Rise of the Scipii

[Horseman]

Chapter 15 – A new era dawns (summer 263bc)

Secundus Barbatus opened his eyes as he sat up. He was groggy and his muscles ached with the effort. He was confused, the bed he lay on was comfortable and the room he found himself in was well furnished and clean. He rubbed his forehead as he tried to remember. It slowly came back to him. He was working with a group of men and they had kidnapped a young girl of some importance and were planning to ransom her back for a considerable amount of money. He winced as he remembered one of the men, a brute called Herius had grown bored hiding and had decided to have ‘fun’ with the girl. Secundus would not allow this, the plan had been to return the girl unharmed once the ransom had been paid. He was happy to go along with that plan but could not condone what Herius planned. He remembered the fight and he couldn’t help the smile that now formed on his lips. He had made a good account of himself, killing at least four men and seriously wounding two others. He had no recollection beyond that and had no idea where he was now. The door to the room opened and an elderly woman entered. Secundus with a thousand questions racing through his mind opened his mouth to speak but the woman beat him to it, “Well well, you’re awake. Let’s take a look at you”

It had been only two days since the battle of Thapsus and the men of the 1st and 3rd Legions had not been idle. The city was now utterly surrounded by extensive siege works and no man would enter or leave without first gaining permission of the Romans. Alexander the Greek was drawing lots of stares from the assembled army as he moved through the camp. This was due to his unlikely companion. He arrived at the command tent and entered.
“Is this him?” Quintus looked the Carthaginian over as he spoke. Alexander nodded, “His name is Gelon” Julianus shifted slightly in his seat, “Speak Carthaginian”
“My name is Gelon, I want to help you liberate my city” Alexander was the first to recover from the shock to reply, “Liberate? I hate to break it to you but this is a Roman army. We’re not here to liberate anyone we’re here to conquer” Gelon did not appear concerned with that statement, “I understand, but if I could help you breach the defences maybe you would spare my family?” A silence descended on the room as the assembled men considered what had just been said. In the end it fell to Julianus to pose the question, “We are your sworn enemy, why would you help us?” Gelon paused for a moment as he considered his reply, he did not want to say the wrong thing, “My family was once an important one in Carthage, then the Barca’s assumed control. We were humiliated, forced out of positions of power and importance. In the end we were left with only holdings here in Thapsus. That was until last year when they were stripped from us as well” Julianus glanced at his brother who gave a slight nod and then he spoke, “Very well Gelon, tell us how you can help us breach the cities defences. If all goes well we will spare your family, send them to stay with Aulus and he will keep them safe”

Secundus rapped lightly on the door and waited. After several minutes an elderly voice was heard to say, “Come in” He gingerly opened the door and entered the room. He was greeted by the sight of an elderly man sat up in bed, though he looked frail and weak the décor of the room suggested that this was a man of wealth and importance. With his heart pounding Secundus stepped into the middle of the room and finally remembering who the man led in the bed was he stopped and gave a short bow. A frail voice spoke, “So here is the hero of the hour, Secundus I believe? Please take a seat” Secundus obeyed the command of Cornelius Scipio and pulled up a chair, he did not know what to say. Cornelius perhaps sensing the young mans fears tried to put him at ease, “Come closer, don’t worry this disease is not contagious, I am just an old man” Secundus did as was asked. For an hour the two discussed recent events. Secundus tried to play down his role in Placida’s rescue but there was no convincing the elderly Scipio that the man who had killed six men defending his beloved grand daughter was anything but a hero. Shortly after Secundus had left Julianus the elder appeared, “An interesting young man that one” Cornelius smiled, “Indeed, perhaps we may find a job for him”

Several fires were burning across Thapsus, less than a week after the great battle on the plains the City was now in Scipii hands. Gelon had been good to his word, several hundred Carthaginians had stormed all four gate houses and then held them long enough for the Romans to get into the City. Once inside there was never any doubt on the outcome. Some fifty thousand Carthaginians had already died this day and still the killing went on. The Mercenaries had led the assault and borne the brunt of the heavy fighting against the enemy soldiers. Julianus, Quintus, Alexander and Gelon stood in silence on a small hill overlooking the city. The Scipii heir was the first to speak, “You have kept you end of the bargain Carthaginian and I shall keep mine. Your family are with Aulus and will be safe. I do however fear that the people here will not take as kindly to Roman rule as you have. To help facilitate good relations I will see your family in a position at the head of a local council to help integrate the people to Roman ways. You yourself shall remain as my personal advisor, do you agree?” Gelon understood that he was in reality a hostage of sorts to help ensure his families loyalties but he would not admit to such a thing, “Thank you my lord. I will serve you to the best of my abilities”

Aulus, master spy of the Scipii was happy. He was sheltering in an abandoned building far away from the fighting. With him huddled around thirty Carthaginians who were to be spared. They had bought a vast sum of money, over 4000 Denarii hidden in an old wine barrel. Julianus would surely be happy with him for delivering this.

Secundus was comforting Placida. Only an hour ago her Grandfather Cornelius had been found. He had been strong in life and had lost none of his wits even as the illness had taken more and more of his physical strength. Elsewhere in the Villa Julianus the Elder was comforting Cornelius’s widow. There would be much mourning across Scipii domains.

It had been a month since Julianus had sent word to his Father reporting on the fall of Thapsus and still he had not heard back. He was not overly surprised, with the Carthaginian control of the seas he supposed communication would be difficult. That was something he felt would need to be corrected in time. Still with a good base to operate from they had already secured the local country side and the populace had not so far caused many problems. The council he had set up were doing their jobs and keeping them happy. A Carthaginian army had been spotted to the south, his scouts reported that there were approximately three thousand light spearmen. Nothing much to trouble the Romans but they would need to be dealt with soon enough.

Secundus was tired. He was escorting the old man Julianus to Thapsus. They had bartered passage across hostile waters on a trading ship and had ridden without much rest since disembarking on Africa. He was glad to have an escort of some two hundred heavy cavalry that were sent as reinforcements for the Scipii brothers as he was not sure just how safe this country was to a Roman. Especially one who marched under the Scipii banner.

Quintus was surprised but joyous when he had seen the Roman horse approach the city. It was about time his father sent them reinforcements. He greeted them at the main east gate but he did not recognise the young man who led the company but he did recognise Julianus. One look at his face and Quintus knew something was amiss. An hour later Quintus was knelt in the shrine to Saturn (that had been quickly erected) giving offerings to the gods to keep his father well in the afterlife. To his left his older brother knelt. Quintus could not help feel for his brother. For he would now feel the burden of leading the family and a heavier burden Quintus could not imagine. Now in front of the statue of Saturn Quintus made a silent vow to himself. He would support his brother until death took him. For many hours the two brothers prayed in silence until at last Julianus broke the quiet, “I will need your help brother”
“It is yours until my last breath escapes my lips”

[Horseman]

The Scipii Empire

Julianus Scipio was studying the information bought to him by his late father’s loyal friend. He had in front of him a complete run down of the state of the Scipii domains.

Treasury – 4629 Denarii (including the money from the sacking of Thapsus)
Projected seasonal profits – 2833 Denarii

Capua (Capital of Campania) – Population 93,840 adult males
Governor’s palace, militia barracks, wooden palisade, paved roads, communal farming, port, trader, shrine to Vulcan and sewers.
Governor – Gaius Scipio
Garrison – 2400 Town Watch (4 companies) 600 barbarian mercenaries and 270 Numidian mercenaries (Senates reward for conquering Thapsus)

Messena (Capital of Sicilia Romanus) – Population 63,330 adult males
Governor’s Villa, barracks, wooden palisade, roads, port, stables, land clearance, shrine to Vulcan, trader and sewers.
Governor – Aulus Scipio
Garrison – 2nd Scipii Legion and 2400 Town Watch (4 companies)

Syracuse (Capital of Sicilia Graecus) – Population – 54,830 adult males
Governor’s palace, stone walls, militia barracks, port, land clearance, paved roads and market.
Governor – None at present. Previously governed by Cornelius Scipio
Garrison – 2400 Town Watch (4 companies)

Lilybaeum (Capital of Sicilia Poeni) – Population 13,070 adult males
Governor’s villa, palisade, barracks, trader, black smith, port, roads, practice range and shrine to Saturn.
Governor – Flavius Scipio
Garrison – 1800 Town Watch (3 companies)

Thapsus (Capital of Byzacium) – Population 14,970 adult males
Governor’s villa, militia barracks, trader, land clearance, practice range, wooden wall and stables.
Governor – Julianus Scipio
Garrison – 1st and 3rd Scipii legions, 60 Roman Archers, 210 Mercenary Hoplites, 220 Mercenary Samnites, 220 Mercenary Peltasts and 230 Mercenary Numidian cavalry.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

1st Scipii Legion (Legio Sicilia I)
Commander – Quintus Scipio with 160 bodyguards
400 Velites, 1200 Hastati and 270 Equites

2nd Scipii Legion (Legio Sicilia II)
Commander – Aulus Scipio with 120 bodyguards
400 Hastati and 270 Equites

3rd Scipii Legion (Legio Campania I)
Commander – Julianus Scipio with 180 bodyguards
1200 Hastati and 270 Equites

[Horseman]

Chapter 16 – A Scipio who is not a Scipio (winter 263bc)

It had been two weeks since news of his fathers death had reached him and still it did not seem quite real. Julianus had thrown his all into the work that lay ahead of him and together with his brother Quintus he had already begun organising the family’s holdings. His uncle Julianus (his father’s closest friend) had left for Sicilia yesterday carrying instructions for the others. Flavius was doing a fine job in Lilybaeum so would remain there for the foreseeable future. His youngest brother Aulus was to go to Capua and replace Gaius as governor of Campania who in turn was to go to Syracuse and take over as Governor of eastern Sicilia. Gaius would also take command of the 2nd Legion. This was the main reason for the swap. Julianus loved his brother Aulus but he was no military commander and with his father no longer in position to take command of the Legion in an emergency both he and Quintus agreed that it was better for Gaius to finally get his wish to serve in the military. Julianus the elder had asked to retire in Messena and this request was granted, though with Messena now falling under the rule of the eastern Sicilian governor who would be resident in Syracuse he had been asked to keep an eye on things.

Quintus was moving through the Legionary camp checking on the state of things. He had taken news of his fathers passing better than Julianus but then he was not burdened with the responsibility that his older brother now bore. With him was a young man Secundus Barbatus. He had arrived with reinforcements and had been promised a commission in the army by Quintus’s father. Julianus the elder had told the whole story of Placida’s capture and eventual rescue and this alone had given Quintus every reason to follow through with his fathers promise but Placida had also sent a letter that made her feeling towards Secundus quite clear.
“I owe you more than I can possibly repay Secundus. My daughter is very precious to me and I don’t know what I would have done if any harm had come to her. So I need to ask this question, do you feel for her as she feels for you?”
Secundus thought carefully over his answer, “I care very deeply for your daughter sir” Quintus stopped walking and turned to face Secundus directly, “Do you love her?” Secundus felt his heart skip a beat at that question for he could almost hear the unspoken accusation, “I haven’t touched her and I wouldn’t. I swear it sir” Quintus smiled softly and replied, “You didn’t answer my question” Secundus took a deep breath, no point in lying now, “Yes” He turned away embarrassed. Well that was it he’d soon be shipped of to some quiet corner of the world, out of sight and hidden. Quintus laid a hand on his shoulder, “I have discussed it with my brother. You will have a commission with the 1st Legion under my direct command. This is not a place for Placida and it is not the time for us to leave Africa even for a short time but once Byzacium is fully pacified the wedding will be arranged and from this point on you are as a son to me and a man of the Scipii” Secundus turned back to face the man who was now as a father to him. He’d never known his own father, he’d never had a family and now here he was being invited to join one of the most influential families. He knew not what to feel or say.

Aulus Scipio was in Syracuse. Shortly after his fathers death some of the citizens here had thought that now would be a good time to strike and win back the cities independence from Rome. They were wrong. Aulus had bought the 2nd Legion south and restored order quickly but he really did not like this place. Way to much Greek influence in the architecture. He was therefore pleased to receive his orders form his brother Julianus. He was to go to Capua and represent his family in Italy, this was truly a great honour and one thing could be said about that city. The architecture was Roman. It would be some time before he made the trip as he would need to wait for Gaius to arrive here as he did not want to leave the 2nd without a commander.

Julianus, Quintus, Secundus and Alexander all sat listening to the report for Aulus the spy. “Our scouts have located two Carthaginian armies operating in or near Byzacium. To the west is a force of 1200 Skirmishers, 400 Iberian light swordsmen and 1200 light Militia Spearmen. Supporting them to the south the force numbers 3000 more Militia Spearmen. Quite a number of men I’m afraid”
Alexander was next to speak, “Bah! Militia, light Swordsmen and Skirmishers? Hardly a match for us” Quintus agreed, “If I take the 1st out to crush these fools you can keep the 3rd here to maintain order” Julianus nodded, “Agreed. Have we spotted anything to the north Aulus?”
“Not that our scouts have seen my lord, but I would be surprised if reinforcements were not sent from Carthage” Secundus who had remained silent until now finally found his voice, “We need to make sure our northern boarders are watched otherwise we could get surprised by a superior force” Quintus was pleased the man his daughter had asked to marry was no fool, “Good point, I suggest Secundus moves north with a small body of men and establishes a series of watch towers to warn of any approaching army from Carthage. He can then link back up with the 1st in the field”
All present agreed and early next morning Secundus was riding north with a body of heavy cavalry and the 1st was marching west with the new Scipii heir Quintus Scipio.

Gaius was enjoying this Senate meeting immensely. Last week he had led his 150 guard and the 600 barbarian mercenaries against a force of bandits who were blocking the road from Capua to Tarentum. The bandits mustered less than 600 men to fight but there was no real battle. The bandits were wiped out to a man for the loss of less than a dozen dirty barbarians. Best of all was that officially the bandits were operating in Brutii territory so they should have dealt with it but the force they had sent was roundly thrashed and sent running home. This information had somehow become public (Gaius had no idea how….) and now the Senators were taking every opportunity to make sly remarks about Brutii courage. It truly was a great day to be a Scipio.

Secundus was in trouble. He had ridden north as ordered. Out of virtually no where he had found not one but two Carthaginian armies. The closest was led by Bisaltes, a man of the Barca family. As well as his own guard he also had an unknown number of Libyan spearmen as well as a number of troops Secundus and his force could not get close enough to identify. Slightly to the north east was a similar force made up of at least 600 Militia Spearmen plus some more troops that could not be identified. All in all there was thought to be no more than seven companies of Carthaginians including their commander. Still they outnumbered the Romans under Secundus substantially, he resolved to avoid battle at all cost until the full force of the 1st could be assembled against them

A man becomes a son

Secundus Barbatus – Good Commander, Drill Master and Been in the Wars. Command=2, Management=0 and Influence=0.

[Horseman]

Chapter 17 – A return to the waves (summer 262bc)

Julianus greeted the messenger for Sicilia warmly, it was one of the last people he expected to see, “Lucius! Good to see you boy” The boy, no the young man smiled broadly, “I have missed you father” The two embraced fiercely. Julianus composed himself once more before he spoke again, “I’m sorry I missed you coming of age ceremony, I’m afraid events here keep me long over due from returning home” Lucius shock his head, “its ok father I understand. I thought that maybe you could do with another strong sword arm at your side so I volunteered to bring the reports” Julianus embraced his son again, “Well lets eat before we talk business” Flavius was not going to argue.

Aulus the master spy rode into the Roman camp at a gallop. He did not pause until he reached the commanders tent. Within Quintus Scipio, Secundus Barbatus and Alexander the Greek waited for his report.
“I hope this Aulus does his job well” Both Quintus and Alexander laughed at their young companion’s question. He’ll learn thought Quintus, oh yes he’ll learn. Before Secundus could ask what was so funny Aulus entered. He straitened up a little before snapping off a sloppy salute, “General” Quintus smiled, all the time he’d spent with the army had started rubbing of but Aulus was no soldier, “Greetings Aulus, what news?” Aulus relaxed and adopted his usual stance, slouching and his head cocked slightly to one side, “Well it appears your second here was correct. Large numbers of Carthaginians have come south looking to link up with their forces already here no doubt” Aulus moved across to the table where a map or the area was laid out, he pointed to a position to the west of their current position. The Carthaginians have consolidated what forces they have in the area here. 1200 Skirmishers, 400 Iberian Swordsmen and 4200 Militia Spearmen, quite a force” Alexander shook his head, “They have numbers but we have the quality. Lets whip these guys and go home” Quintus glanced at Secundus who shook his head before he spoke, “There’s more. To the north we saw heavy cavalry and Libyan Spearmen” All eyes again turned to Aulus who pointed to another part of the map. North of their position and to the NW of Thapsus, “Quite right, here we have an army led by Bisaltes. He has 130 Heavy cavalry, 400 Skirmishers, 400 Libyan Spearmen, 600 Militia and 800 Balearic Slingers” Alexander sighed, “Damn them, we risk attacking one of these armies and the other falls on our flank” Quintus wasn’t worried, “Aulus I want you to return to Thapsus”

Gaius Scipio was going to be a busy man. He was due to leave for Syracuse soon to assume the governorship, he was also due to assume command of the 2nd Legion and to top it off he had recently been elected to the position of Aedile. It was a good job he trusted his younger brother Aulus because soon he would be the voice of the family in Rome and would need to represent not just him in the Senate chambers but his brother Quintus. Gaius still could not believe how he had been elected, he hadn’t been to Rome for years!

Julianus had talked for hours with his son and now listened to the reports from Sicilia and Rome. There was some good news. A squadron of Biremes had been completed in Capua and a squadron in Syracuse. The Senate had ordered another blockade of Carthage so this squadron had already been dispatched by Aulus. Julianus smiled at that, his brother may be sickly and unsuited for field command of a Legion but he was no fool either. There was news of Crispina as well, she had recently given birth to a healthy boy that she had named Placus. Julianus smiled at this too, she had only been in Africa for one night. Apparently that was enough for Quintus. And last but not least the recent Senatorial elections had finished. Julianus was not surprised to see Gaius move up to Aedile but he was to see Quintus elected as the new Quaestor.
“He hasn’t been in Rome for years. How by the gods did he get elected?” Lucius shrugged, “Well I don’t understand the politics as well as you but Uncle Gaius told me it was Tiberius Brutus who nominated him and then campaigned heavily to see this ‘brave Roman’ elected” Well that was odd, the Scipii and the Brutii had never to put it mildly got on. “Why would Tiberius want to see another Scipio elected?” Julianus did not really expect an answer from his son so was surprised when he got one, “Uncle Gaius thinks that he was worried that someone who was unfriendly was front runner to win. He guesses’s that since uncle Quintus is not in Rome and not likely to be for some time Tiberius thinks an absent Quaestor is better than an unfriendly one” Julianus understood but the conversation was interrupted by Aulus, exhausted after riding hard with a message from Quintus.

The plan was simple (as the best plans often are) Quintus with the 1st Legion was to keep the attention of the largest Carthaginian army focused squarely on him whilst Julianus and the 3rd Legion takes out their reinforcements. They had marched only three days before the intercepted the enemy closing towards Thapsus, the cry went out and the Roman army deployed for battle.



Julianus had chosen a standard formation. Hastati in the centre with the Archers deployed behind them for support. He deployed his 270 Equites to cover the left flank and let Lucius with his 130 heavy cavalry cover the right.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

The enemy fell back slightly taking shelter on a hill. They deployed their two spear armed units to hold the centre with the Skirmishers and Slingers in a second line. Bisaltes deployed behind.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

With little room to try manoeuvre to remove the enemies height advantage Julianus chose to trust in his superior men. They advanced towards the enemy. The strategy? A good old fashioned frontal assault with the infantry. The Cavalry would sweep around the flanks and destroy the skirmish line.
As Romans drew closer to the enemy they came under deadly accurate fire from the Balearic slingers. Romans were dying. Julianus gave the order and with a blast from a horn the signal was given. With only sixty archers returning fire the Romans were vulnerable. On hearing the signal the Hastati broke into a run and on the flanks both units of Roman cavalry galloped ahead. The Carthaginian Javelin skirmishers managed one volley the Hastati responded with one of their own before charging home. Julianus led his bodyguard to the left. He was following in the wake of the Equites who were now heavily engaged with the enemy Slingers. Julianus charged in support. From the right Lucius had scattered the Skirmishers who opposed him, directly ahead he spied an opportunity to end this. Risking a pause only to glance at the main infantry line he led his guard in a charge against Bisaltes.

In his bloodlust induced state Lucius hacked deeply into the enemy horsemen. As he slashed out to the left and to the right he realised that his momentum had carried him clear of his lines and he was now surrounded by enemy horsemen. He allowed a scream of rage to escape his lips as he set upon his foes, many of them seemed reluctant to close within sword reach. Then it was over, the enemy turned and fled Lucius gave chase along with the remainder of the Roman army.

Julianus had the final count of loses. He had lost a score of men from his bodyguard so had Lucius. The Legions infantry had got off lightly only losing 80 Hastati but 220 Equites had been lost. He would send for more reinforcements as soon as he got back to Thapsus but for now he turned to Aulus, “Go tell my brother that his flank is clear”

A son becomes a man

Lucius Scipio – Fertile, understanding of Strategy, bloody and Even Handed. Command=2 Management=0 Influence=0

[Horseman]

Sorry for the massive pause in writing, will be getting back to at least weekely installments in the next few days though will be aiming for a new installment every other day when I can manage it

Hope I haven't lost too many readers with my tardiness

[cassu]

hopefully so because your story is standing still with nothing now for a long time now

Sorry for the massive pause in writing, will be getting back to at least weekely installments in the next few days though will be aiming for a new installment every other day when I can manage it

Hope I haven't lost too many readers with my tardiness

[Horseman]

Yes sorry about that, health issues once more laid me low though hopefully all sorted now.

Will be back on track as soon as my head is clear enough to write (I find it hard when my heads all fuzzy!) Was under anesthetic las week and boy does that make your head drowsy for a while