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Lives: Pvblivs Cornelivs Scipio (A Romani AAR)
Lives: Pvblivs Cornelivs Scipio
A Romani AAR
Introduction
I have been a lurker on these forums for a time, and I have enjoyed the fantastic modification that is Europa Barbarorum as well as the many wonderful AARs created by what I feel is the most knowledgeable and passionate RTW community I have yet seen. I would like to count myself among the many faithful fans of EB and to introduce myself to the community, I would like to give something back by creating an AAR which follows the life of Scipio Africanvs (who I was excited to see come of age in my current Romani campaign). This AAR will follow the footsteps of one of Rome's greatest generals throughout his military and political career using a mix of game events and dramatic role-played situations which I hope will create an enjoyable experience for those who enjoy reading AARs as much as I do.
Chapter I: An Auspicious Birth
Publivs Cornelivs Scipio was born to Lvcivs and Clavdia of the Cornelii in 267 B.C. His birth came in a year of strife in the Republic. The Romans were embroiled in a war with the Epeirote king Pyrrhus, arguably the greatest general to take the field since the days of Megos Alexandros. He had come to Italy in order to aid the Tarentine Greeks against Roman expansion, and then simply decided to conquer Italy himself. Although he won victory after victory, he suffered terrible losses to his army. Pyrrhus had long since returned to Greece by the time Pvblivs was born yet the year of his birth was the same year that his father Lvcivs was elected consul, and sent with his colleague to dislodge the Greeks of Epeirus from southern Italy once and for all.
It was not long after preparations were made that word reached Rome of an Epeirote incursion into Campania. Auspices were taken immediately and the consular army under Lucius Cornelius Scipio headed south toward Neapoli while his co-consul headed north with a respectable detachment, to quell a restless Gallic tribe hovering on the northern border. Scipio reached Neapoli before the Epeirote army and a delegation from the city informed him that the enemy were devastating the countryside one day's march to the south. After a brief rest, Scipio led his army south until his scouts made contact with the enemy and he erected a camp on a low hill with command of the fields below. Thus follows the battle of Neapoli fields as recorded in the Roman archives.
The following day Scipio posted two maniples of Rorrarii and a single maniple of Accensi to guard the camp and lead the rest of his army toward the enemy.
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Taking position on a low hill below his camp, Scipio formed his troops into battle array and watched with delight as the enemy army answered the call to battle. The enemy phalanx formed with hoplites on the wings supported by cavalry, skirmishers, and bowmen, and began to advance uphill toward the Roman lines.
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As the enemy line drew closer, Scipio ordered his Balearic mercenaries, (slingers from the isles off the coast of Iberia) to begin peppering the approaching formation. Meanwhile he waited patiently to unleash the trap he had prepared.
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Using their slight advantage in elevation, the Roman and Samnitici Hastati who formed the front rank began to hurl their javelins and pila down upon the unfortunate heads of the advancing enemy.
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At this moment in the battle, Scipio saw from his superior vantage point, that the enemy cavalry were beginning to wheel round his right in order to flank his infantry. Looking over toward his standard bearer, he raised a single finger. The standard bearer began waving the standard vigorously and the sound of galloping Roman horse erupted from the trees.
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As the enemy cavalry began to close in on the Roman infantry, they were distracted by battle cries from their left, as a thundering charge emerged from the protection of the trees, crashing into them before they could react and destroying them utterly with practically no struggle.
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Turning his attention back to the main battle lines, Scipio's eyes widened in anticipation as the phalanx closed in on his infantry.
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Finishing his task of destroying the enemy cavalry, the cavalry commander wheeled round and almost fell off of his horse with astonishment. Finding himself behind the main enemy battle line, he saw through the dust that the enemy general was completely open to attack. Rousing his cavalry he ordered the attack and the Roman cavalry charged home into the enemy general's bodyguard.
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By now the phalanx had engaged the Roman line, and the young men both Roman and allied fought bravely side by sight, giving no ground to the exhausted enemy. After a short time, the left began to falter as the enemy sent more and more pikemen toward the hard-pressed Roman Hastati on the flank. In answer Scipio ordered one maniple of Principes to assist.
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Meanwhile, the commander of the cavalry, although he had taken heavy losses to the Roman allied cavalry and his own bodyguard, succeeded in killing the enemy general's bodyguard to a man. Somehow the general got free and fled for his life, leaving his army to die.
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The loss of their general left the enemy in disarray and Scipio wasted no time in exploiting this advantage by sending in his 2nd line veteran Roman and allied troops to flank the wavering phalangites and hoplites.
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This was more than enough to began to demoralize the enemy, and the battle was going so well in fact, Scipio continued to hold his Triarii in reserve.
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Instead, he roused his bodyguard and maneuvered them around the Epeirote rear. Raising his sword in the air he rallied his men and in his loudest battle cry he raised the name of "Maaaaarrrssss!" to the heavens driving his horse in a vicious wedge into the rear of an enemy phalanx.
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The rout was total as the enemy formations degenerated into every man for himself. Scipio and his cavalry rode across the field pursuing and killing the fleeing soldiers until their sword arms ached from over-use.
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Wheeling back toward his victorious army Scipio raised his sword into the air once more and shouted to his men, "Roma Victrix, Roma Victrix!"
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The battle ended, Scipio allowed his army three days to rest and plunder the enemy camp. After the three days were up, he marched his army south toward the enemy held city of Taras, and was surprised to encounter no resistance. Fearful of the approaching Roman army, the citizens of Taras offered to turn over to Scipio the enemy general who had fled the field in exchange for their lives, and to spare their fair city from fire, siege works, rapine, and pillage. They also offered to join the Roman republic as a client state should Scipio agree to the other terms. Scipio immediately accepted the enemy general as a prisoner and sent dispatches to the Senate outlining the offered terms. After the messengers returned, Scipio accepted the terms and further demanded 10000 mnai in reparations for the request of Epeirote forces against the republic to be paid before the end of two years time. Additionally the city of Taras would take up no arms for a period of two years becoming completely reliant on Roman arms for their safety and security. These demands accepted, a peace was reached and Scipio celebrated the acquisition of the city of Taras into the Roman republic.
Before returning to Rome, Scipio had one more loose end to tie up. Leading his men toward Rhegion he layed siege to the city for a period of one month before the inhabitants overthrew the rebellious commander and returned the city to the hands of the republic. This done Scipio returned to Rome and celebrated a Triumphus over the Epeirotes and the Rebels of Rhegion which saw the death of the Epeirote general, and the rebel commander. A single year had witnessed the end of Greek occupation in southern Italy and the return of Rhegion placing the whole of Italia south of Aemilia, and Venitia under Roman control. Although there were some who whispered, not least of all Lvcivs Scipio himself, that the successes of the year all began with the very Auspicious birth of one Pvblivs Cornelivs Scipio, and all in sundry wondered at the destiny of this child.
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Re: Lives: Publius Cornelius Scipio (A Romani AAR)
Great AAR. Cant wait for more.
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Re: Lives: Publius Cornelius Scipio (A Romani AAR)
Ditto! Great first Chapter - can't wait to see where you take us from here!
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Re: Lives: Publius Cornelius Scipio (A Romani AAR)
This looks great! And welcome to the forums.
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Re: Lives: Publius Cornelius Scipio (A Romani AAR)
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Re: Lives: Publius Cornelius Scipio (A Romani AAR)
Mars
After the fall of Epeirote power in Southern Italia, there was relative peace in the Rebublic for the first ten years of Pvblivs Scipio's life. Small wars were waged against restless Gallic tribes in the north by various sitting Consuls and the provinces of Venitia, Liguria, and Aemilia were added to the Republic. In 260 B.C. a delegation composed of several representitives of various factions in northern Illyria arrived and asked to be placed under the protection of the Republic as an official ally. Frustrated with their failure in Italia, Epirus had begun to expand north into Illyria threatening their lands. This was debated in the Senate at length but it was decided that the addition of these people into the Republic would serve as a buffer between Hellenic and Roman territory- therefore Pannonia Illyrica was admitted to the Republic in 259 and a small garrison was placed there. In 258 a small rebellion in Venetia was quelled by Gaivs Aemilivs, governor of Patavium. Aside from these minor issues, Rome enjoyed the prosperity of trade with the Poeni Carthaginians, Epeirotes, and Greeks, as well as the Gauls of the Aedui tribe in Mediolanum.
Sadly, the peace was not to last. In 257 B.C. a delegation from the Mamertini (sons of Mars), Italian mercenaries who had occupied the city of Messana in Sicilia, arrived in Rome. Allowed an audience, the tale was told of their war with Hiero II. They went on to say that they had appealed to the Carthaginians for help out of necessity, but they were uncomfortable with the arrangement and wished to appeal to the Romans instead. The delegation was dismissed while the Senate discussed the issue. After a long debate it was decided that while the Senate did not wish to aid this band of dishonest mercenary brigands who had taken a city unjustly and used it as a base to prey on shipping through the straits between Sicilia and Italia, it was unacceptable that Carthaginian power should advance any farther east than it already had, and the occupation of Messana was in violation of previous agreements between the Senate and People of Rome and the Carthaginian government. Therefore a small force was sent to Messana under the Consul Titvs Clavdivs Varro, in order to prevent Sicilia from falling further into Carthaginian hands. Varro's forces arrived in Sicilia in the summer of 256 B.C. Not long after, a Carthaginian delegation arrived in Rome and was allowed an audience.
Carthage: "We come most esteemed and honorable Romans to ask why a Roman army has landed in Sicilia against the agreement forged previously between Rome and Carthage?"
Rome: "We ask most honorable and esteemed Carthaginians why a Carthaginian fleet was previously engaged in such a manner in the occupation of the harborage in Messana?"
Carthage: "Such was done in response to a request by the Mamertines for aid against Hiero the II of Syracuse in their current war."
Rome: "It is understandable to the Roman people that the Carthaginians had honorable intentions in their aid of the Mamertini yet by these actions the Carthaginians not the Romans have broken the agreement made previously, and therefore such an agreement is now void. Due to this fact the Roman people have not broken any agreements made thus with our loyal and just allies the Carthaginians."
Carthage: "Nevertheless we have been asked to present the Senate and People of Rome with a request to remove troops from Sicilia and leave the Mamertine conflict to already engaged parties in the interest of peace and continued alliance with Carthage."
Rome: "Rome does nothing lightly. The troops sent were sent for a purpose and until such purpose has been realized, the army will remain."
Carthage: "Carthage would ask that the noble Senate reconsider their decision."
Rome: "The Senate has made it's decision and would ask that the honorable delegates return such answer to the Carthaginian Senate with all haste and with tokens of friendship and peace."
Carthage: "If that is the answer of the Roman people, the Carthaginian Senate has asked that we cancel such free trade and alliance as is now enjoyed and make thus a formal declaration of war between our two nations."
Rome: "The Senate and People of Rome accept such declaration as is now made and remind the Carthaginian state that we do not seek war yet will not lay down our swords out of fear of another, nor abandon such appeals for aid as have been extended by the Mamertini."
Carthage: "With your leave we shall return such answer as has been given to our noble Senate and leave you honorable fathers with wishes of good health."
Rome: "You have our leave and may Triton bless your homeward journey with fair weather."
After the delegation had departed the Senate began immediate preparations for the coming war. Fresh legions were conscripted and a request for troops was sent to the Italian allies. Greek shipwrights were commisioned and the construction of a fleet was begun.
Soon after in Sicilia events began taking place. Hiero II had allied himself with the Carthaginians making Syracuse an enemy of the Republic and a Carthaginian force under Hamalcar of Lilibeo was sent to engage the forces of Varro in Sicilia. Varro was headstrong and despite having an inferior force, he chose his ground in the path of the approaching enemy and formed his troops into battle array on more or less level ground.
Quickly directing his troops into formation, Varro observed the approaching enemy. He was unnerved to see elephants in the enemy formation but made sure to appear unmoved before his men.
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The Balearic mercenaries are the first to engage the approaching troops.
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The Carthaginians quickly gain the upper hand as Hamalcar orders an all-out attack. The Carthaginian cavalry charge into the leves before they can flee and the left is engaged by an almost overwhelming force of Poeni militia.
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On the right, elephants drive into the Roman lines followed by Iberian light infantry and Poeni citizen militia. This is too much for the the Romans to handle and both the Hastati and Principes turn and flee in terror from the monstrous beasts. The combined force of elephants and infantry ignore the chance to turn and flank the remaining Roman force and instead give chase after the fleeing infantry, driving them from the field like sheep.
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In the center, a charge is led by Hamalcar driving a wedge right through the first rank and into the second engaging the veteran allied infantry, while the single maniple of infantry remaining on the right are hard-pressed by a unit of militia spearmen.
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Varro understands the importance of this battle. He knows that if the Romans lose here, the Mamertini will ally themselves with Carthage and the whole of Sicily will fall under Carthaginian rule. Additionally, if the first battle of this war is lost, it may very well be an omen for what is to come. He knows that he must act quickly, or he may lose his army here and the very fate of the Republic may hang in the balance. Gathering himself, he quickly orders his Campanian cavalry to counter the Carthaginian cavalry on the left, and orders his remaining infantry to shore up the main battle line. Into the center, he commits his remaining maniple of Principes where they are met by a unit of Iberian infantry, and to the left he commits the last of his reserves, 1 maniple each of Samnitici Hastati and Triarii.
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The addition of the reserves began to turn the tide slowly in favor of the Romans, but Varro knew that he had no more men to commit if things began to go badly for his army. "Stand your ground men! Do not give an inch! Fight as if the walls of Messana were the very gates of Rome herself!" The line held firm, and the Campanian cavalry having successfully driven the Carthaginian cavalry from the field, turned and fell upon the Carthaginian archers.
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Having chased off the Balearic mercenaries, Hamalcar wheeled his cavalry back round to the extreme left and smashed into the Roman leves before they could flank the Carthaginian infantry with a hail of javelins. Seeing this and feeling good about the strength of his line Varro left a military tribune in command of the infantry and raced toward Hamalcar followed closely by his bodyguard. Unaware of the approaching Roman cavalry, Hamalcars bodyguard remained busy butchering the leves as the charge struck their flank.
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Varro's cavalry fought Hamalcar and his bodyguard vigorously for several minutes butchering them to a man around their leader. Finally when he saw no hope of victory, Hamalcar though wounded turned his horse and fled the field like a coward, refusing an honorable death and robbing Varro of his glory.
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Seeing their general running for his life, the Carthaginian line began to waver as men turned by the dozen and ran in an attempt to save their own skin. Soon the Carthaginian force collapsed into a general rout as the Campanians struggled to run them down.
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Raising his sword to Mars, Varro thanked the gods for their help in this battle knowing how very close he came to defeat.
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Following the battle, Varro retired to Messana where he sent word to Rome of his victory. Soon after he returned to the city to formally lay down his command, his Consulship now at an end. He was denied a Triumphus due to the fact that Hamalcar was allowed to escape, yet he was congratulated and received with the utmost respect gaining much honor for his family name. Lvcivs Cornelivs Scipio, and Cnaevs Cornelivs Blasio were elected consuls for the following year and it would fall upon their shoulders to wage the first Punic war. Scipio was given command of the majority of the army and assigned Sicily as his theatre of opperations and Blasio was given a smaller force and it would be his task to subdue the islands of Korsim and Sardim. The war had begun well, but was far from over, and Lvcivs knew as he kissed Pvblivs on the head before his departure for Sicily, that it may very well fall upon his son to lead the armies of Rome against the Carthaginians one day.
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Re: Lives: Publius Cornelius Scipio (A Romani AAR)
Thank you all for the compliments. :)
I hope everyone enjoys chapter 2, and please notice that I have added a cartography section to the end of chapter 1. There will be a cartography section every couple of chapters which will show the expansion of the republic from its beginnings to the end of Pvblivs Scipio's life. The next map will be presented at the end of chapter 3 which is already being created and should be released soon. I have also removed the banners so battles should look more "authentic" from this point on.
Enjoy!
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Re: Lives: Publius Cornelius Scipio (A Romani AAR)
Very good AAR, keep it up!!!
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Re: Lives: Publius Cornelius Scipio (A Romani AAR)
What a great AAR. A unique format - I love the textured battle scenes and the quotations from Scipio. Looking forward to the next installment!
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Re: Lives: Publius Cornelius Scipio (A Romani AAR)
Super AAR please continue. I love the classic feel of the politics and the diplomacy, it really feels like a roman tale. I also love that you use the eleutheroi as small political factions, makes the early conquests so much more enjoying. Can't wait for the war to come. The battle descriptions are great too... hell what am I talking about, It's great overall:2thumbsup: :2thumbsup: :2thumbsup:
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Re: Lives: Publius Cornelius Scipio (A Romani AAR)
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Originally Posted by Maion Maroneios
Very good AAR, keep it up!!!
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Originally Posted by Disciple of Tacitus
What a great AAR. A unique format - I love the textured battle scenes and the quotations from Scipio. Looking forward to the next installment!
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Originally Posted by Reality=Chaos
Super AAR please continue. I love the classic feel of the politics and the diplomacy, it really feels like a roman tale. I also love that you use the eleutheroi as small political factions, makes the early conquests so much more enjoying. Can't wait for the war to come. The battle descriptions are great too... hell what am I talking about, It's great overall:2thumbsup: :2thumbsup: :2thumbsup:
Thanks very much for the high praise everyone; it really helps me stay excited and motivated about the AAR. I'm glad you're all enjoying it. Chapter 3 is forthcoming. :beam:
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Re: Lives: Publius Cornelius Scipio (A Romani AAR)
Quote:
Originally Posted by Africanvs
Thanks very much for the high praise everyone; it really helps me stay excited and motivated about the AAR. I'm glad you're all enjoying it. Chapter 3 is forthcoming. :beam:
Can't wait...:whip: :laugh4: :laugh4:
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Re: Lives: Publius Cornelius Scipio (A Romani AAR)
Remains of the Grave Monument of Hiero II in Syracuse
The year 255 B.C. saw the beginning of the Consulship of Lvcivs Cornelivs Scipio and Cnaevs Cornelivs Blasio. To Scipio had fallen the responsibility of claiming the rest of Sicilia in the name of the Republic, while it would be Blasio's job to conquer the isles of Korsim and Sardin. The Romans knew that before they could fight the Carthaginians on land, they needed to best them at sea. Eventually, the Romans were going to have to get on a boat due to the fact that Carthage commanded many island territories, and Carthage itself was across the deep. The previous year they had begun construction of a fleet, and by now, the first 17 quinquiremes were finished and their crews drilled and ready for service. Gnaeus Cornelivs Scipio, brother of the consul, was tasked with taking the first 17 ships to Messanna in order to secure the route Consul Scipio's army would take when the rest of the fleet was ready. Gnaeus Scipio arrived in Messanna where he received word that the city of Lipara was not garrissoned. Thinking he could easily acquire the island in the name of the Republic, he set sail immediately. The Carthaginian ruse had succeeded, and at the battle of the Lipari isles, 20 ships commanded by Hannibal Gisco, blocked the Roman ships in the harbor and attacked. Scipio's inexperienced crews fled, allowing Gnaeus Scipio to be captured by Hannibal Gisco. The Roman ships were captured, and Gnaeus was ransomed, and returned to Rome where he received the cognomen Asina meaning donkey, (or Ass) in Latin, for his foolish blunder. As an added punishment, he was exiled to Pannonia Illyrica, the most remote province in the Republic.
The previous years of prosperity had afforded the Romans the opportunity to build several roads in Italia which were to prove very important in the coming war. The naval disaster at Lipara forced Consul Scipio to take the army to Sicilia by road. He formed his newly raised legions into a column and marched them down the via Appia as far as Capua. After a short resupply, he continued down the via Popilia as far as Rhegion where he loaded his army onto transports and ferried them across the strait.
Soon, his army arrived in Sicilia where he marched them directly to Messana. While in Messanna, Scipio negotiated a permanent alliance with the Mamertini, bringing them officially into the Republic as a client state.
Knowing there would be hard fighting ahead, Scipio relaxed his army. During this time he had them lightly drilled, but otherwise kept them well fed, and well rested in order to build their strength and morale, and recover from their long march. Scipio was forced to cut his army's rest short after receiving a report of a large army under the command of Hiero II of Syrakousai only two day's march from Messanna. He immediately gave the order to break camp and have his army ready to march. Due to the destruction of the Carthaginian army the previous year by Varro, the Carthaginians, unable to send another army, dispatched Hiero to intercept and destroy Scipio. Finalizing his business in Messanna, and leaving behind a small garrison, Scipio and his army marched toward the approaching menace. After maneuvering for two days, Scipio made camp on favorable ground. He then organized a cavalry force of picked men, and sent them to learn the strength and composition of Hiero's force. It turned out that Hiero outnumbered Scipio 2-1 and the majority of his army was composed of sturdy Syrakousian Hoplites. Somehow, this information reached the ears of the rank and file and murmurs of desertion began, first among the allies, but quickly spreading to the Roman troops. Scipio knew that in order to defeat Hiero, he could ill-afford a single desertion, and he needed his men at top form. Calling an assembly, he addressed his army with the following words:
Scipio: "Romans! Allies! By now you have heard rumor of a vast force marching from Syrakousai under King Hiero. I can see now doubt in some of your eyes, doubt that would take the heart from me were I a lesser man. Who am I but your twice Consul Lvcivs Cornelivs Scipio; vanquisher of armies; scourge of the Epeirote state; bane of oath-breakers and betrayers? Some of you I recognize from previous campaigns in Italia. Like giants you stood upon the field against Pyrrhos, the greatest general since Megos Alexandros, and he was driven from your shores! Surely you do not fear this Hiero? Despot; usurper, King in name only; a mere minion of the mighty Pyrrhos whom, exhausted by Roman arms, was forced to abandon his campaign in Italia. You bested the master, now you will bend your knee to the slave? Not merely a slave, but a King? Your would allow your ancestors to drive the Etruscan kings from your fair city only to bow to this false king from across the sea, a Greek?! (At this, the Roman army boiled over with a collective NO! clearly stung by the consul's words) Will you bow to this King of nothing?! Will you lay down your arms and pass under the yoke for this wretched thrall of Epeirus, or will you follow the standard into battle for Rome?! I have never been defeated by any foe so long as my legions stood with me! Will you abandon your consul here on the eve of battle, or will you fight?! Will you hide in your tents awaiting the valor of better men, or will you march victorious through the gates of Syrakousai?!" (At this point the legionaries and allies alike, having great respect and admiration for Scipio were cheering and shouting their loyalty to the heavens.)
The sun was low in the sky therefore Scipio sent his army to bed early, so they would be the earlier to rise. In the morning, they enjoyed a warm breakfast and assembled outside their camp. Scipio formed his men into battle array in the traditional manipular style with light troops in the front, followed by the Hastati and Bruttian infantry, follow by the Pedites and Principes, with the Triarii behind. On his right ala he sent Marcvs Sertorivs with the Roman cavalry, and on the left ala he placed the Campanian cavalry.
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The Hastati look on as the enemy form their ranks into a defensive line.
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In order to coax Hiero out of his defensive stratagem, Scipio dispatches his Campanians to harass the enemy flank with javelins.
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Having formed his army into battle array, Hiero's voice echos across the field falling on both Syrakousii and Romani ears alike. "Forward!!"
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Without orders, Marcvs Sertorivs sees a chance to destroy the cavalry on Hiero's right. Their initial charge hits home with serious effect but the dust adds confusion to the mêlée.
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A slight crosswind blows the dust from their eyes and their renewed vision allows them to pick their targets well.
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Running off the enemy light troops, the Campanians turn and meet the Greek medium cavalry head on.
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The light troops in the Roman screen begin to falter as arrows are loosed over the trees at extreme range. Even from his vantage point, Scipio cannot see the archers and the impetuosity of Sertorivs has removed his only arm capable of dealing with them swiftly.
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The effect of the arrows is deadly as they rain down upon the unprotected leves.
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Finally after what seems like an hour of slow marching, Hiero's army is at hand. Hiero drives his men forward in a direct charge, with himself at the helm.
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Seeking to break the Rorarii, Hiero charges his horse head long into their lines.
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The Syrakousai follow up the horse with an all out infantry charge, quickly locking up the Roman line. The fighting is thick and brutal.
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On the flank, Marcvs Sertorivs is in trouble, his impetuosity blinding him of the Syrakousaii ruse resulting in a blind-side charge against the flank of his cavalry. Many fall.
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The Roman line, under severe pressure from masses of Hoplitai Syrakousai, bends and then breaks, sending the Hastati and Rorarii into a rout. After the rout, two gaping holes are left in the Roman line.
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Sadly, Sertorivs is killed, his bodyguard dead or routed, and the remaining Equites Romani are enveloped and annihilated.
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Hiero lends his weight against the Hastati Samnitici who struggle to hold the line.
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The veteran Pedites Extraordinarii bolster the gap in the line caused by the earlier rout, but they are not immortal, and one man is skewered on a hoplite's
spear.
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The remaining Hastati struggle to hold their own against the mob of spearmen while the principes, benefiting from their spears, slowly gain ground.
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Exploiting one of the gaps in his formation, Scipio pushes through and lands a charge into Hiero's bodyguard.
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Syrakousai hoplites quickly come to the aid of their commander and envelope Scipio.
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Seeing Scipio's danger, the Pedites Extraordinarii struggle to hack through the enemy in order to reach their general.
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Surrounded by a ring of steel, Scipio is wounded but he rallies his men as he sees them coming to his aid.
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The Pedites quickly form a ring around Scipio and begin to fight off the mob of hoplites, true Allies to a man!
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Wounded with many wounds, Hiero is forced to retire while the battle still hangs in the balance.
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Without their general, is is not long before the rest of his army routs. "Mars Exalto!"
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Hiero's army was completely destroyed. What few survivors there were, were sent under the yoke, deprived of their armor and weapons, and sent on their way with a single garment a piece. The soldiers were allowed three days respite to recover their strength, during which time, the enemy camp was sacked. Scipio quickly made for Syrakousai to follow up his victory. Once at the city he was met by envoys from Syrakousai offering terms. Scipio demanded that Hiero be handed over, and the city be surrendered without conditions. The delegation informed Scipio that King Hiero was made King by popular vote of the citizens of Syrakousai and the people greatly respected him. They apologized he could not be present due to the fact that he was suffering from many wounds. They continued by saying that many Roman and Italian lives would be lost before Syrakousai or Hiero was in Roman hands. Scipio thought long on this but finally decided that the true enemy in this war was Carthage. Hiero would be allowed to continue his rule only if Syrakousai were to join the republic as a client state and steadfast ally. Furthermore, Rome would not place an indemnity upon Syrakousai if they agreed to provide ships, and the Great inventor Archimedes were to go to Rome and come up with a way for the Romans to fight a land battle at sea. The terms were agreed to and the delegation was dismissed.
After resupplying, Scipio marched on the Carthaginian city of Agrigento, which he took by storm. Securing the city and leaving a small garrison he immediately marched on Lilibeo. Arriving at the city, Scipio found there mererly a skeleton garrison, reinforcements from Carthage still forthcoming. Due to this fact, the city was divided. Some wished to defend it, while others wished to betray it to the Romans. Finally, the city was taken by treachery, and those loyal to Carthage were enslaved and sent to the northern provinces. Even still, Scipio remained in the city with a large garrison to maintain order. The war was going well. Scipio had completed the conquest of Sicilia, the fleet was ready and had been bolstered by ships from Hiero, Rome's new ally, and the great inventor Archimedes was sent to Rome to see if he could find some way to help the Romans in their naval battles.
Archimedes was indeed a great inventor and before long he had created a design called the Corvus or (crow) that would help the Romans use their infantry superiority at sea, by grappling and boarding enemy ships. Equipped with the Corvus, Blasio's reinforced navy of 150 ships sailed immediately for Mylae near the Lipari isles where the Carthaginian navy was last sighted. Blasio met the enemy fleet, 130 ships commanded by Hannibal Gisco, and engaged them off the coast of Sicily near Mylae.
The corvi worked famously and Blasio was able to grapple and take the first 30 ships. Soon the Carthaginians began attacking from the rear and the side to try to get around the Corvi but their ships were grappled anyway. With only 80 ships of his initial 130, Hannibal Gisco was forced to flee. The naval victory astonished the world. A green fleet of Roman ships, their first fleet in history, was able to beat an experienced Carthaginian navy. Instead of following up his victory and pursuing Hannibal Gisco, Scipio immediately sailed for Korsim where he laid siege to Alalia. The city having only a small force surrendered and Blasio showed mercy, killing and enslaving no one. Hannibal Gisco meanwhile, fled to Carthage, where he was crucified for his failure.
Leaving a small garrison, Blasio sailed for Sardin where he laid siege to Karali. Hearing of how merciful Blasio had been to the people of Alalia, it was not long before Karali too surrendered. Blasio had found success in his campaign, winning an amazing naval victory and gaining Korsim and Sardin for the republic without much loss to his own forces. At this time, the term of the consuls was drawing to a close, but the Senate, happy with the progress in the war, did not want to upset Fortune, risking a turning of the tide. Therefore, Scipio and Blasio were recalled to Rome where Scipio was appointed Dictator, with Blasio his Master of Horse. After all religious matters were attended to, Scipio returned to Sicily, and Blasio to Sardin.
Not long after their return, Blasio received word from Scipio that he was to bring the fleet to Sicilia where their combined force bolstered by additional ships from Syrakousai and Messanna were to sail for Africa and attempt to put an end to the war. Their total force numbered 330 ships, and they departed Sicilia once preparations were complete. The Carthaginian navy, 350 ships under the command of Hanno the Great and Hamilcar, was sent to intercept them and the two fleets met off the southern coast of Sicilia near Cape Ecnomus in what was to be the largest naval battle up to that point in history.
The battle was an astounding Roman victory. The Romans formed their fleet into a sort of wedge and assaulted the Carthaginian center. Utilizing perfect tactics, the Carthaginian center feigned a retreat, while the Carthaginian wings collapsed onto the trasports. The transports fled but found themselves pinned between the Carthaginian ships, and the coastline, forcing the Roman reserve ships to engage. After a short fight, the Carthaginian center was driven off, and the large part of the Roman fleet returned and engaged the Carthaginian wings. Again, the Carthaginians simply couldn't contend with the Corvi, and were forced to flee. Carthaginian losses totally 65 ships captured, 30 sunk while the Roman losses totalled 24 sunk. The Romans immediately followed up their victory by landing a force in Africa near Carthage. The presence of a Large Roman force so close to Carthage made the Carthaginian Senate very nervous, and it was decided to sue for peace, despite the fact that the Carthaginians had enough troops at hand to oppose the Roman army. This outraged the Barcine faction and Hamilcar protested vigorously:
Hamilcar: Noble fathers! This war has but begun! Will we abandon out territories lost, and beg for favorable terms before our conquerors while we yet have means to resist? What respect will the Romans have for our arms if we are so quick to throw them down in the face of even one Consular army, in our own country! Trepassers and fools! We could but with a little effort destroy such a pitiful band and turn the tide of this war! Here they are, hundreds of miles from home, while here we stand in our own country, with all our resources and manpower at hand! Let them devastate our fields, they can be re-planted! Let them waste themselves against our walls; we will raise armies from Africa and repel them! Even now we have the Sacred Band and at least 3000 infantry and 500 cavalry! Do not lay down our arms before unsheathing them, I beg of you!
Hanno: There is wisdom in your words Hamilcar, but also folly. We were beaten at Messanna. We were beaten at Mylae. We have lost Syracousai, Agrigento, Lilibeo, indeed all of Sicilia. We have lost Korsim, Sardin, and finally Hamilcar, you and I together lost at Cape Ecnomus and due to our failure, the Romans stand at our very door. Will you now see Carthage burn to satiate your pride? We may have 10,000 men, it matters not. Fresh leves are not hardened soldiers and the army we face are veterans by now, having defeated us on sea and land. It is time to face facts. We have lost this war, and we should negotiate a favorable peace while we still have means to resist, else we may be forced to accept terms later, once we are vanquished utterly, that are niether just, nor reasonable.
Hamilcar: I weep for Carthage. That we would be impotent when courage is needed. Rome will only respect strength. This snivelry will only gain us contempt, and Rome will continue to press upon our borders until we are destroyed. They have seen now what metal is in our blood, and they see now that they can take ours with little resistance. How long before they take Africa, or Spain. Make your peace then, but I say you are women. As for me, I shall go to Spain where I have armies loyal and strong. With my sword, I shall prepare for the coming war. You may make whatever peace you will, but you will soon see, that it will not be a long one.
It was decided to send a delegation to Scipio and sue for peace. A ceasefire was granted and the following terms were reached. The Carthaginians were forced to pay 20,000 Mnai over a period of 4 years in reparations, and scrap their war fleet. In addition the Romans would keep any territories gained in the war. Furthermore, trade rights would be re-instituted and Carthaginian merchants would have access to island births they had lost in the war with an acceptable tariff. This agreement saw the end to the first Punic war and the consuls returned as celebrated heros, receiving an enormous triumph. The prows of the enemy Carthaginian ships defeated at the battle of cape Ecnomus were taken back to Rome and used to decorate the Rostra of the Forum as spoils. Additionally the Romans held huge festivals to Jupiter, Mars, and Fortuna as thanks for their victories. They immediately set to work governing their new provinces.
Not long after the victories of the first Punic War, Pvblivs Scipio came of age and he was sent to the academy in Rome with his tutors. Pvblivs was already showing signs of extreme intelligence. He was a skilled philosopher, an expert in mathematics, an understander of logistics, and a scholar. He had a flare for learning, yet he was also strong of body and practiced great physical restraint avoiding luxury and excess. Both mentally and physically able, Scipio was becoming a true Roman, and with the great popularity of his father, his future was looking bright indeed.
At this time, another man was come of age. Learning that his father was heading for Spain, Hannibal Barca asked to go with him. "Alright boy, but you must do something for me first." said Hamilcar. Hannibal nodded and his father led him down the dark passageway into the temple of Baal of the furnace. Hannibal could hear the wailing of children. He could smell burning flesh. As they reached the interior, Hannibal saw before him a young babe on an alter. The babe was wailing. "Place your hand on the child Hannibal, and swear to me. Swear that as long as you live, you will never be a friend to Rome." said Hamilcar. "I swear," said Hannibal, "so soon as age will permit...I will use fire and steel to arrest the destiny of Rome." Hamilcar looked down at Hannibal and smiled. The wailing ceased.
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Re: Lives: Publius Cornelius Scipio (A Romani AAR)
Nice pics sir! :2thumbsup:
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Re: Lives: Publius Cornelius Scipio (A Romani AAR)
wow...great screenshots! and the pre-battle speech by Scipio is fantastic! but...will the battle be continued in a later post?
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Re: Lives: Publius Cornelius Scipio (A Romani AAR)
I appoligize to anyone who read chapter 3 before it was finished. I was working on it last night and fell asleep at my computer and accidentally posted it incomplete. :wall:
Chapter 3 is huge, encompassing the entire first punic war but the COMPLETE version of chapter 3 is now ready, enjoy! :beam:
Quote:
Originally Posted by Emperor Burakuku
Nice pics sir!
Thank you :)
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Re: Lives: Publius Cornelius Scipio (A Romani AAR)
another great chapter. I can see the aduei giving you trouble..
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Re: Lives: Publius Cornelius Scipio (A Romani AAR)
Quote:
Originally Posted by Reality=Chaos
another great chapter. I can see the aduei giving you trouble..
Yeah, they seem to be giving the Arverni a whipping. Now that the Romans are at peace with Carthage, we'll see what happens next. As a teaser, I'll tell you that Massillia comes into the picture. Will the Romans aid Massillia and wind up in a confrontation with the gauls? Stay tuned!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Paullus
wow...great screenshots! and the pre-battle speech by Scipio is fantastic! but...will the battle be continued in a later post?
Thanks! Sorry you had to read the incomplete version, it's all up now.
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Re: Lives: Publius Cornelius Scipio (A Romani AAR)
There were a lot of parts in Chapter 3 that I didn't quite like. I have revised it and added a couple of things for dramatic effect. I think its a lot better now, and I hope everyone enjoys it. :)
By the way, I've caught the AAR up to where I am in the campaign. I actually started it "after" Pvblivs came of age, so now I will be posting as I play. Cheers.
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Re: Lives: Publius Cornelius Scipio (A Romani AAR)
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Re: Lives: Publius Cornelius Scipio (A Romani AAR)
Update will be posted once I finish my finals. :dizzy2:
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Re: Lives: Publius Cornelius Scipio (A Romani AAR)
Excellent AAR. While battles reminded me of Gladiator(that's a good thing), having Archimedes in there was arguably my favourite little touch so far. Truly reads like history, keep up the good work.:2thumbsup:
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Re: Lives: Pvblivs Cornelivs Scipio (A Romani AAR)
Golden Signet Ring Featuring P. C. Scipio Africanvs
The year 248 saw the election of Tiberivs Cornelivs Arvina and Quintvs Fabivs Licinvs as consuls for the year. Since the victory of Rome over the Carthaginians, Rome had won not only the war but worldwide prestige. Emissaries from both Makedon and the Getai arrived offering alliance and tribute, both of which were accepted. Furthermore, due to the conquest of Magna Graeca on the Italian Peninsula and the addition of Syrakousai into the Roman state, Greek influence in the region had become weakened and as a result the other Greek colonies in the region had begun to suffer from raids by Gallic and Iberian tribes, as well as Carthaginians. One such Greek city, Massalia sent envoys to Rome complaining of raids by both the Volcae and the Insubres Gauls. The Romans were happy to accept the people of Massalia into the Republic as an allied state hoping this would give them an excuse to finally drive the Insubres beyond the alps.
Envoys were sent to the Volcae and Insubres, informing them that Massalia was now under the protection of the Roman State, and demanding that all raids cease immediately. The Insubres in Mediolanum informed the Roman delegation that they would not be demanded thus by a people they had previously vanquished, further telling the envoys to "Remember Brennus." The Volcae answered the Romans by killing all but one of the diplomats sent there, decapitating them, making their skulls into drinking vessels, as was their custom, and sending the remaining diplomat back to tell the tale. In the meantime the raids continued and plans were made to invade the lands of the hostile Gallic tribes. A force was raised and sent by sea to deal with the Volcae, an independent and fairly weak tribe, under the consul Qvintvs Fabivs Licinvs while the consul Tiberivs Cornelivs Arvina was sent with an army to Insubramrog to attack the Insubres. The Insubres were part of a powerful group of tribes known as the Aedui confederation, who were currently embroiled in a massive war with the Arverni. In order to prevent reinforcements from coming to the aid of the Insubres, envoys were sent to the Arverni with offers of alliance and 25,000 Mnai to support their war effort. The terms were accepted and the envoys returned.
At this time, Pvblivs Scipio had completed his education in Rome, joined the army of Consul Arvina as a Tribvnvs Militvm, and was given command of the cavalry. Before Arvina could take his army to Insubramrog, he was forced to quell a rabble of rebellious Gauls near Bononia. This done, he wintered in Bononia and awaited the coming spring. Once spring had come, Arvina began his march toward Mediolanum, devastating the land on his way there with fire and sword. Meeting no major resistance, he arrived at the walls of the town and laid siege. After only a month, the garrison sallied forth and engaged the Romans with the aid of a newly arrived force of Gauls under the command of one Togodumnos oi Lugos.
The battle was decided and the Romans had suffered few casualties in the issue. P. Scipio had distinguished himself by following the orders of Arvina and serving his men in good stead. He had fought his first contest and he had drawn blood. He was well on his way to being forged in the heat of battle. Arvina resumed the siege and took the city by storm the following day. In the small mêlée, Lugos fought to the death along with the last of his men. Arvina occupied the city, killing and enslaving only a small percent of the population. Through mercy he hoped to more quickly subdue the people who remained, most of them having already fled the city. Insubramrog was annexed into the Roman state and incorporated with the rest of northern Italy into the province of Cisalpine Gaul, and forts were built and garrisoned in the alpine passes. The Gauls had finally been driven beyond the alps and the security of the northern border realized.
Meanwhile, Licinvs' forces arrived at the port of Massalia, then marched west toward Tolosa punishing the country as they passed with rapine and pillage. A few meager attempts were made to slow their advance but no major resistance was met. Licinvs reached the walls of Tolosa in the spring of 247 and raised a siege. Once his equipment was completed, he formed his army and assaulted the city on three sides with rams.
Remembering the disrespect shown to Rome by the killing of her envoys, Licinvs was ruthless in victory. The town was sacked and looted, the leaders of the Volcae were crucified, the men were decimated (every tenth man was killed), and the remaining men, women, and children were enslaved. Any who were too old, sick, or wounded to travel were killed as well. Tolosa was burnt to the ground, and Licinvs campaigned in Vollcallra until the entire region was pacified using similar brutality to that used at Tolosa. He then set up a Roman colony on the ashes of Tolosa and peopled it with his veterans. Leaving a garrison, he returned to Rome. The Volcae had learned their lesson well, and were made an example for all other tribes who would resist the might of the Roman Republic.
At this time other events were unfolding in Carthage. Due to the lack of Carthaginian war ships Hamilcar had been reduced to riding down the African coast to the pillars of Hercules where he was transported across to Iberia. After campaigning for a short time, he was assassinated. There were many theories as to who paid the assassins. Some said it was the Iberian tribes, some the Romans, some the Carthaginian government, and some said it was his son who wished to take command of Carthaginian forces in Spain, although that is doubtful. At any rate, Hamilcar's son Hannibal returned to Carthage where he was appointed his father's command and sent back to Spain where he began to vigorously expand Carthaginian territory there. Nervous of Carthaginian expansion, the Romans sent a delegation to Carthage and negotiated a treaty requiring the Romans to go no farther south than the Ebro, and the Carthaginians no farther north. It was the beginning of renewed tensions between Rome and Carthage.
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Re: Lives: Publius Cornelius Scipio (A Romani AAR)
Loved this chapter. :yes: Qvintvs Fabivs Licinvs must have some Sauromatae blood somewhere in his veins, now that was a proper way to deal with your enemies. :whip: Actually this sent echoes of Genghis Khan and Khwarezm to my tired brain.... to put it in fallout terms... war, war never changes. :yes:
Can't wait to see the deeds of Scipio proper.
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Re: Lives: Publius Cornelius Scipio (A Romani AAR)
Thanks, I'm glad you're enjoying it. The Romans are civilized but they can still be downright nasty. ^^
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Re: Lives: Publius Cornelius Scipio (A Romani AAR)
An excellent tale, sir. Am enjoying it immensely.
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Re: Lives: Publius Cornelius Scipio (A Romani AAR)
Me too. A most superlative effort. I really love the way you integrate non-EB images with your action shots from the game. The texture on the game images is sweet too, like some sort of tapestry. Keep it up man!
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Re: Lives: Publius Cornelius Scipio (A Romani AAR)
Quote:
Originally Posted by divulse123
Me too. A most superlative effort. I really love the way you integrate non-EB images with your action shots from the game. The texture on the game images is sweet too, like some sort of tapestry. Keep it up man!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Disciple of Tacitus
An excellent tale, sir. Am enjoying it immensely.
Thank you both, I'm glad you like it. :yes:
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Re: Lives: Publius Cornelius Scipio (A Romani AAR)
First of all, to all the readers of this AAR who are still around my appologies for dissapearing. My computer decided to go down, and then life got in the way of aquiring a new one and this AAR lost all importance. I have aquired a new computer however, regained my addiction to EB, aquired the necessary software (photoshop) and I am almost ready to continue this. First I have to get a Romani campaign caught up to where I left off, which shouldn't be too difficult. At the moment however, I am caught in the throws of another campaign. I'm not sure if I'm going to make it an AAR, but when I originally started the "Lives:" series of AARs, the idea was to have several of them, not unlike the books by Plutarch. At any rate, I'd like to announce that this AAR is "back from the dead" and I will be adding to it soon. Thanks again to the developers of EB for creating a historical empire building simulation that continues to live on without a rival. I imagine this will remain the case, at least until EB2.
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Re: Lives: Publius Cornelius Scipio (A Romani AAR)
Which is very good news, for the start was amazing
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Re: Lives: Publius Cornelius Scipio (A Romani AAR)
Great!!!:2thumbsup: I really regretted to see this excellent AAR die.~:mecry:
The greater is my joy now, to see it resurrected:jumping: Looking forward to that, keep up!!! :bow:
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Re: Lives: Publius Cornelius Scipio (A Romani AAR)
Quote:
Originally Posted by
SwissBarbar
Which is very good news, for the start was amazing
Thanks a lot, I'm glad you've enjoyed it so far!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
V.T. Marvin
Great!!!:2thumbsup: I really regretted to see this excellent AAR die.~:mecry:
The greater is my joy now, to see it resurrected:jumping: Looking forward to that, keep up!!! :bow:
Hehe, thanks very much. I read your Pontic AAR and loved it. The comic book style was unique, and I enjoyed the captions. :)
