The Roman History of Ammianus Marcellinus: During the Reigns of the Emperors Constantius, Julian, Jovianus, Valentinian, and ValensAmmianus Marcellinus
History
The Roman History of Ammianus Marcellinus: During the Reigns of the Emperors Constantius, Julian, Jovianus, Valentinian, and Valens
Ammianus Marcellinus
Rome -- History -- Empire, 284-476
2. Besides many others of high rank, some of the most distinguished
tribunes generally come to salute an emperor on his arrival from distant
lands. And accordingly, when Constantius, on his return from
Mesopotamia, received this compliment, a Paphlagonian named
Amphilochius, who had been a tribune, and whom suspicion, not very far
removed from the truth, hinted at as having, while serving formerly
under Constans, sown the seeds of discord between him and his brother,
now ventured, with no little audacity, to come forward as if he were to
be admitted to pay his duty in this way, but was recognized and refused
admittance. Many also raised an outcry against him, crying out that he,
as a stubborn rebel, ought not to be permitted to see another day. But
Constantius, on this occasion more merciful than usual, said, "Cease to
press upon a man who, indeed, as I believe, is guilty, but who has not
been convicted. And remember that if he has done anything of the kind,
he, as long as he is in my sight, will be punished by the judgment of
his own conscience, which he will not be able to escape." And so he
departed.
3. The next day, at the Circensian games, the same man was present as a
spectator, just opposite the usual seat of the emperor, when a sudden
shout was raised at the moment of the commencement of the expected
contest; the barriers, on which he with many others was leaning, were
broken, and the whole crowd as well as he were thrown forward into the
empty space; and though a few were slightly hurt, he alone was found to
be killed, having received some internal injury. At which Constantius
rejoiced, prognosticating from this omen protection from his other
enemies.
4. About the same time (his wife Eusebia having died some time before)
he took another wife, named Faustina. Eusebia's brothers were two men of
consular rank, Hypatius and Eusebius. She had been a woman of
pre-eminent beauty both of person and character, and for one of her high
rank most courteous and humane. And to her favour and justice it was
owing, as we have already mentioned, that Julian was saved from danger
and declared Cæsar.
5. About the same time Florentius also was rewarded, who had quitted
Gaul from fear of a revolution. He was now appointed to succeed
Anatolius, the prefect of the prætorium in Illyricum, who had lately
died. And in conjunction with Taurus, who was appointed to the same
office in Italy, he received the ensigns of this most honourable
dignity.
6. Nevertheless, the preparations for both foreign and civil wars went
on, the number of the squadrons of cavalry was augmented, and
reinforcements for the legions were enlisted with equal zeal, recruits
being collected all over the provinces. Also every class and profession
was exposed to annoyances, being called upon to furnish arms, clothes,
military engines, and even gold and silver and abundant stores of
provisions, and various kinds of animals.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account