Proconsulate of Macedonia

BATTLE OF PHARSALUS

The Greeks formed up next to the Epineus river, covering their left flank. All their cavalry was on their right.

The Romans formed up opposite, mirroring their formation. As before, the Greeks allowed the Romans to attack.

It had been Atellus' grand strategy for the Legio Firma to outflank the Greeks before the battle, but this never materialised. Instead, the Legion had managed to march too far eastwards in an attempt to hide from the Greek scouts, and had gotten lost somewhere south of the battlefield. Likewise, a Thracian camp raid on the Greeks was repulsed by the timely interruption of the reserve. 

But, it turns out, the Romans did not need their strategy to claim victory. Brute force would win the day, after much slogging next to the river the flexible maniples and cohorts once again won out over the rigid formations of the Diadochs. Though Publius Sulla's men on the left were forced to give ground, the young legate's discipline saved the Roman formation and prevented what could have been a reversal of fortune at the end of the battle.

Even though the Greeks prevented a rout, they had been severely bloodied. They would be the ones retreating from Thessaly, now making for the plains of Boeotia. The Greek cities of Thessaly likewise largely flip to the Romans now that the Greek garrisons have left them to join the main force.

Roman victory. All legions, save the Firma, gain 2 veterancy points. Atellus' men acclaim him Imperator.


Roman Casualites:
900 Legionaries (divide between the three for convenience's sake)
376 Cavalry (divided evenly between the Roman, Thracian, and Thessalian)

Greek Casualties:
2000 Light hoplites
495 Elite Phalangites
1500 Heavy Hoplites
800 Elite hoplites.
200 Greek cavalry
100 Thessalian cavalry

Proconsulate forces - 14,425 men - Commanded by Gaius Fabius Maximus
Legio XVI - 400 cavalry + 3,000 men
Legio VIII Sicilia - 400 cavalry + 4,000 men
Legio XIX Firma - 400 cavalry + 4,000 men
Thessalian Cavalry - 325 cavalry
Thracian Cavalry - 1,900 cavalry

Illyrian Legions - 7,600 men - Commanded by Publius Sulla
Legio XIX Classica - 400 cavalry + 3,400 men
Legio XXI Lepidus Pia Fidelis - 400 cavalry + 3,400 men

War Loot: 44,000 - 11,072 = 32,928

Imperator! Imperator! Imperator!

The clamor that rose from the XIX, VIII, and XVI resounded across the battlefield as the Greeks retreated from their last foothold within Thessaly. The misfortunes of Mugillanus had been reversed, but it seemed now that the Romans were back at where they had started when this conflict began. There was a risk here to either invade into Boeotia, with the prospect of good sacks, or attempt peace now, especially with the news of Mithridates on the ropes in Asia. Still, a major issue was money right now... Atellus needed coin to replenish his legions. The grand total of their forces numbered around twenty thousand strong, enough to penetrate into Thessaly, but it would be a mighty risk.

Although while this was on his mind, the Proconsul raised his hand to shouts of his legionaires as they showered praise upon him for his leadership. He calmly dismounted in the presence of his commanders, who were duly rewarded with honors befitting their status and contribution. Upon turning to Sulla, Atellus rewards him amply:

A civic crown for your accomplishments, Publius. You are truly a son of your father and have stood your ground firmly in two battles now. I am fortunate to have your aid.

The Proconsul pats the young man on the shoulders before entering the command tent.

The men deserve their reward... and we must punish those who allied with our enemy.

Atellus looks at his commanders.

Pharsalus will be plundered for its wealth. It harbored our enemy and supplied them with the means to sustain themselves. The cities of Scottusa and Pherae will be fined for their allegiance, but sparred the punishment that shall be dealt to Pharsalus. For they surrendered willingly and did not harbor our enemy as their sister did. We will show how the Republic can be just and harsh with this and remind the Greeks the consequences of their actions.

The Proconsul would deal, as such, when they marched south. Those who surrendered would be sparred. Those who defied would be harshly dealt with. As such, XIX Firma and VIII Sicilia march upon Scottusa and Pherae to extract these fines. Given the due punishment to Pharsalus, and the victory of the Romans, he suspected the cities may grumble, but there was little that can be done. At least their homes would not be turned into smoldering ruins.



Praetor Glaucia is brought to see the Proconsul who is readying to move his men further south.

Salve, Glaucia. You have joined us at a most opportune moment!

The legions had freshly defeated the Greeks twice and thrown them out of Thessaly.

Publius salutes. He figured he could let it slide that Atellus forgot that he was the son of an indulgent idiot and not the famous, all conquering pro-consul.

"My thanks, Imperator. A well earned victory."

Washing the grime off his face with a hot towel, the young officer simply nodded at the news. The Illyrians would be allowed to exact their vengeful frustrations on the citizens of Pharsalus with ruthless abandon. They would leave this campaign as rich men.
---

The Illyrians duly exacted their vengeance on the defenceless Pharsalus. Looted and burned to extinction, the city yielded thirty five thousand denarii in coin and slaves. However, there was little left now but a smoking ruin, so thoroughly had it been sacked.

Much to their chagrin, the cities yield up a total of nine thousand denarii to the Romans.

"It will not take much time, i will make it short, this i will assure you"

Glaucia said politely. Not intending to be hostile or anything.

sforza

This did not require any authority so, with a silent nod of his head, the Proconsul allows the inquiry to be made.

———————

Gandalf

On the road south, the army comes in contact with this Greek delegation. The Proconsul permits them to see him.

Speak! Let us hear your new overtures of peace. I hope I find them more favorable to the Republic than your so-called absent protector of your league.

Atellus would entertain the message of this delegation but his army would not stop on its move.

I do believe that Rome would be happy to establish peace as such, but your leaders have scarred this land. You have destroyed our colonies and violated our treaties for the sake of foreign prince who dared not raise a finger to aid you!

Atellus points out, knowing that he was in a position of greater strength. Athens remain blockaded, no aid from Pontus, and his legions were marching upon Thebes. They were practically in the backyard of the Athenian capital.

I believe it be more amicable if your leaders were handed over for sparking this treachery and Athens pay for the rebuilding of the Corinth colony. Furthermore, the cities must disband and disarm themselves to allow Roman troops to garrison and pacify the regions. Further, an indemnity to be paid alongside the release of your prisoners and the return of our captured standard. And as you offered, so generously, Roma and her Senate will be the sole hegemon and protector of the Greek cities.

The Proconsul would then gesture to his army that was on the march. Over twenty thousand strong, in high spirits, and hungering for the prospects of the upcoming cities. Peace could be achieved, but the Greeks had to bend for their treachery.

Do you truly want to grant me the justified reason to sack another city? Or would you rather have peace at any cost?