Ab urbe condita

City. Regarding this as a favourable opportunity for mischief, they despatched some light-armed cohorts to harry the Roman territory, in the belief that the Romans would either let the outrage pass unpunished to avoid having another war on their shoulders, or would resent it with a small and weak

force. The Romans felt more indignation than anxiety at the raid, and without making any great effort, took prompt steps to avenge it. A. Postumius and L. Julius raised a force, not by a regular levy —for they were obstructed by the tribunes of the plebs —but consisting mostly of volunteers whom they had induced by strong appeals to come

forward. With this they advanced by cross marches through the territory of Caere and surprised the Tarquinians as they were returning heavily laden with

booty. They slew great numbers, stripped the whole force of their baggage, and returned with the recovered possessions from their farms to Rome. Two days were allowed for the owners to identify their

property; what was unclaimed on the third day, most of it belonging to the enemy, was sold “under the spear,” [*](See note in chap. xxix, Book IV.) and the proceeds distributed amongst the