destroyed, and the beaks (_rostra_) of its ships were taken to
Rome, and placed as ornaments on the speaker's stand opposite the
Senate-House. Hence the name ROSTRA.

At this time the FORUM, which had been used for trading purposes of
all kinds, was improved and beautified. It became a centre for
political discussions and financial proceedings. The bankers and
brokers had their offices here. Smaller _Fora_ were started near
the river, as the _Forum Boarium_ (cattle market) and the
_Forum Holitorium_ (vegetable market).

Maenius, one of the Censors, was chiefly instrumental in bringing
about these improvements.


THE SECOND AND THIRD SAMNITE WARS (326-290).

The results of the First Samnite War and the Latin War were, as we
have seen, to break up the Latin confederacy, and enlarge the domain
of Rome.

There were now in Italy three races aiming at the supremacy, the
Romans, the Samnites, and the Etruscans. 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.