---
title: "History · Res gestae"
author: "Ammianus Marcellinus"
translator: "John C. Rolfe"
languages: [la, en]
shelf: "Classical Latin"
section: 27 of 52
url: https://scriptura.si/works/ammianus-marcellinus-res-gestae/27/
cite: "Ammianus Marcellinus, tr. John C. Rolfe, History · Res gestae, section 27. Scriptura (scriptura.si), https://scriptura.si/works/ammianus-marcellinus-res-gestae/27/"
---

# 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.

## 27. Book XXIII · chapters 5–6

Source: https://scriptura.si/works/ammianus-marcellinus-res-gestae/27/ · cite a paragraph as https://scriptura.si/works/ammianus-marcellinus-res-gestae/27/#p-N

[¶0] 5.11. But they were spurned by the opposition of the philosophers, whose authority was then highly valued, but who were sometimes in error and very persistent in matters with which they had little acquaintance. They, indeed, advanced as a specious argument for establishing belief in their knowledge, that when the former Caesar Maximianus was already on the point of engaging with Narseus, king of the Persians, in the same way a lion and a huge boar that had been killed were brought to him, and that he came back safely after conquering the enemy. And there was no idea at all that such a portent threatened destruction to the invader of another’s territory, although Narseus had first seized Armenia, which was subject to Roman jurisdiction.

> Latin: 5.11. Sed calcabantur philosophis refragantibus, quorum reverenda tunc tune erat auctoritas, errantium subinde, et in parum cognitis perseverantium diu. Et enim ut probabile argumentum ad fidem implendam scientiae suae, id praetendebant, quod et Maximiano antehac Caesari, cum Narseo Persarum rege iam congressuro, itidem leo et aper ingens trucidati simul oblati sunt, et superata gente discessit incolumis, illo minime contemplato, quod aliena petenti portendebatur exitium, et Narseus primus Armeniam Romano iuri obnoxiam occuparat.

[¶1] 5.12. Likewise, on the following day, which was the seventh of April, as the sun was already sloping towards its setting, starting with a little cloud thick darkness suddenly filled the air and daylight was removed; and after much menacing thunder and lightning a soldier named Jovian, with two horses which he was bringing back after watering them at the river, was struck dead by a bolt from the sky.

> Latin: 5.12. Secuto itidem die, qui erat septimum idus Aprilis, sole vergente iam in occasum, ex parva nubecula subito aere crassato, usus adimitur lucis, et post minacem tonitruum crebritatem et fulgurum, Iovianus nomine miles ex caelo tactus cum duobus equis concidit, quos potu satiatos a flumine reducebat.

[¶2] 5.13. Upon seeing this, Julian again called in the interpreters of omens, and on being questioned they declared emphatically that this sign also forbade the expedition, pointing out that the thunderbolt was of the advisory kind; for so those are called which either recommend or dissuade any act. And so much the more was it necessary to guard against this one. because it killed a soldier of lofty name as well as war-horses, and because places which were struck in that manner—so the books on lightning declare— must neither be looked upon nor trodden.

> Latin: 5.13. Eoque viso, harum rerum interpretes arcessiti, interrogatique etiam id vetare procinctum fidentius affirmabant, fulmen consiliarium esse monstrantes: ita enim appellantur quae dissuadent aliquid fieri vel suadent. Ideoque hoc nimis cavendum, quod militem celsi nominis cum bellatoriis iumentis exstinxit, et hoc modo contacta loca nec intueri nec calcari debere fulgurales pronuntiant libri.

[¶3] 5.14. The philosophers, on the other hand, maintained that the brilliance of the sacred fire which suddenly appeared signified nothing at all, but was merely the course of a stronger mass of air sent downward from the aether by some force; or if it did give any sign, it foretold an increase in renown for the emperor, as he was beginning a glorious enterprise, since it is well known that flames by their very nature mount on high without opposition.

> Latin: 5.14. Contra philosophi, candorem ignis sacri repente conspecti, nihil significare aiebant, sed esse acrioris spiritus cursum, ex aethere aliqua vi ad inferiora detrusum, aut si exinde praenoscitur aliquid, incrementa claritudinis imperatori portendi, gloriosa coeptanti, cum constet flammas suapte natura nullo obstante ad sublimia convolare.

[¶4] 5.15. So when the bridge had been broken down (as was said before) and all had crossed, the emperor thought that the most urgent of all his duties was to address the soldiers, who were advancing confidently through trust in themselves and their leader. Therefore, when the signal had been given with the trumpets, and all the centuries, cohorts and maniples had come together, he took his place upon a mound of earth, surrounded by a ring of high officials, and with calm countenance and favoured with the unanimous devotion of all, spoke as follows:

> Latin: 5.15. Fracto igitur (ut ante dictum est) ponte, cunctisque transgressis, imperator antiquissimum omnium ratus est militem alloqui, sui rectorisque fiducia properantem intrepide. Signo itaque per lituos dato, cum centuriae omnes et cohortes et manipuli convenissent, ipse aggeri glebali assistens, coronaque celsarum circumdatus potestatum, talia ore sereno disseruit favorabilis studio concordi cunctorum:

[¶5] 5.16. “Seeing the great vigour and eagerness that animate you, my valiant soldiers, I have resolved to address you, in order to explain in full detail that this is not the first time—as some evil-minded men mutter—that the Romans have invaded the Persian kingdom. For not to mention Lucullus and Pompey, who, passing through the Albani and the Massagetae, whom we now call the Alani, broke into this nation also and came to the Caspian Sea, we know that Ventidius, the lieutenant-general of Antony, inflicted innumerable sanguinary defeats in this region.”

> Latin: 5.16. “Contemplans maximis viribus et alacritate vos vigere, fortissimi milites, contionari disposui, docturus ratione multiplici, non nunc primitus (ut maledici mussitant) Romanos penetrasse regna Persidis. Namque ut Lucullum transeam vel Pompeium, qui per Albanos et Massagetas, quos Alanos nunc appellamus, hac quoque natione perrupta, adivit Caspios lacus, Ventidium novimus Antoni legatum, strages per hos tractus innumeras edidisse.”

[¶6] 5.17. “But to leave ancient times, I will disclose what recent history has transmitted to us. Trajan, Verus, and Severus returned from here victorious and adorned with trophies, and the younger Gordianus, whose monument we just now looked upon with reverence, would have come back with equal glory, after vanquishing the Persian king and putting him to flight at Resaina, had he not been struck down by an impious wound inflicted by the faction of Philippus, the praetorian prefect, and a few wicked accomplices, in the very place where he now lies buried. But his shade did not long wander unavenged, for as if their deeds were weighed in the scales of Justice, all who had conspired against him perished by agonising deaths.”

> Latin: 5.17. “Sed ut a vetustate discedam, haec quae tradidit recens memoria replicabo. Traianus et Verus et Severus hinc sunt digressi, victores et tropaeati, redissetque pari splendore iunior Gordianus, cuius monumentum nunc vidimus honorate, apud Resainan superato fugatoque rege Persarum, ni factione Philippi, praefecti praetorio, sceleste iuvantibus paucis, in hoc ubi sepultus est loco, vulnere impio cecidisset. Nec erravere diu manes eius inulti, quod velut facta librante Iustitia, omnes qui in eius conspiravere perniciem, cruciabilibus interiere suppliciis.”

[¶7] 5.18. “Those emperors, indeed, their own desire, inclined as they were to lofty enterprises, drove to undertake noteworthy exploits, but we are urged on to our present purpose by the pitiful fate of recently captured cities, by the unavenged shades of armies destroyed, by the great disasters that have been suffered, and by the loss of many a camp. For everybody’s desires are one with ours to make good the past and give strength to our country by making this side of her domain safe, and thus leave to future generations material for singing our praises.”

> Latin: 5.18. “Et illos quidem voluntas, ad altiora propensiores, subire impulit facinora memoranda, sors vero miseranda recens captarum urbium et inultae caesorum exercituum umbrae, et damnorum magnitudines castrorumque amissiones, ad haec quae proposuimus agenda hortantur, votis omnium sociis ut medeamur praeteritis, et roborata huius lateris securitate re publica, quae de nobis magnifice loquatur posteritas relinquamus.”

[¶8] 5.19. “Everywhere shall I, with the help of the eternal deity, be by your side, as emperor, as leader, and as fellow horseman, and (as I think) under favourable auspices. But if fickle fortune should overthrow me in any battle, I shall be content with having sacrificed myself for the Roman world, after the example of the Curtii and Mucii of old and the noble family of the Decii. We must wipe out a most mischievous nation, on whose sword-blades the blood of our kinsmen is not yet dry.”

> Latin: 5.19. “Adero ubique vobis, adiumento numinis sempiterni, imperator et antesignanus et conturmalis ominibus secundis (ut reor). At si fortuna versabilis in pugna me usquam fuderit, mihi vero pro Romano orbe memet vovisse sufficiet, ut Curtii Muciique veteres, et clara prosapia Deciorum. Abolenda nobis natio molestissima, cuius in gladiis nondum nostrae propinquitatis exaruit cruor.”

[¶9] 5.20. “Our forefathers spent many ages in eradicating whatever caused them trouble. Carthage was conquered in a long and difficult war, but our distinguished leader feared that she might survive the victory. Scipio utterly destroyed Numantia, after undergoing many vicissitudes in its siege. Rome laid Fidenae low, in order that no rivals of her power might grow up, and for that same reason crushed Falerii and Veil; and even trustworthy ancient histories would have difficulty in convincing us that those cities were ever powerful.”

> Latin: 5.20. “Plures absumptae sunt maioribus nostris aetates, ut interirent radicitus quae vexabant. Devicta est perplexo et diuturno Marte Carthago, sed eam earn dux inclytus timuit superesse victoriae. Evertit funditus Numantiam Scipio, post multiplices casus obsidionis emensos. Fidenas ne imperio subcrescerent aemulae Roma subvertit, et Faliscos ita oppressit et Veios, et suadere nobis laborat monumentorum veterum fides, ut has civitates aliquando valuisse credamus.”

[¶10] 5.21. “This I have set forth from my knowledge of ancient records; it remains for each of you, putting aside the desire for plunder, which has often tempted the Roman soldier, to keep with the army on its march, and when battle must be joined, to follow each his own standard, remembering that if anyone falls behind, he will be left hamstrung. For I fear nothing, save the craft and treachery of the over-cunning enemy.”

> Latin: 5.21. “Haec ut antiquitatum peritus exposui; superest ut aviditate rapiendi posthabita, quae insidiatrix saepe Romani militis fuit, quisque agmini cohaerens incedat, cum ad necessitatem congrediendi fuerit ventum, signa propria secuturus, sciens quod si remanserit usquam, exsectis cruribus relinquetur. Nihil enim praeter dolos et insidias hostium vereor, nimium callidorum.”

[¶11] 5.22. “Finally, I promise one and all that when, after this, affairs shall be brought to a successful conclusion, waiving all prior rights of princes, who by reason of their full powers think that whatever they have said or resolved is just, I will give to anyone who demands it an account of what has been rightly or wrongly undertaken.”

> Latin: 5.22. “Ad summam polliceor universis, rebus post haec prospere mitigatis, absque omni praerogativa principum, qui quod dixerint vel censuerint, pro potestate auctoritatis iustum esse existimant, rationem me recte consultorum vel secus, siquis exegerit, redditurum.”

[¶12] 5.23. “Therefore rouse, I pray you, at once rouse your courage, both in the anticipation of great success, since you will undergo whatever difficulty arises on equal terms with me, and with the conviction that victory must always attend the just cause.”

> Latin: 5.23. “Quocirca erigite iam nunc, quaeso, erigite animos vestros, multa praesumentes et bona, aequata sorte nobiscum quicquid occurrerit difficile subituri, et coniectantes aequitati semper solere iungi victoriam.”

[¶13] 5.24. After the speech had been brought to this most welcome conclusion, the warriors, exulting in the fame of their leader, and still more greatly fired with the hope of success, lifted their shields on high and cried that nothing would be dangerous or difficult under a leader who imposed more toil upon himself than on the common soldiers.

> Latin: 5.24. Conclusa oratione ad hunc gratissimum finem, ductoris gloria proeliator miles exsultans, speque prosperorum elatior, sublatis altius scutis, nihil periculosum fore vel arduum clamitabat, sub imperatore plus sibi laboris quam gregariis indicente.

[¶14] 5.25. In particular, the Gallic troops showed this feeling by joyful shouts, remembering how often under his command, and as he ran about from company to company, they had seen some nations overcome and others reduced to entreaties.

> Latin: 5.25. Maxime omnium id numeri Gallicani fremitu laetiore monstrabant, memores aliquotiens eo ductante, perque ordines discurrente, cadentes vidisse gentes aliquas alias supplicantes.

[¶15] 6.1. Affairs have reached a point where I am led in a rapid digression to explain the topography of the Persian kingdom, carefully compiled from the descriptions of the nations, in only a few of which the truth has been told, and that barely. My account, however, will be a little fuller, which will be to the advantage of complete knowledge. For anyone who aims at extreme brevity in telling of the unknown tries to discover what he ought to leave out rather than what he may explain more clearly.

> Latin: 6.1. Res adigit huc prolapsa ut in excessu celeri situm monstrare Persidis, descriptionibus gentium curiose digestis, in quibus aegre vera dixere paucissimi. Quod autem erit paulo prolixior textus, ad scientiam proficiet plenam. Quisquis enim affectat nimiam brevitatem ubi narrantur incognita non quid signatius explicet, sed quid debeat praeteriri, scrutatur.

[¶16] 6.2. This kingdom, which was once small and for reasons which we have often given was called before by various names, after the fates had taken off Alexander the Great at Babylon, took its name from the Parthian Arsaces, a man of low birth; he had been a brigand chief during his younger days, but since his ideals gradually changed for the better, by a series of brilliant exploits he rose to greater heights.

> Latin: 6.2. Hoc regnum quondam exiguum, multisque antea nominibus appellatum, ob causas quas saepe rettulimus, cum apud Babylona Magnum fata rapuissent Alexandrum, in vocabulum Parthi concessit Arsacis, obscuro geniti loco, latronum inter adulescentiae rudimenta ductoris, verum paulatim in melius mutato proposito, clarorum contextu factorum aucti sublimius.

[¶17] 6.3. After many glorious and valiant deeds, and after he had conquered Seleucus Nicator, successor of the said Alexander, on whom his many victories had conferred that surname, and had driven out the Macedonian garrisons, he passed his life in quiet peace, and was a mild ruler and judge of his subjects.

> Latin: 6.3. Qui post multa gloriose et fortiter gesta, superato Nicatore Seleuco, eiusdem Alexandri successore, cui victoriarum crebritas hoc indiderat cognomentum, praesidiisque Macedonum pulsis, ipse tranquillius agens temperator oboedientium fuit et arbiter lenis.

[¶18] 6.4. Finally, after all the neighbouring lands had been brought under his rule, by force, by regard for justice, or by fear, and he had filled Persia with cities, with fortified camps, and with strongholds, and to all the neighbouring peoples, which she had previously feared, he had made her a constant cause of dread, he died a peaceful death in middle life. And nobles and commons rivalling each other in agreement, he was placed among the stars according to the sacred custom of their country; and (as they believe) he was the first of all to be so honoured.

> Latin: 6.4. Denique post finitima cuncta vi vel aequitatis consideratione vel metu subacta, civitatum et castrorum castellorumque munimentis oppleta Perside, assuefactaque timori esse accolis omnibus, quos antea formidabat, medium ipse agens cursum aetatis placida morte decessit. Certatimque summatum et vulgi sententiis concinentibus, astris, ut ipsi existimant, ritus sui consecratione permixtus est omnium primus.

[¶19] 6.5. Hence to this very day the over-boastful kings of that race suffer themselves to be called brothers of the Sun and Moon, and just as for our emperors the title of Augustus is beloved and coveted, so to the Parthian kings, who were formerly low and obscure, there fell the very greatest increase in distinction, won by the happy auspices of Arsaces.

> Latin: 6.5. Unde ad id tempus reges eiusdem gentis praetumidi, appellari se patiuntur Solis fratres et Lunae, utque imperatoribus nostris Augusta nuncupatio amabilis est et optata, ita regibus Parthicis abiectis et ignobilibus antea, incrementa dignitatum felicibus Arsacis auspiciis accessere vel maxima.

[¶20] 6.6. Hence they venerate and worship Arsaces as a god, and their regard for him has been carried so far, that even down to the memory of our time only a man who is of the stock of Arsaces (if there is one anywhere) is preferred to all in mounting the throne. Even in any civil strife, which constantly arises among them, everyone avoids as sacrilege the lifting of his hand against an Arsacid, whether he is bearing arms or is a private citizen.

> Latin: 6.6. Quam ob rem numinis eum vice venerantur et colunt, eo usque propagatis honoribus, ut ad nostri memoriam temporis, non nisi Arsacides (si sit usquam) in suscipiendo regno cunctis anteponatur, et in qualibet civili concertatione, quae assidue apud eos eveniunt, velut sacrilegium quisque caveat, ne dextra sua Arsaciden arma gestantem feriat vel privatum.

[¶21] 6.7. It is well known that this nation, after vanquishing many peoples by its power, extended its domain as far as the Propontis and Thrace, but through the arrogance of its haughty leaders, who lawlessly extended their raids to a great distance, it was weakened by severe losses: first through Cyrus, who crossed the Bosporus with an army of incredible size, but was completely annihilated by the Scythian queen Tomyris, the fierce avenger of her sons.

> Latin: 6.7. Satisque constat, hanc gentem regna populis vi superatis compluribus dilatasse ad usque Propontidem et Thracias, sed alte spirantium ducum superbia, licenter grassantium per longinqua, aerumnis maximis imminutam, primo per Cyrum, quem Bospori fretum cum multitudine fabulosa transgressum, ad internecionem delevit Tomyris, regina Scytharum, ultrix acerrima filiorum.

[¶22] 6.8. Later, when Darius, and after him Xerxes, changed the use of the elements and attacked Greece, almost all their forces were destroyed by land and sea, and they themselves barely found a safe return; not to mention the wars of Alexander and the passing by his will and testament of the whole nation to the jurisdiction of a single successor.

> Latin: 6.8. Deinde cum Dareus posteaque Xerxes, Graeciam elementorum usu mutato aggressi, cunctis paene copiis terra marique consumptis, vix ipsi tutum invenere discessum, ut bella praetereamus Alexandri, ac testamento nationem omnem in successoris unius iura translatam.

[¶23] 6.9. After this was done and a long time had passed, during which the Roman commonwealth was governed by consuls and later brought under the sway of the Caesars, these nations carried on wars with us from time to time, and sometimes the contest was equal, at other times they were conquered, and occasionally they came off victorious.

> Latin: 6.9. Quibus peractis, transcursisque temporibus longis sub consulibus et deinceps in potestatem Caesarum redacta re publica, nobiscum hae nationes subinde dimicarunt paribusque momentis interdum, aliquotiens superatae, non numquam abiere victrices.

[¶24] 6.10. I shall now describe the lie of the land—so far as my purpose allows—briefly and succinctly. These regions extend to a wide area in length and breadth, and run all along the Persian Gulf, which has many islands and peoples all round. The entrance to this sea (they say) is so narrow that from Harmoz, the promontory of Carmania, the other headland opposite it, which the natives call Maces, may be seen without difficulty.

> Latin: 6.10. Nunc locorum situm (quantum ratio sinit), carptim breviterque absolvam. Hae regiones in amplitudines diffusae longas et latas, ex omni latere insulosum et celebre, Persicum ambiunt mare, cuius ostia adeo esse perhibentur angusta, ut ex Harmozonte, Carmaniae promuntorio, contra oppositum aliud promuntorium, quod appellant incolae Maces, sine impedimento cernatur.

[¶25] 6.11. After one has passed through this narrow strait, a wide expanse of sea opens, which is favourable to navigation as far as the city of Teredon, where after many losses the Euphrates mingles with the deep. The entire gulf is bounded by a shore of 20,000 stadia, which is rounded as if turned on a lathe. All along the coast is a throng of cities and villages, and many ships sail to and fro.

> Latin: 6.11. Quibus angustiis permeatis, cum latitudo patuerit nimis extensa, aequa navigatio ad usque urbem Teredona porrigitur, ubi post iacturas multiplices pelago miscetur Euphrates, omnisque sinus dimensione litorea in numerum viginti milium stadiorum velut spatio detornato, finitur, cuius per oras omnes oppidorum est densitas et vicorum, naviumque crebri discursus.

[¶26] 6.12. After passing the strait which has been mentioned, one comes to the bay of Carmania facing the east. Then, a long distance to the south, the bay of Canthicus opens, and not far off is another, called Chalites, facing the setting sun. Next, after one has skirted many islands, few of which are well known, those bays unite with the Indian ocean, which is first of all to receive the glowing sun when it rises, and is itself also exceedingly warm.

> Latin: 6.12. Ergo permeatis angustiis ante dictis venitur ad Carmaniae sinum orienti obiectum. Inde longo intervallo cantichus Canthicus nomine panditur sinus australis, haut procul inde alius, quem vocant Chaliten occiduo obnoxius sideri. Hinc praestrictis pluribus insulis, e quibus paucae sunt notae, Indorum mari iunguntur oceano, qui ferventem solis exortum suscipit omnium primus, ipse quoque nimium calens.

[¶27] 6.13. And as the pens of geographers have drawn it, the whole circuit just described has this form. In the northern direction, to the Caspian Gates it borders on the Cadusii, on many tribes of the Scythians, and on the Arimaspse, wild, one-eyed men. On the west it touches Armenia, Niphates, the Asiatic Albani, the Red Sea, and the Scenitic Arabs, whom men of later times called the Saracens. Under the southern heaven it looks down on Mesopotamia. Opposite the eastern front it extends to the Ganges river, which cuts through India and empties into the southern ocean.

> Latin: 6.13. Utque geographici stili formarunt, hac specie distinguitur omnis circuitus ante dictus. Ab arctoo cardine usque ad Caspias portas, Cadusiis conterminat et Scytharum gentibus multis miultis et Arimaspis hominibus luscis et feris. Ab occidua plaga contingit Armenios et Niphaten et in Asia sitos Albanos, Mare Rubrum et Scenitas Arabas quos Saracenos posteritas appellavit: Mesopotamiam sub axe meridiali despectat: orienti a fronte contrarius ad Gangen extenditur flumen, quod Indorum intersecans terras, in pelagus eiectatur australe.

[¶28] 6.14. Now there are in all Persia these greater provinces, ruled by vitaxae, or commanders of cavalry, by kings, and by satraps-for to enumerate the great number of smaller districts would be difficult and superfluous-namely, Assyria, Susiana, Media, Persis, Parthia, Greater Carmania, Hyrcania, Margiana, the Bactriani, the Sogdiani, the Sacae, Scythia at the foot of Imaus, and beyond the same mountain, Serica, Aria, the Paropanisadae, Drangiana, Arachosia, and Gedrosia.

> Latin: 6.14. Sunt autem in omini Perside, hae regiones maximae, quas vitaxae (id est magistri equitum) curant, et reges et satrapae—nam minores plurimas recensere difficile est et superfluum—Assyria, Susiana, Media, Persis, Parthia, Carmania maior, Hyrcania, Margiana, Bactriani, Sogdiani, Sacae, Scythia infra Imaum et ultra eundem montem, Serica, Aria, Paropanisadae, Drangiana, Arachosia et Gedrosia.

[¶29] 6.15. Nearest to us of all the provinces is Assyria, famous for its large population, its size, and the abundance and great variety of its products. This province once spread over great and prosperous peoples and districts, then it was combined under a single name, and to-day the whole region is called Assyria. There, besides a great abundance of berries and common fruits, bitumen is found near the lake called Sosingites, in whose bed the Tigris is swallowed up, and then, after flowing under ground, and traversing a long distance, appears again.

> Latin: 6.15. Citra omnes propinqua est nobis Assyria, celebritate et magnitudine et multiformi feracitate ditissima. Quae per populos pagosque amplos diffusa quondam et copiosos, ad unum concessit vocabulum et nunc omnis appellatur Assyria, ubi inter bacarum vulgariumque abundantiam frugum, bitumen nascitur prope lacum nomine Sosingiten, cuius alveo Tigris voratus, fluensque subterraneus, percursis spatiis longis emergit.

[¶30] 6.16. Here naphtha also is produced, a glutinous substance which looks like pitch. This too is similar to bitumen, and even a little bird, if it lights upon it, is prevented from flying, sinks, and disappears utterly. And when fluid of this kind catches fire, the mind of man will find no means of putting it out, except dust.

> Latin: 6.16. hic Hie et naphtha gignitur picea specie glutinosa, similis ipsa quoque bitumini, cui etiam si avicula insederit brevis, praepedito volatu submersa penitus evanescit. Et cum hoc liquoris ardere coeperit genus, nullum inveniet humana mens praeter pulverem exstinguendi commentum.

[¶31] 6.17. In these regions there is also to be seen a cleft in the earth, from which rises a deadly exhalation, which with its foul odour destroys every living creature that comes near it. If this pestilential stuff, rising from a kind of deep well, should spread out widely from its opening before rising on high, it would by its fetid odour have made the surrounding country a desert.

> Latin: 6.17. In his pagis hiatus quoque conspicitur terrae, unde halitus letalis exsurgens, quodcumque animal proxime steterit, odore gravi consumit. Quae lues oriens a profundo quodam puteo, cum os eius excesserit, si in latum ante quam sublimius vagaretur, terras circumsitas inhabitabiles acerbitate fecisset.

[¶32] 6.18. A similar opening was formerly to be seen (as some say) at Hierapolis in Phrygia. And from this also a noxious vapour with a penetrating stench came forth and was destructive to whatever came near it, excepting only eunuchs; and the reason for this may be left to natural philosophers to determine.

> Latin: 6.18. Cuius simile foramen apud Hierapolim Phrygiae antehac (ut asserunt aliqui), videbatur. Unde emergens itidem noxius spiritus, perseveranti odore quidquid prope venerat corrumpebat, absque spadonibus solis, quod qua causa eveniat, rationibus physicis permittatur.

[¶33] 6.19. Also at the temple of Jupiter Asbamaeus in Cappadocia, where that famous philosopher Apollonius is said to have been born near the town of Tyana, a spring may be seen, flowing from a pool, which now is filled with an abundance of water, and again sucks itself back, and so never swells beyond its banks.

> Latin: 6.19. Apud Asbamaei quoque Iovis templum in Cappadocia, ubi amplissimus ille philosophus Apollonius traditur natus prope oppidum Tyana, stagno effluens fons cernitur, qui magnitudine aquarum inflatus, seseque resorbens, numquam extra margines intumescit.

[¶34] 6.20. Within this area is Adiabena, called Assyria in ancient times, but by long custom changed to this name because, lying between the navigable rivers Ona and Tigris it could never be approached by a ford; for we Greeks for transire say διαβαίνειν. At least, this is the opinion of the ancients.

> Latin: 6.20. Intra hunc circuitum Adiabena est, Assyria priscis temporibus vocitata, longaque assuetudine ad hoc translata vocabulum, ea re quod inter Onam et Tigridem sita, navigeros fluvios, adiri vado numquam potuit: transire enim διαβαίνειν dicimus Graeci. Et veteres quidem hoc arbitrantur.

[¶35] 6.21. But I myself say that there are two perpetually flowing rivers to be found in these lands, the Diabas and Adiabas, which I myself have crossed, and over which there are bridges of boats; and therefore it is to be assumed that Adiabena was named from them, as from great rivers Egypt was named, according to Homer, as well as India, and the Euphratensis, before my time called Commagena; likewise from the Hiberus, Hiberia (now Hispania), and the province of Baetica from the noble river Baetis.

> Latin: 6.21. Nos autem dicimus quod in his terris amnes sunt duo perpetui, quos ipsi transivimus, Diabas et Adiabas, iunctis navalibus pontibus, ideoque intellegi Adiabenam cognominatam ut a fluminibus maximis Aegyptos, Homero auctore, et India et Euphratensis ante hoc Commagena, itidemque Hiberia ex Hibero (nunc Hispania) et a Baeti amne insigni provincia Baetica.

[¶36] 6.22. In this Adiabena is the city of Ninus, which once possessed the rule over Persia, perpetuating the name of Ninus, once a most powerful king and the husband of Semiramis; also Ecbatana, Arbela, and Gaugamela, where Alexander, after various other battles, overthrew Darius in a hot contest.

> Latin: 6.22. In hac Adiabena, Ninus est civitas, quae olim Persidis regna possederat, nomen Nini potentissimi quondam regis, Samiramidis mariti, declarans, et Ecbatana et Arbela et Gaugamela, ubi Dareum Alexander post discrimina varia proeliorum, incitato Marte prostravit.

[¶37] 6.23. But in all Assyria there are many cities, among which Apamia, formerly called Mesene, and Teredon, Apollonia and Vologessia, and many similar ones are conspicuous. But these three are especially magnificent and widely known: Babylon, whose walls Semiramis built with bitumen (for the ancient king Belus built the citadel), and Ctesiphon, which Vardanes founded long ago; and later king Pacorus strengthened it with additional inhabitants and with walls, gave it a Greek name, and made it the crowning ornament of Persia. And finally there is Seleucia, the splendid work of Seleucus Nicator.

> Latin: 6.23. In omni autem Assyria, multae sunt urbes. Inter quas Apamia eminet, Mesene cognominata, et Teredon et Apollonia et Vologessia, hisque similes multae. Splendidissimae vero et pervulgatae hae solae sunt tres: Babylon cuius moenia bitumine Samiramis struxit—arcem enim antiquissimus rex condidit Belus—et Ctesiphon, quam Vardanes temporibus priscis instituit, posteaque rex Pacorus, incolarum viribus amplificatam et moenibus, Graeco indito nomine, Persidis effecit specimen summum. Post hanc Seleucia ambitiosum opus Nicatoris Seleuci.

[¶38] 6.24. When this city was stormed by the generals of Verus Caesar (as I have related before), the statue of Apollo Comaeus was torn from its place and taken to Rome, where the priests of the gods set it up in the temple of the Palatine Apollo. And it is said that, after this same statue had been carried off and the city burned, the soldiers in ransacking the temple found a narrow crevice; this they widened in the hope of finding something valuable; but from a kind of shrine, closed by the occult arts of the Chaldaeans, the germ of that pestilence burst forth, which after generating the virulence of incurable diseases, in the time of the same Verus and of Marcus Antoninus polluted everything with contagion and death, from the frontiers of Persia all the way to the Rhine and to Gaul.

> Latin: 6.24. Qua per duces Veri Caesaris (ut ante rettulimus), expugnata, avulsum sedibus simulacrum Comei Comaei Apollinis, perlatumque Romam, in aede Apollinis Palatini deorum antistites collocarunt. Fertur autem quod post direptum hoc idem figmentum, incensa civitate, milites fanum scrutantes invenere foramen angustum, quo reserato, ut pretiosum aliquid invenirent, ex adyto quodam concluso a Chaldaeorum arcanis, labes primordialis exsiluit, quae insanabilium vi concepta morborum, eiusdem Veri Marcique Antonini temporibus, ab ipsis Persarum finibus ad usque Rhenum et Gallias, cuncta contagiis polluebat et mortibus.

[¶39] 6.25. Near these is the land of the Chaldaeans, the foster-mother of the old-time philosophy—as they themselves say—where the true art of divination first made its appearance. Now the most important rivers that flow through those lands, besides the others that I have mentioned, are the Marses, the Royal River, and the Euphrates, greatest of all. The last-named divides into three branches, all of which are navigable, forms several islands, and often thoroughly waters the fields through the diligence of the farmers, and prepares them for the ploughshare and for tree-culture.

> Latin: 6.25. His prope Chaldaeorum est regio, altrix philosophiae veteris, ut memorant ipsi, apud quos veridica vaticinandi fides eluxit. Perfluunt autem has easdem terras potiores ante alios amnes, hi quos praediximus, et Marses et Flumen Regium et Euphrates, cunctis excellens. Qui tripertitus navigabilis per omnes est rivos, insulasque circumfluens, et arva cultorum industria diligentius rigans, vomeri et gignendis arbustis habilia facit.

[¶40] 6.26. Neighbours to these lands are the Susiani, who have few cities. Conspicuous among them, however, is Susa, often the residence of the kings, and Arsiana, Sele, and Aracha. The others are small and little known. On the other hand, many rivers flow through this region; most notable among them are the Oroates, Harax, and Mosaeus, which along the narrow sandy tract that separates the Caspian from the Red Sea overflow into a great number of pools.

> Latin: 6.26. His tractibus Susiani iunguntur, apud quos non multa sunt oppida. Inter alia tamen eminet Susa, saepe domicilium regum, et Arsiana et Sele et Aracha. Cetera brevia sunt et obscura. Fluvii vero multi per haec loca discurrunt, quibus praestant Oroates et Harax et Mosaeus, per harenosas angustias, quae a Rubro prohibent Caspium mare, aequoream multitudinem inundantes.

[¶41] 6.27. On the left Media extends, bordering on the Hyrcanian Sea. Of this province we read that before the reign of the elder Cyrus and the growth in Persia’s power, it was the queen of all Asia, after it had overcome Assyria, whose many provinces, changed in name to Agropatena, it possessed by the right of conquest.

> Latin: 6.27. At in laeva Media confinis Hyrcano panditur mari: quam ante regnum Cyri superioris, et incrementa Persidis Persidos, legimus Asiae reginam totius, Assyriis domitis, quorum plurimos pagos in Atropatenae Agropatenae vocabulum permutatos, belli iure possedit.

[¶42] 6.28. It is a warlike nation, and most of all to be feared next to the Parthians, by whom alone it is surpassed, and its territory has the form of a rectangle. The inhabitants of these lands as a whole dwell in a most spacious country, overhung by very lofty mountains, which they call Zagrus, Orontes, and Iasonius.

> Latin: 6.28. Pugnatrix natio et formidanda post Parthos, quibus vincitur solis, regiones inhabitans ad speciem quadratae figurae formatas. Harum terrarum incolae omnes ad latitudinem nimiam extenduntur, eisque maximae celsitudines imminent montium, quos Zagrum et Orontem et Iasonium vocant.

[¶43] 6.29. Those who dwell on the western side of the lofty mountain Coronus abound in fields of grain and vineyards, enjoy the fertility of a productive soil, and are rich in rivers and clear springs.

> Latin: 6.29. Coroni quoque montis altissimi partem habitantes occiduam, frumentariis agris affluunt et vinariis, pingui fecunditate laetissimi, et fluminibus fontiumque venis liquidis locupletes.

[¶44] 6.30. Their green meadows produce a noble breed of horses, on which their chiefs (as the writers of old say, and as I myself have seen) when entering battle are wont to ride full of courage. These horses they call Nesaean.

> Latin: 6.30. Edunt apud eos prata virentia fetus equorum nobilium, quibus (ut scriptores antiqui docent, nosque vidimus), ineuntes proelia viri summates vehi exsultantes solent, quos Nesaeos appellant.

[¶45] 6.31. Therefore Media abounds in rich cities, in villages built up like towns, and in a great number of inhabitants; it is (to speak briefly) the richest residence of the kings.

> Latin: 6.31. Abundat itaque civitatibus ditibus Media, et vicis in modum oppidorum exstructis, et multitudine incolarum. Utque absolute dicatur, uberrimum est habitaculum regum.

[¶46] 6.32. In these parts are the fertile fields of the Magi, about whose sects and pursuits—since we have chanced on this point—it will be in place to give a few words of explanation. According to Plato, the most eminent author of lofty ideas, magic, under the mystic name of hagistia, is thepurest worship of the gods. To the science of this, derived from the secret lore of the Chaldaeans, in ages long past the Bactrian Zoroaster made many contributions, and after him the wise king Hystaspes, the father of Darius.

> Latin: 6.32. In his tractibus Magorum agri sunt fertiles, super quorum secta studiisque, quoniam huc hue incidimus, pauca conveniet expediri. Magiam opinionum insignium auctor amplissimus Plato, hagistiam esse verbo mystico docet, divinorum incorruptissimum cultum, cuius scientiae saeculis priscis multa ex Chaldaeorum arcanis Bactrianus addidit Zoroastres, deinde Hystaspes rex prudentissimus, Darei pater.

[¶47] 6.33. When Zoroaster had boldly made his way into the unknown regions of Upper India, he reached a wooded wilderness, whose calm silence the lofty intellects of the Brahmins control. From their teaching he learned as much as he could grasp of the laws regulating the movements of the earth and the stars, and of the pure sacrificial rites. Of what he had learned he communicated something to the understanding of the Magi, which they, along with the art of divining the future, hand on from generation to generation to later times.

> Latin: 6.33. Qui cum superioris Indiae secreta fidentius penetraret, ad nemorosam quandam venerat solitudinem, cuius tranquillis silentiis praecelsa Brachmanorum ingenia potiuntur, eorumque monitu, rationes mundani motus et siderum, purosque sacrorum ritus (quantum colligere potuit) eruditus, ex his, quae didicit, aliqua sensibus magorum infudit, quae illi cum disciplinis praesentiendi futura, per suam quisque progeniem, posteris aetatibus tradunt.

[¶48] 6.34. From that time on for many ages down to the present a large class of men of one and the same descent have devoted themselves to the service of the gods. The Magi also say (if it is right to believe them) that they guard on ever-burning braziers a fire sent down from heaven in their country, and that a small portion of it, as a good omen, used to be carried before the Asiatic kings.

> Latin: 6.34. Ex eo per saecula multa ad praesens, una eademque prosapia, multitudo multitude creata deorum cultibus dedicatur. Feruntque (si iustum est credi), etiam ignem caelitus lapsum apud se sempiternis foculis custodiri, cuius portionem exiguam (ut faustam) praeisse quondam Asiaticis regibus dicunt.

[¶49] 6.35. The number of Magi of this origin in old times was very small, and the Persian potentates made regular use of their services in the worship of their gods. And it was sin to approach an altar, or touch a sacrificial victim, before one of the Magi, with a set form of prayer, poured the preliminary libations. But they gradually increased in number and became a strong clan, with a name of their own; they possessed country residences, which were protected by no great walls, and they were allowed to live in accordance with their own laws, and through respect for religion were held in high esteem.

> Latin: 6.35. Huius originis apud veteres numerus erat exilis, eiusque ministeriis Persicae potestates in faciendis rebus divinis sollemniter utebantur. Eratque piaculum aras adire, vel hostiam contrectare, antequam magus, conceptis precationibus, libamenta diffunderet praecursoria. Verum aucti paulatim, in amplitudinem gentis solidae concesserunt et nomen, villasque inhabitantes, nulla murorum firmitudine communitas, et legibus suis uti permissi, religionis respectu sunt honorati.