The Hispanian Rebellion In Tarraconensis, our legions have been fighting rebel and winter for the glory of Rome. Floods of refugees from the city of Segovia have streamed into the camp of Praetor Minutus Manlius, confounding supply efforts and ultimately weakening his men. Despite the ravages of winter and short supply, our men in chainmail and breastplates have begun the hard work of siege. It is rumored that preparations for an attack on the city early next month are being made. Indeed such an action is necessary as supplies with be exhausted by next month. As of yet the exact location and composition of the rebel army is unknown, though undoubtedly it must have been the force which captured Segovia. In Lusitania Praetor Caius Livius has the rebels on the run. The cavalry force has been riding hard for the Tarracan border all month as our small alae of cavalry and Iberian auxiliaries race in pursuit. Many military experts suspect their purpose is to link with the rebels in Tarraconensis, but others question such an extent of cooperation from mere barbarians. The peaceful Baetica has had its own problems as insurgents plot in many local cities. At least two groups have been rooted out as suppliers of materials and money. Praetor Lucius Terentius Varro has convened a meeting of city officials to address the problem.

Gallic Infighting Despite their success in Cisalpine Gaul with the sack of Placentia, the Gauls have dissipated their efforts in fruitless squabbling. Undoubtedly the barbarians now fight brother against brother for a bigger share of gold or loot. The people of Cisalpine Gaul continue to appeal to the Senate for action against the barbarians befores it is too late, quite forgetting their rebellious stance only a month before!

Gaius Silius Losing Support! Despite impassioned oratory and pleas, the support for Gaius Silius is beginning to wane as measures of the Aristocracy take effect. In particular the Lex Sempronia proposal had done much to quiet the plebeian mob. A unified stance against the Tribune from many magistrates seems to have convinced Rome that civil strife is not the way. In addition, the new statue erected by Patricus Curius Hibernicus coupled with a host of plays has introduced the idea of cooperation with the Italians in an inventive and very acceptable way. Despite all this, his supporters are many, and he has even threatened to use his veto power to obstruct governmental business.

Legal News A number of court cases have made headlines this month. Marcus Sosius Margarita was found guilty for extortion when he served as Quaestor in Sardinia in 202 B.C. The jury only just barely condemned the man, which was enough to anger many for the obvious bribes involved, but this surprisingly light sentence has angered Margarita’s political opponents. Few can cry foul against Criminal Court Praetor D. Junius Pompeius in light of his justice in the sentence of Lucius Julius Navinia, who has been found guilty of murder of Marcus Lepidius Niger, which by all but the rich Niger family has been declared an accident. Finally, Marcus Optimius Rufus was found guilty of election bribing as a host of witnesses testified against the former Criminal Court Praetor. Many will remember the man for his unprecedented sentence against Favonius Cornelius Pola. Indeed, many speculate that the Pro-Praetor is behind the trial. Not satisfied with the heavy fines and yerar long banishment decreed to Rufus, Cornelius Pola was quotes as saying ‘not even crucifixion would be enough to punish this scoundrel.’