Rome Must Fall - Chapter 69: Quintus

In past military commanders’ meetings, Maximus would endure Crixus’ provocations, letting Hamilcar and Spartacus handle them. But now, with the Logistics Battalion growing stronger, Maximus felt more confident and believed he couldn’t let Crixus target him any longer. Otherwise, he would lose the respect of the newly joined leaders and diminish his influence within the upper echelons of the rebel army.

“You——” Crixus’ face changed dramatically; he hadn’t expected the usually tolerant Maximus to suddenly retort.

“Alright, you two are leaders now, yet you argue like children. What kind of example are you setting?” Spartacus immediately chastised them, using the argument as a pretext to cover up their conflict, allowing the matter to drop.

After the meeting, Hamilcar sought out Maximus and reproached him, “You were too impulsive just now; you shouldn’t have quarreled with Crixus.”

“Teacher, you saw it yourself. Crixus went too far. If I don’t fight back, he’ll become even more arrogant, and I won’t be able to hold my head high as the leader of the Logistics Battalion in future military meetings!” Maximus said, still indignant.

Hamilcar said earnestly, “He was wrong, but you shouldn’t have used threats about reducing food supplies! You’re the leader of the Logistics Battalion, responsible for the entire army’s food supply. If others disagree with you, and you threaten them like this, how can other leaders trust you to manage the Logistics Battalion?”

Maximus was taken aback, then sincerely replied, “You’re right, teacher. I was impulsive and didn’t think it through. I shouldn’t have said that!”

Hamilcar, seeing that he admitted his mistake, lightly patted his shoulder and said: “Just be mindful in the future. Regarding whether to agree to the Nucerians’ request and attack the city of Pompeii, both you and I are concerned about the issue of lack of supplies. However, Spartacus needs to consider the situation of the entire army, uh, so——”

“Teacher, I understand. Every leader has their own considerations. That’s why we have the military commanders’ meeting. How could I blame Spartacus?” Maximus said nonchalantly.

Arguments were common in the military commanders’ meeting, but Hamilcar took the time to reassure Maximus because the Logistics Battalion under this young gladiator’s leadership was becoming increasingly vital to the rebel army:

Even with more soldiers and a growing army, the Logistics Battalion consistently provided ample and delicious food;

Soldiers trained diligently and fought without much fear, thanks to the medical team’s excellent care for the wounded. Some soldiers even hoped to get injured to stay with the medical team.

The Logistics Battalion established a construction team that built roads between the various camps and even helped repair other camps during their downtime.

They also formed a weaving team and, following Maximus’ suggestion, aimed to provide the entire army with uniform-colored linen tunics to give the rebellion a more organized appearance.

Additionally, the Logistics Battalion organized the children, training and having them work during the day and study together at night. Maximus explained that “this is preparing for the future of the rebel army…”

The number of people in each battalion was growing daily, but only the Logistics Battalion remained consistently well-organized and even showed a thriving scene. This fully demonstrated Maximus’ leadership abilities, making Spartacus and Hamilcar value him even more. That’s why Hamilcar specifically came to explain, fearing that Maximus might have some dissatisfaction towards Spartacus.

Hearing Maximus’ response, Hamilcar felt he might have been overreacting. Then, Maximus asked, “Teacher, where are those Nucerians?”

“They’re at the First Battalion’s camp.”

“May I go see them?”

“You still want to attack Pompeii?” Hamilcar looked at him in surprise.

“With just the Logistics Battalion, we can’t take Pompeii!” Maximus shook his head, “I want to meet them because they were once under the Roman dictator Sulla. I’d like to learn about Rome and southern Italy from them.”

“Oh, I see. But since we didn’t agree to their request, they might not be willing to talk.”

“I think if I bring them to the Logistics Battalion’s camp and provide some food, they might be more willing to talk.”

“Alright then.”

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Gnaeus Quintus, a Roman citizen born in Latium, came from a plebeian background. He married at 20, and a year later was conscripted into the army. After many years of military campaigns, he accumulated merits and was promoted to the position of Primus Pilus in a Roman legion. He had even received an audience and commendation from Sulla. As a result, when he was arranged to settle in the colonial city of Nuceria in Campania, he was allocated 25 acres of state-owned land.

However, having no experience in managing farmland, he took advice from some opportunists and used his savings accumulated over many years to purchase several slaves, farming tools, and seeds, ready to go all out. Unfortunately, a drought struck, reducing his yields, and leading to losses. Unwilling to accept this, he sought to recoup his losses, so again on the recommendation of the opportunists, he borrowed money. The second year’s harvest was quite good, but he couldn’t sell his wheat because the market price for wheat was very low. Selling at such a price would not only fail to make a profit but would incur more losses.

Quintus rose to the rank of Primus Pilus not only due to his strategic mind but also because of his unwavering determination. When wheat farming proved unprofitable, he decided to switch to growing grapes, hoping to repay his debts. In the third year, he borrowed more money to start a vineyard. However, grape cultivation required high technical expertise, which he lacked, and he couldn’t afford skilled slaves (these were highly priced and in great demand). Consequently, he incurred more losses.

Over the years, his debts piled up. Fortunately, his creditors never pressed for repayment. This continued until he heard the news of Sulla’s death. Quintus rushed to Rome to attend the funeral, and it was at this time, that creditors from Pompeii came to his door with a large group of people to collect the debt. When Quintus’ son couldn’t produce the money to repay the debt, they attempted to forcibly take the land deed as compensation, leading to a conflict between the two parties. In the end, Quintus’ only son was severely injured and collapsed, dying half a year later. His daughter-in-law, overwhelmed with grief, soon followed. Only Quintus, now destitute and bereaved, was left to struggle through life with his lone grandson…

Years of unaddressed grievances and burning hatred aged Quintus prematurely, turning his hair white and his frame gaunt. His face bore deep wrinkles, but his eyes remained piercing and intense, like burning flames.

Quintus was accompanied by two other Nucerians, both sharing similar fates.

Upon entering Maximus’ tent, the three men sat down. Maximus got straight to the point: “Gentlemen, we have discussed your request and concluded that attacking Pompeii at this time is not feasible.”

One Nucerian immediately expressed his dissatisfaction: “You have over ten thousand troops, yet you dare not attack a small town like Pompeii. How can you claim to resist Rome and fight for freedom? You might as well surrender to Rome now, maybe then you’ll avoid crucifixion and have a quicker death!”

Another middle-aged man pleaded, “Please, don’t make a hasty decision. Consider it carefully. We know Pompeii very well and are willing to assist you. Although small, Pompeii is prosperous with trade and rich in resources. If you can capture it, you’ll gain substantial supplies and greatly improve your current equipment… Please reconsider!”

Maximus responded slowly, “Pompeii might be small, but it has high walls and strong defenses, and they are well-prepared. Though our numbers are large, we lack experience in siege warfare and do not have siege equipment. Attacking such a fortified city would result in heavy casualties, and success is not guaranteed. While Pompeii might have ample supplies, so do many other towns in Italy. Why should we suffer heavy losses on Pompeii’s walls?”