Ab urbe condita

The news of the unsuccessful action and the investment of the consul and his army was brought by the Hernici, and created such an alarm in the senate that they passed a decree in a form which has never been used except under extreme emergencies. They charged Postumius to “see that the commonwealth suffered no hurt.”

It was thought best that the consul himself should remain in Rome to enrol all who could bear arms, whilst T. Quinctius was sent as his representative[*](representative —He was invested with consular authority to conduct the campaign, the consul himself being detained in Rome. Livy's phrase is “ pro consule ” (in the consul's stead),whence the governors-general of the provinces of the empire were designated proconsuls.) to relieve the camp with an army furnished by the

allies. This force was to be made up of the Latins and the Hernici, whilst the colony at Antium was to supply “subitary” troops —a designation then applied to hastily raised auxiliary troops.

Numerous maneuvers and skirmishes took place during these days, because the enemy with his superior numbers was able to attack the Romans from many points and so wear out their strength, as they were not able to meet them everywhere.

Whilst one part of their army attacked the camp, another was sent to devastate the Roman territory, and, if a favourable opportunity arose, to make an attempt on the City itself.

L. Valerius was left to guard the City, the consul Postumius was sent to repel the raids on the frontier.