The Rise Of An Empire In Ancient Europe-Chapter 154: The Shocking Debate on Rebuilding the Senate Hall

The Thurian senators were hearing Juleios’s ambitious plans for the first time, and many were visibly surprised. Bulcos stared wide-eyed at Juleios, who stood confidently in the circle, speaking with ease. He recalled the great effort he had made to invite this man to Magna Graecia, thinking of him merely as a capable mercenary leader. He had never imagined that this young man harbored such lofty ambitions—not only saving Thurii but also aiming to reshape the political landscape of Magna Graecia! The proposed six-hundred-seat Senate Hall implied the annexation of many city-states into the alliance.

Other Thurian senators whispered among themselves, some even asking, "Who is Vespa?" Some wore skeptical expressions, while others seemed excited. Most, however, refrained from outright opposition, knowing they owed their survival to Juleios and Amendolara. Unfamiliar with his leadership style, they chose caution over dissent.

Only Polyxenus raised a question: "Surely there must be a limit to the number of senators. The Senate cannot expand indefinitely."

Juleios responded with confidence, "Six hundred! This new hall will seat a maximum of 600 people. By the time we reach that number, our alliance will likely look very different. Perhaps by then, new laws and a new Senate Hall will be needed!"

Polyxenus, feeling envious of Juleios’s self-assurance, thought back to their first meeting, when the young man had seemed deferential. Unable to contain himself, he muttered, "Too bad I probably won’t live to see that day."

The room fell silent, and the senators’ expressions shifted. Juleios fixed his gaze on Polyxenus and calmly said, "Polyxenus, I believe you will see it."

A chill ran down Polyxenus’s spine, and his back was soon drenched in cold sweat. Though Juleios hadn’t reprimanded him directly, the unspoken pressure was unmistakable. Lowering his head, Polyxenus chose to remain silent.

Kunogorata, eager to change the subject, interjected, "Governor, the Senate is a lifetime position. While outsiders may become senators through these means, how can citizens of our own alliance attain this honor?"

Juleios shifted his focus to address the question. "Although your query isn’t directly related to the Senate Hall’s construction, I’ll share my thoughts. Currently, public offices in our alliance are elected annually, which I believe is inefficient. For example, let’s say Amyntas is elected as a construction overseer—"

Amyntas immediately interrupted, "Governor, I have no interest in construction!"

The senators burst into laughter.

"I know," Juleios replied, laughing as well. "This is just an example. Amyntas may know nothing about construction, but once he holds this position, he must serve the public. He would have to devote time to learning about building techniques and understanding the needs of various regions. By the time he gains this knowledge, his term would almost be over. During that year, he might accomplish very little. In his second year, however, he would be far more effective, having familiarized himself with construction projects and the specific needs of each city. He could confidently request funds from the Senate, direct builders, craftsmen, laborers, and slaves, and even achieve tangible results. Wouldn’t you agree?"

The senators nodded thoughtfully, while Amyntas shouted, "Absolutely!"

The room filled with laughter once more.

Juleios continued, "Therefore, annual terms for public offices waste time and reduce efficiency. This practice should be reformed, though the exact length of terms for each office can be discussed later. Now, returning to Kunogorata’s question..."

Facing the assembly, Juleios explained, "Under the new law we are about to enact, every citizen will have the right to hold public office. For instance, if an 18-year-old citizen aspires to become a senator, they must first serve in at least three low-level positions for five years. These positions might include patrolling officer, firefighter, or census clerk. They must also serve in the military and participate in at least two major battles. Only then can they apply for higher office.

"By this stage, they will have gained substantial grassroots experience, be physically robust, and possess firsthand military knowledge. The Senate can then evaluate their performance, skills, and aptitude to decide whether they are fit to hold mid-level positions such as city defense captain, fire chief, registrar, construction overseer, trade officer, finance officer, or inspector. This would typically happen when they are around 30 years old.

"Next, they must serve in at least two mid-level positions and hold military leadership roles, such as company or battalion commander, for three years. By this point, they would likely be 40 years old. At this age, they would be more composed, experienced in governance, capable of handling complex issues, and skilled in commanding troops.

"Only then could they apply to join the Senate. The Senate would decide, based on their performance, whether they qualify as a senator. Furthermore, only senators can serve as city administrators. What do you think of this approach?"

The senators responded enthusiastically, shouting, "Agreed! Agreed! Young people should exercise more!"

Some thought, At least we won’t need to worry about this for 20 years! These were the less ambitious members. Others, like Kunogorata, fully endorsed the idea, thinking, This process will ensure that only the best and brightest citizens become senators. The likes of Neonsis—a fool serving as chief general—will never happen in our alliance! Meanwhile, diligent individuals like Hilos resolved to take on more public roles to gain administrative experience and avoid being outshone by the younger generation in the future.

Most senators approved Juleios’s proposal, recognizing that extending public office terms and restricting city administrator eligibility ultimately protected their interests. However, a few dissenting voices raised concerns, ensuring the discussion would continue.

The debate over the new Senate Hall had just concluded when the discussion turned to the rebuilding of Thurii’s temples. Traditionally, rebuilding a temple would require little deliberation—just reconstructing it on the original site, following the previous design. Most senators assumed this resolution would pass without issue.

However, as the decision seemed imminent, Pleisinas suddenly stood up and declared loudly, "I oppose the reconstruction of the Temple of Apollo!"

The room fell silent as everyone stared at him, stunned.

Pleisinas, clearly satisfied with the shock his statement caused, glanced briefly at Juleios before ignoring the astonished faces around him and continuing, "Despite our devotion to Apollo, we did not receive the protection of the Sun Ruler! Thurii was burned to ashes under his watch!"

He blamed the destruction of Thurii on Apollo, a statement that bordered on blasphemy. However, Apollo, as the city’s patron Ruler, had indeed failed to protect his own temple. This argument stirred unease among the senators, many of whom were devout believers. Pleisinas’s words planted seeds of doubt: Had Apollo abandoned Thurii?

Juleios observed Pleisinas with great interest but chose to remain silent for the moment.

Pleisinas continued passionately, "Who, then, saved the citizens of Thurii? Who avenged the city? Undoubtedly, it was the citizens of Amendolara! And which Ruler supported the armies of Amendolara? The standard of the citizen soldiers bore the image of Hades, wielding his bident and bringing death to the Crotonians! The winds that swept away eight thousand Lucanians—was that not the work of the same Hades who saved Thurii twice? It was Hades, not Apollo, who granted us his grace and protection! Should we not acknowledge this and ensure Thurii enjoys lasting peace under his watchful gaze?"

As Pleisinas concluded, the senators erupted into uproar. Kunogorata glanced at Juleios, noticing his astonished expression. Was this Pleisinas acting on his own?

Finally, one senator rose to counter Pleisinas. "Pleisinas, you should know that Apollo is one of the primary Rulers worshipped by the city-states of Magna Graecia (the other being Hera). It is through his blessings that our ancestors successfully arrived in Magna Graecia and built this city. Apollo is deeply significant to the people of Thurii!"

Pleisinas replied with conviction, "I am aware. The citizens can still establish an altar to Apollo and continue to offer sacrifices. However, as the city’s patron Ruler, his inaction signifies the end of his role! We need a new, powerful deity willing to safeguard us in these chaotic times and provide peace to the people of Thurii!"

Another senator objected, "To my knowledge, there are no public temples to Hades throughout Greece, let alone cities that revere him as their patron Ruler. Why? Because Hades’s realm is dark and dreadful; people fear and shun him!"

Pleisinas countered, "It is precisely because Hades is feared that he can protect us in such dangerous times! He is the one who has shown us favor and proven his strength. Why not honor him as the protector of Thurii? Would you prefer to cling to a Ruler who has turned away from us?"

The debate intensified as senators took sides. Some were swayed by Pleisinas’s argument, finding a strange logic in his proposal. Others staunchly opposed abandoning Apollo, citing the cultural and religious norms of Magna Graecia.

Juleios listened attentively, intrigued by the unexpected turn of events. While he had not anticipated this proposal, Pleisinas’s argument aligned with the imagery and influence Juleios had cultivated using the standard of Hades in battle. However, he remained silent, allowing the debate to unfold. This gave him time to gauge the senators’ opinions and weigh the potential benefits and risks of such a drastic cultural shift.

The debate on the temple of Apollo and the recognition of Hades as Thurii’s protector was far from over, but one thing was clear: Pleisinas’s bold proposal had struck a nerve, sparking one of the most contentious discussions in Thurii’s rebuilding process.

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