Legio XVII: Roman Legion at War (50 page)

Manius then summoned his Tribunes and told them to keep 500 Romans on the hill in battle array as well as 500
Cenomani
and 500
Raeti
.  “Everyone else can stand down.  Elitovius, I want you to follow Bethica to the river and to inform me when they are all across.  Then post individuals all along the river to make sure they do not re-cross.  I think I can trust this new
Suevi
Commander, but I am not taking any chances.  She could summon reinforcement.  She could even request the
Insubres
to send an army.  Let us not forget, we are still in hostile territory.  Rasce, throw out a cavalry screen at least 10 miles in all directions.  The 1500 men standing watch on the hill will camp there tonight and serve as our rapid reaction force. ”

Manius then visited the wounded who were now gathered inside the fort.  He walked among them and spoke or touched each one.  They were so young.  He could tell which wounds were probably going to result in death.  These once strong healthy boys were now pale, weak, and many near death already.  The sight broke his heart.  He thought his own son Titus who could easily be lying here among the wounded.  His eyes began to fill and he knew he couldn’t speak anymore.  He then walked outside the fort to where the Roman and Auxiliary dead were laid out in rows of 20.  Their helmets and armor had already been removed.  Some looked like they were sleeping; others stared blankly at the sky.  Blood soaked their uniforms.  Some were missing limbs and the unmistakable smell of exposed bowels filled the air.  Every once in a while, Manius would recognize one of the dead.  He would stop and stare.  He thought of the grieving mothers, fathers, wives, and children.  Manius felt an overwhelming sense of sadness and knew he had to busy himself immediately if he were to hold his emotions in check.

The Aftermath

Manius then oversaw the normal after-battle activities including the construction of a funeral pyre, which was a task worthy of Tomaeus. The 4,000
Suevi
prisoners, meanwhile, arranged their dead in long rows in the field where they fell.  Manius returned to his tent and called for the two Auxiliary Commanders Taluric and Lugano to ask them a simple question.

“As you both know, Romans burn their dead in a great funeral pyre with respect and pride for their great sacrifice.  I know that is not your custom, but we would be honored if you choose to place your honored dead on the pyre along with our Legionaries.  They fought bravely and died honorably.  What say you?”  Both Commanders favored the idea, but said they needed to talk to their men before making a final decision.

When the two left the tent, Manius dismissed his staff.  He wished to be alone with his thoughts.  Later that evening, before the fires were lit, he would be speaking to the assembled Legion and Auxiliaries and needed to prepare himself.

When the pyre was completed, the Roman dead as well as the Auxiliary dead were neatly arranged within the structure and alternated with layers of wood.  The Auxiliaries agreed to burn their dead.  The Legion and Auxiliaries were drawn up facing the wooden structure to commemorate the dead.  Manius mounted his horse and rode to the front of the troops.  He was concerned that his emotions might get the better of him, so he spoke in as strong a voice as he could muster.  He briefly reviewed the two battles and lavishly praised the performance of the troops and their leaders.  He highlighted the contribution of the Auxiliaries, archers, and
ballistae
crews.  He then gave the oration.  His voice quavered and he had to pause several times to control himself.  He would clear his throat and bite his tongue until he could continue.  He had never felt so emotional.  When he finished, the fires were lit.  When they burned brightly, Manius marched the men back to the fort where they spent the night.  The prevailing wind took the smoke west and away from the camp.

The next morning, the troops were awakened at 0600 and by 0900 the entire Army was on the east-west road to the Innsbruck Bridge, 9 miles away.  Manius sent couriers ahead to summon the
Suevi
Council and to have them assembled on the south side of the bridge when the army arrived.

They were waiting dutifully when the Legion marched into the open field in three columns.  The wagons drew up behind the troops in their customary battle station.  Manius wanted to impress the Council with the power and might of Rome so they could see the advantage of an alliance with such a powerful ally.  Manius sat on his horse in the middle of the field about 100 yards from the bridge and flanked by his staff.  From there he ordered the Legion to reform from columns into a
triplex acies
with the Auxiliaries, archers, and cavalry deployed on the flanks and the entire formation facing the bridge.  These long lines of armored soldiers quickly transformed from three columns of three abreast
to three balanced lines bristling with
pila
and facing the Council.  Their movements raised a great cloud of dust, which the wind quickly blew away.

The Council saw and understood.  Manius had made his point. 
He summoned the same Maniple he used to deceive Ariovistus days earlier at this same site.  They advanced to him on the run.  He then dismounted and walked to the waiting and very nervous Council.  He noticed Bethica stood at the head of the Council.  He had already heard from Elitovius that the Council had appointed Bethica the new acting
Suevi
Chief.  The Maniple stopped behind him, straightened their lines, and stood still.  The Council believed they were staring at their executioners.  Instead, Manius invited himself and the Maniple to the Council’s assembly hall on the other side of the River-in the village!  As they approached the bridge, Manius told Calvus to have the Legion prepare their noonday meal.  Earlier, the
Suevi
had made a temporary fix to the bridge so it was now usable.  Manius told Calvus to join them.

The Council was frightened and deferential as they took their seats.  The Maniple surrounded the hut.  Manius remained standing with his body guards and, through an interpreter, reiterated the demands he made to Ariovistus days earlier.  He then explained the alliance and “Friends of Rome” concept.  None argued; some even saw the wisdom of such an alliance.  In the end, they agreed to stay north of the river and to permit the free movement of trade across the river without taxation or interference.  In exchange, Rome would send advisors to assist the
Suevi
build a more competent army to prevent the
Teutons
and
Cimbri
from pushing them south.  In time, he said, Rome may even provide troops, if required.

He told them that Ariovistus was wounded and is being treated.  “If he survives, I will take him to Rome and return him this time next year.  We also have 4,000 of your men as prisoners.  As a sign of goodwill, we will release them back to you, but I must demand payment for them to compensate my men.  If you fail to gather the required amount, I will release my men to pillage your town and find their own compensation.”

The indemnity was a large amount by any standards, but Innsbruck was a rich town.  They had grown wealthy over the years by demanding taxes and bribes from merchants passing over their bridge.  They could afford to pay the Legion.  No one contemplated more fighting.  It was pointless.  Innsbruck still had thousands of warrior age men in the town and surrounding area, but the
Suevi
leadership had been totally destroyed.  They could maintain the three rotations on the Danube border, but that was all.  They needed time to rebuild their Army.

He concluded his business by congratulating Bethica on her appointment as the acting Chief and offering his sympathies to the families of the many dead and brave
Suevi
warriors that lay in the field by Ranggen.  “You may go there in safety to mourn and bury your dead. The Maniple formed a box around Manius as they walked back to the bridge.  Bethica and the Council breathed easier.  All were favorably impressed with Manius and his generous terms.  Even Calvus, who thought all Commanders were corrupt and selfish, was impressed with Manius and the way he dealt with a conquered foe.  His guilt for cooperating with Farrid now weighed even more heavily on him.

Joseph was still unconscious when Manius stopped by the tent where the wounded lay.  He saw Joseph immediately after the battle, but at the time, Joseph was unaware of his surroundings.  Manius held his limp hand.  The Legion surgeon said that Joseph’s chance of surviving his wound was next to nothing.  The sword blow had opened his arm just below the elbow and almost severed it.  Then he said what Manius dreaded to hear.  “I’ll have to cut off his arm at the elbow.  He’ll probably die anyway, but it’s the best I can do.”  Manius nodded.  He thought of Decima.  “Why did Joseph do it?  He was safe with me.  I guess like all young men, he had to prove himself,” he thought.

People from the village began streaming across the bridge heading to Ranggen, but steered well clear of the Legion.

It was time for the Legion to go back south.  But first Manius had to talk to Bethica and secure more food and pack animals for the long walk to
Tridentum
.  A market of sorts was hastily organized on both sides of the bridge.  The men of the villages were eager to trade grain and animals for Roman goods and weapons.  The Centurions tightly controlled the interaction between the town’s people and Legionaries.  Bad feelings on both sides were still raw.

Late that afternoon, Manius was told that Bethica was on the bridge with two members of the Council and ready to talk.  As a sign of respect, Manius left his tent and walked to the bridge.  Following Manius instruction, the Roman guard at the bridge rendered a military salute as she passed before them.  She was flattered, but had more pressing matters on her mind.

As soon as she was close enough to Manius to speak, she said, “I would like to see my father.”  Manius led the group to the tent where the wounded were being cared for.  Ariovistus lay on a blanket with his eyes closed.  She knelt down next to him and said, “Father.”  He opened his eyes and smiled widely.  It was his Bethica.  Tears filled his eyes.  She noticed how pale he was.  “Are you in pain, she asked.

“No, not now.  I was given something to drink that has helped.  They are taking me to Rome.  Have they told you?”

“Yes, I know, but you will return.  In the meantime, the Council has appointed me acting Chief in your absence.”

He reached up and removed his metal headband and handed it to Bethica.  “You must wear this now.  You are the Chief.”

Then he closed his eyes and his face distorted as he said, “What have I done.  So many dead.  I am not fit to be Chief.  We will never recover from this.”

In a slow solemn voice Bethica said, “Yes, we will father.  Go to sleep now.”  She kissed him and stood up.

Back in Manius’ tent, his attendants provided Bethica and the Council members with wine and food.  Calvus and the two Auxiliary Commanders were also present.  Manius unrolled a large map of the Mediterranean, North Africa, Spain, the Italian Peninsula including the Cisalpine Gaul, and the newly added Inn River Valley.

Through an interpreter, Manius explained Rome’s position regarding her interests in these areas.  He talked about Carthage, Hannibal, Spain, and the Cisalpine.  He emphasized cooperation, the mutual benefit of free trade, and strong thriving tribes.  “Rome is a growing power,” he said, “and will continue to grow in power, wealth, and regional influence.  One day, Rome will be in a position to introduce peace and prosperity unheard of in the known world.  I invite all of you to ally yourself with Rome and share in the coming bounty.”  When Manius concluded his presentation, Bethica and the Auxiliary Commanders asked numerous and pointed questions that challenged Manius’ assumptions about the future of Rome and outcome of the current struggle with Hannibal.  In the end, Manius judged the discussion challenging and successful.

After two days, the Legion had replenished their supplies and was ready to start walking south.  The Council dutifully delivered the required levy demanded by Manius.  The gold, silver, and precious stones were distributed to the Legion in amounts commensurate with rank.  The next morning, 15 July, the Legion set out for their trip back to
Tridentum
and then
Brixia
where they would winter.  At the entrance to the Brenner, Manius turned and looked one last time at the beautiful mountains and valley of Innsbruck.  He told himself that one day, he would return.