treaty was refused, on the ground that no treaty was valid unless
sanctioned by a vote of the people. It was determined to deliver the
Consuls who had signed it to the enemy.

Pontius, indignant at the broken faith, refused to accept them, and
the war was renewed. It continued for seven years, when (310) the
Samnites were so thoroughly whipped by QUINTUS FABIUS, then Dictator,
at LAKE VADIMÓNIS in Etruria, that they could no longer make any
effective resistance, and at last (304) agreed to relinquish all their
sea-coast, their alliances and conquests, and acknowledge the
supremacy of Rome.

During this war the Etruscans made their last single effort against
the Roman power. An expedition was sent in 311 to attack the military
colony of Sutrium, which had been founded seventy-six years before.
The Consul Quintus Fabius went to the rescue, raised the siege, drove
the Etruscans into the Ciminian forests, and there completely defeated
them.

Six years intervened between the Second and the THIRD SAMNITE WAR
(298-290). This time was employed by the Samnites in endeavoring to
unite Italy against Rome. They were joined by the UMBRIANS, GAULS, and
ETRUSCANS. The LUCANIANS alone were with Rome.

The war was of short duration, and was practically decided by the
sanguinary battle of SENTINUM (295) in Umbria. The Samnites, led by
Gellius Egnatius, were routed by the Roman Consuls QUINTUS FABIUS
MAXIMUS and PUBLIUS DECIUS MUS.

In this battle the struggle was long and doubtful. The Samnites were