Cataclysm 90 BC: The Forgotten War that Almost Destroyed Rome

A dramatic account of a rebellion against the Roman republic—by a confederation of its Italian allies.

We know of Rome's reputation for military success against foreign enemies. Yet at the start of the first century BC, Rome faced a hostile army less than a week's march from the capital. It is probable that only a swift surrender prevented the city from being attacked and sacked. Before that point, three Roman consuls had died in battle, and two Roman armies had been soundly defeated—not ...