ancient greece mediterranean ruler

Chapter 949 Sipulos’ suggestion

"So you plan to have the Mountain Reconnaissance Brigade raid this section of the wall and open a gap in the defense of Syracuse's city wall?" Davers suddenly interjected.

"Yes, Your Majesty. I hope you can let Izam lead some soldiers from the mountain reconnaissance brigade to assist us in attacking the city!" Leotizides took over and made a request.

"It seems that after the Mountain Reconnaissance Brigade has made many military exploits in the Latium area, they are going to establish their reputation in Sicily again! I agree to allow 500 Mountain Reconnaissance Brigade soldiers to temporarily obey your orders during the attack on Syracuse." Dai. Firth readily nodded in agreement, because he felt that Leotizides's battle plan was feasible, and also reminded: "Syracuse is a big city, even if the Mountain Reconnaissance Brigade occupied the west side of Iulialus Fortress, but you just said that this area is narrow, difficult to navigate, and located in a remote location. After the Syracuse people got the news, they could also use their sufficient military resources to blockade this small area and then recapture it... …Therefore, how to take advantage of this victory opportunity, expand the results, and ultimately capture the entire city, you need to think and deduce carefully over and over to perfect your plan.”

Leotizides listened thoughtfully.

"Is there anything else you need my help with?" Davos asked seriously.

Leotizides shook his head first, then suddenly remembered something and said: "Your Majesty, I am very worried that when we attack the city of Syracuse, the Greek Cuza people will stick to Ortygia Island. Ortygia Island It’s easy to defend but difficult to attack, and I’m afraid it won’t be conquered in a short time.”

Ortigia Island... Davos touched his chin subconsciously. He vaguely remembered that in the history of his previous life, the Romans were blocked by Ortigia Island. It took several years to finally completely capture the city of Syracuse , in which Archimedes played a big role.

He waved his hand and said: "If this situation really happens, there is no need to storm Ortygia Island and surround it. In fact, it is easier to besiege. You only need to build a wall on the isthmus. We can isolate it. By occupying the main city of Syracuse and its port, we have completely eliminated the potential threat to us from the Syracuse army and navy, and blocked Ortygia Island for one or two years. It will eventually surrender."

"Your Majesty, when that time comes, given the population and food situation on Ortigia Island, it may be difficult for them to persist for one or two years." Sipulos interjected with a smile.

"By the way, Sipulos, what suggestions do you have for attacking Syracuse?" Davers looked at him.

Sipulos said unhurriedly: "Your Majesty, the city of Syracuse has been captured twice in the past 20 years, both due to civil strife (referring to the riots in the city during the South Italian War that overthrew Dio Nisius’ rule and a few years later there was another riot in the city to expel Herolis), I think this time to attack Syracuse, can you think of a way in this regard?”

Davos's eyes lit up. This was exactly what he wanted, so he smiled and encouraged: "Can you tell me more specifically what you think?"

"Your Majesty, although Syracuse's strength has recovered in the past 10 years, compared with when Dionysius and Herolis ruled, Syracuse today lacks a strong political figure. The Generals' Executive Committee and Council hold power in Syracuse during peacetime. During war, the Generals' Executive Committee plays an important role, and this committee is composed of 20 generals.

According to the information I have received, it is composed of three major forces, the democrats led by the chief general Theagenis, the centrist faction composed of Herolis’ former comrades and important officials during his administration, and the port civilian faction, which respectively represent some The interests of the people of Syracuse..."

Sipros, who has been the chief executive of Katane for many years, also has a deep study of this neighbor to the south. He confided his usual thoughtful thoughts: "Whether it is Dionysius as the tyrant, or in Heroli During Sri Lanka's rule, the democrats were suppressed and were the weakest faction, but it was precisely because of this that Theagenis was able to serve as the chief general; the middle faction was the strongest, but the situation was also the most complicated. People who have gained huge benefits during the rule of Herolis, but some people approve of Herolis's way of governing, while others express disgust and even provoke rebellions. This also includes Herolis' former close friends. Therefore they often disagree in the council; and the port plebeians——"

Sipros paused, and said meaningfully: "It was with our help that we united and formed a powerful force, which played an important role in the late period of the Southern Italian War. But as an independent political Power, they are naturally squeezed out by the traditional forces of Syracuse. From the composition of the general executive committee, it can be seen that the number of generals sent by port civilians has never exceeded three, which is very disproportionate to their strength.

In the past two years, the situation has changed again.Originally, the people of Syracuse chose Theagenis as the chief general in order to maintain the political stability of Syracuse, but they all underestimated the ability of Theagenis to disrupt the situation. On the one hand, he used the people in Syracuse to look down on him. The psychology of the port civilians, wooing the middle faction and crowding out the port civilians, not only reduced the number of port civilians elected generals to one in the past two years, but also made people propose and pass bills that are not conducive to the port civilians in the council several times. Some of the benefits that Herolis had given to the port civilians were regained and returned to the citizens of the city, making him more and more popular among the people in Syracuse;

On the other hand, he used the contradictions among the centrists to divide and win over, and made some centrists agree with him on certain interests. Therefore, his speech in the general executive committee and the meeting became more and more important, and he was even able to persuade They made Syracuse ally with Carthage and declare war on our Dionia..."

Of course, Davos also understands the situation in Syracuse, and he said lightly: "It seems that this General Theagenis is very ambitious! He wants to win greater rewards for himself through this war." Prestige, maybe he wants to become the second Herolis, or even the second Dionysius."

"This is also the tradition of Syracuse. They are always hovering between democracy and dictatorship. When there is peace, they choose a democratic regime, and when there is a crisis, some people want dictatorship." Siplos added.

"If you want to be a dictator in Syracuse, you must have strong perseverance and super courage, and this Theagenis-" The corners of Davos's mouth turned up slightly: "Although he acts in a very cunning manner, he is also very cunning. Changes have allowed him to achieve some goals, but they are all small cleverness. At least now, I have not seen that he has the strategic vision and courage like Dionysius and Herolis. I am afraid he never expected that Gaia The Taigian army will retreat so quickly, leaving Syracuse alone to face our wrath."

"Your Majesty, it is true that factions in Syracuse's political arena are now divided, crowded with each other, and the relationship is complicated. There are also relatively strong antagonisms among the people, and there is a lack of a strong figure to lead and bridge them. However, based on Syracuse's Tradition, we don’t know whether after the war started, did it make their internal conflicts more intense, or did they unite instead?” Sipros solemnly reminded.

"Should we stop attacking the people of Syracuse just because the war may lead to them becoming more united?!" Leotizides listened for a long time and couldn't help but retorted: "As long as there is a complete battle plan and Well-trained soldiers, we don’t need to think about these things at all, the city of Syracuse will be captured by us.”

"Don't be excited, Proseus." Davos stretched out his hand, made a slight downward gesture, and then explained: "Siplos just wanted to cause chaos in Syracuse and weaken their power. The defense force allows us to capture the city as quickly as possible.”

Having said this, he looked at Sipulos: "Are you planning to win over the civilians at the port of Syracuse and destroy the friendly relations between the democrats and the centrists?"

"Your Majesty is wise!" Cipros flattered, and then said: "The civilians in the port of Syracuse have been suppressed these years, and there must be a lot of grievances, and most of them are poor and free people. Rakuza's glory in the past is more easily moved by interests. We used to have a good relationship with them, but now as long as we make enough promises, I believe they will make the right choice.

Some of the methods Theagenis used against the centrists in the past may have caused dissatisfaction among some people, but now his plan has failed, leaving Syracuse alone to be attacked by the kingdom. As long as His Majesty allows Xenophanes to send people quietly Inciting the people in Syracuse, some people will naturally seize the opportunity to criticize Theagenis..." Sipulos's plan needs to rely on the intelligence department's director in Sicily, Xenophanes, for execution, but the intelligence department is directly under the King Davos, he has no right to command them, he can only ask Davos for instructions.

After listening to this, Davers thought for a while and said: "Both of your suggestions are very good. We use political means to destroy the unity of the Syracuse people, and military attacks can successfully help us win over and divide the enemy." , thereby accelerating the conquest of Syracuse... Therefore, I decided that the two of you and Xenophanes would form an action team against Syracuse, with Sipulos in charge, and we would discuss a complete plan together, and Coordinate with each other in execution until the conquest of Syracuse. What do you think, Proseus?"

Leotizides was a little contradictory. He didn't want his military command to be disturbed, but he also knew that if this plan was successful, the time to capture Syracuse would be greatly advanced, and he would be able to participate in the battle against Gaza earlier. During the attack of the Taiji army, he realized his wish to avenge the dead soldiers of Paragonia as soon as possible, and he subconsciously looked at Sipulos.

(End of this chapter)