Curia Session II - 193BC

[Gaius Claudius Nero Liguricus]

Consul Nero rises to speak

Conscript Fathers,

Clarifying the points raised by the good Senators Caesonius Tacitus and Furius Pavo

If we're going to maintain a veteran legion, shouldn't it be the one at hispania Ulterior since we're going to have a consular army in Hispania Citerior?

The purpose of maintaining the legion in Hispania Citerior is so they can link up with Consul Domitius Corbulo once he arrives in the province, providing him an increase in fighting power immediately. We want to wrap up matters in Hispania entirely in a swift manner, so including the Legion into his army will provide that necessary power for my fellow Consul.

Would you be so kind as to display the breakdown of which legions will be attached to which Consul for their respective campaigns? I wish to understand the forces arrayed against these barbaric foes before I make any recommendations, should there be any discovered.

Of course, the breakdown for each army is as follows:

Consul Claudius Nero's army
2 x Consular Legions
2 x Socii Alae

Consul Domitius Corbulo's army
2 x Consular Legions
1 x Veteran Legion
2 x Socii Alae

[Postumus Caesonius Tacitus]

Conscript Fathers,

I'd feel a lot more comfortable having a socii raised for the governor of Hispania Ulterior in that case. He's next to a province that has a state of war and it could be useful for stalling any other tribes that may choose to rise up while the army is busy elsewhere.

[TerranSteel]

Conscript Fathers,

Given the expense of nearly 3 million from the treasury, do we believe these conflicts, which must be fought regardless, will provide sufficient tribute for the Roman army and state?

[Gaius Claudius Nero Liguricus]

Consul Nero rises to speak

Conscript Fathers,

Conscript Fathers,

Given the expense of nearly 3 million from the treasury, do we believe these conflicts, which must be fought regardless, will provide sufficient tribute for the Roman army and state?

Senator Pavo,

While I cannot state with any certainty on the exact returns Rome could gain from either Consul Domitius Corbulo's campaign in Hispania, nor my own in Liguria, I do wish to state that it is my intention to convert the tribes I face into tributaries and allies of Rome. It won't be anywhere close to the magnificent sum of funds you brought into the treasury, but it is my intention to ensure that Rome's northern border is not only secure, but is also paying Rome. Perhaps over time they will provide the Treasury with that sum, but I do not believe the barbarians to be anywhere near as wealthy as the Greeks were for a lump sum repayment.

Conscript Fathers,

I'd feel a lot more comfortable having a socii raised for the governor of Hispania Ulterior in that case. He's next to a province that has a state of war and it could be useful for stalling any other tribes that may choose to rise up while the army is busy elsewhere.

Consul Nero turns to Senator Caesonius Tacitus before resuming

Senator Tacitus,

I don't believe there to be a threat necessitating troops being stationed in the province, particularly with a Consular army nearby. As well, then Propraetor Corbulo did successfully repel an invasion by the barbarians there, killing thousands of them. But that said, I am open to debate on the matter to gauge the Senate's thoughts. Should there be sufficient support for troops to be raised for Propraetor Cassius Vecellinus, I will amend it.

[Marcus Silvius Pastor]

Honored Consul,

I must voice my agreement with Senator Post. Caesonius Tacitus regarding the matter of Hispania Ulterior - its defense must be ensured while our good Consul Cn. Domitius Corbulo campaigns against the Ilergetes. The proxy for then-Proconsul, Senator M. Decius Bellicus, reported that the Turduli possessed "a full army of barbarian reavers" almost one year ago. According to the most recent report from Hispania Ulterior, "[t]he security situation in the province remains unchanged." These reports demonstrate that the barbarian threat is imminent - while we are fortunate that the Turduli have not yet launched an incursion into our lands, it would be negligent if we did not provide the Proconsul, Senator C. Cassius Vecellinus with sufficient defensive forces should the Turduli decide it an opportune moment to strike.

That said, I implore last year's Hispanian magistrates - Senators M. Decius Bellicus and C. Quinctilius Varus - to provide any insight into their respective provinces. Any updated information regarding the military strength of the Ilergetes or the Turduli would certainly assist in informing the Senate's deployment of military forces. Furthermore, if our current Hispanian magistrates - Proconsul, Senator C. Cassius Vecellinus and Propraetor, Senator Allectus Fabius Maximus - possess any contemporary military intelligence on the barbarians' military strength, it would likewise prove informative.

[Marcus Decius Bellicus]

Conscript Fathers,

I have no new news now that differs from the information passed to you by my Proxy a year ago. It fell on deaf ears then and appears that it will do so again.

[Gnaeus Domitius Corbulo Hispanicus]

Consul Domitius Corbulo listened to the debate for a time and then rose to his feet.

"On the topic of the defense of Hispania Ulterior, I would invite Proconsul Cassius Vecellinus to report on the current state of the Turduli tribe. A reconnaissance of Turduli villages may shed some light on their intentions for this year. One matter to consider is that during my final year as Governor of Hispania Ulterior I established alliances with the Conii and Germani tribes. If these alliances are still in effect, these tribes would be required to assist in our defense if the Turduli invade in force. With this in mind, and with the Turduli aware that a large Consular army will be operating in Hispania this year, I am of the belief that they will not take action against our provinces."

Corbulo then turned toward Senator Furius Pavo.

"Senator, I cannot speak to what tribute will be gained out of these expeditions, but it can be assured that over the next several years the taxes and other proceeds from these areas will pay for themselves many times over. The mineral wealth in Hispania Ulterior, which accounts for nearly half a million Denarii, pales in comparison to other regions of Hispania that currently fall under barbarian rulers."

[TerranSteel]

Senator Furius Pavo nodded in understanding to the Consul.

Then my reservations have been withdrawn. Future Consuls and this Senate will need to consider investment once the region has been pacified.

[Allectus Fabius Maximus]

Senator Proximus Maximus stands to speak.

Conscript Fathers,

I have no concerns with the breakdown of forces as mentioned by Consul Claudius Nero.

It has my support and May the Gods bless these campaigns and bring glory to Rome.

[Gaius Claudius Nero Liguricus]

Consul Nero rises to address the Senate

After listening to your concerns regarding the defence of Hispania Ulterior, and also with my personal assessment of my campaign in Liguria, I will provide a compromise on this. One of the Socii attached to my army will instead be raised in Hispania Ulterior as a provincial defence force.

New breakdown of troops will be as follows:

Consul Claudius Nero's army
2 x Consular Legions
1 x Socii Alae

Consul Domitius Corbulo's army
2 x Consular Legions
1 x Veteran Legion
2 x Socii Alae

Propraetor Cassius Vecellinus force
1 x Socii Ala

Price will remain the same as before:

4 x Socii Legions (1 raised in Rome, 2 raised in Hispania Citerior, 1 raised in Hispania Ulterior)- 1,000,000 Denarii
1 x Veteran Legion maintained in Hispania Citerior at combat readiness - 892,280 Denarii
4 x Combat costs for Consular Legions - 800,000 Denarii
2 x Naval transportation costs - 200,000 Denarii

Total cost - 2,892,280 Denarii

You may all now cast your vote now.