Editing Osci (section)

===First Samnite War===
The [[Samnites]] in 343 BC "made an unprovoked attack upon the Sidicini", who appealed to Campania for military assistance and received it. After losing two battles and being penned within [[Capua]], the [[Campanians]] offered themselves to Rome with tears and prostrations in the Senate House.<ref>{{cite book |author=Livy |author-link=Livy |title=City |chapter=7.29–7.31}}</ref> The Senate accepted the offer and granted assistance on the grounds that Campania would be an ally in the rear of the [[Aequi]] and [[Volsci]] in case of further conflict with them. When Roman envoys presented the Samnite Senate with demands for withdrawal from Campania, the answer was no; moreover, the envoys were allowed to hear staged orders of Samnite commanders to their troops to march on Campania immediately. So began the First [[Samnite War]] (343–341 BC).

The Roman Senate declared war, the people ratified the declaration, and two consular armies were sent into Samnium and Campania respectively. For two years the Romans knew only victories until at last the Samnites sued for the restoration of their former alliance with one condition: they would be free to war on the Sidicini if they wished. The Romans had an agreement with Campania, but none with the Sidicini. The Senate bought peace by ratifying the treaty and paying off their army.<ref>{{cite book |author=Livy |author-link=Livy |title=City |chapter=8.1–8.2}}</ref>