Cotta and Pictor have joined forces at Picenum (also shown in this screenshot are the results from Pictor’s battle mentioned last update at Umbria – just a few days back, as you can see from the log).
But now 3 legions were descending upon Cotta and Pictor’s two, from two directions – Rome and Samnium.
Moreover, our navies now inform us that Crassus has gathered more than 40 cohorts against us in Greece, ready to march north and attack our legion in Illyria, under Sextus Labeo. He almost cannot be expected to survive such a conflict. But, in the meantime, he has vowed to march south and eliminate the small garrisons along the Adriatic coast.
We quickly retake Aquitani from the Loyalists, as Verres retreats. Gradually, the bulk of our armies make their way south toward the Pyrrenes.
At the end of September, Caesar again does battle with Longinus, with much better fortune this time! That Omen may be helping, some, even if it wasn’t very helpful in his last battle. Even outnumbered, Caesar inflicts serious casualties.
Meanwhile, the siege at Picenum is starting to take hold… Which is impressive, actually, as this is a level 3 fort, with a garrison of 3,000!
Caesar’s legions laid cohort after cohort of Loyalist infantry low. But Gnaeus Lentulus’ arrival from Umbria with a full legion on Caesar’s flank ended all hope of victory. Caesar ordered a withdrawal to Liguria to rest and regroup.
For the second time, would-be usurper Julius Caesar was turned back from Etruria. He still commanded an impressive force, and had great talents in his military field, but the myth of an unsurpassed military genius was beginning to fade. Despite the defeat, however, he left 5,000 loyal Romans dead in the fields as he receded.
Of small cheer to the rebels was news of a victory at Liburni, where Cicero and half his enemy force was turned back.
Undaunted by news of defeats from the front (he could never have learned of the Illyrian success yet), and mindful of the enormous armies bearing down upon his province, Gaius Caninius Rebilus chose to, again, raise another Legion to further the aims of the rightful Consul. He retained faith in his good friend, and surely also considered the benefits of being such a faithful ally to Caesar in victory… Or perhaps even the rude treatment he could surely expect at the hands of a victorious Senate!
Rebilus might be quite a powerful man by the end of a successful civil war, as he would have 2 full legions personally loyal to him, and to him alone!
In mid-November, however, those 3 legions from Rome and Samnium arrived at Picenum, and began trying to prize Pictor and Cotta away from the city. The skill of Caesar’s generals was palpable, as whole cohorts began to fall during each day of combat! The battle was a rout for the Loyalists, and was completely unexpected by all observers.
Notice that 29 cohorts (4 or 5 legions) have just arrived in Bonoinia, and have commenced an assault. Despite Rebilus’ generosity and Pictor’s good fortune, it could not be said that the balance of forces was tipping in Caesar’s favor!
