The Ascent of the Julii - write-ups thread

[Caius]

Batles more relevant and settlements captured here

[Caius]

Report: The battle outside Narbo Martius

My troops battle against the Gauls,two armies:Captain Praestagus and Meriadoc, a Gallic family member and my army, at the command of Vibius Julius.

Our army,except the generals, charged the Captain Praestagus army:



Then the generals, charged the enemy, and they start to rout.



The complete army of captain Praestagus entered in panic and rout, the army of Meriadoc is near of us, so we are going to meet the Meriadoc army.



We enter in a combat hand to hand, Meriadoc was killed and the rest of his army withdraws from the battle.



The battle report:



More battles coming...

[Caius]

Report:Capturing Narbo Martius

The Senate of Rome gived me a mission, capture Narbo Martius.The last battle had a purpose:Debilitate the presence of Gaul in the region, so I atacked two armies at the same time for debilitate Narbo Martius without asaulting the city.
Now is the time, the day.We, the survivors of that heroic victory against the Gauls, we see a reason for die.Kill.So we are going to siege this town. and now!



We are at the gates!The enemy are running at the plaza!



Their wooden gates are nothing now,that gate is the door to the victory!



We are in the plaza.The Gauls will figth to the death!



The general die, that was really good!And the others they rout to the plaza.



Yes,Victory!Narbo Martius is Now a Julii town



The battle report:



And this is the first battle

[Caius]

Report:A bad day
Amulius Julius, a son of the Julii family, marched to Mediolanium, to capture this settlement and erradicate the Gauls from the Italian peninsula.
They entered the enemy territory and Captain Motius attacked the army, we withdraw from that battle.We siege Mediolanium, and this Captain and his troops tried to retreat our army to leave the siege.
We attacked Captain Motius:

The entire army of Captain Motius are trying to leave the battlefield,one of three out:
Eporedorix, family member, he was in the battle too, two of three out:

The third army, under the command of Captain Tangogeistla, charge against us and they win the battle:

Yes, a defeat.Not all the things are good

[Caius]

Tomorrow the second part.
Having serious problems with the img and Imageshack.Help!

[Caius]

I'm again with the
Report:The Gauls doesnt understand:Siege 1 of 3
The gauls doesnt understand.Mediolanium is ours now, and they wanted to destroy us.We must eliminate the enemy, and now.So we sallied to figth and destroy!.
They are prepared.We too, because today, we cannot lose.That can be disasterous.

We are out, attacking the enemy.

The general is a coward!We is running away!Thats the road to victory!Victory!

[GeneralHankerchief]

Outside of Bordesholm, 244 BC

"Dear General Publius Maxentius,

You may not be aware of the situation but there is a large Briton army within striking distance. You are a fine commander but the odds are that an engagement with these forces will end in disaster. Your orders are to proceed to Bordesholm and take it with all possible speed.

Roma Victor,

Amilius Julius"

Publius Maxentius looked at the letter and shrugged. He had heard nothing, but orders were orders. The general, a former captain who had been promoted after showing spirit in a couple of engagements, ordered a forced march to the last Briton city. Soon it was under siege.

It was a good thing that Publius was an obedient general.



Six months later, he assaulted.



The Briton king Sennianus and a few of his bodyguard were the only ones inside the Saxon town. They were not to be underestimated though, as heavy chariots could cause a mess of things very quickly. Especially when these chariots had triple silver chevrons.

There was a slight unease among the soldiers that day when Publius ordered the assault, and they couldn't be blamed. However, apparently the unease was even greater among the Briton soldiers, as they left their king to meet his (heroic) death alone.





Upon hearing about the death of their king and the capture of their last city, the Briton troops in the large army nearby deserted. Britannia could no longer be considered a faction.



~~~~~~~

Dacia, 243 BC

"Dear Manius Oppius,

Congratulations on your recent victory outside Lovosice. Rome needs more soldiers like you. I am giving you full command of operations in this theatre, as well as a promotion. Henceforth, you shall be considered a full member of the House of Julii, with all benefits, including the escort that brought this letter.

This letter also holds your first orders. You are to take Lovosice and kill the three Dacian generals inside. Once this done then Dacia will be no more. Fortuna is with you in this task.

Roma Victor,

Amilius Julius"

Manius Oppius looked at the letter and stared. Just six months ago he had been a mere captain, playing cat-and-mouse with the large Dacian garrison inside Lovosice until reinforcements came. Then, he was in luck. About half the garrison met him in a field battle, and were decisively defeated. Word was that he was the Man of the Hour back in Mediolanium, the Julii capital.



What an opportunity Amilus had given him! He was young, 20 years old with his whole life ahead of him, and the talk of the Julii. Eager to please, he followed Amilius' orders and assaulted the last Dacian city.



He watched in amazement as the army went into battle mode, as the rams made their way to the walls. Decked in full battle armor (much better than the ridiculous plating he received as a captain), he realized this would be a glorious day.



The only thing he was worried about were the three Dacian generals and their escorts. One of them was the few who escaped the battle that earned him his promotion. That one would be eager for revenge.



Some time later, this was where the fun began. After killing the Dacian infantry desperately trying to hold the gatehouse, Manius ordered a general charge at the massed units in the center. As was proper, he was in the thick of it.



The Dacians were crushed by the superior numbers of his forces. Once the last of them were killed, Manius pulled out his letter.

"Take Lovosice - check. Kill the three Dacian generals - check.



"Dacia no more... check."



~~~~~~~

Tara, Hibernia

"Yes, so this was Manius' first victory as a general, and it was quite a good one. Dacia and Britannia were destroyed, but I still had to worry about Germania. Gods, things were so much easier when we only had to kill Gauls."

Amilius Julius' scribes wrote this all down. Their ruler was really into telling what had happened over the last ten years of his reign. He still told what had happened with incredible detail. It was one of the man's many qualities.

"Anyway, Germania. One battle wouldn't finish them off, sadly. Citywise, they were down to Domus Dulcis Domus, but there was a large garrison inside and they were about to take Vicus Gothi back."

The scribes were in a frenzy to take this all down.

"Wait, why am I describing it to you? Just copy a map, I have an old one of that situation somewhere-ah, here it is."



"Right, so as you can see we were preparing to assault Home Sweet Home. But Vicus Gothi fell first, which meant that a little more fighting would be involved.



"I can't really blame Captain Quintis, he was outnumbered and outclassed. The man went out like a hero - he sallied out of the place and tried to destroy the ram the Germans had constructed. But they weren't quick enough.



"It was around this time where I promoted another captain. This hastati centurion was leading his men to the fort near Home Sweet Home when he was ambushed by some brigands. His guys fought it off pretty well.



"Anyway, that's how Oppius Pescennius became a member of the Julii. But enough about him, I had planned my retaliatory strike. Cassius Vettius abandoned his fort and went after Home Sweet Home while I scraped up a force for Manius Julius to re-take Vicus Gothi. Here's another map for you guys to look at."

He tossed another map at the scribes.



"So Cassius attacked first.



"This would be a tough battle. I remember reading one of the soldiers' reports about how they knew they were reaching the end of the world because of the purple glow the battlefield had.



"The troops battered through in three spots. The Germans rushed to plug the holes, and the breach on the right didn't look that good for a while.



"But eventually our cavalry flanked the buggers and we were advancing to the center square. The German king supposedly died bravely. I think that's all those barbarians cared about. They sure as hell weren't too keen on winning.



"All looked good, but then Cassius went and died on me. Figures that the death of their king would actually make those spear-carriers fight harder.





"So we won, but lost Cassius. I remember sending a letter to Manius right after that happened..."

~~~~~~~

Vicus Gothi, 240 BC

"Dear Manius Julius,

Vicus Gothi is officially the last German city. Once you take it, these people will be no more. However, as you may have heard, Cassius Vettius died in the final minutes of the capture of Domus Dulcis Domus.

Your orders are to take Vicus Gothi but stay alive. You are one of my best generals and I would prefer it if you were not sharing wine with Bacchus in the coming years.

Roma Victor,

Amilius Julius"

Damn. Cassius had been a good commander. He had done his job in death, though, and now Manius would do his. Although he would stay alive doing it.



Vicus Gothi had been wrenched from Roman control a year before. There was still evidence of Roman involvement. Those filthy Germans hadn't managed to destroy everything.



Manius would be absolutely merciless in this battle. He despised anybody who wasn't Roman, especially barbarians. He believed that it was his goal in life to completely purge all barbarian influence from the face of the earth. Today would be a big step in doing so, but the Germans wouldn't die without a fight.



His voice acidly calm, Manius ordered that these spearmen be flanked. As he watched the Germans die with glee, he spotted the man who had slaughtered the brave Captain Quintis. Boiocalus of Aduatuca was a dead man.

The two escorts charged at each other, each wishing nothing more than the other man's death.



When the rage cleared, Manius roared with triumph.





Three wars had been wrapped up within four years of each other. This was good, for another one was about to get intense, and another about to begin.

[GeneralHankerchief]

Tara

Amilius Julius had finished talking about Manius Julius and the defeat of Germania, and had graciously allowed his scribes some time to dip their poor hands in cold water. Ten minutes later, though, he called them back.

"Aww, already? Can't Iberia wait until tomorrow?"

Amilius looked at them and smilied. "Ok, fine. You don't want to write my glorious history and become famous writers? That's alright. I'll get other people."

The scribes groaned and got ready to write.

"So, after Lucius Julius, my father and heir, had won a heroic victory against the Iberians halfway between Osca and Carthago Nova, he was eager for more. So I sent him to besiege Carthago Nova (which the Carthaginians had never held, oddly enough). The city was about to be assaulted when they were relieved by another Iberian force nearby.



"Really, what were they thinking? I guess it's this whole crazy barbarian belief that dying bravely is more important than winning. They certainly made this argument to Lucius, who deployed on a high hill. Lucius said he couldn't believe it when they decided to come.



"By the time the Iberians had come within striking distance, they were exhausted. Good old Lucius though, shows no mercy. He ordered that the pila all be thrown. The poor Iberians were decimated, but still kept coming. So instead of waiting for them, Lucius decided to charge down the hill.

"From there it was a matter of momentum.



"Because of Iberian foolishness, Carthago Nova was undefended. Lucius simply strolled in.



"I was content to just have him stay in Carthago Nova taking care of things for the rest of his life, but Lucius wasn't done yet. He wanted Corduba. I pointed out that the route there was treacherous, but he said he could handle it. Really, I didn't need much convincing..."

At this, one of the scribes suddenly had a curious expression on his face and started scribbling (even harder than usual). Amilius snatched the paper.

"What? You think I'm a PUPPET ruler for my father? Let me tell you something, this was *my* decision to let him go through with Corduba. Everything that we have done since I became head of the Julii was because I said it would be done!"

The scribe mumbled something, probably an excuse.

"Ok, you know what? Get out. You don't get to write my history. I hear that Marcellus Aemilius is running for re-election as Consul, why don't you write about that instead? Just get out of my sight, you piece of garbage.

"Anyway, I beefed up my father's force and sent him on his way. The guy wanted to plow straight through the valley, killing every army in sight instead of taking the roads. I admired him, and wished him luck.



"Lucius fought his first battle a little west of Carthago Nova against Captain Megaravicos. He had the slight advantage in numbers, but was definitely ahead in quality.



"The two forces went straight for the heights, but Megavicros ceded.



"This was pretty stupid, as Lucius charged down once again. However, he was a bit overenthuiastic and for a minute it looked as if I would be without a father.



"But then we flanked 'em on two sides, which caused a rout. Then, due to momentum, another unit routed... then another... then another. Pretty soon Iberian forces that hadn't been in any engagement fled as if they had just faced Mars himself.



"Lucius chased them until they hid in the hills. One army down.



"It didn't take my father long to head straight for that second Iberian army.



"This commander, Captain Arganthonios, was lucky as there were no heights that Lucius could charge down. He tried to mask the size of his force by deploying half of it in the forest.

"Even though there were no heights, the Julii bulldozer wouldn't be denied. The chain reaction began when the unit farthest from the forest was flanked.



"The Iberians quickly tried to redeploy in preparation of the flank attack but then the rest of the line caught them. You know what happened next: They're all running for their lives.



"And all of a sudden the way to Corduba was open.



"It didn't take long for Lucius to reach the city and assault it. At this point he had built up so much momentum, I think it only took one blow from the rams to knock the walls down. The poor Spanish king Leukon didn't know what hit him.



"Leukon had bravely sent some Scutarii to plug a gap, which managed to put a halt to Lucius' momentum - for about five seconds.



"Next he sent slingers. Now it was just getting ridiculous.



"Lucius plowed his way straight to the center square, where Leukon was waiting to - get this - die bravely. Stupid barbarians.



"The Iberians were now down to two cities. Lucius was happy, because he could die in peace knowing that he had headed an incredibly successful offensive which decimated the Iberians. It was time to do some governing.



"Ok," Amilius continued, "now it's time for Scythia-"

He paused, sensing despair coming from the scribes.

"Ok, fine. We'll do Scythia tomorrow. I guess that if I don't give you guys a break then nobody will want to write my glorious history. But I don't want to hear any complaints tomorrow!"

The scribes nodded and muttered their thanks, departing.

"Now," Amilius said to himself, "time to read this latest report. I didn't want them to get my reaction in case things didn't go right..."

He read the report, and gasped. This wasn't good.

[GeneralHankerchief]

Tara

"After the three factions in the east had been destroyed, I had kind of put that front on hiatus while Lucius went rampaging through Iberia. But then my generals were complaining, so their forces were refit and they went on the move."

It was the next day in Hibernia. Amilius Julius' scribes had rested their poor hands during the night, ready for the next round of Amilius recounting the history of his reign. Something happened overnight though, it seemed as if Amilius was more... anxious. As if something was wrong.

"Ideally I wanted the Thracian cities by the Black Sea, especially Byzantium. But there was a little problem: The Scythians held Campus Iazyges, which was right in the way.

"I sent Sextius Antio to try to buy the place but the Scythians, seeing as how they only had four territories to begin with, refused. So I was all set to have Manius Oppius take the place when this little doozy was pointed out to me in the far north."

Amilius tossed another map at the scribes, although with considerably less enthusiasm than the others.



"But I took a gamble. Vicus Venedae was pretty far away, so I let Manius attack.



"Obviously he won.



"What began next was a series of complex manuvering by both sides. The Scythians outnumbered us, but it would take some time for the numbers' effect to come into play. It seemed like their king Belniari was heading for Campus Iazyges, so I sent Manius Julius to intercept. He seemed all too eager in killing more barbarians.



"But then two other Scythian forces went after Home Sweet Home, including Captain Partatua. I've avoided him for some time, but it seemed like an assault would be inevitable.

"However, something happened that made the Scythians break off. Publius Maxentius was nearing Campus Iazyges with his brand-new legion, which freed Manius to help out in the north. Instead of relieving Home Sweet Home, he went after Vicus Venedae, causing Partatua to lift the siege."



One of the scribes looked at this latest map with confusion on his face.

"Ah, right. Vicus Marcomanii was sieged, but it was only a little force. It was relieved soon enough." Amilius at this point was speaking in monotone. All the enthusiasm that he had showed last night was gone. The scribes were grateful, but slightly concerned.

"Then the first real battle began. Publius Maxentius, with Manius Oppius reinforcing, met a Scythian army north of Campus Iazyges.



"The Scythians had tried to envelope Publius' forces with horse archers, but Publius chased 'em off with his equites while his infantry smashed the Scythians'. It was a good victory, with Manius helping chase the archers off. I told the other commanders in the area to remember that strategy.



"Well, that about wraps it up. You've been great guys, thanks a lot."

"Wait a minute," asked one of the scribes, "What about you? What have you done these past ten years?"

Amilius looked surprised for a minute, then spoke. "Me? Well, I've been running the Julii operations from here and Londinium. It's been all boring stuff, really - infrastructure and the like. But if you insist on writing it, I have increased our treasury to over 100,000 denarii and we are making over 20,000 every six months. In addition, about half the settlements in Europa Barbororum have been Romanized, which means less order problems and more money for us."

He had regained a little of his swagger. A little.

"I also got a battle in; the conquest of Hibernia. Mainly I had to do it to get out of Londinium.



"Really, there's not too much to say about it. We outnumbered and outclassed them. Although I did manage to enjoy the scenery as we chased those Celts to wherever they came from."





Amilius paused, finished.

"Wait, one more thing sir. What are your plans for the next ten years?"

"Plans - right." He looked thoroughly distracted. "Uh, well, we're going to continue... beating the crap out of the Scythians. The Senate's annoyed me too, they act all high and mighty even though we have more land than the other Roman factions put together.



"Morons. I know their true feelings. They hate me. They fear me. At least the people like me.



"As a matter of fact, I think they would prefer my rule over that of the Senate's."



This time, Amilius had definitely wrapped up. "Ok, we're done. Get out of here." The scribes left, satisfied.

~~~~~~~

After they were gone, Amilius looked at the report again. How could this happen? Especially to Manius? This would definitely throw things back on the Scythian front. He read through the report again.

East of Vicus Venedae, 235 BC

Manius Julius' legion saw what they had feared most: The Scythians were pursuing. And they brought the garrison of Vicus Venedae with them. He had nowhere else to retreat, so Manius had to stand and fight. As much as he hated barbarians, he realized that the hope of winning this one was slim.

The commander was Captain Partatua, the man whose army had put off Amilius from attacking the Scythians for years. But they were at war now, and Manius was about to face this army. It wouldn't help that a member of the Scythian royal family was coming to help Partatua help out.

In his heart of hearts Manius realized that he was the best man to kill this scum. He, along with Lucius and Amilius, were the most accomplished commanders in the House of Julii. And he burned with a hatred hotter than the Scythian orange for all barbarians. Partatua and Palacus would lie dead before the end of the day.



Reality, however, was far different. These Scythians simply had more men. They used the exact same tactics as they did against Publius Maxentius a year earler. Manius then figured it would be prudent to use Publius' tactics in return.

But then something happened which he didn't expect. The equites assigned to chase the horse archers away were mauled. Desperately Manius blew his horn trying to reform them, and they did. But they were a shattered remnant of what they had been minutes ago. Meanwhile, the Scythian horse were moving in for the kill. Scrambling, Manius tried to cause a chain rout and ordered his infantry to charge.

It had worked, partly.



But not enough men routed. The horse archers stayed and shot the poor Romans to pieces. The Scythian infantry, seeing this success, reformed and continued to fight, killing Manius' tribune in the process.



"This can't be happening," Manius told himself. He - the pride of the Julii - was losing! TO BARBARIANS! Shouting the foulest of oaths, he charged his escort straight for that of Palacus. The two met with a resounding crunch.



Palacus soon died, but the situation was hopeless. The horse archers just kept firing. The infantry closed in. The remainder of Manius' escort was swallowed up by the Scythians. A legion was gone.



Amilius Julius crumpled up the report and tossed it against a wall. Damn. One of his best commanders gone. This would require a change in strategy. But they would survive - they were Romans, after all.

~~~~~~~

Epilogue

The Far North, 233 BC

Manius Julius and the two surviving members of his escort rode through another endless field. He had somehow survived that massacre near Vicus Venedae, although his legion was smashed and his confidence sent reeling. How could barbarians have done this to me?

They had been riding for weeks with seemingly no change in the scenery. Finally, one of his companions shouted out in delight:

"A road! A dirt road! It'll lead us to a major settlement, by the looks of it!"

A road. They were saved.

Manius Julius was plotting as his men took the way back to civilization. He cared nothing for the war in Iberia or the coming conflict with the Senate. All he knew is, his honor had been lost that day. And he would get it back. As soon as this road reached somewhere, he would inform Amilius of his survival and petition him for a new legion. And soon enough, he would be back in combat against Partatua, who had survived the battle.

And he would make sure that by the time he was buried, Scythia would be destroyed.

[econ21]

Londinium, Summer 234 BC

“It is good to see you, father.” Lentilus Flaminus said stiffly.

Amulius Julius embraced the awkward young man. Lentilus was in awe of Amulius, leader of the Julii faction and a man said to be touched by the Gods.

“It is good to see you, Lentilus.” Lentilus was adopted and Amulius still could not bring himself to call the young man son.

”You must be glad to be returning to Arretium, father.” Lentilus volunteered.

”There is much to be done.” confided Amulius. ”Nothing too exciting, though. We must bring our campaigns against Gaul, Iberia and Scythia to a conclusion, it is true. But other generals are tasked with that and I am sure they can see it through. No, my main task is more mundane - reorganisation. I intend to reconstitute our armies on traditional lines. Romans have done too much of the dying in our quest for expansion. I intend to make more use of our allies - mercenaries some call them. Henceforth, half of all field armies will be alae, not legions. We must also return to a historical mix of the different ranks of men within our legions.”

Lentilus listened attentively. ”The people will approve, but the Senate may fear over-reliance on auxiliaries. What if they grow stronger than us?”

“You know my feelings on the Senate. Their sniping at us, after all our great victories, is becoming intolerable. We have the support of the people - that is all that matters. I will strengthen the loyalty of the people by cutting taxes in all our towns and cities to the lowest possible rate. We will encourage Romans to settle in the provinces, giving us a strength that will extend far beyond north Italy.”

Lentilus nodded, feigning approval. In truth, none of these plans appealed to the young man. He had a Spartan character and the idea of letting Romans grow fat in peacetime on low taxes was anathema to him. Still, he knew better than to reveal his opinions to Amulius, on whom his own position depended utterly.

Amulius scrutinised the young man carefully. Was he the one? Should he be groomed for leadership as Amulius’s successor? Lucius the Victor was sixty and although Lucius was the next most influential man in the faction, it was clear he could never succeed the 49 year old Amulius.

“Have you heard from your brother?” Amulius inquired innocently.

Lentilus’ lip curled in distaste. “No. As you know, we are not close.” Amulius smiled inwardly - that was the understatement of the year. Lentilus might struggle to hide his opinions, but some were too strong to suppress. Amulius had a second adopted son, Publius Maxentus, a man as different from Lentilus as day from night. Where Lentilus was authoritarian, judgemental and Spartan, Publius was extravagant, loose and Epicurean. Amulius needed a successor and ideally he wanted to find him within his own adopted family. But who to choose, Lentilus or Publius?

Amulius smiled at Lentilus. He admired the stern young man, living his solitary life of duty. So different from Publius, married with two children and yet still living a wild life of debauchery, by all accounts. The rumours were too much - that Publius had succumbed to the embraces of other men.

“I will make a man out of your brother, yet.” Amulius said harshly. ”I will send him to join the campaign against Scythia. He will learn military virtues or he will die trying.”

Lentilus nodded heartily in agreement. The second option sounded good.

[econ21]

The Pripet Marshes, 234 BC, Winter

The wind lashed Manius’s face as he peered through the trees at the advancing Scythian army. This time he was ready for them. Only a year ago, he had lost a legion to the Scythians after a valiant struggle against superior numbers. Immediately, he had raised a fresh army, nearly 1000 men strong, and marched back into the Scythian lands. He confessed he was surprised that the Scythians had decided to attack his army, as he outnumbered them by 50%. But he was confident of the result. He was Manius the Victor, the greatest general in the Julii faction. News of three victories in Iberia this season only reinforced his sense in Roman invincibility.



The attacking Scythian army consists mainly of horse archers but includes some other troop types as well.

As Manius reviewed his hastily mustered army, a faint sense of unease crept in. In line with Amulius’s instructions, half of his force consisted of allies - mainly barbarian warbands of no particular distinction. His Romans were almost all hastati, not more experienced soldiers. What was worse, he was facing horse archers with no missile troops of his own and only two companies of cavalry. This was not good, not good at all. Still Manius found a good position to deploy his army - in a crescent, hidden in light woods. The concealed Romans watched the Scythians advance. Soon, even the air from the nostrils of the enemy horses was visible and still the Scythians remained oblivious to the presence of the Romans. Manius suppressed a nervous laugh of anticipation as the enemy pressed on.



The Scythians do not detect the Roman front line until they are almost upon it.

But what is the point of an ambush against horse archers when all you have is infantry? On finally spotting the Romans, the Scythians merely halted and began to rain arrows down on the woods. In frustration, Manius ordered some of the infantry to try to catch the Scythians. But they could not catch the fleet footed steppe horses and even the archers on foot retreated, drawing the Romans further away from the protection of the trees.

Manius watched anxiously, as the exposed Romans failed to make contact with the Scythians.

”Bring them back! Get them back! Into line … back into line!” Manius called out. But that was when the disaster began to unfurl. When the Roman infantry turned their backs to retreat, they were no longer shielded from the enemy missile fire, which became murderously effective as a result. What was worse, the many horsemen were not averse to charging retreating infantry in the back. Soon unit after unit of the Romans began to dissolve.



The fate of this cohort of hastati is representative of that of most Roman infantry in the battle.

Sensing the battle was slipping away from him, Manius committed his horse:

“Equites! Allied cavalry! Ride! Ride now!”

But the Roman cavalry were outnumbered and outclassed by the Scythians. They failed to make contact with their evasive enemy, falling to their arrows until they were sufficiently weakened for the Scythians to turn and round on them, overwhelming them with superior numbers. Manius watched in desperation.



Things fall apart.

Soon only a few Roman units remained unbroken on the field - routers being quickly and mercilessly cut down by the Scythian horse archers. There was nothing for it - Manius had to commit his last reserves.

“Praetoria! With me! Charge!” Bravely, Manius led his own bodyguard into the maelstrom of arrows. But even his veteran bodyguard could not turn the tide of the battle. One by one, the fine, well mounted Roman cavalrymen fell to the arrows and blades of the more numerous Scythians on their smaller mounts. Manius felt a rising sense of panic - his bodyguard were falling all around him. He cut and slashed against the Scythians but they were too many and too fierce. From the corner of his eye, he spotted a handful of hastati charging into the melee to rescue him. Could they, even now prevail?



A depleted cohort of hastati rush to rescue their beleaguered general.

Temporarily protected by his infantry, Manius surveyed the battlefield. Dead Romans and their allies lay everywhere. No significant force of unbroken Romans remained.

”Go, Sir! Go, now! We will hold them off.” a brave centurion was holding Manius’s horse.

Manius was frozen by indecision, staring at the centurion uncomprehendingly. Then, before the eyes of the Roman general, the veteran was cut down by a Scythian horseman. Manius turned his horse and spurred it away from the battle, his heart pounding.



Having waited until the last moment, Manius’s courage fails him an he flees.

Manius heard the whoosh of arrows as his horse struggled through the snow. Then he felt a thud to his back. His cuirass deflected the arrow, but more and more arrows found their mark. They were not aiming for him, but for his horse. His horse whinnied and stumbled, before crashing to the floor. But one Scythian was a poor shot and missed the horse. Instead, his arrow lodged in Manius’s neck and Manius the Victor, the hero of the Julii faction fell dead, his blood staining the snow on the steppes.

[econ21]

Scallabis, Winter 234 BC

Gaius Lapius let the scroll slip down onto the table. It was unthinkable: the death of Manius Julius and the complete destruction of a second Roman army at the hands of the Scythians. And now it was his turn. He hand taken command of the Roman forces at Cordoba from the ailing Lucius Victor and fought his way through to Scallabis, smashing a blocking army led by Gotzon of Brigantium. But like Manius, he had been too confident and Rome’s enemies were preparing a second bloody reverse.



The Julii are punished for their over-confidence for the second time in a year.

A substantial army led by Dunixi of the Lusitani had come to relieve the besieged Scallabis garrison. Each Iberian army was slightly less than half the size of Gaius’ force. Hitherto, the Romans had worked on the assumption that they could defeat enemies twice their number. But recent defeats at the hands of the Scythians had shattered that confidence.

Gaius left his tent and moved to the front lines of his army, deployed for battle. He had a solid force - two legion plus an alae of Spanish allies. Would it be enough? The two Iberian armies approached - the relieving force coming from the north west, the sallying garrison marching more rapidly from the west. The Roman battleline initially faced the relief force, so its western flank had to pivot to meet the sallying army.



Roman javelins and slingshot cause significant casualties on the sallying garrison coming from the west.

The Romans held against the initial assault of the sallying garrison, but were unable to rout it before the relief force struck. Dunixi charged his heavy cavalry into the eastern half of the Roman lines, supported by bull warriors and other stout fighters. Even the Roman principes buckled and Gaius had to commit the triarii in a desperate attempt to shore up the line.



On the east, already it is down to the triarii and the battle has scarcely started.

On the western half of the battleline, Roman steel and determination were gradually prevailing. Elements in the sallying force from Scallabis started to rout, but other parts - the elite Bull warriors and the Iberian general’s bodyguard - were made of sterner stuff.



The tide begins to turn on the western half of the line but is it too late?

Now was the time for Gaius to commit his sole troop of equites. They were ordered to charge the general commanding the Scallabis garrison, who was locked in combat with Roman infantry.



Equites cut down the general leading the sallying garrison.

With the rout of the Scallabis garrison, Gaius felt a surge of hope - could he pull off a victory? His infantry were terribly cut up, but so were the Iberians. The main opposition from the relief force came from two bodies of bull warriors and the heavy cavalry of Duxini’s bodyguard. They were breaking through the Roman east flank - already hastati and some Spanish allies were routing. Gaius brought his escort round to the flank of the bull warriors and ordered a charge.



Everything hangs on the fate of Gaius’s charge - can he break the bull warriors and restore the failing Roman eastern flank?

The praetoria crashed into the bull warriors but the doughty Iberians held. A vicious melee ensued and the weight of Spanish numbers began to tell as Roman cavalry lost its impetus.



The bull warriors defeat the Praetoria.

Gaius hacked and slashed but the situation was becoming hopeless. Soon only six of his Praetoria remained. The only Roman units left effective on the battlefield were the equites and the Balearic slingers. It was over. Faintly, Gaius heard a cheer coming up from the equites who were still fighting over on the western flank.



The equites kill a second Iberian general.

Thought of the fate of Manius Julius pressed into Gaius’s mind. He would not throw his life away this day. He must get out now. Desperately, he spurred his horse away from the bull warriors and road to the equites, leading them off the battlefield, haunted by the screams of the doomed Roman infantry.



The second disaster in a single season: the army of Cordoba is destroyed outside the walls of Scallabis.

At nightfall, Gaius collected what few survivors there were from the battle and began the long march back to Cordoba. When he arrived back, he nervously approached the bedroom of the sick Lucius the Victor - fearful of the chastisement he would receive. Lucius had given Gaius command of his whole army, plus all his retinue. Gaius had come back with the retinue, but without the army. Sheepishly, head bowed, Gaius stood in front of frail Lucius. The old man raised his head, as if with great effort, and peered at Gauis:

”Have you heard?” Lucius rasped. ”Three Iberian generals died in the battle of Scallabis. Their royal line is dead and squabbling nobles compete for the leftovers of their kingdom.”



Gaius, his head still bowed, smiled. So, we won afterall?

[econ21]

Winter 233, the Pripet Marshes

So, we are back here for a third time, thought Publius Maxentius. Three battles against the Scythians - two infamous disasters; the third will be somewhat different. Publius was a man of extravagant taste, but made war in a simple way. Gather overwhelming force and confront the enemy. He had 1450 men; the Scythians a little over 600. This was the Roman way of war: whatever reverses are suffered, come back for more, but come back stronger, never give up - unrelenting, inexorable conquest.



Third time lucky?

In the wake of the disasters of the previous year, Amulius, the leader of the Julii faction, and Publius’s adopted father, had ordered a wholesale reorganisation of Roman forces north of the great city. He had arranged for all battleworthy Roman units to be concentrated into eight regional field armies: Iberia; Gaul; Britannia; Germania; Italy; Illyria; Dacia and Scythia. Seeking to test his adopted son, Amulius had given Publius the most challenging command - the army of Scythia. Publius knew he was being tested and the knowledge ate away at him. I can march my men as far as any general; I can squeeze my subjects as ruthlessly as any governor. Why does my father believe I am any less a man because sometimes I prefer snails to oysters? Does he not know a real man is a creature of strong passions and does not let petty social conventions dictate his will? Did not the great Alexander show this?

Still, there were some consolations to be had from Amulius’s reforms. Stung by the number of corpulent, indulgent governors in his jurisdiction, Amulius had ordered all leading Senators to join his field armies. Every army had to have two generals. No bad thing at all. thought Publius, eying the toned physique of his second-in-command, Manius Oppius. Manius returned his glance unashamedly. No bad thing at all/

The battle was short and brutal. Publius formed up his line and marched on the Scythians, who this time included only two units of horse archers. Even so, the Scythian heavy cavalry gave a rough handling to the Roman infantry. A cohort of hastate and principes were surrounded and smashed, with the intervention of both generals’ Praetoria required to stabilise the situation. After the battle, the Romans counted 281 men dead, but Scythian losses were nearly twice that. The same year, news came of a heroic victory of Marcellus Syrus wins heroic victory over the last vestiges of Gauls, who had taken refuge in Iberia, eliminating them as a faction.

Remorsely, Publius marched his army onto Vicus Venedae besieging it in the Summer of 231. Vicus Venedae was the objective of the fallen hero Manius Julius in both his ill-fated Scythia campaigns. Where Manius the Victor twice failed, I will not, thought Publius proudly. The Scythians responded fiercely, sending a relief force to break the siege.

The Scythians who fought that day were the veterans who had twice defeated full Roman armies. The majority were horse archers. Publius was cautious. He lacked sufficient cavalry to act aggressively against this kind of enemy. So he formed up his army on a gently sloping hill, arranging them in loose order - almost willing the Scythians to enter close combat. Unlike Manius, however, Publius had three full cohorts of Roman archers as well as a corresponding force of velites. The Romans would have to endure, but the Scythians would not remain unscathed either. The battle was a bruising one. By its close, the Romans had lost 423 men. But the Scythians had lost 789, as well as Vicus Venedae.



The battle for Vicus Venedae was a brutal, unglamorous affair as the Romans prove ill-equipped to fight horse archers.

The ruthless Publius considered exterminating the population of Vicus Venedae, but even he could not stomach such a vile act. His qualms were later a source of much irritation as the city remained restless and rebellious. Publius and his army of Scythia would have to remain at the settlement for a considerable time, stymieing the Roman offence. Impatiently, Amulius ordered the Roman field army of Dacia to join the campaign. Its commander, Decimus Domitianus, was instructed to leave Campus Lazyges and to march on the Scythian capital, Campus Scythii. Yet again, Publius’s feelings for his fellow man had managed to disappoint his adopted father.