The Rise Of An Empire In Ancient Europe-Chapter 125 The New Road

Heracledes had visited Amendolara before to construct a courtyard for a local family. Recently, however, the name "Amendolara" had become a hot topic among the freedmen of Thurii’s port. The story of the mercenaries who annihilated the Lucanian tribal coalition and became citizens of Amendolara, with their leader, Juleios, rising to the position of consul, was on everyone’s lips. Even more astonishing was the rumor that their slaves were freed and might even gain citizenship in the future. These extraordinary changes made Amendolara the subject of widespread discussion and envy.

Even Heracledes, a seasoned craftsman who had seen much in his life, couldn’t help but feel intrigued. "If this invitation is indeed from Amendolara, their promises must be reliable, right?" he thought to himself.

Eager to seize this opportunity, Heracledes asked the emissary, "Can I bring my son? His skills in construction are as good as mine!"

"Of course," the emissary replied without hesitation.

Amid the envious glances of his peers, Heracledes and his son hastily packed their belongings and followed the emissary to Amendolara. Upon arrival, they were brought before Alexis, the city’s overseer of construction.

"I am Alexis," the overseer said with a commanding tone. "I’m responsible for all the city-state’s construction projects, their maintenance, and supervision. Your work here will be of great importance!"

Heracledes was taken aback by the emphasis on construction. For the first time in years, his passion for building reignited.

The Challenge of the New Road

Heracledes’s first task was relatively straightforward: designing and constructing warehouses and inns. The plans were quickly approved by the Senate, and he, his son, a group of craftsmen, and nearly a thousand Lucanian slaves began their work at the base of Amendolara. Although he was elderly and lean, Heracledes worked tirelessly. His energy seemed inexhaustible as he moved between sites, inspecting quality, addressing problems, and ensuring progress.

"If workers slacked off, he reprimanded them harshly; if they made mistakes, he corrected them on the spot—sometimes demonstrating the proper technique himself. Measurements had to be precise, and any discrepancies resulted in rework. The craftsmen and slaves both feared and respected the old man.

One day, Alexis handed Heracledes a roll of parchment. "This is your next project," he said. "You are to construct a road from the Sinni River ferry to Amendolara and then to the Saraceno River ferry. Begin your preparations immediately."

"A road?" Heracledes asked with a mixture of curiosity and skepticism. "What does your consul know about road construction?"

"Take a look at the blueprint he’s prepared," Alexis replied with a faint smile.

Heracledes carefully unrolled the parchment. At first, he examined it casually, but soon his expression turned serious. His eyes widened as he traced the intricate details laid out on the paper. Alexis, observing his reaction, chuckled and asked, "What do you think?"

Heracledes finally spoke, his voice tinged with awe. "This design is incredible! It’s far more detailed than any road I’ve ever seen. There are drainage ditches, retaining walls to prevent erosion, and a foundation that ensures durability and flexibility. If built as planned, this road could handle loaded carts without damage and withstand the elements for years. I’ve never encountered such a comprehensive design. If this truly came from your consul, then he is a master of road construction!"

Alexis nodded knowingly. "So, you’ll build it according to the blueprint?"

"Of course!" Heracledes exclaimed with excitement. "I can’t wait to see what the finished road will look like. But..." He pointed to a note on the blueprint with a puzzled expression. "This mentions adding volcanic ash to the mortar. Why? Mortar is usually just limestone mixed with sand and water."

"That’s something our consul learned from his experiences," Alexis replied. "The volcanic ash makes the mortar stronger and more resistant to water. It’s an innovative method, one of many secrets that make our projects unique."

A New Beginning for Heracledes

As the discussion continued, Alexis’s expression turned serious. "Heracledes," he said, "I have some news for you. Based on your performance and that of your son, Consul Juleios has proposed a motion, which has been approved by the Senate. You and your son are now probationary citizens of Amendolara. During the two-year evaluation period, if you continue to contribute positively, you will become full citizens. Congratulations!"

Heracledes froze in disbelief. His parched lips quivered, and tears welled up in his eyes. For years, he had toiled in obscurity, hoping for a better life for his son. Now, that hope had finally been realized.

Alexis placed a hand on his shoulder. "As probationary citizens, you must remember one thing: the method of producing this cement is a top secret of Amendolara. You and your son are the only ones entrusted with this knowledge. You must not share it with anyone. Do you understand?"

"Yes, I understand," Heracledes replied solemnly. He carefully rolled up the blueprint and clutched it tightly, as though it were a priceless treasure.

A City-State Transformed

Meanwhile, in another part of Amendolara, eighteen-year-old Arsinis was undergoing his second military training session. As a newly minted adult, this marked his second encounter with the grueling drills of the military camp. The rigorous training tested his endurance and discipline, but Arsinis persevered, driven by a desire to avenge his parents, who had perished in the war with the Lucanians.

According to the "Citizen Military Service Act" enacted by Consul Juleios, all adult male citizens of Amendolara were required to participate in regular military training. During the busy farming seasons, training sessions were held every six days. In the off-season, the frequency increased to every three days.

Despite the challenges, the training instilled a sense of unity and pride among the citizens. At the end of each session, Juleios introduced a new game, combining physical exercise with camaraderie. The soldiers eagerly embraced this innovative approach, which further strengthened their bond as a community.

In the fields, in the workshops, and on the training grounds, the citizens of Amendolara were united by a shared vision of progress and prosperity. Under Juleios’s leadership, the city-state was transforming into a beacon of innovation and resilience, its people ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

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