Chapter 179 - 125: Crossing the Rubicon River
After Hamilcar returned, he detailed his encounter with Maximus to Spartacus.
Spartacus pondered for a while before asking, "What do you think of Maximus’s suggestions?"
"I’ve thought carefully about it on the way back..." Hamilcar said seriously, "Maximus suggests that after we capture a few towns, we should distribute the land to the soldiers and then govern well... This suggestion is unworkable.
Let’s not even consider if we have the ability to manage a town. Once we stop moving and defend one place, it’s exactly what the Romans hope for, as they will have ample time for attack preparation. Even if we, Free Italy, put all our effort into defense, it would be hard to stop their attack for long."
Spartacus sighed: "Indeed, the Romans have strong siege capabilities. I remember when we first saw those giant siege machines made by the Romans, everyone was stunned..."
"As for some of Maximus’s other suggestions, I think there is some sense to them." Hamilcar looked at Spartacus and gently reminded him, "Besides having more people than the Roman Army, our advantage is our flexibility. The narrow terrain south of Turi does indeed not favor us showcasing our strengths.
Moreover, we know nothing about seafaring. To go to Sicily, we must take a ship. Regardless of who we find, placing our lives in others’ hands is indeed dangerous. We need to think it over carefully!"
Back in Tarentum, Spartacus had heard that decades ago there was a revolt in Sicily no less significant than theirs against Rome. At the time, he had thought about rekindling the flames of the Sicilian uprising and had privately discussed with Hamilcar several times.
So when Maximus mentioned the suggestion regarding Sicily, Hamilcar was startled; he did not know how the other party had learned of this secret matter.
Spartacus was silent for a moment, then slowly shook his head, "Maybe Maximus is right, but things on the battlefield change too much for anyone to predict accurately. It’s best not to limit ourselves before the battle. Sometimes, disadvantages can turn into advantages...