Chapter 98: The Women of Egypt 1
Chapter 98: The Women of Egypt 1
The Roman army buried their fallen comrades and tended to the wounded within a single day.
Their losses were minimal.
In the original history, they had suffered nearly a tenth of their army in casualties, but this time, the loss was less than half of that.
The dead numbered barely a hundred, and the wounded just over a thousand.
The left wing, which had launched an aggressive attack, sustained the most damage. However, most of this damage was concentrated on the 11th legion, not Marcus's 12th.
The 12th legion only had a few dozen casualties, making it hard to believe they had carried out the most intense mission with so few losses.
This glorious victory quickly spread across Gaul and beyond the Rhine.
Caesar made sure to announce the triumph to his Gallic allies.
The Romans had only lost a few hundred men, while most of the enemy had been killed or captured.
The Haedui and Sequani tribes, who had witnessed the battle, felt both fear and awe at the power of Rome. They faithfully reported the awe-inspiring might of the Roman army at the tribal council, as Caesar had ordered.
The few Germanic warriors who survived also spread the news of the unbelievable defeat.
The Suebi tribe, camped on the east side of the Rhine, abandoned their invasion plans as soon as they heard the news. They took their weapons and supplies and returned home.
Thus, the prestige of the Roman army, which had annihilated a force of a hundred thousand with barely half their own number and almost no casualties, spread from Gaul to Germania.
Caesar named Marcus and the 12th legion, particularly Spartacus and his second century of the first cohort, as the greatest contributors to the victory.
"If it weren’t for Marcus's merit, our losses would have been much higher in the battles against the Helvetii and the Germans. We also wouldn’t have been able to form such a perfect encirclement against the Germans," Caesar wrote in his report to the Senate.
"Spartacus also followed Marcus's orders more faithfully than anyone else, boosting our morale. His overwhelming victory over Hermundt, the German champion, played a major role in raising our spirits."
The Senate was overjoyed upon hearing the news, though they were annoyed that Caesar had gained merit. However, they were content knowing that Marcus shared most of the credit.
The Senate decided to declare the two victories of the first year of the Gallic War as heroic triumphs.
Eight legions, totaling forty-eight thousand men, had fought two major battles in succession, with more than forty-seven thousand still intact. Without Marcus and Spartacus's contributions, it would have been hard to end with so few casualties.
The Senate emphasized Marcus's merit more than Caesar's in their public announcements.
Caesar decided to give his men a rest before winter camp as a reward for their service.
The Roman army stayed in Besançon, a town of the Sequani tribe, until the following year.
This wasn’t just for his men's recovery, but also to finalize the full subjugation of the western Rhine region under Roman rule.
Marcus urged the Sequani tribe to comply with their agreement on developing the Alsace region.
Having experienced Rome's power firsthand, the Sequani tribe swore to follow Marcus's orders faithfully.
After completing the post-war arrangements, Caesar returned to his province in Cisalpine Gaul.
He had to deal with administrative and judicial matters that had been delayed by the war.
Marcus also followed him back to Cisalpine Gaul, where many reports had piled up in his absence.
Caesar carefully reviewed the reports with Marcus before starting on the backlog of administration.
"So much has piled up while we weren't looking," Caesar remarked.
"Really? I think this is rather manageable compared to what I’m used to," Marcus replied, feeling like he was on a special vacation after being buried in paperwork every day.
He picked up a thick letter from Pompey and chuckled.
"Shall we see how our friend, the great Pompey, handled things?"
Caesar and Marcus had taken several steps to ensure Pompey could handle politics on his own.
Thanks to this, Pompey’s report had no complaints about things going wrong. Instead, it was filled with self-praise about how he had subdued the Senate and won the support of the people.
The consuls of the year were both Caesar’s allies, and so were the other elected officials.
Cato, the Senate’s most vocal critic, had just returned from Cyprus. It was no surprise Pompey had been able to lead politics as he pleased in this situation.
After finishing Pompey’s letter, Caesar spun his quill with a wry smile.
"I’ll have to think of a way to praise this great achievement of Magnus. He sent such a detailed letter, so he would be disappointed if I don’t reply accordingly."
"Why don’t you just say you trusted him to do well and compliment him vaguely?" Marcus suggested, pushing Pompey’s letter aside to focus on the next one.
Among the letters was a report from Danae and Septimus, along with a letter from Crassus. But Marcus opened Julia’s letter first.
Her letter was filled with affection from the first to the last sentence.
Marcus read the news of his beloved twins several times—children he loved more than his own eyes.
"Our precious children are growing up healthy and well. But lately, they’ve been throwing more tantrums. I asked my mother, and she said it’s normal for babies at this age, so I’m not too worried.
Still, they’re becoming more adorable every day. I can already imagine how happy you’ll be when you return next year. I can’t help but smile.
I know it’s important for you to do your duty on the battlefield, but it’s equally important to come back safely. I always pray to the gods for your health. Please send my regards to your father as well."
Marcus couldn’t help but smile as he read his wife’s letter.
Caesar skimmed through it with a faint smile, making a remark that could have been sarcastic or complimentary.
"What a lovely report full of love."
"…This is not a report, but a personal letter."
"Some expressions are so impressive that I feel embarrassed for you. Does Julia not describe you as a person? At a glance, I see all kinds of cheesy words like 'my star,' 'my lion,' 'my sun.' And yet, this father gets only one line at the end. That’s why they say children are…"
"Ahem, let’s stop this conversation here."
It felt awkward hearing his wife’s nicknames for him from someone else’s mouth.
Marcus pretended to be indifferent as he set down Julia’s letter and picked up another report.
The letters from Danae and Septimus were ordinary—everything was going smoothly, and preparations for the Eastern Province were progressing well.
The iron ore mined from the Caucasus Mountains had reached a stable stage.
Thanks to this, they had enough steel to produce the enormous number of weapons they needed.
If they added the iron ore from Alsace to the mix, they wouldn’t have to worry about the supply of steel anymore.
‘The problem is transporting the iron ore… Well, I’ll think about that later,’ Marcus thought as he unfolded Crassus’s letter.
Most of the interesting content was found here.
Crassus was perfectly managing the Senate in Marcus’s absence. At the same time, he was faithfully representing the interests of the knight class who supported him.
The reason Pompey could confidently handle everything was partly because of Crassus’s activities.
Of course, Pompey would never admit it.
But Marcus already knew that Crassus had exceptional political skills, so he wasn’t surprised.
What caught Marcus’s attention in the letter, however, was something else.
“Cato has finally annexed Cyprus and returned. It will take a few years to finalize the details, but the recovery of the property is nearly complete. According to Cato’s report, there are over 2,000 enormous chests filled with gold and silver. Can you imagine the wealth?
On top of that, Ptolemy, who ruled Cyprus, couldn’t bear the shame and took his own life. Clodius, who had proposed the annexation, seemed rather proud of this fact. The citizens showed no sympathy, thinking some of that wealth would be used for their benefit. The Senate didn’t care much either since it wasn’t their responsibility.
The situation in Egypt is a bit different. I heard Alexandria is in a bad mood. Recently, Ptolemy Auletes’ envoy came to Rome asking for asylum. I told him he could. You must have anticipated this situation, so do you have a plan for what to do next? I’m waiting for your response.”
“Egypt…” Marcus muttered.
He remembered Auletes' worried face from before and could still hear the gossiping chatter of Cleopatra and Arsinoe in his ears.
The issue of succession to the Pharaoh’s throne wasn’t something he could take lightly.
He couldn’t leave it to the Senate or Pompey, who might make things worse.
Without wasting any time, Marcus grabbed a parchment and began drafting a letter to Crassus.
His influence in Rome was not waning, even from faraway Gaul; if anything, it was growing stronger.
As Crassus had mentioned in his letter, the situation in Egypt was dire.
The cause of the turmoil was Auletes' inability to hold on to Cyprus without a fight. In truth, the pro-Roman Auletes had no power to stop Rome’s actions anyway.
Auletes was shocked by the sudden loss. He had promised to protect his kingship, only for Cyprus to be taken from him without warning. He tried urgently to reach Marcus, but by then, Marcus had already left for Gaul.
As a result, the vast wealth of Cyprus was transferred directly into Rome’s treasury.
Auletes' younger brother couldn’t bear the humiliation and committed suicide.
The person most furious about this situation was Auletes himself.
But he had no excuse for losing his territory.
The people of Alexandria, enraged by their incompetent king, protested daily.
The privileged class in Alexandria, sensing an opportunity, decided to raise a new Pharaoh.
They approached Auletes’ daughter, Berenice IV Epiphaneia, who had always craved luxury, pleasure, and power. She readily accepted their offer.
Blood ties meant little in the battle for the throne.
Berenice IV quickly gathered her supporters, led them to the palace, and seized control. Auletes, now without allies, fled without putting up a fight.
Berenice, who had just claimed the throne that her father had once occupied, was euphoric as she fulfilled her long-cherished ambition.
Berenice IV loved jewels and gold so much that her eyes sparkled with delight as she looked at her new crown.
For her, the throne was a place of pure bliss.
"So, you failed to capture my father's—no, the former Pharaoh's loyalists?" she asked.
"We apologize. They must have prepared a ship at the harbor beforehand, sensing something was wrong," came the reply.
“They're quick. Well, they were always cowards," Berenice sneered, sitting seductively with her legs crossed.
She had no fear of her father, who she believed was weak and incapable of threatening her, no matter where he went.
To her, the position of Pharaoh was a divine authority that could do no wrong.
She was confident that even if Rome were stronger than Egypt, they wouldn’t dare treat her as they had her father.
She adorned herself with even more jewels than usual, relishing the power the throne gave her.
Wherever she went, servants bowed their heads in respect.
Drunk on her newfound authority, she summoned her younger sisters.
Cleopatra and Arsinoe, who would normally avoid her summons, could not refuse the command of the Pharaoh.
Berenice looked at them with satisfaction, noticing how they sat stiffly in their chairs.
“It’s been a while since you two followed my commands so obediently,” she remarked.
“How could we refuse the Pharaoh’s order?” Cleopatra responded with polite reverence.
Berenice laughed arrogantly. “Was it you, Arsinoe, who once said I wasn’t fit to be Pharaoh?”
Arsinoe met Berenice’s gaze but quickly looked away and lowered her head.
“…It was a slip of the tongue. I would appreciate your forgiveness.”
Berenice’s laughter deepened. “If you apologize so honestly, I might forgive you. After all, I am the Pharaoh. You two are still too young to be my rivals.”
Arsinoe bit her lip in humiliation but could say nothing.
In fact, depending on Berenice's mood, both Cleopatra and Arsinoe could lose their lives today.
The key was to keep Berenice satisfied.
Cleopatra, maintaining a calm demeanor, cautiously spoke up.
“How do you plan to lead Alexandria in the future? You must also consider your relationship with Rome.”
“Rome? Those barbarians with nothing but strength? I’ll deal with them properly,” Berenice replied dismissively.
“The Roman Senate had previously announced a resolution to guarantee the authority of the former Pharaoh. If Auletes requests that the Senate uphold this, it could complicate things,” Cleopatra warned.
“Hmph, I know that. But I’ve already figured out how to handle it,” Berenice said confidently.
Cleopatra raised an eyebrow. “Do you intend to negotiate with the Senate?”
“If it comes to negotiation, so be it. Who was that representative from the Senate last time? That lowly noble who acted as a bridge between my father and Rome?” Berenice asked.
Arsinoe frowned and corrected her. “It’s Marcus. He is a nobleman who holds real power in Rome. He is not someone to be taken lightly.”
“Oh, when did you become so interested in Roman politics?” Berenice taunted.
“I met him when the delegation came to Alexandria last time. He is no one to underestimate,” Arsinoe replied, trying to be serious.
“Ah, yes. You two were quite close with the Roman delegation back then, weren’t you?” Berenice said, dismissing it.
Cleopatra stayed composed and offered advice. “You need to be cautious when negotiating with him, or Alexandria could face a storm. As Arsinoe said, he’s not someone to be taken lightly.”
“Hmph… If you two think so highly of him, he must be decent. Well, that makes me even happier,” Berenice smirked.
“Happier for Pharaoh?” Cleopatra asked, uncertain.
“I’m talking about the negotiation, the negotiation. Didn’t I tell you I have a plan? The goal is simple: if I can outwit Marcus, I’ll gain the Senate's trust. It’s not that complicated.”
Arsinoe sighed, shaking her head. “That’s not as easy as you think.”
“Maybe not for you two, but if the opponent is a man, I’m confident I can make him fall for me in a day,” Berenice replied, a seductive expression crossing her face.
“What? You can’t be serious…” Arsinoe stammered, her face reddening.
“That won’t work at all,” she muttered.
“Why not? Every man is driven by power and lust. Who wouldn’t fall for me, the Pharaoh, if I offer them whatever they want for one night?” Berenice said, caressing the rim of her wine glass with a playful look.
Her beauty and sensual figure were enough to turn any man’s head. Add to that the authority of the Pharaoh, and she didn’t think anyone could resist.
“But he never showed any interest in women when he was around me or my sister,” Cleopatra pointed out.
“That’s because he wouldn’t be interested in you two. Who could get aroused by little girls like you?” Berenice retorted.
Arsinoe blushed and fell silent.
Cleopatra, however, stayed calm and nodded. “That sounds like a good plan. If it succeeds.”
“It will succeed. You’ll see who’s right,” Berenice said with a confident smile.
Cleopatra smiled back. “Yes, we’ll see whose idea works.”