Chapter 25 - 24 Pre-War
Maximus rushed over in large strides and stood by his side. Hamilcar glanced at him and then looked forward again: "The Romans are here." Although Hamilcar tried his best to appear calm, Maximus could still sense the tension in his tone.
Maximus raised his eyes and looked into the distance. In the near view, he saw Roman Cavalry advancing steadily toward the wine farm in a fan-shaped formation, ten men per squad. In the far view, a long column stretched out, led by two Banner Carriers draped in wolf pelts, holding aloft an eagle insignia and military flag. Behind them came several horn players carrying long horns, followed by Roman Legion Soldiers arranged in five columns. Each soldier wore a red cinched tunic, a Gaul Helmet, segmented armor, carried a red large square shield in the left hand, a heavy spear in the right hand, a Roman Short Sword on the left waist, and a short dagger on the right waist. They marched with heads held high, exuding confidence and readiness for combat rather than mere marching. At the end of the column followed numerous auxiliary soldiers equipped with leather helmets, Chain Armor, long spears, and long shields. Even the equipment of these less-regarded Roman auxiliary soldiers far surpassed that of most rebel soldiers. At the very back of the line, a dozen carts and some slave laborers accompanied the column.
The sunlight gleamed on the polished armor and helmets of the Roman Army, radiating dazzling brilliance...
Hamilcar and Maximus squinted their eyes, holding their breath, as they watched silently from a distance for quite a while.
Hamilcar exclaimed indignantly, "There's far more than two or three thousand soldiers—this is over 4,000!"
"Approximately 4,300," Maximus replied with certainty.
"I need to inform Spartacus immediately!" Hamilcar turned and ran toward the camp.
Maximus did not move, continuing to observe the advancing Roman Army. They weren't moving very fast. After about half an hour, they had gotten near the olive oil farm about three miles below the slope. By that time, the rebel forces had almost finished forming their battle lines.
Spartacus, Cross, and several other leaders also came near Maximus to observe the enemy's movement.