Read Online Legio XVII: Battle of Zama by Thomas A. Timmes - Free Book Online
Authors: Thomas A. Timmes
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At the dock, they ran into the ship’s Captain and thanked him for a safe and uneventful trip. He smiled and said, “Don’t feel bad that you got sick, most passengers do. In fact, you lasted longer than most.”
“I notice that several of the warships and troop transports have been pulled onto the beach. What’s happening?” asked Manius.
“Consul Scipio ordered all the ships to be refurbished and additional transports to be built. Sure signs that an invasion is planned.”
When Manius arrived back at his quarters, the Legates of Legiones V and VI were waiting.
Manius thought, and so it begins!
The Legates introduced themselves as Quinterius, Legate of Legio V, and Antimus, Legate of Legio VI. “I apologize that I can’t offer you any refreshments; I’m still settling in as you can see,” Manius told them.
Antimus replied, “We figured that was the case, so we brought along a few skins of wine.” They sat down, and the Legates’ aides filled the cups.
“Praetor, I want to tell you up front that there are no secrets in the Roman Army. We have an advance copy of the Consul’s letter ordering us to cooperate with you and your 10 steps to assess and train our Legions. We are prepared to fully support you without any animosity.”
Quinterius added, “Your 10 steps are right on the mark. I don’t know what you’ve already been told, but our Legions are indeed in need of training, and we welcome your help.”
Manius thought, this is almost too good to be true . He looked at them solemnly saying, “Gentlemen, I will take you at your word. And let me add that as a Cannae survivor myself, I have the highest regard for you and your men. They’ve been treated badly by the Senate, and I regret that. I belong here with you, but for some reason, the gods spared me. You should feel proud of your service to the Republic, not shame. Your banishment has been the greatest of injustices.”
He continued, “Your record in capturing the citadel of Syracuse in 212 BC with General Marcellus is still taught at Army Schools. I understand your Legions were among the first over the walls. When I heard of your achievement, I thought surely they will now be allowed back to Rome, but again I was disappointed. I just hope it wasn’t one of your Legionaries who killed Archimedes?”
“No sir, we questioned every man who entered the city, and it wasn’t one of ours. We may never know the truth,” said Quinterius.
“Sir, we’re prepared to show you our training facilities. As you’ll see shortly, they haven’t been used for a while. About a year ago, we were ordered to disperse our men all along the coast in small garrisons to guard against raiders. The men are now too spread out to effectively train.”
“Yes I was told that fact before I left Rome,” confirmed Manius, “but I may have a way to minimize its impact. I have a list of the Cannae survivors that we developed right after the battle. I’ve already put an X next to men who are 45 years or older. I put a question mark next to those who are 40. I suggest that those men over 45 remain at the garrisons while the other men return here for an evaluation. How does that sound? Let me add, I do not want to put your surveillance mission in jeopardy. Use your judgment concerning the required number of Legionaries that must remain at the garrisons to effectively perform their duties, and send the remainder back here for training.”
“I think that’s a good plan. I’ll leave this afternoon and visit each garrison,” replied Antimus. “Sir, you probably are already aware of this, but these men are desperate to return to Rome and clear their names. They’ve already picked up the rumor that Consul Scipio plans to invade Africa, and they all want to be a part of his Army. I’m convinced they’ll train hard to ensure they can deploy with him. I would guess I can have about 5,000
At the dock, they ran into the ship’s Captain and thanked him for a safe and uneventful trip. He smiled and said, “Don’t feel bad that you got sick, most passengers do. In fact, you lasted longer than most.”
“I notice that several of the warships and troop transports have been pulled onto the beach. What’s happening?” asked Manius.
“Consul Scipio ordered all the ships to be refurbished and additional transports to be built. Sure signs that an invasion is planned.”
When Manius arrived back at his quarters, the Legates of Legiones V and VI were waiting.
Manius thought, and so it begins!
The Legates introduced themselves as Quinterius, Legate of Legio V, and Antimus, Legate of Legio VI. “I apologize that I can’t offer you any refreshments; I’m still settling in as you can see,” Manius told them.
Antimus replied, “We figured that was the case, so we brought along a few skins of wine.” They sat down, and the Legates’ aides filled the cups.
“Praetor, I want to tell you up front that there are no secrets in the Roman Army. We have an advance copy of the Consul’s letter ordering us to cooperate with you and your 10 steps to assess and train our Legions. We are prepared to fully support you without any animosity.”
Quinterius added, “Your 10 steps are right on the mark. I don’t know what you’ve already been told, but our Legions are indeed in need of training, and we welcome your help.”
Manius thought, this is almost too good to be true . He looked at them solemnly saying, “Gentlemen, I will take you at your word. And let me add that as a Cannae survivor myself, I have the highest regard for you and your men. They’ve been treated badly by the Senate, and I regret that. I belong here with you, but for some reason, the gods spared me. You should feel proud of your service to the Republic, not shame. Your banishment has been the greatest of injustices.”
He continued, “Your record in capturing the citadel of Syracuse in 212 BC with General Marcellus is still taught at Army Schools. I understand your Legions were among the first over the walls. When I heard of your achievement, I thought surely they will now be allowed back to Rome, but again I was disappointed. I just hope it wasn’t one of your Legionaries who killed Archimedes?”
“No sir, we questioned every man who entered the city, and it wasn’t one of ours. We may never know the truth,” said Quinterius.
“Sir, we’re prepared to show you our training facilities. As you’ll see shortly, they haven’t been used for a while. About a year ago, we were ordered to disperse our men all along the coast in small garrisons to guard against raiders. The men are now too spread out to effectively train.”
“Yes I was told that fact before I left Rome,” confirmed Manius, “but I may have a way to minimize its impact. I have a list of the Cannae survivors that we developed right after the battle. I’ve already put an X next to men who are 45 years or older. I put a question mark next to those who are 40. I suggest that those men over 45 remain at the garrisons while the other men return here for an evaluation. How does that sound? Let me add, I do not want to put your surveillance mission in jeopardy. Use your judgment concerning the required number of Legionaries that must remain at the garrisons to effectively perform their duties, and send the remainder back here for training.”
“I think that’s a good plan. I’ll leave this afternoon and visit each garrison,” replied Antimus. “Sir, you probably are already aware of this, but these men are desperate to return to Rome and clear their names. They’ve already picked up the rumor that Consul Scipio plans to invade Africa, and they all want to be a part of his Army. I’m convinced they’ll train hard to ensure they can deploy with him. I would guess I can have about 5,000
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