---
title: "History · Res gestae"
author: "Ammianus Marcellinus"
translator: "John C. Rolfe"
languages: [la, en]
shelf: "Classical Latin"
section: 43 of 52
url: https://scriptura.si/works/ammianus-marcellinus-res-gestae/43/
cite: "Ammianus Marcellinus, tr. John C. Rolfe, History · Res gestae, section 43. Scriptura (scriptura.si), https://scriptura.si/works/ammianus-marcellinus-res-gestae/43/"
---

# 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.

## 43. Book XXIX · chapters 2–5

Source: https://scriptura.si/works/ammianus-marcellinus-res-gestae/43/ · cite a paragraph as https://scriptura.si/works/ammianus-marcellinus-res-gestae/43/#p-N

[¶0] 2.13. But when Heliodorus died (whether naturally or through some deliberate violence is uncertain; I would rather not say “too late”: I only wish that even the facts did not speak to that effect!) his body was carried out by the undertakers, and many men of rank, clad in mourning, were ordered to precede it, including the brothers who had been consuls.

> Latin: 2.13. Sed Heliodoro (incertum morbo an quadam excogitata vi) mortuo (nolim dicere “sero”: utinam nec ipsa res loqueretur!) funus eius per vespillones elatum, pullati praecedere honorati complures, inter quos et fratres iussi sunt consulares.

[¶1] 2.14. Thereby the entire rottenness of the folly of the empire’s ruler was then completely revealed; for although he was earnestly besought to refrain from this inexcusable insult, yet he remained so inflexible that he seemed to have stopped his ears with wax, as if he were going to pass the rocks of the Sirens.

> Latin: 2.14. Ibi tune rectoris imperil caries tota stoliditatis apertius est profanata, qui cum abstinere inconsolabili malo rogaretur obnixe, inflexibilis mansit, ut videretur aures occlusisse ceris (quasi scopulos Sirenios transgressurus).

[¶2] 2.15. At last, however, he yielded to insistent prayers, and ordered that some persons should precede the ill-omened bier of the body-snatcher to the tomb, marching with bare heads and feet, some also with folded hands. My mind shrinks from recalling, during that suspension of justice, how many men of the highest rank, especially exconsuls, after having carried the staves of honour and worn purple robes, and having their names made known to all the world 10 in the Roman calendar, were seen exposed to humiliation.

> Latin: 2.15. Superatus tamen precibus destinatis, tandem nudatis capitibus, infaustam bustuarii libitinam ad usque sepulcrum incedentes et pedibus, quosdam etiam complicatis articulis, praeire mandavit. Horret mens reminisci, quo iustitio humilitati tot rerum apices visebantur, et praecipue consulares, post scipiones et trabeas et fastorum monumenta mundana.

[¶3] 2.16. Conspicuous among all of these was our Hypatius, a man recommended from his youth by noble virtues, of quiet and calm discretion, and of a nobility and gentleness measured as it were by the plumb-line; he conferred honour on the fame of his ancestors and himself gave glory to posterity by the admirable acts of his two prefectures.

> Latin: 2.16. Inter quos omnes ab adulescentia virtutum pulchritudine commendabilis, noster Hypatius praeminebat, vir quieti placidique consilii, honestatem lenium morum velut ad perpendiculum librans, qui et maiorum claritudini gloriae fuit, et ipse posteritatem mirandis actibus praefecturae geminae decoravit.

[¶4] 2.17. At the time Valens added this also to the rest of his glories, that while in other instances he was so savagely cruel as to grieve that the great pain of his punishments could not continue after death, yet he spared the tribune Numerius, a man of surpassing wickedness! This man was convicted at that same time on his own confession of having dared to cut open the womb of a living woman and take out her unripe offspring, in order to evoke the ghosts of the dead and consult them about a change of rulers; yet Valens, who looked on him with the eye of an intimate friend, in spite of the murmurs of the whole Senate gave orders that he should escape unpunished, and retain his life, his enviable wealth, and his military rank unimpaired.

> Latin: 2.17. Accesserat hoc quoque eodem tempore ad Valentis ceteras laudes, quod cum in aliis ita saeviret infeste, ut poenarum maiores aegre ferret finiri cum morte dolores, Numerium tribunum, malitia quendam exsuperantem, eisdem diebus convictum, confessumque quod exsecto vivae mulieris ventre, atque intempestivo partu extracto, infernis manibus excitis, de permutatione imperii consulere ausus est, familiaritatis contuitu, ordine omni mussante, abire iussit, inlaesum, salutem et invidendas opes et militiae statum integrum retenturum.

[¶5] 2.18. O noble system of wisdom, by heaven’s gift bestowed upon the fortunate, thou who hast often ennobled even sinful natures! How much wouldst thou have corrected in those dark days, if it had been permitted Valens to learn through you that royal power—as the philosophers declare—is nothing else than the care for others’ welfare; that it is the duty of a good ruler to restrain his power, to resist unbounded desire and implacable anger, and to know—as the dictator Caesar used to say—that the recollection of cruelty is a wretched support for old age. And therefore, if he is going to pass judgment affecting the life and breath of a human being, who forms a part of the world and completes the number of living things, he ought to hesitate long and greatly and not be carried away by headlong passion to a point where what is done cannot be undone; of which we have a very well-known instance in olden times.

> Latin: 2.18. O praeclara informatio doctrinarum, munere caelesti indulta felicibus, quae vel vitiosas naturas saepe excoluisti! Quanta in illa caligine temporum correxisses, si Valenti scire per te licuisset, nihil aliud esse imperium, ut sapientes definiunt, nisi curam salutis alienae, bonique esse moderatoris, restringere potestatem, resistere cupiditati omnium rerum, et implacabilibus iracundiis, nosseque (ut Caesar dictator aiebat) miserum esse instrumentum senectuti recordationem crudelitatis, ideoque de vita et spiritu hominis, qui pars mundi est et animantium numerum complet, laturum sententiam diu multumque oportere cunctari, nec praecipiti studio, ubi irrevocabile factum est, agitari, ut exemplum est illud antiquitati admodum notum.

[¶6] 2.19. A woman of Smyrna confessed before Dolabella, the proconsul of Asia, that she had poisoned her husband and her own son by him, because (as she said) she had discovered that they had killed her son by a former marriage; but she was ordered to appear again two days later. Since the council, to which according to custom the matter was referred, uncertain what distinction ought to be made between revenge and crime, hesitated to decide, she was sent before the Areopagites, those strict judges at Athens, whose justice is said to have decided disputes even among the gods. They, after having considered the case, ordered the woman to appear before them with her accuser a hundred years later, since they did not wish either to acquit a poisoner or punish an avenger of her kindred; for that is never thought late which is the last of all things.

> Latin: 2.19. Apud proconsulem Asiae Dolabellam Smyrnaea mulier subolem propriam et maritum venenis necasse confessa, quod filium e matrimonio priore susceptum occiderint, et comperendinata cum consilium, ad quod res ex more delata est, anceps, quid inter ultionem et scelus statui debeat, haesitaret, ad Areopagitas missa est (Athenienses iudices tristiores), quorum aequitas deorum quoque iurgia dicitur distinxisse. Hi causa cognita centesimo post anno cum accusatore mulierem adesse iusserunt, ne aut absolverent veneficam, aut ultrix necessitudinum puniretur. Ita numquam tardum existimatur, quod est omnium ultimum.

[¶7] 2.20. After these various deeds of injustice which have already been mentioned, and the marks of torture shamefully branded upon the bodies of such free men as bad survived, the never-closing eye of Justice, the eternal witness and avenger of all things, was watchfully attentive. For the last curses of the murdered, moving the eternal godhead through the just ground of their complaints, had kindled the firebrands of Bellona; so that the truth of the oracle was confirmed, which had predicted that no crimes would go unpunished.

> Latin: 2.20. Post commissa iniquitatibus variis ante dicta, et impressas foede corporibus liberis, quae supervixerant, notas, inconivus Iustitiae oculus, arbiter et vindex perpetuus rerum vigilavit attente. Namque caesorum ultimae dirae, perpetuum numen ratione querellarum iustissima commoventes, Bellonae accenderant faces, ut fides oraculi firmaretur, quod nihil impune praedixerat perpetrari.

[¶8] 2.21. While these events, which have just been described, during the cessation of the Parthian storm were being spread abroad at Antioch in the form of internal troubles, the awful band of the Furies, after making a rolling flood of manifold disasters, left that city and settled on the shoulders of all Asia, in the following way.

> Latin: 2.21. Dum haec quae supra digesta sunt Antiochiae Parthico fragore cessante, per intestinas dilatantur aerumnas, coetus furiarum horrificus, post convolutos multiplices casus, ab eadem urbe digressus, cervicibus Asiae totius insedit hoc modo.

[¶9] 2.22. A certain Festinus of Tridentum, a man of the lowest and most obscure parentage, was admitted by Maximinus even into the ties of affection which true brothers show, for he had been his boon companion and with him had assumed the manly gown. By decree of the fates this man passed over to the Orient, and there in the administration of Syria, and after serving as master of the rolls, he left behind him praiseworthy examples of mildness and of respect for law; and when later he was advanced to the governorship of Asia with proconsular authority, he sailed to glory with a fair wind, as the saying is.

> Latin: 2.22. Festinus quidam Tridentinus ultimi sanguinis et ignoti, in nexum germanitatis a Maximino dilectus, ut sodalis et contogatus, decernentibus fatis, ad orientem transgressus est, ibique administrata Syria magisterioque memoriae peracto, bona lenitudinis et reverentiae reliquit exempla, unde regere Asiam proconsulari potestate exorsus, velificatione tranquilla, ut aiunt, ferebatur ad gloriam.

[¶10] 2.23. But hearing that Maximinus planned to wipe out all decent men, from that time on he decried his actions as dangerous and shameful. But when he learned that Maximinus, merely through the recommendation of the deaths of those whom he had impiously slain, had attained the honour of prefect contrary to his deserts, he was aroused to similar deeds and hopes. Like an actor, suddenly changing his mask, he conceived the desire of doing harm and stalked about with intent and cruel eyes, imagining that the prefecture would soon be his if he also should have stained himself with the punishment of the innocent.

> Latin: 2.23. Audiens autem Maximinum optimo cuique exitialem, obtrectabat subinde actibus eius, ut perniciosis et foedis. Sed cum impie peremptorum exsequiis suffragantibus, ad praefecturam venisse hominem comperisset immeritum, exarsit ad agenda sperandaque similia, et histrionis ritu mutata repente persona, studio nocendi concepto, incedebat oculis intentis ac diris, praefecturam autumans affore prope diem, si ipse quoque se contaminasset insontium poenis.

[¶11] 2.24. And although many of the various acts which he committed were very harsh, to express it mildly, yet it will suffice to mention a few which are familiar and generally known, and done in emulation of those which had taken place in Rome. For the principle of good or bad deeds is the same everywhere, even if the greatness of the situation is not the same.

> Latin: 2.24. Et quamquam sint multa et varia, quae (ut levius interpretemur) egit asperrime: pauca tamen dici sufficiet, quae sunt nota ac pervulgata, ad aemulationem eorum commissa, quae facta sunt Romae. Ratio enim eadem est ubique recte secusve gestorum, etiam si magnitudo sit dissimilis rerum.

[¶12] 2.25. He executed a philosopher called Coeranius, a man of no slight merit, after he had resisted tortures of savage cruelty, because in a letter to his wife of a personal nature he had added in Greek: “But do you take note and crown the house door,” which is a common proverbial expression, used in order that the hearer may know that something of greater importance than usual is to be done.

> Latin: 2.25. Philosophum quendam Coeranium, haut exilis meriti virum, ea causa tormentorum immanitate invictum occidit, quod ad coniugem suam familiariter scribens, id sermone addiderat Graeco: σὺ δὲ νόει καὶ στέφε τὴν πύλην, quod dici proverbialiter solet, ut audiens altius aliquid agendum agnoscat.

[¶13] 2.26. There was a simple-minded old woman who was in the habit of curing intermittent fevers with a harmless charm. He caused her to be put to death as a criminal, after she had been called in with his own knowledge and had treated his daughter.

> Latin: 2.26. Anum quandam simplicem intervallatis febribus mederi leni carmine consuetam, occidit ut noxiam, postquam filiam suam ipso conscio curavit adscita.

[¶14] 2.27. Among the papers of a distinguished townsman, of which an examination had been ordered for some business reason, the horoscope of a certain Valens was found; when the person concerned was asked why he had cast the nativity of the emperor, he defended himself against the false charge by saying that he had had a brother named Valens, and that he had died long ago. He promised to show this by proofs of full credibility, but they did not wait for the truth to be discovered, and he was tortured and butchered.

> Latin: 2.27. In chartis cuiusdam municipis clari, scrutari ex negotio iussis, genitura Valentis cuiusdam inventa est, repellensque calumnias is cuius intererat, cum obiectaretur ei quam ob rem constellationem principis collegisset, fratrem suum fuisse Valentem, dudumque obisse, documentorum plena fide monstrare pollicitus, inexspectato veritatis indicio, laniatis lateribus, trucidatus est.

[¶15] 2.28. In the bath a young man was seen to touch alternately with the fingers of either hand first the marble and then his breast, and to count the seven vowels, thinking it a helpful remedy for a stomach trouble. He was haled into court, tortured and beheaded.

> Latin: 2.28. Visus adulescens in balneis admovere marmori manus utriusque digitos alternatim et pectori, septemque vocales litteras numerasse, ad stomachi remedium prodesse id arbitratus: in iudicium tractus, percussus est gladio post tormenta.

[¶16] 3.1. At this point, as I turn my pen to Gaul, the order and series of events is a turmoil, since we find Maximus, who is now prefect, in the midst of many cruel deeds; for being in possession of extensive power, he was added as an ill-omened incentive to the emperor, who united with the majesty of his position unendurable tyranny. Therefore, whoever ponders what I have told, should also carefully weigh the rest which are passed over in silence; and, like a reasonable person, he will pardon me for not including everything which deliberate wickedness committed by exaggerating the importance of the charges.

> Latin: 3.1. Hic et mihi vertenti stilum in Gallias, confunditur ordo seriesque gestorum, inter multa et saeva Maximinum reperiens iam praefectum, qui potestate late diffusa, scaevum imperatori accesserat incentivum, maiestati fortunae miscenti licentiam gravem. Quisquis igitur dicta considerat, perpendat etiam cetera, quae tacentur, veniam daturus, ut prudens, si non cuncta complectimur, quae consiliorum pravitas crimina in maius exaggerando commisit.

[¶17] 3.2. For Valentinian, who was naturally savage, as bitterness (which is a foe to righteous conduct) increased in him after the coming of the aforesaid Maximinus, having no one to give better advice or to restrain him, was carried as if by surging waves and tempests from one cruel act to another; to such a degree that, when he was in a passion, often his voice and expression, his gait and his colour, were changed. For his cruelty we have the testimony of various sure pieces of evidence, of which it will suffice to set down a few.

> Latin: 3.2. Adulescente enim acerbitate, rationum inimica rectarum, trux suopte ingenio Valentinianus, post eiusdem Maximini adventum, nec meliora monente ullo nec retentante, per asperos actus velut aestu quodam fluctuum ferebatur et procellarum, adeo ut irascentis saepe vox et vultus et incessus mutaretur et color. Quam rem indicia varia testantur et certa, e quibus pauca sufficiet poni.

[¶18] 3.3. A well-grown youth of the class called pages was posted, holding in leash a Spartan hound, to watch for game at a hunt; but he let the dog loose before the designated time, because the animal in an effort to escape leaped at him in a rush and bit him; for that he was beaten to death with cudgels and buried the same day.

> Latin: 3.3. Adultus quidam ex his quos paedagogianos appellant, ad observandam venaticiam praedam, Spartanum canem retinere dispositus, ante praedictum tempus absolvit, adsultu eius evadere conantis appetitus et morsu: ideoque necatus ad exitium fustibus, eadem humatus est die.

[¶19] 3.4. A man in charge of a smithy brought to the emperor a breastplate artistically embellished, and expected a reward for it; but Valentinian ordered him to be put to death with equal cruelty because the piece of iron armour had a little less weight than he had stipulated. An elder of the Christian faith from Epirus, who was a favourite of Octavianus, the former proconsul,... and the author of the charges was sent back, although somewhat tardily, to his home.

> Latin: 3.4. Praepositum fabricae oblato thorace polito faberrime, praemiumque ideo exspectantem, ea re praecepit occidi diritate pari quod pondus paulo minus habuit species ferrea, quam ille firmarat. Epiroten aliquem ritus Christiani presbyterum acceptum Octaviano ex proconsule … offensarum auctore licet tardius ad sua remisso.

[¶20] 3.5. Constantianus, an officer of the stable, was sent to Sardinia to test horses to be used for military service, and because he had dared to exchange a few of them, he was stoned to death by the emperor’s order. Athanasius, a favourite charioteer of the day, so suspected by him for his general light-mindedness that he was ordered to be burned alive if he should try anything of the kind, not long afterward used magic arts and was charged therewith; and without indulgence being granted to a man who was an artist in entertainments, he was condemned to be burned to death.

> Latin: 3.5. Constantianus strator paucos militares equos ex his ausus mutare, ad quos probandos missus est in Sardiniam, eodem iubente lapidum ictibus oppetit crebris. Athanasius favorabilis tunc auriga, ita suspectus ei vulgari levitate, ut vivus incendi iuberetur, si quid temptasset huius modi, non multo postea veneficiis usus incessebatur; nulla delata voluptatum artifici venia, ignibus aboleri praeceptus est.

[¶21] 3.6. Africanus, a busy pleader of cases at law in the city, after governing a province, aspired to the rule of another; but when Theodosius, general of the cavalry, supported him in his request, the kind emperor gave this somewhat boorish reply: “Go, general, and change his head for him, since he wants a change in his province.” And by this pronouncement an eloquent man lost his life merely for hastening, like many, for advancement.

> Latin: 3.6. Africanus causarum in urbe defensor assiduus, post administratam provinciam, ad regendam aliam adspiravit, cuius suffragatori magistro equitum Theodosio, id petenti, subagresti verbo pius responderat imperator: “Abi,” inquit, “comes, et muta ei caput, qui sibi mutari provinciam cupit”: et hoc elogio perit homo disertus, ad potiora festinans, ut multi.

[¶22] 3.7. Claudius and Sallustius, of the Jovian legion, who had advanced as far as the rank of tribune, were accused by a fellow whose low origin in itself made him an object of contempt, on the ground that when Procopius had aspired to the imperial power they had spoken some good words for him; but although constant inquisitions revealed nothing, the emperor ordered the generals of the cavalry, who were hearing the case, to drive Claudius into exile and condemn Sallustius to death, promising to pardon the latter on his way to execution. But when this had been done according to the directions, Sallustius’ life was not spared and Claudius was not freed from the sorrow of banishment until after the death of the aforesaid Valentinian... decidedly refused, although they were repeatedly tortured.

> Latin: 3.7. Claudium et Sallustium, ex Iovianorum numero ad usque tribunatus dignitates progressos progresses, accusabat quidam vilitate ipsa despectus, quod cum imperium Procopius affectasset, aliqua pro eo locuti sunt bona. Cumque nihil quaestiones reperirent assiduae, mandare magistris equitum auditoribus princeps, ut agerent in exsilium Claudium et Sallustium pronuntiarent capitis reum, pollicitus quod eum revocabit ad supplicium raptum; hocque ita (ut statutum est) observato, nec Sallustius morte exemptus est, nec Claudius nisi post eiusdem Valentiniani obitum deportationis maestitia liberatus … longe recusaverit, cum illi saepissime torquerentur.

[¶23] 3.8. Accordingly, although inquisitions followed thick and fast, and some died in consequence of excessive torture, not even a trace of the alleged crimes was found. In this business even the bodyguards who had been sent to arrest persons... were beaten to death with cudgels, contrary to all precedent.

> Latin: 3.8. Replicatis igitur quaestionibus dense, et quibusdam vi nimia tormentorum absumptis, ne vestigia quidem ulla delatorum reperta sunt criminum. In hoc negotio protectores, ad exhibendas missi personas, de … fustibus praeter solitum caesi.

[¶24] 3.9. My mind shrinks from enumerating all the cases, and at the same time I dread seeming to give the impression of purposely having sought out merely the defects of a prince who was a very proper man in other ways. Yet one thing it is just neither to pass over nor to leave unmentioned, namely this, that having two savage, man-eating she-bears, one called Goldflake and the other Innocence, he looked after them with such extreme care that he placed their cages near his own bedroom, and appointed trustworthy keepers, who were to take particular care that the beasts’ lamentable savageness should not by any chance be destroyed. Finally, after he had seen the burial of many corpses of those whom Innocence had torn to pieces, he allowed her to return to the forest unhurt, as a good and faithful servant, in the hope that she would have cubs like herself...

> Latin: 3.9. Horrescit animus omnia recensere, simulque reformidat, ne ex professo quaesisse videamur in vitia principis, alia commodissimi. Illud tamen nec praeteriri est aequum nec sileri, quod cum duas haberet ursas saevas hominum ambestrices, Micam auream et Innocentiam, cultu ita curabat enixo, ut earum caveas prope cubiculum suum locaret, custodesque adderet fidos, visuros sollicite, nequo casu ferarum deleretur luctificus calor. Innocentiam denique, post multas quas eius laniatu cadaverum viderat sepulturas, ut bene meritam in silvas abire dimisit innoxiam, exoptans similes edituram. … Et haec quidem morum eius et propositi cruenti sunt documenta verissima.

[¶25] 4.1. These, then, are undeniable indications of Valentinian’s character and his blood-thirsty tendency. But, on the other hand, no one, not even one of his persistent detractors, will reproach him with lack of ingenuity in behalf of the state, especially if one bears in mind that it was a more valuable service to check the barbarians by frontier defences than to defeat them in battle. And when he had given... if any of the enemy made a move, he was seen from above from the watchtowers, and overcome.

> Latin: 4.1. Sollertiae vero circa rem publicam usquam digredientis, nemo eum vel obtrectator pervicax incusabit, illud contemplans, quod maius pretium operae foret in coercendis verius limite barbaris quam pellendis. Et cum dedisset … e speculis, siquis hostium se commovisset, desuper visus obruebatur.

[¶26] 4.2. But among many other cares, his first and principal aim was to capture alive by violence or by craft King Macrianus, just as, long before, Julian took Vadomarius; for Macrianus, amid the frequent changes in the policy followed towards him, had increased in power, and now was rising against our countrymen with full-grown strength. Accordingly, having first provided what the circumstances and the time demanded, and having learned from the reports of deserters where the said king, who expected no hostile move, could be seized, Valentinian threw a pontoon across the Rhine as quietly as his means allowed, lest anyone should interfere with the bridge while it was being put together.

> Latin: 4.2. Agitabatur autem inter multiplices curas id omnium primum atque potissimum, ut Macrianum regem auctum inter mutationes crebras sententiarum, iamque in nostros adultis viribus exsurgentem, vi superstitem raperet vel insidiis, ut multo ante Vadomarium Iulianus: et praevisis quae negotium poscebat et tempus, cognitoque transfugarum indiciis, ubi comprehendi nihil hostile operiens poterit ante dictus, tacite quantum concessit facultas, nequi conserendo officeret ponti, iunxit navibus Rhenum.

[¶27] 4.3. And first Severus, who commanded the infantry forces, took the lead by marching against Mattiacae Aquae; but alarmed when he considered the small number of his soldiers, he halted, fearing that he might be unable to resist the onrushing hordes of the enemy, and so might be overcome by them.

> Latin: 4.3. Et antegressus contra Mattiacas aquas, primus Severus, qui pedestrem curabat exercitum, perpensa militum paucitate, territus stetit, timens ne resistere nequiens, irruentium opprimeretur hostilium agminum mole.

[¶28] 4.4. There he chanced to find some of the traders leading slaves intended for sale, and because he suspected that they would quickly run off and report what they had seen, he took their wares from them and killed them all.

> Latin: 4.4. Et quia suspicabatur venalia ducentes mancipia scurras, casu illic repertos, id quod viderant, excursu celeri nuntiare, cunctos mercibus direptis occidit.

[¶29] 4.5. Then the generals, encouraged by the arrival of additional troops, encamped, with a view to a very short stay, since no one had a pack-animal or a tent, except the emperor, for whom a rug and a rough blanket sufficed for such a shelter. Then, after delaying for a time on account of the darkness of night, as soon as the morning-star uprose, since the campaign called for haste, they advanced farther, led by guides who knew the roads; and a large force of cavalry was ordered to precede them under command of Theodosius, that nothing might be unobserved... was lying at the time; but he was prevented by the continuous noise made by his men; for although he constantly commanded them to abstain from plundering and setting fires, he could not make them obey. For the crackling flames and the dissonant shouts awakened the king’s attendants, and suspecting what had happened, they placed him in a swift wagon and hid him in a narrow pass of the precipitous hills.

> Latin: 4.5. Adventu itaque plurium copiarum animati indices, castrisque ad tempus brevissimum fixis, quia nec sarcinale iumentum quisquam nec tabernaculum habuit, praeter principem, cui tapete et sisyra suffecerant pro tentorio, parumper ob tenebras morati nocturnas, exsiliente Lucifero, urgente procinctu pergebant ulterius, itinerum gnaris ducentibus, frequenti equitatu cum Theodosio rectore praeire disposito, ne quid lateret … tempore iaceat, extento strepitu suorum est impeditus quibus assidue mandans, ut rapinis et incendiis abstinerent, impetrare non potuit. Ignium enim crepitu dissonisque clamoribus satellites exciti, idque quod acciderat suspicati, carpento veloci impositum regem angusto aditu circumfractis collibus abdiderunt.

[¶30] 4.6. Valentinian was robbed of this glory, not by his own fault or that of his generals, but by the indiscipline of the soldiers, which has often caused the Roman state heavy losses; so, after reducing the enemy’s territory to ashes for fifty miles, he returned sadly to Treves.

> Latin: 4.6. Hac Valentinianus gloria defraudatus nec sua culpa nec ducum, sed intemperantia militis, quae dispendiis gravibus saepe rem Romanam afflixit, ad usque quinquagesimum lapidem terris hostilibus inflammatis, redit Treveros maestus.

[¶31] 4.7. There, as a lion, because he has lost a deer or a goat, gnashes his empty jaws, just when the forces of the enemy were broken and scattered by fear, in place of Macrianus he made Fraomarius king of the Bucinobantes, a tribe of the Alamanni dwelling opposite Mainz. And soon afterwards, since a recent invasion had utterly devastated that, canton, he transferred him to Britain with the rank of tribune, and gave him command of a troop of the Alamanni which at that time was distinguished for its numbers and its strength. Bitheridus, indeed, and Hortarius (chiefs of the same nation) he appointed to commands in the army; but of these Hortarius was betrayed by a report of Florentius, commander in Germany, of having written certain things to the detriment of the state to Macrianus and the chiefs of the barbarians, and after the truth was wrung from him by torture he suffered the penalty of death by burning.

> Latin: 4.7. Ubi tamquam leo ob cervum amissum vel capream morsus vacuos concrepans tum cum hostium disiecta frangeret timor timer, in Macriani locum Bucinobantibus, quae contra Mogontiacum gens est Alamannica, regem Fraomarium ordinavit, quem paulo postea quoniam recens excursus eundem penitus vastaverat pagum, in Britannias translatum, potestate tribuni, Alamannorum praefecerat numero, multitudine viribusque ea tempestate florenti: Bitheridum vero et Hortarium (nationis eiusdem primates), item regere milites iussit, e quibus Hortarius, proditus relatione Florenti, Germaniae ducis, contra rem publicam quaedam ad Macrianum scripsisse, barbarosque optimates, veritate tormentis expressa, conflagravit flamma poenali.

[¶32] 5.1. Then amid... it has seemed best to give an account, without a break, of what happened next, lest while, amongst matters and places widely separated, others are intruded, the survey of many varying events may inevitably be confused.

> Latin: 5.1. Abhinc inter … proximo haec narratione disseri continua placuit, ne dum negotiis longe discretis et locis alia subseruntur, cognitio multiplex necessario confundatur.

[¶33] 5.2. Nubel, as a petty king, had great power among the Moorish peoples; on departing from life, besides legitimate sons he left some that were the offspring of concubines. Of the latter Zammac, who was beloved by the general called Romanus, was secretly murdered by his brother Firmus, an act which occasioned dissensions and wars. For Romanus, hastening with extreme zeal to avenge his death, resorted to many formidable means for the destruction of the assassin; and, as persistent rumours divulged, even at court vigorous measures were taken to make sure that the reports of Romanus, which heaped up many serious charges against Firmus, should be gladly received and read out to the emperor; and many voices united in supporting these reports. But, on the contrary, the arguments which Firmus through his friends frequently presented in his defence for the purpose of saving his life, although they were received, were long concealed; for Remigius, at that time marshal of the court, a relative and friend of Romanus, declared that amid the more important and pressing business of the emperor such trivial and superfluous communications could not be read until opportunity offered.

> Latin: 5.2. Nubel velut regulus per nationes Mauricas potentissimus, vita digrediens, et legitimos et natos e concubinis reliquit filios, e quibus Zammac comiti nomine Romano acceptus, latenter a fratre Firmo peremptus, discordias excitavit et bella. Eius enim necem ulcisci, impensiore studio properans comes, ad insidiatoris perniciem multa ciebat et formidanda. Utque rumores distulerunt assidui, navabatur opera diligens in palatio, Romani quidem relationes, multa et aspera congerentes in Firmum, libenter suscipi recitarique principi, in earum favorem concinentibus multis: ea vero, quae contra Firmus salutis tuendae gratia docebat crebro per suos, accepta, diutius occultari, Remigio tunc tune officiorum magistro, affine amicoque Romani, inter potiores imperatoris necessitates haec velut minima et superflua, non nisi opportune legi posse adseverante.

[¶34] 5.3. When the Moor perceived that these things were being done to break down his defence, he was now in dread of the worst; and fearing that the rebuttal which he offered would be set aside and he would be executed without a trial as dangerous and unruly, he revolted from the rule of the empire, and sought the help of neighbouring peoples... for devastating... To avert this danger before an implacable enemy should increase in strength, Theodosius, commander of the cavalry, was sent with the aid of a small body of the court troops, since in his merits (as a man efficient in accomplishing his ends) he surpassed all others of his time. He might well be compared with Domitius Corbulo and Lusius of old, of whom the former under Nero, the latter during Trajan’s reign, were famed for many brave deeds.

> Latin: 5.3. Quae cum ad obruendam defensionem suam agitari adverteret Maurus, ultimorum metu iam trepidans, ne amendatis, quae praetendebat, ut perniciosus et contumax indemnatus occideretur, ab imperii dicione descivit et adiumenta conquirebat vicinarum gentium … ad vastandum … Ad hoc periculum antequam hostis implacabilis incrementis virium adulescerent, abolendum cum comitatensis auxilio militis pauci Theodosius magister equitum mittitur, cuius virtutes (ut impetrabilis) ea tempestate prae ceteris enitebant: Domitii Corbulonis et Lusii simillimi veterum, quorum prior sub Nerone, alter Traiano rem regente Romanam pluribus inclaruere fortibus factis.

[¶35] 5.5. Then setting out from Arles under favourable auspices and crossing the sea with the fleet under his command, preceded by no report of his coming he landed on the coast of Sitifian Mauritania, which the natives call Igilgilitanum. There he chanced upon Romanus, whom he addressed courteously, and sent him to take charge of the guards and frontier defences, with a very slight rebuke for the conduct which made him apprehensive.

> Latin: 5.5. Proinde ab Arelate secundis egressus auspiciis, emeatoque mari cum classe, quam ductabat, nullo de se rumore praegresso, defertur ad Sitifensis Mauritaniae litus, quod appellant accolae Igilgitanum Igilgilitanum. Ibique inventum casu Romanum leniter allocutus, misit ad vigilias ordinandas et praetenturas, parum super his quae verebatur increpitum.

[¶36] 5.6. When Theodosius had departed to Caesarean Mauritania, he sent Gildo, the brother of Firmus, and Maximus to arrest Vincentius, who as second in command to Romanus participated in his insolence and thefts.

> Latin: 5.6. Quo ad Caesariensem digresso Gildonem Firmi fratrem et Maximum misit correpturos Vincentium, qui curans Romani vicem, incivilitatis eius erat particeps et furtorum.

[¶37] 5.7. Then, after being joined by his troops somewhat tardily, since they were delayed by the long sea-voyage, he hastened to Sitifis, and gave orders that Romanus should, with his attendants, be handed over to the guard, to be kept in custody. During his stay in that town Theodosius was torn with twofold anxiety and turned over many things in his mind, considering by what way and by what devices he might lead his soldiers, who were accustomed to a cold climate, through lands parched with heat, or might capture an enemy who was a runabout, making sudden moves and trusting rather to secret ambuscades than to stand-up fights.

> Latin: 5.7. Recepto itaque tardius milite, quem amplitudo amplitude maris morabatur, Sitifim properans, Romanum cum domesticis custodiendum, protectoribus committi mandavit, agensque in oppido sollicitudine diducebatur ancipiti, multa cum animo versans, qua via quibusve commentis, per exustas caloribus terras pruinis assuetum duceret militem, vel hostem caperet discursatorem et repentinum, insidiisque potius clandestinis, quam proeliorum stabilitate confisum.

[¶38] 5.8. When this became known to Firmus, at first through uncertain rumour and then through definite information, overcome by the arrival of so brilliant a general, he sent envoys with a letter to ask pardon and indulgence for what had happened, declaring that he had not of his own volition taken a hasty step which he knew to be criminal, but because of unjust and outrageous treatment by Romanus, as he promised to show.

> Latin: 5.8. Quod ubi Firmo levi rumore, dein apertis est indiciis cognitum, spectatissimi ducis adventu praestrictus, veniam cum concessione praeteritorum, missis oratoribus poscebat et scriptis, docentibus eum non sponte sua ad id erupisse, quod norat scelestum, sed Romani iniquitate grassante licentius, ut monstrare pollicebatur.

[¶39] 5.9. When the general had read the letter, he accepted hostages and promised peace; he then proceeded to the station called Pancharia, in order to review the legions which were guarding Africa and had been bidden to assemble in that place. There he aroused the hope of all by a lofty, but discreet, address, and returned to Sitifis, where he united the native troops and those which he himself had brought; then, impatient of further delay, he hastened with all speed to open the campaign.

> Latin: 5.9. Quibus lectis, paceque obsidibus acceptis promissa, dux ad recensendas legiones quae Africam tuebantur, ire pergebat ad Pancharianam stationem, quo convenire praeceptae sunt. Ibi magnificis verbis atque prudentibus spe cunctorum erecta, reversus Sitifim, consociato indigena milite cum eo quem ipse perduxerat, aegre perpetiens moras, ad procinctus ire ocius festinabat.

[¶40] 5.10. But among many other excellent measures he made himself immensely more beloved by this—that he did not allow the provincials to furnish supplies for the army, declaring with splendid confidence that the harvests and stores of the enemy were the granaries of our valorous troops.

> Latin: 5.10. Inter residua autem multa et clara, id amorem eius auxerat in immensum, quod a provincialibus commeatum exercitui prohibuit dari, messes et condita hostium virtutis nostrorum horrea esse, fiducia memorans speciosa.

[¶41] 5.11. After these arrangements had thus been made to the joy of the land-owners, he marched to Tubusuptum, a town near Mount Ferratus, but declined to receive a second deputation from Firmus, because, contrary to the previous agreement, it had brought no hostages with it. From there he carefully examined into everything, so far as present circumstances allowed, and then advanced rapidly against the peoples of the Tyndenses and the Masinissenses, who were provided only with light arms and were led by Mascizel and Dius, brothers of Firmus.

> Latin: 5.11. His ita cum laetitia possessorum dispositis, ad Tubusuptum progressus, oppidum Ferrato contiguum monti, legationem secundam Firmi repudiavit, quae obsides (ut ante statutum est) non duxerat secum. Unde omnibus pro loco et tempore cautius exploratis, concito gradu Tyndensium gentem et Masinissensium petit, levibus armis instructas, quas Mascizel et Dius fratres Firmi ductabant.

[¶42] 5.12. When the enemy, active in all their limbs, were in sight, a fierce battle began after volleys of missiles from both sides; amid the groans of the dying and the wounded the mournful howls of the barbarians were heard, as they were taken prisoner or killed; and when the contest was ended, many fields were plundered and burned.

> Latin: 5.12. Cum essent hostes iam in contuitu, membris omnibus celeres, post missilia hinc inde crebrius iacta, committitur certamen asperrimum, interque gemitus mortis et vulnerum, audiebantur barbarorum ululabiles fletus captorum et caesorum, pugnaque dirempta plures agri populati sunt et incensi.

[¶43] 5.13. Among such disasters conspicuous were those to an estate called Petrensis, which its owner, Salmaces, a brother of Firmus had built up in the manner of a city, and which was utterly destroyed. The victor, elated by this success, with remarkable speed seized the town of Lamfoctum, situated among the aforesaid peoples, where he caused an abundance of provisions to be stored, so that if on penetrating farther into the country he met with a scarcity of food, he might order it to be brought from near at hand.

> Latin: 5.13. Inter quas clades eminuere fundi Petrensis, excisi radicitus, quem Salmaces dominus (Firmi frater) in modum urbis exstruxit. Hoc successu victor elatus, mira velocitate Lamfoctense oppidum occupavit, inter gentes positum ante dictas, ubi abunde rei cibariae copiam condi effecit, ut si pergens interius alimentorum offendisset penuriam, iuberet e propinquo convectari.

[¶44] 5.14. During the course of these events Mascizel, having recovered his strength by bringing in helpers from neighbouring tribes, engaged with our men; but when very many of his troops were routed, he himself barely escaped the danger of death through the swiftness of his horse.

> Latin: 5.14. Quae dum ita procedunt, Mascizel reparatis viribus nationum confinium adminicula ductans, conserta manu cum nostris, fusis e parte suorum compluribus, ipse equi pernicitate aegre discrimine mortis exemptus est.

[¶45] 5.15. Firmus, weakened by the losses of two battles and chafing in his inmost heart, in order not to neglect even one last measure, sent priests of the Christian sect with hostages to beg for peace. These were received courteously and, on their promise to furnish the necessities of life for the soldiers, as was ordered, they brought back a favourable reply and peace; whereupon the Moor himself, after sending presents, went with some confidence to the Roman general, mounted upon a horse that would prove useful in times of danger; and when he had come near, dazzled by the gleaming standards and the fear-inspiring expression of Theodosius, he sprang from his mount, and with bowed neck almost prostrate on the ground blamed with tears his rashness, and begged for pardon and peace.

> Latin: 5.15. Fessus aerumnis gemini proelii Firmus, imoque aestuans corde, nequid ultimae rationis omitteret, Christiani ritus antistites oraturos pacem cum obsidibus misit. Qui quoniam suscepti lenius pollicitique victui congrua militibus (ut praeceptum est), laeta rettulere responsa et pacem, missis muneribus, Maurus ipse fidentius ad Romanum perrexerat ducem, equo insidens apto ad ancipitis casus, cumque prope venisset, fulgore signorum et terribili vultu Theodosi praestrictus, iumento desiluit, curvataque cervice humi paene affixus, temeritatem suam flebiliter incusabat, pacem obsecrando cum venia.

[¶46] 5.16. Being received with a kiss, since the interests of the state so demanded, he was now filled with joyful hope, furnished a sufficient amount of provisions, left some of his relatives by way of hostages, and went away, after agreeing to fulfil his promise and return the captives which he had taken at the very beginning of the rebellion. Two days later, without hesitation, he restored, as had been ordered, the town of Icosium, of whose founders I spoke before, the military standards, and the priestly crown, as well as the rest of the booty which he had taken.

> Latin: 5.16. susceptusque Suseeptusque cum osculo, quoniam id rei publicae conducebat, bonae spei iam plenus, sufficientia praebuit alimenta, et quibusdam propinquis suis ad obsidum vicem relictis, abscessit, captivos (ut spoponderat) redditurus, quos primis turbarum exordiis rapuit: biduoque post, Icosium oppidum, cuius supra docuimus conditores, militaria signa et coronam sacerdotalem, cum ceteris quae interceperat, nihil cunctatus restituit, ut praeceptum est.

[¶47] 5.17. When after this our general had hurried through long marches and was now entering Tipasa, to envoys from the Mazices, who had joined with Firmus, and humbly begged for pardon, he replied with lofty spirit that he would at once take the field against them as traitors.

> Latin: 5.17. Exinde cum discursis itineribus magnis, Tipasam noster dux introiret, legatis Mazicum, qui se consociaverant Firmo, suppliciter obsecrantibus veniam, animo elato respondit, se in eos ut perfidos arma protinus commoturum.

[¶48] 5.18. And when they, paralysed with fear of the imminent danger, had been ordered to return to their homes, he went on to Caesarea, formerly a powerful and famous city, the origin of which I have also fully discussed in my description of the topography of Africa. On entering the city, and finding it almost wholly burned down from widespread fires, and the pavingstones white with mould, he decided to station the first and second legions there for a time, with orders to clear away the heaps of ashes and keep guard there, to prevent the place from being devastated by a renewed attack of the savages.

> Latin: 5.18. Quibus imminentis periculi metu defixis, revertique iussis ad sua, Caesaream ire tendebat, urbem opulentam quondam et nobilem, cuius itidem originem in Africae situ digessimus plene, eamque ingressus, cum omnem paene incendiis late dispersis vidisset exustam, horridasque canitie silices, primam et secundam legionem ad tempus ibi locari disposuit, ut favillarum egerentes acervos, agitarent ibi praesidium, ne repetito barbarorum impetu vastaretur.

[¶49] 5.19. When these events had been spread abroad by frequent and trustworthy rumours, the officials of the province and the tribune Vincentius came out of the hiding-places in which they had taken refuge, and at last, free from fear, quickly appeared before the general. He, after having seen and received them gladly, being then still at Caesarea, inquired carefully about the true state of affairs; he learned that Firmus, under pretence of fear and submission, was secretly forming the plan of throwing our army into confusion, as if by a sudden tempest, while it feared no hostile demonstration.

> Latin: 5.19. Quae cum rumores crebri distulissent et veri, provinciae rectores, tribunusque Vincentius, e latibulis quibus sese commiserant, egressi tandem intrepidi ad ducem ocius pervenerunt. Quibus ille gratanter visis atque susceptis, agens etiam tum apud Caesaream, fide rerum diligentius explorata, comperit Firmum per speciem paventis et supplicis, tectiore consilio id moliri, ut nihil hostile metuentem exercitum in modum tempestatis subitae conturbaret.

[¶50] 5.20. Therefore he turned from there and came to the municipal town of Sugabarritanum, on the slope of the Transcellian mountain, where he found the horsemen of the fourth cohort of archers, which had gone over to the rebel; and to show that he was content with a somewhat mild punishment, he degraded them all to the lowest class of the service; then he ordered them and a part of the Constantian infantry, with their tribunes, one of whom had placed his neckchain, in place of a diadem, on Firmus’ head, to come to Tigaviae.

> Latin: 5.20. Quam ob rem conversus hinc venit ad municipium Sugabarritanum, Transcellensi monti accline, ubi inventos equites quartae sagittariorum cohortis, quae ad rebellem defecerat, ut contentum se supplicio leniori monstraret, omnes contrusit ad infimum militiae gradum, eosque et Constantianorum peditum partem Tigavias venire iusserat cum tribunis, e quibus unus torquem pro diademate capiti imposuit Firmi.