The last of these was the weakest, and had been declining ever since the capture by the Romans of Veii in 396, and of Caere in 353.
In the contest which followed between Rome and the Samnites, the combatants were very nearly matched.

Rome had her power more compact and concentrated, while the Samnites were superior in numbers, but were more scattered.

They were both equally brave.
During the first five years of the war (326-321), the Romans were usually successful, and the Samnites were forced to sue for peace.
In this period Rome gained no new territory, but founded a number of military posts in the enemy's country.
The peace lasted for about a year, when hostilities were again renewed.
By this time the Samnites had found a worthy leader in Gavius Pontius, by whose skill and wisdom the fortune of war was turned against the Romans for seven years (321-315).

He allured the Romans into a small plain, at each end of which was a defile (Furculae Caudinae).

On reaching this plain they found Pontius strongly posted to oppose them.
After a bloody but fruitless attempt to force him to retreat, the Romans themselves were compelled to give way.