The Romans very early began to establish what were called
Latin colonies [30] in various parts of Italy. The colonists were usually
veteran soldiers or poor plebeians colonies who wanted farms of their own. When
the list of colonists was made up, they all marched forth in military array to
lake possession of their new homes and build their city. The Latin colonies
were really offshoots of Rome and hence were always faithful to her interests.
Scattered everywhere in Italy they formed so many permanent camps or garrisons
to keep the conquered peoples in subjection. At the same time they helped
mightily in spreading the Latin language, law, and civilization throughout the
peninsula.
[30] Latin colonists did not have the right of voting in
the assemblies at Rome. This privilege was enjoyed, however, by members of the
"Roman" colonies, which were planted mainly along the coast.
ROMAN ROADS
All the colonies were united with one another and with
Rome by an extensive system of roads. The first great road, called the Appian
Way, was made during the period of the Samnite wars. It united the city of Rome
with Capua and secured the hold of Rome on Campania. The Appian Way was
afterwards carried across the Apennines to Brundisium on the Adriatic, whence
travelers embarked for the coast of Greece. Other trunk lines were soon built
in Italy, and from them a network of smaller highways was extended to every
part of the peninsula.
