The Mad Tycoon of Rome

——Chapter 18: Slave Revolt (2)——

News of the shocking defeat of Glaber reached Rome right away.

Immediately the Senate was summoned.

The members of the Senate unanimously condemned that Glauber had harmed the honor of Rome.

“No matter how little trained rebellion leader was, I couldn’t understand it! They were only gladiators and slaves. We were overwhelmingly superior in terms of equipment and numbers.”

“More than a thousand Roman citizens were killed by slaves. Something that shouldn’t have happened has happened!”

“Judge! If you have something to say, say it!”

Glaber was speechless, like a mute who had eaten honey.

The only reason Glaber was able to escape safely was that he was riding a horse with stirrups on. Thanks to the stirrups, he was able to drive the horse in a very stable position while running away in a state of confusion.

The effectiveness of stirrups was proven in an unexpected direction.

Crassus couldn’t help but feel annoyed by this.

While members of the parliament scrambled to denounce Glaber, another jurist, Publius Varinius, demanded to speak.

“It is a disgrace that the army led by a Roman praetor was defeated by a slave. So I ask you, Senators, to give me a chance to restore the honor of Rome, which has fallen to the ground. I will take care of it.”

No objection was raised against Varinius.

Although Glaber had been defeated, the senate still did not regard it as a serious matter. Because for them, Glaber was defeated because his qualities were so lacking, not because the slaves were superior.

Even Varinius, who volunteered to entrust the punitive forces, thought the same.

Crassus wondered if this atmosphere would be a bit dangerous, but since Marcus had told him not to say anything, he didn’t say anything.

‘I don’t know what the reason is, but I’m sure there is a reason for what that child says.’

In fact, Crassus was surprised that Marcus accurately predicted that Varinius would lead the next subjugation army.

According to common sense, there was no way the consul would step in to subdue the slaves. Then, one could expect that another judge will come out naturally, but the number of judges was eight.

Excluding the defeated Glaber and Crassus, there were six remainings. But Marcus was even able to tell the name of that judge.

‘The more I look at him, the greater he becomes. How did it become like this in just over a year?’

The senate meeting went almost exactly as Marcus had predicted.

Crassus got slight goosebumps at his son’s near-precognitive prediction.

However, the feeling of pride was stronger than the suspicion.

How many fathers in the world would feel uncomfortable with their son’s genius, which was emerging day by day?

Crassus had the feeling that perhaps Marcus could rise to prominence in politics much more quickly.

In the past, if the next consul came out of the family, he thought it would be Publius, but not now.

'No, perhaps the day will come when both brothers become consuls like the Lucullus family.

'If that day comes, it will not be a dream for the Crassus family to reign at the pinnacle of the Optimates faction.'

Crassus did not know the comparison as an individual, but he had firm confidence that he had defeated Pompey in child farming.

In his mind, feeling a pleasant sense of superiority, not a single speech from Varinius declaring that he would quickly subjugate the army of slaves came through.

**

After the meeting of the Senate, Crassus told Marcus everything that had happened in the meeting hall.

This process, which was almost like a report, was now routine for both of them.

“As you said, I didn’t pay any attention to Varinius. But why did you say that?”

“It’s a pity that the blood will be shed, but if you can’t avoid the sacrifice, you have to move towards the best outcome. It will be the father who suppresses the slave rebellion.”

“You mean that Varinius will also be defeated by the slaves?

“Yes. He will lose. If Variniusleads with the mindset of fighting the dynasties of the East or the Germans of the North, he may win. But does he really think like that? And I’m sure the other senators will also do the same. They would perceive Crixus’ rebels as bugs that would be trampled on if they just stepped on them.”

Crassus had no objection. In fact, the atmosphere in the Senate meeting room was exactly like that.

All the members of the council only denounced Glaber but paid no attention to the rebels. 

Of course, Crassus was one of those people, so he asked.

“But it can’t be helped. Among them, only a few former gladiators and outcasts from bandits must have actually fought with a sword. Besides, in war, not only the fighting power of an individual is important, but also the commanding power of a commander."

"Who is there? Do they have any experience commanding an army? It’s harder to think that the regular army will lose to rookies who don’t even know the basics of strategy or tactics.”

In ancient society, military science was an advanced study that only nobles could learn.

In particular, Roman aristocrats enjoyed the most advanced military technology at the time, so their pride was very strong.

Marcus accurately pinpointed the complacency of that perception.

“That’s where you’re making a fatal mistake. Crixus, who leads the slave rebels, knows the basics of strategy and tactics. That Glaber was caught off guard means it wasn’t a coincidence.”

“What? How could a gladiator slave know such knowledge?”

“Spartacus told me about it when he was in Capua. Before he became a slave, he was in a position to lead a tribe. Of course, he must have had experience leading soldiers.”

“Why are you talking about that now... No, wait. How far do you predict the size of this rebel group will grow?”

Marcus paused for a moment, then opened his mouth in a cautious tone.

“If Varinius is defeated, the size of the slave army will easily increase to over 10,000 units. By then, Rome will recognize the seriousness, but subjugation will not be easy. Slaves from all over Rome will flock there and their power will increase. .”

“Umm... You hope it goes that far?”

According to history, even the consul’s army would be additionally defeated, but Marcus wasn’t sure of that either. This was because there has not yet been a definite estimate of the exact extent of Crixus’ skills.

Getting Crassus to put down this rebellion required great timing.

He needed to see more of the situation going back.

If he looked at the process of Varinius being defeated, he will be able to make a more certain judgment.

“First of all, it is certain that this rebellion will continue until the end of the year. So it is necessary to use this gap to train a large number of new cavalry.”

“A new trooper? How many?”

“It is a Roman-style heavy cavalry modeled after the Parthian heavy cavalry, Cataphractoi. They don’t need a lot of numbers. First of all, it is urgent to show their excellence in subjugating the rebels.”

Instead of holding the spear with both hands like the Parthian cavalrymen, Marcus introduced the method of holding the spearhead in the armpit.

This method had the advantage of being able to hold the spear with only one hand by using the armpit and holding the shield with the other hand. Alternatively, it was possible to hold the reins without raising the shield to add stability to the stance.

The best thing was that unlike holding the spear with both hands, it did not require a lot of space.

Thanks to this, it was possible to charge in a more dense formation by narrowing the left and right spacing.

Marcus said that this way of holding the spear was Spartacus’ idea.

Crassus was well aware of how excellent Spartacus was, so he had no doubts.

If the slave rebellion really lasts until the next year, it was not impossible in terms of time to deploy this new cavalry.

“Yes. From what you say, it certainly sounds like an opportunity not to be missed.”

“Yes. We are also planning to equip a little thicker equipment here. We will shorten the time as much as possible including that. Father will become a hero who suppressed the rebellion that spread like wildfire. In addition, the Roman cavalry power will be further improved. You will be evaluated as an innovator who has raised Rome up.”

“Hahaha, I don’t know about the former, but the latter is your credit. I cannot become a father who takes away his child’s credit.”

“Even if I did it, no one would believe me anyway. On the contrary, the father could be accused of doing too much to give his son fame. Besides, wouldn’t Publius be able to climb more safely?”

Marcus never intended to stand out too much.

It’s okay to be evaluated as an outstanding talent, but evaluation beyond that was just a burden in the current Roman system.

Roman aristocrats show an almost allergic reaction to those who show even the slightest possibility of dictatorship.

After Marius and Sulla actually wielded dictatorial power, the tendency became even stronger.

They never stand by and watch the unrivaled talent who goes out alone.

They will make any excuses to interfere and try to tame them.

Even Pompey, who was considered to be on the side of the Senate, was no exception.

No matter how great the achievements were, the Optimates faction of the Senate will not stop this check.

So Marcus decided to hide in the shadows of others until he had a power that no one could touch.

It doesn’t matter if the target was Crassus, his father, Pompey, whom he will meet later, or Caesar.

The important thing was to absorb the checks of the Senators.

What Marcus wanted was practicality, not fame.

Things like honor and recognition were the last thing he wanted.

Crassus, who had no way of knowing what his son was thinking, was just grateful and proud of his son’s meticulous consideration.

**

Having received Crassus’s permission, Marcus immediately began training new heavy cavalry.

It was not a matter with the consent of the Senate, so the finances must be covered by private expenses. So, it couldn’t be done on a large scale.

Still, with the current wealth of the Crassus family, this was not a problem.

There was no pressure to spend, especially thanks to stirrups and horseshoes, which were ordered in huge quantities.

Crassus, who was dubious that the rebellion would really grow on a large scale, decided to believe his son’s words when the news of Publius Varinius’ defeat came.

The cause of Varinius’ defeat was, as Marcus predicted.

Despising the slave rebels, he split his army of 4,000 in two and put an adjutant in command.

However, Crixus, who did not miss that moment, attacked the troops of his lieutenant, Cocinius, and defeated them individually.

Cocinius was unable to escape and was beheaded by Crixus. Varinius, who belatedly pursued Crixus, pretended to run away but was caught up in the operation of the rebels who made a surprise attack on the contrary and suffered a crushing defeat.

In particular, the fact that even the Pasques, which symbolized the authority of Roman dignitaries along with the military flag, was taken away was very fatal.

The Pasques is an ax made by tying several tree branches together, and Crixus made his subordinates carry this trophy proudly.

Boosted by this victory, Crixus’ power grew at a speed beyond the control of Rome.

The sound of horses’ hooves heading to Rome for the report continued day and night.

“A large exodus of southern shepherd slaves has joined the rebels.”

“The slaves of Neapolis have fled en masse.”

“The size of the rebels is estimated to have already exceeded 40,000.”

“Slaves have rioted in Metapontum. The rebels are said to be heading there to respond.”

Reports of the growing power of the slave rebels reached the Senate and the People’s Assembly every day.

There was also news that now their size is likely to be close to 60,000 to 70,000.

Now, it has far exceeded the scale that can be ignored as a small slave rebel.

Here, an event occurred that was contrary to the original history that Marcus knew.

Unlike the historical slave armies that traveled north to escape from Rome, today’s slave armies roamed all over Rome and committed thorough destruction.

Large cities with strong defenses could not be attacked, but medium-sized cities with weak walls could not withstand the offensive of the slave army.

They ransacked cities thoroughly, killing male Roman citizens and r*ping women.

Since there was no one to control the slaves like Spartacus, the aggression reached its peak.

Crixus did not even think of stopping them and was only focused on preparing to fight the Roman army that would come later.

As the damage snowballed, the senate finally forced an army to be summoned before the sun went down.

Even this was different from actual history.

It was commanded by Lucius Gellius Publnicola and Gnaeus Cornelius Lentulus, whose tenures would begin the following year.

This time, the real Roman regular legion was put in, not a recruit sent to save face.

The consuls led two legions each, totaling more than 25,000 legions, and sent out.

“Sending all four legions against just one insurgent rather than an enemy is unheard of. Even if we win, we will have to risk our borders and our face value.”

There were some lawmakers who still viewed the current situation as soft, but the majority of lawmakers supported the introduction of the regular corps.

Of course, the lawmakers who took this situation seriously were convinced that the situation would end with this, as they had put in as many as four corps.

But things didn’t work out that easily.

No matter how mild the Mediterranean climate was, winter was not a good season for the war.

Moreover, the end of the year was the rainiest season of the year. The morale of the troops marching over the muddy fields in the bitter cold could not be high.

The two consuls did not even move together, wanting to take credit for ending the war.

Gellius, who rushed to the conclusion, was caught in an ambush by Crixus and fled.

Even the army of Archon Lentulus, who followed, was defeated like a lie.

Of course, the slave army was not without damage.

Crixus suffered considerable damage even though he fought under more favorable conditions than in actual history.

It was also proof that he did not have the military strategy of Spartacus.

However, as in history, the advantage that leaders were not divided eventually brought victory.

Another shocking news flew along with the thunderclap of the defeat of the army led by the consul.

One of the freed Roman soldiers from Lentulus’s legion stood on the rostrum of the Comitium, where the assembly was held.

The soldier shed tears of blood and condemned the atrocities committed by Crixus’ army against the Roman army.

“They gave swords to us captive Roman citizens and made them fight with each other. Those who refused to fight were brutally tortured to death.

"And they laughed and mocked us as we fought, saying he would only free those who fought and survived! I stand here, having survived humiliatingly even by killing the same comrades. why? Because I couldn’t die until I told them what they were doing!”

“You dare those scumbags!”

The shouts of angry citizens filled the Roman Forum.

The soldier thumped his chest with his fist and let go of his throat, screaming.

“Their leader freed me and told me to tell Rome what he said. He declared that he was the vessel of his anger toward Rome and that this anger would soon sweep Rome even more fiercely. Do I have to see his spirited appearance!”

“What is the senate doing!”

“Since the consuls are thinking of making their own contributions, this is what happens! It’s a disgrace to Rome!”

Naturally, the senate could not ignore the demands of the angry people.

No, on the contrary, they were angrier than the common people.

The right to host gladiatorial competitions belonged only to the Romans.

Crixus did this ostentatiously to ridicule Rome’s vested interests on purpose.

However, if they rashly raise an army simply because they were angry, it will only be a trial for their previous defeat.

In addition, in a situation where even the consul’s army was defeated, no one hastily volunteered to step up.

It was a large army of more than a few thousand. In addition, their morale was soaring with successive victories.

They were never an easy opponent to see.

A situation where no one can step out. Cicero, a newcomer recently gaining a reputation as a lawyer, cautiously said.

“If we forcefully raise an army in winter, we will only lose again. Fortunately, Sertorius’ rebellion in Hispania is now almost suppressed. Pompey will return next year at the latest, so why don’t we entrust him with command?”

“No matter how much it is, Hispania has not yet been suppressed, and if we just wait for Pompey...”

“Are you saying there is no talent in Rome other than Pompeius?”

The senators objected unconditionally because they did not want to give Pompey any more opportunities to build military service.

Even so, no one came forward to take command.

Following Marcus’ advice, Crassus was convinced that now was the right time to act. He jumped up from his seat and opened his mouth in an unusually polite voice.

“Respected Members, please give me the Imperium (the highest command). I will lead the army to defeat the rebels and restore Rome’s honor.”

It was true that Crassus, the chief judge, was qualified to lead the legion. However, he had no military service beyond a brief stint under Sulla. He lacked the level of trust he could trust completely.

Caecilius Metellus, who recently served as an inspector general, raised his hand and asked cautiously.

“How do you plan to face the enemy, Chief Justice?”

“The reason we have been defeated so far is clear. The commanders looked down on the enemy and let their guard down, and they were already certain of victory and coveted military exploits, so they couldn’t fully demonstrate their strength. So, I ask the members of the council. Ming, and let me organize 8 legions, including the army of the defeated archon. I will thoroughly annihilate the enemy without any carelessness or conceit.”

The firm and certain declaration made the senate agitated at once. It was certainly persuasive, but there was one problem with just listening to it.

The leader of the group, Rentulus, cautiously objected.

“Eight corps is too many. I don’t have the courage to say this, but if I put in 8 corps, of course, I will be able to annihilate them. But shouldn’t there be financial issues as well?”

Publnicola took his word and added one vote against it.

“Given the current financial situation, the pressure to organize 8 corps is too great.

“I will cover the cost.”

Crassus’ simple rebuttal made the Senate president go silent and he continued.

“Please organize only 6 corps from the national treasury. I will cover the 2 corps with my own money.”

The senators’ eyes widened.

Lentulus and Publnicola quietly lowered their hands and sat down as if nothing had happened.

After that, in an instant, the proposal to grant Crassus imperium and appoint him as the commander-in-chief of the punitive forces was passed.

There were no dissenting votes.