Italian Social Wars

[Mithradates]

Ive been reading a bit and have heard many references to the wars between Rome and her Italian allies. What were the extent of these wars? were there and long term outcomes? Are there any famous deeds and people that took part in them? Links to sites or books with more info would be appreciated. Happy posting!

[MilesGregarius]

Just from what I remember off the top of my head, the Social Wars were fought because the benefits of Roman expansion were being ever more monopolized by Rome to the detriment of her Italian allies. Eventually this resentment boiled over into open conflict. In the end, provisions were made for non-Roman Italians to obtain full Roman citizenship. The most famous participants were Marius, Sulla, and Pompeius Strabo.

[Kralizec]

Politicians of the populares faction had been trying to extend citizenship to the Italians before (i.e. the Gracchi brothers) but such efforts were stopped by those of the senatorial optimates.

The socii eventually rebelled and set up an independent state with its own senate and other institutions, mostly mirroring the Roman state structure I recall.

I don't know how the war itself played out, but Rome eventually managed to bring the remaining rebels back into the fold by offering them citizenship in return.

[Marshal Murat]

The Social Wars were indeed between Marius, Sulla, and the local Italian tribes.

The OP can also be termed as wars by Rome in her early days.

Anyway..

[rotorgun]

Here is an ineresting link to check out:

http://www.unrv.com/news_archive-200403.htm

While it doesn't specifically mention the "Social Wars" as a subject, much of the general history of the Roman Empire is discussed. There are some informative articles abot the early problems that the Romans had in consolidating their hold on Italy. The Gracchi brothers are mentioned, along with Sulla, Marius, and the various Itallian tribes as well.

[Mithradates]

Some interesting info in there thanks forthe link.

[rotorgun]

Some interesting info in there thanks forthe link.

You're welcome. :2thumbsup:

[Auxilia]

A good intro - fictionalized but IMO damn fine - to the Social Wars can be read in Colleen McCullough's 'Masters of Rome' series of books.

The series begins with Marius's rise to power and ends just after Caesar's murder.