35.20
In
Rome people spoke of Antiochus as the enemy, but beyond this attitude of
mind they were making no preparations for war. Both the consuls had Italy
assigned to them as their province on the understanding that they were either
to come to a mutual agreement or leave it to the ballot as to which of them
should preside at the elections. The one to whom this duty did not fall was to
be prepared to take the legions wherever they were needed beyond the
shores of Italy. He was empowered to raise two fresh legions as well as
20,000 infantry and 800 cavalry from the Latins and allied States. The two
legions which L. Cornelius had as consul the year before were assigned to
the other consul, together with 15,000 allied infantry and 500 cavalry drawn
from the same army. Q. Minucius retained his command and the army which
he had in Liguria. and was ordered to bring it up to full strength by raising
4000 Roman infantry and 150 cavalry, whilst the allies were to furnish him
with 5000 infantry and 250 cavalry. The duty of taking the legions wherever
the senate thought fit outside Italy fell to Cn. Domitius; L. Quinctius
obtained Gaul as his province and also the conduct of the elections. The
result of the balloting amongst the praetors was as follows: M. Fulvius
Centumanus received the civic and L. Scribonius Libo the alien jurisdiction;
L. Valerius Tappo drew Sicily; Q. Salonius Sarra, Sardinia; M. Baebius
Tamphilus, Hither Spain; A. Atilius Serranus, Further Spain. The two latter,
however, had their commands transferred first by a resolution of the senate
and then by a confirmatory resolution of the plebs; A. Atilius had the fleet
and Macedonia assigned to him, and Baebius was appointed to the command
in Bruttium. Flaminius and Fulvius were left in command in the two Spains.
Baebius received for his operations in Bruttium the two legions which had
previously been quartered in the City and also 15,000 infantry and 500
cavalry to be supplied by the allies. Atilius was ordered to construct 30
quinqueremes, to take from the dockyards any old ships that might be
serviceable and to impress crews. The consuls were required to supply him
with 1000 Roman and 2000 allied infantry. It was stated that these two
praetors with their land and sea armies were to act against Nabis who was
now openly attacking the allies of Rome. The arrival of the commissioners
who had been sent to Antiochus was, however, expected, and the senate
forbade Cn. Domitius to leave the City till they returned.