Legio XVII: Battle of Zama (4 page)

Scipio then dispersed his Legions throughout Spain to subjugate other cities that refused to bow to Roman rule.  He went to the Roman city of Carthago Nova (New Carthage) to plan his next move and sent Laelius to attack the Carthaginian city of Gades on the southwest coast. Laelius marched to Carteia (modern Gibraltar/Algeciras), boarded ships, and launched a seaborne invasion. He intended to row to Gades and land his troops.  In the straits, he unexpectedly met a strong Carthaginian fleet and narrowly won a sea battle despite the strong currents.  Because of the damage received, he abandoned his attack on Gades.  Rome’s intent, however, was not missed by the City elders at Gades.  They decided to switch sides from supporting Carthage to allying themselves with Rome.  The political wind had shifted and so did their loyalty.

In the span of two months, Scipio and his Legionaries had destroyed two formidable Carthaginian Armies in Spain and were now extending their control over the entire Peninsula.  Carthage reluctantly acknowledged that Spain was a lost cause and would no longer fight over it.  Scipio’s brilliant mind knew it was time to move the war out of Spain and into Africa to threaten Carthage itself.

For his planned invasion of Africa, Scipio needed Senate authorization and fresh troops.  He decided to return to Rome to lobby for his plan to attack Carthage, and to stand for election as Consul. Before departing Spain, he sent Laelius on a quick trip to Africa to visit Rome’s ally, the Numidian King Syphax. Scipio wanted to renew their friendship and alliance, but Syphax told Laelius that he would only talk with Scipio.  Syphax’s continued cooperation with Rome was important enough that Scipio immediately sailed from Carthago Nova.  He traveled with several warships to Abyla (modern Cueta; Spanish territory) on the coast of Morocco for the meeting.

After Ilipa, Hasdrubal Gisco had the same idea as Scipio; go to Africa to persuade Syphax to abandon Rome and join Carthage.  To Hasdrubal’s and Scipio’s great surprise, their ships arrived at the harbor about the same time.  Scipio and Hasdrubal decided not to engage in hostilities within the harbor for fear of insulting Syphax.

Hasdrubal and Scipio were warmly welcomed by Syphax and invited to enjoy his hospitality.  The two men, who had been mortal enemies just a few months ago, put aside their animosity and had a surprisingly cordial meeting and dinner.  Not long after the visit ended and Scipio departed, Hasdrubal convinced Syphax to switch sides by offering him his young, beautiful, and alluring daughter Sophonisba.  Hasdrubal had already promised her to his ally Masinissa to secure his support, but now calculated the support of Syphax as more valuable.

After the meeting with Hasdrubal and Syphax, Scipio returned to Spain where he was informed that 8,000 Roman Legionaries had mutinied at Sucro (modern Alzira near Valencia). They had grievances over back pay, inequitable distribution of loot, and insufficient supplies.  The mutiny was also fueled in part by rumors that Scipio was near death or had already died.  The mutineers had driven out their appointed Commanders and elected their own leaders.  In time, Scipio identified the five ringleaders and had them executed.  The 8,000 mutineers then swore a new oath of allegiance to Rome and to Scipio.

Mago meanwhile had recruited sufficient troops from around Gades to attempt a raid on Carthago Nova; the same city that Scipio conquered in 209 BC and recently occupied.  Mago believed it was lightly defended and would contain enough supplies and valuables to feed and fund his seriously depleted Army. He gathered enough seaworthy boats for his Army and rowed 46 miles from Gades to Carteia where he took on drinking water and food.  He then hugged the coastline for another 300 miles (482km), stopping every few days for water and food. until he reached Carthago Nova. He put ashore at night and immediately launched his men in a night attack on the fortified city hoping to take it by surprise.  To his dismay, he found the defenses much stronger than anticipated.  He was forced to retreat with losses that he could ill afford.  He escaped a strong counterattack that poured out of the city gates by fleeing back to his boats.  With few options remaining, he ordered his ships to row back to Gades.

When Mago arrived, he learned that in his absence the city had switched sides and the city’s gates were now barred shut to him.  He went to nearby Cimbrii and established his headquarters.  He then invited the Gades city leaders to meet with him at Cimbrii to discuss switching loyalty back to Carthage.  When they arrived, he had them scourged and crucified for disloyalty.  Gades was now firmly back in Mago’s control.  As he recruited among the local tribes, Mago reluctantly concluded that his next move would be to return to Africa and await developments.  Spain was no longer a Carthaginian possession and further fighting in Spain would be fruitless.

*******

Scipio meets Manius Tullus

Scipio gave up his Command in Spain and sailed for Rome.  He arrived in 206 BC shortly before Manius and Legiones XVII and V Etrusci returned from Germania.  Despite opposition from a number of Senators (born of jealousy and a disagreement over how to end the nightmare wrought on Rome by Hannibal), 31 years-old Scipio was one of two Consuls elected for the year.  Scipio strongly advocated a policy to bring the war to Carthage by invading Africa from Sicily.  His opponents in the Senate, led by Quintus Fabius Maximus, wanted to first rid Italy of Hannibal, and then perhaps attack Carthage.  Maximus won the debate.

Scipio was denied further Command in Spain and appointed Commander of the Sicilian Province.  He was, however, given approval to prepare to invade Africa if it was in the interest of Roman security.  The catch was that the Senate did not authorize any additional funding, troops, or ships for an invasion other than the Legions and ships already stationed in Sicily.

Scipio knew that Legiones V and VI had been banished to Sicily after the Roman defeat at Cannae 12 years earlier.  Legionaries who were 20 at Cannes were now 32 years old and had been on garrison duty and mainly inactive. Scipio was told that he could probably recruit another 7,000 untrained young men from the local Sicilian populace.  He also had at his disposal in Sicily a few warships and a handful of troop transports; not enough men or ships to conduct an amphibious invasion.  Despite the reality of his situation, he was determined to invade Africa “in the interest of Roman security.”

Before departing Rome to assume Command of Sicily, he had a number of tasks to complete.  First, he used his family connections to secure private funding to pay troops, build ships, and fund a myriad of other items to prepare for the invasion.  Secondly, he needed to obtain the services of someone qualified to train and harden the two Sicily Legions and the men he hoped to recruit.  Within a week, he felt he had the necessary funding in place and now began to inquire about a trainer.  One name was continually brought up - Praetor Manius Tullus.

Scipio gathered as much information about the man as he could from Army Headquarters, Senators, and personal friends.  He discovered that Manius had fought in the Gallic War (225-222 BC), was severely wounded at Cannae, served as the Commandant of the Legionary Training Center, and had led two successful expeditions to the Cisalpine and Germania.  Quaestor Livy, who acknowledged his bias, gave Manius his highest recommendation.  It was settled; all that remained was to talk to Manius and gain his consent.  He sent an aide to arrange a meeting.

*******

When Manius entered the Consul’s office, Scipio was seated at a large table surrounded by aides and planners.  At 5’ 8” and with a warrior’s demeanor, Manius was immediately noticed and all eyes turned to look at him. Manius stood erect and saluted the Consul. “Sir, Praetor Tullus reporting as directed,” he said.  Scipio rose from his chair and walked the ten steps to where Manius stood at attention.  Scipio extended his hand saying, “Relax, hero of Rome, you are among friends.”

Scipio then dismissed his aides and invited Manius to sit.  “We have a lot to talk about,” he said to Manius.  As they walked to the chairs, Manius noticed that Scipio was only an inch or two shorter than himself and his brown eyes exuded intelligence and intensity.

Once seated, Manius replied, “Sir, let me offer my congratulations on your successes in Spain.  Other than a few disgruntled Senators, it’s all anyone is talking about.”

Scipio laughed.  “Yes, I have a few detractors,” he said.  “And allow me to congratulate you on your recent success in Germania.  I understand you used the same tactics I employed at Ilipa to overcome the Cimbri/Teutons.”

Manius was taken aback.  How did he know that? “Yes I did,” he quickly answered and smiled widely.

Scipio said, “I’ve been asking about you.  I know your combat record, and, among other things, that you were wounded at Cannae.  I was back at one of the camps that bloody day and barely escaped the Numidian cavalry patrols.  At 17, I thought I was indestructible, that battle taught me otherwise.”

“I was with the Principe of the leading Legion when we were surrounded,” Manius recounted.  “I took a Roman pila in the leg and a Celtic war ax in the helmet.  Luckily, I was found two days later under a pile of bodies by two Samnites who nursed me back to health.”

“I know you were the Commandant at Campus Martius for several years and have a reputation as the best troop trainer in the Roman Army.  I have a proposition for you,” said Scipio.  “I am not ordering you to take it, just listen for a moment.”

“As you may have heard, my Consular assignment is Sicily, which includes Legiones V and VI as well as any other men I may be able to recruit from the island.  I’ve argued publicly that the only way to get Hannibal out of Italy and to end this war is to attack the problem at its origin, Carthage itself.  My goal in Sicily is to build a sufficient force to conduct a seaborne invasion of Africa, which, I hope, will force the recall of Hannibal by the Carthaginian Senate.”

“Eventually I envision meeting the Great Hannibal on the battlefield and defeating him.  The Senate is concerned that Mago and Hasdrubal Gisco may invade Italy and attempt to join forces with Hannibal.  I personally don’t believe that’s possible.  Rome has sufficient Legions in the field to contain Hannibal and defeat any Carthaginian reinforcements.”

Manius sat and listened to the Consul and occasionally nodded his head in agreement.  He had not been privy to these policy discussions and felt ill-equipped to make any worthwhile comments.  He also noticed that Scipio would occasionally slip in a Greek word that he learned from his tutors as a youth.  Manius neither spoke nor understood Greek, but continued to nod as if he understood Scipio’s point.  Scipio was highly educated; Manius was not.

“Praetor, I would like you to go with me to Sicily and train the two Sicily Legions stationed there as well as any other men I can recruit.  Since Cannae, I fear the two Legions have grown soft.  I know they have no experience fighting Carthaginian, Celtiberian, or Numidian warriors who use their cavalry very effectively and very often.  Their troops are as tough a foe as we’ll ever meet.  If you want the job, I would suggest that you talk with the common Legionaries who have fought the enemy in Spain and build a realistic training program that will prepare them for the rigors of battle in Africa.”

Scipio continued, “I don’t have a timetable for the invasion, but I would guess it’ll take me a couple of years to pull together an Army and Navy capable of posing a significant threat to Carthage.  If you want the job, it’s yours and will last until you say the men are battle-ready.  What do you think?”

Manius was put on-the-spot.  If he said he needed time to think about it, Scipio would look elsewhere.  A simple “yes” or “no” answer was expected. Without hesitation, Manius declared, “Consul, I would be honored to help prepare forces to invade Africa.  When can I get started?”

Scipio smiled broadly and rose to shake Manius’ hand.  “Welcome to the Army that will defeat the Carthaginians and end this war.  I’ll make arrangements for you to leave Rome in a week.  Take whatever men and materials you need.  Keep my staff informed.”

Manius rose from his chair, saluted the Consul, and left.  Now he had to face Lucia and tell her he would be deploying yet again.  He would miss her and the children, but this was his passion in life, and it overrode every other interest.  This will be my last assignment.  I’ll tell Lucia that I’ll retire when I return from Sicily.  That’ll make her smile.

Chapter II:  Sicily 206-205 BC

Praetor Tullus deploys to Sicily

After leaving Scipio’s office, Manius headed straight to the office of Scipio’s Chief of Staff, P. Stasius, to inform him of what had just transpired.  When he arrived, the Chief was in the middle of a staff meeting; Manius took a seat outside his office and waited for the room to clear.  While waiting, Manius had two thoughts on his mind: how to tell Lucia about his new assignment, and how to select the men and materials he would need in Sicily.

An hour later, the meeting broke up, and Manius walked in.  The Chief did not even look up from his papers, so Manius announced himself.  “Good morning Sir, I am Praetor Manius Tullus, and I want to inform you about a meeting I just had with the Consul.”

The Chief was the one who had scheduled the meeting, so, without looking up, he simply asked, “Did you accept the job?”

“Yes I did, and I’m supposed to depart for Sicily in a week.”

Stasius looked up, smiled broadly and said, “Good, I recommended you.  Welcome to Scipio’s Army.  I’ll have my staff make your travel arrangements.  Praetor, before you leave today, go see Tribune Velius.  He’s our Training Officer.  The two of you should work together.”  Stasius then looked back down at his papers and started reading, which signaled to Manius that the meeting was over.

Manius walked down the hall until he saw a sign above a door that read, “Training.”  Once inside the room, he saw the walls were covered with charts, graphs, training schedules, and multiple lists of Legions.  No one paid any attention to him, so he said loudly, “Where can I find Tribune Velius?”

One of the many busy clerks looked up and said, “Sir, he’s out right now, but should be back shortly.  Can I help you?”

Manius sat down and said, “Yes, the Consul has appointed me to train the Legionaries in Sicily, and I want to know what training plans you may have already developed for them.”

The clerk laughed politely and said, “Sir, I can answer that question.  We have done absolutely nothing.  We’re still moving in and getting organized.  We all thought we were going back to Spain.  This Sicily assignment came as a total surprise.  I don’t know what troops are down there or if we’re supposed to get any more Legions.”

At that moment Velius walked in, spotted Manius, smiled, and walked over to him.  “Sir,” he said, “I am Tribune Velius, Scipio’s Training Officer.  Sorry to keep you waiting.  Welcome to my totally disorganized office.”  Manius laughed; he already liked Velius.

“Tribune, your clerk just told me that the Consul’s Sicily assignment came as a surprise.”

“It sure did,” said Velius.  “We all expected that he would resume his Command in Spain and then go into Africa to attack Carthage.  I understand he was more than disappointed.  The word is that there are several Senators who don’t like him for a variety of reasons.  The mutiny at Sucro didn’t help.  Some of them believe he is too lax and cares only about his own fame and personal career.  You know sir, the nail that sticks up gets pounded down level with the other nails.”

“That’s politics in Rome,” replied Manius, who was ready to shift the topic of conversation.  “Velius, if you’re available I will come by tomorrow and talk about training the two Legions presently in Sicily and any others that may be assigned there.  If you have the space, I need an office and a few clerks to work with me while I’m here.  I leave in a week for Sicily.  Before I go, I want to develop an overall scheme of how we can cooperate in training these men.”

“Yes sir, I’ll be here.  I’ll clear out one of these rooms and assign you two clerks.  A lot will depend on what training facilities are already in Sicily, and, of course, the physical condition of the men.  Come by anytime tomorrow.”

“I hope you don’t feel I’m intruding on your staff responsibility?” asked Manius.

“No sir, not at all.  You will be taking a big load off my shoulders, and I anticipate I’ll learn a few things.  Sir, you’ve got a great reputation.  You’re a legend at Campus Martius.”

Manius thanked the Tribune, left Scipio’s Headquarters, and rode to the camp housing Legiones XVII and V Etrusci.  Other than a few caretakers and guards, the camp was deserted and would be for the next two weeks while the men spent their hard-earned wages on whatever caught their fancy.  He summoned the Duty Tribune, which was a rotating responsibility among the Legions’ Tribunes. “Contact Legates Calvus and Caile and tell them to meet me here at the camp tomorrow morning at 8:00 A.M.  Tell them it’s not an emergency.”  Tribune Calvus was Manius’ Tribunus Laticlavius (second-in-command) of Legio XVII, but served as Legate when Manius was absent or had command of more than one Legion.

When Manius got home, thoughts of Scipio, Sicily, training, travelling, and related tasks filled every nook and cranny of his brain.  He was barely aware of his surroundings as he entered his villa.  He did not notice the servant take his horse or Titus by the side of the villa using the Teuton sword to hack at an imaginary enemy.

Lucia heard him come in and went to the entrance hall.  “Well, how did it go with Scipio,” she asked.

“Good; I have a lot on my mind.”

Lucia said, “I don’t think it was a good idea to give Titus that sword.  That’s all he plays with and he’s going to cut himself.  He wants to be just like you, you know.”

Manius shrugged.  “He’s young; time will tell.  A soldier’s life is a rough life. I’m not sure I want that for him.  Someone is always telling you to go or to come.  Everything is either too hot or too cold.  You’re thirsty or hungry or both.  You’re always walking, waiting, and occasionally fighting.  Nothing is soft; everything is sharp and hard.  For me, it’s been a good life, but maybe he can do better.  Perhaps politics, or if we could buy the neighbors’ farms, he could manage a large profit making estate.”

Manius paused and looked downward for a moment, then put his hand to his chin and locked eyes with Lucia.

“Lucia, I accepted Scipio’s offer to go to Sicily to train his troops.  I leave in a week.”  Once he got this out, Manius was flooded with immense relief.  Now they could talk about it.

“How long will you be gone?” she asked calmly.

Good she doesn’t appear upset
, he thought.

“Scipio said my job will be finished when I say the troops are sufficiently trained.  It’s up to me.  I would guess six months, maybe less.”

“I’ll be glad when you retire so we can be a real family,” she said in a calm voice.  “I’m not angry.  I would just like you home more often.  I know it’s important to you.  We’ll be fine here.  Titus will miss you.  Just hurry it along and come back.  I love you.”

The following morning, Manius rode to meet with Calvus and Caile.  After apologizing for disrupting their vacation, Manius said, “Yesterday, Scipio asked me to train his troops in Sicily, and I agreed.  I expect I will be there for six months.  While I’m gone Calvus will be in Command of our two Legions, including the attached Scorpio Detachment, cavalry, and Snake’s Illyrian archers.  I’ll ensure Headquarters doesn’t send a replacement for me.  Hopefully, they’ll just forget about you here.  Continue to train.  Keep the men active during the day, but I suggest releasing them in the evening.  It’ll keep discipline problems down.  Do you have any questions for me?”

Caile said, “Don’t worry about us.  The Legions will be fit and ready when you return.”

Manius then rode to Scipio’s Headquarters to meet with Velius.  As promised, Velius had an office for him, and two clerks were busy arranging the room.  “Praetor, as befitting your rank, I’ve given you my two best clerks: twins Acamus and Pittacus.  They are both Greek and very bright.  They got bored working with the Senate and volunteered to support Scipio’s staff.  They know everyone in Rome and can work wonders.  Even though they’re both civilians, they followed us everywhere in Spain and were looking forward to going to Africa.”  He then called out, “Acamus, Pittacus, come meet your new boss.”

Manius greeted them.  “The Tribune speaks very highly of you both.  We’ll only be together for a week, but I appreciate your service.”  Once in his new office, Manius asked the two clerks to have a seat and take notes.  “I need two things to get started and both involve a bit of research.”

Acamus said, “Praetor, if it exists in Rome, we’ll find it.”

“Good, because this will be difficult!  Back in 215 BC, I had my staff at Campus Martius, interview all the Cannae survivors.  They recorded the survivors’ names, ages, units, and summarized their stories.  I even met many of them myself.  I know that the documents exist somewhere.  I would start looking first at Campus Martius and then Army Headquarters.  The other task is to find out everything you can about Sicily.  I was there as a young Legionary many years ago, but I can’t even tell you at which port I landed.  I need to know the weather, the terrain, and where Scipio will establish his Headquarters.  I assume it will be near one of the ports.  The sooner I can get this information the better.  Can you do it?”

Acamus and Pittacus vigorously nodded their heads.  Pittacus said, “Now this is the kind of assignment we love.  It’s a challenge and a welcomed change of pace from normal record-keeping.  We’ll give it our best effort.”

As they walked out of Manius’ office, a bored looking Tribune walked in.  “Sir, the Chief of Staff asked me to inform you that there is a ship leaving Ostia for Sicily on the 27th.  That’s eight days from now.  He has assigned you two aides who served with him in Spain to make the necessary arrangements.  They will also support you during the trip.  Can you be on it?”

“Thank you Tribune.  Please tell the Chief I will be on that ship.  Have the two men report to me as soon as possible.  I need to learn more about fighting Carthaginians.”

After he left the room, Manius leaned back in his chair and began to envision what he needed to do.  About 20 minutes later, he got up and walked into Velius’ office.  “Tribune, I apologize for asking you for another clerk, but I’ve dispatched Acamus and Pittacus to find some documents, and I need someone to take a few notes for me.”

“No problem sir.  Give me 5 to 10 minutes.”

About 10 minutes later, a young Legionary knocked on Manius’ door.  Manius smiled at him and pointed to a chair.  The Legionary sat down and said, “Sir, whenever you’re ready.”

Manius began:

“1. Get a letter from the Chief authorizing me to train all Army units and civilian volunteers which explicitly includes the complete cooperation and support of the unit Commanders

2. Review the roster of Cannae survivors to identify those over 40 years old

3. Once in Sicily, meet the leadership of Legiones V and VI

4. Identify existing training facilities

5. Review ongoing military training, physical fitness activities, and established standards of competency for each Legionary

6. Request a 10 mile march with full field pack followed by preparation of a standard Legion camp with ditch, ramparts, and palisades to assess the validity of ongoing military and physical training.  Include field maneuvers during the march

7. Identify a training cadre from among the two Legions

8. Devise individual and unit level training schedules

9. Modify, repair, or build new training sites

10. Construct an 11 station training center”

“That completes the list.  Please give me a copy when it’s ready.”  The clerk left to make a formal copy.

Manius then drafted an authorization letter for the Chief to sign.  When he finished, he set it aside and wisely decided to look at it again tomorrow rather than give it to the Chief today.  He envisioned meeting some resistance from the two Legates in Sicily and people managing the facilities on the island.  He wanted to make sure the letter gave him the authorization he needed to do his job.

*******

When Manius arrived home, Lucia smiled and said, “You’re just in time, the servants are ready to serve dinner.”  Manius quickly washed up and went to the triclinium (dining room).  Lucia stopped him at the doorway and reminded him, “Now don’t interrogate Flavia about what she did today.  You know that upsets her.  Your daughter’s a young lady and wants to be treated like an adult.  Try asking her about the poetry she’s writing.  They’re more like insightful short stories, but they mean a lot to her.”

During dinner, amidst all the small talk, Manius broached the topic of poetry.  “Did you know,” he said to no one in particular, “that many of my Legionaries and even some of the Tribunes write poetry in their spare time?”  Flavia looked up expectantly as he continued.  “Yes, it’s true.  I myself have composed a few poems, but I’ve never written them down.”