It was early in the morning when a new messenger entered the Praetorium of Tarentum citadel. Julio Strabo, comander of the roman garrison in the city was dealing with daily affairs. He had been in charge of the local government until the Senate elects a new Praetor for the province.

The messenger handed him a wax tablet. It was a report from a coastal defense tower: Hellenic and Cilician ships had been spotted near italian shores. Julio Strabo, after reflecting for a moment, wrote a few lines and handed them to his lieutenant. A new messenger departed for Rome at once...

Later, after a new moment of reflection, the roman officer wrote a new letter:

QUOTE:

To the Leaders of the Hellenic and Cilician Fleets in front of Apulian coast:

As interim Roman governor for Apulien, I take the liberty of asking you about the reasons that lead your ships to the Ionian Sea. I trust you will understand that the appearance of such a big armed contingent before our shores without previous warning has worried both local population of Apulia and Roman authorities, so we would appreciate much a clarification of your intentions and destination.

Respectfully yours,

Julio Strabo,
Comander of the Roman Garrison in Tarentum