Messenger was exhausted. His eyes were unable to keep open, and his hands gripped the reins to prevent tiredness make him fall from his horse. Three days had passed since he left Rhegium northward, moving along dirt roads and sheperd trails, dodging creeks and dense forests, without rest or respite searching the route for the Tiber.

Fatigue dented his aching bones and he hardly noticed the fog was lifting off in the valley. Slowly red roofs were shaping up over a sea of clouds, and later, with the first sunray, a dazzling glow began to shine in the middle of the town. Rome awoke at the foot of the hill where he was.

After drinking avidly their last drops of water, began to march again toward the city gates. As he went, peasants in their cars to marketplace watched him carefully and whispered, wondering about his disheveled appearance. At the doors, one of the legionnaires of the urban garrison stopped him, asking for his name, origin and orders. In reply, the messenger took out a sealed tablet from his tunic, showing it to the the guardian. A moment later, the legionnaire, after approaching the checkpoint, came back surrounded by two colleagues and his superior, a veteran centurion with a scowl and a scar trickling down his face:

- Follow them! They'll escort you to the Forum.

Messenger didn't answer. Legionnaires outflanked him, leading through the crowded streets where rumours were yet going round. Once in the Forum, headed for the Curia, where a man in white robe was waiting for them. Courier handed the letter and he entered the building briskly.

.............................

Shortly after, cheers and exclamations filled the air. The bronze doors opened slowly and the most venerable of the senators came out walking in his crook. After reaching the rostra, he inspired and turned to the crowd:

- Today, roman standarts crown the acropolis of Rhegium, and hymns to Juppiter rise from the temples of the city. Our troops watch sicilian shores from the walls. The Senate and the People of Rome are now rulers of Calabria.

SALVE ROMA

Less than 2 weeks since the last triumphant military campaign in the province of Calabria, the arrival of the messenger disturbed the normal rhythm of life within the walls of my villa on my farm in the province of Campania. Message with a stamp of the Second Consul was read in the main room of my villa. Around the table for which I was sitting with my family gathered all the household and work managers from my vineyards and fields, while the slaves were out of the villa, but they gathered around the window. During the reading of Second Consul decree in the room were various emotions alternation. On the face of my wife I saw disbelief, joy, pride, disappointment and fear. Disbelief, joy and pride because I finally earned the title of governor of the province Neapel, and disappointment and fear for announcements of new military campaign in the province of Apulien. Honestly, I felt rather nervous because of the promotion, and so much more relaxed because of the military campaign. I will never admit to my wife, but all the fuss about the household, children, vineyards, fields, makes me nervous, restless ...so I gently kissed the children and wife, promised that I will soon return and then I shouted loudly that everyone can hear me:''Give me my quarterstaff!!! Gird me my armor!!! And be aware you in the province Apulien because the Romans are coming ...

The long silence before the storm... we ride to the province of Apulien awaiting fierce resistance of the barbarians settled there. As we ride, our General, noble Aelius Decimus Maximus, has a rock solid face. His eyes, show no wavering, his glare is fixed upon our goal, he knows what we have to do, the axe at his side just gently moved by the soft winter breeze...

...As we positioned on the battlefield, general looked upon us....Men, there is no horde that can stop us, no enemy can stop oursheer power of will. We fight for Rome, we fight for honor. They will die here, never seeing the jewel that Rome has become, a beacon of light! You men have seen it, lived it, for you Elysium awaits!

So we charged... And when the smoke cleared on the 3rd hour, no barbiarian was left standing, their blood covered the tall grass of Apulia. We took the field, a land some of us will call home.

Eyes of the general glittered with satisfaction, we fought well and kept our honor. His voice, thundered: "Roma Victor"! As he came closer to me, he put his hand to my shoulder, you carried the day Marcus, remember this day.

And so I shall, to the end...

Chaos, confusion, random shouts, fast movements, smoke and fog... last battle against the people of Apulia still returned on Marcus Aurelius' mind while on his way to the Senate that morning. Resistance was futile. Rome had decided to incorporate that province within its territory, ensuring its southeastern flank and finishing with barbaric raids harassing their settlements in Campania. Slow but steady, legions had occupied every village, every town, every mountain and coastal fort, moving towards Taras, capital and largest greek settlement in the area.



The white walls of the city and its huge port were in sight of our scouts when tarantine messengers, accompanied by a guard of "Leukaspides", the famous greek elite forces, reached our vanguard. A few days later, Senate was preparing to receive the official ambassadors of Taras, ready to surrender their city and offer an alliance that would guarantee peace and trade between the two peoples, making the renamed Tarentum one of the largest Roman foundations in the Mediterranean.

After a long ceremony, full of laudatory speeches and friendship gestures, ambassadors were dismissed and senators continued the meeting behind closed doors. Everyone knows that, despite the hard fighting, opposition could have been much higher. Our enemy had decided to adapt to circumstances and negotiate a surrender that respected their lives and property, agreeing to receive roman colonists and help the Republic in following conflicts.

Although younger members claimed for continue the campaigns marching northwards in search of the rich Etruscan cities, the most senior senators wanted to know more, curious and suspicious of that uncommon state of affairs. Veiled opinions and clashes slowly obscured the meeting. Finally, Lucius Verinus, distinguished member of the Patres, known for his shrewdness, rose up and, after waiting for silence, made an advice.

.........................................................

Marcus Aurelius crossed the Forum towards his house at the foot of the Palatine, nodding other senators as he thought about the outcome of that session. Decision about futher campaings was delayed. And, concerning Verinus' suggestion, weighed up by the consuls, had managed to attract interest from all sides in the Senate. There had not been a lost day after all; knowledge is power, and that day Rome had learned a lot...

Lucius Verinus stood up from his seat, raised his right hand and started:

"Friends of Rome and distinguished Consuls,

Few mounths ago,before our great war campaign, I have sent few spies into surrounding areas, and to some of our neighbours,and we were provided with best possible information that might be vital for our next marches.

But before that, a word if I may.

We sure have returned Rome the glory that she lost few years ago. We found great leaders who are wise and calculated, who care for each one of us and lead us as best as they can. I thank u for that, great Consuls.
Let us not forget dear friend, and Rome's best general, who led us into numerous victories over Barbarians - Aelius Decimus Maximus, and the great Marcus Auelius whom I call the "Eloquent one" for his fine speeches and tales of our glorious battles. And every each of us who give all our best for the glory of the Republic.. We should honour them all!"

Lucius then came down the marble stairs and on a portable wodden table he spreads a large map of the known world.

"But, my friends, we must look what future brings.... There are so many enemies that envily look at our borders, our rich provinces and beautiful cities that have risen from Barbarian ahses, bent on conquest one day. My reports say that they are massing armies and scheeming to see our downfall.
We might look at the map and see that Dacians have nine provinces, and vast number of men at their disposal. The informations that my spies, all brave lads, aquired told me that they are preparing to invade eastern provinces.
So their growth is not our concern at the neear future, at least not in the near future.
To the south, there are Hellens, with their mighty leader Dionysos. Their decision was to capture whole of Greek provinces and than maybe start expending towards north.They have many warriors too, and all of them are very active - king Dionysos can be very proud of them. They compete against each other every day learning new skills that they will later use to defeat Barbarians. But, our newly conquered provinces are very close to their light galleys, and that is where we can expect trouble, or so my informants say. We are friendly with them now, but that is a tricky peace. As we conquered many lands to the south of Rome, where mostly Greeks lived, we could find this peace standing on the edge of a knife.

And thus,my honoured patres, my thoughts are: capture Sicily, and secure the trading routes, then leave a strong contigent in our southern provinces that are close to the Greeks. After that, we should march northwards and finish up conquering whole of Italy.

The history is written by the Conquers... Let us be the Victors, and rise Rome even higher than it is now!"

Verinus ended his speech with his right hand still raised, then bowed and returned to his sitting place.

- It's a wonderful view...

This thought came to Marcus Aurelius' mind while watching from the balcony of his villa the landscape offered by morning, countryside of Taranto lay at his feet.



It hadn't been an easy journey. Consul Julian appointed him governor of Apulia two weeks ago. It was a incredible honor for a young senator. After having organized the maintenance of his properties in Rome and Lazio, both he and his family begun the long way south through the dusty roads of Neapolis and Campania to the Magna Grecia. The night before their arrival had been especially hard, torrential rain had hampered their progress in the last few miles, endangering the large convoy, and even forcing them to leave one of the chariots, carried by water force from an overflowing torrent. And, nevertheless, morning appeared splendid, plenty of life, before his eyes...

A voice took him out of his reverie. Lucius, former slave and now libertus of his family, had just entered the room to warn him. Escort waited at the entrance to the villa to drive him to the city. While on road, Marcus Aurelius remembered the night before: "It is impossible for Rome to achieve its dominion in these areas if our legions have to contend, not only the enemy, but also time, elements and terrain. It's necessary to improve communications between Lazio and Southern Italy. Maybe I should write to Appius Claudius, he's always been interested in engineering and a Via from Rome to Tarentum would be, without doubt, a great project.

Delegation crossed city gates, where a group of hoplites joined them, heading to the agora and beyond, to the old town, where stood government buildings and the citadel over the harbour, in which roman garrison was quartered. A veteran officer greeted the prefect. Marcus listened while Julio Strabo, as roman contingent commander was called, made a brief presentation of the state of affairs in the province, giving him a document with a comprehensive report.



Governor spent the day in receiving delegations of the different greek and native communities, reviewing reports of the roman detachments in the inner territory and the coast, organizing the supply of their troops and reflecting on different construction projects for the province. At last minute, as he fastened the armor to go back home, a messenger was brought before him with a sealed tabula. After ordering give him food and wine, Marcus broke the seal and read with interest. Letter came from one of his informers in the Senate, atmosphere was calm in Rome and the patres spent their time legislating on financial and trade issues. All was well...

The Urbs seemed quiet from the top of the Capitolium. Marcus Aemilius let his eyes wander over the roofs of the insulae and the villas which extended beyond the Forum, in the neighborhood of Subura. He had just left a long Senate session in which magistracies were renewed, choosing the new consuls who would lead the Republic in future days.

After a long period of harsh military campaigns and great victories, Rome had become the most important political entity in Italy and one of the largest in the Mediterranean. Now, while deliberating on future expansion, senators were trying to organize the government on new provinces and its development, gradually settling roman rule. In that way his friend, Marcus Aurelius, had been appointed governor of Apulia, where he was now trying to spread habits and customs of the Republic between the greek colonies and native communities of the country. He surely would be glad to know the outcome of that day meeting.

Aemilius headed for Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus. Among his duties as Flamen Dialis was directing the daily sacrifice to the King of Gods. Later there would be time to send a messenger towards Tarentum with news for the governor...

She opened her eyes. She woke from restless sleep with anxiety and restlessness in the soul. She whispered: Goddess is it just a dream ... or a vision?, wondering whether to inform anyone about her dream. She needed someone to talk to. She drape robe over hers shoulder and went to the temple. She knew that her friend is there. Her friend, a virgin, same like she, stayed awake and maintained the eternal sacred fire of the goddess Vesta through the night.
The cold breeze raised her robe as he passed through the yard toward the temple. And then it all began. The earth began to shake ...she heard a sound like thunder ...and then she saw a big light in the distance ... in the direction of Mount Vesuvius. It was spectacular ... a natural fireworks. Something fell on her nose. Snow? , she wondered, but it was not snow ... they were the first flakes of ash.

I looked up from the terrace of my palace in Neaple towards Mount Vesuvius. Sound like thunder and earthquake woke me. Many people ran into the street and looked toward Mount Vesuvius. When the top of Mount Vesuvius exploded heard the noise and panic. Many ran for one's life, some curse fate, saying, The gods have left us, and some knelt down and prayed. But our city was spared.
After a few days I have organized a rescue mission, but we have not had anyone to save. Cities Pompeii, Oplontis and Stabiae disappeared from the face of the earth;were buried under still warm ashes. All citizens of these cities, our friends and neighbors have disappeared along with their homes and towns under layers of ash.

A bleak landscape... He and his men rode through a vast desert full of great buildings ruins... Not a soul seemed to dwell in that heat and stifling wasteland, scorching and unhealthy... Suddenly, a hellish thunder, a heavy blow and... darkness.



When he opened his eyes, Lucius' hand was on his shoulder, trying to wake him. Marcus Aurelius sat up in bed, sweating blood and disoriented. Nightmare had been vivid, almost real; however, terror reflected on servant's face was even more authentic.

After wrapping up quickly with a robe, Marcus Aurelius went to tablinum, where a soldier, italiot cavalry auxiliar, with a worn out tunic and his skin furrowed by deep cuts and scrapes, waits for him. When he tried to salute the governor, he barely standed up. Marcus Aurelius had to run to avoid exhaustion make him fall in the ground. Aided by Lucius, they placed him in a seat, and libertus left in search of dressing and some food.

- What's happened? What's the reason of your sorry state?

Auxiliar was unable to speak. He drew from his tunic a scroll and handed it to the governor. After breaking the seal of the Republic, Marcus Aurelius read avidly. When finished, immediately called centurion of the guard and ordered I Cohort of the garrison be prepared to leave within two hours.

.............................

Their picture from that hill was breathtaking. They could touch the darkness... and choking clouds of ashes covered near lands with a dirty sad grey. As they walked through the ravaged landscape, legionnaires' hearts shrank, comforted only by the presence of the governor. Nevertheless, Marcus Aurelius himself was disturbed. Reports were unreliable and knew almost nothing of what had happened there. He remembered, however, from that height should have spotted at least three cities for which there was no sign. Watching the horizon, gods seemed willing to remove his doubts. On Vesuvius' top a huge column of fire lit up the scenary, shaping a wide plain of lava and ashes.



Astonished at the destruction that lay at his feet, Marcus Aurelius ordered his men to stop. The day had been long and the way hard; they deserve a break.

- We'll camp out over the hill!!

By midnight a sentinel made his entry into the governor's tent, announcing a group of riders arriving. Marcus Aurelius stood up, taking his armor, and went to the camp doors. His men were escorting a character wrapped a dark cloak about. As he neared bonfires in camp center, Marcus Aurelius felt a profound joy overcame him. He approached the newcomer, offering him a warm handshake...

- A stranger's face was never so pleasant for the heart of a man...

The other started laughing too, blackened face of Elendil the Tall, governor of Neapolis, showed under the cape. Both men entered the tent of the praetor of Apulia, and spent much of the night talking about what happened: Vesuvius' explosion, the nightmares of both men, the long way to that place, the needs of the province and its people... Morning, camp cleared, two parties renewed their way. Marcus Aurelius returned south, towards Tarentum, leaving his comrade those men to help where possible and promising to send by sea of all possible assistance to Neapolis.

QUOTE:
For Marcus Aemilius, Senator and Flamen Dialis of Rome
Vicus Iugarius, near Forum Holitorium, Velabrum, City of Rome


Dear friend,

I hope that you're well in receiving this letter, and that your work in Rome continues developing smoothly. Write you from our legions camp outside Saena, capital of Marche and principal settlement of our adversaries Senones.

Though leaving Rome we already knew the fame that follows this people at war, they've proved to be a formidable enemy. First skirmishes between our troops and their warriors were launched just after crossing mountain passes which divide us from their territory, and we lost many good men in different ambushes both in hills and forests of Picenum.



However, once we reach the plain, our patrols and italiot auxiliar cavalry quickly drove back the enemy so that, while our army took each fortification, they were forced retreating to Saena.

Under command of our general, Aelius Maximus Decimus, our troops reached the outskirts of Saena. Clash was devastating. Senones aligned their forces in four groups and tried to flank us on two occasions, and even attract us feigning to retreat, but discipline of our men and courage of commanders as Elendil the Tall, Lucius Verinus, Marcus or Ralen, made them flee and attracted gods' favor over our legions.



Siege was short. Although most of gallic forces had taken refuge in stronghold, their leaders seemed to understand quickly that ally and submit to the will of Rome would bring them many more advantages than resistance. While writing, ambassadors from Saena negotiate terms of deditio with Julian and Titus Pullo.

Nevertheless, our legions will leave soon. Campaign continues and at the moment you read this, our steps will be on the way for the etruscan Florenz and its populous cities of Clusium, Tarquinia, Cortona and Arretium.

I take my leave now; hope we'll meet again soon my friend.

Salve Roma