This work gives students of all levels access to a comprehensive collection of primary sources on the early history of Italy, from the early expansion of Roman power to the first emmergence of Italy as a unified and cultural political unit. The sources, presented in translation, cover the Roman conquest of Italy, the mechanisms used by Rome to govern Italy and the post-conquest process of Romanization. These include inscriptions, coins and archaeological evidence where necessary. Brief explanatory notes are given and each chapter has an introduction in which the nature of the source material is discussed, together with the major questions raised by that particular aspect of the subject.

The rise of Rome - Italy, 338-200; mechanisms of Roman control - treaties, alliance and colonies; the decline of the alliance - Italy in the 2nd century; the social and civil wars, 90 BC - AD 14; Italy and the emperor; the Italian economy; cults, sanctuaries and priesthoods in Roman Italy; municipal Italy I - constitutions and political life of the city; municipal Italy II - the social structure of the city.