The Will of the Senate - Senate Deliberations III

[Tamur]

(letter from Appius Barbatus)

I agree with Senator Manius Coruncanius, that the Iberians are nothing but rabble, and smelly rabble at that. They do not have the wits to see this move as a peaceable one. It is in their blood to view military actions as either weak or strong; there is no other way for them.

However, what choice have we than to abandon Viberi? I believe the Senator Quintus Libo could soundly defeat the Iberians by holding the ford near Viberi, but this is one location along a vast and for the most part undermanned border!

To the west we have troops moving up from Iberia itself toward Gergovia and Augustus' fort. Quintus Naevius holds a strong position at the fort north of Comata, but the Iberian Vercingetorix could be at his doorstep with a legion-sized army at his back in two seasons! To the north, Iberian forces moving to attack the Germans could easily be diverted against us. The well-traveled veteran of many wars, Mikolaus, gathers strength on the shores of the Baltic and could destroy the Thracians in one swift blow, leaving our northern border open to attack.

It is a grave and mistaken idea to think that attacking the Iberians would be wise. I think we must back away from Viberi at this time.