Ab urbe condita

the whole of Latium . The people of Tibur and Praeneste, who were the nearest, reached Pedum, but the troops from Aricium, Lanuvium, and Veliternae, in conjunction with the

Volscians of Antium, were suddenly attacked and routed by Maenius at the river Astura. Camillus engaged the Tiburtines who were much the strongest force, and, though with greater difficulty, achieved a similar success.

During the battle the townsmen made a sudden sortie, but Camillus, directing a part of his army

against them, not only drove them back within their walls, but stormed and captured the town, after routing the troops sent to their assistance, all in one day. After this successful attack on one city, they decided to make a greater and bolder effort, and to lead their victorious army on to the complete subjugation of Latium.

They did not rest until, by capturing or accepting the surrender of one city after another, they had effected their purpose. Garrisons were placed in the captured towns, after which they returned to Rome to enjoy a triumph which was by universal consent accorded to them.

An additional honour was paid to the two consuls in the erection of their equestrian statues in the Forum, a rare incident in that age Before the consular elections for the following year were held, Camillus brought before the senate the question of the future settlement of Latium.

“Senators,” he said, “our military operations in Latium have by the gracious favour of the gods and the bravery of our troops been brought to a successful close.

The hostile armies were cut down at Pedum and the Astura, all the Latin towns and the Volscian Antium have either been stormed or have surrendered and are now held by your garrisons.

We are growing weary of their constant renewal of hostilities, it is for you to consult as to the best means of binding them to a perpetual peace.