Conflict of Orders

Albinovanus Fango, proxy of Propraetor Domitius Corbulo, rises once more.

"Patres Conscripti,

I have a matter of grave importance. A messenger arrived earlier from Propraetor Domitius Corbulo. He reports the Turdetani tribes in Hispania Ulterior, though beaten badly last year, have arisen once more with aid from foreign tribes. He believes there is a host of no fewer than 30,000 tribal warriros facing him. Though greatly outnumbered, he is sure there exists no greater fighting force than the Roman soldiers of his legion. He requests we vote to move the Socii legion currently supporting the legion in Hispania Citerior to Hispania Ulterior to assist in suppressing the Turdetani tribesmen once and for all.

He also wishes to relay that should no reinforcements arrive, he will seek battle nonetheless and prove to the tribal people of Hispania that each Roman soldier is worth fifty of them."

I submit one final item for debate before the day ends:

That citizens have the right to seek the Tribune of the Plebes for
provocatio against flogging within the Pomerium, which is both a supreme form of corporal punishment, but also one that can result in death.

Due to the dangers of both social death (from humiliation) and actual death, I propose that this right be granted to our citizens in line with the Ancient Valerian laws.

Proximus Maximus again stands to speak

Good and honorable Consul A. Cotta,

I find the news from H. Ulterior to be most concerning and feel we must discuss it. However, since we are on the topic of the right to provocatio for those sentenced to scourging or floggings, I support the motion. The lives of fellow Romans must continue to be held in high regard and protected against the more savage punishments and reprisals reserved for the worst types of criminals, degenerates, slaves and barbarians.

The Censor rises and turns towards Albinovanus Fango.

Senator Fango,

Is this not a matter that can be amicably resolved between the two governors of the Hispanian provinces? Is involvement of the Senate truly necessary to resolve an issue for which the answer is all too evident? If it is necessary, then the measure has my support though it raises the question of wether some level of reorganization of our command structure is necessary.

Clearly, from a military standpoint, the Hispanian provinces can be perceived as a single theater even if for administrative purposes it makes sense to keep them separated. Perhaps we must consider a proposal to grant one of the two governors an higher level of imperium over our military forces in the region so that such issues do not arise. This higher power would be divided equally between the two governors at six months respectively each.

I would much prefer however that this change were not necessary and that our elected officials were capable of greater cooperation.

Turning toward Consul Aurelius Cotta.

Consul Aurelius,

To have a Consul put forth a proposal limiting the power of the Consulship to, without cause, punish any citizen is most admirable and a great show of character. This motion, seeking to eradicate the last vestiges of tyrannical Tarquin rule, has, of course, my full support.

I yield the floor.

Albinovanus Fango rises once more and addresses the Censor.

"Censor,

I did not mean to suggest any kind of rivalry exists between the Governors of Hispania Ulterior and Citerior. Nor did I mean to portray the relationship of the Governors as anything but friendly. The simple fact is that due to the chaotic nature of Hispania and the lack of proper infrastructure between provincial capitals, it is often easier and faster to send messengers the long distance to Rome. Propraetor Domitius Corbulo has dispatched messengers to Propraetor Claudius Marcellus but had not heard back, thus the necessity of his messenger to Rome. Propraetor Domitius Corbulo was, at the time the messenger left Corduba, not aware of what events were transpiring in Hispania Citerior."

Marcus Aurelius Cotta wrote: ↑Wed Dec 22, 2021 9:03 pm I submit one final item for debate before the day ends:

That citizens have the right to seek the Tribune of the Plebes for
provocatio against flogging within the Pomerium, which is both a supreme form of corporal punishment, but also one that can result in death.

Due to the dangers of both social death (from humiliation) and actual death, I propose that this right be granted to our citizens in line with the Ancient Valerian laws.

Standing in Proxy for the Proconsul,

Such a motion would have the full backing of any Valerian, should it be put to a vote.

A Senator associated with Cladius Marcellus stands up


The Proconsul is an extremely loyal, good, traditional Roman. He will always do what is best for Rome. If he determines that Governor Domitius Corbulo needs assistance, he will surely lend a hand. As we are all well aware, those who hold Pro-Magistrate powers are not limited to one province. Indeed they are free to march wherever they wish with their command. With that being said, if Governor Domitius Corbulo is in such dire straits, then I believe it would be appropriate to vote him his own additional Legions, rather than to try to strip Cladius Marcellus of his Legions

Time grows short, and I must depart soon, as my legions gather.

I would suggest that the Senate resume its discussion on the matter of Hispania afterwards, but would advise the propraetor’s proxy to advise the propraetor to write the Proconsul and request his assistance directly for a more speedy and amicable resolution than can be found here.

WHEREAS, the Valerian laws have protected citizens from death within the pomerium

WHEREAS, flogging is a form of punishment which can result in the death of the recipient when applied too liberally,

AND WHEREAS, the Tribune of the Plebeians has long protected all citizens of Rome from unjust punishment,

The Senate of Rome enacts as follows:

1. The citizens of Rome are granted the right to seek the Tribune of the Plebeians for provacotio against flogging within the Pomerium.

Commence division on the above motion.

Aye.