It should be known that in the original Croton Alliance, Croton was the leader in both diplomatic affairs and warfare. Other city-states had to pay tribute every year. Of course, Croton did exert great effort in defending against foreign enemies for the safety of the allied states. However, with Croton's dominance, it often made decisions without consulting the allied states, and the other allied states had to provide support, just like the previous declaration of war against Daonia.
Davos' proposal were followed, the opinions of the small allied states could be valued in the new alliance, which would be good news for Trina, Caulonia, and Siris.
"I agree with the Archon's suggestion to establish such an alliance between our city-states. This will unite the city-states of southern Italy, protect our interests, and deter enemies from easily offending us!" Sipros, the envoy from Trina, was the first to express his support.
Then, the envoy from Siris agreed to the proposal. The envoy from Caulonia, because their homeland was being protected by the Croton army, only subtly expressed their approval.
Thus, everyone's eyes were focused on Sistrotes.
Sistrotes was now in a state of panic. He knew that as long as he nodded, the new alliance would be established, and the Croton Alliance would no longer exist. Croton's century-old dominance in southern Italy would also come to an end. In fact, after the Second Croton War, Croton's strength had already declined, and the Croton Alliance was just a fig leaf to comfort the people.
Sistrotes did not dare to bear such a great responsibility and become a scapegoat cursed by the people, so he said hesitantly, "This matter... I... I can't decide. It must... be discussed and decided by the council."
The other envoys were disappointed by his delay. Davos said calmly, "It doesn't matter, we can wait."
… … … … … … …
Negotiations can wait, but the war situation will not stop.
In mid-month, the Syracuse army easily occupied Agrigentum, bringing this second largest Greek city-state on Sicily Island under its jurisdiction.
A few days later, the Locri army, having received a small amount of reinforcements from their homeland, marched out of the camp and advanced towards the city of Caulonia. Although more than two thousand Croton reinforcements were still stationed within the territory of Siris, the Crotonians resolutely joined forces with the Caulonian soldiers to meet the enemy outside the city. After an hour of battle, Locri, relying on its numerical superiority, began to gain the upper hand. If it hadn't been for a sudden gust of wind that prevented the Locri cavalry from pursuing, the Crotonian and Caulonian allied forces would not have suffered only a minor setback.
… … … … … … … … … …
Back then, after Thurii was rebuilt, a residence was allocated to each member of the Senate. Cunogolata specifically chose a courtyard that was far away from his former residence,
to avoid stirring up sad memories.
That night, he returned home, and the living room was still lit with candles. His eldest son, Sostratus, greeted him: "Father, you're really late coming back today. Has something troublesome happened in the city again?"
Cunogolata glanced at him, took off his sweat-soaked Bolton, stood in the courtyard, had a male slave bring water to wash his body, and then said: "Antaolis and the others from Crimisa have already reported to the Senate. I was busy today registering their household, allocating residences, and a whole bunch of things…"
"These things don't need you to do them yourself. Just let your subordinates do it."
"What do you know! Considering that Crimisa has just been incorporated into the alliance, we need to take action to show Daonia's importance to these senators representing the people of Crimisa and eliminate their concerns…"
Sostratus leaned against the porch post and said disapprovingly, "It's Davos' request again, isn't it?"
"Damn it!" Cunogolata grabbed the wet cloth from the slave's hand and threw it at Sostratus, loudly scolding: "How many times have I told you, don't be disrespectful to Archon, you never listen!"
"Where am I being disrespectful to Archon!" Sostratus shouted, picking up the wet cloth and carefully throwing it to the slave: "Lord Davos is my commander, and I always abide by military law and obey orders. It's just that I've always talked like this, and I can't change it."
Cunogolata looked at his son's lazy appearance even when he was seriously refuting, and couldn't help but sigh: This son is really not cut out for politics! Thinking of this, he asked: "You're not going to sleep so late, waiting for me here, do you want to borrow money from me again?"
"You underestimate me, Father. Last time I borrowed money from you to contract the warehouses and hotels in Amendolara. Besides paying you back and paying the rent, guess how much money I made?" Sostratus asked smugly, but Cunogolata ignored him.
"One talent and twenty minas!" Sostratus waved his fingers, saying proudly: "If it weren't for the war with Croton and the blockade of the port of Thurii, I could have earned even more!"
He paused for a moment and said again: "Father, I have something I want to discuss with you."
"Speak," Cunogolata knew he must have something, and said casually.
Sostratus looked at his face and said carefully: "After this war, the alliance will allocate a total of four acres of land in the northern plains of Croton to you and me as a reward. I want to use it to exchange for land in Amendolara."
"What?! You want to exchange fertile Croton plain land for barren land in Amendolara!" Cunogolata, who didn't value money that much, had to be cautious about the issue of land, because land was the lifeblood of the Greeks.
"Father, listen to my explanation!" Sostratus said hastily.
Cunogolata knew that his son must have a reason for saying this, so he washed his body clean, changed into clean clothes, sat in the living room, and listened carefully to his son.
"Father, you are the administrative officer of Thurii, you should know that since the reconstruction of Thurii last year, the volume of trade in the port has been increasing." Sostratus's words made Cunogolata "hum" once. How could he not be clear about these things? He could even casually say the number of cargo ships entering and leaving the port of Thurii each month and the amount of commercial tax on market trade. Marigi had formulated a detailed plan to revitalize the alliance's trade, and he had put a lot of effort into implementing this plan.
"Why can I make money?! It's because the port of Thurii can't accommodate so many goods and foreigners, so the warehouses and hotels under the city of Amendolara, which are convenient for transportation, are very popular. Now that we have defeated Croton, we have not only expanded our territory again, but also become a true powerful state in southern Italy. Merchants and freemen will flock to us, but your Senate has enacted laws that do not allow fertile Sybaris plain land to be used for other purposes, otherwise the land will be taken back—"
"Yes, Bulkus is in charge of this matter, and this is also to protect Thurii's cultivated land," Cunogolata interjected.
"I think this bill is very correct!" Sostratus first flattered him, and then said: "In this way, Amendolara has become the inevitable choice for these foreign merchants and freemen. Moreover, the industrial zone that Marigi set up last year has already been auctioned off. I went to see it a few days ago, and a weapons workshop, a pottery workshop, and a stone carving shop have started construction one after another. These are all large workshops that require a large number of laborers and slaves, so there is a great demand for accommodation, food, and even entertainment. Before, I had initially discussed with others that four acres of Croton plain land could probably be exchanged for eight acres of Amendolara land near the industrial zone. With such a large piece of land, I can completely build a large number of cheap houses and warehouses on it. The rent collected every year is not a small amount, and I can also build some small shops and rent them to others to make bakeries, clothing stores... Even in the future, if I have money, I can buy many slaves and then rent them out to make a profit..." Sostratus talked eloquently about his dreams.
"Father, no matter how fertile the land is, it will suffer heavy losses in the event of a disaster year. And according to my method, as long as our Daonia alliance always maintains its strength, then the income our family will get every year will be much better than farming!"
Cunogolata looked at his son's high-spirited face and pondered for a long time, saying: "Sostratus, from now on, you will be fully responsible for the family's finances. I will announce this at home tomorrow and let Chloisos (Cunogolata's slave butler) listen to your arrangements from now on."
"Really?!" Sostratus couldn't believe his ears.
"Of course it's true! Since you have the talent for business, I won't let you bury it. But—" Cunogolata said: "After I die, half of the property you earn must be given to your younger brother, can you promise?"
Under Cunogolata's gaze, Sostratus calmed down, thought carefully, and said solemnly: "Since our family was driven out of Thurii last time, and my sister Sephina also... left us, it makes me feel more that I should cherish my family! Diokrates is my only younger brother, Father, I will sign an agreement according to your requirements, and when you go to... Elysium, I will give half of my family property to him! And my sister, when she remarries, I will also prepare a rich dowry for her!"
"Very good! Very good!!" Cunogolata was very gratified and felt that he had made the right decision, and Sostratus's words also reminded him of another worry.
Diona—his eldest daughter, was already married when he was driven out of Thurii, so she did not follow them to Amendolara, and was therefore humiliated by her husband's family in the city of Thurii. During Croton's attack on Thurii, her husband died in battle, and her husband's family drove her out of the house.
Luckily, not long after Croton was burned, Davos led the army to recover Thurii, and Diona returned home, but she was depressed all day long. She is now 23 years old. As a father, Cunogolata wanted his children to be happy, so he wanted to find her another good husband, which also became a concern for him.
"Sostratos, what do you think of Hilos?" Cunogolata asked abruptly.
"What do you mean?" Sostratos wondered why his father would suddenly mention him.
"If he were to be your brother-in-law."
"You want to choose Hilos as Diona's husband!" Sostratos' eyes widened in surprise. Seeing his father nodding seriously, he quickly dismissed the idea of joking and thought carefully, saying: "Although I am a soldier under him, he is the captain, and we don't have much contact usually. I only know that although he is strict in training, he is fair in his work and cares for us... I heard that he is still single and has no bad habits. If my sister marries him, she should be well taken care of! But, Father, why did you choose him? None of the elders in Thurii seem willing to marry their daughters to these former mercenary elders!"
"These people are still immersed in the past glory of their families, and they are still hesitant in their hearts to accept the changes in Thurii!" Cunogolata sneered and said solemnly: "That's why I want you to show respect to the Archon! Because he is indeed favored by the gods. He is so young, yet he has extremely strong abilities and methods. The people love him, the army supports him, and the Senate is completely under his control! If you don't want my family's tragedy to be repeated, becoming relatives of these original mercenary elders who followed him on the expedition to Persia is undoubtedly the best way! Hilos, I heard that he was the Archon's captain in Persia and took great care of him. Although Hilos has always been relatively low-key in the Senate, it can be seen that the Archon trusts him quite a bit. Moreover, don't think that he used to be a mercenary. Cornelius said that he is humble, steady in his work, and good at learning and asking others for advice. I believe he will walk very steadily in the Daonian political arena in the future!…"
"Father, don't just think about the good things. Among these former mercenary elders brought over by the Archon... Hilos is one of the few who are not married. He is only in his 30s and is an elder. I believe there will be many people who propose marriage to him in Amendolara or Thurii, but he is still single... It is conceivable that he may not agree to your request!" Sostratos reminded the excited Cunogolata.
"Of course I won't go directly to him. I will let the Archon come forward. I believe Davos will be very happy to do this!" Cunogolata stroked his beard and smiled triumphantly: "I once tentatively asked the Archon, and he is also very concerned about Hilos' marriage. With him as a matchmaker, coupled with Diona's talent and appearance, how could Hilos not agree!"
"It seems that from now on, I have to please my sister more, lest she becomes unhappy and asks my brother-in-law to arrange me in the front row of the phalanx..." Sostratos also joked.
This reminded Cunogolata, and he hurriedly said: "Sostratos, don't go out and wander around these two days. Your First Legion will soon go south to participate in the war."
"Has the Southern Italy League agreement been signed? Didn't Croton always oppose it before?" Sostratos asked in surprise. With a father who is an elder, he naturally knows more about the League's politics than ordinary citizens.
"Trina, Sybaris, and Caulonia have all expressed their approval. What effect can Croton alone have in opposing it? Besides, the current war situation is very unfavorable to them! Even Lysias has rushed to Thurii, which shows how anxious the people of Croton are!" Speaking of this, Cunogolata was actually a little excited: "Waiting for the alliance to be signed and the alliance to be established, Daonia will truly become the overlord of Greater Greece!"
"I heard that all the allied states in this new alliance are treated equally, regardless of their importance! Then what kind of overlord is there!"
"On the surface, it looks like this, but the strength of the city-states still determines the weight of their words in this new alliance, especially when it does not involve the interests of other allied states." Cunogolata sincerely praised: "The Archon is really amazing! He proposed such a way of alliance, so as to continuously get the support of other city-states, isolate Croton, and force it to join. Once the new alliance is established, it will also disintegrate the past Croton alliance and allow our Daonia to smoothly squeeze into Croton's original sphere of influence and become the de facto overlord!"
"Isn't this the result of the Archon fully utilizing the victory over Croton?!" Sostratos said this, which was precisely a reminder of Cunogolata's prior opposition to the war.
Cunogolata was silent for a moment, without directly responding to his son's question, but said with emotion: "I didn't expect that while I'm still alive, I can see Thurii become the center of Greater Greece! Son, just like you said before, Thurii will usher in a major development!"
… … … … … … … …
In mid-February of 498 BC, Daonia, Croton, Sybaris, Caulonia, and Trina finally reached an agreement, signed an alliance, and established the Southern Italy League.
Due to Croton's insistence, the alliance agreement specifically stipulated that Daonia and Croton each have two votes when discussing resolutions, while the remaining three allied states each have one vote.
The headquarters of the alliance is located in Sybaris. Initially, Croton requested that the alliance headquarters be located within its territory, but this was opposed by other city-states. Later, Davos proposed: to set it up in Sybaris. This was agreed by the other city-states, because besides Daonia, Sybaris is located in the center of the other allied states, and its strength is not too strong, which makes them all feel more at ease.
On weekdays, the headquarters of the Southern Italy League is guarded by personnel sent by each allied state to handle and negotiate matters between the allied states.
The Croton League was officially dissolved, and the newly signed military defense alliance between Daonia and Croton was also abolished. Croton only paid the initial 80 talents of the 500 talents of war reparations originally required to be paid to Daonia, and the rest were also abolished. This is also one of the reasons why Croton finally agreed to join the Southern Italy League, but it made Melsis regret it greatly.
So far, Daonia still has the following effective alliances: the Daonia League, which is dominated by Daonia. Because Daonia controls the alliance's diplomatic power (that is, other allied states are not allowed to sign any treaties and agreements with any city-states) and military leadership, the other allied states are actually vassals of Daonia; secondly, the alliance agreement with Tarentum. Due to Daonia's too rapid expansion, the treaty has been revised twice, from initially being dominated by Tarentum to both sides treating each other equally and helping each other. To this day, there are only more trade exchanges, and there has been no joint military action; finally, there is the newly established Southern Italy League; in addition, there is also a non-aggression peace agreement signed with Pixis in the north. Except for the Locri League and the union of Ligium and one or two small city-states further south, Daonia has created a peaceful and stable surrounding environment for itself in the form of alliances with other city-states of Greater Greece.
Of course, what Daonia urgently needs to do at this moment is: to fulfill the alliance and defeat Locri.
This operation is different from the past. It takes three or four days just to reach the battlefield. It is impossible to rely on soldiers carrying rations and solving the battle in a few days. During the last battle with Croton, the harassment of the Croton fleet had already caused Daonia a lot of suffering, and this time the battle with Locri is even further away, and the food transportation route is even longer. Unfortunately, the Locri people still control the coastline, which will be a major test for Daonia's logistics supply.
In response, Davos' strategy is: first, Melsis is responsible for quickly forming a huge supply team, carrying at least one month's worth of military rations for 10,000 people. The transportation team and the reinforcements set off together, which not only ensures the safety of the grain transportation team, but also reduces labor, guards, and unnecessary consumption of grain; secondly, to end the war as soon as possible, for which Davos sent out the most elite First Legion.
Preparing military rations, buying pack animals... These war preparations naturally cost a lot of gold and silver. This time, Melsis was not stingy, but instead purchased them in large quantities, because the expenses were shared equally by all the allied states.
When the first crow of the rooster rang in the city of Amendolara, Georgoris had already turned over and sat up, and his wife Dania also opened her eyes.
"You sleep a little longer." Georgoris said softly: "I have to go."
"I can't sleep! I want to send you to Thurii!" Although Dania is older than Georgoris, she likes to act coquettishly, because this makes her feel younger than Georgoris, and Georgoris also enjoys this feeling.
But today Georgoris shook his head: "You are pregnant and walking such a long distance. It's not good for the child to toss back and forth."
"Who said that! Herpus said that pregnant women should exercise more so that they will have a smooth delivery and the child will be very healthy!" Dania retorted.
Georgoris didn't speak. He trusted Herpus quite a bit. He was a personal disciple of the god-favored "Davos." Unable to withstand Dania's repeated requests, he had to take his wife with him, as well as a male slave carrying his weapons and equipment, and left home and left the city.
At this time, the sky was just beginning to dawn, and the hired carriages in the port of Thurii had already run to Amendolara to grab customers, because they all knew that the Daonian First Legion was going to gather, reorganize, and depart at Victory Square in Thurii this morning.
Giorgilis was considered wealthy in Amendolara (actually, it was his wife's wealth). He owned ten acres of mountainous land in Amendolara, all planted with olive trees over ten years old, and he had his own oil press for producing olive oil.
Originally, the family only had a simple carriage, mainly used to transport finished olive oil to the port of Thurii.
Since Dania married Giorgilis, considering Giorgilis' frequent trips between Thurii and Amendolara for military training and handling some military affairs, she specially bought a passenger carriage for her husband to ride in, to save face for him.
In reality, Giorgilis rode a horse more often.
Although there were not many pedestrians on the avenue at this time, all the carriages departed in order.
The Amendolara-Thurii Avenue had been completed for almost a year, and the public, in using it, had formed some conventional rules under the guidance of the alliance for safety and convenience.
Now the alliance's road bureau has been established, and Little Heracleides was successfully elected as the head of the department.
According to rumors, he is preparing to immediately start on two things: first, to submit a "Dionysian Road Maintenance and Use Act" to the Senate, which is to transform these folk road rules into formal road laws common to the alliance, improving the efficiency of road use; second, he is preparing to propose a new avenue design plan and a plan to renovate the old avenue to Archon Davos.
The coachman drove the two horses at a steady pace, the wooden wheels tightly bound with iron spinning rapidly on the flat road with a "clatter, clatter" sound.
Giorgilis listened to his wife's nagging in the bumpy carriage while imagining some things he had heard about the newly established road department.
"Tomorrow I plan to buy four more slaves," his wife's words caught his attention.
"Don't we have enough slaves at home?" Giorgilis asked doubtfully.
"Your newly allocated three acres of land in Crimisa, I haven't even seen it yet, but I heard it's all good land.
According to the regulations of the Alliance Agricultural Department, it can only be used for planting wheat.
You are busy with the alliance's military affairs, so you don't have time to run to Crimisa to work.
Of course, I have to buy more slaves to take care of the farmland there for us all year round," Dania explained.
"Only three acres of land, we don't need so many slaves, do we? Just supporting them will cost a lot of money," Giorgilis used to be poor and still maintained the good habit of thrift.
"My dear, you don't know that ordinary Dionysian citizen families now have at least two or three slaves.
Everyone understands that only by freeing up the adult males in the family for military training can they establish meritorious service in war, gain honor, and win more land and benefits.
The slave market that was built in the port of Thurii half a year ago has now expanded several times.
The price of ordinary slaves has increased from the initial 160 drachmas to 200 drachmas.
If I don't buy a few more now, by the time I want to buy them in the future, I'm afraid the price will have risen to 300."
"Besides, the extra slaves can just go to Crimisa to speed up the plowing of our farmland, dig ditches, and rush to plant wheat seedlings.
When the farm work there is finished, we can also send a few people back to the olive oil press in Amendolara to assist in transporting pottery jars and to the port to take care of our olive oil shop…
When the busiest autumn comes, and more labor is needed to complete the harvesting of wheat, picking olives, pressing oil, grinding flour…
Our slaves will be enough, and we won't need to hire temporary labor, which is a waste of money and not very efficient…" Dania explained in detail to Giorgilis.
Giorgilis didn't understand much about these things, but he trusted his wife's ability, so he nodded and said, "If that's the case, then do as you say."
Dania happily nestled in Giorgilis's arms.
The carriage stopped in front of the south gate of Thurii.
According to the regulations, carriages were not allowed to enter the city, so Giorgilis and his wife had to get out of the carriage and walk, with slaves carrying his weapons and equipment behind them.
Along the way, you could see many citizens accompanied by their wives, and even the elderly and children came to see them off.
Since Davos took the lead in setting an example (he often appeared in public with Christoia), and with the integration of a large number of Lucanians, the tradition of Greek city-state citizens' wives staying at home and rarely showing their faces has been rarely observed in Dionysia.
"Giorgilis! Giorgilis!"
Giorgilis heard someone calling him and quickly turned around to see that it was Olives.
He and his Persian wife, Mitra, hurried over.
After the four exchanged greetings, Olives said excitedly, "I heard you're back in the First Legion again!"
"Because Captain Hilos is taking office as the chief executive of Asproustum, I'm just temporarily here to fill his vacancy," Giorgilis still maintained his old habit from Persia, calling him Captain Hilos.
"Temporary? Davos will definitely let you stay in the First Legion!" Olives curled his lips and smiled mysteriously.
"Why?" Giorgilis asked doubtfully.
"Because serving as a battalion commander in the First Legion makes it easier to serve as a legion commander in other legions," Olives leaned over and said in a low voice, "I heard that Davos submitted a proposal to the Senate yesterday, which has been approved,
'In the future, anyone who serves as a legion commander for five years and performs outstandingly can become a senator of the Senate after being recommended by the senators!'"
Before Giorgilis could speak, Dania, who was listening intently, said excitedly, "Does that mean my husband will become a senator of the Senate in the future!"
Olives glanced at her and smiled, "Yes, but after me.
Becoming a senator of the Senate is not just about fighting, it also requires administrative management skills.
You have to be like me, not only serving as the captain of the patrol team in Thurii, but also hiring a private teacher to teach me literacy, arithmetic, and oratory.
Next year, I also plan to strive to serve as a junior agricultural officer and commercial officer…"
Dania looked at her silent husband and secretly made up her mind: in the future, she must also urge him to strengthen his studies and engage in more local affairs, instead of always training recruits in the military department… and so on.
Olives's gaze turned again, and he found it very interesting: it was very suitable for the honest Giorgilis to marry a seemingly shrewd wife.
He carefully looked at Dania and suddenly showed a strange expression: "Are you pregnant?"
Dania proudly stroked her lower abdomen: "Five months!"
"My wife is also pregnant!" Olives announced equally proudly, and Mitra lowered her head shyly.
"Of our squad of comrades, now I'm afraid only Captain Hilos and Matonis are not married," Giorgilis suddenly said.
"You, your news is too closed off!
Kunogorata has taken a fancy to Hilos and wants him to be her son-in-law, and also wants Davos to be the matchmaker.
Davos has already agreed, and with Davos coming forward, how can that blockhead Hilos not agree!
As for Matonis, didn't you notice that his performance was a bit strange when we left Crimisa?" Olives smiled mischievously: "I sent my men to quietly inquire in his battalion, and it turns out that this big guy has fallen in love with a girl in the city of Crimisa… Hahaha!"
"Really?!" Giorgilis looked surprised.
"Of course it's true!
But, don't go ask him, be careful he beats you and implicates me," Olives reminded.
… … … … … … … … …
Dionysia's dispatch of troops in accordance with the alliance not only wanted to defeat Locri as soon as possible, but also an opportunity to demonstrate the alliance's military power among the city-states of southern Italy in order to increase its influence in this area.
Therefore, Dionysia not only sent out the most elite First Legion, but also the companies in the First Legion that were short of personnel due to injuries and illnesses could be supplemented by experienced soldiers drawn from other legions.
Even the personnel responsible for transporting supplies were composed of more than 1,000 mercenaries led by Zantippus.
This not only ensured the safety of the supplies, but also served as a strong supplement to the combat troops.
Of course, Davos, Philistus, and others also had selfish motives, hoping that these former comrades-in-arms could make new contributions and become Dionysian reserve citizens as soon as possible.
The First Legion of more than 7,000 people, the supply escort of 1,500 people, a total of nearly 9,000 troops, and countless pack animals forming a supply truck, a huge team passed through Victory Square after inspection by Davos and the Senate, and set off south in a mighty manner.
… … … … … … … … …
Locri first heard of the Dionysian League (it wasn't called that name at the time) during the First Croton War.
The army of Croton was actually defeated and captured by the army of Amendolara, which was much smaller in number than them.
The people of Locri were surprised and excited, and they were happy to see a city-state north of Croton that could cause trouble for Croton.
Based on the principle that "the enemy of my enemy is my friend," Locri sent envoys to contact Amendolara, hoping to establish an alliance with it to jointly deal with Croton.
As a result, the people of Amendolara did not make any express, but instead signed a truce treaty with the people of Croton, and returned the captured thousands of Croton soldiers to Croton half a year later.
Moreover, during the negotiations, Locri even became a bargaining chip for the people of Amendolara to threaten Croton and achieve the purpose of a truce.
So the people of Locri began to resent Amendolara.
Half a year later, the Second Croton War broke out, and the Croton army invaded the Dionysian League, which was mainly formed by the people of Amendolara, again.
Locri vented its anger, but did not forget that their great enemy was Croton, and quickly sent envoys, preparing to unite with Dionysia again, because of various factors, the envoy Metrofinis failed to contact Davos in time, however, the Croton army was defeated miserably by the Trionto River in just a few days, and only a few thousand people retreated to Crimisa to resist the counter-attacking Dionysian army.
The Locrian people, upon hearing the news, were shocked and also felt a sense of awe. For decades, Locri had sought a victory against Croton in vain, yet the newly formed Daonian League had managed to defeat Croton twice in a row with fewer troops.
Of course, what was more important to Locri was that Croton had suffered heavy losses and was still engaged in a bitter battle with Daonia. This was truly an excellent opportunity! Locri couldn't wait for news from the envoy Metrophines and began planning an attack on the Crotonian alliance. In order to defeat their mortal enemy in one fell swoop, they mobilized for war within the alliance, and Demodocus, the chief general of Locri and brother-in-law of Dionysius's wife, sought aid from Syracuse. At this time, Syracuse had already launched a war against Carthage, and its powerful army was capturing town after town. Only the navy had not yet encountered the enemy, and apart from some warships escorting the army along the coastline, the rest remained in the Great Harbor of Syracuse, awaiting orders.
Partly out of friendship with Locri, but more so to prepare for the future, Dionysius sent more than 20 trireme warships to aid the Locrian people.
With Syracuse as their backing, Locri eagerly launched the war.
Who knew that Daonia would once again cease hostilities with Croton, not only signing a defensive alliance treaty but also releasing all the prisoners? The envoy Metrophines felt deceived and angrily returned to his country.
The Locrian people were furious: Daonia repeatedly disregarded Locri's goodwill, intentionally or unintentionally hindering Locri's plans. However, because they were currently focused on dealing with their mortal enemy Croton and didn't want to create unnecessary complications, they temporarily swallowed their anger, intending to settle the score later. At the same time, Locri began to be wary of Daonia.
Although the ensuing battle with Croton suffered minor setbacks, the naval battle was a great victory thanks to the Syracusan reinforcements. The Crotonian army, lacking naval protection and with insufficient manpower, was constantly being shifted around by the Locrian people, stretched thin, and put on the defensive.
Just as Locri saw hope for victory, news arrived: envoys from the Crotonian alliance had gathered in Thurii, requesting reinforcements from Daonia!
The thing the Locrian people feared most had happened. Given Metrophines's previous unsatisfactory performance, they immediately sent Panticapeus, their best orator, but his arrival not only failed to change Daonia's mind but also accelerated the formation of the South Italian League.
As Panticapeus left Thurii, he angrily said to the elders of the Daonian Senate: "Apollo can bear witness that we Locrian people have always held Daonia in respect, but every olive branch we have offered has been met with malicious deception and mockery from Daonia. From today onwards, Locri and Daonia will be enemies! Next time we come, there will be no more envoys of peace, but the wrath of Ares and a mighty army!"
The elders' expressions changed slightly, but Davos said calmly: "Before the Crotonians launched their war last time,
their envoy also stood where you are standing now and said similar words, but what is their situation now?"
Although Davos appeared relaxed, he knew that the Locrian people were now dominant at sea, and if Daonia declared war, it was likely that the events of the Crotonian fleet's previous actions against Daonia would be repeated. Therefore, he reassembled Lydes's cavalry and patrolled the coastline, while also restarting the measures taken by Philis to deal with a Crotonian fleet raid. The Senate also suspended the immigration work to Aspurous Toum and Crimisa.
But several days passed, and nothing happened.
… … … … … … … … … … …
The First Legion arrived at the city of Asprous Toum, and more than a thousand garrison troops joined the army, increasing the number of participants in the battle to more than ten thousand.
Five days later, the army arrived at the city of Caulonia. The journey was relatively smooth, without any accidents. The reason for arriving two days later than previously planned was due to an underestimation of the poor road conditions in southern Magna Graecia, as well as the warm hospitality of the people of Siri during their passage.
After the Daonian reinforcements arrived at the battlefield, the Caulonians were overjoyed and prepared to wait for the Daonians to finish their rest before launching an attack on the Locrian camp south of the city. But to their surprise, before this plan could be implemented, Locri sent an envoy for peace talks…
A hundred years ago, Croton defeated Sybaris and quickly became a strong state in Magna Graecia, harboring ambitions to dominate southern Italy. It launched many incursions to the south. In the most serious instance, under its attack, Locri and the surrounding city-state armies were repeatedly defeated. Finally, in order to avoid repeating Sybaris's fate, Locri and Rhegium united and launched a counterattack, severely damaging the Crotonian army, taking advantage of Croton's carelessness.
Croton's strength was greatly weakened, and for a time it was unable to attack south. To prevent Croton from regaining its strength, Locri and Rhegium began a long-term counterattack against Croton's allies, and they even allied with the Bruttii, the indigenous people north of the Crotonian alliance. For decades, Croton was plagued by the Bruttian threat from the north and the military threat from Locri and Rhegium in the south, and was always exhausted, unable to regain its former power. Therefore, when Athens wanted to build the city of Thurii on the Sybaris Plain, it could only make concessions and sign an agreement.
However, the cooperation between Locri and Rhegium was not close-knit, and once the threat from Croton diminished, the contradictions between the two began to emerge. The biggest conflict was that both city-states were coastal cities, close to each other, and competition for port trade was inevitable. Rhegium, because it controlled half of the Strait of Messina, had the upper hand in maritime trade, while Locri opened up a land trade route from Locri to Medma and Hipponium (both of which were cities on the west coast of Magna Graecia), allowing Greek merchants to reach the west coast via land trade routes without having to pay higher tariffs through the Strait of Messina, thus stealing a lot of Rhegium's profits as a transit port for western Mediterranean trade…
These contradictions accumulated and finally erupted a few years ago.
Dionysius, who had just become the supreme general of Syracuse, had his wife killed by angry people in the previous power struggle. As a widower, he wanted to remarry, and for a tyrant, this was also a political marriage to consolidate his power. Therefore, after marrying the daughter of a famous nobleman in Syracuse who supported him, he wanted to marry again. His eyes turned to Rhegium, which was only a strait away from Sicily. On the one hand, it was because Rhegium's geographical location was too important, and on the other hand, there was a woman in Rhegium whose beauty was widely spread.
However, the Rhegians refused. They were wary of Dionysius, who had become the tyrant of Syracuse. They had not forgotten the covetousness of Rhegium during the reign of Hiero, who was also the tyrant of Syracuse decades ago, which forced Rhegium to ally with Carthage to protect itself.
Dionysius had no choice but to propose to the Locrian people, and Locri agreed, which led to the complete breakdown of the alliance between Locri and Rhegium.
As for why Dionysius didn't seek out Croton, Croton? During the Peloponnesian War, Croton and Thurii stood on the side of Athens, and even provided assistance when the Athenian army attacked Syracuse; while Tarentum was a sub-state of the Spartans, and had always been close to Sparta, which was of little significance to Dionysius.
Rhegium's departure left Locri isolated and unable to cause trouble for Croton again. It was not until Daonia severely damaged Croton twice that it rekindled its hope.
When Locri was mobilizing for war, it also sent envoys to the Bruttii. The Bruttii, who had always been enthusiastic about Locri's invitations, refused Locri's request this time. The reason they gave was: Last year, the Bruttii independently attacked Terina, resulting in heavy losses and the need for rest.
But the Locrian envoys discovered that the Bruttian tribes in and around Cosenza seemed to be undergoing some kind of change.
With the assistance of the Syracusan navy, the Locrian people attacked the Crotonian alliance. Facts proved that even if Croton's strength was greatly weakened, a starved camel was still bigger than a horse. Although Locri had the upper hand, it was unable to achieve a swift victory.
Now that Daonia had joined the war, the situation took a sharp turn for Locri.
After the diplomatic failure with Daonia, the Locrian people went to Syracuse for help as soon as possible. Dionysius received the Locrian envoy, who had rushed to him, in the newly occupied city of Selinus.
After listening to the envoy's request, Dionysius frowned and, after only thinking for a moment, said bluntly: "Syracuse's war with Carthage is at a critical time, and I have no reinforcements to send! Make peace! After I have pacified Sicily, I will help Locri get this debt back!"
The envoy returned to Locri helplessly.
The Locrian people were not fools. Without reinforcements, they had no chance of winning, and making peace was the only way out. In the decades of entanglement with Croton, fighting and stopping was a common occurrence. Locri was used to it and would not insist on fighting a hopeless battle for the sake of honor.
Therefore, Daonia's First Legion came in high spirits, but as a result, not a single battle took place, and they passively became mediators.
Fortunately, the South Italian allies had a good impression of the Daonian army, which appeared in central South Italy for the first time, especially the Caulonians, who were surprised to find that the Daonian soldiers who were encamped outside the city of Caulonia had been quietly staying in the camp during the negotiations, without any disturbance to the people. This was even better than the Crotonians, who had been Caulonia's allies for decades.
And Sipylus, the envoy of Terina who arrived in Caulonia with the army, returned to Terina after the negotiations and gave a more detailed and comprehensive evaluation of the Daonian army when reporting to the council.