During the first five years of the war (326-321), the Romans were
usually successful, and the Samnites were forced to sue for peace. In
this period Rome gained no new territory, but founded a number of
military posts in the enemy's country.

The peace lasted for about a year, when hostilities were again
renewed. By this time the Samnites had found a worthy leader in Gavius
Pontius, by whose skill and wisdom the fortune of war was turned
against the Romans for seven years (321-315). He allured the Romans
into a small plain, at each end of which was a defile (Furculae
Caudinae). On reaching this plain they found Pontius strongly posted
to oppose them. After a bloody but fruitless attempt to force him to
retreat, the Romans themselves were compelled to give way. But
meanwhile Pontius had also occupied the defile in their rear, and they
were obliged to surrender.

A treaty was signed by the Consuls Titus Veturius and Spurius
Postumius, according to which peace was to be made, and everything
restored to its former condition.

Such was the affair at the Caudine Forks (321), one of the most
humiliating defeats that ever befell the Roman arms. The army was made
to pass under the yoke,--which was made of three spears, two stuck
into the ground parallel to each other and the third placed above
them,--and then suffered to depart.

Rome was filled with dismay at the news. The citizens dressed in
mourning, business and amusements were suspended, and every energy was
devoted to repairing the disaster. Compliance with the terms of the