The series of wars against Etruscans, Latins, Samnites, and Gauls,
sometimes singly and sometimes in combination, is usually known in Roman
history by the general designation of the “Latin wars” and the “Samnite
wars.” These wars filled the greater part of the half-century between
343 and 290 B. C.; and the Samnites were the leaders in this onset of
the nations on Rome, the issue of which was to determine whether Rome or
Samnium should govern Italy. The Romans were completely successful; and
extricating themselves by their valor from this confused conflict of
nations, the Romans found themselves masters of Central Italy (290 B.
C.),--Samnites, Latins, etc., all their subjects.