Straits of Messana, the siege - 483AUC

[Maiar93]

Flavius Julius Corvenus, the Senior Consul of Rome, stood on his horse gazing the town before him. Messana, a trading city with wooden walls but lots of courage.

He ordered his hornblowers sound the advance. Many horns were blown, and his mighty army began marching towards the city.

Soon, his forces were in the city and fighting the enemy hoplites. His slingers and javelins were peppering the enemy, causing hundreds of casualties and blowing huge holes in their lines. The principes were sent to flank the enemy while the hastati held the line along with triarii. When the Mamertine hoplites even came close, they were instantly peppered with missiles from all sides causing huge casualties.

Soon, the principes were at the town center cutting off the Mamertine army. Flavius sent his triarii and hastati forward through the main road, while sending his Rorarii to the another flank. Soon the town centre was completely surrounded, and the Mamertines tried to surrender. No mercy given. They were killed and the town was occupied.



Flavius had prevented himself from taking part on the battle personally. He instead was with his bodyguards and an extra unit of equites near him, giving orders and finally looking at the destruction of the enemy forces.

Messana had fallen.

[Merula]

A slave messanger is permitted entrance into the camp of the Consul. He enters the tent and hands Corvenus a letter.

"My master Marcus Atrius Merula bids me give you this Consul,"

He hands him a sealed message then leaves the man to read it in peace.

Consul Corvenus,

My mission to Sicily has been succesful, Heiro has kissed the ring of the Senate and Syracuse is now subject to the will of Roma, our friend and vassal.

I have also sent a message also to the Senate. Congratulations on your victory at Messana, i believe we must hold all our troops there for some time, and then reinforce the city of Syracuse with our own troops to fend of the Poenii. I am remaining in Syracuse to oversee our actions on the island.

Your friend,

Marcus Atrius Merula.