Chapter 277:

Chapter 277:

The Indian Expedition.

This was a dream-like and glorious achievement for the rulers of the West since Alexander the Great.

No great power or brave general of the West had ever accomplished this feat.

The great empires that followed the Macedonian Empire never even dreamed of reaching India.

Even Alexander the Great, who never knew defeat in his life, had a hard time fighting against the Indian states.

It was well-known among the ancient strategists that the 130,000 troops of Macedonia had a difficult time against the 22,000 army of the Gangaridai Empire.

It was also shocking to learn that there was a huge army of more than ten times that size waiting on the Indian mainland.

Thats why Alexander must have dreamed of seeing the end of the world beyond India.

Alexander died without fulfilling his dream, but his legacy was realized by the hands of Rome.

The impact of Marcuss report on Rome and the East was tremendous, more than the Parthian Expedition.

In fact, it was an exaggeration to say that India was completely subdued unlike in Parthia.

Satavahana only kneeled down to a surprise attack, but still had enough strength left.

Although the hastily gathered defensive forces were annihilated, the main force that attacked the Camba Kingdom was intact.

Moreover, India had a tremendous population that could squeeze out additional troops if needed.

So it was more accurate to say that they achieved a local victory rather than completely subduing India.

But even so, it was an unprecedented feat in the history of the West.

Especially in the East, rather than Rome, the response was more intense.

Perhaps it was because the East had a different impression of India under the influence of Alexander the Great in the past.

Marcuss triumphal ceremony in Ctesiphon was more magnificent and luxurious than ever before.

It was too far to hold a triumph in Rome, and it was a hard journey to go back and forth, so there was no choice.

Of course, since it was customary to hold a triumph in Rome, they did not use the term triumph.

Instead, they decided to hold a thanksgiving festival for 20 days in Rome to commemorate Marcuss victory and a triumphal event in the East.

The place where the triumphal event was held was Marco Polis, a new city being built in the Baghdad area.

It was not yet an environment where people could move and live on a large scale, but at least the framework was established by years of massive construction.

This triumphal event and the launch of the new city were a kind of propaganda that announced a new era.

Its amazing.

Surenas licked his tongue as he looked down at the street where many people were gathered.

I didnt think so many people would come to a city that just took shape. Im glad I told them to prepare enough housing and food in case of any trouble.

I guess more people came than I expected. But its not bad to have such a splendid debut for a city that will be the center of the East in the future.

Marco Polis was a planned city that was perfectly designed from the beginning, unlike the existing metropolises.

In history, Baghdad was a place that could not help but prosper until it entered modern times.Nêww chapters will be fully updated at (n)ov(e)l/bin(.)com

When it was the capital of the Abbasid dynasty, its population reached 2 million.

So they designed it with the idea that the city could grow bigger than Rome from laying roads and arranging streets.

This place will be the center of the world someday. In fact, just because it is named after Marcuss name, people will flock here like clouds.

Is that so?

Of course. The name is always the most important symbol in any era. It means a blessing in itself that a living god made a city after his name. In my opinion, even if you sell residency rights for a lot of money, you wont be able to sell them because there wont be enough supply.

In fact, nobles and merchants living in Antioch or Ctesiphon were waiting for the city to be completed to move their bases.

Its so smooth that Im afraid something might go wrong. Is there anything else I havent heard about?

Personal feelings It could be or it could not be.

Marcuss vague answer deepened Surenass doubt.

Marcus always pursued rationality thoroughly when attacking other countries.

But his attitude towards Han was different.

Of course, he did not ignore rationality.

But it was not only that.

He seemed to have an intention to make the other side angry somehow.

It was obvious from the way he insisted on unreasonable reasons.

The way he wrote letters to the emperor was also very irritating, beating around the bush and scratching softly.

You must know that objectively speaking, although we are much stronger than Han, it is impossible to subjugate them. Its different from Satavahana. There we had control over the nearby waters, so we could send troops and supplies by ship endlessly, but the way to Han is all land.

I know. The supply line will be endless. Even if we invade, the best we can do is attack the westernmost part. Its not worth raising an army for that.

It would be too much of a gamble to push into Han even if the Roman army was strong enough, unless they were nomads like the Huns.

Since they are also like that, Han will not pose any threat to Rome in reality. Thats why I dont understand why you are putting so much effort into weakening Han.

Thats a natural reaction. But if things go well, I might be able to see some results before I d*e or at least by the next generation.

Marcus turned his gaze to the far east and continued.

Alexander the Great thought he would see the end of the world beyond India. But the reality was different. You know by now, right? There are still many countries left even further east than India. Even Han is not the end of the world. There are still many lands that Rome has not reached.

I cant even guess.

Yeah. I havent shown you the whole world map yet. Ill show you the true face of this world later. Then youll be able to see how narrow-minded people have been about this world.

The ambitious triumphal event and the launch of the new city were all successfully carried out.

Marcus returned to his bedroom with a proud heart and was greeted by Cleopatra and Arsinoe.

Well done.

Welcome back. Now we can finally enjoy some quality time with our family.

Seeing the bright smiles of the two women, Marcus suddenly remembered Surenass face that he saw during the day.

He had given him some advice as if he was doing well, but when he thought about it, he was in the same situation.

Uh Its late, but you didnt go to sleep and waited for me?

Of course. How could we fall asleep without waiting for you to return with such a great glory?

No, you can sleep if youre sleepy. Its bad for your health to force yourself to stay awake

Ignoring Marcuss awkward excuses, Arsinoe blew out half of the candles with a puff.

Youd better take a bath first, right? Well serve you.

How can I ask such a thing from the noble pharaohs? Ill wash by myself

Hey, you know were not really trying to serve you.

Ha Hahaha.

Realizing that there was no way out, Marcus gave up everything and headed to the bathroom.

He could have backed off by saying it was hard, but then he could easily predict what kind of words would come from behind.

I wont be able to get out of bed tomorrow. Lets resume work in three days.

He was a sad middle-aged man, Marcus, who felt his back ache already.

End