Legio XVII: Battle of Zama

by Thomas A. Timmes

  He held the letter and reread it. It was intentionally vague for security reasons. “You will depart Sicily immediately and report to Rome. You will be met at the port of Irna (modern Salerno) by Tribune Porcius who will provide additional details. You can expect to deploy for upwards of six months. You have been specifically selected to lead this mission.”

  Manius rubbed his forehead. He felt conflicted. He had planned to retire after Sicily. He told Lucia that this would be his last assignment, and now this. I could turn it down, he thought, but I’m curious to know what the Senate wants me to do. He felt flattered that he had been ‘specifically selected.’ I’ll listen to Porcius, and then decide what to do.

  As Manius was packing and gathering his papers, he heard a knock on the door. Manius looked up and saw Centurion Cassius, Legionary Modius, and the two clerks. “I see you’ve come to say good bye,” he said with a smile.

  “Not exactly sir,” responded Cassius. “We’d like to ask you a question.”

  “Go on,” urged Manius as he stopped packing and listened.

  “Well sir,” began Cassius, “We’ve all been working for you for about six months now. I’m not sure how to say this, but we like the way you treat people and take care of business. What I’m saying is that we’d all like to go with you. We’ve talked it over and agree. If you could speak to the Chief, and tell him that you need us, I think he’d approve our transfer. Unless you don’t need us anymore. We’d understand.”

  Manius put down his papers and looked at the four men. “You do know my new orders are to deploy for six months. I’m not sure where, but I suspect it has something to do with Mago, and that could mean going to the Cisalpine. Do you want to be part of that?”

  The men emphatically answered, “Yes sir!”

  “If that’s your choice, I’d be happy to have you. Pack your bags; we’re leaving this afternoon for Messana.”

  The trip east was long, but uneventful. When they arrived at the busy port city, Manius went straight to the Chief’s office. He wanted to confirm his orders, turn in his final report, and thank the Chief for his support during the last six months. He also discussed with the Chief the appointments of Centurions Sertorius as Camp Trainer and Sentius as Facilities Manager. “Sir, I’d like you to make those appointments permanent. They’ve both done an outstanding job.”

  The Chief turned to his clerk and said, “Prepare the necessary paperwork.”

  “Sir, one more thing before I go. I would like to have four members of my staff from Lilybaeum attached to the staff of Legio XVII for the duration of my new mission. They will be critical to the accomplishment of my mission.”

  The Chief looked at his clerk. “Prepare the transfer for my signature.”

  Manius saluted, turned, and walked out. The clerk was right behind him. “Sir, I need the names of the four men.”

  *******

  Manius arrives in Rome

  Rather than suffer through a slow ship ride back to Rome, Manius was instructed to sail the short distance from Messana to Irna where he would be met by a cavalry escort to accompany him to Rome. Manius could not believe his good fortune! He met with the Captain of the ship, who told him that he would cover the 175 miles in 24 hours by rowing hard all night. Such was the urgency of Manius’ new mission. Thankfully, the sea was relatively calm, and Manius’ thoughts were focused on his new assignment rather than his stomach.

  When they arrived at Irna the cavalry escort was waiting with Tribune Porcius. Manius was anxious to hear about his new mission. As they rode out of Irna, Manius concluded that a bouncing horse felt much better than a heaving ship. By riding 30 miles a day, Manius expected to cover the 165 mile trip to Rome in five days.

  When they stopped at a tavern for dinner and sleep, Manius and Tribune Porcius reviewed his mission. “Sir, first off, Legiones XVII and V Etrusci have been notified and are preparing to march. Here’s what we know about Mago and his recruiting activities.” The courier spread a map on the table. “Mago is located here at Savona. Our seven Legions are here at Ariminum, and prepared to move to block Mago if he attempts to go south into Etruria. At this time, he is still recruiting men from among the Insubres and Ligurians. We guess that once he completes that, he will have to spend considerable time training them before engaging us in battle. We don’t envision an immediate attack.”

  “We know he has sent six men to the east to recruit among the Illyrians, and north among the Boii, Taurisci, and Eravisci, who are located in Ptuj, Posonium, and Vindunia (modern Vienna). We know this from information passed to us by the Chiefs at Brixia, Verona, Vincentia (modern Vicenza), Patavium (modern Padua), and finally Venetiae. After that, we lost track of the six men. Our best guess is that they separated at Venetiae, and that some went to Illyria by boat and the others continued riding north.”

  Porcius continued, “We anticipate that the recruiters will be successful. Carthage will pay them well. The Illyrian mercenaries are expected to march north along the Adriatic, and then basically retrace the route of the recruiters back to Genoa to link up with Mago. Since they usually travel with limited supplies and few wagons, we expect they will pretty well clean out the villages and settlements they pass through of anything edible and of value.”

  “Since the Illyrians in the south have farther to travel than the Boii, Taurisci, and Eravisci. We speculate that the northern tribes will not march south to Venice. If they did, they would clean out the villages of all available food leaving nothing for the Illyrians when they come through the same area. We think the recruiters will tell the northern mercenaries to travel west through the Inn River Valley to Innsbruck and come down the Brenner Pass. If our calculations are correct, and there are many variables, the Boii, Taurisci, and Eravisci should arrive at Verona in early July, and the Illyrians in late July. We don’t think it’s possible for them to arrive any earlier than that.”

  “Your mission is to block their westward movement in the vicinity of Verona. I understand that you are familiar with the Cisalpine and may know of good defensible terrain. You can expect to be greatly outnumbered and will need to recruit troops from among the local tribes to help you. You could be facing upwards of 50,000 men.”

  Manius was definitely intrigued with this mission. It had everything he loved in an assignment. It would be an independent command and not part of a larger army. He would be far from the politics of Rome and working with Auxiliaries. I can’t pass this up; I’ll retire after this last assignment. Lucia will understand.

  Each night when they stopped to rest, Manius had his two clerks, Acamus and Pittacus, and Centurion Cassius join him while he thought his way through the upcoming expedition. Manius placed a map on the wall, and envisioned what he, as the Commander, needed to know and do in the little time remaining before his Legions marched north.

  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’l
l 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.