The Rise Of An Empire In Ancient Europe-Chapter 131: Mathematics and the Waterwheel

"Other city-states treat land as their greatest treasure," Juleios began, his voice steady and commanding, "hoarding it like misers, refusing to share it with foreigners or freedmen, unwilling to extend the wealth and prosperity of their city-states. But I..." He paused, letting his words hang in the air like a prophecy. "I believe that people are a city-state’s greatest wealth! Only with people can we cultivate fields, create wonders, and build prosperity!"

These words struck Kunogorata with the force of revelation. Though a seasoned statesman, he now glimpsed the daring vision behind Amendolara’s policies. He understood how Juleios could promise land to new citizens while maintaining the city-state’s stability. The young consul’s declaration hinted at a deeper strategy, leaving Kunogorata deep in thought.

The silence was broken by Kunogorata’s eldest son, Sostatus. His sharp eyes scanned the nearly completed warehouses and inns scattered across the construction site. "I’ve heard of your plans to draw merchants from Thurii and beyond to store goods and find lodging here. Are these the warehouses and inns being built?"

Juleios nodded. "Indeed, these are the ones."

Sostatus studied the bustling work and asked, "You’re building quite a number of them. Will the city-state manage these directly?" fɾēewebnσveℓ.com

Mersis, Amendolara’s financial officer, stepped in with an eager response. "Of course not! The city-state doesn’t have enough officials for that, and every citizen has their own duties. We’ll hold public auctions to lease them out."

"Auction?" Sostatus’s merchant instincts stirred. He leaned forward, his curiosity piqued. "Can we participate?"

"You are more than welcome!" Mersis replied with enthusiasm, his tone suggesting he had already anticipated the question.

The Kunogorata family spent their first day settling into their new home, weary from the labors of the move. But the next morning, the elder patriarch, driven by habit and restlessness, rose early. Assisted by a slave, he ventured outside for a walk before breakfast.

Their new dwelling was nestled at the base of Amendolara’s hill. The remnants of war loomed here, stark and undeniable—many houses stood empty, silent witnesses to the tragedy that had befallen the city. Only now, living amidst this reality, did Kunogorata begin to comprehend the depth of resentment Amendolara’s original citizens harbored toward Thurii.

Most of the vacant homes had been rented to freedmen at low prices, and as Kunogorata walked, he observed these freedmen hurrying off to work in small groups. Their faces bore a vitality, a hunger for life and opportunity that he had seldom seen among Thurii’s freedmen. Despite his unfamiliar face, they greeted him warmly in accented Greek, their cheerfulness catching him off guard.

He understood the source of their enthusiasm. These men and women had tasted the bitterness of slavery and were now savoring the hope of a brighter future. Amendolara’s policies allowed employers to pay a preparatory citizen tax for freedmen, enabling them to become preparatory citizens within two years. This tangible path to freedom and inclusion fueled their passion.

The morning was warm, but Amendolara’s position on the hillside kept it cool, the alternating sea and mountain breezes refreshing the city. As Kunogorata ascended the road winding up the hill, he encountered citizens on their way to the fields. Old and new citizens mingled effortlessly, exchanging warm greetings and amiable chatter. Even the slaves accompanying them carried a lightness in their step, inspired by stories of mercenary slaves who had earned citizenship.

Kunogorata’s attention was drawn to the women walking alongside the men. Their features and conversation revealed their identity—Lucanian women. These were no freedwomen earning wages but wives of citizens, accompanying their husbands to labor in the fields.

Kunogorata observed their interactions carefully. The sight of Greek men and Lucanian women working together in harmony was a subtle yet profound testament to Juleios’s ambition to integrate their former enemies into Amendolaran society.

"This young man’s vision knows no bounds," Kunogorata thought, admiration and intrigue stirring within him. "Under his leadership, this peculiar city has been revitalized so swiftly. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen!"

Further up the hill, Kunogorata noticed groups of children heading toward the plaza. When he inquired, he learned that disciples of the Pythagorean school were offering free mathematics lessons. The mention of a Pythagorean school in Amendolara surprised him. He recalled his first meeting with Juleios and deduced this must be tied to Archytas.

When he arrived at the plaza, he saw a young man lecturing on mathematics to a rapt audience of citizens and children. The teacher was Mentotekels, a Pythagorean disciple. Together with Matikoris, he had sought to establish a grand educational initiative in Amendolara. Yet, Pythagorean traditions and elitism had initially made this challenging.

The turning point came when Juleios introduced a revolutionary numerical system—the "Hades numbers." Unlike the cumbersome Greek numerical notation, these numbers, identical to Arabic numerals, were simple and intuitive, transforming calculations and opening new horizons for mathematics.

Mentotekels and Matikoris had eagerly embraced the system, calling it "a gift from the Divine of mathematics to improve humanity’s lives." Yet, their discipleship demanded exclusivity. Initially, Mersis denied them access, declaring, "This is Lord Juleios’s teaching, a revelation from the Lord of the Underworld. His permission is required."

Surprisingly, Juleios granted it freely. "Mathematics," he explained, "comes from daily life and should return to it. Its purpose is to solve problems and enrich lives."

Inspired by Juleios’s philosophy, the disciples agreed to public lessons. Over time, this initiative would lay the groundwork for a thriving mathematical community in Amendolara.

The waterwheel project brought these principles to life. Juleios, inspired by waterwheels from his past life, had envisioned their use for irrigation. However, constructing one proved far more complex than anticipated. The disciples, with their mathematical and mechanical expertise, took up the challenge eagerly.

At the Sinni River, the fruit of their labor was taking shape. A massive wooden wheel turned gracefully in the rushing current. Buckets affixed to its spokes filled with water, rising to the top before emptying into troughs. From there, the water flowed into a network of channels, bringing life to the dry fields of Amendolara.

Standing by the riverbank, Mentotekels marveled at the creation. "This is a perfect union of mathematics and the Divine!" he exclaimed.

Juleios, watching the waterwheel turn, allowed himself a rare smile. He saw not just a device but a symbol of what Amendolara could become—a city-state where knowledge and unity forged a brighter future.

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