.
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Subject Terms
Latin League and War
Related civilization: Republican Rome
Date: 493-c. 340 b.c.e. (league); 340-338 b.c.e. (war)
Locale: Italy
Latin League and War
The Latin League was a group of central Italian cities in the Latium region cooperating in military endeavors shortly after the Roman Republic was established in 509 b.c.e. Rome was a member of this league, which extended to its members basic civic rights concerning commerce, intermarriage, and emigration between member cities. Member cities met annually on the Alban Mountain and conducted the Latin Games; there, they considered their differences, celebrated their unity, and planned military campaigns. Successful military campaigns usually resulted in the establishment of colonies on captured land. The colonists were veterans from the combined army. These colonies then became full members of the league.
The combined manpower reserve of Rome and the Latins was the most important element in Roman military success during the republic. However, this success seemed to accrue disproportionately to Rome, and by 340 b.c.e., the league dissolved in war among the members. The result was the emergence of Rome as the unambiguous hegemon at the conclusion of the war in 338 b.c.e. Afterward, the Latin festival was conducted under strict Roman supervision, and Rome demanded troops and resources on a more consistent basis than had previously been possible. This enforced cooperation marked an important threshold in Rome’s rise to power: Rome became able to field consistently larger armies than ever before. Nevertheless, the basic structure of the league changed little for another 150 years, so that individual cities continued to maintain considerable internal autonomy.
Bibliography
Cornell, T. J. The Beginnings of Rome. London: Routledge, 1994
Salmon, E. T. The Making of Roman Italy. Ithaca, N.Y.: Cornell University Press, 1982.