37.48
After
the new consuls had assumed office a rumour -so Valerius Antias tells us -gained wide currency in Rome to the effect that the two Scipios -Lucius and
Africanus -had been invited to meet Antiochus for the purpose of receiving
back the young Scipio, and that they were arrested, the king's army at once
led against the Roman camp, which was captured, and the entire Roman
force wiped out. It was further stated that the Aetolians gained fresh courage
from this, and refused to carry out the commands laid upon them; their
leaders went to Macedonia, Dardania and Thrace to raise a force of
mercenaries. Valerius goes on to say that it was reported that A. Terentius
Varro and M. Claudius Lepidus were sent by the propraetor A. Cornelius
from Achaia to carry this news to Rome. He supplements this tale by
informing us that on their appearance before the senate the Aetolians were
questioned on this among other matters, and asked from whom they had
heard that the Roman commanders were made prisoners by Antiochus and
their army destroyed, and that they stated in reply that they had been so
informed by their envoys, who were with the consul. I have no other
authority for this story, and whilst in my opinion it lacks confirmation, I have
not passed it over as entirely groundless.