211 Mummius Defeat (72 BC)


Historical Background
In the autumn of 72 BC, Marcus Licinius Crassus was chosen by the Senate to lead the war against Spartacus’ slave army. Crassus, a leading politician, was also rumored to be the richest man in Rome. How all this would translate into military success was anybody’s guess, but many noble volunteers flocked to join his army of six legions. Meanwhile, the victorious slave army was marching southward again. Spartacus proposed a negotiated settlement, but Crassus refused to consider it. Next, Crassus assigned two of the legions to his deputy, Mummius, and gave him the task of harassing the flank of the slave army. Mummius was to slow down the slave army while the main force under Crassus waited on the border of Picenum, expecting Spartacus would come back that way. Unfortunately, Mummius wanted to maximize his own glory and foolishly attacked, even though outnumbered. His detachment was routed, and many of his legionnaires survived only by abandoning their arms and fleeing. Crassus subjected the remnants of Mummius’ legions to decimation, a harsh punishment not used in many years. One man in each squad of ten was chosen by lot and executed before the whole army. The legionnaires learned to fear Crassus more than they feared Spartacus.
The stage is set. The battle lines are drawn and you are in command. The rest is history.
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War Council
Roman Army
• Leader: Mummius
• 4 Command Cards
• Move First
Victory
5 Banners
Special Rules
• If Roman units occupy two or more Slave camp hexes at the start of the Roman player’s turn, the Roman player gains one Victory Banner that cannot be lost. Remove the camp hex terrain tiles and collect the Victory Banner before playing a command card.
• Marius Legions Rule is in effect.
• ‘I Am Spartacus’ Slave player rule is in effect.
Tags: Expansion 2, 5 banners, Roman, Slave, Spartacus
Spartacus made a charge from the hills on their right flank with support from his light infantry causing heavy casualties to Rome's medium infantry.
After a final fight back from the Roman medium cavalry into Spartacus's lighter troops in the rear. These units held their ground allowing Spartacus to surround and destroy the Roman Cavalry for a final victory.
5-4 to Spartacus.
Slaves won 8 battles.
Romans won 2 battles.

We were both at 4 banners when my centre finally collapsed and the slaves struck for the final banner.
Our play through of the revolt now stands at 2 wins each.
Phill