The End of a Dynasty

by David Adkins

  “Who will be the actual general?” I ventured. “Will it be your majesty?”

  “Good, Parthenian, you are taking an interest in military matters. The overall command will be with Sextus Fronto, for he has great experience but I will be alongside him to inspire the men.”

  “Then our forces will be invincible,” offered Otho.

  “Indeed they will,” confirmed Domitian.

  We rode down the hill with pomp and ceremony and to the cheers of the vast host. The Emperor joined his main army and was welcomed by his general, Sextus Fronto. There was to be no delay and the army would march for the Danube immediately. I took my place in a wagon in the baggage train while Domitian rode with his two generals at the head of the army. He was still playing the great general and to be fair this was popular with the legionaries. Domitian had ordered the baggage train to stay close behind the army but on the orders of Otho, who with his guards were in charge of the baggage train, we fell back a little so as not to eat too much dust.

  It was an order I was happy with for the dust was most unpleasant. It was now that I began to wonder even more what I was doing here. There were cooks and medics and labourers and I could see that they were all needed. Even Otho and his hundred guards served a purpose, for they were the protection for the baggage train, but I on the other hand seemed to serve no purpose. Domitian was at the head of the army and so I was just left to feel miserable with my lot. I had not agreed to be chamberlain at the Imperial Palace to end up with an army on the march seeking out barbarians to fight. Was I being punished?

  It took just two weeks to reach the Danube. It was the largest river I had ever seen and made even the Tiber seem small in comparison. There were many people from local communities, who feared both Romans and Alamanni, who offered us boats for ferrying the army across the river. Sextus Fronto, however, decided that these were not enough and ordered the army to build many more, plus some floating platforms for horses and equipment. Trees were felled and the men got to work and I was amazed at how quickly the needed craft were constructed. Within another two weeks the army of over ten thousand men were ready to cross the mighty river. It was quite an undertaking but the river was crossed unopposed and without major mishap. It seemed that the Alamanni had missed the chance to oppose our crossing but it was a sobering thought that we were now in enemy territory.

  Our large army marched cautiously north from the great river, trying to present a compact unit in case of unexpected attack. I remained in the baggage train but I was aware of our vulnerability if the enemy inflicted a surprise attack on our rear, and I was thankful for the reassuring presence of the Praetorian Guard. Domitian continued to ride at the head of the army with Sextus Fronto and Manius Glabrio. They were searching for an enemy to confront but none were forthcoming.

  We continued until we reached the first Alamanni settlement of any size and I assumed that the fighting was now about to start, but I was mistaken. The settlement was deserted and it seemed that the policy of the Alamanni was not to fight but to retreat into their dense forests and disappear. The weather was poor and was both cold and wet and it seemed to us that once we had crossed the Danube we had entered into a new and unpleasant climate. Sextus Fronto called on us to make camp at the Alamanni settlement and the baggage train was brought into the centre of the large village with the army encamped around the outskirts. Many of us, including the Emperor, used the empty Alamanni huts to settle down for the night, for they afforded better protection than our tents from the inclement weather. I shared a hut with Domitian’s cook, Norius, who quickly began work on the Emperor’s meal, for he had decided he would eat with Sextus Fronto and Manius Glabrio to discuss tactics now that the Alamanni showed no intention of confronting us.

  I stayed in the hut and contented myself with grabbing a bite to eat before I would be called on to serve the three leaders of the expedition. The hut was quite empty apart from some very basic furniture and it was obvious that it had been stripped of anything of value when they decided to abandon the village. It was bleak with a couple of hard bunks, but it was better than in a tent out in the open where the drizzle was incessant. Domitian had found a larger hut where he intended to have his meal and discuss plans for dealing with the elusive Alamanni.

  I had just finished a slice of cheese and was sipping at some wine when I heard an alarm sounding. Nervously I left the hut and to my surprise the rain had at last ceased and the sun was breaking out from the clouds. Others who had taken refuge in huts had also exited them and like me were staring into the diminishing mist trying to make out why an alarm had been raised. Our generals, who stood a short distance from me, were also looking perplexed. To my relief nobody appeared very perturbed and so I decided that a battle was not imminent. Then I saw the travellers come into view and I watched as the soldiers opened up to allow them a pathway into our camp. As the visitors grew closer it was obvious that they were more than just travellers for some of them were dressed quite grandly. Otho and his Praetorians moved nearer to the Emperor to afford him protection, but there appeared to be no apparent threat.

  I counted seven of them. There were two elderly men and one young woman and the other four seemed like soldiers or perhaps guards. When they drew close to the Emperor and his generals they bowed and offered gifts. “I am Adalbern, father of Sigivald, King of the Alamanni Federation. Here are some small gifts to show our friendship with Rome, but our main gift is this village where you may stay as long as you wish and make yourselves comfortable.”

  Fronto stepped forward. “I am Sextus Fronto, the general of this army and servant to my Emperor and his spokesman.” He bowed to Domitian. “You say you are friends of Rome but a year ago you were waging war against the Roman territories south of the great river. We are here to admonish you.”

  “My other son, King Hariwald, the elder brother of Sigivald, waged war against the Romans but my younger son believes that war is detrimental to both the Alamanni and the Romans. Hariwald died in that war as did your general Tettius Iulianus and we believe that it is not necessary for more to die. Both sides lost many men and neither achieved victory. It was all such a waste.”

  “Join us for a meal and we will discuss matters. There will be three of you and three of us and some fine food,” interjected Domitian. He had noticed that four of the Alamanni party were simply guards to what seemed to be members of the royal family. The weather had greatly improved and the sun was now shining and so a table was brought into the open and three seats placed either side. Sextus indicated for the guests to sit on one side and then the three Romans sat opposite them. I stood in the background waiting to fill their cups with mead or wine while Norius prepared their meal. Otho and some Praetorians stood close by, as did the Alamanni guards though their presence was for show only, as they were surrounded by our entire army.

  Sextus spoke first. “You will no doubt know that you are in the presence of Domitian, the Emperor of Rome and ruler of most of the world. This is Manius Glabrio, my second in command.”

  Adalbern sat in the middle of the Alamanni and first introduced the man to his left. “This is Liupold, an ambassador with much experience and a wise man of the Alamanni.” He looked to his right. “This is my granddaughter, Ima, who is the daughter of my son, Hariwald. King Sigivald does not yet have offspring though we hope he shall soon be blessed.”

  “Him and me too,” mumbled Domitian. “So, Ima, why was it that your father chose to wage war against Rome?”

  She cast her eyes down but answered the Emperor clearly. “He mistakenly believed that you wished to take our lands away from us. My uncle believes that we can live in peace and war is not necessary.”

  Liupold took up her theme. “Romans live south of the great river and the Alamanni live north of the great river. Neither will ever raid the territory of the other and we shall live in peace and prosper.”

  “That is the terms we offer to you,” added Adalbern.

  Sextus answered. “When Tettius Iul
ianus was fighting in Dacia the Alamanni invaded Roman territory south of the Danube and threatened northern Italy, forcing Tettius to abandon his Dacian war and rush to Germania to defend Italy. This caused us to lose our hard-earned Dacian territory and Decebalus, their King, is still a major threat to Rome. How do we know that this will not happen again?”

  “You have the word of King Sigivald that this will not happen. Our present King is very different to his brother in outlook. If you will guarantee to respect the Danube as the border between our two great nations then the Alamanni will never again cross the border to raid your Roman territory. If you are planning further invasions to the east then you need not fear for your backs. In return you will leave our territory and go east or south and we will live, as neighbours, in peace.”

  I filled their cups and looked at the three Romans. I was fascinated. Would they accept the Alamanni terms? Domitian stood, followed by his generals. “We will talk privately for a short time on what you have offered, so meanwhile enjoy our hospitality.” The three Romans entered the nearest hut while I filled the cups of the three Alamanni with mead.

  They did not keep the Germans waiting for long, and returned to the table as Norius and another servant served the meal of roast venison and vegetables. “We have considered your words and your offer,” said Fronto. “We agree that hostilities between the Romans and the Alamanni would be wasteful and benefit neither of our nations. My Emperor agrees with King Sigivald that we can live in peace and that war is not necessary.”

  Domitian nodded his assent.

  Liupold smiled. “Then we can agree here and now on peace with the great river as the boundary between Roman territory to the south and Alamanni territory to the north.”

  “We can certainly agree that,” said Fronto.

  “Then after this meal we can go our separate ways knowing that both nations will honour the peace agreed here today. It is a solemn promise from both sides and a lasting treaty,” stated Adalbern.

  “There is one thing,” intervened Glabrio. “How do we know that when we travel east that you will not forget your promises and invade Roman territory?”

  “You have my word as father of our King,” said Adalbern firmly.

  “I feel that is not enough,” said Glabrio. “Last time our army marched east to suppress the Dacians you took advantage of the situation, forcing our general Tettius Iulianus to leave Dacia to defend northern Italy.”

  “It was a different King with a different view on things,” said Liupold.

  “That may be but I wish for greater assurances,” continued Glabrio.

  “Such as?” asked Adalbern.

  “My Emperor requires hostages. The hostages must be members of the royal family and so I suggest Adalbern that you should be one of the hostages and the King’s niece, Ima, should be the other hostage. When we get back from Dacia you will both be returned to your tribe unharmed unless, of course, King Sigivald breaks the treaty.”

  Adalbern looked uncomfortable. “That is impossible. I am an old man and such a trek with an army would kill me as my health is not good. Ima is like a daughter to the King and he would not agree to parting with her.”

  Domitian lounged in his chair and grinned. “Why is she here?”

  Adalbern hesitated and searched for words.

  Domitian continued. “I will tell you why she is here. You knew we might ask for hostages and so you brought her along. I will not insist on you Adalbern, for I do not think a man of your age would survive the journey but I do insist on Ima. She will be returned to you unharmed if you all behave. If she truly enjoys the King’s affection she will make a very good hostage.”

  “She does,” shrugged Adalbern. “So be it then and she will accompany you on your campaign against the Dacians.” He was letting us know that he knew our plans. “She is an Alamanni Princess and she must be respected at all times and must come to no harm.”

  Ima looked down but I could see the misery on her face. She must have known that this outcome was possible but she had hoped it would not happen. She was young, perhaps eighteen and pretty and she looked scared which made me feel sorry for her.

  Domitian grinned. “Good then we have reached agreement.”

  “Two of the guards will travel with her as her bodyguard,” said Adalbern.

  I thought Domitian was going to protest but he just shrugged.

  “I would also want my maid Gerde as a travelling companion,” said Ima.

  “Of course, you will travel in the baggage train with Gerde and you will be looked after,” smiled Domitian benevolently.

  “I will send Gerde straight to you with clothes and possessions. She will know what to bring,” said Adalbern to Ima. “You and two of our guards will remain behind with the Romans when I leave.”

  “Thank you, grandfather,” she replied.

  “When Gerde arrives we will leave Alamanni territory sure in the knowledge that peace will reign over our lands and that there will be no further hostilities between our peoples,” said Fronto.

  The food was consumed and the wine and mead drunk and it became time for the Alamanni party to leave the Roman encampment. Ima was given a hut to sleep in and embraces were given between Romans and Alamanni, and solemn promises were made. Adalbern, Liupold and two of the guards then left our camp and the whole Roman army settled down for the night, feeling more secure than at any time since we had crossed the Danube. I reflected on the fact that peace had been made with the Alamanni with no battle being fought and no lives lost. I hoped that the rest of the campaign would pan out that way but I knew that was too much to ask for.

  The next day we were joined by Ima’s maid who was escorted by a few men on horseback and a wagon carrying Ima’s possessions. The escort did not dally and Ima was left alone with Gerde and their two guards. Gerde was about twenty years older than Ima and a bulky mother figure who fussed over the Princess. The four Alamanni would now be with us for the whole of the campaigning and I wondered if they were aware that this might last for several years. Preparations were then made for our departure and the next day we left our temporary camp in Alamanni territory and began the journey east.

  Chapter 22

  The Danube – Summer AD91to Spring AD93

  The large army travelled at a steady pace along the north bank of the Danube keeping close to the great river. We were, ostensibly, in enemy territory though the Roman province of Pannonia was always in view on the other side of the river. It would take nearly a month to reach the small fortress town of Neoplanta on the north bank where the Danube narrowed and apparently a wooden bridge had been built to access the larger Roman town of Cusum on the south bank of the river in Pannonia. The weather had improved as summer continued and the wet, cold and miserable conditions of the Alamanni lands had been left well behind us and progress was steady.

  About half way through the journey Domitian began to spend more time with the baggage train than at the head of his army. I noticed with some dismay that the great conqueror was sniffing around the young Alamanni girl. One evening Otho approached me. “I think there is trouble brewing,” he mused.

  “What do you mean?” I inquired.

  “The men are offering wagers on whether the Emperor has the Alamanni princess before we get to Cusum, or whether he waits until we get there. No bets are being placed on him leaving her alone for the entire trip.”

  “Sadly, I think they are right,” I agreed. “The poor thing senses it too and she is looking very frightened. That was not part of the agreement with Adalbern. The Emperor was supposed to have guaranteed that she would come to no harm and be respected.”

  “I think that is a view shared by her two guards and that is why I believe there could be trouble.” He walked away shaking his head.

  Three days later I was sharing a meal with Norius, the Emperor’s personal cook, behind our tent. He had fed the Emperor and his generals earlier in the evening and was settling down with me to eat his own meal from what was left. It was th
en that I heard a disturbance taking place nearby on the encampment. I hurried to see what was happening, dashing between tents until I arrived at the scene. The two Alamanni guards lay dead on the ground covered in stab wounds and with blood everywhere. Otho and some of his Praetorians were wiping their blades clean as I stared, horrified at the sight of the bodies. I saw Gerde sitting on the ground crying and tearing at her hair. I knew exactly what had happened.

  Otho came over to me. “The Emperor’s orders,” he said in a matter of fact tone. “We both knew it would happen.”

  “He does anything he wants,” I said disapprovingly.

  “He is the Emperor and you would do well to remember that, Parthenian.”

  I nodded, for he was right. I despised the Emperor and wished that it was he who lay mutilated on the ground but I knew I should keep my feelings well hidden. I hoped for a battle which we would win but in which the Emperor would forfeit his life and then Corelia would be free. “Where is Ima?” I asked but I already knew the answer.

  “She is in Domitian’s tent. She had to be dragged there,” he replied.

  It was almost on cue that I heard her screaming. “Could he have not waited, Otho, until we reached Cusum, for there will be plenty of willing women there?”

  “Obviously not,” he replied. “Now if you will excuse me, Parthenian, there are bodies to be buried.”

  I returned to my own tent by a longer route which took me close to Domitian’s. As I passed by I could hear a sobbing and then a thud and a shriek of pain. The unfortunate girl, now so far from her home, was being abused by our mad Emperor. I felt revulsion but there was nothing I could do. I had never killed but I could happily have murdered Domitian on that fine Pannonian evening in early summer. I returned to my meal but could only eat a little and so I retired to my tent. Norius shook his head for he knew what had happened and over the weeks we had both come to feel sorry for the Alamanni princess, for she was little more than a child in a strange world. I did not sleep well that evening for my mind was searching for a way to save Corelia from her fate. Unfortunately it could not find a way.