News of Glaber's shocking defeat, incumbent praetor, reached Rome at once.
They immediately convened the Senate.
Members of the Senate condemned with one voice that Glaber had damaged the honor of Rome.
"No matter how poorly trained the recruit was, it doesn't make sense! The enemies were only gladiators and those who used to be slaves. We were overwhelmingly superior in equipment and numbers."
"Over 1,000 Roman citizens were murdered by slaves and the like because of the negligence of the praetor. Something that shouldn't have happened has happened!"
"Praetor! If you have something to say, say it!"
Glaber was speechless, like a mute who had eaten honey.
The only reason he was able to escape safely was that he was riding a horse with a stirrup.
Thanks to this, he was able to drive the horse in a very stable position while running away in a state of confusion.
The effectiveness of the stirrup has been proven in an unexpected direction.
Crassus couldn't help but feel annoyed.
While senators scrambled to denounce Glaber, another praetor, Publius Varinius, demanded to speak.
"The fact that an army led by a Roman praetor was defeated by slaves is a disgrace that should not exist. So, I ask all of you. Give me a chance to restore the fallen honor of Rome. I, the same praetor, will rectify the mistakes made by fellow praetors."
There was no objection to Varinius.
Although Glaber was defeated, the Senate had not yet considered it a serious issue.
Glaber was defeated because his qualities were so lacking, not because the slaves were superior.
Even Varinius, who volunteered to entrust the punitive forces, thought so.
Crassus thought this atmosphere might be a little dangerous, but he didn't say anything because he had heard from Marcus.
'If Varinius is appointed commander of the punitive forces, I should not say anything...…. I don't know why, but I'm sure there's no reason for what he says.'
In fact, it was surprising that he accurately predicted that Varinius would lead the next punitive force.
According to common sense, the consul would not be involved in subjugating the slaves. Then, you could expect another praetor to appear naturally, but the number of praetors is eight.
Six remain, except for Crassus and the defeated praetor Glaber.
'He's an amazing kid the more I see him. How has it changed so much in just over a year?'
The Senate meeting went almost precisely as Marcus predicted.
Crassus got slight goosebumps at his son's near-precognitive prediction.
However, the feeling of pride was stronger than the suspicion.
How many fathers in the world would feel uncomfortable about their son's genius, which is being highlighted daily?
Crassus felt that Marcus could stand out much faster in politics.
In the past, he thought it would be Publius if the next consul came out of the family, but not now.
No, maybe the day will come when both brothers become consuls like that Lucullus family.
If such a day comes, it is not a dream for the Crassus family to reign at the peak of the Optimates faction.
Crassus had firm confidence that he had beaten Pompeius in his child's farming, although he did not know his comparison as an individual.
In his ears, which felt a pleasant sense of superiority, there was no speech from Varinius declaring that he would quickly overthrow the slave army.
* * *
After the meeting of the Senate, Crassus told Marcus everything that had happened in the Curia Hostilia.
This process was almost a report and was now like a routine.
"As you said, I gave no attention to Varinius. But why did you say that?"
"It's a pity that the blood will flow down, but if you can't avoid sacrifices, you have to move toward the best results. It must be the father who suppresses the rebellion of slaves."
"Are you saying that Varinius will also be defeated by slaves? No matter how hard it is that...…."
"Yes. That's exactly what you think, so you are going to lose. If Varinius were to lead with the mindset of fighting the Eastern or the Germanic peoples of the North, he could win. But do you think so? The same goes for other senators. They may recognize Crixus's rebels as bugs that can be stepped on if they just step on them."
Crassus couldn't argue much. In fact, the atmosphere of the Senate meeting was just like that.
All members of the Senate only denounce Glaber, who lost to the rebels but ignored the rebels.
Crassus, of course, was one of those people.
"But it can't be helped, can it? I'm sure there are only a few of them who actually fought with swordsmen and bandits. In addition, the command of the commander is important as well as the individual's combat power. Who there has ever been in command of an army? It's harder to think that regular troops will lose to beginners who don't even know the basics of strategy or tactics."
In ancient society, the military tactic was an advanced discipline that aristocrats could learn.
In particular, Roman aristocrats were the ones who enjoyed the most advanced military technology at the time, so their pride was very strong.
Marcus pinpointed the complacency of that perception.
"From there, he is committing a fatal error. Crixus, who leads the Slave Rebellion, knows basic strategies and tactics. It means that it is not a product of coincidence that caught Glabeer off guard."
"What? How can a gladiator slave know such knowledge?"
"Spartacus told me when he was in Capua. He is said to have been in the position of leading the tribe before he became a slave. Of course, he had experience leading soldiers."
"How come you're telling me that now...…. No, wait. To what extent do you expect this insurgent force to grow in size?"
Marcus paused and then opened his mouth in a cautious tone.
"If they defeat Varinius, the size of the slave army will easily increase to more than 10,000 units. By then, Rome will be aware of the seriousness, but it won't be easy to subjugate. Slaves from all over Rome will flock over there and become more powerful."
"Um... Gimme a break!"
According to history, they further defeated even the consul's army, but Marcus needed clarification on this. This is why there has yet to be a clear estimate of exactly how good Crixus will be.
Crassus needed to be timed very well to put down this rebellion.
For now, he needed to see more of the situation going around.
If you look at the process of Varinius' defeat, you will be able to make a more definite judgment.
"First of all, it is certain that this rebellion will continue until the year passes. So we need to take advantage of this gap to raise a large number of new cavalry."
"What do you mean, a new cavalry? How much?"
"A Roman heavy-armed cavalry with reference to Kataphraktos, a heavy-armed Parthian cavalry. You don't need so many numbers. First of all, it is urgent to show their superiority in the fight against the rebels."
Marcus introduced the Couched Lance gripping method, which holds the spear under his arm rather than holding it with both hands like a Parthia cavalry.
This method has the advantage of holding the spear with only one hand by using the armpit and holding the shield with the other hand. Alternatively, it can add stability to the stance by holding the reins without raising the shield.
The best part is that, unlike holding the spear with both hands, it only requires a little space.
Thanks to this, it is possible to attack in a more dense formation by narrowing the gap between the left and right.
Marcus roughly said that this way of holding a spear was Spartacus' idea.
Crassus knew how excellent Spartacus was, so he had no doubts.
If the slave revolt really goes beyond next year, it is not impossible to deploy this new cavalry in time.
"Yeah. From what you say, it certainly sounds like an opportunity not to be missed."
"Yes, I'm also planning to have a little thicker equipment here. Including that, I will try to shorten the time as much as possible. Father will be a hero who quelled the rebellion that spread like wildfire. On top of that, you will be evaluated as an innovator who has further enhanced Rome's cavalry."
"Hahaha, I don't know about the former, but the latter is your credit. Being a father, you can't take credit for your children."
"Even if I did it anyway, no one will believe me. Rather, father may be accused of overdoing it to give his children fame. It's important for father to become a consul first and settle down. That way, not only me but also Publius can go up more safely. "
Marcus never intended to stand out too much.
It is okay to be evaluated as an outstanding talent, but further evaluation is only a burden in the current Roman system.
Roman aristocrats are almost allergic to those who show even the slightest possibility of dictatorship.
That trend became even stronger after Marius and Sulla actually wielded dictatorial power.
They always watch the unrivaled talent who goes out on their own.
They will make excuses to interfere and try to tame them.
Even Pompeius, considered on the side of the Senate, was no exception.
No matter how big a contribution he makes and becomes a hero, the Optimates faction in the Senate does not stop holding this check.
So Marcus decided to hide in the shadow of others until he had a power that no one could touch.
Whether the target is his father, Crassus, Pompeius, or Caesar doesn't matter.
The important thing is to absorb checks from senators.
What Marcus wanted was not fame but practicality.
Everything he can take, such as honor and recognition, is taken, and the last thing you get is enough.
Crassus, who had no way of knowing his innermost thoughts, was grateful and proud of his son's careful consideration.
* * *