29.5
It was
about this time that the ships which had been despatched from Carthage to
Mago appeared off the coast at a place situated between the Ingauni and
Genua. Mago's fleet happened to be anchored there at the time, and as soon
as he learnt the nature of the instructions brought to him and that he was to
gather together as large a force as possible, he at once summoned a council
of the Gallic and Ligurian chieftains, the two nationalities of which the large
population of that country was composed. When they were assembled he
told them that his mission was to restore them to liberty, and as they could
see for themselves reinforcements were being sent to him from home. But it
depended upon them what numbers and strength would be available for the
war. There were two Roman armies in the field, one in Gaul, the other in
Etruria, and he knew as a matter of fact that Spurius Lucretius would unite
his forces with M. Livius. A good many thousands of men must be armed if
they were to offer an effectual resistance to two Roman generals and two
armies. The Gauls assured him that they were perfectly willing to do their
part, but as one Roman camp was on their territory and the other just within
the frontier of Etruria, almost within sight of them, any attempt to assist the
Carthaginians openly would subject their country to an invasion from both
sides. Mago must ask from the Gauls only such assistance as they could
furnish secretly. As for the Ligurians, the Roman camp was a long way from
their cities, they were therefore free to act as they chose, it was right that
they should arm their men and take their fair share in the war. The Ligurians
raised no objection, they only asked for an interval of two months in which
to raise their force. Mago in the meantime after sending the Gauls home
began to hire mercenary troops secretly throughout their country, and
clandestine supplies were sent to him from the different communities. M.
Livius marched his army of volunteer slaves from Etruria into Gaul and after
joining hands with Lucretius made preparations for opposing any movement
which Mago might make in the direction of Rome. If on the other hand the
Carthaginians remained quiet in that corner of the Alps he would also stay
where he was, near Ariminum, to defend Italy.
