Question

Briefly address why the treatment of the outlying Latium towns was so important to the Roman government.

250 words or more

Answer 1

Many Indo-European had come to Italy in late Bronze Age, came to settle in the Italian peninsula and came to be known as Latium. Earlier this land had been occupied by unknown people. The area was located on the bank of river Tiber surrounded by Etruria, Campania, Samnium and Sabina. Being on the bank of river meant how important the piece of land had been.  At one point of time when Roman government tried to influence the Latium who perceived it negatively. Rome wanted to have expansion of its territory trying to subdue the adjoining areas, while in want of having absolute control over the Latium. Ultimately it led to the war among the two and ended the treaty of alliance which was based on equality. The war abolished the Latium autonomy. Rome extended its hegemony and consolidated its power. The outlying Latium had fertile lands being well watered as well as highly suitable for crop production. The area was abundant in trees, green grasses and building material owing it to volcanic fertile soil. Latium towns were also considered vital from the military strategic point of view. They acted as the watchtower from were Rome could oversee its all nearby enemies. Soon Latium rose to capital city of Rome while being political and cultural hub of its times.