Latin League

Federation of cities of ancient Latium (modern Lazio, west central Italy). When the Roman Republic was established (traditionally 509 BC), the cities of Latium, other than Rome, formed the Latin League. Rome defeated the League at Lake Regillus 496 BC and then joined it in a defensive alliance against the Etruscans, Samnites, Aequi, and Volsci.

After it had subjugated much of central Italy, the League was reorganized on terms somewhat unfavourable to the Latins (358 BC). They attempted to regain their independence (340–338), but were crushed. When the League was finally dissolved, most Latins became full Roman citizens, but a few Latin communities retained their Latin status and were bound to Rome by individual treaties.