From the Sabines and the Marsi, who were the nearest neighbours of the Romans and had long lived in peaceful relations with Rome, little more could be expected than lukewarm sympathy or neutrality.

The Apulians, the ancient and bitter antagonists of the Sabellians, were the natural allies of the Romans.

On the other hand it might be expected that the more remote Etruscans would join the league if a first success were gained; and even a revolt in Latium and the land of the Volsci and Hernici was not impossible.

But the Samnites--the Aetolians of Italy, in whom national vigour still lived unimpaired--had mainly to rely on their own energies for such perseverance in the unequal struggle as would give the other peoples time for a generous sense of shame, for calm deliberation, and for the mustering of their forces; a single success might then kindle the flames of war and insurrection all around Rome.
History cannot but do the noble people the justice of acknowledging that they understood and performed their duty.
Outbreak of War between Samnium and Rome-- Pacification of Campania Differences had already for several years existed between Rome and Samnium in consequence of the continual aggressions in which the Romans indulged on the Liris, and of which the founding of Fregellae in 426 was the latest and most important.

But it was the Greeks of Campania that gave occasion to the outbreak of the contest.