Battle of the Caudine Forks

Battle of Caudine Forks
Part of the Second Samnite War

A Lucanian painting (fresco) of the Battle of the Caudine Forks.
Date321 BC
Location41°09′00″N 14°32′00″E / 41.1500°N 14.5333°E / 41.1500; 14.5333
Result Samnite victory
Belligerents
Roman Republic Samnium
Commanders and leaders
Titus Veturius Calvinus
Spurius Postumius Albinus
Gaius Pontius
Strength
Unknown Unknown
Casualties and losses
None None
Battle of the Caudine Forks is located in Italy
Battle of the Caudine Forks
Location within Italy

The Battle of Caudine Forks, 321 BC, was a decisive event of the Second Samnite War. Its designation as a battle is a mere historical formality: there was no fighting and there were no casualties. The Romans were trapped in an enclosed valley by the Samnites before they knew what was happening and nothing remained but to negotiate an unfavorable surrender. The action was entirely political, with the magistrates on both sides trying to obtain the best terms for their side without disrespecting common beliefs concerning the rules of war and the conduct of peace. In the end the Samnites decided it would be better for future relations to let the Romans go, while the Romans were impeded in the prosecution of their campaign against the Samnites by considerations of religion and honor.