25 Facts About Second War With Fidenae And Veii

Background of the Conflict

The Second War with Fidenae and Veii was a crucial chapter in ancient Roman history. This conflict, spanning from 437 to 434 BC (or 428-425 BC, depending on the source), was fueled by shifting alliances and territorial ambitions. Let's dive into the key facts that shaped this war.

1. The war began when Fidenae, a city just north of Rome, shifted its allegiance from Rome to Lars Tolumnius, the king of Veii. This strategic move allowed Veii to attack Roman territory more easily.

2. In response to Fidenae's defection, four Roman ambassadors were sent to Fidenae to investigate. These envoys were murdered by order of Lars Tolumnius, giving Rome a clear reason to go to war.

Key Battles and Leadership

Battles and leadership decisions played a pivotal role in the Second War with Fidenae and Veii. Here are some significant events and figures from the conflict.

3. The first battle of the war took place on the Roman side of the Anio River. Consul Lucius Sergius Fidenas led the Roman forces against the combined armies of Fidenae and Veii. Although the Romans won, it was a costly victory.

4. Dissatisfied with the outcome, the Romans appointed Mamercus Aemilius Mamercinus as dictator to lead the war effort. He chose Lucius Quinctius Cincinnatus as his magister equitum and Titus Quinctius Capitolinus Barbatus and Marcus Fabius Vibulanus as his lieutenant-generals.

5. The second battle occurred at the Anio River. The combined forces of Veii and Fidenae retreated to a defensive position in the hills. Mamercus Aemilius led the Roman forces across the Anio and approached Fidenae, where internal disputes among the defenders weakened their position.

6. During this battle, Lars Tolumnius was killed in single combat by Aulus Cornelius Cossus, a Roman military tribune. This event marked a turning point, as the enemy cavalry began to lose morale.

Strategic Moves and Aftermath

Strategic decisions and their aftermath significantly influenced the course of the war. Here are some key moments.

7. Before the battle, Tolumnius sent a detachment to sabotage the Roman camp. However, the Roman camp was successfully defended by Marcus Fabius Vibulanus.

8. After the death of Lars Tolumnius, the enemy began to lose ground. Mamercus Aemilius returned to Rome in triumph, and Aulus Cornelius Cossus was honored for slaying the Etruscan king. The armor of Tolumnius was placed in the Temple of Jupiter Feretrius as spolia opima.

9. Fidenae was captured by dictator Quintus Servilius Priscus Structus Fidenas two years later. The Romans dug a tunnel into the citadel, leading to the city's capture. New colonists were sent to Fidenae, but they were murdered by the Fidenates in 426 BC, leading to further reprisals.

Epidemic and Raids

The war was not just about battles; other factors like epidemics and raids also played a role.

10. An epidemic in Rome in 436 BC prevented further action, allowing the Fidenates to raid Roman territory. A combined Fidenate and Veientine army then crossed the Anio and appeared outside the Colline Gate of Rome.

11. Another dictator, Q. Servilius, was appointed, and an army was formed outside Rome's gates. However, a battle was avoided when the Etruscans began to withdraw.

12. Q. Servilius followed the Etruscans and won a victory near Nomentum. After this defeat, the Etruscans withdrew into Fidenae, and the Romans besieged the city. The siege was successful, with Fidenae falling after the Romans dug a tunnel into the citadel.

Truce and Historical Controversies

The war ended with a truce, but historical controversies remain about its exact dates and events.

13. The war with Veii ended with a truce, which probably lasted for several years. Veii was left standing alone, with no help from other Etruscan cities.

14. The exact dates of the Second Veientine War are disputed among historians. The war could have lasted from 437 to 434 BC or from 428 to 425 BC, depending on the historical account.

15. Livy provides a clear narrative of the war, but his account also includes another siege and fall of Fidenae in 426 BC. This could be true, given that Fidenae had changed hands several times already.

Military Innovations and Roman Expansion

The war led to significant military innovations and marked a period of Roman expansion.

16. During the wars against Fidenae and Veii, Rome increased the number of military tribunes with consular power from three to four and then to six. This change reflects the growing complexity of Roman military organization.

17. The conquest of Veii opened southern Etruria to further Roman expansion. Rome founded colonies at Nepet and Sutrium and forced the towns of Falerii and Capena to become its allies.

18. Before Roman strength increased further, a marauding Gallic tribe swept down from the Po River valley, raided Etruria, and descended upon Rome. The Romans were defeated in the battle of the Allia River in 390 BC, and the Gauls captured and sacked the city.

Rebuilding Roman Power

After the Gallic invasion, Rome had to rebuild its power through hard fighting and strategic alliances.

19. Roman power suffered a great reversal after the Gallic invasion. Forty years of hard fighting in Latium and Etruria were required to restore it fully.

20. During the 40 years after the second treaty with Carthage, Rome rapidly rose to a position of hegemony in Italy south of the Po valley. Much of the fighting consisted of three wars against the Samnites.

21. The First Samnite War resulted in the major acquisition of the rich land of Campania with its capital of Capua. Campania became firmly attached to Rome, possibly granted Roman citizenship without the right to vote.

Roman Colonization and Etruscan Influence

The war also led to significant colonization efforts and highlighted the influence of Etruscan culture on Rome.

22. After the conquest of Veii, Rome founded colonies at Nepet and Sutrium. These colonies helped solidify Roman control over the region and provided a base for further expansion.

23. The Etruscan Wars, including the Second Veientine War, reflect the complex relationship between Rome and its Etruscan neighbors. The Etruscans were a powerful civilization that had a significant impact on Roman culture and politics.

Military Innovations and Historical Significance

The war brought about military innovations and had long-term historical significance.

24. During the wars against Fidenae and Veii, Rome adopted several military innovations, including the use of military tribunes with consular power and the expansion of the Roman cavalry.

25. The Second Veientine War was a significant event in Roman history, marking a turning point in the relationship between Rome and its Etruscan neighbors. The war demonstrated Rome's growing power and military prowess, setting the stage for future conflicts and expansions.

The Lasting Impact of the Second War with Fidenae and Veii

The Second War with Fidenae and Veii was a game-changer for ancient Rome. This conflict, marked by strategic battles, political intrigue, and military innovations, showcased Rome's growing power. The war began with Fidenae's defection and the murder of Roman envoys, leading to fierce battles at the Anio River. The death of Lars Tolumnius and the capture of Fidenae were pivotal moments. Rome's military tactics evolved, increasing the number of military tribunes and expanding its cavalry. The war's end saw a truce with Veii, setting the stage for Rome's future dominance. Despite an epidemic and raids, Rome's resilience shone through. This war not only expanded Roman territory but also solidified its influence in central Italy. The legacy of this conflict is a testament to Rome's strategic prowess and determination, laying the groundwork for its rise as a dominant power.