Chapter 111: The Commander of the Eastern Expedition 1
Chapter 111: The Commander of the Eastern Expedition 1
As soon as Crassus received Marcus’s request, he announced that he would convene a senate meeting in two days.
It was not common for Crassus to summon the senators like this.
Naturally, the attendance rate of the senate members was remarkable.
Almost everyone attended, except for those who were too sick to move or absent.
“My dear senators, I sincerely thank you for gathering here in the midst of your busy schedules.”
Crassus bowed politely as he rose from his seat as the presiding officer.
The attendees showed signs of wanting to hear why Crassus had called them.
Metellus, who could not contain his curiosity, raised his hand and asked.
“Did Caesar win another victory in Gaul?”
“Well… I did hear such news, but that’s not why I convened this meeting. But we might as well discuss that matter and move on.”
As Crassus confirmed, the faces of the aristocratic faction members twisted.
They had been waiting for Caesar’s defeat news, but contrary to their expectations, Caesar was conquering Gaul smoothly.
Unlike the aristocratic faction, which openly showed their displeasure, the people’s faction smiled happily.
Piso, Caesar’s father-in-law, coughed and requested the right to speak.
“Since we’re on this topic, why don’t we address this issue first? Caesar is achieving a great feat that no Roman has ever done before. Our senate should duly express our praise for him.”
“Ha! What great feat? He just beat up a few barbarians.”
Cato, who always opposed Caesar no matter what, argued with a sharp voice as usual.
He had successfully transferred the huge wealth from Cyprus to the Roman treasury, and his influence had increased even more.
But no matter how powerful Cato was, he could not easily belittle Caesar’s achievements.
The military exploits of Caesar were too clear and obvious to be attacked poorly.
Piso, who had become almost Caesar’s spokesman lately, smiled leisurely and unrolled a scroll.
“Three hundred years ago, we have a painful memory of being occupied by those barbarians. Why do you think the highest priest who is exempt from all military service has an exception clause that he must fight when the Gauls invade?
The Gauls are the ones who inflicted unforgettable humiliation on our Rome. Conquering Gaul completely is not a trivial matter of beating up a few barbarians. Such a remark could be seen as an insult to our ancestors. Of course, I believe that Cato, who is wise and thoughtful, did not mean that.”
Cato sat down with a tongue-tied silence.
As Piso said, Caesar’s conquest in Gaul was enough to make all Rome boil.
To be honest, most of the aristocratic faction members did not expect Caesar to have such military talent.
But Caesar showed a tactical and commanding ability comparable to Pompey and surprised everyone.
The stabilization of the north was also a huge benefit for Rome, so the aristocratic faction could not openly attack Caesar.
Piso took his eyes off Cato and continued his report with confidence.
“Caesar has succeeded in making the Alps region completely Rome’s territory based on his victory in Gaul. Until now, our Roman merchants had to pay an absurdly high toll to pass through here. The barbarians who could change at any time were also a great threat. But now we don’t have to worry about that anymore.”
In the original history, Caesar could not subjugate this Alps region at once.
This was because the nearby tribes united and attacked the 11th legion that was ordered to pacify the area.
But this time, the Alps tribes were scared by the brilliant victories of the Roman army and hardly fell for the provocation against Rome.
The number of tribes that attacked Caesar’s legion was just over 10,000.
The 11th legion armed with lorica segmentata and new gladius supplied by Marcus easily repelled them.
The elders of the rebellious tribes were executed and their tribe members were sold as slaves.
Caesar shared some of the income he gained from here with the neighboring tribes.
It was to show that those who raised their flags against Rome would be punished, but those who remained loyal to Rome would receive corresponding benefits.
“Now it is no exaggeration to say that the Alps region is completely Rome’s land. But that’s not all. Caesar has also conquered the Veneti tribe in western Gaul. With this, our Rome’s hegemony has expanded to the western ocean.”
When Piso’s enthusiastic report ended, the people’s faction members applauded loudly to celebrate Caesar’s victory.
The neutral members were also on Caesar’s side this time.
The popularity of the people’s faction increased day by day with Caesar’s great victories that came almost every day.
Now the Romans regarded Caesar’s military achievements as almost equal to Pompey’s.
As Piso said, the victory in Gaul was not just a matter of subduing the barbarians.
Pompey had made Rome’s glory known to the world by making the great eastern dynasties kneel.
The income he brought to Rome’s treasury was incomparable to Gaul.
If we look at the objective numbers and status, Pompey might be displeased to be considered equal to Caesar.
But Pompey’s eastern conquest was almost a decade-old story.
Besides, the barbarians who were right next to Rome’s north and the civilized people who could communicate in the far east were different in the level of threat that the Romans felt.
It was the difference between a time bomb that could come down at any time and a civilized people who could talk.
The past humiliation of being tormented by the Gauls for hundreds of years also played a part.
For most Romans, Caesar’s Gallic War felt like quenching a long-unsatisfied thirst.
The eyes of the aristocratic faction members were drawn to Marcus.
They looked at him with a desperate request to do something.
Marcus, who was about to speak anyway, smiled lightly and stood up from his seat.
“First of all, I acknowledge and respect the great achievements of Caesar. I have fought with him for two years in the war, so I know his excellent abilities well.
The value of Gaul is higher than any other region that Rome has occupied so far. Those who have not been to Gaul may not feel it easily.
But the Gaul I saw boasted fertile farmland that was better than any land in Italy. If we cultivate the land of Gaul and farm, we won’t have to worry about food even if there is a famine in Egypt or Anatolia.”
There was a murmuring sound from all over the meeting hall.
Since Marcus, the leader of the aristocratic faction, acknowledged it so firmly, they could not deny the value of Gaul.
The aristocratic faction members looked at Marcus with a doubtful expression as to why he was supporting Caesar.
Marcus ignored their gazes and continued.
“I believe that the state should objectively evaluate the merits and demerits of its citizens. If not, who would trust the state and devote themselves to building up merit, and who would be careful not to commit mistakes?”
Pompey, who had suffered from the unfair restraint of the senate and almost lost, nodded vigorously.
“That’s right. We should give credit where credit is due. If not, how can we maintain trust in the senate?”
“Yes. So not only Caesar, but anyone who builds up merit in the future should receive a proper reward.”
Marcus especially emphasized the word future.
Cicero and Cato realized Marcus’s intention and agreed.
Even if the aristocratic faction forced their way, Caesar’s support from the Roman citizens was overwhelming.
It was more beneficial to acknowledge Caesar’s merit generously and show the fairness of the aristocratic faction.
And if they gave Caesar a fair reward, they could also give Marcus a reward for his merit later.
When Cicero and Cato agreed, the other aristocratic faction members did not complain either.
Those who did not understand the situation yet also believed that there was some intention behind it since Marcus, Cicero, and Cato all agreed.
The people’s faction had no reason to refuse from the beginning, so the opinion of the senate was unified for a long time.
Crassus judged that the atmosphere had calmed down a bit and changed the topic.
“Well, let’s put aside the Gaul issue for now and discuss the real reason why I convened this meeting today. The situation in Asia Minor is not good. So I plan to reorganize two legions out of the three legions that returned from Egypt and send them back to Syria. I would like to get your consent on this.”
“Is there any country that can threaten Syria except Parthia? Are you saying that Parthia might attack Syria?”
Metellus asked with a suspicious voice.
The other senators also had similar expressions.
“The possibility of them invading is low. But I don’t think we can be sure that there is no possibility at all if we don’t take any precautions.”
Cicero was sure that Crassus knew something they didn’t know.
He requested the right to speak and opened his mouth.
“First of all, please tell us what you know, presiding officer. That would make the discussion smoother.”
“I’ll leave that part to Marcus, who knows more detailed information than me.”
Marcus, who was named by Crassus, stood up again from his seat.
He went to the front where the presiding officer’s seat was and looked around the senate members and began to explain.
“Some of you may have heard that Parthia’s civil war is over, and some of you may not have heard it yet. But there is one more important fact than that. The eldest son of Mithridates, who lost in the civil war, is currently taking refuge in Syria. He claims that he is the rightful heir to Parthia’s throne.”
“…Are you saying that Parthia’s heir is in Syria?”
“Yes. The current king of Parthia, Orodes, is known to be very obsessed with his throne. He will never spare anyone who can threaten his throne.”
Bibulus raised an objection cautiously.
“But I don’t think he would be so reckless as to attack Syria… At best, he might send an assassin or something.”
“I think that’s the most likely possibility. But we have already taken all the necessary measures to prevent assassination, so you don’t have to worry. And sending two legions is also a warning not to have any foolish thoughts.”
Bibulus nodded as if he understood.
The other senators did not speak rashly and carefully examined the situation.
Whether to support Mithridates’ eldest son and intervene in Parthia, or ignore his claim and make peace with Parthia.
Neither option was easy to choose.
There was no distinction between the aristocratic faction and the people’s faction this time.
The senators freely exchanged their opinions and sought ways to deal with the future.
The opinion of supporting Mithridates’ eldest son and intervening in Parthia accounted for 80% of the majority.
Cato, who had a hard-line tendency, especially raised his voice that Parthia should be punished.
“If we can stay friends with Parthia forever, it would be better not to fight. But there is no such thing as an eternal friend in international relations. Parthia is constantly growing its national power, and we have no reason to keep watching that. If we have to break them someday, there is no better opportunity than now.”
“However, Parthia is strong. If they invade us, our brave legions can repel them easily. But if we invade them, it is too risky and burdensome.”
“Isauricus, that is too passive of an argument. Parthia is no match for our Roman army. They are just the remnants of the Seleucid dynasty that we have crushed. We have subdued not only the Seleucids, but also Pontus and Armenia. There is no reason to fear Parthia.”
“That is not true, Cato.”
The heavy voice of Pompey, who had been silent until now, echoed in the hall.
As everyone’s attention focused on him, Pompey shrugged his shoulders and continued.
“The cavalry power of Parthia is not something to be underestimated. Moreover, the desert that occupies a large part of Parthia’s territory is an unfamiliar terrain for us. If we rush in without thinking, we will suffer a great defeat.”
This time, even Cato could not refute him.
There was no one in the Senate who could challenge Pompey on military matters.
Cato expressed his dissatisfaction in a subtle way by asking a question instead of objecting.
“Then do you think, great Pompey, that our Rome lacks the strength to conquer Parthia?”
“I never said such a thing. Purely in terms of national power, Parthia is not an enemy of Rome.
If Parthia had been in northern Italy, we would have conquered them long ago and erased any trace of their nation.
Even if they had been in the same position as Pontus or Armenia, we could have easily invaded them, but Parthia is further east than that.
And as I said before, we have to consider the supply line in the unfamiliar desert terrain. I just wanted to say that it is dangerous to go on an expedition without considering these factors. Do not misunderstand my words.”
“I agree with your opinion that we should be cautious. But it was Marcus who brought up this issue first. I am sure he has a good plan. Am I wrong, Marcus?”
Marcus, who was suddenly mentioned, did not panic and nodded his head.
The situation was going as he wanted.
“I will cherish the wisdom of the great Pompey in my heart. When Magnus subdued the East ten years ago, I watched him closely from his side. Everything I saw, heard and felt then became a valuable experience for my proposal. If the expedition to the East is decided, I intend to follow the advice of Magnus, who is like my teacher.”
Marcus paused for a moment and looked at Pompey.
He smiled with utmost satisfaction and gestured to Marcus.
“Most of the senators seem to recognize Parthia as an enemy that we have to fight someday. I do not think much differently.
We have to make them kneel at least once, even if we cannot fully subjugate them. Of course, I understand the concerns of the senators who want to approach cautiously. As Magnus pointed out, there are some issues that we have to solve, such as supply and terrain problems. But I have prepared some countermeasures for them.”
Marcus’s firm answer was met with cheers from the aristocratic senators.
He had never been wrong when he showed such confidence.
The senators were confident that he would do well this time too.
“I have already arranged the suppliers for the food and equipment needed for the expedition. Of course, there will be no shortage of grain for the Roman citizens. However, there is one thing that I need the permission of the Senate for.”
“What is it?”
“The conflict with Parthia is a complex issue involving various fields. Moreover, Parthia’s territory is clearly beyond the jurisdiction of Crassus, who will become the governor of the province next year.
I could go on an expedition like Caesar did and ask for permission later, but Parthia is different from Gaul. If we do not prepare everything from start to finish, we may suffer too much damage.”
“That makes sense. So what authority do you want us to grant you?”
“Please pass a resolution that entrusts Crassus with all matters related to Parthia.
He needs the authority to deal with all aspects of legislation, justice, administration and diplomacy without prior or posterior approval from the Senate. Of course, this will be limited only to matters related to Parthia. For other issues, he will respect and follow the authority of the Senate as other governors do.”
There was silence in the audience.
In fact, governors who went on expeditions rarely received any control from the Senate.
Caesar himself did everything by reporting later and did whatever he wanted.
But there was a huge difference between implicitly letting it go and explicitly granting the right.
Marcus chose this method not because he was worried about the war with Parthia itself.
He was more concerned about what would happen after the war with Parthia.
As Pompey’s precedent showed, there was always a backlash when one achieved too much.
Crassus, who was considered a staunch aristocrat, might not suffer the same fate as Pompey, but it was not bad to be prepared for any situation.
Moreover, the right to deal with Parthia without the Senate’s approval would work very favorably in negotiations.
Parthia was a great power.
They were not an easy opponent who could be subdued by winning one or two battles.
He had to consider the possibility of having to negotiate from a favorable position.
If he had the right to handle Parthia’s problems as he pleased, he could negotiate with any conditions and fight with Parthia in any way he wanted.
He would not be questioned for anything later, and he would not have to worry about the provincial organization plan being rejected like Pompey.
If it had been an ordinary Senate meeting, even Marcus would have hesitated to give him such authority.
However, the aristocrats were keenly aware of Caesar, who was growing his power frighteningly.
They could not easily provoke Pompey, even if they wanted to.
If Caesar also gained as much power as Pompey, the aristocrats would not be able to restrain them.
They feared that Caesar and Pompey might join hands and divide Rome between them.
To prevent this, they needed to push for a strong figure from the aristocrats.
That was why most of the aristocratic senators supported the war with Parthia.
If Crassus subdued Parthia and pacified the East, he would not fall behind Caesar.
‘Let’s help Crassus gain enough power to deal with Caesar and Pompey first.’
The aristocratic senators agreed to grant Marcus’s request after a brief deliberation.
They reached an agreement with the populists by offering to hold a thanksgiving ceremony to commemorate Caesar’s achievements.
The supreme commander of the expeditionary force to the East was nominally Crassus, the governor of the province.
But everyone knew who would actually lead the army.
He had 10 legions under his jurisdiction as the governor of Asia Minor, plus two more legions that were leaving for Syria.
He also had the absolute right to handle all matters related to Parthia without the approval of the Senate.
It was a radical appointment that practically made Crassus the king of the East.
But the aristocrats thought that this measure was necessary to maintain their privileges.
They did not even guess what Marcus really wanted to achieve through this expedition to the East.
The aristocrats had already fallen into a situation where they had no choice but to move as Marcus wanted.
Marcus bowed politely and thanked the senators who applauded him.
Thank you for moving as I expected.
It was a sincere expression of gratitude without any lies.