The Rise Of An Empire In Ancient Europe

Protesilaus shrugged and fell silent.

"Draining and filling swamps, depressions, and mudflats is a well-established technique used frequently by us Greeks. The Thurii also often built dams along the upper reaches of the Koseni River during the rainy season. We can technically accomplish what Lord Skombras proposes," Kunogorata asked seriously. "But filling such a large swamp area into farmland would require a significant investment of manpower and supplies. Have you considered all of this?"

"Didn't you just say that a large number of free men would flock to Dionia in the future? We can recruit a large number of them to work on this project. For these free men who have made great contributions to the Dionysian Alliance, we should not only shorten their citizen probation period as an incentive, but also consider allocating them 'shares' in the swamp area to encourage them to work harder! Also... we have to take into account the breeding of mosquitoes there. I also hope that Helps can send doctors to participate and rescue the sick at any time to prevent the outbreak of epidemics..." Scombras talked incessantly. Although he had never served as a city-state consul before, he had devoted himself to the role of Chief Executive of Crimea. He used his long life experience to think carefully about the problem, so he was more thoughtful.

"Of course, that's no problem," Helps said immediately. "We're ready to help!"

"Merces, don't worry about the money!" Skomblas turned to the treasurer and shouted, "If the swamp area is successfully transformed, how much farmland will be provided! And how much land tax can you collect? And this is an annual tax! Think about it!"

Melses raised his hand helplessly. "Don't think about it, old man. I agree."

"Does anyone else have any objections?" asked the rotating speaker, Corneros.

Everyone, including Davos, shook their heads. Skomblas had handled the matter alone.

Vespa stood up next: "My lords, I have received news from Nieutum that the Potentia army is approaching Grumentum. Sinsinager may be worried about the tribes of Grumentum that he has forcibly annexed, so he has not left the city to fight. He is defending Grumentum and has sent people to Nieutum, hoping to form an alliance with us to jointly fight against Potentia."

"Cinsinage has a good idea," Davos said with a faint smile. "What are your thoughts on this?"

Vesba hesitated, then said, "I don't think an alliance with the Picosians is necessary. Previous events have proven that Cinsinage is completely untrustworthy. Furthermore, a war between Potentia and Picosians would weaken both sides, regardless of who wins, greatly benefiting Dionia!"

Davos was pleased to see Vesba's perspective. It showed that he was accustomed to the life of an alliance and therefore considered its interests. He said, "Lord Vesba is right! Of course, we won't forcefully reject him. We'll just say that Dionia needs to rest after a major war and can't afford another war."

Vesba understood.

At this point, Hermon said, "Not only has Cinsinage shown goodwill to us, but the tribes of the former Grumentum have also secretly contacted us, hoping for our help in driving out the Picosians and Potentians."

"What are they prepared to pay?" Davos asked.

"They said, 'We are willing to let Grumentum become a vassal of our Dionysia.'" Hemon replied.

"This condition seems to be worth considering." Protesilaus was a little tempted and continued.

Davos looked at him, then at the other elders who expressed their agreement, and then sneered and said: "These tribes once betrayed their great leader Lusaeu, and later clashed with Pixis. The Grumentum people want to use this sentence to make our Dionysia go to war with the two major forces of Lucaria - Potentia and Pixis. Is this possible! Now Crimesa and Asprustum need a large number of citizens and prospective citizens to settle down. The Dionysian army will have to deal with a series of problems such as reorganization and zoning for a while, and it is simply impossible to spare enough soldiers to go to Lucaria. Besides, Ba Gule, how effective do you think our heavy infantry can be in the Lukal Mountains?"

Bagul thought for a moment and said frankly, "We were able to capture Niutum because of a surprise attack, and we didn't engage in direct combat with the Lucanian warriors. However, it would be difficult for heavy infantry to gain the upper hand in a battle with Lukalian warriors in the mountains. Just walking on the mountain roads would consume a lot of the soldiers' energy, not to mention that we are unfamiliar with the terrain . On the narrow mountain roads, the enemy doesn't need to fight us head-on. They can cause us heavy losses by just pushing a few stones, not to mention that transporting food is also a major difficulty..."

"Bagule is right! When we were in Persia and had to pass through the mountains to Armenia, we often encountered similar difficulties. No matter how brave the heavy infantry were, they were of no use at all." Alexis said immediately, and then the former mercenary elders also agreed with Bagul's words.

The most experienced senators were not optimistic about fighting in the mountains, which made Protesilaus somewhat ashamed. However, he was quick to recognize his mistake and said sheepishly, "It seems that my recent series of victories has made me a little proud."

The senators who agreed to accept the Grumentum's terms also lowered their heads in shame. In the past, war in Thurii and Amendolara was a painful experience. However, since the arrival of Davos, victory seemed easy, giving everyone a false impression: the Dionysian soldiers were invincible! This led to a certain arrogance.

However, Davos did not lose his caution. He clearly remembered that when Rome began to conquer mainland Italy, the greatest obstacle they faced was not the coastal Greek city-states or the fierce Gallic tribes in the north, but the Samnites in the central mountains. When the Roman heavy infantry, which dominated the plains, attacked the Samnites in the mountains, they were almost unable to move forward. The battle lasted for decades, and the Romans suffered several devastating defeats and were forced to sue for humiliating peace. Davos certainly did not want to repeat Rome's mistakes.

"Are we not going to attack Lucania? Lord Archon, don't forget you promised us to occupy the Lucania region!" At this time, a man stood up and questioned Davos.

It was Polyxis! Kunogorata, Burkos and the others all frowned, while Capus, Amyntas and the others looked even more unhappy. However, Davos looked calm: "Just because we don't attack the Lucanian region doesn't mean we will give up on it. The war between Potentia and Pixis will undoubtedly affect the small tribes scattered around the land near Grumentum and the ordinary people in the city. Hermon told me that the Lucanians who fled to Niutum said that Pixis and Potentia were plundering their cattle, sheep and property, and forcibly recruiting them as vanguards..."

"Yes, Archon. When these people arrived in Niutum, they saw that the Lucanians who became Dionysian citizens lived a prosperous life, and they were very envious! They now long for Grumentum to restore peace so that they can continue to live a quiet life under the protection of a powerful force." Hermon said solemnly: "And only we, Dionysus, can help them realize this beautiful wish!"

"So, I ask you to send more troops around Grumentum, preferably infiltrating the city itself, so that these Lucanians, deeply traumatized by the war, can understand this!" Davos instructed.

Hermon nodded in agreement.

"When you return, Bagul, tell Cesta to gather all the young Lucanians in Nieutum and conduct assault training using traditional Lucanian combat methods. However, it's best to maintain the existing troop organization, as this will ensure greater discipline. Also, maintain confidentiality and don't let the enemy to the north know."

Davos's words excited Bagule, "When will we attack?"

"Wait for the right moment," Davos spat out. Then, looking around at the others, he declared firmly, "I would rather see Potentia and Garaguso become vassals of Dionysia than let Grumentum escape our control! Grumentum's location is crucial, controlling the land routes to northern, eastern, and western Italy. Dionysia must personally control it!" The Crotone troops had just arrived at Cilicium. After joining forces with Trina and a small number of reinforcements sent by Cilicium, they continued south. The Crotone fleet, meanwhile, continued southward, having

already

passed Cilicium and approached the sea near Coronnia.

At this moment, the swift ship in the lead, conducting reconnaissance, reported back: The Locrian fleet, approximately 40 ships, had been spotted in the sea ahead!

Crotone's naval commander, Askamas, immediately ordered the fleet to slow down, lower the sails, and form a battle formation for battle!

Soon, the warships receiving the order converged, forming a formation with the trireme in the center and the other ships, larger and smaller, on either side. They sailed as close to the coast as possible. Since the wind was blowing from the east, even with the sails lowered, they could still benefit from the wind's speed, saving the sailors some effort. Therefore, the fleet did its best to seize the upper hand.

Before they had even completed their formation, Locri's fleet appeared on the sea less than a mile away.

Askamas decisively ordered: Speed ​​up and prepare to attack!

From west to east, the Crotone fleet formed into five columns, each containing ten ships. They prepared to charge at breakneck speed into the enemy's defenses, then exploit their superior numbers to engage in one-on-one or two-on-one duels (a common naval tactic pioneered by the Athenians, where they outnumbered the enemy).