Battle of the Caudine Forks
Caudine Forks, Campania, Italy
What happened
A Roman army under the consuls Titus Veturius Calvinus and Spurius Postumius Albinus was trapped by the Samnites under Gaius Pontius. During the Second Samnite War, a Samnite trick drew the Roman army into a valley through two narrow passes. The Romans found both exits blocked and could not fight their way out. They surrendered without a battle, and the soldiers were made to walk under a 'yoke' of spears as a sign of defeat.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It was one of Rome's most humiliating moments. It was a political defeat rather than a military one, as no one fell.
What came next
Rome later refused to honour the peace, and the war went on. Rome eventually became the leading power in central Italy.
Did you know?
The route the Romans took into the trap later became the Appian Way, Rome's famous road to the south.
Timeline
- 327 BCEThe Second Samnite War begins.
- 321 BCEThe Romans surrender at the Caudine Forks.
- 315 BCEThe Samnites win at Lautulae.
- 304 BCEPeace is made.