Battle between Rome and the Latin League. The nascent republic of Rome didn’t just have to worry about counter revolutionary monarchical forces in the guise of the Etruscan king, Lars Porsena of Clusium. She was also in conflict with Apennine tribes such as the Volsci and Aequi or with other Latin cities or combinations of cities called the Latin League. Usually, the Latin League (a modern designation) was headed by Alba Longa. At other times Rome was a member and the first among equals. At still other times, Rome stood in opposition to the league. This constant shifting of allegiance and league composition would characterize relations between Rome and the League over the next 158 years, until the Roman victory in the Latin War, 338 BC. Irrespective of league composition, the collaboration between these various cities, towns and villages, gave the Latins a critical military mass for the common defense.

The battle of Lake Regillus took place near Tusculum between the forces of Rome and the Latin League. Livy states that the Tarquins and their fellow Roman exiles were among the Latins and this infuriated the Romans. Tarquinius Superbus, the last king of Rome, now old, was wounded in the fighting. The Roman exiles, led by Tarquin’s son, also fought with great alacrity, their exertions shoring up the wavering Latin line. The battle was bloody and claimed the lives of many officers on both sides. Eventually the Latins retreated and the Romans took their camp. The Roman dictator and Master of Horse returned to Rome in triumph.