Julius Obsequens: IULII OBSEQUENTIS AB ANNO URBIS CONDITAE DV PRODIGIORUM LIBER

1. Iunonis Lucinae templum fulmine ictum ita ut fastigium valvaeque deformarentur.In finitimis pleraque de caelo icta. Nursiae sereno nimbi orti et homines duo exanimati.

1. The temple of Juno Lucina struck by lightning so that the pediment and the valvae (doors) were deformed.In the neighboring regions many things were struck from the sky. At Nursia, with the sky serene, clouds (nimbi) arose and two men were struck senseless.

Tusculi terra pluit. Mula Reate peperit. Supplicatio per decem pueros patrimos matrimos totidemque virgines habita.

it rained on the land of Tusculum. a mule at Reate gave birth. a supplicatory procession was held with ten boys — patrimi and matrimi — and as many virgins.

M. Messala C. Livio coss. [A.U.C. 566 / 188 B.C.]

M. Messala, C. Livius, consuls. [566 A.U.C. / 188 B.C.]

2. Luce inter horam tertiam et quartam tenebrae ortae.In Aventino lapidum pluviae novendiali expiatae. In Hispania prospere militatum.

2. At light, between the third and fourth hour, darkness arose.On the Aventine the rain of stones was expiated by a novendial rite. In Hispania the soldiery served prosperously.

[Sp. Postumio Albino Q. Marcio Philippo coss.] [A.U.C. 568 / 186 B.C.]

[Sp. Postumius Albinus, Q. Marcius Philippus, consuls.] [A.U.C. 568 / 186 B.C.]

3. Sacrum novendiale factum quod in Piceno lapidibus pluit ignesque caelestes multifariam orti levi afflatu complurium vestimenta adusserunt.Aedes Iovis in Capitolio fulmine icta. In Umbria semimas duodecim ferme annorum inventus aruspicumque iussu necatus.

3. A nine-day sacrifice was performed, for in Picenum stones rained down and heavenly fires rose in many places, and with a light blast they singed the garments of many.The temple of Jupiter on the Capitol was struck by lightning. In Umbria was found a child of about six years, and, by the command of the haruspices, put to death.

Galli qui Alpes transierunt in Italiam sine proelio eiecti.

The Gauls who crossed the Alps into Italy were expelled without a battle.

M. Claudio Q. Fabio Labeone coss. [A.U.C. 571 / 183 B.C.]

M. CLAUDIUS, Q. FABIUS LABEO, CONSULS. [A.U.C. 571 / 183 B.C.]

4. In area Vulcani per biduum, in area Concordiae totidem diebus sanguinem pluit.In Sicilia insula nova maritima. Hannibal in Bithynia veneno periit.

4. In the area of Vulcan for two days, in the area of Concordia for as many days blood rained.In Sicily a new maritime island. Hannibal in Bithynia perished by poison.

Celtiberi subacti.

The Celtiberians were subdued.

L. Aemilio Paulo Cn. Baebio Tamphilo coss. [A.U.C. 572 / 182 B.C.]

L. Aemilius Paulus, Cn. Baebius Tamphilus, consuls. [A.U.C. 572 / 182 B.C.]

5. Procellosa tempestas strage in urbe facta signa aenea in Capitolio deiecit, signa in circo maximo cum columnis evertit, fastigia templorum aliquot a culmine abrupta dissipavit.Mulus tripes Reate natus. Aedes Apollinis Caietae fulmine icta.

5. A storm tempestuous, a ruin wrought in the city, threw down the bronze statues on the Capitol, overthrew the statues in the Circus Maximus together with columns, and tore away and scattered the roofs of several temples from their summits.A three‑legged mule, born at Reate. The temple of Apollo at Caieta struck by lightning.

P. Cornelio Cethego M. Baebio Tamphilo coss. [A.U.C. 573 / 181 B.C.]

P. CORNELIUS CETHĒGUS, M. BAEBIUS TAMPHILUS, CONSULS. [A.U.C. 573 / 181 B.C.]

6. In area Vulcani et Concordia sanguinem pluit.Hastae Martis motae. Lanuvii simulacrum Iunonis Sospitae lacrimavit.

6. In the precinct of Vulcan and of Concord it rained blood. The spears of Mars were shaken. The image of Juno Sospita of Lanuvium wept.

Pestilentiae Libitina non suffecit. Ex Sibyllinis supplicatum cum sex mensibus non pluisset. Ligures proelio victi deletique.

Libitina did not suffice for the pestilence. A supplication was made from the Sibylline books, for it had not rained for six months. The Ligurians, defeated in battle, were destroyed.

Q. Fulvio L. Manlio coss. [A.U.C. 575 / 179 B.C.]

Quintus Fulvius, Lucius Manlius, consuls. [A.U.C. 575 / 179 B.C.]

7. Nimbis continuis in Capitolio signa aliquot deiecta.Fulmine Romae et circa plurima decussa. In lectisternio Iovis terrae motu deorum capita se converterunt; lanx cum integumentis quae Iovi erant apposita decidit.

7. With continuous storms some statues were cast down on the Capitol.By lightning at Rome and all around very many were struck. At Jupiter’s lectisternium, by an earthquake the heads of the gods turned of their own accord; the dish together with the coverings which had been set before Jupiter fell.

De mensa oleas mures praeroserunt.

From the table mice first devoured the olives.

M. Iunio A. Manlio coss. [A.U.C. 576 / 178 B.C.]

M. Junius and A. Manlius, consuls. [A.U.C. 576 / 178 B.C.]

8. Incendio circa forum cum plurima essent deusta, aedes Veneris sine ullo vestigio cremata.Vestae penetralis ignis extinctus. Virgo iussu M. Aemilii pontificis maximi flagro caesa negavit ulterius interiturum.

8. With the fire about the forum many things having been burned, the aedes of Venus was burned without any vestige.The penetral fire of Vesta was extinguished. The Virgin, struck down by the flame at the command of M. Aemilius, pontifex maximus, declared that she would not perish further.

Supplicationibus habitis in Hispania et Histria bella prospere administrata.

With supplications held, the wars in Hispania and Histria were successfully conducted.

C. Claudio Ti. Sempronio Graccho coss. [A.U.C. 577 / 177 B.C.]

GAIUS CLAUDIUS AND TIBERIUS SEMPRONIUS GRACCHUS, CONSULS. [A.U.C. 577 / 177 B.C.]

Cn. Cornelio Q. Petillio coss. [A.U.C. 578 / 176 B.C.]

Gnaeus Cornelius and Quintus Petillius, consuls. [A.U.C. 578 / 176 B.C.]

9. Cum immolassent victimas consules, iecur extabuit.Cornelius ex monte Albano rediens membris captus ad aquas Cumanas mortuus, Petilius contra Ligures dimicans occisus est.

9. When the consuls had sacrificed the victims, the liver convulsed.Cornelius, returning from the Alban Mount, seized with convulsions of the limbs, died at the Cuman waters; Petilius, meanwhile, fighting against the Ligurians, was slain.

M. Lepido Q. Mucio coss. [A.U.C. 579 / 175 B.C.]

M. Lepidus, Q. Mucius, consuls. [A.U.C. 579 / 175 B.C.]

10. Gravi pestilentia hominum boumque cadavera non sufficiente Libitina cum iacerent, vulturius non apparuit.Celtiberi deleti.

10. When, by a grievous pestilence of men and of cattle, the corpses lay so abundant that Libitina was not sufficient, a vulture did not appear.The Celtiberians were destroyed.

Q. Aelio Paeto M. Iunio coss. [A.U.C. 587 / 167 B.C.]

Q. AELIUS PAETUS, M. JUNIUS, CONSULS. [A.U.C. 587 / 167 B.C.]

11. Romae aliquot loca sacra profanaque de caelo tacta.Anagniae terra pluit. Lanuvi fax ardens in caelo visa.

11. At Rome several sacred and profane places were struck from the sky.At Anagnia earth rained. At Lanuvium a burning torch was seen in the sky.

Calatiae in agro publico per triduum et duas noctes sanguis manavit. Rex Illyrici Gentius et Macedoniae Perses devicit.

At Calatia in the public field blood flowed for three days and two nights. He conquered King Gentius of the Illyrian people and Perses of Macedonia.

M. Marcello C. Sulpicio coss. [A.U.C. 588 / 166 B.C.]

M. Marcellus and C. Sulpicius, consuls. [A.U.C. 588 / 166 B.C.]

12. In Campania multis locis terra pluit.In Praenestino cruenti ceciderunt imbres. Veienti lana ex arboribus nata.

12. In Campania in many places earth rained.In the Praenestine district bloody rains fell. At Veii wool was born from the trees.

Terracinae in aede Minervae mulieres tres, quae operatae sedebant, exanimatae. Ad lucum Libitinae in statua equestri aenea ex ore et pede aqua manavit diu. Galli Ligures deleti.
Comitia cum ambitiosissime fierent et ob hoc senatus in Capitolio haberetur, milvus volans mustelam raptam de cella Iovis in medio consessu patrum misit.

At Terracina, in the temple of Minerva, three women who were at their work were found lifeless. At the grove of Libitina, from the bronze equestrian statue water flowed for a long time from its mouth and foot. The Gallic Ligurians were destroyed.
When the elections were being conducted with the greatest ambition and for this reason the senate was held on the Capitol, a kite in flight cast a weasel—snatched from the cella of Jupiter—into the midst of the assembly of the fathers.

Sub idem tempus aedes Salutis de caelo tacta. In colle Quirinali sanguis terra manavit. Lanuvii fax in caelo nocte conspecta.

About the same time the temple of Salus was struck from the sky. On the Quirinal Hill blood flowed from the earth. At Lanuvium a torch was seen in the sky by night.

Fulmine pleraque discussa Cassini et sol per aliquot horas noctis visus. Teani Sidicini puer cum quattuor manibus et totidem pedibus natus. Urbe lustrata pax domi forisque fuit.

With much struck by lightning, Cassinus and the sun were seen for several hours of the night. At Teanum Sidicinum a boy was born with four hands and as many feet. The city having been purified, there was peace at home and abroad.

Cn. Octavio T. Manlio coss. [A.U.C. 589 / 165 B.C.]

GNAEUS OCTAVIUS AND TITUS MANLIUS, CONSULS. [A.U.C. 589 / 165 B.C.]

13. Pestilentia fameque ita laboratum ut ex Sibyllinis populus circa compita sacellaque operaturus sederit.In aede Penatium valvae nocte sua sponte adapertae, et lupi Esquiliis et in colle Qurinali meridie apparuerunt exagitatique fuerunt. Urbe lustrata nihil triste accidit.

13. So afflicted by pestilence and famine that, by the Sibylline books, the people, about to perform rites around the crossroads and little shrines, sat down.In the temple of the Penates the doors were opened of their own accord in the night, and wolves appeared and were driven about the Esquiline and on the Quirinal Hill at midday. With the city purified nothing sad occurred.

Ti. Graccho M'. Iuventino coss. [A.U.C. 591 / 163 B.C.]

TIB. GRACCHUS, MANIUS IUVENTINUS, CONSULS [A.U.C. 591 / 163 B.C.]

14. Capuae nocte sol visus.In agro Stellati fulgure vervecum de grege pars exanimata. Terracinae pueri trigemini nati.

14. At Capua the sun was seen at night.In the field of Stellatus, by a flash of lightning, part of a flock of rams was found lifeless. At Terracina triplet boys were born.

Formiis duo soles interdiu visi. Caelum arsit. Antii homo ex speculo acie orta combustus.

At Formiae two suns were seen by day. The sky burned. At Antium a man, rising from a watch-tower with keen sight, was burned.

Gabiis lacte pluit. Fulmine pleraque decussa in Palatio. In templum Victoriae cygnus inlapsus per manus capientium effugit.

At Gabii it rained milk. On the Palatine most things were struck down by lightning. Into the Temple of Victory a swan glided and escaped through the hands of those attempting to seize it.

Priverni puella sine manu nata. In Cephallenia tuba in caelo cantare visa. Terra pluit.

At Privernum a girl was born without a hand. In Cephallenia a trumpet in the sky was seen to sing. It rained earth.

Procellosa tempestate tecta diruta stragesque agrorum facta. Crebro fulminavit. Nocte species solis Pisauri adfulsit.

By a stormy tempest the roofs were torn down and devastations of the fields were made. Lightning struck frequently. By night an apparition of the sun shone at Pisaurum.

Caere porcus humanis manibus et pedibus natus, et pueri quadrupes et quadrumanes nati. Ad forum Aesi bovem flamma ex ipsius ore nata non laesit.

At Caere a pig was born with human hands and feet, and boys were born quadruped and four-handed. At the forum of Aesis the ox was not harmed by a flame born from its very mouth.

P. Scipione Nasica C. Marcio coss. [A.U.C. 592 / 162 B.C.]

IN THE CONSULSHIP OF P. SCIPIO NASICA AND C. MARCIUS. [A.U.C. 592 / 162 B.C.]

15. Anagniae caelum nocte arsit.Fulmine pleraque decussa. Frusinone bos locutus.

15. Anagnia's sky burned by night.Mostly struck by lightning. At Frusinum an ox spoke.

Reate mulus tripes natus. Cn. Octavius, legatus in Syria, per Lysiam, tutorem Antiochi pueri, in gymnasio occisus.

At Reate a three-footed mule was born. Cn. Octavius, legate in Syria, by Lysias, the tutor of the boy Antiochus, was slain in the gymnasium.

L. Lentulo C. Marcio coss. [A.U.C. 598 / 156 B.C.]

L. Lentulus and C. Marcius, consuls. [598 A.U.C. / 156 B.C.]

16. Procellosa tempestate in Capitolio aedes Iovis et circa omnia quassata.Pontificis maximi tectum cum columnis in Tiberim deiectum. In circo Flaminio porticus inter aedem Iunonis Reginae et Fortunae tacta, et circa aedificia pleraque dissipata.

16. By a stormy tempest the temple of Jupiter on the Capitol and the surrounding buildings were shaken.The roof of the Pontifex Maximus, with its columns, was thrown into the Tiber. In the Circus Flaminius a portico between the temple of Juno Regina and Fortune was struck, and around most of the buildings were scattered/destroyed.

Taurus ad immolationem cum duceretur ob haec ipsa corruit. Dalmatae Scordisci superati.

A bull, when it was being led to immolation, collapsed on account of these very things. The Dalmatae and the Scordisci were overcome.

Q. Opimio L. Postumio coss. [A.U.C. 600 / 154 B.C.]

Q. Opimius, L. Postumius, consuls. [A.U.C. 600 / 154 B.C.]

17. In Provinciam proficiscens Postumius consul cum immolaret, in plurimis victimis caput in iocinere non invenit; profectusque post diem septimum aeger Romam relatus expiravit.Compsae arma in caelo volare visa. Fulmine pleraque decussa.

17. Setting out into the Province, the consul Postumius, while he was sacrificing, in many victims did not find the head on the sacrificial block; and having set out, after the seventh day, sick, he was brought back to Rome and expired.Arrayed arms were seen to fly in the sky. Most were struck by lightning.

A Gallis et a Lusitanis Romani per arma graviter vexati.

The Romans were grievously harassed by arms by the Gauls and by the Lusitanians.

M. Claudio Marcello L. Valerio Flacco coss. [A.U.C. 602 / 152 B.C.]

M. Claudius Marcellus, L. Valerius Flaccus, consuls. [A.U.C. 602 / 152 B.C.]

18. Turbinis vi in campo columna ante aedem Iovis decussa cum signo aurato; cumque aruspices respondissent magistratuum et sacerdotum interitum fore, omnes magistratus se protinus abdicaverunt.Quod Ariciae lapidibus pluerat, supplicato habita, item quod Romae multis locis species togatorum visae adpropinquantium oculos eludebant. In Lusitania varie, in Gallia prospere pugnatum.

18. By the force of a whirlwind a column before the temple of Jupiter was struck down in the field with its golden emblem; and when the haruspices had replied that the death of magistrates and of priests would occur, all the magistrates at once abdicated their offices.That at Aricia it had rained stones, a supplicatio having been held, and likewise that in many places at Rome apparitions of those in togas, as seen, eluded the eyes of those approaching. In Lusitania the fighting was various, in Gaul it was prosperous.

Spurio Postumio L. Pisone coss. [A.U.C. 606 / 148 B.C.]

Spurius Postumius, L. Piso, consuls. [A.U.C. 606 / 148 B.C.]

19. Vasto incendio Romae cum regia quoque ureretur, sacrarium et ex duabus altera laurus ex mediis ignibus inviolatae steterunt.Pseudophilippus devictus.

19. With a vast conflagration in Rome, the regia also burning, the shrine and, of the two laurels, one laurel stood inviolate amid the very fires.Pseudophilippus defeated.

P. Africano C. Livio coss. [A.U.C. 607 / 147 B.C.]

P. AFRICANUS, C. LIVIUS, CONSULS. [A.U.C. 607 / 147 B.C.]

20. Amiterni puer tribus pedibus, una manu natus.Romae et circa fulmine pleraque icta. Caere sanguinis rivi terra fluxerunt et nocte caelum ac terra ardere visum.

20. At Amiternum a boy was born with three feet and one hand.At Rome and about it most things were struck by lightning. At Caere rivulets of blood flowed upon the earth, and by night heaven and earth were seen to burn.

Frusione aurum sacrum mures adroserunt. Lanuvii inter horam tertiam et quintam duo discolores circuli solem cinxerunt rubente alter, alter candida linea. Stella arsit per dies triginta duos.

With rubbing, mice smeared the sacred gold. At Lanuvium, between the third and fifth hour, two differently coloured circles girded the sun, one reddening, the other a bright white line. The star burned for thirty-two days.

Et cum Carthago obsideretur, in captivos Romanorum per Hasdrubalem barbaro more saevitum, mox Carthago per Aemilianum diruta.

And when Carthage was besieged, the Roman captives were treated with barbarous cruelty by Hasdrubal, and shortly thereafter Carthage was razed by Aemilianus.

Appio Claudio Q. Metello coss. [A.U.C. 611 / 143 B.C.]

Appius Claudius, Quintus Metellus, consuls. [A.U.C. 611 / 143 B.C.]

21. Amiterni puer tribus pedibus natus.Caurae sanguinis rivi e terra fluxerunt. Cum a Salassis illata clades esset Romanis, decemviri pronuntiaverunt se invenisse in Sibyllinis, quotiens bellum Gallis illaturi essent, sacrificari in eorum finibus oportere.

21. A boy of Amiternum born with three feet.Rivulets of Caura’s blood flowed from the earth. When a calamity brought by the Salassi had befallen the Romans, the decemviri declared that they had found in the Sibylline books that, whenever they were about to make war on the Gauls, sacrifices ought to be offered in their territory.

L. Metello Q. Fabio Maximo coss. [A.U.C. 612 / 142 B.C.]

L. METELLUS, Q. FABIUS MAXIMUS, CONSULS. [A.U.C. 612 / 142 B.C.]

22. Fames et pestilentia cum essent, per decemviros supplicatum.Lunae androgynus natus praecepto aruspicum in mare deportatus. Tanta fuit Lunensibus pestilentia ut iacentibus in publicum passim cadaveribus, qui funerarent defuerint.

22. When famine and pestilence were present, a supplication was made by the decemviri.An androgynous child born at Luna, by the command of the haruspices, was cast into the sea. So great was the pestilence for the Lunenses that, with corpses lying everywhere in public, persons to bury them were lacking.

In Macedonia exercitus Romanus proelio vexatus: adversus Viriathum dubie dimicavit.

In Macedonia the Roman army was harried in battle: against Viriathus it fought doubtfully.

P. Caepione C. Laelio coss. [A.U.C. 614 / 140 B.C.]

P. Caepio, C. Laelius, consuls. [A.U.C. 614 / 140 B.C.]

23. Praeneste et in Cephallenia signa de caelo cecidisse visa.Mons Aetna ignibus abundavit. Prodigium maioribus hostiis quadraginta expiatum.

23. At Praeneste and in Cephallenia signs were seen to have fallen from the sky.Mount Aetna abounded in fires. The portent was expiated by the elders with forty victims.

Annus pacatus fuit Viriatho victo.

The year was peaceful, Viriathus having been defeated.

M. Aemilio C. Hostilio Mancino coss. [A.U.C. 617 / 137 B.C.]

Marcus Aemilius and Gaius Hostilius Mancinus, consuls. [A.U.C. 617 / 137 B.C.]

24. Cum Lavinii auspicaretur, pulli e cavea in silvam Laurentinam evolarunt neque inventi sunt.Praeneste fax ardens in caelo visa, sereno intonuit. Terracinae M. Claudius praetor in nave fulmine conflagravit.

24. When the augury was observed at Lavinium, chicks flew out of the cage into the Laurentian wood and were not found.At Praeneste a burning torch was seen in the sky, and though the heavens were clear it thundered. At Terracina the praetor M. Claudius was burned by lightning aboard a ship.

Lacus Fucinus per milia passuum quinque quoquo versum inundavit. In Graecostasi et in comitio sanguine fluxit. Esquiliis equuleus cum quinque pedibus natus.

The Fucine Lake inundated five miles in every direction. At the Graecostasis and in the Comitium it flowed with blood. On the Esquiline a little foal was born with five feet.

Fulmine pleraque decussa. Hostilius Mancinus consul in portu Herculis cum conscenderet navem petens Numantiam, vox improviso audita "Mane, Mancine." Cumque egressus postea navem Genuae conscendisset, anguis in nave inventus e manibus effugit. Ipse consul devictus, mox Numantinis deditus.

Most things struck by lightning. When Hostilius Mancinus, consul, was boarding a ship in the Port of Hercules to seek Numantia, a voice was heard unexpectedly: "Stay, Mancinus." And when he had disembarked and later had boarded a ship of Genoa, a snake found on the ship slipped from his hands. The consul himself, having been defeated, was soon delivered to the Numantines.

L. Furio S. Atilio Serrano coss. [A.U.C. 618 / 136 B.C.]

L. FURIUS AND S. ATILIUS SERRANUS, CONSULS. [A.U.C. 618 / 136 B.C.]

25. Regium paene totum incendio consumptum sine ullo humano fraudis aut neglegentiae vestigio.Puer ex ancilla quattuor pedibus manibus oculis auribus et duplici obsceno natus. Puteoli in aquis calidis rivi manarunt sanguine.

25. Regium almost entirely consumed by fire, without any trace of human fraud or negligence.A boy born of a slave-woman with four feet, hands, eyes, ears, and with a twofold obscene member. At Puteoli, in the hot waters, streams flowed with blood.

Fulmine pleraque deiecta. Puer aruspicum iussu crematus cinisque eius in mare deiectus. A Vaccaeis exercitus Romanus caesus.

Most things hurled down by lightning. A boy, by the haruspices’ order, was burned, and his ashes were thrown into the sea. By the Vaccaeans the Roman army was cut down.

Ser. Flacco Q. Calpurnio coss. [A.U.C. 619 / 135 B.C.]

SERVIUS FLACCUS AND QUINTUS CALPURNIUS, CONSULS. [A.U.C. 619 / 135 B.C.]

26. Mons Aetna maioribus solito arsit ignibus.Romae puer solidus posteriore naturae parte genitus. Bononiae fruges in arboribus natae.

26. Mount Aetna burned with fires greater than usual. At Rome a sturdy boy was born with the posterior part of his nature. At Bononia fruits/crops were born upon the trees.

Bubonis vox primum in Capitolio dein circa urbem audita. Quae avis praemio positi ab aucupe capta combustaque; cinis eius in Tiberim dispersus. Bos locutus.

The voice of a buffalo was heard first on the Capitoline, then around the city. That bird, placed as a prize, was seized by a fowler and burned; its ashes were cast into the Tiber. An ox spoke.

In Numantinis res male gestae, exercitus Romanus oppressus.

Among the Numantines affairs were ill-managed, the Roman army overwhelmed.

P. Africano C. Fulvio coss. [A.U.C. 620 / 134 B.C.]

P. Africanus, C. Fulvius, consuls. [A.U.C. 620 / 134 B.C.]

27. In Amiterno sol noctu visus, eiusque lux aliquamdiu fuit visa.Bos locutus et nutritus publice. Sanguine pluit.

27. At Amiternum the sun was seen by night, and its light was seen for some time.An ox spoke and was publicly nourished. It rained blood.

Anagniae servo tunica arsit et intermortuo igne nullum flammae apparuit vestigium. In Capitolio nocte avis gemitus similes hominis dedit. In aede Iunonis Reginae scutum Ligusticum fulmine tactum.

At Anagnia a slave’s tunic burned, and though the man was half-dead from the fire no trace of flame was seen. On the Capitol at night a bird gave a cry like a man’s groan. In the temple of Juno Regina a Ligurian shield was struck by lightning.

Fugitivorum bellum in Sicilia exortum, coniuratione servorum in Italia oppressa.

A war of fugitives arose in Sicily; a conspiracy of slaves in Italy was suppressed.

P. Mucio L. Pisone coss. [A.U.C. 621 / 133 B.C.]

P. Mucius, L. Piso, consules. [A.U.C. 621 / 133 B.C.]

27a. Tiberius Gracchus . . . legibus ferendis occisus. Proditum est memoria Tiberium Gracchum, quo die periit, tristia neglexisse omina, cum domi et in Capitolio sacrificanti dira portenderentur, domoque exiens sinistro ad limen offenso pede decusserit pollicem, et corvi fragmentum tegulae ante pedes eius proiecerint ex stillicidio.

27a. Tiberius Gracchus ... killed while proposing laws. It is handed down in memory that Tiberius Gracchus, on the day he died, neglected gloomy omens, since dire portents were shown both at home and while he was sacrificing on the Capitol; and, as he left the house, with his left foot striking the threshold he dislodged his thumb, and a crow cast a fragment of a roof‑tile before his feet from a dripping.

In lacu Romano lacte rivi manarunt. Lunae terra quattuor iugerum spatio in profundum abiit et mox de caverna lacum reddidit. Ardeae terra pluit.

In the Roman lake, streams of milk flowed. The land of Luna sank into the deep by a space of 4 iugera and soon from a cavern yielded a lake. At Ardea it rained earth.

Minturnis lupus vigilem laniavit et inter tumultum effugit. Romae bubo et alia avis ignota visa. In aede Iunonis Reginae clausis per biduum valvis infantis vox audita.

At Minturnae a wolf mangled a watchman and, amid the tumult, fled. In Rome an owl and another unknown bird were seen. In the temple of Iuno Regina, with its doors closed for two days, the voice of an infant was heard.

Scuta novo sanguine maculata. Puella quadrupes nata. In Agro Ferentino androgynus natus et in flumen deiectus.

Shields stained with fresh blood. A girl born four‑footed. In the Ferentine field an androgynous was born and thrown into the river.

Virgines tres novenae canentes urbem lustraverunt.

Three virgins, singing the novena, lustrated (purified) the city.

P. Popillio P. Rupilio coss. [A.U.C. 622 / 132 B.C.]

P. Popillius and P. Rupilius, consuls. [A.U.C. 622 / 132 B.C.]

27b. In Italia multa milia servorum quae coniuraverant aegre comprehensa et supplicio consumpta. In Sicilia fugitivi Romanos exercitus necaverunt.

27b. In Italy many thousands of slaves who had conspired were scarcely seized and were consumed by punishment. In Sicily the army killed the fugitive Romans.

Numantia diruta.

Numantia destroyed.

Ap. Claudio M. Perperna coss. [A.U.C. 624 / 130 B.C.]

At the consulship of Appius Claudius and Marcus Perperna. [A.U.C. 624 / 130 B.C.]

28. Reate mulus cum quinque pedibus natus.Romae in Graecostasi lacte pluit. Lupus et canis Hostiae pugnantes fulmine exanimatae.

28. At Reate a mule was born with five feet.In Rome, in the Graecostasis, it rained milk. A wolf and a dog at Hostiae, fighting, were struck dead by lightning.

Grex ovium in Apulia uno ictu fulmine exanimatus. Praetor populi Romani fulmine exanimatus. Terracinae sereno navis velum fulmine in aqua deiectum, et impensas omnis quae ibi erant ignis absumpsit.

A flock of sheep in Apulia was struck lifeless by one blow of lightning. The praetor of the Roman people was struck dead by lightning. At Terracina, in clear weather, lightning cast a ship’s sail into the water, and fire consumed all the stores that were there.

Publius Crassus adversus Aristonicum dimicans occisus. Apollinis simulacrum lacrimavit per quadriduum. Vates portenderunt Graeciae fore exitium, unde deductum esset.

Publius Crassus, fighting against Aristonicus, was killed. The image of Apollo wept for four days. The vates portended that destruction would come upon Greece from whence it had been led.

Phrygia recepta Asia Attali testamento legata Romanis. Antiocho regi Syriae ingenti exercitu dimicanti hirundines in tabernaculo nidum fecerunt. Quo prodigio neglecto proelium commisit et a Parthis occisus est.

Phrygia recovered; Asia, by the will of Attalus, was bequeathed to the Romans. While Antiochus, king of Syria, was fighting with a vast army, swallows built a nest in his tabernacle. Neglecting that portent he joined battle and was slain by the Parthians.

C. Sempronio M'. Aquilio coss. [A.U.C. 625 / 129 B.C.]

C. Sempronius, M'. Aquilius, consuls. [A.U.C. 625 / 129 B.C.]

28a. . . . M. Fulvii Flacci triumviri . . . dissensione in legibus ferendis . . . Angues duo nigri in cella Minervae allapsi civilem caedem portenderunt.

28a. . . . Marcus Fulvius Flaccus, one of the triumvirs . . . by a dissension in the making of laws . . . two black snakes, having glided into the cella of Minerva, portended a civil slaughter.

M. Aemilio L. Aurelio coss. [A.U.C. 628 / 126 B.C.]

M. Aemilius and L. Aurelius, consuls. [A.U.C. 628 / 126 B.C.]

29. Nocturna tempestate in Capitolio aliquot templa concussa sunt.Romae et circa fulmine pleraque deiecta sunt. Aetna mons terrae motu ignes super verticem late diffudit, et ad insulas Liparas mare efferbuit et quibusdam adustis navibus vapore plerosque navalis exanimavit, piscium vim magnam exanimem dispersit, quos Liparenses avidius epulis appetentes contaminatione ventris consumpti, ita ut nova pestilentia vastarentur insulae.

29. By a nocturnal tempest several temples on the Capitol were shaken.At Rome and about it most things were cast down by lightning. Mount Aetna, by a convulsion of the earth, spread fires far and wide over its summit, and toward the Liparian islands the sea boiled up; with some ships scorched the vapor struck many seamen senseless, it scattered a great mass of lifeless fishes, which the Liparenses, eagerly seeking at feasts, consumed and were consumed by a corruption of the belly, so that by a new pestilence the islands were laid waste.

Quod prodigium aruspicum responso seditionem, quae post tempora patuit, portendit.

This prodigy, by the haruspices' response, foreshadowed a sedition which afterwards came to light.

M. Plautio M. Fulvio coss. [A.U.C. 629 / 125 B.C.]

MARCUS PLAUTIUS AND MARCUS FULVIUS, CONSULS. [A.U.C. 629 / 125 B.C.]

30. In arboribus fruges natae sunt.Oleo et lacte in Veiente pluit. Bubo in Capitolio visus.

30. Crops sprang up on the trees.It rained oil and milk at Veii. An owl was seen on the Capitol.

Arpis lapideus imber triduo . . . apparuit locustarum ingenti agmine in Africa, quae a vento in mare deiectae fluctibusque eiectae odore intolerabili Cyrenis mortiferoque vapore gravem pestilentiam fecerunt pecori; hominumque DCCC milia consumpta tabe proditum est. Fregellae, quae adversus Romanos coniuraverunt, dirutae, Ligures Sallys trucidati.

At Arpi a stony rain persisted for three days . . . an immense swarm of locusts appeared in Africa, which, driven into the sea by the wind and cast up by the waves, with an intolerable odor and deadly vapor caused a severe pestilence among cattle; and it is reported that 800,000 men were consumed by the corruption. Fregellae, which conspired against the Romans, were razed; the Ligurians called the Sallys were slaughtered.

C. Cassio Longino C. Sextio coss. [A.U.C. 630 / 124 B.C.]

C. Cassius Longinus, C. Sextius, consuls. [A.U.C. 630 / 124 B.C.]

31. In Graecostasi lacte pluit.Fulmine Crotone grex ovium cum cane et tribus pastoribus exanimatus. Saturae vitulus biceps natus.

31. At Graecostasis it rained milk.By lightning at Croton a flock of sheep, with a dog and three shepherds, was struck lifeless. At Saturae a two‑headed calf was born.

Tumultus in urbe fuit C. Graccho leges ferente.

There was a tumult in the city, Gaius Gracchus bringing forward laws.

Cn. Domitio C. Fannio coss. [A.U.C. 632 / 122 B.C.]

Gnaeus Domitius and Gaius Fannius, consuls. [A.U.C. 632 / 122 B.C.]

32. In foro Vessano androgynus natus in mare delatus est.In Gallia tres soles et tres lunae visae. Vitulus biceps natus.

32. In the forum an androgynous child born to Vessanus was brought to the sea.In Gaul three suns and three moons were seen. A two‑headed calf was born.

Bubo in Capitolio visus. Aetnae incendio Catina consumpta. Sallyes et Allobroges devicti.

An owl was seen on the Capitol. Catina was consumed by Etna’s fire. The Sallyes and Allobroges were defeated.

L. Opimio Q. Fabio Maximo coss. [A.U.C. 633 / 121 B.C.]

L. Opimius and Q. Fabius Maximus, consuls. [A.U.C. 633 / 121 B.C.]

33. Grex luporum limites qui in agrorum divisione per C. Gracchum depositi erant dissipavit.Ipse Gracchus in Aventino occisus.

33. A pack of wolves scattered the boundary-marks which had been deposited in the division of the fields by C. Gracchus.Gracchus himself was slain on the Aventine.

L. Aurelio Cotta L. Caecilio coss. [A.U.C. 635 / 119 B.C.]

L. AURELIUS COTTA, L. CAECILIUS, CONSULS. [A.U.C. 635 / 119 B.C.]

34. Androgynus in agro Romano annorum octo inventus et in mare deportatus.Virgines ter novenae in urbe cantarunt.

34. Androgynus, found in a Roman field aged eight, was carried off to the sea.The virgins thrice sang novenas in the city.

M. Catone Q. Marcio coss. [A.U.C. 636 / 118 B.C.]

M. CATO, Q. MARCIUS, CONSULS. [A.U.C. 636 / 118 B.C.]

35. Catone consule immolante exta tabuerunt, caput iocineris inventum non est.Lacte pluit. Terra cum mugitu tremuit.

35. While Cato the consul was sacrificing, the entrails went rotten, the head of the victim was not found. It rained milk. The earth trembled with a bellowing.

Examen apium in foro consedit. Sacrificium ex Sibyllinis.

A swarm of bees settled in the forum. A sacrifice from the Sibylline books.

L. Caecilio L. Aurelio coss. [A.U.C. 637 / 117 B.C.]

L. Caecilius and L. Aurelius, consuls. [A.U.C. 637 / 117 B.C.]

36. Fulmine Romae et circa pleraque tacta.Praeneste lacte pluit. Hastae Martis in regia motae.

36. By lightning at Rome, and most places around struck.At Praeneste it rained milk. The spears of Mars in the palace were set in motion.

Priverni terra septem iugerum spatio in caverna desedit. Saturniae androgynus annorum decem inventus et mari demersus. Virgines viginti septem urbem carmine lustraverunt.

At Privernum the ground, over an area of seven iugera, sank into a cavity. At Saturnia an androgynous child of ten years was found and drowned in the sea. Twenty-seven virgins purified the city by song.

Reliquum anni in pace fuit.

The remainder of the year was in peace.

M'. Acilio C. Porcio coss. [A.U.C. 640 / 114 B.C.]

M'. Acilius, C. Porcius, consuls. [A.U.C. 640 / 114 B.C.]

37. P. Elvius eques Romanus a ludis Romanis cum in Apuliam reverteretur, in agro Stellati filia eius virgo equo insidens fulmine icta exanimataque, vestimento deducto in inguinibus, exserta lingua, per inferiores locos ut ignis ad os emicuerit.Responsum infamiam virginibus et equestri ordini portendi, quia equi ornamenta dispersa erant. Tres uno tempore virgines Vestales nobilissimae cum aliquot equitibus Romanis incesti poenas subierunt.

37. P. Elvius, a Roman eques, returning from the Roman games into Apulia, in the field of Stellatus his daughter, a maiden seated on a horse, was struck by lightning and rendered lifeless; her garment pulled down to the groins, her tongue protruding, through the lower parts as if fire had leapt to her mouth.The omen was that disgrace was portended for the virgins and for the equestrian order, because the horses’ ornaments had been scattered. At one time three most noble Vestal virgins, together with several Roman equites, suffered the penalties of unchastity.

Aedes Veneri Verticordiae facta.

A temple was built to Venus Verticordia.

C. Caecilio Cn. Papirio coss. [A.U.C. 641 / 113 B.C.]

C. CAECILIUS, CN. PAPIRIUS, CONSULES. [A.U.C. 641 / 113 B.C.]

38. Albanus mons nocte ardere visus.Aedicula et signum de caelo tacta. Ara Salutis interrupta.

38. Mount Alban seen burning by night.A little shrine and a statue struck from heaven. The Altar of Salvation broken.

Terra in Lucanis et Privernati late hiavit. In Gallia caelum ardere visum. Cimbri Teutonique Alpes transgressi foedum stragem Romanorum sociorumque fecerunt.

The earth opened wide in Lucania and at Privernum. In Gaul the sky was seen to burn. The Cimbri and the Teutones, having crossed the Alps, wrought a foul slaughter of Romans and of their socii.

P. Scipione L. Calpurnio coss. [A.U.C. 643 / 111 B.C.]

P. Scipio, L. Calpurnius, consuls. [A.U.C. 643 / 111 B.C.]

39. Maxima pars urbis exusta cum aede Matris Magnae.Lacte per triduum pluit, hostiisque expiatum maioribus. Iugurthinum bellum exortum.

39. The greater part of the city was burned, together with the temple of the Great Mother.Milk fell for three days, and it was expiated to the forebears by sacrifices. The Jugurthine War arose.

Servio Galba M. Scauro coss. [A.U.C. 646 / 108 B.C.]

SERVIUS GALBA, M. SCAURUS, consuls. [A.U.C. 646 / 108 B.C.]

40. Avis incendiaria et bubo in urbe visae.In latomiis homo ab homine adesus. Ex Sibyllinis in insula Cimolia sacrificatum per triginta ingenuos patrimos et matrimos totidemque virgines.

40. a fire-bearing bird and an owl seen in the city.In the quarries a man devoured by a man. From the Sibylline books on the island of Cimolia a sacrifice effected by 30 freeborn paternal and maternal kinsmen and by an equal number of virgins.

Multa milia hominum intumescente Pado et stagno Arretino obruta. Bis lacte pluit. Nursiae gemini ex muliere ingenua nati, puella integris omnibus membris, puer a parte priore alvo aperto ita ut nudum intestinum conspiceretur, idem posteriore natura solidus natus, qui voce missa expiravit.

Many thousands of men, with the Padus swelling and the Arretine pond, were overwhelmed. It rained milk twice. At Nursia twins were born of a freeborn woman: a girl with all her limbs whole, a boy with the front part of his belly open so that his naked intestine could be seen, the same (by posterior nature) born solid, who, after a voice was uttered, expired.

Contra Iugurtham prospere dimicatum.

A successful engagement was fought against Jugurtha.

Q. Servilio Caepione C. Atilio Serrano coss. [A.U.C. 648 / 106 B.C.]

Q. Servilius Caepio, C. Atilius Serranus, consuls. [A.U.C. 648 / 106 B.C.]

41. Amiterni cum ex ancilla puer nasceretur, ave dixit.In agro Perusino et Romae locis aliquot lacte pluit. Inter multa fulmine icta Atellis digiti hominis quattuor tamquam ferro praecisi.

41. In Amiternum, when from a handmaid a boy was born, he spoke the word ave.In the Perusine field and in certain places at Rome it rained milk. Among many struck by lightning at Atellis, four fingers of a man were as if cut away by iron.

Argentum signatum afflatu fulminis diffluxit. In agro Trebulano mulier nupta civi Romano fulmine icta nec exanimata. Fremitus caelestis auditus et pila caelo cadere visa.

Stamped silver melted away at the blast of lightning. In the Trebulan territory a woman, married to a Roman citizen, was struck by lightning and yet not rendered senseless. A heavenly rumbling was heard and balls were seen to fall from the sky.

Sanguine pluit. Romae interdiu fax sublime volans conspecta. In aede Larum flamma a fastigio ad summum columen penetravit innoxia.

It rained with blood. In Rome by day a torch, flying aloft, was seen. In the temple of the Lares a flame passed from the roof to the highest column, harmless.

Per Caepionem consulem senatorum et equitum iudicia communicata. Cetera in pace fuerunt.

In the consulship of Caepio the judgments of the senators and of the equites were communicated. The rest were in peace.

P. Rutilio Cn. Manlio coss. [A.U.C. 649 / 105 B.C.]

P. Rutilius and Cn. Manlius, consuls. [A.U.C. 649 / 105 B.C.]

42. Trebulae Mutuscae ante quam ludi commiterentur, canente tibicine angues nigri aram circumdederunt, desinente cantare dilapsi.Postero die exorti a populo lapidibus enecati. Foribus templi adapertis simulacrum Martis ligneum capite stans inventum.

42. At Trebula Mutusca, before the games were begun, while a piper was playing, black snakes encircled the altar; when he ceased to play they dispersed.The next day, having been driven out by the people, they were stoned to death. With the temple doors opened a wooden image of Mars was found standing, its head missing.

A Lusitanis exercitus Romanus caesus.

The Roman army was cut down by the Lusitanians.

C. Mario C. Flavio coss. [A.U.C. 650 / 104 B.C.]

C. MARIUS, C. FLAVIUS, CONSULS. [A.U.C. 650 / 104 B.C.]

43. Bubo extra urbem visus.Bos locuta. Trebulae Mutuscae simulacrum in templo, quod capite adaperto fuit, opertum inventum.

43. An owl was seen outside the city. A ox (bos) spoke. The image (simulacrum) of Trebula Mutusca in the temple, which had its head uncovered, was found covered.

Nuceriae ulmus vento eversa sua sponte erecta in radicem convaluit. In Lucanis lacte, Lunae sanguine pluit. Arimini canis locutus.

At Nuceria an elm, overturned by the wind, of its own accord rose up and was restored to its root. In the Lucanians' land it rained milk and the blood of Luna. At Ariminum a dog spoke.

Arma caelestia tempore utroque ab ortu et occasu visa pugnare et ab occasu vinci. Aruspicum responso populus stipem Cereri et Proserpinae tulit. Virgines viginti septem dona canentes tulerunt.

Heavenly arms were seen at both times, from the rising and from the setting, to fight and to be vanquished by the setting. By the haruspices’ response the people brought a contribution to Ceres and Proserpina. Twenty-seven virgins bore gifts, singing.

Luna interdiu cum stella ab hora tertia usque ad horam septimam apparuit. A fugitivis et desertoribus in Thurinis regiones vastatae. Cimbri Alpes transgressi post Hispaniam vastatam iunxerunt se Teutonis.

By day the Moon, together with a star, appeared from the third hour until the seventh hour. The Thurine regions were laid waste by fugitives and deserters. The Cimbri, having crossed the Alps after Spain had been ravaged, joined themselves to the Teutones.

Lupus urbem intravit. Fulminis ictu vultures super turrem exanimati. Hora diei tertia solis defectus lucem obscuravit.

A wolf entered the city. Struck by lightning, the vultures above the tower were slain. At the third hour of the day an eclipse of the sun darkened the light.

Examen apium ante aedem Salutis consedit. In comitio lacte pluit. In Piceno tres soles visi.

A swarm of bees settled before the temple of Salus. In the comitium it rained milk. In Picenum three suns were seen.

In agro Vulsiniensi flamma e terra orta caelumque visa contingere. In Lucanis duo agni equinis pedibus nati, alter siminino capite. In Tarquinensi lactis rivi terra scaturienti exorti.

In the Vulsinian field a flame rose from the earth and was seen to touch the sky. In Lucania two lambs were born with horse’s feet, one with a simian head. In the territory of Tarquinia rivulets of milk sprang forth from the ground.

Aruspicum responso signa oleaginea duo armata statuta supplicatumque. In Macedonia Thraces subacti.

By the haruspices’ response two oil‑smeared standards, armed, were set up, and a supplication held. In Macedonia the Thracians were subdued.

C. Mario Q. Lutatio coss. [A.U.C. 652 / 102 B.C.]

C. MARIUS Q. LUTATIUS, CONSULS. [A.U.C. 652 / 102 B.C.]

44. Novemdiale sacrum fuit, quod in Tuscis lapidibus pluerat.Urbs aruspicum iussu lustrata. Hostiarum cinis per decemviros in mare dispersus, et per dies novem per magistratus circa omnia templa et municipia pompa ducta supplicantum.

44. There was a novemdial sacrifice, which had rained upon the Tuscan stones.The city was purified at the order of the haruspices. The ashes of the victims were scattered into the sea by the decemvirs, and for nine days a procession of supplicants was led by the magistrates around all the temples and municipal towns.

Hastae Martis in regia sua sponte motae. Sanguine circa amnem Anienem pluit. Examen apium in foro boario in sacello consedit.

The spears of Mars in their regia were moved of their own accord. Blood rained around the river Anio. A swarm of bees settled in the sacellum in the Forum Boarium.

In Gallia in castris lux nocte fulsit. Puer ingenuus Ariciae flamma comprehensus nec ambustus. Aedes Iovis clusa fulmine icta.

In Gaul in the camps a light shone by night. A freeborn boy of Aricia was seized by flame and yet not burned. The temple of Jupiter, closed, was struck by lightning.

Cuius expiationem quia primus monstraverat Aemilius Potensis aruspex, praemium tulit, ceteris celantibus, quod ipsis liberisque exitium portenderetur. Piratae in Cilicia a Romanis deleti. Teutoni a Mario trucidati.

Whose expiation, because Aemilius Potensis the haruspex had first shown, he received as a reward, the others concealing that destruction was being foretold for themselves and their children. Pirates in Cilicia were destroyed by the Romans. The Teutones were slaughtered by Marius.

C. Mario M'. Aquilio coss. [A.U.C. 653 / 101 B.C.]

Gaius Marius, Manius Aquilius, consuls. [A.U.C. 653 / 101 B.C.]

44a. Ancilia cum crepitu sua sponte mota. Servus Q. Servilii Caepionis Matri Idaeae se praecidit, et trans mare exportatus, ne umquam Romae reverteretur.

44a. The ancilia, with their crepitous sound, were moved of their own accord. A slave of Q. Servilius Caepio cut his own throat for the Idaean Mother, and, being exported across the sea, was so disposed that he might never return to Rome.

Urbs lustrata. Capra cornibus ardentibus per urbem ducta, porta Naevia emissa relictaque. In Aventino luto pluit.

The city was purified. A she-goat with burning horns led through the city, the Porta Naevia thrust open and left behind. On the Aventine it rained mud.

Lusitanis devictis Hispania ulterior pacata. Cimbri deleti.

With the Lusitanians defeated, the farther Spain pacified. The Cimbri destroyed.

C. Mario L. Valerio coss. [A.U.C. 654 / 100 B.C.]

C. MARIUS, L. VALERIUS, CONSULS. [A.U.C. 654 / 100 B.C.]

45. Fax ardens Tarquiniis late visa subito lapsu cadens.Sub occasu solis orbis clipei similis ab occidente ad orientem visus perferri. In Piceno terrae motu domicilia ruinis prostrata, quaedam convulsa sede sua inclinata manserunt.

45. A burning torch, far seen at Tarquinii, suddenly slipping, fell.At the sun’s setting a disk like a shield was seen borne from west to east. In Picenum, by an earthquake, dwellings were prostrated in ruins; some, torn from their seat, remained leaning.

Fremitus armorum ex inferno auditus. Quadrigae aureatae in foro pedibus sudaverunt. Fugitivi in Sicilia proeliis trucidati.

A sound of arms was heard from the underworld. Golden quadrigae in the forum sweated at their feet. Fugitives in Sicily were slaughtered in battles.

M. Antonio A. Postumio coss. [A.U.C. 655 / 99 B.C.]

M. ANTONIUS, A. POSTUMIUS, CONS. [A.U.C. 655 / 99 B.C.]

46. Bubone in urbe visa urbs lustrata.Nimbis et procella plurima dissipata, fulmine pleraque tacta. Lanuvii in aede Iunonis Sospitae in cubiculo deae sanguinis guttae visae.

46. At Bubone a city was seen purified.With very many clouds and a gale dispersed, and most things touched by lightning. At Lanuvium, in the temple of Iuno Sospita, in the goddess’ chamber drops of blood were seen.

Nursiae aedes sacra terrae motu disiecta. Lusitani rebellantes subacti. Sex.

At Nursia the sacred buildings were shattered by an earthquake. The rebelling Lusitanians were subdued. Sextus.

Titius tribunus plebis de agris dividendis populo cum repugnantibus collegis pertinaciter legem ferret, corvi duo numero in alto volantes ita pugnaverunt supra contionem ut rostris unguibusque lacerarentur. Aruspices sacra Apollini litanda et de lege, quae ferebatur, supersedendum pronuntiarunt. Fremitus ab inferno ad caelum ferri visus inopiam famemque portendit.

Titius, tribune of the plebs, while persistently carrying a law for the people about the dividing of lands against opposing colleagues, two crows, in number, flying on high fought so above the assembly that they were lacerated by their beaks and talons. The haruspices declared that sacred rites to Apollo must be propitiated and that the law which was being proposed must be set aside. A roar, seen as borne from the underworld up to the sky, portended scarcity and famine.

Populus stipem, matronae thesaurum et virgines dona Cereri et Proserpinae tulerunt. Per virgines viginti septem cantitatum. Signa cupressea duo Iunoni Reginae posita.

The people brought a stipend, the matrons a treasure, and the virgins gifts to Ceres and Proserpina. By the virgins there were twenty-seven chants/choruses. Two cypress standards were set up for Juno Regina.

In Lusitania prospere a Romanis pugnatum.

In Lusitania a battle was fought successfully by the Romans.

Q. Metello T. Didio coss. [A.U.C. 656 / 98 B.C.]

Q. METELLUS, T. DIDIUS, CONSULS. [A.U.C. 656 / 98 B.C.]

47. Bubone in Capitolio supra deorum simulacra viso cum piaretur, taurus victima exanimis concidit.Fulmine pleraque decussa. Hastae Martis in regia motae.

47. When Bubo was seen on the Capitoline above the images of the gods, and was being propitiated, the bull, the sacrificial victim, fell lifeless. Many things were struck by lightning. The spears of Mars were shaken in the royal palace.

Ludis in theatro creta candida pluit; fruges et tempestates portendit bonas. Sereno tonuit. Apud aedem Apollinis decemviris immolantibus caput iocineris non fuit, sacrificantibus anguis ad aram inventus.

At the games in the theatre white chalk fell; it portended good crops and favourable seasons. It thundered in clear weather. At the temple of Apollo, with the decemvirs offering sacrifice, the head of the victim was not present; as they sacrificed, a snake was found at the altar.

Item androgynus in mare deportatus. In circo inter pila militum ignis fusus. Hispani pluribus proeliis devicti.

Also an androgynous person carried off into the sea. In the circus, amid the ranks/lines of soldiers, fire was poured out. The Spaniards were defeated in several battles.

Cn. Cornelio Lentulo P. Licinio coss. [A.U.C. 657 / 97 B.C.]

CN. CORNELIUS LENTULUS, P. LICINIUS, CONSULS. [657 A.U.C. / 97 B.C.]

48. Supplicatum in urbe quod androgynus inventus et in mare deportatus erat.Pisuri terrae fremitus auditus. Muri pinnae sine terrae motu passim deiectae civiles portendere discordias.

48. A public supplication in the city because an androgynus had been found and carried off to the sea.A rumble was heard in the land of the Pisuri. The pinnacles of walls, thrown down everywhere without an earthquake, portended civil discord.

Nursiae simulacrum Iovis in partem sinistram conversum. Cupressea simulacra Iunonis Reginae posita per virgines viginti septem, quae urbem lustraverunt. Celtiberi, Maedi, Dardani subacti.

At Nursia the simulacrum of Jupiter was turned to the left side. Cypress simulacra of Juno the Queen were placed by twenty-seven virgins, who lustrated the city. The Celtiberians, the Maedi, the Dardanians were subdued.

Cn. Domitio C. Cassio coss. [A.U.C. 658 / 96 B.C.]

GNAEUS DOMITIUS, GAIUS CASSIUS, CONSULS. [A.U.C. 658 / 96 B.C.]

49. Lupus urbem ingessus in domo privato occisus.Bubo in Capitolio occisus. Fulmine pleraque decussa.

49. A wolf having entered the city was slain in a private house.An owl was killed on the Capitol. Many things were struck down by lightning.

Signa aurata Iovis cum capite columnaque disiecta. Faesulis sanguine terra manavit. Arretii mulieri e naso spicae farris natae, eadem farris grana vomuit.

The gilded standards of Jupiter, with their head and column scattered. At Faesulae the earth flowed with blood. At Arretium, from a woman’s nose an ear of grain was born; she vomited the kernels of that same grain.

Urbe lustrata Ptolemaeus, rex Aegypti, Cyrenis mortuus S.P.Q. Romanum heredem reliquit.

With the city purified, Ptolemaeus, king of Egypt, having died at Cyrene, left S.P.Q. ROMANUM as his heir.

L. Crasso Q. Scaevola coss. [A.U.C. 659 / 95 B.C.]

L. Crassus Q. Scaevola, consuls. [A.U.C. 659 / 95 B.C.]

50. Caere lacte pluit.Lebadiae Eutychides in templum Iovis Trophonii degressus tabulam aeneam extulit, in qua scripta erant, quae ad res Romanas pertinent. Fulminis afflatu pleraque animalia exanimata.

50. At Caere it rained milk.At Lebadeia Eutychides, having descended into the temple of Jove Trophonius, carried off a bronze tablet on which were written things pertaining to Roman affairs. By the blast of the thunderbolt most animals were struck lifeless.

Venafri hiatu terra alte subsedit. Vultures canem mortuum laniantes occisi ab aliis et comesi vulturibus. Agnus biceps, puer tribus manibus totidemque pedibus natus Ateste.

At Venafrum the earth sank down deeply in a yawning gulf. Vultures tearing a dead dog, (it) having been slain by others and consumed by attendant vultures. A two‑headed lamb; a boy born by the Ateste with three hands and as many feet.

Hastae Martis in regia motae. Androgynus Urbino natus in mare deportatus. Pax domi forisque fuit.

The spears of Mars were stirred in the royal palace. An androgynous person, born in Urbino, was carried away into the sea. There was peace at home and abroad.

C. Caelio L. Domitio coss. [A.U.C. 660 / 94 B.C.]

C. CAELIUS, L. DOMITIUS, CONSULS. [A.U.C. 660 / 94 B.C.]

51. Novemdiale sacrum fuit quod Volsca gente lapidibus pluerat.Vulsiniis luna nova defecit et non nisi postero die hora tertia comparuit. Puella biceps, quadripes, quadrimana, gemina feminae natura mortua nata.

51. There was a Novemdiale sacrifice, by which stones rained upon the Volscian people.At Vulsinii the new moon failed to appear and did not show itself until the third hour of the following day. A girl, two-headed, four-footed, four-handed, a twin by womanly nature, was born dead.

Avis incendiaria visa occisaque. In Vestinis in villa lapidibus pluit. Fax in caelo apparuit et totum caelum ardere visum.

A fiery bird was seen and was slain. In the Vestini country, in a villa it rained stones. A torch appeared in the sky, and the whole sky was seen to be burning.

Terra sanguine manavit et concrevit. Canes saxa tegulas vulgo roserunt. Faesulis ingens multitudo inter sepulcra lugubri veste, pallida facie interdiu ambulare gregatim visa.

The earth gushed blood and congealed. Dogs licked stones and roof‑tiles everywhere. At Faesulae a vast multitude, among the tombs in mournful dress and with pallid faces, by day were seen walking in groups.

Per Nasicam Hispaniae principes qui rebellabant supplicio consumpti urbibus dirutis.

By Nasicus the princes of Hispania who were rebelling were consumed by punishment, their cities razed.

C. Valerio M. Herennio coss. [A.U.C. 661 / 93 B.C.]

GAIUS VALERIUS AND MARCUS HERENNIUS, CONSULS. [A.U.C. 661 / 93 B.C.]

52. Romae et circa fulmine pleraque decussa.Ancilla puerum unimanum peperit. Fregellis aedes Neptuni nocte patefacta.

52. In Rome and about it, most things were struck down by lightning. A maid bore a one-handed boy. At Fregellae the temple(s) of Neptune were found open at night.

Maris vituli cum exta demerentur, gemini vitelli in alvo eius inventi. Arretii signum aeneum Mercurii sudavit. In Lucanis gregem vervecum cum pasceretur et nocte in stabulo flamma circumdata nihil adussit.

When the entrails of the sea‑bull were taken out, twin calves were found in its belly. At Arretium the bronze image of Mercury perspired. In Lucania, when a flock of rams was being grazed, and by night in the stable a flame encircled them, it scorched nothing.

Carseolis torrens sanguinis fluxit. Lupi urbem ingressi. Praeneste lana volitavit.

At Carseoli a torrent of blood flowed. Wolves entered the city. At Praeneste wool flew about.

In Apulia mula peperit. Milvus in aede Apollinis Romae comprehensus. Herennio consuli bis immolanti caput iocineris defuit.

In Apulia a mule gave birth. A kite was seized in the temple of Apollo at Rome. For Herennius the consul, sacrificing twice, the head of the iocineris was lacking.

In sacro novemdiali cena deae posita a cane adesa antequam delibaretur. Vulsiniis prima luce flamma caelo emicare visa; cum in unum coisset, os flamma ferrugineum ostendit, caelum visum discedere, cuius hiatu vertices flammae apparuerunt. Lustrationibus prospere expiatum.

At the sacred nine-day feast the goddess’s dinner, set out, was eaten by a dog before it could be tasted. At Vulsinii at first light a flame was seen to leap into the sky; when it coalesced into one it showed a rust‑coloured mouth of fire, the heavens seemed to part, from whose hiatus the crests of the flames appeared. Atoned for successfully by lustrations.

Nam totus annus domi forisque tranquillus fuit.

For the whole year both at home and abroad it was tranquil.

C. Claudio M. Perpenna coss. [A.U.C. 662 / 92 B.C.]

IN THE CONSULSHIP OF C. CLAUDIUS AND M. PERPENNA. [A.U.C. 662 / 92 B.C.]

53. Bubo in aede Fortunae Equestris comprehensus inter manus expiravit.Faesulis fremitus terrae auditus. Puer ex ancilla natus sine foramine naturae qua humor emittitur.

53. An owl in the temple of Fortuna Equestris, seized in the hands, expired. Faesulae, a trembling of the earth was heard. A boy born of a slave-woman without the natural foramen by which bodily humors are emitted.

Mulier duplici natura inventa. Fax in caelo visa. Bos locuta.

A woman found of double nature. A torch seen in the sky. An ox spoke.

Examen apium in culmine privatae domus consedit. Volaterris sanguinis rivus manavit. Romae lacte pluit.

A swarm of bees settled on the summit of a private house. At Volaterris a stream of blood flowed. In Rome it rained milk.

Arretii duo androgyni inventi. Pullus gallinaceus quadripes natus. Fulmine pleraque icta.

Two androgynes of Arretium were found. A gallinaceous chick was born four‑footed. Most things were struck by lightning.

Supplicatio fuit. Populus Cereri et Proserpinae stipem tulit. Virgines viginti septem carmen canentes urbem lustraverunt.

There was a supplicatio. The people brought an offering to Ceres and Proserpina. Twenty-seven virgins, singing a carmen, lustrated the city.

Maedorum in Macedonia gens provinciam cruente vastavit.

The people of the Maedri in Macedonia laid the province waste in blood.

L. Marcio Sex. Iulio coss. [A.U.C. 663 / 91 B.C.]

Lucius Marcius, Sextus Julius, consuls. [A.U.C. 663 / 91 B.C.]

54. Livio Druso tr.pl. leges ferente cum bellum Italicum consurgeret, prodigia multa apparuerunt urbi.Sub ortu solis globus ignis a septemtrionali regione cum ingenti sono caeli emicuit. Arretii frangentibus panes cruor e mediis fluxit.

54. When Livius Drusus, tribune of the people, was proposing laws and the Italian war was arising, many prodigies appeared to the city.At sunrise a globe of fire burst forth from the northern region with a mighty sound of the heavens. At Arretium, while loaves were being broken, blood flowed from their middles.

In Vestinis per dies septem lapidibus testisque pluit. Aenariae terrae hiatu flamma exorta in caelum emicuit. Circa Regium terrae motu pars urbis murique diruta.

In the Vestinian region for seven days it rained stones and potsherds. From a chasm of the Aenarian land a flame, having risen, shot up into the sky. Around Regium, by an earthquake, part of the city and its walls were torn down.

In Spoletino colore aureo globus ignis ad terram devolutus, maiorque factus e terra ad orientem ferri visus magnitudine solem obtexit. Cumis in arce simulacrum Apollinis sudavit. Aedis Pietatis in circo Flaminio clausa fulmine icta.

In the Spoletine region a globe of fire, of golden colour, descended to the earth, and, being made larger, seemed to be borne from the ground toward the east and, by its magnitude, overlaid the sun. At Cumae on the citadel the simulacrum of Apollo perspired. The aedes of Pietas, closed in the Circus Flaminius, was struck by lightning.

Asculo per ludos Romani trucidati. Cum ex agris in urbem pecora armentaque Latini agerent, strages hominum passim facta. Armenta in tantam rabiem concitata sunt ut vastando suos hostile imaginarentur bellum lacrimantesque canes multis affectibus calamitatem praesagirent suis.

At Asculum, during the Roman games, they were slaughtered. When the Latins drove flocks and herds from the fields into the city, bloodshed of men was made everywhere. The herds were stirred into such madness that, ravaging, they fancied war hostile to their masters, and the dogs, weeping and in many perturbations, presaged calamity for their own.

L. Iulio Caesare P. Rutilio coss. [A.U.C. 664 / 90 B.C.]

LUCIUS JULIUS CAESAR, PUBLIUS RUTILIUS, consuls. [A.U.C. 664 / 90 B.C.]

55. Metella Caecilia somnio Iunonem Sospitam profugientem, quod immunde sua templa foedarentur, cum suis precibus aegre revocatam diceret, aedem matronarum sordidis obscenisque corporis coinquinatum ministriis, in qua etiam sub simulacro deae cubile canis cum fetu erat, commundatam supplicationibus habitis pristino splendore restituit.A Picentibus Romani barbaro more excruciati. Ubique in Latio clades accepta.

55. Metella Caecilia, by a dream, said that Iuno Sospita was fleeing because her temples were foully defiled, and that she was with difficulty recalled by her own prayers; she purified the aedes of the matrons, polluted by sordid and obscene ministrations of the body, in which even beneath the simulacrum of the goddess there was a dog’s couch with its whelp, and, supplications having been held, restored it to its pristine splendour.To the Picentes the Romans were tormented in a barbarous fashion. Everywhere in Latium disaster was suffered.

Rutilius Lupus spretis religionibus cum in extis caput non invenisset iocineris, amisso exercitu in proelio occisus.

Rutilius Lupus, scornful of religious rites, when in the entrails he had not found the head for the omen, after his army was lost, was killed in battle.

L. Sylla Q. Pompeio coss. [A.U.C. 666 / 88 B.C.]

L. SULLA, Q. POMPEIUS, CONSULS. [A.U.C. 666 / 88 B.C.]

56. Poppedius Silo in oppido Bovianum, quod ceperat, triumphans invectus omen victoriae hostibus ostendit, quia triumphus in urbem victricem non victam, induci solet.Proximo proelio amisso exercitu occisus. Mithridati adversus socios bellum paranti prodigia apparuerunt.

56. Poppedius Silo, in the town Bovianum which he had captured, triumphing, when carried in showed an omen of victory to the enemies, because a triumph is wont to be brought into the city of the victor, not of the vanquished.In the next battle, his army having been lost, he was killed. Prodigies appeared to Mithridates as he prepared war against his allies.

Stratopedo, ubi senatus haberi solet, corvi vulturem tundendo rostris occiderunt. In eundem locum sidus ingens caelo demissum. Isidis species visa sambucam fulmine petere.

At the camp, where the senate is wont to be held, crows killed a vulture by beating it with their beaks. In the same place a huge star was sent down from the sky. The apparition of Isis was seen attacking a sambuca with lightning.

Lucum Furiarum cum Mithridates succenderet, risus exauditus ingens sine auctore. Cum aruspicum iussu virginem Furiis immolaret, e iugulo puellae risus ortus turbavit sacrificium. Classis Mithridatis in Thessalia a Romanis in proelio amissa.

When Mithridates burned the grove of the Furies, a mighty laughter was heard with no author. When, by the haruspices' command, he was to sacrifice a virgin to the Furies, a laughter issuing from the girl's throat disturbed the sacrifice. Mithridates' fleet in Thessaly was lost to the Romans in battle.

Cn. Octavio L. Cinna coss. [A.U.C. 667 / 87 B.C.]

IN THE CONSULSHIP OF CN. OCTAVIUS AND L. CINNA. [A.U.C. 667 / 87 B.C.]

56a. Cinna et Mario per bella crudeliter saevientibus Romae in castris Gnaei Pompei caelum ruere visum, arma signaque tacta, milites exanimati. Ipse Pompeius afflatus sidere interiit.

56a. With Cinna and Marius cruelly raging through wars, in Rome, in the camps of Gnaeus Pompey it seemed the sky was collapsing; arms and standards were touched, the soldiers stunned. Pompey himself, inspired by a star, perished.

Lectum eius populus diripuit, corpus unco traxit quod discrimine civili perseverasset periclitanti patriae non succurerere, cum et imperium et maximos haberet exercitus.

The people tore apart his bed, and dragged the body away with a hook, which, in the crisis of civil war, had persisted in not coming to the aid of the endangered fatherland, although he held the command and the greatest armies.

L. Cinna C. Mario coss. [A.U.C. 668 / 86 B.C.]

L. Cinna C. Mario, consuls. [A.U.C. 668 / 86 B.C.]

56b. Piraeum Sylla cum oppugnaret diuturno labore, unus miles eius aggerem ferens exanimatus fulmine. Aruspex respondit quod caput iacentis in oppidum versum esset, introitum et victoriam Romanis significare.

56b. While Sulla was assaulting Piraeus with prolonged labor, one soldier of his, bearing earth for the rampart, was struck senseless by lightning. The haruspex replied that the head of the fallen had been turned toward the town, signifying entrance and victory for the Romans.

Post breve tempus Athenae et Piraeum a Sylla capta. Ilio a C. Fimbria incenso cum aedes quoque Minervae deflagrasset, inter ruinas simulacrum antiquissimum inviolatum stetit spemque restitutionis oppido portendit.

After a short time Athens and Piraeus were taken by Sulla. When Ilium, set on fire by C. Fimbria, and even the temple of Minerva had also been consumed, amid the ruins the most ancient image stood unviolated and foretold to the town a hope of restoration.

L. Scipione C. Norbano coss. [A.U.C. 671 / 83 B.C.]

L. Scipio and C. Norbanus, consuls. [A.U.C. 671 / 83 B.C.]

57. Per Syllana tempora inter Capuam et Vulturnum ingens signorum sonus armorumque horrendo clamore auditus, ita ut viderentur duae acies concurrere per plures dies.Rei miraculo intentius considerantibus vestigia equorum hominumque et recens protritae herbae et virgulta visa molem ingentis belli portendere. In Etruria Clusii mater familiae vivum serpentem peperit, qui iussu aruspicum in profluentem deiectus adversa aqua natavit.

57. During Syllan times between Capua and the Vulturnus a mighty sound of standards and of arms was heard with a horrid clamour, so that two battle‑lines seemed to be clashing for several days.To those who pondered the miracle of the matter more intently, the tracks of horses and of men and the freshly crushed grass and bushes appeared to portend the mass of a great war. In Etruria at Clusium the matron of a household bore a living serpent, which, by order of the haruspices, when cast into the flowing opposing water, swam.

Lucius Sylla post quintum annum victor in Italiam reversus magno terrori fuit inimicis. Fraude aeditui Capitolium una nocte conflagravit. Sylla crudelitate foeda proscriptio principum fuit.

Lucius Sylla, victorius, returned to Italy after the 5th year, and was a great terror to his enemies. By the treachery of a temple-officer the Capitol was set ablaze in one night. Sylla’s proscription of the leading men was vile in its cruelty.

Centena milia hominum consumpta Italico civilique bello relata sunt.

Hundreds of thousands of men, consumed by the Italic and civil war, were brought back.

Mam. Aemilio D. Bruto coss. [A.U.C. 677 / 77 B.C.]

Mam. Aemilius and D. Brutus, consuls. [A.U.C. 677 / 77 B.C.]

58. D. Laelius legatus Pompei (cui prodigium Romae erat factum in lecto uxoris duo angues conspecti in diversumque lapsi, proxime Pompeio in castris sedenti accipiter super caput accesserat) in Hispania adversus Sertorium inter pabulatores occisus.

58. D. Laelius, legate of Pompey (to whom a prodigy had been seen at Rome — two snakes discovered in his wife's bed and sliding apart, and a hawk having come over his head while Pompey sat nearest in the camp) was killed in Spain against Sertorius among foragers.

Cn. Octavio C. Scribonio coss. [A.U.C. 678 / 76 B.C.]

GNAEUS OCTAVIUS AND GAIUS SCRIBONIUS, CONSULS. [A.U.C. 678 / 76 B.C.]

59. Reate terrae motu aedes sacrae in oppido agrisque commotae, saxa quibus in forum strata erat discussa, pontes interrupti, ripae praelabentis fluminis in aquam provolutae, fremitus inferni exauditi et post paucos dies, quae concussa erant corruerunt.Saxum vivum cum provolveretur, in praecipiti rupe immobile stetit. A Sertorio in Hispania exercitus Romani caesi.

59. By an earthquake at Reate the sacred buildings in the town and the fields were shaken, the stones with which the forum had been paved were split, bridges were broken, the banks of the overflowing river were thrown into the water, a roar of the underworld was heard, and after a few days those things which had been shaken collapsed.A living rock, when it was rolled down, stood immobile on the sheer precipice. By Sertorius in Spain Roman armies were slain.

Adversum Maedos varie dimicatum.

There were various engagements fought against the Maedi.

C. Aurelio L. Octavio coss. [A.U.C. 679 / 75 B.C.]

Gaius Aurelius and Lucius Octavius, consuls. [A.U.C. 679 / 75 B.C.]

60. Sertorio in Hispania exercitum ducenti tale prodigium est factum: scuta equitum parte exteriore iaculaque et pectora equorum cruenta visa.Quod prosperum sibi interpretatus est Sertorius, quia exteriora hostili sanguine maculari solent. Continua ei proelia cum successu fuerunt.

60. While Sertorius in Hispania was leading an army of two hundred, such a prodigy occurred: the shields of the horsemen were seen bloody on their outer surfaces, together with javelins and the breasts of horses stained with blood.Which Sertorius interpreted as prosperous for himself, because outer parts are wont to be stained with hostile blood. He had continual engagements with success.

M. Varrone C. Cassio coss. [A.U.C. 681 / 73 B.C.]

M. Varronius, C. Cassius, consuls. [A.U.C. 681 / 73 B.C.]

60a. Cyzicum Mithridates cum oppugnaret, Aristagorae qui in summo magistratu erat Proserpina in quiete visa est dicere adversus tibicines se tubicinem comparasse. Postero die turres hostium vento disiectae sunt.

60a. While Mithridates was besieging Cyzicus, Proserpina was seen at rest telling Aristagoras, who held the supreme magistracy, that against the pipers she had matched a trumpeter. The next day the enemy towers were scattered by the wind.

Ad immolandum bos sacra iniussa de montibus per hostium classem adnatavit seque ad aras percutiendam obtulit.

An ox for sacrifice, by command of the sacred rites, swam down from the mountains across the enemy fleet and offered itself to be struck at the altars.

M. Cicerone C. Antonio coss. [A.U.C. 691 / 63 B.C.]

M. CICERO, C. ANTONIUS, CONSULS. [A.U.C. 691 / 63 B.C.]

61. Fulmine pleraque decussa.Sereno Vargunteius Pompeiis de caelo exanimatus. Trabis ardens ab occasu ad caelum extenta.

61. Mostly struck by lightning.Vargunteius at Pompeii, struck lifeless from the sky in clear weather. A burning beam, extended from the west up toward the sky.

Terrae motu Spoletum totum concussum et quaedam corruerunt. Inter alia relatum, biennio ante in Capitolio lupam Remi et Romuli fulmine ictam, signumque Iovis cum columna disiectum, aruspicum responso in foro repositum. Tabulae legum aeneae caelo tactae litteris liquefactis.

By an earthquake Spoleto was wholly shaken, and some things fell down. Among other reports was that, two years before, on the Capitol the she‑wolf of Remus and Romulus had been struck by lightning, and the image of Jove, together with a column, thrown down, and, by the haruspices’ response, set in the forum. The brazen tablets of the laws were touched by the sky, their letters having been melted.

Ab his prodigiis Catilinae nefaria conspiratio coepta.

From these prodigies Catiline’s nefarious conspiracy began.

D. Iunio L. Murena coss. [A.U.C. 692 / 62 B.C.]

D. JUNIUS, L. MURENA, CONSULS. [A.U.C. 692 / 62 B.C.]

61a. C. Antonius procos. cum in agro Pistorensi Catilinam devicisset, laureatos fasces in provinciam tulit.

61a. Gaius Antonius, proconsul, when he had routed Catiline in the Pistorian territory, carried the fasces laureate into the province.

Ibi a Dardanis oppressus amisso exercitu profugit. Apparuit eum hostibus portendisse victoriam, cum ad eos laurum victricem tulerit, quam in Capitolio debuerat deponere.

There, crushed by the Dardani and his army lost, he fled in flight. It appeared to his enemies that he had foretold victory, since he had borne to them the victorious laurel which he ought to have deposited on the Capitol.

Quinto Metello L. Afranio coss. [A.U.C. 694 / 60 B.C.]

QUINTUS METELLUS AND L. AFRANIUS, CONSULS. [A.U.C. 694 / 60 B.C.]

62. Die toto ante sereno circa horam undecimam nox se intendit, deinde restitutus fulgor.Turbinis vi tecta deiecta. Ponte sublapso homines in Tiberim praecipitati.

62. After a whole day previously serene, about the eleventh hour night drew in, then the brightness was restored.By the force of a whirlwind roofs were cast down. With the bridge undermined men were hurled into the Tiber.

In agris pleraque arbores eversae radicibus. Lusitani Gallaeci devicti.

In the fields most trees were overturned, uprooted to their roots. The Lusitani and the Gallaeci were defeated.

Cn. Domitio M. Messala coss. [A.U.C. 701 / 53 B.C.]

Gnaeus Domitius, Marcus Messala, consuls. [A.U.C. 701 / 53 B.C.]

63. Lupi in urbe visi.Nocturni ululatus flebiles canum auditi. Simulacrum Martis sudavit.

63. Wolves seen in the city.Nocturnal plaintive howls of dogs heard. The simulacrum of Mars perspired.

Fulmen tota urbe pervagatum pleraque deorum simulacra decussit, homines exanimavit. Urbs lustrata. Propter dictaturam Pompeii ingens seditio in urbe fuit.

A lightning-flash, having spread through the whole city, shattered many of the gods’ simulacra and struck men lifeless. The city was purified. On account of Pompeius’ dictatorship a huge sedition arose in the city.

L. Domitio Appio Claudio coss. [A.U.C. 700 / 54 B.C.]

L. Domitius, Appius Claudius, consuls. [700 A.U.C. / 54 B.C.]

64. M. Crassus ad Parthos profectus cum Eufratem traniret, multa prodigia neglexit.Cum etiam coorta tempestas signifero signum abreptum mersisset gurgiti, et offundente se nimborum caligine prohiberentur transire, pertinaciter perseverans cum filio et exercitu interii.

64. M. Crassus, setting out against the Parthians, when he crossed the Euphrates, neglected many prodigies.When a storm also arose and had swallowed the standard-bearing emblem into the stream, and, the mists pouring down, they were prevented from crossing, he, stubbornly persisting, perished with his son and his army.

L. Paulo C. Marcello coss. [A.U.C. 704 / 50 B.C.]

L. PAULUS, C. MARCELLUS, CONSULS. [A.U.C. 704 / 50 B.C.]

65. Mula pariens discordiam civium, bonorum interitum, mutationem legum, turpes matronarum partus significavit.Incendium quo maxima pars urbis deleta est prodigii loco habitum. Inter Caesarem et Pompeium bella civilia exorta.

65. A mule giving birth signified discord among citizens, the destruction of property, a change of laws, and disgraceful births of matrons.A fire by which the greatest part of the city was destroyed was regarded as a prodigy. Civil wars arose between Caesar and Pompey.

C. Caesare P. Servilio coss. [A.U.C. 706 / 48 B.C.]

C. CAESAR, P. SERVILIUS, CONSULES. [A.U.C. 706 / 48 B.C.]

65a. Adversus Caesarem Pompeius in Macedonia cum invitatis gentibus amicis instrueret aciem, a Dyrrhachio venientibus adversa fuerunt fulmina. Examen apium in signis perniciem portendit.

65a. Against Caesar, Pompey in Macedonia, while marshaling his line with invited allied peoples, had bolts of lightning come opposite from those coming from Dyrrhachium. A swarm of bees on the standards portended ruin.

Nocturni terrores in exercitu fuere. Ipse Pompeius pridie pugnae diem visus in theatro suo ingenti plausu excipi. Mox acie victus in Aegypto occisus.

There were nocturnal terrors in the army. Pompey himself, on the day before the battle, was seen to be received in his theatre with great applause. Soon, defeated in battle, he was killed in Egypt.

Eo ipso die plerisque locis signa sua sponte conversa constat, clamorem crepitumque armorum Antiochiae, bis ut curreretur in muros, auditum Ptolemaideque, sonum tympanorum Pergami. Palma viridis Trallibus in aede Victoriae sub Caesaris statua intra coagmenta lapidum magnitudine matura enata. C. Cornelius augur Patavii eo die, cum aves admitterent, proclamavit rem geri et vincere Caesarem.

On that very day it is reported in many places that their standards turned of their own accord; the shout and the clashing of arms was heard at Antioch, that the walls were to be assaulted twice, and at Ptolemais, the sound of tambourines at Pergamum. For the Trallians a green palm sprouted in the temple of Victory beneath the statue of Caesar, having grown within the joints of the stones to a great magnitude. Gaius Cornelius, augur of Patavium, that day, when the birds gave a favourable omen, proclaimed that the affair was being carried on and that Caesar would prevail.

C. Caesare M. Lepido coss. [A.U.C. 708 / 46 B.C.]

Gaius Caesar and Marcus Lepidus, consuls. [A.U.C. 708 / 46 B.C.]

66. Decem legionum aquilae Gnaeo, Cn. Pompeii filio, quae fulmina tenebant visae dimittere et in sublime avolare.Ipse adulescens Pompeius victus et fugiens occisus.

66. The eagles of ten legions were seen to cast themselves loose and to fly up on high to Gnaeus, son of Cn. Pompeius, who bore the thunderbolts. Ipse adulescens Pompeius, vanquished and fleeing, was slain.

C. Caesare M. Antonio coss. [A.U.C. 710 / 44 B.C.]

Gaius Caesar, Marcus Antonius, consuls. [A.U.C. 710 / 44 B.C.]

67. Caesari dictatori exta sine corde inventa.Calpurnia uxor somniavit fastigium domus, quod S.C. erat adiectum, ruisse. Nocte cum valvae cubiculi clausae essent, sua sponte apertae sunt, ita ut lunae fulgore, qui intro venerat, Calpurnia excitaretur.

67. For Caesar the dictator, entrails without a heart were found.Calpurnia, his wife, dreamed that the roof of the house, which had been annexed by an S.C., had collapsed. At night, when the doors of the bedchamber were closed, they were opened of their own accord, so that by the moon’s brightness which had come in, Calpurnia was awakened.

Ipse Caesar viginti tribus vulneribus in curia Pompeiana a coniuratis confossus.

Caesar himself was pierced with twenty-three wounds in the Pompeian Curia by conspirators.

M. Antonio P. Dolabella coss. [A.U.C. 710 / 44 B.C.]

M. ANTONIUS AND P. DOLABELLA, CONSULS. [A.U.C. 710 / 44 B.C.]

68. C. Octavius testamento Caesaris patris Brundisii se in Iuliam gentem adscivit.Cumque hora diei tertia ingenti circumfusa multitudine Romam intraret, sol puri ac sereni caeli orbe modico inclusus extremae lineae circulo, qualis tendi arcus in nubibus solet, eum circumscripsit. Ludis Veneris Genetricis, quos pro collegio fecit, stella hora undecima crinita sub septentrionis sidere exorta convertit omnium oculos.

68. Gaius Octavius, by Caesar his father’s testament, at Brundisium enrolled himself in the Julian gens. When, at the third hour of the day, he entered Rome surrounded by an immense throng, the sun, enclosed in a small orb of pure and serene sky, marked him out with the circle of its outermost line, such as an arch is wont to make in the clouds. At the Games of Venus Genetrix, which he celebrated for the collegium, a hairy (crinitus) star, rising under the northern constellation at the eleventh hour, turned the eyes of all.

Quod sidus quia ludis Veneris apparuit, divo Iulio insigne capitis consecrari placuit. Ipsi Caesari monstrosa malignitate Antonii consulis multa perpesso generosa fuit ad resistendum constantia. Terrae motus crebri fuerunt.

Because that star appeared at the Games of Venus, it was decided that it be consecrated as an insignia of the head to the divine Julius. Caesar himself, having suffered many things from the monstrous malice of Antonius the consul, displayed a noble constancy in resisting. Earthquakes were frequent.

Fulmine navalia et alia pleraque tacta. Turbinis vi simulacrum, quod M. Cicero ante cellam Minervae pridie quam plebiscito in exilium iret posuerat, dissipatum membris pronum iacuit, fractis humeris bracchiis capite; dirum ipsi Ciceroni portendit. Tabulae aeneae ex aede Fidei turbine evulsae.

By lightning the shipyards and many other things were struck. By the force of a whirlwind the simulacrum which M. Cicero had set up before the cella of Minerva the day before he went into exile by plebiscite was scattered and lay prone with its limbs, its shoulders, arms, and head broken; it portended a dire omen to Cicero himself. Bronze tablets were torn away from the temple of Fides by the whirlwind.

Aedis Opis valvae fractae. Arbores radicitus et pleraque tecta eversa. Fax caelo ad occidentem visa ferri.

The doors of the temple of Ops were broken. Trees uprooted, and very many roofs overturned. A torch was seen borne from the sky toward the west.

Stella per dies septem insignis arsit. Soles tres fulserunt, circaque solem imum corona spiceae similis in orbem emicuit, et postea in unum circulum sole redacto multis mensibus languida lux fuit. In aede Castoris nominum litterae quaedam Antonii et Dolabellae consulum excussae sunt, quibus utrisque alienatio a patria significata.

For seven days a notable star burned. Three suns shone, and around the lowest sun a corona like an ear of corn radiated into a ring, and afterwards, the sun being reduced to a single disk, a languid light persisted for many months. In the temple of Castor certain name-plates of Antonius and Dolabella, the consuls, were struck out, by which the alienation of each from the fatherland was indicated.

Canum ululatus nocte ante domum auditi, ex his maximus a ceteris laniatus turpem infamiam Lepido portendit. Hostiae grex piscium in sicco reciproco maris fluxu relictus. Padus inundavit et intra ripam refluens ingentem viperarum vim reliquit.

Howlings of dogs heard on the night before the house; of these the loudest, baying above the others, foretold a foul infamy for Lepidus. At Hostia a shoal of fish was left on the dry by the returning ebb of the sea. The Padus overflowed, and, when it flowed back within its bank, left behind a vast host of vipers.

Inter Caesarem et Antonium civilia bella exorta.

Civil wars arose between Caesar and Antonius.

C. Pansa A. Hirtio coss. [A.U.C. 711 / 43 B.C.]

C. Pansa, A. Hirtius, CONSULS. [A.U.C. 711 / 43 B.C.]

69. Caesari cum honores decreti essent et imperium adversus Antonium, immolanti duplica exta apparuerunt.Secutae sunt eum res prosperae. C. Pansae cos.

69. When honors and imperium against Antony were decreed to Caesar, as he was sacrificing twofold entrails appeared.Prosperous things followed him. Consulship of C. Pansa.

statua equestris Antonii domi corruit. Equus phaleratus in ipsius conspectu festinans concidit. Quidam e populo sanguine victimarum prolapsus respersam cruore palmam proficiscenti dedit.

an equestrian statue of Antonius at his house collapsed. a horse, phalerate and hastening, fell down in his very sight. a certain man from the populace, having fallen and sprinkled with the victims' blood, gave a palm branch smeared with gore to the one about to depart.

Funesta haec ipsi prodigia fuerunt, qui mox adversus Antonium dimicans in mortem vulneratus est. Armorum telerumque species a terra visa cum fragore ad caelum ferri. Signa legionis quae relicta a Pansa ad urbis praesidium erat veluti longo situ inductis araneis vestiri visa.

These prodigies were fatal to himself, who soon, fighting against Antonius, was wounded unto death. The apparition of arms and missiles was seen to be borne from the earth with a crash up to the sky. The legionary standards, which had been left by Pansa as the city’s garrison, seemed to be clad as if with webs spun by long neglect.

Fulmine pleraque icta. In castris Caesaris luce prima in culmine praetorii super linteum consedit aquila, inde circumvolantibus minoribus avibus excita de conspectu abiit. Oraculo Apollinis vox audita: lupis rabies hieme, aestate frumentum non demessum.

Most of them struck by lightning. In Caesar’s camp at first light on the ridge of the praetorium an eagle settled upon a cloth; then, startled by the smaller birds wheeling about it, it departed out of sight. From the oracle of Apollo a voice was heard: madness to wolves in winter, in summer the grain not reaped.

Veteranis Caesari consulatum flagitantibus terribilis tumultus Romae fuit. Caesar cum in campum Martium exercitum deduceret, sex vultures apparuerunt. Conscendenti deinde rostra cerato consuli iterum sex vultures conspecti veluti Romuli auspiciis novam urbem condituro signum dederunt.

A terrible tumult arose in Rome, the veterans clamoring for the consulship for Caesar. When Caesar was drawing his army onto the Campus Martius, six vultures appeared. Then, as he mounted again upon the waxed rostra to speak as consul, six vultures were seen a second time, giving a sign, as if by Romulan auspices, that he was about to found a new city.

Reconciliatione inter Caesarem Antonium Lepidum facta foeda principum fuit proscriptio.

With a reconciliation made between Caesar, Antony, and Lepidus, there was a foul proscription of the princes.

M. Lepido Munatio Planco coss. [A.U.C. 712 / 42 B.C.]

M. Lepidus, Munatius Plancus, consuls. [A.U.C. 712 / 42 B.C.]

70. Mula Romae ad duodecim portas peperit.Canis aeditui mortua a cane tracta. Lux ita nocte fulsit ut tamquam die orto ad opus surgeretur.

70. A she-mule at Rome gave birth by the Twelve Gates. A dog, dead, was dragged to the doorkeeper by a dog. Light shone so in the night that, as if day had risen, one rose up to work.

In Mutinensi victoriae Marianae signum meridiem spectans sua sponte conversum in septentrionem hora quarta. Cum haec victimis expiarentur, soles tres circiter hora tertia diei visi, mox in unum orbem contracti. Latinis in Albano monte cum sacrificaretur, ex humero et pollice Iovis cruor manavit.

At the Mutinean Marian victory a standard, facing the south, of its own accord was turned toward the north at the fourth hour. When these things were expiated with victims, three suns were seen at about the third hour of the day, soon contracted into one orb. Among the Latins on Alban Mount, while a sacrifice was being offered to Jupiter, blood flowed from Jupiter’s shoulder and thumb.

Per Cassium et Brutum in provinciis direptionibus sociorum bella gesta. Notatum est prodigii loco fuisse, quod P. Titius praetor propter dissensiones collegae magistratum abrogavit; et ante annum est mortuus. Constat neminem qui magistratum collegae abstulerat annum vixisse.

By Cassius and Brutus, in the provinces, wars were waged in the plunderings of the allies. It was noted as a prodigy that P. Titius, praetor, on account of dissensions abrogated his colleague’s magistracy; and he died within a year. It is established that no one who had stripped away a colleague’s magistracy lived a year.

Abrogaverunt autem hi: Lucius Iunius Brutus consul Tarquinio Collatino, Tib. Gracchus M. Octavio, Cn. Octavius L. Cinnae, C. Cinna tr.pl. C. Marullo, Tullius . . . Bruto et Cassio pugnam adversus Caesarem et Antonium molientibus in castris Cassii examen apium consedit. Locus aruspicum iussu interclusus interius ducto vallo.

They, however, abrogated: Lucius Junius Brutus (consul) [abrogated] Tarquinio Collatino; Tiberius Gracchus [abrogated] M. Octavius; Gnaeus Octavius [abrogated] L. Cinna; C. Cinna, tribune of the plebs, [abrogated] C. Marullus; Tullius . . . While Brutus and Cassius were plotting battle against Caesar and Antony, a swarm of bees settled in Cassius’s camp. The place of the haruspices was shut off by command, an inner rampart having been thrown up.

Vulturum et aliarum alitum quibus strages cadaverum pabulo est ingens vis exercitum advolavit. Puer in pompa Victoriae cultu cum ferretur, ferculo decidit. Lustratione lictor perversis fascibus lauream imposuit.

A vast swarm of vultures and other winged birds, for whom the slaughter of corpses is fodder, swooped down upon the army. A boy, while being borne in the pomp of Victory in a ceremonial litter, fell from the couch. At the lustration the lictor, his fasces turned about, placed the laurel crown.

Brutianis in proelium egredientibus Aethiops in porta occurrit et a militibus confossus. Cassius et Brutus interierunt.

As the Bruttians were going forth into the battle an Ethiopian met them at the gate and was pierced by the soldiers. Cassius and Brutus perished.

C. Furnio C. Silano coss. [A.U.C. 737 / 17 B.C.]

C. Furnius and C. Silanus, consuls. [A.U.C. 737 / 17 B.C.]

71. Sub Appennino in villa Liviae, uxoris Caesaris, ingenti motu terra intermuit.Fax caelesti a meridiano ad septentrionem extenta luci diurnae similem noctem fecit. Turris hortorum Caesaris ad portam Collinam de caelo tacta.

71. Under the Apennine, in the villa of Livia, wife of Caesar, the earth trembled with a mighty motion.A heavenly torch, stretched in the sky from the south to the north, made the night like daylight. The tower of Caesar’s gardens by the Colline Gate was struck from heaven.

Insidiis Germanorum Romani circumventi sub M. Lollio legato graviter vexati.

The Romans, surrounded by the Germans' ambushes, were grievously harassed under the legate Marcus Lollius.

Paulo Fabio Q. Aelio coss. [A.U.C. 743 / 11 B.C.]

In the consulship of Paulus Fabius and Quintus Aelius. [A.U.C. 743 / 11 B.C.]

72. In Germania in castris Drusi examen apium in tabernaculo Hostilii Rufi, praefecti castrorum, consedit ita ut funem praetendentem praefixamque tentorio lanceam amplecteretur.Multitudo Romanorum per insidias subiecta est.

72. In Germany, in the camp of Drusus, a swarm of bees settled in the tent of Hostilius Rufus, the prefect of the camp, so that it clung to a rope stretched forth and to a lance fixed to the tent. A multitude of Romans was laid low by ambushes.