by Anonymous (‘A. H.’) 1853

An Execrable Crime

Marcus Furius Camillus knew he must make the Falisci submit to Rome, but the method one man proposed was more than he could stomach.

395 BC

Introduction

In 396 BC, Marcus Furius Camillus captured Veii, the southernmost city of Etruria and only nine miles north of Rome. The following year he captured Falerii, chief city of the Falisci (also in Tuscany) after a siege that had lasted ten years. The Falisci did not take kindly to Roman rule, and Camillus was tasked with securing their obedience — but he would not do it at just any price.

by Anonymous (‘A. H.’) 1853

FURIUS Camillus, tribune of Rome, was, by his merit alone, raised from a humble origin to eminence. Not being able to conquer the Falisci, he undermined the town,* and then led his soldiers into the midst of the place, after a siege of ten years. Camillus upon his return entered Rome, having his chariot drawn by four milk-white horses, which excited the anger and jealousy of the people.

The Falisci afterwards revolting, Camillus again took the field against them. A schoolmaster, who had the care of the children of the principal men of the city, offered to surrender them to Camillus, as a sure way to compel the inhabitants to submit.

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* That is, he tunnelled beneath the walls.

Précis

In 395 BC Marcus Furius Camillus finally subdued Rome’s northerly neighbours the Falisci after ten long years, and awarded himself a triumphal procession in Rome which alienated public opinion. Soon afterwards the Falisci revolted. Camillus returned to find that a schoolmaster had kidnapped the children of the most prominent townspeople, and was obligingly offering them as hostages to Rome.

Jigsaws

Express the ideas below in a single sentence, using different words as much as possible. Do not be satisfied with the first answer you think of; think of several, and choose the best.

Rome wanted to conquer the Falisci. They sent Camillus to do it. It took him ten years.

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