The foedus Cassianum - 5th century BC Roman conquest of the Hernici

from @ least fifth century bc there disputes between rome , hernici.

in 495 bc, hernici joined volsci in unsuccessful invasion of roman territory.

in 487 bc, hernici again engaged romans in battle, , defeated romans under leadership of roman consul gaius aquillius tuscus.

in following year, 486 bc, hernici entered treaty rome. dionysius of halicarnassus says terms similar foedus cassianum, mutual military alliance among latin cities rome leading partner. unclear whether hernici admitted party same treaty, or separate similar treaty rome. terms of treaty included hernici cede 2 thirds of land. debate distribution of land amongst romans , latin allies caused discord in rome, in turn led trial , execution in 485 bc of three-times consul spurius cassius viscellinus high treason, ironically having been person negotiated treaty both latin allies , hernici , whom treaty named.

while precise workings of foedus cassianum remains uncertain, overall purpose seems clear. during 5th century, latins threatened invasion aequi , volsci, part of larger pattern of sabellian-speaking peoples migrating out of apennines , plains. fighting recorded against either aequi, volsci, or both, every year during first half of 5th century. annual warfare have been dominated raids , counter-raids rather pitched battles described ancient sources. during second half of 5th century, latin-hernician alliance appears have stemmed tide. sources records founding of several roman colonies during era, while mention of wars against aequi , volsci become less frequent. @ same time, lessen need maintain alliance. true rome, which, after conquest of veii in 396, powerful state in latium.