Age of wonders (Orbis Romanum)

Timeline:  Orbis Romanum

January,10 42CE Alexandria Pliny is already a famous scholar. He visits Hero in Alexandria bringing engineers with him. Hero's aeolipile is demonstrated. Roman engineers do some experiments, one of them sealing to steam vents. The toy explodes, injuring an engineer but demonstrating the power of steam.

January,10 45CE Indus Kujula Kadphises the king of Kusha is defeated in the great battle of Begram at the Indus. The king had intended to invade the Roman terrotiry of Bactria. He is now a prisoner, destined to feature in the next triumph in Rome. There are now 30 Roman legions in India, 60% of available manpower. Roman tactics includes the use of combined forces: footsoldiers, artillery, Persian cataphracts, light cavalry, archers.

January,10 47CE Rome Hero visits Pliny in Rome. He demonstrates his Heromobilium, a cart moving under steam power. It can only move over a flat surface and is incredibly inefficient but it greatly delights Pliny. Roman engineers are called in and the first recorded brainstorming session takes place. The toy has an irresistable attraction for engineers and the discuss improvements.