The Rise Of An Empire In Ancient Europe-Chapter 170: The Dionian City-State Alliance

Ah, Sybaris! Once the crown jewel of Magna Graecia, now reduced to a cautionary tale—a shadow of its former glory. Yet, none can deny that over a hundred years ago, it stood as the pinnacle of power. Its dominion stretched from the eastern shores of the Apennines to the western coast, its influence crushing the Bruttians, the Lucanians, and countless others beneath its might. Its wealth dazzled, its cities flourished, and its legacy loomed so large that Syracuse was then but a small settlement, while Taras and Croton gazed upon Sybaris with envy and awe.

In the Senate chamber, the echoes of Sybaris’ bygone splendor stirred the hearts of the gathered senators. Their dreams of a reborn greatness mingled with fervent discussions of the future. Cheers erupted as passions ignited, with one senator exclaiming boldly, "Cross the Sinni River, capture Grumentum, and reclaim our Poseidonia!"

Juleios chuckled inwardly at the audacious claim. When did Poseidonia ever belong to us? Yet he let the enthusiasm flourish. Such ardor was vital to fuel their shared vision.

Amid the excitement, Vespa rose, his voice steady yet tinged with concern. "Lord Juleios, what of Grumentum and the Lucanians to the north? What is their situation?"

Juleios stood, his commanding presence quieting the room. "Thanks to our swift and decisive assault, not a single soul escaped from Niutum. It is unlikely that the northern Lucanians have yet received any news. Sesta is working tirelessly to stabilize Niutum with Bagul’s full support. Together, they are registering the Lucanians, distributing livestock, allocating land, and fortifying the city’s defenses.

"Furthermore, Aristias is constructing the La River fortress and will return within two days. Even if the northern Lucanians learn of our victories, they will not be able to launch an immediate attack. Grumentum itself remains weakened. Akbiru’s son, after being betrayed by his own chieftains in battle, has fled with his followers to Potentia. While Sinninag of Pyxus may claim Grumentum, he must remain wary of Potentia’s interference. For now, Niutum is secure."

Juleios’ words, delivered with unwavering confidence, eased the senators’ concerns. The chamber, charged with hope, grew livelier.

Cornelius seized the moment, his voice booming. "Gentlemen, an urgent matter demands our attention!"

The senators exchanged puzzled glances. What issue could arise on such a triumphant day?

Cornelius continued, "With only Amendolara and Thurii, our alliance’s name—Thurii-Amendolara Alliance—was fitting. But now, with the inclusion of Niutum, that name is inadequate. It risks alienating our new citizens. We must choose a name that reflects our unity, our ambition, and our future!"

The senators murmured their agreement, recognizing the weight of the issue. A name that excluded Niutum could undermine the delicate balance they had worked so hard to build with the Lucanians.

Amyntas, ever direct, suggested, "Then let’s call it the Thurii-Amendolara-Niutum Alliance!"

Laughter rippled through the chamber. "And if we capture Grumentum next?" a senator quipped. "Shall we call it the Thurii-Amendolara-Niutum-Grumentum Alliance?"

Amyntas’ face reddened as he retorted, "If you’re so clever, Melsis, why don’t you propose something better?"

Melsis grinned smugly. "Why not call it New Sybaris? After all, we seek to restore its glory and reclaim its wealth." His eyes gleamed with ambition, almost as if he could see gold spilling from the heavens.

But Kunogorata shook his head gravely. "That name is ill-advised. It will stir old resentments among our neighbors, especially Croton."

Anxitanos, the historian, added, "Indeed. Sybaris’ trading dominance left deep scars. Its relationships with many city-states in Magna Graecia were strained. Even the Campanian League harbored hostility toward it. A name like that would rekindle old animosities."

The chamber grew silent as the senators grappled with the complexity of the task. A name was not merely a label—it was a declaration of intent, a symbol of unity, and a promise for the future.

Then, breaking the silence, a voice rang out confidently. "It’s not so difficult. I have the perfect name!" All eyes turned to Plesinas.

"Let’s hear it!" urged the senators.

Plesinas rose, savoring the moment. "We shall call it the Dionian City-State Alliance."

A ripple of intrigue passed through the room. Some, like Amyntas, puzzled over its meaning, while others exchanged knowing glances with Juleios. The name resonated deeply with the man who stood at the heart of their alliance.

Marigi, the Persian, was the first to speak. "What a magnificent name! It evokes the gods’ favor and our divine connection to Hades. Our victories, our swift rise—these are no coincidences. This name honors both our faith and our destiny!"

The senators, moved by Marigi’s impassioned words, began to nod in agreement. The weight of the name settled upon them, its grandeur undeniable.

Juleios glanced around the room, his gaze lingering on Cornelius and Kunogorata. "What say you?"

Cornelius bowed his head. "I have no objections."

Kunogorata nodded firmly. "It is an excellent name."

"Then it is decided," Juleios declared. "We shall be known as the Dionian City-State Alliance." fгeewёbnoѵel_cσm

When the meeting concluded, the senators stepped outside, only to be met with a sight that froze them in their tracks. A massive crowd stretched from the Senate building down the hillside—widows mourning lost husbands, parents grieving their children, orphans clutching their memories, and citizens who had endured the terrors of Lucanian raids. Among them stood the families of soldiers, their faces etched with worry and hope.

As the senators appeared, the crowd erupted into a thunderous cheer:

"Victory to the Thurii Alliance!"

"Glory to the Senate!"

"Hail Lord Juleios!"

Tears flowed freely as voices shouted their gratitude, their cries a cathartic release of years of fear and humiliation. For the first time, they felt pride, vengeance fulfilled, and hope reborn. The senators, overwhelmed by the display of devotion, stood taller, their hearts swelling with pride.

Juleios, standing amidst the crowd’s fervor, envisioned a future that burned brightly in his mind:

"We shall lead our people to create a prosperous and powerful Dionian City-State Alliance! Wherever a Dionian citizen walks in the Mediterranean, they shall proclaim their identity with pride, and no foreigner shall dare infringe upon their rights!"

Far away, in the halls of Croton’s council, the news arrived with chilling brevity:

"The Thurii Alliance has captured Niutum, and Laos has become its ally."

The generals and councilors, including Milón and Lysias, stared at the messenger, stunned. Within a single year, Juleios had transformed the balance of power in Magna Graecia, his victories carving an indelible mark in their minds—and an uneasy shadow over their futures.

The source of this c𝐨ntent is fre𝒆w(e)bn(o)vel