Siege of Asculum (90–89 BC)

In 90 BC, following their defeat at the Battle of Firmum and the death of their commander Lafrenius the remainder of the Italian rebel army fled to the city of Asculum, where they were quickly besieged by Pompeius Strabo. Gaius Judacilius, another Italian rebel leader and native of Asculum quickly came to the aid of his people with eight legions. He had sent a message on ahead to the inhabitants of Asculum with a command to attack the Roman army as soon as they saw him approaching to force the Romans into a battle with two fronts. Although the people of Asculum refused his order, Judacilius managed to break through the Roman army and reach the town. ==Aftermath==

When the Roman Legions won the battle and entered the city, they destroyed all, burning houses and temples and killing the majority of the population. Their actions were meant to punish the city for its rebellion. The future Consul Publius Ventidius was said to have been captured as a youth at this battle by Pompeius Strabo and displayed in a Triumph at Rome. He was educated like a Roman soldier and became a consul, fighting against the Parthian Empire and winning. He also met and became a trusted friend of Julius Caesar. ==References==