Research Case: Did Rome Keep Faith with the Samnites, or Did It Bypass the Existing Relationship through a New Legal Structure?

A Three-Layer Analysis (TLA) of Livy, History of Rome, Book 7 1. Question In Livy’s History of Rome from its Foundation, Book VII, Rome initially refused Capua’s request for military aid because Rome already had a prior relationship of friendship and alliance with the Samnites. Capua then surrendered: into the power and good faith of … Read more

Research Case: Why Did an Attack on Capua Come to Be Interpreted as an Attack on Rome after the Surrender?

A Three-Layer Analysis (TLA) of Livy, History of Rome, Book 7 1. Question In Livy’s History of Rome from its Foundation, Book VII, Capua was placed under severe pressure by the Samnites and asked Rome for military assistance. The Roman Senate initially refused because Rome already had an existing relationship of friendship and alliance with … Read more

Research Case: Why Did the Roman Senate Initially Refuse Capua’s Request for Aid?

A Three-Layer Analysis (TLA) of Livy, History of Rome, Book 7 1. Question In Livy’s History of Rome from its Foundation, Book VII, Capua fell into a serious military crisis and asked Rome for help. The Capuan envoys had strong arguments. Capua possessed: They also warned that if Rome refused assistance, Capua might fall under … Read more