Acragas

The campaign brief

Chaire, son, you have come of age!

I am growing old, but I am also growing wise and resilient rather than growing soft. I know the history of our city and I am aware of the challenges that we currently face. Our great city was founded by Gela and it bravely withstood the Carthaginians in the Battle of Himera centuries ago. Times have changed, and I have only heard tales of our city's greatness. However, our city has always lived in the shadow of Syracuse. Their formidable rulers have continuously kept a close eye on us, sometimes as allies, and sometimes as overlords… Once, our city thrived with hundreds of thousands of people and a strong army. However, Carthage has weakened our city, placing us in dangerous times. Sicily has always been a land of opportunity, with rich lands, controlling trade routes, and attracting numerous settlers. It possesses abundant resources. Many tyrants have risen and many men have died trying to gain control of Sicily. Indeed, many great men have fought for it.

I did not come to rule only to live in Syracuse's shadow, nor did I establish a kingdom to hand it over to Carthage. I am willing to destroy everything before surrendering it to them! The gods have often sent me dreams, and last night I dreamed of a brazen bull in the throne room. It was set ablaze, but I remained unburned. I opened it and found our great ruler Phalaris inside, under whom Akragas once was the strongest city in Sicily. He used to use this bull to execute criminals when he ruled over Akragas. He stared at me, opening his mouth, but no words came out. Then, he disappeared, while the bull remained. The message was clear: the gods allow me to rule, and fire cannot harm me.

I need to be ruthless because we live in ruthless times, and I expect you to be the same. I need a strong chain of command. Follow my orders, and you will be rewarded as my heir. Defy me, and be prepared to pay the ultimate price, my beloved son! We will send thousands of men into battle, relocate entire populations, and, if necessary, exterminate some. Ours is not a time for colonies and trade; it is time for cruelty and war. And if history remembers me as brutal, it will also remember me as victorious!