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The problem is rather the direction. There are so many people one can...ehm...bring civilization to.
In my AAR the main problem after Italy was secured was my inability to get my new provinces to be loyal. I hope you fare better.
14 - Gallic Affairs (283 - 282)
Around 400, several Tribes from Gaul crossed the Alps and began to settle down in northern Italy between the Appennine Mountains and the Alps. The region became, from a Roman point of view, so „different“, that they referred to it as Gallia Cisalpina (Gaul on this side of the Alps). This cultural landscape was still present in the first half of the 3rd Century with the exception of today`s Liguria and Venetia, where still people of Latin origin dwelled.
As the Republic expanded northward, it was inevitable, that it would come in direct contact with Celtic Tribes and the first one were the Senones, who lived along the Adriatic Coast north of Ancona. The Republic and the Senones shared a bit of history, as the latter had defeated Rome in the early 4th Century and sacked the city afterward.
Roman authors do not fail to point out this fact and usually describe the events of 283/282 as justified retaliation for the events that took place a Century earlier. And although the "Gallic Disaster", as traumatizing as it may have been for the Roman collective memory, will remain a popular topic, there should be no doubt, that the expansionism of the Republic had reached a level of momentum, where the expansion of the border had become the motivation per se. Individual deeds or interests of other people had to stand back behind the bipolar order of Roman versus Non-Roman. With the non-roman part being subject to subjugation into either Vassals or integral parts of the Republic.
With this in mind, the Republic approached the territories at the border between Italia and Gallia Cisalpina. The Senones had ties to other people along the Adriatic, namely the Lingones and the Veneti.
The Campaign lasted for roughly one year and just little reports are known concerning it. Rome was able to besiege Sena in Gallica (today Senigallia) and Ravna (today Ravenna) without resistance, since the Senones and their Allies gathered their forces in the rather inaccessible Delta of the Po River. The Republic decided to not advance into that area. Eventually, in mid 282, they offered peace on the terms, that they annex the lands of the Senones, but give Ravna back to the Lingones.
Such a limited Campaign and generous peace conditions were unprecedented and would rarely, if ever, happen again in the relation between Rome and other people. There have been debates about that and the answer is most probably to find when looking at the big picture (see Chapter 18). For the time being the conclusion to this conflict was, that the Roman peace offer was accepted and all of Italia was now under Roman rule.
Around 400, several Tribes from Gaul crossed the Alps and began to settle down in northern Italy between the Appennine Mountains and the Alps. The region became, from a Roman point of view, so „different“, that they referred to it as Gallia Cisalpina (Gaul on this side of the Alps). This cultural landscape was still present in the first half of the 3rd Century with the exception of today`s Liguria and Venetia, where still people of Latin origin dwelled.
As the Republic expanded northward, it was inevitable, that it would come in direct contact with Celtic Tribes and the first one were the Senones, who lived along the Adriatic Coast north of Ancona. The Republic and the Senones shared a bit of history, as the latter had defeated Rome in the early 4th Century and sacked the city afterward.
Roman authors do not fail to point out this fact and usually describe the events of 283/282 as justified retaliation for the events that took place a Century earlier. And although the "Gallic Disaster", as traumatizing as it may have been for the Roman collective memory, will remain a popular topic, there should be no doubt, that the expansionism of the Republic had reached a level of momentum, where the expansion of the border had become the motivation per se. Individual deeds or interests of other people had to stand back behind the bipolar order of Roman versus Non-Roman. With the non-roman part being subject to subjugation into either Vassals or integral parts of the Republic.
With this in mind, the Republic approached the territories at the border between Italia and Gallia Cisalpina. The Senones had ties to other people along the Adriatic, namely the Lingones and the Veneti.
The Campaign lasted for roughly one year and just little reports are known concerning it. Rome was able to besiege Sena in Gallica (today Senigallia) and Ravna (today Ravenna) without resistance, since the Senones and their Allies gathered their forces in the rather inaccessible Delta of the Po River. The Republic decided to not advance into that area. Eventually, in mid 282, they offered peace on the terms, that they annex the lands of the Senones, but give Ravna back to the Lingones.
Such a limited Campaign and generous peace conditions were unprecedented and would rarely, if ever, happen again in the relation between Rome and other people. There have been debates about that and the answer is most probably to find when looking at the big picture (see Chapter 18). For the time being the conclusion to this conflict was, that the Roman peace offer was accepted and all of Italia was now under Roman rule.
It’s a stupid thing to say I know, but when the map is so fragmented, it’s amazing how much Rome sticks out. It’s like the place is in its awkward teenage phase: big, and getting bigger every day, but not yet big enough to feel fully comfortable in its own skin.
15 - The Third Etrurian War (282 - 280)
The Third Etrurian War belongs to those wars in history, whose popularity are inversely proportional to their significance. And this means a lot, considering that it is basically completely unknown to the general public. The war goal for the Republic was to eliminate the remnants of power of the Etruscans. In fact, they opened the door to the next level of expansionism. And maybe they were aware of that.
After the Second Etruscan War, Etruria was reduced to a small territory around the Arno River and their holdings on Corsica. Besides that, they still had the support of the Frentani people as well as of Genuatia, a small Latin realm along the Ligurian coast.
The war began in late 282. Rome`s land forces focused on a quick victory in mainland Italy, but were forced into a Campaign of sieges and maneuvering by their opponents. The Etruscans and Frentani, being clearly outnumbered, tried to irritate the Romans with diversionary attacks in the rear, forcing Rome to detach Cohorts in order to pursue these small forces.
Although Genuese forces seem to have supported their Allies, at no point were they able to amass enough forces to seriously threaten the success of the invasion. But it would take the Republic almost a year, before the city of Valvata, the last Etruscian stronghold, had to surrender. From there, the Romans advanced further toward Luka (today Lucca), where the last enemy garrison prepared for a siege.
But the most important event of the war occurred in late 282 / early 281 already. Appian describes in great length, how the Legio I embarked on a Roman fleet in the port of Cosae, that was under the command of Decimus Castiliani Brutus. The vessels set sail and moved west toward Corsica. On 8th November 282, a bit off the coast south of Alalia (today Aleria), the fleet met Etruscan ships and in a short, but severe battle sank the enemy fleet.
Modern estimations assume, that this was a rather small encounter with hardly more than 40 ships and the Romans vastly outnumbering their opponents. But it was the first sea battle with Roman participation. As much as it was new in the role of a sea power, the expedition to Corsica showed Rome`s increasing ability to project power to other shores.
Alalia was occupied in early 281, Luka followed one year later. With the peace of 280, all former territories of the Etruscans and Frentani were annexed. With the war over, Rome had gained its first holdings beyond mainland Italy as well as beyond the borders of Italia. In the same year already, the small Roman province of Gallia Cisalpina was established.
The Third Etrurian War belongs to those wars in history, whose popularity are inversely proportional to their significance. And this means a lot, considering that it is basically completely unknown to the general public. The war goal for the Republic was to eliminate the remnants of power of the Etruscans. In fact, they opened the door to the next level of expansionism. And maybe they were aware of that.
After the Second Etruscan War, Etruria was reduced to a small territory around the Arno River and their holdings on Corsica. Besides that, they still had the support of the Frentani people as well as of Genuatia, a small Latin realm along the Ligurian coast.
The war began in late 282. Rome`s land forces focused on a quick victory in mainland Italy, but were forced into a Campaign of sieges and maneuvering by their opponents. The Etruscans and Frentani, being clearly outnumbered, tried to irritate the Romans with diversionary attacks in the rear, forcing Rome to detach Cohorts in order to pursue these small forces.
Although Genuese forces seem to have supported their Allies, at no point were they able to amass enough forces to seriously threaten the success of the invasion. But it would take the Republic almost a year, before the city of Valvata, the last Etruscian stronghold, had to surrender. From there, the Romans advanced further toward Luka (today Lucca), where the last enemy garrison prepared for a siege.
But the most important event of the war occurred in late 282 / early 281 already. Appian describes in great length, how the Legio I embarked on a Roman fleet in the port of Cosae, that was under the command of Decimus Castiliani Brutus. The vessels set sail and moved west toward Corsica. On 8th November 282, a bit off the coast south of Alalia (today Aleria), the fleet met Etruscan ships and in a short, but severe battle sank the enemy fleet.
Modern estimations assume, that this was a rather small encounter with hardly more than 40 ships and the Romans vastly outnumbering their opponents. But it was the first sea battle with Roman participation. As much as it was new in the role of a sea power, the expedition to Corsica showed Rome`s increasing ability to project power to other shores.
Alalia was occupied in early 281, Luka followed one year later. With the peace of 280, all former territories of the Etruscans and Frentani were annexed. With the war over, Rome had gained its first holdings beyond mainland Italy as well as beyond the borders of Italia. In the same year already, the small Roman province of Gallia Cisalpina was established.
16 - The Bruttian War (279 - 277)
After the peace of 280, the northern border of the Republic was secured and Rome turned its attention southward again. The situation in Calabria had not changed, with the remnants of the Tarentinian League still being in place. Bruttium was now the head of the League, supported by the cities of Kroton and Hipponion as well as the notoriously unreliable King of Epirus.
The League was hopelessly outnumbered at the beginning of the war and at no point they were able to gather an army, that could have posed a serious threat. That the Campaign nevertheless lasted 18 months was due to the fact, that the Roman movements were hampered by rough terrain and numerous fortified places, that turned the war into a series of sieges.
Dionysius of Halicarnassus writes briefly about the Campaign, that resulted in the downfall of the Greek world in southern Italy. Kroton surrendered in late 278 and Hipponion had to open its gates in summer 277. With all enemies defeated, Rome annexed the occupied lands and thus ended the struggle for dominance in the south.
The Tarentinian and Bruttian Wars are merely a footnote in history today besides the question, why King Pyrrhus of Epirus did not honor his Alliance with the Tarentinian League and witnessed from the sideline the destruction of his Allies. Although no contemporary sources concerning the issue are available, it is assumed today, that Pyrrhus was doubtful about the prospects of success in an Italian War. Although he controlled a considerably large realm, his population was clearly smaller than that of the Republic. He would have been able to lead an army into Magna Graecia, but would have had difficulties to replace losses, being far away from his base. Additionally he had to keep an eye on Greek matters. Hence he probably avoided to risk a war in which he had little to gain and a lot to lose.
After the peace of 280, the northern border of the Republic was secured and Rome turned its attention southward again. The situation in Calabria had not changed, with the remnants of the Tarentinian League still being in place. Bruttium was now the head of the League, supported by the cities of Kroton and Hipponion as well as the notoriously unreliable King of Epirus.
The League was hopelessly outnumbered at the beginning of the war and at no point they were able to gather an army, that could have posed a serious threat. That the Campaign nevertheless lasted 18 months was due to the fact, that the Roman movements were hampered by rough terrain and numerous fortified places, that turned the war into a series of sieges.
Dionysius of Halicarnassus writes briefly about the Campaign, that resulted in the downfall of the Greek world in southern Italy. Kroton surrendered in late 278 and Hipponion had to open its gates in summer 277. With all enemies defeated, Rome annexed the occupied lands and thus ended the struggle for dominance in the south.
The Tarentinian and Bruttian Wars are merely a footnote in history today besides the question, why King Pyrrhus of Epirus did not honor his Alliance with the Tarentinian League and witnessed from the sideline the destruction of his Allies. Although no contemporary sources concerning the issue are available, it is assumed today, that Pyrrhus was doubtful about the prospects of success in an Italian War. Although he controlled a considerably large realm, his population was clearly smaller than that of the Republic. He would have been able to lead an army into Magna Graecia, but would have had difficulties to replace losses, being far away from his base. Additionally he had to keep an eye on Greek matters. Hence he probably avoided to risk a war in which he had little to gain and a lot to lose.
17 - Developments in Roman Society (295 - 277)
At the end of the first quarter of the 3rd Century, Rome had united most of Italy under its rule.
During the same time, Rome ran through first events that began the transition from a city state to a large Empire. But in this early stage, the Republic was still reluctant to acknowledge, that due to the vastly larger territory controlled by it equally vast changes to society inevitably had to follow.
The most traditional approach occurred in Religious matters. Mostly because that was the least controversial issue within the Republic. Rome had expanded, but within its borders there were just variants of the Hellenic religious system present, with the Gods and Rituals being the same or at least familiar. When the city of Luka was captured, the Temple of Mars was not looted and burned down, as it happened to other sacred sites in the East and South. Instead the Republic even donated a statue of Apulu, the Etruscan version of Apollo, to the Temple. On the other hand the Republic had seized some Italiote cities and with them their ties to the Hellenic Realms of the East. It is reported, that in 290 the Senate ordered to prohibit the Cult of Isis, which had gained first followers in Neapolis, in order to remain the rites of the Fathers and religious unity in Italy.
More difficult was the attempt to create political unity. The obvious change was the end of the system of Vassal States, that had survived for decades. People such as the Peligni and their territories were integrated into the Republic around 280. Although cities such as Ancona and Metapontum became Vassals too, it was just a short transition period before becoming a part of the Republic either. Small Colonies with Roman citizens and sometimes whole cities[5] were founded in order to improve assimilation. But true assimilation of alien cultures into the Roman would take time. More, than it had. In order to gain acceptance, and manpower, for the Republic, it had to open its citizenship to further people. In 277, all people of Etruscan descent were granted citizenship rights.
Rome changed with the Republic. It continuously increased in size. Estimations are, that the city had slightly less than 100.000 inhabitants by 277. The Campus Martius became a visible evidence for the change of the Republic. With an altar dedicated to Mars, it was linked to the army, which mustered the citizen milita here for the annual campaigns. With the military becoming more professional during the first decades of the Century and more wealth from the annexed territories coming to Rome, the former empty field north of the Capitoline Hill slowly became a construction site for proper Temples.
This process of professionalization first affected the military, with further measures to increase drill, discipline and logistics. Additionally the Roman fleet emerged out of obscurance. But these institutions called for more funds. Hence the taxation of the people and the administrative bodies to enforce it developed along with them.
Rome was not an Empire yet, but it steadily grew out of its infancy. Soon it would face new challenges, as it expanded beyond its still rather uniform cultural and religious territory.
[5] Such as Ariminum (today Rimini) in 282
At the end of the first quarter of the 3rd Century, Rome had united most of Italy under its rule.
During the same time, Rome ran through first events that began the transition from a city state to a large Empire. But in this early stage, the Republic was still reluctant to acknowledge, that due to the vastly larger territory controlled by it equally vast changes to society inevitably had to follow.
The most traditional approach occurred in Religious matters. Mostly because that was the least controversial issue within the Republic. Rome had expanded, but within its borders there were just variants of the Hellenic religious system present, with the Gods and Rituals being the same or at least familiar. When the city of Luka was captured, the Temple of Mars was not looted and burned down, as it happened to other sacred sites in the East and South. Instead the Republic even donated a statue of Apulu, the Etruscan version of Apollo, to the Temple. On the other hand the Republic had seized some Italiote cities and with them their ties to the Hellenic Realms of the East. It is reported, that in 290 the Senate ordered to prohibit the Cult of Isis, which had gained first followers in Neapolis, in order to remain the rites of the Fathers and religious unity in Italy.
More difficult was the attempt to create political unity. The obvious change was the end of the system of Vassal States, that had survived for decades. People such as the Peligni and their territories were integrated into the Republic around 280. Although cities such as Ancona and Metapontum became Vassals too, it was just a short transition period before becoming a part of the Republic either. Small Colonies with Roman citizens and sometimes whole cities[5] were founded in order to improve assimilation. But true assimilation of alien cultures into the Roman would take time. More, than it had. In order to gain acceptance, and manpower, for the Republic, it had to open its citizenship to further people. In 277, all people of Etruscan descent were granted citizenship rights.
Rome changed with the Republic. It continuously increased in size. Estimations are, that the city had slightly less than 100.000 inhabitants by 277. The Campus Martius became a visible evidence for the change of the Republic. With an altar dedicated to Mars, it was linked to the army, which mustered the citizen milita here for the annual campaigns. With the military becoming more professional during the first decades of the Century and more wealth from the annexed territories coming to Rome, the former empty field north of the Capitoline Hill slowly became a construction site for proper Temples.
This process of professionalization first affected the military, with further measures to increase drill, discipline and logistics. Additionally the Roman fleet emerged out of obscurance. But these institutions called for more funds. Hence the taxation of the people and the administrative bodies to enforce it developed along with them.
Rome was not an Empire yet, but it steadily grew out of its infancy. Soon it would face new challenges, as it expanded beyond its still rather uniform cultural and religious territory.
[5] Such as Ariminum (today Rimini) in 282
Pyrrhus will not be a great enemy of the Romans here. I wonder what this alternate world's term for Pyrrhic victory will be?
Magna Graecia is subdued...
Magna Graecia is subdued...
18 - Beyond Italy - Looking for a Strategy
When one is looking at the height of the Roman Empire in the 2nd Century AD, when Roman influence spanned from Britannia to Egypt, one may wonder, how it came to this. How was it possible, that a city in Italy did rise to become the Hegemon of the whole Mediterranean? Or, to be precise, did they want to go that far? Was this Empire a result of careful planning, a Grand Strategy? Or did it „accidentally“ happen, because there was always something beyond the own borders that one could deem a threat to the own interests? And the only way to deal with it was to further expand the borders.
The situation after the Bruttian War is a good example for how a mix of both factors may be the answer to this question. At the end of 277, Italy south of Gallia Cisalpina was almost completely under Roman control with the exception of five cities, three of whom associated to the Republic. The borders of the Republic were mostly identical with the natural borders of the peninsula.
But there were three factors, that would make the Republic expand beyond these borders and involve itself into affairs of other Regions.
Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily. The Third Etrurian War had shown, that the Roman Navy, as small as it may was compared to that of classic sea powers, was about to become a force to be reckoned with. This was an inevitability, since the Republic had now mostly sea borders. Additionally it had already expanded beyond the sea with the annexation of western Corsica and first activities to colonize the rest of the island. Eventually there was the southern tip of Italy. After the Sicilian Wars around 290, during which Carthage had gained control of most parts of the island, Rhegion was the only remnant of the Syracusan realm, that was also allied with the Tyndarians, that controlled the northeast of Sicily. Another result of these wars was, that the city of Locroi on mainland Italy did belong to Carthage directly. All of this made a clash between Rome and Carthage inevitable. It is probable, that the Republic realized this and actually made a plan to seize control of the isles. The idea of reducing the power of Carthage in the region is probably the closest one can get to finding a long-term strategic goal in the actions of the Republic.
Illyria. The coastal regions of what is today Croatia and Montenegro, had not been involved into Roman politics and interests so far. This changed with the increasing maritime trade and the fact, that many small Illyrian ports served as harbor for Pirate activities. So the goal to secure trade lines led to the Republic to put diplomatic and, eventually, military pressure on the local Entities. As soon as Roman forces arrived in a politically highly fractioned region as Illyria, the sheer presence of a new and strong player led to political dynamics (and temptations), that would lead to increasing Roman influence. In the early 270s, there was no strategic goal to „Subdue Illyria“, but at first just mercantile interests, that would drag the Republic into an operation, that developed an increasing self-dynamic.
Gallia Cisalpina. During the Campaigns versus the Etruscans and Senones, the Republic pushed into the border region between Italia and Gallia Cisalpina. Yet, despite their stronger forces, the Romans were reluctant to advance further into it. The main reason may be, that they deemed it to not be worth the effort. The gap between these two regions in terms of culture, civilization and wealth may have been too large than to make an occupation seem worthwhile. Additionally the aforementioned situation in the south and east would occupy large parts of Rome`s resources. But this situation would change. In the first half of the 3rd Century, the struggle for the control over the Po-Ebene among local Tribes was raging. Tribes such as the Boi had disappeared or were integrated into other Tribes. In 277 the dominating powers were the Cenomanni in the center and the Veneti in the east. The struggle between these powers would lead to the unification of large parts of Gallia Cisalpina under one Tribe. Although it would not be powerful enough to threaten the existence of the Republic as a whole. But the existence of a large power in the north and the still prevalent „Gallic Fear“ would eventually lead to a reaction from the Republic.
The motivations for and approaches to the expansion of the Republic were numerous. From more or less planned Campaigns versus large Entities for Dominance over a Region to rather improvised measures to secure local interests or border regions. Although there is little doubt about the willingness of the Republic to enter armed conflict, the Jury is still out on the question, whether the Senators of 277 would have been comfortable with an Empire as it existed four Centuries later.
When one is looking at the height of the Roman Empire in the 2nd Century AD, when Roman influence spanned from Britannia to Egypt, one may wonder, how it came to this. How was it possible, that a city in Italy did rise to become the Hegemon of the whole Mediterranean? Or, to be precise, did they want to go that far? Was this Empire a result of careful planning, a Grand Strategy? Or did it „accidentally“ happen, because there was always something beyond the own borders that one could deem a threat to the own interests? And the only way to deal with it was to further expand the borders.
The situation after the Bruttian War is a good example for how a mix of both factors may be the answer to this question. At the end of 277, Italy south of Gallia Cisalpina was almost completely under Roman control with the exception of five cities, three of whom associated to the Republic. The borders of the Republic were mostly identical with the natural borders of the peninsula.
But there were three factors, that would make the Republic expand beyond these borders and involve itself into affairs of other Regions.
Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily. The Third Etrurian War had shown, that the Roman Navy, as small as it may was compared to that of classic sea powers, was about to become a force to be reckoned with. This was an inevitability, since the Republic had now mostly sea borders. Additionally it had already expanded beyond the sea with the annexation of western Corsica and first activities to colonize the rest of the island. Eventually there was the southern tip of Italy. After the Sicilian Wars around 290, during which Carthage had gained control of most parts of the island, Rhegion was the only remnant of the Syracusan realm, that was also allied with the Tyndarians, that controlled the northeast of Sicily. Another result of these wars was, that the city of Locroi on mainland Italy did belong to Carthage directly. All of this made a clash between Rome and Carthage inevitable. It is probable, that the Republic realized this and actually made a plan to seize control of the isles. The idea of reducing the power of Carthage in the region is probably the closest one can get to finding a long-term strategic goal in the actions of the Republic.
Illyria. The coastal regions of what is today Croatia and Montenegro, had not been involved into Roman politics and interests so far. This changed with the increasing maritime trade and the fact, that many small Illyrian ports served as harbor for Pirate activities. So the goal to secure trade lines led to the Republic to put diplomatic and, eventually, military pressure on the local Entities. As soon as Roman forces arrived in a politically highly fractioned region as Illyria, the sheer presence of a new and strong player led to political dynamics (and temptations), that would lead to increasing Roman influence. In the early 270s, there was no strategic goal to „Subdue Illyria“, but at first just mercantile interests, that would drag the Republic into an operation, that developed an increasing self-dynamic.
Gallia Cisalpina. During the Campaigns versus the Etruscans and Senones, the Republic pushed into the border region between Italia and Gallia Cisalpina. Yet, despite their stronger forces, the Romans were reluctant to advance further into it. The main reason may be, that they deemed it to not be worth the effort. The gap between these two regions in terms of culture, civilization and wealth may have been too large than to make an occupation seem worthwhile. Additionally the aforementioned situation in the south and east would occupy large parts of Rome`s resources. But this situation would change. In the first half of the 3rd Century, the struggle for the control over the Po-Ebene among local Tribes was raging. Tribes such as the Boi had disappeared or were integrated into other Tribes. In 277 the dominating powers were the Cenomanni in the center and the Veneti in the east. The struggle between these powers would lead to the unification of large parts of Gallia Cisalpina under one Tribe. Although it would not be powerful enough to threaten the existence of the Republic as a whole. But the existence of a large power in the north and the still prevalent „Gallic Fear“ would eventually lead to a reaction from the Republic.
The motivations for and approaches to the expansion of the Republic were numerous. From more or less planned Campaigns versus large Entities for Dominance over a Region to rather improvised measures to secure local interests or border regions. Although there is little doubt about the willingness of the Republic to enter armed conflict, the Jury is still out on the question, whether the Senators of 277 would have been comfortable with an Empire as it existed four Centuries later.
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So much stuff is happening. Please bear with me, if the next update is not here before Friday.
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19 - Assimilation of Corsica (282 - 275)
Despite its most famous son, the island of Corsica has never been important or stood in the spotlight of Historians or Archaeologists. Although this changed in recent years, the early history of the island remains unknown. It is not quite clear, when the first humans arrived on the isle, but latest findings point toward a human presence since at least the 9th Millennia.
The island attracted attention first with the arrival of Greek colonists, who probably founded the city of Alalia (Aleria). But a Greek presence in the region was detrimental to Etruscan and Carthaginian interests. In a combined effort, these two powers defeated the Greeks during the First Sea Battle of Alalia around 535 and forced them to leave the island. They settled down in Elea afterward.
Corsica remained unter Etruscan influence until the Third Etruscan War. In late 282, the Second Sea Battle of Alalia was fought, that resulted in a Roman victory. A small army immediately occupied Alalia and in the peace of 280, eastern Corsica became part of the Roman Republic.
As first step of stabilizing its own presence, the Republic fortified Alalia. As soon as that was done, roughly at the end of the Bruttian War, Rome sent small waves of Colonists to the island, so the western half of it would fall under its rule too. Until the mid 270s various Colonies would get established, such as Alouka and Rhopikon.
Around 275, the whole island was under Roman control. Additionally, these colonization efforts led to early assimilation progress of the local population. According to estimations, roughly one quarter of the maybe 80.000 people living on the island had been Latinized already by that time.
Despite its most famous son, the island of Corsica has never been important or stood in the spotlight of Historians or Archaeologists. Although this changed in recent years, the early history of the island remains unknown. It is not quite clear, when the first humans arrived on the isle, but latest findings point toward a human presence since at least the 9th Millennia.
The island attracted attention first with the arrival of Greek colonists, who probably founded the city of Alalia (Aleria). But a Greek presence in the region was detrimental to Etruscan and Carthaginian interests. In a combined effort, these two powers defeated the Greeks during the First Sea Battle of Alalia around 535 and forced them to leave the island. They settled down in Elea afterward.
Corsica remained unter Etruscan influence until the Third Etruscan War. In late 282, the Second Sea Battle of Alalia was fought, that resulted in a Roman victory. A small army immediately occupied Alalia and in the peace of 280, eastern Corsica became part of the Roman Republic.
As first step of stabilizing its own presence, the Republic fortified Alalia. As soon as that was done, roughly at the end of the Bruttian War, Rome sent small waves of Colonists to the island, so the western half of it would fall under its rule too. Until the mid 270s various Colonies would get established, such as Alouka and Rhopikon.
Around 275, the whole island was under Roman control. Additionally, these colonization efforts led to early assimilation progress of the local population. According to estimations, roughly one quarter of the maybe 80.000 people living on the island had been Latinized already by that time.
It's a small step from Italy to Corsica, but significant to get off the peninsula. How much further will the republic go?