Legio XVII: Battle of Zama

by Thomas A. Timmes

  Servilius took a sip of wine and said, “On the eastern side of the lake, the road is passable for troops and horses up to Limone. There are several ideal ambush positions along the way. At Limone, we went up a valley, and then climbed the mountains to get above and around the cliffs that drop straight down into the lake. From the top, it’s about eight miles of relatively easy going terrain and leads to the north end of the lake. There is a spot on the top that would make a perfect blocking position if we need one. The cliffs guard one flank, and a small lake up there protects the other flank. The space between the two is only about 1,600 feet wide. There is soil up there, so I think we could dig a ditch, and there are plenty of trees to cut to build a wall.”

  Servilius went on, “About 20 miles from here on the western side, we passed a settlement called Salo. At the back end of the place is a road that winds around the hills for a while, but eventually heads south and comes out about eight miles from Brixia. It the mercenaries don’t want to fight us, they could go around the lake, take the Salo road, and be on their way to Milan. That road completely nullifies our blocking position here. There are some options though. We’ll have to see what Manius wants to do.”

  *******

  Tomaeus, Vitulus, and their escort had been riding for four days when they were suddenly confronted by Manius’ cavalry screening to the front. Once they were identified, they rode another 10 miles south and spotted the marching Legions. They stood off to the side until the Command Group came into sight, and then fell into line alongside Manius.

  “Tomaeus, Vitulus, it’s good to see you both. I’m anxious to hear your report, but let’s wait until we’ve set up our camp for the night, and then you can brief me and the staff. The engineers are already preparing the next camp, which should only be a few miles up the road. You probably passed them. Why don’t you go there now and rest. We’ll be marching another couple of hours.”

  The group rode ahead, found the camp, and took a break. They watched the engineers lay out the camp. When the leading Legion approached two hours later, the camp and ditch were already staked out. After a short break, the digging of the ditch began in earnest. When the second Legion arrived, they began work on constructing the palisade and ramparts. In no time, tents were set up, fires lit, and guards manned the walls. The Legionaries settled down for another night in the field. Manius called for a staff meeting at 5:30 P.M., and Tomaeus and Vitulus took their seats.

  Each staff officer presented items of interest in his area of responsibility. They briefed on the number of sick and injured, the status of the grain supply, the animals, distance covered and distance remaining, morale among the men, total strength of the force (minus the four Maniples left at Ariminum to escort the supply wagons), and so forth. Finally, Manius turned to Tomaeus, “Welcome back! Would you brief the staff on what you’ve discovered at the lake.”

  Tomaeus started. “It’s good to be back with the Legions! The situation at the lake is pretty much as you outlined back at Rome. It is the only place available to set up an effective blocking position. We examined the river, the swamp, the three islands, and the approaches to our position coming from the east and west. Tribune Vitulus will cover that when I complete my report. My engineers have staked out the wall along the river and allowed room for a ditch and mound. We may want to consider flooding the ditch with water from the river to make it even more formidable. The swamp starts approximately 1.5 miles from the lake and extends about two miles along the river. From the river, it extends inland for about three miles. A desperate and determined army could fight their way through it, but it is highly unlikely. It is a solid obstacle. Nonetheless, I recommend regular cavalry patrols and watch towers to keep it under constant observation.”

  He continued, “The depth of the lake around the three islands is seven feet at its deepest and will permit a wall to be built from the shore to the eastern most island. The islands are firm enough to permit construction of palisades completely around each one. The three islands can easily be connected by bridges. I recommend the construction of two additional bridges. The first one will connect the north shore to the eastern most island, and the second will connect the north shore to the island closest to the western shore. This will allow us to reinforce or evacuate the islands.”

  “The west wall of the camp has also been staked out, as well as the eight Legion camps in between the two walls. The camp is ready to be constructed. Sir that concludes my briefing; do you have any questions?”

  “That’s a good, thorough report. Tribune Vitulus, your report please.”

  “Sir I examined our blocking position from the enemy point of view from the east and from the west. Looking east in the direction of Verona, there is a line of trees and thick underbrush alongside the river that will completely obscure our view of the mercenaries. They are free to maneuver and shift forces along the river unobserved. I recommend that we thin out those trees and clear the underbrush. We will then have maximum warning time if they decide to ford the river and attack the wall. On the west looking wall, guards will have an unobstructed view for 300 yards.”

  “There is a mountain ridge that runs north-south along the eastern side of the lake. The mountains lie between the lake and a road that runs up to Trento. The mountain starts about 10 miles from the mouth of the Mincio. An enemy outpost positioned on the mountain can see very little of our camp because of the distance. They will be able to see the three islands and possibly our wall, but the distance is too great to make out any detail. During daylight hours, they would be able to see large troop formations walking up the western side of the lake. There is another potential place for a Roman outpost about a mile farther up the mountain that provides a clear view of the road leading to Trento and Verona. From that outpost, an observer can also look down upon the mercenary camp. Because of the distance, only large troop formations would be visible. I recommend we place individuals on the mountain.”

  “Another outstanding briefing! Thank you, Vitulus. Well done. Tomaeus, have we heard anything from the Cenomani?”

  “Yes sir, after they talked with Andreas and Elitovius, they sent riders throughout their territory telling the people to pack their wagons and go to Brixia by June 15th. Chief Segovesus plans to evacuate his people north to Lake Iseo. He also promised that he would supply 10,000 men to help us man the blocking position.”

  “That’s great news!” exclaimed Manius. “When will they arrive?”

  “I’ve heard that they should be at the lake by June1st. And they will be led by Taluric.”

  “Wonderful; now if only Timo will provide troops. Tomaeus, at our current rate of march, I estimate that we will arrive at the lake on June 5th. When the Cenomani arrive, ask Taluric to have his men cut the trees and clear the brush along the Mincio. I think he’ll see the wisdom in that. Where is Tribune Servilius?”

  “Sir, he took an escort and a few men from a nearby settlement to attempt to ride around the lake. He is looking to see if there is a route that the mercenaries could use to bypass our blocking position. It’s a big lake, and he hadn’t returned when I left to come here.”

  Manius leaned back in his camp chair. “That’s a critical piece of information to know. I want you to ride back to the lake tomorrow. If Servilius is back from his trip, send him to meet us. I need to know what he found. If the mercenaries can get around us, we’re wasting our time.”

  Tomaeus and Vitulus departed the next day for the lake. Two days later, they encountered Servilius on his way to brief Manius. “Manius is most anxious to hear your report,” said Tomaeus. “He fears that if the mercenaries can simply bypass our position, we’ll need to rethink our entire operation.” Two days later, Tomaeus arrived back at the lake. The Cenomani contingent was due to arrive the next day, June 1st.

  Servilius arrived on May 30th just as the Legions were moving into their camp for the night. Manius greeted him. “You are the man of the hour. Apparently, our complete strategy hinges on what you’ve discovered.
Freshen up, eat, and brief your report at 5:30 P.M., but tell me now, can we stop the mercenaries at the Mincio?”

  Servilius said, “Sir, the short answer is yes, but with a few caveats.”

  At the daily staff meeting that evening, Servilius stood and faced Manius and the staff officers. Anxiety was written all over their faces. If the mercenaries could bypass their position at the Mincio, they would have to find a new location, and fast.

  “Praetor, staff officers, I have good and bad news. The only way to get around the eastern side of the lake is to follow the well-worn road north in the direction of Trento. After a while, there is another road which breaks off to the west, crosses the Sarca River, and leads to the very northern end of the lake, which is occupied by a large settlement of mixed Cenomani and Raeti fishermen. It is possible to continue down the western side of the lake, but it means climbing atop the cliffs which borders the lake for eight miles. The top of the cliffs are passable by men and horses. After about eight miles, the path descends back down to the lake at Limone. From Limone there is a narrow road that runs alongside the lake all the way to the southern end.”

  “I did discover an ideal blocking position at the northern end of the lake on top of the cliffs. It is about 2,000 feet up the hill from the northern most settlement. On one side of the blocking position are the cliffs and on the other side is a small lake. The terrain beyond that lake is mostly impassable. A relatively small force could hold that position unless the enemy uses overwhelming force. I also found multiple ambush sites along the road south of Limone and north of a settlement called Salo. The best one I found was near a settlement called Maclino. The ambush site runs alongside the lake and put me in mind of what happened to our Legions at Lake Trasimene.”

  All eyes were on Servilius as he continued, “I mentioned Salo. Any ambush must occur north of that settlement because at Salo there is a road that goes west, winds around the hills, and eventually comes out on the main east-west road that we are trying to block. In other words, if the mercenaries can get to Salo, they can bypass us.”

  “One additional item of note, on the eastern side of the lake, there is a ridge of tall mountains squeezed in between the lake and the road to Trento. They are about seven miles wide and run alongside the lake.”

  “I propose that we put an observation post in those mountains to watch for troops moving to the northern end of the lake and to monitor traffic coming from Verona. The outpost could use signal flags to communicate with us. The morning sun would prevent reading the signals from atop the mountain all the way across the lake until the afternoon. Initially, the signals would have to be sent to the settlement at Castelletto along the lake’s eastern shore at the bottom of the hill. They could then relay the message to Gargnano on the western side of the lake. Gargnano could pass the message to Salo, who could pass it to Solarolo, and then to us. I am familiar with signaling and will help set it up, if you approve.”

  “Excellent report, Servilius. Thank you for taking on this task. It provides a critical piece of missing information,” said Manius. “I like the signaling idea. Go ahead and set it up.” Turning to the staff, Manius spoke solemnly, “Gentlemen, it now all depends on how many troops the Raeti and Suevi will provide, and we won’t know that until Andreas returns from Innsbruck. We obviously cannot man two blocking positions. If time permits, we can prepare the position on top of the hill by the cliffs and hope we get the troops to man it.”

  *******

  King Timo of the Rhaetian Tribe

  Andreas and Elitovius arrived back at the lake on May 24th in the early morning. They stopped long enough to brief Tomaeus and Decimus on the result of their meeting with Segovesus, picked up extra rations, and exchanged horses. They left immediately for Trento, 56 miles (91km) to the north. They arrived on the 26th and were expected. Cavalrymen had come through Trento a week earlier saying that Andreas and Elitovius had an important message for King Timo. Since it was late, they were shown to their second floor quarters in the Great Hall and served a private meal in their rooms. The King’s aide informed them that the King would see them downstairs in the morning.

  At 7:00 A. M., the two men were awakened for breakfast, which was served in a comfortable room off the main kitchen. At 8:00 A.M., they were seated at the large table in the Great Hall waiting for Timo. Seven of his Advisors joined them. Timo walked out of his personal quarters at the back of the room behind the great fireplace with his two body guards to his immediate rear. He looked solemn. “Gentlemen, thank you for coming. I hope your accommodations were satisfactory and the servants fed you well,” he said with raised eyebrows. Andreas caught a glimpse of Rosa, King Timo’s Roman wife, at the far end of the Hall as she took a seat to listen.

  “Yes sir, everything was fine. Thank you for asking,” said Andreas.

  Timo turned to a servant and said, “Pour some tea for our guests. And now, tell me about this urgent message from Manius.”

  Andreas and Elitovius slowly, carefully, and without undue emotions recounted for the King and his Advisors the same thing they had told Segovesus. “We believe a mixed band of 30,000 mercenaries comprised of Boii, Eravisci, and Taurisci will sweep through the Inn River Valley to Innsbruck and cross the Brenner Pass. Based on past experience with these tribes, they will take everything of value and leave the land without food or livestock. Trento lies in their path and will suffer heavily. Their foragers are known to travel 20 miles all around the column looking for food. No one is safe from these marauding bands. Men will be killed and the women taken as prisoners. Manius suggested that you evacuate your tribe to the west towards the Reschen Pass to protect your people. Your homes here will probably be burnt, including this magnificent Great Hall, I’m sorry to say.”

  “When can we expect them?” asked Timo. Inside Timo was raging with anger, but he presented a cool exterior. He knew his Advisors expected him to be rational and make clearheaded decisions.

  “Our best estimate is that they should cross the Brenner in late June, but that’s just an estimate based on many variables. We think you would be safe to move the people by June 5th.”

  “Is there anything I can do to prevent this from happening?”

  “Yes,” answered Andreas, “but it will be extremely costly in terms of dead and wounded. Even if you were to join forces with Bethica’s Suevi and defeat them, the cost would be very high. These mercenaries have fought Roman armies and won. They are battle wise, fanatical, and, I’m afraid, would be difficult to beat. It’s a trade-off. What do you value more, the lives of your men or a few wooden structures? They will not stay and occupy your land; they are enroute to join Mago. Trento is merely a food source. I would recommend evacuation. If you fight them and lose, the door is then wide open for the Insubres to attack your western territory and actually take land. As I said, these mercenaries will not take your land.”

  “The second part of this is that if they get through our defenses at Lake Benacus and join Mago, they will face seven Roman Legions. Our army is poised to engage them and prevent them from going south and linking up with Hannibal. If the Legions defeat them, these same mercenaries, the survivors, will one day retrace their path and once again pass through Trento. If you want to ensure they are stopped at Lake Benacus, Manius is requesting 10,000 of your men to help man our defenses. He specifically mentioned that Lugano is an extremely capable commander and would be most welcome.”

  “I understand what you are saying, and it makes sense, but what will prevent the mercenaries from simply turning around at Benacus and coming back to Trento and the Brenner?”

  “Two things. We will not simply man a passive defensive position. If we have enough forces, Manius will take the offensive to destroy them. Additionally, we hope that Bethica will contribute sufficient men to come in behind the mercenaries after they pass through Innsbruck. Then we can trap them in between our armies and eliminate this threat to you and to us.”

  The King said, “Andreas, you make a most persuasive
argument. I will discuss your proposal with my Advisors and give you our decision at dinner tonight. You will be staying?”

  “We would be honored.” Andreas and Elitovius got up from the table, and the King and his Advisors retired to the King’s sitting room. Andreas watched as Rosa joined them. The two men were weary from their long ride and went to their rooms to rest.

  At 6:00 P.M., a servant knocked on their doors and requested they come downstairs for refreshments prior to dinner. Both men had taken a nap, and were eager to hear what the king had decided. They were joined by several men and ladies who socialized with the two visitors while waiting for the King to arrive. The aroma from the kitchen spoke of a scrumptious dinner awaiting them. A short while later, Timo and Rosa entered the room and all eyes were upon them. Both were resplendent in their royal finery for the occasion, and Rosa was by far the most attractive woman in the room. Elitovius turned to Andreas and cautioned, “Don’t talk business until the ladies are dismissed.”

  The meal did not disappoint, nor the conversation which was stimulating and filled the room with laughter. Andreas hated to see it end when Timo asked the ladies to leave so that the men could talk business. Elitovius whispered, “The moment of truth is upon us.”

  Timo took a drink of his wine before speaking and said, “Gentlemen, we have decided to provide you with 10,000 warriors led by Lugano. They will leave Trento in three days and go to the southern part of the lake as you requested. They should arrive by June 3rd. I will lead my people and the rest of the army westward as suggested by Manius. We will begin our preparation now and plan to leave Trento and the surrounding area by June 5th. Following your audience with Queen Bethica, I would appreciate knowing what the Suevi plan to do.”

  “Thank you, King Timo,” nodded Andreas. “Manius will be pleased. With your permission, we will leave tomorrow and ride to Innsbruck. On the way back, we will stop here and inform you of her decision.”