Samnite Wars facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Samnite Wars
Roman expansion in Italy from 500 BC to 218 BC through the Latin War (light red), Samnite Wars (pink/orange), Pyrrhic War (beige), and First and Second Punic War (yellow and green). Cisalpine Gaul (238-146 BC) and Alpine valleys (16-7 BC) were later added. The Roman Republic in 500 BC is marked with dark red
Date 1st: 343–341 BC 2nd: 327–304 BC 3rd: 298–290 BC Location Central Italy and parts of southern Italy Result Roman control over much of central Italy and part of southern Italy (the modern regions of Lazio, Abruzzo, Molise, Campania and Basilicata and Northern Apulia)
Belligerents
Roman Republic Latin allies Campanians	Samnites Aequi some Hernici Etruscans Umbrians Senone Gauls some northern Apulian towns
Commanders and leaders
Quintus Fabius Maximus Rullianus Quintus Aulius Cerretanus	Gellius Egnatius  †

The Samnite Wars were a series of three big conflicts between the Roman Republic and the Samnites. These wars took place over about 50 years, from 343 BC to 290 BC. The Samnites were a strong group of tribes living in the mountains south of Rome. These wars were very important because they helped Rome become the most powerful force in Italy.

• The First Samnite War (343–341 BC) started when Rome stepped in to protect the city of Capua from a Samnite attack.
• The Second Samnite War (327–304 BC) began because Rome got involved in the politics of Naples. This war turned into a big fight for control over central and southern Italy.
• The Third Samnite War (298–290 BC) was also about who would control this important part of Italy.

These wars also involved other groups living nearby, like the Etruscans, Umbri, and Gauls. Each group joined the fight at different times.

Why the Wars Started

By 343 BC, Rome's territory had grown south to the River Liris. This river was the border between Rome's land (Latium) and Campania. Campania was a flat area between the coast and the mountains. It stretched from the River Liris down to the bays of Naples and Salerno.

The people of Campania were related to the Samnites, but they had their own identity. The Samnites were a group of four strong tribes living in the mountains east of Campania. Both the Samnites and Campanians spoke Oscan languages.

Historians believe that Rome and the Samnites had a treaty in 354 BC. This treaty likely set the River Liris as a boundary. Rome's influence was north of the river, and the Samnites' was to the south. However, this agreement broke down when Rome got involved south of the Liris. Rome decided to help the city of Capua, which was being attacked by the Samnites.

First Samnite War (343 to 341 BC)

The Roman writer Livy is our main source for what happened in the First Samnite War. Other ancient writers and Roman records also mention some events from this war.

How the War Began

Livy says the war started not because Rome and the Samnites hated each other. Instead, it was because the Samnites attacked the Sidicini tribe. The Sidicini lived north of Campania. They asked the Campanians for help.

The Samnites defeated the Campanians twice. First, in Sidicine land, and then near Capua. The Samnites took over the Tifata hills, which overlooked Capua. They then marched into the plain and defeated the Campanians again. This forced the Campanians to ask Rome for help.

Rome's Decision

Campanian ambassadors went to the Roman Senate. They offered an alliance, saying their wealth could help Rome. They also pointed out that Rome's treaty with the Samnites didn't stop them from making a new treaty with Campania. They warned that if Rome didn't help, the Samnites would conquer Campania. Then, the Samnites would become even stronger.

The Senate thought about it. They saw that Campania was rich and fertile, a great source of food for Rome. But they felt they couldn't make a treaty with Campania without breaking their promise to the Samnites. So, they refused the alliance.

After hearing this, the Campanian ambassadors did something surprising. They completely surrendered their people and the city of Capua to Rome. This meant Capua and its people now belonged to Rome. The Senators felt that Rome's honor now required them to protect their new "possession" from Samnite attacks.

Rome sent envoys to the Samnites. They asked the Samnites to respect Rome's new territory and leave Capua alone. But the Samnites refused. Their leaders even shouted orders for their armies to invade Campania right away. When Rome heard this, they officially declared war.

Modern Historians' Thoughts

Some historians today question parts of Livy's story. They agree that the war likely started because of the Sidicini and Campanians. The Sidicini controlled an important crossroads, which the Samnites wanted. The war might have started by accident, as Livy claimed.

However, many historians doubt if Capua truly surrendered unconditionally to Rome. It's more likely that Rome and Capua formed a regular alliance. Livy might have changed the story to make Rome look better. He might have wanted to show that Rome was justified in going to war.

Three Roman Victories

Samnite soldiers from a tomb frieze in Nola, 4th century BC

Livy describes three Roman victories in 343 BC. The two Roman consuls, Marcus Valerius Corvus and Aulus Cornelius Cossus, led their armies. Valerius went to Campania, and Cornelius went into Samnium.

• Battle of Mount Gaurus: Valerius won a tough battle near Cumae. It was a close fight, decided by a final charge at dusk.
• Battle of Saticula: Cornelius's army was almost trapped in a mountain pass. But a brave officer, Publius Decius Mus, seized a hilltop. This distracted the Samnites and allowed the Roman army to escape. Decius and his men then slipped away safely. The next morning, the Romans attacked the unprepared Samnites and defeated them.
• Battle of Suessula: The Samnites gathered their forces and besieged Suessula. Valerius marched quickly to Suessula. The Samnites, low on supplies, had spread out to find food. Valerius took their camp and then defeated their scattered soldiers.

These Roman successes impressed other groups. Falerii made a permanent peace treaty with Rome. The Latins decided not to fight Rome and instead attacked the Paeligni. Even Carthage sent a congratulatory gift to Rome. Both consuls celebrated triumphs for their victories.

Historians today think Livy's descriptions of these battles are probably made up or exaggerated. The numbers of dead enemies and captured treasures are likely too high. The story of Publius Decius Mus is very similar to another famous Roman story from 258 BC. It's possible the later story influenced Livy's account.

End of the War

No major fighting is reported for 342 BC. Instead, there was a mutiny by some Roman soldiers. The Campanians had asked Rome for winter protection against the Samnites. Some Roman soldiers, enjoying the rich lifestyle in Campania, plotted to take over the area. Their plan was discovered, and the soldiers mutinied. They formed a rebel army and marched towards Rome.

Marcus Valerius Corvus was made dictator to handle the crisis. He convinced the mutineers to put down their weapons without fighting. Then, Rome passed important reforms to address the soldiers' complaints. These reforms included rules about re-electing officials and ensuring one consul had to be a plebeian (a common person).

In 341 BC, one Roman consul, Lucius Aemilius Mamercus, entered Samnite territory. He found no army to fight him. Samnite envoys came to ask for peace. They reminded Rome of their old treaty. They also said they wanted to fight the Sidicini, who were not Rome's friends. Rome agreed to renew the old treaty and said they wouldn't interfere with the Samnites' plans for the Sidicini. After peace was made, the Roman army left Samnium.

The First Samnite War ended with a negotiated peace. Rome accepted that the Sidicini were in the Samnite area. But Rome's alliance with the Campanians was a much bigger win. Campania's wealth and people greatly increased Rome's power.

Second Samnite War (326 to 304 BC)

This war, also called the Great Samnite War, started because of growing tensions. Rome had been getting more involved in Campania.

How the War Began

Two main events triggered the war:

• In 328 BC, Rome set up a new settlement (colony) at Fregellae. This was in an area that the Samnites believed was theirs. The Samnites had previously destroyed the Volscian town there.
• The people of Paleopolis (the old part of Naples, a Greek city) attacked Romans living in Campania. Rome demanded they stop, but they refused. So, Rome declared war.

In 327 BC, Roman armies headed for Campania. One consul, Quintus Publilius Philo, attacked Naples. The other, Lucius Cornelius Lentulus, stayed inland to watch the Samnites. Naples received 2,000 troops from the nearby city of Nola and 4,000 from the Samnites. Rome also heard that the Samnites were encouraging other towns to rebel.

Rome sent envoys to Samnium. The Samnites denied preparing for war or sending troops to Naples. But they complained about the Roman colony at Fregellae, calling it an attack on them. They then called for war in Campania.

Before these events, there had been other small conflicts. Rome had helped the Aurunci against the Sidicini. They also took the town of Cales, which was important for routes to Capua and Samnium. Rome also warned the Samnites not to attack towns that had offered Rome their loyalty. It seemed peace with the Samnites was always on the edge.

Another factor was the Greek king Alexander of Epirus. He came to Italy in 334 BC to help the Greek city of Taras against the Lucanians (Samnites' southern neighbors). The Samnites joined the Lucanians, but Alexander defeated them. He then made friends with Rome. However, Alexander was killed in 331 or 330 BC. This might have made the Samnites feel bolder.

Early Years (327 BC to 322 BC)

Quintus Publilius Philo surrounded Paleopolis and Neapolis. Rome also introduced a new idea: extending a commander's military power (called a proconsulship) beyond their term as consul. This allowed commanders to finish their campaigns.

In 326 BC, some leaders in Naples, unhappy with the Samnite soldiers there, helped Rome take the city. Naples then renewed its friendship with Rome. Rome also captured several Samnite towns. The Lucanians and Apulians (from southern Italy) allied with Rome.

In 325 BC, Rome heard that the Samnites had allied with the Vestini. A Roman consul, Decimus Junius Brutus Scaeva, attacked the Vestini, defeating them and taking their towns. Another Roman commander, Lucius Papirius Cursor, heavily defeated the Samnites in 324 BC. The Samnites asked for peace, but Rome only granted a one-year truce. The Samnites broke this truce.

In 323 BC, Roman consuls fought on two fronts, in Samnium and Apulia. There were no big battles, but both areas were damaged. In 322 BC, the Samnites attacked a Roman camp, but the Romans eventually defeated them. The Samnites offered to surrender, but Rome refused.

The Caudine Forks (321 BC)

Second Samnite War, Battle of the Caudine Forks in 321 BC, the Roman army of the consuls Tiberius Veturius Calvinus symbolically pass under the yoke after their surrender

In 321 BC, the Roman consuls Titus Veturius Calvinus and Spurius Postumius Albinus were camped near Capua. Gaius Pontius, the Samnite commander, set a trap. He sent soldiers disguised as shepherds to spread false news that the Samnites were attacking Lucera, a Roman ally.

The Roman consuls decided to help Lucera and took a quicker, but dangerous, route through the Caudine Forks. This was a narrow mountain pass with a plain in the middle. The Samnites blocked both ends of the pass with felled trees and rocks. The Romans were trapped and surrounded.

Pontius asked his wise old father, Herennius, for advice. Herennius first said to free the Romans immediately. When Pontius rejected this, Herennius said to kill them all. Pontius was confused and brought his father to the Forks. Herennius explained that freeing them would bring peace, and killing them would weaken Rome for a long time. But shaming them would only make them want revenge.

Pontius chose to shame them. He demanded the Romans surrender, leave Samnite territory, and remove their colonies. The consuls had no choice. The Roman soldiers, unarmed, had to pass under a "yoke." This was a symbol of defeat, where soldiers had to bow and walk under a yoke used for oxen. Pontius used spears to make a yoke. This was a huge humiliation for Rome.

Livy says Rome rejected the truce and got revenge later. But some historians think there was a two-year truce after the Caudine Forks.

Rome's Response to Humiliation

According to Livy, the Roman consuls said they couldn't agree to a treaty without the Roman people's approval. So, they made a "guarantee" instead. Six hundred Roman knights were given as hostages. Their lives would be lost if Rome didn't keep the terms.

The Roman soldiers returned home, ashamed. In Rome, people mourned. The consul Spurius Postumius told the Senate that Rome wasn't bound by the guarantee. He said it was made without the people's permission. He argued that Rome only owed the Samnites the lives of the guarantors.

So, Rome sent an army, priests, and the guarantors back to Samnium. Postumius even pushed a priest and claimed he was a Samnite who had broken diplomatic rules. Gaius Pontius was angry at Rome's trickery. He refused to accept the surrendered guarantors. The peace he hoped for did not happen.

Meanwhile, some towns allied with the Samnites. In 320 BC, Roman armies went to Apulia. One consul, Quintus Publilius Philo, went to Luceria, where the Roman hostages were held. He defeated a Samnite group. Another army, led by Papirius, advanced along the coast. Locals, tired of Samnite raids, supplied the Romans. This forced the Samnites to fight Papirius. After a tough battle, the Samnites surrendered and passed under the yoke. Luceria was taken, and the Roman hostages were freed.

Over the next few years, Rome continued to fight. They took more towns and granted truces to some Samnite cities.

Later Campaigns (316–304 BC)

Fighting resumed in 316 BC. Rome besieged Saticula, a Samnite city. The Samnites tried to relieve it but failed. They then besieged Plistica, a Roman ally.

In 315 BC, the Romans continued fighting. The Samnites gathered new troops. A Roman commander was killed in battle. The Samnites then took Plistica. Rome moved troops to deal with Sora, a Roman colony that had joined the Samnites. The Romans suffered a defeat at the Battle of Lautulae.

In 314 BC, Rome retook Sora. Three Ausoni cities that had sided with the Samnites were destroyed. Livy says "the Ausonian nation was wiped out." Luceria also betrayed its Roman garrison, but Rome quickly retook it. A conspiracy was found in Capua, and the Samnites tried to seize the city. But the Roman consuls defeated them. The Samnites fled to Maleventum.

The consuls then besieged Bovianum, the capital of the largest Samnite tribe. In 313 BC, Rome retook Fregellae and Nola. New Roman colonies were set up to secure their control.

Etruscan Involvement (312–308 BC)

In 312 BC, rumors spread that the Etruscans, who were more feared than the Samnites, were preparing for war. Rome made preparations.

In 311 BC, the Roman consuls divided their commands. One went to Samnium, the other to Etruria. In Samnium, the Romans retook a garrison and sacked Bovianum. In Etruria, the Etruscans besieged Sutrium, a Roman ally. The Romans fought a long, bloody battle there.

In 310 BC, a Roman consul, Quintus Fabius Maximus Rullianus, went to Sutrium. He defeated the Etruscans. A brave Roman, Marcus Fabius, explored the dangerous Ciminian Forest, which Romans had never crossed. He found allies in Umbria. Quintus Fabius then crossed the forest and attacked Etruscan lands. This angered the Etruscans, who gathered a huge army. But the Romans surprised and routed them. Three Etruscan cities asked for a thirty-year truce.

Meanwhile, the other consul captured a Samnite town and destroyed many forts. The Roman fleet also raided Nuceria's territory. A major battle, the Battle of Lake Vadimo, was fought in Etruria. It was a tough fight, but the Romans won. Livy said this battle broke the power of the Etruscans for the first time.

In 309 BC, Lucius Papirius Cursor won a big victory against the Samnites. The Etruscans broke their truce, but Quintus Fabius easily defeated them. In 308 BC, Quintus Fabius became consul again. He refused peace offers from Nuceria Alfaterna and besieged it until it surrendered. He also defeated the Marsi and Paeligni, who had joined the Samnites. In Etruria, Decius got a forty-year truce from Tarquinii. Some Umbrians revolted, but the Romans quickly defeated them.

Final Campaigns (307–304 BC)

In 307 BC, a Roman consul campaigned in southern Apulia, taking several towns. Quintus Fabius, as proconsul, defeated the Samnites near Allifae. The Samnites surrendered and passed under the yoke. Some Hernici soldiers were found among the Samnites, leading to a revolt by most of the Hernici.

In 306 BC, the Hernici were defeated and surrendered unconditionally. Meanwhile, the Samnites harassed the Roman army. But the Romans joined forces and defeated the Samnites in a big battle. The Samnites begged for peace.

In 305 BC, Roman consuls went to Samnium. After some battles, they besieged Bovianum, which quickly fell. In 304 BC, the Samnites sent envoys to Rome to negotiate peace. Rome sent a consul to investigate their intentions. He found peaceful people everywhere. Livy says the old treaty with the Samnites was restored. The Second Samnite War ended.

Aftermath of the Second War

After the war, Rome took control of more territory. The Hernici were given Roman citizenship without voting rights, meaning their land was annexed. The Aequi, who had helped the Samnites, were also crushed. Their towns were burned, and Livy wrote that "the Aequian name was almost blotted out."

Other groups like the Marsi, Marucini, Paeligni, and Frentani made treaties with Rome. These alliances gave Rome control over a large area around Samnium. These allies had to provide soldiers for Rome's wars at their own expense. In return, they shared war spoils and received Roman protection.

Rome's power in central and southern Italy was growing. But Etruria and Umbria were not fully peaceful yet. The Second Samnite War greatly sped up Roman expansion.

Third Samnite War (298 to 290 BC)

This final war cemented Rome's control over Italy.

How the War Began

In 299 BC, the Etruscans prepared for war against Rome. They tried to hire Gauls as allies, but the Gauls eventually left. This led Rome to ally with the Picentes, who were worried about their neighbors, the Senone Gauls and the Pretutii (who were allied with the Samnites).

Early in 298 BC, a group from Lucania asked Rome for protection. The Samnites had invaded their land after failing to get them to join an alliance. Rome agreed to an alliance. Rome sent envoys to Samnium, telling them to leave Lucania. The Samnites threatened the envoys, and Rome declared war. Some historians believe Rome deliberately sought this war by allying with Samnite enemies.

The War's Progress

Early Battles (298 BC)

According to Livy, one Roman consul, Lucius Cornelius Scipio Barbatus, fought in Etruria. The other, Gnaeus Fulvius Maximus Centumalus, fought in Samnium, capturing Bovianum and Aufidena. However, an inscription on Scipio's tomb says he fought in Samnium and subdued Lucania. This shows that ancient historical records can sometimes be confusing.

Rome Focuses on Samnium (297 BC)

In 297 BC, Rome's most experienced commander, Quintus Fabius Maximus Rullianus, was elected consul again. He insisted that Publius Decius Mus be his co-consul. Both consuls marched into Samnium. Quintus Fabius defeated a Samnite army near Tifernum. Publius Decius defeated an Apulian army that was going to join the Samnites. The two consuls then spent four months raiding Samnium.

Etruscan Intervention (296 BC)

In 296 BC, the previous consuls continued fighting in Samnium. Publius Decius drove the Samnite army out of its territory. This Samnite army went to Etruria to convince the Etruscans to form a big alliance against Rome. They argued that only a combined army of all Etruscans and Samnites could defeat Rome.

Meanwhile, Publius Decius started attacking Samnite cities since their army was away. He captured Murgantia and Romulea.

In Etruria, a Samnite commander named Gellius Egnatius organized a huge campaign against Rome. Almost all Etruscan cities joined, along with some Umbrian tribes. They also tried to hire Gauls. Rome sent two large armies to Etruria and Samnium. This was the first time Livy gave details about the size of Roman forces, showing they mobilized many legions.

One Roman consul, Appius Claudius, had some difficulties in Etruria. The other, Lucius Volumnius, came to help him. The combined Roman forces defeated the Etruscans and Samnites in a big battle.

Lucius Volumnius then returned to Samnium. The Samnites had raised new troops and were raiding Roman territories in Campania. Volumnius caught up with them and defeated them. Rome decided to establish new colonies to secure the area.

Battle of Sentinum (295 BC)

The Samnite raids caused great alarm in Rome. There were also reports of a huge coalition of Etruscans, Samnites, Umbrians, and Gauls. This was the biggest war Rome had ever faced. Rome elected its two best commanders, Quintus Fabius Maximus Rullianus and Publius Decius Mus, as consuls again.

The Etruscans, Samnites, and Umbrians crossed the Apennine Mountains and advanced near Sentinum. Their plan was for the Samnites and Gauls to fight the Romans, while the Etruscans and Umbrians attacked the Roman camp. But Roman deserters told Quintus Fabius about this plan. Fabius sent troops to attack Etruscan territory, drawing the Etruscans away from Sentinum.

In the Battle of Sentinum, the Gauls and Samnites faced the Romans. Quintus Fabius fought defensively, trying to wear down the enemy. Publius Decius fought more aggressively. His cavalry attacked, but then the Gauls used chariots, scattering the Roman cavalry. Decius's infantry line was broken.

At this critical moment, Publius Decius decided to "devote himself." This meant he offered prayers to the gods and charged into the enemy lines, sacrificing himself. This act greatly inspired the Roman troops. Quintus Fabius then ordered his cavalry to attack the Samnites from the side. He also sent in reserves. The Samnites fled. The Gauls formed a defensive "testudo" (tortoise) formation, but the Romans attacked them from all sides and defeated them. The Romans lost 8,700 men, while their enemies lost 20,000.

After the battle, Quintus Fabius celebrated a triumph. The Samnites who escaped were attacked by locals on their way home. In Etruria, the Romans defeated the Etruscans again.

Final Defeat of Samnium (294-290 BC)

In 294 BC, the Samnites raided Roman armies. One consul, Marcus Atilius Regulus, fought the Samnites in a foggy battle. The Samnites attacked his camp but were eventually pushed back. He later defeated them near Luceria. The other consul, Lucius Postumius Megellus, took some Samnite towns and defeated Etruscan cities.

In 293 BC, the Samnites gathered a large army of 40,000 men at Aquilonia. The Roman consuls, Spurius Carvilius Maximus and Lucius Papirius Cursor (son of the famous commander from the Second War), attacked them. Papirius defeated a group of Samnite elite forces. The Romans then took Aquilonia and Cominium. Historians believe the Battle of Aquilonia was the last major battle of the war. It sealed the Samnites' fate.

With the Samnite armies destroyed, the Romans captured more towns. Some Etruscans and Faliscans rebelled, but the Romans defeated them too.

Livy's history ends here. But other sources tell us about the final years. In 292 BC, a Roman consul, Quintus Fabius Maximus Gurges, was defeated by the Samnites. But with the help of his father, Quintus Fabius Maximus Rullianus, he defeated them and captured the Samnite commander, Gaius Pontius. Pontius was paraded in the triumph and executed.

In 291 BC, Quintus Fabius Maximus Gurges, as proconsul, defeated the largest Samnite tribe and took their stronghold. Another consul seized Venusia, an important town. Rome established its largest colony there, showing its growing power.

By 290 BC, Roman consuls campaigned to clear out the last pockets of Samnite resistance. The Third Samnite War ended.

Aftermath of the Third War

After the Samnite War, Rome moved to crush the Sabines, who lived east of Rome. Their land was taken, and they were given Roman citizenship without voting rights. This meant their territory was now part of the Roman Republic. Rome also conquered the Praetutii, extending its territory to the Adriatic Sea.

The Samnites were forced to become allies of Rome, but on unequal terms. Rome offered friendship treaties to those who allied willingly, but not to those defeated in war. Rome also established a large colony at Venusia, a key strategic point. The Lucanians remained allies.

The Samnite Wars made Rome the dominant power in Italy. The alliances Rome formed during and after these wars were crucial. Allies had to provide troops for Rome's wars at their own expense. This system worked because Rome supported the local leaders of allied peoples. Allies also shared in the spoils of war and gained security and protection.

The number of allied troops fighting for Rome grew very large. For example, in a big battle against the Gauls in 225 BC, Roman allies provided far more soldiers than Rome itself. This massive military power could not be matched by anyone else in the Mediterranean.

In the years after the Samnite Wars, Rome continued to consolidate its power in Italy. There were more clashes with the Gauls and Etruscans. These battles helped Rome get used to defeating the Gauls, whom they had feared for a long time. They also made Rome's troops stronger, just before they had to face the Greek king Pyrrhus in the Pyrrhic War (280–275 BC).

Timeline of the Samnite Wars

First Samnite War (343 to 341 BC)

• 343 BC – The First Samnite War begins.
• 342 BC – Battle of Mount Gaurus.
• 341 BC – Rome makes peace with the Samnites and joins the Latin War.

Second (or Great) Samnite War (326 to 304 BC)

• 327 BC – The Samnites declare war.
• 327 BC – Roman siege of Neapolis begins.
• 326 BC – Naples is captured by Rome.
• 325 BC – Romans attack the land of the Vestini.
• 324 BC – Samnites are defeated and get a one-year truce.
• 324 BC – Roman operations start in northern Apulia.
• 321 BC – Roman army is humiliated at the Caudine Forks.
• 320 BC – Samnites destroy Fregellae.
• 320 BC – Romans capture Luceria and free Roman hostages.
• 319 BC – Romans subdue Satricum.
• 318 BC – Samnites ask for peace, but Rome refuses.
• 318 BC – Apulian cities of Teanum and Canusium surrender to Rome.
• 317 BC – Romans capture Nerulum in Lucania.
• 316 BC – Romans besiege Saticula.
• 316 BC – Samnites besiege Plistica.
• 315 BC – Samnites capture Plistica.
• 315 BC – Battle of Lautulae, a Roman defeat.
• 314 BC – Romans destroy the Ausoni cities of Ausona, Minturnae and Vescia.
• 314 BC – Romans defeat Samnites near Capua.
• 314 BC – Romans capture Sora.
• 313 BC – Romans establish new colonies.
• 313 BC – Samnites capture a Roman garrison, Romans retake it.
• 313 BC – Romans sack Bovianum.
• 311 BC – Romans defeat Samnites.
• 311 BC – War begins in Etruria; Etruscans besiege Sutrium.
• 311 BC – Romans defeat Etruscans near Sutrium.
• 311 BC – Marcus Fabius explores the Cimian Forest.
• 310 BC – Romans defeat Etruscans.
• 310 BC – Etruscan cities of Perusia, Cortona, and Arretium get a thirty-year truce.
• 310 BC – Battle of Lake Vadimo – Roman victory.
• 310 BC – Samnites fight consul Gaius Marcius; indecisive battle.
• 309 BC – Etruscans break truce; Romans defeat them near Perusia.
• 309 BC – Rome refuses peace offers from Nuceria Alfaterna and captures it.
• 309 BC – Romans defeat Marsi and Paeligni.
• 309 BC – Etruscans ask for peace; Rome grants a one-year truce.
• 306 BC – Romans campaign against the Salentini in southern Apulia.
• 306 BC – Samnites defeated near Allifae; Hernici revolt.
• 305 BC – Hernici surrender; Samnites defeated.
• 305 BC – Battle at Tifenum in Samnium.
• 305 BC – Romans defeat Samnites.
• 305 BC – Romans besiege Bovianum.
• 304 BC – Samnites ask for peace; the war ends.

Third Samnite War (298 to 290 BC)

• 298 BC – The Third Samnite War begins.
• 298 BC – Battle of Volterrae.
• 298 BC – Romans capture Bovianum and Aufidena.
• 297 BC – Quintus Fabius Maximus Rullianus defeats the Samnites near Tifernum.
• 296 BC – Publius Decius Mus captures Murgantia, Romulea, and Ferentium.
• 295 BC – Battle of Sentinum.
• 294 BC – Samnites nearly capture a Roman camp but are pushed back.
• 294 BC – Lucius Postumius captures Milionia and Feritrum and defeats Volsini in Etruria.
• 294 BC – Marcus Atilius is defeated at Luceria but wins another battle the next day.
• 293 BC – Lucius Papirius captures Aquilonia and Saepinum in Samnium.
• 293 BC – Spurius Carvilius captures Cominium, Velia, Palumbinum, and Herculaneum in Samnium.
• 293 BC – Spurius Carvilius captures Troilum and five fortresses in Etruria.
• 292 BC – Quintus Fabius Maximus Gurges is defeated, then wins with his father's help.
• 291 BC – Quintus Fabius Maximus Gurges captures Cominium Ocritum.
• 291 BC – Lucius Postimius Megellus captures Venusia.
• 290 BC – Roman operations finish off Samnite resistance; the war ends.