Ab urbe condita

When the result of this mission was reported in Rome, all other matters were at once laid aside and the fetials [*](see note 34 to Book IV. Vol. I.) were sent to demand redress. This was refused and the senate decreed that a formal declaration of war should be submitted for the approval of the people as soon as possible.

The people ratified the action of the senate and ordered the two consuls to start, each with his army; Valerius for Campania, where he fixed his camp at Mount Glaurus, whilst Cornelius advanced into Samnium and encamped at Saticula. [*](Battle of Mount Glaurus). —Valerius was the first to come into touch with the Samnite legions.

They had marched into Campania because they thought that this would be the main theatre of war, and they were burning to wreak their rage on the Campanians who had been so ready first to help others against them and then to summon help for themselves.