The Rise Of An Empire In Ancient Europe
Chapter 180: Punishment from Sparta

Chapter 180: Chapter 180: Punishment from Sparta

The grand hall of the Spartan Gerousia fell into an uneasy silence, the air tense with the weight of unspoken rivalries. All eyes were fixed on the two figures at odds—Pausanias, the stoic king, and Lysander, the calculating reformer. Their strained relationship was well-known, and any clash between them had the potential to shift the balance of Spartan politics.

Breaking the silence, Elder Diopetis coughed and posed a question to defuse the growing tension. "This alliance mentioned in the report—what do we know of it? I’ve never heard of it before."

Lysander, ever composed, leaned forward. "It is a newly formed entity in Magna Graecia, formally called the Thurii-Amendolara Alliance." His words were met with blank stares from the elders, many of whom cared little for the distant western Mediterranean. Noticing their confusion, Lysander continued, "Do you remember the Thurii envoy who came to Sparta seeking aid last year?"

Elder Lysippos nodded. "I recall. We rejected his request but allowed Thurii to recruit mercenaries from the eastern Mediterranean. It was a generous act, considering their past support of Athens during the Peloponnesian War. If not for moral solidarity as fellow Greeks, we might not have extended such kindness."

The other elders murmured their agreement.

Lysander’s voice carried an edge of purpose. "That envoy, empowered by our decision, traveled to Byzantium and recruited a group of mercenaries recently returned from the Persian expedition. These mercenaries helped Thurii defeat the native tribes occupying Amendolara, and many became citizens of the city. Their leader, a man named Juleios, was even elected as Amendolara’s lifelong ruler."

"Lifelong ruler? Of a city built by mercenaries?" scoffed Elder Diopetis. "And they call this man a military genius? Such titles are laughable when compared to the warriors of Sparta!"

"Indeed!" Agesilaus, sitting among the council, chimed in humbly. "True military prowess comes not from brilliance but from relentless training, discipline, and experience. By these measures, every Spartan citizen is a commander in their own right."

Lysander acknowledged the comment with a nod but pressed on. "Nevertheless, this Juleios achieved what few could. After Croton burned Thurii to the ground, he led the Amendolarans in a daring night attack on Croton’s forces, capturing their army. He then spearheaded the formation of the Thurii-Amendolara Alliance, serving as its lifelong Archon. It is under his leadership that this alliance has grown."

"Croton defeated by mercenaries," muttered one elder, shaking his head. "Perhaps this Juleios is more capable than we give him credit for."

"And yet his ambitions are clear," warned Lysippos. "A lifelong ruler of two cities—he likely seeks to rival Dionysius of Syracuse as a tyrant of Magna Graecia."

The discussion shifted focus. "These mercenaries settled in Magna Graecia seem intent on luring their former comrades to join them," Diopetis declared. "Someone must have gone to Ephesus to incite the mercenaries stationed there to flee."

"While we lack concrete evidence," Lysander countered, "we Spartans must act decisively. As long as the facts align, we declare that the Thurii-Amendolara Alliance is responsible."

"Spartan tradition demands strength and action," another elder agreed, his voice firm. "We cannot let them undermine us."

The council reached consensus with remarkable swiftness. The Thurii-Amendolara Alliance was identified as the culprit. Their punishment?

Send envoys to formally condemn the alliance.Demand compensation for the disruption caused in Ephesus.Insist on the return of the mercenaries who fled to Magna Graecia.

Lysander added a chilling condition: "Juleios must lead a force to join Dercyllidas in the Persian campaign. Let this serve as both punishment and acknowledgment of his abilities."

The proposal was met with approval, though a question lingered in the room.

"What if the Thurii-Amendolara Alliance refuses our demands?" asked Agesilaus.

"They wouldn’t dare! Refusal would mean war with Sparta!" thundered Diopetis, though his confidence wavered at the thought.

Pausanias interjected. "War? We are already stretched thin, defending against Persia and managing unruly allies like Elis. Sparta cannot spare resources for a campaign in Magna Graecia."

Another elder agreed. "Provoking dissatisfaction among the city-states of Magna Graecia would harm our influence in the region."

"Then we turn to Syracuse," Lysander suggested. "Dionysius owes much to Spartan support. He can act as our arm in the western Mediterranean."

The elders nodded, their course set. Sparta would rely on its ally to enforce its will, maintaining its dignity without overextending its strength.

The next task was appointing an envoy to deliver Sparta’s demands. Agesilaus volunteered, his curiosity piqued by the tales of Juleios.

"You shouldn’t go," Diopetis sneered. "Your... condition might lead the Thurii-Amendolara Alliance to underestimate Sparta." The veiled insult cut deep, referring to Agesilaus’ lameness.

Agesilaus remained calm, his years of enduring scorn fortifying his resolve. Before he could respond, Lysander stepped in. "The alliance is but a small, remote city-state. It’s unworthy of royal representation. I propose Phoebidas as envoy."

Though some objected, citing Phoebidas’ brash temperament, Lysander argued, "A forceful approach will ensure their compliance."

The decision was made. Phoebidas would journey to Magna Graecia to confront the Thurii-Amendolara Alliance.

As the council adjourned, Lysander approached Agesilaus. "You’re not upset with me, are you?" he asked with feigned concern.

Agesilaus smiled faintly. "I see your reasoning. Is it because of Agis?"

Lysander nodded. "Agis won’t last much longer. If you leave Sparta now, that pretender Leotychidas might gain the upper hand. Don’t worry; I’m with you."

Agesilaus bowed his head in gratitude, though a flicker of caution lingered in his eyes.

From across the room, Pausanias and Diopetis observed their exchange. "Our ’reformer’ grows ever closer to Agesilaus," Pausanias muttered darkly.

"We must act to secure the royal lineage," Diopetis replied. "I’ll need your help in obtaining an oracle from Delphi to support Leotychidas."

Pausanias nodded. "I’ll send for it immediately. We can’t let Lysander’s ambitions reach the throne."

Meanwhile, across the Mediterranean, the merchant ship carrying Timasion, Zantiparis, and their companions approached the Gulf of Taranto. Agassias stood at the bow, pointing to the faint green coastline ahead. "There it is—Thurii, our city-state!"

The weary travelers gathered at the railing, their eyes fixed on the horizon. For some, it was a return to a promised land; for others, it was the beginning of a new Chapter. The faint outline of Thurii promised hope, challenge, and a fresh start beneath the banner of the Dionian League.