Passage of Augustus

The Alps were troublesome for the Romans. Emperor Augustus knew that the peoples who lived there were used to harsh conditions, and that this environment had produced hardy warriors. However, he also knew that the Gaul wasn’t going to remain an ally of Rome if Rome could not defend Gaul’s borders. It was with this knowledge that he sent Aulus Terentius Varro Murena to secure the Great St Bernard Pass in 25 BCE, which led to the slaughter of the Salassi tribe. The extermination of the Alpine tribes was continued in 15 BCE when Augustus’ stepsons, Drusus and Tiberius, defeated forty-five peoples from all around the Alps. By 14 BCE, the Alps were secured, never to be challenged again.

• This passage opening is nestled in an idealistic landscape amongst the alpine mountains. Both teams arrive here to reinforce and consolidate control over the central village.
• The two bases are very close together at the centre of the map. This means attackers and defenders can quickly support each other.
• The Watchtowers cover large areas at either side of the central village. Holding these areas will help control unit movements circling the town.
• Many ridges have forest cover and overlook paths leading to the village. Be wary of ranged and artillery units using this to their advantage.