Roman Empire: New Wars Old Enemies Part Fourteen

Agrippa continued building his navy in the lake of Avernus and Lucrine lake during 37 BC and the spring of 36 BC. When the fleet was finally ready, Lepidus was summoned from his dormancy in Africa; he would bring a thousand transport ships, seventy warships, sixteen legions and a large force of Numidian cavalry. Ledpidus was to disembark on the south side of Sicily and capture as much territory as he could. Octavian would sail from Puteoli and yet another fleet which would include Antony's donated ships would sail from Tarentum. Sextus must have been somewhat concerned about countering this massive strike force. Unlike the triumvirs Sextus did not have an inexhaustible supply of manpower. Sextus had 300 ships and ten legions. However, his successes to date must have given him some comfort. Starting out fortune favored Octavian. Lepidus had succeeded in getting twelve legions on Sicilian soil and quickly took over the port of Lilybaeum on the island's western tip. Depending on Lepidus was difficult to say the least. Lepidus appears to have opened a line of friendly communication with Sextus, so he could reap benefits no matter who won the war. Then on 3 July 36 BC the fleets were struck by another terrible storm. Immediately the ships from Tarentum returned to port as the winds became strong.

Octavian fled to a well protected bay on the west coast of Italy. The wind followed him to the southwest and it was impossible to sail out of the bay. Much worse; anchors could not hold the ships and they slammed into each other or onto the rocks. The storm lasted through the night and many ships were lost to the storm's fury. It would take a month to rebuild the fleet. It was at this point, in what was probably a combination stubbornness and dejection, that according to Suetonius, Octavian cried out: "I will win this war even if Neptune does not wish me to!" The summer was already hoving into view and an intelligent commander would cancel these operations until the following spring, especially after receiving a beating like this. In Rome, Octavian's pig-headedness was moving popular sentiment towards Sextus again. A few lines show the ridicule and contemptuousness that the people had towards Octavian now: He took a beating twice at sea. And threw two fleets away. So now to achieve one victory. He tosses dice all day. The critique of Octavian's behavior was somewhat unfair. He did like to gamble in his leisure time, as a letter he wrote to his successor,Tiberius, shows, but he was hardly wasting time now.

He sent his reliable friend Maecenas to Rome to try to counter some of his critics, while he himself went all around Italy speaking to settler veterans and trying to assuage their fears. Massive efforts were made to repair the damaged vessels and lay new keels. In a very real sense now Octavian was going to take the largest gamble of his life, however, it was hardly leisure gambling-the war with Sextus was going forward. Octavian and Agrippa realized their best move would be to push back and hold Sextus at Messana. They would really need to count on Lepidus for this plan, as he was already in Sicily. After some skirmishes between the republican and triumviral forces, Octavian and his troops disembarked on Sicily south of Tauromenium. Sextus's forces completely surprised Octavian's before they even built their camp. Sextus's cavalry harried the soldiers still at work on fortifying the camp. But Sextus made a serious mistake, as he held back both his navy and infantry. Had he not done this there is a great possibility he not only could have won a decisive victory, but also captured Octavian. But Octavian's situation was still desperate, his soldiers worked through the night to build the camp's defenses. At daybreak they were exhausted and not physically or mentally ready for battle. Octavian knew he had to save his fleet at all costs and sail from Sicily as soon as possible. He gave command of the legions to Lucius Cornificius, an early supporter of him who had prosecuted Brutus in 43 BC for Julius Caesar's murder.

When Octavian sailed out to sea Sextus took off from Messana. In two roughly fought engagements, Octavian came out much worse for wear. Now Octavian was unsure of what to do next. He did not know if he should risk sailing back to Sicily and Cornificius, or to try to find his troops on the mainland. Eventually he decided on the latter. Octavian set out on a single ship that Sextus's men were in hot pursuit of. This must have been a very dark time for him indeed. For fearing capture, he asked a loyal aide, Gaius Proculeius, to get ready to kill him. Once again Octavian avoided capture, but even though he was out of immediate danger, he was alone except for his armor-bearer. Octavian again barely evaded capture as he was walking on a coast road and saw ships in the distance. He went down to the beach to greet them, realizing in a nick of time that they were Sextus' ships. Then as Octavian was getting away from this almost disastrous encounter he was attacked by the slave of an officer on his staff whose father he had proscribed!

This is all that is known about this encounter-nothing more is said of the slave's fate or any wounds Octavian may have sustained. Then yet another turn of fate, this time in Octavian's favor happened. Some mountain folk had found Octavian in a state of being almost pushed over the limits of what he could take. They transferred him from one small boat to another to avoid getting caught and took him to his legions. Octavian showed great strength when reunited with his men, food and sleep could wait. He sent word to Cornificius in Sicily about the situation and also messengers around the mountains to get the word out that he was safe. Showing his usual intent focus on the most immediate goal, Octavian was not going to let a stupid communication failure deny his chance to resurrect his campaign. He knew two actions must be accomplished quickly. He had to find a way to get his legions to Sicily. Here the incomparably capable Agrippa, who had an earlier victory against Pompeian forces had taken the opportunity to occupy some ports on the island's north coast. Octavian was able to transfer his men this way. Secondly, Cornificius, who was currently held down by Sextus' troops near Tauromenium had to find a way to disengage and join Agrippa's forces.

Getting there slowly but surely :-). I want to have the next post here very soon-perhaps tomorrow-time permitting. The image is of a Roman coin honoring Agrippa on the obverse and Neptune on the reverse. Peace and be well to anyone stopping by!