Legio XVII: Battle of the Danube

Legio XVII: Battle of the Danube

Published by Thomas A. Timmes at Smashwords

Copyright 2014 Thomas A. Timmes

Smashwords Edition License Notes:

Also by Thomas A. Timmes

Legio XVII: Roman Legion at War

Customer reviews

“I'm 62. I've been reading about Roman Military history since I was 8. This book trumps them all! Fantastic read!”

“Excellent book that is rich in detailed strategy, weapons development and battlefield maneuvers.  One of the best I’ve read of the dozens concerning the Roman Legions and their role in Rome’s expansion.  A must read!”

“Very good as it deals with less know aspects of Roman military procedures during the Punic wars.”

“As the story of the Legion progresses, the craft of leadership is cleverly woven into the narrative. A novel for military arts fanatics.”

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Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Prologue

Chapter I:  Teuton/Cimbri Migration

Chapter II:  Defeat of the Suevi

Chapter III:  Bethica Appeals to Rome

Chapter IV:  Rome Intervenes

Chapter V:  Roman Planning

Chapter VI:  Deployment to Bad Tolz

Chapter VII:  Final Preparations

Chapter VIII:  Battles of Augsburg and Landshut

Chapter IX:  Battle of Regensburg

Epilogue

About the Author

Connect with Tom

Prologue

In large measure, the history of Western Civilization reflects the history of population migrations.  As revealed by thousands of archeological findings, fossils, written records, and most recently by DNA comparisons, human beings have constantly been on the go.  The causes are as diverse as the variations among individual cultures.  Hunting societies moved to find more abundant game.  Settled populations shifted to find more fertile land.  Drought and pestilence forced huge numbers to move to find food and water.  Natural disasters such as active volcanoes, flooding, hurricanes, earthquakes, and tidal waves took their toll and forced relocation.  The consequences of these migrations vary with the people and regions, but most were unpleasant affairs filled with human misery, an overall slowdown in the development of their civilizations, and widespread death and destruction.

One example of how migration and natural disasters utterly destroyed several thriving civilizations occurred at the end of the
Late Bronze Age (LBA) (1500–1200 B.C.). The region encompassing modern day Egypt, Israel, Syria, Lebanon, Turkey, Greece and several islands in the Mediterranean maintained a stable,
thriving, sophisticated, and interconnected system of commerce and diplomacy. Yet, archeological discoveries over the past 100 years reveal that circa 1177 B.C. these once powerful empires simply ceased to function and then vanished.  Gone were the Hittites, the Mitanni, and the Greek Minoan-Mycenaean Empire.

The LBA Collapse, as it is called
, was devastating for the region and its inhabitants.  The effects of the Collapse reverberated for centuries, ushering in the world’s first Dark Ages.  In his book
1177 B.C.: The Year Civilization Collapsed
, Eric H.
Cline describes the effects of the Collapse: “...civilization in this part of the world was set back, in some places for centuries, and altered irrevocably.  ...it was a loss such as the world would not see again until the Roman Empire collapsed....”

On the other hand, the Collapse did facilitate the development of new civilizations.  The Israelites may have been able to migrate out of a weakened Egypt because of their warring with the “Sea People” and eventually displace the inhabitants of Canaan.  The Collapse also allowed the nascent region of Greece to develop their civilization without interference; Rome followed Greece.

Much of European history, even preceding the Bronze Age (3200-600 BC), is the story of large scale migration.  This book, which is set in the 3rd Century BC (300-201 BC), addresses the Teutons and Cimbri Tribes who are believed to have originated in Scandinavia.  They subsequently migrated to Jutland, then south through modern day Germany, and eventually butted up against the Danube River.  Throughout their migration, they were engaged in warfare with the people who already occupied the land.  These clashes between migrating people and local inhabitants set up a chain reaction of endless migrations, endless warfare, and an incalculable toll of human misery.

Ancient Rome was constantly engaged in containing migration first along the Rhine River and later along the Danube.  As long as they were successful in this effort, the Empire stood.  When they could no longer control their borders, the Empire fell.

This historical fiction tells the story of one such migration and Rome’s response. In Chapter I, readers experience the six year 700 mile (1126km) migration of the Cimbri/Teuton Tribes from Scandinavia to the Danube River.  Readers follow Chief Timur and his Army Commander Donar as they plan the migration, rebuild their Army, and undertake the difficult and dangerous trek.  Readers are immersed in the day-to-day struggles posed by muddy roads, river crossings, living out of a wagon, and battling hostile Tribes.  Timur’s leadership is put to the test when he encounters an unexpected mutiny among the people.  Eventually, Timur faces the challenge of crossing the Danube and battling the Suevi garrisons posted along the river.  The Suevi Chief, Bethica, appeals to Rome for help and the stage is set for three epic battles between Rome’s vaunted Legions and Timur’s Teuton/Cimbri warriors.

The Roman Senate tasks Proconsul Manius Tullus to repel the invaders and secure the border. Manius is the logical choice to command the operation since he just completed a 30 month expedition with Legio XVII to the Cisalpine Gaul and Austria.  Manius faces the daunting task to engage an enemy who outnumbers him 2 to 1.

Included in the narrative are snippets of authentic Roman history of the 2nd Punic War.  My first book,
Legio XVII: Roman Legion at War
gives a more detailed history of the 2nd Punic War between Rome and Carthage.

Joseph Ben Levi, the young Roman Legionary who recorded the history of Legio XVII from its inception to final battle in Innsbruck, is also the narrator of this story.  Joseph’s account of the migration is as compelling as it is informative.

Once again, he accompanies Legiones XVII, XX, V Etrusci, and I Raetorum from Rome to the Danube.  Having lost his left arm at the Battle of Innsbruck, he now focused exclusively on the exploits of the Legions and their Commander, Proconsul Manius Tullus at the battles of Augsburg, Landshut, and Regensburg.

This book replaces some of the Roman Latin names of towns and countries with their modern counterparts as well as converts Roman weights, distances, and measurements with common English terms.  Additionally, this book includes modern maps and dating conventions such as 206 BC.

In my first book, I cited all measurements in feet, yards, and miles.  That’s how I think and have a mental map that can easily estimate those distances.  I now realize that I inadvertently made it difficult for readers who think in metrics.  I say that because I just read a book that used only millimeters, meters, and kilometers.  I was lost!  This book, therefore, uses both conventions.

I owe a sincere debt of gratitude to my wife for reading and re-reading my many drafts and my grown children, especially Bethany and Andrew, for their invaluable assistance in helping me to write and edit this book.

Chapter I:  Teuton/Cimbri Migration 219-209 BC

July 209 BC

Crossing the Danube

It took 24, eight-hour nights to raft 20,000 Teuton and Cimbri warriors across the Danube at Ulm and another 20,000 men at Passau [Germany].  Ten rafts with 10 men per raft were pulled back and forth every hour across the river.  By the end of the 24th night, 40,000 trained, equipped, and motivated warriors were hidden in deep woods at two widely separated points waiting for the attack order.

These two Assault Group were separated by 160 miles (257km), but tasked with the same mission: annihilate the Suevi garrisons that opposed them and clear the surrounding countryside of Suevi farmers.  This land was now claimed by the combined Cimbri and Teuton Tribes who had just completed a 700 mile (1126km) migration from Jutland in the far north.  They had endured six years of hardship and deprivation and would not be denied this fertile, well watered land with its mild climate and abundant game.

At 1:00 A.M., 10,000 men equipped with ladders, unlit torches, and their battle gear began the five mile (8km) walk to the Suevi forts at Ulm and Passau.  They had rehearsed the route so often they could have walked it blindfolded.  They arrived at the forts at 2:30 A.M. as planned.  With the exception of a few sleepy guards in watch towers, the garrisons slept.  Multiple archers sighted on each guard to ensure a hit and fired simultaneously.  The men silently approached the walls with their ladders and were over the top within minutes.  The torches were lit and the slaughter began. The 2,000 man Suevi garrisons at Ulm and Passau would no longer patrol the Danube to ward off migrating tribes such as these Cimbri and Teutons warriors.

Meanwhile, 100 miles (160.9km) to the north of Ulm at Regensburg, a similar scenario was unfolding.  Another group of 40,000 Cimbri/Teuton warriors rafted undetected across the river.  They also slaughtered the Suevi garrison posted there.  As instructed by Timur, the Teuton Chief, each Assault Group at the three Suevi garrisons spared two Suevi men to return to Innsbruck to announce the Cimbri/Teuton invasion and their claim to the land.

*******

216 BC Seven Years Earlier

The two tribal Chiefs announced it was time to begin the migration south.  The Teuton Chief Timur and the Cimbri Chief Boiorix had just concluded a lengthy discussion with their Military, Tribal, Clan Leaders, and Elders.  The collective opinion of both tribes was a forceful demand to move out of the Jutland Peninsula and go south as soon as possible.  The intended end point of the trek was an area across the Danube River in a large fertile countryside currently occupied by the Suevi, a far weaker tribe.  The combined tribes of Cimbri and Teutons could field 70,000 warriors, including 5,000 archers, out of a total population of over 300,000.  Their number of warriors would eventually grow to 90,000.

According to oral tradition, when the two tribes migrated out of Gothenburg, Denmark some 200 years ago, they never intended to remain in Jutland.  It was meant to be a mere stopover to rest the population after the difficult 45 miles (72km) sea crossing and to grow and gather sufficient food stuff, acquire wagons, and other necessities before continuing on.  However, after the sea crossing, the mood changed.  People settled in, grew their crops, raised their animals, and reared their children.  It felt like home and became home.

*******

This peaceful domestic scene changed in the last 10 years when Sea People from Scandinavia begun raiding along the coastal area of the two tribes. Food, tools, animals and anything of value were carried away.  But it was worse than that.  Villages were burnt to the ground, women were raped, and young men were kidnapped.  It was an intolerable situation that was increasing at an alarming rate.  The raiders would strike without notice anywhere along the lengthy coast and rapidly disappear before the Army could be mustered to fight them.  The people were powerless to stop the horror that had befallen them.  Gradually, more and more people began talking of moving to a safer and warmer climate.  The idea to migrate grew in popularity and soon became the chief topic of conversation.  What started as wishful thinking and mere talk, hardened into an accepted truth and foregone conclusion.  The tribes would migrate.  All that was lacking was the leadership to make it happen.

The two Tribal Chiefs grappling with this issue presented a contrast in extremes.  Chief Teuobod, who went by his childhood nickname Timur (Iron Man), was a young, athletic, charismatic, and handsome man with significant leadership abilities.  He was at that stage of his life where he felt he could do anything.  He was by nature a creative person and always needed to improve or change something.  He designed a new headband to wear, a new type wagon, and introduced belt loops for men’s trousers.  Nothing escaped his attention and desire to make it better.  His mind was exploding with ideas.

He had become Chief 10 years ago at age 14 when his father, the former Teuton Chief, died suddenly.  Three years ago, Timur married a young Cimbri woman Jennike to further cement the bond between the two tribes.  In time, this intelligent and capable woman became his closest advisor and confidant.  She was known for her graceful mannerisms and pleasant personality.  Timur and Jennike made an attractive pair and were very popular with the people.  Boiorix, the Cimbri leader, on the other hand, was well past his prime, forgetful, and easily confused.  His current wife was a plump teenage Teuton girl who, in reality, was nothing more than a bed warmer for the old Chief during the cold northern winters.

By mutual agreement, the overall leadership of the two tribes fell to the Teuton Chief Timur.  He was well suited for the challenge and immediately began to transform both society and the Army.  He introduced new laws, local Councils, improved security measures, and dramatically improved the Army.

Most importantly, Timur provided the drive and intelligence to plan for the migration.  He had heard of other tribes whose migrations ended in disaster because of a lack of planning and preparation and he was determined not to duplicate their mistakes. His current favorable attitude regarding the migration was the exact opposite of his initial opposition to the idea.  He was comfortable where he was and had not completed his vision to improve society and the lives of the people.  His attitude changed after visiting the site of the most recent attack by the Sea People.  He was outraged.  He also knew he couldn’t solve this problem despite his best efforts.  In his mind, the only way to fix it was to get away from it - migrate.

According to tradition, while living in Scandinavia, the combined Cimbri-Teuton Army had grown strong, developed an aggressive warlike spirit and was renowned for its bravery.  In Jutland, however, they had lost their fighting edge and grown increasingly complacent.  They did not adopt the more powerful composite bow as did the Sea People; personal body armor was nonexistent, and their leaders were largely incompetent.

Timur, the newly appointed Commander of the combined Teuton/Cimbri Army, recognized the seriousness of this deficiency and proposed fundamental changes to the Army before beginning the migration.  He replaced most of the Army’s leadership, personally designed a strenuous training program, and directed that all males 18 years old must join the Army for the duration of the migration.   He reorganized the Army to enable it to fight in a more professional manner and less like an untrained mob. He appointed Donar as his top General; a Teuton of proven quality and bravery.  He was also intensely loyal to Timur.

Timur told Donar, “We don’t have an Army; we have willing men who periodically gather on a field and charge an imaginary enemy.  There is no organization or discipline to anything they do.  We have an untrained mob yelling and waving their swords.  That will not win battles.  I want you to find able men and appoint them commanders of 100; then find commanders of 1,000, 5,000, 10,000, and 20,000.  After you do this, I want to meet with these commanders.  I want them to recruit men to their organizations and then to build a unique identity.  I want to see banners or flags and the units should have names.  I want the men to take pride in their organization.”

Despite serious reservations from many within the combined tribes, he managed to push through his reforms and, once again, the Army began to resemble a real fighting force.  The Army was equipped with long swords, small round wicker shields, and 4 foot (1.2m) stabbing spears that could also be thrown.  The spear had a short 5 inch (12.7c) sharpened medal point without a barb.  A hilt was molded where metal joined wood to prevent the point from penetrating too far, in order to facilitate easy removal.  Some of the stronger men carried no shield.  They favored a sword and axe.  The axe had a blade on one side and a short metal spike on the other.  The purpose of the spike was to penetrate an opponent’s shield and enable the warrior to pull the shield down and slash with his sword.  Timur’s reforms included the adoption of the composite bows and metal helmets.  The shields were still nothing more than wicker weaved around a wooden frame, but now boasted of an added leather covering.

The composite bow took a week to make and months to properly dry.  It was made with multiple pieces of wood glued together with animal based glue.  A finely shaped animal horn was glued onto the belly of the bow (the side facing the archer) and animal sinews were glued onto the back of the bow.  Finally, thin leather strips were glued over the entire bow to keep it water proof.  The advantage of the composite bow is that it is smaller than the traditional wooden bow and delivers its arrows with greater velocity.

*******

Timur had been thinking about the migration for the past several years.  The attacks by the Sea People were part of it, but there were other reasons.  The land was wearing out and could no longer support the growing population. It was time to find a new, more fertile, and larger area for the two Tribes.  He had already thought his way through many of the preparations that would require years for the people to accomplish.  Working with the Clan Leaders who knew the people and their capabilities, he ordered that a percentage of the cattle be converted to oxen and trained to pull wagons.  This also meant the people had to build yoke bows. He further ordered the construction of water proof wagons, 15 feet (4.5m) long by 10 feet (3m) high, by 4 feet (1.2m) wide, and handcarts for every 20 individuals in the population.  He directed that all wooden wheel rims be wrapped with metal.  He ordered leather tarps that could be strapped to the top of the two sides of the wagon and rolled down at night to provide a covering for sleeping people.

All these things require years to make by hand.  Most people saw the wisdom in Timur’s orders and willingly went to work. Timur told the Clan Leaders that they must enforce these rules if the migration was to have any chance of success.

As the work at home progressed, Timur knew he needed more information about the route south and what they would face during the journey.  In 219 BC, he dispatched three teams of Teuton and Cimbri scouts comprised of five men each to walk along the intended migration route.  Before the scouts departed on their reconnaissance, Timur explained their mission and the type of information he wanted them to gather.

“We have over 300,000 people to move safely over difficult terrain, multiple water crossings, and through other Tribal areas.  I need to know of all possible routes we can use, condition of the roads, the location of Tribal borders, the size and military strength of the tribes, the best places to cross streams and rivers, and protected locations to spend the winters.  Dress as ordinary farmers and not as warriors.  If asked, tell people that you are simply moving south to look for new opportunities. Work for your food and shelter.  Plow their fields, build their barns, do what you must to survive.  Do not steal from the local people you meet and stay away from their women.

I estimate that your mission will last from three to five years.  In your absence, we will offer animal sacrifices to Odin to protect you.  I will also ask Odin to send his two ravens Huginn and Muninn to report your progress to Odin.  If you feel threatened ask his wife Freya for peace and protection.  Go now, and do your best.  We are counting on you.”

*******

After the scouts departed, Timur gathered his key leaders and presented them with the following facts to drive home the importance of continued planning, preparation, and most importantly, constant supervision: “Each group of 20 people will have one wagon and four oxen to pull it.  That’s 15 more people per wagon than usual, but we have to reduce the length of our columns, which I’ll explain in a moment.  The wagons will be filled with food, farm tools, personal, barter items, children, old and sick people, and will provide a limited place to sleep.”

“Farm animals as well as spare oxen will be tied to the back of the wagon or driven alongside the wagons as dictated by the terrain.  The wagons will require extra wheels, axles, and yokes for the animals.  The sides of the wagons will need constant caulking to prevent leaks and extra leather covers for the curved tops to keep out the rain.  Most people will walk along side their wagons, sleep under and alongside it at night, and carry heavy packs on their backs to spare the oxen.”