Rise of Rome

[HistoryDude]

Rumor can indeed be very powerful.

Etruria is divided... which should make them easy pickings for Rome.

Cities are burning in the north...

 

[jasondroth24]

Chapter 8: A week is a long timer in politics

Gnaeus Flavius, the People’s Assembly, Rome, 3rd August 299BC

“It goes against all the rules of good governance, indeed it goes against all the rules of decency, that we should see a member of the elite dining in luxury whilst those under his charge go hungry!” Gnaeus paced across the rostra, whipping up the temper of the crowd, boos and heckles rising from among the masses, “If our leaders had any sense of the public good and are not here to simply to serve themselves then would they not order the immediate removal of Lucius Cornelius Scipio?”

He had been asked in his position of Tribune to stand as an advocate for the citizens of Capua, who over the last year had struggled with poor harvests and damaged granaries, now left hungry and paying inflated prices for bread, vegetables and other produce. Marginalised by the outgoing administration and only called upon when the Consul, Sempronius had wanted unsavoury legislation to be put to the Senate floor, Gnaeus had jumped at the chance to brow beat his opponents before the whole city. Whilst the people off Rome had little to fear from food shortages, knowing a change of leadership was likely afoot, they were all to eager to express false discontent, if only for the drama off it all; the mob after all had never enjoyed anything more than beating their betters with a heavy stick!

Turning to face both of the sitting Consul’s who had come to oversee the hearing, Gnaeus when for a full on dagger stroke, “Will you not then, stand with the people my dear friends?” his voice was imploring, laced with false sincerity, “will you give justice to the people of Campania and rid them off this foolish man, and right the error of judgement you both made in appointing him to a position he was not only incapable of holding but undeserving off?”

A long silence suddenly fell over the crowd, their eyes turning up toward the seated Consuls, expectant of the verdict, the tension amid the crowd clear as their disapproval rumbled like distant thunder from a thousand whispered complaints.

Publius Sempronius Sophus, rose quietly from his seat, straightening his toga as he stood, his face set in grim expression, the lictors slamming their staves against the floor as he took a deep inhale of breath, his hands seemingly forced upon a course he apparently did not wish to take, he raised one hand for their attention, “Friends” he looked around cautiously, a nod of consent coming from his Co-Consul, “People of Rome, we have heard you!” more rumbles moved like a wave amid the crowd, “And though it pains me to find us in this situation, for I have great affection of Lucius Cornelius Scipio” he looked across the gathering, to where the Governor sat silently, his eyes fixed to his feet, “Nevertheless, these errors of judgement on his part can not go unanswered, and so we ask him” again he paused, “if he will consider his position and resign the office you have entrusted to him on behalf of the Senate and People of Rome, forthwith?”

Cheers went up, arms raised and applause spread, shouts of “RESIGN” crashing about the ears of Lucius, left with no choice but to accept the peoples will and the unspoken command of his sponsors, the Consul’s.

Election Season, September 299BC

The election to the Consuls chair, of 299BC was a two team race, with the Optimates putting forward, Publius Cornelius Barbartus, the former Pontifex Maximus and the former military tribune, Gaius Sempronius Bubaculus in opposition to Quintus Fabius Rullianus and his running mate, Marcus Aemilius Paullus.

Though Sempronius and his allies had begun to lean ever closer to the Populist faction, they nevertheless put their weight and wealth behind Barbartus and Bubaculus, the latter having played a key role in the conflict with the Sabine, seen by all both young and old as a man of the people, a Roman hero, the former with his links to the priesthood, was seen as a true Roman, devout, virtuous and traditional.

With victory in the elections a new government began to take shape and the previous occupants of the Consulship fought it out for new roles within the Republic. Sempronius had hoped for the office of Censor, but he was defeated by his former ally, Sulpicius and was instead given the Governorship of Capua, which he himself had caused to become vacant.

Decimus Aemilius took the office of Praetor, Camillius Pomponius a relative newcomer to the political fray quiet unexpectedly was elected Pontifex Maximus. Marcus Valerius Corvus had tried to fight for the office of Military Tribune over all of the Republics forces, but ill-health forced him to pull out of the race and this allowed Quintus Fabius Rullianus to be belatedly appointed to the post.


Camillius Pomponius, The Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus, Rome, 2nd October 299 BC

The new Pontifex raised his arms up to the heavens, as the acolytes of the Temple, dressed him in the robes of his office, his toga had been set aside and his hands would soon be smothered in the blood of sacrifice. Incense wafted up into the eaves of the sanctuary, wafted up from its burners by an acolyte using olive branches to fan the smoke. His eyes were heavy, from the lack of sleep the night before, he had sat up all evening reading through the ceremony required to imbue the blessings of Jupiter upon the new Consul’s made all the more demanding since one of the current Consuls-elect had held the office of Pontifex Maximus during the previous term and was considered a near irreproachable source of information on religious law and practise, one wrong word and it would be noted.

The ritual of cleansing took nearly a hour, servants of the temple chanting prayers to the King of the Gods relentlessly whilst at varying intervals the Pontiffs of High Temples came forward to offer him their blessings; by Juno, by Mars and Minerva, Ceres and Venus to name but a few. Other servants came to replace the candles that had been lit at dawn, whilst others poured bowls of blood onto the coals, making the air within the sanctuary develop a iron taste.

Outside the Temple, the raised platforms would be filling with members of the Senate, magistrates, tribunes and other office holders, whilst the streets had been swept before the sunrise and garlands hung from the Temples pillars.

Camillius was suddenly informed it was nearly time to begin, and he turned bare foot, out of the sanctuary and into the temple proper, a magnificent statue of Jupiter looking down upon him amid the inner gloom of the temple, incense and smoke dancing like spirits of the air. He stood for a moment to compose himself, checking the alter was laid properly. Inhaling deeply, he steeled his nerves, turning to the doors, a sudden rap upon them letting him know, Rome’s news rulers awaited him.

“Open the doors and letter Jupiter cast his eyes upon the Peoples chosen!” his voice quivered but carried clear enough as the doors creaked open and the light of the mid-morning sun poured in, casting the two men stood at the chamber door in silhouette.

Consul Publius Cornelius Barbartus, His private residence, Rome, 3rd October 299BC

“See to it if you must Vibius but it is off little consequence at this moment” Cornelius had had a busy morning and he was glad he had sent his guests home from the feast the night before a little earlier than many had expected. His personal secretary, Vibius was keen to place the symbols of the Consul above the door of the house, but Cornelius had far more important things to do, the business of state would not wait for anyone.

He placed his mark against several documents and offered them to a waiting attendant, many of them were trivialities, assents to appointments, promises and favours to be made good for support during the election. After five long years of enduring Sempronius rise to prominence he was glad to see that the Optimates were truly back where they belonged, a long list of recommendations had been sent to Sulpicius for his consideration, men of note and virtue who deserved to be appointed to the Senate.

The former Consul was certainly Cornelius’, last choice for Governor of Capua, but the ambition of Sempronius would not be satisfied with anything less and thanks to the Peoples Tribunes he had been forced already to make a distasteful appointment. He was sure, Sempronius and his faction would make the most of the appointment and use it to enrich themselves. He could not however, afford to lose their support, after all it was only thanks to the fact, he had chosen Bubaculus, their man, as his running mate that he had won the election at all; but that could be remedied in time.

On his desk was a request by the young Brutus’ for more money and resources to expand the fleet stationed at Ostia, an though he was reluctant to grant more support to his long term rival Papirius Cursor, Cornelius was concerned with the growing belligerence of the Carthaginians and thus he put his signature to the request, though the Senate would have to agree to the final amount.

There was a brief nock at the chamber door and one the Consuls newly appointed Lictors entered the room, saluting, “The Governor of Capua, Publius Sempronius Sophus to see you sir, shall I show him in?”

Consul Gaius Sempronius Bubaculus, The Field of Mars, Rome, 21st December 299BC

Rain spat down from a grey sky, a huge mass of Rome’s citizen body filled the Campus Martius and only the sound off weeping women broke the stillness and the quiet, as pall bearers carried the body of Marcus Valerius Corvus, son of Rome, favoured of Mars and victor of the Samnite War to its final rest upon a byre in the centre of the field.

It had been Gaius’ suggestion to offer M. Valerius Corvus, a public funeral as a mark of respect to not only a Roman commander, but also to a fellow brother in arms, since they had fought together, when Junius was tribune under Valerius command.

Hundreds of silent faces lined the streets, bedecked in grey and black mourning. Actors followed the body, wearing the funeral masks of the Valerii families most noted figures, the one at the very front being a casting of Corvus own face.

As the body reached the pyre and was lifted up onto the table at the centre and unspoken command spread around the square, torches suddenly bursting into life, their flames lit from a holder which held a flame taken from the Temple of Vesta, the Eternal flame that held the hope of the city. It was not the usual custom to use the sacred flames, but this was a special funeral.

In recent years the General had seen is power and influence slowly ebbing away, but from the Capitoline to the Aventine, on each of the seven hills, most of Rome remembered the debt it owed to the General and his excellent command and tactical skill. Down the steps of the Temple of Mars, around the pyre some of Rome’s greatest and most powerful figures gathered, beside M. Valerius Corvinus and his family, joining them in their grief, soon the new head of the Valerii would set his own torch to the wood and set his father’s spirit free.

Lucius Cornelius Scipio, His private house, Rome, 19th January 298BC

“If you would fetch me my papers from the study” Lucius adjusted his toga slightly, his personal body servant fastening the toga in its proper position as his secretary left the room. Some had imagined that being forced to resign his previous position, Scipio would have stepped back from public life, but he planned to do no such thing. He was in fact happy to be back in the city, back in his own home and back to business in the Senate.

It had only been a few short months since the Consul’s had taken up their office, but Publius Cornelius Barbartus could not be more different from his predecessors, there was no mood for war at present, no desperate scrabble for power and influence, Barbartus was all about work and duty.

Scipio had met with the Consul at his home only a few days earlier, having been invited to assist the Consul and small team of Senators draw up legislation for a large scale public spending drive across Latinum, Campania and Umbria. New land was to be purchased to expand the law courts in Rome, the docks of Ostia were to be extended, new granaries were to be constructed in Capua.

Todays debate was a continuation of the previous days sitting, discuss tax reforms and changes to duties on imports, matters which had been seemingly left to one side by Sempronius but which Sulpicius had been keen to get onto the floor of the Senate for some time.

Publius Sempronius Sophus. The Governors Residence, Capua, 10th May 298BC

Sempronius looked out over the vista before him, the city of Capua aglow as night fell, only the Temple of Diana, Virgin Goddess of the Hunt rising above the roof line, a musician played some way off, out of sight. He sighed heavily before sipping his wine, “It is not as I had planned” he confessed, “but we can make a good showing off it before we return to Rome!”

“I would rather return to Lavinium” Verginia offered in gentle reply, “I like to see the sea, it is so refreshing!”

“Rome is were you belong” he retorted, with more anger than he meant, “It is were I belong” he sipped again on his wine, feeling somewhat melancholy. “There are profits to be made and opportunities to be had here, but Rome will be the heart of the world one day, it is there were I need to be!” the wine loosening his tongue and opening his heart a little more than he wanted.

“Then when the time is right we will go back, but for now let us enjoy this time” she smiled at him, “let us look to our children and our family, you have achieved much so far” she tried to sooth him, “and there will be more to come, just give it time!” She knew she had married an ambitious man, but it was only off late that she had noticed the jealousy and envy he possessed toward those he perceived of higher rank, desperate for their respect and acceptance. She, daughter of Rome’s richest citizen and wife of one off its greatest victors, felt no such need to acquire their acceptance, much like her father she understood the power that could be gained from sitting in the background allowing others to stand centre stage. “I shall visit the Temple I think tomorrow” trying to change the topic, “they say it is a beautiful place and that there is a beautiful statue of the goddess crafted by one of the Greeks finest artisans when the city was independent!”

 

[HistoryDude]

It seems as if the Plebs still have some say in governance, and the Patricians are wise enough to not piss them off too much...

 

[jasondroth24]

It seems as if the Plebs still have some say in governance, and the Patricians are wise enough to not piss them off too much...

That the thing with Rome isnt it, the mob always had power, it just forgot at times! Much like today, we have the real power.

 

[jasondroth24]

Chapter 9: Down on the street

Cassius Lipos, Cattle drover, North of of Pleista, Picenium, 15th May 298BC

Cassius sat atop his little pony, looking over the heads of his herd as they moved up a gentle slope, his three sons and the two slaves he had managed to afford, ensuring the whole herd moved as one and did not stray to far afield. They had miles a few miles extra to go now, then he had hoped thanks to some stupid equites refusing to allow them passage across “his land!” That same land had only a few years before belonged to the Umbrians and now where wheat fields and olive groves were being planted there had previously been pastureland.

But, despite that minor inconvenience, Cassius was content enough with his lot, these lands were far better grazing for his herds than the lands around Rome itself, much off which had been parcelled of into various estates to various Senators eager for country bolt holes. The war against the Sabine and the Umbrii had not only opened up vast tracks of land for himself and other drovers to move their herds, it had brought wealth into the city of Rome, the price of slaves and grain had fallen reasonably well, the price off private home and rents had for the moment fallen, the value of Roman currency and Roman goods had increased, as an economic force the Eternal City had been injected with new life.

When in Rome over the winter months, Cassius had heard that the new Consul was planning a great series of public works, to create more jobs, to spread the wealth so that all citizens could benefit from the Republics growing authority, off course Barbartus was a man of the Optimate faction, he favoured laws that supported the old order, the cities noble families first and foremost, but it seemed he hung to the tradition that the Republic was here to benefit all, not only the rich and powerful, the poor may not get richer but they could at least live better.

He himself certainly lived better now, he had purchased a pony where before he was limited to travel on foot, he had managed to purchase some slaves taken during the Umbrian conflict and he had for himself a home and farmstead in Nepte, along the border with Etruria. There was talk off unrest on the border itself, caused by a dispute between an Etruscan noble and a Roman land-owner, who had disagreed over where ones land ended and the others began, they had tried to settle in between them but both being stubborn, it had escalated into a brawl and the Roman had been injured. Then they both engaged lawyers to look over the deeds and rights of the two farms, an now it was apparently the business of the Consul’s with messages flying between Valtuna and Rome, as the two sides argue over whose legal code should take precedence.

Considering all that hassle, he was glad he lived much more certainly behind the Roman border and that his work allowed him to wander relatively peacefully amid the hills and meadows of countryside.


Mela Vardus, The Temple of Vesta, Rome 21st June, 298BC

Mela slipped a handful of coins into her eldest daughters’ hands, “Now don’t forget to smell the bloody pork before you pay for it” she smooth a loose piece of her from her daughters forehead, “he tried to sell me rancid meat last time the old crook!” She turned away and head up the steps, it was Vestalia, and tonight the whole family would dine together in honour of sacred Vesta, it would be even more special since Caius, her son was home from his duties in the army, after having been left on guard duty in the city of Ankon.

She had hoped he would have come straight home when the city fell and the army disbanded, but some soldiers had been asked to stay on longer to ensure the civil transfer of power and the public peace. It would seem, he had loved serving in the army and the pay had helped them all live just a little easier, though he had seemed visibly changed since he had come home, and though she knew he had been at Nequinum, he would not discuss it except to her husband.

All around her the steps of Vesta’s temple were crowded with women, many of them in brilliant white gowns and dresses, their hair dressed up finely, from Rome’s poorest to her richest married women, all eager to enter the Temple of the Goddess, that was usually barred to anyone who was wed or no longer a virgin; the Priestesses of the Temple, the Vestal Virgins, threw flower petals onto the steps and wafted incense, or else held out collection plates for coins taken as offerings to the Mother of the Eternal City. The Temple was far from grand, but it was as old as the city itself and for many, it was one of the most sacred places around, almost equal to the Temple of Jupiter in the hearts of the people.

To her left, Mela was disturbed by a large burst of shouting from a woman crossing the forum, a young boy running away from her, darting across the forum and ducking under a table of one of the stall holders, judging from the woman’s bright vermillion coloured gown she was of considerable wealth. She clearly didn’t visit the forum often as anyone who did knew it was rife with thieves and cut-purses especially during religious festivals. A Vestal moved down the step past her, her face loosing its beautiful disposition for one of fury, clearly more unimpressed by the noble woman’s screeching disturbing the religious observances than any little sneak thief.

Lysandros of Tarentum, The House of Scipio, Rome, 8th August 298BC

Lysandros patted young Lucius Scipio on the back, a smiled beaming across his face, “I tell you young master, I may not be able to turn you into a great poet but before we are done, we may just about make you into a half decent advocate!” They had been going over constitutional laws and the inner mechanics of government, to which the younger Scipio seemed to show a considerable degree off aptitude.

“I have listened to father often talk about the importance of the Senate, but he has never explained these things to me!” he was striking up, almost a man, in a few years he would have to set down his tunic and take up the toga virilis, a sign of becoming a man.

“Well that is not unusual” Lysandros jumped up, the Greek pacing across the little study, to find some parchments in his basket, “Members of the Senate do not like to admit that they do not really hold power in their own right, nor are they entrusted with it though they believe they should be!” He pulled out a manuscript and began to unravel it. “They know all to well that the real power in the city is the peoples assemblies and the courts of the magistrates, they are only an advisory body, though many of them would seek to have more powers voted to them” he returned to his seat beside his charge, “In reality only the Consul’s hold real authority, and besides them only those who hold a few off the Republics offices, though few of those can do anything without the peoples consent!”

Attilia, chief servant of the house suddenly interrupted, having been stood out of sight, “You should pay no mind to a Greek, Lucius, on matters of politics” he tone sharp, “What the Greeks call democracy and what Rome has crafted are very different things indeed!” She rounded on Lysandros, a smile on her face, “Listening to you, you would think you were an Athenian?”

The tutor did not bite, he and Attilia had sparred often of the course of his employment and he had learnt it was better to avoid stoking her temper further, polite answers served better, “It has to be said that the Athenian version of democracy is the purest form to date and it has provided some fine figures over the years!”

The chief servant chuckled, clearly unimpressed, “So fine are they and so pure is it, that Athens, city of liberty, is under the yoke of eastern satraps!” She moved for the door clearly bored, but then she stopped turning for a moment, “So wise was the deliberations of the Anconan assembly, they voted for their own extinction, one prays the leaders of your own Tarentum are wiser than they, nay?”

“My, my lady, one would think you were an academic, so well informed are you on such things” he turned his eye from her, turning back to his student and their works, “I wonder why you didn’t teach the young master yourself?”

Shimon the Moneylender, The Hebrew Temple in Rome, 11th October 298BC

Unlike the ornate temples carved to the Gods of Rome, the Hebrew Temple was a rough looking building, buried deep in the heart of cities Jewish community, their was a thick scent to the air, incense burners wafting pungent oils in an attempt to mask the cities stink. One day, Shimon hoped the Romans would let his people raise something more than a make-shift shrine.

He passed through the brass doors of the temple, the only part of the building to receive considerable expense, made of metal to deter burglars and to offer a place of sanctuary should a mob rise up against them. There was a considerable crowd here today, and many heads of families and faith-lkeaders gathered in the doorways and corners of the shrine, Avi’shalam, one of the key religious teachers in the city, and a man of great wisdom was here, surrounded by his students.

War had broken out in the east, a war off little concern or even notice to the Republic, but one which worried many of the cities Jewish population, Egypt and Seleucia were at war, and the armies of the Pharoah had crossed Palestine and were even now reported to be occupying the lands of Canaan that bordered Judea and surrounded the Holy City of Yerushalem. More news had come, claiming war between Macedon and Seleucia was also about to erupt and the various Greek states, would be drawn in, thus affecting the flow of trade, investments and most importantly threatening the diaspora of Jews across the east.

They had been summoned to the Temple, the lead figures of the community to discuss how best they could prepare for an influx of refugees as many had friends and family spread across the region who may wish to seek sanctuary. Shimon himself, had a brother in Cyprus which was also likely to be brought into the conflict. Regardless of his friends and clients amongst Rome’s ruling class, they would have little concern with the squabbles of Alexanders successors, tied up as they were in political wrangling with their neighbours in Etruria.

 

[IsaacCAT]

Are you planning to follow all the characters you are introducing or they are only present in shorts episodes to illustrate the AAR?

 

[jasondroth24]

Are you planning to follow all the characters you are introducing or they are only present in shorts episodes to illustrate the AAR?

If you notice from the other chapter named, the little people, and the Prologue, these people werre all mentioned in parts of those, Mela is the wife of Acarro Vardus, who has been mentioned in two others, her son Caius was mentioned.

Shimon i have mentioned already.

As have Lysandros and Attilia.

The game offers so many characters for u to follow but i wanted to keep checking in now an again with the lower levels of society to see how things are percieved moving ahead from their view point.

I dont plan on following them in great depth necessarily, just to illustrate the changing themes of the AAR x

 

[HistoryDude]

There are Jews in Rome? And they're allowed to have their own temple? Already? That's interesting. I wonder how it will affect the spread of Christianity?

Ah, debates on which kind of democracy is better. An ancient pastime that survives to our own day!

 

[jasondroth24]

Chapter 10: The Rumbling of War

Consul P. Cornelius Barbatus, His Private residence, 20th October 298BC

“I appreciate your concern Caecus but do not think I am unaware of these goings on” Barbatus lounged back in his chair, his desk stacked with papers, “I have had half the Senate come to me with this matter, but what can I do now? If Saturn would turn back the days perhaps, I would be able to do something, but I do not see that as likely!” He was swiftly running out of patience today, Sempronius actions in Capua where curious but it was not his chief concern off the day, though it seemed his fellow Senators saw nothing as more serious.

It had come to his attention that the current Governor of Campania, Pro-Consul P. Sempronius Sophus, had recently played host to the lead Consul of Samnium without informing the Senate of the visit nor providing any details off what had been discussed. Whilst it was frowned upon for anyone but a serving Consul to host foreign dignitaries there was not actually anything in law to prohibit it.

“I would not dismiss this so lightly Cornelius” A. Claudius Caecus shot back “it is an afront to your office and to the sacred authority of the Senate, Sempronius must be put in his place, and reminded that he is no longer a Consul!” Caecus was off the old order, his family tracing their lineage back to before the Republic and key players in its foundation, they were by their nature staunch defenders of the Republic and at the same time, tireless advocates of their own pedigree and right to rule.

“Shall we get back to our business? Surely that is a better use of your valuable time!” Cornelius tried to change the topic, for he had a heavy workload, and many more people were waiting outside to speak with him. “This business on the Etruscan border” he searched for the relevant parchment, “Are we any further along with bringing it to a resolution? It has dragged on for months now!”

Caecus shook his head, as Chief Magistrate in the city he had been forced to review the case in question after it was handed to him from the law courts, “It is honestly a nightmare, and it will carry on for longer still if the Etruscan Senate does not accept our ruling!”

“Our ruling? So, you have decided on the matter?” the Consul seemed puzzled.

“Of course, the matter was passed to me from the civil court and it seemed clear enough to me” he handed a small folded piece of parchment over, “Naturally Rome’s right supersedes that of Etruria, our citizens claim to the land is older, the sooner they accept that the better!” he stated somewhat flatly.

“But why would they accept?” he seemed almost astonished, “We must seek a compromise surely? The Etruscan assembly is never going to willingly accept that Roman law has higher precedence than their own!”

“They must!” Caecus went on, “It can not be seen that Rome sets asides its rights for the laws and practises of other people, or else where will it stop?” his temper seemed to suddenly rise as did his voice, “We must protect the rights of our citizens or else what is the value of citizenship anyhow?” he was clearly angered, his sense of patriotism riled, “Shall we hand this foreigner our land and then see to it we hand back the lands we now own back to their former holders, by one law-suit at a time?”

“This troubles me I confess” Barbatus wishing to pacify his guest, “I see your point clearly, but if this matter is not resolved soon I fear it will rumble on and grow in strength until we have a genuine crisis on our hands.

Caecus rose from his chair, smiling falsely, swallowing the leftovers of his wine and moving behind the chair for the door, “You already have a crisis on your hands Consul, you just don’t seem to have been paying attention!”

The Years 297-296BC and the Etruscan Escalation

There are some years when the foot-print of history sits heavy on the earth and there are times when it is lightly left and the world continues in its cycle, children are born, the old and the sick pass away, people make love and have sorrows and the dance of the seasons goes onward. To the untrained eye, 297-296BC were such a year.

Consul P. Cornelius Barbatus keen to push his agenda forward, to expand the aqueduct systems in Umbria, was forced into political negotiations with his fellow Consul Bubuculus and the Populist faction, for them to support the funding proposals. Making concessions on pensions to those wounded in the recent conflicts and being forced to earmark some public money towards charities helping the poor he managed to acquire enough support to push the proposals through the Peoples Assembly and the Tribunes offices. A Quaestor being appointed to directly oversee the work around Plesita.

The Consul also managed to push through the Citizens Assembly substantial changes to import tariffs, removing taxes placed on importing goods into the Republic in the hope of lowering costs for the lower orders on foodstuffs, timber and exotic goods like spices, gems, fabrics, and such. Some complained, especially those who had investments in trade and merchant shipping, but P. Cornelius ignored their grumbles, arguing it was the best think at the time to improve the lives of the majority whilst also encouraging Roman businesses to supply their goods to markets at home for a cheaper fee rather than paying the taxes required for exports.

The more noted issue and perhaps the more pressing, was the continued land dispute between a Roman citizen and his Etruscan counterpart on the border near Nepte, where neither sides government was willing to back away from their belief that their laws and rights trumped the others. What had started as a seemingly simple dispute very quickly escalated into a much more serious affair, with envoys being dispatched between the two centres of power and intense debate within the Roman Senate on how to proceed. In the late autumn of 297BC however, matters took a significantly different path.

Etruscan citizens, incensed at what they saw as the belligerence of the Roman elite, formed a mob, and marched on the farmers estate, burning his crops, then torching his property and lynching his slaves and workers, though the farmer and his family where left untouched. This action, though heavily condemned by the Etruscan Consuls, was as politically inflammatory as the flames of the foreign mob, and when the Assembly refused to hand over the perpetrators or offer the farm compensation, the outcry it caused push the Senate and People of Rome on course for war! The offence of it, the spitefulness, the sheer audacity of foreigners thinking they could march across a legally recognised border and set private property alight, was too much to handle and the drums began to beat!

Consul Velthur Spurinas, Valtuna, Etruria, December 16th 296BC

“I tell you Velthur, we are in no position to go to war” Maximius, his chief advisor on military matters looked grim, “We have drained to much of our peoples energy and our soldiers motivation fighting against the bloody Ligurians, to expect them to rally to you call again!” The whole assembly believed war with Rome was slowly but surely becoming inevitable, the Consul believed it time to consider the countries defences.

“Surely they will come if we are threatened with war, our people will not stand a Roman army simply marching into our lands?” Velthur trusted Maximius’ advise and judgement, but he thought it incredulous that the men of Etruria would not pick up the weapons if the situation demanded it.

“They have spent to long from their wives and children” he looked no cheerier, “their fields and flocks need tending to, the economy is struggling as it is, the treasury has been drained rebuilding the damage that was left when the Ligurians invaded the north territories and your promise of pensions for all who fought will drain it further still!”

The country was a mess it would seem, the granaries where low, the assembly deeply divided, trade was slowing and already some citizens where moving away from the Roman border, preferring to live along the coast, indeed whole villages around Vesnth, Cisra and Tarchuna where moving away, some going across the see to join the colonists in Corsica.

“We could send envoys to those tribes in the north friendly too us and see if they will swap coin for swords? Its not the best solution but it will strengthen our numbers?” Velthur knew that if the economy was faltering, they would not be able to afford a massive number of mercenaries, but maybe enough to deter Rome from striking to soon, mercenaries could buy them time.

Consul P. Cornelius Barbatus, The Roman Army Camp at Tibur, 1st January 295BC

Barbatus had for the first time in many years put on his armour, a fine crafted chest plate with the laurels of the Consulship crafted upon it, he had had a fresh cloak spun and dyed deep red, the blood taken from sacrifices offered to Mars used to dye the wool. He had been gifted a new horse by Governor Sempronius, trying to ingratiate himself no doubt, and a new sword had been struck for him at the expense of L. Cornelius Scipio.

The vote for war when put to the people received near unanimous support, the crowds crying out for justice and the defence of Rome’s sovereign rights. Junius, his Co-Consul, had put his own name forward to lead the army but the crowd, had favoured Barbatus this time around, perhaps believing his deep and lasting relationship with the Temple’s and Priesthood, would see the God’s smile upon them.

Sacrifices had been offered to Jupiter, Mars, Minerva, Castor and Pollux to name only a handful, whilst the college of Augurs had consulted the Sibylline Books for some reference to victory and the relevant verses read out in the forum. The doors to the Temple of Janus, a scene of much celebration on this first day of the new year would be closed by nightfall as a sign that war had once more come to the city of Romulus and Remus.

A conscript army some sixteen thousand strong had answered the Republic’s call, and many veterans of previous campaigns had enlisted, determined to avenge the wrong seemingly done to all Rome by the act of violence committed against one of its citizens.

 

[HistoryDude]

A war against the Etruscans has begun... but even the Etruscans believe that they will lose.

The Governor of Campania might be plotting to subvert democracy...

 

[jasondroth24]

Chapter 11: The Etruscan Conflict

General P. Cornelius Barbatus, Valtuna, Etruria, 24th May 295BC

Gazing down the gently sloping sand dune and out across the waters, Barbatus could just make out the sails of the Roman fleet under the command of Co-Consul Bubaculus, set in place to prevent supplies reaching the city of Valtuna from the sea, whilst it was under siege.

A third of Etruria had fallen beneath the Republics march, an not one sword hard thus far been raised in defence against Rome, indeed only here at Valtuna and along the western border, at Curtun had the Etruscans bard the advance, and now Barbatus was forced to set his men to work, constructing ladders and ditches, encircling the city and trapping all those within. He had sent a legate to speak before the Etruscan assembly, offering them terms of surrender but they had been refused.

According to his scouts and spies in the country, the Etruscan army was gathering in Liguria, their Consul Velthur, hiring barbarians from across the north of Italy to strengthen his forces. But they were off no danger to his position as off yet, and should they march out, it was likely Velthur would move to relieve Curtun first, where Governor-General Sempronius was leading two thousand Roman soldiers and their allied forces to subdue the region.

Governor-General P. Sempronius Sophus, Eastern Etruria, 21st July 295BC

A heavy summer shower was beating down, thunder rumbling across the skies a clear sign of Jupiter’s displeasure, the Generals army in full retreat. This could be the ruin of him, few in Rome would let him live down the loss of nearly one thousand men at the hands of the Etruscan army, despite the fact he had been so heavily outnumbered. In reality the loss was small and considering his past victories one would have hoped it would be overlooked, but the Senate and the People did not see things in such ways, this was a blow to his reputation and mothers in Rome now had dead son’s thanks to his defeat.

He had sent a rider along the western roads to inform Barbatus that he had been forced to retreat, the army such as he had left was scattered across the countryside, every man for himself falling back to the Roman border, whilst the leaders of the Republics Italian allies began a series of manoeuvres to try and avoid meeting the enemies main army head on, which would now either sweep south an retake the towns and villages they had lost, perhaps even crossing the Roman border, or else they would march west and seek to route the Roman army still besieging Valtuna.

The General was travelling with a small cohort of his personal guards, less than half what he had left Capua with, and with them men of various ranks trudged along down the wet, mud-slicken road, it was not the weather for marching, but they had little choice. Many experts on tactics would argue winter was no time for war, but summer storms presented as much difficulty as any other season.

Looking around him, he could feel the moral of his men was shot, they would not fight again this season that was near certain, not unless their very lives depending on it and he would not have his reputation rise again without a fresh victory under his belt but for the moment that seemed exceptionally unlikely, if anything he would probably find himself stripped of command and his Governorship in dubious condition.

L. Cornelius Scipio, The Black Hound Taverna, Near Veii, 28th October 295BC

“I would be happy to put the motion before the Senate, it is after all within our power to grant your request, but we may face a little opposition!” Scipio turned to the server waiting just behind him, “I will have the beef plate if I may” he looked across at his guest, “And you?”

The Black Hound Taverna, was well known outside of Rome as an excellent establishment, serving a fine fayre of foods at very reasonable prices, yet its true appeal was its position. Only an hour’s ride from the city itself yet far enough away that those who met here could claim privacy from the watchful eyes of fellow Senators.

“I am happy to be led by you” Brutus nodded to the server, turning back to his host, “the Consul would be ever grateful for your support” he smiled, “naturally I would propose the motion myself, but he see’s this as a way for you to take a lead once more in the Senate and to reposition yourself!” Brutus had arranged to meet Scipio, here to discuss a proposed ovation that he wished to see voted to Barbatus on completion of his term off office. The current Consul had achieved a great victory at Cleusi, breaking the back of the Etruscan army and forcing Velthur to retreat once more into the north, abandoning much of the country to Rome’s control.

Cleusi had been a bloody affair, some 24,000 troops on the Roman side, made up of its own forces and those of its allies, had met the Etruscan army which had number some 12,000 and during the course of that battle both had sustained substantial casualties.

The Etruscan War from 294-288BC

Moving us further forward and not seeking to delay over the trivialities of running a major state, the late spring of 294BC saw Valtuna finally fall to the Roman army, forcing huge swathes of Etruria to submit to Roman occupation. In the elections of 294BC saw Publius Sempronius Sulpicius Saverrio and Lucius Papirius Cursor take over the Consul’s chair, Junius Bubaculus was left as Admiral of the fleet whilst his former colleague was awarded the Censors rolls.

Barbatus final act as Consul had been to remove P. Sempronius Sophus from the Governorship of Capua by popular demand, his defeat in Etruria and accusations of land mismanagement leading to his sudden fall from grace. Gaius Fabius Licinus being promptly appointed to the position.

Surprisingly Sulpicius made for himself an exceptionally military record, taking the Etruscan city of Curtun by force and then scoring victory outside the walls of Valtuna, when the Etruscans launched a counterattack with some 8,000 troops made up largely of hired mercanries from the northern tribes. He later won a major victory at Arritim, massacring the enemy forces and leaving but a handful of the 5,000 field troops fleeing back to their homes across the Po river. Alongside these victories Sulpicius stormed Pisna and Valvata. His won defeated came at Rubra, on the island of Corsica, where the Roman army attempted its first ever amphibious landing and was resounding defeated, during the battle, led by both Consuls, L. Papirius Cursor was blinded, and later died.

In 289BC Junius Sempronius Bubaculus and Publius Cornelius Arvina were both elected to the Consulship, and in short time, Bubaculus launched the second attempted invasion of Corsica, smashing the Etruscan army and taking their settlement of Alilia. Shortly after this victory the Etruscan assembly, what little of it remained, sued for peace and under the terms offered, almost all of mainland Etruria and its colonies in Corsica were surrendered to Roman dominion, with but a tiny enclave of Etruscan villages centred around Segesta, on the Ligurian coastline left free of Rome’s control.

In the time in between the outbreak of war and its conclusion, only two things were really worth us making a note off for posterity’s sake. The first more for the interest of internal politics, was the sudden decline of Sempronius Sophus and his family, the death of Aulus Verginius left the Proconsul without a firm ally in the Senate and shortly after his son took ill with a fever and died, some suggesting poison was more likely than simply badly cooked food.


The second major change, being the expulsion of King Agothokles from Syracuse at the hands of the Carthaginians, fighting their own expansionist war across Sicily. The Greek Tyrant, unwilling to relinquish power quite so easily, landed his armies in the south of Italy, forcing his personal rule over the lands of Bruttium, whilst his own lands fell to the foreign invaders.

 

[HistoryDude]

Syracuse survives in exile. I wonder if that will be relevant later...

Carthage's domination of Sicilia is almost complete, but Rome is expanding in Italia.

The Governor of Capua is out of power due to military disgrace. Hopefully this will prevent his schemes with Samnium (or is there a governor of Capua and a governor of Campania?)

 

[jasondroth24]

Chapter 12: Changing times

Marce Partunus, The town of Segesta, Liguria, 13th February 288BC

Rain poured in from a hole in the roof, all around the roof, bowls littered the floor trying to catch the constant streams off water dripping down through the leaky villa. Marce pulled his cloak firm around him, it was itself damp and it did little to keep out the longer winters chill. He sighed heavily, tossing another log into the fire himself, the few servants he had left to over-stretched to tend upon the Etruscan Consul.

He let out an empty, cold laugh, to think he held the title of Consul, over what and whom? It seemed somewhat ironic, since the assembly such as it was had diminished to but a handful of members, those to stubborn to accept Roman rule or too weak to have accepted death at the hands of their conquerors. A decade ago, Etruria claimed sovereignty over a huge swathe of northern Italy and had been sending its peoples to colonise Corsica and now here he stood, Consul of Etruria, ruler of Segesta and Carmna and little else, the treasury bankrupted paying for mercenaries, their cities now sacked and their people second class citizens in their own lands, beneath the yoke of the Senate and People of Rome.

Marce had come to accept that in a short time, he may find even this small piece of what once was, may fallen to ruin, after all judging from the home he now occupied it had only a very short distance to fall. The majority of those who lived in Segesta, where barbarians, Ligurians mainly who had under extreme duress accepted the rule of a ghost state, they would no doubt soon rid themselves of their temporary landlords.

Cossus Quintulius, The Theatre of Tarquinius , Rome, 28th April 288BC

“Greetings Consul, I am honoured” Cossus bowed to Bubaculus, a deep bow, which only a slave would offer, “I don’t believe I have ever been invited to sit in these seats before, though I have attended the theatre many times!”

“Sit” Bubaculus did not look at him, nor turn his eyes away from the comedy unfolding before him on the stage, “I have been eager to meet you!” He gestured to two of his guests, both fellow Senators, who took their cue to leave without argument. The Consul exhaled gently, his breath catching on the chill spring air, “They tell me you are a man who is good to know, though you were a slave” he turned his head slightly “And now you sit here, a Senator? The Gods have been kind to you!”

Cossus sat lightly down, tucking his toga about his feet slightly, seemingly unphased by being in the company of Rome’s current hero and leading politician, “I suppose the Gods have played their part, but I have worked hard for what I have achieved.”

The Consul grunted, he himself a self-made man in many respect could not argue, with Cossus argument, according to the gossips he had risen through the political ranks, winning local elections and even holding a tribunes chair for a time before being nominated to the Senate by P. Cornelius Barbatus when he was Consul and now controller of the Republics growing treasury.

Sitting for a long while together, both watching the play and listening to the gentle waves of laughter passing over the crowd, Cossus’ moved to business, “Preparations for yours and the Proconsuls, ovation are going well! I have high hopes it will go off without a hitch!”

“I should hope it does!” the Consul turned his head, his persona ever imposing and bullish, “Its not just for me, though I confess I am honoured to have been awarded such a display” he paused noting the approach of another Senator, Gaius Offilius a man off little note but with business Bubaculus needed to be done, “this ovation is for all Rome, for the people and my predecessors, it is to be a festival of thanksgiving as much as ought else!”

The Steward noticed the approach of Senator Offilius and rose from his seat, “You have my word Consul, I will do all I can to ensure the whole thing is the very best that Rome can do” he smiled “the people deserve nothing less!” And with that he sought to be excused, leaving the private seating of the Consul’s to allow Bubaculus to get on with his audiences.

Lucius Cornelius Scipio the Elder, Valvata, Cisalpine Gaul, 30Th April 288BC

Scipio gathered together rolls of parchment placing them in a travel box and closed the lid gently, many of these documents where for delivery to various officials back in Rome, they would be sent back with his son later that day, “These ones are for the Consul’s only” he waved to rolls at his son, small piece of parchment compared to the majority, his son sitting quietly and listening to his fathers instruction.

He had taken up his new position in Valvata only a few days earlier and as he had found when taking over the Governorship of Capua, so to he had found was true here, there was an endless stream of work to be tended to, especially considering that Cisalpine Gaul was Rome’s newest administrative province; his just reward for supporting the Proconsul and now Censor, Barbatus during his own tenure in the Consul’s chair.

“Father are you sure that you want me to take over the running of your house whilst you are away, Attilia is much better positioned than I to attend to such matters!” He had recently stepped out onto the political stage as an advocate in the law courts, and taken a wife, the Lady Amelia Tertia, widow of Claudius Crassus, he had no desire to take over housekeeping duties also.

“No” his father smiled, “Attilia will receive the pension I have promised her and a home on our estate for life, but her time running our house is over, she is old now and it is time you took charge of these things yourself! I am relying on you to secure our interest whilst I am away!” It had not been an easy decision, but Attilia was reaching sixty years of age, and it was time for a fresh pair of hands to watch over the family interests, he had not been to his own mind, unfair in her retirement package, she had her freedom, a home and a pension, on top of her savings.

The younger Scipio did not bother to countermand his instructions further. He would set out for Rome later that day and do as his father instructed, he hoped the roads would be clear since he had to be back in Rome within the week to attend the wedding of Lucius Julius Libo to Claudia Prima, the daughter of Appius Claduius Caudex.


Appius Claudius Caecus, Rome, the Capitoline Hill, 16th May 288BC

The crowds roared, cheering and applauding and crying out the names of Rome’s hero, Gaius Sempronius Junius Bubulcus, his name shortened to his former title of “Junius”. On the main avenue leading up the Capitoline Hill, the Consul and former General was sat resplendent on a fine charger and in full military regalia, behind him his predecessors, P. Cornelius Barbartus and P. Sulpicius Saverrio now a member of the Sempronii family, rode on their own mounts, one horse was led with them, its back empty yet a man wearing the death mask of L. Papirus Cursor walked before it.

Trumpets blared and drums beat amid the military regiments, ranks of soldiers following them with their standards flying high. Behind them musicians played the aulos and the cithara, dancers and acrobats leaping and bounding behind them, fresh flowers picked from the fields around Rome and from the foothills of the Apennine mountains were tossed and scattered by young maidens.

Behind the marching soldiers and the contorting dancers, oxen pulled wheeled platforms upon which magnificent bronze statues sat, mighty lions, horses and wolves, dreadful monsters in the shapes of legendary beasts like the Chimera, too beautiful figures of nymphs and satyrs, figures many assumed where the Etruscan Gods, processed through the streets, many covered in garlands.

“I will give them their due” Caecus laughed lightly, “they know how to put on a show!” He gazed down the steps of the Temple of Juno, where he had met his brothers and sister, the Claudii out in force and unified for this most rare off occasions; an ovation.

Appius Claudius Caudex stood beside his brother, quietly observing the proceedings, unwilling to commit his opinion to the open ever, hesitant as always to express his thoughts; he was the younger of the two eldest brothers and held one of the Republics highest military offices, overseeing the running of the Temple of Mars and overseer of recruitment.

Valeria, Caecus wife stood resplendent beside her husband in a brilliant blue gown, the Claudii having deep links to the Valerii family, as they shared deep links with many of Rome’s ruling houses. “The Gods smile on all Rome today, surely by husband you do not begrudge the People their heros, my uncle once held such a parade when he returned from facing the Samnites!”

“I begrudge the plebs nothing” Caecus was unamused, his deep-seated belief in the rights of the nobility not allowing him to feel anything but contempt for a noise some mob. “They however, may soon begrudge their choice in Consuls, if Bubulcus gets his way!”

They all turned noticeably and a number of the siblings bowed their heads to Amelia Tertia, their former step-mother and now wife of young Scipio, as she took her place amid their number, still a welcome guest in their house despite her distasteful marriage to the brattish son of an upstart nobody.

“And why would the people do that?” Valeria continued, as wife of Caecus she had little need now to show deference to her former mother-in-law, having become the matron of the family and one of the Republics leading female figures.

Appius Claudius Pulcher, the second youngest of the Claudii brothers suddenly chirped up, “They wish to make citizens of the Etruscans” he laughed out loud, clearly bemused, “to think the citizens of Rome fought so hard to simply give away in peace all they had sought to defend in war! You couldn’t make it up!”

Caecus continued to look unimpressed, “I knew Bubulcus was fond of comedies, but I did not think him so ludicrous as to turn Roman citizenship into a joke!”

The Court of King Agothokles, Rhegium, Southern Italy, 20th June 288BC


“You are welcome here Lucius” Queen Alkia sauntered into the chamber, her presence suddenly lifting the assembled councillors attention, she was wife of the King and in his current state she was the dominate power at court. Her husband, King Agothokles was suffering with a severe ailment of the mind, seemingly bereft of his sanity and his memory apparently disserting him. “Has someone offered you refreshments?” she looked about her sharply, clicking her fingers to a servant waiting in the wings, to bring the envoy drink.

“Highness” Lucius Julius Libo, the younger bowed deeply, “I thank you for coming so quickly!”

“It must be odd for a Roman, to bow” she ignored his compliment, “To a Queen no less, imagine what your Senate would say? To hear that a Roman envoy bowed to a woman and the wife of a Tyrant” she laughed, her voice like a serpent. She looked gentle enough, clothed as she was in a soft lilac gown.

“I do not imagine they would pay it much mind” he smiled, his youthful good looks adding a certain power to his words and smile, “You are a friend of Rome, it is only fitting to show respect!”

“Friend yes” she suddenly rounded on him, her demeanour changing rapidly, “But not ally!” her tone sharpened, “You have refused us that so far!” she spat “you have refused an alliance with the might of Syracuse!”

Julius looked around him, eying the hall they stood in and then looking Queen Alkia up and down inquisitively, “Not so mighty in the eyes of the Senate and People of Rome!”

Alkia smirked, her lips peeling back slightly in a wolfish display, “This is only a temporary setback” she looked about her conscious, of the ears off her court listening in, “we will take back our lands soon enough, we will take back Syracuse and drive those African scum back into the sea!”

“And you will do this with what?” Julius had been well briefed on the disposition of the Syracusian armies fighting in Sicily and it was a sorry affair, mercenaries mainly bought at tremendous cost to maintain a foothold on the island.

“Rome could extend her hand in friendship to us and that would secure us victory, if we were united!” she felt the eyes of the court intent on her, with her husbands mind broken, his city and lands in enemy hands, her position was precarious is not verging on lethal. “Soon enough if Syracuse is lost, they will come for you too!”

Julius laughed aloud, “Mighty though the city of the Lion is, Rome is content for now to keep ourselves out of these squabbles, Thuria asked for our aid and regrettably we had to decline!”

“The why have you come? Why has Rome sent a nobody, to consort with a Queen?” she spat her words with considerable venom, an it was not untrue, this young man was simply the son of a Senator, sent on behalf to the Senate and People of Rome to act an intermediary.

“They sent a nobody, lady” he shed all sign of respect for her “to give you a refusal! And to inform you this matter is considered closed” he calmed his temper momentarily “Carthage is no enemy of Rome and we wish our friendship many happy years!”

 

[jasondroth24]

Chapter 13: A changing world

Lucius Julius Libo, Pompeii, 8th July 288BC

A soft gentle glow stretched out from the top of Mount Vesuvius, casting something of a violet hue over the night sky, earlier in the day the mountain had rumbled and the ground had shook slightly, the local residents claiming that Vulcan, God of the Forge, had come to take residence within his sacred halls. Apparently, no one had ever seen Vulcan, but it was commonly understood that when the mountain burned and the ground trembled, that was the time to offer prayers.

Torches lined the street before the envoy, each door illuminated by light, vivid paints covered the frames and walls, and the pavements in this part of the city were finely laid and cobbled. Pompeii was a wealthy city, and though it had a substantial body of the urban poor, its rulers took great pride in their home, investing heavily in the Temples and avenues, L. Julius had no doubt in the fullness of time she would make a fine Roman city, though for now she retained her independence and their ruling council was loyal beyond question to Rome, perhaps if that remained so, she would ever be a free state and good friend.

“I confess, I am glad to have a member of the Claudii with me today” Julius smiled, patting his young wife’s hand as she strode beside him, “We Julii may come from ancient pedigree, but no family in the whole Republic knows statecraft like the Claudii.” His young wife, was indeed a member of the Claudii, an it was safe to say not a single one of Rome’s great families and many of its lesser noble house, did not claim a Claudian among its ranks.

“I am not sure I will be off any help” she smiled at him warmly, looking radiant in the evening light, “but I am glad you have brought me with you, Rome is so dull in the summer, what with everyone rushing of to the country!” She was not wrong, this time of the summer the city was baking under the suns glare, an with the Senate in recess many of the richer citizens trundled off to their country retreats, the Claudii having dozens of villas across the Republic.

“Think how jealous your friends will be when we return home and you can say you spent the summer in Pompeii” he beamed at her, stopping before the door of the Consul’s house, they were to dine tonight as guests of Tertius Julius, a distant scion of his own family. Though they were to be guests to the Consul, there was official business to attend to since Bubaculus and Arvina had sent him here on official state business, a substantial monetary gift was to be made to the city’s assembly on behalf of the Senate and People of Rome, as a mark of thanks for their support in the Republic’s conflicts.

Cossus Quintulius, Rome, 14th July 288BC

“Would you like me to send for someone to cool you master?” Ticos bowed softly, a freedman now he was a devoted and attentive servant.

“What have I told you my friend, you must call me Cossus, I am not your master” Cossus, disapproved of his servants referring to him as master, ever one of those he had purchased from the slave markets had been granted their freedom the same day, an though they did not receive formal pay, for he did not have those personal resources, they all received bed and board in return for their service. “I am fine as I am” he looked up from his workings, “I am sure your team have better things to be doing than waiting on me!”

Ticos bowed again, moving for the door “As you wish my Mast…” he caught his words, correcting himself “As you wish Cossus!”

“You may go my friend” he gestured to the door, not wishing to offend his lead servant by commanding him to go. He had much work to do before he could break for the evening, though he had arranged to meet some of his closest friends for drinks and food later that day. A new bill had been passed through the citizen assembly, setting aside state funding and offering contracts to suppliers of military equipment, to ensure all garrisons within the Republics borders received a fixed supply of standard provisions, both in armaments, clothing, foodstuffs and weapons. The bill may have passed but the devil would be in the detail, for this was no small feet and he would need to speak with the Military tribunes to see how this could be most efficiently rolled out.

Nikostratos, Archon of Sipontum, Sipious, East Italian Coast, 26th July 288BC

“The fact of the matter is my esteemed friends” Nikostratos strode across the assembly floor, all eyes upon him, “the world is changing at a dramatic pace and the older order of things can not be relied upon any longer, we must pick a course of be swallowed up by events!” War had erupted in the east, Macedonia, the dominate power in the Greek world for a century and more, was ripping itself apart in a brutal civil war, with Alexandros V on one side and his brother, Antipatros on the other.

A loud grumble moved across the assembly, many voices offering the assent matched only by a similar number objecting. The issue today being that despite Sipontum’s extended net off allies amid the southern Free State, like Kroton, Tarentum and Apulia, she was increasingly becoming drawn into the Roman sphere of influence, whilst her shipping lanes were being constantly pressurised by the Carthaginians. It was also becoming increasingly clear that, the throne of Syracuse was lost and in short time the Carthaginian armies would cross into Italy and finish off the house of Agothokles once and for all.

“We either send overtures to Rome and show our willingness to join in alliance with them, side with the Carthaginians which I can guarantee will bring Roman armies to our very gates, or else tread a carefully course with our Greek neighbours and hope we can ride out the storm to come!” Nikostratos failed to mention that he had already written to several Senators, testing the waters to see if an alliance with Rome could be ratified easily, if the Assembly of Sipontum voted favourably on the issue.

Maharbal Gerabalid, Lilybaya, Sicily, 25th August 288BC

“Governor the Roman envoy is waiting for you in the atrium” a servant, dressed in a long tunic and turban waited a the door, looking anxiously at the upturned faces glaring at him, the Governor waving him away without a word.

“The Roman fleet has moved away from the Straits of Messena?” Maharbal looked at the map spread out across the table, pointing toward a small gold coin indicating the position of the Republican fleet. A few weeks earlier, his commanders had reported the arrival of some twenty-five war galleys of the coast of Messena, flying the eagle of Rome atop their mast. They had made no move to block the Carthaginian forces crossing the Straits, nor interfered in any way but their mere arrival had given some pause for thought; why after all had the Senate sent its fleet into those waters?
“They have” Mashrala, Commander of the Carthaginian fleet surrounding Sicily, moved the golden counter, “all the way up to the bay of Naples if my intelligence is correct!” He moved a few other pieces, silver coins being placed at different ports, obviously representing bodies of their own fleet at anchor. “They are welcome to return” he suddenly laughed, “but it would be stupid to get in my way, our fleet out numbers theirs nearly five to one!”

Maharbal suddenly circled with his finger a number of settlements marked on the foot of the Italian peninsula, “And your confidant, Ashar that we can secure safe landings here?” he looked across to his military advisors, one particularly stepping forward.

“I already have scouts in the area around Rhegium, they have informed me to expect little real resistance from the locals” he was thick set man, with a lush black beard and long flowing locks, his chest as broad as some men are wide, “It seems many wish to see the removal of the Syracusan court from their lands, and anyone who offers to do that will be warmly welcomed!”

King Agothokles had according to spies in the royal court, almost completely lost his mind, his speech slurred, his mobility heavily impaired and his thoughts scattered more widley than sands on the winds of the Sahara. His wife and eldest son, struggling against one another to maintain the dominate position in the court and their allies swiftly deserting them, now Rome had rebuked their request for an alliance.

Ashar looked somewhat concerned and the Governor invited him to continue, “Rome has thus far only observed our operations and it has refused all calls to intervene, but if we occupy southern Italy, I am not convinced they will stand idle!”

 

[IsaacCAT]

You are on a roll! two entries in almost the same day.

It happened to me that the game presents you with so many stories when you barely unpause.

I am intrigued what role will Rome play in the World stage. It seems poised to the Punic wars. History repeats itself.

EDIT: very nice presenting the portraits next to the map.

 

[HistoryDude]

Etruria is almost destroyed. Lo, how the mighty have fallen!

It seems as if Syracuse wants that alliance badly. It might be a strategic move.

The Italian states must choose between Rome, Carthage, and the Greek Diadochi (or is it Epigoni now?).

I wonder if Rome might expand east before they expand south...

 

[jasondroth24]

Etruria is almost destroyed. Lo, how the mighty have fallen!

It seems as if Syracuse wants that alliance badly. It might be a strategic move.

The Italian states must choose between Rome, Carthage, and the Greek Diadochi (or is it Epigoni now?).

I wonder if Rome might expand east before they expand south...

Do you know ha, i havent yet decided what way to go at this point, Can Rome tolerate Carthage in Italy? No! Do i want to wage war with Carthage at this tim? No!

 

[jasondroth24]

Chapter 14: Moving forward

Consul G. Sempronius Bubaculus, His private residence, Rome, 27th August 288BC

“We cannot lose this vote Arvina, it must pass!” Bubaculus had committed a huge amount of his political weight to this debate, and with the vote soon to be put through the citizens assembly he was seriously considering using special Consular powers to force the motion through.

“I am with you Junius, be sure off it” Arvina , his consular colleague agreed that the enrolment and enfranchisement of the Etruscan people as Roman citizens was essential to the Republics future, “we must however, bare in mind this will not be easy and we may suffer for it!”

Valeria, Junius wife was sat with them, her own influences had played a big part in forming the current policy, “Perhaps we temporarily water down the legislation, you have already secured agreement on marriages between citizens and non-citizens, perhaps there is more you could do?” it was a sound idea and one they had been pursing.

Arvina pondered a moment, seeming to have a sudden revelation, “We could change the legal rights of the Etruscans and their inheritance rights?” he checked Bubaculus response, he seemed receptive, “One step at a time? Allow contracts to be formed between them and our citizens, secure their rights to property, land and inheritance like our own citizens have? We can make that case?”

“And who do you think would be best to front the alterations? We can’t water anything down and it fail as well or that’s the whole thing up in smoke!” Bubaculus was clearly favourable.

“Does not Gnaeus Flavius have some changes he wishes to make to the legal codes?” Valeria was a very well-informed woman, and a keen political mover, “He is a tribune? He can take the bill to the tribunal and have them passed through it rather than the general citizen’s body.”

P. Cornelius Barbatus, The Temple of Jupiter, Rome, 30th August 288BC


Barbatus stopped at the top of the stairs to catch his breath, looking down at the forum behind him for but a moment as the Great Temple doors swung open. Down in the forum, one of the buildings around the outskirts showed signs of fire damage from the riots the night before, some of the market stalls where heavily damaged and street cleaners were trying to clear away debris left by the protestors.

The current consul’s where hoping to extend Roman citizenship to their former enemies, the Etruscans, who now made up over a third of the Republics population, easily the same number of them as there were Roman born citizens. This legislation would in theory double the total citizen body and many in the city had taken it as an unwelcome step, indeed it had led to riots and protests in the main streets and brawls in the taverns, brothels, and markets of the wider city. Only days before an Etruscan youth’s body had been dragged from the Tibur, apparently murdered by a body of young Roman men.

“It is good to have you back with us Pontifex” a voice came from behind, the voice of Oppius Ahendobarbus, High Priest in the Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus, second only to the Pontifex Maximus himself, behind him a huge cortege of acolytes, augurs, and priests began to gather at the door.

The Pontifex stifled a cough in his hands, suddenly gripped by a spasm of the lung before he composed himself, “It is good to be back home!” For him the Temple of Jupiter was the sacred heart of the city and the Republic, even more so than the Senate House or the Field of Mars.

Brennus Leukas, Chief of the Biturigii, Rubra, Cisalpine Gaul, 14Th November 288BC

Brennus new he was taking a risk, but the potential rewards were substantial, the lands of Etruria he hoped would be rich in plunder and striking across the borders with winter rushing in would leave any Roman response lagging considerably. He had promised his warriors plunder and slaves from raiding the previous year and it had not come, this time he would not fail.

In the prime of his life, bold, willing to take risks and with 4,500 warriors at his back he hoped to be the first to reach to reach the finest picking, others no doubt would follow his lead an more raiders would intime be drawn to cross into Rome’s territory and even if they achieved very little from their raids, the sums offered to them by the Carthaginians just to cross the border and draw Rome’s attention to the north, had been considerable, leaving him already a wealthy man.

Consul-General Bubaculus, Vada Volatorrena, North Italy, 3rd March 287BC

Bubaculus attention suddenly moved to the road ahead, a group of horsemen coming speeding down the road before them, his scouts no doubt. He veered his horse of to the side and a number of his personal retinue followed him, the army continuing to march along, as the scouts to veered of the road coming toward him.

Having received word of barbarian invaders pillaging the northern coast over the winter months, the Republic had shown itself to be exceptionally capable of rapid response in times of stress, raising a force of some 15,000 soldiers in a matter of weeks and here it was, now on the march, pushing through regardless of a wet and rain soaked spring to force out the invaders.

“Salve General” the scout captain saluted, reigning in his steed from his speedy advance, “the enemy are ahead of us at Pisae” behind him the other scouts formed up in a more orderly fashion, yet their steeds were excitable and unruly, tossing their heads, snorting and pawing at the soft, wet earth. “There are some 4,000 enemy warriors spread across the countryside around Pisae and if my other teams are correct, another 2,000 enemy warriors are moving down through the northern mountains, along the foothills of Luna and Rubra to reinforce the main body!”

“All the better” Lucius Julius Libo the younger, serving in the Consuls command spoke out, “the more off them we slay the more will think better of crossing into our lands!”

“Hmmmm” Bubaculus considered his options, an expert of military strategy and now a veteran of many battles and wars, “We shall push ahead with our plans and move against Pisae, this should in theory be over before the summer and we can be back in Rome before the harvest time begins!”

Consul-General Bubaculus, Luna, North Italy, 31st March 287BC

“Crucify the rest of them!” Bubaculus wiped the blood from his sword, having just beheaded one of the barbarians’ leaders in full view of his men, now prisoners of the Roman army. They had smashed the enemy invasion in Pisae only the week before, sweeping swiftly north into the area around the village of Luna and scattering the enemy armies into woods, hills and wilds of the surrounding area, no doubt seeking the quickest routes back into the northern territories owned by some of the larger tribes.

“Would we not be better to put them to work?” L. Julius Libo intervened, “there is much that needs repair and fields need working, it makes little sense to simply throw them way?”

Bubaculus placed his sword sharply in its scabbard, clearly unimpressed at being contradicted, he inhaled deeply calming himself, “I applaud your compassion young Julius, nay dare I say I also applaud your resourcefulness, but my order is as it is” he glared at his young legate, “these people, if they even deserve the word need to be taught a lesson!”

“We have taught them a lesson in defeating their forces General!” L. Julius offered back.

“They die!” the Consul snapped, “before the day is over” he moved toward his horse, hoisting himself up into the saddle, turning to a infantry commander whose cohort was guarding these prisoners and now ignoring L. Julius, “See they hang from a cross before the sunsets, those are my orders!” The General kicked his steed gently, turning it away from the bloody scene behind him “They understand nothing else Julius, nothing else at all! They came here to slaughter our people and as a result in defeat they will suffer the same!”

Vibius Castilius, Centurinum, Corsica, 8th August 287BC

A dozen or so masts bobbed on the horizon, a cohort of ships laden with Roman citizens, livestock, grains and building materials. Vibius’ sat underneath a light canopy, several local dignitaries both Roman and Corsican, watching the colonists slowly sailing toward their new life.

“Marvellous is it not Antonius” Vibius turned to his friend, sat beside him, “One cannot be but moved by the thought of our people branching out across the sea’s to bring Roman law and order to savage lands.”

“I would hardly call us savages” a man stepped forward, dressed in rather exotic garb, he was a priest as Vibius understood him to the gods worshipped by the Carthaginians, their cults imbedded deeply amongst the natives of Corsica.

“Please, please Equrhat, I mean no offence” Vibius waved for quiet, “You know I value the input of yourself and your people, in expanding Centurinum and making a success of our endeavours here!”

“I find it hard to not take offence when you refer to my people as savages” Equrhat retorted, “our way of life was respected by the Etruscans and they made no such attempts to suppress our beliefs, nor did they hoist their citizens onto our lands and take from us what has long been ours!” Over recent months, more and more Roman citizens hand landed in Corsica, hoping to build a new life for themselves, seeking new opportunities. Farmsteads, orchards, logging groups and sheep drovers had begun to spread westward across the mountains and founding villages in previously Corsican owned territory.

Shrines, many modest ones, where spreading into the countryside bringing Roman religion to the island, magistrates were being appointed and Roman law was slowly superseded the laws imposed upon the people by the Etruscans and some Corsican practises had been banned, most notably the exposure of young children was now deemed illegal, property rights were shifting and human sacrifice had been expressly forbidden.

Governor Lucius Volumnius Violens, Capua, Campania, December 6th 287BC

“Well isn’t this a bloody marvellous affair, I must have really excelled myself to be so lorded” L. Volumnius Violens was not at all happy with his new position, only last week he had made a scathing speech against the current Consul’s and their agenda, specifically the expansion of Roman citizenship to the Etruscan people, his “reward” had quickly followed. Consul Arvina had put his name forward to the Peoples Assembly for the Governorship of Campania, which he promptly won.

“I warned you to keep your mouth shut” Quintus Fabius Rullianus, his long-time friend and frequent visitor to Capua laughed. “You know as well as I do, it is ill advised to raise your head above the parapet unless elections are days away” he chuckled to himself, popping an olive into his mouth, and bursting its bitter flesh between his teeth, “You will have to make the best off it!”

“Make the bloody best of it!” Volumnius was positively livid, “Its alright for you, you haven’t been sent into bloody exile for defending what you know to be right!”

“Oh please my friend, your being dramatic, there are marvellous opportunities to be had! It hardly the end of the world!” Rullianus had himself sought to receive the Governorship, but it was not to be! “You will be back in Rome soon enough, there are elections next year and if we get one off our candidates in then you can thank Arvina and Bubaculus themselves for this little jaunt.”

 

[jasondroth24]

Chapter 15: A changing of the guard (sub-chapter)

The End of Syracuse, The First half of 286BC

In the summer of 286BC, the court of King Agothokles tired of its constant struggles against the Carthaginians, overwhelmed with taxes and loans, and with a mad ruler finally collapsed. Whilst the King was cut down by one of his own guards, and Prince Agothokles was hung by the neck from a tree by his own subjects in a sudden uprising, Queen Alkia fled to Greece, impoverished, alone and fleeing with nothing but the cloths she wore, no doubt she would fade into obscurity, a poor and impoverished woman, far fallen from her once grand hights.

With no proper government or regime in place to take the helm of state, the Carthaginians sensed their opportunity, crossing into southern Italy in rapid speed and pouring across the territory! The Syracusan army either deserted, defected or fled abroad as the country and what little remained of Syracusan freedom faded away and all Sicily, the toe of Italy, were joined into the ever-growing Carthaginian Empire.

For the southern states of Italy, this sparked outrage and fear, many unsure how to respond to the presence of this great Empire sat on their doorstep. Rome to moaned and murmured that something now must be done, a plan in place, a delegation sent to see where the two great peoples future lay.


Secondus Domitius, The Shipwrights of Ostia, 1st October 286BC

“She is a fine ship Andros, you have done well with her” Domitius strode along the deck of Rome’s newest war vessel, a hexere, the first of her class and one that be a welcome addition to the Roman fleet.

“She was not easily put together, but she is strong enough and she will prove formidable in battle should the need arise” Andros was one of the leading shipwrights in Ostia, a man from Capua and Greek in origin, he had come highly recommended to the new High Admiral.

“I fear she will see combat all to soon” Domitius sighed, standing against her starboard side, gazing down onto the waters of the harbour where she would soon be launched. “If its not pirates threatening our coastline, it’s the bloody Carthaginians threatening to cut us off from our colonies in Corsica!”

“I would appreciate it if you could impress on the Treasury to put the funds forward that I need to keep up with my work” he guided the admiral to a small desk, set up on the ships deck, “As you can see we are somewhat behind schedule” he pointed to a list of ships waiting to be built and the unfulfilled acquisition orders, “not enough money to buy the timber you see?”

Across the wharf however, regardless of the delay in funds, a fresh mast was being fitted into place and canvass fastened on to another Roman vessel off a much lighter design which would form the backbone of the fleet Domitius had in mind to take control of the sea’s along the west Italian coastline and protect the shipping lanes with Corsica.

Decimus Junius Brutus, The Rostra, the Forum, Rome, 4th October 286BC

The crowds roared their approval as the two new Consuls stepped out from the Temple of Jupiters inner sanctum, the Pontifex Maximius, P. Cornelius Barbartus leading them out and offering them to the people. It had been a whirlwind election seasons, there had been some public clashes between the various candidates’ supporters, but public opinion had shifted heavily in the new teams favour and Publius Sempronius Sophus, having endured a long auntum of his own political career had joined forces with Brutus, Scipio, and L. Julius Libo, to secure an election win.

Brutus squeezed his young wife’s hand, his second wife since the previous had died from apparent food poisoning some years earlier. “Smile my love” he pulled her closer protectivally, knowing she was accustomed to these sorts of crowds, “wave, they won’t bite” he joked, meaning the plebians. “Good to be back Sempronius?” He turned slightly to his aged colleague and now second time Consul.

“Marvellous my friend, utterly marvellous” he turned back to the crowd, waving steadily to the people! He had thought his political career over after his defeat by the Etruscans and that little mess whilst governing Capua, but it seemed even with his star setting, and his longest standing backer dead there was still a touch of charm in the old dog. His wife, Aulia Verginia, stood at his side, the picture of Roman womanhood.

What Sempronius didn’t seem to have realised was he had been selected by Brutus for the very fact his star was falling, too young in image to run with another youthful candidate, Brutus had sought to add a touch of aged wisdom to his own bid, with an element of heroism. True he was not short of military experience himself, and given allowance for the slight error in Etruria, Sempronius was still the conqueror of Umbria. Brutus had no intention of being the lesser partner in this bid, and with both the Scipio’s and the Julii behind him he planned on launching a marked change against the usually Claudian ruled system.

The years 284-281BC

Aside from the usual political wranglings of the Roman state the years between 284 BC and 281BC passed with relative ease, the partnership between Sempronius and Brutus proving a marked success. The death of Quintus Fabius Rullianus, Brutus father-in-law was marked with a public funeral attended by many senators and citizens alike, games were held by the Consuls in his honour.

A drought in Umbria in 283BC was easily handled and though the year proved a difficult one for the locals of Aternum, foodstuffs moved from Latinum’s warehouses into the north managed to alleviate the worst of the troubles.

In the east the civil war in Macedonia ended and the Kingdom reunited under Alexandros V’s rule.

Rome once more went to war in this period, though nothing of the size and scale of the Umbrian or Etruscan affairs. Brutus and Scipio together launched a swift moving strike against the Frintanii, who were settled along the southern reaches of the Po Valley, securing the mountain passes and allowing the upper Apennines to form a natural barrier against enemy incursions, prompted largely by the tribal movements seen during the term of Bubaculus and Arvina.

 

[HistoryDude]

Etruscans are becoming more equal.

Rome is expanding, but Carthage has entered Italia. The Punic Wars are becoming inevitable...