Cumae is probably the first Greek mainland colony in the west and home of a sibyl (Greek prophetess, whose cavern still exists).

Founded about 750 BCE by Greeks from Chalcis and Eretria in a location that was already occupied, about twelve miles (nineteen kilometers) west of modern Naples, Cumae comes to control the most fertile portions of the Campanian plain.

The Greek cities of southern Italy and Sicily, commercial rivals of the Etruscan cities, defeat the expansion-minded Etruscans in 524 BCE a battle near Cumae at the hands of Aristodemus of this city.

Hiero, allied with Aristodemus, the tyrant of Cumae, leads the Greeks of Campania (now in southern Italy) to defeat their rivals, the Etruscans, in battle near Cumae in 474 in the Bay of Naples.

This victory marks the end of the Etruscan aggression against the Greeks in southern Italy and saves the Greeks of Campania from Etruscan domination.

The Syracusans dedicate a captured Etruscan bronze helmet (now in the British Museum, London), with an inscription commemorating the event, the great panhellenic sanctuary at Olympia.

After their defeat, the Etruscans lose much of their political influence in Italy.

They will soon lose control of the sea and their territories will eventually be taken over by the Romans, Samnites, and Gauls.

The Etruscans will later join the failed Athenian expedition against Syracuse in 415 BCE, which will contribute even further to their decline.

The Etruscans had been the Cumaeans' special enemy in Italy during the last half of the sixth century and first half of the fifth.

However, the Samnites, having destroyed Etruscan supremacy about 440, in 428 or 421 overwhelm the Greeks of Cumae.

Crucial aspects of the Greek culture are now eliminated, although in many respects the Greek character of the town survives.

The beautiful coins of Cumae will no longer be produced, and an Italic dialect, Oscan, replaces the Greek language.

The Samnites, Oscan-speaking agriculturists of the Apennine Mountains state of Samnium in southern Italy (present Abruzzi) are probable descendants of the Sabines.

They begin to expand their territory in the fourth century in warlike manner, forming a confederation of four tribes—the Caraceni, Caudini, Hirpini, and Pentri—in opposition to Rome.

In response to a request by Capua, a town in the Latin League, for aid against the Samnites, Rome sends troops in 343.

Although the Romans score a minor victory at Mount Gaurus in 342, mutinies and heavy losses undercut the effectiveness of Roman support.

The Samnites gain several towns in southern Campania under the peace concluded with Rome in 341; this engenders great resentment among Rome’s Latin allies.

Most of the rest of Campania comes under Roman protection.

Several of the Latin cities, until now bound in a loose confederation with Rome, challenge Rome’s leadership and secede from the Latin League in 340.

The Campanians and other rebellious cities support them.

…Cumae.

Agrippa is also responsible for technological improvements, including larger ships and an improved form of grappling hook.

About this time, he marries Caecilia Pomponia Attica, daughter of Cicero's friend Titus Pomponius Atticus.