Roman-Samnite struggle for Apulia in 326-290 BC

Introduction. In the IV century BC in ancient Italy there were large-scale changes associated with the displacement of «centres of power», that was leading to major military clashes in various regions. One such episode was the struggle for Apulia between two new centres of power in the person of the Samnites and Romans. However, despite the historical significance of their confrontation, the researchers did not pay special attention to this topic, and within the framework of general works they overlooked the latest archaeological discoveries.

Materials and Methods. The research uses an integrated approach aimed at studying the interests of all involved sides in the context of the hierarchy of centres of power in the Apennine Peninsula. To analyse various aspects of the Roman-Samnite struggle the author uses both longknown written and numismatic sources and new archaeological data, previously not widely involved for the study of militarydiplomatic relations in ancient Italy.

Analysis. The long-term military confrontation in Apulia began as a result of Rome invasion into the exclusive sphere of Samnite influence in the Daunian lands after the conclusion of an alliance with the rebellious Arpi in 326 BC. During the most active period of the struggle in 323-317 BC the Romans were able to establish control over majority of the large settlements, such as Teanum and Canusium, as well as the strategically important Lucería. The Romans skilfully took advantage of the diplomatic and military miscalculations of the Samnites that, together with the creation of spheres of responsibility and colonies in northern Apulia allowed them, to firmly establish themselves in new territories. In subsequent years, all attempts by the Samnites to regain lost positions, primarily in Luceria, failed to achieve any significant success. While Rome continued to expand its strategic foothold in Apulia, until it suppressed the last strongholds of Samnite power in the region after the capture of Silvium in 306 BC and Venusia in 291 BC.

Results. The Roman-Samnite struggle in its primary basis was a consequence of the changing conditions of international relations in ancient Italy in the IV century BC. Both sides sought to establish control over the local centres of power in Apulia, but Rome eventually won the confrontation that opened it the way for expansion in southern Italy and deprived the Samnites of the opportunity to influence affairs in the region.

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