As the influence of Rome grew, the Italian Peninsula gradually became the heartland of an ever-expanding superpower. However, even before the legendary hero Aeneas came to Italy, the region was inhabited by many different peoples. Even though these tribes and cities played a major role in Roman and Mediterranean history, they are often forgotten.

Theme: Before Rome ruled Italy

• Paul McDonnell-Staff, 'Introduction to the theme.'
• Michael J. Taylor, 'The Lapis Satricanus'
• Corrado Re, 'Hero to Hoplite. Villanovan and Etruscan warriors.'
• Christian Koepfer, 'Samnite warriors. Southern Italian warriors 500-300BC'
• Fred Ray, 'Sparta's Italiote descendants. Barbarian wars of the Tarentines'
• Ross Cowan, 'Victory by divine intervention. The battle of Bovianum'
• Alberto Perez, 'Agile status symbols. Chariots in Italy'

Features

• Stephan Berry, 'Evidence of trauma. Bioarchaeology and the ancient battlefield'
• Duncan Campbell, 'The debate: Did Rome have a Grand Strategy.'