Battle of Sentinum
The Battle of Sentinum was the final battle of the Third Samnite War. In 295 BC, the Romans were able to overcome a formidable coalition of Samnites, Etruscans, and their Gallic allies. The result was a Roman victory and Rome went on to unify Italy. The Romans were commanded by Publius Decius Mus and Fabius Maximus Rullianus. The armies arrived at the Plain of Sentinum but waited for two days to battle each other. Finally, unable to control the eagerness of their troops, the Romans attacked. Fabius faced the Samnites; Decius was opposite the Gauls. The Roman line initially buckled under the Gauls' chariots. Decius charged into the Gauls anyway. Although he was slain, Decius' charge inspired his men and they restored the Roman line. Fabius routed the Samnites and then flanked the Gauls to win the battle.
External linksOutlines of Roman History"The Battle of Sentinum". The Story of Rome at The Baldwin Project.
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