Rome Must Perish

However, flatland towns like Suysula, Abella, Nola, and others were mostly built by the Samnites, a mountain-dwelling race with relatively backward city-building techniques. Back then, they held strategic advantages in Campania, so they naturally didn’t require strong city defenses. After falling under Roman rule, there were hardly any improvements, and as time passed, some towns even tore down their walls and turned into rural areas. Given the rebel army’s current strength, they can certainly give it a try. Besides, the supply camp now has siege technology in reserve—this could serve as a chance for practice and training.

"I agree, too," Spartacus said. "I imagine Hamilcar wouldn’t oppose this either."

Cross finally revealed the first hint of a smile since entering the city.

"I have another suggestion," Maximus saw the atmosphere was easing and seized the moment to speak. "Our ranks have now grown to 20,000 strong, yet the individual units are still being addressed as the First Battalion, Second Battalion, and such. I fear this naming convention has become unsuitable. Why not rename them as ’legions’? Moreover, we’ve defeated the Roman Army repeatedly and built up quite a reputation, yet we still lack a military banner—it makes us seem like an unruly mob. We need our own banner to inspire morale and show the people of Italy that we exist!

Speaking of banners, there’s another overlooked detail: our forces still don’t have a name to represent our cause. A proper name can let the Italian people know why we’re rebelling—and through this name, we can rally more people to join us and resist Rome!..."

As Maximus finished his impassioned explanation, the eyes of everyone in the room lit up.

Since initiating the revolt from the Gladiator School half a year ago, they had been preoccupied with strengthening their forces and dealing with Rome’s counterattacks. Either they hadn’t had time to think about such things, or their ideas had remained vague. Maximus, armed with his extensive knowledge of historical uprisings, stated it more definitively than anyone else could.

"Maximus is absolutely right! Our numbers have long since exceeded the scale of a single battalion, yet we’re still using battalion designations. I feel embarrassed when I assign someone to command a thousand soldiers because I don’t even know what title to give them—after all, I myself am just a Great Captain," Cross admitted, breaking his usual silence to show his rare agreement with the proposal.

"I think ’legion’ is great! ’Legion’ is great!" Enomai said with a wide grin, nodding repeatedly.