View Full Version : The Roman Conquest and Consolidation of Italy
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Book I: Commentaries on the Conquest of Italy
The Battle for Calabria and Insubria
Year 1 (turns 1 through 4) 272 BC
In the spring of the year that L Papirius Cursor and S Carvilius Maximus were Consuls, M Curius Dentatus was made Censor, and L Cornelius Scipio brought order to Arpi, then sent the southern levy against the governor of Taras, an ally of Pyrrhus king of Epirus, whom had refused to comply with the Senate's demands. The Greek army withdrew within the city which Scipio’s forces quickly invested. Fearing a long seige, in the fall Scipio led an assault on Taras, where the commander of city’s garrison was killed resisting the Roman breach and subsequently this fight quickly ended. Although losses were without consequence, Scipio refitted the southern levy and garrisoned Taras for the remainder of the year. By winter the Senate had directed him to advance to Rhegion, and there destroy the mutinous Roman army, then arrest and execute their leader, one A Decius Jubellius.
Meanwhile, C Cornelius Blasio refitted the northern levy in Etruria, at Arretium, in preparation for a campaign against the Aedui's ally Insubria, of whom Rome remained at war. The Aedui of Gaul had caused trouble in Liguria and Insubria, as well as incited the Cenomani, Lingones, Boii, and Senones to oppose Rome; and the Senate had decided to remove this menace for all time. Initially, Blasio sent C Fabius Licinus to Gaul and through great effort secured peace and an end of war with the Arverni. Following this Roman spies informed Blasio that the Cisalpine Gauls were otherwise preoccupied. Finally, by the harvest preparations were complete and he proceeded, by forced march with the northern levy, to besiege the Insubres capital.
However, Catamantaloedis the king, refused battle and sat idle within his fortress at Mediolanum. Thus, to forestall the depravations of a winter exposed, Blasio attacked this town in the ninth month. In this endeavour, his auxiliaries quickly breached the walls as the levy captured the main gate of the town. The missiles and stone flew so thick that although the Gauls struggled, they could not stem the Roman advance. For a moment Catamantaloedis rallied his haggard army and countered, yet he was cast from this horse and trampled by Blasio’s bodyguard. When the remaining Gauls saw that Catamantaloedis was killed they offered no further resistance.
In this same year Rome, the Senate, and the Roman people prospered. Thus, at the request of the Senate, M Curius Dentatus, a steadfast and incorruptible New Man who was first among equals, built an aqueduct from the flowing Anio to provide water for Rome. Thereafter with similar enthusiasm, C Cornelius Scipio Asina continued to work tirelessly in Ariminum to establish Picenum as a Roman possession. Furthermore, in the fall of this year Poppaea, the wife of Blasio, gave birth to a son who was called Lucius. Altogether, by these events effected in a fashion pleasing to the Roman people, these men of distinction brought great and lasting honour unto themselves and their families.
Aaldaemon
06-25-2008, 08:46
Simple, concise and reads like an old history text. I like it. :2thumbsup:
QuintusSertorius
06-25-2008, 11:52
Will there be pictures?
Will there be pictures?
Yes will there? It would make your stories better imo
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/50/TabulaPeutingeriana.jpg/800px-TabulaPeutingeriana.jpg
The Boii War
Year 2 (turns 5 through 8) 271 BC
In the year that K Quinctius Claudus and L Genucius Clepsina were Consuls, L Cornelius Scipio appointed Manius, a friend and ally of Rome, to govern Calabria and provided him a Roman garrison. He then marched west with the remaining southern levy from Taras to Lucania where he encamped and awaited reinforcements coming south from Capua. For want of supplies and men Scipio was unable to advance on Rhegion until the next year.
In Insubria word reached C Cornelius Blasio that the Boii of Bononia planned to rise up and strike down the Romans that resided in Umbria. Blasio installed Tiberius as governor of Insubria and provided him a garrison for Mediolanum, then quickly marched the remaining levy to meet reinforcements and replacements moved north from Arretium. Blasio made his field camp near the town of Bononia, where his spies reported that Cadwalador the king of the Boii, had assembled a powerful force. The spies informed the general that the Boii army numbered 16,000 foot and 2,700 horse; gathered only a few miles east of his camp, but in truth Cadwalador was unaware of his presence. Blasio watched their movements until late in the year when he felt the northern levy was sufficiently strong to contend with the enemy. Yet, as Blasio’s force advanced the Boii army panicked and fled behind the walls of their capital.
Before Blasio had moved on the Boii, he sent word for C Fabius Licinus to proceed to the Aedui capital and negotiate terms for a peace. However beforehand, Licinus met with a delegation from Lusitania near Gergovia and concluded a favorable trade agreement. When Blasio’s instructions arrived, Licinus hastened north to the Aedui and by this years' end they had agreed to cease their war with Rome and relinquish claims on Gallia Cisalpina. Likewise the aged M Curius Dentatus sent P Sergius Orata to Epirus where he found a new king, as Pyrrhus had been killed in battle the year before, and thus they also decided to make peace with Rome.
As the end of this year drew near and the Senate prepared to celebrate the winter holidays, yet in private consul many questioned the wisdom of Dentatus’ plan to quell the rising power of Insubria. Others believed that Blasio’s army had not extinguished the flame of a dangerous foe; rather it had rekindled the bonfires of war and strife that serve only to unite the Gauls. Thus, with the season's chill in the air and the supremacy of Roman arms in doubt, old stories of how gold and silver once ransomed Rome from the great-grand fathers of these barbarians, resurfaced as fearful whispers in the night.
Rebels, Traitors, and the Battle for Bononia
Year 3 (turns 9 through 12) 270 BC
In the spring of the year that C Genucius Clepsina and M Curius Dentatus were Consuls, L Cornelius Scipio was elected Questor and thereafter he immediately marched the southern levy into Bruttia and lay siege to the rebellious Roman army in Rhegion. After a protracted beleaguerment Scipio assaulted the walls. Initially, events preferred lawful Roman arms, yet soon fortune turned to smile upon the traitors, thus at the most opportune time and place Scipio rushed into the fray, and the tide of battle and the gods turned to favor the virtuous man. The mutineers that survived were scourged before the people of Rhegion and beheaded in the city’s forum. Their leader, Jubellius was captured and for his traitorous deeds was crucified near the city’s main gate. By Scipio’s actions the honour and authority of Rome was restored amongst the allies.
At this time the Ligures, desiring to aid the Boii, inspired several towns in northwest Etruria to rebel. The spies of C Cornelius Blasio reported a rebel army that numbered 4,500 foot was poised to march on Arretium, threatening the supply and communication of the levy that besieged Bononia. Yet, the rebels failed to act, so Blasio made his plans. When the general believed the Gauls in Bononia were sufficiently reduced by hunger, in darkness he marched south with 750 horse, and in two days joined with a newly recruited cohort lead by an Aedile rushed west from Arretium. In the hill country north of Pisa, Blasio met and annihilated the rebel army, arrested the treacherous leaders, and sent them in chains to Rome. He then marched north and quickly returned to the army that invested Bononia.
After Blasio had returned, in desperation Cadwalador led his depleted army out of Bononia, to break the Roman siege. Despite their degraded state, amongst great display and clamor the proud Gauls drew up before the walls of the Boii capital. These men were tall and powerfully built, each well armed with sword, shield, and spear. They hurled abuse and insult at the Romans, intensified by no less a hellish din produced by strange trumpets. As the tumult heightened many young warriors were inspired to discard their cloaks and in frenzied haste charged unclad into the Roman ranks. In turn Cadwalador and his horse attacked the Roman right, yet he was soon surrounded by infantry. After a determined struggle Cadwalador was pierced through the neck by a javelin and fell from his horse dead. Word of his demise spread as fire and a great moan of despair arose from the Boii army, which quickly routed. Bononia was soon captured and the Gaul’s will to fight further, dissipated.
In this same year, at the Senate’s direction, P Sergius Orata made trade agreements favorable to the Roman people with Macedonia and Greece, as well as established an alliance and trade with the kingdom of Getia. In turn, C Fabius Licinus was able to negotiate trade, if one may call it that, with some of the nations of Germania. The Senate also appointed the youthful Lucius, a client of questionable loyalty, to govern Bruttium as a Roman ally. Alypia the wife of C Cornelius Scipio Asina, gave birth to a daughter called Livia. Late in this year a daughter named Octavia was born to Antonia the wife of C Aurelius Cotta. Furthermore a daughter that was named Pompeia was born to Claudia, the wife of L Cornelius Scipio. Thus by this years end, those who possessed little trust in Dentatus’ wisdom, with fresh victories and continued prosperity, remarked that by these events they had suddenly discovered new found faith.
Defeat of the Veneti
Year 4 (turns 13 through 16) 269 BC
When in the year Q Ogulnius Gallus and C Fabius Pictor were Consuls, after the death of Cadwalador and the capture of Bononia, the power of the Gauls in Italy seemed broken. Yet the Ligures in support of the Boii had instigated an insurrection in Etruria against Rome, and even the Cenomani, Euganei, Eneti, and the Veneti king Caratawc provided asylum to the Gauls that fled Roman justice. Despite repeated demands made by the Senate, Caratawc refused to return these fugitives. Although the Veneti and Cenomani were old friends and had often sided with Rome, it was decided that this test of authority could not go unanswered. Thus C Cornelius Blasio prepared the northern levy, which departed Bononia in summer bound for the Veneti capital of Patavium. Here, the Romans hemmed up Caratawc together with his army, only for him to share a fate similar to that of Cadwalador, the year before.
In turn, the Senate resolved that Liguria would not go unpunished for transgressions committed in Etruria eight months prior. Thus, L Cornelius Scipio was directed to proceed to Arretium, and there raise a levy sufficient to perform the task at hand. Roman spies reported to Scipio that the Ligures had gathered an army of 17,500 foot supported by 2,800 horse, that was commanded by Conan, the king of Segesta. Yet, by this year's end Scipio had gathered and trained too few soldiers to accomplish the Senate’s mission. Therefore, he remained in Arretium throughout the winter, awaiting the spring to commence the anticipated campaign against the Ligures.
While Scipio remained in Etruria, as was his nature, he strove to reorganize the recruitment and training of the local levy. Also, through his surrogates Scipio attended to improving the road that ran between Mediolanum and Bononia. As well he endeavored, with the aid of other magistrates, to progress the annexation of Bononia as a Roman possession. For all his many efforts, throughout this year, he was largely successful. Thus, much of northern Italy, previously the abode of uncouth barbarians, now became increasingly more secured by Roman arms and safe for economic undertakings.
As in the course of human enterprise, often goods, service, and information are exchanged among tradesmen and merchants, when the price is deemed right. It therefore became evident far and wide, that in but four years, Rome’s status and reputation had improved substantially with respect to its neighbors at home, and greater nations abroad. Within Italy the Roman people and their allies prospered as many of lower rank enjoyed the pursuits that law and order provide. Yet, across the western reach of earth’s middle sea, some great men of reason watched these proceedings transpire with envy, greed, and fearful eyes.
Swordmaster
06-27-2008, 10:27
Will there be pictures?
I second this motion.
The Battle for Liguria
Year 5 (turns 17 through 20) 268 BC
In the year that P Sempronius Sophus and M Curius Dentatus were elected Consuls, as instructed L Cornelius Scipio sent a portion of the levy he had gathered at Arretium into Liguria, commanded by a lesser magistrate. This army skirmished with the Ligures, but avoided a decisive confrontation, as their repute as skill warriors was well known, and it was Scipio's plan to draw forth his foe. Herein, they dealt with each in turn and no town or village was neglected the sting of cold Roman steel. Yet Conan the king did not move his army far from the capital. Therefore in due course, with fresh troops Scipio joined his van guard, and together marched to invest the Ligurian army within Segesta.
It was at this inopportune moment that northern Etruria erupted in rebellion, once again. Fortunately, C Cornelius Blasio had arrived in Arretium the night before. When word reached him of this insurrection, he hastened forth without proper provision, planning, or reconnaissance in the company of but a single cohort and 870 horse. The next day his troops captured a rebel courier on the road from Felathri, in route to Terni with words designed to provoke Umbria to join a general uprising against Rome. This person of high birth told Blasio that the rebel army numbered nearly 5,000 foot commanded by a man called Lucius, thus he was spared in exchange for life long service to the general. He also revealed that Lucius would march on Arretium the following day, thus the Romans ambushed the rebels on the road, killing or wounding every man. Then Blasio returned each and every survivor unto their respective town, fittingly bedecked and perched for a crow’s feast, exposed high upon the cross.
Scipio’s siege of Segesta was entirely unaffected by the proceedings in Etruria. In truth, events had transpired so quickly he was unaware of the upheaval until after Blasio had destroyed the rebel army. However, as Scipio beset the Ligurian capital, an important personage, a friend of Rome, and a member of the royal family forced to flee his home, reported that his brother the ruler of Massalia together with the Vocontii, consistent with the ties of kinship, had decided to raise an army to rescue Conan. Thus to forestall outside interference, the next day Scipio ordered a general assault on Segesta, in which Conan was killed by auxiliaries while defending against the Roman breach. After this the remaining warriors surrendered, and all of Liguria yielded to Roman rule.
At 62 years Favstina the wife of Dentatus passed; she was mourned and provided a modest yet proper funeral, one that befitted a lady of high distinction. Thereafter, the Senate and people of Rome honoured Dentatus with the gift of a public horse. While the Curii clan was reputed to have descended from a noble Samnite family, this was tempered by Dentatius’ stalwart defiance of both their treasure and arms. Yet, in this year he advocated to inspire a senatorial decree that bestowed on to the Samnites, the right to vote.
Later a daughter Liuilla, was born to Poppaea, a son called Spurius was born to Claudia, and a son named Cnaeus was born by young Antonia. Furthermore, Blasio adopted S Julius Julius, as a client. Afterwards, P Sergius Orata made favorable trade agreements with the nations of the east ruled by the descendants of Ptolemy and Seleucus. He also visited the kingdom of Pontus and likewise helped to negotiate a trade agreement with the local merchants. In turn, C Fabius Licinus spent the entire year among the barbarous Sarmatians; horsemen whom dwelt upon the endless grasslands that lay above the hospitable sea. There he learned their tongues, ways, and means of life while traveling throughout this vast realm.
Moreover, throughout this year pirates attacked the coastal towns of the Bruttii and Campania; as well as raided the ports of Rhegion, Naples, Taras, Lupiae, and Barium. From Rhegion, Lucius the governor complained that besides the pillage and destruction these rogues wrought, they took local captives of both great and small, then with malice ransomed them back to family and friend. These malicious acts were committed by the Mamertines that dwelled in the city of Messina, near the strait that separates Sicilia from Bruttium. Little did anyone suspect at this time, how easily these few desperados, inspired events that would dash asunder so many common lives, and ruin the good fortune of mighty nations.
I second this motion.
I'm not entirely sure I know how to do that.
Peace While Preparing for War
Year 6 (turns 21 through 24) 267 BC
In the year that M Atilius Regulus and L Julius Libo were Consuls, M Curius Dentatus died due to a sudden illness, and C Cornelius Blasio revisited Rome and officiated the State funeral to honour his old friend and benefactor. He also returned to the Senate and was elected Pontifex Maximus. At this time the Senate pronounced Spurius the governor of Liguria, who made his capital in the old town of Segesta. In turn, S Julius Julius was appointed the governor of the newly formed province of Gallia Cisalpine, with his capital at Bononia. In Taras over the last three years, Manius had developed his oratory skills and improved the general living conditions within the city. However, during the course of this year he also completed work on a fine shrine dedicated to Mars, the god of war.
Then debate in the Senate turn back to the part Massalia had played in the reduction of Liguria. On the one hand, because Segesta fell so quickly, the people of this Greek city together with the Vocontii, had not actually hindered L Cornelius Scipio’s execution of the Senate’s will, the year before. Although on the other hand, there was the matter of their indent to obstruct, coupled with the issue of a dynastic dispute wherein a brother solicited Roman arms in exchange for free trade and an alliance. Therefore it was decided that as Massalia was indeed a distant land, for now persuasion would due until circumstances dictated otherwise.
After extensive correspondence with Basio, Scipio became resolved to provide the means, whereby the Senate would act accordingly, to remedy Massalia's bad behavior. Thus Scipio with Spurius' help improved the road that connected Pisa with Segesta and continued on towards Massalia. At intervals along this road between Segesta and the Ligurian frontier, Scipio built two fortified camps with large granaries designed to supply a Roman expedition. Then he sent forth his spies, made ready his plans, and trained his troops for a campaign against the Vocontii and the Greek city of Massalia, if that was what fickled fortune would command.
For at this moment Italy, from the snowy Alps to the straights of Messina, served but one master, and her name was Rome. Thus, throughout this year, under the guidance of the Senate, there was peace, and for high born and common man the future looked bright, indeed. It was in this light that a daughter called Lucius was born to Alypia, the wife of C Cornelius Scipio Asina. Moreover, L Papirius Mugillanus became a client of Blasio, and likewise S Atilius Calatinus became a client of Scipio Asina. Furthermore, P Sergius Orata made a favorable trade accord with Armenia, then spent the remaining year in Babylonia.
QuintusSertorius
06-30-2008, 09:33
I'm not entirely sure I know how to do that.
During any point in the game, press the PrtScn button (should be in the top right hand corner of your keyboard, depending on it's layout).
Then Alt+Tab out of the game, and paste it into an image editor. I use Paint Shop Pro, but anything will do. Assuming it has such options, covert it to a JPEG and save. Clear your cache then switch back to the game. Repeat for every screenshot you want to take.
General Appo
06-30-2008, 09:34
Good going. I don´t think we should press Cmaq into using pictures, it´s his story and in a way I feel that pictures might interfere with the story and the way he´s telling it.
Swordmaster
06-30-2008, 11:00
During any point in the game, press the PrtScn button (should be in the top right hand corner of your keyboard, depending on it's layout).
Then Alt+Tab out of the game, and paste it into an image editor. I use Paint Shop Pro, but anything will do. Assuming it has such options, covert it to a JPEG and save. Clear your cache then switch back to the game. Repeat for every screenshot you want to take.
Do you always alt-tab out of the game for every screenshot? Man, that's cumbersome. Use Fraps, it's freeware.
Furthermore, if you press PrintScreen, a screenshot is also saved in your RTW\tgas folder, in .tga format, which you can't open with MS Paint, but I assume with about every other graphics editor. So alt-tabbing is unnecessary.
Swordmaster
06-30-2008, 11:01
Good going. I don´t think we should press Cmaq into using pictures, it´s his story and in a way I feel that pictures might interfere with the story and the way he´s telling it.
Oh, I wouldn't press him, it's just a suggestion. I do like it this way, too.
Do you always alt-tab out of the game for every screenshot? Man, that's cumbersome. Use Fraps, it's freeware.
Furthermore, if you press PrintScreen, a screenshot is also saved in your RTW\tgas folder, in .tga format, which you can't open with MS Paint, but I assume with about every other graphics editor. So alt-tabbing is unnecessary.
Right, from that point, how would I post them here?
QuintusSertorius
06-30-2008, 15:48
Right, from that point, how would I post them here?
Get an account on PhotoBucket or ImageShack or one of the many other image hosting services. Upload them to that, get the links, then post them with the insert image button.
Swordmaster
06-30-2008, 15:49
Right, from that point, how would I post them here?
You can upload your JPGs to something such as http://www.imageshack.us/, and then link to them in your posts. Make sure the files aren't bigger than 1.5 MB, though.
http://www.vroma.org/images/mcmanus_images/cornicen.jpg
The Battle for Massalia
Year 7 (turns 25 through 28) 266 BC
Early in the year that D Junius Pera and N Fabius Pictor were Consuls, C Cornelius Blasio as Pontifex Maximus, vigorously promoted a foreign war, now that the Greeks of Massalia and the Vocontii, refused to renounce their support of an independent Liguria, failed to reconcile their dynastic dispute, and openly defied the Senate’s arbitration of these issues. Therefore when Blasio informed this august body, of L Cornelius Scipio’s preparations the year before, the call for a vote was unanimously answered by a resounding endorsement of war. When word arrived, as prearranged Scipio was on the march to Massalia inside of a week, with two full Legions, 1,540 horse, and 12,000 lightly armed auxiliaries in support. For all his prior preparation, no matter how trivial Scipio’s planning neglected no detail, multiplied by unbalanced odds, and a decision as to the outcome of this contest, was never in any doubt.
Arkadius the ruler of Massalia readied the city guard, collected the levy, and pressed itinerant mercenaries into his employ. Likewise the Vocontii sent 1,000 well armed men dedicated to his defense. Yet, it was clear that these resources were entirely inadequate, so when Scipio’s army drew near, Arkadius choose to trust the sea for resupply, and shut he and his army up within the city’s walls. As was customary the Romans seemed to invest the city in furtherance of a ruse, since Scipio aim to replace one brother for another, would demand as little blood as the gods saw fit. Within the city supporters of the royal exile that traveled with the general, by predesign signaled which portion of the rampart that remained undefended. With ladders at the ready two picked auxiliary cohorts sprang unto the wall, yet even the best laid plans may often go astray, as the ploy was exposed and about a gatehouse a violent battle soon arose.
After a short but determined fight the Greek picketers were cut down and the gate seizeed, swung open, and preceded by their roar the Legions poured into the city. Arkadius and the defenders strove to stem this tide but were checked, as the Roman horse together with Scipio and his select troops rushed to capture the manor house and the city’s forum. Seeing hope forlorn Arkadius and his army surrendered, yet thereafter when Scipio surveyed the carnage he despaired that despite his pains to prevent, the enemy nonetheless seemed to have exacted a heavy toll. Still, in the days and weeks that followed the general was pleasantly surprised to learn that the gods, the army’s medics, and the doctors had restored, so many he thought dead to able bodied service. In truth his assault upon and capture of Massalia, was purchased at what was seen, as a very low cost in human life.
With the Senate’s approval Scipio appointed Arkadius’ youthful brother, who took the name Lucius, as client ruler and governor of Massalia. Unfortunately, the success of this endeavor was blemished as Arkadius and his supporters escaped confinement and fled across the sea to Lacetania. Still, to learn all that was fit to know, throughout the remaining year Scipio sent spies into the territories of the Arecomici, Allobroges, Tectosages, Elisyces, Sordones, Indigetes, Castelani, Ausetani, Laietani, and Lacetani. One spy in particular, a merchant of some import named S Papirius Carbo, reported that while in Ampurias he caught sight of Lucius’ brother Arkadius, who resided therein as an honoured guest of the ruling house. Additionally, Scipio was struck to find that the Arverni had extended their domain to include the nations of the Volcae.
In Rome, S Atilius Calatinus was elected Military Tribune, a son called Orbiana was born to Antonia the wife of C Aurelius Cotta, and Papiria a daughter was born to Scipio’s wife, Claudia. At Arretium L Papirius Mugillanus married a woman of noble rank named Sabina. This year also saw Messina’s pirates call upon the coastal towns of Bruttium once again, while C Fabius Licinus visited distant Bactria and the savage nomads that make their home in the Land of Wolves beyond the Persian Sea. Then from the marsh land of Arabia Felix, P Sergius Orata proceeded along the coast then crossed over the desert of Arabia Proper in the coolness of winter. Again Italy enjoyed another tranquil year, as the fortunes of the state and populace; those high born and common man, both Roman citizen and ally alike for the better, improved.
http://www.vroma.org/images/mcmanus_images/auxiliarydrawing.jpg
Watching and Waiting
Year 8 (turns 29 through 32) 265 BC
In the year that Q Fabius Maximus Gurges and L Mamilius Vitulus were Consuls, with more words than deeds Manius, the governor of Calabria convinced the Sallentini and Messapii, that thoughts of revolt were folly and their only future laid in a partnership with Rome. Further afield, with one Legion L Cornelius Scipio made camp west of the Rhone crossing, and from there gathered more information on the chaos of the hinterlands. An Arverni army in Aquitae beset Burdigala, another marched on to invest Emporion, and as wild wolves two more prowled along the boarder. It seemed that these Gauls were bent on extending their authority at everyone’s expense.
In response Scipio sent A Sergus Orata to the Aedui, whom were at war with the Arverni, and found these barbarous Gauls more than keen to enter into a compact against their kith and kin. Encamped, by full measure Scipio prepared the army and gathered supplies, but the questions persist to act or by inaction remain unentangled and ready to strike when weakness presents. In late summer the sieges of Burdigala and Emporion were broken as the Audei demonstrated an army of 27,000 men, passed throughout the heart of the Arverni homeland. All these events were achieved without Scipio leaving camp, or the need to provoke a war.
L Papirius Mugillanus was elected Military Tribune and Sabina his wife birthed a son named Cnaeus. Meanwhile S Aurelius Cotta became a client of Scipio. After crossing the open desert P Sergius Orata arrived in Saba then amassed information on Qataban and Hadramaut. In the east, for no better reason than the pursuit of commerce, C Fabius Licinus reached the wide valley of the flowing Indus. In Rome S Atilius Calatinus was rightfully accused of massacring a rival’s family, yet knowingly requested a personal enemy to set in judgment of the case, nonetheless a suit which he still won. Vindicated in the courts, thereafter as events dictate the Senate directed Calatinus to proceed to Bruttium and there took command of two legions with the requisite local auxiliaries in support.
The rational for this redeployment was in part found in Sicilia, where after repeated transgressions the ruler of Syracuse, defeated the Mamertines and shut them up in Messina the year before. These despicable cowards then invited the Punici to intervene on their behalf. With no thirst for feud, consequently the Greeks withdrew, but to the Mamertines consternation, as a shadow the Punici remained to rule Messina. In dire straights to expand upon their duplicity, after recurrent affronts now they came to Rome and begged the Senate for aid, in exchange for an alliance at any cost. Nonetheless, throughout this year the towns and cities of Italy enjoyed the peace, and the Census revealed there were 292,234 fit male citizens of military age. Yet upon the horizon foreboding clouds of bitter strife and famished flocks of black bird were seen, summoned by the gods to jest, mock, and make ready for the feast.
http://www.livius.org/a/italy/ostia/warship_ostia.JPG
Book II: Commentaries on the 1st Punic War
Messina and the Mamertines
Year 9 (turns 33 through 36) 264 BC
In the year that A Claudius Caudex and M Fulvius Flaccus were Consuls, the Senate debated the Messina situation for two months barring relieve, then in public confirmed their verdict without delay. As collaboration with the Mamertines, the root of all evil in this affair, defied the terms of their alliance, Rome recognized all prior concords with Carthage as null and void. With notable trepidation it was clear that thus the Mamertines may freely choose their masters, and Rome would act as she saw fair. Despite the withdrawal of the Punic fleet, in furtherance of the Senate’s proclamation S Atilius Calatinus was ordered to prepare the craft to cross the straight and enter Messina as invited.
Incredibly the Mamertines shut their door on Calatinus, turned once more to the Punici, and prostrated themselves for the means to rid their home of Rome. Therefore Calatinus immediately seized the day and captured the city gates, and with little remaining fight Messina was his. He quickly accounted for the citizenry and found the Mamertines absent, as they sailed aboard their pirate ships bound for Libeo, upon the start of his assault. It was with this last twist, whereby the irreversible wheels of war bewteen Carthage and Rome were finally set in motion.
Affairs throughout Gaul rendered a definition of what was the lesser of two evils, more complex. Roman spies reported that as the Aedui invaded Armoriae and invested Darioritum, they also defeated the Arverni twice. Meanwhile, a small Vocontii army entered Liguria and was joined by local rebels, thus L Cornelius Scipio kept one Legion encamped in place, then marched east with another to meet them near the town of the Matuti, which sat along the coast. There the barbarian king Anaximander to prove his prowess, into battle surged before his troops. However, their efforts to extricate him from the fray, only further contributed to secure his loss due to the Roman horse. Not long thereafter he lay dead, and as funerary ash from the pyre, with one strong gust his warriors were scattered to the wind.
On Scipio's return to the camp at the Rhone crossing, an Aedui delegation vigorously complained that they fought the battles while the Italians sat idle, and for this reason they saw no benefit in their continued pact. To this Scipio could not respond as he was at this very moment recalled home to command another mission. Thus, on the return of these rash Gauls to their kin, forthwith they dissolved their relationship with Rome.
In Capua, Quintus another son was born to Antonia the wife of C Aurelius Cotta. Otherwise, many magistrates were consumed this year with the inherent drudgeries assumed in the completion of road improvement and sanitation projects throughout the length and breath of Italy. Faraway, P Sergius Orata sojourned in Egypt as C Fabius Licinus turned back from Asia and made his way towards his native land. In Italy everyday life continued as it had before, yet four weeks after Calatinus captured Messina, word that Punici nobles had declared war, reached the Roman Senate, and now war it was indeed.
http://www.livius.org/a/1/romanempire/consul.jpg
Senator Blasio’s War Plan
Year 10 (turns 37 through 40) 263 BC
In the year that M Valerius Maximus Mesalla and M Otacilius Crassus were Consuls, the Senate debated which strategy Rome would pursue to pry Sicilia from Carthage’s viselike grasp. On one hand, it was proposed by one faction that to serve their honour and demonstrate the superiority of Roman arms, the Legions now deployed on the island should forthwith march on the Punic settlements and directly meet, engage, and destroy their armies. In opposition, the party headed by C Cornelius Blasio argued that an indirect approach may prove more profitable and favored by the gods. Herein, he suggested that rather invoking stalemate and a protracted conflict against their advanage in Sicilia, the soughtafter prize of this contest, the Republic should first show strength where Carthage was weak.
Now that he held the Senate's attention Blasio announced that Carthage owned other rich islands that were all but untended. These he further noted dangled as ripe fruit that Rome could pick at ease. Then with his staff he first tapped Corsica followed by Sardinia, on a floor map drawn forth for this affair. Then his staff demonstrated the distance from Tunis to Sicilia was made shorter by sea, as the land route from Rome was long, contorted, and the crossing at Messina unpredictable. In contrast, Corsica was near to Rome while Tunis very far. In retort he was answered with the roar of, what of their fleets? Blasio replied that, indeed their fleets protected their most prized possessions and would not venture far from Sicilia. He continued that if Punic ships did respond and moved north, then the Legions in Sicilia would be freed to act there without restraint.
Furthermore, Blasio proposed that meanwhile Rome would build her own navy. He then divulged to the Senate that in secret the design of a wrecked Punic ship found the year before near Naples, had been copied and improved for Roman use. Additionally, Blasio reminded the Senate that not long before, unity was sought by all the Greeks and native peoples of southern Italy, by way of Pyrrhus to Roman detriment and loss of life. Then when they learned of union's price, with Roman help they deserted him to his fate, as for his crimes by circumstance Orcus soon claimed his very soul. Now the Republic had forged as one the ties that bind by fire and sword, but as yet it could not be said that any part of southern Italy had repaid their Pyrrhic debt to Rome. Thus Blasio maintained that the loin’s share of men and watercraft consumed by this conflict, would be supplied by their shipyards, fields, and homes. So far inflamed and inspired the Senate voted that day with great enthusiasm, to adopt Dentatus’ war plan and commissioned the immediate construction of 50 transport ships.
In Sicilia, S Atilius Calatinus installed Cnaeus as a client ruler of Messina, then moved to establish a camp to the west to face the expected route of the enemy’s advance. Unexplained, this advance never happened, and the Punic army of 20,000 foot, 1,800 horse, and 31 elephants lingered in Elimya. Meanwhile, L Cornelius Scipio arrived in Etruria and prepared for a long campaign against the Punici, but a pirate fleet from Lacetania attacked Pisa and delayed his plans. Furthermore, a second son named Decimus was born to Sabina the wife of L Papirius Mugillanus. Although there was war, battles were fought faraway from the common eye, and foreign trade declined, but life continued much it had before.
Stalemate and Island Hopping
Year 11 (turns 41 through 44) 262 BC
In the spring of the year that L Postumius Megellus and Q Mamilius Vitulus were Consuls, T Julius Mento was made Admiral of the transport fleet thus built. These 27 vessels were used to land L Cornelius Scipio on Corsica with one Roman cohort, 1,800 horse, and roughly 3,000 auxiliary troops in support. Initially Scipio and the Roman horse arrived and unloaded onto the beach. The general then directed the commander of the cavalry to conceal themselves in a nearby thicket, and from this vantage monitored the disembarkation of the foot and baggage. As Scipio formed up his infantry the Punic army of 6,500 foot appeared as anticipated. Believing the Romans were unorganized and unprepared, the enemy rushed towards the beach and was soon engaged in heated combat.
That was when the hidden horse emerged and together with Scipio’s bodyguard struck the enemy army in the flank and rear. This unexpected strike sent a thunderbolt of fear throughout the Punici, which turned and quickly routed. In this engagement the Romans suffered very few wounded or dead, and thereafter Scipio marched on the island's capital of Alalia. This unfortified town was defended by another 7,500 troops, which he likewise brushed aside and the same day entered celebrated by his troops as a heroic victor. Nine days latter a young man of promise named S Aurelius Cotta was made a client of Scipio and then ferried with a garrison, from Pisa over to join the general on Corsica.
Several weeks passed before Mento returned with the a larger transport fleet, and Scipio’s small army along with young Cotta re-embarked bound for Sardinia. They landed among the Valentini who lived at the southeast corner of this island, and again an enemy army of 4,500 foot soon assembled. This gaggle of lightly armed spearmen was promptly thrashed with little loss, and following this success Scipio once more quickly advanced on the capital of Karali, where in a large villa the governor resided, himself a Punic Senator of some fame and fortune named Carthalo. This man declined Scipio’s invitation to surrender both he and Karali unharmed, so he fought with but his horseguard to a respected death, wrenched by so many wounds only his mother could find his body.
Soon after Scipio departed for Sardinia, an Aedile was dispatched to appoint Appius the client ruler of Corsica, once an island of beekeepers now a friend and ally of Rome. Meanwhile in Sicilia, S Atilius Calatinus continued to wait for the Punic army's attack, which of course again did not occur. Buoyed by his foe’s inaction and perceiving greater security, Calatinus had his wife Lepida brought to Messina, where she bore him a son named Kaeso. Furthermore, as a magistrate in Arpi, S Aurelius Cotta was elected Military Tribune. Then Tiberius the client ruler of Isubria, had a uncle called Ebriose, commissioned to collect taxes as a drunk whose corruption knew no bounds. Yet this man of ill repute honed far lesser skills that only served to magnify his familiar embarrassment. Finally, C Fabius Licinus and P Sergius Orata met in Syria, where they made their plans to go overland, and return to home. In this, the third year of war between Rome and Carthage, now that battles were both won and lost; blood spilled and possessions seized, neither side desired to seek the means to end hostilities.
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War at Sea
Year 12 (turns 45 through 48) 261 BC
In the year that L Valerius Flaccus and T Otacilius Crassus were Consuls, while T Julius Mento’s flotilla returned from Sardinia in route to Naples, it was attacked by a pirate fleet of 100 ships sent by Lacetania, in Carthage's employ. The admiral escaped with half his command, but in the chaos of battle lost 25 transports and a large number of men to the sea. Meanwhile on Sardinia, L Cornelius Scipio appointed a man called Avius to be the client ruler of the island, then due to circumstances beyond his control he and young S Aurelius Cotta occupied themselves with construction of a harbor at Olbia. Furthermore Scipio tasked Cotta to organize and collect the island substantial wheat harvest and prepare for its shipment to Rome, as the general built a large fortified camp at a place he named Villasimius.
By late fall a Lacetanian fleet of 91 vessels reappeared to attack Naples; however Mento was ready with 105 ships, of which 52 were designed and well equipped for war. Mento held the wind, caught the pirates by surprise, and by days end captured 3 and sank 63 of the enemy’s craft. Thereafter the admiral quickly made repairs then despite delay was underway bound for Sardinia. In Sicilia S Atilius Calatinus advanced along the coast road to take Halaisa, Thermae, and Cephaloedium, which he captured due to treachery. He then moved a short distance west and built another camp, but still the Punic army would not respond. When this war first started the ruler of Syracuse, initially sided with the Punici, but commit only few of his troops to battle. As events and the Romans slowly progressed he continued to carefully watch these proceedings.
Also this year a third son named Quitus was born to Sabina wife of L Papinius Mugillanus in Arretium. Despite many successes the perceived stalemate in Sicilia underscored that to date there was no sight of this war's end. Therefore as is politics' capricious nature, the opposition party in the Senate, to gain more power and authority, spent this year bemoaning what became known as C Cornelius Blasio's failed war policy. Others insisted that Corsica and Sardinia were good enough, with honour served, and Roman troops should forthwith be withdrawn, and Sicilia surrendered to the Punici. For those who would listen to such rubbish, some even disregarded Blasio's many years of wise and able service, with countless victories denounced a clumsy fool, and claimed he misslead to instigate and was thus himself the cause and liable for this war.
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A Tale of Two Generals
Year 13 (turns 49 through 52) 260 BC
Early in the year that C Cornelius Scipio Asina and C Cornelius Blasio were Consuls, because of the Senate's unbridled insistence to perform, S Atilius Calatinus advanced farther west along the coast road and took Panoma and Segeste, near where he built another camp. But as before, the Punic army seemed unmoved north of Libybaeum. So by mid summer Calatinus marched his troops towards the Punic capital. However, unseen the Carthaginian general force marched at night and designed a trap along the road to snare the Romans near Drapana. Late in the day as the Roman column reached a ridge top, with baggage train and rearguard extended a mile along the road, Calatinus and the vanguard were ambushed on three sides.
Hard pressed Calatinus was soon surrounded, so the Roman rearguard hastened to his relieve, as other Punic spearmen rushed from hiding to block their path. To Calatinus’ apparent doom, Timasion Tingis the Punic commander had laid his plans all too well, however from the rearguard 800 Roman knights broke free and dashed to the general’s aid. In short order this contest contorted into a fatal race, with the rearguard’s struggle to reach Calatinus, the enemy pushed forward as the men of his vanguard fell one by one, and the day rushed towards the sunset. It was at this moment that Tingis let slip 31 elephants of war into Calatinus’ entraped and hard pressed ranks, which in part promptly broke and ran.
Thereafter, inexplicably the enemy did not turn to destroy Calatinus and his few remaining troops, but instead pursued the fleeing Romans and their allies, as well to loot the baggage train. With this blunder the Carthaginians succeeded in snatching defeat was from the very jaws of victory. Thus, in uncontrolled consternation, Tingis rectified the situation and threw himself into the fray to dispatch Calatinus by his own hand, and end this fight. But unseen the Roman knights joined in and Tingis in reverse was pulled off his horse by infantry and soon laid dead. With the roar of a Roman victory, word of Tingis’ untimely death quickly spread, and the Punic army broke and ran. After the rearguard reached the general they continued despite near exhaustion to pursue and kill the fleeing foe. All these events transpired between mid afternoon and ended well before the sun had set.
Calatinus attempted to reorganize his army and assess the losses as it grew dark. However, it soon became clear that well over one third of his command were either dead or missing, and there were a large number of wounded men as well. Among the number dead were 370 that had served as knights, whose sacrifice of life saved Calatinus from certain death. Thus hearing of another Punic army nearby and fearing renewed attack, Calatinus withdrew that night to the vicinity of Segeste, for the safety of the camp he had built a short time before. By this final act, when news of these events reached Rome, the Senate perceived the general's redeployment as retreat and by word of mouth turned his hard won victory, into defeat.
Meanwhile, L Cornelius Scipio finally laid affairs on Sardinia aside and with S Aurelius Cotta plus a small army, loaded onto T Julius Mento’s fleet and sailed for the islands the Greeks called the Gymnesias, but the Punici named the Baliarides. This part of C Cornelius Blasio's war plan had not been divulged to the Senate; with fair winds he sailed northwest across Earth's Middle Sea and landed on Balearis Minor, thereon he easily took the undefended town of Mago. Here he provided a small garrison then reloaded bound for Balearis Major, where he landed on a large wide open beach.
When word of Scipio’s landing reached Zeuis Arsinoe the Punic governor, he sent out his slingers and armed men commanded by the captain of his house guard to distroy the Romans. But with far fewer troops Scipio ambushed the enemy, killed the captain with many men, and pursued the remnant four miles back to the capital. This town called Bocchoris nested between three mountains, at a narrow neck of land, sat on a hill that faced into the sea, and overlooked a pleasant bay. After he was joined by infantry Scipio assaulted Bocchoris and it was captured, but Arsinoe was not killed, nor was he seen again. Afterwards with a small detachment he boarded several ships and sailed to the Pitiusas and received the surrender of the town of Ebusus. For these victories and other successful actions the Senate provided Scipio the office of Praetor and ordered him to return to Rome to celebrate a Triumph for his honour. In addition, the general's protégé, S Aurelius Cotta was also elected a Military Tribune. Yet Scipio’s arrivial in Italy would await a future date as by C Cornelius Blasio's direction he would execute one further plan.
Furthermore in Bononia a trusted friend, C Claudius Crassus became the client of S Julius Julus and was sent to Rome. Then in other spehers C Fabius Licinus traveled throughout Greece, Macedonia, and the Kingdom of Epirus; meanwhile P Sergius Orata remained the winter a honoured guest in Athens. All told, this year experienced success both cheaply bought and dearly paid, as fortune may desire, apiece sung as praise or denounced with condemnation. Still the finish of this contest had drawn no near a close. What was more, its cost in human life and treasure grew each week, as this alone sanctioned some dissent; while others in the darkness fostered grand resolve to stoke the flames and ultimately light the way to victory, but first distraction called.
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A Year of Distraction
Year 14 (turns 53 through 56) 259 BC
Very early in the year that C Aquillius Florus and T Otacilius Crassus were Consuls, as Roman arms were otherwise fully distracted by foreign entanglements, the Vestini decided the time was ripe, to renounce their oath of loyalty and revolted. The Vestini Senate raised a levy and sent part into Picenum; the other into Apulia and Campania, to raid and plunder. In Rome C Claudius Crassus was appointed Military Tribune and descended onto Capua where diverted reinforcements and replacements bound for Sicilia reassembled. In spring Crassus proceeded with his small army east towards Arpi where the Vestinian levies sat. He met them east of Beneventum by the road that ran to Aecae, near where the venerated M Curius Dentatus halted the elephants of Pyrrhus king of Epirus. The battle lasted nearly the entire day, as Crassus proved himself a rather uninspired leader, and his troops were poorly trained. In the end the Vestini levy was defeated, yet many managed their escape and fled north along the coastal road.
As some of Crassus’ infantry had suffered significant casualties, they remained in Campania to recoup their loss. Meanwhile the young general followed up the retreating Vestini along the road that paralleled the coast of the Upper Sea, with 500 horse and 1,600 light foot, and 4,900 auxiliaries. He reduced each town, stronghold, crossed the Aternus River at Aternum, and here captured an important nobleman. This person informed Crassus that the Vestini’s northern force in Picenum was composed of 13,000 foot and 2,000 heavy horse. By late summer Crassus established a fortified camp then moved 15 miles and occupied the port of Ancona. Although promised 4,500 auxiliaries moved south from Ariminum they never materialized, thus three days latter he faced down the much larger Vestini army in four separate skirmishes, where it seemed his marshal skills had vastly improved. In this hill country, by his design using the quickness of his corps and sharp maneuver, each engagement he won while only losing 420 men. After the last of the Vestini surrendered and danger to Rome removed, with proper honour his troops announced his victory and proclaimed him Imperator.
At Bocchoris, L Cornelius Scipio appointed a man named Kaeso to be the client ruler of the Balearis islands as a friend and ally of Rome. Then from Balearis Major, T Julius Mento sailed with 80 ships bound for the mouth of the flowing Rhone. Here his fleet rowed upstream to make repairs several miles below the site of the fort Scipio built over six years before. At this place, as was the custom a small town of the Arecomisci had grown, and here the admiral uploaded one Legion, then proceeded southwest to met Scipio’s arrival upon the coast of Lacetania. It was said that this military operation was provoked to arrest the fugitive Arkadius, yet motivated by piratical ventures in past years imposed upon the coastal towns that frame the Etruscan Sea. Now Scipio and S Aurelius Cotta with a combined force of 6,000 foot, 2,400 auxiliaries, and 1,690 cavalry, marched north up the coast and beset Emporion.
On Sicilia S Atilius Calatinus remained inactive until late in the year when additional reinforcement, replacements, and supplies arrived in Segeste. Thereafter he slowly marched towards Drapana, which he captured without a fight. Still cautious he made another fort a few miles north of Libybaeum and there he wintered. On their behalf, behind strong walls and the safety of a capital supplied by sea, the Punici did not entice nor entreat more defeat. At Messina Calatinus' wife Lepida bore a son called Quintus and in Arretium another son named Manius was born to Sabina the wife of L Papinius Mugillanus. At Sparta P Sergius Orata negotiated an alliance with the Achaean League, as C Cornelius Blasio directed to help check what he saw as the growing power of Macedonia and Epirus.
A Year of Discission
Year 15 (turns 57 through 60) 258 BC
In the year that A Atilius Calatinus and C Sulpicius Paterculus were Consuls, by summer T Julius Mento ordered K Aemilius Scavrus to sail from Lacetania, with 46 transports bound for Naples, while at anchor the admiral retained 49 warships that remained in support of L Cornelius Scipio off the coast of Spain. By the seventh month Scavrus arrived in southern Italy and personally took command of the repairs to his vessels and the construction of new ships. Meanwhile outnumbered Scipio assaulted the walls of Emporion, where its defenders offered stiff resistance that in due course quickly crumbled, and ended with great slaughter near a city gate. With the defenders either killed or quelled, by night fall Scipio controlled the entire town. However, a complete and thorough search of the capital found no trace of the fugitive Arkadius.
Scipio made a youthful native man with untested loyalty, the client ruler of Lacetania, whom thereupon assumed the Roman name of Publius. Then the general sent S Aurelius Cotta overland alone, to command the Legion that guarded the Rhone crossing. At this time Cotta learned from the Volcae that the Aedui had invaded Auvergne and captured their capital of Gergovia, and would soon represent a clear and present danger to Rome's trusted ally Massalia. Late in the year Scipio assigned command of the Legion in Lacetania to an Aedile, then boarded admiral T Julius Mento's small fleet, with prayers for fair winds, a tranquil sea, and the gods' speed he sailed for home.
On Sicilia after a mild winter, good omens confirmed that the time to act was right, now that sufficient supplies were in place and confidence reinforced by small measures, S Atilius Calatinus with 7,600 Roman foot, 13,590 auxiliaries, and 750 horse, finally advanced on Libybaeum. Here he found the enemy hedged up inside their city. So on the landward side Calatinus invested the Punic capital with a long ditch and wall, and to render greater protection and comfort, thereupon his troops were lodged in two large fortified camps. However as this year waned, with slowly growing hunger pangs, it became more difficult to tell weather friend or foe were in worse supply.
At Ariminum in Picenum, the governor C Cornelius Scipio Asina was elected Praetor by the Senate to act as judge and his daughter Livia married a young nobleman named D Julius Julus. Throughout this year among the small coastal towns and villages that border the Upper Sea a small fleet of pirate ships sent from the port of Illyrica, visited pillage, wreck, and a lesser state of ruin. They were small, annoying, and irritated as an itching rash for the local magistrates were powerless to arrest these brash attacks. With Calatinus' apprehensive move the conquest of Sicilia, as conducted had turned a corner, and it was said that an end to war might be seen. However the absence of a blockading fleet and as long as Carthage ruled the sea, indeed that day remained far reserved.
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Scipio's Triumph and Fall of Libybaeum
Year 16 (turns 61 through 64) 257 BC
Early in the year that C Atilius Regulus and C Cornelius Blasio were Consuls, over the waves L Cornelius Scipio returned to blessed Rome. Whereby beyond the marker stones and through the Triumph Gate, only senatorial decree preceded successes he had earned, each in turn pronounced before the gathered Roman people. Then along the wide high-lined Way of Victory, drown out by joyous crowds, the trumpets’ called to glory, and this cavalcade lumbered on. Of the multitude aligned along the path every sanguine eye beheld carts heaped high with war's booty, a prized pale bull to feed the gods, towering pikes festooned by trophied arms, and the iron clad vanquished tethered to their kith and kin. With marshal pipe and drum they passed by the War God's House, circled round the Field for Common Games, and came to arrest the nation's enemies in the House of Records. Then awash in jubilation the procession turned with pomp and circumstance along the Sacred Way, and continued to the city's center to heal before the most holy Hill of Heads.
Throughout the commoner’s ovation, Scipio’s salutation and salute never faltered; never failed. Here he rode a silver-pressed chariot, his face turned red to honour Mars, dressed in a gold embroidered purple robe. In servitude behind him stood a foreign prince, with the crown of kingship and victory held just above his head, replete with whispered words of mortal man’s and fortune’s fickled nature. In the company of Scipio’s guard unarmed they dismounted as loyal citizens, then followed no farther than the lowest rung of stairs, beyond which only the chosen few stepped up, into the House of Jupiter, where the general spent the bull in sacrifice. Hushed the city's throng waited with baited breath young and old, both common and high born, until he offered up the ancient crown of gold to the god Almighty, with no want of kingship for himself. Evidence this ceremony was properly done and witnessed, was affirmed when Scipio reappeared without the artifact, hands open, with arms held high and wide apart. Now that all was right with the world, forthwith the heavens cheered, white birds filled the air, and thus began a three day party.
Meanwhile for those less favored still under arms on Sicilia, S Atilius Calatinus continued to beset Libybaeum. This test of wills unrelenting without advantage due to resource and circumstance itself proved fruitless for either side. Then with a fleet of 156 warships K Aemilius Scavrus emerged from Naples and sailed without opposition to establish blockades of Carthage and other Tunisian ports. By this action alone the Romans caused the Punici to abandon the resupply of Libybaeum and greatly hastened the defeat of the enemy army entrap within its walls. These rashly planned and executed intrusions proved to be mortal blows, yet strangely it remained unclear why the Punic navy did not appear and challenge.
Desperate for want of food, Hamalcar the governor and his son came out from behind the walls of their capital, in an attempt to break the Roman siege. They gathered outside the city gate, all told 5,000 infantry and 2,000 cavalry, yet pitifully they cowered there as starving dogs. To show leniency Calatinus presented terms for noble Hamalcar’s surrender of Libybaeum, however in arrogance this man refused this generosity. Not wanting to waste more men on this lost cause, Calatinus brought forth archers, slingers, and picketers to further reduce the Punic number. After these were spent the general sent in auxiliaries to tire, then finished the enemy with fresh Roman troops, where at this final stage both Hamalcar and his son perished fighting. Thereafter, the city quickly surrendered to Calatinus, and he returned the bodies of Hamalcar and his son to Carthage, with honour dually noted.
In other news at Rome a daughter named Minervina was born to Marinra the wife of C Claudius Crassus. Furthermore, in war the Aedui severally pressed the Arverni, as all Gaul fought among itself. Therefore while C Fabius Licinus traded among the Sequani, to remedy their situation Arverni ambassadors approached this Roman diplomat, and begged a treaty of friendship and alliance. As it served to benefit the nation, this same treaty was ratified by the Senate, which meant in truth that Roman arms would soon be sent to set Gaul right. Finally, as Libybaeum had fallen into Roman hands, attention now turned to Carthage's remaining ally, and the wealth of Syracuse.
Terms of Peace
Year 17 (turns 65 through 68) 256 BC
In the year that L Manlius Vulso Longus and Q Caedicius were Consuls, following the fall of Libybaeum and death of Hamalcar and his son, A Sergius Orata was sent among the Punici to better understand their mood, and ascertain their wish for peace or want for continued war. Representatives of the Punici Senate professed to Orata, that there had been so much waste of life and treasure ruined. Too great was the loss of asset and income, with no preference nor advantage near in sight, that for both combatants it may be more advantageous and favored by the gods, to offer peace instead of endless war. Thereafter the Roman Senate commissioned S Atilius Calatinus to send Orata again and convince Hamilcar Barca to agree to halt the fight and find a way this conflict could be done. This agreement written down as a treaty, was finally ratified by both sides, after ten months of constant talk, and then there was peace between Rome and Carthage.
Yet on the world’s stage Carthage and Rome’s roles were now reversed, for this peace was purchased at a price, that would prove steeper than some could come to bear. In fact these were the terms Rome imposed on Carthage. The Punici were forced to evacuate all of the Sicilia, Aegusa, Phorbantia, and Iera Nesos islands; as well to give Rome possession of Ustica and the Aeolian islands. Furthermore, Carthage would abandon all their settlements on the islands of Pantelleria, Linosa, Lampedusa, Lampione and Malta; and renounce all claim on Corsica, Sardinia, and the Balearis islands. In all, these islands concluded the loss of territory Carthage suffered to end a war it had helped to start, in exchange for peace.
Furthermore no indemnity was paid by either and both exchanged captured prisoners of war without ransom or any other precondition. Other clauses determined that the ally of each would not attacked the other, nor would attacks be made by either upon the other's ally, and all these nations were forthwith prohibited from recruiting armed men for pay from the territories of each other. There remained another stipulation which required that Carthage end its alliance and any other relationship with the Greeks of Syracuse. It had been desided that this would be one problem for which Rome would find a cure, without any outside interference. Finally, the Senate demanded that Carthage immediately arrest any surviving Mamertines and send them forthwith in chains to Rome to stand in judgment for their crimes.
Now that Syracuse stood alone against Rome, its ruler sued for peace as well. However the Senate would have none of this, as it was time to repay these Greeks, for the part they had played, to cause the recent loss of Roman life. While Syracuse negotiated a peace, Rome raised new levies from southern Italy, and marched them to Messina, in preparation for a campaign designed to bring all Sicilia under her sway. Then as winter drew near the Senate ordered L Cornelius Scipio south to take command of this new army for operations proposed to start in the spring of the following year. Meanwhile the Senate demanded reparations from Illyrica, and a halt of the damage and pillage caused by pirates that were based along their coast.
During this year the Arverni in Gaul, refused the Roman offer of weapons and treasure, to aid their fight against the Aedui. They claimed that the Aedui would only recognize the Senate's authority and Roman force of arms. Additionally, the depredations caused by the Aedui encouraged the tribes of Germania to cross over the flowing Rhine and pillage the settlements of the Leuci and Sequani, of the latter their capital of Vesontio they beset. With this news of looming doom for the Arverni, S Aurelius Cotta readied his army at the Rhone Crossing, to march north when spring arrived.
In this year the son of C Cornelius Blasio, named Lucius came of age, and was sent to rhetoric school to prepare him for a life in government. Livia the daughter of Alypia and C Cornelius Scipio Asina married D Julius Julus, a young nobleman, while Pompeia the daughter of Clavda and L Cornelius Scipio, married a another of this family with the same name. Octavia the daughter of Antonia and C Avrelius married a young man called S Claudius Pulcher. Now that a concord between Rome and Carthage had been declared, new potential enemies arose seemingly from everywhere. Indeed it was well understood, that the world was a place full of dangers. Still with larger levies of men and food issued every year, the citizen both common and high born, began to wonder if this was peace, what was war?
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Book III: Commentaries on the War with the Aedui
An Aftermath to War
Year 18 (turns 69 through 72) 255 BC
In the year that M Atilius Regulus and ? were Consuls, the Gauls announced that the Arecomisci, whom lived west of the following Rhone, were now by their reckoning unfaithful vassals. These Arecomisci were allied to Massalia and had been under Rome’s protection for many years. Soon thereafter, unannounced these barbarians entered into the land of the Arecomisci, cowered the local magistrate, shut himself up in his hilltop capital. In turn the barbarians pillaged along their route of march, then treacherously attacked the Legions commanded by S Aurelius Cotta. The Gauls claimed the reason for this incident, was because these troops occupied the fort at the Rhone crossing, which was in the territory of the Arecomisci. Yet this army had been placed there when L Cornelius Scipio built the fort, as had many other Romans come to live in the nearby town and thereabout, more than ten years before.
These particular Gauls were also at war with the Arverni the friends and allies of Rome. They were known as the Aedui, the most powerful amoung these barbarians at this time. The Aedui as was true of all Gauls, which were also called Celts, were tall and physically terrifying in appearance, with deep and very harsh voices. They used few words in conversation, and spoke in riddles. For the most part they indirectly hinted at things and left much to be gleamed. They frequently exaggerated with the aim to promote themselves while tried to diminish the status of others. They boast, faint threats, and were given to bombastic dramatization, yet they were quick witted and had a natural ability to learn. They also had lyrical poets that sung stories of deeds preformed by men and gods, either as a eulogy or as satire, to the accompaniment of musical instruments that resembled the lyre.
For honour’s sake a virtuous man may stand his ground and perform heroic deeds. But there is no word for those that carry this quality to extremes, being entirely without fear, even in the face of the most horrendous dangers, as they say of the Gauls. For the adult this temperament grew from the practice designed to accustom children to extremes at an early age. Thus it was seen as beneficial not only for military service but also for reasons of health, that these Gauls dip their babies into cold rivers, or give their children little clothing to wear in winter. And so it was that snow remained on the ground when an Aedui army; men armed with shield, spear, or sword and clad only in trousers and cloaks, advanced upon the Romans stationed in the fort at the Rhone crossing. These hardy barbarians were led by a king named Malac. Seeing that the Aedui army, was far inferior in number to his forces Cotta rushed to meet the Gauls. Yet scouts warned Malac and he was able to withdrawn most of his men intact. However, of the 3,000 armed men used to bar Cotta’s way, all were either killed or captured.
Cotta pursued Malac’s army into territory controlled by the Aedui. Here Malac, a bold and skilled war leader, thought that he could rest, feed, and reinforce his troops. Yet scouts soon discovered the advancing Roman army and the Gauls were forced to withdraw once more. Again, Cotta killed or captured all of the 2,000 spearmen Malac used to cover his retreat. After inflecting two defeats upon the Gauls, in which several weeks were spent on the march, and not being entirely prepared for a long campaign, Cotta decided to return to the Rhone crossing, were a small garrison held the fort. Not long after Cotta had returned, as he gathered supplies and raised the local levy, a second larger Aedui army suddenly appeared, led by Tancogeistta, the son of Estes. This force attempted to beset the Rhone crossing fort, however Cotta sallied forth and challenged the Guals to combat. Seemingly unprepared Tancogeistta retreated a short distance, but then turned to draw up for battle.
As the Romans chased the Gauls north they become disorganized with a large number of lightly armed auxiliaries in the vanguard. Seeing this Tancogeistta order his battle hardened troops forward to quickly crush these unsuspecting and poorly perpared men. He personally charged his 1,200 horse, directly into the chaotic fray. However the auxiliaries retreated in good order, back into the advancing Roman infantry, which had hastened to their defense. These men were commanded by a relative of Cotta, who in turn personally led a detachment of 4,800 auxiliaries and 470 cavalry, that approached the battle by a path that ran northwest. Tancogeistta blocked these troops with 8,000 heavily armed infantry, and redoubled his efforts to smash the enemy infantry that swarmed around him in ever greater numbers. Throughout this struggle he became increasingly more separated from his spearmen and surrounded. This fight persisted from the late morning until late afternoon, where one by one the young sons of Gaul’s nobility who accompanied Tancogeistta into battle fell, until only he and twelve others persisted. At this time, the sight of so much death and loss, caused him to despair and panic so that he and his remaining comrades fled the battlefield. Seeing their leader in full flight the entire Aedui army turned and routed.
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