Rome’s first period of expansion included more than 200 years of
almost constant warfare. During this time, Rome gradually took
control of the entire Italian peninsula.
After the last Etruscan king was overthrown in 509bc, the Romans
began to expand their territory and influence .In 493bc, Roman
leaders signed a treaty (agreement) with their Latin neighbors to the
south. The treaty said, “There shall be peace between the Romans
and all the communities of Latins as long as heaven and earth
endure.” The new allies agreed to band together against their
common enemies. During the next 100 years, the Romans fought a
number of wars against the Etruscans as well as against tribes living
in hills in the area around Rome.
