Legio XVII: Battle of Zama

by Thomas A. Timmes

  They walked about 50 feet away from the camp and sat on a small grassy hill. It was dark, but the moon shone brightly. Cassius and Modius stood a discreet distance away.

  “Father, I don’t know what to do about Mincia. I love her and can’t imagine living my life without her. What should I do?”

  “Titus, I know you are heartsick and truly love Mincia. I equate this forced separation with facing the death of a dear loved one. I feel terrible for you and wish I could solve the problem, but I can’t. These are the issues adults have to face all the time. We have two choices, follow our heart or stay with a plan. Usually, we know which to choose. The fact that you chose to go south with us rather than to stay with the Cenomani was a decision, albeit a painful one. If you had demanded to stay in Brixia, in time, you would become a Cenomani and adapt to their customs and language, but I think you have a warrior’s heart and will make an outstanding Legionary. In time, if she’s willing, you could return to Brixia and bring her back to Rome. You are a Roman and accustomed to a certain standard of living that you will not find among the Cenomani. For Mincia, coming to Rome will be a vast improvement. I think she would adapt to our way of life much more easily than you would in Brixia.”

  Titus said, “Maybe I could visit her next summer. We could marry and I could bring her back to Rome. If you agree, she could live with you and mother while I’m in Legionary Basic. Do you think mother would agree to that?”

  “I’ll speak to her. That sounds like a reasonable solution. Both of you will be 16 by then. I think it could work. Just thinking about it should return some joy to your life. You could write to her. Elitovius would translate the letters. What do you say?”

  “I think it’s a good solution. I feel a little better. Thank you father.” After their talk, Titus was a changed young man. He resumed talking with the Legionaries and living their life. He marched with them, ate their food, and took to sleeping in a tent with the troops. The walking pace was slow and Cassius always watched over him. Titus also sought out Elitovius and asked him to teach him the Cenomani language. They met daily and Titus proved to be a quick learner.

  When they arrived in Rome 35 days later, Manius put the Legion in a camp, paid the men their Legionary wages, and their share from the sale of the prisoners. He then gave them two weeks off to enjoy themselves. They had earned it. The list of dead and wounded was long.

  A week later, Manius and Lucia invited the leadership of Legion XVII and V Etrusci to their villa for a feast and entertainment. The Roman Treasury paid Manius his share of the proceeds from the sale of the prisoners, which almost doubled his personal wealth.

  The guests filled the villa to bursting. Calvus and Caile were there as well as the Greek doctor Quintus, Tomaeus, Canutus, Rasce, Elitovius, Vitulus, Servilius, Snake, other Tribunes from Legiones XVII and V Etrusci, and a host of Centurions. Titus and Flavia attended and had a good time mingling with the soldiers. Rivkah made an appearance, but quickly left. She was still grieving for Levi who had died two months earlier.

  Calvus asked Manius to give his thoughts for the future of Legiones XVII and V Etrusci.

  Manius thought for a few minutes and said, “I believe that the Legions in Etruria will successfully contain Mago. So I don’t see a role for our two Legions in the north regarding Mago. Similarly, there are multiple Legions in the south holding Hannibal in place. There is a possibility that we could go north at some point to repair the port at Genoa and continue patrolling the area to keep the peace with the Insubres and Ligurians. There is also the possibility that Scipio could call for more troops and we could deploy to Africa to support him. I’ve heard rumors that he may set sail to Africa next year.”

  The party continued for another hour and one by one, the guests left. Manius was filled with a warm glow. These men were his family just as much as Lucia, Titus, and Flavia. He felt a deep affection for them.

  For the remainder of December, Manius was the toast of Rome. He and Lucia were invited to numerous parties given in his honor. Even Titus and Flavia were invited to attend some of the events. It was a heady non-ending circuit of parties and drinking. Finally Manius had enough and began to decline the invitations.

  The one invitation he could not decline was from Senator Quintus Fabius who had argued to send Manius and his two Legions north to block the mercenaries from joining Mago. He had argued convincingly to send Manius, and his proposal passed unanimously. He was now eager to parade Manius through the Forum to give him his due and to highlight his own good judgment in recommending Manius for the job. On the appointed day, Fabius introduced Manius to the Senate where he was congratulated by all. Fabius then introduced a measure to reward Manius for his victory. It also passed without a dissenting vote. The reward nearly equaled the amount of money he received for the sale of the prisoners.

  In a magnanimous gesture, Manius shared the money among his leaders and the troops of Legio XVII and V Etrusci.

  Manius and his two Legions were placed in reserve to defend the city of Rome. In January 204, Manius initiated a training program to keep the Legions in fighting shape and to train the new recruits that flowed into camp to replace the men killed and wounded at Lake Benacus. The training was intense, but allowed for sufficient days off to maintain morale. Manius included competitive sporting events, which was always good for team building. To give his junior Centurion an opportunity for independent command, Manius organized trips to former battlefields such as Telamon and Cannae with a battlefield guide to explain how the Legions were deployed and the tactics employed. With Headquarters’ approval, he sent a Maniple south to view the defenses against Hannibal. He also sent a Maniple north to visit the Legions containing Mago. As one Maniple returned another would depart. The planning and logistics for these trips were the responsibility of the Centurions. These battlefield visits were highly prized by the Legionaries and the Centurions.

  Manius put aside all thoughts of retirement. He was still fit in mind and body and enjoyed what he was doing. He told Lucia that he would retire in a few years. Meanwhile, he had plenty of time off and was often home with his family. Life was good for the Tullus household.

  In time, Consul Scipio, as well as all the other far flung Legion Commanders, was briefed on current events by Briefing Teams dispatched from Rome. Manius’ victory at Lake Benacus was a part of that briefing. When Scipio heard of Manius’ success, he told his aides, “That man is a true Commander. I wish he were fighting with us.”

  *******

  Two things happened in the summer of 204 BC. Scipio was promoted to Proconsul, which indirectly signaled Senate approval to invade the coast of Africa.

  The Roman Senate had three priorities in 204. The first was to prevent Mago from joining Hannibal. The second was to eject Hannibal from Italy and the third was to support Scipio. Resources were allocated in that order.

  Manius learned that Scipio had amassed 45 warships, 350 transports, about 26,000 troops, and 3,000 horses. Based on Manius’ experience he figured each transport would be loaded with 75 Legionaries and 50 horses. He assumed the ships had horse stalls and loaded the horses from the beach. The second item was more personal. Titus reminded his father that they had talked about a summer trip to Brixia so he could visit Mincia. The first item was good news for Rome, the second not so much for the Tullus household, particularly for Lucia.

  Titus and Mincia had written numerous letters since December. Manius learned that there was a weekly courier run from Rome to Etruria as well as a constant stream of replacements for the Legions charged with stopping Mago. These couriers took Titus’ letters and handed them off to the Cenomani couriers from Brixia that Segovesus had arranged. Titus said, “I could ride with the couriers and then link up with the Cenomani who could escort me to Brixia.” He had it all planned out. His sister Flavia was amused with the whole thing and warned that Titus would bring her back to Rome and they would be already married according to Cenomani customs.

  In May 204, Lucia consented. Tit
us then asked his father if he could take a few horses and a small amount of money to give to Segovesus as a gift for hosting him. Titus called it a gift, but Manius was think this is really a dowry. “Son, let’s talk about this,” said Manius.

  “I gather you are planning on asking her father for permission to marry Mincia, is that correct?”

  “Yes it is father. I would like to bring her back to Rome and then I will join the Army. We are both of age and I would like your approval.”

  Manius knew he would turn 16 while at Brixia and there was no stopping him. “Your mother and I have talked about it and we approve. You may go with our blessings. I will arrange to give you three of my best horses and $5,000 in coins. That should please Segovesus.”

  Before he left, Manius arranged to have Elitovius accompany Titus to Brixia. Titus and Elitovius had been meeting twice a week to continue Titus’ language training. After five months, he spoke the Cenomani Celtic dialect reasonably well. Titus planned to return to Rome in December and bring Mincia with him, but had neglected to share this part of his plan with Elitovius.

  On May 1st, Titus and Elitovius departed Rome with the courier bound for the Legions at Arretium.

  *******

  On May 21st, Titus and Elitovius rode into Brixia. Titus’ heart was pounding. He was so nervous he could hardly speak. Mincia told her father that Titus was coming, but was unsure of the exact date. Segovesus was actually pleased with the blossoming romance between Mincia and Titus. Having his daughter marry the son of a famous Roman General enhanced his status among his people and would give her a better life than he or his deceased wife could ever have imagined. He set aside a hut for them and planned a Cenomani wedding. Mincia liked the idea of having their own hut, but was unsure if Titus would go through with the wedding even though they had talked about it in their letters.

  Elitovius was a Cenomani and still had relatives in Brixia. His parents had died many years ago, but he still had one living uncle, a brother, sister, and several nieces and nephews. For him, this was a home coming. For Titus, it was a first date all over again and he was happy yet extremely nervous.

  Brixia, Verona, and Bergamo had returned to normal after the evacuation last year and the wedding of the Chief’s daughter would be the highlight of the summer.

  Elitovius and Titus were taken to an empty hut to clean up and told that the Chief would see them at 5:00 P.M. Titus paced the floor and Elitovius said he was going to visit his uncle. The three beautiful horses provided by Manius were tied up outside and drew a small crowd of admirers. At 4:00 P.M. Titus washed up, put on clean clothes, and was relieved to see Elitovius rejoin him. Elitovius held the money and reviewed with Titus proper Cenomani marriage protocol.

  He told Titus, “Don’t rush it. Make small talk. Greet the chief and don’t even acknowledge Mincia’s presence. Eat dinner, talk about your father, ask him about the evacuation and resettlement, the crops, weather; just don’t mention marriage. He will bring it up. Then make your proposal and don’t act like you’re buying Mincia. The dowry is a gift from you to her father. Don’t tell him yet that you plan to take her to Rome. That will come much later. I figure you will have to stay here until after the birth of her first born. Then you can take her to Rome.”

  “I was planning to return in December?”

  “After the birth of the first child and not before! I’ll explain it to your parents. Brixia is a nice place. Settle in and enjoy it.”

  “What will I do?”

  “Cenomani men are exempt from military duties for a year after they marry. You’re supposed to enjoy your wife and have a child. I would suggest that after six months you begin training with the Cenomani Army. When you join the Legion, you’ll be that much ahead. I brought extra money so you won’t want for anything. Normally, the relatives of the bride and groom provide everything you need. You may want to visit Rosa and King Timo as well as Queen Bethica and Davenhardt. You can relax; no one expects you to do anything! Enjoy it while it lasts.”

  Titus had calmed down by the time he walked over to the Chief’s hut. When he entered, he saw Mincia standing behind her father with her hand on his shoulder. He sat in a large chair surrounded by his body guards and advisors. Mincia was more beautiful than he remembered. He forced himself to look at her father and in passable Cenomani dialect relayed the greeting of his father and mother. Segovesus asked about the trip and Titus asked about the resettlement. He had learned to make small talk while watching his father. Segovesus helped him with a word or two, and was impressed with young Titus’ command of the language.

  Mincia sat across the room while the men ate. He tried not to, but would occasionally steal a glance at her. One such time, it drew a jab in the ribs from Elitovius. After dinner, Segovesus asked Titus when he planned to return to Rome and what he planned for his life. Elitovius whispered, “Now.”

  “Sir, I have given much thought to how I may best serve Rome and the Cenomani people. I have learned of the abiding friendship that exists between our two peoples by watching how you serve the Cenomani and how my father serves Rome. With your permission, I believe my best course of action is to marry a Cenomani woman and live among your people to further develop the bond of friendship that currently exists. Someday, I will be able to speak to Romans on behalf of the Cenomani and serve as your ambassador of good will.”

  “Well said Titus! Would you like me to pick a Cenomani woman for you to marry or do you have someone in mind?”

  “Sir, with your permission, I would like to marry your daughter Mincia.”

  Segovesus said, “She is highly sought after by many young men from rich families who have offered gifts to comfort me for my loss. She is my prized possession.”

  “Sir, outside are three beautiful horses. They are a gift to you from me and my parents; would you like to go look at them now?” Segovesus got up and the entire group walked outside onto the porch to examine the horses.

  “Titus, these are fine horse and will help me get over my loss, but other suitors have offered much more.”

  “Sir, as a young man just starting his life and owning few possessions, I have little to offer to the Chief of the Cenomani, but I have one more gift that I hope will match that of the other suitors.” He reached over to Elitovius who handed him a leather bag engraved with Cenomani symbols and Segovesus’ name. Inside was $5,000 in coins.

  Segovesus examined the bag approving. He hefted it, peered inside, and said, “You have outdone all the other suitors. You may marry Mincia! The wedding will be held in three days.” He then slapped Titus on the back and almost knocked him off the porch.

  Inside the Hall, the other women danced in a circle around Mincia laughing and wishing her well.

  Much to his regret, Titus learned that he couldn’t see Mincia until the wedding. During the following days, Titus ate dinner with the Chief and they developed a friendship. Segovesus, his advisors, Titus, and Elitovius spent long hours talking about the political situation and war with the Carthaginians. Titus mostly listened, but knew enough to contribute. He was able to tell the Chief about the Battle of Lake Benacus in great depth, which fascinated Segovesus. This was the first time he had heard the details of the battle. Titus’ knowledge and ability to communicate impressed Segovesus. On the night before the wedding, he heard Elitovius refer to Segovesus as “uncle.” Later that evening when they were back in their hut, Titus asked, “Is Segovesus your uncle?”

  “Yes. It slipped out. No one else knows and I would appreciate it if you kept it between the two of us.”

  “Certainly, no one will hear it from me.”

  Unbeknownst to Titus and Mincia, Elitovius and Segovesus had talked through the entire wedding proposal.

  The following evening, after the sun had set, the large center area in front of the Chief’s hut glowed with hundreds of candles and torches and thousands of people formed a huge circle. Titus was put on a horse and led into the center where he dismounted. He wore a Cenomani sword and a headband
of red berries. A canopy symbolizing fertility had been erected in the center and was decorated with flowers, fruits, vegetables, and freshly killed chickens and rabbits.

  Trumpets and bells announced the arrival of Mincia who was carried in a sedan chair held at shoulder height. Her face was hidden behind a veil and she wore a headband of freshly picked flowers. The chair was lowered and Segovesus led her over to Titus. Segovesus then took Mincia’s left hand and put it in Titus’ right hand. Titus could feel her hand trembling. Segovesus asked each in turn if they wanted to marry. Both said yes. Little children then led them through the canopy to the other side as they scattered flowers in their path. Once through the canopy, Titus lifted her veil and kissed her on the forehead, both cheeks, and finally on the lips. The crowd went wild. The people danced in circles and shouted with joy. Titus and Mincia were married. They were led into the meeting Hall, which was filled with food and Cenomani beer. Elitovius already told Titus not to drink the beer if he planned to consummate his wedding.

  After a few hours of music, dancing and many a ribald joke, Titus and Mincia stole away to their hut. It was filled with food, drink, flowers, and gifts. They were expected to stay shut up in their hut for three days. Throughout the night, the revelers would periodically circle the hut shouting their congratulation and encouragement. Everyone was full of the powerful Cenomani beer.

  Inside the hut, the exhausted couple lay on the bed holding hands. They talked quietly for a while, closed their eyes, and fell fast asleep. After two hours, Titus awoke and fixed a plate for both of them and they ate and drank. They mostly looked at each other. They were still in shock that they were actually married. Slowly, as they ate, they began to talk about the wedding and Titus’ meeting with her father. Soon they were laughing and felt renewed. They rejoiced that they were finally together and soon blew out the candles.

  Chapter X: Scipio in Africa 204-203 BC