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Lex Curiata De Imperio

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Reclaiming the North​
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Marcus Fulvius Flaccus (16 March 500 - 22 June 511)​

The fighting in Sicilia had hit its most intense at the end of the year 501. The Consul, Marcus Fulvius Flaccus, and Legate of the First Legion had just failed in his attack on Syracusae. Carthage was winning the war. It was then that the Veristii returned to northern Italia. In a mad rush these twenty thousand barbarians claimed Bononia for themselves once again.

Nobody had the courage to tell Marcus of this attack. The man needed to keep his concentration on Appius' War. If he didn't focus on the defense of the south then any moment the vastly superior Cathaginians could be rampaging across all of Italia. Instead to pacify these barbarians the Senate agreed to surrender Bononia to them. They accepted this compromise.

The Veristii were so pleased by this they sent word north. Their sister tribe known as the Lancionsi needed their own lands too. They came south bringing the sword to Liguria. It was at this time that Lucius Mamilius Vitulus was named Legate of the Third Legion. Western Sicilia was in Roman hands and the war was at last looking promising. And once again nobody said anything to Marcus. Just like with the Veristii, the Lancionsi were given the rest of northern Italia for peace.

These two barbarian tribes held the north throughout the rest of the Punic War. Nine years the Romans were shamed by a peace with barbarians. They dare not argue about it though. Then at last the Punic War was over. As the Consul returned to Rome for his triumph he was stopped just outside the walls by Marcus Fabius Buteo. Buteo had been Dux of Liguria before the Senate surrendered the lands. He now demanded Flaccus to see his province restored to him.

After being informed of what had happened in the north while he was away at war, Marcus demanded to be named Consul for the 510 election. Fearing the man nobody ran against Marcus and he was made Consul for the tenth time. He promised this would be his last time as Consul. He just could not leave the position having lost what his predecessor had gained.

Marcus wished to begin the war immediately but knew he couldn't. All three Legions were still in Carthage while the Third was still under new leadership. Those men were sent to protect the islands of Sardinia and Corsica where they could protect Rome's newest islands. The First and Gaius Aurelius Cotta's Second went to Rome's former northern border, Umbria and Etruria. Here Marcus allowed the men time to rest and to replenish their numbers. For ten years these men had fought across four islands and Carthage itself for him. The least he could do was allow them time at home.

April of 511 war was at last declared to reclaim the north. The First marched on Liguria and the Second moved against the Veristii. Marcus would ride into battle one last time to see Rome to the strongest it had ever been. He was wrong. Just as he was crossing the border into Liguria, Marcus Fulvius Flaccus died. The strain of this last campaign was to much on him.



Lucius Caecilius Metellus (22 June 511 - 16 March 512)​
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As Marcus' second in command, Lucius Caecilius Metellus believed it was his duty to follow Marcus. Not only as Legate of the First Legion, but he also sent a messenger to Rome telling them of Marcus' death. The letter also informed them that he was now Consul.

The messenger was given a large amount of money to take his time in reaching Rome. Time the Legions used to their benefit. The first to strike was Lucius who made quick work of Liguria. The province was captured in August 511. Only a month behind him Cotta was able to capture Bononia.

These two men had every last Veristii and Lancionsi put to the sword. Thousands upon thousands of men, women, and children were stabbed, strangled, drowned, burned alive, fed to the dogs, or simply starved to death. This went on until not a living member of either tribe dare to enter Italia again.

Lucius had reclaimed the north. Pleased with himself he went to Rome. Arriving only two days after his messenger did. His actions greatly angered the Senate. With only a few weeks until the next election the Senate let it go.

They just hoped they could find somebody in such short notice. Rome believed it was Marcus who was still Consul. Who could they get to come to Rome and best a man who claimed to have reclaimed the north, fought in the Punic War and was Marcus' own protege?
 
Consul for Life​
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Lucius Caecilius Metellus (16 March 512 - 16 March 514)​

No matter how much the Senate tried they just could not find a suitable replacement for Lucius Caecilius Metellus. Gaius Aurelius Cotta could have been named Consul, but he was much more interested about the north. Tiberius Otacilius Crassus and Tiberius Valerius Labeo were not well known enough and neither fought in the Punic War. That left nobody and so Lucius retained his self appointed position as Consul. Only now it was legally binding.

His term was rather peaceful. The Sickness was defeated by Libo's proposal which Marcus Fulvius Flaccus had initiated. No barbarians dared cross into Roman lands after hearing of what Lucius had done to the Veristii and Lancionsi. Even the men of Carthage made no move against Rome as they were distracted by a war with Egypt.

The Senate used this time to find a replacement for Lucius. Many men came to mind from Marcus Fabius Buteo, former Dux of Liguria and current Dux of Samnium, to Decimus Horatius Cinna and Quintus Valerius Falto, both well known orators and statesman. In the end it came down to just one man they pinned their hopes on, Publius Claudius Pulcher. Publius had been Dux of Picenum since the Pyrrhic War. He was also the son of Appius Claudius Caudex. This worked both in and against his favor. Appius began the war with Carthage by murdering a number of men, but this war also helped solidify Rome's rule of the western Mediterranian.

Lucius believed he had nothing to fear about Publius running against him. He was the chosen one to lead Rome. The son of a weak Legate could not unseat him from his position. He was destined to lead Rome to a new era.



Publius Claudius Pulcher (16 March 514 - 13 December 514)​


Lucius was wrong in his assumption. He may be in command of the First Legion and pretty well known. The only problem was that the Caecilia family could not match against the Claudia family in wealth. Only the Aemilia family had more wealth and prestige then them.

This did not sit well with Lucius who swore revenge on both Publius and the Senate itself. His first action was to find men on his side. A few were easy to buy off, but most wouldn't even think of taking sides with this maniac. Then on the 13th of December 514 Publius and Lucius came face to face inside the Senate. Both men had come early to speak with friends which caused them to be standing only a few feet away when the Senate was not in session. Feeling no animosity towards Lucius, Publius approached the man and began speaking about life on the frontier with the Legions.

This enraged Lucius who felt as if he was being mocked. Unsheathing a dagger he had hidden on his person, Lucius slew Publius in the seat of the Senate.



Lucius Caecilius Metellus (13 December 514 - 16 March 518)​


Taking the Consul's seat Lucius sat in silence as members of the Senate entered to see Publius' body laying there with a dagger through his heart. Lucius informed the Senate that he was now Consul and Dictator of Rome for Life. Fearing for their lives nobody said anything except Gaius Papirius Maso. Lucius simply took the dagger from Publius' chest and put it into Gaius' This quickly got the Senate to his side. It was Decimus Horatius Cinna and Quintus Valerius Falto who first sided with Lucius.

Pleased with himself Lucius demanded the immediate building of a second fleet to make up for the one lost in the Punic War. He gave this order to Cinna who would go on to become its Navy Prefect once the fleet was complete. Cinna was not as proficiant in building as he was at talking it seemed. It took him and his workers until the following election of 516 before the Second Navy was complete. This election no man dared to stand against Lucius in fear for what would happen to him.

Falto received his reward next. He was named Legate of the Fourth Legion. The Fourth was the smallest of the four, only six thousand strong. A full ten thousand less then all of the other three legions. It was made for three purposes. It would defend Southern Italia in times of peace. Should barbarians begin amassing outside of Italia then they would go north to deal with them. The final purpose was for a time of war. When the other three legions sailed away the Fourth would protect the northern frontier.

As the years went by the Senate finally got up the courage to ask another man to run against Lucius. Marcus Mamilius Curio was cousin to the great hero Lucius Mamilius Vitulus and nephew to both the Dux of Bononia and Magna Graecia. He was well known and liked by the Senate, the patricians, and the plebians. He was of a strong family. Many thought he could win until Lucius named him Navy Prefect of the First Navy following Tiberius Otacilius Crassus' death. Falto and Cinna had tipped off Lucius of the Senate's plotting.

It appeared nobody would stand up against Lucius and his claim to being Consul for Life. Then with only two weeks to go until the 518 election a man returned to Rome. For the past nine years this man had lived in Carthage. He was now prepared to make his move.



Quintus Fulvius Flaccus (16 March 518 - 16 March 520)​


With the return of the great and powerful Marcus Fulvius Falccus son to Rome, people came out in droves to see him. Even though he did not put his name forward or anybody else did, Quintus found himself elected Consul.

Lucius came before Quintus demanding to be returned his title. It did not turn out as well for him as it had the other time with Publius. Quintis was not a warrior but he was intelligent. He made Lucius understand that Lucius could not come before the son of Marcus. Agreeing that a son had claim before the second in command, Lucius relinquished his position as both Legate and Consul. Quintus renamed him Legate of the First Legion which got him an ally for life.

His next move he married Flavia Cinna the daughter of the Dux of Campania. This gained him great prestige and the alliance of many families. He only hoped this small moves would ensure his position in the 520 election.
 
I think Quintus Flaccus needs to make sure he has a bodyguard with him at all time. Metullus' tendency to stab people to death is rather disturbing in a politician...

Speaking of Metullus: he was a successful wartime commander and he got away with murder (literally) to keep the Consulship. It's a dangerous precedent and I wonder how long it'll be before someone tries to emulate him.
 
Hi, Etzel!

I like the AAR, and it seems like you're doing well. I do suffer from fear of walls of text, though, so if you ever have the ability to post images, that would help to visualize what's going on (it's hard to know the progress of your empire without a map for reference).

Good to see some life in old Rome again!

Rensslaer
 
March on Carthage​
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Quintus Fulvius Flaccus (16 March 520 - 16 March 522)​


It was enough. The 520 election saw Quintus Fulvius Flaccus retain his position as Consul. A feat his father had done back in the 494 election and had not been repeated since. He campaigned for his reelection on peace and the prosperity of Rome. After the elction his plans completely changed. As mcuh as he wanted peace and prosperity, he wanted fame and recognition for being more then just the son of Marcus Fulvius Flaccus more.

So in December of 520, Quintus declared war against Carthage. He would show the world that he was a greater man then his father. The difference was that he was no military leader like his father was. Instead he had to trust in his Legates.

The leader among these was Gauis Aurelius Cotta and Lucius Caecilius Metellus. They agreed to split their attack into two fronts. Both had fought in Marcus' Punic War and understood the importance of multiple battle fronts. While one distracted the other conquered. Lucius took command of the First and Third Legion. Their goal was to make an assault on Carthage itself. This would keep the Carthaginians distracted from Cotta. He along with the Second Legion landed in Carthage controlled Greece.

The day after Cotta's arrival in Greece, Massilia joined the war. They had helped a little in the last war. This time they swore to do great things. With the Second in Greece and the First and Third sailing towards Carthage, Massilia sent its military west into southern Iberia.

Landing on the beaches just outside Carthage Metellus ordered the immediate assault on the city. There were no soldiers to stand in his way like they thought there might be. There was only the city watch which did no put up much of a fight. In just two days Carthage now belonged to Rome.

Cotta performed just as well in Greece. Their provinces there only held on for two months and was lightly guarded. Taking ship for Carthage, Cotta arrived to learn that the city along with the surrounding territory had all fallen to Metellus. The man had also won a great battle. His legion went up against thirty thousand Numidians and Carthaginians on the plains of Zama. Twenty thousand enemy dead and he lost only a few thousand.

Quintus was both pleased and nervous about Lucius success in battle. Especially with the 522 election coming soon.
 
EtzelHoveri said:
Quintus was both pleased and nervous about Lucius success in battle. Especially with the 522 election coming soon.
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Ah, the benefits and pitfalls of a successful military commander... :)

Good job steamrolling Carthage. I guess they had not recovered from their previous war, because this sure sounds like a walk in the park.
 
Second Punic War​
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Quintus Fulvius Flaccus (16 March 520 - 7 August 524)​


Quintus had nothing to fear it seemed. He won the 522 election in a landslide. A few men still voted for Lucius Caecilius Meteelus. They spoke of his greatness. How it was Metellus that reunified Italia and who now won great victories in Carthage. These voices grew louder as more and more reports came of the lands west of Carthage falling to Metellus. He won a few more minor victories against the Numidians as well.

It was the Massilia that were doing the best however. They had captured Baleares, Turdetani, Bastutani, and Godira. All of southern Iberia was now in their hands. This is as far as they would go. It was time for them to rest and for Rome to finish their war in Carthage.

Then on the First of November 523 word came of Metellus' death. He had fallen in battle to the great outcry of the Roman people. Quintus was secretly happy by this, but it was far from a good thing. His replacement was Decimus Valerius Cotta. He wanted to regroup his forces and so fell back to Carthage. All the lands hard fought for was surrendered in western Carthage.

After the 524 election more and more reports came in of lands lost. Quintus kept his position as Consul, even if it looked like he was now losing the war. At least until the Seventh of August. The mob had grown so angry by these lost battles and territories they began rampaging across Rome. Among those killed was Quintus Fulvius Flaccus.


Quintus Valerius Falto (7 August 524 - 20 November 524)​

Performing his duties Quintus Valerius Falto marched south into Rome with his Fourth Legion. It took him a few days, but at last he was able to put down the rioting and bring some peace back to Rome. He also named himself Consul for this task. This did not sit well with most of the Senators. Among them was Quintus own brother, Publius Valerius Falto, Dux of Etruria. He quickly became the leader of this oppositionary force. Being a voice of reason Publius began winning man after man to his side.

Nearing the end of November almost every Senator agreed that Quintus should no be Consul. They needed to force him from his position but do it peacefully. Quintus had the seix thousand men of the Fourth still at his disposal.

They came up with the plan of a slow poison. They would slowly poison his food so that it looked like his body was failing him naturally. A little here and a little there, nothing to make it appear suspicious. That was their plan at least. After the first bite of food Quintus suddenly fell over dead.


Publius Valerius Falto (20 November 524 - 16 March 526)​
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Publius was able to talk the Fourth into keeping the peace after his brother's death. He even gave them his corpse to take with them north to bury in Bononia. That way he can always be there to guard against any invasions.

With that crisis diverted word came of more issues in Carthage. Gaius Aurelius Cotta, the greatest and longest Legate in Roman history, was now dead. He had taken charge of the war in the south and began a counter attack. It was going well until a lucky shot had taken him in the eye during a siege. With his death the Second fell back from the attack. The short lived victories were finished again.

Publius sent Sextus Octavius Scaevola as the new Legate. He had been the one who had poisoned his brother and this was the reward he asked for. Sextus left with the orders to bring an end to the fighting. It took him until February 526 before Carthage finally agreed to peace.

The islands of Baleares and southern Iberia was surrendered to Massilia. Where as the lands of Greece were given to Rome. After six years of fighting Rome only gained two tiny provinces. Their allies became very powerful, but Rome gained very little from the war. Now they were on the doorsteps of the Greek powerhouse, Macedonia. Then again you couldn't expect much when the man who was negotiating couldn't even follow simple instructions.



Year 526​
 
As promised. I will now be posting maps after each war. If you have any questions about it please let me know. I only put up the names of the major powers right now.

Edit- Also the Table is updated with the new Consuls and War.
 
Yeah. I got something. I just keep wondering when Massilia gets powerful enough to end it's alliance with me and declare war against me.

As for the Consuls, we've had a few 'interesting' ones recently. I like the upcoming ones personally.
 
Even with their recent successes, Massilia isn't really a threat to you, are they? I can't imagine that they have the manpower to stand up against you (in fact, going to war with them would be a nice way to obtain those Iberian provinces). Then again, they are probably more valuable as a powerful ally than as a bunch of poorly defended Roman provinces.
 
Greco-Roman War​
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Publius Valerius Falto (16 March 526 - 16 March 534)​

The war in Carthage was over. It was now time to return the Legions home. The Fourth went back to Bononia, however, here they were reinforced by another six thousand men. This doubled its size. They also found themselves under the command of Tiberius Crassius Cathegus.

The First, Second, and Third were all sent to occupy the new Roman territories in Greece. Publius had originally planned on only sending the First to these lands. Decimus Valerius Cotta, Legate of the First and Publius' cousin, convinced him to send the other two Legions as well. Macedonia had wanted these lands in western Greece ever since the days Carthage had taken them.

Even the Fourth was sent to Greece after the 528 election. Just in time too. In August Macedonia declared war against Rome for control of Greece. Either side called its allies. Macedonia brought in the Achaen League. Whereas Rome requested help from their allies of Massilia.

Having seen this conflict coming Publius named his cousin, Decimus, in charge of the war. He decided to split the forces into three fronts. The Third was sent south to Taulanti, the Second headed east to Dardonia, and the First and Fourth made their way north to Moesi. All three fronts met opposition of eight thousand Macedonians. All three Macedonian armies were crushed without difficulty.

The First and Fourth were able to take Moesi first. Here the two armies split apart. Decimus marched north to take the northern hook of Macedonia. While the Fourth headed south into Dardonia. Next to fall was Taulanti. As the Third marched into Macedonia the Romans met their first defeat in the war. Tiberius Valerius Labeo was an able Legate, but even he could not match the twenty-five thousand Greeks that protected their capital.

The Third was pursued by this vast army. This forced the Fourth to leave Dardonia and join their fellow countrymen in Taulanti. If they hadn't gone to assist them then the Third may have suffered yet another defeat. Instead the Fourth turned the tide and took over the siege of Macedonia. The Third went to the recently conquered Dardonia to find new recruits to replenish its numbers.

The next two years the war stalled down some. The First succeeded its campaign in the north and the Fourth was able to capture Macedonia. The Second and Third however fought a never ending number of Greeks or barbarians for the control of Dardonia. As soon as they began marching further east the region would fall to one of these two and they would have to make the march back.

In the lands of the west is where the allies fought. Achaen League had sent an army of five thousand men to capture Sardinia. Doing its part Massilia sent an army to defend the Roman island. Massilia would win a battle which the Achaen League would then send reinforcements. These men would best the Massilia army and back and forth they would go. Throughout the entire war this went on.

Finally in March of 534 the two powers met to discuss terms. Macedonia wanted peace between them while Rome demanded the surrender of all Greek lands north of Macedonia. It was not until the 15th that they finally agreed on terms. Macedonia would surrender the original three provinces that fell to Rome; Taulanti, Dardonia, and Moesi. Macedonia also gave up claims on western Greece.

This was done just in time to hopefully ensure Publius Valerius Falto to stay in office for his fifth term as Consul of Rome.
 
Sorry for the lack of pic. On my phone and I can't get on photobucket.

The next update isn't a war so I will post a map after that update.
 
I don't know all the province names, so I hope you have a somewhat defensible position in Greece with your latest additions. If you took that Macedonian strip that extends all the way into Dacia, it would leave you hopelessly exposed, I'd think. Guess I'll wait for the map to see what things look like. :)

It seems that your Consuls have a habit of staying in power - 8 years already for (this) Falto and possibly more to come? They sure know how to work the system.
 
Very well done!

This is what they call a "zero sum game" -- two empires not of equal size, but both at least of some size and strength. Take away power/territory/resources from the one side, and give them to the other side, that bodes well for the victor and means that future wars between the two of them will be much more even (read: lopsided, which is a good thing).

Rensslaer
 
Sorry it's been so long since my last post. I will hopefully get time this weekend to do the next update. I've been a little busy with work, school, and the little one. She kind of takes up my entire life now a days.
 
EtzelHoveri said:
Sorry it's been so long since my last post. I will hopefully get time this weekend to do the next update. I've been a little busy with work, school, and the little one. She kind of takes up my entire life now a days.
Click to expand...

The dreaded Real Life strikes again. ;) You're clearly busy, and no-one is going to blame you for paying attention to your child instead of an AAR - that's a no-brainer. :)
 
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