Legio XVII: Battle of Zama Read Online Free PDF

the nightmare wrought on Rome by Hannibal), 31 years-old Scipio was one of two Consuls elected for the year.  Scipio strongly advocated a policy to bring the war to Carthage by invading Africa from Sicily.  His opponents in the Senate, led by Quintus Fabius Maximus, wanted to first rid Italy of Hannibal, and then perhaps attack Carthage.  Maximus won the debate.
    Scipio was denied further Command in Spain and appointed Commander of the Sicilian Province.  He was, however, given approval to prepare to invade Africa if it was in the interest of Roman security.  The catch was that the Senate did not authorize any additional funding, troops, or ships for an invasion other than the Legions and ships already stationed in Sicily.
    Scipio knew that Legiones V and VI had been banished to Sicily after the Roman defeat at Cannae 12 years earlier.  Legionaries who were 20 at Cannes were now 32 years old and had been on garrison duty and mainly inactive. Scipio was told that he could probably recruit another 7,000 untrained young men from the local Sicilian populace.  He also had at his disposal in Sicily a few warships and a handful of troop transports; not enough men or ships to conduct an amphibious invasion.  Despite the reality of his situation, he was determined to invade Africa “in the interest of Roman security.”
    Before departing Rome to assume Command of Sicily, he had a number of tasks to complete.  First, he used his family connections to secure private funding to pay troops, build ships, and fund a myriad of other items to prepare for the invasion.  Secondly, he needed to obtain the services of someone qualified to train and harden the two Sicily Legions and the men he hoped to recruit.  Within a week, he felt he had the necessary funding in place and now began to inquire about a trainer.  One name was continually brought up - Praetor Manius Tullus.
    Scipio gathered as much information about the man as he could from Army Headquarters, Senators, and personal friends.  He discovered that Manius had fought in the Gallic War (225-222 BC), was severely wounded at Cannae, served as the Commandant of the Legionary Training Center, and had led two successful expeditions to the Cisalpine and Germania.  Quaestor Livy, who acknowledged his bias, gave Manius his highest recommendation.  It was settled; all that remained was to talk to Manius and gain his consent.  He sent an aide to arrange a meeting.
     
    *******
     
    When Manius entered the Consul’s office, Scipio was seated at a large table surrounded by aides and planners.  At 5’ 8” and with a warrior’s demeanor, Manius was immediately noticed and all eyes turned to look at him. Manius stood erect and saluted the Consul. “Sir, Praetor Tullus reporting as directed,” he said.  Scipio rose from his chair and walked the ten steps to where Manius stood at attention.  Scipio extended his hand saying, “Relax, hero of Rome, you are among friends.”
    Scipio then dismissed his aides and invited Manius to sit.  “We have a lot to talk about,” he said to Manius.  As they walked to the chairs, Manius noticed that Scipio was only an inch or two shorter than himself and his brown eyes exuded intelligence and intensity.
    Once seated, Manius replied, “Sir, let me offer my congratulations on your successes in Spain.  Other than a few disgruntled Senators, it’s all anyone is talking about.”
    Scipio laughed.  “Yes, I have a few detractors,” he said.  “And allow me to congratulate you on your recent success in Germania.  I understand you used the same tactics I employed at Ilipa to overcome the Cimbri/Teutons.”
    Manius was taken aback.  How did he know that? “Yes I did,” he quickly answered and smiled widely.
    Scipio said, “I’ve been asking about you.  I know your combat record, and, among other things, that you were wounded at Cannae.  I was back at one of the camps that bloody day and barely escaped the Numidian cavalry patrols.