Battle of the Allia
Allia brook, north of Rome, Italy
What happened
A Roman army under Quintus Sulpicius Longus fought the Senones, a Gallic people led by Brennus. The Senones had settled in northern Italy, and after a quarrel with Roman envoys they marched on Rome. The Roman army was routed near the Allia brook, where it meets the Tiber, and most survivors fled to the town of Veii. The Gauls entered Rome and held most of the city for months.
Why it matters
Why it matters: The sack of Rome was remembered as a deep shock for centuries. The 'Day of the Allia' became an unlucky day when Romans avoided public business.
What came next
According to legend, the sacred geese of Juno woke the defenders of the Capitoline Hill in time to stop a night attack. A few years later Rome built new city walls about 11 km long.
Did you know?
When the Romans paid gold to make the Gauls leave, Brennus is said to have thrown his sword on the scales, saying 'Vae victis!', 'Woe to the conquered!'
Timeline
- c. 387 BCEThe Gauls win at the Allia and enter Rome.
- c. 387 BCEThe Capitoline Hill holds out.
- 410Rome is next taken by a foreign army, the Visigoths.