The Shame of Legio III – a Princeps on trial

**econ21** · 08-04-2006, 23:41

It is dark and the courtroom is deserted. A stern faced man walks in and looks around, carefully taking in his surroundings. His eyes pass over the public gallery, the desks for the lawyers, the judge's bench and settle on the dock set aside for the accused. A wince of pain strikes the man's face and his eyes take on a faraway look, as if remembering times past.

A woman quietly enters the courtroom. She has been following the man. Like him, her hair is grey and like him, the lines on her face seem to have aged her beyond her years. Nonetheless, she moves with elegance and whispers in a calm, gentle voice:

"Publius, come now, it is not time yet. You need to rest, to be strong."

The man turns to her, his previously inscrutable face softens and reveals a myriad of emotions: love, regret, fear and fatigue. He nods and his shoulders stoop as he moves out the room, as if carrying a heavy burden.

**Dooz** · 08-05-2006, 08:49

{Galerius Vatinius}

Senators, I am honored to be offered the position of Publius Leavinius' and... Manius Aemilius' defense representative, however I do not think I would be able to serve this matter in a way deemed satisfactory. I have publicly stated my mistrust of Senator Manius Aemilius and believe he may have implications in this case . I could not, I should think, put everything aside and agree to defend him a matter I feel so strongly about. Perhaps if I were older, wiser and more experienced... however I am but a young man and believe strongly in my convictions. I do not think Senator Servius would have me as his father's defense representative after our differences. I would not do this Republic justice.

However, if desired by this body, I could represent only Senator Leavinius to the best of my abilities... if he would have me. Perhaps Senator Verginius could take the task of defending Manius. I leave it to Praetor Curtius and Senator Verginius.

**x-dANGEr** · 08-05-2006, 18:45

A note reaches the court from the "on battlefield" commander, Publius Pansa.

"Ahh Senators.. And woe me Senators..

The news of the trial reachs me here, - at Chalikpeda - faster than you may think. I get news of accustions of the great general, Publius Leavinius, in a trial opened by my request.. And that's what woes me. Wrong it is Senators, wrong it is to accuse our faithfuls of wasting their glory. For great men like Punlius Leavinius tend not to lose battles, tend not to lose honur, tend not to waste Roman lives.. And for that, read the following carefully, Senators. Cutting it short, investigate in the water of the river.. For I believe it was mixed with something prior to the battle.. Sadly, I can write no more and prove nothing. I'm in a newly conquered city, and the population is due to a rebellion any time, for they're raged by the recent slavery events.

At all costs, Senators. The water, check the water!

Yours loyally, Publius Pansa."

**TinCow** · 08-05-2006, 19:23

This trial was begun to discover where the fault lies in the loss of the Republican Eagle of Legio III Sicilia Aemilia. The defeat of the Legion by our oldest enemies, the Gauls, was a severe blow to the Republic. With the loss of the Eagle, the physical embodiment of the magnificence of Rome, to a barbaric horde, the Republic's honor has been horribly stained. An investigation into this matter must be held for the good of all citizens and those responsible for this crime must be punished to the fullest extent of the law.

In the Senate, I volunteered to defend my father-in-law as I believed such a service was in the best interests of the Republic. It now seems that there is adequate defense, but that the Republic lacks an accuser. As is usual and proper, a man's friends and family rally to his cause, even at the expense of the Republic. If we abandon the prosecution of Publius Laevinus, we may as well restore the Etruscan Kings to power. The Republic is important above all citizens, be they patrician or plebian!

As such, I hereby accuse Publius Laevinus, commander of Legio III Sicilia Aemilia, of criminal negligence during the defense of the Massilia ford against the Gauls under Drustan of Decetia. He has failed in his duties as a commander of a Legion of Rome. He has disgraced himself, his Legion and the entire Republic with his conduct. He has weakened the entire Alpine frontier and made all of Italy vulnerable to barbarian invasion. Publius Laevinus is guilty of crimes which are the equivalent of treason. As a private Roman citizen before this court, I will provide evidence to substantiate my allegations and I demand that punishment be swift and harsh when his guilt is inevitably determined.

**Braden** · 08-05-2006, 23:52

Senators,

The Accusations are clear and concise. I have now heard statements from three persons whom were present at the time of the battle but I will not have them take the stand until we have heard from the those people who's actions, or inactions, lead to this disaster.

*Decius, turns to an aide to his right and they exchange a short sentence. The aide, a shifty & furtive looking character, hurriedly leaves*

There are many ways to garner the truth in this matter and I intend to use ALL of them to find out what occured.

Now, I ask, save Senator Publius Laevinus and Manius themselves, whom will speak on their behalves? For I will call them to answer the accusations put forth.