Social War

• The Social War (91-88 BCE) was a four year war fought between the Roman Republic and the Samnites and the Marsi in Italy.
• These were called Socii, meaning they were long term Allies of Rome, but without the Latin Rights or Roman Citizenship to which they felt entitled. The result of the war was that Rome granted all of its citizens in Italy full Roman Citizenship.

Lex Julia (90 BCE)

• To prevent a recurrence of this war, the Lex Julia was passed in 90 BCE which granted Roman Citizenship to all of Italy.
• This was done to encourage all cities to become Allies and join the Roman Republic.