Hamae and Xenophanes

Temple of Juno much frequented. Bit of a butchering administered by the Romans towards some treacherous Campanians. They were at an evening festival that stopped just before midnight and they were caught unawares by stealthy Romans under Gracchus. Most of the Campanians were too pissed and too tired to retaliate. They had also neglected to fortify their city walls. 2000 Campanians were killed. Their magistrate 'medix tutatis' and leader was killed in the process. Hamae wasn't far from Cumae and Casilinum, the sites of skirmishes. Once again many strange happenings such as a cow giving birth to a colt and raining stones had the Romans reaching for the Sacred Books and strewing couches and conducting other ceremonies to appease the gods. Thunder was heard and this was thought to be Jupiter taking a dislike to current events. Xenophanes was involved in the Philip of Macedon affair, where he attempted to infiltrate Rome by initially feigning friendship with Romans and then secretly having talks with Hannibal. Philip was offering Hannibal support, but the Romans smelled a rat on a ship bound for Macedon, the familiar Campanian accents betrayed hopes of getting away with the treacherous plan. The perpetrators were imprisoned and executed. Philip of Macedon was under much scrutiny - not to be trusted. He wanted a big chunk of Greece if Hannibal succeeded in conquering Rome. Philip of Macedon was an added irritance hindering Roman military planning. The Roman army was ramping up again, many convicts were enlisted and debtors were freed and cleared of their debts if they joined the frontline. Hasdrubal was annoyed about giving up Spain but his contingent was much needed in Italy. Mago held out in Spain but the Spaniards were a strong resistance, especially their cavalry. They were becoming increasingly more pro-Roman. The Ebro river was always a contested zone. Quintus Fabius had been consul three times. In Rome, a new Senate of 150 was elected and for the first time some plebeians were enlisted which caused class conflict. Numidians on the Carthaginian side tricked the Romans at Cannae by pretending to surrender. They threw their shields and arms to the ground, amongst the carnage. They were escorted to the rear of the Roman infantry and they suddenly picked up their weapons, when the Romans weren't expecting it during the battle, and inflicted much damage. Earlier, the Romans had fared worse due to an opposing wind blowing dust into their faces. It's a wonder why so many Numidians were trusted in that situation. Grain was a problem for the Carthaginians, as ports were continually blockaded to stop grain being delivered. A further 20 elephants had been ordered from Carthage. Himilco and Bostar were in Spain.   Tarentum and Brundisium were useful ports on the heel of Italy. Lavinum. Cales got a mention. Another god they devoted to was Mens, whoever he or she was. General Varro was still applying his 'gung ho' tactics in contrast to Paullus's more cautious bearing - Paullus was unfortunately killed by spears at Cannae. He died fighting and was already wounded severely. Varro had his methods. Petelia was a town caught in the fray. The tribal Boii were tricky Celts; you had to watch some of them. And the Tartesii. (Anything ending in two I's - watch 'em!) Buteo was elected as Roman dictator. Now there were two dictators, which was unprecedented, but one dictator was annoyed at not having his Master of the Horse, which was an essential second in command. Aedile turned curule. Some bloke killed someone by throwing his thyrnix at them - whatever that was. Hannibal gave up trying to take Nola and Naples as they offered fierce resistance. Capua was trying to free itself from Hannibal too. I feel things aren't going totally as planned despite his relentless siege warfare and pitched battles along the Appian Road, a main Italian artery. Flaccus gets going. Titus Tarquatus was always about. Scipio captured 16 elephants in Spain and many prisoners and horses. Hannibal realised his men were flagging, he tried in vain to motivate them.