Achieving the Pax Romana

[Chirurgeon]

Achieving the Pax Romana
Pacification of the Ancient World - a history of the Roman Empire.

Introduction:
Much legend surrounds the founding of Rome. What is known is the eventual destiny of this city. The early history of Central Italy is a tumultuous one. Countless wars, broken alliances, and faltering agreements resulted in several centuries of nearly continual warfare. Whether the Etruscans, Samnites, or Gallic tribes the battle for Central Italy took a long time to sort out. In the end Rome stood over her enemies and became the undisputed ruler of Central Italy. At the time of the start of this historical portrayl Rome controlled five major cities with their respective ports. Capua, Rome, and Arretium were the most advanced of the five. Arriminum and Arpi in the south had been recent additions and were not quite advanced enough to be granted citizenship. Under times of crisis the three forementioned advanced cities could raise troops to defend Rome and her interests. One of the things that allowed Rome to be an acceptable yoke over a defeated foe was that the Roman yoke, in many cases, did not abolish local traditions. Many cities became allies of Rome with the agreement that they would send troops to defend the "homeland". Roman arguments apparently worked well for if allied cities did not send troops all the members of that alliance would suffer defeat. Rome and her city subjects maintained a symbiotic relationship that would endure for a very long time.
This is not always the case however. Many times throughout her history Rome took extreme measures to guarantee her security. If a culture was unwilling to accept Roman rule they were conquered. Rome in her history has been paranoid of being invaded and sacked like so many cities of the ancient world. In fact in 390 BC the Gauls stormed south out of the alps, having been displaced by migratory Germanic tribes, and settled in northern Italy. Eventually the Gallic presence in northern Italy would lead the Gauls to a conflict with old enemies of Rome the Etruscans. Although Rome delighted in the Etruscan defeat, they feared the eventuality that Gallic armies would soon be at the gates of Rome. In fact the city was sacked and only survived when the Gallic chieftain Brennus agreed to depart the city for 1000 lbs of gold. It is a plausible argument that the Roman empire would have never existed had the Gauls refused and simply destroyed what was remaining of Rome. How the world would look without Rome is an interesting topic alone but one that will not be discussed here.
Roman persistence and paranoia helped forge an empire. Her greatest challenges yet lie ahead. Enemies surround the fledgling republic. In 272 BC Rome is rather secure in Central Italy, but to the south the Greeks from fledgling have had colonies for many years. Epirus wants the Roman Peninsula and is determined to conquer it for themselves. Off the coast of the toe of Italy lies the rich fertile land of Sicily. Occupied partially by the Carthiginians and by Greek sympathizers it could be an explosive area. North of Rome, in the northern reaches at the foot of the Alps the Gauls have settled in rather comfortably. Although the Gallic tribes are quiet it is inevitable that they will be on the move again and a likely direction is south.
The history of the empire has been obtained from many sources but the vast majority of this text is obtained from eyewitnesses to history. Military commanders, individual soldiers, politicians, and emperors helped forge this document. It is the bits and pieces of their contribution that has given us a complete view of the history of the Roman Empire

[Chirurgeon]

Chapter I - Romanization of Southern Italy.
Beginning in 270 BC Rome appointed a consul to deal with the Epeiorite entrenchment in Southern Italy. Cnaevs Cornelius Blasio assembled an army and set out for the Capital of Kalabria, Taras. After a nearly two year siege the garrison inside the city charged out and desperately tried to dislodge the besiegers. The result was a slaughter of the Greek garrison and the gates of the city were thrown open and Roman rule welcomed. The battle itself was initially played out by the missle troops of both sides and eventually the Greeks decided to engage the lines of the Romans only to be thrown back. The garrison commander tried a flanking charge into the Roman lines only to be killed by a countercharging Roman Cavalryled by the military tribune and nephew of Consul Blasio. The victorious Equites turned their attention to the skirmishers in front of the Roman lines and subsequently destroyed them. The cavalry managed to get inside the city cutting down all the fleeing Greeks. It was quickly over as the last remnants of resistance melted away. Consul Blasio led the army back to Capua to refit and rest and then put down a small rebellious group of Samnites before returning to Southern Italy. After wintering in Rome the Legion loaded themselves onto waiting vessels and sailed to Rhegium in Bruttia. Rhegium was besieged for slightly more than a year where upon they surrended without a drop of blood being spilt. By 265 BC Central and Southern Italy were united under Roman Rule.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Pax%20romana/ChapterI-III.jpg
^Consular Army
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Pax%20romana/ChapterI-II.jpg
^Consul Blasio
Video of Battle of Taras (http://s67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Pax%20romana/?action=view&current=ChapterIMovie.flv)
***
In central Italy progress was being made on a road system designed to open up new trade routes with southern Italy. Regional governments were established in the two new provinces acquired. Diplomats from Rome finally worked out a peace treaty with the Gallic tribes in North Italy and managed to establish trade. As of now the tribes are not united and do not represent a threat to the republic. Trade into north Italy will allow the Senate to further monitor the situation. A side effect of the acquisitions in the south was the introduction of thousands of slaves. Sanitary improvements throughout Italy has led to a population boom and with that an ever increasing demand for Grain and other food stuffs. The Italian peninsula is not ideal for vast tracts of farming. However adjacent to the Italian Peninsula is the fertile Island of Sicily. The black volcanic soil supports a seemingly endless tide of grains. The city of Messana has been contested by Greece and Carthage. Estimates that the population of the peninsula had doubled since 280 BC would certainly put pressure on the Senate to find a reliable source of grain. Egypt supplies grain as well as Carthage but both of those exact a high price to the republic. Mainly because Rome is powerless to stop it. A great debate roared in the senate for several days before an army under Consul Blasio was to pressure the city of Messana to join the Republic. In exchange for Rome's protection against the independent city, Messana would ship Grain to Rome for nearly half the price that Carthage and Egypt charged. Egypt was not overly concerned and was confident that they would find other markets. However Carthage was greatly offended and felt betrayed. In a desperate move Carthage ceased grain shipments to the Republic. Although Messana supplied some grain, Carthage still supplied almost a quarter of all the grain consumed in the Peninsula. The vast majoritiy of it was grown right in Sicily. After failed attempts to renegotiate, an army from Rome was sent to Sicily to secure as much grain as possible to supply the quickly growing Republic.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Pax%20romana/ChapterI-I.jpg
^Territory as of 265 BC

[Chirurgeon]

Oh the difficulty level is hard/hard just so you know :)

[Chirurgeon]

Chapter II - Annexation of Sicily
During the summer of 265 The senate appointed a new consul to lead the consular army.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Pax%20romana/ChapterII-IV.jpg
Upon arriving on the shores of Sicily the small garrison of Messana gave paltry resistance. Carthiginian mercenaries had been told to guard the town but the mercenaries surrendered without a drop of blood being spilt. The residents of Messana gladly welcomed Roman rule. Consul Caivs Cotta left a small garrison and marched across the heart of Sicily. In his journal he remarked on the landscape:
"The land was bright green with vegetation that was similiar to but different than that of Italy. Underneath the brilliant green in stark contrast
the earth was black as ebony. The citizens of Rome will be anxious to have their plows slice into this life giving soil. It is a beautiful land with
angry volcanoes that give life to the soil but take life for those brave enough to live in its shadow."
After a quick march across the heart of Sicily Consul Cotta besieged the most western town of the island, Lilybaeum. After a short time of only a few months the Carthiginians attempted to relieve their city but were ultimately defeated. Severely outnumbered the Carthiginians were slaughtered and the citizins of Lilybaeum sold into slavery.
Video clip of battle of Lilybaeum (http://s67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Pax%20romana/?action=view&current=ChapterIIMovie.flv)

Consul Cotta then recrossed the Island and set his sights on Syracuse and the king of the great city, Hiero.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Pax%20romana/ChapterII-I.jpg
The seige was difficult but after two years the independent city of Syracuse surrendered and its inhabitants joining the fates of the other slaves sent back to Rome. It is estimated that in its annexation of Sicily the republic lost less than 200 men. A small price to pay for a very nice piece of real estate.
***
The ramifications of capturing Sicily transcends military success. Within five years the republic was harvesting so much grain, due mainly to a glut of slaves, that it was being sold off to trading partners. During the Sicilian campaign, diplomats managed to secure trade agreements with Epirus, Egypt, Selucia, Macedonia, and many Greek city states. The resulting trade turned the Italian peninsula into a major trade center. Ships clogged the existing ports forcing their upgrade. Due to increased trade and free labor (slaves), production throughout the republic skyrocketed.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Pax%20romana/ChapterII-V.jpg
Suddenly Rome had been thrust into major commercial interests. The senate struggled to keep pace with the constantly evolving situation and corruption was widespread. Pirates appeared nearly simultaenously as the trade fleets causing their own mayhem. In 256 BC the consular army returned to Rome for some needed rest. The Scipios had come to power in Rome and were destined for greatness. The Governor of Rome sent his 16 year old son to be a tribune in the consular army that would continue to expand Roman influence.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Pax%20romana/ChapterII-III.jpg
Carthage had other resources that the Senate had its eyes on. To the west were two islands that could potentially further boost the economic boom the republic was bathing in.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Pax%20romana/ChapterII-VI.jpg
^Territory as of 256 BC

[Wolfman]

Nice AAR Chirurgeon. Keep it up it got me captivated.

[Chirurgeon]

Thanks for the comment wolfman. I was wondering when someone was going to comment. I noticed I had alot of views for the thread but no comments. Do you think the video clips add to the AAR?

[Griever14206]

Great AAR so far. I like the battle clips, very original. Might want to include some in game battle pics anyways, perhaps for the people who have slower internet connections and cannot stream videos in a reasonable time.

[Wolfman]

as Griever14206 stated the videos definitly add to the depth of the story and you being an excellent writer tops the cake.
P.S. Sorry typo.

[Chirurgeon]

as Griever14206 stated the videos definitly add to the depth of the story and you being an excellent rider tops the cake.
Hmm i assume you mean writer because im not good at riding much except a bicycle...certainly not a horse lol. Thanks for the comments. Another update tonight :)

[Chirurgeon]

Chapter III - Corsica and Sardinia
In 254 BC Rome set forth to defeat the garrisons left in Corsica and Sardinia. The two islands were within easy striking distance of the Italian Peninsula which meant that the homeland was quite vulnerable. Not to mention the important ports that the islands contain. The Senate sent Consul Cotta and the Governor of Rome's son, Publius Scipio to the island of Sicily with their strict orders to capture the islands before Carthage could retaliate. Corsica's small garrison was clearly no threat to the great legion but Consul Cotta played it safe and waited them out. After a year the garrison surrendered and the army set off to capture Sardinia. It was in Sardinia while beseiging Kalia that the worst possible thing could have happened. A full legion of Carthiginians' finest landed on the shores and engaged the consular army. In addition the garrison of the city left the walls and joined the battle.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Pax%20romana/ChapterIII-I.jpg
Consul Cotta placed his least experienced men in the main line and when the Carthginian line met the Roman line the Carthginians had placed better quality troops at the front. In addition the Carthiginian skirmishers laid down a devestating bombardment of javelins and stones. Using the Princepes to surround the flanks of the enemy left the roman front with little reinforcement. The Roman center broke and one by one from the right to the left a massive rout ensued.
Kalalic Disaster - Sardinia (http://s67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Pax%20romana/?action=view&current=ChapterIIIMovie.flv)
The Roman fleet meanwhile had returned to Capua after taking a lashing by maurading pirates and suffered a horrible defeat. With the fleet gone the army had no where to run and over the weeks the fleet was gone all but a handful of Romans were hunted down and killed. All the officers, Centurians, Prefects and the Consul himself was killed. One of the significant deaths was that of Publius Scipio the son of Lucius Cornelius Scipio the governor of Rome. It angered the Governor so much he demanded his own personal army to punish the Carthiginians. A new army was formed over the course of two years but this time it was under a command of a new Consul. Lucius Scipio was named the Consul of the new legion and sent to exact revenge on the Carthiginians for the death of his son. In fact the city of Karalis fell easily and the populace was put to the sword. The Romans now had Sardinia added to the republic. The army that destroyed his son, led by General called Carthalo had dissapeared apparently back to Africa. By 247 BC Corsica and Sardinia were firmly in the Republic's hands.
***
The Kalalic Debacle as it is now referenced taught the young Roman military some powerful lessons. Proper use of the experienced troops and never leave your center exposed were the major ones. The Roman army formation during battle was presented in three lines. Hastati were the first line of troops. Having some experience but not much they offered a decent defense of the Roman lines.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Pax%20romana/ChapterIII-VI.jpg
Behind the Hastati were more experienced troops called Princepe. These men were designed to engaged an enemy battle line if the Hastati could not break through. They are tough and very disciplined.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Pax%20romana/ChapterIII-V.jpg
The Creme de la Creme so to speak were the Triarii. These spear wielding, heavily armed, and determined men were the oldest but also the most experienced. If they were forced to engage the enemy the outcome of the battle is at stake. "Fighting to the Triarii" is another way of betting all your money.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Pax%20romana/ChapterIII-IV.jpg
Behind the Triarii are reserver skirmishers. They can be used to move up and reinforce weak spots where the Hastati are fighting. They are a source of fresh men and used to bolster the front line.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Pax%20romana/ChapterIII-VII.jpg
The army also employs some long range missle unit as well to harass the enemy before they get to the main lines.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Pax%20romana/ChapterIII-IX.jpg
The Cavalry are made up of wealthy citizens and are used to hit enemy units in the rear and chase fleeing units. Often they are employed to scatter enemy skirmishers and have been known to directly engage opposing cavalry. Eliminating an enemies cavalry enables your own cavalry and other units to operate more freely. Rome traditionally does not rely on cavalry like other civilizations of the ancient world but they are a flexible and effective unit when employed properly.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Pax%20romana/ChapterIII-III.jpg
On the Flanks of the Princepes are usually two Alae(ally) units of heavy spearmen or other heavy infantry. They are designed to protect the Princepes flank.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Pax%20romana/ChapterIII-VIII.jpg
Consul Cotta attempted to employ reserve skirmishers in with the hastati in an attempt to extend his lines. The effect was that of dillution. Although the line was longer they were more inexperienced as a whole. Future consuls woud abandon this approach mainly because of the loss of the 10,000 Roman souls at Kalalia.
***
The Republic continues its impressive development. Infrastructure continues to improve with paved roads, schools, sewers. Better security including guardposts over much of the length of the new road system in Italy has decreased the presence of bandits and rebels. Peace and prosperity continue to expand out from Rome. The only border that Rome has with anything considered hostile are the numerous Gallic Tribes in Northern Italy. Having settled on the prosperous area on either side of the Po river the Barbarians are still a potential threat. Rome has always viewed the Alps far to the north as a natural border of its territory. Using the Alps as a barrier to the Barbarian hordes on the other side would let many Romans sleep better at night. For the Residents of cities like Ariminum and Arretium this was especially true. Gallic villages had sprung up less than a days ride from their gates.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Pax%20romana/ChapterIII-II.jpg
^Republic in 246 BC

[Owen the Mighty]

Ah....there's nothing like a good-ole Roman AAR.....they're just too good to not play them.

Liking your AAR so far,Chirurgeon!

[Chirurgeon]

Thanks Owen and thanks to everyone else watching. Its alot of work doing these updates but its been fun because you guys appreciate it.

[Marcus Cornelius]

Great AAR Chirurgeon! I love the battle movies too! It was really tense watching your right wing crumble like that. :sweatdrop: Hopefully you'll catch that Carthaginian army and put them all to the sword.

[Reno Melitensis]

Nice one. To add more flavour to the first Punic War, invade north Africa with a consular army and lay waist the city of Adrumentum. The hated enemy will try to stop you at all cost, and they will forget Sicily for a while. I found this advanture in NA as a means of raising much needed cash. May Mars be with you.

Cheers.

[Chirurgeon]

Reno: Thanks for following the story and I do agree with you about Carthage except that currently I am at peace with Carthage. Other events have happened and Carthage is no longer bothering me. I am letting the game influence my decisions more than actual history. So I have a very interesting situation currently. At the moment i dont really need to invade Carthage. I have another war im embroiled in for the time being.

Marcus: Thanks for the comments :) It has been an interesting story thus far. My write ups here in the forum are about 30 years off of my actual game time. I keep notes during game play, do video and screen captures, and then compose the story. Then I have to upload it all after editing my screen shots and videos. Its quite a process but alot of fun also. So I do appreciate your suggestions but unfortunately by the time you guys read this much has happened :) Just like actual history i suppose. I should have another update later today :)

Oh on another note I suppose you guys have played Rome faction. I am not sure why but the quality of my Generals is terrible. I have yet to get a general with even one star. Even with my consuls winning battle after battle they dont ever gain stars. Is this a balancing thing to not make Rome so good or do I just have terrible generals? Any input is appreciated. Thanks :)

[Vred var VingTor]

A good AAR. Keep them coming. At first, I must admit, I found the videos a bit dull... um, until I turned on my speakers that was :embarassed:
Yes, pictures would also be good.

[Jesus_saves]

Oh on another note I suppose you guys have played Rome faction. I am not sure why but the quality of my Generals is terrible. I have yet to get a general with even one star. Even with my consuls winning battle after battle they dont ever gain stars. Is this a balancing thing to not make Rome so good or do I just have terrible generals? Any input is appreciated. Thanks :)

Are you auto resolving? Supposedly your generals gain experience faster in auto resolved battles.

Also try battling with reinforcements on your side I think that gets the 'Strategist' trait faster.

Great AAR by the way

[Chirurgeon]

Are you auto resolving? Supposedly your generals gain experience faster in auto resolved battles.

Also try battling with reinforcements on your side I think that gets the 'Strategist' trait faster.

Great AAR by the way
Good advice I will certainly try that. I dont like autoresolve because sometimes in close battles I lose even though i know I could have won.

[Owen the Mighty]

Ya, sometimes the autoresolve is completely off. I never use it, as I love commanding my armies (especially vetern units)

[Chirurgeon]

Chapter IV - Pacification of the north and Polybian Reforms
In 246 BC A new consul was appointed to lead the Senates army north to pacify the Po River Valley.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/ChapterIV-I.jpg
The campaign lasted For over 10 years and would be rife with victories and sacrifice. In 246 BC The new Consul led the army to attack the independent Gallic city of Segesta. Italian citizens and Gallic citizens alike mingled but overall it was more Gallic at this point. Segesta, the capital of Liguria, had ample resources and most importantly a good port. After nearly two years the City fell but not without a spirited fight by the Gauls.
Battle of Segesta, Liguria (http://s67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/?action=view&current=ChapterIVMovie.flv)
Consul Novelius would then move north to Aemelia and its capital of Bonnonia. Another long seige and bloody fight would ensue at the gates as the Gauls fought for every inch the Romans captured. Finally the last independent Gallic tribe operating in Venitetia would be thrown out for good. The last city and region south of the Alps that was still in Gallic control would be hotly contested by the Aedui tribe of the Gallic confederation. a lengthy seige endured and ultimately the city surrended but again the Gauls fought to the last. During the Seige of Mediolanum the Arvani tribe went on the offensive pressuring the Aedui in other areas. Obviously the Arvanii saw that the Aedui were weakened and struck hard. Roman diplomats engineered a beautiful peace deal that would ally Rome with the Aedui and encourage the Aedui to continue to fight with the Arvanii. After the deal was brokered one of the diplomats proclaimed: "It is to our every advantage that the Gauls fight amongst themselves because when it is over there will be much less blood for us to spill". Turning the tribes against each other was considered by many to be a stroke of genius...almost. After resupplying in Arretium a desperate call for help from the Hellenistic colony of Massala was heeded. Much to their dismay the Arvanii were attacking the city. Consul Novelius proceeded in earnest to "protect" the city from the Gauls. The Roman senate wanted Massala as an allied city because of its vast resources. If Roman forces managed to capture the city there would be no option of independence. In the mind of the Senate the very call for help forever forsaked their freedom. A small price to pay for security it would seem. When Consul Novelius arrived their was a massive Gallic host surrounding the walls of the city. Upon seeing the Roman Legion the Gauls broke off the seige and turned to engage the Romans. A brutal fight would ensue. Led by the King Luco of the Arvanii the Roman legion was outnumbered 4-3. Essentially the fighting lasted all day with equal casualties on both sides. The Romans began to realize that the Gauls were not as primitive as earlier thought. The fierce fighting style and larger stature of the men began to wear down the Roman lines. Towards mid day more Gallic reinforcements appeared on the battlefield and although the Romans held their own thier numbers were dwindling. Half of the men had been either killed or severely wounded. Before the reinforcements could deploy Consul Novelius withdrew and marched back to Segesta with the Arvanii fast on his heels.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/ChapterIV-VII.jpg
The Roman reinforcements engaged the chasing Arvanii sending them back to Masalla. The senate upon hearing this stripped Novelinius of his Consulship.
***
During the long campaign in the north of Italy, the military of the Romans was evolving. This evolution occuring around 240 BC. Called the Polybian reforms it reorganized the military in drastic ways. First the equipment was improved. Better armor and different weapons would prove very effective. The battles with Carthage and Gauls forced the Romans to adapt their tactics. Reserve skimishers and regular skirmishers would be redone to be integrated into one effective type of skimisher the Velite. These light troops would be used to attack the enemy lines before they met the Roman lines. The Velites were poor and could afford little equipment. After releasing all their javelins they would retreat to the rear of the legion and then be potentially used to flank the enemy or support the cavalry in its fighting.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/ChapterIV-XIII.jpg
The Hastati recieved some improvements as well. The weapon would move to the sword that would allow thrusting and slashing attacks. The Gladius became standard equipment for the legion.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/ChapterIV-XI.jpg
The Princepe would also recieve a Gladius and their armor improved as well.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/ChapterIV-X.jpg
The Triarii remained essentially the same and their role defined as the troops of last resort.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/ChapterIV-XV.jpg
Promotion within the legion was certainly possible. Vellites that had proven their worth and could afford an upgrade in equipment were placed within the ranks of the Hastati. As older members of the Triarii retired it freed up spots and enabled soldiers from the Princepe to assume the responsibility of the Triarii. After battles were fought many of the velites were promoted to replace lost men in the other ranks. Survivinig Hastati were often moved to the Princepe line and so on. In general the following pattern evolved: Battle = Vellites ---> Hastati ---> Principe ---> Triarii ---> Retirement. Unless casualties were severe, usually recruits mainly had to replace the missing velites. The group of Vellites in a legion represented a competition that could mean a promotion. In the military a promotion also meant that you had a better chance of surviving. Instead of a hodgepodge of local allied troops the Consul would hand pick two units that would guard the flanks of the Legion. They were drawn from the finest local troops available. Samnites had proven their worth many times and it is with no coincidence that they were often picked for this role. The Cavalry also improved slightly also and pulled on local horsemen to protect the legion
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/ChapterIV-XII.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/ChapterIV-XIV.jpg
This new army was given a new Consul (and sent to deal with the Arvanii threat.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/ChapterIV-XVI.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/ChapterIV-VIII.jpg
Apparantly the Arvanii did not want to become embroiled in a huge war with Rome so they instead negotiated a deal with Rome to leave Masalla in exchange for peace. This would give them more manpower to focus on the Aeudi tribes. Something that Rome did not seem to mind one bit. Having acquired 5 provinces in slightly more than 10 years meant that Rome had alot of work to do in Governing and "Romanizing" the various areas. Farmers and other citizens were sent north to colonize the territories. Over time the region would become mostly Roman and serve important functions later.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/ChapterIV-IX.jpg
^Extent of Roman Control as of 234 BC
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/ChapterIV-XVII.jpg
^The Big picture

[Jesus_saves]

Wow you make me feel like I expand to fast...

[Wolfman]

Awesome! Is all I can say. Keep it up. I'm going to take a leaf from your book when it comes to playing with the Romani.

[Owen the Mighty]

Yay, Polybian Romans!

That last battle was quite epic...

[Chirurgeon]

Chapter five will be up in the next couple of days i hope. Thanks for the comments as always :)

[Chirurgeon]

Chapter Five - Consolidation and Entrance Into the East
By 234 BC Northern Italy had been consolidated and peace had been achieved. A second Legion had been raised in order to defend Northern Italy from a variety of incursions. New neighbors had arrived on Rome's doorstep. Three "barbarian" Civilizations had expanded to the point of having contact with Rome. To the West lay the Arvernii, the northwest lay the Aeduii and due north across the alps lay the lands of the Sweboz or "Germanians". The Arverni still wanted Massalia but did not have the nerve to challenge the significant presence. Along the Rhone river the Romans had established a legionary fort and anyone crossing the Rhone would have to deal directly with it. At this point in time Segesta was providing all the troops for the Legion in the west. Having been granted citizenship the city could now produce the best possible troops the republic demanded. The rest of Northern italy was advancing dramatically with improvements like paved roads and sewers. Illyrian pirate vessels began attacking roman shipping interests in the Adriatic causing Rome to intervene. The legion under Consul Oclatinius Blandus marched down the Dalmation coast capturing Segestica and Dalmation. The soveren nation of Epirus has noticed this and is not happy. Bitter from the forced exit of Italia some 50 years previous, it could provide an opportunity for revenge. For Rome it would be the beginning of Eastern involvement.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h301/troyboy1208/Pax%20romana/untitled.jpg
^Extent of the Roman Republic as of 226 BC

[Chirurgeon]

Well I managed to do something incredibly stupid. In trying to free up some room on my hard drive i deleted Rome total war thinking it was MTW2. I think im gonna cry. :wall: Everything i did was completely wasted. Well I am going to have to start over although i must admit i will do things a bit differently. The battle difficulty on hard is just ridiculous. And after reading more about it on the forums it would probably be not as frustrating if it were on medium. The AI has an incredible advantage on hard or very hard.

[Wolfman]

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!! (runs in the corner and sobs.) We romans never flinch in the face of defeat. I pray you start another romani campaign I really liked this one.

[Denbo]

I just want to say what an excellent AAR this is, although I enjoy some AARs that write like a story its very refreshing to see how other people have built their empires by creating an entire AAR that reads like a book using facts on how they have played their campaign. This is excellent and I am using it to replay the Romans in the same process as I like how you have stacked up your army formations and how you have explained in depth your expansion to date. I really hope you will complete this because I have loved reading it so far. Keep up the good work !!

Denbo

[Chirurgeon]

Ive already restarted. The first update will be shortly.