Autumn 48 BC, Alexandria, Egypt

For ancient Egypt, which had a history of 3,000 years of civilization at this time, Alexandria should be regarded as a new city that was built very recently.

The city was originally built in 332 BC by order of Alexander the Great and later became the capital of the Ptolemaic dynasty of Egypt. It has been less than three centuries since the ground was broken to the present day. Compared with Memphis, which was founded in 3000 B.C., and Thebes, the "City of a Hundred Gates", which was built a little later, Alexandria can only be said to be a newcomer among the many ancient cities of Egypt.

And, unlike the traditional Egyptian cities on the banks of the Nile, Alexandria is a typical Greek seaport city. Its urban area is located at the northwestern end of the Nile Delta, on a narrow isthmus, sandwiched between the vast sea and a vast freshwater lake, Lake Mariotis, with two excellent harbours to the east and west. Moreover, Lake Mariotis not only provides the city with fresh drinking water, but is also connected to the Nile, making it easy to take a boat ride to the upper reaches of the Nile. It can be said that Alexandria is the hub of land and sea transportation for the whole of Egypt.

On the opposite side of the harbour, the flames of the Alexandria Lighthouse on the island of Pharos are kept out all night to guide the ships, and its scale is so spectacular that it is known as one of the "Seven Wonders of Shijie". Pharos was also the maritime gateway to Alexandria and the Zuihou line of defense to defend the port.

Sandwiched between the lake and the sea, the entire city of Alexandria is laid out in a rectangular lattice, with all the streets wide. Two of the streets are unusually wide. More than twenty meters from one side of the ditch to the other is enough to pass several carriages side by side.

The city of Alexandria is divided into five districts, named after the Greek words one to five. The wealthiest nobles (all of whom were of pure Macedonian descent) also owned a variety of ornate manor houses in the suburbs. The Ptolemaic court and government offices were located at the eastern end of the city, with its own royal port, which was the most prosperous part of the city. The world-famous Library and Museum of Alexandria is located in the Royal Palace.

In fact, the entire city of Alexandria is full of towering palaces and temple complexes, all of which are magnificent and lavishly decorated, because almost every Ptolemaic pharaoh who liked the old and hated the old came to power. They had to spend a great deal of effort on the construction of new palaces, and squandered their revenues on the piles of mud bricks and stones. To this day, the area of these palaces and temples. It's already a third of the city.

In this era, Alexandria was the second largest city in all of Shijie after Rome, and at its peak, the city was said to have had a population of more than 700,000 people. It is also the political, economic and cultural center of the Eastern Mediterranean region - but unfortunately rich but not strong.

Generally. Alexandria was a colonial city built by the Greeks on Egyptian soil, and the inhabitants of the city were mainly Greeks, Macedonians, Jews, and some Romans (in fact, it should be said Italians), and the Egyptians who were supposed to be the owners of the land...... According to the laws of the Ptolemaic dynasty, native Egyptians were only allowed to live in the suburbs, not within the walls of Alexandria!

Of course, this extremely impersonal law does not seem to be so strictly enforced, and is generally only directed at ordinary freemen.

So inside Alexandria City. There were still quite a few Egyptian priests, slaves, and artisans who served Macedonian and Greek immigrants.

-- But. One can only imagine the sentiment and loyalty of the Egyptians to such a hierarchical and social dynasty of conquerors, who strictly excluded themselves as natives.

So, to a large extent, the Ptolemaic dynasty was just a Macedonian colonial regime that ruled Alexandria. Its domination over Egypt was, at best, about the same as that of the Indian colonies of the British Empire in the nineteenth century.

――――――――――――――――――――――――

As always, it was another sweltering and sleepy afternoon.

Pharaoh Ptolemy XIII, who ruled the city, was holding a council in his palace.

It is said that it is a royal meeting, but in fact, the young and playful pharaoh himself did not attend - the sultry afternoon always makes people drowsy, so the Pharaoh of Ptolemy XIII, who had drunk and played all night last night, had already been served by the palace ladies to take a nap on the couch because of his lack of energy.

The three powerful ministers who actually controlled the Egyptian court today were Teodorus, the king's teacher, Potinus, the chief eunuch of the court, who held the title of regent, and Achilles, the supreme commander of the Egyptian army.

At the end of last year, it was the three of them who conspired to instigate Pharaoh Ptolemy XIII and Queen Cleopatra against each other, and planned to induce the civil revolt that forced Queen Cleopatra to leave Syria, so that she could seize the power of the entire Egyptian court.

The main topic they were talking about was the latest report of the Roman Civil War, which had just come from the mouths of Greek merchants.

“…… I really didn't expect it! It took Pompey more than a year to search the entire East before assembling a huge army, and in just an hour, he was defeated by Caesar with absolutely inferior forces? I had never heard of such an important battle, and it was only for such a short time. What is the name of this battle? Fasalus? Alas, it seems that Pompey is really old and useless......"

Theodotus, the king's teacher, reached out and stroked his chin, and said with a mocking expression. Dressed in a fluttering scarlet robe, he looked like a feminine sissy old man—no beard, powdered cheeks, rouge lips, heavy makeup, tacky, pungent wine, and always spoke in such a harsh manner that it was annoying to hear it.

“…… So, the war between Caesar and Pompey has already been decided? We will no longer be extorted by the Romans for food and military spending? ”

The palace steward, the eunuch Potinus, asked curiously. He was dressed in purple and wore a gold collar around his neck. A fat young man with curly brown hair on his head, who is also the guardian of the king. If there was anyone in the court who was most loyal to Ptolemy XIII, it would be him.

“…… This one...... I'm afraid it's hard to say. Although Pompey was unfortunately defeated at Pharsalus in Greece. But there are still quite a few supporters in the East. Teodotus drank down the large glass of wine in his hand, "...... If he had enough time, he should also be able to reassemble an army from places like Silesia, Syria, Macedonia and Thrace, and retreat to the next battlefield to continue the battle with Caesar......"

“…… Pompey would not have had such a chance, because Caesar's advance was always as swift as the wind, and Pompey's defenses were weaker than an eggshell...... He was driven all the way from Rome to Greece by Caesar, and this time he didn't know where he was going to flee to! ”

General Achilles, who had been silent, suddenly interjected. expressed his own different point of view. He was a Macedonian general with the same name as the hero of Greek mythology, with a swarthy face and a mouth always tightly pursed. It doesn't look like a purebred Greek or Macedonian, but rather a mix of black blood. Although his eyes are usually squinted, they will reveal a chilling light from time to time.

“…… According to what I heard from a group of fleeing soldiers, the Battle of Pharsalus was a complete rout. It can be said that Pompey's forces simply defeated themselves - Caesar besieged them with only a few spearmen. Pompey's cavalry fell apart. Then he rolled upside down and broke his own camp. Instead of trying to put order in order, the commander Pompey fled the battlefield in a panic, followed by other generals, and the entire army collapsed. The brave soldiers who charged into battle died, and the rest surrendered on the spot or became deserters......

Today, Caesar's armies were marching separately into Silesia, Thrace, Macedonia, and Cyprus, and Pompey did not have enough liliang to defend all these overseas provinces...... If he had the courage to rely on the remnants of the army around him and hold on to an important city. Firmly attracted to Caesar's main legion, then his republican allies may be able to raise troops elsewhere. Restore his strength in order to compete with Caesar again. But if Pompey had completely lost his courage and had only known to flee, then the whole East would easily fall into the hands of Caesar.

What we really need to worry about now is whether Caesar, after defeating Pompey, will come back to Egypt and treat us as desserts...... As for the extortion of military expenses and food, I am afraid that whoever wins will not be able to avoid it. What's worse is that because of the food and military pay we provided to Pompey, Caesar might have charged us with a 'rival' and punished Egypt severely! He lamented not without pessimism.

“…… Ahem, General Achilles, your analysis is very reasonable, but the war between Caesar and Pompey, the two Romans, after all, is still far away, and now the Nile Delta around us is also facing a war......"

Seeing that he seemed to be stealing the limelight, Theodotus, who had always focused on taking advantage of words, quickly changed the subject, "...... The news that Queen Cleopatra is leading her army into the city of Pelusim has been spreading for several days! Pharaoh Bixia is still always clamoring to take the royal conquest and defeat that annoying sister in one fell swoop - General, please tell me the truth, how did you prepare for this war? ”

“…… You and I both know Teodorus that the root of this Egyptian civil war today is not military, but political! The rabble that Queen Cleopatra recruited from Syria is nothing to fear. The real trouble is the large number of her comrades in the government and the opposition, as well as the Egyptian clergy in Memphis, who are capable of starting a major riot in the Nile Delta at any moment! ”

Achilles spread his hands helplessly, "...... Once the approval of the Egyptian priests was lost, the orders of the pharaohs could hardly be issued in the capital, and our Ptolemaic Bixia was only the king of the Macedonians, but he never had the support of the priestly corps of Memphis...... Is it really impossible to reconcile with them? ”

“…… It was necessary to end the apartheid policy that had lasted for more than 200 years, open up the government and the military, and allow the natives of Egypt, especially the temple priests, to join the court...... It is almost equivalent to inheriting the political views of Cleopatra in its entirety. For those of us who expelled the Queen, this is not just a slap in the face to ourselves. At the same time, it has encroached on the interests of all the Macedonian nobles in the country - and their shili is deeply entrenched in the city! Don't forget how Queen Cleopatra was expelled in the first place! ”

When it came to this crucial issue, Theodorus also changed his previous frivolous expression and became serious. “…… These people could have rallied and supported us in ousting the queen and taking power alone; Now, of course, we can be ousted from power with the king, and replaced by a younger, more ignorant Ptolemy on the throne - do you also want to go into exile in Syria to be the companion of Queen Cleopatra? ”

“…… If that is the case, then we must use most of our forces to spy on the Egyptian priesthood in Memphis, and Alexandria must have enough troops to deter the careerists. Zuihou could only draw an army of 4,000 men to the city of Pelusim to meet Cleopatra......"

Achilles lowered his head and thought for a while, and quickly put forward his own battle proposal, "...... Cleopatra also had many supporters in the army. So, to be on the safe side, I'm going to be as careful as possible to select a reliable legion to prevent the crusaders from defecting, and to arrange the defenses of the city. Avoid the Queen's comrades from raising up troops. Then personally lead the troops to the city of Pelusim to deal with the small team around the queen......

But the only thing I need to do is to make sure that there is no sign of rebellion in Memphis, or else I can only use my forces to suppress the rebellion in Memphis, which is much more difficult for the Temple priests to incite the untouchables to rebellion than the exiled Queen Cleopatra. ”

“…… Those bald priests in Memphis do need to be on guard, but the queen's henchmen in the city have long been cleansed by us, and there is no military power left, so there should be no need to use heavy ammunition to suppress it! Teodorus couldn't help but furrow his eyebrows, painted with fancy oil. …… You should bring more people to the city of Pelusim to fight, and bring the garrison of the capital with you! Don't underestimate the enemy! Achilles! ”

“…… Theodorus. I'm talking about careerists not only in the capital, but also on the sea outside the port - after the Battle of Pharsalus, Pompey's army was completely crushed, and some of them surrendered to Caesar, but many soldiers who escaped from the battlefield snatched their ships and went to sea, turned into evil pirates, and are currently burning and plundering all over the Great Green Sea (the ancient Egyptians and Greeks called the Mediterranean, corresponding to the Red Sea), destroying any city with empty defenses, Even Antioch (then the capital of Syria) was almost killed. ”

Achilles sighed and replied, "...... By any measure, Alexandria was a coveted target for these pirates. I don't want to have returned triumphantly from defeating the Queen in the east, only to find that the palace and city have been looted and burned to the ground! ”

“…… Uh, although I don't know much about military ...... Sounds like it takes a lot of time, right, General Achilles? ”

Potinus, the chief eunuch of the court, touched his fat chin and asked with some concern, "...... Queen Cleopatra's army has reached the Nile, and may now have begun to attack the city of Pelusim! If the queen takes advantage of our struggles and succeeds in seizing the city of Pelusim, the overland gateway to the capital, and even continues to advance into the Delta region (the eastern coastal region of the Nile Delta, the hinterland of the Ptolemaic dynasty in Gyeonggi), her supporters at home will see hope and rally accordingly...... Then, for us, the exiled queen is no longer an innocuous little nuisance, but a deadly threat like cobra venom! ”

“…… Unless there is an internal response, it is absolutely impossible for her to capture the city of Pelusim with a very fast speed. ”

General Achilles said confidently, "...... Although the situation in the capital has been unstable for the past year, and the poor people have rioted twice in three days, forcing me to bring back most of the border guards to suppress the riots in the streets, and the garrison of the city of Perusim is very empty, probably only a few hundred men...... But after all, the city of Perusime is the strongest land fortress in our country, and the walls are so high and strong that even the Romans, equipped with a full set of siege equipment, will not be able to take it in half a month. And not to mention the rabble that the queen brought in temporarily......"

However, before the confident General Achilles could finish speaking, he saw a sweaty guard rushing through the door, his face full of panic and fear. I saw him running and shouting at General Achilles, "...... Oh no, General! The city of Perusim has fallen! ”

- Uh, this ...... It seems that he was slapped in the face on the spot!

In this regard, the eunuch Portinus had not said anything, but Teodotus, who had always been bitter and mean, could not help but turn his head and laugh.

Faced with this battle report, which seemed to be a slap in the face, Achilles immediately snorted angrily and scolded the guard, "...... zhanzhu！ Calm me down! What does it look like to be flustered! Okay, let's talk, what the hell happened to Pelusim City? ”

Then, in the next moment, even Achilles himself could no longer remain calm.

“…… It's a miracle! What a miracle! Checkmate! Legend has it throughout the city that Queen Cleopatra was blessed by Anubis, the god of death, and Buster, the god of cats, to summon meteors from the sky with flames! It only took one day to burn the city of Pelusim to ashes! ”

“…… What the?!! (To be continued.) )