Ancient Rome - Third Samnite War 298 bce

Veii was once a prominent Etruscan city and a major rival of early Rome until it was captured and destroyed by the Romans in 396 BCE. By 298 BCE, Veii was largely in ruins, though its lands were annexed by Rome and used for agricultural purposes. The ruins serve as a reminder of Roman dominance over the Etruscans and symbolize the expansionist ambitions of Rome, making Veii’s annexed lands significant for agricultural production and the resettlement of Roman citizens. The fall of Veii was part of Rome’s earlier campaigns to consolidate control in central Italy, aiding in further expansion into Samnite territories.

Scattered remnants of crumbling stone structures overgrown with wild vines and grass, fragments of ancient pottery jutting from the ground, and the faint outline of a once-grand temple silhouetted against the backdrop of a wide, open sky.