Legio XVII: Battle of the Danube (14 page)

Joseph frequently dinned with Manius and his guests.  It was part of his official duties as Expedition Historian to know and record everything that was happening, but it was more than that.  Manius valued him for his intellect and keen insights.  When Joseph finally lost his fear of the more senior and experienced men around the table, he spoke up and joined the discussions.  The Legates initially thought Manius was simply honoring Levi’s son for paying the Samnites who rescued Manius after the Battle of Cannae, but soon came to appreciate Joseph for what he added.

Joseph stopped visiting his tent mates and no longer wore the uniform of a Legionary.  He had come to accept the truth that that part of his life was over.  He could no longer carry a shield; he was married; and work kept him too busy.  In his heart, he also knew he had moved beyond the things that used to interest and amuse him.

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The Expedition Staff felt overwhelmed after Proconsul Tullus gave them his planning guidance, but started taking together as soon as Manius left the room.  As instructed by Legate Caile, the Etruscan Deputy Legate initially took a leading role.  “Davenhardt,” he said, “tell the group more about who we are facing, their leaders, weaponry, armor, tactics, and so forth; tell us what you know; we will get more information when we get into the area.  Just start us off.”

Davenhardt spread out a map of the area and identified Ulm, Passau, Bad Tolz, Munich, Landshut, Augsburg, and Regensburg.  He then provided the group what little facts he had concerning Cimbri/Teuton fighting tactics and weaponry.  He said, “The six survivors of the Teuton attacks on our three garrisons in July provided us with a little bit of information and we have gotten more from the refugees, but we still need much more information.  The farmers who have been evicted from their land by Cimbri/Teuton cavalry and warriors told us what they heard and saw, but, to be completely honest with you, we lack a system to question these people and keep track of the information.  We are not organized or trained for this task.  We could use Roman help with this.”

“Bethica has sent a few brave men back into the area to observe the Teutons.  Like you, we want to know more about their leaders, their Army’s capabilities, and their intentions.  The men have been specifically instructed to get one of their spears and a shield to study.  We are only guessing at their strength and need to get a better idea of where they plan to establish garrisons and their fortification, if any.”

“We estimate that about 10,000 men attacked our garrisons at Ulm and Passau and a group doubling that number attacked Regensburg.  They have numerous archers with composite bows.  Their infantry employ a short throwing spear and use wicker shields; none of our survivors saw any armor except for a metal helmet.  We should have more information once we arrive in Austria.”

“The latest information is that the Teutons have abandoned Ulm and Passau and appear to be occupying four widely scattered garrisons: one at Landshut, another at Augsburg, one at Munich, and the fourth, the largest, at Regensburg.  Our informants said it appeared that the three garrisons at Landshut, Munich, and Augsburg are smaller than the one at Regensburg, but couldn’t provide any numbers.”

“Bethica wants me to suggest that Bad Tolz would provide an ideal location for the site of the encampment that Proconsul Tullus desires.  It lies on flat well drained land on the north side of the Alps and east of the river Isar; it is completely isolated, and is only 35 miles (56km) from Munich, which is in the center of the operational area.  Bethica also said she would welcome Roman advisors to help her build her new Army and she, in turn, would begin to prepare the site of the future fort using her new recruits. I apologize that I do not have more to tell you.”

Caile’s Deputy thanked Davenhardt for his contribution and said, “I will pass on Bethica’s request for military advisors.  That is something we can and should do right away.  If the information about the Teuton garrisons is correct, it would satisfy the Proconsul’s desire to not fight the entire Teuton Army at once, but rather defeat them piecemeal by attacking these isolated garrisons.”  This led to a discussion of how to organize the force for maximum effectiveness.  The group then broke for a one hour lunch where they were joined by Legate Caile.

When they returned, Legate Caile focused the discussion on how to organize the eight Legions to meet two fundamental requirements: effective command and control of the Legions and how to attack the Teuton garrisons nearly simultaneously.

He opened it up to the group to see if early consensus could be reached and was pleasantly surprised that the matter was settled so quickly.  Essentially, the force would be divided into two Administrative and Attack Groups with the intent to pair two experienced Legions with two inexperienced Legions.  One group would be comprised of Legio XVII, Legio V Etrusci, and two Suevi Legions under the overall command of Calvus.  Legate Caile would serve as his deputy.  If the Proconsul approved of Calvus’ new position, then Tribune Vitulus will assume command of Legio XVII.

The other formation would consist of Legio XX, Legio I Raetorum (the Raeti Legion) and the two remaining Suevi Legions under the overall Command of Legate Silvius.  Bethica would be his Deputy.  It was Roman policy that Roman officers would always exercise command and control of a mixed Roman and Auxiliary force.  Roman Legionaries could never be commanded by non Romans.

Legate Caile then steered a general brain storming session to identify the major issues of the deployment and future combat.  After an hour, the major issues were agreed upon and the planners separated into smaller working groups according to their area of responsibility.  The following morning, each group briefed the other groups on their particular issue, such as command and control of the force, the grain supply, routes over the Alps, Raeti and Suevi training, deceptive measures, time schedules, and so forth.

All the attendees then offered solutions and additional ideas.  Each group took their turn and continued this problem solving technique for the rest of the day.  It was exhausting to focus so intently and to think creatively for hour upon hour, but they were producing results.

Food and drink was brought to them and they did take periodic breaks to use the latrines and stretch their legs, but the grind continued relentlessly.  Both Lugano and Davenhardt were amazed at the sustained planning effort put forth by the Romans.  Their armies did nothing comparable.

Figure 5: Vipiteno, Bad Tolz, Munich (Goggle maps)

When the topic of equipment came up, Davenhardt requested that the 20,000 Suevi men who were currently being formed into four Legions be equipped with two Roman pila each.  He said, “We know firsthand the devastating effect of pila on wicker shields.”  Davenhardt noted that the Teutons were similarly equipped with wicker shields and that the pila could be a deciding factor in any future battles.  He said, “If we can get the pila for our warriors, we will be a much more effective fighting force and have the best chance of success.”

Davenhardt added, “Bethica plans to harden and reshape the existing Suevi shields to counter the Teuton throwing spear and composite bows, but we need Roman advisors to do it.”

Legate Caile said, “Obtaining 40,000 pila is no easy matter.  The entire Roman war effort is focused on equipping the Legions in the south and those in Spain.  Does anyone have any ideas?” he asked.  The logisticians in the group felt that despite the strain of supplying the large and growing Roman Army, they could still get about 10,000, but not 40,000.

Davenhardt said that Bethica already has her blacksmiths working on a version of the pila and would probably have 20,000 ready for the summer offensive.  Even with the Roman contribution, that still left a shortage of 10,000.

Lugano, the Raeti spoke up, “We may be able to help.  Raeti is known for its finely crafted silver jewelry.  Perhaps, some of the craftsmen could be diverted to make pila.  I will have to discuss this with the King, but I am optimistic he will agree, if we can secure additional funding.”

With that issue out of the way for now, they discussed the grain required to feed such a large Army.  Davenhardt and Lugano said that Segovesus, the Cenomani Chief, already volunteered to solicit grain and corn from all the surrounding Tribes and ship it over the Brenner.  The consensus was that he could be trusted to do so.  Since the requirement to feed 41,500 troops was so great, Davenhardt and Lugano said that they would initiate their own procurement effort to obtain grain and other edibles throughout their areas.

The logistician on Manius’ staff said, “Once we have a better picture of how much grain and other food stocks is being supplied and consumed at Bad Tolz and in the combat area, we will know the quantity and types of food we will need to ship up the west coast to Veneti ports for further transport to Innsbruck.  In the meantime, I will start to build a stock pile at Patavium for our immediate use once we arrive at Bad Tolz.”

The following day, the primary topic was to select the best route for the troops to enter Bad Tolz consistent with the Proconsul’s guidance to do so undetected.  Lugano, the Raeti representative, was familiar with the entire area and had a map that revealed a possible route.  He traced with his finger a little used trail over the Alps that descends to a valley about 30 miles (48km) east of Innsbruck and continues 65 miles (104.6km) directly to Bad Tolz.  He said, “The entire route is virtually unobservable.”

Caile said, “This appears to meet our requirement.  Do you have more detail?”

Lugano said, “Yes sir,” with a smile.  He was prepared and hoped someone would want to hear more.  “I suggest the three Legions move up the east cost of Italy to Verona, Trento, and Bolzano, which is 860 feet (262m) in elevation.”  He then looked around the room to see if anyone objected to this route.  No one did.

Lugano continued, “Thirty miles (48km) beyond Bolzano is a crossroads named Vipiteno/Sterzing.  It’s considerable higher than Bolzano at 3,120 feet (950.9m).  At this crossroads, travelers continue either north to the Brenner Pass and Innsbruck or turn east and enter the Pfitsch Valley. The Pfitsch is 16 miles (25.7km) long and 3373 feet (1028m) in height so the troops will continue to climb.  The valley terminates at the base of a mountain with a steep five mile (8km) long footpath that ascends to 7,167 feet (2184.5m). This winding footpath twists and turns but eventually goes northeast and is suitable for men and animals, but not wagons or other heavy equipment.  The wagons will have to remain at Trento and go over the two Passes.”

“During October and November, there is abundant sunshine and minimal precipitation. The air will be cool, but not cold.  The path should be dry.  Overheating during the ascent will be the greatest concern.  This will be the most difficult part of the deployment, but it can be negotiated by men who are fit and motivated.  From Bolzano to the top of this footpath, a distance of 50 miles (80.4km), soldiers will ascend 6,300 feet (1920m), which is 126 feet (38.4m) per mile.”

“I suggest that an advanced party of Raeti ascend the pathway before the Legions arrive to dig steps where necessary and implant poles along the path to serve as hand grips.  Additionally, I would place leaders along the hill to encourage the men to keep moving.  The accompanying mules and horses should only carry the minimum essential equipment.  If they are overloaded, they will not be able to make the climb.”

“The footpath then descends into the Zillertal Valley, which is at 5,346 feet (1629m).  Once in the valley, the Legions will proceed northeast along the valley floor for 35 miles (56km) to the Inn River at Jenbach, which is 26 miles (41.8km) east of Innsbruck, but visible to settlements in the area.”

“After crossing the Inn River, Bad Tolz is 40 miles (64km) due north at the end of another long river valley.  The elevation at Bad Tolz is 2,159 feet (658m), which is a vast difference from the elevation of Rome, which is only 20 feet (6m).  The troops will acclimate to the increase in elevation if we do not march them too quickly.”

When Lugano concluded his presentation, the room erupted in spontaneous applause.  He had obviously put a lot of work into this and the details he presented were very impressive.  Lugano was highly pleased with the reaction and now felt accepted by the group.  The Romans were truly impressed!  They did not expect such a quality report from a non-Roman.