During this early period of Rome’s growing power, the Romans engaged in constant warfare. The Gauls invaded Italy in 390 B.C. and occupied Rome for seven months. They left only after receiving a large ransom from the Romans. Then in 340 B.C. (the Intertestamental Period for the Jews), the Romans fought off an invasion by the Latin League, their former allies who had become jealous of Rome’s power. Rome also had to conquer the Samnites, a tribe in the central Apennines, in 290 B.C. Then Rome was ready