Heart of the Republic - A Rome: Total War AAR
Part Seventeen
The invasion of Sicily was expected to only achieve success if the main Greek army was destroyed early on. Roman reinforcements could not be expected for another few years, and if the Greeks were allowed to solidify their defence early on, there could be no chance of success for Tillus and Clericus army.
The siege of Messana then, was intended less of an attack on the city (indeed, the Republic Army didnt even construct any seige equipment) than as an attempt to lure the Greek forces to them. It worked perfectly, and within months of landing the Republic entered its first battle on Sicily. They were outnumbered by an army numbering just less than four thousand - over a thousand more than their own army.
Tillus II had the advantage of controlling the high ground, and forced the Greeks to march as far as possible to meet them in combat. Clericus meanwhile, controlled the bulk of the cavalry forces, who would be of little use in the early stages of the battle against the Greek Hoplites. He hoped to use them later on in the engagement - when their long spears were facing the other way!
Both the Senate and the two generals were ready for what would undoubtedly be a costly fight. Memories of Tarentum were invoked, and this was the first battle with Greece for nearly two decades. However, the Republic had learned much about war since then
The Greek retreat
When the Senate finally got news of the battle, they were shocked to find that there were little details about the fight itself. On further analysis, it became clear that this was because
there was no battle! The Greek forces, tired out by the time the reached the Romans, simply broke down under the hail of Roman spears, and those that made it to the front lines found a battle hardened opponent quite ready to fight in depth. Demoralised, they simply fell back and ran. And then Clericus struck.
The cavalry, led by the General himself, surged forth and cut down the retreating enemy. They had little means to defend themselves, most having thrown down their weapons to escape quicker. Eventually Tillus II - perhaps holding back due to the memory of how his father was killed - charged forth and rode side by side with Clericus.
The generals ride into battle
The result was not a victorious battle, but a massacre. The entire Greek army - numbering 3605 strong, had been wiped out. Just 13 Romans had died.
Before the Senate could respond to this - it was likely they wouldnt want to risk their luck further, the generals split their forces and attacked the remnants of Greece forces on Sicily. Tillus destroyed the secondary army in the north, while Cleric rode south and took the city of Syracuse. In one year the Republic had achieved what Carthage could not in eighteen.
There would be repercussions, but not from Greece
quite overstretched. We are switching to a defensive war, though the Iberians are making me a bit annoyed. SPIES in our Republic, how DARE they!
