Chapter 102 - 85: Dividing Forces to Head South_2
The reason for dividing the forces and marching south is that Spartacus and the other leaders considered how massive the rebel army had grown. If they stayed clustered together, it would not only hinder their movement but also make gathering sufficient supplies along the way difficult, potentially leading to internal conflicts. Additionally, splitting the forces and advancing south would further expand the rebel army’s power.
Of course, there’s another important reason the rebel army chose Benevento as the place to divide their forces — two major roads leading south converge here.
One is the Appian Way, which runs from Benevento through Tarentum all the way to Brindisi. This is one of the earliest roads Rome built to connect to Great Greece. Back then, King Pyrrhus of Epirus led his mercenary army through this road to march on Rome. Spartacus and the leaders’ army planned to take this road.
The other road is the Minucia Avenue, constructed by the Romans after the First Punic War. It stretches from Benevento through Canosa to Bari, ending ultimately at Brindisi. Maximus and Attutmus’ armies were taking this route.
Traveling by land from Campania to Great Greece is no easy task. The Samnium Region and the Lucania Region are filled with rolling mountains, which make north-south travel difficult. Fortunately, the Romans built these roads to connect the north and south, promoting exchanges and strengthening control over the southern regions. However, these same roads also made it easier for enemies to invade...
Maximus, mounted on his horse, looked at the soldiers in their column snaking along the road, both ends of the line obscured by verdant mountain ridges. He couldn’t help but marvel: Look here at the Minucia Avenue underfoot! Though narrower compared to the Latina Avenue on the Campagna Plain, it has roadside trees, tombstones, milestones, pedestrian paths, stone benches, drainage ditches, and carriageways — everything one could ask for. The road’s overall width averages about five meters, and its surface is paved with neatly cut stone slabs, flat and sturdy. It’s truly remarkable! Bear in mind, this is all within a mountainous region! The Romans’ infrastructure prowess is extraordinary!
While marveling, Maximus also felt fortunate: Thanks to this road, his troops could march far more effectively in the mountains!
The Supply Team’s wagons — whether drawn by horses, oxen, or donkeys — traveled along the central carriageway, while the soldiers marched on pedestrian paths on both sides. At the front and back, a battalion served as guards, ensuring safety during the march. It could be said that the Roman roads were practically designed for military operations...
"Report, Leader Maximus!" A mounted rider came galloping from the front.