---
title: "History · Res gestae"
author: "Ammianus Marcellinus"
translator: "John C. Rolfe"
languages: [la, en]
shelf: "Classical Latin"
section: 14 of 52
url: https://scriptura.si/works/ammianus-marcellinus-res-gestae/14/
cite: "Ammianus Marcellinus, tr. John C. Rolfe, History · Res gestae, section 14. Scriptura (scriptura.si), https://scriptura.si/works/ammianus-marcellinus-res-gestae/14/"
---

# History · Res gestae

*Ammianus Marcellinus, tr. John C. Rolfe*

The last great Latin history of Rome, by a Greek soldier: the emperor Julian, the Persian wars and the Goths’ victory at Adrianople in AD 378.

> Latin: ed. John C. Rolfe, from the Perseus Digital Library (canonical-latinLit, stoa0023.stoa001, CC BY-SA 4.0).

> English: John C. Rolfe, from the Perseus Digital Library (stoa0023.stoa001.perseus-eng2). Notes are not included.

> Rows follow the references the two texts share (books, chapters and sections), cut where both reach the end of a sentence.

## 14. Book XVIII · chapters 6–10

Source: https://scriptura.si/works/ammianus-marcellinus-res-gestae/14/ · cite a paragraph as https://scriptura.si/works/ammianus-marcellinus-res-gestae/14/#p-N

[¶0] 6.4. When this plan had been commended and approved by unanimous consent, all turned their attention to such things as must be amassed with speed; and so the preparation of supplies, soldiers, weapons, and other equipment which the coming campaign required, went on all winter long.

> Latin: 6.4. Laudato firmatoque concordi omnium voluntate consilio, conversisque universis ad ea quae erant citius congerenda, commeatus milites arma ceteraque instrumenta, quae poscebat procinctus adventans, perpetua hieme parabantur.

[¶1] 6.5. We meanwhile lingered for a time on this side the Taurus, and then in accordance with our orders were hastening to the regions of Italy and had come to the vicinity of the river Hebrus, which flows down from the mountains of the Odrysae; there we received the emperor’s dispatch, which without offering any excuse ordered us to reb to Mesopotamia without any attendants and take charge of a perilous campaign, after all power had been transferred to another.

> Latin: 6.5. Nos interea paulisper cis Taurum morati, ex imperio ad partes Italiae festinantes, prope flumen venimus Hebrum, ex Odrysarum montibus decurrentem, ibique principis scripta suscepimus, iubentia omni causatione posthabita, reverti Mesopotamiam, sine apparitione ulla expeditionem curaturi periculosam, ad alium omni potestate translata.

[¶2] 6.6. This was devised by the mischievous moulders of the empire with the idea that, if the Persians were baffled and returned to their own country, the glorious deed would be attributed to the ability of the new leader; but if Fortune proved unfavourable, Ursicinus would be accused as a traitor to his country.

> Latin: 6.6. Quod ideo per molestos formatores imperil struebatur, ut si Persae frustra habiti redissent ad sua, ducis novi virtuti facinus adsignaretur egregium; si fortuna sequior ingruisset, Ursicinus reus proditae rei publicae deferretur.

[¶3] 6.7. Accordingly, after careful consideration, and long hesitation, we returned, to find Sabinianus a man full of haughtiness, but of insignificant stature and small and narrow mind, barely able to endure the slight noise of a banquet without shameful apprehension, to say nothing of the din of battle.

> Latin: 6.7. Agitatis itaque rationibus, diu cunctati reversique, fastidii plenum Sabinianum invenimus, hominem mediocris staturae, et parvi angustique animi, vix sine turpi metu sufficientem ad levem convivii, nedum proelii strepitum, perferendum.

[¶4] 6.8. Nevertheless, since scouts, and deserters agreeing with them, most persistently declared that the enemy were pushing all their preparations with hot haste, while the manikin yawned, we hastily marched to Nisibis, to prepare what was useful, lest the Persians, masking their design of a siege, might surprise the city when off its guard.

> Latin: 6.8. Tamen quoniam speculatores apparatus omnes apud hostes fervere, constanti asseveratione perfugis concinentibus, affirmabant, oscitante homunculo, Nisibin propere venimus, utilia paraturi, ne dissimulantes obsidium, Persae civitati supervenirent incautae.

[¶5] 6.9. And while within the walls the things that required haste were being pushed vigorously, smoke and gleaming fires constantly shone from the Tigris on past Castra Maurorum and Sisara and all the neighbouring country as far as the city, in greater number than usual and in a continuous line, clearly showing that the enemy’s bands of plunderers had burst forth and crossed the river.

> Latin: 6.9. Dumque intra muros maturanda perurgerentur, fumus micantesque ignes assidue a Tigride per Castra Maurorum et Sisara et collimitia reliqua, ad usque civitatem continui perlucebant, solito crebriores, erupisse hostium vastatorias manus superato flumine permonstrantes.

[¶6] 6.10. Therefore, for fear that the roads might be blocked, we hastened on at full speed, and when we were within two miles, we saw a fine-looking boy, wearing a neck-chain, a child eight years old (as we guessed) and the son of a man of position (as he said), crying in the middle of the highway; his mother, while she was fleeing, wild with fear of the pursuing enemy, being hampered and agitated had left him alone. While I, at the command of my general, who was filled with pity, set the boy before me on my horse and took him back to the city, the pillagers, after building a rampart around the entire wall, were ranging more widely.

> Latin: 6.10. Qua causa ne occuparentur itinera, celeri cursu praegressi, cum ad secundum lapidem venissemus, liberalis formae puerum torquatum, (ut coniectabamus) octennem, in aggeris medio vidimus heiulantem, ingenui cuiusdam filium (ut aiebat); quem mater dum imminentium hostium terrore percita fugeret, impeditior trepidando reliquerat solum. Hunc dum imperatu ducis miseratione commoti, impositum equo, prae me ferens ad civitatem reduco, circumvallato murorum ambitu praedatores latius vagabantur.

[¶7] 6.11. And because the calamities of a siege alarmed me, I set the boy down within a half-open postern gate and with winged speed hastened breathless to our troop; and I was all but taken prisoner.

> Latin: 6.11. Et quia me obsidionales aerumnae terrebant, intra semiclausam posticam exposito puero, nostrorum agmen agilitate volucri repetebam exanimis, nec multum afuit quin caperer.

[¶8] 6.12. For a tribune called Abdigildus was fleeing with his camp-servant, pursued by a troop of the enemy’s cavalry. And while the master made his escape, they caught the slave and asked him (just as I passed by at full gallop) who had been appointed governor. And when they heard that Ursicinus had entered the city a short time before and was now on his way to Mount Izala, they killed their informant and a great number, got together into one body, followed me with tireless speed.

> Latin: 6.12. Nam cum Abdigildum quendam tribunum, fugientem cum calone ala sequeretur hostilis, lapsoque per fugam domino servum deprehensum, cum ego rapido ictu transirem, interrogassent, quisnam provectus sit iudex, audissentque Ursicinum paulo ante urbem ingressum, montem Izalam petere; occiso indice in unum quaesiti complures nos irrequietis cursibus sectabantur.

[¶9] 6.13. When through the fleetness of my mount I had outstripped them and come to Amudis, a weak fortress, I found our men lying about at their ease, while their horses had been turned out to graze. Extending my arm far forward and gathering up my cloak and waving it on high, I showed by the usual sign that the enemy were near, and joining with them I was hurried along at their pace, although my horse was now growing tired.

> Latin: 6.13. Quos cum iumenti agilitate praegressus, apud Amudin munimentum infirmum, dispersis per pabulum equis, recubantes nostros securius invenissem, porrecto extentius brachio, et summitatibus sagi contortis elatius, adesse hostes signo solito demonstrabam, eisdemque iunctus impetu communi ferebar, equo iam fatiscente.

[¶10] 6.14. We were alarmed, moreover, by the fact that it was full moon at night and by the level stretch of plain, which (in case any pressing emergency surprised us) could offer no hiding-places, since neither trees nor shrubs were to be seen, but nothing except short grass.

> Latin: 6.14. Terrebat autem nos plenilunium noctis, et planities supina camporum, nulla (si occupasset artior casus,) latibula praebere sufficiens, ubi nec arbores nec frutecta nec quicquam praeter herbas humiles visebatur.

[¶11] 6.15. Therefore we devised the plan of placing a lighted lantern on a single pack-animal, binding it fast, so that it should not fall off, and then turning loose the animal that carried the light and letting him go towards the left without a driver, while we made our way to the mountain heights lying on the right, in order that the Persians, supposing that a tallow torch was carried before the general as he went slowly on his way, should take that course rather than any other; and had it not been for this stratagem, we should have been surrounded and captured and come into the power of the enemy.

> Latin: 6.15. Excogitatum est ergo ut ardente superposita lampade, et circumligata ne rueret, iumentum solum quod eam vehebat solutum, sine rectore laevorsus ire permitteretur, cum nos ad montanos excessus dextra positos tenderemus, ut praelucere sebalem facem duci lenius gradienti, Persae credentes, eum tenerent potissimum cursum; quod ni fuisset praevisum, circumventi et capti, sub dicionem venissemus hostilem.

[¶12] 6.16. Saved from this danger, we came to a wooded tract planted with vineyards and fruitbearing orchards, called Meiacarire, so named from its cold springs. There all the inhabitants had decamped, but we found one soldier hiding in a remote spot. He, on being brought before the general, because of fear gave contradictory answers and so fell under suspicion. But influenced by threats made against him, he told the whole truth, saying that he was born at Paris in Gaul and served in a cavalry troop; but in fear of punishment for a fault that he had once committed he had deserted to the Persians. Then, being found to be of upright character, and to have married and reared children, he was sent as a spy to our territories and often brought back trustworthy news. But now he had been sent out by the grandees Tamsapor and Nohodares, who had led the bands of pillagers, and was returning to them, to report what he had learned. After this, having added what he knew about what the enemy were doing, he was put to death.

> Latin: 6.16. Hoc extracti periculo, cum ad nemorosum quendam locum vineis arbustisque pomiferis consitum, Meiacarire nomine venissemus, cui fontes dedere vocabulum gelidi, dilapsis accolis omnibus, solum in remoto secessu latentem invenimus militem, qui oblatus duci et locutus varia prae timore, ideoque suspectus, adigente metu qui intentabatur, pandit rerum integram fidem, docetque quod apud Parisios natus in Galliis, et equestri militans turma, vindictam quondam commissi facinoris timens, ad Persas abierat profugus, exindeque morum probitate spectata, sortita coniuge liberisque susceptis, speculatorem se missum ad nostra, saepe veros nuntios reportasse. At nunc se a Tamsapore et Nohodare optimatibus missum, qui catervas ductaverant praedatorum, ad eos redire quae didicerat perlaturum. Post haec, adiectis quae agi in parte diversa norat, occiditur.

[¶13] 6.17. Then with our anxious cares increasing we went from there as quickly as circumstances allowed to Amida, a city afterwards notorious for the calamities which it suffered. And when our scouts had returned there, we found in the scabbard of a sword a parchment written in cipher, which had been brought to us by order of Procopius, who, as I said before, had previously been sent as an envoy to the Persians with Count Lucillianus. In this, with intentional obscurity, for fear that, if the bearers were taken and the meaning of the message known, most disastrous consequences would follow, he gave the following message:— “Now that the envoys of the Greeks have been sent far away and perhaps are to be killed, that aged king, not content with Hellespontus, will bridge the Granicus and the Rhyndacus and come to invade Asia with many nations.

> Latin: 6.17. Proinde curarum crescente sollicitudine, inde passibus citis Amidam pro temporis copia venimus, civitatem postea secutis cladibus inclutam. Quo reversis exploratoribus nostris, in vaginae internis notarum figuris membranam repperimus scriptam, a Procopio ad nos perferri mandatam, quem legatum ad Persas antea missum cum comite Lucilliano praedixi, haec consulto obscurius indicantem, ne captis baiulis, sensuque intellecto scriptorum, excitaretur materia funestissima.

[¶14] 6.18. He is naturally passionate and very cruel, and he has as an instigator and abetter the successor of the former Roman emperor Hadrian; unless Greece takes heed, it is all over with her and her dirge chanted.”

> Latin: 6.18. “Amendatis procul Graiorum legatis, forsitan et necandis, rex ille longaevus non contentus Hellesponto, iunctis Grenici et Rhyndaci pontibus, Asiam cum numerosis populis pervasurus adveniet, suopte ingenio irritabilis et asperrimus, auctore et incensore Hadriani quondam Romani Principis successore; actum et conclamatum est, ni caverit Graecia.”

[¶15] 6.19. This writing meant that the king of the Persians had crossed the rivers Anzaba and Tigris, and, urged on by Antoninus, aspired to the rule of the entire Orient. When it had been read, with the greatest difficulty because of its excessive ambiguity, a sagacious plan was formed.

> Latin: 6.19. Qui textus significabat Persarum regem transitis fluminibus Anzaba et Tigride, Antonino hortante, dominium Orientis affectare totius. His ob perplexitatem nimiam aegerrime lectis, consilium suscipitur prudens.

[¶16] 6.20. There was at that time in Corduene, which was subject to the Persian power, a satrap called Jovinianus on Roman soil, a youth who had secret sympathy with us for the reason that, having been detained in Syria as a hostage and allured by the charm of liberal studies, he felt a burning desire to return to our country.

> Latin: 6.20. Erat eo tempore satrapa Corduenae, quae obtemperabat potestati Persarum, Iovinianus nomine appellatus in solo Romano, adulescens nobiscum occulte sentiens ea gratia, quod obsidatus sorte in Syriis detentus, et dulcedine liberalium studiorum illectus, remeare ad nostra ardenti desiderio gestiebat.

[¶17] 6.21. To him I was sent with a centurion of tried loyalty, for the purpose of getting better informed of what was going on; and I reached him over pathless mountains and through steep defiles. After he had seen and recognized me, and received me cordially, I confided to him alone the reason for my presence. Thereupon with one silent attendant who knew the country he sent me to some lofty cliffs a long distance from there, from which, unless one’s eyesight was impaired, even the smallest object was visible at a distance of fifty miles.

> Latin: 6.21. Ad hunc missus ego cum centurione quodam fidissimo, exploratius noscendi gratia quae gerebantur, per avios montes angustiasque praecipites veni. Visusque et agnitus, comiterque susceptus, causam praesentiae meae uni illi confessus, adiuncto taciturno aliquo locorum perito, mittor ad praecelsas rupes exinde longe distantes, unde nisi oculorum deficeret acies, ad quinquagesimum usque lapidem, quodvis etiam minutissimum apparebat.

[¶18] 6.22. There we stayed for two full days, and at dawn of the third day we saw below us the whole circuit of the lands (which we call ὁρίζοντες ) filled with innumerable troops with the king leading the way, glittering in splendid attire. Close by him on the left went Grumbates, king of the Chionitae, a man of moderate strength, it is true, and with shrivelled limbs, but of a certain greatness of mind and distinguished by the glory of many victories. On the right was the king of the Albani, of equal rank, high in honour. After them came various leaders, prominent in reputation and rank, followed by a multitude of every degree, chosen from the flower of the neighbouring nations and taught to endure hardship by long continued training.

> Latin: 6.22. Ibi morati integrum biduum, cum sol tertius affulsisset, cernebamus terrarum omnes ambitus subiectos, quos ὁριζοντας appellamus, agminibus oppletos innumeris, et antegressum regem vestis claritudine rutilantem. Quem iuxta laevus incedebat Grumbates, Chionitarum rex nervositate quidem media rugosisque membris, sed mente quadam grandifica, multisque victoriarum insignibus nobilis; dextra rex Albanorum, pari loco atque honore sublimis; post duces varii, auctoritate et potestatibus eminentes, quos ordinum omnium multitudo sequebatur, ex vicinarum gentium roboribus lecta, ad tolerandam rerum asperitatem diuturnis casibus erudita.

[¶19] 6.23. How long, storied Greece, will you continue to tell us of Doriscus, the city of Thrace, and of the armies drawn up in troops within enclosures and numbered? For I am too cautious, or (to speak more truly) too timid, to exaggerate anything beyond what is proven by trustworthy and sure evidence.

> Latin: 6.23. Quo usque nobis Doriscum Thraciae oppidum, et agminatim intra consaepta exercitus, recensitos Graecia fabulosa narrabis? cum nos cauti vel (ut verius dixerim) timidi, nihil exaggeremus, praeter ea quae fidei testimonia neque incerta monstrarunt.

[¶20] 7.1. After the kings had passed by Nineveh, a great city of Adiabene, and after sacrificing victims in the middle of the bridge over the Anzaba and finding the omens favourable, had crossed full of joy, I judged that all the rest of the throng could hardly enter in three days; so I quickly returned to the satrap and rested, entertained with hospitable attentions.

> Latin: 7.1. Postquam reges Nineve Adiabenae ingenti civitate transmissa, in medio pontis Anzabae hostiis caesis, extisque prosperantibus, transiere laetissimi, coniectantes nos residuam plebem omnem aegre penetrare post triduum posse, citius exinde ad satrapen reversi quievimus, hospitalibus officiis recreati.

[¶21] 7.2. Then I returned, again passing through deserted and solitary places, more quickly than could be expected, led as I was by the great consolation of necessity, and cheered the spirits of those who were troubled because they were informed that the kings, without any detour, had crossed on a single bridge of boats.

> Latin: 7.2. Unde per loca itidem deserta et sola, magno necessitatis ducente solacio, celerius quam potuit sperari reversi, confirmavimus animos haesitantium, unum e navalibus pontem transisse reges absque ulla circumitione perdoctos.

[¶22] 7.3. Therefore at once swift horsemen were sent to Cassianus, commander in Mesopotamia, and to Euphronius, then governor of the province, to compel the peasants with their households and all their flocks to move to safer quarters, directing also that the city of Carrhae should quickly be abandoned, since the town was surrounded only by weak fortifications; and in addition that all the plains be set on fire, to prevent the enemy from getting fodder.

> Latin: 7.3. Extemplo igitur equites citi mittuntur ad Cassianum, Mesopotamiae ducem, rectoremque provinciae tune Euphronium, compulsuri agrestes cum familiis et pecoribus universis ad tutiora transire, et agiliter deseri Carras, oppidum invalidis circumdatum muris; super his campos omnes incendi, ne pabulorum suppeteret copia.

[¶23] 7.4. These orders were executed without delay, and when the fires had been kindled, the mighty violence of that raging element consumed all the grain, which was filled out on the now yellowing stalk, and every kind of growing plant, so utterly that from the very banks of the Tigris all the way to the Euphrates not a green thing was to be seen. At that time many wild beasts were burned up, especially lions, which are excessively savage in those regions and usually perish or are gradually blinded in the following manner.

> Latin: 7.4. Et imperatis sine mora completis, iniecto igni furentis elementi vis maxima, frumenta omnia cum iam stipula flaventi turgerent, herbasque pubentes ita contorruit, ut ad usque Euphraten, ab ipsis marginibus Tigridis, nihil viride cerneretur. Tune exustae sunt ferae complures, maximeque leones, per ea loca saevientes immaniter, consumi vel caecari sueti paulatim hoc modo.

[¶24] 7.5. Amid the reed-beds and thickets of the Mesopotamian rivers lions range in countless numbers; and during the moderate winter, which is there very mild, they are always harmless. But when the sun’s rays have brought the season of burning heat, in regions parched by drought they are tormented both by the sultry breath of the sun and by crowds of gnats, swarms of which fill all parts of that land. And since these same insects make for the eyes, as the moist and shining parts of the body, and settling along the eyelids bite them, those same lions, after suffering long torture, either plunge into the rivers, to which they flee for protection, and are drowned, or after losing their eyes, which they dig out by constantly scratching them with their claws, become frightfully savage. And were it not for this, the entire Orient would be overrun by such beasts.

> Latin: 7.5. Inter harundineta Mesopotamiae fluminum et frutecta, leones vagantur innumeri, clementia hiemis ibi mollissimae semper innocui. At ubi solis radiis exarserit tempus, in regionibus aestu ambustis, vapore sideris et magnitudine culicum agitantur, quorum examinibus per eas terras referta sunt omnia. Et quoniam oculos, quasi umida et lucentia membra, eaedem appetunt volucres, palpebrarum libramentis mordicus insidentes, idem leones, cruciati diutius, aut fluminibus mersi sorbentur, ad quae remedii causa confugiunt, aut amissis oculis, quos unguibus crebro lacerantes effodiunt, immanius efferascunt; quod ni fieret, universus oriens huius modi bestiis abundaret.

[¶25] 7.6. While the plains were burning (as was said), tribunes were sent with the guard and fortified the nearer bank of the Euphrates with towers, sharp stakes, and every kind of defence, planting hurling-engines in suitable places, where the river was not full of eddies.

> Latin: 7.6. Dum campi cremantur (ut dictum est) tribuni cum protectoribus missi, citerioris ripae Euphratis castellis et praeacutis sudibus omnique praesidiorum genere communibant, tormenta, qua parum erat voraginosum, locis opportunis aptantes.

[¶26] 7.7. While these preparations were being hastened, Sabinianus, that splendid choice of a leader in a deadly war, when every moment should have been seized to avert the common dangers, amid the tombs of Edessa, as if he had nothing to fear when he had made his peace with the dead, and acting with the wantonness of a life free from care, in complete inaction was being entertained by his soldiers with a pyrrhic dance, in which music accompanied the gestures of the performers— conduct ominous both in itself and in its occasion, since we learn that these and similar things that are ill-omened in word and deed ought to be avoided by every good man as time goes on as foreboding coming troubles.

> Latin: 7.7. Dum haec celerantur, Sabinianus inter rapienda momenta periculorum communium lectissimus moderator belli internecivi, per Edessena sepulchra, quasi fundata cum mortuis pace, nihil formidans, more vitae remissioris fluxius agens, militari pyrrice sonantibus modulis pro histrionicis gestibus, in silentio summo delectabatur, ominoso sane et incepto et loco, cum haec et huius modi factu dictuque tristia, futuros praenuntiantia motus, vitare optimum quemque debere saeculi progressione discamus.

[¶27] 7.8. Meanwhile the kings passed by Nisibis as an unimportant halting place, and since fires were spreading because of the variety of dry fuel, to avoid a scarcity of fodder were marching through the grassy valleys at the foot of the mountains.

> Latin: 7.8. Interea reges, Nisibi pro statione vili transmissa, incendiis arida nutrimentorum varietate crescentibus, fugitantes inopiam pabuli, sub montium pedibus per valles gramineas incedebant.

[¶28] 7.9. And now they had come to a hamlet called Bebase, from which as far as the town of Constantina, which is a hundred miles distant, everything is parched by constant drought except for a little water to be found in wells. There they hesitated for a long time what to do, and finally were planning to cross, being confident of the hardiness of their men, when they learned from a faithful scout that the Euphrates was swollen by the melted snows and overflowing in wide pools, and hence could not be forded anywhere.

> Latin: 7.9. Cumque Bebasen villam venissent, unde ad Constantinam usque oppidum, quod centesimo lapide disparatur, arescunt omnia siti perpetua, nisi quod in puteis aqua reperitur exilis, quid agerent diu cunctati, iamque suorum duritiae fiducia transituri, exploratore fido docente, cognoscunt Euphratem, nivibus tabefactis inflatum, late fusis gurgitibus evagari, ideoque vado nequaquam posse transiri.

[¶29] 7.10. Therefore, being unexpectedly disappointed in the hope that they had conceived, they turned to embrace whatever the chance of fortune should offer; and on holding a council, with reference to the sudden urgent difficulties of their present situation, Antoninus, on being bidden to say what he thought, began by advising that they should turn their march to the right, in order to make a long detour through regions abounding in all sorts of supplies, and still untouched by the Romans in the belief that the enemy would march straight ahead, and that they should go under his guidance to the two garrison camps of Barzalo and Claudias: for there the river was shallow and narrow near its source, and as yet increased by no tributaries, and hence was fordable and easy to cross.

> Latin: 7.10. Convertuntur ergo ad ea quae amplectenda fortuita daret occasio, spe concepta praeter opinionem exclusi, ac proposito pro abrupto rerum praesentium statu urgenti consilio, Antoninus dicere quid sentiat iussus, orditur, flecti iter suadens in dexterum latus, ut per longiorem circumitum, omnium rerum usu regionum feracium, et consideratione ea qua rectus pergeret hostis, adhuc intactarum, castra duo praesidiaria Barzalo et Claudias peterentur, sese ductante, ubi tenuis fluvius prope originem et angustus, nullisque adhuc aquis advenis adolescens, facile penetrari poterit ut vadosus.

[¶30] 7.11. When this proposition had been heard and its author commended and bidden to lead them by the way that he knew, the whole army changed its intended line of march and followed its guide.

> Latin: 7.11. His auditis laudatoque suasore, et iusso ducere qua norat, agmina cuncta, ab institute itinere conversa, praevium sequebantur.

[¶31] 8.1. When this was known through trustworthy scouts, we planned to hasten to Samosata, in order to cross the river from there and break down the bridges at Zeugma and Capersana, and so (if fortune should aid us at all) repel the enemy’s attacks.

> Latin: 8.1. Quo certis speculationibus cognito, nos disposuimus properare Samosatam, ut superato exinde flumine, pontiumque apud Zeugma et Capersana iuncturis abscisis, hostiles impetus (si iuvisset fors ulla,) repelleremus.

[¶32] 8.2. But there befell a terrible disgrace, which deserves to be buried in utter silence. For about seven hundred horsemen, belonging to two squadrons who had recently been sent to the aid of Mesopotamia from Illyricum, a spiritless and cowardly lot, were keeping guard in those parts. And dreading a night attack, they withdrew to a distance from the public roads at evening, when all the paths ought to be better guarded.

> Latin: 8.2. Sed contigit atrox et silentio omni dedecus obruendum. Namque duarum turmarum equites circiter septingenti, ad subsidium Mesopotamiae recens ex Illyrico missi, enerves et timidi, praesidium per eos tractus agentes, nocturnasque paventes insidias, ab aggeribus publicis vesperi, quando custodiri magis omnes tramites conveniret, longius discedebant.

[¶33] 8.3. This was observed by the Persians, and about twenty thousand of them, under the command of Tamsapor and Nohodares, passed by the horsemen unobserved, while these were overcome with wine and sleep, and hid themselves with arms behind some high mounds near Amida.

> Latin: 8.3. Hocque observato, eos vino oppresses et somno, viginti milia fere Persarum, Tamsapore et Nohodare ductantibus, nullo prospiciente transgressa, post tumulos celsos vicinos Amidae, occultabantur armata.

[¶34] 8.4. And presently, when we were on the point of going to Samosata (as has been said) and were on our way while it was still twilight, from a high point our eyes caught the gleam of shining arms, and an excited cry was raised that the enemy were upon us; then the usual signal for summoning to battle was given and we halted in close order, thinking it prudent neither to take flight when our pursuers were already in sight, nor yet (through fear of certain death) to engage with a foe far superior in cavalry and in numbers.

> Latin: 8.4. Moxque (ut dictum est) cum abituri Samosatam luce etiam tum dubia pergeremus, ab alta quadam specula radiantium armorum splendore perstricti, hostisque adesse excitatius clamitantes, signo dato quod ad proelium solet hortari, restitimus conglobati, nec fugam capessere, cum essent iam in contuitu qui sectarentur, nec congredi cum hoste equitatu et numero praevalente, metu indubitatae mortis cautum existimantes.

[¶35] 8.5. Finally, after it became absolutely necessary to resort to arms, while we were hesitating as to what ought to be done, some of our men ran forward rashly and were killed. And as both sides pressed forward, Antoninus, who was ostentatiously leading the troops, was recognised by Ursicinus and rated with chiding language; and after being called traitor and criminal, Antoninus took off the tiara which he wore on his head as a token of high honour, sprang from his horse, and bending his body so that he almost touched the ground with his face, he saluted Ursicinus, calling him patron and lord, clasping his hands together behind his back, which among the Assyrians is a gesture of supplication.

> Latin: 8.5. Denique ex ultima necessitate manibus iam conserendis, cum quid agi oporteat cunctaremur, occiduntur quidam nostrorum, temere procursantes, et urgente utraque parte, Antoninus ambitiosius praegrediens agmen, ab Ursicino agnitus, et obiurgatorio sonu vocis increpitus, proditorque et nefarius appellatus, sublata tiara, quam capiti summi ferebat honoris insigne, desiluit equo, curvatisque membris, humum vultu paene contingens, salutavit patronum appellans et dominum, manus post terga conectens, quod apud Assyrios supplicis indicat formam.

[¶36] 8.6. Then, “Pardon me,” said he, “most illustrious Count, since it is from necessity and not voluntarily that I have descended to this conduct, which I know to be infamous. It was unjust duns, as you know, that drove me mad, whose avarice not even your lofty station, which tried to protect my wretchedness, could check.” As he said these words he withdrew from sight, not turning about, but respectfully walking backwards until he disappeared, and presenting his breast.

> Latin: 8.6. Et “Ignosce mihi” inquit “amplissime comes, necessitate non voluntate ad haec quae novi scelesta, prolapso; egere me praecipitem iniqui flagitatores, ut nosti, quorum avaritiae ne tua quidem excelsa illa fortuna, propugnans miseriis meis, potuit refragari.” Simul haec dicens, e medio prospectu abscessit, non aversus, sed dum evanesceret, verecunde retrogradiens et pectus ostentans.

[¶37] 8.7. While all this took place in the course of half an hour, our soldiers in the rear, who occupied the higher part of the hill, cry out that another force, of heavy-armed cavalry, was to be seen behind the others, and that they were approaching with all possible speed.

> Latin: 8.7. Quae dum in curriculo semihorae aguntur, postsignani nostri, qui tenebant editiora collis exclamant, aliam cataphractorum multitudinem equitum pone visam, celeritate quam maxima propinquare.

[¶38] 8.8. And, as is usual in times of trouble, we were in doubt whom we should, or could, resist, and pushed onward by the weight of the vast throng, we all scattered here and there, wherever each saw the nearest way of escape; and while every one was trying to save himself from the great danger, we were mingled in scattered groups with the enemy’s skirmishers.

> Latin: 8.8. Atque ut in rebus solent afflictis, ambigentes cuinam deberet aut posset occurri, trudente pondere plebis immensae, passim qua cuique proximum videbatur, diffundimur universi, dumque se quisque expedire discrimine magno conatur, sparsim disiecti hosti concursatori miscemur.

[¶39] 8.9. And so, now scorning any desire for life and fighting manfully, we were driven to the banks of the Tigris, which were high and steep. From these some hurled themselves headlong, but entangled by their weapons stuck fast in the shoals of the river; others were dragged down in the eddying pools and swallowed up; some engaged the enemy and fought with varying success; others, terrified by the dense array of hostile ranks, sought to reach the nearest elevations of Mount Taurus.

> Latin: 8.9. Itaque spreta iam vivendi cupiditate, fortiter decernentes, ad ripas pellimur Tigridis, alte excisas. Unde quidam praecipites pulsi, implicantibus armis, haeserunt, ubi vadosus est amnis, alii lacunarum hausti vertigine, vorabantur, non nulli cum hoste congressi, vario eventu certabant, quidam cuneorum densitate perterriti, petebant proximos Tauri montis excessus.

[¶40] 8.10. Among these the commander himself was recognised and surrounded by a horde of warriors, but he was saved by the speed of his horse and got away, in company with Aiadalthes, a tribune, and a single groom.

> Latin: 8.10. Inter quos dux ipse agnitus pugnatorumque mole circumdatus, cum Aiadalthe tribuno, caloneque uno, equi celeritate ereptus, abscessit.

[¶41] 8.11. I myself, having taken a direction apart from that of my comrades, was looking around to see what to do, when Verennianus, one of the guard, came up with an arrow in his thigh; and while at the earnest request of my colleague I was trying to pull it out, finding myself surrounded on all sides by the foremost Persians, I moved ahead at breathless speed and aimed for the city, which from the point where we were attacked lay high up and could be approached only by a single very narrow ascent; and this was made still narrower by mills which had been built on the cliffs for the purpose of making the paths.

> Latin: 8.11. Mihi dum avius ab itinere comitum quid agerem circumspicio, Verennianus domesticus protector occurrit, femur sagitta confixus, quam dum avellere obtestante collega conarer, cinctus undique antecedentibus Persis, civitatem petebam, anhelo cursu rependo, ex eo latere quo incessebamur in arduo sitam, unoque ascensu perangusto meabilem, quem scissis collibus molinae, ad calles aptandas aedificatae, densius constringebant.

[¶42] 8.12. Here, mingled with the Persians, who were rushing to the higher ground with the same effort as ourselves, we remained motionless until sunrise of the next day, so crowded together that the bodies of the slain, held upright by the throng, could nowhere find room to fall, and that in front of me a soldier with his head cut in two, and split into equal halves by a powerful sword stroke, was so pressed on all sides that he stood erect like a stump.

> Latin: 8.12. Hic mixti cum Persis, eodem ictu procurrentibus ad superiora nobiscum, ad usque ortum alterius solis immobiles stetimus, ita conferti, ut caesorum cadavera multitudine fulta, reperire ruendi spatium nusquam possent, utque miles ante me quidam, discriminate capite, quod in aequas partes ictus gladii fiderat validissimus, in stipitis modum undique coartatus haereret.

[¶43] 8.13. And although showers of weapons from all kinds of artillery flew from the battlements, nevertheless the nearness of the walls saved us from that danger, and when I at last entered the city by a postern gate I found it crowded, since a throng of both sexes had flocked to it from the neighbouring countryside. For, as it chanced, it was at that very time that the annual fair was held in the suburbs, and there was a throng of country folk in addition to the foreign traders.

> Latin: 8.13. Et licet multiplicia tela, per tormentorum omnia genera, volarent e propugnaculis, hoc tamen periculo murorum nos propinquitas eximebat, tandemque per posticam civitatem ingressus, refertam inveni, confluente ex finitimis virili et muliebri secus. Nam et casu illis ipsis diebus, in suburbanis peregrina commercia, circumacto anno solita celebrari, multitude convenarum augebat agrestium.

[¶44] 8.14. Meanwhile there was a confusion of varied cries, some bewailing their lost kindred, others wounded to the death, many calling upon loved ones from whom they were separated and could not see because of the press.

> Latin: 8.14. Interea sonitu vario cuncta miscentur, partim amissos gementibus, aliis cum exitio sauciis, multis caritates diversas, quas prae angustiis videre non poterant, invocantibus.

[¶45] 9.1. This city was once very small, but Constantius, when he was still a Caesar, in order that the neighbours might have a secure place of refuge, at the same time that he built another city called Antoninupolis, surrounded Amida with strong walls and towers; and by establishing there an armoury of mural artillery, he made it a terror to the enemy and wished it to be called after his own name.

> Latin: 9.1. Hanc civitatem olim perquam brevem, Caesar etiam tum Constantius, ut accolae suffugium possint habere tutissimum, eo tempore quo Antoninupolim oppidum aliud struxit, turribus circumdedit amplis et moenibus, locatoque ibi conditorio muralium tormentorum, fecit hostibus formidatam, suoque nomine voluit appellari.

[¶46] 9.2. Now, on the south side it is washed by the winding course of the Tigris, which rises near-by; where it faces the blasts of Eurus it looks down on Mesopotamia’s plains; where it is exposed to the north wind it is close to the river Nymphaeus and lies under the shadow of the peaks of Taurus, which separate the peoples beyond the Tigris from Armenia; opposite the breath of Zephyrus it borders on Gumathena, a region rich alike in fertility and in tillage, in which is the village called Abarne, famed for its warm baths of healing waters. Moreover, in the very heart of Amida, at the foot of the citadel, a bountiful spring gushes forth, drinkable indeed, but sometimes malodorous from hot vapours.

> Latin: 9.2. Et a latere quidem australi, geniculato Tigridis meatu subluitur, propius emergentis; qua Euri opponitur flatibus, Mesopotamiae plana despectat; unde aquiloni obnoxia est, Nymphaeo amni vicina, verticibus Taurinis umbratur, gentes Transtigritanas dirimentibus et Armeniam; spiranti zephyro contraversa Gumathenam contingit, regionem ubere et cultu iuxta fecundam, in qua vicus est Abarne nomine, sospitalium aquarum lavacris calentibus notus. In ipso autem Amidae meditullio sub arce fons dives exundat, potabilis quidem, sed vaporatis aestibus non numquam faetens.

[¶47] 9.3. Of this town the regular garrison was formed by the Fifth Legion, Parthica, along with a force of no mean size of natives. But at that time six additional legions, having outstripped the advancing horde of Persians by rapid marches, were drawn up upon its very strong walls. These were the soldiers of Magnentius and Decentius, whom, after finishing the campaigns of the civil wars, the emperor had forced, as being untrustworthy and turbulent, to come to the Orient, where none but foreign wars are to be feared; also the soldiers of the Thirtieth, and the Tenth, also called Fortenses, and the Superventores and Praeventores with Aelianus, who was then a count; these troops, when still raw recruits, at the urging of the same Aelianus, then one of the guard, had made a sally from Singara (as I have said ) and slain great numbers of the Persians while they were buried in sleep.

> Latin: 9.3. Cuius oppidi praesidio erat semper Quinta Parthica legio destinata, cum indigenarum turma non contemnenda. Sed tunc ingruentem Persarum multitudinem sex legiones, raptim percursis itineribus antegressae, muris adstitere firmissimis, Magnentiaci et Decentiaci, quos post consummatos civiles procinctus, ut fallaces et turbidos, ad Orientem venire compulit imperator, ubi nihil praeter bella timetur externa, et Tricensimani Decimanique, Fortenses et Superventores atque Praeventores, cum Aeliano iam comite, quos tirones tum etiam novellos, hortante memorato adhuc protectore, erupisse a Singara, Persasque fusos in somnum retulimus trucidasse complures.

[¶48] 9.4. There were also in the town the greater part of the comites sagittarii (household archers), that is to say, a squadron of horsemen so-named, in which all the freeborn foreigners serve who are conspicuous above the rest for their prowess in arms and their bodily strength.

> Latin: 9.4. Aderat comitum quoque sagittariorum pars maior, equestris videlicet turmae ita cognominatae, ubi merent omnes ingenui barbari, armorum viriumque firmitudine inter alios eminentes.

[¶49] 10.1. While the storm of the first attack was thus busied with unlooked-for undertakings, the king with his own people and the nations that he was leading turned his march to the right from the place called Bebase, as Antoninus had recommended, through Horre and Meiacarire and Charcha, as if he would pass by Amida; but when he had come near two fortresses of the Romans, of which one is called Reman and the other Busan, he learned from the information of deserters that the wealth of many people had been brought there and was kept in what were regarded as lofty and safe fortifications; and it was added that there was to be found there with a costly outfit a beautiful woman with her little daughter, the wife of a certain Craugasius of Nisibis, a man distinguished among the officials of his town for family, reputation, and influence.

> Latin: 10.1. Haec dum primi impetus turbo conatibus agitat insperatis, rex cum populo suo gentibusque quas ductabat, a Bebase loco itinere flexo dextrorsus ut monuerat Antoninus, per Horren et Meiacarire et Charcha, ut transiturus Amidam, cum prope castella Romana venisset, quorum unum Reman, alterum Busan appellatur, perfugarum indicio didicit, multorum opes illuc translatas servari, ut in munimentis praecelsis et fidis, additumque est, ibi cum suppellectili pretiosa, inveniri feminam pulchram cum filia parvula, Craugasii Nisibeni cuiusdam uxorem, in municipali ordine genere fama potentiaque circumspecti.

[¶50] 10.2. Accordingly the king, with a haste due to his greed for seizing others’ property, attacked the fortresses with fiery confidence, whereupon the defenders, overcome with sudden panic and dazzled by the variety of arms, surrendered themselves and all those who had taken refuge with the garrison; and when ordered to depart, they at once handed over the keys of the gates. When entrance was given, whatever was stored there was brought out, and the women, paralysed with fear, were dragged forth with the children clinging to their mothers and experiencing grievous woes at the beginning of their tender years.

> Latin: 10.2. Aviditate itaque rapiendi aliena festinans, petit impetu fidenti castella, unde subita animi consternatione defensores armorum varietate praestricti, se cunctosque prodidere, qui ad praesidia confugerunt, et digredi iussi confestim claves obtulere portarum, patefactisque aditibus, quicquid ibi congestum erat eruitur, et productae sunt attonitae metu mulieres, et infantes matribus implicati, graves aerumnas inter initia tenerioris aetatis experti.

[¶51] 10.3. And when the king by inquiring whose wife the lady was had found that her husband was Craugasius, he allowed her, fearing as she did that violence would be offered her, to approach nearer without apprehension; and when she had been reassured and covered as far as her very lips with a black veil, he courteously encouraged her with sure hope of regaining her husband and of keeping her honour unsullied. For hearing that her husband ardently loved her, he thought that at this price he might purchase the betrayal of Nisibis.

> Latin: 10.3. Cumque rex percontando cuiusnam coniux esset, Craugasii comperisset, vim in se metuentem, prope venire permisit intrepidam, et confisam opertamque ad usque labra ipsa atro velamine, certiore iam spe mariti recipiendi, et pudoris inviolati mansuri, benignius confirmavit. Audiens enim coniugem miro eius amore flagrare, hoc praemio Nisibenam proditionem mercari se posse arbitrabatur.

[¶52] 10.4. Yet finding that there were others also who were maidens and consecrated to divine service according to the Christian custom, he ordered that they be kept uninjured and allowed to practise their religion in their wonted manner without any opposition; to be sure he made a pretence of mildness for the time, to the end that all whom he had heretofore terrified by his harshness and cruelty might lay aside their fear and come to him of their own volition, when they learned from recent instances that he now tempered the greatness of his fortune with kindliness and gracious deportment.

> Latin: 10.4. Inventas tamen alias quoque virgines, Christiano ritu cultui divino sacratas, custodiri intactas, et religioni servire solito more, nullo vetante, praecepit, lenitudinem profecto in tempore simulans, ut omnes quos antehac diritate crudelitateque terrebat, sponte sua metu remoto venirent, exemplis recentibus docti, humanitate eum et moribus iam placidis magnitudinem temperasse fortunae.