Rome Must Perish

The Volturno River, originating from the Abruqi Mountain in the Samnium Region, was once called the mother river by the indigenous Dileni people in the northern Campania area. Its clear waters irrigated a fertile plain, producing Italy’s finest wheat grains. The Dileni built twelve towns along its banks, with Capua as its capital. As centuries passed, the Dileni became history, yet the Volturno River continued its quiet flow.

Cassinius led the main force of the Roman Army, enduring the scorching sun, starting from Suissa, exiting the mountains, stepping onto the Campagna Plain, and after marching for five to six hours, they arrived at the banks of the Volturno River in the afternoon.

At this time, it was the hottest part of the day. The exhausted and thirsty soldiers gazed at the clear, gushing river water but couldn’t take another step.

Not only were the soldiers like this, but Cassinius, a veteran himself, was also somewhat exhausted, knowing that he had been urging the soldiers to hurry along for days, draining their strength and energy. He thought: since Capua is not far ahead, why not rest here to restore morale?

However, the river section where the stone bridge was located was deep and had high banks, so Cassinius had to lead the troops along the riverbank westward, winding through several bends, stopping at a spot where the river was wide, the water flowed slowly, and there was a large riverbank.

When Cassinius announced the dismissal, the soldiers rushed to the river’s edge to scoop water, and some soldiers took off their armor and plunged directly into the river...

Having also drunk water and washed his face, Cassinius found a shady spot to lie down. The firm ground greatly relieved the soreness and discomfort in his legs and waist, and he contentedly closed his eyes...

The majority of the Roman Army’s cavalry served as the rear guard under the command of Legion Commander Valerius, while the remaining cavalry squad was entirely assigned to the vanguard for reconnaissance and scouting. The main force in the middle had no cavalry, but Cassinius wasn’t too concerned. Not to mention they were still far from Vesuvius; Capua was not far ahead. And even if those slaves made a move, Furrius would send cavalry to notify him.

However, he did not know that while he led the main force to rest by the riverbank, the vanguard had already suffered a disastrous defeat. The fleeing soldiers had taken refuge in Capua, and escaping with their lives was considered fortunate; they hardly thought of notifying the main force. Only a handful of cavalry remembered their mission, yet, as they raced back along the main road and passed the Volturno River, Cassinius had already led his troops down to the riverbank. The winding river, with green trees lining its shores, had concealed them, and the panicked Roman cavalry failed to notice, continuing northward, thus missing them and being quietly discovered by the inquisitive rebel cavalry.