Social War

In Roman history, a two-year conflict caused by the persistent refusal of Rome to extend its franchise to its Latin allies. It was precipitated in 90 BC by the assassination of M. Livius Drusus. All central and southern Italy took to arms, the machinery of a new Italian state was planned and Corfinium, renamed Italica, was to be its capital. The first year's campaigns were on the whole disastrous for Rome; but towards the end of that year and early in 89 some partial concessions did much to satisfy the demands of the allies, who gradually lost interest in the struggle. By the end of 89 only the Lucanians and Samnites were in open revolt, which was quelled by Sulla. He brought the war to a close by capturing Nola in 88 BC.

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