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Tarraco: Roman Administrative Capital of Eastern Hispania
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As the litter moved along the streets of Tarraco, the provincial peasants scurried to get out of the way. The slaves carried the "mobile couch" at a quick and deliberate pace, despite the three hundred pound load, while a squad of bodyguards marched behind. The occupant, Sarius Vibrius, gazed out at the commoners. "Bloody pigs," he moaned. "They were meant to fill the treasuries and purses of the glorious Roman race. Otherwise they serve no purpose." He reached for another grape, and considered his current situation. Everything had been going along rather well until some intrusive young politicians from Rome arrived in Carthago Nova, to the South. Ever since then, the Roman officials of Hispania had been barraged with the news that the central government was intent on investigating "excessive corruption" in Iberia. Sarius Vibrius scoffed. As Procurator of North Hispania, he was primarily responsible for overseeing the collection of taxes. Somehow, his name had been included in a report of corrupt officials. "Me, corrupt?" Vibrius muttered to himself. "What a travesty!"

A few minutes later, he arrived at his opulent villa. Sarius Vibrius loved his estate in Tarraco. Recently, however, some prominent Romans had been complaining about the fact that he lived far away from his assigned Procuratorial post: Numantia. "Why would I want to live in Numantia?" Vibrius said to himself. "I'd probably be killed in that filthy latrine of a village! The barbarians hate me. Here, I am comfortable and safe." He chuckled. His well-armed agents were still able to collect taxes in the north-western regions of Iberia. They did not require direct oversight!

Once inside his Villa, Vibrius began to review the tax records along with his deputy, Actius Ponus. Vibrius frowned. Record low returns this year. Maybe his agents did require some oversight! He turned to Actius and declared, "Those ruffians are stealing money from me! Err... from Rome! This is unacceptable. Go find Tentrius, and have him report to me at once." Actius nodded and quickly set off on his assignment. The Procurator moaned and rubbed his bloated stomach. "I suppose I'll have to limit myself to three hundred thousand this year. The rest will go to the vile Tiberius and that despondent Senate."


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Numantia: Capital city of Northern Hispania
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In the heat of the summer, the farmers were in the fields for one of the best harvests in recent years. The theme of their conversation was the same everywhere: the independence of the Northern Hispania and the choice of a new King by the assembly of the elders. However, the Arevaci tribe was divided about the path for obtaining independence from Rome. In the eyes of the majority, only war could bring them total independence, but for others, negotiation with the Romans was a viable alternative for progress toward limited autonomy. The chieftains from each clan, usually old and wise men, came to the meeting in Numantia. They came from important cities such as Valentia, Osca, Toletum, Segovia, and Numantia itself. Their mission was to choose the new King and approve, or reject, his policy.

After several hours of debate, a name emerged as the best candidate for the crown: Caros. This young, athletic, very tall man, with long blond hair, beard, brown eyes, and dark skin, was the man who promised the Averaci tribe total independence from Rome. His parents had been killed by the Romans in the last rebellion, and he hated the Romans so deeply that he promised himself that he would do anything to defeat and humiliate Rome. Over the last 3 years, he and some of his followers had created a new, disciplined and motivated army. Surprisingly, the native army's existence was not noticed by the local Roman officials. Fortunately for Caros, the Romans only ventured into the northern regions of Hispania when they wanted to collect taxes. Otherwise, they ignored the activities of the Iberian tribes. The Roman Procurator didn't even reside in his own region of jurisdiction!

In the afternoon, finally, the assembly of the elders formed a big circle. Inside this circle stood the four final candidates. Outside the circle stood an enormous crowd of thousands of Arevaci people. Caros spoke first "My People, my brothers! We have now an unique opportunity to achieve the best prize that a man can have: total freedom. For many years the Romans ruled us, controlled our lands, and demanded taxes , but what have we gained with their rule? I tell you: famine, war, humiliation and slavery. Now we can choose to fight and be free or remain slaves for the rest of our lives. Is this the legacy that you want to leave to your children: slavery? Join me, be strong, control your own lives! We the Arevaci people… "

But Caros was suddenly interrupted by another candidate called Zavala "You refer to yourself Caros? Your grandfather was Suevi and consequently you are not an Arevaci of pure blood. And now you want to rule us? Besides, your policy of attacking the Romans will bring us the destruction of our land through war and famine. Yes, the Romans will react to our attack, I have no doubt about that. They will march against us with full strength and will annihilate us as they did before. Thus if we attack them it will be a serious mistake. We must negotiate with them in order to gain more autonomy. You only will destroy our people and…"

Caros became furious and interrupted Zavala "What you said is true, my grandfather was Suevi, but I love this country more than you and your pathetic friends. You speak as a traitor and it is clear to me that you have some kind of pact with the Romans! I will bring a new era to our people, but you propose slavery and obedience to your masters: the Romans!" Many tribesmen looked to Zavala and disapproved his lack of patriotism. Zavala understood the popular sentiments. He moved forward and yelled at Caros "You are a pig! The Arevaci people will not follow a mad man like you! I challenge you to a duel with the traditional weapons. Let the Gods decide who will rule the Northern Hispania."

The others two candidates remain in silence and fearfully left the assembly of the elders. The two men started to move in circle, each of them armed with a falcata, traditional Hispanic sword, and a small wooden shield. Zavala was the first to strike but Caros ducked from his blow. Then Caros attacked and destroyed Zavala´s shield with his falcata. The two adversaries continued to move in circle. Zavala thrusted again with his sword, but he was punched in his face by the Caros´ wooden shield. Zavala was bleeding from his nose and mouth but didn´t give up. He attacked again but Caros moved fast and avoided each of Zavala´s blows. Zavala became very tired and Caros didn´t miss the opportunity; he moved fast and stabbed Zavala´s stomach. In agony, Zavala fell to the ground and died.

After a brief moment of silence, thousands of Arevaci people started to yell "King Caros! King Caros! King Caros!". The assembly of the elders, more intimidated than convinced by Caros, decided to proclaim him King of the Arevaci people. In the evening the Arevaci priests performed a great religious ceremony in honour of the new King Caros and their God of health and welfare, Eudovelicus. The new King offered some sacrifices to the Eudovelicus and also to some minor bull deities, while many Arevaci people danced, drank wine, ate pork and prayed. In the morning of the next day the King Caros left Numantia with all his cavalry, 6,000 mounted men, and went to the city of Osca in order to gather his army there.

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By: Aggripina Antonia Vitellius, GMs (Titus Sabaco and QMA)