Deserter: Prologue | The Odyssey Online
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The Roman Empire was one of the longest, and most influential civilizations in the Western World. While the civilization itself did not add to the advancement of many inventions, it did however, combine all of the traits of the neighboring civilizations. From the Greeks to the Egyptians, Rome was the dominant military force in the Western World. Ever since Romulus and Remus founded the small city located on a hill, it began to expand. Centuries later, the very first emperor of the newly established Roman Empire would arise from a civil war between two generals. The victor, known as Augustus Caesar would lay the foundation for stability in the Empire for the remaining years of his life.

Centuries later, after numerous campaigns that took place in modern day Spain, France, Germany, and Great Britain, another emperor would halt the expansive greed of the Romans. Emperor Publius Aelius Hadrianus Augustus, laid the foundations for the massive barrier separating the territory that the Roman’s governed from the territory the Caledonians controlled. The fortification would stand as a constant reminder of the limited control the Romans held over the “barbarian” tribes to the north of present day Great Britain. It was dubbed Hadrian’s Wall, in honor of the emperor who desired to conserve the amount of lands under Roman control. Built in the center of the island of Britannia, Hadrian's Wall stood as a symbol equal to that of the famous Great Wall of China.

Despite the few attempts to extend the borders of the Roman Empire's influence on Britannia, they have all proven futile. The strength of the Roman legions were decimated during the last attempt by Hadrian's successor Antoine. The wall was constructed in 154 A.D. and was built about 112.2 miles away from Hadrian's Wall. Despite his rapid conquests in the northern portions of Britannia, the legion could not hold the terrain. Due to a combination of the barbarians knowledge of the terrain, the thin supply lines, and overall unfamiliarity with the terrain by the legionaries, Antoine's Wall was abandoned only eight years after it's completion. The legions that were stationed there were sent back to Hadrian's Wall to reinforce the garrison.

Set in the year 400 A.D., the waning influence of the Roman Empire is being exploited by the hands of invading natives of the northern British Isles. Cast into the fray against these “barbarians” is Hadrian Gaius, a half Celtic and half Roman soldier. He is stationed at Hadrian’s Wall with the rank of centurion. His orders are to aid in the defense and preservation of not only the wall, but the towns that lie behind the fortification. As the provinces of the main land of the Roman Empire are being consumed by the combined efforts of the Huns, Visigoths, and other Germanic tribes, the other legions have been recalled to the front lines. Now all that remains of the XX Legion is a few hundred men, most of which are Auxiliaries; not being Roman citizens, but enlisted men who hail from a Roman Province. With the invasion of the neighboring tribes of Caledonians, the might of Hadrian’s Wall is put to the ultimate test in the defense of southern Britannia.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
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