Picenum 72 BC

Slave Army vs Romans

Historical Background
Following the defeat of his lieutenant Crixus, Spartacus continued north for the Alps, passing through Picenum. Two Roman armies moved against him. From the south, the consul Lucius Gellius Publicola pursued with his army, fresh from his victory at Mount Garganus. To the north, his fellow consul Gnaeus Cornelius Lentulus Clodianus moved to block Spartacus’ path. The Roman plan was initially successful. Spartacus was cornered, and the two Roman armies advanced to within sight of each other. Unfortunately, the Roman commanders, disdainful of Spartacus’ abilities, became too clever for their own good. They left an inviting gap between the two Roman armies, as if in error, to invite Spartacus to attack between both armies. Spartacus had other ideas. He split his army, leaving a small force to keep Lentulus busy, while he led the main attack against Gellius. Outnumbered, this Roman army was defeated. Spartacus then turned his troops against Lentulus. The second army was also smashed. The Roman leaders escaped capture, but large numbers of prisoners and much equipment fell into the hands of the slave army. Spartacus sacrificed 300 Roman captives to avenge Crixus, and then resumed his march to the Alps and freedom.
The stage is set. The battle lines are drawn and you are in command. The rest is history.

War Council

Slave Army
• Leader: Spartacus
• 6 Command Cards

Roman Army
• Leaders: Gellius and Lentulus
• 5 Command Cards
• Move First

Victory
8 Banners

Special Rules
• For the Roman player, any Command card that is played may only activate units in one army—Lentulus’ or Gellus’. The elements of a Command card cannot be shared, and units cannot change armies. To help keep track of separate armies, we recommend that one Roman army play with its blocks laying flat and the other play with its blocks standing. Initial positioning on the battlefield: all Roman units to the left of the hills are part of Lentulus’ army. All Roman units to the right of the hills are part of Gellus’ army.

• A Slave unit that exits off the Roman side of the battlefield counts as one Victory Banner for the Slave player.

• Marius Legions Rule is in effect.

• ‘I Am Spartacus’ Slave player rule is in effect.

• Rolling Fire rules are in effect.