Constantine’s first thought was that the Germanic revolt was the 0 Bath
f Glastonbury worst thing that could possibly have happened now, but on its heels came another. It was true that the revolt of the Germanic kings posed a threat to the fertile province south of the Rhine, with its busy and prosperous cities, great villas, farms and factories. But he now commanded a mighty army waiting to embark at Londinium for the return to Gaul and the revolt might also give him the opportunity he needed to achieve a striking victory. Such a victory would not only entrench him as master of his father’s old domain but also rally the army and people behind him, increasing tremendously his bargaining position, should Galerius try to deny him the title of Caesar of Gaul and Britain.
“How far into your country have the Germanic forces penetrated?” he asked Crocus.
Name of Constantius
“The dispatch said they are besieging Augusta Treverorum.” It was the full name of Constantius’ capital in Gaul ordinarily called by the shorter name of Treves.
“Is my father’s family in danger?”
“The city is well fortified and should be in no danger,” Crocus assured him. “But they are pillaging the countryside and telling the people the Roman armies have been defeated in Britain.”
“Where did they cross the Rhine?”
“At Colonia Agrippina. Your father built a bridge there some time ago, so the Germans could sell their products in Gaul. A party of them pretending to be farmers selling produce somehow managed to seize the bridgehead and let a large force cross.”
“What other bridges cross the Rhine?” Constantine asked.
“None of any importance. What do you have in mind?”
“If the Germans crossed at Colonia Agrippina to enter Gaul, they will have to cross there going out, and we will be waiting for them. How many additional levies can you raise on short notice in Gaul, Crocus?”
“Every farmer in my kingdom has horses and all can ride and fight. But we already have enough of an army to drive the renegades back across the Rhine.”
“If we let them cross it.”
Dacius chuckled. “Remember how a youth on foot once catapulted you from the saddle, using only a spear, Crocus? I suspect our Germanic friends are in for much the same sort of a surprise.”
Read More about Embark at Londinium for Gaul
