Roman Expansion

After 500 BC, Rome joined with the Latin cities in defense against incursions by the Sabines. By 400 BC Etruscan power was limited to Etruria itself. Rome began to emerge as the dominant city in Latium, but in 387 BC was sacked by invaders from Gaul who had successfully invaded Etruria. After that Rome went on the offensive conquering the Etruscans and seizing terroritory from the Gauls in the north and pushing south against other Latins and the Samites in the South. By 290 BC over half of the Italian penisula was controlled by Rome. In the 3rd century BC the Greek poleis in the south were brought under Roman control as well.