Of savage tribes and glorious empires - An Arverni AAR

[gamegeek2]

The name of the Volcae (shown as "Wolkas" in EB) got borrowed into Pre-Germanic as "wolhoz" (Proto-Germanic *walhaz), a generic term for Celt, and later for Romans as well, particularly those in Gaul. "Welsh" is derived from this root, as is German welsch, "Italian," and old norse Valir, "Romans; French." The Slavic term "Vlach" used to refer to Latin peoples is also derived from this Germanic phrase.

[SwissBarbar]

Thanks for the information. Unfortunately I don't know all that stuff, so please keep up giving me information about Celts, that I can in integrate in this AAR.

Note the almost exact EB-Starting-Time frame on this map, considering the emigration to southern Gaul ;-)

[SwissBarbar]

Of savage tribes and glorious empires

Chapter 4 - Clash Of Cultures

Massalia – three hundred years ago it’s been founded by Ionian Greeks, in order to establish commerce with the people from Liguria, and it is one of the first Greek port cities in western Europe. As time drew on, the Greeks mingled with native Celtic people, so for a very long time Massalia was a City open to everyone, no matter what culture he belonged to. Not only the Liguri capitalized on the trade with Massalia, but also the Romans, the Carthaginians and of course the Celts. Fabulous wealth every single governor of Massalia obtained, the city flourished and grew and of course it attracted not only merchants and migrants. Many a warlord tried to capture Massalia and get rich at the expense of its citizens. Even in the face of such menace, the city managed to keep its autonomy, more than that, it even grew and increased its prosperity. To defend themselves, the Massalian people erected a great wall around their city, and combined the fierce and brash Celtic kind of warfare with the disciplined and sophisticated Greek art of war. They fought in phalanx formations as Hoplitai Haploi, rode as Hippakontistai or killed their enemies from distance as Sphedonetai. But still the fighters were Celtic men. This interference attained perfection with the development of one kind of soldier, the world had never seen before. The Massaliotai Hoplitai!

Massaliotai Hoplitai

These soldiers fought in Greek manner, in a phalanx formation, but when it came to melee they stroke up their heart-piercing war cries, drew their Celtic longswords and created a bloodbath among every enemy. It was only natural, that a city in such a special position brought forth special soldiers and protected like this Massalia seemed to look for new horizons of affluence.

Unfortunately not even the most redoubtable warrior could protect his home from another kind of enemy: exploitative and racialistic governors. So it happened, that one day a Greek Archon came to power, who saw naught but barbarians in his Celtic neighbours, decided to separate Greeks from Celts and create a new, pure Greek, kind of neighbourhood. All Celts and Greeks that mingled with Celts were banished from the City by this insane ruler and as if this wasn’t enough he intended to disperse the Graeco-Celtic tribe of the Saluvii in the ending year of 267 BC.


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The Arverni did very well, since they defeated the Haedui and their allies in this cruel war that just ended a few months ago. They declared Mrogaule to become Arverni Homeland by laws of war and the tribe of the Aulerci to be their subjects.

They also managed the Principality of Mediolanum to be dependent on them, and imposed quite heavy conditions on them. Of course Mediolanum had to submit to their will.

In the following year an era of peace came over the land. The Arverni soldiers, who fought so bravely, could finally go home. Trade flourished. The tribes of the Sequani and Treveri expanded their greatest town, Vesontio and also did the Segusiavi.

In this time of economic advancement, financed by taxes and tributes, the Arverni developed their towns and cities. In Gergovia for example, a market was built, where grain and bread from the granaries in Vesontio could be bought. The warriors from the tribe of the Segusiavi fought many times in the first battle line, so many returned injured. For them the tribe built a healer’s house.

The sons of Aneirin oi Lugos all became very attuned governors, especially Adcobrovatos did very well.

Not only he managed his city best, his diplomats also established trade routs to rich foreign peoples, like the Carthaginians.

During the next months further upgrades have been done, so for example the construction of a Warlord’s Hold in Vesontio. In Viennos not only trade was increased when a soap maker settled down, but also peoples health.

The families of the Arverni’s chiefs grew,

even a noble young man, who had proven his valor in battle, has been adopted

and people were happy…..

…until one day, in the year of 266 BC, when an army of Saluvii showed up at the southern border to Arvernotorg. Immediately diplomats have been sent, who asked why the people of the Saluvii now invades the lands of the Arverni, with who they used to trade for ages. The Saluvii answered, that they felt sorry and meant no harm, but they did not choose to come here. The Archon of Massalia had dispersed them from their lands. They told, he was an enemy of all Celts and intended to exterminate as many as he could in order to establish pure Greek civilisation in this region. Also they begged for help, and of course the Arverni could not decline. Not only it was dangerous to have such radical people nearby, also the wealth of this City was not to be overlooked. So when the year of 266 BC ended, the Arverni accepted to help the Saluvii to take Massalia and dispel the Archon.

Belenos oi Lugos has been chosen to be the leader of this expedition, since he was known to be a good general. And this war would require a very good one.

Belenos gathered his army in Gergovia and lead it to the border to Massalia. It consisted of 1’200 Iaosatae, contributed by the loyal client king of Bibracte, over 6’000 Bataroas from Arvernotorg itself and 3’200 Uirodusios – naked Spearmen – from the tribe of the Treveri.

The Saluvii and dispersed Greeks from Massalia contributed 1’000 Curepos, light cavalrymen quite similar to the Leuce Epos, 3’200 Hoplitai Haploi and 1’200 Sphedonetai. The core of their army consisted of 3’200 Massaliotai Hoplitai. 4’000 Gaemile Liguriae joined the army under the condition, that the Liguri also will find a new home in Massalia, when it’s been taken. The reason for this request, was the fact, that the Romanii had invaded and occupied their homeland. Of course they were welcome too.

When the multinational force of 25’000 men showed up at the border to Massalia, their Archon sent his diplomats to prevail upon them to retreat, but they declined the Arverni’s term to hand over their Archon and let the Liguri and Saluvii settle down in their lands. War was unavoidable.

Soon siege could be laid on Massalia, since the Arverni warlords traditionally were very well supplied.

The city of Massalia had high stone walls, unlike most Celtic cities, who had wooden palisades that time – of course apart from the great Oppidae. But in the war against the Haedui the Arverni never had to face such a massive line of defense. Instead of rams the Arverni constructed ladders and attacked the city.

When they approached, the Massalian defenders showered the attackers with a rain of burning arrows and the massive towers fired deadly shots too.

The Celts were used to attack in one single, fierce strike. So everyone wanted to be the first one to climb up the wall. This bravery turned out to be fatal for many warriors, since they represented a great target to the archers on the wall.

The Hoplites tried to protect themselves with their huge shields, but also of them many died.

But finally the attackers reached the walls, reared their ladders and started to ascend.

Once they reached the top of the wall, they jumped amidst the enemies and caused a massacre.

The light archers were killed very soon, but the Peltastai defended themselves vigorously against the Liguri.

However, the Arverni managed to take the gate of the city and open it for the rest of the army.

The Hoplitai charged into the city and fought back the enemy’s Hoplitai Haploi.

The Peltastai on the wall still defended themselves and even seemed to defeat the Liguri, who suffered from many casualties. So the Arverni took the next tower and charged. From below warriors penetrated upwards, from above warriors fell down like stones.

Of course Belenos oi Lugos charged in with his cavalry too. A Celtic warlord could not afford to fight less brave than his warriors.

After all, despite the heavy casualties the Arverni suffered, their superiority turned out not to be bearable for the Massalians. A hard-earned victory was won. The reason for these heavy casualties was clearly the lack of experience taking such massive walls. This day, the Arverni learned very, very much about besiegement, but at an extremely high cost. That day, more than 2’700 Arverni have been injured, another 8’500 would never see home again.

The Massalian Archon has been killed and the population enslaved or slaughtered, to make an example.

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265 BC Massalia was under the rule of the Arverni. Like they promised, they left the land to the Graeco-Celtic Saluvii and the Liguri, under the term, that their king had to be signed off by the Arverni and stand under their protection.

Same procedure as in Bibracte. The new client king’s name was Tincommios moc Gobannitio. And of course also he was a man loyal to the Arverni, even got admitted into the tribe of the Arverni.

So it has been assured, that Massalia’s wealth redounded to everyone’s advantage. Everyone of course, was the Arverni. Due to this new wealth, the Arverni could afford even to ameliorate their cities further. So the new market in Gergovia could be extended, and also the transformation of the lands of the Aulerci into Arverni Homeland could proceed faster and finally be completed.

If there are some things certain, then one of them is the fact, that Aneirin oi Lugos, patriarch of the Arverni, will go down in history as one of the greatest Celtic leaders ever. Not only as a warlord, but also as the great governor he was.

When the year of 265 BC ended, the Arverni not only were stronger than ever before, they also controlled one of the greatest trade cities in western Europe and got access to the great Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.

Their power in Celtic Gaul was not to be questioned anymore, but also other states and tribes expanded. On the British Island, the Belgian tribe of the Cantiaci was assimilated by the Catuvelauni, who originally descended from Belgian tribes too, but the Arverni considered them already to be a British tribe. Together the Catuvelauni and Cantiaci formed a new, strong tribe, named Casse. There would be much to be expected from them in the future.

And as mentioned before, the Roman Republic expanded its territory and occupied Liguria and Aemilia. In Patavium the Romans and the Principality of Mediolanum tried to take over control one after another, without offending their alliance – yet. But the Veneti could beat them back several times.

And finally the Sweboz appeared at the northern border to the lands of the Belgae.

The Celtic world was changing. The time of small tribes definitely headed towards its end. If the Celts wanted to survive aside the great empires that were being forged in front of their eyes, they had to come up with something.

Known territory in 265 BC

[Olaf Blackeyes]

Great Job.

[penguinking]

Excellent update. Some really good screenshots, especially the one with the Ligurians being illuminated by fire arrows.

[SwissBarbar]

Thank you :-) Glad you appreciate it. Yeah, the Ligurians. They are guests of the Saluvii now, but may be going to redemand their homeland from the romans.

[Mjolnir]

Very nice, I was wondering how you were planning on justifying an attack on Massalia. Excellent screenshots of the battle.

[Olaf Blackeyes]

Remember im watching u. Invade Sweboz lands and ill come hunting for your HEAD!!!!

[SwissBarbar]

You bet, IF I do, I'll have reason to do so Nasty Sweboz

[I of the Storm]

Nice! Well done!

[SwissBarbar]

Hmm, i'm a bit scared now, i have at least 4 great markets since 4-5 turns now, and no reform is about to happen. Are there other triggers, than them in the FAQ? Of course i never forgot to activate the script....

Also when I look at the building tree, there not even IS a Dauerdanoch on it, only the trader and the market Level 2

[Mediolanicus]

The building trees don't work in EB because they are made to show building levels like in Vanilla RTW. e.g. -2000 population = trader, -6000 pop. = market, -12000pop. = great market, -24000 pop. = huge market, +24000 pop. = even bigger market.
In EB you can build multiple levels of buildings in the same city level, so the RTW building trees only registrate the first and lowest level.

I played an Arverni campaign before my current one and had no problem getting the reforms, although only got them in 240BC or something (I'm a slow expander), I see - in your great AAR - that you are still in the 2-sixties... But then again the script should trigger them anyway the moment the Celtic factions have 4 large markets...

[SwissBarbar]

Ah, thanks for the Information, did not know that.

Yes, meanwhile I'm in 261 or 260, maybe it does not occur until 250 or so. Thats what I hope.

[SwissBarbar]

all-clear , it appeared.

[Potocello]

nice AAR Swiss =)

[SwissBarbar]

Thank you, my old adversary

[SwissBarbar]

Of savage tribes and glorious empires

Chapter 5 – Alea Iacta Est

“Never will we leave Mediolanum, NEVER!”, the young Roman diplomat yelled. “They lay claim to Patavium, but its ours!”
“Yes I see, but they were there first. You took it from them”, the Arverni responded. He’s been on diplomatic mission for years, but such a stubborn fellow never crossed his path.
“I don’t care. They did not conquer the city, right? They negotiated. But we did conquer it. Leave it to them, what, are you nuts, Barbarian?” He spat the last word out, and drew a sword. “Look at this sword! Roman quality! With that we will stab everyone to cross our border! Remember that, Barbarian!!”
The Arverni took a look at the sword, and responded calmly “My friend, this is a Celtic sword. And a bad one too, look at this…” A dapper wave of his hand, and his bodyguard slow-flowing drew his Celtic longsword and described small circles with its point in front of the diplomats nose, who anxiously looked at the huge, muscular man in front of him.

Usually diplomatic discussions were done unarmed, but since both sides did not trust each other, the Romans and the Arverni agreed, that every diplomat may be escorted by a bodyguard.

The Arverni bodyguard sheathed his sword. “What say you, Roman. How can we come to a conclusion?”, the Arverni diplomat asked.
“You better watch not to come too close to Roman territory, or maybe it will be your lands that will belong to us next”, the Roman responded. The time when the Romans feared the Celts obviously was over. This young fellow showed no respect. A bad diplomat he was. “Let us take Mediolanum too, and we will leave the rest of Gaul for now.”
“I cannot allow this, Mediolanum is a valuable trading partner to my people.”
“In that case there’s nothing more to say. Alea iacta est!” The Roman diplomat snappishly turned his head, stood up and went away.
The Arverni smiled. Alea iacta est. What a stupid phrase, even if a famous person would’ve said that, this would never enter the history books.

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But to know, how it came to this conversation, lets go to the chronological beginning of this chapter. In the year of 264 BC, when the new client ruler of Massalia sat on his throne, a time of peace dawned all over the lands of the Arverni. Cities grew and flourished. Instead of war, the Arverni cared for trade and culture. Markets were built and branches of trade opened up.

The Principality of Mediolanum was the most important trading partner of the Arverni. Not only they paid tribute to keep peace, they also bought and sold all kinds of trade goods for very good prices. Mediolanum evolved into one of the richest city states in the known world.

Due to this progressively improved trade, the Arverni constructed more and more markets and their wealth grew further.

But the Gods always keep the world’s balance, so just when things were going very well, ill luck came to the Arverni. Their leader’s wife died at the venerable age of 61 years in 262 BC.

Though she was very old, it was quite a shock to Aneirin oi Lugos. Though he fought many battles and was a strong man, he could not absorb this loss, and died just a few weeks later broken hearted.

Oh what sad day! The Arverni lost their greatest leader ever. He was the one who defeated the Haedui. He was the one to unify many Celtic tribes. As it was ancient tradition, it was not the eldest son who inherited the leadership over the tribes, but the people elected their new leader. Belenos oi Lugos was the saviour of the tribe of the Saluvii from extermination through the Archon of Massalia, and conqueror of the oldest and one of the greatest port cities in western Europe. This made him the most influential man.

So it happened, that though the sons of Aneirin all were great men and honourable warriors, he of all people, the youngest son of Aneirin, was elected by his people to become the new high king of the Arverni. More than once such a situation caused a civil war between brothers, but fortunately Aneirins sons loved each other like the brothers they were, and accepted the new leader.

Although they suffered a great loss, the Arverni continued to strengthen their economy. Other tribes tried to keep up with them, but they began to contract debts and owed the Arverni many goods and much money. With the election of Belenos as high king, a new age of Celtic culture began.

Belenos oi Lugos developed a new kind of Celtic military system. Still all tribes had their own armies and defended themselves. But besides that, every tribe had to contribute a certain amount – between 1’000 and 3’000 – of soldiers, to be under Belenos’ command. So when the year of 262 BC ended, messengers were sent to every tribe in the League of the Arverni to requisition those warriors.

In spring 261 BC, outside Gergovia, warriors from all tribes assembled. The tribe of the Aulerci contributed 1’200 Iaosatae. The client king of the Haedui sent 2’000 Bataroas and the tribes of the Treveri and Sequani sent 1’600 Uirodusios, while the Segusiavi contributed 1’600 Caturige Gaedann from the Alps. The client king of Massalia sent 2’000 Bataroas and from the Arverni themselves 2’400 Lugoae have been sent. All in all 10’800 warriors gathered. This was the first kind of “royal army” the Celts ever had.

Caturige Gaedann

Furthermore, Belenos let it be known, that every new son of the leading families had to serve in this army for at least five years or until he proved to be a hero. Also the army had to be accompanied by at least 2 diplomats and 2 spies wherever it went.

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In the year of 260 BC word reached Belenos’ ear, that the Principality of Mediolanum and the fast expanding Roman Republic argued about who had the right to claim Patavium. The rich Principality of Mediolanum tried to get Patavium earlier, but after some lost battles against the Veneti, they tried diplomatically to get access to the city. During this procedure, the Roman Barbarians invaded Patavium. They also have been beaten back several times, but in the end they managed to capture Patavium, since the Veneti already were weakened by the war they fought against Mediolanum.

Mediolanum, former ally of the Romans too, dismissed the friendship with Rome.

The Romans threatened Mediolanum and tried to force them to submit. Mediolanum didn’t, and asked the Arverni for help. The Arverni sent a diplomat to the Romans, and asked them to leave Mediolanum alone. They rejected in a very, very impolite way.

The Arverni diplomat returned to Belenos oi Lugos and reported the facts. Rome declined to cooperate.
“How dare those Barbarians!” , Belenos yelled.
“They call us Barbarians too.”, the diplomat answered.
Silence. Belenos doubtfully looked at his diplomat and doubted his sanity.
“Impossible!”, he said. “They don’t even have own gods but worship the ones of the Greeks, but dare calling us Barbarians?”
“Yes. And they say, we should be happy, if they didn’t claim our lands too.”
Belenos’ jaw dropped.
“They sent a maniac instead of a diplomatist?“
“Well, I could not maintain the contrary”, the diplomat said, and started to laugh.
“Why do you laugh?”, Belenos asked.
“Because of the last sentence he said to me.”, he chuckled again and dramatically and theatrically repeated the words: “Alea iacta est!“
Belenos and his stuff laughed with all their hearts. “My god, what a stupid phrase, haha”.
From now on, this sentence became a running gag among the Arverni.

But also more serious business has been done that day. The Principality of Mediolanum had to be saved from Roman harm. They were just a too important trading partner. So Belenos decided to march to Mediolanum with his army and defend it, should the Romans invade. So he gathered the Army and marched when winter ended.

Since it was early spring, and the mountains still could not be crossed, the only way there would lead through Liguria, that has been captured by the Romans. But Mediolanum was too important, and so the army marched, and reached Liguria a few weeks later. Belenos led the army himself, accompanied by Erbin moc Custennyn, a promising young man, who had been adopted by one of his brothers, and had to serve in the army now.

For a few days, the Arverni could cross Ligura, but then they were detected by a Roman spy. Immediately the Romans demanded, that the Celts would turn around and go home, but when they didn’t the Romans did not hesitate to declare war upon them and gather an army.

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In 260 BC, when the Arverni almost reached territory of Mediolanum, at the border between Mediolanum and Patavium, a Roman army of 16’400 men attacked the Arverni. The Arverni could field 15’500 men, since the Samnites took the chance to rebel against Rome again, and supported the Celts with 1’600 Hastati Samnitici and 1’600 Samnitici Milites.

Samnitici Milites

Never before the Arverni fought an adversary like the Roman Barbarians. It was quite impressive, how disciplined their army advanced. The ground seemed to shake under their constant cadence. On the other side of the battlefield, the Romans were quite impressed by the naked warriors in the first battle line of the Arverni. But finally they remembered, that they were better equipped and started to underestimate the Arverni. They thought Roman discipline would succeed over Celtic bravery, and even attacked uphill.

The Romans advanced strategically very sophisticated, while the Celts only had one strategy. Their leaders fought in the first battle line, and they would swoop down on the enemy and bash them up. Yes. That’s the way war is fought! The only ones, who fought quite disciplined on the Arvernis side, were the Samnites.

When the Romans advanced, the Arverni attacked with all their might. A cruel and bloody battle started. The Romans turned out to be quite hard-edged enemies.

Also on Roman side Samnites fought. They really were good value and slaughtered many men! They gathered round their military standards and defended them with their lives.

The Roman Triarii fought like the Greek Hoplitai. This kind of warrior Belenos knew very well from his campaign in Massalia. He knew their weak points. Soon they routed off the field or got slaughtered.

It was a tough fight. The Roman general also routed with the last two of his bodyguards, when he saw his Triarii run. Belenos pursued the general, but he could escape.

Among the Arverni, another version of the story went around: Just before the Roman general turned and fled, Belenos rode to fight him and yelled at the top of his voice “ALEA IACTA EST, YIIIEEEAAAH”.

However, when this bloody battle ended, many men were dead. A river of blood streamed downhill and the crows would be fat and plump this year.

The Romans would never have bargained for that they could lose against those, who they called Barbarians. But when evening came, their army was scattered to the four winds.

Though the Arverni lost over 5’000 men and another 4’000 were injured, the victory was complete and worthy of the gods. Belenos led his Army to Mediolanum and decided, that they went home in summer across the mountains, and replaced their losses. While his army camped near Mediolanum, he sent his spies to scout the way through the Alps and his diplomats to assure, that they were allowed to march through the lands of the Helvetii.

An example has been made, and the Romans did not dare to attack Mediolanum – at least not this year. Belenos knew, that hard times were upon the Arverni. A decisive time. Though the Romans were Barbarians, he respected their military skills. Their warriors were quite skilled and well trained. Maybe not as courageous as the Celts, but they made up for that with their discipline and good equipment. Belenos had the feeling, that this conflict was nowhere near an end. The Romans were well known not to give up quickly. He was sure, that this would not have been the last battle he fought with the Romans. Maybe he roused a sleeping giant.

However, this war started very good! The Romans would never forget this defeat. And also among the Arverni warriors who fought bravely that certain day, when Celtic courage triumphed over Roman generalship, there would be no single man, who could ever forget the historic moment, when the last Roman was slain and the warriors stood around their king and clamoured their cheer of triumph.

Known territory in 259 BC

[Olaf Blackeyes]

GO GO swiss. Beat teh @#!# outta those pompous arses

[SwissBarbar]

Yeah, the Romans will cause a lot of trouble. This will be a hard fight

[HayGuy]

How did that blue colored Principality form after you killed the Aedui?

[Mediolanicus]

How did that blue colored Principality form after you killed the Aedui?

He just changed the colour of the Aedui.

Do a search, plenty of threads on how to do that.

[Mjolnir]

Congrats on getting the Celtic reforms. Good read, keep it up.

[SwissBarbar]

Thank you

@ HayGuy: Yes, I just changed the colour. I exterminated the Aedui, made a screenshot of the "Faction Destroyed" - Button, an reloaded the game and played on from the point, where the Aedui only had Mediolanum left.

[HayGuy]

Cool RP man. I am gonna do the same when I settle down and do an AAR...what does that stand for anyhow?

[SwissBarbar]

Thank you. AAR means "After Action Report" or "After Action Review"

[Macilrille]

The Arverni smiled. Alea iacta est. What a stupid phrase, even if a famous person would’ve said that, this would never enter the history books.


LOL.

[SwissBarbar]

This was not the last time you read this sentence in my AAR

[SwissBarbar]

Of savage tribes and glorious empires

Chapter 6 – Tiberivs Cornelivs Blasio

For more than one hundred years, the Roman Republic tirelessly worked on the conquest of the Italian peninsula. Though they suffered many hard setbacks on their way, for example the Celtic Invasion 387 BC or the defeats against Italic tribes, the Romans managed to conquer one territory after another. Between 343 BC and 290 BC they fought three wars against the Samnites, in 340 the Latin Wars have been fought and finally Rome established a widely ramified confederation system. Many of the former enemies now fought in Roman legions. Still some, like the Samnites, took every opportunity to rebel against Rome.

In southern Italy, Rome fought a cruel war against Phyrros of Epirus. They even managed to take the city of Taras and seize power over Kalabria. But a few years later Phyrros came back, and reconquered his former lands.

In the north of Italy, Rome dispersed the Liguri and claimed their territory. Not long after that, as a result of the capturing of Patavium, the Roman Republic got into conflict with the Principality of Mediolanum, that also grasped for Venetia. Mediolanum, facing the Roman threat, seeked and found the Arverni’s aid, who could not afford to let down their wealthiest trading partner. In 260 BC they defeated the Roman general Caivs Avrelivs Cotta and slaughtered over 15’000 Roman soldiers. With that Mediolanum was save for now. To face the Celtic threat, the Romans stationed an Army near Liguria, but actually still on Mediolanian territory.

Through several farmsteads they were quite well supplied there. Commander of this army was a Legatvs called Tiberivs Cornelivs Blasio the Younger. He was born into the family of the Aemilii but had been adopted by Ti. Cornelivs Blasio the Elder, who became the new governor of Liguria.

The army of the Arverni, only a few miles away, made for home when winter ended. Their diplomats and spies ensured safe passage through the territory of the Helvetii. The Samnites, who had fought by their side, went home.

Well aware of the fact, that the war with Rome had but started, the Arverni did not reinforce the units of the troops that went home, because it would have taken too long to send word to all tribes, but instead just added new troops from the nearer tribes to the army.

Though many men now served in the army, the cities of the Arverni still prospered and economy evolved well. The same counted for their client kingdoms.

Through the last years, many markets have been built and new branches of trade appeared. This and the tribute they received from Mediolanum brought much money into the treasury, that could now be spent for war.

In spring 257 BC Belenos oi Lugos and Erbin moc Custennyn set off for Liguria again. In addition to the veterans from the first battle against Rome, 3’200 Teceitos from the tribe of the Treveri joined the army. The client king of Massalia, eager to prove his loyalty, contributed 6’500 Massaliotai Hoplitai and Keltohellenikoi Hoplitai. The Arverni reached the border to Liguria with almost 24’000 men and camped there during the summer.

Arverni Teceitos

A great part of Rome’s army was bound in the south, due to the war against Epeiros. So Rome tried to control the north by diplomacy. Unfortunately, although it's not long since they've lost a great battle against Belenos, their diplomatists did not learn much from it, and offered the Arverni to become a protectorate and promised that they would not be extinguished if they retreated now.

Belenos oi Lugos did not know if he should laugh or jump out of his skin. But he knew how to put the Romans right. The answer was 24’000 Celts deploying on Roman territory.

Tiberivs Cornelivs Blasio immediately let his army march. In autumn he reached the Arverni and arrayed for battle.

On Roman side many Celtic mercenaries from the alpine tribes fought. Especially the Raetii seemed to be friends of the Romanii. They contributed thousands of axe- and spearmen. All units considered, the Roman army mainly consisted of Hastati, Principes and Triarii, but also of Pedites Extraordinarii, Roarii, Samnitici Milites and Leves.

Camillan Principes

The part of the Celtic mercenaries, who fought for Roma, consisted of Appea Gaedotos, Tekastos and Golberi Curoas. Even some Gaemile Liguriae were there. Their cavalry was composed of Eqvites Romani and Eqvites Campanici. Also many graeco-hellenic soldiers, who used to fight for the former tyrannous Archon of Massalia, now were hired to serve Rome, so many Misthophoroi Keltohellenikoi Hoplitai and Misthophoroi Massaliotai Hoplitai fought in this Roman army..

The core of the Arverni the troops from Massalia formed again, since they were more disciplined than the other Celts, and would not surge ahead without orders.

The Romans seemed to have learnt much from the last battle. This time they arrayed uphill. Belenos stationed his cavalry near the edge of the woods, so they could step in immediately if needed. He knew, if he wanted to defeat the Romans again, he needed to proceed as disciplined as possible, so he ordered the cavalry not to attack until he ordered it. Of course they were highly indignant, for they always charged in the first (and only) battle line of Celtic armies, but finally they agreed, since they trusted their king.

As expected the disciplined Massaliotai Hoplitai held the line against the Roman charge. A cruel and bloody battle began.

Also as half expected the cavalry was much less disciplined and charged without orders, when they saw the infantry fight.

The Celts broke cover all along the forest, and came out of the thicket. The Romans charged. 50’000 warriors butchered each other along a battle line of at least two miles.

The Romans made one mistake. They entrusted their Celtic mercenaries with holding the flanks, which was exactly what they didn’t. After the first bloody charge of the Arverni’s heavy infantry, they routed and let the Arverni attack the flank of the Roman heavy core. The result of that once again was the loss of an entire Roman army. Legatvs Cornelivs could escape, but the rest of his army was doomed.

After this great victory Belenos decided to overwinter a few miles further east, just between the location of the latest battle and the location of the first battle he fought against the Romani. He decided to camp there because this spot was not far from the city of Segesta, which he intended to reach in spring and – even more important – it was near the farmsteads the Romans used before, so he could maintain supplies throughout the winter.

The Arverni came well through the tough winter. Soon they would march against Segesta, but Belenos intended to wait for the snow to disappear. One morning in spring 256 BC someone blew a Celtic horn. First Belenos thought it was one of the scouts who didn’t come back in time from their spotting, but then a second and a third horn were blown somewhere far away. The Arverni searched the horizon. Nothing….but then… on a hill a few miles away, an army appeared and deployed. Belenos couldn’t believe his own eyes. It was the Roman Legatvs again, Tiberivs Cornelivs Blasio, who brought with him another 23’000 warriors. One had to admit, that this general really never gave up. During the winter he visited the allied Celtic tribes and gathered a new army, consisting of Massaliotai Hoplitai, Misthophoroi Peltastai, Hastati Samnitici, Noricene Gaecori, Enoci Curoas, Aichmetai Leukanoi and a strong cavalry composed of Eqvites Campanici, Misthophoroi Hippeis, Liguriae Epos and even Gallic Curepos.

Aichmetai Leukanoi

The Arverni left the camp, deployed in the woods and awaited the attack. But first Belenos held a speech, in which he reminded everyone not to charge without orders, for all their lives depended on that. After midday the battle began.

The Celts on Roman side approached with a strong core. The Eqvites Campanici covered their right, the rest of the cavalry took care of the left flank.

The Arverni waited for them to enter the forest. This time no one charged without orders. For the first time fighting the Romans, the Arverni were the more disciplined ones. When the enemies reached the edge of the woods, a rain of javelins lightened their ranks.

This time the cavalry of the Arverni waited for orders and hid in the woods. So when the Roman cavalry tried to attack the Arverni’s right flank, they could surprise them and make them flee.

Also surprised but steadfast were the bodyguards of the Roman general, when they were surrounded by Belenos, Erbin and the rest of their cavalry.

The Celtic mercenaries on Roman side did not stand their ground for a long time against the Arverni’s battle-tested veterans.

When Tiberivs Cornelivs Blasio fell, no one could retain the rest of his army from seeking refuge in flight. The Arverni instantly tried to mutilate his body, but Belenos forbid them to do so. He respected his dead adversary for his courage and duteousness.

When the battle was over, 21’000 adversarial Celts lay dead on the ground. The Arverni lost 2’300 men, another 1’800 have been wounded.

The few enemies that survived fled back to their tribes.

Belenos reinforced his army with 1’600 Appea Gaedotos mercenaries, who fought for Rome before, and some cavalry and slingers, since almost all of his slingers died in the last battles. Not long after this battle, the Arverni laid siege on Segesta, the former capital city of the Liguri and now governed by a man called Tiberivs Cornelivs Blasio the Elder, adoptive father of Legatvs Blasio, who died heroically in the woods.

When Belenos and his army reached Segesta, he sent a convoy of his own bodyguards to Blasio the Elder, and handed over the body of his son together with a royal Celtic longsword of best quality, an honour normally only conferred to the most valiant Celtic generals.

Known territory in 256 BC

[Mjolnir]

[Tyrfingr]

I really like this AAR, it get two thumbs up!