Conflict of Orders

Marcus Decius Bellicus, looking less than entertained by the subpar performance that was promised, rises to his feet slowly

“Conscript Fathers, I can think of fewer men in recent history more deserving of such accolades than our current Consuls. Truly they have managed to do what many in this Senate were unwilling to do, out of a coward’s sense of being miserly with the vast wealth of Rome, which is to bring more and more of Hispania to heel.

I happily support this motion.”

After considering the words of the presiding Senator and the statements made by his colleagues, Senator M. Silvius Pastor rose to speak.

Presiding Senator,

Your news from our Consuls in the field fills me with Roman pride - to hear the success of a third successful campaign in Cisalpine Gaul to avenge our fallen brethren and re-establish rule in the region is particularly encouraging. Likewise, it brings me joy to hear of the defeat of those traitorous Ilergetes - who saw fit to betray their obligations to our Mother Republic on multiple occasions; however graciously lenient I find their re-integration. For their subdual of barbarian tribes, I support the award of a Medium Triumph - the same award granted to then-Consul, Senator Amulius Valerius Marius for his subdual of the Gauls and was under consideration for then-Consul, Senator Marcus Decius Bellicus before his return to Rome - to Consuls C. Claudius Nero and Cn. Domitus Corbulo. That said, if this esteemed body deems it prudent to expand triumphal precedent, I will humbly support the award of a Large Triumph to both Consuls.

On the other hand, Senator, your suggestion of the official award of Agnomen is one I cannot support. Lest members of this esteemed body forget, the most recent award of an Agnomen was to our esteemed colleague, Senator P. Cornelius Scipio Africanus, in recognition of his complete victory over the Punic menace which culminated at Zama. In congruent circumstances, this esteemed body did not see fit to award the Agnomen of “Sparticus” or the like to then-Consul T. Furius Pavo despite his complete military and diplomatic victory over the Graecian tyrant, Nabis. In contrast, I believe the presiding Senator conflates the undoubtedly profound accomplishments of our sitting Consuls with accomplishments made possible by the contributions of multiple Romans assembled here today. Indeed, while the defeat of certain barbarous tribes by each respective Consul will rightly be recognized by their triumphal return to Rome; the overarching Roman victories in Cisalpine Gaul and greater Hispania are thanks to the undertakings of numerous men who have served in the regions, including, but not limited to: Senators C. Cassius Vecellinus, Amulius Valerius Marius, M. Decius Bellicus, Host. Lucretius Tricipitinus, C. Quinctilius Varus, Allectus Fabius Maximus, and M. Claudius Marcellus, within the past few years alone. Thus, the glory for these victories in particular ought to be shared by all Romans. It is upon these precedential grounds which I cannot voice my support for the award of Agnomen to either sitting Consul.

I yield the floor.

M. Decius Bellicus rises

“Conscript Fathers, I do not see how if some of the people named who campaigned against these similar barbarous leeches would support these awards that others wouldn’t. The good M. Silvius Pastor, my former Legatus, against the Boii, surely is not saying that the massive expansion of Roman territories is not deserving of such recognition?

“I also must say that it also is irrelevant what others have done in these regions in the past, as that seems to imply that some of these Senators are undertaking these actions for their own benefit and glory, not that of Rome itself.”

C. Quinctilius Varus rose to speak, the heavy tanlines of Hispania still clearly visible on his head and cheeks, whilst his mourning beard remained unkempt and wild.

Conscript Fathers,

We have before us two candidates most deserving of triumphs. Men who having already served Rome ably in Hispania, leading successful campaigns there which went with little or no honors at home. The good Domitius Corbulo and the honorable Claudius Nero have etched their mark in the annuls of the Republic's glory. It seems only fitting and just that they should be well and truly recognized for their continuing service to our Mother Rome--

Taking a moment to scan the room, C. Quint. Varus's gaze fell upon M. Silvius Pastor, Varus gestured openly towards him.

--I must however share the concerns of the good and honorable Marcus Silvius Pastor. It may be that Agnomen are a touch beyond the scope of the honors we should be bestowing. Indeed if I were to receive one for such victories I would be embarrassed for myself.

Esteemed Brethren,

We appear to all be in agreement, where Roman possessions are expanded through the military defeat of hostile forces, appropriate recognition is deserved - in the form of a Triumph, honoring a man acclaimed Imperator by his men with approval of the Senate. All who have spoken today have acknowledged that fact.

The award of an Agnomen; however, is a separate and distinct honor bestowed by the Senate. As was the case with our most recent award of an Agnomen - Africanus - the Senate saw fit to further honor an instance of individual heroism in the face of battle against an infamous foe. It was, in that sense, further recognition for a course of singular action above and beyond what is expected of an honorable Roman.

The Senator, M. Decius Bellicus does himself a disservice - he and all other Senators mentioned earlier have, through their service to Rome, gone above and beyond what is expected of an honorable Roman. Indeed, it was the diligence of these colleagues in service to Rome - as opposed to their own glory - which laid the necessary foundation for the Consular victories we hear of today. It is due to the selfless service of these aforementioned Senators - while serving as Magistrates or on assignment in the regions of Cisalpine Gaul and Hispania - and their collective efforts that I am not comfortable granting such a singular award to our honored Consuls, despite their commendable and continued service to Rome.

To bestow Agnomen would be to dilute the honor itself; whilst simultaneously undermining the honor that both sitting Consuls undoubtedly truly deserve - the privilege of a Triumph.

I support medium triumphs for both Consul's on the merit of their actions. Staring down the full might of the Boii, my campaign utterly crippled their ability to contest Rome. Over 50,000 barbarians were slain, vast amounts of land retaken and colonized, we returned home victorius. The Senate honored my legions with a most appropriate medium triumph for this.

Then Senator Bellicus continued the campaign against the Boii and ensured their compliance. The Senate wished to honor his legions with a most appropriate medium triumph for this, but did not at the request of the Consul.

Senator Pavo was awarded his large triumph in recognition for his masterful campaign against a powerful, civilized, Greek Kingdom.

Our current Consul's certainly deserve accolades for their success and regardless of how the Senate chooses to recognize them, they have honored Rome.

The proxy for Consul Claudius Nero rises to speak

Conscript Fathers,

I also received a report from Consul Claudius Nero regarding his campaign, so I would like to expand on what Senator Albinovanus Fango has said. As he has stated, 9 tribes in total have been either subjugated or pacified over his campaign. Of these, 3 tribes have submitted as Civitas Foederata, joining them to Rome under Foedus Aequum. These tribes served with Rome against the Punics, and so they have been granted leniency in their submission for their assistance. 4 tribes submitted as Civitas Stipendaria, joining under Foedus Iniquum for either standing against Rome, or allowing the Punic invasion through. The final 2 have been pacified into irrelevance for many years to come. In total, the lands added to Rome are about equal in size to Sardinia. As well, the amount of loot gained from his campaign has been more than was spent on for his army, and has been a net positive for the Republic.

Once the Consul has returned, he has told me he will ratify all the treaties he signed in a Senate session.

Proximus Maximus sat in silence as he listened to the various Senators give their arguments and opinions on the matter. He then stood up to speak once called upon to do so.

Good and Honorable Conscript Fathers,

The actions of Consuls Domitius Corbulo and Claudius Nero speak for themselves. Consul Domitius Corbulo has pacified a threat in Hispania and added the tribes as Socii and their lands into the Roman dominion. Consul Claudius Nero has spread the Republic deeper into Gallic territory than any Consul before him and has subjugated or brought to heel no less than 9 tribes who could be a threat to the security of the Republic and the well being of Romans who live along the border. I support large triumphs for both men and the added agnomen for their works to both individuals.

After listening to debate back and forth for several hours, Albinovanus Fango rose to his feet.

"I believe we have heard from both sides for an appropriate amount of time. I move that we vote on a formal motion without further debate."

Awarding Triumphs and Agnomina to Consuls Domitius Corbulo and Claudius Nero

Recognizing their many military victories throughout the year 193 B.C. and earlier.
Acknowledging their great deeds done in the name of the Gods, Rome, and the Republic.

Consul Gnaeus Domitius Corbulo and Consul Gaius Claudius Nero are awarded the following:

-Large Triumph for Consul Domitius Corbulo
-Large Triumph for Consul Claudius Nero
-Hispanicus agnomen for Consul Domitius Corbulo
-Liguricus agnomen for Consul Claudius Nero

"Assembled Senators may now vote".

aye