Ancient Rome - Third Samnite War 298 bce

Cosa and Populonia were significant Etruscan cities along the Tyrrhenian coast, with Populonia being one of the few Etruscan cities directly on the coast. The Etruscans were politically organized into a loose confederation of city-states, which weakened their collective defense against Rome. By 298 BC, Etruria’s influence had been in decline, but the Etruscans still maintained rich cultural traditions, advanced metallurgy, and a sophisticated urban society. In the Third Samnite War, the Etruscans allied with the Samnites at points, sharing an interest in resisting Roman expansion, but they also faced pressure from Rome independently.