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. For when Constantine was desirous of obtaining a more accurate
knowledge of the different sects in the empire, the Manicheans and other
similar bodies, and no one could be found able sufficiently to explain
them, Musonianus was chosen for the task, having been recommended as
competent; and when he had discharged this duty with skill, the emperor
gave him the name of Musonianus, for he had been previously called
Strategius. After that he ran through many degrees of rank and honour,
and soon reached the dignity of prefect; being in other matters also a
man of wisdom, popular in the provinces, and of a mild and courteous
disposition. But at the same time, whenever he could find an
opportunity, especially in any controversies or lawsuits (which is most
shameful and wicked), he was greatly devoted to sordid gain. Not to
mention many other instances, this was especially exemplified in the
investigations which were made into the death of Theophilus, the
governor of Syria, a man of consular rank, who gave information against
the Cæsar Gallus, and who was torn to pieces in a tumult of the people;
for which several poor men were condemned, who, it was clearly proved,
were at a distance at the time of the transaction, while certain rich
men who were the real authors of the crime were spared from all
punishment, except the confiscation of their property.
3. In this he was equalled by Prosper, at that time master of the horse
in Gaul; a man of abject spirit and great inactivity; and, as the comic
poet has it, despising the acts of secret robbing he plundered
openly.[58]
4. And, while these two officers were conniving together, and
reciprocally helping each other to many means of acquiring riches, the
chiefs of the Persian nation who lived nearest to the river, profiting
by the fact that the king was occupied in the most distant parts of his
dominions, and that these commanders were occupied in plundering the
people placed under their authority, began to harass our territories
with predatory bands, making audacious inroads, sometimes into Armenia,
often also into Mesopotamia.
[32] Tlepolemus and Hiero, whom Cicero, Verres iii. 11, calls Cibyratici
canes.
[33] Herodotus, iv. 184, records that in Africa, in the country about
Mount Atlas, dreams are unknown.
[34] Lintz.
[35] The district around Bellinzona.
[36] The Bodensee, more generally known as the Lake of Constance: at its
south-eastern end is the town of Bregenz, the ancient Brigantia.
[37] The Arethusa is in Sicily, near Syracuse.
[38] The Comites were a picked body of troops, divided into several
regiments distinguished by separate names, such as Seniores, Juniores,
Sagittarii, &c.
[39] The Promoti were also picked men, something like the Comites; the
French translator calls them the Veterans.
[40] From κόπτω to cut, and ματτύα any delicate food;
meant as equivalent to our cheeseparer, or skinflint.
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