Chapter 16: Rising Road (3)
Chapter 16: Rising Road (3)
Marcus dutifully built his own foundation and, at the same time, increased the family's wealth.
Spartacus also began to make a name for himself throughout Rome by winning gladiator fights.
As time went on, an unusual bill came up at a newly convened Senate meeting.
The proposer was Marcus Licinius Lucullus, the consul of the year. A member of the same Licinius clan as Crassus, he was the younger brother of the famous statesman and strategist Lucullus.
At Crassus's request, Lucullus submitted a bill known as the Lucullus Patent Law. As consul, Lucullus had the authority to present this bill to the Senate. The cost was that, two years later, Crassus would pay part of the expense for the election as treasurer, for which Lucullus's son would run.
Lucullus's legislative proposal was straightforward. Even in ancient Rome, private property was considered a fundamental right. Lucullus argued that the patent law would more firmly guarantee this basic right for Romans.
"It may be difficult to understand immediately, as this is a new concept. However, I believe you will see how much this bill can promote the development of new technology.
"Moreover, it can prevent the situation where great technologies are lost to future generations. Our ancestors brought excellent technologies and systems from other lands and improved them. Now, with this bill, we need to further develop those technologies and pass them on to future generations!"
The lawmakers who supported Lucullus applauded and voiced their approval. Although only a few members fully understood the bill, there were no significant objections.
It was rare for a law with such a broad impact to be passed in a single day. The lawmakers reviewed and decided on it, then took a break.
On the second day, approval prevailed in the Senate. Gaius Claudius Glaber, the praetor, called for the bill to be passed immediately.
"Consider this: it is unacceptable for Rome to support the theft of others' technology for profit.
"How many talented technologists have suffered without this bill? How many artisans have been reluctant to teach their apprentices, fearing their skills would be stolen? We must create an environment where intellectuals can work freely. As leaders of Rome, it is our duty!"
Glaber's words about leading Rome resonated with most senators, who agreed with him.
Of course, Glaber's support was not solely driven by concern for Roman citizens; it stemmed from painful memories. His father-in-law's technology had been leaked within a month, causing significant damage.
Most wealthy senators owned businesses operated under freed slaves' names. Lawmakers with skilled artisans voted in favor of the bill, believing it would benefit them.
Crassus had already ensured the bill's passage by talking to several council members, but he did not need to intervene directly.
If he had known this would happen, he wouldn’t have bothered asking them.
He decided it was time to make his presence known by addressing the points that needed to be supplemented in the bill. However, before he could do so, someone else asked for a comment.
It was Marcus Tullius Cicero, a fledgling lawyer who had just entered the Senate two years earlier from the commoner’s knightly class.
"Respected members of Congress, while the concept of patents can indeed serve the public interest, there are too many gaps in this bill," Cicero began.
Glaber's discomfort was evident upon hearing Cicero's words.
"Isn't the newcomer from Arpinum being a bit overconfident in his own insight? Let’s not get bogged down by minor issues that could arise."
"I'm not suggesting we ignore the issue," Cicero countered. "However, I believe the enforcement of this law should be suspended unless acceptable amendments are made. Let me point out some of the problems with this bill. First, the process to invalidate a patent must be stricter and more complex. If the regulations remain as simple as they are, those with substantial capital could easily invalidate the patents of other artisans. Additionally..."
Cicero provided a plausible example and ways to potentially evade the patent law. His insights were impressive, showcasing why he would later be known as Rome's greatest lawyer.
Yet, despite Cicero's expertise, he was still a newcomer without much support.
"You seem to be overcomplicating things. If we make the laws too complex, no one will understand them. Every law has its pros and cons."
"But..."
Before Cicero could make further objections, Crassus, seizing the moment, intervened.
"Ah, respected members of the legislature. Cicero raises valid points. I also reviewed the bill yesterday and had similar concerns, so I prepared my own supplementary measures."
Crassus then presented the supplementary measures Marcus had proposed, addressing Cicero's concerns, such as preventing profiteering to avoid patent monopolies and strengthening verification measures to ensure patents were not weak.
With Crassus and his allies voting in favor of the amendments, public opinion shifted dramatically. Ultimately, the 'Lucullus Patent Law,' now with Crassus’s revisions, passed smoothly.
For Crassus, who sought to distinguish himself, the outcome was different from what he had anticipated, but he achieved his goal nonetheless.
After the Senate meeting, Cicero approached Crassus as he was about to leave and bowed in gratitude.
"Thank you for supporting my views."
"It was nothing. I had similar thoughts, so it made sense for me to support them."
"I knew you were well-versed in business, but I didn't expect you to be so knowledgeable about legal matters as well. Indeed, one of the leading figures in the Senate stands out in every way."
"Well... I’m surprised by your insight. You don’t seem like a typical Senate member."
"Your praise is too much."
Crassus and Cicero exchanged pleasantries before parting ways. Cicero, who had come to Rome with dreams of great fortune, realized he was still an unknown in this vast city. Rome was immense, like the sea.
Confident in his legal proficiency, he understood he still had much to learn. Crassus’s knowledge, surprisingly, came from Marcus, though Cicero was unaware of this.
Fate can be a passing breeze, but sometimes it becomes an immovable mountain.
The relationship between Cicero, a representative of the Roman Republic, and Marcus, who was shaping a new era, had only just begun.
**
When the patent law came into effect, a flood of strange technologies rushed to apply for patents.
However, sensible legislators, led by Crassus, conducted thorough inspections to prevent patent abuse. As a result, the system began to operate stably over time.
Marcus had anticipated that technology related to agriculture would emerge prominently. Despite Rome's advancements in commerce, agriculture remained the cornerstone of the ancient economy. Without improvements in agricultural productivity, further development was unattainable.
Fortunately, Marcus’s ability to access library resources worked every two months, but he had not had time to read books focused on agriculture.
"Okay, can we start selling the stirrups and horseshoes as scheduled?"
"Yes. The products are completed, and the patent registration is finalized under Septimus’s name."
Roma’s technological capabilities exceeded expectations, and it took less than six months to produce a commercialized product. If production had taken longer, the technology might have been monopolized without patent registration. Given the situation, if a patent wasn’t registered, there would soon be an influx of copies.
"Anyway, I think the time is near."
Marcus planned to showcase the cavalry using the new stirrups on a plain near Rome. Invitations had already been sent in Crassus’s name to prestigious senators and influential knights.
Since Marcus was too young to present the demonstration himself, Septimus was tasked with explaining the innovation. This placed Septimus in the position of describing a concept he had first learned from a book.
At the appointed time, a row of elegant carriages arrived, bringing senators and judges, including the sitting consul, Lucullus. Lucullus disembarked and looked around, puzzled.
"I was told that you have developed something that could fundamentally change the Roman cavalry system, but I don’t see anything particularly grand."
All Roman officials had military experience, and Cicero, a representative scholar, had also served during wartime. Although some senators might not be military experts, few were completely unfamiliar with military matters.
Publius Barinius, the praetor, pointed at the saddles of the horses lined up on the plain.
"Is that what’s hanging under the saddle an invention?"
"Exactly."
Crassus nodded confidently.
"What’s the use of that? A footrest? Such a simple tool wouldn’t revolutionize the Roman cavalry system."
Other legislators shared Barinius's skepticism, expressing doubts about the innovation.
"Well, let me show you," Crassus said, signaling for the demonstration to begin despite the skepticism from some members.
Septimus stepped forward and bowed respectfully.
"My name is Septimus, and I was honored by Crassus with the name of the Licinius clan. It is a privilege to explain this in front of Rome’s esteemed leaders. First, let me introduce the stirrups."
Septimus displayed a real stirrup to the senators.
"These stirrups are saddle braces for horses. They are highly effective for mounting and maintaining balance while riding."
A middle-aged knight, looking puzzled, asked, "Isn’t it possible to balance on a horse if you have mastered horsemanship?"
"Yes, but maintaining balance on a wobbly horse and executing a perfect charge using only your legs requires exceptional skill. The stirrups provide almost the same level of stability without needing such mastery."
With Septimus’s signal, the horsemen waiting on the plain began their demonstration.
The cavalrymen released their hands from the reins and charged forward with spears in one hand and shields in the other. Some even shot arrows while maintaining a remarkably stable position, hitting their targets with precision.
Mock battles simulating close combat on horseback also demonstrated surprising stability. The cavalrymen skillfully swung their weapons and maneuvered freely, turning right or left with ease. This would be nearly impossible without significant horsemanship skills.
The expressions of the lawmakers, who had been bored, changed instantly. The reaction of the generals, especially those with experience commanding troops, was particularly dramatic.
Gaius Toranius, a former cavalry officer, immediately raised a question.
"Aren't they exceptionally skilled in horsemanship?"
"Those who are accustomed to horses are indeed skilled," Septimus replied. "But without the stirrups, they could never release the reins and charge with both hands free. The same applies to the archers. Such skill is typically found only among the elite knightly classes."
As Septimus continued his explanation, the lawmakers reacted with astonishment. In Rome, training skilled cavalrymen was a major challenge. To become an effective cavalryman, one needed to learn horseback riding from a young age—a privilege often reserved for the descendants of powerful knights or aristocrats. When Rome lacked sufficient cavalry, it sometimes had to rely on external sources for reinforcements.
Septimus, observing the council members, continued confidently, "Rome’s current military system relies on professional soldiers. With these stirrups, training cavalry will be more efficient, addressing our cavalry shortage effectively."
The senators, all of whom had military experience, took this seriously. Those familiar with the strategic value of cavalry, particularly in large-scale operations, nodded in agreement.
Crassus, standing before the lawmakers whose expressions had transformed, addressed them with authority.
"Dear Members of Parliament, I trust you now understand the importance of this innovation. Strengthening our cavalry is crucial not only for current needs but also to prepare for potential threats."
"A threatening enemy? Are you referring to Gaul or Germany?"
"While they are threats, my concern is with Parthia in the East. After dealing with Mithridates of Pontus, we will inevitably face Parthia. In international relations, there are no permanent allies. Don’t we need to prepare a countermeasure?"
Parthia was a major power in the East, controlling regions that include modern Syria and northern India. Claiming descent from Persia, Parthia also profited significantly from intercontinental trade, making it a key player in connecting East Asia and Europe.
Lucullus, after closely observing the cavalrymen demonstrating on the plains, asked, "So you believe this would be an effective countermeasure against Parthia?"
"Yes," Crassus replied. "Are you aware of the primary strength of the Parthian army?"
"I’ve heard rumors that their cavalry is exceptional."
Crassus’s knowledge was somewhat limited, but Marcus had provided him with useful information, reportedly from a merchant from Parthia. Crassus was impressed with Marcus's thorough investigation and had developed a trust in him that was unmatched.
"The main strength of the Parthians lies in their large number of archers and a small contingent of heavily armored cavalry known as cataphracts," Crassus explained. "Rome currently has less cavalry power than they do, which forces us to fight in areas where cavalry cannot maneuver effectively.
"However, if our cavalry is equal to or superior to theirs, we won’t need to restrict the battlefield. Enhanced cavalry forces will also be invaluable when fighting the Gauls and Germans."
Most senators responded positively to Crassus’s argument. Although reinforcing the cavalry had previously seemed impractical due to the challenges in training, the prospect of significantly reducing those difficulties made the idea more appealing.
Consul Lucullus made a provisional decision. "For now, we should focus on equipping all warhorses with stirrups. Regarding the enhancement of cavalry power, let’s await Pompey’s return and his opinion before finalizing our direction."
Crassus’s expression tightened at the mention of Pompey, a potential rival. Despite his enthusiasm, Pompey held the highest authority on military matters in Rome, a reality that Crassus had to accept. Pompey was currently away in Hispania suppressing Sertorius’s rebellion, which had been ongoing for nearly two years.
Upon his return, Pompey’s already considerable fame was expected to grow even further, a situation that troubled Crassus.
However, a few days later, news arrived in Rome that alleviated some of Crassus's concerns.
**
Marcus, with mixed feelings, read the correspondence that arrived directly from Capua. Although he had anticipated this news, seeing it in writing brought a sense of unease about the future.
Spartacus, who was always at Marcus’s side, noticed his distress. "You don’t look well. What’s wrong?"
"I’d rather you see it for yourself than have me explain," Marcus replied.
Spartacus read the letter and was so shocked that he momentarily lost his balance and stumbled. He looked at Marcus in disbelief. "Is this... is this real?"
"It appears to have been sent directly by my father’s subordinate in Capua."
"How did this happen..."
The letter, which had fallen from Spartacus’s trembling hands, was picked up by Danae, who gasped as she read it.
The letter was brief but alarming:
[A group of more than 70 slave gladiators escaped from Capua and are currently fleeing to the forest near Mount Vesuvius. The owner of the gladiator training camp and all involved are presumed to have been murdered.]