Curia Session III - 194 BC

[admin]

This session shall be ended at the end of the today due to the expiration of time.

[Gaius Cassius Vecellinus]

The Consul rises and can be seen looking at the windows of the Curia Hostilia.

Conscript fathers,

Since it appears we won't have enough time today to successfully complete any vote, I propose that any motion only be presented in the following motion. However, I would still ask Senator Marcus Silvius Pastor to share his findings from his survey of Gallia Cisalpina as I believe it will be of interest to all.

I yield the floor.

[Marcus Silvius Pastor]

The proxy for Senator M. Silvius Pastor nods towards the presiding Consul and rises, pulling out a scroll of paper to read from.

Esteemed Brethren,

The following is the Censorial Report of Senator M. Silvius Pastor, in the form of a pamphlet, first presented to the Honored Consul and now to be read before the Senate. As we are all aware, the Senator humbly served simultaneously as both Censorial Legate to the presiding Consul and Military Legate to the Honored Propraetor, then-Consul, M. Decius Bellicus. It was in such service to Rome that the Senator was able to view and experience the lands beyond the Apenninus Mons first-hand. Let these final words serve to inform the Senate and stimulate discussion in future sessions.

The Lands of the Province of Cisalpine Gaul

Abstract:
Romans are no strangers to the Lands of the Province of Cisalpine Gaul. Our forefathers marched beyond the Apenninus Mons in defense of Rome and her allies - securing valuable bounty for future generations. Having defeated traitorous barbarians, who were determined to thieve this valuable Roman inheritance for themselves, it is imperative that we - good Romans - evaluate these Lands and their potential.

Via Cassia:
Currently under construction with funds allocated by the Censor, C. Cassius Vecellinus, the Via Cassia is a testament to Roman engineering. Upon completion, it will stretch from Ariminum to Placentia, and will act as the vital artery of Cisalpine Gaul - connecting a number of cities, towns, settlements, and outposts to the military and commercial networks originating in Rome. Any future expansions to such networks would be best started from the Via Cassia itself.

Metropoles:
During the campaign of Consul Amulius Valerius Marius in 558 A.U.C. Bononia and Mutina were liberated from the clutches of the barbarians. In 559 A.U.C. the campaign of Consul M. Decius Bellicus expelled the barbarians from both Parma and Placentia. At the direction of Censor C. Cassius Vecellinus, coloniae were established at Mutina and Placentia. Both coloniae house approximately 1,500 Roman veterans and their families - honorable Romans who ensure that their cities are built as a reflection of and in service to Rome herself.

Economy:
The primary economic output comes in the form of general agriculture. Vast swaths of agricultural lands, varying in size from small to large, encompass the countryside. While these lands are primarily accounted for within the rolls of the Ager Publicus, the recent conflicts caused by the barbarians has rendered these accounts out-of-date. For an updated survey of the agricultural lands, primarily surrounding the metropoles and along the route of the to-be-completed Via Cassia, reference the attached report compiled by this humble servant of Rome.

Recommendations:
For the continued glory and honor of Rome, I propose two recommendations. First, coloniae ought to be established at Bononia and Parma. The successful establishment of coloniae at Mutina and Placentia by this humble servant of Rome demonstrates the importance of such an undertaking. Not to mention, with our current pool of Roman veterans, we have no shortage of eligible settlers for such coloniae.

Second, the Lands beyond the Apenninus Mons should be formally incorporated into the Province of Gallia Cisalpina, with its governing seat at Mutina. As demonstrated by the insight detailed above, Cisalpine Gaul represents vast opportunities for Rome - with lands for colonists and further economic development with infrastructure soon to be in place. However, what Cisalpine Gaul lacks is the ability to respond to any threat, internal or external, with haste. Under the current structure, the Senate and the People of Rome must respond to threats by marching from Rome herself. While such a force would undoubtedly resolve such a situation, the speed at which a resolution is reached will cost Roman lives - as our veteran-colonists and their families will be the first to any barbarian sword. Cisalpine Gaul is bountiful, but it remains a frontier against which barbarians could throw themselves. Such lands ought to have a Governor, to develop the province and defend her from harm.

May the Gods continue to bless and honor Rome.

M. Silvius Pastor, Legatus Censorius et Consularis

The proxy straightens his toga and sits, now clearly thinking of non-political matters such as the conquest of a hearty meal and a night's rest.

[Allectus Fabius Maximus]

Primus Proximus Maximus stands to speak and adjusts his yoga before starting.

Conscript Fathers,

As for the the matter of Gallia Cisalpina, I fully support the establishment of colonia in Bononia and Parma. The romanization of the region is of upmost importance and we cannot claim these lands are Romans if there are no Romans who have their feet planted on it. As for the establishment of a new province, I am opposed to the measure simply for the fact the region is wholly untamed and desolate. We do not need a propraetor or proconsul to oversee the activities of a few thousand provincials. I however do support an expanded military campaign and a rotating legionary force to maintain security in our northern border. If we are to feel safe from the barbarous tribes in the north, we must secure the lands under the Alps so it can serve as a natural barrier against marauding hordes of painted savages. Easier to secure mountain passes with forts and a small garrison than to fight hundreds of thousands of Celts and Germans in the open field.

OOC Edit: Misread “attack” at the forum. Mos Maiorum holding steady

[admin]

Note: "Attack" in the forum was verbal, not physical

[Postumus Caesonius Tacitus]

Proxy for Caesonius Tacitus would speak.

"If possible, we should pass the festival funding for this year before the session ends."

Funding for Aediles games and festivals for the year: 100,000 Denarii

[Gaius Cassius Vecellinus]

The Consul rises.

So be it, motion admitted.

Inasmuch as it may be good and fortunate for the Roman people of the Quirites, we bring before you, conscript fathers the following draft lex:

LEX DE LUDIS ROMANIS (Law on Roman Games)
Sponsor: Postumus Caesonius Tacitus

WHEREAS by tradition the Senate has alloted the prerequisite funds to host yearly festivities in the city of Rome;

Be it enacted by the Senate of the Roman Republic in the Curia Hostilia assembled,
I. The Aediles are authorized to allocate up to 100,000 Denarii for the purpose of hosting Rome's festivities for the present year.

Written into the annals in the consular year 194BC of Gaius Cassius Vecellinus and Titus Furius Pavo

Begin discessio (division).

Quí hoc cénsétis, illuc tránsite; quí alia omnia, in hanc partem. (Whoever thinks this, go over there; whoever thinks anything else, to this part.)

May the will of the Senate be known to all.

[Gaius Cassius Vecellinus]

Aye.

[Postumus Caesonius Tacitus]

Aye

[Marcus Silvius Pastor]

Aye by proxy.