The Rise Of An Empire In Ancient Europe-Chapter 163: The Fierce Debate in the Senate

Kunogorata, Cornelius, and other seasoned senators sat in contemplative silence, while the rest of the chamber remained hesitant to respond.

Juleios seized the moment, his voice steady yet resonating with authority. "Then let us consider the lands surrounding Niutum. To its north lies an unbroken expanse of Lucanian territory, home to towns like Grumentum, Pyxus, Potentia, and Calaguso. Together, their population numbers in the hundreds of thousands—several times that of the Tula Alliance."

His gaze swept over the room, challenging any senator to refute his words. "Though they are fractured now, warring among themselves, do you think they will remain divided if we Greeks seize their ancestral lands and threaten their survival? No. They will unite, driven by hatred, and rise against us."

Juleios leaned forward slightly, the weight of his warning pressing down on the assembly. "And should we defeat them, they can simply retreat into the mountains—an impenetrable refuge where we cannot pursue them. From there, they will strike back in ways we cannot anticipate, ambushing farmers, raiding supply trains, and disrupting trade caravans. Niutum’s limited resources cannot sustain a large occupying force, yet it will demand endless grain and soldiers from Thurii and Amendolara. The costs of such a campaign, fought across treacherous mountain roads, will be staggering."

He paused deliberately, letting the weight of his words settle.

Bulcos, visibly shaken by the argument, hesitated before speaking. "Then why are we attacking Niutum? Wouldn’t such a campaign provoke the Lucanians further?"

Juleios turned his piercing gaze toward the questioner. "Do you not remember, Bulcos, the countless times the Lucanians invaded Thurii? They have tasted defeat now, but their vast population ensures they will recover. If we do not act decisively to weaken them, their next invasion is inevitable. By capturing Niutum, we push the conflict away from our lands, safeguarding the farms and homes we have painstakingly rebuilt."

A moment of silence followed, broken only when Scombras rose. "Can we stabilize Niutum and address the challenges you’ve described by involving the Lucanians themselves?"

Juleios’s lips curled into a faint smile, his voice calm yet persuasive. "Precisely. Vespa and his tribe are Lucanians. After our victory, they can help pacify the city’s inhabitants. Among the Lucanians, there are both the wealthy and the impoverished. The rich and the warriors who resist us will be captured and enslaved, their cattle and sheep distributed to the poor. A mixed administration of Greeks and Lucanians will govern the city, fostering cooperation.

"Furthermore," Juleios continued, "we can engage with smaller Lucanian tribes—those weakened by war and desperate to survive. By trading cattle, sheep, furs, and game with them, and providing occasional assistance, we turn their strength to our advantage."

The room stirred, some senators nodding in agreement while others exchanged skeptical glances.

"But why would the Lucanians trust us Greeks?" Juleios’s voice rose, challenging their doubts. "Because Vespa, Bagul, and others will be integral to the city’s governance. To their fellow Lucanians, they remain true to their heritage—they worship their gods, honor their traditions, and live as Lucanians. Yet as citizens of the Tula Alliance, they enjoy comforts and privileges that will inspire envy and ambition among other Lucanians. In time, they will see the advantages of joining our alliance."

Stromboli interjected with suspicion. "What if Bagul and the others, still so new to the Alliance, betray us once they return to their homeland?"

Juleios fixed Stromboli with a firm gaze. "If we grant them citizenship, a place in the Senate, and a stake in our civilization—one far superior to anything the Lucanians have known—they will be assimilated. Their loyalty will be to us, not to the chaotic tribal squabbles of their past. Yes, there is risk, but the reward is far greater. Hundreds of thousands of Lucanians await us—a vast and untapped potential for our Alliance. Would you let fear hold us back from such a future?"

His words stirred the room. Senators whispered urgently to one another, their agitation palpable. Taking advantage of the momentum, Juleios called for a recess.

Behind the Scenes

During the break, Juleios sought out Kunogorata and Cornelius, the influential city administrators, hoping to secure their support.

"I listened carefully to your plan for stabilizing Niutum with Vespa and Bagul’s involvement," Cornelius said after some thought. "It seems worth pursuing."

Kunogorata, more cautious, folded his arms. "Juleios, are the risks you described truly as grave as you made them sound?"

Juleios met his gaze unwaveringly. "Always assume the worst to prepare for the best," he replied.

Kunogorata mulled this over before nodding slowly. "Then let’s give it a try."

When the session resumed, the two administrators led the way in endorsing Juleios’s proposal. The majority of the Senate followed suit, approving the plan: Bagul would lead nearly a thousand Lucanian warriors in the campaign to capture Niutum, and afterward, they would all be granted Alliance citizenship. Vespa and Bagul would even gain seats in the Senate.

Of course, dissent remained. Polyxis, ever the critic, declared loudly, "This is a disgrace to the Greek tradition! Allowing natives to sully the sacred council chamber with their presence?"

His protests, however, were drowned out by the growing enthusiasm for the plan. Most senators, already envisioning the economic and strategic benefits of integrating the Lucanians, paid him no heed.

A Commander’s Weight

Later that evening, Phelicius returned home, his thoughts heavy with the responsibility placed upon him. Juleios had entrusted him with command of the expedition to Niutum—a role that weighed heavily on his shoulders. Though he had fought many battles as a mercenary, leading a campaign of such importance was a daunting prospect.

As he entered his courtyard, the sounds of sparring drew his attention. There, his adopted son Melisander was practicing with Arsines, a young warrior from Amendolara. The scene reminded Phelicius of the growing strength of the Alliance and the unyielding determination of its people.

"Father, you’re back!" Melisander called, wiping sweat from his brow. Arsines straightened, offering a respectful bow.

Phelicius nodded, a faint smile breaking through his solemn expression. "Yes, and it seems you’ve both been busy. But remember, true battles are won not with strength alone, but with strategy and discipline."

As the scent of roasted cod and stewed lamb wafted from the kitchen, Phelicius felt a surge of gratitude for the life the Alliance had afforded him. His nerves steadied. Tomorrow’s campaign would test him, but he was ready to face the challenge head-on.

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