Legio XVII: The Eagle Strikes

Legio XVII: The Eagle Strikes

200 BC

Published by Thomas A. Timmes at Smashwords

Copyright 2016 Thomas A. Timmes

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Also by Thomas A. Timmes

Book I - Legio XVII: Roman Legion at War

Book II - Legio XVII: Battle of the Danube

Book III - Legio XVII: Battle of Zama

Reader’s Comments for Books I, II, and III

I'm 62. I've been reading about Roman history since I was 8. This book trumps them all! Fantastic read!

Excellent book that is rich in detailed strategy, weapons development and battlefield maneuvers. One of the best I’ve read of the dozens concerning the Roman Legions and their role in Rome’s expansion. A must read!

I am an avid reader of Roman history - both fact and fiction and consider this title one of the very best I have found. The narrative, the characters have been treated in a manner that are totally engrossing. The battle scenes are graphic and I would certainly enjoy a similar offering from this author.

Thomas Timmes does it yet again. Read his previous books and understand why he is 1 of the best historical fiction writers. This book concerns the climactic battle between the 2 ancient enemies, Rome and Carthage. It is very well written and contains a quite believable plot structure that lead this legion onto the plains of Zama near Carthage. The battle scenes are quite differently described in what the author has made his own very believable style. It gives many insights as to how legions were trained and supplied as well as lead.

I am an avid reader of historical fiction, especially of Roman and British military expeditions. This is one of the most interesting books that I have read in the past thirty years. As a former Captain of Marines, I was especially impressed by the detailed description of the preparations of both operations and logistics. Too many writers focus on just the battles and totally miss the critical issues of preparation that leads to success.

Thomas Timmes is up to the likes of (Averil) Cameron, (Simon) Scarrow and (Anthony) Riches.

...brilliant storytelling cannot wait for third book in series

Thomas A. Timmes has written a fascinating insight into the Roman Legions....I was afraid that this book would read like a bland history book. It was instead a very interesting, educational read. I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in reading about the early BC Roman Empire.

Thomas A. Timmes knows how to write history fiction books. Thoroughly enjoyed reading Legio XVII - Legio at War. The author displays superior characterization skills in this book. I enjoyed the way the story unfolded and how it concluded. The Introduction was a priceless gateway to the story and the Epilogue was a treasure chest of aha moments. I would wake up in the middle of the night just to read a couple more paragraphs. I honestly could not put the book down. Thank you for turning me into an addict of your work.

...Few military persons bother with the logistics side of a campaign and must assume that food and spares just arrive when required. Having been a regular myself and also a police officer with overall command of specialist teams, logistics played a major part of my working day. I have read all books in this series and have fully enjoyed all of them. Well Done.

I have been recently reading several novels about Scipio Africanus and this is the best so far. Hope there's another in the series heading our way.

This book is unique in that it is written as a cross between a genuine history book and the storytelling genre of the historical fiction novel. I found it a fascinating and an extremely entertaining read.

"I found this a thoroughly enjoyable read, the detail and storytelling was very interesting and gives a good insight into the way Rome went about expanding their ever growing ambition.

My son who is 12 has really enjoyed reading the whole series, has been very engaging and for him he has not been able to put it down.

Good, enjoyable reading by a sound author

Best book of its kind

Excellent series with good historical and accurate assessment of the Roman Legions and battle strategy

Rates as one of my top authentic Roman factual books, excellent keep them coming

I found it a fascinating and an extremely entertaining read

Absorbing in detail, gripping in action and had the feel of real history

Well written book on the operations of a legion and how it works

Keeps you reading all way to the end; very enjoyable good read.

....new and refreshing style... very interesting and exciting read

Good exciting book with plenty of action

We'll worth a read, couldn't put it down. We'll researched, didn't want it to end. Look forward to more books

A damn fine read. I enjoyed it a great deal.

This was one of those books that enthrall from start to finish. The descriptive writing is superb. The detail leading up to the battles make you feel as if you are there. I like this period in history, and I thank the author for making it the best I have read.

As to be expected the attention to detail and the presentation of transferring the reader to another place and time that felt surreal...I wait with much anticipated zeal so I once again can be taken to that amazing place ....

I read it in one day! I've read many, many series of Roman novels. This rates with R.W. Peake, S.J.A Turney and Mace! On to the next one.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Preface

Prologue

Chapter I: Battle of Cremona 200 BC

Chapter II: The Coming Storm 200 BC

Chapter III: The Apuani Stronghold 200 BC

Chapter IV: The Siege at La Bettola 200 BC

Chapter V: Titus 204 BC

Chapter VI: Uma’s Story

Chapter VII: The Suevi Army

Chapter VIII: Stamatius

Chapter IX: Tridentum

Chapter X: Brixia, December 204 BC

Chapter XI: Titus 203 BC

Chapter XII: Hamilcar 202 BC

Chapter XIII: Titus 201-200 BC

Epilogue

About the Author

Connect with Tom

Preface

The first three books of the Legio XVII series, Roman Legion at War, Battle of the Danube, and Battle of Zama are historical fiction novels that take place during Rome’s Second Punic War with Carthage (218 - 202 BC). This book continues the Legio XVII series and extends the timeline of Roman battles and conquests in the Cisalpine Gaul from 202 to 200 BC.

Praetor Manius Tullus, the principal protagonist of the first three books, retires from active service shortly after the Battle of Zama and is replaced as the leading character of this book by his son, Titus. This story follows Titus from his temporary home in the Cenomani heartland of Brixia, back to Rome for his Legionary training, and his subsequent campaign with Legio XVII. Manius’ second-in-command, Calvus, is promoted to Legate and commands Legio XVII.

It was a difficult decision for me to retire Manius as he had become like family, but his son, Titus, is equally interesting and inspirational, and I think you will be pleased with him.

Like the first three books, this book is a historical fiction novel that accurately portrays Rome’s continued expansion and domination of northern Italy. It was fun to research and write, and I hope you enjoy it.

I owe a sincere debt of gratitude to my wife and my grown children, Bethany and Andrew, for reading and commenting on this book. I also want to thank my co-author and editor, Julie A. Weinkauf, for writing the Chapters on Uma and integrating her into the story.

Prologue

When news of the massacre and sacking of the Roman colonists at Placentia (Piacenza) and the ongoing siege of Cremona by the Gauls reached Rome in mid-May 200 BC, the Senate ordered Consul Gaius Aurelius Cotta to take Legiones XX and XVII to Ariminum (Rimini) to reinforce the Cisalpine’s Governor, Praetor Lucius Furius Purpurio, and Legate Tycho’s badly outnumbered Auxiliary Legion, I Etruria.

Of the eight Legions still on active duty following the drastic demobilization after the Second Punic War, only Legiones XVII and XX were in the vicinity of Rome and available for deployment. One Legion was in southern Italy, two were in Spain dealing with the Turdenati rebellion, and another was in Sardinia establishing Roman rule over that fractious island. Purpurio had one Legion at Ariminum, and another Legion was in Illyria gathering allies in preparation for a confrontation with Macedonia’s Philip V.

The Senate directed Consul Cotta to put down the nascent Gallic rebellion in the Cisalpine before it spun out of control, but pressing business in Rome prevented him from leaving immediately. Therefore, the Senate appointed Legate Quintus Sentius Calvus, as temporary Commander of Legio XVII. He was instructed to march the two Legions to Ariminum and wait for Cotta who would eventually take command of Legiones XX, XVII, and I Etruria and lead them against the Gauls besieging Cremona.

Legate Calvus and Legate Caecilius, Commander of the XX, had heard of Praetor Purpurio but knew him only by reputation, which was highly favorable. Both Legates were aware of his unsuccessful fight with the Senate to retain the existing four Legions in the Cisalpine before the Senate ordered a general demobilization after Zama in 202 BC.

When Rome drew down her Legions, the two Legions at Ariminum and the two at Etruria dutifully marched back to Rome and thereby unwittingly encouraged the uprising that was now taking place in the Cisalpine. The Senate had made their ill-advised decision despite knowing that hostilities with the Boii, Insubres, and Ligurians had been increasing ever since Mago’s invasion of northern Italy in 205 BC, and that the colonists at Placentia and Cremona were begging for more security.

The last significant offensive operations by the Legions against the Gauls were in 203 BC and 201 BC, just prior to the demobilization, and one of them didn’t go well for Rome. In 201 BC Consul P. Aelius Paetus led Legiones XI and XII north from Ariminum and was ambushed by the Boii, suffering a major defeat. Legate Caecilius and his Legio XX were with Consul Gaius Servilius Geminus in Etruria and had conducted limited but successful operations against the Ligurians in central Italy. The problem was that the military operations of the two Consuls were conducted independently and not in coordination with one another. Prior to the crushing defeat of Paetus by the Boii, the Consul had managed to sign a peace treaty with the Ingauni tribe who had fought with Mago in 203 BC.

Hamilcar, a Carthaginian General, had been ordered by the Carthaginian Senate to remain in the Cisalpine after Mago’s defeat in 203 BC to foment rebellion among the tribes against Rome and thereby force Rome to divert more Legions to the Cisalpine instead of reinforcing Scipio in Africa.

Hamilcar and the Gauls viewed the lack of coordination between Consuls Paetus and Geminus, and the subsequent demobilization, as war weariness and a lack of will by the Senate to engage in large-scale operations in the Cisalpine. Rome’s halfhearted effort in the Cisalpine, coupled with the Gaul’s determination to keep Rome at arm’s length, emboldened Hamilcar to initiate offensive operations in 200 BC.

The failure of the Senate to retain or to station more troops in the Cisalpine, as recommended by Governor Purpurio, resulted in the sacking of Placentia, the ongoing siege of Cremona, and the possibility of future attacks into the heart of Italy itself. Rome knew Hamilcar had to be stopped, and the first step was to relieve the ongoing siege of Cremona.

Before beginning the long march north to Ariminum, Legate Calvus demanded that onagri and bestia artillery be attached to the two Legions, and he was pleased when he saw wagons with twenty onagri and fifty bestia join the column. Each of these stone-throwing catapults could toss a two-pound rock over three hundred yards and was designed to wreak havoc among the ranks of an attacking enemy. The effectiveness of the onagri had impressed Calvus at the Battle of Lake Benacus five years earlier, and he had insisted on taking them to Ariminum along with the fifty scorpios organic to each Legion.

Chapter I: Battle of Cremona 200 BC

Placentia (Piacenza) and Cremona on the Po River, northern Italy (Google maps)

Look at me! Centurion Argus shouted to his Maniple as he strode purposefully to place himself in front of his men. It’s too dark, so don’t try to look at those barbarians across the field. You looked at them all day yesterday, and they won’t look any different today. Nicor, I better see your eyes on me, or you’ll feel my vitis (vine stick)!

Everyone look to your right. What do you see? Nothing! There is nothing there because we are the extreme right of our Legion. In front of you and off to your left is the rearmost line of the Auxiliary Legion. Now look to your left across the front of the Hastati. What you see are Centurions in front of their Maniples talking to their men like I’m doing with you. Now put your eyes back on me and listen closely. I know for many of you this is your first battle, and I remember how I felt when I first faced these savages. You’re scared. Some of you may even feel like puking. If you’re going to heave, do it now.

To Titus’ great surprise, he heard a dozen or so men cough, gag, and then empty their stomachs. Even more surprising was that no one laughed or mocked the hurlers. They’re all scared like me, he thought.

Listen to me, said Argus as he paced in front of his young Hastati Maniple. I want you to replace that fear in your gut with anger. Think about it. These drunken Gauls attacked, slaughtered, and sacked our colony at Placentia. They killed 6,000 men, women, and children inside the walls and were planning to do the same thing to the Cremona colonists until we showed up. These undisciplined, wild men killed peaceful Roman settlers and retired Legionaries, who were just ordinary farmers, and we’re going to put an end to their rampaging—here and now.

The Gauls are no match for you. They have very little armor, limited training, no real formations, and no discipline. Yesterday I told you they’ve been trained by a Carthaginian General named Hamilcar, so I don’t expect them to rush at us like a bunch of lunatics. I expect them to fight like Carthaginians, and that means they’ll keep about a two-foot distance away from you and stab with their spears and swords. Listen! Rotate smoothly, keep your heads down, stab with your gladii, block and smash with your shields, and listen to my commands. Keep your separation from the man on your left and right. Give each other room to fight, and you’re going to come out of this in one piece.

Any minute now, you will hear the horns sound, said Argus as he again took up his position in front of the Maniple. When you hear it, I want you to begin shouting as loud as you can, but don’t move forward. Scream yourself hoarse, and don’t stop yelling until you hear the horns again, ordered Argus, raising his vitis above his head to signal he was finished talking to his men.

Titus stole a quick glance to his left at his best friend, Nicor. They were both barely twenty years old, but Titus was taller than Nicor, more muscled, and more practical. Nicor was nearly four inches shorter, ever the optimist, and always joking. The two men had been friends since Legionary training school and now stood side-by-side in their first battle. Around them stood their close friends from Barrack Four: Blasius, Celer, Julius, Pantara, Kanutus, and Caius.

Despite the gnawing fear in his stomach and nervous sweat on his brow and upper lip, Titus managed a weak smile, which Nicor returned just as the horns sounded. The army of 18,000 Legionaries, Auxiliaries, and 2,400 horsemen erupted in a deafening roar, some merely shouting and others hurling curses and threats at the unseen Gauls. As Titus lent his voice to the rising chorus around him, he could feel his fear dissipating and anger and rage filling the void. He now wanted to fight. He wanted to kill Gauls and could barely restrain himself from rushing into the field. The longer he yelled, the more worked up and confident he became.

The 35,000 Gauls, standing a half a mile away across the darkened field, raised their war cry in response to the Roman challenge and easily outshouted the Romans. They too were working themselves up into a frenzy of hate and blood lust. They’d been waiting a long time for this day.

Atis, are your Boii ready yet? What’s taking them so long? demanded Hamilcar nervously, as he stood behind the Insubres in the center of the second line. First the Apuani don’t show up, and now the Boii are slow getting into formation. No discipline! he grumbled.

No, not yet! My men are moving into position behind the Cenomani on the left flank as you ordered, but it’s going to take time. Be patient! responded Atis irritably. Maybe your Carthaginians can see at night, but we can’t! Moving 5,000 men at night takes time, so relax. The rest of my men are in the first line and ready to fight, added the fierce and fiery leader of 15,000 Boii warriors.

As soon as they’re in position, we’ll attack before Praetor Purpurio can shift his men to the flank, ordered Hamilcar. The Cenomani and your men should break their right flank, sweep around their rear, and force the Roman center to collapse. Atis, they have to be in position before it’s fully light. Tell them to hurry. Sunrise is only minutes away, and I’m still hoping the Apuani will show up. I know we outnumber the Romans, but we may need them.

Atis smiled to himself in the darkness. The Apuani weren’t going to arrive today, tomorrow, or the next.

When the shouting died away, Argus walked among the ranks of his Maniple, who now stood silently with their eyes fixed vacantly on a faraway point across the field. Argus inspected his men’s equipment by jostling their armor to ensure a good fit, looking at the soles of their sandals, adjusting helmets, and feeling the edges of their gladii. But the ‘inspection’ was just an excuse to look each man in the eyes and say something personal and encouraging. As he walked and inspected, he quietly and personally spoke to the men using their names. Gaius, you’re going to do fine today. Give it your best and keep your shield up. Celer, you poor excuse for a Legionary, I bet you’ll earn an award for bravery today. I’ll be watching you! Titus, you’re one of my best, and I know you’ll make your father proud of you. Nicor, you’re one tough fighter. Make ‘em pay for Placentia.

Hamilcar, my men are in position! shouted Atis over the deafening roar of the shouting Insubres. They were eagerly looking forward to smashing heads as the distant Roman line became visible in the early morning glow.

Hamilcar mounted his horse and rode rapidly across the front of his army waving his sword. His fierce visage and violent sword slashing communicated his message. It was time to attack! Hamilcar rose up high in his saddle, pointed his sword and horse at the Romans, and galloped forward. The Gallic army surged forward behind him in three thick lines with confidence, rage, and unmatched ferocity. His advantage in numbers and a surprise maneuver to overwhelm the Roman right flank filled him with confidence in a Gallic victory. Finally, he thought, after three long years in this godforsaken country, among these uncouth savages, I will avenge Mago and the defeat of Hannibal at Zama. I will be greater than Hannibal.

As the Gauls moved confidently toward the waiting Roman shield wall, Hamilcar veered off to get behind his fast-walking men. He needed to stay close to his 10,000-man Insubres second line and his 10,000-man Ligurian third line. He had more surprises planned for the hated Romans.

Praetor Purpurio sat comfortably on his horse behind the rearmost line of I Etruria’s Triarii, surrounded by his three infantry Legates: Tycho, Calvus, and Caecilius; his cavalry commander, L. Valerius Flaccus; and his two most trusted Tribunes: Laetorius and Titinius. Despite the fact that his army was heavily outnumbered, he was pleased with the disposition of his three Legions. I Etruria formed his first line and was deployed in their three battle lines: Hastati, Principes, and Triarii. Even though he couldn’t see them yet, he knew his archers and slingers stood in front of them ready to start punching holes in the Gallic line.

Legiones XVII and XX stood side-by-side about thirty yards behind the rear of I Etruria. He planned to let I Etruria absorb the brunt of the attack and save his heavy Legions until he could determine Hamilcar’s battle plan. He also wisely positioned a 2,000-man reserve force behind the two Roman Legions that he had drawn from the Principes of each of his two Roman Legions, intending to use them to crash through the Gallic center if he saw an opportunity. His cavalry was evenly split on the two flanks and vastly outnumbered the Gallic cavalry.

Gentlemen, he said confidently to his three Legates, with the exception of the Hastati, you’re looking at a veteran army who fought the Gauls on numerous occasions, and I suspect we even have some men who were with Scipio at Zama. Today the Gauls will regret fighting for their defeated hero, Hannibal, and wish they’d remained home feeding their pigs. He then turned to look at the stone-throwing artillery spread out behind I Etruria’s Triarii. He could barely see them in the dim light, but he drew an extra measure of comfort knowing they were there and were ready to unleash their destructive power when the Gauls were close enough.

As the sun edged up and the Gauls launched their attack, Purpurio saw two unexpected things that caused him immediate concern. He could see well enough to determine that the Gauls had weighted their left flank with thousands of extra troops, extending well beyond the right flank of the Auxiliary Legion. And the Gauls weren’t running in their customary fashion; they were walking purposefully in three distinct and orderly fighting lines. A chill went up his spine. Tycho, Calvus, look, he said as he pointed to the Gallic left flank. They’ve added several thousand men. Tycho, I want you to ride down there and tell your men to hold the line. If they break, they may take the center with them. Calvus, bring your Hastati up alongside the Auxiliary’s Hastati so our line matches theirs in length. Your Hastati is in for one hell of a fight!

Tycho rode rapidly to the right flank of his Legion to tell them that the XVII was coming up alongside them and to be ready for a hard fight. And as Calvus spun his horse around, Purpurio shouted after him, When the archers and slingers come back through Tycho’s Hastati, I’ll shift them over to your flank. That’s all I can do. Go!

Hamilcar’s trained these barbarians to attack like a veteran Carthaginian army, Purpurio thought. He’s changed their tactics and probably has more surprises coming. He summoned an aide. I want you to climb that tree over there, he said, pointing to a tall hundred-year-old oak, so you can see more of the battlefield. I need to know what Hamilcar’s up to. Keep a few cavalrymen near you. Tell them to find me on the right flank if something develops.

Calvus wielded his horse around and rode to the XVII. He drew his sword as he passed his Triarii and shouted encouragement to the Principe as he passed them. Hold the line, men. This is the critical flank. The experienced men of the Principe looked at each other in silence. They knew that this meant the attacking Gauls were stronger on their side.

When Calvus got to the Hastati, he reined in his panting horse and faced the rows of men lined up eight deep. He could hear the chilling Gallic war cry behind him but maintained a calm yet determined demeanor. Men of the Hastati, he shouted to be heard above the rising din. Remember your training. Don’t allow yourselves to be pushed back. Help the man to your front keep his footing. Fight with courage! You can beat them! I have confidence in you, and I will be watching you. Carpe Diem! he shouted, and they shouted the Legion’s motto back at him.

Centurions, move the Hastati forward on the run and align your men with the Auxiliary’s Hastati. We need to lengthen our line, or the Gauls will get around our flank. Go! After a series of rapidly shouted commands, the 1,500-man Hastati of Legio XVII trotted forward to join the Hastati of I Etruria. Once in position, they dressed their files and looked in awe at the mass of Gauls bearing down on them.

Argus had taken his place to the extreme right of the Maniple and adjacent to Titus. He looked at Titus and winked as he said, Make your first battle a good one so your grandchildren will be proud of you. You will never forget this day.

Titus could clearly see the slingers and archers as they began launching their missiles at the advancing Gallic line. He and the other men watched Gauls falling, as arrows and lead slugs found a vulnerable leg or face, but not enough of them were hit to make a significant difference. The huge mass of fierce-looking and screaming men continued to roll toward them.

The Roman horns sounded Advance! and the entire Roman army began walking toward the advancing Gauls. The Hastati all across the front held their pila shoulder high, ready to throw. The men kept glancing to the left and right to keep their alignment as the Centurions shouted encouragement. Suddenly the air above the men was rent with a strange hissing sound. Titus and the others looked up but couldn’t see the source of the noise, but they could see huge holes suddenly opening up in the Gallic line. Finally, the Gauls are dropping in significant numbers! cheered Titus.

Noticing their confused looks and murmuring, Argus shouted, That’s our ballistae pounding them. Look at ‘em falling! The hissing sounds continued unabated until it was drowned out by the noise of the advancing Gauls.

The archers and slingers withdrew as soon as the Hastati began to advance. Once they weaved their way through the Auxiliary Legion, they were directed to run to the right flank to support the Hastati of Legio XVII.

As the two lines drew closer together, only the Gauls continued to shout their war cry while the Roman lines remained mostly silent in order to hear commands. Titus was tensely waiting for the horn signal to throw his pilum. Everything is happening too fast. I can’t think. I may not live through this. There’s too many of them, he thought as his mind raced. I don’t feel scared anymore though; there’s too much to do.

At last the order came, and he threw the spear and, with it, all his pent up anxiety. He then quickly shifted his second pilum to his right hand and drew it back to throw. Looking over at the Gauls, he saw the effect of thousands of pila hitting them. Their shields were up and they were crouched for protection, but it did little good. He could hear their screams and watched hundreds of men falling, but those still standing responded with spears of their own. Thousands of dark shapes were flying upward from the Gallic line, arching high in the sky and beginning their deadly downward plunge. As they’d been taught, Titus and his fellow Legionaries raised their shields and went into a semi-crouch. All thoughts of throwing his second pilum were forgotten. "I’ve got to survive this, he resolved as the sound of metal-tipped spears hitting shields and armor rang loudly in his ears, punctuated by the screams of men unlucky enough to be hit. All Titus could see was the back of his shield, Nicor crouching on his left, and Centurion Argus on his right.

When the horn sounded again, Titus stood up, drew back his pilum and threw it as hard as he could. It joined thousands of others in midair raining down death and destruction on the Gallic first line. At the same time, he saw another flight of Gallic spears arching upward. Once again, the sound of spears hitting shields and men screaming in pain filled his head as his training took over, and he automatically drew his gladius. Now for the real fighting, he thought. May the gods protect me!

The Gauls got the worst of the spear exchange and spent precious time filling their front ranks with men from the back of the formation.

At the sound of another horn signal, the Hastati continued their advance on the run—this time with a shout. The Gauls took the shock of shield-on-shield contact and pushed back vigorously. Suddenly, Titus had to backpedal to keep upright. He could see three Gallic shields looming up and pushing him. He only stopped moving backward when he felt a Roman shield at his back holding him steady. Momentarily stabilized, he began stabbing with his gladius but hit only shields. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw that his Centurion had been knocked backward so hard that he fell, landing on the ground in a sitting position. His shield was up, but Gallic thrusting spears were jabbing repeatedly at his exposed legs. Titus pushed hard with his shield against the man opposite him to give himself some room, and then he swung his sword sideways at the head of a Gaul looming over Argus. The blow caught the Gaul on his cheek, causing a superficial wound, and startled him enough to cause him to back away, drawing two other men with him.

Argus saw his opening and scrambled to his feet, his leg bleeding badly from a spear thrust to his left thigh. He put his back against the man immediately behind Titus just as hundreds of screaming Gauls suddenly spilled around the right flank of the Maniple and attacked the men in the file lined up behind Titus. Titus now had no one to relieve him, as his file was fighting their own battle. He was defending himself from frontal attacks as well as from spears jabbing at him from his right side. Titus’ sword arm was sliced by a spear; he saw the blood, but there was no pain. Why don’t I feel that? he wondered.

Titus felt more than saw that Nicor had just rotated with the man behind him, and he suddenly felt alone. Just as he was beginning to feel the early stages of muscle fatigue in his wrist and forearm from using his gladius, the Gauls all at once backed up and began stabbing with their spears. Titus used his shield to parry the thrusts that seemed to come from everywhere at once, but at least he could rest his sword arm since they were out of range of his gladius.

As Titus fought frantically to avoid the spears, he became aware that Centurion Argus, who was on his immediate right, was beginning to lean on him and, hindering his ability to defend himself. A quick glance at Argus revealed a pale, weakened, and disoriented man facing two Gauls, who sensed an easy kill. Their spear thrusts found his right calf and then his left foot, driving Argus to the ground. He crumpled backward in an attempt to get away from the killing spears, leaving only his bleeding foot still fully exposed. The man behind Titus, his friend from basic training, Blasius, moved a little to his left to allow Argus to fall inside the file to protect him. Titus shifted and stood straddling Argus’ bloody and limp body.

Cenomani and Boii warriors fully enveloped the entire right flank of the Hastati, and the fighting was desperate. The once organized files that stood behind the lead man facing the front were now completely turned to face this new and growing threat on their right. Gauls continued to pour onto the flank, and even threatened to wrap around and attack the rear of the Hastati.

Calvus rode back to Purpurio. Sir, my Hastati is being enveloped and can’t hold much longer. I need to send in my Principes. You need to release them back to me.

Purpurio looked at Calvus while he considered what to do. If the flank collapses the whole army could be rolled up, but I don’t know yet what Hamilcar’s got planned for his second and third lines. I may need that Principe to shift somewhere else.

Calvus interrupted Purpurio’s thoughts. Sir, this can’t wait. We’re minutes away from a disaster!

Move them, Purpurio relented, but keep them on a short leash in case I need them somewhere else.

Calvus rode hard for his Tribune in charge of the Principe and found him standing in front of his men surrounded by his Centurions. New orders from the Praetor. Deploy your men on the run to help the Hastati. They’re about to be encircled.

Sir, we’ve been watching it happen and will move immediately, responded the Tribune.

Calvus then rode back to the Triarii and ordered them to re-form facing the flank and to be ready to move forward if the Gauls got around the Principe.

Purpurio watched in dismay as his right flank faced complete envelopment and disintegration. He hurried the archers and slingers to the right as they filed back through the ranks. In piecemeal fashion, they got into position and began firing their deadly missiles. Gauls began dropping and turned their shields to face their new threat. The slingers and archers helped, but it wasn’t enough! The mass of Gauls relentlessly pushed the Roman right flank in toward the center. The XVII was now fully engaged on the right flank and giving ground.

Faced with an imminent disaster, Purpurio called for his 2,000-man reserve force and personally led them to the endangered flank. He told the Commander, a Tribune from the XVII, that the success of the battle depended on his ability to draw enough Gauls off of the XVII to enable them to hold their position. You’ve got to attack them from their rear. Get ‘em off that flank!

Titus and his increasingly small band of fellow Hastati—Blasius, Julius, Celer, Pantara, Caius, and Nicor—stood over Argus’ body and refused to budge even as the rest of the Hastati was being pushed back. Titus resolved that he wasn’t going to leave Argus to the Gauls. He knew they’d love to capture a Centurion and subject him to all kinds of humiliation and torture. They’re not taking him! he declared to himself as he fended off a constant drumbeat of spear thrusts against his shield. The six men formed a protective circle and were now back-to-back. Their arms were beyond weary and the end was drawing near. The Gauls could sense their flagging strength and redoubled their effort. It was only the deadly gladii darting out alongside the shields that kept them at bay.

The Tribune knew instinctively that he had to circle his men behind the Gauls and attack them from the rear to force the Gauls to face him and relieve the pressure on the XVII. After a quick consultation with his Centurions, the resolute Tribune led his men running on a wide loop around the embattled flank as Purpurio watched his movement with growing anxiety. When he was fifty yards from the rear of the Gallic line, the Tribune stopped running and turned to face his men. They were totally disorganized and still arriving. Their heavy armor slowed them, and in his haste to get into position, he’d run too fast. He grabbed the Centurions as he saw them and explained what he wanted. Put the men into two rows of 1,000 men each. The second row will rotate with the first. We need to hurry; this formation doesn’t need to be perfect.

When the lines were mostly formed, he drew his gladius and yelled, Follow me! and began trotting toward the rear of the unsuspecting