Final answer:
The Roman expansion into Italy involved leading the Latin League and integrating defeated Latin cities as allies, with citizens who could serve in Rome's military. A key event was the Latin Revolt in 338 BCE, after which Rome continued to expand to include the whole Mediterranean. However, the empire eventually fell due to various internal and external challenges, including Germanic invasions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Roman Expansion into Italy and the Latin Revolt
The Roman expansion into Italy was a significant period in ancient history that saw the Roman Republic grow from a small city-state in central Italy to dominate the entire Italian peninsula. This expansion began with Rome leading the Latin League, a coalition of allied cities, against various tribes, including the Etruscans who had once ruled over Rome. One notable setback for Rome during its early expansion was the sacking by the Celts in 389 BCE, which prompted Rome to fortify its defenses and expand its military might.
In 338 BCE, Rome faced the Latin Revolt, which was a pivotal moment in its expansion. After defeating the revolting Latin cities, Rome offered them citizenship without voting rights in exchange for their loyalty and military support. This policy proved to be a successful strategy for Roman expansion, as it helped to increase the republic's military capacity and integrate the Latin elites into the Roman system.
Rome's expansion continued despite social, economic, and political challenges. It spread its influence over the Mediterranean, bringing in territories such as Sicily, Sardinia, the Greek and Egyptian empires, and even parts of Britain. The Roman Empire would later change its form of government from a republic to an imperial system under Caesar Augustus in 27 BCE. However, the subsequent centuries saw the empire's strength falter, leading to its eventual collapse, influenced by factors such as Germanic migrations and invasions.