216 B.C.
“Then it is unanimous. Verucosus is named Dictator for the next 12 months. He shall have absolute authority over all military operations. His primary mission is to protect Rome and her citizens then the provinces surrounding her.”
Verucosus stood to muted applause. “ Senators I will be brief. We shall raise an army of such size and quality that Hannibal will quake. “ But we must also prevent him from heading to our South, for provisions and victuals. Thus I propose the following: I will take 4 Legions to confluence of the Tiberus, to hold Hannibal at bay. I suggest that a 5th Legion ….” Gasps came from the Senate at the boldness of the plan….”A 5th Legion be deployed to Ortona as a blocking force. Praetor Varro should lead this force.”
Stunned silence echos through the chambers. Verucosus surveyed his friends and enemies. Cowards one and all. I will save Rome he thinks to himself. “ Make it so Sentators. Make it so” He deftly turns on his heel and leaves with his entourage.
News trickles slowly to Rome, now Asculum has fallen. It too fought to the last man, it too was put to the sword.
Verucosus, marched at the head of two Consular Armies. Separate roads were taken for them, but the baggage train and troop lines extended for miles. Their dust cloud in the Summer heat forewarned any half aware scout of the approach.
Over the course of the spring, Hannibals forces had slowed down. They were tied to regions making sure none revolted, and protecting key townships from raids and recapture by the Romans. A few fresh Gauls had joined the cause of Hannibal, but his loot trains were now so large that he was encumbered. Could one more large battle destroy the Romans? He doubted it. So far he had broken two consular armies, but within 6 months 2 fresh ones faced him. It seemed the Roman provinces were not welcoming his entreaties as promptly as he had hoped… Perhaps burning those two townships to the ground was a little too aggressive. These fairer skinned peoples were less cut throat than his desert faring people. Yet when it came to resistance they refused to stop, to yield or to kneel.
That would change he smiled… that would change. This new ‘dictator’ would kneel, his army would bleed, then Rome would collapse.
For the last several days he had led the armies of Rome on a merry chase. But now, at an unlikely spot he was ready to turn and give battle. They knew of his Cavalry prowess by now, but still had not enhanced their numbers. So once again he would allow the horns of the bull to envelop, blood and batter the armies of Rome, regardless of size.
Verucosus had his forces arrayed and disposed such that he had great depth, and stretched beyond Hannibals line. He could see Hannibals masses of cavalry strangely in the rear. Kicking up a storm of dust, the began to permeate the field. Limiting his view, and those of his men. The green armies, looked around nervously at each other, they were Legionaires but they were raw, and unblooded despite training. He would need to inspire them. It was his families tradition when needed to conduct the Devotio. He rode calmly to the front lines with his guard, and cavalry troop. The signaller sounded the advance. He led the way. He was not afraid, it was his families way. Only by this could they win, or if at least not win, damage Hannibal enough to buy another year of recruiting and training time. They would attack, they would blood Hannibal he would die. It was it should be.
As the lines met, the dust cloud deepened, and the scouts lost track of the cavalry. Because Verucosus was deep in the battle and on the front line, he could not advise his auxiliary cavalry to probe the flanks. They had hesitated when the dust became heavy. Hannibals officers did not hesitate. They drove right through the thin outnumber Roman cavalry, and just like many battles before appeared in Romes rear. Verucosus turned in his saddle sensing the danger. Just as a spear punctured his side. Falling from his horse he was quickly stabbed to death. Through the dust, and clamour rode Hannibal, cutting a swathe through the officers. He had missed the chance to kill the dictator. But he did not miss the chance to raise hell with those that remained. Rome broke yet again. [15/5 result. Plus an additional 25% lost in the pursuit and butchery phase.]
The now leaderless Consular Armies regrouped outside of Rome. They were spent, and Hannibal was disorganized from the last combat. That would mean his tempo would slow. His Enemies raised a Legion and drove North to re gain control or wrest absolute control of a province to show some success for the year. Gisgo was blocked from heading south by the size of the forces in Ortona. Carthage was stalled out. Its offensive momentum blunted by the sheer savagery of each battle.
Hannibal could continue to win battles, but he could not do that and capture the or control the provinces he needed to force Rome and her allies to accept defeat. It appeared a longer war was in the offing.