Latium
Ancient Latium corresponded to the geographical region of Lazio. The tribe of Italic people living in this area spoke the language of Latin, which included those living in the city of Rome. However, in classical mythology, Rome was not originally of Latin origin.
The Latin villages formed a federation for defensive purposes against any hostile neighbours. This federation was known as the Latin League. Alba Longa was the chief city in the league, and Rome originally played a minor role and didn't enter the league (493 BC) until shortly after the expulsion of Rome's last king (510 BC). In 358 BC, Rome gained leadership of the Latin League. Rome was not a popular choice because some of the cities rebelled against Rome's leadership. The Latin League ended in 338, in a long, protracted war; Rome obviously won.
According to the Aeneid, Virgil wrote that most of the Latin towns were against the Trojan presence, and sided with Turnus of Ardea. Latinus, king of Latium, favoured Aeneas to be his son-in-law over Turnus, but his wife Amata favoured the Rutalian leader. The hatred of Juno (Hera) for the Trojans drove the Latins and the Rutalians into war. War was fought around Laurentum, Latinus' city.
Related Information
Name
Latium (Latin), Lazio (Italian).
Rulers
Latinus.
By Jimmy Joe
