Rome Must Perish
Chapter 102 - 85: Dividing Forces to Head South_2

Chapter 102: Chapter 85: Dividing Forces to Head South_2

The reason for dividing the forces and marching south is that Spartacus and the other leaders considered how massive the rebel army had grown. If they stayed clustered together, it would not only hinder their movement but also make gathering sufficient supplies along the way difficult, potentially leading to internal conflicts. Additionally, splitting the forces and advancing south would further expand the rebel army’s power.

Of course, there’s another important reason the rebel army chose Benevento as the place to divide their forces — two major roads leading south converge here.

One is the Appian Way, which runs from Benevento through Tarentum all the way to Brindisi. This is one of the earliest roads Rome built to connect to Great Greece. Back then, King Pyrrhus of Epirus led his mercenary army through this road to march on Rome. Spartacus and the leaders’ army planned to take this road.

The other road is the Minucia Avenue, constructed by the Romans after the First Punic War. It stretches from Benevento through Canosa to Bari, ending ultimately at Brindisi. Maximus and Attutmus’ armies were taking this route.

Traveling by land from Campania to Great Greece is no easy task. The Samnium Region and the Lucania Region are filled with rolling mountains, which make north-south travel difficult. Fortunately, the Romans built these roads to connect the north and south, promoting exchanges and strengthening control over the southern regions. However, these same roads also made it easier for enemies to invade...

Maximus, mounted on his horse, looked at the soldiers in their column snaking along the road, both ends of the line obscured by verdant mountain ridges. He couldn’t help but marvel: Look here at the Minucia Avenue underfoot! Though narrower compared to the Latina Avenue on the Campagna Plain, it has roadside trees, tombstones, milestones, pedestrian paths, stone benches, drainage ditches, and carriageways — everything one could ask for. The road’s overall width averages about five meters, and its surface is paved with neatly cut stone slabs, flat and sturdy. It’s truly remarkable! Bear in mind, this is all within a mountainous region! The Romans’ infrastructure prowess is extraordinary!

While marveling, Maximus also felt fortunate: Thanks to this road, his troops could march far more effectively in the mountains!

The Supply Team’s wagons — whether drawn by horses, oxen, or donkeys — traveled along the central carriageway, while the soldiers marched on pedestrian paths on both sides. At the front and back, a battalion served as guards, ensuring safety during the march. It could be said that the Roman roads were practically designed for military operations...

"Report, Leader Maximus!" A mounted rider came galloping from the front.

Maximus felt a jolt of unease but reined it in, feigning calm as he asked, "What happened? Is there any enemy activity?"

The messenger dismounted, saluted respectfully, and said, "Leader, Military Officer Flanitnus has found a site ahead suitable for camping and recommends that the army halt here to construct the camp immediately."

Maximus instinctively looked up at the sky, a little surprised, and said, "Camping already? Isn’t it a bit too early for that?"

Before the messenger could respond, Quintus, Chief of Staff, standing near Maximus, cleared his throat lightly and said, "Leader, I believe Flanitnus’ suggestion is correct. It’s winter now, and the mountains are much colder than the plains. The soldiers expend more energy while marching... Furthermore, finding a good camping site in the mountains is no easy task. If the soldiers can start constructing the camp earlier, they can enter their tents before nightfall to rest, helping them recover their strength for the next day’s march..."

Though Quintus and Flanitnus occasionally clashed over minor issues, Quintus was not one to oppose a sound suggestion out of spite. Still, as he explained his reasoning, he couldn’t help but chide himself internally: This is common military knowledge — how could I forget to raise the idea earlier? Could it really be because I’m getting old?

With the two most experienced Roman veterans in the army aligning on this recommendation, Maximus wisely conceded. He laughed heartily and said, "It seems sending Flanitnus to assist Fesaros as the vanguard was a smart move! Let’s follow his advice and start camping now. Akegu, take some men and notify each unit to prepare for camping!"

"Yes!"

"Casius, inform Engineering Captain Adrius to lead his team forward and supervise the camp’s construction!"

"Yes!"

"Gaurus, head to the rear immediately and find Leader Attutmus. Explain our reasons for camping now and suggest that he coordinate with us and take similar action."

"Yes!"

...

Maximus calmly issued one order after another, while the young attendants at his side quickly dispersed to carry them out...

Recently promoted to Centurion, Tini Bazus was motivating his somewhat fatigued soldiers when a sudden cheer erupted from the front lines. Shortly after, a messenger sped down the roadside pedestrian path, holding a command token and shouting, "Leader Maximus orders all units to halt the march and move to the valley ahead to construct the camp!"

The soldiers under Tini Bazus also began cheering.

He immediately scolded them, "What’s there to be so happy about? Marching may be exhausting, but digging trenches is even worse!"

"Captain, we know that, but at least we’ll get into the tents to rest earlier," a soldier replied.

"Fine, since you think building a camp is easier than marching, I’ll keep an eye on you. If I catch you slacking off while digging, you’ll regret it," Tini Bazus said, putting on a stern expression.

The soldier quickly protested, "Captain, I never said digging was easier than marching!"

"I don’t care — you better work hard anyway!" Tini Bazus said with a hint of playfulness in his tone.

The soldier, knowing his officer’s temperament, sighed in exasperation but didn’t argue further. The others laughed openly.

The pace of the columns ahead suddenly quickened. Tini Bazus and his men hurried to catch up.

After rounding the mountain ridge ahead, the troops left the road and entered a mountain hollow to the right. It was a large sloped area with relatively even terrain, covered in wild grass and scattered trees but few rocks. A small brook ran along its edge... While not an ideal campsite, finding a place like this in the mountains was no small feat. Moreover, it wasn’t far from the main road, making it quite suitable for the army.

When Tini Bazus led his Centurion unit to the site, earlier-arriving units were already at work — some felling trees, others clearing wild grass...

"Captain, our Fifth Battalion is over there!" an observant soldier shouted, pointing to the right front where many soldiers had gathered. In the center of the group, a standard was raised — a white linen flag embroidered with the special numeral "5" taught by Maximus.

Having spent nearly two months in the evening study sessions, Tini Bazus certainly understood the meaning behind this "5." Most soldiers, however, had merely memorized its form and nicknamed it the "scythe flag."

Tini Bazus led his men to the Fifth Battalion’s assembly point: "Reporting to the Great Captain, the Second Centurion arrives!"

The commander of the Fifth Battalion, Crusinas Lufus, was once a veteran under Marius. Later enslaved and serving in the military like Flanitnus, Lufus eventually joined Maximus’ forces. Initially placed in an advisory role, he was later assigned to the staff team.

After capturing Pompey, the rebel army expanded rapidly. Despite Maximus’ caution, his soldiers alone reached 6,000 men, and the entire force swelled to over 7,000 when including others. More soldiers meant there was a severe shortage of officers.