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What types of items were included in Marcellus’ triumphal procession?
When Marcellus returned to the city, the Senate presented him with the tribune with an audience near the Temple of Bellona. Although Marcellus conquered one of the richest and most beautiful cities Syracuse in Sicilia, the Senate disapproved of his arrival because the war had not been ended yet. Marcellus requested the triumphal procession as soon as he arrived in the city, but the Senate declined his request for some reason. In particular, it could not admit the triumphal return of Marcellus from Syracuse because he had not put an end to the war. However, because Marcellus had brought riches from the city, the Senate decided to find a compromise and allowed the warrior an ovation. Livy writes that the tribunes were allowed by the senate to give credit to the people “that for the way on which he entered the City in ovation M. Marcellus should retain his command” (Livy, Book 26, 21, 314). Thus, although Marcellus was recognized by the Romans as the hero who captured the wealthiest city, the Senate could not recognize him as the winner.
What was the Sicilian delegation’s complaint against Marcellus?
While appointing consuls for the Sicilian provinces, Marcellus and his colleague Laevinus were elected and approved by Senate because of their reputation to be brave and fearless warriors. The pretenders were able to take everything under control and suppress the rebellion spirit on Sicily. Although Marcellus was allowed to rule in Sicily, the complaints of the Sicilian delegation changed the matter. In particular, Syracuse representatives accused Marcellus of destruction and panic sown in Sicilia, and, therefore, they rejected his authority. Besides, they have other contenders for this position. In particular, Livy writes, the plebs were overwhelmed with complaints concerning the course of the war because it devastated the land.
Hannibal and his forces attacked, and the exhaustion of the territory was inevitable. However, the new councils also supported the war and military expansions, which were especially disturbing (Book 26, 26, 316). The discontent of the Sicilians was also explained by their reluctance to be ruled by a person who destroyed Syracuse. They did not want to accept the power of the council who was furious and merciless in destroying the Sicilian cities. In this respect, Livy marks, the protest of the people were great and lively discussions were raised regarding the politics of Marcellus. Hostile attitudes toward the military leader were evident (Book 26, 29, 317). The delegation would rather vote for other tyrants and conquerors than for Marcellus who had captured Syracuse by storm.
In his response to the delegation, what reason did Marcellus give for taking Syracuse by storm?
As a consul, a noble warrior, and ruler, Marcellus decided to respond to the accusation in front of the Senate and the delegation. In particular, the consul admitted that Sicilians were enemies who had to be defeated; otherwise, the Romans could suffer from losses. It was his duty to protect Romans and prove the power of his people. At the core of the speech, Marcellus declares, that the siege of the city had not been planned initially because he proposed a peaceful settlement first “…by sending envoys and then by personal interviews with the leaders” (Livy Book 26, 31 318). It was only after these efforts that Marcellus practiced violence against the enemies and found it impossible to conclude peace. Also, because Marcellus did not receive any reply to his envoys, he conquered the city by storm, after great expenses he faced while exerting by sea and land. In the end, Marcellus pointed out that his actions corresponded to the laws of war, and, therefore, each military leader would have done the same in this situation. As a prove, Marcellus stated, “I only did my duty, but it will be a serious matter of republic if by rescinding my acts you make other generals in the future more remiss in doing their duty” (Livy Book 26, 31 318).
Works Cited
Livy. “History of Rome”. Periclean Athen and Augustan Rome, Ed. Jennifer Kendal US: Academic Readers, 2012. 314-321. Print.
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