Curia Session IV - 193BC

[Hostus Lucretius Tricipitinus]

Conscript fathers,

It seems we have quite a few new regions in Rome that may need for us to consider colonies. Hispania, Liguria, and even Sardinia. Depending on the health of public finances, perhaps we should consider the discussion of one colonia per year for four years? We need not commit to specifics on how much we spend and where for each year (for that would be for subsequent Senators and Consuls to decide), but knowing that Roman influence is greatly expanded by colonias, I think it is time we commit to a longer view plan to consolidate the new lands of the Republic.

We should also consider size as well. Some may only need small amounts of citizens (such as Sardinia) but others such as Genua may benefit from a larger infusion of citizens

[Marcus Decius Bellicus]

Conscript Fathers,

I would be wholly supportive of colonia for our new territories, but I must admit that I am unsure as to whether or not we need to commit them to our more established provinces. There are great amounts of land newly added to the Republic that should be made Roman before we continue to bolster existing holdings.

[Gnaeus Domitius Corbulo Hispanicus]

"Patres Conscripti,

I concur with Senator Decius Bellicus. While I believe there is merit in establishing colonia within Liguria and will support legislation involving such, I believe our newly gained territory in Hispania would also benefit greatly from a large establishment of Romans. The former Turduli land especially is filled with fertile soil and prosperous mines that are the envy of all neighbors. Establishing a colonia at the Turduli capital will allow us to adequately govern the Turduli and Carpetani lands, and the various tribal villages throughout that region. If we do not act quickly to fill the void established by the dispatch of the Turduli, I fear we may have to contend with more uprisings in the near future. With this in mind, and with the surplus of funds within the treasury this year, I recommend a 5,000-strong colonia for the Turduli territory in Hispania Ulterior. This will have a cost of 1,575,000 denarii, and we will see returns almost immediately."

[Allectus Fabius Maximus]

Proximus Maximus would stand to speak.

Good and Honorable Conscript Fathers,

The recently acquired lands in Hispania and Gallia Cisalpina would benefit greatly from colonization and the establishment of a permanent Roman presence in those regions. My recent survey of settlements in H Citerior indicate the majority of the population is located along the coast. To truly be masters of our own domains, we must not only lay claims to lands on a map, we must have Romans to ensure those lands stay Roman and are defended against barbarous incursions.

With that said, I support the suggested establishment of colonia wherever Romans find themselves to be in the minority. Even if that includes within Italia itself. Colonias in the aforementioned regions suggested by the Senators and Consuls have my support and that of Propraetor Fabius Maximus:
Sardinia et Corsica (PCT)
Genua (Consul Claudius Nero)
Bononia/Placentia (MSP)
H Ulterior (Consul Domitius Corbulo)
C Citerior (Propraetor Fabius Maximus)

And of course, as mentioned earlier by Senator Lucretius Tricipitinus, we can consider spacing them out over several years. I wouldn’t want to drain the treasury just for colonias and to empty Rome of its working class.

[Gaius Claudius Nero Liguricus]

Consul Nero Liguricus rises back up after the discussion to speak

Conscript Fathers,

It looks like we have a vast array of of ideas for locations to build colonia in, so I would like to accommodate Senator Lucretius Tricipitinus' plan of a multi year program. As well, in the interest of establishing stability in the newly conquered regions, I will recommend that for this year, one colonia be built in Liguria and one in Hispania within the Turduli lands. The size of which will be 5,000 people per, totalling at 3.15m Denarii. I feel this will be a good stepping stone into Romanising and stabilising the regions, along with providing a means of expanding further Colonia in the surrounding regions in the future.

For subsequent years, I would like to incorporate all suggestions into one program to found two small colonia, totalling 945,000 Denarii a year, for 3 years. This also gives the governors in Hispania an opportunity to identify future locations for colonia over the next two years.

192BC: Bononia and Hispania Citerior
191BC: Porto Torres and Hispania Ulterior
190BC: Pisa and Parma

In the interest of wrapping this up, I will put it to a vote. The following bill will be put up for vote now:

193BC: 3,150,000 Denarii for a 5,000 person Colonia in Genua and Turduli Capital
192BC: 945,000 Denarii for a 1,500 person Colonia in Bononia and Hispania Citerior - To be determined by Governor in region
191BC: 945,000 Denarii for a 1,500 person Colonia in Porto Torres and Hispania Ulterior - To be determined by Governor in region
190BC: 945,000 Denarii for a 1,500 person Colonia in Pisa and Parma

[Gaius Claudius Nero Liguricus]

Aye.

[Marcus Decius Bellicus]

Aye

[Hostus Lucretius Tricipitinus]

Nay. We should not commit future sessions money and let the senate decide each year

[Gnaeus Domitius Corbulo Hispanicus]

Aye.

[Allectus Fabius Maximus]

Aye