While the Dictator was stealing underground with his followers, the walls of the city were being once again attacked.
The Veians, still ignorant of the mine beneath their feet, rushed to defend their walls against the enemy.
As the conflict raged, the King of Veii hastened to the temple of Juno to offer sacrifices, and to beseech the goddess to grant him victory.
‘The victory will be won by him who lays the sacrifice on the altar,’ cried the priest who stood by the side of the king.
Camillus, who was just beneath the altar, heard the priest’s words. Instantly he broke through the floor of the temple and entered the sacred building with his followers, who shouted and waved their weapons above their heads.
The Veians fled from the temple in dismay, while Camillus hastened to seize the sacrifice and fling it upon the altar.
Then, knowing that victory was assured, the band of Roman soldiers rushed to the gates of the city and flung them wide that their comrades might enter.
A little later, and the Veians were overwhelmed, and Veii was at length in the hands of the Romans.