Ab urbe condita

After[*](Battle of Suessula —final Defeat of the Samnites.) the rout it had suffered at the hands of Valerius, the Samnite army was determined to put its fortunes to the proof in a final conflict, and a third battle was fought at Suessula. The whole fighting strength of the nation was

brought up. The alarming news was sent in haste to Capua; from there horsemen galloped to the Roman camp to beg for help

from Valerius. He at once ordered an advance, and leaving a strong force to protect the camp and the baggage, proceeded by forced marches to Suessula. He selected a site for his camp not far from the enemy, and very restricted in area, as with the exception of the horses there were no baggage, animals, or camp-followers to be