588. XXVlll, XXlX, XXX. Livy- The War with Hannibal.
XXVlll. Scipio and his subordinates perform impressively in Spain. Laevinius plunders African coast. He destroys a number of Carthaginian warships. And the Romans keep Philip very busy in Greece. Nero and Livius celebrate a triumph. People gave them heart felt thanks.
At the battle of Ilipa in Spain Scipio faces Hasrdubal. Each day Scipio brought out his army arranged thus: Romans in the center facing Carthaginians and his allies on the wings. This pattern was used on several consecutive days. Scipio readies his army early in the morning, and reverses the pattern. He offers battle, Hasdrubal can not alter his. Scipio severely defeats Hasdrubal. Desertions were rampant. Masinissa, an ally of Carthage changes sides, Scipio forms an alliance with Syphax in Africa.
Scipio faces a mutiny within his army. 8,000 mutiny. A rumor that Scipio had died did not help. Those thirty who were responsible were put to death. The rest were humbled to say the least. Two Spanish tribe leaders planned to take advantage of the mutiny. Both are quickly brought to heel. Mago attempts to retake New Carthage. He fails.
It is reasonably clear that Scipio wisely did not pursue Hasdrubal into Italy. There were simply too many loose ends to take care of in Spain. Too much was at stake to give Carthage any time to recover.
Scipio returns to Rome. The Senate meets with him outside of Rome at the temple of Bellona. His list of accomplishments is impressive. Elections are held for consuls. Many come merely to see Scipio.
Representatives from Saguntum set for elaborate details of Rome’s determination to make things right. Those citizens sold by the Carthaginians as slaves were tracked down by Scipio’s brother (This would be those brothers who died on duty in Spain- father and uncle of Scipio who eventually drove out the Carthaginians) and restored. Scipio, the son, continued what his father and uncle began. Finances were set on a firm foundation for Saguntum. The representatives asked permission from Senate to visit Italy. The Senate presented them with letters of introduction to any city they wished to visit in Italy.
Now the issue arose in the Senate how best to deal with Hannibal. Apparently Fabius Maximus opposed the invasion of Africa. He was insistent that Hannibal be defeated in Italy and then Africa be invaded. He was leery of the vicissitudes of war. Plus it may be that he anticipated the possibility of another command against Hannibal when Scipio’s term expired. Fabius accused Scipio of looking to his own interests and glory than those of his country. It is clear that Scipio posed a major threat to Fabius' and Fulvius' political supremacy.
It seems to me that Livy appears to set up Scipio as a precursor to Pompey or Caesar. Livy seems to do that on other occasions too.
Fabius and Fulvius bring enough pressure to bear that the Senate finally decides to assign Scipio to Sicily with option to invade Africa, if necessary. Further evidence of the clout Fabius and his associates possessed is made clear when Scipio is assigned only two legions. Thus Scipio could enlarge his army via volunteers. He could not levy troops. He is only permitted 30 warships (far less than what he would need for an invasion). Supplies begin to pour in from all over Italy. In fact the list is interesting to get an idea of the war machine manufacturing the Romans had put together.
XXlX. Scipio begins enlisting volunteers.
In Spain Indibilis formed a revolt. The Roman commander was victorious. Indibilis dies.
Locri envoys came to complain of Roman treatment. Fabius attempts to involve Scipio. There is even talk of recalling Scipio from Sicily. Quintus Metellus carries the day. Scipio advances to Africa and establishes a base. Masinissa is an ally.
These political attacks by Fabius/Fulvius need to be placed in some perspective. It is sad that politics has a bad reputation but only because people have so little understanding of not how politics works but what value comes from the political process. The ruling class, if you recall from an earlier summary, came under some heavy criticism for finding ways to prolong the war to keep themselves in a position of power and influence. It wasn’t that but the nature of the political process Romans had developed. Political competition almost necessitated that opposing political groups find ways to curb growing power of a political group. Fabius/Fulvius forged an alliance to keep themselves in a position of importance. Along comes a Scipionic group which offers a challenge to their supremacy. Two opposing groups pursue their political interests. In the process it did prolong the war as each group vied for superiority. It did here as Fabius and his group opposed the plan of the Scipionic group. Thus only 30 warships, two legions etc. This must have been frustrating to each group trying to get their plan in play while another group did its best to hamstring the affair. Yet this system, clearly inefficient, provides an opportunity for different groups to participate, share their ideas and work out competition in a civilized manner. The political system developed by the Romans allows political pressure to work itself out in a way which ultimately brought advantage to the state.
XXX. Begins the 16th year of the war. Scipio’s command was not limited by a date. He was assigned until the job was done. This appears to be the system which the Senate used consistently. Syphax had gone back to the Carthaginians. Scipio attacks his camp and Syphax. Scipio sends Laelius back to Rome with Syphax.
Carthage sends envoys to ask for peace. Scipio offers terms which are designed to limit Carthage’s ability to regain an empire. Carthaginians accept. But apparently only to give Hannibal time to return to Africa.
Carthage attempts to cause Romans to recall troops from Scipio by attacking in what is now far northern Italy. But these forces are defeated. Hannibal is recalled from Italy by his government. It was an emotional moment for a man who almost single handedly defeated Rome.
The news made Romans grateful but also apprehensive. For now one battle would determine all. Older Senators noted that people generally are slower to appreciate blessings than misfortune.
The envoys from Carthage were not well received by the Senate- they smelled a trick. (In a way it is sad to think that Fabius died at this time. He did not get to see the war brought to a successful conclusion. Yet, he had made so many valuable contributions.)
Hannibal returns to Africa with the creme of his army. Upon his return the war is renewed. Scipio captures scouts sent to check out Scipio’s army. They are escorted around camp. Shown what they had come to see, fed and returned to Hannibal. Scipio and Hannibal meet. Negotiations fail.
The battle of Zama was fought in 202 BC. Scipio rolled back hardened, crack Carthaginian troops. New terms were offered. Much harsher than before.
More jockeying to replace Scipio in Africa. But Scipio’s command was continued.
Livy praises Roman policy via Hasdrubal: Romans had extended their empire not so much by conquest than by sparing the vanquished.
Scipio returned from Africa to a reception like no other.
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