SM Stirling is a master of descriptions of military slaughters - which is why we re-use the attached cover illustration and indeed have found a clearer image of it.
Romans hit Parthians with extratemporal weapons supplied by time travellers. Sometimes, I summarize such accounts. This time, I just advise blog readers to read or reread this chapter - which I would also have done in any case, of course.
Marcus Aurelius and the time travellers really are aiming at a genuine Pax Romana, not just a brutally imposed pacification, and this does seem to be the only way to do it. I am interested not just in descriptions of exploded equine and human bodies but also in where all this is going. This is a major divergent timeline and potentially a long sf series.
Same basic premise as Poul Anderson's Time Patrol series - that the past can be changed - but a completely different development of it.
Tempora mutantur nos et mutamur in illis.
4 comments:
Kaor, Paul!
I also recall Artorius reflecting that the slaughter of these Parthians might have been avoided but for the threat of those Chinese time travelers intervening. The Empire might have become so much stronger in another two years or so that the King of Kings, Vologases IV, might have resigned himself to surrendering to Rome without a fight. Albeit he would negotiate for generous surrender terms--like having one of his daughters marrying into the Imperial family.
Ad astra! Sean
Ad astra! Sean
Kaor, Paul!
What I wrote made me think it would be politic if a daughter of Vologases IV was betrothed to Marcus Annius Verus, son of Marcus Aurelius. The chance of having a Roman Emperor descended from their old royal line might have reconciled many Parthians to being in the Empire.
Ad astra! Sean
Sean: Interesting thought.
Kaor, Mr. Stirling!
Glad it interested you. I'm sure we can both think of similar/analogous cases from real history.
Also, Parthia was a sophisticated, civilized country--not some barbarian German tribe. Meaning it required more careful handling, such as showing due regard to Parthian sensibilities.
Ad astra! Sean
Post a Comment