Here a Celtic chief was slain by Roman ambassadors, who, contrary to the sacred character of their mission, were fighting in the ranks of the Etrurians.

The Celts, in revenge, marched upon Rome.

The disastrous battle of the ALLIA, a small river about eleven miles north of the city, was fought on July 18, 390.

The Romans were thoroughly defeated and their city lay at the mercy of the foe.

The Celts, however, delayed three days before marching upon Rome.
Thus the people had time to prepare the Capitol for a siege, which lasted seven months, when by a large sum of money the barbarians were induced to withdraw.
During this siege the records of the city's history were destroyed, and we have no trustworthy data for events that happened previous to 390.
The city was quickly rebuilt and soon recovered from the blow.