The Latin War

-Romans had driven the Samnites out of Campania, but didn't want to invade Samnium yet.
   -Meanwhile, the Latins seemed to be ready to take advantage of Rome's weakened state.
-During this time also a law was passed saying that one consul MUST be a pleb- also, 10 years must pass before someone holds the same office twice.
-Also, the Latins were dominated by Rome, and enjoyed some of the benefits reserved only for citizens of Rome.
   -At this time, the Latins demanded that at least one consul must come from a Latin community.
      -Because of this, in 338 BC the Romans declared war on the Latins for their insolence!
-Consuls: Titus Manlius Torquatus and Publius Decius
-The Latins and Romans were actually pretty evenly matched- similar army sizes, weapons, tactics, technology, armor, etc.
   -The Romans won the first major battle, and then began to lay siege to each enemy Latin city.
      -The Samnites even briefly allied with the Romans against the Latins during this time.
         -When the Romans took over, however, they were sweet to the newly conquered Latins, which kept them happy.  Unfortunately,they quickly learned that if they did end up causing any problems, the Romans would simply exterminate the troublemakers.