Author: Old Dragoon
Original Thread: Sons of Rome


Sons of Rome




Sons of Rome: A Prequel to Glory, Honor, and Empire AAR



Introduction: A Dying Emperor or Empire?

Justinian seemed to never sleep. Even in these advanced years of 'eighty-two' his pace still seemed not to wain. Looking over legislative documents, legal papers, and military transcriptions, he seemed to never stop. He gazed over each of the parchments not missing one. He dicated responses to his court scribes for each no matter how insignificant some were. However, this night he seemed to not be as alert as normal, causing uneasy concern from the court. Whispers and quick gazes of the emperor were could be seen. Justinian, was aware of it, and he tried to make himself more comfortable, but it was in vain. The emperor seated at his richly ordained, but tactful, throne brought his golden goblet to his lips to sip his wine one last time before he retired. His face turned pale, and looked around confused, he dropped the goblet causing a tremendous crash on the highly polished marble floor of the Great Palace. Justinian then clutched both hands to his chest and started wheezing uncontrollably, and soon toppled out of throne onto the marble whincing in pain from the crash.

Afterward the attendees of the court rushed to his aid, but still in shock of what was displayed before them. Justinian looked around the palace and then his eyes became transfixed on a simple scene on a palace mosaic. One of the hundreds that adorned the walls of the Great Palace.


Being carried away still looking at the mosaic a smile seemed to form though he was agonizing in pain. What mystery could this be? Why this mosaic? One attendant shouted, "Get the physician to the emperor's bedchamber immediately! He is in distress!" The attendants rushed Justinian to his bedchamber trying with all there will to make their emperor confortable. Still rincing in pain Justinian still had this peculiar grin on his face. "Sire, the physician is on his way!" said one, "Sire, is there anything we can do for you to ease your suffering?" said another. Justinian raieed up and bellowed out with all his remaining strength, "Vig..il....lantiiiiiaaaa!!"

The attendants looked at each other, and tears began to well up in there eyes. One attendant said, "Is he...crying out for his mother (in a soft voice)?" Some shrugged to not be sure, some concurred he indeed cried out for his mother, but was it deeper than that? Tears and sweat were dripping off the emperor's face profusely, and as quick as Justinian sat up he dropped back down, but that peculiar grin remained as if etched on his face. The attendents tried to straighten out his arms so he could rest better till the physician arrived, but Justinian would not cooperate. Finally after several attendants joined in they relaxed the arms and even unclutched one of the fists, and a coin crashed to the floor.


An attendant picked up the coin and looked it over and then grinned with almost the same grin that the was fixed on the emperor's face. The coin was passed around, and all the attendants now bore the same grin. A great silence followed, as if everyone had been transported to a different time, a time when the impossible seemed possible, when hope could be restored. This was the time of the Sons of Rome!



Part I: Insurrectus

I, Procopius, attendant and biographer for Belisarius, will tell you of the account of insurrection across the Empire. Rebellions were springing up all around the empire in the year of our Lord 527. After the death of the previous emperor Justin I, it was as if the people were testing the resolve of this new emperor Justinian I. Would he restore the empire, that had been decaying not just from Justin's rule but from previous emperor's who could not protect the economy. Heavy taxes had put a toll on the populace and now Justinian would be tested. Will he change things or fall in to the corruption that plagues leaders with who thirst for absolute power, or will he choose to lead but listen to sound wise advice from his consul?

These questions fell at the feet of Justinian and he responded. "The Emperor Who Never Sleeps," would answer in three parts, being Belisarius, Narses, and Mundus. These were his three best generals. Narses would deal with the rebel occupation of Thermon, Apollonia, and Odessos while Belisarius and Mundus would counter the growing Sassanid threat and any eastern province rebellions that might spring up.

I with Belisarius and his army were heading for former Persian lands. He would not tell me the actual plans for his invasion, but gave details that I will be relating shortly. His words were simply, "Pray every moment you can spare for our mission."


Belisarius as a person was kind and generous. He had an intellect and understanding beyond most everyone he met which was in turn hard on his social life. He was loyal with out question to Rome. His faith never wained, and his genius on the battlefield was rarely matched. I could go on and on about his accomplishments, but at the age of 22 and command of the Eastern Armies should tell you enough for now.

Belisarius the commander expected a lot out of his men, and was not afraid to get "dirty" with them even in the thick of the fight. This served him well, and the men thought he was an "archangel" of God, the guardian of Rome for his deeds. Belisarius would be tested on the sands and grasses of Persia. We landed at the rebel shores of lands known as Colchis. This area vastly undeveloped and populated offered its largest city Kotais, nestled in front of the imposing Caucusus Mountains, for a base of operations into Sassanid territory, and could still communicate to Mundus and his army. Belisarius marched very quickly from the landing and pushed his men within a week to the walls of Kotais and layed siege to the town.


Trade would be important to fund Justinian's exepeditions, and when Justin I had dispatched diplomats throughout Europa one who was still active was Bonifatius. He was in Brittania trying to work out an agreement with the Romano-British who felt betrayed by Rome. However, it was the Western Empire who left, but these Romano-British didn't care West or East it's still Rome. Bonifatius was trying to patch things up and when he established a trade agreement, it was a start in right direction of healing the wounds that Britannia had bore when the West abandoned them.


At the end of winter of 527, the stage was set for Rome to regain the territories lost and deal the Sassanids a death blow.



During the Spring of 527 A.D. across the Empire Justinian had shown his resolve in quelling the riots, before they became full blown insurrections, that seemed to be darting around the Empire. Only a few remained especially in the Eastern Provinces and at Alexandria. Justinian worked without ceasing, though it seemed, in corresponding to the Provincial governors in letting the people understand their emperor. He wrote that he would bring glory and honor back to Rome, and they are the true remaining Romans. He told them that taxes would be eased for awhile, but they must not lose heart. He also said that hardships may have to be endured for awhile, and that he would not do for himself but for the rebuilding of the Greatness of Rome, and doing God's will. They heard now they wanted deeds.

During this time Belisarius invited me to supper at his tent. We did this quite often, because he told me he enjoyed our conversations. We were having one of our many such conversations when a messenger came to the his tent and begged his audience. He said, "Sire it's urgent!" Belisarius, slightly irritated, said, "It is always urgent! Well, come in and tell me your news." The messenger a little shaken said, "Sire, General Gainus has been ambushed on the way to Thessalonica....He was killed. Here is letter to you from his surviving captain. He died in battle honorably though. Like a true Roman." Belisarius scanned through the letter, relieved the messenger, and got up from the table and walked out of his tent. I asked him if he was all right. He just looked up at the heavens and said, "Is this the way of it. Can we really make a difference?" I told him, "Sire, if good men do nothing to make a difference, then and only then is all hope lost." Belisarius thought for a moment and said, "Procopius, friend, that is why I have you join me for supper. Your words inspire me, and on campaign you are as necessary as my spatha." With those words he slapped my shoulder clutched my hands and thanked me.



The letter was from Gaius, and stated that Gainus' small escort were ambushed by Tiberius the leader of the insurrection of Thermon who was to allow safe passage for Gainus and his remaining men. At camp during the morning Tiberius and his 781 men attacked our 122 and slaughtered us.



We fought the best we could we did not back down, and we fought as hard as we could. The men were mostly peasants lightly trained fought bravely, but just were overcome from shere might of the enemy.



The Greek rebels surrouned us and our men just could not hold them off.



Finally, Gainus himself fell, and the remaing men tried to flee for their lives. I narrowly escaped along with just over 30 of the 122, and dispatched a messenger to inform you of our dire straits. Narses has been dispatched and is aware of the rebel threat and is ready to crush them. May God grant us victory!" signed your servant Gaius






June 527 A.D.



After hearing the news of Gainus' death Belisarius made sure that caution, security, and being informed were never cast asside. He wanted to know every detail he could from court and the Senate. His line of messenger kept him fed with multiple messages each day. Everytime we met for dinner a messanger would interrupt, and I would notice a stack of messages on his desk always. He had wooden boxes around his desk piled high with messages. He would always quirk, "I never suffer from lack of reading material." I asked one evening during dinner, as our army was camped around Kotais, how the men were holding up. After three months of siege, the men I felt were growing restless, especially the Illyrians. Belisarius replied grasping his spatha, "Well, let's just say that they are really, really itching for a fight." Look over his finely crafted and polished sword he added, "I will probably have to get a little dirty on the 'morrow."

The sun rose on the encampment, and Belisarius wasted no time in inspecting his army. With his staff they went to each tent, and overall conditions were respectable considering the length of the siege. However, when they came to the Illyrians, a group of the auxillary were laughing and jeering. Belisarius put his hand out for his staff to halt. They stood back and listened. One Illyrian was retorting, "...All we do is strike tents and raise tents every day. But I will say this about our...beeeloved commander....(chuckling)...He certainly knows the art of 'sitting on his arse!' All the Illyrians raised up their fists and cheered. "More! More!" cried the Illyrians, and Belisarius mad his move. "And another thing...." seeing Belisarius the Illyrian quickly froze. The crowd became silent. "No, no please continue," Belisarius replied while walking to the Illyrian.

"You were saying...And another thing!" quirked Belisarius. The Illyrian replied, "Well...haha...I was just going to say that...well that." Belisarius remarked, "Give it to me straight, I will know if you are lying." The soldier reluctantly said very uncomfortably, "I was going to say that next commander we have will still be...suckling." Belisarius looked down and then bore a stare right through the Illyrian. He then shocked the whole crowd by laughing hysterically. The whole group replied with laughter. Belisarius then spoke over the crowd, "Soldier!" he bellowed. The soldier quickly turned around. "You know everything we do as a an army is training to fight, right!" The soldier said, "Yes, sire!" Belisarius grabbed the soldier side stepped and with great force and brought him down square on his back. With a great thud the soldier yelped out in pain. "That sir is pulling the tent lines. And of course to raise a tent you must pound in the stakes." While unsheathing his spatha, the crowd just stood motionless at what was taking place before them. Belisarius then raised his sword and with great force brought the pommel home with great power on the Illyrians skull. The Illyrian's skull cap tore open from the blow and blood gushed out over his unconscious face. Belisarius remarked, "I sit on my arse to save your lives! Obviously we have more tents to raise!" With that Belisarius walked away from the Illyrians and they just stood there watching their comrade bleed and Belisarius walk away.





Back at his camp Belisarius entered his tent with more messages about the growing threat of the Ostrogoths and the Bulgars. How could Rome let these barbarians threaten us so? Justinian was right about trying to bring back Roman glory and her former lands. Belisarius fully believed this, and soon we wanted Rome to be the most advanced and the richest empire the world had ever seen. "Tomorrow we assualt the town! The Illyrians and the Sagittarii Gravis will be the only assault force. We must conserve our numbers, because the Emperor will not be sending reinforcements. We are for now on our to make the most of it!" Belisarius bellowed and brought the pointed end of his spatha through the stack messages driving it hard into his desk. Belisarius didn't falt the Emperor, because caos had ravaged the coffers, and Rome was nearly bankrupt. Order must be restored, but at a price.





Satisfied with the reconnoiter from his spies scouts Belisarius launched his overwhelming attack on the city. The city of Kotais could only muster 181 brave souls against the 1449 man army of Belisarius. However, it would be 162 Illyrian auxillia and 180 Sagittarii Gravis against the 181 Kotaisians. For this assault that is all Belisarius would send into the assault 342 well trained soldiers. The Illyrian soldier who was bloodied by Belisarius was among the 162, and was in the front rank. Belisarius delivered his pre-attack speach.






After the speech the Illyrians were motivated for executing heroic deeds, and set their ram directly for the Kotaisian gate! Upon reaching the gates, the Illyrians quickly brought the old rusty gate down and were set to make short work of the townspeople who claimed to be soldiers.


Forming a wall of spears and shields with the Sagittarii behind, they lerched forward cautiously and content on the deeds that lay before them. The Illyrian captain gave the signal for the Sagittarii commander to open fire with flaming arrows to both frighten and terrorize the defenders. It worked and soon after a couple of salvos the defenders could not take the flaming arrows or the javelin. Tired of seeing their kinsman burst into flame or impaled by flying javelins they headed for the last line of defense in the open town square. They were cut down and the surviving 20 were later slaughtered along with a good deal of the population who would not let lose of their gold, silver, and coin.






Belisarius said himself that he regreted this act, but desperate times require desperate measures. "I am charged with restoring Rome, not showing compassion for the defeated. If I were then why did I attack in the first place?" remarked Belisarius. Soon Belisarius would show his real fighting skill, and would be tested or he would die in the Persian grasses and sands.


Summer: 527 A.D.

After the battle the cleanup took awhile, but was done swiftly so disease would not set in. Belisarius even helped which his could not fathom. What kind of general is he? They would exclaim. The men loved him for this, and who would not. The streets of Kotais were safe once again soon after, and Belisarius took up quarters at a proper villa. It was nothing fancy, but next to a tent he would take it. He said this will be our base for operations. "Since the emperor will not be sending reinforcements we must petition for mercenaries which requires much denari," he explained. Suddenly a knock at the door of the villa bellowed out from pause which startled us. I went to the door and a soldier who look like he was about to pass out extened a sealed document. "From General Narses Sire," exclaimed the soldier. I took the document to Belisarius.

"What has Narses sent us, help on strategy?" quipped Belisarius. Narses was a very capable general and rival of Belisarius. Some say Narses is the favored commander, because of Justinian plucking the eunuch out of slave market in Constantinople. He opened document and read aloud of the battle his contigent fought against a numerically superior Greek rebel force. The Achaeans (Greek rebels) attacked us without warning outside the city of Patroe which we were besieging. The attacked us with two forces totaling 942 men to our contigent of 697 men. We outnumbered them slightly in cavalry, but our only advantage was our Sagittarii Gravis. They had no archers. They also did not have a clear leader Romulus and Flavius were rivals, but had a common need to save Patroe for a base of operation against our Imperial forces.






I formed up my men in a solid defensive formation to withstand the main assault. I had scouts inform me that the rival leaders were seperated, so they would probably would not attack simultaneously. I had the Illyrians at both flanks slightly angled to prevent the rebels from flanking.


Scouts reported that Flavius with the weaker force would try to flank us on the left. I took my guard cavalry and the Equites Scutarii out to meet Flavius and we smashed into their peasant infantry with great success with only a few losses, then we wheeled around and rode back to protect our right flank, because Romulus now was coming on fast but in disorder.






Foolishly Romulus charges too soon on our left flank with his Scholae Palatinae cavalry hitting the Illyrians. I order my personal guard to counter the charge of Romulus sending him reeling with the combined efforts of cavalry and spear.




For some reason Flavius was hiding with the peasants, and now with my guard and the equites we set out to capture or kill Flavius.







I am not sure who skewered Flavius, but we killed him nonetheless.



Our archers made a good show by really pelting their heavy infantry with quick accurate volleys. Their ranks became thinner and thinner without any counter, disrupting their attack.



The all out rebel attack came, and it was ferocius but our Lanciarii and Illyrian forces held firm against coordinated infantry and heavy cavalry attacks. Our javelin volleys decimated their ranks before some even made it to our lines.





Romulus made valiant attempts with his cavalry, but our great discipline and personal sacrifice in staying firm and holding the line was paying off.



I wheeled our heavy cavalry around for one more show. I was determined to rescue our faltering left flank.









Sword, shield, spear and mayhem followed. Enemies were being cut down all around, and our will to win was overcoming there untimed and undisciplined attacks.





Romulus' forces began routing all around him, and his cavalry were losing hope quickly.





My men soon brought the rebel coward down. They held firm and my brave men rejoiced for their heroic efforts!









We had no choice after the battle to put the rebels and citizens of Patroe who would not except our victory to the sword. Death would be busy today. However, we wond a great victory for the Empire, and may God bless the Emperor and you on your quest. Signed Narses.


Winter: 528 A.D.

Still lodging in Kotais, Belisarius was actually enjoying himself. This once small insignificant barbarian city was starting to thrive. After the surrounding area heard of opportunity under Rome, many came for lack of a "full belly" hoping to fill it. Things were beginning to settle economically around the empire as well. Rome was starting to stabalize. The riots were becoming fewer and fewer each month. New trade partners were being formed. The most interesting recent partnership with the Saxons annoyed our Briton brothers who felt a little betrayed. During these times you have to look at preserving the empire and not letting it sink because of a trade partner getting a little frustrated that you are doing business with their enemy. Even though it was the old western Romans that pulled out from Britannia not the eastern Romans, they still felt a Roman is a Roman.



Belisarius reading his correspondence stated, "Those Britons will never get over Rome's desertion of their gloomy green isle. Thank God we are fighting in Persia. I pray I die of old age before the emperor sends me to that miserable island." We both laughed and stood silent for a minute feeling a bit sorry for the Britons fighting it out with the barbarian Saxons glad that our wives and daughters are not being raped and killed by those savages.

Mundus Flavius waited for the right moment to strike the Persian rebels to the east of Caesarea. His correspondence arrived stating where he was camped and would soon be striking, because his men were becoming restless. He said that he fell off his horse breaking his ankle claiming that it was bad omen, and now his men were fighting each other, and how he had to manhandle some of his lads just to restore order. He said that was his second bad omen, but other than that was optimistic, because if his men strike the enemy like they have each other, then Rome should not worry.




Meanwhile Narses dispatched that he set out from Patroe to march on the rebel held city of Thermon, and that he was ready to make seige on it. Belisarius grew angry after reading this, "I'm stuck here like a slug and that eunuch is getting all the glory!" He then proceeded in cursing that I had never heard from him before. This was going to be a tough road ahead I could tell.

Belisarius appeared to be pretty good spirtits this week eventhough a courier brought him news about Narses being attacked by some rebel Greek force. He opened the letter than asked me to join him in his headquarters personal office. Uncharacteristically he stepped out of the room and came back with a jar of wine and poured out the vintage into two cups on his desk. He passed me mine than took his. He spoke softly as he read the letter from Narses. It's contents I will summarize with additional insight.

Narses' army on the way to Thermon was attacked by an upstart Greek commander by the name of Tiberius who thought he could take advantage of a tired Roman army. Underestimating the tactician in Narses will send you to early retirement. Narses next to Belisarius is the Emperor's best general bar nun. Tiberius made the fateful decision to launch an attack on a more superior disciplined foe who was well placed and formed, and this proved to be the beginning of this upstart Greeks undoing.


Narses delivered a speech to his army that rivaled a sermon from a passionate priest. His men were very moved and placed all faith in their commanders abilities.






Narses formed his small army in "bent ends line" to protect the flanks and sent his heavy archers on the right flank as well as his cavalry in hopes of drawing the rebel Greeks in, to unleash his trap.


Narses cooly waited for the Tiberius to draw closer, and his Sagittarii Gravis were ready to rain death on the enemy. Some were taunting, some were praying, and others were spewing their guts out. Even veterans sometimes do this. "It's quite a thing," Narses stated about war. "Those that had no hope have hope just as those that had hope have no hope," he said. So true from my embrace of war, just as it stirs up the true nature of men. It definitely weeds out the ones who cannot make a stand, but at the same time takes away the bravest of the brave. The only thing we can do is to ensure the men are properly disciplined in military drills, trained how to use our equipment and weapons, and then teach them how to work as a team. After that they are in Gods hands and how skillful their commander is a leader and tactician.


Tiberius and his men started to shift left just as Narses had hoped, and with superior position over Tiberius what could go wrong? Only if the do not do what Narses had planned.



Suddenly Narses barked out. "REFORM!!! Forward and to the right...MOVE!" Tiberius had sensed something or had pre-planned to flank Narses on his right. If Narses had not acted as swiftly disaster would have befell him.



Narses then wheeled on his horse seeing that units of enemy were now in range of his archers ordered them to let their arrows fly and rain death on Tiberius' head. They brought down many a good men of Tiberius. At first they recoiled, but they kept their form and closer they kept coming replacing a fallen comrade from another rank. They kept good form despite the carnage. It was later recorded that one poor soldier received two arrow shots through both eyes, and somehow managed to live through battle only to live a few days longer. He was given a proper burial for his bravery.





The distraught lines of Tiberius' army became further confused from the hail of missles and death. Despite this they came right at Narses' center right and far right flank of the army. They were coming for the archers as well. Next the volley of heavy javelins from Narses' line took a heavy toll and the archers were able to deliver a couple more volleys right into the left flank of the charging infantry, further clearing their ranks. Enemy heavy cavalry was spotted as well forming up in front of the archers. The archers had served Narses well.


Narses drew his cavalry up on the far right of his line and pulled the archers back hoping to flank the attackers. He saw that Tiberius was leading the infantry attack on his far right. Now Tiberius had finally fallen into Narses' trap.



The fight on Narses' right center was really a joke. "No sooner had the enemy fell on his front then they recoiled in anguish from our javelins, spears, and swords," Narses wrote.


Narses soon realised that the enemy cavalry that had formed up were trying to threaten both his center and his flank, so cooly his guard and the Equites Scutarii attacked the enemy heavy cavalry trying to hit his center. Narses out matched this heavy unit of Bucellarii almost to the man. They sent them yelping away hoping to find a new master.




However, with decisions come some opportunities, and Narses archers were feeling in need of opportunity as Tiberius and his guard were grinding them up pretty badly.


The bulk of the army now concentrated on the last units of Bucellarii, while the rest of the army tried to rescue the archers to prevent them from being destroyed. Narses' army displayed great discipline in executing the commands while their bloodlust ran high.




Just as one unit of archers were about to be destroyed, Narses made it to their rescue tearing through Tiberius' rear skewering the enemy with their spears as if they were wild boars in some great hunt. Narses swung his spatha so wildly that his own men were afraid to get near him.




The enemy Bucellarii become frustrated and charge irrationaly into the mass of spears of Narses only to be driven off, until a reserve unit rallies for one more go at the oncoming Roman death march.




Just as the final fight with the Bucellarii developes their commander sees Tiberius fall to his death, he gives the order for withdrawal to save his remaining unit from the same fate as his master. One of the unit commanders told some of the captured prisoners that were released, "We gave them that, freedom, and told them to tell their fellow Greeks that Narses is coming and Hell will follows with him!"








The victory at Aetolia was absolute, and paved the way for Narses to lay siege and conquer Thermon.

Belisarius, finnished his wine after reading the detailed account of Narses' great victory, and got up from his chair and quietly walked over to the window of his villa staring out into the night air. He said to me softly. Like the patriarchs before us. "My time is coming, and I will be damned if I am uplifted by defeating rebel swine," he said.

Later that same month Narses laid siege to Thermon, hoping to starve them out and conserve his man power. The emperor had put a noose around funding, and his generals had to be frugal. Many trade agreements were formed more so than at any point previous of Justinain's reign. Things were starting to get better, but the emperor's tax system was taking a toll with citizens and senators alike. Pockets of revolts were still popping up from time to time, and the emperor was concerned that he would be portrayed as a tyrant. He above all did not want this crown of tyranny. That is why he had Belisarius, Narses, and Mundus as his hammers.

The starvation tactic of Narses was taking a toll, but he felt that he would rather plunder this rebel stronghold and make them an example of all Greek rebels, so he decided to put them to the sword, and turn this into his base for reclaiming the rest of the nearby cities that had turned their back on the emperor.



During this time Mundus took his army out of Caesarea to re-conquer Melitine for the empire. Little did he know that this would be his 'swan song.'






A few months later Narses launched his attack on Thermon. He delivered a rousing speech again. Lastly, he told them to put as many to the sword that they could who resisted. It was slaughter of great magnitude. To this day no one knows how many were put to the sword, but Thermon has not resisted since.














After the battle, the rebel leader Attalus was impaled while alive on a pole so that he would die the most agonizing death of all the rebels. Narses wanted to use him as an example. Narses was not normally this cruel, but the Greek rebellion was taking a toll, and he had lost a close friend in the battle savagely killed by Attalus. During his rage his army took their frustrations out on Thermon, and kept to his word that "hell followed with him."

The siege of Melites that same month started well for Mundus. The towers hit their mark, and his Auxillia Palatinae led the way.


The peasants defending their walls were no match for the heavy equipped Palatinea, and slaughter ensued the defenders from both sides.





An untold number were driven off the walls to their deaths below fearing Roman blades over death of their own choosing. Some were brutally hacked and kicked off the walls as if in some kind of sadistic sport.





The over confident Mundus led his guard through the gates after they were taken, and found himself ambushed by the enemy commander who was looking for his blood. He made his mark quickl, sending Mundus to his early departure. It was a tragic loss for the war in the East. However, his men regrouped and still won the battle and for the loss of their beloved commander, the razed the city and slaughtered all that resisted. The city was not destroyed, but blood flowed through the streets.










When my Lord Belisarius found out he wept bitterly for a week. He was a dear friend and confidant. The body of Mundus was taken back to Constantinople where a funeral precession honored Mundus conquerer of Melites.Belisarius was not the same after this. I do not think we all were, not even our beloved Basileus Justinian.