Letters to the Roman Senate

After the sacking of the Senate building a number of letters were recovered amid the ruins from members of the German Army Council to the Emperor & members of the Senate. These give a flavour of what they were telling the Emperor/Senate before they finally decided to march on Rome.

All Hail Caesar
Greetings from Valerius Asiaticus [Governor Belgica]

News from the Rhine Frontier. The troops have been paid - just - and are much displeased due to the oversight of delayed payment. Many frontier towns were taxed directly and will no doubt be expecting payment of IOUs from the Treasury. Barbarians are quite restless and we need reinforcements before beginning a pacification campaign.

All Hail Caesar
Valerius Asiaticus

From Munius Lupercus (Junior) Legate XV Primagenia, XVI Gallica [Germania Inferior]

Your Imperial Highness

I write as a loyal commander of 2 legions on the German frontier. Unrest is rife here - due entirely to arrears of pay in the legions. Our own support is guaranteed, and your generosity in declaring the bounty is appreciated, but we urgently need money to pay the troops.

M. Lupercus

It is with regret that I inform you that the situation in Gaul has reached crisis point. The monies that were gratefully received from the Emperor's gift have been inadequate.

It is vital that this matter be redeemed urgently.

The legions must be paid. I must have the 115 talents I need.

Your servant
Gauius Cornutus
Procurator of Gallia Lugdunensis

Greetings,

This is to advise you that the emperor has sent but 47 talents to pay the 7 legions in GERMANIA, and has told the legions that they are at the “arse end” of his priorities.

This is not likely to encourage loyalty to a man who would insult loyal troops so. What does the senate think of this?

What is the feeling in Rome?

We legates are loyal to the senate and people of Rome but it is difficult to support Galba in the face of such an insult.

CORNLIUS AQUINUS
LEGATUS IV LEGIO

From Verginius Rufus (Imperial Legate)

Dearest Galba

I have sorted out the problem in Gallia Lugdunensis. The current Governor is adamant that Rome's funds have been sent to Rome - there they have disappeared.

Without being in Rome I can do no other thing than say chack the accountants!

As ever you friend + servant
rufus

Greetings from GERMANIA SUPERIOR.

Main problem here is lack of money from the Emperor to pay for the legions in GERMANY & GAUL. The 14th Legion in LUTIA has mutinied since they have not been paid.

It is in the interest of ROME for the Legions to be paid correctly. How can we defend the border without paid & loyal troops?

What happens in Rome?

CORNLIUS AQUINUS
LEGATUS IV LEGIO

Greetings fomr Britannica.

Report as follows.- Income is not good due to barbarian uprising upsetting locals - around 40 talents per tax quarter.

Expenditure purely on troop upkeep is 96 talents, thus we have a problem.

Military Situation - ongoing barbarian fighting have pulled back to oour borders to increase troop strength - fighting very hard but our losses are minimal - most due to cld - fighting in December and January in Wales due to orders of Governor Maximus. Perhapsyou should order him there to see what it is like for himself (advice from the commanders of II and IX).

How is the Emperor's health? How about that temple?

Regards, Prospertius Cerealis, Procurator of Britannia

• AD69 - Megagame Write Up
• About Glitius Decianus
• The Belgican Treasury accounts
• Glitius Decianus' letters to Rome
• Other's letters found on the floor of the Senate
• Fabius Fabullus wrote home to his Mother & Father
• Glitius' Story. Events during the year A.D. 69
• Glitius Decianus' eventual fate
• The Who Was Who?