Timeline of the Samnite Wars

The military campaigns of the Samnite Wars were an important stage in Roman expansion in the Italian Peninsula.

Background
The Samnites were a group of hill-tribes occupying the central Apennines. In the mid-4th century they began to expand into the territories of their neighbors, especially in Campania and the Liris valley. At first, they had enemies in common with Rome in the Celts and Volsci, and this commonality of purpose led to the formation of a peace treaty with Rome in 354. Once these threats were removed, Samnium expansion brought them into conflict with Rome's growing influence in central Italy.

Second Samnite War (326-304 BC)
The Second Samnite War broke out in 326 BC over