Eagles' Hope

[Chyll]

This is my first Paradox AAR.

I've played a couple of games now and keep running into cool little stories, but I don't keep track of them. Not sure if it will meet the normal standards around here, but I am putting this together for myself, to not forget the stories, and sharing it for fun.

I will begin this at the moment of the first in game consular election, ending the term of Lucius Aemilius Barbula.


Some notes on troop standards I have adopted to help me track things. I rename all my legions in order of creation using a more classic Legio I, Legio II, etc. They sort quickly in the panel view and contrast with the automatically named units.

Regarding my philosophy of building legions, my pre-horse concept is to comprise the force of 8 heavy infantry (HI) and 6 archers (A).
Once access to horses is achieved, the standard Legio will be 8 HI, 6 A, and 4 equites (C).

For early years, these stacks should suffice with good leadership. In later years against strong opponents, two 18 stacks (horse supported Legio) combine to form a single 26 force (I know not particularly correct in usage here, but to track these I call them Exercitus)

There will be times where a Legio must be fielded to active duty prior to completing its recruitment. To help me identify these forces to complete their roster, I rename these as Fragmenti (again, not correct, but I like it).

To help control unruly provinces, I occasionally recruit small forces of 2-4 cohorts and assign them to a governor. These I label according to their province, such as Provincialis Dalmatae or Provincialis Macedonia.

Omens, right or wrong, I have settled on a strategy to call an omen for population expansion at each opportunity possible. This 1) keeps the religous folks in line 2) succeeds enough that my population expands at a nice pace. Later, I'll likely switch to alternating with research point omens. Once the chance to succeed firms up with a nice high number, then I think about touching the others, but generally like to avoid dinging my troops and loyalty numbers negatively if I can avoid it.

I will try to keep posts limited to each Consul's tenure.
I will include screenshots as I remember them.

Anything else?
Probably, but I can't remember.

 

[Chyll]

In May of 475 Quintus Fabius Gurges is elected Consul. A Populist, the masses are pleased with the selection.

(Right off the bat, Rome is saddled with a Populist Consul. I consider this an ill an omen. Thankfully, he left the national ideas alone.)

Gurges took control as the war with Magna Graecia and Epirus continues on. Legio I, under Legate (and new Censor) Lucius Barbula stands in occupation of recently captured Tarentum. Legio II and Fragmenti I siege Ager Bruttius, which falls later that month of May. Legio II moves on to Syracusae, and Magna Graecia lets Rome annex Ager Bruttius as tribute.

In July, Lucius Potumius Megellus had the 1st Navy out after pirates and was jumped by a larger naval force from Epirus. The battle was long, but Lucius Megellus prevailed (lost 2 ships to their 7).

In October, Epirus attempted to buy peace with 56 gold, and the Senate would not even consider it.

Recruitment brings the Fragmenti to strength, and now Legio II takes station to guard the south of the Italy, while Legio I moves North to initiate colonization. (At this time begin consideration of naming Legio I 'Italia'.)

Syracusae fell in March of 476, and Epirus immediately ceded it to Roman control as the price of peace. Legio II is left on station there to guard Sicilia.

In other news - Carthage swallowed all but 1 province of Numidia, and a war appears to have broken out between Carthage and Egypt though no provinces have changed hands.

Lucius Barbula cleared the way for colonization of Liguria to begin in Sept. 476, after chasing the Carduci away. He then chased them into Bononia to drive them away from Roman lands. They returned shortly later, and were dispersed with slaves taken. Legio I remained in Bononia to patrol in advance of colonization.

==
Term of Quintus Fabius Gurges
==

• Defeated Magna Graecia and Epirus in war
• Expanded the military
• Founded the colony of Liguria

 

[Chyll]

In May of 477 Quintus Aemilius Papus was elected Consul.

(This is the second Aemilii to hold the seat - and they are firmly near the top of the family prestige heap as a result - second at Quintus Papus' election and first two years from now.)

It was an auspicious beginning to his tenure, with the month of May seeing:

• Lucius Barbula defeating the Senones in Bononia to clear the way for a new colony
• Pirates off of Roma were defeated
• Sacrifices to the gods improved good will and attitudes throughout the republic

But the first year of his rule after that was quiet, only marked by a complete reorganization of the trade routes throughout the realm.

It was in July 478, however, that Rome came to realize that the war between Egypt and Carthage continued and Egypt had a firm upper hand in the fighting. Corniclanum to Theveste were occupied land (including Carthage itself). Quintus Papus decided this was too good an opportunity to pass up...

War was declared on Carthage, and Legio II laid siege to Panormus. Legio I split off a Fragmenti that landed on Corsica. The Roman ships remained on station, to ward off any relief force that would attempt to come to Corsica/Sardinia's aid.

In November, Abdelqart Hiramid led a Carthaginian navy in an attack on the Roman triremes in Mare Tyrrhenum, which was defeated. The Roman navy was quite sure of itself, and convinced that the Egyptians must have dealt Carthage severe naval losses.

==
Term of Quintus Aemilius Papus
==

• Founded the colony of Bononia
• Reorganized the approved trade routes throughout the Republic
• Improved the stability of the republic
• Declared war on Carthage

 

[Chyll]

May of 479 Gnaeus Cornelius Blasio (M:6,C:5,F:7, Civic) was elected Consul and inherited the Carthaginian War.

It was a busy few months after he took power - the sieges of Panormus and Corsica were won, and a siege of Sardinia begun. Then a large Carthaginian navy struck in Mare Tyrrhenum and soundly defeated the Roman ships, chasing and driving them all the way into port in Roma. Past assumptions about the state of the Carthaginian navy were clearly in error.

Carthage offered a White Peace in December of 479, but the Senate refused to listen to the offer.

In June of 480 Sardinia fell. Gnaeus Blasio wished to then extend a peace offer to get possible tribute, but the Senate refused to allow negotiations. Frustrated, the occupation continued. Thankfully, Egypt continued their war with Carthage, with provinces in and around Carthage switching hands back and forth.

The truce with Magna Graecia ran out, but the one with Epirus was still in force. This was clearly a key opportunity, so war was declared on Magna Graecia and Legio II laid siege to Tarentum. Legio I marched down and caught the M. Graecian forces at Campania - totally eliminating them.

April 2 of 481 Tarentum fell and was annexed in the settlement. Magna Graecia was Roman and the enthusiastic celebration furthered the good will and happiness throughout the realm. Trade was opened between Tarentum and Egyptian land in Asia Minor.

The Senate continued to resist any effort to negotiate with Carthage, and insisted that taking Numidia was a key objective of the fighting. This was doubly distressing as Carthaginian fleets began blockading Roman ports.

==
The Term of Gnaeus Cornelius Blasio
==

• Captured Panormus, Corsica, & Sardinia
• Ceded the seas to Carthage
• Conquered Magna Graecia

 

[Fiftypence]

Good to see a new Rome AAR. Not too surprising to see Magna Graecia gone, but the senate seems to be stubbornly resisting the possibility of peace with Carthage.

 

[comagoosie]

Numidia :wacko:

You got one messed up senate there. But let us hope brute force can turn the will of old, senile minds

 

[Murmurandus]

Good start. I like the format.

 

[Chyll]

Thanks for the support.


The senate is proving remarkably obstinate.
I'll post a breakdown and some details of their current makeup with the next advance of the game.

I am surprised, really. The Consul is Civic, and the Civic faction leads the senate, but they are firmly against peace. I've really only seen such opposition when the controlling faction doesn't match the Consul.

 

[Chyll]

May of 481 Gaius Fabius Lucinus (M:3,C:4,F:9, Civic) was elected Consul and inherited the Carthaginian War.

Though a Civic Consul led, and the Senate majority was also Civic, they completely refused to consider peace with Carthage.

(Note the oddity with the senate image of the statue busts - there are no faction leaders. This seems to have been picked up as a bug from another game I was running (long story) but any other new games I start have leaders. I have considered restarting, and I have considered attempting to mod in leaders.)

In reviewing conditions of the realm and gaining familiarity with his new role Gaius Lucinus made a startling discovery... Rome was at war with Macedonia. Leadership of the republic had been completely unaware of this fact. In discussions, it was decided that Epirus must have declared war just near the end of Magna Graecia's independence.

No problem, an envoy was dispatched to Illyria to request military access. The Illyrians agreed, so Legio I was dispatched to march around and through Illyrian lands.

As the troops marched, two additional discoveries were made: Epirus had a single force of 33 cohorts, and via their alliance with Macedonia we were also at war with them. Macedonia had 19 units in the province of Macedonia.

Clearly Legio I would be outmatched at these odds. A chance was taken and Legio III was broken into fragmenti and carted across in Triremes. This was daring because now I and II were in Greece and III was in Panormus. There were no troops in all of Italia.

(Note to self: need a single naval grouping adequate to move a full legion.)

Legio I and III were combined into Exercitus I under Lucius Barbula and confidently marched into Macedonia. The defeat was humbling. The Macedonian army under Sosthenes trounced us. They had a nice line of heavy infantry and cavalry that ravaged our flanks.

And immediately, it was decided that Rome would be unable to prosecute a meaningful campaign at that time. The Republic was fielding more cohorts than it could readily afford, and it needed 1 or 2 more legions to fight in Greece, and still the home provinces would be undefended. Exercitus I was marched into Illyrian lands and headed towards home.

The senate refused to allow any peace offer, to anyone.

Barbarians appeared and moved into Liguria. The worst fears of a defenseless Italy were being realised. The Exercitus was encourged to hurry.

A Carthaginian fleet appeared off Sardinia and attempted to land troops. They were firmly turned back at the beach by Fragmenti I led by Quintus Aemilius Papus (the former consul).

They tried 4 more times with similar results until the forces evaporated to the great delight of Rome.

In March of 483 another Carthaginian fleet pulled in alongside Corsica and deposited a force. There was angst at this. Fragmenti I only had 4 cohorts of HI, and the Carthaginians had 6 units of unknown strength and leadership. Marching to fight them would also put the Romans at the disadvantage of invading across water. Quintus Papus held his ground.

Another request was made to see if peace could be offered, perhaps before the loss of Corsica. But the Senate held firm.

Liguria fell in siege to the barbarians who drove deeper towards Etrutria.

Macedonia was gripped in civil war as Sosthenes revolted.

Exercitus I caught the barbarians in Etrutria and eliminated them.

==
The Term of Gaius Fabius Lucinus
==

• Failed invasion of Macedonia
• Held the islands of Corsica & Sardinia

 

[comagoosie]

I think it is now in your best interest to assassinate everyone in the senate

 

[Chyll]

Appius Claudius Caudex (M:7,C:6,F:4, Religious) was elected Consul in May of 485.

He took command of a uncooperative senate and a populace growing weary of fighting.

Fearful of losing Corsica, Fragmenti I was marched North, and won a great victory!

The survivors of the fighting ran for Sardinia. Fragmenti I chased them, and began a campaign of fight in one province, win, chase them to the other, win, etc. This continued a few times.

The Carthage-Egypt war ended. Egypt got Hippo Regius, Rusadir, and Bastetani in the resulting tribute. These are absolutely odd selections and Bastetani in particular could be a problem someday.

Checked with the Senate again to end the Carthage war, but only 38 in favor so still no permission.

Consul Appius Caudex was marred in September of 483 to Eurydice Philonid. He was proud of his young beauty (Charisma 8, 21 years old - he 48).

The Macedonian Rebels offer a white peace in late September, and the senate allows acceptance.

Fragmenti I was offered relief in the form of velites... in Liguria across the sea from where Quintus Papus needed them. He turned them away and was labeled 'stubborn'.

Illyria got themselves into a war with Epirus, Macedonia, and Sparta. An 40 cohort army from Epirus runs rough shod over them. In looking at dispatches about the new round of Greek fighting, Rome discovered that Sparta had also declared war on Rome.

It is clear that something needs to be done about the Greeks.

Appius Caudex became stressed in December. He insisted it was nothing. Publicly many felt that Carthage and Greece were enough to stress anyone. Private dinner party conversation clearly thought that perhaps Eurydice was more than he could handle.

Quintus Papus asked for ships to come cut off the retreat of the Carthaginians in Corsica/Sardinia. He was tired of the chasing, and quit following the enemy.

Macedonian Rebels won their civil war in April 484, and as a result Rome gained peace with Macedon.

Sardinia fell in siege in late may of 484 as a Carthaginian navy had appeared to block Fragmenti I's late move from Corsica. This coincided with a drop in senate support for peace to 32 again...

The Illyrian-Epiran War ended with Illyrian giving up Dalmatae and Taulanti. Clearly Greece will need attention when Rome can extricate itself from Carthage.

The Carthaginian force in Sardinia marched against Corsica and was defeated. A Roman fleet slipped out and blocked their retreat and in the ensuing fight, Rome won again - wiping out the army and taking the commander prisoner. Fragmenti I marched into Sardinia.

Epirus offered a white peace, and the Senate allowed acceptance!
Rome was also allowed to offer a white peace to Sparta - but it was rejected. Carthaginian peace negotiations were not allowed to proceed.

Fragmenti I won the siege of Sardinia in mid-September 484.

And on September 14 the senate allowed extension of peace to Carthage. They, of course, rejected the offer. (war score was 20, and I asked for Panormus and Corsica at a score of 28)

Political strain bubbled over and threatened stability within the republic in October of 484.

But good news comes on October 22. Carthage accepts peace, ceding Panormus to Rome.

Fragmenti I was placed on ships and returned to Rome. There was debate of using the troops to form the core of a new Legio IV, but the current expense of the military was already onerous. Instead Quintus Aemilius Papus - hero of Corsica and Sardinia - received a tribute and the units were disbanded.

In February 485 Sparta offers a white peace, and of course the senate will not allow acceptance.

==
Term of Appius Claudius Caudex
==

• Achieved peace with Macedonia
• Achieved peace with Epirus
• Won the war with Carthage (gained Panormus)

(The senate still has no clearly indicated faction leaders, but if I scan the save file with my limited experience there are indications in the file that leaders are named... *shrug* I continue on.)

 

[Chyll]

Publius Cornelius Rufinus (M:7,C:3,F:7, Civic) was elected Consul May of 485.

Despite being of the Civic faction, Publius moved to assure that all appointable positions went to members of the military faction. All of them - from Dux to Aedile. The expectation was that this would generate strong pull for the faction within the senate, and help offset expected Populist trends (due to that faction being in the opposition and the extended period of war exhaustion). It was also hoped that this may balance the other factions somewhat (Civic in particular). The senate had proven recalcitrant on reasonable decisions in its current form and needed change.

In the rush to select members of the military faction, a error in judgement was made. The appointment of Dux of Gallia Cisalpina was rushesd (based on a nice combination of Charisma and Finesse). Unfortunately, Publius Rufinus missed that ned dux was a disloyal jerk. Really disloyal (12 loyalty, and he wanted to be Aedile so it only promised to get worse). This initial error in judgement hurt the treasury. There was a desire for no risk of unrest (particularly as the recent political event was still in force). The dux was a really disloyal jerk and it took 200 gold before it was reasonable to expect him to remain peaceful. While there were no immediate plans for that money - losing a saftey net is always sad. (sadly I failed to note his name).

Regardless, the changes appeared promising to achieve their goal:

Domestic affairs settled, it was time to turn thoughts abroad.

Rome was still at war with Sparta. Sparta was allied with Epirus. Rome had a truce in effect with Epirus. Peace with Macedonia was apparently over - they were also allied with Sparta and must have been called to arms. This opened the chance that possibly Sparta has access to horses, which would be troubling.

If the navy was able to move a full legion, 2 legions could be placed at Tarentum, and rushed across to Achaia (a Spartan province) rapidly.

Hold it against a Spartan assault, siege, gain advantageous peace, with a foothold in Greece for future operations. Unfortunately, it would have been nice to keep the troops from Corsica round afterall. Oh, well.

Ship construction was ordered to bring transport capability up.

Units for Legio IV were recruited (even though this would again put Rome over the support limit). Legio I and III were ordered to move to Tarentum and to await the navy.

Two other concepts were reviewed and tabled for later:

1. Issue a guarantee for Illyria. This would set up a CB for later action against Epirus. (Ill-Ep truce still in effect, no need to rush action against ep.) It was decided to wait, but this will need consideration again.
2. Remove the tribute requirement upon Massilia. In all likelihood, hostilities with Carthage will reopen. It would be nice to actually count upon meaningful assistance from Massilia when it happens. Under their current situation, they cannot grow to support a real military. Dropping tribute would allow colonization and expansion. This was tabled to reduce the barbarian risk Massilia may generate in Northern Italy before Sparta was sorted, and for fear that Massilia may run North to expand into Gaul ahead of Rome. This will need consideration again.

Macedonia offered Rome a white peace, which the senate turned it's nose up at.

Legio I was ordered south. Legio III was prepped, the completed ships moved around to prepare the action...

And after all that, the senate arbitrarily announced a white peace with Macedonia and Sparta. (I have never seen this kind of event before. cool to see new things. awful timing.)

The senate then announces a mission to destroy Carthage - who had an active truce with Rome for 3 more years. Publius Rufinus railed at the senators to little effect and stomped about the city in a huff.

So. Then the plan is to cancel Massilia's tribute and... no, senate won't allow it.

OK. Then an alliance with Egypt to be ready for... no, senate won't allow it.

Alright. Then offer a guarantee on Illyria and... no, senate won't allow it.

(I was nearly yelling at my computer monitor at this point.)

Legio IV was ready, and our man Quintus Aemilius Papus was placed in charge. Legio IV and Legio I were ordered north, over the border into barbarian lands to stir up hordes and collect slaves. That at least the senate couldn't stop.

Then a realization came to Publius Rufinus...
Illyria had been battered repeatedly. Its only ally was Dacia. Illyria held Scodra (horses). And the senate liked the idea!

Legios I & IV were called back to Roman lands. IV was loaded on the navy and carted rapidly around to Illyrian shores.

But the plan stalls with the realization that Illyria still extends military access to Rome. After some debate, the decision is to DoW anyway. As instability spreads, some sacrifices help stabilize things and Legio IV lands at Scodra.

Samnium revolts, and Legio I is ordered to sort it out.

Legio IV wins a minor battle at Scodra and heads on to Agriannes, wins again, and lays siege. Legio III transfers across and lays siege to Scodra.

After ending the issues in Samnium, Legio I is brought across to lay siege to Dardania.

Pandorus revolted in January of 487, but Legio II stopped that immediately. Gallia Cisalpina was making independence noise again. Thankfully, I knew the consular election was coming soon, so I could remove the trouble maker with some confidence.

==
Term of Publius Cornelius Rufinus
==

• Promoted the Military Faction
• Achieved peace with Macedonia and Sparta
• Declared war on Illyria

As a teaser (if anyone still reading this) I've played beyond this point,.. and things get really, really, really, really interesting really, really fast.

 

[Lofman]

It is always nice to see the senate do something, even if it is to say no to almost everything. I assume they blocked revoking the military access before you went to war, they appearantly like to do that.

 

[Chyll]

It is always nice to see the senate do something, even if it is to say no to almost everything. I assume they blocked revoking the military access before you went to war, they appearantly like to do that.

Oh, yes, I failed to mention that, didn't I? Yep, they said 'no'. This is, without question, the most assertive senate I've encountered in my limited career.

 

[comagoosie]

Oh, yes, I failed to mention that, didn't I? Yep, they said 'no'. This is, without question, the most assertive senate I've encountered in my limited career.

Let's just hope it is this generation of senators and their kids aren't as stuck up

 

[Enewald]

Yay, another RomAAR!

 

[Chyll]

In May of 487 Lucius Aemilius Barbula was elected Consul for a second term.

A quick review of the senate found Publius Rufinus' policies had reaped benefits and the military faction had reached 26 senators - in a tie with the religious faction for leadership. While Lucius Barbula was tempted to continue the policy, he deemed it more important to focus on individual desires and awarded positions to satisfy individual objectives to reduce basic tensions within the populace.

In late May Scodra fell to Rome. Illyria promptly proposed peace. The senate refused to listen to the offer.

Lucius Barbula ordered sacrifices to the gods in June to pacify the people.

In July Agriannes fell to Rome.

In September the walls were breached in Dardania and Legio I was ordered to assault the city. On the 15th the city fell. Rome offered terms to Illyria. Sadly, Scodra was the capital and held back from available tribute. Rome debated at length, but ultimately took Dardania and Agrianes in order to prepare for eventual annexation of Illyria. It also provided sandals on the ground in Greece as a beachhead for later operations.

Legio IV, raised with the specific intent for the Illyrian War, and victorious in the only battles of the fighting was honored with the name 'Illyricorum'.

Marcus Aemilius Paullus was given the title of Dux of Moesia Superior, continuing benefits for the Aemilii clan.

Legio I was brought home, while Legio III and Legio IV Illyricorum were left stationed in the new provinces.

Lucius Barbula wanted to extend a guarantee for Illyria, but the senate would not allow this.

It was time to take stock, and plan the next steps for the Republic.

And a quick review of the situation revealed a startling fact.
Lucius Barbula was quite popular. He had gained reknown and ability in his time leading Legio I. The Republic was marginally stable... He seized the opportunity presented.

The imprisoned Carthaginian general was executed and a couple citizens with low loyalty were arrested. With his situation somewhat in hand (and tyranny sufficiently high), Lucis Aemilius Barbula announced that he was fed up with the constant stalling and obstructions of the senate and that he would best serve the people of rome as princeps.

Lucius Aemilius Barbula was made dictator!

===
The Second Term of Lucius Aemilius Barbula
===

• Conquered Illyria
• Declared himself Princeps

(Yeah, I'll probably regret that later. But "HA! Take that Senate!")

 

[Enewald]

Uh, I hope that the senate will recover its power enough soon...

 

[comagoosie]

Let's hope that now that only one man makes the decisions that things should go according to plan

 

[Chyll]

OK, right off the bat need to address the general unhappiness and instablity throughout the realm. Lucius Barbula institutes a law to 'Discourage Piracy', which helped some. And then settled the preferences for the culture.

Next, we look at the situation with the heir. The dictator has a son, Publius Aemilius Barbula, but he is quite young, and not the preferred heir. We will watch this closely.

Tyranny jumped, of course, this needs to come down. (Tyranny is the bane of my playing experience, and I am certain will cause trouble later.)

Lucius Barbula instituted policies that the senate had obstructed until now. Rome guaranteed Illyria and removed the requirement of tribute from Massilia.

Syracusae rebels, but Legio II has no difficulty putting it down.

Massilia, oddly enough, allies with Macedonia.

Carthage and Egypt go to war again.

Then, in January 489, Macedonia and Epirus go to war. Rome extends an offer of alliance to Macedonia, and it is rejected, but the Macedonians do call their Massilian allies to arms. (Jerks. I at least could have helped them.)

Roma itself revolts. Lucius Barbula takes Legio I into the province in March of 489 and puts it down firmly. Bononia revolted after Legio I moved to Roma.

The preferred heir changed, and became Publius Aemilius Barbula, the young son of Lucius. This caused some difficulty. A couple of councillors decided that Quintus Aemilius Papus should be the heir, as did Quintus himself. Quintus had been a hero of the republic, but such ambition could not be tolerated. He was relieved of command from Legio IV.

Legio I returned to Bononia and put down the revolt.

A Good Harvest was reported, which further firmed up positive attitudes throughout the realm.

Macedonia and Epirus were beating on each other with little real movement, but the populace in Epirus seemed unhappy about it all. Aetolia declared independance from Epirus. (Forming the Achaean League, which I found amusing.) Rome promptly proclaimed a guarantee on their independance.

Tried to get a CB on Epirus through assisination, and succeeded in killing their 9 Martial strategos without getting caught. (yay and darn.)

February of 490 saw Epirus achieve a white peace with Macedonia/Massilia/Achaean League. Rome stirred up revolt risk in Dalmatae, and was caught. Epirus ignored the action.

Ager Bruttius revolted and Legio II was dispatched to sort it out.

February 27 of 490 Crete declared war on Achaean League, and Rome was granted a CB. Legio II finished up in Ager Bruttius shortly after that, and was loaded on ships to head to Crete.

Lucius Barbula ordered a round of sacrifices for the masses.

In June of 490, Ager Bruttius adopted the Roman religion.

Legio II invaded Crete, defeated the defenders, and laid siege.

Navy Tech advanced in October.

The siege of Crete ended and the island annexed in early December of 490.

Servius Aemilius Barbula is born, given Lucius his second son.

Then, an event lost popularity for the princeps, and Lucius Barbula became 'assertive'. Distressing as tyranny is forcing some loyalty issues. Quickly head a triumph to celebrate his recent actions with Legio I to counter the effects some.

And Legio I was given the honorific 'Barbula'.

Quintus Aemilius Papus is still the preferred heir by 3 councillors, and many of those not in an office. He is officially 3rd in line, so few options exist to deal with it. (And frankly, we like Quintus, so not sure I would do anything.) Publius Aemilius Barbula is 14 now, so getting to an age he could help his case some. His little brother is now second in line.

Carthage and Egypt continue their war, again Egypt holds the north coast up to Carthage and the battle appears to be moving back and forth there. Legio II is reloaded on ships and dispatched to the area, to see if an opportunity exists anywhere.

===
The Early Reign of Lucius Aemilus Barbula
===

• Dropped Massilia's tribute
• Conquered Crete