ancient greece mediterranean ruler

Chapter 360 Davos in action
"The area of ​​Sicily controlled by Dionysius is slightly smaller than that of Dionia, but half of Dionia is mountainous and cannot grow grains and other crops, while Sicily is a famous wheat producer in the Mediterranean. According to Thera last year Judging from the wheat trading volume in Cuza City, Sicily's wheat production may be twice that of ours.

Moreover, the port of Syracuse is prosperous in commerce. Compared with our city of Thurii, it almost monopolizes the maritime trade between the Greeks and Africa. Even though it is currently at war with Carthage, it can still be seen in the port of Syracuse. to many Phoenician merchants.Although I am not sure how much Siracusa’s monthly commercial tax revenue is, it is much stronger than Thurii in terms of port capacity and the number of merchant ships.This does not include the city-states of Agrigento, Catanai, Naxos, and Messina that were established 300 years ago, and their port trade is very prosperous! …”

Listening to Aristiras's words, Davos nodded involuntarily and said: "It goes without saying about the ability to mobilize for war. Since Dionysius is a tyrant, his biggest advantage is that he can concentrate his efforts to the maximum extent. All the resources controlled by the government, including the people, can suddenly launch a war without the approval of the council. I remember hearing you say last time that Dionysius’s war against Carthage was on the northern coast of Sicily. About 10 people were mobilized?!”

"Yes, sir. To be precise, it should be nearly [-] infantry and [-] navy."

"Last time...how many people did he send to attack western Sicily?" Davers asked again.

"It is rumored that it is also 10 people."

Davos breathed out: "Yes, Syracuse can easily launch large-scale wars involving 10 people. The key is that he can also support such a large number of troops to fight a hundred miles away from the mother state for more than half a year. The war... Syracuse's war potential is really amazing!" Davers sighed unusually.

"My lord, although Syracuse is strong, it is not without weaknesses." Aristilas saw Davos's tone showing a little frustration, so he took the initiative to say: "Dionysius's actions against the people of Syracuse He ruled brutally to prevent the people from rising against him. He also forced the people to pay heavy taxes. The citizens of Syracuse paid 20% of their income to the treasury every year. The people hated him. Moreover, the citizens of other city-states in Sicily hated him as well. , because not only did they have to pay high tribute to Syracuse, but also in the previous war of conquest of Syracuse, some of their relatives were killed by the Syracuse in the battle, and some relatives were captured and used as slaves. Sold to distant lands... They had a hatred for the Syracuseans, for Dionysius!..."

Davos quietly stared at Aristilas's slightly deformed face due to pain.After a long while, he said: "You are right. However, as long as Dionysius' army continues to win, as long as his power does not suffer major losses, the hatred of the Sicilian people can only be hatred. Can't hurt Dionysius one bit. He has the backing of Sparta—"

Aristelas immediately said: "But Sparta is now in the middle of a war and has no extra strength to support Dionysius, and to the south of Sicily is Syracuse's mortal enemy Carthage."

"This is indeed a good opportunity..." Davers stroked the sparse stubble under his chin: The current population of the Dionysian Alliance is about 80, and it is much different from Syracuse in terms of business and agriculture. , and Dionia's military power is relatively dispersed due to its geographical location and is not easy to concentrate, and the navy is even more weak.Once a war starts with Syracuse, the pressure will be great..."

Aristillas watched Davos remain silent for a long time, anxious in his heart, but he didn't dare to show it, and subconsciously clenched the armrests of the wooden chair with both hands.

"Aristelas." Davos finally spoke: "I allow you to send your men to Sicily from now on to learn more about the forces opposing Syracuse and Dionysius in the city-states of Sicily. And initially establish contact with them.”

"Yes, sir." Aristelas became energetic and couldn't help but ask further: "Then what?"

Davers looked at him with piercing eyes: "Before the war with Syracuse, there is no 'then' for the time being."

...............................

The next day, Turui's public trial continued, still attracting a large number of Dionian citizens to watch.Because the content of today's trial is mainly about "whether Polyxis and others colluded with Syracuse and conspired to disturb Dionia".

Although the city-states of Greece also have cases of judging citizens for colluding with foreign countries and betraying the country, such as Xenophon, he was tried in absentia by the Athens government for the crime of "betrayal of Athens" a year ago because he had been working for Athens. He executed him, which made Xenophon even more afraid to return to Athens.But like Dionia, the "treason" was clearly written into the code from the beginning, and different sentencing was carried out in detail according to its severity.The term "treason" alone occupies several pages in the code, which shows how seriously the Dionysian Alliance takes this crime.And today's trial will be the first trial of treason by the Dionia Alliance, which is only a few years old. You must know that the highest penalty for this crime is the death penalty. Citizens who are very excited are waiting to see.

Compared to yesterday, Polyxes's mental state today is much worse. Obviously, yesterday's trial had a great impact on him, but he has to cheer up today, because he was found guilty yesterday, and the most serious thing is deprivation of citizenship rights and deportation. But if he is found guilty today, his life may not be saved.

The appearance of Aristocrates was warmly welcomed by the people. Although this young judge was a bit stooped, he won the love of the people with his quick thinking, sharp words, and polite demeanor.Especially when they saw him arguing that they hated Polluxes and others until they were speechless, some people even began to inquire about his family situation and privately thought about marrying their daughter to this promising young man. .

Polyxes is still trying to save himself, but unfortunately, the evidence against him is too much.

Especially among the property found in his home were many Syracuse silver coins.Because Syracuse has been engaged in expansion wars in recent years, which has cost a lot, the treasury is almost empty, and it continues to collect heavy taxes from the people. Moreover, Dionysius ignored the credit of the city-state and issued a low-quality silver coin to make up for the treasury deficit. In the past two years, the people of Syracuse were forced to use a "tetradrachma silver coin" (that is, a silver coin weighing four times as much as a drachma). The silver coin was adulterated with a lot of lead and was considered inferior. .This kind of silver coin rarely circulates in the market of Dionysia, but many such coins were found in Polyxis' belongings. You must know that his family does not engage in sea trade.Such coins are also found in the belongings of Orpheus and Masissachus.

More importantly, Aristocrates showed the jury several letters found in Polyxes' house.Aristocrates picked two letters and read them aloud: "... Lord Polluxes, after receiving your letter, I learned that the Dionysian Senate was discussing the 'convening of a citizens' assembly' recently. General Plenipotentiary (referring to Dionysius) was very happy when he heard the news. He immediately agreed to the amount of silver coins you requested and will soon transport them to the port of Thurii with the merchant ship. At the same time, he also Let me remind you that it is not enough for those merchants and nobles to come out to protest. The main body of the Dionysian Alliance is not them, but ordinary citizens as legionnaires. If you can approach them, win them over, and let them They also joined the protesting crowd, so..."

Polyxes once again refused to admit it and shouted: "This is a forged letter!..."

"Forged?! Then, please look at this letter -" Aristocrates picked up another letter and showed it to the jury members: "This is the only letter written by you that was found. The handwriting is stamped with a seal. Look at the date, it happens to be the day you were arrested, so this letter has not yet been sent out. I believe the public will be very interested in the content of the letter."

With a sneer on his face, Aristocrates looked at Polyxes who rushed over like crazy to snatch the letter, but was restrained by the guards who maintained order in the court. He read aloud again: "... Philly Lord Stoss - I want to explain here that you may not know that Philistus is the most important minister of Dionysius, the tyrant of Syracuse... I do not agree with your previous suggestions. Winning over the ordinary citizens of Dionia will not have much effect on the passage of the bill of 'Convening a Citizens' Assembly'. I did come up with a good idea. Daves is formulating the 'Governance of Lucania, Bruti There are some areas in people's bill that I can exploit. I believe that through my instigation, those simple-minded so-called alien elders will probably give up their support for that proud young man..."

"This is a forgery! Someone is trying to frame me!..." Polluxes shouted desperately despite the torrent of angry curses from the people in the audience.

Aristocrates immediately summoned witnesses.

After Hermes of Syracuse was detained, he was interrogated by some cruel methods beyond this era, such as covering his mouth and nose with a linen cloth, and pouring water on it bit by bit, etc. Better to die.

Then, Matonis coldly told him: Either he would be sent back to Syracuse after telling the truth, or he would refuse to tell and continue the interrogation.

Between the two options, he chose the former without hesitation.

　Thanks to Phoenix Daughter and Vanishing Maple for the reward!Your support is my biggest motivation for writing! !

　　
　
(End of this chapter)