---
title: "History · Res gestae"
author: "Ammianus Marcellinus"
translator: "John C. Rolfe"
languages: [la, en]
shelf: "Classical Latin"
section: 29 of 52
url: https://scriptura.si/works/ammianus-marcellinus-res-gestae/29/
cite: "Ammianus Marcellinus, tr. John C. Rolfe, History · Res gestae, section 29. Scriptura (scriptura.si), https://scriptura.si/works/ammianus-marcellinus-res-gestae/29/"
---

# 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.

## 29. Book XXIV · chapters 1–4

Source: https://scriptura.si/works/ammianus-marcellinus-res-gestae/29/ · cite a paragraph as https://scriptura.si/works/ammianus-marcellinus-res-gestae/29/#p-N

[¶0] 1.1. After thus testing the spirit of the soldiers, who with unanimous eagerness and the usual acclaim called God to witness that so successful a prince could not be vanquished, Julian, believing that their main purpose must speedily be accomplished, cut short the night’s rest and ordered the trumpets to give the signal for the march. And having made every preparation which the difficulties of a dangerous war demanded, just as the clear light of day was appearing he passed the frontiers of Assyria, riding in a lofty spirit above all others from rank to rank, and firing every man with a desire to rival him in deeds of valour.

> Latin: 1.1. Post exploratam alacritatem exercitus, uno parique ardore impetrabilem principem superari non posse, deum usitato clamore testati, Iulianus summae rei finem imponendum maturius credens, restricta quiete nocturna, itinerarium sonare lituos iubet et praestructis omnibus quae difficultates arduae belli poscebant, candente iam luce, Assyrios fines ingressus, celso praeter alios spiritu obequitans ordinibus, aemulatione sui cunctos ad officia fortitudinis incendebat.

[¶1] 1.2. And being a general trained by experience and study of the art of war, and fearing lest, being unacquainted with the terrain, he might be entrapped by hidden ambuscades, he began his march with his army in order of battle. He also arranged to have 1500 mounted scouts riding a little ahead of the army, who advancing with caution on both flanks, as well as in front, kept watch that no sudden attack be made. He himself in the centre led the infantry, which formed the main strength of his entire force, and ordered Ncvitta on the right with several legions to skirt the banks of the Euphrates. The left wing with the cavalry he put in charge of Arintheus and Ormisda, to be led in close order through the level fields and meadows. Dagalaifus and Victor brought up the rear, and last of all was Secundinus, military leader in Osdruena.

> Latin: 1.2. Utque ductor usu et docilitate firmatus, metuens ne per locorum insolentiam insidiis caperetur occultis, agminibus incedere quadratis exorsus est. Excursatores quidem quingentos et mille sensim praeire disposuit, qui cautius gradientes ex utroque latere, itidemque a fronte, nequis repentinus irrueret, prospectabant. Ipse vero medios pedites regens, quod erat totius roboris firmamentum, dextra legiones aliquas cum Nevitta, supercilia fluminis praestringere iussit Euphratis. Cornu vero laevum cum equitum copiis Arintheo tradidit et Ormizdae Ormisdae, ducendum confertius, per plana camporum et mollia. Agmina vero postrema Dagalaifus cogebat et Victor, ultimusque omnium Osdruenae dux Secundinus.

[¶2] 1.3. Then in order to fill the enemy (if they should burst out anywhere), even when they saw him from afar, with fear of a greater force than he had, by a loose order he so extended the ranks of horses and men, that the hindermost were nearly ten miles distant from the standard-bearers in the van. This is the wonderful device that Pyrrhus, the famous king of Epirus, is said often to have used; for he was most skilful in choosing suitable places for his camp, and able to disguise the look of his forces so that the enemy might think them greater or fewer as it suited him.

> Latin: 1.3. Deinde ut hostibus (si erupissent usquam) vel conspicantibus procul timorem multitudinis maioris incuteret, laxatis cuneis iumenta dilatavit et homines, ut decimo paene lapide postremi dispararentur a signiferis primis, quod arte mira saepe fecisse, Pyrrhus ille rex dicitur Epirotes, opportunis in locis castra metandi, armorumque speciem diffundendi ex industria vel attenuandi perquam scientissimus, ut ubi convenisset plures aestimarentur aut pauci.

[¶3] 1.4. His packs, servants, unarmed attendants, and every kind of baggage he placed between two divisions of the rank and file, in order that they might not be carried off (as often happens) by a sudden attack, if they were left unprotected. The fleet, although the river along which it went winds with many a bend, was not permitted to lag behind or get ahead.

> Latin: 1.4. Sarcinas vero et calones et apparationem imbellem, impedimentorumque genus omne inter utrumque latus instituit procedentium ordinatim, nequa vi subita raperentur (ut saepe contigit) improtecta. Classis autem licet per flumen ferebatur assiduis flexibus tortuosum, nec residere nec praecurrere sinebatur.

[¶4] 1.5. After making a march of two days in this manner, we approached the deserted city of Dura, situated on the river bank. Here so many herds of deer were found, some of which were slain with arrows, others knocked down with heavy oars, that all ate to satiety; but the greater number of the animals, accustomed to rapid swimming, leaped into the river and with a speed that could not be checked escaped to their familiar deserts.

> Latin: 1.5. Emenso itaque itinere bidui, prope civitatem venimus Duram desertam, marginibus amnis impositam. In quo loco greges cervorum plures inventi sunt, quorum alii confixi missilibus, alii ponderibus inlisi remorum, ad satietatem omnes paverunt; pars maxima natatu assueta veloci, alveo penetrate, incohibili cursu evasit ad solitudines notas.

[¶5] 1.6. Then, after completing a leisurely march of four days, just as evening was coming on Count Lucillianus, with a thousand light-armed troops embarked in ships, was sent, by the emperor’s order, to capture the fortress of Anatha, which, like many others, is girt by the waters of the Euphrates. The ships, according to orders, took suitable positions and blockaded the island, while a misty night hid the secret enterprise.

> Latin: 1.6. Exin dierum quattuor itinere levi peracto vespera incedente, cum expeditis mille impositis navibus, Lucillianus comes imperatu principis mittitur Anathan munimentum expugnaturus, quod (ut pleraque alia) circumluitur fluentis Euphratis. Et navibus (ut praeceptum est) per opportuna dispersis, insula obsidebatur nebulosa nocte obumbrante impetum clandestinum.

[¶6] 1.7. But as soon as daylight appeared, a man who went out to fetch water, suddenly catching sight of the enemy, raised a loud outcry, and by his excited shouts called the defenders to arms. Then the emperor, who from an elevated point had been looking for a site for a camp, with all possible haste crossed the river, under the protection of two ships, followed by a great number of boats carrying siege-artillery.

> Latin: 1.7. Sed postquam advenit lux certa, aquatum quidam egressus, visis subito hostibus, ululabili clamore sublato, excitos tumultuosis vocibus propugnatores armavit. Et mox a specula quadam altissima explorato situ castrorum, quam ocissime cum duarum praesidio navium, amnem supermeat imperator, pone sequentibus navigiis multis, quae obsidionales machinas advehebant.

[¶7] 1.8. But on drawing near the walls he considered that a battle must be accompanied by many dangers, and accordingly, partly in mild terms, partly in harsh and threatening language, he urged the defenders to surrender. They asked for a conference with Ormizda, and were induced by his promises and oaths to expect much from the mercy of the Romans.

> Latin: 1.8. Iamque muris propinquans, cum non absque discriminibus multis consideraret esse certandum, sermone cum leni tum aspero et minaci, hortabatur ad deditionem defensores, qui ad colloquium petito Ormizda, promissis eius et iuramentis illecti, multa sibi de lenitudine Romana spondebant.

[¶8] 1.9. Finally, driving before them a garlanded ox, which with them indicates the acceptance of peace, they came down in suppliant guise. At once the whole fortress was set on fire; Pusaeus, its commander, later a general in Egypt, was given the rank of tribune. As for the rest, they were treated kindly, and with their families and possessions were sent to Chalcis, a city of Syria.

> Latin: 1.9. Denique prae se bovem coronatum agentes, quod est apud eos susceptae pacis indicium, descendere suppliciter, et statim munimento omni incenso, Pusaeus eius praefectus, dux Aegypti postea, honore tribunatus affectus est. Reliqui vero cum caritatibus suis et supellectili, humaniore cultu ad Syriacam civitatem Chalcida transmissi sunt.

[¶9] 1.10. Among them was a soldier who, when in former times Maximianus made an inroad into the Persian territory, had been left in these parts because of illness; he was then a young man, whose beard was just beginning to grow. He had been given several wives (as he told us) according to the custom of the country, and was on our arrival a bent old man with numerous offspring. He was overjoyed, having advised the surrender, and when taken to our camp, he called several to witness that he had known and declared long ago that he, when nearly a hundred years old, would find a grave on Roman soil. After this the Saracens, to the emperor’s great delight, brought in some skirmishers belonging to a division of the enemy, and after receiving rewards were sent back to engage in like activities.

> Latin: 1.10. Inter hos miles quidam, cum Maximianus perrupisset quondam Persicos fines, in his locis aeger relictus, prima etiam tum lanugine iuvenis, ut aiebat, uxores sortitus gentis ritu complures cum numerosa subole tunc senex incurvus, exultans, proditionisque auctor, ducebatur ad nostra, testibus affirmans et praescisse se olim et praedixisse, quod centenario iam contiguus, sepelietur in solo Romano. Post quae Saraceni procursatores partis cuiusdam hostium obtulere laetissimo principi, et munerati ad agenda similia sunt remissi.

[¶10] 1.11. On the following day another thing happened, this time a disaster. For a hurricane arose, which stirred up numerous whirlwinds and caused such general confusion, that many tents were rent asunder and numerous soldiers were prevented by the force of the gale from keeping a firm footing and were hurled to the ground on their faces or on their backs. On that same day another equally dangerous thing happened. For the river suddenly overflowed its banks and some grain-ships were sunk, since the sluices built of masonry, which served to hold in or let out the water used for irrigating the fields, were broken through; but whether this was a device of the enemy or was due to the weight of the waters could not be learned.

> Latin: 1.11. Acciderat aliud postridie dirum. Ventorum enim turbo exortus, pluresque vertigines concitans, ita confuderat omnia, ut tabernacula multa conscinderentur, et supini plerique milites sternerentur vel proni, venti spiritu stabilitatem vestigii subvertente. Nec minus eodem die aliud periculosum evenit. Amne enim repente extra margines evagato, mersae sunt quaedam frumentariae naves, cataractis avulsis, ad defundendas reprimendasque aquas rigare suetas opere saxeo structis: quod utrum per insidias an magnitudine acciderit fluentorum, sciri non potuit.

[¶11] 1.12. After storming and burning the first city to which we had come, and moving the prisoners to another place, the hopes of the army were raised to fuller confidence and with loud shouts they rose to praise the prince, convinced that even now the protection of the god of heaven would be with them.

> Latin: 1.12. Post perruptam incensamque urbem omnium primam, et captivos transmissos, certiore iam spe provectus exercitus ad fiduciam, elatis vocibus in favores principis consurgebat, adfore sibi etiam deinde dei caelestis existimans curam.

[¶12] 1.13. And for one who was traversing unknown regions greater precautions against hidden dangers were necessary, since the craft and many wiles of the nation were to be feared. Therefore the emperor, with light-armed skirmishers, now took his place at the head of the army, and now brought up the rear; and in order that no hidden danger might escape his notice, he scanned the rough thickets and valleys, using either his native affability or threats to keep his men from scattering too loosely or too far.

> Latin: 1.13. Et cui per regiones ignotas de obscuris erat suspectior cura, astus gentis et ludificandi varietas timebatur. Ideoque imperator nunc antesignanus nunc agminibus cogendis insistens, cum expeditis velitibus, nequid lateret abstrusum, frutecta squalida vallesque scrutabatur, licentiores militum per longinqua discursus affabilitate nativa prohibendo vel minis.

[¶13] 1.14. However, he allowed the enemy’s fields, abounding in fruits of every kind, to be set on fire with their crops and huts, but only after each man had fully supplied himself with everything that he needed; and in this way the safety of their foes was impaired before they knew it.

> Latin: 1.14. Hostiles tamen agros omni frugum genere divites, cum segetibus et tuguriis inflammari permisit, ita demum cum usui necessaria abunde sibi quisque collegisset, et hoc modo sauciabatur salus hostium nesciorum.

[¶14] 1.15. For the warriors gladly made use of what they had won with their own hands, thinking that their valour had found new granaries; and they were delighted to have an abundance of provisions and at the same time save the food that was carried in the ships.

> Latin: 1.15. Bellatores enim libenter quaesitis dextris propriis utebantur, alia virtutis suae horrea repperisse existimantes, et laeti quod vitae subsidiis affluentes, alimenta servabant, quae navigiis vehebantur.

[¶15] 1.16. At this place a drunken soldier, who had rashly and without orders crossed to the opposite bank, was seized by the enemy before our eyes and killed.

> Latin: 1.16. Hic vino gravis quidam temerarius miles ad ulteriorem ripam nullo urgente transgressus, in conspectu nostro ab hostilibus captus, occisus est.

[¶16] 2.1. After these successful operations we reached a fortress called Thilutha, situated in the middle of the river, a place rising in a lofty peak and fortified by nature’s power as if by the hand of man. Since the difficulty and the height of the place made it impregnable, an attempt was made with friendly words (as was fitting) to induce the inhabitants to surrender; but they insisted that such defection then would be untimely. But they went so far as to reply, that as soon as the Romans by further advance had got possession of the interior, they also would go over to the victors, as appendages of the kingdom.

> Latin: 2.1. Quibus tali casu patratis, ad castra pervenimus nomine Thilutha, in medio fluminis sita, locum immenso quodam vertice tumescentem, et potestate naturae, velut manu circumsaeptum humana, cuius ad deditionem incolae temptati mollius (ut decebat), quoniam asperitas edita vim superabat armorum, intempestivam tunc tune defectionem esse firmabant. Sed hactenus responderunt, quod cum interiora occupaverint protinus gradientes Romani, se quoque utpote regnorum sequellas, victoribus accessuros.

[¶17] 2.2. After this, as our ships went by under their very walls, they looked on in respectful silence without making any move. After passing this place we came to another fortress, Achaiachala by name, also protected by the encircling river, and difficult of ascent; there too we received a similar refusal and went on. The next day another castle, which because of the weakness of its walls had been abandoned, was burned in passing.

> Latin: 2.2. Et post haec praetermeantes moenia ipsa, naves nostras verecunda quiete spectabant immobiles. Quo transito cum ad munimentum aliud Achaiachalam Achaiachala nomine venissemus, fluminis circumitione vallatum, arduumque transcensu, refutati pari responso discessimus. Alia postridie castra ob muros invalidos derelicta, praetereuntur incensa.

[¶18] 2.3. Then during the following two days we covered 200 stadia and arrived at a place called Baraxmalcha. From there we crossed the river and entered the city of Diacira, seven miles distant. This place was without inhabitants, but rich in grain and fine white salt; there we saw a temple, standing on a lofty citadel. After burning the city, and killing a few women whom we found, we passed over a spring bubbling with bitumen and took possession of the town of Ozogardana, which the inhabitants had likewise deserted through fear of the approaching army. Here a tribunal of the emperor Trajan was to be seen.

> Latin: 2.3. Postera igitur et insequenti die stadiis ducentis emensis, ventum est ad locum Baraxmalcha. Unde amne transito miliario septimo disparata, Diacira invaditur civitas, habitatoribus vacua, frumento et salibus nitidis plena, in qua templum alti culminis arci vidimus superpositum, qua incensa caesisque mulieribus paucis, quae repertae sunt, traiecto fonte scatenti bitumine, Ozogardana occupavimus oppidum, quod formidine advenientis exercitus itidem deseruere cultores. In quo principis Traiani tribunal ostendebatur.

[¶19] 2.4. After burning this city also, and taking two days’ rest, towards the end of the night which followed the second day, the Surena, who among the Persians has won the highest rank after the king, and the Malechus, Podosaces by name, phylarch of the Assanitic Saracens, a notorious brigand, who with every kind of cruelty had long raided our territories, laid an ambuscade for Ormizda, who, as they had learned (one knew not from what source), was on the point of setting out to reconnoitre. But their attempt failed, because the river at that point is narrow and very deep, and hence could not be forded.

> Latin: 2.4. Hac quoque exusta, biduo ad refectionem corporum dato, prope extremum noctis quae secundum diem secuta est, Surena post regem apud Persas promeritae dignitatis, et Malechus Podosacis nomine, phylarchus Saracenorum Assanitarum, famosi nominis latro, omni saevitia per nostros limites diu grassatus, structis Ormizdae insidiis, quem ad speculandum exiturum (incertum unde) praesenserant, ideo sunt temptamento frustrati, quod angusta fluminis interluvies et praealta transiri vado non potuit.

[¶20] 2.5. At daybreak the enemy were already in sight, and we then saw them for the first time in their gleaming helmets and bristling with stiff coats of mail; but our soldiers rushed to battle at quick step, and fell upon them most valiantly. And although the bows were bent with strong hand and the flashing gleam of steel added to the fear of the Romans, yet anger whetted their valour, and covered with a close array of shields they pressed the enemy so hard that they could not use their bows.

> Latin: 2.5. Et primo lucis exordio, cum essent hostes iam in contuitu, visi tune primitus corusci galeis et horrentes indutibus rigidis, milites in procinctum impetu veloci tendentes, eos involavere fortissime. Et quamvis arcus validis viribus flecterentur, et splendor ferri intermicans, Romanorum metum augeret, ira tamen acuente virtutem, clipeorum densitate contecti, ne possint emittere, coegerunt.

[¶21] 2.6. Inspired by these first-fruits of victory, our soldiers came to the village of Macepracta, where the half-destroyed traces of walls were seen; these in early times had a wide extent, it was said, and protected Assyria from hostile inroads.

> Latin: 2.6. Animatus his vincendi primitiis, miles ad vicum Macepracta pervenit, in quo semiruta murorum vestigia videbantur, qui priscis temporibus in spatia longa protenti, tueri ab externis incursibus Assyriam dicebantur.

[¶22] 2.7. Here a part of the river is drawn off by large canals which take the water into the interior parts of Babylonia, for the use of the fields and the neighbouring cities; another part, Naarmalcha by name, which being interpreted means “the kings’ river,” flows past Ctesiphon. Where it begins, a tower of considerable height rises, like the Pharos. Over this arm of the river all the infantry crossed on carefully constructed bridges.

> Latin: 2.7. Hinc pars fluminis scinditur, largis aquarum agminibus ducens ad tractus Babylonios Babylonos interiores, usui agris futura et civitatibus circumiectis, alia Naarmalcha nomine, quod fluvius regum interpretatur, Ctesiphonta praetermeat, cuius in exordio turris in modum Phari celsior surgit. Hanc peditatus omnis pontibus caute digestis, transivit.

[¶23] 2.8. But the cavalry with the pack-animals swam across in full armour where a bend in the river made it less deep and rapid; some of them were carried off by the current and drowned, others were assailed by the enemy with a sudden shower of arrows; but a troop of auxiliaries, very lightly equipped for running, sallied forth, followed hard on the backs of the flying foe, and like so many birds of prey, struck them down.

> Latin: 2.8. Equites vero cum iumentis armati, clementiores gurgites fluminis obliquati transnarunt, pars flumine absumpta interierunt, alia multitudine subita petiti telorum hostilium. Quos egressi auxiliares ad cursum levissimi, fugientiumque cervicibus insistentes. laniatu avium prostraverunt.

[¶24] 2.9. When this undertaking also had been accomplished with glory, we came to the large and populous city of Pirisabora, surrounded on all sides by the river. The emperor, after riding up and inspecting the walls and the situation, began the siege with all caution, as if he wished by mere terror to take from the townsmen the desire for defence. But after they had been tried by many conferences, and not one could be moved either by promises or by threats, the siege was begun. The walls were surrounded by a triple line of armed men, and from dawn until nightfall they fought with missiles.

> Latin: 2.9. Quo negotio itidem gloriose perfecto, ad civitatem Pirisaboram ventum est, amplam et populosam, ambitu insulari circumvallatam. Cuius obequitans moenia imperator et situm, obsidium omni cautela coeptabat, quasi sola formidine oppidanos a propugnandi studio summoturus. Quibus per colloquia saepe temptatis, cum nec promissis quisquam flecteretur nec minis, suscipitur oppugnandi exordium, et armatorum triplici corona circumdatis muris, a die primo ad usque noctis initium, missilibus certabatur.

[¶25] 2.10. Then the defenders, who were strong and full of courage, spread over the ramparts everywhere loose strips of haircloth to check the force of the missiles, and themselves protected by shields firmly woven of osier and covered with thick layers of rawhide, resisted most resolutely. They looked as if they were entirely of iron; for the plates exactly fitted the various parts of their bodies and fully protecting them, covered them from head to foot.

> Latin: 2.10. Tum defensores animo praestantes et viribus, per propugnacula ciliciis undique laxius pansis, quae telorum impetus cohiberent, obtecti scutis vimine firmissimo textis et crudorum tergorum densitate vestitis, validissime resistebant, ferrea nimirum facie omni: quia lamminae singulis membrorum lineamentis cohaerenter aptatae, fido operimento, totam hominis speciem contegebant.

[¶26] 2.11. And again and again they earnestly demanded an interview with Ormizda, as a fellow countryman and of royal rank, but when he came near they assailed him with insults and abuse, as a traitor and a deserter. This tedious raillery used up the greater part of the day, but in the first stillness of night many kinds of siege-engines were brought to bear and the deep trenches began to be filled up.

> Latin: 2.11. Et aliquotiens Ormizdae ut indigenae et regalis colloquia petentes obnixe, propinquantem probris atque conviciis ut male fidum incessebant et desertorem. Hac lenta cavillatione diei maxima parte exempta, tenebrarum silentio primo, multiformes admotae sunt machinae, coeptaque altitudo complanari fossarum.

[¶27] 2.12. When the defenders, who were watching intently, made this out by the still uncertain light, and besides, that a mighty blow of the ram had breached a corner tower, they abandoned the double walls of the city and took possession of the citadel connected with them, which stood on a precipitous plateau at the top of a rough mountain. The middle of this mountain rose to a lofty height, and its rounded circuit had the form of an Argolic shield, except that on the north side, where its roundness was broken, cliffs which descended into the current of the Euphrates still more strongly protected it. On this stronghold, battlements of walls rose high, and were built of bitumen and baked brick, a kind of structure (as is well known) than which nothing is safer.

> Latin: 2.12. Quae vixdum ambigua luce, defensores intentius contemplati, eo accedente quod angularem turrim ictus foravit arietis violentior, relictis civitatis duplicibus muris, continentem occupant arcem, asperi montis interrupta planitie superpositam, cuius medietas in sublime consurgens, tereti ambitu Argolici scuti speciem ostendebat, nisi quod e septemtrione, id quod rotunditati defuerat, in Euphratis fluenta proiectae cautes eminentius tuebantur, in qua excellebant minae murorum, bitumine et coctilibus laterculis fabricatae, quo aedificii genere nihil esse tutius constat.

[¶28] 2.13. And now the soldiers with greater confidence rushed through the city, seeing it deserted, and fought fiercely with the inhabitants, who from the citadel showered upon them missiles of many kinds. For although those same defenders were hard pressed by our catapults and ballistae, they in turn set up on the height strongly stretched bows, whose wide curves extending on both sides were bent so pliably that when the strings were let go by the fingers, the iron- tipped arrows which they sent forth in violent thrusts crashed into the bodies exposed to them and transfixed them with deadly effect.

> Latin: 2.13. Iamque ferocior miles, pervasa urbe quam viderat vacuam, adversus oppidanos ab arce multimoda tela fundentes, acri contentione pugnabat. Cum enim idem prohibitores catapultis nostrorum urgerentur atque ballistis, ipsi quoque ex edito arcus erigebant fortiter tensos tenses, quibus panda utrimque surgentia cornua ita lentius flectebantur, ut nervi digitorum acti pulsibus violentis, harundines ferratas emitterent, quae corporibus illisae contrariis, letaliter figebantur.

[¶29] 2.14. Nevertheless both armies fought with clouds of stones thrown by hand; neither side gave way, but the hot fight continued with great determination from dawn until nightfall, and ended indecisively. Then, on the following day, they continued the battle most fiercely, many fell on both sides, and their equal strength held the victory in balance. Whereupon the emperor, hastening to try every lucky throw amid the mutual slaughter, surrounded by a band in wedge-formation, and protected from the fall of arrows by shields held closely together, in swift assault with a company of vigorous warriors, came near the enemy’s gate, which was heavily overlaid with iron.

> Latin: 2.14. Dimicabatur nihilo minus utrubique saxorum manualium nimbis, et neutrubi inclinato momento, proelium atrox a lucis ortu ad initium noctis destinatione magna protractum, pari sorte diremptum est. Proinde die secuto, cum certaretur asperrime, multique funderentur altrinsecus, et aequi vigores gesta librarent, imperator omnes aleae casus inter mutuas clades experiri festinans, cuneatim stipatus, densetisque clipeis ab ictu sagittarum defensus, veloci saltu comitantibus promptis, prope portam venit hostilem, crasso ferro crustatam.

[¶30] 2.15. And although he and those who shared in his peril were assailed with rocks, bullets from slings, and other missiles, nevertheless he often cheered on his men as they tried to break in the leaves of the folding gates, in order to affect an entrance, and he did not withdraw until he saw that he must soon be overwhelmed by the volleys that were being hurled down upon him.

> Latin: 2.15. Et licet saxis et glande, ceterisque telis, cum periculi sociis premeretur, fodicare tamen paratos valvarum latera ut aditum patefacerent, vocibus increpans crebris, non ante discessit, quam telorum congerie, quae superiaciebantur, se iam cerneret obruendum.

[¶31] 2.16. After all, he got back with all his men; a few were slightly wounded, he himself was unhurt, but bore a blush of shame upon his face. For he had read that Scipio Aemilianus, accompanied by the historian Polybius of Megalopolis in Arcadia and thirty soldiers, had undermined a gate of Carthage in a like attack. But the admitted credibility of the writers of old upholds the recent exploit.

> Latin: 2.16. Evasit cum omnibus tamen, paucis levius vulneratis, ipse innoxius, verecundo rubore suffusus. Legerat enim Aemilianum Scipionem, cum historiarum conditore Polybio, Megalopolitano Arcade, et triginta militibus, portam Carthaginis impetu simili subfodisse. Sed fides recepta scriptorum veterum recens factum defendit.

[¶32] 2.17. For Aemilianus had come close up to the gate, and it was protected by an arch of masonry, under which he was safely hidden while the enemy were trying to lift off the masses of stone; and he broke into the city when it was stripped of its defenders. But Julian attacked an exposed place, and was forced to retreat only when the face of heaven was darkened by fragments of mountains and other missiles showered upon him; and then with difficulty.

> Latin: 2.17. Aemilianus enim testudine lapidea tectam successerat portam, sub qua tutus et latens, dum moles saxeas detegunt hostes, urbem nudatam irrupit, Iulianus vero locum patentem aggressus, obumbrata caeli facie fragmentis montium et missilibus aegre repulsus, abscessit.

[¶33] 2.18. These actions went on in haste and confusion, and since it was evident that the construction of mantlet-sheds and mounds was greatly interfered with by other pressing matters, Julian gave orders that the engine called helepolis should quickly be built, by the use of which, as I have said above, King Demetrius overcame many cities and won the name of Poliorcetes.

> Latin: 2.18. His raptim ac tumultuarie agitatis, cum operositas vinearum et aggerum impeditissima ceteris urgentibus cerneretur, machinam quae cognominatur helepolis, iussit expeditius fabricari, qua (ut supra docuimus) rex usus Demetrius, superatis oppidis pluribus, Poliorcetes appellatus est.

[¶34] 2.19. To this huge mass, which would rise above the battlements of the lofty towers, the defenders turned an attentive eye, and at the same time considering the resolution of the besiegers, they suddenly fell to their prayers, and standing on the towers and battlements, and with outstretched hands imploring the protection of the Romans, they craved pardon and life.

> Latin: 2.19. Ad hanc molem ingentem, superaturam celsarum turrium minas, prohibitores oculorum aciem intentius conferentes, itidemque instantiam obsidentium perpensantes, subito vertuntur ad preces, circumfusique per turres ac moenium minas, et fidem Romanam pansis manibus protestantes, vitam cum venia postulabant.

[¶35] 2.20. And when they saw that the works were discontinued, and that those who were constructing them were attempting nothing further, which was a sure sign of peace, they asked that an opportunity be given them of conferring with Ormizda.

> Latin: 2.20. Cumque cessasse opera et munitores nihil temptare viderent ulterius, quod quietis erat indicium certum, copiam sibi dari conferendi sermonis cum Ormizda poscebant.

[¶36] 2.21. When this was granted, and Mamersides, commander of the garrison, was let down on a rope and taken to the emperor, he obtained (as he besought) a sure promise of life and impunity for himself and his followers, and was allowed to return. When he reported what he had accomplished, all the people of both sexes, since everything that they desired had been accepted, made peace with trustworthy religious rites. Then the gates were thrown open and they came out, shouting that a potent protecting angel had appeared to them in the person of a Caesar great and merciful.

> Latin: 2.21. Hocque impetrato, Mamersidis Mamersides praesidiorum praefectus, demissus per funem, ductusque ad imperatorem (ut obsecravit), vita cum impunitate sibi consortibusque suis firmiter pacta, redire permissus est. Gestisque nuntiatis, plebs omnis utriusque sexus ad sententiam suam cunctis acceptis, pace foederata cum religionum consecrationibus fidis, patefactis egreditur portis, salutarem genium affulsisse sibi clamitans Caesarem, magnum et lenem.

[¶37] 2.22. The prisoners numbered only 2500; for the rest of the population, in anticipation of a siege, had crossed the river in small boats and made off. In this citadel there was found a great abundance of arms and provisions; of these the victors took what they needed and burned the rest along with the place itself.

> Latin: 2.22. Numerata sunt autem dediticiorum duo milia et quingenti; nam cetera multitudo multitude obsidium ante suspectans, navigiis parvis permeato amne discessit. In hac arce armorum alimentorumque copia reperta est maxima, unde necessariis sumptis, reliqua cum loco ipso exussere victores.

[¶38] 3.1. The day after these events the serious news came to the emperor, while he was quietly at table, that the Persian leader called the Surena had unexpectedly attacked three squadrons of our scouting cavalry, had killed a very few of them, including one of their tribunes, and carried off a standard.

> Latin: 3.1. Postera die quam haec acta erant, perfertur ad imperatorem, cibos per otium capientem, nuntius gravis, Surenam Persicum ducem, procursatorum partis nostrae tres turmas inopinum aggressum paucissimos trucidasse, inter quos strato tribuno, unum rapuisse vexillum.

[¶39] 3.2. At once roused to furious anger, Julian hurried forth with an armed force,—his safest course lay in his very speed-and routed the marauders in shameful confusion; he cashiered the two surviving tribunes as inefficient and cowardly, and following the ancient laws, discharged and put to death ten of the soldiers who had fled from the field.

> Latin: 3.2. Statimque concitus ira immani, cum armigera manu, festinatione ipsa tutissimus pervolavit, et grassatoribus foeda consternatione depulsis, residuos duos tribunos sacramento solvit (ut desides et ignavos): decem vero milites ex his qui fugerant, exauctoratos, capitali addixit supplicio, secutus veteres leges.

[¶40] 3.3. Then, after the city was burned (as has been told), Julian mounted a tribunal erected for the purpose and thanked the assembled army, urging them all to act in the same way in the future, and promised each man a hundred pieces of silver. But when he perceived that the smallness of the promised sum excited a mutinous uproar, he was roused to deep indignation and spoke as follows:

> Latin: 3.3. Incensa denique urbe (ut memoratum est), constructo tribunali insistens, actis gratiis exercitui convocato, cunctos ad paria facienda deinceps hortabatur, et argenteos nummos centenos viritim pollicitus, cum eos parvitate promissi percitos tumultuare sensisset, ad indignationem plenam gravitatis erectus:

[¶41] 3.4. “Behold the Persians,” said he, “abounding in wealth of every kind. The riches of this people can enrich you, if we show ourselves brave men of united purpose. But from endless resources (believe me, pray) the Roman empire has sunk to extremest want through those men who (to enrich themselves) have taught princes to buy peace from the barbarians with gold.”

> Latin: 3.4. “En” inquit “Persae, circumfluentes rerum omnium copiis: ditare vos poterit opimitas gentis, si unum spirantibus animis fortiter fecerimus. Ex immensis opibus egentissima est—tandem credite Romana res publica, per eos qui (ut augerent divitias) docuerunt principes auro quietem a barbaris redemptare.”

[¶42] 3.5. “The treasury has been pillaged, cities depopulated, provinces laid waste. I have neither wealth nor family connections (although I am of noble birth), only a heart that knows no fear; and an emperor who finds his sole happiness in the training of his mind will feel no shame in admitting an honourable poverty. For the Fabricii too, though poor in worldly goods, conducted serious wars and were rich in glory.”

> Latin: 3.5. “Direptum aerarium est, urbes exinanitae, populatae provinciae: mihi nec facultates nec propinquitas generis suppetit, quamvis ortus sim nobilis, praeter pectus omni liberum metu: nec pudebit imperatorem, cuncta bona in animi cultu ponentem, profiteri paupertatem honestam. Nam et Fabricii familiari re pauperes, rexere bella gravissima, gloria locupletes.”

[¶43] 3.6. “All this you may possess in abundance, if you fearlessly follow God’s lead and your general’s, who will be careful (so far as human foresight can provide), and if you act with moderation; but if you oppose me and repeat the shameful scenes of former revolts, go to it now!”

> Latin: 3.6. “Haec vobis cuncta poterunt abundare, si imperterriti deo meque (quantum humana ratio patitur), caute ductante, mitius egeritis: sin resistitis ad seditionum revoluti dedecora pristinarum, iam pergite.”

[¶44] 3.7. “I alone, as becomes a commander, having reached the end of a career of great deeds, will die standing on my feet, indifferent to a life which one little fever may take from me; or at any rate I will abdicate, since I have not lived such a life that I cannot some time be a private citizen. And I may say with pride and joy that we have with us thoroughly tried generals, perfect in their knowledge of every kind of warfare.”

> Latin: 3.7. “Ut imperatorem decet, ego solus confecto tantorum munerum cursu, moriar stando, contempturus animam quam mihi febricula eripiet una, aut certe discedam; nec enim ita vixi, ut non possim aliquando esse privatus. Praeque me fero et laetor, ductores spectatissimos esse nobiscum, perfectos bellicarum omni genere doctrinarum.”

[¶45] 3.8. By this address of an emperor self-contained amid prosperity and adversity the soldiers were quieted for the time, and, gaining confidence through the anticipation of better days, they promised to be obedient and compliant. With unanimous applause they lauded his leadership and high spirit to the skies; and when such utterances are sincere and come from the heart, it is usually shown by a slight clashing of shields.

> Latin: 3.8. Hac modesta imperatoris oratione, inter secunda et aspera medii, miles pro tempore delenitus, assumpta cum meliorum exspectatione fiducia, regibilem se fore pollicitus et morigerum, cunctorum adspirante consensu, auctoritatem eius sublimitatemque cordis extollebat in caelum, quod cum vere atque ex animo dicitur, solet armorum crepitu leni monstrari.

[¶46] 3.9. After this they retired to their tents and (so far as the circumstances allowed) refreshed themselves with food and sleep. It gave courage to the army besides that Julian constantly took oath, not by those dear to him, but by the great deeds that he planned, saying: “As I hope to send the Persians under the yoke”; “As I hope to restore the shattered Roman world.” Just as Trajan is said sometimes to have emphasized a statement by the oaths: “As I hope to see Dacia reduced to the form of a province”; “As I hope to cross the Hister and the Euphrates on bridges”; and many other oaths of the same kind.

> Latin: 3.9. Repetitis post haec tentoriis, pro copia rei praesentis victu se recreavit et quiete nocturna. Animabat autem Iulianus exercitum, cum non per caritates, sed per inchoatas negotiorum magnitudines deieraret assidue: “Sic sub iugum mitteret Persas, ita quassatum recrearet orbem Romanum.” Ut Traianus fertur aliquotiens iurando dicta consuesse firmare “Sic in provinciarum speciem redactam videam Daciam; sic pontibus Histrum et Euphratem, superem,” et similia plurima.

[¶47] 3.10. Next, after a march of fourteen miles, we came to a place where the fields are made fertile by an abundance of water; but the Persians, having learned in advance that we should take that route, had broken the dykes and allowed the water to flow everywhere without restraint.

> Latin: 3.10. Post haec decursis milibus passuum quattuordecim, ad locum quendam est ventum arva aquis abundantibus fecundantem, quo itinere nos ituros Persae praedocti, sublatis cataractis undas evagari fusius permiserunt.

[¶48] 3.11. Therefore, as the ground was covered far and wide with standing pools, the emperor gave the soldiers another day of rest, and went on himself; and after overcoming many dangers, he made such bridges as he could from bladders, as well as boats from the trunks of palm trees, and so got his army across, though not without difficulty.

> Latin: 3.11. Itaque humo late stagnante, altero die militi requie data, imperator ipse praegressus, constratis periculis multis ex utribus pro copia pontibus, itidemque navibus confectis e palmarum trabibus exercitum non sine difficultate traduxit.

[¶49] 3.12. In these regions there are many fields, planted with vineyards and various kinds of fruits. Here too palm trees are wont to grow, extending over a wide expanse as far as Mesene and the great sea, in mighty groves. And wherever anyone goes, one constantly sees palm branches with and without fruit, and from their yield an abundance of honey and wine is made. The palms themselves are said to couple, and the sexes may easily be distinguished.

> Latin: 3.12. In his regionibus agri sunt plures, consiti vineis varioque pomorum genere, ubi oriri arbores assuetae palmarum, per spatia ampla ad usque Mesenen et mare pertinent magnum, instar ingentium nemorum. Et quaqua incesserit quisquam, termites et spadica cernit assidua, quorum ex fructu mellis et vini conficitur abundantia, et maritari palmae ipsae dicuntur facileque sexus posse discerni.

[¶50] 3.13. It is also said that the female trees conceive when smeared with the seeds of the male, and they assert that the trees take pleasure in mutual love, and that this is evident from the fact that they lean towards each other, and cannot be parted even by gales of wind. And if the female tree is not smeared in the usual way with the seed of the male, it suffers abortion and loses its fruit before it is ripe. And if it is not known with what male any female tree is in love, her trunk is smeared with her own perfume, and the other tree by a law of nature is attracted by the sweet odour. It is from these signs that the belief in a kind of copulation is created.

> Latin: 3.13. Additur etiam generare feminas seminibus illitas marium, feruntque eas amore mutuo delectari, hocque inde clarere, quod contra se vicissim nutantes, ne turgidis quidem flatibus avertuntur. Et si ex more femina maris non illita fuerit semine, abortus vitio fetus amittit intempestivos. Et siqua femina cuius arboris amore perculsa sit ignoretur, unguento ipsius inficitur truncus, et arbor alia naturaliter odoris dulcedinem concipit, hisque indiciis velut coeundi quaedam proditur fides.

[¶51] 3.14. Abundantly supplied with food of that kind, our army passed by several islands, and where formerly there was dread of scarcity there was now serious danger of over-eating. Finally, they were assailed by a hidden attack of the enemy’s archers, but not unavenged; and came to a place where the main body of the Euphrates is divided into many small streams.

> Latin: 3.14. Qua cibi copia satur exercitus, plures praetergressus est insulas, et ubi formidabatur inopia, ibi timor saginae gravis incessit. Sagittariorum denique hostilium impetu latenti temptatus, neque inultus, prope locum venit ubi pars maior Euphratis in rivos dividitur multifidos.

[¶52] 4.1. In this tract a city which, because of its low walls, had been abandoned by its Jewish inhabitants, was burned by the hands of the angry soldiers. This done, the emperor went on farther, still more hopeful because of the gracious aid of the deity, as he interpreted it.

> Latin: 4.1. In hoc tractu civitas ob muros humiles ab incolis Iudaeis deserta, iratorum manu militum conflagravit. Quibus actis pergebat ulterius imperator, placida ope numinis (ut arbitrabatur), erectior.

[¶53] 4.2. And when he had come to Maiozamalcha, a great city surrounded by strong walls, he pitched his tents and took anxious precautions that the camp might not be disturbed by a sudden onset of the Persian cavalry, whose valour in the open field was enormously feared by all peoples.

> Latin: 4.2. Cumque Maiozamalcham venisset, urbem magnam et validis circumdatam moenibus, tentoriis fixis providit sollicite, ne castra repentino equitatus Persici turbarentur accursu, cuius fortitudo in locis patentibus, immane quantum gentibus est formidata.

[¶54] 4.3. After making this provision, attended by a few light-armed soldiers and himself also marching on foot, Julian planned to make a careful examination of the position of the city; but he fell into a dangerous ambuscade, from which he escaped only with difficulty and at the risk of his life.

> Latin: 4.3. Et hoc disposito stipatus velitibus paucis, ipse quoque pedes civitatis situm diligenti inquisitione exploraturus, in perniciosas praecipitatus insidias, ex ipso vitae discrimine tandem emersit.

[¶55] 4.4. For through a secret gate of the town ten armed Persians came out, and after crossing the lower slopes on bended knees made a sudden onslaught on our men. Two with drawn swords attacked the emperor, whose bearing made him conspicuous, but he met their strokes by lifting up his shield. Thus protected, with great and lofty courage he plunged his sword into the side of one assailant, while his followers with many a stroke cut down the other. The rest, of whom some were wounded, fled in all directions. After stripping the two of their arms, Julian returned to the camp with the spoils, bringing back his companions uninjured, and was received by all with great joy.

> Latin: 4.4. Namque per latentem oppidi portam, Persae decem armati degressi, imaque clivorum pervadentes, poplitibus subsidendo, repentino impetu nostros aggressi sunt. E quibus duo conspectiorem habitu principem gladiis petiere districtis, sed occurrit ictibus erectum altius scutum, quo contectus magna elataque fiducia unius lateri ferrum infixit, alterum stipatores multiplicatis ictibus occiderunt. Residuis e quibus vulnerati sunt aliqui, disiectis in fugam, spoliatisque ambobus, reducens incolumes socios, cum exuviis remeavit ad castra, omnium laetitia magna susceptus.

[¶56] 4.5. Torquatus once took from a prostrate foe his golden neck-chain; Valerius, afterwards surnamed Corvinus, laid low a bold and bragging Gaul with the aid of a crow, and by these glorious deeds they gained fame with posterity. We do not begrudge the praise; let this fine exploit also be added to the records of the past.

> Latin: 4.5. Sustulit in hoste prostrato aureum colli monile Torquatus, fudit confidentissimum Gallum alitis propugnatione Valerius, postea cognomento Corvinus, hacque gloria posteritati sunt commendati; non invidemus: accedat hoc quoque monumentis veteribus facinus pulchrum.

[¶57] 4.6. On the following day bridges were built and the army led across, and a camp was measured off in another and more advantageous place and girt by a double palisade, since (as I have said) Julian feared the open plains. Then he began the siege of the town, thinking that it would be dangerous to advance farther, and leave behind him an enemy whom he feared.

> Latin: 4.6. Constratis postridie pontibus, exercituque travecto, et metatis alibi salubrius castris, vallo duplici circumductis, quoniam (ut diximus) timebantur solitudines planae, oppidi suscepit obsidium, periculosum fore existimans, si gradiens prorsus, a tergo relinqueret quos timeret.

[¶58] 4.7. While great preparations were being made for the siege, the Surena, who was in command of the enemy, made an attack on the pack-animals, which were grazing in the palm-groves; but he was met by our scouting-cohorts, and after loss of a few of the men, was baffled by our forces and withdrew.

> Latin: 4.7. Haec dum magno molimine comparantur, Surena hostium dux iumenta adortus, quae in lucis palmaribus vescebantur, a cohortibus nostris repulsoriis cum paucorum exitio habitus frustra discessit.

[¶59] 4.8. The inhabitants of two cities, which were on islands made by the winding river, alarmed and distrustful of their strength, tried to make their way to the walls of Ctesiphon; some of them slipped off through the thick woods, others crossed the neighbouring pools in their boats made from hollowed trees, thinking this their only hope and the best means for making the long journey which confronted them, if they were to reach that distant land.

> Latin: 4.8. Et duarum incolae civitatum, quas amnes amplexi faciunt insulas, parva sui fiducia trepidi, ad Ctesiphontis moenia se contulerunt, pars per silvarum densa, alii per paludes vicinas, alveis arborum cavatarum invecti, ad unicum auxilium et potissimum itineris longi, quod supererat, dilabuntur, ulteriora petituri terrarum.

[¶60] 4.9. Some of them, who offered resistance, were slain by our troops, who also rushed about everywhere in skiffs and boats and from time to time brought in others as prisoners. For Julian had provided with balanced care, that while the infantry were besieging the town, the cavalry forces, divided into detachments, should give their attention to driving off booty; and through this arrangement the soldiers, without burdening the provincials at all, fed upon the vitals of the enemy.

> Latin: 4.9. E quibus resistentes aliquos nostri milites trucidabant, ipsi quoque lintribus et cymbis per varia discurrentes, captivos alios subinde perducebant. Id enim erat librata ratione dispositum, ut, dum copiae pedestres muros oppugnant, equestres turmae divisae per globos, abigendis insisterent praedis: hocque proviso, nullo provincialium damno, miles visceribus hostium pascebatur.

[¶61] 4.10. And now the emperor, having surrounded, with a triple line of shields, the town, which had a double wall about it, assailed it with all his might, in the hope of gaining his end. But necessary as the attack was, so was it very difficult to bring it to a successful issue. For on every side the approaches were surrounded by high and precipitous cliffs and many windings made them doubly perilous and the town inaccessible, especially since the towers, formidable for both their number and their height, rose to the same elevation as the eminence of natural rock which formed the citadel, while the sloping plateau overlooking the river was fortified with strong battlements.

> Latin: 4.10. Iamque imperator munitum muris duplicibus oppidum, ordine circumdatum trino scutorum, spe patrandi incepti, maximis viribus oppugnabat. Sed ut erat necessarius appetitus, ita effectu res difficillima. Nam accessus undique rupibus anfractu celsiore discissis, flexuosisque excessibus ob periculum anceps, adeundi copiam denegabat, maxime quoniam turres crebritate et altitudine formidandae, montem saxeum arcis naturaliter editum, aequabant, et proclivis planities flumini imminens, propugnaculorum firmitate muniebatur.

[¶62] 4.11. Added to this was an equally serious disadvantage, in that the large and carefully chosen force of the besieged could not by any enticements be led to surrender, but resisted as though resolved either to be victorious or to die amid the ashes of their native city. But our soldiers could with difficulty be kept from the attack, mutinously pressing on and demanding a pitched battle even in the open field; and when the trumpet sounded the recall, they continually tormented themselves with spirited attempts to assail the enemy.

> Latin: 4.11. Accedebat his haut levius malum, quod lecta manus et copiosa (quae obsidebatur) nullis ad deditionem illecebris flectebatur, sed tamquam superatura, vel devota cineribus patriae, resistebat. Adversus eam aegre retentabatur, inferens se protervius miles, et pugnam vel aequo campo, iustoque proelio poscens, cumque receptui caneretur, assidue animosis hostem urgendi conatibus urebatur.

[¶63] 4.12. However, the judgement of our leaders overcame their extreme violence; the work was divided, and each man undertook with all speed the task assigned him. For here lofty embankments were being raised, there others were filling up the deep ditches; elsewhere long passages were being constructed in the bowels of the earth, and those in charge of the artillery were setting up their hurling engines, soon to break out with deadly roar.

> Latin: 4.12. Vicit tamen nostrorum consilium contentionem virium maximam, divisisque operibus, officia quisque distributa capessit ocissime. Hinc enim ardui suggestus erigebantur, inde fossarum altitudines alii complanabant, terrarum latibula concava oblongis tramitibus alibi struebantur, locabant etiam artifices tormenta muralia, in funestos sonitus proruptura, Et cuniculos quidem cum vineis, Nevitta et Dagalaifus curabant, ineundis autem conflictibus, et defendendis ab incendio vel eruptionibus machinis, praeerat imperator.