Proconsulate of Macedonia

The journey to Greece had been mostly uneventful for Proconsul Mugillanus. With the unrest in southern Italy and the rebellious Sertorius blocking access to Brundisium, Mugillanus had been forced to find passage via Ostia. Thankfully, they avoided any run-ins with the growing pirate menace before landing at Actium. The rest of the way the proconsul and his entourage travelled by road before finally reaching Thessalonike, the heart of Macedonia. Mugillanus had enjoyed himself, taking his time to survey the Greek countryside and taste the fruits of the land. The olives were especially delectable, and something he would have to bring import to his estates for cultivation.

With his short vacation over, the Roman had to finally begin his work in the province. While his servants and lieutenants unpacked and made ready his gubernatorial mansion, Mugillanus turned to the matter of the day. Sertorius had certainly left him with a headache - accusations of exploitation and abuses of power. The patrician sighed as he looked over the list of petitions already on his desk. There would be no unrest under his term - a quiet province was a loyal province, and a loyal province was a taxable province. Then there was the other matter, much more delicate... local officials declaring support for Mithridates instead of the Republic. Spontaneous support, or something more insidious? At this point the Proconsul preferred to think it was the former, and a local issue.

Once everything had been put in order did Mugillanus send out missives to local officials across Macedonia, requesting their presence to address the petitions concerning the issues raised about Proconsul Sertorius' term.

With the steady stream of testimonies being presented to the proconsul against the previous governor, Mugillanus thought it best to have his scribes take notes and document the accounts brought to him. Then they would have to scour the old legers for any substantial evidence supporting these claims. While the fate of Sertorius was still in the balance considering the civil strife in Italia, should the man somehow survive it would be prudent to have some sort of leverage over the man.

Further looking into the claims, there would have to be some sort of concession to the Greeks to placate the current discontent. While he had no intention of repaying the loss of wealth, Mugillanus gave a few promises. First, taxes would not be raised during his term of office. Second, he promised to bring these accusations to the Senate the next year and have Sertorius answer them in a court of law. Third, he would personally invest into expanding the port of Thessalonike, thereby providing the province for further trade opportunities.

Relatively satisfied with stabilizing the immediate situation for the time being, Mugillanus moves on to survey the harbor to determine the approximate costs for strengthening and expanding it. There were need for docks, cranes, warehouses and poll stations, along with guard houses and enough room for carts and carriages to move about. The proconsul personally moved with his entourage among the sailors, merchants, dock workers and menial slaves, taking a censure of the available manpower. Any potential manpower shortages would be filled by Roman colonists... on Mugillanus' payroll, of course. Control of the harbor would provide good business in the future.

The trip also served as an ample opportunity to prospect local businesses, especially the wine and olive trade, for buyouts. The proconsul smelled profit in the air, if he could lay claim to a sizeable portion of the local markets before his term was up, the Greek lands would provide ample income in the coming years. It was the duty of a Roman citizen to support the provinces, especially if he could turn a profit while doing it. If some of his men were a bit - intimidating or extortionate during negotiations with local businessmen, that was only the world of business.

Mugillanus invests 10,000 denarii into the port of Thessalonike.

Mugillanus issues an edict of autonomy for the year.

Thanks to the efforts of Mugillanus, the fallout of Roma’s impending war with Mithridates was largely mitigated in the northern Greek polities. Macedonia and the Aetolian cities, mollified by the noble treatment of the governor, elected to stay loyal to Rome despite the urging of Mithridatic agitators.

However, more troubling news emerges from Athens. Some hurried reports flow north, speaking of a political coup, and the presence of a growing army and navy in the city that are loyal to Mithridates. Apparently, the Athenians are attempting to win more of Greece’s cities to their cause, espousing the King of Kings as a liberator from Roman rule.

Archelaus sent out missives to join him as he promises gold and lands for anyone joining the fight against Rome. The forces attempt to take Abdera.

The army marches forward to Thebes, demanding the city's loyalty to Rome and that it opens up its gates to the Roman army.