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Thread: The Puniceus Paludamentum
The Puniceus Paludamentum
A History of the Roman Empire
Introduction:
Much legend surrounds the founding of Rome. What is known is the eventual destiny of this city. The early history of Central Italy is a tumultous one. Countless wars, broken alliances, and faltering agreements resulted in several centuries of nearly continual warfare. Whether the Etruscans, Samnites, or Gallic tribes the battle for Central Italy took a long time to sort out. In the end Rome stood over her enemies and became the undisputed ruler of Central Italy. At the time of the start of this historical portrayl Rome controled five major cities with their respective ports. Capua, Rome, and Arretium were the most advanced of the five. Arriminum and Apri in the south had been recent additions and were not quite advanced enough to be granted citizenship. Under times of crisis the three forementioned advanced cities could raise troops to defend Rome and her interests. One of the things that allowed Rome to be an acceptable yoke over a defeated foe was that the Roman yoke, in many cases, did not abolish local traditions. Many cities became allies of Rome with the agreement that they would send troops to defend the "homeland". Roman arguments apparently worked well for if allied cities did not send troops all the members of that alliance would suffer defeat. Rome and her city subjects maintained a symbiotic relationship that would endure for a very long time.
This is not always the case however. Many times throughout her history Rome took extreme measures to guarantee her security. If a culture was unwilling to accept Roman rule they were conquered. Rome in her history has been paranoid of being invaded and sacked like so many cities of the ancient world. In fact in 390 BC the Gauls stormed south out of the alps, having been displaced by migratory Germanic tribes, and settled in northern Italy. Eventually the Gallic presence in northern Italy would lead the Gauls to a conflict with old enemies of Rome the Etruscans. Although Rome delighted in the Etruscan defeat, they feared the eventuality that Gallic armies would soon be at the gates of Rome. In fact the city was sacked and only survived when the Gallic chieftain Brennus agreed to depart the city for 1000 lbs of gold. It is a plausible argument that the Roman empire would have never existed had the Gauls refused and simply destroyed what was remaining of Rome. How the world would look without Rome is an interesting topic alone but one that will not be discussed here.
Roman persistance and paranoia helped forge an empire. Her greatest challenges yet lie ahead. Enemies surround the fledling republic. In 272 BC Rome is rather secure in Central Italy, but to the south the Greeks from Epirus have had colonies for many years. Epirus wants the Roman Peninsula and is determined to conquer it for themselves. Off the coast of the toe of Italy lies the rich fertile land of Sicily. Occupied partially by the Carthiginians and by Greek sympathizers it could be an explosive area. North of Rome, in the northern reaches at the foot of the Alps the Gauls have settled in rather comfortably. Although the Gallic tribes are quiet it is inevitable that they will be on the move again and a likely direction is south.
A History of the Roman Empire
Introduction:
Much legend surrounds the founding of Rome. What is known is the eventual destiny of this city. The early history of Central Italy is a tumultous one. Countless wars, broken alliances, and faltering agreements resulted in several centuries of nearly continual warfare. Whether the Etruscans, Samnites, or Gallic tribes the battle for Central Italy took a long time to sort out. In the end Rome stood over her enemies and became the undisputed ruler of Central Italy. At the time of the start of this historical portrayl Rome controled five major cities with their respective ports. Capua, Rome, and Arretium were the most advanced of the five. Arriminum and Apri in the south had been recent additions and were not quite advanced enough to be granted citizenship. Under times of crisis the three forementioned advanced cities could raise troops to defend Rome and her interests. One of the things that allowed Rome to be an acceptable yoke over a defeated foe was that the Roman yoke, in many cases, did not abolish local traditions. Many cities became allies of Rome with the agreement that they would send troops to defend the "homeland". Roman arguments apparently worked well for if allied cities did not send troops all the members of that alliance would suffer defeat. Rome and her city subjects maintained a symbiotic relationship that would endure for a very long time.
This is not always the case however. Many times throughout her history Rome took extreme measures to guarantee her security. If a culture was unwilling to accept Roman rule they were conquered. Rome in her history has been paranoid of being invaded and sacked like so many cities of the ancient world. In fact in 390 BC the Gauls stormed south out of the alps, having been displaced by migratory Germanic tribes, and settled in northern Italy. Eventually the Gallic presence in northern Italy would lead the Gauls to a conflict with old enemies of Rome the Etruscans. Although Rome delighted in the Etruscan defeat, they feared the eventuality that Gallic armies would soon be at the gates of Rome. In fact the city was sacked and only survived when the Gallic chieftain Brennus agreed to depart the city for 1000 lbs of gold. It is a plausible argument that the Roman empire would have never existed had the Gauls refused and simply destroyed what was remaining of Rome. How the world would look without Rome is an interesting topic alone but one that will not be discussed here.
Roman persistance and paranoia helped forge an empire. Her greatest challenges yet lie ahead. Enemies surround the fledling republic. In 272 BC Rome is rather secure in Central Italy, but to the south the Greeks from Epirus have had colonies for many years. Epirus wants the Roman Peninsula and is determined to conquer it for themselves. Off the coast of the toe of Italy lies the rich fertile land of Sicily. Occupied partially by the Carthiginians and by Greek sympathizers it could be an explosive area. North of Rome, in the northern reaches at the foot of the Alps the Gauls have settled in rather comfortably. Although the Gallic tribes are quiet it is inevitable that they will be on the move again and a likely direction is south.
Chapter I - Romanization of Southern Italy.
Beginning in 270 BC Rome appointed a consul to deal with the Epeiorite entrenchment in Southern Italy. Cnaevs Cornelius Blasio assembled an army and set out for the Capital of Kalabria, Taras. After a nearly two year siege the garrison inside the city charged out and desperately tried to dislodge the besiegers. The result was a slaughter of the Greek garrison and the gates of the city were thrown open and Roman rule welcomed. The battle itself was initially played out by the missle troops of both sides and eventually the Greeks decided to engage the lines of the Romans only to be thrown back. The garrison commander tried a flanking charge into the Roman lines only to be killed by a countercharging Roman Cavalryled by the military tribune and nephew of Consul Blasio. The victorious Equites turned their attention to the skirmishers in front of the Roman lines and subsequently destroyed them. The cavalry managed to get inside the city cutting down all the fleeing Greeks. It was quickly over as the last remnants of resistance melted away. Consul Blasio led the army back to Capua to refit and rest and then put down a small rebellious group of Samnites before returning to Southern Italy. After wintering in Rome the Legion loaded themselves onto waiting vessels and sailed to Rhegium in Bruttia. Rhegium was besieged for slightly more than a year where upon they surrended without a drop of blood being spilt. By 265 BC Central and Southern Italy were united under Roman Rule.
Battle of Taras Video Highlights
http://s67.photobucket.com/albums/h3...tleofTaras.flv
***
In central Italy progress was being made on a road system designed to open up new trade routes with southern Italy. Regional governments were established in the two new provinces acquired. Diplomats from Rome finally worked out a peace treaty with the Gallic tribes in North Italy and managed to establish trade. As of now the tribes are not united and do not represent a threat to the republic. Trade into north Italy will allow the Senate to further monitor the situation. A side effect of the acquisitions in the south was the introduction of thousands of slaves. Sanitary improvements throughout Italy has led to a population boom and with that an ever increasing demand for Grain and other food stuffs. The Italian peninsula is not ideal for vast tracts of farming. However adjacent to the Italian Peninsula is the fertile Island of Sicily. The black volcanic soil supports a seemingly endless tide of grains. The city of Messana has been contested by Greece and Carthage. Estimates that the population of the peninsula had doubled since 280 BC would certainly put pressure on the Senate to find a reliable source of grain. Egypt supplies grain as well as Carthage but both of those exact a high price to the republic. Mainly because Rome is powerless to stop it. A great debate roared in the senate for several days before an army under Consul Blasio was to pressure the city of Messana to join the Republic. In exchange for Rome's protection against the independent city, Messana would ship Grain to Rome for nearly half the price that Carthage and Egypt charged. Egypt was not overly concerned and was confident that they would find other markets. However Carthage was greatly offended and felt betrayed. In a desperate move Carthage ceased grain shipments to the Republic. Although Messana supplied some grain, Carthage still supplied almost a quarter of all the grain consumed in the Peninsula. The vast majoritiy of it was grown right in Sicily. After failed attempts to renegotiate, an army from Rome was sent to Sicily to secure as much grain as possible to supply the quickly growing Republic.
^Territory as of 265 BC
Beginning in 270 BC Rome appointed a consul to deal with the Epeiorite entrenchment in Southern Italy. Cnaevs Cornelius Blasio assembled an army and set out for the Capital of Kalabria, Taras. After a nearly two year siege the garrison inside the city charged out and desperately tried to dislodge the besiegers. The result was a slaughter of the Greek garrison and the gates of the city were thrown open and Roman rule welcomed. The battle itself was initially played out by the missle troops of both sides and eventually the Greeks decided to engage the lines of the Romans only to be thrown back. The garrison commander tried a flanking charge into the Roman lines only to be killed by a countercharging Roman Cavalryled by the military tribune and nephew of Consul Blasio. The victorious Equites turned their attention to the skirmishers in front of the Roman lines and subsequently destroyed them. The cavalry managed to get inside the city cutting down all the fleeing Greeks. It was quickly over as the last remnants of resistance melted away. Consul Blasio led the army back to Capua to refit and rest and then put down a small rebellious group of Samnites before returning to Southern Italy. After wintering in Rome the Legion loaded themselves onto waiting vessels and sailed to Rhegium in Bruttia. Rhegium was besieged for slightly more than a year where upon they surrended without a drop of blood being spilt. By 265 BC Central and Southern Italy were united under Roman Rule.
Battle of Taras Video Highlights
http://s67.photobucket.com/albums/h3...tleofTaras.flv
***
In central Italy progress was being made on a road system designed to open up new trade routes with southern Italy. Regional governments were established in the two new provinces acquired. Diplomats from Rome finally worked out a peace treaty with the Gallic tribes in North Italy and managed to establish trade. As of now the tribes are not united and do not represent a threat to the republic. Trade into north Italy will allow the Senate to further monitor the situation. A side effect of the acquisitions in the south was the introduction of thousands of slaves. Sanitary improvements throughout Italy has led to a population boom and with that an ever increasing demand for Grain and other food stuffs. The Italian peninsula is not ideal for vast tracts of farming. However adjacent to the Italian Peninsula is the fertile Island of Sicily. The black volcanic soil supports a seemingly endless tide of grains. The city of Messana has been contested by Greece and Carthage. Estimates that the population of the peninsula had doubled since 280 BC would certainly put pressure on the Senate to find a reliable source of grain. Egypt supplies grain as well as Carthage but both of those exact a high price to the republic. Mainly because Rome is powerless to stop it. A great debate roared in the senate for several days before an army under Consul Blasio was to pressure the city of Messana to join the Republic. In exchange for Rome's protection against the independent city, Messana would ship Grain to Rome for nearly half the price that Carthage and Egypt charged. Egypt was not overly concerned and was confident that they would find other markets. However Carthage was greatly offended and felt betrayed. In a desperate move Carthage ceased grain shipments to the Republic. Although Messana supplied some grain, Carthage still supplied almost a quarter of all the grain consumed in the Peninsula. The vast majoritiy of it was grown right in Sicily. After failed attempts to renegotiate, an army from Rome was sent to Sicily to secure as much grain as possible to supply the quickly growing Republic.
^Territory as of 265 BC
Alright im back!
Yay!
BTW; your videos are getting much better.
BTW; your videos are getting much better.
There is a learning curve involved with the video editing thats for sure. Thanks for watching :)
Roma Invicta!!!! Good to see you up and running again.
Update tomorrow...Chapter VI 
Chapter VI - Securing Coastal Iberia
Although Iberia offered much promise it was also a land divided. The entrance of Rome into the Iberian scene in 229 BC meant that there were four factions vieng for control over the peninsula. In addition to Rome there is Carthage along the Mediterraenean coast, The native Iberians occupying the Interior, and The expanding Arverni confederation. The latter had been warned not to enter into Iberia in agreement with the alliance. However Rome's spies in Gaul had revealed that the Aeudi tribes had reached an agreement with the Germanic Sweboz to attack the Arverni.
In ten years time the Arverni would go from powerful to desperate. Once again it appeared that the Republic was destined to have another collision with the Aeudi.
The one city, Emporion, that had not fallen to any of the factions fell to Roman forces in the fall of 229 BC. This gave the Romans a secure port on the upper right hand corner of the peninsula. Consul Gnaeus Scipio led his forces south across rough terrain and met a small force of native Iberians which were quickly scattered.
Expecting a Carthiginian garrison, Consul Scipio found instead native Iberians occupying the town of Arse. After a nearly two year Seige the Iberians surrendered and a small garrison was left with Consul Scipio in the city. G. Scipio would oversee the reconstruction of the city and the completion of roads to the north in order to better secure suppllies. The Roman fleet was spending alot of time avoiding the Carthiginian fleet and it was costing the Consul much needed supplies. Consul Scipio awaited a new legion in city of Arse which were enroute from the city of Masilla by land. During his stay in the city the Native Iberians were growing restless. With most of his legion marching north to meet up with the fresh recruits, Consul Scipio would be left with a skeleton Garrison. It was during this vulnerable time in the winter of 228 that the Carthiginians apparently encouraged the native Iberians of the city to revolt. Led by Carthiginian agents the people of the city turned their attention to Scipios villa in the center of the town and attacked it. Eventually after several days of fighting they broke through and killed much of the garrison and Consul Scipio fell amongst the defenders.
His corpse was paraded through the streets and the Iberians found themselves with renewed confidence in defending their homeland. Obviously this paralyzed the efforts of the Republic in conquering coastal Iberia. The senate met in emergency session and named a new consul. The new Consul, Appius Vagienius Cotta, was the current governor of Masilla.
At the age of 46 he was not young but did have considerable influenced and was generally respected. He marched to connect with the main force that was now encamped on the Ebro River. After reforming the army he marched the men and brutally sacked the city of Arse putting the rebelious natives to the sword. Any confidence the Iberians had gained was now shattered in the face of two full consular legions. For the moment Consul A. Cotta ignored the Iberians and instead focused on the Carthiginians in there city of Carthago Nova.
After several months of beseigement the Carthiginians sent a relief force under command of , Aderbal, who was in all purposes a King.
Having trekked from Gader it took a while for them to reach their city. The Romans deployed themselves on a large hill in which the Carthiginians were clearly at a disadvantage of trying to wrest them away from. Although the Carthiginians fought well they did not have the numbers to dislodge the Romans and after Aderbal was killed the entire army fled back to Gader.
Carthago Nova fell into the hands of the Romans but would be a difficult province to manage due to the natural unrest of the area. Consul A. Cotta stormed west along the southern coast of Iberia finally arriving at the important and last city of Carthage in Iberia. Gader withstood the besiegement and in a large battle the new leader of the Carthiginians,Yutpan , emerged to relieve the city of the Roman attack.
A grand battle took place in which the Romans had much difficulty in stopping the Carthiginian's superior cavalry. Again Carthage was undermanned and although they had great discipline the Romans began to wear down the Iberian troops that the Carthiginians were using. After about two hours of fighting the Carthiginian center broke and the hastati gave chase. The Samnite spearmen had been withdrawn due to heavy casualties on their flanks. With the center collapsed the Romans pivoted their lines and attacked the units on their flanks. The remainder of the Carthiginians fled and ultimately made it back to their fleet where they sailed back to Africa.
Battle Scenes from the Iberian Coastal Campaign:
Video of the two battles with the Carthiginians:
http://s67.photobucket.com/albums/h3...stalIberia.flv
Gader had fallen and now Rome had complete control of all the Mediterannean ports that Iberia had to offer. Having this control however was somewhat deceptive. The vast interior of Iberia was untamed and without that properly subjucated it would only be a matter of time until the Native Iberians ( or the emerging Arverni) would contest Roman holdings. A decision was made to press into the Iberian Interior. After taking a year to rest troops the Romans had impressed the Iberian locals and many villages offered their own warriors to help fight. Apparently the Iberians that lived in the former Carthiginian held territory were so impressed with the effectiveness of the Roman military that they began to offer themselves as mercenaries. Although skeptical, the Consul had no choice due to the fact that his main front line troops were running thin. The Samnites had performed admirably but there numbers had dwindled to the point that new units had to be called from Italy or he could use native Iberian Troops. In 222 BC Consul Cotta made the decision to press into the Interior of Iberia.
^Extent of Roman Rule, 222 BC
Although Iberia offered much promise it was also a land divided. The entrance of Rome into the Iberian scene in 229 BC meant that there were four factions vieng for control over the peninsula. In addition to Rome there is Carthage along the Mediterraenean coast, The native Iberians occupying the Interior, and The expanding Arverni confederation. The latter had been warned not to enter into Iberia in agreement with the alliance. However Rome's spies in Gaul had revealed that the Aeudi tribes had reached an agreement with the Germanic Sweboz to attack the Arverni.
In ten years time the Arverni would go from powerful to desperate. Once again it appeared that the Republic was destined to have another collision with the Aeudi.
The one city, Emporion, that had not fallen to any of the factions fell to Roman forces in the fall of 229 BC. This gave the Romans a secure port on the upper right hand corner of the peninsula. Consul Gnaeus Scipio led his forces south across rough terrain and met a small force of native Iberians which were quickly scattered.
Expecting a Carthiginian garrison, Consul Scipio found instead native Iberians occupying the town of Arse. After a nearly two year Seige the Iberians surrendered and a small garrison was left with Consul Scipio in the city. G. Scipio would oversee the reconstruction of the city and the completion of roads to the north in order to better secure suppllies. The Roman fleet was spending alot of time avoiding the Carthiginian fleet and it was costing the Consul much needed supplies. Consul Scipio awaited a new legion in city of Arse which were enroute from the city of Masilla by land. During his stay in the city the Native Iberians were growing restless. With most of his legion marching north to meet up with the fresh recruits, Consul Scipio would be left with a skeleton Garrison. It was during this vulnerable time in the winter of 228 that the Carthiginians apparently encouraged the native Iberians of the city to revolt. Led by Carthiginian agents the people of the city turned their attention to Scipios villa in the center of the town and attacked it. Eventually after several days of fighting they broke through and killed much of the garrison and Consul Scipio fell amongst the defenders.
His corpse was paraded through the streets and the Iberians found themselves with renewed confidence in defending their homeland. Obviously this paralyzed the efforts of the Republic in conquering coastal Iberia. The senate met in emergency session and named a new consul. The new Consul, Appius Vagienius Cotta, was the current governor of Masilla.
At the age of 46 he was not young but did have considerable influenced and was generally respected. He marched to connect with the main force that was now encamped on the Ebro River. After reforming the army he marched the men and brutally sacked the city of Arse putting the rebelious natives to the sword. Any confidence the Iberians had gained was now shattered in the face of two full consular legions. For the moment Consul A. Cotta ignored the Iberians and instead focused on the Carthiginians in there city of Carthago Nova.
After several months of beseigement the Carthiginians sent a relief force under command of , Aderbal, who was in all purposes a King.
Having trekked from Gader it took a while for them to reach their city. The Romans deployed themselves on a large hill in which the Carthiginians were clearly at a disadvantage of trying to wrest them away from. Although the Carthiginians fought well they did not have the numbers to dislodge the Romans and after Aderbal was killed the entire army fled back to Gader.
Carthago Nova fell into the hands of the Romans but would be a difficult province to manage due to the natural unrest of the area. Consul A. Cotta stormed west along the southern coast of Iberia finally arriving at the important and last city of Carthage in Iberia. Gader withstood the besiegement and in a large battle the new leader of the Carthiginians,Yutpan , emerged to relieve the city of the Roman attack.
A grand battle took place in which the Romans had much difficulty in stopping the Carthiginian's superior cavalry. Again Carthage was undermanned and although they had great discipline the Romans began to wear down the Iberian troops that the Carthiginians were using. After about two hours of fighting the Carthiginian center broke and the hastati gave chase. The Samnite spearmen had been withdrawn due to heavy casualties on their flanks. With the center collapsed the Romans pivoted their lines and attacked the units on their flanks. The remainder of the Carthiginians fled and ultimately made it back to their fleet where they sailed back to Africa.
Battle Scenes from the Iberian Coastal Campaign:
Video of the two battles with the Carthiginians:
http://s67.photobucket.com/albums/h3...stalIberia.flv
Gader had fallen and now Rome had complete control of all the Mediterannean ports that Iberia had to offer. Having this control however was somewhat deceptive. The vast interior of Iberia was untamed and without that properly subjucated it would only be a matter of time until the Native Iberians ( or the emerging Arverni) would contest Roman holdings. A decision was made to press into the Iberian Interior. After taking a year to rest troops the Romans had impressed the Iberian locals and many villages offered their own warriors to help fight. Apparently the Iberians that lived in the former Carthiginian held territory were so impressed with the effectiveness of the Roman military that they began to offer themselves as mercenaries. Although skeptical, the Consul had no choice due to the fact that his main front line troops were running thin. The Samnites had performed admirably but there numbers had dwindled to the point that new units had to be called from Italy or he could use native Iberian Troops. In 222 BC Consul Cotta made the decision to press into the Interior of Iberia.
^Extent of Roman Rule, 222 BC
Excellent choice of expansion! Iberia has 2 reputable forms of income: Mines and Trade. Be warry of the Sweboz to the north their expansion is alarming. I've heard many people say that they stopped their Roman campaign because of Sweboz hordes.
Thanks for the advice with the Sweboz. I am using two legions in Northern Italy to stop their advances. About 225 BC they started to really focus on Patavium. I am going to try to be sneaky and become allies with the Aedui, declare war on the Arverni, and make peace with the Germans. Hopefully it will work out. After Iberia I might take a hard look at north Africa. Carthage is weak and could be a good avenue for the Republic to expand. Its a necessary thing because Carthage is only 3 days sail away :). Anyways I will likely have another update tomorrow. Thanks for watching :)
In order to make peace with the Aedui make sure you are not bordering them first capture and offer any next to border province and give it to the Arvernii. Then they might agree to peace also map info and trade rights and ~10000 mhai always sweeten the deal.
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