Mediterranean Hegemon of Ancient Greece Chapter 902: The Fall of Aleria

Yet, Mithridates understood the considerable challenge of assaulting Aleria. Intelligence reports indicated Aleria boasted over three thousand troops and formidable city walls. A direct assault would prove excessively costly for the Third Fleet, comprising only six thousand marines, against such a fortified settlement.

Furthermore, Mithridates possessed expertise in naval engagements but lacked proficiency and experience in land warfare.

Acknowledging his limitations, Mithridates refrained from rash action, instead convening his officers for strategic deliberation.

The commanding officer of the marines, Mneantiades, proposed a tactic: enticing Aleria's soldiers outside the city walls to annihilate them, thereby weakening their defenses and paving the way for a successful siege. (The marines have four commanders, each aligning with one of the four major fleets and serving as the second-in-command. While subordinate to the navarch, they hold authority over marine training and management during peacetime. During wartime, they command troops for coastal landings and offensive operations against enemy territory. The marine contingent size varies based on the number of corvus warships in each fleet.) The plan designated a contingent to impersonate Etruscan pirates and raid Aleria's silver mines as the lure.

For more than a century, two distinct pirate factions dominated the Italian Peninsula: the Illyrians along the Adriatic coast to the east and the Etruscans on the western shores. The Illyrian pirates primarily operated out of necessity for survival. In contrast, Etruscan city-states covertly sponsored pirate groups to counter the expanding Greek colonies, which threatened Etruscan dominance in central and northern Italia. As Greek westward expansion waned and spheres of influence stabilized, the prevalence of Etruscan piracy diminished significantly.

However, thirty years prior, Etruscan piracy resurged. This revival stemmed not from official sanction by their city-states but from the southward incursions of Celtic tribes from northern Italia, resulting in the occupation of Etruscan territories. Specifically, over a decade ago, a sweeping Celtic invasion across the entire Etruscan domain, even resulting in the capture of Rome, forced many Etruscans to flee to the sea and turn to piracy. Despite the subsequent defeat of the Gauls, some Etruscans, having acquired a taste for plunder, continued their raids along Italia's western coast.

Nevertheless, the establishment of Theonia's Third Fleet during this era bolstered coastal patrols, significantly reducing the frequency of Etruscan pirate raids in allied territories. Consequently, the Etruscan pirates were compelled to retreat northward along Italia's western coast, avoiding the southern regions. Although Carthage and Etruria had historically maintained an alliance and still held a non-aggression pact as neighboring powers, the pirates still dared to target Aleria.

Endorsing Mneantiades' strategy, Mithridates initiated meticulous preparations. He even journeyed to a recently occupied Etruscan city to gain an in-depth understanding of the Etruscan pirate network. He even procured several Etruscan vessels, armor, and weaponry to equip his own men.

Two days hence, under the cloak of night, numerous warships belonging to the Third Fleet, laden with marines, made a covert landing on the shores between Aleria and the northern Etruscan town of Mariana. Subsequently, four thousand marines disembarked and advanced inland, disappearing into the mountainous terrain.

On the following day, several ships, appearing to be Etruscan, suddenly entered Aleria's coastal waters and docked on the northern beach. Shortly after, over two hundred individuals, posing as Etruscan pirates, disembarked and made haste towards a renowned silver mine situated in the northwestern mountainous region of Aleria.

The populace of Aleria had been in a state of apprehension ever since the Theonian forces landed in the Latium region. However, after more than a month elapsed without any Theonian landings on Corsican territory or even a sighting of their warships at sea, the residents of Aleria temporarily set aside their anxieties, presuming the Theonians remained occupied with their conflict against Rome and unable to project power further. Unexpectedly, the reappearance of those dreaded Etruscan pirates, intent on plundering their substantial silver mine—a vital revenue stream for Aleria's coffers—caused renewed alarm.

Following a thorough reconnaissance by a scout vessel that found no unusual activity near the coastline, and considering the inherent difficulty in confronting Etruscan pirates, along with the need for swift resolution to prevent further complications, the Carthaginian official stationed in Aleria resolved to act decisively. He promptly instructed the city council to mobilize eight hundred Alerian soldiers. He then personally led this contingent out of the city, making immediate progress towards the silver mine's location.

An assault on the Etruscan pirates who were pilfering the silver mines commenced, only for approximately four thousand marines to materialize in their rear, completing their encirclement.

The Alerian forces were swiftly vanquished, with their Carthaginian commander falling in combat and the remaining soldiers either slain or taken captive. Subsequently, the marines divided the prisoners into groups for interrogation before assembling them to be escorted toward the beach. During this procession, the Alerian captives at the vanguard unexpectedly instigated a disturbance, overpowering their escorts. These prisoners, now coated in blood and dirt, turned to aid their fellow captives. The entire escort detail descended into pandemonium, and numerous Alerians seized the chance to abscond. By the time the marines restored order, over two hundred prisoners had already made their escape back to Aleria.

Thus, the marines initiated a pursuit.

Disregarding their exhaustion, the escapees fled towards the city outskirts at full speed, their shouts piercing the air: "Open the gates!! The Theonians are approaching!! Open the gates!!..." For centuries, Alerians had enjoyed a peaceful existence under Carthage's protection, with only infrequent clashes against pirates. Consequently, the sudden news of a Theonian incursion caught the city defenders off guard. However, upon observing from the city walls and seeing their disheveled countrymen in a pitiable state, calling out to acquaintances, and noticing the rising dust in the distance, they grasped the imminent threat of the approaching enemy.

Without hesitation, the city gates were opened, and the fleeing deserters were urged to enter swiftly.

However, the moment the prisoners breached the city walls, dozens of marines, concealed among them with short swords hidden beneath loose linings on their backs, drew their weapons and struck down the prisoners nearby. The city gate was instantly plunged into chaos, creating a bottleneck that prevented its immediate closure. Seizing the opportunity, a substantial contingent of marines surged into the city...

Following a period of urban conflict, Aleria succumbed.

. . . . . . . . . . . . .

As dusk settled, the deep, resonant blare of a military horn sounded outside Satricum, and the advancing Theonian troops began a tactical withdrawal, resembling a receding tide.

Within the command tent, Tolmides conveyed his report to Davos: "Your Majesty, despite our persistent assaults on Satricum over the past few days, the Romans have mounted a tenacious defense, preventing any significant advances. We have sustained nearly three thousand casualties, and the grueling engagements have left our soldiers weary and their spirits diminished."

"Tolmides, you err. The morale of our brethren remains robust, and they hunger to storm the city and avenge our fallen comrades! While we have faced losses, the Romans have also suffered considerably. Given their inferior numbers, they cannot sustain their resistance for many more days of assault!" Amintas retorted assertively.

Tolmides offered no further argument, instead directing his gaze towards Davos.

Davos' countenance darkened, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the table.

After a brief pause, he spoke: "The Romans are unlike any foe we have faced before; their discipline is stringent, and their tenacity rivals our own soldiers. Camillus himself is a formidable commander. Furthermore, their several surprise defensive actions in recent days have presented considerable challenges for us.

An army possessing such resilience will invariably resist more fiercely in proportion to our aggression. Tolmides is correct. Consider the sheer number of major battles, sieges, skirmishes, and pursuits our soldiers have endured since disembarking in Latium... We have secured such a vast expanse of territory in mere months; it is prudent to moderate our pace now! Do not forget that our soldiers are human, not forged from iron. Even iron will yield after constant, unyielding stress... Therefore, I have resolved to suspend the siege of the city effective tomorrow and maintain only a surrounding presence around Satricum.

I believe... the recent rugby tournament we organized in Rome was exceptionally well-received by the soldiers. We can introduce similar rugby and football competitions within the camp, expanding the scope by initially pitting the brigades of each legion against one another. Subsequently, the victorious teams within each legion will compete. Regardless of whether it's the team achieving ultimate victory within the legion or the one claiming the championship between legions, substantial prizes will be awarded. Moreover, hosting these competitions will allow the soldiers to unwind and foster a sense of camaraderie."

As the subject of the legionaries' favored pastimes arose, the several legates exchanged knowing smiles and nodded in agreement.