The third part of Mercenary War

Contemporary Tunis

The list of demands from mercenaries collaborated with Carthage was given to government this country and after that members’ government sent one of three leaders of ancient Carthage that is to say Hanno II the Great to renegotiations demands of mercenaries. When he arrived and meet the officers from mercenaries units into the Sicca Veneria he immediately rejected their terms an also he said that they couldn’t expect so high wages for lose First Punic War with the Roman republic. In my opinion it was next mistake from side of government ,which didn’t know how solve this difficult situation. The commanders mercenary units were in furious when Hanno rejected their demands, they also didn’t like Hanno ,who wasn’t fight together with mercenaries in First Punic War. He didn’t realize how they fought for almost 23 years for nation ,which don’t belong to them. Although mercenaries came from different nations, they spoke dissimilar languages but they had one direction ,which join them. They hadn’t got money for all 23 years on war. It was the main reason thanks to which they broke down negotiations. All force of mercenaries that is to say about 20000 soldiers started march from Sicca Veneria to Tunis in order to capture that city. Mercenaries had huge army ,which was able to capture the Tunis. When the government heard about march of mercenaries to Tunis, it immediately ordered to send general Gesco for renegotiations a new deal between mercenary units and Carthage

The second part of Mercenary War

Ruins of Carthage

In 240 BC situation on all of territory of Carthage was stalemate because of financial tragedy this nation. Carthaginians Treasure wasn’t able to pay about 20000 mercenaries, who exactly in this year came from the Sicily. When the Carthaginians’ mercenaries were coming back from the biggest island on the Mediterranean sea, general Gesco the man , who was responsible of mercenaries made a plan, in my opinion very good plan thanked to which all of mercenary units from Sicily one at a time might went to the capital of Carthage for demobilization and payment. After that, every single person, who was soldier for Carthage might be sent to them houses, which might be lied through all Carthage in order to any mercenary didn’t know ,what wage got another soldier. That plan was excellent but very difficult to realize. Carthaginian government wasn’t ready for that decision so they suggested negotiations in order to pay less wages for mercenaries. Obviously it was hopeless decision thanked to which all of units from mercenary army started march to capital of Carthage. When they were approaching to Carthage the Carthaginian government last warning ,which said that mercenaries with their families and baggage trains had to retread themselves to city of Sicca Veneria(today El Kef in Tunisia)it was about 170 kilometers from the Carthage. In Sicca Veneria mercenaries ,who collaborated with Carthage give a list of their demands , on this list was written minimal wage for every soldier, who fought for Carthage in First Punic War.

The first part of Mercenary War

Situation on Mediterranean sea after First Punic War

First Punic War remained about 23 years and end capture by the Roman republic the biggest island on the Mediterranean sea that was to say Sicily. It was very huge bang for country, which called itself Kingdom of the Mediterranean sea but even this term wasn’t so difficult to realize. The worst term for Carthage was pay almost 3200 talents, when the financial situation in this nation was completely hopeless. Carthage was able to pay Roman republic but only when it didn’t pay them mercenaries. Carthage lost also on a next few years naval superiority on the Mediterranean sea. Sicily became first Roman province, which wasn’t lie on the Italian Peninsula. Absence of money on paid for Carthage mercenaries was one of the main reason of the next very curious war that was to say- Mercenary War. This war is also called the Libyan War and the Truceless War(obviously according to Polibius). In my opinion this war started because of Roman’s , who demand from Carthaginians immediately pay 1000 talents of gold. That was a huge problem for Carthage because it had to pay wages for about 20000 mercenaries, who returned from the Lilybaeum(city on the Sicily) under the command of Hamilcar Barca, who had resigned at the end of First Punic War from command under so huge army. All these things took place in early 240 BC. Roman republic especially immediately wanted to give money in order to Carthage hadn’t money on wages for mercenaries

The twelfth part of First Punic War

Final combats in First Punic War

After the battle near the Aegates Islands ,which took place in March 241 BC and ended decisive victory of Roman’s fleet , both countries decided to made a new peace on new terms. The Roman republic after 23 years of war became a main naval power on Mediterranean sea ,which was able to win with every fleet on this sea but a both nations were completely exhausted and ramshackle financially or economically. That was the main reason why did Rome and Carthage make a peace. Casualties for a both sides were heavy, after all 23 years of war Roman’s republic lost(according to many of sources) about 700 ships(many of them in the battles but some of them were sunk because of bad weather) and about 30000 soldiers(it was huge loss because disappeared almost nine legions of Roman’s army).Carthage lost about 500 ships(because of hopeless tactic thanked to which Carthaginians lost a lot of battles and of course thanks to decided faster and better Roman’s fleet)and about 20000 soldiers ,what was even for so big nation non-renewable in next a few years. Adrian Goldsworthy(very famous British historian) said ,that in this war Rome lost about 50000 citizens, what was for every town in ancient war very difficult to renewable. A both sides agreed on these terms of peace:-Carthage returned prisoners to Roman republic without any ransom,-Carthage evacuates from the Sicilian islands,-Carthage retreated from Sicily and didn’t attack on Syracuse holdings,-Carthage gave Rome republic Aeolian islands, Pantelleria, Linosa, Lampeduse, Lampione and Malta, -Carthage had to pay 3200 talents obviously immediately.

The twelfth part of First Punic War

Final combats in First Punic War

After the battle near the Aegates Islands ,which took place in March 241 BC and ended decisive victory of Roman’s fleet , both countries decided to made a new peace on new terms. The Roman republic after 23 years of war became a main naval power on Mediterranean sea ,which was able to win with every fleet on this sea but a both nations were completely exhausted and ramshackle financially or economically. That was the main reason why did Rome and Carthage make a peace. Casualties for a both sides were heavy, after all 23 years of war Roman’s republic lost(according to many of sources) about 700 ships(many of them in the battles but some of them were sunk because of bad weather) and about 30000 soldiers(it was huge loss because disappeared almost nine legions of Roman’s army).Carthage lost about 500 ships(because of hopeless tactic thanked to which Carthaginians lost a lot of battles and of course thanks to decided faster and better Roman’s fleet)and about 20000 soldiers ,what was even for so big nation non-renewable in next a few years. Adrian Goldsworthy(very famous British historian) said ,that in this war Rome lost about 50000 citizens, what was for every town in ancient war very difficult to renewable. A both sides agreed on these terms of peace:-Carthage returned prisoners to Roman republic without any ransom,-Carthage evacuates from the Sicilian islands,-Carthage retreated from Sicily and didn’t attack on Syracuse holdings,-Carthage gave Rome republic Aeolian islands, Pantelleria, Linosa, Lampeduse, Lampione and Malta, -Carthage had to pay 3200 talents obviously immediately.

The eleventh part of First Punic War

Battle of the Aegates Islands(10 March 241 BC)

When the Catulus was waiting for Carthage’s fleet near the western Sicily, Senate promoted Catulus on proconsul ship in 241 BC. Carthaginian fleet came near the Aegates Islands in March 241 BC .Hanno II the Great determined ,that fleet should stay near those islands and waited for favorable wind thanked to which they could sail faster to the port city Lilybaeum. The Carthaginian fleet was observed by Roman scouts all the time, messages were conveyed to the proconsul ship of Roman’s fleet ,who decided ,that he didn’t block his enemies. On the morning March 10 241 BC the wind started to be favorable for Hanno II the Great ,who immediately determined to set sailed. Roman’s fleet was in dangerous in that moment because the wind wasn’t be for it favorable so Catulus ordered stripped masts from Roman’s boat in order to ships didn’t move and he also ordered to put unnecessary out of the ships. Catulus himself couldn’t clamp down on the battle because he was injured so in this situation ships were commanded by praetor Quintus Valerius Falto. In this battle about victory of Roman republic fleet decided many of experience in past naval battles of Catulus ,who determined before a battle that all unnecessary equipment had to be put out of the ships thanked to which Roman’s fleet was decided better and faster than very heavy with a lot of men’s and equipment Carthaginians fleet. Roman republic fleet lost in this battle about 30 ships, what was a big success for beginner fleet, which was built from money of wealth citizens. Carthaginians fleet lost about 50 ships and 70 ships were captured by Romans it was dishonor for one of the best fleet in the ancient world. This battle decided about all First Punic War because after that Carthaginians offered to make a new peace, which ended this long war between the biggest countries in ancient Europe-Carthage and Roman republic.

The tenth part of First Punic War

The toga was the characteristic garment of the wealthy Roman citizen.

Carthaginian’s guerilla hold on territory of Sicily for almost eight years but it was too small success in order to won with certainly better Roman’s republic army. Soldiers from Carthage’s army were so exhausted that they couldn’t fight for next several years. Hamilcar Barca had only few units soldiers, what didn’t allow on fight on the battlefield. This stalemate situation ended at the battle of Aegates islands, which took place on the western coast of the Sicily in 10 March 241 BC. Roman’s republic fleet commanded by Gaius Lutatius Catulus(consul in 242 BC) had about 200 ships and stood against to Carthage’s fleet commanded by Hanno II the Great(very wealthy Carthaginian aristocrat ,who defeated in battle of Agrigentum and Cape Economus) had about 250 ships. Roman republic for eight years made very modern fleet, which was sponsored by wealthy citizens of Rome because they wanted to show their patriotism. They gave money on about 200 quinqueremes , which were also equipped and crews got money for sailed, those ships were also prepared on very unfavourable weather and had corvus(that was to say bridges to boarding). The new Roman’s fleet was ready in 242 BC so Catulus sailed with fleet to block port city Lilybaeum and he also wanted cut supply, communication lines for Hamilcar Barca. Rest of the year Roman’s fleet waited on answer of Carthaginians.

The ninth part of First Punic War

Ruins of Punic Quarter on the Byrsa Hill in Carthage

In 250 BC after agreed on peace cities, which lied on the northwest of Sicily Roman republic sent next expedition to the southwest. Roman’s army went to the biggest city on west coast that was to say-Lilybaeum, but at first soldiers had to seized two outposts of Carthaginian army ,which lied on southwest coast-Selinous and Heraclea Minoa. These two towns was burnt in 250 BC by Roman’s legion but all campaign didn’t result huge success because soldiers even didn’t reach the Lilybaeum. However this operation showed ,that Carthaginian could lose all Sicily because they didn’t send any units to their army on this island for one year. At least Carthaginians had very good fleet thanks to which they won small naval battle near Drapana in 249 BC. After that Roman’s army made next counter-attack obviously from land, they attacked Lilybaeum and small camp of Carthaginians soldiers, which was called Eryx. Situation for Carthage was very difficult so they sent one of the best generals from their army on the Sicily- Hamilcar Barca. His army landed at Heirkte near the Panormus, what was huge surprise for Romans because he got on their territory. Hamilcar wanted drag Roman’s legions away from the Carthaginian port Drapana in order to this city didn’t give up because city was being seized by a few months. After that small units from Hamilcar’s army started attack on soldiers from Rome, it was normally guerrilla, which very swiftly killed almost half of Roman’s army, what was a big success for Carthaginians, who didn’t allow on take Drapana.

The eighth part of First Punic War

Roman's attack in 252 BC

After huge defeat in battle of Tunis, which took place in 255 BC, small units from the Roman republic army tried to come back on the Sicily but unfortunately all fleet was caught by big storm, which destroyed more than half Roman’s ship. Carthaginians after attack on their territory determined, that they were be able to do counter-attack. They attacked from their outposts on Agrigentum. This city was burnt because Carthage’s units on the Sicily was too small in order to hold that town. Roman’s army we could say, that give respite to Carthaginians because they prepared next big assault in 253 BC. This offensive started from naval attack on the Lilybaeum ,which was the biggest port and city in Carthaginian power also Roman’s fleet began attack on Africa. The both operation not came to anything because Roman’s fleet near Lilybaeum was refused by Carthaginians, second operation, which might ended invasion on Africa also didn’t work inasmuch as fleet was caught by storm and was destroyed. On the north Roman’s army did more progress ,in 252 BC was captured city Thermae, in 251 BC was took Kephalodon. The last city, which was in this part of Sicily it was Panormus. Panormus after very long seized give up, capture this city meant for towns in western Sicily-burnt all cities up so Leta, Solous, Tyndaris agreed on a peace with Roman republic in 251 BC.

Seventh part of First Punic War

Senātus Populusque Rōmānus ("The Senate and the People of Rome"),

The great victory in battle of Adys for Carthaginians meant, that Roman’s army was too strong to destroy it so we can say ,that Roman republic forced Carthage to made a peace but terms was so difficult to completion ,that negotiations was breached by country from the north of Africa. Carthage made the best decision in these campaign- they hired general from Sparta-Xanthippus to reorganized Carthage’s army. Xanthippus wanted to cut off Roman’s army from them bases and used Carthage’s fleet to destroy leave camps. On the beginning, Xanthippus got out of Carthage to help city ,which was sieged by almost all one year-Tunis. When Carthage’s army walked up to Tunis meet all Roman’s army, which seized Tunis. The battle of Tunis took place in the spring 255 BC, Roman republic commanded by Marcus Atilius Regulus had 15000 infantry and 500 cavalry stand against to Carthage’s army commanded by Xanthippus had 12000 infantry,4000 cavalry and 100 war elephants. Regulus thought ,that it will be very simply battle ,which ended the next victory of Roman’s but Xanthippus was the great general ,which perfectly positioned his army: on the centre was infantry, in front of infantry-war elephants, on the wings-cavalry. Roman’s army was positioned in normal line-on the centre was infantry, on the wings was cavalry. At first ,attacked war elephants from Carthage, which destroyed almost all half of Roman infantry, many units from Roman’s cavalry very quickly defeated. Nobody could stop war elephants ,which this day was too fast for Roman’s army. On the end of battle Carthage’s army attacked from a both sides ,what was for Roman’s completely destruction. Only 2000 Roman’s soldiers escaped from the battlefield to get on the ships. Roman’s army lost 12000 soldiers a both with consul Regulus ,which according to Didorus lost eyes and was trampled to death by enraged elephant. Carthage’s army lost 800 soldiers. The battle ended decisive Carthaginian victory.

The Sixth part of First Punic War

Invasion on Africa

After the battle of Cape Economus in 256 BC, Roman’s fleet came back on the Sicily for repairs and rest the crews. Afterwards the Roman republic army landed in north Africa ,properly in Apsis about 256 BC. Roman’s legions started great march through all north Africa. On the beginning consul Marcus Atilius Regulus very swiftly forced to capitulation of Clupea and met near Adys, Carthage’s strength. The battle of Adys took place in early 255 BC, Roman republic was commanded by great consul Marcus Atilius Regulus and had 15000 infantry,500 cavalry against to Carthage’s army which was commanded by Hasdrubal, Bostar and Hamilcar had about 5000 infantry,500 cavalry and about 100 war elephants. The battle started when Roman’s legions attack at the night from two sides. Carthage’s army wasn’t ready on this attack but after a few minutes they refused Roman’s army. After this everybody thought that it will normal battle without big casualties but in the most important moment of battle infantry lost small gap ,which was used by cavalry and war elephants to escape from the battlefield. On the end of the battle most of infantry were crushed, Roman’s army took them camp. The battle end and Romans continued great march to Carthage. On the battlefield lieges dead almost all infantry from Carthage’s army, casualties from the Roman side was minimal.

Fifth part of First Punic War

Battle of Cape Economus

Roman republic decided to invade Carthaginian colonies on the Africa in 256 BC. The Roman’s fleet was built and has two parts: first comprised from transport ships which had all equipment and food, second comprise from warships which protected transport ships. Carthage also was ready on the invasion from the Roman side, so when Carthage heard about campaign which was organized by Rome that they sent them fleet to the Sicily in order to destroy all Roman’s ships before as they got to the coast in Africa. A both fleets met near the Cape Economus. The battle of Cape Economus took place in 256 BC, Roman’s fleet had about 330 ships(according to Polibius)and was commanded by consul Marcus Atilius Regulus and second consul Lucius Manlius Vulso Longus against to Carthage’s fleet which had about 350 ships and was commanded by Hamilcar and Hanno. After great victories such as battle near Mylae cape Roman’s fleet changed tactic because of transporter ships. Roman’s fleet was shared in three parts: first and second secured transports, third secured rear. Transport ships was between three parts fleet. Carthage’s fleet was shared according to traditional long line on four parts with centre command by Hamilcar and flanks command by Hanno. Flanks with Hanno attacked at first but was too small to win with two columns Roman’s fleet. Centre command by Hamilcar very swiftly started to retread. Hopeless tactic of Carthage caused next great victory in naval battle of Roman republic. Roman’s fleet also used special bridged call corvi to board ships. In this battle Roman republic lost 24 ships, Carthage lost 30 ships and 65 was captured.

Third part of First Punic war

The location of Lipari Islands

In 261 BC after the victory in battle of Agrigentum and capture this city Roman republic army continued offensive on towns ,which were under control of Carthage .In 260 BC two cities belonged to Carthage: Segeste and Makella made a revolution which end victory of rebels. Carthage immediately started a siege these two cities. Segeste and Makella asked about assistance the Roman Republic army which very fast came near this two towns and enforced Carthage’s strengths. In the same year on north of the island took place first naval battle in these war-battle of the Lipari Islands. Roman’s fleet commanded by Gnaeus Cornelius Scipio had about 17 ships against to Carthage’s fleet commanded by Boodes and Hannibal Gisco which had about 20 ships. Roman’s fleet wasn’t ready on naval battle because in Rome until built 150 quinquereme and triremes and immediately 17 ships was sent near the Lipari islands. Roman’s fleet without any experience sailed in ambush prepared by Carthaginian fleet. They blocked Roman’s and captured about 20 boats. Carthage won the first battle with Roman’s army. After that, Roman’s fleet rebuild very fast and in 260 BC attacked yet in battle near Mylae cape. Roman’s fleet commanded by Gaius Duilius had about 100 ships(in opinion of Polibius) against to Carthage’s fleet commanded by Hannibal Gisco which had about 130 ships. In this battle first time Roman’s fleet used new tactic-boarding. Roman’s attached bridges called corvi to ships of enemy and took over them. Roman’s destroyed big part of Carthage’s fleet(about 30 ships)lost about 5 boats. It was the first major battle which allowed unwind wings of Roman’s fleet. The next part of the story will not be soon!

Second part of First Punic war

Map show location old city-Agrigentum

In 263 BC after landed the Roman Republic army commanded by new consul- Manius Valerius Messalla in Sicily win with Hiero II, tyrant of Syracuse in battle near the Messina. After that ,Roman army started huge march through all island. At first Roman republic army covered Handranon and Kentropia after that city-Catania immediately made peace with Roman’s. Most of cities went the same road like Catania made peace with Roman’s like for example Halaesa and Enna. Roman’s army had finally open road to one of the richest port on the Sicily-Agrigentum already in 263 BC. Roman’s army started a siege in 262 before Jesus Christ was born. The garrison of city Agrigentum request about assistance of Carthaginian forcements commanded by Hanno. The main exercise Hanno was destroy Roman’s army and disengage Agrigentum from siege. In 261 BC Agrigentum still defend when the Carthaginian army commanded by Hanno was coming. The battle of Agrigentum took place in 261 BC, the Roman republic army had 40000 infantry(two legions) commanded by Lucius Postumius Magellus against to Carthaginian army 50000 infantry, war elephants and cavalry (plus the garrison of Agrigentum) commanded by Hanno and Hannibal Gisco. Hanno deployed him strengths in two lines-first and second –infantry with elephants, wings-cavalry. When the Roman’s legions attacked war elephants from Carthage disorganized the Carthaginian formation. Roman republic army refused the Carthaginian first line. Carthage’s army started retread because enemy of Roman’s lost 3000 soldiers. Finally Roman Republic army captured big port on the Mediterranean Sea in 261 BC. The next part of story will be soon!

First part of First Punic war

Carthage before First Punic war

First Punic war took place between 264 to 241 BC .The Punic War was the first of three major wars between Carthage and the Roman Republic. This war took place almost only on the territory of Sicily(north of the island was regulated by Carthage, south of the island by Syracuse which not depends on Latin league –was managed by the Roman republic). Carthage was a country which lied in north of the Africa ,on the territory of today’s –Tunisia, was founded by the Phoenicians in the from Tyre in ninth century before Jesus Christ was born. Carthage was a country which had very highly advanced navy, this navy could win with a Latin league navy .The main reason this war was a clash about city in the south of Sicily-Messina. This city was managed by Mamertines(a group of Italian which occupied Messina in 288 BC and after covered, kill all men in this town)which was risked by the Hiero II ,tyrant of Syracuse .Mamertines defeated in battle on the Longanus River in 270 BC and asked both Rome and Carthage about assistance. Carthage enforced Hiero to stopped fight with Mamertines and send to Messina garrison with her soldiers. Most of Mamertines which scared soldiers from the garrison asked for help to the Roman Republic and destroyed garrison from the Carthage. Hiero II made union with Carthage and both of armies started the siege of Messina in 265 BC. In 264 BC the Roman Republic army commanded by Appius Claudius Caudex(consul from 264 BC) first time leave Italian Peninsula and sailed on the triremes or pentekonters(ships which had 50 oars from two sides)to Sicily. When the Roman republic army landed on the Sicily, the war became an fact. The main exercise Roman army was destroy Syracuse as enemy which could risk Roman’s legion. The second part will be soon!

Second part of Pyrrhic War

Most important places in Pyrrhic War

After the losing battle of Asculum in 279 BC where King Pyrrhus of Epirus lost 3,500 soldiers ,including many of his officers, state army King of Epirus was very bad. At first, his army was really tired and lost 3,500 soldiers what was on the foreign territory non-renewable. The last battle in this war was the battle of Beneventum(today Benevento in Campania-Italy).The Roman forces which after lost battle rebuild and had apparently 40000 soldiers that is to say two army of the consul led by Manius Curius Dentatus met near Benevento weak army Pyrrhus of Epirus which had apparently 20000 infantry,3000 cavalry and 18 war elephants. Although the Roman Republic army still scared war elephants it all strike two army of consuls refused very weak army King of Epirus but apparently in this moment like from tree slumped 3000 cavalry from the army of Pyrrhus and immediately destroyed big part of the Roman republic army, but Roman army in this battle fought Roman legions which showed more superiority over Macedonian phalanx because counter-attack of Roman army was decisive, was destroyed apparently half of army Pyrrhus of Epirus. Result these battle is very difficult to define because it wasn’t neither victory of Roman legion(because they was retread to Rome) nor Epirus’s army which lost several thousand soldiers and have to retread too to Greece. After the reconstruction, Roman republic army engage Tarento in 272 BC and that was finish of Pyrrhic War.

The Arabs in History by Bernard Lewis

The Arabs in History
by Bernard Lewis

Paperback: 256 pages
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA; 6New Ed edition (May 23, 2002)

`Whoever lives in our country, speaks our language, is brought up in our culture and takes pride in our glory is one of us.' Thus ran a declaration of modern leaders of Arab states. But what exactly is an Arab, and what has been their place in the course of human history? In this well-established classic, Professor Lewis examines the key issues of Arab development - their identity, the national revival which cemented the creation of the Islamic state, and the social and economic pressures that destroyed the Arab kingdom and created the Islamic empire. He analyses the forces which contributed to that empire's eventual decline, and the effects of growing Western influence. Today, with the Arab world facing profound social and political challenges, it constitutes an essential introduction to the Arabs and their history

selam ya ihvan!

First part of Pyrrhic War

The route of Pyrrhus of Epirus during his campaign in southern Italy

Pyrrhic War took place between 280 to 272 year before Jesus Christ was born. Roman Republic after victorious Samnium War started the next war in south Italy with huge city-Tarento. Tarento requested about help king of the Greek tribe of the Molossians, Epirus(from 297 to 272 BC)and Macedon(288-284,273-272 BC).Pyrrhus of Epirus agreed on the proposition came forward to Tarento and he made a coalition with Samnium, Magna Graecia(it is name of the area in the Southern Italy and Sicily island) and of course with Epirus which lied over Adriatic Sea. Pyrrhus of Epirus came to the Tarento with 31,500 infantry,4000 cavalry and 20 war elephants. The Roman republic army met him near the Heraclea city(this town lied next to Tarento) in July 280 BC. The Roman republic army had 29,000 infantry,6000 cavalry commanded by consul Publius Valerius Laevinus against to army Pyrrhus of Epirus. Thanks to 20 war elephants Roman republic army losing battle because was frightened by elephants .On the battlefield lied dead 7000 soldiers from Roman republic army and 4000 soldiers from Pyrrhus of Epirus army. The next battle is the most famous clash in this war because Pyrrhus of Epirus in 279 BC stood with 40000 soldiers and 20 war elephants against to 40000 soldiers and 300 anti-elephant devices command by consul Publius Decius Mus and won the battle but it was only “Pyrrhic victory” where army king of Epirus lost 3,500 what was on the terititory of Rome non-renewable. The second part of story will be soon!

Third Samnium War

This map show the growth of the Roman Republic

Third Samnite War started after six years of peace in 298 before Jesus Christ was born. Before war Samnits made coalition several populations such as Etruscan civilization(population lieges near Tyrrhenian Sea),Celts, Galls ,Umbrians thanks to this Samnits enlist superiority on Italian Peninsula and started war with Roman republic. Third Samnite War go on between 298 to 290 year BC .The war started from small battle-Battle of Camerinum which took place in 298 BC, Roman Republic army commanded by Lucius Cornelius Scipio Barbatus defeated battle. The main battle took place in 295 BC it was-Battle of Sentinum(Roman Republic strength-about 38000 soldiers commanded by Decius Mus and Fabius Maximus Rullianus against coalition of Italy which had about 38000 soldiers command by Egnatius) which resulted Roman victory. On the battlefield lieges dead 2500 soldiers from Roman republic army and 8500 soldiers from the Italian coalition. The battle which decided about Roman victory in this war –Battle of Aquilonia where Roman republic army destroyed again Italian coalition in 293 BC .After that victory Roman republic army started the siege capital of Samnites- Venusia which was captured in 291 BC .In 290 BC a both sides made a peace, Rome enlist superiority on Italian Peninsula.

Samnium Wars

Battle of the Caudine Forks in II Samnium War in 321 year BC

Samnium wars are the next part of story about Roman Republic .First of all I must tell you about attacked Celts in 386 year before Jezus Christ was born(Celts were Indo-European group which spoke Celtic language and lived in Great Britain and in north France).Celts destroyed all the Rome city when gooses from the Capitol Hill woke up defenders of Rome who started fight with Celts and thanks to gooses soldiers saved Rome. After this attack Rome started built a new wall made of stone. Rome was rebuilt and started attacked on Samnites. First war with Samnites took place between 343 to 341 BC in this war Roman republic won two battles and Samnits became willing to make a peace. Second war with Samnites took place 326 to 304 BC. Roman republic continued expansion on territory of Italy but in 321 BC took place a huge battle-Battle of the Caudine Forks. Roman republic army was command by consul Titus Vetorius Calvinus against to Samnium army command by Gaius Pontius.The result of this battle for Roman republic was sad,Rome loosed battle and four couple of years stoped expansion on Samnites. After many of battles a both sides conclusioned peace in 304 BC which was a little brake in Samnium Wars.