Legio XVII: Battle of Zama (13 page)

Manius said, “I want the three of you to help me plan this expedition. Speak freely,” encouraged Manius, “I want your thoughts.”  Looking at the clerks, he said, “Take rough notes of dates, tasks, and anything important we say.  Write it up later, so I can read it. 

Turning back to the others, he continued, “If we arrive in Rome on the 6th, we need to begin marching north on the 8th.  That means the Legionaries have to be allowed to go home on the night of the 6th to tell their wives and families that they’re deploying.  The night of the 7th, everyone will be restricted to camp to prepare for departure.”

“I need to send the Engineer Officer ahead of the main body to look for a blocking position.  I think it has to be near Lake Benacus (modern Lake Garda).”

Cassius added, “Sir, you said to speak freely.  It might be a good idea to send a Centurion or Tribune along with the Engineer to get an operational feel for the area.  Engineers know how to build things, not fight battles.”

“You’re right, and I know who to send.  Make a note to include Tribunes Servilius and Vitulus with the Advance Party.”  Manius looked at Cassius and explained, “Both are former Centurions.  They are good men who worked their way up through the ranks.  As a matter of fact, in 210 BC, Servilius commanded a garrison at Patavium, and Vitulus did the same in the heart of Insubres’ territory at Clastidium.  I trust each with my life.  Good comment!”

“We’ll march north on the Via Flaminia and stop at Ariminum to coordinate with the Legions there.  Have Canutus, the Operations’ Tribune, arrange to have our resupply wagons accompany the wagons that are resupplying the Legions at Ariminum.  From there, our wagons will need to be escorted as they travel north to join us.”

Cassius said, “Sir, maybe our allies in the area could provide troops to escort the wagons from Ariminum.  As a last resort, four Maniples should do the trick.”

“I agree.  Make a note to talk to the Cenomani Chief.  I’ll want Tomaeus and the two Tribunes to brief me on what they find out about a possible blocking position before I arrive in the area. I want Tomaeus to position the Legion camps adjacent to our blocking position.  Tell them to ride south and find us when they finish their survey; then Tomaeus can go back and site in the camps.”

“I need to alert the Leaders at Brixia, Trento, and Innsbruck that their tribal areas are in the path of the mercenaries.  Ask them to send troops to assist us and to prepare to evacuate their people.  Manius took a deep breath and looked around the room.  He could see that everyone was tired.  “I think that’s enough for tonight.  Cassius, I appreciate your comments.  How long have you been in the Army?”

“Sir, I enlisted at 20, and this year, I’ll have 20 years in the Legions.”

“So you were around for the Gallic Wars?” asked Manius.”

“Yes sir; I was a brand new Legionary in 225 and was part of Consul Papus’ Legions.  I’ll never forget what the bastards did to the Auxiliaries at Faesulae (modern Fiesole north of Florence). But we got ‘em at Telamon.  We were sure relieved to see Consul Regulus’ Legions coming in from the north.  The Gauls were fighting us in both directions; we killed almost 40,000 of them that day.  Sir, were you there?”

“Yes; I was a Centurion back then, and I also saw what was left of the Auxiliaries.  I was also at Telamon, and three years later was with Marcellus for the fight at Clastidium.”

“I missed that fight.  I was still was recuperating from a bad cut to my leg I got at Telamon.  Almost was forced out of the Army because of it.”

“How do you know Modius?” Manius asked.

“Sir, he’s my brother’s son.  When Modius enlisted, I told my brother that I would take care of him, and he’s been by my side ever since.  He’s a little slow and not too talkative.  But he’s loyal and a fierce fighter.  I’d want him guarding my back.”

“He looks strong as an ox.  I can see he can fight.  Let’s pick this up tomorrow.  Good night men.”

Three days later, Manius arrived in Rome in the late afternoon, and rode directly to the camp housing Legiones XVII and V Etrusci.  For five days he had been thinking of nothing but the important mission facing him and the Legions.  He felt like a stone in a sling that’s been spinning around and around; it was time to let it fly!

Chapter IV:  Legio XVII Deploys 205 BC

The camp housing Legiones XVII and V Etrusci was not a typical Roman wartime encampment, but rather an administrative holding area.  It lacked the ditch, ramparts, and palisades.  The stone buildings were arranged in a large quadrangle shape with troop barracks and administrative offices on all four sides facing a large open area in the center of the camp.  A decorative gate opened into the center, which had been personalized with the insignia of the current occupants.

The troops had just returned from a day of training and were in the process of cleaning up and beginning to prepare their evening meal.  Manius and his cavalry escort rode through the gate and into the center of the camp.  Since only Legates and Tribunes were allowed to bring horses into the camp, he was noticed immediately.  More and more Legionaries stopped what they were doing and looked up; their Commander was instantly recognized and a cheer began.  Manius was surprised at their reaction and the welcome he was receiving.  He stopped in the center of the courtyard and looked around.  His escort saw what was happening and rode back to the entrance to give Manius his moment.  More men came out of the barracks and added to the cheering.  Soon the whole camp was cheering loudly at the return of their long time and highly respected Commander, Praetor Manius Tullus.

Manius began to smile and nudged his horse to slowly walk around the perimeter of the camp.  He paused to speak to several Centurions and Legionaries.  At the far end of the camp, Legates Calvus and Caile came out to see what was happening.  They added to the cheering.  Manius spotted them and rode to where they were standing.  An aide took his horse, and Manius clasped the arms of both men.  Manius turned and waved to the troops and went inside Calvus’ office.  Cups of refreshing diluted wine were served, and the three men all began talking at once.

“Tell me about the troops; I’m sure they enjoyed their two-week vacation.”

Caile responded first, “The young ones had a rousing good time.  Their pockets are empty; they drank too much, and did a bit of fighting with other Legionaries.  The city guards arrested a few of them, and their Centurions had to go get them.  Nothing serious.  Bruises and fat lips, but no deaths among the fighters.  We put the ones who were really banged up in the hospital for a few days.  Sorry to report that I had one desertion.  We think the man went home, and I have men out looking for him now. Before he took off, his tent mates said he’d heard his mother was dying.  If he’d asked me, of course, I would have granted him some time off.  He’s young and just reacted.  I won’t be hard on him; maybe a small fine and short confinement.”

Calvus picked it up.  “We had much of the same.  But after they returned and were all accounted for, we began training again.  Easy stuff at first and short training days.  After a few weeks, we slowly got them back into their normal routine: six hours of physical activities and unit training.  Praetor, I think you’ll find them as good as when you left, if not better.  The men have been preparing to deploy, and are just awaiting the order.  We’ve got about 30 days worth of grain and other supplies loaded in the wagons.  Sir, how were things in Sicily?”

“I learned I still get sea sick!  What a miserable trip.  We landed at Messana, but then went to the western port of Lilybaeum where the troops and training facilities are located.  Legiones V and VI were in garrisons spread out along the entire coast.  The Legates left the older men in place and sent the rest for training.  I remembered a lot of the men from when we interviewed them after Cannae.  I feel badly about their banishment.”

Manius was warming to his topic and spoke enthusiastically, “Administratively, the military portion of Lilybaeum was in pretty bad shape and took up a lot of my time initially.  I had to make a number of personnel and security changes to bring order to the place.  Found out that the local taverns were cheating the Legionaries.  Had to have one owner flogged and thrown out of town.”

“I’m pretty sure that Consul Scipio plans to invade Africa from Lilybaeum.  I saw a lot of warships and transports under construction and older ships being refitted.  Besides the two Legions, he recruited another 7,000 men from the Island and got two more Legions from Rome.  He believes that by threatening Carthage, their Senate will recall Hannibal from Italy.  The Consul’s convinced he can beat him in a set piece battle, and, considering his victories in Spain, he may be right.”

“Please arrange for a staff meeting here tomorrow morning at 8:00 A.M.  Calvus make sure my Engineer Officer, Tomaeus; the Cavalry Commander, Rasce; Tribunes Andreas, Servilius, and Vitulus; my Operations’ Officer, Canutus; and Elitovius, my Cenomani Spy Master are here.  Allow the men passes tonight so they can tell their families that we’re deploying in two days.  Tomorrow night everyone is restricted to camp.  I want the men and the leaders well rested and ready to go.  We’ll talk more about the mission tomorrow morning.”

“I’ve acquired a few extra people while in Sicily.  I now have two excellent body guards, Centurion Cassius and Legionary Modius.  I’m sure they are standing outside.  Once we leave, they’ll be by my side, but meanwhile show them where to stay.  I also have twin Greek clerks that are well connected with the leadership here in Rome.  They worked wonders for me before I left Rome and in Sicily.  They will work directly for me.”

Manius got up to leave, but stopped at the door and turned to face the two Legates.  “It’s good to see you both again.  Thank you for managing things in my absence.  I appreciate it.  Calvus, I’m planning to borrow Tomaeus, Rasce, Andreas, Servilius, Vitulus, Canutus, and Elitovius for a while.  You’ll get them back.  Don’t worry.”

*******

After an absence of seven full months, Manius was eager to get home.  He’d faithfully written to Lucia, Flavia, and Titus so at least he didn’t have to deal with that kind of guilt.  He couldn’t tell Lucia about his new mission for security reasons, so she knew nothing about his upcoming trip to the Cisalpine.  He could already feel her disappointment and displeasure when she found out that he would be leaving again in two days.

When his villa came into view, he slowed the horse to a walk to take in the scene and let it sink in that he was home.  It looked perfect!  The family knew he was coming, but didn’t know when to expect him.

As he opened the front door, he called out for his wife and children.  Titus was the first to appear, then Lucia, then Flavia.  It was joyous for Manius to be surrounded by his family.  Lucia was so surprised she couldn’t stop talking.  Titus had grown an inch or two and Flavia looked more like a woman.  Servants brought refreshments, and the family sat in the courtyard.  The sun was setting, and the weather was perfect.

After a great deal of catching up on one another’s activities for the past half year, Manius broke the bad news.  “The Senate has given me a high priority mission to the Cisalpine, and I’ll be leaving in two days.  Tonight is my last day at home.”  The room went silent.

Lucia just looked at him and said, “I knew it wouldn’t last.  Hello and goodbye!  I can’t wait for you to retire.”

“How long will you be gone?” asked Flavia.  “There are so many things I want to show you.  I want to talk to you.  Your letters were so good, and I liked the poem you wrote me.  Needs a little work, but it was fine.”

To change the mood, which had turned quite dour, Manius said, “I have a few gifts from Sicily I managed to bring back.”  He turned to a servant and said, “Please bring my bag by the door.”

When the bag arrived, he reached in and pulled out a Marranzano mouth harp.  “Titus you may be interested in this.  I saw many of the local people playing it, and some of the Legionaries even picked it up.  It’s a musical instrument.  Here, let me show you how to hold it.”

“Flavia, for you I have some really beautiful Aetna Lava Stone necklaces and a vase you can put in your room.”

“Lucia, here are two very colorful Caltagirone vases they make on the Island.  I’m surprised they survived the trip back to Rome.  I also have some Aetna Lava Stone jewelry that I hope you’ll like.  And finally, lovely wife of mine, I brought us a Sicilian bottle of wine.”

The gifts from Sicily caught everyone’s attention.  They were unique, beautiful, and succeeded in changing the mood.

Dinner was pleasant, and the food tasted particularly good and familiar to Manius.  He told them, “I normally ate soldiers’ fare, but occasionally ate the local cuisine such as Catanese pasta with fava beans and couscous from Africa.  I wish I could have brought some back with me.”

While they were eating, Titus asked his father, “Are you going to be with the soldiers tomorrow?”

“Yes, all day and all night.”

“I would like to go to the camp with you.  I’ll stay out of your way, and won’t bother the Legionaries.  I just want to walk around and see what they’re like.  I want to listen to them talk and look at their equipment.  Maybe I could eat with them and put on their armor.  I’m really curious to know what it feels like.”

Lucia jumped in, “I don’t think that’s a good idea.  Those men can be rough, and their language may be a little too colorful for young ears.”  Manius looked at Titus.

“This is something you really want to do?” he asked.

“Yes, and since you’ll be leaving soon, it’ll give me a better idea how to visualize your life away from us.”

Manius looked at Lucia, “I think he should be allowed to go.  I’ll assign Cassius to look after him.  It’ll be alright.”

“Tell the men to clean up their language!” Lucia admonished.  Titus was thrilled!

Manius looked at Lucia and said, “Would you send someone to find out if we could visit the Levi household this evening.  I’d like to see the old man.  Also, try to get Joseph and Decima to be there.”

“I’ll arrange it,” smiled Lucia.  You’ll be surprised at how much our granddaughter has grown.  Decima’s proving to be a good mother once she recovered from the shock of the first few sleepless months.  Manius, something just occurred to me,” she said as her eyes widened considerably.  “Didn’t you tell me when you returned from Innsbruck last September that you invited the Chief of the Cimbri/Teuton Tribe, Timur, and his wife Jennike, to visit Rome and stay with us?  If I remember correctly, they’re supposed to arrive this August.  You need to get that postponed.”

Manius put his hand to his forehead and rocked back in his chair.  “I completely forgot about that.  I’ll get it changed.  With what’s going on, their trip now would be too dangerous.  What would I do without you!  How do you remember these things?”

The servant returned shortly from Livy and Rivkah’s villa, which was about a quarter of a mile away, and announced, “Levi and his wife, along with Joseph and Decima, will be expecting your visit in about an hour.”

The short walk to Levi’s was refreshing, and gave Manius and Lucia an opportunity to talk.  As they arrived at Levi’s villa, Lucia said, “It’s always so nice when you are home.  The children love you, and so do I.  You bring us a sense of peace and completeness.”

A servant let them into the house, and Rivkah met them in the atrium (formal entrance hall).  “Greetings Manius, it’s always a pleasure to see you.  Thank you for thinking of us.  Before we see Levi, I want to tell you that he isn’t doing well.  He’s having trouble breathing and mostly stays in his chair.  You’ll be surprised by his appearance.  He’s a sick man.  I’m worried for him.”

Joseph and Decima heard the talking and came out of the tablinum (study).  They lit up when they saw Manius and Lucia.  Manius immediately reached for his granddaughter Livia while greeting the adults.  He couldn’t take his eyes off her.  She was seven months old and smiled back at Manius.  “She’s beautiful!” he announced.

As they entered the study, Manius handed Livia back to Decima.  Manius saw Levi and was taken aback at his sickly look.  Levi smiled weakly at Manius and barely raised his hand in greeting.  Manius pulled a chair closer to Levi’s and took his hand.  Levi was pale and weak.  Manius could tell he wouldn’t survive until he returned from the Cisalpine.  Levi was only 62, but was dying.  Manius talked to him quietly.  He realized that now was the time to say all the things that you usually wish you would have said before a person passes.  After about 20 minutes, Manius bid his mentor and friend a final farewell and returned to the atrium.  He was deeply saddened.

Manius went over to Rivkah.  She looked at him with tears in her eyes and said, “He’s not going to make it, is he?”  Manius answered softly, “It’s in the hands of the gods.”

Manius joined everyone else where they sat talking in low voices; he was in no mood to socialize.  He quickly explained his new mission to Joseph, but knew that Joseph would not accompany the Legions this time.  He had begun his new career working for the Senate.

“When you return,” said Joseph, “I’ll make time to interview the participants, so I can add the history of this expedition to the other two.”  Manius and Lucia bid them goodnight and departed.