'When Pyrrhos crossed into Sicily from Italy in 278BC, the people of Rhegion appealed to Rome for protection, fearing both the Epeirote king and the Carthaginians. In response, the Senate dispatched Decius Iubellius in command of an army 4000 Roman citizens from Campania. The army began to envy the prosperity of the town and finally took control, following the example of a group of Campanian mercenaries who had seized the city of Messana roughly 10 years earlier. Decius and his men expelled and massacred the citizens of Rhegion.
With the fall of Tarentum, retribution became possible...'
Spring, 270BC
With the mercenary force left behind to look after the newly gained Tarentum, my legions went after Decius' forces to regain Rome's name.
Our forces were evenly matched and with my spies having the doors open for us, I decided to head in.
Strangely, the gates were left very poorly guarded. I didnt mind, so I marched my Hastatis in.
Gate was quickly taken under our banner and my troops started to secure the narrow alleyways leading to the citysquare. Principes joined the battle at this point aswell.
I separated my legions and started to slowly make my way around the city to surround it. Both flanks saw attacks by the enemy. Pic 1) east flank, pic 2) west flank.
Attacks in west were quickly taken care of, but the situation in east was growing dangerous with the enemy throwing most of it's troops against two of my Hastati legions.
My attempt to flank the enemy in east was discovered and met with resistance.
With this, I had to cancel my orders to surround the city and detach 2 of my Principe legions from west to aid the troops in east. Pic 1) Principes closing in, pic 2) enemy flanked.
Decius Iubellius slain.
With their commander slain and their morale broken, the battle was soon over.
The capture of Rhegion marked the end of the Italy campaign. Rome was now in control of whole of Italy. Army was disbanded and allowed to return to their homes as Consular Curius Dentatus travelled back to Rome.