by James Mace
“What did we do it for, sir?” he asked, his eyes fixed on the wheat field trampled by Vitellian soldiers during the first assault. Near the walls, the scorched ruins of the amphitheater remained as a grim reminder of the cost of civil war; albeit, the people still blamed renegades from Cremona for the destruction of their cherished theater.
“We had our orders,” Aetius replied, with a shrug.
“Yes, but...I think back to those two days when your legions launched wave after wave against these walls. We may have won the battle, yet when all was said and done we were defeated. I lost many men defending this city, while far greater numbers will bear the scars of battle for the rest of their lives. My soldiers, my brothers, died for nothing.”
“Such is the dilemma that all defeated armies are left to ponder,” the master centurion remarked. “And if you must know, I too, am haunted by this battle. Your cause may have been lost in the end, but I was personally bested here. And it would seem the Battle of Placentia made little difference in the outcome of the war. So what exactly did my soldiers fight and die for?”
Aetius placed his hands on the ramparts and gazed at the charred ruins of the theater. He contemplated his next words for a moment. “In all your years in the legions, how often have you known defeat?”
“In battle, never,” Spurinna replied. “In war, once.”
“That is because Rome simply does not lose wars,” Aetius asserted. “Yes, we face the occasional defeat in battle, sometimes catastrophically, but this is rare. We still remember the disaster in Teutoburger Wald, sixty years ago this August, simply because it was so unthinkable. The great tragedy that comes from Romans making war on each other, is that Rome herself must win victory and suffer defeat in equal measure. I may have served on the victorious side, yet, since all the blood spilled was that of my fellow countrymen, I will never feel anything resembling triumph. Relief tempered with sorrow are the only laurels of victory we are left with.”
Four days later, Otho’s reinforcements from the Balkan legions made camp near Vicetia, approximately twenty-five miles east of Verona and sixty miles northeast of Bedriacum. Antonius Primus placed the camp near the southeast corner of the crossroads where the Via Postumia and the Via Annia converged. The Via Annia stretched to the southeast towards the city of Patavium, and eventually to the Italian coast. However, their path lay along the Via Postumia, which would take them southwest towards their rendezvous point with the rest of the Othonian army.
“The lads are eager,” Master Centurion Vitruvius observed, as he and General Primus walked along the perimeter of the camp near the crossroads. Soldiers talked almost feverishly amongst each other while they went through the daily duties required to establish camp.
Legio VII, Gemina, occupied this position with Legio XI, Claudia, on the southeast edge, along the Via Annia. The six cohorts from Legio XIV, Gemina Martia Victrix, were digging in to the northeast along Via Postumia. The legions’ indigenous cavalry, along with the auxiliary cavalry units, had established their camp on the north side of the road near a stream, so they could have water readily available for their horses. Several cohorts of auxilia infantry occupied the same bivouac. And while cavalrymen fed and watered their horses, legionary and auxilia infantry finished the digging of the regulation entrenchments, building of earthen palisades topped with sharp stakes, as well as the erection of tents and the cooking of their evening meals. Sentry shifts would soon be established. Soldiers were taking the time to clean and inspect their arms and kit, before bedding down for the night. It was an astronomical undertaking, that Roman soldiers could build such an impressive camp after marching twenty or more miles every day. Even the inexperienced legionaries of the Seventh Gemina were adapting well to the rigors of life on active service.
“Four days from now we should reach Bedriacum,” Primus said. “And unless the emperor or his commanding generals have committed a horrific blunder, we will have more than sufficient forces available to smash the pretender’s army into oblivion.”
“If Paulinus and Celsus are commanding the two main divisions, I think we have little to fear,” Vitruvius remarked. He raised an eyebrow at the look of concern on Primus’ face.
“There is something you may not have known,” he said. “The emperor has named his own brother, Titianus, as commander-in-chief of the northern armies. If I felt that Titianus was the type who would listen to his veteran officers, seeing as how he has no military experience at all, then I should not be too concerned. However, we all know how egos and visions of glory can cloud a man’s better judgment.”
“Rider approaching, sir!” a sentry shouted, near the camp entrance at the crossroads.
“Ah, the emperor’s welcoming us to Italia, then?” Primus asked, with a nervous laugh. As the horseman dismounted, he noticed the grave expression on his face.
“General Primus,” the man said, with a salute. “I bring word from General Celsus.”
He handed the scroll to the legate. The corner of Primus’ mouth twitched as he read the message. He sighed and looked up at his master centurion. “Well, fuck it,” was all he managed to say.
It was midnight, and with only the faint glow of an oil lamp with which to see by, Aula Cursia Vale sat at a small table and began to write.
The emperor is dead, the civil war at an end, and yet I do not feel that peace has come to the empire. Otho took his own life, so that others may life. And yet I fear that his honorable sacrifice, arguably the noblest act of his entire short reign, will be in vain.
Vitellius’ armies will soon march triumphantly to Rome, making him the third emperor to have claimed the throne this year. A corpulent despot, and the petty puppet of his true masters, Caecina and Valens, his rise marks a continuation of this great tragedy.
And though I fear the wicked and profane tragedy of further civil war, the great game has not ended, but only changed players for the next round. Sabinus rightly suspects that his brother, the venerable Vespasian, will not simply bow before yet another Caesar, especially one who committed the unholy crime of using the emperor’s own legions to depose him. But only time will tell if one will rise up who is able to put an end to the Reign of the Tyrants.
Appendix A: Roman Military Ranks
Legionary – Every citizen of the plebian class who enlisted in the legions started off as a legionary. Duration of service during the early empire was twenty years. Barring any promotions that would dictate otherwise, this normally consisted of sixteen years in the ranks, with another four either on lighter duties, or as part of the First Cohort. Legionaries served not only as the heart of the legion’s fighting force, they were also used for many building and construction projects.
Decanus – Also referred to interchangeably as a sergeant in the series, decanus was the first rank of authority that a legionary could be promoted to. Much like a modern-day corporal or sergeant, the decanus was the first-line leader of legionaries. He supervised training, as well as enforced personal hygiene and maintenance of equipment. On campaign he was in charge of getting the section’s tent erected, along with the fortifications of the camp.
Tesserarius – The first of the Principal ranks, the tesserarius primarily oversaw the fatigue and guard duties for the century. He maintained the duty roster and was also keeper of the watch word. On a normal day he could be found supervising work details or checking on the guard posts.
Signifier – He was the treasurer for the century and was in charge of all pay issues, so was much-loved on pay days. On campaign he carried the century’s standard (signum) into battle. This was used not only as a rallying point, but also as a visual means of communication. Traditionally he wore a bear’s hide over his helmet, draped around the shoulders of his armor. (A signifier wearing a wolf skin is a Hollywood invention). Because of his high level of responsibility, the signifier is third-in-command of the century.
Optio – The term optio literally means ‘chosen one’ for he was personally chosen by the centurion to serve
as his deputy. He would oversee all training within the century, to include that of new recruits. In battle the optio would either stand behind the formation, keeping troops on line and in formation, or he would stand on the extreme left, able to coordinate with adjacent units.
Aquilifer – This man was a senior signifier bearing the eagle standard of a legion. (Aquila means eagle.) This standard was the most important possession of the legion – losing it brought shame and humiliation to the entire legion. This position carried great honor, though it is debatable whether or not he wore any headdress or animal skin. It is known that he carried a small, circular shield called a parma instead of the legionary scutum.
Centurion – In addition to being its commander, the centurion was known to be the bravest and most tactically sound man within the century. While a stern disciplinarian, and at times harsh, it is borne of a genuine compassion for his men. The centurion knew that only through hard discipline and sound training could his men survive in battle. He was always on the extreme right of the front rank in battle; thereby placing himself in the most precarious position on the line. Mortality rates were high amongst centurions because they would sacrifice their own safety for that of their men.
Centurion Pilus Prior – Commander of a cohort of six centuries, the centurion pilus prior was a man of considerable influence and responsibility. He not only had to be able to command a century on a line of battle, but he had to be able to maneuver his cohort as a single unit. Such men were often given independent commands over small garrisons or on low-level conflicts. A centurion pilus prior could also be tasked with diplomatic duties; such was the respect foreign princes held for them. At this level, a soldier had to focus not just on his abilities as a leader of fighting men, but on his skills at diplomacy and politics.
Centurion Primus Ordo – The elite First Cohort’s Centuries were commanded by the centurions primus ordo. Though the number of soldiers under their direct command was fewer, these men were senior in rank to the centurions pilus prior. Men were often selected for these positions based on vast experience and for being the best tacticians in the legion. As such, part of the duty of a centurion primus ordo was acting as a strategic and tactical advisor to the commanding general. Generals such as Caesar, Marius, Tiberius, and Agrippa were successful in part because they had a strong circle of First Cohort Centurions advising them.
Centurion Primus Pilus – Also referred to as the chief or master centurion, this is the pinnacle of the career of a Roman soldier. Though socially subordinate to the tribunes, the centurion primus pilus possessed more power and influence than any and was, in fact, third-in-command of the entire legion. He was also the commander of the elite First Cohort in battle. Upon retirement, a centurion primus pilus (and possibly centurions of lesser ranks as well) was elevated into the patrician class of society. He could then stand for public office, and his sons would be eligible for appointments as tribunes. Even while still serving in the ranks, a centurion primus pilus was allowed to wear the narrow purple stripe of a patrician on his toga; such was the respect Roman society held for them.
Tribune – Tribunes came from the patrician class, often serving only six month tours with the legions. Though there were exceptions, many tribunes stayed on the line only long enough to complete their tour of duty before going on to a better assignment. Primarily serving as staff officers for the commanding legate, a tribune would sometimes be given command of auxiliary troops if he proved himself a capable leader. Most were looking for a career in politics, though they knew they had to get as much experience as they could out of their time in the legions. In Soldier of Rome, Pontius Pilate is an example of a tribune who elects to stay with the legions for as long as he is able, preferring the life of a soldier to the soft comforts of a political magistrate.
Laticlavian Tribune – Most commonly referred to as the chief tribune, he was a young man of the senatorial class starting off his career. Second-in-command of the legion, his responsibility was incredible, though he was often aided by the master centurion, who would act as a mentor. A soldier’s performance as chief tribune would determine whether or not he would be fit to command a legion of his own someday. Given the importance of military success to the future senator’s career, he would no doubt make every effort to prove himself competent and valiant in battle.
Legate – The legate was a senator who had already spent time in the legions as a laticlavian tribune and proven himself worthy of command. Of all the possible offices that a nobleman could hold, none was dearer to a Roman than command of her armies.
Appendix B: Legion Organization
Contubernium – Alternatively called a squad, it was the smallest level of organization within the imperial army, consisting of seven legionaries led by a decanus.
Century – Ten squads, led by a centurion who, in turn, was assisted by an optio, signifier, and tesserarius.
Cohort – Six centuries, led by a centurion pilus prior, who also commands the first century.
First Cohort (elite) – The most experienced soldiers in the legion, it consists of five double-strength centuries and is led by the centurion primus pilus.
Legion – Nine normal cohorts plus one elite First Cohort. Commanded by a senatorial legate, with a laticlavian tribune acting as his second, along with a staff of six tribunes, as well as the aquilifer.
Total Legion Authorized Strength
Legionaries – 3,780
First Cohort Legionaries – 700
Decani – 610
Tesserarii – 59
Signifiers – 59
Options – 59
Aquilifer - 1
Centurions – 45 (approximately 80 men to a century)
Centurions Pilus Prior – 9 (one for each normal cohort)
Centurions Primus Ordo – 4
Centurion Primus Pilus – 1
Tribunes – 6
Chief Tribune – 1
Legate – 1
The tragic and heroic sage of The Year of the Four Emperors concludes with Part II:
Soldier of Rome: Rise of the Flavians
After which, the trilogy of the Great Jewish Revolt will be brought to its conclusion with:
Soldier of Rome: The Fall of Jerusalem
Further Reading / Bibliography
Morgan, Gwyn. 69 A.D.: The Year of the Fouor Emperors. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2007.
Tacitus, Gaius Cornelius. The Histories. London: Penguin Books, 1995.
Wellesley, Kenneth. Year of the Four Emperors (Roman Imperial Biographies). London: Routledge, 2000.
Illustration Credits
Cover artwork by Radoslav Javor, copyright © Radoslav Javor and Legionary Books, 2015. http://radojavor.deviantart.com/
Praetorian Photography by Ritchie Pogorzelski, copyright © Ritchie Pogorzelski and Cohors Praetoria, 2015. http://www.cohors-praetoria.eu/
Legionary Photography by Cezary Wyszynski, copyright © Cezary Wyszyinski, 2015. http://www.legioxxirapax.com/
All photographs and other images have been appropriately licensed from the applicable copyright holders and are used with permission.
James Mace’s previous Ancient Roman series:
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