because all that had to do with the punishment of the Capuans and many other things were done by the decision of Flaccus alone, some relate that Appius Claudius died just before the surrender of Capua.1
further, they say that Taurea himself did not voluntarily come to Cales, and was not slain by his own hand, but that while he was being bound along with the rest to a stake, because what he was shouting could not be heard clearly for the noise, Flaccus ordered silence;
that then Taurea, as has been stated above, said that he, the bravest of men, was being killed by one who was in no way his equal in courage; that after these words the herald by order of the proconsul proclaimed “lictor, give the brave man a beating; on him first the legal penalty!”
some authorities say that the decree of the senate also was read before he beheaded them; but that, because in the decree of the senateit was added that, if he saw fit,2
he should refer the decision to the verdict of the senate, he interpreted it that they allowed him to decide which course he thought more to the interest of the state.
from Cales they returned to Capua, and the surrender of Atella and Calatia was received.
there also punishment was inflicted on the responsible [p. 63]
Thus about seventy prominent senators3
were put to death;4
some three hundred noble Campanians who were put in prison, and others who were distributed among cities of Latin allies to be guarded, met death in different ways. the remaining mass of Campanian citizens were
sold. in regard to the city and its territory discussion continued,5
inasmuch as some thought a city very powerful, near, and unfriendly should be destroyed. but immediate advantage prevailed. for on account of the territory, which was well known to be foremost in Italy in all that the fertile soil produced, the city was preserved, that the tillers of the land might have some
abode. to people the city the multitude of resident aliens and freedmen and petty tradesmen and artisans was retained. the whole territory and the buildings became public property of the Roman
people. but it was decided that Capua, as a nominal city, should merely be a dwelling —place and a centre of population, but should have no political body nor senate nor council of the plebs nor
magistrates. they thought that the multitude, without a public council, without military authority, having nothing in common amongst them, would be incapable of agreement; the Romans would send out every year a prefect to administer
Thus matters concerning Capua were settled according to a plan that was in every respect praiseworthy. stern and prompt was the punishment of the most guilty; the mass of citizens were scattered with no hope of a return; no rage was vented upon innocent buildings and city —walls by burning and
demolition. and [p. 65]
along with profit they sought a reputation among7
the allies as well for clemency, by saving a very important and very rich city, over whose ruins all Campania, all the neighbouring peoples on every side of Campania, would have
mourned. the enemy were forced to acknowledge what power the Romans possessed to exact punishment from faithless allies, and how helpless Hannibal was to defend those whom he had taken under his protection.