Curia Session III 195 B.C. / 559 AUC

[Gaius Quinctilius Varus]

Conscript Fathers,

The honorable Claudius Nero is wise in his observations on all topics espoused, and pending the Consuls deliberations on the Laconian question brought up by honorable Valerius Marius, I would wholly support his proposition. Boii et Insubres delenda est!

[Allectus Fabius Maximus]

A proxy for Fabius Maximus stands to speak when called upon to do so

I wholeheartedly agree with the proposal set forth by Senator Claudius Nero. We must provide our governors in Hispania all the necessary resources to ensure Roman rule is not challenged in the region. Our borders with the Hispanian tribes cannot be so porous as to allow them to openly attack and raid Roman towns and cities. Furthermore, we must pacify the region of Gallia Cisalpina once and for all and ensure the Boii and Insubres are no longer a threat to the lives and livelihoods of Roman citizens in the region. As such the following proposed by Senator C. Nero seems to be both measured and reasonable for the task at hand:

Hispania (divided equally to the propraetors)
2 Newly Raised Legions
2 Socii Legions

Boii/Insubres (Led by Consul D. Bellicus)
2 Consular Legions
2 Socii Legions

[Postumus Caesonius Tacitus]

The proxy of senator Caesonius Tacitus would speak.

"Where would that leave Consul Aurelius Cotta and his legions? Are they going to assist his fellow consul or campaign elsewhere? I do worry about what we'd do if we have to send Aurelius Cotta and his legions on campaign with us having already spent our surplus before having even covered the maintenance of Rome for instance."

[Allectus Fabius Maximus]

The proxy for AFM would rise and speak

Good and Honorable Senator,

The legions of Consul A. Cotta would remain with him here in Rome unless needed elsewhere. Remember that we would still have expect the funds from provincial taxes to come in later in the year and that would cover these additional expenses plus the regular maintenance of public buildings. Lest we also forget that the treasury has nearly 11 million denarii in reserve. The Republic coffers will not be running out any time soon.

[Gaius Cassius Vecellinus]

The Censor rises.

Conscript fathers,

The proposal by A. Fabius Maximus looks reasonable and I would endorse it as is if put to a vote. Moreover, I would suggest including in the same motion a vote to allow the yearly 500,000 Denarii as required for our city's maintenance.

Also, as Gaius Claudius Nero has correctly assessed, I would heartily support the measures for two colonies and a roman road provided that they are, as is only right, placed under the oversight of the Censor. As a concialiatory gesture I would invite Hostus Lucretius Tricipitinus to assist me in overseeing the construction of the Po Valley road and Marcus Silvius Pastor to help me guide the land allocation to the 3,000 colonists in the same region.

Lastly, I would beseech the two Consuls, in the spirit of magisterial partnership and loyalty, to make an effort to discuss inbetween themselves what issues they wish to present to the Senate before doing so. There is scarcely anything more ripe to breed division in the Senate than discord between our two most powerful magistrates, something Rome can ill afford.

I yield the floor.

[Hostus Lucretius Tricipitinus]

Hostus Lucretius Tricipitinus, having been silently contemplating for the last part of the debate, finally made up his mind. Awaiting the appropriate time, he stood up.

Conscript fathers,

There has been spirited debate and many good points raised all around. We have many paths we can take that will bring the Republic forward, the difficulty lies in finding the right balance between military spending and military needs. While in Rome last year, I made it a point to be careful of the coin we spent owing to the need to rebuild the treasury. This past year has been fruitful due to the campaign in the North by the good Valerius Marius and the efforts of our governors in Hispania.

I propose the following expenses - hopefully to strike the balance between need and want - and recommend we leave discussions of roads and colonia to the next day:

1- The raising of Socii allies to assist with Consular campaign in the North. While we leave it to the two Consuls to decide who leads this campaign. Total costs:
Legio I - 692,280
Legio II - 692,280
2x Combat Fee: 400,000
2x Socii Allies: 500,000

Total Cost of Measure 1: 2,284,560

2- The maintenance of two Consular legions in Rome, at the disposal of the Consul whom remains in Rome:
Legio III - 692,280
Legio IV- 692,280

Total Cost of Measure 2: 1,384,560

3- The raising of 2 legions to be deployed to Hispania, as well as returning the two Socii allies home:
New Legion: 692,280
New Legion: 692,280
Transport: 400,000 [with sending two legions West, returning 2 East, perhaps this can be cut in half?]

Total Cost of Measure 3: 1,784,560

4- The usual maintenance of Roman institutions: 500,000

Total costs:
Measure 1: 2,284,560
Measure 2: 1,384,560
Measure 3: 1,784,560
Measure 4: 500,000

Total: 5,593,680


This measure does cause a deficit, before taking into account provincial revenues, but if we assume the provinces send similar revenues, then we will see a surplus of approximately 600,000 Denarii before any potential loot and spoils are considered.

[Marcus Decius Bellicus]

Decius Bellicus rises to his feet

"The Censor shows great forethought in his proposals, I would support including in the motion for the raising of legions the changes proposed by the Censor for the paying of the upkeep of Rome, as well as the expansion of the colonias, roads and who would be assisting him in these projects.

"I think at this time we should call for a vote."

[Marcus Aurelius Cotta]

WHEREAS the Gallic barbarians have betrayed The Senate and People of Rome in the past,

WHEREAS Roman soldiers have performed heroic tasks in the recent campaign against the Boii and have earned a right to settle new lands,

And WHEREAS Rome requires rapid transportation to defend her allies and colonies,

The Senate of Rome enacts as follows:

1. Consul Decius Bellicus shall be tasked with concluding the pacification of the Boii and beginning the pacification of the Insubres for the Consular year 559 AUC.

2. The Censor shall oversee the survey and construction of a new highway to the Po Valley of a total distance, in feet, circa 876,000, which would originate an expenditure of 6,132,000 Denarii. As current Censor, Gaius Cassius Vecellinus, shall receive funding for a years of operations, at 1,022,000 d to carry out the task. He is recommended to by the Senate to appoint Hostus Lucretius Tricipinitus to assist in this endeavour for the consular year 559.

Total cost of measure 2: 1,022,000

3. The Censor shall oversee the establishment of two coloniae of 1,500 veterans each in Gallia Cisalpina, and shall receive authorization for funding of 945,000 d to carry out this task. He is recommended by the Senate to appoint Marcus Silvius Pastor to assist in the establishment of these colonies in this consular year, 559.

Total cost of Measure 3: 945,000

4. The raising of Socii allies to assist with Consular campaign in the North.

Total costs:
2x Combat readiness fee for Legio I & II: 400,000
2x Socii Allies: 500,000

Total Cost of Measure 4: 900,000

5 The raising of 2 legions to be deployed to Hispania, as well as returning the two Socii allies home:
New Legion: 692,280
New Legion: 692,280
Transport: 400,000

Total Cost of Measure 5: 1,784,560

6: The usual maintenance of Roman institutions: 500,000

Total costs:

Measure 2: 1,022,000
Measure 3: 945,000
Measure 4: 900,000
Measure 5: 1,784,560
Measure 6: 500,000

Total: 5,151,560

Based on the feedback of today’s debate, this is the motion to be presented. Are there any suggestions amendments before proceeding?

[Marcus Decius Bellicus]

Decius Bellicus rises

I would offer only a small amendment.

1. Consul Decius Bellicus shall be tasked with concluding the pacification of the Boii and beginning the pacification of the Insubres for the Consular year 559 AUC.

I yield the floor.

[Marcus Aurelius Cotta]

The amendment is accepted as friendly.