ancient greece mediterranean ruler

Chapter 709 Sicily’s strategic deployment ([-])

Everyone's heart froze.

"Syracuse is indeed worthy of our vigilance!" Sipulos said solemnly, and the others also changed their expressions: Carthage was already too much for them to bear, plus a not weak Syracuse... …The original agreement with Sparta and Carthage allowed Syracuse to be relatively intact from the failure of the South Italian War, but now it has become a fishbone stuck in the throat of the Sicilian territory of the Kingdom of Dionia .

"As long as Syracuse dares to declare war on us, then destroy it!" Crelu said bitterly.

"That will have to wait until we defeat the Carthaginian army." Leotizides said solemnly: "With our current strength in Sicily, we cannot conduct a full-scale battle against two enemies at the same time!"

Milon stared at the map and asked thoughtfully: "General Proseus...it seems that you have regarded Syracuse as an enemy. If you have to face the coalition forces of Carthage and Syracuse in the future, what will you do? What’s the plan?”

Carthage and Syracuse were feuding, could they form an alliance? !Some people looked surprised.

Leotizides did not pay attention to everyone's expressions, but looked at the map with the same concentration, and then expressed his well-conceived idea: "My plan is... to concentrate most of the soldiers on Lake Garlermo (in the column) north of Ottini and on the southern edge of the plain of Catania), and move Paragoria—"

Leotizides pointed his wooden stick at a small village on the southwestern edge of the Catania Plain, and continued: "The area south of the Catania Plain is mostly continuous mountains with an altitude of 500 meters, with lush trees. It is not easy for large troops to pass, so they can only travel diagonally south from Paragonia to Gela, which is a relatively easy journey.

I decided to transform Paragonia into a strong defensive camp and garrison enough soldiers to prevent the Carthaginian army from breaking into the plains of Catania. "

"General Proseus." Tirias, the chief general of Taunis, interjected worriedly: "If Syracuse forms an alliance with Carthage, the Carthage army will probably pass through Syracuse. City, attack Taunis from the coastline, and then attack Katanai!"

"This is very possible." Leotizides nodded and said: "So I set up the camp north of Leotini, less than 40 miles away from Taunis and Palagoria. Once the enemy's situation is discovered, our reinforcements can arrive within a few hours. At the same time, if the Carthaginians want to cross the mountains and attack Leotini, I can also provide reinforcements nearby."

Leotizides' words reassured Leotini and Taunis' generals.

But Milon was not satisfied. He reminded loudly: "It is impossible to repel the Carthaginian army by defense alone. In the end, big problems are likely to occur!" Milon learned a profound lesson from this, and during the second victory, During the Rotone War, he wanted to use Crimesa to block Dionia's army, but he did not expect that Davos led his army to bypass Crimesa, capture Asprostum, and attack Below the city of Crotone.

"Lord Milon, don't forget the Sikel people." Leotizides drew a circle in the center of the map of Sicily with a wooden stick and said calmly: "The Sikel people live here. In the mountainous area, they are good at harassment and sneak attacks. More than ten years ago, when Dionysius led his army to attack the northern coast of Sicily, the Sikelians were responsible for harassing the Carthaginians' rear, creating a lot of trouble for the Carthaginians. Big trouble. Now that the Sikelians are under our control, we can organize thousands or even tens of thousands of Sikel warriors, divide them into several teams, and lurk in the mountains not far from the coastline to attack Carthage. Harassing the bases and attacking their logistics supplies.

The further the Carthaginians attack eastward, the longer their front will be stretched, and the entire rear will be under attack by the Sikelians. As long as we can hold on to Paragoria and Leon for a longer period of time, Otyni, Taunis, and if the Carthaginians cannot attack for a long time and are constantly attacked in the rear, there will be opportunities in our favor.At that time, it will be the best time for my troops to attack! "

The confidence on Leotizides' face diluted the chief executives' concerns.

However, Milon still persevered and asked: "What if the Carthaginians took the sea route instead of land and landed directly in the big port of Syracuse?"

Obviously, Leotizides had also considered this in advance. He said meaningfully: "This question should be answered by the navy."

Frarios, the naval commander of the third fleet of Dionia in the venue, immediately expressed his position: "My lords, please rest assured that as long as the Carthaginians dare to land at the port of Syracuse or other coasts in eastern Sicily, our fleet will All their soldiers will be sent to the sea to feed the fish! In addition, according to His Majesty's order, while the First Army is heading to Wolsey, the First Fleet led by Lord Sekerian will be ready to go south and fight Our third fleet has converged. In a few days, they will arrive at Catanai. By then, we will have more than 500 large and small warships, and can even force the Carthaginian fleet not to dare to attack the south coast of Sicily. Cruise!”

"Since our navy is so powerful, why not directly prevent the Carthaginian army from landing in Sicily?" Apirosia, the administrator of Sicily, asked expectantly.

Apirosia used to be the chief of a large clan in the city of Udia in the Mesape region. When the Mepu coalition was defeated and the Dionian army was preparing to attack Udia, he was the first to lead the troops to surrender, so he got Davos paid attention to him and eventually entered the Senate.Since Oudiai is not a coastal city, he is not very familiar with naval battles.

"First of all, we have no way of knowing when and when Carthage's army will land in Sicily. It will take at least six or seven hours to sail from Katana to the western end of Sicily. When our fleet arrives, maybe Carthage The landing of people is already over." Flarios patiently explained: "In addition, Carthage's navy is also very powerful. They have at least [-] triremes. According to rumors, they have also built Quintesque warships... Also, rashly go to the western end of Sicily to prevent the Carthaginians from landing, but there is too close to the city of Carthage, and the warships in its port can arrive in time for reinforcements, and our fleet will be in trouble Heavy siege..."

Flarios' words made Apirosia touch her mouth in embarrassment, and also caused several other administrators who had the same idea to stop thinking.

At this time, Cypros interjected: "I think...for these friendly city-states on the south coast, we should not make the relationship so rigid. When they come to ask for help, tell them sincerely about the difficulties we are facing and ask them We sincerely apologize, and can allow them to withdraw the people to our territory when the Carthaginian army is overwhelmed. When their towns are surrounded by the Carthaginians and cannot hold back, we can also send fleets to Rescue the people there..."

Felicius' eyes lit up: "This is a good idea, we can do this! With a retreat, I believe these Greek city-states will not surrender to the Carthaginians easily, and it will buy us more time!"

Leotizides said nothing, obviously acquiescing.

Amicles protested loudly: "You only have your eyes on the south coast. The Carthaginians are very likely to attack from the north coast. Don't forget the lesson of the destruction of the old city of Messina! The current city of Messina There are only a few villains, but they can’t stop the Carthaginian attack!”

"Of course I will not forget the north coast." Leotizides glanced at him proudly and pointed at the map with a wooden stick: "I still remember when Lijim helped the exiles of Katanai and Naxos in Mi Is it the small city built on the Rai Peninsula that was destroyed by the Syracuseans? I have decided to use the discarded stones and wood there to rebuild a small fortress and station thousands of soldiers. Once the Carthaginians send troops Attacking the north coast, this fortress will use the narrow terrain to hold off the Carthaginian army for at least six or seven days, by which time reinforcements will arrive.”

Having said this, he looked at Felicius: "If Sicily's troops are tight, I hope the Ministry of Military Affairs can send the Seventh Army to Messina nearby (the Seventh Army is stationed near Locri)."

"I think there is no problem at all." Felicius immediately promised: "Your Majesty has already discussed with the Ministry of Military Affairs. As long as the war situation requires it, not only the Seventh Army, but also the Sixth Army and the Fifth Army may be Urgent dispatch to Sicily.”

"What about the unified command of these legions?" Leotizides asked again.

"When the army arrives in Sicily, of course it will be under your unified command." Felicius replied without hesitation, obviously having obtained Davos's consent in advance.

Leotizides was satisfied, and he looked at Flarios again: "I think the navy will definitely not allow the Carthaginian fleet to bypass the Millais Peninsula and land near Messina. "

"Of course! The south and north coastlines of Sicily near the east will be under the protection of our warships! They are absolutely safe!" Franios said firmly.

"This puts me at ease!" Amycles breathed a sigh of relief. He is a person who likes stability, so he has been leading the people of Castellon to follow the powerful Dionia. He defeated Syracuse in one fell swoop and occupied most of the land in southern Italy. He was also touched by the initiative of Laos and Trina to merge into the Kingdom of Dionia. He quickly convinced the members of the council and held a civil ceremony. General Assembly, a referendum calling for joining the Kingdom of Dionia.He was able to stay in the privileged position of Chief Executive of Messina for four years. This was a reward from Davos and the Senate for his past contributions.

Calm returned to the venue.

　Thanks to Sniper No. 11, True Lord Qingxuan, and Tiger Fighting 22 tonight for the reward!Your support is my motivation to write! !
　　
　
(End of this chapter)