Social War Rages On, Pompeii Besieged by Sulla’s Legions

Despite the Lex Julia de Civitate Latinis Danda decree issued by Roman Consul Lucius Julius Caesar in 90 BC, the Social War still rages on between Rome and her Italian Allies. The decree is a concession that essentially grants Roman citizenship to Italians that have remained loyal to Rome in the face of this conflict, or will immediately lay down their arms against the republic. While many Italians have indeed laid down their arms, many Italian cities such as Pompeii are still unsatisfied, and have flatly refused to give up their struggle. Consequently, Pompeii has been surrounded and besieged by the legions of Lucius Cornelius Sulla, the general responsible for quelling dissent in Campania. Other cities who have refused to accept Rome’s concession are also under siege, and are not expected to hold out for long. At this point in the conflict, Roman victory is guaranteed. A large majority of the Italians have laid down their arms, and have no interest in continuing to oppose Roman authority. But this perceived victory has come at a price, the Romans and Italian Socii have lost a combied total of 300,000 men over the span of several years of fighting. The early successes of the Italian Socii against Rome are nothing but a memory now, and it is only a matter of time before this conflict is over.

General Lucius Cornelius Sulla, the man responsible for the southern theater of the Social War.

Origins of the Social War

The origins of this conflict lie in the exclusivity of Roman citizenship, and land distribution. In 133 BC Tiberius Gracchus passed an agrarian reform law that redistributed Roman lands in order to restore an agricultural economy that Hannibal had destroyed during the Second Punic War. However, this law excluded all of Rome’s Italian allies. Since the Italian Socii are not Roman citizens, they are not eligible to be granted any land, on top of that, some Italian lands were even confiscated by Rome. This is the main cause of the Italian outrage. In the hearts and minds of most Italian Socii, this is complete betrayal. Their loyalty to Rome in past wars is unquestionable. Having spilled their own blood for Roman interests, only to be treated as second class citizens is intolerable.

Push for Citizenship and Equality

The Italian Socii subsequently began to push for Roman Citizenship and all of its associated rights in a widespread political movement. However, the Roman-dominated Senate effectively blocked all their efforts to do so. The Italians finally took up arms against Rome in 91 BC when Marcus Livius Drusus, a Tribune who championed their cause, was assassinated. This is seen as the catalyst for the beginning of the Social War. The Italians formed their own independent confederation known as Italia, and established their capital at Corfinium. The Italian Socii even created their own coinage, for use as propaganda. The coin itself depicts 8 Italian Socii taking an oath.

The front and back of the Italian Socii coin. The eight Socii are probably used to represent the cities that have revolted against Rome (Marsi, Picentines, Paeligni, Marrucini, Vestini, Frentani, Samnites and Hirpini)

The Current Situation

Ultimately, the siege of Pompeii is expected to be over within a short amount of time. Pompeii’s defenses are no match for Sulla’s legions, who have cut off all routes into the city, making resupply virtually impossible. Sulla has also ordered the intensive bombardment of the city walls. According to some sources, Sulla and the Roman Senate plan on punishing Pompeii for their part in the revolt. The punishment is rumored to be the displacement of people from their homes, in order to make room for many of Sulla’s veteran legionaries, who will be given land and property.

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