The Rise Of An Empire In Ancient Europe-Chapter 117: The Legion and the Granting of Flags (Part 1)

After Kapus was promoted to Battalion Commander, the position of Company Commander in the First Battalion was left vacant. Juleios proposed selecting candidates from the twenty Platoon Leaders serving under the five companies of the First Battalion and letting the soldiers vote.

The result surprised him—Matonis was elected. The reasons were clear: first, his protective nature toward his men had earned their love; second, his bravery in battle commanded their respect.

The Second Battalion comprised mercenaries brought by Drakos, Sesta, and Adrianx. Since Drakos had brought the largest contingent, with a reputation for bravery and tenacity in combat, he often led the charge. Naturally, he was appointed Battalion Commander, with Sesta and Adrianx serving as the commanders of the first and second companies, respectively.

The Third Battalion included the sixth and seventh heavy infantry companies from Juleios’s original mercenaries (primarily soldiers who had joined during the Byzantine expedition), former citizens of Amendolara, freed slaves from the logistics camp, and a few mercenaries from Drakos’s group. Hieronymus, who had previously been a mercenary leader in Persia, was chosen as Battalion Commander, marking a return to his former position. Agacia served as the First Company Commander of the Third Battalion.

The Seventh Battalion, a light infantry unit, was led by Epiphanes, who also commanded the First Company. Spit and Alpines served as the commanders of the Second and Third Companies, respectively, with the battalion totaling over six hundred men.

The cavalry unit was under the command of Ledes.

Juleios implemented strict regulations for the helmets of officers at all levels:

Platoon Leaders wore helmets with white plumes.Company Commanders wore red-plumed helmets.Battalion Commanders had purple plumes.The Legion Commander’s helmet bore a combination of red, white, and purple plumes.

The plumes were to be arranged uniformly, flowing from front to back, for easy recognition during combat.

Of course, the treasury had no funds to standardize these modifications, so the officers had to pay out of pocket. Despite this, the regulations were eagerly embraced. Officers traveled to Heraclea or Thurii to have their helmets altered, as Amendolara, still recovering, lacked such facilities. For them, the plumes were not mere decorations—they were symbols of honor.

In his previous life, Juleios had thought the tall plumes on ancient generals’ helmets were purely decorative and impractical. But after months of campaigning, he understood their necessity. In the chaos of battle, disoriented soldiers could spot the distinctive plumes of officers and regroup. Similarly, messengers could locate commanders quickly to deliver orders. In an era without modern rank insignias, the plumes were essential.

In the early morning, the citizens and freedmen of Amendolara gathered in the square, fully armed.

The freedmen, having recently escaped slavery, lacked the funds to purchase their own equipment. Fortunately, after the Battle of Thurii, the city had provided over a thousand sets of weapons and armor to the mercenaries to secure the defense of the Sybaris Plain. Additionally, the defeat of the Lucanian coalition yielded nearly ten thousand sets of equipment, including those stripped from the battlefield and the ruins of the Lucanian camp.

Although these spoils rightfully belonged to the mercenaries, Juleios proposed a unique solution: instead of dividing the loot equally, he suggested opening a weapons shop in Amendolara’s market, managed by injured and disabled soldiers. The shop would repair and sell the spoils of war, with profits used to support disabled soldiers.

This idea was unanimously approved by the officers and later deeply appreciated by the soldiers. The shop, branded "Legion", became a prominent fixture in the market, offering both sales and rentals of heavy infantry equipment. Renting was expensive, but the freedmen willingly paid, understanding that serving in the army was the fastest way to gain citizenship, land, and honor.

At the square, the soldiers assembled under the guidance of their Squad Leaders, forming platoons and then companies. Though the process was slow, it was orderly, and soon three large phalanxes stood in place. Only the Third Battalion lagged behind.

From the platform, Felicius noticed Juleios frowning and quickly explained, "Sir, the soldiers in the Third Battalion come from the most diverse backgrounds. Many are freedmen with no military training, and even the original citizens of Amendolara lack proper discipline. That’s why—"

"I understand," Juleios interrupted. "That’s why Hieronymus bears such a heavy responsibility. I’ve heard he requested several veterans from the First Battalion, upsetting even Kapus."

Felicius nodded. "Yes, sir. Hieronymus is anxious—he’s a very responsible person."

Juleios smiled. "A soldier must have a serious and competitive spirit. I trust Hieronymus will have the Third Battalion catching up soon."

He glanced toward the southeastern slope. "Have the Lucanians arrived?"

"They have," Felicius replied, pointing to a small hill. "There are eight or nine hundred of them. If they were to cause trouble—"

"That would be perfect!" Juleios said indifferently. "The soldiers on the square would eliminate them on the spot. But I don’t think Vespa and his son would be that foolish. Most of their women have married our citizens, and today they’re cheering for their husbands."

Juleios gave the distant hillside a final glance before issuing an order. "Beat the drums."

The drummers raised their sticks, striking the large drums in rhythmic unison. Boom! Boom! Boom! The soldiers began marching in place, adjusting their formations. When the four phalanxes stood aligned, their synchronized footsteps echoed across the square.

Onlookers, including Cornelius and other senior citizens, were visibly shaken. Faces pale, they muttered, "This... this is the army that shook Persia and annihilated the Lucanians. It truly is extraordinary!"

The Lucanians watched in silence, their faces pale, while the women and children cheered enthusiastically from the sidelines.

Juleios felt the tremor of the ground and waved his hand to halt the soldiers. The drummer struck the drum twice sharply before stepping back, and the square fell silent.

On the platform, Juleios stepped forward. "Brothers!" he called.

"Juleios!!!" the soldiers shouted in unison.

"Have these past few days of good life been enjoyable?!"

"Yes!!!"

"I’m just afraid life has been too good, and now your legs have gone soft—you can’t even lift your shields or spears anymore!"

The soldiers laughed heartily, their spirits high.

"Many of you followed me to Persia, earning glory! Then, you marched with me to Greater Greece, defeating the Lucanians and achieving brilliant victories. Now, you are citizens of Amendolara. This is a new beginning!"

The soldiers roared, raising their spears:

"Victory!"

"Victory!!"

"Victory!!!"

Amid the crowd, Anticles, his right arm missing, cheered alongside the soldiers.

Stromboli, watching from the side, couldn’t help but comment, "You’re not a soldier anymore—why are you so excited?"

Anticles’s expression dimmed as he looked at his missing arm. "This is a true army, one Amendolara has longed for. Unfortunately, I can no longer follow them into battle..."

Stromboli, an old friend, refrained from sarcasm and said kindly, "Didn’t you once resent these outsiders for taking your position as patrol leader?"

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