Chapter 617
Of course, the most lively place was near the center of the Eastern District. The former Grand Arena of Diónia, now the main Arena of Hades. As the venue for the opening ceremony of the Kingdom of Diónia's rugby championship every year, countless people were flocking there from all parts of the inner city.
The official leading the way quickened his pace with Gherni, and with great difficulty, they managed to squeeze their way to the south entrance of the arena. This place was already bustling with noise and excitement. Not only was there a long queue at the entrance, but there was also a famous food street that was filled with people. Not only did people buy food and snacks from various stalls to satisfy their stomachs while watching the game, they also went into the shops to buy small drums and piccolos that could make ear-piercing sounds, as well as statues of their favorite players to cheer them on.
Every stall owner and merchant was haggling with their customers, so much so that their voices were hoarse, but their hearts were filled with joy. They wished that this competition could be held from the beginning of the year to the end of the year, so that they could make a lot of money every day.
A large bronze statue was erected between the entrance of the arena and the food street: Hades, the patron saint of Diónia, Hades. He stretched his left hand forward and his right hand back, holding a rugby ball in his hand and making a throwing gesture. He took a step forward with his left foot and lifted his right foot slightly, his entire body's center of gravity resting between his feet. His black hair was draped over his shoulders, and he looked serious and serious. His robe was tied around his waist, blocking the mystery between his legs. The lines on his robe were clear and did not affect the bulging muscles. The strong muscles all over his body were tense and flexible, showing a sense of movement during the start of a game …
The statue of Hades in the temple was solemn and dignified. Although the statue outside the arena was more than three meters tall and five meters tall with the heavy cornerstone, it was equally majestic. However, it showed a friendly attitude, making the people yearn for it. Not only did it increase the people's love for rugby, but it also made this place one of the places where believers usually worshipped.
On the side of the entrance, there was a row of wooden houses. The image of the goddess of luck, Tino, was painted on the roof of each wooden house. There were also many people gathered here, and there was a lot of noise.
"I'll bet ten drachmas on Turií defeating Kopsa!"
"I say, bro, the Turís team is too strong. Of course they will beat Kopsa. The odds are too low. You can only make two Opor at most with ten Drakmas. It's not worth it. You might as well bet on the second match of the opening ceremony, Udié versus Ujentum. The odds for both sides are higher. You'll earn more if you bet correctly."
"I don't care about winning money. I'm a Turkish. Whether they win or lose, I'll support the Turkish team to win!"
"Hey, hello! I don't know much about the level of rugby in the cities of Mesapi. Can you tell me which team is better, Uzhentum or Udine? "
"You've asked the right person. I know the Mesapi region very well! Let me tell you, Udine used to be the center of the Mesapi City-State Alliance. Now, it's also a big city in that region with a large population. You know Milon, the former General Crotone, who is now a senator of the Senate, won many Greek Games when he was young. In the past, he was the governor of Udine for four years. In addition to suppressing the riots in Udine, he also vigorously promoted rugby and football. Therefore, rugby in Udine was developed earlier in the Mesapi region.
Uzhentum is just a small town by the sea. Because it's closer to Turís, rugby was developed earlier. However, as far as I know, the teams of the two cities have played against each other four times, and Udine won all of them … "
"Then I'll bet five drachmas on Udine defeating Uzhentum!"
…
Gherni, who was passing through the area, felt his eardrums swelling. He rubbed his ears and knew in his heart that the people of Diónia were buying a paper ticket issued by the kingdom called "Tino's Favor". Once the buyer correctly guessed the outcome of the game, he would receive some money as a reward. However, if he guessed wrong, the money he bet would be wasted. This format was actually similar to the dice game played by the Samonians after a banquet (in fact, it was also popular in the Greek city-states).
What made Gherni sigh was that when he first came to the Turís arena to watch the game, this game had just been implemented. At that time, there was only one wooden house, and there were very few buyers. A few years later, looking at the sea of people, perhaps this game had become popular in the cities of Diónia.
Although there was a long queue at the entrance of the arena, Gherni did not stop for a moment. The public official who led him here brought him to another entrance. After passing through the interrogation of the guards, he went directly to the VIP passage. The seats in the arena were divided into sections. After entering from the VIP passage on the south side, he was not far from the rostrum.
He was arranged to sit in an area not far from the rostrum, where some spectators were already seated.
Gherni's seat was closer to the arena. He could clearly see the large area behind the rostrum that was covered by a white curtain when he turned his head to the left. Gherni, who had been here once, knew that it was the place where the king and queen of Diónia and the senators of the Senate watched the game. However, at this time, it was as empty as the arena in front of him.
Just as Gherni was looking around, someone next to him asked curiously, "May I ask where you are from?"
It was an old Greek man with dark skin and several scars on his rough face. He looked simple and honest, but there was a hint of fierceness in his appearance. He looked more like a farmer, but he was wearing an expensive purple Bolton robe.
Gherni did not answer directly. Instead, he asked warily, "And where are you from?"
"I'm from Tyndaris. My name is Seacrops," the man answered frankly.
Gherni knew that the people who were invited to sit in this area were not ordinary people, even if the person in front of him looked ordinary. Unfortunately, Gherni knew little about other areas other than the area around Samonai. He did not hide it, nor did he care if it would make the man feel awkward. He asked directly, "Erm … Where is Tyndaris?"
Seacrops was stunned. However, Gherni's stiff Greek and his appearance that was different from a Greek made him understand. So he said seriously, "Tyndaris is a Greek city-state on the island of Sicily. It's next to Messina and very close to the territory of the Kingdom of Diónia. We, Tyndaris, have a friendly relationship with Dionia. Every year, we are invited by Dionia to participate in this grand and lively celebration! "Seacrops said proudly, as if he was deeply honored.
However, in reality, when Syracuse was defeated, Dionysius was killed, Messina was captured, and the various city-states on the eastern coast of Sicily changed their political systems … When the series of great changes reached Tyndaris, this small city-state that was supported by Dionysius was instantly terrified. They hurriedly formed a large emissary group led by their archons. They brought a large amount of gold and silver and quickly rushed to Turií. They hurriedly expressed their intention to submit and form an alliance with King Deves. Unexpectedly, not only did the King of Devers not speak ill of them, but he also expressed great sympathy for the miserable situation of the Mercenians in Sparta. He even promised in front of everyone that Diónia would not invade Tyndaris.
The people of Tyndaris were instantly overjoyed. This was because the Greeks knew that the King of Diónia was a man of his word. Although Tyndaris failed to form an alliance with Diónia in the end, both sides quickly signed a friendly agreement. Even though the people of Tyndaris later learned of the agreement between Diónia and Carthage regarding the division of power in Sicily, they still held deep gratitude and respect towards Diónia. Moreover, Diónia would send a friendly invitation to Tyndaris every year during an important celebration. How could the people of Tyndaris, a small city that was built not long ago and was very inconspicuous in Sicily, not have a good impression of Diónia, the overlord of the south?
"However, we, Tyndaris, have been invited, and so have the other Greek cities of Sicily. Syracuse, Gela, Camanlina, Agligento, Ecnomus, and even the towns of the Sikere people have been invited. Most of them have sent emissaries to participate in this event." While saying this, Tyndaris paused. He remembered that Syracuse, the largest city in Sicily and the supporter of Tyndaris when the city was built, did not send any emissaries to this year's celebration of Hades (nor did they send any emissaries in the past few years). As a result, the smaller cities around the city did not send any emissaries to Turií. This regretful thought only flashed through his mind for a moment before it was quickly forgotten. Now, Diónia was Tyndaris' biggest support. Syracuse had become a thing of the past.
Tyndaris stretched out his right hand and pointed to the surroundings. "Everyone sitting here is a guest from Sicily. Only you look a little … erm … unfamiliar. That's why I'm asking you out of curiosity."
Tyndaris was being polite. Anyone who saw Gherni's messy hair, bare shoulders, and bare legs without shoes would know that he was a 'barbarian'. Even the Sikere people of Sicily dressed like the Greeks. That was why the people around him were curious, but they did not approach him to ask. Only the people of Tyndaris, who had been oppressed by Sparta in the past, would try their best to befriend any force.
Sicily! When the name was mentioned, Gherni had an impression. After all, the Samonians' situation today was all thanks to Syracuse, and Syracuse used to be the overlord of Sicily. However, after hearing what Tyndaris said, Gherni realized that the hundreds of people around him came from the various cities of Sicily. Only then did he realize that not only did Diónia occupy the vast land in the south, but they also possessed great power in the rumored fertile Sicily. Compared to Diónia, the power of the Abenilum was too insignificant!
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