Anno quingentesimo sexagesimo quintus ab urbe condita
Aprilis DLXV (188 BC)
L. Iulio Caesare Albino L.Cornelio Scipione Asiatico consulibus

IMPERIUM NEWS

Issue CXLIX (149)

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In a move that sent shivers down many spines, Marcus Porcius Cato, the Princeps Senatus, was this month dragged off under arrest by the lictors of Censor Caius Fabius Mutinensis. Cato had previously taken exception to Mutinensis’ refusal to apologise to Senator Manlius Priscus for comments made in an earlier session, and had barred the Censor from the Curia Hostilis. Mutinensis riposted by ordering his arrest and trial on a charge of Perduellio, which could result in exile or even death for the distinguished Cato. See under “Domestic news” for further discussion and analysis of this unprecedented event.

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Following Governor Tacitus’ recent bold visit to the German camp, the Horde is reported to have split further. With Sigeric already in Aquitania, Gundioc of the Suebi with the tribes allied to him, has accepted Tacitus’ offer of settlement within Gallia Narbonensis and has made his way back to the environs of Narbo city, where the townspeople are providing his men with victuals. His is reported to be awaiting contact from General Curius, as requested by Governor Tacitus. Agiulf and the Semnones have marched North up the west bank of the Rhodanus, whose fords have been impassable this month due to the floods.

Heated exchanges are reported to have taken place in the German camp between Numerius Lucretius Tacitus and Boeorix, Chief of the Cimbri. They parted amid mutual insults, and the Cimbri followed Tacitus back to the Rhodanus where they tried to bluff him away from the bridge by a false charge. Apart from a cavalry rearguard the Cimbri have moved off to the west, and it remains to be seen if the Governor’s last minute challenge to Boeorix for personal combat on the bridge itself will bring him back. Surely barbarian honour will force Boeorix to return and face the Roman?

The Herusci and their associated tribes, under the leadership of Chief Sigeric, are reported to have begun a siege of the fortified city of Elimberris. The Aquitanians are understood to have reinforced the garrison before the Germans arrived, leading them to reject the option of an immediate assault. However, Herusci morale is said to be high following the reappearance of their leader from a secret mission with a magical golden sword of great weird and power, called Excalibur. Asked how he came by such an heirloom, Sigeric replied that an arm reached out unexpectedly and gave it to him.

The King of Parthia, a certain Phriapatius, has been murdered by insurgents. Under his rule Parthia had long been an obedient client Kingdom of the Seleucid Empire. The opposing faction is believed to consist of Parthian Nationalists lead by a distant member of the Royal Arsacid House named Ashk, dedicated to throwing off Seleucid interference in the affairs of Parthia. The rest of the Royal family, including Prince Phraates (6), escaped and has fled to Antiochus in Syria along with most of the resident Seleucid “advisers”. Several of these were, however, caught and executed by the rebels. Antiochus is reported to be not best pleased and to be planning military action.

To add to the recent troubles experienced in Galatia there has now been an outbreak of plague, centred upon the city of Iconium. The Roman enclave at Perga is taking steps to exclude any travellers coming from that direction until the crisis is over.

In the “War” against Egypt, Ptolemy is reported to have opened this month’s hostilities with a cunning outflanking move - a proposal for a new Treaty with Rome. Consul Caesar riposted with a bold counterstroke - a demand for reparations. This was neatly sidestepped by the Pharaoh’s acceptance, coupled with a thrust of his own insisting that Rome abandon the Cyrenaican rebels. Caesar charged home with a demand for recognition of the Jews, Ptolemy parried with a re-iteration of his Cyrenaican stance. Rome is dazzled with the military genius being displayed by the Consul. Is he ever going to attack anybody, the People wonder?

As the Army leaders agreed to extend the Truce yet again, the Egyptian main fleet sallied out of Darnis harbour one afternoon to conduct provocative manoeuvres in the bay. In full view of the watching Roman Army they sailed up and down in formation and practised ramming procedures. Their discipline was impressive. It was possible for a full count to be made of them in the process: 36 light vessels, 14 Triremes, 20 Quadremes, 24 Quinqueremes and no fewer than 55 larger vessels could be observed. Some vessels were believed to have been absent on scouting duties. It was noted, however, that the large ships were distinctly un-manoeuvrable and clumsy.

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Consul Lucius Cornelius Scipio Asiaticus has sent this paper the following notice:

It is with great sadness that I must inform you all of the tragic death of Appius Manlius Calvus, Praetor of Sardo-Corsica. Manlius Calvus had previously served as Quaestor in Hispania Ulterior and, exceptionally, before that as Quaestor in Gallia Cisalpina. His service in Cisalpina was cut short early on by a fever, and this appears to have returned unexpectedly and carried him off. He was taken seriously ill after attending a banquet at the home of local worthy Ancus Fulvius and was dead within 24 hours.

Fortunately for the Republic I have prevailed upon a scion of a well-known and ancient House, Marcus Aurelius Cotta, to take his place as Praetor on the Islands. The Quaestor there, Tullius Maelius Esquilinus, will Govern the Province until Cotta arrives in early May.

A veto on the SC Aemilia Imperium Praetorium was maintained by the College of Tribunes this month. Dissatisfied with the arrangements proposed for removal and/or replacement of Praetors who strayed out of their Provinces, Publius Manlius Torquatus vetoed the bill proposed by Gaius Aemilius. A challenge to this veto was soon mounted by fellow tribune Arminius Terentius Auricomus. The session of the College is reported to have been acrimonious and there is widespread gossip of serious bribery on all sides. However Tribune Torquatus’ veto was left in place at the end of the day. It remains to be seen if Aemilius will return to the fray next month with an amended proposal.

Recent rumours that General Junius Pompeius was ill appear, happily, to have been premature, but he certainly seems to be in need of some home comforts. The dour soldier’s wife received a totally unexpected summons from her husband this month, much to the amusement of her friends. Holding out the prospect of taking her to see the famous cities of Greece, Pompeius is reported (according to a “friend” of his wife’s) to have told Gaia Iulia that” there are many sights which I am sure you would love to see”. Whatever can the General be referring to? Is the SC Iunia Hellas really no more than an excuse for a holiday in Greece for his wife?

In a move much welcomed in political circles in the Capital, the arrogant Princeps Senatus (and ex-Censor) Marcus Porcius Cato, was given a taste of his own medicine this month when he went too far with his posturing and barred the current Censor, Caius Fabius Mutinensis, from the Senate House. His excuse, the obviously flimsy one that Mutinensis should apologise to an over-sensitive and doddering senile Senator for a harmless dig made previously, failed to impress knowledgeable Senate-watchers, who remembered all too well Cato’s own prior antics, such as the accusation of homosexuality against Domitius Cordatus. Thus is the biter bit!

Romans who respect the true traditions of Rome will remember only too well the disgraceful scenes two years ago when Mutinensis was appointed Dictator purely for the temporary purpose of banging the nails into the door of the Temple of Jupiter, but then used his authority to bring soldiers into the pomerium and refused to resign when the nailing task was completed. True democrats feared then that these antics displayed Mutinensis’ naked ambition to the world, and his high-handed and unconstitutional “arrest” of the Princeps Senatus simply for trying to make him behave properly has merely added fuel to the flames of that suspicion. Word in the Senate is that Mutinensis is clearly power mad and must never be elected to responsible office again.

Ancus Maelius Niger had been rather bored with his job of Urban Praetor until this month. Now he has two cases of perduellio to try, more than anyone can ever remember there being in one month. “I’m frankly delighted,” said Niger, ”this will be the talk of Rome for months and I’ll be the centre of attention!” Young Mamercus Lucretius Malleus has been appointed to prosecute Cato, a great boost to his career. “I much approve of his appointment,” said Censor Mutinensis when questioned, “I’m sure he will give Cato a good hammering.” No-one has yet volunteered to prosecute Manlius Priscus so the Urban Praetor has appointed the accuser, Fabius Mutinensis himself as prosecutor. Tiberius Claudius Nero will gallantly defend Cato, whilst old Priscus has accepted the services of the experienced Gaius Aemilius.

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Strange and vivid bolts of lightning were visible in the North West to the troops at Barcino; there was felt to be something un-natural and disturbing about them.
The following day a huge swarm of bees settled around the Eagle Standard of Legio III and could not be dislodged except by flaming brands.
At Valentia and Vienna in Gallia Narbonensis statues in various Temples were found to have toppled over in the night.
At Cyrene a sound as of a nearby battle has several times been heard from the walls, leading the garrison to rush to arms.
A distant kettledrum was heard sounding from the North East at Gaza.
In the camp of Consul Lucius Caesar, a green palm shoot was found to be growing directly out of one of the earth ramparts.

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Legislative Report

SENATUS
Moderate, Conservative or General (1, 2 or 3) need 66%, 33% and 50%+ respectively to pass

SC Aemilium Imperium Praetorium (MAL)– Moderate – VETOED

A Provincial Governor is forbidden from leaving the boundaries of his Province during his term in office unless he forfeits his imperium. If a Provincial Governor leaves the boundaries of his Province, the Senatus will decide whether to restore him to the provincia. If not restored, the Senatus may decree him to repay to the Aerarium, in part or in total, the funds he received to manage the provincia. Further, if he is not restored, the first of those praetorial candidates not elected Praetor will be chosen as the new Praetor.

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SC Domitia Epira Foeda (DDC) – General – PASSED – 100%

That a delegation of 3 senators to be chosen by the Princeps Senatus travel to Epirus as representatives of the SPQR and present the following treaty terms to Alexander of Epirus:

1) That Epirus be reaffirmed in the status of Friend and Ally of Rome.
2) That Epirus pays a monthly tax to Rome of 7%.
3) That Rome shall send a legion to aid Epirus should Epirus suffer invasion by any power. One legion is the required amount, but Rome may send more, if she chooses.
4) That Epirus shall send a detachment of 3,000 aux light infantry to aid Rome when called upon to do so. Such a number is the required amount, but Epirus may send more, if she chooses.
5) That Epirus recognize the city of Oricum and the surrounding country as Roman property.
6) That should the bloodline of King Alexander become extinct, Rome shall inherit Epirus as Roman property.

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SC Iulianum de mandato Sisennae (LIC) – General – PASSED – 100%

The Senate appoints Cnaeus Ulpius Sisenna legate in our Army in Egypt under the command of Lucius Caesar. Caesar may appoint him to a specific legion or give him another equivalent task.

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Lex Fabia Copiis Narbonensis (CFM) – General – PASSED – 100%

That Legio IV and VII disband.
That a new Legio IV nova (Roma style) and a new Legio VII nova (Italia style) be mobilized at the total cost of 10,040 D (4,140+5,900).
That Legio IV nova and Legio VII nova receive the old legiones insigna and serve under Patricus Curius Hibernicus in his campaign against Aquitania and Germans.

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SC Junia Hellas (DJP) – General – PASSED – 100%

That Decimus Junius Pompeius remain as army commander over the legions currently in Epirus and that he act as a Senatorial ambassador to the Pan-Hellenic League to seek a satisfactory treaty with the Pan-Hellenic League or to seek the breakup of said league if he decides they represent a credible threat to Rome. All treaties and decisions to be subject to Senatorial oversight and Assembly vote.

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ASSEMBLY
Radical, Liberal or General (1,2 or 3) need 66%, 33% and 50%+ respectively to pass.

There are no Proposals in the Assembly this month.

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STARTING BALANCE			D.791,492
Expenses		Incomes
Army maintenance	15,955	Tax	50,885
Navy maintenance	28,560	Gifts	0
Military recruitments	10,040	POW sales	0
Colonization	0	Carthago instalments	0
Bread subsidy	0	Fees	1,440
Total	54,555	Total	52,325
ENDING BALANCE			D. 789,262
Reserves funds			D. 300,000

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Chance of CLASS RIOT

3 %

Peaceful

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CITIZENS AVAILABLE FOR SERVICE (at Aprilis)
Total Roman citizens worldwide at December DLXIV	1,969,500
Total Roman men in legionary service at December DLXIV	79,605
Citizens available for service at Ianuarius DLXV	90,514
Citizens used in colonization since Ianuarius DLXV	5,000
Citizens mobilized into legions since Ianuarius DLXV	19,400
Number of citizens still available in DLXV	66,114
Available capiti censi	20,000

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SLAVE PRICES FOR APR-JUN DLXV
Labourers	1.2 D.
Specialists (Artisans, Gladiators, etc.)	12 D.
Chariots	30 D.

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REGIONAL PRODUCTIVITY (APR-JUN DLXV)
Italia - ROMA	1.0	ACHAIA	0.5 (1.0)
Italia - AEQUI	1.0	AEGAEUM	1.0
Italia - APULIA	0.5	AEGYPTUS	N/A (1.0)
Italia - BRUTTIUM	1.0	AETHIOPIA	N/A (1.5)
Italia - CALABRIA	0.5	ASIA	1.0/N/A
Italia - CAMPANIA	1.0	CYPRUS	N/A (0.5)
Italia - ETRURIA	1.5	CYRENAICA	0.25 (0.5)
Italia - LATIUM	1.0	EPIRUS	1.0
Italia - LUCANIA	1.5	LYCIA	1.0
Italia - MARSII	1.5	MACEDONIA	0.5
Italia - SABINIS	1.0	MAURETANIA	1.5
Italia - SAMNIUM	1.0	NUMIDIA	1.0
Italia - VOLSCII	1.0	PALAESTINA	1.0 / N/A
GALLIA CISALPINA	1.0	PERGAMUM	1.0
GALLIA NARBONENSIS	0.75 (1.5)	THRACIA	N/A (0.5)
HISPANIA CITERIOR	1.5	AQUITANIA	N/A(1.0)
HISPANIA ULTERIOR	1.0	-	-
ILLYRICUM	1.0	-	-
SARDOCORSICA	1.0	-	-
SICILIA	1.0	-	-

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FOREIGN NATIONS STATUS SUMMARY
Pan-Hellenic League	REVOLT	Aquitania	WAR
Epirus	Allied
Aegean Isles	Allied	Macedonia	Allied
Aegyptus	WAR	Massilia (city only)	Allied
Aethiopia	WAR	Numidia	Allied
Africa (Carthago)	Normal	Palaestina	norm/WAR
Asia	REVOLT	Pergamum	Allied
Creta	Strained	Seleucid Empire	Strained
Cyprus	WAR
Cyrenaica	WAR	Thracia	IND / REVOLT

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Bonus Awards for Aprilis DLXV

For their speeches in the Senate the following PCs receive:

DDC – 36 CIV
LIC – 5 CIV
LSR – 5 CIV
MAL – 5 CIV
DJP – 2 CIV
PCN – 2 CIV

For their actions in the Civil Office the following PCs receive:

QML – 14 CIV
PAV – 4 CIV
DDC – 2 CIV

For their Speeches in the Assembly the following PCs receive:

DDC – 12 CUL
ATA – 5 CUL
MAL – 5 CUL

For gossiping in the Forum the following PCs receive:

QML – 50 CUL
CP – 25 CUL
MAL – 21 CUL
PCN – 20 CUL
DJP – 10 CUL
LSR – 6 CUL
LIC – 4 CUL

For their Religious Actions the following PCs receive:

NIL

For their Military actions the following PCs receive:

NLT – 22 MIL
QML – 20 MIL
LIC – 16 MIL
PCH – 11 MIL
PCN – 11 MIL
DJP – 6 MIL
DCR – 5 MIL
MAL – 5 MIL
CUS – 1 MIL

For their actions in the Courts the following PCs receive:

QML – 8 CIV
PCN – 7 CIV
MAL – 2 CIV
NLT – 2 CIV

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Public Buildings
The following significant works have been commissioned this month in Roma:

Patron	Description	Value
DDC	Portico along Vicus Patricus	D. 20,000
DDC	Thermae Domitae on Vicus Patricus	D. 20,000
CFM	Insulae Fabiae in Ianiculensis	D. 5,000
DJP	Insulae Iunia in Ianiculensis	D. 10,000
DJP	Bibliotheca Iunia in Ianiculensis	D. 5,000
DJP	Scholae Iunia in Ianiculensis	D. 5,000
DJP	Horti Iunii in Ianiculensis	D. 5,000

Cities Upgrade
The following upgrades have been commissioned this month:

Patron	City	New level	Cost
-	-	-	D. -

The city of Genua (Gallia Cisalpina) has been colonised, completing also its recovery. Genua is COL starting from Maius 1st.

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Trade Reports Aprilis DLXV

The captains report the following on the PMT Trades:
Fleet #1 carrying D.18,000 in luxury goods in 5 transports reached port with the loss of 1 ship for disaster and 1 for piracy. PMT’s return was D. 39,960.
Fleet #2 carrying D.18,000 in luxury goods in 5 transports reached port with the loss of 0 ship for disaster and 0 for piracy. PMT’s return was D. 66,600.
Fleet #3 carrying D.18,000 in luxury goods in 5 transports reached port with the loss of 2 ships for disaster and 1 for piracy. PMT’s return was D. 26,640.
Fleet #4 carrying D.18,000 in luxury goods in 5 transports reached port with the loss of 0 ship for disaster and 0 for piracy. PMT’s return was D. 66,600.
Total PMT return – D.199,800.

In all for D. 72,000 worth of trade goods, PMT made a profit of D. 127,800, losing 4 of his twenty ships.

Slave Market Reports Aprilis DLXV

Of the 18 groups of 500 slaves offered at the Aprilis market, 10 groups have been assigned to PMT while the rest have been bought by NPC traders. The auctioneer has adjudicated a bargain price of D. 600 per each group of 500 slaves.