Paulus Diaconus: HISTORIA ROMANA

1 His igitur abeuntibus administratione rei publicae Constantius et Galerius Augusti creati sunt diuisusque inter eos ita Romanus orbis, ut Gallias, Italiam, Africam Constantius, Illiricum, Asiam, Orientem Galerius obtineret, sumptis duobus Caesaribus. Constantius tamen contentus dignitate Augusti, Italiae atque Africae administrandae sollicitudinem recusauit, uir egregius et praestantissimae ciuilitatis, diuitiis prouincialium ac priuatorum studens, fisci commoda non admodum adfectans dicensque melius publicas opes a priuatis haberi quam intra unum claustrum reseruari, adeo autem cultus modici, ut feriatis diebus, si amicis numerosioribus esset epulandum, priuatorum ei argentum ostiatim petito triclinia sternerentur. Hic non modo amabilis sed etiam uenerabilis Gallis fuit, praecipue quod Dioclitiani suspectam prudentiam et Maximiani sanguinariam temeritatem imperio eius euaserant.

1 Therefore, with these men departing, Constantius and Galerius were made Augusti and the Roman world was divided between them so that Constantius obtained the Gauls, Italy, and Africa, and Galerius obtained Illyricum, Asia, and the East, two Caesars having been appointed. Constantius, however, content with the dignity of Augustus, declined the solicitude of administering Italy and Africa — a man illustrious and of most excellent civility, mindful of the riches of provincials and private persons, not greatly desiring the advantages of the fiscus, saying that it was better for public wealth to be held by private hands than to be locked up within a single vault; and so of modest habit that on festival days, if he were to banquet with a larger company of friends, with private money openly requested the dining-rooms would be spread for him. He was not only lovable but even venerable to the Gauls, especially because under his rule they had escaped the suspected prudence of Diocletian and the bloodthirsty rashness of Maximian.

Obiit in Brittania Eboraci principatus anno tertio decimo atque inter diuos relatus est.

He died at Eboracum in Britain in the thirteenth year of his principate, and was admitted among the gods.

2 Galerius, uir et probe moratus et egregius re militari, cum Italiam quoque sinente Constantio administrationi suae accessisse sentiret, Caesares duos creauit, Maximianum, quem Orienti praefecit, et Seuerum, cui Italiam dedit. Ipse Illirico commoratus est. Verum Constantio mortuo Constantinus ex obscuriore matrimonio eius filius in Brittania creatus est imperator et in locum patris exoptatissimus moderator accessit.

2 Galerius, a man both honestly behaved and outstanding in military affairs, when he perceived that Constantius, allowing also Italy, had come under his administration, appointed two Caesars: Maximian, whom he placed over the Orient, and Severus, to whom he gave Italy. He himself remained in Illyricum. But when Constantius died, Constantine, his son by a more obscure marriage, was made emperor in Britain and took up the office of ruler most wished for in his father’s stead.

Romae interea praetoriani excitato tumultu Maxentium Herculii filium, qui haut procul ab Vrbe in uilla publica morabatur, Augustum nuncupauerunt. Quo nuntio Maximianus Herculius ad spem arrectus resumendi fastigii, quod inuitus amiserat, Romam aduolauit e Lucania, quam sedem priuatus elegerat in agris amoenissimis consenescens, Dioclitianumque etiam per litteras adhortatus est, ut depositam resumeret potestatem, quas ille irritas habuit. Sed aduersum motum praetorianorum atque Maxentii Seuerus Caesar Romam missus a Galerio cum exercitu uenit obsidensque Vrbem militum suorum scelere desertus est.

Meanwhile at Rome, the praetorians, a tumult having been raised, proclaimed Maxentius, son of Herculius — who was residing not far from the City in a public villa — Augustus. At this news Maximianus Herculius, stirred up to the hope of regaining the summit which he had unwillingly lost, hurried to Rome from Lucania, which he had chosen as a private seat, aging in most pleasant fields, and even urged Diocletian by letters to take back the power he had laid down, which the latter held to be void. But against the movement of the praetorians and Maxentius, Severus Caesar, sent to Rome by Galerius, came with an army, and, while besieging the City, was deserted there by the treachery of his own soldiers.

Auctae Maxentio opes confirmatumque imperium. Seuerus fugiens Rauennae interfectus est.

Maxentius' opes were increased and his imperium confirmed. Severus, fleeing, was killed at Ravenna.

3 Herculius tamen Maximianus post haec in contione exercituum filium Maxentium nudare conatus seditionem et conuicia militum tulit. Inde ad Gallias profectus est dolo composito, tamquam a filio esset expulsus, ut Constantino genero iungeretur, moliens tamen Constantinum reperta occasione interficere, qui in Galliis et militum et prouincialium ingenti iam pauore regnabat caesis Francis atque Alamannis, captis eorum regibus, quos etiam bestiis, cum magnificum spectaculum muneris parasset, obiecit. Detectis igitur insidiis per Faustam filiam, quae dolum uiro nuntiauerat, profugit Herculius Massiliaeque oppressus, ex ea enim nauigare ad filium praeparabat, poenas dedit iustissimo exitu, uir ad omnem asperitatem saeuitiamque procliuis, infidus, incommodus, ciuilitatis penitus expers.

3 Herculius, however, Maximianus after these things, in the assembly of the armies attempted to strip his son Maxentius and endured sedition and the insults of the soldiers. Thence he set out for the Gauls with a contrived deceit, as if he had been expelled by his son, so that he might be joined to Constantine as son‑in‑law, yet plotting nevertheless to kill Constantine at the first found occasion; Constantine, who in Gaul already ruled both soldiers and provincials in a great dread, the Franks and Alamanni having been slaughtered and their kings captured — whom he even threw to beasts when he had prepared the magnificent spectacle of the games. Therefore, the plot having been discovered through Fausta his daughter, who had revealed the deceit to her husband, Herculius fled and was overwhelmed at Massilia, for from there he had been preparing to sail to his son; he paid the penalty with a most just end — a man prone to every harshness and cruelty, treacherous, injurious, utterly devoid of civility.

4 Per hoc tempus a Galerio Licinnius imperator est factus Dacia oriundus, notus ei antiqua consuetudine et in bello, quod aduersus Narseum gesserat, strenuus laboribus et officiis acceptus. Mors Galerium confestim secuta. Ita res publica tum a nouis quattuor imperatoribus tenebatur, Constantino, Maxentio filiis Augustorum, Licinnio et Maximino nouis hominibus.

4 In this time Licinius was made emperor by Galerius, a native of Dacia, known to him by long acquaintance and in war — which he had waged against Narses — vigorous, esteemed for his labors and duties. Death immediately followed Galerius. Thus the res publica at that time was held by four new emperors: Constantine, Maxentius, the sons of the Augusti, Licinius, and Maximinus, men new to power.

Quinto tamen Constantinus imperii sui anno bellum aduersus Maxentium ciuile commouit, copias eius multis proeliis fudit, ipsum postremo Romae aduersum nobiles omnibus exitiis saeuientem apud pontem Muluium uicit Italiaque est potitus. Maxentium suppositum ferunt arte muliebri, tenere mariti animum laborantis auspicio gratissimi partus coepti a puero. Non multo deinceps in Oriente quoque aduersus Licinnium Maximinus res nouas molitus uicinum exitium fortuita apud Tarsum morte praeuenit.

In the 5th year of his rule Constantine stirred up a civil war against Maxentius, routed his forces in many battles, and finally overcame the man himself at Rome, raging against the nobles with every kind of destruction, at the bridge of Mulvius, and gained control of Italy. They report that Maxentius was a supposititious child, set in by womanly art, kept to possess the mind of a husband in travail by the omen of a most welcome birth begun from boyhood. Not long after, likewise in the East against Licinius, Maximinus, having plotted new affairs, met a proximate doom — he was cut off unexpectedly by death at Tarsus.

5 Constantinus tamen, uir ingens et omnia efficere nitens quae animo praeparasset, simul principatum totius orbis affectans, Licinnio bellum intulit, quamquam necessitudo et adfinitas cum eo esset; nam soror Constantia nupta Licinnio erat. Ac primo eum in Pannonia secunda ingenti apparatu bellum apud Cibalas instruentem repentinus oppressit omnique Dardania, Moesia, Macedonia potitus numerosas prouincias occupauit.

5 Constantine, however, a man vast and striving to effect all that he had prepared in his mind, while at the same time seeking the principate of the whole orb, brought war against Licinius, although a relationship and affinity existed with him; for his sister Constantia had been married to Licinius. And at first he suddenly surprised him in Pannonia secunda, marshaling a war at Cibalas with great apparatus, and, having obtained possession of all Dardania, Moesia, Macedonia, he occupied numerous provinces.

6 Varia deinceps inter eos bella et pax reconciliata ruptaque est. Postremo Licinnius nauali et terrestri proelio uictus apud Nicomediam se dedidit et contra religionem sacramenti Thesalonicae priuatus occisus est. Hic Licinnius annum dominationis fere post quartum decimum, uitae proxime sexagesimum, occidit, auaritiae cupidine omnium pessimus neque alienus a luxu uenerio, asper admodum, haut mediocriter inpatiens, infestus litteris, quas per inscitiam inmodicam uirus ac pestem publicam nominabat, praecipue forensem industriam.

6 Thereafter various wars between them and peace, made up and broken, followed. Finally Licinnius, defeated in naval and land battle, surrendered at Nicomedia and, deprived contrary to the sacrament of the Thessalonican religion, was put to death. This Licinnius died in about the 14th year of his domination, at roughly the 60th year of his life; the worst of all in the desire for avarice, not free from luxurious vice, very harsh, by no means moderately impatient, hostile to letters, which through ignorance he termed immoderate luxury and a public pestilence, and especially hostile to forensic industry.

Agraribus plane ac rusticantibus, quod ab eo genere ortus altusque erat, satis utilis; ac militiae custos ad ueterum instituta seuerissimus; spadonum et auligorum omnium uehemens domitor tineas soricesque palatii eos appellans. Eo tempore res Romana sub uno Augusto et tribus Caesaribus, quod numquam alias, fuit, cum liberi Constantini Galliae, Orienti Italiaeque praeessent. Verum insolentia rerum secundarum aliquantum Constantinus ex illa fauorabilis animi docilitate mutauit.

Plainly useful to husbandmen and those rusticating, since he was sprung from that class and was tall; and a most severe guardian of the soldiery with regard to the old institutions; a vehement tamer of all eunuchs and courtly men, calling them the moths and mice of the palace. At that time the Roman state was, which never before had been, under one Augustus and three Caesars, the children of Constantine presiding over Gaul, the East, and Italy. Yet the insolence of prosperous affairs somewhat changed Constantine from that formerly favorable pliancy of spirit.

Primum necessitudine persecutus egregium uirum et sororis filium commodem indolis iuuenem interfecit, mox uxorem, post numerosos amicos.

First, driven by a bond of kinship, he killed an outstanding man and his sister’s son, a youth of fitting disposition; soon after he killed the wife, and afterwards many friends.

7 Vir primo imperii tempore optimis principibus, ultimo mediis conparandus. Innumerae in eo animi corporisque uirtutes claruerunt. Militaris gloriae adpetentissimus, fortuna in bellis prospera fuit, uerum ita ut non superaret industriam.

7 A man in the early time of his rule to be compared with the best princes, in the last to be matched with the middling. Countless virtues of mind and body shone forth in him. Most eager for military glory, fortune in wars was prosperous for him, yet so that it did not outshine his industry.

Nam etiam Gothos post ciuile bellum uarie profligauit, pace his ad postremum data, ingentemque apud barbaras gentes memoriae gratiam collocauit. Ciuilibus artibus et studiis liberalibus deditus, affectator iusti amoris, quem omnem sibi et liberalitate et docilitate quaesiuit, sicut in nonnullos amicos dubius, ita in reliquos egregius, nihil occasionum praetermittens quo opulentiores eos clarioresque praestaret.

For he also routed the Goths in various ways after the civil war, peace being at last granted to them, and won for himself a great grace of memory among the barbarous peoples. Given to civil arts and liberal studies, a seeker of just affection, which he sought wholly for himself both by liberality and by docility, as he was doubtful toward some friends, so outstanding toward the rest, leaving nothing of opportunity unpassed whereby he might make them more opulent or more illustrious.

8 Multas leges rogauit, quasdam ex bono et aequo, plerasque superfluas, nonnullas seueras, primusque urbem nominis sui ad tantum fastigium euehere molitus est, ut Romae aemulam faceret. Bellum aduersus Parthos moliens, qui iam Mesopotamiam fatigabant, uno et tricesimo anno imperii, aetatis sexto et sexagesimo, Nicomediam in uilla publica obiit. Denuntiata mors eius etiam per crinitam stellam, qnae inusitatae magnitudinis aliquandiu fulsit, eam Greci cometem uocant.

8 He proposed many laws, some just and equitable, most superfluous, some severe, and first strove to elevate the city to so great a pinnacle of his name that he would make it a rival to Rome. While he was making war against the Parthians, who were now harassing Mesopotamia, in the 31st year of his reign, at the age of 66, he died at Nicomedia in the public villa. His death was also foretold by a hairy star, which for a time shone of unusual magnitude; the Greeks call that a comet.

Atque inter diuos meruit referri.

And he deserved to be reckoned among the gods.

9 Is successores filios tres reliquid atque unum fratris filium. Verum Dalmatius Caesar prosperrima indole neque patruo obsimilis haut multo post oppressus est factione militari et Constantio patrueli suo sinente potius quam iubente. Constantinum porro bellum fratri inferentem et apud Aquileiam inconsultius proelium adgressum Constantis duces interemerunt.

9 He left as successors three sons and one son of his brother. But Dalmatius Caesar, of most prosperous temperament and not dissimilar to his uncle, was, not long after, overwhelmed by a military faction, Constantius his cousin more consenting than commanding. Moreover, as Constantinus was making war upon his brother and at Aquileia rashly undertook battle, the generals of Constans put him to death.

Ita res publica ad duos Augustos redacta. Constantis imperium strenuum aliquandiu et iustum fuit. Mox cum et ualitudine inprospera et amicis prauioribus uteretur, ad grauia uitia conuersus, cum intolerabilis prouincialibus, militi iniocundus esset, factione Magnentii occisus est.

Thus the res publica was reduced to two Augusti. Constantine’s imperium was for a while vigorous and just. But soon, when he was afflicted with ill-health and made use of more depraved friends, turned to grave vices, being intolerable to provincials and disagreeable to the soldiery, he was slain by the faction of Magnentius.

Obiit haut longe ab Hispaniis in castro cui Helenae nomen est, anno imperii septimo decimo, aetatis tricesimo, per omne tempus sine graui crudelitate terribilis.

He died not far from Hispania in a castle called Helena, in the 17th year of his reign, in the 30th year of his age; throughout all his time he was terrible, yet without grievous cruelty.

10 Diuersa Constantii fortuna fuit. A Persis enim multa et grauia perpessus, saepe captis oppidis, obsessis urbibus, caesis exercitibus, nullumque ei contra Saporem prosperum proelium fuit, nisi quo apud Singarum haud dubium uictoriam ferocia militum amisit, qui pugnam seditiose et stolide contra rationem belli die iam praecipiti poposcerunt. Post Constantis necem, Magnentio Italiam, Africam, Gallias obtinente etiam Illiricum res nouas habuit, Vetranione ad imperium consensu militum electo.

10 The fortune of Constantius was diverse. For having endured many and grievous things from the Persians — often with towns captured, cities besieged, armies cut down — there was no prospering battle for him against Sapor, except that at Singara in which, by no means a doubtful victory, he lost the prize through the ferocity of the soldiers, who seditiously and stupidly demanded the fight against the strategy of war on an already perilous day. After the death of Constantius, with Magnentius holding Italy, Africa, and the Gauls, even Illyricum had new troubles, Vetranion being chosen to the imperial office by the consent of the soldiers.

Quem grandaeuum iam et cunctis amabilem diuturnitate et felicitate militiae ad tuendum Illricum principem creauerunt, uirum probum et morum ueterum ac iocundae ciuilitatis, sed omnium liberalium expertem, adeo ut ne elementa quidem primarum litterarum nisi grandaeuus et iam imperator acceperit.

Whom, already an old man and beloved by all for the long duration and good fortune of his military service, they raised up as prince to guard Illyricum—a man of probity and ancient manners and of pleasant civility, but lacking in all liberality, so much so that he had not learned even the rudiments of the first letters except as an old man and already an emperor.

11 Sed a Constantio, qui ad ultionem fraternae necis bellum ciuile commouerat, abrogatum est Vetranioni imperium; nouo inusitatoque more consensu militum deponere insigne compulsus. Romae quoque tumultus fuit Nepotiano Constantini sororis filio per gladiatoriam manum imperium uindicante, qui saeuis exordiis dignum exitum nanctus est; uicesimo enim atque octauo die a Magnentianis ducibus oppressus poenas dedit. Caput eius pilo per Vrbem circumlatum est, grauissimaeque proscriptiones et nobilium caedes fuerunt.

11 But by Constantius, who had raised civil war for the vengeance of his sister’s murder, Vetranio’s imperium was revoked; and, compelled by the consent of the soldiers in a new and unusual custom, he was forced to lay aside the insignia. There was also in Rome a tumult for Nepotianus, the son of Constantine’s sister, claiming the imperium by a gladiatorial band, who, having begun with savage outbreaks, met a fitting end; for on the twenty-eighth day, having been crushed by the leaders of Magnentius, he paid the penalty. His head was borne about the City on a spear, and there were very grave proscriptions and killings of nobles.

12 Non multo post Magnentius apud Mursam profligatus acie est ac paene captus. Ingentes Romani imperii uires ea dimicatione consumptae sunt, atque libet bella externa idoneae, quae multum triumphorum possent securitatisque conferre. Orienti mox a Constantio Caesar est datus patrui filius Gallus.

12 Not long after, Magnentius was routed in battle at Mursa and almost captured. The immense forces of the Roman empire were consumed by that engagement, and there was a liking for suitable external wars, which could yield many triumphs and afford security. Soon a Caesar was given to the East by Constantius: Gallus, the son of his patrui (his uncle’s son).

Magnentiusque diuersis proeliis uictus uim uitae suae apud Lugdunum attulit imperii anno tertio, mense septimo, frater quoque eius Senonis, quem ad tuendas Gallias Caesarem miserat.

And Magnentius, defeated in diverse battles, put an end to his life at Lugdunum in the third year of his reign, in the seventh month; and likewise his brother Senon, whom he had sent as Caesar to guard the Gauls.

13 Per haec tempora etiam a Constantio multis inciuilibus gestis Gallus Caesar occisus est, uir natura ferus et ad tyrannidem pronior, si suo iure imperare licuisset. Siluanus quoque in Gallia res nouas molitus ante diem tricesimum extinctus est, solusque imperio Romano eo tempore Constantius princeps et Augustus fuit.

13 In these times likewise Gallus Caesar was put to death by Constantius for many uncivil deeds, a man by nature ferocious and more prone to tyranny, had it been permitted for him to rule by his own right. Silvanus too, having plotted new affairs in Gaul, was extinguished before the thirtieth day, and Constantius alone was princeps and Augustus of the Roman empire at that time.

14 Mox Iulianum Caesarem ad Gallias misit, patruelem suum, Galli fratrem, tradita ei in matrimonium sorore, cum multa oppida barbari expugnassent, alia obsiderent, ubique foeda uastitas esset Romanumque imperium non dubia iam calamitate nutaret. A quo modicis copiis apud Argentoratum Galliae urbem ingentes Alamannorum copiae extinctae sunt, rex nobilissimus captus, Galliae restitutae. Multa postea per eundem Iulianum egregia aduersum barbaros gesta sunt summotique ultra Renum Germani et finibus suis Romanum imperium restitutum.

14 Soon he sent Julian Caesar into Gaul, his paternal cousin, the brother of Gallus, with his sister surrendered to him in marriage, since the barbarians had stormed many towns, besieged others, and everywhere there was foul devastation and the Roman empire now trembled from no uncertain calamity. By him, with modest forces at Argentoratum, a city of Gaul, immense forces of the Alamanni were destroyed, a most noble king taken captive, and Gaul restored. Many later glorious deeds against the barbarians were accomplished by that same Julian, the Germans being driven back beyond the Rhine and Roman rule restored to its frontiers.

15 Neque multo post cum Germaniciani exercitus a Galliarum praesidio tollerentur, consensu militum Iulianus factus Augustus est interiectoque anno ad Illiricum optinendum profectus, Constantio Parthicis proeliis occupato. Qui rebus cognitis ad bellum ciuile conuersus, in itinere obiit inter Ciliciam Cappadociamque anno imperii octauo et tricesimo, aetatis quinto et quadragesimo, meruitque inter diuos referri, uir egregiae tranquillitatis, placidus, nimium amicis et familiaribus credens, mox etiam uxoribus deditior, qui tamen primis imperii annis ingenti se modestia egerit, familiarum etiam locupletator neque inhonores sinens quorum laboriosa expertus fuisset officia, ad seueritatem tum propensior, si suspicio imperii moueretur, mitis alias, et cuius in ciuilibus magis quam in externis bellis sit laudanda fortuna.

15 Not long after, when the Germanic army was withdrawn from the garrisoning of the Gauls, by the consent of the soldiers Iulianus was made Augustus, and after an intervening year set out to obtain Illyricum, Constantio being occupied with Parthian battles. He, the facts having been learned and turned toward civil war, died on the journey between Cilicia and Cappadocia in the 38th year of his reign and the 45th year of his age, and deserved to be reckoned among the divi — a man of singular tranquillity, placid, too trusting of friends and intimates, soon even more devoted to his wives; who nevertheless in the first years of his rule behaved with great modesty, an enrichener of households and not permitting dishonours for which his diligent services had been put to the test; then, if the security of the empire were suspected, inclined to severity, otherwise mild — and whose fortune is to be praised more in civil than in external wars.

16 Hinc Iulianus rerum potitus est ingentique apparatu Parthis intulit bellum, cui expeditioni ego quoque interfui. Aliquot oppida et castella Persarum in deditionem accepit uel ui oppugnauit, Assyriamque populatus castra apud Tesifontem statiua aliquamdiu habuit. Remeansque uictor, dum se inconsultus proeliis inserit, hostili manu interfectus est ad sexto kalendas Iulias, imperii anno septimo, aetatis altero et tricesimo.

16 Thence Julian gained control of affairs and with vast apparatus waged war upon the Parthians, an expedition in which I also took part. He received into surrender or stormed by force several towns and fortresses of the Persians, and, having devastated Assyria, for a time held a stationary camp at Tisiphon. And returning victorious, while rashly plunging himself into engagements, he was killed by a hostile hand on the sixth day before the Kalends of July (June 26), in the 7th year of his reign, in the 32nd year of his age.

atque inter diuos relatus est, uir egregius et rem publicam insigniter moderaturus, si per fata licuisset. Liberalibus disciplinis adprime eruditus, Grecis doctior atque adeo ut Latina eruditione quamquam cum Greca scientia conueniret, facundia ingenti et prompta, memoriae tenacissimae atque amplissimae, in quibusdam philosopho proprior. In amicos liberalis sed minus diligens quantum principem decuit; fuerunt enim nonnulli qui uulnera gloriae eius inferrent.

and he was raised among the gods, an outstanding man and one who would have governed the res publica remarkably, if the fates had permitted. Extremely instructed in the liberal disciplines, more learned in the Greeks and indeed such that his Latin learning, although consonant with Greek science, with eloquence great and ready, of most tenacious and very ample memory, in some respects nearer to a philosopher. Liberal toward friends but less diligent than a prince ought to be; for there were some who inflicted wounds upon his glory.

In prouinciales iustissimus et tributorum, quatenus fieri posset, repressor. Ciuilis in cunctos, mediocrem habens aerarii curam, gloriae auidus ac per ea animi plerumque inmodici, nimius religionis christianae insectator, perinde tamen ut cruore abstineret, Marco Antonino non absimilis, quem etiam aemulari studebat.

Provincials most just and a restrainer of tributorum, as far as could be done. Civil to all, having a moderate care of the aerarium, eager for gloria and thereby often of an inordinate spirit, an excessive insectator of the Christian religio, yet nevertheless so that he abstained from blood; not dissimilar to Marco Antonino, whom he also strove to emulate.

17 Iouianus genitus patre Varroniano incola agri Singidonensis prouinciae Pannoniae. Eius patri, cum liberos crebros amitteret, praeceptum somnio est, eum, qui iam instante uxoris partu edendus foret, diceret Iouianum. Hic fuit insignis corpore, laetus ingenio, litterarum studiosus.

17 Jovianus, born of his father Varronianus, an inhabitant of the district of Singidunum in the province of Pannonia. To his father, who was losing children frequently, a command came in a dream that he should name him Jovianus who was to be born at his wife's then‑impending delivery. He was notable in body, joyful in disposition, and a keen student of letters.

Ad optinendum imperium consensu exercitus lectus est, commendatione patris militibus quam sua notior. Qui iam turbatis rebus exercitu quoque inopia laborante uno a Persis atque altero proelio uictus pacem cum Sapore necessariam quidem sed ignobilem fecit multatus finibus ac nonnulla imperii Romani parte tradita. Quod ante eum annis mc et duobus de uiginti fere, ex quo Romanum imperium conditum erat, numquam accidit.

To obtain the imperial power he was chosen by the consent of the army, recommended to the soldiers by his father more than by himself. He, affairs already disturbed and the army also laboring from want, having been defeated on one side by the Persians and in another battle, made peace with Shapur—indeed necessary but ignoble—being stripped of territories and with some part of the Roman empire surrendered. This had never before happened in the roughly 1122 years since the Roman empire was founded.

Quin etiam legiones nostrae ita et apud Claudium per Pontium Telesinum et Hispania apud Numantiam et in Numidia sub iugum missae sunt, ut nihil tamen finium traderetur. Ea pacis condicio non penitus reprehendenda foret, si foederis necessitatem tum, cum integrum fuit, mutare uoluisset, sicut a Romanis omnibus his bellis, quaecunque memoraui, factum est. Nam et Samnitibus et Numantinis et Numidis confestim bella inlata sunt neque pax rata fuit.

Indeed our legions were so sent under the yoke — both under Claudius by Pontius Telesinus, and in Spain at Numantia, and in Numidia — that yet no territories were handed over. That condition of peace would not be wholly blameworthy, if at that time one had wished to change the obligation of the foedus while it was intact, as the Romans did in all those wars which I have recounted. For wars were at once inflicted on the Samnites and the Numantines and the Numidians, and no peace was ratified.

Sed dum aemulum imperii ueretur, intra Orientem residens gloriae parum consuluit. Isque intergressus atque Illyricum petens in Galatiae finibus repentina morte obiit, uir alias neque iners neque imprudens.

But while he feared a rival to the imperium, residing in the East he took too little counsel for glory. And he, having set forth and seeking Illyricum within the bounds of Galatia, died by a sudden death—a man otherwise neither inert nor imprudent.

18 Multi exanimatum opinantur nimia crudelitate, inter cenandum enim nimium epulis indulserat, alii odore cubiculi, quod ex recenti textorio calcis graue quiescentibus erat, quidam nimietate prunarum, quas graui frigore adoleri multas iusserat. Decessit imperii mense septimo, quarto decimo kal. Martias, aetatis, ut qui plurimum uel minimum tradunt, tertio et tricesimo anno, ac benignitate principum, qui ei successerunt, inter diuos relatus est.

18 Many think him deprived of life by excessive cruelty: for while dining he had given himself over too much to feasting; others (blame) the odor of the bedroom, which from a newly woven cover of the couch was oppressive to those resting; some the excess of embers, which, to be warmed from the severe cold, he had ordered many to be kindled. He died in the seventh month, on the 14th day before the Kalends of March, in the 33rd year, and by the kindness of the princes who succeeded him was enrolled among the gods.

Nam et ciuilitate proprior et natura admodum liberalis fuit.

For he was both nearer in civility and by nature exceedingly liberal.

Is status erat Romanae rei Iouiano eodem et Varroniano consulibus anno Vrbis conditae millesimo centesimo octauo decimo. Quia autem ad inclitos principes uenerandosque peruentum est, interim operi modum dabimus. Nam reliqua stilo maiore dicenda sunt.

This was the state of the Roman res in the same year, the consulship of Jovianus and Varronianus, in the year 1118 since the founding of the City. But because it has reached the illustrious and venerable princes, meanwhile we will put a limit to the work. For the remaining matters must be told in a greater style.

Quae nunc non tam praetermittimus, quam ad maiorem scribendi diligentiam reseruamus.

Which now we do not so much pass over as reserve for greater diligence in writing.

EXPLICIT LIBER DECIMVS HISTORIAE ROMANAE

EXPLICIT BOOK 10 OF THE ROMAN HISTORY