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TL: Whither Rome

Redemption
We call him a barbarian, but I tell you, Illus, he is more Roman than either of us.
–Emperor Zeno speaking of Theodoric the Great
Afternoon, 16 September 478
Outside the Moesian Ostrogoths' Camp
Adrianople, Roman Empire


Theodoric Amali walked quickly, observing the positions prepared by his troops. Pleased, for the moment, he turned to his aide and asked, "Do you know the history of this place, Sigeric?" Without giving him a chance to answer, Theodoric continued, "One hundred years ago, our people shattered the Roman army on this very spot. Emperor Valens, struck by an arrow, fell on this field. Fifty years before that, Constantine defeated his pagan rival and made his destiny to be the sole emperor inevitable. Tomorrow is my chance." Theodoric resumed his inspection.


Sigeric spoke up. "Sire, will the louse show himself?"


"The emperor? No. He knows history too well and will not allow himself to be named the New Valens."


"Sire, I meant General Illus. Will his army show as promised?"


"Illus a louse? Would that he were. At least then he could be counted to cling to his host." Theodoric thought for a second. "I don't know if he will. I don't even care if he does. If he does, will crush Strabo together and the emperor will be in my debt. If he doesn't, Strabo will still fall and we will all know that the Romans can not be trusted."


A rider came alongside Theodoric. "Sire, the Romans approach from the east."


Theodoric responded, "Come, let's go greet your louse."


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Evening, 16 September 478
Emperor Zeno's Camp
Adrianople, Roman Empire


As Theodoric departed, the Zeno amused himself with the memory of the Ostrogoth's look of shock and thought to himself. No one had expected him to personally lead the army. He was too old to lead them in battle, but his mere presence would inspire his troops and should keep Theodoric in line.
Zeno turned to Illus. "After tomorrow, Theodoric will have an unquestionable claim to the title King of the Ostrogoths. We must keep a close eye on him lest he repeat Odoacer's successes. Hold your forces back as long as possible. Let the Goths take care of each other. But, do not let Strabo gain the advantage." He paused then began to walk away.

Illus, expecting more instructions, asked, "My lord?"

Without breaking stride, Zeno replied, "I will attend vespers tonight. Perhaps you should as well."


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Excerpt from
Roman Civilizations, Part I
Menelik Amda
Dormition, Ityoppia: Dormition University Press (1994)


The Third Battle of Adrianople


For the third time in two centuries the fate of the Empire depended on the outcome of a battle at Adrianople. Accounts of the Third Battle of Adrianople vary, but it is possible to reconstruct some of what happened.
In the spring of 478, the Roman Senate in Constantinople, citing intrigues against the emperor, declared Theodoric Strabo a public enemy. Strabo responded by leading raids into southern Thrace. Late in the summer of he plundered Thessaloniki. In response to these raids, Emperor Zeno bribed the Bulgarians to attack the Ostrogoths' settlements in northern Thrace. At the same time he enticed Theodoric Amali (later called 'the Great') to lead his faction of Ostrogoths from Moesia into Thrace and assert his claim to the chiefdom of the Ostrogoths. When word of the Bulgarian raids reached Strabo, he was compelled to turn back from his raids and defend his people's settlements. Amali was able to cut off Strabo and force a battle. As had been arranged, Roman troops under the command of Illus the Isaurian arrived to reinforce Amali.


Around noon on 17 September 478, Amali rode between the two Ostrogothic armies. He openly challenged Strabo's leadership of the Thracian Ostrogoths and claimed that his followers were living in peace and prosperity in Moesia. He offered the same to any who would join him. Although the chroniclers of the battle disagree, the current consensus among historians is that few, if any, accepted his offer immediately. However, it seems probable that the eventual surrenders of many of Strabo's troops were influenced by Amali's theatrics.


Strabo made the first move, sending a portion of his cavalry to attack Amali's left wing. The initial skirmish was inconclusive, and Strabo was forced to commit the rest of his cavalry to the battle. Strabo followed by ordering his infantry into the fight. Again, the accounts of the battle disagree with each other, but it appears that the advance was timid. At this point, the Roman cavalry under Illus joined. Concerned that Strabo's cavalry might break through and join the infantry, Illus ordered his cavalry into action. Just after the Strabo's infantry made contact, the Roman cavalry struck its undefended flank. Strabo's infantry broke ranks, and many of them surrendered. The Roman cavalry pressed on to support Amali's cavalry. The battle ended shortly thereafter with Strabo fleeing the field.
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