Legio XVII: Roman Legion at War (36 page)

Manius stood up and unrolled a large well worn map hanging on the side of the tent.  “Timo,” he said, “The Legion will help your people, but we need your help too.  This is what I currently know of this area; as you can see on this map, there are many blank spots.  Can your people fill in some of these unknown areas?  Secondly, I need 2500 of your finest warriors to accompany the Legion to Innsbruck, and thirdly, I need to hear more about the Secret Passage over the Alps that you mentioned to my scouts when they were here last month.”  Timo agreed to everything and proposed that the Roman and
Raeti
staffs start meeting daily at
Tridentum
to work out the details.  Manius concurred.

Before Timo left for home, Manius had one remaining question.  “Timo, years ago, when you were that 10 year old boy who raced across the field at the Roman army, what were you thinking?”

Timo lowered his head and laughed.  “The answer is very simple; I was trying to escape from the
Insubres
.  They did not mistreat me, but I was their captive.  I reasoned that the Romans would either kill me on the field that day or maybe set me free.  I wanted to go home and thanks to you, I did go home.”

When Timo and his party left, Manius turned to Elitovius and said, “First time I’ve heard about silver mines at
Tridentum
; how about looking into that.”

As Manius and his staff rode to
Tridentum
in the chilly mid May morning, Manius began to issue his planning guidance.  “For the next few weeks, I want you all to gather as much information as you can about the
Suevi
, about the Brenner Pass, the Secret Passage, the weather, the elevation, and the
Raeti
men that will accompany us.  Right now, I feel like we’re going into this blind.  At the end of each day, I want to get together and have you brief me and the others on what you’ve discovered.  We’ve got about a month to plan this campaign and we’re going to need every bit of it.  While you’re with the
Raeti
staff, I’ll be with Timo.  Let’s plan to get together each evening in my tent at 1730.”

The hard work now began for the staffs of Manius and Timo.  Timo provided, among others, several translators and a
Raeti
cartographer to fill in the blanks on the Roman map as well as to provide relevant weather data and distances.   The mapmaker drew in the Secret Passage, which was a meandering path over the Alps about 15 miles west of the Brenner Pass.  Other staff officers began gathering data on
Suevi
fighting tactics, their body armor, weapons, logistics and so forth.  Provisions were made to procure food, fuel, and fodder for the Legion from surrounding farms and merchants.

Timo and Lugano, who was to lead the
Raeti
contingent, began recruiting their 2500 men for the expected June passage over the Alps.  Manius and Timo determined the type and frequency of training and personnel exchanges between the Legion and these
Rhaetian
Auxiliaries.  The Romans had many questions for their counterparts and the
Raeti
were full partners in the exchange.  They held nothing back.  Timo explained to Manius that the Brenner and Secret Passage were pretty much snow bound until mid June and then would close off again in October.  So, weather, and not the enemy or circumstances, would fix the dates of this campaign.

Timo promised Manius that he would dispatch teams of scouts to walk through the Brenner Pass in late May to look for any signs of
Suevi
, but noted that the
Suevi
have never sent their scouts into the Brenner until late June.  Timo said that his men would remain in the Brenner and hold it secure and stop any north bound traffic until the Romans passed by.  Timo also committed men to scout the Secret Passages to ensure it is clear of obstacles and
Suevi
.  He added that
Suevi
have never been observed in this Pass and he doubted they even knew it existed.

Each evening the Tribunes took turns explaining to Manius, and each other, what they learned that day.  His Maneuver and Operations Tribune, Marcus Livius, stood up to speak, “The city of
Bauzanum
[Bolzano], which is 36 miles due north of
Tridentum
is the point where the main trails divides.  One trail from
Bauzanum
leads northeast to the Brenner Pass, which is the lowest and easiest crossing point of the three passes.  The distance from
Bauzanum
to Innsbruck is 75 miles via the Brenner.  The Brenner Pass averages 4500 feet in elevation, which is 7 to 8 times higher than
Tridentum
, and exits the Alps about 18 miles from Innsbruck in a heavily wooded, rocky, and steep area.”

“The steepness declines the closer one gets to the Inn River.  The valley itself is only one mile wide and is clear of vegetation in many spots.  The Legion should be able to successfully maneuver in about 15 of the 18 miles between the Brenner and Innsbruck.”

Tribune Livius continued: “Now, a second trail northwest of
Bauzanum
is known as the Secret Passage, and like the Brenner Pass leads over the Alps.  It passes through the Timmelsjoch and 12 small settlements.”  He then read the names of the small settlements from his notes. “Terano, Gargazzone, Merano, St. Martino, San Leonardo, Moso in Passiria, Obergurgl, Solden,[route 186] Langenfeld, Umhausen, Oetz, and finally Au.”

“The straight line distance from
Bauzanum
to Au is 40 miles, but with the ups and down of the terrain, I’d easily double the actual distance to 80 miles, which is similar to the distance from
Bauzanum
through the Brenner to Innsbruck.”

“This Pass is very difficult to negotiate, but possible for both men and pack animals.  It averages 8000 feet and passes between two 10,000 foot peaks.  From Au, the trail will dump the traveler into the Valley about 35 miles west of Innsbruck.”

The Tribune lowered his voice as he continued.  “There is, however, an alternative trail from Au, the end point of the pass that does not take you directly into the valley.  This trail is called the “Edelweiss” by the locals and goes east from Au, in the direction of Innsbruck, along the mountain rim that forms the southern half of the Inn Valley; it is well hidden by thick forests and cannot be seen from the valley.  The trail passes through Ochsengarten, Kuhtai, St. Sigmund im Sellrain, Sellrain, and ends at Axams.  The distance to Innsbruck from Axams is 4 miles.”

“A third pass over the Alps is called the Reschen Pass.  Like the previous two passes, the road to this pass starts at
Bauzanum
and then goes west pass the turn off to the Secret Passage.  It eventually exits the mountains 15 miles west of Au and 50 miles west of Innsbruck.  Its elevation is the same as the Brenner Pass, 4500 feet.”

“The high temperatures in Innsbruck for June, July, August, and September range between 70-79.  The lows range between 48-55.  The Legion would have no problem operating in this climate.”

Manius thanked the Tribune for his detailed and well researched briefing.  He then told his staff, “Here’s my initial planning guidance: plan for the Legion to arrive in the Innsbruck valley by July 1 and to depart no later than mid September.  I want the Legion to move through the Brenner Pass and set up a temporary camp in the Pfons-Zieglstadl-Muhlbachal area, which is 9 miles from Innsbruck and not far from where the Brenner ends. I want the 5000-man Combined Roman-
Raeti
-
Cenomani
Auxiliary Legion, with adequate pack animals, to move over the Secret Passage to Au and then to travel east to Axams via the “Edelweiss.”

Provide enough animals to the Auxiliaries so that each soldier has to carry only himself. I want the animals to carry all the armor, weapons, food, fuel, and fodder.  Plan for sufficient animals to replace any that die along the way.  Also, pass the word to the Legion to allow a light coating of rust to form on their armor.  Once it is covered, rub it with oil.  Repeat this regime daily.  In time, the armor will lose it shine and turn a blue-black color.  It is time to reveal the fighting Legion.”

Following these staff briefing, the Tribune in charge of Legionary training described how the men of the
XVII
would train for the coming week.  As usual, it included individual as well as as unit training with various sporting events mixed in to maintain morale.  Joseph always found time to train with the Hastati to maintain his skills and put to rest rumors about his cushy job.

Manius was reluctant to detach any of his valued Centurions to lead the Combined Auxiliaries, but he knew he had to.  To avoid any squabbling between the
Cenomani
and
Raeti
, Timo had already asked Manius to provide the leadership for the two 2500-man Combined Auxiliary contingents.  After much discussion, Manius said that he would provide them with Centurion leadership as well as two Roman Maniples, 100 archers, 20 horsemen, and adequate pack animals.

A young Centurion with the
Principes
by the name of Andreas had distinguished himself and caught Manius attention while back at Rome.  He clearly had leadership potential and Manius judged he could operate successfully while independent of the Legion.  Manius sent a runner to find him.  When Andreas reported, Manius invited him to sit down and then explained his proposal.

When Manius finished, Andreas said, “I’d be honored to lead them.”  That was that!  Manius told him that he had his permission to select 10 Centurions from the
Triarii
to officer the
Cenomani
and
Raeti
contingents and to select two Maniples from among the
Principes
and/or
Hastati
.  Manius told him that the men he selected had to be exceptionally fit and motivated to make the cold, difficult crossing over the Alps.  The same criterion would apply to the archers and cavalry.

Manius told him to separate these men from the Legion and begin training with the Auxiliaries Legion as soon as possible.  “Construct a common camp for the Auxiliaries and your two Maniples, but keep them physically separated.  Eat their food and make an effort to learn some phrases in their languages.  Develop a training program to hammer out common battle signals, a marching order, and common attack and defense procedures.  Brief me every other day on how things are progressing.  My staff will provide assistance, just ask.  A word of advice, if any of the Centurions you select prove to be unfit to work with the Auxiliaries or resist your command in the slightest, replace them immediately.  Your subordinates must respect you and pledge 100% loyalty.  You will have my full support.”

“Andreas, once you select the Maniples, but before you physically move over to the Auxiliary camp, come get me so I can talk to the men before they leave.”  Then with an air of avuncular indulgence, Manius said, “Andreas, I know you’ll do a good job; that’s why I selected you for this command.”  As always, Joseph sat in the corner of the tent taking notes of the conversation.

Timo and Rosa

Manius took a personal interest in the wedding preparations between Timo and Rosa.  He felt he owed it to Timo, to Rosa, and Rosa’s parents.  Never having been involved in such details before, he leaned heavily on Rosa’s surrogate mother for advice.  Timo’s side was also intimately involved since he was the leader of a large tribe and the wedding would take place on his land.  It had to be grand and it had to be perfect.  In the end, all parties agreed to a myriad of details including cost sharing, menus, security, guests, timing, and location.

The wedding would be held in the Great Hall, which was a large 30’ wide by 40’ long room nestled inside a larger wooden building.   The building itself, known as the Residence, was 40’ wide by 60’ long with a 10’ high stone facade on all four sides.

Two large hinged doors adorned with intricate carvings of mountains, animals, and hunting led from the outside into the Great Hall.  To the left and right of the doors were two wide staircases that led to the second floor rooms.  The ceiling of the Hall was 30’ high, vaulted, and had one small opening for ventilation.  There were three large fireplaces: one on each of the side walls and one at the far end of the Hall.  The walls surrounding these fireplaces were adorned with numerous Red, Roe, and Fallow deer antlers as well as horns of the Ibex and Chamois.  Interspersed among the antlers were various
Raeti
weapons including their powerful composite bows and throwing axes.

This building served as Timo’s work place, living area, and dining hall.  Here he would greet important visitors and host lavish dinners.  Nine 10’ x 10’ rooms were built to the left and right of the Great Hall on the first and second floors.  The King’s quarters and private office were on the first floor at the far end of the Hall behind a huge fireplace; it was the largest room, 40’ x 20’, and the most beautiful.  The room had recently been significantly upgraded to impress and accommodate Rosa.  Adjoining rooms were set aside for Rosa’s servant girls.  Rosa even had her own room where she could retreat when she desired privacy.

The kitchens were perhaps the most impressive.  To prepare and serve such large numbers of guests, two of the four rooms on the east wall of the first floor contained large fireplaces and served as Residence’s kitchen.  Both rooms had doors that opened to the outside as well as into the Hall.  For the three days of the wedding, the fires blazed continuously and a small army of workers hauled firewood as well as tons of food and beverages.  A dozen cooks worked feverishly from 0400 to well past midnight preparing pork, beef, chicken, and fish dinners.  At any hour of the day or night, they ensured none of the guests would go hungry.

The wedding ceremony itself would be an interesting mix of Roman and
Raeti
customs.  Manius stood in for Rosa’s father, who was on urgent Senate business in Carthage and unable to attend.  This last minute Senate requirement, greatly distressed Rosa’s father, but he had no choice.  He did, though, provide a bountiful dowry, which greatly impressed Timo.  Rosa’s mother and other relatives were similarly unable to attend.  The general state of lawlessness and chaos brought about by nine years of war with Hannibal made travel extremely dangerous.  Hundreds, if not thousands, of armed men would be required to travel the 370 miles from Rome to
Tridentum
.  It was simply out of the question.

The Wedding

An honor guard of 20 Roman soldiers and 20
Raeti
warriors lined the entrance to the Great Hall and formed an arch with their swords as Rosa and Manius entered the room. Timo stood at the far end of the Great Hall, which was ablaze with hundreds of candles and torches.  He strained to catch a glimpse of his bride as she entered the Hall.  He had heard she was beautiful, had perfect posture, was well proportioned, and hoped it was all true.

Timo wore his finest linen trousers and a loose fitting shirt richly embroidered with scenes of majestic mountains and flowing streams.  For the occasion, he scented his shoulder length black hair.  As a warrior king, he wore an exquisitely engraved ceremonial sword and matching dagger.  On his forehead, he wore his symbol of power, a silver headband imbedded with precious stones.  He was a handsome man by all standards.

Manius led Rosa under the arch and down the length of the Hall. 
Raeti
well-wishers crowded the Hall and placed stalks of wheat, rye, and barley in their path, which signified health, prosperity, and fertility.  Manius could feel Rosa trembling and squeezed her hand for reassurance.  He had grown fond of her and felt concerned for her welfare.  Rosa’s face was flushed and she felt faint, but she stood straight and smiled beautifully for the entire walk to Timo.

Rosa wore a floor length white Roman tunic and wore her long hair in a traditional
tutulus
bridal hairstyle.  Her Roman orange-colored bridal
flammeum
[veil] framed her pretty face and won many admiring looks.  Her mother had worn it at her wedding.  She was extremely nervous, but not scared, and at no time did she doubt her decision to marry Timo.  She knew he was young, but had no idea what he looked like.  She hoped he was handsome.

At last Rosa stood in front of him.  She was, indeed, beautiful.  Timo’s heart swelled with joy and tenderness towards her.  After meeting his gaze, she lowered her eyes and blushed.  He was, indeed, handsome.  Manius took her hand and extended it to Timo.  Rosa felt his warm hand grasp hers and gently lead her away from Manius.  He then led Rosa up two broad steps, and turned.  He and Rosa now faced the assembled people.  Timo said in a loud voice, “This is Rosa, who will be my Queen.”  Cheering erupted immediately and only ended when Timo raised his hand.  He then thanked the
Raeti
guests who had come to witness his marriage to Rosa and welcomed Manius and his Roman soldiers to
Rhaetia
and his wedding.