Re: Will of the Senate - Senate Deliberations II
It would be foolish to intentionally incite warfare with Ptolemy. His territory is vast and his resources are equally as great. Not only would they be a fearsome foe and a further burden on our already over-extended armies, but they are also a good trading partner and we would lose much in making them our enemies. Yet, they control both Maronia and Tylis. If we occupied any of the Macedonian settlements of Philippi, Bylazora or Ratiaria, we would be risking a border dispute with them.
I think this is a matter that the candidates for Consul must speak on themselves, but in my personal opinion there is no clear answer. It would certainly be preferrable to push the Macedonians from all of these territories, but a war with Ptolemy would be a disaster at this time. Is it worth the risk to see how Alexander's heirs react to the complete subjugation of his homeland? Still, Ptolemy is pre-occupied with the Seleucid pretenders and it is entirely possible that he will not mind sharing a border with Rome.
It is a difficult decision, and one which I would like to hear debate on.
Bookmarks