Tumultus ac trepidatio in urbe. Social Perceptions and Effects of War in Rome and Some Italic Cities in the Late 3rd Century B.C.

Abstract

From the Second Punic War onwards, it is possible to identify significant episodes regarding war's effects on Rome and other Italic cities. Apart from their military defence system, the perception of a state of war, its implications and the consequent feelings experienced by citizens of these urban settlements is still an unexplored field, since modern historiography has chosen to focus on the mere war events instead of exploring these less evident, but equally important issues related to them.

Nevertheless, it is useful to examine the atmosphere caused by this state of emergency, such as tumultus ac trepidationes, conplorati and metus in cities which, being fortified centres, were the safest places for seeking refuge.

Accordingly, this study aims to describe these kinds of situations – physical, psychological and mental health conditions endured by inhabitants of urbes and oppida during wartime. Ancient written sources, particularly the third decade of Livy’s Ab Urbe Condita, and also Polybius will provide valuable historical information about these matters and the broader institutional, social and anthropological context of the Roman Republic at the end of the 3rd century B.C.E.