Roman Legion OOC Forums

Introduction:
Trade is the life blood of the Roman economy. The fastest way to get goods from the fields to markets in citys and towns is by ship. The more ships that can be placed in one harbor the more goods can be unloaded and sent to market.

Senatus-Consultum:

I) Expand the harbor at Thessalonica, Macedonia Cost 4 million
II) Expand the harbor at Apollonia, Cyrenaica Cost 4 million

Total cost 8 million *2 millions donated by Sillius Ramirus Flavus.
Total cost to the state 6 million

Falvianus stood. "Any proposal that ames at improving the trade flow in the empire. I totally support the notion of an expansion of the harbor of Apollonia. I am also leanig towards supporting the expansion in Thessalonika. however I would like to know what are the advantages in dong so? what is the main trade that comes from that harbor? Who will be benifited by it? And while we are the subject of harbors I would ask from the more knowledgeable senators, about the river Danuvius. How viable is it has fluvial higway? could it be used for example to boost comerce in Moesia?"

Castus stood.

"With regards to the harbor at Apollonia, I am curious to know it's current usage. With the destruction of Cyrene I would have imagined it's strategic and trade importance would have severely diminished. Of course I could perhaps be wrong.

Could someone please explain to this august body the viability of commencing such improvements until the city itself has been reconstructed to a level that can cement the harbor as once again being a trading capital in the east."

Quintus stood, "Although I support the building of infrustructure that promotes trade, I agree with Senator Castus. We should at least wait until the city has been reconstructed, or perhaps we should include the expansion within the proposal for the reconstruction."

Cicero Julianus stood to question the proposal...

"Another fine proposal, but I feel the strategic importance of Apollonia will be diminished with the reconstruction of Cyrene, the strength and wealth of the empire will be in the east and thus the strongest strategic builds should be in the area. Cyrene re-construction will enhance the economy of Apollonia, Salamis and Alexandria directly. Apollonia in my opinion would be best suited to anti-pirate operations as it is strategically situated to protect the Adriatic and Mediterranean, but that is the emperor and his advisors perogative, Senator please consider these points...

1. Is it prudent to expand Apollonia with the reconstruction of Cyrene so maybe consider the type of expansion for Apollonia maybe a military refit is required.

2. The type of expansion that is needed in Thessalonica, perhaps more of a support role, or perhaps the shift from Thessalonica to Byzantium. Byzantium is more than likely to yield and enhance the economy more tha Thessalonica, thus we can use Thessalonica for more strategical means.

3. How are these to be constructed and who will be in overall charge, any and all proposals that demand construction must have a overall person or group who can be made accountable. I will not have any shoddy work happen.

4. What source of labour will you be using and how long do you expect it to take.

Cicero sat looking into the Senate body for answers...

"If you want to build harbors that will function as both trade ports and naval ports, I suggest tasking classis commanders with oversight of the construction and planning. There are architects and engineers who know how these things should be built, but only sailors would understand the practical needs." Senator Titus Arcadius Vitellius said. He continued, "Expanding the port in Appollonia would be excellent, and the rebuilding of Cyrene would only expand the productivity of Appollonia. Cyrene is landlocked, ten miles South of Appollonia with only a meager river as it's access to water."

He paused, knowing well that others knew he had direct knowledge of the situation in Cyrenaica. His father led the first invasion against the Eastern Roman Empire there, orchestrating the massacre of Cyrene himself before being captured by Daratius Antonius Terpus a few short months later. Arcadius smiled. "As for the Danuvius, let me tell you this clearly: YES, the river is navigable all the way into Noricum- and my own ships, and the ships of my family sail it every day. Of course the Dacians have thrown kinks in the control over the river trade we dominate, but the river is open for commerce for hundreds of miles. Selminus is the furthest port inland and handles over a million tonnes of cargo a year. That almost rivals Thessolonika!"

He looked around to a few Senators he knew would support his next comment, Postumus Maximinus a Greek, Justius Tiro the shipping magnate and Marcus Bolarnaeus the marble magnate. He said, "If you really want to make expanding ports worthwhile, the thing to do would make select ports duty free. A free port in any area will attract mutliple times more traffic than any other in the region, and contribute heavily to the economy wherever located."

"If making a port tax free will have such an impact in ttrade, then I would like to recommed that the port of Tomis in Moesia becomes tax fre, once that region is again in our control. For what I have been told that region has a very weak commerce, and I believe that this fact has contributed much to our failure in stabilizing the region since it was first brought into the empire."

Consul Julianus spoke to those who had just spoken...

"Gentlmen this will be taken ito account, I would like the proposing Senator to to review his proposal and re propose it to the Senate taking into account...

1. Suggestions for free ports, with particular attention given to Apollonia, Thessalonica and Cyrene.

2. How long it will take and as stated those comanies who will be accountable for its completion.

Cicero noticing a few heads around the room straining. Cicero was aware he was pushing the Senate hard but the more detailed the proposal the better the result.

"Without meaning to be rude senator..." Castus interjected, "but Apollonia and Cyrene are essentially one and the same. Apollonia IS the port for Cyrene, albeit a moderate distance southwest.

Perhaps if you would clarify your amendments to the proposal, I assume you meant for Apollonia and Thessalonica to be the ports focused upon yes?"

Sav.