Mummius’ Defeat 72 BC

Slave Army vs Romans

Historical Background
In the autumn of 72 BC, Marcus Licinius Crassus was chosen by the Senate to lead the war against Spartacus’ slave army. Crassus, a leading politician, was also rumored to be the richest man in Rome. How all this would translate into military success was anybody’s guess, but many noble volunteers flocked to join his army of six legions. Meanwhile, the victorious slave army was marching southward again. Spartacus proposed a negotiated settlement, but Crassus refused to consider it. Next, Crassus assigned two of the legions to his deputy, Mummius, and gave him the task of harassing the flank of the slave army. Mummius was to slow down the slave army while the main force under Crassus waited on the border of Picenum, expecting Spartacus would come back that way. Unfortunately, Mummius wanted to maximize his own glory and foolishly attacked, even though outnumbered. His detachment was routed, and many of his legionnaires survived only by abandoning their arms and fleeing. Crassus subjected the remnants of Mummius’ legions to decimation, a harsh punishment not used in many years. One man in each squad of ten was chosen by lot and executed before the whole army. The legionnaires learned to fear Crassus more than they feared Spartacus.
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
• Leader: Mummius
• 4 Command Cards
• Move First

Victory
5 Banners

Special Rules
• If Roman units occupy two or more Slave camp hexes at the start of the Roman player’s turn, the Roman player gains one Victory Banner that cannot be lost. Remove the camp hex terrain tiles and collect the Victory Banner before playing a command card.

• Marius Legions Rule is in effect.

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