TH E H I STO R Y

OF

T H E D E C LI NE A ND FA L L

T H E R O M A N E M PI R E .

“
B Y E D WA R D G I B B O N .

VO L U ME TH E F I RS T .

O XF O R D ,

TA L B O Y S A N D WH E E L E R ;
A ND WIL L IA M PIC K E R IN G , L O N D O N .

MD C C C X XV I I .
 PR E FA C E .

“
IT i s not my
i nt e nti on t o d e t a i n t h e r e a d e r by e xp a ti a t
i ng on t h e v a r i e t y or t h e i m p or t a nc e of t h e subj e c t
which I h a v e u nd e rt a k e n t o t re a t ; si nc e t h e m e rit of \

t h e ch oic e w ould se r v e t o r e nd e r t h e w e a k ne ss of th e
e x e cu t i on st ill m or e a pp a r e nt a nd st ill l e ss e xcu sa bl e ,
.

B u t a s I h a v e p re su m e d t o l a y b e fore t h e public a fi r st
v olu m e only of t h e Hi st ory of t h e D e cli ne a nd F a ll of
L

t h e R om a n E m pi re i t will p e r h a p s b e e xp e c t e d th a t I
,

sh ould e xpl a i n i n a fe w w or d s t h e na t u re a nd li m it s
, ,

of m y g e ne r a l pl a n .

T h e m e m ora bl e se ri e s of r e v olu t i ons which i n t h e ,

c ourse of a b out thi rt e e n c e nt u r i e s gra du a lly u nd e r ,

m i ne d a nd a t l e ng t h d e st r oy e d t h e solid fa b ric of
, ,

R om a n g re a t ne ss m a y wi t h som e p r op ri e t y b e divid e d
, , ,

i nt o t h e t h re e foll owi ng p e ri ods .

I T h e fi rst of t h e se p e ri od s m a y b e t ra c e d from t h e
.

of T a j a n a nd t h e A nt oni ne s wh e n t h e R om a n
a
g e r ,

m ona r chy h a vi ng a tt a i ne d i t s full st re ngth a nd m a

,

t u ri t y b e g a n t o v e rg e t ow a r d s i t s d e cli ne ; a nd will e x
,

t e nd t o t h e subv e rsi on of t h e w e st e rn e m pi re by t h e ,

b a rb a r i a ns of G e r m a ny a nd S cythi a th e r ud e a nc e st ors ,

of t h e m ost p oli sh e d na ti ons of m od e rn Eu r op e Thi s .

e x t ra or di na ry re v olu t i on whic h subj e c t e d R om e t o t h e

,

p ow e r of a G ot hic c onqu e r or w a s c om pl e t e d a b out t h e ,

b e gi nni ng of t h e sixth c e ntu ry .

II T h e se c ond p e ri od of t h e de cli ne a nd fa ll of
.

R om e m a y b e supp ose d t o c omm e nc e wi t h t h e re ig n

,

of J u st i ni a n w h o by h i s l a w s a s w e ll a s by h i s vi e t o
, ,

r i e s re st ore d a t r a nsi e nt spl e nd ou r t o t h e e a st e r n e m

,

pi r e It will c om p re h e nd t h e i nv a si on of I t a ly by t h e
.

L om b a rd s ; t h e c onqu e st of t h e A si a t ic a nd A fric a n
3
T he fi v olu me of t he q
rst u a :t o e di t i on which c ont a i ned
,
t he fi rst s ix te en
ch p t
a e rs of t h hi t o y
e s r .
 PR E F A C E .

p r ovi nc e s by t h e A r a b s w h o e m b r a c e d t h e re ligi on of
,

M a h ome t ; t h e r e v ol t of t h e R om a n p e opl e a g a i nst t h e

fe e bl e p r i nc e s of C onst a nt i nopl e ; a nd t h e e l e v a t i on of
C h a rl e m a gne w h o i n t h e y e a r 800 e st a bli sh e d t h e
, , ,

se c ond or G e rm a n e m pi re of t h e w e st
, .

III T h e l a st a nd l ong e st of t h e se p e r i od s i nclud e s

.

a b ou t si x c e nt u ri e s a nd a h a lf ; fr om t h e r e viv a l of t h e

w e st e rn e m pi re t ill t h e t a ki ng of C onst a nt i nopl e by

,

t h e Tu rk s a nd t h e e x t i nc t i on of a d e g e ne ra t e r a c e of
,

p ri nc e s w h o c ont i nu e d t o a ssu m e t h e t i t l e s of C ae sa r
,

a nd A u u S t a ft e r t h e i r d om i ni ons w e r e c ont ra c t e d
g us ,

t o t h e li m i t s of a si ngl e ci t y ; i n which t h e l a ngu a g e a s ,

w e ll a s m a nne rs of t h e a nci e nt R om a ns h a d b e e n l ong

, ,

si nc e for g ot t e n T h e w r i t e r w h o sh ould u nd e rt a k e t o
.

r e l a t e t h e e v e nt s of t hi s p e r i od w ould fi nd hi m se lf ob ,

li g e d t o e nt e r i nt o t h e g e ne ra l hi st or y of t h e c ru sa d e s ,

a s fa r a s t h e y c ont r ibu t e d t o t h e r ui n of t h e G re e k e m

pi re ; a nd h e w ould sc a r c e ly be a bl e t o r e st ra i n h i s
cu ri osi t y from ma ki ng som e e nqui r y i nt o t h e st a t e of
t h e ci t y of R om e du r i ng t h e d a r k ne ss a nd confu si on
'

of t h e m iddl e a g e s .

A s I h a v e v e nt u re d p e r h a p s t oo h a st ily t o c om m i t
, ,

t o t h e p r e ss a w or k which i n e v e ry se nse of t h e w ord , ,

d e se rv e s t h e e pi t h e t of i m p e r fe c t I c onsid e r m y se lf a s ,

c ont ra c t i ng a n e ng a g e m e nt t o fi ni sh m ost p r ob a bly i n ,

a se c on d v olu m e
b t h e fi r st of t h e se m e m or a bl e p e r i od s ;
,

a nd t o d e liv e r t o t h e public t h e c om pl e t e hi st ory of t h e

d e cli ne a nd fa ll of R om e from t h e a g e of t h e A nt o ,

ni ne s t o t h e subv e r si on of t h e w e st e r n e m pi r e Wi t h .

r e g a r d t o t h e sub se qu e nt p e r i od s t h ough I m a e n t
y e r ,

t a i n som e h op e s I d a r e not p re su m e t o giv e a ny a ssu r

,

a uc e s . T h e e x e cu t i on of t h e e x t e nsiv e pl a n which I
h a v e d e sc rib e d w ould c onne ct t h e a nci e n t a nd m od e r n
,

hi st ory of t h e w or ld ; bu t i t w ould r e qui re m a ny y e a r s

of h e a l t h of l e i su re a nd of p e r se v e r a nc e
, , .

BE NT I N CK S T R EE T F , ebru a r
y 1, 1776 .

b Th e u t h o a i t f qu ntly h a pp n t ook a n i n d qu a t e m
a r, s re e e s, a e u
e a s re of

h i g owi ng w o k
s r Th e fi t p i od h
r . fill e d t h v olum i n qu
rs er as r ee es a rt o, a nd

18 c ont i ne d i n t he fi t fo v olu m e of t h i e d i t i on
a rs ur s s .
 PR EFA C E .

P S T he e nt i re hi st ory which i s now publi sh e d

. .
, ,

of t h e d e cli ne a nd fa ll of t h e R om a n e m pi re i n t h e

w e st a bu nd a nt ly di sch a rg e s m y e ng a g e me nt s with t h e
,

public ; P e r h a p s th e i r fa v ou ra bl e Opi ni on m a y e ncou

r a g e m e t o p r ose cu t e a w or k which h ow e v e r l a b or i ou s , ,

i t m a y se e m i s t h e m ost a g re e a b l e occup a ti on of my
,

l e i su re h ou rs .

B E NT I N C K S T R EE T Ma r ch
, 1, 178 1 .

AN a u t h or ily p e rsu a d e s hi m se lf t h a t t h e public

ea s

Opi ni on i s st ill fa v ou ra bl e t o h i s l a b ou rs ; a nd I h a v e
-

now e m b r a c e d t h e se r i ou s r e soluti on of p r oc e e di ng t o

t h e l a st p e ri od of m y origi na l d e sig n a nd of t h e R 0 ,

m a n e m pi re t h e t a ki ng of C onst a nt i nopl e by t h e Tu rk s
, ,

i n t h e y e a r 1453 T h e m ost p a t i e nt r e a d e r w h o com

.
,

c
pu t e s t h a t t h r e e p ond e r ou s v olu m e s h a v e b e e n a l re a dy
e m pl oy e d on t h e e v e nt s of fou r c e nt u r i e s m a y e r
p , ,

h a p s be a l a r m e d a t t h e l ong p r osp e c t of ni ne hu nd r e d
,

y e a rs B u t i t i s not m y i nt e nt i on t o e xp a t i a t e wi t h t h e
.

sa m e m i nut e ne ss on t h e wh ol e se r i e s of t h e Byz a nt i ne

hi st ory A t ou r e nt ra nc e i nt o t hi s p e r i od t h e r e ig n of
.
,

J u sti ni a n a nd t h e c onqu e st s of t h e m a h om e t a ns will

, ,

d e se rv e a nd d e t a i n ou r a t t e nt i on ; a nd t h e l a st a g e of
C onst a nt i nopl e (t h e c r u sa d e s a nd th e Tu rk s) i s con
ne ct e d wi t h t h e re v olu t i ons of m od e r n Eu r op e F rom .

t h e se v e nt h t o t h e e l e v e nt h c e nt u r y t h e ob scu re i nt e r ,

va l will be suppli e d by a c onci se na r ra t iv e of such fa ct s

a s ma till pp i t h i nt ti ng o i m p or t a nt
y s a e a r e e r e r e s r .

B E N T I N CK S T R E E T Ma r ch
, 1, 1782 .

c Th e fi rst u r v ol
fo um e s of t hi s oc t a v o e di t ion.
 A D V E R TI S E M EN T .

DIL IGE NCE a nd a cc ra c u y a re wh i ch a n h i s

t h e on ly m e ri t s
t ori ca l wri t er m a y a sc r i be t o h i m sel f ; if a n
y m e ri t i nde ed , ,

ca n be a ssu m e d from t h e p er for m a nc e of a n i ndi sp e nsa bl e

dpt y . I m a y t h ere fore be a ll ow e d t o sa y t h a t I h a v e ca r e ,

fu ll y e xa m i ne d a ll t h e ori gi na l m a t e ri a l s t h a t coul d i ll u st ra t e
t h e su bj e ct w hi c h I h a d u nde rt a k e n t o t re a t Sh oul d I e v er .

com pl e t e t h e e x t e nsiv e d e si gn w h i ch h a s bee n sk e t ch e d ou t i n

t h e pre fa ce I m i gh t p e rh a p s conclud e i t w i t h a c
, ri t i cal ac

cou nt of t h e a ut h or s consult e d du ri ng t he progress of t h e

w h ol e w o r k ; a n d h ow e v e r su ch a n a t t e m p t m i gh t i n cu r t h e

ce nsu r e of ost e nt a t i on I a m p er su a de d t ha t i t w ou l d be su s
,

ce pt i bl e of e nt e rt a i nm ent a s w e l l a s i nform a t i on .

A t pre se nt I sh a ll cont e nt m yse l f wi t h a si ngl e observ a t i on .

T h e biogr a ph e rs w h o u nde r t h e r ei gns of D i ocl e t i a n a nd

,

Const a nt i ne com p ose d or r a t h e r com pil e d t h e li ve s of t h e

, , ,

e m pe rors fr om H a dr i a n t o t h e sons of C a ru s a re usu al l y

, ,

m e nt i one d u nde r t h e na m e s of fEli u s Spart i a nus J u lius ,

C a pi t oli nu s, fEli u s L a m p r i di u s, Vu l ca t i u s G a lli c

a nu s, Tre .

he lli ns Polli o, a nd F la vi u s V op i scu s B u t t h e re i s so m u ch .

pe rpl exi t y i n t h e t i t l e s of t h e m a nuscri pt s a nd so m a ny di s ,

put es h a ve a ri sen a m ong t h e cri t i cs (see F a bri cius Bi bl i ot h , .

L a t i n 1 ii i c
. . conce rni ng t h e i r num be r t h e i r na m es a nd
. .
, ,

t h e i r r e sp e ct iv e prope r t y t h a t for t h e m ost pa rt I h a v e qu ot e d

,

t h e m wi t h ou t di st i nct i on u nde r t h e g e nera l a nd w e ll k now n

,

t i t l e of t h e Au gu st a n H i st ory .

A D VE RT I S E ME N T TO THE F I RS T O C T A VO E D I T I O N .

T H E H i st ory of t h e D e cli ne a nd F a ll of t h e R om a n E m pi re
is now deliv ered t o t h e publi c i n a m ore conv e ni e nt form .

S om e a l t e ra t i ons a nd i m prov e m e nt s h a d pr e se nt e d t h e m se lv e s

“
t o m y m i nd bu t I w a s u nwi l li ng t o i njur e or offe nd t h e p ur
ch a se rs of t h e pre ce di ng e di t i ons T h e a ccu ra cy of t h e cor
.

rec t or of t h e pr ess h a s be e n a l re a dy t ri e d a nd a pprove d; a nd

.

pe rh a ps I m a y st a nd excuse d i f a m i dst t h e a voca t i ons of a

, ,

bu sy wi nt e r I h a v e pre fe rr e d t h e pl e a sur e s of com posi t i on

,

a nd st u d t o t h e m i nu t e di li e nc of vi i n fo m pu b li
y g e r e s
g a r e r

ca t i on .

BE NT I N C K S T R E ET , Ap r i l 2 0 , 1783 .
 TA B L E O F C O NT E NT S

OF

THE F IR ST V O L U ME .

C H A PTE R I .

THE E X T E NT A ND M I LI T A R Y FO R C E OF TH E EM PIRE IN THE A G E OF THE

A N T O N I N E s.

I NT R O DU CT I O N M ch P ge
a 191 ar
M od t i on of A ugu t u
e ra 2 sN mbe nd di p o it ion of the le
s u r a s s
I m i t t d b y h i ucc o
a e s s 3 e ss rsgi on 20 s
C onq u t of B i t i n w t he fi t
es r a N vy as rs 21 a
xc p ti on t o i t
e e 4 A m ou nt of t h wh ol e t bli h m nt 2 2 e e s a s e
C onq u t of D ci the e c ond ex
es a a, V i w of th p ovi nc e of th R o
s e e r s e
c p t i on
e 6 m n emp i e b a r l .

C onq n t of T j n i n th
es s t ra a 7 Sp i n e ea s ih a .

R ig n d b y h ucc o H d i n 8 G ul
es e is s e ss r a r a 23 a
C ont t of H a d i n nd A ntoni
ra s r a B it i n
a 24 r a
n P iu
us s 9 It l y ih a . .

P cific y t m of H d i n ndthe
a s s e aTh yD nub nd Il l y i n f ont i 2 5
r a a e a e a r a r er
t o A nt oni n
w ih es R h mt i 26 . a
D f n i w ofM cu A ntoni nu l o N o i c m nd P nnoni a
e e s ve a rs ar s sih r u a a .

M ili t y t bli h m nt of t h R o
ar es a s eD lm ti e ih a a a .

m n mp oa e e r rs ih M i nd D ci 27 . ess a a a a
Di cipli n
s e 11 Th c M c d oni nd G ec e i h ra e, a e a, a re
E x cier ses 13 A i M i no 28 s a r
T h l eg i on u nd
e t he e mp e o
s 14
er S y i P h o nici a n d P l t i ne
r rs 29 r a, e , a a es
Amr s 15 E gypt 30
C vly
a a r 16 A f ic ih r a .

A ux i li i a r es 17 Th M e d i te n n wi t h i t i l nd 31 e rra ea , s s a s
A t ill y
r er 18 G en l ide of the R om a n em e ra a
E nCM p m ent ih pi e 32 . r

C H A PTE R II .

O F TH E UN I O N AN D I NT E R N A L P R O S P ER I T Y O F T H E R O M A N E M P I R E I N T H E AGE
O F T HE A NT O N I N E S .

P i ncipl of gov nm
r es er e nt 33 P opul ou sne ss of t he R oma n em
U niv l pi i t of tol
e rsa s r e ra t oni ih . i re .

O f t h p opl
e e e ib . O be i e nce a nd n on u i
O f phil o oph s e rs 35 R om a n m on m ents u
O f th m g i t t
e a s ra e 37 M a ny of t em e re te h
c d a t p riv a te
In t h e p rovi nce s ih . e xp e n e s
A t R om e 38 E x a mpl of H e ode s A t ticu s
e r
F ree om of R om e
d 39 Hi s re pu t a t i on
I ta ly 40 M o t of the Rom a n m onu m e nt fo
s s r
Th p ovi nc
e r es 41 public e te m pl t h e t e
us , es, a r s.
C ol oni a nd m nicip a l t ow n
es u s 42 a q u e duc t s
Divi i on oft he L a t i n ndt he G
s a ree k N u m b e nd g ea tne of the ci ti e
ra r ss s
p ovi nc
r es 43 of t he em p i e r
G ene a l e of b ot h l a ngu a ge
r us s 46 In I ta l y
Sl ve
a s ih G a ul a nd Sp a i n
A f ic a
.

Th i t e tm nt
e r r a e ih r

Ai
.

E nf nchi e m nt
ra s e 47 s a
N umb e rs 48 R om a n rba ds
 C ONTE NTS .

Po t s s 6O A ifici l g
rt a ra ss
N vig tion
a a 61 G l pl nt y
e ne ra e
I m p ov m nt of g icul t u
r e e a r re i n t he A t of luxu y
r s r
w t n c ou nt i of t h
e s er r es e em F o ci t de r 1
1 ra
pi re G 1 nd ilv O ( a s er
I nt oduct i on of f ui t tc
r r s, e . 62 G n l f licit y
e e ra e
T h vi n e e ih . D e cli ne O f c ou ge ra
Th oliv e e ib . of g e niu s
Fl x a 63 D g en c y
e era

C H A PTE R III .

O F T HE C O N S T I TUT I O N O F T HE R O M A N E M PI R E I N T HE A
AGE O F T HE A NT O N I N E S .

Id ea of m ona ch y r 70 I m a g of ov nment fo the a mi es 85

e er r r
S i tu a t ion of A ugu t u s Th i b nce
.

s ib . e r O e 86 ie

He fo m t h se n te
re r s e a 71 D ign t ion of ucc esso
es a 87 a s r
R i gn hi u u p d p ow
es s s s r e er 72 O f Tib iu er ih s .

I p v il d up on t o re u m i t u nde
s re a e s e r O f :Ti t us ib .

t h t i t l of m p o o g n
e l e e er r r e e ra ib . Th c e of th e C aesa rs a nd the
e ra
P ow O f t h R om n g n l
er e a e e ra s 73 F l vi a n f m il y a ib a
A D 96 A dop ti on a nd ch ara ct e
.

L i ut n nt of t h em p e o
e e a s e r r 74 . . . r
Divi ion of t he p ovi nc e be t w ee n
s r s of T Jj n ra a 88
th m p o a nd t h
e e n t er r e se a e 75 A D 117 O f A d i a n
. . .89 r
Th e fo m p v hi m i li
r er re se r e s s A dop t i on of t he e lde a nd you nge r r

t y c om m ndar nd gu d n a a ar s i V u er s90
R om i t lf e se 76 A d op t ion of t he tw o A ntoni ne ih s .

C on ul a nd t ibu ni t i a n p ow
s ar r e rs ih . C h a c te nd ig n of P i u
ar r a 91 re s
I m p e i l p og a t iv e
r a re r s 77 of M cu ih ar s .

Th m g i t t e a s ra e s 78 H ppi n ss of t he R oma n
a e 93 s

Th n t
e se a e 79 It p e c i ou n t u re
s r ar ib s a .

G n l id e of the i mpe i l y s
e e ra a r a s M m o y of Tib iu C al i gul a
e r er s,
N o nd D omi ti n
,

t n er 80 er 94
, a a
C ou t of t he e m p o
r e r rs
.

1b . Pe cul i ar m i y of t h Rom n se r e a s
D i fi c t ion
e a 81 u nd t h e i t y nt er ib r ra s

l i t l s of A ugu t
.

'
e and C ae sa r s us 82 I n e n ibil i t y of the o i ntal
s s 95 r e s
C h c t nd p olic y of A ug t u s
a ra er a us 83 Knowl dg y a nd f e pi i t of the
e e re s r
I m g of lib t y fo th p opl e
a e er r e e 84 Rom n 96
a s
A tt m p t of t h n t ft the
e e se a e a er Ext nt of t h i
e m pi e l ft t h em e r e r e
d t h of C ligul a
ea a 85 no pl a c e of re fu ge 97

C H A PTE R I V .

T HE C R U EL T Y F O LLIE S A N D MU R D ER O F C M M O U —ELE CT I O N O F P E R T I NA X O D Su

H I S A TT E M P T S T O R EFOR M T HE S T A T E —H 8 A SS A SS I N A T I O N Y T HE P R ET O R IA N
, , .

. I B

GU AR D!
Indu l c M cu s e n e of 99 ar C ommodu di pl y hi kill i n th s s a s ss e
To i wif F u t i na s h e a s 1 . m ph i t h at
a e re 111
T o hi on C omm odu s
s s 100 A ct gl d i to
s as a a a r 112
A D 180 A cce i on of the e m
. . . ss H i nf m y nd xt
is ag nc a e ra va a e 113
p o C om m odu er t s C on p i c y of h dom t ic
s ra is es s 114
C h c t of C om m odu s
a ra er h i . A D 192 D t h of C omm odu
. . . ea s ib .

H t n t o R om e
e re ur
A D 183 I w ou nd d b y a n a s
. .
102
s C h oic of P t i n x fo m p o
e er a r e er r 115
. s e H e is a cknowl dg d b y t he p re e e

in sa ss 103 t o i n gu
g d
r a ar s 116
H t d nd c u l t y of C omm odu
a re a r e s A D 193 A nd b y th n t e se a e ih
lb
. . .
.

t ow d t h n t ar s e se a e . Th m m o y of C om m odu de
e e r s
Th Q u i nt i li n b ot h
e 104 a r e rs cl d i nf m ou
a re a s 11
7
A D 186 Th m ini t P en
. . e s er er L g l j u i dict ion of th n te
e a r s e se a
ov mp o
.

ni s 105 th er e e e r rs ih
R ev ol t of M t n a er us V i t u of P t i n x
r es er a 113
Th m i ni te C l nd
e s b r ea er 1 . H nd v ou t o efo m t h t te
e e ea rs r r e s a ih
H v ic nd c u lt y
is a ar 107
e a r e Hi s reg ul t i on a s 119
A D 189 S d it ion nd de t h of
. . e a a H p op l t y
is u a rl 120
Di cont nt of th p to i n
.

Ol nd ea 108 er s e e re r a s ih
A c on pi c y p v nte d
.

Di olut pl u of C om m o du 109
ss e e a s re s s s ra re e 12 1
H i g no nc nd l ow p o t
s1 ra 110 e a s r s A D 193 M u d of P t i n x b y
. . . r er er a
Hu nt i ng of w l d b t h r ea s s i . th p to i n e re r a s ih .
 C ONTENTS .

C H A PTE R V .

P U LI C S A LE O F T HE E M PI R E T O D U S U LIA NU S Y T HE P R E T O R I A N G U A R D S
B IDI J B

S A L I NU S I N R I T AI N C N N S N I G E R I N S Y R I A A N D
.

C O L D IU B B M PES E IU SE PT I IU S

S E V E R U S I N P A NN O N I A D E C LA R E A G AI N ST T HE MU R D E R E RS O —F P E R T I N A X
, ,

A N D V C T O R Y O F S E V E R U S O V E R H I S TH R EE R I V AL S R ELA X A T I O N
,
3

C V W
I IL A R S, I
O F C L N — N W M A X I M S O F G O V ER NM ENT
.

DIS IP I Eo E .

Prop ort i on of t he m ili t a ry fo c e t o Di sg ra c e of the p ret o i a n gu a rd r r s

u b
t h e n m e r of t he p opl e 123 e F u ne ra l a nd a p ot h e os s i of P tier
i iui
Th e nst t t on of t h e p et o i a n r r na x
gu d s ar 124 AD 193 197 S ev e u s Succ e ss of r
n t N i ge
. . .

Th e i c m p t engt h a nd confi
r a , s r ,
g a i a nd g i n t
s ra a a s
d e nc e ib .
bn i us
Th e i p ci ou cl a im s
rs e 125 s C onduc t of the tw o civil w ars
Th y off t h m pi t o l e
e er 12 6
e e re sa A t Of S v u
r s e er s
A D 193 It s p ch edb y J ul i a n i b
. . . i ur as . T ow d N ig r ar s e
J uli a n i a ck nowl dge d b y t he
s e Tow d A lbi nu ar s s
e n tes a 1 27 E v e nt of t h civil w a e rs
T k p o es i on of th e p a l a c e
a es ss 12 8
s D cid d b y on o t w o b a ttl e
e e e r s
Th e public di c ont nt ih s e Si ge of B y z nt iu m
e a
D e a t h s of N
.

The mi of B i t i n S y i a
ar es nd r a , r , a nd A lbi ni s 1 er a i
P noni a de cl are g ai n t J u
aa a s C ru e l c on e q u nce of t he civil s e s
li n a w a rs
Clodi s A lbi nu n B i t a i n
u s i r A ni m o it y of Se v e us a ga i n t the
s r s
P sc nni
e e N i in Sy ia us er r e n te
s a
P a nnoni nd l m ti a a a a a Th e wi d om a nd j u st ic e of hi s
s
A D 193 S p ti m i S ve u de
. . . e us e r s gov nm e nt er
cl d m pe o b y t he P a n
a re e r r G e n l p e c nd p o i ty
e ra a e a r s er
non n l e g i ons ia R e l a x t i on of m ili t y i cip li ne
a ar s
M a rch e i nto I t a l y s Ne w t bli h m e nt of t h
es a p e to s e r
A dv nc e t ow d R om e
a s ar s i n gu d
r a ar s
D i t e of J uli n
s r ss a Th e O ffic of p t o i n p e f c t
e re r a r e
Hi u nc t i n c onduc t
s er a Th e e na t O pp e e d b y m ili t a y
s e r ss r
I de
s t d b y the
se r e e to a ns r ri d p ot i m
es s
I c ond m n d a n
s e x e cu te d b y
e e Ne w m a x i m of the i m p i al p e s er r
o d e of t he se na te
r r og a t iv e
r

C H A PTE R V I .

T HE D E A TH O F S E V ER US T Y R A NN Y 0 F C AR A C A LLA —U S U R PA T IO N O F M C N U S - A RI
F O LL I E S 0 s —V I R TU E S O F A LE X A ND E R S E V E R U S — LI C E NT I O U S ‘
. . .

- G L F EL A A BA U

N E SS O F T HE M Y —G E N E R A L S T A T E O F T HE R O M A N F I N A N C E S
a .

AR o .

G re a tness a nd di sc ont ent of Se A D 2 13 Hi s t yra nny e xt ende d . . .

ve u r s 151 v
o er the wh ol m pi e 161 e e r
Hi wif th e e m p e J uli a
s e ih r ss R e l a x t i on of di cipli n
a 162 s e
A D 2 17 M u d of C a ra c a ll a 163
.

Th i t w o on C a a c ll a nd
e r s s, r a a r er
I m it a t ion of A l x nd
. . .

G ta e 152 164 e a er
Th e i m u t u a l a v i on t o e a ch
r e rs E l e c t i on nd ch ct e o f M a c i
a a ra r r
ot h e r 153 n us 165
Th e m p e o
re e ib r rs Di c ont ent of t h e e n t e
s 166 s a
A D 2 08 Th C l e donia n w
.

. . . h e a ar i . Di c ont nt of t he m y
s e 167 ar
F i ng l nd h i h o
a a s er e s M a ci n a t tem p t a e fo m a t i on
r us s r r
C ont t of t h C l e doni n id
ra s e a a s ar of t h my e ar ih .

t h R om n e ih a s . D e t h of t h m p
a J uli 168
e e re ss a
A m bit i on O f C a c a ll a ih ar . E duc a t i on p et n i on nd ev ol t ,
r e s s, a r
A D 2 11 D t h of S v u nd
. . . ea e e r s, a O f E l g b lu c ll d t fi t a a a s, a e a rs
cc e i on of hi t w o on
a ss J 56 s s s B ian a ss nd A nt oni nu ib us a s .

J eal ou y nd h a t d of t he tw o
s a re A D 2 18 D efe t nd d t h of
. . . a a ea
em p e o ih
r rs . M a ci n r 170
us
F ui t l e ne gocia t i on fo dividi ng
r ss r E l a g b lu s w i t to t h e na t e
a a 171 r es se
th mp b t w n t h em
e e 157 Ire e ee A D 2 19 P ict u of E l ga b a lu 172 re a s
A D 2 12 M d of G et
. . .

. . 158
. ur er a Hi up ss t i t i on e rs ih . .

R em o nd c u l t y ofC c ll 159
rse a r e a ra a a H i p ofli g t a nd e ff m i n t lux
s r a e e a e
D e t h of P a pi ni n
a 160 a u ry 174
 C O NTE NTS .

C ont m p t e de cencv of which di s Digre i on on t he fi na nc es of t he

ss
t i ng u i sh e d t h e R om a n ty m pi e e r
175 E ta bli h m ent of the t i bu te on
s s r

Di c ont nt of t he a m y
s e s r ib Rom a n cit ize n s
A D 2 2 1 A le x nde S veru de A bolit i on of the t i bu te
. .

. . . a r e s r
cl d C a re 176 aesa r T ibut of t he p ovi nce s
r es r
A D 2 2 2 S dit ion oft he g u a d e r s, O f A i a nd E gy t s a
O f G a ul A f ic a ud Sp a i n
. . . .

nd m u d
a of B l g h a l 177 r er a a us , r a,
A cc ion of A l xa nd S ev u
ess ib e er er s . O f t h i l e of G y a r e s us
P ow of hi m oth M m
er 178 s er a eea A m ou nt of th rev nu e e e
Hi wi s a nd m od e te a dm i n
se ra i T xe on R om n C i ti zen in t i
a s a s s
t t i on
s ra 179 t t d b y A u gu t us
u e s
E duc t i on nd vi rt ou t em p e of
a a u s r I Th cu tom e s s
A l x nd
.

e a 180 er II Th xci se e e
III T x on l ga cie a nd i nhe
.

J ou n l of h i o di n y life
r a ih s r ar . . a e s
A D 2 22 235 G e ne l h pp i
. .
-
. ra a i t nce r a s
ne of t h R om n w o ld
ss 181 e a r Sui t d t o t he l w a nd m a nne
e a s rs
A l ex nd f e t h n m e of
a er re us s e a R gul t ion of t he e m p ero
e a s rs
A ntoni nu 182 s Edi c t of C a ra c l l a a
He a t t m p t to fo m t h e m y
e ibs re r ar . Th f e d om of t h e ci t y giv e n to
e re
S dit i on of th p eto i a n gu a rds 183
e s e r r l l t he p ovi nci l
a fo t he r a s, r
M u d of U lpi n
r er 184 a pu p ose of t x t i on r a a
D ng of D i on C iu s
a er ih a ss . Te m o y duc t i on of the t i
rar re r
Tu m ul ts O f t h l gi on 185 e e s t u e
F m ne of t he m p o
rr ss ih e er r . C on q u nc oft he u nive a l f ee
se e es rs r
D e f cts of hi ei gn a nd ch a ra c
e s r dom of R om e
t er 1
86

C H APTE R VII .

T HE ELE V A T I O N A N D T Y R A NN Y O F M A X I M I N — R E ELLI O N I N A F R I C A A ND I T A L Y B

UND E R T HE A UTH O R I T Y O F T HE S EN A T E —C I V I L W A RS AN D O N S —V I O
.
,

S E D IT l '

LE NT D EA TH S O F M A X I M I N A N D H I S S O N O F M A X I M US A N D
. w

NU A ND O F B A L BI S,
T HE TH R EE G O R D I A N S —U SU R P A T I O N A N D S E C U LA R G A M E S O F P H I LI P
,

. .

T he p a e nt idicul e nd solid
a r r a The G o di a n i dec
ou nge r l a ed r s r
v nt g of h e edita ry c
a a a es r su a te s r 21 6
c mn e ss M a xi m i n p p a re t o a t ta ck t h re s e
W nt of t i n t he Rom a n e mpi
a i re n t e nd t h i
se m pe o
a iba e r e r rs .

p oduc t iv e of the gre a te t ca

r s A D 238 M ch e i nto I ta l y
. . .2 18 ar s
l miti a es Si g of A i l i
e e ih u e a .

Bi t h ndfo t u n of M x i m i n 20 1
r a r es a C onduc t M xi m u 0 2 19 a s
Hi m ili t y
s vic a nd h onou 2 02
ar ser e rs A D 2 38 M u de of M a xi m i n
. . . r r
A D 235 C on pi c y of M xi mi n ib
. . . s ra a . nd hi on
a 2 20
s s
M u d of A l x nd S e v e u s
r er 2 03
e a er r Hi p o t i t s r ra 22 1
T y nny of M xim i n
ra 204 a J oy of t h R om a n w o ld e ib r .

O pp i on of t he p ovi nc e
re ss 206 r s S di ti on t Rome
e a
A D 237 R vol t pn A f ic
. . . 20 7
e I r a D i c ont nt of t h p reto i n gu d 2 23
s e e r a ar s
C h c t a ndel v t ion oft he t w o
a ra er e a A D 238 M a c e of M xi m u
. . . a ss r a s
G o di n r a s20 8 nd B al bi n
a us
Th y solici t the c onfi m a ti on of
e r Th e t hi d G o di n re m a i nr ol e r a s s
th i u t h o it y
e r a 2 10 r e m p ero r
Th e sen t t ifi th
a e ral e ct i on of es e e I nno nc a nd vi t u es of G o
c
e e r r
t h G o di n e r iha s .
di n a

D cl
e M xi m i n publ i c n m y 2 12
a re s a a e e A D 240 A dm i ni tra t ion of M i
. . . s

A u m t h c om m nd of R om e
ss es e a si t h e u s
nd I t l y
a a ih . A D . 2 42 The e rs a n w a r
. . P i
P p
re fo
a re s civil w r a ib ar A D 2 43 T he a rt s of P h i lip
AD
. . . .

A D 237 D e f t nd dea t h of
. . . ea a . 2 44 M r e r of or a n
. .ud G di
t h tw o G o di n
e 2 13 r a s Form of a m t a r re ili y public
E l c t i on of M a xi m u a nd B lbi
e s a R e i n of P hilip
n b y t h e na te
us 2 14
e s A . 2 48 e a r g a me s S cul
.

Th i ch ct
e r a ra 2 15
e rs D cli
e ne of t h e om a n e m re R pi
Tum ul t a t R ome ih .
 C O NT ENTS .

C H A PTER V III .

OF TH E ST AT E O F P E R S IA A FT E R TH E R E S TO RA T IO N O F TH E M ON AR C H Y BY

A RT A X E R X ES .

The b a b a i a ns of the e a st a nd of
r r A D 165 C i ti es of S e l euci a a nd
. . .

t he no t h r C t e iph on s
R v olu ti on of A i a
e s s A D 2 16 C onq u est of O hoe ne
. . . sr
The P i n m ona rch y esto e d b y
e rs a r r b y t he R om n a s
A ta x x r er es A D 230 A t a x xe cl a i m th
. . . r er s s e
R e fo m a t i on of the m a gi a n re ligi on
r p ovi nc e of A i nd d
r s s a, a e
P e i n t h ol ogy tw o p i nciples
rs a e , r cl a re w ar a g ai n t t he R o
s s
R e ligiou w o hip s rs m n a s
C monies a nd m o l p ce p ts
ere ra re A D 233 P etended Vi c to y of
. . . r r
E nc ou u em ent of a g icul ture
r r A l e x a nd S e ve u er r s
P ow e ofth m a gi
r e M o e p ob a ble cc ou nt of t he
r r a
Spi i t of p ersecu t i on
r
E t bli h m nt of t h e oy a l a tho
s a s e r u A D 240 C h a ra c ter a nd m a xim
. . . s
i t y i n the p ov i nc e
r r s of A ta x e x e r r s
E x tent a nd popul a t i on of P e i a rs M ili ta ry p ow e of t he Pe i a ns r rs
a i t l t on of th e w
u a i be t w ee n ar Th ei r i nf nt y c ont m p t ibl e
a r e

e P a rt hi a n a nd R om a n em
.
Th e i r c a v a l y e xc e llent r

p l re O 0

C H A PTE R I X .

T HE S TA T E O F G E R M A N Y T I LL TH E I N V A S IO N O F T H E BA R B AR IA N S I N T HE T I M E
O F TH E E M P E R O R D E C I U S .

E x tent of G erma ny Volu nta y ng gem ent r e a s

C lim a te G m n ch t it y
er a as
c
Its e ffe ts on the na t ve s i It p ob bl e c u se
s r a a s 2 70
G
O ri i n of t h e e rm a ns R 1 n 2 72
gct i n p e ce
8 1
c cu
F a b e s a nd onj e t res It eif
s s a 2 73
G ig
The erm a ns nora nt of ett ers l in w ar ih
.

f g icul u
O a rt s a nd a r t re Th e b d ar s 2 74
f
O th e u se of m eta ls C u e which ch e cke d t he p o
a s s r
T i i d l c
he r n o e n e g of th e G e m n
re ss r a s 275
Th ie r t a ste for s rong li q u
t ors Wa nt of m ar s ih.

S p pu i
ta te of o l a t on of di cipli ne s 2 76
G f d
e rm a n ree om Ci vi l di n ion of G erm nysse s s a 2 77
bli pl om e nt d b y t h p olic y of R om e
g n nt u nion g ai n t M a rcu
A sse m e s of t he pe o e e e 2 78
Au h i y p c
t or t of the ri n es a nd m a ra si e a s s

gi st ra t e s A ntoninu s 2 79
M ore a b olu te over the p rop e t y
s r Di ti nc t i on of the G e ma n t ibe
s r r s
t h a n ov er th e p e rsons of t he 281
G erma ns
C H A PTE R x .

T HE E M P E R O RS D E C I U S G ALL U S E M I L I A N U S V AL E R I A N A N D G A LLI E N US —TH E

G E N ER AL I R R U P T I O N O F T H E BA R BA R IA NS —TH E TH I R T Y T Y RA N T S;
, , , , .

A D. . 248—268 Th e na t ure of the

. E m igra t i on oft he Got h s from Sc a n
ubj e c t
s di na vi a i nto
Pu i r ss a
Th e m p e o P h i lip
e r r f P u i a to the
gra t i on rom r ss
A D 249 Se v ce ev olt V i c to y
. . . r i s, r r , i U kra ne
ndre ig n of th e em p e ror D ciu s 283
a e The G ot hic n ti on i nc ea e i n i t a r s s s
A D 250 He m a ch es a g a nst
. . . r i m ch ar
th e G ot h s 2 84 Di ti nc t i on of t he G e m n nd
s r a s a
O igi n of t he G ot h s f om Sc a nd
r i r S m ti a n ar a s
na v i a D c ip t i on of th U k i n
es r e ra e
Re ligion of the G ot h s Th e G ot h i nv de t h R om n p
o s a e a r
I n ti t u ti ons a nd de a t h of O di n
s ib . . v i nc es
A g e bl b t u nce t a i n h yp o
r ea e u r A D 2 50 V iou ev ent of t he
. . . ar s s
t h e i s c onc e rni ng O di n
s 2 87 G ot hic w ar
 CO NTENTS .

A . D 251 e .s re es th e of
. D ciu viv fic e The G oth s a c qui e a na v l fo c e 310 r a r
ofce nsor i n t h e person of F i t n v a l xp di t i on of t h G ot h i h
rs a e e e s .

Vl i n a er a Th G ot h s b i e g
e nd t a k e Tre es e a
Th e d ig n i m p a c t ic a bl e a ndw i th
es r bi ond z 311
The c ond e xp di t i o i of t h G ot h 312
,

o t ff ct u e e295 . se e r e s
D e f t a nd d ea t h of D eciu a nd
ea s Th y plu nd t h e ci ti e of Bi th y ni i h
e er s a .

h i on s s R t t of t he G ot h
e re a 313 s
A D 251 E l e c t i on of G llu
. . . 297 a s Thi d n v l e xp d t on of th e G oths 314
r a a e i i

A D 252 R t e t of th e G oth i h
. . . e r a s . Th y p th B o p ho n a nd t he
e a ss e s r s
G llu pu ch
a p ce h y t h p y
s r a se s ea e a H ll p ont e es ih .

m nt of n nnu l t ibu t e
e 298 a a a r R v ge G c e nd t h ten Ita l y 315
a a re e a re a
P opul di c ont nt ar s ih e Th i divi i on a nd t t
e r s ih s re re a
A D 253 V icto y a nd evol t of
. .

. . . r r R ui n of th t m pl of E pph u e 317 e e es s
[E m i l i n a us C onduc t of th G ot h t A t h n 318 e sa e s
G llu b nd on d a ndsl a i n
.

a s a a ib e . C onq u t of A me ni a b y the Pe
es r r
V al i a n ev en e t he d a t h of
er r s e i n s a s
G llu a n i s cknowledged
a s, a V l e i n m a rch e i nto the e t 319
a r a s as
em p o er r A D 260 I d f t d ndt ken p i
. . . s e ea e a a r
C h a a ct of V l i a n b y S p o ki ng of P i i h
A D 253—268 G ne a l m
r er a er on s er a r e rs a .

. i fo . e r s r S p o ov e u n S y i C ili ci a a nd
a r rr s
.

r a, ,

t u ne of t h ei g
gns of V al e i n r a C p p adocia a 32 1
B oldne s nd ucc of O dena
s e r s
a nd G lli e n a ih us . s a s e ss
I n oa d s of th b b i n
r 302 e ar ar a s t hu g in t S p o s a a s a r
O i gi n nd c onf de a c y of t he
r a e r Trea t m nt of V a l i n e er a
F a nk r s ih . C h ra c te a nd dm i ni t ti on of
a r a s ra
Th e y i nva de G a ul a nd v a ge Sp a n 303 ra i G l lie nu a s
Th y p ove i nto A f ic
e a ss r r a The t hi t y t y nts r ra
O ig n a nd enow n of th e Su e vi
r i r Th ei re l nu m be w no m o e
r a r as r
A m ixe d bod y of Suevi a ume the ss t h n ni n t ee n a e
n m of A l m nn i
a e ih e a . C h a a c te a nd m i t of th e t y a nt i b
r r er r s .

I nv a d G a ul nd I t l y
e a a . Th e i obscu bi t h
r 32 7
re r
A e
r pul d f om Rom e b y t he
re se r Th ca u e of t h e i e be lli on
se s r r

n t e a nd p op l
se a e e Th i vi ol e nt d t h
e r ea s
The na t o
se e xclud e d b y G a lli rs e F t l c on q u e nc e of t h e e u u
a a se s s s r
n f om the mi l i ta y vic e
us r r se r p ti on a s
G a lli nu c ont a ct n l li a nc e
e s r s a a Di o de of Sicil y
s r rs
wi t h t he A l m nni e a Tu m ul t of A l ex ndri a s 331 a
I n o d of t he G ot h
r a s 308 s Re be llion of t h I a u i a ns e s r
C onq u t of the B o ph oru s by th
es s e F m i ne nd p til enc e
a a 333 es
G ot h s ih . Di m i nut i on of t h hu m n S pe cies i h e a .

C H APTER X I .

R E I G N O F C LA UD I U S D EFE A T O F T HE G OTH S —V I CT OR IE S T R I UM P H AN D D EA TH
. - .
, ,

O F A U R E LI A N .

A D 268 A u reolu s i nv a des Ital y

. . . He c onclud es a tre a ty wi t h t he ,

d fea ted nd be ieged t

is e G ot h a s a s
M il a n He i g n to t h em the p ov nce of re s s r i
D e t h of G l li nus
a a D ca
e a r

C h ct e nd l v a ti on of th
a ra r a A D 2 70 The A lem a nnic w a 349
e e e . . . r
m p o C l udiu
e er r ib Th Al m nni i nv d I ta l y
a s 351 . e e a a e
A D 268 D a t h of A u ol s 339 A e a t l a t v nq ui h e d b y A u
. . . e re u r s a s re
C l m e nc y nd j u t ic of C l udiu
e aih li n s e 352 a s a
A D 2 71 S p e tit ion ce e
.

He u nd t a k e t h fo m a ti on of
er s e re r . . . u rs s r
th my e ar m oni es
A D 2 69 The G ot h in v d e the
.

. . . F o t ific t i ons of R om s a r a e
m pi e re 341 A u eli n pp e se the t w o u su r r a su r s s
Di t nd fi m n
s re ss a of C l udiu 342 per e ss a s rs
Hi vic t o y ov e t h e G ot h
s r Succ e ion of u u p e i n G ul
r s ss s r rs a
A D 2 7O D e t h of t h
. . mp e o
. A D 2 71 The e ig n nd d e f a t
a e e r r, . . . r a e
w ho c omm end A u el i n fo
re s r a r
hi ucc e o s s 344 A D 2 72 C h a a c te of Z enobi a 357
ss r . . . r r

t t m t a nd f l l of Q i nt i li s 345 H b u t y nd l e ni ng
.

Th e a e a u u er ea a ar
O i gi n a n
r rv i c es of A e li n ih
se H v l ou urib a er a r
A u li n s ucc ful e i gn
. .

re a
’
s Sh v eng h e hu b nd d t h
e ss r e re es r s a
’
s ea
His se v e di cipli ne re ih R i gn ov the ea t a nd E gyp t
s ih . e s er s .
 C O NTENTS .

A D
. . p di t ion of A u
2 72 The . ex e A u li n upp r
re tha b llion s e sse s e re e
re l i a n of Pi m u n E gY
y t r s 1

The em p e o d f a t t h P l m y e r r e e s e a r A D 274 T iu m p h f A i l i i
. . r O i re ar
ni n i n t h e b a t t l e of A nt i och
a s s Hi s t re a t m e nt of Te tri cu s a nd Z e
nobi a
The t te of P a l m y ra
s a 362 Hi s m a gni fic enc e a nd de v ot i on
It b i ged b y A u eli n
is es e r a He supp re sse s a se di t i on a t Rome
A u e li n b c om m t of Ze
r a e es a s er O b serv a t i ons up on i t
nobi a a nd of th e ci t y 364 C u l t y of A u li n
r e re a
B h a vi ou of Z nobi a
e r e 365 A D 2 75 H m ch e i nt o the
. . . e ar s
R be lli on a nd u i n of P a l my a
e r r 366 a t nd
e a s i n te d
s , a i s a ss s a

C H APTE R XII .

O
C N DU C TO F T HE A R M Y A ND S E N A T E A FT E R T H E D E A TH O F A U R E LIA N —R EI G N S
or T A C I TU S P R O B US C A R U S A N D H I S S O N S
.

.
, , ,

E x t ra ordi na ry c onte st be t w ee n th e Introduc t i on a ndsettl em ent of the

a rm y t h e se na t e for t he
a nd
ch ic p
o e of a n e m eror D a ing e nte p ri se of t he F an k s 395
r r r
A D 2 75 A p e c eful
. . . a A D 2 79 R ev ol t of Sa t nin s i n
. . . ur u
n m of e i gh t m ont h s
u t h e e a st
The c onsul a em bl e th e ss s A D 280 R ev ol t of Bono us a rid
. . . s
C h a ra ct e of T a ci t u s r P oc l G ul
r u us i a a
He s e l e ct e d e m p e o
r r r A D 2 81 T iu m ph of t h e e mp e or
. . . r r
He cc e p t t h e pu pl e
a s r P obu r s
A u t h o it y of t he sena te
r Hi di cipli ne
s s
Th e i j oyy a nd c onfidenc e
r A I) 2 82 Hi de th
. . s a
A D 2 76 T ci t u i a cknow
. . . a s s E l ec t i on a nd ch c te r of C a u s a ra r
l edg e d b y t he a m y r The se nt i m e nts of th e se na t e a nd
Th e A l ni i nv a d e A i a a nd ai e
C aru s d e f a ts th e S a mt i a ns a rid
a s , p p le eO

p l ed by T a ci t u
re u s s e r a ,

A D 2 76 D ea t h of t he em p e or
. . . r m ch e i nt o th e e t
ar s as
T a cit us A D 2 88 H g ve a udi nce t o
. . . e
.

i s e
U su p a t i on a nd d e a t h of his b ro
r t h e P e i ng m b a do s rs a a a ss r
t h e F l o i a nu r r s A D 2 83 Hi vic to i es a nd ex
. . . s r
Th e i f m il y ub si t i n Obscu
r a s s s t ra o di n y d e t h r ar a
it y r He s ucc ee d d b y h i t w o son
i s e s s,
C h a ra c te a nd ele va ti oir ofthe em
r C in nd N m e i a n
ar us a u r

p e o P obu r r r s A D 284 V ic of C a i n
. .
ih es r us
Hi e p e c t f l c onduc t tow a rds the
.
.

sr s u He c el b a te t h R om a n g a me
e r 406
s e s
e na t e
s S ect a cle of R ome s 407
V ic to i es of P obu s ov e the ba r
r r r T e a m pphith e a t e 408 r
b ari a ns R et u n of‘ r N m e i a n wi t h the u r
A D 2 77 He delivers Ga ul f oin
. . . r a m y fi om P ersi a
r 410
th e i nv i on of t h e G e m a ns as r D e a t h of N m e i n u 412 r a
He c a rri es h i s a rms i nt o G e r A D 2 84 E l ect i on of t he e m
. . .

ma ny p e o Di ocl e t i a n
r r 413
He build s a w all from t he R hi ne
i .

A D 285 D e fe a t a nd dea th of
. . .

t o the D a nube C a ri nu s ib .

III C H A PTE R X .

T HE R EI G N O F D IO C L E T IA N AN D H I S TH R EE A SS O C IA T E S M A X I M IA N , G A L E R I U S ,
A ND C O N S T A NT I US —G E N ER A L R E E S T A L I S HM E N T O F O R D E R AN D T R A N U IL
,

B Q
TH E P E R S I A N W V I CTO R Y A N D T R I U M P H —TH E W FO R M O F
.

L ITY . - AR NE AD
M I N I S T R A T I O N —A D I C A T I O N AN D R E T I R E M E N O F D IOC L ET I A N AN D
.
, ,

. B T M A XI M IA N .

A D 2 85 E lev t i on a nd ch c
. . . a a ra D e p a t ment a nd h a rmony of the
r s
t of Di ocl ti ner e a 415 fo p i nc e ur 420 r s
Hi cl m nc y nd vic to y
s e e a r 417 S e i of e v ent s
r es 42 1
A D 286 A oci t ion nd cha
. . . ss a a A D 2 87 S t a te of the p ea sa nts
. . .

ct of M xi m i n
ra er a a ih of G ul a ih
A D 292 A oci ti on oftw o C
. .

. . . ss a ze Th e i b llion nd ch sti em ent 422

r re e a a s
G le i
sa rs, nd C on ta n a r us a s A D 2 87 R evolt of C ara si s n
. . . u u i
ti u s B i ta i n r 423
 CO NTENTS .

I mp o t a nc e of B i ta i n
r 424 C e i on of five p ovi nc e be yond
r ss r s
P ow e of C r i ib
a ra u s u s t h e Ti g i r s
A D 289 A ck nowl edged b y t he A m enia
.

. . . r
oth e e m p e o r 42 5 Ibe i a
r rs r
A D 294 Hi d ea t h
. . . 42 6sA D 303 T iu mph of Diocl et i a n . . . r
A D 296 Rec ove y of B ri ta i n nd M a xi m i n
r a a
Long b ence ofthe emp e o f om
. . .

b y C on t a nt ius sih . a s r rs r
D fe nce of t he f ontiers
e 427 r R om e
F o t ific a t i on
r sib Th e i si d nce a t M il na nd Ni . r re e a
Di en i on of th e b a rb i a ns
ss s s 42 8 c omedia ar
C onduc t of t h e m p e o s ib eD eb a sem ent of R ome a nd of the
r r .

V l ou of the C ars
a r 429 ae s n te se a
T e tment of th e b b i a ns
r a ih Ne w b odi e of gu a d J ovi a ns a id
ar ar s r s, r
W of A f ic a a nd E gy p t
.

a rs r 430 He c li n r u a s
A D 296 C onduct of Diocl et i a n
. . . C ivil m a gi t a cie l a id a side s r s
i n E gy p t 431 I m p i a l dignit y nd t i tl es er a
He upp e e books of lch ym y
s r ss s Diocl et i an ume th e di a dem
a a ss s
Nov l ty a nd p og ess of t h a t a rt i b
,

e r a nd i nt oduc e
r the Pe i a n
. r s rs
The P e rsi a n w ar c e m oni l re a
Ti id a t t he A rm eni a ri
r es New fo m of d m i ni t a t i on ; tw o r a s r
A D 2 86 Hi e t o ti on t o the
. . . s r s A u gu st i ndtw o C ars
ra a aes
t h one of A m e ni
r I nc ea se of t x s
r a r a e .

S ta te of t h c ou nt y e ib A bdi ca t i on ofD oclet a n a ndM a x

r 1 i
R ev ol t of t he p e 0 p 1e a nd nob le
.

ib imia n s .

S to y of M a m go
r R e em bl a nce t o C h a l the fift h s r es
T he P i a n e c ove A m eni a
e rs s r A D 304 Long ill ne of D i o
r r . . . ss
A D 296 Wa r be t w e n t he Pe
. . . cl t i a n e r e
i a n a nd the R oma ns
s s Hi s p de nce ru
D fea t of G l i
e ih
a er u s A D 305 C om pli a nc e of M a xi . . . .

Hi e c e p t i on b y Di ocl et i a n
s r 811 1
111 0

A D 297 Se c ond c a mp a i gn of
. . . R eti em e nt of Di ocl eti a n a t Sa r
G l i a er u s ih l on . a
Hi vic t o y
s r Hi p hil oso s
H i b h vi ou t o hi oy a l c a p t iv es 441
s e a r A D 313 i y d t h
sr . . . s ea
Ne goci t i on fo p c e
a ih rD c ip ti on of S l ona a nd the a d
ea . es r a
Spp ech of t h Pe i a n a mb a ssa do 442
e e rsj a c e nt c ou nt y r r
An w s of G l i
er ih O f Di ocl eti n p a l a c e
a er u s . a
’
s
M odera t ion of Diocl t i a n D e cli ne of t h a ts
e e r
C onclu ion a nda t icl of the t e a t y i h
s r of l e tt
es r . e rs
The A bo fixe d t he li m it be
ra s The new P l a toni ts
as s
t w een t he e m pires 444
 T HE H ISTO R Y

OF

“
T HE D E C L I N E A N D F A L L

OF

“
T HE R O MA N E MPIR E.

C H AP TE R I .

THE E X TE N T A ND A R Y F O R C E O F THE E M P I RE I N
M IL I T
THE A G E O F T H E A NT O N I NE S .

IN th e c ond c e nt u ry of t h e ch ri sti a n e ra t h e e m pi re I nt od c
se ,
r u
o r
of R om e c om p r e h e nd e d t h e fa i re st p a r t of t h e e a r t h

a nd t h e m ost civiliz e d p or ti on of m a nki nd T h e fron

.

t i e rs of t h a t e xt e nsiv e m ona r chy w e re g u a r de d b y

a nci e nt re now n a nd di scipli ne d v a l ou r T h e g e nt l e

.
,

but p ow e r ful i nflu e nc e of l a w s a nd m a nne r s h a d g ra

du a lly c e m e nt e d t h e u ni on of t h e p r ovi nc e s Th e i r .

p e a c e ful i nh a bi t a nt s e nj oy e d a nd a bu se d t h e a dva n
t a g e s of w e a l t h a nd luxu ry T h e i m a g e of a fre e
.

c onsti t uti on w a s p re se rv e d with d e c e nt r e v e re nc e : t h e

R om a n se na t e a pp e a r e d t o p osse ss t h e sov e re ig n a u
t h or i t y a nd d e v olv e d on t h e e m p e r ors a ll t h e e x e cutiv e
,

p ow e r s of g ov e rnm e nt D u ri ng a h a ppy p e ri od of 44 13
95 11 5
.

0
m or e t h a n fou r sc ore y e a rs t h e public a d m i ni st ra t i on
,

w a s c onduc t e d by t h e vi r tu e a nd a bili t i e s of N e r v a ,

T ra j a n H a d ri a n a nd t h e t w o A nt oni ne s It i s t h e
, ,
.

d e sig n of t hi s a nd of t h e t w o succ e e di ng ch a pt e rs t o ,

d e sc r ib e th e p rosp e rou s c ondi t i on of t h e i r e m pi re ; a nd

a ft e r w a r d s from th e d e a t h of M a r c u s A nt oni nu s t o
, ,

d e duc e t h e m ost i m port a nt ci rcu m st a nc e s of i t s d e cli ne

VO L . I . B
2 THE D E C LIN E A N D FA L L

a nd fa ll ; a r e v oluti on which will e v e r b e re m e m b e re d ,

a nd i s st ill fe l t by t h e na t i ons of t h e e a r t h .

T he p ri ncip a l c onqu e st s of t h e R om a ns w e r e a chi e v e d

u nd e r t h e r e public ; a nd t he e m p e rors for t h e m ost ,

p a r t w e re sa t i sfi e d wi t h p re se rvi ng t h ose d om ini ons

,

which h a d b e e n a cquir e d by t h e p olicy of t h e se na t e ,

t h e a c t iv e e m ul a t i on of t h e c onsul s a nd t h e m a r t i a l ,

e nt hu si a sm of t h e p e opl e T h e se v e n fi rst c e nt u r i e s .

w e re fill e d wi t h a ra pid succ e ssi on of t r iu m ph s ; b u t

i t w a s r e se r v e d for A ugu st u s t o r e li nqui sh t h e a m bi
t i ou s d e sig n of subdui ng t h e wh ol e e a r t h a nd t o i nt r o ,

duc e a S pi rit of m od e ra t i on i nt o t h e p ublic c ou ncil s .

I ncli ne d t o p e a c e by h i s t e m p e r a nd si t u a t i on i t w a s ,

e a sy for h i m t o di sc ov e r t h a t R om e i n h e r p re se nt , ,

e x a lt e d si t u a t i on h a d m uch l e ss t o h op e t h a n t o fe a r
,

from t h e ch a nc e of a rm s ; a nd t h a t i n t h e p rose cu t i on ,

of r e m ot e w a r s t h e u nd e r t a ki ng b e c a m e e v e r y da y
,

m or e di fficul t t h e e v e nt m or e d oub t ful a nd t h e p os

, ,

se ssi on m or e p r e c a r i ou s a nd l e ss b e ne fici a l T he e x , .

ri e nc e of A ugu stu s a dd e d w e igh t t o t h e se sa lu t a r y

p e

re fl e c t i ons a nd e ffe c t u a lly c onvi nc e d h i m t h a t

,
by t h e , ,

p rud e nt vig ou r of h i s c ou nse l s i t w ould be e a sy t o ,

se cu r e e v e r y c onc e ssi on which t h e sa fe t y or t h e dign i t y

of R om e m igh t r equi re fr om t h e m ost form id a bl e b a r

b a r i a ns I nst e a d of e xp osi ng h i s p e r son a nd h i s l e gi ons

.

t o t h e a rr ow s of t h e P a r t hi a ns h e obt a i ne d by a n , ,

h onou ra bl e t re a t y th e r e st i t u t i on of t h e st a nd a r d s a nd
,

p r i sone r s which h a db e e n t a k e n i n th e d e fe a t of C ra ssu s 8

.

H i s g e ne ra l s i n t h e e a rly p a r t of h i s r e ig n a t t e mpt e d
, ,

t h e r e duc t i on of E t hi opi a a nd A ra bi a F e lix Th e y .

m a r ch e d ne a r a t h ou sa nd m il e s t o t h e sou t h of t h e
t r O p i c; bu t t h e h e a t of t h e cli m a t e soon r e p e ll e d t h e

i nv a d e rs a nd p rot e c t e d t h e u nw a rlik e na t iv e s of t h ose

,

b
se qu e st e r e d r e i ons
g T h e nor t h e r n c ou nt r i e s of Eu .

3
Di on C iu l liv p 736 wi t h t h nnot t ion of R y m w h o h
a ss s, . . . . e a a s e a r, as
c ol l c t d l l t h t R om n v ni t y h l ft up on t h ubj c t Th m bl of
e e a a a a as e e s e e ar e
A ncy on which Augu t u c o d d hi o n xpl oi t
.

ra , t t h t h com
s s re r e s w e s, a sse r s a e

p l t d t h P t hi n t o
e e e toar th n ig n of C
a s u res re e e s s ra ss s.
b
S t b o l xvi p 780 P li ny t h ld Hi t N t 1 vi c 32 35 nd
ra , . . . . e e er , s . a . . . . . . a
Di on C iu l liii p 72 3 nd l liv p 734 h v l ft v y cu i ou d
a ss s, . . . . a . . . . a e e us er r s e
t il
a c onc ni ng t h
s er w Th Rom a n m d e t h m elv
e se m t
a rs. of e s a e s es a s e rs
 O F THE R O MA N E MP IRE . 3
rop e sc a rc e ly d e se rv e d th e e xp e nse a nd l a b ou r of con C H A P .

I
qu e st T h e fore st s a nd m ora sse s of G e rm a ny w e re
.
'

fill e d wi t h a h a r dy ra c e of b a rb a r i a ns w h o d e spi se d ,

life wh e n it w a s se p a ra t e d from fre e d om ; a nd th ough

on t h e fi r st a t t a c k t h e y se e m e d t o yi e ld t o t h e w e ight

of t h e R om a n p ow e r th e y soon by a sig na l a ct of , ,

d e sp a i r re g a i ne d th e i r i nd e p e nd e nc e a nd r e m i nd e d
, ,

A ugu stu s of t h e vici ssi t ud e of for t u ne O n th e de a t h C

.

of t h a t e m p e r or h i s t e st a m e nt w a s p u blicly r e a d i n ,

t h e se na t e H e b e qu e a t h e d a s a v a lu a bl e l e g a cy t o
.
,

h i s succ e ssor s t h e a dvic e of c onfi ni ng t h e e m pi r e wi t hi n

,

th ose li m it s which n a tu re se e m e d t o h a v e pl a c e d a s i t s
p e rm a ne nt bulw a rk s a nd b ou nd a ri e s ; on th e w e st t h e
A t l a nt ic oc e a n ; t h e Rhi ne a nd D a nub e on t h e nor t h ;
t h e Euph ra t e s on t h e e a st ; a nd t ow a rd s t h e south , ,

t h e sa ndy d e se rt s of A ra bi a a nd A fr ic a d .

H a ppily for t h e r e p ose of m a nki nd t h e m od e r a t e I mi t ted by , a

gis
cce ‘
sy st e m r e c om m e nd e d by t h e wi sd om of A ugu st u s w a s
u s
,

a d op t e d b t h e fe a r s a nd vic e s of h i s i m m e di a t e su c
y
'

ce ssor s E ng a g e d i n t h e pur sui t of pl e a su r e or i n t h e

.
,

e x e r ci se of t y ra nny t h e fi r st C ae sa rs se ld om sh ow e d ,

th e m se lv e s t o t h e a rm i e s or t o t h e p r ovi nc e s ; nor w e re ,

t h e y di sp ose d t o su ffe r t h a t t h ose t r iu m ph s which ,

t he i r i nd ol e nc e ne gl e c t e d sh ould b e u su r p e d by t h e ,

c onduct a nd v a l ou r of t h e i r li e u t e na nt s T h e m ili t a r y .

fa m e of a subj e c t w a s c onsid e r e d a s a n i nsol e nt i nv a

si on of t h e i m e ri a L r e r o a t i ve ; a nd i t b e c a m e t h e
p p g
du t y a s w e ll a s i nt e re st of e v e r y R om a n g e ne ra l t o
,
\
, ,

gu a r d t h e fr ont i e rs i nt r u st e d t o h i s c a re wi t h ou t a sp i r ,

i ng t o c onqu e st s which m igh t h a v e p rov e d no l e ss fa t a l

t o hi m se lf t h a n t o t h e va nq u i sh e d b a rb a ri a ns
"
.

M i b o M b
ar a a, ci t y of A bi Felix w ll k now n t o t h o i nt l
r e ra
'
a ra a e e r e a s

A bulf d nd th N bi n g og phy p 52 Th y w e
, ,

se e e a a e i d w i t hi n
u a e ra , . . e re a rr ve

th d y j ou n y of t h S pic c ou nt y t h ich obj c t of t h n mn

’
re e a s r e e e r , e r e e 1r i va s .

c By t h l ugh t of V u nd hi t h l gi on th fi t b ook of
ar s a s re e e s : see e rs
e s a er

t h A nn l of T ci t u ; S
e a s t on i n A ugu t a 2 3; nd V l l
s P t cl
ue . s . 0 . a e ei u s a e r u us ,

1 ii c I 17 t c A ugu t u d d not
. . . , e c iv t h m l nch oly n w W i t h ll
. s s 1 re e e e e a e s a

th t m p
e e nd fi mn t h t m igh t h v b
er a n xp c t d f om h
r e ss ch c t a a e ee e e e r is a ra e r.
d T ci
t A nn l 1 ii Di on C
a . iu l lvi p 833 nd t h p ch of A
a . . . a ss s, . . . . a e s ee u

gu t u hi m lf i n J uli n C
s s se 1t ,
c iv g t ligh t f om t h l n d
a
’
s aesa rs. re e es re a r e ea r e

not of h i F e nch t
es n l t o M Sp nh i m
s r ra s a r, . a e .

e G m nicu Su t oniu P uli nu nd A g ic ol w ch ck d nd

er a s, e s a s, a r a, e re e e a re

c ll d i n th c o
a e of t h i vic t o i
e C o b lo w
urse p t to d th M i
e rl t y r e s. r u as u ea . 1ar

3 2
 THE D E C LIN E A N D FA L L
CHAP .
Th e ly a cc e ssi on which th e R oma n e mpi re r e
on

ce i ve d du r i ng t h e fi rst c e nt u ry of t h e ch r i st i a n e ra

“
conql‘
,

t f
w a s t h e p r ovi nc e of B r i t a i n In t hi s si ngl e i nst a nc e
eS O

B it in
r a w as
.
\

th fi t x
e rs e t h e succ e ssors of C ae sa r a nd A ugu st u s w e r e p e rsu a d e d
c pt i on t o
t o foll ow t h e e x a m pl e of t h e for m e r r a t h e r t h a n t h e
e

it
.
,

p re c e pt of t h e l a t t e r T h e p r oxi m i t y of i t s si t u a t i on
.

t o t h e c oa st of G a ul se e m e d t o i nvi t e t h e i r a rm s ; t h e
pl e a si ng t h ough d oubtful i nt e llig e nc e of a p e a rl fi sh
,
f
e ry a t t ra c t e d t h e i r a va r i c
,
e ; a nd a s B r i t a i n w a s vi e w e d

i n t h e ligh t of a di st i nc t a nd i nsul a t e d w orld t h e con ,

qu e st sc a rc e ly form e d a ny e xc e p t i on t o t h e g e ne ra l
sy st e m of c ont i ne nt a l m e a su r e s A ft e r a w a r of a b ou t .

fort y y e a rs u nd e r t a k e n by t h e m ost stupid m a i n

, ,

t a i ne d by t h e m ost di ssolu t e a nd t e r m i na t e d by t h e ,

m ost ti m id o f a l l t h e e m p e r ors g t h e fa r g
re a t e r p a r t ,

of t h e i sl a nd sub m i t t e d t o t h e R om a n y ok e T he .

v a r i ou s t r ib e s of B r i t ons p osse sse d v a l ou r wi t h ou t con

duc t a nd t h e l ov e of fre e d om wi t h ou t t h e spi ri t of
,

u ni on Th e y t ook up a r m s wi t h sa v a g e fi e r ce ne ss ;
.

t h e y l a id t h e m d ow n or t u rne d t h e m a g a i nst e a ch
,

ot h e r wi t h wild i nc onst a ncy ; a nd whil e t h e y fought

,

si ngly t h e y w e r e succ e ssiv e ly subdu e d

, N e i th e r t h e .

for t i t ud e of C a r a c t a cu s nor t h e d e sp a i r of B oa dic e a

, ,

nor t h e fa na t ici sm of t h e d r uid s c ould a v e r t t h e sl a v e r y ,

of t h e i r c ou nt r y or re si st t h e st e a dy p r og r e ss of t h e
,

i m p e ri a l g e ne ra l s w h o m a i nt a i ne d t h e na t i ona l gl ory
, ,

wh e n th e t h rone w a s di sg ra c e d by t h e w e a k e st or th e
m ost vici ou s of m a nki nd A t t h e v e ry t i m e wh e n D o
.

m i t i a n c onfi ne d t o h i s p a l a c e fe l t t h e t e rr ors which

, ,

i d i bly xp
m er t , a s i t i s a m ra d by T ci u
e re sse a t s, w as, i n t h e st r t e st se nse of ic
the w d i
or , p i vi u
m e ra t or a rt s
”
.

C hilf c c l h ig bl
ae sa r m se on e a s t a tiv no e m ot e ; b u t i t i s m e nt one i d by
Su iu
e ton s, c 47 BiihT he
. l p v d h w v
r t s. e a r s ro e , o e e r, of i tt e
l a e , on a o l v lu
c u h i
o nt of t e rd k livi c l u T ci u b v
ar a nd oo r a t s o ser e s,
. t re a son, i n wi h
A g ic l
r o a, c 1 h i h d fc
2 t a t i t w a s a n n e re nt e e t :
. . Ego fa cil i us cre di de ri m,
u g
ii qu
na t ra m m a r a r t s de e sse b a m no i s a va ri ti a m .

g a N
C l udiu s, D ii
e ro, a nd A om t a nxp h 0 pe i s e re sse
. Pom p oni us d by
l iii
Me a , 1 . w
0 6 (h e
. u d C l udiu h by
.rot e
. n er a s, ) t a t , t he s e ss of t he R 0 ucc .

il d v g i h bi w uld
m a n a rms, t h e s a n a ndi t s sa a e n a t a nt s o soon b e e t te r no n b k w
L d
.

u i g ugh p u uch p g
I t i s a m s n e no id a ssa e s i n t h e m st of
‘
t o e r se s on on .

1
d i bl b idg
See t h e a m ra e a r by T ci u
e m e nt g 1ve n a t s, i n t h e e of r o a, lif A g ic l
c pi u ly h ugh p h p
a nd o o s , t o c pl ly illu
e r a s not d
om e t e st ra te ou r ow n a nt by i
q C d
u a ri a ns, a m H l y
e n a nd ors e .
 O F TH E R OMA N E MP IRE . 5

he i nspi re d h i s l e gi ons u nd e r t he c omma nd of t h e

, ,

vi rt u ou s A g ric ol a d e fe a t e d t h e c oll e c t e d for c e of t h e

,

C a l e d oni a ns a t t h e foot of t h e G ra m pi a n hill s ; a nd h i s

fl e e t s v e nt u r i ng t o e xpl ore a n u nk now n a nd d a ng e r ou s
,

na vig a t i on di spl a y e d t h e R om a n a r m s r ou nd e v e r y
,

p a r t of t h e i sl a nd T h e c onqu e st of B ri t a i n w a s con
.

si de re d a s a l re a dy a chi e v e d ; a nd it w a s t h e d e sig n of

A g r ic ol a t o c om pl e t e a nd e nsu re h i s succ e ss by t h e
e a sy re duc t i on of Ir e l a nd for which i n h i s Opi ni on
, , ,

i
one l e gi on a nd a fe w a uxili a r i e s w e r e su ffi c i e nt T he .

w e ste rn i sl e m igh t b e i m p rov e d i nt o a v a lu a bl e p osse s

si on ; a nd t h e B ri t ons w ould w e a r th e i r ch a i ns wi t h t h e

l e ss re luc t a nc e if t h e p rosp e c t a nd e x a m pl e of fre e d om

,

w a s on e v e r y sid e r e m ov e d fr om b e for e t h e i r e y e s .

B u t t h e sup e ri or m e r it of A g ric ol a soon occ a si one d

h i s r e m ov a l from t h e g ov e rnm e nt of B r it a i n a nd for ,

e v e r di sa pp oi nt e dt hi s r a t i ona l t h ough e x t e nsiv e sch e m e

,

of c onqu e st . B e fore h i s d e p a rt u re t h e p rud e nt g e ,

ne ra l h a d p r ovid e d for se cu r i t y a s w e ll a s for d om i ni on .

H e h a d ob se r v e d t h a t t h e i sl a nd i s a l m ost divid e d i nt o
t w o u ne qu a l p a r t s by t h e opp osit e gulfs or a s t h e y , ,

a r e now c a ll e d t h e fr i t h s of S c otl a nd A c r oss t h e

, .

na rr ow i nt e r v a l of a b ou t for ty m il e s h e h a d d ra w n a ,

li ne of m ili t a ry st a t i ons which w a s a ft e rw a r d s for tifi e d

, ,

i n t h e re ig n of A n t oni nu s P iu s by a t u r f r a m p a r t ,

k
e r e c t e d on fou nd a t i ons of st one Thi s w a ll of A n .

t oni nu s a t a sm a ll di st a nc e b e y ond t h e m od e rn ci t i e s
,

of Edi nbu r gh a nd Gl a sg ow w a s fix e d a s t h e li m i t of ,

t h e R om a n p rovi nc e T h e na t iv e C a l e d oni a ns p r e
.

se r v e d i n t h e nor t h e rn e x t r e m i t y of t h e i sl a nd t h e i r
wild i nd e p e nd e nc e for which t h e y w e r e not l e ss i n
,

d e bt e d t o t h e i r p ov e r ty t h a n t o th e i r v a l ou r Th e i r .

‘
i nc u rsi ons w e re fre qu e nt ly r e p e ll e d a nd ch a st i se d ; but
T h e m a st e r s of
'
t h e i r c ou nt ry w a s ne v e r subdu e d .

i The r s Iihwi j l u h i i
r t e rs, e a o s of t e r na t ona ono r, a re e t rem el h u
p ro x ly
voke d on t hi cc i b h wi h T c u
s o a s on ot
, t a 1t s a nd t r oa wi h A g ic l .

Se e H ly Bi r t a nni a Rom a na
l i
’
ors e s c 10
l The oet , . . . .

p Buch c lb ih l g
a na n e e ra t e s, w t c
e e a n e a ndSpi ri t , ( see hi s ae v Sylv
i dp d c iv c
t he u nv1ol a t e d n e e n e n e of h 1s na t e o nt r u y
B u t , t he s n e t e st1 . if i gl
mon of R
y ich d C i c
ar of u ci
re n e st e r w a s s ffi e nt t o re a t e a Roma n ro n e
c p vi c
 6 T H E D E C L I N E AN D FA L L
‘
C HA R fa i re st a nd m ost w e a l t hy clim a t e s of t h e gl ob e
the ,
I
t u r ne d wi t h c ont e m p t from gl oom y hill s a ssa il e d by t h e
.

wi nt e r t e m p e st from l a k e s c onc e a l e d i n a blu e m i st a nd , ,

fr om c old a nd l one ly h e a t h s ov e r which t h e d e e r of t h e ,

”
fore st w e r e ch a se d by a t r oop of na k e d b a rb a ri a ns .

C onqu t of Such w a s t h e st a t e of t h e R om a n front i e rs a nd such

es
,
D m th
a a e
sec ond x t h e m a xi m s of i m p e ri a l p olicy from t h e d e a t h of A u
e
c p t on
e i
gu st u s t o t h e a cc e ssi on of T ra j a n Th a t vi rt u ou s a nd
.
.

a c t iv e p r i nc e h a d r e c e iv e d t h e e duc a t i on of a soldi e r ,

a nd p osse sse d t h e t a l e nt s of a g e ne ra l T h e p e a ce "

.

ful sy st e m of h i s p re d e c e ssors w a s i nt e rrup t e d by

sc e ne s of w a r a nd c onqu e st ; a nd t h e l e gi ons a ft e r a ,

l ong i nt e rv a l b e h e ld a m ili t a ry e mp e ror a t t h e i r h e a d

,
.

T h e fi rst e xpl oi t s of T ra j a n w e re a g a i nst t h e D a ci a ns ,

t h e m ost w a rlik e of m e n w h o dw e l t b e y ond t h e D a n ,

u be a nd w h o du ri ng t h e r e ig n of D om i t i a n h a d i n
, , ,

su l t e d wi t h i m pu ni t y t h e m a j e st y of R om e T o the °
.

st r e ng t h a nd fi e r c e ne ss of b a r b a r i a ns t h e y a dd e d a

c ont e m p t for life which w a s d e riv e d fr om a w a rm p e r ,

su a si on of t h e i m m ort a li t y a nd t ra nsm ig ra t i on of t h e

sou l P D e ce ba l u s t h e D a ci a n ki ng a pp rov e d hi m se lf
.
, ,

a r iv a l not u nw or t hy of T ra j a n ; nor did h e d e sp a i r of

h i s ow n a nd t h e public for t u ne t ill by t h e c onfe ssi on , ,

of h i s e ne m i e s h e h a d e xh a u st e d e v e r y re sou r c e b ot h ,

f
o v l ou a r a d p
n o l i cy q Thi s m e mora bl e w a r wi t h a .
,

v e ry sh or t su sp e nsi on of h ost ili t i e s l a st e d fi ve y e a rs ; ,

/
a nd a s t h e e m p e r or c ould e x e r t wi t h ou t c ont rol t he , ,

wh ol e forbe of t h e st a t e i t w a s t e rm i na t e d by t h e a h ,

solu t e sub m i ssi on of t h e b a r b a ri a ns T h e ne w p ro ’

.

vi nc e of D a ci a which form e d a se c ond e xc e p t i on t o ,

t h e p r e c e p t of A ugu st u s w a s a b ou t t hi rt e e n hu nd r e d ,

of V p i a n t o th e no t h of th w ll t h a t i nd p nd nc w ould b
es a s a duc d r e a , e e e e e re e
W i t hi n v y n ow l i m t er a rr 1 s.

e A ppi n i n P oo u nifo m i m g y of O i n Po m
m S
em nd t h
’
e a , r . a e r a er ss a s e s,
which cco di ng t o v y hy pot h i w c om p o d by n t iv C
, a r e er e s s, e re se a a e a
l e doni a n
‘ Pli y P
1
S ee
.

gy ic which ems fou nde d on fa c t

n
’
s a ne r , se s.

Di on C iu l lxvii a ss s,
P
. .

H e odotus 1 iv 0 94 J uli a n i n t he C a wi th
r , . . . . ae s rs, Sp a nhe i m
’
s ob
se rva t i ons.
‘Pli n E pi t viii
1 . s . .9 .

Di on C a ss iu s xvi i p 112 3 1131; J uli a n i n C ze sa

, 11 . 1. . . ri bu s ; Eu t ro
piu s viii 2
, . . 6 ; A u re liu V ic t or a nd V ic t o i n E pi tom e
s , r .
 O F TH E R O MAN E MP IRE . 7

m il e s i n ci r cum fe re nc e . It s na tu ra l b ou nd a ri e s w e re C H A P .

1
the Ni e st e r t he T e y ss T i bi scu s, t h e L ow e r Dan
'

, or

u be , a nd the
E uxi ne se a Th e v e stig e s of a m ili t a r y .

r oa d m a y st ill b e t ra c e d from t h e b a nks of t h e D a nub e

t o t h e ne ighb ou rh ood of B e nd e r a pl a c e fa m ou s i n ,

m od e rn hi st or y a nd t h e a c t u a l fr ont i e r of t h e Tu rki sh
,

a nd Ru ssi a n e m i r e s
s
p .

T ra j a n w a s a m bi t i ou s of fa m e ; a nd a s l ong a s m a n C on‘qu '

e st s

m
.

ki nd sh a ll c ont i nu e t o b e st ow m ore lib e ra l a ppl a u se on

t h e i r d e st r oy e rs t h a n on t h e i r b e ne fa c t or s t h e t hi r st ,

of m ili t a ry gl or y will e v e r b e t h e vic e of t h e m ost e x

a lte d c h a ra ct e rs T h e p ra i se s of A l e x a nd e r t ra ns
'

.
,

m i t t e d by a succ e ssi on of p oe t s a nd hi st ori a ns h a d ,

ki ndl e d a d a ng e rou s e m ul a ti on i n t h e m i nd of T ra j a n .

Lik e h i m t h e R om a n e m p e r or u nd e r took a n e xp e di
,

ti on a g a i nst t h e na t i ons of t h e e a st ; but h e l a m e nt e d

wi t h a sigh t h a t h i s a dv a nc e d a g e sc a rc e ly l e ft h i m a ny
,

h op e s of e qu a lli ng t h e r e now n of t h e son of P hilip t

Y e t t h e succ e ss of T r a j a n h ow e v e r t r a nsi e nt w a s

“
, ,

r a pid a nd sp e ci ou s T h e d e g e ne r a t e P a r t hi a ns b r ok e n
.
,

by i nt e st i ne di sc or d fl e d b e fore h i s a rm s H e de , .

sc e nd e d t h e r iv e r Tig r i s i n t r iu m ph from t h e m ou n ,

t a i ns of A rm e ni a t o t h e P e rsi a n gulf H e e nj oy e d .

t h e h onou r of b e i ng t h e fi rst a s h e w a s t h e l a st of t h e ,

R om a n g e ne ra l s w h o e v e r na vig a t e d t h a t r e m ot e se a
, .

H i s fl e e t s r a v a g e d t h e c oa st s of A ra bi a ; a nd T ra j a n
v a i nly fl a t t e re d hi m se lf t h a t h e w a s a p p r oa chi ng t o
w a r d s t h e c onfi ne s of I ndi a Ev e r y da y t h e a st on .

i sh e d se na t e r e c e iv e d t h e i nt e llig e nc e of ne w na m e s
a nd ne w na ti ons t h a t a ck nowl e dg e d h i s sw a y Th e y .

‘
w e re i nform e d t h a t t h e ki ng s of B osp h or u s C olch os
, , ,

I b e r i a A lb a ni a O srh oe ne a nd e v e n t h e P a r t hi a n m on
, , ,

a r ch hi m se lf h a d a cc e p t e d t h e i r di a d e m s from t h e
,

h a nd s of t h e e m p e ror ; t h a t t h e i nd e p e nd e nt t rib e s of
8
Se e a i M d A nvi l l e on t he p ovi nc e of D a ci a i n t he A ca dé
m e m o r of .
’
r ,

mi e de s I n c ip t i on t om xxviii p 444— 468

s r s, . . . .

t T j n nt i m nt a e e p se nt e d n 3 v e y j u t a nd l v ly m a nne n
ra a
’
s se e s r r re 1 . r s 1 e r i

t he C a of J uli n
ae s rs a .

E t pi
u rO nd S e x t s R ufu
us a h a v e e nd v ou e d t o p p t u a t th e 1ll
u s ea r er e e u

si on . S ee a v y e n ibl di se ta t i on of M F e t n t he A c a d é mi e de s
er s s e s r . re r l

I nscrip t i ons t om xxi p 55

, . . . .
8 T HE D E C LIN E A N D F A L L
the M e di a n a nd C a rdu ch i a n hill s h a d i m pl ore d hi s p ro
t e ct i on ; a nd t h a t t h e r ich c ou nt ri e s of A r m e ni a Me ,

s0 p ot a m i a a nd A ssy r i a ,
w e re r e duc e d i nt o t h e st a t e ,

of p r ovi nc e s B u t t h e d e a t h of T r a j a n soon cl oud e d

"
.

t h e spl e ndid p r osp e c t ; a nd i t w a s j u st ly t o b e d r e a d e d ,

t h a t so m a ny di st a nt na t i ons w ould t h r ow off t h e u n

a ccu st om e d y ok e wh e n t h e y w e r e no l ong e r r e st ra i ne d
,

by t h e p ow e r ful h a nd which h a d i m p ose d i t .

It w a s a n a nc i e nt t ra di t i on t h a t wh e n t h e c a pi t ol ,

w a s fou nd e d by one of t h e R om a n ki ng s t h e g od ,

T e r m i nu s (w h o p re sid e d ov e r b ou nd a ri e s a nd w a s r e ,

p re se nt e d a cc ordi ng t o t h e fa shi on of t h a t a g e by a
, ,

l a rg e st one ) a l one a m ong a ll t h e i nfe ri or d e i t i e s r e

, ,

fu se d t o yi e ld h i s pl a c e t o J upi te r hi m se lf A fa v ou r .

a bl e i nfe re nc e w a s dr a w n from h i s ob st i na cy which ,

w a s i nt e r p r e t e d by t h e a ugu r s a s a su r e p r e sa g e t h a t

t h e b ou nd a ri e s of t h e R om a n p ow e r w ould ne v e r r e
ce de y Du ri ng m a ny a ge s t h e p re dic t i on a s i t i s u su a l
.
, , ,

“
c ont ribu t e d t o i t s ow n a cc om pli sh m e nt B u t t h ough .

T e rm i nu s h a d re si st e d t h e m a j e st y of J upi t e r h e su b ,

”
m i t t e d t o t h e a u t h or ity of t h e e m p e r or H a d ri a n T he .

r e sig na t i on of a l l t h e e a st e r n c onqu e st s of T r a j a n w a s

t h e fi r st m e a su re of h i s r e ig n H e r e st or e d t o t h e .

P a r t hi a ns t h e e l e c t i on of a n i nd e p e nd e nt sov e re ig n ,

wi t h d re w t h e R om a n g a rri sons from t h e p r ovi nc e s of

A rme ni a M e sop ot a m i a a nd A ssy ri a ; a nd i n c om pli
, , ,

a nc e wi t h t h e p r e c e p t of A ugu st us onc e m or e e st a b ,

li sh e d t h e Euph ra t e s a s t h e front i e r of t h e e m pi re .

C e nsu re which a rr a ig ns t h e public a c ti ons a nd t h e

,

p riv a t e m ot iv e s of p r i nc e s h a s a sc r ib e d t o e nvy a con ,

duc t which m igh t b e a t t ri bu t e d t o t h e p r ud e nc e a nd

m od e ra t i on of H a d r i a n T h e v a r i ou s ch a r a c te r of t h a t .

e m p e r or c a p a bl e by t u r ns of t h e m e a ne st a nd t h e
, , ,

x
Di on C iu l lxviii a nd t h a bb e vi to
a ss s, . e r a rs.

Livy a nd D i ony sius of H lic a na ssus

.

3 O vid F
'
t 1 ii . 667
as S . . . v er . ee a r
, ,

u nd t h e ig n of T a qu i n
er e r r .

3
S t A ugu t i n i highly d ligh t d wi t h t h e p oof of t h w ea k n
. s s e of Te e r e e ss r
mi nu a nd t he v ni t y of t h
s, ugu aS D e C ivi t a t D i iv 2 9
e a rs. ee e e .

S e t he A ugu t a n Hi t o y p 5 J e om
, .

a. e s C h onicl e nd a ll t h e
s r , . r e s
’
r a
e pi t om i It i
se rs ome wh a t su p i i ng t h a t t hi me mo a bl e e v e nt sh ould
. s s r r s s r
be om i t t d by Di on o ra t h e r by Xi ph l n
e , r 11 .
 OF TH E R OMA N E MP IR E . 9

m ost g e ne rou s se nti m e nt s m a y a ffor d som e c ol ou r t o C H A P , .

I
t h e su spici on It w a s h ow e v e r sc a r c e ly i n h i s p ow e r
.
, ,
'

t o pl a c e t h e sup e r i or i t y of h i s p r e d e c e ssor i n a m o re

c onspicu ou s ligh t t h a n by t hu s c onfe ssi ng hi m se lf u m

,

e qu a l t o t h e t a sk of d e fe ndi ng t h e c onqu est s of T ra j a n .

T h e m a rti a l a nd a mbi t i ou s spi r t of T ra j a n form e d a C ont t of

i ra s

v e ry si ngul a r c ont ra st wi t h t h e m od e ra t i on of h i s 5110 fnfifi gni d ’

c e ssor T h e r e stl e ss a c t ivi ty of H a d ri a n w a s not l e ss n P

.
us 11
18

r e m a r k a bl e wh e n c om p a r e d wi t h t h e g e nt l e r e p ose of

A nt oni nu s P iu s T h e life of t h e forme r w a s a l most a

.

p e rp e t u a l j ou rne y ; a nd a s h e p osse sse d t h e v a ri ou s

t a l e nt s of t h e soldi e r t h e st a t e sm a n a nd t h e sch ol a r , , ,‘

h e g r a t ifi e d h i s cu r i osi t y i n t h e di sch a r g e of h i s dut y .

C a re l e ss of th e di ffe re nc e of se a sons a nd of cli m a t e s h e ,

m a r ch e d 0 11 foot a nd b a r e h e a d e d ov e r t h e snow s of
, ,

C a l e d oni a a nd t h e sul t ry pl a i ns of t h e U pp e r Egyp t ;

,

nor w a s th e r e a p r ovi nc e of t h e e m pi re which i n t h e ,

c ou rse of h i s r e ig n w a s not h onou re d wi t h t h e p r e

,

se nc e of t h e m ona r ch
b B u t th e t ra nquil life of A n .

t oni nu s P iu s w a s sp e nt i n t h e b osom of I t a ly ; a nd ,

du ri ng t h e t w e nt y t h re e y e a rs t h a t h e di re c t e d t h e
-

public a d m i ni st ra t i on th e l ong e st j ou rne y s of t h a t a m i

,

a bl e p r i nc e e x t e nd e d no fa r th e r t h a n fr om h i s p a l a c e
c
i n R om e t o t h e r e t i re m e nt of h i s L a nuvi a n vill a ( .

N ot wi t h st a ndi ng t hi s di ffe r e nc e i n t h e i r p e l sona l P ci fic y a s s

c onduc t t h e g e ne i a l sy st e m of A ugu st u s w a s e qu a lly

,

a d op e d a d u nifo
t n r m ly pu r su e d by H a d ri a n a nd by t h t o e w

A nt oni ne s
t h e t w o A nt oni ne s Th e y p e rsi st e d l n t h e d e sig n of
.

m a i nt a i ni ng t h e dig ni t y of t h e e m pi re wi t h ou t a t t e m pt ,

i ng t o e nl a r g e i t s li m i t s By e v e ry h onou ra bl e e X p e .
~

di e nt t h e y i nvi t e d t h e fri e nd ship of t h e b a r b a ri a ns ;

a nd e nd e a v ou r e d t o c onvi nc e m a nki nd tha t the R 0 ,

m a n p ow e r r a i se d a b ov e t h e t e m p t a t i on of c onqu e st
, ,

w a s a ctu a t e d only by t h e l ov e of or d e r a nd j u st ic e .

D u ri ng a l ong p e r i od of for t y t h re e y e a r s t h e i r vi r t u ou s -
,

l a b ou rs w e re c r ow ne d wi t h succ e ss ; a nd if w e e xc e p t a
1 Di on 1 1 1 p 11 Hi t A ug t p 5 8 If ll o hi to i n
’
, 58
. 1
111. . . s . us . . . . a ur s r a s

w l o t m d l i n c ipt i on nd ot h m onu m nt ould b u ffici nt t o

e re s , e a s, s r s, a er e s e s e

re c o d t h t v l of H d i n
r e ra e s a r a .

0
S t he A ugu t n H t o y
ee nd t hs apitome 1s r , a e e s.
 10 TH E D E C LIN E A N D FAL L
CHAP . fe w light h ost iliti e s tha t se rv e d t o e x e r ci se t h e l e gi ons
s
1
of t h e fr ont i e r t h e r e l g ns of H a d r i a n a nd A nt oni nu s
'

P iu s offe r t h e fa i r p rosp e c t of u niv e rsa l p e a c e d T he \

.

R oma n na m e w a s re v e r e d a m ong t h e m ost r e m ot e na

t i ons of t h e e a r t h T h e fi e r c e st b a rb a r i a ns fre qu e nt ly
.

sub m i tt e d t h e i r di ffe r e nc e s t o t h e a rbi t r a t i on of t h e

e m p e r or ; a nd w e a r e i nform e d by a c ont e m p or a r y h i s

t or i a n t h a t h e h a d se e n a m b a ssa d ors w h o w e r e r e fu se d
,

t h e h onou r which t h e y c a m e t o solicit of b e i ng a d ,

m i t t e d i nt o t h e r a nk of subj e c t s e
.

D e fe n iv e
s T h e t e rror of t h e R om a n a rm s a dd e d w e ight a nd
w ofa rs
dig ni t y t o t h e m od e r a t i on of th e e m p e r or s Th e y p r e
M cu A
ar s h
.

t oni nUS se r v e d p e a c e by a c onst a nt p r e p a r a t i on for w a r ; a nd

whil e j u st ic e re gul a t e d t h e i r c onduc t t h e y a nnou nc ed ,

t o t h e na t i ons on t h e i r c onfi ne s t h a t th e y w e r e a s li t t l e ,

di sp ose d t o e ndu r e a s t o offe r a n i nj u ry T h e m ili t a r y .

st re ng t h which i t h a d b e e n su ffici e nt for H a d ri a n a nd

t h e e ld e r A nt oni nu s t o di spl a y w a s e x e r t e d a g a i nst ,

t h e P a r t hi a ns a nd t h e G e r m a ns by t h e e m p e r or M a r
cu s . T h e h ost ili t i e s of t h e b a rb a ri a ns p r ov ok e d t h e
r e se nt m e nt of t h a t phil osophi c m ona r ch ; a nd i n t h e
‘
p rose cu t i on of a j u st d e fe nc e M a r cu s a nd h i s g e ne ra l s ,

ob t a i ne d m a ny sig na l vic t or i e s b ot h on t h e Euph ra t e s ,

f
a nd on t h e D a nub e T h e m ili t a ry e st a bli sh m e nt of .

t h e R om a n e m pi r e which t hu s a ssu r e d e i t h e r i t s t ra n ,

quilli t y or succ e ss will now b e c om e th e p rop e r a nd ,

i m p or t a nt obj e c t of ou r a t t e nt i on .

‘
M ili t y ar In t h e pu re r a g e s of t h e c om m onw e a l t h t h e u se of ,
e st a bl sh
'

i
m e n, f t h e a rm s w a s re se r v e d for t h ose r a nk s of c i t l z e ns w h o h a d

R om a n e m a c ou nt r y t o l ov e a p r op e r t y t o d e fe nd a nd som e sh a r e
, ,
e rors.
p

‘1 We m u t h ow v e
e s em e m b
, t h t i n t h t i m of H d i n a e b lli on
r, r er a , e e a r a , r e
of th e j e w s g d wi t h ligi ou fu y t h ough only i n si ngl p ovi nc e
ra e re s r , a e r .

P a u ni 1 vi i i c 43 m nt i on t w o n c
sa a s, . . . y nd ucc ful w con
. e s e e ssa r a s e ss a rs
d uc t d by t h e g n l of P i u fi t g a i n t t h w a nd i ng M oo w ho
e e e ra s s: rs , a s e er rs,

w d iv n i nt o t h soli t ud of A t l ; c ond a g a i n t t he B ig nte of

e re r e e es as se , s r a s
B i t i n w h o h d i nv d d t h Rom n p ovi nc B ot h t h w
r a , a a e wi t h
e, a r e. e se a rs,

sev e l ot h e h o t ili t i s
ra r m nt i on d i n t h A ugu t n Hi t o y p 19
s e a re e e e s a s r

A ppi a n of A l e x nd i i n t he p f ce t o h i h i t o y of the Rom n w a

, , .

e
a r a, re a s s r a rs.
f D i on 1 lxxi Hi t A ugu t n M c o The P a t hi n vic t o i g v
, . . s . s . l ar . r a r es a e
bi t h t o c owd of c ontem p t i bl hi to i a n w h o e mem o y h b n cu d
r a r e s r s, s r as ee re s e
’

f om oblivi on a nd e xpose d t o idicul e i n v e y liv e ly pi e c e of c i t ici m of

r r a r r s
L uci a n
, ,

.
 OF T HE R OMA N E MP IRE . 11

in cti ng t h ose l a w s which it w a s th e i r i nt e re st a s C H A P

e na .

w e ll a s du t y t om a i nt a i n But i n p r op or ti on a s t h e 1‘
.

public fre e d om w a s l ost i n e xt e nt of c onqu e st w a r w a s ,

g ra du a lly i m p rov e d i nt o a n a rt a nd d e g ra d e d i nt o a ,

t ra d e 5 T h e l e gi ons t h e m se lv e s e v e n a t t h e t i m e
.
,

wh e n th e y w e r e re c rui t e d i n th e m ost di st a nt p r o
vi nc e s w e re supp ose d t o c onsi st of R om a n citiz e ns
, .

Th a t di st i ncti on w a s g e ne ra lly c onsid e re d e i th e r a s a ,

l e g a l qu a lific a t i on or a s a p rop e r r e c om p e nse for t h e

,

soldi e r ; b u t a m ore se r i ou s r e g a r d w a s p a id t o t h e

e sse nt i a l m e r i t of a e st re ngth a nd m ilit a r y st a t u r e

g , ,

In a ll l e vi e s a j u st p re fe re nc e w a s giv e n t o t h e cli m a t e s
,

of t h e nor t h ov e r t h ose of t h e sou t h : t h e r a c e of m en

b orn t o t h e e x e r ci se of a rm s w a s sough t for i n t h e ,

c ou nt ry ra th e r t h a n i n citi e s ; a nd i t w a s v e ry r e a
sona b ly p r e su m e d t h a t t h e h a r dy occup a t i ons of sm ith s
, ,

c a rp e nt e rs a nd h u nt sm e n w ould supply m ore vig ou r

, ,

a nd r e solu t i on th a n t h e se d e nt a r y t r a d e s which a re
i
e m pl oy e d i n t h e se r vic e of luxu ry A ft e r e v e ry qu a li .

fi ca t i on of p rop e r t y h a d b e e n l a id a sid e t h e a rm i e s of ,

t h e R om a n e m p e ror s w e r e still c omm a nd e d for t h e ,

m ost p a r t by offic e r s of a lib e r a l bi rt h a nd e duc a t i on ;

,

b u t t h e c om m on soldi e rs lik e t h e m e r c e na ry t r0 0 p s of ,

m od e r n Eu rop e w e r e d ra w n from t h e m e a ne st a nd
, ,

ve r y fr e qu e n t ly fr om t h e m ost p r ofl i g a t e of m a nki nd .

Th a t public vi rtu e which a m ong t h e a nci e nt s w a s Di cipli n s e.

d e nom i na t e d p a t ri oti sm i s d e riv e d fr om a st rong se nse ,

of ou r ow n i nt e r e st i n t h e p r e se r v a t i on a nd p r osp e r i t y

of t h e fr e e g ov e r nm e nt of which w e a r e m e m b e r s .

S uch a se nt i m e nt which h a d re nd e re d t h e l e gi ons of

,

t h e r e public a l m ost i nvi ncibl e c ould m a k e b u t a v e r y

.
,

fe e bl e i m p re ssi on on t h e m e r c e na ry se r v a nt s of a de s
s The p oo e r st ra nk
l i p o e d a bov e fo ty p ou nd st li ng
of so d e rs ssess r s er ,

( Di ony H l i c
s. n i v a v y high
ar qu.lific
. t i on a t a t i m e wh e n m on y
a er a a ,
e

w o c
as s c t h t a n ou nc e of ilv e w a e quiv l e nt t o e v nt y p ou nd
s ar e, a s r s a s e

w eigh t of b Th e p opul c e
ra ss. xclud d by t h e a nci e nt c on t i t u t i on
a , e e s ,

w e i ndi c i mi na t ely d m i t te d by M i
re s r See S a llu t d B e ll J g t h
a a r us. s . e . u ur .

c 91
‘C sa fo med h i s l gi on A l ud a of G a ul a nd t ng s b t i t w a s
. .

1 ai r r e a s s ra er : u

du i ng t he lic n of ci v i l w a ; a nd fte t h vic t o y h g a v e t h e m t he

r e se r a r e r e

f eed om of t h ci t y fo t h e i e w d
r e r r r ar
l S e V g ti s de R e M ili t i l i c 2 — 7
.

e e e u ar , . . . .
12 T H E D E C L IN E A N D F A L L
'

p ot i o p ri nc e ; a nd i t b e c a m e ne c e ssa ry t o supply th a t
d e fe c t by ot h e r m ot iv e s of a diffe re nt b u t not l e ss ,

forcibl e na t u r e h onou r a nd re ligi on T h e p e a sa nt or

,
.

m e ch a nic i m bib e d t h e u se ful p r ej udic e t h a t h e w a s ,

a dv a nc e d t o t h e m ore dig nifi e d p r ofe ssi on of a r m s i n ,

which h i s r a nk a nd r e pu t a t i on w ould d e p e nd on h i s
ow n v a l ou r ; a nd t h a t a l t h ough t h e p r ow e ss of a p ri ,

v a te soldi e r m u st oft e n e sc a p e t h e not ic e of fa m e h i s ,

ow n b e h a vi ou r m igh t som e t i m e s c on fe r gl or y or di s
gra c e on t h e c om p a ny t h e l e gi on or e v e n t h e a rm y t r , ,

wh ose h onou rs h e w a s a ssoci a t e d O n h i s fi rst e n .

t ra nc e i nt o th e se r vic e a n oa t h w a s a d m i ni st e r e d t o ,

h i m wi t h e v e ry ci r cu m st a nc e of sol e mni t y
,
H e p ro .

m i se d ne v e r t o d e se r t h i s st a nd a rd t o sub m i t h i s ow n ,

will t o t h e c om m a nd s of h i s l e a de r s a nd t o sa c rific e ,

h i s life for t h e sa fe t y of t h e e m p e ror a nd t h e e m pi re

T h e a tt a ch m e nt of t h e R om a n t r0 0 p s t o t h e i r st a nd
a r d s w a s i nspi re d by t h e u ni t e d i nflu e nc e of r e ligi on

a nd of h onou r T h e g old e n e a gl e which gli t t e r e d i n

.
,

t h e front of t h e l e gi on w a s t h e obj e c t of t h e i r fond e st ,

d e v ot i on ; nor w a s i t e st e e m e d l e ss i m pi ou s t h a n i t w a s
i nom l nl ou s t o a b a nd on t h a t sa c r e d e nsig n i n t h e
g ,

1
h ou r of d a ng e r Th e se m ot iv e s which d e riv e d t he i r
.
,

st re ng t h fr om t h e i m a gi na t i on w e r e e nfor c e d by fe a rs ,

a nd h op e s of a m or e su bst a nt i a l ki nd R e gul a r p a y

“
.
,

occ a si ona l d ona t iv e s a nd a st a t e d r e c om p e nse a ft e r t h e ,

a pp oi nt e d t e r m of se r vic e a ll e vi a t e d t h e h a r d ship s of ,

t h e m ili t a r y whil st on t h e ot h e r h a nd i t w a s , ,

i m p ossibl e for c ow a rdic e or di sob e di e nc e t o e sc a p e th e

k Th e oa t of se r h
vic e a nd fid li ty to t he e mp e o w a s a nnu lly e ne w d e r r a r e
by p fi t of J nu y
t h e t roo s on t he rs a ar .

T ci t u c ll t he R om n gl
a s a b e llo um d o
s Th y w e e pl c e d i n
a ea e s, r e s. e r a
a ch p el i n t he c a m p nd wi t h t h ot h d ei t i s c iv e d t h ligiou w o
a , a e er e re e e re s r

ship of t h t p e r0 0 s .

S 1
G ono i ee d P cu ni a v e t e 1 iii p 12 0 e t c The m p e o
r v us e e er ,
. . .
,
. e r r

D om i t i n i se d th nnu l t ip e nd of t h e l gi on i e t o t w lv pi c of
a ra e a a s e ar s e e e es

g old which i n h i t i m w
, quiv l nt t o b out t n of o gui n
s e as e Thi a e a e ur e a s. s

p y om wh t high
a , s eth n o ow n h d b
a n nd w
er aft w d g du ur , a ee , a as a er ar s ra

a lly i nc a d a cc o di ng t o t h e p og e of w a l t h a nd m ili t y g ov n
re se , r r r ss e ar er

me nt A fte t w nt y y
. e vic e t h
r ev e t n c iv d t h e t h ou nd
e a rs s r
’
, e e ra re e e re sa

de n ( b ou
a ru . t on hu nd e d p ou nd
a t li ng ) o
e p op o t irona bl e ll ow nc e s s er , r a r r a a

of l nd a Th e p y nd dv a nt a g e of t he g
. a d s w e e i n g n l a b ou t
a a s ua r r , e e ra ,

d oubl e t h o e of t he l egi ons s.

 OF THE R O MA N E MPIR E . 13

se v e re st pu ni sh me nt Th e c e nt u r i ons w e re a uth or i se d C H A P
.
.

1
t o ch a st i se wi t h bl ow s t h e g e ne ra l s h a d a r igh t t o
'

pu ni sh wi t h d e a t h ; a nd i t w a s a n i nfl e xibl e m a xi m of
R om a n di scipline t h a t a g ood soldi e r sh ould d re a d h i s
,

O ffic e rs fa r m ore t h a n t h e e ne m y F rom su ch la u da bl e .

'

a r t s did t h e v a l ou r of t h e i m p e r i a l t roop s r e c e iv e a

d e g re e Of fi rm ne ss a nd d ocili t y u na t t a i na bl e by t h e ,

i m p e t u ou s a nd i rre gul a r p a ssi ons of b a rb a ri a ns .

A nd y e t so se nsibl e w e r e t h e R om a ns Of t h e i m p e r E x ci er se s

fe ct i on of v a l ou r wi t h out skill a nd p ra c t ic e t h a t i n , ,

t h e i r l a ngu a g e t h e na m e Of a n a r m y w a s b or r ow e d
,

from t h e w or d which sig nifi e d e x e rci se M ili t a r y

e x e r ci se s w e r e t h e i m p or t a n t a nd u nr e m i t t e d Obj e c t

Of t h e i r di scipli ne T h e re c rui t s a nd y ou ng soldi e rs

.

w e re c onst a ntly t ra i ne d b ot h i n t h e m orni ng a nd i n t h e

e v e ni ng ; nor w a s a e or k nowl e dg e a ll ow e d t o e xcu se
g
t h e v e t e ra ns fr om t h e d a ily r e p e t i t i on of wh a t t h e y
h a d c om pl e t e ly l e a r nt L a rg e sh e d s w e re e r e ct e d i n
.

t h e wi nt e r qu a r t e r s Of t h e t r oop s t h a t t h e i r u se ful ,

l a b ou rs m igh t not r e c e iv e a ny i nt e rrup t i on from t h e

m ost t e m p e st u ou s w e a t h e r ; a nd i t w a s c a re fully Ob
se r v e d t h a t t h e a rm s d e st i ne d t o t hi s i m i t a ti on of w a r
, ,

sh ould be Of d oubl e t h e w e igh t which w a s r e qui r e d i n

r e a l a c t i on It i s not t h e pu r p ose of t hi s w ork t o

°
.

e nt e r i nt o a ny m i nut e d e sc r ip t i on O f t h e R oma n e x

e rc i se s
. W e sh a ll only r e m a rk t h a t t h e y c om p re ,

h e nd e d wh a t e v e r c ould a dd st r e ng t h t o t h e b ody ,

a c t ivity t o t h e li m b s or g r a c e t o t h e m oti ons

, T he .

soldi e rs w e r e dilig e ntly i nst r uc t e d t o m a r ch t o ru n , ,

t o l e a p t o swi m t o c a rr y h e a vy bu r d e ns t o h a ndl e
, , ,

e v e r y sp e ci e s of a rm s t h a t w a s u se d e ith e r for offe nc e

or for d e fe nc e e i t h e r i n di st a nt e ng a g e m e nt or i n a
,

cl ose r onse t ; t o form a v a ri e t y of e v ol u t i ons ; a nd t o

m ov e t o t h e sou nd of flut e s i n t h e P y r r hic or m a r t i a l
da nce P . In t h e m id st of p e a c e t h e R om a n t roop s ,

1
'
Exe rcit u s a b e er t a n o, x ci d
a rro de
”
V Li gu L ti
n a iv C ic o i n
a na , 1 . . er

Tu cul
s an 1
. . 37ii. . Th
e re i s room for a er v y i nt e t i ng w o k which h ould
er s r , s

layOp e n t he c ci b w
onne t on e t e e n t h e a n a l gu g a nd m nne of na ti on
es a rs s.
0
ii
Ve ge t i us, 1 a nd t h e re st of hi s
. . rst fi b ook .

P The Py hic d c
rr a n e i s e t re me e x ly w ll illustra te d by M l e B ea u i n the
.
,
14 THE D E C LIN E A N D F A L L .

fa mili a ri se d t h e m se lv e s wi th th e p ra ctic e of w a r ; a nd
i t i s p re t t ily r e m a rk e d by a n a nci e nt hi st or i a n w h o h a d
fough t a g a i nst t h e m t h at t h e e ffu si on of bl ood w a s ,

t h e only ci r cu m st a nc e which di st i ngui sh e d a fi e ld of

f
b a t t l e fr om a fi e ld o e x e r ci se 9 It w a s t h e p olicy of .

t h e a bl e st g e ne r a l s a nd e v e n of t h e e m p e r or s t h e m ,

se lv e s t o e nc ou ra g e t h e se m ili t a ry st udi e s by t h e i r
,

p re se nc e a nd e x a m pl e ; a nd w e a r e i nform e d t h a t H a
d r i a n a s w e ll a s T ra j a n fre qu e nt ly c ond e sc e nd e d t o

“
, ,

i nst r uc t t h e u ne xp e ri e nc e d soldi e r s t o r e w a r d t h e ,

dilig e nt a nd som e t i m e s t o di spu t e wi t h t h e m t h e p r iz e

,

of sup e ri or st r e ng t h or d e x t e r i t y U nd e r th e re igns ’
.

of t h os e p r i nc e s t h e sci e nc e of t a c t ic s w a s cul t iv a t e d
,
.

wi t h succ e ss ; a nd a s l ong a s t h e e m pi re r e t a i ne d a ny
vig ou r t h e i r mili t a r y i nst r uc t i ons w e r e r e sp e ct e d a s
,

t h e m ost p e r fe c t m od e l O f R om a n di scip li ne .

Ni ne c e nt u ri e s of w a r h a d g ra du a lly i nt roduc e d i nto

t h e se r vic e m a ny a l t e ra ti ons a nd i m p r ov e m e nt s The .

l e gi ons a s t h e y a re d e sc r ib e d by P olybiu s i n t h e
, ,

t i m e O f t h e P u nic w a r s di ffe r e d v e r y m a t e r i a lly from ,

t h ose which a chi e v e d t h e vict or i e s of C ae sa r or de ,

fe nd e d t h e m ona rchy O f H a d ri a n a nd t h e A nt oni ne s .

T h e c onstitu t i on Of t h e i m p e ri a l l e gi on m a y b e de
sc rib e d i n a fe w w or d s T h e h e a vy a rm e d i nfa nt ry -
,

which c om p ose d i t s p ri ncipal st re ng t h w a s divid e d

i nt o t e n c oh ort s a nd fi ft y fi ve c om p a ni e s u nd e r t h e -
,

or d e rs of a c or re sp ond e nt nu m b e r of t ribu ne s a nd ce n

t u ri ons Th e fi rst c oh or t which a lw a y s cl a i m e d t h e

.
,

A c d é mi
a I n c ip t ions t om xxxv p 2 62 e tc Th a t l e a n d a ca
e de s s r , . . .
, . r e
d m i cia n
e i of m moi h c oll c t d a l l th p a s ge of t h e
, in a se r e s e rs, as e e e sa s
a nci nt t h t e l t t o t h e R om a n l egi on
‘
e s a r a e .

1 J o e ph de B ll J ud ic o 1 i i
s . c5 W a e i nd eb te d t o t hi s j ew fo
e . a , . i . . . e r r

som v e y cu i ou d e t il of Rom a n di cipli ne

e r r s a s s .

Pl i n P n gy c 13
1
. L ife of H a d i n i n t h A ugu t n Hi t o y
a e r . . . r a , e s a s r .

See n d m i bl e dig e s i on on t he R om a n di cipli ne i n t h

8
a a ra ix t h b ook
r s s e s

of hi hi t o y
s s r .

V ge t i de R e M ili t a i 1 ii c 4 t c C onsid
e us bl e p t of h i v y
r , . . . , e . e ra ar s er

p e pl x d b idg m ent w t k n f om t he gul a t i on of T j a n nd H

r e e a r e as a e r re s 1a a a

d i n and t he l egi on h e d e c ib i t c nnot ui t a ny ot h ge of t h e

r a , as s r es , a s er a
R om n empi e
‘V g ti d R e Mi li t i l 1 c 1 In the pu ge of C
a r .

1
e e us e ar nd , . 1. . . re r a aesa r a

C ic o t he w p d m il es w a l m o t c onfi n d t o th i nf nt y U nd t h
er , r
’
s a s e e a r . er e
l ow mpi a nd i n t h e t i me of chiv l y i t w
er e re , pp op i a t d a l most s a r , as a r r e as
e xclu iv ly t o t h e me n a t
s e rm w h o fough t on h o e b a ck a s rs .
 O F TH E R OMA N E MP IR E . 15

p ost Of h onou r a nd t h e cu st ody Of t h e e a gl e w a s C H A P

,
,
.

1
for m e d of e l e v e n hu nd re d a nd fi ve soldi e r s t h e m ost
'

a pp r ov e d for v a l ou r a nd fid e li t y T h e re m a i ni ng ni ne .

c oh ort s c onsi st e d e a ch of fi ve hu nd r e d a nd fi ft y fi ve ; -

a nd t h e wh ol e b ody of l e gi ona r y i nfa nt r y a m ou nt e d t o

si x t h ou sa nd one hu nd re d m e n Th e i r a rm s w e re u ni A m . r s.

form a nd a d m i ra bly a d a p t e d t o t h e na t u r e Of t h e i r
,

se r vic e : a n op e n h e l m e t wi t h a l oft y c r e st ; a b r e a st
,

pl a t e or c oa t of m a il ; g r e a v e s on t h e i r l e g s a nd a n
, ,

a m pl e buckl e r on t h e i r l e ft a r m T h e buckl e r w a s of .

a n Obl ong a nd c onc a v e figu re fou r fe e t i n l e ng t h a nd

,

t w o a nd a n h a lf i n b r e a dth fra m e d Of a ligh t w ood , ,

c ov e re d wi t h a bull s hid e a nd str ongly gu a r d e d with

’

pl a t e s Of b r a ss B e sid e s a light e r sp e a r t h e l e gi ona ry

.
,
’
soldi e r g r a sp e d i n h i s r igh t h a nd t h e for m id a bl e pilu m ,

a p ond e r ou s j a v e li n wh ose u t m ost l e ng t h w a s a b out si x

,

fe e t a nd which w a s t e rm i na t e d by a m a ssy t ri a ngul a r

,

p oi nt of st e e l of e igh t e e n i nch e s Thi s i nst r u m e nt "

.

w a s i nd e e d m uch i nfe ri or t o ou r m od e r n fi re a rm s ;

si n c e i t w a s e xh a u st e d b y a si ngl e di sch a r g e a t th e ,

di st a nc e of only t e n or tw e lv e p a c e s Y e t wh e n i t w a s .

l a u nch e d by a fi rm a nd skilful h a nd t h e re w a s not a ny ,

c a v a l ry t h a t du r st v e nt u r e wi thi n i t s re a ch nor a ny ,

shi e ld or c or sl e t th a t c ould su st a i n t h e i m p e tu osity of

i t s w e ight A s soon a s t h e R om a n h a d d a r t e d h i s
.

pilum h e d re w h i s sw or d a nd r u sh e d for w a rd s t o
, ,

cl ose wi th t h e e ne m y H i s sw or d w a s a sh or t w e ll
.

t e m p e r e d S p a ni sh bl a d e t h a t c a r ri e d a d oubl e e dg e
, ,

a nd w a s a lik e suit e d t o t h e pu r p ose of st r i k i ng or Of

sh i h b t t h o ldi w lw y i n t u c t d t o
p u g ; u e s er a s a a s s r e

p re fe r t h e l a t t e r u se of h i s w e a p on a s h i s ow n b ody ,

re m a i ne d l e ss e xp ose d whil st h e i nflic t e d a m or e da n

,

e r ou s w ou nd on h i s a dve r sa r y
T h e l e gi on w a s
g y .

u su a lly d ra w n up e igh t d e e p ; a nd th e r e gul a r di s

t a nc e of t h re e fe e t w a s l e ft b e tw e e n t h e fil e s a s w e ll
X
I n t he t i me of Polybiu a ndDi ony iu s ofHa l i c na s (l v c
s s t he
ar ssu , . . .

st e e l p oi nt of t he p lu m ee m t o h a v e b e n m uch l ong e
s s eI n t he t i m e r.

of Ve ge t i us, i t w a s e duc e d t o a foot or e v e n ni ne i nch

r , I h a v e ch o en e s. s

a me diu
m .

3' For t h e l egi ona y a

r rm s, se e L i psi u s de M ili t i Rom
a a na , 1 . iii . 0. 2— 7 .
 “
16 THE D E C LIN E A N D F A L L
a s ra n ks A b ody of t r oop s h a bi t u a t e d t o p re se rv e ,

t hi s op e n ord e r i n a l ong fr ont a nd a r a pid ch a r g e

, ,

fou nd t h e m se lv e s p r e p a re d t o‘ e x e cu t e e v e ry di sp osi
t i on which t h e ci r cu m st a nce s of w a r or t h e skill of
t h e i r l e a d e r m igh t sugg e st T h e soldi e r p osse sse d a .

fre e sp a c e for h i s a rm s a nd m ot i ons a nd su ffici e nt ,

i nt e rv a l s w e r e a ll ow e d t h rough which se a sona bl e r e ,

i nfor ce m e nt s m igh t b e i nt roduc e d t o th e r e li e f of t h e

e xh a u st e d c om b a t a nt s T h e t a c t ic s Of t h e G re e k s .

a nd M a c e d oni a ns w e re for m e d on v e r y di ffe r e nt p r i n

cip le s T h e st re ng t h Of t h e ph a l a nx d e p e nd e d on
.

six t e e n ra nk s of l ong pik e s w e dg e d t og e t h e r i n t h e ,

cl ose st a rra y b
B u t i t w a s soon di sc ov e r e d by r e fl e c
.

t i on a s w e ll a s by t h e e v e nt t h a t t h e st re ng t h Of t h e
, ,

ph a l a nx w a s u na bl e t o c ont e nd with t h e a c t ivi ty Of t h e

l e gi on
C vly
a a r . T h e c a v a l ry wi t h out w hich t h e forc e Of t h e l e gi on
,

w ould h a v e r e m a i ne d i m p e rfe c t w a s divid e d i nt o t e n ,

t r oop s or squ a d r ons ; t h e fi rst a s t h e c om p a ni on of t h e ,

fi rst c oh or t c onsi st e d of a n hu nd re d a nd t hi r t y t w o
,
-

m e n ; whil st e a ch of t h e ot h e r ni ne a m ou nt e d only t o
six t y si x -
T h e e nt i re e st a bli sh m e nt for m e d a r e gi
.

m e nt if w e m a y u se t h e m od e r n e xp r e ssi on of se v e n
, ,

hu nd r e d a nd t w e nt y si x h orse na t u r a lly c onne c t e d -

,

wi t h i t s re sp e c t iv e l e gi on b u t occ a si ona lly se p ara t e d t o ,

a ct i n t h e li ne a nd t o c om p ose a p a r t Of t h e wi ng s of
,

d
t h e a rm y T h e c a v a l ry of t h e e m p e r or s w a s no
.

l ong e r c om p ose d l i k e t h a t of t h e a nci e nt r e public of

, ,

t h e nobl e st y ou t h s of R om e a nd I t a ly w h o by p e r , ,

form i ng t h e i r m ili t a ry se rvic e ou h or se b a ck p re p a r e d ,

t h e m se lv e s for t h e O ffic e s of se na t or a nd c onsul ; a nd

solici t e d by d e e ds of v a l ou r t h e fu t u re su ffra g e s of
, ,

z
Se e t h e b ea u t i ful c om p ri on O f V i gil G eo gi a v 2 79
s r r e . 11. .

c 4 nd N o v
.
,
3
M . G i ch dt ( Mé m oi
u ar M il i t a i
, t om res re s, . 1 . . . a u e a ux Mé
i
m o re s, t om i p 2 93— 31l ) h
. . . t e te d t h e subj e c t l i k e
. ch ol
as r a a s a r a nd a n
fic
of e r
b .

See A rri a n s
’
T c t ic W i t h t he t u p t i li t y of a G ek A i n
a s. r e ar a re , rr a

ra th ch o t o d c ib e t h e ph l nx of which h h d d t h a n t he
er se es r a a e a re a ,

l egi on which h h a d c om m nd d c P oly h l xvii

‘
s e a e . . . .

1 V
g t d ee R M ili t a i l ii c 6 Hi p o i t iv t e t i mony which migh t
e . e r , . . . . s s e s ,

be upp o t e d by ci cu m t nt i l e vid nc e ough t u e ly t o il e nc e t h o

'

s r r s a a e , s r s se
c i t ic w h o e fu e the i mp e i l l gi on i t p op e b ody of c a v a l y
r s r s r a e s r r r .
 O F THE R O MA N E MP IR E . 17

th e i r S inc e t h e a l t e ra t i on Of m a nne rs a nd C H A P
c ou nt ry m e n 8
. .

I
g ov e rnm e nt t h e m ost w e a l t hy of t h e e qu e st r i a n or d e r
,
'

w e re e ng a g e d i n t h e a d m i ni st ra t i on of j u st ic e a nd of

“
,

f
t h e r e ve nu e ; a nd wh e ne v e r t h e y e m b ra c e d t h e p r o
fe ssi on of a rm s t h e y w e r e i mm e di a t e ly i nt r u st e d wi t h
,

a t r oop of h or se or a c oh or t of foot g T r a j a n a nd
, .

H a d ri a n form e d t h e i r c a v a l ry from t h e sa m e p rovi nc e s ,

a nd t h e sa m e cl a ss of t h e i r subj e ct s which r e c r uit e d ,

t h e r a nk s of t h e l e gi on T h e h orse s w e re b r e d for .
,

t h e m ost p a r t i n S p a i n or C a pp a d oci a , T h e R om a n .

t r oop e r s d e spi se d t h e c om pl e t e a rm ou r wi t h which t h e

c a v a l ry of t h e e a st w a s e ncu mb e r e d The i r m ore .

u se ful a r m s c onsi st e d i n a h e l me t a n Obl ong shi e ld , ,

ligh t b oot s a nd a c oa t of m a il A j a v e li n a nd a l ong

, .

b roa d sw or d w e re t h e i r p ri ncip a l w e a p ons of O ffe nc e .

T h e u se of l a nc e s a nd Of i r on m a c e s th e y se e m t o h a v e
b orr ow e d from t h e b a rb a r i a ns .

T h e sa fe t y a nd h onou r of t h e e m pi re w a s p ri ncip a lly A uxili i e ar s.

i nt ru st e d t o t h e l e gi ons; b u t th e p olicy Of R om e con

d e sc e nd e d t o a d op t e v e r y u se ful i nst r u m e nt of w a r .

C onsid e ra bl e l e vi e s w e r e r e gul a rl y m a d e a m ong t h e

p r ovi nci a l s w h o h a d not y e t d e se rv e d t h e h onou ra bl e
,

di st i nc t i on Of R om a ns M a ny d e p e nd e nt p r i nc e s a nd .

c omm u niti e s di sp e r se d r ou nd t h e fr onti e r s w e re p e r

, ,

m i t t e d for a whil e t o h old t h e i r fre e d

, om a nd se cu r i t y ,

i
by t h e t e nu re of m ili t a r y se r vic e Ev e n se l e c t t roop s .

Of h ost il e b a rb a ri a ns w e re fre qu e ntly c om p e ll e d or p e r

su a de d t o c onsu m e th e i r d a ng e r ou s v a l ou r i n r e m ot e

cli ma t e s a nd for th e b e ne fi t of t h e st a t e
,
k A ll t h e se .

w e re i nclud e d u nd e r t h e g e ne ra l na m e of a uxili a ri e s ;
a nd h ow soe v e r t h e y m igh t v a r y a cc or di ng t o t h e di ffe r

S 3
L ivy l mo t t h ou gh ou t p t icul ly x1 61
ee a s r ar ar 11. .

Pl i n Hi t N t u xxx ii 2
,

. Th t u
s . n of t h t v y cu i ou p
a r. 1 . . e r e se se a er r s as
sa g w fi t di c ov d nd illu t t d by M d B ufo t R é publiqu
e as rs s e re a s ra e . e ea r , e

Rom i n 1 ii c 2a e, . . . .

8 A i n t h i n t nc e of H o c
s nd A g ic ol
e Thi pp
s a to h b n ra e a r a. s a e a rs a ve ee

a d f ct i n t h Rom n di cipli n ; which H d i a n nd v ou d t o m dy

e e e a s e a r e ea re re e ,

by c t i ni ng t h le g l g of t ibu ne h S A i n T c t ic
’
a s er a e a a e a r . ee rr a s a s .

Such i n p t icul w t h t te of t h B t a vi a n T ci t G m ni
, ar a r, as e s a e a s. a . er a a ,

c 29
l‘
. .

M cu A ntoni nu oblig d t h v nqui h ed Q u di nd M c om nni to

ar s s e e a s a a ar a

s upply hi m wi t h l g body of t oop which h i mm di t ly nt i nt o

a ar e r s, e e a e se

B i t i n Di on C iu I 1
r a . a ss s, . 1
1111.

VOL I . .
 18 THE D E C LIN E A N D F A L L
en e c of t i me s a nd ci rcum st a nc e s t h e i r nu mb e rs w e re ,

se ld om m uch i nfe r i or t o t h ose Of t h e l e gi ons t h e m

1
se lv e s A m ong t h e a uxili a ri e s t h e b ra v e st a nd m ost
.
,

fa i thful b a nd s w e re pla ce d u nd e r th e c omm a nd Of p re

fe e t s a nd c e nt u ri ons a nd se v e re ly t ra i ne d i n t h e a r t s of,

R om a n di scipli ne ; bu t t h e fa r g re a t e r p a r t r e t a i ne d
t h ose a r m s t o which t h e na t u r e of t h e i r c ou nt ry or ,

t h e i r e a rly h a bi t s of life m ore p e culi a rly a d a p t e d t h e m , .

By t hi s i nst i t u t i on e a ch l e gi on t o wh om a c e r t a i n p ro, ,

p or t i on of a uxili a ri e s w a s a ll ot t e d c ont a i ne d wi t hi n ,

i t se lf e v e ry sp e ci e s of ligh t e r t roop s a nd of m i ssile ,

w e a p ons ; a nd w a s c a p a bl e of e nc ou nt e ri ng e v e ry na
t i on wi t h t h e a dv a nt a g e s of i t s r e sp e c t iv e a r m s a nd
,

di scipli ne m
N or w a s t h e l e gi on d e st i t u t e of wh a t i n
.
,

A t ill y
r er .
m od e r n l a ng u a g e w ould be st yl e d a t ra i n Of a r t ill e ry
, .

It c onsi st e d i n t e n m ili t a ry e ngi ne s of t h e l a r g e st a nd ,

fi ft y fi ve of a sm a ll e r siz e ; bu t a ll of which e i t h e r i n
-
,

a n obliqu e or h or iz ont a l m a nne r di sch a r g e d st one s a nd ,

d a rt s wi t h i rre si st ibl e vi ol e nc e
T h e c a m p Of a R om a n l e gi on p re se nt e d t h e a pp e a r
a nc e of a for t ifi e d ci ty A s soon a s t h e sp a c e w a s
m a rk e d ou t t h e pi one e rs c a r e fully l e v e ll e d t h e g rou nd
, ,

a nd r e m ov e d e v e ry i m p e di m e nt t h a t m igh t i nt e rr up t i t s

p e rfe c t re gul a ri ty It s form w a s a n e x a c t qu a d ra ngl e ;

.

a nd w e m a y c a lcul a t e t h a t a squ a r e of a b ou t se v e n ,

hu nd re d y a r d s w a s su ffici e nt for t h e e nc a m p me nt Of
t w e nt y t h ou sa nd R om a ns ; t h ough a si m il a r nu m b e r of

ou r ow n t r oop s w ould e xp ose t o t h e e ne m y a fr ont of

-

T a ci t A nn l iv 5 Th o w ho fi x a gul p opo t i on of a s m ny
. a . . . se re ar r r a
foot nd t w e
, a ma n h o
1 e c onfou nd t he xi h e of t h e m p e o
as rse , au a ri s e r rs
wi t h t h I t li n lli o t he e public
e a a a es r .

m Ve
g t i iie 2 A i
u s, n i n hi .o d of m ch a nd b t t l a g a i n t t he
. rr a , s r er ar a e s
A l ni
a .

Th ubj c t of t h nci nt m chi n i t t d wi t h g a t k nowl edge

e s e e a e a es s rea e re
a nd i ng nui t y by t he C h v a li
e Fol d Poly b t o n ii p 2 33— 2 90
e er He ar , e, r . . . .

p f t h e m n m ny p c t to o m od n c nnon a nd m o t a W m y
re e rs ,
1 a re s e s, ur er a r rs. e a
O b v t h t t he
se r e , of t h e m i n t h fi ld g du a lly b c m e m o
a u se p v l nt e e ra e a re re a e ,

i n p op o t i on
r r p ona l v l ou nd m ili t y k i ll d cli ned wi t h t he Rom n
as e rs a r a ar s e a
e m pi Wh n m e n w e no l ong fou nd t h e i pl a c e w suppl ed by
re . e er er , r as 1
m chi n
a S e V g ti
e s. ii 2 5 A i a n
e e e us, . . rr .

Ve g t i fi ni h hi c ond b ook nd t he d e c ip t i on of t he l gi on
e us s es s se , a s r e ,

wi t h t h foll owi ng e m ph a t ic w o d
e U niv e a q i n qu oqu e be lli g e ne er s: rs ua: r
ne c a i se cu m l
e ss r ae s e c ed nt s
g o d b t ubiqu e p o t a e u t i n q ovi s
i r u u r, e e e r r , u
l oc o fi xe i t c a t a a ma t a m f cia t civi t a t em
r s r , r a
”
.
 O F TH E R OMA N E MP IRE . 19

m or e t h a n t r e bl e x t e nt In t h e m id st Of t h e C H A P
th a t e . .

’
c a m p t h e p rae t oriu m or g e ne ra l s qu a rt e rs r ose a b ov e
, , ,

t h e ot h e rs ; t h e c a v a l ry t h e i nfa nt r y a nd t h e a u xi l i , ,

a r i e s occupi e d t h e i r re sp e c t iv e st a t i ons ; t h e st re e t s
w e re b r oa d a nd p e r fe ctly st ra igh t a nd a v a c a nt sp a c e
, ,

Of t w o hu nd re d fe e t w a s l e ft on a ll sid e s b e tw e e n t h e ,

t e nt s a nd t h e ra m p a r t T h e r a m p a r t i t se lf w a s u su a lly
.

t w e lv e fe e t high a r m e d wi t h a li ne Of st r ong a nd i nt r i
,

c a t e p a li sa d e s a nd d e fe nd e d by a ditch of tw e lv e fe e t
,

i n d e p t h a s w e ll a s i n b r e a d t h Thi s i m p ort a nt l a b ou r .

w a s p e r form e d by t h e h a nd s O f t h e l e gi ona r i e s th e m

se lv e s ; t o wh om t h e u se of t h e sp a d e a nd t h e pick a x e

w a s no l e ss fa m ili a r t h a n t h a t of t h e sw or d or pilu m .

A ctiv e v a l ou r m a y oft e n b e t h e p re se nt of na t u re ; b u t
such p a t i e nt dilig e nc e c a n b e t h e fr uit only Of h a bi t

a nd di scipli ne 9 .

Wh e ne v e r t h e t ru m p e t g a v e t h e signa l Of d e p a r ture M a ch ,
r

th e c a m p w a s a l m ost i nst a nt ly b r ok e up a nd t h e t roop s ,

fe ll i nt o t h e i r ra nk s with ou t d e l a y or c onfu si on B e .

sid e s t h e i r a rm s which t h e l e gi ona r i e s sc a r c e ly c

, onsi

d e re d a s a n e ncum b r a nc e t h e y w e r e l a d e n wi t h t h e i r ,

ki t ch e n fu rni t u re t h e i nst r u m e nt s of for t ific a t i on a nd

, ,

t h e p rovi si on Of m a y d y sn a q U nd e r t hi s w e igh t .
,

which w ould opp re ss t h e d e lic a cy Of a m ode r n soldi e r ,

t h e y w e re t r a i ne d by a r e gul a r st e p t o a dv a nc e in ,

a b ou t si x h ou rs ne a r t w e nt y m il e s , O n t h e a pp e a r
a nc e of a n e ne m y t h e y th re w a sid e t h e i r b a gg a g e a nd
, ,

by e a sy a nd ra pid e v olu ti ons c onv e rt e d t h e c olu m n of

m a r ch i nt o a n or d e r of b a t t l e T h e sli ng e r s a nd 3
.

a r ch e rs ski r m i sh e d i n t h e fr ont ; t h e a uxili a r i e s form e d

t h e fi rst li ne a nd w e re se c ond e d or su st a i ne d by t h e
,

st re ng t h of t h e l e gi ons ; t h e c a v a l ry c ov e r e d t h e fl a nk s ,

a nd t h e m ili ta ry e ngi ne s w e r e pl a c e d i n t h e r e a r .

0 For t h e Rom a n a st ra m e t a t on, se e

c i Pol ybiu 1 vi w t L i psi u s de
s, . . ih
M ili i t a R om a na ; ose de B elJ ph . . J ud . c 5 ; Ve g e t i u s, 1 2 1— 2 5
. . .

i ii . 9 ; a nd Mé i
mo re s de G u i ch a rdt , t om . i . c 1 .

'1
C ic e ro 1n Tu cul a n ii
s . 37 ;
. J o ph se de B ll Jue 1
. d iii
5 ; Front i nu s,
. . .

iv 1 .Ve ge t i u s, 1 . 9 Se e
. Mé moi re s de l A ca démi e de s ns r t ons,
’
I c ip i
t om . 187xxv p. . .

5
h
Se e t ose e o t ons v lu i a d mi a bly w ll expl a i ne d by M
r e . G u i cha rdt , Nou
v u
e a x Mé mO 1re s, t om i p
. . l 4l - 2 34 .

c2
 TH E D E C LIN E A N D F A L L
Such w e re t h e a r t s Of wa r by which t h e R om a n e m
r or s d e fe nd e d t h e i r e x t e nsiv e c onqu e st s a nd re
p e p ,

se r v e d a m ili t a r y spi r it ,at a ti m e wh e n e v e ry ot h e r

vi r t u e w a s Opp re sse d by luxu r y a nd d e sp oti sm If i n .
,

t h e c onsid e r a t i on Of t h e i r a rm i e s w e p a ss fr om t h e i r
,

di scipli ne t o t h e i r nu m b e rs w e sh a ll not fi nd i t e a sy t o
,

d e fi ne t h e m wi t h a ny t ol e r a bl e a ccu ra cy W e m a y .

c om pu t e h ow e v e r t h a t t h e l e gi on which w a s i t se lf a
, , ,

b ody of si x t h ou sa nd e igh t hu nd re d a nd t hi rty one -

R om a ns m igh t wi t h i t s a t t e nd a nt a uxili a ri es a mou nt

, , ,

t o a b ou t t w e lv e t h ou sa nd fi ve hu nd r e d m e n T he .

pea c e e st a bli sh m e nt Of H a d ri a n a nd h i s succ e ssor s w a s

c om p ose d Of no l e ss t h a n t hi rt y Of t h e se form id a bl e
b rig a d e s ; a nd m ost p r ob a bly form e d a st a ndi ng for c e
of t h re e hu nd r e d a nd se v e nt y fi ve th ou sa nd m e n
-
In .

st e a d O f b e i ng c on fi ne d wi t hi n t h e w a ll s of for t ifi e d

ci t i e s which t h e R om a ns c onsid e re d a s t h e r e fug e of

,

w e a k ne ss or pu sill a ni m i t y t h e l e gi ons w e re e nc a m p e d
,

on t h e b a nk s of t h e g r e a t r iv e rs a nd a l ong t h e fr on
,

t i e rs O f t h e b a rb a r i a ns
. A s t h e i r st a t i ons for t h e m ost
,

p a r t re m a i ne d fix e d a nd p e r ma ne nt w e m a y v e nt u r e
, ,

t o d e sc rib e th e di st r ibu t i on Of t h e t roop s Th re e

'

l e gi ons w e r e su ffici e nt for B ri ta i n T h e p r i ncip a l

.

st re ng t h l a y up on t h e Rhi ne a nd D a nub e a nd c on ,

si st e d Of sixt e e n l e gi ons i n t h e foll owi ng p r op ort i ons

,

t w o i n t h e L ow e r a nd t h r e e i n t h e U pp e r G e rm a ny ;
,

one i n Rh ae ti a ,one i n N or icu m fou r i n P a nnoni a

, ,

t h r e e i n M sesi a a nd t w o i n D a ci a
, T h e d e fe nc e Of
.

t h e Euph r a t e s w a s i nt r u st e d t o e igh t l e gi ons si x of ,

wh om w e re pl a nte d i n Sy ri a a nd t h e ot h e r t w o i n
,

C a pp a d oci a Wi t h r e g a rd t o Egyp t A fric a a nd Sp a i n

.
, , ,

a s t h e y w e re fa r r e mov e d from a n i m p or t a nt sc e ne Of
y
w a r a si ngl e l e gi on m a i nt a i ne d t h e dom e st ic t r a nquil
,

l i ty Of e a ch of t h ose gr e a t p rovi nc e s Ev e n I t a ly w a s
.

not l e ft d e sti t u t e Of a m ili t a r y for c e A b ov e t w e nt y

.

t h ou sa nd ch ose n soldi e r s di st i ngui sh e d by t h e t i t l e s of

,

ci ty c oh or t s a nd p re t ori a n gu a r d s w a t ch e d ov e r t h e
,

sa fe t y of t h e m ona r ch a nd t h e c a pi t a l A s t h e a u t h or s
.

of a l m ost e v e ry re v olu t i on t h a t di st ra c t e d t h e e m pi re ,
 OF THE R O M A N E MP IRE . 21

the p r e t ori a ns will v e r y soon a nd v e ry l oudly d e ma nd C H A P

, , .

I
ou r a tt e nt i on ; b u t i n t h e i r a rm s a nd i nst ituti ons w e
'

c a nnot fi nd a ny ci rcu m st a nc e which di sc ri m i na te d t h e m

fr om t h e l e gi ons u nl e ss i t w e r e a m ore spl e ndid a p
,

e a ra nc a nd a l e ss r igid di scipli ne
t
p e ,

T h e na vy m a i nt a i ne d by t h e e m pe ror s m igh t see m N vy a .

i na d e qu a t e t o t h e i r g re a tne ss ; but i t w a s fully su ffici e nt

for e v e ry u se ful pu r p ose of g ov e r nm e nt T h e a m bi .

ti on Of t h e R om a ns w a s c onfi ne d t o t h e l a nd ; nor w a s
th a t w a rlik e p e opl e e v e r a ctu a t e d by t h e e nt e r p ri si ng
spi r i t which h a d p r om p t e d t h e na vig a t ors Of Ty r e ,

of C a r t h a g e a nd e v e n Of hI a r se i lle s t o e nl a r g e t h e
, ,

b ou nd s of th e w orld a nd t o e xpl or e t h e m ost r e m ot e ,

c oa st s of t h e oc e a n T O t h e R om a ns t h e oc e a n r e .

m a i ne d a n Obj e c t Of t e rror r a t h e r t h a n of cu r i osi t y u

t h e wh ol e e x t e nt of t h e M e di t er ra ne a n a ft e r t h e de ,

st r uc t i on Of C a r th a g e a nd t h e e x t i rp a t i on of t h e pi ,

r a t e s w a s i nclud e d wi t hi n t h e i r p r ovi nc e s
, T h e p olicy .

of t h e e m p e r ors w a s di r e c t e d only t o p re se rv e t h e

p e a c e ful d om i ni on of t h a t se a a nd t o p r ot e ct t h e com ,

m e r c e O f t h e i r subj e c t s Wi t h t h e se m od e ra t e vi e w s .
,

A ugu st u s st a t i one d t w o p e rm a ne nt fl e e t s i n t h e m ost

c onv e ni e nt p or t s of I t a ly ; th e one a t R a v e nna on th e ,

A d ri a t ic ; t h e ot h e r a t M i se nu m i n t h e b a y of N a pl e s , .

Exp e r i e nc e se e m s a t l e ng t h t o h a v e c onvi nc e d t h e a n
cie nt s t h a t a s soon a s t h e i r g a ll e y s e xc e e d e d t w o or a t
, ,

t h e m ost t h r e e r a nk s Of oa r s t h e y w e r e sui t e d r a t h e r ,

for v a i n p om p t h a n for r e a l se rvic e A ugu st u s hi m se lf .

,

i n t h e vict ory of A c t iu m h a d se e n t h e sup e r i or i t y of ,

h i s ow n ligh t fr ig a t e s (t h e y w e r e c a ll e d L ib u rni a ns)

ov e r t h e l oft y but u nwi e ldy c a st l e s of h i s r iv a l Of x
.

th e se L i b u rni a ns h e c om p ose d t h e t w o fl e e t s of R a
v e nna a nd Mi se nu m de st i ne d t o c om m a nd t h e one t h e , ,

T ci t u (Ann l v
a sh giv e n a st a t of t he l gi on u nd
a . 1 . Tib iu ; as us e e s er er s

and D i on C m (l lv p 794 u nd
a ss s, A l x nd S e v e u I h v nd
. . . . er e a er r s. a e e ea

vo d t o fix on th p op
u re m diu m b t w e n t h e e t w o p i od
e r See lik
er e e e s ei s. e

wi L i p i de M g ni t udi ne Rom na l i c 4 5
se s us a a , . . .
, .

T h Rom n t 1e d t o di gui
e a by t h p t nc e of ligi ou a w e t h i
s r s se , e re e re s , e r

ig no nc a nd t e o S e T ci t G m ni c 34
ra e rr r. e a . er a a, . .

Plu t ch i n M c A nton A nd y e t if w m y c di t O o iu s t h e e
ar . ar . .
, e a re r s , s

mon t ou c t l
s r w e no mo t h n t e n f e t b ov e the w a t vi 19
s as es er re a e a e r, . .
 22 THE D E C LIN E A N D F A L L
CHAP . t
e a s e rn, w e st e rn divi si on O f t h e Me di t e r
t h e oth e r t h e
1
r a ne a n ; a nd t o e a ch Of t h e squ a d rons h e a tt a ch e d a
'

b ody of se v e ra l t h ou sa nd m a r i ne s B e sid e s t h e se t w o .

p or t s which m a y b e c onsid e r e d a s t h e p ri ncip a l se a t s

,

of t h e R om a n na vy a v e ry c onsid e ra bl e for c e w a s st a
,

t i one d a t F r ej u s on t h e c oa st of P r ov e nc e a nd t h e
, ,

Euxi ne w a s gu a r d e d by for t y ship s a nd t h re e t h ou ,

sa nd soldi e r s T 0 a ll t h e se w e a dd t h e fl e e t which
.

p re se r v e d t h e c omm u nic a t i on b e t w e e n G a ul a nd B ri
t a i n a nd a g re a t nu m b e r of v e sse l s c onst a nt ly m a i n
,

t a i ne d on t h e Rhi ne a nd D a nub e t o h a r a ss t h e c ou n ,

t ry or t o i nt e r c e p t t h e p a ssa g e of t h e b a rb a r i a ns
, If
Amou nt of w e r e vi e w t hi s g e ne ra l st a t e of t h e i m p e ri a l for c e s ; of
t h wh ol
e e
t bli h
es a s t h e c a v a l ry a s w e ll a s i nfa nt ry ; of t h e l e g IO ns t h e a u x1 ,

m nhe
l i a ri e s t h e gu a r d s a nd t h e na vy ; t h e m ost lib e ra l
, ,

c om pu t a t i on will not a ll ow u s t o fix t h e e nt i re e st a b
li sh m e nt by se a a nd by l a nd a t m or e t h a n fou r h u n
d re d a nd fift y t h ou sa nd m e n ; a m ili ta r y p ow e r which ,

h ow e v e r form id a bl e i t m a y se e m w a s e qu a ll e d by a ,

m ona r ch of t h e l a st c e nt u ry wh ose ki ngd om w a s con ,

fi ne d wi t hi n a si ngl e p r ovi nc e of t h e R om a n e m pi re 3
.

V i ew of t h W e h a v e a t t e m p t e d t o e xpl a i n t h e spi ri t which m o

e
p ovi nc O f
r es

t h R om n d e r a t e d
e a
a nd t h e st re ng t h which supp or t e d t h e p ow e r
,

e mPi 'e
of H a d r i a n a nd t h e A nt oni ne s W e sh a ll now e nd e a .

v ou r with cl e a rne ss a nd p re ci si on t o d e sc rib e t h e

, ,

p rovi nc e s onc e u ni t e d u nd e r t h e i r sw a y bu t a t p r e ,

se nt divid e d i nt o so m a ny i nd e p e nd e nt a nd h ostil e
st a t e s .

Sp a i n t h e w e st e rn e x t re m i t y of t h e e m pi re of Eu
,

r op e a nd of t h e a nci e nt w orld h a s i n e v e r y a e i nv a
, g ,

r i a bl p r e se r v e d t h e sa m e na t u r a l li m i t s ; t h e P y re ne a n
y
m ou nt a i ns t h e M e di t e rra ne a n a nd t h e A t l a nt ic oc e a n
, , .

Th a t g re a t p e ni nsul a a t p re se nt so u ne qu a lly divid e d

,

b e t w e e n t w o sov e re ig ns w a s di st ribu t e d by A ugu st u s,

i nt o th re e p rovi nc e s Lu si t a ni a B ae t ic a a nd T a rra cO
, , ,

me nsi s T h e ki ngd om Of P or t ug a l now fill s t h e pl a c e

.

3See L i psi u s de a M g ni t ud R om l i c 5 Th ix t n l a t ch p t of
. . . . . . e s ee s a e rs

l
Ve ge t i u s re a te t o na a v l ffa i
a rs.
1
Vl i
o t a re , Si é cle de Loui X I V c 2 9 I t m u t h ow ev e be mem
s . . s , r, re
d h
be re , t a t F ra n e st c ill feel t h a t ext a o dm a y effo t
s r r r r .
 O F THE R OMA N E MP IRE . 23

of t h e w a rlik e c ou nt ry of t h e Lu si t a ni a ns ; a nd t h e l oss C H A P .

“
su st a i ne d by t h e for m e r on t h e sid e of t h e e a st i s
, ,

c om p e nsa t e d by a n a cc e ssi on of t e rri t ory t ow a rd s t h e

nor t h . T h e c onfi ne s Of G re na d a a nd A nd a lu si a cor
r e sp ond wi t h t h ose of a nci e nt B ae tic a T h e r e m a i nd e r .

of Sp a i n G a lli ci a a nd t h e A st u ri a s Bi sc a y a nd N a
, , , ,

v a rre L e on a nd t h e t w o C a st i lle s M u r ci a V a l e nci a

, , , , ,

C a t a l oni a a nd A rra g on a ll c ont r ibut e d t o for m t h e

, ,

t hi r d a nd m ost c onsid e ra bl e Of t h e R om a n g ov e r n
m e nt s which from t h e na m e of i t s c a pi t a l w a s st yl e d
, , ,

t h e p r ovi nc e of T a rra g ona O f t h e na t iv e b a rb a r i a ns

.
,

t h e C e l t ib e r i a ns w e r e t h e m ost p ow e r ful a s t h e C a nt a ,

b ri a ns a nd A stu ri a ns p rov e d t h e m ost ob st i na t e C on .

fi de nt i n t h e st re ng t h Of th e i r m ou nt a i ns t h e y w e r e ,

t h e l a st w h o sub m it t e d t o t h e a rm s Of R om e a nd t h e ,

fi rst w h o th r e w off t h e y ok e O f t h e A ra b s .

A nci e nt G a ul a s i t c ont a i ne d t h e wh ol e c ou nt ry G ul
,
a .

b e t w e e n t h e P y r e ne e s t h e A lp s t h e Rhi ne a nd t h e
, , ,

oc e a n w a s Of g r e a t e r e x t e nt t h a n m od e r n F r a nc e
, TO .

t h e d om i ni ons of t h a t p ow e r ful m ona r chy wi t h i t s ,

re c e nt a cqui si t i ons of A l sa c e a nd L orr a i ne w e m u st ,

‘
a dd t h e duchy Of S a v oy t h e c a nt ons of S wi t z e r l a nd , ,

t h e fou r e l e ct ora t e s of t h e Rhi ne a nd t h e t e r ri t or i e s of ,

i

Li e g e L u xe m bu rgh H a i na ul t Fl a nd e rs a nd B ra b a nt
, , , , .

Wh e n A ugu stu s g a v e l a w s t o t h e c onqu e st s of h i s

fa t h e r h e i nt roduc e d a divi si on of G a ul e qu a lly a d a p t e d
,

t o t h e p r og r e ss of t h e l e gi ons t o t h e c ou rse Of t he ,

r iv e rs a nd t o t h e p r i ncip a l na t i ona l di sti nc t i ons wh ich

, ,

h a d c om p r e h e nd e d a b ov e a n hu nd re d i nd e p e nd e nt
st a t e s
b T h e se a c oa st of th e M e dit e rr a ne a n L a ngu e
.
,

doc P r ov e nc e a nd D a uphi ne r e c e iv e d t h e i r p r ovi nci a l

, , ,

a pp e ll a t i on fr om t h e c ol ony of N a rb onne T he g 0 .

Se e St bo l
ra , u l
. 11.ugh
I t i s na t ra e no upp h A g to s ose t a t rra on i s de

iv d f
r e rom Ta rra c v l d h v wi
one nsi s a nd se e ra m o e rns w ho a e L i r t te n i n at n

h
u se t ose w d y y u
or s a s s non mo s h w v c i h A g
I t i s o e e r e rt a n, t a t t h e rra on,
.

a li l
t t e st re a m which f ll f Py
a s rom t h e i b fi g v
re ne e s nt o t h e E ro, rst a e 11 8

na m e t o a c u y g du lly
o nt r , a nd ra a ki gd to a n om Se e D A nvi lle , G é og ra
.
’

phi e du My
o e n A ge , p 181
b O ne hu d d
n re a nd fif pp
.

t e e n ci t i es a N i i G ul
.

e a r i n t he ot t a of a a nd i t i s

w ll k
e w h hi pp ll i
no n t a t t s a ppli d
e a t on w a s a ly ec pi l w
not on to t h e a t a t o n,
b u t t o t he wh l i y ch
o e t e rr tor of e a P lu ch
st a t e A ppi i c
But ta r. a nd a n n re a se

u b ib h f hu d d
t he n m e r of t r es t o t re e or our n re .
 24 THE DE C LIN E A N D F A L L
ve rnme nt of A qui t a i ne w a s e x t e nd e d fr om t h e P y re ne e s
t o t h e L oi re T h e c ou nt ry b e t w e e n t h e L oi re a nd t h e
.

S e i ne w a s st yl e d t h e C e l t ic G a ul a nd soon b orrow e d ,

a ne w d e nom i na t i on fr om t he c e l e b r a t e d c ol ony of

L u g du nu m or Ly ons , T h e B e lgic l a y b e y on d t h e
.

S e i ne a nd i n m ore a nci e nt t im e s h a d b e e n b ound e d

,

only b y t h e Rhi ne ; b u t a li t t l e b e fore t h e a g e of C ae

sa r t h e G e r m a ns a bu si ng th e i r sup e r i or i t y Of v a l ou r
, , ,

h a d occupi e d a c onsid e r a bl e p or t i on Of t h e B e lgic t e r

ri t or T h R c qu v r y e a g e r ly e m b r a c e d
y. e om a n on e r o r s e

so fl a t t e r i ng a ci r cu m st a nc e ; a n d t h e G a llic fr ont i e r of

t h e Rhi ne fr om B a sil t o L e y de n r e c e iv e d t h e p om p ou s
, ,

na m e s of t h e U pp e r a nd t h e L ow e r G e r m a ny Such ,

u nd e r t h e r e ig n of t h e A nt oni ne s w e r e t h e si x p r o ,

vi nc e s Of G a ul ; t h e N a rbonne se A qui t a i ne t h e C e l t ic , , ,

01 L onn e se t h e B e lgic a nd t h e t w o G e r m a ni e s
°

y , ,
.

B i ta i n
r .
W e h a v e a l re a dy h a d occ a si on t o m e nt i on th e con
qu e st of B r i t a i n a nd t o fix t h e b ou nd a ry Of t h e R om a n
,

p rovi nc e i n t hi s i sl a nd It c om p r e h e nd e d a ll E ngl a nd
.
,

Wa l e s a nd t h e l owl a nd s of S c ot l a nd a s fa r a s t h e
, ,

fri t h s of Du nb a r t on a nd Edi nbu rgh B e fore B ri t a i n .

l ost h e r fre e d om t h e c ou nt ry w a s i r re gul a rly divid e d

1

be t w e e n t hi r t y t rib e s of b a r b a r i a ns of wh omt h e m ost ,

c onsid e r a bl e w e re t h e B e lg ae i n th e w e st t h e B r ig a n t e s ,
‘
i n t h e nor t h t h e Silu r e s i n S ou t h W a l e s a nd t h e
, ,

Ic e ni i n N or folk a nd S u ffolk d A s fa r a s w e ca n .

e i t h e r t ra c e or c r e di t t h e r e se m bl a nc e of m a nne rs a nd

l a ngu a g e S p a in G a ul a nd B ri t a i n w e re p e opl e d by
, , ,

t h e sa m e h a r dy ra c e Of sa v a g e s B e for e t h e y yi e ld e d .

t o t h e R om a n a rm s t h e y Oft e n di spu t e d t h e fi e ld a nd
, ,

oft e n r e ne w e d t h e c ont e st A ft e r t h e ir sub m i ssi on.

-

t h e y c onst i t u t e d th e w e st e r n divi si on of t h e Eu r op e a n
p rovi nc e s which e x t e nd e d fr om t h e c olu mns of H e r
,

cul e s t o t h e w a ll Of A nt oni nu s a nd fr om t h e m ou t h Of ,

t h e T a gu s t o t h e sou r c e s Of t h e Rhi ne a nd D a nub e .

B e for e t h e R om a n c onqu e st t h e c ou nt ry which i s ,

now c a ll e d L om b a r dy w a s not c onsid e r e d a s a p a rt of

c D
'

Anvill e . N ic
ot e de l A nci e nne
’
a G ul e.
d
W hi ta ke r s Hi st ory
’
of an M ch
e st er, vol . i c
. . 3
.
 O F TH E R OMA N E MP IRE . 25

I ta ly It h a d b e e n occupi e d by a p ow e r ful c ol ony of C H A P

. .

1
G a ul s w h o se t tli ng th e m se lv e s a l ong t h e ba nk s of t h e
'

, ,

P O fr om P i e d m ont t o R om a g na c a r ri e d t he i r a r m s
, ,

a nd di ffu sed t h e i r na m e fr om t h e A lp s t o t h e A p e n

ni ne .T h e Ligu ri a ns dw e l t O n t h e r ocky c oa st which

n ow for m s t h e r e public Of G e noa V e nic e w a s y e t .

u nb orn ; b u t the t e rr i t ori e s of t h a t st a t e which li e t o ,

t h e e a st of t h e A dig e w e r e i nh a bit e d by t h e V e ne ,

t i a ns T h e m iddl e p a r t of th e p e ni nsul a t h a t now

"
.
,

c om p ose s t h e du chy of Tu sc a ny a nd t h e e ccl e si a st ic a l

st a t e w a s t h e a nci e nt se a t of t h e E t r u sc a ns a nd U m
,

b r i a ns ; t o t h e form e r of wh om I t a ly w a s i nd e b t e d for
t h e fi r st r udi m e nt s Of civiliz e d life
f T h e Tib e r r oll e d

“
.

a t t h e foot of t h e se v e n hill s of R om e a nd t h e c ou nt r y ,

of t h e S a bi ne s t h e L a t i ns a nd t h e V ol sci from t h a t
, , ,

r iv e r t o t h e front i e rs of N a pl e s w a s th e t h e a t re of h e r ,

i nfa nt vic t or i e s O n t h a t c e l e b r a t e d g r ou nd t h e fi rst

.

c onsul s d e se r v e d t riu mph s ; t h e i r succ e ssor s a d or ne d

vill a s a nd thei r p ost e r i ty h a v e e re c t e d c onv e nt s 3 C a
, .

u a a nd C a m p a ni a p osse sse d t h e i mm e di a t e t e r r i t or y
p
of N a pl e s : t h e r e st of t h e ki ngd om w a s i nh a bi t e d by

m a ny w a r lik e na t i ons t h e M a rsi t h e S a m ni t e s t h e , , ,

A puli a ns a nd t h e L u ca ni a ns ; a nd t h e se a c oa st s h a d
,

b e e n c ov e re d by t h e fl ou ri shi ng c ol oni e s of t h e G re e k s .

W e m a y r e m a rk t h a t wh e n A ugu st u s divid e d It a ly,

i nt o e l e v e n re gi ons t h e li tt l e p rovi nc e of I st ri a w a s
,

a nne x e d t o t h a t se a t of R om a n sov e re ig nt y .

T h e Eu rop e a n p r ovi nc e s of R ome w e r e p r ot e ct e d Th D n e a

b y t h e c our se of t h e Rhi ne a nd t h e D a nub e T he .

l a t t e r of t h ose m igh t y st re a m s which r i se s a t t h e di s f ont i ,

r er

t a nc e of only t hi r t y m il e s from t h e for m e r fl ow s a b ov e ,

t hi r t e e n hu nd re d m il e s for t h e m ost p a r t t o t h e sou t h ,

e a st c oll e ct s t h e t r ibu t e O f six t y na vig a bl e r iv e rs a nd

, ,

i s a t l e ng t h t h rough si x m ont h s r e c e iv e d i nt o t h e
, ,

e
Th I t li n V ne t i t h ough oft n c onfou nd d wi t h t h G ul
e a a e , w e e e a s, e re
m o p ob bly of Illy i a n o igi n M F t Mé moi d l A c démi ’
re r a S r r . ee . rere , re s e a e
d In c ip t i on t om x v i i
.

es s r s, 1
f S M ff i V on Illu t t 1 i
. .

ee a e , er a s ra a , . .

F Th fi t c ont e t w
rs O b v d by t he a nci ent ee Fl o u s i 11 Th
ra s as ser e s:s r , . . e
se c ond m u t t ik v y m od n t v ll e
s s r e e er er ra e r.
h P li ny Hi
( t N t u 1 iii ) fo
sll o
.w t h divi
a i on of I t ly by A ugu t u
r. . . s e s a s s.
 CHAP

R h aet i a .
.
26

c e ssi on of w a t e rs

t h e Illy r i a n front i e r
T HE D E C LIN E A ND FA LL
Euxi ne which a pp e a r s sc a rc e ly e qu a l t o such a n a o
,
i
T h e p rovi nc e s of t h e D a nub e
.

soon a cqui r e d t h e g e ne ra l a pp e ll a t i on of Illy r i cu m or

a nd w e r e e st e e m e d t h e

w a rlik e Of t h e e m pi re ; b u t t h e y d e se r v e t o b e m ore
p a r t icul a rly c onsid e re d u nd e r t h e na m e s Of Rh ae ti a
N oricu m P a nnoni a D a l m a t i a D a ci a M se si a Th ra c e
,

M a c e d oni a a nd G re e c e ,

T h e p r ovi nc e of R h mt i a which soon e xti ngui sh e d

,

t h e na m e of t h e V i nde l i cia ns e x t e nd e d fr om t h e su m
m i t of t h e A lp s t o t h e b a nk s of t h e D a nub e ; fr om i t s
“m ost
,

,
, , ,
,

sou r c e a s fa r a s i t s c
,
onfl u x wi t h t h e Inn T h e g re a t e st .

p a r t of t h e fl a t c ou nt ry i s subj e c t t o t h e e l e c t or of
B a v a ri a ; t h e ci ty of A ug sbu rg i s p rot e c t e d by t h e
'

c onst i t u t i on of t h e G e rm a n e m pi re ; t h e G ri sons a re
sa fe i n t h e i r m ou nt a i ns a nd t h e c ou nt ry Of Ty r ol i s ,

r a nk e d a m ong t h e nu m e r ou s p rovi nc e s of t h e h ou se

of A u st r i a .

N icu m
or T h e wid e e x t e nt of t e r ri t or y which i s i nclud e d b e
P m
i f:
an
twe e n t h e Inn t h e D a nub e a nd t h e S a v e ; A u st ri a
'

, , ,

S ty ri a C a ri nt hi a C a rni ol a t h e L ow e r H u ng a ry a nd
, , , ,

S cla voni a w a s k now n t o t h e a nci e nt s u nd e r t h e na m e s

,

of N or icu m a nd P a nnoni a In t h e i r origi na l st a t e Of .

i nd e p e nd e nc e t h e i r fi e r c e i nh a bi ta nt s w e r e i nt i m a te ly
,

c onne c t e d Und e r t h e R om a n g ov e r nm e nt t h e y w e re
.

fre qu e nt ly u ni t e d a nd t h e y st il l re m a i n t h e p a t r i m ony
,

of a si ngl e fa m ily Th e y now c ont a i n t h e r e sid e nc e of

.

a G e rm a n p ri nc e w h o s t yl e s hi m se lf e m p e r or Of t h e
,

R om a ns a nd form t h e c e nt re a s w e ll a s st re ng t h of
, , ,

t h e A u st r i a n p ow e r It m a y not b e i m p rop e r t o O h
.

se r v e t h a t if w e e xc e pt B oh e m i a M ora vi a t h e nor t h e r n
, , ,

ski r t s of A u st r i a a nd a p a r t of Hu ng a r y b e t w e e n t h e
, ,

T e y ss a nd t h e D a nub e a ll t h e ot h e r d om i ni ons of t h e ,

h ou se Of A u st ri a w e re c om p ri se d wi t hi n t h e li m i t s Of
t h e R om a n e m p l re r

D a l ma t i a n
D a lm a t i a t o which t h e na m e Of Illy r icu m m ore p ro
,

1 T ou n fo t V oy g
r n G ec t A i Mi n u
a es el t t xviii r e e s e e re , e re
e r , .

k Th n m of Illy icu m o igi n lly b l ong d t o t h

e a e r c o t of t h r a e e e se a as e

A d i t ic nd w g du l ly xt end d by t h Rom a n f om t h Alp t o th

r a , a as ra a e e
‘
e s r e s e
E uxi n Se S v i ni P nnoni
e se a . e l i c 3
e er a a, . . . .
 O F TH E R OM A N E MP IR E . 27

p e rly b e l ong e d w a s a l ong but na r row t ra ct b e tw e en C H A P

, .

T h e b e st p a r t of t h e se a 1
t h e S a v e a nd t h e A d ri a t ic .
°

c oa st which st ill r e t a i ns i t s a nci e nt a pp e ll a t i on i s a

, ,

p r ovi nc e of t h e V e ne ti a n st a t e a nd t h e se a t of th e ,

lit t l e re public of R a gu sa T h e i nl a nd p a r t s h a v e a s .

su m e d t h e S cl a v oni a n na me s of C r oa t i a a nd B osni a ;

t h e form e r ob e y s a n A u st ri a n g ov e r nor t h e l a t t e r a ,

Tu rki sh p a sh a ; bu t t h e wh ol e c ou nt ry i s st ill i nfe st e d

by t rib e s of b a rb a ri a ns wh ose sa v a g e i nd e p e nd e nc e ,

i rre gul a rly m a rk s t h e d oub t ful li m i t of t h e ch ri st i a n

l
a nd m a h om e t a n p ow e r

A ft e r t h e D a nub e h a d r e c e iv e d t h e w a t e rs of t h e M i nd aes a a

D m a a’
T e y ss a nd t h e S a v e i t a cqui re d a t l e a st a m ong t h e
, ,

G re e k s t h e na m e of Ist e r
,
m
It forme rly divid e d Mae .

si a a nd D a ci a ; t h e l a t t e r of which a s w e h a v e a l re a dy ,

se e n w a s a c onqu e st of T r a j a n a nd t h e only p r ovi nc e

, ,

b e y ond t h e r iv e r If w e e nqui re i nt o t h e p r e se nt st a t e
.

of t h o se c ou nt ri e s w e sh a ll fi nd t h a t on t h e l e ft h a nd
, ,

of t h e D a nub e T e m e sw a r a nd T r a nsylv a ni a h a v e b e e n
,

a nne x e d a ft e r m a ny re v oluti ons t o t h e c r ow n of H u n

, ,

g a ry ; whil st t h e p r i ncip a li t i e s of M old a vi a a nd Wa l a

chi a a ck nowl e dge t h e sup re m a cy of t h e O t t om a n p or t e .

O n t h e r igh t h a nd of t h e D a nub e Mmsi a which du r , ,

i ng t h e m iddl e a g e s w a s b r ok e n i nt o t h e b a rb a ri a n
ki ngd oms of S e rvi a a nd Bulg a ri a i s a g a i n u ni t e d i n ,

Tu rki sh sl a v e ry .

T h e a pp e ll a t i on of R ou m e li a which i s still b e st ow e d Th c , ra e,

by t h e Tu rk s on th e e x t e nsiv e c ou nt r i e s of Th ra c e ,

M a c e d oni a a nd G re e c e p re se rv e s t h e m e mory of t h e i r G c
, ,
re e e.

a nci e nt st a t e u nd e r t h e R om a n e m pi r e In t h e t i me .

of t h e A nt oni ne s t h e m a r ti a l r e gi ons of Th ra c e fr om
, ,

t h e m ou nt a i ns of H ae m u s a nd Rh od op e t o t h e B os
h o ru s a nd t h e H e ll e sp ont h a d a ssu m e d t h e form of a
p ,

p r ovinc e N otwi t h st a ndi ng t h e ch a ng e of m a st e r s a nd

.

l A Ve ne t i a n v ll er t he a bb a te Fo t i s h a s l tely giv en s o
t ra e ,
me a c r , a u s

c ou nt of t h o e v e y Ob cu e c ou nt i e B ut t h e geog phy nd a nt q t s
s r s r r s. ra a r u r re

of t h e w e t e n Illy icu m ca n be e xp e c t e d only f om t h e m n fi c

s r r e nce of t h e r u r

emp o i t sov e re ig n
er r s .

m Th e S v i e n a t he c onfi ne of I t a nd w a s con dered by the

a e r s s e r s s ri , a sr

m o e a ly G ee k s a s t h e p i ncip a l t re a m of t he D a nub e
r e r r r s .
 28 TH E D E C LIN E A N D F A L L
C H AP . of r e ligi on , t h e ne w ci t yR ome fou nd e d by C on
of ,
I
st a nt i ne on t h e b a nk s of t h e B osph or u s h a s e v e r si nc e
'

r e m a i ne d t h e c a pi t a l o f a g r e a t m ona rc
‘
hy T h e ki ng .

dom of M a c e d oni a which u nd e r t h e r e ig n of A l e x a n

,

de r g a v e l a w s t o A si a d e r iv e d m ore solid a dv a nt a g e s
,

from t h e p olicy of th e t w o P hilip s ; a nd wi t h i t s de ,

p e nd e nci e s of Epi r u s a nd Th e ssa ly e x t e nd e d from t h e ,

ZE g e a n t o t h e I oni a n se a Wh e n w e re fl e c t on t h e
.

fa me of Th e b e s a nd A r g os of S p a r t a a nd A t h e ns w e
, ,

ca n sc a r c e ly p e rsu a d e ou rse lv e s t h a t so m a ny i m m or t a l
r e public s of a nci e nt G r e e c e w e r e l ost i n a si ngl e ro
p
vi nc e of t h e R om a n e m pi r e which fr om t h e sup e ri or
, ,

i nflu e nc e of t h e A ch ae a n l e a gu e w a s u su a lly de nom i ,

na t e d t h e p r ovi nc e Of A ch a i a .

A i a M i no
s r.
S uch w a s t h e st a t e of Eu rop e u nd e r th e R om a n e m
p e r o rs
. T h e p r ovi nc e s of A si a wi t h ou t e xc e p t i ng t h e
,

t ra nsi e nt c onqu e st s of T ra j a n a re a l l c om p r e h e nd e d
,

wi t hi n t h e li m i t s of t h e Tu rki sh p ow e r B u t i nst e a d .
,

of foll owi ng t h e a rbi t ra ry divi si ons of d e sp ot i sm a nd

ig nora nc e i t will b e sa fe r for u s a s w e ll a s m or e a g re e
, ,

a bl e ,
t o ob se r v e t h e i nd e libl e ch a ra c t e r s of na t u re .

T h e na m e of A si a M i nor i s a t t r ibu t e d wi t h som e p ro

p ri e t
y t o t h e p e ni nsul a which c on fi n e d b e twe e n t h e
,

Euxi ne a nd t h e M e di t e rra ne a n a dv a nc e s fr om t h e ,

Euph ra t e s t ow a r d s Eu rop e T h e m ost e x t e nsiv e a nd

.

fl ou r i shi ng di st r ic t w e st w a r d of m ou nt T a u r u s a nd t h e
,

r iv e r H a ly s w a s dig nifi e d by t h e R om a ns wi t h t h e e x
,

e lu siv e t i t l e of A si a T h e j u ri sdic t i on of t h a t p r ovi nc e

.

e x t e nd e d ov e r t h e a nc i e nt m ona r chi e s of T roy Lydi a , ,

.

a nd P h rygi a t h e m a r i t i m e c ou nt r i e s of t h e Pa m p h y
,

li a ns Lyci a ns a nd C a r i a ns a nd t h e G re ci a n c ol oni e s
, , ,

of I oni a which e qu a ll e d i n a r t s t h ough not i n a rm s

, , ,

t h e gl ory of t h e i r p a r e nt T h e ki ngd om s of Bi t hy ni a
.

a nd P ont u s p osse sse d t h e nor t h e r n sid e of t h e p e ni n

sul a fr om C onst a nt i nopl e t o T re bi z ond O n th e Op .

o si t e sid e t h e p r ovi nc e of C ilici a w a s t e rm i na t e d by

p ,

t h e m ou nt a i ns of Sy r i a : t h e i nl a nd c ou nt r y se p a ra t e d ,

from t h e R om a n A si a by t h e riv e r H a ly s a nd from ,

A r me ni a by t h e Euph ra t e s h a d onc e forme d t h e i n

,
 O F THE R OMA N E M P IRE . 29 1

de p e nd e nt ki ngd om of C a pp a d oci a In t hi s pl a c e w e C H A P . .

1
m a y ob se r v e t h a t t h e nor th e rn sh ore s of t h e Euxi ne
’

, ,

b e y ond T r e biz ond i n A si a a nd b e y ond t h e D a nub e i n ,

Eu r op e a ck nowl e dg e d t h e sov e r e ignty of th e e m p e

,

r or s a nd r e c e iv e d a t t h e i r h a nd s e i t h e r t r ibut a r y p r i nc e s
,

or R om a n g a rr i sons B udz a k C ri m T a r t a ry C i roa s

.
, ,

si a a nd Mi ng re li a a r e t h e m od e rn a pp e ll a t i ons of t h ose
, ,

sa v a g e c ou nt r i e s

U nd e r t h e succ e ssors of A l e x a nd e r Sy ri a w a s t h e Sy i Pho ,

r a,
.
e

fifiitfii:
l
se a t of t h e S e l e ucid ae w h o re ig ne d ov e r U pp e r A si a
)
, ’
z s

t ill t h e succ e ssful r e v ol t of t h e P a r t hi a ns c onfi ne d t h e i r

d om i ni ons b e t w e e n t h e Euph ra te s a nd t h e Me di t e r
r a me a n Wh e n Sy ri a b e c a m e subj e c t t o t h e R om a ns
'

.
,

i t for m e d t h e e a st e rn front i e r of t h e i r e m pi re ; nor did

t h a t p r ovi nc e i n i t s ut m ost l a titud e k now a ny ot h e r
, ,

b ou nd s t h a n t h e m ou nt a i ns of C a pp a d oci a t o t h e nor th ,

a nd t ow a r d s t h e sou t h t h e c onfi ne s of Egypt a nd t h e ,

R e d se a P h oenici a a nd P a l e sti ne w e r e som e ti m e s a n

.

ne xe d t o a nd som e t i m e s se p a r a t e d fr om t h e u r i sdi c
, j
t i on of Sy ri a T h e form e r of t h e se w a s a na rr ow a nd
.

r ocky c oa st ; t h e l a t t e r w a s a t e rr i t ory sc a r c e ly sup e r i or

t o W a l e s e i t h e r i n fe r t ili t y or e x t e nt
, Y e t P h oe nici a .

a nd P a l e st i ne will for e v e r liv e i n t h e m e m or y of m a n

ki nd ; si nc e A m e ric a a s w e ll a s Eu r op e h a s r e c e iv e d , ,

l e t t e rs fr om t h e one a nd r e ligi on fr om t h e oth e r , A °

.

sa ndy d e se r t a lik e d e st i t ut e Of w ood a nd w a t e r ski rt s

, ,

a l ong t h e d oub t ful c onfi ne of Sy r i a from t h e Eu ,

p h ra t e s t o t h e R e d se a T h e w a nd e r i ng life of t h e .

A ra b s w a s i nse p a ra bly c onne c t e d wi t h t h e i r i nde p e nd

e nc e ; a nd wh e re v e r on som e sp ot s l e ss b a r re n t h a n ,

t h e r e st t h e y v e nt u re d t o form a ny se t t l e d h a bit a t i ons

, ,

t h e y soon b e c a m e subj e c t s t o t h e R om a n e m pi r e P .

P iplu of A i n H x m i n d t h c o t of t he E uxi n
" Se e t he
1
er s rr a . e e a e e as s e
wh n h w gov no of C pp d oci
e e as er r a a a.

Th p og eof ligi on i w ll k now n Th

r re ss of l t t
re w i nt o s e . e u se e e rs as r

d c d a m ong t h
u e v g of E u ope a bou t fift e n hu nd d y
e sa a es b fo r e re e a rs e re

C h i t ; nd t h E u op n c i d t h m t o Am ic b ou t fift n c nt u i
r s a e r ea s a rr e e er a a ee e r es

aft t h ch i t i n
er e B t i n p i od of t h
r s a t h ou nd y
e ra . t h Ph oeni
u a er re e sa e a rs, e

c n lph b t c e iv d c on id bl l t ti on
ra a a e re it p
e d t h ough t he
s e ra e a e ra s, a s a sse r

h nd of t h G k nd Rom n
a s e ree s a a s.
P Di on C iu l lxvi i i p 1131
a ss s, . . . .
 TH E D E C LIN E A N D FA L L
T he g e og ra ph e r s of a nt iqui t y h a v e fre qu ent ly h e si
t a t e d t o wh a t p or t i on of t h e gl ob e t h e y sh ould a sc r ib e
E gyp t . E gy p t q .By i t s si t u a t i on t h a t c e l e b ra t e d ki ngd om i s
,

i nclud e d wi t hi n t h e i mm e nse p e ni nsul a of A fric a ; b u t

i t i s a cc e ssibl e only on t h e sid e of A si a wh ose r e vol u ,

t i ons i n a l m ost e v e r y p e ri od of hi st ory Egyp t h a s

, ,

hu m bly ob e y e d A R om a n p re fe c t w a s se a t e d on th e
.

Spl e ndid t h r one of t h e P t ol e m i e s ; a nd t h e i r on sc e pt r e

of t h e m a m a lu k e s i s now i n t h e h a nd s of a Tu r ki sh

p a sh a T h e Nil e fl ow s d ow n t h e c ou nt ry a b ov e fi ve
.
,

hu nd re d mil e s from t h e t rOp i c of C a nc e r t o t h e M e di

t e rra ne a n a nd m a r k s on e i t h e r sid e t h e e x t e nt of fe r
,

t i li t y by t h e m e a su r e of i t s i nu nd a t i ons C y re ne si t u a t e .
,

t ow a r d s t h e w e st a nd a l ong t h e se a c oa st w a s fi rst a
, ,

G re e k c ol ony a ft e r w a rd s a p r ovi nc e of Egyp t a nd i s

, ,

now l ost i n t h e d e se r t Of B a r c a .

A f ic
r a . F r om C y r e ne t o t h e oc e a n t h e c oa st of A fric a e x ,

t e nd s a b ov e fift e e n hu nd re d m il e s ; y e t so cl ose ly i s i t
p re sse d b e t w e e n t h e M e di t e rr a ne a n a nd t h e S a h a ra ,

or sa ndy d e se r t t h a t i t s b re a d t h se ld om e xc e e d s fou r
,

sc ore or a n hu nd r e d m il e s T h e e a st e rn divi si on w a s
.

c onsid e re d by t h e R om a ns a s t h e m or e p e culi a r a nd
p r op e r p rovi nc e of A fric a Till t h e a r r iv a l of t h e .

P h oe nici a n c ol oni e s t h a t fe r t il e c ou nt ry w a s i nh a bi t e d
,

by t h e Liby a ns t h e m ost sa v a g e of m a nki nd U nd e r

, .

t h e i mm e di a t e j u r i sdic t i on of C a r t h a g e i t b e c a m e t h e ,

c e nt re of c omm e r c e a nd e m pi re ; b u t t h e r e public of
C a rth a g e i s now d e g e ne ra t e d i nt o t h e fe e bl e a nd di s
or d e r ly st a t e s of T r ip oli a nd Tu ni s T h e m ili t a r y .

g ov e rnm ent of Algi e rs Opp re sse s t h e wid e e x t e nt of

Nu m idi a a s i t w a s onc e u ni t e d u nd e r M a ssi ni ssa a nd
,

J u g u r t h a : bu t i n t h e t im e of A ugu st u s t h e li m i t s of ,

N u m idi a w e re c ont ra c t e d ; a nd a t l e a st t w o t hi rd s of
t h e c ou nt r y a cqui e sc e d i n t h e na m e of M a u ri t a ni a wi t h ,

t h e e pi t h e t of C ae S a r i e nsi s T h e g e nui ne M a u ri t a ni a
.
,

q P tol emy nd S t b o wi t h th m od n g og ph fix t h i t h m u of
a ra , e er e ra e rs, e s s
Su z t h bou nd y of A i nd A f ic Di ony iu M l P l i ny S llu t
e as e ar s a a r a. s s, e a , , a s ,

Hi t i
r u s, and Sol i n h v p f d fo t h t pu p o t h w t n b nch of
u s, a e re e rre r a r se e e s er ra
th e e o v n t h g t C t b th m u o d c nt ; which l a t w ould
e, r e e e re a a a a s, r es e s
ig n t o A not only E gyp t b t p t of Liby
a ss sra , u ar a.
 O F TH E R OMA N E MP IR E . 31

or c ou nt ry of t h e M oors which fr om t h e a nci e nt ci t y C H A P , , .

1
of Ti ngi or T a ngi e r w a s di st i ngui sh e d by t h e a pp e ll a
, ,
°

t i on of Ti ngi t a na i s r e p r e se nt e d by t h e m od e r n ki ng
,

dom of F e z S a ll e on t h e oc e a n so i nfa m ou s a t p r e
.
, ,

se nt for i t s pi r a t ic a l d e p r e d a t i ons w a s not ic e d by t h e ,

R om a ns a s t h e e x t re m e obj e c t of t h e i r p ow e r a nd ,

a l m ost of th e i r g e og ra phy A ci t y of t h e i r fou nd a t i on .

m a y st ill b e di sc ov e r e d ne a r Me q u i ne z t h e re sid e nc e ,

of t h e b a rb a r i a n wh om w e c on d e sc e nd t o st yl e t h e e m

e o o f M o occ o b t i t d o n o t pp a r th a t h i s
p r r r ; u e s a e

m or e sou t h e rn d om i ni ons M or occ o i t se lf a nd S e g e l , ,

m e ssa w e r e e v e r c om p r e h e nd e d w i t h i n t h e R om a n
,
a

p rovi nc e T h e w e st e rn p a r t s of A fric a a re i nt e rse c t e d

.

by t h e b ra nch e s of m ou nt A t l a s a na m e so idly c e l e ,

”
b ra t e d by t h e fa ncy of p oe t s ; b u t which i s now dif
fu se d ov e r t h e i m m e nse oc e a n t h a t r oll s b e t w e e n t h e
a nci e nt a nd t h e ne w c ont i ne n t
s
.

1
H a vi ng now fi ni sh e d t h e ci r cui t of th e R om a n e m Th M di e e

pi re w e m a y ob se rv e t h a t A fric a i s divid e d from S p a i n

, ,

by a na rrow st r a i t of a b ou t t w e lv e m il e s t h rough which i l nd ,

s a s.

t h e A t l a nt ic fl ow s i nt o t h e M e dit e rr a ne a n T h e co .

l u m ns of H e r cul e s so fa m ou s a m ong t h e a nci e nt s , ,

w e re t w o m ou nt a i ns which se e m e d t o h a v e b e e n t orn
a su nd e r by som e c onvul si on of t h e e l e m e nt s ; a nd a t

t h e foot of t h e Eu r op e a n m ou nt a i n t h e for t r e ss of

Gib r a lt a r i s now se a t e d T h e wh ol e e xt e nt of t h e .

M e di t e rra ne a n se a i t s c oa st s a nd i t s i sl a nd s w e re , , ,

c om p r i se d wi t hi n t h e R om a n d om i ni on O f t h e l a rg e r .

i sl a nd s t h e t w o B a l e a re s which d e r iv e t h e i r na m e s of
, ,

M a j or c a a nd M i nor c a fr om t h e i r re sp e c t iv e siz e a re ,

subj e c t a t p r e se nt t h e for m e r t o Sp a i n t h e l a t t e r t o
, ,

G r e a t B ri t a i n It i s e a si e r t o d e pl or e t h e fa t e t h a n t o
.

d e sc rib e t h e a c t u a l c ondi t i on of C or sic a T w o I t a li a n .

mod e t h igh t nd g nt l d clivi t y of m ou nt A t l

‘
1
Th e l ong ng ra e, ra e e , a e e e a s,

(se e Sh w T a v l pa
’
s rv y u nlik
e s, oli t y m ou nt i n which
. a re er e a s ar a re a rs

i t h d i nt o t h cl oud
s ea nd m t o upp o t t h h v n
e s, a Th p k of se e s s r e ea e s. e ea

T n iff on t h c ont
e er , y i a l gue nd h lf b ov t h u f c of th
e ra r , r se s ea a a a a e e s r a e e
se a nd
a it w fr qu nt ly vi i t d by t h Ph oenici n m igh t ng g t h
as as e e s e e a s, e a e e

k p o t Se Buffon Hi toi N t u ll t om 1 p 312

, ,

not ic eof t h G e ree e s. e , s re a re e, . . .

Hi toi d V oy ge t o n ii
s re es a s, r . .

5
M d V ol t i (tom xiv p
. e u n upp o t d by i t h e f c t o p ob a
a re , . . . s r e e r a r r

bi li ty h , g n ou ly b t ow e d t h C n y i l nd on t h Roma n e mpi
as e er s es e a ar s a s e re .
 32 THE DE C LIN E A ND F AL L
C HA P .
ig ns a ssu m e a re g a l t i t l e from S a rdi ni a a nd Sicily
so e re v .

C re t e or C a ndi a wi t h C yp ru s a nd m ost of t h e sm a ll e r
, , ,

i sl a nd s of G re e c e a nd A si a h a v e b e e n subdu e d by t h e ,

Tu rki sh a r ms ; whil st t h e lit tl e r ock of M a l ta d e fi e s

t h e i r p ow e r a nd h a s e m e r g e d u nde r t h e g ov e rnm e nt
, ,

of i t s m ili t a ry or d e r i nt o fa m e a nd opul e nc e , .

G n l
e e ra Thi s l ong e nu m e ra t i on of p r ovi nc e s wh ose b rok e n ,

id of t h fra g m e nt s h a v e for m e d so m a ny p ow e r ful ki ngd om s

ea e

R om n ma e
,

pi
re . m igh t a l m ost i nduc e u s t o for giv e t h e v a ni t y or i g no
ra nc e of t h e a nci e nt s D a zzl e d wi t h t h e e x t e nsiv e
.

sw a y t h e i rr e si st ibl e st re ng t h a nd t h e re a l or a ffe ct e d
, ,

m od e ra t i on of t h e e m p e r ors t h e y p e rm i t t e d t h e m se lv e s ,

t o d e spi se a nd som e t i me s t o for g e t t h e ou t lyi ng c ou n

, ,

t ri e s wh i ch h a d b e e n l e ft i n t h e e nj oy m e nt of a b a r

b a r ou s i nd e p e nd e nc e ; a nd t h e y g ra du a lly u su rp e d t h e
lic e nc e of c onfou ndi ng t h e R om a n m ona r chy wi t h t h e
gl ob e of t h e e a r t h B u t t h e t e m p e r a s w e ll a s k now ,

l e dg e of a m od e r n hi st ori a n r e qui re a m ore sob e r a nd ,

a ccu r a t e l a ngu a g e H e m a y i m p r e ss a j u st e r i m a g e of
.

t h e g re a t ne ss of R om e by ob se r vi ng t h a t t h e e m pi r e , ,

w a s a b ov e t w o t h ou sa nd m il e s i n b re a d t h from t h e ,

w a ll of A nt oni nu s a nd t h e nort h e rn li m i t s of D a ci a t o ,

m ou nt A t l a s a nd t h e t rO p i c of C a nce r ; t h a t i t e x t e nd e d
i n l e ng t h m or e t h a n t h r e e t h ou sa nd m il e s fr om t h e ,

w e st e rn oc e a n t o t h e Euph ra t e s ; t h a t i t w a s si t u a t e d
i n t h e fi ne st p a r t of t h e t e m p e ra t e z one b e t w e e n t h e ,

t w e nt y fou r t h a nd fi ft y six t h d e g r e e s of nor t h e rn l a ti

- -

t ud e ; a nd t h a t it w a s supp ose d t o c ont a i n a b ov e si x

t e e n hu nd re d t h ou sa nd squ a r e m il e s for t h e m ost p a r t ,

of fe r t il e a nd w e ll cul t iv a t e d l a nd

Be rgi e r, Hi st . des G ra nd s Ch em i ns, l . iii c. . 1— 4 a v e y u e ful c ol

r s e

l c t i on
e .

Se e Te m pl e ma n s
’
Su rv ey of t he Gl ob e bu t I di st u t b ot h the d oc to
r s
’
r s

l e a rn n i g
a nd hi s m a s p .
 C H AP TER 11 .

O F THE U N I O N A N D I N TE RN A L P R O S P E R I T Y O F THE R O MA N
E M P I RE I N THE A G E O F THE A N T O N I N E S .

IT al one by t h e r a pidi t y or e x t e nt of c onqu e st P i ncipl es

is
‘
not r

T h e figfi
m e
t h a t w e sh ould e st i m a t e t h e g r e a t ne ss of R om e
'

sove r e ig n of t h e Ru ssi a n d e se r t s c om m a nd s a l a r g e r

p orti on of t h e gl ob e In t h e se v e nt h su mm e r a ft e r
.

h i s p a ssa g e of t h e H e ll e sp ont A l e x a nd e r e r e c t e d t h e ,

M a c e d oni a n t rophi e s on t h e b a nk s of t h e H y p h a si s 3
.

Wi t hi n l e ss t h a n a c e nt u ry t h e i rre si st ibl e Z i ngi s a nd

/
, ,

t h e m ogul p ri nc e s of h i s r a c e S p r e a d t h e i r c r u e l de ,

va st a t i ons a nd t ra nsi e nt e m pi r e fr om t h e se a of C hi na
”
t o t h e c onfi ne s of Egyp t a nd G e rm a ny B u t t h e fi rm .

e dific e Of R om a n p ow e r w a s ra i se d a nd p r e se r v e d by

“
t h e wi sd om of a g e s T h e ob e di e nt p rovi nc e s of T ra j a n
.

a nd t h e A nt oni ne s w e r e u ni t e d by l a w s a nd a d orne d ,

by a r t s Th e y m igh t occ a si ona lly su ffe r from t h e

.

p a r t i a l a bu se of d e l e g a t e d a u t h ori ty ; bu t t h e g e ne ra l
p ri ncipl e of g ov e rnm e nt w a s wi se si m pl e a nd b e ne fi , ,

c e nt Th e y e nj oy e d t h e r e ligi on of t h e i r a nc e st or s
.
,

whil st i n civil h onou r s a nd a dv a nt a g e s t h e y w e re e x a l t e d ,

by j u st d e g re e s t o a n e qu a li ty wi t h t h e i r c onqu e r ors
,
.

I T h e p olicy of th e e m p e r or s a nd th e se na t e a s fa e iy l
.
,
h e rsa

$323 ;
1
a s i t c onc e r ne d r e ligi on w a s h a ppily se c ond e d b t h e
, y
r e fl e c t i ons of t h e e nligh t e ne d a nd by t h e h a bi t s of t h e ,

su p e r st i t i ou s p a r t of t h e i r subj e c t s T h e v a r i ou s m od e s .

of w orship which p r e v a il e d i n t h e R om a n w orld w e r e ,

a ll c onsid e re d by t h e p e opl e a s e qu a lly t r u e ; by t h e

phil osoph e r a s e qu a lly fa l se ; a nd by t h e m a gi st ra t e

, ,

a s e qu a lly u se ful A nd t hu s t ol e r a t i on p r odu c e d not

.

only m u t u a l i ndulge nc e but e v e n re ligi ous c onc or d , .

T h e sup e r st i t i on of t h e p e opl e w a s not i m bi t t e r e d O f t h e p eo

p l e'
by a ny m ix t u re of t h e ol ogic a l r a nc ou r ; nor w a s i t con
‘ Th y w
3
e c t d b ou t t h m idw y b t w n L bo nd D lhi Th
e re e re e a e a e ee a r a e . e

c onq u t of A l x nd i n Il ndo t n w c onfi n d t o t h P u nj b a c ou n

es s e a er r s a e re e e a ,

t y w t
r d by t h fi g t t m of t h I ndu
a e re e ve rea s re a s e s.
S M ; d Guig n H i toi d Hu n l xv xvi nd x
ee e e s, s re es s, . . . a vrr.

VOL I . . D
34 THE D E C LINE A N D F A LL
fi ne d by t h e ch a i ns of a ny S p e cul a t iv e sy st e m T h e .

d e v ou t p oly th e i st t h ough fondly a t t a ch e d t o h i s na t i ona l

,

r i t e s a d m i t t e d wi t h i m plici t fa i t h t h e di ffe re nt r e ligi ons

,

of t h e e a r t h F e a r g ra t i t ud e a nd cu ri osi t y a d re a m , , ,

or a n om e n a si ngul a r di sor d e r or a di st a nt j ou r ne y
, , ,

p e r p e tu a lly di sp ose d h i m t o m ul t iply t h e a r t icl e s of h i s

b e li e f a nd t o e nl a r g e t h e li st of h i s p rot e c t or s T h e
,
.

thi n t e x t u re of t h e p a g a n m y th ol ogy w a s i nt e r w ov e n
wi t h v a ri ou s b u t not di sc ord a nt m a t e ri a l s A S soon
,
.

a s i t w a s a ll ow e d t h a t sa g e s a nd h e roe s w ho ha d ,

liv e d or w h o h a d di e d for t h e b e ne fi t of th e i r c ou n
t ry w e r e e x a l t e d t o a st a t e of p ow e r a nd i mm or t a li t y ;
,

i t w a s u niv e rsa lly c onfe sse d t h a t t h e y d e se rv e d if not , ,

t h e a d or a t i on a t l e a st th e r e v e r e nc e of a ll m a nki nd
, .

\
T h e d e i t i e s of a t h ou sa nd g rov e s a nd a t h ou sa nd
st re a m s p osse sse d i n p e a c e t h e i r l oc a l a nd r e sp e c t iv e
, ,

i nflu e nc e ; nor c ould t h e R om a n w h o d e p re c a t e d t h e

w ra t h of t h e Tib e r d e rid e t h e Egyp t i a n w h o p re ,

se nt e d h i s O ffe r i ng t o t h e b e ne fi ce nt g e niu s of t h e
Nil e T h e vi si bl e p ow e r s of na t u re t h e pl a ne t s a nd
.
, ,

t h e e l e m e nt s w e r e t h e sa m e th r ough out t h e u niv e r se

, .

T h e i nvi sibl e g ov e r nors of t h e m ora l w orld w e re i a

e vi t a bly c a st i n a S i m il a r m ould of fic t i on a nd a ll e g ory .

Ev e ry vi r t u e a nd e v e n vic e a cqui re d i t s divi ne re p r e

, ,

se nt a t i ve ; e v e ry a r t a nd p r ofe ssi on i t s p a t r on wh ose ,

a t t r ibu t e s i n t h e m ost di st a nt a g e s a nd c ou nt ri e s w e r e
, ,

u niformly d e r iv e d fr om t h e ch a ra c t e r of t h e i r p e culi a r
v ot a r i e s A r e public of g od s of such opp osi t e t e m p e r s
.

a nd i nt e r e st r e qui r e d i n e v e r y sy st e m t h e m od e ra t i ng
,

h a nd of a sup r e m e m a gi st ra t e w h o by t h e p r og r e ss of , ,

k nowl e dg e a nd fl a t t e ry w a s g r a du a lly i nv e st e d wi t h ,

t h e subli m e p e r fe c t i ons of a n e t e r na l p a r e nt a nd a n ,
d
om nip ot e nt m ona r ch S uch w a s t h e m ild S pi ri t of .

C
Th i not ny w i t w h o d c ib i n o liv ly m nn
e re s a r er H odo es r es s e a a er a s er
tu s, th t g ni u of p oly t h i m Th b t c om m nt y m y b fou nd i n
e ru e e s e s . e es e ar a e
M Hu m
r N t u l H t o y of R ligi on nd t h b t c ont t i n B o t
e s
’
a ra 1s r e a e es ra s ssue
’
s
U ni v l H i t o y S om ob cu t c of n i ntol nt pi i t pp i n
e rsa s r . e s re ra es a e ra s r a ear
th
e c onduc t of t h Egyp t i n ; ( J n l t xv ) nd t h C h i ti n
e a s se e u ve a , sa . . a e r s a s
as w ll j w w ho liv d u nd t h R om n m pi fo m d v y m
e as e s e er e a e re , r e a er 1
p o t nt xc p t i on ; o i mp o t nt i nd d t h t t h di cu i on will qui
r a e e s r a ee , a e s ss re re a
d t i nct ch p t
rs of t hi w o k
a er s r
d Th i gh t p ow
.

e r nd p t n i on of t h
s, ove eig n of O ly mpu
e rs, a e re e s s e s r s, a r
 O F THE R O MA N E M P IRE . 35

a nt iqui t y t h a t t h e na t i ons w e r e l e ss a t t e nt iv e t o t h e C H A P
,
.

11
di ffe renc e t h a n t o t h e re se m bl a nc e of th e i r r e ligi ou s
'

w orship T h e G r e e k t he R oma n a nd t h e b a rb a ri a n
.
, , ,

a s t h e y m e t b e for e t h e i r r e sp e c t iv e a lt a r s e a sily e
p r ,

su a de d t h e m se lv e s th a t u nd e r v a r i ou s na m e s a nd wi t h , ,

v a ri ou s c e re m oni e s t h e y a d ore d t h e sa m e de i t i e s T h e, .

e l e g a nt m y t h ol ogy of H om e r g a v e a be a u t iful a nd a l ,

m ost a r e gul a r form t o t h e p oly t h e rsm of t h e a nci e nt

w orl d
e
.

The phil osoph e rs of G re e c e d e duc e d t h e i r m ora l s Of ph ilo o s

h ‘ rs
from th e na t u r e of m a n r a t h e r t h a n from t h a t of G od ,
P e
.

Th e y m e di t a t e d h ow e v e r on t h e divi ne na tu r e a s a , , ,

v e ry cu r i ou s a nd i m p ort a nt sp e cul a t i on ; a nd i n t h e
p r ofou nd e nqui ry t h e y di spl a y e d t h e st re ng t h a nd w e a k
ne ss of t h e hu m a n u nd e r st a ndi ng
f O f t h e fou r m ost .

c e l e b ra t e d sch ool s th e st oic s a nd t h e pl a t oni st s e nd e a,

vou r e d t o r e c oncil e t h e j a rr i ng i nt e r e st s of r e a son a nd

pi e t y Th e y h a v e l e ft u s t h e m ost subli m e p r oofs of

.

t h e e xi st e nc e a nd p e r fe c t i ons of t h e fi r st c a u se ; but ,

a s i t w a s i m p ossibl e for t h e m t o c onc e iv e t h e c r e a t i on

of m a t t e r t h e w or k m a n i n t h e st oic phil osophy w a s not

,

su ffici e n t ly di st i ngui sh e d from t h e w or k ; whil st on t h e ,

cont ra r y t h e spi r i t u a l g od of P l a t o a nd h i s di scipl e s

, ,

re se m bl e d a n id e a r a t h e r t h a n a sub st a nc e T h e Opi n .

i ons of t h e a c a d e m ic s a nd e picu r e a ns w e re of a l e ss
r e ligi ou s c a st ; b u t whil st t h e m od e st sci e nc e of t h e

for m e r i nduc e d t h e m t o d oub t t h e p osi t iv e ig nora nc e ,

of t h e l a t t e r u r g e d t h e m t o d e ny t h e p rovid e nc e of a

sup re m e r ul e r T h e S pi r i t of e nqui r y p r om p t e d by
.
,

e m ul a t i on a nd supp or t e d by fr e e d om h a d divid e d t h e
, ,

public t e a ch e rs of phil osophy i nt o a v a ri e ty of c ont e nd

i ng se c t s ; b u t t h e i ng e nup u s y ou t h w h o fr om e v e r y , ,

p a rt r e sor te d t o A t h e ns a nd t h e ot h e r se a t s of l e a rn
,

ver y cl ly d c ib d i n t h fift nt h b ook of t h Ili d i n t h G k o i

ea r es r e e ee e a : e re e r

g i na l I m
, n ; fo M P o
eap W i t h ou t p c ivi
r n g i t h
r. i m p ov d
e,t h t h o er e , as r e e e

l ogy of H om
‘S fo i n t nc C
e r.
3
ee , d B ll G ll
r s a i 17 W i t hi n c nt u y o t o
e, ae sa r e e . a . v . . a e r r w ,

t h G ul
e t h m lv
a s ppli d t o t h i g od t he n m of M cu y M
e se es a e e r s a es er r , a rs,

A p oll o t c e
f Th d m i bl w o k of C ic o d N t u D o m i t h b t clu w
.
,

e a ra e r er e a ra e ru , s e es e e

h v t o g id
a e t h ough t h
u d k nd p ofou nd by
e us r H rp e nt ar a r a ss. e e re se s

w r t h c nd ou a nd c onfu t wi t h ub t l t y t h O pi ni on of t h ph i l o oph
r, a es s e , e s e s e rs.
36 T HE D E C LIN E A N D FA L L
i ng i n th e R om a n e m pi re w e re a lik e i nst r uc t e d i n e v e ry
, ,

sch ool t o rej e c t a nd t o d e spi se t h e r e ligi on of t h e m u l

,

t i t u de . H ow i nd e e d w a s i t p ossibl e t h a t a phil o
, , ,

soph e r sh ould a c c e p t a s divi ne t r u t h s , t h e idl e t a l e s ,

of t h e p oe t s a nd t h e i nc oh e r e nt t ra di t i ons of a nt i
,

i t or t h a t h e sh ould a d ore a s g od s t h ose i m

q u y ; , ,

p e rfe c t b e i ng s wh om h e m u st h a v e d e spi se d a s m e n !
A g a i nst such u nw or t hy a dv e rsa ri e s C ic e r o c ond e , .

sc e nd e d t o e m pl oy t h e a r m s of re a son a nd e l oqu e nc e ;

b u t t h e sa ti re of Luci a n w a s a m uch m or e a d e qu a t e ,

a s w e ll a s m or e e ffic a ci ou s w e a p on W e m a y b e w e ll .

a ssu re d t h a t a w r i t e r c onv e r sa nt wi t h t h e w orld w oul d

, , ,

ne v e r h a v e v e nt u r e d t o e xp ose t h e g od s of h i s c ou nt r y

t o public r idicul e h a d t h e y not a l re a dy b e e n t h e oh

,

s of se c r e t c ont e m p t a m ong t h e p oli sh e d a nd e n

j e c t
ligh t e ne d ord e r s of soci e t y g .

N ot wi t h st a ndi ng t h e fa shi ona bl e i rre ligi on which

p r e v a il e d i n t h e a g e of t h e A nt oni ne s b ot h t h e i n ,

t e r e st s of t h e p r i e st s a nd t h e c re duli t y of t h e p e opl e

w e r e su ffici e ntly r e sp e c t e d In t h e i r w r i t i ng s a nd con.

v e rsa t i on t h e phil osoph e r s of a nt iqui t y a sse r t e d t h e

,

i nde p e nd e nt dig ni t y of re a son ; but th e y r e sig ne d t h e i r

a c t i ons t o t h e c omm a nd s of l a w a nd of cu st om Vi e w .
.

i ng wi t h a sm il e of pi t y a nd i ndulg e nc e t h e v a ri ou s
, ,

e rr or s of t h e vulg a r t h e y dilig e nt ly p ra c t i se d t h e de
,

r e m oni e s of t h e i r fa t h e rs d e v ou t ly fr e qu e nt e d t h e t e m
,

pl e s of t h e g od s ; a nd som e t i m e s c ond e sc e ndi ng t o a ct

a p a r t on t h e t h e a t re of sup e r st i t i on t h e y c onc e a l e d ,

t h e se nt i m e nt s of a n a t h e i st u nd e r t h e sa c e r d ot a l r ob e s .

R e a sone rs of such a t e m p e r w e r e sc a r c e ly i ncli ne d t o

.

w ra ngl e a b ou t t h e i r r e sp e c t iv e mod e s of fa i t h or of
w orship It w a s i ndi ffe re nt t o t h e m w h a t sh a p e t h e
.

folly of t h e m ul t i t ud e m ight ch oose t o a ssu m e ; a nd

t h e y a pp r oa ch e d wi t h t h e sa m e i nw a r d c ont e m p t a nd
,

t h e sa m e e x t e r na l r e v e re nc e t h e a l t a r s of t h e Liby a n , ,

t h e O ly m pi a n or t h e c a pi t oli ne J upi t e r
,
h
.

8 I do not p re t en d to a
h a t i n t hi i ligi ou s a ge t h na t u l t ro s
sse rt , t s rre e ra er r
of su p t t on d e m
e rs 1 1 om e n
, a pp
r a i t i ons e t c h a d l ost t h e i e ffic a cy
s, s, ar , . r .

h
S oc a t e E picu u C ic e o a nd Plut a ch a lw a y s i nculc a te d a d ec e nt
r s, r s, r , r ,
a bli nd
It i s

t ho
not e a s
OF THE R O MA N E MP I R E
c onc e iv e from wh a t m ot iv e s a spi rit C H A P
y to
of p e rse cu t i on c ould i nt r oduc e i t se lf i nt o t h e R om a n

c ou ncil s T h e m a gi st ra t e s c ould not b e a ct u a t e d by ( ”th m

.

ugh h one st big ot ry si nc e t h e m a gi st ra te s g

,

w e re t h e m se lv e s phil osoph e rs ; a nd t h e sch ool s of

A t h e ns h a d giv e n l a w s t o t h e se na t e Th e y c ould
not b e i m p e ll e d by a m bi t i on or a v a r ic e a s t h e t e m

p ora l a nd e ccl e si a st ic a l p ow e r s w e r e u ni t e d i n t h e
sa m e h a nd s T h e p ont i ffs w e re ch ose n a m ong t h e
.
i m
11

t
,

,
. 37

s
e

“
'

m ost illu st ri ou s of t h e se na t or s ; a nd t h e O fii ce Of
sup re m e p onti ff w a s c onst a n t ly e x e r ci se d by t h e e m

e o r s t h e m se lv e s Th e y k n w a nd v a lu e d t h e ad
p r e .

v a nt a g e s of r e ligi on a s i t i s c onne c t e d wi t h civil g o

,

v e rnme nt Th e y e nc ou ra g e d t h e public fe st iv a l s which

.
,

hu m a niz e t h e m a nne rs of t h e p e opl e Th e y m a na g e d .

t h e a r t s of divi na t i on a s a c onv e ni e nt i nst ru m e nt of

p olicy ; a nd t h e y r e sp e ct e d a s t h e fi rm e st b ond of S O ,

ci e t y t h e u se ful p e rsu a si on t h a t e i t h e r i n t hi s or i n a
, ,

fu t u re life t h e c ri m e of p e rj u ry i s m ost a ssu r e dly p u n

,

i sh e d by t h e a v e ngi ng g ods i
B u t whil st t h e y a c .

k nowl e dg e d t h e g e ne ra l a dv a nt a g e s of r e ligi on th e y ,

w e re c onvi nc e d t h a t t h e v a ri ou s m od e s of w orship
c ont ribu t e d a lik e t o t h e sa m e sa lu t a ry pu rp ose s ; a nd
th a t , i n e v e ry c ou nt ry t h e form of sup e rst i t i on which
,

h a d re c e iv e d t h e sa nc t i on of ti m e a nd e xp e ri e nc e w a s ,

t h e b e st a d a p t e d t o t h e cli m a t e a nd t o i t s i nh a bit a nt s .

A v a ric e a nd t a st e v e ry fre qu e nt ly d e sp oil e d t h e va n I n t h p o e r

u i sh e d na t i ons of t h e e l e g a nt st a t u e s of t h e i r g od s
V i ne ”
q ,
k
a nd t h e r ich or na m e nt s of t h e i r t e m l e s : b u t i n t h e
p ,

e x e r ci se of t h e re ligi on whic h t h e y d e r v e d fr om t h e i r
i
a nc e st ors t h e y u niform ly e xp e r i e nc e d t h e i ndulg e nc e
, ,

a nd e v e n p r ot e c t i on of t h e R om a n c on qu e r or s
, T he .

p rovi nc e of G a ul se e m s a nd i nd e e d only se e m s a n , ,

e xc e p t i on t o t hi s u niv e rsa l t ol e ra ti on U nd e r t h e S p e .

re v c h i c u y ki d
for t h e re l rgi on of t e r ow n o nt r a nd of m a n n
e re n e The de .

p idu u
vot i on of E i cu m s w a s a ss x p y Di g
o s a nd e e m l a r o e n L a e rt x 1 0 . . . . .

P lybiu vi c
o s, 1 J v l53, 54
. l . . h i
u e na , (sa t xri i ) a m e nt s, t a t i n hi s t me
. . .

hi pp h i
t s a l uch
re e ns on h a d ost m c of i t s e ffe t .

f Sy cu T
Se e t h e a t e of u
ra se , C i h
a re nt m , A m b ra ci a , or nt , e t c t h e con .

duc V
t of A c i ii
e rre s, i n C 1c e ro,
( t uu l p ci
o O ra t a nd t he . s a ra t c
. e of

g v igh h i
o e rnors, i n t h e e J uv l
t sa t re of e na .
 38 TH E D E C LIN E A N D F A L L
ci ons p re t e xt of a b oli shi ng hu m a n sa c r ific e s th e e m ,

e r ors Tib e r iu s a n d C l a udiu s supp r e sse d t h e d a ng e r ou s

p
l
p ow e r of t h e dru ids z b u t t h e p ri e st s t h e m se lv e s t h e i r ,

g od s a nd t h e i r a l t a r s sub si st e d i n p e a c e ful ob scu r i t y

,

m
t ill t h e fi na l d e st r uc t i on of p a g a ni sm .

At R ome .
R om e t h e c a pi t a l of a g re a t m ona r chy w a s i nce s
, ,

sa nt ly fill e d wi t h subj e c t s a nd st r a ng e r s fr om e v e r y p a r t

of t h e w orld w h o a ll i nt r oduc e d a nd e nj oy e d t h e fa

vou r i t e sup e r st i t i ons of t h e i r na t iv e c ou nt ry Ev e ry

ci t y i n t h e e m pi re w a s j u st ifi e d i n m a i nt a i ni ng t h e p u
r i t y of i t s a n ci e nt c e re m oni e s ; a nd t h e R om a n se na t e ,

u si ng t h e c omm on p r ivil e g e som e t i m e s int e rp ose d t o ,

ch e ck t hi s i nu nd a t i on of fore ig n ri t e s T h e Egyp t i a n .

sup e rst i t i on of a l l t h e m ost c ont e m p t ibl e a nd a bj e c t

, ,

w a s fre qu e nt ly p r ohibi t e d ; t h e t e m pl e s of S e r a pi s a nd

I si s d e m oli sh e d a nd t h e i r w or shipp e r s b a ni sh e d from

,

R om e a nd I t a ly P B u t t h e z e a l of fa na t ici sm p re v a il e d
.

ov e r t h e c old a nd fe e bl e e ffor t s of p olicy T h e e xil e s .

r e t u rne d t h e p r ose ly t e s m ul t ipli e d t h e t e m pl e s w e re

, ,

r e st or e d wi t h i nc re a si ng spl e nd ou r a nd I si s a nd S e r a ,

“
i s a t l e ng t h a ssu m e d t h e i r pl a c e a m ong t h e R om a n
p
d e i t i e s q N or w a s t hi s i ndulg e nce a d e p a r t u re fr om
.

t h e ol d m a xi m s of g ov e r nm e nt In t h e pu r e st a g e s of .

t h e c om m onw e a l t h C yb e l e a nd fE scu la p i u s h a d b e e n
,

i nvi t e d by sol e m n e m b a ssi e s ; a nd i t w a s cu st om a ry t o ’

t e m p t t h e p r ot e c t or s of b e si e g e d ci t i e s by t h e p r om i se ,

of m or e di st i ngui sh e d h onou rs t h a n t h e y p osse sse d i n

Su e t on i n
. C l ud
a . Pl i n st Na t . Hi 1 . . xxx . .

1
Pel lou t i e r, Hi i st o re de s e t e s, t om viC l 2 30— 2 52 . . p . .

S c
e ne a C onsol a t a d H el vi a m
, . 74 e i t L s , p . . d . ip .

D i on s s H a li ca rn A nt i qu i t a t Rom a n 1
y iu . . . . ii .

P In t h e e a r of R om e 70 1 t h e t e m
y Ii S pi d li h d
e of s s a nd e ra pl
s w as e mo s e
,

by d Di C iu l xl p
t h e or e r of t h e se na t e ( on , v by
a ss s, a nd e e n t he . . .

h d c ul V l iu
a n s of t he ons xi u i
a er Af
s Ma m sd h 3 t er t he ea t of C msa r, i t
, . .

d
w a s re st ore p blic xp
a t t he u Di e xlvii p
e nse on 1h A ugu u ,
W en ,st s . . .

gyp
w a s in E v d j y S pi Di
t , h e re e re t h e m a e st of e ra s, p ( on 1 11 bu t i n , . . .

t h e Pomze rru m of Rom e , a nd a m e ro n

il u d p h bi d i t he ro i te t h e ors
w hip of ,

the Egyp i g d Di
t a n o s, li i p l liv p
on, 1 r . Th y
679 ; i d
. 735. e re m a ne , h ow
. . . .

v v y f hi bl u d
e er , er a s ona ig
e vid A d i
n e r h i s re n, O
( h
de A rt m a n 1 ) a nd t a t . . . . .

ucc
of hrs s ill ju ic
e ssor t
, t he st p v k d c
e of T1b e ri u s w a s ro o e t o some a ts of se
v y
e ri t T ci A l ii
See a t J ph
nna 85 ; l xviii c A nt i qu i t 3
‘T ulli
. . . ose. . . . . . .

1 e rt A p l g ic c p
a n, i n o o et di 6 I i cli d
74 e t H a ve rca m p
. . . . am n .ne . .

ibu h i
t o a t tr bli h
t e t e r e st a d v i
s m e nt t o t hel vi f ily
e ot on of t h e F a an am .

Se e L
ivy xi xxix
, 1
. .a nd .
 O F THE R O MA N E MP IR E . 39

th e i r na tiv e c ou nt ry R om e g ra du a lly b e c a me t h e C H A P 3
.

11
c om m on t e m pl e of h e r subj e c t s ; a nd t h e fr e e d om of
'

t h e ci t y w a s b e st ow e d on a ll t h e g od s of m a nki nd
II T h e na rr ow p olicy of p re se rvi ng wi t h ou t a ny fo F d om of
.
, re e

re ig n m ix t u re t h e pu r e bl ood of t h e a nci e n t ci t iz ens

R om e’
, ,

h a d ch e ck e d t h e for t u ne a nd h a st e ne d t h e r ui n of
1

A t h e ns a nd S p a r t a s T h e a spi ri ng g e niu s of R om e
sa c r ific e d v a ni t y t o a m bi t i on a nd d e e m e d i t m or e
p ru ,

d e nt a s w e ll a s h onou ra bl e t o a d opt vi r t u e a nd m e ri t
, ,

for h e r ow n wh e re soe v e r t h e y w e r e fou nd a m ong ,

S l a v e s or st ra ng e r s e ne m i e s or b a rb a r i a ns Du ri ng ,

t h e m ost fl ou r i shi ng e r a of t h e A t h e ni a n c om m on

w e a l th t h e nu m b e r O f ci tiz e ns g ra du a lly d e c r e a se d
,

from a b ou t t h i rt y t o t w e nt y one t h ou sa nd If on
X -
,

t h e c ont r a r y w e st udy t h e g r ow t h of t h e R om a n r e
,

public w e m a y di sc ov e r t h a t not wi th st a ndi ng t h e i n

, ,

c e ssa nt d e m a nd s of w a r s a nd c ol oni e s t h e ci t iz e ns w h o , ,

i n t h e fi r st c e nsu s of S e rviu s Tulliu s a m ou nt e d t o no

m or e t h a n e igh t y t h re e t h ou sa nd w e re m ul t ipli e d b e -
, ,

fore t h e c om m e nc e m e nt of t h e soci a l w a r t o t h e nu m ,

b e r of fou r hu nd re d a nd six t y t h r e e t h ou sa nd m e n a bl e -
,

t o b e a r a r m s i n t h e se r vic e of t h e i r c ou nt ry Wh e n 2
.

t h e a lli e s of R om e cl a i m e d a n e qu a l sh a r e of h onou r s

a nd p r ivil e g e s t h e se na t e i nd e e d p re fe r re d t h e ch a nc e
,

of a r m s t o a n ig nom i ni ou s c onc e ssi on T h e S a m ni t e s .

a nd t h e L u ca n i a ns p a id t h e se v e re p e na lty of t h e i r
r a sh ne ss ; but t h e r e st of t h e I t a li a n st a t e s a s th e y ,

succ e ssiv e ly r e tu r ne d t o t h e i r du t y w e r e a d m itt e d i nt o ,

t h e b osom of t h e r e public a nd soon c ont r ibu t e d t o

a
,

t h e r uin of public fr e e d om U nd e r a d e m oc ra t ic a l g o .

ve rnm e nt t h e ci t iz e ns e x e r ci se t h e p ow e r s of sov e
,

M c ob S t u n li 1 iii c 9 H giv e
3
a r . a r a fo m of v oc t i on
a, . . . . e s us a r e a .

M i n t i F lix i n O c t vi o p 54 A nob i 1 vi p 115

‘T ci t A nn l xi 2 4 Th O b i Rom nu O f t h l n d Sp nh m
u us e a , . . r u s, . . . .

1 e ea r e a er rs
a . a . . . e r s a s ,

a c om pl t hi t o y of t h p og i v d m i i on of L t m I t ly nd t h
e e s r e r re ss e a ss a ru , a , a e

p ovi nc t o t h f d om of Rom
r e s, e re e e.
H od ot u v 97 It h ould m h ow v t h t h foll ow d l g
X
er s, . . s se e , e e r, a e e a ar e

a nd p opul t i m t i on
a r es a .

Y Ath n u e D ip no ophi t 1 vi p 2 72 d i t C ub on ; M
ae s, e s d s . . . . . e . a sa e u rsru s e

Fo t u n A t t ic c 4
r a a, . .

S1 v y ccu t c oll c t i on of th nu mb of ch lu t u m n M de
ee a er a ra e e e e rs ea s r 1 .

B fo t R é publi q u R om i n 1 iv c 4
ea u r , e a e, . . . .

A ppi n d B ll C vi l l i V l l i P t c l l c 15 l o 17
a
a . e e . r . . . e e us a e r u u s, . 11. . , , .
40 THE D E C LIN E A N D F A L L
re i nt
g y ; a nd th ose p ow e rs will b e fi rst a bu se d a nd a f ,

t e rw a rds l ost if t h e y a r e c om mi t t e d t o a n u nwi e ldy

,

m ul t i t ud e B u t wh e n t h e p opul a r a sse m bli e s h a d b e e n

.

supp r e sse d by t h e a d m i ni st ra t i on of t h e e m p e r or s t h e ,

c onqu e r ors w e r e di st i ng u i sh e d from t h e v a nqui sh e d

na t i ons only a s t h e fi rst a nd m ost h onou ra bl e or d e r of
,

subj e c t s ; a nd t h e r i nc h ow e v e r r a pid w a s no
i r e a se , ,

l ong e r e xp ose d t o t h e sa m e d a ng e rs Y e t t h e wi se st .

p r i nc e s w h o a d op t e d t h e m a xi m s of A ugu st u s gu a r d e d
, ,

w i t h t h e st r ic t e st c a r e t h e dig ni t y of t h e R om a n na m e ,

a nd di ffu se d t h e fr e e d om of t h e ci t y wi t h a p r ud e nt

lib e r a li t y b .

Till t h e p r ivil e g e s of R om a ns h a d b e e n p r ogr e ssiv e ly

e x t e nd e d t o a ll t h e i nh a bi t a nt s of t h e e m pi re a n i m ,

p or t a nt di st i nc t i on Wa s p re se rv e d b e t w e e n I t a ly a nd t h e
p rovi nc e s T h e form e r w a s e st e e m e d t h e c e nt re of
.

public u ni t y a nd t h e fi rm b a si s of t h e c onst i t u t i on
,
.

I t a ly cl a i m e d t h e bi r t h or a t l e a st t h e r e sid e nc e of t h e
, ,

e m p e r or s a nd t h e se na t e T h e e st a t e s of t h e I t a li a ns
w e re e x e m p t from t a x e s ; t h e i r p e rsons from t h e a rbi
t ra ry j u ri sdic t i on of g ov e r nor s Th e i r m u nicip a l cor .

o a t i ons for m e d a ft e r t h e p e r fe c t m od e l of t h e c a pi ta l
p r , ,

w e re i n t r u st e d u nd e r t h e i mm e di a t e e y e of t h e sup re m e
,

p ow e r wi t h t h e e x e cu t i on of t h e l a w s Fr om t h e foot
, .

of t h e A lp s t o t h e e x t r e m i ty of C a l a b r i a a ll t h e na t iv e s ,

of I t a ly w e r e b orn ci t iz e ns of R om e Th e i r p a r t i a l di s .

t i nct i ons w e re obli t e ra t e d a nd t h e y i nse nsibly c oa l e sc e d

,

i nt o one g re a t na t i on u ni t e d by l a ngu a g e m a nne r s a nd

, , ,
'

civil i nst i t u t i ons a nd e qu a l t o t h e w e igh t of a p ow e r fu l

,

e m pi re T h e r e public gl or i e d i n h e r g e ne rou s p olicy

.
,

a nd w a s fre qu e nt ly r e w a r d e d by t h e m e ri t a nd se r vic e s

of h e r a d op t e d sons H a d sh e a lw a y s c onfi ne d t h e di s
.

t i nc t i on of R om a ns t o t h e a nci e nt fa m ili e s wi t hi n t h e

bM c ha da
ae e na s se dvi d
hi m t o e a re , one e i t a ll hi s s
d cl by e ts t dc , ubj c ci i
z e ns B ut w e m a y
. st j u ly u p c h
s s e t t a t t he hi
stor a n on w a s t he a t or of i Di uh
a c u
o nse so m l a a te uch d p d p c ic
t o t he ra t e of h i s ow n a ge , a nd so t t e t o li l
h
t a t of n st s A gu u
‘
.

Th e se na t ors e re o
3

e w blig d
t o a e one t r of t e r ow n a n e h v
p ro hi d h i l d d
p y I ly
e rt in taPliu See . 1 vi e p 19 T he . a .a t on w a s re
. . e . qu lific i duc d by
cu fu h S
M a r s t o one o rt m e e t h e re n of ra a n, t a
. ig
h a d s n ne a re r t o T j I ly u k
l v l p vi c
t h e e e of t h e ro n e s .
 O F THE
. R O M A N E M P IR E . 41

wall s of th e ci t y t h a t i mm or t a l na m e w ould h a v e b e e n C H A P
, .

11
d e p r iv e d Of som e of i t s nobl e st orna m e nt s V i rgil w a s .
'

a na t iv e of M a nt u a ; H ora c e w a s i ncli ne d t o d oub t

wh e t h e r h e sh ould c a ll hi m se lf a n A puli a n or a L u c a
ni a n ; i t w a s i n P a du a t h a t a n hi st ori a n w a s fou nd w or

t h y t o re c or d t h e m a j e st ic se r i e s of R om a n vic t or i e s .

T h e p a t r i ot fa m ily of t h e C a t os e m e r g e d fr om Tu se n
l u m ; a nd t h e li t t l e t ow n of A r p i nu m cl a i m e d t h e d oubl e
h onou r of p roduci ng M a r iu s a nd C ic e r o ; t h e forme r of
wh om d e se r v e d a ft e r R om ulu s a nd C a m illu s t o be
, ,

styl e d t h e t hi r d fou nd e r of R om e ; a nd t h e l a tt e r a ft e r ,

sa vi ng h i s c ou nt r y fr om t h e d e sig ns of C a t ili ne e na bl e d ,

h e r t o c ont e nd wi t h A t h e ns for t h e p a l m of e l oqu e nc e d .

T h e p rovi nc e s of t h e e m pi re (a s t h e y h a v e be e n de Th p o , e r

m ‘
s c r ib e d i n t h e p re c e di ng ch a p t e r ) w e re d e sti t ut e of a n
e es
y ,

public for c e or c onst i t u t i ona l fre e d om In E t ru ri a i n

‘
.
, ,
3
,
f
G re e c e a nd i n G a ul i t w a s t h e fi rst c a re of t h e se n ,

a t e t o di ssolv e th ose d a ng e r ou s c onfe d e ra ci e s which

t a ught m a nki nd t h a t a s t h e R om a n a rm s p re v a il e d
, ,

by divi si on t h e y m igh t b e r e si st e d by u ni on Th ose

, .

p ri nc e s wh om t h e ost e nt a t i on of g ra t i t ud e or g e ne
,

r osi t p e rm i t t e d for a whil e t o h o ld p r e c a ri ou s

y a

sc e p t re w e r e di sm i sse d fr om t h e i r t h r one s a s soon a s

, ,

t h e y h a d p e r form e d t h e i r a pp oi nt e d t a sk of fa sh i oni ng
t o t h e y ok e t h e v a nqui sh e d n a t i ons T h e fr e e st a t e s .

a nd ci t i e s which h a d e m b r a c e d t h e c a u se of R om e ,

w e re r e w a rd e d wi t h a nom i na l a lli a nc e a nd i nse nsibly ,

su nk i nt o r e a l se r vi t ud e T h e public a u t h ori t y w a s .

e v e r ywh e r e e x e r ci se d by t h e m i ni st e rs of t h e se na t e

a nd of t h e e m p e r ors a nd t h a t a u t h or i t y w a s a b solu t e , ,

a nd wi t h ou t c ont rol B u t t h e sa m e sa lu t a r y m a xi m s
.

of g ov e rnm e nt which h a d se cu r e d t h e p e a c e a nd ob e di
,

e nc e of I t a ly w e r e e x t e nd e d t o t h e m ost d i st a nt c
,
on

‘
1 Th e fi rst p
V on Illu t t of t he m a qui M ff i giv t h
a rt of t he er a s ra a r s a e , es e

cl t nd m o t c om p h n iv vi w of t h
e a re s a s t t e of I t ly u nd
re th C
e s e e e s a a er e a sa rs.
8S P u ni 1 vi i Th Rom n c ond c nd d t o to t h n m
ee a sa a s, . . e a s es e e re s re e a es

of t h o mbli
se a sse wh n t h y c ould no l ong b d ng ou
es e e er e a er s.

Th y e f qu nt ly m nt i on d by C
a re re Th
e bb é D bo ttem p t
e e aesa r. e a u s a s,

wi t h v y li tt l ucc t o p ov t h t t h
er e s m bli
ess, of G ul w e c ont nu d
r e a e a sse es a re i e

u nd t h em p o H to e d l Et bl me nt d l Mona chi e F ngoi

er e e r rs. 1s rr e
’
a rsse e a r ra se ,

l i c 4
. . . .
42

“ THE D E C LIN E A N D F A L L
qu e st s A na t i on of R om a ns w a s g ra du a lly for me d i n
.
'

t h e p r ovi nc e s by t h e d oubl e e xp e di e nt of i nt r oduci ng

i s a v e r y j u st ob se r v a t i o of S e ne ca
n
,

c ol oni e s a nd of a d m i t t i ng th e m ost fa i thful a nd de se rv

,

i ng of t h e p r ovi nci a l s t o t h e fr e e d om of R om e
W h e r e soe v e r t h e R om a n c onqu e r s h e i nh a bi t s
g c onfi rm e d by
hi st ory a nd e xp e ri e nc e T h e na t iv e s of I t a ly a llu r e d
by pl e a su r e or by i nt e r e st h a st e ne d t o e nj oy t h e a d
v a nt a ge s of vic t ory ; a nd w e m a y r e m a rk t h a t a b ou t
for t y y e a rs a ft e r th e r e duc t i on of A si a e igh t y t h ou sa nd
.

,
,
,

,
.

,
,

R om a ns w e re m a ssa c re d i n one da y by t h e c r u e l ord e r s

h
of M i t h rid a t e s Th e se v olunt a ry e xile s w e r e e u
.

g a g e d for th e m ost p a rt i n t h e occup a t i ons of com

, ,

m e r c e a g r icul t u r e a nd t h e fa rm of t h e r e v e nu e
, ,
Bu t .

a ft e r th e l e gi ons w e r e r e nd e r e d p e rm a ne nt by t h e e m

r ors t h e p r ovi nc e s w e r e p e opl e d by a r a c e of sol

p e ,

di e r s ; a nd t h e v e t e ra ns wh e t h e r t h e y r e c e iv e d t h e ,

r e w a rd of t h e i r se r vic e i n l a nd or i n m one y u su a l ly ,

se t t l e d wi t h t h e i r fa m ili e s i n t h e c ou nt ry wh e re t h e y

h a d h onou ra bly sp e nt t h e i r y ou th Th rough ou t t h e .

e m pi r e b u t m or e p a r t icul a r ly i n t h e w e st e rn p a r t s t h e
, ,

m ost fe rt il e di st r ic t s a nd t h e m ost c onv e ni e nt si t u a ,

t i ons w e re r e se rv e d for t h e e st a bli sh m e nt of c ol oni e s ;

,

som e of which w e r e of a civil a nd ot h e r s of a m ili t a r y ,

na t u re I n t h e i r m a nne r s a nd i nt e rna l p olicy t h e

.
,

c ol oni e s form e d a p e r fe c t re p r e se nt a ti on of t h e i r g re a t
p a re nt ; a nd a s t h e y w e re soon e nd e a r e d t o t h e na t iv e s
by t h e t i e s of fri e nd ship a nd a lli a nc e t h e y e ffe c t u a lly ,

di ffu se d a re v e re nc e for t h e R om a n na m e a nd a d e si re , ,

which w a s se ld om di sa pp oi nt e d of sh a ri ng i n du e , ,

i
t i m e i t s h onou r s a nd a dv a nt a g e s
, T h e m u nicip a l .

ci t i e s i nse nsibly e qu a ll e d t h e r a nk a nd spl e nd ou r of

t h e c ol oni e s ; a nd i n t h e re ig n of H a d r i a n i t w a s di s ,

8 S c a i n Con ol t d H lvi m c 6
e ne s a . a e a , . .

h M mnon
pud Phot i m c 33; V l M a xi m ix 2 P lut a ch a nd
e a u , . a er. . . . r

Di on C iu w ll t h m a a c e t o one hu nd d nd fifty t h ou nd ci t iz n ;
a ss s s e e ss r re a sa e s
b t I h ould e t m t he m ll e nu m b
u s s ee t o be m o t h n u ffici nt
s a r er re a s e .

Tw e nty fi c ol oni w - t t l d i n Sp i n ( e Pl i n H i t N t u
ve es iii
e re se e a se s a r.

a nd ni n i n B i t i n of which Lond on C olch Li nc ol n

. . .
,

3 4 iv
, . . e t r a , , e s e r, ,

C h e t Gl ouc te a nd B t h till e m i n c on id bl e ci t i
s er, es r, a R ich d , s r a s e ra es se e ar
of C i e nc e te
r p 36 a nd W hi t a k s Hi to y of M nch e t 1 i c 3
s r, . . er
’
s r a s er , . . . .
 O F TH E R OMA N E MP IR E . 43

u te d which w a s t h e p r e fe ra b le c ondi t i on of t h ose C H A P

p , .

11
soci e t i e s which h a d i ssu e d from or t h ose which h a d
’

b e e n re c e iv e d i nt o t h e b osom of R ome k T h e r igh t of .

'

L a t ium a s i t w a s c a ll e d c onfe rr e d on t h e ci t i e s t o
, ,

which i t h a d b e e n g ra nt e d a m ore p a r t i a l fa v ou r T h e ,
.

m a gi st ra t e s only a t t h e e xpi r a t i on of t h e i r offic e a s

, ,

su m e d t h e qu a li t y of R om a n ci t iz e ns ; bu t a s t h ose
offic e s w e r e a nnu a l i n a fe w y e a r s t h e y ci r cul a t e d ,

r ou nd t h e p r i ncip a l fa m ili e s Th ose of t h e p rovi nci a l s

w h o w e r e p e r m i t t e d t o b e a r a rm s i n t h e l e gi ons
In
;
t h ose w h o e x e r ci se d a ny civil e m pl oy m e nt ; a ll i n a ,

w or d w h o p e r form e d a ny public se rvic e or di spl a y e d

, ,

a ny p e r sona l t a l e nt s w e re r e w a r d e d wi t h a p r e se nt , ,

wh ose v a lu e w a s c onti nu a lly di mi ni sh e d by t h e i rr

c re a si ng li be ra li t y of t h e e m p e r or s Y e t e v e n i n t h e .

a e of t h e A nt oni ne s wh e n t h e fre e d om of t h e ci ty
g ,

h a d b e e n b e st ow e d on t h e g re a t e r nu m b e r of t h e i r
subj e ct s i t w a s st ill a cc om p a ni e d wi t h v e r y solid a d
,

v a nt a g e s T h e bulk of t h e p e opl e a cqui r e d wi t h t h a t

.
,

t i t l e t h e b e ne fi t of t h e R om a n l a w s p a r t icul a r ly i n t h e

“
, ,

i nt e r e st i ng a r t icl e s of m a rr i a g e t e st a m e nt s a nd i nh e , ,

r i t a nc es; and t h e r oa d of for t u ne w a s Op e n t o t h ose

wh ose p re t e nsi ons w e r e se c ond e d by fa v ou r or m e ri t .

T h e gra nd sons of t h e G a ul s w h o h a d b e si e g e d J uliu s

C ae sa r i n A l e si a c om m a nd e d l e gi ons g ov e rne d p ro , ,

vi nc e s a nd w e r e a d m i t t e d i nt o t h e se na t e of R om e
,

Th e i r a m biti on i nst e a d of di st u r bi ng t h e t ra nquilli t y

,

of t h e st a t e w a s i nt i m a t e ly c onne c t e d with i t s sa fe t y
,

a nd g r e a t ne ss .

S O se nsibl e w e re t h e R om a ns of t h e i nflu e nc e of la n Divi i on of s

th L m a
gu a g e ov e r na t i ona l m a nne rs t h a t i t w a s t h e i r m ost nd t h ,
a
e

se r i ou s c a r e t o e xt e nd wi t h t h e p r og r e ss of t h e i r a r m s G kpo , ,
ree r

VI D CCS .

1‘A ul G ll Noct. e xvi 13 The e m p e o H d i a n e xp e d h i

. e s A t ti cze , . . r r a r r sse s

su p i
r r se , t h t t h ci t i of U t ca G d e
a e nd I t a t i ca which l e dy e nj oy e d
es r , a s, a , a r a
t he igh t of m ni cip i
r s h ould ol i ci t t h e t i t l e of coloni
u a , Th i x m pl e
s s es. e r e a ,

h ow e v e b e c m e f h i on bl e nd t h e e m pi e w fill d wi t h h ono a y c olo

r, a as a , a r as e r r

nie s. Se e Sp nh i m d U N m i m t m D i s e t a t xi i
a e , e su u s a u , s r . r .

S nh i m O bi R om n c 8 p 62
p i t id i n R om E nc omi o t om i p 2 18 e di t J ebb
a e , r s a . . . . .

r s . a , . . . . . .

T ci t A nna l xi 2 3 2 4 Hi t iv 74
a . . .
, . s . . .
 44 THE D E C LIN E A N D F A L L
th e u se of L a ti n t ongu e th e T h e a nci e nt di a l e ct s O f
I t a ly t h e S a bi ne t h e E t r u sc a n a nd t h e V e ne t i a n
, , , ,

su nk i nt o oblivi on ; but i n t h e p r ovi nc e s t h e e a st w a s ,

l e ss d ocil e t h a n t h e w e st t o t h e v oic e of i t s vic t ori ou s ,

p re c e p t or s Thi s obvi ou s di ffe re nc e m a rk e d t h e t w o

.

p or t i ons of t h e e m pi r e wi t h a di st i nc t i on of c ol ou rs ,

whi ch t h ough i t w a s i n som e de g r e e c onc e a l e d du ri ng

,

t h e m e r idi a n spl e nd ou r of p r osp e ri t y b e c a m e g ra du a lly ,

m or e vi sibl e a s t h e sh a d e s of nigh t de sc e nd e d up on
,

t h e R om a n w orld T h e w e st e r n c ou nt ri e s w e r e civil
.

i z e d by t h e sa m e h a nd s which subdu e d t h e m A s soon .

a s t h e b a r b a r i a ns w e r e r e c oncil e d t o ob e di e nc e th e i r ,

m i nd s w e re op e ne d t o a ny ne w i m p r e ssi ons of k now

l e dg e a nd p oli t e ne ss T h e l a ngu a g e of V i rgil a nd .

C ic e r o t h ough wi t h som e i ne vi t a bl e m ix t u re of cor

,

r up t i on w a s so u niv e rsa lly a d op t e d i n A fr ic a Sp a i n 1

, , ,

G a ul B ri t a i n a nd P a nnoni a P t h a t t h e fa i nt t ra c e s of
, , ,

t h e P u nic or C e l t ic idi om s w e re p re se r v e d only i n t h e

m ou nt a i ns or a m ong t h e p e a sa nt s
,
9 Educ a t i on a nd .

st udy i nse nsibly i nspi r e d t h e na t iv e s of t h ose c ou nt r i e s

wi t h t h e se nt i m e nt s of R om a ns ; a nd I t a ly g a v e fa
sh i ons a s w e ll a s l a w s t o h e r L a t i n p r ovi nci a l s
,
Th e y , .

solici t e d wi t h m ore a r d ou r a nd ob t a i ne d wi t h m ore ,

fa cili t y t h e fr e e d om a nd h onou r s of t h e st a t e ; su p
,

p or t e d t h e na t i ona l dig ni ty i n l e t t e r s a nd i n a rm s ; r

a nd a t l e n t h i n t h e p e r son of T r a j a n p r oduc e d a n
g
~
, , ,

e m p e r or wh om t h e os w ould not h a v e di sow ne d

S cipi (

for t h e i r c ou nt ry m a n T h e si t u a t i on of t h e G re e k s .

w a s v e ry di ffe r e nt fr om t h a t of t h e b a rb a r i a ns The .

form e r h a d b e e n l ong si nc e civiliz e d a nd c or rup t e d .

0
S P liu Hi t N t u iii 5 A ugu t i n d C ivi t t D i xix 7 ; L ip
ee . s a r. . s e a e e
i n d P on nci t on Li ngu L t i n c 3
. . .
,

s s e r u a r e a a a , . .

P A pul iu nd A ugu t i n will

e s a n w fo A f ic ; S t b o fo Sp i n nd
s a s er r r a ra r a a
G ul ; T ci t u i n t h l f O f A g ic ol fo B i t i n nd V ll i P t c l
a a s, e r e r a, r r a a e e us a er u u s
fo P nnoni
r a To t h m w m y dd t h l ngu g of t h I n c ip t i on
a. e e a a e a a e e s r s.
q Th C l t ic
e p e v d i n t h m ou nt i n of W l C o nw ll ndA
w as re se r e e a s a e s, r a , a r
m o ic r a. W m y ob v t h t A pul iu p o ch
e a n A f ic n y ou t h w ho
se r e a e s re r a es a r a ,

l i v d mong t h p opul c w th t h
e a e of t h P u nic whil t h h d l mo t
a e, r e use e s e a a s
fo g ot G k nd n i t h c ould no w ould p k L t i n ( A p ol og p
r re e , a e er r s ea a , . .

Th g e t p t of St A u t i n c ong g t i on w
re a e r ar t .ng t o t h P u nic
s
’
s re a s e re s ra e rs e

S p i n l on p oduc d Colum ll t he S n c L uc n M t l nd
.

1
'

a a e r e e a, e e a s, a , a r ra a
,

Q u i nt rl i a n .
 O F THE R O MA N E MP IRE . 45

Th e y h a d t oo m uch
t a st e t o re li nqui sh t h e i r l a ngu a g e ,

a nd t oo m uch v a ni t y t o a d opt a ny for e ig n i nst i t u t i ons .

S t ill p re se rvi ng t h e p rej udic e s a ft e r th e y h a d l ost t h e ,

vi r t u e s of th e i r a nc e st ors t h e y a ffe ct e d t o d e sp i se t h e ,

u np oli sh e d m a nne r s of t h e R om a n c onqu e r ors whil st ,

t h e y w e r e c om p e ll e d t o r e sp e c t t h e i r sup e r i or wi sd om
a nd p ow e r N or w a s t h e i nflu e nc e of t h e G r e ci a n
3
.

l a ngu a g e a nd se nt i m e nt s c onfi ne d t o t h e na rr ow li m i t s
of t h a t onc e c e l e b ra t e d c ou nt ry Th e i r e m pi re by t h e .
,

p rog re ss of c ol oni e s a nd c onqu e st h a d b e e n di ffu se d ,

fr om t h e A d r i a t ic t o t h e Euph r a t e s a nd t h e N il e .

A si a w a s c ov e r e d wi t h G re e k ci t i e s ; a nd t h e l ong r e ign
of t h e M a c e d oni a n ki ng s h a d i nt r oduc e d a sil e nt r e v o

l u t i on i nt o Sy ri a a nd Egypt I n t h e i r p om p ou s c ou r t s .

t h ose p r i nc e s u ni t e d t h e e l e g a nc e of A t h e ns with t h e
luxu ry of t h e e a st ; a nd t h e e x a m pl e of t h e c ou r t w a s
i mi t a t e d a t a n hu m bl e di st a nc e by t h e high e r r a nk s of
, ,

“
t h e i r subj e c t s Such w a s t h e g e ne r a l divi si on of t h e
.

R om a n e m pi re i nt o t h e L a t i n a nd G r e e k l a ngu a g e s .

T o t h e se w e m a y a dd a t hi r d di st i nc t i on for t h e b ody
of t h e na t iv e s i n Sy r i a a nd e sp e ci a lly i n Egypt T he ,
.

u se of t h e i r a nci e nt di a l e ct s by se cludi ng t h e m fr om ,

t h e c omm e r c e of m a nki nd ch e ck e d t h e i m prov e m e nt s

of t h ose b a r b a r i a ns
‘ T h e sl ot hful e ffe m i na cy of t h e .
,

form e r e xp ose d t h e m t o t h e c ont e m pt th e sull e n ,

fe roci ou sne ss of th e l a t t e r e xcit e d t h e a v e r si on of t h e

c onqu e r ors Th ose na t i ons h a d sub m i t t e d t o t h e
.

R om a n p ow e r b u t t h e y seld om d e si r e d or d e se rv e d
,

t h e fr e e d om of t h e ci t y ; a nd i t w a s r e m a rk e d t h a t ,

m ore th a n t w o hu nd re d a nd thi r ty y e a r s e l a p se d a ft e r
t h e r ui n of t h e P t ol e mi e s b e for e a n Egyp t i a n w a s a d ,

m i t t e d i nt o t h e se na t e of R ome

Th e e i not I b elie v e f om Di ony iu s t o L ib a ni a si ngl e G eek c i t ic

r s , , r s u s, r r

w h o m e nt i on V i gil o H o a c e
s Th e y se em ig no a nt t h a t t h e R om a n h d
r r r . r s a

a n good w i t s er
y r .

Th cu i oue a d er ma
r
y s e i n Dupi n (Bibli ot h equ e E ccl é i a t iqu e
s re e ,
s s ,

t om xix p 1 c
. . . how m uch t h
. . e of t h e S y i a c nd E gyp t i n l a n e us r a a

gu g w st ill p se v e d
‘S e J v e n l t iii a nd xv A mmi n M c lli n xx l 6
a es as re r .

1
e u a , sa . . a . ar e . rr. .

X
Di on C iu l lxxvii p 12 75 The fi t i n t a nc e h a pp e ne d u nd e t he
a ss s, . . . . rs s r

re ig n of S t i m i e S v u
p us e er s.
 T HE D E C LIN E A N D FA L L
CHAP . It i s j u st t h ough t ri t e ob se rv a t i on t h a t vic t ori ou s
a ,
11 '

R om e w a s h e r se lf subdu e d by t h e a r t s of G re e c e .

G e ne ra l u se Th ose i m m or t a l w r i t e r s w h o st ill c omm a nd t h e a d m i ra

t i on Of m od e r n Eu r op e soon b e c a m e t h e fa v ou r i t e oh ,

f st udy a nd i m i t a t i on i n I t a ly a nd t h e w e st e rn
j e ct o p ro

vi nc e s B u t t h e e l e g a nt a m u se me nt s of t h e R om a ns
.

w e re not su ffe re d t o i nt e r fe re wi t h t h e i r sou nd m a xi m s

of p olicy Whil st t h e y a ck nowl e dg e d t h e ch a rm s of
.

th e Gre e k t h e y a sse r t e d t h e dig ni t y of t h e L a t i n

,

t ongu e a nd t h e e xclu siv e u se of t h e l a t t e r w a s i nfl e xi

,

bly m a i nt a i ne d i n t h e a d m i ni st ra t i on of civil a s w e ll a s
m ili t a r y g ov e r nm e nt ’ T h e t w o l a ngu a g e s e x e r ci se d
.

a t t h e sa m e t i m e t h e i r se p a ra t e j u r i sdic t i on t h r ough

ou t t h e e m pi re : t h e for m e r a s t h e na t u ra l i di om of ,
,

sci e nc e ; t h e l a t t e r a s t h e l e g a l di a l e c t Of public t r a ns
,

a c t i ons Th ose w h o u ni t e d l e t t e rs wi t h bu si ne ss w e re
.
,

e u a lly c onv e rsa nt wi t h b ot h ; a nd i t w a s a l m ost i m os

q p
si bl e ,
i n a ny p r ovi nc e t o fi nd a R om a n subj e c t of a , ,

lib e ra l e duc a t i on w h o w a s a t onc e a st ra ng e r t o t h e

,

G re e k a nd t o t h e L a t i n l a ngu a g e .

Sl va es . It w a s by such i nst i t u t i ons t h a t t h e na t i ons of t h e e m

pi re i nse nsibly m e l t e d a w a y i nt o t h e R om a n na m e a nd
p e opl e B u t t h e r e st ill re m a i ne d i n t h e c e nt re of e v e ry
.
,

p r ovi nc e a nd of e v e r y fa m ily a n u nh a ppy c ondi t i on of ,

m e n w h o e ndu r e d t h e w e igh t wi t h ou t sh a r i ng t h e b e ne ,

Th ei r t re a t fi t s of soci e t y In t h e fre e st a t e s of a nt iqui t y t h e d om e st ic

.
,
m e m‘
sl a v e s w e r e e xp ose d t o t h e w a nt on r ig ou r of d e sp ot i sm .

T h e p e r fe c t se t t l e m e nt of t h e R om a n e m pi re w a s p re
c e d e d by a g e s of vi ol e nc e a nd ra pi ne T h e sl a v e s con .

si st e d for t h e m ost p a rt
, of b a r b a r i a n c a p t iv e s t a k e n , ,

i n t h ou sa nds by t h e ch a nc e of w a r pu r ch a se d a t a vil e ,

p ric e a ccu st om e d t o a life of i nd e p e nd e nc e a nd i m

2
, ,

p a t i e nt t o b re a k a nd t o re v e ng e t h e i r fe t t e r s A g a i nst .

such i nt e r na l e ne m i e s wh ose d e sp e ra t e i nsu rr e c t i ons

,

h a d m or e t h a n onc e r e duc e d t h e r e public t o t h e b ri nk

Y V l iu M xi m u
Se e a er c 2 n 2 Th m p o C l udiu di
s a s, . . . . e e er r a s s
f nchi d n mi n nt G ci n fo not nd t nd ng L t i n H w p o
ra se a e e re a r u e rs a r a . e as r

b bly i n om public offic Su t oniu i n C l ud c 16

a s e e. e s a
I n t h c m p of L ucullu
. . .

n ox old fo d ch m nd l v fo fou
Z
e a s, a s r a ra a , a a s a e r r
d ch m o b ou t th
ra a , hi ll ng
r a P lu t ch i n L c ll p 580
re e s r s. ar . u u . . .
 O F THE R OMA N E MP IRE . 47

t h e m ost
"
of de st ru ct i on a
, v e re r e gul a t i ons a nd t h e C H A Pse , .

11
m ost c r u e l t re a t m e nt se e m e d a l m ost j u st ifi e d by t h e
’

,-

g re a t la w of se lf p re se r v a t i on B u t wh e n t h e p r i ncip a l
-
.

na t i ons of Eu r op e A si a a nd A fr ic a w e r e u ni t e d u nd e r
, , ,

t h e l a w s of one sov e r e ig n t h e sou r c e of for e ig n su p ,

pli e s fl ow e d wi t h m u ch l e ss a bu nd a nc e a nd t h e R O ,

m a ns w e r e re duc e d t o t h e m ild e r b u t m or e t e di ou s m e
th od of p r op a g a t i on In t h e i r nu m e r ou s fa m ili e s a nd
.
,

p a r t icul a rly i n t h e i r c ou nt ry e st a t e s t h e y e nc ou ra g e d ,

t h e m a r r i a g e of t h e i r S l a v e s T h e se nt i m e n t s of na t u re .
,

t h e h a bi t s of e duc a t i on a nd t h e p osse ssi on of a d e p e nd

c
,

e nt sp e ci e s of p r op e r t y ont r ibu t e d t o a ll e vi a t e t h e
,

c
h a r d ship s Of se r vi t ud e T h e e xi st e nc e of a sl a v e b e
.

c a m e a n Obj e c t of g re a t e r v a lu e ; a nd t h ough h i s h a ppi

ne ss st ill d e p e nd e d on t h e t e m p e r a nd ci r cu m st a nc e s

of t h e m a st e r t h e hu m a ni t y of t h e l a t t e r i nst e a d of
, ,

b e i ng r e st ra i ne d by fe a r w a s e nc ou r a g e d by t h e se nse ,

of h i s ow n i nt e re st T h e p r og r e ss of m a nne r s w a s a c
. .

ce le ra t e d by t h e vi r t u e or p olicy of t h e e m p e r ors ; a nd
by t h e e dic t s of H a d ri a n a nd t h e A nt oni ne s t h e p r o ,

t e ct i on of t h e l a w s w a s e x t e nd e d t o t h e m ost a bj e c t
p a r t of m a nk i nd T h e j u r i sdic t i on of life a nd de a t h
.

ov e r t h e S l a v e s a p ow e r l ong e x e r ci se d a nd oft e n
,

a bu se d w a s t a k e n ou t of p r iv a t e h a nd s a nd r e se r v e d t o
, ,

t h e m a gi st r a t e s a l one T h e sub t e r ra ne ou s p r i sons w e r e

.

a b oli sh e d ; a nd up on a j us ,t c om pl a i nt of i nt ol e r a bl e
t re a t m e nt t h e i nj u re d sl a v e ob t a i ne d e i t h e r h i s d e li
,
d
v e ra nc e or a l e ss c r u e l m a st e r
,
.

H op e t h e b e st c om for t of ou r i m p e rfe c t c ondi t i on Enfi n

, ,
-
a

cm m m
w a s not d e ni e d t o t h e R om a n S l a v e ; a nd if h e h a d a ny
se e ’

opp or t u ni t y of r e nd e r i ng hi m se l f e i t h e r u se ful 0 1 a g r e e
°

a bl e h e m igh t v e ry na t u ra lly e xp e c t t h a t t h e dilig e nc e

,

a nd fid e li t y of a fe w y e a r s w ould b e r e w a r d e d wi t h t h e

3
D i odorus Si cu l us i n Eclog st . Hi . l xxxiv
. . a nd xxxvi . F l oru s , iii .

19 2 0
, .

b Se
e a re m a r a k bl i
e nst a n e of se e r c
v i t y n C ic e o i n V m v 3 1 r e rre , . .

C
h c ll c to
Se e i n G ru t e r, a nd t he ot e r o e g t nu m b of n c i pt i on rs, a re a er 1 s r s

a dd d by l v e t o t h i wiv child e n f llow

re sse s a s e r a t m t et c
e s, r , e .
se rv u s, a s e rs, .

Th y e l l m o t p ob bly of t h i m p e a l a g
a re a , s r a , e r1 e.
d
S t h A ugu t n Hi t o y
ee e nd
s a di t t i on of M d B i gny i n th
s r , a a sse r a . e ur , e

t hi t y fi fth v olu m of t h A c d m y of I n c ip t i ons up on t he R oma n sl a v es

r -
e e a e s r , .
 48 THE D E C LIN E A N D F A L L
i ne st i m a bl e gift of fre e d om T h e b e ne v ol e nc e of t h e .

m a st e r w a s S O fre qu e nt ly p rom p t e d by t h e m e a ne r su g
g e st i ons of v a ni t y a nd a va ri ce t h a t t h e l a w s fou nd i t ’

m ore ne c e ssa r y t o r e st ra i n t h a n t o e nc ou ra g e a p r ofu se

a nd u ndi st i ngui shi ng lib e r a li t y which m igh t d e g e ne r a t e ,

i nt o a v e ry d a ng e r ou s a bu se It w a s a m a xi m of a n
ci e nt j u ri sp r ud e nc e t h a t a s a sl a v e h a d not a ny c ou nt ry
,

of h i s ow n h e a cqui r e d wi t h h i s lib e r t y a n a d m i ssi on

,

i nt o t h e p oli t ic a l soci e t y of which hi s p a t ron w a s a

m em b er T h e c onse qu e nc e s of t hi s m a xi m w ould h a v e
.

p rost i t u t e d t h e p r ivile g e s of t h e R oma n ci t y t o a m e a n

a nd p r om i scu ou s m ul t i t ud e S om e se a sona bl e e xce p .

t i ons w e r e t h e r e fore p r ovid e d ; a nd t h e h onou ra bl e di s

t i nc t i on w a s c onfi ne d t o such sl a v e s only a s for j u st , ,

c a u se s a nd wi t h t h e a pp rob a t i on of t h e m a gi st r a te
, ,

sh ould r e c e iv e a sol e m n a nd l e g a l m a nu m i ssi on Ev e n .

th e se ch ose n fre e d m e n ob t a i ne d no m or e t h a n t h e p ri
v a t e r igh t s of ci t iz e ns a nd w e re rig or ou sly e xclud e d
'

from civil or m ili t a ry h onou r s Wh a t e v e r m igh t b e

“
.

t h e m e r i t or for t u ne of t h e i r son s t h e y lik e wi se w e re ,

est e e m e d u nw or t hy of a se a t i n t h e se na t e ; nor w e re
t h e t r a c e s of a se r vil e origi n a ll ow e d t o b e c om pl e t e ly
obli t e r a t e d t ill t h e t hi r d or fou r t h g e ne ra t i on Wi t h ‘
.

ou t d e st r oyi ng t h e di st i nc t i on of ra nk s a di st a nt p r o ,

sp e c t of fr e e d om a nd h onou r s w a s p r e se nt e d e ve n t o ,

t h ose wh om p r id e a nd p rej udic e a l m ost di sd a i ne d t o

nu m b e r a m ong t h e hu m a n S p e ci e s .

N u mb e rs. It w a s onc e p r op ose d t o di sc r i m i na t e t h e sl a v e s by a

p e culi a r h a bi t ; bu t i t w a s j u stly a pp re h e nd e d t h a t
t h e re m igh t b e som e d a ng e r i n a c q u a i nt i ng t h e m wi t h
t h e i r ow n n u m b e r s g Wi t h ou t i nt e rp re t i ng i n t h e i r
.
,

u t m ost st ric t ne ss t h e lib e ra l a pp e ll a t i ons of l e gi ons a nd

,

my r i a d s ; w e m a y v e nt u re t o p r onou nc e t h a t t h e p r o ,

6
S not h
ee a d i t t ion of M d B igny i n t he t hi ty v nt h v olu m
er sse r a . e ur r -
se e e,
on t h R om n f
e dm n a re e e
f Sp nh i m O bi R om n l c 16 p 12 4 t c
.

a e , r s a . 1 . . . .
, e .

8 S n c e d C l m nt i
e a l c 2 4 Th o igi n l i much t ong
e e e a , . 1. . . e r a s s r er

Q u nt u m p iculu m i m m n t i vi no t i nu m ”
a er no c o pi nt
r e re s se r s r e ra re s e sse

P li ny Hi t N t u l xxx i nd A t h n u D ip no ophi t l vi
.

hS s a r. a e ae s, e
ee , . . u . s s . . .

p 2 72 Th l tt boldly
. . e t
a th t h
er k n w v y m ny ( n p old )
a sse r s, a e e er a a s
-
er

R om n ho p o
a s w d not fo b t o t nt t i on t n nd v n t w e nt y
sse sse , r u se , u s e a , e a e e
t h ou nd l v
sa s a e s.
 O F THE R OMA N E MP IR E . 49

p or tion of sl a v e s w h o w e re v a lu e d a s p r op e rt y w a s C H A P
, , .

11
m or e c onsid e ra bl e t h a n t h at of se r v a nt s w h o ca n b e
'

i
c om put e d only a s a n e xp e nse T h e y outh s of a p r o .

m i si ng g e niu s w e re i nst ruct e d i n t h e a r t s a nd sci e nc e s ,

a nd t h e i r p ric e w a s a sc e r t a i ne d by t h e d e g re e of t h e i r

skill a nd t a le nts
k
A l m ost e v e ry p r ofe ssi on e i t h e r li
.
,

l
b e ra l or m e ch a nic a l m igh t b e fou nd i n t h e h ou se h old ,

of a n Opul e nt se na t or T h e m i ni st e rs of p om p a nd se n . .

su a l i t w e re m ul t ipli e d b e y ond th e c onc e p t i on of m o

y
m
d e rn luxu ry It w a s m ore for t h e i nt e re st of t h e m e r
.

ch a nt or m a nufa c tu re r t o purch a se th a n t o hi re h i s ,

w orkm e n ; a nd i n t h e c ou nt ry sl a v e s w e re e m pl oy e d a s ,

t h e ch e a p e st a nd m ost l a b or i ou s i nst ru m e nt s of a g r i cu l
t u re T o c onfi rm t h e g e ne ra l ob se r v a ti on a nd t o di s
.
,

pl a y t h e m ul t i t ud e of sl a v e s w e m igh t a ll e g e a v a ri e t y ,

of p a r t icul a r i nst a nc e s It w a s di sc ov e re d on a v e ry .
,

m e l a nch oly occ a si on t h a t fou r hu nd re d sl a v e s w e re ,

m a i nt a i ne d i n a si ngl e p a l a c e of R om e ”
T h e sa m e .

n u m b e r of fou r hu nd r e d b e l onge d t o a n e st a t e which

a n A fric a n wid ow of a v e ry p r iv a t e c ondi t i on r esig ne d , ,

t o h e r son whil st sh e re se r v e d for h e r se lf a m uch l a rg e r

,

sh a r e of h e r p r op e r t y A fre e d m a n u nd e r t h e r e ig n ,

of A ugu st u s t h ough h i s for t u ne h a d su ffe r e d g re a t

,

l osse s i n t h e civil w a r s l e ft b e hi nd h i m t h re e t h ou sa nd ,

si x hu nd re d y ok e of ox e n t w o hu nd r e d a nd fift y t h ou ,

sa nd h e a d of sm a ll e r c a t t l e a nd wh a t w a s a l m ost i n , ,

clud e d i n t h e d e sc rip t i on of c a t t l e fou r t h ou sa nd one ,

n
hu nd r e d a d sixt e e n sl v e sa P .

T h e nu mb e r of subj e c t s w h o a ck nowl e dg e d t h e l a w s Popul ou s

f h
fixing;
"
o o o

of R ome of c1t 1z e ns of p r ovm cra ls a nd of sl a v e s ca n

o

, , , ,

Pi re .

i
P i th e
In not mo
ar s t h n fo t y t h
er t hou nd v n hu nd d
a re re a r - ree sa se e re

d ic of v y o t nd not t w lft h p t of t h i nh bi t nt M
ome st s e er s r , a a e ar e a a s. es

sang R ch ch
e, l P opul t i on p 186
e er e s su r a a .

k A l n d S l v old fo m ny hu nd d p ou nd t li ng A tt icu l w y
.
,

ear e a e s r a re s s er : s a a s

b d nd t ugh t t h m him lf C o n l N p o i n Vi t c 13
re a a e se . r e . e s . . .

1M n
y of t h R om n phy ici n w
a Sl v
e Se D M iddl t ona s a s e re a e s. e r. e
’
s

Di t t i on nd D f nc e
sse r a a e e .

Th i nk ndoffi c e r ra v y C opi ou ly e nu m t d by P gno d

s a e s a re er s e ra e r rru s e

T ci t
a A nna . l xiv 43 Th ey w e e a l l e x e cu te d
. . . r for not p e v ent i ng
r

t h i
e r ma st e r s m
’
ud r e r.
0
A ul e i us i n A p ol og p 548 di t D elphi n e

N a t u l xxxiii 47
. . . . .

1 P ’
in st
. Hi . r. . . .

VOL I . .
50 T HE DE C LIN E A N D F A LL
not now fix e d with such a d e gr e e of a ccu ra cy a s
be
t h e i mp ort a nc e of t h e obj e c t w ould d e se r v e W e a re .

i nforme d t h a t wh e n t h e e mp e r or C l a udiu s e x e rci se d

,

t h e offic e of c e nsor h e t ook a n a cc ou nt of si x m illi ons

,

ni ne hu nd re d a nd for t y fi ve t h ou sa nd R om a n ci t iz e ns -
,

w h o w i t h t h e p r op or t i on of w om e n a nd child re n m u st
, ,

h a v e a m ou nt e d t o a b ou t tw e nt y m illi ons of soul s T h e .

m ulti t ud e of subj e c t s of a n infe ri or ra nk w a s u nc e r t a i n

a nd fluctu a ti ng B u t a ft e r w e ighi ng wi t h a t t e nt i on
.
,

e v e ry ci r cu m st a nc e which c ould i nflu e nc e t h e b a l a nc e ,

i t se e m s p r ob a bl e t h a t t h e re e xi ste d i n t h e ti m e of
, ,

C la udiu s a b out t wic e a s m a ny p rovi nci a l s a s t h e re w e re

,

citiz e ns of e i t h e r se x a nd of e v e ry a g e ; a nd t h a t t h e
, ,

sl a v e s w e r e a t l e a st e qu a l i n nu m b e r t o t h e fr e e i nh a

bi t a nt s of t h e R om a n w orld T h e t ot a l a m ou nt of thi s .

i m p e r fe c t c a lcul a t i on w ould ri se t o a b ou t one hu nd re d

a nd t w e nt y m illi ons of p e r sons : a d e g re e of p opul a t i on

which p ossibly e xc e e d s t h a t of m od e rn E u rO p e q a nd ,

form s t h e m ost nu m e rou s soci e t y t h a t h a s e v e r b e e n

u ni te d u nd e r t h e sa m e sy st e m of g ov e rnm e nt .

D om e st ic p e a c e a nd u ni on w e re th e na t u ra l c ou se
n c s of t h e m od e r a t e a nd c om p re h e nsiv e p olicy e m
q u e e

b ra c e d by t h e R om a ns If w e t u rn ou r e y es t ow a rd s .

t h e m ona r chi e s of A si a w e sh a ll b e h old d e sp ot i sm i n ,

t h e c e nt re a nd w e a k ne ss i n t h e e x t re m i t i e s ; t h e c oll e e
,

t i on of t h e r e v e nu e or t h e a d m i ni st ra t i on of j u stic e e n
, ,

for c e d by t h e p re se nc e of a n a rm y ; h ostil e b a rb a ri a ns
e st a bli sh e d i n t h e h e a r t of t h e c ou nt ry h e r e di t a r y sa ,

t ra p s u su r pi ng t h e d om i ni on of t h e p r ovi nc e s a nd su b ,

i cli d r e b e lli on t h ough i nc a p a bl e of fr e e d om

j e ct s n ne t o , .

B u t t h e ob e di e nc e of t h e R om a n w orld w a s u niform ,

v olu nt a ry a nd p e rm a ne nt T h e v a nqui sh e d na t i ons

, .
,

bl e nd e d i nt o one g re a t p e opl e r e signe d t h e h op e na y , ,

e v e n t h e wi sh of r e su mi ng t h e i r i nd e p e nd e nc e a nd
, ,

‘C om pu t t w nty m illi on
1 e e s in F ra nc e
w enty t w o i n G e m a n fou i n , t - r r
Hu ng a y t en i n I t a ly wi t h i t i l a nd s e igh t i n G t B i ta i n a n I el a nd
r ,
s s , re a r r ,

eigh t i n Sp a i n a nd P o t ug a l t e n o t w elv e i n t he E u ope a n R u s i a six in

r , r r s ,

P ol a nd six i n G ee c e a nd Tu k ey four i n Sw e den th e i n D enm ark a nd

r r , re

N o w a y fou r i n the L ow C ou nt i e The wh ol e w ould m ou nt to one h n

, ,

r ,
r s. a u .

d e d nd fi ve or one hu nd d a nd se v e n m illi ons See Vol ta i e Hi stoi e

r a ,
re . r , r
G é né ra l e.
 O F THE R OMA N E MP IRE . 51

c c ly c id d h i xi t c di i c f m A P
i
s ar e ons e re t e r ow n e s e n e a s st n t r o C I .

I
t h e e xi st e nc e of R om e T h e e st a bli sh e d a uth or i t y of .

t h e e m p e r or s p e r v a d e d wi t h ou t a n e ffor t t h e wid e e x
t e nt of th e i r dom i ni ons a nd w a s e x e rci se d wi t h t h e ,

sa m e fa cili t y on t h e b a nk s of t h e Th a m e s or of t h e ,

Nil e a s on t h ose of th e Tib e r T h e l e gi ons w e re de s

, .

ti ne d t o se rv e a g a i nst t h e public e ne m y a nd t h e civil ,

m a gi st ra t e se ld om r e qui re d t h e a i d of a mili t a ry for c e

In thi s st a t e of g e ne ra l se cu r i t y t h e l e i su r e a s w e ll a s ,

opul e nc e b ot h of t h e p ri nc e a nd p e opl e w e r e d e v ot e d ,

t o i m p r ov e a nd t o a d orn t h e R om a n e m pi re .

A m ong t h e i nnu m e ra bl e m onu m e nt s of a rchi te ctu re R oma n mo

n m m u e s'
c onstruc t e d by t h e R oma ns h ow ma ny h a v e e sc a p e d ,

t h e not ic e of hi st or y h ow fe w h a v e re si st e d t h e r a v a g e s
,

of ti me a nd b a rb a r i sm ! A nd y e t e v e n t h e m a j e st ic
r ui ns t h a t a r e st ill sc a t t e r e d ov e r It a ly a nd t h e ro
p
vi nces w ould be su ffici e nt t o p rov e t h a t th ose c ou n
, ,

t ri e s w e re onc e t h e se a t of a p oli t e a nd p ow e r ful e m

pi re Th e i r g r e a t ne ss a l one or t h e i r b e a u t y m ight
.
, ,

de se r v e ou r a t t e nt i on ; but t h e y a r e r e nd e r e d m ore i n
t e re st i ng by t w o im p or ta nt ci r cu m st a nc e s which con ,

ne e t th e a g re e a bl e hi st or y of t h e a r t s wi t h t h e m ore

u se fu l hi st ory of hu ma n m a nne rs M a ny of t h ose .

w ork s w e re e re c t e d a t p riv a t e e xp e nse a nd a l most a ll ,

'

w e r e i nt e nd e d for public b e ne fit .

I t i s na t u r a l t o supp ose th a t t h e g re a t e st nu m be r a s M ny of ,
a

w e ll a s t h e m ost c onsid e ra bl e of t h e R oma n e dific e s : hifpiiigi;

e
,

w e re r a i se d by t h e e m p e ror s w h o p osse sse d so u n xp ense ,

e

b ou nd e d a c omm a nd b ot h of m e n a nd m one y A u .

gu st u s w a s a ccu st ome d t o b oa st t h a t h e h a d fou nd h i s ,

c a pita l of b rick a nd th a t h e h a d l e ft it of m a r bl e
,
”
.

T h e strict e c onomy of V e sp a si a n w a s t h e sou r c e of

‘
J ose ph d B ll J ud ic o 1 c 16 The o t ion of A g ipp o
. e e . a , . 11. . . ra r a, r ra
th of t h e hi t o i n i
er sfi n pic t u
r a of t h R om n m pi
, s a e re e a e re .
S t on i n A ugu t
9
ue . 28 A u gu t u b lt i n Rom t h t m pl nd
s . 0 . . s s ur e e e e a

fo u m of M t h a v eng ; t h t m pl of J upi t ton n i n th c pi tol

r a rs e er e e e er a s e a
t h t of A poll o p l t i ne wi t h public lib
a a a i e ; t h p o t ic o nd b i l c of ra r s e r a as r a

of L ivi a
,

C in a nd L uciu
s a t h e p o t ic o s, nd O c t vi nd t h
r th t of es a a a, a e e a re

M c llu Th x m pl of th ov i gn w i m i t t d by hi m i ni t
ar e s. e e a e e s e re as a e s s e rs
and g n el nd h i f i nd A g ipp a l e ft b ehi nd h i m t h
e ra s a s r e i mmo t l monu r e r a
m e nt of t h P nt h one a e .
52 THE D E C LIN E A N D F A LL
h i s m a gnific e nc e w ork s of T ra j a n b e a r t h e
. T he
st a mp of h i s g e niu s T h e public m onu m e nt s wi th .

which H a d r i a n a d orne d e ve ry p rovi nce of t h e e m pi r e ,

w ere e x e cut ed not only by h i s ord e r s b u t u nd e r hi s

, . ,

i m m e di a t e i nsp e c t i on H e w a s hi m se lf a n a r t i st ; a nd
.

h e l ov e d t h e a rt s a s t h e y condq d t o t h e gl or y of t h e
"

m ona r ch Th e y w e re e nc ou ra g e d by t h e Ant oni ne s

.
,

a s t h e y c ont ribu t e d t o t h e h a ppi ne ss of t h e p e opl e .

But if t h e e m p e rors w e re t h e fi r st th e y w e re not t h e ,

only a rchi t e c t s of t h e i r d om i ni ons Th e i r e x a m pl e .

w a s u niv e r sa lly i m i t a t e d by t h e i r p r i ncip a l subj ec t s ,

w h o w e r e not a fra id of d e cl a ri ng t o t h e w orld th a t ,

t h e y h a d S pi r it t o c onc e iv e a nd w e a l t h t o a cc om pli sh ,

t h e nobl e st u nd e r t a ki ng s S c a r c e ly h a d t h e p roud .

st r uctu r e of t h e C oli se u m b e e n d e dic a t e d a t R om e ,

b e for e e dific e s of a sm a ll e r sc a l e i nd e e d bu t of t h e ,

sa me d e sig n a nd m a t e r i a l s w e r e e r e ct e d for t h e u se

a nd a t t h e e xp e nse of t h e ci t i e s of C a pu a a nd V e r ona
‘ , ,

T h e i nsc ripti on of t h e st up e nd ou s b ridg e of Alc a nt a ra ,

a t t e st s t h a t it w a s th row n ov e r t h e T a gu s by t h e c on

“
t ri bu t i on of a fe w Lu si t a ni a n c omm u ni t i e s Wh e n .

P li ny w a s i nt r u st e d wi t h th e g ov e rnm e nt of Bi t hy ni a
a nd P ont u s p r ovi nc e s by no m e a ns t h e r ich e st or m ost
,

c onsid e ra bl e of th e e m pi re h e fou nd t h e ci t i e s wi t hi n ,

h i s j u r i sdic t i on st rivi ng wi t h e a ch ot h e r i n e v e ry u se ful

a nd orna m e nt a l w or k th a t m igh t d e se r v e t h e cu r i osity ,

of st r a ng e r s or t h e g ra t itud e of th e i r ci t iz e ns
, It w a s .

t h e du t y of t h e p r oc onsul t o supply t h e i r d e fici e nci e s ,

t o di r e c t t h e i r t a st e a nd som e t i m e s t o m od e r a t e t h e i r
,

e m ul a t i on T h e Opul e nt se na t ors of R om e a nd t h e
.

p r ovi nc e s e st e e m e d i t a n h onou r a nd a lm ost a n oblig a ,

t i on t o a d orn t h e spl e nd ou r of t h e i r a g e a nd c ou nt r y ;
,

a nd t h e i nflu e nc e of fa shi on v e ry fre qu e nt ly suppli e d

t h e w a nt of t a st e or g e ne r osi t y A m ong a c rowd of .

t S M ffe i V on Illu t t 1 iv p 68
ee a , er a s ra a , . . . .

Se t h t e nt h b ook of P li ny pi t l He m nt i on t h e foll owi ng ’

e e s e s e s. e s

w o k c i d on t t h xp n of t h ci t i
r s a rr e a t N i com di
e e new fo u m
e se e es : a e a, a r

c n l l ft u nfi ni h d by ki ng ; t N ic a gy mn iu m
,

a n qu duc t
a e nd , a a a a e s e a a e, as ,

a nd th
a t which h d l dy c o t ne ni n t y t h ou nd p ou nd b a t h
e a re a a re a s ar e sa s s
a t P a nd C l udi op oli ; a nd n
rusa a qu duc t of ix te n m il i n l ng t h fo
s a a e s e es e r
t h e u se of Si nOp e .
 O F TH E R O M A N E MP IRE . 53

th e se p r iv a te b e ne fa ct ors w e m a y se l e ct H e rod e s A t C H A P
, .

11
t i cu s a n A t h e ni a n ci t iz e n w h o liv e d i n t h e a g e of t h e
’

, ,

A nt oni ne s Wh a t e v e r migh t b e t h e m otiv e of hi s con

.

duct h i s m a g nific e nc e w oul d h a v e b e e n w orthy of t h e

,

g re a t e st ki ngs .

T h e fa m ily of H e r od a t l e a st a ft e r it h a d b e e n fa E x m pl of
, a e

vou re d by for tu ne w a s li ne a lly d e sc e nd e d from C i mon

,

a nd M il t i a d e s Th e se u s a nd C e c r op s fE a c
, u s a nd J u ,

pit e r B u t t h e p ost e rity of so m a ny g od s a nd h e r oe s

.

w a s fa ll e n i nt o t h e m ost a bj e c t st a t e H i s gra ndfa t h e r .

h a d su ffe re d by t h e h a nd s of j u st ic e ; a nd J u liu s A t t i
cu s h i s fa t h e r m u st h a v e e nd e d h i s life i n p ov e r ty a nd
, ,

c ont e m p t h a d h e not di sc ov e re d a n i m m e nse t re a su re

,

bu ri e d u nd e r a n old h ou se t h e l a st re m a i ns of h i s ,

p a t ri m ony A cc ordi ng t o th e r ig ou r of la w t h e e m
.
,

e r or m ight h a v e a sse r t e d h i s cl a i m ; a nd t h e p r ud e nt
p
A tt icu s p re v e nt e d by a fra nk c onfe ssi on t h e Offi ciou s
, ,

ne ss of i nform e rs But th e e qui t a bl e N e r v a w h o t h e n

.
,

fill e d t h e t h rone re fu se d t o a cc e p t a ny p a r t of i t ; a nd
,

c omm a nd e d h i m t o u se wi t h ou t sc rupl e t h e p re se nt of
, ,

for tu ne T h e c a u t i ou s A t h e ni a n st ill i nsi st e d th a t th e

.
,

t re a su re w a s t oo c onsid e ra bl e for a subj e c t a nd t h a t h e ,

”
k ne w not h ow t o u se i t A bu se i t t h e n r e pli e d
.
, ,

t h e m ona r ch wi t h a g ood na t ure d p e e vi sh ne ss ; for i t i s

,
-

u M a ny will b e of Opi ni on h a t A t t icu s

"
y o r ow n . t ,

li t e ra lly ob ey e d t h e e m p e ror s l a st i nst ruc t i ons ; si nc e

’

h e e xp e nd e d t h e g re a t e st p a r t of h i s for t u ne which ,

w a s m uch i nc re a se d by a n a dv a nt a g e ou s m a r r i a g e i n ,

t h e se r vic e of t h e public H e h a d obt a ine d for h i s

.

son H e r od t h e p re fe c t u r e of t h e fre e ci t i e s of A si a ;
,

a nd t h e y ou ng m a gi st ra t e ob se r vi ng t h a t t h e t ow n of
,

T r oa s w a s i ndi ffe r e nt ly suppli e d wi t h w a t e r ob t a i ne d ,

from t h e m u ni fi ce nce of H a d ri a n t h re e hu nd re d m y ,

r i a d s of d ra ch m s (a b out a hu nd r e d t h ou sa nd p ou nd s)

for t h e c onst ruc t i on of a ne w a qu e duct But i n t h e .

e x e cu t i on of t h e w or k t h e ch a r g e a m ou nt e d t o m or e

X
H di a r an a ft erw a d m a d e a v e y qui t bl e re gul a t i on which divide d
r s r e a ,

al l t e a u
r s re - t r ov e b et w e e n t he righ t of p op t y a nd t h t of di c ov e y
r er a Hi st s r . .

A ugu t p s . . 9
.
54 T H E D E C LIN E A N D FAL L
th a n doubl e t h e e st im a t e ; a nd t he offic e rs of th e re
’

v e nu e b e ga n t o m u rm u r t ill t h e g e ne rou s A t t icu s ,

S il e nc e d t h e i r c ompl a i nt s by r e qu e sti ng t h a t h e m igh t ,

b e p e rm it te d t o t a k e up on him self t h e wh ol e a ddi t i ona l

'

e xp e nse ’ .

T h e a bl e st p re c e p t ors of G re e c e a nd A si a h a d b e e n
i nvi t e d by lib e ra l r e w a rd s t o di re c t t h e e duc a t i on of
y ou ng H e rod Th e i r pup i l soon b e c a m e a c e l e b r a t e d
.

'

or a t or a cc ordi ng t o t h e u se l e ss r h e t or ic of th a t a g e
, ,

which c onfi ni ng it se lf t o t h e sch ool s di sd a i ne d t o vi sit

, ,

e i t h e r t h e for u m or t h e se na t e H e w a s h onou re d .

wi t h t h e c onsul ship a t R om e ; but t h e g r e a t e st p a r t of

hi s life w a s sp e nt i n a p h i l osoPh i c r e t i r e m e n t a t A t h e ns ,

a nd h i s a dj a c e nt vill a s ; p e r p e t u a lly su rr ou nd e d by so

p h i st s w h o a ck nowl e dg e d wi t h ou t r e luc t a nc e t h e su
‘
, , ,

p e r i ori t
y of a r ich a nd g e ne r ou s r iv a l T h e m on u .

m e nt s of h i s g e niu s h a v e p e r i sh e d ; som e c onsid e ra bl e

r ui ns still p re se r v e t h e fa m e of h i s t a ste a nd m u ni fi é

c e nc e : m od e rn t ra v e ll e r s h a v e m e a su re d t h e re ma i ns
of t h e st a diu m which h e c onst r uc t e d a t A t h e ns It .

w a s si x hu nd re d fe e t i n l e ng t h buil t e nt i r e ly of whi t e ,

m a rble ca p a bl e of h oldi ng t h e wh ol e b ody of t h e

, ,

p e opl e a nd fi ni sh e d i n fou r y e a rs whil st H e r od w a s

, ,

p re sid e nt of t h e A t h e ni a n g a m e s T o t h e m e mory of .

h i s wife R e g illa h e d e dic a t e d a t h e a t r e sc a r c e ly t o b e ,

p a ra ll e l e d i n th e e m pi re : no w ood e xc e p t c e d a r v e ry , ,

curi ou sly c a r v e d w a s e m pl oy e d i n a ny p a rt of t h e
,

buildi ng T h e O d e u m d e sig ne d by P e ricl e s for m u

.
,

si c a l p e r forma nc e s a nd t h e r e h e a rsa l of ne w t ra g e di e s
, ,

h a d b e e n a t r ophy of t h e vic t or y of t h e a r t s ov e r
b a rb a ric g re a t ne ss ; a s t h e t i m b e rs e m pl oy e d i n t h e
c onst ruc t i on c onsi st e d chi e fly of t h e m a st s of t h e Pe r
si a n v e sse l s N ot wi t h st a ndi ng t h e r e p a i r s b e st ow e d
.

on t h a t a nci e nt e dific e by a ki ng of C a pp a d oci a i t w a s ,

a g a i n fa ll e n t o d e c a y H e r od r e st ore d i t s a nci e nt
.

b e a uty a nd ma gnific e nc e N or w a s t h e lib e ra li t y of .

y Phil ost ra t i n Vi t o st . . S phi l p . 1 . 548 .

N c At tic i
.

z
A ulu s G e l l i u s, i n o t . . 2. ix . 2 . xviii . 10 . xix . l2 . P hilo
stra t .p 564 . .
 O F THE R OMA N E MP IRE . 55

“
tha t illu stri ou s ci tiz e n c onfi ne d to th e w a ll s of A th e ns C H A P . .

11
T h e m ost spl e ndid orna me nt s b e stow e d on t h e t e m pl e
'

of N e ptu ne i n t h e I st h m u s a t h e a t re a t C ori nth a , ,

st a diu m a t D e lph i a b a t h a t Th e rm opyl ae , a nd a n ,

a qu e duct a t C a nu si u m i n It a ly w e re i nsu ffi ci e nt t o ,

e xh a u st h i s t re a su re s Th e p eopl e of Epi r u s Th e s .
,

sa ly Eub oea B oeot i a a nd P e l op onne su s e xp e r i e nc e d

, , , ,

h i s fa v ou rs ; a nd m a ny i nsc rip t i ons of t h e ci t i e s of

G re e c e a nd A si a g ra t e fully st yl e H e rod e s A t t icu s t h e i r
p a t ron a nd b e ne fa c t or 3
.

In t h e c omm onw e a l th s of A th e ns a nd R ome t h e Mo t of t he ,

s

m od e st si m plicity of p r iv a t e h ou se s a nnou nc e d t h e n m nt fo
R om n a 10 '

u e s r

e qua l c ond1t 1on of fre e d om ; whil st t h e sov er e i g nt y of P bl c e ; u l us

‘
t h e p e opl e w a s r e p re se nt e d i n th e m aj e st ic e dific e s
de st i ne d t o t h e public u se b dW
nor w a s thi s r e p ublic a n
S'

:z
ue
l
c ’

S pi ri t t ot a lly e x t i ngui sh e d by t h e i nt roducti on of w e a lth

'

a nd m ona r chy It w a s i n w ork s of na t i ona l h onou r

.

a nd b e ne fi t th a t t h e m ost vi r t u ou s of t h e e m p e r ors
,

a ffe c t e d t o di spl a y t h e i r m a g nific e nc e T h e g old e n .

p a l a c e of N e r o e xci t e d a j u st i ndig na t i on ; b u t t h e v a st
e xt e nt of g r ou nd which h a d b e e n u su r p e d by h i s se lfi sh

luxu ry w a s m ore nobly fill e d u nd e r t h e su cc e e di ng

,
‘
r e ig ns by t h e C oli se u m t h e b a t h s of Ti t u s t h e C l a u , ,

di a n p ort ic o a nd t h e t e m pl e s d e dic a t e d t o t h e g od d e ss
,

of p e a c e a nd t o t h e g e niu s of R om e Th e se monu °
.

me nt s of a rchi t e ctu r e t h e p r op e r ty of t h e R om a n ,

p e opl e w e re a d orne d with t h e m ost b e a u t iful p roduc

,

ti ons of G re ci a n p a i nt i ng a nd sculptu re ; a nd i n t h e
t e m pl e of P e a c e a v e ry cu r i ou s lib ra r y w a s O pe n t o
,

t h e cu ri osi t y of t h e l e a r ne d A t a sm a ll di st a nce from .

t h e nc e w a s situ a t e d t h e foru m of T ra j a n It w a s su r .

Se e Phi lost ra t
3
11 .548 560l . p
a usa n a s,
. . a nd vi 1 1
. 0 . The P i l i . . . .

li H d
fe of e ro es, i n t h e t rt e t hi i h v l
o u m e of t h e e m o rs of t h e a em of M i Ac d y
Inscr t ons ip i .

p icul ly
b I t i s a rt ar A h by
re m a r e S u G ci
of t e ns k d
D i caea rchu s, de t a t rae ze ,

p i G g ph
8 nt e r e o ra
. i di Hud
os M nore s, e t son .

N
. .

D u
ona t s deV R iii
oma R
et e re , 1 c 4, 5, 6 a rdi ni om a A nt rca ,
. . . .

1.iii u c i d c ip i ci R by B du
11, 12 , 13 a nd a m a n s r t e s r t on of a n e nt om e ,
. .

p
e rna r s

I Ob i d f
O ri ce l l a ri us, or R u cel l a i , of w hrch lib y t a ne a c opy rom t h e ra r of t h e
ca nonRi c di l c
ar c l b d pic u
a t F ore n e T
T w o e e ra t e . t re s of i m a nt h e s a nd of
P g i d by Pli y
rot o enes a re me nt one pl P cn a s i n t he te m e of e a e ; a nd t he

L c fu d
a o oon w a s o n b h Ti u
i n t h e a t s of t s .
 56 THE D E C LIN E A N D FA L L -

CHA P . ro n u d e d wi t h a l ofty p ortic o i n t h e form of a qu a d ,

11
r a ngl e i nt o w hich fou r t r iu m ph a l a r ch e s Op ene d a
.

nobl e a nd sp a ci ou s e nt ra nc e : i n t h e c e nt re a r ose a

c olu m n of m a rble wh ose h e igh t of one hu nd re d a nd, ,

t e n fe e t d e not e d t h e e l e v a t i on of t h e hill t h a t h a d
,

b e e n cu t a w a y Thi s c olu m n which st il l sub si st s i n i t s

.
,

a nci e nt b e a u t y e xhibi t e d a n e x a c t r e p re se nt a t i on of
,

t h e D a ci a n vic t or i e s of i t s fou nd e r T h e v e t e ra n .

soldi e r c ont e m pl a t e d t h e st ory of h i s ow n c a m p a ig ns ;

a nd by a n e a sy illu si on of na t i ona l v a ni t y t h e p e a c e ful ,

ci t iz e n a ssoci a t e d hi m se lf t o t h e h onou r s of t h e t r i
u m ph A ll t h e ot h e r qu a r t e rs of t h e c a pi t a l a nd a ll
.
,

t h e p r ovi nc e s of t h e e m pi re w e re e m b e lli sh e d by t h e ,

sa m e lib e ra l spi r i t of public m a g nific e nc e a nd w e re ,

fill e d wi t h a m phi t h e a t re s t h e a t re s t e m pl e s p or t ic oe s
, , , ,

t r iu m ph a l a r ch e s b a t h s a nd a qu e duc t s a ll v a r i ou sly
, , ,

c onducive t o t h e h e a l t h t h e d e v ot i on a nd th e pl e a , ,

su r e s of t h e m e a ne st ci t iz e n T h e l a st m e nt i one d of .

t h ose e dific e s de se r ve ou r p e culi a r a t t e nt i on '

The .

b old ne ss of t h e e nt e r p ri se t h e solidi ty of t h e e xe cu ,

t i on a nd t h e u se s t o which t h e y w e r e sub se r vi e nt r a nk
, ,

t h e a qu e duc t s a m ong t h e nobl e st m onu m e nt s of R om a n

g e niu s a nd p ow e r T h e a qu e duc t s of t h e c a pi t a l cl a i m
.

a j u st p r e e m i ne nc e ; b u t t h e cu ri ou s t ra v e ll e r w ho , ,

wi t h ou t t h e ligh t of hi st ory sh ould e x a mi ne t h ose of ,

S p ol e t o of M e t z or of S e g ovi a w ould v e ry na t u ra lly

, , ,

c onclud e t h a t t h ose p rovi nci al t ow ns h a d form e rly

,

b e e n t h e r e sid e nc e of som e p ot e nt m ona r ch T h e .

soli t ud e s of A si a a nd A fr ic a w e re onc e c ov e r e d wi t h

fl ou r i shi ng ci t i e s wh ose p opul ou sne ss a nd e v e n wh ose

, ,

e xi st e nc e w a s d e r iv e d fr om such a r t ifici a l suppli e s of a

,

p e r e nni a l st re a m of fre sh w a t e r d .

N u mb e r W e h a v e c om pu t e d t h e i nh a bi t a nt s a nd c ont e m ,
a nd g re a t
pl a t e d t h e public w ork s of t h e R oma n e m pi re T h e .
ne ss of t he
ci t i
es of t he ob se r v a t i on of t h e nu m b e r a nd g r e a t ne ss of i t s ci t i e s
e m pi re .
will se rv e t o c onfi rm t h e form e r a nd t o m ultiply t h e ,

l a t t e r It m a y not be u npl e a si ng t o c oll e c t a fe w sc a t

.

d
M ont f uc on l A nti q i t é E xpliqu é t om iv p
a ,
’
u e, . . . i . c9 . . F a bre t t i
ha s c omp o d v y l e n d t e t i e on t h q educ t
se a er ar e r a s e a u s of Rome .
 O F TH E R OMA N E MP IRE . 57

t e re d i nst a nc e s
’

l t iv e t o t h a t subj e ct wi t h ou t for C H A P
re a , .

H
g e tt i ng h ow e v e r t h a t fr om t h e v a ni t y of na t i ons a nd
, ,
'

t h e p ov e r t y of l a ngu a g e t h e v a gu e a pp e ll a t i on of city ,

h a s b e e n i ndi ffe r e nt ly b e st ow e d on R om e a nd up on
L a u re nt u m F i r st a nci e nt I t a ly i s sa id t o h a v e con In I t ly
.
,
a .

t a i ne d e l e v e n hu nd re d a nd ni ne ty se v e n ci t i e s ; a nd -

for wh a t soe v e r e ra of a ntiqui t y t h e e xpr e ssi on m igh t

b e i nt e nd e d t h e re i s not a ny r e a son t o b e li e v e t h e
8
,

c ou nt ry l e ss p opul ou s i n t h e a g e of t h e A nt oni ne s th a n
l n t h a t of R om ulu s T h e p e t t y st a t e s of L a tiu m w e r e
.

c ont a i ne d wi t hi n t h e m e t rop oli s of t h e em pi re by wh ose ,

sup e r i or i nflu e nc e t h e y h a d b e e n a t t r a c t e d Th ose .

p a r t s of I t a ly which h a v e so l ong l a ngui sh e d u nd e r t h e

l a zy t y ra nny of p r i e st s a nd vic e roy s h a d b e e n a ffl ict e d ,

only by t h e m or e t ol e ra bl e c a l a m i t i e s of w a r ; a nd t h e

fi rst sy m pt om s of d e c a y which they e xp e r i e nc e d w e re ,

a m ply c om p e nsa t e d by t h e r a pid i m p rov e m e nt s of t h e

C i sa lpi ne G a ul T h e spl e nd ou r of V e r ona m a y be

.

t ra c e d i n i t s re ma i ns : y e t V e rona w a s l e ss c e l e b ra t e d
th a n A quil e i a or P a du a M il a n or R a v e nna S e c ond G l nd , .
, au a

t h e spi rit of i m p r ov e me nt h a d p a sse d t h e A lp s a nd

Sp m a
,

b ee n fe l t e v e n i n t h e w ood s of B ri t a i n which w e re ,

g ra d u a lly cl e a re d a w a y t o Op e n a fre e sp a c e for con

ve ni e nt a nd e l e g a nt h a bi t a ti ons Y or k w a s t h e se a t of .

g ov e rnme nt ; L ond on w a s a l re a dy e nr ich e d by com

m e r c e ; a nd B a t h w a s c e l e b ra t e d for t h e sa lu t a ry e f
fe e t s of i t s m e dici na l w a t e rs G a ul c ould b oa st of h e r .

f
tw e lv e hu nd re d cit i e s ; a nd t h ough i n t h e nort h e rn ,

p a r t s m a ny of t h e m with ou t e xc e pti ng P a ri s i t se lf
, , ,

w e re lit tl e m ore t h a n th e r ud e a nd i m p e r fe c t t ownship s

of a r i si ng p e opl e t h e south e r n p r ovi nc es i mit a t e d t h e
,

w e a l t h a nd e l e g a nc e of I t a ly g
M a ny w e r e t h e ci ti e s .

of G a ul M a r se ill e s A r l e s Ni sm e s N ar b onne Th ou
, , , , ,

l ou se B ord e a ux A u t u n V i e nna Ly ons L a ng re s a nd

, , , , , ,

T re v e s wh ose a nci e nt c onditi on might su st a i n a n

,

3
'
ZEl i a n, Hi st .liv d i
Va r 1 . 0 1 6. ix
He e i n t he t me of
. . . e a n er Se Al x d
v u
er s. F b iciu
Se e G c
a ivr s, B i b l i ot h ra a, 1 o 21 . . . . .

J o e ph d B ll J ud ii
s . e u b h w v
e . 16 Th e n m er, o e er, i s m e nt i one , a nd
. . . d
sh ould be c iv d wi h d g
re e l i ud e t a e re e of a t t e
K Pl i n Hi t N u
.

. iii s . at r 5 . . .
 58 TH E D E C LIN E A N D F A L L
e qu a l a nd p e rh a p s a dv a nt a g e ou s c om p a ri son with th ei r
,

p re se nt st a t e Wi th r e g a rd t o Sp a i n t h a t c ou ntry
.
,

flou ri sh e d a s a pr ovi nc e a nd h a s d e cli ne d a s a ki ng ,

dom Exh a u st e d by t h e a bu se of h e r st re ng t h by
.

A m e ric a a nd by sup e rst i t i on h e r p rid e m igh t p os

, ,

si bly b e c onfou nd e d if w e re qui re d such a li st of ,

t h re e hu nd re d a nd six t y ci t i e s a s P li ny h a s e xhibi t e d ,

A f ic a
r .
u nd e r t h e re ig n of V e sp a si a n Thi rd t h re e h u n ,

d re d A fric a n citi e s h a d onc e a ck nowl e dg e d t h e a u

i
t h ori t y of C a r th a g e nor i s i t lik e ly t h a t t h e i r nu m ,

b e rs dim i ni sh e d u nd e r t h e a d m i ni st ra ti on of t h e e m
e r ors : C a r t h a g e i t se lf r ose wi t h ne w S pl e nd ou r fr om
p
i t s a sh e s ; a nd t h a t c a pi t a l a s w e ll a s C a pu a a nd C o ,

r i nt h soon r e c ov e r e d a ll t h e a dv a nt a g e s which c
, an

b e se p a ra t e d from i nd e p e nd e nt sov e re ig nt y F ou rt h .
,

t h e p r ovi nc e s of t h e e a st p r e se nt t h e c ont ra st of R 0
m a n m a gnific e nc e wi t h Tu rki sh b a rb a r i sm T h e r ui ns .

of a ntiqui t y sc a t t e r e d ov e r u ncul t iv a t e d fi e ld s a nd ,

a sc rib e d by ig nora nc e t o t h e p ow e r of m a gic sc a r c e ly ,

a ffor d a sh e lt e r t o t h e Opp re sse d p e a sa nt or w a nd e r i ng

A ra b U nd e r t h e re ign of t h e C ae sa rs th e p rope r
.
,

A si a a l one c ont a i ne d fi ve hu nd re d p opul ou s ci t i e s k ,

e nr ich e d wi t h a ll t h e gifts of na t u r e a nd a d or n e d wi t h ,

a ll t h e r e fi ne m e nt s of a r t El e v e n ci t ie s of A si a h a d .

once di sput e d t h e h onou r of d e dic a t i ng a t e m pl e t o

Tib e r iu s a nd t h e i r re spe c t iv e m e ri t s w e re e x a m i ne d
,
1
by th e se na t e
.
F ou r of t h e m w e re i mme di a t e ly re
.

e d a s i m e q u a l t o t h e bu r d e n ; a nd a m ong t h e se
j ec t
w a s L a odic e a wh ose spl e nd ou r i s st ill di spl a y e d i n
,

1 Pl i n Hi t N t u
'
iii 3 4 iv 35 The li t m a u t h ntic nd c
. s . a r. . . . . s see s e a a
,

cu t t h divi i on of t h p ovi nc
ra e : e nd th di ff
s nt c ondi t i on of t h e r es, a e e re e
ci ti m i nu t ly di t i ngui h d
e s, a re e s s e .

St b on G og ph l x i p 1189
‘J o ph de B ll J ud ii 16 ; Phi lo t t i n Vi t Sophi t l p 548
ra . e ra . . vr . . .

1 se e s ra
. . . . . . s . . u. . .

e di t O l
. e a r.
1 T ci t Ann l iv 55
a .I h v t k n om a . i n i n con ul t i ng nd com
. . a e a e s e a s s a
p i ng m od n t v ll wi t h g d t o t h t of t h o l v n ci t i of
ar er ra e e rs re ar e a e se e e e es

Ai s a : v n o igh t se t ot l ly d
e t oy d ; Hy p p
r e T ll L odic a re a es r e ze e, ra e s, a ea ,
Iliu m H lic n u M il t u E ph u nd m y dd S d
, a ar a ss s, O f th e s, e s s, a w e a a a r e s. e
re m i ni ng t h
a P gamu i t ggli ng
ree , ll g of t o o t h t h ou nd
er s s a s ra Vi a e w r ree sa

i nh bi t nt M g n i u nde t h n me of Guz l hi
a a s. a t ow n of om e
es a , r e a e -
ssa r, a s

c on qu nc ; a nd S my n
se e g t ci ty p opl d by n hu nd d t h ou nd
e r a, a re a , e e a re sa

s oul s.B t e v n t S my n whil t h F nk h v m i nt i n d c omm c

u e a r a, e e ra s a e a a e er e,
t h Tu k h v
e ui n d th t
r s a e r e e a r s.
 OF TH E R OM A N E MP IR E . 59
m
i ts ui ns r L a odic e a c oll e ct e d a v e ry c onsid e r a bl e C H A
.

11
re v e nu e from i t s fl ock s of sh e e p c e l e b ra te d for t h e ,
’

fi ne ne ss of t h e i r w ool ; a nd h a d re c e iv e d a li t t l e b e fore ,

t h e c ont e st a l e g a c y of a b ov e fou r hu nd re d t h ou sa nd
,

p ou nd s by t h e t e st a me nt of a g e ne rou s ci t iz e n If
such w a s t h e p ov e r t y of L a odic e a wh a t m u st h a v e ,

be e n t h e w e a l t h of t h ose ci t i e s wh ose cl a i m a p p e a re d
p re fe ra bl e a nd p a rt icul a rly of P e rg a m u s of S my rna
, , ,

a nd of Eph e su s w h o so l ong di spu t e d with e a ch oth e r ,

h
t e ti t ul a r p r i ma cy of A si a ? T h e c a pi t a l s of Sy ri a °

a nd Egyp t h e ld a st ill sup e r i or r a nk i n t h e e m pi re :

Ant i och a nd A l e x a nd r i a l ook e d d ow n wi t h di sd a i n on

a c r owd of d e p e nd e nt ci t i e s P a nd yi e l d e d with r e luc t ,

a nc e t o t h e m a j e st y of R om e it se lf .

All t h e se citi e s w e re c onne c t e d wi t h e a ch ot h e r a nd R om a n ,

o ds
with t h e c a pit a l by t h e public highw a y s which i ssui ng , , ,
r a ”

from th e foru m of R om e t ra v e rse d I t a ly p e rv a d e d t h e , ,

p rovi nc e s a nd w e r e t e rm i na t e d only by t h e front i e rs

,

of t h e e m pi r e If w e c a r e fully t ra c e t h e di st a nc e fr om
.

t h e w a ll of A nt oni nu s t o R om e a nd fr om t h e nc e t o ,

J e ru sa l e m it will b e fou nd th a t t h e g re a t ch a i n of
,

c om m u nic a ti on from t h e nort h w e st t o t h e south e a st ,

- -

p oi nt of t h e e m pi re w a s d ra w n ou t t o t h e l e ng t h of
‘
,

fou r th ou sa nd a nd e igh t y R om a n m il e s 1 T h e public .

In
v e y e x a c t a nd pl e a si ng d esc ip t i on of t he ru i ns of L a odic ea i n
Se e a r r ,

C h a ndl e s T a v e l t h ough A i a M i no p 2 2 5 e t c
r
’
r s r s r, . , .

n S t a bo l xii p 866 He ha d t udi e d a t T a ll es

r , . . . . s r .

See a di sse t a t i on of M de B oz e M é m de l A ca démi e t om xviii

’
0
r . , .
, . .

A ri t id e p onounc d a n o t i on which i t ill e x t a nt t o e c omm end con

s s r e ra , s s , r

c o d t o t h iv a l ci t i e
r e r s.

P The inh a bi t a nt of E gyp t e xcl usive of A l ex and i a a m ou nt d to e v en

s , r , e s

milli on a nd a h a lf J o ph de B e ll J ud ii 16
s .U nd e r t h e m i l i t y
se . . . . . ar

gov e nm ent of the m a m a l ke Sy i a w as upp o e d t o c ont a i n six ty t h ou

r u s, r s s

s nd vill a g
a Hi stoi e de Ti m u Bee 1 v c 2 0
e s. r r , . . . .

9 Th e foll owi ng i t i ne a y m a e v t o c on v e y om e id e a of t h e di e c t i on
r r s r e s r
y
of t he o d nd of t h e di t a nc e b e t w ee n t h e p i ncip l t ow ns
r a , a 1 F om t he
s r a . . r

w a ll of A ntoni nu t o Yo k t w o hu nd e d a nd t w e nt y t w o Rom a n mil

s r r - e s.

2 London t w o hu nd e d nd t w e nt y se v e n
,

.
,
3 R hut pi ro S ndwich a -
. . u ze , r a ,

S i x ty e v e n 4 Th e na vig t i on t o B oul og n fo ty fi v e 5 R h i m one

-
s a e, r -
. . e s,

hu nd e d a nd se v ent y fou r 6 Ly on t h hu nd e d a nd t hi t y 7 Mil n

. .

r - . . s, re e r r . . a ,

t h e h und d a nd t w e nt y fou
re re 8 Rome fou h u nd e d nd t w e nt y S x - r. .
,
r r a -
i .

9 B u nd i m t h ee h u nd e d a nd ix t y
. r us u ,
10 Th e n vig t i on t o D y ra
r r s . . a a r

chium fo t y 11 Byz nt iu m se v e n hu nd e d a nd e l v e n 12 A ncy

, r . . a , r e . . ra ,

t w o hu nd e d a nd e igh t y t h e e
r 13 T a u s t h ee hu nd d a nd one - 14 r . . rs , r re . .

Ant i och one hu nd d a nd fo ty one l 5 Ty re t w o hu nd e d nd fi fty

, re r -
. . ,
r a

tw o . 16 J eru sa l em one hu nd ed a nd six t y igh t

. In a ll fou r t h ou sa nd
, r -e . ,
 60 TH E D E C LIN E A ND F A L L
r oa d s w er e a ccu ra t e ly divid e d by mil e st one s a nd ra n -
,

i n a di re c t li ne from one ci t y t o a not h e r wi t h v e ry ,

li t tl e r e sp e c t for t h e ob st a cl e s e i th e r of na tu r e or p r i
v a t e p r op e r ty M ou nt a i ns w e re p e rfora t e d a nd b old
.
,

a r ch e s t h r ow n ov e r t h e b r oa d e st a ndm ost r a pid st r e a m s

T h e m iddl e p a r t of t h e r oa d w a s ra i se d int o a t e rr a c e
which c omm a nd e d t h e a dj a c e nt c ou nt ry c onsi st e d of ,

se v e r a l st ra t a of sa nd g ra v e l a nd c e m e nt a nd w a s , , ,

p a v e d wi t h l a r g e st one s or i n som e pl a c e s ne a r t h e ,

c a pi t a l wi t h gr a ni t e
, S uch w a s t h e solid c onst ru o ’
.

t i on of t h e R om a n highw a y s wh ose fi rm ne ss h a s not ,

e nt i re ly yi e ld e d t o t h e e ffor t of fift ee n c e nt u r i e s Th e y .

u ni t e d t h e subj e c t s of t h e m ost di st a nt p r ovi nc e s by a n

e a sy a nd fa m ili a r i nt e r c ou r se ; bu t t h e i r p r i m a r y obj e c t

h a d b e e n t o fa cili t a t e t h e m a rch e s of t h e l e gi ons ; nor

w a s a ny c ou nt ry c onsid e re d a s c om pl e t e ly subdu e d t ill ,

i t h a d b e e n r e nd e re d i n a ll i t s p a r t s p e rvi ou s t o t h e , ,

Po t
s s. a rm s a nd a u t h or i t y of t h e c onqu e r or T h e a dv a nt a g e .

of r e c e ivi ng t h e e a rli e st i nt e llig e nc e a nd of c onv e yi ng ,

t h e i r or d e r s wi t h c e l e r i t y i nduc e d t h e e m p e r ors t o ,

e st a bli sh t h r ough ou t t h e i r e x t e nsiv e d om i ni ons t h e r e

gul a r i nst i t u t i on of p ost s

;
H ou se s w e re e v e rywh e re
e r e c t e d a t t h e di st a nc e only of fi ve or si x m il es ; e a ch

of t h e m w a s c onst a ntly p r ovid e d wi t h for t y h or se s a nd ,

by t h e h e lp of t h e se r e l a y s i t w a s e a sy t o t ra v e l a n ,

hu nd re d m il e s i n a da y a l ong t h e R om a n r oa d s
T h e u se of t h e p ost s w a s a ll ow e d t o t h ose w h o cl a i m e d
-

a nd e igh t y R oma n o t h e e t h ou sa nd e v e n hu nd d nd fo t y E ngli h

, r r s re a r s
m il e s.S t h e i t i ne a i e publi h e d by We
ee li ng hi nnota t i on ; G a l e
r r s s sse , s a s

nd S t uk el e y fo B i t i n a nd M d A nvi l l e fo G ul nd I t ly
’
a r r a , . r a a a .

Mont f uc on (l A nti q i t é E xpliqu é t om iv p 2 l i c h s de

a
’
u e, . . . . . a

c ib d t h b idge of N ni A lc nt N i m e t c
. .
,

s r e e r s ar , a a ra , s es, .

5
B gi er Hi toi de G a nd C h m i ns d l Empi e Rom i n 1 11 c
e r, s re s r s e e
’
r a , . . .

1— 2 8 .

P oc opiu i n Hi t A c n c 30 ; B gi Hi t d G nd C h m i n
r s s . r a a, . er e r, s . es ra s e s,

1 iv
. . C od x Th od o i n 1 viii t i t v vol ii p 506— 563 ; wi t h G od
e e s a . . . . . . . . e
f oy l n d c omm nt y
’
r s ear e e ar .

In t h t i m of Th od o iu C
e i m gi t t of high
e nk w nt
e s s, ae sa r u s, a a s ra e ra , e

p o t f om A nt i och t o C on t nt i nopl H b g n hi j ou n y t nigh t w

s r s a e. e e a s r e a , as

i n C pp d oci (on hu nd d nd ix t y fi e m il
a a a, f om A nt i och ) t h n
e re a s v es r , e e

s ui ng v nm g nd iv d t C on t nt i nopl t h ix t h d y b ou t noon
e e , a a rr e a s a e e s a a .

Th wh ol di t nc e w
e ev n hu nd d nd t w nt y fi v Rom n o i x
s a a s se e re a e -
e a , r s

hu nd d nd ix ty fi Engli h mile S L i ba ni O t xxii nd the

re a s - ve s s. ee us ra . . a

I t i ne i p 572— 581
ra r a , . .
 O F T HE R O MA N E MP IR E . 61

it by a n i m p e ri a l m a nd a t e ; but t h ough or igi na lly i n C H A P .

11
t e nd e d for t h e public se rvic e i t w a s som e t i m e s i n
'

du lg e d t o t h e bu si ne ss or c onv e ni e ncy of p r iv a t e ci t i
z e ns x
.N or w a s t h e c om mu nic a t i on of t h e R oma n N a vig a t i on .

e m pi r e l e ss fre e a nd O p e n by se a t h a n i t w a s by l a nd .

T h e p r ovi nc e s su rr ou nd e d a nd e ncl ose d t h e Me di t e r

ra ne a n ; a nd I t a ly i n t h e sh a p e Of a n i m m e nse p r o
,

m ont ory a dv a nc e d i nt o t h e m id st of t h a t g re a t l a k e
,
.

T h e c oa st s of It a ly a re i n g e ne ra l d e st i t ut e of sa fe , ,

h a rb ou r s ; but hu m a n i ndu st r y h a d c orre ct e d th e de

fi cie ncie s O f na t u re ; a nd t h e a rtifici a l p or t of O st i a ,

i n p a rt icul a r si t u a t e a t t h e m ou t h of t h e Tib e r a nd
, ,

form e d by t h e e m p e ror C l a u diu s w a s a n u se ful m onu ,

m e nt of R om a n g re a t ne ss y F rom thi s p or t which .

,

w a s only sixt e e n m il e s from t h e c a pi t a l a fa v ou ra bl e ,

b re e z e fre qu e nt ly c a rri e d v e sse l s i n se v e n d a y s t o t h e

“
c olu mns O f H e rcul e s a nd i n ni ne or te n t o A l e x a nd ri a
,

i n Egypt 2
.

Wh a t e v e r e vil s e ith e r r e a son or d e cl a m a ti on h a v e I mp ov e r

m nt f a e O
i m put e d t o e x t e nsiv e e m pi re th e p ow e r of R om e w a s g i c l t i n , r u u re

a tt e nd e d w i th som e b e ne fi c ra l c onse qu e nc e s t o m a n t h w te n - e es r

ki nd ; a nd th e sa m e fr e e d om of i nt e rc ou rse which e x
t e nd e d t h e vic e s di ffu se d lik e wi se t h e i mp rov e m e nt s of
,

soci a l life In t h e m or e r e m ot e a g e s of a nt iqui t y t h e

.
,

w orld w a s u ne qu a lly divid e d T h e e a st w a s i n t h e i m .

m e m ori a l p osse ssi on of a rt s a nd luxu ry ; whil st th e

w e st w a s inh a bit e d by r ud e a nd w a rlik e b a rb a ri a ns w h o ,

e i t h e r di sd a i ne d a g r icul t u re or t o wh om i t w a s t ot a lly ,

u nk now n U nd e r t h e p r ot e c t i on of a n e st a bli sh e d
.

g ov e rnm e nt t h e p roduc t i ons of h a ppi e r cli m a t e s a nd

, ,

t h e i ndu st ry of m or e civiliz e d na ti ons w e r e g ra du a lly ,

i ntr oduc e d i nt o th e w e st e rn c ou nt ri e s Of Eu r op e ; a nd
t h e na t iv e s w e re e nc ou ra g e d by a n op e n a nd p rofi t ,

a bl e c omm e r c e t o m ul t iply t h e form e r a s w e ll a s t o

, ,

i m p rov e t h e l a t t e r It w ould be a l most i m p ossibl e t o

.

x
P li ny t h ough a fa v ou i te nd a m i ni t m d n p ol ogy fo g nti ng
, r a s e r, a e a a r ra

p o t h o to hi wif on th mo t u g nt bu i n
s rse s s e E pi t x 12 1 12 2
e s r e s e ss. s . .
, .

Y B gi Hi t d G nd C h m i n 1 iv 0 49
er er, s . es ra s e s, .

Pl i n Hi t N t u xix l
. . .

'
5
. s . a r. . .
 62

en
THE D E C LINE A N D F A L L
u me ra t e a ll t h e a r t icl e s e i th e r of t h e a ni m a l or t h e
v e g e t a bl e re ig n which w e re succ e ssiv e ly i m p or t e d i nt o
,

Eu r op e from A si a a nd Egyp t ; bu t i t will not be u n

w ort hy O f t h e dig ni ty a nd m uch l e ss of t h e u t ili t y of
a n hi st oric a l w ork sligh t ly t o t ouch on a fe w Of th e

.
,

p ri ncip a l h e a d s 1 A l m ost a ll t h e fl ow e rs t h e h e rb s .

a nd t h e frui t s t h a t g r ow i n ou r Eu r op e a n g a r d e ns a r e
,
,

“ \
’

,
,

Of fore ig n e x t ra c t i on which i n m a ny c a se s i s b e t ra y e d , , ,

e v e n by t h e i r na m e s : t h e a ppl e w a s a na t iv e of I t a ly ;

a nd wh e n t h e R om a ns h a d t a st e d t h e r ich e r fl a v ou r of

t h e a p ric ot t h e p e a ch t h e p om e gr a na t e t h e cit r on
, , , ,

a nd t h e ora ng e t h e y c ont e nt e d t h e m se lv e s wi t h a p
,

plyi ng t o a ll t h e se ne w frui t s t h e c omm on d e nom i na

ti on of a ppl e di sc ri m i na t i ng t he m from e a ch ot h e r by
,

Th e vi ne . t h e a ddi t i ona l e pi t h e t of t h e i r c ou nt ry 2 In t h e . .

ti me of H ome r t h e vi ne g re w wild i n t h e i sl a nd of
,

Sicily a nd m ost p rob a bly i n t h e a dj a c e nt c ont i ne nt ;

,

but i t w a s not i m p r ov e d by t h e skill nor did i t a ffor d ,

a liqu or g ra t e ful t o t h e t a st e Of t h e sa v a g e i nh a bit a nt s

b
, .

A t h ou sa nd y e a rs a fte rw a r d s I t a ly c ould b oa st t h a t , , ,

Of t h e fou rsc ore m ost g e ne rou s a nd ce l e b ra t e d wi ne s ,

c
m ore t h a n t w o t hi rd s w e re p roduc e d from h e r soil .

T h e bl e ssi ng w a s soon c om m u nic a t e d t o t h e Na rbon

ne se p r ov i nc e of G a ul ; bu t so i nt e nse w a s t h e c old t o

t h e nor t h O f t h e C e v e nne s t h a t i n t h e t i me of S t ra b o , , ,

i t w a s t h ough t i m p ossibl e t o r ip e n t h e g ra p e s i n t h ose

p a rt s of G a ul d Thi s di fficul t y h ow e v e r w a s g ra
.
, ,

du a lly v a nqui sh e d ; a nd t h e re i s some r e a son t o be

li e v e th a t t h e vi ne y a r d s of Bu rgu ndy a r e a s Old a s
,

liv e t h e a g e of t h e Ant oni ne s 3 T h e Oliv e i n t h e w e st e r n 8

The o . . .
,

a
i p b bl h
It i s not m ro a e t a t t h e G k re e s a nd oen a ns ntrod e som e P h ici i uc d
new a rt s a nd ro p duc i i ighb
t ons nt o th e ne o r oo of a rse e s a nd a es uh d M ill G d .

Se e H
om e r, Ody ss 1 ix v 358 . . . . .

c F nli stHi N u l xiv

at r
d S
. . . . .

t ra b G g ph
e o ra
. 1 iv p 223. Th e nt e nse o
. of a
. . a nt er . i c ld G llic wi
l
w a s a most p v bi l
ro e r a a m on g ci
t h e a n e nt s .

e
b gi i g
In t he e nn n of t h e o rt fu h c e nt r , t h e ora t or E u m e ni u s,
(Pa uy
ne gy i i c . V
e ter viii
. 6 e tdi D lphi
. e pn ) s e a s of t h e
. ne s i n t h e t e rr t or of
. . k vi i y
Au u t n, w hich w d c y d h ugh
ere e a e t ro a ge , a nd t he rst a nt a t on of fi pl i which
w a s t ot a lly u k w
n no n P gu
The a s A re bri gnu s i s su
. ose M d A nvi l le pp d by .
’

t o b e t he d i ic B u c l b d
st r t of e a ne , e e ra t e , e e n a t re se nt , for one of t h e rst v p fi
g wh
ro t s of rBu gu dy
n .
 O F THE R OM A N E MP IRE . 63

w orld foll ow e d t h e p r og re ss of p e a c e of which i t w a s C H A P

, , .

11
c onsid e re d a s t h e sy m b ol T w o c e nt u ri e s a ft e r t h e
.
'

fou nd a ti on O f R om e b ot h It a ly a nd A fric a w e r e
,

st r a ng e rs t o t h a t u se ful pl a nt : it w a s na tu ra liz e d i n

t h ose c ou nt ri e s ; a nd a t l e ng t h c a rri e d i nt o t h e h e a r t
\

of S p a i n a nd G a ul T h e t i m id e rrors of t h e a nci e nt s
.
,

th a t it re qui re d a c e r t a i n d e g re e of h e a t a nd c ould ,

only fl ou r i sh i n t h e neighb ou rh ood of t h e se a w e re

“
,

i nse nsibly e xpl od e d by i ndu st ry a nd e xp e ri e nc e f 4 Fl x . . a .

T h e cul t iv a ti on of fl a x w a s t ra nsp or t e d from Egyp t

t o G a ul a nd e nr ich e d t h e wh ol e c ou nt r y h ow e v e r it
, ,

m igh t i m p ov e ri sh t h e p a r ti c ul a r l a nd s on which i t w a s
sow n g .5 T h e u se of a rtifici a l g ra sse s b e c a m e fa A t ifici a l
. r

m ili a r t o t h e fa rm e r s b ot h of I t a ly a nd t h e p r ovi nc e s g a ss r '

“
,

p a rt icul a rly t h e luc e rne which d e r iv e d i t s na me a nd

,

h
origi n fr om M e di a T h e a ssu re d supply of wh ol e
.

som e a nd pl e ntiful food for t h e c a ttl e du r i ng wi nt e r ,

m ul t ipli e d th e nu mb er of t h e fl oc k s a nd h e r d s which ,

i n th e i r tu rn c ont r ibu t e d t o t h e fe r tili t y of t h e soil .

T o a l l t h e se i m p rov e m e nt s m a y b e a dd e d a n a ssidu ou s
a tt e nt i on t o m i ne s a nd fi sh e r i e s which by e mpl oyi ng , ,

a m ultitud e of l a b or i ou s h a nd s se r v e t o i nc r e a se t h e ,

pl e a su re s of t h e rich a nd th e sub si st e nc e of t h e p oor

, .

T h e e l e g a nt t re a ti se of C olu m e ll a d e sc rib e s t h e a d G e ne a l r

p l e nt y
va nc e d st a t e of t h e Sp a ni sh hu sb a nd ry u nd e r t h e r e ig n
”

of Tib e r iu s ; a nd i t m a y b e ob se rv e d th a t th ose fa ,

mi ne s which so fre qu e ntly a ffl ict e d t h e i nfa nt r e public ,

“
w e re se ld om or ne v e r e xp e ri e nc e d by t h e e x t e nsiv e
e m pi re of R om e T h e a ccid e nt a l sc a r ci t y i n a ny si ngl e
.

p rovi nc e w a s i mme di a t e ly re li e v e d by t h e pl e nty of i t s

,

m ore for tu na t e ne ighb ou r s .

A g ricul tu re i s t h e fou nd a t i on of ma nufa ctu re s ; si nc e A t of r s

Km
}

t h e p r oduc t i ons of na tu r e a r e t h e m a t e r i a l s of a r t .

U nd e r t h e R oma n e m pi re t h e l a b ou r of a n i ndu st ri ou s
,

an d i ng e ni ou s p e opl e w a s v a ri ou sly b u t i nc e ssa ntly e m

pl oy e d i n t h e se r vic e of t h e r ich In th e i r d re ss t h e ir .
,

f Pli n . Hi st . N t u l xv
a r. . . Ibid 1 xix 3 . . .

h Se t h a g
e e e e a bl e
r y s on a g icul t u e by M H te n wh i ch
e ssa r r r. ar , i he ha s
c oll e c te d a ll t h a t t he a nci nts a nd m ode m h a v e sa id of luc erne
e s .
64 THE D E C LIN E A N D F A L L
t a bl e , t h e i rh ou se s a nd t h e i r fu rnitur e t h e fa v ou ri t e s
, ,

of for t u ne u ni t e d e v e ry r e fi ne m e nt of conv e ni e ncy of ,

e l e g a nc e a nd of spl e nd ou r ; wh a t e v e r c ould soot h t h e i r

,

p rid e or g r a tify t h e i r se nsu a li t y S uch r e fi ne m e nt s

,
.
,

u nd e r t h e odi ou s na m e of luxu ry h a v e b e e n se v e r e ly ,

a r r a ig ne d by t h e m ora li st s of e v e r y a g e ; a nd i t m igh t

p e rh a p s b e m ore c onduciv e t o t h e vi r t u e a s w e ll a s ,

h a ppi ne ss of ma nki nd if a ll p osse sse d t h e ne c e ssa ri e s

, ,

a nd none t h e su e rfl u i t i e s of life
p B u t i n t h e p r e se nt
.

i m p e r fe ct c ondi ti on of soci e t y luxu ry th ough it m a y , ,

p roc e e d from vic e or folly se e m s t o b e t he only m e a ns

,

t h a t ca n cbr r e ct t h e u ne qu a l di st r ibu t i on of p r op e r t y .

T h e dilig e nt m e ch a nic a nd t h e skilful a r t i st w h o h a v e

, ,

ob t a i ne d no sh a r e i n t h e divi si on of t h e e a r t h re c e iv e ,

a v olu nt a ry t a x fr om t h e p osse ssors of l a nd ; a nd t h e

la t te r a r e p r om p t e d by a se nse of i nt e r e st t o i m p r ov e
, ,

t h ose e st a t e s wi t h wh ose p r oduc e t h e y m a y pu r ch a se

,

a ddi t i ona l pl e a su re s Thi s op e ra t i on t h e p a r t icul a r

.
,

e ffe c t s of which a r e fe l t i n e v e ry soci e t y a c t e d wi t h ,

m uch m ore di ffu siv e e ne rgy i n t h e R om a n w orld T he .

p r ovi nc e s w ould soon h a v e b e e n e xh a u ste d of t h e i r

w e a l t h if t h e m a nufa c t u re s a nd c om m e r c e of luxu ry
,

h a d not i nse nsibly r e st or e d t o t h e i ndu st r i ou s subj e c t s ,

t h e su m s which w e r e e x a c t e d fr om t h e m by t h e a r m s
a nd a ut h or i t y of R om e A s l ong a s t h e ci r cul a t i on
.

w a s c onfi ne d wi t hi n t h e b ou nd s of t h e e m pi re i t i m ,

p re sse d t h e p oli t ic a l m a chi ne wi t h a ne w d e g r e e of

a c t ivi t y ; a nd i t s c onse qu e nc e s som e t i m e s b e ne fici a l
, ,

c ould ne v e r b e c om e p e r nici ou s .

B u t i t i s no e a sy t a sk t o c onfi ne luxu ry wi t hi n t h e
li m i ts of a n e m pi re T h e m ost re m ot e c ou nt ri e s of t h e
.

a nci e nt w orld w e r e ra nsa ck e d t o supply t h e p om p a nd

d e lic a cy of R om e T h e fore st of S cy t hi a a fl orde d

'

som e v a lu a bl e fu r s A m b e r w a s b r ough t ov e r l a nd
.

from t h e sh ore s of t h e B a l t ic t o t h e D a nub e ; a nd t h e

b a r b a r i a ns w e re a st oni sh e d a t t h e p r ic e which t h e y
r e c e iv e d i n e xch a ng e for so u se l e ss a
i
comm odi ty .

T ci t G
a . i c 45 Pli n Hi t N t u xxxviii 11 Th l a t te ob
e rm a n a , . . s . a r. . . e r
serv ed w i t h
, ome hu mou
s tha t
r,v en fa shi on ha d not y e t fou nd o t t he use
e u
 O F T HE R OM A N E MP IRE . 65

Th e re w a s a c onsid e ra bl e d e m a nd for B a byl oni a n C H A P .

11
c a r p e t s a nd ot h e r m a nufa c t u r e s of t h e e a st ; but t h e
,
'

m ost i m p or t a nt a nd u np opul a r b ra nch of for e ig n t ra d e

w a s c a r r i e d on wi t h A r a bi a a nd Indi a Ev e ry y e a r .
,

a b ou t t h e t i m e of t h e su m m e r sol st ic e a fl e e t of a n ,

hu nd re d a nd t w e nt y v e sse l s sa il e d from M y os h orm os -

,

a p or t of Egyp t on t h e R e d se a By t h e p e ri odic a l .

a ssi st a nc e of t h e m onsoons t h e y t ra v e rs e d t h e oc e a n ,

i n a b ou t fort y d a y s T h e c oa st Of M a l a b a r or t h e .
,

k
i sl a nd of C e yl on w a s t h e u su a l t e rm of t h e i r na vig a
,

t i on ; a nd i t w a s i n t h ose m a r k e t s t h a t t h e m e r ch a nt s

from t h e m ore re m ot e c ou nt ri e s of A si a e xp e c t e d t h e i r
a rr iv a l T h e r e t u rn of t h e fl e e t of Egypt w a s fix e d t o
.

“
t h e m ont h s of D e c e m b e r or J a nu a r y ; a nd a s soon a s
th e i r rich c a r g o h a d b e e n t ra nsp or t e d on t h e b a ck s of
c a m e l s from t h e R e d se a t o t h e Nil e a nd h a d de ,

sc e nd e d t h a t r iv e r a s fa r a s A l e x a nd ri a i t w a s p ou re d

“
,

1
wi t h ou t d e l a y i nt o th e c a pi t a l of t h e e m pi re T he .

obj e ct s of ori e nta l t ra ffic w e r e spl e ndid a nd t rifli ng :

silk , a pou nd of which w a s e st e e m e d not i nfe ri or i n

m
v a lu e t o a p ou nd of g old ; p re ci ou s st one s a m ong ,

which t h e p e a r l cl a i m e d t h e fi r st ra nk a ft e r t h e di a
m ond ; a nd a v a ri e t y of a r om a t ic s th a t w e r e con ,

su m e d i n r e ligi ou s w or ship a nd t h e p om p of fu ne ra l s .

T h e l a b ou r a nd r i sk of t h e v oy a g e w a s r e wa r d e d wi t h
a lm ost i nc re dibl e p r ofi t ; but t h e p r ofi t w a s m a d e up on

R oma n subj e c t s a nd a fe w i ndividu a l s w e re e nrich e d

,

a t t h e e xp e nse Of t h e public A s th e na tiv e s of A ra bi a G old nd . a

Iv e"
a nd I ndi a w e r e c ont e nt e d wi t h t h e p r oducti ons a nd

m a nufa ctu re s O f t h e i r ow n c ou nt ry silv e r on t h e sid e , ,

Of a m b e r . N e ro sent a R oma n k nigh t to pu rch a se g rea t qu a nt i t i es on t he

p wh e i t w a p oduc ed t he c oa t of m od e n P i a
s ot er s r ,
s r ru ss .

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C ll d T p oba n‘a by t h Roma n ndS erend i b by t he A a b s It w a
a e a r e s, a r . s

di c ov e d u nd e t he i gn of C l a udius nd g a du a lly b e c a me t he p i ncip a l

s re r re , a r r

m a rt of t h e e a st .

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. N u
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m Hi st A . st ugu
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The t w o re a t e a r g s er es p lfi h i w
e re th e sa me a s a t p
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VOL I . . F
66 THE D E C LIN E A N D F A L L
of t h e .
p ri ncip a l if not t h e only i n
R om a ns, was the ,

st ru m e nt of c omm e r c e It w a s a c om pl a i nt w or t hy of .

t h e g ra vi t y of t h e se na t e th a t i n t h e pu r ch a se of fe ,

m a l e orna m e nt s t h e w e a l t h of t h e st a t e w a s i rre c ov e ra bly

giv e n a w a y t o fore ign a nd h ostil e na t i ons T he a n °

nu a l l oss i s c om pu t e d by a w r i t e r of a n i nqui si t iv e b u t ,

c e nsor i ou s t e m p e r a t upw a rd s of e igh t hund re d t h ou ,

sa n d p ou nd s st e r li ng P Such w a s t h e st yl e of di sc on .

t e nt b roodi ng ov e r t h e d a r k p rosp e c t of a pp r oa chi ng

,

p ov e r t y A nd y e t if w e c om p a r e t h e p r op or t i on b e
.
,

t w e e n g old a nd silv e r a s i t st o od i n t h e t i m e of P li ny , ,

a nd a s i t w a s fix e d i n t h e r e ig n of C onst a nt i ne we ,

sh a ll di sc ov e r wi t hi n t h a t p e r i od a v e ry c onsid e ra bl e

i nc re a se 9 Th e re i s not t h e l e a st r e a son t o supp ose

.

t h a t g old w a s b e c om e m or e sc a r c e ; i t i s t h e re fore

e vid e nt t h a t silv e r w a s g r ow n m or e c om m on ; th a t
wh a t e v e r m igh t b e t h e a m ou nt of th e I ndi a n a nd
A r a bi a n e X p or t s t h e y w e re fa r fr om e xh a u st i ng t h e
,

w e a l t h of t h e R om a n w orld ; a nd t h a t th e p roduc e
of t h e m i ne s a b u nd a nt ly suppli e d t h e de m a nd s of

c omm e r c e .

N ot wi th st a ndi ng t h e p rop e nsi t y of m a nki nd t o e x a lt

t h e p a st a nd d e p r e ci a t e t h e p r e se nt t h e t r a nquil a nd ,

p rosp e rou s st a t e of th e e m pi re w a s w a r mly fe l t a nd ,

h one st ly c onfe sse d by t h e p r ovi nci a l s a s w e ll a s R o ,

m a ns Th e y a ck nowl e dg e d t h a t t h e t ru e p ri ncipl e s
.
,

of soci a l life l a w s a g r icul t ur e a nd sci e nc e which h a d

, , , ,

b e e n fi rst i nv ent e d by t h e wi sd om of A t h e ns w e r e now ,

fi rm ly e st a bli sh e d by t h e p ow er of R om e u nd e r wh ose ,

a u spici ou s i nflu e nc e t h e fi e r c e st b a rb a r i a ns w e r e u ni t e d

by a n e qu a l g ov e rnm e nt a nd c omm on l a ngu a g e Th e y .

a ffi rm t h a t wi t h t h e i m p r ov e m e nt of a r t s t h e hu m a n
,

sp e ci e s w a s vi sibly m ul t ipli e d Th e y c e l e b r a t e th e .

i nc re a si ng spl e nd ou r of t h e ci t i e s t h e b e a utiful fa c e ,

T ci t A nna l iii 52 i n sp e ch of Tibe iu

a a e r s

N t u xii 18 In a noth pl c e he compu t h lf t h a t

. . . .

P Pl i n Hi t . s . a r. . . er a es a

sum Q nge nti e H S fo I ndi

, ui xcl w of A bi a
s . . r a, e us e ra .

9 Th p op o t i on which w s one t o t n a nd t w lv nd one h lf os t o

e r r , a e , e e a a , r e

fou te n nd t w o fift h t h l g a l egul a t i on of C onst a nt i ne See Arbutli

r e a s, e e r .

not s T a bl es of A nci nt C oi ns c v
’
e , . .
 O F THE R OMA N E MP IR E . 67

of t h e c ou nt ry cul t iv a t e d a nd a d or ne d lik e a n i m m e nse C H A P

, .

11
g a rd e n ; a nd t h e l ong fe st iv a l of p e a c e which w a s e u
'

,
'

j oy e d by so m a ny na t i ons forg e t ful of t h e i r a nci e nt

,

a ni m osi t i e s
, a nd d e liv e re d fr om t h e a pp re h e nsi on of

fu t u re d a ng e r Wh a t e v e r su spici ons m a y b e su g
g e st e d by t h e a i r of r h e t or ic a nd d e cl a m a t i on which
se e m s t o p re v a il i n t h e se p a ssa g e s t h e sub st a nc e of,

t h e m i s p e r fe c t ly a g re e a bl e t o hi st or ic t r u t h .

It w a s sc a rc e ly p ossibl e t h a t t h e e y e s of c onte mp o D e cli n of e

cou ra ge ;
r a r i e s sh ould di sc ov e r i n t h e public fe lici t y t h e l a t e n t

c a u se s of d e c a y a nd c orr up t i on Th is l ong p e a c e a nd
.
,

t h e u nifor m g ov e rnm e nt of t h e R om a ns i nt roduc e d a ,

sl ow a nd se c re t p oi son i nt o t h e V i t a l s of t h e e m pi re .

T h e m i nd s of m e n w e r e g ra du a lly r e duc e d t o t h e sa m e
l e v e l t h e fi re of g e niu s w a s e x t i ngui sh e d a nd e v e n t h e
, ,

m ilita ry spi ri t e v a p ora t e d T h e na t iv e s of Eu rop e

.

w e r e b ra v e a nd r obu st S p a i n G a ul B r i t a i n a nd
.
, , ,

Illy r icu m suppli e d t h e l e gi ons wi t h e xc e ll e nt soldi e r s ,

a nd c onst i t u t e d t h e r e a l st r e ng t h of t h e m ona r chy .

Th e i r p e rsona l v a l ou r r e m a i ne d ; b u t t h e y no l ong e r
p osse sse d t h a t public c ou r a g e which i s nou ri sh e d by
t h e l ov e of i nd e p e nd e nc e t h e se nse of na t i ona l h onou r
, ,

t h e p r e se nc e of d a ng e r a nd t h e h a bi t of c omm a nd
,
.

Th e y r e c e iv e d l a w s a nd g ov e rnors from th e will of

t h e i r sov e re ig n a nd t ru st e d for t h e i r d e fe nc e t o a m e r
,

ce na ry a rm y . T h e p ost e r i t y of t h e i r b old e st l e a d e rs
w a s c ont e nt e d wi t h t h e r a nk of ci t iz e ns a nd subj e c t s .

T h e m ost a spi ri ng spi rit s r e sort e d t o t h e c ou r t or

st a nd a r d of t h e e mp e r or s ; a nd t e d e se r t e d p r ovi n c e s
h ,

d e p r iv e d of p oli t ic a l st re ng t h or u ni on i nse nsibly sunk ,

i nt o t h e l a nguid i ndi ffe r e nc e of p riv a t e life .

T h e l ov e of l e t t e rs a l m ost i nse p a ra bl e fr om p e a c e of g e niu

,
s.

a nd re fi ne m e nt w a s fa shi ona bl e a m ong t h e subj e c t s of

,

H a d ri a n a nd t h e A nt oni ne s w h o w e re t h e m se lv e s m e n
,

of l e a r ni ng a nd cu r i osi t y It w a s di ffu se d ov e r t h e
. \

wh ol e e x t e nt of t h e i r e m pi re ; t h e m ost nor th e rn t rib e s

of B r i t ons h a d a cqui re d a t a st e for r h e t or ic ; H om e r a s

A m ong m ny ot h p g
a er Pli ny Hi
a ssa e s, se e st . N u iii
at r. . 5; A i t id
r s es

U b R om ; nd T t ulli n d A ni m c 30
,

de r e a a er a e a, . .
68 TH E D E C LIN E A N D FA L L
w e ll a s V i rgil w e re t ra nsc r ib e d a nd st udi e d on t h e
b a nk s of t h e Rhi ne a nd D a nub e ; a nd t h e m ost lib e ra l
r e w a r d s sough t ou t t h e fa i nt e st g li m m e r i ng s of li t e ra r y

m eri t T h e sci e nc e s of phy sic a nd a st ronom y w e re

5
.

succ e ssfully cul t iv a t e d by t h e G re e k s ; t h e Ob se r v a

t i ons of P t ole m y a nd t h e w r i t i ng s of G a l e n a r e st u di e d
.

by t h ose w h o h a v e i m p r ov e d t h e i r di sc ov e r i e s a nd cor
re c t e d t h e i r e rr ors ; b u t if w e e xc e p t t h e i ni m i t a bl e
Luci a n t hi s a g e of i nd ol e nc e p a sse d a w a y wi t h ou t
,

h a vi ng p r oduc e d a si ngl e w r i t e r of origi na l g e niu s or ,

w h o e xc e ll e d i n t h e a r t s of e l e g a nt c om p osi t i on T he .

a u t h or i t y of P l a t o a nd A r i st ot l e of Z e no a nd Epicu r u s , ,

st ill r e ig ne d i n t h e sch ool s ; a nd t h e i r sy st e m s t r a ns ,

m i tt e d wi t h bli nd d e fe re nc e fr om one g e ne ra t i on of
di scipl e s t o a not h e r p r e clud e d e v e r y g e ne rou s a tt e m p t ,

t o e x e r ci se t h e p ow e r s or e nl a r g e t h e li m i t s of t h e
hu m a n m i nd T h e b e a u t i e s of t h e p oe t s a nd ora t ors
.
,

i nst e a d of ki ndli ng a fi r e lik e t h e i r ow n i nspi r e d only ,

c old a nd se rvil e i m i t a t i ons : or if a ny v e nt u re d t o de

vi a t e fr om t h ose m od e l s t h e y d e vi a t e d a t t h e sa m e t i m e ,

from g ood se nse a nd p r op ri e t y O n t h e re viv a l of le t .

t e rs t h e y ou t hful vig ou r of t h e i m a gi na t i on a ft e r a l ong

, ,

r e p ose na t i ona l e m ul a t i on a ne w r e ligi on ne w la n

, , ,

gu a g e s a nd a ne w w orl d c a lle d for t h t h e g e niu s of

, .
,

Eu rop e B u t t h e p rovi nci a l s of R om e t ra i ne d by a

.
,

u niform a r t ifici a l for e ig n e duc a t i on w e re e ng a g e d i n a ,

v e r y u ne qu a l c om p e t i t i on wi t h t h ose b old a nci e nt s w h o , ,

by e xp r e ssi ng t h e i r g e nui ne fe e li ng s i n t h e i r na t iv e
t ongu e h a d a l re a dy occupi e d e v e r y pl a c e of h onou r
, .

T h e na m e of p oe t w a s a l m ost forg ot t e n ; t h a t of ora t or

8
H od e A tt icu g a v th e ophi t Pol mo b ov e igh t t h ou nd p ou nd
er s s e s s e a e sa s
fo t h
r d e cl m t i on S Phi lo t t 1 i p 558 Th A nt oni ne fou nd d
re e a a s. ee s ra . . . . . e s e
a ch ool t A t h n i n which p of o of g m m a h t o ic p oli t ic nd
s a e s, r ess rs ra r, r e r , s, a

th e fou g t ec t of phil o ophy w m i nt i ne d a t t h public xp n

r re a s s s , e re a a e e e se

fo t h i n t uc t i on of y ou t h
r e s r Th e l a y of a phil osoph w t n t h ou nd . sa r er as e sa

l a ch m
( r b tw n t h
a nd fou hu nd d p ou nd
e ee y S i m il
re e ata b r re s a e a r. a r es

Luci n
,

l h m nt w
is e fo m d i n t h oth g e t ci ti e of t h m pi
s e re r e S e er r a s e e re . ee a

i n E u nuch t om ii p 353 di t R i t z
. . P h lo t a t 1 ii p 566 Hi t A
. . . e . e . i s r . . . . s . u

gu t p 2 1 Dion C iu 1 lxxi p 1195 J uv n l hi m lf i n m o o e

s . . a ss s, . . . . e a se , a r s

sa ti which i n e v y l i ne b et y hi ow n di pp oi nt me nt nd nvy i
re , er ra s s sa a e , s

oblig d h ow e v e
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1. 0 j u ve ne s, circum Spi ci t e t a gi t a t vos

M a t e ri a mque ibi duc i
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g q u acri t . Sa ti
— r. vi i . 20 .
 ““
O F THE R O MA N E M P IR E . 69

was u su rp e d by t h e sophi st s A cl oud of c r i t ic s of C H A P

.
,
.

11
c om pil e r s of c om m e nt a t ors d a rk e ne d t h e fa c e of l e a rn
, ,
'

i ng a nd t h e d e cli ne of g e ni u s w a s soonfoll ow e d by t h e
,

c orr up t i on of t a ste .

T h e subli m e L ongi nu s w h o i n som e wh a t a l a t e r D g n

, e e e

my
p e ri od a nd i n t h e c ou r t of a Sy ri a n qu e e n p re se rv e d
, ,

t h e spi ri t of a nci e nt A t h e ns ob se rv e s a nd l a m e nt s t hi s
,
d e g e ne ra cy of h i s c ont e m p or a ri e s which d e b a se d th e i r ,

se nt i m e nt s e ne r v a t e d t h e i r c ou r a g e
, a nd d e p r e sse d ,
”
t h e i r t a l e nt s In t h e sa m e m a nne r
. sa s h e
y a s , ,

som e child re n a lwa y s r e m a i n pyg m i e s wh ose i nfa nt ,

li m b s h a v e b e e n t oo cl ose ly c onfi ne d ; t hu s ou r t e nd e r
m i nd s fe t t e re d by t h e p r ej udic e s a nd h a bit s of a j u st
,

se r vitud e a r e u na bl e t o e xp a nd t h e m se lv e s or t o a t
, ,

t a i n th a t w e ll p r op or t i one d g re a t ne ss which w e a d m i re
-

i n th e a nci e nt s ; w h o livi ng u nd e r a p opul a r g ov e r n

,

t ”
m e nt w rot e wi t h t h e sa m e fr e e d om a s t h e y a c t e d
, .

Thi s di m i nu t iv e st a t u r e of m a nki nd if w e pu rsu e t h e ,

m e t a ph or w a s d a ily si nki ng b e l ow t h e Old st a nd a r d

, ,

a nd t h e R om a n w or ld w a s i nd e e d p e opl e d by a r a c e of

pyg m i e s wh e n t h e fi e r c e gi a nt s of t h e nor t h b rok e i n

, ,

a nd m e nd e d t h e pu ny b re e d Th e y re st ore d a m a nly
.

spi ri t of fr e e d om ; a nd a ft e r t h e r e v olu t i on of t e n c en

t u ri e s fr e e d om b e c a m e t h e h a ppy p a r e nt of t a st e a nd
,

sci e nc e .

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n de n
. i m 43 2 2 9 e t o
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m ost gu d d c u i
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a nd, a s fa r a s ,

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a n o e t rom a c p d x k h w fu i g h hi lf
orru t e te t , m a e s a s o of re t n t em m se .
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na m e h e m a y b e di st i ngui sh e d i s i nt r u st e d wi t h t h e
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e x e cu t i on of t h e l a w s t h e m a na g e m e nt of t h e r e v e nu e
, ,

a nd t h e c om m a nd of t h e a rm y B u t u nl e ss public li
.
,

b e rt y i s p rot e c t e d by i nt re pid a nd vigil a nt gu a r di a ns ,

t h e a u t h or i t y of so for m id a bl e a m a gi st r a t e will soon

d e g e ne ra t e i nt o d e sp ot i sm T h e i nflu e nc e of t h e cl e rgy
.
,

i n a n a g e of sup e r st i t i on m igh t b e u se fully e m pl oy e d

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t o a sse r t t h e r igh t s of m a nki n d ; b u t so i nt i m a t e i s t h e

c onne c t i on b e t w e e n t h e t h rone a nd t h e a l t a r t h a t t h e ,

b a nne r of t h e chu r ch h a s v e r y se ld om b e e n se e n on t h e
sid e of t h e p e opl e A m a rt i a l nobili ty a nd st ubb orn
.

c om m ons p osse sse d of a rm s t e na ci ou s of p r op e r t y a nd

, , ,

c oll e c t e d i nt o c onst i tu t i ona l a sse m bli e s for m t h e only ,

b a l a nc e c a p a bl e of p re se r vi ng a fre e c onst i t u t i on a g a i nst

t h e e nt e r p r i se s of a n a spi ri ng p ri nc e .

S i t u t i on of Ev e ry b a r ri e r of t h e R om a n c onst i t u t i on h a d b e e n
a

A g m‘
u us s
l e v e ll e d by t h e v a st a m bi t i on of t h e dic t a t or ; e v e ry
fe nc e h a d b e e n e x t i rp a t e d by t h e c r u e l h a nd of t h e
t r ium vi r A ft e r t h e vic t ory of A c tiu m t h e fa t e of t h e
.
,

R oma n w orld d e p e nd e d on t h e w ill of O ct a vi a nu s su r ,

na m e d C msa r by h i s u ncl e s a d op t i on a nd a ft e r w a r d s
’

, ,

Au gu st u s by t h e fl a t t e r y of t h e se na t e T h e con
, .

u e r or w a s a t t h e h e a d of for ty fou r v e t e r a n l e gi ons

3
q
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c onsci ou s of t h e i r ow n st r e ng t h a nd of t h e w e a k ne ss of,

t h e c onst i t u t i on ; h a bi t u a t e d ( lu r i ng t w e nt y y e a r s civil
’

w a r t o e v e ry a c
, t of bl ood a nd v i ol e nc e ; a nd p a ssi on
a t e l y d e v ot e d t o t h e h ou se of C ae sa r fr om wh e nc e a l one ,

t he y h a d r e c e iv e d a nd e xp e c t e d t h e m ost l a vi sh r e
w a rd s T h e p rovi nc e s l ong opp re sse d by t h e m i ni st e rs
.
,

of t h e re public sigh e d for t h e g ov e r nm e nt of a si ngl e

,

O o iu vi l 84
r s s, . .
 O F THE R OMA N E MP IRE . 71

p e rson w h o w ould b e t h e m a st e r not t h e a cc omplic e C H A P

'

, , , .

111
of t h ose p e t t y ty ra nt s T h e p e opl e of R om e vi e wi ng
'

.
,

wi t h a se c re t pl e a su re t h e hu m ili a ti on of t h e a r i st ol
cra cy d e m a nd e d only b r e a d a nd public sh ow s ; a nd
,

w e r e suppli e d wi t h b ot h by t h e lib e ra l h a nd of A ugu s

tus . T h e r ich a nd p oli t e I t a li a ns w h o h a d a l m ost u ni ,

ve r sa l ly e m b ra c e d t h e phil osophy of Epicu r u s e nj oy e d ,

t h e p re se nt bl e ssi ng s of e a se a nd t ra nquilli t y a nd su f ,

fe r e d not t h e pl e a si ng d re a m t o b e i nt e rrup t e d by t h e
m e m ory of t h e i r ol d t u m ul t u ou s fre e d om Wi t h i t s .

o w t h e se na t e h a d l ost i t s dig ni t y : m a ny of t h e
p e r ,

m ost nobl e fa m ili e s w e r e e x t i nc t T h e r e public a ns of .

S pi r i t a nd a bili t y h a d p e r i sh e d i n t h e fi e ld of b a t t l e ,

or i n t h e p r osc r ip t i on T h e d oor of t h e a sse mbly .

h a d b e e n d e sig ne dly l e ft op e n for a m ix e d m ul ti

tud e of m or e t h a n a t h ou sa nd p e r sons w h o r e fl e c t e d .
,

di sg ra c e up on t h e i r r a nk i nst e a d of d e rivi ng h onou r ,

from i t b .

Th e f t i on of t h e se na t e w a s one of t h e fi rst He fo m
r e orm a re r s

t h s e na t e
[

st e p s i n whic h A ugu st u s l a id a sid e t h e t y r a nt a nd r o

e '

p ,

fe sse d hi m se lf t h e fa t h e r of h i s c ou nt r y H e w a s e l e ct .

e d c e nsor ; a nd i n c onc e r t wi t h h i s fa i t hful A g r ipp a

,
-
,

h e e x a m i ne d t h e li st of t h e se na t ors e xp e ll e d a fe w ,

m e m b e rs wh ose vic e s or wh ose ob st i na cy r e qui re d a

,

p ublic e x a m pl e p e r su a d e d ne a r t w o h u nd r e d t o
, p r e

v e nt t he sh a m e of a n e xpul si on by a v olu nt a ry r e t re a t ,

r a i se d t h e qu a lific a t i on of a se na t or t o a b ou t t e n t h ou

sa nd p ou nd s c re a t e d a su ffici e nt nu m b e r of p a t rici a n
,

fa m ili e s a nd a cc e p t e d for hi m se lf t h e h onou ra bl e ti t l e

,

of P r i nc e of t h e S e na t e which h a d a lw a y s b e e n be ,

st ow e d by t h e c e nsor s ou t h e ci t iz e n t h e m ost e m i ne nt

for h i s h onou rs a nd se rvic e s B ut whil st h e t hu s r e

st ore d t h e dig ni t y h e d e st r oy e d t h e i nd e p e nd e nc e of
,

t h e se na t e T h e p ri ncipl e s of a fr e e c onst i t u t i on a re
.

i rre c ov e ra bly l ost wh e n t h e l e gi sl a tiv e p ow e r i s nom i

,

na t e d by t h e e x e cu t iv e .

b J uliu s C aesa r i nt roduc e d so ldi e g

rs, st ra n e rs, a nd h a lf b a b a i n i nt o r r a s,

t he se na t e . C S ue t on i n . ae sa r. c 77 80
. . . Th e a bu e b e c m e
s t i ll m o e
a s r

c nd l ou f d h
‘D i on C iu l liii p t er h i s e a t
s a a s a .

3
a ss s, . . . 693 . S ue t on iu s in A ug u st . c 55
. .
 THE DE C LIN E A N D F A L L
0 1 B e fore a n a sse mbly t hu s m od e ll e d a nd p re p a re d;
p A ugu stu s p ronou nc e d a st udi e d ora ti on which di spl a y
3
.

R ig n hi e d h i s p a t ri ot i sm a nd di sgui se d h i s a m bi t i on He

“
es s s , .

l a m e nte d y e t e xcu se d h i s p a st c onduc t Fili a l pi e t y

, , .

h a d r e qui re d a t h i s h a nd s t h e re v e ng e of h i s fa t h e r s
’

m u r d e r ; t h e hu m a ni t y of h i s ow n na t u r e h a d som e
t i m e s giv e n w a y t o t h e st e r n l a w s of ne c e ssi t y a nd t o a ,

forc e d c onne c t i on wi t h t w o u nw or t hy c oll e a gu e s : a s

l ong a s A nt ony liv e d t h e r e public forb a d e h i m t o a b a n ,

don h e r t o a d e g e ne ra t e R om a n a nd a b a rb a ri a n qu e e n ,
.

H e w a s now a t lib e r t y t o sa t i sfy h i s du t y a nd h i s i n

cli na t i on H e sol e m nly r e st or e d t h e se na t e a nd p e opl e
.

t o a ll th e i r a nci e nt r igh t s ; a nd wi sh e d only t o mi ngl e

wi t h t h e c rowd of h i s fe ll ow ci t iz e ns a nd t o sh a re t h e -
,

bl e ssi ng s which h e h a d ob t a i ne d for h i s c ou nt ry d ”

.

I p ev il d
s r a It w ould r e qui re t h e p e n of T a ci tu s (if T a ci t u s h a d
e

u
p on )
a ssi st e d a t t hi s a sse m bly ) t o d e sc r ib e t h e v a r i ou s e m o
sum i t ne u

d t h t i t l t i ons of t h e se na t e
er e e
; t h ose t h a t w e r e supp r e sse d a nd ,
:
32:5e
1

5; t h o s e t h a t w e r e a ffe ct e d It w a s d a n g e r ou s t o t r u st .

t h e si nc e r i t y of A ugu st u s ; t o se e m t o di st ru st i t w a s ,

st ill more d a ng e r ou s T h e r e sp e c t iv e a dv a nt a g e s of .

m ona r chy a nd a re public h a v e Oft e n divid e d sp e cul a

t iv e e nqui re r s ; t h e p r e se nt g r e a t ne ss of t h e R om a n
st a t e t h e c orr up t i on of m a nne rs a nd t h e lic e nc e of t h e
, ,

soldi e rs suppli e d ne w a r gu m e nt s t o t h e a dv oc a t e s o f
,

m ona r chy ; a nd t h e se g e ne ra l vi e w s of g ov e rnm e nt w e r e l

a g a i n w a r p e d by t h e h op e s a nd fe a rs of e a ch i ndi vi

du a l Am id st t hi s c onfu si on of se nt i m e nt s t h e a nsw e r
.
,

of t h e se na t e w a s u na ni m ou s a nd d e ci siv e Th e y r e .

fu se d t o a cc e p t t h e re sig na t i on of A ugu st u s ; t h e y con

u r e d h i m not t o d e se r t t h e r e public which h e ha d
j ,

sa v e d A ft e r a d e c e nt re si st a nc e t h e c ra fty t y ra nt
.
,

sub m i t t e d t o t h e or d e rs Of t h e se na t e ; a nd c onse nt e d

t o r e c e iv e t h e g ov e rnm e nt of t h e p r ovi nc e s a nd t h e g e ,

ne ra l c omm a nd of t h e R om a n a rm i e s u nd e r t h e w e ll ,

k now n na m e s of P r oc onsul a nd I m p e ra t or Bu t he e
.

‘
1 Di on 11
( iii p giv . p olix. nd bo m
. b t p ch on t hi
es us ag t r a as s ee s re a

occ i on I h v b o ow d f om Suet oniu nd T ci t u t h g n l l n

as . a e rr e r s a a s e e e ra a

gu g of A ugu t u
a e s s .

Imp e
t o ( f om wh i ch w
er a h v d e iv d mp o ) ig nifi ed nd t h
r r e a e r e e er r s , u er e
 O F TH E R OM A N E MP I R E : 73

wo uld re c e iv e t h e m only for t e n y e a r s Ev e n b e fore C H A P . .

111
t h e e xpi ra ti on of t h a t p e r i od h e h op e d t h a t t h e w ou nd s
'

of civil di sc or d w ould b e c om pl e t e ly h e a l e d a nd t h a t ,

t h e r e public r e st or e d t o i t s p r i st i ne h e a l t h a nd vig ou r
, ,

w ould no l ong e r r e qui re t h e d a ng e r ou s i nt e r p osi t i on of

so e x t r a or di na r y a m a gi st ra t e T h e m e m ory of thi s .

c om e dy re p e a t e d se v e ra l t i m e s du r i ng t h e life of A u
,

gu st u s w a s p re se r v e d t o t h e l a st a g e s of t h e e m pi re
, ,

by t h e p e culi a r p om p wi t h which t h e p e rp e t u a l m on
a r ch s of R om e a lw a y s sol e m niz e d t h e t e nth y e a r s of

t h e i r r e ig n f .

Wi th out a ny vi ol a t i on of t h e p r i ncipl e s of t h e con Pow of er

st i t u t i on t h e g e ne r a l of t h e R om a n a r m i e s m igh t r e
,

ce i ve a nd e x e r ci se a n a u t h or ity a l m ost d e sp ot ic ov e r
t h e soldi e r s t h e e ne m i e s a nd t h e subj e c t s of t h e re
, ,

public Wi t h r e g a rd t o t h e soldi e rs t h e j e a l ou sy of
.
,
‘
fre e d om h a d e ve n from t h e e a rli e st a g e s of R om e
,
.
,

“
giv e n w a y t o t h e h op e s of c onqu e st a nd a j u st se nse ,

of m ili t a r y di scipli ne T h e dic t a t or or c onsu l h a d a .

, ,
’

r igh t t o c omm a n d t h e se r vic e of t h e R om a n y outh ; a nd

t o pu ni sh a n ob st i na t e or c ow a r dly di sob e di e nc e by t h e
m ost se v e re a nd ig nom i ni ou s p e na l t i e s by st r iki ng t h e ,

offe nde r ou t of t h e li st of ci t iz e ns by confi sc a ti n

g h i s ,

p rop e rt y a nd by se lli ng h i s p e rson i nt o sl a v e ry g T h e

, .

m ost sa c re d r ight s of fre e d om c onfi rme d by t h e Por ,

cia n a nd S e m p roni a n l a w s w e r e su sp e nd e d by th e m ili ,

t a ry e ng a g e m e nt In h i s c a m p t h e g e ne ra l e x e r ci se d
.

a n a b solu t e p ow e r of life a nd d e a t h ; h i s j u r i sdic t i on .

w a s not c onfi ne d by a ny for m s of t r i a l or r ul e s of p r o

ce e di ng a nd t h e e x e cu t i on of t h e se nt e nc e w a s i m me
,

di a t e a nd wi t h out a pp e a l T h e ch oic e of t h e e ne m i e s .

Of R om e w a s r e gul a rly d e cid e d by t h e l e gi sl a t iv e a u

re public no mo e t h a n g n l a nd w a s em ph t ic a lly b e st ow e d by t h ol
, r e er a a e s

di e wh e n on t h fi ld of b t tl t h y p ocl i m d t h i vic t o i ou l ea d e
rs, e e a e e r a e e r r s r

w o t hy of t h a t t i t l W h n t he R om n mp o a u m d i t i n t h t n e
r e. e a e er r s ss e a se s ,

t h y pl a c e d i t a ft
e t h e i na m e a nd m k e d h ow ofte n t h y h a d t a k n i t
er r ar e e .

f Di on 1 liii p 70 3 e t c
,
. . .
, .
,

8 L ivy E i t om l xi v V a l e M a xi m vi 3 r.
p . .

i n t he e igh t h b ook of L ivy t h e c onduc t of M nliu To q t

. . . .
,
1
S
'
ee nd ,
a s r u a us a

P pi i
a C u o Th y vi ol t d th l a w of n t u nd hu m ni t y b t t h ey
r us rs r. e a e e s a re a a , u

asse r te d t h o of m il i t sey di cipli n ; nd t h e p eopl e W10 a bho ed t h

ar s e a , 1 rr e

a c t i on w a s oblig e d t o
, p e c t t he p i ncipl e re s r .
 74 TH E D E C LIN E A N D F A LL
‘
CHAP . t h ori ty . T h e m ost i m p or t a nt re so lu t i ons p e a c e a nd
of
111‘
w ar w e r e se ri ou sly de b a t e d i n t h e se na t e , a nd sol e m nly
‘
r a t ifi e d by t h e p e opl e B u t wh e n t h e a r m s of t h e l e
.

gi ons w e r e c a r ri e d t o a g re a t di st a nc e from I t a ly th e ,

g e ne ra l s a ssum e d t h e lib e r t y of di re c t in g t h e m a g a i nst

wh a t e v e r p e opl e a nd i n wh a t e v e r m a nne r t h e y j udg e d
, ,

m ost a dv a nt a g e ou s for t h e public se r vic e It w a s fr om .

t h e succ e ss not from t h e j u st ic e of t h e i r e nt e r p r i se s

, , ,

t h a t t h e y e xp e ct e d t h e h onou rs of a t riu m ph In t h e .

u se of vic t ory e sp e ci a lly a ft e r t h e y w e r e no l ong e r c

,
on

t roll e d by t h e c omm i ssi one r s of t h e se na t e t h e y e xe r ,

cise d t h e m ost u nb ou nd e d d e sp ot i sm Wh e n P om p e y .

c om m a nd e d i n t h e e a st h e r e w a rd e d h i s soldi e rs a nd ,

a lli e s d e t h rone d p ri nc e s divid e d ki ngd om s fou nd e d

, , ,

c ol oni e s a nd di st ribu t e d t h e t re a su r e s of M i t h r id a t e s
, .

O n hi s r e t u r n t o R om e h e ob t a i ne d by a si ngl e a ct of , ,

t h e se na t e a nd p e opl e t h e u niv e r sa l r a t ific a t i on of a l l,

i
h i s p roce e di ng s S uch w a s t h e p ow e r ov e r t h e sol
.

di e rs a nd ov e r t h e e ne m i e s Of R om e which w a s e i th e r
, ,

g ra nt e d t o or a ssu m e d by t h e g e ne ra l s Of t h e r e public
, , .

Th e y w e re a t t h e sa m e ti m e t h e g ov e rnors or ra t h e r
, , ,

m ona r ch s of t h e c onqu e re d p r ovi nc e s u ni t e d t h e civil

, ,

wi t h th e m ili t a ry ch a ra c t e r a d m i ni st e re d j u st ic e a s w e ll ,

a s t h e fi na nc e s a nd e x e r ci se d b ot h t h e e x e cu t iv e a nd
,

l e gi sl a t iv e p ow e r of t h e st a t e .

Li ut t
e ena n s F rom wh a t h a s b e e n a l r e a dy Ob se rv e d i n t h e fi r st
m
22:
e

: ch a p t e r of t hi s w ork som e not i on m a y b e form e d of t h e

'

a r m i e s a nd p r ovi nc e s t hu s i nt ru st e d t o t h e r uli ng h a nd

of A ugu stu s B u t a s i t w a s i m p ossibl e t h a t h e c ould

.

p e rsona lly c om m a nd t h e l e gi ons of so m a ny di st a nt

fr ont i e rs h e w a s i ndulg e d by t h e se na t e a s P om p e y
, ,

h a d a l r e a dy b e e n i n t h e p e rm i ssi on of de v olvi ng t h e
,

e x e cu t i on Of h i s g r e a t offic e on a su ffici e nt nu m b e r of

li e u te na nt s In ra nk a nd a u t h or i t y t h e se O ffic e rs
.

By th l vi h b t u nc on t i ne d su ff g e s of t h p eopl Pom p y h d
e a s u s ra ra e e, e a

ob t a i n d a m il i t
e y c om m nd c a c ely i nf i o to t h t of A ugu t u A m ong
ar a s r er r a s s.

t he e x t o di n y c t of p ow
ra r ar x cu t e d by t he fo m w e m y em a k t he
a s er e e r e r, a r r

fou nd t i on of t w nt y ni n ci t i e a nd t h di t ibu t i on of t h
a e - e o fou m l
s, e s r re e r r i

l i on st li ng t o hi t oop The t ific a t i on of hi a c t m et wi t h om e p

s er s r s. ra s s s O

p o i ti on nd d l a y i n t h n t S e Pl ta ch A ppi n Di on C iu
s a e s e se a e. e u r , a , a ss s,

a nd t h e fi t b ook of t h pi t l e t o A tt icu
rs e e s s s.
 OF TH E R OMA N E MP IRE 75
'

se e m e d i nfe r i or t o t h e a nci e nt p r oc onsul s ; b u t C H A P

not .

111
t h e i r st a t i on w a s d e p e nd e nt a nd p r e c a r i ou s Th e y r e ’

ce i ve d a nd h e ld t h e i r c omm i ssi ons a t t h e will of a

‘
sup e r i or t o wh ose a u sp i ci ous i nfl u e nc e t h e m e r i t of
,

"
t h e i r a c t i ons w a s l e g a lly a t t r ibu t e d Th e y w e r e t h e .

r e p r e se nt a t iv e s of t h e e m p e r or T h e e m p e r or a l one .

w a s t h e g e ne ra l of t h e re public ; a nd h i s j u r i sdic t i on ,

civil a s w e ll a s m ili t a ry e x t end e d ov e r a ll t h e c onqu e st s ,

of R om e It w a s som e sa t i sfa c t i on h ow e v e r t o t h e
.
, ,

se na t e t h a t he a lw a y s d e l e g a t e d h i s p ow e r t o t h e m e m
,

b e rs of t h e i r b ody T h e i m p e ri a l li e u t e na nt s w e re of
.

c onsul a r or p re t ori a n dignity ; t h e l e gi ons w e r e c orn

m a nde d by se na t ors ; a nd t h e p re fe c t u re of Egyp t w a s
t h e only i m p or t a nt t ru st c om m i t t e d t o a R om a n k nigh t .

Wi t hi n si x d a y s a fte r A ugu st u s h a d b e e n c om p e ll e d Divi i on of s

t o a cc e pt so v e ry lib e ra l a g ra nt h e r e solv e d t o g ra t ify

iificifi ,
e

t h e p r id e of t h e se na t e by a n e a sy sa c rific e H e re t w n t h . ee e

p re se nt e d t o t h e m t h a t t h e y h a d e nl a r g e d hi s p ow e rs :
, 3E ggm ,
r

e v e n b e y ond t h a t d e g r e e which m igh t b e re qui r e d by t a e.

t h e m e l a nch oly c ondi t i on of t h e t i m e s Th e y h a d not .

p e rm i t t e d h i m t o r e fu se t h e l a b or i ou s c omm a nd of t h e
a rm i e s a nd t h e fr ont i e r s ; b u t h e m u st i nsi st on b e i ng

a ll ow e d t o re st or e t h e m ore p e a c e ful a nd se cu r e ro
p
vi nc e s t o t h e m ild a d m i ni st ra t i on of t h e civil m a gi st ra t e .

In t h e divi si on of t h e p rovi nc e s A ugu st u s p rovid e d for ,

h i s ow n p ow e r a nd for t h e dig ni t y of t h e re pu blic

, .

T h e p r oc onsul s of t h e se na t e p a r ticul a rly t h ose of ,

A si a G ree c e a nd A fric a e nj oy e d a m or e h onou ra bl e

, , ,

ch a ra ct e r t h a n t h e li e u t e na nt s of t h e e m p e r or w h o ,

c omm a nd e d i n Ga ul or Sy ri a T h e form e r we r e a t .

t e nd e d by lic t ors t h e l a t t e r by soldi e rs A l a w w a s

, .

p a sse d t h a t wh e re v e r t h e e m p e ror w a s p re se nt h i s
, ,

e x t ra or di na r y c om m i ssi on sh ould sup e r se d e t h e or di

na ry j u r i sdic t i on of t h e g ov e rnor ; a cu st om w a s i nt ro

du ce d th a t t h e ne w c onqu e st s b e l ong e d t o t h e i m p e r i a l
,

U nd t h c om monw e l t h
er e t iu m ph c ould only b a cl i m d by t h
, a r e a e e

g n l w ho w
e e ra , u t h o i d t o t k t h u pic i n t h n m of t he p opl
as a r se a e e a s es e a e e e.

By n x c t c on qu nc d w n f om t hi p i ncipl of p olicy nd lig i on

a e a se e e ra r s r e a re ,

t h t iu m ph
e r v d t o t h m p o ; nd hi m o t ucc e ful li u
w a s re se r e e e er r a s s s ss e

t n nt w
e a s t i fi d wi t h
e re om
sa m k of di t i nc t i on which u nd
s e s th e ar s s , , er e

n m of t i u m ph l h onou
a e r w i nv nt d i n t h i f v ou
a rs, e re e e e r a r.
76 TH E DE C LIN E A N D FA LL
p or t i on ; a nd di sc ov e re d t h a t t h e a u t h or i ty
it w a s soon ,

of t h e p r i nc e t h e fa v ou r i te e pi t h e t of A ugu st u s w a s
, ,

t h e sa m e i n e v e r y p a r t of t h e e m pi re .

In re t u rn for t hi s i m a gi na r y c onc e ssi on A ugu st u s ,

obt a i ne d a n i m p or t a nt p r ivil e g e w hich r e nd e r e d h i m ,

m a st e r of R om e a nd I t a ly By a d a ng e rou s e xc e p t i on .

t o t h e a nci e nt m a xi m s h e w a s a u t h ori se d t o p r e se r v e ,

h i s m ili t a ry c omm a nd supp or t e d by a nu m e r ou s b ody ,

of gu a r d s e v e n i n t i m e of p e a c e a nd i n th e h e a r t of
, ,

t h e c a pit a l H i s c omm a nd i nd e e d w a s c on
. fi ne d t o , ,

t h ose ci t iz e ns w h o w e r e e ng a g e d i n t h e se r vic e by t h e
m ili t a ry oa t h ; bu t such w a s t h e p r op e nsi t y of t h e R o
m a ns t o se rvi t ud e t h a t th e oa t h w a s v olu nt a rily t a k e n
,

by t h e m a gi st ra t e s t h e se na t ors a nd t h e e qu e st r i a n
, ,

or d e r t ill t h e h om a g e of fl a t t e ry w a s i nse nsibly con

,

v e rt e d i nt o a n a nnu a l a nd sol e m n p rote st a t i on of

fid e li t y .

A l t h ough A ugu st u s c onsid e r e d a m ili t a ry for c e a s

t h e fi r m e st fou nd a t i on h e wi se ly r ej e c t e d i t a s a ve ry , ,

odi ou s i nst r u m e n t of g ov e rnm e nt It w a s m ore a g re e .

a bl e t o h i s t e m p e r a s w e ll a s t o h i s p olicy
, t o re ig n ,

u nd e r t h e v e ne ra bl e na m e s of a nci e nt m a gi st ra cy a nd ,

a r t fully t o c oll e c t i n h i s ow n p e r son a l l t h e sc a t t e r e d

, ,

ra y s of civil j u r i sdic t i on Wi t h t hi s vi e w h e p e rm i t t e d
.
,

t h e se na t e t o c onfe r up on h i m for h i s life t h e p ow e r s , ,

1 m
of t h e c onsul a r a nd t r ibu ni t i a n offic e s which w e re
‘ , , ,

i n t h e sa m e m a nne r c ont i nu e d t o a ll h i s succ e ssors , .

T h e c onsul s h a d succ e e d e d t o t h e ki ng s of R om e a nd ,

r e p r e se nt e d t h e dig ni t y of t h e st a t e Th e y su p e ri n .

t e nd e d t h e c e re m oni e s of r e ligi on l e vi e d a nd com ,

m a nde d t h e l e gi ons g a v e a udi e nc e t o fore ig n a m b a ssa

,

d ors a nd p re sid e d i n t h e a sse m bli e s b ot h of t h e se na t e

,

a nd p e opl e T h e g e ne ra l c ont rol of t h e fi na nc e s w a s

.

C ic o (d L gib iii
er e giv t h c on ul offi c t h n m of
e u s, . gi es e s ar e e a e re a
p ot tes a s nd P olybiu
a
(1 i ob v t h p ow i n t h R om n
s . v . 0 . se r es re e e rs e a

c on t i t u t i on Th m on chic l w
s . e p e nt d nd x ci d by th
ar a a s re r se e a e er se e
c on ul
s s.
m A s t he t ibu ni t i n p ow
r di t i nc t f om t h nnu l O ffi c w fi t
a e r, s r e a a e, as rs

i nv nt d fo th dic t t o C
e e r e ( Di o n 1
a xl i v p
r m y
aesa r, ily con , . . . w e a ea s
c iv
e e, th t it a g iv n w as w d fo h vi ng o nobly
e a s a re t d by m ar r a s a sse r e ar s
th e sa c d igh t of t he t i bu ne nd p opl S hi ow n C om m nt i
re r s r s a e e. ee s e a r e s,
d B ll C i vil l i
e e . . . .
 O F TH E R OMA N E MP IRE . 77

i nt ru st e d t o t h e i r c a r e ; a nd t h ough t h e y se ld om h a d C H A P
111
l e i su re t o a dm i ni st e r j u st ic e i n p e r son t h e y w e re con ,
'

si de r e d a s t h e sup r e m e gu a r di a ns of l a w e qui t y a nd , ,

t h e public p e a c e S uch w a s t h e i r or di na ry j u r i sdic t i on ;

.

b u t wh e ne v e r t h e se na t e e mp ow e re d t h e fi rst m a gi st ra t e
'

t o c onsul t t h e sa fe t y of t h e c omm onw e a l t h h e w a s ,

r a i se d by t h a t d e c r e e a b ov e t h e l a w s a nd e x e rci se d i n , ,

t h e d e fe nc e Of lib e r t y a t e m p ora ry d e sp ot i sm T he 0
, .

ch a r a c t e r of t h e t ribu ne s w a s i n e v e ry r e sp e c t di ffe re nt
fr om t h a t of t h e c onsul s T h e a pp e a ra nc e Of t h e .

form e r w a s m od e st a nd hu mbl e ; b u t t h e i r p e r sons

w e r e sa c re d a nd i nvi ol a bl e Th e i r for c e w a s sui t e d .

r a t h e r for Opp osi t i on t h a n for a c t i on Th e y w e re i n .

st i t u t e d t o d e fe nd t h e Opp r e sse d t o p a r d on offe n c e s t o , ,

a rr a ig n t h e e ne m i e s of t h e p e opl e a nd wh e n th e y , ,

j udg e d i t ne c e ssa ry t o st op by a si ngl e w or d t h e

, , ,

wh ol e m a chi ne of g ov e rnm e nt A s l ong a s t h e re .

p ublic sub si st e d t h e d a ng e rou s i nflu e nc e which e i t h e r

, ,

t h e c onsul or t h e t ribu ne m igh t d e r iv e from t h e i r

r e sp e c t iv e j u r i sdic t i on w a s di m i ni sh e d by se v e ra l i m
,

p ort a nt r e st ric t i ons Th e i r a u th ori t y e xpi r e d wi t h t h e

.

y e a r i n which t h e y w e r e e l e c t e d ; t h e form e r offic e w a s

divid e d b e t we e n t w o t h e l a t t e r a m ong t e n p e r sons ;
,
‘
a nd a s b ot h i n t h e i r p r iv a t e a nd public i nt e r e st t h e y
,

w e r e a dv e r se t o e a ch ot h e r t h e i r m u t u a l c onflic t s con ,

t ribut e d for t h e m ost p a r t t o st re ng t h e n ra t h e r t h a n

, ,

t o d e st r oy t h e b a l a nc e of t h e c onst i t u t i on But wh e n .

t h e c onsul a r a nd t ribu ni t i a n p ow e r s w e r e u nit e d wh e n ,

t h e y w e re v e st e d for life i n a si ngl e p e r son wh e n t h e ,

g e ne ra l Of t h e a rm y w a s a t t h e sa m e t i m e t h e m i ni st e r
, ,

of t h e se na t e a nd t h e r e p r e se nt a t iv e of t h e R om a n

p e opl e i t w a s i m p ossibl e t o r e si st t h e e x e r ci se nor

, ,

w a s i t e a sy t o d e fi ne t h e li m it s of h i s i m p e r i a l re
p ,

r og a t i v e .

I mp i l er a

T 0 t h e se a ccu m ul a t e d h onou rs t h e p olicy of A u p og ,

rer a
ti ve s
A ugu tu x c i d ni n nnu l c on ul h i p W i t h ou t i nt up t i on H
s se er se e a a s s s e rr . e
.

t h n mo t
e t fully
s ar fu d t h t m gi t cy w ll t h dic t t o hip b
re se a a s ra , as e as e a rs , a
se nt d hi m lf f om R om
e se r nd w i t d t i ll t h
e, a f t l ff c t of t m ul t nd
a e e a a e e s u a

f c t i on fo c d t h n t t o i nv t hi m wi t h p p t u l c on ul hip A
a r e e se a e es a er e a s s . u

gu t u
s w ll h i ucc o ff c t d h ow v t o c onc l o i nvidi ou
s, a s e as s s e ss rs, a e e , e e r, ea s s
a t i tl e.
78 THE DE C LIN E A N D F A LL
gu st u s soon a dde d t h e spl e ndid a s w e ll a s i m p ort a nt
dig ni t i e s of sup re m e p ont i ff a nd of c e nsor By t h e ,
.

form e r h e a cqui r e d t h e m a na g e m e nt Of t h e re ligi on ,

a nd by t h e l a t t e r a l e g a l i nsp e c t i on ov e r t h e m a nne r s

a nd for t u ne s of t h e R om a n p e opl e ,
If so m a ny di st i nc t .

a nd i nd e p e nd e nt p ow e rs did not e x a c tly u ni t e wi t h

e a ch ot h e r t h e c om pl a i sa nc e of t h e se na t e w a s p r e
,

p a r e d t o supply e v e r y d e fici e ncy by t h e m ost a m pl e

a nd e x t ra or di na r y c onc e ssi ons T h e e m p e r ors a s t h e .
,

fi rst m i ni st e rs of t h e r e public w e re e x e m pt e d fr om t h e ,

Oblig a t i on a nd p e na l t y of m a ny i nc onv e ni e nt l a w s : t h e y
w e re a u t h or i se d t o c onv ok e t h e se na t e t o m a k e se v e r a l ,

m ot i ons i n t h e sa m e da y t o r e c om m e nd c a ndid a t e s for ,

t h e h onou r s of t h e st a t e t o e nl a r g e t h e b ou nd s of t h e ,

ci t y t o e m pl oy t h e re v e nu e a t t h e i r di sc re t i on t o de
, ,

cl a re p e a c e a nd w a r t o ra t ify t r e a t i e s ; a nd by a m ost ,
-

c om p r e h e nsiv e cl a u se t h e y w e r e e m p ow e re d t o e x e cu t e ,

wh a t soe v e r t h e y sh ould j udg e a dv a nt a g e ou s t o t h e e m

pi re a nd a g r e e a bl e t o t h e m a j e st y of t hi ng s p riv a t e or
,

public hu m a n or divi ne,

“
Wh e n a ll t h e v a ri ou s p ow e rs of e x e cutiv e g ov e rn
m e nt w e r e c omm i tt e d t o t h e i mp er i a l ma g i stra te t h e ,

or di na r y m a gi st ra t e s of t h e c om m onw e a l t h l a ngui sh e d

i n ob scu ri t y w i t h ou t vig ou r a nd a l m ost wi t h ou t bu si

, ,

ne ss T h e na m e s a nd form s of t h e a nci e nt a d m i ni st ra
.

t i on w e r e p r e se r v e d by A ugu st u s wi t h t h e m ost a nxi ou s

c a r e T h e u su a l nu m b e r of c onsul s p r e t or s a nd
.
, ,

t ri bu ne s p w e r e a nnu a lly i nv e st e d wi t h t h e i r r e sp e c t iv e

e nsig ns of offic e ,a nd c ont i nu e d t o di sc h a rg e som e of '

t h e i r le a st i m p or t a nt fu nc t i ons
,
Th ose h onou rs st ill .

0
S f g m nt of d c of t h n t c onf i ng on t h m p o
ee a ra e a e re e e se a e, e rr e e er r
V p i n l l t h p owe g nt d t o h i p d c
es a s a a e o A ug t u Tib i u
rs ra e s re e e ss rs, us s, er s,

a nd C l udiu Thi cu i ou nd i m p o t nt m onum nt publi h d i n

a s . s r s a r a e is s e

G u t I n c ip t i on N ccxl ii
r er s
’
s r s, O. .

P Tw o c on ul w c t d on t h c l nd of J nu y ; b t i n t he
s s e re rea e e a e s a ar u

co of t h y
u rse ot h w eub t i t u t d i n t h i pl c t i ll t h nnu l
ea r e rs e re s s e e r a e s, e a a
nu m b m to h v
e r se e m ou nt d t o no l
s t h n t w lv
a Th p t o w
e a e e ss a e e. e re rs e re
u u lly ix t n o igh t n L i p i i n E xc D d T ci t A nn l l i
s a s ee r e ee . s us u rs. . a a . a . . .

I h v not m n i on d t h dil o qu t o
a e e t O ffi c e of t h p olic o
e e es r ae s rs. e rs e e r
re v nu e ily d p t t h m lv to ny fo m of g ov nm nt I n t h t i m
e eas a a e se es a r er e e e
of N
.

o t h t ibu n
er ,l g lly p o
e d t h igh t of i nt c m t h ough i t
r es e a ssesse e r er ess n,
m igh t b d ng ou t o x ci
e a it T ci t A nn l xvi 2 6 I n t h t i m of
er s e er se . a . a . . . e e
T j n it
ra a d o b tf l wh t h t h t ibu n hip w
, w as u n offi c
u o a n me
e er e r es as a e r a .

Pl i E pi t 2 3
u. s . i . .
 OF THE R O MA N E MP IRE . 79

a t tra c t e d t h e v a i n a mbi ti on of t h e R om a ns ; a nd t h e C H A P .

III
e m p e r ors th e m se lv e s t h ough i nv e st e d for life wi t h t h e
.

p ow e rs of t h e c onsul ship fre qu e ntly a spi re d t o t h e ,

t i t l e of th a t a nnu a l dig ni t y which t h e y c ond e sc e nd e d ,

t o sh a r e wi t h t h e m ost illu st r i ou s of t h e i r fe ll ow ci t i -

z ens ‘
1 In t h e e l e c t i on of t h e se m
. a gi st ra t e s t h e p e opl e , ,

du ri ng t h e re ig n of A ugu st u s w e r e p e rm i t t e d t o e xp ose ,

a ll t h e i nc onv e ni e nci e s of a wild d e m oc r a cy Th a t a r t ful .

p r i nc e i nst e a d of di sc ov e r i ng t h e l e a st sy m p t om of i m
'

p a t i e nc e hu m bly solici t e d t h e i r su ffra g e s for hi m

,

,
se lf or

h i s fri e nds a nd sc r upul o u sly p ra c t i se d a ll t h e du t i e s of

,

a n or di na r y c a ndid a t e B u t w e m a y v e nt u re t o a sc rib e
t o h i s c ou nse l s t h e fi r st m e a su r e of t h e succ e e di ng
,

r e ig n by which t h e e l e c t i ons w e r e t ra nsfe rr e d t o t h e

,

se na t e Th e a sse m bli e s of t h e p e opl e w e re for e v e r

3
.

a b oli sh e d a nd t h e e m p e r or s w e r e d e liv e r e d from a

,

d a ng e rou s m ul t i t ud e w h o wi t h ou t r e st ori ng lib e r ty , , ,

m igh t h a v e di st u rb e d a nd p e rh a p s e nd a ng e re d t h e , ,

e st a bli sh e d g ov e r nm e nt .

By d e cl a ri ng t h e m se lv e s t h e p r ot e c t ors of t h e p e opl e Th ena te , e s .

M a riu s a nd C ae sa r h a d subv e rt e d th e c onst i t u t i on of

t h e i r c ou nt ry B u t a s soon a s t h e se na t e h a d b e e n
.

hu mbl e d a nd di sa r m e d su ch a n a sse m bly c onsi st i ng of , ,

fi ve or si x hu nd re d p e r sons w a s fou nd a m uch m ore ,

t ra ct a bl e a nd u se ful i nst ru m e nt of d om i ni on It w a s on .

t h e dig ni t y of t he se na t e t h a t A ugu st u s a nd h i s su c ,

ce ssors fou nd e d t h e i r ne w e m pi r e ; a nd th e y a ffe c t e d ,

on e v e ry occ a si on t o a d opt t h e l a ngu a g e a nd p ri ncipl e s

,

of p a t r ici a ns In t h e a d m i ni st ra t i on of t h e i r ow n
.

p ow e r s t h e y fre qu e ntly c onsul te d t h e g re a t na t i ona l

,

c ou ncil a nd se eme d t o re fe r t o i t s de ci si on t h e m ost

,

i m p ort a nt c onc e rns of p e a c e a nd w a r R om e I t a ly .

, ,

‘Th ty
1 e ra nt s h
t e m se lv
c on ul hip The vi t u
es w e re a mbi t i ons of t h e s s . r

o p i nc w e e mod e t i n t he pu ui t nd x c t i n t h di ch g of i t
us r es r ra e rs , a e a e s ar e .

T j n e viv d t he a nci nt o t h nd w o b fo t h c on ul t ibu na l

ra a r e e a , a s re e re e s
'

s r

t h t h e w ould ob e v t h l a w
a Pl i n P ne g y ic c 64
s r e e s. . a r . . .

Q u ot i m a gi t t u m com i t i nt e es t t i bu cum c ndid t i sui

es s ra u iis r se , r s a a s s

ci c i b t ; s pph ca b t q e m o e ol e nni
r u a u F e e ba t t ip
a u fi gi m i n t i r s . r e se su ra u r

b bnu t u nu e p opul o
s, u Su toniu i n A ugu t c 56
s . e s s . . .

5
Tu n pri m u m c om i t i a e c mp o a d p t t n l t a u nt T c i t A nna l
r a a re s ra s a s . a . .

i 15 The w o d p i m m e e m t o llud t o om fa i nt a nd u n ucc es ful

. . r r u s s a e s e s s

e ffo t which w e e m a d e t ow a rd s re st o i n
r s t h e m t o t h e p e opl e r
rg .
 80 THE D E C LIN E A N D F A L L
C H A P a nd th e i nt e r na l p r ovi nc e s w e re subj e c t t o t h e i m me
.

III .

di a t e j u ri sdic t i on of t h e se na t e Wi t h r e g a rd t o civil .

obj e c t s i t w a s t h e sup re m e c ou r t of a pp e a l ; w i t h r e
,

g a r d t o c ri m i na l m a t t e r s a t r ibu na l c onst i t u t e d for t h e , ,

t ri a l of a ll offe n c e s t h a t w e re c om m i t t e d by m e n i n a ny
”

public st a t i on or t h a t a ffe ct e d t h e p e a c e a nd m a j e st y
,

of t h e R om a n p e opl e T h e e x e r ci se of t h e j udici a l .

p ow e r b e c a m e t h e m ost fre qu e nt a nd se r i ou s occup a

t i on of t h e se na t e ; a nd t h e i m p or t a nt c a u se s t h a t w e r e
pl e a d e d b e for e t h e m a fford e d a l a st r e fug e t o t h e ,

s i r i t of a nci e nt e l oqu e nc e A s a c ou ncil of st a t e a nd a s

p ,
.

a c ou r t of j u st ic e t h e se na t e p osse sse d v e r y c onsid e r

,

a bl e p re r og a t iv e s ; b u t i n i t s i e g i sla t i ve c a p a ci t y i n ,

which i t w a s supp ose d vi r t u a lly t o re p re se nt t h e p e opl e ,

t h e r ight s of sov e r e ig nt y w e r e a ck nowl e dg e d t o r e sid e

i n t h a t a sse mbly Ev e r y p ow e r w a s d e riv e d from t h e i r
.

a u t h or i t y ; e v e r y l a w w a s r a t ifi e d by t h e i r sa nc t i on .

Th e i r r e gul a r m e e t i ng s w e r e h e ld on t h r e e st a t e d d a y s
i n e v e ry m ont h t h e c a l e nd s t h e none s a nd t h e id e s
, , , .

T h e d e b a t e s w e re c onduc t e d with d e c e nt fre e d om ; a nd

t h e e m p e r or s t h e m se lv e s w h o gl or i e d i n t h e na m e of ,

se na t ors sa t v ot e d a nd divid e d wi t h t h e i r e qu a l s
, , , .

T o r e su m e i n a fe w w or d s t h e sy st e m of t h e im p e
, ,
‘
r i a l g ov e r nm e nt ; a s i t w a s i nst i t u t e d by A ugu st u s a nd ,

m a i nt a i ne d by t h ose p ri nc e s w h o u nd e r st ood t h e i r ow n
i nte re st a nd t h a t of t h e p e opl e i t m a y b e d e fi ne d a n ,

a b sol u t e m ona r chy di sgui se d by t h e for m s of a c om

m onw e a l t h T h e m a st e r s of t h e R om a n w or ld su r
.

r ou nd e d t h e i r t h r one wi t h d a rk ne ss c onc e a l e d t h e i r ,

i rre si st i bl e st re ng t h a nd hu mbly p r ofe sse d t h e m selv e s ,

t h e a cc ou nt a bl e m i ni st e rs of t h e se na t e wh ose sup r e m e ,

d e c re e s t h e y dic t a t e d a nd ob e y e d
C ou t of th e T h e fa c e of t h e c ou rt c orre sp ond e d wi t h t h e forms
r

e mp o
e r rs .

Dion C iu (l liii p 703 a ss hs giv n v y l oo nd ti l

. . . as e a er se a ar a
k t ch of t h i m p i l y t m To illu t t nd oft n t o c o c t i m I
s e e er a s s e . s ra e , a e rre ,

h v m di t t d T ci t u x m i n d Su t oniu nd c on ul t d t h foll owi ng

a e e a e a s, e a e e s, a s e e

m od n th bb é d l Blet i i n t h M é m oi d l A c dém i d I n ’
er s : e a e a er e , e re s e a e es
c i p t i on t om xix xxi xxiv xxv xxvii
s r s, . B ufo t Ré publiqu R om i ne
. . . . . ea r , e a ,

t om i p 2 55— 2 75 ; t h di t t i on of Noodt nd G ono i d L g e sse r a s a r v u s, e e e

R gi p i nt d t L yd n i n th y 1731 G vi n d I m p i o R om no
. . .

e a, r e a e e e ea r ra a e er a ,

p 479— 544 of hi O pu cul M ff i V ona Illu t t p i p 2 45 t c

. . s s a a e , er s ra a , . . .
, e .
 O F THE R OMA N E MP IRE . 81

of t h e d m i ni st ra t i on
a T h e e m pe rors if w e e xc e p t C II XP
.
,
I

I II
t h ose t y r a nt s wh ose c a p ric i ou s folly vi ol a t e d e v e r y l a w

of na t u re a nd d e c e ncy di sd a i ne d t h a t p om p a nd c e r e ,

m ony which m igh t offe n d t h e i r c ou nt ry m e n b u t c ould ,

a dd not hi ng t o t h e i r r e a l p ow e r In a ll t h e O ffic e s Of .

li fe t h e y a ffe c t e d t o c onfou nd t h e m se lv e s w i t h th e i r
,

subj e c t s a nd m a i nt a i ne d wi t h t h e m a n e qu a l
, i nte r
c ou rse of vi si t s a nd e nt e r t a i nm e nt s Th e i r h a bi t t h e i r .
,

p a l a c e t h e i r t a bl e w e re sui t e d only t o t h e r a nk of a n
, ,

opul e nt se na t or Th e i r fa m ily h ow e v e r nu m e rou s or

.
,

spl e ndid w a s c om p ose d

, e nt i r e ly of t h e i r d ome st ic
sl a v e s a nd fre e d m e n A ugu stu s or T ra j a n w ould
h a v e blu sh e d a t e m pl oying t h e m e a ne st of t h e R om a ns
i n t h ose m e ni a l offic e s which i n t h e h ou se h old a nd ,

b e dch a m b e r of a li mi t e d m ona rch a re so e a g e rly soli ,

cit e d by t h e p r oud e st nobl e s of B r it a i n .

T h e de i fi ca t i on of t h e e m p e rors i s t h e only i nst a nc e D ifi c tion X

e a .

i n which t h e y d e p a rt e d fr om t h e i r a ccu st om e d p ru
d e nc e a nd m od e st y T h e A si a t ic G re e k s w e re t h e .

fi rst i nv en t or s t h e succ e ssor s of A l e x a nd e r t h e fi rst

,

obj e c t s of t h i s se r vil e a nd i m pi ou s m od e of a dul a ti on

, .

It w a s e a sily t ra nsfe rre d from t h e ki ng s t o t h e g ov e r

nor s of A si a ; a nd t h e R om a n m a gi st ra t e s v e r y fre qu e nt ly

w e r e a d ore d a s p rovi nci a l d e iti e s wi t h t h e p om p of a l

‘

t a rs a nd t e m pl e s of fe st iv a l s a nd sa c rific e s
,
It w a s
na t u r a l t h a t t h e e m p e r or s sh ould not r e fu se wh a t t h e

p roc onsul s h a d a cc e p t e d ; a nd t h e divi ne h onou rs which

b ot h th e one a nd t he ot h e r r e c e iv e d from t h e p rovi nc e s ,

a t t e st e d r a t h e r t h e d e sp ot i sm t h a n t h e se rvi t ud e of
R om e B ut t h e c onqu e r ors soon i m it a t e d t he va n
.

q u i sh e d na ti ons i n t h e a r t s of fl a t t e r y ; a nd t h e i m p e r i

ou s spi ri t of t h e fi r st C ae sa r t oo e a sily c onse nt e d t o a s

su m e du ri ng h i s life t i m e a pl a c e a m ong t h e tute l a r

, ,

u
A w k p i nc will lw y b gov n d by hi d om t ic Th p ow
ea r e a a s e er e s es s. e er

of l v
s a gg v t d t h h m of t h R om n ; nd t he en te p id c ou t
es a ra a e e s a e e a s a s a a r

t o a P ll o
a N ci u Th e i a ch nc e t h t a mod e n f vou i t m a y
as r a ar ss s. re s a a r a r e

b a g nt l m n
e e e a .

ti of V nd l d C on c t i on P i ncip m It w ould be
x
S ee at rea se a a e e se ra e r u .

i fo m to c opy t h n i t h b n t o v ify t h qu ot t i on of t h a t l n d
e a s er r e , a as ee er , e a s ea r e

Du t ch m n a .

V S d i t t i on of the bb é Mong lt i n t he fi t v olume of t he A c

ee a sse r a a au rs a

d em y of I n c ip t i on s r s.

VOL I . .
82 THE DE C LIN E A N D F A L L
d e i t ie s of R om e T h e m ild e r t e m p e r of h i s succ e ssor
.

d e cli ne d so d a ng e rou s a n a m bi t i on which w a s ne v e r ‘

,

a ft e r w a r d s r e viv e d e xc e p t by t h e m a dne ss of C a ligul a

,

a nd D om i t i a n A ugu st u s p e rm i t t e d i nde e d som e of

.
, ,

t h e p r ovi nci a l ci t i e s t o e re c t t e m pl e s t o h i s h onou r on ,

c ondi t i on t h a t t h e y sh ould a ssoci a t e t h e w orship of

R om e wi t h t h a t of t h e sov e re ig n ; h e t ol e ra te d p r iv a t e
sup e r st i t i on of which h e m igh t b e t h e ob e c u t he
j b z
,
t ;
c ont e nt e d hi mse lf w i t h b e i ng r e v e re d by t h e se na t e a nd
p e opl e i n h i s hu m a n ch a ra c t e r a nd wi se ly l e ft t o h i s ,

succ e ssor t h e c a re of h i s public de i fi c a t i on A r e gula r .

cu st om w a s i nt roduc e d t h a t on t h e d e c e a se of e v e r y ,

e m p e r or w h o h a d ne i t h e r liv e d nor di e d lik e a t y ra nt ,

t h e se na t e by a sol e m n d e c r e e sh ould pl a c e h i m i n t h e
nu m b e r of t h e g od s : a nd t h e c e r e m oni e s of h i s a p o

t h e osi s w e r e bl e nd e d wi t h t h ose Of hi s fu ne ra l Thi s .

l e g a l a nd a s i t sh ould se e m i nj udici ou s p r ofa na t i on so

, , , ,

a bh or re nt t o ou r st ric t e r p r i ncipl e s w a s re c e iv e d with ,

a v e r y fa i nt m u r m u r by t h e e a sy na t u re of p oly t h e i sm ;
3
,

b u t i t w a s r e c e iv e d a s a n i nst i t u t i on not of r e ligi on but ,

of p olicy W e sh ould di sg ra c e t h e vi rt u e s of t h e A n
.

t oni ne s by c om p a ri ng t h e m wi t h t h e vic e s Of H e r cul e s

,

or J upi t e r Ev e n t h e ch a r a c t e r of C ae sa r or A ugu st u s
.

w e re fa r sup e ri or t o t h ose of t h e p opul a r de i t i e s B u t .

i t w a s t h e m i sfor tu ne of t h e form e r t o liv e i n a n e n

ligh t e ne d a g e ; a nd t h e i r a c t i ons w e r e t oo fa i t hfully re
c or d e d t o a d m i t Of such a m ix t u r e of fa bl e a nd m y st e ry ,

a s t h e d e v ot i on of t h e vulg a r r e qui re s A s soon a s .

t h e i r divi ni t y w a s e st a bli sh e d by l a w i t su nk i nt o oh ,

li vi on wi t h ou t c ont r ibu t i ng e i t h e r t o t h e i r ow n fa m e or
, ,

t o t h e dig ni t y of succ e e di ng p r i nc e s .

In th e c onsid e ra t i on of t h e i m p e ri a l g ov e rnm e nt w e ,

h a v e fr e qu e nt ly m e nt i one d t h e a r t ful fou nd e r u nd e r h i s

w e ll k now n t i t l e of A ugu st u s which w a s not h ow e v e r
-
, , ,

c onfe rre d up on h i m t ill t h e e dific e w a s a l m ost com

J nd q t uu m p nom n poni m
1
u ra a s ue er y H o c t o t h mp
e u s a ra s, sa s ra e e e e ror
hi m lf ; nd H o c
se a w ll cqu i nt d wi t h t h c ou t of A ugu t u
ra e w as e a a e e
‘S C ic o i n P h i lippic i 6 J ul i n i n C
r s s.
9
ee er ib
. In
. . d fim t a ze sa r us ue e em
L
.

pli j
s b
u ra t R omi
p u m b i a t h i ndig
er n n t xp i
ra s,
e on uc an
s be a e r ss 0 ut it
is a p a t i ot icr t h e t h n a d v ou t i ndig na t i on
, ra r a e .
 OF T HE R OMA N E MP IR E . 83

p l e t e d . T he b cu re na m e of O ct a vi a nu s h e d e r iv e d C H A P
o s ,
.

111
from a m e a n fa m ily i n t h e li tt l e t ow n of A ri cia It
'

.
,

w a s st a i ne d wi t h t h e bl ood of t h e p r e sc ri t i on ; a nd h e
p
w a s d e si r ou s h a d i t b e e n p ossibl e t o e ra se a ll m e m or y
, ,

of h i s form e r life T h e illu st ri ou s su rna m e Of C ae sa r

.
,

h e h a d a ssu m e d a s t h e a d op t e d son of t h e dic t a t or ;

bu t h e h a d t oo m uch g ood se nse e i t h e r t o h op e t o b e ,

c onfou nde d or t o wi sh t o be c om p a r e d with th a t e x

, ,

t ra or di na ry m a n It w a s p rop ose d i n t h e se na t e t o
. ,

dig nify t h e i r m i ni st e r wi t h a ne w a pp e ll a t i on : a nd a ft e r
a v e ry se r i ou s di scu ssi on t h a t of A ugu st u s w a s ch ose n ,

a m ong se v e ra l ot h e r s a s b e i ng t h e m ost e xp r e ssiv e of

,

t h e ch a r a ct e r of p e a c e a nd sa nc t i t y which h e u niform ly ,

a ffe c t e d A ug ust us w a s t h e re fore a p e rsona l Ce sa r a ,

fa m ily di st i nc t i on T h e form e r sh ould na tu ra lly h a v e

.

e xpi re d wi t h t h e p ri nc e on wh om it w a s b e st ow e d ; a nd ,

h ow e v e r t h e l a tt e r w a s di ffu se d by a d op t i on a nd fe m a l e
a lli a nc e N e r o w a s t h e l a st p r i nc e w h o c oul d a ll e g e a ny
,

h e re di t a ry cl a i m t o t h e h onou rs of t h e J uli a n li ne B ut .

a t t h e t i m e of h i s d e a th t h e p ra c t ic e of a c e ntu ry h a d
,

i nse p a r a bly c onne c t e d t h ose a pp e ll a t i ons wi t h t h e i m

p e r i a l dig ni t y a nd th e y h a v e b e e n p re se r v e d by a l ong
,

succ e ssi on of e m p e r or s R om a ns G r e e k s F ra nk s a nd , , , ,

G e rm a ns from t h e fa ll of t h e re public t o t h e p re se nt
,

time . A di st i nc t i on w a s h ow e v e r soon i nt r oduc e d , ,

.

T h e sa c re d t i t l e of A ugu st u s w a s a lw a y s r e se r v e d for
t h e m ona r ch whil st t h e na m e of C ae sa r w a s m ore fre e ly
,

c omm u nic a t e d t o h i s r e l a t i ons ; a nd from t h e re ig n of ,

H a d r i a n a t l e a st w a s a pp r op r i a t e d t o t h e se c ond p e r
, ,

son i n t h e st a t e w h o w a s c onsid e r e d a s t h e p r e su m p t iv e
,

h e i r of t h e e m pi re .

T h e t e nd e r re sp e ct of A ugu st u s for a fre e const i tu C h a c t ar er

Xgj ifi
o
t i on w hich h e h a d d e st r oy e d ca n only b e e xpl a i ne d by :
l
p
F , u s S.

a n a t t e nt iv e c onsid e r a t i on of t h e ch a ra c t e r of t h a t su b

t l e t y ra nt A c ool h e a d a n u nfe e li ng h e a rt a nd a
.
, ,

c ow a rdly di sp osi t i on p rom pte d h i m a t t h e a g e of ni ne

, ,

t e e n t o a ssu m e t h e m a sk of hyp oc ri sy which h e ne v e r

, ,

a ft e rw a r d s l a id a sid e Wi t h t h e sa m e h a nd a nd p ro
. ,

b
Di on C iu l liii p 710 wi t h th cu i ou nnot ti on of R eym
a ss s, . . . . e r s a a s a r.

G 2
 84 THE D E C L IN E A N D F A L L
C 11 P b a bly wi t h t h e sa m e t e m p e r, h e p rosc rip t i on igne d th e
f s
.

11
of C ic e r o a nd t h e p a r d on of C i nna
, H i s vi r tu e s a nd .
,

e v e n h i s vic e s w e r e a r t ifici a l ; a nd a cc or di ng t o t h e
,

va r i ou s di ct a t e s of h i s i nt e r e st
,
h e w a s a t fi r st t h e ,

e ne m y a nd a t l a st t h e fa t h e r of t h e R om a n w orld
C
, .

Wh e n h e fr a m e d t h e a rt ful sy st e m of t h e i m p e ri a l nu
t h or i t y h i s m od e ra t i on w a s i nspi re d by h i s fe a r s
, He .

w i sh e d t o d e c e iv e t h e p e opl e by a n i m a g e of civil lib e r t y ,

a nd t h e a r m i e s by a n i m a g e of civil g ov e r nm e nt .

Ima g e of I T h e d e a t h Of C aesa r w a s e v e r b e fore h i s e y e s

. .

H e h a d l a vi sh e d w e a l t h a nd h onou rs on h i s a dh e r e nt s ;
b u t t h e m ost fa v ou re d fr i e nd s of h i s u ncl e w e r e i n t h e
nu m b e r of t h e c onspi ra t ors T h e fid e li t y of t h e le
.

gi ons m igh t d e fe nd hi s a u th ori t y a g a i nst Op e n r e b e l

li on ; bu t t h e i r vigil a nc e c ould not se cu re h i s p e r son
from t h e d a gg e r of a d e t e rm i ne d r e public a n ; a nd t h e
d
R om a ns w h o re v e re d t h e m e m ory of B r u t u s w ould ,

a ppl a ud t h e i m i t a t i on of h i s vi r t u e C a zsa r h a d p r o .

v ok e d h i s fa t e a s m uch by t h e ost e nt a t i on of h i s p ow e r

a s by h i s p ow e r i t se lf T h e c onsul or t h e t ribu ne
.

m igh t h a v e r e ig ne d i n p e a c e T h e t i t l e of ki ng h a d
.

a rm e d t h e R om a ns a g a i nst h i s life A ugu st u s w a s .

se nsibl e t h a t m a nki nd i s g ov e r ne d by na m e s ; nor w a s

h e d e c e iv e d i n h i s e xp e c t a t i on t h a t t h e se na t e a nd ,

p e opl e w ould sub m i t t o sl a v e ry p r ovid e d t h e y w e re ,

r e sp e c t fully a ssu r e d t h a t t h e y st ill e nj oy e d t h e i r a n

,
»

ci e nt fre e d om A fe e bl e se na t e a nd e ne r v a t e d p e opl e
.

ch e e r fully a cqui e sc e d i n t h e pl e a si ng illu si on a s l ong ,

a s i t w a s supp ort e d by t h e vi r t u e or by e v e n t h e ,

p rud e nc e of t h e succ e ssor s of Augu st u s It w a s a

,
.

m ot iv e of se lf p r e se r v a t i on not a p ri ncipl e of lib e r t y

-
, ,

t h a t a ni m a t e d t h e c onspi ra t or s a g a i nst C a ligul a N e r o , ,

dv c d b qu C
A s O ct a vi a nus a a n e t o t h e a n e t of t h e
0 c l u aesa rs, h i s oo r
ch g d lik h
an e c li p l fi
e t a t of t h e a m e on ; h f w d bl ck
a e at rst t e n re d, a t e r ar s , a

h e a t a st a ss m e t h e m i
l u d ld liv y V u e r of G c C p
e n s a nd t h e ra e s a sa rs, 309 . . .

Thi i g pl y d by J uli
s ma e em o e i g i u fic i ju
a n, i n h i s n e n o s l g t on, i s st a nd e e a nt

butwh c id
en he hi ch g
ons e rs t s ch c
a n e of l c ib
a ra t er a s re a a nd a s r es i t to ,

t hep w phil phy

o e r of oso d , he uch h u
oe s t oo m phil phy ono r t o oso , a nd t o

O ct a v1a nus .

'1
Tw o e ntc u i fte
r es a r bl i h me nt of m on chy t h mpe o M cu
t h e e st a s ar , e e r r ar s

A i u
nt on n s re c om mend s t he ch a a c te of B u t u a p e fe c t mod el of Ro
r r r s s a r

m a n vi t u
r e.
 O F THE R OMA N E MP I R E : s5

a nd v
D om i t i a n Th e y a t t a ck e d t h e p e rson of th e
. ty C HAP .

111
r a nt wi t h out a i m i ng t h e i r bl ow a t t h e a u t h ori t y of the
'

em p e r or .

Th e re a pp e a r s i nd e e d one m e m ora bl e occ a si on i n A t t m p t of

, , , e

which t h e se na t e a ft e r se v e nty y e a r s of p a t i e nc e ma d e $
,
35 3t ,

a n i ne ffe ctu a l a t t e m p t t o re a ssu m e i t s l ong for g ot t e n d t h of - ea

ch g l a a u
r igh t s Wh e n t h e t h rone w a s v a c a nt by t h e m u r d e r
'

of C a ligul a t h e c onsul s c onv ok e d t h a t a sse m bly i n t h e

,

c a pi t ol c ond e m ne d t h e m e m ory of t h e C ae sa rs g a v e
, ,

t h e w a t chw or d li be r ty t o t h e fe w c oh or t s w h o fa i nt ly
a dh e r e d t o t h e i r st a nd a r d a nd du i ng e igh t a nd for t y ,
r

h ou rs a c t e d a s t h e i nd e p e nd e nt chi e fs of a fre e com

m onw e a l t h B u t whil e t h e y d e lib e ra t e d t h e p re t or i a n
.
,

gu a rd s h a d r e solv e d T h e stupid C l a udiu s b rot h e r

.
,

of G e rm a nicu s w a s a l re a dy i n t h e i r c a m p
, i nv e st e d ,

wi t h t h e i m p e ri a l pu rpl e a nd p re p a re d t o supp or t h i s
,

e l e c t i on by a r m s T h e d r e a m of lib e r t y w a s a t a n
.

e nd ; a nd t h e se na t e a w ok e t o a ll t h e h orr ors of i ne vi t

a bl e se r vitud e D e se r t e d by t h e p e opl e a nd t h re a t
.
,

e ne d by a m ili t a r y for c e t h a t fe e bl e a sse m bly w a s,

c om p e lle d t o r a t ify t h e ch oic e of t h e p re t ori a ns a nd ,

t o e m b ra c e t h e b e ne fit of a n a m ne st y which C l a udiu s ,

h a d t h e p r ud e n c e t o O ffe r a nd t h e g e ne rosi t y t o oh ,

se r v e
8

II T h e i nsol e nc e of t h e a rm i e s i nspi re d A ugu st u s I m g of

. a e
m nt
wi t h fe a rs O f a st il l m ore a l a rm i ng na t u r e T h e de fi fgg
‘ v
.
e

sp a i r of t h e ci t iz e ns c ould only a t t e m p t wh a t t h e p ow e r mi ,
ar e s.

of t h e soldi e r s w a s a t a ny t i m e a bl e t o e x e cu t e
, H ow , .

p re c a ri ou s w a s h i s ow n a u t h or i t y ov e r m e n wh om h e
h a d t a ugh t t o vi ol a t e e v e r y soci a l du t y ! He ha d
h e a r d t h e i r se di t i ou s cl a m ou r s ; h e d re a d e d t h e i r
c a l m e r m om e nt s O f r e fl e c t i on O ne r e v olu t i on h a d .

b e e n pu r ch a se d by i m m e nse r e w a r d s ; bu t a se c ond
r e v ol u t i on m igh t d oubl e t h ose r e w a rd s T h e t r oop s .

p rofe sse d t h e fond e st a t t a ch m e nt t o t h e h ou se of

C a esa r ; b u t t h e a t t a ch m e nt s of t h e m ul t i t ud e a re ca

9 uch
.It i s m t o be re re t te g d th, at w eh a v l o t t h p t of T ci t w hi ch
e s e ar a us

d h
t re a t e of t a t t ra nsa t on ci . W e a refo c d t o c ont nt ou lv W i t h t h
r e e rse es e

p pul u u
o a r r m o rs of J ose h u s,
p a nd t he i m p fe c t h i nts of D on ndSu e toni us
er i a .
 86 T H E D E C LIN E A N D F A L L
CHAP ri ci ou s a nd i nc on t a nt A ugu st u s su mm one d t o h i s
.
p s .

111
a i d wh a t e v e r re m a i ne d i n t h ose fi e r c e m i nd s of R om a n
.

p r ej udic e s ; e nforc e d t h e rig ou r of di scipli ne by t h e

‘
sa nc t i on of l a w ; a nd i nt e r p osi ng t h e m a j e st y of t h e

se na t e b e t w e e n t h e e m p e r or a nd t h e a r m y b oldly ,

cl a i m e d t h e i r a ll e gi a nc e a s t h e fi rst m a gi str a t e of t h e ,

r e public
f .

Du ri ng a l ong p e ri od of t w o hu nd r e d a nd t w e nt y
y e a rs from t h e e st a bli sh m e nt Of t hi s a r t ful sy st e m t o
,

t h e d e a t h of C om m odu s t h e d a ng e r s i nh e r e nt t o a ,

m ili t a r y g ov e r nm e nt w e re in a g re a t m e a su r e su s , ,

p e nd e d T h e soldi e r s w e re se ld om r ou se d t o t h a t
.

fa t a l se nse of t h e i r ow n st re ng t h a nd of t h e w ea k ne ss ,

of t h e civil a u t h or i t y which w a s b e for e a nd a ft e rw a r d s

, , ,

p r oduc t iv e of such d r e a dful c a l a m i t i e s C a ligul a a nd .

D om i t i a n w e r e a ssa ssi na t e d i n t h e i r p a l a c e by t h e i r
ow n d om e st ic s : t h e c onvul si ons which a gi t a t e d R om e

on t h e d e a t h of t h e for m e r w e r e c onfi ne d t o t h e w a ll s ,

of t h e ci t y : b u t N e ro i nv olv e d t h e wh ol e e m pi re i n h i s

r ui n . In t h e sp a c e of e igh t e e n m ont h s fou r p r i nc e s

,
,

p e ri sh e d by t he sw or d ; a nd t he R om a n w orld w a s
sh a k e n by t h e fu ry of t h e c ont e ndi ng a rm i e s Exc e p t .

i ng only t hi s sh or t t h ough vi ol e nt e rup t i on of m ili t a r y

lic e nc e t h e t w o c e nt u ri e s fr om A ugu st u s t o C omm odu s
,

p a sse d a w a y u nst a i ne d wi t h civil bl ood a nd u ndi s ,

t urb e d by r e v olu t i ons T h e e m p e r or w a s e l e c t e d by

.

t he a u th or i ty o f t h e se na t e a nd t il e co n se nt qf t h e

soldi e s r 3 T h e l e gi ons r e sp e c t e d t h e i r oa t h of fi de li t y
.

a nd i t r e qui r e s a m i nu t e i nsp e c t i on of t h e R om a n
a nna l s t o di sc ov e r t h re e i nc onsid e r a bl e r e b e lli ons which ,

w e re a ll supp re sse d i n a fe w m ont h s a nd wi t h ou t e v e n ,

h
t h e h a z a rd of a b a t t l e .

A ugu t u to d t h
s nci nt
s resv i ty of di cipli n A ft t h civil
re e a e se er s e . er e
w h d opp d t h
a r s, e nd ri ng n m of f ll ow old i
e e e nd c ll d t h m
ear a e e -s e rs, a a e e
only oldi s S ton i n A ugu t c 2 5
e rs. ueS th . T i b iu m d of t h s . . . ee e u se er s a e e
sen t i n t h m u t i ny of t h P nnoni n l gi on
a e e T c i t A nn l ie a a e s. a . a . .

8 Th wo d e se m to h ve b n th
r c on t i t u t ion l l ngu g S
s se e a ee e s a a a e. ee
T ci t A nn l xiii 4
a . a . . .

Th fi t
h
a
e C m illu Sc iboni n w ho t ook p m i n D l m t i
rs w s a s r a u s, u ar s a a a
ag i n t C l udiu nd
a s d t d by hi ow n t oop i n fi d y Th
a s, a w as e se r e s r s ve a s. e
sec ond L A ntoniu i n G m ny w ho b ll e d g i n t D omi t i n ; nd
, . s, er a , re e a a s a a
 O F THE R O M A N E MP IRE . 87

In l c t iv e m ona r chi e s t h e v a c a ncy of t h e t h r one i s C H A P

e e , .

111
a m om e nt big wi t h d a ng e r a nd m i schi e f T h e R om a n
'

e m p e r or s d e si r ou s t o sp a re t h e l e gi ons t h a t i nt e
,
r v a l of D ig n t i on es a

cc
gi
a su es
su sp e nse a nd t h e t e m p t a t i on of a n i rr e gul a r ch oic e
'

, , r z

i nv e st e d t h e i r d e sig ne d succ e ssor wi t h so l a r g e a

sh a re of p r e se nt p ow e r a s sh ould e na bl e h i m a ft e r , ,

th e i r d e c e a se t o a ssu m e t h e r e m a i nd e r wi t h ou t su ffe r
,

i ng t h e e m pi re t o p e r c e iv e t h e ch a ng e of m a st e rs .

Thu s A ug u st u s a ft e r a ll h i s fa i re r p rosp e c t s h a d b e e n of Tib iu

,
er s

sna t ch e d from h i m by u n t i m e ly d e a t h s r e st e d h i s l a st ,

h op e s on Tib e r iu s ob t a i ne d for h i s a d op t e d son t h e

,

c e nsori a l a nd t ribu ni t i a n p ow e rs a nd dic t a te d a la w , ,

by w hich t h e fu t u re p r i nc e w a s i nv e st e d wi t h a n a u t h o
r i t y e qu a l t o h i s ow n ov e r t h e p rovi nc e s a nd t h e ,

i
a rmi e s .Thu s V e sp a si a n subdu e d t h e g e ne rou s m i nd of Ti t u s.

of h i s e ld e st son Ti t u s w a s a d ore d by t h e e a st e rn
.

“
l e gi ons which u nd e r h i s c om m a nd h a d re c e nt ly
, , ,

a chi e v e d t h e c onqu e st of J ud ae a H i s p ower w a s .

d re a d e d ; a nd a s h i s vi r t u e s w e r e cl oud e d by t h e i n
,

t e m p e ra nc e of y ou t h h i s d e sig ns w e r e su sp e c t e d , In .

st e a d O f li st e ni ng t o suc h u nw or t hy su S i c i on t h
p s e ,

p rud e nt m ona r ch a ssoci a t e d Ti t u s t o t h e full p ow e rs

of t h e i m p e r i a l digni t y ; a nd t h e g ra t e ful son e v e r a p

p rov e d hi m se lf t h e hu m bl e a nd fa i t hful m i ni st e r of so
k
i ndulg e nt a fa t h e r .

T h e g ood se nse of V e sp a si a n e ng a g e d h i m i nd e e d Th c of , ,
e ra e

th C e ae sa rs
t o e m b ra c e e v e ry m e a su r e t h a t m i gh t c onfi r m h i s ndt h Fl a e a

r e c e nt a nd p r e c a r i ou s e l e v a t i on T h e m ili t a ry oa t h
.
i f m ily .
,
V a a

a nd t h e fid e li t y of t h e t roop s h a d b e e n c onse c r a t e d , ,

by t h e h a bit s of a n hu nd re d y e a r s t o t h e na me a nd ,

fa m ily of t h e C aesa rs : a nd a l t h ough th a t fa m ily h a d

b e e n c ont i nu e d only by t h e fict i t i ou s r i te of a d op t i on ,

t h e R om a ns st ill r e v e r e d i n t h e p e r son of N e r o t h e , ,

g ra nd son of G e rm a nicu s a nd t h e li ne a l succ e ssor of ,

th e t hi d A vidi n C
r ,
iu i n t h ig n of M A nt oni nu Th t o l t
s a ss s, e re . s. e w as

re ig n d b t f m ont h nd w c t off by t h i
e u a ew s, a n dh nt W e re u e r Ow a e re s. e

m y ob
a v t h t b ot h C m illu nd C iu c ol ou d t h i m bi t i on W i t h
se r e , a a s a a ss s re e r a

th e d ign of t o i ng t h public ; t k id C iu p cul i ly

es re s r e re a as , sa a ss s, e ar te

v d fo hi n m nd f mily
se r e r s a e a a .

V ll i
e P t cl
e us 1 ii
a e r u u s,12 1 S t on i n Tib c 20 0. ue . e r. . .

F li n i n P e f t Hi t N t u
. . .

k S ue t on n Ti t c 6
. i . . . . re a . s . a r.
 ‘
88 TH E D E C LINE A N D F A L L
‘
C H A P A ugu stu s It w a s not wi t h out r e luc t a nc e a nd re m or se
. .
,
m
‘
t h a t t h e p r e t or i a n gu a r d s h a d b e e n p e rsua d e d t o
’

a b a nd o n t h e c a u se of t h e t y r a nt T h e r apid d ow nfa ll .

of G a lb a O th o a nd V i t e lliu s t a ugh t t h e a rm ie s t o
, , ,

c onsid e r t h e e mp e r ors a s t h e c re a t u re s of t he i r will ,

a nd t h e i nst r u m e nt s of t ke i r lic e nc e T h e bi rt h of .

V e sp a si a n w a s m e a n ; h i s g ra ndfa t h e r h a d be e n a p
m
v a t e soldi e r h i s fa t h e r a p e t t y offic e r of t h e r e v e nu e
,

h i s ow n m e rit h a d r a i se d h i m i n a n a dv a nc e d a g e t o , ,

t h e e m pi r e ; bu t h i s m e r i t w a s r a t h e r u se ful t h a n
shi ni ng a nd h i s vi r t u e s w e r e di sg ra c e d by a st ric t a nd
,

e v e n sor did p a r si m ony S uch a p ri nc e c onsult e d hi s .

t r u e i nt e re st by t h e a ssoci a t ion of a son wh ose m ore ,

spl e ndid a nd a m i a bl e ch a r a c t e r mi gh t t u rn t h e u bli c

p
a t t e nt i on fr om t h e ob scu re or igi n t o t h e fu t u r e gl or i e s

of t h e Fl a vi a n h ou se U nd e r t h e m ild a d m i ni st ra t i on
.

of Ti t u s t h e R om a n w orld e nj oy e d a t ra nsi e nt fe lici t y

, ,

a nd h i s b e l ov e d m e m or y se rv e d t o p rot e c t a b ov e fi f ,

t e e n y e a rs t h e vic e s of h i s b rot h e r D om i t i a n
, .

N e rv a h a d sc a r c e ly a cc e p t e d t h e pur pl e from t h e
wi
fi
A dog
a nd ch a cara s sa ss i ns of D o m i t i a n b e for e h e di sc ov e r e d t h a t hi s ,

fe e bl e a g e w a s una ble t o st e m t h e t orre nt of public

di sord e r s which h a d m ul t ipli e d u nd e r th e l ong t y r a nny
,

of h i s p re d e c e ssor H i s m ild di sp osi t i on w a s r e sp e c t e d

.

by t h e g ood ; b u t t h e d e g e ne ra t e R om a ns r e qui re d a
m or e vig or ou s ch a ra c t e r wh ose j u st ic e sh ould st rik e ,

t e rr or i nt o t h e guil t y Th ough h e h a d se v e ra l r e l a .

t i ons b e fix e d h i s ch oic e on a st ra ng e r
, H e a d op t e d .

T ra j a n t h e n a b ou t for t y y e a rs of a g e a nd w h o com
, ,

m a nde d a p ow e r ful a r m y i n t h e L ow e r G e rm a ny ; a nd
i m m e di a t e ly by a d e c r e e of t h e se na t e d e cl a r e d h i m
A 3 93 h i s c oll e a gu e a nd succ e ssor i n t h e e m pi re ‘ I t i s sin
, ,

0 .
1
.

ce re ly t o b e l a m e nt e d t h a t whil st w e a r e fa t igu e d wi t h ,

t h e di sgu st ful r e l a t i on of N e r o s c r i m e s a nd folli e s w e

’

1 Thi i d i f qu nt ly nd t ongly i nculc t d by T ci t

s ea s re e Sa Hi t s r a e a us. ee s .

i 5 16 ii 76
. . . . .

m Th m p o V p i n wi t h h i u u l g ood
e e er r n l ugh d t th g
es a s a , s s a se se , a e a e e

n l ogi t w h o d duc d hi
ea s s f m ily f om F l viu t h fou nd of R t ( hi
e e s a r a s, e er ea e , s

n t iv a c o nt y ) nd on of t h c om p ni on of H cul
e u r , a Su t n V p
e e a s er e s. e . i es a

i n c 12
s a , . .

Di on 1 lxvi i i p 112 1 Pli n Se cu nd i n P negy ic

, . . . . . . a r .
 O F THE R OMA N E MP IRE . 89

a re r e duc e d t o c oll e c t t h e a c t i ons of T ra j a n from t h e C H A P .

gli mm e r i ng s of a n a b ri dg e m e nt or th e d oub t ful ligh t of m '

a p a ne gy r ic Th e re r e m a i ns h ow e v e r one p a ne gy r ic
.
, ,

fa r r e m ov e d b e y ond t h e su spici on of fl a t t e ry A b ov e .

t w o h u nd r e d a nd fi ft y y e a r s a ft e r t h e d e a t h of T ra j a n ,

t h e se na t e i n p ou r i ng ou t t h e cu st om a ry a ccl a m a t i ons
,

on t h e a cc e ssi on of a ne w e m p e r or wi sh e d t h a t h e ,

m igh t su r p a ss t h e fe lici t y of A ugu stu s a nd t h e vi rt u e ,

of T r a j a n
°
.

W e m a y r e a dily b e li e v e t h a t t h e fa t h e r of h i s A D 1i 7 ,
. . .

om dn m a
c ou nt ry h e sit a t e d wh e t h e r h e ought t o i ntr u st t h e ’

v a r i ou s a nd d oubtful ch a ra ct e r of h i s ki nsm a n H a d ri a n
wi t h sov e re ig n p ow e r In h i s l a st m ome nt s t h e a r t s of .
,

t h e e m p r e ss P l oti na e i t h e r fix e d t h e i rr e soluti on of T ra

j an , o r b oldly supp ose d a fictiti o u s a dO

p t i on P
; t h e

t ru t h of which c ould not b e sa fe ly di spu t e d a nd H a ,

d ri a n w a s p e a c e a bly a ck nowl e dg e d a s h i s l a wful su c

c e ssor U nd e r h i s r e ig n a s h a s b e e n a l re a dy m e n
.
,

t i one d t h e e m pi r e fl ou ri sh e d i n p e a c e a nd p r osp e r i t y
, .

H e e nc ou r a g e d t h e a r t s r e form e d t h e l a w s a sse r t e d , ,

m ilit a ry di scipli ne a nd vi sit e d a ll h i s p r ovi nc e s i n p e r

,

son . H i s v a st a nd a c t iv e g e niu s w a s e qu a lly sui t e d t o

t h e m ost e nl a r g e d vi e w s a nd t h e m i nu t e d e t a il s of civil ,

p olicy B u t t h e r uli ng p a ssi ons of h i s soul w e re c

. uri
osi t y a nd v a ni t y A s t h e y p r e v a il e d a nd a s th e y w e r e
.
,

a t t ra c t e d by di ffe r e nt Obj e c t s H a d r i a n w a s by t u r ns , , ,

a n e xc e ll e nt p r i nc e a r idicul ou s soph i st a nd a j e a l ou s
, ,

t y ra nt T h e g e ne ra l t e nor of h i s c onduc t d e se r v e d
.

p ra i se for i t s e qui t y a nd m od e ra t i on Y e t i n t h e first .

d a y s of h i s r e ig n h e p u t t o d e a t h fou r c onsul a r se na
,

t ors h i s p e rsona l e ne m i e s a nd m e n w h o h a d b e e n
, ,

j udg e d w or t hy of e m pi re ; a nd t h e t e di ou sne ss of a p a i n
ful ill ne ss re nd e r e d h i m a t l a st p e e vi sh a nd c ru e l , , .

T h e se na t e d oubt e d wh e t h e r t h e y sh ould p ronou nc e

A ugu to M E I O T A AN O E nt op viii 5
F eli cior s L R R J r
P Di on (1 lxix p
. . . .
,

. ffi m t h w h ol t o h v b
. . n a fic t i on on t he
a r s e e a e ee ,

au t h o i ty of hi f t h w h o b i ng g ov no of t h p o m c wh T j n
r s a e r, e er r e r v e e re ra a

di d h d v e y g ood O pp o t u ni t i of ift i ng t hi m y t i ou t n c t i on
e , a r r es s s s er s ra sa .

Y t D odw ll (P l ct C m d n xvii ) h
e e rz
e e m i nt i n d t h t H d i n w
. a e . . as a a e , a a r a as

c ll d to t he c t i n h p of t h m pi du i ng t he lif t i m of T j a n
a e er a O e e e re , r e e ra .
 90 TH E D E C LIN E A N D F A L L
C HA P . h im a g od or a y ra nt ; a nd t h e h onou rs d e c re e d t o h i s
t
111 '

m e m ory w e re g ra nt e d t o t h e p r a y e rs of t h e pi ou s A n
i
t on nu s 9 .

A d op t i on c a p ric e of H a d r i a n i nflu e nc e d h i s ch oic e of a

T he
f th e

Eld nd
er a
succ e ssor A ft e r r e vol vm g i n h i s m i nd se v e r a l m e n of
.

y ou ng er di st i ngui sh e d m e r i t wh om h e e st e e m e d a nd h a t e d h e , ,
V u
e r s.
a d op t e d fE li u s V e r u s a a nd v olup t u ou s nobl e m a n
g y
a , ,

r e c om m e nd e d by u nc omm on b e a u t y t o t h e l ov e r of A n

t i nou s B u t whil st H a d ri a n w a s d e ligh t i ng hi m se lf

’
.

wi t h h i s ow n a ppl a u se a nd t he a ccl a m a t i ons of t h e ,

soldi e r s wh ose c onse nt h a d b e e n se cu re d by a n i m

,

m e nse d ona t iv e t h e ne w C ae sa r w a s r a vi sh e d from h i s ,

s

e m b r a c e s by a n u nt i m e ly d e a t h H e l e ft only one son . .

H a d ri a n c om m e nd e d t h e b oy t o t h e g r a t i t ud e of t h e
A nt oni ne s H e w a s a d op t e d by Pi ns ; a nd on t h e
.
,

a cc e ssi on of M a r cu s w a s i nv e ste d wi t h a n e qu a l sh a r e ,

of sov e r e ig n p ow e r A m ong t h e m a ny vic e s of t hi s .

y ou ng e r V e ru s h e p osse sse d one vi r t u e ; a du t iful re ,

ve re nc e for h i s wi se r c oll e a gu e t o wh om h e willi ngly ,

a b a nd one d t h e r ud e r c a r e s of e m pi re T h e p h i loso .

phi e e m p e r or di sse m bl e d h i s fol li e s l a m e nt e d h i s e a r ly ,

d e a t h a nd c a st a d e c e nt v e il ov e r h i s m e m ory
, .

A d op t i on A s soon a s H a d r i a n s p a ssi on w a s e i t h e r g ra t ifi e d or
f tl t
di sa pp oi nt e d b e re solv e d t o d e se r v e t h e t h a nk s of
fi nthfi iz
i rg .
,

p ost e ri t y by pl a ci ng t h e m ost e x a l t e d m e ri t on t h e R o
,

m a n t h r one H i s di sc e r ni ng e y e e a sily di sc ov ere d a

.

se na t or a b out fift y y e a rs of a e bl a m e l e ss i n a l l t h e
g ,

offi c e s of life a nd a y ou t h of a b ou t se v e nt e e n , wh ose ,

r ip e r y e a r s op e ne d t h e fa i r p r osp e c t of e v e r y vi r t u e

t h e e ld e r of t h e se w a s d e cl a r e d t h e son a nd succ e ssor

of H a d r i a n on c ondi t i on h ow e v e r t h a t h e hi m se lf

“
, , ,

sh ould i m m e di a t e ly a d op t t h e y ou ng e r T he tw o A n .

A .
t oni ne s (for i t i s of t h e m t h a t w e a re now sp e a ki ng)
l 38 180
g ov e r ne d t h e R om a n w orld for ty t w o y e a rs wi t h t h e
’
-
,

‘
1 Di on 1 lxx p 1171 A u l V ic to
, . . . . re . r.

Th d fi c t i on of A nt i nou hi m d l
e ei t tu
a t m pl ci t y o cl e s, s e a s, s a e s, e e s, , ra s,
nd c on t ll t i on
a w ll k now n nd t i ll di h onou t h m mo y of H
s e a , a re e , a s s r e e r a
d i n Y t w m y m k t h t of t h fi t fift n mp o C l udiu
'

r a . e e a re ar , a e rs ee e e r rs, a s
w t h only on wh o t
as e t i n l ov w nt i ly c o e c t Fo t h h onou se as e e as e re rre . r e rs
of A nt i nou Sp nh m C om m e nt is, se e l C d J li n p 80
a ei ,
a re su r es aesa rs e u e , . .

Hi t A ugu t p 13 A u liu V ic t o i n Epitom

5
s . s . . . re s r .
 OF T HE R O M A N E MP IRE . 91

“
sa m e i nv a r i a bl e spi ri t of
wi sd om a nd vi r tu e A lth ough C H A P
‘
. .

111
P iu s h a d t w o sons h e p r e fe r re d t h e w e lfa re of R om e
,
'

t o t h e i nt e r e st of h i s fa m ily g a v e h i s d a ugh t e r F a u st i na ,

i n m a r ri a g e t o y ou ng M a r cu s ob t a i ne d fr om t h e se na t e ,

t h e t ribu ni t i a n a nd p r oc onsul a r p ow e r s a nd wi t h a ,

nobl e di sd a i n or r a t h e r ig nor a nc e of j e a l ou sy
, a sso ,

cia t e d h i m t o a ll t h e l ab ou r s of g ov e rnm e nt M a r cu s .
,

on t h e ot h e r h a nd r e v e r e d t h e ch a r a c t e r of h i s b e ne
,

fa ct or l ov e d h i m a s a p a re nt ob e y e d h i m a s h i s sov e
, ,

r e ig n a nd a ft e r h e w a s n o m or e
, , r e gul a t e d h i s ow n ,

a d m i ni st r a t i on by t h e e x a m pl e a nd m a xi m s of h i s re
p
d e c e ssor Th e i r u ni t e d r e ig ns a r e p ossibly th e only
.

p e ri od Of hi st ory i n which t h e h a ppi ne ss of a g re a t

p e opl e w as t h e sol e obj e c t of g ov e rnm e nt .

Ti t u s A nt oni nu s P iu s h a s b e e n j u st ly d e nom i na t e d a C h c t a ra er

se c ond N u m a T h e sa m e l ov e Of r e ligi on j u stic e a nd

.

, ,

p e a c e w a s t h e di st i ngui shi ng ch a r a c t e r i st ic of b ot h
,

p r i nc e s B u t t h e si t u a t i on of t h e l a t t e r op e ne d a m uch
.

l a rg e r fi e ld for t h e e x e r ci se of t h ose vi rt u e s N u m a .

c ould only p re v e nt a fe w ne ighb ou ri ng vill a g e s from

’
plu nd e ri ng e a ch ot h e r s h a rv e st s A nt oni nu s di ffu se d .

ord e r a nd t r a n quilli t y ov e r t h e g r e a t e st p a r t Of t h e

e a r th . H i s r e ig n i s m a r k e d by t h e ra re a dv a nt a g e of
fu rni shi ng v e ry fe w m a t e ri a l s for hi st ory ; which i s ,

i nd e e d li tt l e m ore t h a n t h e r e gi st e r of t h e c ri m e s
, ,

folli e s a nd m i sfor tu ne s of m a nki nd In p r iv a t e life h e

, .
,

w a s a n a m i a bl e a s w e ll a s a g ood m a n
, T h e na t iv e .

si m plici t y of h i s vi r t u e w a s a st ra ng e r t o v a ni t y or

a ffe c t a t i on H e e nj oy e d wi t h m od e r a t i on t h e con
.
, ,

ve ni e nc i e s of h i s for t u ne a nd t h e i nnoc e nt pl e a su r e s of
,

soci e t y ; a nd t h e b e ne v ol e nc e of h i s soul di spl a y e d

"

i t se lf i n a ch e e r ful se r e ni t y of t e m p e r .

T h e vi r t u e of M a r cu s A u re liu s A nt oni nu s w a s of a of M cu ar s.

Wi t h ou t help of m d a l a nd i nsc ip t i ons w e sh ould be ig no a nt of

th e e s r , r

t hi f c t
s a o h onou a bl e t o t h m e m o y of P iu
, s r e r s.

Du i ng t h t w nt y t h e y ea s of P iu
r e e - re e ig n M cu w a only t w o
r
’
s s r , ar s s

nigh t a b e nt f om t h e p a l a c e a nd e v e n t h o e w e
s s r ,
a t di ff nt t i m Hi t s re e re e s. s .

A ugu t p 2 5
s . . .

3
He w fond of th t h ea t e a nd not i nse n ibl e t o t h ch a m of t he
as e r ,
s e r s

f i x M cu s A nt oni nu i 16 ; H i st A ugu t p 2 0 2 1 J uli a n i n

a r se . ar s, . . s . .
,

Ca a s r.
92 T H E D EC L INE A N D FA L L
se v e re r a nd
l a b ori ou s ki nd It w a s t h e w e ll
m ore Y.

e a ne d h a r v e st of m a ny a l e a r ne d c onfe r e nc e of m a ny a
g ,

“
p a t i e nt l e ctu re a nd m a ny a m id nigh t lucub r a t i on A t
,
.

t h e a g e of t w e lv e y e a r s h e e m b fa ce d t h e r igid sy st e m
of t h e st oic s which t a ugh t h i m t o sub m i t h i s b ody t o
,

h i s m i nd h i s p a ssi ons t o h i s r e a son ; t o c onsid e r vi rt u e

,

a s t h e only g ood vic e a s t h e only e vil a ll t hi ng s e x

, ,

t e rna l a s t hi ng s i ndi ffe re nt H i s m e di t a t i ons com z

.
,

p ose d i n th e t u m ul t of a c a m p a r e st ill e x t a nt ; a nd h e ,

e v e n c ond e sc e nd e d t o giv e l e ssons of phil osophy i n a ,

m or e public m a nne r t h a n w a s p e rh a p s c onsi st e nt wi t h

t h e m od e st y of a sa g e or t h e dig ni t y of a n e m p e r or , .

B u t h i s li fe w a s t h e nobl e st c om m e nt a r y on t h e p r e
c op t s of Z e no H e w a s se v e r e t o hi m se lf i ndulg e nt t o
.
,

t h e i m p e r fe c t i on of ot h e r s j u st a nd b e ne fi ce nt t o a ll ,

m a nki nd H e r e g re tt e d t h a t A vidi ns C a ssiu s w h o

.
,

e xci t e d a r e b e lli on i n Sy r i a h a d d i sa pp oi nt e d h i m by , ,

a v olu nt a r y d e a t h of t h e pl e a su r e of c onv e r t i ng a n
,

e ne my i nt o a fri e nd ; a nd h e j u st ifi e d t h e si nc e r i t y of

t h a t se nt i m e nt by m od e ra ti ng t h e z e a l of t h e se na t e
,

a g a i nst t h e a dh e r e nt s of t h e t ra i t or
b W a r h e de .

t e st e d a s t h e di sg r a c e a nd c a l a m i t y of hu m a n na t u re ;
,

b u t wh e n t h e ne c e ssi t y of a j u st d e fe nc e c a ll e d up on
h im t o t a k e up a rm s h e r e a dily e xp ose d h i s p e rson t o ,

e igh t w i nt e r c a m p a ig ns on t h e froz e n b a nk s of t h e

D a nub e t h e se v e r i t y of which w a s a t la st fa t a l t o t h e
,

w e a k ne ss of h i s c onsti t u t i on H i s m e m ory w a s r e v e re d .

Y T he i Ma cu ch a g e d hi m wi t h hyp oc i y nd wi t h a w a nt
e ne m e s of r s r r s , a

of t h a t i m plici t y which di t i ngui h d P iu

s nd e v n V e u Hi t A ug 6
s s e s, a e r s. s . . .

34 .Thi u p i cion u nju t a i t w m y v e t o ccou nt fo t h

s s s , s s a s, a se r a r e su
p i o ppl u b t ow e d up on p e on l qu l i fic t ion i n p f nce t o t he
er r a a se es rs a a a s, re e re

soci l ai tu V r E v n M a cu s A nt oni nu h b n c ll d hyp oc i t b t

es. e r s as ee a e a r e u
th e W i ld t c p t ici m ne v i n i nu t d t h a t C n m igh t p o i bly b a
es s e s er s a e e sa r ss e
c ow d o Tully fool Wi t nd v l ou
ar , r a qu lific t i on mo e i ly a a r a re a a s re as
a c s ert a i n d t h n hu ma ni t y o t h e l ov of j
e a t ic r e us e.
2
T ci t u h a ch a a c t e i ed i n f w w o d t h p i ncipl of t h p o t ic o
a s s r r s , a e r s, e r es e r

D oc t o e pi nt i r s sa ct t qui ol
e b ona qu h on t m l t nt u m
ae se u u s e s , s a as es a , a a a

q u a;t p i a
ur
p ot nt i a m nob l i ta t m c t
e
q e x t a ni m m n qu b oni
, i e , as e ra u e r a u , e e s
n qu m a li a dn m
e e nt
s T a ci t Hi t iv 5
u era . . s . . .

B fo he w nt on t h e
a
e re c ond xp di t i on g a i n t t h G e m n h
e se d e e a s e r a s, e re a
l c t u of phil o ophy t o th Rom n p opl du i ng t h d y s H h d
e re s s e a e e, r re e a . e a
a l e dy d on
r a th m i n t he C i t i
e of G
e sa ec nd A i
e Hi t A ugu t i n es re e a s a. s . s .

C io c 3
a ss , . .

h
Di on 1 lxxi p 1190 Hi st A ugust i n Avid C a i o
, . . . . . . . ss .
 O F THE R O M A N E MP I R E . 93

by a g ra t e ful p ost e r i t y ; a nd a b ov e a c e nt u r y a ft e r h is C H A P .

111
d e a th m a ny p e r sons p re se r v e d t h e i m a g e of M a r cu s
,
'

A nt oni nu s a mong t h ose of t h e i r h ou se h old g od s "

.

If a ma n w e r e c a ll e d t o fi x t h e p e ri od i n t h e hi st ory H ppi n a e ss

of t h e w or ld du ri ng which t h e c ondi t i on of t h e hu m a n
,

ra c e w a s m ost h a ppy a nd p r osp e r ou s h e w ould w ith , ,

ou t h e si t a t i on na m e t h a t which e l a p se d fr om t h e d e a t h
,

of D om i t i a n t o t h e a cc e ssi on of C om m odu s T h e v a st .

e x t e nt of t h e R om a n e m pi re w a s g ov e rne d by a b solu t e

p ow e r u nd e r t h e guid a nc e of vi r t u e a nd wi sd om T h e
,
.

a rm i e s w e re re st ra i ne d by t h e fi rm b u t g e nt l e h a nd of

fou r succ e ssiv e e m p e rors wh ose ch a ra c te rs a nd a u

,

t h ori t y c om m a nd e d i nv olu nt a ry r e sp e ct T h e form s of .

t h e ci vil a d m i ni st ra t i on w e re c a r e fully p r e se r v e d by

N e r v a T ra j a n H a d ri a n a nd t h e A nt oni ne s w h o de
, , , ,

ligh t e d i h t h e i m a g e of lib e r t y a nd w e r e pl e a se d wi t h,

“
c onsid e ri ng t h e m se lv e s a s t h e a cc ou nt a bl e m i ni st e r s of
the la ws . Such p ri nc e s d e se rv e d t h e h onou r of re st or
i ng t h e r e public h a d t h e R om a ns of t h e i r d a y s b e e n
,

c a p a bl e of e nj oyi ng a r a ti ona l fr e e d om .

T h e l a b ou rs of t h e se m ona rch s w e re ov e r p a id by t h e I t p c i s re ar

o na t us u re
i mm e nse r e w a r d t h a t i nse p a ra bly w a i t e d on t h e i r su c
c e ss ; by t h e h one st p rid e of vi r t u e a nd by t h e e xq u i ,

si t e d e ligh t O f b e h oldi ng t h e g e ne ra l h a ppi ne ss of

which t h e y w e re t h e a u t h ors A j u st b u t m e l a nch oly.

re fl e c t i on i m b i t t e r e d h ow e v e r t h e nobl e st of hu m a n
, ,

e nj oy m e nt s . Th e y m u st Oft e n h a v e r e c oll e c t e d t h e
i nsta bili t y of a h a ppi ne ss which d e p e nd e d on t h e ch a
ra c t e r of a si ngl e m a n T h e fa t a l m om e nt w a s p e r h a p s
.

a pp r oa chi ng ,
wh e n som e lic e nt i ou s y ou t h or some ,

j e a l ou s t y ra nt w ould a bu se t o t h e d e st ruc t i on t h a t
, , ,

a b solu t e p ow e r which t h e y h a d e x e r t e d for t h e b e ne fi t

of t h e i r p e o pl e T h e id e a l r e st ra i nt s Of t h e se na t e a nd
.

t h e l a w s m ight se r v e t o di spl a y t h e vi r t u e s b u t c ould ,

ne v e r c orr e c t t h e vic e s Of t h e e m p e r or T h e m ili t a r y .

forc e w a s a bli nd a nd i rre si st ibl e i nstr u m e nt of op

p re ssi on ; a nd t h e c or r up t i on of R om a n m a nne rs w ould
C Hi st . A ugu st . in M a rc . A nt oni n c
. . 18 .
 94 THE D E C LIN E A N D F A L L
CHAP lw a y s S upply fl a t t e re r s e a g e r t o a ppl a ud a nd m i ni
. a ,

111
st e rs p re p a r e d t o se r v e t h e fe a r or t h e a v a r ic e t h e lu st
.

, ,

or t h e c ru e l t y of t h e i r m a st e r s , .

M mo y of
e r Th e se gl oom y a pp re h e nsi ons h a d b e e n a l re a dy j u st i
Tib i u
er
fi
s,
e d by t h e e xp e r i e nc e of t h e R om a ns T h e a nna l s of
C li g l i
.

a u

N o nd t h e e m p e rors e xhibi t a strong a nd v a ri ou s pic t u r e of

,

er , a

D om i t i n a
hu m a n na t u re which w e sh ould v a i nly se e k a m ong t h e
.

m ix e d a nd d oub t ful ch a ra c t e r s of m od e rn hi st or y In .

t h e c onduc t of t h ose m ona r ch s w e m a y t ra c e t h e u t

m ost li ne s of vic e a nd vi rt u e ; t h e m ost e x a l t e d p e rfe c

t i on a nd t h e m e a ne st d e g e ne ra cy of ou r ow n sp e ci e s
,
.

T h e g old e n a g e of T r a j a n a nd t h e A nt oni ne s h a d b e e n
p re c e d e d by a n a g e Of i ron It i s a l m ost sup e rflu ou s .

t o e nu m e ra t e t h e u nw or t hy succ e ssor s of A ugu st u s .

Th e i r u np a ra ll e l e d vic e s a nd t h e spl e ndid t h e a t re on ,

which t h e y w e re a c t e d h a v e sa v e d t h e m from oblivi on ,

.

T h e d a r k u nre l e nt i ng Tib e r iu s t h e fu r i ou s C a ligul a , ,

t h e fe e bl e C l a udiu s t h e p r ofl i g a t e a nd c r u e l N e r o t h e
, ,

d
b e a stly Vi t e lli u s a nd t h e t i m id i nhu m a n D om i t i a n
, ,

a re c ond e m ne d t o e v e rl a st i ng i nfa m y Du ri ng fou r .

sc or e y e a r s
(e xc e p t i ng o nly t h e sh or t a nd d oub t ful r e
‘
,

spi t e of V e sp a si a n s r e i n fi R om e g r oa ne d b e ne a t h a n
’

g )
u nr e m i t t i ng t y ra nny which e x t e rm i na t e d t h e a nci e nt ,

fa m ili e s of t h e r e public a nd w a s fa t a l t o a l m ost e v e ry ,

virtu e a nd e v e r y t a l e nt, t h a t a r ose i n t h a t u nh a ppy ,

p e r i od .

P cul i
e U nd e r t h e r e ig n of t h e se m onst e rs t h e sl a v e ry of
ar ,

mi y of t h e R om a ns w a s a cc om p a ni e d wi t h t w o p e culi a r ci r
se r

t h R om n
e a s

u nd t h i cu m st a nce s t h e one occ a si one d by t h e i r form e r lib e rt y

er e r , ,
ty nt
ra s.
t h e ot h e r by t h e i r e x t e nsiv e conqu e st s which r e nd e r e d ,

t h e i r c ondi t i on m or e c om pl e t e ly w r e t ch e d t h a n t h a t of

t h e vic t i m s of t y r a nny i n a ny ot h e r a e or c ou nt ry
g .

‘V i t lliu c on u m d
1 e s i n m e re e a t n , a t e a st six m
s e i g
ons of ou r m one , l illi y
b u v h
i n a o t se e n m ont s I t i s not e a s t o e re ss h i s
. es t y n t , or xp vic wi h dig i y
v d c cy T ci u f ly c ll
e en e en a t s a ir a s h i m a h o ; bu t i t i s b st t t n to a ub i u i g
g y s
.

c w d v y
oa rse or i g
a er V i lliu
fi ne m a e At te s u m b ra c
. u l i s h ort oru m a ,
bdi
quibu cibu
t u s u t i g nu ou a ni ma l i a
, s si m su gge ra s a e nt t orp e nt q u e , rint e j c p
A qu
,

ri t a , i nst a nt i a ,
fu u p i bl vi
t ra ar , o i one di mi se ra t t e i ll u m ne m ore A ri .

ci T c Hi
no de si de m e t m a rce nt e m e t c a it st i i i
, 36 i i 95 ; S ue t on i n
. . . . . . .

c
Vi t e l l . D C iu lxv p
13 . i on a ss s 1 1062, . . . .

e
x cu i
The e e t on of He lvi di u s Pri scus a nd of t he rt o s E on ne , di s
, vi u u p i
g c d
ra e t he re i n of
g V p i es a s a n .
 O F TH E R OMAN E M P IR E . 95

F rom t h e se c a u se s w e re d e r iv e d 1 T h e e xqui si t e se n C H A P , .
.

111
si b i li t y of t h e su ffe r e r s ; a nd 2 T h e i m p ossibili t y of e s
'
.
,

c a pi ng from t h e h a nd of t h e Opp r e ssor .

I Wh e n P e r si a w a s g ov e r ne d by t h e d e sc e nd a nt s I n n i
. se s

of S e fi a r a c e of p r i nc e s wh ose w a nt on c r u e l t y oft e n
,

st a i ne d t h e i r div a n t h e i r t a bl e a nd t h e i r b e d wi t h t h e
, , ,

bl ood of t h e i r fa v ou ri t e s t h e r e i s a sa yi ng r e c or d e d of ,

a y ou ng nobl e m a n t h a t h e ne v e r d e p a r t e d fr om t h e
,

sul t a n s p re se nc e wi t h ou t sa t i sfyi ng hi m se lf wh e t h e r
’

h i s h e a d w a s st ill on h i s sh oul d e r s T h e e xp e ri e nc e .

of e v e r y da y m igh t a l m ost j u st ify t h e sc e p t ici sm of

Ru st a n f Y e t t h e fa t a l sw or d su sp e nd e d a b ov e h i m
.

by a si ngl e t h r e a d se e m s not t o h a v e di st u rb e d t h e
,

sl u m b e r s or i nt e r r up t e d t h e t ra nquilli t y
, of t h e Pe r ,
’
si a n . T h e m ona r ch s fr ow n h e w e ll k ne w c ould l e v e l , ,

h i m wi t h t h e du st ; bu t t h e st roke of ligh t ni ng or a p o
pl e xy m igh t be e qu a lly fa t a l ; a nd i t w a s t h e p a rt of a
wi se m a n t o for g e t t h e i ne vi t a bl e c a l a m i t i e s of hu m a n
,

life i n t h e e nj oy m e nt of t h e fl e e t i ng h ou r H e w a s dig .

ni fi e d wi t h t h e a pp e ll a t i on of t h e ki ng s sl a v e ; h a d
’

p e rh a p s b e e n pu r ch a se d fr om ob scu r e p a r e nt s i n a
, ,

c ount ry which h e h a d ne v e r k now n ; a nd w a s t ra i ne d

up fr om h i s i nfa ncy i n t h e se v e r e di scipli ne of t h e se ra
g l i o g .H i s na m e h i s w e a l t h h i s h onou r s w e r e t h e gift
, , ,

of a m a st e r w h o m igh t wi t h ou t i nj u st ic e r e su m e wh a t
, , ,

h e h a d b e st ow e d R u st a n s k nowl e dg e if h e p osse sse d

’
.
,

c uld ly se r v e t o c onfi rm h i s h a bi t s by
an
y , o on p j
re u

dic e s H i s l a ngu a g e a fford e d not w or d s for a ny form

.

of g ov e rnm e nt e xc e p t a b solu t e m ona r chy

, T he hi s .

t ory of t h e e a st i n for m e d h i m t h a t such h a d e v e r b e e n ,

t h e c ondi t i on of m a nki nd h
T h e k ora n a nd t h e i nt e r .
,

r e t e r s Of t h a t divi ne b ook i nculc a t e d t o h i m t h a t t h e

p , ,

sul t a n w a s t h e d e sc e nd a nt of t h e p r oph e t a nd t h e vic e ,

g e re nt of h e a v e n ; t h a t p a t i e nc e w a s t h e fi rst vi r t u e of
V oy g d C h d i n n P
a e vol iii p 2 93
e ar e e rse , . . . .

S Th p c t ic e of i i ng l v t o t h g t offic O f t t i t i ll m o
e ra ra s s a es e re a es s a e, s s re

c om mon m ong t h Tu k t h n m ong t h P i n Th m i bl c ou n

a e r s a a e e rs a s. e se ra e
t i
r es of G o gi nd C i c
e i upply ul t o t h g t t p t of t h
r a a r a ss a s t r e rs e re a e s ar e ea s .

h
C h di n aiy t h t E u op n t v ll h v d i ff u d m ong t h P
sa s, a r ea ra e e rs a e se a e er

i n om id of t h f d om nd m ild n of o gov e nm nt Th ey
s a s s e ea s e re e a ess ur r e s.

h a v done t h em a v e y ill offic

e r e.
 96 THE D E C LIN E A N D F A L L
CHAP . a m u ssul m a n, a nd u nli m i t e d o e b di e nc e th e g re a t du t y
III .

of a s ubj e c t .

Knowl e d g e T h e m i nd s of t h e R om a ns w e re v e ry diffe r e nt ly p re
f
a nd re e s i
p p a r e d for sl a v e ry O pp re sse d b e ne a t h t h e w eigh t of
ri t of t h e
.

R om a n s. t h e i r ow n c orr up t i on a nd of m ili t a r y vi ol e nc e t h e y for ,

a l ong whil e p re se r v e d t h e se nt i m e nt s or a t l e a st t h e ,

id e a s of t h e i r fre e b or n a nc e st or s T h e e duc a t i on of
,
.

H e lvidi u s a nd T h r a se a of T a ci t u s a nd P li ny w a s t h e , ,

sa m e a s t h a t of C a t o a nd C ic e r o F r om G re ci a n phi .

lO S O p h y t h e y h a d i m bib e d t h e j u st e st a nd m ost lib e ra l

,

not i ons of t h e dig ni t y of hu m a n na t u re a nd t h e origi n ,

of civil soci e t y T h e hi st ory of t h e i r ow n c ou nt ry h a d

.

t a ugh t t h e m t o r e v e r e a fr e e a vi rt u ou s a nd a vi ctori , ,

ou s c om m onw e a l t h ; t o a bh or t h e succ e ssful c ri m e s of

C ae sa r a nd A ug u st u s ; a nd i nw a r dly t o d e spi se t h ose

t y r a nt s wh om t h e y a d or e d wi t h th e m ost a bj e ct fl a t

t e ry . A s m a gi st ra t e s a nd se na t ors t h e y w e re a d mi t te d ,

i nt o t h e g r e a t c ou ncil which h a d onc e dic t a t e d l a w s t o

t h e e a r t h wh ose na m e st ill g a v e a sa nc t i on t o t h e a c t s

“
,

of t h e m ona r ch a nd wh ose a u t h ori t y w a s so Oft e n p ros

,

t i t u t e d t o t h e vil e st pu r p ose s of ty r a nny Tib e r iu s a nd .

,

t h ose e m p e r ors w h o a d op t e d h i s m a xi m s a t t e m p t e d t o ,

di sgui se t h e i r m u rd e rs by t h e for m a li t i e s of j u st ic e ; a nd
p e rh a p s e nj oy e d a se c r e t pl e a su re i n re nd e r i ng t h e se n
a t e t h e i r a cc om plic e a s w e ll a s t h e i r vic t i m By t hi s
, .

a sse m bly t h e l a st of t h e R om a ns w e re c ond e m ne d for

,

i m a gi na ry c ri m e s a nd r e a l vi r t u e s Th e i r infa m ou s a c .

cu se rs a ssu m e d t h e l a ngu a g e of i nd e p e nd e nt p a t r i ot s ,

w h o a rr a ig ne d a d a ng e r ou s ci t iz e n b e fore t h e t ribu na l

Of h i s c ou nt ry ; a nd t h e public se rvic e w a s r e w a rd e d
i
by r ich e s a nd h onou rs T h e se r vil e j udg e s p rofe sse d .

t o a sse r t t h e m a j e st y of t h e c om m onw e a l t h vi ol a t e d i n ,

t h e p e r son of i t s fi rst m a gi st r a t e wh ose cl e m e ncy t h e y ,

Th y ll ge d t h x m pl of Scipi o nd C to T ci t A nn l iii 66
e a e e e a e a a . a . a . . .

M c llu Ep i nd C i pu Vi bi h d cqui d tw o m illion nd h lf

ar e s r us a r s s us a a re s a a a
u nd N o Th i w l t h which gg v t d t h i c im p ot c t d t h m
er er . e r ea , a ra a e e r r e s, r e e e
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er es a s a . ee a . s . i . a . e ra r. . . r

on e a ccu t i on R gulu t h j u t O bj c t of P li ny t i
sa , e s, c iv d f om t h
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s sa re , re e e r e
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 O F THE R OMA N E MP IR E . 97

ppl a ud e d wh e n t h e y t re m bl e d t h e m ost a t h i s i n C H A P
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,
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st ra i nt fr om t h e e x a m pl e of h i s e qu a l s t h e d r e a d of ,

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e m pi re fe ll i nt o t h e h a nd s of a si ngl e p e r son t h e w orld ,

b e c a m e a sa fe a nd d re a r y p r i son for h i s e ne m i e s T h e .

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t o d r a g h i s gild e d ch a i n i n R om e a nd t h e se na t e or t o ,

w e a r ou t a life of e xil e on t h e b a rre n r ock of S e r iphu s ,

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, B e y ond t h e .

front i e rs h i s a nxi ou s vi e w c ould di sc ov e r not hi ng

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ae , e re se a e a rs re e se . ee a .

A nn l vi 2 5 S ton i n Tib i o c 53
a . . . ue . er , . .

m S iphu m ll ocky i l nd i n t h [Eg n th i nh bi t nt

er s w as a s a r s a e ea se a , e a a s

of which w d pi d fo t h i ig no nc
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es se Th pl c r of e r e a s u e a e
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ra .

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’
s e e s e , is s u a a e a s.

s h ould m t h t h only c iv d n o d t o l v R om i n o m ny d y
se e , a e re e e a r er ea e e s a a s,

a nd t o t n p o t hi m
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VOL I . . H
98

fugi t iv e “
“
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.
THE D E C LIN E A N D F A LL
c e pt th e oc e a n i nh ospi t a bl e d e se r t s h ost il e t rib e s of
,

b a rb a ri a ns of fi e rc e m a nne rs a nd u nk now n l a ngu a g e

’
,

or d e p e nd e nt ki ng s w h o w ould gl a dly pu r ch a se t h e

withi n t h e p ow e r of t h e c onqu e ror

U nder

e
s
,

e m p e r or s p r ot e c t i on by t h e sa c rific e of a n ob noxi ou s
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W h e re v e r y ou a re sa id C ic e ro t o t h e
e xil e d M a r c e llu s r e m e m b e r th a t
, y ou a re e
,

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Tib e iu a Rom a n k nigh t a t t m p t e d t o fly t o t he P t hi n

i n t h e x a m pl e,
r s,

s
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e

He w a s top t i n t h t igh t of Sic i ly ; b t o li t t l e d ng e did t h e

e s re s s a pp
r

t h a t t h e m o t j e a l ou of t y nt di d i n d t o pu ni h i t
s ra s s a e
ar

re a

s
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ea r
,

s.

Ta ci t A nna l vi 14
. . . . C i c e o d F a m ili a e s iv 7
r a r , . .
 “
C H AP T E R I V .

THE C R U E L T Y F O LL I E S A N D MU RDE R O F C O MM O D U S
, , .

E L E C T I O N O F P E RT I N A X— H I S A TTE M P T S T O R E F O R M
THE S T A TE H I S A SS A SSI N A T I O N B Y THE P RET O R I A N
—

G U A RD S .

THE M a r cu s which t h e rigid d i scipli ne I ndulg e nc

m ild ne ss of , e

f Ma m O
of t h e st oic s w a s u na bl e t o e ra dic a t e form e d a t t h e
5'
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sa me t i m e t h e m ost a m i a bl e a nd t h e only d e fe c t iv e
, ,

p a rt of h i s ch a ra c t e r H i s e xc e ll e nt u nd e r st a ndi ng
.

w a s oft e n d e c e iv e d by t h e u nsu sp e c t i ng g ood ne ss of

h i s h e a rt A r t ful m e n w h o st u dy t h e p a ssi ons Of

.
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p ri nc e s a nd c onc e a l t h e i r ow n a pp r oa ch e d h i s p e r son
, ,

i n t h e di sgui se of p h i IO SO p h i c sa nc t i t y a nd a cqui r e d ,

r ich e s a nd h onou r s by a ffe c t i ng t o de spi se th e m His a

.

e xc e ssiv e i ndulg e nc e t o h i s b rot h e r hi s wife a nd h i s , ,

son ,e xc e e d e d t h e b ou nd s of p r iv a t e vi r t u e a nd b e ,

c a m e a public i nj u ry by t h e e x a m pl e a nd c onse qu e nc e s ,

of t h e i r vic e s .

F a u st i na t h e d a ught e r of Pi ns a nd t h e wife Of Ma r t o hi wi f
, s e
Fa m i na i
cu s h a s b e e n a s m uch c e l e b ra t e d for h e r g a ll a nt ri e s a s
,

for h e r b e a u t y T h e g r a v e si m plici t y of t h e p h il oso

.

ph e r w a s ill c a lcul a t e d t o e ng a g e h e r w a nt on l e vi t y or ,

t o fix t h a t u nb ou nd e d p a ssi on for v a r i e ty which oft e n ,

di sc ov e re d p e rsona l m e r i t i n t h e m e a ne st of m a nki nd b .

T h e C upid of t h e a nci e nt s w a s i n g e ne r a l a v e r y se n , ,

su a l d e i t y ; a nd t h e a m ou rs of a n e m p re ss a s t h e y e x a c t ,

on h e r sid e t h e pl a i ne st a dv a nc e s a re se ld om su sc e ti
p ,

ble of m uch se nti m e nt a l d e lic a cy M a r cu s w a s t h e .

only m a n i n t h e e m pi r e w h o se e m e d ig nora nt or i nse n

sibl e of t h e i rr e gul a r i t i e s of F a u st i na ; which a cc ordi ng ,

a
See t h e om a c pl i nt of A vidi n C a iu s Hi t A gu t p 45 Th
s s ss , s . u s . . . e se a re ,

u
i t i s t r e t he om , c pl a i nts of fa c t i on ; b t e v e n f c t i on e x gg t u a a e ra e s, ra t h er
t h n i nv e nt
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F a usti na m i c on t a t pud Ca y t a m condi t i on ibi t na t i ca t

sa t s s a e , es s e u s e

gl di a to i a e l gi se
a r H i t A ugu t p 30 L a mp idi xpl i n t h o t
s e s . s . s . . . r us e a s e s r
of m i t which F u t i n ch o e
er nd t h cond t i on which h e x c t e d
a s a sHi t a e i s s e a s

A u gu t p 10 2
. .
,

s . . .
100 T HE D E C LIN E A N D FA L L
t o th e p rej udic e s Of e v e ry a g e re fl e c te d sOme di sgra c e ,

on t h e i nj u r e d hu sb a nd H e p rom ot e d se v e r a l of h e r .

c
l ov e rs t o p ost s of h onou r a nd p rofi t ; a nd du ri ng a
c onne c t i on of t hi rty y e a rs i nv a r i a bly g a v e h e r p r oofs of ,

t h e m ost t e nd e r c onfid e nc e a nd of a re sp e c t which ,

e nd e d not wi t h h e r life In h i s m e di t a t i ons h e th a nk s .

,

t h e g od s w h o h a d b e st ow e d on h i m a wi fe so fa i t hful
, ,

so g e nt l e a nd of such a w ond e r ful si m plici t y of m a n

,

ne rs
d T h e Ob se qui ou s se na t e a t h i s e a r ne st r e qu e st
.
, ,

d e cl a r e d h e r a g odd e ss S h e w a s r e p re se nt e d i n h e i .
'

t e m pl e s wi t h t h e a t t r ibu t e s of J u no V e nu s a nd C e re s ; , ,

a nd i t w a s d e c r e e d t h a t on t h e da o f t h i r nup t i a l s
y e
, , ,

t h e y ou t h of e i th e r se x sh ould p a y t h e i r v ow s b e for e

t h e a l t a r of t h e i r ch a st e p a t r one ss
e
.

T h e m onst r ou s vic e s of t h e son h a v e c a st a sh a d e on

t h e pu r i t y of t h e fa t h e r s vi r t u e s It h a s b e e n obj e c t e d
’
.

t o M a r cu s t h a t h e sa c rific e d t h e h a ppi ne ss of m i l
,

li ons t o a fond p a r ti a li ty for a w or t hl e ss b oy ; a nd t h a t

h e ch ose a succ e ssor i n h i s ow n fa m ily ra t h e r t h a n i n ,

t h e re public N ot hi ng h ow e v e r w a s ne gl e c t e d by t h e
.
, ,

a nxi ou s fa t h e r a nd by t h e m e n of vi r tu e a nd l e a r ni ng
,

wh om h e summ one d t o h i s a ssi st a nc e t o e xp a nd t h e ,

na r r ow m i nd of y ou ng C om m odu s t o c or re ct h i s g r ow ,

i ng vic e s a nd t o r e nd e r h i m w ort hy of t h e t h rone for

,

which h e w a s d e sig ne d But t h e p ow e r of i nst r uc t i on .

i s se ld om of m uch e ffi c a cy e xc e p t i n t h ose h a ppy di s ,

p osi t i ons wh e re i t i s a l m ost sup e r flu ou s T h e di st a ste .

ful l e sson of a gr a v e phil osoph e r w a s i n a m om e nt , ,

obli t e r a t e d by t h e whi sp e r of a p rofl ig a t e fa v ou r i t e

;
a nd M a r cu s hi m se lf bl a st e d t h e fr ui t s of t hi s l a b ou re d

e duc a t i on by a d m i t t i ng h i s son a t t h e a e of fou r t e e n

, g ,

or fift e e n t o a full p a r t icip a t i on of t h e i m p e ri a l p ow e r

, .

H e liv e d b u t fou r y e a r s a ft e r w a r d s ; but h e liv e d l ong

0
Hi t A ugu t p 34
s . s . . .

d M di t t l i
e Th w o ld h
a . . l gh d t t h c dul i ty of M cu ; b t
. e r as au e a e re ar s u
m d m D ci
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e r a ss re s u s,c di t l dy ) t h t t h hu b nd
a w e a re a a , a e s a
W i ll lw y b d c iv d if t h wif c ond c nd t o di mbl e
a a s e e e e , e e es e s sse .

Di on C iu l lxxi p 1195 Hi t A pg t p 33 C omm nt i d

a ss s, . . . . s . us . . . e a re e
Sp nh im
a e l C sur d J ul i n p
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of soci e t y a re p r oduc e d by t h e r e st ra i nt s which t h e

,
,

ne c e ssa r y but u ne qu a l l a w s of p r op e r t y h a v e i m p ose d m od

on t h e a pp e t i t e s of m a nki nd by c onfi ni ng t o a fe w t h e

p osse ssi on Of t h ose obj e c t s t h a t a re c ov e t e d by m a ny

O f a ll ou r p a ssi ons a nd a pp e t i t e s th e l ov e of p ow e r i s
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.
,

cie ty l ose t h e i r for c e a nd th e i r pl a c e i s se ld om suppli e d ,

by t h ose of hu ma ni t y T h e a r d ou r of c ont ent i on t h e .

,

p rid e of vic t ory t h e d e sp a i r of succ e ss t h e m e m ory of

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p a st i nj u r i e s a nd t h e fe a r of fu t u re d a ng e r s a ll con
, ,

t r ibu t e t o i nfl a m e t h e m i nd a nd t o sil e nc e t h e v oic e of ,

pi t y F r om such m ot iv e s a l m ost e v e ry p a g e of hi st ory

.

h a s b e e n st a i ne d wi t h civil bl ood ; b u t t h e se m ot iv e s
will not a cc ou nt for t h e u np r ov ok e d c ru e l t i e s of C om
m odu s w h o h a d n ot hi ng t o wi sh a nd e v e r y thi ng t o
, ,

e nj oy T h e b e l ov e d son of M a r cu s succ e e d e d t o h i s A D 180

. . . .

i fa t h e r a m id st t h e a ccl a m a t i ons of t h e se na t e a nd a r
,

f
m i e s ; a nd wh e n h e a sc e nd e d t h e th r one t h e h a ppy ,

y ou t h sa w r ou nd h i m ne i t h e r c om p e t i t or t o re m ov e ,

nor e ne m i e s t o pu ni sh In t hi s c a l m e l e v a t e d st a ti on .
,

i t w a s su re ly na t u ra l t h a t h e sh ould p re fe r t h e l ov e of ,

m a nki nd t o th e i r d e t e st a t i on t h e m ild gl ori e s of h i s ,

fi ve p r e d e c e ssors t o t h e ig nom i ni ou s fa t e of N e ro a nd
,

D om i t i a n .

Y e t C omm odu s w a s not a s h e h a s be e n r e p re se nt e d C h a ra c t e , ,

r

a tig e r b or n wi t h a n i nsa t i a t e t hi rst of hu m a n bl ood $3

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.
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t h a n a wick e d di sp osi t i on H i s si m plici t y a nd t i m idi t y .

C ommodu w t he fi t p o p hy og ni t (b o n i nc h i f t h
s as cc rs r r e u s, r s e s a
’
er s a es
si on t o t h t h on ) By n w t i n of fl t t y t h E gyp t i n m d l d t
e r e. a e s ra a er , e a e a s a e

by t h y e of h i lif ; if t h y w
e a rs y nony m ou t o t h o of hi ig n
s e as e e re s s se s re .

T ll mon H i t d E m p
i e t, u t om ii p 752
s . es e re rs, . . . .

g Hi t A ugu t p 46
s . s . . .
 102 THE D E C LIN E A N D F A L L
re n d e re d h i m th e sl a v e of hi s a t t e nd a nt s w h o g ra ,

du a lly c orrup t e d h i s m i nd H i s c r u e l t y which a t fi r st .

,

ob e y e d t h e dic t a t e s of ot h e r s d e g e ne r a t e d i nt o h a bi t , ,

a nd a t l e ng t h b e c a m e t h e ru li ng p a ssi on of hi s soul
h
.

U p on t h e d e a t h of h i s fa t h e r C omm odu s fou nd h i m ,

se lf e m b a rra sse d wi t h t h e c omm a nd of a g r e a t a rm y ,

‘
a nd t h e c onduc t of a di fficul t w a r a g a i nst t h e Q u a di

a nd M a r c oma nni T h e se r vil e a nd p rofl i g a t e y ou th s

.

wh om M a rcu s h a d b a ni sh e d soon r e g a i ne d t h e i r st a ,

t i on a nd i nflu e nc e a b ou t t h e ne w e m p e r or Th e y e x .

r a t e d t h e h a r d ship s a nd d a ng e rs of a c a m p a ig n i n
a
gg e

t h e wild c ou nt ri e s b e y ond t h e D a nub e ; a nd t h e y a s

su re d t h e i nd ol e nt p r i nc e t h a t t h e t e r r or of h i s na m e ,

a nd t h e a r m s of h i s li e ut e na nt s w ould b e su ffi ci e nt t o

c om pl e t e t h e c onqu e st of th e di sm a y e d b a rb a r i a ns or ,

t o i m p ose such c ondi t i ons a s w e r e m ore a dv a nt a g e ou s

t h a n a ny c onqu e st By a d e x t e r ou s a pplic a t i on t o h i s
.

se nsu a l a pp e t i t e s t h e y c om p a re d t h e t ra nquilli t y t h e
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, ,

t u m ul t of a P a nnoni a n c a m p which a ffor d e d ne i t h e r ,

l e i su re nor m a t e r ia l s for luxu ry k C om m odu s li st e ne d .

t o t h e pl e a si ng a dvic e ; b u t whil st h e h e si t a t e d b e
t w e e n h i s ow n i ncli na t i on a nd t h e a w e which h e st ill

r e t a i ne d for h i s fa t h e r s c ou nse ll or s t h e su m m e r i nse n

’

si b l e l a p se d a nd h i s t riu m ph a l e nt r y i nt o t h e c a pi t a l
y
‘
,

w a s d e fe rre d t ill t h e a u t u m n H i s g ra c e fu l p e rson .

,

p opul a r a dd re ss a nd i m a gi ne d vi r tu e s a t t ra c t e d t h e
, ,

public fa v ou r ; t h e h onou ra bl e p e a c e which h e h a d

r e c e nt ly g ra nt e d t o t h e b a r b a r i a ns di ffu se d a n u niv e r ,

m
sa l h

“
i s i m p a t i e n c e t o r e vi sit R om e w a s fondly
j y
o ;
a sc r ib e d t o t h e l ov e of h i s c ou nt ry ; a nd h i s di ssolu t e

c ou r se of a m u se m e nt s w a s fa i nt ly conde m ne di n a p ri nc e g

of ni ne t e e n y e a r s of a g e .

h Di on C a s iu s s, 1 l xxu
. . p . 12 03 .

A ccordi ng t o T e t ulli n ( A p ol og c
'

r he di e d t Si mi u n
a , B t . . a r i . u
the S i t u t i on O f V i nd ob ona o V i nna wh e e b ot h t h V ic t o pl a c e h i s
a , r e , r e rs

d t h i b t t e d a p te d t o t he O p e a t i ons of t h w a g a i n t t he M a c o
ea , s e r a r e r a s r
m nni a nd Q u di
‘H odi n l i p 12
a a .

1 Ibid p
1 er a , . . . . 16 . . .

I T hi u niv l j oy i w ll d e c ibe d ( f om t he m e d a l s a s w e ll a s his

s ersa s e s r r

to i n ) by M
r a s Wot ton Hi t O f Rom p 192 193
r. , s . e, .
, .
 O F THE R OMA N E MP IRE 103

“
.

Du ri ng th re e fi rst y e a rs of h i s re ig n t h e form s C H A P
th e , , .

IV
a nd e ve n t h e spi r it of t h e ol d a d m i ni st ra ti on w ere m a i n
'

t a i ne d by th ose fa i t hful c ou nse ll or s t o w h om M a r cu s ,

h a d r e c omm e nd e d h i s son a nd for wh ose wi sd om ,

a nd i nt e g r ity C om m odu s st ill e nt e rt a i ne d a r e luc t a nt

e st e e m T h e y ou ng p ri nc e a nd h i s p rofl i g a t e fa v ou r
.

it e s re v e ll e d i n a ll t h e lic e nc e of sov e re ig n p ow e r ; but

h i s h a nd s w e re y e t u nst a i ne d wi t h bl ood ; a nd h e h a d
e v e n di spl a y e d a g e ne r osi t y of se nt i m e nt w h ich m igh t ,

p e rh a p s h a v e r ip e ne d i nt o solid vi r t u e A fa t a l i n .

e i de nt d e cid e d h i s fluctu a ti ng ch a ra ct e r .

O ne e v e ni ng a s t h e e m p e ror w a s r e tu rni ng t o t h e Is w ou nd d e

b n ’ a a ssa s
p a l a c e t h rough a d a rk a nd na rrow p or t ic o i n t h e a m ) SID.

p h i t h e a t re a n a ssa ssi n w h o w a i t e d h i s p a ssa g e r u

, sh e d A D 183
,

up on h i m wi t h a d ra w n sw ord l oudly e xcl a i m i ng T h e , ,

”
se na t e se nd s
y o u thi s T h e m e na c e p re v e nt e d t h e
.

d e e d ; t h e a ssa ssi n w a s se iz e d by t h e gu a rd s a nd i m ,

m e di a t e ly r e v e a l e d t h e a u t h ors of t h e c onspi ra cy It .

h a d b e e n form e d not i n t h e st a t e but wi t hi n t h e w a ll s

, ,

of t h e p a l a c e Lucill a t he e m p e r or s si st e r a nd wid ow
.
,
’

of Luciu s V e r u s i m p a ti e nt of t h e se c ond r a nk a nd
, ,

j e a l ou s of t h e re ig ning e m p re ss h a d a rm e d t h e m u r ,

d e re r a g a i nst h e r b rot h e r s life S h e h a d not v e nt ure d ’

.

t o c om mu nic a t e t h e bl a c k d e sign t o h e r se c ond h u s

b a nd C l a udiu s Pomp e i a nu s a se na t or of di st i ngui sh e d ,

m e ri t a nd u nsh a k e n l oy a l t y ; b u t a m ong t h e c r owd of

h e r l ov e rs (for sh e i m i ta t e d th e m a nne r s of F a u st i na )
, ,

sh e fou nd m e n of d e sp e ra t e fort u ne s a nd wild a mbi t i on ,

w h o w e r e p r e p a r e d t o se r v e h e r m or e vi ol e nt a s w e l l ,

a s h e r t e nd e r p a ssi ons T h e c onspi ra t or s e xp e r i e nc e d

.

t h e r i g ou r of j u st ic e ; a nd t h e a b a nd one d p ri nc e ss w a s
pu ni sh e d fi rst with e xil e a nd a ft e r w a rd s wi t h d e a t h P , .

B u t t h e w or d s of t h e a ssa ssi n su nk d e e p i nt o t h e H t d nd a re a
f
m i nd of C om m odu s a nd l e ft a n i nd e l i bl e i m p re ssi on E fffgofl
f
, l u,

M a niliu s c onfid ent i a l e c e ta y of A vidi n C iu w di c ov e e d

, t he s r r s a ss s, as s r

a ft h h d l i n c onc e l e d e v l y e a
er e a a Th e m p o nobly
a s li v d t he
e ra rs. e er r re e e

public nxi e ty by fu i ng t o e h i m a ndbu ni ng hi p p wi th ou t O p e n

a re s s e , r s a e rs
i ng t h m
e Di on C a s iu l lxxii p 12 09
. s s, . . . .

0
S M ff i d gli A mp h i t h a t i p 12 6
ee a e e e r
P Dion 1 1xxi i p 12 05 H od i a n l p
.
,

, . . . . fi t A ugu t p 46
er , . i . . rs . s . . .
 104 THE D E C LIN E A N D F A L L
C HAP . of fe a r a nd h a t re d a g a i nst t h e wh ol e b ody of t h e se n
IV ’

a te . Th ose wh om h e h a d d re a d e d a s i m p ort u na t e
to w d
ar s t he m i ni st e rs h e now su sp e c t e d a s se c re t e ne m i e s
, T he .

b e na te
d e l a t or s a r a c e of m e n di sc ou ra g e d a nd a l m ost e x
'

, ,

t i ng u i sh e d u nd e r t h e for m e r r e ig ns a g a i n b e c a m e for
, ,

m i da ble a s soon a s t h e y di sc ov e r e d t h a t t h e e m p e ror

,

w a s d e si r ou s of fi ndi ng di sa ffe c t i on a nd t re a son i n t h e

se na t e . Th a t a sse m bly wh om Ma r cu s h a d e v e r con

,

si de r e d a s t h e g re a t c ou ncil of t h e na t i on w a s com ,

p ose d of t h e m ost di st i ngui sh e d of t h e R om a ns ; a nd

di st i nc t i on of e v e ry ki nd soon b e c a m e c ri m i na l T h e .

p osse ssi on of w e a l t h st i m ul a t e d t h e dilig e nc e of t h e

i nformer s ; r igid vi rtu e i m pli e d a t a ci t c e nsu re of t h e
i rr e gul a r i t i e s of C omm odu s ; i m p or t a nt se r vic e s i m
pli e d a d a ng e rou s sup e ri ori t y of m e r i t ; a nd t h e fri e nd
ship of t h e fa t h e r a lw a y s e nsu re d t h e a v e r si on of t h e

son . S u spici on w a s e quiv a l e nt t o p r oof ; tr i a l t o con

de m na t i on T h e e x e cu t i on of a c onsid e ra bl e se na t or
.

w a s a t t e nd e d wi t h t h e de a t h of a ll w h o m igh t l a m e nt

or r e v e ng e h i s fa t e ; a nd wh e n C omm odu s h a d onc e

t a st e d hu m a n bl ood h e b e c a m e i nc a p a bl e of pi t y or
,

r e m orse .

T he Q ui nt i O f t h e se i nnoc e nt vic t i m s of ty ra nny none di e d m ore ,

:
tm
Ltj j l a m e nt e d t h a n t h e t w o b rot h e rs O f t h e Q ui nt ili a n fa
i

m ily M a xi m u s a nd C ondi a nu s ; wh ose fra t e r na l l ov e

,

h a s sa v e d t h e i r na m e s fr om oblivi on a nd e nd e a re d ,

t h e i r m e m ory t o p ost e r i t y Th e i r studi e s a nd t h e i r

.

occu p a t i ons t h e i r pu rsui t s a nd t h e i r pl e a su re s w e re

, ,

st ill t h e sa m e In t h e e nj oy m e nt of a g r e a t e st a t e
.

t h e y ne v e r a d m i t t e d t h e id e a of a se p a r a t e i nt e re st ;

som e fr a g m e nt s a r e now e x t a nt of a t r e a t i se which

t h e y c om p ose d i n c om m on ; a nd i n e v e r y a c t i on of li fe

i t w a s ob se r v e d t h a t t h e i r t w o b odi e s w e re a ni m a t e d
,

by one soul T h e A nt oni ne s w h o v a lu e d t h e i r vi r

.
,

t u e s a nd d e ligh t e d i n t h e i r u ni on ra i se d t h e m i n
, , ,

t h e sa m e y e a r t o t h e c onsul ship ; a nd M a r cu s a ft e r
,

w a r d s i nt ru st e d t o t h e i r j oi nt c a r e t h e civil a dm i ni
,

st ra t i on of G r e e c e a nd a g re a t m ili t a ry c omm a nd
, in ,

which t h e y ob t a ine d a S ig na l vic t ory ov e r t h e G e r

 O F THE R O M A N E MP IRE .
.

105

m a ns . T he ki nd c r u e l t y of C om m odu s u nit e d t h e m C H A P
IV
i n de a t h
°

q.

T h e t y r a nt
’
s h a vi ng sh e d th e nobl e st Th m i ni
ra ge , a ft e r e

i Pe e n
bl ood of t h e se na t e a t l e ng t h r e c oil e d on t h e p ri ncip a l i i:
r
,

i nst r u m e nt of h i s c r u e l t y Whil st C om m odu s w a s i m .

m e r se d i n bl ood a nd luxu r y h e d e v olv e d t h e d e t a il ,

i

of t h e public bu si ne ss on P e r e nni s ; a se r vil e a nd a m

bi t i ons m i ni st e r w h o h a d ob t a i ne d h i s p ost by t h e
,

m u rd e r of h i s p re d e c e ssor b u t w h o p osse sse d a cOn ,

si de r a ble sh a r e of vig ou r a nd a bili t y By a c t s of e x .

t or t i on a nd t h e for fe i t e d e st a t e s of t h e nobl e s sa c r ific e d

,
/
t o h i s a v a r ic e h e h a d a cc u m ul a t e d a n i m m e nse t r e a
,

su r e . T h e p r e t or i a n gu a r d s w e re u nd e r h i s i mm e
di a t e c om m a nd ; a nd h i s son w h o a l re a dy di sc ov e re d ,

a m ili t a ry g e niu s w a s a t t h e h e a d of t h e Illy r i a n l e

,

gi ons P e re nni s a spi re d t o t h e e m pi r e ; or wh a t i n

.
,

t h e e y e s of C om m odu s a m ou nt e d t o t h e sa m e c ri m e , ,

h e w a s c a p a bl e of a spi r i ng t o i t h a d h e not b e e n p r e ,

v e nt ed su rp ri se d a nd p u t t o d e a t h
, ,
T h e fa ll of a A D 186 . . . .

m i ni st e r i s a v e ry t rifli ng i ncid e nt i n t h e g e ne r a l hi st ory

of t h e e m pi re ; but i t w a s h a st e ne d by a n e xt ra or di

na r y ci rc u m st a nc e which p r ov e d h ow m uch t h e ne r v e s
,

of di scipli ne w e r e a l r e a dy r e l a x e d T h e l e gi ons of .

B ri t a i n di sc ont e nt e d wi t h t h e a d m i ni st ra t i on of Pe r
,

e nni s for m e d a d e pu t a t i on of fift e e n hu nd re d se l e ct

,

m e n wi t h i nst ruc t i ons t o m a r ch t o R om e a nd la y t h e i r

, ,

c om pl a i nt s b e fore t h e e m p e ror Th e se m ili t a ry p e t i .

t i one r s by t h e i r ow n d e t e rm i ne d b e h a vi ou r by i nfl a m
, ,

i ng t h e divi si ons of t h e gu a r d s b y e xa gg e ra t i ng t h e ,
‘

st r e ng t h of t h e B r i t i sh a r m y a nd by a l a rm i ng t h e ,

fe a rs of C omm odu s e x a c t e d a nd Ob t a i ne d t h e m i ni st e r s
,
’

d e a t h a s t h e only r e d re ss of t h e i r g ri e v a nc e s
, Thi s ’
.

p re su m p t i on of a di st a nt a rm y a nd t h e i r di sc ov e ry of ,

t h e w e a k ne ss of g ov e r nm e nt w a s a su r e p r e sa g e of t h e ,

m ost d re a dful c onvul si ons .

‘1 In not e up on t h A ugu t n Hi t o y C
a e ub on h c oll c t d nu mb
s a s r , a sa as e e a er
of p t icul
ar c onc ni ng t h
a rs c l b t d b ot h
er S p 96 of hi
e se e e ra e r e rs. ee . s
l n d c om m nt y
ea r e e ar .

Di on 1 lxxii p 12 10 ; H odi a n l i p 2 2 ; Hi t A ugu t p 48

. . . . er , . . . s . s . . .

Dion giv m uch l

es a od i ou ch c t of P nni t h n t h oth e hi
e ss s a ra er e re s a e r s
t i n
Oi a s. Hi m od t i on i
s l mo t pl dg of h v ci ty
e ra s a s a e e is e ra .
106 THE D E C LI N E A N D FA LL
T he glig e nc e of t h e public a d m i ni st ra t i on w a s b e
ne

t ra y e d soon a ft e r w a r d s by a ne w di sor d e r which a rose ,

from t h e sm a ll e st b e gi nni ng s A spi ri t of d e se rt i on .

b e g a n t o p re v a il a m ong t h e t r oop s a nd t h e d e se rt e rs ,

i nst e a d of se e ki ng t h e i r sa fe ty i n fligh t or c onc e a l m e nt ,

i nfe st e d t h e highw a y s Ma t e rnu s a p r iv a t e soldi e r .

, ,

of a d a r i ng b old ne ss a b ov e h i s st a t i on c oll e c t e d t h e se ,

b a nd s of r obb e rs i nt o a li t tl e a rm y se t Op e n th e p ri ,

sons i nvi t e d t h e sl a v e s t o a sse r t t h e i r fre e d om a nd

, ,

plu nd e r e d wi t h i m pu ni t y t h e r ich a nd d e fe nc e l e ss ci t i e s
of G a ul a nd S p a i n T h e g ov e rnor s of t h e p r ovi nc e s
.
,

w h o h a d l ong b e e n t h e sp e c t a t ors a nd p e rh a p s t h e ,

p a r t ne r s Of h i s d e p re d a t i ons w e re a t l e ng t h r ou se d ,

from t h e i r supi ne i nd ol e nc e by t h e t h re a t e ni ng com

m a nd s of t h e e m p e ror Ma t e r nu s fou nd t h a t h e w a s .

e nc om p a sse d a nd for e sa w t h a t h e m u st b e ov e r p ow e r
,

ed A g re a t e ffor t of d e sp a i r w a s h i s l a st re sou rc e
. .

H e ord e re d h i s foll ow e rs t o di sp e rse t o p a ss t h e A lp s ,

i n sm a l l p a rt i e s a nd v a r i ou s di sgui se s a nd t o a sse m bl e ,

a t R om e du ri ng t h e lic e nt i ou s t u m u l t of t h e fe st iv a l of

C yb e l e T o m u r d e r C om m odu s a nd t o a sc e nd t h e
s
.
,

v a c a nt t h rone w a s t h e a m bi t i on of no vulg a r r obb e r

, .

H i s m e a su r e s w e re S O a bly c onc e r t e d t h a t h i s con ,

ce a le d t roop s a l r e a dy fill e d t h e st re e t s of R om e T he .

“
e nvy of a n a c com p li ce di scove re d a nd r ui ne d t hi s si n
gul a r e nt e r p ri se i n t h e m om e nt wh e n i t w a s rip e for
e x e c u t i on
‘ .
,

Su spici ou s p ri nc e s O ft e n p rom ot e t h e l a st of m a n
ki nd fr om a v a i n p e rsu a si on t h a t t h ose w h o h a v e no
, ,

de p e nd e nc e e xc e p t on t h e i r fa v ou r will h a v e no a t
, ,

t a ch m e nt e xc e p t t o t h e p e r son of t h e i r b e ne fa c t or
, .

Cle a nde r t h e succ e ssor of P e re nni s w a s a P h rygi a n

, ,

by bi r t h ; of a na t i on ov e r wh ose st ubb orn b u t se r , ,

vil e t e m p e r bl ow s only c ould p r e v a il

, He ha d be en .

Du i ng t he cond P unic w a t he Rom ns i mp o te d f om A i a t h e w o

3
r se r, a r r s r e

ship of t h m ot h of t h g od H fe t iv l t h Meg l i b g n on t he
e er e s. er s a , e a es a , e a

fou t h of A p il a nd l t d i x d y The t e et w e e c owd e d W i t h m d

r r , as e s a s. s r s r r a
p oc e i on t h th e t e w i t h pe c t a t o nd t h public t bl e wi t h u nbid
r ss s, e a r s s rs, a e a s
d n gu e t
e O d e a nd p olic e w e u p e nd d a nd pl u e w a t he only
s s. r r er s s e , ea s r s
se i ou bu i ne
r s of t h ci t y
s See O vid de F t i 1 iv 189 t c
ss e . . as s, . .
, e .

H odi a n l i p 2 3 2 8
er , C ic o p o F l a cc o c 2 7
. . . . . er r , . .
 O F TH E R OM A N E M P IR E . 107

se n t from h i s na t ive c ou nt ry t o R om e i n t h e c a p a ci t y C H A P ,
.

IV
of a sl a v e A s a sl a v e h e e nt e r e d t h e i m p e r i a l p a l a c e
.

.
,

r e nd e re d hi m se lf u se ful t o h i s m a st e r s p a ssi ons

’
a nd ,

ra pidly a sc e nd e d t o t h e m ost e x a l t e d st a t i on which a

subj ec t c ould e nj oy H i s i nflu e nc e ov e r t h e m i nd of .

C om modu s w a s m uch g re a t e r t h a n th a t of h i s p re
d e c e ssor ; for C le a nde r w a s d e v oid of a ny a bili t y or
vi r tu e which c ould i nspi re t h e e m p e r or with e nvy or
di st ru st Av a ric e w a s t h e r e ig ni ng p a ssi on of h i s soul H i v ic
.
,
s a ar e
nd c u l t y a r e
a nd t h e g re a t p r i ncipl e of h i s a d m i ni st r a t i on T h e .

r a nk of c onsul of p a t r ici a n of se na t or w a s e xp ose d

, , ,

t o public sa l e ; a nd i t w ould h a v e b e e n c onsid e r e d a s

di sa ffe c t i on if a ny one h a d r e fu se d t o pu r ch a se t h e se
,

e m p t y a nd di sg ra c e ful h onou r s wi t h t h e g re a t e st p a r t

of h i s for tu ne In t h e luc ra t iv e p r ovi nci a l e m pl oy

"
.

m e nt s t h e m i ni st e r sh a r e d wi t h t h e g ov e r nor t h e sp oil s
of t h e p e opl e T h e e x e cu t i on of t h e l a w s w a s v e na l
.

a nd a rbi t ra r y A w e a l t hy c r i m i na l m igh t obt a i n not

.
,

only t h e r e v e r sa l of t h e se nt e nc e by which h e w a s

j u stly c ond e m ne d bu t m igh t lik e wi se i nflict wh a t e v e r ,

p u ni sh m e nt b e pl e a se d on t h e a ccu se r t h e wi t ne sse s , ,

a nd t h e j udg e .

By t h e se m e a ns Cle a nde r i n t h e sp a c e of t h re e ,

y e a rs h a d a ccu m ul a t e d m ore w e a l t h t h a n h a d e v e r
,

y e t b e e n p o sse sse d by a n
y fre e d a
m n y C o m m o du s was .

p e r fe c tly sa t i sfi e d wi t h t h e m a g nific e nt p re se nt s which

t h e a r tful c ou r t i e r l a id a t h i s fe e t i n t h e m ost se a son

a bl e m om e nt s T O div e r t t h e public e nvy Cle a nde r

.
, ,

u nd e r t h e e m p e r or s na m e e re c t e d b a t h s p ortic oe s ’

, , ,

a nd pl a c e s of e x e r ci se for t h e u se of t h e p e Op le ,
z
.

H e fl a t t e re d hi m se lf th a t t h e R om a ns d a zzl e d a nd ,
.

a m u se d by t hi s a pp a r e nt lib e ra lity w ould b e l e ss a f ,

fe ct e d by t h e bl oody sc e ne s which w e r e d a ily e x

X
O ne of th e e de a b ough t p omot i ons occ a si one d a cu e nt bon mot
s r- r rr ,

t h a t J uliu S ol on w
s b ni h d i nt o t h e na t e
as a s e e s .

Y Di on (1 1xxii p . ob se v e. t h a t no f e d m a n h d p o
. ed r s, r e a sse ss

r ich qu a l to t h o of Clea nder Th fo t u ne of P ll a mou nt d how

es e se . e r a s a e ,

e v t o upw a d of fi ve nd t w enty hu nd e d t h ou nd p ou nd t e m i l li
e r, r s a r sa s r es.
7
Di on 1 1x xii p 12 13 ; H odi a n l i p 2 9 ; Hi t A ugu t p 52
, . er s . s . . .

Th b 111 w e e i t u a t d nea th Po t a C a p e n Se N a di ni Roma A n

. . . . .
, ,

e se

p 3
8 r s e r e r a. e r ,

tic a, . 9 .
 108 THE D E C LIN E A N D F A L L
CH AP . h i bi t e d ;th a t t h e y w ould forg e t t h e d e a t h of B y rrh u s ,
IV
a se na t or t o wh ose sup e ri or m e r i t t h e l a t e e m p e r or
'

h a d g ra nt e d one of h i s d a ugh t e rs ; a nd t h a t t h e y
w ould forgiv e t h e e x e cu t i on of A rr iu s A nt oni nu s t h e ,

l a st re p re se nt a t iv e of t h e na m e a nd vir t u e s of t h e A n
t oni ne s T h e for m e r wi t h m ore i nt e g r i t y t h a n p ru
.
,

de nc e h a d a t t e m p t e d t o di scl ose t o h i s b r ot h e r i n l a w
,
- -
,

t h e t r u e ch a ra c t e r of C le a nde r A n e qui t a bl e se nt e nc e
‘
.

p r onou nc e d by t h e l a t t e r wh e n p r oc onsul of A si a , ,

a g a i nst a w or t hl e ss c r e a tu r e of t h e fa v ou r i t e p rov e d ,

fa t a l t o hi m A fte r t h e fa ll of P e re nni s t h e t e rr or s
a
.
,

of C omm odu s h a d for a sh or t t i m e a ssu m e d t h e a p , ,

p e a ra nc e of a r e t u r n t o vi rt u e H e r e p e a l e d t h e m ost .

odi ou s of h i s a ct s l oa d e d h i s m e m or y wi t h t h e public,

e x e c ra t i on a nd a sc r ib e d t o t h e p e r nici ou s c ou nse l s of
,

t h a t wick e d m i ni st e r a ll t h e e rr or s of h i s i ne xp e r i e nc e d
,

y ou t h B u t h i s r e p e nt a nc e l a st e d only t hi rt y d a y s ;
.

a nd u nd e r Cle a nde r s t y ra nny t h e a d m i ni st r a t i on of

’

, ,

P e r e nni s w a s oft e n r e g re t t e d .

S di t i on P e st il e nc e a nd fa m i ne c ont r ibu t e d t o fill up t h e m e a

‘ ‘
e
b
fifgg
of
Eig su r e of t h e c a l a m i t i e s of R om e T h e fi rst c ould b e .

A D 189 only i m pu t e d t o t h e j ust i ndig na t i on of t h e go d s ; bu t

. . .

a m onop oly of c or n supp or t e d by t h e r ich e s a nd p ow e r ,

of t h e mi ni st e r w a s c onsid e r e d a s t h e i mm e di a t e c au se
,

of t h e se c ond T h e p opul a r di sc ont e nt a ft e r i t h a d

.
,
‘
l ong ci r cul a t e d i n whi sp e r s b r ok e ou t i n t h e a sse m ,

bl e d ci rcu s T h e p e opl e qui t t e d t h e i r fa v ou r i t e a m u se

.

m e nt s for t h e m or e d e l ici ou s pl e a su re of re v e ng e ,

r u sh e d i n c r owd s t ow a r d s a p a l a c e i n t h e subu rb s one ,

Of t h e e m p e r or s r e t i re m e nt s a nd d e m a nd e d wi t h a ng ry
’

, ,

cl a m ou rs t h e h e a d of t h e public e ne m y
, C le a nde r .
,

w h o c om m a nd e d t h e p re t or i a n gu a r d s or d e r e d a
"
,

3
Hi t A ugu t p 48
s s
b H odi n l i p 2 8 ; Di on 1 1xx p 12 15 The l t t e y t h a t t o
. . . .

er a , . . . , . u . . a r sa s, w
t h ou nd p
sa son di e d e v y d y a t Rom du i ng c on id e bl e l ng t h
er s er a e, r a s ra e
of t i m e.
c T nc e p i m u m t fu i qu '

q u u p f ct i p
r t on o nt
re s o l i b ti n
rae e rze e re : er s er u s.
F om om e m i n of m od t y C le nd d cli ne d t h t i t l whil t h a
r s e r a s es , a er e e e, s e s
s u me d th e p ow e of p t o i n p e f c t A t h oth e f d m n w
rs re r a tyl d r e . s e r re e e e re s e ,

f om t h i e v l d e p t m nt
r e r s e rat i on b b p i t ol i
ar C le nd c ll e d
e s, a ra i u s, a e s s a er a
hi m lf p gi on
se a i nt u t d wi t h t h d f nc of hi m t
u e, a s r s e p on e e e e s a s er s
’
e rs .

Sa l ma i nd C
s us a ub on e m t o h a v t lk d v y idly upon t h i p g
a sa se e a e er s a ssa e.
 O F TH E R O MA N E MP IR E . 109

b ody of c a v a lry t o sa lly for t h a nd d i sp e r se t h e se di C H A P , .

iv
t i ou s m ul t i t ud e T h e m ul t itud e fl e d wi t h p r e cipi t a
.

~
.

t i on t ow a rd s t h e ci t y ; se v e ra l w e r e sl a i n a nd m a ny ,

m ore w e r e t ra m pl e d t o d e a t h : b u t wh e n t h e c a v a l r y
e nt e r e d t h e st r e e t s t h e i r pu rsui t w a s ch e ck e d by a
,

sh ow e r of st one s a n d d a r t s fr om t h e r oofs a nd wi nd ow s
d
of t h e h ou se s T h e foot g u a r ds w h o h a d b e e n l ong
.
,

j e a l ou s of t h e p r e rog a t iv e s a nd i nsol e nc e of t h e p re
t ori a n c a v a l r y e m b r a c e d t h e p a r t y of t h e p e opl e
, The .

t u m ul t b e c a me a r e gul a r e ng a g e m e nt a nd t h r e a t e ne d ,

a g e ne r a l m a ssa c re T h e p r e t or i a ns a t l e ng t h g a v e
.

w a y Opp re sse d wi t h nu m b e rs ; a nd t h e tid e of p o u

, p
l a r fu ry r e t u rne d wi t h r e d oubl e d vi ol e nc e a g a i nst t h e
g a t e s Of t h e p a l a c e wh e r e C omm odu s la y di ssolv e d i n
,

luxu ry a nd a l one u nc onsci ou s of t h e civil w a r It

, . .

w a s d e a t h t o a pp r oa ch hi s p e r son wi t h t h e u nw e lc om e

ne w s H e w ould h a v e p e r i sh e d i n t hi s supi ne se cu
.

r i t y h a d not t w o w om e n h i s e ld e st si st e r F a dill a
, a nd , ,

M a r ci a t h e m ost fa v ou r e d of h i s c oncubi ne s v e nt u r e d ,

t o b r e a k i nt o h i s p r e se n c e B a t h e d i n t e a rs a nd wi t h .
,

di sh e v e lle d h a ir th e y t h r e w t h e m se lv e s a t h i s fe e t ; a nd
,

wi t h a ll t h e p re ssi ng e l oqu e nc e of fe a r di sc ov e re d t o ,

t h e a ffright e d e m p e r or t h e c ri m e s of t h e m i n i st e r t h e ,

r a g e of t h e p e opl e a nd t h e i m p e ndi ng r ui n which i n

, ,

a fe w m i nu t e s w ould bu r st ov e r h i s p a l a c e a nd e r
, p
son . C om m odu s st a r t e d from h i s d re a m of pl e a su r e ,

a nd c omm a nd e d t h a t th e h e a d of C le a nde r sh ould b e

t h r ow n ou t t o t h e p e opl e T h e d e si re d sp e c t a cl e i n .

st a nt l a pp e a se d t h e t u m ul t ; a nd t h e son of M a r cu s
y
m igh t e v e n y e t h a v e r e g a i ned t h e a ffe c t i on a nd con
fi de nce of h i s subj e c t s 8
.

B u t e v e ry se nt i m e nt of vi r t u e a nd hu m a ni ty w a s Di olu t ss e

e x t i nct i n t h e m i nd of C om m od u s
pl
Whil st h e t hu s C ommodu u of
.
e a s re s

s.

a b a nd one d t h e r e i ns of e m pi re t o th e se u nw or t hy fa

vou r i t e s h e v a lu e d not hi ng i n sov e re ig n p ow e r e xc e p t

, ,

‘Oi
1
7
7 1g w éh ew g H e odi n 1 i p 31 I t i doub t ful
n i ZOt or pa r t ti i r a i
'

. r a , . . . . s

wh t he h m e n t h p to i n i nf nt y o t he c oh o t
e r e a s e re b n b ody of
r a a r , r r es u r a ze , a

si x t h ou nd m n b t wh o
sa nk nd di cipli n w e
e , u not e qu l t o t h i
se ra a s e re a e r
nu mb N i t h Til l m ont no Wot t on ch oo t o d e cid e t hi qu e t i on
‘Dion C iu 1 lxxu p 12 15 H e od ‘
e rs. e er e r se s s .

3
a ss s, 1 i p 32 ; Hi t A ugu t p 48
. . . r . . . . s . s . . .
 110 THE D E C LIN E A N D F A L L
C HAP . th e u nb ou nd e d lic e nc e of i ndulging h i s se nsu a l a pp c
IV .

t i te s H i s h ou rs w e re S p e nt i n a se ra gli o of t h re e
.

hu nd re d b e a u t iful w om e n a nd a s m a ny b oy s of e v e ry , ,

ra nk a nd of e v e r y p rovi nc e ; a nd wh e r e v e r t h e a r t s of
, ,

se duc t i on p r ov e d i ne ffe c t u a l t h e b r u t a l l ov e r h a d r e ,

c ou r se t o vi ol e nc e T h e a nci e nt hi st or i a ns f h a v e e x
.

a t i a t e d on t h e se a b a nd one d sc e ne s of p r ost i t u t i on
p ,

which sc orne d e v e ry r e st ra i nt of na t u r e or m od e st y ;
b u t i t w ould not b e e a sy t o t ra nsl a t e t h e i r t oo fa i t hful
d e sc rip t i ons i nt o t h e d e c e ncy of m od e rn l a ngu a g e T h e .

i nt e rv a l s of lu st w e re fill e d up with t h e b a se st a m u se
me nt s T h e i nflu e nc e of a p oli t e a g e a nd t h e l a b ou r
.
,

of a n a t t e nt iv e e duc a t i on h a d ne v e r b e e n a bl e t o i nfu se ,

i nt o h i s r ud e a nd b r u t i sh m i nd t h e l e a st t i nc t u re of ,

l e a rni ng ; a nd h e w a s t h e fi rst of th e R om a n e m p e ror s

t ot a lly d e v oid of t a st e for t h e pl e a su re s of t h e u nd e r
st a ndi ng N e ro hi m se lf e xc e ll e d or a ffe c t e d t o e xc e l
.
, ,

i n t h e e l e g a nt a r t s of m u sic a nd p oe t ry ; nor sh ould w e

d e spi se h i s pu rsui t s h a d h e not c onv e rt e d t h e pl e a si ng
,

re l a x a t i on of a l e i su r e h ou r i nt o t h e se ri ou s bu si ne ss

a nd a m bi t i on of h i s life B u t C omm odu s from h i s .

,

e a rli e st i nfa ncy di sc ov e r e d a n a v e r si on t o wh a t e v e r w a s

,

ra t i ona l or lib e ra l a nd a fond a t t a ch m e nt t o t h e a m u se

,

m e nt s of t h e p opul a c e ; t h e sp or t s Of t h e ci r cu s a nd
a m phi t h e a t re t h e c om b a t s of gl a di a t ors a nd t h e hu nt
, ,

i ng of wild b e a st s T h e m a st e r s i n e v e r y b ra nch of
.

l e a r ni ng wh om M a r cu s p rovid e d for h i s son w e r e

, ,

h e a r d wi t h i na t t e nti on a nd di sgu st ; whil st t h e M oor s

a nd P a rt hi a ns w h o t a ugh t h i m t o d a r t t h e j a v e li n a nd
,

t o sh oot wi t h t h e b ow fou nd a di scipl e w h o d e ligh t e d ,

i n h i s a pplic a t i on a nd soon e qu a ll e d t h e m ost skilful

,

of h i s i nst r uc t or s i n t h e st e a di ne ss of t h e e y e a nd t h e
, ,

d e x t e ri ty of t h e h a nd .

Hu nt i ng of T h e se r vil e c rowd wh ose for t u ne d e p e nd e d on t h e i r

,

Wi ld b t ’
m a st e r s vic e s a ppl a ud e d t h e se ig nobl e pu rsui t s
e a s s.
, T he .

rfi di ou s v oic e of fl a t t e ry r e m i nd e d h i m t h a t by e x
p e ,

Sorori bu s s ui s const upra t i s Ipsa s on . c cubi

na s s a s su b ocu l i s s u ui s

st u ra ri
p j ub e ba t . Ne c i rru e nt i u m i n se j uve nu m ca reb a t n a m a , om i f i ui
p a rt e c o p o i s t qu
r r a e ore i n se xu m u t rum ue
q pollu t u s st A u g 47 . Hi . p . . .
 O F THE R OMA N E MP IRE . 111

p l oi t s of t h e sa m e na d e fe a t of t h e N e mre a n C H A P
tu re by , th e .

li on a nd t h e sl a ught e r of t h e wild b oa r of E rym a nt hu s I V °

, ,

t h e G r e ci a n H e r cul e s h a d a cqui r e d a pl a c e a m ong t h e

g od s a nd a n im m or t a l m e m ory a m ong m e n Th e y only
,
.

forg ot t o ob se r v e ; th a t i n t h e fi rst a g e s of soci e ty wh e n ,

t h e fi e r ce r a ni m a l s oft e n di spu t e wi t h m a n t h e p os
se ssi on of a n u nse tt l e d c ou nt ry a succ e ssful w a r a g a i ns t ,

t h ose sa v a g e s i s one of t h e m ost i nnoc e nt a nd b e ne fici a l

l a b ou r s of h e roi sm In t h e civiliz e d sta t e of t h e R o .

m a n e m pi re t h e wild b e a st s h a d l ong si nc e re t i r e d
,

from t h e fa ce of m a n a nd t h e ne ighb ou r h ood of p Op u

'

l ou s citi e s T o su r p r i se th e m i n t h e i r solita ry h a u nt s
.
,
‘
a nd t o t ra nsp or t th e m t o R om e t h a t th e y m igh t b e ,

sl a i n i n p om p by t h e h a nd of a n e m p e r or w a s a n e nt e r ,

p r i se e qu a lly ridicul ou s for t h e p ri nc e a nd O pp re ssiv e ,

for t h e p e O p le g Ig nora nt of t h e se di st i nc t i ons C om

.
,

m odu s e a g e rly e m b ra c e d t h e gl ori ou s re se mbl a nc e a nd ,

h
st yl e d hi m se lf (a s w e st ill r e a d on h i s m e d a l s ) t h e R O

T h e cl ub a nd t h e li on s hid e w e re
’
m a n H e r cul e s .

pl a c e d by t h e sid e of t h e th rone a mong st t h e e nsig ns ,

of sov e r e ig nt y ; a nd st a t u e s w e re e r e ct e d i n which ,

C omm odu s w a s re p re se nt e d i n t h e ch a ra c t e r a nd wi t h ,

t h e a tt r ibut e s of t h e g od wh ose v a l ou r a nd d e x t e ri t y ,

h e e nd e a v ou re d t o e m ul a t e i n t h e d a ily c ou rse of h i s
1
fe roci ou s a m u se m e nt s .

El a te d wi t h th e se p ra i se s which g ra du a lly e xt i n C ommodu , s

1
$5?t hg
h
u i sh e d t h e i nna t e se nse O f sh a m e C omm od u s r e solv e d
S s
g ,
1

t o e xhibit b e for e t h e e y e s of t h e R om a n p e op l e t h ose m phi t h

, ,
a e
a t e r
e x e r ci se s which t ill th e n h e h a d d e c e ntly c onfi ne d
,
'

withi n th e w a ll s of h i s p a l a c e a nd t o t h e p re se nc e of a ,

fe w fa v ou ri t e s O n t h e a pp oi nt e d da y t h e v a r i ou s
.
,

m otiv e s of fl a tt e ry fe a r a nd cu ri osi t y a t t ra ct e d t o t h e
, , ,

a m phi t h e a t re a n i nnu m e ra bl e m ulti t ud e of sp e ct a t or s ;

8 Th A f ic n li on
e wh e n p
r ad by hu ng i nf te d t h O p en vill g
s, re sse e r, es e a es
a nd cul t iv t d c ou nt y ;a e nd t h y i nf t d t h m wi t h i m pu ni t y
r a T he e es e e .

r oy l b e
a t w
as e v d fo t h pl u of t h m p e o nd t h c pi t l
a s r se r e r e e a s re s e e r r a e a a

a nd t h eu nfo t u n t e p e nt w h o kill e d one of t h m t h ough i n hi ow n

r a a sa e , s

d f nc
e e e,i ncu d a v y h vy p n l t y Thi e x t o di n y g m l w
rre er ea e a . s ra r ar a e- a
w as m i t ig te d by H ono iu
a nd fi n lly ep l d by J u t i ni n C od e x
r s, a a r ea e s a .

Th odo t om v p 92
e s t C omm nt G ot h of d e e re .

a nh ei m d N m m t Di e t xii t om i
. . . . .

h S
p e p
u 493 is a . ss r . . . i . . .

D i on 1 lxxii p 12 16 Hi t A gu t p 49
, . . . . s . u s . . .
 “
112 THE D E C LIN E A N D F A L L
an d som e d e g re e of a ppl a u se w a s d e se r v e dly b e st ow e d
on t h e u nc om m on skill of t h e i m p e ri a l p e rform e r .

Wh e t h e r h e a i m e d a t t h e h e a d or h e a r t of t h e a ni m a l ,

t h e w ou nd w a s a lik e c e r t a i n a nd inor t a l Wi t h a rrow s .

,

wh ose p oi nt w a s sh a p e d i nt o t h e form of a c re sc e nt ,

C om m odu s oft e n i nt e r c e p t e d t h e ra pid c a r e e r a nd cu t ,

a su nd e r t h e l ong b ony ne ck of t h e ost r ich A p a nt h e r .

w a s l e t l oose ; a nd t h e a r ch e r w a i t e d t ill h e h a d l e a p e d

up on a t re m bli ng m a l e fa c t or In t h e sa m e i nst a nt th e .

sh a ft fl e w t h e b e a st d r op t d e a d a nd t h e m a n r e m a i ne d
, ,

u nhu r t T h e d e ns of t h e a m phi t h e a t re di sg org e d a t

.

onc e a hu nd re d li on s ; a hu nd r e d d a r t s fr om t h e u ne r

r i ng h a nd of C om m odu s l a id t h e m d e a d a s t h e y ra n

r a gi ng r ou nd t h e a r e na N e i t h e r t h e hug e bulk of t h e .

e l e ph a nt nor t h e sc a ly hid e of t h e r hi noc e r os c ould

, ,

d e fe nd t h e m fr om h i s st rok e E t hi opi a a nd I ndi a .

yi e ld e d t h e i r m ost e x t ra or di na ry p r oduc t i ons ; a nd se

v e ra l a ni m a l s w e re sl a i n i n t h e a m phi t h e a t re which h a d ,

b e e n se e n only i n t h e r e p r e se nt a t i ons of a rt or p e rh a p s ,

1
of fa ncy In a l l t h e se e xhibi t i ons t h e se cu r e st p re
.
,

c a u t i ons w e re u se d t o p rot e c t t h e p e rson of t h e R om a n

H e r cul e s from t h e de sp e ra t e sp ri ng of a ny sa v a g e ; w h o
m igh t p ossibly di sre g a r d t h e dig ni t y of t h e e m p e r or ,

m
a nd t h e sa nc t i t y of t h e od
g .

B u t t h e m e a ne st of t h e p opul a c e w e r e a ffe c t e d wi t h
sh a m e a nd i ndig na t i on wh e n t h e y b e h e ld t h e i r sov e r e ig n

e nt e r t h e li st s a s a gl a di a t or a nd gl or y i n a r ofe s
p ,

si on which t h e l a w s a nd m a nne r s of t h e R om a ns h a d

b ra nd e d wi t h t h e j u st e st not e of i nfa my H e ch ose

‘Th
1 ich ne ck i t h f t l ong a nd c om p o d of v ent een ve
e ost r
’
s s re e ee se se r
S e Bu ffon Hi t N t u ll
,

t b
e rae . e , s . a re e.

C ommodu k i ll d c m lop d h o gi ff ( Di on 1 lxx p

s e a a e ar a s, r ra e, , . u . .

t h t ll t t h e m o t g nt l
e a es nd t h mo t u l of t h
s l g qu d up d
e e, a e s se e ss e ar e a r e s.

Thi i ngul ni m l n t iv e only of t h i nt i o p t of A f ic h not

,

s s ar a a , a a e er r ar s r a, as

b n n i n E u op i nc t h viv l O f l t t ; nd t h ough M d Bu ffon

ee se e r e s e e re a e e rs a . e

t N t u ll e t om xiii ) h a
,

( H i s . a re nd v ou d
, t od c ib h h not v n
. . s e ea re es r e, e as e

ture d t o d li n t t h g i ff e ea e e ra e.
m H odi n l i p 37
er Hi t A ugu t p 50
a . . . . s . s . . .
,
n
Th vi t u ou nd v n t he wi
e r p i nc fo b d t h n t o a nd k nigh t
sa e e se r es r a e e se a rs s

t o mb
e c t hi c nd l ou p ofe i on nd p i n of i nf m y o wh t w
ra e s s a a s r ss , u er a a , r, a as

m o d e d e d by t h o
re r a p ofl i g t w t ch of x i l 1h t y nt
se llu d r a e re es, e e
'

e ra s a re

d N o onc e p oduc d i n t h
.

t h e m t o di h onou by t h t s nd w r rea s a re ar s . er r e , e

a re n fo t y n to nd S i x t y k nigh t S L i p
a, r se a rs aS t u na li 1 ii c 2 s . ee Si us, a r a, . .

g of Su etoniu i n Nerone c 12
. .

H h a h pp i ly c o c te d a p a
e s a rre ssa e s, , . .
 OF THE R O MA N E MP IR E . 113

t he h ab i t a nd a rm s of t h e r s
‘
se cu t o wh o e c om b a t wi t h C H A P
’

,
.

IV
r e t i a r iu s form e d one of t h e m ost liv e ly sc e ne s i n
’ '

the
t h e bl oody sp or t s of t h e a m phi t h e a t r e T h e se cu t or .

w a s a r m e d wi t h a n h e l m e t sw or d a nd buckl e r : h i s , ,

na k e d a nt a g oni st h a d only a l a rg e ne t a nd a t r id e nt ;

wi t h t h e one h e e nd e a v ou re d t o e nt a ngl e wi t h t h e ,

ot h e r t o d e sp a t ch h i s e ne m y If h e m i sse d t h e fi rst
, .

t h r ow h e w a s oblig e d t o fly fr om t h e pu rsui t of t h e
,

se cu t or till h e h a d p r e p a r e d h i s ne t for a se c ond c a st

,

T h e e m p e r or fou gh t i n t hi s ch a ra c t e r se v e n hu nd re d
a nd t hi r t y fiv e se v e r a l t i m e s-
Th e se gl ori ou s a chi e v e .

m e nt s w e r e c a r e fully r e c or d e d i n t h e public a c t s of t h e
e m pi re ; a nd t h a t h e m igh t om i t no ci r cu m st a nc e of i n

fa m y h e r e c e iv e d from t h e c om m on fu nd of gl a di a t ors
, ,

a st ip e nd so e x orbi t a nt t h a t i t b e c a m e a ne w a nd m ost ,

ig nom i ni ou s t a x up on t h e R om a n p e opl e P It m a y b e .

e a sily supp ose d t h a t i n t h e se e ng a g e m e nt s t h e m a st e r

,

of t h e w orld w a s a lw a y s succ e ssful : i n t h e a m phi

t h e a t r e h i s vic t or i e s w e r e not oft e n sa ngui na ry ; b u t

wh e n h e e x e r ci se d h i s skill i n t h e sch ool of gl a di a t ors ,

or h i s ow n p a l a c e ,h i s w r e t ch e d a nt a g oni st s w e r e fr e

qu e nt ly h onou re d wi t h a m or t a l w ou nd fr om t h e h a nd
of C omm odu s a nd oblig e d t o se a l t h e i r fl a tt e r y wi t h
‘
,

t h e i r bl ood 1 H e now di sd a i ne d t h e a pp e ll a t i on of Hi i nf m y
. s a

H e r cul e s T h e na m e of P a ulu s a c e l e b ra t e d se cu t or
.
, ,

w a s t h e only one which d e ligh t e d h i s e a r It w a s i n .

sc rib e d on h i s c ol ossa l st a t u e s a nd r e p e a t e d i n t h e re ,

d oubl e d a ccla m a t i ons of t h e m ou rnful a nd a ppl a ud r

i ng se na t e C l a udiu s Pom p e i a nu s t h e vi rtu ou s h u s

3
.
,

b a nd of Lucill a w a s t h e only se na t or w h o a sse r t e d t h e ,

h onou r of hi s ra nk A s a fa t h e r b e p e rm i t t e d h i s sons .
,

t o c onsul t t h e i r sa fe t y by a t t e ndi ng t h e a m phi t h e a t re .

A s a R om a n h e d e cl a r e d t h a t h i s ow n life w a s i n t h e
, ,

L ip i 1 ii c 7 8 J uv n l i n t h igh t h
s u s, . . . ti giv
, pic t u qu
. e a , e e sa re , es a re s e
d c ip t i on of t h i c omb t
es r s a .

P Hi t A ug p 50 ; Di on 1 lxx ii p 12 2 0 H e c iv d fo ch t i m
s . . .
, . . . . e r e e , r ea e,
d ci
e b ou t i gh t t h ou nd p ou nd t li ng
es, a e sa s s er .

1 V i c t o t ll
'
rt h t C omm odu only ll ow e d h i
e s u s, nt g oni t
a l d n s a s a a s s a ea e

w p on d d i ng mo t p ob bly t h c on qu nc of t h i d p i
ea , re a , s r a , e se e es e r e s a r.

Th y w oblig d t o p t si x hund d nd t w nt y i x t i m
e e re e
”
reP ‘ea re a e -s e s, au
l us fi rst
, of t he se cu t ors, et c.

9
D i on , 1 . lxxii p . . 12 2 1 . He p k s of h i
s ea s ow n b a se ne ss a nd d a ng e r.

V OL I . . I
 114 THE D E C LIN E A N D F A L L
C HAP . em p e ror s h a nd s b u t t h a t h e w ould ne v e r b e h old t h e
’
,
IV
son of M a r cu s p r ost i t u t i ng h i s p e rson a nd dig ni t y
'

N ot wi t h st a ndi ng h i s m a nly r e solu t i on P om p e i a nu s ,

e sc a p e d t h e r e se nt m e nt of t h e t y ra nt a nd wi t h h i s , ,

h onou r h a d t h e g ood for t u ne t o p r e se rv e h i s life

,

C om m odu s h a d now a t t a i ne d t h e su m m i t of vic e a nd

i nfa my A m id st t h e a ccl a m a t i ons of a fl a t t e ri ng c ou r t
.
,

h e w a s u na bl e t o di sgui se from hi m se lf t h a t h e h a d ,

d e se rv e d t h e c ont e m pt a nd h a t re d of e v e ry m a n of
se nse a nd vi r t u e i n hi s e m pi re H i s fe r oci ou s spi ri t .

w a s i rri t a t e d by t h e c onsci ou sne ss of t h a t h a t r e d by ,

t h e e nvy of e v e ry ki nd of m e ri t by t h e j u st a p p re h e n ,

si on of d a ng e r a nd by t h e h a bi t of sl a ught e r which h e
,

c ont ra c t e d i n h i s d a ily a m u se m e nt s Hi st ory h a s p re .

se r v e d a l ong li st of c onsul a r se na t ors sa c r ific e d t o h i s

w a nt on su spici on which sough t ou t wi t h p e culi a r , ,

a nxi e t y t h ose u nfor tu na t e p e rsons c onne c t e d h ow e v e r

, ,

r e m ot e ly wi t h t h e fa m ily of t h e A nt oni ne s wi t h ou t
, .
,

sp a r i ng e v e n t h e m i ni st e r s of h i s c r i m e s or pl e a su r e s

H i s c ru e l t y p rov e d a t l a st fa ta l t o hi m se lf H e h a d .

sh e d wi t h i m pu ni t y t h e nobl e st bl ood of R om e : h e
p e r i sh e d a s soon a s h e w a s d re a d e d by h i s ow n do
C onspi ra cy
j m e st i cs M a r ci a h i s fa v ou ri t e c oncubi ne E cle ct u s h i s
.
, , ,

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C h a m b e rl a i n a nd L ae t u s h i s p r e t or i a n p r e fe c t a l a rm e d
, , ,

by t h e fa t e of t h e i r c om p a ni ons a nd p re d e c e ssors r e ,

solv e d t o p r e v e nt t h e d e st r ucti on which e v e ry h ou r

hu ng ov e r t h e i r h e a d s e i t h e r fr om t h e m a d c a p ric e of ,

t h e t y ra nt or t h e sudd e n i ndig na t i on of t h e p e opl e

, .

M a r ci a se iz e d t h e occ a si on of p r e se nt i ng a d ra ugh t of
wi ne t o h e r l ov e r a ft e r h e h a d fa t igu e d him se lf wi t h,

D ea th of hu nti ng som e wild b e a st s C omm odu s r e t i re d t o sl e e p ; .

com mdu s '

bu t whil st h e w a s l a b ou r i ng wi t h t h e e ffe c t s of p oi son

A D 192
. . .

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cember
H m i x d h ow v om p ud nc W i t h h c ou g e nd p d t h
.
t e r, s e r e e is ra a
e e , e , a sse e
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re a e s ar s e a r re re e a e s a a e
a g nd
e, at h e w k n o f h i y I n
ea v w hi m i n t h
e ss n t s ey e s. e e r sa e se a e,
”
sa s
D oni xc ep t du i ng t h h o t ig n of P t i n x A ll hi i nfi mi t i h d
, e r e s r re er a .
”
s r es a
s udd nly l ft hi m nd t h y t u n d
e e udd nly up on t h m u d of t h t
, a e re r e as s e e r er a
e xc ll nt p i nc Di on L lxxiii P 12 2 7
e e r e. , '

Th p e f c t w
u
e ch ng d l mo t h ou ly o d ily nd t he c p ic of
r e s e re a e a s r r a a a r e
Comm odu w oft n f t a l t o hi mo t f v ou d C h a mb l i n H i t A
s as e a s s a re er a s. s . u
gu t p 46 5 1
s . . . .
 O F TH E R OMA N E MP I RE . 115

wre st l e r e nt e re d h i s ch a m b e r a nd st ra ngl e d h i m wi t h C H A P
, , .

I V‘
ou t r e si st a nc e Th e b ody w a s se c re t ly c onv e y e d ou t
.

of t h e p a l a c e b e fore t h e l e a st su spici on w a s e nt e r t a i ne d
,

i n t h e ci t y or e v e n i n t h e c ou r t of t h e e m p e ror s d e a t h
’
.
, ,

Such w a s t h e fa t e of t h e son of M a r cu s ; a nd so e a sy
w a s i t t o d e st r oy a h a t e d t y r a nt w h o by t h e a r t ifici a l ,

p ow e rs of g ov e rnm e nt h a d Opp re sse d dur i ng t hi r t e en ,

y e a rs so m a ny m illi ons of subj e c t s e a ch of wh om w a s

, ,

e qu a l t o th e i r m a st e r i n p e rsona l st r e ng t h a nd p e r sona l

a bili t i e s
x
.

Th e m e a su r e s of t h e c onspi ra t ors w e re c onduct e d C h oic e of

fo
wi t h t h e d e lib e ra t e c ool ne ss a nd c e l e rity whic h t h e g re a t
r

ne ss of t h e occ a si on r e qui re d Th e y r e solv e d i nst a ntly .

t o fill th e v a c a nt th r one wi t h a n e m p e r or wh ose ch a

ra c t e r w ould j u stify a nd m a i nt a i n t h e a c t i on t h a t h a d

b e e n c om m i t t e d Th e y fix e d on P e rt i na x p re fe c t of .
,

t h e ci t y a n a nci e nt se na t or of c onsul a r r a nk wh ose

, ,

c onspicu ou s m e r i t h a d b rok e t h r ough t h e ob scu ri t y of

h i s bi rt h a nd r a i se d h i m t o t h e fi rst h onou rs of t h e
,

st a t e H e h a d succ e ssiv e ly g ov e r ne d m ost of t h e p ro

.

vi nc e s of t h e e m pi re ; a nd i n a ll h i s g re a t e m pl oy m e nts ,

m ili t a r y a s w e ll a s civil h e h a d u niform ly di st i ngui sh e d ,

hi m se lf by t h e fi rm ne ss t h e p rud e nc e a nd t h e i nt e g r i t y , ,

o f h i s c o duct
n 3 H e now r e m a i ne d a l most a l one of t h e .

fri e nd s a nd m i ni st e rs of M a r cu s ; a nd wh e n a t a l a t e ,

h ou r of t h e nigh t h e w a s a w a k e ne d wi t h t h e ne w s th a t , ,

Di on 1 lxx ii p 12 22 H e odi a n l i p 43 Hi t A ugu st p 52

3
, . . . . r , . . . . s . . . .

Y P e t i na x w r na t iv of A lb Pom p e i a i n P i e d mont a nd on of a
as a e a , , s

t i mb e r m e rch a nt
- Th e o d e of hi s mpl oy me nt (i t i s m a k e d by C a pi t oli
. r r e s r

n ) w ll d e e v e t o b e se t d ow n a e xp e s iv e of t h e fo m of g ov nm e nt
us e s r s , s r s r er

a nd m a nne s of t h e ge 1 Hre w a a c e nt u ri on 2 Pae fe c t of

. a c oh'

o t i n. s . . r r

Sy i a i n t he P a thi a n w a r a nd i n B i t a i n 3 He ob ta i n d a n a la o
r , r , r . . e
’
, r

s qu a d on of h o i n Mee si 4 He w a c omm i ssa y of p ovi i on on t he

r rse , a . . s r r s s

fEmi l i n w a y a 5 He c omm a nd e d t h e fl ee t up on t he R h i ne
. . 6 He w . . as

p ocu t o of D ci a wi th a a l a y of a b ou t one t h ou sa nd i x hu nd e d a y ea
r ra r a , s r s r r.

7 He c omm nd e d t h v te a n of l gi on
. a 8 He ob t a i ne d t he a nk of
e e r s a e . . r
se na t o 9 O f p et 10 Wi t h t he c omm a nd of t he fi st l e gi on i n
r r.
r.
q . . r

Rh t i a nd N o icu m 11 He w a s c onsul a b ou t t he y e ar 175 12 He

ae a r . . . .

a tt e nd e d M a cu i nto t he a t 13 He c omm a nd e d a n a m y on t he
r s e s . . r

D a nube 14 He w a s c on ul a l eg a t e of Mae i 15 O f D ci a 16 O f
. . s r s a. . a . .

Sy i a 17 O f B i t i n 18 He h a d t he c a e of th e public p ovi i ons a t

r . . r a . . r r s

Rome 19 He w p oc on ul of A f ic a 2 0 P f c t of t h ci t y H ro
. . as r s r . . re e e . e

di a n (l i p d oe ju t ic e t o hi di i nt e e t e d pi i t ; b t C pi t oli n w ho
. . . s s s s r s s r u a u s,

c oll c t ed v e p opul a u mour ch a ges hi m wi t h a g e a t fo t u ne a cqui d

e e

by b i b y a nyc o rup t i on
r r r , r r r re

r er r .
 116 THE D E C LIN E A N D F A L L
C H AP h a mb e rl a i n a nd t h e p re fe c t w e re a t h i s d oor h e
. th e C ,
IV‘
r e c e iv e d t h e m wi t h i nt re pid re sig na t i on a nd d e si re d ,

t h e y w ould e x e cu t e t h e i r m a st e r s or d e rs I nst e a d of ’
.

d e a t h t h e y offe re d h i m t h e t h r one of th e R oma n w orld

,
.

Du ri ng som e m om e nt s h e di st ru st e d t h e i r i nt e nt i ons
a nd a ssu ra nc e s C onvi nc e d a t l e ngth of t h e d e a t h of
.

C omm odu s h e a cc e pt e d t h e pu r pl e wi t h a si nc e re r e
,

l u cta nce t h e na t u ra l e ffe c t of h i s k nowl e dg e b ot h of

,

t h e du t i e s a nd of t h e d a ng e rs of t h e sup re m e r a nk
3
.

H i e c L ae t u s c onduc t e d wi t h ou t d e l a y h i s ne w e m p e ror t o
s a

t h e c a m p of t h e p r e t ori a ns di ffu si ng a t t h e sa m e t i m e ,

to i n r a t h rough t h e ci t y a se a sona bl e r e p or t t h a t C om m odu s

gu a d
di e d sudd e nly of a n a p opl e xy ; a nd t h a t t h e vi rt u ou s
r s’

P e rt i na x h a d a l re a dy succ e e d e d t o t h e t h rone T h e .

gu a rd s w e re ra t h e r su rp ri se d t h a n pl e a se d wi t h t h e
su spici ou s d e a t h of a p r i nc e w h ose i ndulg e nc e a nd li

b e ra li ty th e y a l one h a d e xp e ri e nc e d ; b u t t h e e m e r
g e nc y o f t h e occ a si on t h e a u t h or i t y of t h e i r p r e fe c t , ,

t h e r e pu t a ti on of P e r t i na x a nd t h e cl a m ou r s of t h e ,

p e opl e oblig e d t h e m t o st ifl e t h e i r se c re t di sc ont e nt s

, ,

t o a cc e p t t h e d ona t iv e p rom i se d of t h e ne w e m p e r or ,

t o sw e a r a ll e gi a nc e t o h i m a nd with j oyful a ccl a m a t i ons ,

a nd l a u r e l s i n t h e i r h a nd s t o c onduc t h i m t o t h e se na t e

h ou se th a t t h e m ili t a ry c onse nt migh t b e ra t ifi e d by

,

t h e civil a u t h or i t y .

a nd by t h Thi s i m p or t a nt nigh t w a s now fa r sp e nt ; wi t h t h e

e

i ffi l m
s xa f
d a w n of da y a nd t h e c om m e nc e m e nt of t h e ne w y e a r
'

.
, ,

l t J a nu y th e se na t ors e xp e c t e d a su mm ons t o a t t e nd a n i nom i

s ar
g
o

ni ons c e r e m ony In spi t e of a ll r e m onst ra nc e s e v e n of

.
,

t h ose of h i s c r e a t ur e s w h o y e t p r e se rv e d a ny r e g a r d
for p r ud e nc e or d e ce ncy C omm odu s h a d r e solv e d t o ,

p a ss t h e night i n t h e gl a di a t ors sch ool a nd from t h e nc e ’

t o t a k e p osse ssi on of t h e c onsul ship i n t h e h a bi t a nd ,

wi t h t h e a t t e nd a nc e of t h a t i nfa m ou s c re w O n a su d .

de n b e fore t h e b r e a k of da y t h e se na t e w a s c a ll e d t o
, ,

g e th e r i n t h e t e m pl e of C onc ord t o m e e t t h e gu a rd s , ,

a nd t o r a t ify t h e e l e cti on of a ne w e m p e r or F or a fe w . .

1
J uli n a , i n t he C ae sa rs, x
ta es hi m wi t h b ei ng a cc e ssa r y t o t he d ea t h of
C ommodu s.
 OF THE R OMA N E MP IRE . 117

m i nut e s th e y sa t i n sil e nt su sp e nse d oub t ful of t h e i r C H A P

'

,
.

IV
u ne xp e c t e d d e liv e r a nc e a nd su spici ou s of t h e c ru e l '

a rt i fi c e s of C omm od u s ; b u t wh e n a t l e ng t h t h e y w e r e

a ssu re d th a t t h e ty r a nt w a s no m ore t h e y r e sig ne d ,

th e m se lv e s t o a ll t h e t ra nsp or t s of j oy a nd i ndig na t i on .

P e r t i na x w h o m ode stly r e p r e se nt e d t h e m e a nne ss of

,

h i s e x t ra c t i on a nd p oi nt e d out se v e ra l nobl e se na t ors

,

m ore d e se r vi ng th a n hi m se lf of t h e e m pi re w a s con ,

st ra i ne d by th e i r du t iful vi ol e nc e t o a sc e nd t h e t h r one ,

a nd r e c e iv e d a ll t h e t i t l e s of i m p e r i a l p ow e r c onfi r m e d ,

by t h e m ost si nc e r e v ow s of fid e li t y T h e m e m ory of Th m . e e

C om m odu s w a s b ra nd e d wi t h e t e rna l i nfa m y The .

na m e s of ty ra nt of gl a di a t or , of public e ne m y r e d cl d in
, ,
e a re

f mou a s'
sou nd e d i n e v e ry c or ne r of t h e h ou se Th e y d e c re e d .

i n t u m ul t u ou s v ot e s t h a t h i s h onou r s sh ould b e r e
,

v e rse d h i s t i t l e s e r a se d from t h e public m onu m e nt s

, ,

h i s st a t u e s t h row n d ow n h i s body d ra gg e d with a h ook ,

i nt o t h e st rippi ng r oom of t h e gl a di a t ors t o sa t i a t e t h e ,

public fu ry ; a nd th e y e xp re sse d som e i ndig na t i on

a g a i nst t h ose offi c i ou s se r v a nt s w h o h a d a l re a dy p re
su m e d t o sc re e n h i s r e m a i ns fr om t h e j u st ic e of t h e

se na t e B u t P e rt i na x c ould not re fu se t h ose l a st r it e s

.

t o t h e m e m ory of M a r cu s a nd t h e t e a r s of h i s fi r st p r o ,

t e c t or C l a udiu s Pom p e i a nu s w h o l a m e nt e d t h e c r u e l ,

fa t e of h i s b rot h e r i n la w a nd l a m e nt e d still m ore t h a t

- -
,

h e h a d d e se rv e d it 3
.

Th e se e ffu si ons of i m p ot e nt r a g e a g a i nst a d e a d e m L eg l j i a ur s

e r or wh om t h e se na t e h a d fl a t t e r e d wh e n a liv e wi t h
p ,

t h e m ost a bj e ct se r vili t y b e t ra y e d a j u st but nu g e ne r ,

o v t h er e

e mpe r ors .

ou s spi r i t of r e v e ng e T h e l e g a li ty of t h e se d e c r e e s
.

w a s h ow e v e r supp or t e d b y t h e p ri ncipl e s of t h e i m p e
'
, ,

r i a l c onst i t u t i on T o c e nsu re t o d e p ose or t o pu ni sh

.
, ,

wi t h d e a t h t h e fi rst ma gi st ra t e of t h e r e public w h o h a d ,

a bu se d h i s d e l e g a t e d t r u st w a s t h e a nci e nt a nd nu ,

”
d oub t e d p re rog a t iv e of t h e R oma n se na t e ; b u t t h a t
a
C a pi t ol i nus giv
e s u s t he a rt p icul a s of t h e t um ul t y v ot e which
r se ua r s,

w v d by
e re m o e one se na t or , a nd re p ea te d or t h e ch nt e d by t he wh ol e
, ra r a

b ody Hi t A ugu t p 52
s s
b The na te c ond mne d N e
. . . . .

se e ro t o be pu t t o d e th
a more maj or mn. Su e ton .

c . 49 .
 118 TH E DE C L I N E A ND FA L L
CHAP . fe e bl e a sse m blig e d t o c ont e nt i t se lf wi t h i n
bly was o
IV .

fl i cti ng on a fa ll e n t y ra nt t h a t public j u st ic e fr om ,

which du ri ng h i s life a nd re ig n h e h a d b e e n shi e ld e d

, ,

by t h e st rong a rm of mili t a r y d esp ot i sm .

V i t ues of
r
P e r t i na x fou nd a nobl e r w a y of c ond e mni ng h i s p r e
P ti n x
er a .

de ce ssor s m e m ory ; by t h e c ont ra st of h i s ow n vi r t u e s

’

wi t h t h e vic e s of C om m odu s O n t h e da y of h i s a cc e s .

si on h e r e sig ne d ov e r t o h i s wife a nd son h i s wh ol e p ri

,

v a t e fortu ne ; t h a t th e y m igh t h a v e no p re t e nc e t o soli

ci t fa v ou rs a t t h e e xp e nse of t h e st a t e H e r e fu se d t o .

fl a t t e r t h e v a ni t y of t h e form e r wi t h t h e t i t l e of A ugu st a ;
or t o c orrup t t h e i ne xp e r i e nc e d y ou t h of t h e l a t t e r by

t h e r a nk of C ae sa r A ccu ra t e ly di st i ngui shi ng b e t w e e n

.

t h e du t i e s of a p a re nt a nd t h ose of a sov e re ig n h e ,

e duc a t e d h i s son wi t h a se v e r e si m plici t y whic h whil e , ,

it ga v e h i m no a ssu r e d p rosp e ct of th e t h rone m igh t i n ,

t i m e h a v e r e nd e r e d h i m w or t hy of i t In public t h e .
,

b e h a vi ou r of P e r t i na x w a s g ra v e a nd a ffa bl e H e liv e d .

wi t h t h e vi rt u ou s p a r t of t h e se na t e (a nd i n a p riv a t e , ,

st a ti on h e h a d b e e n a cqu a i nt e d wi t h t h e t r u e ch a r a c t e r
,

of e a ch i ndividu a l ) wi t h ou t e i t h e r p rid e or j e a l ou sy ;
,

consid e re d t h e m a s fr i e nd s a nd c om p a ni ons wi t h wh om ,

h e h a d sh a re d t h e d a ng e r s of t h e t y ra nny a nd wi t h ,

Wh om h e wi sh e d t o e nj oy t h e se cu ri t y of t h e p re se nt
t im e . H e v er y fre qu e nt ly i nvit e d t h e m t o fa m ili a r e u
t e rt a i nm e nt s t h e fr ug a li t y of whi ch w a s ridicul e d by
,

t h ose w h o r e m e m b e r e d a nd r e g re tt e d t h e luxu r i ou s

p rodig a li t y of C omm odu s

T o h e a l a s fa r a s it w a s p ossibl e t h e w ou nd s i n
, ,

fl i ct e d by th e h a nd of t y ra nny w a s t h e pl e a si ng but , ,

m e l a nch oly t a sk of Pe rt ii i a x
‘‘ T h e i nnoc e nt vic t i m s
.

w ho t u r vi v e d w e re r e c a ll e d from e xil e l d
y e s r e e a se ,

from p ri son a nd re store d t o th e full p osse ssi on of t h e i r

,

h onou rs a nd fort u ne s T h e u nbu ri e d b odi e s of m u r

.

de re d se na t or s (for t h e c ru e l t y of C omm odu s e nd e a

,

vou re d t o e x t e n d i t se lf b e y ond d e a t h
) w e r e d e p osi t e d ,

C
Di on (l 1xxiii p . S p e a k s of t h e e e nte ta i nm e nt a a e n
. . s r s, s s a t or
w ho h d upp d wi t h t h
a s e emp o C pi toli n ( Hi t A ug t p
e er r a a s, s . us . .

li ke a sl a v e w ho h a d re c e iv e d hi i nt e llig e nc e f om on of t he sculli ons

, s r e .
 “
O F TH E R O MA N E MP IR E . 119
i n th e pulch re s of th e i r a nc e st ors ; t h e i r m e m ory w a s C H A P
se .

I V"
j u st ifi e d ; a nd e v e ry c onsol a ti on w a s b e st ow e d on t h e i r
r ui ne d a nd a fflicte d fa mili e s A mong th e se c onsol a
.

t i ons one of th e m ost g ra t e ful w a s t h e pu ni sh m e nt of

,

t h e d e l a t or s ; t h e c omm on e ne m i e s of th e i r m a st e r of ,

vi rtu e a nd of th e i r c ou nt ry Y e t e v e n i n t h e i nqui si
, .

ti on of t h e se l e g a l a ssa ssi ns P e r ti na x p roc e e d e d wi t h a

,

st e a dy t e m p e r which g a v e e v e r y thi ng t o j u st ic e a nd
, ,

nothi ng t o p opul a r p r ej udic e a nd r e se nt m e nt .

T h e fi na nc e s of t h e st a t e d e m a nd e d t h e m ost vigil a nt Hi gul a s re .

o us”
c a re of t h e e m p e ror Th ough e v e ry m e a su re of i nj u s
.

t ic e a nd e x t or t i on h a d b e e n a d op t e d which c ould col ,

l e c t th e p rop e r t y of t h e subj e ct i nt o t h e c offe rs of t h e

p ri nce ; t h e r a p a ci ou sne ss of C omm odu s h a d b e e n so
v e ry i na d e qu a t e t o h i s e xt ra v a g a nc e th a t up on h i s , ,

d e a t h no m ore th a n e ight t h ou sa nd p ou nd s w e re fou nd

,

i n t h e e xh a u st e d t re a su ry d t o d e fr a y t h e cu rr e nt e x
,

p e nse s of g ov e rnme nt a nd t o di sch a rg e t h e p re ssi ng

,

d e ma nd of a libe ra l d ona tive which t h e ne w e m p e ror ,

h a d b e e n oblig e d t o p rom i se t o t h e p re t ori a n gu a r d s .

Y e t u nd e r t h e se di st re sse d ci r cu m st a nc e s P e r t i na x h a d ,

t h e g e ne rou s fi rmne ss t o r e m it a ll t h e O pp r e ssiv e t a x e s

i nv e nt e d by C om modu s a nd t o c a nc e l a ll t h e u nj u st
,

cl a im s of t h e t re a su ry ; d e cl a ri ng i n a d e c re e of t h e
se na t e , t h a t h e w a s b e tte r sa t i sfi e d t o a d m i ni st e r a

p oor re public w ith i nnoc e nc e th a n t o a cqui re r ich e s by ,

”
t h e w a y s of ty ra nny a nd di sh onou r Ec onom y a nd .

i ndu st ry h e c onsid e re d a s t h e pu r e a nd g e nui ne sou r c e s

of w e a lth ; a nd from th e m he soon d e r iv e d a C O p i ou s

supply for t h e public ne c e ssi t i e s T h e e xp e nse of t h e .

h ou se h old w a s i mm e di a t e ly r e duc e d t o one h a lf A ll .

t h e i nst ru m e nt s of luxu ry P e rti na x e xp ose d t o public

a ucti on g old a nd silv e r pl a t e ch a ri ot s of a si ngul a r
"
, ,

c onst ructi on a sup e rflu ou s w a rd rob e of silk a nd e m

,

D ecies The
. bl l
a m e e ss e onom c y
of i s eft hi s s Pu l
e ssors a t rea s reucc u
of vi ci es sep t i c bv
s m i lli es, a o e t w o a nd t ent m l ons st e r i n
w y il iD i on, l g .

1.lxxiii p
. 12 31
. .

B id d ig
es es t h e c v i g h u l
es n of on e rt n se ess orna me nt s i nt o m one , y
9
t ese
Dion ( 1 lxxiii p
. ig
. c . iv P
a ss ns t w o se re t m ot e s of e rt i na He x .

wi h d
s e xp
to e vc C du di c v by
ose t h e i e s of omm o s, a nd t o s o er the r a se rs pu ch
h bl d
t ose w ho most re se m e hi m .
 12 0 THE DE C LIN E A N D F A L L
b roid e ry a nd a g re a t nu m b e r of b e a u t iful sla v e s of
,

b ot h se x e s ; e xc e p t i ng only w i t h a t t e nt iv e hu m a ni ty
, ,

t h ose w h o w e r e b or n i n a st a t e of fr e e d om a nd h a d ,

b e e n r a vi sh e d from t h e a r m s of t h e i r w e e pi ng p a re nt s .

A t t h e sa m e t i m e t h a t h e oblig e d t h e w or t hl e ss fa v ou r
it e s of th e t y ra nt t o re sig n a p a r t of t h e i r ill g ot t e n -

w e a l t h h e sa t i sfi e d t h e j u st c re di t ors of t h e st a t e a nd
, ,

u ne xp e c t e dly di sch a rg e d t h e l ong a rre a rs of h one st se r

vic e s H e r e m ov e d t h e opp re ssiv e r e st ric t i ons which
.

h a d b e e n l a id up on c omm e r c e a nd g r a nt e d a ll t h e nu ,

cul t iv a t e d l a nd s i n I t a ly a nd t h e p rovi nc e s t o t h ose w h o

w ould i m p rov e t h e m ; wi t h a n e x e m pti on fr om t ribut e
duri ng t h e t e rm of t e n y e a rs f .

S u ch a n u niform c onduc t h a d a l re a dy se cu re d t o
P e r t i na x t h e nobl e st r e w a r d of a sov e r e ig n t h e l ov e ,

a nd e st e e m of h i s p e opl e Th ose w h o r e m e m b e r e d t h e
.

vi r t u e s of M a r cu s w e r e h a ppy t o c ont e m pl a t e i n t h e i r
ne w e m p e r or t h e fe a t u r e s of t h a t b r igh t origi na l ; a nd

fl a t t e re d t h e m se lv e s th a t t h e y sh ould l ong e nj oy t h e
,

b e nig n i nflu e nc e of h i s a d m i ni st ra t i on A h a sty z e a l .

t o r e for m t h e c orr up t e d st a t e a cc om p a ni e d wi t h l e ss ,

p r ud e nc e t h a n m igh t h a v e b e e n e xp e c t e d from t h e
y e a r s a nd e xp e r i e nc e of P e r t i na x p r ov e d fa ta l t o h i m ,

se lf a nd t o h i s c ou nt r y H i s h one st i ndi sc re t i on u ni t e d
.

a g a i nst h i m t h e se r vil e c r owd w h o fou nd t h e i r p r iv a t e ,

b e ne fit i n t h e public di sor d e rs a nd w h o p re fe rr e d t h e ,

fa v ou r of a t y ra nt t o t h e i ne x ora bl e e q ua lity of t h e
la ws
’
3 .

A m id st t h e g e ne ra l j oy t h e sull e n a nd a ng ry cou nte

,

na nc e of t h e p r e t ori a n gu a r ds b e t ra y e d t h e i r i nw a r d

di ssa t i sfa c t i on Th e y h a d r e luc t a ntly sub m it t e d t o

.

P e r t i na x ; t h e y d re a d e d t h e st r ic t ne ss of t h e a nci e nt
di scipli ne which h e w a s p r e p a ri ng t o r e st or e ; a nd th e y
,

r e g re t t e d t h e lic e nc e of t h e form e r re ig n Th e i r di s .

c ont e nt s w e r e se c r e tly fom e nt e d by L ae t u s t h e i r p re ,

fe e t w h o fou nd wh e n i t w a s t oo l a t e t h a t h i s ne w
, , ,

Th ough C a pi t oli n h s pick e d up m a ny idl t a l of t h p i v a te l i f of

us a e es e r e
P t i n x he j oi n wi t h D on a nd H od i a n i n d mi i ng hi public c onduc t
er a s i er a r s
8 L ge T L iv ii 3
, .

e m u dam s, re xo a b l m e
s r , e
rue r re ss . . . . .
 “
O F THE R OMA N E MP IRE . 12 1

em p e ror w ould re w a r d a se rv a nt b u t w ould not b e C H A P , .

IV
r ul e d by a fa v ou r i t e O n t h e t hi r d da y of h i s r e ig n t h e
'

soldi e rs se iz e d on a nobl e se na t or wi t h a d e sig n t o ,

c a rry h i m t o t h e c a m p a nd t o i nv e st h i m wi t h t h e i m ,

p e ria l pu r pl e I nst e a d of b e i ng da zzl e d by t h e da n

.

e r ou s h on ou r t h e a ffr igh t e d vic t i m e sc a p e d fr om t h e i r

g ,

vi ol e nc e a nd t ook re fug e a t t h e fe e t of P e r t i na x A A con pi

,
. s

1
$33
8
sh or t t i m e a ft e r w a r d s S osi u s F a lc o one of t h e c onsul s ,

of t h e y e a r a ra sh y ou t h ,
b u t of a n a nci e nt a nd op u ,

l e nt fa m ily li st e ne d t o t h e v oic e of a m bi t i on ; a nd a
,

c onspi ra cy w a s form e d du r i ng a sh or t a b se nc e of Pe r
t i na x w h i ch w a s c ru sh e d by hi s sudd e n r e t u rn t o
,

R om e a nd h i s r e solu t e b e h a vi ou r F a lc o w a s on t h e
,
.

p oi nt of b e i ng j u st ly c ond e m ne d to d e a t h a s a public
e ne m y h a d h e not b e e n sa v e d by t h e e a rne st a nd si n
,

c e re e nt re a t i e s of t h e i nj u re d e m p e ror ; w h o conj u re d
t h e se na t e t h a t t h e pu r ity of h i s re ig n m igh t not b e
,

st a i ne d by t h e bl ood e v e n of a guil t y se na t or .

Th e se di sa pp oi nt m e nt s se r v e d only t o i rrita t e t h e M u d of r er

r a g e of t h e p r e t or i a n gu a r d s O n t h e tw e nt y e ighth .
-

of M a r ch e igh t y si x d a y s only a ft er t h e d e a t h of C om
,
-
i n r a s.

m odu s a g e ne r a l se di t i on b rok e ou t i n t h e c a m p which

, ,

t h e offic e r s w a nt e d e i t h e r p ow e r or i ncli na t i on t o su
p
p re ss T w o or th re e hu nd re d of t h e m ost d e sp e ra t e
.

soldi e rs m a r ch e d a t noon da y wit h a r m s i n th e i r h a nd s -

,

a nd fu ry i n th e i r l ook s t ow a r d s t h e i m p e ri a l p a l a c e
, .

T h e g a t e s w e r e th r ow n op e n by t h e i r c om p a ni ons up on
gu a rd a nd by t h e d om e stic s of t h e ol d c ou rt w h o h a d
, ,

a l re a d y form e d a se c re t c onspi ra cy a g a i nst t h e life of

t h e t oo vi r tu ou s e m p e r or O n t h e ne w s of t h e i r a p .

p roa ch P e rt i na x di sd a i ni ng e i t h e r fligh t or c onc e a l

, ,

m e nt a dv a nc e d t o m e e t h i s a ssa ssi ns; a nd r e c a ll e d t o

,

t h e i r m i nd s h i s ow n i nnoc e nc e a nd t h e sa ncti t y of t h e i r ,

re c e nt oa t h F or a fe w m om e nt s t h e y st ood i n sil e nt
.

su sp e nse a sh a m e d of t h e i r a t r oci ou s d e sig n a nd a w e d

, ,

by t h e v e ne ra bl e a sp e ct a nd m a j e stic fi rm ne ss of t h e i r
b
If w c di t C pi tol i n ( which i t h di ffi cul t) F lc o b h v e d
e re a u s, s ra er a e a

wi t h t h m o t p t ul nt i nd c ncy t o P t i na x on t h d y of h i cc i on
e s e a e e er e a s a e ss .

Th wi
e m p o only d moni h d hi m of h i y ou t h nd i ne xp e i nc
se e er r a s e s a r e e.
H i t A ugu t p 55
s . s . . .
122 TH E D E C L IN E A N D FA L L
so ere v ig n ; till a t l e ng t h t h e d e sp a i r of p a rd on re vivi ng
th e i r fu ry a b a rb a r i a n of t h e c ou nt ry of T ong r e s le
,
i

ve lle d t h e fi rst bl ow a g a i nst P e r t i na x w ho w a s in ,

st a nt l
y d e sp a t ch e d wi t h a m ul t i t ud e of w ou nd s H i s .

h e a d se p a ra t e d fr om h i s b ody a nd pl a c e d on a l a nc e
, , ,

w a s c a rr i e d i n t riu m ph t o t h e p re t or i a n c a m p i n t h e , ,

sigh t of a m ou rnful a ndi ndig na nt p e opl e ; w h o l a m e nt e d

t h e u nw or t hy fa t e of th a t e xc e ll e nt p r i nc e a nd t h e ,

t ra nsi ent bl e ssi ng s of a r e ig n t h e m e mor y of which ,

c ould se rv e only t o a gg ra v a t e th e i r a pp roa chi ng mi s

for t u ne s k
i The m o dern bi sh op ic of L i e ge Thi s soldi e p ob a bly be l ong e d to t he
r . r r

B a t a vi a n h o se gu d w ho w e m ost ly a i se d n t h duchy of G l d e
r a r s, re r i e ue r s

a nd t he ne ighb ou h ood nd w e e di t i ng i h e d by t h i v a l ou
r a a nd by t he
r s u s e r r,

b old n wi t h which t h y w a m t h ei h o e a c o th b o d e t nd most

,

e ss e s r rs s r ss e r a s a

ra pid iv e
r Ta ci t Hi t iv 12 ; D i on l lv p 797 ; L i p i u de M a g ni
rs. . s . .
, . . . s s

t di n R om a na 1 i c 4
u e . . . .

k D i on l lxxiii p 12 32 ;
,

60 Hi t A ugu t p 58 ; ii. s
, . . .
P ° s . . .

V ic to n Epi tom e t i n Cae sa i b ; Eut opi s v iii l 6

r i . r r u ,
. .

.
 C H AP T ER V .

P U B LI C S A L E O F T HE E M P I RE T O D ID IU S J U LI A N U S BY
THE P RET O R I A N G U A RD S — C L O D IU S A L B I N U S I N B R I
.

T A I N P E SCE N N IU S N I G ER I N S Y R I A A N D SE PT IMIU S
, ,

S E V E R U S I N P A N N O N I A DE C L A RE A GA I N S T T H E MU R
,

B E K E R S O F P E RT I N A X — C IVI L W A R S A N D V I C T O R Y O F
.
,

S E VE R U S O V E R H I S THRE E R I V A L S — R ELAXATI O N O F .

D I S C I PL I N E N E W M A XI MS O F G O V E RN M E N T
.
-
.

T H E p ow e r w ord i s more se nsibly fe lt i n a n P opo t i on

of t h e s r r

of t h m ili e
e x t e nsiv e m ona r chy th a n i n a sma ll c om m u ni t y It t y fo c t o
, .
ar r e

h a s b e e n c a lcul a t e d by t h e a bl e st p oli t ici a ns th a t no t h nu m b ,

e er

of t h peo e
sta t e wi t h ou t b e i ng soon e xh a u st e d c a n m a i nt a i n a b ov e
, ,
pl e.

t h e hu nd re dth p a r t of i t s m e mb e r s i n a r m s a nd idl e
ne ss . But a l t h ough thi s r e l a t iv e p r op or ti on m a y b e
u niform t h e i nflu e nc e of t h e a rm y ov e r t h e r e st of t h e
,

soci e t y will v a r y a cc or di ng t o t h e d e g re e of i t s p ositiv e

st r e ngth .T h e a dv a nt a g e s of m ilita r y sci e nc e a nd di s

cip l i ne c a nnot b e e x e r t e d u nl e ss a p rop e r nu mb e r of
,

soldi e r s a re u ni t e d i nt o one b ody a nd a c t u a t e d by one,

soul . With a h a ndful of m e n such a n u ni on w ould b e ,

“
i ne ffe c t u a l ; wi t h a n u nwi e ldy h ost i t w ould b e i m p ra c ,

t i ca ble ; a nd t h e p ow e rs of t h e m a chi ne w ould b e a lik e

d e st r oy e d by t h e e xtre m e mi nute ne ss or t h e e xc e ssi ve ,

w e igh t of i ts sp ri ng s T o illu st ra t e thi s ob se r v a t i on

.

w e ne e d only re fl e ct th a t t h e re i s no sup e ri ority of

,

na tu ra l st re ngth a r t ifici a l w e a p ons or a cqui re d skill

, , ,

which c ould e na bl e one m a n t o k e e p i n c onsta nt su b

i hu d r e d of h i s fe ll ow c r e a tu r e s : t h e t y ra nt
j e ct on on e n -

of a si ngl e t ow n or a sma ll di st r ict w ould soon di sc ov e r

, ,

th a t a n hu nd re d a rme d foll ow e rs w e re a w e a k d e fe nc e
,

a g a i nst t e n th ou sa nd p e a sa nt s or ci t iz e ns ; but a n h un

d re d t h ou sa nd w e l l di scipli ne d soldi e r s will c om ma nd

-
,

wi t h d e sp otic sw a y t e n milli ons of subj e ct s ; a nd a b ody

,

of t e n or fift e e n th ou sa nd gu a rd s will st rik e t e rr or i nt o

t h e m ost nu m e r ou s p opul a c e th a t e v e r c rowd e d t h e

st re e t s of a n i mm e nse c a pit a l .
 12 4 THE D E CL IN E A N D F A L L
C HAP T h e p re t ori a n b a nd s wh ose lic e n ti ou s fu r y w a s t h e
. ,

V .
fi rst sy m p t om a nd c a u se of t h e d e cline of t h e R om a n
Th p e t o e m pi re sc a r c e ly a m ou nt e d t o t h e l a st m e nt i one d nu m
e r ,
i n gu d he r
r a ar s:
Th e y d e r iv e d t h e i r i nst i t u t i on fr om A ugu st u s
3

th i i n ti
.

e r s
t fi on ;
u Th a t c ra ft y t y ra nt se nsibl e th a t l a w s m igh t c ol ou r b u t , ,

t h a t a r m s a l one c ould m a i nt a i n h i s u su r p e d d om i ni on , ,

h a d g ra du a lly form e d t hi s p ow e r ful b ody of gu a r d s i n

'

c onst a nt r e a di ne ss t o p rot e c t h i s p e rson t o a w e t h e ,

se na t e a nd e i t h e r t o p r e v e nt or t o c r u sh t h e fi rst m o
,

t i ons of r e b e lli on H e di st i ngui sh e d t h e se fa v ou r e d.

t r oop s by a d oubl e p a y a nd sup e ri or p rivil e g e s ; b u t , ,

a s t h e i r for m id a bl e a sp e c t w ould a t onc e h a v e a l a rm e d

a nd i rr i t a t e d t h e R om a n p e opl e t h r e e c oh or t s only ,

w e re st a ti one d i n th e c a pi t a l ; whil st t h e r e m a i nd e r w a s
t h ei c a mp ; di sp e rse d i n t h e a dj a c e nt t ow ns of I t a ly
b B u t a ft e r
r .

fift y y e a rs of p e a c e a nd se rvi t ud e Tib e riu s v e nt u re d ,

on a d e ci siv e m e a su re which for e v e r r iv e t t e d t h e fe t ,

t e r s of h i s c ou nt r y U nd e r t h e fa i r p r e t e nc e s of re .

li e vi ng I t a ly fr om t h e h e a vy bu r d e n of m ili t a ry qu a r
t e rs a nd of i nt r oduci ng a st r ict e r di scipli ne a m ong t h e
,

gu a rd s h e a sse m bl e d t h e m a t R om e i n a p e rma ne nt
, ,

c a m p which w a s for t ifi e d wi t h skilful c a re a nd pl a c e d d ,

on a c omm a ndi ng si t u a t i on
"
.

th ie r S uch for m id a bl e se r v a nt s a re a l w a y s ne c e ssa ry b u t ,

t ng t h
s re
oft e n fa t a l t o t h e t h r one of d e sp ot i sm By t hu s i nt r o
nd c onfi
, .
a

d nc e ;
e du cing t h e p re t ori a n gu a r d s a s i t w e re i nt o t h e p a l a c e , ,

a nd t h e se na t e t h e e m p e r ors t a ugh t t h e m t o p e r c e iv e
,

t h e i r ow n st re ng t h a nd t h e w e a k ne ss of t h e civil g o ,

ve rnm e nt ; t o vi e w t h e vic e s of t h e i r m a st e r s wi t h fa m i

li a r c ont e m p t a nd t o la y a sid e t h a t r e v e re nt i a l a w e
, ,

which di st a nc e only a nd m y st e ry ca n p re se rv e t ow a rd s , , ,

Th y w o igi n l ly ni n o t n th ou nd m n ( fo T ci t u nd Di on
a
e e re r a e r e sa e , r a s a
not ga re d up on t h ubj c t ) divid d i nto m ny c oh o t Vi t lliu
a re e e s e , e as a r s. e s
i nc d t h m t o ix t n t h ou nd ; nd f
re a se e ws cnl ee n f om i n c i p sa a as ar as e a ea r r s r
t i on t h y n v s, ft w d u nk m uch b l ow t h t nu mb
e e er a er S L ip i
ar s s e a e r. ee s us
d M g n
ei t udi n aR om n i 4 b S t on i n A ugu t c 49
e a a , . . ue . s . . .

T ci t A nn l iv 2 ; S ton i n Tib c 37 Di on C iu l l vii p 867

a . a . . ue . e r. . a ss s, . . . .

d I n th civil w b t w n V i t lliu nd V p i n t h p to i n c m p
e ar e ee e s a es a s a , e re r a a
w t t ck d nd d f nd d wi t h
as a a ll t h m chi n
e a u d i n t h i g of t h
e e e a e a es se e s e e e
b t fo t ifi d ci t i
es T ci t Hi t iii 84
r e es. a . s . . .

C l o to t h w ll of th ci ty on t h b o d u mm i t of t h Q ui i n l nd
3
se e a s e , e r a s e r a a
V i m i n l hill S N d i ni R om A nt c p 174 ; D on tu d Rom A n
a s. ee ar , a r a, . a s e a
t iqu p 46 a, . .
 O F THE R OMA N E MP IRE . 12 5

a i ma gi na ry p ow e r In t h e luxu ri ou s idl e ne ss of a n C H A P
n .
.

V
opul e nt ci t y t h e i r p rid e w a s nou r i sh e d by t h e se nse of
'

t h e i r i rr e si st ibl e w e igh t ; nor w a s i t p ossibl e t o c onc e a l

from t h e m t h a t t h e p e rson of t h e sov e re ig n t h e a u

, ,

t h or i t y of t h e se na t e t h e public t r e a su r e a nd t h e se a t , ,

of e m pi re w e re a l l i n t h e i r h a nd s
, T o div e r t t h e p re .

t or i a n b a nd s fr om t h e se d a ng e r ou s r e fl e cti ons t h e fi rm ,

e st a nd b e st e st a bli sh e d p r i nc e s w e r e oblig e d t o mi x
‘
bla ndi sh m e nt S w i t h c omm a nd s r e w a r d s wi t h pu ni sh ,

m e nt s t o fl a tt e r t h e i r p rid e i ndu l g e t h e i r pl e a su re s
, , ,

c onniv e a t t h e i r i rre gul a r i t i e s a nd t o pu r ch a se t h e i r ,

p r e c a r i ou s fa i t h by a lib e ra l d ona t iv e ; which si nc e t h e ,

e l e v a t i on of C l a udiu s w a s e x a ct e d a s a l e g a l cl a i m on

t h e a cc e ssi on of e v e r y ne w e m p e r or
,
‘.
,

T h e a dv oc a t e s of t h e gu a rds e nd e a v ou re d t o j u st ify t h e i pe rs

by a rgu me nt s t h e p ow e r which t h e y a sse r t e d by a rm s ;

,

a nd t o m a i nt a i n t h a t a cc or di ng t o t h e pu re st p r i ncipl e s ,

of t h e c onst i t u t i on t he i r c onse nt w a s e sse nt i a lly ne ce s ,

sa r y i n t h e a pp oi nt m e nt of a n e m p e r or T h e e l e c t i on .

of c onsul s of g e ne r a l s a nd of m a gi st ra t e s h ow e v e r i t
, , ,

h a d b e e n r e c e nt ly u su r p e d by t h e se na t e w a s t h e a n ,

ci e nt a nd u nd oub t e d righ t of t h e R om a n p e opl e g B u t .

wh e re w a s t h e R om a n p e opl e t o b e fou nd ? N ot su r ely

a m ong st t h e m ix e d m ul t i t ud e of sl a v e s a nd st r a ng e r s

t h a t fill e d t h e st r e e t s of R om e ; a se rvil e p opul a c e a s ,

d e v oid of spi ri t a s d e st i t ut e of p r op e rt y T h e de .

fe nd e rs of t h e st a t e se l e c t e d fr om t h e fl ow e r of t h e ,

I t a li a n y ou t h a nd t ra i ne d i n t h e e x e rci se of a rm s a nd
vi r t u e w e re t h e g e nui ne re p re se nt a t iv e s of t h e p e opl e
, ,

'

C l udiu i d by t h oldi t o t h m pi w t h fi t ho g v
f a s, ra se e s ers e e re , as e rs w a e
a d on tiv H g a v q i n d n on hu nd d nd t w nt y p ou nd S et on
a e. e e u a e a e re a e s. u .

Wh n M cu wi t h hi c oll gu Luciu V u t ook

,

i n C l ud c 10 a . . . e ar s, s ea e s e r s,

qui t p o i on of t h t h on h g v vi c n on hu nd d nd ix t y p ou nd
e sse ss e r e, e a e e a , e re a s s,
to ch of t h gu d Hi t A ugu t p 2 5 ; Di on 1 lxxi i i p 12 31 We
ea e a r s. s . s . . , . . . .

m y fo m om id m ou nt of t h e u m by H d i n c ompl i nt ’
a r of t h s e ea e a se s s, a r a s a ,

t h t t h e p om ot i on of
a C r h d co t h m t mi l l t w o m illi on
a nd a
ai sa r a s i er zes, s a

h lf t li ng
a s er
iii 3 Th fi t b ook of Liv y nd th c ond of
.

S C ic o d L gi b er e e us, . . e rs , a e se

Di ony iu of H lic a n u h ow t he u t h o i t y of t h p opl e v n i n t h

s s a r a ss s, s a r e e , e e e

l c t on of t h ki ng
e e r e s.
h Th y w
o igi n lly
e c ui te d i n L t iu m E t u i nd th old c ol oni
e re r a re r a ,
r r a, a e es.

T ci t A nn l iv 5 T h m p o O th o c om pli m nt t h ei v ni ty wi t h t h
a . a . . . e e er r e s r a e

fl tt i ng t i tl of I t li a lu m ni Rom a na ve e juv e nt u T c i t H i t 84
.

a er es a as r s. a . s . i . .
,
12 6 TH E D E C L I N E A N D F AL L
a nd t h e be st l ct t h e m ilit a ry chi e f of t h e
en ti t l e d to e e

r e public Th e se a sse rti ons h ow e v e r d e fe ctiv e i n re a

.
,

son b e c a m e u na nsw e ra bl e wh e n t h e fi e r c e p re t or i a ns
, ,

i nc re a se d t h e i r w e igh t by t h r ow i ng lik e t h e b a rb a ri a n, ,

c onqu e ror of R ome t h e i r sw ord s i nt o t h e sc a l e ,

T h e p re t ori a ns h a d vi ol a t e d t h e sa nc t i t y of t h e
t h rone by t h e a t roci ou s m u rd e r of P e r ti na x ; t h e y di s
,

h onou re d t h e m aj e sty of i t by t h e i r sub se qu e nt con ,

duc t T h e c a m p w a s wi t h ou t a l e a d e r for e v e n t h e
. ,

p re fe c t L ae t u s w h o h a d e xci t e d t h e t e m p est p rud e nt ly

, ,

d e cli ne d t h e p ublic i ndig na t i on A m id st t h e wild di s .

i a nu s th e e m p e ror s fa t h e r i n la w a nd g o
’
ord e r S u l p i c
, ,
- -
,

v e rnor of t h e ci t y w h o h a d b e e n se nt t o t h e c a m p on
,

t h e fi rst a l a rm of m uti ny w a s e nd e a v ou ri ng t o c a l m ,

t h e fu ry of t h e m ul t i t ud e wh e n h e w a s sil e nc e d by t h e ,

cl a m or ou s re tur n of th e m u rd e re rs b e a r i ng on a l a nc e ,

t h e h e a d of P e r t i na x Th ough hi st or y h a s a ccu st om e d.

u s t o ob se r v e e v e r y p r i ncipl e a nd e v e r y p a ssi on yi e ld

i ng t o t h e i m p e r i ou s dic ta t e s of a mbi t i on i t i s sc a r c e ly ,

c re dibl e t h a t i n t h e se m om e nt s of h orr or S u lp i cia nu s

, ,

sh ould h a v e a spi re d t o a sc e nd a t h r one p ollu t e d wi t h

t h e r e c e nt bl ood of so ne a r a r e l a ti on a nd so e xc e ll e nt ,

a p r i nc e H e h a d a l re a dy b e gu n t o u se t h e only e ffe c
.

t u a l a rgu m e nt a nd t o t re a t for t h e i mp e r i a l dig ni t y ;

,

bu t t h e m or e p r ud e nt of t he p re t ori a ns a pp re h e nsiv e ,

t h a t i n t hi s p r iv a t e c ont ra c t t h e y sh ould not ob t a i n a

, ,

j u st p ric e for so v a lu a bl e a com m odi ty ra n ou t up on ,

.

t h e r a m p a r t s ; a nd wi t h a l oud v oic e p r ocl a i m e d t h a t

, ,

t h e R om a n w orld w a s t o b e di sp ose d of t o th e b e st
k
bidd e r by public a u ct i on .

Thi s i nfa m ou s offe r t h e m ost i nsol e nt e xc e ss of m ili ,

t a ry lic e nc e di ffu se d a n u niv e rsa l gr i e f sh a m e a nd i n

, , ,

digna t i on t h rough ou t t h e city It re a ch e d a t l e ng t h .

t h e e a r s of D i di u s J uli a nu s a w e a l t hy se na t or w h o
'

, , ,

r e g a r dl e ss of t h e public c a l a m iti e s w a s i ndulgi ng h i m ,

i In t h e s e i ge of R om e by t he G a ul s. See Livy v , . 48 ; Plut ch ar . in

C a mi l l .143p . .

k Di on, 1 lxxiii p 12 34 ; H e odi a n 1 ii p 63; Hi t A ugu t p 60

. . . r , . . . s . s . . .

Th ough t h e t h ee hi to i a n a g e t h a t i t w a i n fa c t n a uc t i on H e odi a n
r s r s r e s a , r
a l on a ffi m
e t h a t i t w a p rocl a i m d a s such by t h e soldi e s
r s, s e r .
 O F THE R OMA N E MP IR E 12 7
‘Hi
.

se lf i n t h e luxu ry of t h e t a bl e s wife a nd h i s C H A P .
.

V
d a ugh t e r h i s fre e d m e n a nd h i s p a ra si t e s e a sily con
, ,
'

vi nc e d h i m t h a t h e d e se rv e d t h e t h r one a nd e a r ne st ly ,

c onj u re d h i m t o e m b r a c e so for tunat e a n Opp or tu ni t y .

T h e v a i n old m a n h a st e ne d t o t h e p r e t or i a n c a m p ,

wh e re S u lp i cia nu s w a s still i n t re a ty wi t h t h e gu a r d s ;
a nd b e g a n t o bid a g a i nst h i m fr om t h e foot of t h e r a m

p a r t T h e u nw or t hy ne gocia t i on w a s t ra nsa c t e d by
.

fa i t hful e m i ssa r i e s w h o p a sse d a l te r na t e ly from one

,

c a ndid a t e t o t h e oth e r a nd a cqu a i nt e d e a ch of th e m

,

wi t h t h e offe rs of h i s r iv a l S u lp i cia nu s h a d a l re a dy .

p rom i se d a d ona t iv e of fi ve th ou sa nd dra ch m s (a b ov e

one hu nd r e d a nd sixty p ou nd s) t o e a ch soldi e r ; wh e n

J uli a n e a g e r for t h e p riz e r ose a t onc e t o t h e su m of

, ,

si x t h ou sa nd t w o hu nd re d a nd fift y d ra ch m s or u
p ,

w a r d s of t w o hu nd re d p ou nd s st e rli ng T h e g a t e s of .

t h e c a m p w e re i nst a ntly t h row n O p e n t o t h e pu rch a se r ;

h e w a s d e cl a re d e m p e ror a nd re c e iv e d a n oa t h of a ll e
,

g i a nc e fr om t h e soldi e r s w h o re t a i ne d hu m a ni t y e nough
,

t o st ipul a t e t h a t h e sh ould p a r d on a nd forg e t t h e com

p e titi on of Su l p i cia nu s .

It w a s now i ncu m b e nt on t h e p re t ori a ns t o ful fi ll t h e J li n i a c u a s

c ondi t i ons of t h e sa l e Th e y pl a c e d t h e i r ne w sov e

$ 53
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0
.

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1
r e ig n wh om t h e y se r v e d a nd d e spi se d i n t h e c e nt r e of t
, , a e.

t h e i r r a nk s su r r ou nd e d h im on e v e ry sid e wi t h th e i r
,

shi e ld s a nd c onduct e d h i m i n cl ose or d e r of b a t t l e

,

t h r ough t h e d e se r t e d st re e t s of t h e city T h e se na t e .

w a s c om m a nd e d t o a sse m bl e ; a nd t h ose w h o h a d b e e n

t h e di st i ngui sh e d fr i e nd s of P e rt i na x or t h e p e rsona l ,

e ne m i e s of J uli a n fou nd it ne c e ssa r y t o a ffe ct a m or e

’

t h a n c omm on sh a r e of sa t i sfa c t i on a t t hi s h a ppy re v o

m
lu t i on A fte r J uli a n h a d fil le d t h e se na te h ou se with
.
-

a rm e d soldi e rs h e e xp a t i a t e d on t h e fre e d om of h i s
,

e l e cti on h i s ow n e m i ne nt vi r tu e s a nd h i s full a ssu ra nc e

, ,

of t h e a ffe cti ons of th e se na t e T h e ob se qui ou s a sse m .

bly c ong ra tul a t e d th e i r ow n a nd t h e public fe lici t y ; e n

Sp t i n
ar oft ns t h e mo t odi ou p t of t he ch a a c t
a us s e s a nd e l e v t i on
s ar s r er a
of J ul i n
a .

m
Dion C iu t th t t i me p e to h a d b e n p on l e nemy t o J l n
a ss s, a a r r, e a e rs a u ra

l lxxiii p 12 35
. . . .
 a
V

of
ffiziffi c
s
es

c ea
s
.

si
e.
on
12 8

t o t a k e p
,
os se ss i o n
THE D E C LIN E A ND F A L L
C H A P g a g e d t h e i r a ll e gi a nc e a nd c onfe r re d on h i m a ll t h e
se v e ra l b r a nch e s of t h e i m p e ri a l p ow e r
'

T k po se na t e J uli a n w a s c onduc t e d by t h e sa m e m ili t a r y p r o

s

o f t h e p a l
obj e c t s which st r uck h i s e y e s w e r e t h e a b a nd one d
a c e

t r u nk of P e r t i na x a nd t h e fr ug a l e nt e r t a i nm e nt p r e,
F r om t h e

T h e fi r s t
,

,
“.

p a re d for h i s supp e r T h e one h e vi e w e d wi t h i n .

di ffe re nc e ; t h e oth e r wi t h c ont e m p t A m a gnific e nt .

fe a st w a s p re p a re d by h i s ord e r a nd b e a m u se d h i m ,

se lf t ill a v e r y l a t e h ou r wi t h dic e a nd t h e p e r form , ,

a u c e s of P yl a d e s a c e l e b ra t e d d a nc e r Y e t i t w a s
,
.

ob se rv e d t h a t a ft e r t h e c r owd of fl a t t e r e r s di sp e rse d
, ,

a nd l e ft h i m t o d a rk ne ss soli t ud e a nd t e rr ibl e r e fl e c , ,
'

ti on h e p a sse d a sl e e pl e ss nigh t ; r e v olvi ng m ost p r o

,

b a bly i n h i s m i nd h i s ow n r a sh folly t h e fa t e of h i s ,

vi rt u ou s p re d e c e ssor a nd t h e d oub t ful a nd d a nge rou s ,

t e nu r e of a n e m pi re which h a d not b e e n a cqui re d by ,

m e r i t bu t pu r ch a se d by m one y
,

H e h a d r e a son t o t re m bl e O n t h e t h r one of t h e .

w orld h e fou nd hi m se lf wi t h ou t a fr i e nd a nd e v e n ,

wi t h ou t a n a dh e re nt T h e gu a rd s t h e m se lv e s w e re .

a sh a m e d of t h e p ri nc e wh om t h e i r a v a r ic e h a d
p e r

su a de d t h e m t o a cc e pt ; nor w a s t h e r e a ci t iz e n w h o

did not c onsid e r h i s e l e v a t i on wi t h h orror a s t h e l a st ,

i nsul t on t h e R om a n na m e T h e nobi li t y wh ose con .

,

sp i c u ou s st a t i on a nd a m pl e p osse ssi ons e x a c t e d t h e

st r ic t e st c a u t i on di sse m bl e d t h e i r se nt i m e nt s a nd m e t
, ,

t h e a ffe c t e d civili t y of t h e e m p e r or wi t h sm il e s of com

p l ac e n cy a nd p r ofe ssi ons of du t y

, B u t t h e p e opl e .
,

se cu r e i n t h e i r nu m b e rs a nd ob scu r i t y g a v e a fr e e v e nt ,

t o t h e i r p a ssi ons T h e str e e t s a nd public pl a c e s of

.

R om e r e sou nd e d wi t h cl a m ou r s a nd i m p re c a t i ons T h e .

e nra g e d m ul t i t ud e a ffr ont e d t h e p e r son of J uli a n r e ,

d h i s li be r a li t y a nd c onsci ou s of t h e i m p ot e nc e of
j e c t e ,

t h e i r ow n r e se nt m e nt t h e y c a ll e d a l oud on t h e l e gi ons ,

0
'
Hi A ugu t p 61 W l n f om t h nc on cu i ou ci cu m t nc
st . s . . . e ea r r e e e r s r s a e,

th t t h n
a e m p o wh t v
ew e h d b n h i bi t h
e r r, i mm di t ly g
a e er a ee s r , w as e a e a

re
g g t d
a e t o t h nu m b of p teic i n f m ili er a r a a e s.

Dion 1 l xxi ii p 12 35 ; Hi t A ugu t p 6 1 I h v nd e v ou d to

, . . . s . s . . . a e e a re

bl nd i nto on c on i t nt to y the e m i ng c ont dict i on of t h t w o w i te

e e s s e s r s e ra s e r rs.
of t h e

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,

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TH E R O MA N E MP IR E
fr ont i e rs t o a sse r t t h e vi ol a t e d m a j e st y of t h e C H A P

T h e public di sc ont e nt w a s soon di ffu se d fr om t h e Th

c e nt re t o t h e front i e rs of t h e e m pi re T h e a rm i e s of Sy i nd
B ri t a i n of Sy r i a a nd of Illy ricu m l a m e nt e d t h e de a th P nnoni
,

of P e r t i na x i n wh ose c om p a ny or u nd e r wh ose com

,

m a nd t h e y h a d so oft e n fough t a nd c onqu e r e d

,

re c e iv e d wi t h su r p r i se wi t h i ndig na t i on

t or i a ns h a d di sp ose d of t h e e m pi r e by public a uc t i on ;
,

wi t h e nvy t h e e x t ra ordi na r y i nt e llig e nc e t h a t t h e p r e

a nd t h e y st e r nly r e fu se d t o ra t ify t h e ig nom i ni ou s b a r

g a i n Th e i r i m m e di a t e a nd u na ni m ou s r e v ol t w a s fa t a l
t o J uli a n b u t i t w a s fa t a l a t t h e sa m e t i m e t o t h e p u b
,

lic p e a c e ; a s t h e g e ne ra l s of t h e re sp e c t iv e a rm i e s
C lodi u s A lbi nu s Pe sce nni u s Nig e r a nd S e p t im i u s
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,

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S e v e ru s we re st ill m or e a nxi ou s t o succ e e d t h a n t o

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r e v e ng e t h e m u r d e re d P e r t i na x Th e i r for c e s w e r e .

e x a c t ly b a l a nc e d E a ch of t h e m w a s a t t h e h e a d of
.

t h re e le g i ons P wi t h a nu m e r ou s t ra i n of a uxili a r i e s ;
,

a nd h ow e v e r di ffe r e nt i n t h e i r ch a ra ct e r s t h e y w e r e a l l ,

soldi e r s of e xp e ri e nc e a nd c a p a ci t y .

C lodi u s A lbi nu s g ov e r nor of B r i t a i n su r p a sse d b ot h Cl odi A !

, ,
ps

mm
h i s c om p e t i t or s i n t h e nobili t y of h i s e x t r a c t i on which 3 33
8 !
,

h e d e r iv e d from som e of t h e m ost illu st ri ou s na m e s of

th e o l d r e pu b l i cq B u t t h e b ra nch fr om wh e nc e h e
.

cl a i m e d h i s d e sc e nt w a s su nk i nt o m e a n ci r cu m st a nc e s ,

a nd t ra nspl a nt e d i nt o a r e m ot e p r ovi nc e It i s difficul t .

t o form a j u st id e a of h i s t ru e ch a r a c t e r U nd e r t h e .

h i IO S O li i c cl oa k of a u st e r i t y h e st a nd s a ccu se d of
p p ,

c onc e a li ng m ost of t h e vic e s which d e g ra d e hu m a n na

t u re B u t hi s a ccu se r s a r e t h ose v e na l w r i t e rs 3t
’
.

a d or e d t h e for t u ne of S e v e ru s a nd t ra m pl e d on t h e ,

a sh e s of a n u nsucc e ssful r iv a l V i r t u e or t h e a pp e a r
.
,

a u c e s of vi r t u e r e c om m e nd e d A lbi nu s t o t h e c onfid e nc e
,

P Di on, 1 . lxxiii p
12 35 . . .

q The Post h u m i a n a nd t he C e oni a n

j ; t h e orm e r of f om w a s ra se wh
t o i d
c
t h e ons s ul hip fif h y
i n the ft i
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u dig d c ll c i
S p a rt i a nu s, i n h i s n ix up
e st e o e t ons, m e s a ll t he rt e s a nd vi u
a ll t h e vic h i
e s t a t e nt e r hu c p ii
nt o t h e b
m a n om os t on, a nd e st o s t e m on w h
t h e sa m e o e t bj c Such i d d,
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n ee , a re m a n of t he
. a ra t e rs i n t he st a n A ugu
Hi sto y r .

VOL I . .
180 TH E D E C LIN E A N D F A L L
a nd g ood opi ni on of
M a r cu s ; a nd h i s p r e se rvi ng wi t h
t h e son t h e sa m e i nt e r e st which h e h a d a cqui re d wi t h

t h e fa t h e r i s a p r oof a t l e a st t h a t h e w a s p osse sse d of a

,

v e ry fl e xibl e di sp osi ti on T h e fa v our of a t y ra nt d oe s .

not a lw a y s supp ose a w a nt of m e r i t i n t h e obj e c t of i t

h e m a y wi th ou t i nt e ndi ng i t re w a r d a m a n of w or t h
, ,

a nd a bili t y or h e m a y fi nd such a m a n u se ful t o hi s ow n

,

se r vic e It d oe s not a pp e a r t h a t A lbi nu s se r v e d t h e

.

son of M a r cu s e i t h e r a s t h e m i ni st e r of h i s c r u e l t i e s
, ,

or e v e n a s t h e a ssoci a t e of h i s pl e a su re s H e w a s em .

pl oy e d i n a di st a nt h onou ra bl e c omm a nd wh e n h e r e ,

ce i ve d a c onfid e nt i a l l e t t e r from t h e e m p e r or a cqu a i nt ,

i ng h i m of t h e t r e a sona bl e d e sig ns of som e di sc on te nt e d

g e ne ra l s a nd a u t h ori si ng h i m t o d e cl a re hi m se lf t h e
,

gu a rdi a n a nd succ e ssor of t h e t h r one by a ssu m i ng t h e ,

t i t l e a nd e nsig ns of C ae sa r T h e g ov e rnor of B r i t a i ns
.

wi se ly d e cli ne d t h e d a ng e rou s h onou r which w ould ,

h a v e m a rk e d h i m for t h e j e a l ou sy or i nv olv e d h i m i n ,

t h e a pp r oa chi ng r ui n of C om m odu s H e c ou r t e d
, .

p ow e r by nobl e r or a t l e a st by m ore sp e ci ou s a r t s
, , ,
.

O n a p r e m a t u re r e p or t of t h e d e a th of t h e e m p e r or ,

h e a sse m bl e d h i s t r oop s ; a nd i n a n e l oqu e nt di sc ou rse , ,

d e pl or e d t h e i ne vit a bl e m i schi e fs of de sp ot i sm de ,

sc r ib e d t h e h a pi ss a nd gl or y which t h e i r a nc e st or s
p ne

h a d e nj oy e d u nd e r t h e c onsul a r g ov e r nm e nt a nd de ,

cla re d h i s fi rm r e solu t i on t o re i nst a t e t h e se na t e a nd

p e opl e i n t h e i r l e g a l a u t h ori t y Thi s p opul a r h a ra ngu e .

w a s a nsw e re d by t h e l oud a ccl a m a t i ons of t h e B ri ti sh

l e gi ons a nd r e c e iv e d a t R om e wi t h a se c re t m u rm u r
,

of a ppl a u se S a fe i n t h e p osse ssi on of h i s lit t l e w orld

.
,

an d i n t h e c om m a nd of a n a rm y l e ss di st i ngui sh e d i n
d e e d for di scipli ne t h a n for nu mb e r s a nd v a l ou r A l ‘
,

binns b r a v e d t h e m e na c e s of C omm odu s m a i nt a i ne d ,

t ow a r d s P e r t i na x a st a t e ly a m bigu ou s r e se r v e a nd i n ,

st a nt ly d e cl a r e d a g a i nst t h e u su r p a t i on of J uli a n T he .

c onvul si ons of t h e c a pita l a dd e d ne w w e igh t t o h i s se n

Hi t A ugu t p 80 84
s . s . . . .

P t i n x w ho g ov e ne d B i t a i n a fe w y a s b fo ha d b ee n l e ft fo
er a , r r e r e re , r
d ea d i n a m u t i ny of t h oldie Hi t A u gu st p 54 Ye t the v loved nd
e s rs. s . . . . a
re g e tt ed h i m a dmi nt ib e a m i t t em c i i a ceb nt
r ra us v r u u r s a ur.
t i m e nt s, or
O F T H E R O MA N

ra p r ofe ssi ons of p a t r i ot i sm A C H A P

t h e r t o hi s
r e g a r d t o d e c e ncy i nduc e d h i m t o d e cli ne t h e l oft y t i t l e s

of A ugu st u s a nd e m p e r or ; a nd h e i m it a t e d p e r h a p s

t h e e x a m pl e of G a lb a w h o on a si m il a r occ a si on h a d
, ,
V
EMP IRE .

,
131

“
.

st yl e d hi m se lf t h e li e ut e na nt of t h e se na t e a nd e o le
p p
P e r sona l m e ri t a l one h a d ra i se d Pe sce nni u s N ig e r Pe c nni ,
s e us

m
from a n ob scu r e bi rt h a nd st a ti on t o t h e g ov e rnme nt ,

of Sy r i a ; a luc ra t iv e a nd i m p or t a nt c om m a nd which i n ,

t i m e s of civil c onfu si on g a v e h i m a ne a r p r osp e ct of t h e

t h r one . Y e t h i s p a rt s se e m t o h a v e b e e n b e t t e r sui t e d
t o t h e se c ond t h a n t o t h e fi rst ra nk : h e w a s a n u ne qu a l

r iv a l t h ough h e m igh t h a v e a pp r ov e d hi m se lf a n e x
,

ce lle nt li e u t e na nt t o S e v e r u s w h o a ft e r w a r d s di spl a y e d
, ,

t h e g re a t ne ss of h i s m i nd by a d op t i ng se v e r a l u se ful
i nst ituti ons from a v a nqui sh e d e ne m y In h i s g ov e rn "
.

me nt Nig e r a cqui re d t h e e st e e m of t h e soldi e rs a nd

, ,

t h e l ov e of t h e p r ovi nci a l s H i s r igid di scipli ne for t i.

fl e d t h e v a l ou r a nd c onfi rm e d t h e ob e di e nc e of t h e
form e r ; whil st t h e v olup t u ou s Sy ri a ns w e re l e ss de
ligh t e d wi t h t h e m ild fi rm ne ss of h i s a d m i ni st ra t i on ,

th a n wi t h t h e a ffa bility of h i s m a nne rs a nd t h e a pp a ,

r e nt pl e a su re w i t h which h e a tt e nd e d t h e i r fr e qu e nt

a nd p om p ou s fe st iv a l s A s soon a s t h e i nt e llig e nc e of
t h e a t r oci ou s m u r d e r of P e r t i na x h a d r e a ch e d A nt i och ,

t h e wi sh e s of A si a i nvi t e d Nig e r t o a ssu m e t h e i m p e r i a l

pu rpl e a nd re v e ng e hi s d e a t h T h e l e gi ons of t h e
, .

e a st e r n fr onti e r e m b ra c e d hi s c a u se ; t h e opul e nt but

u na rm e d p r ovi nc e s fr om t h e fronti e rs o f E t h i op i a t o Z

t h e A d r i a t ic ch e e r fully sub m i t t e d t o h i s p ow e r ; a nd
,

t h e ki ng s b e y ond t h e Tig ri s a nd t h e Euph ra t e s con

g ra tul a t e d h i s e l e cti on a nd offe re d h i m t h e i r h om a g e
,

a nd se r vic e s T h e m i nd of Nig e r w a s not c a p a bl e of

.

Sue t on i n G a lb
. 10 . c .
x
. st st
p 76 Hi A ugu . . . \ .

3'
H d ii p
e ro 1. .68 . The .ch ron
. e of o n
'
a a a oficl Jh M l l
nt o , s o sA i ch h w
l u ch
t h e ze a o s a t t a c u
m e nt of h i s o nt r m e n t o t e se e st a s, y h f iv l which
a t on e c
g ifi d h i up i i
ra t t e rs h
e rst t on, a nd t e r o e of i l v pl u
‘ ki g Th b
e ea s re .

7
A n of gyp
e e s, i n E t , i s m e nt one i n t he i d
sta n A ugu Hi y
st or , a s

an a lly i d d
, a nd n e e as ap l
e rsona r en of er f i d N ig If
Spa rt i a nu s i s not , a s
.

I gly u p c i k
st ron s s e t , m st a e n, h e h a s ro t to t a b ugh ligh dy y
na st of t r tar ibu y
p i nc e tot a lly u nk now n t o hi sto y
r s r .
132 THE DE C LIN E A N D F A LL
re c e ivi ng thi s sudd e n t id e of for t u ne ; h e fl a t t ere d h i m
se lf t h a t h i s a cc e ssi on w ould b e u ndi st u rb e d by c om p e

t i t i on a nd u nst a i ne d by civil bl ood ; a nd whil st h e e n

,

j oy e d t h e v a i n p om p of t riu m ph ; b e ne gl e c t e d t o se cu re

t h e m e a ns of vic t or y I nst e a d of e nt e ri ng i nt o a n e f
.

fe ct u a l ne g ocia t i on wi t h t h e p ow e r ful a rm i e s of t h e
w e st wh ose r e solu t i on m igh t d e cid e or a t l e a st m u st
, ,

b a l a nc e t h e m igh t y c ont e st ; i nst e a d of a dv a nci ng

,

wi th ou t d e l a y t ow a rd s R om e a nd I t a ly wh e r e h i s p r e ,
.

se nc e w a s i m p a t i e nt ly e xp e c t e d Nig e r t ri fl e d a w a y a
,

i n t h e luxu ry of A nt i och t h ose i rr e t ri e v a bl e m om e nt s

which w e r e dilig e nt ly i mp r ov e d by t h e d e ci siv e a c t ivi t y
of S e v e r u s
b .

T h e c ou nt ry of P a nnoni a a nd D a l m a t i a which occu ,

pi e d t h e sp a c e b e t w e e n t h e D a nub e a nd t h e A d r i a t ic ,

w a s one of t h e l a st and m ost di ffi cul t c onqu e st s of t h e

R om a ns In th e d e fe nc e of na t i ona l fre e d om t w o
.
,

hu nd re d t h ou sa nd of t h e se b a rb a r i a ns h a d onc e a p
a r e d i n t h e fi e ld a l a r m e d t h e d e cli ni ng a e of A u
p e g ,

gu st u s a nd e x e r ci se d t h e vigil a nt p rud e nc e of Tib e riu s

,

a t t h e h e a d of t h e c oll e c t e d for c e of t h e e m pi re T he
P a nnoni a ns yi e ld e d a t l e ng t h t o t h e a rm s a nd i nsti t u
t i ons of R om e Th e i r r e c e nt subj e c t i on h owe v e r t h e
.
, ,

ne ighb ou r h ood a nd e v e n t h e m ix t u re of t h e u ncon

, ,

qu e re d t r ib e s a nd p e rh a p s t h e cli m a t e a d a p t e d a s i t
, , ,

h a s b e e n ob se r v e d t o t h e p r oduc t i on of g r e a t b odi e s
,

d
a nd sl ow m i nds a ll c ont r ibu t e d t o p r e se r v e som e r e
,

m a i ns of t h e i r origi na l fe r oci ty ; a nd u nd e r t h e t a m e
a nd u nifor m c ou nt e na nc e of R om a n p rovi nci a l s the ,

h a r dy fe a tu re s of t h e na t iv e s w e re st ill t o b e di sc e rne d .

Th e i r w a r lik e y outh a fford e d a n i ne xh a u st ibl e supply

of re c r ui t s t o t h e l e gi ons st a t i one d on t h e b a nk s of t h e

a
Di on 1 lxxiii p 12 38 ; H e od 1 p 67 A v s i n e v y one
, . . . r . . ii . . . er e er
’
s
m ou t h t t h a t t i m
a m t o e xp t he g ne l opi ni on of t he t h
e , se e s iv l s
re ss e ra re e r a
O p t i m u e t N g b onu Afi p i m s A lb
s s i er , Hi t A ugu t p 75
s rr , ess
b H odi n 1 i p 71
er a , . i . . .
u u s. s . s . . .

6
See n a cc ou nt of t h a t mem o bl w a i n Ve ll ei u Pa te c l
a 110 ra e r s r u us, i i .

e t c w ho e v e di n t h e a m y of Tib e ius
,

‘
. s r r r .

1 Such i t he e fl c t i on of H e odi a n 1 i i
s r e p 74 Will the mode n r , . . . .
r
A u t i ns a l low t he i nflu enc e ?
s r a
 O F THE R OMA N E MP IR E . 133

D anub e a nd which from a p e r p e tu a l w a r fa re a g a i nst C H A P

, , .

V‘
t h e G e rm a ns a nd S a rm a t i a ns w e re d e se rv e dly e st e e m e d ,

t h e b e st t r oop s i n t h e se r vic e .

T h e P a nnoni a n a rm y w a s a t t hi s t i m e c om m a nd e d S pt i mi e us

s v m e e s
by Se p ti mi u s S e v e r u s a na t iv e of A fric a w h o i n t h e , , ,

g r a du a l a sc e nt of p riv a t e h onou rs h a d c onc e a l e d h i s ,

d a ri ng a mbi t i on which w a s ne v e r div e r t e d fr om i t s,

st e a dy c ou r se by t h e a llu r e m e nt s of pl e asu r e t h e a p ,

p re h e nsi on of d a ng e r or t h e fe e li ng s of hu m a ni t y ,
"
.

O n t h e fi rst ne w s of t h e m u r d e r of P e r ti na x h e a sse m ,

bl e d h i s t roop s p a i nt e d i n t h e m ost liv e ly c ol ou rs t h e

,

c ri m e t h e i nsole nc e a nd t h e w e a kne ss of t h e p re t ori a n

, ,

gu a r d s a nd a ni m a t e d t h e l e gi ons t o a rm s a nd t o r e
,

v e ng e H e c onclud e d (a nd t h e p e rora t i on w a s t h ough t

.

‘
e x t re m e ly e l oqu e nt ) wi t h p rom i si ng e v e ry soldi e r a b ou t

fou r hu nd re d p ou nd s ; a n h onou ra bl e d ona t iv e d oubl e ,

i n v a lu e t o t h e i nfa m ou s b rib e with which J uli a n h a d

pu rch a se d t h e e m pi r e f T h e a ccl a m a t i ons of t h e a r m y d cl d . e a re
m p m by e
i mm e di a t e ly sa lu t e d S e v e ru s wi t h t h e na m e s of A u t h P nno e
e

gu stu s P e r t i na x a nd e m p e ror ; a nd h e t hu s a t t a i ne d ni n l
, ,
a e

t h e l oft y st a t i on t o which h e w a s i nvi t e d by c onsci ou s .93 ,

m e r i t a nd a l ong t ra i n of d re a m s a d om e ns t h e frui t
,
n A p il 13
,
r

ful offsp r i ng e i t h e r of h i s sup e rst i t i on or p olicy g .

T h e ne w c a ndid a t e for e m pi re sa w a nd i m p rov e d

t h e p e culi a r a dv a nt a g e of h i s si t u a t i on H i s p rovi nc e .

e xt e nd e d t o t h e J uli a n A lp s which g a v e a n e a sy a cc e ss ,

i nt o I t a ly ; a nd h e r e m em b e re d t h e sa yi ng of A ugu st u s ,

T h a t a P a nnoni a n a rm y m igh t i n t e n d a y s a pp e a r i n M ch ar es

sigh t of R om e By a c e l e r i t y p rop ort i one d t o t h e i nt o I t ly a .

I n t he e t ter t o
8
l
A lbi u l dy
n s, a rea i d C ommodu ccu S v u
ment one , sa ses e e r s,
a s one of t h e a m bi i u g l c u d hi c onduc t nd wi h d t o
t o s e ne ra s w h o e ns re s , a s e

o ccupy pl c Hi A ugu p
his a e st st 80
f P nnoni w t oo p oo t o upply uch
. . . . .

a a as m It w p ob bly p or s s a su . as r a r

mi di n t h c m p nd p id t Rom
se e a ft t h vic t o y I n fixi ng t h m
, a a a e, a er e r . e su ,

I h a v e a d op t d th c onj c t u e of C ub on S Hi t A ugu t p 66 C om
e e e r a sa . ee s . s . .

m nt p 115
e . . .

8 H odi n 1 p 78 S ev e u w d e cl e d m p o on t h b nk of
'

er a , . ii . . . r s as ar e er r e a s

th D nub
e a i t h t C nu nt u m cc o d i ng t o Sp t n ( Hi t A ugu t
e, e er a ar , a r ar i a u s, s . s .

p. o el t S b i
r cc o di ng t o V ic t o M Hum i n upp o i ng t h t
se a a ar a , a r r. r. e, s s a
th ebi t h nd dig ni t y of S v u w t oo m uch i nf i o t o t h i m p i l
r a e er s e re er r e er a

c ow n nd t h t h m ch d i nt o I t ly g ne l only h not c on id d
r , a a e ar e a as e ra , as s e re
t hi t n c t i on wi t h h i u u l ccu cy ( E
s ra sa y on t h O igi n l C ont c t )
s s a a ra , ssa e r a ra .

V ll i e P t cle us 1i c 3 W m u t ck on t he ma ch f om t h
a e r u us, . i . . . e s re r r e
134 TH E D E CL IN E A N D FA L L
g e
ra tne ss cc a si on h e m igh t r e a sona bly h ope
of t h e o ,

t o r e v eng e P e r t i na x pu ni sh J uli a n a nd r e c e iv e t h e
, ,

h om a g e of t h e se na t e a nd p e opl e a s t h e i r l a wful e m ,

r or b e fore h i s c om p e t i t ors sep a ra t e d from I t a ly by

p e , ,

a n i m m e nse t ra c t of se a a nd l a nd w e r e a pp r i se d of h i s ,

succ e ss or e v e n of h i s e l e c t i on
,
Du ri ng t h e wh ol e .

e xp e di t i on h e sc a r c e ly a ll ow e d hi m se lf a ny m om e nt s
,

for sl e e p or food : m a r chi ng on foot a nd i n c om pl e t e ,

a r m ou r a t t h e h e a d of h i s c olu m ns h e i nsi nu a t e d h i m
, ,

se lf i nt o t h e c onfid e nc e a nd a ffe c t i on of h i s t r oop s ,

p r e sse d t h e i r dilig e nc e re viv e d th e i r spi ri t s a ni m a t e d

, ,

t h e i r h op e s a nd w a s w e ll sa t i sfi e d t o sh a r e t h e h a r d
,

ship s of t h e m e a ne st soldi e r whil st h e k e pt i n vi e w t h e ,

i nfi ni t e sup e ri ori t y of h i s re w a r d .

T h e w re t ch e d J uli a n h a d e xp e c t e d a nd t h ought ,

hi m se lf p re p a re d t o di spu t e th e e mpi re wi t h t h e g o
,

v e rnor of Sy r i a ; bu t i n t h e i nvi ncibl e a nd r a pid a p

p roa ch of t h e P a nnoni a n l e gi ons h e sa w h i s i ne vi t a bl e ,

r ui n . T h e h a st y a rr iv a l of e v e ry m e sse ng e r i nc re a se d
h i s j u st a pp r e h e nsi ons H e w a s succ e ssiv e ly i nform e d
.
,

t h a t S e v e ru s h a d p a sse d t h e A lp s ; t h a t t h e I t a li a n
ci t i e s u nwilli ng or u na ble t o opp ose hi s p rog re ss h a d
, ,

r e c e iv e d hi m wi t h t h e w a rm e st p r ofe ssi ons of oy a nd

j
du t y ; t h a t t h e i m p or t a nt pl a c e of R a v e nna h a d su r
r e nd e re d wi t h ou t r e si st a nc e a nd t h a t t h e A d r i a t ic fl e e t
,

w a s i n t h e h a nd s of t h e c onqu e r or T h e e ne m y w a s .

now wi t hi n t w o hu nd r e d a nd fift y m il e s of R om e ; a nd

e v e r y m om e nt di m i ni sh e d t h e na r r ow S p a n of life a nd

e m pi re a ll ot t e d t o J uli a n

“
.

H e a t t e m pt e d h ow e v e r t o p re v e nt or a t l e a st t o
, , ,

p rot ra c t h i s r ui n H e i m pl ore d t h e v e na l fa i t h of
, .

t h e p r e t ori a ns fill e d t h e ci t y wi t h u na v a ili ng p re p a

,

ra t i ons for w a r d re w li ne s r ou nd t h e subu rb s a nd

, ,

e v e n st r e ng t h e ne d t h e for t ific a t i ons of t h e p a l a c e ; a s if

t h ose l a st i nt re nch m e nt s c ould b e d e fe nd e d wi t h out

h O p e of r e li e f a g a i nst a vic t ori ou s i nv a d e r F e a r a nd .

sh a m e p r e v e nt e d t h e gu a r d s fr om d e se rti ng h i s st a nd

v g
ne a re st e r e of P i
a nnon a , a nd e x t nd
e t he s igh t of t h ci ty e as fa r as tw o
hu nd d mi l e
re s.
 O F TH E R OMA N E MP IR E . 135

a r d; b trt t h e y t re m bl e d a t t h e na m e of t h e
P a nnoni a n C H A P .

‘ V
l e gi ons c om m a nd e d by a n e xp e ri e nce d g e ne ra l a nd
, ,
'

a ccu st om e d t o v a nqui sh t h e b a r b a r i a ns on t h e fr oz e n

D a nub e i
Th e y qui t t e d wi t h a sigh t h e pl e a su re s of
.
, ,

t h e b a t h s a nd t h e a t r e s t o put on a rm s wh ose u se , ,

t h e y h a d a l m ost for g ot t e n a nd b e ne a th t h e w e igh t of ,

which t h e y w e re Opp r e sse d T h e u np ra c t i se d e l e ph a nt s .

,

wh ose u nc ou th a pp e a ra nc e i t w a s h op e d w ould st rik e , ,

t e rror i nt o t h e a r m y of t h e nor t h t h re w t h e i r u nskilful ,

r id e r s ; a nd t h e a wkw a r d e v olu t i ons of t h e m a r i ne s ,

d ra w n from t h e fl e e t of Mi se nu m w e r e a n obj e c t of ,

r idicul e t o t h e p opul a c e ; whil st t h e se na t e e nj oy e d ,

wi t h se c re t pl e a su r e t h e di st re ss a nd w e a k ne ss of t h e
,

u su r p e r

Ev e ry m oti on of J uli a n b e t r a y e d h i s t re m bli ng p e r Hi uncer s

p l e x i t y. H e i nsi st e d t h a t S e v e r u s sh ould b e d e cl a re d

a public e ne m y by t h e se na t e H e e nt re a t e d t h a t t h e .

P a nnoni a n g e ne ra l m igh t b e a ssoci a t e d t o t h e e m pi re .

H e se nt public a m b a ssa d or s of c onsul a r r a nk t o ne

g o c i a t e wi t h hi s r iv a l ; h e d e sp a t ch e d p r iv a t e a ssa ssi ns

t o t a k e a w a y h i s li fe H e d e sig ne d t h a t t h e v e st a l
.

vi rgi ns a nd a ll t h e c oll e g e s of p ri e st s i n t h e i r sa c er
, ,

d ot a l h a bi t s a nd b e a ri ng b e for e th e m t h e sa c re d
,

pl e dg e s of t h e R oma n r e ligi on sh ould a dv a nc e i n , ,

sol e m n p r oc e ssi on t o m e e t t h e P a nnoni a n l e gi ons ;

,

a nd a t t h e sa m e t i m e h e v a i nly t r i e d t o i nt e r r og a t e or
, , ,

‘
t o a pp e a se t h e fa t e s by m a gic c e re m oni e s a nd u nl a w
, ,

ful sa c rific e s .

S e v e ru s w h o d r e a d e d ne ith e r hi s a rm s nor h i s e u Is d e erte d

’

s
,
h pm
ch a nt m e nt s gu a r d e d hi m se lf fr om t h e only d a ng e r of gig ni
’

,
'

se c r e t c onspi ra cy by t h e fa i t hful a t t e nd a nc e of si x
,

hu nd re d ch ose n m e n w h o ne v e r qui tt e d h i s p e rson or

,

t h e i r cui r a sse s e i t h e r by nigh t or by da y du r i ng t h e

, ,

wh ol e m a rch A dv a nci ng wi t h a st e a dy a nd ra pid

.

c ou rse h e p a sse d wi t h ou t di fficul ty t h e de fi le s of t h e

, , ,

i Thi i n
s s ot a pu e i l e figu e of h e t o ic b t n a llu i on t o a e a l fa c t e
r r r r , u a s r r

c o d d by Di on 1 lxxi p 1181 I t p ob bly h pp e n d mo e t h a n onc e

‘Dion 1 lxxiii p 12 33 H odi a n 1 ii p 8 1 Th e i no u e p oof
r e , . . . . r a a e r .

1 re s s r r r
, . . . er , . . . .

of t h e m ili t y skill of t he R om a n
ar t h n t h e i fi t u m ou nt i ng t h e idl e
s, a r rs s r

te o
rr r, a nd ft rw a d di d a i ni ng t h e d a ng e ou s
a e r s s e of l ph a nt s i n w a r us e e r.

Hi t A ugu t p 62 63
s . s . .
, .
 136 THE D E C LIN E A N D F A LL
C H A P A p e nni ne . c e iv e d i nt o h i s p a r t y th e t roop s a nd e m
, re
V
ba ssa dors se nt t o r e t a r d h i s p r og re ss a nd m a d e a sh or t
.

h a l t a t I nt e ra m ni a a b ou t se v e nt y m il e s fr om R om e ,
.

H i s vic t ory w a s a l re a dy se cu re b u t t h e d e sp a i r of t h e
p r e t or i a ns m igh t h a v e re nd e re d i t bl oody ; a nd S e v e ru s
h a d t h e l a ud a bl e a m bi t i on of a sc e ndi ng t h e t h r one
wi t h ou t d ra wi ng t h e sw ord m
H i s e m i ssa r i e s di sp e r se d .
,

i n t h e c a pi t a l a ssu r e d t h e gu a rd s t h a t p r ovid e d t h e y
, ,

w ould a b a nd on t h e i r w or thl e ss p ri nc e a nd t h e p e r p e ,

t ra t or s of t h e m u rd e r of P e r t i na x t o t h e j u st ic e of t h e ,

c onqu e ror h e w ould no l ong e r c onsid e r t h a t m e l a n

,

ch oly e v e n t a s t h e a ct of t h e wh ol e b ody T h e fa i t h .

l e ss p re t ori a ns wh ose r e si st a nc e w a s supp or t e d only by ,

sull e n ob st i na cy gl a dly c om pli e d wi t h t h e e a sy c ondi ,

t i ons se iz e d t h e g re a t e st p a r t of t h e a ssa ssi ns a nd si g

, ,

ni fi e d t o t h e se na t e t h a t t h e y no l ong e r de fe nd e d t h e ,

c a u se of J uli a n Th a t a sse m bly c onv ok e d by t h e con .

,

su l u na ni m ou sly a ck nowl e dg e d S e v e r u s a s l a wfu l e m

,

p e ro r d e c r e e d divi n e h on,o u r s t o P e r t i na x a n d p r o —
,

nou nc e d a se nt e nc e of d e p osi t i on a nd d e a t h a g a i nst h i s

aud con u nfor t u na t e succ e ssor J uli a n w a s c onduc t ed i nt o a .

d m n d nd
e e a
ex cu t d by p r i v a t e a p a r t m e nt of t h e b a t h s of t h e p a l a c e a nd b e
e e ,

Ord f t h h e a d e d a s a c om m on c r i m i na l a ft r h a vi ng pu r ch a se d
er O e
e , ,
sen t a e.

A D 193 wi t h a n i mm e nse t re a su r e a n a nxi ou s a nd p re c a r i ou s

. . . ,

Jun 2 e
r e ig n of only six t y si x d a y s
.

T h e a l m ost i nc r e dibl e e x -

e di t i on of S e v e r u s w h o i n so sh or t a sp a c e of t i m e
p , , ,

c onduc t e d a nu m e rou s a r m y fr om t h e b a nk s of t h e D a n
u b e t o t h ose of t h e Tib e r p r ov e s a t onc e t h e pl e nt y of ,

p r ovi si ons p r oduc e d by a g r icul t u re a nd c om m e r c e t h e ,

g ood ne ss of t h e r oa d s t h e di scipli ne of t h e l e gi ons , ,

a nd t h e i nd ol e nt subdu e d t e m p e r of t h e p r ovi nc e s
0
.

V ic to nd E t opi viii 17 m nt i on c om b t n th Mi l vi n
"1
r a u r u s, . . e a a ea r e a
b i dg t h P ont Moll u nkno n t o t h b t t nd m o nci nt w i t
r e, e e e, w e e er a re a e r e rs.

Di on 1 1xxiii p 12 40 ; H odi n 1 ii p 83 Hi t A u g u t p 63
, . . . er
'
a , . . . s . s . . .

0F om t h r ix t y i x d ye se sm u t fi t d duc t ix t n -s P ti n x a s, w e s rs e s ee , as er a

w as mu d d on th t nty i gh t h of M ch nd S v u m o t p ob bly
r e re e we -
e ar , a e er s s r a

l c t d on t h t hi t nt h of A p il
e e e e Hi t A ugu t p 65 nd T ll m ont
r ee r : se e s . s . . . a r e ,

Hi t d Em p u t om iii p 393 not 7 W c nnot llow l t h n

s . es e re rs, . . . .
-
e . e a a e ss a

t n d y
e ft hi l c t i on t o p t nu m ou m y i n m ot ion Fo ty d y
a s a er s e e , u a er s ar . r a s

rem i n fo t hi
a pid m ch ; nd w m y c om pu t bou t igh t hu nd d
r s ra ar a as e a e a e re

m il f om Rom t o t h n ighb ou h ood of V i nn t h m y of S v u

es r e e e r e a , e ar e er s
m ch d t w nty m il
ar e v y d y W i t h ou t h l t o i nte mi ion
e es e er a , a r r ss .
 T he fi rst c a re s
O F T HE R OMA N E MP IR E
of
S e v e r u s w e re b e st ow e d on t w o C H A P
m e a su re s t h e one dic t a t e d by p olicy t h e ot h e r by de
,

ce ncy ; t h e r e v e ng e a nd t h e h onou rs du e t o t h e m e Di g c of
,
V
,

,
. 137

s ra
“e
.

P t i x B e fore t h e ne w e p e o e t e re d a ‘ éga
gf
f p r
m y o r o e r n a m . r r n
s.

R om e h e i ssu e d h i s c om m a nd s t o t h e p re t or i a n gu a r d s
, ,

di re c t i ng t h e m t o w a i t h i s a rriv a l on a l a rg e pl a i n ne a r
t h e ci ty wi t h ou t a rm s b u t i n t h e h a bi t s of c e r e m ony
, ,

i n which t h e y w e re a ccu st om e d t o a t t e nd th e i r sov e

r e ig n . H e w a s ob e y e d by t h ose h a ugh t y t r0 0 p s wh ose ,

c ont r i t i on w a s t h e e ffe c t of t h e i r j u st t e rror s A .

ch ose n p a r t of t h e Illy r i a n a rm y e nc om p a sse d th e m

wi t h l e v e ll e d sp e a rs I nc a p a bl e of fligh t or r e si st a nc e
.
,

t h e y e xp e ct e d t h e i r fa t e i n sil e nt c onst e r na t i on Se .

v e ru s m ou nt e d t h e t ribu na l st e rnly r e p roa ch e d t h e m ,

wi t h p e rfi dy a nd c ow a r dic e di sm i sse d t h e m wi t h i gno ,

mr ny fr om t h e t r u st which t h e y h a d b e t r a y e d d e sp oil e d ,

t h e m of t h e i r S pl e ndid or na m e nt s a nd b a ni sh e d t h e m , ,

on p a i n of d e a t h t o t h e di st a nc e of a n hu nd r e d m il e s
,

from t h e c a pi t a l Du ri ng t h e t ra nsa c t i on a not h e r

.
,

d e t a ch m e nt h a d b e e n se nt t o se iz e t h e i r a rm s occupy ,

th e i r c a m p a nd p re v e nt t h e h a sty c onse qu e nc e s of
,

t h e i r de sp a i r P .

T h e fu ne ra l a nd c onse c ra t i on of P e r ti na x w a s ne xt F u n l nd e ra a
oth
of sa d m a g ni fi : fP iflfx
l
sol e m niz e d wi t h e v e r y ci r cu m st a nc e
er r .

c e nc e 9 T h e se na t e wi t h a m e l a nch oly pl e a su re p e r
.
, ,

form e d t h e l a st r i t e s t o t h a t e xc e lle nt p r i nc e wh om ,

t h e y h a d l ov e d a nd st ill re g re t t e d , T h e c onc e rn of .

h i s succ e ssor w a s p r ob a bly l e ss si nc e r e H e e ste e m e d .

t h e vi r tu e s of P e r t i na x b u t t h ose vi r tu e s w ould for ,

e v e r h a v e c onfi ne d h i s a m bi t i on t o a p r iv a t e st a ti on .

S e v e ru s p ronou nc e d h i s fu ne r a l ora t i on wi t h st udi e d

e l oqu e nc e i nw a r d sa t i sfa cti on a nd w e ll a ct e d sorrow ;
, ,

a nd by t hi s pi ou s r e g a r d t o h i s m e m or y c onvi nc e d t h e ,

c re dul ou s m ul t i t ud e t h a t h e a lone w a s w ort hy t o supply

h i s pl a c e S e nsibl e h ow e v e r t h a t a r m s not c e re
.
, , ,

m oni e s m u st a sse rt h i s cl a i m t o t h e e m pi re h e l e ft
, ,

9 Di on 1 1xxiv p 12 41 H e odi a n 1 p 84
‘ , . . . r , . ii . . .

l Di on 1 lxxiv p h i d t he ce re mon y a s a se na t or,

( , w
. o t e. t . a ss s a

giv e mo t p ompou d e c i p t i on of i t
s a s s s r .
138 THE D E C LIN E A N D FA LL
R om e a t th e e nd of thi rty d a y s a nd wi t h ou t su ffe ri ng , ,

hi mse lf t o b e e l a t e d by t hi s e a sy vic t or y p re p a re d t o ,

e nc ou nt e r h i s m or e form id a bl e r iv a l s .

T h e u nc om m on a bili t i e s a nd for t u ne of S e v e r u s
h a v e i nduc e d a n e l e g a nt hi st ori a n t o c om p a r e h i m wi t h
t h e fi rst a nd g r e a t e st of t h e C ae sa r s T h e p a r a ll e l i s ,

a t l e a st i m p e r fe c t
,
Wh e re sh a ll w e fi nd i n t h e ch a
.
,

ra c t e r of S e v e r u s t h e c omma ndi ng sup e ri or i t y of soul

, ,

t h e g e ne r ou s cl e m e ncy a nd t h e v a r i ou s g e niu s which , ,

c oul d re c oncil e a nd u ni t e t h e l ov e of pl e a su re t h e ,

”?
t hi rst of k nowl e dg e a nd t h e fi r e of a m bi t i on In one
,

i nst a nc e only t h e y m a y b e c om p a re d wi t h som e de

, ,

g r e e of p r op r i e t y i n t h e c el e ri t y of t h e i r m ot i ons a nd
t h e i r civil vic t or i e s
,

‘
In l e ss t h a n fou r y e a rs S e v e r u s
.
,
,

subdu e d t h e r ich e s of t h e e a st a nd t h e v a l ou r of t h e ,

w e st H e v a nqui sh e d t w o c om p e t i t or s of r e pu t a t i on
.

a nd a bili t y a nd d e fe a t e d nu m e r ou s a rm i e s
, p r ovid e d ,

wi t h w e a p ons a nd di scipline e qu a l t o h i s ow n In t h a t .

a g e t h e a r t of for t ific a t i on a nd t h e p r i ncipl e s of t a c

, ,

t ic s w e r e w e ll u nd e r st ood by a ll t h e R om a n g e ne r a l s ;
,

a nd t h e c onst a nt sup e r i or i ty of S e v e r u s w a s t h a t of a n

a r t i st w h o u se s t h e sa m e i nst r u m e nt s wi th m or e skill
,

a nd i ndu st r y t h a n h i s r iv a l s I sh a ll not h ow e v e r .
, ,

e nt e r i nt o a m i nu t e na r ra t iv e of t h e se m ili t a r y op e r a

t i ons ; b u t a s t h e t w o civil w a r s a g a i nst N ig e r a nd ,

a g a i nst A lbi nu s w e r e a l m ost t h e sa m e i n t h e i r c onduc t

, ,

e v e nt a nd c onse qu e nc e s I sh a ll c oll e c t i nt o one p oi nt

, ,

of vi e w t h e m ost st r iki ng ci r cu m
, st a nc e s t e ndi ng t o ,

d e v e l op e t h e ch a ra c t e r of t h e c onqu e r or a nd t h e st a t e ,

of t h e e m pi re .

F a l se h ood a nd i nsi nc e r i t y u nsui ta bl e a s t h e y se e m ,

t o t h e dig ni t y of public t r a nsa c t i ons offe nd u s wi t h a ,

l e ss d e g ra di ng id e a of m e a nne ss t h a n wh e n t h e y a re ,

H e odi a n 1 iii p 112

r , . . . .

Th ough i t i not m o t a s u dly t he i nte nt i on of Luc a n t o x a l t t he

s , s s re , e
ch c t e of C
a ra r
y t t h id e h giv e of t h t h o i n t h t nt h b ook of
e sa r,
z e e a e s a er , e e
th Ph
e li wh h d c ib hi m t t h m t i m e m ki ng l ov t o
a rsa a , e re e es r es , a e sa e , a e
Cl p t
eO u t i ni ng a i g g i n t t he p ow of Egyp t nd c onv i ng
a ra , s s a s e e a a s er , a e rs
wi t h t he g of t h e c ou nt y i i n li t y t h nobl t p n gy ic
sa es r , s, re a , e es a e r .

t
R ck oni ng f om h i l ct i on A p i l 13 193 to t he dea t h of Albi nu
e r s e e , r , . s,
F b u y 19 197 See Till m ont s C h onol ogy
e r ar , . e
'

r .
 O F THE R OMA N E MP IRE . 139
fou nd i n t h e i nt e rc ou rse of p r iv a t e life In t h e l a t te r C H A P
. .
, .

V
t h e y di sc ov e r a w a nt of c ou r a g e ; i n t h e ot h e r only a
'

de fe ct of p ow e r : a nd a s i t i s i m p ossibl e for t h e m ost ,

a bl e st a t e sm e n t o subdu e m illi ons of foll ow e rs a nd

e ne m i e s by t h e i r ow n p e r sona l str e ng t h ; t h e w orld ,

u nd e r t h e na m e of p olicy se e m s t o h a v e g ra nt e d t h e m ,

a v e r y lib e ra l i ndulg e nc e of c ra ft a nd di ssi m ul a ti on .

Y e t t h e ar t s of S e v e r u s c a nnot b e j u st ifi e d by t h e m ost A t of Se r s

a mpl e p r ivil e g e s of st a t e r e a son H e p r om i se d only t o v u .

er s’

b e t ra y h e fl a t t e re d only t o r ui n ; a nd h ow e v e r h e
,

m ight occ a si ona lly bi nd hi m se lf by oa t h s a nd t re a ti e s ,

h i s c onsci e nc e ob se qui ou s t o h i s i nt e r e st a lw a y s r e
, ,

l e a se d hi ni fr om t h e i nc onv e ni e nt oblig a t i on
If h i s t w o c omp e t i t ors r e c oncil e d by t h e i r c ommon t ow d , ar s

da n g e r h a d a dv a nc e d up on h i m wi t h out d e l a y p e r
,
Ng ”
,
' e

h a p s S e v e ru s w ould h a v e su nk u nd e r t h e i r u nit e d
e ffor t Ha d t h e y e v e n a t t a ck e d h i m a t t h e sa me t i m e
.
, ,

w i t h se p a ra t e vi e w s a nd se p a ra t e arm i e s t h e c ont e st ,

m ight h a v e b e e n l ong a nd d oub t ful B u t th e y fe ll .

,

si ngly a nd succ e ssiv e ly a n e a sy p re y t o t h e a r t s a s w e ll,

a s a r m s of t h e i r sub t l e e ne m y lull e d i nt o se cu r i t y by ,

t h e m od e ra ti on of h i s p r ofe ssi ons a nd ov e r wh e l m e d by ,

th e r a pidi t y of h i s a c t i on H e fi r st m a r ch e d a g a i nst .

Nig e r wh ose r e pu t a t i on a nd p ow e r h e t h e m ost d r e a d

,

e d : but h e d e cli ne d a ny h ost il e d e cl a ra t i ons su p ,

p re sse d t h e na me of h i s a nt a g oni st a nd only sig nifi e d ,

t o t h e se na t e a nd p e opl e h i s i nt e nt i on of r e gul a ti ng ,

t h e e a st e rn p rovi nc e s In p ri va t e h e sp ok e of Nig e r
.
,

h i s old fri end a nd i nt e nd e d succ e ssor wi t h t h e m ost "

,

a ffe c t i ona t e re g a r d a nd highly a ppl a ud e d h i s g e ne rou s

,

d e sig n of re v e ngi ng t h e m u rd e r of P e rt i na x To .

pu ni sh t h e vil e u su rp e r of th e t h r one w a s t h e du t y of ,

e v e ry R om a n g e ne ra l T o p e r se v e r e i n a rm s a nd t o
.
,

r e si st a l a wful e m p e r or a ck nowl e dg e d by t h e se na t e , ,

H e odi n 1 1 p 85
r a , . 1. . .

X
W hil t S e v e u w a s v e y d a ng e ou ly ill i t w a i ndu t i ou ly g i v en
s r s r r s , s s r s

o t t h t h e i nt nd e d t o pp oi nt N i g e
u , a e nd A lbi nu h i
a ucc e o A h r a s s s ss rs. s e

c ould not be si nc wi t h p e c t t o b ot h he m igh t not b o wi t h g a d to

e re re s e s re r

i th e Y t Se ve u c i d h i hyp oci y o fa r a s to p ofess t h a t u ten

,

e r. e r s a rr e s r s s , r r

t i on i n t h e me moi of h i ow n l i f
rs s e.
140 T H E D ECL IN E A N D FA L L
w ould a l one re nd e r h i m cri m i na l T h e sons Of Nig e r y.

h a d fa ll e n i nt o h i s h a nd s a m ong t h e child re n of t h e
'

p r ovi nci a l g ov e rnors d e t a i ne d a t R om e a s pl e dg e s for

,

t h e l oy a l t y of t h e i r p a r e nt s A s l ong a s t h e p ow e r of
Nig e r i nspi re d t e rr or or e v e n re sp e c t t h e y w e r e e du
, ,

ca t e d wi t h t h e m ost t e nd e r c a r e wi t h t h e child re n of ,

S e v e ru s hi mse lf ; b u t t h e y w e re soon i nv olv e d i n t h e i r

fa th e r s r ui n a nd r e mov e d fi r st by e xil e a nd a ft e r
’

, , ,

w a rd s by d e a t h fr om t h e e y e of public c om p a ssi on
,
3
.

Whil st S e v e r u s w a s e ng a g e d i n h i s e a st e rn w a r h e ,

h a d r e a son t o a pp re h e nd t h a t t h e g ov e rnor of B ri t a i n
m igh t p a ss t h e se a a nd t h e A lp s occupy t h e v a c a nt ,

se a t of e m pi re a nd Opp ose h i s r e t u rn wi t h t h e a u t h o
,

r i t y of t h e se na t e a nd t h e for c e s of t h e w e st The .

a m bigu ou s c onduc t of A lbi nu s i n not a ssu m i ng t h e ,

i mp e ri a l t i t l e l e ft r oom for ne g ocia t i on F org e t t i ng a t

,
.
,

onc e h i s p r ofe ssi ons of p a t ri ot i sm a nd t h e j e a l ou sy Of

, ,

sov e r e ig n p ow e r h e a cc e p t e d t h e p re c a ri ou s ra nk of
,

C a esa r a s a re w a r d for h i s fa t a l ne u t ra li ty Till t h e

, .

fi rst c ont e st w a s d e cid e d S e v e ru s t re a t e d t h e ma n ,

wh om h e h a d d oom e d t o d e st r u c t i on wi t h e v e ry ma rk ,

of e st e e m a nd r e g a r d Ev e n i n t h e l e t t e r i n which h e
.

a nnou nc e d h i s vic t ory ov e r Nig e r h e styl e s A lbi nu s ,

t h e b r ot h e r Of h i s soul a nd e m pi r e se nd s h i m t h e a f ,

fe ct i ona t e sa lu t a t i ons of h i s wife J uli a a nd h i s y ou ng ,

fa m ily a nd e nt re a t s h i m t o p r e se r v e t h e a rm i e s a nd
,

t h e r e public fa i t hful t o t h e i r c om m on i nt e re st T he .

m e sse ng e rs ch a rg e d wi t h t hi s l e t t e r w e re i nst ruc t e d t o ,

a cc ost t h e C ae sa r wi t h r e sp e c t t o d e si re a p riv a t e a udi ,

a nd t o plu ng e t h e i r d a gg e rs i nt o h i s h e a r t
”
e nc e , .

T h e c onspi ra cy w a s di sc ov e r e d ; a nd t h e t oo c re dul ou s
A lbi nu s a t l e ng t h p a sse d ov e r t o t h e c ont i ne nt a nd ,

p re p a re d for a n u ne qu a l c ont e st wi t h h i s riv a l w h o ,

3 Hi t A ugu t p 65
'

s . s . . .

I
Th i p c t i c i nv ente d by C ommodu p ov e d v e y u ful t o Se veru
s ra e, s, r r se s.
H fou nd t Rom e t he child e n of m a ny of t he p i ncip l dh e e nt O f hi
e a r r a a r s s
r iv l a nd b e mpl oy d t h m m o e t h n onc t o i nt imid t o duc t h
a s e e e r a e a e r se e e
p a ent
r s. H odi a n l iii p 96 ; Hi t A ugu t p 67 68
a
er , . . . s . s . .
, .

b Hi t A ugu st p 84
. Spa t i a n h a i n e t e d t hi cu i ou l e t te
s . . . r us t full s s r s r s r a
l e ng t h .
 O F TH E R OMA N E MP IRE . 141

r u sh e d u
p On h im a t th e hea d of a v e t e ra n a nd vi ct ori CHAP .

V
a rm y '

ou s .

T h e m i li t a ry la b ou rs
‘
O f S e v e ru s se e m i na d e qu a te t o E v e nt fh
o t e
Ci l il w a rs'
th e i m p ort a nc e c onqu e st s T w o e ng a g e m e nt s
of his .
,

t h e one ne a r t h e H e ll e sp ont t h e ot h e r i n t h e na r r ow ,

de fi le s of C il ici a d e cid e d t h e fa t e of h i s Sy ri a n com

,

p e t i t or ; a nd t h e t roop s of Eu rop e a sse r t e d t h e i r u su a l

a sc e nd a nt ov e r t h e e ffe m i na t e na t iv e s of A si a T he "
.

b a t t l e of Ly ons wh e re one hu nd re d a nd fift y th ou sa nd

,

R om a ns d w e re e ng a g e d w a s e qu a lly fa t a l t o A lbi nu s , .

T h e v a l ou r of t h e B r i t i sh a r m y m a i nt a i ne d i nd e e d , ,

a sh a r p a nd d ou b t ful c ont e st wi t h t h e h a r dy di scipli ne

Of t h e Illy ri a n l e gi ons T h e fa m e a nd p e rson of S e v e .

r u s a pp e a re d du r i ng a fe w m om e nt s i rr e c ov e ra bly l ost
, , ,

t ill t h a t w a r lik e p r i nc e ra lli e d h i s fa i nt i ng t roop s a nd

‘
,

le d t h e m on t o a d e ci siv e vic t ory T he w a r w a s .

fi ni sh e d by t h a t m e m ora bl e da y .

T h e civil w a r s Of m od e r n Eu r op e h a v e b e e n di s d cid d by e e
‘ l

t i ng u i sh e d not only by t h e fi e r c e a ni m osi t y but lik e

, ,

wi se by t h e ob st i na t e p e r se v e ra nc e of t h e c ont e ndi ng
fa c t i ons Th e y h a v e g e ne ra lly b e e n j u st ifi e d by some
.

p ri ncipl e or a t l e a st c ol ou re d by som e p re t e xt of
, , , ,

r e li g i on fre e d om or l oy a l t y T h e l e a d e r s w e re no
, , .

bl e s Of i nd e p e nd e nt p rop e r t y a nd h e re di t a ry i nflu e nc e .

T h e t r oop s fought lik e m e n i nt e re st e d i n t h e d e ci si on

of t h e qu a r re l ; a nd a s m ili t a r y spi r i t a nd p a r t y z e a l

w e re st rongly di ffu se d t h rou gh ou t t h e wh ol e com m u

ni t y a v a nqui sh e d chi e f w a s i m m
, e di a t e ly suppli e d wi t h

ne w a dh e r e nt s e a g e r t o sh e d t h e i r bl ood i n t h e sa m e
,

c a u se But t h e R oma ns a fte r t h e fa ll of t h e re public

.
, ,

c om b a t e d only for t h e ch oic e of m a st e rs U nd e r t h e .

st a nd a r d of a p opul a r c a ndid a t e for e m pi re fe w

’

a ,

e nli st e d fr om a ffe c t i on som e fr om fe a r m a ny from , ,

i nt e re st none from p ri ncipl e T h e l e gi ons u ni nfl a m e d

, .
,

C on ul t th e t hi d b ook of H odi n nd th v ent y fou t h b ook of

s r er a , a e se - r

Di on C iu a ss s.
d
Di on 1 lxxv p 12 60
, . . . .

Di on 1 lxxv p 12 6 1 H odi n l i ii p 110 Hi t A ug p 68 The

e
er a
'

. s . . . .

b t t l w fough t i n t h pl i n of T v o x t h o fou l e a g es f om Ly on
. . . .
, .
,

a e as e a re u , re e r r u r s.

S e Ti ll m ont t om iii p 406 not 18

e e , . . . . e .
 142 THE D E C LINE A N D FA LL
C H A P by p a rty z e a l w e re a llure d i nt o civil w a r by lib e ra l
.
,
V d ona t iv e s a nd st ill m ore lib e ra l p r om i se s A d e fe a t
,
.
,

by di sa bli ng t h e chi e f from t h e p e r form a nc e of h i s

e ng a g e m e nt s di ssolv e d t h e m e r c e na ry a ll e gi a nc e of h i s
,

follow e r s ; a nd l e ft t h e m t o c onsul t t h e i r ow n sa fe ty by ,

a t i m e ly d e se r t ion of a n u nsucc e ssful c a u se It w a s .

of li tt l e m om e nt t o t h e p r ovi nc e s u nd e r wh ose na m e ,

t h e y w e re Opp re sse d or g ov e rne d : t h e y w e re d r iv e n

by t h e i m pul si on of t h e p re se nt p ow e r ; a nd a s soon
a s t h a t p ow e r yi e ld e d t o a sup e ri or for c e t h e y h a st ,

e ne d t o i m pl or e t h e cl e m e n cy of t h e c onqu e r or w ho , ,

a s h e h a d a n i m m e nse d e b t t o di sch a r g e w a s oblig e d ,

t o sa c r ific e t h e m ost guilty c ou nt r i e s t o t h e a v a r ic e of

h i s soldi e rs In t h e v a st e x t e nt of t h e R om a n e m pi r e
.
,

t h e r e w e r e fe w for t ifi e d ci t i e s c a p a bl e of p r ot e c t i ng

a r ou t e d a r m y ; nor w a s t h e re a ny p e rson or fa m ily , ,

or or d e r of m e n wh ose na t u r a l i nt e r e st u nsupp or t e d
, ,

by t h e pow e rs of g ov e rnm e nt w a s c a p a bl e Of r e st or ,

i ng t h e c a u se of a si nki ng p a r t y f .

Si g of
e e
Y et i n t h e c ont e st b e t w e e n Nig e r a nd S e v e ru s a
, ,

By nt i m singl e ci t y d e se r v e s a n h onou ra bl e e xc e p t i on A s B y
za u .
.
‘

z a nt i u m w a s one of t h e g r e a t e st p a ssa g e s from Eu r op e

i nt o A si a it h a d b e e n p r ovid e d wi t h a strong g a r
,

r i son a nd a fl e e t of fi ve hu nd r e d v e sse l s w a s a nch or e d

,

h
i n t e h a rb ou r g
T h e i m p e t u osity of S e v e r u s di sa p
.

p oi nt e d t hi s p r ud e nt sch e me O f d e fe nc e ; h e l e ft t o
,

h i s g e ne ra l s t h e si e g e of Byz a nt iu m for c e d t h e l e ss ,

gu a rd e d p a ssa g e of t h e H e lle sp ont a nd i mp a t i e nt of , ,

a m e a ne r e ne m y p r e sse d for w a r d t o e nc ou nt e r h i s
,

r iv a l Byz a ntiu m a tta ck e d by a num e rou s a nd i n

.
,

c re a si ng a r my a nd a ft e r w a rd s by t h e wh ol e na v a l
,

p ow e r of t h e e m pire su st a i ne d a si e g e of t h re e y e a rs
, ,

a nd r e m a i ne d fa i t hful t o t h e na m e a nd m e mor y of
Nig e r T h e ci t iz e ns a nd soldi e r s (w e k now not from
.

wh a t c a u se) w e re a ni m a t e d with e qu a l fu ry ; se v e ra l

M ont esqui e u , C onsi dera t i ons sur la G d u

ra n e r et l a D eca de nce de s
Roma i n c 12
s, . .

8 Most of t h e e a m a y be suppo ed w e
s , s s ,
re sm a ll op n v e sel
e s s; som e ,
h ow ve e r, w e e g a ll ey O f tw o a nd a f w of t h
r s , e re e r a nk s of oa rs.
of t h e

r e nd e r e d t o fa m i ne

vi le g e s supp r e sse d
‘
O F THE R O MA N E MP IRE
p ri ncip a l O ffic e r s of Nig e r w h o d e sp a i r e d of C H A P
or w h o di sd a i ne d a p a r d on h a d t h r ow n t h e m se lv e s

i nt o t hi s l a st re fug e : t h e for t ific a t i ons w e re e st e e m e d

i m p re g na bl e ; a nd i n t h e d e fe nc e of t h e pl ac e a c e l e
b r a t e d e ngi ne e r di spl a y e d a ll t h e m e ch a nic p ow e r s
k now n t o t h e a nci e nt s
,

Byz a nt iu m a t l e ng t h su r
T h e m a gi st ra t e s a nd soldi e r s
w e re p u t t o t h e sw ord t h e w a ll s d e m oli sh e d t h e p ri
a nd t h e d e st i ne d c a pi t a l of t h e
e a st su b si st e d only a s a n op e n vill a g e

i nsul t i ng j u r i sdic t i on of P e ri nt hu s T h e hi st ori a n Di on

w h o h a d a d m i r e d t h e fl ou r i shi ng
,

subj e c t t o t h e

a nd l a m e nt e d t h e
V

,
“ .
,

.
,

,
,
.

,
,
143

,
'
.

d e sol a t e st a t e of Byz a nt iu m a ccu se d t h e r e v e ng e of ,

\

S e v e ru s for d e p rivi ng t h e R om a n p e opl e of t h e

,

st r ong e st bulw a rk a g a i nst t h e

‘
b a rb a ri a ns Of P ont u s
a nd A si a T h e t ru t h Of t hi s ob se rv a t i on w a s b u t t oo
.
'

w e ll j u st ifi e d i n t h e succ e e di ng a g e wh e n t h e G ot hic ,

fl e e t s c ov e r e d t h e Euxi ne a nd p a sse d t h r ough t h e ,

u nd e fe nd e d B osph oru s i nt o t h e c e ntr e of t h e M e di

t e rra ne a n .

B oth Nig e r a nd A lbi nu s w e re di sc ov e re d a nd put D t h of

‘
ea s

Th e i r i ififgi f
d
t o d e a t h i n t h e i r fligh t fr om t h e fi e ld of b a t t l e .
u

fa t e e xci t e d ne i t h e r su r p r i se nor c om p a ssi on Th e y .

h a d st a k e d t h e i r liv e s a g a i nst t h e ch a nc e of e mpi re ,

a nd su ffe re d wh a t t h e y w ould h a v e i nflic t e d ; nor did

S e v e ru s cl a i m t h e a rrog a nt sup e r i ori t y of su ffe ri ng h i s

r iv a l s t o liv e i n a p r iv a t e st a t i on B u t h i s u nforgivi ng C ue l con . r

e
t e mp e r sti m ul a te d by a v a ric e i ndulg e d a spi ri t of r e of t h civil q ence s u s
, ,
e

v e ng e wh e re t h e r e w a s no r oom for a pp re h e nsi on w

, . a rs.

T h e m ost c onsid e ra bl e of t h e p r ovi nci a l s w h o wi t h ou t , ,

an di lik t o t h e for tu na t e c a ndid a t e h a d ob e y e d t h e

y s e ,

g ov e rnor u nd e r wh ose a u t h ori ty t h e y w e re a ccide n

t a lly pl a c e d w e re pu ni sh e d by d e a t h e xil e a nd e sp e
, , ,

The en gi ne e P i on Hi kill v d hi lif nd he w

’
r s na me w a s r s s. s s sa e s e, a as
t k n i nt o t h
a e vic of t h c onqu o Fo t h p t icul f c t O f t h i g
e se r e e e r r. r e ar ar a s e se e,

c on ul t Di on C iu (l lxxv p
s a ss nd H odi a n ( 1 iii p
s, . fo . . a er , . . . r

t h t h o y of i t t h
e e r f nciful C h v li e d Fol d m y be l ook d i nt o S e
, e a e a r e ar a e . e
Pol yb t om i p 76
e, . . . .

Not w i t h t ndi ng t h u t h o i ty of Sp ti n nd om m od n G k
s a e a r ar a us a s e er re e s,

w e m yb a u d f om Dion nd H odi a n t h t By ntiu m m ny y

e a ss re , r a er , a za , a e a rs

a ft t h d t h of S v u l y i n ui n
er e ea e e r s, a r s.
 144 T HE DE C LINE AN D F A L L
C HA P . ci a lly by th e
c onfi sc a t i on of t h e i r e st a t e s M a ny ci t i e s .

V
of t h e e a st w e r e st r ip t Of t h e i r a nci e nt h onou rs a nd
'

oblig e d t o p a y i nt o t h e t re a su r y of S e v e r u s fou r t i m e s
, ,

t h e a m ou nt of t h e su m s c ont r ibu t e d by t h e m for t h e

se r vic e of Nig e r

A ni m o i tys Till t h e fi na l d e ci si on of t h e w a r t h e c r u e l t y of ,

igiif fiii
s
S e v e r u s w a s i n som e m e a su r e r e st r a i ne d by t h e nu c
e
er

sen ta eo t a i nt y of t h e e v e nt a nd h i s p r e t e nde d r e v e r e nc e for

,

t h e se na t e T h e h e a d of A lbi nu s a cc om p a ni e d wi t h
.
,

a m e na ci ng l e t t e r a nnou nc e d t o t h e R om a ns t h a t h e
, ,

w a s r e solv e d t o sp a r e none of t h e a dh e re nt s of h i s

u nfor t u na t e c omp e t i t ors H e w a s i rr i t a t e d by th e j u st

.

su spici on t h a t h e h a d ne v e r p osse sse d t h e a ffe c t i ons

,

of t h e se na t e ; a nd h e c on c e a l e d h i s ol d m a l e v ol e nc e

u nd e r t h e r e c e nt di sc ov e ry of som e t re a sona bl e c orre

s onde nc T h i t fi v n t o h o w v r a ccu se d Of
p e s r
y e se a r s e e
-
.
, ,

h a vi ng fa v ou r e d t h e p a r t y of A lbi nu s h e fre e ly p a r ,

d ou e d ; a nd by h i s sub se qu e nt b e h a vi ou r e nd e a v ou r e d
, ,

t o c onvi nc e t h e m t h a t h e h a d for g ot t e n a s w e ll a s
, ,

forgiv e n th e i r supp ose d O ffe nc e s B u t a t t h e sa m e .

,

l
ti m e be c ond e m ne d for t y one ot h e r se na t ors wh ose
,
-
,

na m e s hi st ory h a s r e c or d e d ; t h e i r wiv e s child re n a nd , ,

cli e nt s a t t e nd e d t h e m i n d e a t h ; a nd t h e nobl e st p ro
vi nc i a l s of Sp a i n a nd G a ul w e re i nv olv e d i n t h e sa m e
r ui n Such r igid j u st ic e for so h e t e rm e d i t w a s i n
.
, , ,

t h e O p i ni on of S e v e ru s t h e only c onduc t c a p a bl e of ,

e nsu ri ng p e a c e t o t h e p e opl e or st a bili t y t o t h e p r i nc e ; ,

a nd h e c ond e sc e nd e d sligh t ly t o l a m e nt t h a t t o b e m ild , ,

m
i t w a s ne c e ssa r y t h a t h e sh ould fi r st be c ru e l .

Th wi d om T h e t ru e i nt e re st of a n a b solu t e m ona rch g e ne ra lly

‘f c oincid e s wi t h t h a t of h i s p e opl e Th e i r nu mb e rs

“
e s

:fi ggf
e
.
,

nm nt
ver e
t h e i r w e a l t h t h e i r or d e r a nd t h e i r se cu r i t y a r e t h e
o
, , ,

b e st a nd only fou nd a t i ons Of h i s re a l gr e a t ne ss ; a nd

w e re h e t ot a lly de v oid of vi r t u e p rud e nc e m igh t su p ,

ply i t s pl a c e a nd w ould dic t a t e t h e sa m e rul e Of con

,

Di on , 11
. xxiv p 12 50. . .

1 Di on 11
. xxv p 12 64 : on
. . t e nt ly w y ni n n t o a e m nt i on d by
-
e se a rs r e e
,

hi m , b u t r fo t y on
e a re na m e
-
i n t he d A ugu t n H i to y p 69 ; a mong
s a s r , .

wh wom e re si x of t h e na m e of Pe sce nni us . H e odi a n (1 i i i p

r sp e k . . . a s

g l culi
i n e ne ra of t h e r e t e s of e e r s S v u . A u r lius V ic to
1
e r.
 O F THE R OMA N E MP IRE . 145

duc t S e v e ru s c onsid e re d t h e R om a n e m pi re a s h i s C H A P
. .

p r op e r t y ; a nd h a d no soone r se cu r e d t h e p osse ssi on ,

t h a n h e be st ow e d h i s c a r e on t h e cul t iv a t i on a nd i m
p r ove m e nt O f so v a lu a bl e a n a cq ui si ti on
. S a lu t a ry .

l a w s e x e cu t e d wi t h i nfl e xibl e fi rm ne ss soon c orre c t e d

, ,

m ost of t h e a bu se s wi t h which si nc e t h e d e a t h of ,

M a rcu s e v e ry p a r t Of t h e g ov e r nm e nt h a d b e e n i n
,

fe ct e d In t h e a d m i ni stra t i on Of j u st ic e t h e j udg e
.
,

m e nt s of t h e e m p e r or w e r e ch a ra c t e r iz e d by a t t e nti on ,

di sc e r nm e nt a nd i m p a r t i a li t y ; a nd wh e ne v e r h e de
,

“
vi a t e d fr om t h e st r ic t li ne of e qui t y i t w a s g e ne ra lly ,

i n fa v ou r of t h e p oor a nd opp re sse d ; not so m uch

i nd e e d fr om a ny se nse of hu ma ni t y a s from t h e na ,

t u ra l p r op e nsi t y of a d e sp ot t o hu m bl e th e p r id e O f ,

g re a t ne ss a nd t o si nk a ll h i s subj e c t s t o t h e sa m e com
,

m on l e v e l of a b solu t e d e p e nd e nc e H i s e xp e nsiv e t a st e .

for buildi ng m a g nific e nt sh ow s a nd a b ov e a l l a con

, ,

st a nt a nd lib e r a l di st r ibu t i on of c or n a nd p r ovi si ons ,

w e r e t h e su re st m e a ns of c a p t iv a t i ng t h e a ffe c t i on of
t h e R om a n p e O p le T h e m i sfor t u ne s of civil d i sc or d .

w e re obli t e ra te d T h e c a l m of p e a c e a nd p rosp e ri ty (i n l
. e e ra

w a s onc e m ore e xp e r i e nc e d i n t h e p r ovi nc e s ; a nd

p c nd ea e a

p o p i ty r s er .

m a ny ci t i e s r e st ore d by t h e m u ni fi ce nce of S e v e ru s
, ,

a ssu m e d t h e t i t le of h i s c ol oni e s a nd a t t e st e d b pub

y ,

lic m onu m e nt s t h e i r g ra t i t ud e a nd fe lici t y T h e fa m e

of t h e R om a n a r m s w a s r e viv e d by t h a t w a rlik e a nd

succ e ssful e m e r or p ; a nd h e b oa st e d wi t h a j u st p r id e
p , ,

t h a t h a vi ng re c e iv e d t h e e m pi re O pp r e sse d wi t h fore ig n

Di on 1 lxxvi p 12 72 ; Hi t A ugu t p 67 S e v e u s c el eb a t d t he
, . . . s . s . . . r r e

se cul a g me wi t h
r a x t a o di na ry m a g ni fic e nc e ; a nd h e l e ft i n t he public
s e r r

g n i s a p ovi i on of c o n fo s v e n y ea r a t t h e a te of e vent y fi ve
ra ar e r s r r e s, r s -

t h ou nd m odii o a b ou t t w o t h ou sa nd fi ve hu nd e d qu
sa t e d y I a r e rs r a
, r p r .

a m p e u a d d t h t t he g a n i e O f S e v e u s w e e suppl i e d fo a l ong t
rs e , a r m
ar s r r r er
b t I a m not l e p e u a d d t h a t p olicy on one h a nd a nd d m i a t i on on t h e
u ss rs e , , a r

ot h e m a g nifi d t h e boa d f b e y ond i t s t u e c ont e nt

r, e r a r r s.

S e Spa nh i m t ea t i of a nci nt me d a l t he I nsc ip t i on a nd o

0 ’
e e s r se e s, r s, ur

l ea ne d t v ll Sp on a nd Wh ele Sh a w Poc ock e tc w h o i n A f ic

r ra e e rs
'

e r, , , . ,
r a,

G e c e nd A i h a v fou nd mo e monu me nt s of S v e u t h a n O f a ny oth

re , a s a, e r e r s er

R oma n e m p o wh a t so v e er r e r.
P H c i d hi victo i ou s a rms t o S l euci a a nd C t siph on the c a pit a l
e a rr e s r e e , s

O f the P t hi n mona chy I h a ll h a v e occ a si on t o me nt i on t hi s w a i n i t

ar a r . s r s

p op e pl a c
r r e.

VO L I . .
146 THE DE C LIN E AN D F A L L
a nd d om e st ic w a r s h e l e ft i t e st a bli sh e d i n p rofou nd
‘
, ,

u niv e rsa l a nd h o ou a bl e p e c
,
n r a e 1 .

A l t h ough t h e w ou nd s Of civil w a r a pp e a re d com

l t e l h a led i t s m or t a l p oi son st ill lu rk e d i n t h e
p e y e ,

V i t a l s of t h e c onst i t u t i on S e v e ru s p osse sse d a con .

si de ra bl e sh a re of vig ou r a nd a bili t y ; b u t t h e d a r i ng

soul of t h e fi r st C ae sa r or t h e d e e p p olicy of A ugu st u s

, ,

w e re sc a r c e ly e qu a l t o t h e t a sk of cu r bing t h e i nso
l e nc e of t h e vic t or i ou s l e gi ons By g ra t i t ud e by m i s .
,

guid e d p olicy by se e mi ng ne c e ssi t y S e v e r u s w a s i n

, ,

du ce d t o r e l a x t h e ne rv e s of di scipli ne T h e v a ni t y ’
.

of hi s soldi e rs w a s fl a t t e r e d wi t h t h e h onou r of w e a ri ng

g old ri ngs ; t h e i r e a se w a s i ndulg e d i n t h e p e rm i ssi on

of livi ng wi t h t h e i r wiv e s i n t h e idl e ne ss Of qu a r t e r s .

H e i nc r e a se d t h e i r p a y b e y ond t h e e x a m pl e of form e r
t i m e s a nd t a ugh t t h e m t o e xp e c t a nd soon t o cl a i m
, , ,

e x t ra or di na r y d ona t iv e s on e v e r y public occ a si on of

d a ng e r or fe st ivi t y El a t e d by succ e ss e ne r v a t e d by
.
,

luxu ry a nd r a i se d a b ov e t h e l e v e l Of subj e c t s by t h e i r
,

d a ng e rou s p ri vi le g e s t h e y soon b e c a m e i nc a p a bl e of
s
,

m ili t a r y fa t igu e opp re ssiv e t o t h e c ou nt r y a nd im

, ,

p a ti e nt O f a j u st sub or di na t i on Th e i r offi c e rs a sse rt ed .

t h e sup e r i ori t y Of ra nk by a m or e p r ofu se a nd e l e g a nt

luxu ry Th e r e i s st ill e x t a nt a l e t t e r of S e v e ru s la
.
,

m e nt i ng t h e lic e nt i ou s st a t e of t h e a rm y a nd e xh ort i ng ,

one of h i s g e ne r a l s t o b e gi n t h e n e c e ssa r y r e form a t i on

from th e t r ibu ne s t h e m se lv e s ; si nc e a s h e j u st ly oh ,

se r v e s t h e O ffic e r w h o h a s for fe i t e d t h e e st e e m will

,

ne v e r c om m a nd t h e Ob e di e nc e of h i s soldi e r s
‘ Ha d .
,

t h e e m p e r or pu rsu e d t h e t r a i n of r e fl e c t i on h e w ould ,

h a v e di sc ov e re d t h a t t h e p r i m a ry c a u se Of t hi s g e ne ra l
,

c or rup t i on m igh t b e a sc rib e d not i nd e e d t o t h e e x ,

q Eti a m i n B ri t a nni s, w a s h i s ow n st a nd e m a t e ju
re ss on st ph ic xp i . Hi .

A ugu p st. 73 . .

1
'

H di iii p
ero a n, 1 115 ;
. . st . st 68 Hi A ugu p . . . .

5
p i l c p ivil g O f ldi
U on t he nso e n e a nd r e e s t he so e rs, t h e S te e nt sa t re , ix h i
f l ly c i b d J
a se as r e t o uve na l , m a y be ons t e c ul d yl ci cu
t he st e a nd r m sta n es c
w uld i duc
of i t o n e me to e e e, t a t i t w a s b li v h
om ose c p du d
n e r t he re n of ig
S v u h
e e r s, or t a t of hi s son .

Hi A ugu p
st . st 73 . . .
 O F TH E R OMA N E MP IRE . 147

a m pl e , b u t t o t h e p e rnici ou s i ndulg e nc e h ow e v e r of C H A P , , .

t h e c om m a nd e r i n chi e f .
V .

T h e p re t or i a ns w h o m u r d e re d t h e i r e m p e ror a nd N t b ew es a
l i h m nt of s e
sold t h e e m pi re h a d r e c e iv e d t h e j u st pu ni sh m e nt of
, th p to e re

t h e i r t r e a son ; b u t t h e ne c e ssa r y t h ough d a ng e r ou s i gu d,

r a ri a r s.

i nst i t u t i on of gu a r d s w a s soon re store d on a ne w m od e l

by S e v e ru s a nd i nc r e a se d t o fou r t i m e s t h e a nci e nt
,

nu m b e r F or m e rly t h e se t r oop s h a d b e e n r e c rui t e d

i n I t a ly ; a nd a s t h e a dj a c e nt p r ovi nc e s g r a du a lly i m
b i b e d t h e soft e r m a nne rs of R om e t h e l e vi e s w e re e x ,

t e nd e d t o M a c e d oni a N oricu m a nd S p a i n In t h e
, , .

r oom of t h e se e l e g a nt t r oop s b e t t e r a d a p te d t o th e
,

p om p of c ou r t s t h a n t o th e u se s Of w a r i t w a s e st a b ,

l i sh e d by S e v e r u s t h a t from a ll t h e l e gi ons of t h e
,
(

front i e rs t h e soldi e rs m ost di sti ngui sh e d for st re ngth ,

v a l ou r a nd fid e li t y sh ould b e occ a si ona lly d ra ugh t e d ;

, ,

a nd p r om ot e d a s a n h onou r a nd r e wa r d i nt o t h e m ore
, ,

e ligibl e se r vic e of t h e gu a r d s By t hi s ne w i nst i t u"

.

t i on t h e I t a li a n y ou t h w e r e div e r t e d fr om t h e e x e r ci se
,

of a r m s a nd t h e c a pi t a l w a s t e rr ifi e d by t h e st r a ng e
,

a sp e c t a nd m a nne rs of a m ul t i t ud e of b a rb a ri a ns But .

S e v e r u s fl a t t e re d hi m se lf t h a t t h e l e gi ons w ould con

,

sid e r t h e se ch ose n p r e t or i a ns a s t h e r e p re se nt a t iv e s Of

t h e wh ol e m ili t a r y or d e r ; a nd t h a t t h e p r e se nt a i d of
fifty t h ou sa nd m e n sup e ri or i n a rm s a nd a pp oi nt m e nt s
,

t o a ny for c e t h a t c ould b e b r ough t i nt o t h e fi e ld a g a i nst

t h e m w ould for e v e r c r u sh t h e h op e s of r e b e lli on a nd

, ,

se cu r e t h e e m pi r e t o hi m se lf a nd h i s p ost e r i t y .

T h e c omm a nd of t h e se fa v ou r e d a nd for m id a bl e Th O ffi c e e

of p t o i a n re
t roop s soon b e c a m e t h e fi r st offic e Of t h e e m pi r e As
r

p f ct
.

re e .

t h e g ov e r nm e nt d e g e ne ra t e d i nt o m ili t a r y d e sp ot i sm ,

)t h e p r e t or i a n p r e fe ct w h o i n h i s origi n h a d b e e n a
,

si m pl e c a p t a i n of t h e gu a r d s w a s pl a c e d not only a t , ,

t h e h e a d Of t h e a rm y b u t of t h e fi na nc e s a nd e v e n
, ,

of t h e la w .In e v e ry d e p a r t m e nt of a d m i ni st ra t i on ,

h e r e p re se nt e d t h e p e rson a nd e x e r ci se d t h e a u th o
,

r i t y of t h e e m p e r or T h e fi rst p re fe c t w h o e nj oy e d
.

‘H odi
1
er a n, 1
. iii p
. . 131 .
1
"
Di on, 1
. lxxiv p . . 12 43 .
 148 THE D E C LIN E A N D F A L L
C H AP . bu se d t hi s i m m e nse p ow e r w a s Pla u t ia nu s t h e
a nd a ,
V
fa v ou ri t e m i ni st e r of S e v e r u s H i s r e ig n l a st e d a b ov e
'

t e n y e a rs t ill t h e m a rri a g e of h i s d a ugh t e r wi t h t h e

,

e ld e st son of t h e e m p e r or which se e m e d t o a ssu r e ,

h i s for t u ne p rov e d t h e occ a si on Of hi s r ui n

, T he
a ni m osi t i e s of t h e p a l a c e by i rri t a t i ng t h e a m bi t i on a nd ,

a l a r m i ng t h e fe a rs of Pl a u t i a nu s t h r e a t e ne d t o p r o ,

duc e a r e v oluti on a nd oblig e d t h e e m p e r or w h o st ill , ,

l ov e d h i m t o c onse nt wi t h re luc t a nc e t o h i s d e a t h
,
2

A ft e r t h e fa ll of Pla u t i a nu s a n e mi ne nt l a wy e r t h e , ,

c e l e b ra t e d P a pi ni a n w a s a pp oi nt e d t o e x e cu t e t h e , ,

m ot l e y O ffic e Of p r e t ori a n p re fe c t .

Th e sen t Till t h e re ign Of S e v e ru s t h e vi r t u e a nd e v e n t h e

a e , ,

ggffifffy
p
r
g o o
r
d se nse Of t h e e m p e r ors h a d b e e n di st i ngui sh e d by ,

d p ot i m t h e i r z e a l or a ffe c t e d r e v e re nc e for t h e se na t e a nd by
es s o
,

a t e nd e r r e g a r d t o t h e n ic e fra m e Of civil p olicy i n

st i t u t e d by A ugu st u s But th e y ou t h of S e v e r u s h a d .

b e e n t ra i ne d i n t h e i m plici t Ob e di e nc e of c a m p s a nd ,

h i s r ip e r y e a r s sp e nt i n t h e d e sp ot i sm Of m ilit a r y com
m a nd H i s h a ugh t y a nd i nfl e xibl e spi ri t c ould not
.

di sc ov e r or w ould not a ck nowl e dg e t h e a dv a nta g e of

, ,

p re se rvi ng a n i nt e rme di a t e p ow e r h owe v e r i m a gi na ry , ,

b e t w e e n t h e e m p e ror a nd t h e a rm y H e di sda i ne d t o .

p rofe ss hi m se lf t h e se rv a nt of a n a sse m bly t h a t de

t e st e d h i s p e r son a nd t re m bl e d a t h i s frow n ; h e i ssu e d
h i s c omm a nd s wh e re h i s r e qu e st w ould h a v e p r ov e d
,

a s e ffe c t u a l ; a ssu m e d t h e c onduc t a nd st yl e of a so

ve r e i n a nd a c onqu e ror a nd e x e r ci se d wi t h ou t di s
g , ,

gui se t h e wh ol e l e gi sl a t iv e a s w e ll a s t h e e x e cu t iv e
,

Ne w m a x PO WC T
i m s of t h e
”

T he
t

i p i l
m er a
V i c t ory ov e r t h e se na te w a s e a s a nd i n
y gl ori ou s ,

p e og t iv
r r a e. Ev e ry e
y e a nd e e r v y p a ssi on w e re di re c t e d t o t he su

it O ne of h i s m ost d i ng
c t O f p ow e w a t h c a t a t i on
ar a nd w a nt on a s r s e s r
of n hu nd
a d f e Rom n om of t h m m a i d m n nd v e n f t h e of
re r e a s, s e e rr e e , a e a rs
f m i li e ; m ly t h t h d a ugh t on h m a i g wi t h t h y ou ng m
a s ere a is er, er rr a e e e
p o
e r r, m igh t b t t nd d by a t a i n of u nuch w o t hy O f a n a t n qu e n
e a e e r e s r e s er e
Di on 1 lxxvi p 12 71
.

. .
, . .

z
Di on 1 lxxvi p 12 74 ; H odi n 1 iii p
, . . .
Th g a m m a i n er a , . . . e r r a
O f A l x nd i a m a i t i not u nu u l m uch b e tt cqu a i nte d w i t h t hi
e a r see s, s s s a , er a s
m y t i ou t n a c t i on a nd m o a u d of t h guil t O f Pl t a nu t h n t h
s er s ra s ,
re ss re e au i s, a e
R om n n t o v nt u
a se to b
a r e re s e.
 O F TH E R OMA N E MP IRE . 149

p re m e ma gi st ra t e , w h o p osse sse d t h e a r m s a nd t re a su r e

of t h e st a t e ; whil st th e se na t e ne i th e r e l e c t e d by t h e ,

p e opl e nor gu a r d e d by m ili t a r y for c e nor a ni m a t e d by

, ,

public S pi ri t re st e d i t s d e cli ni ng a u t h or i t y on t h e fra il

,

a nd c r u m bli ng b a si s of a nci e nt Opi ni on T h e fi ne .

t h e or y Of a r e public i nse nsibly v a ni sh e d a nd m a d e ,

w a y for t h e m ore na t u ra l a nd sub st a nt i a l fe e li ng s of

m ona r chy A s t h e fr e e d om a nd h onou r s of R om e

.

w e re succ e ssiv e ly c om m u nic a t e d t o t h e p rovi nc e s i n ,

which t h e old g ov e rnm e nt h a d b e e n e i t h e r u nk now n

or w a s r e m e m b e re d wi t h a bh orr e nc e t h e t ra diti on of ,

r e public a n m a xi m s w a s g r a du a lly obli t e ra t e d T he .

G r e e k hi st ori a ns of t h e a g e of t h e A nt oni ne s oh a

se r v e wi t h a m a lici ou s pl e a su re t h a t a l th ough t h e
, ,

sov e r e ig n of R ome i n c om pli a nc e wi t h a n ob sol e t e

,

p rej udic e a b st a i ne d from t h e na m e of ki ng h e p os

, ,

se sse d t h e full m e a su re of r e g a l p ow e r In t h e r e ig n .

of S e v e r u s t h e se na t e w a s fill e d wi t h p oli sh e d a nd
,

e l oqu e nt sl a v e s from t h e e a st e r n p r ovi nc e s w h o j u st i ,

fi e d p e r sona l fl a t t e r y by sp e cul a t iv e p r i ncipl e s of se r

vi t u de Th e se ne w a dv oc a t e s of p re r og a t iv e w e re
.

h e a rd wi t h pl e a su r e by t h e c ou r t a nd wi t h p a ti e nc e ,

by t h e p e opl e wh e n t h e y i nculc a t e d t h e du t y of p a s
,

siv e Ob e di e nc e a nd d e sc a nt e d on t h e i ne vit a bl e m i s
,

chi e fs of fre e d om T h e l a wy e rs a nd t h e hi st or i a ns
.

c oncu rre d i n t e a chi ng t h a t t h e i m p e ri a l a u t h or i t y w a s

,

h e ld not by t h e d e l e g a t e d c om m i ssi on but by t h e

, ,

i rre v oc a bl e r e sig na t i on Of t h e se na t e ; t h a t t h e e m
o w fr e e d fr om t h e r e st ra i nt of civil l a w s c ould
p e r r a s ,

c om m a nd by h i s a r bi t ra ry will th e liv e s a nd for tu ne s

of h i s subj e c t s a nd m igh t di sp ose of t h e e m pi r e a s
,

Of h i s p riv a t e p a t ri m ony b T h e m ost e m i ne nt of t h e .

civil l a wy e r s a nd p a r t icul a rl y P a pi ni a n P a ulu s a nd

, , ,

U lpi a n fl ou r i sh e d u nd e r t h e h ou se of S e v e ru s ; a nd
,

t h e R om a n j u ri sp r ud e nc e h a vi ng cl ose ly u ni t e d i t se lf

a
A ppi n i n P ooem
a r .

b
Di on C iu ee m t o h v w i t t n wi t h no ot h e vi w t h n t o fo m
a ss s s s a e r e r e a r
the se O pi ni on i nt o n hi to ic al y t m Th p nd c t will h ow how
s a s r s s e . e a e s s

i
a ss du ou ly t hs l wy on t h i
e aid l b ou d i n t h c u e of p
e rs, o e r s e, a re e a s re r

a t
g ve .
i
150 THE DE C LIN E A N D F A LL
wi t h th e sy st e m of mona r chy w a s supp ose d t o h a v e
,

a tt a i ne d i t s full m a t u r i t y a nd p e r fe c t i on
.

T h e c ont e m p ora ri e s of S e v e ru s i n t h e e nj oy me nt Of
,

t h e p e a c e a nd gl ory of h i s re ig n for g a v e t h e c ru e l t i e s
,

by which i t h a d b e e n i nt r oduc e d P ost e ri t y w h o e x

. ,

r i e nce d t h e fa t a l e ffe c t s of h i s m a xi m s a nd e x a m pl e
p e ,

j u st ly c onsid e re d h im a s t h e p ri ncip a l a u t h or of t h e
d e cli ne of th e R om a n e m pi re .
 C H AP T E R V I .

TH E DE A TH O F S E V E R U S A N N Y O F C A R A C A LL A .
—TY R
~
.

U S U R P A T I O N O F MA C R I N U S — F O LL I E S O F E L A G A B A L U S . .

VI RT U E S O F A L E X A N DE R S E V E R U S
- —L I C EN T I O U S .

N E SS O F THE A R MY G E NE R A L S T A TE O F T H E R O .
-

M A N FI N A N C E S .

TH E c g re a t ne ss h ow e v e r st e e p a nd d a ng e r G t n
a s e nt to
‘ ‘
re a ess
,

e nt e r t a i n a n a c t iv e spi r i t wi t h t h e c onsci ou s ffi
ou s m a , y g fifggi
n e ss a nd e x e r ci se of i t s ow n p ow e rs ; b u t t h e p osse ssi on v u
,
er s

of a th r one c ould ne v e r e t a ffor d a l a st i ng sa t i sfa c t i on

y '

t o a n a m bi t i ou s m i nd Thi s m e l a nch oly t r u t h w a s fe l t

.

a nd a ck nowl e dg e d by S e v e r u s F or t u ne a nd m eri t .

h a d from a n hu m bl e st a t i on e l e v a t e d h i m t o t h e fi rst
, ,

pl a c e a m ong m a nki nd H e h a d b e e n a ll t hi ng s a s
.
,
”
h e sa id hi m se lf a nd a ll w a s Of li t t l e v a lu e
, D is a
.

t r a c t e d wi t h t h e c a r e not Of a cqui ri ng b u t of p re se r v
, ,

i ng a n e m pi re Opp re sse d wi t h a g e a nd i nfi rm i t i e s
, ,

b
c a r e l e ss of fa m e a nd sa t i a t e d wi t h p ow e r a ll h i s
, ,

p rosp e c t s Of life w e re cl ose d T h e d e si re of p e rp e .

t u a t i ng t h e g re a t ne ss of h i s fa m il y w a s t h e only r e ,

m a i ni ng wi sh Of h i s a m bi t i on a nd p a t e rna l t e nd e r ne ss .

Lik e m ost of t h e A fric a ns S e v e r u s w a s p a ssi ona t e ly Hi wif t he , s e

J
ffi
re ss
a ddict e d t o t h e v a i n st udi e s of m a gic a nd divi na t i on p u ’

‘ i ,

d e e ply v e r se d i n t h e i nt e r p r e t a t i on of d re a m s a nd
om e ns a nd p e r fe ct ly a cqu a i nt e d wi t h t h e sci e nc e of
,

j udici a l a st rol ogy ; which i n a l m ost e v e r y a g e e xc e p t , ,

t h e p re se nt h a s m a i nt a i ne d i t s d om i ni on ov e r t h e m i nd
,

of m a n H e h a d l ost h i s fi r st wife whil st h e w a s g o

.

c
v e rnor of t h e L i onne se G a u l In t h e ch oi c e of a .

‘Hi t A ugu
1
s st . 71 O mni a fui et n ihil xp di t
e e
b Di C on
.

a ss ius , flxxvi p
12 84
.

. . .
, .

0
Ab u y
o t t h e e a r 186 i bly b
M de Ti l le mont i s m se ra
. . e m a rra sse t a d wi h
p ga ssa e ofDi which
on, i n p u i di d
t he e m re ss F a st na , w h o e i n th e ea r 1 75, y
i duc d h vi g c ibu d
i s nt ro e as a n ont r i g Of S v
te t o t h e m a rr a e e e r s a nd ra , u J ul
l lxxiv p
. . 12 43
. l d c pil f g h Di
The e a rne
. om e r or ot t a t on i s re a t n , not a l i g
re al fc d
a t , b ut a S u
re a m of d ci cu
e ve r s ; a nd re a ms a re r ms r e t o no c ib d
li i i p c Did
m t s of t m e or s a e i gi h
M de Ti lle m ont m a ne t a t m a rr a es e re
. . i g w
pl O f V u
cp nsu m ma t ed 1n t he t e m e R e n Hi
s a t o m e ? st de s E m e re rs, t om . p u .

p 389 not e 6
. . .
 152 THE DE C LIN E A ND F A LL
se c ond h e sough t only t o c onne c t hi m se lf wi t h som e
,

fa v ou r i te of for t u ne ; a nd a s soon a s h e h a d di sc ov e r e d
t h a t a y ou ng l a dy of E rne sa i n Sy ri a h a d a r oy a l na
t i vi t y h e solici t e d a nd Ob t a i ne d h e r h a nd
,
d J u li a .

D omna (for t h a t w a s h e r na m e ) d e se r v e d a ll t h a t t h e
st a r s c ould p rom i se h e r Sh e p osse sse d e v e n i n a n . ,

a dv a nc e d a e t h e a t t ra c t i ons of b e a uty a nd u ni t e d
g ,

t o a liv e ly i m a gi na t i on a fi rm ne ss of m i nd a nd st r e ng t h ,

of j udg e m e nt se ld om b e st ow e d on h e r se x
,
H e r a m i a bl e .

qu a li t i e s ne v e r m a d e a ny d e e p i m p re ssi on on t h e d a r k
’
a nd j e a l ou s t e m p e r of h e r hu sb a nd ; b u t i n h e r son s

re ig n sh e
, a d m i ni st e r e d t h e p ri ncip a l a ffa i r s of t h e

e m pi re wi t h a p r ud e nc e t h a t supp or t e d h i s a u t h or i t y ,

a nd wi t h a m od era t i on t h a t som e t i m e s c or r e c t e d h i s

wild e xt ra v a g a nci e s f J uli a a ppli e d h e rse lf t o l e tt e rs

.

a nd phil osophy wi t h som e succ e ss a nd wi t h t h e m ost ,

S pl e ndid re pu t a t i on S h e w a s t h e p a t r one ss of e v e ry
.

a rt ,
a nd t h e fri e nd of e v e ry m a n Of g e niu s g T he .

g ra t e ful fl a t t e r y of t h e l e a rne d h a s c e l e b ra t e d h e r vi r
t u e s ; bu t if w e m a y c re di t t h e sc a nd a l Of a nci e nt h i s
,

t ory ch a stity w a s v e ry fa r from b e i ng t h e m ost con

,

h
s ic u ou s vi r t u e of t h e e m p r e ss J uli a
p
i
T w o sons C a ra ca l la a nd G e t a w e re t h e frui t of
, ,

t hi s m a rr i a g e a nd t h e d e st i ne d h e i r s of t h e e m pi re
, .

T h e fond h op e s of t h e fa t h e r a nd of t h e R om a n ,

w orld w e r e soon di sa pp oi nt e d by t h e se v a i n y ou t h s
, ,

w h o di spl a y e d t h e i nd ol e nt se cu ri t y of h e re di t a ry
p ri nc e s ; a nd a p r e sum p t i on t h a t for t u ne w ould su p
ply t h e pl a c e O f m e ri t a nd a pplic a t i on Wi th ou t a ny .

e m ul a t i on of vi rt u e or t a l e nt s t h e y di sc ov e r e d a l m ost , ,

from t h e i r i nfa ncy a fix e d a nd i m pl a c a bl e a nt ip a t hy

,

‘Hi t A ugu t p
1 s . s . . 65.
0
Ibid p . . 85
.

Di on C 1 l xxvu
a ssrus, . . p .

8 S a di
ee i
sse rt a t on of M e na e , a t t h e e nd of hi s e g t on of o e ne s di i Di g
rt i u s, de F oem i ni s Phi l OSOphi s .

h Di on, 1 lxxvi p
12 85 ; re s tor A u liu V ic
m
. . . .

fi b h
B a ssi a nu s w a s hi s rst na e , as i t h a d e e n t a t of hi s m a t e rna ra n lg d
f h
a t er D i g
. ur n h i s re n h e a ss m e t h e a ig u d
e a t on of pp ll i
nt on n s, A i u which
pl y d by l wy
i s em o e a e rs a nd a n e nt st or a ns ci hi i f
A t e r h i s e a t t he . d h public
i dig i l d d
n na t on oa e hi m t t he n wi h ick
na mes of Ta ra nt u s a nd a ra a a C c ll .

fi b w
The rst w a s orro e rom a e e ra t edf a c l b d gl di
a tor, t h e se on rom a on c df l g
G llic g w which
a o n he st r t e t o t he e o e of R om e
di ibu d p pl .
 O F THE R O MA N E MP IRE . 153

for ea ch h e r Th e i r a v e rsi on c onfi rme d by y e a rs C H A P

ot .
, , .

VI
a nd fom e nt e d by t h e a r t s O f t h e i r i nt e r e st e d fa v ou r i t e s;
'

b rok e ou t i n childi sh a nd g ra du a lly i n m ore se r i ou s Th i m

, e r u

c om p e t i t i ons ; a nd a t l e ng t h divid e d t h e t h e a t re t h e glo: ,

a

ci r cu s a nd t h e c ou r t i nt o t w o fa c ti ons a ctu a t e d by ot h
, ,
e r.

“
t h e h op e s a nd fe a rs of t h e i r r e sp e c t iv e l e a d e rs The .

p rud e nt e m p e r or e nd e a v ou re d by e v e ry e xp e di e nt of ,

a dvic e a nd a u t h ori t y t o a ll a y t hi s g r owi ng a ni m osity

,
.

T h e u nh a ppy di sc or d of h i s sons cl oud e d a ll h i s p ro

sp e c t s a nd th r e a t e ne d t o ov e r tu r n a t h r one r a i se d
,

wi t h so m uch l a b ou r c e m e nt e d wi t h so m uch bl ood , ,

a nd gu a r d e d wi t h e v e ry d e fe nc e of a r m s a nd t r e a su r e .

Wi t h a n i m p a rt i a l h a nd h e m a i nt a i ne d b e tw e e n t h e m
a n e x a ct b a l a nc e of fa v ou r c onfe rr e d on b oth t h e r a nk ,

of A ugu stu s with t h e r e v e r e d na m e Of A nt oni nu s ;

,

a nd for t h e fi rst t i m e t h e R om a n w orld b e h e ld t h r e e Th m re e e .

e m p e r or s
k Y e t e v e n t hi s e qu a l c onduc t se r v e d only
. P on er

t o i nfl a m e t h e c ont e st whil st t h e fi e r c e C a ra c a ll a a s
,

se r t e d t h e r igh t of p r i m og e nitu r e a nd t h e m ild e r

G e ta ,
r

c ou r t e d t h e a ffe c t i ons of t h e p e opl e a nd t h e soldi e r s .

In t h e a ngui sh of a di sa pp oi nt e d fa t h e r S e v e ru s for e ,

t old t h a t t h e w e a k e r of h i s sons w ould fa ll a sa c r ific e

,

t o t h e st r ong e r ; w h o i n h i s t u r n w ould b e r ui ne d by
, ,
l
h i s ow n vic e s
In t h e se ci rcu m st a nc e s t h e i nt e llig e nc e of a w a r i n Th C l e e a

1
B ri t a i n a nd of a n i nv a si on of t h e p r ovi nc e by t h e b a r 33
,
2 :)t
(

ba ri a ns of t h e north w a s r e c e iv e d with pl e a su re by
,

S e v e ru s Th ough t h e vigil a nc e of h i s li e u t e na nt s
.

m ight h a v e be e n su ffici e nt t o r e p e l t h e di st a nt e ne m y ,

h e re solv e d t o e mb ra c e t h e h onou r a bl e p r e t e x t Of wi t h
d ra wing h i s sons from t h e luxu ry of R om e which e ne r ,

va t e d t h e i r m i nd s a nd i rr i t a t e d t h e i r p a ssi ons ; a nd of

i nu ri ng t h e i r y ou t h t o th e t oil s Of w a r a nd g ov e r nme nt .

N otwi t h st a ndi ng h i s a dv a nc e d a g e (for h e w a s a b ov e ,

t h re e sc ore ) a nd h i s g ou t which oblig e d h i m t o b e

, ,

k The l v a t ion of C a c a ll a i fix e d by t h e a ccu a te M d Tillemont to

e e ar s r . e

the y ear 198 t h e a oci a t i on of G t a to t he ye a 2 08

ss e r .

H odi n 1 iii p 130 The liv e of C a c a ll a a nd G et a i n the A

er a , . . . . s ar , u

gu st a n Hi to y
s r .
154 THE DE C LIN E A N D F A L L
c a rri e d i n a li tt e r h e t ra nsp or t e d him se lf i n p erson i nt o
,

t h a t re mot e i sl a nd a t t e nd e d by h i s t w o sons h i s wh ol e
, ,

c ou r t a nd a form id a bl e a rm y H e i mm e di a t e ly p a sse d
, .

t h e w a ll s of H a d r i a n a nd A nt oni nu s a nd e nt e r e d th e ,

e ne m y s c ou nt ry wi t h a d e sig n of c om pl e t i ng t h e l ong
’

a t t e m pt e d c onqu e st of B ri t a i n H e p e ne t ra t e d t o t h e .

nor t h e r n e x tr e m i t y Of t h e i sl a nd wi t h ou t m e e t i ng a n ,

e ne m y B u t t h e c onc e a l e d a m bu sc a d e s of t h e C a l e d o
.

ni a ms w h o hu ng u nse e n on t h e r e a r a nd fl a nk s of h i s
,

a rm y t h e c old ne ss of t h e cli m a t e a nd t h e se v e ri t y of a
, ,

wi nt e r m a r ch a c r oss t h e hill s a nd m ora sse s Of S c ot l a nd ,

a r e r e p or t e d t o h a v e c ost t h e R om a ns a b ov e fift y t h ou

sa nd m e n Th e C a l e d oni a ns a t l e ng t h yi e ld e d t o t h e
.

p ow e r ful a nd ob st i na t e a t t a ck su e d for p e a c e a nd su r , ,

r e nd e r e d a p a r t of t h e i r a r m s a nd a l a r g e t r a c t of t e r ,

r i t or
y .B u t t h e i r a pp a r e nt sub m i ssi on l a st e d no l onge r

t h a n t h e p re se nt t e rr or A s soona s t h e R om a n l e gi ons
.

h a d r e t i r e d t h e y re su m e d t h e i r h ost il e i nd e p e nd e nc e
, .

Th e i r r e st l e ss S pi ri t pr ov ok e d S e v e r u s t o se nd a ne w
a rm y i n t o C a l e d oni a wi t h t h e m ost bl oody or d e rs not
, ,

t o subdu e b u t t o e x t i r p a t e t h e na t iv e s Th e y w e re .

m
sa v e d by t h e d e a t h of t h e i r h a ugh t y e ne m y

Thi s C a l e d oni a n w a r ne i t h e r m a rk e d by de ci siv e ,

e v e nt s nor a tt e nd e d wi t h a n i m p or t a nt c on se qu e n c
, y es ,

w ould ill d e se r v e our a t t e nt i on ; b u t i t i s supp ose d not ,

wi t h ou t a c onsid e r a bl e d e g r e e of p r ob a bili t y t h a t t h e ,

i nv a si on Of S e v e r u s i s c onne c te d wi t h t h e m ost shi ni ng

p e r i od of t h e B ri t i sh hi st ory or fa bl e Fi ng a l wh ose ,

fa m e wi t h t h a t of h i s h e r oe s a nd b a r d s h a s b e e n r e
, ,

vi ve d i n ou r l a ngu a g e by a r e c e nt public a t i on i s sa id ,

t o h a v e c om m a nd e d t h e C a l e d oni a ns i n t h a t m e m or a bl e

j u nc t u re t o h a v e e lud e d t h e p ow e r of S e v e r u s a nd t o
, ,

h a v e Ob t a i ne d a sig na l vic t or y on t h e b a nk s of t h e C a
”
ru n i n which t h e son Of
, t h e ki ng of t h e w orld Ca ,

r a cul fl e d fr om h i s a r m s a l ong t h e fi e l d s of h i s r i de
n
1
, p
S om e t hi ng of a d oub t ful m i st st ill h a ng s ov e r t h e se
highla nd t r a di t i ons ; nor ca n i t b e e nt i r e ly di sp e lle d
Di on , lxxvi p
1 . . .12 80 , e tc . He odi a n
r , 1 i ii
. . p . 132 , e t c.
O ssi a n s Poe m
’
s, vol . i p
. . 175 .
 O F THE R O MA N E MP IRE . 155

by t h e m ost i ng e ni ou s ch e s of m od e r n c r i t ici sm : C H A P
r e se a r
°
.

VI
b u t if w e c ould wi t h sa fe ty i ndulg e t h e pl e a si ng supp o
’

i
s t oi u t h a t,
Fi ng a l liv e d a n d th a t O s si a n su ng t h e C
,
ont t f ,
ra s 0

st r iki ng c ont ra st of t h e si t u a ti on a nd m a nne rs of t h e

c ont e ndi ng na ti ons migh t a m u se a p h iIO SOp hi c m i nd .

T h e p a r a ll e l w ould b e littl e t o t h e a dv a nt a g e of th e
m ore civiliz e d p e opl e if w e c om p a r e d t h e u nre l e nti ng ,

r e v e ng e Of S e v e r u s wi t h t h e g e ne r ou s cl e m e ncy of F i n

a l ; t h e t i m id a nd b r u t a l c r u e l t y of C a r a c a ll a wi t h t h e
g ,

b ra v e ry t h e t e nd e rne ss t h e e l e g a nt g e niu s of O ssi a n ;

, ,

t h e m e r c e na ry chi e fs w h o fr om m ot iv e s Of fe a r or i nt e r ,

e st se r v e d u nd e r t h e i m p e r i a l st a nd a r d with t h e fr e e
, ,

b orn w a rri ors w h o st a rt e d t o a rm s a t t h e v oic e Of t h e

ki ng of M orv e n ; if i n a w or d w e c ont e m pl a t e t h e nu
, ,

t u t or e d C a l e d oni a ns gl owi ng with t h e w a r m vi r t u e s Of

,

na tu r e a nd t h e d e g e ne r a t e R om a ns p ollut e d wi t h t h e
, ,

m e a n vic e s Of w e a l t h a nd S l a v e ry .

T h e d e cli ning h e a lth a nd l a st illne ss of S e v e ru s i n A mbi t i on of

c m n‘ a a a
fl a m e d t h e wild a m biti on a nd bl a ck p a ssi ons Of C a ra
c a ll a s soul I m p a t i e nt Of a ny d e l a y or divi si on of e m
’
.

pi re h e a t t e m pt e d m ore t h a n onc e t o sh ort e n t h e

, , ,

sm a ll r e m a i nd e r of h i s fa t h e r s d a y s a nd e nd e a v ou re d
’

, ,

but wi t h ou t succ e ss t o e xci t e a m u t i ny a m ong t h e ,

t roop s P T h e old e m p e r or h a d oft e n c e nsu re d t h e

.

m i sguid e d l e ni t y of M a r cu s w h o by a si ngl e a ct Of , ,

j u stic e m ight h a v e sa v e d t h e R om a ns from t h e t y ra nny

,

of h i s w or t hl e ss son P l a c e d i n t h e sa me si t u a t i on h e
.
,

e xp e r i e nc e d h ow e a sily t h e r ig ou r of a j udg e di ssolv e s

a w a y i n t h e t e nd e r ne ss of a p a re nt H e d e li be ra t e d .
,

h e t h r e a t e ne d bu t h e c ould not pu ni sh ; a nd thi s l a st

,

a nd only i nst a nc e of m e r cy w a s m ore fa t a l t o t h e e m ,

0
Th a t t h e C a a cul O f O ssi a n i t h e C a a c ll a of t h R oma n hi to y i
r s r a e s r , s,

p h a p s th only p oi nt O f B i t i h a nt iqui t y i n wh i ch M M a cph e on a nd

er , e r s r. rs

M W h i t k e a e O f t he a me O pi ni on ; a nd y t t h O pi ni on i not wi t h ou t
r. a r r s e e s

difficul ty In th e C a l e d oni a n w t h on of S e v u s w a k now n only by

. a r, e s er s

the pp ell t i on of A nt oni nu a nd i t m a y e em t a ng t h t t h highl a nd

a a s s s r e, a e

b a d h ould de c ib h i m by a nick na m e i nv e nt d fou y

r s s r e fte w a d , e r e a rs a r r s,

c c ely u e d by t he Roma ns t i ll fte t he d e t h of t h t e m p e o a nd l

s ar s a r a a r r, se
dom e m pl oy e d by t h e m ost a nci e nt hi t o i a n Se e Di on 1 lxxvii p 1317 s r s. , . . . .

Hi t Augu t p 89 ; A u e l V ic to E eb i n C h on a d a nn 2 14
s s r r us r
P Dion 1 lxxvi p 12 82 ; Hi t A ugu t p 71 A u el V ic to
. . . . . . . .

, . . . s . s . . r . r.
 156 TH E D E C LIN E A N D FA L L
pi re th a n a l ong se ri e s Of c ru e l ty T h e di sord e r of q.

h i s m i nd i r ri t a t e d th e p a i ns Of h i s b ody ; h e wi sh e d i m
a t i e nt ly for d e a t h a nd h a st e ne d t h e i nst a nt of i t by
p ,

h i s i m p a t i e nc e H e e xpi re d a t Y ork i n t h e six t y fi ft h

.
-

y e a r of h i s life a nd i n t h e e igh t e e nt h of a gl ori ou s a nd

,

succ e ssful r e ig n In h i s l a st m om e nt s h e r e c omm e nd e d

.

c onc ord t o h i s sons a nd h i s sons t o t h e a rm y T h e

,
.

sa lu t a ry a dvic e ne v e r r e a ch e d t h e h e a r t or e v e n t h e ,

u nd e rst a ndi ng of t h e i m p e tu ou s y ou t h s ; but t h e m or e

,

ob e di e nt t r oop s m i ndful of t h e i r oa t h of a ll e gi a nc e
, ,

a nd of t h e a u t h or i t y of t h e i r d e c e a se d m a st e r r e si st e d ,

t h e solici t a ti ons of C a r a c a ll a a nd p r ocl a i m e d b ot h b r o ,

t h e r s e m p e r or s Of R om e T h e ne w p ri nc e s Soon l e ft
.

t h e C a l e d oni a ns i n p e a c e r e t u r ne d t o t h e c a pi t a l c e l e
, ,

b ra t e d t h e i r fa t h e r s fu ne ra l wi t h divi ne h onou rs a nd
’

w e re ch e e rfully a cknowl e dg e d a s l a wful sov e r e ig ns by ,

t h e se na t e t h e p e opl e a nd t h e p r ovi nc e s
, ,S om e p re .

e m i ne nc e O f r a nk se e m s t o h a v e b e e n a ll ow e d t o t h e

e ld e r b rot h e r ; bu t t h e y bot h a d m i ni st e r e d t h e e m pi re

wi t h e qu a l a nd i nd e p e nd e nt p ow e r
S uch a divid e d form of g ov e rnm e nt w ould h a v e
p rov e d a sou r c e of di sc or d b e tw e en t h e most a ffe c t i on
a t e b r ot h e rs It w a s i m p ossibl e t h a t i t c ould l ong su b
.

si st b e t w e e n t w o i m pl a c a bl e e ne m i e s w h o ne i t h e r de ,

si r e d nor c ould t r u st a r e c oncili a t i on It w a s vi sibl e .

t h a t one only c ould r e ig n a nd t h a t t h e ot h e r m u st fa ll ; ,

a nd e a ch of t h e m j udgi ng of h i s r iv a l s d e sig ns by h i s
’
.

ow n gu a r d e d hi s life wi t h t he m ost j e a l ou s vigil a nc e

,

from t h e r e p e a t e d a t t a ck s of p oi son or t h e sw or d .

Th e i r r a pid j ou rne y t h r ough G a ul a nd I t a ly du r i ng ,

which t h e y ne v er e a t a t t h e sa m e t a bl e or sl e p t i n t h e ,

sa m e h ou se di spl a y e d t o t h e p r ovi nc e s t h e odi ou s

,

sp e c t a cl e Of fra t e rna l di sc ord O n t h e i r a rr iv a l a t .

R ome t h e y imm e di a t e ly divid e d t h e v a st e x t e nt of t h e

,

i m p e ri a l p a l a c e N o c omm u nic a t i on w a s a ll ow e d be
3
.

9Di on 1 1xxvi p 12 83; Hi t A g t t p 89

, . . . s . u us . .

Di on 1 lxxvi p 12 84 H e od i n l 1 p 135
, . . . r a , . 11. . .

5
M Hu me i ju t ly u p i d t a p
r. s s g e of H odi a n (1 iv p
s r r se a a ssa er , . . .

w ho on t hi
, occ i on e p nt the i m p e i l p l c
s as , r re se e qu l i n x te nt t o
s r a a a e as a e
th e t of R om e
e r s The wh ol e egi on of t he p a l t i ne mou nt on which i t w a s
. r a ,
 O F TH E R OMA N E MP IRE . 157

t we e n t h e i r p a rt m e nt s ; t h e d oors a nd p a ssa g e s w e re C H A P
a .

VI
dilig e ntly for t ifi e d a nd gu a rd s p oste d a nd r e li e v e d wi t h ,
’

t h e sa m e st ric t ne ss a s i n a b e si e g e d pl a c e Th e e m p e .

r or s m e t only i n public i n t h e p r e se nc e O f t h e i r a fflic t e d ,

m ot h e r ; a nd e a ch su rr ou nd e d by a nu m e r ou s t ra i n of
a rm e d foll ow e rs Ev e n on t he se occ a si ons of c e re m ony
.
,

t h e di ssi m ul a t i on of c ou r t s c ould ill di sgui se t h e r a nc ou r

of th e i r h e a r t s

Thi s l a t e nt civil w a r a l re a dy di st ra ct e d t h e wh ol e F ui tl e r ss

g ov e rnm e nt wh e n a sch e m e w a s sugg e st e d t h a t se e m e d g

, o g
g
i n
c
sr
gg
e

r c
of m u t u a l b e ne fi t t o t h e h ost il e b r ot h e r s It w a s p ro t h mpi .
e e re

b etw n ee
p ose d t h a t S i nc e i t w a s i mp ossi bl e t o re c onc i l e t h e 1r t h em
, .

m i nd s t h e y sh ould se p a ra t e t h e i r i nt e r e st a nd divid e
, ,

t h e e m pi re b e t w e e n t h e m T h e c ondi t i ons of t h e .

t r e a t y w e r e a l re a dy d ra w n with som e a ccu r a cy It w a s .

a g re e d t h a t C a r a c a ll a a s t h e e ld e r br ot h e r sh ould
, , ,

r e m a i n i n p osse ssi on of Eu rop e a nd t h e w e st e rn A fr ic a ;

a nd t h a t h e sh ould r e li nq u i sh t h e sov e r e ig nt y of A si a

a n d Egyp t t o G e t a w h o m ight fix h i s r e sid e nc e a t ,

A l e x a nd r i a or A nt i och ci t i e s lit t l e i nfe ri or t o R om e ,

i t se lf i n we a l t h a nd g re a t ne ss ; t h a t nu m e r ou s a rm i e s
sh ould b e c onst a nt ly e nc a m p e d on e i t h e r si d e of t h e

Th ra ci a n B osph or u s t o gu a r d t h e front i e rs of t h e ,

r iv a l m ona r chi e s ; a nd t h a t t h e se na t or s of Eu r op e a n

e xt ra c t i on S h ould a ck nowl e dg e t h e sov e r e ig n of R om e ,

whil st t h e na t iv e s of A si a foll ow e d t h e e m p e r or of t h e
e a st T h e t e a r s of t h e e m p r e ss J uli a i nt e rrup t e d t h e
.

ne g ocia t i on ; t h e fi r st id e a of which h a d fill e d e v e ry

‘

R om a n b re a st wi t h su r p ri se a nd i ndig na t i on T h e .

buil t occupi e d a t mo t a ci cu m fe e nc e of e l e v e n o t w elve t h ou sa nd fe e t

, , s , r r r

S e t h e Not i ti a nd V ic to i n N d ni
.

e a Rom A nt ic B u t w e h ould
r, ar i
’
s a a. s

re c oll e c t t h t t h e O pul e nt e na t o
, a h a d l m o t u ou nd d t h ci t y wi t h t h i
s rs a s s rr e e e r
e x t e n iv e g a d n
s nd ubu b p a l a c
r e t h g e t st p a t of which h d b ee n
s a s r e s, e r a e r a

g a du a lly c onfi c t e d by t he e mp e o
r s a If G e t id e d i n th e g a d n t h t r rs. a re s r e s a
b o e hi na m e on t he J i c l m a nd if C a c ll i nh a bi t e d t he g a d e n of
r s a ri u u , ra a a r s

M c n on th e E q l i ne t he riv a l b ot h w s p t e d f om e a ch
a e as s ue , r e rs e re e a ra r

ot h e by t h e di t nc O f
r v l m il ; a nd y e t t he i nt m e di a t e p c e w
s a e se e ra es er s a as
fill d by t h i mp i l g a d e n of S llu t of Lucullu of A g ipp of D om i
e e er a r s a s ,
s, r a ,

t i n of C a iu
a , t c a l l ki t i ng ou nd t h ci t y a nd l l c onn c t d wi t h
s, e . s r ch r e ,
a e e ea
ot h nd wi t h t h p l c
e r, a by b idg t h ow n ov t h Tib nd t he st e t
e a a e, r es r er e er a re s.
B t thi
u xpl a n t i on O f H od i n w ould qui e t h ough i t ill d e ve a
s e a er a re r , es r s,

p a t icul di t t i on illu t a t d by m p of nci e nt Rom

r ar sse r a , s r e a a a e .

H odi a n l iv p 139
er , . . . .
158 THE D E C LIN E A N D F A L L
m igh t y m a ss of c onqu e st w a s so i nt im a t e ly u nit e d by
t h e h a nd of t i m e a nd p olicy t h a t i t re qui re d t h e m ost ,

for cibl e vi ol e nc e t o re nd i t a sund e r T h e R om a ns h a d .

r e a son t o d re a d t h a t t h e di sj oi nt e d m e m b e r s w ould
,

soon b e r e duc e d by a civil w a r u nd e r t h e d om i ni on of

one m a st e r ; b u t if t h e se p a r a t i on w a s p e rm a ne nt t h e ,

divi si on of t h e p r ovi nc e s m u st t e r m i na t e i n t h e di s
solu t i on of a n e m pi re wh ose u ni t y h a d hi t h e r t o r e ,

m a i ne d i nvi ol a t e
H a d t h e t re a t y b e e n c a r r i e d i nt o e x e cu t i on t h e so ,

ve r e i g n of Eu rop e m igh t soon h a v e b e e n t h e con

u e r or Of A si a ; b ut C a ra c a ll a ob t a i ne d a n e a si e r
q ,

t h ough a m or e guil t y vic t or y H e a r t fully li st e ne d .

t o hi s m ot h e r s e nt re a t i e s a nd c onse nt e d t o m e e t h i s
’

b r ot h e r i n h e r a p a rt m e nt on t e r m s of p e a c e a nd r e ,

c oncili a t i on In t h e m id st O f t h e i r c onv e rsa t i on som e

.
,

c e nt u r i ons w h o h a d c ont r iv e d t o c onc e a l t h e m se lv e s

, ,

r u sh e d wi t h d r a w n sw ord s up on t h e u nfor t u na t e G e t a .

H i s di st r a c t e d m ot h e r st rov e t o p r ot e c t h i m i n h e r
a r m s ; b u t i n t h e u na v a ili ng st r uggl e
, sh e w a s w ou nd e d ,

i n t h e h a nd a nd c ov e re d wi t h t h e bl ood of h e r y ou ng e r
,

son whil e sh e sa w t h e e ld e r a ni m a t i ng a nd a ssi st i ng

"
,

t h e fu ry of t h e a ssa ssi ns A s soon a s t h e de e d w a s .

p e rp e t r a t e d C a ra c a ll a wi t h h a st y st e p s a nd h orr or i n
, , ,

h i s c ou nt e na nc e r a n t ow a rd s t h e p re t or i a n c a m p a s,

h i s only r e fug e a nd t h re w hi m se lf on t h e g r ou nd b e ,

for e t h e st a t u e s O f t h e t u t e l a r de i t i e s y T h e soldi e r s .

a t t e m p t e d t o r a i se a nd c om for t h i m In b rok e n a nd .

di sor d e re d w or d s h e i nform e d t h e m Of h i s i m m i ne nt
d a ng e r a nd for t u na t e e sc a p e ; i nsi nu a t e d t h a t h e h a d
p r e v e nt e d t h e d e sig ns of h i s e ne m y a nd d e cl a re d h i s ,

r e solu t i on t o liv e a nd di e wi t h h i s fa i t hful t r oop s .

G e t a h a d b e e n t h e fa v ou r i t e of t h e soldi e rs ; b u t com
H odi n 1 iv p 144
er a , . . . .

x
C c ll c on c t d i n t h t m pl of S pi th w o d wi t h which
a ra a a se ra e , e e e e ra s, e s r ,

as h b o t d h h d l i n h i b ot h
e as e , G t Di on 1 lxxvii p 130 7
e a s a s r er e a .
, . . . .

'3 H odi n 1 iv 147

a In v y Rom n c m p t h m ll a e re w a s a a
ch p l n t h h dqu t
er ,
. . ) . e er a s

a e ea r n which th
e t tu
ea of t h t ut l d i ti
a r e rs, i e s a es e e ar e es
w p
e re v d nd d o d nd w m y m k t h t t h gl
rese r e a a re nd ot h a e a re ar , a e ea e s, a er

m ili t y n ig n w
ar e si n th fi t nk of th
s, d iti
e re n xc ll nt i n t i t
e rs ra e se e es : a e e e s u

t i on which c onfi m d d i cipli n by t h

, nc t i on O f
r e ligi on Se L i p i d
s e e sa re . e s us e
M ili t i R om n iv 5
a 2 a a, . . v. .
 O F TH E R OMA N E MP IR E . 159

pl a i nt wa s u se l e ss r e v e ng e w a s d a ng e r ou s a nd th e y C H A P
, , .

V I‘
st ill r e v e r e nc e d t h e son of S e v e r u s Th e i r di sc ont e nt .

di e d a w a y i n idl e m u rm u r s a nd C a ra c a ll a soon con ,

v i nc e d t h e m of t h e j u st ic e of h i s c a u se by di st r ibu t i ng ,

i n one l a vi sh d ona t iv e t h e a ccu m ul a t e d t r e a su r e s Of h i s

fa t h e r s r e i g n T h e r e a l se nti m e nts of t h e soldi e r s
’ z
.

a l one w e r e of i m p or t a nc e t o h i s p ow e r or s
Th e i r d e cl a ra t i on i n h i s fa v ou r c omm a nd e d t h e du t i ,

ful p r of e ssi ons of t h e se na t e T h e ob se qui ou s .

se m bl w a s a lw a y s p r e p a r e d t o r a t ify t h e d e ci si on of
y
fort u ne ; b u t a s C a ra c a ll a wi sh e d t o a ssu a g e t h e fi rst
e m ot i ons of public i ndig na ti on t h e na m e of G e t a w a s ,

m e nt i one d with d e c e ncy a nd h e r e c e iv e d t h e fu ne ra l ,

h onou rs of a R om a n e m p e r or P ost e r i t y i n pi t y t o a
.
,

h i s m i sfor t u ne h a s c a st a v e il ov e r h i s vic e s
, W e con .

sid e r t h a t y ou ng p r i nc e a s t h e i nnoc e nt vi c ti m of h i s
’
b roth e r s a m bi t i on wi t h ou t r e c oll e c t i ng t h a t h e hi m se lf
,

w a nt e d p ow e r ra t h e r t h a n i ncli na t i on t o c onsu m m a t e
, ,

t h e sa m e a t t e m p t s of r e v e ng e a nd m u r d e r .

T h e c ri m e w e nt not u npu ni sh e d N e i t h e r bu si ne ss Re mo .
,
rse

fi ggfi
l ty
nor pl e a su r e nor fl a t t e ry c ould d e fe n d C a r a c a ll a fr om
, ,

t h e st i ng s of a guil t y c onsci e nc e ; a nd h e c on fe sse d c ll ,

e e

i n t h e a ngui sh of a t or t u r e d m i nd t h a t h i s di sor d e r e d ,

fa ncy oft e n be h e ld t h e a ng ry form s Of h i s fa t h e r a nd

h i s b r ot h e r r i si ng i nt o life t o th re a t e n a nd upb ra id ,

h im b . T h e c onsci ou sne ss of h i s c ri m e sh ould h a v e i n

du ce d h i m t o c onvi nc e m a nki nd by t h e vi r tu e s O f h i s ,

r e ig n t h a t t h e bl oody d e e d h a d b e e n t h e i nv olu nt a r y
,

e ffe c t of fa t a l ne c e ssi t y B u t t h e r e p e nt a nc e of C a ra
.

c a ll a only p rom p t e d h i m t o r e m ov e fr om t h e w orld

w h a t e v e r c ould r e m i nd h i m of h i s guil t or r e c a ll t h e ,

m e m or y of h i s m u rd e re d b r ot h e r O n h i s re t u r n from .

t h e se na t e t o t h e p a l a c e h e fou nd h i s m ot h e r i n t h e ,

c om p a ny of se v e ra l nobl e m a t rons w e e pi ng ov e r t h e ,

u nt im e ly fa t e Of h e r y ou ng e r son T h e j e a l ou s e m .

e ror t h r e a t e ne d t h e m wi t h i nst a nt d e a t h : t h e se n
p
H odi n 1 iv 148 ; Di on 1 l xxv p 12 89
er a u.

G t w pl c dm ong t h god Si t dm d m non i t vi v

, . . ) .
, . . .

e a as a e a e id s. u s, u s u s, sa

hi b ot h Hi t A ugu t p 9 1 S om m k of G t c on c ti on e ’
s r e r. s s e ar s e a s se ra ar
b Di on 1 1xxvii p 130 7
.
. . .

s t ill fou nd up on m d l e a s. , . . . .
160 THE D E C L IN E A N D F A L L
t e nc e w a s x e cu t e d a g a i nst F a dill a ,t h e l a st r e m a i ni ng
e

d a ugh t e r of t h e e m p e r or M a r cu s ; a nd e v e n t h e a fflic t e d
J uli a w a s oblig e d t o sil e nc e h e r l a m e nt a t i ons t o su p ,

p re ss h e r sigh s a nd t o r e c e iv e t h e a ssa ssi n wi t h sm il e s

,

of j oy a nd a pp r ob a t i on I t w a s c om pu t e d t h a t u nd e r .
,

t h e v a gu e a pp e ll a t i on of t h e fr i e nd s of G e t a a b ov e ,

t w e nt y t h ou sa nd p e r sons Of b ot h se x e s su ffe r e d d e a t h .

H i s gu a r d s a nd fre e d m e n t h e m i ni st e rs of h i s se r i ou s ,

bu si ne ss a nd t h e c om p a nions of hi s l oose r h ou rs t h ose

, ,

w h o by h i s i nt e re st h a d b e e n p r om ot e d t o a ny com

m a nd s i n t h e a r m y or p r ovi nc e s wi t h t h e l ong con ,

ne ct e d ch a i n of t h e i r d e p e nd e nt s w e re i ncl ud e d i n t h e ,

p r osc rip t i on ; which e nd e a v ou re d t o r e a ch e v e ry one

w h o h a d m a i nt a i ne d t h e sm a ll e st c orre sp ond e nc e wi t h

G e t a w h o l a m e nt e d h i s d e a t h or w h o e v e n m e ntione d
, ,

h i s na m e H e l vi u s P e r t i na x son t o t h e p r i nc e of
°
.
,

d
t h a t na m e l ost h i s li fe by a n u nse a sona bl e w i t t i c
,
i sm .

It w a s a su ffici e nt c ri m e of T h ra se a Pr i scu s t o b e de
sc e nd e d from a fa m ily i n which t h e l ov e of lib e rt y
se e m e d a n h e re dit a r y qu a li t y T h e p a rt icul a r c a u se s e
.

of c a lu m ny a nd su spici on w e r e a t l e ng t h e xh a u st e d ;

a nd wh e n a se na t or w a s a ccu se d of b e i ng a se c re t

e ne m y t o t h e g ov e r nm e n t t h e e m p e r or w a s sa t i sfi e d ,

wi t h t h e g e ne ra l p r oof t h a t h e w a s a m a n of p robi t y
a nd vi r t i re F rom t hi s w e ll g rou nd e d p r i ncipl e b e fre
.
-

qu e nt ly d r e w t h e m ost bl oody i nfe re nc e s .

T h e e x e cu ti on Of so ma ny i nnoc e nt ci t iz e ns w a s b e
w a ile d by t h e se c r e t t e a r s of t h e i r fri e nd s a nd fa m ili e s .

T h e d e a t h of P a pi ni a n t h e p re t ori a n pr e fe c t w a s la , ,

m e nt e d a s a public c a l a m i t y Du ri ng th e l a st se v e n .

y e a rs of S e v e ru s h e h a d e x e rci se d t h e m ost i m p or t a nt
,

‘Di on
3 11 xxvu
, . p 12 90 ; H odi a n 1 iv p 150 Di on (p 12 98
. . er , . . . . .

y h
sa s, t a t t h e c
om ic p oet no l ong du t empl oy t he n m O f G e t a i n t h
s er rs a e ei r
pl y h
a s ; a nd t a t t h e e st a t es of t h o e w h o m e nt i one d i t i n t h e i t e t a m nt
s r s e s,
w e e c onfi c te d
‘
r s a .

1 C c a ll a h a d a u med t h na m of se v e l c onqu e e d n t i on ; Pe t i
a ra ss e es ra r a s r

na x O b e v d t h a t t h e na m e of G e t i c s (h h a d O b t a i n d om e a dv nt g
s r e , u e e s a a e
of t h e G ot h s o G t ) w ould b a p op e a ddi t i on t o P
r e ae t hi e n Al e m a nni
e r r ar s,

cu s, e tc .Hi t A ugu st p 89
s . . . .

e
Di on 1 1xxvii p 12 91 He w a p ob a bly d esc e nd d f om Hel vidi us
, . . . . s r e r

P i c
r s us, a nd Th a s Pmt t h o e p t i ot wh os fi m b t u l e
r ea us nd u n
s a r s e r u se ss a
se a son bl vi t u h a b e e n i m m o t l i z d by T a ci t u
a e r e s r a e s.
 O F THE R O MA N E MP IRE . 16 1

O ffic e s of t h e st a t e ; a nd by h i s sa lu t a ry i nflu e nc e C H A P ,

“
, .

VI
guid e d t h e e m p e r or s st e p s i n t h e p a t h s of j u st ic e a nd ’ '

m od e r a t i on In full a ssu ra nc e of h i s vi r t u e a nd a b i
.

l i t i e s S e v e ru s on h i s de a t h b e d h a d c onj u re d h i m
, ,
-
,

t o w a t ch ov e r t h e p r osp e ri t y a nd u ni on Of t h e i m p e r i a l
fa m ily f T h e h one st l a b ou r s of P a pi ni a n se rv e d only
.

t o i nfl a m e t h e h a t r e d which C a r a c a ll a h a d a l re a dy con

ce i ve d a g a i nst h i s fa t h e r s m i ni st e r A ft e r t h e m u r d e r ’
.

of G e t a t h e p r e fe c t w a s c om m a nd e d t o e x e r t t h e
,

p ow e rs of h i s skill a nd e l oqu e nc e i n a st udi e d a p ol ogy

for t h a t a t r oci ou s d e e d T h e p h i l OSO p h i c S e ne c a h a d .

c ond e sc e nd e d t o c om p ose a si m il a r e pi st l e t o t h e se n
a t e i n t h e na m e of t h e son a nd a ssa s i
,
s n Of A g r p p
i i na g

Th a t i t w a s e a si e r t o c omm i t t h a n t o j u st ify a p a r
”
r ic ide w a s t h e gl or i ou s r e ply of P a pi ni a n
, w h o did ,
’

not h e si t a t e b e t w e e n t h e l oss of life a n d t h a t Of h on

ou r . Such i nt re pid vi r tu e wh ich h a d e sc a p e d p u r e ,

a nd u nsulli e d from t h e i nt r igu e s Of c ou r t s t h e h a bi t s ,

“
of bu si ne ss a nd t h e a r t s of h i s p r ofe ssi on r e fl e c t s
, ,

m ore lu st r e on t h e m e m ory of P a pi ni a n t h a n a ll h i s ,

g re a t e m pl oy m e nt s h i s nu m e rou s w r i t i ng s a nd t h e su , ,

p e ri or r e pu t a t i on a s a l a wy e r which h e h a s p r e se r v e d ,

i
t h rough e v e ry a g e of t h e R om a n j u ri sp r ud e nc e .

It h a d hi t h e r t o b e e n t h e p e culi a r fe lici t y of t h e R o Hi t y nny s ra

i ti
d
:
n
m a ns a nd i n t h e w orst of t i m e s t h e i r c onsol a t i on t h a t 2:
e

, , e

1
$
t h e vi r t u e of t h e e m p e r or s w a s a c t iv e a nd t h e i r vic e m
2
9 e '

i nd ol e nt A ugu st u s T ra j a n H a dri a n a nd M a r cu s
.
, , , ,

vi si t e d t h e i r e x t e nsiv e d om i ni ons i n p e rson ; a nd t h e i r

p rog re ss w a s m a rk e d by a ct s of wi sd om a nd b e ne fi
c e nc e T h e ty r a nny of Tib e r iu s N e ro a nd D om i
.
, ,

t i a n w h o r e sid e d a l m ost c onsta nt ly a t R om e or i n t h e

, ,

a dj a c e nt vill a s w a s c onfi ne d to t h e se na t ori a l a nd

,

e qu e st r i a n or d e r s B u t C a ra c a ll a w a s t h e c om m on
.

ne m y of m a nki nd H e l e ft t h e c a pi t a l (a nd h e ne v e r A D 2 13
. . . .

f It i id t h t P pi ni n w hi m lf
s sa a l t i on O f t h em p
a a J uli as se a re a e re ss a.
8 T ci t A nn l xiv ii
a . a Hi t A ugu t p 88
. . . s . s . . .

Wi t h g d t o P pi ni n e H i n ccii Hi t J u i Rom ni 1 330 t c

‘
re ar a a , s e e e s . r s a , .
, e .

1 Tib iu nd D om i t i n n v e m ov d f om t h n ighbou h ood of R om

er s a a e r e r e e r e.

N o m d h o t j ou n y i nt o G c Et l d t o m p i ncip m u u
er a e a s r r e re e e . au a ru r u s s

e x s
e
q o q m i p o nl g nt i b
u ua v sS l p oxi mi i ng
r e nt T ci t Hi t
a e u s. ZB V r s ruu . a . s .

iv 75
. .

VO L , 1 .
162 THE D E C LIN E A N D F A L L
re t u rne d t o i t) b out a y e a r a ft e r
a t h e m u r d e r of Ge ta .

T he r e st of hi s r e ig n w a s sp e nt i n th e se v e ra l p ro

vi nc e s Of t h e e m p i re p a r t i cu la rly t h ose of t h e e a st ; , \

a nd e v e ry p r ovi nc e w a s by t u rns t h e sc e ne of h i s ra pi ne

a nd c r u e l t y T h e se na t ors c om p e ll e d by fe a r t o a t
.
,

t e nd h i s c a p r ici ou s m ot i ons w e r e oblig e d t o p rovid e ,

d a ily e nt e rt a inm e nt s a t a n i m m e nse e xp e nse which h e ,

a b a nd one d wi t h c ont e m p t t o h i s gu a r d s ; a nd t o e r e c t ,

i n e v e r y ci t y m a g nific e nt p a l a c e s a nd t h e a t re s which
, ,

b e e i t h e r di sd a i ne d t o vi si t or ord e re d t o b e i mm e di ,

a t e ly t h r ow n d ow n T h e m ost w e a l t hy fa m ili e s w e re
.

r ui ne d by p a r t i a l fi ne s a nd c onfi sca t i ons ; a nd t h e g r e a t

b ody Of h i s subj e c t s Opp r e sse d by i ng e ni ou s a nd a g

l
ra v a t e d t a xe s In t h e m id st of p e a c e a nd up on th e
g .
,

sligh t e st p r ov oc a t i on h e i ssu e d h i s c om m a nd s a t A l e x , ,

a nd r i a i n Egyp t for a g e ne r a l m a ssa c re F r om a se

,
.

cu re p ost i n t h e t e m pl e of S e ra pi s b e vi e w e d a nd di ,

re c t e d t h e sl a ugh t e r of m a ny t h ou sa nd ci tiz e ns a s w e ll ,

a s st r a ng e r s wi t h ou t di st i ngui shi ng e i t h e r t h e nu m b e r
,
'

or t h e c ri m e of t h e su ffe r e rs ; si nc e a s h e c oolly i n ,

form e d t h e se na t e a ll th e A l e x a nd ri a ns t h ose w h o h a d
, ,

p e ri sh ed a nd t h ose w h o h a d e sc a p e d w e re a lik e guil ty ”

, .

T h e wi se i nst ruc t i ons of S e v e ru s ne v e r m a d e a ny

l a st i ng i m p r e ssi on on t h e m i n d of h i s son ; w h o,a l t h ough
not d e st i t u t e Of i m a gi na t i on a nd e l oqu e nc e w a s e qu a lly ,

d e v oid of j udg e m e nt a nd hu m a ni t y O ne d a ng e rou s 3

.

m a xi m w or t hy of a ty ra nt w a s r e m e m b e re d a nd a bu se d
, ,

by C a ra c a ll a T o se cu re t h e a ffe c t i ons of t h e a rm y
, ,

a nd t o e st e e m t h e r e st Of h i s subj e c t s a s of li tt l e m o

B u t t h e lib e ra li t y of t h e fa t h e r h a d b e e n re
st ra i ne d by p r ud e nc e a nd h i s i ndulg e nc e t o t h e t r oop s ,

w a s t e m p e r e d by fi rm ne ss a nd a u t h or i t y T h e c a re l e ss .

Di on 1 lxxv p 12 94
‘Dion 1 1xxvii p 1307 ; H odi a n 1 iv p 158 The fo m e ep e
, . r1. . .

1
1
, . . . er , . . . . r r r r
se nt i t a a c u e l m a ssa c e t h l tte
s s r
p e fi di o s one t oo I t
r , m p o e a r as a r u . se e s r
b bl t h t t he A l x nd i ns ha d i i t a t d t he t y nt by t h e i a i ll i e a nd
a e, a e a r a rr e ra r r er s,
p e h p by t h e i t u m ul t
r a s r s.

Di on 1 lxxvii p 12 96
, . . . .

Di on 1 lxxvi p 12 84 M W ot t on (Hi t of Rome p

, . . . . r. s .
, . sus
p e t t h a t t h i m a xi m w a s i nv ent ed by C a c al l a hi mself a nd a t t ibu t e d t o
e s s ra , r
hi f t he
s a r.
 OF THE R OMA N E MP IR E . 163

p rofu si on of t h e son w a s t h e p olicy of one r e ign a nd C H A P , .

VI
t h e i ne vi t a bl e r ui n b ot h of t h e a rm y a nd of t h e e m pi r e
'

T h e vig ou r of t h e soldi e rs i nst e a d of b e i ng c onfi rme d ,

by t h e se v e re di scipli ne of c a m p s m e l t e d a w a y i n t h e ,

luxu ry of ci t i e s T h e e xc e ssiv e i nc r e a se of t h e i r p a y
.

a nd dona t i ve s p e xh a u st e d t h e st a t e t o e nr ich t h e m ili

t a r y or d e r wh ose m od e st y i n p e a c e a nd se r vic e i n
, ,

w a r i s b e st se cu re d by a n h onou ra bl e p ov e r t y
,
The .

d e m e a nou r of C a ra c a ll a w a s h a ugh t y a nd full of p rid e ;

but wi t h t h e t roop s h e forg ot e v e n t h e p r op e r dig ni t y
of h i s ra nk e nc ou ra g e d t h e i r i nsol e nt fa m ili a r i t y a nd
, , ,

ne gl e c t i ng t h e e sse nt i a l du t i e s of a g e ne r a l a ffe ct e d t o ,

i m i t a t e t h e d re ss a nd m a nne r s of a c omm on soldi e r .

I t w a s i m p ossibl e t h a t such a ch a ra c t e r a nd such a M u d of ,

r er

C c ll a ra a a.
c onduc t a s t h a t of C a ra c a ll a c ould i nspi re e i t h e r l ov e ,

or e st e e m ; b u t a s l ong a s h i s vic e s w e r e b e ne fici a l t o

'

t h e a r m i e s h e w a s se cu r e fr om t h e d a ng e r of r e b e lli on
, .

A se c r e t c onspi ra cy p r ov ok e d by h i s ow n j e a l ou sy , ,

w a s fa t a l t o t h e t y r a nt T h e p re t or i a n p r e fe c t u re w a s .

divid e d b e t w e e n t w o m i ni st e r s T h e m ili t a ry d e p a rt .

m e nt w a s i nt r u st e d t o A dve nt u s a n e xp e ri e nc e d ra t h e r ,

t h a n a n a bl e soldi e r ; a nd t h e civil a ffa i r s w e r e t r a ns

a c t e d by O i li u s Ma c r i nu s w h o by h i s de x t e r i t y i n
p , ,

bu si ne ss h a dra i se d hi m se lf wi t h a fa i r ch a ra c t e r t o t h a t
, , ,

high offic e B u t h i s fa v ou r v a r i e d wi t h t h e c a p ric e of

.

t h e e m p e r or ; a nd h i s life m igh t d e p e n d on t h e sligh t e st

su spici on or t h e m ost c a su a l ci r cu m st a nc e
, M a lic e or .

fa na t ici sm h a d sugge st e d t o a n A fr ic a n d e e ply skill e d ,

i n t h e k nowl e dg e of fu t u r i t y a v e ry d a ng e r ou s p r e dic ,

P Di on p ( 1 lxxviii
. i nfo m t h a t th
. x t a o di na y gi ft ~of
. r s us, e e r r r s

C a c ll t o t he m y a mou nt ed nnu a lly t o v nt y m illi on of d ch m

ar a a ar a se e s ra as

( b ou t t w o milli on t h ee hu nd d a nd fift y t h ou a nd p ou nd ) Th e e i
a s r re s s. r s
a not h p a g i n Di on c onc ni ng t h e m ili t y p y i nfi ni t ely cu i ou ;
er a ss e , er ar a , r s
w e e i t not ob cu e i m p f c t nd p ob bly c o up t The b t n eem
r s r , er e , a r a rr . es se se s s
t o be t h t t h e p e t o i n gu d s
, a c iv e d t w lv e hu nd d a nd fift y d a ch m n
r r a ar re e e re r e

( fo t y p ou nd ) y e
r Di on l lxxvi i p 1307 U nd t h eig n of A
s a a r. , . . . . er e r u

gu tu t h ey w e e P i d a t t he t e of t w o d a ch m o d n ii p e d y
s s, r a ra r ae , r e ar , r a ,

se v n hu nd e d nd t w e nty y e a T ci t A nn l i l 7 D om i ti n w h o
e r a a r. a . a . . . a ,

i nc s d t he oldi
re a e
p y o ne fou t h s m u st h a v e
ers i ed t h
’
p a t o i n r ,
ra s e re r a s
t o ni n h nd e d a nd ix t y d chm
e u r G onovi d P cu ni V t e l i i
s ra re . r us e e a e er , . 1.
c 2 .
Th . ucc iv a ug me nt t i on u i n d t h e m pi fo w i t h t h
e se s e ss e a s r e e re , r, e
s old i p y t h i nu m b
e rs
’
a t oo w, i nc e d W h v
e r n t he
e rs
p e e re r a se . e a e se e r
to n
ri al one i nc e d f om t e n t h ou nd t o fifty t h ou nd m n
s a r a se r sa sa e .

M 2
 164 THE D E C LIN E A ND F A L L
CHAP . th a t Ma cri nu s a nd h i s son w e re d e st i ne d t o r e ig n
t i on,
ov e r t h e e mpi re T h e r e p or t w a s soon di ffu se d t h rough
.

t h e p r ovi nc e ; a nd wh e n t h e m a n w a s se t i n ch a i ns t o
n
R ome h e st ill a sse rt e d i n t h e p re se nc e of th e p r e fe c t
, ,
.

of t h e ci t y t h e fa i t h of h i s p r oph e cy
,
Th a t m a gi st ra t e . ,

w h o h a d re c e iv e d t h e m ost p r e ssi ng i nst r uc t i ons t o i n

form hi m se lf of t h e succ e ssors of C a r a c a ll a i m m e di a t e ly ,

c om m u nic a t e d th e e x a m i na t i on of t h e A fric a n t o t h e
i m p e r i a l c ou r t whi c h a t t h a t t i m e r e sid e d i n Sy ri a
,
.

B u t not wi t h st a ndi ng t h e dilig e nc e of t he public m e s

se n e rs a fri e nd of Ma c r i nu s fou nd m e a ns t o a pp r i se
g ,

hi m of t h e a pp roa chi ng d a ng e r T h e e m p e r or r e c e iv e d
.

t h e l e t t e rs fr om R om e ; a nd a s h e w a s t h e n e ng a g e d i n
t h e c onduc t of a ch a r i ot ra c e h e d e liv e r e d t h e m u n ,

op e ne d t o t h e p r e t or i a n p r e fe c t di r e c t i n g h i m t o de ,

r di na r y a fl a i r s
f
s a tc
p h t h e o a n d t o r e p or t ,t h e m o re

im p or t a nt bu si ne ss t h a t m igh t b e c ont a i ne d i n t h e m .

Ma cr i nu s r e a d h i s fa t e a nd r e solv e d t o p r e v e nt i t H e
, .

i nfl a m e d th e di sc ont e nt s of som e i nfe ri or offic e rs a nd ,

e m pl oy e d t h e h a nd O f M a r t i a li s a d e sp e ra t e soldi e r , ,

w h o h a d b e e n r e fu se d t h e r a nk of c e nt u r i on T he d e vo .

t i on Of C a r a c a ll a p r om p t e d h i m t o m a k e a pilg r i m a g e
fr om Ed e ssa t o t h e c e l e b ra t e d t e m pl e of th e m oon a t
C a r rh ae H e w a s a t t e nd e d by a b ody of c a v a l ry ; b u t
.

h a vi ng st opp e d on t h e r oa d for som e ne c e ssa ry occ a si on ,

h i s gu a r d s p r e se r v e d a r e sp e c t ful di st a nc e a nd M a rt i a ,

li s a pp r oa chi ng h i s p e rson u nd e r a p re t e nc e of du t y
, ,

A D 2 17
. . st a bb e d h i m wi t h a d a gg e r
. T h e b old a ssa ssi n w a s
.

M mb 8
a '

i nst a nt ly kill e d by a S cy thi a n a r ch e r of t h e i m p e ri a l

gu a rd Such w a s t h e e nd of a m onst e r wh ose life di s
.

gra c e d hum a n na t ur e a nd wh ose r e ig n a ccu se d t h e

‘
,

h
p a t i e nc e of t e R o m a n s 1 T h e g ra t e ful soldi e rs for g ot
.

h i s vic e s r e m e m be re d only h i s p a rt i a l lib e ra lity a nd

, ,

oblig e d t h e se na t e t o p r ost itu t e t h e i r ow n dig ni t y a nd

t h a t of r e ligi on by g ra nt i ng h i m a pl a c e a m ong t h e g od s .

I m i t t i on of Whil st h e w a s up on e a rt h A l e x a nd e r t h e g re a t w a s
a ,

A l x nd t h e only h e ro wh om t hi s od d e e m e d w or thy h i d i
e a er
s a m
'

q Di on
, 1
. lxxviii p
. .
1
312 ; H e odi r a n, 1
. iv p
. . 168
.
 OF THE R O MA N E MP IRE . 165

ra t oni . H e a ssu m e d t h e na m e a nd e nsigns of A l e x C H A P .

VI
a nd e r for m e d a M a c e d oni a n ph a l a nx of gu a r d s p e r se
'

, ,

cu te d th e di scipl e s of A r i st ot l e a nd di spl a y e d wi t h a ,

pu e rile e nt hu si a sm t h e only se ntim e nt by which h e di s

c ov e r e d a ny re g a rd for vi r tu e or gl ory W e ca n e a sily .

c onc e iv e ; th a t a ft e r t h e b a t t l e of N a rv a a nd t h e con ,

qu e st of P ol a nd C h a rl e s t h e t w e lft h (t h ough h e st ill

,

w a nt e d t h e m ore e l e g a nt a cc om pli sh m e nt s of t h e son

of P hilip ) m igh t b oa st of h a vi ng r iv a ll e d h i s v a l ou r a nd

m a g na ni m i t y : bu t i n no one a c t i on of h i s life did C a ra

c a ll a e xp re ss t h e fa i nt e st r e se m bl a nc e O f th e M a c e d o
ni a n he r o e xc e p t i n t h e m u r d e r Of a g r e a t nu mb e r of
,

h i s ow n a nd of h i s fa th e r s fr i e nd s
’ ’
.

A ft e r t h e e x t i nc t i on Of t h e h ou se of S e v e ru s t h e R o E l c t i on ,
e

d ch c a a ra
m a n w orld re m a i ne d t h re e da y s w i t h ou t a m a st e r T h e t ; of M .
a

ch oic e of t h e a rm y (for t h e a u t h or i t y of a di st a nt a nd c i m r s

fe e bl e se na t e w a s li t tl e r e g a rd e d ) hu ng i n a nxi ou s su s
p e nse ; a s no c a ndid a t e p re se nt e d hi m se lf wh ose di st i n
u i sh e d bi r t h a nd m e r i t c ould e ng a g e t h e i r a t t a ch m e nt
g
a nd u ni t e t h e i r su ffr a g e s T h e d e ci siv e w e igh t Of t h e
.

p re t ori a n gu a rd s e l e v a t e d t h e h op e s of t h e i r p re fe c t s ;
a nd t h e se p ow e r ful m i ni st e r s b e g a n t o a sse r t t h e i r le a l
g
cl a i m t o fill t h e v a c a ncy Of t h e i m p e ri a l t h r one A d .

ve nt u s h ow e v e r
, t h e se ni or p r e fe c t c onsci ou s of h i s
, ,

a
g e a nd i nfi rm i t i e s of h i s sm a l l r e u t a t i on
, p a n d h i s ,

sm a ll e r a bili t i e s r e sig ne d t h e d a ng e r ou s h onou r t o t h e

,

c ra ft y a mbi t i on of h i s c oll e a gu e Ma cri nu s wh ose w e ll ,

di sse m bl e d g ri e f re m ov e d a ll su spici on of h i s b e i ng a c
T h e t r oop s ne i t h e r
’
ce ssa r y t o h i s m a st e r s d e a t h s
.

l ov e d nor e st e e m e d h i s ch a r a ct e r Th e y c a st t h e i r .

e y e s a rou nd i n se a r ch of a c om p e ti t or ; a nd a t l a st
i e ld e d wi t h r e luc t a nc e t o h i s p rom i se s Of u nb ou nd e d
y
lib e ra lity a nd i ndulge nc e A sh or t t i m e a ft e r h i s a c A
c e ssi on h e c onfe rre d on h i s son D i a du m e ni a nu s a t t h e
,
.

M ar c" 1
,
.

‘
Th e fond ne of C a a c a ll a fo th na m e nd n ig n of A l ex nd i
ss r r e a e s s a e r, s

s t i ll p e v d on t he m e d l of t h t
re s r e mp o S e Sp nh i m d U
a s Nu
a e e r r. e a e e su
m n t m Di
is i a u , t t xi i H odi n (1 iv p
sse r a . . h a d e n v e y i di c
er a . . . se r r u

l ou pic t u i n which a figu w d w n wi t h on id e of t he fa c lik

s re s, re as ra e s e e
A l x nd nd th ot h e l i k C c ll
,

e a er, a e r e a ra a a.
3
He od a n 1 iv p 169 ; Hi t A ug t p 94
r i , . . . s . us . . .
 166 TH E DE C LIN E A N D F A L L
‘
a
g e of on y e a r s t h e i m p e ri a l t i tl e a nd th e p O p u
ly ten ,

la r na m e of A nt oni nu s T h e b e a u t iful figu re of t h e .

y ou t h a ssi st e d by a n a ddi t i ona l d ona t iv e for which

, ,

t h e c e re m ony fu rni sh e d a p r e t e x t m igh t a t t ra c t i t w a s , ,

h op e d t h e fa v ou r of t h e a rm y a nd se cu re th e d oub t
, ,

ful t h rone of Ma cr i nu s .

T h e a u t h ori ty of t h e ne w sov e re ig n h a d b e e n r a t ifi e d
by t h e ch e e r ful sub m i ssi on of t h e se na t e a nd p r ovi nc e s .

Th e y e xul t e d i n t h e i r u ne xp e c t e d d e liv e ra nc e fr om a
h a t e d t y ra nt ; a nd i t se e m e d of li t t l e c onse qu e nc e t o
e x a m i ne i nt o t h e vi r t u e s of t h e succ e ssor of C a r a c a ll a .

B u t a s soon a s t h e fi rst t ra nsp or t s of j oy a nd su r p r i se

h a d sub sid e d t h e y b e g a n t o sc r u t i niz e th e m e r i t s of
,

Ma cri nu s wi t h a c ri t ic a l se v e r i t y a nd t o a rr a ig n t h e ,

h a st y ch oic e of t h e a r my It h a d hi t h e r t o b e e n con .

si de r e d a s a fu nd a m e n t a l m a xi m of t h e c onst i t u t i on ,

t h a t t h e e m p e r or m u st b e a lw a y s ch ose n i n t h e se na t e ;
a nd t h e sov e r e ig n p ow e r no l ong e r e x e r ci se d by t h e ,

wh ol e b ody w a s a lw a y s d e l e g a t e d t o one of i t s m e m
b e rs B u t Ma cri nu s w a s not a se na t or
.
,

‘ T h e sudd e n .

e l e v a t i on of t h e p r e t or i a n p r e fe c t s b e t ra y e d t h e m e a n

ne ss of t h e i r ori gi n ; a nd t h e e qu e st ri a n or d e r w a s st ill

i n p osse ssi on of t h a t g re a t O ffi c e which c omm a nd e d ,

w i t h a r bi t r a r y sw a y t h e liv e s a nd for t u ne s of t h e
se na t e A m u rm u r of i ndig na t i on w a s h e a r d t h a t a
.
,

m a n wh ose ob scu re e x t r a c t i on h a d ne v e r b e e n illu s u

t ra t e d by a ny sig na l se r vic e sh ould d a r e t o i nv e st h i m ,

se lf wi t h t h e pu r pl e i nst e a d O f b e st owi ng i t on som e ,

di st i ngui sh e d se na t or e qu a l i n bi r t h a nd dig ni t y t o t h e ,

S pl e nd ou r of t h e i m p e r i a l sta t i on A s soon a s t h e ch a .

Di on 1 1xxxviii p 1350 E l g b lu p o ch d hi p d c o
, . . . . a a a s re r a e s re e e ss r
wi t h d a i ng t o t hi m lf on th t h on t h ough p t o i n p f c t h
r se a se e r e , as re r a re e , e
c ould not h v b n d m i t t d i nt o t h n t ft t h v oic of t h c i
a e ee a e e se a e a er e e e r er

h d cl
a d t h h ou
e a re Th p e on l f v ou of Pl
se . ti n nd S j nu
e e rs a a r au a us a e a s

h d b ok t h ough t h
a r e t bl i h d
r l Th y o i nd d f om t h qu
e es a s e ru e . e r se ee r e e es

t i no d
r a r ; b t
er t h y p v d
u t h p fec t u wi t h t h nk of n t o nd
r e se r e e re e re e ra se a r, a

v n wi t h t h c on ul hip
‘H
e e e s s
i n N u m idi
.

1 n t iv
e w as a of C e a e nd b g n h i fo t u n by
ae sa r a a, a e a s r e

se r v i ng i n t h h o h old of Pl ti n f om wh o ui n h n owly c p d
e use au a , r se r e a rr es a e .

Hi n mi
s e e t d th t h w
e s a sse r e b o n l v nd h d x ci d mong
, a e as r a s a e, a a e er se , a

ot h i nf mou p of ion t h t of gl di to Th f hi on of p i ng t h
er a s r e ss s, a a a r. e as a s ers e
bi t h nd c ondi t i on of n dv
r a y m t o h v l t d f om t h t i m of
a a e rsa r , se e s a e as e r e e

th G e k o to t o t h l ned g mm i n of t h l t g
ree ra rs, e ea r ra ar a s e as a e.
 O F TH E R OMA N E MP IRE . 167

ra ct e r of Ma crinu s w a s su rv e y e d by t h e shar p e y e of C H A P .

VI \

di sc onte nt som e vic e s a nd m a ny d e fe c t s w e re e a sily

, , ,
'

di sc ov e re d T h e ch oic e of h i s m i ni st e rs w a s i n se v e ra l
.

i nst a nc e s ju stly c e nsu re d ; a nd t h e di ssa t i sfi e d p e opl e ,

wi t h t h e i r u su a l c a nd ou r a ccu se d a t onc e h i s i nd ol e nt ,

t a m e ne ss a nd h i s e xc e ssiv e se v e ri t y "
.

H i s ra sh a m bi t i on h a d cli mb e d a h e ight wh e re i t w a s a nd t he
my ar
di fficul t t o st a nd wi t h fi rm ne ss a nd i m p ossibl e t o fa ll
’

wi t h out i nst a nt d e st ruc t i on T ra i ne d i n t h e a r t s of .

c ou rt s a nd t h e form s Of civil bu si ne ss h e t re m bl e d i n ,

t h e p r e se nc e of t h e fi e r c e a nd u ndi scipli ne d m ul t itud e

ov e r wh om h e h ad a ssu m e d t h e c om m a nd : h i s m ili t a ry

t a l e nt s w e r e d e spi se d a nd h i s p e r sona l c ou ra g e su s,

e c t d a whi sp e r t h a t ci r cul a t e d i n t h e c a m p d i
p e : s ,

cl ose d th e fa t a l se c re t of t h e c onspi ra cy a g a i nst t h e

l a t e e m p e ror a gg ra v a t e d t h e guil t of m u r d e r by t h e
,

b a se ne ss of hyp oc r i sy a nd h e igh t e ne d c ont e m p t by ,

d e t e st a t i on T o a li e na t e t h e soldi e rs a nd t o p rov ok e
.
,

i ne vi t a bl e r ui n t h e ch a ra c t e r Of a r e form e r w a s only
,

w a nti ng ; a nd such w a s t h e p e culi a r h a r d ship Of h i s

fa t e t h a t Ma cri nu s w a s c om p e ll e d t o e x e rci se t h a t i n
,

vidi ons O ffic e T h e p rodig a li t y of C a r a c a ll a h a d l e ft

.

b e hi nd it a l ong t ra i n of r ui n a nd di sord e r ; a nd if t h a t
w or t hl e ss t y ra nt h a d b e e n c a p a bl e of r e fl e c t i ng on t h e
su re c onse qu e nc e s of h i s ow n c onduc t h e w ould er
p ,

h a p s h a v e e nj oy e d t h e d a rk p rosp e ct of t h e di st re ss
a nd c a l a m i t i e s which h e b e qu e a t h e d t o h i s succ e ssors .

In t h e m a na g e m e nt of t hi s ne c e ssa ry r e form a t i on M c i n , a r us

Ma cri nu s p r oc e e d e d wi t h a c a u t i ou s p rud e nc e which ,

w ould h a v e re st ore d h e a l th a nd vig ou r t o t h e R om a n of t h my e ar .

a rm y i n a n e a sy a nd a l m ost im p e r c e p t ibl e m a nne r

, To .

t h e soldi e r s a l re a dy e ng a g e d i n t h e se r vic e h e w a s ,

c onst ra i ne d t o l e a v e th e d a ng e rou s p r ivil e g e s a nd e x

t ra va g a nt p a y giv e n by C a r a c a ll a ; b u t t h e ne w re c r ui t s
w e r e re c e iv e d on t h e m ore m od e ra t e t h ough lib e ra l
e st a bli sh m e nt of S e v e r u s a nd g r a du a lly form e d t o m o ,

x
B ot h Di on nd H odi n p e k of t h vi t u nd vic of M c i n
a er a s a e r es a es a r us

w i t h c nd ou nd i m p t i li t y ; b t th u t h o O f h i l if i n t h A ugu t n
a r a ar a u e a r s e, e s a

Hi to y
s r m t o h v i m plici t ly Oopi d om of t h v n l w i t
, se e s a e em e s e e e a r e rs
pl oy d by E l g b lu t o bl ck n t h m mo y of hi p d ec e o
e a a a s a e e e r s re ss r.
 168 THE D E C LIN E A N D F A LL
'

C H AP de st y fa t a l e rror d e st roy e d t h e
d O b e di e nce O ne
’

an y .
.

VI sa lu t a r y e ffe c t s of t hi s j u dici ou s pl a n T h e nu me rou s .

‘

a r m y a sse m bl e d i n t h e e a st by t h e l a t e e m p e r or in ,

st e a d O f b e i ng i m m e di a t e ly di sp e r se d by Ma cr i nu s
t h r ough t h e se v e r a l p r ov i nc e s w a s su ffe r e d t o re m a i n ,

u ni t e d i n Sy r i a du r i ng t h e wi nt e r t h a t foll ow e d h i s
,

e l e v a t i on In t h e luxu ri ou s idl e ne ss of t h e i r qu a r t e rs
. ,

t h e t roop s vi e w e d t h e i r st r e ng t h a nd nu m b e r s com m u ,

mic a t e d t h e i r c om pl a i nt s a nd r e v olv e d i n t h e i r m i nd s ,

t h e a dv a nt a g e s of a not h e r r e v olu t i on T h e v e t e ra ns .
,

i nst e a d of b e i ng fl a t t e r e d by th e a dv a nt a g e ou s di st i no
t i on w e r e a l a r m e d by t h e fi r st st e p s of t h e e m p e r or
, ,

w hich t h e y c onsid e r e d a s t h e p re sa g e of h i s fu t u r e i n

t e nt i ons T h e r e c r ui t s wi t h sull e n r e luc t a nc e e nt e r e d

.
, ,

on a se r vic e wh ose l a b ou r s w e r e i nc r e a se d whil e i t s

,

r e w a rd s w e re di m i ni sh e d b y a c ov e t ou s a nd u nw a r lik e
'

sov e re ig n T h e m u r m u rs of t h e a r m y sw e ll e d wi t h
.

‘
i m pu ni t y i nt o se di t i ou s cl a m ou r s ; a nd t h e p a r t i a l m u
t i ni e s b e t ra y e d a spi r i t of di sc ont e nt a nd di sa ffe c t i on ,

t h a t w a i t e d only for t h e sligh t e st occ a si on t o b r e a k ou t

on e v e ry sid e i nt o a g e ne r a l r e b e lli on T o m i nd s t hu s .

di sp ose d t h e occ a si on soon p re se nt e d i t se lf

,
.

D th oft l
ea T h e e m p r e ss J uli a h a d e xp e r i e nc e d a ll t h e v i cissi
ie

fg fii i i
re l
p ud r om a n h u m bl e st a t i on sh e h a d
e s of for t u ne F
'

o
t .

c t i on P b e e n ra i se d t o g re a t ne ss only t o t a st e t h e sup e ri or
a re
,
t n i on
e s s,

and v ol t bi t t e r ne ss of a n e x a l t e d r a nk S h e w a s d oom e d t o
re
.

w e e p ov e r t h e d e a t h of one of h e r sons a nd ov e r th e

“
,

a t fi t B life of t h e ot h e r T h e c ru e l fa t e Of C a r a c a ll a t h ough
rs as .
,

h e r g ood se nse m u st h a v e l ong t a ugh t h e r t o e xp e c t i t ,

a w a k e ne d t h e fe e li ng s of a m ot h e r a nd of a n e m p re ss .

N ot wi th st a ndi ng t h e r e sp e c t ful civili t y e xp re sse d by

t h e u su r p e r t ow a r d s t h e wid ow of S e v e ru s sh e de ,

sc e nd e d wi t h a p a i nful st ruggl e i nt o t h e c ondi t i on of

a subj e c t a nd soon wi t hd r e w h e r se lf by a v olu n t a r y

, ,

d e a t h from t h e a nxi ou s a nd hu m ili a ti ng d e p e nd e nc e

,
Z
.

Y Di o i 1 lxxx i ii p 1336 Th r, n . of t h uth o . cl e . t he . e se se e a r i s as ar a s

i nt nt i on of t h m p o b t M W ott on h m i t k n b ot h by u nd
e e e er r , u r. as s a e , er

t ndi ng t h d i t i nc t i on not of v t
s a n e nd c ui t b t of old nd n w
s , e e ra s a re r s, u a e
l gi on H i t o y of R om p 347
e s. s r e, . .

Di on 1 lxxviii p 1330 Th b i dg m nt of Xi phi l in t h ough l

z
, . . . . e a r e e , e ss
p t icul i n t hi pl c cl
ar a r, t h n t h o igi n l
s i s a e e a re r a e r a .
 O F THE R OM A N E MP IRE . 169

J uli a M aasa h e r si ste r w a s or d e re d t o l e a v e t h e c ou rt C H A P

, , .

VI
a nd A nt i och Sh e r e t i re d t o E m e sa wi t h a n i mm e nse
’

for t u ne th e fr ui t of t w e nt y y e a rs fa v ou r a cc om p a ni e d
,
’

by h e r t w o d a ugh t e rs S oaemi a s a nd Ma m aea e a ch of , ,

wh om w a s a wid ow a nd e a ch h a d a n only son B a s , .

si a nu s for t h a t w a s t h e na m e of t h e son of S oa zm i a s
, ,

w a s c onse c ra t e d t o t h e h onou ra bl e m i ni st r y o f high

p r i e st of t h e su n ; a nd t hi s h oly v oc a t i on e mb ra c e d ,

e i t h e r fr om p r ud e nc e or sup e r st i t i on c ont r ibu t e d t o ,

r a i se t h e Sy ri a n y ou t h t o t h e e m pi r e of R om e A .

nu m e r ou s b ody of t r oop s w a s st a t i one d a t E m e sa ;

a nd a s t h e
, s e v e r e di scipli ne of M acri nu s h a d c o n

st ra i ne d t h e m t o p a ss t h e wi nt e r e nc a m p e d t h e y w e re ,

e a g e r t o r e v e ng e t h e c r u e lty of such u na ccu st om e d

h a rd ship s T h e soldi e rs w h o r e sort e d i n c rowd s t o

.
,

t h e t e m pl e Of t h e su n b e h e ld wi t h v e ne ra t i on a nd de
,

light t h e e l e g a nt d re ss a nd figu re of t h e y oung p ont i ff

t h e y re c og ni se d or t h e y t h ought t h a t t h e y r e c og ni se d
, ,

t h e fe a t u r e s of C a ra c a ll a wh ose m e m ory t h e y now ,

a d or e d T h e a r t fu l M aesa sa w a nd ch e r i sh e d th e i r
.

r i si ng p a r t i a li t y ; a nd r e a dily sa c r ifici ng h e r d a ugh t e r s

’

r e pu t a t i on t o t h e for t u ne of h e r g ra nd son sh e i nsi nu ,

a t e d t h a t B a ssi a nu s w a s t h e na t u r a l son of th e i r m u r

d e re d sov e r e ig n T h e su m s di st ribu t e d by h e r e m i s
.

sa r i e s wi t h a l a vi sh h a nd sil e nc e d e v e ry obj e cti on a nd ,

t h e p rofu si on su ffici e nt ly p rov e d t h e a ffi ni t y or a t l e a st ,

t h e r e se m bl a nc e of B a ssi a nu s wi t h t h e g r e a t or igi na l .

T h e y ou ng A nt oni nu s (for h e h a d a ssu m e d a nd p 0 1 A D 2 18 . . .

Ma y 16
lu t e d t h a t r e sp e c t a bl e na m e ) w a s d e cl a re d e mp e r or by '

t h e t r oop s of E m e sa a sse r t e d h i s h e re di t a r y r igh t a nd

, ,

c a ll e d a l oud on t h e a r m i e s t o foll ow t h e sta nd a r d of a

y ou ng a nd lib e r a l p ri nc e w h o h a d t a k e n up arm s t o ,

r e v e ng e h i s fa t h e r s d e a t h a nd t h e Opp r e ssi on of t h e
’

m ilit a ry or d e r a
.

3A cc o di ng t o I mp i di (Hi t A ugu t p
r .a A l x nd S v u
r u s, s . s . . e a er e er s
liv d t w nt y ni n y
e e th- m ont h
e nd v en d y A h w a kill d
e a rs, re e s, a se a s. s e s e
M ch 19 2 35 h w
ar , b orn D c mb e 12 2 05 nd w as c on qu ntly
, e as e e r , , a se e
a b ou t t hi t i m t hi t n y e O ld a hi e ld c ou i n m igh t be b ou t
s e r ee a rs , s s er s a
se v nt n Thi c ompu t t i on ui t m uch b t te t h hi to y of t he y ou ng
e ee . s a s s e r e s r

p i nc t h n t h t of H odi n (l v p
r es a a w ho er p nt t h m t h e
a , . . . re re se s e as r e
 170 THE D E C LIN E A N D F A L L
CHAP Whil st a c onspi ra cy Of w om e n a nd e u nuch s w a s con
.

VI .

ce rt e d wi t h p r ud e nc e a nd c onduc t e d wi t h ra pid vig ou r , ,

D f t nd Ma cri nu s w h o by a d e ci siv e m ot i on m igh t h a v e c r u sh e d

e ea a ,
d t h O f h i s i nfa nt ne m y fl oa t e d b e t w e e n t h e opp osi t e e x t re m e s
ea
M ci n
a
e ,
r u s.

of t e r r or a nd se cu r i t y which a lik e fix e d h i m i na c t iv e a t ,

A nt i och A spi ri t of r e b e lli on di ffu sed i t self t h rough

.

a ll t h e c a m p s a nd g a r ri sons Of Sy r i a succ e ssiv e de ,

t a ch m e nt s m u r d e r e d t h e i r O ffic e rs
b a nd j oi ne d t h e ,

p a rt y of t h e r e b e l s ; a nd t h e t a r dy r e st i t u t i on of m ili
t a ry p a y a nd p r ivil e g e s w a s i m pu t e d t o t h e a ck now
l e dg e d w e a k ne ss of Ma cri nu s A t l e ng t h h e m a r ch e d .

ou t of A nt i och t o m e e t t h e i nc r e a si ng a nd z e a l ou s
,

A D 2 18 a r m y of t h e y ou ng p re t e nd e r H i s ow n t roop s se e m e d
. . . .

J u ne 7 t o t a k e t h e fi e ld wi t h fa i nt ne ss a nd r e luc t a nc e ; bu t i n
.

t h e h e a t of t h e b a t t l e t h e p re t or i a n gu a r d s a l m ost by ,

a n i nv olu nt a r y i m pul se a sse r t e d t h e sup e r i or i t y of t h e i r ,

v a l ou r a nd di scipli ne T h e r e b e l ra nk s w e r e b r ok e n ; .

wh e n t h e m ot h e r a nd g ra nd m ot h e r of t h e Sy ri a n p r i nc e ,

w h o a cc or di ng t o t h e i r e a st e rn cu st om h a d a t t e nd e d

t h e a rm y t h r e w t h e m se lv e s from t h e i r c ov e re d ch a r i ot s
, ,

a nd by e xci t i ng t h e c om p a ssi on of t h e soldi e rs e n

, ,

de a vou r e d t o a ni m a t e t h e i r d r oopi ng c ou r a g e A nto .

ni nu s hi m se lf w h o i n t h e r e st of h i s life ne v e r a c t e d
,

lik e a m a n i n t hi s i m p ort a nt c ri si s of hi s fa t e a pp r ov e d
.
,

hi m se lf a h e r o m ou nt e d h i s h or se a nd a t t h e h e a d of
, ,

h i s ra lli e d t r oop s ch a r g e d swor d i n h a nd a m ong t h e

t hick e st of t h e e ne m y ; whil st t h e e u nuch G a nny s ,

wh ose occup a t i ons h a d b e e n c onfi ne d t o fe m a l e c a re s

a nd t h e soft luxu r y of A si a di spl a y e d t h e t a l e nt s of ,

a n a bl e a nd e xp e ri e nc e d g e ne r a l T h e b a t t l e st ill .

r a g e d wi t h d oub t ful vi ol e nc e ; a nd Ma cri nu s m ight

h a v e Ob t a i ne d t h e vic t ory h a d h e not b e t ra y e d h i s ,

ow n c a u se by a sh a m e ful a nd p re cipi t a t e fligh t His .

y e y ou ng ; whil t by a n O pp o i t e e o of ch onol ogy h l e ng t h en t he

a rs er s , s rr r r , e s

r e ig n of E l g b lu t w o y ear b y ond i t s e a l du
a a a s t i on sF o th e p t icul rs
e r ra . r ar a

of t he c on pi cy s ee Di on 1 lxxviii p 1339
ra s H e odi n l v p 184 . . r a . . .

By a m o t d a ng e ou p ocl m a t i on of t he p t nd e d A n oni nu v e y
. .
, , ,
b a
s r s r re e t s, e r

oldi e w h o b ough t i n h i s O ffic h ea d b e c a m nt i t l e d t o hi p iv a t e t t e

’
s r r er s e e s r es a ,

a s w e ll a t o hi m i li t a y c omm i i on
s s r ss .

Dion 1 l xxvi i i p 1345 H e odi a n 1v p 186 The b a tt l e w a fough t

, . . . r , . , . . . s

nea r t h vill g of I mm a b ou t t w o a nd t w e nt y m il e f om A nt i och

,

e a e a , s r .
 O F THE R OMA N E MP IRE . 171

c ow a r dic e se rv e d only t o p r ot ra ct h i s life a fe w d a y s C H A P , .

VI
a nd t o st a m p d e se r v e d ig nomi ny on h i s m i sfor t u ne s
'

It i s sc a r c e ly ne c e ssa r y t o a dd th a t h i s son D i a du
,

m e ni a nu s w a s i nv olv e d i n t h e sa me fa t e . A s soon a s
t h e st ubb orn p r e t or i a ns c ould b e c onvi nc e d t h a t t h e y
fough t for a p ri nc e w h o h a d b a se ly d e se r t e d t h e m ,

t h e y su rre nd e r e d t o t h e c onqu e r or ; t h e c ont e ndi ng

p a r t i e s of t h e R oma n a r m y m i ngli ng t e a rs of j oy a nd
t e nd e rne ss u ni t e d u nd e r t h e b a nne r s of t h e i m a gi ne d
,

son of C a r a c a ll a , a nd t h e e a st a ck nowl e dg e d wi t h pl e a

su r e t h e fi r st e m p e r or O f A si a t ic e xt ra c t i on.

T h e l e t t e rs of Ma cri nu s h a d c ond e sc e nd e d t o i nform E l g b lu a a a s

t h e se na t e of t h e S ligh t di st u r b a nc e occ a si one d by a n

i m p ost or i n Sy r i a ; a nd a d e c r e e i m m e di a t e ly p a sse d ,

de cla ri ng t h e re b e l a nd h i s fa m ily public e ne m i e s ; with

a p r om i se of p a r d on h ow e v e r t o such of h i s d e lud e d
, ,

a dh e re nt s a s sh ould m e r i t it by a n i mm e di a t e r e t u rn t o

t h e i r du t y
. Du r i ng t h e tw e nt y d a y s t h a t e l a p se d from
t h e d e cl a ra ti on t o t h e vict or y of A nt oni nu s (for i n so
,

S h or t a n i nt e r v a l w a s t h e fa t e of t h e R om a n w orld
d e cide d ) t h e c a pit a l a nd t h e p rovi nc e s m ore e sp e ci a lly
, ,

t h ose of t h e e a st w e re di st r a c t e d wi t h h op e s a nd fe a rs
, ,

a gi t a t e d wi t h t u m ult a nd st a i ne d wi t h a u se l e ss e ffu
,

si on of civil bl ood ,si nc e wh osoe v e r of t h e r iv a l s p r e

'

v a il e d i n Sy ri a m u st r e ig n ov e r t h e e m pi re T h e sp e
, .
’

‘
ci ou s l e tt e r s i n which t h e y ou ng c onqu e r or a nnou nc e d
hi s vic t ory t o t h e ob e di e nt se na t e w e re fill e d wi t h p ro
,

fe ssi ons of vi rt u e a nd m od e ra t i on ; t h e shi ni ng e x a m pl e s

of M a r cu s a nd A ugu stu s h e sh ould e v e r c onsid e r a s

t h e g re a t r ul e of h i s a d m i ni st ra t i on ; a nd h e a ffe c t e d
t o dw e ll with p r id e on t h e st riki ng r e se m bl a nc e of h i s
ow n a g e a nd for tu ne s wi t h t h ose of A ugu st u s w h o i n ,

t h e e a rli e st y ou t h h a d re v e ng e d by a succ e ssful w a r

t h e m u rd e r Of hi s fa t h e r . By a d op t i ng t h e st yl e of
M a r cu s A u re liu s A nt oni nu s son of A nt oni nu s a nd
,

g ra nd son of S e v e ru s h e t a ci tly a sse r t e d h i s h e r e di

,

t a ry cl a i m t o t h e e m i re ; b u t by a ssu m i ng t h e t ri
p ,

b u ni t i a n a nd p r oc onsul a r p ow e rs b e fore t h e y h a d b e e n
c onfe rr e d on h i m by a d e c re e of t h e se na te h e O f ,
 172 THE D E C LIN E A N D F A L L
C H A P fend e d t h e de lic a cy Of R om a n p rej udic e Thi s ne w
. .

VI
a nd i nj udici ou s vi ol a t i on of t h e c onst i t u t i on w a s ro
.

p
b a bly dic t a t e d ei th e r by t h e ig nora nc e of hi s Sy ri a n
c ou rti e rs or t h e fi e r c e di sd a i n of h i s m ili t a ry foll ow e rs
,
d .

P ic t u of
re A s t h e a t t e nt i on of t h e ne w e m p e ror w a s div e r t e d
El g b lu
a a a s
by t h e m ost t r ifli ng a m u se m e nt s h e w a st e d m a ny
.

A D 2 19 ,
.

. . .

m ont h s i n h i s luxu r i ou s p r og r e ss fr om Sy r i a t o I t a ly ,

p a sse d a t Nic om e di a t h e fi r st wi nt e r a ft e r h i s vic t or y ,

a nd d e fe rr e d t ill t h e e nsui ng su mm e r h i s t r iu m ph a l

e nt r y i nt o t h e c a pi t a l A fa i thful pic t u r e h ow e v e r .
, ,

w hich p re c e d e d h i s a r r iv a l a nd w a s pl a c e d by h i s i m ,

m e di a t e or d e r Ov e r t h e a l t a r Of vic t or y i n t h e se na t e
h ou se c onv e y e d t o t h e R om a ns t h e j u st bu t u nw ort hy
,

r e se m bl a nc e of h i s p e r son a nd m a nne r s He w a s .

d ra w n i n h i s sa c e r d ot a l rob e s of silk a nd g old a ft e r ,

'

t h e l oose fl owi ng fa shi on of t h e M e d e s a nd P h oe nici a ns ;

g

h i s h e a d w a s c ov e r e d wi t h a l oft y t i a r a h i s nu m e r ou s '

c olla r s and b r a c e l e t s w e re a d orne d wi t h g e m s of a n

i ne sti m a bl e v a lu e H i s e y e b r ow s w e r e t i ng e d wi t h .

bl a ck a nd h i s ch e e k s p a i nt e d wi t h a n a r t ifici a l r e d
,

a nd whi t e Th e g r a v e se na t ors c onfe sse d with a

"
.

sigh th a t a ft e r h a vi ng l ong e xp e r i e nc e d t h e
, , st e rn

t y ra nny of t h e i r ow n c ou nt ry m e n R om e w a s a t l e ng t h ,

hu m bl e d b e ne a t h t h e e ffe m i na t e luxu ry of ori e nt a l de s

p ot i sm .

The w or shipp e d a t E m e sa u nd e r t h e na me
su n w a s

of El a g a b a lu s
f a nd u nd e r t h e form of a bl a ck c onic a l
,

st one which a s i t w a s u n iv e r sa lly b e li e v e d h a d fa ll e n

, , ,

fr om h e a v e n on t h a t sa c re d pl a c e T o t hi s p rot e c t i ng .

d e i t y A nt oni nu s not wi t h ou t som e r e a son a sc r ib e d

, , ,

h i s e l e v a t i on t o t h e th r one T h e di spl a y of sup e r .

st i t i ou s g ra t i t ud e w a s t h e only se r i ou s bu si ne ss of h i s

re ig n T h e t r iu m ph Of t h e g od of E m e sa ov e r a ll t h e
.

r e ligi ons of t h e e a r t h w a s t h e g r e a t obj e c t of h i s z e a l ,

a nd v a ni t y : a nd t h e a pp e ll a t i on of El a g a b a lu s f
( or h e ,

d Di on 1 lxxix p 1353 , . . . .

8
Ibid p 1363 ; H odi a n l v p 189 er
f Thi n me i d e iv d by t h l e a ne d f om t w o Sy i c w o d Et
. . . . .
, .

god
s a s r e e r r r a r s, a a ,

a nd G b l t o fo m t h
a fo m i ng o pl t ic god a p op e nd e v e n h a ppy
a r , e r , r as r r, a
e p i th t fo the n Wotton Hi to y of R om p 378
e r su .
’
s s r e, . .
 O F TH E R OMA N E M P IRE . 17

p re su me d p ont i ff a nd fa v ou rit e t o a d op t t h a t sa c r e d
as

na m e ) w a s d e a r e r t o h i m t h a n a l l t h e t i t l e s of i m p e r i a l
,

g r e a t ne ss In a sol e m n p r oc e ssi on t h rough t h e stre e t s

.

of R om e t h e w a y w a s st r e w e d wi t h g old du st ; t h e
,

bl a ck st one se t i n p r e ci ou s g e m s w a s pl a c e d on a
, ,

ch a r i ot d ra w n by si x m ilk whit e h or se s r ichly c a p a -

r i sone d T h e pi ou s e m p e r or h e ld t h e r e i ns a nd su p
.
, ,

p or t e d by h i s m i ni st e r s m ov e d sl owly b a ckw a rd s t h a t , ,

h e migh t p e r p e t u a lly e nj oy t h e fe lici t y O f t h e divi ne

p r e se nc e In a m a g nific e nt t e m ple ra i se d on t h e Pa
.

l a t i ne m ou nt t h e sa c rific e s of t h e g od El a g a b a lu s w e r e
,

c e l e b ra t e d with e v e ry ci r cu m st a nc e of c ost a nd sol e m

ni t y . T h e r ich e st wi ne s t h e m ost e x t ra or di na ry vic ,

t i m s a nd t h e r a r e st a r om a t ic s w e r e p r ofu se ly c onsu m e d
,

on h i s a l t a r A r ou nd t h e a l t a r a ch or u s of Sy ri a n
.

d a m se l s p e r form e d t h e i r l a scivi ou s da nc e s t o t h e sou nd

of b a r b a r i a n m u sic ; whil st t h e g r a v e st p e r sona g e s of

t h e st a t e a nd a r m y cl ot h e d i n l ong P h oe nici a n t u nic s , ,

offici a t e d i n t h e m e a ne st fu nc t i ons wi t h a ffe c t e d z e a l

a nd se c r e t i ndig na t i on g

T o t hi s t e m pl e a s t o t h e c om m on c e nt re of re ligi ou s
,

w orship t h e i m p e ri a l fa na t ic a t t em p t e d t o r e m ov e t h e
,

h
a ncili a t h e p a ll a diu m
, a nd a ll t h e sa c r e d pl e dg e s of ,

t h e fa i t h of Nu m a A cr owd of i nfe ri or d e i t i e s a t .

t e nd e d i n v a r i ou s st a ti ons t h e m a j e sty of t h e g od of
E m e sa ; bu t h i s c ou rt w a s st ill i m p e r fe c t ,t ill a fe m a l e
of di st i ngui sh e d r a nk w a s a d m it t e d t o h i s b e d P a ll a s .

h a d b e e n fi r st ch ose n for h i s c onsor t ; but a s i t w a s

d r e a d e d l e st h e r w a rlik e t e rr ors m igh t a ffrigh t th e soft
d e lic a cy of a Sy ri a n d e i t y t h e m oon a d ore d by t h e , ,

A fric a ns u nd e r t h e na m e of A st a r t e w a s d e e m e d a ,

m or e sui t a bl e c om p a ni on for t h e su n H e r ima ge .

,

wi t h t h e r ich offe r i ng s of h e r t e m pl e a s a m a rri a g e

p or t i on w a s t ra nsp ort e d wi t h sol e m n p om p from C a r
,

t h a g e t o R om e ; a nd t h e da y of t h e se m y st ic nup t i a l s

H di a n l v p 190
‘
8 e ro . . .
, .

1 H b ok i nt o th e s nc t u y of V e t
e r e nd c a i e d a w y a t a t u
a which ar s a , a rr a s e,
b e supp o d to b t h p ll a di m ; b t t he v t a l b oa t d t h a t by a pi ou
se e e a u u es s s e , s

f a ud t h y h d i m p o e d c o nt fe i t i m a g on t h p ofa ne i nt ud e Hi st
r , e a s a u er e e r r r. .

A ugu t p 103s . . .
174 THE D E C LIN E A N D FA L L
w as a g e ne ra l fe st iv a l i n th e c a pit a l a nd t h rough out
i
t h e e m pi re .

A ra t i ona l v oluptu a ry a dh e re s wi t h i nv a ri a bl e r e sp e c t
t o t h e t e m p e ra t e dic t a t e s of na t u re a nd im p rov e s t h e ,

ra t i fi ca t i ons of se nse by soci a l i nt e r c ou r se e nd e a r i ng

g ,

c onne c t i ons a nd t h e soft c ol ou r i ng of t a st e a nd t h e

,

i m a gi na t i on B u t El a g a b a lu s (I spe a k of t h e e m p e r or
. ,

of t h a t na m e ) c orr up t e d by h i s y ou t h h i s c ou nt r y a nd
, , ,

h i s for t u ne a b a nd one d hi m se lf t o t h e g rosse st ple a

,

su r e s wi t h u ng oy e rne d fu r y a nd soon fou nd di sgu st ,

a nd sa t i e t y i n t h e m id st of h i s e nj oy m e nt s The in .

fl a mm a t ory p ow e rs of a r t w e re su m m one d t o hi s a i d
t h e c onfu se d m ul t i t ud e of w ome n of wi ne s a nd of , ,

di sh e s a nd t h e st udi e d v a ri e t y of a tt i t ud e s a nd sa uc e s
, ,

se r v e d t o r e viv e h i s l a nguid a pp e t i t e s N e w t e r m s a nd .

ne w i nv e nt i ons i n t h e se sci e nc e s t h e only one s cul t i ,

va t e d a nd p a t r oni sed by t h e m ona r ch sig na li se d h i s

r e ig n a nd t r a nsm i tt e d h i s i nfa m y t o succ e e di ng t i m e s

, .

A c a p rici ou s p r odig a li t y suppli e d t h e w a nt Of t a st e a nd

e l e g a nc e ; a nd whil st El a g a b a lu s l a vi sh e d a w a y t h e

t r e a su re s of h i s p e opl e i n t h e wild e st e xt ra v a g a nc e ,

h i s ow n v oic e a nd t h a t of h i s fl a t t e r e r s a ppl a ud e d a
spi ri t a nd m a g nific e nc e u nk now n t o t h e t a m e ne ss Of

h i s p r e d e c e ssors T O c onfou nd t h e or d e r of se a sons

.

1
a nd cli m a t e s t o sp or t wi t h t h e p a ssi ons a nd p r ej udic e s
,

of h i s subj e c t s a nd t o subv e r t e v e r y l a w of na t u re a nd
,

d e c e ncy w e r e i n t h e nu m b e r Of h i s m ost d e lici ou s

,

a m u se m e nt s A l ong t ra i n of c oncubi ne s a nd a ra pid

.
,

succ e ssi on of wiv e s a m ong wh om w a s a v e st a l vi r gi n , ,

m
r a vi sh e d by for c e fr om h e r sa c r e d a sylu m w e re i n ,

iDion 1 lxxix p 1360 ; H odi n l v p 193 The ubj c t of t he

, . . . er a , . . . . s e s
e m pi w oblig d t o m k l i b e l p nt t o t h n w m i e d c oupl ;
re e re e a e ra re se s e e - a rr e
a nd wh t e v e t h y h d p om i d du i ng t h lif of E l g b a l
a r e a w c r se r e e a a u s, as a re

fully x c t d u nd t h d mi ni t a t i on of M mm
‘Th e i nv nti on of n w uc w lib lly w d d ; b t if i t w
e a e er e a s r a a.
1
e a e sa e as e ra re ar e u as

not li h d t h i nv nt o w c onfi ned t o t of not h i ng l t ill h h d

re s e , e e r as ea e se e a

di c ov ed not h m o a g bl t o t he i m p i l p l t Hi t A ugu t
s er a er re re e a e er a a a e. s . s .

p 111 .

1H n v w o ld t a fi h xc p t t a g t di t nc f om t h
e e er u ea ; hese s e e a re a s a e r e se a

t h n w ould di t i bu t v t qu nt i t i
e s rof th e t o t b ough t t a n im
e as a es r a re s s r s, r a

m en xp en t o t he p nt of t he i nl nd c ou nt y Hi t A ug p 109
se e se , e a sa s a r . s . . . .

m Di on 1 lxxix p 1
,358 ; H e odi a n l v p 192
. . . r , . . . .
 O F THE R OMA N E MP IRE . 175

su ffi ci e nt to sa t s i fy th e
i m p ot e nc e of h i s p a ssi ons C H A P . .

VI
T h e m a st e r of t h e R om a n w orld a ffe c t e d t o Oopy t h e
'

d re ss a nd m a nne r s of t h e fe m a l e se x p r e fe rre d t h e ,

di st a ff t o t h e sc e p t re a nd di sh onou re d t h e p ri ncip a l ,

dig ni t i e s of t h e e m pi re by di st ribu t i ng th e m a m ong

hi s nu m e r ou s l ov e r s ; one of wh om w a s p ublicly i n
v e st e d with t h e t i t l e a nd a u t h ori t y of t h e e m p e r or s ’

or a s h e m ore p r op e r ly st yl e d h i m se lf of th e e m p r e ss s
'
’

, ,

hu sb a nd
It m a y se e m p r ob a bl e t h e vic e s a nd folli e s of E la C ont mp t , e

g a b e l ns h a v e b e e n a d orne d by fa ncy a nd bl a ck ene d gafz fd

cf
i ,
(
i
e

s .

by p rej udic e Y e t c onfi ni ng ou r se lv e s t o t h e public t i ng i h d

°
.
u s e

t h Rom a n e
sc e ne s d i spl a y e d b e for e t h e R om a n p e opl e a nd a t t
y m
-

“
, ra .

t e st e d by g r a v e a nd c ont e m p ora r y hi st ori a ns t h e i r i n ,

e xp re ssibl e i nfa m y su r p a sse s t h a t of a ny ot h e r a g e or

c ou nt ry T h e lic e nc e of a n e a st e rn m ona rch i s se

.

clud e d from th e e y e of cu ri osi ty by t h e i na cc e ssibl e

w a ll s of h i s se ra gli o T h e se nti m e nt s of h onou r a nd .

a ll a nt r y h a v e i nt r oduc e d a r e fi ne m e nt of pl e a su re
g a ,

r e g a r d for d e c e ncy a nd a r e sp e c t for t h e public Opi n

,

i on i nt o t h e m od e rn c ou rt s of Eu rop e ; but t h e c orrup t

,

a nd opul e nt nobl e s of R om e g ra tifi e d e v e r y vic e th a t

c ould be c olle c t e d fr om t h e m ighty confl u x of na t i ons

a nd m a nne r s S e cu re O f i m pu ni t y c a r e l e ss of c e nsu r e
.
, ,

“
t h e y liv e d wi t h ou t r e st ra i nt i n t h e p a t i e nt a nd h u m bl e
soci e t y of t h e i r sl a v e s a nd p a r a si t e s T h e e m p e r or i n .
,

h i s tu rn vi e wi ng e v e r y ra nk of h i s subj e c t s wi t h t h e
,

sa m e c ont e m ptu ou s i ndi ffe re nc e a sse r t e d wi t h ou t con ,

t r ol h i s sov e r e ig n p rivil e g e of lu st a nd luxu ry .

T h e m ost w ort hl e ss of m a nki nd a r e not a fra id t o Di c ont nt s e s.

th e m) ar
c ond e m n i n ot h e r s t h e sa m e di sor d e rs which t h e y a ll ow
i n th e m se lv e s ; a nd ca n r e a dily di sc ov e r som e nic e

Hi erocle s e nj oy e d
h a t h onou b t h e w ould h a v e b e n uppl nt d by
t r u e s a e

one Z ot i c h d he not c ont iv e d by

u s, a p ot i on t o n v t t h p ow e of
r , a , e er a e e rs

hi s ri v l w ho b ei ng fo nd on t i l u n qu l t o hi pu t t i on w d iv n
a , u r a e a s re a , as r e

w i t h ig nom i ny f om t h p l c e Di on 1 lxxix p 1363 1364 A d nc

r e a a .
, . . .
, . a er

wa s m d p f c t of t h ci t y
a e re e ch i ot e p f c t of t h e w t ch b b e
e , a ar e r re e a , a ar r

p f c t of t h p ovi i on Th e t h m i ni st e wi t h m ny i nf i o offi c e
re e e r s s. se re e rs, a er r rs,
w e ll e c omm nd d no m i t t e m mb o m Hi t A ugu t p 105
re a r e e , e r a e r ru . s . s . . .

0
E v n t h c dul ou c om pil O f h i life i n t he A ugu t n Hi t o y p 111
e e re s er s , s a s r , . .

i i ncli n d t o u p c t t h a t h i vic e s m a y h a v e b e n e x gg era t e d

s e s s e s e a .
 176 THE D E C LIN E A N D F A LL
C 11A P .
di ffe re nc e of a g e ch a ra c t e r or st a t i on t o j u stify t h e
, , ,

VI .
p a r ti a l di sti nc t i on T h e lic e nt i ou s soldi e rs w h o h a d
.
,

r a i se d t o t h e t h rone t h e di ssolu t e son of C a r a c a ll a ,

bl u sh e d a t t h e i r ig nomi ni ou s ch oic e a nd t u rne d wi t h ,

di sgu st from t h a t m onst e r t o c ont e m pl a t e wi t h pl e a ,

su r e t h e op e ni ng v i r t u e s O f h i s c ou si n A l e x a nd e r t h e

son of Ma m ae a T h e c ra ft y M ae sa se nsibl e t h a t h e r
.
,

g ra nd son El a g a b a lu s m u st i ne vi t a bly d e st r oy him se lf

by h i s ow n vic e s h a d p r ovid e d a not h e r a nd su r e r su p
,

p or t of h e r fa m ily E m b ra ci ng a fa v ou r a bl e m om e nt
.

of fond ne ss a nd d e v oti on sh e h a d p e rsu a d e d t h e y ou ng

,

e m p e ror t o a d op t A l e x a nd e r a nd t o i nv e st h i m wi t h ,

A l x nd
e a er t h e t i t l e of C ae sa r t h a t h i s ow n divi ne occup a t i ons
,

S v u d
e er s e
m ight b e no l ong e r i nt e rr up t e d by t h e c a r e of t h e
l dC
e ate ae

sa r . e a rth . In t h e se c ond ra nk t h a t a m i a bl e p r i nc e soon

A D 22 1
a cqui r e d t h e a ffe c t i ons of t h e public a nd e xci t e d t h e
. . .

t y ra nt s j e a l ou sy w h o r e solv e d t o t e r m i na t e t h e da n
’

e r ou s c om p e t i t i on e i t h e r by c or r up t i ng t h e m a nne rs
g , ,

or by t a ki ng a w a y t h e life of h i s r iv a l H i s a rt s
, .

p rov e d u nsucc e ssful ; hi s v a i n d e sig ns w e r e c onst a nt ly

di sc ov e re d by h i s ow n l oqu a ci ou s folly a nd di sa p ,

p oi nt e d by t h ose vi rt u ou s a nd fa i t hful se r v a nt s wh om
t h e p r ud e nc e of M a mma h a d pl a c e d a b ou t t h e p e rson

of h e r son In a h a st y sa lly of p a ssi on El a g a b a lu s

.
,

r e solv e d t o e x e cu t e by for c e wh a t h e h a d b e e n u na bl e

t o c om p a ss by fr a ud a nd by a d e sp otic se nt e nc e de
,

g ra d e d h i s c ou si n from t h e ra nk a nd h onou rs of C a esa r .

T h e m e ssa g e w a s r e c e iv e d i n t h e se na t e wi t h sil e nc e ,

a nd i n t h e c a m p wi t h fu r y T h e p re t or i a n gu a r d s sw ore
.

t o p r ot e c t A l e x a nd e r a nd t o r e v e ng e t h e di sh onou r e d
,

m a j e st y of t h e t h rone T h e t e a r s a nd p r om i se s of t h e
.

t re m bli ng El a g a b a lu s w h o only b e gg e d t h e m t o sp a re
,

h i s li fe a nd t o l e a v e h i m i n t h e p osse ssi on of h i s b e
,

l ov e d H i e rocle s div e r t e d t h e i r j u st i ndig na t i on ; a nd

,

t h e y c ont e nt e d t h e m se l v e s wi t h e m p ow e ri ng t h e i r p r e
fe ct s t o w a t ch ov e r t h e sa fe t y of A l e x a nd e r a nd t h e
’

c onduc t of t h e e m p e ro r P .

P Dion 1 lxxix p 1365 ; H odi n l v p 195— 2 0 1; Hi t A ugu t

, . . . er a , . . . s . s .

p 105 T h l t of t h t h hi to i n e m t o h v fol l ow e d t h b t
. . e as e re e s r a s s e s a e e es

a u t h o i n h i cc ou nt of t h v olu t i on
rs s a e re .
 It

.
O F THE R O MA N E MP IRE :
i mp ossibl e t h a t such a r e c oncili a t i on sh ould C H A P
was

l a st or t h a t e v e n t h e m e a n soul of El a g a b a lu s c ould

e nc e
,

h old a n e m pi re on such hu m ili a ti ng t e rm s of d e p e nd S di t i on of

H e soon a t t e m p t e d by a d a ng e r ou s e xp e r i m e nt
t o t ry t h e t e m p e r of t h e soldi e r s h p
,

T e re or o t h et f
d e a t h of A l e x a nd e r a nd t h e na tu ra l su spici on t h a t h e 3s 2 2 2
,

h a d b e e n m u r d e r e d i nfl a m e d t h e i r p a ssi ons i nt o fu r y ;
,

a nd t h e t e m p e st of t h e c a m p c ould only b e a pp e a se d

by t h e p re se nc e a nd a u t h or i t y of t h e p opul a r y ou t h
P rov ok e d a t t hi s ne w i nst a nc e of t h e i r a ffe c t i on for h i s
c ou si n a nd t h e i r c ont e m p t for h i s p e rson t h e e m p e ror

H is un
,

v e ntu r e d t o pu ni sh som e of t h e l e a d e r s of t h e m u t i ny
se a sona bl e se v e r i t y p r ov e d i nst a nt ly fa t a l t o h i s

m i ni ons h i s m ot h e r a nd hi m se lf
, El a g a b a lu s w a s
,

m a ssa c re d by t h e i ndig na nt p r e t ori a ns h i s m util a t e d

f
M
f E

m
l
VI

g b
.

10

,
,
177

-r

.
e

“
a
'

a a

c or p se d ra g ge d t h r ough t h e st re e t s of t h e ci t y a nd ,

th r ow n i nt o t h e Tib e r H i s m e mory w a s b ra nd e d .

wi t h e t e rna l i nfa m y by t h e se na t e ; t h e j u st ic e of wh ose

d e c r e e h a s b e e n r a t ifi e d by p o t e rity
s
‘1 .

In t h e room of El a g a b a lu s h i s c ou si n A l e x a nd e r A cce i on of , ss

w a s r a i se d t o t h e t h r one by t h e p r e t or i a n gu a r d s Hi s .

r e l a t i on t o t h e fa m ily of S e v e r u s wh ose na m e h e a s ,

su m e d w a s t h e sa m e a s t h a t of h i s p r e d e c e ssor ; h i s
,

vi r tu e a nd h i s d a ng e r h a d a lr e a dy e nd e a r e d h i m t o t h e
x

R om a ns ; a nd t h e e a g e r lib e ra lity of t h e se na t e con

fe rre d up on h i m i n one da y t h e v a ri ou s t i t l e s a nd
, ,

p ow e rs of t h e i m p e ri a l dig ni ty B u t a s A l e x a nd e r w a s"
.

a m od e st a nd du t iful y ou t h of only se v e nt ee n y e a rs of ,

q d h
The e ra of t h e e a t of E a a a s, a nd l g b lu Of
th e a cc i
e ss on ofAl x de a n e r,
pl y d l i g i g ui y P gi
h a s e m o e t h e ea rn n a nd n e n t of a , Ti l le mont , Va l se cchi ,
V ig l ino , a nd Torre bi shop of
’

r a Ad i
The qu i
e st on i s m ost a ss re
. u dly i nt ri
c a t e ; bu t st I ill dh
a e re t o th e a t or t ofu h i y Di
on u h wh
t h e t r t of ose ca l cu
u d i bl
l a t i ons i s n e n a e , a nd t h e r t of pu i y wh
ose t e t i s x j u ifi d by
st e g
t h e a re e
m e nt of Xi ph i l i n, Zona ra s, a ndC e dre nu s l g b lu ig d h y
E a a a s re ne t re e ea rs,
.

i h
n ne mont s, a nd o r a s, rom hi s fu d y f vic y v
tor o e r M a c kill d
ri nus, a nd w a s e

ch
M a r 10 , 2 2 2 B u t . at s a wh h ll
w e re ply d l u d ub dly
t o t h e me a s, n o t e ge
which ck
nu i ne , re on th e t fif h y
e a r of hi s t r n t a n o e r ? We s a
ibu i i p w h ll ply re ,

wi h t l d
t h e e a rne Va l se cchi , t a t t h e h uup i
s r a t on of M a c ri nu s w a s a nni h i

l d
a t e , a nd t ha t t he son of a ra a a C c ll d d
a te ig f f h d h
h i s re n rom h i s a t e r s e a t
’
.

Af lvi g hi g
t er re so n t s re a t ff di i cul y ll k
t , t h e sm a e r not s of t s hi qu i e st on m a
y
be e a sily u nt i e d, or cu t a s n er
’
u d .

Hi A u
st . u st 114 . p .t s n s a
.By hi u u u l p cipi i
re t a t on, t h e se na te me a nt
c fu d
t o on o n t e o es h p Of p d p v fci
re t e n e rs, a nd re e nt t he a t ons of t h e a rm e s i .

VOL I . .
 178 T HE DE C LIN E A N D FAL L
C H A P a g e t h e r e i ns of g ov e rnm e nt w e re i n th e h a nd s of t w o
.
,
VI w om e n of h i s m ot h e r Ma m ae a a nd Of M ae sa h i s g ra nd
.

, , ,

m ot h e r A ft e r th e d e a t h of t h e l a t t e r w h o su rviv e d
.
,

b u t a sh or t t i m e t h e e l e v a t i on Of A l e x a nd e r Ma m ae a ,

r e m a i ne d t h e sol e r e g e nt t e r son a nd of t h e e m pi r e .

Pow ofhi er In e v e ry a g e a nd c ou nt ry t h e wi se r or a t l e a st t h e
s
, ,
m ot h M er a
m rs a .
st r ong e r of t h e t w o se x e s h a s u su r p e d t h e p ow e r s of
, ,

t h e st a t e a nd c onfi ne d t h e ot h e r t o t h e c a re s a nd
,

pl e a su r e s of d om e st ic life In h e re di t a ry m ona r chi e s .

,

h ow e v e r a nd e sp e ci a lly i n th ose of m od e rn Eu rop e

, ,

t h e g a ll a nt spi r i t of chiv a l ry a nd t h e la w of succ e ssi on , ,

h a v e a ccu st om e d u s t o a ll ow a si ngul a r e xc e p t i on ; a nd
a w om a n i s oft e n a ck nowl e dg e d t h e a b solu t e sov e r e ig n

Of a g re a t ki ngd om i n which sh e w ould b e d e e m e d i n ,

c a p a bl e of e x e rci si ng t h e sm a ll e st e m pl oy m e nt civil or ,

m ili t a r y B u t a s t h e R om a n e m p e r or s w e r e st ill con

.

side r e d a s t h e g e ne r a l s a nd m a gi st ra t e s of t h e r e public ,

t h e i r wiv e s a nd m ot h e rs a l t h ough di st i ngui sh e d by t h e ,

na m e of A ugu st a w e r e ne v e r a ssoci a t e d t o t h e i r
p er ,

sona l h onou r s ; a nd a fe m a l e r e ig n w ould h a v e a p

e a r e d a n i ne xpi a bl e p rodigy i n t h e e y e s of t h ose ri
p p
m i t i ve R om a ns w h o m a r ri e d wi t h ou t l ov e or l ov e d , ,

wi t h ou t d e lic a cy a nd re sp e c t T h e h a ugh t y A g rippi na s

.

a spi re d i nd e e d t o sh a re t h e h onou rs Of t h e e m pi re
, ,

which sh e h a d c onfe rr e d on h e r son ; b u t h e r m a d

a m bi t i on d e t e st e d by e v e ry ci t iz e n w h o fe l t for t h e
,

dig ni t y Of R om e w a s di sa pp oi nt e d by t h e a r t ful fi r m
ne ss of S e ne c a a nd Bu rr hu s
‘ T h e g ood se nse or t h e
,

.
,

i ndi ffer e nc e of succ e e di ng p ri nc e s r e stra i ne d t h e m

, ,

from offe ndi ng t h e p rej u dic e s of t h e i r su bj e c t s ; a nd i t

w a s re se r v e d for t h e r ofl i a t e El a g a b a lu s t o di sg ra c e
p g
t h e a c t s of t h e se na t e wi t h t h e na m e of h i s m oth e r
S oae m i a s w h o w a s pl a c e d by t h e sid e of t h e c onsul s
, ,

a nd sub sc rib e d a s a r e gul a r m e mb e r t h e d e c re e s of

, ,

M t llu N mi di c t h c n o ck nowl dg d t o t h Rom n pe opl

S
e e s u us e e s r a e e e a e,
in public o t i on t h t h d ki nd n t u ll ow d t o xi t wi t h ou t t h
a ra , a a a re a e us e s e
h lp of w om n
e ,
h ould b d liv e d f om v y t oubl om comp a n
e , w e s e e re r a er r es e
ion nd h c ould e c om m nd m t im ony only t h c ific of p iv a t
a e r e a r , as e sa r e r e
pl u to publ i c du ty A ulu G ll i i 6
ea s re . s e u s, . .

T ci t A nn l xiii 5
t
a . a . . .
 “
O F TH E R OMA N E MP I RE . 179

th e l e gi sl a t iv e a sse m bly H e r m ore p r ud e nt si st e r C H A P .

, .

V
Ma m ae a d e cli ne d t h e u se l e ss a nd odi ou s p re rog a t iv e a nd
,
I
,
'

a sol e m n l a w w a s e na c t e d e xcl u di ng w om e n for e v e r ,

from t h e se na t e a nd d e v oti ng t o t h e i nfe rna l g od s th e

, ,

h e a d of t h e w re t ch by wh om t hi s sa ncti on sh ould b e vi o
la t e d T h e sub st a nc e not t h e p a g e a ntry of p ow e r
.
, ,

w a s t h e obj e c t of M a m ae a s m a nly a m bi t i on Sh e m a i n
’
.

t a i ne d a n a b solu t e a nd l a st i ng e m pi re ov e r t h e m i nd Of
h e r son a nd i n hi s a ffe c t i on t h e m ot h e r c ould not
,

b rook a r iv a l A l e x a nd e r wi t h h e r c onse nt m a rrie d

.
, ,

t h e d a ugh t e r of a p a t r ici a n ; but h i s re sp e ct for h i s

fa t h e r i n la w a nd l ov e for t h e e m p re ss w e re i ncon
- -
, ,

si st e nt wi t h t h e t e nd e r ne ssor i nt e re s t of Ma m ae a T he .

p a tr ici a n w a s e x e c u t e d on th e re a dy a ccu sa t i on of
t r e a son ; a nd t h e wife of A l e x a nd e r d riv e n with i g no: '

m i ny from t h e p a l a c e a nd b a ni sh e d i nt o A fric a ,
"

N ot wi t h st a ndi ng t hi s a ct of j e a l ou s c ru e l t y a s w e ll Wi e nd
a s som e i nst a nc e s of a v a r ic e wi t h which Ma m aea i s ffi ffi ga
,
s a

‘
s ,

ch a rg e d ; t h e g e ne ra l t e nou r of h e r a d m i ni st ra t i on w a s t i on
e qu a lly for t h e b e ne fi t of h e r son a nd of t h e e m pi r e .

Wi t h t h e a pp rob a t i on of t h e se na t e sh e ch ose sixt e e n ,

of t h e wi se st a nd m ost vi r tu ou s se na t or s a s a p e r p e t u a l ,

c ou ncil of st a t e be fore wh om e v e ry public bu si ne ss of

,

m ome nt w a s d e b a t e d a nd d e t e rm i ne d T h e c e l e b ra t e d .

U lpi a n e qu a lly di st i ngui sh ed by h i s k nowl e dg e of a nd

, ,

h i s re sp e c t for t h e l a w s of R om e w a s a t t h e i r h e a d ;
, ,

a nd t h e p rud e nt fi rm ne ss of t hi s a r i st oc ra cy re st ore d

ord e r a nd a u t h or ity t o t h e g ov e rnm e nt A s soon a s .

t h e y h a d pu rg e d t h e city fr om fore ig n sup e rsti t i on a nd

luxu ry t h e r e m a i ns of t h e c a p r ici ou s ty ra nny of E la
,

a b a l u s th e y a ppli e d t h e m se lv e s t o r e m ov e hi s w or t h
g ,

l e ss c r e a t u re s from e v e ry d e p a r t m e nt of public a dm i ni
p
st ra ti on a nd t o sup ly th e i r pl a c e s wi t h m e n Of vi r tu e
,

Hi t A ugu st p 10 2 107
‘
s . . . . .

3
Di on 1 lxxx p 1369 ; H e odi a n 1 vi p 2 06 ; Hi t A ugu t p 131
, . . . r , . . . s . s . . .

H e odi n e p e nt th p t ici a n a s i nnoc ent The A ugu t a n Hi t o y on

r a r r se s e a r . s s r ,

t he u t h o i ty of D xi pp s c ond m n h i m s guil ty of a c on pi a cy a g a i n t
a r e u , e s , a s r s
t he lif O f A l e x a nd e
e I t i s i m p o ibl t o p onou nc e b e t w e n t h e m b t
r. ss e r e : u

Di on i n i e p o ch a bl e w i t n of t he j a l o y a nd c uel t y of Ma m
s a rr r a e ss e us r ae a
t ow a d t h y ou ng e m p e
r e w h o e h a d fa t A l x nd e l a mented li nt du t
r ss, s r e e a r , rs .

not opp o se .
 “
180 THE D E C LIN E A N D F A LL

i
C I A
I‘ P . a bility L e a r ni ng a nd t h e l ov e of j u stic e b e c a m e
nd a .

t he only r e c omm e nd a t i ons for civil offic e s ; v a l ou r a nd

, ,

t h e l ov e of di scipli ne t h e only qu alific a t i ons for m ili t a r y ,

e m pl oy m e nt s

E duc t i on
a B u t t h e m ost i m p or t a nt c a re of Ma m ae a a nd h e r
wi se c ou nse ll ors w a s t o form t h e ch a ra c t e r of t h e ,

A l x nde
e a
y ou ng e mp e r or on wh ose p e rsona l qu a li t i e s t h e h a ppi
,

ne ss or m i se ry of t h e R om a n w orld m u st ul t i m a t e ly

d e p e nd T h e fort u na t e soil a ssi st e d a nd e v e n p re v e nt

.
,

e d t h e h a nd of cul t iv a t i on
,
A n e xc e ll e nt u nd e rst a nd .

i ng soon c onvi nc e d A l e x a nd e r of t h e a dv a nt a g e s of
vi r t u e t h e pl e a su re of k nowl e dg e a nd th e ne c e ssi t y of
, ,

l a b ou r A na t u ra l m ild ne ss a nd m od e ra t i on of t e m p e r
.

p r e serv e d h i m from t h e a ssa ult s of p a ssi on a nd t h e

‘
a llu r e m e nt s of vic e H i s u na lt e ra bl e r e g a rd for h i s.

m ot h e r a nd h i s e st e e m for t h e wi se U lpi a n gu a r d e d
, ,

h i s u ne xp e r i e nc e d y ou t h fr om t h e p oi son of fl a t t e r y .

J ou n l of
r a T h e si m pl e j ou rna l of h i s ordi na ry occup a t i ons e x
hi o d i n y
s r ar

lif
e.
h i bi t s a
p l e a sm
g p lct u re of a n a cc om pl i sh e d e m p e r or
2

a nd wi t h som e a ll ow a nc e for t h e di ffe r e nc e of m a nne r s ,

m igh t w e ll d e se rv e t h e i m i t a t i on of m od e rn p r i nc e s .

A l e x a nd e r rose e a rly : t h e fi r st m om e nt s of t h e da y ‘

w e re c onse c ra t e d t o p ri va t e d e v ot i on a nd h i s d ome st ic ,

ch a p e l w a s fill e d wi t h t h e i m a g e s of t h ose h e r oe s w h o , ,

by i mp rovi ng or r e for m i ng hu ma n life h a d d e se rv e d ,

i
t h e g ra t e fu l r e v e r e nc e of p ost e r i t y B u t a s h e d e e me d .
,

t h e se r v1ce of m a nki nd t h e m ost a cc e p t a bl e w orship of

t h e g od s t h e g re a t e st p a r t of h i s m orni ng h ou rs w a s
,

e m pl oy e d i n h i s c ou ncil wh e r e h e di scu sse d public a f ,

fa i rs a nd d e t e rm i ne d p r iv a t e c a u se s wi t h a p a t i e nc e
, ,

a nd di sc r e t i on a b ov e h i s y e a r s T h e d ry ne ss of bu si .

ne ss w a s r e li e v e d by t h e ch a rm s of li t e r a tu re : a nd a

p ort i on of t i m e w a s a lw a y s se t a p a rt for h i s fa v ou ri t e

'
3 H e odi n 1 vi p 2 03 ; Hi t A ugu st p 119 The l t te i n i nu t e
r a , . . . s . . . . a r s a s,
t h a t wh e n ny l w w a t o b p a e d t he c ou ncil w a
a as i t e d by nu mb e
e ss , s a ss s a r
of a bl l wy s nd x
e a
p er i nc d e na t o
a wh o e O pi ni on w e
er e epe t e ly s rs, se s re s a ra
g i v en a ndt k n dow n n w i t i ng
, a e i r .

1
S e hi s lif i n t he A ugu st n Hi t o y
e e Th ndi t i ng i shi n c om pil
a s r . e u s u o er
ha b ie d t h e
s ur i nt e e t i ng n cdot e u nd a l o d of t ivi a l n u nm a n
se r s a e s er a r a e
s i ng C i c m t nc e
r u s a s.
 OF T HE R OM A N E MP IRE . 18 1

st udi e s of p oe tr y hi st ory a nd phil osophy T h e w ork s C H A P

, ,
. .

VI
of V i rgil a nd H ora c e t h e r e public s of P l a t o a nd C i
'

c e ro for m e d h i s t a st e e nl a rg e d h i s u nd e rst a ndi ng

, , ,

a nd g a v e h i m t h e nobl e st id e a s of m a n a nd g ov e r n

m e nt T h e e x e r ci se s of t h e b ody succ e e d e d t o t h ose

.

of t h e m i nd ; a nd A l e x a nd e r w h o w a s t a ll a c t iv e a nd , , ,

r obu st su rp a sse d m ost of h i s e qu a l s i n t h e gy m na st ic

,

a rts . R e fre sh e d by t h e u se of t h e b a t h a nd a sligh t

di nne r h e r e su me d wi t h ne w vig ou r t h e bu si ne ss of
, , ,

t h e da y ; a nd t ill t h e h ou r of supp e r t h e p r i ncip a l

, ,

m e a l of t h e R om a n s h e w a s a t t e nd e d by h i s se c r e t a
,

r i e s wi t h wh om h e r e a d a nd a nsw e r e d t h e m ul t i t ud e of
,

l e t te rs m e m ori a l s a nd p e t i t i ons t h a t m u st h a v e b e e n
, , ,

a dd r e sse d t o t h e m a st e r of t h e g r e a t e st p a r t of t h e .

w orld H i s t a bl e w a s se rv e d wi t h t h e m ost frug a l Si m

.

p l i ci ty ; a nd wh e ne v e r h e w a s a t lib e rty t o c onsul t h i s

ow n i ncli na t i on t h e c om p a ny c onsi st e d of a fe w se l e c
, t
fri e nd s m e n of l e a rni ng a nd vi r t u e a m ong st wh om
, ,

U lpi a n w a s c onst a nt ly i nvi t e d Th e i r c onv e r sa t i on .

w a s fa m ili a r a nd i nst r uc t iv e ; a nd t h e p a u se s w e r e oc

ca si ona lly e nliv e ne d by t h e r e ci t a l of som e pl e a si ng

c om p osi t i on which suppli e d t h e pl a c e of t h e d a nc e rs
, ,

c om e di a ns a nd e v e n gl a di a t ors so fr e qu e nt ly su m
, ,

m one d t o t h e t a bl e s of t h e r ich a nd luxu ri ou s R o

m a ns 3
T h e d re ss of A l e x a nd e r w a s pl a i n a nd m od e st
.
,

h i s d e m e a nou r c ou r t e ou s a nd a ffa bl e : a t t h e p r op e r
h ou rs h i s p a l a c e w a s Op e n t o a ll h i s subj e ct s ; b u t t h e
v oic e of a c ri e r w a s h e a rd a s i n t h e El e u si ni a n m y st e ,

r i e s p ronou nci ng t h e sa m e sa lu t a r y a d m oni t i on :

, L et
none e nt e r t h ose h oly w a ll s u nl e ss h e i s c onsci ou s of a ,

pu re a nd i nnoc e nt m i nd
'

b ”
.

Such a n u niform t e nou r of life wh ich l e ft not a m o G n l , e e ra

m e nt for vic e or folly i s a b e t t e r p r oof of t h e wi sd om

,

a ndj u st ic e of A l e x a nd e r s g ov e r nm e nt t h a n a ll t h e t ri m n w o ld
’
a r .
,

fling d e t a il s p re se r v e d i n t h e c om pil a t i on of L a m p r idi u s .

Si nc e t h e a cc e ssi on of C omm odu s t h e R om a n w orld ,

h a d e xp e ri e nc e d du r i ng a t e rm of for ty y e a r s t h e
, ,

3
Se e t h e t hi rte e nt h i
sa t re of J uv e na l .
b
Hi st . A ugu st . p . 119 .
 182 THE D E C LIN E A N D F A L L
C HAP ucc e ssiv e a nd v a r i ou s vic e s of fou r t y ra nt s F rom t h e
. s .

VI
d e a t h of El a g a b a lu s i t e nj oy e d a n a u spici ou s c a l m of
'

t hi r t e e n y e a r s T h e p rovi nc e s r e li e v e d from t h e op
.
,

p re ssiv e t a x e s i nv e nt e d by C a ra c a ll a a nd h i s p re t e nd e d
son fl ou ri sh e d i n p e a c e a nd p r osp e r i t y u nd e r t he a d
, ,

m i ni st ra t i on of m a gi st r a t e s w h o w e re c onvi nc e d by e x ,

e ri e n ce t h a t t o d e se r v e t h e l ov e of t h e subj e c t s w a s
p ,

t h e i r b e st a nd only m e t h od of ob t a i ni ng t h e fa v o u r of
t h e i r sov e re ig n Whil e som e g e ntl e r e st ra i nt s w e re
.

i m p ose d on t h e i nnoc e nt luxu ry of t h e R om a n p e opl e ,

t h e p r ic e of p rovi si ons a nd t h e i nt e r e st of m one y , ,

w e re re d u c e d by t h e p a t e rna l c a re of A l e x a nd e r
, ,

wh ose p r ud e nt lib e ra li t y with ou t di st re ssi ng t h e i n ,

du st ri ou s suppli e d t h e w a nt s a nd a m u se m e nt s of t h e
,

p opul a c e T h e dig ni t y t h e fre e d om t h e a u t h or i t y of

.
, ,

t h e se na t e w a s r e st or e d ; a nd e v e ry vi r t u ou s se na t or
m igh t a pp roa ch t h e p e rson of t h e e m pe ror wi t h ou t a
fe a r a nd wi t h ou t a blu sh
, .

A l x a nd
e T h e na m e of A nt oni nu s e nnobl e d by t h e vi rt ue s of
er ,

P iu s a nd M a r c u s h a d b e e n c omm u nic a t e d by a d op t i on ,

t oni n t o t h e di ssolu t e V e r u s a nd by d e sc e nt t o t h e c r u e l
u s.
,

C omm odu s It b e c a m e t h e h onou ra bl e a pp e lla t i on of

.
.

t h e sons of S e v e r u s w a s be st ow e d on y ou ng D i a du ,

m e ni a nu s a nd a t l e ng t h p r ost i t u t e d t o t h e i nfa m y of
,

t h e high p r i e st of E m e sa A l e x a nd e r t h ough p re sse d .

,

by t h e st udi e d and p e rh a p s si nc e re i m p or t u ni t y of ,

t h e se na t e nobly r e fu se d t h e b orr ow e d lu st re of a
, ,

na m e ; whil st i n h i s wh ol e c onduc t h e l a b ou r e d t o r e

st or e t h e gl ori e s a nd fe lici t y of t h e a e of t h e g e nui ne

g
A nt oni ne s °
.

He t t m p t
a e In t h e civil a d m i ni st ra t i on of A l e x a nd e r wi sd om w a s
s
,

e nfor c e d by p ow e r ; a nd t h e p e opl e se nsibl e of t h e ,

public fe licity re p a id t h e i r b e ne fa c t or wi th t h e i r l ov e
,

a nd g ra t itud e Th e re st ill re m a i ne d a g re a t e r a m ore

.
,

Se e i n t he
0
Hi
A ugu t p 116 117 t he wh ol c ont t b t w n A l x
st . s . .
, . e es e ee e
a nde r a nd t he n t x t c t d f om t h j ou n l of t h t
se a e, e rambly It
e r e r a s a a sse .

h pp n d on th ix t h of M ch p ob bly of t h y 2 2 3 wh n th R
a e e e s ar , r a e ea r , e e 0

m n h d nj oy d
a s a l mo t t w lv m ont h t h bl i ng of hi
e e , a s aig n e e , e e ss s s re .

B fo t h ppe ll t i on of A ntoni nu
e re e a a off d hi m t i t l of h onou s w as ere as a e r,

th n t
e se w i t d to
a e awh t h A l ex nd w ould not u me i t
e se e e er a er a ss as a

f mily n m
a a e.
 O F TH E R OMA N E MP IR E . 183

c
ne e ssa r y , bu t di ffi cul t e nt e r p ri se ; t h e r e for C H A P
a m ore .

m a t i on of t h e m ili t a ry or d e r wh ose i nt e r e st a nd t e m p e r
V I .

, ,

c onfi rm ed by l ong i m p uni t y r e nd e re d t h e m i m p a t i e nt

,

of t h e r e st r a i nt s of di scipli ne a n d c a r e l e ss of t h e bl e ss
,

i ng s of public t ra nquilli t y In t h e e x e cu t i on of h i s de
.

sig n t h e e m p e r or a ffe c t e d t o di spl a y h i s l ov e

,
a nd t o ,

c onc e a l h i s fe a r of th e a rm y T h e m ost rigid e co

nom
.
,

i n e v e ry ot h e r b ra nch of t h e a d m i ni st ra t i on su p
y ,

pli e d a fu nd of g old a nd silv e r for t h e or di na r y p a y

a nd t h e e x t ra or di na r y r e w a r d s of t h e t r oop s In t h e i r .

m a r ch e s h e r e l a x e d t h e se v e r e oblig a t i on of c a r ryi ng
’
se v e nt e e n d a y s p r ovi si on on t h e i r sh ould e rs A m pl e .

m a g a zi ne s w e re form e d a l ong t h e public r oa d s ; a nd a s

soon a s th e y e nt e r e d t h e e ne m y s c ou nt r y a nu m e rou s
’

t ra i n of m ul e s a nd c a m e l s w a i t e d on t h e i r h a ugh t y
l a zi ne ss A s A l e x a nd e r de sp a i re d of c orre c t i ng t h e
.

luxu ry of h i s soldi e r s h e a t t e m p t e d a t l e a st t o di re c t
, , ,

i t t o obj e c t s of m a r t i a l p om p a nd orna m e nt fi ne h or se s , ,

S pl e ndid a rm ou r a nd shi e ld s e nr ich e d with silv e r a nd

,

g old H e sh a re d wh a t e v e r fa tigu e s h e w a s oblig e d t o

.

i m p ose vi si t e d i n p e r son t h e sick a nd w ou nd e d p r e

, ,

se r v e d a n e x a c t r e gi st e r of t h e i r se r vic e s a nd h i s ow n

gr a t i t ud e a nd e xp re sse d on e ve ry occa si on t h e w a r m
, ,
'

e st re g a r d for a b ody of m e n wh ose w e lfa re a s b e , ,

a ffe c t e d t o d e cl a r e w a s so cl ose ly c onne c t e d wi t h t h a t

,

of t h e st a te
d By t h e m ost g e nt l e a rt s h e l a b ou re d t o
.

i nspi re t h e fi e r c e m ul t i t ud e wi t h a se nse of du t y a nd t o ,

re st or e a t l e a st a fa i nt i m a g e of t h a t di scipli ne t o w hich

t h e R om a ns ow e d th e i r e m pi r e ov e r so m a ny ot h e r na
t i ons a s w a r lik e a nd m or e p ow e r ful t h a n t h e m se lv e s
, .

But h i s p r ud e nc e w a s v a i n h i s c oura g e fa t a l a nd t h e
, ,

a t t e m pt t ow a r d s a r e form a ti on se rv e d only t o i nfl a m e

t h e ill s i t w a s m e a nt t o cu re .

Th e p r e t ori a n gu a r ds w e re a t t a ch e d t o t h e y ou t h of S di t i ons of e

t h p to e re
A l e x a nd e r Th e y l ov e d h i m a s a t e nd e r pupil wh om i n gu a d
.
, r a r s,

th e y h a d sa v e d from a t y ra nt s fu ry a nd pl a c e d on ’

t h e i m p e r i a l t h r one Th a t a m i a bl e p ri nc e w a s se nsibl e
.

d It w a s a a f vou i t e a yi ng of th e e mp o s Se m ili te ma gi s se v a
r s er r
’
, s
‘
r re,
qu a m se i su m
p ; qu od a lu public i n hi e ss t Hi t A ug ust p 130
s s a s e . s . . . .
 184 THE DE C LIN E A N D F A L L
P . of th e o
blig a t i on ; b u t a s h i s g ra t i t ud e w a s re stra i ned
wi t hi n t h e li m i t s of re a son a nd j u st ic e t h e y soon w e re ,

m or e di ssa t i sfi e d wi t h t h e vi r t u e s of A l e x a nd e r t h a n ,

t h e y h a d e v e r b e e n wi t h t h e vic e s of El a g a b a lu s , .

Th e i r p re fe c t t h e wi se U lpi a n w a s t h e fr i e nd of t h e
, ,

l a w s a nd of t h e p e opl e ; h e w a s c onsid e re d a s t h e
e ne m y of t h e soldi e rs a nd t o h i s p e rnici ou s c ou nse l s ,

e v e r y sch e m e of r e form a t i on w a s i m pu t e d S om e t ri .

fli ng a ccid e n t bl e w up t h e i r di sc ont e nt i nt o a fu r i ou s
m u t i ny ; a nd a civil w a r r a g e d du ri ng t h re e d a y s i n , ,

R om e whil st t h e life of t h a t e xc e ll e nt m i ni st e r w a s de
,

fe nd e d by t h e g ra t e ful p e opl e T e rr ifi e d a t l e ngth .

, ,

by t h e sight of som e h ou se s i n fl a m e s a nd by t h e ,

t h re a t s of a g e ne ra l confl a g r a t i on t h e p e opl e yi e ld e d ,

wi t h a sigh a nd l e ft t h e vi r t u ou s b u t u nfor t u na t e
,

U lpi a n t o h i s fa t e H e w a s pu r su e d i nt o t h e i m p e ri a l
:fij ipyg11
n de r .

p a l a c e a nd m a ssa c r e d a t t h e fe e t of h i s m a st e r w h o
'

, ,

va i nly st r ov e t o c ov e r h i m wi t h t h e pu r pl e a nd t o oh ,

t a i n h i s p a r d on fr om t h e i ne x or a bl e soldi e r s Such .

w a s t h e d e pl ora bl e w e a k ne ss of g ov e rnm e nt th a t t h e ,

e m p e ror w a s u na bl e t o r e v e ng e h i s m u rd e re d fri e nd

a nd h i s i nsul t e d dig ni t y wi t h out st oopi ng t o t h e a r t s ,

of p a t i e nc e a nd di ssi m ul a t i on E p a g a t h u s t h e p ri nci .
,

a l l e a d e r of t h e m u t i ny w a s r e m ov e d fr om R om e by
p , ,

t h e h onou ra bl e e m p l oy m e nt of p r e fe c t of Egyp t ; from

t h a t high r a nk h e w a s g e nt ly d e g r a d e d t o t h e g ov e r n
m e nt of C r e t e ; a nd wh e n a t l e ng t h h i s p opul a ri t y , ,

a m ong t h e gu a r d s w a s e ffa c e d by ti m e a nd a b se nc e ,

Al e x a nd e r v e nt u re d t o i nflic t t h e t a r dy b u t d e se r v e d ,

pu ni sh m e nt of hi s cri m e s Und e r t h e r e ig n of a j u st e
.

a nd vi r t u ou s p r i nc e t h e t y r a nny of t h e a r m y t h re a t e ne d
,

wi t h i nst a nt d e a t h hi s m ost fa i t hful mi ni st e rs w h o w e re ,

su sp e c t e d of a n i nt e nt i on t o c orr e c t t h e i r i nt ol e r a bl e
.

D ng of di sor d e rs T h e hi st ori a n Di on C a ssiu s h a d c omm a nd e d

a er .

D io Ca ? s
sin s t h e P a nnoni a n le g l ons w i t h t h e sp 1r1t of a ncIe nt dl s

Th ou gh t he u t h o of t h lif of A l e x nd (Hi t A ugu t p

3
a r e e a er s . s . .

m nt i on t h e di t i on i d g i n t U lpi n by t h old i h c onc l t h

s e se ra se a a s a e s e rs, e ea s e
c t t oph i t m igh t di c ov
a as r e, as w k n i n t he d m i ni t t i on of h i
s er a ea e ss a s ra s

h o F om t hi d e ig ne d omi s i on w m y j udg of t h e w eigh t nd c n

er . r s s s , e a e a a
d ou of t h a t u t h or a r.
 O F T HE R O MA N E MP IRE . 185

cipli ne .Th e i r b re th re n of R om e e m b ra ci ng th e com C H A P , .

V I
mon c a u se of m ili t a ry lic e nc e d e m a nd e d t h e h e a d of
.

t h e re form e r A l e x a nd e r h ow e v e r i nst e a d of yi e ldi ng

.
, ,

t o t h e i r se di t i ou s cl a m ou r s sh ow e d a j u st se nse of h i s ,

m e r it a nd se r vic e s by a pp oi nt i ng him h i s c oll e a gu e i n

,

t h e c onsul ship a nd d e fra yi ng fr om h i s ow n t r e a su r y

,

t h e e xp e nse of t h a t v a i n dig ni t y : b u t a s i t w a s j u stly

a pp r e h e nd e d t h a t if t h e soldi e r s b e h e ld h i m with t h e
,

e nsig ns of h i s offi c e t h e y w ould r e v e ng e t h e i nsul t i n

,

h i s bl ood ; t h e nom i na l fi rst m a gi st ra t e of t h e st a t e re

t i r e d by t h e e m p e r or s a dvic e from t h e ci t y a nd sp e nt
’

, , ,

t h e g r e a t e st p a r t of h i s c onsul ship a t h i s vill a s i n C a m

p a ni a f
.

T h e l e nity of t h e e m p e r or c onfi rm e d t h e i nsol e nc e Tu mul t of s

t h l gi on e e s.
of t h e t r oop s ; t h e l e gi ons i m it a t e d t h e e x a m pl e of t h e

gu a r d s a nd d e fe nd e d t h e i r p re r og a t iv e of lic e nti ou s
,

ne ss wi t h t h e sa m e fu ri ou s ob st i na cy T h e a d m i ni st ra .

t i on of A l e x a nd e r w a s a n u na v a ili ng st r uggl e a g a i nst

t h e c orr upti on of h i s a g e In Illy r icu m i n M a u r i ta ni a
.
, ,

i n A rm e ni a i n M e sop ot a m i a i n G e r m a ny fre sh m u
, , ,

ti ni e s p e rp e t u a lly b r ok e ou t ; h i s offic e rs w e re m u r
d e re d h i s a u t h ori t y w a s i nsul t e d a nd h i s li fe a t l a st
, ,

sa c ri fic e d t o t h e fi e r c e di sc ont e nt s of t h e a rm y 3 O ne F i m ne of . r ss

th mp e e
p a r ticul a r fa c t w e ll d e se rv e s t o b e r e c ord e d a s i t illu s o ,
f r.
e

t ra t e s t h e m a nne r s of t h e t roop s a nd e xhibi t s a si ngu ,

la r i nst a nc e of t h e i r r e t u rn t o a se nse of du t y a nd
ob e di e nc e Whil st t h e e m p e r or la y a t A nt i och i n h i s
.
,

P e rsi a n e xp e di t i on t h e p a rt icul a rs of which w e sh a ll

,

h e re a ft e r r e l a t e t h e pu ni sh m e nt of som e soldi e rs w h o
, ,

h a d b e e n di sc ov e re d i n t h e b a t h s of w om e n e xcit e d a
'

se di t i on i n t h e l e gi on t o which t h e y b e l ong e d Ale x .

a nd e r a sc e nd e d h i s t r ibu na l a nd wi t h a m od e st fi rm ,

ne ss re p r e se nt e d t o t h e a r m e d m ul t i t ud e t h e a b solu t e ,

ne c e ssi t y a s w e ll a s h i s i nfl e xibl e r e solu t i on of c orr e ct

i ng t h e vic e s i nt roduc e d by h i s i m pu re p re d e c e ssor ,

a nd of m a i nt a i ni ng t h e di scipli ne which c ould not b e ,

For an acc ou nt of U lpi a n s fa t e a nd hi ow n d a ng er

’
, s , se e t he m t u il a te d
c onclu i on of Di on Hi t o y 1 lxxx p 1371
s
’
s s r , . . . .

8 A nnot a t R e i m
. a d D i on Ca r. l lxxx p 1369 . a ss. . . . .
186 T HE DE C LIN E A N D FA LL
re a l x e d w i th out t h e rui n of t h e R om a n na m e a nd e m
pi re Th e i r cl a m ou rs i nt e rrup t e d h i s m ild e xp ostula
.

”
t i on . R e se r v e y ou r sh ou t s sa id t h e u nd a u nt e d e m ,

r or t ill ou t a k e t h e fi e ld a g a i nst t h e P e rsi a ns

p e , y ,

t h e G e rm a ns a nd t h e S a r m a t i a ns
, B e sil e nt i n t h e .

p r e se nc e of y ou r sov e re ig n a nd b e ne fa c t or w h o b e ,

st ow s up on ou th e c o m t h e cl ot hi ng a nd t h e m one y
y , ,

of t h e p r ovi nc e s B e sil e nt or I sh a ll no l ong e r styl e

.
,

b
o o ldi e r s but c i t i z e ns ; if t h ose i nd e e d w h o di s
y u s ,

cl a i m t h e l a w s of R om e d e ser v e t o b e r a nk e d a m ong
”
t h e m e a ne st of t h e p e opl e H i s m e na c e s i nfl a m e d t h e
.

fu ry of t h e l e gi on a nd t h e i r b ra ndi sh e d a rm s a l re a dy
,

t h re a t e ne d h i s p e r son Y ou r c ou ra g e re su m e d t h e
.
,

i ntr e pid A l e x a nd e r w ould b e m ore nobly di spl a y e d

,

i n t h e fi e ld of b a tt l e ; m e y ou m a y d e st roy y ou c a nnot ,

i nt i m id a t e ; a nd t h e se v e r e j u st ic e of t h e re p u blic w ould
”
pu ni sh y ou r c r im e a nd re v e ng e my d e a t h T h e l e gi on
, .

st ill p e rsi st e d i n cl a m or ou s se di t i on wh e n t h e e m p e r or ,

p ronou nc e d wi t h a l oud v oic e t h e d e ci siv e se nt e nc e

, , ,

C i t i z e ns ! l a y d ow n y ou r a r m s a nd d e p a r t i n pe a c e ,
”
t o y ou r r e sp e c t iv e h a bi t a t i ons T h e t e m p e st w a s i n .

st a nt ly a pp e a se d ; t h e soldi e rs fill e d wi t h gr i e f a nd ‘
,

sh a m e , sil e nt ly c onfe sse d t h e j u st ic e of t h e i r pu ni sh

m e nt a nd t h e p ow e r of di scipli ne yi e ld e d u p t h e i r a r m s ,

a nd m ili t a ry e nsig ns a nd r e t i r e d i n c onfu si on not t o

, ,

t h e i r c a m p b u t t o t h e se v e ra l i nns of t h e ci t y
, Ale x .

a nd e r e nj oy e d du r i ng t hi r t y d a y s t h e e difyi ng s e c t
, p a ,

cl e of t h e i r re p e nt a nc e ; nor did h e r e st or e t h e m t o
t h e i r for m e r ra nk i n t h e a rm y t ill h e h a d pu ni sh e d ,

wi t h d e a t h t h ose t ri bu ne s wh ose c onniv a nc e h a d oc

ca si one d t h e m uti ny T h e g r a t e ful l e gi on se r v e d
.

t h e e m p e r or whil st livi ng a nd r e v e ng e d h i m wh e n ,

dea d
T h e r e solu t i ons of t h e m ul t i t ud e g e ne r a lly d e p e nd
on a m om e nt ; a nd t h e c a p ric e of p a ssi on m igh t e qu a lly

d e te rmi ne t h e se di t i ou s l e gi on t o la y d ow n th e i r a rm s
* J uliu
1
C
s h d pp
a sa r d a di t i on wi t h t h m w o d Q i i t ;
a e a se a se e sa e r u r es
which t hu O pp o e d t o Soldi
s s w u d n n of c ont mp t
er s, as nd se i a se se e , a re
d c d t h off nd
u e e to th
e l h onou bl c ondi t i on of m
e rs e e ss ci t iz n ra e e re e s.
T ci t A nn l i 43
a . a . . . Hi t A ugu t p 132 s . s . . .
 O F TH E R OM A N E MP I RE . 187
t the
’
a em
p e ror s fe e t or t o plu ng e th e m i nt o hi s b re a st , .

P e rh a p s if t h e si ngul a r t ra nsa c t i on h a d b e e n i nv e st i
,

g a t e d by t h e p e ne t ra t i on of a phil osoph e r w e sh ould ,

.

di sc ov e r t h e se c re t c a u se s which on t h a t occ a si on a u
t h ori se d t h e b old ne ss of t h e p ri nc e a nd c omm a nd e d ,

t h e Ob e di e nc e of t h e t roop s ; a nd e rh a p s i f it h a d
‘

p ,

b e e n re l a t e d by a judici ou s hi st ori a n w e sh ould fi nd ,

thi s a c t i on w or thy of C ae sa r hi m se lf re duc e d ne a re r t o

, ,

t h e l e v e l of p r ob a bili t y a nd t h e c omm on st a nd a r d of
t h e ch a r a ct e r of A l e x a nd e r S e v e r u s T h e a bili t i e s of .

t h a t a mi a bl e p ri nc e se e m t o h a v e b e e n i na d e qu a t e t o
t h e di fficul t i e s of h i s si t u a t i on t h e fi rm ne ss of h i s con ,

duc t i nfe ri or t o t h e pu rity of h i s i nt e nt i ons H i s vi r .

tu e s a s w e ll a s t h e vic e s of El a g a b a lu s c ont ra ct e d a
, ,

ti nc t u re of w e a k ne ss a nd e ffe m i na cy from t h e soft cli

m a t e of Sy ri a of which h e w a s a na t iv e ; t h ough h e
,

blu sh e d a t h i s fore ig n origi n a nd li st e ne d wi t h a v a i n ,

c om pl a c e ncy t o t h e fl a t t e r i ng g e ne a l ogi st s w h o d e r iv e d ,

h i s r a ce from t h e a nci e nt st ock of R om a n nobili t y k .

T h e p r id e a nd a v a r ic e O f h i s m ot h e r c a st a sh a d e on
t h e gl or i e s of h i s re ig n ; a nd by e x a c t i ng fr om h i s rip e r
y e a r s t h e sa m e du t i fu l obe di e nce which sh e h a d j u st ly /

cl a i m e d from h i s u ne xp e ri e nc e d y ou t h Ma m aea e x ,

p ose d t o public r idicul e b ot h h e r son s ch a ra c t e r a nd ’ ’

l
h e r ow n T h e fa t igu e s of t h e P e rsi a n w a r i r r i t a t e d
.

t h e m ili t a ry di sc ont e nt ; t h e u nsucc e ssful e v e nt de :

g ra d e d t h e r e put a ti on O f t h e e m p e r or a s a g e ne ra l ,

a nd e v e n a s a soldi e r Ev e ry c a u se p re p a re d a nd .
,

e v e r y ci r cu m st a nc e h a st e ne d a r e v olu t i on which di s , ,

F rom Hi st A ugu t p 119 The ch oic e w a j udici ou In

t he M e t e ll i . . s . . . s s.

one h o t p e i od of t w e lv e y a r
s r r t h M e t el l i c oul d ck on e v n c on ul
e s, e re s e s

s hip nd fi v t ium ph s See Ve ll ei P t c l ii 11 a nd t he F t i

s a e r . us a e r u us, . . as .

1 Th lif of A l e x nd e i n t h A ugu t n Hi t o y i t h e m e id ea of a
e e a r, e s a s r , s re

p e fe c t p i nc n wkw a d i mi t a t i on of t h Cy opmdi a Th e a cco nt of

r r e, a a r . e r . u

hi e ig n as giv e n b y H
s r ,
odi a n i t i ona l a nd m od e a t
er c on i te nt w i t h
, s ra r e, ss

t he g e ne a l hi t o y of t he a ge ; a nd i n om of t h e m o t i nvidi ou p a t c
r s r , s e s s r i u

l a c onfi me d by th e d e ci iv e f gm ent of Dion Y t f om a v y p l t y

rs, r s ra s . e r er a r

p judic the g e a te numb e of o mod e n w i t e a bu e H od i n a nd

re e, r r r ur r r rs s er a ,

c opy t h A ugu t a n Hi t o y S e M ss 1 T l le mont nd Wot t on F om

e s s r . e e . ( e i a . r
‘
th e O pp o i t p judic e t he e m p ‘o J ul i a n ( n C
'

s e re ,
b p dw ell
er r i ZBSc
l ll
’

. . s

w ith v i ibl e
a t i fa c t i on on t h e e fl e m i na te w e a k ne s of t he Sy i a n a nd t he
s sa s s r

ridicul ou a v a ic e of hi mot h e
s r s r.
188 THE D E C L I NE A ND FA LL
t ra ct e d t h e R om a n em pi re wi t h a l ong se r e s i O f i nte s
t i ne c a l a mi t i e s .

T h e di ssolu t e t y ra nny of C omm odu s t h e civil w a rs ,

occ a si one d by h i s d e a t h a nd t h e ne w m a xi m s of p olicy ,

i nt r oduc e d by t h e h ou se of S e v e ru s h a d a ll c ont ri ,

bu t e d t o i nc re a se t h e d a ng e r ou s p ow e r of t h e a r m y ,

a nd t o obli t e ra t e t h e fa i nt i m a g e of l a w s a nd lib e r t y
.

t h a t w a s st ill i m p r e sse d on t h e m i nd s of t h e R om a ns
,
.

Thi s i nt e rna l ch a ng e which u nd e rm i ne d t h e fou nda ,

t i ons of t h e e m pi re w e h a v e e nd e a v ou re d t o e xpl a i n
,

with som e d e g re e of ord e r a nd p e rspicui t y T h e p e r .

sona l ch a r a c t e rs of t h e e m p e r ors t h e i r vic t or i e s l a w s , , ,

folli e s a nd for tu ne s ca n i nt e r e st u s no fa r t h e r t h a n a s
, ,

t h e y a r e c onne c t e d wi t h t h e g e ne ra l hi st ory of t h e de
cli ne a nd fa ll of t h e m ona r chy O u r c onst a nt a t t e n .

t i on t o t h a t g r e a t obj e c t will not su ffe r u s t o ov e rl ook ,

a m ost i m p or t a nt e dic t of A nt oni nu s C a ra c a ll a which ,

c om mu nic a t e d t o a ll t h e fre e i nh a bi t a nt s of t h e e m pi re
t h e na m e a nd p r ivil e g e s of R oma n ci t iz e ns His u m .

b ou nd e d lib e ra li t y fl ow e d not h ow e v e r from t h e se n , ,

t i m e nt s of a g e ne r ou s m i nd ; i t w a s t h e sor did r e sul t of

a v a r ic e a nd will na t u r a lly b e illu st r a t e d by som e ob
,

se rva t i ons on t h e fi na nc e s of t h a t st a t e fr om t h e vi e t o ,

r i ou s a g e s of t h e c omm onw e a l t h t o t h e r e ig n of A l e x

a nd e r S e v e r u s .

T h e si e g e of V e i i i n Tu sc a ny t h e fi rst c onsid e ra bl e ,

e nt e r p r i se of t h e R om a ns w a s p r ot ra c t e d t o t h e t e nt h ,

y e a r m uch l e ss by t h e st re ng t h of t h e pl a c e t h a n by
,

t h e u nskilful ne ss of t h e b e si e g e rs T h e u na ccu st ome d .

h a rd ship s of so m a ny wi nt e r c a m p a ig ns a t t h e di s ,

m
t a nc e of ne a r tw e nt y m il e s fr om h om e r e qui re d m or e ,

t h a n c om m on e nc ou ra g e m e nt s ; a nd t h e se na t e wi se ly
p re v e nt e d t h e cl a m ou rs of t h e p e opl e by th e i nst i t u
mA cc o di ng to th mo ccu t Di ony iu t h ci ty i t lf
r e re a only n ra e s s, e se w as a
hu nd d t di o t w lv m il nd h lf f om R om ; t h oug h om o t
re s a a r e e es a a a r e s e u
N di ni i n
,

p o t m igh t b dv nc d f t h on t h id O f E t u i
s s e a a e ar er e s e r r a . ar , a
p of d t t i h c omb t d t h p opul O pi ni on nd t h u t h o i ty of
r e sse re a se , as a e e ar a e a r

t w o p op nd h
es, a m ov d V ii f om C ivi t C t ll n
a s re to li t tl p ot
e e r a as e a a , a e s
c ll d I ol i n t he mid w y b t w e n R om nd t he l k B cci no
a e s a, a e e e a a e ra a .
 O F TH E R O MA N E M P IRE . 189

ti on of a re gul a r pa y for t h e soldi e rs which w a s l e vi e d C H A P , .

VI
by a g e ne ra l t r ibu t e a sse sse d a cc or di ng t o a n e qui t a bl e ,
'

p r op or t i on on t h e p r op e r ty of t h e ci t iz e ns Du r i ng
more t h a n t w o hu nd re d y e a r s a ft e r t h e c onqu e st of
V e ii t h e vict ori e s of th e r e public a dd e d l e ss t o t h e
,

w e a l t h t h a n t o th e p ow e r of R om e T h e st a t e s of .

I t a ly p a id t h e i r t ribut e i n m ili t a ry se r vic e only ; a nd t h e

v a st forc e b ot h by se a a nd l a nd ; which w a s e x e r t e d i n
t h e P u ni c w a r s w a s m a i nt a i ne d a t t h e e xp e nse of t h e
.
,

R om a ns t h e m se lv e s Th a t high spi r i t e d p e opl e (such .

-

i s ofte n t h e g e ne r ou s e nt hu si a sm of fre e d om ) ch e e r fully

sub m i t t e d t o t h e m ost e xc e ssiv e b u t v olu nt a r y bu rd e ns ,

i n t h e j u st c onfid e nc e t h a t t h e y sh ould sp e e dily e nj oy

t h e r ich h a r v e st of t h e i r l a b ou r s Th e i r e xp e c t a t i ons .

w e re not d i sa pp oi nt e d In t h e c ou rse of a fe w y e a rs .
,

th e r ich e s of Sy ra cu se of C a r th a g e of M a c e doni a , , ,

a nd of A si a w e r e b rough t i n t riu m ph t o R ome T h e

, .

t re a su r e s of P e rse u s a l one a m ou nt e d t o ne a r t w o m i l
li ons st e rli ng ; a nd th e R om a n p e opl e t h e sov e re ig n of nd b oli ,
a a

so m a ny na t i ons w a s for e v e r d e liv e r e d fr om t h e ,

‘iiffi f : u

w e ight of t a x e s T h e i nc re a si ng r e v e nu e of t h e p ro 1?om n ci - al

m e ns
vi nc e s w a s fou nd su ffi ci e nt t o d e fra y t h e ordi na ry e st a
'

bli sh m e nt of w a r a nd g ov e r nm e nt ; a nd t h e sup e rflu ou s

m a ss of g old a nd silv e r w a s d e p osi t e d i n t h e t e m pl e of
S a tu rn a nd r e se rv e d for a ny u nfore se e n e me rg e ncy of
,

th e st a t e P .

Hi st ory h a s ne v e r p e rh a p s su ffe re d a g r e a t e r or l b t e '

rl u s of
th p o e r
m ore i rre p a ra bl e i nj u ry th a n i n t h e l oss of t h e cu ri ou s vi nc , es :

r e gi st e r b e qu e a th e d by A ugu stu s t o t h e se na t e in ,

w hich t h a t e xp e r i e nc e d p r i nc e so a ccu r a t e ly b a l a nc e d

t h e r e v e nu e s a nd e xp e nse s of t h e R om a n e m pi re 1 D e ‘ .
'

r i ve d of t h i s cl e a r a nd c om p r e h e nsiv e e st i m a t e w
p e
'

a r e re duc e d t o c oll e c t a fe w i m p e r fe ct hi nt s fr om such

of t h e a nci e nt s a s h a v e a ccid e nt a lly t u rne d a sid e fr om

‘S t h fou t h nd fift h b ook of Li vy In t h R om n c en u p o

1
ee e r a s . e a s s, r

p ty p ow
er nd t x a t i on w c omm n u t wi t h ch ot h e
e r, a a e re
-
e s ra e ea r.

Pli n Hi t N t u l xxxiii c 3 C ic e o de O ffi c ii 2 2 ; P lu t ch i n
, ,
0
. s . a r. . . . r . . ar .

P ZEmi l p 2 75
P S f n d c ipt i on of t hi ccu mul t d w a l t h of ge i n L c n
. . . .

’
ee a i e es r s a a e e a s u a s

P h 1 iii v 155 t c
a rs. . .
, e .

8 T c i t i n A nn l i
a . It em t o h v e xi t d i n t h t i m e O f A ppi n
a . . se s a e s e e a .
 190 THE D E C LIN E A N D F A L L
th e S pl e ndid u se ful p a r t s of hi st ory W e
t o t h e m ore .

a r e i nfor m e d t h a t by t h e c onqu e st s of P om p e y t h e , ,

t r ibu t e s of A si a w e r e r a i se d from fift y t o one hu nd r e d

a nd t hi r t y fi ve m illi ons of d r a ch m s ; or a b out fou r m i l
-

O f E gyp t , li ons a nd a h a lf st e rli ng ‘ U nd e r t h e l a st a nd m ost i n .

dol e nt of t h e P t ol e m i e s t h e r e v e nu e of Egyp t i s sa id

“
,

t o h a v e a m ou nt e d t o t w e lv e t h ou sa nd fi ve hu nd r e d t a
l e nt s ; a su m e quiv a l e nt t o m ore th a n t w o m illi ons a nd
a h a lf of ou r m one y b u t which w a s a ft e r w a r d s c ou si ,

de ra bly i m p rov e d by t h e m or e e x a c t e c onom y of t h e

R om a ns a nd t h e i nc re a se of t h e t ra d e of E t hi opi a a nd
,

of G ul
a , I ndi a G a ul w a s e nr ich e d by r a pine a s Egyp t w a s
3
.
,

by c om m e r c e ; a nd t h e t ribu t e s of t h ose t w o g re a t p ro
vi nc e s h a v e b e e n c om p a re d a s ne a rly e qu a l t o e a ch
of A f ic
r a, ot h e r i n v a lu e
‘ T h e t e n t h ou sa nd Eub oic or P h oe
.

mici a n t a l e nt s a b ou t fou r m illi ons st e rli ng, which va n ,

q u i sh e d C a r t h a g e w a s c ond e m ne d t o
p ya wi t hi n t h e

t e r m of fift y y e a rs w e r e a slight a ck nowl e dg m e nt of

‘
,

t h e sup e r i or i t y of R ome a nd c a nnot h e a r t h e l e a st ,

p rop or ti on wi t h t h e t a x e s a ft e r w a rd s r a i se d b ot h on
t h e l a nd s a nd on t h e p e r sons of t h e i nh a bi t a nt s wh e n ,

t h e fe r t il e c oa st of A fric a w a s r e duc e d i nt o a p rovi nc e

of Sp a i n , Sp a i n by a v e ry si ngul a r fa t a li ty w a s t h e P e ru a nd
, ,

M e xic o of t h e old w orld T h e di sc ov e ry of t h e r ich .

w e st e rn c ont i ne nt by t h e P h oe nici a ns a nd t h e op p re s ,

si on of t h e si m pl e na t iv e s w h o w e r e c om p e ll e d t o l a ,

b ou r i n t h e i r ow n m i ne s for t h e b e ne fi t of stra ng e rs ,

form a n e x a c t typ e of t h e m ore r e c e nt hi st ory Of

Sp a ni sh Am e r ic a T h e P h oenici a ns w e re a cqu a i nt e d
only wi t h t h e se a c oa st of S p a i n ; a v a r ic e a s w e ll a s ,

a mbi t ion c a rr i e d t h e a rm s of R om e a nd C a r t h a g e i nt o
,

t h e h e a r t O f t h e c ou nt r y ; a nd a l m ost e v e r y p a r t of t h e
‘Plu t ch ; i n Pompei o p 642
7
ar S t a b o} l xvn p 798 , . .
5
r .
’

. . .

V el lei P te c l 1
us c 39 H e ms t o giv t h p f
a r u us, nc to t h
. ii . . . e s e e e re e re e e
re v nu O f G ul
e e a .

Th E ub oic t h P h oenici n nd A l x nd i n t l nt w e
e , e d oubl i n a , a e a r a a e s, re e
w igh t t o t he A t t ic S H oop O f A nci nt W igh t nd M u p iv
e . ee er e e s a e a s re s, . .

c 5
. .I t i v e y p ob bl e t h t t he
s m t l ent w
r r c i d f om Ty e to
a , a sa e a as a rr e r r
C th g
ar a e.
x
Polyh l xv c 2 . . Y A ppi a n i n P ni ci p 84
. . . u s, . .

z
D i odo Si c l l v C diz
rus buil t by t h P h o nici n a li t tl
u u s, . . a w as e e a s e
m o t h n t h ou nd y
re a a b fo C h i t S V ll P t i 2
sa e a rs e re r s . ee e . a e re . . .
 O F TH E R OMA N E MP IRE . 191

so il w a s fou nd p re g na nt with c opp e r silv e r a nd g old C H A P , , . .

V I
M e nt i on i s m a d e of a m i ne ne a r C a r t h a g e na which '

yi e ld e d e v e r y da y t w e nty fi ve t h ou sa nd d ra ch m s of -

silv e r ,or a b out t h re e hu nd r e d t h ou sa nd p ou nd s a

ye a r 3
. Tw e nt y t h ou sa nd p ou nd w e ight of g old w a s
a nnu a lly r e c e iv e d fr om t h e p r ovi nc e s of A st u r i a G al ,

lici a a nd Lu si t a ni a b
, .

We w a nt b ot h l e i su r e a nd m a t e ri a l s t o pu rsu e t hi s of th i l e s e
\ O f Gy ‘ a rus
cu r i ou s e nqui r y t h rough t h e m a ny p ot e nt st a t e s th a t
w e re a nnihil a t e d i n t h e R om a n e m pi re S om e not i on .
,

h ow e v e r m a y b e form e d of t h e r e v e nu e of t h e p ro
,

vi nc e s wh e re c onsid e ra bl e w e a l t h h a d b e e n d e p osit e d
by na tu re or c oll e c t e d by m a n if w e ob se r v e t he
, ,

se v e r e a t t e nt i on t h a t w a s di re ct e d t o t h e a b od e s of so

li t u de a nd st e r ili t y A ugu st u s onc e r e c e iv e d a p e t i t i on

.

from t h e i nh a bi t a nt s of G y a ru s hum bly p ra yi ng th a t ,

t h e y m igh t b e r e li e v e d fr om one t hi r d of t h e i r e x
ce ssi ve i m p osi t i ons Th e i r wh ol e t a x a m ou nt e d i nd e e d
.

t o no m or e t h a n one hu nd re d a nd fi ft y d ra ch m s or ,

a b ou t fi ve p ou nd s : b u t G a r u s w a s a li t tl e i sl a nd o
y r ,

r a t h e r a r ock of t h e [E g e a n se a ; d e st itu t e of fr e sh
,

w a t e r a nd e v e ry ne c e ssa r y of l i fe a nd i nh a bi t e d only ,

by a fe w w re t ch e d fi sh e rm e n
Fr om t h e fa int gli m m e r i ng s of such d oub t ful a nd Amou nt of
th ev n ‘ e r e ue
sc a tt e re d ligh t s w e sh ould b e i ncli ne d t o be li e v e Fi r st
, , ,

th a t (wi t h e v e ry fa i r a ll ow a nc e for t h e di ffe re nc e of

t i m e s a nd ci r cu m st a n c e s) th e g e ne ra l i nc om e of t h e

R om a n provi nc e s c ould se ld om a m ou nt t o l e ss th a n
fift e en or t w e nty m illi ons of ou r m one y ; a nd S e c ond d
, ,

t h a t so a m pl e a r e v e nu e m u st h a v e b e e n fully a d e qu a te
t o a ll t h e e xp e nse s of t h e m od e r a t e g ov e r nm e nt i nst i
t u t e d by Augu st u s wh ose c ou r t w a s t h e m od e st fa m ily ,

of a p r iv a t e se na t or a nd wh ose m ili t a ry e st a bli sh m e nt ,

3*
S t b o 1 iii p 148
ra , . .
b Pl i n Hi t N t u l x xxiii c 3
. . . s . a r. . . . .

H m nt i on lik wi e
e e s ilv e m i ne i n D l m t i t h t yi ld e d e v y d y
e s a s r a a a, a e er a
fift y p ou nd t o t h t t
s e s a e.
C
S t b o l x p 485 ; T ci t A nna l iii 69 nd iv 30 S i n Tou n
ra . a . . . . a . . ee r e

fo t (V oy g a Lev nt L t t vii i ) v y liv ely pic t u of t h c tu a l

.
, .

r a es u a , e re . a er re e a
mi y Of Gy
‘
se r a ru s.
1 L
ip i (
s us d M g ni t udi
e n R om n 1a c om pu t t he v nu t a a, . i i. 0 . es e re e e a
one hu nd d nd fift y m ill i on of g old c ow n
re a b t h i wh ol b ook t h ough
s r s u s e ,

l e n d nd i ng ni ou b t y v y h t d i m gi n t i on
ar e a e s, e ra s a er ea e a a .
192 THE D E C LIN E A N D F A L L
was c a lcul a t e d for t h e d e fe nc e of t h e front i e rs wi t h ou t ,

an a spi ri ng vi e w s of c onqu e st or a n ri ou s a p p r e
y y se ,

h e nsi on Of a fore ig n 1nva si on .

N ot wi th sta ndi ng t h e se e m i ng p rob a bili t y of b ot h

t h e se c onclu si ons t h e l a t t e r of t h e m a t l e a st i s p os1
,

t i ve ly di sow ne d by t h e l a ngu a g e a nd c onduct of A u

gu stu s It i s not e a sy t o d e t e r mi ne wh e t h e r on t hi s
.
,

occ a si on h e a ct e d a s t h e c om m on fa t h e r of t h e R om a n
,

w orld or a s th e opp re ssor of lib e r t y ; wh e t h e r h e

,

wi sh e d t o re li e v e t h e p r ovi nc e s or t o i m p ov e ri sh t h e
,

se na t e a nd t h e e qu e st r i a n or d e r B u t no soone r h a d
.

h e a ssu m e d t h e re i ns of g ov e r nm e nt t h a n h e fre ,

qu e nt ly i nt im a t e d t h e i nsu ffi ci e ncy of t h e t r ibu t e s a nd ,

t h e ne c e ssi t y of t h r owi ng a n e qui t a bl e p r op or t i on of

t h e public bu r d e n up on R om e a nd I t a ly In t h e .

p r ose cu t i on of t hi s u np opul a r d e sig n h e a dv a nc e d , ,

h ow e v e r by c a u t i ou s a nd w e ll w e igh e d st e p s T h e
,
-
.

i nt roduc t i on of cu st om s w a s follow e d by t h e e st a bli sh

m e nt of a n e xci se ; a nd t h e sch e m e of t a x a t i on w a s
c om pl e t e d by a n a r t ful a sse ssm e nt on t h e r e a l a nd
p e r sona l p rop e rty of t h e R om a n ci t iz e ns w h o h a d ,

b e e n e x e m p t e d fr om a ny ki nd of c ont ribu t i on a b ov e a
c e nt u ry a nd a h a lf .

I In a g r e a t e m pi re lik e t h a t of R om e a na tu ra l
.
,

b a l a nc e of m one y m u st h a v e g r a du a lly e st a bli sh e d i t

se lf . It h a s b e e n a l re a dy ob se r v e d t h a t a s t h e w e a l t h
,

of t h e p r ovi nc e s w a s a t t r a c t e d t o t h e c a pi t a l by t h e

st r ong h a nd of c onqu e st a nd p ow e r ; so a c onsid e ra bl e

p a rt of it w a s re st ore d t o t h e i nd u str i ou s p r ovi nc e s by

t h e g e ntl e i nflu e nc e O f c omm e r c e a nd a rt s In t h e .

r e ig n of A ugu stu s a nd h i s succ e ssor s du t i e s w e r e i m ,

p ose d on e v e ry ki nd of m e r ch a ndi se which t h rough ,

a t h ou sa nd ch a nne l s fl ow e d t o t h e g r e a t c e nt r e of
opul e nc e a nd luxu r y ; a nd i n wh a t soe v e r m a nne r t h e
[

la w w a s e xp r e sse d i t w a s t h e R om a n pu r ch a se r a nd
‘
, ,

not t h e p r ovi nci a l m e r ch a nt w h o p a id t h e t a x T he 3

, .

ra t e of t h e cu st om s v a ri e d fr om t h e e igh t h t o t h e for

e
T a ci t A nna l xiii
. . . 31
.
 O F THE R OMA N E MP IRE . 193

t ie t h p a r t of t h e v a lu e of t h e c om modi t y : a nd w e h a v e C H A P .

VI‘
a r igh t t o supp ose t h a t t h e v a ri a ti on w a s di re c t e d by

t h e u na l t e ra bl e m a xi m s of p olicy ; t h a t a hig h e r du t y
w a s fix e d on t h e a r t icl e s of luxu ry t h a n on t h ose of

ne c e ssi t y a nd t h a t t h e p roduc t i ons r a i se d or m a nu fa c

,

t u r e d by t h e l a b ou r of t h e subj e c t s of t h e e m pi re w e r e ,

t re a t e d with m or e i ndul ge nc e t h a n w a s sh ow n t o t h e
p e r nici ou s or a t l e a st t h e u np opul a r c om m e rc e of
,

A ra bi a a nd I ndi a f Th e re i s st ill e x t a nt a l ong bu t .

i m p e r fe c t c a t a l ogu e of e a st e rn c omm odi t i e s which , ,

a b ou t t h e t i m e of A l e x a nd e r S e v e ru s w e r e subj e c t t o ,

t h e p a y m e nt of du t i e s ; ci nna m on m y rrh p e pp e r g i n , , ,

r a nd t h e wh ol e t r ib e of a r om a t ic s ; a g r e a t v a r i e t y
g e ,

of p r e ci ou s st one s a m ong which t h e di a m ond w a s t h e ,

m ost r e m a rk a bl e for i t s p ric e a nd t h e e m e ra ld for i t s ,

b u t y ; P a rt hi a n a nd B a byl oni a n l e a t h e r c ot t ons

e a g
, ,

silk s b ot h ra w a nd m a nu fa ctu re d e b ony iv ory a nd

, , , ,

e u nu c hs h
W e m a y ob se r v e t h a t t h e u se a nd v a lu e
.
,

of t h ose e ffe m i na t e sl a v e s g r a du a lly r ose wi t h t h e de

cli ne of t h e e m pi re .

I I T h e e xci se i nt roduc e d by A ugu st u s a ft e r t h e The e xci

.
,
se .

civil w a r s w a s e x t re m e ly m od e ra t e b u t i t w a s g e ne ra l
, , .

It se ld om e xc e e d e d one p e r c e nt ; b u t i t c om p r e h e nd .

e d wh a t e v e r w a s sold i n t h e m a rk e t s or by p ublic a u c

t i on from th e m ost c onsid e r a bl e pu r ch a se s of l a nd s

,

a nd h ou se s t o t h ose m i nu t e obj e ct s w hich ca n only

,

d e r iv e a v a lu e from t h e i r i nfi nit e m ul t itud e a nd d a ily

c onsu m p t i on S u ch a t a x a s it a ffe c t s t h e b ody of t h e
.
,

p e opl e h a s e v e r b e e n t h e occ a si on of cl a m ou r a nd di s
,

c ont e nt A n e m p e ror w e ll a cqu a i nt e d wi t h t h e w a nt s

.

a nd re sou r c e s of t h e st a t e w a s oblig e d t o d e cl a r e by , ,

a public e dic t t h a t t h e supp or t of t h e a rm y d e p e nd e d

,

i n a g re a t m e a su re on t h e p roduc e of t h e e xci se
f S P li ny Hi t N t u l vi 2 3 l xii c 18 Hi ob v ti on t h t
ee , s . a r. . . 0 . . . . . . s se r a , a
t h I ndi n c omm odi t i
e a w old t R om t n hu nd d t i m t h i Oi i
es e re s a e a a re es e r

g na l p ic m y giv
i r e, om not i on of t h p oduc
a of t h cu t om
e us s i nc e e r e e s s, s e
t h t o igi n l p ic
a r m ou nt d t o m o t h n igh t hu nd d t h ou nd p ou nd
a r e a e re a e re sa s.
8 Th
'
nci nt w
e a u n cqu i nt d wi t h t h t of cu t t i ng d i m ond
e s ere a a e e ar a s.
h M
B ouch ud i n hi t t i d l Im pOt ch z l R om i n h t n
. a , s re a se e
’
e es a s, as ra
s rc ib d thi c t l ogu f om t he Dig t nd t t mp t t o illu t t i t by v e y
e s a a e r es , a a e s s ra e a r
p ol i x c om m nt y
r e ar .

T ci t A nn l i 78 Tw o y
a . ft w d t h duc ti on of t h p oo
a . . . e a rs a er a r s, e re e r

VOL I . . O
 194 THE D E C LIN E A N D F A L L
E III
Wh e n A ugu stu s re solv e d t o e st a bli sh a p e r m a
.

ne nt m ili t a ry for c e for t h e d e fe nc e of h i s g ov e r nm e nt

T x on l g a a g a i nst for e ig n a nd d om e st ic
ene m i e s h e i nsti t u t e d a
a e
,
e i es and ia
h i t a nc
er e s,p e cul i a r t re a su ry for t h e p a y of th e sold i e rs t h e re ,

“
w a rd s of t h e v e t e ra ns a nd t h e e x t ra or di na ry e xp e nse s ,

of w a r T h e a m pl e r e v e nu e of t h e e xci se t h ough
.
,

p e culi a rly a pp rop r i a te d t o t h ose u se s w a s fou nd i na d ,

e qu a t e . h d fi i
T o supply t e e ce ncy t h e e m p e ror su g ‘
‘
,

g e st e d a ne w t a x of fi ve p e r c e nt on a ll l e g a ci e s a nd .

i nh e ri t a nc e s B u t t h e nobl e s of R om e w e r e m ore t e
.

na c i ou s of p rop e rt y th a n of fre e d om Th e i r i ndig na nt .

m u rm u r s w e re r e c e iv e d by A ugu stu s wi t h h i s u su a l -

temper H e c a ndidly r e fe rre d t h e wh ol e bu si ne ss t o

.

t h e se na t e a nd e xh or t e d ,
t h e m t o p r ovid e for t h e

public se rvic e by som e ot h e r e xp e di e nt of a l e ss odi ou s

na t u r e Th e y w e re divid e d a nd p e r pl e x e d H e i n
. .

si n u a t e d t o t h e m t h a t t h e i r ob st ina cy w ould oblig e

,

h i m t o p r op ose a g e ne ra l l a nd t a x a nd c a pi t a t i on -
.

Th e y a cqui e sc e d i n sil e nc e T h e ne w i m p osi t i on on .

l e g a ci e s a nd i nh e r i t a nc e s w a s h ow e v e r m i t ig a te d by , ,

som e r e st ric t i ons I t did not t a k e pl a c e u nl e ss t h e

.

obj e c t w a s of a c e r ta i n v a lu e m ost p r o b a bly of fift y or ,

l
a n hu nd re d pi e c e s of
g o l d ; n o r c ould i t b e e x a c t e d
m
from t h e ne a re st ki n on t h e fa t h e r s sid e Wh e n t h e ’
.

r igh t s of na t u re a nd p ov e r t y w e r e t hu s se cu re d i t ,

se e m e d r e a sona bl e t h a t a st ra ng e r or a di st a nt r e l a, ,

t i on w h o a cqui r e d a n u ne xp e c t e d a cc e ssi on of for t u ne

, ,

sh ould ch e e r fully r e sig n a t w e nt i e t h p a r t of i t for t h e

“
b e ne fi t of t h e st a t e
ui t d t o t h
s e e S uch a t a x pl e nt ifu l a s i t m u st p rov e i n e v e ry
,
:

w e a l t hy c omm u ni ty w a s m ost h a ppily sui t e d t o t h e ,

si t u a t i on of t h e R om a ns w h o c ould fr a me t h e i r a r bi ,

t ra ry will s a cc or di ng t o t h e dic t a t e s of re a son or

ki ngdom O f C a pp a d oci a g v e Tib e iu a p e te nc e fo di m i ni hi ng t h e xci se

a r s r r s e

t o one h a lf ; b t t h e re li e f w a s of v e y h o t du a t i on
u r s r r .

k Di n C a iu l lv p 794 l lvi p 82 5
o ss s, . . . . . . . .

l The m i only fix d by c onj e c t u e

su s e r .

1
A t he Rom n l a w sub i t e d fo m a ny a g es t he co n t i o
s a s s l a t i ons r , a , r re

on t h m ot h e id e w e e not c a ll e d t o th e ucc i on hi h a h i n t i t
’
e r s s , r s e ss . s rs s u

t i on w a g du a lly u nde mi n d by hu m a ni ty a nd fi n lly a b oli h ed by J

s ra r e , a s as

t i ni n
a . Pl i n P a ne gy i c c 37 '1
. r . . .
 O F THE R O MA N E MP IR E . 195

c a p ric e wi t h ou t a ny re stra i nt from t h e m od e rn fe tt e r s C H A P

,
.

VI
of e nt a il s a nd se t t l e m e nt s F r om v a r i ou s c a u se s t h e
’

p a r t i a li t y of p a t e rna l a ffe c t i on Oft e n l ost i t s i nflu e nc e

ov e r t h e st e rn p a t r i ot s Of t h e c omm onw ea l t h a nd t h e ,

di ssolut e nobl e s of th e e m pi re ; a nd if t h e fa t h e r b e
u e a t h e d t o h i s son t h e fou r th p a r t of h i s e st a t e he
q ,

re m ov e d a ll g r ou nd of l e g a l c om pl a i nt B ut a r ich °
.

childl e ss ol d m a n w a s a d om e st ic t y ra nt a nd h i s p ow e r ,

i nc re a se d wi t h h i s y e a r s a nd i nfi rm i t i e s A se r vil e .

c rowd i n which h e fre qu e nt ly r e ck one d p r e t ors a nd

,

c onsul s c ou r t e d h i s sm il e s p a m p e re d h i s a v a ric e a p
, , ,

l a u de d h i s folli e s se r v e d h i s p a ssi ons a nd w a i t e d wi t h

p , ,

i m p a t i e nc e for hi s d e a t h T h e a rt s of a t t e nd a nc e a nd .

fl at t e ry w e r e for m e d i nto a m ost luc ra t iv e sci e nc e ;

t h ose w h o p rofe sse d i t a cqui r e d a p e culi a r a pp e ll a t i on ;
a nd t h e wh ol e ci t y a cc or di ng t o t h e liv e ly d e sc r ip t i ons
,

of sa t i r e w a s divid e d b e t w e e n t w o p a r t i e s t h e hu nt e r s
, ,

a nd t h e i r g a m e P Y e t whil e so m a ny u nj u st a nd e x
.
,

t r a va g a nt will s w e re e v e r y da y dic t a t e d by cu nni ng ,

a nd sub sc r ib e d by folly a fe w w e r e t h e r e sul t of ra

.

t i ona l e st e e m a nd vi r t u ou s g ra ti t ud e C ic e ro w h o h a d .
,

so oft e n d e fe nd e d t h e liv e s a nd for t u ne s of h i s fe ll ow

ci t iz e ns w a s r e w a r d e d wi t h l e g a ci e s t o t h e a m ou nt Of
,

a n hu nd re d a nd se v e nt y t h ou sa nd ou nds ; nor do t h e
q
p
fr i e nd s of t h e y ou ng e r P li ny se e m t o h a v e b e e n l e ss
g ene r ou s t o t h a t a m i a bl e ora t or Wh a t e v e r w a s t h e
m ot iv e of t h e t e st a t or t h e t r e a su r y cl a i m e d wi t h ou t , ,

di st i nc t i on t h e t w e nt i e t h p a r t of h i s e st a t e ; a nd i n t h e
,

c ou rse of t w o or t h re e g e ne ra t i ons t h e wh ol e p rop e r t y ,

of t h e subj e c t m u st h a v e g ra du a lly p a sse d t h r ough t h e

c offe rs of t h e st a t e
"

In t h e fi rst a nd g old e n y e a r s of t h e r e ig n of N e ro R gul t i on ,

e a s

c 2$ s
:
t h a t p r i n e fr om a d e si re of p opul a r i t y a nd p e r h a p s
,

from a bl i nd i m pul se of b e ne v ol e nc e c onc e iv e d a wi sh

3 ,

0
S e He i n cci
e i n t h A nt i q i t J u i R om ni 1
e us e u r s a ii
P Ho t 1 ii t v P t on c 116 t c Plin 1 ii pi t 2 0
. .
, .

‘
ra . . . sa . . e r . .
, e . . . . e s . .

1 C ic o i n P hilipp ii c 1
er 6 . . . .

1
’

S ee hi pi t l
s e E v y uch wi l l g v e hi m n occ i on of di pl yi ng
s es. er s a a as s a
hi s re v nc t o th d d ; nd hi ju t ic t o t h livi ng H c onc i l d
e re e e ea a s s e e . e re e
b ot h n h b h vi ou to on w ho h d b n di i nh i t d by hi m oth
. i is e a r a s a ee s er e s e r,

(v l )
. .
196 THE D E C LIN E A N D F A L L
of a b oli shi ng t h e Opp r e ssi on of t h e cu st om s a nd e xci se .

T h e wi sest se na t ors a ppl a ud e d h i s m a g na ni m i t y ; b u t

t h e y div e r t e d h i m fr om t h e e x e cuti on of a d e sig n
which w ould h a v e di ssolv e d t h e st re ng t h a nd re sou r c e s
of t h e r e public H a d i t i nd e e d b e e n p ossibl e t o r e
’
.

a liz e t hi s d r e a m of fa ncy such p r i nc e s a s T r a j a n a nd ,

t h e A nt oni ne s w ould su re ly h a v e e m b ra c e d wi t h a r d ou r

t h e gl or i ou s Opp or t u ni t y of c onfe rr i ng so sig na l a n obli

a t i on on m a nki nd S a t i sfi e d h ow e v e r wi t h a lle vi a t
g .
, ,

“
i ng t h e public bu rd e n t h e y a t t e m p t e d not t o r e m ov e ,

it. T h e m ild ne ss a nd p re ci si on of t h e i r l a w s a sce r

t a i ne d t h e r ul e a nd m e a su r e of t a x a t i on a nd p r ot e c t e d ,

t h e subj e c t of e v e ry r a nk a g a i nst a rbi t r a ry i nt e r p r e t a

t i ons a nt iqu a t e d cl a i m s a nd t h e i nsol e nt v e x a t i on of
, ,

t h e fa rm e r s of t h e re v e nu e F or it i s som e wh a t si n
gul a r t h a t i n e v e r y a g e t h e b e st a nd wi se st of t h e
, , ,

R om a n g ov e rnors p e rse v e r e d i n t hi s p e rnici ou s m e t h od

of c oll e c t i ng t h e p r i ncip a l b r a nch e s a t l e a st of t h e e x

ci se a nd cu st om s 1

T h e se nti m e nt s a nd i nd e e d t h e si t u a t i on of C a ra
,

c a ll a w e re v e ry diffe re nt from t h ose of t h e Ant oni ne s

, .

I na t t e nt iv e or r at h e r a v e rse t o t h e w e lfa re of h i s p e o
,

l e h e fou nd hi m se lf u nd e r t h e ne c e ssi t y of g ra t ifyi ng

p ,

t h e i nsa ti a t e a va r ic e which h e h a d e xci t e d i n t h e a rm y .

O f t h e se v e ra l im p osi t i ons i nt r oduc e d by A ugu st u s ,

t h e t w e nt i e t h on i nh e ri t a nc e s a nd l e g a ci e s w a s t h e
m ost frui t ful a s w e ll a s t h e m ost c om p r e h e nsiv e
, As .

i t s i nflu e nc e w a s not c onfi ne d t o R om e or I t a ly t h e ,

p r oduc e c ont i nu a lly i nc re a se d wi t h t he g ra du a l e x t e n

si on of t h e R O MA N C I T Y T h e ne w ci t iz e ns t h ough .
,

ch a rg e d on e qu a l t e rms wi t h t h e p a y m e nt of ne w
,
"
,

t a x e s which h a d not a ffe c t e d t h e m a s subj e c t s d e r iv e d

, ,

a n a m pl e c om p e nsa ti on fr om t h e ra nk t h e y ob t a i ne d ,

Ta ci t A nna l xiii 50 ; E p i t d Loix 1 x 0 19

. . . s r es , . 11. . .

See P li ny P a ne gy ic t h e A ugu t a n Hi t o y a nd Bu ma n de Ve ct i
’
s r ,
s s r , r .

l p i m
‘The t ibu t (p op e ly o c a ll e d ) w e not f m d ; S i nc e t h good
g a . a ss .

1 es r r s er ar e e
r
p i nc e oft n mi tt d m ny m illi on of a s
‘Th S i t u t i on of th e new ci t ize n i mi nu te ly d e c ib e d by P li ny Pa
r s e re e a s a rre r .

1 s s s r
e a ,

n gy i c c 37 38 39
e r , . ,
T aj a n publi h ed a l a w v e y m uch i n t h e i f a v ou
, . r s r r r .
 O F THE R OMA N E MP IRE . 197

the p rivile g e s t h e y a cqui re d a nd t h e fa i r p rosp e c t of C H A P ,

.

VI
h onou rs a nd for t une t h a t w a s t h r ow n op e n t o t h e i r
'

a m bi t i on But t h e fa v ou r which i m pli e d a di st inc t i on Th f

.
, ,
e ree

dom of t h e
w a s l ost i n t h e p r od i g a l i ty of C a ra c a ll a ; a nd t h e r e ci t y giv n t o e

lu ct a nt p rovi nci a l s w e re c om p e ll e d t o a ssum e t h e v a i n

:1;
t i t l e a nd t h e r e a l O blig a t i ons of R om a n ci t iz e ns
,
N or t h pu po ,
.
e r se

w a s t h e r a p a ci ou s son of S e v e r u s c ont e nt e d wi t h such

a m e a su re of t a x a t i on a s h a d a pp e a r e d su ffici e nt t o h i s

m od e ra t e p re d e c e ssors I nst e a d of a t w e nt i e t h b e e x .
,

a c t e d a t e nth of a ll l e g a ci e s a nd i nh e r i t a nc e s ; a nd

du ri ng h i s r e ig n (for t h e a nci e nt p rop or t i on w a s r e

,

sh e d a lik e e v e ry p a r t of
st or e d a ft e r h i s d e a t h
) b e c r u ,

t h e e m pi r e u nd e r t h e w e igh t of h i s i ron sc e p t r e
.
Wh e n a ll t h e p rovi nci a l s b e c a m e li a bl e t o t h e p e cu T em p o y ra r

li a r i mp osi t i ons of R om a n ci tiz e ns t h e y se e m e d t o a c $ 33533 ,

qui re a l e g a l e x e m p t i on fr om t h e t ribu t e s which th e y

h a d p a id i n t h e i r form e r c ondi t i on of subj e c t s S uch ,
.

w e re not th e m a xi m s of g ov e rnm e nt a d op t e d by C a ra
c a ll a a nd h i s p re t e nd e d son T h e ol d a s w e ll a s t h e .

ne w t a x e s w e re a t t h e sa m e t i m e l e vi e d i n t h e p r o
, ,

v i nc e s It w a s re se rve d for t h e vi rtu e of A l e x a nd e r t o

.

r e li e v e t h e m i n a g r e a t m e a su r e fr om t hi s i nt ol e r a bl e

g ri e v a nc e by r e duci ng t h e t r ibut e s t o a t hi r t i e t h p a r t
,

of t h e su m e x a c t e d a t t h e ti m e of h i s a cc e ssi on It i s Z
.

i mp ossibl e t o c onj e c t u re t h e m ot iv e th a t e ng a g e d h im
t o sp a r e so t rifli ng a re m na nt of t h e public e vil ; bu t
t h e noxi ou s w e e d which h a d not b e e n t ot a lly e ra di
,

ca t e d a g a i n sp r a ng up with t h e m ost luxu r i a nt gr ow t h

, ,

a nd i n t h e succ e e di ng a e d a r k e ne d t h e R om a n w orld
g
wi t h i t s d e a dly sh a d e In t h e c ou rse of t hi s hi st ory .
,

w e sh a ll b e t oo oft e n su mm one d t o e xpl a i n t h e l a nd

t ax t h e c a pi t a t i on a nd t h e h e a vy c ont ribu t i ons of

, ,

c or n wi ne oi l a nd m e a t which w e r e e x a c t e d from t h e
, , , ,

p r ovi nc e s for t h e u se of t h e c ou r t t h e a rm y a nd t h e
, , ,

c a pi t a l .

'
3 Di on xxv p 12 95
11
, . 11. . .

1
He p id t n
w ho a i th e u u l t ibu t e w a ch g d wi t h no m o e
e a ure , s a r , s ar e r
t h a n t h t hi d p t of a n u e u a nd p op o t i ona l pi c e of g old w e c oi ne d
e r ar a r s, r r e s er
by A l ex nd a o d Hi t A ugu st p 12 7 wi t h t he c omme nt a y of
er s
’
r e r. s . . . . r
Sa l m a sms .
198 TH E DE C LIN E A N D F A L L .

As l ong a s R om e a nd I t a ly w e re re sp e c t e d a s t h e
c e nt re of g ov e rnm e nt a na ti ona l sp i ri t w a s p re se rv e d
,

by t h e a nci e nt a nd i nse nsibly i mbib e d by t h e a d op t e d

,

ci t ize ns T h e p ri ncip a l c om m a nd s of t h e a rm y w e re
.

fill e d by m e n w h o h a d re c e iv e d a lib e ra l e duc a t i on ,

w e re w e ll i nst ruc t e d i n t h e a dv a nt a g e s of l a w s a nd
"

l e t t e r s a nd w h o h a d ri se n by e qu a l st e p s t h r ough t h e
, , ,

r e gul a r succ e ssi on of civil a nd m ili t a ry h onou r s T0 3

.

t h e i r i nflu e nc e a nd e x a m pl e w e m a y p a r t ly a sc r ib e t h e
m od e st ob e di e nc e of t h e l e gi ons du r i ng t h e t w o fi r st
c e nt u r i e s of t h e i m p e ri a l hi st ory .

B u t wh e n t h e l a st e ncl osu re of t h e R oma n c onsti

t u t i on w a s t ra m pl e d d ow n by C a ra c a ll a t h e se p a r a t i on ,

of p r ofe ssi ons g ra du a lly succ e e d e d t o t h e di st i nc t i on of

r a nk s . T h e m or e p oli sh e d ci tiz e ns of t h e i nt e r na l
p r ovi nc e s w e r e a l one qu a lifi e d t o a ct a s l a wy e r s a nd
m a gi st ra t e s T h e r ough e r t ra d e of a rm s w a s a b a n
.

done d t o t h e p e a sa nt s a nd b a rb a ri a ns of t h e front i e r s ,

w h o k ne w no c ou ntr y b u t t h e i r c a m p no sci e nc e b u t ,

t h a t of w a r no civil l a w s a nd sc a r c e ly th ose of m ili

, ,

t a ry di scipli ne Wi t h bl oody h a nd s sa v a g e m a nne rs

.
, ,

a ndd e s e r a t e r e solu t i ons t h e y som e t i m e s gu a r d e d b u t

p , ,

m uch oft e ne r subv e r t e d t h e t h rone of t h e e m p e ror s

, .

a
See t he liv es of A g ic ol V p i n T j n S v u nd hi th
r a, es a s a , ra a , e er s a s re e

c om p t i to
e rs a nd, i nd d of ll t h e mi nent m n of t ho t i m
ee , a e e se e s.
 C H AP T ER V II .

THE E L E V A T I O N A N D T Y R A N N Y O F A XI MI N RE B E L
M .
-

LI O N I N A F R I C A A N D I T A L Y U NDE R THE A U TH O R I T Y
,

O F THE S E N A TE — C IV I L W A R S A N D S ED I T I O N S — V I O
. .

L E N T DE A TH S O F M A XI MI N A N D H I S S O N O F MA XI MU S ,

A N D B A L B I N U S A N D O F T H E THRE E G O R D I A N S
, U SU R .
-

PA T IO N A N D S E C U L A R G A M E S O F P H I LI P .

OF t hev a r i ou s form s of g ov e rnm e nt which h a v e p re Th p p e a a

v a il e d i n t h e w orld a n h e r e di t a r y m ona r chy se e m s t o

,

p r e se nt t h e fa ire st sc op e for r idicul e Is i t p ossibl e t o .

re l a t e wi t h ou t a n i ndig na nt sm il e t h a t on t h e fa t h e r s
’

, , ,

de c e a se t h e p r op e r t y of a na ti on lik e t h a t of a dr ov e
, ,

of ox e n d e sc e nd s t o h i s i nfa nt son a s y e t u nk now n t o

, ,

m a nki nd a nd t o hi m se lf ; a nd t h a t t h e b ra v e st w a r r i ors
a nd t h e wi se st st a t e sm e n r e li nqui shi ng th e i r na t u ra l
,

r igh t t o e m pi re a pp r oa ch t h e r oy a l c ra dl e wi t h b e nd e d
,

k ne e s a nd p r ot e st a t i ons of i nvi ol a bl e fid e li ty ? S a t i re
a nd d e cl a m a t i on m a y p a i nt th e se obvi ou s t opic s i n t h e

m ost d a zzli ng c ol ou rs ; b u t ou r m or e se r i ou s t h ought s

will re sp e ct a u se ful p rej udic e t h a t e st a bli sh e s a r ul e
,

of succ e ssi on ind e p e nd e nt of th e p a ssi ons of m a n

,

ki nd ; a nd w e sh a ll ch e e rfully a cqui e sc e i n a ny e xp e
di e nt Which d e p r iv e s t h e m ulti t ud e of th e d a ng e rou s ,

a nd i nd e e d t h e id e a l p ow e r of givi ng t h e m se lv e s a

m a st e r .

In t h e c ool sh a d e of re t i r e m e nt w e m a y e a sily d e vi se nd olid

,
a s
,

i m a gi na ry form s of g ov e rnm e nt i n which t h e sc e p t r e 2?

, L123?
sh a l l b e c onst a nt ly b e st ow e d on t h e m ost w or t hy by t x c ar su r

,
ce w m ss
t h e fre e a nd i nc orr up t su ffra g e of t h e wh ol e comm u

ni ty . Exp e ri e nc e ov e rt u rns t h e se a i ry fa b r ic s a nd ,

t e a ch e s u s t h a t i n a l a r g e soci e t y t h e e l e c t i on of a
, , ,

m ona r ch ca n ne v e r d e v olv e t o t h e wi se st or t o t h e ,

m ost nu m e r ou s p a r t Of t h e p e opl e
,
T h e a rm y i s t h e
.

only or d e r of m e n su ffici e nt ly u ni t e d t o c oncu r i n t h e

sa m e se nt i m e nt s a nd p ow e r ful e nough t o i m p ose t h e m

,

on t h e re st of t h e i r fe ll ow ci t iz e ns : but t h e t e m p e r of
 2 00 THE D E C LIN E A N D F A L L
C HA P . so ldi e rs h a bi t u a t e d a t onc e t o vi ol e nc e a nd t o sl a v e ry
, ,
VH
r e nd e rs t h e m v e ry u nfi t gu a r di a ns of a l e g a l or e v e n a
’

civil c onst i tu t i on; J u st i ce hu m a ni t y or p oli tic a l w i s

, ,

dom a r e qu a li t i e s t h e y a r e t oo li t tl e a cqu a i nt e d wi t h i n
,

t h e m se lv e s t o a pp re ci a t e t h e m i n ot h e r s
,
V a l ou r will .

a cqui re t h e i r e st e e m a nd lib e ra li t y will pu r ch a se t h e i r

,

su ffra g e ; but t h e fi r st of t h e se m e r it s i s oft e n l odg e d

i n t h e m ost sa v a g e b re a st s ; t h e l a t t e r ca n only e x e r t
i t se lf a t th e e xp e nse of t h e public ; a nd b ot h m a y be
t u rne d a g a i nst t h e p osse ssor of t h e t h r one by t h e a m ,

bi t i ou of a d a ri ng r iv a l .

W a nt of i t T h e sup e r i or p r e r og a tiv e of bi r t h wh e n it h a s oh ,

33: t a i ne d t h e sa nc t i on of t i m e a nd p opul a r O p ni on i s t h e
1
1
i
pl a i ne st a nd l e a st i nv i d i ou s of a ll d i st i nc t i ons a m ong
.
,

e st ca la mi m a nki nd T h e a ck nowl e dg e d r igh t e x t i ngui sh e s t h e

.

993 h op e s of fa c t i on a nd t h e c onsci ou s se cu ri t y di sa rm s
,

t h e c r u e l t y of t h e m ona r ch T o t h e fi rm e st a bli sh
.

m e nt of t hi s id e a w e ow e t h e p e a c e ful succ e ssi on a nd

, ,

m ild a d m i ni st ra t i on of E u rO p e a ri m ona r chi e s

, T o the .

de fe c t of i t w e m u st a t t ribu t e t h e fre qu e nt civil w a r s

, ,

t h r oug h which a n A si a t ic d e sp ot i s oblig e d t o cu t h i s

wa
y t o t h e t h r one of h i s fa t h e rs Y e t e v e n i n t he .
,

e a st t h e sph e re of c ont e nt i on i s u su a lly li m i t e d t o t h e

,

p ri nc e s of t h e r e ig ni ng h ou se ; a nd a s soon a s t h e m ore
for t u na t e c om p e t i t or h a s r e m ov e d h i s b re th r e n by t h e
sw or d a nd t h e b ow st r i ng h e n o l ong e r e nt e r t a i ns a n
, y
j e a l ou sy of h i s m e a ne r subj e c t s B u t t h e R om a n e m .

pi re a ft e r t h e a u t h ori ty of t h e se na t e h a d su nk i nt o
,

cont e m p t w a s a v a st sc e ne of c onfu si on
, T h e r oy a l .
,

a nd e v e n nobl e fa m ili e s of t h e p r ovi nc e s h a d l ong

, ,

si nc e b e e n l e d i n triu m ph b e fore t h e c a r of t h e h a ugh t y

re public a ns T h e a nci e nt fa m ili e s of R om e h a d su c

.
*

ce ssi ve ly fa ll e n b e ne a t h t h e t y r a nny of t h e C ae sa r s ;
(

a nd whil st t h ose p r i nc e s w e re sh a ckl e d by t h e form s of

a c om m onw e a l t h a nd di sa pp oi nt e d
, by t h e r e p e a t e d
fa ilu re of t h e i r p ost e ri t y i t w a s i m ossibl e t h a t a ny
3

p ,

3
Th h d b n no x mpl of t h
e re a ee e a cc iv g n t i on on t h
e re e su ess e e e ra s e
t h on ; only t h
r e i n t nc of on ho ucc d d t h i f t h
re e s a es s s w Th s ee e e r a e rs. e
m a rr ai g of t h C
es e ( not wi t
a esa rs h t ndi ng t h p m i i on nd t h f qu nt
s a e er ss , a e re e
p c t ic of div o c ) w e g ne lly u nf ui t ful
ra e r es er e ra r .
 O F TH E R OMA N E MP IRE . 20 1

id e a of h e re di t a ry succ e ssi on sh ould h a v e t a k e n root i n C H A P .

VH‘
th e m i nd s O f th e i r subj e ct s . T h e r igh t t o t h e t h r one ,

which none c ould cl a i m from bi rt h e v e ry one a ssum e d ,

from m e rit T h e d a ri ng h op e s of a mbiti on w e re se t

.

l oose from t h e sa lu t a ry r e st ra i nt s of la w a nd p rej udic e ;

a nd th e m e a ne st of m a nki nd mi gh t with ou t folly e n , ,

t e r t a i n a h Op e of b e i ng ra i se d by v a l ou r a nd fort u ne t o
a r a nk i n t h e a r m y i n whic h a si ngl e c ri m e w ould
,

e na bl e h i m t o w r e st t h e sc e pt re of t h e w orld fr om h i s

fe e bl e a nd u np opul a r m a st e r Af t e r t h e m u r d e r of
.

A l e x a nd e r S e v e r u s a nd th e e l e v a t i on of M a xi m i n no
, ,

e m p e ror c ould t hi nk hi m se lf sa fe up on t h e t h r one ; a nd

e v e ry b a rb a r i a n p e a sa nt of t h e fr ont i e r m igh t a spi r e t o

t h a t a ugu st but d a ng e r ou s st a t i on .

A b ou t t hi rty t w o y e a r s b e for e th a t e v e nt t h e e m Bi t h nd
-
, r a

p e r o r S e v e r
, u s r e tu r ni ng fr om a n e a st e rn e xp e di t i on
gigs? ,

h a l t e d i n Th ra c e t o c e l e b ra t e wi t h m ili t a ry g a me s
,

t h e bi r t hd a y of h i s y ou ng e r son G e t a T h e c ou nt ry
.

fl ock e d i n c rowd s t o b e h old t h e i r sov e re ig n ; a nd a

y ou ng b a rb a ri a n of gig a ntic st a t u re e a rne st ly solici t e d ,

i n h i s r ud e di a l e c t t h a t h e m igh t b e a ll ow e d t o con
,

t e nd for t h e p r iz e of w r e st li ng .A s t h e p rid e of di sci

pli ne w ould h a v e b e e n di sg ra c e d i n t h e ov e r t h r ow of a
R om a n soldi e r by a Th ra ci a n p e a sa nt h e w a s m a t ch e d ,

wi t h t h e st ou t e st foll ow e r s of t h e c a m p sixte e n of
'

wh om h e succ e ssiv e ly l a id on t h e g rou nd H i s vic t ory .

w a s r e w a rd e d by som e t r ifli ng gift s a nd a p e rm i ssi on,

t o e nli st i n t h e t r oop s . T h e ne x t da y t h e h a ppy b a r

,

b a ri a n w a s di st i ngui sh e d a b ov e a c r owd of re c r ui t s ‘
,

d a nci ng a nd e xul t i ng a ft e r t h e fa shi on of h i s c ou nt ry .

A s soon a s h e p e r c e iv e d t h a t h e h a d a t t ra c t e d t h e
e m p e r or s not ic e h e i nst a nt ly r a n up t o h i s h or se a nd
’

, ,

foll ow e d h i m on foot wi t h ou t t h e l e a st a pp e a ra nc e of
,

”
fa t igu e i n a l ong a nd ra pid c a r e e r
, . Th ra ci a n sa id ,

S e v e ru s wi t h a st oni sh m e nt
, , a r t t h ou di sp ose d t o

w re st l e a ft e r t h y ra c e M ost willi ngly si r r e pli e d , ,

t h e u nw e a ri e d y ou t h a nd a l m ost i n a b re a t h ov e r
, , ,

t h re w se v e n of t h e st rong e st soldi e r s i n t h e a rm y A .

g o ld c oll a r w a s t h e p r iz e of h i s m a t chl e ss vig ou r and

 CHA P
L

Hi ‘
PS
“
i li W y
.
2 02

a xi m i

of b a rb a r i a ns
n fo r t h a
,

of t h e na t i on of t h e A l a ni
t w a s
TH E D E C LIN E A N D F A L L
c t ivi t y a nd h e w a s i mme di a t e ly a pp oi nt e d t o se rv e i n
t h e h orse gu a rd s w h o a lw a y s a t t e nd e d on t h e p e rson
of t h e sov e r e ig n b

M h i s n
,
a m e t h o ugh b orn

t e rr i t or i e s of t h e e m pi r e d e sc e nd e d from a m ix e d ra c e
,

H i s fa th e r w a s a G ot h a nd h i s m ot h e r
.
n t

H e di spl a y e d on e v e r y
occ a si on a v a l ou r e qu a l t o h i s st re ng t h ; a nd h i s na t iv e
,

fi e r ce ne ss w a s soon t e m p e re d or di sgui se d by t h e
k nowl e dg e of t h e w orld U nd e r t h e r e ign of S e v e ru s
h e

.
.
,

,
,

a nd h i s son h e ob t a i ne d t h e r a nk of c e nt u r i on
,
wi t h ,

t h e fa v ou r a nd e st e e m of b ot h t h ose p r i nc e s t h e for ,

m e r of wh om w a s a n e xc e ll e nt j udg e of m e r i t G ra t i .

t ud e for b a d e M a xi m i n t o se r v e u nd e r t h e a ssa ssi n of

“
C a ra c a ll a H onour t a ugh t h i m t o d e cli ne t h e e ffe m i
.

na t e i nsul t s of El a g a b a lu s O n t h e a cc e ssi on of A l e x .

a nd e r h e r e tu rne d t o c ou r t a nd w a s pl a c e d by t h a t ,

p ri nc e i n a st a t i on u se ful t o t h e se rvic e a nd h onou r ,

a bl e t o hi m se lf T h e fou r t h l e gi on t o which h e w a s
.
,

a pp oi nt e d t ribu ne soon b e c a m e u nd e r h i s c a re t h e
, , ,

b e st di scipli ne d of t h e wh ol e a rm y Wi t h t h e g e ne ra l .

a ppl a u se of t h e soldi e r s w h o b e st ow e d on t h e i r fa ,

vou r i t e h e r o t h e na m e s of Aj a x a nd H e r cul e s h e w a s ,

succ e ssiv e ly p r om ot e d t o t h e fi r st m ili t a r y c omm a nd ;

a nd h a d not h e st ill r e t a i ne d t oo m uch of h i s sa v a g e

or igi n t h e e m p e r or m igh t p e rh a p s h a v e giv e n h i s ow n

,

si st e r i n m a rr i a g e t o t h e son of M a xi m i n
d

Con Pi S
) faC ’
I n s t e a d of se cu r i n g h i s fid e li t y t h e se fa v ou rs se rv e d
m mm
,
O l
only t o i nfl a me th e a m bi t i on of t h e Th ra ci a n p e a sa nt ,

w h o d e e m e d hi s for t u ne i na d e qu a t e t o h i s m e r i t as ,

l ong a s h e w a s c onst ra i ne d t o a ck nowl e dg e a sup e r i or .

Th ough a st ra ng e r t o re a l wi sd om h e w a s not d e v oid ,

of a se lfi sh cu nni ng which sh ow e d h i m t h a t t h e e m , ,

H i t A ugu t p 138
‘Hi t A gu t p 140 ; He odi a n 1 vi p 2 2 3 A u eliu V ic to By
s . s . . .

3 r
s . u s . . , . . . r s r.

c om p i ng t h e u t h o i t h ould m t h t Ma xi m i n h d t h p a t icul a
ar es a rs, s se e , a a e r r

c omm nd of t he T i b l li a n h o
a wi t h t h g ne a l c omm i i on of di ci
r a rse , e e r ss s

p li ni ng t h e c ui t of t he wh ol
re r a my H
si bi og a ph ough t to h a v e e r . s r er

m k e d wi t h m o e c a e hi e xpl oi t s a nd t h e
ar , r cc iv t p of hi m ili
r , s , su e ss e s e s s

t p omot i on
r
a r s.
ySe t he o igi na l l e t te of A l e x a nde Se v ru Hi st A ugu t p 149
e r r r e s, . s . . .
 O F T HE R OMA N E MP IRE . 2 03

e r or l
ha d ost t h e a ffe c t i on of t h e a r m y a nd t a ugh t C H A P
p
.
,
VH
h i m t o i mp rov e t h e i r di sc ont e nt t o h i s ow n a dv a nt a g e
'

It i s e a sy for fa c t i on a nd c a lu m ny t o sh e d t h e i r p oi son
on t h e a d m i ni st ra t i on of t h e b e st of p ri nc e s a nd t o ,

a ccu se e v e n th e i r vi r tu e s by a r t fully c onfou ndi ng t h e m ,

.

wi t h t h ose vic e s t o which t h e y b e a r t h e ne a re st a ffini t y .

T h e t r oop s li st e ne d wi t h pl e a su r e t o t h e e m i ssa r i e s of
M a xi m i n Thcy blu sh e d a t t h e i r ow n ig nom i ni ou s p a
.

t i e nce which du r i ng t hi r t e e n y e a r s h a d supp or t e d t h e

,

v e x a t i ou s di scipli ne i m p ose d by a n e ffe m i na t e Sy ri a n ,

t h e t i m id sl a v e of h i s m ot h e r a nd of t h e se na t e It .

w a s t i m e t h e y c r i e d t o c a st a w a y t h a t u se l e ss ph a nt om
, ,

of t h e civil p ow e r a nd t o e l e ct for th e i r p r i nc e a nd
,

g e ne ra l a r e a l soldi e r e duc a t e d i n c a m p s e x e r ci se d i n
, ,

w a r w h o w ould a sse r t t h e gl or y a nd di st r ibu t e a m ong

, ,

h i s c om p a ni ons t h e t re a su r e s of t h e e m pi re A g re a t .

a r m y w a s a t t h a t t i m e a sse m bl e d on t h e b a nk s of t h e

R hi ne u nd e r t h e c omm a nd of t h e e m p e r or hi m se lf w h o
, , ,

a l m ost i mm e di a t e ly a ft e r h i s r e tu r n fr om t h e P e r si a n

w a r h a d b e e n oblig e d t o m a r ch a g a i nst t h e b a r b a r i a ns
,

of G e rm a ny T h e i m p or t a nt c a r e O f t ra i ni ng a nd re
.

vi e wi ng t h e ne w le vi e s w a s i ntr u st e d t o M a xi m i n O ne .

da y a s h e e nt e r e d t h e fi e ld of e x e r ci se t h e t roop s , ,

e i t h e r fr om a sudd e n i m pul se or a form e d c onspi r a cy ,

sa lu t e d h i m e m p e r or sil e nc e d by th e i r l oud a ccl a ma

,

t i ons h i s ob st i na t e re fu sa l a nd h a st e ne d t o consu m A D 2 35 , . . .

M h 19 a rC
m a t e t h e i r r e b e lli on by t h e m u rd e r of A l e x a nd e r
'

S e v e ru s .

T h e ci r cu m st a nc e s of h i s d e a th a re v a ri ou sly re l a t e d M u d of .
r er

T h e w rit e rs w h o supp ose th a t h e di e d i n ig nora nc e of

t h e i ng ra ti t ud e a nd a m biti on of M a xi m i n a ffi rm t h a t , ,

a ft e r t a ki ng a fr ug a l r e p a st i n t h e sigh t of t h e a rm y ,

h e re t i re d t o sl e e p a nd t h a t a b out t h e se v e nt h h ou r
, ,

of t h e da y a p a rt of h i s ow n gu a r d s b rok e i nt o t h e i m
,

p e ri a l t e nt a nd with m a ny w ou nd s a ssa ssi na t e d t h e i r

, , ,

vi rt u ou s a nd u nsu sp e cti ng p ri nc e If w e c re di t a n

9
Hi st . A ugu st . p
h v oft ne d ome of t h m o t i m p ob bl
. 135 . l a e s e s e s r a e

c m t a nc of th i w t ch d b i og ph
ci i u s es F om t hi ill w o d e d n a t i on
s re e ra e r. r s -
r a rr ,

h ould se m t h t th p i nc b ffoon h vi ng cc i d nt lly e nt e d t h

it s e , a e r
’
e s u a a e a er e
2 04 THE D E C LIN E A ND F A L L
ot h e r a nd i nd e e d a m ore p rob a bl e a cc ount M a xi mi n
, ,

w a s i nv e st e d wi t h t h e pu r pl e by a nu m e r ou s d e t a ch

m e nt a t th e di st a nc e of se v e ra l m il e s from t h e h e a d
,

qu a rt e rs ; a nd h e t rust e d for succ e ss ra t h e r t o t h e

se c re t wi sh e s t h a n t o t h e public d e cl a r a t i ons of t h e
-

g re a t a r my Al e x a nd e r h a d su ffici e nt t i m e t o a w a k e n
.

a fa i nt se nse of l oy a l t y a m ong h i s t roop s ; b u t t h e i r

r e luc t a nt p rofe ssi ons of fid e li t y quickly v a ni sh e d on

t h e a pp e a ra nc e of M a xi m i n w h o d e cl a r e d hi m se lf t h e ,

fri e nd a nd a dv oc a t e of t h e m ili t a ry or d e r a nd w a s ,

u na ni m ou sly a cknowl e dg e d e m p e ror of t h e R om a ns by

t h e a ppl a udi ng l e gi ons T h e son of Ma maea b e t ra y e d .
,

a nd d e se r t e d wi t hd re w i nt o h i s t e nt
, d e si r ou s a t l e a st ,

t o c onc e a l h i s a pp roa chi ng fa t e fr om t h e i nsul t s of t h e

m ul t i t ud e H e w a s soon foll ow e d by a t r ibu ne a nd
.

som e c e nt u r i ons t h e m i ni st e r s of d e a t h ; b u t
, i nst e a d ,

of r e c e ivi ng wi t h m a nly r e solu t i on t h e i ne vi t a bl e st r ok e ,

h i s u na v a ili ng c r i e s a nd e nt re a t i e s di sg ra c e d t h e l a st
m om e nt s of h i s life a nd c onv e r t e d i nt o c ont e m p t some
,

p ort i on of t h e j u st pi t y which h i s i nnoc e nc e a nd m i s

fortu ne s m u st i nspi r e H i s m ot h e r Ma m ae a wh ose .
,

p r id e a nd a v a r ic e h e l oudly a ccu se d a s t h e c a u se of h i s
r ui n p e r i sh e d wi t h h e r son
,
T h e m ost fa i t hfu l of h i s .

fri e nd s w e re sa c r ific e d t o t h e fi rst fu ry of t h e soldi e r s .

O t h e rs w e re r e se r v e d for t h e m ore d e lib e ra t e c ru e l t y

of t h e u su r p e r ; a nd t h ose w h o e xp e r i e nc e d t h e m ild e st

t r e a t m e nt w e r e st ripp e d of t h e i r e m pl oy m e nt s a nd ,

ig nom i ni ou sly d r iv e n from t h e c ou rt a nd a rm y f .

T h e for m e r t y rant s C a ligul a a nd N e r o C om m odu s , ,

a nd C a r a c a ll a w e re a ll di ssolu t e a nd u ne xp e ri e nc e d
,

y ou t h s e duc a t e d i n t h e pu r pl e a nd c orrup t e d by t h e
3
, ,

p r id e of e m pi re t h e luxu ry of R om e a nd t h e p e r
, ,

fi di ou s v oic e of fl a t t e ry T h e c r u e l t y of M a xi m i n w a s
.

d e r iv e d fr om a di ffe re nt sou r c e t h e fe a r of c ont e m p t , .

Th ough h e d e p e nd e d on t h e a t t a ch m e nt of t h e soldi e rs ,

t nt ; nd
e a k n d t h lum b i ng m on ch t h f of pu ni h m nt u g d
awa e e e s er ar , e ea r s e r e
hi m t o p u d t h di ff c t d oldi t o c omm i t th mu d
e rs a e e sa e e s e rs e r er.
H odi n 1 i p 2 2 3— 2 2 7
er a , . v . . .

g C ligul
a th ld t of t h fou w only t w nt y fi y
a, e e es e of g r, as e - ve ea rs a e
wh n h c nde d t h t h on ; C c ll w t w nty t h
e e as e e r e C ommodu a ra a a as e - re e , s
ni n t
e ee n nd N o no mo
, a t h n e v nt n
er re a s e ee .
w

sc
ho l ov e d

a pp e a r a nc e
‘
OF

h im for

i nst i t u t i ons of civil life form e d a v e ry u nfa v ou ra bl e

c ont ra st wi t h t h e a m i a bl e m a nne r s of t h e u nh a ppy
A l e x a nd e r H e re m e m b e re d t h a t i n h i s hu m bl e r
.
“
THE R O MA N E MP IR E
vir tu es lik e t h e i r ow n h e w a s con
i ou s t ha t h i s m e a n a nd b a r b a r i a n or igi n h i s sa v a g e
a nd h i s t ot a l ig nor a nc e of t h e a r t s a nd

for t u ne h e h a d oft e n w a i t e d b e for e t h e d oor of t h e

,

h a ugh t y nobl e s of R om e a nd h a d b e e n d e ni e d a d m i t
,

t a nc e by t h e i nsol e nc e of t h e i r sl a v e s H e re c olle ct e d
t oo t h e fr i e nd ship of a fe w w h o h a d r e li e v e d h i s
,
, ,

.
,

,
. 2 05

p ov e rt y a nd a ssi st e d h i s r i si ng h op e s B u t t h ose w h o
, . .

h a d spu rne d a nd t h ose w h o h a d p r ot e ct e d t h e Th ra

,

e i a n w e re guil t y of t h e sa m e c r i m e t h e k nowl e dg e of
, ,

h i s origi na l ob scu r i t y F or thi s c ri m e m a ny w e re p u t

.

t o d e a t h ; a nd by t h e e x e cu t i on of se v e r a l of h i s b e ne
fa c t ors M a xi m i n publi sh e d i n ch a ra ct e rs of bl ood t h e
, , ,

i
i nd e libl e hi st ory of h i s b a se ne ss a nd i ng ra t i t ud e .

T h e d a r k a nd sa ngui na ry soul of t h e t y ra nt w a s
op e n t o e v e ry su spici on a g a i nst th ose a m ong h i s su b

s w h o w e r e t h e m ost di st i ngui sh e d by t h e i r bi r t h or
j e c t
m e ri t . Wh e ne v e r h e w a s a l a rm e d wi t h t h e sou nd of
t r e a son h i s c r u e l t y w a s u nb ou nd e d a nd u nre l e nt i ng
, .

A c onspi ra cy a g a i nst h i s life w a s e i t h e r di sc ov e re d or

i m a gi ne d a nd M a g nu s a c onsul a r se na t or w a s na m e d
, , ,

a s t h e p ri ncip a l a u t h or of it Wi t h ou t a wi t ne ss wi t h .
,

ou t a t ri a l a nd wi t h ou t a n O pp or t u nity of d e fe nc e
, ,

M a g nu s wi t h fou r th ou sa nd of h i s supp ose d a ccom

,

p li c e s w e re
, p u t t o de a t h I t a ly a nd t h e wh ol e
. e m pi r e

w e re i nfe st e d with i nnu m e ra bl e spi e s a nd i nform e rs .

O n t h e sligh t e st a ccu sa t i on t h e fi rst of t h e R oma n ,

nobl e s w h o h a d g ov e r ne d p r ovi nc e s c omm a nd e d a r

, ,

mi e s a nd b e e n a d orne d wi t h t h e c onsul a r a nd t riu m ph a l

,

or na m e nt s w e re ch a i ne d on t h e public c a r r i a g e s a nd
, ,
’
hu r ri e d a w a y t o t h e e m p e ror s p re se nc e C onfi sc a t i on .
,

e xil e , or si m pl e d e a t h w e re e st e e m e d u nc om m on i n
,

h
It a pp e t h a t he w a t ot lly ig no nt of the G e ek l a ngu g e which
a rs s a ra r a ,

f
rom i t s u niv e a l i n c onv e
rs t i on a nd l e t t
u se w arsaa n e s nt i a l p a t of e rs, s s e r

e v y lib e l duc t ion

er ra e a
H i t A ugu t p 141 H odi n l v 1 p 2 37 The l a tt e of t h e e h i s
.

s . s . . er a , . 1. . . r s

t o i a n h as b e e n m o t u nju t ly c e nsu e d fo p a ri ng t he vic e of M a xi mi n

r s s s r r s s .
 '

2 06 THE D E C LIN E A N D FA L L
st a n e s c of S om e of t h e u nfor t u na t e su ffe re rs
h i s l e ni t y .

h e ord e re d t o be se w e d up i n t h e hid e s of sl a ugh t e r e d

a ni m a l s ot h e rs t o b e e xp ose d t o wild b e a st s
,
ot h e r s ,

a g a i n t o b e b e a t e n t o d e a t h wi t h club s Du ri ng t h e .

t h re e y e a r s of h i s re ig n h e di sd a i ne d t o vi si t e i t h e r
,

R om e or I t a ly H i s c a m p occ a si ona lly r e m ov e d from

.
,

t h e b a nk s of t h e Rhi ne t o t h ose of t h e D a nub e w a s ,

t h e se a t of h i s st e r n d e sp ot i sm which t ra m pl e d on ,

e v e r y p r i ncipl e of l a w a nd j u st ic e a nd w a s supp or t e d ,

by t h e a v ow e d p ow e r of t h e sw or d R
N o m a n of nobl e .

bi r th e l e g a nt a cc om pli sh m e nt s or k nowl e dg e of civil

, ,

b u si ne ss w a s su ffe re d ne a r h i s p e rson ; a nd t h e c ou rt
,

of a R om a n e m p e ror r e viv e d t h e id e a of t h ose a nci e nt

chi e fs of sl a v e s a nd gl a di a t ors wh ose sa v a g e p ow e r ,

1
h a d l e ft a d e e p i m p r e ssi on of t e rr or a nd d e t e st a t i on .

A s l ong a s t h e c r u e l ty of M a xi m i n w a s c onfi ne d t o
t h e illu st r i ou s se na t or s or e v e n t o t h e bold a dve n
,

t u r e r s w h o i n t h e c ou r t or a rm y e xp ose t h e m se lv e s t o
t h e c a p ric e of fort u ne t h e b ody of t he p e opl e vi e w e d
,

t h e i r su ffe r i ng s wi t h i ndi ffe r e nc e or p e r h a p s wi t h ,

pl e a su r e B u t t h e t y ra n t s a v a ric e st i m ul a t e d by t h e
’
.
,

i nsa t i a t e d e si re s of t h e soldi e rs a t l e ng t h a t t a ck e d t h e ,

public p r op e r t y E ve ry city of t h e e m pi re w a s p os
'

se sse d of a n i nd e p e nd e nt r e v e nu e d e st i ne d t o pu r ch a se ,

c or n for t h e m ul t i t ud e a nd t o supply t h e e xp e nse s of

,

t h e g a m e s a nd e nt e rt a i nm e nt s By a si ngl e a ct of .

a u t h or i t y t h e wh ol e m a ss of w e a l t h w a s a t onc e c
, on

fi sca t e d for t h e u se of th e i m p e ri a l t re a su r y T he .

t e m pl e s w e r e st r ipp e d of t h e i r m ost v a lu a b l e offe ri ng s

of g old a nd silv e r a nd t h e st a t u e s of g od s h e roe s a nd

, , ,

e m p e r or s w e re m e l t e d d ow n a nd c oi ne d i nt o m one y .

Th e se i m pi ou s or d e rs c ould not b e e x e cu t e d wi th ou t
t u m ul t s a n d m a ssa c r e s a s i n m a ny pl a c e s t h e p e opl e
,

kTh e wif
e of M a m n, xi i by i i u i g wi c u l wi h f l g l
ns n a t n se o nse s t e ma e e nt e

ne ss, som e t m e s ro i tb ugh b ck

a y
t h e t ra nt t o t h e w a uh hu i y
y of t r t a nd ma n t .

Se e A mm i a nus M a r e n s 1
I c lli u xiv c wh
1 , . llud
e re h e a .f c which
e s t o t he a t
. .

he ha d m ore fully l d u d
re a t e ig
n e r t he re n of t h e G di or a ns We m a y o e t
c ll c .

f d l h
rom t h e m e a s, t a t Pa u lh na w a s t he na m e of t hi b v l
s p
e ne o e nt e m re ss ;

f il h
a nd rom t he t t e of D i va , t a t sh e di d b f
e xi i
e ore M a m n V a l e si us a d l oc
P N
.
.

Ci t A mm ia n
. Spa nh ei m de U e t t omii p . 30 0. . . . . . .

He w a s om a re t o c p d Sp cu
a rt a s a nd A t he ni o Hi A ugu p
st st 14 1 . . . . .
 OF THE R O MA N E MP IRE . 2 07

ch ose r a t h e r t o di e i n t h e d e fe nc e of t h e i r a l t a rs t h a n C H A P , .

VII ‘
t o b e h old i n t h e m id st of p e a c e t h e i r ci t i e s e xp ose d t o

t h e ra pine a nd c ru e l t y of w a r T h e soldi e rs t h e m se lv e s .
,

a m ong wh om thi s sa c r il e gi ou s plu nd e r w a s di st r ibu t e d ,

re c e iv e d i t wi t h a blu sh ; a nd h a rd e ne d a s t h e y w e r e ,

i n a ct s of vi ol e nc e t h e y d re a d e d t h e j u st re p roa ch e s of
,

th e i r fri e nd s a nd r e l a t i ons Th rough ou t t h e R om a n .

w or ld a g e ne ra l cry of i ndig na ti on w a s h e a rd i m pl or i ng ,

v e ng e a nc e on t h e c omm on e ne m y of hu m a n ki nd ; a nd
a t l e ng t h by a n a ct of p r iv a t e opp re ssi on a p e a c e ful
, ,

a nd u na rm e d p r ovi nc e w a s d r iv e n i nt o re b e lli on a g a i nst

m
him .

T he p rocu ra t or of A fric a w a s a se rv a nt w or t hy of R v ol t i n e

fi g é37
f l ?
such a m a st e r w h o c onsid e r e d t h e fi ne s a nd c
, onfi sca
.

t i ons of t h e r ich a s one of t h e m ost fr ui t ful b ra nch e s of A p il r

t h e i m p e ri a l r e v e nu e A n i niqui t ou s se nt e nc e h a d
.

b e e n p r onou nc e d a g a i nst som e Opul e nt y ou t h s of t h a t

c ou nt ry t h e e x e cu t i on of which w ould h a v e st r ipp e d
,

th e m of fa r th e gr e a t e r p a r t of t h e i r p a t r i m ony In t hi s .

e x t re m i t y ,a r e solu t i on t h a t m u st e i t h er c om pl e t e or

p re v e nt t h e i r rui n w a s dic t a t e d by d e sp a i r A r e spi t e

, .

of t h r e e d a y s ob t a i ne d wi t h di fficul t y fr om t h e ra p a
,

ci ons t re a su re r w a s e m pl oy e d i n c oll e c t i ng from t h e i r

,

e st a t e s a g re a t nu m b e r of sl a v e s a nd p e a sa nt s bli ndly ,

d e v ot e d t o t h e c omma nd s of t h e i r l ord s a nd a r m e d ,

wi t h t h e ru st ic w e a p ons of club s a nd a x e s T h e .

l e a d e rs of t h e c onspi ra cy a s t h e y w e re a d m i t t e d t o t h e
,

a udi e nc e of t h e p r ocu r a t or st a bb e d h i m wi t h t h e da ,
g
g e rs c onc e a l e d u nd e r t h e i r g a rme nt s a nd by t h e a s , ,

‘
si st a nc e of t h e i r tu m ul t u a r y t ra i n se iz e d on t h e li t t l e
‘
,

t ow n of Thy sd r u s a nd e r e c t e d t h e st a nd a r d of r e
1
,

b e lli on a g a i nst t h e sov e re ig n of t h e R om a n e m pi re .

Th e y re st e d th ei r h op e s on t h e h a t r e d of m a nki nd
a g a i nst M a xi m i n ; a nd t h e y j udici ou sly r e solv e d t o 0
p
p ose t o t h a t de te st e d t y r a nt a n e m p e ror wh ose m ild ,

"1
H odi n 1 p 2 38 Zo i m l i p 15
er a , . VII . . s . . . . .

I n t h f t il t
e er i to y of By ci m one hu nd d nd fift y m il to t h
e e rr r za u , re a es e
s ou t h of C th g
ar aThi ci t y
e. d c o t d p ob bly by t h G o di n wi t h
s w as e ra e , r a e r a s,
t h e t i t l of c ol ony
e nd i t h fi n m phi t h t w hich t ill i n a v y p
, a w a e a e a re , 18 s er er
f t t t S I ti n
ee s a e. ee W li ng p 59 nd Sh w T v l p 117
e ra r. e sse , . . a a
’
s ra e s, . .
 2 08 THE D E C LIN E A N D F A L L
C H A P vi r t u e s h a d a l r e a dy a cqui re d th e l ov e a nd e st e e m of t h e
.

V II R om a ns a nd wh ose a u th ori ty ov e r t h e p rovi nc e w ould

.

giv e w e igh t a nd st a bili ty t o t h e e nt e r p r i se G or di a nu s .

,

t h e i r p r oc onsul a nd t h e obj e c t of t h e i r ch oic e r e fu se d , , ,

wi t h u nfe ig ne d re luc t a nc e t h e d a ng e r ou s h onou r ; a nd ,

b e gg e d wi t h t e a rs t h a t t h e y w ould su ffe r h i m t o t e rm i
na t e i n p e a c e a l ong a nd i nnoc e nt life wi t h ou t st a i ni ng ,

h i s fe e bl e a g e wi t h civil bl ood Th e i r m e na c e s com .

~ e lle d h i m t o a cc e p t t h e i m p e r i a l pu r pl e h i s only
p ,

r e fug e i nd e e d a g a i nst t h e j e a l ou s c ru e l ty of M a xi mi n ;

si nc e a cc or di ng t o t h e r e a soni ng of t y ra nt s t h ose w h o
, ,

h a v e b e e n e st e e m e d w or t hy of th e t h rone d e se rv e '

d e a t h a nd t h ose w h o d elib e ra t e h a v e a l re a dy re
,

b e ll e d 0

Ch ct a ra er T h e fa m ily of G ordi a nu s w a s one of t h e m ost i l

nd l v a
st r i ons of t h e R om a n se na t e O
e e
n t h e fa t h e r s sid e
a

t i on of t h
lu e
.
’

h e w a s d e sc e nd e d fr om t h e G ra cchi ; on h i s m ot h e r s
’
tw o Go r
,
di na s.
fr om t h e e m p e ror T ra j a n A g re a t e st a t e e na bl e d .

h i m t o supp or t t h e dig ni t y of h i s bi r t h ; a nd i n t h e ,

e nj oy m e nt of i t h e di spl a y e d a n e l e g a nt t a st e a nd ,

b e ne fi ce nt di sp osi t i on T h e p a l a c e i n R om e for m e r ly .

i nh a bi te d by th e g re a t P om p e y h a d b e e n du ri ng , ,

se v e ra l g e ne r a t i ons i n t h e p osse ssi on of G ordi a n s

’

fa m ily P It w a s di st i ngui sh e d by a nci e nt t rophi e s of

.

na v a l vic t or i e s a nd d e c ora t e d wi t h t h e w or k s of m od e rn ,

p a i nt i ng H i s villa on t h e r oa d t o P rae ne st e w a s c e l e
.
,

b r a t e d for b a t h s of si ngul a r b e a u t y a nd e x t e nt for ,

t h re e st a t e ly r oom s of a n hu nd re d fe e t i n l e ng t h a nd ,

for a m a g nific e nt p or t ic o supp or t e d by t w o hu nd re d ,

c olu m ns of t h e fou r m ost cu ri ou s a nd c ost ly sor t s of

m a r bl e 9 T h e public sh ow s e xhibi t e d a t h i s e xp e nse
.
,

H e odi a n 1 vn p 2 39 ; Hi t A ugu t p 153

r . . . s . s . .

P H i t A ugu t p 152 Th c l b a t d h ou of Pom p ey i n c i i w

.
,

s . s . . . e e e r e se ar a s, as
u u p d by M c A ntony a nd c on qu ntly b c m e ft t h t ium vi
s r e ar , se e e a , a er e r r s
’

d e t h p t of t he i m p i l d oma i n Th m p o T j n a ll ow ed nd
a , a ar I
er a . e e er r ra a a
ev n nc ou g d t h i ch n t o t o pu ch t h o e m g nific nt nd u l e
e e ra e e r se a rs r a se s a e a se ss
p l c ( Pl n P n gy ic c
a a e s, a nd i t m
i .
y e m p ob bl e t h t on t hi
a e r . . a s e r a a , s
occ i on P om p y h ou e c me i nt o t h p o e i on of G o di n g t
’ ’
as , e s s a e ss ss r a s re a
g a nd fa t h
‘
r e r.
1 Th C l udi n t he N u m idi n t h C y t n nd t h Sy nna di a n
e a a , a , e ar s ia , a e .

Th c ol ou
e of Rom n m bl h a v b n f i nt ly d c ib d nd i m pe f c t ly
rs a ar es e ee a es r e a r e
di t i ngui h e d It a pp e
s s h ow e v e t h a t t he C y t i a n w a s a a g ee n
. a rs, r, ar s se -
r ,
 O F THE R OMA N E MP IR E .

an d in which t h e p e opl e w e r e e nt e r t a i ne d wi t h m a ny
hu nd re d s of wild b e a st s a nd gl a di a t ors se e m t o su r ’
,

p a ss t h e fortu ne of a subj e c t ; a nd whil st t h e lib e ra li t y

of ot h e r m a gi st r a t e s w a s c onfi ne d t o a fe w sol e mn

fe st iv a l s i n R om e t h e m a g nific e nc e of G or di a n w a s ,

r e p e a t e d wh e n h e w a s e dil e
, e v e ry m ont h i n t h e y e a r , ,

a nd e x t e nd e d du ri ng h i s c onsul ship t o t h e p r i ncip a l

, ,

ci t i e s of I t a ly H e w a s t wic e e l e v a t e d t o t h e l a st
.

m e nt i one d dig ni t y by C a ra c a ll a a nd by A l e x a nd e r ; ,

for h e p osse sse d t h e u nc omm on t a l e nt of a cqui ri ng t h e

e st e e m of vi r t u ou s p r i nc e s wi t h out a l a r m i ng t he j e a ,

l ou sy of t y ra nt s H i s l ong life w a s i nnoc e nt ly sp e nt i n

.

t h e st udy of l e t t e r s a nd t h e p e a c e ful h onou r s of R om e ;

a nd t ill h e w a s na m e d p r oc onsul of A fr ic a b t h e v oic
, y e

of t h e se na t e a nd t h e a pp rob a ti on of A l e x a nd e r he 5
,

a pp e a r s p r ud e nt ly t o h a v e d e cli ne d t h e c om m a nd of

a rm i e s a nd t h e g ov e rnm e nt of p r ovi nc e s A s l ong a s .

th a t e m p e ror liv e d A fric a w a s h a ppy u nd e r t h e a d ,

m i ni st ra t i on of h i s w or t hy r e p r e se nt a t iv e ; a ft e r t h e
b a rb a rou s M a xim i n h a d u su r p e d t h e t h r one G ordi ,

a nu s a ll e vi a t e d t h e m i se r i e s which h e w a s u na bl e t o

p re v e nt Wh e n h e re luc t a ntly a cc e p t e d t h e pu rpl e

.
,

h e w a s a b ov e fou rsc ore y e a r s ol d; a l a st a nd v a lu a bl e

r e m a i ns of t h e h a ppy a g e of t h e A nt oni ne s wh ose ,

vi rt u e s h e r e viv e d i n h i s ow n c onduct a nd c e l e b ra t e d ,

i n a n e l e g a nt p oe m of thi r t y b ook s Wi t h t h e v e ne r .

a bl e p r oc onsul h i s son w h o h a d acc om p a ni e d h i m

, ,

i nt o A fric a a s h i s li e ut e na nt w a s lik e wi se d e cl a re d ,

e m p e r or H i s m a nne rs w e re l e ss pu r e bu t h i s ch a
.
,

ra c t e r w a s e qu a lly a m i a bl e wi t h t h a t of h i s fa t h e r .

Tw e nt y t w o a ck nowl e dg e d c oncubi ne s a nd a lib r a ry

-
,

a nd t h at bl e of Sy nna da w a whi te m ix e d wi t h ov a l p ot s of p p l e
ma rt he s s ui .

Se e Hi t A ugu t p 164
Sa l ma si u s a d s . s . .

Hi t A ugu t p 151 152 He om e t i m s g a v e fi v hu nd d p a i of

.

s . s . .
, . s e e re r

gl di t o ne v e l e t h n on hu nd e d a nd fifty He onc g v e fo t he
a a rs, r ss a e r . e a r

u se of t h ci c s one hu nd d Sicili a n a nd m a ny C pp d oci n h o e

e r u re , as a a a rs s.

Th a ni m l d ig n d fo hu nt i ng w
e a s es chi fly b a b o bull t g
e r e re e e rs, a rs, s, s a s,

e lk wild a es e t c E l ph a nt a nd lion eem t o h a v e b e n a pp op i t e d

s, ss , . e s s s e r r a

t o i m p i l m g nific e nc e
er a a .

3
S e t h o igi n l l t t e i n t h e A ugu t n Hi t o y p 152 which a t onc e
e e r a e r s a s r , .
,

s h ow A l x nd
s ep e c t fo t h u t h o i ty of th n t a nd hi t e m
a
’
e r s re s r e a r e se a e, s es e

fo t he p oc on ul pp oi nt d by t h a t a
r r s m blya e sse .

VOL I . .
 2 10 THE D E C LIN E A N D FA L L
C H A P of six ty t w o t h ou sa nd v olu m e s a t t e ste d t h e v a ri e ty of
.
-
,

V II h i s i ncli na t i ons ; a nd from t h e p r oduc t i ons which h e

.

l e ft b e hi nd hi m i t a pp e a r s t h a t t h e forme r a s w e ll a s
,

t h e l a t t e r w e r e d e sig ne d for u se r a t h e r t h a n for ost e n

t a t i on
‘ T h e R om a n p e opl e a ck nowl e dg e d i n t h e
.

fe a t u r e s of t h e y ou ng e r G ordi a n t h e re se m bl a nc e of
S cipi o A fric a nu s r e c oll e c t e d wi t h pl e a su re t h a t h i s
,

m ot h e r w a s t h e g ra ndd a ugh t e r of A nt oni nu s P iu s ,

a nd r e st e d t h e public h Op e on t h ose l a t e nt vi r t u e s
which h a d hi t h e r t o a s t h e y fondly i m a gi ne d l a i n con , ,

ce a le d i n t h e luxu ri ou s i nd ol e nc e of a p riv a t e life .

Th ey olici ts A s soon a s t h e G or di a ns h a d a pp e a se d t h e fi r st
t h confi
e r
t u m u l t o f a p opul a r e l e c t i on t h e y r e m ov e d t h e i r c ou r t
m t i on of
a ,

th ie rau th o t o C a r t h a g e Th e y w e re re c e iv e d wi t h t h e a ccl a m a
.

r i ty
t i ons of t h e A fric a ns w h o h onou r e d t h e i r vi r t u e s a nd
.

, ,

w h o si nc e t h e vi si t of H a d r i a n h a d ne v e r b e h e ld t h e
, ,

m a j e st y of a R om a n e m p e ror B u t t h e se v a i n a ccla .

m a t i ons ne i t h e r st re ng t h e ne d nor c onfi rm e d t h e t i t l e of

t h e G or di a ns Th e y were i nduc e d by p ri ncipl e a s
.
,

“
we ll a s i nt e re st t o solici t t h e a ppr ob a t i on of t h e se n
,

a t e ; a nd a d e pu t a t i on of t h e nobl e st p rovi nci a l s w a s

se nt with ou t d e l a y t o R om e t o r e l a t e a nd j u st ify t h e
, , ,

c onduc t of t h e i r c ou nt ry m e n w h o h a vi ng l ong su ffe r e d , , .

wi t h p a t i e nc e w e re a t l e ng t h re solv e d t o a ct wi t h
,

vig ou r T h e l e t t e r s of t h e ne w p ri nc e s w e r e m od e st
.

a nd r e sp e c t ful h e c e ssi t y which h a d ob

'

e xc u sm t n
g e ,

li g e d t h e m t o a cc e pt t h e i m p e r i a l t i t l e bu t sub m i t t i ng ,

t h e i r e l e c t i on a nd th e i r fa t e t o t h e sup re m e j udg e m e nt

of t h e se na t e .

The se na t e Th e i ncli na t i ons of t h e se na te w e re ne i t h e r d oub t ful

ra t ifi t hes e

e e l c t i on of nor divid e d T h e bi rth a nd nobl e a lli a nc e s of t h e

.

t he G or G ordi a ns h a d i nt i m a t e ly c onne c t e d t h e m wi t h t h e m ost

di a ns
illu stri ou s h ou se s of R om e Th e i r fortu ne h a d c re a t e d .

m a ny d e p e nd e nt s i n th a t a sse m bly ; t h e i r m e r i t h a d
a cqui r e d m a ny fri e nd s Th e i r m ild a d m i ni st ra t i on .

op e ne d t h e fl a t t e ri ng p rosp e c t of t h e r e st ora t i on not ,

By ch of hi c oncubi n t h y oung G o di n l ft t h e o fou chil

ea s es e er r a e r e r r

d n Hi li t‘ y p oduc t i on t h oug h l num ou w e by no m n

re . s e ra r r s, e ss er s, re ea s
c ont m p t ibl
e e .

H od i n 1 ii p 2 43 ; Hi t A ugu t p 144
er a , . v . . s . s . . .
 “
OF THE R OMA N E MP IR E . 2 11

on ly of t h e v e n of t h e re public a n g ov e rn
civil , bu t e

m e nt .T h e te rror of m ili t a ry v i ol e nc e which h a d fi r st ,

oblig e d t h e se na t e t o forg e t t h e m u r d e r of A l e x a nd e r ,

a nd t o r a t ify t h e e l e c t i on of a b a rb a r i a n p e a sa nt now ,

p r oduc e d a c ont ra r y e ffe c t a nd p r ov ok e d t h e m t o ,

a sse rt t h e i nj u r e d right s of fre e d om a nd hu ma ni t y .

T h e h a t re d of M a xi m i n t ow a r d s t he se na t e w a s de
cla re d a nd i m p la c a bl e ; t h e t a m e st sub m i ssi on h a d not
a pp e a se d h i s fu ry t h e m ost c a u t i ou s i nnoc e nc e w ould
,

not r e m ov e h i s su spici ons ; a nd e v e n t h e c a r e of t h e i r

ow n sa fe t y u r g e d t h e m t o sh a re t h e for tu ne of a n e n

t e r p ri se of which if u nsucc e ssful t h e y w e r e su re to b e

, , ,

t h e fi r st vict i m s Th e se c onsid e ra t i ons a nd p e rh a p s

.
,

ot h e rs of a m ore p r iv a t e na tu r e w e re d e b a t e d i n a ,

p re vi ou s c onfe re nc e of t h e c onsul s a nd t h e m a gi
st r a t e s A s soon a s th e i r re solu t i on w a s d e cid e d th e y
.
,

c onv ok e d i n t he t e m pl e of C a st or t h e wh ol e b ody of

“
t h e se na t e a cc or di ng t o a n a nci e nt form of se c re cy ’
, ,

c a lcul a t e d t o a w a k e n t h e i r a t t e nt i on a nd to c onc e a l ,
”
t h e ir d e cre e s C onsc rip t fa th e rs sa id t h e c onsul
.
,

S y lla nu s t he t w o G or di a ns b ot h of c onsul a r dig ni t y

, , ,

t h e one yo u r p roc onsul t h e ot h e r y ou r li e u t e na nt , ,

h a v e b e e n d e cl a re d e m p e ror s by th e ge ne ra l conse nt of
”
A fr ic a L e t u s r e t u rn t h a nk s
. h e b oldly c ont inu e d , ,

t o t h e y ou t h of Thy sd ru s ; le t u s re t u rn th a nk s t o
t h e fa i t hfu l p e opl e of C a r th a g e ou r g e ne r ou s d e liv e re rs ,

from a n h orrid m onste r —Why do you h e a r m e th u s .

c o lly thu s ti m idly

o ,
? Why do y ou c a st t h ose a nxi ous
l ook s on e a ch ot h e r Why h e si t t e
? a ? M a xi mi n i s a
public e ne m y ! m a y h i s e nm i t y soon e xpi re wi t h h i m ;
a nd m a w e l o n g nj oy t h e p r ud e nc e a nd fe lici t y of
y e

G ordi a n t h e fa th e r t h e v a l ou r a nd const a ncy of G or ,

”
di a n t h e son T h e nobl e a r d ou r of t h e c onsul r e

Q u od t a me n pa t re s du m p e ri cul osu m e xi st i ma nt , i ne rme s a rm a t o re

si st e re a A u liu V ic t o
pprob a veru nt . re s r.
3 Ev
'
v
e n t he se r a nt s
of t h h ou t h c ib tc w xclud d nd e se , e s r e s, e . e re e e , a

W
,

t h i offic
e r fill d by t h n t t h m lv
e w as e oblig d t o t h
e se a Oi s e se e s. e a re e e

A ugu t n Hi t o y p 159 fo p
s a s vi ng t hi cu i ou x ampl of t h old d
r , .
, r re se r s r se e e is

ci pli n of t h c omm onw l t h

e e ea .

Z
Thi S pi i t d p ch t n l t d f om t h A ugu t n h i t o i n p 156
s r e s ee , ra s a e r e s a s r a , .
,

se em t n c i b d by h m f om t h o igi n l g i t
s ra s r e of t h
i n t r e r a re s e rs e se a e.

P 2
 2 12 ‘
THE DE C LINE A N D F A L L
CHAP . vi ve d th e l a nguid spi r i t of t h e se na t e By a n u na ni .

VH
m ou s d e c re e t h e e l e c t i on of t h e G or di a ns w a s r a t ifi e d
’

a ndde cl a re s M a xim i n h i s son a nd h i s a dh e re nt s w e re p r onou nc e d

M a x mm ‘o

a
, ,

e ne mi e s of t h e i r c ou nt ry ; a n d lib e r a l r e w a r d s w e r e
,

public e ne
my .
offe r e d t o wh osoe v e r h a d t h e c ou ra g e a nd g ood for t u ne

t o d e str oy t h e m .

A um
ss es Du ri ng t h e e m p e r or s a b se nc e a d e t a ch m e nt of t h e
’

p re t ori a n gu a r d s re m a i ne d a t R om e t o p rot e c t or ,

r at h e r t o c om m a nd t h e c a pi t a l T h e p r e fe c t V it a li
.

a nu s h a d sig na liz e d hi s fid e li t y t o M a xi m i n by t h e ,

a l a c r i t y wi t h whic h h e h a d ob e y e d a nd e v e n p r e v e nt e d, ,

t h e c ru e l m a nd a t e s of t h e t y ra n t H i s d e a t h a l one .

c ould re scu e t h e a u t h ori t y of t h e se na t e a nd th e liv e s ,

of th e se na t or s fr om a st a t e of d a ng e r a nd su sp e nse
,
.

B e for e t h e i r r e solv e s h a d t ra nspi r e d a qu ae st or a nd ,

som e t r ibu ne s w e r e c om m i ssi one d t o t a k e h i s d e v ot e d

life Th e y e x e cu t e d t h e or d e r wi t h e qu a l b old ne ss
.

a nd succ e ss ; a nd wi t h t h e i r bl oody d a gg e r s i n t h e i r
,

h a nd s ra n t h r ough t h e st r e e t s p r ocl a i m i ng t o t h e
, ,

p e opl e a nd t h e soldi e r s th e ne w s of t h e h a ppy r e volu

t i on . T h e e nthu si a sm of lib e r t y w a s se c ond e d by t h e
p r om i se of a l a rg e d ona t iv e i n l a nd s a nd m one y ; t h e
st a t u e s of M a xi m i n w e re t h r ow n d ow n ; t h e c a pi t a l of

t h e e m pi r e a ck nowl e dg e d wi t h t r a nsp or t t h e a u t h or i t y
, ,

of t h e t w o G or di a ns a nd t h e se na t e ; a nd t h e e x a m pl e
a

of R om e w a s foll ow e d by t h e re st of I t a ly .

A ne w spi rit h a d a r i se n i n th a t a sse m bly wh ose l ong ,

p a t i e nc e h a d b e e n i nsul t e d by w a nt on d e sp ot i sm a nd
m ili ta r y lic e nc e . T h e se na t e a ssu m e d t h e r e i ns of
g ov e r nm e nt a nd wi t h a c a l m i nt re pidi t y p re p a re d t o
, , ,

vi ndic a t e by a rm s t h e c a u se of fre e d om A m ong t he .

c onsul a r se na t or s r e c om me nd e d by t h e i r m e r i t a nd se r
vic e s t o t h e fa v ou r of t h e e m p e r or Al e x a nd e r it w a s ,

e a sy t o se l e c t t w e nt y not u ne qu a l t o t h e c om m a nd of
,

a n a rm y a nd t h e c onduc t of a w a r
, T o t h e se w a s t h e .

d efe nc e of I t a ly i nt r u st e d E a ch w a s a pp oi nt e d t o a ct
.

i n h i s r e sp e c t iv e d e p a r t m e nt a u t h or i se d t o e nr ol a nd
,

di scipli ne t h e I ta li a n y ou t h a nd i nst r uc t e d t o for t ify

,

H odi n l
*1
er p 2 44
a , . Vi i . . .
 O F TH E R O MA N E MP IR E . 213

th e p ort s a nd highw a y s a g a i nst th e i m p e ndi ng i nva si on C H A P ‘

.

VH
of M a xi m i n A nu m b e r of d e pu t i e s ch ose n from t h e
.
,
’

m ost illu st r i ou s of t h e se na t ori a n a nd e qu e st r i a n or d e rs ,

w e re d e sp a t ch e d a t t h e sa m e t im e t o t h e g ov e rnor s of
t h e se v e r a l p rovi nc e s e a r ne st ly c onj u r i ng t h e m t o fly
,

t o t h e a ssi st a nc e of t h e i r c ou nt r y a nd t o re m i nd t h e ,

na t i ons of t h e i r a nci e nt t i e s of fri e nd ship wi t h t h e R o

m a n se na t e a nd p e opl e T h e g e ne ra l r e sp e ct wi t h .

which t h e se d e pu t i e s we re r e c e iv e d a nd t h e z e a l of ,

I t a ly a nd t h e p r ovi nc e s i n fa v ou r of t h e se na t e su f ,

fi cie nt ly p rov e t h a t t h e subj e c t s of M a x i m i n w e re r e

du ce d t o t h a t u nc omm on di st r e ss i n which t h e b ody of ,

t h e p e opl e h a s m or e t o fe a r fr om opp re ssi on t h an from

r e si st a nc e T h e c onsci ou sne ss of t h a t m e l a nch oly t r u t h
.

i nspi re s a d e g re e of p e rse v e ri ng fu ry se ld om t o b e
.
,

found i n t h ose civil w a rs which a re a r t ifici a lly su p

p or t e d for t h e b e ne fi t Of a fe w fa ct i ons a nd d e sig ni ng
l e a d e rs ”
.

F or whil e t h e c a u se of t h e G or di a ns w a s e mb ra c e d D f t nd e ea a

wi t h such di ffu siv e a r d ou r t h e G or di a ns t h e m se lv e s ,

n h
w e re o m ore T e fe e bl e c u . o r t o f C h ge w a s
a r t a G o di n r a S

A D 2 37 . .

a l a r m e d w i t h t h e ra p i d a pp r oa ch of C a p e li a nu s
.

g o J 1
-
y 3 , u ,

v e rnor of M a u r i t a ni a w h o wi t h a sm a ll b a nd of v e t e r
, ,

a ns a nd a fi e r c e h ost of b a rb a r i a ns a t t a ck e d a fa i t hful
, ,

b u t u nw a rlik e p r ovi nc e T h e y ou ng e r G ordi a n sa lli e d

.

ou t t o m e e t t h e e ne m y a t t h e h e a d of a fe w gu a rd s ,

a nd a nu m e r ou s u ndi scipli ne d m ul t i t ud e e duc a t e d i n ,

t h e p e a c e ful luxu r y of C a r t h a g e H i s u se l e ss v a l ou r .

se r v e d only t o p rocu re h i m a n h onou ra bl e de a t h i n t h e

fi e ld of b a t tl e H i s a g e d fa t h e r wh ose re ig n h a d not
.
,

e xc e e d e d t hi r ty si x d a y s p u t a n e nd t o h i s life on t h e
-
,

fi rst ne w s of t h e d e fe a t C a rt h a g e d e st itu t e Of de .
,

fe nc e Op e ne d h e r g a te s t o t h e c onqu e r or ; a nd A fric a
,

w a s e xp ose d t o t h e ra p a ci ou s c ru e l t y of a sl a v e oblig e d ,

t o sa t i sfy h i s u nr e l e nt i ng m a st e r wi t h a l a rg e a cc ou nt
of bl ood a nd t re a su re
"
.

b H odi n 1 vi i p 2 47 1 viii p 2 77 Hi t A ugu t p 156— 158

er a , . . . . . . . s . s . . .

C
H odi n 1 vii p 2 54 ; Hi t A ug t p 150 — 160 W m y oh
er a , . . . s . us . . . e a

v t h t on m ont h nd d y fo t h ig n O f G o di n i ju t
se r e , a e a S IX a s c r e re r a s a s OOi re

t i on of C ubon nd P n i ni i n t d of t h b d di ng of on y e
a sa a a v us, s ea e a su i re a e ar
2 14 THE D E C L I NE A ND FA L L
The fa t e of t h e G ordi a ns fill e d R om e wi t h j u st b u t
u ne xp ect e d t e r ror T h e se na te c onv ok e d i n t h e t e m
.
,

l e of C onc or d a ffe c t e d t o t ransa c t t h e c om mon bu si

p ,

ne ss of t h e da y ; a nd se e m e d t O de c l i ne wi t h t re m bli ng ‘
,

a nxi e ty t h e c onsid era t i on of t h e i r ow n a nd t h e public

,

d a ng e r A sil e nt c onst e rna t i on p r e v a il e d on t h e a s

.

“
ill a se na t or Of t h e na m e a nd fa m ily of T r a j a n
‘
se m b l t
y ,

a w a k e ne d hi s b r e t h r e n fr om t h e i r fa t a l l e t h a r gy He .

r ep re se nt e d t o t h e m t h a t t h e ch oic e of c a u t i ou s dil a
,

t ory m e a su re s h a d b e e n l ong si nc e ou t of t h e i r p ow e r ;

t h a t M a xi m i n i m pl a c a bl e by na t u r e a nd e x a sp e ra t e d
, ,

by i nj u ri e s w a s a dv a nci ng t ow a rd s I t a ly a t t h e h e a d
,

of t h e m ilit a r y for c e of t h e e mpi r e ; a nd t h a t t h e i r only

r e m a i ni ng a l t e r na t iv e w a s e i t h e r t o m e e t h i m b ra v e ly

i n t h e fi e ld or t a m e ly t o e xp e c t t h e t ort u r e s a nd
,

ig nom i ni ou s d e a t h r e se rv e d for u nsucc e ssful r e b e lli on .

We h a v e l ost c ont i nu e d h e t w o e xc e ll e nt p ri nc e s ;
”
, ,

b u t u nl e ss w e d e se r t ou r se lv e s t h e h op e s of t h e re pub ,

lic h a v e not p e ri sh e d wi t h t h e G or di a ns M a ny a re .

t h e se na t or s wh ose vi r t u e s h a v e de se rv e d a nd wh ose ,

a biliti e s w ould su st a i n t h e i m p e r i a l dig ni t y L et u s .

e l e c t t w o e m p e r or s one Of wh om m a y c onduct t h e w a r
,

a g a i nst t h e public e ne m y whil st h i s c oll e a gu e r e m a i ns ,

a t R om e t o di r e c t t h e civil a d m i ni st ra t i on I ch e e r fully .

e xp ose m y se lf t o t h e d a ng e r a nd e nvy of t h e nom i na

t i on a nd giv e m y v ot e i n fa v ou r of M a xi m u s a nd B a l
,

bi nu s R a t ify m y ch oic e c onsc rip t fa t h e r s or a p p oi nt

.
, ,
”
i n t h e i r pl a c e oth e r s m ore w or t hy of t h e e m pi re T he .

g e ne ra l a pp re h e nsi on sil e nc e d t h e whi sp e rs Of j e a l ou sy ;

t h e m e r i t of t h e c a ndid a t e s w a s u niv e rsa lly a ck now
le dg e d ; a nd t h e h ou se r e sou nd e d with t h e si nc e r e a c
cl a m a t i ons of L ong life a nd vic t or y t o t h e e m p e r ors
M a xi mu s a nd B a lb i nu s Y ou a re h a ppy i n t h e j udg e .

m e nt of t h e se na t e ; m a y t h e r e public b e h a ppy u nd e r
d ”
y ou r a d m i ni st ra t i on l
a nd i x m ont h
s S Comm nt s. p 193 Z o i mu l t (l i p
ee e th t
a r. . . s s re a e s, . . . a
t h t o G o di n p i h d by
e w r a t m p t i n t h m id t of t h i n vig t i on
s er s e a e es e s e r a a : a
t ng i g no nc of hi t o o t ng bu of m t ph o
‘
s ra e ra e s r r a s ra
y , e a se e a rs
1
S t h A ugu t n H i t o y p 1
ee e 66 f om t h
s a gi t of t h n t t h
s r , .
, r e re s e rs e se a e e
d t i c onf dly f ul ty b t t h c oi ncid nc of th A polli n i n g m
a e s e sse a , u e e e e ar a a es
e n bl
a to co
e s us ct it rre .
 OF THE R O MA N E MP IRE . 2 15

vi r t u e s a nd t h e r e pu t a t i on of t h e ne w e m p e ror s C H A P
T he .

VH
j u st ifi e d t h e m ost sa ngui ne h op e s of t h e R om a ns T h e .
'

v a ri ou s na t u r e of t h e i r t a l e nt s se e m e d t o a pp rop ri a t e Th i ch a e r

t o e a ch h i s p e culi a r d e p a r t m e nt of p e a c e a nd w a r
a m ‘ r e rs
,

wi t h ou t l e a vi ng r oom for j e a l ou s e m ul a t i on B a lbi nu s .

w a s a n a d m i re d ora t or a p oe t of di st i ngui sh e d fa m e , ,

a nd a wi se m a gi st ra t e w h o h a d e x e r ci se d wi t h i nnoc e nc e ,

a nd a ppl a u se t h e civil j u r i sdic t i on i n a l m ost a ll t h e

\

i nt e ri or p r ovi nc e s of t h e e m pi re H i s bi rt h w a s nobl e ‘ .
3
,

h i s for tu ne a fflu e nt h i s m a nne r s lib e r a l a nd a ffa bl e , .

In h i m t h e l ov e of pl e a su re w a s c orr e c t e d by a se nse
of dig ni t y nor h a d t h e h a bi t s of e a se d e p r iv e d h i m
,

of a c a p a ci t y for bu si ne ss T h e m i nd Of M a xi m u s w a s .

form e d i n a r ough e r m ould By h i s v a l ou r a nd a bili t i e s .

h e h a d ra i se d hi m se lf from t h e m e a ne st ori g i n t o t h e
fi rst e m pl oy m e nt s of t h e st a t e a nd a rm y H i s vic t ori e s .

ov e r t h e S a rm a t i a ns a nd t h e G e r m a ns t h e a u st e r i t y of ,

h i s life a nd t h e r igid i m p a r t i a li t y Of h i s j u st ic e whil st

,

h e w a s p re fe c t of t h e ci t y c om m a nd e d t h e e st e e m of a ,

p e opl e wh ose a ffe c t i ons w e re e ng a g e d i n fa v ou r of t h e

m ore a m i a bl e B a lb i nu s T h e t w o c oll e a gu e s h a d b ot h .

b e e n c onsul s (B a lbi nu s h a d twic e e nj oy e d t h a t h onou r

,

a bl e O ffi c e ) b ot h h a d b e e n na m e d a m ong t h e t w e nt y
,

li e u t e na nt s of th e se na t e ; a nd si nc e t h e one w a s six t y
f
a nd t h e ot h e r se v e nt y fou r y e a r s old t h e y h a d b ot h -
,

a t ta i ne d t h e full m a t u ri t y of a g e a nd e xp e r i e nc e .

A ft e r t h e se na t e h a d c onfe rre d on M a xi m u s a nd T m l t a t u u

R ome
B a lbi nu s a n e qu a l p or t i on of t h e c onsul a r a nd t ribu
°

ni t i a n p ow e r s t h e t i t l e O f fa t h e r s of th e i r c ou nt ry a nd
, ,

t h e j oi nt O ffic e of sup r e m e p ont i ff t h e y a sc e nd e d t o ,

H w
9 d c nd d f om C o n liu B lb a nobl Sp ni d nd t h
e as es e e r r e s a u s, e a ar , a e
a d op t d on of Th oph ne t h G k hi to i n B lb obt i n d t h f
e s e a s e re e s r a . a us a e e re e

dom of R om by t h f v ou of P om p y e nd p
e v d i t by t h l oqu nc
a r e , a re se r e e e e e
of C ic o er O t p o C o n l B lb o Th f i nd hip O f C
se e ra . r r
( t o wh
e om. a . e r e s ae sa r

b e rend d t h m o t i mp o t nt c t vic i n t h civil w ) i d hi m

e re e s r a se re se r es e ar ra se

to th c on ul hip nd t h p ont ifi c t h onou n v y t p o

e s s a e d by a e, rs e er e sse sse a
t ng
s ra Th n ph w of t hi B lb
er. e e t iu m ph d ov
e th G m nt s a us r e er e a ra a e s.

S eeD i c t i onn i d B yl m ot B lb
a re e wh h di t i ngui h t h
a e, a u a u s, e re e s s es e se

v l p e on of t h t n m nd ct ifi wi t h h i u u l ccu cy t h mi
e ra rs s a a e, a re es, s s a a ra , e s
t k a of fo m
es w i t c onc ni ng t h m
r er r e rs er e .

Z on 1 xii p 62 2
e ra s, B t li t t l d p nd nc
. . .
t o b h d on t h
. u e e e e e is e a e au
t h o i ty of
r m od n G ak o g o ly ig no nt of t h hi to y of t h t hi d
er re e , s r ss ra e s r e r

c nt u y t h t h c t
e r , a v l i m gi n y em p o nd c onfou nd t h o e
e re a e s se e ra a ai e r rs, a s s
w ho lly xi t d
re a e s e .
2 16 THE D E C LIN E A N D F A L L
t he c a pit ol u r n t h a nk s t o t h e g od s p rot e ct ors of
, to re t ,

R ome g T h e sol e m n ri t e s of sa c r ific e w e re di st u rb e d

.

by a se di t i on of t h e p e opl e T h e lic e nt i ou s m ul t i t ud e .

ne i t h e r l ov e d t h e r igid M a xi m u s nor did t h e y su ffi ,

cie ntly fe a r t h e m il d a nd hu m a ne B a l bi nu s Th e i r
i nc r e a si ng nu m b e r s su rr ou nd e d t h e t e m
.

pl e Of J upi t e r ;
wi t h ob st i na t e cl a m ou rs t h e y a sse r t e d t h e i r i nh e r e nt
r igh t Of c onse nt i ng t o t h e e l e c t i on Of t h e i r sov e r e ig n ;

a nd d e m a nd e d wi t h a n a pp a re nt m od e ra t i on t h a t
, , ,

b e sid e s t h e t w o e m p e ror s ch ose n by t h e se na t e a t hi r d ,

sh ou ld b e a dd e d of t h e fa m ily of t h e G ordi a ns
/
as a ,

j u st r e t u r n Of g rat i t ud e t o t h ose p ri nc e s w h o h a d sa
cr i fi ce d t h e i r liv e s for t h e r e public A t t h e h e a d of .

t h e ci t y gu a r d s a nd t h e y ou t h of t h e e qu e st ri a n or d e r
, ,

M a xi m u s a nd B a l bi nu s a tt e m p t e d t o cu t t h e i r w a y
t h r ough t h e se di t i ou s m ul t i t ud e T h e m ul t i t ud e a rm e d .
,

wi t h st ick s a nd st one s d r ov e t h e m b a ck i nt o t h e ca ,

pi t ol It i s p r ud e nt t o yi e ld wh e n t h e c ont e st wh a t
.
,

e ve r ma y be t h e i ssu e of i t m u st b e fa t a l t o b ot h ,

p a r t i e s A b oy only t hi r t e e n y e a r s of a g e t h e g ra nd
.
,

son of t h e e ld e r a nd ne ph e w of t h e y ou ng e r G or di a n
, ,

w a s p r oduc e d t o t h e p e opl e i nv e st e d wi t h t h e orna ,

m e nt s a nd t i t l e of C ae sa r T h e t u m ul t w a s a pp e a se d .

by t hi s e a sy c ond e sc e nsi on ; a nd t h e t w o e m p e r ors a s ,

soon a s t h e y h a d b e e n p e a c e a bly a ck nowl e dg e d i n

R om e p re p a re d t o d e fe nd I t a ly a g a i nst t h e c om m on
,

e ne m y .

Whil st i n R ome a nd A fric a r e v olu t i ons succ e e d e d

e a ch ot h e r wi t h such a m a zi ng ra pidi t y t h e m i nd of ,

M a xi m i n w a s a gi t a t e d by t h e m ost fu ri ou s p a ssi ons .

H e i s sa id t o h a v e r e c e iv e d t h e ne w s of t h e r e b e lli on
Of t h e G ordi a ns a nd of th e d e c r e e Of th e se na t e a g a i nst
,

h i m not wi t h t h e t e m p e r of a m a n b u t t h e r a g e of
, ,

a wild b e a st ; which a s i t c ould not di sch a rg e i t se lf

,

on t h e di st a nt se na t e t h r e a t e ne d t h e life Of h i s son , ,

of h i s fri e nd s a nd of a ll w h o v e nt u r e d t o a pp r oa ch h i s
,

s H
di n le ro p 2 56 upp o t h a t t he ena te w t fi t c onv ok d
a , . Vi i . .
, s se s s as a rs e
in t h c pi tol
e nd i v
a y e l oqu e nt on t he occ i on The A ugu t a n Hi t o y
, a s er as . s s r ,

p 116 m much mo e a u t h nt ic
.
, se e s r e .
 . OF THE R O MA N E MP IR E . 217

p e rson T h e g ra t e ful i nte llig e nc e of th e d e a t h of th e

.

G ordi a ns w a s quickly foll ow e d by t h e a ssu ra nc e t h a t

,

“
t h e se na t e l a yi ng a sid e a ll h op e s of p a r d on or a ccom
,

m oda t i on h a d sub stitu t e d i n th e i r r oom t w o e m p e ror s

, ,

wi t h wh ose m e ri t h e c ould not b e u na cqu a i nt e d R e .

v e ng e w a s t h e only c onsol a ti on l e ft t o M a xi m i n a nd ,

r e v e ng e c ould only b e obt a i ne d by a rm s T h e st r e ng t h .

of t h e l e gi ons h a d b e e n a sse m bl e d by A l e x a nd e r from

a ll p a r t s of t h e e m pi r e Th re e succ e ssful c a m p a ig ns .

a g a i nst t h e G e r m a n s a nd t h e S a r m a t i a ns h a d r a i se d ,

t h e i r fa m e c onfi rm e d t h e i r di scipli ne ,
a nd e v e n i n ,

c re a se d t h e i r nu m b e rs by filli ng t h e r a nk s wi t h t h e ,
-

fl ow e r of t h e b a rb a ri a n y ou t h T h e life of M a xi m i n .

h a d b e e n sp e nt i n w a r ; a nd t h e c a ndid se v e r i t y of h i s
t or y c a nnot r e fu se h i m t h e v a l ou r of a soldi e r or e v e n ,

t h e a bili t i e s of a n e xp e r i e nc e d g e ne r a l I t m igh t .

na t u r a lly b e e xp e c t e d t h a t a p r i nc e of such a ch a ,

ra c t e r i nst e a d of su ffe r i ng t h e r e b e lli on t o g a i n st a

,

b il i t y by d e l a y sh ould i m m e di a t e ly h a v e m a r ch e d fr om
,

t h e b a nk s of t h e D a nub e t o t h ose of t h e Tib e r ; a nd

t h a t h i s vic t or i ou s a r m y i nst ig a t e d by c ont e m p t for ,

t h e se na t e a nd e a g e r t o g a t h e r t h e sp oil s Of It a ly
, ,

sh ould h a v e bu rne d wi t h i m p a t i e nc e t o fi ni sh t h e e a sy

a nd luc ra t iv e c onqu e st Y e t a s fa r a s w e ca n t r u st .

i
t o t h e Ob scu re ch ronol ogy of t h a t p e ri od i t a pp e a r s ,

t h a t t h e Op e r a t i ons of som e fore ig n w a r de fe r r e d t h e

I t a li a n e xp e di ti on t ill t h e e nsui ng sp ri ng F r om t h e ,
.

p r ud e nt c onduc t of M a xi m i n w e m a y l e a rn t h a t t h e
h H e odi a n l vn p 2 49 a nd i n t he A ugu t a n Hi t o y w e h v e t h ee
In r , . . .
, s s r , a r

s eve l o t i on of M xi m i n t o hi rmy on t he b ll i on of A f i c a a nd
ra ra s a s a , re e r

R om M de Ti lle mont h a v y j u t ly O b e v d t h t t h e y n i t h e g ee
e. . s er s s r e , a e r a r

W i t h e ch ot h no wi t h t u t h H i toi de E m p e u t om i i i p 799
a e r, r r . s re s er rs, . . . .

i Th e c a l e ne of t he w i t of t h a t g l v es i n i ngul pe
re ss ss r e rs a e ea us a s ar r

p l xi
e t y 1 W. k no w.t h a t M xi
e m u a n d B l b i n w kill e d du i
a ng t h s a us e re r e

c a pi t oli ne g mes H odi a n lib vi i i p 2 85 The u t h o i ty of C e n o i

a er . . a r s r

N
. . .
,

n us
( d D e t a li c
ie e n a
a bl es t
, o fix t.h o g m wi t h c e t i n t y t o us se a es r a
t he y e 2 38 b t l e a v e
ar , i n ig no nc e of t h e m ont h o da y
u s us 2 Th e l c ra r . . e e

t i on of G o di a n by t h e r na t e i fix e d wi t h qu l c t a i nty t o t h t w nt y
se s , e a er , e e
s e v nt h of M
e b t we a a t a lo t o di c ov
u wh et h
a re i t w a i n th m ss s er er s e sa e
y
o thr p e c d i ng y e
e r e Til l m ont nd M u a t o i w ho m a i nt a i n t he t w o
a r. e a r r ,

O ppo i te O pi ni on b i ng i nto t he fi ld a d esul to y t oop of u th o i ti con

s s, r e r r a r e s,

j ct e nd p ob bili t i
e ur s, a Th one ee m t o d a w o t t h e oth
r a e s. t o c ont c t
e s s r u , er ra

th e i of e v nt s b t w e e n t h o e p i od m ore t h n ca n be w ll e c on
se r e s e , e s er s, a e r

cil e d to on nd hi to y Ye t i t i ne c essa y t o ch oo e b t w e en th em
re a s a s r . s r s e .
2 18 THE D E C L I N E A N D FA L L
sa v a g e fe a t u re s of h i s ch a ra c t e r h a v e b e e n e x a gg e ra t e d
by t h e p e ncil of p a r t y ; t h a t h i s p a ssi ons h ow e v e r i m ,

p e t u ou s s ub m i tt,e d t o t h e f or c e of re a son ; a nd t h a t

t h e b a rb a ri a n p osse sse d som e t hi ng of t h e g e ne r ou s sp i

r i t of Syll a w h o subdu e d t h e e ne m i e s Of R om e b e fore

,

k
h e su ffe re d hi mse lf t o re v e ng e h i s p riv a t e i nj u ri e s .

Wh e n t h e t roop s of M a xi m i n a dv a nci ng i n e xc e ll e nt ,

or de r a rr iv e d a t t h e foot of t h e J ul i a n A lp s t h e y w e re
, ,

t e r r ifi e d by t h e sil e nc e a nd d e sol a t i on t h a t re ig ne d on
t h e fr ont i e rs of I t a ly T h e vill a g e s a nd op e n t ow ns .

h a d b e e n a b a nd one d on t h e i r a pp roa ch by t h e i n
h a bi t a nt s t h e c a t t l e w a s d riv e n a w a y t h e p rovi si ons
, ,

r e m ov e d or d e st r oy e d t h e b r idg e s b r ok e n d ow n nor , ,

w a s a ny t hi ng l e ft which c ould a ffor d e i t h e r sh e l t e r

or sub si st e nc e t o a n i nv a d e r Such h a d b e en th e wi se .
.

or d e r s of t h e g e ne ra l s of t h e se na t e ; wh ose d e sig n w a s

t o p r ot ra c t t h e w a r t o r ui n t h e a rm y of M a xi m i n by ,
‘
t h e sl ow Op e ra t i on of fa mi ne a nd t o c onsu m e h i s ,

st re ng t h i n t h e si e g e s Of t h e p r i ncip a l ci t i e s Of I t a ly ,

whic h t h e y h a d pl e nt ifully st ore d wi t h m e n a nd p r o

vi si ons from t h e d e se r t e d c ou nt ry A quil e i a r e c e iv e d .

a nd wi t h st ood t h e fi r st sh ock of t h e i nv a si on T he .

s t re a m s t h a t i ssu e fr om t h e h e a d of t h e A d ri a t ic gulf ,

l
sw e ll e d by t h e m e l t i ng of t h e wi nt e r snow s opp ose d ,

a n u ne xp e c t e d Ob st a cl e t o t h e a r m s of M a xi m i n At .

l e ng th on a si ngul a r b ridg e c onst ruc t e d wi t h a r t a nd

, ,

di fficul t y Of l a r ge h og sh e a d s h e t ra nsp or t e d h i s a rm y
, ,
,

t o t h e Opp osi t e b a nk r oot e d up t h e b e a u t iful vi ne y a r d s ,

i n t h e ne ighb ou rh ood of A quil e i a d e m oli sh e d t h e ,

1‘V ll i P te c l 1 c 2 4 Th p id nt d M ont qui u i n

e e us a r u u s, . ii . . . e re s e e es e ,

h i di l ogu b t w n Syll
s a e nd E c t
e xp e t h nt i m nt of t h
ee a a u ra es, e re s s s e se e s e
d i c t t o n pi i t d nd v n ubli m m nn
a r i a s r e a e e a s e a e r.
1 Mu t o i (A nn li d I t l i
ra r t om ii p t hi nk t h
a m l t i ng of t h
’
a a, . . . s e e e

s now ui t b tt wi t h t h m ont h of J u n o J uly t h n wi t h t h o of F

s s s e er e s e r , a se e

b rua r
y T h O
. pi ni on of m
e n w ho p d hi l i f b tw n t h a
e A lp nd t h
a a sse s e e ee s a e

A p nni n i u nd oub t dly of g t w igh t y t I ob v 1 Th t t h l ong

e e s, s e re a e e se r e , . a e
W i nt of which Mu t o i t k dv nt g i t o b fou nd only i n t h L t i n
e r, ra r a es a a a e, s e e a

v i on nd not i n t h G k t x t of H od i n 2 Th t t h vici i t ud of
e rs , a e re e e er a . . a e ss e

s u n nd i n t o which t h oldi of M xi m i n w
s a ra s, xp o d ( H odi n
e s e rs a e re e se , er a ,

1 viii p
. . d not t h p i ng t h t h n t h u mm
. e es W m y h
e s r ra er a e s er . e a O

e v l i k wi
s r e t h t th
e v l t m
se , t h y m l t d i nt o on
a e se se c om p o d
e ra s re a s, a s e e e e, se

t h Ti m v
e o p o t ic lly ( i n v y
a u s, s n of t h w o d ) d c i b d by V i gil
e a e er se se e r es r e r .

Th y e b ou t t w lv m il t o t he t of A quil i S C luv I t l i
a re a e e es ea s e a. ee e r. a a

A nti qu tom i p 189 tc a, . . .

, e .
 O F T H E R OMA N E MP IRE . 2 19

s ubu rb s , a nd e m
pl oy e d th e ti m b e r of t h e buildi ng s C H A P .

i n t h e e ngi ne s a nd t ow e r s with which on e v e r y sid e V H‘

h e a t t a ck e d t h e ci t y T h e w a ll s fa ll e n t o d e c a y du r i ng
.
,

t h e se cu r ity of a l ong p e a c e h a d b e e n h a st ily r e p a i r e d ,

on thi s sudd e n e m e r g ency ; b u t t h e fi rm e st d e fe nc e of

A quil e i a c onsi st e d i n t h e c onst a ncy Of t h e citiz e ns ; a ll

r a nk s of wh om i nst e a d Of b e i ng di sm a y e d w e re a ni
’

, ,

m a t e d by th e e x t r e m e d a ng e r a nd t h e i r k nowl e dg e of ,

t h e ty ra nt s u nre l e nt i ng t e m p e r
’
Th e i r c ou ra g e w a s .

supp or t e d a nd di re c t e d by C ri sp i nu s a nd Me nO li i lu s
p ,

t w o of t h e t went y li e u t e na nt s of t h e se na t e w h o wi t h , ,

a sm a ll b ody of r e gul a r t roop s h a d th r ow n th e m se lv e s ,

i nt o t h e b e si e g e d pl a c e T h e a rm y of M a xi m i n w a s .

r e pul se d i n r e p e a t e d a t t a ck s h i s m a chi ne s d e st r oy e d ,

by sh ow e r s of a r t ifici a l fi re ; a nd t h e g e ne rou s e nt h u
si a sm Of t h e A u i le i a ns w a s e x a l t e d i nt o a c onfid e nc e
q
of succ e ss by t h e Opi ni on t h a t B e le nu s t h e i r t u t e l a r
, ,

d e i t y c om b a t e d i n p e r son i n t h e d e fe nc e of h i s di s
,

m
t r e sse d w or shipp e r s
T h e e m p e r or M a xi m u s w h o h a d a dv a nc e d a s fa r a s C onduc t of
,
M m s a u
R a v e nna t o se cu re t h a t i m p or t a nt pl a c e a nd t o h a st e n
, ,
'

t h e m ili t a ry p re p a ra t i ons b e h e ld t h e e v e nt of t h e Wa r,

i n t h e m or e fa i t hful m i rror of r e a son a nd p olicy He .

w a s t oo se nsibl e t h a t a si ngl e t ow n c ould not r e si st t h e

p e rse v e r i ng e ffort s of a g re a t a r m y ; a nd h e d r e a d e d ,

l e st t h e e ne m y t i r e d wi t h t h e ob st i na t e r e si st a nc e of
,

A quil e i a sh ould on a sudd e n r e li nqui sh t h e fr ui tl e ss

,

si e g e a nd m a r ch di re c t ly t ow a r d s R om e
, T h e fa t e of .

t h e e m pi r e a nd t h e c a u se of fre e d om m u st t h e n b e
c om m i t t e d t o t h e ch a nc e of a b a t t l e ; a nd wh a t a rm s
c ould h e Opp ose t o th e v e t e ra n l e gi ons Of t h e Rhi ne
a nd D a nub e ? S om e t roop s ne wly l e vi e d a m ong t h e
g e ne r ou s b u t e ne rv a t e d y ou t h of I t a ly ; a nd a b ody of
G e rm a n a uxili a ri e s on wh ose fi rm ne ss i n t h e h ou r of
, ,

t ri a l, i t w a s d a ng e rou s t o d e p e nd In t h e m id st of .

t h e se j u st a l a rm s t h e st r ok e of d om e st ic c onspi ra cy
,

m H odi n 1 viii p 2 72
er a The C l t ic d i t y w upp o d t o b A poll o
e e as s se e
, . . . . ,

a nd c iv d u nd t h t n m th t h nk O f t h n t A t m pl w
re e e er a a e e a s e se a e. e e as

lik wi buil t t o V nu t h b ld i n h onou of t h w om n of A quil i a w ho

e se e s e a ,
r e e e ,

h a d giv e n up t h i h i t o m k
e r op
a r fo t h m ili ta y ngi n
a e r es r e r e e s.
 2 20 T HE DE C LIN E A N D F A L L
C H A P puni sh e d t h e c ri m e s
. M a xi m i n a nd d e liv e re d R ome
of ,
VII a nd t h e s na t fr o m t h e c a l a m i t i e s t h a t w ould su re ly
.

e e

h a v e a tt e nd e d t h e vic t ory of a n e nra g e d b a rb a r i a n .

M u d of h f
T e p e opl e o A quil e i h d‘ sc a rcel e xp e r i e nc e d
r er a a
y
M xi mi n
a
a ny of t h e c om m on m i se r i e s of a si e g e ; t h e i r m a g a zi ne s
a nd hi s son .

w e r e pl e nt ifully suppli e d a nd se v e ra l fou nt a i ns wi t hin ,

t h e w a ll s a ssu r e d t h e m of a n i ne xh a u st ibl e r e sou r c e of

fre sh w a t e r Th e soldi e rs of M a xi m i n w e re on t h e
.
,
.

c ont ra ry e xp ose d t o t h e i ncl e m e ncy of t h e se a son t h e

, ,

c ont a gi on of di se a se a nd t h e h orrors of fa m i ne T h e ,
.

op e n c ou nt r y w a s r ui ne d t h e r iv e r s fill e d wi t h t h e ,

sl a i n a nd p ollu t e d wi t h bl ood
, A spi ri t of d e sp a i r a nd .

di sa ffe c t i on b e ga n t o di ffu se i t se lf a m ong t h e t roop s ;

a nd a s t h e y w e r e c u t O ff fr om a ll i nt e llig e nc e t he y ,

e a sily b e li e v e d t h a t t h e wh ol e e m pi r e h a d e m b r a c e d

t h e c a u se of t h e se na t e a nd t h a t t h e y w e r e l e ft a s de , ,

v ot e d vic t i m s t o p e ri sh u nd e r t h e i m p r e g na bl e w a ll s of
,

A quile i a T h e fi e r c e t e m p e r of t h e t y r a nt w a s e xa s
.

e ra t e d by di sa pp oi nt m e nt s whic h h e i m pu t e d t o t h e
p ,

c ow a r dic e of h i s a r m y ; a nd h i s w a nt on a nd ill t i m e d -

c r u e l t y i nst e a d of st riki ng t e rror i nspi re d h a tre d a nd

, ,

A D 2 38
. . .
a j u st d e si r e of r e v e ng e A p a r t y of p r e t ori a n gu a rd s
.
,
A p ilr .

w h o t re m bl e d for t h e i r wiv e s a nd child re n i n t h e c a m p

Of A lb a ne a r R om e e x e cu t e d t h e se nt e nc e Of t h e
, ,

se na t e .M a xi m i n a b a nd one d by h i s gu a r d s w a s sl a i n
, ,

i n h i s t e nt wi t h h i s son (wh om h e h a d a ssoci a t e d t o

, ,

t h e h onou r s of t h e pu r pl e ) A nu l i nu s t h e p refe c t a nd , ,

t h e p r i ncip a l m i ni st e r s of h i s t y r a nny T h e sigh t of

t h e i r h e a d s b or ne on t h e p oi n t Of sp e a r s c onvi nc e d
, ,

t h e ci t iz e ns of A quil e i a t h a t t h e si e g e w a s a t a n e nd ; ,

t h e g a t e s of t h e ci t y w e r e t h r ow n Op e n a lib e r a l m a rk e t ,

w a s p r ovid e d for t h e hu ng r y t r oop s of M a xi m i n a nd ,

t h e wh ol e a rm y j oi ne d i n sol e m n p rot e st a t i ons of fi de li t y

t o t h e se na t e a nd t h e p e opl e of R om e a nd t o t h e i r ,

l a wful e m p e rors M a xi m u s a nd B a lbi nu s Such w a s . .

H odi a n l V i ii p 2 79 ; Hi t A ugu t p 146 Th du a t i on of

er , . . . s . s . . . e r

M a xi m i n ig n h s not b e n d fi ne d wi t h m uc h a ccu a cy xc p t by E u
’
s re a e e r , e e

t opi n w h o ll ow him t h e y
r s, a a nd f w d y 1 ix 1 W m a y d
s r e e a rs a e a s, . . . e e

p nd on t h i nt g i ty of th t ex t
e e et h e L a t i n o igi na l i ch e ck d by t h
r e , as r s e e
G e k v e i on of P a ni
re rs aa us .
 O F TH E R OMA N E MP IRE . 22 1

th e d e se r v e d fa t e of a b ru t a l sa v a g e d e st i t ut e a s h e C H A P , , .

VII
h a s g e ne ra lly b e e n r e p re se nt e d of e v e ry se nt i m e nt t h a t
’

di st ingui sh e s a civiliz e d or e v e n a hu m a n b e i ng T h e Hi po t a i t,
.
s r r .

b ody w a s sui t e d t o t h e soul Th e st a t u re of M a xi m i n .

e xc e e d e d t h e m e a su r e of e igh t fe e t ; a nd ci r cu m st a nc e s

a l m ost i nc r e dibl e a r e r e l a t e d of h i s m a t chl e ss st r e ng t h

a nd a pp e ti t e H a d h e liv e d i n a l e ss e nlight e ne d a g e ,

t ra di t i on a nd p oe t ry m igh t w e ll h a v e d e sc r ib e d h i m a s
one of t h ose m onst rou s gi a nt s wh ose sup e r na t u r a l ,

p ow e r w a s c onst a ntly e x e rt e d for t h e d e st ruc t i on of

m a nki nd .

I t i s e a si e r t o c onc e iv e t h a n t o d e sc r ib e t h e u niv e r sa l J oy of t h e

j o y o f t h e R om a n w o r ld o n t h e fa ll o f t h e t y r a n t t h e ,

ne w s of which i s sa id t o h a v e b e e n ca r ri e d i n fou r d a y s '

from A quil e i a t o R om e T h e r e t u r n of M a xi m u s w a s .

a t r iu m ph a l p r oc e ssi on h i s c oll e a gu e a nd y ou ng G or ,

di a n w e nt ou t t o m e e t hi m a nd t h e t h re e p ri nc e s m a d e ,

t h e i r e nt r y i nt o t h e c a pi t a l a tt e nd e d by t h e a m b a ssa ,

d or s of a l m ost a ll t h e ci t i e s of I t a ly sa lu t e d wi t h t h e ,
‘

S pl e ndid O ffe r i ng s of g ra t i t ud e a nd sup e rst i ti on a nd ,

r e c e iv e d wi t h t h e u nfe ig ne d a ccl a m a t i ons of t h e se na t e

a nd p e opl e w h o p e r su a d e d t h e m se l ve s t h a t a g old e n
,
’

a
g e w ould succ e e d t o a n a e of i r on P
g T h e c on duc t .

Of t h e t w o e m p e r ors c orre sp ond e d wi t h th e se e xp e c t a

t i ons .Th e y a d m i ni st e r e d j u stic e i n p e rson ; a nd t h e
r ig ou r of t h e one w a s t e m p e r e d by t h e ot h e r s c le
’

m e ncy T h e opp r e ssiv e t a x e s wi t h w hich M a xi m i n

.

h a d l oa d e d t h e r igh t s Of i nh e ri t a n c e a nd succ e ssi on

w e re r e p e a l e d or a t l e a st m od e ra t e d Di scipli ne w a s
, .

re viv e d a nd wi t h t h e a dvic e of t h e se na t e m a ny wi se
,

“
l a w s w e r e e na c t e d by t h e i r i m p e ri a l m i ni st e r s w h o e n ,

de a vou r e d t o re st or e a civil c onst i t u t i on on t h e r ui ns of

0
E igh t Rom a n fe e t hi d which a e e qu a l t o a b ov igh t E ng
a nd one t r , r e e

li h f t
s ee t he t w o m
, as ue to ch ot h e n t he p op o t ion of ni ne
e a s r s a re ea r i r r

hu nd e d a nd six ty e v e n t o on t h ou a nd S e G a v Di cou e on t h
r -s e s . e r es s
’
s rs e

Rom n foot We a e told t h a t M xi m i n c ould d i nk i n a d y n a m ph o a

a . r a r a a r ,

o b ou t v e n g ll on of wi ne a nd e t t hi ty o fo t y p ou nd of m e a t H
r a se a s , a r r r s . e

c ould m ov e l oa d e d w ggon b k a h o e l g wi t h hi fi t c u mbl e

a a ,
re a rs
’
s e s s , r

s t one i n hi h nd
s nd t e
s up sm ll t e by t he oot See hi life i n t he
a , a ar a r es r s. s

A ugu t n H i t o y
s a s r
P S e t he c ong tul to y l t t of C l a udiu J lia nu th e c onsul to the
.

e ra a r e er s u s ,

t w o emp o i n t h e A gu t n Hi t o y
e r rs, u s a s r .
2 22 TH E D E C LIN E A ND FA L L
m ilit a ry ty ra nny . Wh a t re w a rd m a y w e e xp e ct for
”
d e liv e ring R om e from a m onst e r w a s th e qu e st i on
?

a sk e d by M a xi m u s i n a m om e nt of fr e e d om a nd c onfi

d e nc e B a lbi nu s a nsw e re d i t wi t hou t h e si t a t i on T h e

.
,
”
l ov e of t h e se na t e of th e p e opl e a nd of a ll m a nki nd
, , .

”
Al a s ! re pli e d hi s m ore p e ne t ra t i ng c oll e a gu e a la s ! ,

I d re a d t h e h a t re d of t h e soldi e r s a nd t h e fa t a l e ffe c t s
‘
,

of t h e i r r e se nt m e nt l H i s a p p re h e nsi ons w e r e b u t
t oo w e ll j u st ifi e d by t h e e v e nt .

Whil st M a xi m u s w a s p r e p a ri ng t o d e fe nd I t a ly
a g a i nst th e c om m on foe B a l bi nu s w h o r e m a i ne d a t
, ,

R om e h a d b e e n e ng a g e d i n sc e ne s of bl ood a nd i n
, ,

t e st i ne di sc or d . Di st ru st a nd j e a l ou sy r e ig ne d i n t h e
se na t e a nd e v e n i n t h e t e m pl e s wh e r e t h e y a sse m bl e d ,

e v e r y se na t or c a r r i e d e i t h e r Op e n or c onc e a l e d a rm s .

In t h e m id st of t h e i r d e lib e ra t i ons t w o v e t e ra ns of t h e
,

gu a rd s a c t u a t e d e i t h e r by cu r i osi t y or a si ni st e r m ot iv e
, ,

a ud a ci ou sly t h r u st t h e m se lv e s i nt o t h e h ou se a nd a d ,

r a nc e d by d e g r e e s b e y ond t h e a lt a r of vic t ory G a l li .

c a nns a c onsul a r a nd M a zc e na s a p re t or i a n se na t or
, , , ,

vi e w e d wi t h i ndig na t i on t h e i r i nsol e nt i nt ru si on : d ra w
i ng t h e i r d a gg e rs t h e y l a id t h e spi e s for such t h e y
, ,

d e e m e d t h e m de a d a t t h e foot of t he a l t a r ; a nd t h e n
,

a dv a nci ng t o t h e d oor O f t h e se na t e i m p r ude nt ly e x ,

h ort e d t h e m ul t i t ud e t o m a ssa c r e t h e p r e t or i a ns a s ,

t h e se c r e t a dh e r e nt s of t h e t y ra nt Th ose w h o e sc a p e d
.

t h e fi rst fu r y of t h e t u m ul t t ook r e fug e i n t h e c a m p ,

which th e y d e fe nd e d wi t h sup e ri or a dv a nt a g e a g a i nst

t h e r e i t e ra t e d a t ta ck s O f t h e p e opl e a ssi st e d by th e ,

nu m e r ou s b a nd s of gl a di a t ors t h e p r op e r t y O f opul e nt
,

nobl e s . T h e civil w a r l a st e d m a ny d a y s wi t h i nfi nit e ,

l oss a nd c onfu si on on b ot h sid e s Wh e n t h e pip e s .

w e re b rok e n t h a t suppli e d t h e c a m p wi t h w a t e r t h e ,

p re t ori a ns w e re re duc e d t o i nt ol e ra bl e di st re ss ; b u t i n
t h e i r t u r n th e y m a d e d e sp e ra t e sa lli e s i nt o t h e ci t y se t ,

fi re t o a g re a t nu mb e r of h ou se s a nd fill e d t h e st re e t s
,

wi t h t h e bl ood of th e i nh a bi t a nt s T h e e mp e ror B a l .

bi nns a t t e m p t e d by i ne ffe c tu a l e dict s a nd p re c a r i ou s

,

q Hi t A ugu t
s .
p l 7 1
s . . .
 O F T HE R O MA N E MP IRE . 2 23

t r uc e s, t o c oncile t h e fa c t i ons a t R om e B ut t h e i r C H A P
re . .

VH ‘
a ni m osi t y t h oug h sm ot h e re d for a whil e bu r nt wi t h
, ,

r e d oubl e d vi ol e nc e T h e soldi e rs d e t e st i ng t h e se na t e
.
,

a nd t h e p e opl e d e spi se d t h e w e a k ne ss of a p ri nc e w h o
,

w a nt e d e i th e r t h e S pi ri t or t h e p ow e r t o c omm a nd t h e
Ob e di e nc e of h i s subj e c t s
A ft e r th e t y r a nt s d e a t h h i s form id a bl e a rm y h a d Di c ont nt
’

,
s e

a ck nowl e d g e d from ne c e ssi t y ra t h e r t h a n from ch oic e

, ,

t h e a u t h or i t y of M a xi m u s w h o t ra nsp or t e d h i m se lf ,

w i t h ou t d e l a y t o t h e c a m p b e fore A quil e i a A s soon .

a s h e h a d r e c e iv e d t h e i r oa t h Of fid e li t y h e a d d r e sse d ,

t h e m i n t e r m s full O f m ild ne ss a nd m od e r a t i on ; la
m e nt e d r a t h e r t h a n a r ra ig ne d t h e wild di sord e rs Of
, ,

t h e t i m e s a nd a ssu r e d t h e soldi e r s t h a t of a ll t h e i r
, ,

p a st c onduct t h e se na te w ould r e m e m b e r only th e i r

,

g e ne r ou s d e se rt i on of t h e ty ra nt a nd t h e i r v olu nt a r y ,

r e t u r n t o t h e i r du t y M a xi m u s e nfor c e d h i s e xh ort a .
~

t i on s by a lib e r a l d ona t iv e pu rifi e d t h e c a m p by a so ,

l e m n sa c r ific e of e xpi a t i on a nd t h e n di sm i sse d th e ,

l e gi ons t o t h e i r se v e ra l p rovi nc e s i m p re ssed a s h e , ,

h op e d wi t h a liv e ly se nse of g ra t i t ud e a nd ob e di e nc e
,
’
.

B u t nothi ng c ould re c oncil e t h e h a ugh t y S pi ri t of t h e

p r e t ori a ns Th e y a t t e nd e d t h e e m p e r or s on t h e m e
.

m ora b le da y of t h e i r public e nt ry i nt o R ome ; b u t

a m i d st t h e g e ne r a l a ccl a m a t i ons t h e sull e n d ej e c t e d ,

c ou nt e na nc e of t h e gu a r d s su ffici e nt ly d e cl a r e d t h a t
th e y c onsid e re d t h e m se lv e s a s t h e obj e c t ra t h e r t h a n ,

t h e p a r t ne r s of t h e t r iu m ph Wh e n th e wh ol e b ody .

w a s u ni t e d i n t h e i r c a m p th ose w h o h a d se r v e d u nd e r ,

M a xim i n a nd t h ose w h o h a d r e m a i ne d a t R om e i n
, ,

se nsibly c omm u nic a t e d t o e a ch ot h e r t h e i r c om pl a i nt s

a nd a pp r e h e nsi ons T h e e m p e r or s ch ose n by t h e a rm y

.

ha d p e r i sh e d wi t h ig nom i ny ; t h ose e l e c t e d by t h e se n
a t e w e re se a t e d on t h e t h r one
‘ T h e l ong di sc or d b e .

t w e e n t h e civil a nd m ili ta ry p ow e r s w a s d e cid e d by a

w a r i n which t h e form e r h a d ob t a i ne d a c om pl e t e vic
,

H di n 1 viii p 2 58
e ro a , . . . .
5
Ibid p 2 13 . . .

t
Th O b e v t i on h d b e e n m a de i mp ud e ntly
e s r a a r e nough i n t h ccl me a a a

t i ons of t h e e n t e ; nd wi t h
s eg a d t o t h
a oldi e
a r r e s rs, it c i e d t he a ppea
a rr r

a nc eof a w nt on i n ul t
a Hi t A ugu t p 170 s . s . s . . .
 22 4 THE DE C LIN E A N D F A L L
C HA P . t ory . Th e ldi e rs m u st now
l e a r n a ne w d oc tr i ne Of
so
V II .

sub m i ssi on t o t h e se na t e ; a nd wh a t e v e r cl e m e ncy w a s

a ffe c t e d by t h a t p oli t ic a sse m bly t h e y d r e a d ed a sl ow ,

r e v e ng e c ol ou r e d by t h e na m e of di scipli ne a nd j u st i
, ,

fi e d by fa i r p r e t e nc e s of t h e public g ood Bu t t h e i r .

fa t e w a s st ill i n t h e i r ow n h a nd s ; a nd if t h e y h a d cou
ra g e t o d e spi se t h e v a i n t e rr or s of a n i m p ot e nt r e public ,

i t w a s e a sy t o c onvi nc e t h e w or ld t h a t t h ose w h o w e r e ,

m a st e rs of t h e a r m s w e r e m a st e rs of t h e a u t h ori t y of
,

t h e st a t e .

M c e of Wh e n t h e se na t e e l e c t e d t w o p ri nc e s i t i s p rob a bl e
a ssa r

“
,
M xi m u
a s
t h a t b e sid e s t h e d e cl a r e d re a son of p rovidi ng for t h e
and B lbi a ,

n us. v a ri ou s e m e r g e nci e s of p e a c e a nd w a r t h e y w e re a c ,

t u a t e d by t h e se c r e t d e si r e of w e a k e ni ng by l lSIOIl
t h e d e sp ot i sm of t h e sup r e m e m a gi st r a t e Th e i r p olicy .

w a s e ffe c t u a l ; bu t i t p r ov e d fa t a l b ot h t o t h e i r e m p e r or s

a nd t o t h e m se lv e s T h e j e a l ou sy of p ow e r w a s soon
.

e x a sp e r a t e d by t h e di ffe re nc e Of ch a r a c t e r M a xi m u s .

d e spi se d B a lb i nu s a s a luxu ri ou s nobl e a nd w a s i n h i s ,

t u rn di sd a i ne d by h i s c oll e a gu e a s a n Ob scu r e soldi e r .

Th e i r sil e nt di sc or d w a s u nde rst ood r a t h e r t h a n se e n ;

bu t t h e m u t u a l c onsci ou sne ss p re v e nt e d t h e m fr om
u ni t i ng i n a ny vig orou s m e a su re s of d e fe nc e a g a i nst
t h e i r c om m on e ne m i e s of t h e p re t or i a n c a m p T he .

wh ol e ci ty w a s e m pl oy e d i n t h e c a pi t oli ne g a me s a nd ,

A D 2 38 t h e e m p e r or s w e re l e ft a l m ost a l one i n t h e p a l a c e O n
. . . .

J uly 15 a sudd e n t h e y w e re a l a rm e d by t h e a pp roa ch of a t r oop

.

’
of d e sp e ra t e a ssa ssi ns Ig nora nt of e a ch ot h e r s si t u a .

t i on or d e sig ns for t h e y a l re a dy occupi e d v e r y di st a nt

,

a p a r t m e nt s a fra id t o giv e or t o re c e iv e a ssi st a nc e

, th e y ,

w a st e d t h e i m p or t a nt m om e nt s i n idl e d e b a t e s a nd
fr u i t l e ss re c r im i na t i ons T h e a r riv a l of t h e gu a r d s p u t .

a n e nd t o t h e v a i n st rife Th e y se iz e d on t h e se e m .

p e r or s O f t h e se na t e for such t h e y c a ll e d t h e m wi t h ,

m alici ou s c ont e m p t st ripp e d t h e m of t h e i r g a rm e nt s , ,

a nd d ra gg e d t h e m i n i nsol e nt t r iu m ph t h rough t h e

‘Di c o di
1
s r a ta ci t t qu i nt llig e nt p ot i n q u m
as, e ae e er ur s a v ide re nt ur . Hi st .

A ugu t p 170
s . . . T hi w e ll ch o e n exp si on i p ob a bly
s s re s s r l
st o e n f omr some

b tt w i t
e er r e r.
 O F THE R OMA N E MP IR E . 2 25

t
s re e t s R om e wi t h a d e sig n of i nflic t i ng a sl ow a nd C H A P
of , .

VH
c ru e l d e a t h on t he se u nfort una t e p ri nc e s T h e fe a r of .
'

a re scu e fr om t h e fa i t hful G e rm a ns Of t h e i m p e r i a l

gu a r d s sh or t e ne d t h e i r tor tu re s ; and t h e i r b odi e s

, ,

m a ngl e d wi t h a t h ou sa nd w ou nd s w e re l e ft e xp ose d t o ,

t h e i nsul t s or t o t h e pi t y of t h e p opul a c e
"
.

In t h e sp a c e of a fe w m ont h s si x p r i nc e s h a d b e e n Th t hi d ,
e r

cu t off by t h e sw ord G ordi a n w h o h a d a l re a dy r e ; $ .

32321: ,

ce i ve d t h e t i tl e Of C msa r w a s t h e only p e rson t h a t m p o ,

e er r

occu rr e d t o t h e soldi e r s a s p r op e r t o fill t h e v a c a nt

t h r one y Th e y c a rri e d h i m t o t h e c a m p a nd u na ni
.
,

m ou sly sa lu t e d h i m A ugu st u s a nd e m p e r or H i s na m e .

w a s d e a r t o t h e se na t e a nd p e opl e ; h i s t e nd e r a e ro
g p
m i se d a l ong i m pu ni t y of m ili t a r y lic e nc e ; a nd t h e su b
.

m i ssi on of R om e a nd t h e p r ovi nc e s t o t h e ch oic e O f t h e

p re t ori a n gu a rds sa v e d t h e r e public a t t h e e xp e nse , ,

i nd e e d of i t s fre e d om a nd dig ni t y from t h e h orr or s of ,

a ne w civil w a r i n t h e h e a r t of t h e c i al
z
a
p t .

A s t h e t hi r d G or di a n w a s only ni ne t e e n y e a rs of a g e I nnoc nc e e

a t t h e t i m e Of h i s d e a t h t h e hi st or y of h i s li fe w e re i t , ,

k now n t o u s wi t h g re a t e r a ccu r a cy t h a n i t r e a lly i s ,

w ould c ont a i n li t tl e m ore t h a n t h e a cc ou nt of h i s e du i

c a t i on a nd t h e condu ct of t h e m i ni st e rs w h o by t u rns
, ,

a bu se d or guid e d t h e si m plici t y of h i s u ne xp e r i e nc e d

y ou t h I m m e di a t e ly a ft er h i s a cc e ssi on h e fe ll i nt o
.
,

t h e h a nd s of h i s m ot h e r s e u nuch s
’
t h a t p e rnici ou s ,

v e rm i n of t h e e a st w h o si nc e t h e d a y s of El a g a b a lu s , , ,

h a d i nfe st e d t h e R om a n p a l a c e By t h e a r t ful con .

s i ra c Of t h e se w r e t ch e s a n i m p e ne t ra bl e v e il w a s
p y ,

dra w n be t w e e n a n i nnoc e nt p r i nc e a nd h i s Opp re sse d

subj e c t s t h e vi r t u ou s di sp osi t i on of G or di a n w a s de
,

x
H odi n 1 viii p 2 87 2 88
er a , . . .
, .

3 Q ui liu t in p nt i i th xp i on of t h A ugu t n
'

nona a s e ra raese , s e e re ss e s a

H i to y
s r
2
Q u i nt u C u t iu (l x cs r p y n l g nt c om pli m nt t o t h m
s . . . a s a e e a e e e

er ro of t h d fo h vi ng by h i h ppy cc i on x t i ngui h d o m ny e e a
p y e a , r a , s a a e ss , s s

fi b nd
re ra h t h d o m ny w o d nd p t n nd t o t h vil of d i
s, s e a e s a s r s, a u a e e e s a

vi d d g ov
e nm nt er A ft w ighi ng wi t h t t nt i on v y w o d of t h p
e . er e a e e er r e as

sa g I m of O pi ni on t h t i t ui t b t t wi t h t h l v t i on of G o di n
e, a , a s s e er e e e a r a ,

th n with
a ny ot h a pe iod of t h R om n hi t o y In t h t c
er r it m y e a s r . a a se , a

v t o d cid t h g O f Q ui nt u C u t iu Th o ho pl c h m u nd
se r e e e e a e s r s. se w a e i er

th fi t C
e rs gu f om t h pu i t y of hi t yl b t
ae sa rs, a r e r mb d by e r s s e, u a re e a rra sse
th il nc of Q ui nt i li n i n hi ccu t l i t of R om n hi to i n
e s e e a , s a ra e s a s r a s .

VO L I . . Q
 226 THE D E C LIN E A ND F A L L
CHAP . ce i ve d, h onou rs of t h e e m pi re sold with out h i s
a nd th e
VII
k nowl e dg e t h ough i n a v e ry public m a nne r t o t h e
'

, ,

m ost w or t hl e ss of m a nki nd W e a re ignora nt by wh a t .

for tu na t e a ccid e nt t h e e m p e r or e sc a p e d from t hi s i g no

m i ni ou s sl a v e r y a nd d e v olv e d h i s c onfid e nc e on a m i

“
,

ni st e r wh ose wi se c ou nse l s h a d no Obj e c t e xc e p t t h e

,

gl ory of h i s sov e re ig n a nd t h e h a ppi ne ss of t h e p e opl e ,

.

A d) 2 40 It sh ould se e m t h a t l ov e a nd l e a rni ng i nt r oduc e d M i si

.

t h e u s t o t h e fa v ou r of G or di a n T h e y ou ng p r i nc e .

the u so
m a rri e d t h e d a ugh t e r of h i s m a st e r O f r h e t or ic a nd ,

p rom ot e d h i s fa t h e r i n la w t o t h e fi r st offic e s of t h e - -

e m pi r e T w o a d m i ra bl e l e t t e r s t h a t p a sse d b e t w e e n
.

t h e m a r e st ill e x t a nt T h e m i ni st e r wi t h t h e c onsci ou s
.
,

dig ni t y of vi rt u e c ongra t ul a t e s G or di a n t h a t h e i s d e li
,

v e re d from t h e t y ra nny of t h e e u nuch s a nd still m ore ,

t h a t h e i s se nsibl e of h i s d e liv e ra nc e T h e e m p e r or .

a ck nowl e dg e s with a n a m i a bl e c onfu si on t h e e rr or s Of

, ,

h i s p a st c onduc t ; a nd l a m e nt s wi t h si ngul a r p r op r i e ty , ,

t h e m i sfor t u ne of a m ona r ch fr om wh om a v e na l t r ib e ,

of c ou r t i e rs p e r p e tu a lly l a b ou r t o c onc e a l th e t ru t h
b .

Th P
e i n
e rs a T h e life of Mi si th e u s h a d b e e n sp e nt i n t h e p r o
$3 3 2 42
f e ssi on of l e t t e rs not of a rm s ; y e t such w a s t h e ve r
.
,

sa t i le g e niu s of t h a t g re a t m a n t h a t wh e n h e w a s , ,

a pp oi n t e d p re t or i a n p re fe c t h e di sch a rg e d t h e m ili ,

t a r y du t i e s of h i s pl a c e wi t h vig ou r a nd a bili t y The .

P e r si a ns h a d ihva de d M e sop ot a m i a a nd t h re a te ne d ‘
,

A nt i och By t h e p e rsu a si on Of h i s fa t h e r i n la w t h e
.
- -
,

y ou ng e m p e r or qui t t e d t h e luxu ry of R om e Op e ne d , ,

for t h e l a st ti m e r e c or d e d i n hi st ory t h e t e m pl e of ,

J a nu s a nd m a r ch e d i n p e rson i nt o t h e e a st O n h i s
, .

a pp r oa ch wi t h a g r e a t a rm y t h e P e r si a ns wi thd r e w ,

t h e i r g a rr i sons from t h e ci t i e s which t h e y h a d a l r e a dy

t a k e n a nd r e t i r e d fr om t h e Euph ra t e s t o t h e Tig r i s
, .

G or di a n e nj oy e d t h e pl e a su re Of a nnou nci ng t o t h e
‘Hi t A ugu t p 161 F om om hi nt i n t h t w o l tte I h ould
1
s . s . . . r s e s e e rs, s

xp c t t h t t h nuch w not xp ll d th p l c wi t h ou t om d g e
e e a e eu s e re e e e e a a e s e e re

of g nt l vi ol e nc
e e nd t h t y ou ng G o di n
e, a th pp ov d of t h n con
a r a ra er a r e , a

nt d t o t h i di g
se e c
, e r s ra e.
1 D x
i t ux o m fi li m M i i th i qu e m c u a l oq nt i di gn m p
’
u re a s n e , a s e ue aa u a re
t l e a su a
p t vi t ; t p f c
u at m t t i m f ci t ; p o t qu od non pu il
e raa e u
j m ts a e s , er e a e
cont m pt i bi l vid b t
e i m p iume e a ur er .
 OF TH E R O MA N E MP IR E . 227

se na t e fi rst succ e ss of h i s a rm s which h e a sc rib e d C H A P

the , .

VH
wi t h a b e c om i ng mod e st y a nd g ra t itud e t o t h e wi sd om '

of h i s fa th e r a nd p r e fe c t Du r i ng t h e wh ol e e xp e di .

t i on Mi si t h e u s w a t ch e d ov e r t h e sa fe t y a nd di scipli ne
,

Of t h e a rm y ; whil st h e p re v e nt e d t h e i r d a ng e r ou s
m u r m u r s by m a i nt a i ni ng a r e gul a r pl e nt y i n t h e c a m p ,

a nd by e st a bli shi ng a m pl e m a g a zi ne s of vi ne g a r b a c on , ,

st ra w b a rl e y a nd wh e a t i n a ll t h e ci t i e s of t h e fr on
, , ,

t ier B u t t h e p rosp e ri t y of G ordi a n e xpir e d wi t h

Mi si t h e u s w h o di e d of a flux not with out v e ry st rong
, ,

su S p i c i ons of p oi son P hilip h i s succ e ssor i n th e p re A D 2 43 .

, . . .

fe c t u re w a s a n A r a b by bi r t h a nd c onse qu e ntly i n fla
,

t h e e a r li e r p a r t of h i s li fe a r obb e r by p rofe ssi on

g , ,

.
,

H i s r i se from so ob scu re a st a t i on t o t h e fi rst di g ni

t i e s O f t h e e m pi r e se e m s t o p r ov e th a t h e w a s a b old ,

a nd a bl e l e a d e r B u t h i s b old ne ss p rom pt e d h i m t o
.

a spi r e t o t h e t h r one a nd hi s a bili t i e s w e re e m pl oy e d ,

t o suppl a nt not t o se r v e h i s i ndulg e nt m a st e r

, T he .

m i nd s of t h e soldi e r s w e re i r ri t a t e d by a n a r tifici a l
sc a r ci t y c r e a t e d by h i s c ont r iv a nc e i n t h e c a m p ; a nd
,

t h e di st r e ss of t h e a rm y w a s a t t ribut e d t o t h e y ou t h
'

a nd i nc a p a ci t y of t h e p r i nc e It i s not i n ou r p ow e r M u d of . r er

t o t ra c e t h e succ e ssiv e st e p s of t h e se c r e t c onspi ra cy

$3234 .

a nd op e n se di t i on which w e r e a t l e ng t h fa t a l t o G or M c h
‘

,
ar .

di a n A se pu lch ra l m onu m e nt w a s e r e c t e d t o h i s m e
.

m ory on t h e sp ot d wh e r e h e w a s kill e d ne a r t h e con ,

flux of t h e Euph r a t e s wi t h t h e li t t l e r iv e r A bor a s e

.

T h e for t u na t e P hilip r a i se d t o t h e e m pi re by t h e ,

v ote s of t h e soldi e rs fou nd a re a dy ob e di e nc e fr om ,

th e se na t e a nd t h e p r ovi nc e s f .

Hi t A ugu t p 162 ; A u liu V ic t o ; Po phy iu n Vi t P l ot i n p

C
s . s . . re s r r r s i . a .

F b i ci m B bl i ot h G
a r u c 1 iv i 36 Th phil o oph
. P l oti nu c om
rae . . . e. . e s er s ae

p ani d t h
e m y p om ep t d by
ar t h l ov of k nowl dg nd by t h h op of
, r e e e e e, a e e
p n t t i ng f
e e ra I ndi as ar as a
d A b ou t t w nty m il f om t h li t tl t ow n of C i ce ium on t he f ont i
.

e es r e e r s , r er
of t h t w o mp i e
e e r s.

Th i n c ip t i on (which c ont i n d
8
e s r v e y i ngul p n) w d by a e a r s ar u a s e ra se
th o d e of L ici niu
r er w h o cl i m d om d g ofs, l t i on hip t o Philip a e s e e re e re a s ,

( Hi t A ugu t p
s . b t t h t u m ulu o m ou nd O f
s . . t h which fo m du e s, r ea r r e
th pulch
e se t i ll ub i t d i n t h t i m O f J uli n
re , s s S e A mm i n M c l
s s e e e a . e a . ar e
l i n xxiii 5
. . .

A liu V ic t o E nt op ix 2 O o iu n 2 0 ; A m mi nu M c elli
ure s r r . . r s s, v . a s ar
n u s.xx ii 5 ; Z i m u l i p 19 Phil i p w h o
1 . os n t iv of B o t
s, . . . . ,
w as a a e s ra , w as
a b ou t fo t y y of g
r e a rs a e.
 THE D E C LIN E A N D F A LL
We c a nnot forb e a r t ra nsc ribi ng t h e i ng e ni ou s t h ou gh ,

some wh a t fa nciful d e sc rip t i on which a c e l e b ra t e d w ri t e r ,

of ou r ow n t i m e s h a s t ra c e d of t h e m ili t a r y g ov e rnm e nt

of t h e R om a n e m pi re Wh a t i n t h a t a g e w a s c a ll e d .

t h e R om a n e mpi r e w a s only a n i rr e gul a r r e public not , ,

u nlik e t h e a ri st oc ra cy of Algi er s wh e re t h e m ili t i a

g
,

p osse sse d Of t h e sov e re ig nt y c re a t e s a nd d e p ose s a

, ,

m a gi st ra t e w h o i s styl e d a de y
, P e r h a p s i nd e e d i t .
, ,

m a y b e l a id d ow n a s a g e ne r a l r ul e t h a t a m ili t a ry ,

g ov e rnm e nt i s i n som e re sp e c t s m ore r e public a n t h a n

, ,

m ona r chic a l N or ca n i t be sa id t h a t t h e soldi e r s only

.

p a r t ook of t h e g ov e rnm e nt by t h e i r di sob e di e nc e a nd

r e b e lli ons T h e sp e e ch e s m a d e t o t h e m by t h e e m
.

e r or s w e r e t h e y not a t l e ng t h Of t h e sa m e na t u r e a s
p ,

t h ose for m e rly p r onou nc e d t o t h e p e opl e by t h e con

su l s a nd t h e t r ibu ne s
?
A nd a l t h ough t h e a rm i e s h a d
no re gul a r pl a c e or form s of a sse mbly ; t h ough t h e i r

d e b a t e s w e re sh or t t h e i r a c t i on sudd e n a nd t h e i r re , ,

solv e s se ld om t h e re sul t of c ool r e fl e c t i on ; did t h e y not

di sp ose wi t h a b solu e sw y o
,
t a f t h e public for t u ne ?
,

Wh a t w a s t h e e m p e r or e xc e p t t h e m i ni st e r of a vi o ,

l e nt g ov e rnm e nt e l e c t e d for t h e p riv a t e b e ne fi t of t h e

,

soldi e r s ?

Wh e n t h e a rm y h a d e l e c t e d P hilip w h o w a s p re ,

t or i a n p re fe c t t o t h e t hi r d G or di a n t h e l a t t e r de ,

m a nde d t h a t h e m igh t r e m a i n sol e e m p e ror ; h e w a s

u na bl e t o Ob t a in i t H e r e qu e st e d t h a t t h e p ow e r .

m igh t be e qu a lly divid e d b e t w e e n t h e m ; t h e a rm y

w ould not li ste n t o h i s sp e e ch H e c onse nt e d t o be .

'

d e g ra d e d t o t h e r a nk of C ae sa r ; t h e fa v ou r w a s r e
fu se d h i m H e d e si re d a t l e a st h e m igh t b e a p
.
, ,

p oint e d p re t ori a n p re fe ct ; h i s p ra y e r w a s r ej e c t e d .

Fi na lly h e pl e a d e d for h i s li fe T h e a rm y i n t h e se
, .
,

se v e r al j udg e m e nt s e x e r ci se d t h e sup r e m e m a gi st r a cy
”
, .

A cc or di ng t o t h e hi st or i a n wh ose d oubtfu l na r ra t iv e
8 C n th a pi th t of i toc cy b ppli d wi t h ny p op i t y t o th
e e e a r s ra e a e , a r r e , e
g ov nm nt of A lgi ? E v y m ili t y gov nm nt fl o t b t w n t he
er e e rs er ar er e a s e ee
e x t m O f b olu t m on chy nd wild d moc cy
re es a s e ar a e ra .

[ Th m il i t
I
y public of t h m m luk i n E gyp t w ould h v ffo d d
ar re e a e es
e a e a r e
M d Mont qui u (
. e C on i de t i on
es el G nd u
, se e t l D é c d enc s ra s sur a ra e r e a a e
d R om i n c
es a j u t nd mo nobl p a lle l
s, . a s er a re e ra .
 O F THE R O MA N E MP IR E .
‘
2 29

th e p re sid e nt D e M ont e squi e u h a s a d op t e d P hilip C H A P , ,

.

VH
w h o du r i ng t h e wh ol e t ra nsa cti on h a d p r e se r v e d a
'
’

sull e n sil e nc e w a s i ncli ne d t o sp a re t h e i nnoc e nt life

'

of h i s b e ne fa c t or ; t ill r e c oll e c t i ng th a t h i s i nnoc e nc e ,

m igh t e xci t e a d a ng e rou s c om p a ssi on i n t h e R om a n

w orld h e c omm a nd e d wi t h out r e g a r d t o h i s suppli a nt
, ,

c r i e s t h a t h e sh ould b e se iz e d st ript a nd le d a w a y t o
, , ,

i nst a nt d e a t h A ft e r a m ome nt s p a u se th e i nhu ma n

.
’

i
se nt e nc e w a s e x e cu t e d .

O n h i s r e t u rn fr om t h e e a st t o R om e P hilip de R ig n of
‘

, , e

si r ou s of obli t e ra t i ng t h e m e m or y of h i s c r i m e s a nd of
P hilip '

c a p t iv a t i ng t h e a ffe c t i ons of t h e p e opl e sol e mniz e d t h e ,

se cul a r g a m e s wi t h i nfi ni t e p om p a nd m a g nific e nc e .

Si nc e th e i r i nsti t u t i on or r e viv a l by A ugu stu s t h e y

h a d b e e n c e l e b ra t e d by C l a udiu s by D om i t i a n a nd , ,

by S e v e ru s a nd w e r e now re ne w e d t h e fift h t i m e on S cul

, , , e ar

t h e a cc om pli sh m e nt of t h e full p e r i od of a t h ou sa nd
g m a e s.
A D 2 48 . . .

y e a rs from t h e fou nd a ti on of R om e Ev e r y ci r cu m A p 12 1 . r1 .

‘
st a nc e Of t h e se cul a r g a m e s w a s skilfully a d a p t e d t o

i nspi re t h e sup e r st i t i ou s m i nd w i t h d e e p a nd sol e mn

1
r e v e r e nc e T h e l ong i nt e r v a l b e tw e e n t h e m e xc e e d e d
.

t h e t e rm of hu m a n life ; a nd a s none of t h e sp e c t a t ors

h a d a l re a dy se e n t h e m non e c ould fl a t t e r t h e m se lv e s ,

wi t h t h e e xp e c t a t i on of b e h oldi ng t h e m a se c ond t i me .

T h e m y st ic sa c rific e s w e r e p e r form e d d ur i ng t h re e ,

nigh t s on t h e b a nk s of t h e Tib e r ; a nd t h e C a m pu s
,

M a r t iu s re sou nd e d wi t h m u sic a nd d a nc e s a nd w a s ,

Th e1 A ugu t n Hi to y ( p 163 s a c nnot i n t hi i n t a nc b

s r , . , a , s s e, e re
concile d wi t h i t lf o wi t h p ob bili ty H W c ould P hili p c ond emn hi
se r r a . O s
p d c o nd y t c on c t hi m mo y ? How c ould he o d hi
re e e ss r, a e se ra e s e r r er s
public x cut i on nd y t i n hi l t t t o t h n t xculp t him lf
e e , a e , s e e rs e se a e, e a e se
f om t h guil t of hi d t h 3 P hilip t h ough a n mbi t i ou u u p w by
r e s ea
’

, a s s r e r, as
no m nea m d t y nt
s a Some ch onol ogic l di fficul t i h v lik wi b n
a ra . r a es a e e se ee
d i c ov d by t h nic y of Ti ll m ont nd M u to i i n t hi upp o d
s e re e e e es e a ra r , s s se
a ss oci t i on of P hilip t o t h
a m pi e e re .
k Th cc ou nt of t h l t upp o e d c l b t i on t h ough i n n nligh t n d
e a e as s s e e ra , a e e e
p i od of hi t o y w a o v y d oubt ful nd ob cu t h t t h l t n t iv e
er s r , s s er a s re , a e a er a
m not d oub t ful Wh n t h p h j ubil th copy of t h cul
g m w i nv nt d by B onif c tpj i gh t h t h c ft y p op p t nd d
se e s . e e O s e es, e e se ar
a e s, e re e e a e e e , e ra e re e e
h h only viv d n a nci nt i n t i t u t i on S M 1 C h i L t t l
SugiIé
a e re e a e s . ee . e a s, e re s su r es

s.

E i t h of n hu nd d o n hu nd d nd t n y e
er a re V o nd Livy
, r a re a e a rs. a rr a

a d op t d t h fo m opi ni on b t th i nf llibl e u t h o i ty of t he Sibyl c ou e

e e r er u e a a r s

c t d th l t t C n o i nu d D i N t l c 17 Th mp e o C l ud i u
,

ra e e a er . e s r s e e a a . . . e e r rs a s
a nd P hilip h ow v , did not t t t h o cl wi t h i mplici t p c t
e e r, re a e ra e re s e .
 TH E D E C LIN E A N D F A L L
illumi na t e d wi t h i nnu m e ra bl e l a mp s a ndt orch e s Sla v e s .

a nd st ra n e r s w e r e e xclud e d fr om a n p r t icip a t i on i n
g y a

t h e se na t i ona l c e re m oni e s A ch or u s of t w e nt y se v e n .
-

y ou th s a nd a s m a ny vi rgi ns of nobl e fa m ili e s a nd , ,

wh ose p a re nt s w e re b ot h a liv e i m pl ore d t h e p r opi t i ou s ,

g od s i n fa v ou r of t h e p re se nt a nd for t h e h op e of t h e ,

r i si ng g e ne ra t i on ; r e qu e st i ng i n r e ligi ou s hym ns t h a t , , ,

a cc or di ng t o t h e fa i t h of t h e i r a nci e nt or a cl e s t h ey ,

w ould st ill m a i nt a i n t h e vi rtu e t h e fe lici t y a nd t h e , ,

m
e m pi re of t h e R om a n p e opl e T h e m a g nific e nc e of .

P hilip s sh ow s a nd e nt e rt a i nme nt s d a zzl e d th e e y e s of

’

t h e m ul t itud e T h e d e v out w e re e m pl oy e d i n t h e
.

r i t e s of sup er sti t i on whil st t h e re fl e c t i ng fe w r e v olv e d

,

i n th e i r a nxi ou s m i nd s t h e p a st hi st ory a nd t h e futu re

fa t e of t h e e m pi re .

Si nc e R om ulu s wi t h a sm a ll b a nd of sh e ph e rd s a nd
,

ou t l a w s for t ifi e d hi m se lf on t h e hill s ne a r t h e Tib e r

, ,

t e n c e nt u r i e s h a d a l re a dy e l a pse d Du ri ng t h e fou r
fi rst a g e s t h e R om a ns i n t h e l a b ori ou s sch ool of p o
, ,

v e r t y h a d a cqui re d t h e vi r tu e s of w a r a nd g ov e rnm e nt
,

by t h e vig orou s e x e r t i on of t h ose vi r t u e s a nd by t h e ,

a ssi st a nc e of for t u ne t h e y h a d Ob t a i ne d i n t h e c ou r se
, ,

of t h e t h re e succ e e di ng c e nt u ri e s a n a b solu t e e m pi re ,

ov e r m a ny c ou nt r i e s of Eu r op e A si a a nd A fric a , , .

T h e l a st t h re e hu nd re d y e a r s h a d b e e n c onsu m e d i n
a pp a r e nt p r osp e r i t y a nd i nt e r na l d e cli ne T h e na t i on .

of soldi e rs m a gi st ra t e s a nd l e gi sl a t or s w h o c om p ose d
, , ,

t h e t h i ft y fi ve t r ib e s of t h e R om a n p e opl e w a s di s
-
,

solv e d i nt o t h e c om m on m a ss of m a nki nd a nd c on ,

fou nd e d wi t h t h e m illi ons Of se rvil e p rovi nci a l s w h o

h a d r e c e iv e d t h e na m e wi t h ou t a d op t i ng t h e S pi r i t ,

of R om a ns A m e rc e na r y a rm y l e vi e d a m ong t h e
.
,

subj e c t s a nd b a rb a r i a ns of t h e fr ont i e r w a s t h e only ,

or d e r of m e n w h o p re se r v e d a nd a bu se d t h e i r i nd e

m ide a O f t he e cul a g a m i b e t u nd t ood f om t he p oem of

The s r es s s e rs r
H o a c e a nd t h d c ip t i on of Z o i mu 1 ii p 167 t c
r , e es r s s, . . .
, e .

Th c iv d c lcul t i on of V o a i g n t o th fou nd t i on of R om e
e re e e a a a rr ss s e a
a n t h t co
e ra p ond wi t h t he v n hu nd d nd fi fty fou t h y ea b fo
a rre s s se e re a -
r r e re
Ch i t r s B t o l i t t l i t he ch onol ogy of Rom t o b d p nd e d on i n t h
. u s e s r e e e e e
mo a ly
re e g t h t si I a c N w ton h a b ough t t he a m e v e nt a low
r a e s, a r s a e s r s e s
a t h y ea 62 7
s e r .
 O F THE R OMA N E MP IRE . 2 31

p e nde nce. By th e i r tu m ultu a ry e l e c t i on a Sy r i a n a

, ,

G ot h or a n Ar a b w a s e x a l t e d t o t h e t h r one of R om e
, ,

a nd i nv e st e d wi t h d e sp otic p ow e r ov e r t h e c onqu e st s

a nd ov e r t h e c ou nt r y of t h e S c i p i os
.

T h e li m it s Of t h e R om a n e m pi r e still e xt e nd e d fr om
t h e W e st e r n oc e a n t o t h e Tig r i s a nd fr om m ou nt
,

A tl a s t o t h e Rhi ne a nd t h e D a nub e T O th e u ndi s

.

c e rni ng e y e of t h e vulg a r P hilip a pp e a re d a m ona rch

,

no l e ss p ow e r ful t h a n H a d ri a n or A ugu st u s h a d for

m e rly b e e n. T h e form w a s st ill t h e sa m e but t h e a ni

,

m a ti ng h e a l t h a nd vig ou r w e re fl e d . T h e i ndu st ry of
t h e p e opl e w a s di sc ou ra g e d a nd e xh a u st e d by a l ong
se r i e s of opp r e ssi on. T h e di scipli ne of t h e l e gi ons ,

which a l one ; a ft e r t h e e x t i ncti on of e v e r y oth er vi r

t u e h a d p r opp e d t h e g r e a t ne ss of t h e st a t e w a s cor
, ,

ru p t e d by t h e a m bi t i on or r e l a x e d by t h e w e a k ne ss of
,

t h e e m p e r ors. Th e st re ngth of t h e fronti e rs which ,

h a d a lw a y s c onsi st e d i n a rm s r a t h e r t h a n i n fort i fi ca
ti ons w a s i nse nsibly und e rm i ne d ; a nd t h e fa i re st p ro
,

vi nc e s w e re l e ft e xp ose d t o t h e ra p a ci ou sne ss or a m
bi t i on of t h e b a rb a r i a ns w h o soon di sc ov e re d t h e
,

d e cli ne of t h e R oma n e mpi re .

 C H AP TER V III .

OF THE S T A TE OF P E R S IA
A F TE R T H E RE S T O R A T I ON OF

THE M O N A R C H Y B Y A RT A X E R X E S
’

The
i
ba b r a

r a ns of t he
WHEN EV ER T a ci t u s i ndulg e s hi m se lf i n t h ose
e a st a nd of
b e a u t iful e pi sod e s i n which h e r e l a t e s som e d om e st ic
,

t he M i d) .
t ra nsa c t i on of t h e G e r m a ns or of t he P a r t hi a ns,h i s
p r i ncip a l Obj e c t i s t o r e li e v e t h e a t t e nt i on Of th e r e a d e r
from a u niform sc e ne of vic e a nd m i se ry F rom t h e .

r e ig n Of A u gu st u s t o t h e t i m e of A l e x a nd e r S e v e ru s
'

t h e e ne m i e s Of R om e w e re i n h e r b osom ; t h e t y ra nt s ,

a nd t h e soldi e r s ; a nd h e r p rosp e r i t y h a d a v e ry di s

t a nt a nd fe e bl e i nt e r e st i n t h e r e v olu t i ons t h a t m igh t

h a pp e n b e y ond th e Rhi ne a nd t h e Euph r a t e s But .

wh e n t h e m ili t a r y or d e r h a d l e v e ll e d i n wild a na r chy , ,

t h e p ow e r of t h e p r i nc e t h e l a w s Of t h e se na t e a nd, ,
‘
e v e n t h e di scipli ne of t h e c a m p ; t h e b a r b a r i a ns of t h e

nor t h a nd of t h e e a st w h o h a d l ong h ov e r e d on t h e
,

front i e r b oldly a t t a ck e d t h e p rovi nc e s of a d e cli ni ng

,

m ona r chy Th e i r v e x a t i ou s i nr oad s w e re ch a ng e d i nt o

.

form id a bl e i rr up t i ons ; a nd a ft e r a l ong vici ssi t ud e of ,

m u tu a l c a l a m i t i e s m a ny t rib e s of t h e vic t ori ou s i nv a d e rs

,

e st a bli sh e d t h e m se lv e s i n t h e p r ovi nc e s of t h e R om a n

e m pi r e . T o ob t a i n a cl e a re r k nowl e dg e of t h e se g r e a t
e v e nt s w e sh a ll e nd e a v ou r t o for m a p re vi ou s id e a of
,

t h e ch a r a c t e r for c e s a nd d e sig ns of t h ose na t i ons w h o

, ,

a v e ng e d t h e c a u se of H a nnib a l a nd M i t h r id a t e s .

In t h e m ore e a rly a g e s of t h e w orld whil st t h e ,

fore st s t h a t c ov e r e d Eu rop e a ffor d e d a r e t re a t t o a fe w

w a nd e ri ng sa va g e s t he i nh a bi t a nt s of A si a w e re a l
,

r e a dy c oll e c t e d i nt o p opul ou s ci t i e s a nd r e duc e d u nd e r ,

e x t e nsiv e e m pi r e s t h e se a t of t h e a r t s of luxu ry a nd
, , ,

of d e sp ot i sm T h e A ssy r i a ns r e ig ne d ov e r t h e e a st
.
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se r e s,

re
An an
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qu ot d by V lle i u P t e c l (l i c Oh
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st ,

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sa
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e

e s,
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re
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.

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.

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.

rs, r
s,

th cc i on of N i nu to t he d fe a t of A nt i ochu by th Roma n A t he
e a e ss s e s e s. s
 O F TH E R OMA N E MP IR E .

t ill t he Ni nu s a nd S e m i ra m i s d rop t from C H A P

c
s e p t re of .

V II I
t h e h a nd s of th e i r e ne r v a t e d succ e ssor s T h e Me d e s
'

a nd t h e B a byl oni a ns divid e d t h e i r p ow e r a nd w e r e ,

t h e m se lv e s sw a ll ow e d up i n t h e m ona r chy of t h e Pe r

si a ns wh ose a rm s c ould not b e c onfi ne d wi t hi n t h e

,

na rr ow li m i t s of A si a F oll ow e d a s i t i s sa id by t w o .
, ,

milli ons of me n Xe r x e s t h e d e sc e nd a nt of C y r u s i n
, , ,

v a d e d G re e c e Thi rt y t h ou sa nd soldi ers u nd e r t h e

.
,

c om m a nd Of Al e x a nd e r th e son of P hilip w h o w a s i n ,

t r u st e d by t h e G r e e k s wi t h t h e i r gl or y a nd r e v e ng e ,

w e re su ffici e nt t o subdu e P e rsi a T h e p ri nc e s of t h e .

h ou se of S el e ucu s u su r p e d a nd l ost t h e M a c e d oni a n

c om m a nd ov e r t h e e a st A b ou t t h e sa me t i m e t h a t .
, ,

by a n ig nom i ni ou s t re a t y t h e y re sig ne d t o t h e R om a ns ,

t he c ou nt ry on t hi s sid e m ou nt T a u ru s t h e y w e r e ,

d riv e n by t h e P a r thi a ns a n Ob scu re h ord e of Scy t hi a n ,

or igi n fr om a ll t h e p r ovi nc e s of U pp e r A si a
, The .

form id a bl e p ow e r of t h e P a rthi a ns which sp re a d from ,

I ndi a t o t h e front i e r s of Sy r i a w a s i n i t s t u rn subv e rte d ,

by A rdsh i r or A r t a x e rx e s ; t h e fou nd e r of a ne w dy
,

na st y which u nd e r t h e na m e of S a ssa nid e s g ov e rne d

, , ,

P e rsi a t ill t h e i nv a si on of t h e A ra b s Thi s g re a t re .

v olu t i on wh ose fa t a l i nflu e nc e w a s soon e xp e ri e nc e d

,

by t h e R om a ns h a pp e ne d i n t h e fou rt h y e a r of A l e x
,

a nd e r S e v e r u s t w o hu nd re d a nd tw e n t y si x y e a r s a ft e r
,
-

t h e ch r i st i a n e ra
b .

A r ta x e rx e s h a d se r v e d wi t h g re a t r e pu t a t i on i n t h e Th P i n
. e e rs a

a rm i e s of A r t a b a n t h e l a st ki ng of t h e P a rt hi a ns ; a nd i t
, $23??n 0

a pp e a r s t h a t h e w a s d r iv e n i nt o e xil e a nd r e b e lli on by A t x x r a er es

r oy a l i ng ra t i t ud e t h e cu st om a r y re w a r d for sup e r i or
,

m e ri t H i s bi r t h w a s Ob scu re ; a nd t h e ob scu ri t y
.

l a t t e of t h e e g ea t e v e nts h a pp ne d one hu nd e d a nd e igh t y ni n y e

r s r e r -
e a rs

b e fo C h i t t he fo m e m y be pl a c e d t w o t h ou a nd one h u nd d nd
re r s , r r a s re a
e igh ty fou y a b e fo t h a m e
- r e rs The a t onom i c a l O b
re e v t i on
s e ra . s r se r a s
fou nd t B a byl on by A l e x nd e w ent fift y y
a high e a r, e a rs r.
5 In t h
fi v hu nd d nd t hi t y e igh t h y e
e e of t he
re a of S e l e ucu
a r - ar er s.
S A g t hi
ee l i i p 63 Thi g e t e v nt ( uch i t he c l n s of t he
a a s, . . . . . s r a e s s a re e ss e s

o i e nt l ) i
r pl c d by E ty chi a high t he t e nt h y e of C ommodu
a s s a e u us s as ar s,
nd by M o e
a O f Cho n a low s t he e ig n of P hilip A mmi a nu M
s s re e, s a r . s ar
c lli ne ha o se vil ly c opi d xxiii
us s s r hi nci e nt m a t e i l
e wh i ch a
e s a r a s, re

i nd e d v e l g ood t h t h d e c ib s t h f mily of t he A a cid s a t ill

.

e r

e a t d on ty
, a e s r e e a rs e s s
s e e P i a n t h one i n t h m iddl of t he fou th c ntu y
e rs r e e r e r .
2 34 THE D E C LIN E A N D FA L L
e qu a lly g a v e room t o t h e a sp e rsi ons of h i s e ne m i e s ,

a nd t h e fl a t t e ry of hi s a dh e r e nt s If w e c re di t t h e .

sc a nd a l of t h e for m e r A r t a x e r x e s sp ra ng from t h e
,

ill e gi t i m a te c omm e rc e of a t a nne r s wife wi t h a c omm on ’

soldi e r T h e l a tt e r r e p r e se nt h i m a s d e sc e nd e d fr om
a b r a nch of t h e a nci e nt ki ng s of P e r si a t h ough t i m e ,

a nd m i sfort u ne h a d g ra du a lly re duc e d h i s a nc e st or s t o

t h e hu m bl e st a t i on of p r iv a t e ci t iz e ns
d A s t h e line a l .

h e i r of t h e m ona r chy h e a sse rt e d h i s righ t t o t h e ,

th r one a nd ch a lle ng e d t h e nobl e t a sk of d e liv e r i ng th e

,

P e rsi a ns fr om t h e opp re ssi on u nd e r which t h e y g r oa ne d

a b ov e fi ve c e nt u r i e s si nc e t h e d e a t h of D a r iu s T he .

P a r t hi a ns w e re d e fe a t e d i n th r e e g r e a t b a t t l e s In t h e .

l a st of th e se th e i r ki ng A rt a ba n w a s S l a i n a nd t h e ,

spi r i t of t h e na t i on w a s for e v e r b r ok e n T h e a u th o
r i t y of A r t a x e r x e s w a s sol e m nly a ck nowl e dg e d i n a

g re a t a sse m bly h e ld a t B a lch i n Kh ora sa n Tw o a

y ou ng e r b ra nch e s of t h e r oy a l h ou se of A rsa ce s w e re
c onfou nd e d a m ong t h e p rost r a t e sa tra p s A thi rd .
,

m ore m i ndful of a nci e nt g r a nd e u r t h a n of p r e se nt ne

ce ssi t y a t t e m p t e d t o r e t i re wi t h a nu m e r ou s t ra i n of
, ,

v a ssa l s t ow a rd s t h e i r ki nsm a n t h e ki ng of A rm e ni a ;
, ,

b u t t hi s li t t l e a rm y of d e se r t e rs w a s i nt e r c e p te d a nd ,

cu t O ff by t h e vigil a nc e of t h e c onqu e r or w h o b oldly

,

a ssu m e d t h e d oubl e di a d e m a nd t h e t i t l e of ki ng O f ,

ki ng s which h a d b e e n e nj oy e d by hi s p re d e c e ssor
, .

B u t t h e se p om p ou s ti tl e s i nst e a d Of g ra t ifyi ng t h e ,

v a ni t y Of t h e P e rsi a n se r v e d only to a d m oni sh h i m Of

,

h i s du ty a nd t o i nfl a m e i n hi s soul t h e a mbi t i on of
,

r e st or i ng i n t h e i r full spl e nd ou r t h e r e ligi on a nd e m

, ,

pi re of C y ru s .

I Du ri ng th e l ong se rvitud e O f P e rsi a u nd e r t h e

.

M a c e d oni a n a nd t h e P a r thi a n y ok e t h e na t i ons of ,

C
The t a nne r
’
s na m e w a s B ab ec ; th e so ldi e r s,
’
S a s a n f om t h
s : r eforme r
A t x e xe
r a b i d the su na m e of B bega n ;
r s o t a ne r a f om t he l a t te ll
r r a h i s de
sce nd nt h a v e b ee n t yl d S s nid
a s s e as a es
.

d D Herbe lot Bibli ot h equ e O i e nt l A d hi

’

‘Di on Ca s iu l lxxx ; H e odi n 1 vi p, r a e : r s r.

3
s s, . r a , . . . 2 07 A bulph a ra g i us,
Dy n t p 80
as
f See M oses C hor ne nsis 1 c 65— 71
. . .

e , . ii . . .
 O F TH E R OMA N E MP IRE . 235

E u r op e A si a h a d m u t u a lly a d op t e d a nd c orrup t e d
a nd

T h e A r sa cide s i nd e e d
’
e a ch ot h e r s sup e rst i t i ons .
, ,

p ra c t i se d t h e w or ship of th e m a gi ; b u t t h e y di sgr a c e d
a nd p ollu t e d i t wi t h a v a r i ou s m ix t u r e of fore ig n id ol

a t ry T h e m e m or y of Z oroa st e r t h e a nci e nt p r oph e t

.
,

a nd phil osoph e r O f t h e P e r si a ns 8 w a s st ill r e v e r e d i n ,

t h e e a st ; bu t t h e O b sol e t e a nd m y st e ri ou s l a ngu a g e i n
which th e Z e nda ve st a w a s c om p ose d op e ne d a fi e ld
of di sput e t o se v e nt y se ct s w h o v a r i ou sly e xpl a i ne d t h e ,

fu nd a m e nt a l d oct ri ne s of t h e i r r e ligi on a nd w e re a ll ,

i ndi ffe re nt ly d e rid e d by a c r owd of i nfi del s w h o r e ,

e d t h e divi ne m i ssi on a nd m i ra cl e s of t h e p roph e t

j ect .

T o supp re ss t h e id ol a t e rs re u ni t e t h e schi sm a t ic s a nd , ,

c onfut e t h e u nb e li e v e rs by t h e i nfa llibl e d e ci si on of a ,

g e ne ra l c ou ncil t h e pi ou s A r t a x e r x e s su mm one d t h e
,

m a gi from a ll p a r t s of h i s d om i ni ons Th e se p ri e st s .
,

w h o h a d so l ong sigh e d i n c ont e m pt a nd Ob scu r i t y ,

ob e y e d t h e w e lc om e su m m ons ; a nd on t h e a pp oi nt e d

da y a pp e a re d t o t h e nu mb e r of a b ou t e igh t y t h ou sa nd
,
.

B u t a s t h e d e b a t e s of so t u m ul t u ou s a n a sse m bly c ould

not h a v e b e e n di re ct e d by t h e a uth or i t y of r e a son or ,

i nflu e nc e d by t h e a r t O f p olicy t h e P e rsi a n sy nod w a s ,

r e duc e d by succ e ssiv e Op e r a t ions t o fort y th ou sa nd

, , ,

t o fou r th ou sa nd t o fou r h und re d t o for t y a nd a t l a st

, , ,

t o se v e n m a gi t h e m ost r e sp e ct e d for t h e i r l e a r ni ng
,

a nd pi e t y O ne of t h e se E r da vi ra p h a y ou ng b u t
.
, ,

h oly p r e l a t e re c e iv e d fr om t h e h a nd s Of h i s b re th re n
,

th re e cup s of s0 p orife rou s wi ne H e d ra nk t h e m off .

,

a nd i nst a nt ly fe ll i nt o a l on
g a nd p r ofou nd sl e e p A S .

soon a s h e w a k e d h e r e l a t e d t o t h e ki ng a nd t o t h e
,

g Hyd e a nd P id e a ux w orki ng up th e P e i a n l g e nd s a nd t h e i ow n
r , rs e r

c onj c t u e i nt o a v e y a g ee a bl e sto y e p e nt Z o o te a a c ont e m

e r s r r r , r r se r as r s

p o a y
r r O f D a iu H y st pe rB tsi t i su ffici n t t o O b
as se v e t
s. h a t t h
u e G eek
s e r , r

w i t w ho liv d l mo t i n th e a ge of D iu s a g e i n pl ci ng t he e of
r e rs, e a s ar , re a ra

Z o oa t r m ny hu nd d o v e n t h ou a nd y e a rs b fo e t h ei ow n t i m e
r s e a re , r e s , e r r .

Th e judici ou s c i t ici m of M Moy l p c e iv e d a nd m a i nt a i ne d g a i n t h i s

r s r. e er , a s

u nc l D r P id e a ux t h e a nt iqui t y of t h e Pe r i a n p oph et
e . r , S ee h i s w o k s r . r ,

vol i i .
*1 Th at a nci e nt idiom w s c al l e d t he Z nd Th l a ngu g of the com
a e . e a e

m e nt y t he P hlvi t h ough m uch m o m od e n h a c ea se d m ny e s a go a

Thi fa c t a l one (if i t i a ll ow e d a t h ntfig ffi

ar , e , re r , s

t o be a livi ng t ongu e . s s s au e su

cie nt ly w nt iqui t y of t h os w i t i ng which M d A nq e t i l h a s

’
nt s t h e
a rra a e r s . u

b ough t i n o E u op a nd t a nsl a te d i nto F e nch

r t r e, r r .
 2 36 THE D E C LIN E A N D FA L L
CHAP . b e li e vi ng m ul t i tud e h i s j ou rne y t o h e a v e n a nd h i s i nt i
, ,
V111
m a t e c onfe r e nc e s wi t h t h e D e i t y Ev e ry d oub t w a s
.

sil e nc e d by t hi s sup e r na t u ra l e vid e nc e ; a nd t h e a r t icl e s

of t h e fa i t h of Z or oa st e r w e re fix e d wi t h e qu a l a u t h o
i
r i t y a nd p re ci si on A sh or t d e li ne a t i on of t h a t c e l e
.

br a t e d sy st e m will b e fou nd u se ful not only t o di spl a y ,

t h e ch a r a ct e r of t h e P e rsi a n na t i on b u t t o illu st ra t e ,
'

m a ny of t h e i r m ost i m p or ta nt t ra nsa c t i ons b ot h i n ,

p e a c e a nd w a r wi t h th e R om a n e m pi re,

P i
ers a n t he T h e g re a t a nd fu nd a m e nta l a r t icl e of t h e sy st e m w a s ,
‘
3
353t t h e c e l e b ra t e d d oc t r i ne of t h e t w o p r i ncipl e s ; a b old
a nd i nj udici ou s a t t e m p t of e a st e r n phil osophy t o r e c on

cil e t h e e xi st e nc e of m or a l a nd phy sic a l e vil wi t h t h e ,

a t t r ibu t e s of a b e ne fi c e nt c r e a t or a nd g ov e r nor of t h e

w orld T h e fi r st a nd or igi na l b e i ng i n wh om or by
.
, ,

wh om t h e u niv e rse e xi st s i s d e nom i na te d i n t h e w ri t

, ,

i ng s of Z or oa st e r Ti m e wi t h ou t b ou nd s ; bu t i t
,

m u st b e c onfe sse d t h a t t hi s i nfi ni t e sub st a nc e se e m s

,

r a t h e r a m e t a phy sic a l a b st r a c t i on Of t h e m i nd t h a n a ,

r e a l obj e c t e nd ow e d wi t h se lf c onsci ou sne ss or p os -

,

se sse d Of m ora l p e r fe c t i ons Fr om e i t h e r t he bli nd or .

,

t h e i nt e llig e nt op e ra t i on of t hi s i nfi ni t e t i m e which ,

b e a rs b u t t oo ne a r a n a ffi ni t y wi t h t h e ch a os of t h e
G re e k s t h e t w o se c ond a ry b u t a c t iv e p ri ncipl e s of t h e
,

u niv e r se w e r e fr om a ll e t e rni t y p roduc e d O rm u sd and

, ,

A h ri m a n,e a ch of t h e m p osse sse d of t h e p ow e r s of c r e a

t i on b u t e a ch di sp ose d by h i s i nv a r i a bl e na t u r e t o
, , ,

e x e r ci se t h e m wi t h di ffe r e nt d e sig ns T h e p ri ncipl e .

of g ood i s e t e r na lly a b sorb e d i n ligh t ; t h e p r i ncipl e of

e vil e t e r na lly bu r i e d i n d a rk ne ss T h e wi se b e ne vo .

l e nc e of O rm u sd form e d m a n c a p a bl e of vi r t u e a nd ,

a bu nd a nt ly p r ovid e d h i s fa i r h a bi t a t i on wi t h t h e m a t e

r i a ls of h a ppi ne s s B y h i s vigil a nt p r ovid e nc e t h e m o

.
,

t i on of t h e pl a ne t s t h e or d e r of t h e Se a sons a nd t h e
, ,

Hyd e de R ligi on Vet e m Pe c 2 1

e e ru rs. . .

k I h v p i ncip lly d a w n t hi a cc ou nt f om th e Ze nda ve t a of M d A n

a e r a r s r s .
’

q ue t i l,a nd t h S a dd ubjeoi ned to D Hyd e t

e r, s e ti I t m u t h o w r.
’
s r a se . s ,

e v b c onf ed t h t t h e t udi ed ob cu i ty O f a p oph t t he figu t ive

e r, e e ss a s s r r e ra

t yl e of t he e a t a nd t h e d c e i t ful m diu m of a F nch o L t i n v

, ,

s s , ei on e re r a e rs ,

m y h a v e b et a yed
a i nto e o nd h e y i n t h i b i dg em nt of P i a n
r us rr r a res , s a r e e rs

t h ol ogy
e .
 O F THE R OMA N E MP IRE . 2 37

p
t e m e ra t e m ix t ure of th e e l e m e nt s a r e p r e se r v e d B u t C H A P, .
,

V H L
t h e m a lic e of A h r i m a n h a s l ong si nc e pi e r c e d Or
”
m u sd s e gg ; or i n ot h e r w ord s h a s vi ol a t e d t h e h a r
’

, ,

m ony of h i s w or k s Si nc e th a t fa t a l i rrup t i on t h e m ost

.
,

m i nu t e a rticl e s of g ood a nd e vil a r e i nt i m a t e ly i nt e r

m i ngl e d a nd a gi t a t e d t og e t h e r ; t h e ra nk e st p oi sons
sp r i ng up a m id st t h e m ost sa lu t a r y pl a nt s ; d e lug e s ,

e a r t hqu a k e s a nd c onfl a g ra t i ons a t t e st t h e c onflic t O f

, ,

na t u r e a nd t he li tt l e w or ld of m a n i s p e r p e t u a lly sh a k e n
,

by vic e a nd m i sfor t u ne Whil st t h e re st of hu m a n ki nd

.

a r e le d a w a y c a p t iv e s i n t h e ch a i ns of t h e i r i nfe r na l

e ne m y t h e fa i t hful P e r si a n a l one r e se r v e s h i s r e ligi ou s

,

a d orat i on for h i s fri e nd a nd p r ot e c t or O rm u sd a nd ,

figh t s u nd e r h i s b a nne r of light i n t h e full c onfid e nc e , ,

t h a t h e sh a ll i n t h e l a st da y sh a r e t h e gl or y of hi s t ri
, ,

u m ph A t t h a t d e ci siv e p e ri od t h e e nligh t e ne d w i s
.
,
'
dom of g ood ne ss will r e nd e r t h e p ow e r of O rm u sd su
p e ri or t o t h e fur i ou s m a lic e of h i s r iv a l A h ri m a n a nd .

h i s foll ow e r s di sa rm e d a nd subdu e d will si nk i nt o t h e i r

, ,

na t iv e d a rk ne ss ; a nd vi r t u e will m a i nt a i n t h e e t e r na l
1
p e a c e a nd h a rm ony of t h e u niv e rse .

T h e t h e ol ogy Of Z or oa st e r w a s d a rkly c om p r e h e nd e d R lig iou e s

wo m‘ rs
by fore ig ne r s a nd e v e n by t h e fa r g re a t e r nu m b e r of p
,

h i s di scipl e s ; bu t t h e m ost c a r e l e ss Ob se r v e rs w e re
st r uck wi t h t h e phil osophic si m plici t y of t h e P e r si a n
” m
w or shi p Th a t p e opl e sa y s H e rod ot u s
.
, r ej e c t s ,

t h e u se of t e m pl e s of a l t a r s a nd Of st a t u e s ; a nd sm il e s
, ,

a t t h e folly of t h ose na t i ons w h o i m a gi ne t h a t t h e g od s

a r e sp r u ng fr om or b e a r a ny a ffi ni t y wi t h t h e hu m a n
, ,

na t u r e T h e t op s of t h e high e st m ou nt a i ns a r e t h e
.

pl a c e s ch ose n for sa c rific e s Hy m ns a nd p ra y e r s a re .

t h e p r i ncip a l w or ship ; t h e sup r e m e G od w h o fill s t h e

wid e cir cl e of h e a v e n i s t h e Obj e c t t o wh om t h e y a r e

,
”
a dd r e sse d Y e t a t t h e sa m e t i m e ; i n t h e t ru e spi ri t
.
,

d
The m o e rn Pe rse e s, (a nd i n som e de re e t h e a g S dd
e r , ) e a t O rmu sd x l
i fi
nt o t h e ip c u whil
rst a nd om n ot e nt a se , st t e e ra e h y d g d Ah i
r m a n nto a n i
i f i b lli u pi i Th i d i
n e r or b u t re e o ss r t e r e s re of. pl i g
e a s n t he m a ome t a ns m a
y h
h v c ibu d
a e ont r fi h i h l gic l y
te t o re ne t e r t e o o a s st e m .

H d u l i c
e ro ot s, id ux hi k wi h
131 B u t D r Pr e a
. . . . t n s, .t rea son, t a t h
pl f w d p i d gi ligi
t h e use of t e m es w a s a t e r a r s e rm t t e i n t h e m a a n re on .
 2 38 THE D E C LIN E A ND FAL L
C HAP . p oly th e i st h e a c
of a cu se s t h e m of a d ori ng e a r th w a t e r
, , ,
V III fi re t h e wi nd s a nd t h e su n a nd m oon
’

B u t t h e Pe r .
, ,

si a ns of e v e r y a e h a v e d e ni e d t h e ch a r g e a nd e x
g ,

pl a i ne d t h e e quiv oc a l c onduc t which m igh t a pp e a r t o

giv e a c ol ou r t o i t T h e e l e m e nt s a nd m ore p a r ti cu .
,

la rly fi r e ligh t a nd t h e su n wh om t h e y c a ll e d M i t h ra
, , , ,

w e r e t h e obj e c t s of th e i r r e ligi ou s r e v e re nc e b e c a u se ,

t h e y c onsid e re d t h e m a s t h e pu r e st sy m b ol s t h e nobl e st ,

p roduc t i ons a nd t h e m ost p ow e r ful a g e nt s of t h e divi ne

,

p ow e r a nd na t u re n

E v e ry m od e of re ligi on t o m a k e a d e e p a nd l a st i ng ,

i m p re ssi on on t h e hum a n m i nd m u st e x e r ci se ou r Ob e ,

di e nce by e nj oi ni ng p ra c t ic e s of d e v ot i on for which w e

,

ca n a ssig n no r e a son ; a nd m u st a cq u i re ou r e st e e m by /

i nculc a t i ng m ora l du t i e s a na l og ou s t o t h e d ict a t e s of

ou r ow n h e a r t s T h e r e ligi on of Z oroa ste r w a s a bu n
.

d a u tly p r ovid e d wi t h t h e form e r a nd p osse sse d a su ffi ,

ci e nt p or t i on of t h e l a t t e r A t t h e a g e of pub e rt y t h e .
,

fa i thful P e rsi a n w a s i nv e ste d wi t h a my st e ri ou s gi r dl e ,

t h e b a dg e of t h e divi ne p r ot e cti on ; a nd fr om t h a t m o
m e nt a ll t h e a c t i ons of h i s life e v e n th e m ost i ndif
, ,

fe re nt or t h e m ost ne c e ssa r y w e r e sa nc t ifi e d by th e i r ,

p e culi a r p r a y e rs ej a cul a ti ons or g e nu fl e ct i ons ; t h e

, ,

om i ssi on of which u nd e r a ny ci r cu m sta nc e s w a s a , ,

g r i e v ou s si n not i nfe ri or i n guil t t o t h e vi ol a t i on of t h e

,

m ora l du t i e s T h e m ora l du t i e s h ow e v e r of ju st ic e
.
, , ,

m e r cy lib e ra li t y e t c w e re i n t h e i r t u rn r e qui re d of t h e
, , .

di scipl e of Z oroa st e r w h o wi sh e d t o e sc a p e t h e p e rse ,

cu t i on of A h ri m a n a nd t o liv e wi t h O rm u sd i n a bli ss ,

ful e t e rni t y wh e re t h e d e g re e of fe lici t y will b e e x a c t ly

,

p rop ort i one d t o t h e d e g re e of vi rt u e a nd pi e ty

E nc ou ge
ra B u t t h e re a re som e r e m a rk a bl e i nst a nc e s i n which ,
m nt of
e
Z oroa st e r l a y s a si d e t h e p roph e t a ssu m e s t h e l e g i sl a t or
a g icul t u
r re . , ,

Hyd de R lig P c 8 N ot wi t h t ndi ng ll t h i di t i nc t i on nd

e e . e rs. . s a a e r s s a

p ot t t i on which m S i nc
r es a s, nough t h i t y nt th
se e m h om t n e re e , e r ra s, e a e a s,

h v c on t nt ly t igm t i d t h m idol t ou w o hipp O f th fi

a e s a s a se e as a r s rs e rs e re .

S t h S dd
0
th m ll t p t of which c on i t of m o l p c p t ar
ee
a e a e r, e s es s s s ra re e s.

Th c m oni e
e nj oi n d
e re i nfi ni t nd t ifli ng F ift n g n fl cti on
s e e a re e a r . ee e u e s,

p y ratc w q i d wh n v t h d v ou t P i n c t hi n il o
e rs, e . ere re u re e e er e e e rs a u s a s r
m d w t ; o a e oft e n a h
a er
p t o n th
r as c d gi dl S dd A t 14 s e u e sa re r e. a e r, r . .

50 60. .
 O F THE R OMA N E MP IR E .

a nd di sc ov e rs a lib e ra l c onc e rn for p r iv a t e a nd public C H A P .

V III
h a ppi ne ss sel d om t o b e fou nd a m ong t h e g r ov e lli ng or
,
'

vi si ona r y sch e m e s of sup e r st i t i on F a st i ng a nd c e lib a cy .

,

t h e c omm on m e a ns of pu r ch a si ng th e divi ne fa v ou r h e ,

c ond e m ns wi t h a bh orre nc e a s a c r i m i na l rej e c t i on of ,

t h e b e st gift s of p r ovid e nc e T h e sa i nt i n t h e m a gi a n
.
,

r e ligi on i s oblig e d t o b e g e t child re n

, t o pl a nt u se ful ,

t re e s t o d e st roy noxi ou s a ni m a l s t o c onv e y w a t e r t o

, ,

t h e dry l a nd s of P e r si a a nd t o w or k ou t h i s Sa lv a t i on
,

by pu rsui ng a ll t h e l a b ou r s of a g r icultu re We m a y .

qu ot e fr om t h e Z e nda ve st a a wi se a nd b e ne v ol e nt
m a xi m which c om p e nsa t e s for m a ny a n a b su r di t y
, .

H e w h o sow s t h e g r ou nd wi t h c a r e a nd dilig e nc e ,

a cqui r e s a g re a t e r st ock of r e ligi ou s m e r i t t h a n h e

c ould g a i n by t h e r e p e t i t i on of t e n t h ou sa nd p ra y e r s P ”
.

In t h e sp ri ng of e v e ry y e a r a fe stiv a l w a s c e l e b ra t e d ,

d e st i ne d t o r e p re se nt t h e p ri m i t iv e e qu a li t y a nd t h e ,

p r ese nt c onne c t i on of m a nki nd T h e st a t e ly ki ng s of

, .

P e rsi a e xch a ngi ng t h e i r v a i n p omp for m ore g e nui ne

,

g r e a t ne ss fre e ly m i ngl e d wi t h t h e hu mbl e st bu t m ost

,

u se ful of t h e i r subj e c t s O n t h a t da y t h e hu sb a nd m e n
.

w e re a d m i t t e d wi t h ou t di sti ncti on t o t h e t a bl e of th e
, ,

ki ng a nd h i s sa t ra p s T h e m ona r ch a cc e pt e d th e i r
.

p e ti t i ons e n qui
, r e d i nt o t h e i r g r i e v a nc e s a nd c onv e rse d ,

wi t h t h e m on t h e m ost e qu a l t e rm s F r om y ou r la .

b ou rs w a s h e a ccu st ome d t o sa y (a nd t o sa y wi t h
, ,

t r u t h if not wi t h si nc e r i t y )
, fr om y ou r l a b ou r s w e
, ,

r e c e iv e ou r sub si st e nc e ; o u d e r iv e y ou r t ra nquilli t y
y
from ou r vigil a nc e : si nc e th e re fore w e a re m utu a lly , ,

ne c e ssa r y t o e a ch ot h e r l e t u s liv e t og e th e r lik e b ro

,

t h e rs i n c onc or d a nd l ov e Such a fe st iv a l m u st i n
‘
d e e d h a v e d e g e ne ra t e d i n a w e a l t hy a nd de sp ot i c e m
,

pi re i nt o a t h e a t ric a l re p re se nt a t i on ; bu t it w a s a t l e a st
,

a c om e dy w e ll w or t hy of a r oy a l a udi e nc e a nd which ,

m igh t som e t i m e s i m p ri nt a sa lut a ry l e sson on t h e m i nd

of a y ou ng p r i nc e .

P ow f e’ 0
H a d Z or oa st e r i n a ll h i s i nst i t u t i ons i nv a r i a bly su p t he ma gi
, , .

P Ze nda ve st a , t orn i p 2 2 4 a nd P ci di i Sy stem e de Zo oa stre t om iii

‘Hyd . . . . re s r , . .

1 e de e one R ligi P u m c 19
e rsa r , . .
2 40 T HE D E C LIN E A N D FA L L
p or t e d thi s e x a l t e d ch a ra ct e r h i s na m e w ould d e serv e ,

a pl a c e wi t h t h ose of Nu m a a nd C onfuciu s a nd h i s sy s ,

t e m w ould b e j u st ly e nt i t l e d t o a ll t h e a ppl a u se which

i t h a s pl e a se d som e of ou r divi‘ ne s a nd e v e n som e of ,

ou r p hil osoph e r s t o b e st ow on i t B u t i n t h a t m ot l e y
, .

c om p osi t i on dic t a t e d by r e a son a nd p a ssi on by e nt h u

, ,

si a sm a nd by se lfi sh m ot iv e s som e u se ful a nd subli m e ,

t r u t h s w e r e di sg ra c e d by a m ix t u r e Of t h e m ost a bj e c t
a nd da ng e r ou s sup e r st i t i on T h e m a gi or sa c e rd ot a l .
,

orde r w e r e e x t re m e ly nu m e rou s si nc e a s w e h a v e a l
, , ,

“
r e a dy se e n fou r sc ore t h ou sa nd of t h e m w e re c onv e ne d
,

“
i n a g e ne ra l c ou ncil Th e i r forc e s w e re m ul tipli e d by .

di scipli ne A r e gul a r hi e ra r chy w a s di ffu se d t h r ough

.

a ll t h e p r ovi nc e s of P e rsi a ; a nd t h e a r chi m a g u s w h o ,

r e sid e d a t B a lch w a s r e sp e c t e d a s t h e vi sibl e h e a d of

‘
,

t h e ch u r ch a nd t h e l a wful succ e ssor of Z or oa st e r

,
. .

T h e p r op e r t y of t h e m a gi w a s v e r y c on sid e ra bl e Be .

sid e s t h e l e ss i nvidi ou s p osse ssi on of a l a r g e t ra c t Of

”
t h e m ost fe r t il e l a nd s of M e di a t h e y l e vi e d a g e ne ra l ,

t a x on t h e fort u ne s a nd t h e i ndu st r y of t h e P e r si a ns
”
T h ough y ou r g ood w ork s sa y s th e i nt e re st e d p ro ,

ph e t e xc e e d i n nu mb e r t h e l e a v e s of t h e t re e s t h e
, ,

d rop s of r a i n t h e st a rs i n t h e h e a v e n or t h e sa nd s on
, ,

t h e se a sh or e t h e y will a ll b e u np r ofi ta bl e t o y ou nu
, ,

l e ss t h e y a r e a cc e p t e d by t h e de st ou r or p r i e st T o , .

ob t a i n t h e a cc e p t a t i on of t hi s guid e t o sa lv a t i on y ou ,

m u st fa i t hfully p a y h i m t i thes of a ll y ou p osse ss of ,

y ou r g ood s of y ou r l a nd s a nd Of y ou r m one y If t h e
, , .

( l e st ou r b e sa t i sfi e d y ou r soul will e sc a p e h e ll t or t u r e s ; ,

o u will se cu r e p ra i se i n t hi s w or ld a nd h a ppi ne ss i n
y ,

t h e ne x t F or t h e de st ou r s a r e t h e t e a ch e r s of r e li
.

Hyd e d R ligi on P e u m c 2 8 B ot h Hyd nd P id ux ff c t

e e e rsa r , . . e a r ea a e
t o pply t o t h m gi a n t h t m c on c
a e t d t o th
a ch i t i n hi chy
, e er s se ra e e r s a e ra r .

9
A m m i n M c lli n xxiii 6
a . H i nfo m
ar e
( f w
. m y c di t . . e r s us as ar as e a re

h i m ) of t w o cu i ou p t icul a s ; 1 Th t t h m gi d iv d om of t h e i
r s ar r . a e a er e s e r

mo t s c t d oc t i n f om t h I ndi n b chm n ; nd 2 Th t t h y w a
se re r es r e a ra a s a , . a e e re

t i b o f m i ly
r e r w ll a o d
a , as e s r e r.

Th divi ne i n t i t u t i on of t i t h e e xhibi t a i ngul

e s i n t nc of c onfo s s s ar s a e r

m i t y b t w e n t h e l w of Z o oa st
e e nd t h t of M o a Th o e w ho c nnot r er a a ses. s a

ot h e wi e
r cc ou nt fo i t m a y supp o if t h y pl
s a t h t t he m gi of t he
r , se , e e a se , a a
l t te t i m i n t d o u ful n i nt pol t i on i nt o t he w i t i ng of t h i
a r es ser e s se a er a r s e r

p oph t
r e .
 . O F TH E R O MA N E MP IRE . 2 41

gi on ; th e y k now al l t hi ng s, a nd th ey d e liv e r al l
13
C ?
3

“
men
Th e se c onv e ni e nt m a xi m s of r e v e r e nc e a nd i m plici t
fa i t h w e re d oub t l e ss i m p ri nt e d wi t h c a r e on t h e t e nd e r
m i nd s of y ou t h ; Si nc e t h e m a gi w e r e t h e m a st e r s of
e duc a t i on i n P e r si a a nd t o t h e i r h a nd s t h e child re n ,

e v e n of t h e r oy a l fa m ily w e re i nt r u st e d T h e P e r si a n x
.

p r i e st s w h o w e re of a sp e cul a t iv e g e niu s p re se r v e d
, ,

a nd i nv e st ig a t e d t h e se c re t s of or i e nt a l phil osophy ;

a nd a c qui re d e i t h e r by sup e ri or k nowl e dg e or sup e r i or

,

a r t t h e r e pu t a t i on of b e i ng w e ll v e r se d i n som e occul t
,

sci e nc e s which h a v e d e r iv e d t h e i r a pp e ll a t i on fr om t h e
,

m a gi Th ose Of m ore a ctiv e di sp osi t i ons m ix e d wi t h

“
t h e w orld i n cou r t s a nd ci t i e s ; a nd i t i s Ob se r v e d t h a t ,

t h e a d m i ni st r a t i on Of A r t a x e r x e s w a s i n a g re a t m e a
su r e di re c t e d by t h e c ou nse l s of t h e sa c e r d ot a l or d e r ,

wh ose dig ni t y e i th e r fr om p olicy or d e v ot i on t h a t , ,

p r i nc e r e st ore d t o i t s a nci e nt spl e nd ou r

T h e fi rst c ou nse l of t h e m a gi w a s a g re e a bl e t o t h e Spi i t r
,

P c non erse u
u nsoci a bl e g e niu s of t h e i r fa i t h t o t h e p ra c t ic e of a n
'
a
,

b
ci e nt ki ng s a nd e v e n t o t h e e x a m pl e of t h e i r l e gi s
,

l a t or w h o h a d fa ll e n a vic t i m t o a r e ligi ou s w a r e x
, ,

ci te d by h i s ow n i nt ol e ra nt z e a l By a n e dict of .

A r ta x e r x e s t h e e x e r ci se of e v e r y w orship e xc e p t t h a t
, ,

Of Z or oa st e r w a s se v e re ly p rohibi t e d T h e t e m pl e s
, .

Of t h e P a r t hi a ns a nd t h e st a t u e s of t h e i r d e ifi e d m on,

a r ch s w e r e t h r ow n d ow n wi t h ig nom i ny
,
d T h e S w ord .

Of A ri st ot l e (such w a s t h e na m e giv e n by t h e ori e nt a l s

t o t h e p oly t h e i sm a nd phil osophy of t h e G r e e k s) w a s

S a dd e a t 8 r, Pl a to i n A lcibia d
r X

N
. . .

V P li n
y ( Hi t a t u 1 xxx c l ) O
s b se v
. t h a t m gic h e ld m a nki nd
r. . . . r e s, a

by t h t i pl e ch i n of e lig i on of phy ic a nd O f a t onom y

e r a r , s , s r .

A ga t h i
2
1 iv p 134 a s,

M Hu me i n t he N t u l Hi t o y of Re ligi on a g a ci ou ly e m a k s
. . . .

3 s
r. , a ra s r , s r r ,

h a t t h m o t e fi ne d a nd p h i l O phi c e c ts e c on t a nt ly t h m o t i nto
{
e s r SO s ar s e s

e ra nt .

C ic o d L gi b
b
er 10 X x by t h dvic of t he m gi d
e e u s, i i . . e r e s, e a e a , e

t oy e d t h t m pl
s r of G c e e es re e e.
Hyd d R l P D H b el ot B i bl i ot h equ O i ent a l
’
c 23 24
e e e e rse r. . er , e r e

L
.
. . ,

Z d ht if of Z o o t i n t om O f t h Z nd t
‘
er us . e r a s er . ii . e e a ve s a .
1 C omp
M o of C ho n 1 ii c 74 wi t h A m mi n M c ll i n m n
a re se s re e, . . . . a . ar e . a .

6 H ft 1 h ll m k
. e re a of t h e
er p g s a a e u se se a ssa e s.

VOL I . .
 2 42 TH E D E C LIN E A N D F A L L
C HAP . ea s ily b rok e n ; th e fl a m e s of p e r se cu t i on soon r e a ch e d
e

V III . f
t h e m or e st ubb or n j e w s a nd ch ri st i a ns ; nor di d t h e y
sp a r e t h e h e re t ic s of t h e i r ow n na t i on a nd r e ligi on .

T h e m a j e st y of O rm u sd w h o w a s j e a l ou s of a r iv a l w a s , ,

se c ond e d by t h e d e sp ot i sm Of A r t a x e r x e s w h o c ould ,

not su ffe r a re b e l ; a nd t h e schi sm a t ic s wi t hi n h i s v a st

e m pi re w e re soon r e duc e d t o t h e i nc onsid e r a bl e n u m

b e r Of e igh t y t h ou sa nd 9 Thi s spi ri t Of p e rse cu t i on .

r e fl e c t s di sh onou r on t h e r e l igi on of Z or oa st e r ; b u t a s

i t w a s not p r oduc t iv e Of a ny civil c omm ot i on i t se rv e d ,

t o st r e ng t h e n t h e ne w m ona r chy by u ni t i ng a ll t h e ,

v a ri ou s i nh a bi t a nt s of P e rsi a i n t h e b a nd s Of r e ligi ou s
zea L
E st a bli sh II A r t a x e r x e s by h i s v a l ou r a nd c onduc t h a d
.
, ,

m e nt of t he
ro ay l a t ho
u
w re st e d t h e sc e p t re of th e e a st fr om t h e a nci e nt r oy a l
ri t y i n t he fa m ily of P a r t hi a Th e re st ill re m a i ne d t h e m or e di ffi
.

p ovi nc es
r .

cul t t a sk of e st a bli shi ng t h r ough ou t t h e v a st e x t e nt of ,

P e r si a a u niform a nd vig or ou s a d m i ni st ra t i on T h e
, .

w e a k i ndulg e nc e of t h e A r sa cide s h a d r e sig ne d t o t h e i r ,

sons a nd b r ot h e rs t h e p ri nc i p a l p r ovi nc e s a nd t h e ,

g re a t e st O ffic e s of t h e ki ngd om i n t h e na t ure of h e ,

r e di t a r
y p o sse ssi ons Th e v i t a x w o r e igh t e e n m ost .
,

p ow e rful sa t ra p s w e re p e rmi t t e d t o a ssu m e t h e r e g a l

,

t i t l e ; a nd t h e v a i n p rid e of th e m ona r ch w a s d e ligh t e d

‘
wi t h a nom i na l dom i ni on ov e r so m a ny v a ssa l ki ng s .

Ev e n t rib e s of b a rb a r i a ns i n t h e i r m ou nt a i n s a nd t h e ,

h
G re e k ci t i e s of U pp e r A si a wi t hi n t h e i r w a ll s ,

sca r c e ly a ck nowl e dg e d or se ld om ob e y e d an up
y s e , ,

r i or ; a nd t h e P a r t hi a n e m pi r e e xhibi t e d u nd e r ot h e r ,

na m e s a liv e ly i m a g e O
i
, f t h e fe ud a l sy ste m which h a s

e
Ra bbiAb h m i n th T ik h Schick d p 108 109
ra a e ar ar
f B n g Hi toi d J uif 1 viii c 3 ; So om n 1 c i M n
.
, , .

as a e, s re es s, . . . z e , . ii . . . a e s,

w ho u ff s d n ig nomi ni ou d th m y b d m d m gi n w ll
e re a s ea , a e ee e a a a , as e as a
ch i ti n h t ic
r s a e re .

8 Hyd e d R ligi on P e c 21 e e ersa r. . .

h Th c ol oni w
e se x t m ly n m ou S l ucu Ni c t o fou nd d
es e re e re e u er s . e e s a r e

t hi t y ni n ci t i
r - l l n m d f om hi m lf o om of h i
e e s, a a l t i on S A p
e r se , rs e s re a s. ee
pi n i n Sy i c p 12 4 Th
a r a . of S l ucu ( t ill i n
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t e e s s u se a e eas

er n C h i t i n ) pp
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a 508 f C h i t 196 on t h m d l
e a rs a s a e as e ear , O r s , e e a s

O f t h G k ci t i wi t hi n t h P thi n m pi
e re e es S M oyl w o k ol i
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’
r s, v .

p 2 73 t c nd M F t Mem d l A c démi tom xix

.
, e . a . re re ,
. e
’
a e, . .

i Th m od i n di t i ngui h t h t p i od t h dy n t y of t h ki ng
e e n P r e rs a s s s a er as e as e s
of t h n t i on
e a S Pl n H i t N t
s. i 25ee i . s . a . v . .
 O F TH E R OMA N E MP IRE . 2 43

i c p re v a il e d i n Eu rop e B ut t h e a c t iv e vict or a t C H A P
s n e .
, .

t h e h e a d of a nu m e r ou s a nd di scipli ne d a r m y vi si t e d
V III ‘
,

i n p e r son e v e r y p rovi nc e of P e rsi a T h e d e fe a t of t h e .

b old e st re b e l s a nd t h e re duc t i on of th e st rong e st for t i

l‘
,

fi ca t i ons di ffu se d t h e t e r ror of h i s a rm s a nd p r e p a re d

, ,

t h e w a y for t h e p e a c e ful r e c e p t i on Of h i s a u t h or i t y .

A n ob st i na t e r e si st a nc e w a s fa t a l t o t h e chi e fs ; b u t
1
th e i r foll ow e rs w e r e t re a t e d wi t h l e ni t y A ch e e r ful .

sub m i ssi on w a s r e w a r d e d wi t h h onou rs a nd rich e s ; but

t h e p r ud e n t A r t a x e r x e s su ffe ri ng no p e r son e xc e p t ,

hi m se lf t o a ssu m e t h e t i t l e of ki ng a b oli sh e d e v e ry i n ,

t e rm edi a t e p ow e r b e t w e e n t h e t h rone a nd t h e p e opl e .

H i s ki ngd om ne a rly e qu a l i n e x t e nt t o m od e rn P e rsi a E x t nt a nd

, ,
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.
,

i n t h e l a st c e nt u ry fi ve hu nd r e d a nd fi fty fou r ci t i e s ,
-
,

six t y t h ou sa nd vill a g e s a nd a b out for t y m illi ons of ,

soul s If w e c om p a re t h e a d m i ni st ra t i on of t h e h ou se
of S a ssa n wi t h t h a t of t h e h ou se of S e si t h e p oli t ic a l ,

i nflu e nc e of t h e m a gi a n wi t h t h a t of t h e m a h omet a n
r e ligi on ; w e sh a ll p rob a bly i n fe r t h a t th e ki ngd om of ,

k
Eu ty ch i u s ( t om 367 371 i p
re a t es t he s e e of t h e
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y Ni u
.

M e se ne i n t he r s, i t som e r mst a n e s not n e t he st or of s s

Tig i w h ci cu c u lik
a nd a Scyll .

A g a t hi a s, i i 164 Th e r n e s of Se ge st a n e e n e t e r i nde pe nd
. . pi c d f d d h i
en e c du i g
r n ma n
yye a rs c
A s rom a n e s e ne ra ci
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p i d v h i i
e r o t h e e e nt s of t e r ow n t m e , i t i s not i m oss e , t a t t he af bul
ou s p ibl h
o t s of R st a n, r n e of Se ge st a n, ma
xpl i u pi c hi l h v b g f d
y a e ee n ra t e on t s rea
E i to y s r .

m We ca n
c a c ely a t t ibu t t o t he Pe si a n m ona chy t h e se a c oa t of
s r r e r r s

G d o i a o M a c a n whic h e x t e nd s a l ong t h e I ndi a n oc e a n f om c a p e

e r s r r , r

J k (t h p omont o y C p ell ) t o c p G o del I n t h t i m e of A l e x a nd e

as e r r a a a e a . e r,

a nd p ob a bly m a nr a ge a ft w a d i t w a s t hi nly i nh a bi te d by a v a g
s er

p eopl of Ich th y oplia gi o fi h e me n; w h o k ne w no t w ho a ck nowl dg e d

r s, sa e
e , r s r a r s, e
no m te asa nd w h o w e
r, divid d by i nh o pi t bl e d t f om t h e t ofre e s a eser s r re s
t h e w o ld S r A i n d R b I ndici
. ee In t h t w e lft h c e nt u y t he
rr a e e . s . e r ,

li t t l e t ow n of T a i ( upp o e d by M d A nvi ll t o be t he Te a of P tol emy )

z s s .
’
e s

w p opl d a nd e n ich d by t he e o t of th A bi n m ch a nt S e
as e e r e r s r e ra a er s. e

G é og phi e N ubi en p 58 ; nd d A nvill e G é og a phi e A nci e nne t om ii

ra s, . a
’
,
r , . .

p 2 83 I n th l a t a g the wh ol c ou nt y w divid d b t w e n t h e e
. . e s e e r as e e e r

p i nc on m h ome ta n nd t w o id ol te w ho m i nt a i n d th ei i ndepe nd
r e s, e a a a rs, a e r

e nc e g a i n t t he ucc e of Sh a w A bb a Voy a ges de T a v e ni er p a t i

a s s e ss s s. r , r .

l v p 635
. . . .

C h a di n t om iii c 1 2 3
r , . . .
, , .
 2 44 THE D E C LIN E A N D F A L L
C H A P A r t a x e rx e s c ont a i ne d a t l e a st a s g r e a t a nu mb e r of
.

V III ci t i e s vill a g e s a nd i nh a bi t a nt s B u t i t m u st lik e wi se

.

, , .

b e c onfe sse d t h a t i n e v e ry a g e t h e w a nt of h a rb ou rs
,

on t h e se a c oa st a nd t h e sc a r ci t y of fr e sh w a t e r i n t h e
,

i nl a nd p rovi nc e s h a v e b e e n v e ry u nfa v ou ra bl e t o t h e
,

c om m e rc e a nd a g r icul t u re Of th e P e rsi a ns ; w h o i n t h e ,

c a lcul a t i on of t h e i r nu m b e r s se e m t o h a v e i ndulg e d ,

one Of t h e m e a ne st t h ough m ost c om m on a r t i fi ce s of

,

na t i ona l v a ni t y .

R c p i t ul
e a A s soon a s t h e a m bi t i ou s m i nd of A r t a x e r x e s h a d
a
1
$2
16
t r iu m ph e d ov e r t h e re si st a nc e Of h i s v a ssa l s h e b e g a n ,

tw ee
M
P t hi n
ar
l
/
t o t h re a t e n t h e ne ighb ou ri ng st a t e s w h o du r i ng t h e
a
le
, ,

a n d Rom n l ong slu m b e r of h i s p r e d e c e ssor s h a d i nsul t e d P e rsi a

a ,

e m pi e wi t h i m pu ni t y H e ob t a i ne d som e e a sy vic t ori e s ov e r

r '
.

t h e wild S cy t hi a ns a nd t h e e fl e m i na t e I ndi a ns ; bu t t h e

R om a ns w e r e a n e ne m y w h o by t h e i r p a st i nj u r i e s a nd ,

p r e se nt p ow e r d e se rv e d t h e u t m ost e ffort s of h i s a rm s
, .

’
A for t y y e a r s t ra nquilli t y t h e frui t Of v a l ou r a nd m o ,

d e ra t i on h a d succ e e d e d t h e vic t or i e s of T ra j a n D u r
,
.

‘
i ng t h e p e r i od t h a t e l a p se d fr om t h e a cc e ssi on of
M a rcu s t o t h e r e ig n of A l e x a nd e r t h e R om a n a nd t h e ,

P a r t hi a n e m pi re s w e re twic e e ng a g e d i n w a r ; a nd
a l t h ough t h e wh ol e st re ng t h of t h e A rsa c ide s c ont e nd e d
wi t h a p a r t only of th e for c e s of R om e t h e e v e nt w a s ,

m ost c om m only i n fa v ou r of t h e l a tt e r Ma cri nu s i n .

,

d e e d p r om p t e d by h i s p r e c a r i ou s si t u a t i on a nd pu sil
,

l a ni m ou s t e m p e r pu r ch a se d a p e a c e a t t h e e xp e nse
,

of ne a r t w o m illi ons of ou r m one y ; b u t t h e g e ne ra l s

°

of M a r cu s t h e e m p e r or S e v e ru s a nd h i s son e re ct e d
, , ,

m a ny t rophi e s i n A r m e ni a M e sop ot a m i a a nd A ssy r i a , , .

A m ong t h e i r e xp loi t s t h e i m p e r fe c t r e l a ti on of which

,

w ould h a v e u nse a sona bly i nt e rr up t e d t h e m or e im '

p or t a nt se ri e s of d om e st ic r e volu t i ons w e sh a ll only ,

m e nt i on t h e re p e a t e d c a l a m i t i e s O f t h e t w o g re a t ci t i e s
of S e l e uci a a nd C t e siph on .

Ci t i of S
es S e l e uci a on t h e w e st e rn b a nk of t h e Tig ri s a b ou t
e , ,

l u d nd for t y fi ve m il e s t o t h e nort h of a nci e nt B a byl on w a s

e a a
-

C t iph on
es .
,

t h e c a p i t a l of t h e M a c e d oni a n c onqu e st s i n U pp e r
'

Di on l xxviii p 1335 , . . . .
 O F THE R O MA N E MP IRE . 2 45

A si a P. M a ny a g e s a ft e r t h e fa ll of t h e i r e m pi re S e C H A P ,
VH L
l e u ci a r e t a i ne d t h e g e nui ne ch a ra c t e rs of a G re ci an
c ol ony a r t s m ili ta ry vi r t u e a nd t h e l ov e of fre e d om
, , , .

T h e i nd e p e nd e nt r e public w a s g ov e rne d by a se na t e
of t h r e e hu nd re d nobl e s ; t h e p e opl e c onsi st e d of si x
i

hu nd r e d t h ou sa nd ci t iz e ns ; t h e w a ll s w e re st r ong a nd ,

a s l ong a s c onc or d p re v a il e d a m ong t h e se v e r a l or d e r s

“
O f th e st a t e t h e y vi e we d wi t h c ont e m p t t h e p ow e r of
,

“
t h e P a rt hi a n : b u t t h e m a d ne ss of fa c t i on w a s som e
tim e s p rov ok e d t o i m pl or e t h e d a ng e rou s a id of th e
c om m on e ne m y w h o w a s p ost e d a l m ost a t t h e g a t e s ,

o f t h e co ony l q T h e P a r thi a n m ona r ch s lik e t h e

.
,

m ogul sov e r e ig ns O f Hi nd ost a n d e light e d i n t h e p a s; ,

t ora l li fe of t h e i r S cy t hi a n a n c e st or s ; a nd t h e i m p e ri a l
c a m p w a s fre qu e nt ly pi t ch e d i n t h e pl a i n of C t e siph on ,

on t h e e a st e r n b a nk of t h e Tig r i s a t t h e di st a nc e of ,

only t h r e e m il e s fr om S e l e uci a T h e i nnu m e ra bl e .

a t t e nd a nt s on luxu r y a nd d e sp ot i sm r e sor t e d t o t h e

c ou r t a nd t h e li t t l e vill a g e of C t e siph on i nse nsibly

,

sw e ll e d i nt o a g re a t ci t y U nd e r t h e r e ig n of M a r cu s 3
.
,

t h e R om a n g e ne r a l s p e ne t r a t e d a s fa r a s C t e siph on

a nd S e l e uci a Th e y w e re re c e iv e d a s fr i e nd s by t h e A D 165
. o -

G re e k c ol ony ; t h e y a t t a ck e d a s e ne m i e s t h e se a t of l

t h e P a r t hi a n ki ng s ; y e t b ot h ci t i e s e xp e ri e n c e d t h e
sa m e t r e a t m e nt T h e sa ck a nd confl a g ra t i on of S e l e u
.

cia with t h e m a ssa c r e of t h re e hu nd re d t h ou sa nd of

,
‘
t h e i nh a bi t a nt s t a rni sh e d t h e gl ory of t h e R om a n
t riu m p h
‘ .
,

S e l e uci a a l re a dy e xh a u st e d by t h e ne igh ,

P Fo t he p e ci e i tu t i on of B byl on S el e uci a C t esiph on Moda i n a nd

r r s s a a , , , ,

B a gd d ci t i e O ft e n c onfou nd d w i t h ea ch ot h e
a , s e n xc ll e nt g e og e e r , se a e e r

a l t a c t of M d A nvi l l n M em d l A c dé mi t om xxx
’
i
’

p h i c r . e, . e a e, . .

9 T a ci t A nna l xi 42. Pl i n Hi st Na t vi 2 6
. . . . . . .

r Thi m a y b i nfe d f om S t b o l xvi p 743

s e rre r ra , . . . .

5
Th a t m o t cu i ou s t v ell e B ni e w h o foll ow d th c a m p of A e ng
s r ra r er r, e e ur

ze b e f om D e hli t o C
r h m i d e c ib wi t h g e a t a ccu cy t he i mm e n e
as r, s r es r ra s

movi ng ci t y The gu d of c a v a l y c on i t d of t hi t y fi e t h ou nd m n
. ar r s s e r -
v sa e ,

t h a t of i nf nt y of t e n t h ou nd
a rIt w c om pu t e d t h t t he c a m p con sa . as a

t a i ne d one hu nd e d nd fift y t h ou a nd h o r m ul es a nd e l ph nt ; fift y

a s rse s, , e a s

t h ou a nd c a m l ; fift y t h ou a nd ox e n
s e s ndb t w ee n t h nd fou hu nd
s d a e re e a r re

t h ou a nd p
s on A l mo t l l D e hli foll ow e d t h e c ou t wh o e m a g ni fic e nc e
e rs s. s a r , s

su ppo te d i t i ndu t y
r s s r

‘
.

Di on 1 lxxi p 1178 ; Hi t A ugu t 38 ; E nt op v l O E b

, . . . s . s . r . ui . . u se .

i n C h onic Q u a d a t u ( qu ot e d i n t h
r .
g rt n H i t o ys) t t e m p t ed e u us a s r a 0

vi ndic te t h Rom n by ll gi ng t h t t h C i t i n of S el e uci a ha d fi t

a e a s, a e a
'

e ze s rs

vi ol te d t h e i fa i th
a r .
 “
TH E D E C LIN E A N D F A L L
C H A P b ou rh ood O f a t oo p ow e rful r iv a l su nk u nde r t l i e fa t a l
.
,
VIII bl ow ; bu t C te siph on i n a b ou t t hi rt y t h re e y e a rs h a d
.
-
\

, ,

A D 198 su ffi ci e nt ly r e c ov e re d i t s st re ng t h t o m a i nt a i n a n ob st i
. . .

na t e si e g e a g a i nst t h e e m p e r or S e v e r us T h e city w a s .
,

h ow e v e r t a k e n by a ssa ul t ; t h e ki ng w h o d e fe nd e d i t
, ,

i n p e rson e sc a p e d wi t h p r e cipi t a t i on ; a n hu nd re d
,

t h ou sa n d c a p t iv e s a nd a r ich b ooty r e w a r d e d t h e , ,

fa t igu e s of t h e R om a n soldi e rs N ot wi t h st a ndi ng .

t h e se m i sfor t u ne s C t e siph on succ e e d e d t o B a byl on ,

a nd t o S e l e uci a a s one of t h e g r e a t c a pi t a l s of t h e
,

e a st In su mm e r t h e m ona r ch of P e rsi a e nj oy e d a t
.
,

Ecb a t a na t h e c ool b re e z e s of th e m ou nt a i ns of Me di a ;
'

b u t t h e m ild ne ss of t h e cli m a t e e ng a g e d h i m t o p re fe r
C t e siph on for h i s wi nte r r e sid e nc e .

C onqu t es F r om t h e se succ e ssful i nroa d s t h e R om a ns d e riv e d

$ 3 22 :
5

1 l n o r e a l or l a st i ng b e ne fi t ; nor did t h e y a tt e m pt t o p re

m n
a s. se r v e such d i st a nt c onqu e st s se p a ra t e d fr om t h e ro
p ,

vi nc e s of t h e e m pi re by a l a rg e t ra c t of i nt e r m e di a t e
d e se rt T h e r e duc ti on of t h e ki ngd om Of O srh oe ne
.
,

w a s a n a cqui si t i on of l e ss S pl e nd ou r i nd e e d
‘
b ut of a ,

fa r m ore solid a dv a nt a g e Th a t li t t l e st a t e occupi e d .

t h e nor t h e rn a nd m ost fe r t il e p a r t of M e sop ot a m i a ,

b e t w e e n t h e Euph ra te s a nd th e Tigr i s Ed e ssa i t s .

,

c a pi t a l w a s si t u a t e d a b ou t tw e nt y m il e s b e y ond t h e
,

form e r of th ose r iv e rs ; a nd t h e i nh a bi t a nt s si nc e t h e ,

t i m e of A l e x a nd e r w e r e a m ix e d r a c e of G re e k s , ,

A ra bs Sy ri a ns a nd A r m e ni a ns
, T h e fe e bl e sov e
,
"
.

r e ig ns O f O srh oe ne pl a c e d on t h e d a ng e rou s v e r g e of ,

t w o c ont e ndi ng e m pi re s w e r e a t t a ch e d from i ncli na t i on ,

t o t h e P a r t hi a n c a u se ; bu t t h e sup e r i or p ow e r of R om e

e x a ct e d from t h e m a r e luc t a nt h om a g e which i s still ,

a t t e st e d by t h e i r m e d a l s A ft e r t h e c onclu si on of t h e .

P a r thi a n w a r u nd e r M a r cu s i t w a s j udg e d p rud e nt ,

t o se cu re som e sub st a nt i a l pl e dg e s of t h e i r d oubtful

fid e li t y F or t s w e r e c onst ruc t e d i n se v e ra l p a r t s of
.

Di on 1 lxxv p 12 63 ; H odi n 1 iii p 12 0 ; Hi t A g t p 70

, . . . er a , . . . s . u us . . .

Th p oli h d ci t iz n O f A nt i och c ll d t h o O f E d
e s e mi x d b b
e s a e se e ssa e ar a
i n Itr a s. h ow v om p i e t h t of t h th di l c t of t h Sy
w a s, e e r, s e ra s , a e re e a e s e
i c t h pu t nd mo t l g nt ( t h A m n)
r a , e re s a
p ok t
s Ed e e a e ra ze a w as s e a e ssa .

Thi m k M B y ( H i t Bd p
s re ar . h b o ow d f om G eo g of
a er s . e ss. . as rr e r r e
lV I la tia Sy i n w i t
a, a r a r e r.
 O F TH E R O MA N E MP IRE . 2 47

th e c ou nt r y a nd a R om a n g a rri son w a s fix e d i n t h e C H A P
, .

st r ong t ow n of Ni sibi s D u ri ng t h e t r oubl e s t h a t fol V III

.
.

l ow e d t h e d e a t h of C om m odu s t h e p ri nc e s of O srh oe ne ,

a t t e m p t e d t o sh a k e off t h e y ok e : b u t t h e st e rn p olicy

of S e v e r u s c onfi r m e d t h e i r de p e de nce
n y a nd t h e
p e r ,

fi dy of C a ra c a ll a c om pl e t e d t h e e a sy c onqu e st A bg a A D 2 16 . . . .

ru s t h e l a st ki ng Of Ed e ssa
,
w a s se nt i n ch a i ns t o ,

R om e h i s d om i ni ons r e duc e d i nt o a p r ovi nc e a nd h is

, ,

c a pi t a l dig nifi e d wi t h t h e r a nk of c ol ony ; a nd t hu s t h e

R om a ns a b ou t t e n y e a rs b e for e t h e fa ll O f t h e P a r t hi a n
,

m ona r chy ob t a i ne d a fi rm a nd p e rm a ne nt e st a bli sh

,

m e nt b e y ond t h e E u p h r a t e s Z

P r ud e nc e a s w e ll a s gl ory m igh t h a v e j u stifi e d a w a r A t x e x r a r es

on t h e S id e of A r t a x e r x e s h a d h i s vi e w s b e e n c onfi ne d
C l i m th a s e
p ovi nc ,
r es

t o t h e d e fe nc e or t h e a cqui si t i on of a u se ful fr ont i e r of A i nd . s a , a

d cl e a re s
But t h e a m b i t i ou s P e rsi a n Op e nly a v ow e d a fa t m ore w g i n t ara a s

e x t e nsiv e d e sig n of c onqu e st ; a nd h e t h ough t hi m se lf t h R e 0

a bl e t o supp or t h i s l oft y p r e t e nsi ons by t h e a r m s of

r e a son a s w e ll a s by t h ose of p ow e r C y ru s h e a l .
,

le g e d h a d fi rst subdu e d a nd h i s succ e ssor s h a d for

, ,

a l ong t i m e p osse sse d t h e wh ol e e x t e nt of A si a a s fa r , ,

a s t h e P r op ont i s a nd t h e E ae a n se a ; t h e p r ovi nc e s of
g
C a r i a a nd I oni a u nd e r t h e i r e m pi re h a d b e e n g o
, ,

ve rne d by P e rsi a n sa t ra p s a nd a l l Egyp t t o t h e c on , ,

fi ne s of E t hi opi a h a d a cknowl e dg e d t h e i r sov e r e ig nt y

,
"
.

Th e i r r igh t s h a d b e e n su sp e nd e d but not d e st roy e d , ,

by a l ong u su rp a t i on ; a nd a s soon a s h e r e c e iv e d t h e
P e rsi a n di a d e m which bi rt h a nd succ e ssful v a l ou r h a d
,

pl a c e d up on h i s h e a d t h e fi rst g re a t duty Of h i s st a t i on ,

c a ll e d up on h im t o r e st or e t h e a nci e nt li m i t s a nd spl e n
d ou r O f t h e m ona r chy T h e g r e a t ki ng t h e re fore .
, ,

such w a s t h e h a ughty st yl e of h i s e m b a ssi e s t o t h e

(
e m p e ror A l e x a nd e r ) c om m a nd e d t h e R om a ns i nst a nt ly,

Y Di on 1 lxxv p 12 48 12 49 12 50 M B y h n gl c t d t o e
, . . . , , . . a er as e e e us

t hi m o t i m p o t nt p
s s g r a a ssa e.

Thi ki ngd om f om O ho w ho g v e ne w n m t o t h c ou nt y t o
1
s , r sr e s, a a a e e r ,

t h l t A bg
e as h d l t d th hu nd d nd fi fty t h y
a r us, a as e S t he re e re a -
re e e a rs. ee

l n d w o k O f M B y H i t o i O ho n t E d n
ea r e r . a e r, s r a sr e a e e sse a.

X noph on i n t h p f c t o th Cy op di giv
3
e , e cl e nd m gn fi
re a e e r ae a , es a ar a a i

c nt id of th e x t nt of t h m pi of C y u H odot u (1 i c 79 tc)
e ea e e e e re r s. er s . ii . .
, e .

e nt i nto cu i ou nd p t icul d c ip t i on of t h t w nt y g t t pi
e rs a r s a ar ar es r e e rea sa ra es

i nto which t he P i n m pi w divid d by D a iu Hy t p

e rs a e re as e r s s a s e s.
2 48 THE D E C LIN E AN D FA L L

to d e p a rt from a ll t h e p rovi nc e s of h i s a nc e st ors ; a nd ,

yi e ldi ng t o t h e P e r si a ns t h e e m pi re of A si a t o c onte nt ,

th e m se lv e s wi t h t h e u ndi st u rb e d p osse ssi on of Eu rop e .

Thi s h a ugh t y m a nd a t e w a s d e liv e re d by fou r hu nd re d

of th e t a ll e st a nd m ost b e a u t iful of t h e P e rsi a ns ; w h o ,

by t h e i r fi ne h or se s spl e ndid a rm s a nd r ich a pp a re l , , ,

”
di spl a y e d t h e p r id e a nd g re a t ne ss of t h e i r m a st e r .

S uch a n e mb a ssy w a s m uch l e ss a n offe r of ne g ocia t i on

t h a n a d e cl a ra t i on of w a r B oth A l e x a nd e r S e v e r u s .

a nd A r t a x e r x e s c oll e c ti ng t h e m ili t a ry forc e of t h e

,

R om a n a nd P e rsi a n m ona r chi e s r e solv e d i n t hi s i m ,

p or t a nt c ont e st t o l e a d t h e i r a rm i e s i n p e r son .

If w e c r e di t wh a t sh ould se e m t h e m ost a u t h e nt ic of
a ll re c or ds a n ora t i on st ill e x t a nt
, a nd d e liv e re d by , ,

t he e m p e r or hi m se lf t o t h e se na t e w e m u st a ll ow t h a t ,

t h e vic t or y of A l e x a nd e r S e v e r u s w a s not i nfe r i or t o

a ny of t h ose form e rly ob t a i ne d ov e r t h e P e r si a ns by

t h e son of P hilip T h e a r m y of t h e g r e a t ki ng con .

si st e d of one hu nd re d a nd t w e nt y t h ou sa nd h or se ,

cl ot h e d i n c om pl e t e a rm ou r of st e e l ; of se v e n hu nd re d
e l e ph a nt s wi t h t ow e r s fill e d wi t h a r ch e rs on t h e i r
,

b a ck s a nd of e igh t e e n hu nd re d ch a ri ot s a rm e d wi t h
, ,

scy t h e s Thi s form id a bl e h ost t h e lik e of which i s

.
,

not t o b e fou nd i n e a st e r n hi st ory a nd h a s sc a r c e ly ,

b e e n i m a gi ne d i n e a st e rn rom a nc e w a s di scom fi te d °
,

i n a g re a t b a t t l e i n which t h e R om a n A l e x a nd e r a p ,

b H odi n vi p 2 09 2 1
er a 2 . . . .
,

c Th w t o hu nd d cy th d ch i ot t t h b t t l of A b l i n t he
e re e re w re s e ar s a e a e r e a,
h o t of D iu I n t h v t m y of Tig n which
s ar s. e v nqui h d by
as ar ra e s, w as a s e
Lucullu v nt n t h ou nd h o only w c ompl t ly m d A nt io
s, se e ee sa rse e re e e ar e .

chu b ough t fi fty fou l ph nt i nt o t h fi ld g i n t t h R om n by hi

s r - r e e a s e e a a s e a s: s
f qu nt w
re e nd n goc t i on wi t h t h
a rs a p i nc of I ndi h h d onc col
e ra s e r es a, e a e
l ct d n hu nd d nd fift y of t ho g
e e a re t ni m l ; b t i t m
a
y b qu t i on d se re a a a s u a e es e
wh t h t h m o t p ow ful m on ch of Hi nd o t n v fo m d li n of
e er e s er ar s a e er r e a e
b t t l of v n hu nd d l ph nt I n t d of t h
a e se e o
re fou t h ou nd
e e a s. s ea ree r r sa
l ph nt which th g t m ogul w
e e a s, upp o d t o p o
e re a T v ni as s se sse ss , a er er

( V o y g p
a t i 1 i
es, p ardi c ov
1. d by m o ccu t nqu i y t h t
. . . s e re , a re a ra e e r , a
h h d only fi v hu nd d fo hi b gg g
e a e nd igh t y o ni n t y fo t he
re r s a a e, a e r e r se r
vic of we Th G k h v i d wi th g d t o t h nu m b which
a r. e re e s ave ar e re ar e er
P o u b ough t i nt o t h fi ld b t Q ui ntu C u ti ( i
r s r e i n t hi i n t nc
e : u s r us, v u. s s a e
j ud i ci ou nd mod t i c ont nt d wi t h igh t y fi
s a e ra e , l ph nt di t i n
s e e e -
ve e e a s, s

g i h d by t h i i
u s e nd t ng t h I n Si m wh
e r s ze a th ni m l s re th . a , e re e se a a s a re e
m o t nu m ou
s nd t h m o t
er ts am d igh t n l ph nt e l low e d
s es ee e , e ee e e a s a re a as a
s uffici nt p op o t i on fo ch of t h ni n b ig d i nt o wh i ch ju t m y i
e r r r ea e e r a es a s ar s
divid d Th wh ol nu m b
e . eof on hu nd d nd ix t y t o l ph nt of
e e r, e re a s - w e e a s
w a r, m y som t i m a be d oubl d e Hi t d Voy g t om ix p 2 60
es e . s . es a e s, . . . .
 O F THE R OMA N E MP IR E . 2 49

p rov e d hi m se lf a n i nt re pid soldi e r a nd a skilful g e ne ra l C H A P . .

V I II
T h e g re a t ki ng fl e d b e fore h i s v a l ou r ; a n i m m e nse
'

b oot y a nd t h e c onqu e st of M e sop ot a m i a w e re t h e i m

, ,

m e di a t e fr ui t s of t hi s sig na l vic t or y S uch a r e t h e .

ci rcu mst a nc e s of t hi s ost e nt a ti ou s a nd i m p rob a bl e r e

l a t i on dic t a t e d a s i t t oo pl a i nly a pp e a rs by t h e v a ni t y
, , ,

of t h e m ona r ch a d or ne d by t h e u nblu shi ng se rvili t y

,

of h i s fl a t t e re r s a nd r e c e iv e d wi t h ou t c ont r a dic t i on by
,

a di st a nt a nd ob se qui ou s se na t e
d F a r fr om b e i ng i n .

cli ne d t o b e li e v e t h a t t h e a rm s of A l e x a nd e r ob t a i ne d
an m e m ora bl e a dv a nt a g e ov e r t h e P e r si a ns w e a re
y ,

i nduc e d t o su sp e c t t h a t a ll t hi s bl a z e of i ma gi na ry
,

gl ory w a s d e signe d t o c onc e a l som e re a l di sg r a c e .

O u r su spici ons a re c onfi rm e d by t h e a u t h or i t y of Mo pm : re

a c ont e m p or a r y hi st or i a n w h o m e nti ons t h e vi r tu e s of , 2?

A l e x a nd e r wi t h r e p e c
s t a n d h i s f ul s wi t h c a nd ou r
a t t h w e ar
, .

H e d e sc r ib e s t h e j udici ou s pl a n w h i ch h a d b e e n form e d
’

for t h e c onduct of t h e w a r Th r e e R om a n a rm i e s w e r e .

d e st i ne d t o i nv a d e P e r si a a t t h e sa m e t i m e a nd by ,

di ffe re nt roa d s B u t t h e op e ra t i ons of t h e c a mp a ig n

.
,

t h ough wi se ly c onc e r t e d w e re not e x e cu t e d e ith e r wi t h

,

a bili t y or succ e ss T h e fi rst of t h e se a r m i e s a s soon

.
,

a s i t h a d e nt e re d t h e m a rshy pl a i ns of B a byl on t ow a r d s ,

t h e a rtifici a l confl u x of t h e Euph ra t e s a nd t h e Tig r i s

w a s e nc om p a sse d by t h e sup e r i or nu m b e rs a nd de ,

‘
st roy e d by t h e a rr ow s of t h e e ne m y T h e a lli a nc e of .

Ch osroe s ki ng of A rm e ni a ,a nd t h e l ong t ra ct of mou n

,

t a i nou s c ou nt r y i n which t h e P e r si a n c a v a l ry w a s of
,
‘

li t t l e se rvi ce 0 p e ne d a se cu r e e ntr a nc e i nt o t h e h e a r t
,

of M e di a t o t h e se c ond of t h e R om a n a r m i e s
, Th e se .

b ra v e t roop s l a id w a st e t h e a dj a c e nt p rovi nc e s a nd by ,

se v e ra l succ e ssful a c t i ons a g a i nst A r t a x e r x e s ga v e a ,

fa i nt c ol ou r t o t h e e m p e ror s v a ni t y B u t t h e r e t re a t ’
.

of t hi s vic t or i ou s a rm y w a s i m p r ud e nt or a t l e a st u n ,

‘H i t A ugu t p
1 s . s 133
. . .

c M . de Ti ll e m ont h a s l
a re a dy ob v d t h a t H e odi a n s geog ra phy i s
se r e , r
’

s om e wh t c onfu d
a se
f
.

Mose s of C hore ne (Hi st

A me n l c illu t t s t hi i nv i on of
. r . . u . . s ra e s as

M di by
e a, t i ng t h t C h o o
a sse r ki ng of A me ni d f t d A t x e x
, a sr e s, r a , e ea e r a r e s,
and pu u d hi m t o t h
rs e c onfi n of I ndi Th xpl oi t of Cho oe h v
e es a . e e s sr s a e

b e n m gnifi e d a nd h c te d
e a d p nd nt l ly t o t h R oma n
e a as a e e e a e s.
 2 50 THE D E C LIN E A N D F A L L

‘
C P for t u na t e In re p a ssi ng t h e m ou nt a i ns g re a t nu mb e rs
gfi of soldie rs p e ri sh e d by t h e b a d ne ss of t h e roa d s a nd
. .
,

t h e se v e r i t y of t h e Wi nt e r se a son It h a d b e e n re solv e d . ,

t h a t whil st t h e se t w o g re a t d e t a ch m e nt s p e ne t ra t e d i nt o
t h e opp osi t e e x t r e m e s of t h e P e r si a n d om i ni ons t h e ,

m a i n b ody u nd e r t h e c omm a nd of A l e x a nd e r hi m se lf
, ,

sh ould supp or t t h e i r a t t a ck by i nv a di ng t h e c e nt r e ,

of t h e ki ngd om B u t t h e u ne xp e r i e nc e d y ou th i n
. ,

fl u e nce d by h i s m ot h e r s c ou nse l s a nd p e rh a p s by h i s
’

ow n fe a rs d e se r t e d t h e b r a v e st t r oop s a nd t h e fa i re st
,

p rosp e c t of vic t ory ; a nd a ft e r c onsu m i ng i n M e sop o

t a m i a a n i na c t iv e a nd i ngl or i ou s su m m e r h e l e d b a ck ,

t o A nt i och a n a rmy di m i ni sh e d by sick ne ss a nd p ro ,

vok e d by di sa pp oi nt m e nt T h e b e h a vi ou r of A r t a .

x e rx e s h a d b e e n v e ry di ffe r e nt Flyi ng wi t h r a pidi t y .

from t h e hill s of M e di a t o t h e m a rsh e s of t h e Eu »

h ra t e s h h d v ywh Opp o d t h i nv a d e rs i n
p e a e, e r e r e se e

p e rson ; a nd i n e i t h e r fort u ne h a d u ni t e d wi t h t h e ,

a bl e st c onduc t t h e m ost u nd a u nt e d r e solu t i on Bu t in .

se v e r a l ob st i na t e e ng a g e m e nt s a g a i nst t h e v e t e r a n l e
‘
i on s of R om e t h e P e r si a n m ona r ch h a d l ost t h e fl ow e r
g ,

of h i s t r oop s Ev e n h i s vic t ori e s l i a d w e a k e ne d h i s

.

p ow e r T h e fa v ou ra bl e Opp ort u ni t i e s of t h e a b se nc e
.

of A l e x a nd e r a nd of t h e c onfu si ons t h a t foll ow e d t h a t

,

e m p e r or s d e a t h p re se nt e d t h e m se lv e s i n v a i n t o h i s
’

a mbi t i on I nst e a d Of e xp e lli ng t h e R om a ns a s h e p r e

.
,

t e nd e d fr om t h e c ont i ne nt of A si a h e fou nd hi m se lf
, ,

u na bl e t o w re st from t h e i r h a nd s t h e li t tl e p r ovi nc e of
Me sop ot a m i a g
.

T h e r e ig n Of A r t a xe rx e s which fr om t h e l a st d e fe a t , ,

of th e P a r t hi a ns l a st e d only fou r t e e n y e a r s form s a

, ,

m e m ora bl e e ra i n t h e hi st ory of t h e e a st a nd e v e n i n ,

t h a t of R om e H i s ch a ra c t e r se e m s t o h a v e b e e n
.

m a rk e d by t h ose b old a nd c omm a ndi ng fe a t u re s t h a t ,

g e ne r a lly di st i ngui sh t h e p r i nc e s w h o c onqu e r from

t h ose w h o i nh e ri t a n e m pi re Till t h e l a st p e r i od of .

'

9 F or t h e cc ou nt of t hi w a e H e odi n 1 vi p 2 09 2 12 The O ld
a s r, s e r a , . . . . .

abb vi a to s
re r a nd m od e rn c om pil h a v bl i ndly foll ow e d the A ugu t a n
e rs e s
H i to y
s r .
 O F THE R OMA N E MP IRE 2 51

“
“
.

the P e rsi a n m ona r chy h i s c od e of l a w s wa s r e sp e c t e d C H A P , .

11
a s t h e g r ou nd w or k of t h e i r civil a nd r e ligi ou s p olicy
-
h '

S e v e ra l of h i s sa yi ng s a r e p re se r v e d O ne Of t h e m i n .

p a rt icul a r di sc ov e r s a d e e p i nsigh t i nt o t h e c onst i t u t i on

”
of g ov e r nm e nt T h e a u t h or i ty of t h e p r i nc e
. sa id ,

A r t a x e rx e s m u st b e d e fe nd e d by a m ili t a r y for c e ;
,

th a t for c e ca n only b e m a i nt a i ne d by t a x e s ; a ll t a x e s
mu st a t l a st fa ll up on a g ricul t u re ; a nd a g ricul t ure ca n
ne v e r fl ou ri sh e xc e p t u nd e r t h e p rot e c t i on of j u st ic e
i ”
a nd m ode ra t i on A r t a x e r x e s b e qu e a t h e d h i s ne w
.

e m pi re a nd h i s a m bi t i ou s d e sig ns a g a i nst t h e R om a ns
, ,

t o S a p or a son not u nw or t hy of h i s g r e a t fa t h e r ; bu t
,

t h ose de sig ns w e r e t oo e x t e nsiv e for t h e p ow e r of

P e rsi a a nd se r v e d only t o i nv olv e b ot h na t i ons i n a
,

l ong se ri e s of d e st ructiv e w a rs a nd r e cip roc a l c a l a m i

ti e s .

T h e P e rsi a ns l ong si nc e civiliz e d a nd c orrup t e d M ili t y

, , ar

w e r e v e ry fa r fr om p osse ssi ng t h e m a r ti a l i nd e p e nd e nc e $ 23 23 3 , 0

a nd t h e i nt r e pid h a r di ne ss
. b ot h of m i nd a nd b ody , ,

which h a v e re nd e re d t h e nor t h e rn b a rb a ri a ns m a ste rs

of t h e w orld T h e sci e nc e of w a r t h a t c onsti t u t e d t h e
.
,

mor e ra ti ona l forc e of G re e c e a nd R om e a s i t now ,

d oe s of Eu rop e ne v e r m a d e a ny c onsid e ra bl e p rog re ss

,

i n t h e e a st T hose di scipli ne d e v oluti ons which h a r

.

m oni z e a nd a ni ma t e a c onfu se d m ul t i t ud e w e re u n ,

k now n t o t h e P e r si a ns Th e y w e re e qu a lly u nskill e d .

i n t h e a r t s of c onst ruc t i ng b e si e gi ng or d e fe ndi ng r e , ,

gul a r for t ific a ti ons Th e y t ru st e d m ore t o t h e i r nu m .

b e rs t h a n t o t h e i r c ou ra g e ; m ore t o t h e i r c ou ra g e t h a n
t o t h e i r di scipli ne T h e i nfa nt r y w a s a h a lf a r m e d The i i nfa n
.
-
r

spi ri t l e ss c r owd of p e a sa nt s l e vi e d i n h a st e by th e : ; iiiiiile

3 ,
.

a llu re m e nt s of plu nd e r a nd a s e a sily di sp e r se d by a ,

i

vic t ory a s by a d e fe a t T h e m ona r ch a nd h i s nobl e s .

t ra nsp ort e d i nt o t h e c a m p t h e p r id e a nd luxu r y of t h e

'
1
Eut y chi u s, t om i i . . p . 180 . ve rs. P oc ock . The g re a t C hosroe s Noushi r
w a n se nt t h e o e of c d At x x r a e r es t o a ll h i s sa t ra p s, a s t he i nv a i bl ul e of
r a e r

t h i c onduc t
e r .

i
D He rbelot , Bi bli ot h éq q
’
ri e nt a l e , a u m ot A r dshi r . We m a y Ob serv e ,

th a t fte a r an an ci e nt p e i od of fa bl e a nd l ong i nte v a l of d k n t he

r s, a r ar e ss,
m od n h i
er s to ir esof P e i a b gi n t o a u me a n a i r of t u t h wi t h t he dy na ty
rs e ss r s
of t he S a ssa nid e s.
 2 52 T H E D E C L IN E A N D F A L L

se ra gli o Th e i r m ili t a ry Op e ra t i ons w e re i mp e d e d by

.

a u se l e ss t r a i n of w om e n e u nuch s h orse s a nd c a m e l s ; , , ,

a nd i n t h e m id st of a succ e ssful c a m p a ig n t h e P e rsi a n ,

h ost w a s Oft e n se p a ra t e d or d e st roy e d by a n u ne xp e c t e d

fa m i ne k
B u t t h e nobl e s of P e rsi a i n t h e b osom of luxu ry a nd ,
-

d e sp oti sm p r e se rv e d a st r ong se nse of p e rsona l g a l

,

l a nt ry a nd na t i ona l h onou r F rom t h e a g e Of se v e n .

y e a r s t h e y w e r e t a ugh t t o sp e a k t ru t h t o sh oot wi t h ,

t h e bow a nd t o r id e ; a nd i t w a s u niv e r sa lly c onfe sse d

, ,

t h a t i n t h e t w o l a st of t h e se a r t s t h e y h a d m a d e a m ore ,

l
t h a n c omm on p r ofi ci e ncy T h e m ost di st i ngui sh e d .

y ou t h w e re e duc a t e d u nd e r t h e m ona r ch s e y e p r a c ’

t i se d t h e i r e x e r ci se s i n t h e g a t e of h i s p a l a c e a nd w e r e ,

se v e r e ly t ra i ne d up t o t h e h a bi t s of t e m p e r a nc e a nd

ob e di e nc e i n t h e i r l ong a nd l a b or i ou s p a r t i e s of hu nt
,

i ng . In e v e ry p rovi nc e t h e sa t r a p m a i nt a i ne d a lik e ,

sch ool of m ili t a r y vi r t u e T h e P e r si a n nobl e s (so na .

tu r a l i s t h e id e a Of fe ud a l t e nu re s) r e c e iv e d from t h e
’
ki ng s b ou nty l a nd s a nd h ou se s on t h e c ondi t i on of ,

t h e i r se r vic e i n w a r Th e y w ere r e a dy on t h e fi rst .

su mm ons t o m ou nt on h or se b a ck wi t h a m a r t i a l a nd ,

spl e ndid t ra i n of foll ow e rs a nd t o j oi n t h e nu m e r ou s ,

b odi e s Of gu a rd s w h o w e re c a re fully se l e c t e d from ,

a m ong t h e m ost r obu st sl a v e s a nd t h e b ra v e st a dve n ,

t u re r s of A si a Th e se a r m i e s b ot h of ligh t a nd of
.
,

h e a vy c a v a l ry e qu a lly form id a ble by t h e i m p e t u osi t y

,

of t h e i r ch a r g e a nd t h e r a pidi t y of t h e i r m ot i ons ,

t h r e a te ne d a s a n i m p e ndi ng cl oud t h e e a st e rn p r o
, ,

m
vi nc e s of t h e d e cli ni ng e m pi re of R om e .

k H e odi n 1 vi p 2 14 ; A mm i nu M a c lli nu l xxiii c 6 Som

r a , . . . a s r e s, . . . . e
diff enc s m a y be ob e v d b t w een t he t w o hi sto i a n t he na tu a l e ff c ts
er e s r e e r s, r e
of t h e ch ng p oduc e d by a c e nt u y nd h a lf
a es r r a a .

The P i ns a till t he m o t kilful h o e me n a nd t h e i h o th

e rs a re s s s rs , r rse s e
fi ne t i n t he e a t
s , s .

F om He od ot u X e noph on H odi n A mm i a nu C h di n e tc I
r r s, , er a , s, ar , .

h a v e x t a c te d uch p ob bl a cc ou nt O f t he P si a n nobili t y a eem

e r s r a e s er , s s

e i t h e r c ommon t o e v e ry a e or p a t icul a r t o t ha t of t h S a sa nid e

g , r e s s.
 C H A P T ER IX .

T HE S T A TE O F G E R MA N Y T I LL THE I N V A SI O N OF THE
B A R B A R I A N S I N THE T I M E O F TH E E M P E R O R DE C I U S .

T H E g ov e rnm e nt a nd re ligi on of P e rsi a h a v e d e se rv e d

som e not ic e fr om t h e i r c onne c t i on wi t h t h e d e cli ne a nd
fa ll of t h e R om a n e m pi re W e sh a ll occ a si ona lly m e n
.

ti on t h e S cy t hi a n or S a rm a t i a n t r ib e s which wi t h
, , ,

t h e i r a rm s a n d h orse s t h e i r fl ock s a nd h e r d s th e i r
, ,

wiv e s a nd fa m ili e s w a nd e re d ov e r th e i mm e nse pl a i ns

,

which sp r e a d t h e m se lv e s from t h e C a spi a n se a t o th e

V i st ul a fr om t h e c onfi ne s of P e r si a t o th ose of G e r
,

m a ny . B u t t h e w a rlik e G e rm a ns w h o fi rst r e si st e d
, ,

t h e n i nv a d e d a nd a t l e ng t h ov e r tu r ne d t h e w e st e r n
, ,

m ona r chy of R om e w ill occupy a m uch m or e i m p or t a nt

,

pl a c e i n t hi s hi st ory a nd p osse ss a st rong e r a nd if w e

, , ,

m a y u se t h e e xp re ssi on a m ore d om e st ic cl a i m t o ou r
, ,

a t t e nt i on a nd re g a r d T h e m ost civiliz e d na t i ons of

.

m od e rn Eu r op e i ssu e d fr om t h e w ood s of G e rm a ny ;
a nd i n t h e r ud e i nst i t uti ons of t h ose b a r b a r i a ns w e m a
y
st ill di st i n gui sh t h e origi na l p r i ncipl e s Of ou r p r e se nt

l a w s a nd m a nne rs In t h e i r p r i m i t iv e st a t e of si m plici t y
.

a nd i nd e p e nd e nc e th e G e rm a ns w e r e su r v e y e d by t h e
,

di sc e rni ng e y e a nd d e li ne a t e d by t h e m a st e rly p e ncil

, ,

of T a ci t u s t h e fi r st of hi st or i a ns w h o a ppli e d t h e
,

sci e nc e Of phil osophy t o t h e st udy of fa c t s T he e x .

p r e ssiv e c onci se ne ss of h i s d e sc rip t i ons h a s d e se r v e d t o

e x e r ci se t h e dilig e nc e of i nnu m e ra bl e a nt iqu a r i a ns a nd ,

t o e xci t e t h e g e niu s a nd p e ne t ra t i on of t h e phil osophic

hi stori a ns of ou r ow n t i m e s T h e subj e c t h ow e v e r
.
,

v a ri ou s a nd i m p or t a nt h a s a l re a dy b e e n so fre qu e nt ly
, ,

so a bly , a nd so succ e ssfully di scu sse d th a t i t i s now

,

g r ow n fa mili a r t o t h e r e a d e r a nd di fficul t t o t h e w r i t e r
, .

We sh a ll t h e re fore c ont e nt ourse lv e s wi t h Ob se rvi ng ,

a nd i nd e e d wi t h r e p e a t i ng som e Of t h e m ost i m p or t a nt
,

ci r cu m st a nc e s of cli m a t e of m a nne rs a nd of i nst i t u

, ,
 THE D E C LIN E A N D F A L L
t i ons, which r e nd e re d t h e wild b a rb a r i a ns of G e rm a ny
such for m id a bl e e ne m i e s t o t h e R om a n p ow e r .

A nci e nt G e rm a ny e xclu di ng from i t s i nd e p e nd e nt ,

li m i t s t h e p r ovi nc e w e st w a r d of t h e Rhi ne which h a d ,

sub m i t t e d t o t h e R om a n y ok e , e x t e nd e d i t se lf ov e r a

t hi r d p a r t of Eu r op e A l m ost t h e wh ol e of m od e r n .

G e rm a ny D e n m a rk N or w a y Sw e d e n Fi nl a nd Liv o
, , , , ,

ni a P r u ssi a a nd t h e g re a t e r p a r t of P ol a nd w e r e p e o
, , ,

pl e d by th e v a ri ou s t r ib e s of one g re a t na t i on wh ose ,

c om pl e xi on m a nne rs a nd l a ngu a g e d e not e d a c omm on

, , ,

or igi n a nd p r e se r v e d a st riki ng re se m bl a nc e
,
O n t he .

w e st a nci e nt G e r m a ny w a s divid e d by t h e Rhi ne from

,

t h e G a llic a nd on t h e sou t h by t h e D a nub e from th e

, , ,

Illy r i a n p r ovi nc e s of t h e e m pi re A r idg e of hill s

, .
,

r i si ng fr om t h e D a nub e a nd c a ll e d t h e C a rp a t hi a n ,

m ou nt a i ns c ov e re d G e rm a ny on t h e sid e of D a ci a or
,

Hu ng a ry T h e e a st e rn fronti e r w as fa i nt ly m a rk e d by
.

t h e m u t u a l fe a r s of t h e G e rm a ns and t h e S a rm a t i a n s ,

a nd w a s oft e n c onfou nd e d by t h e m ixtu re of w a r r i ng

a nd c onfe d e r a t i ng t r ib e s of t h e t w o na t i ons In t h e .

r e m ot e d a rk ne ss Of t h e nor t h t h e a nci e nt s i m p e r fe c t ly ,

d e sc r i e d a froz e n oc e a n t h a t la y b e y ond t h e B a l tic se a , ,

a nd b e y ond t h e p e ni nsul a or i sla nds of S c

i
a nd na vi a
a
.
,

C li m a te . S om e i ng e ni ou s w ri t e r s b h a v e su sp e c t e d t h a t Eu rop e
w a s m uch c old e r for m e r ly t h a n i t i s a t p r e se nt ; a nd t h e

m ost a nci e nt d e sc r ip t i ons of t h e cli m a t e of G e rm a ny

t e nd e xc e e di ngly t o c onfi rm t h e i r t h e or y T h e g e ne r a l .

c om pl a i nt s of i nt e nse frost a nd e t e r na l wi nt e r a r e p e r , ,

h a p s li t t l e t o b e re g a r d e d ; si nc e w e h a v e no me t h od Of
r e duci ng t o t h e a ccu r a t e st a nd a r d of t h e t h e rm om e t e r ,

t h e fe e li ng s or t h e e xp re ssi ons of a n ora t or b or n i n

, ,

a
d e n phil o oph e of Sw e d n eem g e d t h t t h e w a t e of
Th e m o r s rs e s a r e a rs

t h B a l t ic g du lly i nk i n
e ra gul a p op o t i on which t h ey h a v e v e ntu e d
a s a re r r r , r

to e ti m t
s t h lf n i nch e v e y y e
a e a Tw e nt y c e nt u i s go t h e fl t
a a r a r. r e a , a

c ou nt y of Sc ndi na vi a m u t h v e b ee n c ov e d by t he a ; wh i l e t h high
r a s a re se e

l nd o e a b ov e t h w t e a o m a ny i l nd of v i ou fo m a nddi m n
a sr s e a rs, s s s a s ar s r s e

s i on Such i nd d i t he not i on giv e n by M l a P li ny nd T ci t u O f

s. ee s us e , , a a s,

th v e t c ou nt i
as ou nd t h B a l t i c
r es rS e i n t h e B i bli ot h equ e R i onné
e . e a s e,
t om xl nd xlv l g b t a c t of D li n Hi to y of Sw d n c ompo e d i n ’
. . a . a ar e a s r a s s r e e , s

t h Sw d i h l ngu g
e e s a a e.
b
I n p t icul M Hu m the a bbé d B o
ar a r, nd M Pe llo t i e
r. e, Hi t u s, a . u r, s .

d C l t e t om i
es e s, . .
 O F THE R O MA N E M P IR E . 2 55

“
t he h a ppi e r re gi ons of G r e e c e or A si a B u t I sh a ll .

se l e c t t w o r e m a rk a bl e ci r cu m st a n c e s of a l e ss e quiv oc a l

na t u r e 1 T h e g r e a t r iv e rs which c ov e r e d t h e R om a n
. .

p r ovi nc e s t h e Rhi ne a nd t h e D a nub e were fre qu e nt ly

, ,

fr oz e n ov e r a nd c a p a bl e of supp ort i ng t h e m ost e nor

,

“
m ou s w e ight s T h e b a rb a ri a ns w h o Oft e n ch ose t h a t
.
,

se v e re se a son for t h e i r i nr oa d s t ra nsp or t e d wi t h ou t , ,

a pp r e h e nsi on or d a ng e r t h e i r nu m e rou s a rm i e s t h e i r , ,

c a v a l ry a nd t h e i r h e a vy w a gg ons ov e r a v a st a nd solid
, ,

b ridg e of i ce M od e r n a g e s h a v e not p r e se nt e d a n
.

i nst a nc e of a lik e ph e nom e non 2 T h e re i n d e e r t h a t

-
. .
,

u se ful a ni m a l fi om wh om t h e sa v a ge Of t h e nor t h de
,
'

r iv e s t h e b e st c om for t s of h i s d r e a ry life i s of a c onst i ,

t u t i on t h a t supp or t s a nd e v e n r e qui re s t h e m ost i n , ,

t e nse c old H e i s fou nd ou t h e r ock of S pi t zb e r g

.
,

w i t hi n t e n d e g r e e s of t h e p ol e ; h e se e m s t o de ligh t i n

t h e snow s of L a pl a nd a nd S ib e ri a : b u t a t p r e se nt h e
c a nnot sub si st m uch l e ss m ul t iply i n a ny c ou ntry t o , ,

t h e sou t h of t h e B a l t ic In t h e t i m e of C ae sa r t h e .
,

r e i n d e e r a s w e ll a s t h e e l k a nd t h e wild h u ll w a s a
, ,

na t iv e of t h e H e r c y ni a n for e st which t h e n ove rsh a ,

d ow e d a g re a t p a r t of G e rm a ny a nd P ol a nd The e
.

m od e rn i m p r ov e m e nt s su ffi ci e ntly e xpl a i n t h e c a u se s of
t h e di m i nu t i on of t h e c old Th e se i mm e nse w ood s .

h a v e b e e n g ra du a lly cl e a re d which i nt e r c e p t e d from ,

t h e e a r t h t h e ra y s of t h e su n f T h e m ora sse s h a v e .

b e e n dra i ne d ; a nd i n p r op or t i on a s t h e soil h a s b e e n ,

cul t iv a te d t h e a i r h a s b e c om e m or e t e m p e ra t e C u
, .

na d a a t t hi s da y i s a n e x a ct pic t u r e of a nci e nt G e r
, ,

m a ny A l t h ough si t u a t e d i n t h e sa me p a ra ll e l wi t h t h e
.

fi ne st p r ovi nc e s Of F ra nc e a nd E ngl a nd t h a t c ou nt ry ,

c
D i odoru s Si cul u s, l v p 340 e di t W e el ; H odi a n 1 vi p 2 2 1 . . . . . ss . er , . . .

Jorna ndes, c
55 O n t he b nk O f t h D nub e t h wi n wh n b ough t
. . a s e a , e e, e r

t o t bl a w a f e qu e nt ly f oz n i nt o g e a t lu m p
e, s r f t vi ni O vid E pi t r e r s, ru s a
'

. . s .

e x P ont o 1 iv 7 9 1 , 0 ; V i gil G e o gi e 1 iii 355 The fa c t i c onfi m d

. . .
, r . r . . . . s r e
by a oldi e nd a ph i l o oph w ho ha d e xp i e nc d t h e i nt n c old of
s r a s e r, er e e se

Th c e S e X noph on A n b i 1 vii p 560 di t Hu t chi n on

ra . e e a a s s, . . e . s

Bu ffon H i stoi N t u ‘
. . .
,

, e ll t om xii p 79 116 re a r e, . . . .

e
C d B ell G llic
ae sa r e i 2 3 e t c Th m o t i nqui i t iv e of t h e G
. a . v .
, . e s s er
m n w
a s ig no nt of i t u t m o t li m i t a l th ough om e of t h m h a d t a
e re ra s s s, s e r
v ll d i n i t mo t h n ix t y d y j ou n y
’
e e re a s a s r e
f Cl v
.

u
( G m ni A nt iqu 1 i i 0
e ri u s er i nv tig a te s t he m a ll a nd
a a a, . i . . es s

c t t e d em i n of t h H e cy ni a n w ood
s a er r a s e r .
 2 56 THE D E C LIN E A ND F A LL

“
CHAP xp e ri e nc e s t h e m ost rig orou s c old T h e re i n d e e r a r e
. e .

IX .

v e ry nu m e r ou s t h e g rou nd i s c ov e re d wi t h d e e p a nd ,

l a st i ng snow a nd th e g re at riv e r Of S t L a w re nc e i s
, .

r e gul a rly fr oz e n i n a se a son wh e n t h e w a t e r s of t h e,

S e i ne a nd t h e Th a m e s a re u su a lly fre e from i ce 3 .

I t ff c t on
se e s It i s di fficul t t o a sc e r t a i n a nd e a sy t o e x a gg e ra t e , ,
t h n t iv
e a e s.
t h e i nflu e nc e of t h e cli m a t e of a nci e nt G e r m a ny ov e r
t h e m i nd s a nd b odi e s of t h e na t iv e s M a ny w r i t e r s .

h a v e supp ose d a nd m ost h a v e a ll ow e d t h ough a s i t , , ,

sh ould se e m wi t h ou t a ny a d e qu a t e p roof t h a t t h e
, ,

r ig or ou s c old of t h e nor t h w a s fa v ou ra bl e t o l ong life

a nd g e ne ra t iv e vig ou r t h a t t h e w om e n w e re m or e fr ui t ,

ful a nd t h e hu m a n sp e ci e s m ore p rolific t h a n i n w a rm e r

, ,

or m ore t e m p e ra t e cli m a t e s W e m a y a sse rt wi t h .

,

g re a t e r c onfid e nc e t h a t t h e k e e n a i r of G e rma ny form e d ,

t h e l a r g e a nd m a sculi ne li mb s of th e na t iv e s w h o w e re , ,

i n g e ne r a l of a m ore l oft y st a t u re t h a n t h e p e opl e of t h e

,

i
sou t h g a v e t h e m a ki nd of st re ng t h b e t t e r a d a p t e d t o
,

vi ol e nt e x e r t i ons t h a n t o p a ti e nt l a b ou r a nd i nspi r e d ,

t h e m wi t h c onst i t u t i ona l b ra v e r y which i s t h e r e sul t of ,

ne rv e s a nd spi r i t s T h e se v e ri t y of a wi nt e r c a m p a ig n .
,

t h a t chill e d t h e c ou ra g e of t h e R om a n t r oop s w a s ,

sc a r c e ly fe l t by t h e se h a r dy child r e n of t h e nor t h
k w ho , ,

i n t h e i r t u rn w e re u na bl e t o r e si st t h e su mm e r b e a t s
, ,

a nd di ssolv e d a w a y i n l a ngu or a nd sick ne ss u nd e r t h e

1
b e a m s of a n I t a li a n su n .

O igi n of t h
r Th e re i s not a nywh e r e up on t h e gl ob e a l a rg e t ra c t
e ,
G m n
er a
of c ou nt r y which w e h a v e di sc ov e re d d e st i t ut e of i nh a
s.
,

b i t a nt s or wh ose fi rst p opul a t i on ca n b e fix e d wi t h a ny

,

d e gre e of hi st or ic a l c e rt a i nt y A nd y e t a s t h e m ost .
,

C h l v oix Hi t oi d C n d
g ar e , s re u a a a.

O l u R dbe ck a t t h t t h Sw di h w om n oft n h
s u a sse r s t n o t w lv a e e s e e ea r e r e e
child n nd not u ncom m only t w nt y o t hi ty b t t h u t h o i t y of R ud
re , a e r r u e a r

b ck i m uch t o b u p c t d
e s e s s e e .

i
In h o t i n h cc o p o
s a r u s,
q m i m n xc c
aa nt T ci t G m
r ra , ua ra r, e re s u . a . er a
ni 3 2 O C luv
a, . l i c 14 e r. . . . .

k P lu t ch i n M i o Th C i m b i by y of m u m nt oft n lid d ow n
ar ar e r wa a se e
. .
, , e s

m ou nt i n of now on t h i b o d hi ld
a s s e r r a s e s.
1 Th R om n m d w n l l cli m t
a nd by t h i
a xc ll nt di cipli n a a e s, a e r e
e s e ar i e e s e
w i n g t m u p e v d i n h l t h nd vig ou It m y b
e re a re a e a s re r ser e ea a r. a e re

m k d t h t m n i t h only ni m l which c n liv

ar e , a a s nd m l t iply i n v
e y a a a e a u e er
c ou nt y f om t h qu to t o t h pol
r r The h og
e e m t o pp o ch t h n
a r e e s. se e s a r a e ea r

es t to o p ci i n t h t p ivil ge
ur s e es a r e .
 O F THE R OMA N E MP IR E :
'

2 57

phil osophic m i nd s ca n se ld om re fra i n from i nve st i g a t C H A P .

i ng t h e i nfa ncy of g re a t na t i ons ou r cu ri osi t y c onsu m e s ,

i t se lf i n t oilsp m e a nd di sa pp oi nt e d e ffor t s Wh e n .

T a ci t u s c onsid e re d t h e pu rity of th e G e rm a n bl ood a nd ,

t h e forbiddi ng a sp e ct of t h e c ou nt ry h e w a s di sp ose d ,

t o p r onou nc e t h ose b a r b a r i a ns i ndig enw or na t iv e s of ,

t h e soil We m a y a ll ow wi t h sa fe ty a nd p erh a p s wi t h
.
,

t r u t h t h a t a nci e nt G e rma ny w a s not or igi na lly p e opl e d

,

by a ny fore i g n c ol oni es a l re a dy form e d i nt o a p oli t ic a l ,

”
soc ie ty ; bu t t h a t t h e na m e a nd na t i on re c e iv e d th e i r
e xi st e nc e fr om t h e g ra du a l u ni on of som e w a nd e ri ng

sa v a g e s of t h e H e r cy ni a n w ood s T o a sse r t t h ose sa .

v a g e s t o h a v e b e e n t h e sp ont a ne ou s p r oduc t i on of t h e
e a r t h which th e y i nh a bi t e d w ould b e a r a sh i n ,

fe re nc e c ond e mne d by re ligi on a nd u nw a rra nt e d by

, ,

r e a son.

S uch ra t i ona l d oub t i s but ill sui t e d wi t h t h e g e niu s of F bl nd a es a

conJ cm e e s'
p opul a r v a ni t y A m ong t h e na t i ons w h o h a v e a d op t e d
.

t h e M osa ic hi st or y of t h e w orld t h e a rk of N oa h h a s ,

b e e n of t h e sa m e u se a s w a s form e rly t o t h e G r e e k s ,
‘
a nd R om a ns t h e si e g e of T roy O n a na rrow b a si s of .

a ck nowl e dg e d t r u t h a n i mm e nse bu t r ud e su e r st r u c
p ,

t u re of fa bl e h a s b e e n e re c t e d ; a nd t h e wild I r i sh m a n
”
,

a s w e ll a s t h e wild T a rt a r c ould p oi nt ou t t h e i ndi °

,

vidu a l son of J a ph e t from wh ose l oi ns h i s a nc e st ors ,

w e re li ne a lly d e sc e nd e d Th e l a st c e nt u ry a b ou nd e d .

wi t h a nt iqu a ri a ns of p rofou nd l e a rni ng a nd e a sy fa i t h ,

w h o by t h e di m ligh t of l e g e nd s a nd t ra di t i ons Of con

, ,

u re s a nd e t y m ol ogi e s c onduc t e d t h e g r e a t g ra nd
j ec t ,

child re n of N oa h from t h e t ow e r of B a b e l t o t h e e x
T ci t G m n c 3 Th e m ig t i on of t h G ul foll ow d t h c ou
a . er a . . . e ra e a s e e rse

of t h D nub a nd di ch g d i t lf on G e c nd A i T ci t u c ould
e a e, s ar e se r e e a s a . a s

di cov onl v on i ncon id bl t ib t h t t i ne d ny t c of G llic

s er e s e ra e r e a re a a ra es a a
o igin
r .

A cc o di ng to D K t i ng ( Hi to y of I l nd p 13
r r. t h e gi nt
ea , s r re a , .
, a
P t h ol n
ar ho w a th on of S
us, w th on of E th
as on of S n t h
e s e a ra , e s sra , e s r , e
s on of F m nt t h on of F t h c
ra a l n t h on of M gog t h
e s on of J
ph t a a a e s a , e s a e

on of N o h l nd d on t h c o t of M u n te
, , ,

th t h fou t nt h d of M i
e s a , a e
y y n e as s r, e r ee a a ,

th ye of t h w o ld 1
ea r 978 Th ough h ucc e d d i n hi g t nt p i
e r . e s e e s re a e e r r se ,

th l oo b h vi ou of hi wif nd d hi s d om t ic lif v y u nh ppy

e se e a r s e re e re es e er a ,

a nd p ov ok d hi m t o uch
r d g t h t h kill d— h f v ou i t g y
e s a e re e . a e e er a r e re

h ou nd Thi th l
. n d hi t o i n v
s, a s y p op ly ob v w t h fi t
e ea r e s r a er r er se r e s, as e rs

i n t nc of f m l f l h ood nd i nfid li t y v k now n i n I l nd

s a e e a e a se a e e er re a .

G n l og i c l H i t o y of t h T t by A b lgh i B h a du Kh n
0
e ea a s r e a r a rs u az a r a .

VOL I . . S
2 58 THE D E C L I N E A N D FA LL
t re mi t i e s of t h e gl ob e O f th e se j udici ou s c ritic s one .
,

of t h e m ost e nt e r t a i ni ng w a s O l a u s R u db e c k p rofe ssor ,

i n th e u niv e r si t y of U p sa l P Wh a t e v e r i s c e l e b r a t e d .

e i t h e r i n hi st ory or fa bl e t hi s z e a l ou s p a t ri ot a sc rib e s ,

t o h i s c ou nt ry F rom Sw e d e n (which form e d so c ou si

.

de ra bl e a p a r t of a nci e nt G e rm a ny) th e G re e k s t h e m
se lv e s d er iv e d t h e i r a lph a b e t ic a l ch a ra c t e r s t h e i r a st ro ,

nom y a nd t h e i r r e ligi on
,
O f t h a t d e ligh t ful r e gi on (for .
,

such i t a pp e a re d t o t h e e y e s of a na t iv e ) t h e A t l a nt i s of ,

P l a t o t h e c ou nt ry of t h e Hyp e rb ore a ns t h e g a r d ens

, ,

Of t h e H e sp e rid e s t h e F ortu na t e I sl a nd s a nd e v e n
, ,

t h e Ely si a n Fi e ld s w e re a ll but fa i nt a nd i m p e r fe c t
,

t ra nsc rip t s A cli me so p rofu se ly fa v ou re d by na t u re

.
,

c ould not l ong re ma i n d e se r t a ft e r t h e fl ood T h e .

l e a rne d R u dbe ck a llow s t h e fa m ily of N oa h a fe w

y e a rs t o m ul t iply from e igh t t o a b ou t t w e nt y t h ou
sa nd p e r sons H e t h e n di sp e rse s t h e m i nt o sm a ll
.

c ol oni e s t o re pl e ni sh t h e e a r t h a nd t o p r op a g a t e th e ,

hu m a n sp e ci e s T h e G e rm a n or S w e di sh d e t a ch
.

m ent (which m a r ch e d if I a m not m i sta k e n u nd e r t h e , ,

c om m a nd of A sk e na z t h e son of G om e r t h e son of , ,

J a p h e t) di st i ngui sh e d i t se lf by a m ore t h a n c om m on dili

g e nc e i n t h e p rose cuti on O f thi s g re a t w ork T h e .

nor t h e rn hiv e c a st i t s sw a r m s ov e r t h e g re a t e st p a rt of

Eu r op e A fr ic a a nd A si a ; a nd (t o u se t h e a u t h or s me
, ,
’

t a ph or) t h e bl ood ci r cul a t e d from t h e e x t r e m i t i e s t o t h e

h e a rt .

B u t a ll t hi s w e ll l a b ou re d sy st e m of G e rm a n a nt i
u i t i e s s a nnihil a t e d by a si ngl e fa c t t oo w e ll a t t e st e d
q i ,

t o a d m i t of a ny d oub t a nd of t oo d e ci siv e a na t u re t o ,

l e a v e r oom for a ny re ply T h e G e rm a ns i n t h e a g e .

,

of T a citu s w e re u n a,cqu a i n t e d wi t h t h e u s e of l 9
e t t e rs ;

f P Hi s w ork e nt i t l e d tl a nt ic a , i s u nc omm only sc arc e

A . B a yl e h s giv e n a
Le tt J a nvi et
,

tw o most cu ri ou s e x t ra c t s from i t R publiqu e de s . é re s, er

F e vri er , 1685 .

q T a ci t G e. rm . u . c
19 vi i p a i te a c foemina: i gno
. L i t e ra ru m se re t a r r r

r a nt We m a y e t c ont e nt d wi t h t hi d e ci iv e a u t h o i t y wi t h ou t e nt i ng
. r s e s s r , er

i nto t he ob cu e di pu t c onc e ni ng t he a nt iqui t y of t h R u nic ch a c t e s

s r s es r e ra r .

Th l a n d C l iu
e e r e Sw d a ch ol
e s s, a a nd phil o oph e w of O pi ni on
e e, s a r, a s r, as ,

t h t t h y w e e not hi ng m o e t h a n t h e R om n l e t t
a e r r wi t h t he cu v es a e rs, r

ch nge d i nt o t a igh t li ne fo th e a e of e ng a vi ng S P llo t i e Hi

a s r s r e s r . ee e u r, s

t oi e des C e l t s 1 ii c 11 Dic t i onna i e Dipl oma t iqu e tom i p 2 2 3

r e , . . . r , . . . .
 O F TH E R O MA N E MPIR E
'

. 2 59

a nd t he l e t t e r s i s t h e p r i ncip a l ci r cu m st a nc e t h a t C H A P
u se of .

IX ‘
di st i ngui sh e s a civiliz e d p e opl e from a h e r d of sa v a g e s
i nc a p a bl e of k nowle dg e or r e fl e cti on Wi t h ou t t h a t .

a r tifici a l h e lp t h e hu m a n m e m or y soon dis sip a t e s or

,

c orrup t s t h e id e a s i nt ru st e d t o h e r ch a r g e ; a nd t h e
nobl e r fa cul ti e s of t h e m i nd no l ong e r suppli e d wi t h ,

mod e l s or wi t h m a t e r i a l s g ra du a lly forg e t t h e i r p ow e rs ; ,

t h e j udg e m e nt b e c om e s fe e bl e a nd l e t h a r gic t h e i m a ,

g i n a t i on l a nguid o r i r re gul a r F ully t o a pp re h e nd .

“
t hi s i m p or t a nt t r u t h l e t u s a tt e m p t i n a n i m p rov e d, ,

soci e t y t o c a lcul a t e t h e i mm e nse di st a nc e b e tw e e n t h e

,
.

m a n of l e a r ni ng a nd t h e i lli t e r a t e pe a sa nt T h e for .

m e r by r e a di ng a nd r e fl e c t i on m ul t ipli e s h i s ow n e x
, ,

e r i e nc n d liv i n di t n t g nd m ot c ou n
p e a e ,s s a a e s a re e

t ri e s ; whil st t h e l a tt e r r oot e d t o a si ngl e S p ot a nd , ,

c onfi ne d t o a fe w y e a rs of e xi st e nc e su rp a sse s bu t ,

ve ry lit t l e hi s fe ll ow l a b ou re r t h e ox i n t h e e x e r ci se of
h i s ment a l fa cul t i e s T h e sa m e a nd e v e n a g re a te r
.
,

di ffe re n ce will be fou nd be t w e e n na t i ons th a n b e t w e e n

i ndividu a ls ; a nd w e m a y sa fe ly p ronou nc e t h a t wi t h ou t ,

som e S p e ci e s of w r i t i ng no p e opl e h a s e v e r p r e se r v e d ,

t h e fa i t hful a nna l s of t h e i r hi st or y e v e r m a de a n c o n
y ,
q

si de r a bl e p rog re ss i n t he a b st ra c t sci e nc e s or e v e r ,

p osse sse d i n a ny t ol e ra bl e d e g re e of p e r fe cti on t h e

, ,

u se ful a nd a g re e a bl e a rt s of life .

O f th e se a r t s t h e a nci e nt G e rm a ns w e re w r e tch e dly of a t a nd

, r s

n c l t m a
d e st itu t e Th e y p a sse d t h e i r liv e s i n a st a t e of i g no g
.
u

ra nc e a nd p ov e r t y which i t h a s pl e a se d som e d e c la i m er s
,

t o dig nify wi t h t h e a pp e ll a ti on of vi r tu ou s si m plicity .

M od e rn G e rm a ny i s sa id t o cont a i n a b out t w o th ou ,

sa nd th re e hu nd r e d w a ll e d t ow ns In a m uch wid e r
e x t e nt of c ou nt ry t h e g e og ra ph e r P t ol e m y c ould di s
,

c ov e r no more t h a n ni ne ty pl a c e s which h e d e c ora t e s ,

wi th t h e na m e of cit i e s ; t h ough a cc or di ng t o ou r s
,

We ma y a dd, ld est R unic i nsc ip t i ons a re ppo e d t o be of t he

h
t a t t he o r su s

t hi d c nt u y a nd t he m ost a nci e nt w i t e w h o m e nt i on t h e R u nic ch a a c

r e r , r r s r

te rs i V na nt i
s e F o t u n t u s (C m vii
us r w ho li ve d t ow a d s t he e nd
a , ar . .
r

of t h e ix t h c nt u y
‘
s B ba a f xi nei pi ng t
e r . R NA
ar t a b el l i s
r ra s a ur U .

1
R ch ch es P hil o ophiqu s l e A m é ic i ns to n iii p 2 2 8 The a
e er s es ur s r a ,
r . . . . u
t h o of t h t v e y cu i ou w o k i if I a m not m i i nfo m e d a G e m a n by bi t h
r a r r s r s, s r ,
r r .

3
The A l e x a nd i n g e og a ph i oft e n c i t ici d by t he a ccu a te Cl uve i us
r a r er s r se r r .

3 2
 “
"
2 60 TH E DE C LIN E A N D F A LL
id e a s , w ould but ill d e se rv e t hat spl e ndid titl e
t h ey .

We ca n only supp ose t h e m t o h a v e b e e n r ud e fort i fi

c a ti ons c onst ruc t e d i n t h e c e nt re of t h e w ood s a nd
, ,

d e signe d t o se cu re t h e w om e n child re n a nd c a t tl e , , ,

whil st t h e w a rri ors O f t h e t rib e m a r ch e d ou t t o r e p e l

a sudd e n i nv a si on But T a ci t u s a sse r ts a s a w e ll ,

k now n fa c t t h a t t h e G e rm a ns i h h i s t im e h a d no
, ,
'

ci t i e s ; a nd t h a t th e y a ffe ct e d t o d e spi se t h e w ork s of

R oma n i ndu st ry a s pl a c e s of c onfi ne m e nt ra t h e r th a n ,

of se cu ri t y Th e i r e dific e s w e r e not e v e n c ont igu ou s

"
.
,

or form e d i nt o r e gul a r vill a g e s y e a ch b a r b a r i a n fix e d

h i s i nd e p e nd e nt dw e lli ng on t h e sp ot t o which a pl a i n ,

a w ood or a st re a m of fr e sh w a t e r h a d i nduc e d h i m t o
,

giv e t h e p r e fe re nc e N e i th e r st one nor b rick nor .

, ,

t il e s w e re e m pl oy e d i n t h e se sligh t h a bi t a t i ons Th e y 2
.

w e re i nd e e d no m ore t h a n l ow hu t s of a ci r cul a r figu r e ,

buil t of r ough t imb e r t h a t ch e d wi t h st ra w a nd pi e rc e d , ,

a t the to t o l e a v e a fr e e p a ssa g e for t h e sm ok e I n

p .

t h e m ost i ncl e m e nt wi nt e r t h e h a r dy G e rm a n w a s ,

sa ti sfi e d wi t h a sc a nty g a rm e nt m a d e of t h e ski n of

som e a ni m a l T h e na ti ons w h o dw e lt t ow a rd s t h e
.

nort h cl ot h e d th e m se lv e s i n fu rs ; a nd t h e w om e n m a

nu fa ct u r e d for t h e ir ow n u se a c oa r se ki nd of li ne n
3
.

T h e g a m e of v a r i ou s sor t s with which t h e fore st s O f ,

G e rm a ny w e re pl e nt ifully st ock e d suppli e d i t s i nh a ,

bi t a nt s with food a nd e x e r ci se b Th e i r nu m e r ous .

h e r d s of c a t tl e l e ss re m a rk a bl e i nd e e d for th e i r b e a u t y
,

t h a n for t h e i r u t ili t y forme d t h e p r i ncip a l obj e c t of

t h e ir we a l th A sm a ll qu a nt i t y of c orn w a s t h e only
.

p roduc e e x a ct e d from t h e e a r t h : t h e u se of or ch a rd s
or a r t ifici a l m e a d ow s w a s u nk now n t o t h e G e rm a ns ;

S e C ndt h l ne d M Whi t k i n hi Hi t o y of M nch e t

‘
e aesa r, a e ea r r. a er s s r a s e r,

vol i . . T c i t G m 15 1
a . er . .

X W h n t h G m n c omm nd d t h U b ii of C ol og ne t o c ast ff t h
e e er a s a e e O e
Rom n y ok nd wi t h t h i ne w f dom t o u m t h i nci nt m nn
a e, a e r re e re s e e r a e a e rs,

t h y i n i t don t h i m m di t e d moli t i on of t h w ll of t h c ol ony

e s s e e e P o tu
a e e a s e . s
l m u v obi m u o c ol oni m ni m nt
a sa s, r s i ti i d t h ti ti m f ni
ze , u e a se rv , e ra a s e a e ra a

m li a i cl u
a, s t n vi t u t i obl i vi c nt
a sa e T ci t Hi t iv 64
e a s, r s s u u r. a . s . . .

Y Th t ggli ng vill g e of Sil i a

e s ra e v e l m il e i n l ngt h Se e
a s es ar se ra s e .

C luv l i c 13
e r. . . . .

1
O ne hu nd d nd fo ty y a re fte T c i t u a f w m o e egul r t u e rs a r a s, a e r r ar s r e

tu re sw c t d n t h R hi ne nd D a nub H odi n 1 vi i p 2 34
e re e re e ea r e a e. er a .

b
.
, . .

a
T ci t G m 17
a . er Ibid 5 . C a de Bell G a ll vi 2 1
. . . aes r . . . .
 OF T HE R OM A N E MP IRE . 2 61

nor ca n w e p ct a ny i m p rov e m e nt s i n a g ricul tu re C H A P

ex e .

IX
from a p e opl e wh ose p rop e rty e v e r y y e a r e xp e r i e nc e d '

a g e ne r a l ch a ng e by a ne w divi si on of t h e a ra bl e l a nd s ,

a nd w h o i n th a t st ra ng e O p e ra t i on a v oid e d di sput e s
, , ,

by su ffe ri ng a g re a t p a r t of th e i r t e rrit ory t o li e w a st e

a nd wi t h out t ill a g e
d .

G old silv e r a nd i ron w e re e xt re me ly sc a rc e i n G e r a nd of t he

, ,
f me
m a ny It s b a r b a rou s i nh a bit a nt s w a nt e d b ot h sk ill :Sfif
’ '

a nd p a ti e nc e t o i nv e stig a t e t h ose r ich ve i ns of silv e r

'

which h a v e so lib e ra lly r e w a r d e d t h e a t t e nti on of t h e

p ri nc e s of B ru nswick a nd S a x ony S w e d e n which
.
,

now suppli e s Eu r op e with i ron w a s e qu a lly ig nora nt ,

of i t s ow n r ich e s ; a nd t h e a pp e a r a nc e of t he a rm s of

t h e G e rm a ns fu rn i sh e d a su ffi ci e nt p roof h ow li t tl e
i ron th e y w e re a bl e t o b e st ow on wh a t th e y m u st h a v e
d e e me d t h e nobl e st u se of t h a t m e t a l Th e v a ri ou s .

t ra nsa cti ons of p e a c e a nd w a r h a d i nt roduc e d som e

R om a n c oi ns (chi e fly silv e r) a m ong t h e b or d e re rs of
t h e Rhi ne a nd D a nub e ; b u t t h e m ore di st a nt t r ib e s
w e re a b solut e ly u na cqu a i nt e d wi t h t h e u se of m one y ,

c a rri e d on th e i r c onfi ne d t ra ffi c by t h e e xch a ng e of

,

c ommodi t i e s a nd p riz e d t h e i r r ud e e a r t h e n v e sse l s a s

,

of e qu a l v a lu e wi t h t h e silv e r v a se s t h e p r e se nt s of ,

R om e t o th e i r p ri nc e s a nd a m b a ssa d ors T o a m i nd 8
.

c a p a bl e of re fl e c t i on such l e a di ng fa c t s c onv e y m ore

,

i nst ructi on th a n a t e di ou s d e t a il of sub ordi na t e ci rcu m

st a nc e s . T h e v a lu e of m one y h a s b e e n se t tl e d by
g e ne ra l c onse nt t o e xp re ss ou r w a nt s a nd ou r p ro
p e r t y a s l e tt e rs w e re i nv e nt e d t o e xp re ss ou r id e a s ;
,

a nd b ot h th e se i nst ituti ons by givi ng a m or e a c t iv e

,

e ne rgy t o t h e p ow e rs a nd p a ssi ons of hu m a n na tu r e ,

h a v e c ont ribut e d t o m ul t iply th e obj e ct s th e y w e re

d e signe d t o r e p r e se nt T h e u se of g old a nd silv e r
.

i s i n a g re a t m e a su re fa cti t i ou s ; but i t w ould b e i m

p ossibl e t o e nu m e ra t e t h e i m p or ta nt a nd v a ri ou s se r
vic e s which a g ricul t u re a nd a ll th e a r t s h a v e r e c e iv e d
, ,

from i ron wh e n t e mp e re d a nd fa shi one d by t h e O p e ra

,

t i on of fi re a nd t h e d e xt e r ou s h a nd of m a n
, M one y .
,

d T ci t G e m 2 6 C a vi 2 2
a . r . ze s r, . T ci t G e m 6
. a . r . .
 2 62 T HE D E C LIN E A N D FA L L
C HAP . inw ord , i s t h e m ost u niv e rsa l i ncit e m e nt i ron t h e
a ,
IX .
m ost p ow e r ful i nst r u m e nt Of hu m a n i ndu st ry ; a nd i t i s ,

v e ry di fficult t o c onc e iv e by wh a t m e a ns a pe opl e ,

ne i t h e r a c t u a t e d by t h e one nor se c ond e d by t h e ,

oth e r cou l d e m e rg e fr om t h e g r osse st b a r b a r i sm

,
i
f .

Th i i nd o
e r If w e c ont e m pl a t e a sa v a g e na t i on i n a ny p a r t of t h e
l enc e
.

gl ob e a supi ne i nd ol e nc e a nd a c a r e l e ssne ss of fu t uri t y

,

will b e fou nd t o c onst i t u t e t h e i r g e ne ra l ch a ra c t e r In .

a civiliz e d st a t e e v e r y fa cul t y of m a n i s e xp a nd e d a nd
,

e x e r ci se d ; a nd t h e g re a t ch a i n of m utu a l d e p e nd e nc e

c onne c t s a nd e m b ra c e s t h e se v e ra l m e m b e rs of soci e ty .

T h e m ost nu m e rou s p or t i on of it i s e m pl oy e d i n con

st a nt a nd u se ful l a b ou r T h e se l e c t fe w pl a c e d by .
,

for t u ne a b ov e t h a t ne c e ssi t y ca n h ow e v e r fill up t h e i r ,

t i m e by t h e pu rsui t s of i nt e r e st or gl ory by t h e i m ,

p r ov e me nt of t h e i r e st a t e or of t h e i r u nd e rst a ndi ng by ,

t h e du t i e s t h e pl e a su r e s a nd e v e n t h e folli e s of soci a l
, ,

life T h e G e rm a ns w e re not p osse sse d of t h e se v a ri e d

.

re sou r c e s T h e c a re of t h e h ou se a nd fa m ily t h e
.
,

m a na g e m e nt of t h e l a nd a nd c a t t l e w e re d e l e g a t e d t o ,

t h e Old a nd t h e i nfi rm t o w om e n a nd sl a v e s Th e , .

l azy w a rr i or d e sti t u t e of e v e ry a rt t h a t migh t e mpl oy

,

h i s l e i su re h ou rs c onsu m e d h i s d a y s a nd nigh t s i n t h e
,

a ni m a l ra t i fi ca t i ons Of sl e e p a nd food A nd t by
g y e a .
,

w ond e r ful div e rsi t y Of na tu re (a cc or di ng t o t h e r e ma r k ,

of a w r i t e r w h o h a d pi e r c e d int o i t s d a rk e st r e c e sse s
) ,

t h e sa m e b a rb a r i a ns a r e by t u rns t h e m ost i nd ol e nt a nd
t h e m ost r e st l e ss Of m a nki nd Th e y d e ligh t i n sl oth .
,

t h e y d e t e st t ra nquilli t y g
T h e l a nguid soul Opp re sse d .
,

wi t h i t s ow n w e igh t a nxi ou sly re qui re d som e ne w a nd ,

p ow e r ful se nsa ti on ; a nd w a r a nd d a ng e r w e re t h e only

a m u se m e nt s a d e qu a t e t o i t s fi e r c e t e m p er T h e sou nd .

th a t su mmone d t h e G e rma n t o a rm s w a s g ra t e ful t o h i s

'

ea r It rou se d h i m from h i s u nc omfort a bl e l e th a rgy

.
,

g a v e h i m a n a ctiv e pu rsui t a nd by st rong e x e rci se of , ,

f It i s sa id t ha tP uvi n wi t hou t t h
t he Me xic a ns
of i t h a nd er a s, e u se e er
m on y o i on h d m d
e r r v y g t p og
, a i n th t
a Th o
e a t
er re a r re ss e a r s. se a r s,
and t h m onu m nt t h p oduc d h v b n t a ng ely m g nifi d
s r S e a e ee s r
e
y e e ee , a e .

R ch ch
e er l Amé i c i n tom ii p 153 e t c
e s su r es r a s, . . .
, .

8 T a ci t G m 15 . er . .
 O F THE R OMA N E MP IR E . 2 63

th e b ody vi ol e nt e m ot i ons of t h e m i nd r e st ore d h i m C H A P

, a nd , .

D"
t o a m ore liv e ly se nse of h i s e xi st e nc e In t h e dull i n .

t e r va l s of p e a c e t h e se b a rb a r i a ns w e re i m m od e ra t e ly
,

a ddict e d t o d e e p g a m i ng a nd e xc e ssiv e d r i nki ng ; b ot h

of which by di ffe re nt m e a ns t h e one by i nfl a m i ng t h e i r

,
‘
,

p a ssi ons t h e oth e r by e x t i ngui shi ng th e i r re a son a lik e

, ,

r e li e v e d t h e m fr om t h e p a i n of thi nki ng Th e y gl ori e d .

i n p a ssi ng wh ole d a y s a nd night s a t t a bl e ; a ndt h e bl ood

of fr i e nd s a nd re l a ti ons oft e n st a i ne d t h e i r nu me r ou s
h
a nd d r u nk e n a sse m bli e s Th e i r d e bt s of h onou r (for .

i n th a t ligh t th e y h a v e t ra nsm i t t e d t o u s th ose of pl a y )

t h e y di sch a r g e d wi t h t h e m ost r om a nt ic fid e li t y T he .

d e sp e ra t e g a m e st e r w h o h a d sta k e d h i s p e r son a nd
,

lib e rty on a l a st t h row of t h e dic e p a ti e ntly sub m it t e d ,

t o t h e d e ci si on of for tu ne a nd su ffe re d hi m se lf t o be
'

b ou nd ch a st i se d a nd sold i nt o re mot e sl a v e ry by h i s
, , ,

w e a k e r bu t m ore lucky a nt a g oni st

‘

S t rong b e e r a liqu or e x t ra cte d wi th v e ry little a r t Th e i t a te

, r s

fr om wh e a t or b a rl e y a nd cor rup te d (a s i t i s st rongly ,

e xp r e sse d by T a ci t u s) int o a c e r t a i n se mbl a nc e of wi ne ,

w a s su ffici e nt for t h e g r oss pu rp ose s of G e rm a n de

b a u ch e ry But t h ose w h o h a d t a st e d t h e r ich wi nes

.

of I t a ly a nd a ft e r w a r d s of G a ul sigh e d for t h a t m or e
, ,

d e lici ou s sp e ci e s of i nt oxic a ti on Th e y a tte m pt e d not .

,

h ow e v e r (a s h a s si nc e b e e n e x e cute d wi t h so m uch
,

succ e ss ) t o na tu ra liz e t h e vi ne on t h e b a nk s of t h e
,

Rhi ne a nd D a nub e ; nor did t h e y e nd e a v ou r t o p r o

cu re by i ndu st ry t h e ma t e ri a l s Of a n a dv a nt a g e ou s
c omme r c e T o solicit by l a b ou r wh a t m igh t b e ra
.

vi sh e d by a rm s w a s e st ee me d u nw ort hy of t h e G e r
,

m a n spi rit T h e i nt e mp e ra t e t hi rst of st rong liqu ors

oft e n u rg e d t h e b a rb a r i a ns t o i nv a d e t h e p r ovi nc e s on

which a rt or na t u re h a d b e st ow e d t h ose m uch e nvi e d

p re se nt s T h e Tu sc a n w h o b e t ra y e d h i s c ou nt ry t o
'

t h e C e l t ic na ti ons a t t ra ct e d t h e m i nt o It a ly by th e
,

p rosp e ct of t he r ich fruit s a nd d e lici ou s wi ne s t h e ,

h
T ci t G e m 2 2 2 3
a . r . , .

Ibid 2 4 Th G e ma ns m ig h t b o row t he t of pl y f om t he R o
. . e r r ar s a r

ma ns b t t h p i on i w ond fully i nh
u e a ss nt i n t h hu m n p e ci s
s er e re e a s e .

T ci t G m l 4
a . er . .
2 64 THE D E C LIN E A N D F A L L
p r oduc t i ons of a
h a ppi e r cli m a t e A nd i n t h e s a me

m a nne r t h e G e rm a n a uxili a ri e s i nvi t e d i nt o F ra nc e ,

du ri ng t h e civil w a r s of t h e six te e nt h c e ntu ry w e r e ,

a llu re d by t h e p r om i se of pl e nt e ou s qu a r t e r s i n t h e
m
p rovi nc e s of C h a m p a g ne a nd Bu rgu ndy D ru nk e n .

ne ss t h e m ost illib e ra l bu t not t h e m ost d a ng e r ou s of

, ,

ou r vic e s w a s som e t i m e s c a p a bl e i n a l e ss civiliz e d

, ,

st a t e of m a nki nd of occ a si oni ng a ba t t l e a w a r or a , , ,

r e v olu t i on .

T h e cli m a t e of a nci e nt G e rm a ny h a s b e e n m olli fi e d ,

a nd t h e soil fe rt iliz e d by t h e l a b ou r of t e n c e nt u ri e s ,

from t h e t i m e of C h a rl e m a gne T h e sa me e x t e nt of
’

g rou nd which a t p re se nt m a i nt a in s i n e a se a nd pl e nt y , ,

a m illi on of hu sb a nd m e n a nd a r t i fi c e r s w a s u na bl e t o ,

supply a n hu nd r e d t h ou sa nd l a zy w a rr i or s wi t h t h e

si m pl e ne c e ssa r i e s of life T h e G e rm a ns a b a nd oned

t h e i r i m m e nse for e st s t o t h e e x e r ci se of hu nt i ng e m ,

pl oy e d i n p a st u ra g e t h e m ost c onsid e ra bl e p a r t of t h e i r
l a nd s b e st ow e d on t h e sm a ll re m a i nd e r a rud e a nd
,

c a re l e ss cul t iv a t i on a nd th e n a ccu se d t h e sc a nt i ne ss ,

a nd st e r ili t y of a c ou nt ry th a t r e fu se d t o m a i nt a i n t h e

m ul t i t ud e of i t s i nh a bi t a nt s Wh e n t h e r e tu r n of fa .

m i ne se v e r e ly a d m oni sh e d t h e m O f t h e i m p ort a nc e of

“
t h e a r t s t h e na t i ona l di st re ss w a s som e t i m e s a ll e vi a t e d
,

by t h e e m igr a t i on of a t hi rd p e rh a p s or a fou r t h p a r t , ,

of t h e i r y ou t h T h e p osse ssi on a nd t h e e nj oy m e nt of
p rop e r t y a r e t h e pl e dg e s which bi nd a civiliz e d p e opl e
t o a n i m p r ov e d c ou nt r y B u t t h e G e rm a ns w h o ca r .
,

r i e d wi t h t h e m wh a t t h e y m ost v a lu e d t h e i r a rm s , ,

t h e i r ca t tle a nd t h e i r w om e n ch e e r fully a b a nd one d

,
.
,

t h e v a st sil e nc e of t h e i r w ood s for t h e u nb ou nd e d

Plu t ch i n C m ill o T Liv v 33

ar . a . . . .

1 D u Bo Hi t d l M on chi F nc
s, oi
s t om i p 193
. e a ar e ra se , . . . .

n Th H lv t i n n t i on which i u d f om t h c ou nt y c ll d Swi t z
e e e a a ss e r e r a e er
l nd c ont i n d of v y g nd x t h hu nd d nd ix t y igh t t h ou
a , a e , e er a e a se , re e re a s -
e

sa nd p on C
e rs de B ll G ll i 2 9
s. At p
a asa r nt t h nu mb eof p opl a . . re se e er e e
m ll di t ic t on t h b nk of t h L m n l k m uc h
. . ,

i n t h P y d V ud (
e a s e a a s a s r e a s e e a a e,
m o di t i ngui h d fo p ol i t n
re s t h n fo i ndu t y ) m ou nt t o on hu nd d
s e r e e ss a r s r a s e re

a nd t w lv t h ou
e nd fi v h nd
e d nd ni n ty on S n xc ll nt t c t
sa e u re a e - e. ee a e e e ra

of M M u t i n t h M é moi
. re , d l S oci é t é d B n
e re s e a e er .

0
P ul D i c onu c 1 2 3 M chi v l D vil a nd t h e t of P ul
a a s, .
, , . a a e , a a , e r s a
’
s

foll ow p nt t h
e rs, re m ig t i on t oo much
rese gul ar a nd c once ted
e se e ra s a s re r
m u
e a s re s.
 O F THE R OMA N E MP I R E .

hop e s plu nd e r a nd c onqu e st

of T h e i nnu m e r a bl e C H A P . .

IX ‘
swa rm s t h a t i ssu e d or se e m e d t o i ssu e from t h e g r e a t
, ,

stor e h ou se of na t i ons w e r e m ultipli e d by t h e fe a r s of ,

e
th v a nqui sh e d a nd by t h e c re duli t y of succ e e di ng
,

a g es . A nd fr om fa c t s thu s e x a gg e ra t e d a n Opi ni on ,

w a s g ra du a lly e st a bli sh e d a nd h a s b e e n supp or t e d by ,

‘
w rit e rs of di st i ng u i sh e d r e put a t i on t h a t i n t h e a g e of , ,

C aesa r a nd T a ci t u s t h e i nh a bi t a nt s of t h e nort h w e re
,

fa r m ore nu m e r ou s t h a n t h e y a r e i o n u r d y
a s P A .

m ore se r i ou s e nqui ry i nt o t h e c a u se s of p opul a t i on ,

se e ms t o h a v e c onvi nc e d m od e rn phil osoph e r s of t h e

fa l se h ood a nd i nd e e d t h e i m p ossibility of t h e supp o

,

s i t i ou .To t h e na m e s of M a r i a n a a nd of M a chi a v e l 9
,

we c a n opp ose t h e e qu a l na m e s of R ob e r t son a nd

Hu m e
A w a rlik e na t i on lik e th e G e rma ns with out e i th e r G m n
‘
, er a
f h m
ci t i e s l e tt e rs a rt s or m one y fou nd som e c om p e nsa ti on
, , , ,
re e '

for t hi s sa v a g e st a t e i n t h e e nj oy m e nt of lib e r ty Th e i r .

p ov e r t y se cu re d t h e i r fre e d om ; si nc e ou r d e si re s a nd
ou r p osse ssi ons a r e t h e str ong e st fe tt e r s of d e sp ot i sm .

”
A m ong t h e S ui one s sa y s T a citu s ri ch e s a re h e ld
'

, ,

i n h onou r Th e y a r e ther ef or e subj e ct t o a n a b solut e

.

m ona r ch w h o inst e a d of i nt ru sti ng h i s p e opl e wi t h

, ,

t h e fr e e u se of a r m s a s i s p ra cti se d i n t h e r e st of G e r
,

m a ny c omm it s t h e m t o t h e sa fe cu st ody not of a ci t i

, ,

z e n or e v e n of a fre e d m a n but of a sl a v e
, T h e ne igh , .

b ou rs of t h e S ui one s th e Si t one s a re su nk e v e n b e l ow, ,

”
se rvi t ud e ; th e y ob e y a w om a n In th e m e nti on of s
.

t h e se e xc e p t i ons t h e g re a t hi st or i a n su ffici e nt ly a c
,

k nowl e dg e s t h e g e ne ra l t h e or y of g ov e rnm e nt W e .

a re only a t a l oss t o c onc e iv e by wh a t m e a ns r ich e s

a nd d e sp oti sm c ould p e ne t ra t e i nt o a r e m ot e c orne r of

t h e nor t h a nd e xti ngui sh t h e g e ne r ou s fl a m e t h a t

,

bl a z e d wi t h such fi e rce ne ss on t h e front i e r of t h e R 0

9 Si rW illi a m Te mpl e a nd Mont esqui e u h a v e i ndulg e d on t hi s s ubj e c t
t he u su a l liv e l i ne ss of t h e i r fa ncy
‘M chi v l Hi t di F i
.

1 a a e z l i ; M a i a na Hi t Hi pa n l v c l
, s . re n e , . . r , s . s . . . . .

Rob e t on C h a l s V ; Hu m e Poli t ic a l E s y
’ ’
s a s.
‘T ci t G e m 44 45 F e nshe mi u w ho d e dic a t e d his su pl ement to
r s s r e . s

(
5
a . r . , .
p r s

y to C h i t i na of Sw d en) t hi nk p op t o be v y ng y Wi t h t he R o
r s e s r er er a r

ma n w ho xp esse d o v ery li tt l e
e r v e enc e fo north ern quee ns
s re r r .
 “
2 66 THE DE C LIN E A ND F A LL
ma n p rovi nc e s : or h ow t h e a nc e st ors Of th ose D a nes
a nd N or w e gi a ns so di st i ngui sh e d i n l a t t e r a g e s by
,

t h e i r u nc onqu e r e d S pi r i t c ould t hu s t a m e ly r e sig n t he ,

g re a t ch a ra c t e r of G e rm a n lib e rt y S om e t rib es ,

h ow e v e r on t h e c oa st of th e B a lt ic a ck nowl e dg e d th e
, ,

a u t h or i t y Of ki ng s t h ough wi t h ou t r e li nqui shi ng t h e

,

r ight s of m e n ; b u t i n t h e fa r g r e a t e r p a r t of G e r

m a ny t h e form of g ov e rnm e nt w a s a d e m oc r a cy te m
,
'

p e re d i nd e e d a nd c ont roll e d not so m uch by g e ne ra l

, , ,

a nd p osi t iv e l a w s a s by th e occ a si ona l a sc e nd a nt of

,

bi rt h or v a l ou r O f e l oqu e nc e Or sup e rst i t i on

,
"
.

C ivil g ov e rnm e nt s i n t h e i r fi rst i nst i t u t i ons a re vo

, ,

l u nt a ry a ssoci a ti ons for m u t u a l d e fe nc e T o ob t a i n .

t h e d e si re d e nd it i s a b solut e ly ne c e ssa r y t h a t e a ch
,

i ndividu a l sh ould c onc e iv e him se lf oblig e d t o subm it

h i s p r iv a t e Opi ni on a nd a c t i ons t o t h e j udg e m e nt of t h e
g re a t e r nu mb e r of hi s a ssoci a t e s T h e G e rm a n t rib e s .

w e re c ont e nt e d wi t h t hi s r ud e but lib e ra l ou t li ne of

p oli t ic a l soci e t y A s soon a s a y ou t h b or n of fre e
.
,

p a re nt s h a d a t t a i ne d t h e a g e of m a nh ood h e w a s i n
, ,

t r odu ce d i nt o t h e g e ne ra l c ou ncil of h i s c ou nt ry m e n ,

sol e mnly i nv e st e d wi t h a shi e ld a nd S p e a r a nd a d op t e d ,

a s a n e qu a l a nd w or t hy m e m b e r of t h e m ilit a r y c om

m onw e a l t h T h e a sse m bly of t h e w a rr i ors of t h e tr ib e

.

w a s c onv e ne d a t sta t e d se a sons or on sudd e n e m e r ,

g e n c i e s . T h e t r i a l of p ublic offe nc e s t h e e l e c t i on of ,

m a gi st ra t e s a nd t h e g r e a t bu si ne ss of p e a c e a nd w a r
, ,

w e re de t e rm i ne d by i t s i nd e p e nd e nt v oic e S om e ti m e s .
,

i nd e e d t h e se i m p ort a nt qu e st i ons w e re p r e vi ou sly con

,

si de r e d a nd p r e p a re d i n a m or e se l e c t c ou ncil of t h e
,

p r incip a l Chi e ft a i ns T h e m a gi st ra t e s m ight d e lib e r

‘
M a y w e not su sp e c t t h a t superst i t i on w a s th e p a e nt of d e sp ot i sm ? The r

d esc e nd a nt s of O di n (wh ose c e w a s not e x t i nc t t ill the y e a 1060) a re

ra r

sa id t o h a v e r e ig ne d i n Sw e d e n a b ov e a t h ou sa nd y e ar Th e t e m pl e of s.

U p sa l w a t he a nci e nt se a t of re ligi on a nd e m pi re In t he y e a r 1153 I fi nd

s .

a si ngul a r l a w p rohibi t i ng t h e se a nd p ofessi on of a rm s t o a ny e xc e p t th e

, u r

ki ng s gu a d s I i t not p rob a bl e t h a t i t w a s c ol ou e d by t he p e t e nc e of
’
r . s r r

re vivi ng a n old i nst i t u t i on ? See D a li n s Hi st ory of Sw e d en i n t he Bibli o

’

t h equ e R a i sonné e t om x1 a nd xlv , . . .

Ta ci t G e m c 43
. r . . Ibid c 11 12 13 e t c
.
3
. .
, , , .

Y G rot iu s ch a ng e s a n e xp ressi on of T a ci t u s pert ct ntu i nt o pr etra c , ra a r t

t nt
a a r. T he c orre c t i on i s e qu a lly ju st a nd i ng e ni ou s .
 O F THE R OM A N E MP IRE . 267

t
a e a nd p e rsu a d e , th e
p e opl e only c ould r e solv e a nd C H A P .

IX
e x e cu t e ; a nd t h e re soluti ons Of t h e G e r m a ns w e re for
'

t h e m ost ‘p a r t h a sty a nd vi ol e nt B a rb a r i a ns a ccu s .

t om e d t o pl a c e t h e i r fr e e d om i n g ra tifyi ng t h e p r e se nt
pa ssi on a nd t h e i r c ou ra g e i n ov e rl ooki ng a ll futu re
,

c onse qu e nc e s t ur ne d a w a y wi t h i ndig na nt c ont e m pt

,

from t h e r e m onst ra nc e s Of j u stic e a nd p olicy ; a nd i t

w a s th e p ra ctic e t o signify by a h oll ow m u rm u r t h e i r ,

di slik e of such t i mid c ou nse l s B u t wh e ne v e r a m or e .

p opul a r ora t or p rop ose d t o vi ndic a t e t h e m e a ne st citi

z e n from e i t h e r for e ig n or d om e st ic i nj u ry wh e ne v e r ,

h e c a ll e d up on h i s fe ll ow c ou nt ry m e n t o a sse r t t h e na
t i ona l h onou r or t o pu rsu e som e e nt e r p r i se full of
,

d a ng e r a nd gl ory a l oud cl a shi ng of shi e ld s a nd sp e a rs

,

e xp r e sse d t h e e a g e r a ppl a u se of t h e a sse mbly F or .

t h e G e r m a ns a lw a y s m e t i n a rm s ; a nd i t w a s c onst a ntly
t o b e d re a d e d l e st a n i rr e gul a r m ultitud e i nfl a m e d
, ,

wi t h fa c t i on a nd st rong liqu or s sh ould u se th ose a rm s ,

t o e nfor c e a s w e ll a s t o d e cl a re t h e i r fu ri ou s re solv e s
, , .

W e m a y r e c oll e c t h ow oft e n t h e di e t s of P ol a nd h a v e
b e e n p ollut e d wi t h bl ood a nd t h e m ore nu m e r ou s ,

p a r ty h a s b e e n c omp e ll e d t o yi e ld t o t h e m ore vi ol e nt
a nd se diti ou s

A g e ne ra l of t h e t rib e w a s e l e ct e d on occ a si ons of A u t h o i ty of r

aggigi
nc
d a ng e r ; a nd if t h e d a ng e r w a s p re ssi ng a nd e xt e nsiv e g
, ,
es

se v e ra l t rib e s c oncu rre d i n t h e ch oic e Of t h e sa m e g e t at s r e s.

ne ra l . T h e b ra v e st w a rri or w a s na m e d t o l e a d h i s
c ou nt ry me n i nt o th e fi e ld by h i s e x a m pl e r a t h e r th a n ,

b y h i s c omm a nd s B ut thi s p ow e r h ow e v e r lim it e d

.
, ,

w a s st ill i nvi di ou s It e xpi re d wi t h t h e w a r a nd i n

.
,

ti m e of p e a c e th e G e rm a n tr ib e s a ck nowl e dg e d not a ny
sup re me chi e f P r i nces w e re h ow e v e r a pp oi nt e d i n
3
.
,

t h e g e ne ra l a sse mbly t o a d mi ni st e r j u st ic e or ra t h e r
, ,

"
t o c omp ose di ffe r e nc e s i n th e i r r e sp e ctiv e di st r ic t s
, .

In t h e ch oic e of th e se m a gi st ra t e s a s m uch re g a r d w a s ,

2
E ven in cient p a li a m ent the b aron often c a rri d a qu e st i on
ou r a n r ,
s e ,

not so m uch by t h e nu m b e of v ot e a s by t h a t of t h e i r a rm e d foll ow e rs

r s, .

a
C a de B ell G ll vi 2 3
ae s r . a . . .

Mi nuu nt controver i e i s a v e y h a ppy e xp ressi on of C sa r

s s, r ae
’
s.
 2 68 THE D E C LIN E A N D F A L L
C H A P S h own t o b i rt h a s t o m e ri t
. T o e a ch w a s a ssigne d ,
IX by t h e public a gu a rd a nd a c ou ncil of a n hu nd re d
.

, ,

p e rsons ; a nd t h e fi rst of t h e p ri nc e s a pp e a rs t o h a v e
e nj oy e d a p r e e m i ne nc e of ra nk a nd h onou r which som e

tim e s t e m p t e d t h e R om a ns t o c ompli m e nt h i m wi t h t h e
r e g a l t i tl e d .

mo e b o
r a T h e c om p a ra t iv e vi e w of t h e p ow e rs of t h e m a gi
s

l u t ov
e
st ra t e s i n t w o r e m a rk a bl e i nst a nc e s i s a l one su ffici e nt
er

t h p op t y
, ,
e r er

t h n ov e
a t o r e p re se nt t h e wh ol e sy st e m of G e rm a n m a nne rs
r .

th p
e on
e rs s
T h e di sp osa l of t h e l a nd e d p r op e rt y wi t hi n t h e i r di s
of t he G e r
ma n s. t ri ct w a s a b solu t e ly v e st e d i n t h e i r h a nd s a nd t h e y
, ,

di st r ibute d it e v e ry y e a r a cc ordi ng t o a ne w divi si on '

.

A t t h e sa m e t i m e t h e y w e re not a uth or i se d t o pu ni sh

‘
wi t h d e a t h t o i m p r i son or e v e n t o st rik e a p r iv a t e
, , ,

ci t iz e n A p e opl e t hu s j e a l ou s of t h e i r p e r sons a nd
.
,

c a re l e ss of th e i r p osse ssi ons m u st h a v e b e e n t ot a lly ,

d e st i t u t e of i ndu st ry a nd t h e a r t s b u t a ni m a t e d w i t h a ,

high se nse of h onou r a nd i nd e p e nd e nc e .

T h e G e rm a ns re sp e c t e d only th ose duti e s which t h e y

i m p ose d on t h e mse lv e s T h e m ost ob scu re soldi e r r e .

si st e d wi t h di sd a i n t h e a u t h ori t y of t h e m a gi st ra t e s .

T h e nobl e st y outh s blu sh e d not t o b e nu mb e re d

a m ong t h e fa i t hful c om p a ni ons of som e re now ne d chi e f ,

t o wh om t h e y d e v ot e d t h e i r a r m s a nd se r vic e A nobl e .

e m ul a t i on p re v a il e d a m ong t h e c om p a ni ons t o ob t a i n

t h e fi rst pl a c e i n t h e e st e e m of t h e i r chi e f ; a m ong st

t h e chi e fs t o a cqui r e t h e gr e a t e st num b e r of v a li a nt
c om p a ni ons T o be e v e r sur r ou nd e d by a b a nd of
.

se l e ct y outh s w a s t h e p rid e a nd st r e ng t h of t h e chi e fs

, ,

th e i r orna me nt i n p e a c e t h e i r d e fe nc e i n w a r T h e , .

glor y of such di sti ngui sh e d h e r oe s di ffu se d i t se lf b e

y on d t h e na rrow li m it s of t h e i r ow n t rib e P re se nt s .

a nd e m b a ssi e s solici t e d t h e i r fr i e nd ship a nd t h e fa m e

’

,
‘
of t h e i r a rm s oft e n e nsu re d vic t ory t o t h e p a rt y which

t h e y e sp ou se d In t h e h ou r of d a ng e r i t w a s sh a m e ful
.
,

for t h e chi e f t o b e su r p a sse d i n v a l ou r by h i s com p a n

c Re ge s e x nobili t a t e duc es ex vi rt u te sumu nt T a ci t G erm 7

‘
. .
, . .

1 C luv er . Ge mr . A nt 1 . .i c 38
. . .

Ce sa r, vi . 22 ; Ta ci t G e m 2 6
. r . . T a ci t G erm
. . 7
.
 O F THE R OMA N E MP IRE . 2 69

i ons ; sh a me fu l for t h e c om p a ni ons not t o e qu a l t h e C H A P

IX
v a l ou r of th e i r chi e f T o su rviv e h i s fa ll i n b a t t l e w a s
.
,
'

i nd e libl e i nfa m y T o p r ote ct h i s p e rson a nd t o a d orn

.
,

h i s gl ory with t h e t rophi e s of th e i r ow n e xpl oi t s w e r e ,

t h e m ost sa c re d of th e i r du t i e s T h e chi e fs c om b a t e d .

for vict or y t h e c om p a ni ons for t h e chi e f T h e nobl e st

,
.

w a rri ors wh e ne v e r t h e i r na tiv e c ou ntry w a s su nk i n

,

t h e l a zi ne ss of p e a c e m a i nt a i ne d t h e i r nu m e r ou s b a nd s
,

i n som e di st a nt sc e ne of a c t i on t o e x e r ci se t h e i r r e stl e ss ,

spi r i t a nd t o a cqui r e r e now n by v olu nt a r y d a ng e r s

,
.

Gift s w ort hy of soldi e r s th e w a rlik e st e e d t h e bl oody , ,

a nd e v e r vict or i ou s l a nc e w e r e t h e re w a r d s which t h e ,

c om p a ni ons cl a i m e d from t h e lib e ra li t y of th e i r chi e f .

T h e r ud e pl e nt y of h i s h osp i t a bl e b oa r d Wa s t h e only
p ya th a t he c ould b e st ow o r t he
y w o uld a cc e pt W a r , .
,

r a pi ne a nd t h e fre e will offe r i ng s of hi s fr i e nd s su p

, ,
”
fi
pli e d t h e m a t e ri a l s of thi s m u ni ce ce n g Thi s i nsti t u .

t i on h ow e v e r i t m igh t a ccid e nt a lly w e a k e n t h e se v e r a l

,

r e public s i nvig ora t e d t h e g e ne ra l ch a ra cte r of t h e

,

G e rm a ns a nd e v e n r ip e ne d a m ong st t h e m a ll t h e vi r
,
.

tu e s of which b a rb a ri a ns a re su sc e ptibl e ; t h e fa i t h a nd
v a l our th e h ospit a li t y a nd t h e c ou r t e sy so c onspicu ou s
, ,

l ong a ft e r w a rd s i n th e a g e s of chiv a l ry T h e h onou r .

a bl e gift s b e st ow e d by t h e ch i e f on h i s b ra v e c om p a u
,

i ons h a v e b e e n supp ose d by a n i ng e ni ou s w ri t e r t o

, , ,

c ont a i n th e fi rst r udi m e nt s of t h e fi e fs di st ribu t e d a ft e r , ,

t h e c onqu e st of t h e R oma n p r ovi nc e s by t h e b a rb a r i a n ,

l ord s a m ong th e i r v a ssa l s wi t h a si m il a r duty of h om a g e ,

“
h
a nd m ilit a r y se r vic e Th e se c ondi t i ons a r e h ow e v e r
.
, ,

v e ry r e pug na nt t o t h e ma xi m s of t h e a nci e nt G e rm a ns ,

‘
w h o d e light e d i n m u t u a l p re se nt s ; b u t wi t h ou t e i t h e r

i mp osi ng or a cc e pti ng t h e w e igh t of oblig a t i ons

, , .

In t h e d a y s of chiv a l ry or m ore p rop e rly Of r o G m n ,

er a
C h m) as
m a nc e a ll t h e m e n w e re b ra v e a nd a ll t h e w om e n w e r e
, ,

8 Ta ci t G erm l 3 l 4
. . .

e Loix 1 xxx c 3
,
h E p it d s r s The b illi a nt i ma gi na t i on of M ont esqui e u
, . . . . r
i s co c t e d h ow e v by t he d y c old e on of t h a bb é de M a bly Oh
rre e r, r r as e .

‘
,

se rv t i ons l Hi t oi d F a nc e t o n i p 356
’
a su r s re e r r . . . .
,

G ude nt m ne ibus ; sed nec d a ta i mpu ta nt ne c a ccepti obliga nt ur

a u r , s .

Ta c it G e m c 2 1
. r . . .
 2 70 THE DE C L I N E A N D FA L L
C H A P ch a ste ; a nd notwi t h sta ndi ng t h e l a tt e r of t h e se vi rtu e s
.

IX‘
i s a cqui re d a nd p re se r v e d wi t h m uch m ore di fficul t y
t h a n t h e for m e r i t i s a sc rib e d a l m ost wi t h ou t e xce p
, ,

t i on t o t h e wiv e s of t h e a nci e nt G e r m a ns
,
P olyg a m y .

w a s not i n u se e xc e p t a mong t h e p r i nc e s a nd a m ong

, ,

t h e m only for t h e sa k e of m ul t iplyi ng t h e i r a lli a n c e s .

Div orc e s w e r e p r ohibit e d by m a nne rs ra t h e r t ha n by

l a w s A dult e ri e s w e re pu ni sh e d a s r a re a nd i ne xpi a bl e
.
~

c r i m e s ; nor w a s se duc t i on j u stifi e d by e x a m pl e a nd

fa shi on k W e m a y e a sily di sc ov e r t h a t T a ci t u s i n
.
,

du lg e s a n h one st pl e a su re i n t h e c ont r a st of b a r b a r i a n
vi rt u e with t h e di ssolu t e c onduct of t h e R om a n l a di e s :
,

e t th a r e som e st r iki ng ci rcu m st a nc e s th a t giv e a n

y e r e

a i r of t ruth or a t l e a st of p rob a bili t y t o t h e c onj ug a l

, ,

fa i t h a nd ch a sti t y of t h e G e rm a ns .

It p ob bl e
s r a A l t h ough t h e p rogre ss of civiliz a t i on h a s u nd oub t
ca e ‘
us s
e dly c ont r ibu t e d t o a ssu a g e t h e fi e r c e r p a ssi ons of

hu m a n na ture i t se e m s t o h a v e b e e n l e ss fa v ou ra bl e t o
,

t h e vi r tu e Of ch a st ity wh ose m ost d a ng e rou s e ne m y i s

,

t h e soft ne ss of t h e m i nd T h e r e fi ne m e nt s of life cor.

r up t whil e t h e y p oli sh t h e i nt e rc ou rse of t h e se x e s

’

T h e g ross a pp e ti t e of l ov e b e c om e s m ost d a ng e rou s

wh e n i t i s e l e v a t e d or r a t h e r i nd e e d di sgui se d by se n
, , ,

t i m e nt a l p a ssi on T h e e l e g a nc e Of d r e ss of m ot i on
.
, ,

a nd of m a nne r s giv e s a lu st re t o b e a u ty a nd i nfl a m e s
, ,

t h e se nse s th r ough t h e i m a gi na t i on Luxu ri ou s e nte r .

t a i nm e nt s m id nigh t d a nc e s a nd lic e nt i ou s sp e c t a cl e s
, , ,

p re se nt a t onc e t e m pt a t i on a nd Opp or tu ni ty t o fe m a l e
fra ilty 1
F rom such d a ng e rs t h e u n
. p oli sh e d wiv e s of ,

t h e b a rb a r i a ns w e re se cu re d by p ov e r t y solitud e a nd , , ,

t h e p a i nfu l c a re s of a d om e stic life T h e G e rm a n hut s .

,

op e n on e v e ry sid e t o t h e e y e of i ndi sc re ti on or e a
j
l ou sy w e re a b e tt e r sa fe gu a r d of c onj ug a l fid e li t y t h a n
, ,

t h e w a ll s t h e b olt s a nd t h e e u nuch s of a P e rsi a n

, ,

h a ra m T o thi s r e a son a not h e r m a y b e a dd e d of a

.
,

k The dul tere s w as whippe d t h ough th e vill a g e N ei th e w e a l t h no

a s r . r r
b ea u t y c ould i n pi c om p a i on o p ocu e h a se c ond hu b nd 18
s re ss , r r r er s a , ,
1 O vid e m pl oy t w o hu nd s d l i n i n t h e re ea ch of pl c e t h e most fa
re es s r a s

voura bl t o l ov
e A b ov e a ll h c on id s th e t h a t e a th b e t d a p t d t o
e. , e s er e r s e s a e
c oll c t t he b ea u ti e of Rome a ndtom el t t h em i ntot end erness a ndsensu a li t y
e s , .
 OF THE R OMA N E MP IRE . 2 71

more h onou ra bl e na tu re T h e G e rma ns t re a te d th e i r .

w om e n wi t h e st e e m a nd c onfid e nc e c onsul t e d t h e m on ,

e v e ry occ a si on of i m p or t a nc e a nd fondly b e li e v e d t h a t , ,

i n t h e i r b re a st s r e sid e d a sa nc t ity a nd wi sd om m or e ,

t h a n hu m a n S om e of th e se i nte rp r e t e rs of fa t e such
.
,

a s V e ll e d a i n t h e B a t a vi a n w a r g ov e rne d i n t h e na m e
, , ,

m
of t h e D e i t y t h e fi e r c e st na t i ons of G e rm a ny
,
T he .

r e st of t h e se x wi t h out b e i ng a d or e d a s g odd e sse s

, ,

w e r e re sp e ct e d a s t h e fre e a nd e qu a l c om p a ni ons of
soldi e r s ; a ssoci a t e d e v e n by t h e m a r ri a g e c e re m ony t o

a life of t oil Of da ng e r a nd of gl or y,
In t h e i r g re a t,

i nv a si ons t h e c a mp s of t h e b a r b a ri a ns w e re fill e d wi t h
,

a m ul t i t ud e of w om e n w h o r e m a i ne d fi rm a nd u m ,

d a u nt e d a mid st t h e sou nd of a rm s t h e v a ri ou s form s O f ,

d e st r uc t i on a nd th e h onou ra bl e w ou nd s Of th e i r sons
,

a nd hu sb a nd s F a i nt i ng a rm i e s of G e rma ns h a v e
°
.

m ore th a n onc e b e e n d riv e n b a ck up on t h e e ne m y by ,

t h e g e ne r ou s d e sp a i r of t h e w om e n w h o d re a d e d d e a th ,

m uch l e ss t h a n se r vitud e If t h e da y w a s i rre c ov e ra bly .

l ost t h e y w e ll k ne w h ow t o d e liv e r t h e m se lv e s a nd
,

th e i r child r e n wi t h t h e i r ow n h a nd s from a n i nsulti ng

, ,

vict or P H e roine s of such a c a st m a y cl a i m ou r a d

.

mi ra t i on ; b u t t h e y w ere m ost a ssu r e dly ne i t h e r l ov e ly , , ,

nor v e r y su sc e p t ibl e Of l ov e Whil st t h e y a ffe c t e d t o .

e m ul a t e t h e st e r n vi r t u e s of ma n t h e y m u st h a v e r e ,

sig ne d t h a t a tt ra ctiv e soft ne ss i n which p r i ncip a lly c on

si st t h e ch a rm a nd w e a k ne ss of w oma n C onsci ou s .

p rid e t a ught th e G e rm a n fe ma l e s t o supp r e ss e v e ry

t e nd e r e mot i on th a t st ood i n c om p e t i t i on with h onou r ,

a nd t h e fi r st h onou r of t h e se x h a s e v e r b e e n t h a t of

ch a stity T h e se nt i m e nt s a nd conduc t of t h e se high

.

spi r i t e d m a t r ons m a a t onc e b e c onsid e r e d a s a c a use

y ,

a s a n e ffe ct a nd a s a p roof of th e g e ne ra l ch a ra c
,

m Ta ci t Hi iv 61 65
. st . . . .

The m a rri a g e p e e nt w a s a y ok e of ox e n h o ses a nd a m s

r s See ,
r , r .

G e m c 18 T a ci t u s i s ome wh t t oo fl o id on t he ubj e c t
r . . . s a r s .

0
Th ch a ng of i g
e
‘
i nt o n g e i a m o t e xc ell nt c
e ea o e c t i on
er e ea re s s e rr .

P T ci t G e m c 7
a . P lu t a ch i n M i o B efore t he W i v e of t he T n
r . . r . ar . s e

t on d t oy e d t h em lv e nd t h i r child n t h y h d offe e d to su nd
es es r se s a e re , e a r rre er,

on c ondi t i on t h t t h e y h ould bea c iv d a t h l v e of t he v e t l v i g i n

s re e e s e s a s s a r s.
 2 72 THE D EC LIN E A N D FA L L
t e r of t h e na t i on F e m a l e c ou ra g e h ow e v e r it ma y b e
.
,

r a i se d by fa na t ici sm or c onfi r m e d by h a bi t c a n b e only a

, ,

fa i nt a ndi mp e r fe c t i m i t a t i on of t h e m a nly v a l ou r t h a t di s
t i ng u i sh e s t he a g e or c ou nt ry i n which i t m a y b e fou nd .

Re ligion
. T h e re ligi ou s sy st e m of t h e G e rm a ns (if t h e wild
Opi ni ons of sa v a g e s ca n d e se r v e t h a t na m e ) w a s dic
t a t e d by th e i w a t s h e i fe a s a nd t h e i r ig nora c e
r n t r r n ,
q
, .

Th e y a d ore d t h e g re a t vi sibl e Obj e c t s a nd a g e nt s of

na t u r e t h e su n a nd t h e m oon t h e fi r e a nd t h e e a r t h ;
, ,

t og e t h e r wi t h t h ose i m a gi na ry d e i t i e s w h o w e re su p ,

p ose d t o p re sid e ov e r t h e m ost i m p ort a nt occup a t i ons

of hu m a n life Th e y w e re p e r su a d e d t h a t by som e
.
,

r idicul ou s a r t s of divi na t i on t h e y c ou l d di sc ov e r t h e

will Of t h e sup e ri or b e i ng s a nd t h a t hu m a n sa c rific e s ,

w e re t h e m ost p re ci ou s a nd a cc e p t a bl e O ffe r i ng t o t h e i r
a l ta rs S om e a ppl a u se h a s b e e n h a st ily b e st ow e d on
.

t h e subli m e not i on e nt e r t a i ne d by th a t p e opl e of t h e

D e i t y wh om t h e y ne i t h e r c onfi ne d wi t hi n t h e w a ll s of a
,

t e m pl e nor re p re se nt e d by a ny hu m a n figu re ; bu t
,

wh e n w e re c oll e ct t h a t t h e G e rm a ns w e r e u nskille d i n
,

a r chi t e ctu re a nd t ot a lly u na cqu a i nt e d wi t h t h e a r t of

,

sculp t u re w e sh a ll re a dily a ssig n t h e t ru e re a son of a

,

sc rupl e which a r ose not so m uch fr om a sup e r i or i t y of

,

r e a son a s fr om a w a nt of i ng e nui t y
, T h e only t e m pl e s .

i n G e rm a ny w e re d a r k a nd a nci e nt g rov e s c onse c r a t e d ,

by t h e r e v e re nc e of succ e e di ng g e ne ra t i ons Th e i r .

se c r e t gl oom t h e i m a gi ne d r e sid e nc e Of a n i nvi sibl e

,

p ow e r by p re se nt i ng no di st i nc t obj e c t Of fe a r or w or
,

ship i m p re sse d t h e m ind wi t h a st ill d e e p e r se nse Of

,

r e ligi ou s h orr or ; a nd t h e p ri e st s r ud e a nd illi t e r a t e

’
,

a s t h e y w e re h a d b e e n t a ugh t by e xp e ri e nc e t h e u se
,

of e v e ry a r t ific e t h a t c ould p r e ser v e a nd for t ify i m p r e s

si ons so w e l l sui t e d t o t h e i r ow n i nt e r e st .

‘T ci u
1 a t s pl oy d a f w li n
ha s em nd C l ve ri one hu nd d a nd
e e e s, a u us re

t w nt y fou p g e
e - on t hi ob cu
r a ubj c t Th fo m di c ov i n G
s, s s re s e . e r er s e rs er

m ny t he g od
a f G e c e nd R ome The l t t e i p o i t iv e t h t u nd
s O re a th . a r s s , a , er e

e m bl m of t h e
e s n t he m oon a nd th e fi
su hi pi ou
,
nc to w o hipp e d, re , s s a es rs rs

t h T i ni t y i n u ni t y
e r

c d w ood d c ib e d wi t h uch ubli me h o o by Luc n

.

Th e sa re , es r in s s rr r a ,
w as

t h ne ighb ou h ood of M
e ill e ; b t t h e w e e m ny of t he me ki nd i n
r a rse s u er r a sa

G e m a ny
r .
 O F THE R O MA N E MP IR E . 2 73

Th e ig nora nc e which r e nd e r s b a rb a r i a ns i nc a C H A P
sa m e .

IX
a b l e of c onc e ivi ng or e m b ra ci ng t h e u se ful re st r a i nt s
’
‘
p
O f l a w s e xp ose s t h e m na k e d a nd u na r m e d t o t h e bli nd It
,
ff c t s e e s
in p c
t e rr or s of sup e rst i t i on T h e G e r m a n p ri e st s i m p r ov
.
,
ea e:

i ng t hi s fa v ou r a bl e t e m p e r of t h e i r c ou nt ry m e n h a d ,

a ssu m e d a j u ri sdic t i on e v e n i n t e m p or a l c onc e rns

, ,

which t h e m a gi st r a t e c ould not v e nt u r e t o e x e r ci se ;

a nd t h e h a ugh t y w a rri or p a t i e nt ly sub m i tt e d t o t h e l a sh
‘
of c or r e c t i on wh e n i t w a s i nflic t e d not by a ny hu m a n
, ,

p ow e r b u t by t h e i m m e di a t e or d e r Of t h e g od of w a r
,
5
.

T h e d e fe c t s of civil p olicy w e r e som e t i m e s suppli e d by

t h e i n t e r p osi t i on of e ccl e si a st ic a l a u t h ori t y T h e la t t er .

w a s c onst a nt ly e x e r t e d t o m a i nt a i n S il e nc e a nd d e c e ncy

i n t h e p opul a r a sse m bli e s ; a nd w a s som e t i m e s e x

t e nde d t o a m or e e nl a r g e d c onc e rn for t h e na t i ona l
w e lfa re A sol e m n p r oc e ssi on w a s occ a si ona lly c e l e
.

b r a t e d i n t he p re se n t c ou ntr i e s of M e ckl e nbu r g a nd

P om e ra ni a T h e u nk now n sy m b ol of t h e e a r t h co
.
,

v e re d w i t h a t hick v e il w a s pl a c e d on a c a rri a g e d ra w n
,

by c ow s ; a nd i n t hi s m a nne r t h e g odd e ss wh ose com ,

m on r e sid e nc e w a s i n t h e i sl e of Rug e n vi si t e d se v e ra l ,

a d j a c e nt t r ib e s of h e r w or shipp e r s Du ri ng h e r p r o .

g r e ss t h e sou nd of w a r w a s hu sh e d qu a rr e l s w e re su s
, ,

p e nd e d a rm s l a id a sid e a nd t h e r e st l e ss G e rm a ns h a d
, ,

a n Opp or t u ni t y Of t a st i ng t h e bl e ssi ng s of p e a c e a nd

h a rm ony t
T h e t r a ce of G od so oft e n a nd so i ne ffe c
.
,

t u a l ly p r ocl a i m e d by t h e cl e r gy of t h e e l e v e nt h c e ntu r y ,

w a s a n Obvi ou s i m i ta t i on of t hi s a nci e nt cu st om
‘

B u t t h e i nflu e nc e of re ligi on w a s fa r m or e p ow e r ful i n w a r.

t o i nfl a m e t h a n t o m od e ra t e t h e fi e r c e p a ssi ons of t h e
, ,

G e rm a ns I nt e r e st a nd fa na t ici sm oft e n p r om p t e d i t s
.

m i ni st e r s t o sa nc t ify t h e m ost d a r i ng a nd t h e m ost u n

j u st e nt e r p r i se s by t h e a pp rob a t i on of h e a v e n a nd full
, ,

a ssu ra nc e s of succ e ss T h e c onse c ra t e d st a nd a r d s

.
,

l ong r e v e re d i n t h e g rov e s of sup e rst i t i on w e re pl a c e d ,

i n t h e fr ont of t h e b a t t l e ; a nd t h e h ostil e a rm y w a s "

T ci t G e Ibid c 40
‘S rm .
5
a . c 7 . . . . .

1
ee Dr . R ob e rt son s
’
Hi to y of C h l V vol i note l o
s r a r es . . . .

1
"
T a ci t G . e rm . c . 7 . Th e st nd a d s w e e only t h h a d ofw ildb e
es a r r e e s a st s.

VOL I .
’
. T
 2 74 . THE D E C LIN E A N D F A L L
d e v ot e d wi t h di re e x e c ra t i ons t o t h e g od s of w a r a nd
of t hu nd e r In t h e fa i t h of soldi e r s (a nd such w e r e
t h e G e r m a ns) c ow a r dic e i s t h e m ost u np a r d ona bl e of
si ns . A b ra v e m a n w a s t h e w or t hy fa v ou ri t e of t h e i r
m a r t i a l d e i t i e s ; t h e w r e t ch w h o h a d l ost h i s shi e ld w a s ,

a lik e b a ni sh e d fr om t h e r e ligi ou s a nd t h e civil a sse m

bli e s Of h i s c ou nt ry m e n S om e t rib e s of t h e nort h .

se e m t o h a v e e m b ra c e d t h e d oc t r i ne of t ra nsm ig ra t i on
2
,

ot h e rs i m a gi ne d a g r oss p a r a di se of i mm or t a l d r u nk e n

n e ss A ll a g re e d t h a t a life sp e nt i n a rm s a nd a
3
.
, ,

gl ori ou s d e a th i n b a t tl e w e re t h e b e st p re p a ra t i ons for ,

a h a ppy fu t u r i t y e i t h e r i n t hi s or i n a not h e r w or ld
, .

Th e ba d
r s. T h e i m m or t a li t y so v a i nly p rom i se d by t h e p r i e st s
w a s i n som e d e g r e e
,
c onfe r re d by t h e b a rd s Th a t
, .

si ngul a r or d e r of m e n h a s m ost d e se r v e dly a t t r a c t e d

t h e not ic e of a ll w h o h a v e a t t e m p t e d t o i nv e st ig a t e t h e
a nt iqui t i e s of t h e C e l t s t h e S c a ndi na vi a ns a nd t h e , ,

G e rm a ns Th e i r g e niu s a nd ch a r a c t e r a s w e ll a s t h e
.
,

re v e re nc e p a id t o t h e i r i m p or t a nt offic e h a v e b e e n su f ,

fi cie nt ly illu st ra t e d B u t w e c a nnot so e a sily e xp r e ss

.
,

or e v e n c onc e iv e t h e e nt hu si a sm of a rm s a nd gl ory
,

which t h e y ki ndl e d i n t h e b re a st of t h e i r a udi e nc e .

Am ong a p oli sh e d p e opl e a t a st e for p oe t ry i s ra th e r ,

a n a m u se m e nt of t h e fa ncy t h a n a p a ssi on of t h e soul , .

A nd y e t wh e n i n c a l m r e t i re m e nt w e p e ru se t h e com
,

b a t s d e sc rib e d by H om e r or T a sso w e a re i nse nsibly ,

se duc e d by t h e fic ti on a nd fe e l a m om e nt a ry gl ow of ,

m a r t i a l a r d ou r B u t h ow fa i nt h ow c old i s t h e se nsa
.
,

t i on which a p e a c e ful m i nd ca n r e c e iv e fr om solit a ry

st udy ! It w a s i n t h e h ou r of b a t t l e or i n t h e fe a st of ,

vict ory t h a t t h e b a r d s c e l e b ra t e d t h e gl ory of h e roe s

,

of a nci e nt d a y s t h e a nc e st ors of t h ose w a r lik e chi e f

,

t a i ns w h o li st e ne d wi t h t ra nsp or t t o th e i r a r t l e ss b u t

y Se e an i n t a nc e of t hi cu stom T a ci t A nn l xiii 57
s s , . a
a ndL uc a n
. . .

E C a sa r, D i odo ru s, e em t o c ib t hi d oc t i n t o t h G a ul ;
, s as r e s r e e s
but M Pe l lo t e ( Hi t oi e d C e l t e 1 ii i c 18 l b ou t o e duc th i
’
. u i r s i es s, . . . . a rs r e e r
e xp i on t o a m o Oi t hodox n
re ss s re se se .
a
Conc ni ng t hi g o b t a llu i ng d oc t i n of t he E dd a
er s r ss u r r e , se e fa bl xx e .

i n t h cu i ou v
e ri on of t h t b ook publi h d by M Ma ll t
s e rs a , s e . e , i n h i i nt o
s r
duc t i on t o t h Hi t o y of D nm k
e s r e ar .
 O F THE R OMA N E MP IRE . 2 75

an i ma t e d st ra i ns T h e V i e w of a r m s a nd Of d a ng e r C H A P
. .

IX
h e igh t e ne d th e e ffe c t of t h e m ili t a r y song ; a nd t h e '

p a ssi ons which i t t e nd e d t o e xci t e t h e d e si re of fa me , ,

a nd t h e c ont e m p t of d e a t h w e re t h e h a bitu a l se nt i ,

m e nt s of a G e r m a n m i nd
S uch w a s t h e si t u a ti on a nd such w e re t h e ma nne r s C u , ,
a se s

li f
li dt h e
ll
of t h e a nci e nt G e r m a ns Th e i r cli ma t e t h e i r w a nt Of : .
, et
l

l e a rni ng of a rt s a nd of l a w s t h e i r not i ons O f h onou r P og of

, , , ,
r ress

th G e er
of g a ll a nt ry a nd Of r e l i g i on t h e i r se nse of fre e d om ma n
, , , s.

i m p a t i e nc e of p e a c e a nd t hi rst of e nt e rp ri se a ll con , ,

t r ibu t e d t o for m a p e opl e of m ili t a ry h e roe s A nd y e t .

w e fi nd t h a t du ri ng m or e t h a n t w o hu nd r e d a nd fift y
,

y e a r s t h a t e l a p se d from t h e de fe a t of V a r u s t o t h e
r e ig n of D e ciu s, t h e se form id a bl e b a rb a r i a ns ma d e fe w
c onsid e ra bl e a t t e m pt s a nd not a ny m a t e r i a l i m p re ssi on ,

on t h e luxu r i ou s a nd e nsl a v e d p r ovi nc e s of t h e e m pi re .

Th e ir p rog re ss w a s ch e ck e d by t h e i r w a nt of a rm s a nd
di scipli ne a nd t h e i r fu ry w a s div e r t e d by t h e i nt e stine
,

divi si ons of a nci e nt G e rm a ny .

I It h a s b e e n Ob se rv e d wi t h i ng e nui t y a nd not W nt of
.
,
a

wi t h ou t t ru t h t h a t t h e c omma nd of i ron soon giv e s a ar m s’

,

na t i on t h e c omm a nd of g old B u t t h e r ud e t ri be s of .

G e rm a ny a lik e d e st i t u t e of b ot h t h ose v a lua bl e me ta l s

, ,

w e re r e duc e d sl owly t o a cqui re by t h e i r u na ssi st e d ,

st re ng t h t h e p osse ssi on Of t h e one a s w e ll a s t h e ot h e r

, .

T h e fa c e of a G e rm a n a rm y di spl a y e d th e i r p ov e rty of
i ron Sw or d s a nd t h e l ong e r ki nd of l a nc e s t h e y
.
, ,

c ould se ld om u se Th e i r f r a mew (a s t h e y c a ll e d t h e m .

i n t h e i r ow n l a ngu a g e ) w e re l ong sp e a rs h e a d e d wi t h a
sh a r p b u t na rr ow i ron p oi nt a nd which a s occ a si on , ,

r e qui re d th e y e i t h e r d a r t e d from a di st a nc e or pu sh e d
,

i n cl ose onse t Wi t h thi s sp e a r a nd wi t h a shi e ld

.
, ,

t h e i r c a v a l r y w a s c ont e nt e d A m ulti t ud e of d a rt s
,
.
,

b
T a ci t G m c 3; D i odo Si c l l v ; S t a b o l iv p 197
See . er . . r. u . . . r , . . . .

Th cl a s ic a l ea d m y em e mb t he ra nk of D e m odocu i n t h Pl a cia n
e s r er a r er s e i aa

c ou t nd th e d ou i nfu d by Ty t u i nt o t h f i nt i ng Sp a t a n Ye t
r , a ar r se r ae s e a r s.

the e i r li t t l e p ob a b i li ty t h t t he G e k a nd t h G e m n w e t he sa m
s r a r e s e r a s er e

p opl M uch l ea n d t ifli ng m igh t b S p e d if o r a nt i qu a i a ns w ould

e e. r e r e ar , u r

c ond cend to fl e c t t h t i mil a m a nn s will n t u lly be p oduc e d by

es re , a s r er a ra r

si m il a r i tu t i on
s a s.
 2 76 THE D E C LIN E A N D F A LL
CHAP . c
s a t t e re
c
d wi t h i nc re dibl e forc e w e re a n a ddi t i ona l r e ,

sou r c e O f t h e i nfa nt ry Th e i r m ili t a ry d re ss wh e n

.
,

t h e y w ore a ny w a s not hi ng m ore t h a n a l oose m a nt l e

, .

A v a ri e ty of c ol ou rs w a s t h e only orna me nt of th e i r
w ood e n or osi e r shi e ld s F e w of t h e chi e fs w e r e .

di sti ngui sh e d by cui ra sse s sc a r c e a ny by h e l m e t s , .

Th ough t h e h or se s of G e rm a ny w e re ne i t h e r b e a u t iful ,

swift nor p r a c t i se d i n t h e skilful e v olu t i ons of t h e

,

R oma n m a ne ge se v e ra l of t h e na t i ons ob t a i ne d re now n

,

by t h e i r c a v a l ry ; b u t i n g e ne ra l t h e p ri ncip a l st re ng t h
of t h e G e r m a ns c onsi st e d i n t h e i r i nfa nt ry
d which w a s ,

d ra w n up i n se v e ra l d e e p c olu m ns a cc ordi ng t o t h e ,

di st i nc t i on of t rib e s a nd fa m ili e s I m p a t i e nt of fa t igu e

‘
ap d of di s .

C l
p em
or d e l a y t h e se h a lf a r m e d w a rr i or s r u sh e d t o b a t t l e
’
-
,

wi t h di ssona nt sh ou t s a nd di sord e r e d ra nk s ; a nd som e

t i m e s by t h e e ffor t of na t iv e v a l ou r p r e v a il e d ov e r t h e
, ,

c onst ra i ne d a nd m or e a r t ifici a l b ra v e ry of t h e R om a n
m e r c e na r i e s B u t a s t h e b a rb a r i a ns p ou r e d for t h t h e i r
.

wh ol e soul s on t h e fi rst onse t t h e y k ne w not h ow t o ,

r a lly or t o r e t i re A re pul se w a s a su re d e fe a t ; a nd a
.

d e fe a t w a s m ost c omm only t ot a l d e st ruc t i on W h e n .

’

w e r e c oll e c t t h e c ompl e t e a rm ou r of t h e R om a n sol

di e r s t h e i r di scipli ne e x e r ci se s e v oluti ons for t ifi e d

, , , ,

c a m p s a nd m ili t a r y e ngi ne s ; i t a pp e a rs a j u st m a t t e r of
,

su r p r i se h ow t h e na k e d a nd u na ssi st e d v a l ou r Of t h e
,

b a rb a ri a ns c ould da r e t o e nc ou nt e r i n t h e fi e ld t h e ,

st re ng t h of t h e l e gi ons a nd t h e v a r i ou s t r oop s of t h e ,

a uxili a r i e s which se c ond e d t h e i r Op e r a t i ons T h e con .

t e st w a s t oo u ne qu a l t ill t h e i nt r oduc t i on of luxu r y h a d

,

e ne r v a t e d t h e vig ou r a nd a S pi r i t Of di sob e di e nc e a nd
,

se di t i on h a d r e l a x e d t h e di scipli ne
. of t h e R om a n a r ,

m ie s .T h e i nt r oduc t i on of b a rb a r i a n a uxili a ri e s i nt o
t h ose a rm i e s w a s a m e a su r e a t t e nd e d wi t h v e r y obvi ou s
,

d a ng e rs a s i t m igh t g ra du a lly i nst ruc t t h e G e rm a ns i n

,

t h e a r t s of w a r a nd of p olicy A l t h ough t h e y w e re a d .

m i tt e d i n sm a ll nu m b e r s a nd wi t h t h e st r ic t e st p r e ca u
Mi l i p g nt T ci t G m c 6 E i t h t h t hi t o i n u e d v a gu
SSi a s ar u . a . er . . . er a s r a s a e
xp i on o h m nt t h t t h y w t h ow n t nd om
‘
e re ss , r e ea a e e re r a ra .

1 I w
t t h i p i ncip l di t i nc t i on f om t he S ma t i n
as e r r a w ho g ne
s lly r ar a s, e ra
fough t on h o b ck rse a .
 O F THE R OMA N E MP IRE . 2 77

ti on t h e e x a m pl e of Ci vili s w a s p rop e r t o c onvi nc e the C H A P

, .

IX
R om a ns t h a t t h e d a ng e r w as not i m a gi na ry a nd t h a t
, ,
'

t h e i r p r e c a u t i ons w e r e not a lw a y s su ffi cie nt Du ri ng "

.

t h e civil w a rs t h a t foll ow e d t h e d e a t h of N e r o t h a t ,

a r t ful a nd i nt re pid B a t a vi a n wh om h i s e ne m i e s c ond e ,

f
sc e nd e d t o c om p a r e wi th H a nnib a l a nd Se r t ori u s ,

form e d a g re a t d e sig n of fre e d om a nd a m biti on Eigh t .

B a t a vi a n c oh or t s r e now ne d i n t h e w a rs of B r it a i n a nd
,

I t a ly r e p a i re d t o hi s st a nda r d H e i nt roduc e d a n
, .

a rm y of G e r m a ns i nt o G a ul p re v a il e d on t h e ow e r fu l
p ,

ci t i e s of T re v e s a nd L a ngr e s t o e m b ra c e h i s c a u se de ,

fe a t e d t h e l e gi ons d e st roy e d t h e i r for t ifi ed c a m p s a nd

, ,

e m pl oy e d a g a i nst t h e R om a ns t h e m ilit a r y k nowl e dg e

which h e h a d a cqu i re d i n t h e i r se rvic e Wh e n a t .

l e ng t h a ft e r a n ob sti na t e st ruggl e h e yi e ld e d t o t h e
, ,

p ow e r of t h e e m pi re C ivili s se cu re d hi m se lf a nd h i s ,

c ou nt ry by a n h onou ra bl e t re a ty T he B a t a vi a ns st ill .

n h
c o ti nu e d t o occupy t e i sl a nd s of t h e Rhi ne t h e g
,

a lli e s not t h e se r v a nt s of t h e R om a n m ona r chy .

II T h e st re ng t h of a nci e nt G e rm a ny a pp e a r s for C ivil di

. s

mi da bl e wh e n w e c onsid e r t h e e ffe ct s t h a t m ight h a v e

,

b e e n p roduc e d by i t s u ni t e d e ffort T h e wid e e x t e nt .

of c ou nt r y m igh t v e r y p ossibly c ont a i n a m illi on of w a r

r i ors a s a ll w h o w e r e Of a g e t o b e a r a r m s w e r e of a
,

t e m p e r t o u se t h e m But t hi s fi e rc e m ul t i t ud e i nc a
.
,

a ble of c onc e r t i ng or e x e cu t i ng a ny pl a n of na t i ona l

p
g re a t ne ss w a s a git a t e d by v a ri ou s a nd Oft e n h ost il e i h
,

t e nti ons G e rm a ny w a s divid e d i nt o m ore t h a n for t y

.

i nde p e nd e nt st a t e s ; a nd e v e n i n e a ch st a t e t h e u ni on
of t h e se v e ra l t rib e s w a s e xt r e m e ly l oose a nd p re c a
r i ou s T h e b a rb a ri a ns w e r e e a sily p r ov ok e d ; t h e y
.

k ne w not h ow t o forgiv e a n i nj u ry m uch l e ss a n i nsul t ; ,

t h e i r re se nt m e nt s w e r e bl oody a nd i m pl a c a bl e The .

c a su a l di spu t e s t h a t so fre qu e nt ly h a pp e ne d i n t h e i r
8
The l t i on of t hi nt p i occupi
re a g t p t of th fou th nd
s e e r r se es a rea ar e r a

fift h b ook of t h hi t o y O f Ta c i t u ndi m o m k bl fo i t l oqu nc

s e s r s, a s re re ar a e r s e e e

th n p
a picui t y Si H n y S vill h ob e v d v e l i na ccu c i
e rs . r e r a e as s r e se ra ra es.

T ci t Hi t iv 13 L ik t h m h h d l o t n y
a . s . . . e e , e a s a e e.
3 It w c ont i n d b t w n t h t w o b nch of t h ol d R hi ne t h ey
as a e e ee e ra es e , as

s ub i t d b fo t h f c of th c ou nt y w ch a ng ed by t a nd n t u
s s e e re e a e e r as ar a re .

See C luv G m n A nt iq 1 ii c 30 37
e r. er a . . . . . . .
 2 78 THE DE C LIN E A N D F A L L
CHAP . t u multu ou s hu nti ng or d ri nki ng w e re su ffi
p a rti e s of ,
IX
ci e nt t o i nfl a m e t h e m i nd s of wh ol e na t i ons ; t h e p r iv a t e
.

fe ud of a ny c onsid e ra bl e C hi e ft a i ns di ff use d i t se lf a m ong

t h e i r foll ow e r s a nd a lli e s T o ch a st i se t h e i nsol e nt or .
,

t o plu nde r t h e d e fe nc e l e ss w e r e a lik e c a u se s of w a r ,

.

T h e m ost form id a bl e st a t e s of G e r m a ny a ffe c t e d t o e u

c om p a ss t h e i r t e rri t or i e s wi t h a wid e front i e r of soli
t ud e a nd d e v a st a t i on T h e a wful di st a nc e p re se r v e d .

by t h e i r ne ighb ou rs a t t e st e d t h e t e rr or of t h e i r a r m s , ,

a nd i n som e m e a su re d e fe nd e d t h e m fr om t h e d a ng e r

of u ne xp e c t e d i ncu r si ons
h
.

fom nt d by
e e
”
T h e B ruc t e r i (it i s T a ci t u s w h o now sp e a k s) w e re
t h p olicy
e
i
of R om e.
t ot a lly e x t e r m i na t e d by t h e n e ighb ou r i ng t r i b e s
p ro ,

v ok e d by t h e i r i nsol e nc e a llu r e d by t h e h op e s of S p oi l , ,

a nd p e r h a p s i nspi r e d by t h e t u t e l a r d e i t i e s of t h e e m

pi re A b ov e six t y t h ou sa nd b a rb a ri a ns w e re d e st roy e d ;
.

not by t h e R om a n a rm s b u t i n ou r sigh t a nd for ou r , ,

e nt e r t a i nm e nt M a y t h e na t i ons e ne m i e s of R om e
.
, ,

e v e r p r e se r v e t hi s e nm i t y t o e a ch ot h e r ! W e h a v e now

a t t a i ne d t h e ut m ost v e r g e of p r osp e r i t y a nd h a v e no

t hi ng l e ft t o d e m a nd of for t u ne e xc e p t t h e di sc or d of

th e Th e se se nt i m e nt s l e ss w ort hy of t h e ,

hu m a ni ty t h a n of t h e p a t ri ot i smof T a ci t u s e xp re ss t h e ,

i nv a ri a bl e m a xi m s of t h e p olicy of h i s c ou nt ry m e n .

T h e y d e e m e d i t a m uch sa fe r e xp e di e nt t o divid e t h a n
t o c om b a t t h e b a r b a ri a ns fr om wh ose d e fe a t t h e y c ould ,

d e riv e ne i t h e r h onou r nor a dv a nt a g e T h e m one y a nd .

ne g ocia t i ons of R om e i nsi nu a t e d t h e m se lv e s i nt o t h e

h e a r t of G e rm a ny ; a nd e v e ry a r t of se duc t i on w a s u se d
w i t h dig ni t y t o c oncili a t e t h ose na t i ons wh om t h e i r
'

p roxi m i ty t o t h e Rhi ne or D a nub e m igh t r e nd e r t h e _

m ost u se ful fri e nd s a s w e ll a s t h e m ost t roubl e som e ,

'
1
C de B ll G ll 1 vi 2 3
aesa r e . a .

by N z
. . .

i
Th y m nt i on d h ow v
e a re i n t h fou t h nd fift h c e nt u i
e e , e e r, e r a r es a a
riu A mm i nu C l ud i n t c
s, a s, t ib of F nka S C luv G m
a , e . as a r e ra s. ee e r. er .

A nt iq 1 iii 13
. . . 0. .

g nt i b i t h c omm on di ng ; b t g ood n L i p i
k U r e us s e nd om re a u se se , s us, a s e
m nu c ip t d cl
a s r fo s n t ib
e a re r ver e u s.
g
'

1
T ci t G m c
a . Th pi ou
ei .bb é d l Bl t i i v y ng y
. e s a e a e er e s er a r

wi t h T ci t u t lk of t h d v i l w ho w
a s, a s mu d f om t h b g i n
e e as a r e re r r e e
ni ng tc
, e .
 OF THE R OMA N E MP IRE . 2 79

e ne m e s i C hi e fs of re now n a nd p ow e r w e r e fl a t t e re d C H A P
.
.

IX
by t h e m ost t rifli ng p re se nt s which t h e y r e c e iv e d e i t h e r
'

a s m a r k s of di st i nc t i on or a s t h e i nst r u me nt s of luxu r y , .

In civil di sse nsi ons t h e w e a k e r fa c t i on e nd e a v ou r e d t o

,

st re ng t h e n i t s i nt e r e st by e nt e r i ng i nt o se c re t c onne c

t i ons wi t h t h e g ov e r nors of t h e fr ont i e r p r ovi nc e s .

Ev e ry qu a rre l a m ong t h e G e r m a ns w a s fom e nt e d by

t h e i nt rigu e s of R om e ; a n d e v e ry pl a n of u ni on a nd
public g ood w a s d e fe a te d by t h e st r ong e r bi a s of p ri
”
v a t e j e a l ou sy a nd i nte re st .

T h e g e ne ra l c onspi ra cy which t e rr ifi e d t h e R om a ns T a nsi ent r u~

u nd e r t h e r e ig n of M a r cu s A n t oni nu s c om p r e h e nd e d 3 1
2
: 3g
j fi f , u

a l m ost a l l t h e na t i ons of G e r m a ny a nd e v e n S a rm a t i a t oni n , ,

us .

fr om th e m ou t h of t h e Rhi ne t o t h a t of t h e D a nub e ”
.

It i s i m p ossibl e for u s t o d e t e rm i ne wh e t h e r t hi s h a st y
c onfe d e ra t i on w a s form e d by ne c e ssi t y by r e a son or , ,

by p a ssi on ; b u t w e m a y re st a ssu r e d t h a t t h e b a rb a ,

r i a ns w e r e ne i t h e r a llu re d by t h e i nd ol e nc e or p r o ,

v ok e d b t h e a mbi t i on of t h e R om a n m ona r ch Thi s

y p

, .

d a ng e r ous i nv a si on r e qui re d a ll t h e fi rm ne ss a nd vi g i
l a nc e of M a r cu s H e fix e d g e ne r a l s of a bili t y i n t h e
.

se v e ra l st a t i ons of a t t a ck a nd a ssu m e d i n p e r son t h e ,

c onduc t of t h e m ost i m p ort a nt p rovi nc e on t h e U pp e r

D a nub e A ft e r a l ong a nd d oub t ful c onflic t t h e spi ri t
.
,

of t h e b a rb a r i a ns w a s subdu e d T h e Q u a di a nd t h e .

M a r c om a nni w h o h a d t a k e n t h e l e a d i n t h e w a r w e re
°
, ,

th e m ost se v e re ly pu ni sh e d i n i t s c a t a st r oph e Th e y .

w e re c omm a nd e d t o r e t i re fi ve m il e s p from t h e i r ow n
b a nk s of th e D a nub e a nd t o d e liv e r up t h e fl ow e r of , _

t h e y ou t h w h o w e re i mm e di a t e ly se nt i nt o B r i t a i n a
, ,

re m ote i sl a nd wh e r e t h e y m igh t b e se cu re a s h ost a g e s

, ,
,

m M a ny t a c es of t hi p olicy m
r b e di c ov e ds i n T ci t u a nd Di on ; a s re a s
y
a nd m ny m o e m
a
y b e i nfe e d f om t he p i ncipl
r a of hu m n n t u e
rr r r es a a r .

H i t A ug t p 31 A mm i a n M a c ll i n l xxxi c 5 ; A u el V ic to
s . us . . . r e . . . . r . r.
Th e m p o M a cu w
e er r re duc e d t o ell t h
r s ich fu ni t u of t h p l a c e
as s e r r re e a ,

a nd t o nl i t l a v e
e s nd obb s
s s a r er .

Th M c om a nni a c ol ony w h o f om t he b a nk s of t h R hi ne oc e n
e ar , , r e ,

pi d B oh mi a a nd M o vi a h a d onc e c t e d g ea t a nd fo m id a bl m on
e e ra , e er a r r e
ar chy u nd e t h i k i ng M a obod s S S t a b o 1 vi i ; V ll P t 11
r e r r uu . ee r , . . e . a . .

105 T a ci t A nna l ii 63 . . . .

P M W otton ( Hi to y of R ome p
r. i nc e t h p ohibi t i on t o t e n
s r , . re a s s e r
t im th
es di t a nc e Hi e oni ng i p e ci ou s bu t not c onclu iv F iv
e s . s r as s s , s e. e
mil w
es u ffi ci e nt fo a fo t ifi d b i e
e re s r r e a rr r.
2 80 TH E DE C LIN E A N D FA L L
a nd u se ful a s soldi ers ‘
O n t he fre qu e nt re b e lli ons of
1 .
'

t h e Q u a di a nd M a r c om a nni t h e i rr i t a t e d e m p e r or re ,

solv e d t o r e duc e t h e i r c ou nt ry i nt o t h e for m of a ro

p
vinc e H i s d e sig ns w e re di sa pp oi nt e d by d e a t h Thi s
. .

form id a bl e l e a gu e h ow e v e r t h e only one t h a t a pp e a r s

, ,

i n t h e t w o fi rst c e nt u r i e s of t h e i m p e r i a l hi st or y w a s ,

e nt i re ly di ssip a t e d wi t h ou t l e a vi ng a ny t ra c e s b e hi nd
,

i n G e rm a ny .

In t h e c ou rse of t hi s i nt roduc t ory ch a pt e r w e h a v e ,

c onfi ne d ou r se lv e s t o t h e g e ne ra l ou tli ne s of t h e m a n
ne r s of G e r m a ny wi t h ou t a tt e m p t i ng t o d e sc r ib e or t o
,

di st i ngui sh t h e v a ri ou s tr ib e s which fill e d t h a t g re a t

c ou nt ry i n th e t i m e of C ae sa r of T a ci t u s or of P t ol e m y , , .

A s t h e a nci e nt or a s ne w t r ib e s succ e ssiv e ly p r e se nt

,

t h e m se lv e s i n t h e se r i e s of t hi s hi st ory w e sh a ll con ,

cise ly m e nt i on t h e i r origi n t h e i r si t u a t i on a nd t h e i r , ,

p a r t icul a r ch a r a c t e r M od e rn na t i ons a r e fix e d a nd
.

p e rm a ne nt soci e t i e s c onne c t e d a m ong t h e m se lv e s by

,

l a w s a nd g ov e rnm e nt b ou nd t o t h e i r na tiv e soil by a rt s

,

a nd a g r icul t u r e T h e G e rm a n t rib e s w e re v olu nt a ry

.

a nd fluctu a t i ng a ssoci a t i ons of soldi e rs a l m ost of sa ,

v a g e s T h e sa m e t e rr i t ory oft e n ch a ng e d i t s i nh a bi t
.

a nt s i n t h e t id e of c onqu e st a nd e m ig ra t i on T h e sa me .

c om m u ni t i e s u ni t i ng i n a pl a n of d e fe nc e or i nv a si on
, ,

b e st ow e d a ne w t i tl e on t h e i r ne w c onfe d e ra cy T h e .

di ssolu t i on of a n a nci e nt c onfe d e ra cy re st ore d t o t h e i n

d e p e nd e nt t rib e s t h e ir p e culi a r b u t l ong forg ot te n a p
p e ll a t i on A vic t ori ou s st a t e oft e n c om m u nic a t e d i t s
.

ow n na m e t o a v a nqui sh e d p e opl e S om e t i m e s c rowd s .

of v olu nt e e r s fl ock e d from a ll p a r t s t o t h e st a nd a r d of

a fa v ou r i t e l e a d e r ; h i s c a m p b e c a m e t h e i r c ou nt ry a nd ,

som e ci r cu m st a nc e of t h e e nt e r p ri se soon g a v e a com

m on d e nom i na t i on t o t h e m ix e d m ul t i t ud e T h e di s .

t i nct i ons of t h e fe r oci ou s i nv a d e r s w e r e p e r p e t u a lly

v a ri e d by t h e m se lv e s a nd c onfou nd e d by t h e a st on ,

i sh e d subj e c t s of t h e R om a n e m pi r e
‘1 Di on l lxxi
, . ndl xxn
. a .

S ee a n xc ll nt di
e e t t i on on t h o i g i n a nd m i g t i on of n t i on
e sse r a e r n ra s a s, i

t h Mé m oi d l A c dé m i d I n c ip t i on t om xviii p 48— 71 I t i
’
e re s e a e es s r s, . . . . s

se ld om t h a t t h nt iqu i a n nd t he philo oph e e o h ppily bl end d

e a ar a s r ar s a e .
 O F THE R OMA N E MP IRE . 2 81

Wa r s a nd t h e a d m i ni st ra t i on of public a ffa i rs a re C H A P
, , .

IX
t h e p r i ncip a l subj e c t s of hi st or y ; b u t t h e nu m b e r of
’

p e rsons i nt e re st e d i n t h e se bu sy sc e ne s i s v e ry dif N u mb , e rs.

fe r e nt a cc or di ng t o t h e di ffe re nt c ondi t i on Of m a nki nd

, .

In g r e a t m ona r chi e s m illi ons of ob e di e nt subj e ct s p u r

,

su e t h e i r u se ful occup a t i ons i n p e a c e a nd ob scu r i t y .

T h e a t t e nt i on Of t h e w r i te r a s w e ll a s of t h e r e a d e r i s
, ,

sol e ly c onfi ne d t o a c ou r t a c a pi t a l
, a re gul a r a r m y
, ,

a nd t h e di st r ic t s which h a pp e n t o b e t h e occ a si ona l

sc e ne of m ili t a r y op e r a t i ons B u t a st a t e of fr e e d om
.

a nd b a rb a ri sm t h e se a son of civil c om m ot i ons or t h e

, ,

si t u a t i on of p e t t y r e p u bli c r a i se s a l m ost e v e r y m e m
s
s ,

b e r of t h e c om m u ni t y i nt o a c t i on a nd c onse qu e nt ly
,

i nt o not ic e T he i rre gul a r divi si ons a nd th e re stl e ss

.
,

m ot i ons of t h e p e opl e of G e r m a ny d a zzl e ou r i m a gi na

, ,

t i on a nd se e m t o m ul t iply th e i r nu m b e rs
, T h e p ro .

fu se e nu m e ra t i on of ki ng s a nd w a rri ors of a rmi e s a nd

’

na ti ons i ncli ne s u s t o for g e t th a t t h e sa m e obj e c t s a r e

,

c ont i nu a lly re p e a t e d u nd e r a v a r i e t y of a pp e ll a t i ons ,

a nd t h a t t h e m ost S pl e ndid a pp e ll a t i ons h a v e b e e n fr e

qu e nt ly l a vi she d on t h e m ost i nc onsid era bl e Obj e c t s .

3
Sh ould up
h a t A t h en c ont a i ne d only t w nty one t h ousa nd
w e s s ect t s e -

ci t iz e ns nd Sp a t a no mo e t h n t hi ty ni ne t h ou sa nd ! See Hume a nd
, a r r a r -
”

Wa ll a c e on t h e nu mb er of m a nki nd i n a nci ent a nd m od e n t i mes r .

 C HAP TER X .

T HE E M P ER O R S DE C I U S G A L L U S ZE MIL IA N U S V A L ER I A N
, , , ,

A N D G A L LI EN U S T H E G ENER A L I RR U P T I O N O F T H E
.
-

BA RBA R I A N S T H E T H I R T Y T Y R A NT S
.
-
.

F R OM th e cul a r g a m e s c e l e b ra t e d by P hilip
g re a t se ,

t o t h e d e a t h of t h e e m p e ror G a lli e nu s t h e re e l a p se d ,

t w e nt y y e a r s of sh a m e a nd m i sfor t u ne D u ri ng t h a t .

c a l a m i t ou s p e ri od e v e ry i nst a nt of t i m e w a s m a r k e d
, ,

e v e ry p r ovi nc e of t h e R om a n w or ld w a s a fflic t e d by ,

b a rb a rou s i nv a d e rs a nd m ili ta ry t y ra nt s ; a nd t h e r ui ne d
e m pi r e se e m e d t o a pp r oa ch t h e l a st a nd fa t a l m om e n t

of i t s di ssolu t i on T h e c onfu si on of t h e t i m e s a nd t h e
.
,

sc a r ci t y of a u t h e nt ic m e m ori a l s opp ose e qu a l di ffi c ul ,

t i e s t o t h e hi st ori a n w h o a t t e m p t s t o p r e se r v e a cl e a r
,

a nd u nb r ok e n t h r e a d of na rra t i on S u rr ou nd e d wi t h .

i m p e rfe c t fra g m e nt s a lw a y s c onci se Oft e n ob scu re

, , ,

a nd som e t i m e s c ont ra dic t or y h e i s r e duc e d t o c oll e c t , ,

t o c om p a re a nd t o c onj e c t u re ; a nd t h ough h e ough t

,

ne v e r t o pl a c e h i s c onj e c t u r e s i n t h e r a nk of fa c t s y e t ,

t h e k nowl e dge O f hu m a n na tu r e a nd of t h e su r e Op e ra ,

t i on of i t s fi e r c e a nd u nr e st ra i ne d p a ssi ons m igh t on , ,

som e occ a si ons supply t h e w a nt of hi st or ic a l m a t e r i a l s

,
.

Th e r e i s not for i nst a nc e a ny di fficul ty i n conce i v

, ,

i ng t h a t t h e succ e ssiv e m u r d e r s Of so m a ny e m p e r ors

,

h a d l oose ne d a ll t h e t i e s of a l le gi a nc e b e t w e e n t h e
p ri nc e a nd p e opl e ; t h a t a ll t h e g e ne ra l s of P hilip w e re
di sp ose d t o i m i t a t e t h e e x a m pl e of t h e i r m a st e r ; a nd
t h a t t h e c a p r ic e of a r m i e s l ong si nc e h a bitu a t e d t o ,

fre qu e nt a nd vi ol e nt re v olu t i ons m igh t e v e ry da y ra i se ,

t o t h e t h r one t h e m ost ob scu r e of t h e i r fe ll ow soldi e r s

'
.

Hi st or y ca n only a dd t h a t t h e re b e lli on a g a i nst t h e

,

e m p e r or P hilip b rok e ou t i n t h e su m m e r of t h e y e a r

2 49 a m ong t h e l e gi ons of Ma zsi a ; a nd t h a t a sub a l t e rn

,

offic e r na m e d M a r i nu s w a s t h e obj e c t of t h e i r se di
a
, ,

3
Th e e xp e ion u e d by Z o i m u a nd Zona
r ss s s s ra s ma y s ig nify t h a t M a i nu
r s
c omm a n d e d a c e nt u y a c oh o t o a l eg i on
r , r , r .
 OF TH E R OMA N E MP IRE .

t o i u s ch oic e P hilip w a s a l a rm e d H e d re a d e d l e st C H A P
. . .

t h e t re a son of t h e Mae si a n a r my sh ould p r ov e t h e fi r st

sp a rk of a g e ne r a l c onfl a g r a t i on D i st ra c t e d wi t h t h e .

c onsci ou sne ss of h i s guil t a nd of h i s d a ng e r b e com ,

m u ni ca t e d t h e i nt e llig e nc e t o t h e se na t e A gl oom y .

sil e nc e p r e v a il e d t h e e ffe ct of fe a r a nd p e r h a p s Of di s
, ,

a ffe c t i on : till a t l e ng t h D e ciu s one of t h e a sse m bly S vi ce s , ,

er , re
vol t vi ct y Oi
a ssu m i ng a spi r i t w or t hy of h i s nobl e e x t ra c t i on ve n
, ,

nd e ig n of , a r

t u r e d t o di sc ov e r m ore i nt re pidi t y t h a n t h e e m p e r or th m p o e e er r
D ciu e s.
se e m e d t o p osse ss H e t re a t e d t h e wh ol e bu si ne ss A D 2 49
. . . .

wi t h c ont e mp t a s a h a st y a nd i nc onsid e ra t e t u m ul t
, ,

a nd P hilip s r iv a l a s a ph a nt om of r oy a l t y w h o i n a
’

v e r y fe w d a y s w ould b e d e st r oy e d by t h e sa m e i nc on
'

st a nc t h a t h a d c re a t e d h i m T h e sp e e dy c om pl e t i on
y .

of t h e p r oph e cy i nspi re d P hilip wi t h a j u st e st e e m for

so a bl e a c ou nse ll or ; a nd D e ciu s a pp e a r e d t o h i m t h e

only p e rson c a p a bl e of r e st or i ng p e a c e a nd di scipli ne

t o a n a r m y , wh ose t u m ul t u ou s spi r i t did not i mm e di

a t e ly sub sid e a ft e r t h e m u r d e r of M a r i nu s D e ciu s .
,

w h o l ong r e si st e d h i s ow n nom i na t i on se em s t o h a v e ,

i nsi nu a t e d t h e d a ng e r Of p re se nti ng a l e a d e r of m e r i t
t o t h e a ng ry a nd a pp re h e nsiv e m i nd s of t h e soldi e r s ;
a nd h i s p r e dic t i on w a s a g a i n c onfi rm e d by t h e e v e nt .

T h e l e gi ons of Mae si a for c e d t h e i r j udg e t o b e c om e

th e i r a cc om plic e Th e y l e ft h i m only t h e a l t e rna t iv e
.

of d e a t h or t h e pu r pl e H i s sub se qu e nt c onduc t a ft e r
.
,

t h a t d e ci siv e m e a su r e w a s u na v oid a bl e H e con, .

duct e d or foll ow e d h i s a rm y t o t h e c onfi ne s of I t a ly

, , ,

whi t h e r P hilip c olle c t i ng a ll h i s forc e t o re p e l t h e for

,

m i da b le c om p e t i t or wh om h e h a d ra i se d up a dv a nc e d ,

to me e t him T h e i m p e ri a l t r oop s w e re sup e ri or i n

.

nu m b e r ; bu t t h e r e b e l s form e d a n a rm y of v e t e ra ns ,

c om m a nd e d by a n a bl e a nd e xp e ri e nc e d l e a d e r P hilip b .

w a s e i t h e r kill e d i n t h e b a t tl e or put t o d e a t h a fe w ,

5 Hi s bi rt h at Bub a li a
li t t l e vill g i n P a nnoni a (E nt op ix V ic t o
, a a e , r . . r
i n C az ib e t Epi tom )
sa r . e m t o c ont . dic t u nl e i t w a m e ly a cciden
se s ra , ss s re

t l hi
a , upp o e d d e c e nt f om t he Dccii Six hu nd e d y e a h a d b e t ow e d
s s s s r . r rs s

nobili t on t he D c i i b t a t t h e c om me nc e m e nt of t h t p i od t h e y w e
e a ei

only pf
u , re

eb i a n of m e i t a nd a m ong t he fi t w ho h d t he c on ul h i p wi t h
s er ,
rs s a re s s

t h h ugh t y p t ici n
e a P l b e i n D cio m ni m e tc J uv e na l t viii
a r a s. e a e ru a re , . ~ sa

i n Livy x 9 10
.
, .

2 54 S. t he pi i t d sp e ch of D ciu
ee s r e e e s, , .
, .
 2 84 THE D E C LI N E A N D F A LL
C HA P d a y s a ft e rwa rd s a t V e r ona H i s son a nd a ssoci a t e i n
- . .

t h e e m pi re w a s m a ssa c r e d a t R om e by t h e p r e t or i a n
‘
gu a rd s ; a nd t h e vic t ori ou s D e ciu s wi t h m or e fa v ou r ,

a bl e ci r cu m st a nc e s t h a n t h e a m bi t i on of t h a t a g e c an

u su a lly pl e a d w a s univ e r sa lly a ck nowl e dg e d by t h e

,

se na t e a nd p rovi nc e s It i s r e p or t e d t h a t i m m e di a t e ly
.
,

a ft e r h i s r e luc t a nt a cc e p t a nc e of t h e t i t l e of A ugu st u s ,

h e h a d a ssu re d P hilip by a p r iv a t e m e ssa g e of hi s i n , ,

noc e nc e a nd l oy a l t y sol e m nly p r ot e st i ng t h a t on h i s

, ,

a r riv a l i n I t a ly h e w ould r e sig nt h e i m p e r i a l or na m e nt s ,

a nd r e t u r n t o t h e c ondi t i on Of a n ob e di e nt subj e c t .

H i s p r ofe ssi ons m igh t b e si nc e r e But i n t h e si t u a t i on .

wh e re fort une h a d pl a c e d h i m i t w a s sc a r c e ly p ossibl e ,

t h a t h e c ould e i t h e r for giv e or b e forgiv e n

H m ch e
e ar T h e e m p e ror D e ciu s h a d e m pl oy e d a fe w m ont h s i n
s

ag i n t t h h e w or k s of p e a c e a nd t h e a d m i ni st ra t i on of j u st ic e
a s e

G ot h s.
t ,

A D 2 50
. .
wh e n h e w a s su m m one d t o t h e b a nk s of t h e D a nub e
.

by t h e i nv a si on of t h e G oth s Thi s i s t h e fi r st consi .

de ra ble occ a si on i n which hi st ory m e nt i ons t h a t g re a t

p e opl e w h o a ft e rw a rd s b rok e t h e R om a n p ow e r
, ,

sa ck e d t h e c a pi t ol a nd r e ig ne d i n G a ul , S p a i n a nd , ,

I t a ly S o m e m ora bl e w a s t h e p a r t whic h t h e y a c t e d
.

i n t h e subv e r si on of t h e w e st e r n e m pi re t h a t th e na m e ,

of G ot h s i s fre qu e ntly but i m p r op e rly u se d a s a g e ne ra l

a pp e ll a t i on of r ud e a nd w a rlik e b a rb a r i sm .

In t h e b e gi nni ng of t h e six t h c e nt u r y a nd a ft e r t h e ,

c onqu e st of I t a ly t h e G ot h s i n p osse ssi on of p re se nt

, ,

g re a t ne ss v e ry na t u ra lly i ndulg e d t h e m se lv e s i n t h e
,

p r osp e c t of p a st a nd of fu t u re gl or y Th e y wi sh e d t o .

p re se rv e t h e m e m or y of t h e i r a nc e st or s a nd t o t r a nsm i t ,

t o p ost e r i t y t h e i r ow n a chi e v e m e nt s T h e p r i ncip a l .

m ini st e r of t h e c ou r t of R a v e nna t h e l e a rne d C a ssi o ,

d oru s g ra t ifi e d t h e i ncli na t i on of t h e c onqu e rors i n a

,

G ot hic hi st ory which c onsi st e d of t w e lv e b ook s now

, ,

r e duc e d t o t h e i m p e r fe c t a b r idg e m e nt of J or na nde s

d .

Th e se w ri t e rs p a sse d wi t h t h e m ost a rt ful c onci se ne ss

c Zo imu l i p 2 0 ; Zona a 1 x p 62 4 di t Louv
‘
s s, . . . r s, . 11. . . e . re
1S t he p f c
ee of C i od o u nd J o n nd i t i u p i i ng t h t t h
re a es a ss r s a r a es s s r r s a e
l tt h o ld be omi t t d i n t h e xc ll ent di t i on publi h e d by G ot iu of
a er s u e e e e s r s,
t he G ot hic w i t r ers.
 OF THE R OMA N E MP IRE . 2 85

v
o er th e m i sfor t u ne s of t h e na t i on, c e l e b ra t e d i t s su c
ce ssfu l v a l ou r a nd a d or ne d t h e t riu m ph wi t h m a ny
,

A si a t ic t rophi e s th a t m or e p rop e r ly b e l ong e d t o t h e

,

p e opl e of S cy t hi a O n t h e fa i t h of a nci e nt song s t h e

'

.
,

u nc e r t a i n b u t t h e only me m ori a l s of Mrb a ri a ns t h e y ,

d e duc e d t h e fi rst or igi n Of t h e G oth s fr om t h e v a st

i sl a nd or p e ni nsul a of S ca ndi na vi a
, , Th a t e x t r e m e e
.

c ou nt ry of t h e nor t h w a s not u nknow n t o t h e c onqu e r

or s of I t a ly ; t h e t i e s of a nci e nt c onsa ngui ni t y h a d b e e n

st r e ng t h e ne d by r e c e nt O ffic e s of fr i e nd ship ; a nd a

S c a ndi na vi a n ki ng h a d ch e e r fully a bdic a t e d h i s sa v a g e

g r e a t ne ss t h a t h e m igh t p a ss t h e r e m a i nd e r of h i s d a y s
,

i n t h e p e a c e ful a nd p oli sh e d c ou r t of R a v e nna f M a ny .

v e st ig e s which c
,
a nnot b e a sc r ib e d t o t h e a r t s of
p o

pul a r v a ni t y a t t e st t h e a nci e nt r e sid e nc e of t h e G ot h s

,

i n t h e c ou nt ri e s b e y ond t h e B a l t ic F rom t h e t i m e of .

t h e g e og ra ph e r P t ol e m y t h e sou t h e r n p a r t of S w e d e n
,

se e m s t o h a v e c ont i nu e d i n t h e p osse ssi on of t h e l e ss

e nt e r p r i si ng r e m na nt of t h e na t i on ; a nd a l a rg e t e rr i

t or y i s e v e n a t p re se nt divid e d i nt o e a st a nd w e st
G ot h la nd . Du ri ng t h e m iddl e a g e s (fr om t h e ni nt h ,

t o t h e t w e lft h c e nt u r y ) whil st Ch r i st i a ni t y w a s a dva nc

,

i ng wi t h a sl ow p r og r e ss i nt o t h e nor th t h e G ot h s a nd ,

t h e S w e d e s c om p ose d t w o di st i nc t a nd S om e t i m e s h os
til e m e m b e rs o f t h e sa m e m on a r chy g
T h e l a t t e r of .

t h e se t w o na m e s h a s p r e v a il e d wi t h ou t e x t i ngui shi ng ,

t h e for me r . T h e S w e d e s w h o m igh t w e ll b e sa t i sfi e d
,

wi t h t h e i r ow n fa m e i n a r m s h a v e i n e v e ry a g e , , ,

cl a i m e d t h e ki nd re d gl or y of t h e G oth s In a m om e nt , .

of di sc ont e nt a g a i nst t h e c ou r t of R om e C h a rl e s t h e ,

t w e lft h i nsi nu a t e d t h a t h i s vic t ori ou s t r oop s w e r e not

,

d e g e ne ra t e d from t h e i r b ra v e a nc e st ors w ho h a d a l ,

h
r e a dy subdu e d t h e m i st re ss of t h e w orld .

8
uh iy
O n t h e a t or t of Abl a vi u s, orna ndes J
ot e s some ol d ot e ro qu G hic b
n icl es i nv e rse D e R eb G e t i cis, 4 c
f J orna ndes, 3
. . . .

c . .

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8 Se e i n t h e ro e om e na of rot G iu
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T he orm e r w rot e i n th e e a r 10 77, t he y
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‘V l i Hi i
.

1
o t a re , st o re de ha r e s 1 C W e n t he ust r a ns e s re
l X II iii h A i d i d
. . .

t h e a i d of t h e o rt of R ome a a nst
c u st a s g i Gu vu A d lphu h y lw y
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p
2 86 THE D E C LIN E A ND FA L L
Till th e e nd of th e e l e v e nt h c e ntu ry a c e l e b ra t e d ,

t e m pl e sub si st e d a t U p sa l t h e m ost c onsid e ra bl e t ow n ,

of t h e S w e d e s a nd G ot h s It w a s e nr ich e d wi t h t h e .

g old which t h e S c a ndi na vi a ns h a d a cqui re d i n t h e i r

pi ra t ic a l a dv e nt u re s a nd sa nc t ifi e d by t h e u nc ou t h r e
,

p re se nt a t i ons of th e t h re e p r i ncip a l d e i t i e s t h e g od of ,

w a r t h e g odd e ss of g e ne r a t i on a nd t h e g od of t hu nd e r
, , .

In t h e g e ne ra l fe st iv a l t h a t w a s sol e m niz e d e v e ry ni nt h
,

y e a r ni ne a ni m a l s Of e v e ry sp e ci e s (wi t h ou t e xc e p t i ng
,

t h e hu m a n) w e re sa c rific e d a nd t h e i r bl e e di ng b odi e s ,

i
su sp e nd e d i n t h e sa c re d g r ov e a dj a c e nt t o t h e t e m pl e .

T h e only t ra c e s t h a t now sub si st of t hi s b a r b a r ic su

r st i ti on a r e c ont a i ne d i n t h e Edd a a sy st e m of m
p e y ,

t h ol og y c om pil e d i n Ic e l a nd a b out t h e t hi r t e e nt h ce n
,

t u ry , a nd st udi e d by t h e l e a r ne d of D e nm a rk a nd
S w e d e n a s t h e m ost v a lu a bl e r e m a i ns of th e ir a nci e nt
,

t ra di t i ons .

N ot wi t h st a ndi ng t h e m y st e r i ou s Ob scu r i t y of t h e
Edd a w e ca n e a sily di sti ngui sh t w o p e r sons con
,

fou nd e d u nd e r t h e na me of O di n ; t h e g od of w a r ,

a nd t h e g re a t l e gi sl a t or of S c a ndi na vi a T h e l a tt e r .
,

t h e M a h om e t of t h e nor t h i nst i t ut e d a re ligi on a d a pt e d ,

t o t h e cli m a t e a nd t o t h e p e opl e Nu m e rou s t r ib e s .

on e i t h e r sid e of t h e B a l t ic w e r e subdu e d by t h e i h

vi ncibl e v a l ou r of O di n by h i s p e rsu a siv e e l oqu e nc e , ,

a nd by t h e fa me which h e a cqui r e d of a m ost skilful

m a gici a n T h e fa i t h t h a t h e h a d p r op a g a t e d du r i ng
.

a l ong a nd p r osp e r ou s life h e c onfi rm e d by a v olu nt a ry ,

d e a t h A pp re h e nsiv e of t h e ig nom i ni ou s a pp roa ch Of

.

di se a se a nd i nfi rm i t y h e re solv e d t o e xpi re a s b e c a m e
,

a w a rr i or In a sol e m n a sse m bly of t h e Sw e d e s a nd

.

G oth s h e w ou nd e d hi m se lf i n nine m ort a l pl a c e s h a s

, ,

t e ni ng a w a y (a s h e a sse rt e d wi t h h i s dyi ng v oic e ) t o

se nt e d t h a t c onqu e o the li ne a l succ e o of A l a ic H a te Hi to y of

r r as ss r r . r
’
s s r

Gu t vu vol p 12 3
s a s, . ii . . .

1
Se A d a m of B m e n n G Ot P ol gom e ni p 104
e re Th e t em pl e of
i r ii r e s, . .

U p l w de t oy e d by I ng o ki ng of Sw d e n w ho b g n hi e ig n i n t h
sa as s r , e ,
e a s r e

y 1075 ; nd b ou t fou c o e y a ft w a d a ch i t i n c t h d l w
ea r a a rs r e rs a er r s r s a a e ra as

ere c t e d on i t s u i n Se Da li n Hi to y of Sw ed en i n the Bibli ot h equ

r s . e
’
s s r , e
R i onné
a s e .
 O F TH E R O MA N E MP IRE .

p re p a r e . th e fe a st of h e r oe s i n th e p a l a c e Of t h e g od CHAP .

of w a r
k X .

T he iv e a nd p rop e r h a bi t a t i on of O di n i s di s A g bl e
na t re e a

b t nuc u et
t i ng u i sh e d by t h e a pp e ll a t i on of A S g a r d T h e h a ppy t i n hyp o -
.
a
1 t h i con
r e se m bl a nc e of t h a t na m e wi t h A s b u r g or A s of -
,
-
,
es s

c ni ng er
w or d s of a sim il a r sig nific a t i on h a s giv e n r i se t o a n O din , .

hi st oric a l sy st e m of so pl e a si ng a c ont e xtu re th a t w e ,

c ould a l m ost wi sh t o p e rsu a d e ou rse lv e s of i t s t r u t h .

It i s supp ose d t h a t O di n w a s t h e chi e f of a t r ib e of .

b a r b a ri a ns which dw e l t on t h e b a nk s Of t h e l a k e M aso
t i s t ill t h e fa ll of M i t h rid a t e s a nd t h e a r m s of P om p e y
,

m e na c e d t h e nor t h wi t h se r vi t ud e : t h a t O di n yi e ld ,

i ng wi t h i ndig na nt fu ry t o a p ow e r which h e w a s u m
a bl e t o r e si st c onduc t e d h i s t r ib e fr om t h e front i e rs
,

of t h e A si a t ic S a r m a t i a i nt o S w e d e n wi t h t h e g re a t ,

d e sig n of form i ng i n t h a t i na cc e ssibl e r e t re a t of fre e ,

dom a r e ligi on a nd a p e opl e which i n som e r e m ot e

, , ,

a e
g m, ig. h t b e s ub se r vi e nt t o h i s i mm o r t a l re v e ng e ;
wh e n h i s i nvi ncibl e G ot h s a r m e d wi t h m a r ti a l fa na ,

t i ci sm sh ould , i ssu e i n nu m e r ou s sw a rm s from t h e

“
ne ighb ou rho od of t h e p ol a r ci r cl e t o ch a st i se t h e O
p ,

m
p r e ssors of m a nki nd .

If so m a ny succ e ssiv e g e ne ra t i ons of G oth s w e re E mig t i on ra

of t h G ot h
c a p a bl e of p re se rvi ng a fa i nt t ra di t i on of t h e i r S c a ndi f om Sc n r
e

a
s

na vi a n origi n w e m u st not e x p e c t fr om such u nl e t t ere d di n vm i nt o

, ,
a

P u i r ss a
b a rb a ri a ns a ny di st i nc t a cc ou nt of t h e t i m e a nd cir
,

cu m st a nce s of th e i r e m ig ra t i on T o c r oss t h e B a l t ic .

w a s a n e a sy a nd na t u ra l a t t e m pt T h e i nh a bi t a nt s of .

S w e d e n w e re m a st e r s of a su ffici e nt nu m b e r of l a rg e
v e sse l s with oa rs a nd t h e di st a nc e i s lit t l e m ore t h a n ,

kM ll t I nt oduc t i on 5 l Hi toi e d D nnema c

a e , r
’
s r a a r .

1
M ll t ( c iv p
a e h c oll c te d f om S t b o Pli ny P tol emy nd
. . . as e r ra , , , a
S te ph nu By nt i n t h v e t ig of uch ci t y nd p opl
a s za u s, e s es s a a e e .

m Thi w ond ful xp di i on of O di n which by d duci ng t he nmi t y of

s t er e e , , e e
t h G ot h
e nd R om n f om o m e m o bl e
s a c u e m igh t upply t h nobl
a s r s ra a a s , s e e
g ou nd w o k of n pic p o m c nnot f ly b c iv d
r r a e u t h nt ic hi to y
e , a sa e e re e e as a e s r .

A cc o di ng to t he obvi o n of th E dd nd t he i nt p t t i on of t he
r us se se e a, a er re a

mo t k i lful c i t ic A g d i n te d of d not i ng
s s r s, l ci ty of t h A i t ic
s- a r , s a e a re a e s a

S m t i i t h fic t i t i ou pp ll t i on of t h m y t ic b od of t h g od t h
ar a a, s e s a e a e s a e e s, e

O ly m pu of Sc a ndi n vi ; f om wh e nc e t h p oph t w
s upp o d t o d c nd
a a r e r e as s se es e

wh n h nnou nc d hi new eligi on to t h e G ot hic na t ion ho w e a l dy

e e a e s r s, w er re a
t d i n th
se a e ou t h n p t of S w d n
e s er ar s e e .

n
T c i t G m c 44
a . er . . .
 2 88 THE D E C LIN E A N D F A L L
one hu nd re d mil e s from C a rlscroon t o t h e ne a re st p ort s
of P om e ra ni a a nd P r u ssi a H e re a t l e ng t h w e l a nd .
, ,

on fi rm a nd hi st or ic g rou nd A t l e a st a s e a rly a s t h e .

ch ri st i a n e ra a nd a s l a t e a s t h e a g e of t h e A nt oni ne s
°
,
p
,

t h e G ot h s w e r e e st a bli sh e d t ow a r d s t h e m ou t h of t h e

V i st ul a a nd i n t h a t fe r t il e p rovi nc e wh e r e t h e com
,

m e rcia l ci t i e s of Th or n Elbi ng K oni ng sb e r g a nd , , ,

D a nt z i ck w e re l ong a ft e rw a r d s fou nde dq W e st w a r d .

of t h e G ot h s t h e nu m e r ou s t r ib e s of t h e V a nd a l s w e re
,

sp r e a d a l ong t h e b a nk s of t h e O d e r a nd t h e se a c oa st ,

of P om e ra ni a a nd Me c kle nb u r g h A st riki ng r e se m .

bl a nc e of m a nne r s c om pl e xi on r e ligi on a nd l a ngu a g e , , , ,

se e m e d t o i ndic a t e t h a t t h e V a nd a l s a nd t h e G ot h s

w e re or igi na lly one g re a t p e opl e T h e l a t t e r a pp e a r

t o h a v e b e e n subdivid e d i nt o O st r og ot h s V i sig oth s , ,

a n d G e pid ae T h e di st i nc t i on a m ong t h e V a nd a l s w a s
s
.

m ore st r ongly m a rk e d by t h e i nd e p e nd e nt na m e s of
H e ruli Bu r gu ndi a ns L om b a rd s a nd a v a r i e t y of ot h e r
, , ,

p e t t y st a t e s m a ny of which i n a fu t u re a g e e xp a nd e d
, , ,

t h e m se lv e s i nt o p ow e r ful m ona r chi e s .

In t h e a g e of t h e A nt oni ne s t h e G oth s w e re st ill ,

se a t e d i n P r u ssi a A b ou t t h e r e ign Of A l e x a nd e r S e .

ve r u s t h e R om a n p r ovi nc e of D a ci a h a d a l r e a dy e x
, _

r i e nc d h i p xi m i y by f qu d d uc iv
‘
p e e t e r r o t re e n t a n e s t r t e

i nr oa d s In t hi s i nt e r v a l t h e r e for e of a b ou t se v e nt y
.
, ,

e a rs we m u st pl a c e t h e se c ond m ig ra t i on of t h e G ot h s
y ,

T ci t A nn l 62 If w c ould yi ld a fi m a nt to t h n vig t i on
a . a . 11. . e e r sse e a a s

of P y t h e of M ill w m u t ll ow t h t t h G oth h d p d t h
as a rse es, e s a a e s a a sse e
B l t i c t l t t h hu nd e d y
a a ea s b fo C h i t re e P P t ol m y 1 i r e a rs e re r s . e , . i .

q By t h G m n c ol oni w h o foll ow e d t h e
e er m of t he T e u t onic k nigh t
a es ar s s.

Th c onqu t ndc onv

e i on of P u i a w c om pl e t d by t h o a dv nt u e
es a e rs r ss e re e se e r rs

i n t h t hi t nt h c nt u y
e r ee e r

Pli ny ( H i t N t u
.

‘ 1 14 ) nd P oc opiu ( i n B ll V nd l l i c
s . a r. i v . . a r s e . a a . . . .

a g i n t h i opi ni on Th y liv d n di t nt g e a nd p o
re e s . d diff ent e e i s a a s, sse sse er
m n of i nv t i g t i ng t he t u t h
ea s es a r .

Th o t o nd i th n nd w t n G oth ob t i n d t h o d no
’
8
e t
s r a v a , e e a s er a es er s, a e se e

m i n t i on f om t h i o igi n l
a s tr i n Sc ndi n v i I n ll t h i f t e
e r r a se a s a a a. a e r u ur

m ch ar nd t t l m nt t h y p
es a v d W i th t h i n m t h m la
se e e s e -
re se r e , e r a e s, e sa e re

t iv i t t i on W h n t h y fi t d p t d f om Sw d n t h i nf nt c ol ony
e s ua . e e rs e ar e r e e , e a

w c ont i n d i n t h v l Th t hi d b i ng h e vy il l gg d b
as a e re e e sse s. e r e a a sa er a e e
hi nd nd t he c w which ft w d w ll d i nt o n t i on c i v d f om
, a re ,
a er ar s s e e a a , re e e r

t h t ci cu m t a nc t h
a r pp ll t ion of g pid o l oi t
s e I o m nd c 17
e a e a e ae, r e re rs . r e e s, . .

S t
f g m nt of P te P t i c n t h E xc p t L g t on m ; nd
ee a ra e e r a r ru s i e er a e a i u a

wi t h g d t o t p ob bl d t e ee T lle mont Hi t de Em p
re ar i s r t om
a e a , s i , s . s e re u rs, .

i i p 346
i . . .
 OF THE R OMA N E MP IRE . 2 89

from B a l t ic t o t h e Euxi ne ; bu t t h e c a u se t h a t p r o C H A P
the .

X‘
du ce d i t li e s c onc e a l e d a m ong t h e v a r i ou s m ot iv e s
which a c t u a t e t h e c onduc t of u nse t t l e d b a rb a ri a ns .

Ei t h e r a p e st il e nc e or a fa m i ne a vic t ory or a d e fe a t

“
, , , ,

a n or a cl e of t h e g ods or t h e e l oqu e nc e of a d a ri ng ,

l e a d e r w e r e su ffici e nt t o im p e l t h e G ot hic a r m s on t h e
, ,

m ild e r cli m a t e s of th e sou t h B e sid e s t h e i nflu e nc e of .

a m a r t i a l r e ligi on t h e nu m b e rs a nd spi r i t Of t h e G ot h s,

w e r e e qu a l to t h e m ost d a ng e r ou s a dv e nt u re s T h e '

u se of r ou nd buckl e r s a nd sh or t sw or d s r e nd e r e d t h e m

for m id a bl e i n a cloSe e ng a g e m e nt ; t h e m a nly Ob e di

e nc e which t h e y yi e ld e d t o h e r e dit a r y ki ng s g a v e u n ,

c om m on u ni on a nd st a bili t y t o t h e i r c ou ncil s ; a nd t h e
r e now ne d A m a l a t h e h e r o of t h a t a g e a nd t h e t e n t h
, ,

a nc e st or of Th e od or ic ki ng of I t a ly e nfor c e d by t h e , ,
‘
a sce nd a nt of p e r sona l m e r i t t h e p re r og a t iv e of h i s ,

bi rt h which b e d e r iv e d from th e A nses or d e m ig od s

, ,

of t h e G ot hic na t i on
"
.

T h e fa m e of a g r e a t e nt e r p r i se e xci t e d t h e b ra v e st Th G ot hic e

n tm m ‘ a
w a rri or s from a ll t h e V a nd a lic st a t e s of G e rm a ny ; c e in r a se s

m a ny of wh om a re se e n a fe w y e a r s a ft e r w a rd s com i t m ch s ar .

b a t i ng u nd e r t h e c om m on sta nd a rd of t h e G ot h s ’ .

T h e fi r st m ot i ons of t h e e m ig r a nt s c a rri e d t h e m t o t h e
b a nk s of t h e Pry p e c a r iv e r u niv e r sa lly c onc e iv e d by ,

t h e a nci e nt s t o b e t h e sou t h e r n b r a nch of t h e B or y s

t h e ne s T h e wi ndi ng s of t h a t g re a t st re a m t h rough
2
.

t h e pl a i ns of P ol a nd a nd Ru ssi a g a v e a di re c t i on t o
‘
t h e i r li ne of m a rch a nd a c onst a n t supply of fr e sh ,

w a t e r a nd p a st u ra g e t o t h e i r nu m e rou s h e rd s of c a t t l e .

Th e y foll ow e d t h e u nk now n c ou rse of t h e rive r con ,

fi de nt i n t h e i r v a l ou r a nd c a r e l e ss of wh a t e v e r p ow e r ,

m igh t opp ose t h e i r p rog re ss T h e B a st a rnae a nd t h e .

li a u m g nt i u m i n igne ot u nd cu t b e v e gl d ii t e g
O m niu m r e s , r a s a, r s a , e r a
r eg ob e quiu m
es T ci t G m c 43 The G ot h p ob bly cqui d
s . a . er . . . s r a a re
t h i i on by t h c om m c of a m b e
e r r eJ o na nd c 13 14
er e r. x
r es, .
, .

Y Th H e uli nd t he U g nd o Bu gu ndi
e r , p a t icul a ly m e nt i on d
a re u i r r , a re r r e .

S e M a c on Hi t o y of t h G m a n l v A p a g e i n t h e A ugu t n
’
e s s s r e er s, . . ssa s a

Hi t o y p 2 8 eem t o a ll d e t o t hi s g e t em ig t i on Th M c om nnic
s r , .
, s s u r a ra . e ar a
w arw p t ly occ i on d by t h e p u O f b a b ou t i b s w ho fl e d
as ar as e ress re r ar s r e ,

b e fo t h m of m o no t h n b a b i n
re e ar s re r er r ar a s
.

D A nvi l l G eog phi e A nci e nn nd t h e t hi d p t of hi i nc om p a bl e

'
z
e, ra e, a r ar s ar
m a p of E u op e r .

VO L . I .
 THE DE C L I N E A N D F A L L
C HAP w e re th e fi r st w h o p re se nt e d t h e m se lv e s ; a nd
V e ne di
X
t h e fl ow e r of t h e i r y ou t h e i t h e r fr om ch 0 1ce or com
.

pul si on i nc r e a se d t h e G ot hic a r m y T h e B a sta rnae

, .

dw e l t on t h e nor t h e r n sid e Of t h e C a r p a t hi a n m ou n
t a i ns ; t h e i m m e nse t ra c t of l a nd t h a t se p a ra t e d t h e

B a st a rnae from t h e sa v a g e s of Fi nl a nd w a s p osse sse d , ,

or r a t h e r w a st e d by t h e Ve ne di : w e h a v e som e r e a son
a
,

t o b e li e v e th a t t h e fi rst of t h e se na ti ons which di s

, ,

”
t i ng u i sh e d i t se lf i n t h e M a c e d oni a n w a r a nd w a s ,

a ft e r w a r d s divid e d i nt o t h e formid a bl e t rib e s of t h e

Pe u cini t h e B ora ni t h e C a r pi e t c d e riv e d i t s or igi n
, , , .

from t h e G e rm a ns Wi t h b e t t e r a u t h ori t y a S a rm a
.

,
,

t i a n e x t ra c t i on m a y b e a ssig ne d t o t h e V e ne di w h o ,

c
r e nd e r e d t h e m se lv e s so fa m ou s i n t h e m iddl e a e s
g .

B u t t h e c onfu si on of bl ood a nd m a nne r s on th a t d oub t

ful front i e r oft e n p e r pl e x e d t h e m ost a ccu ra t e oh
d
Di t i nc t i on se rve rs
s A s t h e G ot h s a dv a nc e d ne a r e r t h e Euxi ne
.

of G m n er a s
se a t h e y e nc ou nt e r e d a pu r e r r a c e of S a rm a t i a ns t h e
a nd Sa m a r _ ,

ti na s. J a z y g e s t h e A l a ni a nd t h e R ox ol a ni : a nd t h e y w e r e
, ,

p rob a bly t h e fi rst G e rma ns w h o sa w t h e m ou th s of th e

B ory st h e ne s a nd of t h e T a na i s If w e e nqui re i nt o .

t h e ch a ra c t e r i st ic m a rk s of t h e p e opl e of G e rm a ny a nd
Of S a rma t i a w e sh a ll di sc ov e r t h a t t h ose t w o g re a t p or
,

t i ons of hu m a n ki nd w e re p r i ncip a lly di st i ngui sh e d by

fix e d hu t s or m ov e a bl e t e nt s by a cl ose d r e ss or fl ow ,

i ng g a rm e nt s by t h e m a r ri a g e of one or of se v e ra l
,

wiv e s by a m ili t a r y for c e c onsi sti ng for t h e m ost p a rt

,

e i t h e r of i nfa nt ry or c a v a l ry ; a nd a b ov e a l l by t h e , ,

u se of t h e T e ut onic or of t h e S cl a v oni a n l a ngu a g e ; t h e

l a st of which h a s b e e n di ffu se d by c onqu e st from t h e ,

c onfi ne s of I t a ly t o t h e ne ighb ou rh ood of J a p a n .

T h e G ot h s w e re now i n p osse ssi on of t h e U k ra i ne ,

a c ou nt r y of c onsid e r a bl e e x t e nt a nd u nc omm on fe r

t i li ty i nt e rse c t e d with na vig a bl e r iv e r s which fr om

, ,

e i t h e r sid e di sch a r g e t h e m se lv e s i nt o t h e B or st h e ne s
y ,

3
* T ci t G e
a . c 46 rm . . . er b C luv G . e rm . A nt iqu 1 iii
a, . . c 43 .

c Th e Ve ne di t h e S la vi a nd t h e
, , nt e s, A we re th eth get
ree r a t ri b es of
t he sa m e pe o e pl
orna nde s, J 24 c . .

d T ci u
.

a t s m ost a ss re u dly d
e se r e s t a t t t v h i le ; a nd e v e n hi s c a u t i ou s sus

p e nse i s a p
roo of h i s fe nt e n dilig
r es qui i .
 O F TH E R OMA N E MP IRE . 2 91

a nd i nte rsp e rse d wi t h l a r g e a nd l ofty fore st s of oa k s C H A P .

X
T h e pl e nt y of g a m e a nd fi sh t h e i nnu m e r a bl e b e e
'

hiv e s d e p osit e d i n t h e h oll ow of old t re e s a nd i n t h e

c a vi t i e s of roc k s a nd form i ng e v e n i n th a t r ud e a g e
,

a v a lu a bl e b ra nch of c om m e r c e t h e siz e Of t h e c a t t l e , ,

t h e t e m p e r a tu re of t h e a i r t h e a p t ne ss of t h e soil for ,

e v e r y sp e ci e s of g ra i n a nd t h e luxu r i a ncy of t h e v e g o
,

t a t i on a ll di spl a y e d t h e lib e ra li t y of na tu re a nd t e m pt
, ,

e d t h e i ndu st ry O f m a n But t h e G ot h s wi t h st ood a ll

"
.

t h e se t e m pt a t i ons a nd still a dh e re d t o a life of idl e

,

n e ss Of p ov e rt y a nd of ra pi ne
, ,
.

T h e S cy t hi a n h or d e s which t ow a rd s th e e a st b or Th e G ot h
,
s

d e re d on t h e ne w se ttl e me nt s of t h e G oth s p r e se nt e d ,

not hi ng t o t h e i r a rm s e xc e p t t h e d oubtful c ,h a nc e of vi nce S

a n u np r ofi t a b l e vict ory B ut t h e p r osp e ct of t h e R o

.

m a n t e rr i t ori e s w a s fa r m ore a llu r i ng ; a nd t h e fi e ld s of

D a ci a w e re c ov e r e d wi t h r ich h a rv e st s sow n by t h e ,

h a nd s of a n i ndu st ri ou s a nd e xp ose d t o b e g a t h e re d ,

by t h ose of a w a rlik e p e opl e It i s p r ob a bl e th a t t h e .

c onqu e st s of T r a j a n m a i nt a i ne d by h i s succ e ssors l e ss

, ,

for a ny r e a l a dv a nt a g e t h a n for id e a l digni t y h a d con ,

t ribu t e d t o w e a k e n t h e e m pi re on t h a t sid e T h e ne w .

a nd u nse t t l e d p r ovi nc e Of D a ci a w a s ne i t h e r st r ong

e nough t o re si st nor r ich e nough t o sa ti a t e t h e r a p a

,

ciou sne ss of th e b a rb a ri a ns A s l ong a s t h e r e m ot e .

b a nk s of t h e N i e st e r w e re c onsid e re d a s t h e b ou nd a ry
of t h e R om a n p ow e r t h e for t ific a ti ons of t h e L ow e r,

D a nub e w e r e m ore c a re l e ssly gu a rd e d ; a nd t h e i nh a

b i t a nt s of Mae si a liv e d i n supi ne se cu rity fondly con ,

ce i vi ng t h e m se lv e s a t a n i na cc e ssibl e di st a nc e from a ny
b a rb a ri an i nv a d e r s T h e i rrupti ons of t h e G oth s
.
,

u nd e r t h e re ig n of P hilip fa t a lly c onvi nc e d t h e m Of ,

t h e i r m i st a k e T h e ki ng or l e a d e r of t h a t fi er c e na ti on
.

t ra v e rse d with c ont e mpt t h e p rovi nc e of D a ci a a nd ,

p a sse d b ot h t h e Ni e st e r a nd t h e D a nub e wi t h ou t e u
c ou nt e ri ng a ny Opp osi t i on c a p a bl e O f r e t a rdi ng h i s p r o
8
G n l ogic l Hi t o y of t h T t p 593 M B ll (vol p
e ea a s r e a r a rs, . . r. e . 11. .

t v
ra d t h U k i n i n hi j ou n y f om P t b gh t o C on t nt i nopl
e rse e ra e s r e r e e rs u r s a e.
Th m od n f c of t h c ou nt y i
e er a e ju t p e nta t i on of t he nci nt i nc
e r s a s re res a e , s e,
i n t he h nd of th C o a ck i t t ill
a s e m i n i n a t a t of n t u e
ss s, s re a s s e a r .

U 2
 2 92 THE D E CL l NE A N D F A LL
g re ss T h e r e l a x e d di scipli ne Of th e R om a n t roop s
.

b e t ra y e d t h e m ost i m p or t a nt p ost s wh e r e t h e y w e re ,

st a t i one d ; a nd t h e fe a r of d e se r v e d pu ni sh m e nt i nduc e d

g re a t num b e r s of t h e m t o e nli st u nd e r t h e G ot hic

st a nd a r d T h e v a r i ou s m ul t i t ud e of b a rb a ri a ns a p
.

a r e d a t l e ng t h u nd e r t h e w a ll s of M a r ci a nop oli s
p e , , ,

a ci t y buil t by T r a j a n i n h onou r of h i s si st e r a nd a t ,

t h a t t i m e t h e c a pi t a l of t h e se c on d Mae si a
f T h e in .

h a bi t a nt s c onse nt e d t o r a nsom t h e i r liv e s a nd p r op e r t y

by t h e p a y m e nt of a l a rg e su m of m one y ; a nd t h e i n
v a d e rs r e t r e a t e d b a ck i nt o t h e i r d e se r t s a ni m a t e d r a ,
«

t h e r t h a n sa t i sfi e d wi t h t h e fi r st succ e ss of t h e i r a r m s

a g a i nst a n Opul e nt b u t fe e bl e c ou nt r y I nt e llig e nc e .

w as soon t ra nsm i t t e d t o t h e e m p e r or D e ciu s t h a t C u iv a ,

ki ng Of t h e G ot h s h a d p a sse d t h e D a nub e a se c ond

t i m e wi t h m or e c onsid e r a bl e for c e s ; t h a t h i s nu m e rou s
,

d et a ch m e nt s sc a t t e r e d de v a st a t i on ov e r t h e p r ovi nc e
of Mae si a whil st t h e m a i n b ody of t h e a rm y c onsi st i ng
, ,

of se v e nt y t h ou sa nd G e rm a ns a nd S a r m a t i a ns a for c e ,

e qu a l t o t h e m ost d a r i ng a chi e v e m e nt s r e qui re d t h e ,

p re se nc e of t h e R oma n m ona r ch a nd t h e e x e r t i on of ,

h i s m ili t a ry p ow e r .

D e ciu s fou nd t h e G ot h s e ng a g e d b e fore Nic op oli s ,

on t h e J a t ru s one of t h e m a ny m onu m e nt s of T r a j a n s
’

vic t ori e s g O n h i s a pp r oa ch t h e y ra i se d t h e si e g e b u t
.
,

wi t h a d e sig n only of m a rchi ng a w a y t o a c onqu e st of

g re a t e r i m p or t a nc e th e si e g e of P hilipp op oli s a ci ty , ,

of Th r a c e ,fou nd e d by t h e fa t h e r of A l e x a nd e r ne a r ,
h
t h e foot of m ou nt H ae m u s D e ciu s foll ow e d t h e m .

t h r ough a di fficul t c ou nt r y a nd by forc e d m a r ch e s ; ,

b u t wh e n b e i m a gi ne d hi m se lf a t a c onsid e ra bl e di s

'
f In t he s ix t
h ch a p t e of J o na nde i n tea d of c ndo Mas i a m w e
e e nt r r s, s se u s ,

m y v e nt u t o ub t i t u t e c nd m t h
a re e c ond M
s s i of which M ci a no
se u a , e s aas a , ar
p oli w c t i nly t h e c pi t l Se H ocl d P ovi ncii a nd W li ng
s as er a a a . e i er es e r s, e sse

a d l ocu m p 636 I t i ne ,
It i
.
p m g. h ow t hi p a lp bl e e o of t he
ra r. s su r ri s s a rr r

c ib e c ould c p t h e judici o c o c t i on of G ot iu
s r es a e us rre r s.

8 Th e pl c e i t ill c ll d Ni cop
a Th li t t l e t ea m on wh o e b nk i t
s s a e . e s r s a s

t ood f ll i nt o t he D nub e D A nvi ll G é og phi e A nci nne t om i ’

s a s a . e, ra e , . .

p 30 7
. .

h S t e ph n Byz nt d U b b p 740 ; W e el i ng I ti ne a p 136

a . a e r i u s, . ss , r r. . .

Z on by n odd m i t k e c ibe t he fou nd t i on of P hilippop oli t o t h

a ra s, a s a , as r s a s e
i m m di a te p d c e o of D e ciu
e re e ss r s.
 OF TH E R OMA N E MP IRE . 2 93

t a nc e
from the Of t h e G ot h s C ni va t u rne d wi t h C H A P
re a r , .

X
ra pid fu ry On h i s pu r su e r s T h e c a m p of t h e R o
'

.
.

m a ns w a s su r p r i se d a nd pill a g e d ; a nd for t h e fi r st ,

t i m e t h e i r e m p e r or fl e d i n di sor d e r b e for e a t r oop of

,

h a lf a rm e d b a rb a ri a ns A ft e r a l ong re si st a nc e P hi
.
,

l i p p op ol i s d e st i t ut e of succ ou r w a s t a k en by st orm
, ,
.

A n hu nd re d t h ou sa nd p e rsons a re r e p or t e d t o h a v e
1
b e e n m a ssa c re d i n t h e sa ck of t h a t g re a t ci t y M a ny .

p r i sone r s of c onse qu e nc e b e c a m e a v a lu a bl e a cc e ssi on

t o t h e sp oil ; a nd P r i sons a b r ot h e r Of t h e l a t e e m
,
'

a ssu m e t h e pu r pl e u nd e r
.

r P hili blu h d
p e r o p s e
, n o t t o

t h e p r ot e c t i on of t h e b a rb a r ou s e ne m i e s of R om e

T h e t i m e h ow e v e r c onsu m e d i n t h a t t e di ou s si e g e
, , ,

en a bl e d D e ciu s t o r e viv e t h e c ou r a g e r e st or e t h e di s ,

cip l i ne a nd r e c r ui t t h e nu m b e rs of hi s t r oop s
, He .

i nt e r c e p t e d se v e ra l p a r t i e s of C a rpi a nd ot h e r G e r ,

m a ns w h o w e r e h a st e ni ng t o sh a r e t h e vic t or y of t h e i r
,

1
c ou nt ry m e n i nt ru st e d t h e p a sse s of t h e m ou nt a ins t o
,

m
offic e r s of a pp r ov ed v a l ou r a nd fid e li t y r e p a i r e d a nd ,

st r e ng t h e ne d t h e for t ific a t i ons O f t h e D a nub e a nd e x ,

e r t e d h i s u t m ost vigil a nc e t o Opp ose e i t h e r t h e p rog re ss

or t h e r e t re a t of t h e G ot h s E nc ou ra g e d by t h e re
.

t u rn of for tu ne h e a nxi ou sly w a i t e d for a n Opp or tu ni t y

,

t o r e t ri e v e by a g r e a t a nd d e ci sive bl ow h i s ow n gl ory
, , ,

a nd t h a t of t h e R om a n a r m s

A t t h e sa m e t i m e wh e n D e ciu s w a s st ruggli ng wi t h D ci e us re

t h e vi ol e nc e of t h e t e m p e st h i s m i nd c a l m a nd d e li
, ,

b e ra t e a m i dst t h e t u m ul t of w a r i nv e st ig a t e d t h e m ore c n o i n ,
e s r

th p on e e rs
g e ne ra l c a u se s t h a t S i nc e t h e a g e of t h e A nt oni ne s f V l i n
, , O a er a
‘
.

h a d so i m p e t u ou sly u rg e d t h e d e cli ne of t h e R om a n
g re a tne ss H e soon di sc ov e re d t h a t i t w a s i m p ossibl e
.

1 A mm i a n . xxxi . 5 .
‘A u l V ic t c
1 re . or, . 29
.

1
d l D ciu i i u h
Vi ct ori a? Ca rp i ca , on som e m e a s of e
’
dv g s, ns n a t e t e se a a nt a e s .

C l udiu f w d g d wi h
s w ho a t e r a r s re i ne
uch gl y p d
t so m
"1
a
( or ) w a s oste i n
p
t he a ss of T he rm O wi h py hu d d D d i
l a : t t w o n hu d d h vy
re a r a n a ns, one n re ea
a nd one hu d
ndre ix y li h h
a nd s tix y C
g t ch
orse s t h ,re t a n a r e rs, a nd one t ou

d w ll
sa n e d c ui
a rm e re r igi l l
ts f
Se e a n or na
. p e t t e r rom t h e e m e ror t o h i s

c A ugu
offi e r i n t h e Hi y p
‘ 1
c
J orna nde s,
st a n

Z i u l i p
16— 18
.
st or ,

os m s,
2 00
g
.

l cc u22
.

. In t h e e nera a o nt of
. . .

t i s w a r, i t s e a s t o
h y di c v s o e r t he O
pp i p judic G hic
'

re i a n
i os t e re e s of t he ot a nd t h e
G c w ri t e r
c l I n a re e ssne ss a one t e a re a i e
. l h y lk .
2 94 THE DE C L IN E A ND F A L L
to re pl a c e th a t g re a t ness on a p e rm a ne nt b a si s wi t h '

ou t r e st or i ng public vi r tu e a nci e nt p r i ncipl e s a nd m a n ,

ne rs a nd t h e Opp re sse d m a j e st y of t h e l a w s
, T 0 e xe .

cu t e t hi s nobl e bu t a r du ou s d e si gn h e first re solv e d t o ,

r e viv e th e Ob sol e t e offi c e of c e nsor ; a n O ffic e which a s ,

l ong a s i t h a d sub si st e d i n i t s p r i st i ne i nt e g r i t y h a d so ,

m uch c ont r ibu t e d t o t h e p e r p e t ui t y of t h e st a t e till i t

w s u
a su r p e d a n d g r a du a lly ne gl e c t e d by t h e C ae sa rs P .

C onsci ou s t h a t t h e fa v ou r of t h e sov e re ign m a y c onfe r

p ow e r bu t t h a t t h e e st e e m of t h e p e opl e ca n a l one
,

b e stow a uth ority h e sub m itte d th e ch oic e of t h e c e nsor

,

t o t h e u nbi a sse d v oic e of t h e se na t e By t h e i r u na ni .

m ou s v ot e s or r a th e r a ccl a m a ti ons V a l e r i a n w h o w a s
, , ,

a ft e r w a r d s e m p e ror a nd w h o t h e n se r v e d wi t h di s
,

t i nc t i on i n t h e a rm y of D e ciu s w a s d e cl a r e d t h e m ost ,

w or t hy of t h a t e x a l t e d h onou r A s soon a s t h e d e c re e .

of t h e se na t e w a s t ra nsm i t t e d t o t h e e m p e r or h e a s ,

se mbl e d a g re a t c ou ncil i n h i s c a m p ; a nd b e for e t h e ,

i nv e st itu re of t h e c e nsor e l e ct h e a pp ri se d h im of t h e ,

di fficulty a nd i m p or t a nc e of h i s g re a t O ffic e H a ppy .

”
V a l e ri a n sa id t h e p ri nc e t o h i s di st i ng u i sh e d subj e c t
, ,

h a ppy i n th e g e ne ra l a pp rob a ti on of t h e se na t e a nd
of t h e R om a n r e public ! A cc e p t t h e c e nsorship O f
m a nki nd ; a nd j udg e of our m a nne rs Y ou will se l e ct .

t h ose w h o d e se r v e t o c ont i nu e m e m b e rs of t h e se na t e ;
o u will r e st o r e t h e e qu e st r i a n or d e r t o i t s a nci e nt
y
spl e nd ou r ; o u will i mp rov e t h e re v e nu e t m o d e ra t e
y y e ,

t h e public bu r d e ns Y ou will di st i ngui sh i nt o r e gul a r

.

cl a sse s th e v a ri ou s a nd i nfi ni t e m ul t itud e of ci t iz e ns ,

a nd a ccu r a t e ly re vi e w t h e m ili t a r y st r e ng t h t h e w e a l t h , ,

t h e vi rt ue a nd t h e r e sou r c e s of R om e
, Y ou r de .

ci si ons sh a ll ob t a i n t h e for c e of l a w s T h e a rmy t h e .

,

p al a c e t h e m i ni ste rs of j u st ic e a nd th e g re a t O ffic e rs
, ,

0
M onte qui u G nd eu t D é c d nc e d Rom i n c viii H illu
s e , ra r e a e es a s, . . e s
t t
ra es t he n t u nd a e of t h
re a c n o hip wi t h hi u u l i ng nui ty nd
us e e s rs s s a e , a
w i t h u nc omm on p ci i on re s
P V p i n nd Tit u w e the l t c en o Plin Hi t N t u vi i 49
.

es a s a a s er as s rs. s a r.

C n o i nu de D N t li Th mod t y of T j n fu d n h onou
. . .

e s r s ie a a . e es ra a re se a r

which h d e v d ndh i e x a m pl b c a m l w t o t h A nt oni ne S

e es r e , a s e e e a a e s. ee
P li ny P gy ic c 45 a nd 60
’
s a ne r , . . .
 O F THE R OM A N E MP IR E . 2 95

of t h e e m pi re a re a ll subj e c t t o y ou r t ribu na l N one C H A P

‘
, . .

X
a re e x e m pt e d e xc e p t i ng only t h e or di na ry c onsul s 1
’

, ,

t h e p r e fe ct of t h e ci t y t h e ki ng Of t h e sa c r ific e s a nd , ,

a s l ong a s sh e p r e se r v e s h e r ch a st i t y i nvi ol a t e ) t h e
(
e ld e st of t h e v e st a l v i r gi ns Ev e n t h e se fe w w h o m a y .
,

n ot d r e a d t h e se v e r i t y will a nxi ou sly solici t t h e e st e e m ,

of t h e R om a n c e nsor

A m a gi st ra t e i nv e st e d wi t h such e xt e nsiv e p ow e rs Th d ig n , e es

c ‘
w ould h a v e a pp e a re d not so m uch t h e m i ni st e r a s th e LT z gg
r a
f
e

c oll e a gu e of h i s sov e r e ig n V a l e r i a n j u st ly d r e a d e d wi t h ou t f s
. e

f t ee
a n e l e v a t i on so full Of e nvy a nd of su sp i c i on He
.

m od e stly u rg e d t h e a l a rm i ng g re a t ne ss of t h e t r u st ,

h i s ow n i nsu ffici e ncy a nd t h e i ncu ra bl e c orr up t i on of ,

t h e t im e s H e a r t fully i nsi nu a t e d t h a t t h e offic e of

.
,

c e nsor w a s i nse p a ra bl e from t h e i m p e r i a l dig nity a nd ,

t h a t t h e fe e bl e h a nd s of a subj e ct w e r e u ne qu a l t o t h e
supp or t of such a n i m m e nse w e igh t of c a r e s a nd of

p ow e r T h e a pp r oa chi ng e v e nt of w a r soon p u t a n
e nd t o t h e p r ose cu t i on of a p r oj e c t so sp e ci ou s b u t so

i m p ra c tic a bl e ; a nd whil st i t p re se r v e d V a l e r i a n from

t h e d a ng e r sa v e d t h e e m p e r or D e ciu s fr om th e di s
,

a pp oi nt m e nt which w ould m ost p r ob a bly h a v e a t t e nd e d

it. A c e nsor m a y m a i nt a i n h e ca n ne v e r r e st ore t h e ,

“
m or a l s of a st a t e It i s i m p ossibl e for su ch a m a gi
.

st ra t e t o e x e r t h i s a u th or i t y with b e ne fi t or e v e n wi t h ,

e ffe c t u nl e ss h e i s supp or t e d by a quick se nse Of h on

,

ou r a nd vi r t u e i n t h e m i nd s of t h e p e opl e by a de ,

c e nt re v e re nc e for t h e public opi ni on a nd by a t ra i n of ,

u se ful p rej udic e s c om b a t i ng on t h e sid e of na t i ona l

“
m a nne rs In a p e r i od wh e n th e se p r i ncipl e s a r e a nni
.

h ila t e d t h e c e nsori a l j u ri sdicti on m u st e i t h e r si nk i nt o

,

e m p t y p a g e a nt r y or b e c onv e r t e d i nt o a p a r t i a l i nst ru
,

m e nt of v e x a t i ou s opp r e ssi on It w a s e a si e r t o va n .

‘
1 Y t i n pi te of t hi e x m p t i on P om p y pp
s e d b efo t h t t ibu na l
s e e a ea re re a r

du i ng hi c on ul hip Th occ i on nd d w as qu lly i ngul

r s s s . e nd as i ee e a s ar a
h onou bl P lu t ch i n Pomp p 630
ra e. ar . . . .

S
1
t he o igi n l p
ee ch i n t h A ugu t n Hi to y p 173 174
r a s ee e s a s r , .
, .

Thi t n c t i on m igh t d c iv Zon

9
s ra sa h o upp o th t V le i ne e e a ra s, w s ses a a r a

w as a c t u lly d cl d th c oll gu of D ciu l xi i p 62 5

a e a re e ea e e s: . . . .

Hi t A ugu t p 174 Th e m pe o
s . s . pl i om i t t d
. . e r r s re
’
s e .

Suc h t h t t mp t of A ugu t u t ow
as e a e fo m ti on of m a nn
s s s ar s a re r a e rs.
T c i t A nn l i i i 2 4
a
.

. a . . .
296 THE D E C LIN E A N D F A L L
q uis h the
G o th s t h a n t o e ra dic a t e, t h e public vic es ;

y e t e v e n i n t h e fi r st o f t h e se e nt e r p r i se s D e ciu s l ost ,

h i s a rm y a nd h i s life .

T h e G ot h s w e re now on e v e ry sid e su rr ou nd e d a nd , ,

pu rsu e d by t h e R om a n a r m s T h e fl ow e r of t h e i r .

t r oop s h a d p e r i sh e d i n t h e l ong si e g e of P hilipp op oli s ;

a nd t h e e xh a u st e d c ou nt ry c ould no l ong e r a ffor d su b

si st e nc e for t h e r e m a i ni ng m ul t i t ud e of lic e nt i ou s b a r

b a r i a ns R e duc e d t o t hi s e x t re mi t y t h e G ot h s w ould
.
,

gl a dly h a v e pu r ch a se d by t h e su rr e nd e r of a ll t h e i r ,

b oot y a nd p ri sone r s t h e p e r m i ssi on of a n u ndi st u rb e d

,

r e t re a t B u t t h e e m p e ror c onfid e nt of vic t ory a nd

.
, ,

r e solvi ng by t h e ch a st i se m e nt of t h e se i nv a d e rs t o
, ,

st rik e a sa lu t a r y t e r r or i nt o t h e na t i ons of t h e nor t h

, ,

r e fu se d t o li st e n t o a n
y t e rm s of a cc omm od a t i on T h e .

high spi r i t e d b a rb a r i a ns p re fe rr e d d e a t h t o sl a v e r y
-
.

A n ob scu r e t ow n of Maesi a c a ll e d F oru m T e r e b r oni i ,

w a s t h e sc e ne of t h e b a t t l e T h e G ot hic a rm y w a s .

d ra w n up i n t h r e e li ne s a nd e i t h e r from ch oic e or , ,

a ccid e nt t h e fr ont of t h e t hi r d li ne w a s c ov e re d by a
,

m or a ss In t h e b e gi nni ng of t h e a c t i on t h e son of
.
,

D e ciu s a y ou t h of t h e fa i r e st h op e s a nd a l re a dy a sso
, ,

ci a t e d t o t h e h onou rs of t h e pu r pl e w a s sl a i n by a n ,

a r r ow i n t h e sigh t of h i s a fflic t e d fa t h e r ; w h o su m

m oni ng a ll h i s for t i t ud e a d m oni sh e d t h e di sm a y e d ,

t r oop s t h a t t h e l oss of a si ngl e soldi e r w a s of li t t l e

,

i m p ort a nc e t o t h e r e public T h e c onflic t w a s t e rr i

ble ; i t w a s t h e c om b a t of d e sp a i r a g a i nst g ri e f a nd
ra g e T h e fi rst li ne of t h e G ot h s a t le ng th a v e w a y
.
G
,D

i n di sord e r ; t h e se c ond a dv a nci ng t o su st a i n i t sh a r e d, ,

i t s fa t e ; a nd t h e t hi r d only r e m a i ne d e nt i r e p re p a re d ,

t o di spu t e t h e p a ssa g e of t h e m or a ss which w a s i m

{
,

p r ud e nt ly a t t e m p t e d by t h e p re su m p t i on O f t h e e ne my .

H e re th e for tu ne of th e da y t u rne d a nd a l l t hi ng s ,

be c a m e a dv e rse t o t h e R om a ns : t h e pl a c e d e e p wi t h ,

‘Till
1
Hi t oi e des E mp e e u t om iii p 598 A s Z o i m a nd
e m ont , s r r rs, . . . . s us

som e of h i foll ow m i t a k e t h D nub e fo t h T n i t h ey p la c e t h

s e rs s e a r e a a s, e

fi ld of b t t l n t h pl i n of Scy t hi
e a e i e a s a.

Y A u liu V ic t o ll ow t w o d i t i nc t a c ti on fo t h d a t h of t h t w o
re s r a s s s r e e s e

D e ci b t I h a v p e fe e d t h cc ou nt of J o na nd
r u e r rr e a r es
 OF THE R OM A N E MP IRE .

oo e , s n i ki ng und e r t h ose w h o st ood slipp e ry t o such C H A P

z , .

X
a s a dv a nc e d ; t h e i r a rm ou r h e a vy th e wa t e rs d e e p ;
’

nor c ould t he y wi e ld i n th a t u ne a sy si t u a t i on t h e i r

w e igh t y j a v e li ns T h e b a rb a ri a ns on t h e c ont ra ry .
, ,

w e re e nu re d t o e nc ou nt e r s i n t h e b og s t h e i r p e rsons
'

t a ll t h e i r sp e a r s l ong such a s c ould w ou nd a t a di s

, ,
.

t a nc e In t hi s m orass t h e R om a n a rm y a ft e r a n ,

i ne ffe c t u a l st ruggl e w a s i rre c ov e r a bly l ost ; nor c ould ,

t h e b ody Of t h e e m p e r or e v e r b e fou nd S uch w a s 3

.

t h e fa t e of D e ciu s i n t h e fift i e th y e a r of h i s a g e ; a n,

a cc om pli sh e d p r i nc e a c t iv e i n w a r a nd a ffa bl e i n , ,

h g h wi h h i h as d e se r v e d t o
b
p e a ce ; w o t o e t e r t s son, ,

b e c om p a r e d b Ot h i n life a nd d e a th wi t h t h e b righ t e st
, ,

e x a m pl e s of a nci e nt vi r t u e
C
.

Thi s fa t a l bl ow hu m bl e d for a v e ry littl e t i m e t h e E l c t i on of

‘
e
, ,

i nsole nc e of t h e l e gi ons Th e y a pp e a r t o h a v e p a X fi féa .

s

t i e ntly e xp e c t e d a nd sub m i ssiv e ly ob e y e d t h e d e c re e D c m b

,
e e e r.

of t h e se na t e which r e gul a t e d t h e succ e ssi on t o t h e

t h r one F rom a j u st r e g a r d for t h e m e m or y of D e

.

ciu s t h e i m p e ri a l t i t l e w a s c onfe rre d on H ost i li a nu s

, ,

h i s only su r vivi ng son ; b u t a n e qu a l r a nk wi t h m or e ,

e ffe c t u a l p ow e r w a s g ra nt e d t o G a llu s wh ose e X e

,
p ,

ric u c e a nd a bili t y se e m e d e qu a l t o t h e g r e a t t ru st of

gu a r di a n t o t h e y ou ng p r i nc e a nd t h e di st re sse d e m
pi re d T h e fi rst c a r e of t h e ne w e m p e r or w a s t o de
.

liv e r t h e Illy r i a n p rovi nc e s fr om t h e i nt ol e ra bl e w e igh t

of t h e vic t ori ou s G ot h s H e c onse nt e d t o l e a v e i n A D 2 52 . . . .

t h e i r h a nd s t h e r ich fr ui t s of th e i r i nv a si on a n i mm e nse ,

b ooty a nd wh a t w a s still m ore di sg ra c e ful a g re a t

, , ,

nu m b e r of p r i sone r s of t h e high e st m e r it a nd qu a li t y .

H e pl e nt ifully suppli e d t h e i r c a m p wi t h e v e ry conve R t t of e re a

t h G th e
ni e ncy t h a t c ould a ssu a g e t h e i r a ng r y S pi r i t s or fa cili
O s’
,

h a v e v e nt u e d t o copy f om Ta ci t u (A nna l i
2
'

I r t h pic t u e of a
r s . . e r
si mil a e ng g me nt b e t w e e n a Rom a n a my nd a G e m n t ib
r a e r a r a r e.

J o na nd c 18 Z o i m u l i p 2 2 Z o a l xii p 62 7 ; A u
3
r es, . s s, . . . h a r s, . . . re
li V ic to
us r.
b Th D c w e e k i ll e d b fo e t h e ii nd of t hr y e 2 51 si nc e t he ne w ar
e ee r e e ,

p i nc t ook p o i on of t h c on ul hip on t h n ui ng c l end s of J a nu a y

r es sse ss e s s e e s a r .

c Hi t A gu t p 2 2 3 giv e t h e m a v e y h onou bl
s . u s . . pl a c e mong t he
s r ra e a
,

sm ll nu m b
a of g ood e m p e o erw ho e ig ne d b e t w e n A ugu t u nd
r rs r e s s a
Diocl t i n
‘
e a .

1
H e ubi p t e compe e e
az de ce nu nt
a r s V ic to i n Cze sa ib s
r r r . r r u .
2 98 THE D E C LIN E A N D F A L L
t a te th ei r wi sh e d for d e p a r t u re ; a nd h e e v e n
so much -

p rom i se d t o p a y t h e m a nnu a lly 3 l a rg e su m of g ol d on .

,

c ondi t i on t h a t t h e y sh ould ne v e r a ft e r w a r d s i nfe st t h e

R om a n t e rrit or i e s by t h e i r i ncu rsi ons
In t h e a g e of t h e S cipi os t h e m ost opul e nt ki ng s of ,

t h e e a r th w h o c ou r t e d t h e p rot e c t i on of t h e vic t or i ou s
,

c om m onw e a l t h w e re g ra t ifi e d wi t h such t rifli ng p r e

,

se nt s a s c ould only d e r iv e a v a lu e fr om t h e h a nd t h a t

b e st ow e d t h e m ; a n iv ory ch a i r a c oa rse g a r m e nt of ,

pu rpl e a n i nc onsid e ra bl e pi e c e of pl a t e or a qu a nt i t y
, ,

of c opp e r c oi n
f A ft e r t h e w e a l t h of na t i ons h a d ce n
.

t re d i n R om e t h e e m p e r or s di spl a y e d t h e i r g re a t ne ss
, ,

a nd e v e n t h e i r p olicy by t h e r e gul a r e x e r ci se of a
'

st e a dy a nd m od e r a t e lib e r a li t y t ow a rd s t h e a lli e s of t h e

st a t e Th e y r e li e v e d t h e p ov e rt y of t h e b a r b a r i a ns
.
,

h onou re d t h e i r m e ri t a nd r e c om p e nse d t h e i r fid e li t y

, .

Th e se v olu nt a ry m a rk s of b ou nt y w e re u nd e r st ood t o

“
fl ow not from t h e fe a rs b u t m e re ly fr om t h e g e ne r osi t y ,

or t h e g ra t i t ud e of t h e R om a ns ; a nd whil st p re se nt s

a nd sub sidi e s w e re lib e ra lly di st r ibu t e d a m ong fr i e nd s

a nd suppli a nt s t h e y w e r e st e r nly r e fu se d t o such a s

,

cl a i m e d t h e m a s a de b t g B u t t hi s st ipul a t i on of a n .

a nnu a l p a y m e nt t o a vic t or i ou s e ne m y a pp e a r e d wi t h ,

ou t di sgui se i n t h e ligh t of a n ig nom i ni ou s t r ibu t e th e

m i nd s of t h e R om a ns w e r e not y e t a cc u st om e d t o a o
c e p t such u ne qu a l l a w s fr om a t r i be of b a r b a ri a ns ; a nd
t h e p ri nc e w h o by a ne c e ssa r y c on c e ssi on h a d p r ob a
,

bly sa v e d h i s c ou nt ry b e c a m e t h e obj e c t of t h e g e ne ra l
,

c ont e m p t a nd a v e rsi on. T h e d e a t h of H ost i li a nu s ,

t h ough i t h a pp e ne d i n t h e m id st of a ra gi ng p e st il e nc e ,
'

nt e r p r e t e d a s t h e p e rsona l c r i m e of G a llu s ; a nd

e v e n t h e d e fe a t of t h e l a t e e m p e r or w a s a sc r ib e d by t h e

v oic e of su spici on t o t h e p e rfi di ou s c ou nse l s of h i s h a t e d

‘Zon
3
l xii p 62 8
a ra s, .

f A e ll a t og nd a g old en p a t of fi ve p ou nd w e igh t w e a c
. . .

s a, a , a e ra s , er

ce pt d wi t h j oy a nd g t i t ud e by t h e w e a l t hy ki ng of E gyp t
e ra L ivy xxvii .
, .

4 . Q ui na mi lli i a w igh t of c opp i n v lu b ou t igh t een pou nd

a za r s, e er a e a e s

st e li ng w
r t h u u l p e nt m a d t o fo ig n a mb a ss d o
as e s a r se L ivy xxxi 9
e re a rs.

Rom n g ne l o l te t h t i m of A l e x nd
, , . .

8 See t he fi mn of
'

r e ss a a e ra s a as e e a er
S v u i n t he E xc p t L ga t i on m p 2 5 di t Louv e
e er s, er a e u , . . e . r .

h
Fo t h e pl gu e s e J o na nde c 19 a nd V ic t or i n C
r a , e r a ib s, . . es r
z u s.
su cc e ssor
O F TH E R OMA N E MP IRE
T h e t ra nquilli t y which t h e e m pi re e nj oy e d C H A P
du ring t h e fi rst y e a r of h i s a d m i ni st ra t i on se rv e d ra
t h e r t o i nfl a m e t h a n t o a pp e a se t h e public di sc ont e nt ;
a nd a s soon a s t h e a pp re h e nsi ons of w a r w e r e r e m ov e d
,

t h e i nfa m y of t h e p e a c e w a s m or e d e e ply a nd m or e se n
si bly fe l t .

B u t t h e R om a ns w e r e i rrita t e d t o a still high e r de V ic t o y a nd

g re e wh e n t h e y di sc ov e re d t h a t t h e y h a d not e v e n se Efiii z
,
X

g
“
,
.

r
'
.

us

cu re d t h e ir re p ose t h ough a t t h e e xp e nse of t h e i r A D 2 53

,
. .

h onou r T h e d a ng e rou s se c r e t of t h e w e a l t h a nd
.

w e a k ne ss of t h e e m pi re h a d b e e n re v e a l e d t o t h e ,

w orld N e w sw a rm s of b a rb a r i a ns e nc ou ra g e d by t h e
.
,

succ e ss a nd not c onc e ivi ng t h e m se lv e s b ou nd by t h e

,

oblig a t i on of t h e i r b re t h r e n sp r e a d d e v a st a ti on t h r ough ,

t h e I lly r i a n p rovi nc e s a nd t e rr or a s fa r a s t h e g a t e s of
,

R ome T h e d e fe nc e of t h e m ona r chy which se e m e d

.
,

a b a nd one d by t h e pu sill a ni m ou s e m p e r or w a s a ssu me d ,

by fE m ili a nu s g ov e rnor of P a nnoni a a nd Mae si a ; w h o

,

ra lli e d t h e sc a t t e r e d for c e s a nd r e viv e d t h e fa i nt i ng ,

S pi rit s of t h e t r oop s T h e b a rb a ri a ns w e r e u ne xp e ct
.

e dly a tt a ck e d r ou t e d ch a se d a nd pu rsu e d b e y on d t h e
, , ,

D a nub e T h e vic t ori ou s l e a d e r di str ibut e d a s a d ona

.

tiv e t h e m one y c olle ct e d for t h e t r ibu t e ; a nd t h e a ccl a e

‘
m a ti ons of t h e soldi e rs p r ocl a i m e d h i m e m p e r or on t h e
fi e ld of b a t t l e G a llu s w h o c a r e l e ss of t h e g e ne ra l
.
, ,

w e lfa r e i ndulg e d hi m se lf i n t h e pl e a su re s of It a ly w a s
, ,

a l m ost i n t h e sa m e i nst a nt i nform e d of t h e succ e ss of ,

t h e r e v ol t a nd of t h e r a p id a pp r oa ch of h i s a spi r i ng
, ,

li e u t e na nt H e a dv a nc e d t o m e e t h i m a s fa r a s t h e
.

pl a i ns of Sp ol e t o Wh e n t h e a rm i e s c a me i n sigh t of
.

e a ch ot h e r t h e soldi e rs of G a llu s c om p a r e d t h e i no
, g
m i ni ou s c onduct of th e i r sov e re ig n wi t h t h e gl ory of h i s
r iv a l . Th e y a d mi re d t h e v a l ou r of fE m i li a nu s ; t h e y
G llu a s
w e re a tt ra c te d by h 1s li be ra l l ty for h e offe re d a c ons1 b nd one d , a a
m nd 1i
de ra ble i nc re a se of p a y t o a ll d e se rt e rs T h e m u rd e r .
a 5 3 "

A D 2 53 . . .

of G a llu s a nd of h i s son V ol u sra nu s p u t a n e nd t o t h e M y

, , a .

Th e i mp ob bl e a ccu t i ons a ll ge d by Z o i m u l i p 2 3 2 4
se r a sa a re e s s, . . .
, .

k J o
n nde
r c 19 Th G ot hic w i t t l t ob v d t he p c which
a s, . . e r er a ea s se r e ea e
h i vic to i ou c o nt y m n h a d w o n t o G ll u
s r s u r e s r a s.

Z o i mu 1 i p 2 5 2 6
s s, . . V ic to i n C
.
, . b 1
''
r re sa ri us.
 “
30 0 THE D E C LIN E A N D F A L L
CHAP civil w a r ; a nd t h e se na t e g a v e a l e g a l sa nc t i on to t h e
.

X‘
r igh t s of c onqu e st T h e l e t t e r s of fE m i li a nu s t o t h a t
.

a sse m bly di spl a y e d a m ix t u re of m od e ra t i on a nd v a ni t y

, .

H e a ssu re d t h e m t h a t h e sh ould r e sig n t o t h e i r wi sd om

,

t h e civil a d m i ni st ra t i on ; a nd c ont e nt i ng hi m se lf wi t h ,

t h e qu a li t y of t h e i r g e ne ra l w ould i n a sh or t t i m e a sse r t ,

t h e gl ory of R om e a nd d e liv e r t h e e m pi r e fr om a ll t h e ,

b a rb a ri a ns b ot h of t h e nor t h a nd of t h e e a st H i s p r id e .

w a s fl a t t e re d by t h e a ppl a u se of t h e se na t e ; a nd m e d a l s

a r e st ill e x t a nt r e p r e se nt i ng hi m wi t h t h e na m e a nd
'

a t t r ibu t e s of H e r cul e s t h e vic t or a nd of M a rs t h e ,

a v e ng e r

Vl i n
a er a If t h e ne w m ona r ch p osse sse d t h e a bili t i e s h e w a nt e d
re ,
ve ng th
eS e
t h e t i m e ne c e ssa ry t o fulfil t h e se spl e ndid p r om i se s
d t h of
ea , .

G llu nd L e ss t h a n fou r m ont h s i nt e r v e ne d b e t w e e n h i s vic t ory

a s, a

i
s

l edg d e m a nd h i s fa ll p
e
H e h a d v a nqui s.h e d G a llu s : h e su nk
p o
e r r.
u nd e r t h e w e igh t of a c om p e t i t or m ore form id a bl e t h a n
G a llu s Th a t u nfor t u na t e p ri nc e h a d se nt V a l e ri a n
.
,

a l re a dy di st i ngui sh e d by t h e h onou ra bl e t i t l e of c e nsor

,

t o b r i ng t h e l e gi ons of G a ul a nd G e r m a ny t o h i s a i d9 .

V a l e r i a n e x e cu t e d t h a t c omm i ssi on wi t h z e a l a nd fi de
li t y ; a nd a s h e a r r iv e d t oo l a t e t o sa v e h i s sov e re ig n ,

h e re solv e d t o r e v e ng e h i m T h e t roop s of [E m i li a nu s .
,

w h o st ill l a y e nc a m p e d i n t h e pl a i ns of Sp ol e t o w e r e ,

a w e d by t h e sa nc t i t y of h i s ch a r a c t e r b u t m uch m or e ,

by t h e sup e ri or st re ng t h of h i s a rm y ; a nd a s t h e y w e re
now b e c om e a s i nc a p a bl e of p e r sona l a t t a ch m e nt a s

t h e y h a d a lw a y s b e e n of c onst i t u t i ona l p ri ncipl e t h e y

A g‘
,

u m r e a dily i m b ru e d t h e i r h a nd s i n t h e bl ood of a p ri nc e
'

w h o so l a t e ly h a d b e e n t h e obj e c t of t h e i r p a r t i a l ch oic e .

T h e guil t w a s t h e i rs bu t t h e a dv a nt a g e of i t w a s V a l e ,

r i a n s ; w h o ob t a i ne d t h e p osse ssi on of t h e t h r one by

’

t h e m e a ns i nd e e d of a civil w a r bu t wi t h a d e g re e of ,

i nnoc e nc e si ngul a r i n t h a t a ge of r e v olu t i ons ; si nc e h e

ow e d ne i t h e r g ra t i t ud e nor a ll e gi a nc e t o hi s p r e de ce s

sor wh om h e d e t h r one d
,
.

Zo n 1x p 62 8
h a ra s , , B
11. nd m i N u mi m t p 94
. . a s a a, . .

E t pi 1 ix 6 y t t om n E u biu om i t t hi m p o
‘
P u rO u s, . . 0. . sa s er l e se . se s s s e e r r.
1 Z o i mu l i p 28 E t p nd V ic to t t i on V l i n my m
’
s s, . . . . u r0 1us a r s a a er a s ar
R h aat i a .
 OF T HE R O MA N E MP IRE . 30 ]

V a le ri a n w a s a b ou t six t y y e a r s of a g e wh e n h e w a s C H A P r
,

X
i nv e st e d wi t h t h e pu r pl e not by t h e c a p r ic e of t h e p o ,
'

u la c e o r t h e cl a m ou r s of t h e a rm y b u t by t h e u na ni C h cte
p , , a ra r

ow l e im
m ou s v oic e of t h e R om a n w or ld In h i s g ra du a l a sc e nt .
a r

t h rough t h e h onou r s of t h e st a t e h e h a d d e se r v e d t h e ,

fa v ou r of vi r t u ou s p ri nc e s a nd h a d d e cl a re d hi m se lf ,

t h e e ne m y of t y r a nt s H i s nobl e bi r th h i s m ild b u t
s
.
,

u nbl e m i sh e d m a nne rs h i s l e a r ni ng p rud e nc e a nd e x , , ,

“
e r i e nc w r e r e v e r e d by t h e se na t e a nd p e opl e ; a nd
p e e ,

if m a nki nd (a cc ordi ng t o t h e ob se r v a t i on of a n a nci e nt

w r i t e r) h a d b e e n l e ft a t lib e r t y t o ch oose a m a st e r t h e i r ,

ch oic e w ould m ost a ssu re dly h a v e fa ll e n on V a l e ri a n

P e rh a p s t h e m e r i t of t hi s e m p e ror w a s i na d e qu a t e t o
h i s re pu t a t i on ; p e r h a p s h i s a bili t i e s or a t l e a st h i s ,

spi r i t w e r e a ffe c t e d b t h e l a ngu or a n d c old ne ss of ol d

, y
a e
g . T h e c o n sci ou sne ss of h i s d e cli ne e ng a g e d h i m t o G e ne a l r

m fm mne IS S
sh a r e t h e t h r one wi t h a y ou ng e r a nd m ore a c t iv e a sso
of t h ig n e re s

ci a t e : th e e m e r g e ncy of t h e t i m e s d e m a nd e d a g e ne of
ny g lj
n
z
r e

a 1
r a l n o l e ss t h a n a
o

r l nc e a nd t h e e x e rl e nc e o f t h e e nu
p ; p s,

2 53; 2
A ]
R om a n c e nsor m igh t h a v e di re c t e d h i m wh e r e t o b e
68 .

st ow t h e i m p e r i a l pu r p l e a s t h e r e w a r d of m ili t a r y ,

m e r it B u t i nst e a d of m a ki ng a j udici ou s ch oic e wh ich

.
,

w ould h a v e c onfi rm e d h i s r e ig n a nd e ndea re d h i s m e

m or y V a l e ri a n c onsul t i ng only t he dict a t e s of a ffe c t i on
, ,

or v a ni t y i m m e di a t e ly i nv e st e d wi t h t h e sup r e m e h on
,

ou rs h i s son G a lli e nu s a y ou t h wh ose e ffe m i na t e vic e s ,

h a d b e e n hi t h e r t o c onc e a l e d by t h e ob scu r i t y of a p r i
v a t e st a t i on T h e j oi nt g ov e r nm e nt of t h e fa t h e r a nd
.

t h e son sub si st e d a b ou t se v e n a nd t h e sol e a d m i ni st ra ,

t i on of G a lli e nu s c ont i nu e d a b ou t e igh t y e a r s But .

t h e wh ol e p e ri od w a s one u ni nt e rr up t e d se r i e s of con

He w as a bo v nt y a t th e t i me of hi a cc i on o
u t se e s e ss , r, a s i t i s m ore pro
b bl e of hi
a , s d e a t h Hi st A ugu t p 173 T llemont Hi
. . s . . . i , . p
st des E m e re rs, u
t om iii p 893
. . .
, not e I .

I ni m i cu s t y ra nnoru m st st Hi A ugu
173 I n t h e
. or o s st r
. e. p
. . gl i u uggl
of t h e se na t e a a nst a g i M xi i V l i
m n, a e r a n a t e a e r s r t e a rt st c d v y pi i d p . Hi .

A ug p . 156 . .

A cc di g di i c i
or n t o t h e st n t on of t or, h e se e m s t o a e re e e V icthe h v c iv d
il f y
t t e of i mp er a t or rom t h e a rm , a nd t a t of h
st s rom t he se na t e A ugu u f .

V ic
F rom f
t or a nd rom t h e m e a s, Ti lle m ont ( t om d l er iii p v y . . .

j u ly i f
st h G ll i u
n e rs t a t a, e n s w a s a sso a t e ci d
t o t h e e m re a out t he mont h pi b
of A ugu y
st of t h e e a r 2 53 .
 302 THE DE C LIN E A N D F A L L
CHAP fu si on a nd c a l a m i t y A s th e R om a n e m p i re w a s a t t h e
.
.

X
sa m e t i me a nd on e v e r y sid e a tt a ck e d by t h e bli n d
, ,

fu ry of for e ig n i nv a d e r s a nd t h e ‘wild a mbi t i on of do

'

m e st i cu sur p e rs w e sh a ll c onsul t or d e r a nd p e rspicui t y

, ,

by pu rsui ng not so m uch t h e d oub t ful a rr a ng e m e nt of

,

d a t e s a s t h e m ore na t u ra l di st r ibu t i on of subj e c t s

, .

T h e most d a ng e rou s e ne m i e s of R om e du ri ng t h e ,

I n o d of r e ig ns of V a l e ri a n a nd G a lli e nu s w e re 1 T h e Fr a nk s ;
r a s
, , .

2 Th e A l e m a nni ; 3 T h e G ot h s ; a nd 4 T h e Pe r
. .
, .

si a ns Und e r t h e se g e ne ra l a pp e ll a ti ons w e m a y com

.
,

p re h e nd t h e a dv e ntu re s of l e ss c onsid e ra bl e t rib e s ,

wh ose ob scu re a nd u nc ou t h na m e s w ould only ser v e t o

O pp re ss th e m e m ory a nd p e r pl e x t h e a t t e nti on of t h e
re a d e r .

O igi n nd
r a I A s t h e p ost e ri ty of t h e F ra nk s c om p ose one of t h e
.

cy a
g re a t e st a nd m ost e nligh t e ne d na ti ons of Eu rop e t h e ,

F nk
ra V»
- p ow e r s of l e a rni ng a nd i ng e nu i ty h a ve b e e n e xh a u st e d

“
i n t h e di sc ov e ry of th e i r u nl e t t e re d a nc e st or s T o t he .

t a l e s of c r e duli t y h a v e succ e e d e d t h e sy st e m s of fa ncy , .

Ev e ry p a ssa g e h a s b e e n si ft e d e v e ry sp ot h a s b e e n ,

su r v e y e d t h a t m igh t p ossi bly r e v e a l som e fa i nt t ra c e s

,

of t h e i r origi n It h a s b e e n supp ose d th a t P a nnoni a

.
,

t h a t G a u l t h a t t h e nor t h e rn p a r t s of G e rm a ny g a v e
, ,

bi rt h t o t h a t c e l e b ra t e d c ol ony of w a rri or s A t l e ng t h .

t h e m ost r a t i ona l c r i t ic s r ej e c t i ng t h e fic t i t i ou s e m ig ra ,

t i ons of id e a l c onqu e r or s h a v e a cqui e sc e d i n a se nt i ,

m e nt wh ose si m plici t y p e r su a d e s u s of i t s t ru t h Th e y .

supp ose th a t a b ou t t h e y e a r t w o hu nd r e d a nd for t y

,

a ne w c onfe d e ra cy w a s form e d und e r t h e na me of

F ra nk s by t h e old i nh a bi ta nt s of th e L ow e r Rhi ne a nd
,

t h e W e se r T h e p r e se nt ci r cl e of W e stph a li a t h e
.
,

l a ndg ra vi a t e of H e sse a nd t h e duchi e s of B ru nswick ,

a nd L u ne nb u rg h w e re t h e a nci e nt se a t of t h e Ch a u c , i ,

V i ou y t m h v be n fo me d t o e xpl i n a di ffi cul t p as g i n
x
ar s s s e s a e e r a sa e
G ego y of Tou 1 ii c 9
r r rs, . . . .

Y Th g og ph e of R a v e nn i 11 by m nt i oni ng M i ng m on t h e
e e ra r a, . . e a ur a a

c onfi n of D nm k th nci nt t of t h e F nk g v bi t h t o n
es e ar as e a e sea ra s, a e r a
i ng ni ou y t m of L ib ni t
e s s s e e z.

S C luv G m A nt iqu 1 iii 2 0 ; M F t i n th Mé moi

Z
ee er. er . a, . . 0. . rere , e res

d l A c dém i d I n c ip t i on t om xviii
’
e a e es s r s, . .

M o t p ob bly u nd th
a
s ig n of G o di n f om a n ccident l ci cu m
r a er e re r a , r a a r

t nc f lly c a nv a e d by Ti llemont t om iii p 71

s a e u 0 ss , . . . .
 O F THE R OMA N E MP IR E . 303

w h o, i n t h e i r i na cc e ssibl e m ora sse s d e fi e d t h e R oma n C H A P , .

”
a r m s ; of t h e C h e r u sci p r oud of t h e fa m e of A rm i niu s ; ,

of t h e C a t t i form id a bl e by t h e i r fi r m a nd i nt r e pid i n
,

fa nt ry ; a nd of se v e r a l ot h e r t rib e s of i nfe ri or p ow e r
a nd r e now n T h e l ov e of lib e r ty w a s t h e r uli ng p a s
si on of t h e se G e r m a ns ; t h e e nj oy m e nt of it t h e i r b e st

t r e a su r e ; t h e w or d t h a t e xp r e sse d t h a t e nj oy me nt t h e ,

m ost pl e a si ng t o t h e i r e a r Th e y d e se rv ed t h e y a s .
,

su m e d th e y m a i nt a i ne d t h e h onou ra bl e e pi t h e t of
,

F ra nk s or fre e m e n ; which c onc e a l e d t h ough it did not ,

e x t i ngui sh t h e p e culi a r na m e s of t h e se v e r a l st a t e s of
,

d
t h e confe de ra cy T a ci t c onse nt a nd m u t u a l a dva n
.
,

t a g e dic t a t e d t h e fi r st l a w s of t h e u ni on ; i t w a s
,
g ra

du a lly c e m e nt e d by h a bi t a nd e xp e ri e nc e T h e l e a gu e .

of t h e F ra nk s m a y a d m i t of som e c om p a ri son wi t h t h e

H e lv e ti c b ody ; i n which e v e r y c a nt on r e t a i ni ng i t s ,

i nd e p e nd e nt sov e r e ig nty c onsul t s wi t h i t s b re t h r e n i n ,

t h e c omm on c a u se wi t h out a ck nowl e dgi ng t h e a u,

t h or i t y of a ny sup r e m e h e a d or r e p re se nt a t iv e a sse m ,

bly "
. B u t t h e p r i ncipl e of t h e t w o c onfe d e ra ci e s w a s
e x t r e m e ly di ffe r e nt A p e a c e of t w o hu nd re d y e a r s h a s
.

r e w a r d e d t h e wi se a nd h one st p olicy of t h e S wi ss An .

i nc onst a nt spi ri t t h e t hi rst of r api ne a nd a di sre g a r d

, ,

t o t h e m ost sol e m n t r e a t i e s di sg ra c e d t h e ch a r a c t e r of ,

t h e F ra nk s .

T h e R om a ns h a d l ong e xp e r i e nc e d t h e d a ri ng v a l ou r Th y m e

va de G m”
of t h e p e opl e of L ow e r G e rm a ny T h e u ni on of th e i r .
,

st r e ng t h t h r e a t e ne d G a ul wi t h a m or e form id a bl e i nv a

si on a nd r e qui re d t h e p r e se nc e of G a lli e nu s t h e h e i r
, ,

f
a nd c oll e a gu e of i m p e r i a l p ow e r Whil st t h a t p ri nc e .
,

a nd h i s i nfa nt son S a loni nu s di spl a y e d i n t h e c ou r t of , ,

T r e v e s t h e m aj e st y of th e e m pi re i t s a rm i e s w e re a bly
, ,

c onduc t e d by t h e i r g e ne ra l P ost hu m u s w h o th ough , ,

h e a ft e rw a r d s b e t ra y e d t h e fa m ily of V a l e r i a n w a s e v e r ,

fa i thful t o t h e g re a t i nt e re st of t h e m ona r chy T h e .

b Pli n Hi t N t xvi l The p ne gy i t f qu nt ly llud t o t h m o

. s . a . . . a r s s re e a e e
ra sse s of t h F nk e ra T ci t G m c 30 37
s.
C a . er . . .

d In ub e qu nt p i od m o t of t h o ol d n m
.

a s s e er occ i on lly m n
, s se a e s a re as a e

t i on d S om e v t ig of t h m i n C luv G m A ntiq 1 iii

‘S i ml d R public H l v t c m noti F li n
e . ee s es es e e r. er . . . .

3
er e e a e e s u se
f Z o i mu l i p ‘
. u .

s 27s, . . . .
304 THE D E C LIN E A N D F A LL
t re a ch e r ou s l a ngu a g e of p a ne gy ric s a nd m e d a l s d a rkly
a nnou nc e s a l ong se ri e s of vic t ori e s T r ophi e s a nd .

t i tl e s a tt e st (if such e vid e nc e ca n a t t e st) t h e fa m e of

'

P osthu m u s w h o i s r e p e a t e dly st yl e d t h e c onqu e ror

, ,

of t h e G e r m a ns a nd t h e sa vi ou r of G a ul g
’

, .

B u t a si ngl e fa c t t h e only one i nde e d of which w e ,

“
h a v e a ny di st i nc t k nowl e dg e e r a se s i n a g re a t m e a , ,

su re t h e se m onu m e nt s of v a ni t y a nd a dul a t i on
,
T he .

Rhi ne t h ough dig nifi e d wi t h t h e t i t l e of sa fe gu a r d of

,

t h e p r ovi nc e s w a s a n i m p e r fe c t b a rr i e r a g a i nst t h e
’

d a r i ng spi ri t of e nt e r p r i se wi t h which t h e F ra nk s w e re

“
a ctua te d Th e i r ra pid d e v a st a t i ons st re t ch e d fr om t h e
.

r iv e r t o t h e foot of t h e P y r e ne e s ; nor w e r e t h e y
st opp e d by t h ose m ou nt a i ns S p a i n which h a d ne v e r .
,

d rea d e d w a s u na bl e t o r e si st t h e i nroa d s of t h e G e r
, ,

m a ns Du r i ng t w e lv e y e a r s t h e g re a t e st p a r t of t h e
.
,

r e ig n of G a lli e nu s t h a t Opul e nt c ou nt r y w a s t h e t h e a t r e ,

of u ne qu a l a nd d e st ruc t iv e h ostili t i e s T a r ra g ona t h e .

,

fl ou ri shi ng c a pi t a l of a p e a c e ful p r ovi nc e w a s sa ck e d ,

a nd a l m ost d e st roy e d ; a nd so l a t e a s t h e d a y s of
‘

O r osiu s w h o w rot e i n t h e fift h c e nt u ry w r e t ch e d cot

, ,

t a g e s sc a t t e r e d a m id st t h e r ui ns of m a g nific e nt ci t i e s
, ,

i
st ill r e c or d e d t h e r a g e of t h e b a rb a r i a ns Wh e n t h e .

e xh a u st e d c ou nt ry no l ong e r suppli e d a v a ri e t y of l un
p
de r t h e F r a nk s se iz e d on som e v e sse l s i n t h e p or t s of
,

Sp a i n a nd t ra nsp ort e d t h e m se lv e s i nt o M a u ri t a ni a
, .

T h e di st a nt p rovi nc e w a s a st oni sh e d wi t h t h e fu ry of
t h e se b a r b a ri a ns w h o se e m e d t o fa ll fr om a ne w w orld , ,

‘
a s t h e i r na m e m a nne r s a nd c om pl e xi on w e re e qu a lly
, , ,

u nk now n oil th e c oast of A fric a .

11 In t h a t p a r t of U pp e r S a x ony b e y ond t h e El be
.
,
'

s M d B quig ny (i n t h Mé moi d l A c dém i t om xxx ) h ’

. e re e re s e a e, . . as
giv n e v y cu i ou lif of Po t hu m u A i of t h Augu t n H i to y
us a er r s e s s. se r e s e s a s r
f om m d l nd i n c ip t i on h b n m o t h n onc pl nn d nd i t i ll
r e a s a s r s as ee re a e a e , a s s
m uch w nt d a e .

h
A u l V ic to 33 I n t d of p m di p t n b ot h th n nd t h
re . r, e . . s ea ri e re , e se se a e
e xp i on qui d l t ; t h ough i nd d fo d i ff nt
re ss re re e e a on it i lik , ee , r e re re a s s, s a e
di fficul t t o c o c t t h t x t of t h b t nd of th w o t w i t
rre e e e es , a e rs , r e rs.
i In t h ti m of A u oniu
e
(th nd of t h
e fou t h c nt u y ) I l d o
s s, e e e r e r , er a , r
L id
er i n v y ui nou t t (A on E pi t xxv
a, w as a er wh i ch p ob bly
r s s a e, us . s . . r a
w as t h c on qu nc of t hi i nv
e se i on e e s as .

k V l i i t h fo m i t k n i n
a es u s s
pp o m g t h t t h F nk h d i nv d d
e re re s a e su s a e ra s a a e
Sp i n by
a se a . A u l V ic to ; E t m p i x 6 re . r u . . .
 O F THE R OMA N E MP IR E .

w hich i s a t p re se nt c a lle d t h e m a rqui sa t e of L u sa ce C H A P ,

.

X
t h e r e e xi st e d i n a nci e nt t i m e s a sa c re d w ood the
'

, , ,

a w ful se a t of t h e su e r st i t i on of t h e Su e vi N o n e w e r e O igi n nd
p .
r a

p e rm i t t e d t o e nt e r t h e h oly p r e ci nc t s wi t h ou t c onfe ss ,

i ng by t h e i r se r vil e b ond s a nd suppli a nt p ost u re t h e i m

, ,

m
m e di a t e p r e se n c e of t h e sov e r e ig n d e i t y P a t ri ot i sm .

c ont ribu t e d a s w e ll a s d e v oti on t o c onse c ra t e t h e S on

ne uw a ld or w ood of t h e S e mnone s
, It w a s u niv e r sa lly
b e li e v e d t h a t t h e na t i on h a d r e c e iv e d i t s fi rst e xi st e nc e
,

on t h a t sa c re d S p ot A t st a t e d p e r i od s t h e nu m e r ou s
.
,

t r ib e s w h o gl ori e d i n t h e Su e vic bl ood r e sor t e d t hi th e r ,

by t h e i r a m b a ssa d ors ; a nd t h e m e m ory of t h e i r com

m on e x t ra c t i on w a s p e r p e t u a t e d by b a rb a r ic r i t e s a nd
hu m a n sa c r ific e s T h e wid e e x t e nd e d na m e of S u e vi
.

fill e d t he i nt e ri or cou nt ri e s of G e rm a ny from t h e b a nk s ,

of t h e O d e r t o t h ose of t h e D a nub e Th e y w e re di s .

t i ng u i sh e d fr om t h e ot h e r G e r m a ns by t h e i r p e culi a r
m od e of dr e ssi ng t h e i r l ong h a i r which t h e y g a t h e re d ,

i nt o a r ud e k not on t h e c row n of t h e h e a d ; a nd t h e y
d e ligh t e d i n a n orna m e nt t h a t sh ow e d t h e i r ra nk s m or e
l ofty a nd t e r ribl e i n t h e e y e s of t h e e ne my J e a l ou s
a s t h e G e r m a ns w e r e of m ili t a ry r e now n t h e y a l l c on ,

fe sse d t h e sup e ri or v a l ou r of t h e Su e vi ; a nd t h e
t r ib e s of t h e U sip e t e s a nd T e nc t e r i w h o wi t h a v a st ,

a r m y e nc ou nt e re d t h e dic t a t or C aesa r d e cl a r e d t h a t ,

t h e y e st e e m e d i t not a di sg r a c e t o h a v e fl e d b e fore a

p e op le t o wh ose a rm s t h e i mm or t a l god s th e m se lve s

,

w e r e u ne qu a l P .

In t h e r e ig n of t h e e m pe ror C a ra ca ll a a n i nnu ni e r A mi x d , e

a bl e sw a rm of S u e vi a pp e a re d on t h e b a nk s of t h e M e i n
32
£3 ,
1 .

a nd i n t h e ne ighb ou r h ood of t h e R om a n p rovi nc e s i n u m th

‘
s e e
,

qu e st e i t h e r of food of plu nd e r or of gl ory ,

q T h e h a st y fi g gfini 3 ,
.

a r m y of v olu nt e e rs g r a du a lly c oa l e sc e d i nt o a g r e a t a nd

p e rm a ne nt na t i on ; a nd a s i t w a s c om p ose d from so m a ny ,

di ffe r e nt t rib e s a ssu m e d t h e na m e of A l e m a nni or A ll

, ,

me n ; t o d e note a t onc e t h e i r v a r i ou s li ne a g e a nd t h e i r ,

m T ci t G C l v G m A nt iq iii 2 5
a m 38 . er . . u e r. er . . . .

Sic Su vi c t i G e m ni i cS vo m i ng nui
e a e ei s r vi p t
a s, s ue ru e a se r s se a ra i i ur.
A p oud p t i on ! C n B ll o G llic o v 7
‘
r se a ra p ae sa r i e a , i . .

1 V ic to n C c l Di on C iu lxvii p I35O
r i a ra a . a ss s, . . .

VOL I . . X
 306 TH E D E C LIN E A N D F A L L
C H A P c om mon b ra v e ry
. T h e l a t t e r w a s soon fe l t by t h e
’
.

X '

R om a ns i n m a ny a h ost il e i nroa d T h e Al e m a nni .

fough t chi e fly on h or se b a ck ; bu t t h e i r c a v a l ry w a s re n
d e re d st ill m ore form id a bl e by a m ix t u re of ligh t i n ,

fa nt ry se l e c t e d fr om t h e b ra v e st a nd m ost a c t iv e of t h e
,

y ou t h wh om fre qu e nt e x e rci se h a d e nu r e d t o a ccom

,

p a ny t h e h or se m e n i n t h e l ong e st m a r ch t h e m ost ,

r a pid ch a r g e or t h e m ost p r e cipi t a t e r e t re a t

3
,

i nv d G ul Thi s w a rlik e p e opl e of G e rm a ns h a d b e e n a st oni sh e d

a e a

a nd I t ly ;
a
by t h e i m m e nse p re p a ra t i ons of A l e x a nd e r S e v e r u s ;
t h e y w e r e di sm a y e d by t h e a rm s of h i s succ e ssor a ,

b a rb a r i a n e qu a l i n v a l ou r a nd fi e rce ne ss t o t h e m se lv e s .

B u t st ill h ov e r i ng on t h e front i e r s of t h e e m pi re t h e y ,

i nc re a se d t h e g e ne ra l di sor d e r t h a t e nsu e d a ft e r t h e
d e a t h of D e ciu s Th e y i nflic t e d se v e re w ou nd s on t h e
.

r ich p r ovi nc e s of G a ul : t h e y w e re t h e fi r st w h o r e

m ov e d t h e v e il t h a t c ov e r e d t h e fe e bl e m a j e st y of I t a ly .

A nu m e r ou s b ody of t h e A l e m a nni p e ne t ra t e d a c r oss

t h e D a nub e a nd t h r ough t h e R h mt i a n a lp s i nt o t h e
, ,

pl a i ns of L om b a rdy a dv a nc e d a s fa r a s R a v e nna a nd , ,

di spl a y e d t h e vic t ori ou s b a nne rs of b a rb a ri a ns a l m ost i n

sigh t of R om e
‘ T h e i nsul t a nd t h e d a ng e r r e ki ndl e d
.

a re re pul d i n t h e se na t e som e S p a rk s of t h e i r a nci e nt vi rt u e B ot h

se .

t h e e m p e r or s w e r e e ng a g e d i n fa r di st a nt w a r s V a l e ,

t
a e a ndp o r i a n i n t h e e a st
e a nd G a lli e nu s on t h e Rhi ne , A ll t h e .

p le°
h op e s a nd re sou r c e s of th e R om a ns w e r e i n t h e m se lv e s .

In t hi s e m e r g e ncy t h e se na t ors r e su m e d t h e d e fe nc e of
,

t h e r e public d r e w ou t t h e p r e t ori a n gu a r d s w h o h a d
, ,

b e e n l e ft t o g a rr i son t h e c a pi t a l a nd fill e d up t h e i r ,

nu m b e r s by e nli st i ng i nt o t h e public se rvic e t h e st ou t e st

,

a nd m ost willi ng of t h e pl e b e i a ns T h e Al e m a nni a s .

,

t oni sh e d wi t h t h e sudd e n a pp e a r a n c e of a n a rm y m ore

nu m e r ou s t h a n t h e i r ow n r e t i r e d i nt o G e rm a ny l a d e n , ,

Thi t y mol ogy (f di ff ent f om th o e which a m u e t he f ncy of t h

1
'

s e ar er r s s a e
l e n d ) i p e v d by A i ni Q u d t u a n o igi nal hi t o i a n quot d
ar e s r se r e s us a ra s, r s r , e
by A g t hi i c 5
a a s, . . .

Th e Su vi ng a g e d C
s
e i n t hi m nn
e nd t h e m noe uv e d e v e d
aesa r s a e r, a a r es r

t he a pp ob t i on of t he c onqu o
r a i n B ll o G llic o i 48 er r . e a , . .

H i t A ugu t p 2 15 2 16 ; D exi pp i n t he E xc e p t a L e ga t i on m
t s . s . .
, us r u ,

p 8 ; Hi onym C h on ; O o iu vii 2 2
. er . r . r s s, . .
 OF THE R OMA N E MP IRE . 30 7

wi t h sp oil ; a nd t h e i r re t re a t w a s e st e e m e d a s a vic t ory C H A P .

X
by t h e u nw a rlik e R om a ns ’

Wh e n G a lli e nu s re c e iv e d t h e i nt e llig e nc e t h a t h i s Th n e se «

c a pi t a l w a s d e liv e re d from t h e b a rb a r i a ns h e w a s m uch 3 3 :3

3 n ,

l e ss d e ligh t e d t h a n a l a rm e d wi t h t h e c ou ra g e of t h e
i
se na t e ; si nc e i t m igh t one da p r om p t t h e m t o r e scu e l t
y y i ar se t .

t h e public fr om d om e st ic t y ra nny a s w e ll a s fr om fo V ic e'

,

r e ig n i nv a si on H i s t i m id i ng ra t i t ud e w a s publi sh e d t o
.

h i s subj e c t s i n a n e dic t which p rohibi t e d t h e se na t or s

,

fr om e x e r ci si ng a ny m ili t a ry e m pl oy m e nt a nd e v e n ,

fr om a pp r oa chi ng t h e c a m p s of t h e l e gi ons B u t h i s .

fe a r s w e re g rou ndl e ss T h e r ich a nd luxu r i ou s nobl e s .

,

si nki ng i nt o t h e i r na t u r a l ch a r a c t e r a cc e p t e d a s a fa ,

v ou r t hi s di sg ra c e ful e x e m pti on from m ili t a r y se rvic e ;

a nd a s l ong a s t h e y w e re i ndulg e d i n t h e e nj oy m e nt of

t h e i r b a t h s th e i r t h e a t r e s a nd t h e i r vill a s t h e y ch e e r
, , ,

fully r e sig ne d t h e m ore d a ng e r ou s c a r e s of e m pi r e t o

t h e r ough h a nd s of p e a sa nt s a nd soldi e rs
"
.

A not h e r i nv a si on of t h e A l e m a nni of a m or e for G a lli nu ,

e s

m i da ble a sp e c t bu t m or e gl ori ou s e v e nt i s m e nt i one d

, ,

by a w ri te r of t h e l ow e r e m pi re Th r e e hu nd re d th t h
x i .
e
.

m nm e a
t h ou sa nd of t h a t w a rlik e p e opl e a r e sa id t o h a v e b e e n
'

v a nqui sh e d i n a b a tt l e ne a r M il a n by G a lli e nu s i n
, ,

p e rson a t t h e h e a d of only t e n t h ou sa nd R om a ns 3
, .

W e m a y h ow e v e r wi t h g r e a t p r ob a bili t y a sc rib e t hi s
"

, , ,

i nc re dibl e vic tory e i t h e r t o th e c re duli ty of t h e hi st o

,

r i a n or t o som e e x a gg e r a t e d e xpl oi t s of one of t h e e m

,

a s by a rm s of a v e r y di ffe r e nt
’
o r s li e u t e na nt s It w
p e r .

na tu r e t h a t G a lli e nu s e nd e a v ou re d t o p r o
,
t e c t I t a ly
‘
from t h e fu ry of t h e G e rm a ns H e e sp ou se d P ip a t h e .
,

d a ugh t e r of a ki ng of t h e M a r c om a nni a Su e vic t rib e , ,

which w a s oft e n c onfou nd e d wi t h t h e A l e m a nni i n t h e i r

w a rs a nd c onqu e st s T o t h e fa t h e r a s t h e p ric e of ,

h i s a lli a nc e h e g ra nt e d a n a m pl e se t t l e m e nt i n Pa n
,

noni a . T h e na t iv e ch a rms of u np oli sh e d b e a u ty se e m

Zo i m u s l i p 34
s

A u l V ic t o i n G a lli eno e t P ob o Hi c ompl i nt b t h e a n n

. . . .
,

x a s re a u
re . r r . s

c omm on pi i t of f d om
s r re e I! Z on . l xii p 631 a ra s, . . . .

2
O n of t h V i c t o c ll h i m ki ng of t h M a c om a nni t he ot h
e e rs a s of t h e r , e r, e

G ma n
er s.
 308 TH E D E C LIN E A N D F A L L
C H A P t o h a v e fix e d t h e d a ugh t e r i n th e a ffe c t i ons of t h e i n
.

X .

c onst a nt e m p e r or a nd t h e b a nd s of p olicy w e r e m ore

,

fi rm ly c onne c t e d by t h ose of l ov e B u t t h e h a ugh t y .

p rejudic e of R om e st ill r e fu se d t h e na m e of m a rri a g e

t o t h e p r ofa ne m ix t u r e of a ci t iz e n a nd a b a rb a r i a n ;

a nd h a s st ig m a t iz e d th e G e r m a n p r i nc e ss wi t h t h e op

r ob r i ou s t i t l e of c oncubi ne of G a lli e nu s
p
I n o d of
r a s III W e h a v e a lr e a dy t ra c e d t h e e m ig r a t i on of t h e
.

t h G ot h
e s.
G ot h s from S c a ndi na vi a or a t l e a st fr om P ru ssi a t o , ,

t h e m ou t h of t h e B ory sth e ne s a nd h a v e foll ow e d t h e i r ,

vic t or i ou s a r m s from t h e B ory st h e ne s t o t h e D a nub e .

U nd e r t h e r e ig ns of V a l e ri a n a nd G a lli e nu s t h e fron ,

t i e r of t h e l a st m e nt i one d r iv e r w a s p e r p e t u a lly i nfe st e d

by t h e i nr oa d s of G e r m a ns a nd S a r m a t i a ns ; b u t i t w a s
de fe nd e d by t h e R om a ns wi t h m ore t h a n u su a l fi r m ne ss
a nd succ e ss T h e p rovi nc e s t h a t w e re t h e se a t of w a r
.
,

r e c r ui t e d t h e a r m i e s of R om e wi t h a n i n e xh a u st ibl e

supply of h a r dy soldi e r s ; a nd m ore t h a n one of t h e se

Illy ri a n p e a sa nt s a t t a i ne d t h e st a t i on a nd di spl a y e d t h e ,

a bili t i e s of a g e ne r a l , Th ough flyi ng p a r ti e s of t h e.

b a rb a r i a ns w h o i nc e ssa nt ly h ov e re d on t h e b a nk s of
,

t h e D a nub e p e ne t r a t e d som e t i m e s t o t h e c onfi ne s of

,

I t a ly a nd M a c e d oni a ; t h e i r p rog re ss w a s c omm only

c he ck e d or t h e i r r e t u rn i nt e rc e p t e d by t h e i m p e ri a l
, ,

li e u t e na nt s B u t t h e g re a t st r e a m of t h e G ot hic h os
t i li t i e s w a s div e r t e d i nt o a v e r y di ffe re nt ch a nne l T he .

G ot h s i n t h e i r ne w se t t l e m e nt of t h e U k ra i ne soon
, ,

b e c a m e m a st e rs of t h e nor th e rn c oa st of t h e Euxi ne :
t o t h e sou t h of t h a t i nl a nd se a w e r e si t u a t e d t h e soft ,

a nd w e a l t hy p r ovi nc e s of A si a M i nor which p osse sse d ,

a ll t h a t c ou ld a t t ra c t a nd not hi ng t h a t c ould r e si st a , ,

b a rb a r i a n c onqu e r or .

C onqu t of T h e b a nk s of t h e B ory sth e ne s a r e only six ty mil e s

es
t h B o ho
e

r us
p s
‘
by t h di st a nt from t h e na rrow e nt ra nc e of t h e p e ni nsul a of
e
3

G ot h ;
s
C r i m T a r t a ry k now n t o t h e a nci e nt s u nd e r t h e na m e
,

8
Se e Till e m ont , st de s E m Hi . pe eu r rs, t om . iii p 398
. .
, e tc.

b
Se e t h e e s of liv
a s, C l udiu A u eli r a n, a nd P obu r s, i n t he A ugu st a n
Hi st or y .

C
It i s a b ou t h a lf a l gu e
ea in b re a d t h . G eneol ogic a l Hi st or y of t he
T a rt a rs, p . 598
 O F THE R OMA N E MP IRE . 809

of C h e rsonesu s T a fi ri ca i nh ospi t a bl e sh ore d . O n tha t ,

Eu ripid e s e m b e lli shi ng wi t h e xqui si t e a r t t h e t a l e s of

,

a nt iqui t y h a s pl a c e d t h e sc e ne of one of h i s m ost a ffe c t

,

i ng t ra g e di e s T h e bl oody sa c rific e s of Di a na t h e
"
.
,

a r r iv a l of O r e st e s a nd P yl a d e s a nd t h e t ri u m ph of ,

“
v i r t u e a nd r e ligi on ov e r sa v a g e fi e r c e ne ss se rv e t o r e ,

3p re se nt a n hi st or ic a l t r u t h t h a t t h e T a u ri t h e origi na l , ,

i nh a bi t a nt s of t h e p e ni nsul a w e re i n som e d e g re e r e ,

cl a i m e d fr om t h e i r b ru t a l m a nne rs by a g ra du a l i nt e r ,

c ou r se wi t h t h e G r e ci a n c ol oni e s which Se tt l e d a l ong ,

t h e m a r i t i m e c oa st T h e li t t l e ki ngd om of B osph or u s
.
,

wh ose c a pi t a l w a s si t u a t e d on t h e st ra i t s t h rough which

t h e M ae ot i s c omm u nic a t e s i t se lf t o t h e Euxi ne w a s ,

c om p ose d of d e g e ne ra t e G re e k s a nd h a lf civiliz e d ba r ,

b a ri a ns It sub si st e d a s a n i nd e p e nd e nt st a t e from
.
, ,

t h e t i m e of t h e P e l op onne si a n w a r
f w a s a t l a st sw a l ,

o u h
l w e d p by t e m bi i on of M i t h r id a t e s a nd wi t h
a t g
, ,

t h e r e st of h i s d om i ni ons su nk u nd e r t h e w e igh t of t h e ,

R om a n a r m s F rom t h e r e ign of A ugu st u s t h e ki ng s

.
,

of B osph or u s w e r e t h e hu m bl e b u t not u se l e ss a lli e s , ,

of t h e e m pi r e By p re se nt s by a rm s a nd by a sligh t
.
, ,

for t ific a t i on d ra w n a c ross t h e i st h m u s t h e y e ffe c t u a lly ,

gu a r d e d a g a i nst t h e r ovi ng plu nd e r e rs of S a rm a t i a t h e ,

a cc e ss of a c ou nt ry which fr om i t s p e culi a r si t u a t i on ,

a nd c onv e ni e nt h a r b ou rs c omm a nd e d t h e Euxi ne se a ,

i
a nd A si a M i nor A s l ong a s t h e sc e p t r e w a s p os
.

se sse d by a li ne a l succ e ssi on of ki ng s t h e y a cqui t t e d ,

t h e m se lv e s of t h e i r i m p or t a nt c h a rg e wi t h vigil a nc e a nd
succ e ss D om e st ic fa c t i ons a nd t h e fe a r s or p riv a t e
.
, ,

i nt e r e st of ob scu re u su rp e rs w h o se iz e d on t h e v a c a nt
, ,

t h r one a d m i t t e d t h e G ot h s i nt o t h e h e a r t of B os
,

d M de . Pe y ssone l , w h o h a d ee n F re n b ch c on ul t C a ff i n hi Ob
s a a, s ser

va t i ons sur P upl B b qui

les e es a r a re s, ont a h bi t é l e b o d d D nub
s r s u a e.
e
E u ipid i n Iphig ni i n T u id
r es e a a r
f S t b o 1 vi i p 309 Th fi t ki ng of B o ph o u w e t h lli
.

ra , . . . . e rs s s r s er e a e s of
A th n e s. 3 A ppi n i n M t h id t a i r a .

h I w
t duc d by t h m of A g ipp O o iu i 2 1 E t pi
a s re e e ar s r a. r s s, v . u rO u s,

Th R om n onc dv nc d wi t h i n t h d y m ch of t h T n ’
vn 9
. . e a s e a a e re e a s ar e a a i s.

T ci t A nn l xii 17
a . a

t h Tox i of Luci n if w
. . .

S ee e c di t th i nc i t y nd t h vi t u
ar s a , e re e s er a e r e s of
th e Scy t hi n w ho l t ag t w of h n t i on g i n t t h ki ng
, re a e s a re a ar is a a a s e s of
B o ph o u
s r s.
w

a
ho

fo c
X

n v l
a
r e.
“ a
.
310

c oa st of A si a
THE D E C LIN E A N D F A L L
C H A P p h orus With t h e a cqui si t i on of a sup e r flu ou s w a st e
.

of fe r t il e soil t h e c onqu e r or s ob t a i ne d t h e c om m a nd of
.

wi a na v a l for c e su ffici e nt t o t r a nsp or t t h e i r a r m i e s t o t h e

( re

k
,

T h e ship s u se d i n t h e na vig a t i on of
t h e Euxi ne w e re of a v e ry si ngul a r c onst r uc t i on
.

w e re sligh t fl a t b ot t om e d b a rk s fra m e d of t i mb e r only

wi t h ou t t h e l e a st m ix t ur e of i ron a nd occ a si ona lly
c ov e re d wi t h a sh e lvi ng r oof on t h e a pp e a ra nc e of a
‘
-
Th e y
.

,
,

,
'
.

tem p e st In t h e se fl oa t i ng h ou se s t h e G ot h s c a r e
.
,

l e ssly t ru st e d t h e m se lv e s t o t h e m e r cy of a n u nk now n
Se a u nd e r t h e c onduc t of sa il ors p re sse d i nt o t h e se r
'

vic e a nd wh ose skill a nd fid e li t y w e re e qu a lly su sp i

,

ci ou s B u t t h e h op e s of plund e r h a d b a ni sh e d e v e r y
.

id e a of da ng e r ; a nd a na t u ra l fe a rl e ssne ss of t e m p e r
suppli e d i n t h e i r m i nd s t h e m or e r a t i ona l c onfi d e nc e ,

w hich i s t h e j u st r e sul t of k now l e dg e a nd e xp e r i e nc e .

Wa rri ors of su ch a d a ri ng spi ri t m u st h a v e oft e n m u r

m u re d a g a i nst t h e c ow a r dic e of t h e i r guid e s w h o r e ,

qui re d t h e st rong e st a ssu r a nc e s of a se t t le d c a l m b e for e

t h e y w ould v e nt u re t o e m b a rk ; a nd w ould sc a r c e ly
e v e r b e t e m p t e d t o l ose sigh t of t h e l a nd S uch ,a t .

l e a st i s t h e p ra c t ic e of t h e m od e r n
,
a nd t h e y

a r e p r ob a bly not i nfe r i or i n t h e a r t of na vig a t i on t o , ,

t h e a nci e nt i nh a bi t a nt s of B osph or u s .

Fi t n v l
rs a aT h e fl e e t of t h e G ot h s l e a vi ng t h e c oa st of C i r c a ssi a ,
e xp di t i on
e
of t h e
o n t h e l e ft h a nd fi r st a pp e a r e d b e fore Pi t u s
y t h e ,

( 3ot b s.
u t m ost li m i t s of t h e R om a n p r ovi nc e s ; a ci t y p rovid e d

“
wi t h a c onv e ni e nt p or t a nd for t ifi e d wi t h a st r ong w a ll , .

H e r e t h e y m e t wi t h a r e si st a nc e m ore ob st i na t e t h a n
t h e y h a d r e a son t o e xp e c t from t h e fe e bl e g a rr i son of
a di st a nt for t re ss Th e y w e re r e pul se d ; a nd t h e i r di s
.

a pp oi nt m e nt se e m e d t o di m i ni sh t h e t e rror of t h e
G ot hic na m e A s l ong a s Su cce ssi a nu s a n offic e r of
.
,

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os s, . . . 28 .

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,
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sup e ri or k a nd m e rit d e fe nd e d t h a t fronti e r a ll C H A P

ra n , ,
.

t h e i r e ffor t s w e r e i ne ffe c t u a l ; b u t a s soon a s h e w a s

r e m ov e d by V a l e ri a n t o a m ore h onou ra bl e b u t l e ss

i m p or t a nt st a t i on th e y r e sum e d t h e a t t a ck of Pi t y u s ;
,

a nd by t h e d e st ruc t i on of t h a t city
, oblit e r a t e d t h e ,

m e m or y of th e i r form e r di sg r a c e
C i rcli ng r ou nd t h e e a st e r n e x t r e m i t y of t h e Euxi ne Th G ot h e s

t h e na vig a t i on fr om Pi t y u s t o T r e biz ond i s a b out f

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th r e e hu nd re d m il e s P T h e c our se of t h e G oth s ca r nd
.
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r i e d t h e m i n sigh t of t h e c ou nt r y of C olchi s so fa m ou s ,

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,

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‘
a nci e nt c ol ony of G r e e k s 1 d e r iv e d i t s w e a l t h a nd S pl e n ,

d ou r fr om th e m u ni fi ce nce of t h e e m p e ror H a d ri a n ,

w h o h a d c onst r uc t e d a n a r t ifici a l p or t on a c oa st l e ft

d e st i t u t e by na t ur e of se cu re h a rb ou rs T h e ci t y w a s r
.

l a rg e a nd p opul ou s ; a d oubl e e ncl osu r e of w a ll s se e m e d

t o d e fy t h e fu ry of t h e G oth s a nd t h e u su a l g a rr i son ,

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.

of supplyi ng t h e a b se nc e of di scipli ne a nd vigil a nc e .

T h e nu m e r ou s g a r r i son of T r e biz ond di ssolv e d i n r i ot ,

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,

t i fi ca t i ons T h e G ot h s soon di sc ov e r e d t h e su pi ne
.

ne glig e nc e of t h e b e si e g e d e r e c t e d a l oft y pil e of fa s ,

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, ,

a nd e nt e r e d t h e d e fe nc e l e ss ci t y sw or d i n h a nd A , .

g e ne ra l m a ssa c re of t h e p e opl e e nsu e d whil st t h e ,

af frigh t e d soldi e rs e sc a p e d t h r ough t h e Opp osi t e g a t e s

of t h e t ow n T h e m ost h oly t e m pl e s a nd t h e m os t
.
,

spl e ndid e dific e s w e r e i nv olv e d i n a c omm on de st r u c

,

t i on . T h e b oot y t h a t fe ll i nt o t h e h a nds of t li e G ot h s
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ha d b een d e p osi t e d in T i e b i z ond,
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. ,

a s t h e vic t ori ou s b a rb a r i a ns r a ng e d wi t h ou t Op p osi t i on

t h r ough t h e e x t e nsiv e p r ovi nc e Of P ont u s T h e rich s

.

sp oil s of T r e biz ond fill e d a g re a t fl e e t Of ship s t h a t

h a d b e e n fou nd i n t h e p or t T h e r obu st y ou t h Of t h e
.

se a c oa st w er e ch a i ne d t o t h e oa r ; a nd t h e G ot h s ,

sa t i sfi e d wi t h t h e succ e ss of t h e i r fi rst na v a l e xp e di t i on ,

r e t u r ne d i n t riu m ph t o t h e i r ne w e st a bli sh m e nt s i n t h e

ki ngd om O f B osp h oru s t

T h e se c ond e xp e di t i on of t h e G ot h s w a s u nd e r t a k e n
wi t h g re a t e r p ow e rs of m e n a nd ship s ; bu t t h e y st e e re d
a di ffe r e nt c ou rse a nd di sd a i ni ng t h e e xh a u st e d p r o
, ,

vi nc e s Of P ont u s foll ow e d t h e w e st e rn c oa st of t h e
,

Euxi ne p a sse d b e fore t h e wid e m ou th s Of t h e B ory s

,

t h e ne s t h e N i e st e r a nd t h e D a nub e a ndi nc r e a si ng t h e i r
, , ,

fl e e t by t h e c a p t u r e of a g re a t nu m b e r of fi shi ng b a rk s ,

t h e y a pp r oa ch e d t h e na rr ow ou t l e t t h r ough which t h e
Euxi ne se a p ou rs i t s w a t e r s i nt o t h e M e di t e rra ne a n ,

a nd divid e s t h e c ont i ne nt s of Eu r op e a nd A si a The .

g a rri son Of C h a lc e d on w a s e nc a m p e d ne a r t h e t e m pl e
Of J upi t e r U ri ns on a p rom ont ory t h a t c om m a nd e d t h e
,

e nt ra nc e Of t h e st ra i t ; a nd so i nc onsid e ra bl e w e re t h e

d re a d e d i nv a si ons of t h e b a rb a r i a ns t h a t t hi s b ody of ,

t r oop s su r p a sse d i n nu m b e r t h e G ot hic a r m y But it .

w a s i n nu m b e r s a l one t h a t t h e y su r p a sse d i t Th e y .

d e se r t e d wi t h p i e cip i t a t i on t h e i r a dv a nt a g e ou s p ost ,

a nd a b a ndone d t h e t ow n Of Ch a lc e d on m ost p le nt i ,

fully s t or e d wi t h a rm s a nd m one y t o t h e di sc re t i on of ,

t h e c onqu e r ors Whil st t h e y h e si t a t e d wh e t h e r t h e y

.

sh ould p re fe r t h e se a or l a nd Eu rop e or A si a for t h e , ,

sc e ne of t h e i r h ost ili t i e s a p e rfi di ou s fugi t iv e p oi nt e d

,

ou t Nic om e di a onc e t h e c a pi t a l Of t h e ki ng s Of B i t h
,
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ni a , as a r ich a nd e a sy c onqu e st H e guid e d t h e .

m a r ch which w a s only six t y m il e s from t h e c a m p of

,

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9
Se e pi t l
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qu ot d by M a c ou
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. 37 .

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. . p . 572 ; We sse li ng .
 OF T H E R OMA N E MP I R E .
'

313

of t h e b oot y ; for t h e G ot h s h a d l e a rne d su ffi ci e nt p o C H A P .

X
licy t o re w a r d t h e t ra i t or wh om t h e y d e t e st e d Nic e .
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, , ,

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i nv olv e d i n t h e sa m e c a l a m i t y which i n a fe w w e e k s , , ,

ra g e d wi t h ou t c ont rol t h r ough t h e wh ol e p r ovi nc e

of Bi t hy ni a Th re e hu nd r e d y e a rs of p e a c e e nj oy e d
.
,

by t h e soft i nh a bi t a nt s Of A si a h a d a b oli sh e d t h e e x ,

e rc i se of a rm s a nd r e m ov e d t h e a pp r e h e nsi on of da n
,

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e T h a nci e nt w a ll s w e r e su ffe re d t o m ould e r
g r . e

a w a y ; a nd a ll t h e r e v e nu e Of t h e m ost Opul e n t ci t i e s

w a s r e se r v e d for t h e c onst ruct i on Of b a t h s t e m pl e s , ,

a nd t h e a t r e s
x
.

Wh e n th e ci t y of C yzicu s wi t h st ood t h e ut m ost e ffort R t t of e re a

t h e G oal
'

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i t w a s di st i ngui sh e d by wi se l a w s a ,

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, , .

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.

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t i ne nt Of A si a only by t w o b r idg e s F r om t h e r e c e nt .

sa ck Of Pr u sa t h e G ot h s a dv a nc e d wi t hi n e igh t e e n
,

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.
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,

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r iv e r of R h nda c u s which i ssu e s fr om t h e l a k e sw e ll e d

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g re ss of t h e G ot h s Th e i r r e t re a t t o t h e m a ri t i m e ci t y .

of H e ra cl e a wh e re t h e fl e e t h a d p r ob a bly b e e n st a
,

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, ,

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fl a m e s of Nic e a nd N ic om e di a which t h e y w a nt only ,

X
Z o i m u l i p 32 33
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, .

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fifty t h ou nd foot nd a nu m ou c v l y Se Plu t ch i n L c l

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c om pl e t e vic t ory w ould h a v e b e e n of li t tl e mom e nt a s ,

t h e a pp r oa ch Of t h e a u t u m na l e qui nox su m m one d t h e m

t o h a st e n t h e i r r e t u rn T o na vig a t e t h e Euxi ne b e for e

.

t h e m ont h of Ma y or a ft e r t h a t of S e p t e m b e r i s e s
, ,

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i nst a nc e Of r a sh ne ss a nd folly d .

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G ot h s '
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,

st a nt l c o m pu t a nd m ul t ipli e s t h e for mid a bl e a r m a

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,

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P ont u s a nd th e l e sse r S cy t hi a w e r e not c a p a bl e Of ,

c ont a i ni ng m ore t h a n t w e nt y fi ve or t hi rt y m e n w e -
,

m a y sa fe ly a ffi rm t h a t fift e e n t h ou sa nd w a rr i ors a t t h e

, ,

m ost e m b a r k e d i n t hi s g r e a t e xp e di t i on I m p a t i e nt Of
, .

t h e li m i t s Of t h e Euxi ne t h e y st e e re d t h e i r d e st r uc t iv e ,

c ou rse from t h e C i mm e ri a n t o t h e Th ra ci a n B osph oru s .

Wh e n t h e y h a d a l m ost g a i ne d t h e m iddl e of t h e st ra i t s ,

t h e y w e r e sudd e nly d riv e n b a ck t o t h e e nt ra nc e of

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e es ,
, .

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t h r ough t h e na rr ow p a ssa g e Of t h e H e ll e sp ont t h e y ,

p u rsu e d t h e i r wi ndi ng na vig a t i on a m id st t h e n u m e r ou s

i sl a nd s sc a t t e re d ov e r t h e A r chip e l a g o or t h e [E ge a n ,

se a T h e a ssi st a nc e of c a p t iv e s a nd de se rt e rs m u st
.

h a v e b e e n v e ry ne c e ssa ry t o pil ot t h e i r v e sse l s a nd t o ,

di re c t t h e i r v a r i ou s i ncu rsi ons a s w e ll on t h e c oa st of ,

Gre e c e a s on t h a t of A si a A t l e ng t h t h e G othic fl e e t .

b Z o i m l i p 33s us, . . . .

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 O F THE R OM A N E MP IRE . 315

an ch ore d i n t h e p ort of P i ra eu s fi ve m il e s di st a nt from C H A P , .

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'

b e gu n t o r e p a i r th e a nci e nt w a ll s fa ll e n t o d e c a y si nc e ,
‘
t h e t i m e of Syll a T h e e ffor t s of h i s skill w e re i ne f
.

fe ct u a l ; a nd t h e b a r b a ri a ns b e c a m e m a st e r s of t h e na
t iv e se a t of t h e m u se s a nd t h e a r t s B u t whil e t h e .

c onqu e rors a b a nd one d t h e m se lv e s t o t h e lic e nc e Of

plu nd e r a nd i nt e m p e ra nc e t h e i r fl e e t th a t la y wi t h a , ,

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,

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B u t t hi s e xpl oit wh a t e v e r lu st re i t m igh t sh e d on v g ,

ra a e

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t h a n t o subdu e t h e u nd a u nt e d spi ri t of t h e nor t h e r n 1

3 3

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’

sa m e t i m e i n e v e ry di st r ic t of G r e e c e Th e b e s a nd .

A rg os C or i nt h a nd Sp a r ta which h a d form e rly w a g e d

, ,

such m e m ora bl e w a rs a g a i nst e a ch ot h e r w e re now u n ,

a bl e t o b ri ng a n a r m y i nt o t h e fi e ld or e v e n t o d e fe nd ,

t h e i r r ui ne d for tific a t i ons T h e r a g e Of w a r b ot h by .

,

l a nd a nd by se a sp r e a d from t h e e a st e rn p oi nt Of ,

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h a d a l re a dy a dv a nc e d wi t hi n S igh t Of I t a ly wh e n t h e ,

a pp r oa ch of such i m m i ne nt d a ng e r a w a k e ne d t h e i n

d ol e nt G a lli e nu s from h i s d re a m of pl e a su r e T he .

e m p e r or a pp e a r e d i n a r m s ; a nd h i s p re se nc e se e m s t o

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h a ra s , . 11. It i not wi t h ou t om e e ,
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with a l a rg e b ody Of h i s c ou nt ry m e n i nt o t h e se r vic e

of R om e a nd w a s i nv e st e d wi t h t h e or na m e nt s Of t h e
,

c onsul a r dig ni t y which h a d ne v e r b e for e b e e n p r o

,

fa ne d by t h e h a nd s Of a b a rb a ri a n G re a t num b e rs
Of t h e G ot h s di sgu st e d wi t h t h e p e r il s a nd h a r dship s
,

of a t e di ou s v oy a g e b r ok e i nt o M ae si a wi t h a d e sig n
, ,

of for ci ng t h e i r w a y ov e r t h e D a nub e t o t h e i r se t t l e

me nt s i n t h e U k r a i ne T h e wild a t t e m p t w ould h a v e
.

p r ov e d i ne vi t a bl e d e str uc t i on if th e di sc ord of t h e R O ,

m a n g e ne r a l s h a d not Op e ne d t o t h e b a rb a ri a ns t h e
m e a ns of a n e sc a p e k T h e sm a ll r e m a i nd e r of t hi s
d e st r oyi ng h ost r e tu rne d on b oa r d t h e i r v e sse l s ; a nd
m e a su r i ng b a ck t h e i r w a y t h r ough t h e H e ll e sp ont a nd
t h e B osph or u s r a v a g e d i n t h e i r p a ssa g e t h e sh ore s of
,

T r oy wh ose fa m e i m m or t a liz e d by H om e r will p r o

, , ,

b a bly su rviv e t h e m e m or y of t h e G ot hic c onqu e st s .

A S soon a s t h e y fou nd t h e m se lv e s i n sa fe t y wi t hi n t h e
b a son of t h e Euxi ne t h e y l a nd e d a t A ncli i a l u s i n ,

Th ra c e ne a r t h e foot Of m ou nt Hae mu s ; a nd a ft e r a ll
, ,

t h e i r t oil s i nd ulg e d t h e m se lv e s i n t h e u se Of t h ose

,

pl e a sa nt a nd sa lu t a ry h ot b a th s Wh a t r e m a i ne d Of .

1
t h e v oy a g e w a s a sh or t a nd e a sy na vig a t i on S uch .

w a s t h e v a r i ou s fa t e Of t hi s t hi r d a nd g r e a t e st of t h e i r

na v a l e nt e r p r i se s It m a y se e m di fficul t t o c onc e iv e
.

h ow t h e or igi na l b ody Of fift e e n t h ou sa nd w a r r i or s

c ould su st a i n t h e l osse s a nd divi si ons of so b old a n
a dv e ntu r e B u t a s t h e i r nu m b e rs w e re g r a du a lly
.

w a st e d by t h e sw or d by shipw r e ck s a nd by t h e i n , ,

fl u e nce of a w a rm cli m a t e t h e y w e r e p e r p e t u a lly r e ,

ne w e d by t r oop s of b a ndi t t i a nd d e se rt e rs w h o fl ock e d ,

t o t h e st a nd a r d of plu nd e r a nd by a c r owd of fugi t iv e ,

sl a v e s Oft e n Of G e r m a n or S a r m a t i a n e x t r a c t i on w h o
, ,

e a g e rly se iz e d t h e gl ori ou s Opp or t u ni t y Of fre e d om

a nd re v e ng e In t h e se e xp e di t i ons t h e G ot hic na t i on
.
,

1 Sy nc ellu p 382 Thi b ody of H uli w a fo a l ong t i m f i t hful

s, . . s er s r e a

a nd f m ou
‘C l a udiu w ho c omm nd e d on t h D nube t h ough t wi t h p op i e ty nd
a s.
1 s, a e a , r r a
a c te d wi t h S pi i t H s c oll gu e w
r j l ou of h i s f me Hi t A ugu st
i ea as ea s a s
l
. . .
.

p 181
. . J o na nd c 20 r e s, . .
 O F T HE R OMA N E MP IRE . 317

cl a i m e d a sup e ri or sh a re of h onou r a nd d a ng e r ; but C H A P .

X
t h e t r ib e s t h a t fought u nd e r t h e G ot hic b a nne rs a r e
'

som e t i me s di st i ngui sh e d a nd som e t i m e s c onfou nd e d i n

t h e i m p e r fe c t hi st or i e s of t h a t a g e ; a nd a s t h e b a r
b a r i a n fl e e t s se e m e d t o i ssu e from t h e m outh of th e
T a na i s t h e v a gu e b u t fa m ili a r a pp e ll a t i on of S cy t hi a ns
,

m
w a s fr e qu e ntly b e st ow e d on t h e m ix t m ul t i t ud e .

In t h e g e ne ra l c a l a m i t i e s of m a nki nd t h e d e a t h Of R ui n of t h , e

1
a n i ndividu a l h ow e v e r e x a l t e d t h e r ui n of a n e dific e
, $
3223 , , 5

h ow e v e r fa m ou s a r e p a sse d ov e r w i t h c a re l e ss i na t ,

t e nt i on Y e t w e c a nnot for g e t t h a t t h e t e m pl e O f
.

Di a na a t Eph e su s a ft e r h a vi ng r i se n wi th i nc re a si ng ,

spl e nd ou r fr om se v e n r e p e a t e d m i sfor t u ne s w a s fi na lly

bu r nt by t h e G oth s i n t h e i r t hi rd na v a l i nv a si on T h e .

a r t s of G r e e c e a nd t h e w e a l t h Of A si a h a d c onspi re d
, ,

t o e r e c t th a t sa c r e d a nd m a g nific e nt st r uctu r e It w a s .

supp or t e d by a n hu n d re d a nd t w e nt y se v e n m a r bl e c o -

l u m ns Of t h e I onic ord e r Th e y w e re t h e gift s Of de .

v ont m ona r ch s a nd e a ch w a s sixty fe e t high T h e , .

a l t a r w a s a d or ne d wi t h t h e m a st e r ly sculp t u re s of
P r a xi t e l e s w h o h a d p e r h a p s se l e c t e d from t h e fa
, , ,

vou r i t e l e g e nds of t h e pl a c e t h e bi r t h Of t h e divi ne

child re n of L a t ona t h e c onc e a l m e nt of A p oll o a ft e r ,

t h e sl a ugh t e r of t h e C ycl op s a nd t h e cl e m e ncy O f ,

B a cchu s t o t h e v a nqui sh e d A m a z ons Y e t t h e l e ng t h 0

.

of t h e t e m pl e Of Eph e su s w a s only fou r hu nd re d a nd

t w e nty fi ve fe e t a b out t w o t hi r d s of t h e m e a su r e O f t h e
-
,

ch u r ch Of S t P e t e r s a t R om e P In th e ot h e r di m e n
.
’
.

si ons i t w a s st ill m or e i nfe r i or t o t h a t subli m e p r oduc

,

ti on Of m od e rn a r chi t e ctu r e T h e sp r e a di ng a rm s of a .

ch r i st i a n c r oss r e qui re a m uch g r e a t e r b re a dth th a n

t h e Obl ong t e m pl e s Of t h e p a g a ns ; a nd t h e b old e st
a r t i st s Of a nt iqui t y w ould h a v e b e e n st a r t l e d a t t h e

” Z o i mu
1
s nd t h G k ( t h u t h o of t h Philop t i ) giv th
s a e re e as
s e a r e a r s e e
n m
a eof Scy t hi n t o t h o wh om J o n nd nd t he L t i n w i t con
a s se r a e s, a a r ers
t nt ly
s a p nt G ot h
re re se as s.

H i t A ugu t p 178 J o n nd c 2 0
s . s . . r a e s, . .

S t b o l xiv p 640 ; V i t uviu l i c l p f t l v T ci t A n

ra , . . . r s, . . . . i ae a . . u a .

n l iii 6 1; Pl i n Hi t N t xxxvi 14
a . . . s . a . . .

P Th l ng t h of St P t
e e i igh t hu nd ed nd fo ty R om n p l m ;
. e er s
’
s e r a r a a s
ea ch p l m i v y li t t l h o t of ni n E ngli h i nch
a s er S G a v Mi c l
e s r e s e s. ee re e s
’
s e

l ni
a ol i p 2 33 on t h R om n foot
e s, v . . .
, e a .
 THE DE C LIN E A ND F A L L
C H A P p rop osa l of ra i si ng i n t h e a i r a d om e Of t h e siz e a nd
.

X p r op ort i ons of t h e p a nt h e on T h e t e m pl e Of Di a na
.

w a s h ow e v e r a d m i r e d a s one Of t h e w ond e r s of t h e
, ,

w orld S ucc e ssiv e e m pi re s t h e P e r si a n t h e M a c e

.
, ,

doni a n a nd t h e R om a n h a d r e v e re d i t s sa nc t i t y a nd
, , ,

e nr ich e d i t s spl e nd o u r q B u t t h e rud e sa v a g e s of t h e .

B a l t ic w e re d e st i t u t e of a t a st e for t h e e l e g a nt a rt s ,

and t h e y d e spi se d t h e id e a l t e rrors of a for e ig n su

e r st i t i on
p
C onduc t of A not h e r ci r cu m st a nc e i s r e l a t e d of t h e se i nv a si ons ,
t h G ot h
e t sa
which m igh t d e se rv e ou r not ic e w e r e i t not j u st ly t o
A th ne s. ,

b e su sp e ct e d a s t h e fa nciful c onc e i t of a r e c e nt sophi st .

We a re t old t h a t i n t h e sa ck Of A th e ns t h e G ot h s h a d
,

c oll e c t e d a ll t h e lib ra r i e s a nd w e r e on th e p oi nt Of ,

se t t i ng fi r e t o t hi s fu ne r a l pil e of G r e ci a n l e a r ni ng h a d ,

not one Of t h e i r chi e fs Of m or e r e fi ne d p olicy t h a n h i s ,

b r e t h r e n di ssu a d e d t h e m fr om t h e d e sig n ; by t h e p r o
,

fou nd Ob se rv a t i on t h a t a s l ong a s t h e G re e k s w e r e ,

a ddic t e d t o t h e st udy of b ook s t h e y w ould ne v e r a pply ,

t h e m se lv e s t o t h e e x e r ci se Of a r m s T h e sa g a ci ou s s
.

c ou nse ll or (sh ould t h e t r u th of t h e fa c t be a d m i t t e d )

r e a sone d lik e a n ig nora nt b a r b a r i a n In t h e m ost .

p ol i t e a nd p ow e r ful na t i ons g e ni u s Of e v e ry ki nd h a s ,

di spl a y e d i t se lf a b ou t th e sa me p e r i od ; a nd t h e a g e of
sci e nc e h a s g e ne r a lly b e e n t h e a e Of m ili t a ry vi r t u e
g
a nd succ e ss .

C onqu t of IV T h e ne w sov e re ig ns of P e r si a A r t a x e rx e s a nd
es .
,
A m ni by h i s son S a p or h a d t r iu mph e d a s w e h a v e a l re a dy
(
r e a
,
th P
e er

i n
s a s. se e n) ov e r t h e h ou se Of A r sa c es O f t h e m a ny p ri nc e s .

of t h a t a nci e nt r a c e Ch osr oe s ki ng Of A r m e ni a h a d , , ,

a l one p re se r v e d b ot h h i s life a nd h i s i nd e p e nd e nc e .

H e d e fe nd e d hi m se lf by t h e na t u ra l st re ng t h Of h i s
c ou nt ry ; by t h e p e r p e t u a l re sor t of fugi t iv e s a nd m a l
Th p olicy h ow v
q e of t h R om n i nduc d t h m t o b idg t h
, e x
e r, e a s e e a r e e e

t nt f th
e nc t u
O y o ylu m which by ucc iv p iv i l g h d p d
e sa ar r as , s e ss e r e es a s re a

i t lf t o t d i ou nd t h t mpl S t b o l xiv p 641; T ci t A nn l

se w s a a r e e e. ra , . . . a . a .

i i i 60 t c .
, e .

Th y off d no c ific t o t h G ci n g od S Epi tol G g o

e e re sa r es e re a s. ee s . re r.

Th a u m a t .

5
Zona ra s, 1 x11 . . p . 635 . Such a n ne cd ot a e w as p e fe c tly ui ted t o t h
r s e

t a st e of Mont a ne ig . He m a k use of i t i n hi
es s a g e e bl e e
r a y on Pe d n ssa a

t ry , 1 . i c24
. . .
 O F TH E R OMA N E MP IRE . 319

c ont e nts ; by t h e a lli a nc e of t h e R om a ns a nd a b ov e C H A P , , .

X
a ll by h i s ow n c ou r a g e
,
I nvi ncibl e i n a rm s du ri ng a
.
,
'

t hi r t y y e a r s w a r h e w a s a t l e ng t h a ssa ssi na t e d by t h e
’

em i ssa ri e s of S a p or ki ng of P e rsi a T h e p a t r i ot ic .

sa t r a p s of A r m e ni a w h o a sse r t e d t h e fre e d om a nd
,

dig ni t y of t h e c r ow n i m pl or e d t h e p r ot e c t i on of R om e
,

i n fa v ou r Of T i r ida t e s t h e l a wful h e i r B u t t h e son of .

C h osr oe s w a s a n i nfa nt t h e a lli e s w e r e a t a di st a nc e , ,

a nd t h e P e r si a n m ona r ch a dv a nc e d t ow a r d s t h e fr ont i e r

a t t h e h e a d Of a n i r re si st ibl e for c e Y ou ng T i ri da t e s .
,

t h e fu t u re h O p e Of h i s c ou nt r y w a s sa v e d by t h e fid e li t y ,

of a se r v a n t ; a nd A rm e ni a c ont i nu e d a b ov e t w e nt y

se v e n y e a r s a r e luct a nt p r ovi nc e Of t h e g re a t m ona r chy

of P e r si a El a t e d with t hi s e a sy c onqu e st a nd pr e ,

su m i n o n t h di st r e sse s or t h e d e g e ne r a cy Of t h e R O
g e

m a ns S a p or oblig e d t h e st r ong g a rr i sons of C a r rh ae

,

a nd Ni sibi s t o su rr e nd e r a nd sp r e a d d e v a st a t i on a nd ,

t e rr or on e i t h e r S id e of t h e Euph ra t e s .

T h e l oss of a n i m p or t a nt fr ont i e r t h e rui n of a fa i t h V l i n ,

a er a

ful a nd na t u ra l a lly a nd t h e r a pid succ e ss of S a p or s

,
’

a m bi t i on a ffe c t e d R om e wi t h a d e e p se nse of t h e i n
,
t ea s

sul t a s w e ll a s of t h e d a ng e r V a l e ri a n fl a tt e re d h i m .

se lf th a t t h e vigil a nc e O f h i s li e u t e na nt s w ould su ffi
,

ci e nt ly p r ovid e for t h e sa fe t y Of t h e Rhi ne a nd Of t h e

D a nub e ; b u t h e re solv e d not wi t h st a ndi ng h i s a dv a nc e d ,

a e t o m a r ch i n p e r son t o t h e d e fe nc e of t h e Euph r a t e s
g , .

Du ri ng h i s p rog re ss t h r ough A si a M i nor t h e na v a l e n ,

t e r p r i se s Of t h e G ot h s w e r e su sp e nd e d a nd t h e a fflic t e d ,

p rovi nc e e nj oy e d a t ra nsi e nt a nd fa ll a ci ou s c a l m H e .

p a sse d t h e Euph r a t e s e nc ou nt e r e d t h e P e rsi a n m on

,

a r ch ne a r t h e w a ll s of Ed e ssa w a s v a nqui sh e d a nd , ,

t a k e n p ri sone r by S a p or T h e p a r t icul a r s of t hi s g r e a t i d fe t d
. s e a e
nd t a ke n a
e v e nt a r e da r kly a nd i m p e r fe c t ly r e p r e se nt e d ; y e t by
p i on by ,
r s er

t h e gli mm e r i ng ligh t which i s a ffor d e d u s w e m a y di s S p o ki ng ,

a r

of F
'

e rs1a .
c ov e r a l ong se ri e s of i m p ru de nc e Of e rr or a nd of de A D 2 60 , , . . .

se rv e d m i sfor t u ne s on t h e sid e of t h e R om a n e m p er or .

Mo C ho n n i 1
se s re ec 71 73 74 ; Z on
s s, 11. 1 x ii p 62 8 Th e a ra s, . . .

u t h nt ic l t i on of t h A m ni n hi to i n v t o c t ify t h c onfu d
. . . .
,

a e re a e r e a s r a se r e s re e se
a cc ou nt of t h G k Th l t t t lk of t h child en of Ti ida te ho t
e re e . e a er a s e r r s, w a
th t tim
a hi m lf n i nf nt
e w as se a a .
32 0 '

THE D E C LIN E A N D F A L L
He p ose d a n i m plici t c onfid e nc e i n Ma cri a nu s h i s
re ,

p re t ori a n p re fe c t Th a t w or t hl e ss m i ni st e r r e nd e r e d
h i s m a st e r form id a bl e only t o t h e Opp re sse d subj e c t s ,

a nd c ont e m p t ibl e t o t h e e ne m i e s of R om e By h i s "

.

w e a k or wick e d c ou nse l s t h e i m p e r i a l a r m y w a s b e ,

t ra y e d i nt o a si t u a t i on wh e r e v a l ou r a nd m ili t a r y skill
w e re e qu a lly u na v a ili ng 3 T h e vig or ou s a t t e m p t of t h e .

R om a ns t o cu t t h e i r w a y t h r ough t h e P e r si a n h ost
w a s r e pul se d wi t h g r e a t sla u h t e r ; a nd S a p or w h o
z

g ,

e nc om p a sse d t h e c a m p wi t h sup e ri or num b e rs p a ,

t i e ntly w a i t e d t ill t h e i nc r e a si ng r a g e of fa m i ne a nd
p e st il e nc e h a d e nsu r e d h i s vic t ory T h e lic e nt i ou s .

m u rm u rs of t h e l e gi ons soon a ccu se d V a l e ri a n a s t h e

c a u se of t h e i r c a l a m i t i e s ; t h e i r se di t i ou s cl a m ou r s de
m a nde d a n i nst a nt c a pi t ul a t i on A n i mm e nse su m of .

g old w a s offe r e d t o pu r ch a se t h e p e rm i ssi on Of a di s

'

g ra c e ful r e t r e a t B u t t h e P e rsi a n c on sci ou s of h i s

.
,

sup e r i or i t y r e fu se d t h e m one y wi t h di sd a i n ; a nd de
,

t a i ni ng t h e d e pu t i e s a dv a nc e d i n or d e r Of b a t t l e t o t h e ,

foot of t h e R om a n ra m p a r t a nd i nsi st e d on a p e r sona l ,

c onfe r e nc e wi t h t h e e mp e ror V a l e ri a n w a s re duc e d .

t o t h e ne c e ssi t y of i nt r u st i ng h is life a nd dig ni t y t o t h e

fa i t h Of a n e ne m y T h e i nt e rvi e w e nd e d a s i t w a s na .

t u ra l t o e xp e c t T h e e m p e ror w a s m a d e a p ri sone r
.
,

a nd h i s a st on i sh e d t r oop s l a id d ow n t h e i r a rm s In a
.

such a m om e nt Of t r iu m ph t h e p r id e a nd p olicy Of ,

S a p or p r om p t e d h i m t o fill t h e v a c a nt t h rone with a

succ e ssor e nt i r e ly d e p e nd e nt on h i s pl e a su re Cy ri .

a d e s a n Ob scu r e fugi t iv e Of Ant i och st a i ne d wi t h e v e ry

, ,

vic e w a s ch ose n t o di sh onou r t h e R om a n pu rpl e ; a nd

,

t h e will of t h e P e r si a n vic t or c ould not fa il of b e i ng

r a t ifi e d b
y t h e a ccl a ma t i ons h ow e v e r r e luc t a nt of t h e , ,

c a p t iv e a r m y b
Hi t A ugu t p 191 A M c i n w
s . s . n e ne m y to t h C h i t i n
. s a r a us as a e r s a s,
t h y ch g d h i m wi t h b i ng m gici n
‘Zo i m l i p 33
e ar e e a a a .

3
s u s, . .Y Hi t A ugu t
. .174 s . s . .

2
V ic to i n C ; E t opi
r ix 7 2e sa r. u r us , . .

Zo i m
a
l i p 33 ; Z on
s u s, 1 x ii p 630 ; P t
. P t i ci in th a ra s, . . e er a r us e
E xc p t L g t p 2 9
. . .

er a e a
b Hi t A ugu t p 185 Th ig n of Cy i d pp
. . .

s . s . . i n t h t c oll e c t i on
. e re r a es a e a rs a

p i o t o t h d t h of V l i n ; b t I h v p f r d p ob bl e i of
r r e ea a er a u a e re e r e a r a e s r es

e v nt to t h doub t ful ch onol ogy of a mo t i n ccu t w i t

e s e r s a ra e r er.
 OF T HE R O MA N E MP IRE . 32 1

T h e i mp e r i a l s a l ve fa v ou r of C H A P
w a s ea ge r to se cu re th e .

X
h i s m a st e r by a n a ct of t r e a son t o h i s na t iv e c ou nt r y
0

, .

H e c onduc t e d S a p or ov e r t h e Euph ra t e s a nd by t h e S p o ov ,
a r er

u n Sy i
S Ora pid C i l i c i
r s r a,
w a y Of C h a lci s t o t h e m e t r op oli s of t h e e a st nd
.
a, a

w e re t h e m ot i ons Of t h e P e r si a n c a v a l ry t h a t if w e p p doC a a
, ,
C 13.
m a y c re di t a v e r y j udici ou s hi st ori a n t h e ci t y of A n
t i och w a s su r p r i se d wh e n t h e idl e m ul t i t ud e w a s fondly
g a zi ng on t h e a m u se m e nt s of t h e t h e a t re T h e spl e n .

did buildi ng s of A n t i och p r iv a t e a s w e ll a s public , ,

w e re e i t h e r pill a g e d or d e str oy e d ; a nd t h e nu m e rou s

i nh a bi t a nt s w e re p u t t o t h e sw ord or le d a w a y i nt o ,

c a p t ivi ty d T h e t id e Of d e v a st a t i on w a s st opp e d for a

.

m om e nt by t h e r e soluti on Of t h e high p ri e st of E m e sa .

A rra y e d i n h i s sa c e r d ot a l r ob e s h e a pp e a re d a t t h e ,

h e a d of a g re a t b ody of fa na t ic p e a sa nt s a r m e d only ,

wi t h sli ng s a nd d e fe nd e d h i s g od a nd h i s p r op e r t y
,

from t h e sa c r il e gi ou s h a nd s O f t h e foll ow e rs Of Z O
r oa st e r B u t t h e r ui n of T a r su s a nd Of m a ny oth e r ,

ci t i e s fu rni sh e s a m e l a nch oly p roof t h a t e xc e p t i n t hi s

, ,
'

si ngul a r i nst a nc e t h e c onqu e st of S y ri a a nd C ilici a

,

sc a r c e ly i nt e rr upt e d t h e p r og r e ss of t h e P e rsi a n a rm s .

T h e a dv a nt a g e s of t h e na rr ow p a sse s Of m ou nt T a u rus
w e r e a b a nd one d i n which a n i nv a d e r wh ose p ri ncip a l
, ,

for c e c onsi ste d i n h i s c a v a l ry w ould h a v e b e e n e ng a g e d ,

i n a v e r y u ne qu a l c om b a t : a nd S a p or w a s p e rm it t e d t o
form t h e si e g e Of C ae sa re a t h e c a pi t a l O f C a pp a d oci a ; ,

a ci t y th ough of t h e se c ond r a nk which w a s supp ose d

, ,

t o c ont a i n fou r hu nd r e d th ou sa nd i nh a bi t a n t s De .

m ost h e ne s c om m a nd e d i n t h e pl a c e not so much by ,

”
t h e c omm i ssi on Of th e e m p e r or a s i n t he v olu nt a r y ,

d e fe nc e of h i s c ou ntr y F or a l ong ti me h e d e fe rre d .

i t s fa t e ; a nd wh e n a t l a st C ae sa r ea w a s b e t ra y e d by
,

t h e p e rfi dy Of a phy sici a n h e cu t h i s w a y th rough t h e ,

P e rsi a ns w h o h a d b e e n or d e re d t o ex e r t th e i r u t m ost
,

dilig e nc e t o t a k e h i m a liv e Thi s h e roic chi e f e sc a p e d .

c The sa ck
A nt i och nt icip a t d by om hi t o i n i
of ,
ig n d by
a e s e s r a s, s a ss e ,

t h d ci iv t t i m ony of A mm i nu M c lli nu t o t he e ig n of G ll i nu
‘
e e s e es a s ar e s, r a e s:

xxiii 5 . .
1 Zo i m u l i p 35 s s, . . . .

'
3
J oh n M l l t om i p 391 He c o up t t hi p ob bl e v nt by om
a a a , . . . . rr s s r a e e s e
f bul ou ci cu m t nc
a s r s a es .

VOL 1 . .
 32 2 THE D E C LIN E A N D F A L L
C HAP . the
p ow e r of a foe w h o m igh t e i t h e r h a v e h onou re d or
,
X ’

pu ni sh e d h i s ob sti na t e v a l ou r ; b u t m a ny t h ou sa nd s Of
h i s fe ll ow ci t iz e ns w e re i nv olv e d i n a g e ne ra l m a ssa c r e ,

a nd S a p or i s a ccu se d Of t r e a t i ng h i s p r i sone r s wi t h

w a nt on a nd u nre l e nt i ng c r u e l t y f M uch sh ould nu .

d oub t e dly b e a ll ow e d for na t i ona l a ni m osi t y m uch for ,

hu m bl e d p r id e a nd i m p ot e nt re v e ng e ; y e t up on t h e ,

wh ol e i t i s c e r t a i n t h a t t h e sa m e p r i nc e w h o i n A r
, , ,

m e ni a h a d di spl a y e d t h e m ild a sp e c t of a l e gi sl a t or ,

sh ow e d hi m se lf t o t h e R om a ns u nd e r t h e st e r n fe a t u r e s

of a c onqu e r or H e d e sp a i re d Of m a ki ng a ny p e rm a
.

“
ne nt e st a bli sh m e nt i n t h e e m pi re a nd sough t only t o ,

l e a v e b e hi nd h i m a w a st e d d e se r t whil st h e t ra ns ,

p ort e d i nt o P e rsi a t h e p e opl e a nd t h e t r e a su re s Of t h e

“
p rovi nc e s g .

A t t h e t i m e wh e n t h e e a st t re m bl e d a t t h e na m e Of
‘
B ldn
a e ss

:jgffiff
ss
S’
a p o r h e r
, e c e iv e d a p re se n t n ot u n w or t hy Of t h e

azpi fg i n t g r e a t e st ki ng s ; a l ong t ra i n Of c a m e l s l a d e n wi t h t h e
u a s
K

m ost r a re a nd v a lu a bl e m e r ch a ndi se s T h e rich O f .

fe ri ng w a s a cc om p a ni e d wi t h a n e pi st l e r e sp e c t ful b u t ,

not se r vil e from O de na th u s one of t h e nobl e st a nd

, ,

m ost O pul e nt se na t or s Of P a l m y ra W h o i s t hi s .

”
O de na t h u s sa id t h e ,
h a ugh t y vict or a nd h e com ,

m a nde d t h a t t h e p re se nt s sh ould b e c a st i nt o t h e Eu

p h ra t e s t h a t
, h e t hu s i ns ol e nt ly p r e su m e s t o w r i t e

t o h s l or d
i ? If h e e nte r ta i ns a h op e of m i t ig a t i ng h i s
pu ni sh m e nt le t h i m fa ll p r ost r a t e b e for e t h e foot of
,

ou r t h r one wi t h h i s h a nd s b ou nd b e hi nd hi s b a ck .

Sh ou l d h e h e sit a t e swift d e st ruc t i on sh a ll be p ou re d

/
,

h ”
on h i s h e a d on h i s wh ol e r a c e a nd on h i s c ou nt ry
, , .

T h e d e sp e ra t e e x tr e m i t y t o which t h e P a l m y re ni a n
w a s r e duc e d c a ll e d i nt o a c t i on a ll t h e l a t e nt p ow e rs
,

of h i s soul H e m e t S a p or ; bu t h e m e t h i m i n a rms
.
.

I nfu si ng h i s ow n spi ri t i nt o a li t t l e a rm y c oll e c te d fr om

l xii p
Zona ra s, .D p v ll y w fill d up wi h
630 . ee. a e s
. l i e re e t t he s a n .

C wd p i
ro w d iv
s of r soners w lik b
e re r en to yp i h d
a te r e e a st s, a nd m a n er s e for
w f d
a nt of oo .

Z i u l i p
8 os m s, ( h S p
. p f d p il
a sse rt s t a t
. . a or, h a dhe not re erre s o to
qu igh h v
con est , m i d Ai
t a e re ma ne ma st e r of s a
‘P
.

1
xc p
e t e r Pa t ri c p
ius i n E e r t L e g 29 . . . .
 OF THE R O MA N E MP IRE . 32 3

th e vill a g e s Of Sy ri a a nd t h e t e nt s of t h e be C H A P d e se r t k , .

h ov e re d r ou nd t h e P e rsi a n h ost h a r a sse d t h e i r r e t re a t , ,

c a rri e d O ff p a r t of t h e t re a su re a nd wh a t w a s d e a r e r , ,

t h a n a ny t re a su r e se v e ra l Of t h e w om e n of t h e g re a t ,

ki ng ; w h o w a s a t l a st oblig e d t o re p a ss t h e Euph ra t e s
1
wi t h som e m a rk s of h a st e a nd c onfu si on By t hi s e x .

lo i t O d e na t h u s l a id t h e fou nd a t i ons Of h i s fu t u re fa m e
p ,

a nd for t u ne s T h e m a j e st y of R om e Opp r e sse d by a

.
,

P e rsi a n w a s p rot e c t e d by a Sy ri a n or A ra b of P a l m y ra
, .

T h e v oic e Of hi st ory which i s Oft e n li t t l e m ore t h a n T tm ent ,

re a

fv l n n 0 a e a
t h e org a n Of h a t re d or fl a t t e ry r e p r oa ch e s S a p or wi t h
'

a p r oud a bu se of t h e righ t s of c onqu e st W e a r e t old .

th a t V a l e ri a n i n ch a i ns but i nv e st e d wi t h t h e i m p e ri a l
, ,

pu r pl e w a s e xp ose d t o t h e m ul t itud e a c onst a nt sp e c

,

t a cl e Of fa ll e n g r e a t ne ss ; a nd t h a t wh e ne v e r t h e Pe r

si a n m ona r ch m ou nt e d on h or se b a ck h e pl a c e d h i s ,

foot on t h e ne c k of a R om a n e m p e ror N ot w i t h .

st a ndi ng a ll t h e r e m onst r a nc e s Of h i s a lli e s w h o re ,

p e a t e d l y a dvi se d h i m t o r e m e m b e r t h e vici ssi t ud e of

for t u ne t o d re a d th e re t u rni ng p ow e r of R om e a nd t o
, ,

m a k e h i s illu st ri ou s c a p t iv e t h e pl e dg e Of p e a c e not ,

t h e Obj e c t Of i nsul t S a p or st ill r e m a i ne d i nfl e xibl e , .

Wh e n V a l e r i a n su nk u nd e r t h e w e igh t Of sh a m e a nd
g ri e f h i s ski n st u ffe d wi t h st ra w a nd form e d i nt o t h e
, , ,

lik e ne ss of a hu m a n fi gu re w a s p re se r v e d for a g e s i n ,

t h e m ost c e l e b r a t e d t e m pl e Of P e r si a ; a m ore r e a l
m onu m e nt Of t r iu m ph t h a n t h e fa nci e d t rOp li i e s of ,

m
b ra ss a nd m a rbl e so Oft e n e r e c t e d by R om a n v a ni ty .

T h e t a l e i s m ora l a nd p a t h e t ic b u t t h e t ru t h of i t m a y ,

v e ry fa i rly b e c a ll e d i n qu e st i on T h e l e t t e rs st ill e x .

t a nt fr om t h e p ri nc e s O f t h e e a st t o S a p or a r e m a nife st ,

i
Sy o m g r ru t i m m nu S x t u R ufu c 2 3 R ufu V ic t o t h
a re s u a . e s s, . . s, r, e
A ugu t n Hi t o y (p
s a nd
s ve l i n c ip t i on g i n m ki ng O d n
r , . a se ra s r s, a re e a e
t hu ci t iz n of P l my
l‘
a s a e a ra .

H po e d o p ow ful n i nt e t mong t h w nd i ng t ib t h t
ssesse s er a re s a e a er r e s, a

P oc opiu ( B ll P ic 1 i i 0
r s e nd J oh n M l l (t om i p
. e rs . . t yl . . a a a a . . . s e

hi m p i nc of t h S
r ec n e a ra e s.
1P t P t i ci
e er p 25 a r u s, . .

m Th p g n w i t e l me nt th e ch i t i n i n ul t t h m i fo t u n of V
a a r e rs a r s a s e s r es a
,

l i n
er a Th i v i ou t t i m oni
. e r ccu t ly c oll c t d by Ti ll m ont
ar s es es a re a ra e e e e ,

t o n iii p 739
r . . tc 8 li t t l h
. b np
, e v d of e t n hi t o y b fo
. 0 e as ee re se r e a s er s r e re

M h om t t h t t h m od n P i n
a e , a t ot lly ig no nt of t h
e i c t o y of
er e rs a s a re a ra e V r

S p o n v nt o gl o i ou t o t h i n t i on S Bibl i ot h equ e O i nt al
a r, a e e s r s e r a . ee re e.
 X
.
24
“ T H E D E C LIN E A N D F A L L
C H A P forg e ri e s ; nor i s i t na t u ra l t o supp ose t h a t a j e a l ou s
m ona r ch sh ould e v e n i n t h e p e rson Of a r iv a l t hu s
’

publicly d e g ra d e t h e m a j e sty Of ki ng s Wh a t e v e r
,

t r e a t m e nt t h e u nfor t u na t e V a l e r i a n m igh t e xp e r i e nc e

i n P e r si a i t i s a t l e a st c e r t a i n t h a t t h e only e m p e r or
, ,
.
,

of R om e w h o h a d e v e r fa ll e n i nt o t h e h a nd s Of t h e

e ne m y l a ngui sh e d a w a y h i s life i n h op e l e ss c a p t ivi t y

,
.

Ch ct a ra T h e e m p e ror G a lli e nu s w h o h a d l ong supp or t e d

er ,

wi t h i m p a t i enc e t h e c e nsor i a l se v e ri t y of h i s fa t h e r
G ll i enu a nd c oll e a gu e re c e iv e d t h e i nt e llig e nc e of h i s m i sfor
a s
,

t u ne s wi t h se c r e t pl e a su re a nd a v ow e d i ndi ffe r e nc e .

I k ne w t h a t m y fa t h er w a s a m or ta l sa id h e ; a nd
”
,

si nc e h e h a s a c t e d a s b e c om e s a b r a v e m a n I a m sa t i s ,

”
fi ed Whil st R om e l a m e nt e d t h e fa t e of h e r sov e
.

r e ig n t h e sa v a g e c old ne ss Of h i s son w a s e x t oll e d by

,

t h e se r vil e c ou r t i e r s a s t h e p e r fe c t fi r m ne ss of a h e r o
a nd a st oic It i s di fficul t t o p a i nt t h e ligh t t h e va ,

r i ons t h e i nc onst a nt ch a ra c t e r Of G a lli e nu s which h e

, ,

di spl a y e d wi th ou t c onst ra i nt a s soon a s h e b e c a m e sol e

p osse ssor Of th e e m pi re In e v e ry a r t t h a t h e a t .

t e m p t e d h i s liv e ly g e niu s e na bl e d h i m t o succ e e d ;

,

a nd a s h i s g e niu s w a s d e st i t u t e Of j udg e m e nt h e a t ,

t e m p t e d e v e r y a r t e xc e pt t h e i m p or t a nt one s Of w a r ,

a nd g ov e r nm e nt H e w a s a m a st e r of se v e ra l cu ri ou s .

b u t u se l e ss sci e nc e s a r e a dy ora t or a nd e l e g a nt p oe t P , , ,

a skilful g a r d e ne r a n e xc e ll e nt c ook a nd m ost c on , ,

t e m p t i b le p ri nc e Wh e n t h e g re a t e m e rg e nci e s of t h e
.

st a t e r e qui re d h i s p r e se nc e a nd a t t e nt i on he w a s e n ,

g a g e d i n c onv e r sa t i on wi th th e phil osoph e r P l oti nu s 9 ,

w a st i ng h i s t i me i n t r ifli ng or lic e nt i ou s pl e a sur e s p re ,

p a ri ng h i s i ni t i a t i on t o t h e G r e ci a n m y ste ri e s or so ,

O n of t h pi tl i f om A t d ki ng of A m ni i nc e A m ni
e e se e s es s r r a va s e s, r e a :s r e a
th n w asp ovi nc t o P i t h ki ng t he k i ngd om nd t h pi t l m u t
e a r e e rs a , e , , a e e s e s
b fic t i t i ou
e s.

Se hi lif i n t h A ugu t n Hi t o y
0
e s e e s a s r .

P Th i t ill x t nt v y p tty pi t h l mium c omp o d by G l

e re s s e a a er re e a a , se a
l i n fo t h nup t i l of h i n ph w
e us r e a s s e e s.

It it O j n p i te ud t m d lli
e, a , u ve es, ar r s a e e u s
O mnibu i nt o ; non m u m u v t c olu m b s, er v s r ra e s ra ae ,
B chi non h d non i nc nt o c l c onch
‘ ‘
ra a e e ras, v a s u a ae.
1 H w on t h poi nt of givi ng Pl ot i n
e as ui n d ci t y of C m p ni t o
e us a r e a a a,
t y th xp i m nt of l i i ng Pl t o public S t h Lif of Pl ot i nu
r e e er e re a s a
’
s re . ee e e s,

by I o ph y y i n F b iciu Bi bliot h G c 1 i
’
r r ,
a r
’
s s . ra e . . v.
 O F TH E R OMA N E MP IRE .

l i cit i ng pl a c e i n t h e A r e op a gu s of A t h e ns H i s p r o C H A p
a .
,

X
fu se m a g nific e nc e i nsul t e d t h e g e ne ra l p ov e r t y ; t h e

“
'

sol e m n r idicul e Of h i s t riu m ph s i m p re sse d a d e e p e r

se nse of t h e public di sg ra c e T h e re p e a t e d i nt e lli
g e nc e of i nv a si ons d e fe a t s a nd r e b e lli ons h e r e c e iv e d , ,

wi t h a c a re l e ss sm il e ; a nd si ngli ng ou t wi th a ffe ct e d ,

c ont e m p t som e p a r t icul a r p r oduc t i on of t h e l ost p r o

,

vi nc e h e c a r e l e ssly a sk e d wh e th e r R om e m u st b e
, ,

r ui ne d u nl e ss i t w a s suppli e d wi t h li ne n fr om Egyp t
, ,

a nd A r r a s c l ot h fr om G a ul Th e re w e re h ow e v e r a , ,

fe w sh or t m om e nt s i n t h e life of G a lli e nu s wh e n e x , ,

a sp e ra t e d by som e r e c e n t i nju ry h e sudd e nly a pp e a r e d ,

t h e i nt re pid soldi e r a nd t h e c r u e l t y ra nt ; t ill sa t i a t e d ,

wi t h bl ood or fa t igu e d by r e si st a nc e h e i nse nsibly

, ,

su nk i nt o t h e na t u ra l m ild ne ss a nd i nd ol e nc e of h i s

ch a ra ct e r s
.

A t a t i m e wh e n t h e re i ns of g ov e rnm e nt w e re h e ld Th t hi ty e r

t y a nt s r
wi t h so l oose a h a nd i t i s not su r p r i si ng t h a t a Cl ow d ,

Of u su r p e rs sh ould st a rt up i n e v e r y p rovi nc e of t h e
e m pi r e a g a i nst t h e son of V a l e r i a n It w a s p rob a b ly .

/
som e i ng e ni ou s fa ncy of c om p ari ng t h e t hi r t y t y r a nt s ,

Of R om e wi t h t h e t hi rty t y r a nt s of A t h e ns t h a t i h ,

du ce d t h e w r i t e rs of t h e A ugu st a n hi st ory t o se l e c t
t h a t c e l e b ra t e d nu m b e r which h a s b e e n g ra du a lly r e

ce i ve d i nt o a p opul a r a pp e ll a t i on ‘ B u t i n e v e ry light
,

t h e p a r a ll e l i s idl e a nd d e fe c t iv e Wh a t re se m bl a nc e .

A m d l which b
1
'

e a th h a d of G lli nu h p pl x d t h nt i
ea rs e e a e s as er e e e a

q i
ua r an by i ts l g nd nd vs ; t
e h fo m e G l l i m
a A g t t
re h l t t i
e rse e r er u e e u us e , e a e

Ubi q P c M Spanh i m upp o t h t the c oi n

ue a t . . t uck by om O f
e s se s a w as s r s e
th e e n mi e of G l l nes nd w d ig n d
a ie v ti
u s, a on t h t ff m as es e a s a se e r e sa re a e e i

n t p i nc
a e r B t e. th of i ony m yu m u nw o t hy of t h g vi t y of
as e u se r a se e r e ra

th e R om n m i nt M d V ll m ont h d duc d f om p g of T
a , . e a e as e e r a a ssa e re

b l li
e Polli o ( H i t A ugu t p
us n i ng ni ou
s . nd n t u l ol t i on
s . a e s a a ra s u

G ll i n w fi t c ou i n t o t h m p o By d liv i ng A f ic f om t h
. .

a e a as rs s e e er r. e er r a r e

u u p C l u h d v d t h t i tl O f A ugu t O n m d l i n t h
s r er e s s, s e e se r e e e s a . a e a e
F nch ki ng c oll c t i on w d S i m il i n c ip t i on of F t i n A g t
’
i e s e e re a a ar s r a i ts a u us a

d O f M c h A u l i u W i t h g d t o t h Ubi q P i t i
,

r ou nd t h h e ea ar s re s . re ar e ue aa , s

ea s ily xpl i n d by t h v ni t y of G lli nu w ho iz d p h p t he occ

e a e e a a e s, se e er a s, a

i on of om m om nt y c l m S N ouv ll d l R é publ i qu d L t
,

s s e e ar a . ee e es e a e es e

ti e s, J n i a 1700 p 2 1— 34
v e r,

Thi i ngul ch c t h I b li v b n f i ly t n m i t t d t o
. . .

3
s s ar a ra er a s, e e e, ee a r ra s e us.

Th e ig n of h i i m m di t ucc o
re s h o t nd b y nd t h hi
e a e s e ss r w a s s r a us a e s

to i n
r a ho w ot b fo t h
s w l v t i on of t h f m i ly of C on t nt i n c ould
r e e re e e e a e a s a e,

not h v t h m o t
a e m ot i nt
e t to m i
s p nt t h ch cte of G lli e nu
i e e e re s sre re se e a ra i a s.

Polli o xp t h e mo t m i nu t
e nx i ty t o c om pl e te t h nu m b
re sse s s e a e e er.
 32 6 THE D E C LIN E A ND FA LL
C HA P . di sc ov e r b e tw e e n a c ou ncil of t hi r t y p e r sons
ca n we ,
X
t h e u ni t e d Opp re ssor s of a si ngl e ci t y a nd a n u nc e r t a i n
'

li st Of i nd e p e nd e nt r iv a l s w h o r ose a nd fe l l i n i rre gul a r ,

succ e ssi on t h r ough t h e ex t e n t o a v st e

f a m pi r e ? N or
ca n t h e nu m b e r of t hi rt y b e c om pl e t e d u nl e ss w e i n ,

cl u de i n t h e a cc ou nt t h e w om e n a nd child r e n w h o w e re
h onou re d wi t h th e i m p e ri a l t i tl e T h e r e ig n Of G a l .

Th i l li e nu s di st ra c t e d a s i t w a s p r oduc e d only ni ne t e e n
e r re a
, ,

p re t e nd e r s t o th e t h r one ; Cy ri a de s Ma cri a nu s B a , ,

MW li st a O de na th u s a nd Z e nobi a i n t h e e a st ; i n G a ul
:23
3 , ,

a nd t h e w e st e r n p r ovi nc e s P ost hu m u s L ol li a nu s V ic
,

, , ,

t ori nu s a nd h i s m ot h e r V ic t or i a M a riu s a nd T e t ri cu s , , .

In Illy r icu m a nd t h e c onfi ne s of t h e D a nub e Ing e nu u s

‘
, ,

R e g illi a nu s a nd A u re ol u s ; i n P ont u s S a t u r ni nu s ; i n
,
1
,

I sa u ri a T r e b e lli a nu s ; P i so i n Th e ssa ly ; V a l e ns i n
,

A ch a i a ; [E m i li a nu s i n Egyp t ; a nd C e l su s i n A fric a ,
.

T o illu st r a t e t h e ob scu r e m onu m e nt s of t h e life a nd

d e a t h Of e a ch i ndi vi du a l w ou ld p r ov e a l a b ori ou s t a sk , ,

a lik e b a rre n of i nst r uc t i on a nd of a m u se m e nt We .

m a y c ont e nt ou r se lv e s wi t h i nv e st ig a t i ng som e g e ne r a l
ch a ra c t e rs t h a t m ost st r ongly m a rk t h e c ondi t i on of
,

t h e t i m e s a nd t h e m a nne r s Of t h e m e n t h e i r p r e t e n
, ,

si ons t h e i r m ot iv e s t h e i r fa t e a nd t h e d e st r uc t iv e c
, , on ,

se qu e nc e s O f t h e i r u su r p a t i on
"
.

It i s su ffici e nt ly k now n t h a t t h e odi ou s a pp e ll a t i on ,

O f t r a nt w a s Oft e n e m pl oy e d by t h e a nci e nt s t o e xp re ss
y
.

t h e ill e g a l se izu r e Of sup re m e p ow e r wi t h ou t a ny r e ,

fe re nc e t o t h e a bu se Of i t S e v e ra l of t h e p re te nd e r s .

w h o r a i se d t h e st a nd a r d Of r e b e lli on a g a i nst t h e e m

p e r o r G a lli e nu s w e r e shi ni ng m od e l s Of vi r t u e
, a nd ,

a l m ost a l l p osse sse d a c onsid e ra bl e sh a r e of vig ou r

a nd a bili t y Th e i r m e ri t h a d r e c omm e nd e d t h e m t o
.

t h e fa v ou r Of V a l e r i a n a nd g ra du a lly p r om ot e d t h e m
,

t o t h e m ost i m p or t a nt c om m a nd s of t h e e m pi r e T he .

g e ne ra l s w h o a ssu m e d t h e t i t l e of A ugu st u s w e r e ,

e i t h e r r e sp e c t e d by t h e i r t r oop s for t h e i r a bl e c onduc t

The pl c e of h
a i s re i g n i s some wh a t d oub t ful ; h
bu t t e re w a s a t y ra nt in
Pont u s, a nd w e a re a cqu a i nt d wi h
e t t h e se a t of a ll t h e ot e rs h .

X
Ti l le m ont , ( t om . iii p. . ck re ons t e m some h at i ffe re nt
wh d ly .
 OF THE R OMA N E MP IRE .

‘
a nd se v e re di scipli ne or a d m i re d for v a l ou r a nd su c C H A P ,
.

X
c e ss i n w a r or b e l ov e d for fra nk ne ss a nd g e ne rosi t y
, .
'

T h e fi e ld of vic t ory w a s Oft e n t h e sc e ne Of t h e i r e l e c

t i on ; a nd e v e n t h e a r m ou re r M a r iu s t h e m ost con ,

t e m p t ib le of a l l t h e c a ndid a t e s for t h e pu r pl e w a s ,

di st i ngui sh e d h ow e v e r by i nt re pid c ou ra g e m a t chl e ss ,

st r e ng t h a nd blu n ,
t h o n e st y
y H i s m e a n a nd r e c e nt .

t ra d e c a st i nd e e d a n a i r Of r idicul e on h i s e l e v a t i on ;
b u t h i s bi r t h c ould not b e m or e ob scu re t h a n w a s t h a t Th i 1 e r 0 3

s c m b th u u
O f t h e g r e a t e r p a r t Of h i s r iv a l s w h o w e re b orn Of p e a
'

sa nt s a nd e nli st e d i n t h e a rm y a s p r iv a t e soldi e r s
, In .

t i m e s Of c onfu si on e v e ry a c t iv e g e niu s fi nd s t h e pl a c e ,

a ssig ne d h i m b n a t u re : i n a g e ne ra l st a t e Of w a r m i
y ,

li t a ry m e r i t i s t h e roa d t o gl ory a nd t o gr e a t ne ss Of .

t h e ni ne t e e n t y ra nt s T e t r i cu s only w a s a se na t or ; P i so ,

a l one w a s a nobl e T h e bl ood of Nu m a t h r ough .

,

t w e nt y e igh t succ e ssiv e g e ne ra t i ons ra n i n t h e v e i ns

-
,

of C a l p h u r ni u s P i so w h o by fe m a l e a lli a nc e s cl a i m e d
2
, , ,

a r igh t of e xhibi t i ng i n h i s h ou se t h e i m a g e s of C r a ssu s

a nd Of t h e g re a t P om p e y H i s a nc e st or s h a d b e e n
r e p e a t e dly dig nifi e d wi t h a ll t h e h onou r s which t h e
c omm onw e a l t h c ould b e st ow ; a nd Of a ll t h e a nci e nt
fa m ili e s Of R om e t h e C a lp h u r ni a n a l one h a d su rviv e d ,

t h e t yr a nny Of t h e C ae sa r s T h e p e rsona l qu a li t i e s of .

P i so a dd e d ne w lu st re t o h i s r a c e T h e u su r p e r V a .

l e ns by wh ose ord e r h e w a s kill e d c onfe sse d wi t h

, , ,

d e e p r e m orse t h a t e v e n a n e ne m y ough t t o h a v e r e
,

s ec
p t e d t h e sa nc t i t y of P i so ; a nd a l t h ough h e di e d i n

a r m s a g a i nst G a lli e nu s t h e se na t e wi t h t h e e m p e r or s
’

, ,

g e ne rou s p e rm i ssi on d e c re e d t h e t riu m ph a l orna m e nt s ,

t o t h e m e m ory Of so vi rt u ou s a re b e l
b .

V S th S p
ee ch of M iu i n t h A ugu t a n Hi t o y p 197 Th cci
e ee ar s e s s r , . . e a
d nt l id nt i ty of n me w t h only ci cum t nc t h t c ould t m p t P olli o
e a e a s as e r s a e a e
t o i m i t t S ll a e t a us .

V O S 0 Pom pili
z
, ngui ! i H o c e dd t o t he P i o
us sa A t s s ra
’
s a re ss s s : se e r .

Po t 2 91 i th D ci
e . v. nd S n don
. w not a er s a
’
a a
’
s e s.
T ci t A nn l xv 48 Hi t i 15 In t h fo me of t h p ge
3 a . a . . s . . . e r r e se a ssa s w e
m y v nt u
a e t o ch ng p t n i nt o m t n
re a In v y g ne t i on f om
a er a a er a . e er e e ra , r

A ugu t u t o A l x nd S v
s s on o m o
e P i o pp
a er c on ul A
e e ru s, e r re s s a ear as s s.

Pi o s d m d w o t hy of t h t h on by A ugu t u T c i t A nn l i 13
w as ee e r e r e s s: a . a . .

c ond h d d fo m id bl c on pi cy g i n t N o ; nd t hi d w
.

A se ea e a r a e s ra a a s er a a r as
a dop t d nd d cl d C
e , a by G lbe a re aesa r a a .

b
H i t A ugu t p 195 The n t i n mome nt of nthu i a m eem
s . s . . . se a e, a e s s , s s
t o h v p e u m d on t h
a e r s pp ob t ion of G llienu s
e e a r a a .
 32 8 THE D E C LIN E A N D F A L L
CHA P .
T he li e u t e na nt s Of V a l e ri a n w e re g ra t e ful t o th e
X
fa t h e r wh om t h e y e st e e m e d Th e y di sd a i ne d t o se rv e
.

.
,

The c ue
a s s t h e luxu r i ou s i nd ol e nc e Of h i s u nw or t hy son T he .

h i e
of t e rr

b lli on
e .
t h rone Of t h e R om a n w orld w a s u nsupp or t e d by a ny
i

p ri ncipl e Of l oy a l t y ; a nd t re a son a g a i nst such a p r i nc e

migh t e a sily b e c onsid e re d a s p a t r i ot i sm t o t h e st a t e .

Y e t if w e e x a m i ne wi t h c a nd ou r t h e c onduc t of t h e se
u su r p e rs i t will a pp e a r t h a t t h e y w e r e m uch oft e ne r
,

d riv e n i nt o r e b e lli on by t h e i r fe a rs t h a n u rg e d t o i t by ,

t h e i r a m bi t i on .Th e y d re a d e d t h e c ru e l su spici ons Of

G a lli e nu s ; t h e y e qu a lly dre a d e d th e c a p rici ou s vi o
l e nc e Of t h e i r t roop s If t h e d a ng e rou s fa v ou r Of t h e
.

a r m y h a d i m p r ud e nt ly d e cl a re d t h e m d e se r vi ng of t h e

pu r pl e t h e y w e re ma rk e d for su re d e st ructi on ; a nd
,

e v e n p rud e n c e w ould c ou nse l t h e m t o se cu re a sh or t ,

e nj o m e nt Of e m pi r e
y a nd ra t h e r t o t r
, y t h e fo r t u ne Of
w a r t h a n t o e xp e c t th e h a n d of a n e x e cu t i one r
, Wh e n .

t h e cl a m ou r Of t h e soldi e r s i nv e st e d t h e r e luc t a nt vic

t i m s wi t h t h e e nsig ns of sov e re ig n a u t h or i t y t h e y som e ,

t i m e s m ou r ne d i n se c re t t h e ir a pp r oa chi ng fa t e Y ou .

”
h a v e l ost sa id S a t u rni nu s on t h e da y of h i s e l e v a t i on
, , ,

o h a v e l ost a u se ful c om ma nd e r a nd o h v
y u y u a e ,

m a d e a v e r y w r e t ch e d e m p e ror
Th i e r vi o

dea h s ‘ '
T h e a pp re h e nsi ons of S a t u rni nu s w e re j u stifi e d by
t h e r e p e a t e d e xp e ri e nc e Of r e v olu t i ons O f t he ni ne .

t e e n t y r a nt s w h o st a r t e d u p u nd e r t h e r e ig n of G a l
l i e nu s t h e r e w a s not one wh o e nj oy e d a life of p e a c e
, ,

or a na t u r a l d e a t h
. A s soon a s t h e y w e re i nv e st e d wi t h
.

t h e bl oody pu r pl e t h e y i nspi r e d t h e i r a dh e re nt s wi t h
,

t h e sa m e fe a rs a nd a m bi t i on which h a d occ a si one d t h e i r

ow n r e v ol t .E nc om p a sse d wi t h d om e st ic c onspi ra cy ,

m ili t a ry se di t i on a nd civil w a r t h e y t r e mbl e d on t h e

, ,

e dg e of p r e cipic e s i n which , a ft e r a l ong e r or sh or t e r

,

t e r m Of a nxi e t y t h e y w e re i ne vi t a bly l ost

, Th e se p r e .

c a ri ou s m ona r ch s re c e iv e d h ow e v e r such h onou r s a s

, ,

t h e fl a t t e r y Of t h e i r r e sp e c t iv e a r m i e s a nd p r ovi n c e s
‘
c ould b e st ow ; b u t t h e i r cl a i m fou nde d on r e b e lli on , ,

c ould ne v e r Ob t a i n t h e sa nct i on of la w or hi st ory I t a ly .

,

c Hi st . A ugu st . p . 196;
 OF T H E R O MA N E MP I R E . 329

R om e a nd t h e se na t e c onst a nt ly a dh e re d t o t h e c a u se C H A P
, ,
.

X
Of G a lli e nu s ; a nd h e a l one w a s c onsid e re d a s t h e sov e '

re ig n of t h e e m pi re Th a t p ri nc e c ond e sc e nd e d i n
.

d e e d t o a ck nowl e dg e th e vic t ori ou s a rm s Of O de na th u s ,

w h o d e se rv e d t h e h onou r a bl e di sti nc t i on by t h e r e ,

s ec t fu l c onduct which h e a lw a y s m a i nt a i ne d t ow a r d s
p
t h e son O f V a l e r i a n Wi t h t h e g e ne ra l a ppl a u se of
.

t h e R om a ns a nd t h e c onse nt Of G a lli e nu s t h e se na t e ,

c onfe rre d t h e t i tl e of A ugu st u s on t h e b ra v e P a l m y re

ni a n ; a nd se e m e d t o i n t r u st h i m wi t h t h e g ov e rnm e nt

Of t h e e a st which h e a l re a dy p osse sse d i n so i nd e

, ,

p e nd e nt a m a nne r t h a t lik e a p riv a t e su cce ssmn h e

, , ,
d
b e qu e a t h e d i t t o h i s illu str i ou s wid ow Z e nob i a .

T h e ra pid a nd p e r p e t u a l t ra nsiti ons fr om t h e c ott a g e F t l con

‘
a a

t o t h e th r one a nd fr om t h e t h r one t o t h e g ra v e m igh t : i lfiigg

es
, ,

h a v e a m u se d a n i ndi ffe re nt phil osoph e r ; w e re it p ossi u u p s r a

uons
ble for a phil osoph e r t o r e m a i n i ndi ffe r e nt a m id st t h e
’

‘
g e ne ra l c a l a m i t i e s Of hu m a n ki nd T h e e l e c t i on of .

t h e se p r e c a r i ou s e m p e r or s t h e i r p ow e r a nd t h e i r d e a t h
, , ,

w e re e qu a lly d e st ruc t iv e t o t h e i r subj e c t s a nd a dh e r

e nt s T h e p r ic e Of t h e i r fa t a l e l e v a t i on w a s i nst a nt ly

“
.

di sch a rg e d t o t h e t r oop s by a n i mm e nse d ona t iv e ,

d ra w n from t h e b ow e l s of t h e e xh a u st e d p e opl e H ow .

e v e r vi r t u ou s w a s t h e i r ch a ra c t e r h ow e v e r pu r e t h e i r
,

i nt e nt i ons t h e y fou nd t h e m se lv e s r e duc e d t o t h e h a r d

,

ne c e ssi t y of supp or t i ng t h e i r u su rp a t i on by fre qu e nt

a c t s of r a pi ne a nd c r u e l t y e n t h e y fe ll t h e y i n
Wh .
, ,

v olv e d a rm i e s a nd p r ovi nc e s i n t h e i r fa ll Th e re i s .

‘
st ill e x t a nt a m ost sa v a g e m a nd a t e fr om G a lli e nu s t o

one Of h i s m i ni st e rs a ft e r t h e supp r e ssi on of Ing e nu u s

, ,

w h o h a d a ssu m e d t h e pu r pl e i n Illy r icu m It i s not .

e nough , sa y s t h a t soft but i nhu m a n p r i nc e th a t ,

ou e x t e r m i na t e such a h a v e a pp e a r e d i n a r m s : t h e
y s

ch a nc e of b a t t le m igh t h a v e se rv e d m e a s e ffe c t u a lly .

T h e m a l e se x of e v e ry a g e m u st be e x t i r p a t e d ; p r o
vide d t h a t i n t h e e x e cu t i on Of t h e child re n a nd old
,

m e n y ou ca n c ont riv e m e a ns t o sa v e ou r re pu t a t i on
, .

‘Th
1
e a ssoci t i on of t h b a v e P l my ni n w t he
a e r a re a as most p opul a r act of
t he wh ol e i e ig n of G lli e nu s
a Hi t A ugu t p 180
. s . s . . .
330 THE DE C LIN E A N D F A L L
L et e v e ry one d rop t a n e xp re ssi on w h o
di e w ho ha s ,

h a s e nt e r t a i ne d a t h ough t a g a i nst m e a g a i nst me t h e , ,

son of V a l e r i a n t h e fa t h e r a nd b r ot h e r Of so m a ny
,

p ri nc e s R e m e m b e r t h a t Ing e nu u s w a s m a d e e m ‘

p e r or : t e a r kill h e w i n pi e c e s
, I w rit e t o
, y o u wi t h .

m y ow n h a nd a nd w ould i nspi re y ou wi t h m y ow n
,

fe e li ng s f ”
Whil st t h e public for c e s of t h e st a t e w e r e
.

di ssip a t e d i n p riv a t e qu a rre l s t h e d e fe nc e l e ss p r ovi nc e s ,

l a y e xp ose d t o e v e r y i nv a d e r T h e b ra v e st u su r p e r s .

w e re c om p e ll e d by t h e p e r pl e xi t y Of t h e i r si t u a t i on
, ,

t o c onclu de ig nom i ni ou s t r e a t i e s wi t h t h e c om m on
e ne m y t o pu r ch a se wi t h Opp r e ssiv e t r ibu t e s t h e ne u
,

t ra li ty or se r vic e s Of t h e b a rb a r i a ns a nd t o i nt r oduc e ,

h ost il e a nd i nd e p e nd e nt na t i ons i nt o t h e h e a r t of t h e
R om a n m ona r chy g .

S uch w e re t h e b a rb a r i a ns a nd such t h e t y ra nt s , ,

w h o u nd e r t h e r e ig ns of V a l e r i a n a nd G a lli e nu s di s
, ,

m e m b e r e d t h e p r ovi nc e s a nd r e duc e d t h e e m pi re t o
'

t h e l ow e st pi t ch Of di sg ra c e a nd r ui n fr om wh e nc e i t ,

se e m e d i m p ossibl e t h a t i t sh ould e v e r e m e rg e A s fa r .

a s t h e b a rr e nne ss Of m a t e r i a l s w ould p e rm it w e h a v e ,

a t t e m p t e d t o t ra c e wi t h ord e r a nd p e rspicui ty t h e e
, g ,

ne ra l e v e nt s Of t h a t c a l a m i t ou s p e r i od Th e re st ill .

r e m a i n som e p a r t icul a r fa c t s : I T h e di sor d e rs of S i .

ci ly ; II T h e t u m ul t s of A l e x a nd ri a ; a nd III T h e
.
, .

r e b e lli on Of t h e I sa u r i a n s which m a se r v e t o re fl e c t
y ,

a st rong ligh t on t h e h orr id pic t u re .

I Wh e ne v e r nu m e r ou s t roop s of b a ndi t t i m ul t i
.
,

pli e d by succ e ss a nd i m pu ni t y publicly d e fy i nst e a d , ,

of e ludi ng t h e j u st ic e Of t h e i r c ou nt ry w e m a y sa fe ly ,

i nfe r t h a t t h e e xc e ssiv e w e a k ne ss of t h e g ov e rnm e nt

,

i s fe l t a nd a bu se d by t h e l ow e st r a nk s of t h e com m u
e
G lli enu h a d giv en t h e t i t l e O f C
a s nd A ugu t u t o h i on S a l onis e sa r a s s s s

nus, s al i n t C ol og ne by th e u u p Po t hu m u A c ond on of G l
a s r er s s. se s a
li n
e ucc d d t o t h na m e a nd nk of hi ld b oth
us s ee e e V a l i a n t he ra s e er r e r. er ,

b ot h of G lli nu w
r er a l o oci te d t o t h mpi e e v l oth r
e s, as a s a ss a e e r : s e ra e
b ot h
r i t n ph e w nd ni e c of t h e m p o fo m d v y nu m
e rs, s s e rs, e s, a es e e r r, r e a er er
ous r oy l f m i ly
a S Ti l l e m ont t om iii
a . nd M d B
ee quig ny i n t h . . a e re e
f Hi t A g t p 188
.
, ,

Mé moi d l A c dém i t om xxxii p 2 62

re s e
’
a e, . . . s . u us . . .

g R
gi leli n h d om a b nd of R ox ol ni i n hi
us a s vic ; P o thu m
e a s a s se r e s u s, a

b ody of F a nk It w p h a p i n t he ch a c t e of uxili a i e t h t t he
r s. a s, er s, ar r a r s a
l a t t i nt oduc d t h e mse lv i nt o Sp i n
er r e es a .
 O F THE R OMA N E MP IRE . 331

p i ty . T h e si t u a t i on of Sicily p re se r v e d i t fr om t h e C H A P .

X‘
b a rb a r i a ns ; nor c ould t h e di sa rm e d p rovi nc e h a v e su p
p or t e d a n u su r p e r T h e su ffe ri ng s of t h a t onc e fl ou
.

r i sh i n a nd st ill fe r t il e i sl a nd w e r e i nflic t e d by b a se r
g
h a nd s A lic e nt i ou s c rowd Of sl a v e s a nd p e a sa nt s
.

r e ig ne d for a whil e ov e r t h e plu nd e r e d c ou nt r y a nd ,

o

r e ne w e d t h e m e m or y of t h e se r vil e w a i s Of m or e a n
h
ci e nt t im e s D e v a st a t i ons of which t h e hu sb a nd m a n ,

w a s e i t h e r t h e vic t i m or t h e a cc om plic e m u st h a v e ,

r ui ne d t h e a g r icul t u r e Of Sicily ; a nd a s t h e p r i ncip a l

e st a t e s w e r e t h e p r op e r t y Of t h e opul e nt se na t or s of
‘
R om e w h o Oft e n e ncl ose d wi thi n a fa r m t h e t e rr i t ory
,

Of a n Old re public i t i s not i m p r ob a bl e th a t thi s p ri

,

v a t e i nj u ry m igh t a ffe c t t h e c a pi t a l m or e d e e ply t h a n

a l l t h e c onqu e st s of t h e G ot h s or t h e P e rsi a ns .

II T h e fou nd a t i on of A l e x a nd ri a w a s a nobl e de T m lt f
. u u sq

A l x ndn e a a
S ig n a t onc e c onc e iv e d a nd e x e cu t e d by t h e son O f
°

P hilip T h e b e a u t iful a nd re gul a r form Of t h a t g re a t

.

ci t y se c ond only t o R om e i t se lf c om p r e h e nde d a cir

, , ,

i
cu m fe r e nce Of fift e e n m il e s ; i t w a s p e opl e d by t h r e e
hu nd re d t h ou sa nd fre e i nh a bit a nt s b e sid e s a t l e a st ,

k
a n e qu a l nu m b e r of sl a ve s T h e luc r a tiv e t ra d e .

Of A ra bi a a nd I ndi a fl ow e d t h rough th e p or t Of A l e x
a nd r i a t o t h e c a pi t a l a nd p r ovi nc e s of t h e e m pi r e .

Idl e ne ss w a s u nk now n S om e w e re e m pl oy e d i n bl ow .

i ng Of gl a ss ot h e r s i n w e a vi ng of li ne n O t h e r s a g ai n
, ,

m a nufa c t u r i ng t h e p a py ru s Ei th e r se x a nd e v e ry .
,

a ge ,
w a s e ng a g e d i n t h e pu r sui t s of i ndu st ry ; nor

did e v e n t h e bli nd or t h e l a m e w a nt occup a t i ons

]
suit e d t o t h e i r c onditi on But t h e p e opl e Of A l e x .

a nd r i a a v a r i ou s m ix t u r e Of na t i ons
,
u ni t e d t h e va ,

ni t y a nd i nc onst a ncy of t h e G r e e k s wi t h t h e sup e r

st i t i on a nd ob st i na cy Of t h e Egyp t i a ns T h e m ost .

t rifli ng occ a si on a t ra nsi e nt sc a r ci t y Of fl e sh or l e nt il s

, ,

t h e ne gl e c t of a n a ccu st om e d sa lu t a ti on a m i st a k e Of ,

p re c e d e ncy i n t h e public b a t h s or e v e n a r e ligi ou s di s ,

Th A ugu t n Hi to y p 177 c ll i t
e s a s r i l b ll m See D iodo a s ser v e e ii . r.
i Pl i n Hi t N t u
. ,
,

Si c l l xxx i v v 10
l‘
u . . . . s . a r. . .

D i odo x n p 590
r. di t W li ng
v . . . e . e sse .

1S ee v y cu i ou l t t of H d i n i n t he A ugu t n H i to y p 2 45
a er r s e er a r a , s a s r , . .
332 THE D E C LIN E A N D F AL L
p u t e w e re a t a ny t i m e su ffici e nt t o ki ndl e a se di t i o
m
,
n
a mong t h a t v a st m ul ti t ud e wh ose r e se nt m e nt s w e r e ,

fu ri ou s a nd i m pl a c a bl e A ft e r t h e c a p t ivi t y Of V a
le ri a n a nd t h e i nsol e nc e of h i s ‘son h a d r e l a x e d t h e
a u t h or i t y Of t h e l a w s t h e A l e x a nd ri a ns a b a nd one d ,

t h e m se lv e s t o t h e u ng ov e r ne d r a g e Of t h e i r p a ssi ons ;
a nd t h e i r u nh a ppy c ou nt ry w a s t h e t h e a t r e Of a civil

w a r which c ont i nu e d (wi t h a fe w sh or t a nd su spici ou s

,

t ruc e s) a b ov e t w e lv e y e a rs A ll i nt e rc ou r se w a s cu t °
.

O ff b e t w e e n t h e se v e ra l qu a r t e rs Of t h e a ffl ic t e d ci t y ,

e v e ry st r e e t w a s p ollu t e d wi t h bl ood e v e r y buildi ng ,

of st re ng t h c onv e r t e d i nt o a ci t a de l ; nor did t h e t u

m u l t s sub sid e t ill a c onsid e r a bl e p a r t Of Al e x a nd r i a w a s

i rre t ri e v a bly r ui ne d T h e sp a ci ou s a nd m a g nific e nt .

di st ric t Of B ru ch i on wi t h i t s p a l a c e s a nd m u se um , ,

t h e r e sid e nc e Of t h e ki ng s a nd phil osoph e r s Of Egyp t ,

i s de sc r ib e d a b ov e a c e nt u ry a ft e r w a r d s a s a l re a dy r e
du ce d t o i t s p r e se nt st a t e of d re a ry soli t ud e P .

III T h e Ob scu re r e b e lli on of T re be lli a nu s w h o a s

.
,

su m e d t h e pu r pl e i n I sa u r i a a p e t t y p r ovi nc e of A si a ,

M i nor w a s a t t e nd e d wi th st ra ng e a nd m e m ora bl e con

,

se qu e nc e s T h e p a g e a nt Of r oy a l t y w a s soon d e st roy e d
.

by a n O ffic e r of G a lli e nu s ; bu t h i s foll ow e rs d e sp a i r ,

i ng of m e rcy r e solv e d t o sh a k e O ff t h e i r a ll e gi a nc e not

, ,

only t o th e e m p e r or bu t t o t h e e m pi r e a nd sudd e nly , ,

r e t u rne d t o t h e sa v a g e m a nne r s fr om which t h e y h a d

ne v e r p e r fe c t ly b e e n r e cl a i m e d Th e i r c ra ggy r ock s .
,

a b ra nch of t h e wid e e x t e nd e d T a u r u s p r ot e c t e d t h e i r ,

i na cc e ssibl e r e t re a t T h e t ill a g e of som e fe r t il e va l

.

l e y s q suppli e d t h e m wi t h ne c e ssa ri e s a nd a h a bi t of ,

ra pi ne wi t h t h e luxu r i e s Of li fe In t h e h e a r t of t h e .

R om a n m ona r chy t h e I sa u ri a ns l ong c ont i nu e d a na ,

t i on Of wild b a r b a r i a ns S ucc e e di ng p ri nc e s u na bl e .
,

t o r e duc e t h e m t o Ob e di e nc e e i th e r by a rm s or p olicy , ,

m Such c il egi ou m u d O f divi ne c t See B i od Sic l i

a s t h e sa
‘Hi t A g t p 195 Thi l ong a nd t ibl e di t i on w fi t occ a
r s r er a a . . . . .

1
s . u us . . . s e rr e s as rs ~

i one d by a d i pu t e b t w ee n
s sold i e a nd t ow n m n b ou t
e p i of S h oa s r a s a a a a r e s.
D i ony m p d En ch Hi t E ccl vol vi i p 2 1 A mm n xxii 16
s s a u s . s . es . ia

P Sc l i ge A i m d a d E b C h on p 2 58 Th ee di e t a t ion of
. . . . . .

a r ii a ve r. u se . r . . . r ss i s
M Bon my i n t he M é m de l A ca démi e t om ix
. a , .
’
, . .

i St
t
b o l xii p 569
ra , . . . .
 O F T H E R OMA N E MP IRE . 333

w e re c omp e ll e d t o a cknowl e dg e t h e i r w e a k ne ss by C H A P , .

X
su rr ou nd i ng t h e h ost il e a nd i nd e p e nd e nt sp ot wi t h a '

s t r ong ch a i n of for t ific a ti ons which Oft e n p rov e d i n

su ffi c i e nt t o re st ra i n t h e i ncu r si ons of t h e se d om e st ic
foe s T h e I sa u ri a ns g ra du a lly e x t e ndi ng t h e i r t e r
.
,

r i t or t o t h e a c oa st subdu e d t h e w e st e r n a nd m ou n
y e s ,

t a i nou s p a r t Of C ilici a for m e rly t h e ne st Of t h ose da r ,

in p i ra t e s a g a i nst wh om t h e r e public h a d onc e b e e n

g ,

oblig e d t o e x e r t i t s u t m ost for c e u nd e r t h e c onduc t of ,

t h e g r e a t P om p e y
3
.

O ur h a bi t s of t hi nki ng so fondly c onne c t t h e ord e r F m i n nd a e a

p m nce es e
Of t h e u niv e r se wi t h t h e fa t e of m a n t h a t t hi s gl oom y ,
'

p e ri od of hi st ory h a s b e e n d ecora t e d wi t h i nu nd a ti ons ,

e a r t hqu a k e s u nc omm on m e t e or s p r e t e rna t u ra l d a rk

, ,

ne ss a nd a c rowd of p r odigi e s fictiti ou s or e xa g g e ra t

ed
‘
.
,

B u t a l ong a nd g e ne ra l fa m i ne w a s a c a l a m i t y of
a m or e se ri ou s ki nd It w a s t h e i ne vi t a bl e c onse qu e nc e
.

of ra pi ne a nd opp r e ssi on which e x t i r p a t e d t h e p r oduc e ,

“
Of t h e p r e se nt a nd t h e h op e Of fu t u re h a r v e st s F a
, .

m i ne i s a l most a lw a y s foll ow e d by e pid e m ic a l di se a se s ,

t h e e ffe c t Of sc a nty a nd u nwh ol e som e food O th e r .

c a u se s m u st h ow e v e r h a v e c ont ribu t e d t o t h e fu ri ou s
pl a gu e which fr om t h e y e a r 2 50 t o t h e y e a r 2 65 ra g e d
, , .
,

wi t h ou t i nt e r rup t i on i n e v e ry p rovi nc e e v e ry ci t y a nd , ,

a l m ost e v e ry fa m ily of t h e R om a n e m pi re Du ri ng .

som e ti m e fi ve t h ou sa nd p e rsons di e d d a ily i n R ome ;

a nd m a ny t ow ns t h a t h a d e sc a p e d t h e h a nd s of t h e
,

b a rb a r i a ns w e r e e nt i re ly d e p opul a t e d
,
.

W e h a v e t h e knowl e dg e Of a v e ry cu ri ou s ci rcu m Di mi nu ti on
‘
st a nc e Of som e u se p e rh ap s i n t h e m e l a nch oly c a l e u :i fi
,
h ‘
e
p
l a t i on of hu ma n c a l a m i t i e s A n e x a ct re gi st e r w a s ci . e s.

k e pt a t A l e x a nd ri a Of a ll t h e ci t iz e ns e nt i tl e d t o r e
ce i ve t h e di st r ibu t i on Of c orn It w a s fou nd t h a t t h e .
,

a nci e nt nu m b e r of t h ose c om p r i se d b e tw e e n t h e a g e s

r
Hi st A ugu st p 197
. . . .

S Ce l l a ri
ee G og A ntiq t om
u s, p 137 U pon the li mi t of I sa u i a
e . . . ii . .
,
s r .

Hi t A ugu t p 177
s . s . . .

Hi t A ugu t p 177 ; Zo i mu l i p 2 4 ; Zona ra s 1 x p 62 3

s . s . . s s, . . . , . ii . .
°

E useb C h oni c on ; V ic t o i n Ep t om
. r V ic t o i n C
.
; E ut opi ix 5
r i r ze sa r . r u s, .

Or o iu
s vi i 2 1 s, . .
334 THE D E C LIN E A N D F A L L
Of for t y a nd se v e nt y h a d b e e n e qu a l t o t h e wh ol e su m
,

Of cl a i m a nt s from fou r t e e n t o fou rsc ore y e a rs Of a g e

, ,

w h o r e m a i ne d a liv e a ft e r t h e r e ig n of G a lli e nu s Ap x
.

plyi ng t hi s a u t h e nt ic fa c t t o t h e m ost c orr e c t t a bl e s Of

m or t a li t y i t e vid e nt ly p r ov e s t h a t a b ov e h a lf t h e p e o
, ,

p l e of A l e x a nd r i a h a d p e r i sh e d ; a nd c ould w e v e nt u r e

t o e x t e nd t h e a na l ogy t o t h e ot h e r p r ovi nc e s w e m igh t

,

su sp e c t t h a t w a r p e st il e n c e a nd fa m i ne h a d c onsu m e d
, , ,

i n a fe w y e a rs t h e m oi e t y Of t h e hum a n sp e ci e s
,
,

X
Euseb Hi st E
.- ccl fc
k f l
es vi i 2 l . Th e a t i s t a e n rom t h e e t t e rs of D i on
. .
y
i i h ubl
s ns, w h o, i n t he t m e of t ose t ro bi h p A l x d i
e s, w a s s o of e an r a .

V In a g re a t n m er O
u b fp ih l v h u d p w fu d
a r s es e e e n t o sa n e rsons e re o n
b w
et fu
e e n o rt e e n a nd eigh y h u d h hu d d
t ; fi ve t o sa n t re e ix n re a nd s ty -fi ve

b f y
e t w e e n ort v y
a nd se e nt Bu
Se e
. Hi i N u ll
ffon, st o reii p
a t re e , t orn
. 590
. . .
 C H AP TE R X I .

RE IG N —
O F C L A U D I U S DE F E A T
. O F THE G O TH S .
— V I OT O
R I E S T RI UM P H ;
, A ND DE A TH O F A U RE L I A N .

U ND E R th e
d e pl ora bl e re ig ns Of V a l e r i a n a nd G a l
l i e nu s t h e e m pi re w a s Opp r e sse d a nd a l m ost d e st r oy e d
,

by t h e soldi e rs t h e ty ra nt s a nd t h e b a rb a ri a ns It
, , .

w a s sa v e d by a se ri e s of g r e a t p r i nc e s w h o d e r iv e d ,

t h e i r Ob scu re origi n fr om t h e m a r t i a l p r ovi nc e s of Il

ly ri cu m .Wi t hi n a p e ri od of a b out t hi rt y y e a rs C l a u ,

di ns A u re li a n P r obu s Di ocl e t i a n a nd h i s c oll e a gu e s

, , , ,

t riu m ph e d ov e r t h e for e ig n a nd d om e st ic e ne m i e s Of
t h e st a t e r e e st a bli sh e d wi t h t h e m ili t a r y di scipli ne t h e
,

st r e ng t h of t h e front i e rs a nd d e se rv e d t h e
, gl ori ou s
t i t l e Of r e st ore rs of t h e R om a n w or ld .

T h e re m ov a l of a n e ffe m i na t e t y ra nt m a d e w a y for A ol u re us

a su cc e ssi on of h e r oe s
’

T h e i ndig na t i on of t h e p e opl e i nv d a es
.

I t ly i d a , s e

i m pu t e d a ll th e i r c a l a m i t i e s t o G a lli e nu s a nd t h e fa r f t d nd ,
ea e ,
a

SE
T t
gr e a t e r p a rt w e re i nd e e d t he c onse que nc e of h i s di s R
, , E
a

solu t e m a nne rs a nd c a re l e ss a d m i ni st ra t i on He w a s .

e v e n d e sti t u t e of a se nse of h onou r which so fre qu e nt ly ,

suppli e s t h e a b se nc e O f public vi r t u e ; a nd a s l ong a s

h e w a s p e rm i t t e d t o e nj oy t h e p osse ssi on of I t a ly a ,

vict or y Of t h e b a rb a r i a ns t h e l oss Of a p rovi nc e or t h e

, ,

re b e lli on O f a g e ne ra l se ld om di st u r b e d t h e t ra nquil
,

c ou rse of h i s pl e a su r e s A t l e ng t h a c onsid e ra bl e A D 2 68
.
. . .

a rm y , st a t i one d on t h e U pp e r D a nub e i nv e st e d with ,

t h e i m p e ri a l pu r pl e t h e i r l e a d e r A u r e ol u s ; w h o di s ,

d a i ni ng a c onfi ne d a nd b a rr e n re ig n ov e r t h e m ou n
t a i ns of Rh ae t i a p a sse d t h e A lp s occupi e d M il a n
, , ,

t h re a t e ne d R om e a nd ch a ll e ng e d G a lli e nu s t o di spu t e
,

i n t h e fi e ld t h e sov e re ig nt y Of I t a ly T h e e m p e ror .
,

p r ov ok e d by t h e i nsul t a nd a l a rm e d by t h e i nst a nt
,

d a ng e r sudd e nly e x e r t e d t h a t l a t e nt vig ou r which

,

som e t i m e s b r ok e t h r ough t h e i nd ol e nc e of h i s t e m p e r .

F orci ng hi m se lf from t h e luxu ry of t h e p a l a c e h e a p ,

336 TH E D E CL IN E A N D F A L L
p e a r e d in h e a d Of h i s l e gi ons a nd a d
a rm s a t the ,

va nce d b e y ond t h e P O t o e nc ou nt e r h i s c om p e t i t or .

T h e c orrup t e d na m e O f P ont i rol o st ill p re se rv e s t h e a

m e m ory Of a b ridg e ov e r t h e A dd a which du r i ng t h e , ,

a c t i on m u st h a v e p r ov e d a n Obj e c t of t h e u t m ost i m
,

p ort a nc e t o b ot h a rmi e s T h e Rh ae t i a n u su r p e r a ft e r .
,

r e c e ivi ng a t ot a l d e fe a t a nd a d a ng e r ou s w ou nd re ,

t i re d i nto M il a n T h e si e g e of t h a t g re a t ci t y w a s
.

i m m e di a t e ly form e d ; t h e w a ll s w e r e b a t t e re d wi t h e v e r y
e ngi ne i n u se a mong t h e a nci e nt s ; a nd A u re ol u s d oub t ,

ful of h i s i nt e rna l st re ng t h a nd h op e l e ss Of fore ig n ,

succ ou r s, a l re a dy a nt icip a t e d t h e fa t a l c onse qu e nc e s of

u nsucc e ssful r e b e lli on .

H i s l a st re sou rc e w a s a n a t t e m pt t o se duc e t h e l oy a l t y
Of t h e b e si e g e r s H e sc a t te re d lib e ls t h r ough t h e i r c a m p
.
,

i nvi t i ng t h e t roop s t o d e se r t a n u nw or t hy m a st e r w h o ,

sa c r ific e d t h e public h a ppi ne ss t o h i s luxu r y a nd t h e ,

liv e s Of h i s m ost v a lu a b l e subj e c t s t o t h e sligh t e st su s

p i ci on s T h e. a r t s Of A u r e ol u s di ffu se d fe a rs a nd di s

c ont e nt a m ong t h e p ri ncip a l O ffi ce r s Of h i s r iv a l A .

c onspi ra cy w a s form e d by H e ra cli a nu s th e p re t ori a n

p re fe ct by M a rci a n a g e ne ra l of ra nk a nd re put a t i on
, ,

a nd by C e c rop s w h o c om m a nd e d a nu m e r ou s b ody
,

of D a l m a t i a n gu a r d s T h e d e a t h O f G a lli e nu s w a s
.
:

r e solv e d ; a nd n ot wi t h st a ndi ng t h e i r d e si r e of fi rst t e r

,

m i na t i ng t h e S i e g e of M il a n t h e e x t re m e d a ng e r which ,

a cc om p a ni e d e v e r y m om e nt s d e l a y oblig e d t h e m t o
’

h a st e n t h e e x e cu t i on Of t h e i r d a r i ng pu rp ose A t a .

l a t e h our O f th e nigh t but whil e th e e m p e r or st ill p ro ,

t ra ct e d t h e pl e a su re s of t h e t a ble a n a l a rm w a s su d ,

de nly giv e n t h a t A u re ol u s a t t h e h e a d of a ll h i s
, ,

forc e s h a d m a d e a d e sp e ra t e sa lly from t h e t ow n

,

G a lli e nu s w h o w a s ne v e r d e fici e nt i n p e r sona l b ra v e r y

, ,

st a r t e d fr om h i s silk en c ouch ; a nd wi t h out a ll owi ng ,

8
P o n A oli t hi t n m il f om B g m o nd t hi t y t w o f om M i
r u re r ee es r er a a r r

C luv I t li A ntiq t om 1 p 2 45 N t hi pl c i n t h y
, ,

l n
a : se e e r. a a . . . . . ea r s a e, e ea r

170 3 t h ob t i n t b t t l of C
, e s no w
a e fough t b t w n th F nch nd
a e a ssa as e ee e re a

Au t i n s r a Th xc ll nt l t i on of th C h v li d Fol d w ho
s. e e e e re a e e a er e ar , w as
p nt giv v y di t i nc t id of t h g ou nd
re se , es a er Poly b d Pol d t om
s ea e r see e e ar , .

i i i p 2 2 3— 2 48
. . .
 OF THE R O MA N E MP IR E . 337

hi m se lf t i m e e i t h e r t o p u t on h i s a r m ou r or t o a sse m C H A P .

XI
b le h i s gu a r d s h e m ou nt e d on h or se b a ck a n d r od e
'

, ,

full sp e e d t ow a r d s t h e supp ose d pl a c e of a t t a ck E n .

c om p a sse d by h i s d e cl a re d or c onc e a l e d e ne m i e s h e ,

soon ,
a m id st t h e noc t u r na l t u m ul t r e c e iv e d a m or t a l ,

da r t fr om a n u nc e r t a i n h a nd B e fore h e e xpi re d a A D 2 68
.
, . . .

p a t ri ot ic se nt im e nt r i si ng i n t h e m i nd Of G a lli e nu s i h ,

du ce d h i m t o na m e a d e se r vi ng succ e ssor ; a nd i t w a s G lli enu a s.

h i s l a st re qu e st t h a t t h e i m p e r i a l or na m e nt s sh ould b e
,

d e liv e r e d t o C l a udiu s w h o t h e n c om m a nd e d a d e t a ch e d
,

a rm y i n t h e ne ighb ou r h ood of P a vi a T h e r e p or t a t .

l e a st w a s dilig e nt ly p rop a g a t e d a nd t h e or de r ch e e r ,

fully ob e y e d by t h e c onspi ra t ors w h o ha d a l re a dy ,

a g r e e d t o pl a c e C l a u diu s on t h e t h rone O n t h e fi rst .

ne w s of t h e e m p e r or s d e a t h t h e t r oop s e xp r e sse d
’

som e su spici on a nd r e se nt m e nt t ill t h e one w a s r e ,

m ov e d a nd t h e ot h e r a ssu a g e d by a d ona t iv e of t w e nty

, ,

pi e c e s of g old t o e a ch soldi e r Th e y t h e n r a t ifi e d t h e
.

e l e c t i on a nd a ck nowl e dg e d t h e m e r i t of t h e i r ne w
,

sov e r e ig n
b .

T h e ob scu ri t y which c ov e r e d t h e or igi n of C l a udiu s C h c t , a ra er

t h ough i t w a s a ft e r w a r d s e m b e lli sh e d by som e fl a t t e r i ng

32%
fi c t i ons su ffici e nt ly b e tra y s t h e m e a nne ss of h i s bi r t h m p o . e er r

W e ca n only di sc ov e r t h a t h e w a s a na t iv e of one of
,
Cl ndm a s'

t h e p r ovi nc e s b or d e ri ng on t h e D a nub e ; t h a t h i s y ou t h
w a s sp e nt i n a r m s a nd t h a t h i s m od e st v a l ou r a t t ra c t e d
,

t h e fa v ou r a nd c onfid e nc e of D e ciu s T h e se na t e a nd .

p e opl e a l re a dy c onsid e re d h i m a s a n e xc e ll e nt offi c e r ,

e qu a l t o t h e m ost i m p ort a nt t ru st s ; a nd c e nsu re d t h e

i na tt e nt i on of V a l e ri a n w h o su ffe r e d h i m t o r e m a i n i n
,

t h e sub or d i nat e st a t i on of a t r ibu ne B u t i t w a s not .

l ong b e for e t h a t e m p e ror di st i ngui sh e d t h e m e r i t of

C l a udiu s by d e cl a r i ng h i m g e ne ra l a nd chi e f of t h e
,

b d h G lli u P
O n t he e a t of a e n s, se e Treb e lli us o o i n st st lli Hi A ugu p
. . .

181; Z i u l i p
os m s, . l xii p
37 ; Z ona ra s,
. . 634 ; E nt ro
. . . 11; ure p ix
. A .

l i u V ic
s t or i n Epi t omV ic Ct or i n I h v
aesa r a e . om a re a nd en e c p d bl d d
h h v ch i fly f ll w d u liu V ic
t e m a ll , b u t a e e o o e A re s t or, w ho se e m s t o a e h a d h v
b i
t h e e st m e m o rs .

6
S
om e s upp d ose ddly
hi m , o g b
e nou h , t o b e a a st a r of t h e y o n e r G or d u g
di an . h k dv g p vi c
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e hi s d duc
or igi f D d
n rom ci ki g T
a r a nu s, a nd t h e a n e nt n s of ro y .

V OL I . . z
 TH E DE C LIN E A N D F A L L
Illy r i a n front i e r wi t h t h e c omm a nd of a ll th e t r oop s i n
,

Th ra c e M se si a D a ci a P a nnoni a a nd D a l m a t i a t h e
, , , , ,

a pp oi nt m e nt s of t h e p re fe c t of Egyp t t h e e st a bli sh ,

m e nt of t h e p r oc onsul of A fric a a nd t h e su r e p r osp e c t ,

of t h e c onsul ship By h i s vic t ori e s ov e r t h e G ot h s h e

.
,

d e se r v e d from t h e se na t e t h e h onour of a st a t u e a nd ,

e xci t e d t h e j e a l ou s a pp r e h e nsi ons of G a lli e nu s It w a s .

i m p ossibl e t h a t a soldi e r c ould e st e e m so di ssolu t e a

sov e re ig n ; nor i s i t e a sy t o c onc e a l a j u st c ont e m p t .

S om e u ngu a r d e d e xp r e ssi ons which d r op t fr om C l a u

di ns w e re offi ciou sly t ra nsm i t te d t o t h e r oy a l e a r
,
.

T h e e m p e r or s a nsw e r t o a n offi c e r of c onfid e nc e de

’

sc rib e s i n v e r y liv e ly c ol ou r s h i s ow n ch a ra c t e r a nd

t h a t Of t h e t i m e s Th e r e i s not a ny t hi ng c a p a bl e of
.

givi ng m e m ore se r i ou s c onc e rn t h a n t h e i nt e llig e nc e ,

d
c ont a i ne d i n y ou r l a st d e sp a t ch ; t h a t som e m a lici ou s
sugg e st i ons h a v e i ndi sp ose d t ow a r d s u s t h e m i nd of

ou r fri e nd a nd p a r e nt C l a udiu s A s y ou r e g a r d y ou r .

a ll e gi a nc e u se e v e r y m e a ns t o a pp e a se h i s r e se nt m e nt ;
,

b u t c onduc t y ou r ne g oci a t i on wi t h se c re cy : l e t i t not

r e a ch t h e k nowl e dg e of t h e D a ci a n t r oop s ; t h e y a re

a l re a dy p r ov ok e d a nd i t m igh t i nfl a m e t h e i r fu r y
, I .

m y se lf h a v e se nt h i m som e p re se nt s : b e i t y ou r c a re
-

t h a t h e a cc e p t t h e m wi t h pl e a su re A b ov e a ll le t h i m .
,

not su sp e c t t h a t I a m m a d e a cqu a i nt e d wi t h h i s i m ru
p
d e nc e T h e fe a r of m y a ng e r m igh t u rg e h im t o de s
.

”
p e ra t e cou nse l s T h e p r e se nt s which a cc om p a ni e d
e
.

‘
t hi s hu m bl e e pi st l e i n which t h e m ona r ch solici t e d a
,

r e c oncili a t i on wi t h h i s di sc ont e nt e d subj e c t c onsi st e d ,

of a c onsid e r a bl e su m of m one y a spl e ndi d w a r d r ob e , ,

a nd a v a lu a bl e se rvic e of silv e r a nd g old pl a t e By .

such a r t s G a lli e nu s soft e ne d t h e i ndig na t i on a nd di s ,

p e lle d t h e fe a r s Of hi s Illy r i a n g e ne r a l ; a nd du r i ng
, ,

t h e r e m a i nd e r of t h a t r e ig n t h e form id a bl e sw or d of ,

C l a udiu s w a s a lw a y s d r a w n i n th e c a u se of a m a st e r
‘N
1 ot ori a , a p i odic l
er a a nd of fici a l d e p a t ch which t h e e mpero
s c e iv e d
rs r e

f om
r t he f r u ment a r i i or a g e nt s di p d t h ough t h p ovi nc e
s e rse r e r s. O f the e s

w e ma y p k h e a ft e
s ea er r.
e
H i t A ugu t p 2 08 G a lli nu d e c ib es t h pl a t e v estments
s . s . . . e s s r e , , e t c.
l i k e a ma n w ho l ov e d a nd u nde tood t h ose pl e ndid t i fi e rs s r s.
 O F TH E R OMA N E MP IR E . 339

wh om h e de spi se d A t l a st i nd e e d h e re c e iv e d from C H A P

“
.
, , .

t h e c onspi ra t or s t h e bl oody pu r pl e of G a lli e nu s : bu t X L

“
h e h a d b e e n a b se nt from t h e i r c a m p a nd c ou nse l s ; a nd
h ow e v e r h e m igh t a ppla ud t h e d e e d w e m a y c a ndidly ,

p r e sum e t h a t h e w a s i nnoc e nt of t h e k nowl e dg e of i t f

.

Wh e n C l a udiu s a sc e nd e d t h e t h r one h e w a s a b ou t ,

fi ft y fou r y e a r s of a g e
-
.

T h e si e g e of M il a n w a s st ill c ont i nu e d a nd A u re ol u s D t h of , ea

A m om e s’
soon di sc ov e r e d t h a t t h e succ e ss of h i s a r t i fi ce s h a d
,

only ra i se d up a m or e d e t e rm i ne d a dv e r sa r y He a t .

t e m p t e d t o ne g oci a t e wi t h C l a udiu s a t re a t y of a lli a nc e

”
a nd p a r t i t i on T e ll h i m r e pli e d t h e i nt r e pid e m
.
,

p e ror t h a t such p r op osa l s sh ould h a v e b e e n m a d e t o

,

G a lli e nus ; be p e rh a p s m igh t h a v e li st e ne d t o t h e m

, ,

wi th p a t i e nc e a nd a cc e p t e d a c oll e a gu e a s d e spic a bl e
a s hi m se lf ‘
,

5
Thi s ste rn r e fu sa l a nd a l a st u nsucc e ss ,

ful e ffort oblig e d A u r e olu s t o yi e ld t h e ci t y a nd h i m

,

se lf t o t h e di sc r e t i on of t h e c onqu e r or T h e j udg e m e nt .

of t h e a rm y p r onou nc e d h i m w ort hy of de a t h ; a nd

C l a udiu s a ft e r a fe e bl e r e si st a nc e c onse nt e d t o t h e e x
, ,

ec u t i on of t h e se nt e nc e N or w a s t h e z e a l of t h e se n .

a t e l e ss a r d e nt i n t h e c a u se of t h e i r ne w sov e r e ig n .

Th e y ra t ifi e d p e r h a p s wi t h a S i nc e r e t ra nsp or t of z e a l
, ,

t h e e l e c t i on of C l a udiu s ; a nd a s h i s p re d e c e ssor h a d
sh ow n hi m se lf t h e p e r sona l e ne m y of t h e i r or d e r t h e y ,

e x e r ci se d u nde r t h e na m e of j u st ic e a se v e r e r e v e ng e

a g a i nst h i s fri e nd s a nd fa m ily T h e se na t e w a s p e r .

m i t t e d t o di sch a r g e t h e u ng r a t e ful offi c e of pu ni sh m e nt ;

a nd t h e e m p e r or r e se r v e d for hi m se lf t h e pl e a su r e a nd

m e r i t of ob t a i ni ng by h i s i nt e r c e ssi on a g e ne r a l a ct of
h
i nd e m ni ty
S uch ost e nta t i ou s cl e m e ncy di sc ov e rs l e ss of t h e re a l C l m n y e e g

nd
'

l t c a us i e
ch a ra c t e r of C l a ud i u s t h a n a t ri fl i ng C i r cu m st a nc e i n of ci di , au us.

J uli an
( O ra t . i p
C l udiu cqui ed t h m pi i n
. . fi
a f rms t h at a s a r e e re a

j u t nd v n h oly m nn B t w m y di t u t t h p t i li ty of ki n m n
s . a e e a e r. u e a s r s e ar a a s a .

t i Hi t A ugu t p 2 03
s . Th s . om t ifli ng d i ff
. nc c onc ni ng
. e re a re s e r e re es er

t h ci cu m t nc
e r of t h l
s a t d f t nd d
es t h of A ol e as e ea a ea u re u s.
h Au l i u V ic t o i n G lli n Th p opl l oudly p y d fo t h d m n
re s r a e . e e e ra e r e a a

t i on of G ll i nu Th
a n t
e d c e d t h t hi l t i on nd v nt
s. e se a e e r e a s re a s a se r a s

s h ould b t h ow n dow n h dl ong f om th G moni n t i

e r A n b nox
ea r e e a s a rs. O

i ou offic of t h e v nu h d hi y t o n o t whil t u nd x mi na t i on
s er e r e e a s e es r u s er e a .

2 2
 340 THE D E C LIN E A ND FA L L
C H A P which h e se e m s t o h a v e c onsul t e d only th e dic t a t e s of
.

XI h i s h e a rt
.

T h e fre qu e nt r e b e lli ons Of t h e p r ovi nc e s

.

h a d i nv olv e d a l m ost e v e r y p e r son i n t h e guil t of t re a son ,

a l m ost e v e r y e st a t e i n t h e c a se of c onfi sc a t i on ; a nd

G a lli e nu s oft e n di spl a y e d h i s lib e ra li ty by di st ribu t i ng ,

a m ong h i s offic e r s t h e p r op e r t y of h i s subj ec t s On .

t h e a cc e ssi on of C l a udiu s a n Old w om a n t h r e w h e rse lf

,

a t h i s fe e t a nd c om pl a i ne d t h a t a g e ne r a l of t h e l a t e
,

e m p e r or h a d ob t a i ne d a n a rbi t r a r y g ra nt of h e r p a t r i

m ony Thi s g e ne ra l w a s C l a udiu s hi m se lf w h o h a d

. ,

not e nt i r e ly e sc a p e d t h e c ont a gi on of t h e t i m e s T he .

e m e ror blu sh e d a t t h e r e p roa ch b u t d e se r v e d t h e

p ,

c onfid e nc e which sh e h a d r e p ose d i n h i s e qui t y T h e .

c onfe ssi on of hi s fa ul t w a s a cc omp a ni e d wi t h im m e

i
di a t e a nd a m pl e re st i t u t i on .

H u nd
e In t h e a r du ou s t a sk which C l a udi u s h a d u nd e r t a k e n
er ,
t k
a thes e
o f r e st ori ng t h e e m pi re t o i t s a nci e nt spl e nd ou r i t w a s
refo m t i on
r a ,

of t h my fi r st ne c e ssa ry t o r e viv e a m ong h i s t r oop s a se nse of

e ar .

or d e r a nd O b e di e nc e Wi t h t h e a u t h ori ty of a v e t e r a n
.

c om m a nd e r h e r e p re se nt e d t o t h e m t h a t t h e r e l a x a
, ,

t i on of di scipli ne h a d i nt r oduc e d a l ong t r a i n of di s

or d e r s t h e e ffe ct s of which w e re a t l e ng t h e xp e ri e nc e d
,

by t h e soldi e rs t h e m se lv e s ; t h a t a p e opl e r ui ne d by
Opp re ssi on a nd i nd ol e nt from d e sp a i r c ould no l ong e r
, ,

supply a nu m e r ou s a r m y wi t h t h e m e a n s of luxu ry or ,

e v e n of sub si st e nc e ; t h a t t h e d a ng e r of e a ch i ndividu a l

h a d i nc re a se d wi t h t h e d e sp ot i sm of t h e m ili t a r y or d e r ,

si nc e p r i nc e s w h o t r e m bl e on t h e t h rone will gu a r d ,

t h e i r sa fe t y by t h e i nst a nt sa c r ific e of e v e ry ob noxi ou s

subj e c t T h e e m p e ror e xp a t i a t e d on t h e m i schi e fs of
‘
.

a l a wl e ss c a p r ic e which t h e soldi e rs c ould only g ra t ify

,

a t t h e e xp e nse of t h e i r ow n bl ood ; a s t h e i r se di t i ou s

e l e c t i ons h a d so fre qu e nt ly b e e n foll ow e d by civil w a r s ,

which c onsu m e d t h e fl ow e r of t h e l e gi ons e i th e r i n t h e

fi e ld of b a t tl e or i n t h e c ru e l a bu se of vic t or y H e .

p a i nt e d i n t h e m ost liv e ly c ol ou rs t h e e xh a u st e d st a t e
of t h e t r e a su ry t h e de sol a t i on of t h e p r ovi n c e s t h e
, ,

di sgra c e of t h e R om a n na m e a nd t h e i nsol e nt t riu m ph ,

Zon 1 x p 137 a ra s, . ii. . .

 O F THE R OMA N E MP IRE . 341

of ra p a ci ou s b a rb a ri a ns It w a s a g a i nst t h ose b a r b a C H A P .

L
.

r i a ns h e d e cl a re d t h a t h e i nt e nd e d t o p oi nt t h e fi r st
X
, ,

e ffor t of t h e i r a rm s T e t ri cu s m igh t r e ig n for a whil e

.

ov e r t h e w e st a nd e v e n Z e nobi a m igh t p re se r v e t h e
,

d om i ni on of t h e e a st k Th e se u su r p e rs w e re h i s p e r
.

sona l a dv e rsa r i e s ; nor c ould h e t hi nk of i ndulgi ng a ny

p r iv a t e r e se ntme nt t ill h e h a d sa v e d a n e m pi re wh ose ,

i m p e ndi ng rui n w ould u nl e ss i t w a s t i m e ly p r e v e nt e d

, ,

c ru sh b ot h t h e a rm y a nd t h e p e opl e .

T h e v a r i ou s na t i ons of G e rm a ny a nd S a r m a t i a w h o A D 2 69 ,
. . .

fough t u nd e r t h e G ot hic st a nd a r d h a d a l r e a dy col ,

l e ct e d a n a rm a m e nt m ore form id a bl e t h a n a ny which e mpi re r

h a d y e t i ssu e d from t h e Euxi ne O n t h e b a nk s of t h e .

N i e st e r one of t h e g re a t r iv e r s t h a t di sch a r g e t h e m
,

se lv e s i nt o t h a t se a t h e y c onst r uc t e d a fl e e t of t w o t h ou
,

l
sa nd or e v e n of S ix t h ou sa nd ve sse l s ; nu m b e rs which
, ,

h ow e v e r i nc r e dibl e t h e y m a y se e m w ould h a v e b e e n ,

i nsu ffici e nt t o t ra nsp or t t h e i r p r e t e nd e d a rm y of t h re e

hu nd re d a nd t w e nt y t h ou sa nd b a rb a r i a ns Wh a t e v e r .

m igh t b e t h e r e a l st r e ngth Of t h e G ot h s t h e vig ou r a nd ,

succ e ss of t h e e xp e di t i on w e r e not a d e qu a t e t o t h e

g r e a t ne ss of t h e p re p a ra t i ons In t h e i r p a ssa g e t h r ough .

t h e B osph oru s t h e u nskil ful pil ot s w e r e ov e r p ow e re d

,

by t h e vi ol e nc e of th e cu rr e nt ; a nd whil e t h e m ul t i t ud e
of t h e i r ship s w e re c r owd e d i n a na rr ow ch a nne l m a ny ,

w e r e d a sh e d a g a i nst e a ch ot h e r or a g a i nst t h e sh ore , .

T h e b a rb a ri a ns m a d e se v e ra l d e sc e nt s on t h e c oa st s
b ot h of Eu rop e a nd A si a ; b u t t h e Op e n c ou nt ry w a s
a l re a dy plu nd e r e d a nd t h e y w e re r e pul se d wi t h S h a m e
,

a nd l oss fr om t h e for t ifi e d ci t i e s which th e y a ssa ul t e d .

A sp i r i t of di sc ou ra g e m e nt a nd divi si on a r ose i n t h e
'

fl e e t a nd som e of t h e i r chi e fs sa il e d a w a y t ow a r d s th e
,

i sl a nd s of C re t e a nd C yp ru s ; b u t t h e m a i n b ody pu r su ,

i ng a m or e st e a dy c ou rse a nch ore d a t l e ng t h ne a r t h e ,

foot of m ou nt A t h os a nd a ssa ul t e d t h e ci t y Of Th e ssa

,

‘Zo
l
hi occ a i on m nt i on P o t hu m u ; b t t h gi t of t h
na ra s on t s s e s s s u e re s e rs e
se na t e ( Hi t A ugu t p
s . p ov e t h a t T r i e n w
s . . l e dy e m p e o of
r e r s as a r a r r
t h w t n p ov i nc
e es e r r e s.
T h A ugu t n Hi t o y m e nt i on t h e m ll
e s a s r Zona a t he l a g e nums s a e r, r s r r

ber : t he liv ly f ncy of Mont e qui u i nd c e d h i m t o p e f

e a t he l a t t e
s e u r er r.
342 THE DE C L IN E A N D F A L L
l oni ca , th e w e a l t hy c a pi t a l of a ll t h e M a c e d oni a n p ro
vinc e s Th e i r a t t a ck s i n which t h e y di spl a y e d a fi e r c e
.
,

b u t a r t l e ss b ra v e ry w e r e soon i nt e r rup t e d by t h e ra pid

,

a pp r oa ch of C l a udiu s h a st e ni ng t o a sc e ne of a c t i on ,

t h a t d e se rv e d t h e p re se nc e of a w a r lik e p r i nc e a t t h e
h e a d of t h e r e m a i ni ng p ow e r s of t h e e m pi re I m p a .

t i e nt for b a t t l e t h e G ot h s i m m e di a t e ly b r ok e up t h e i r
,

ca m p r e li nqui sh e d t h e si e g e of T h e ssa loni ca l e ft t h e i r

, ,

na vy a t t h e foot of m ou nt A t h os t ra v e rse d t h e hill s of ,

M a c e d oni a a nd p r e sse d for w a rd s t o e ng a g e t h e l a st

,

d e fe nc e of I t a ly .

W e st ill p osse ss a n origi na l l e t t e r a dd re sse d by C l a u

di ns t o t h e se na t e a nd p e opl e on t hi s m e m ora bl e occ a
si on . C onsc rip t fa t h e r s sa y s t h e e m p e r or k now , ,

t h a t t h r e e hu nd r e d a nd t w e nt y t h ou sa nd G ot h s h a v e
'

i nv a d e d t h e R om a n t e r ri t or y If I v a nq ui sh t h e m y ou r .
,

g ra t i t ud e will r e w a r d m y se rvic e s S hould I fa ll r e .

,

m e m b e r t h a t I a m t h e succ e ssor of G a lli e nu s T he .

wh ol e re public i s fa t igu e d a nd e xh a u st e d W e sh a ll .

figh t a ft e r V a l e ri a n a ft e r Ing e nu u s R e g illi a nu s L olli

, , ,

a nu s P ost hu m u s C e l su s a nd a t h ou sa nd ot h e rs wh om
, , , ,

a j u st c ont e m p t for G a lli e nu s p r ov ok e d i nt o r e b e lli on .

W e a re i n w a nt of d a r t s of sp e a rs a nd of shi e ld s , , .

T h e st re ng t h of t h e e m pi re G a ul a nd S p a i n a r e , ,

u su r p e d by T e t ri cu s ; a nd w e blu sh t o a ck nowl e dg e t h a t
t h e a r ch e r s of t h e e a st se rv e u nd e r t h e b a nne r s Of Z e

nob i a Wh a t e v e r w e sh a ll p e r form will b e su ffici e ntly

.
,

g re a t T h e m e l a nch oly fi r m ne ss of t hi s e pi st l e a n
nou nce s a h e r o c a re l e ss of h i s fa t e c onsci ou s of h i s ,

d a ng e r b u t st ill d e rivi ng a w e ll g rou nd e d h op e from

,
-

t h e r e sou r c e s of h i s ow n m i nd .

T h e e v e nt su r p a sse d h i s ow n e xp e ct a t i ons a nd th ose

of t h e w orld By th e m ost sig na l vic t ori e s h e d e liv e re d
.

t h e e m pi re fr om t hi s h ost of b a rb a ri a ns a nd w a s di s ,

t i ng u i sh e d by p ost e r i t y u nd e r t h e gl ori ou s a pp e ll a t i on

of t h e G ot hic C l a udiu s T h e i m p e r fe c t hi st or i a ns of
.

a n i rre gul a r w a r do not e na bl e u s t o d e sc r ib e t h e or d e r

n

m T b l l P oll i o i n Hi t A ugu t p 2 0 4
re e . Hi t A ugu t i n C l ud
s . s . . . s . s . a .

A u l i n t P ob Z o i m u l i p 38— 42 Zon
re a . e r . s 1 m i p 638 A u l
s, . . . a ra s, . . . re .

V ic t o i n Epi tom Vi ct o j ni o i n C
r .
; E nt op ix 11 E
r u b i n C h on
r aesa r. r . . u se . r .
 O F THE R OMA N E MP IRE . 343

a nd ci rcu m st a nc e s of h i s e xpl oi t s ; b u t if w e c ould be ,

i ndulg e d i n t h e a llu si on w e m igh t di st r ibu t e i nt o t h re e

,

a c t s t hi s m e m or a bl e t ra g e dy I T h e d e ci siv e b a t tl e

“
. .

w a s fough t ne a r N a i ssu s a ci t y of D a rd a ni a
, T h e le .

gi ons a t fi r st g a v e w a y Opp r e sse d by nu m b e rs a nd di s

, ,

m a y e d by m i sfor t u ne s Th e ir r ui n w a s i ne vi t a bl e h a d
.
,

not t h e a bili t i e s of t h e i r e m p e r or p re p a r e d a se a sona bl e

r e li e f
. A l a rg e d e t a ch m e nt ri si ng ou t of t h e se c r e t a nd
di fficult p a sse s of t h e m ou nt a i ns which by h i s ord e r , , ,

th e y h a d occupi e d sudd e nly a ssa il e d t h e r e a r of t h e

,

vic t ori ou s G ot h s T h e fa v ou ra bl e i nst a nt w a s i m p r ov e d

.

by t h e a c t ivi t y of C l a udiu s H e r e viv e d t h e c ou r a g e

.

of h i s t r oop s r e st or e d t h e i r r a nk s a nd p re sse d t h e
, ,

b a r b a ri a ns on e v e ry sid e Fift y t h ou sa nd m e n a r e re
. .

p or t e d t o h a v e b e e n sl a i n i n t h e b a t t l e of N a i ssu s .

S e v e ra l l a rg e b odi e s of b a rb a r i a ns c ov e ri ng t h e i r r e
,

t re a t wi t h a m ov e a bl e for t ific a t i on of w a gg ons r e ti re d , ,

or ra t h e r e sc a p e d fr om t h e fi e ld of sl a ugh t e r
, II W e . .

m a y p re su m e th a t som e i nsu rm ou nt a bl e di fficul t y t h e ,

fa tigu e p e rh a p s or t h e di sob e di e nc e of t h e c onqu e r

, , ,

ors p r e v e nt e d C l a udiu s fr om c om pl e t i ng i n one da y

,

t h e d e st ructi on of t h e G oth s T h e w a r w a s di ffu se d

.

ov e r t h e p r ovi nc e s of M se si a Th ra c e a nd M a c e d oni a
, , ,

a nd i t s Op e ra t i ons d r a w n ou t i nt o a v a r i e t y of m a r ch e s ,

su r p r i se s a n
, d t u multu a ry e ng a g e m e nt s a s w e ll by se a ,

a s by l a nd . Wh e n t h e R om a ns su ffe re d a ny l oss i t ,

w a s c om m only occ a si oned by t h e i r ow n c ow a rdic e or

r a sh ne ss ; b u t t h e sup e r i or t a l e nt s O f t h e e m p e r or h i s ,

p e r fe ct k nowl e dg e of t h e cou nt ry a nd h i s j udici ou s ,

'

ch oic e of me a su re s a s w e ll a s offic e r s a ssu r e d on m ost ,

occ a si ons t h e succ e ss of h i s a r m s T h e i m m e nse b oot y

.
,

t h e fr ui t of so m a ny vic t or i e s c onsi st e d for t h e g r e a t e r

,

p a rt of c a tt l e a nd sl a v e s A se l e c t b ody of t h e G othic
.

y ou t h w a s re c e iv e d a m ong th e i m p e ri a l t r oop s ; t h e re
m a i nde r w a s sold i nt o se rvitud e ; a nd so c onsid e r a bl e
w a s t h e nu m b e r of fe m a l e c a p t iv e s t h a t e v e ry soldi e r
,

ob t a i ne d t o h i s sh a r e t w o or t h r e e w om e n : a ci r cu m

st a nc e fr om which w e m a c o n clud e t h a t t h e i nv a d e r s
y ,

e nt e r t a i ne d som e d e sig ns of se t t l e m e nt a s w e ll a s of
 344 THE D E C L I N E A N D FAL L
C H A P plu nd e r ; si nc e e v e n i n a na v a l e xp e di t i on t h e y w e re
.

XI
a cc om p a ni e d by t h e i r fa m ili e s
'

III T h e l oss of t h e i r . .

fl e e t which w a s e i t h e r t a k e n or su nk h a d i nt e r c e p t e d
, ,

t h e r e t re a t of t h e G ot h s A v a st ci rcl e of R om a n p ost s . ,

di st ribu t e d wi t h skill supp or t e d wi t h fi rm ne ss a nd , ,

g ra du a lly cl osi ng t ow a rd s a c om m on c e nt re for c e d t h e ,

b a rb a ri a ns i nt o t h e m ost i na cc e ssibl e p a r t s of m ou nt
H ae m u s wh e r e t h e y fou nd a sa fe r e fug e b u t a v e r y
, ,

sc a nt y sub si st e nc e D u ri ng t h e c ou r se of a r ig or ou s
.

wi nt e r i n which t h e y w e re b e si e g e d by t h e e m p e ror s
’

t r oop s fa m i ne a nd p e st il e nc e d e se r t i on a nd t h e sw or d
, , ,

A D 2 70
. . c ont i nu a lly di m i ni sh e d t h e i m p ri sone d m ul t i t ud e O n
. .

t h e re tu rn of sp r i ng n ot hi ng a pp e a r e d i n a r m s e xc e p t
,

a h a r dy a nd d e sp e r a t e b a nd t h e r e m na nt O f t h a t m igh t y ,

h ost which h a d e m b a rk e d a t t h e m ou th of t h e N e i st e r .

M ch
ar .
T h e p e st il e n c e which sw e p t a w a y such nu m b e r s of
t h e b a r b a r i a ns a t l e ng t h p r ov e d fa t a l t o t h e i r con
,

p o h o q u e r or A ft e r a sh ort b u t gl ori ou s r e ign of t w o y e a r s

et r, w .
,

C l a udiu s e xpi re d a t S i r m iu m a m id st t h e t e a r s a nd ,

fo hi
r c a ccl a m a t i ons of h i s subj e c t s
s su In h i s l a st ill ne ss h e .

c o
e ss r'
c onv e ne d t h e p ri ncip a l O ffic e r s of t h e st a t e a nd a rm y ,

a nd i n t h e i r p r e se n c e re c om m e nd e d A u r e li a n one of ,

h i s g e ne r a l s a s t h e m ost d e se rvi ng of t h e t h r one a nd

, ,

t h e b e st qu a lifi e d t o e x e cu t e t h e g r e a t d e sig n which h e

hi m se lf h a d b e e n p e r m i t t e d only t o u nd e rt a k e T h e .

vi r t u e s of C l a udiu s h i s v a l ou r a ffa bili ty j u st ic e a nd

, , ,
‘
t e m p e r a nc e h i s l ov e of fa m e a nd of h i s c ou nt ry pl a c e
, ,

h i m i n t h a t sh or t li st of e m p e r ors w h o a dd e d lu st r e t o
t h e R om a n pu r pl e Th ose vi rt u e s h ow e v e r w e r e ce
.
, ,

l e br a t e d wi t h p e culi a r z e a l a nd c om pl a c e ncy by t h e
c ou r t ly w ri t e r s of t h e a g e of C onst a nt i ne w h o w a s t h e ,

g re a t g ra nd son of C r i spu s t h e eld e r b r ot h e r of C l a u ,

di ns T h e v oic e of fl a t t e r y w a s soon t a ugh t t o r e p e a t

.
,
‘
t h a t t h e g od s w h o so h a st ily h a d sna t ch e d C l a u diu s
,

fr om t h e e a rt h r e w a r d e d h i s m e r i t a nd pi e ty by t h e
,

p e r p e t u a l e st a bli sh m e nt of t h e e m pi re i n h i s fa m ily P .

A cc o d i ng t o Z o r (1 x ii p C l udiu b fo h i d t h i n
h a ra s, . . . a s, e re s ea ,
.

v t d h i m w t h t h pu pl ; b t t hi S i ngul f c t i t h c ont d i c t d
es e r e r e u s ar a s ra er ra e
t h n c onfi m d by ot h
a w it
r e er r e rs.
P S th lif of C l ud i u by Poll i o nd th o t ion of M m t i no E u
ee e e a s , a e ra s a er s,
 OF T H E R OM A N E MP IRE . 345

N ot wi th st a ndi ng t h e se or a cl e s t h e gr e a t ne ss Of t h e C H A P
,
.

XI
Fl a vi a n fa m ily (a na m e which i t h a d pl e a se d t h e m t o '

a ssu m e ) w a s d e fe rre d a b ov e t w e nt y y e a rs ; a nd t h e e l e Th t t m p t e a e

v a t i on of C l a udiu s occ a si one d t h e i mm e di a t e r ui n of hi s ag gli g

n f ll f
r
’
s

b r ot h e r Q u i nt i li u s w h o p osse sse d not su ffici e nt m od e r

,

a t i on or c ou ra g e t o d e sc e nd i nt o t h e p r iv a t e st a t i on

t o which t h e p a t r i ot i sm of t h e l a t e e m p e r or h a d con
d e mme d h i m Wi t h ou t d e l a y or r e fl e c t i on h e a ssu m e d
.
,

t h e pu r pl e a t A quil e i a wh e r e h e c omm a nd e d a con

,

sid e ra bl e for c e ; a nd t h ough h i s r e i g n l a st e d only se v e n t

t e e n d a y s h e h a d t i m e t o ob t a i n t h e sa nc t i on of t h e
,

se n a t e a nd t o e xp e ri e nc e a m u t i ny of t h e t r oop s
, As .

soon a s h e w a s i nfor m e d t h a t t h e g r e a t a rm y of t h e

D a nub e h a d i nv est e d t h e w e ll k now n v a l ou r of A u re -

li a n wi t h i m p e ri a l p ow e r h e su nk u nd e r t h e fa m e a nd
,

m e ri t of h i s r iv a l ; a nd or d e r i ng h i s v e i ns t o b e op e ne d A p il r

‘
,

p r ud e nt ly wi t hd re w hi m se lf fr om t h e u ne qu a l c ont e st 1 .

T h e g e ne r a l d e sig n of t hi s w ork will not p e r m i t u s O igi n nd r a

m i nu t e ly t o r e l a t e t h e a c t i ons of e v e ry e m p e r or a ft e r h e
a sc e nd e d t h e t h rone m uch l e ss t o d e duc e t h e v a r i ou s
,

fort u ne s of h i s p r iv a t e li fe W e sh a ll only ob se rv e t h a t
.
,

t h e fa t h e r of A u re li a n w a s a p e a sa nt of t h e t e r ri t or y
of S i rm iu m w h o occupi e d a sm a ll fa r m t h e p r op e r t y
, ,

of A u r e liu s a r ich se na t or
,
H i s w a rlik e son e nli st e d
.

i n t h e t r oop s a s a c om m on soldi e r succ e ssi ve ly r ose t o ,

t h e r a nk of a c e nt u ri on a t ribu ne t h e p r e fe c t of a
, ,

l e gi on t h e i nsp e c t or of t h e c a mp t h e g e ne ra l or a s i t
, , , ,

w a s t h e n c a ll e d t h e duk e of a fr ont i e r ; a nd a t l e ng t h
, ,

du ri ng t h e G ot hic w a r e x e r ci se d t h e i m p or t a nt offic e
,

of c om m a nd e r i n chi e f of t h e c a v a l r y In e v e r y st a .

t i on h e di st i ngui sh e d hi m se lf by m a t chl e ss v a l ou r
'
,

r igid di scipli ne a nd succ e ssful c onduc t

,
He w a s i n .

i
m e n ns, a nd J u a n Seeli lik wi
. eC J uli p
se t h e aesa rs of J ulia n, 313 In an . .

i t w a s not a dul i up i i
a t on, b u t s v iy
e rst t on a nd a n t .

q Z ios m s,u l i p
. .P lli Hi A ugu p
42 . .o o( st ll w st vi u
. a o s hi m
. . rt e s,

a nd sa s, t a t i e
y h lk P e rt i na
x kill d by l c i u ld
he w a s e t h e i e nt o s so i e rs A
cc d or .

i ng t o D e xi ppu s he di d edi of a se a se .

r
The ocli u s ( a squ d A ugu
ote i n t h e Hi y p st a n h
st or , affi rm s, t a t i n
.

one da y h e kill d wi h
e , h d f y igh S
t hi s ow n a n , ort -e i v l
t a rm a t a ns, a nd i n se e ra
ub qu
s se g g i hu d d
e nt e n a e m e nt s, n ne fif y Thi
n re a nd ic v l u
t s h e ro a o r w as
.

d i d
a m re byt h e soldi c l b d h i ud
e rs, a nd e e ra t e g bu d
i n t e r r e son s, t h e r e n of
w hich w a s m i l le , m i l ls, m i l le oc ci di t .
 346 T HE D E C LIN E A N D F A L L
v est e d wi t h t he c onsul ship by t h e e m p e ror V a l e ri a n ,

w h o st yl e s h i m i n t h e p om p ou s l a ngu a g e of t h a t a g e
, ,

t h e d e li ve re r of Illy r icu m t h e r e st or e r of G a ul a nd t h e
, ,

r iv a l of t h e S cipi os A t t h e r e c omm e nd a t i on Of V a l e
.

r i a n a se na t or of t h e high e st r ank a nd m e r i t U lp i u s
, ,

C ri ni t u s wh ose bl ood w a s d e riv e d fr om t h e sa m e

,

sou rc e a s t h a t of T r a j a n a d op t e d t h e P a nnoni a n p e a
,

sa nt g a v e h i m h i s d a ugh t e r i n m a r r i a g e a nd r e li e v e d
, ,

wi t h h i s a m pl e fort u ne t h e h onou r a bl e p ov e r t y which

A u r e li a n h a d p re se r v e d i nvi ola t e s
.

T h e re ig n Of A u re li a n l a st e d only fou r y e a r s a nd
‘
a b out ni ne m ont h s ; b u t e v e r y i nst a nt of t h a t sh or t

p e r i od w a s fill e d by som e m e m ora bl e a chi e v e m e nt H e .

put a n e nd t o t h e G ot hic w a r ch a st i se d t h e G e r m a ns ,

w h o i nv a d e d I t a ly r e c ov e re d G a ul S p a i n a nd B r i t a i n
, , ,

ou t of t h e h a nd s of T e t ri cu s a nd d e st r oy e d t h e p r oud ,

m ona r chy which Z e nobi a h a d e r e c t e d i n t h e e a st on

t h e r ui ns of t h e a fflic t e d e m pi re .

It w a s t h e r igid a t t e nt i on of A u re li a n e v e n t o t h e ,

m i nu t e st a r t icl e s of di scipli ne which b e st ow e d such nu ,

i nt e rrupt e d succ e ss ou h i s a rm s H i s m ili t a ry r e gul a .

t i ons a r e c ont a i ne d i n a v e ry c onci se e pi st l e t o one of

h i s i nfe ri or offic e r s w h o i s c om m a nd e d t o e nforc e t h e m
a s h e wi sh e s t o b e c om e a t r ibu ne
,

or a s h e i s d e si r ou s ,
“ ,

t o liv e . G a m i ng d r i nk i ng a nd t h e a r t s of divi na t i on
, , ,

w e re se v e re ly p r ohibi t e d A u re li a n e xp e c t e d t h a t h i s
.

soldi e r s sh ould b e m od e st frug a l a nd l a b or i ou s ; t h a t , ,

t h e i r a rm ou r sh ould b e c onst a nt ly k e p t b r igh t t h e i r ,

‘
w e a p ons sh a r p t h e i r cl ot hi ng a nd h or se s r e a dy for
,

i m m e di a t e se r vic e ; t h a t t h e y sh ould liv e i n t h e i r qu a r

t e rs W i t h ch a st i t y a nd sob ri e t y wi t h ou t d a m a gi ng t h e ,

c orn fi e ld s wi th ou t st e a li ng e v e n a sh e e p a fowl or a
, , ,

bu nch of g ra p e s ; wi t h ou t e x a c t i ng from t h e i r l a nd
l or d s e i t h e r sa l t or oi l or w ood , T h e public a l
, .

”
l ow a nc e c ont i nu e s t h e e m p e ror
, i s su ffici e nt for ,

t h e i r supp ort ; t h e i r w e a l t h sh ould b e c oll e c t e d fr om

3
A choli u s ( a
p . Hi t Augu st p
s . . . d e c ib e s r s t he ce re m on y of t he
a d op t i on a i t w a
, s s p form d a t By
er e z a nt iu m i n t h
, p e c
re se n e of t he e m e ror p
a nd h i gs a t offi c e
re
 O F THE R OM A N E MP IR E ; 347

th e s p oil y not from t h e t e a rs of th e p r o 0 H A P

of t h e e ne m ,

A si ngl e i nst a nc e will se rv e t o di spl a y t h e XI '

r ig ou r a nd e v e n c r u e l t y of A u r e li a n
, O ne of t h e .

soldi e r s h a d se duc e d t h e wife of hi s h ost T h e guil t y .

w re t ch w a s fa st e ne d t o t w o t re e s forcibly d ra wn t ow a rd s
‘
e a ch ot h e r a nd h i s li m b s w e r e t or n a su nd e r by t h e i r
,

sudd e n se p a ra t i on A fe w such e x a m pl e s i m p re sse d a

.

sa lu t a r y c onst e rna t i on T h e pu ni sh m e nt s of A u re li a n
.

w e re t e rribl e ; b u t h e h a d se ld om occ a si on t o pu ni sh
m ore t h a n onc e t h e sa m e offe nc e H i s ow n c onduc t .

g a v e a sa nc t i on t o h i s l a w s ; a nd th e se di t i ou s l e gi ons
d re a d e d a chi e f w h o h a d l e a rne d t o ob e y a nd w h o w a s ,

w or t hy t o c om m a nd .

T h e d e a t h Of C l a udiu s h a d re viv e d t h e fa i nt i ng spi ri t He con

C l de a u s
of t h e G ot h s T h e t r oop s which gu a r d e d t h e p a sse s t t y wi t h
.
re a

of m ou nt H ae m u s a nd t h e b a nk s of t h e D a nub e h a d t he G ot h

“
s.
, ,

b e e n d ra w n a w a y by t h e a pp r e h e nsi on of a civil
w a r ; a nd i t se e m s p r ob a bl e t h a t t h e r e m a i ni ng b ody of

t h e G ot hic a nd V a nd a lic t r ib e s e m b r a c e d t h e fa v ou r
a bl e opp ort u ni t y a b a nd one d t h e i r se t t l e m e nt s O f t h e
,

U k ra i ne t ra v e rse d t h e r iv e r s a nd sw e ll e d wi t h ne w mu l
, ,

t i t u de s t h e d e st r oyi ng h ost of th e i r c ou nt ry m e n Th e i r .

u ni t e d nu m b e r s w e re a t l e ng t h e nc ou nt e re d by A u r e
li a n a nd t h e bl oody a nd d oub t ful c onflic t e nd e d only
,

w i t h t h e a pp roa ch of nigh t Exh a u st e d by so m a ny .

c a l a mi t i e s which t h e y h a d m utu a lly e ndu r e d a nd i n

,

fl i ct e d du ri ng a t w e nt y y e a rs w a r t h e G ot h s a nd t h e
’

R om a ns c onse nt e d t o a l a st i ng a nd b e ne fici a l t re a t y .

It w a s e a rne st ly solici t e d by th e b a rb a r i a ns a nd ch e e r ,

fully ra t ifi e d by t h e l e gi ons t o wh ose su ffra g e th e ,

p r ud e nc e of A u re li a n r e fe rre d t h e d e ci si on of t h a t i m »

p ort a nt qu e st i on T h e G ot hic na t i on e ng a g e d t o su p
.

ply t h e a rm i e s O f R om e wi t h a b ody of t w o t h ou sa nd
a uxili a r i e s c onsi sti ng e nt i re ly of c a v a l ry ; a nd st i p u
,

l a t e d i n r e t u rn a n u ndi st u rb e d r e t re a t wi t h a r e gul a r ,

Hi t A ugu t p 2 11 Thi l a c onic pi t l i t uly t h w o k of ol

s . s . . . s e s e s r e r a s

di ; i t b o nd wi t h m i li t y ph e ndw o d ome of which c nnot be

er a u s ar ra s s a r s, s a

u nd t ood wi t h ou t di fficul t y
e rs F m nt mi nt i w ll xpl i n d by
. er r a e a su a s e e a e

S lm i
a a s us. Th fo m of t h w o d m
e r n
er l l w e p on of off nc
e nd
r s ea s a a s e e, a is

c ont t d wi t h m d f n iv
ra s e ar mo
a ,
Th e l a t t
e e ig nifie k e n nd
s e ar ur. er s s e a

w ll h p n d
e s ar e e . Zo i m l i p 45 1
'
s . . . . .
348 THE D E C LIN E A N D FA L L

‘
’
m a rk e t as fa r as th e D a nub e p rovid e d by t h e,
em p e ror s
c a r e bu t a t t h e i r ow n e xp e nse T h e t re a t y w a s oh
, .

se r v e d wi t h such r e ligi ou s fid e li t y t h a t wh e n a p a r t y ,

of fi ve hu nd r e d m e n st ra ggl e d from t h e c a m p i n qu e st

of plu nd e r t h e ki ng or g e ne ra l O
, f t h e b a rb a r i a ns com
m a nde d t h a t t h e guil t y l e a d e r sh ould b e a pp r e h e nd e d
a nd sh ot t o d e a t h wi t h d a r t s a s a vic t i m d e v ot e d t o t h e ,

sa nc t i t y of t h e i r e ng a g e m e nt s It i s h ow e v e r not u n .
, ,

lik e ly t h a t t h e p r e c a u t i on of A u re li a n w h o h a d e x a c te d
, ,

a s h ost a g e s t h e sons a nd d a ugh t e r s of t h e G ot hic chi e fs ,

c ont ri bu t e d som e t hi ng t o t hi s p a cific t e m p e r T h e .

y ou t h s b e t ra i ne d i n t h e e x e r ci se of a r m s a nd ne a r h i s ,

ow n p e rson ; t o t h e d a m se l s h e g a v e a lib e ra l a nd

R om a n e duc a t i on a nd by b e st owi ng t h e m i n m a r ri a g e
,

on som e of h i s p ri ncip a l O ffic e rs g r a du a lly i nt r oduc e d ,

b e t w e e n t h e t w o na t i ons t h e cl ose st a nd m ost e nd e a ri ng

c onne c t i ons
B u t t h e m ost i m p ort a nt c ondi t i on of p e a c e w a s u n
de r st ood r a t h e r t h a n e xp re sse d i n t h e t re a t y A u re .

li a n wi t hd re w t h e R om a n for c e s fr om D a ci a a nd t a ,

ci tly r e li nqui sh e d t h a t g r e a t p rovi nc e t o t h e G ot h s a nd

V a nd a l s H i s m a nly j udg e m e nt c onvi nc e d h i m of t h e
solid a dv a nt a g e s a nd t a ugh t h i m t o d e spi se t h e se e m
,

i ng di sg ra c e of t hu s c ont r a c t i ng t h e front i e rs of t h e
.

m ona r chy T h e D a ci a n subj e ct s r e m ov e d fr om t h ose

.
,

di st a nt p osse ssi ons which t h e y w e re u na bl e t o cul t iv a t e

or d e fe nd a dd e d st r e ng t h a nd p opul ou sne ss t o t h e
,

sou t h e r n sid e of t h e D a nub e A fe r t il e t e rr i t ory which .

,

t h e r e p e t i t i on of b a rb a rou s i nroa d s h a d ch a ng e d i nt oa
d e se r t w a s yi e ld e d t o t h e i r i ndu st ry ; a nd a ne w p ro
,

vi nc e of D a ci a st ill p r e se rv e d t h e m e m ory of T ra j a n s ’

c onqu e st s T h e old c ou nt ry of t h a t na m e d e t a i ne d
.
,

h ow e v e r a c onsid e r a bl e nu m b e r of i t s i nh a bi t a nt s w h o
, ,

d r e a d e d e xil e m ore t h a n a G ot hic m a st e r Th e se z

.

1‘D e xi
pp u s (a p E er ta L e . xc p ga t p . l t e th wh ol t a n c
. t i on
re a s e e r sa

u nd e r t h e na m e of an a s V d l . A u li n m i e d one of t h G ot hic l d i t o
re a a rr e a es

hi s g e ne ra l
B onosus, w h o w a s a bl e t o d i nk wi t h t h G ot h nd d i c ov
r e s a s er

t h i
e r se c re t s .

y Hi st . A ugu st : p
2 22 ; . E nt rop . ix . 15 ; S x t u s R ufu c
e s, . 9 ; L a ct a nt i u s
de Mort i bu s Pe rse cu t oru m , c . 9.

1
The W a l a chi a ns st ill p re se r e v ma n y t a ce r s of t he L a t n i l a ngu ge a , a nd
 OF THE R O MA N E MP IRE . 349

d e g e ne ra t e R om a ns c ont i nu e d t o se r v e th e e m pi re C H A P , .

XI
wh ose a ll e gi a nc e t h e y h a d r e nou nc e d by i nt r oduci ng ,
'

a m ong t h e i r c onqu e r ors t h e fi r st not i ons of a g r icul t u r e ,

t h e u se ful a r t s a nd t h e c onv e ni e nci e s of civiliz e d life

, .

A n i nt e r c ou r se of c om m e r c e a nd l a ngu a g e w a s g r a
du a lly e st a bli sh e d b e t w e e n t h e Opp osi t e b a nk s of t h e
D a nub e ; a nd a ft e r D a ci a b e c a m e a n i nd e p e nd e nt st a t e ,

it Oft e n p rov e d t h e fi r m e st b a rr i e r of th e e m pi re a g a i nst

t h e i nv a si ons of t h e sa v a g e s of t h e nor t h A se nse of .

i nt e re st a t t a ch e d t h e se m or e se t t l e d b a rb a ri a ns t o t h e
a lli a nc e of R om e a nd a p e rm a ne nt i nt e re st v e r y fre
,

qu e nt ly r ip e ns i nt o si nc e re a nd u se ful fri e nd ship Thi s .

va r i ou s c ol ony which fill e d t h e a nci e nt p r ovi nc e a nd

, ,

“
w a s i nse nsibly bl e nd e d i nt o one g re a t p e opl e st ill a c ,

k nowl e dg e d t h e sup e ri or r e now n a nd a u t h ori t y of t h e

G ot hic t rib e a nd cl a i m e d th e fa nci e d h onou r of a
,

S c a ndi na vi a n origi n A t t h e sa m e t i m e th e lucky .

,

t h ough a ccid e n t a l r e se mbl a nc e of t h e na m e of G e t ae ,

i nfu se d a m ong t h e c re dul ou s G ot h s a v a i n p e rsu a si on ,

t h a t i n a r e m ot e a g e
, t h e i r ow n a nc e st or s a l re a dy , ,

se a t e d i n t h e D a ci a n p r ovi nc e s h a d re c e iv e d t h e i n ,

st r u c t i ons of Z a m ol xi s a nd ch e ck e d t h e vic t or i ou s a r m s ,

Of S e sost r i s a nd D a riu s .

Whil e t h e vig orou s a nd m od e ra t e c onduct of A u re Th A le e .

li a n re st ore d t h e Illy ri a n fr ont i e r t h e na t i on of t h e ,

A le m a nni b
vi ol a t e d t h e c ondi t i ons of p e a c e which ,

e i t h e r G a lli e nu s h a d pu r ch a se d or C l a udiu s h a d i m ,

p ose d a nd i nfla m e d by t h e i r i m p a ti e nt y ou t h sudd e nly

, , ,

fl e w t o a rm s F or ty t h ousa nd h or se a pp e a r e d i n t h e
.

fi e ld a nd t h e nu m b e rs of t h e i nfa nt ry d oubl e d t h ose

C
,

h a v e b o t e d i n v y a ge of t h i Rom n d c nt Th y
as e er u ou nd e d e r a es e . e a re s rr

by b t not m ix d wi t h t h b b i a n Se m e moi of M l A nville on

, u e , e ar ar s. e a r . (
’

a nci e nt D ci i n th e A c d m y of I n c ip t i on t om xxx
a a, a e s r s, . .

3
Se e t h fi t ch pt e of J o n nd
rs Th V nd la er h ow v e ( c r a es . e a a s, e r, .

m a i nt i ne d
a h o t i nd p nd nc e b t w e n t h e iv Ma i i a nd C i i
a s r e e e e e r e rs r s a r ss a ,

( M o a nd K
ar s e ) which fe ll i nt o t h T i
e r s, e e ss.
D e xi pp p 7— 12 ; Z o i m u l i p 43; V pi c s i n A u eli a n i n
us, . s s, . . . 0 s u r .

Hi t A ugu t H ow v t h e hi t o i ns d i ffe i n na mes ( Al em nni J u

s . s . e er es s r a r , a ,

t h ngi
u nd M, a c om nni ) i t i e vid nt t h a t t h y m n t he m p eopl
ar a , s e e ea sa e e,
a nd t he m sa ; b t it qu i
e w ar om c e t o c oncili a t e
u nd xpl i n t h e m
re
)
re s s e ar a e a .

0
C nt ocl
a wi t h hi u u l ccu a cy ch oo es t o t a n l a te t h e e h un
a ru s , s s a a r , s r s r
d e d t h ou nd hi v e i on i
r sa qu a lly e pug na nt t o se n e a nd t o g a mm a
: s rs s e r s r r.
350 THE D E C LIN E A N D FA L L
of t h e c a v a l ry d fi rst Obj e c t s of t h e i r a v a ric e w e re
. T he
a fe w ci t i e s Of t h e Rh ae t i a n fr ont i e r ; b u t t h e i r h op e s

soon r i si ng wi t h succ e ss t h e r a pid m a r ch of t h e A l e ,

m a nni t ra c e d a li ne of d e v a st a t i on fr om t h e D a nub e t o
the Po
T he p e r or w a s a l m ost a t t h e sa m e t i m e i nfor me d
em

of t h e i r rup t i on a nd of t h e r e t re a t of t h e b a rb a ri a ns
, , .

C oll e c t i ng a n a c t iv e b ody of t roop s h e m a r ch e d wi t h ,

sil e nc e a nd c e l e r i t y a l ong t h e ski r t s of t h e H e r cy ni a n

fore st ; a nd t h e A l e m a nni l a d e n wi t h t h e sp oil s of ,

I t a ly a rriv e d a t t h e D a nub e wi t h ou t su sp e c t i ng t h a t
, , ,

on t h e opp osi t e b a nk a nd i n a n a dv a nt a g e ou s p ost a, ,

R om a n a r m y la y c onc e a l e d a nd p re p a re d t o i nt e r c e p t
t h e i r r e t u rn A u r e li a n i ndulg e d t h e fa t a l se cu ri t y of
.

t h e b a rb a r i a ns a nd p e rm i t t e d a b ou t h a lf t h e i r for c e s
,

t o p a ss t h e r iv e r wi t h ou t di st u rb a nc e a nd wi t h ou t p re
c a u t i on Th e i r si t u a t i on a nd a st oni sh m e nt g a v e h i m
.

a n e a sy vic t or y ; h i s skilful c onduc t i m p rov e d t h e a d

v a nt a g e Di sp osi ng t h e l e gi ons i n a se m ici rcul a r form

.
,

b e a dv a nc e d t h e t w o h or ns of t h e c r e sc e nt a c ross t h e
D a nub e a nd wh e e li ng t h e m on a sudd e n t ow a r d s t h e
,

c e nt re e ncl ose d t h e re a r Of t h e G e rm a n h ost

, The .

di sm a y e d b a rb a ri a ns on wh a t soe v e r sid e t h e y c a st t h e i r
,

e y e s b e h e ld wi t h d e sp a i r a w a st e d c ou nt ry a d e e p a nd
, , ,

r a pid st r e a m a vic t or i ou s a nd i m pl a c a bl e e ne m y
, .

R e duc e d t o t hi s di st re sse d c ondi t i on t h e A l e m a nni ,

no l ong e r di sd a i ne d t o su e for p e a c e A u re li a n r e .

ce i ve d t h e i r a m b a ssa d ors a t t h e h e a d Of h i s c a m p a nd ,

wi t h e v e ry ci r cu m st a nc e of m a r t i a l p om p t h a t c ould
di spl a y t h e gre a t ne ss a nd di scipli ne of R om e T h e .

l e gi ons st ood t o t h e i r a rm s i n w e ll ord e re d r a nk s

a nd a wful sil e nc e T h e p r i ncip a l c om m a nd e r s di st i n
.
,

u i sh e d by t h e e nsig ns Of t h e i r ra nk a pp e a re d on
g ,

h orse b a ck on e i t h e r sid e of t h e i m p e ri a l t h r one Be .

hi nd t h e t h rone t h e c onse c ra t e d i m a g e s of t h e e m
,

d We may re m a r k , i n t a nc of b a d t t e t h t D exi pp
as an s e as , a us a ppli e t o s

ligh t i nf nt
t he a ry of t h e A l ema nni t h t e ch nic l t m p ope a er s r er only t o t h e

G ci a n ph l nx
re a a .

e
In D e xi ppu s, w e at p rese nt re a d Rh od a nu s : M . de V l oi v y judi
a s er
l
ciously a t e rs t he w o d t o E id a nu
r r s.
 OF THE R OMA N E MP IRE . 351

e ror a nd his g
p re d e c e ssor s f th e
old e n e a gl e s and C H A P
p , , .

t h e v a ri ou s t i t l e s of t h e l e gi ons e ng ra v e d i n l e t t e r s of
X L
,

g ol d w e re e x a l t e d i n t h e a i r on l oft y pik e s c ov e re d
,

wi t h silv e r Wh e n A u re li a n a ssu m e d h i s se a t h i s
.
,

m a nly g ra c e a nd m a j e st ic figu r e g t a ugh t t h e b a r b a

r i a ns t o r e v e re t h e p e r son a s w e ll a s t h e pu r pl e of

t h e i r c onqu e r or T h e a m b a ssa d or s fe ll p rost ra t e on

.
~

‘
t h e g r ou nd i n sil e nc e Th e y w e re c omm a nd e d t o r i se
.
,

a nd p e r m i t t e d t o sp e a k By t h e a ssi st a nc e of i nt e r
.

re t e r s t h e y e x t e nu a t e d t h e i r p e r fi dy m a g nifi e d t h e i r
p ,

e x pl oi t s e xp a t i a t e d on t h e vici ssi t ud e s of for t u ne a nd

,

t h e a dv a nt a g e s of p e a c e a nd wi t h a n ill t i m e d confi
, ,
-

d e nc e d e m a nd e d a l a rg e sub sidy a s t h e p ric e of th e

, ,

a lli a nc e which t h e y O ffe re d t o t h e R om a ns T he a n .

sw e r of t h e e m p e r or w a s st e rn a nd i m p e r i ou s He .

t r e a t e d t h e i r offe r wi t h c ont e m pt a nd t h e i r d e m a nd ,

wi t h i ndig na t i on ; re p roa ch e d t h e b a rb a ri a ns t h a t t h e y ,

w e re a s ig nora nt of t h e a r t s of w a r a s of t h e l a w s of
p e a c e ; a nd fi na lly di sm i sse d th e m wi t h t h e ch oic e only ,

of sub m i t t i ng t o h i s u n c ondi t i one d m e r cy or a w a i t i ng ,

t h e u t m ost se v e r i t y of h i s r e se nt m e nt A u re li a n h a d
h
p

r e sig ne d a di st a nt p r ovi nc e t o t h e G oth s ; b u t it w a s

d a ng e rou s t o t ru st or t o p a r d on t h e se p e rfi di ou s b a r
b a ri a ns wh ose form id a bl e p ow e r k e p t It a ly i t se l f i n
,

p e r p e t u a l a l a rm s .

I mm e di a t e ly a ft e r t hi s c onfe re nc e it sh ould se e m Th A le ,
e

t h a t som e u ne xp e c t e d e m e r g e ncy r e qui re d t h e e m

H
’

p e r o r s p r e se nc e i n P a nn o n i a e d e v olv.e d o n h i s

li e u t e na nt s t h e c a re of fi ni shi ng t h e d e st r ucti on of t h e
A l e m a nni e i t h e r by t h e sw ord or by t h e su r e r Op e ra
, ,

t i on of fa m i ne B u t a n a c t iv e d e sp a i r h a s oft e n t ri
.

u m ph e d ov e r t h e i nd ol e nt a ssu ra nc e of succ e ss T h e .

b a r b a r i a ns fi ndi ng i t i m p ossibl e t o t ra v e rse t h e D a nub e

,

a nd t h e R om a n c a m p b r ok e t h r ough t h e p ost s i n t h e i r
,

C l udiu
The e m e ror p c i ly
a s w as e rt a n u b
of t h e n m e r ; b u t w e a re i no
g
r hi
a nt h ow fa r t k p c
s ma r o x d d
f re s e t w a s e t e n e t o if C
ae sa r a nd st s, A ugu u
u h v p duc d v y wful p c cl
i t m st a e ro e a er a s e ta e ; a on l g li
ne of t he m a st e rs of
t he w ld
or . Hi A ug
3 V0 i scus i n
p st u st . 2 1 0 . p
. .

giv h ub l p lix i w hy G ci
t
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p pl l S re an
so i st .
p
 T HE D E C LIN E A N D FA L L
r e a r, which w e re m ore fe e bly or l e ss c a re fully gu a rd e d ;
a nd wi t h i nc r e dibl e dilig e nc e bu t by a di ffe re nt r oa d , ,

i
r e t u r ne d t ow a r d s t h e m ou nt a i ns of I t a ly A u r e li a n .
,

w h o c onsid e r e d t h e w a r a s t ot a lly e x t i ngui sh e d re ,

ce i ve d t h e m or t ifyi n g i nt e llig e nc e of t h e e sc a p e Of t h e
A l e m a nni a nd of t h e ra v a g e which t h e y a l r e a dy com
,

m i t t e d i n t h e t e rri t or y of M il a n T h e l e gi ons w e r e .

c om m a nd e d t o foll ow wi t h a s m uch e xp e di t i on a s t h ose

'

h e a vy b odi e s w e re c a p a bl e of e x e r t i ng t h e r a pid fligh t ,

of a n e ne m y wh ose i nfa nt r y a nd c a v a l ry m ov e d wi t h
,

a l m ost e qu a l swift ne ss A fe w d a y s a ft e r w a rd s t h e
.

e m p e r or hi m se lf m a r ch e d t o t h e r e li e f of I t a ly a t t h e ,

h e a d of a ch ose n b ody of a uxili a ri e s (a m ong wh om ,

w e r e t h e h ost a g e s a nd c a v a l ry of th e V a nd a l s ) a nd of ,

a ll t h e p r e t or i a n gu a r d s w h o h a d se rv e d i n t h e w a rs
on t h e D a nub e

A s t h e ligh t t r oop s of t h e A l e m a nni h a d sp re a d

t h e m se lv e s from t h e A lp s t o t h e A p e nni ne t h e i n ,

c e ssa nt vigil a nc e of A u re li a n a nd h i s O ffic e rs w a s e x

e rc i se d i n t h e di sc ov e r y t h e a t t a ck a nd t h e pu rsui t Of
, ,

t h e nu m e r ou s d e t a ch m e nt s N otwi t h st a ndi ng t hi s de
.

su l tor w a r t h r e e c onsid e r a bl e b a t t l e s a r e m e nt i one d

y , ,

i n which t h e p r i ncip a l for c e of b ot h a r m i e s w a s obst i

1
na t e ly e ng a g e d T h e succ e ss w a s va r i ou s
. In t h e ~
.
~

fi rst fough t ne a r P l a c e nt i a t h e R om a ns r e c e iv e d so
, ,

se v e r e a bl ow t h a t a cc or di ng t o t h e e xp r e ssi on of a
, ,

w ri t e r ‘e xt r e m e ly p a r t i a l t o A u r e li a n t h e i mm e di a t e di s ,

m
solu t i on of t h e e m pi re w a s a pp re h e nd e d T h e c ra ft y .

b a rb a ri a ns w h o h a d li ne d t h e w ood s sudd e nly a t t a ck e d

, ,

t h e l e gi ons i n t h e du sk of t h e e v e ni ng a nd i t i s , ,

m ost p r ob a bl e a ft e r t h e fa t igu e a nd di sor d e r of a l ong

,

m a rch . T h e fu ry of t h e i r ch a r g e w a s i rre si st ibl e ; bu t

a t l e ng t h a ft e r a d re a dful sl a ugh t e r th e p a t i e nt fi r m
, ,

ne ss of t h e e m p e ror r a lli e d h i s t r oop s a nd r e st ore d i h , , .

som e d e g r e e t h e h onou r Of h i s a rm s
, Th e se c ond .

b a t t l e w a s fough t ne a r F a no i n U m b r i a ; on t h e sp ot
which fi ve hu nd re d y e a rs b e for e h a d b e e n fa t a l t o t h e
, ,

i
Hi t A g t
s . u us .
p . 2 15 .
‘D
l e xi
pp u s, p . 12 .

1 V ic t o ju ni or A u li m V O i sc Hi A ugu p 2 16
r , i n re a n.
p us 1n st . st . . .
 O F T HE R O MA N E MP IR E .

b r ot h e r H a nnib a l of Thu s fa r t h e Succ e ssful G e r C H A P

XL
m a ns h a d a dv a nc e d a l ong t h e E m ili a n a nd Fl a m i ni a n
w a y wi t h a d e sig n of sa cki ng t h e d e fe nc e l e ss m i st r e ss
,

‘
of t h e w orld B u t A u re li a n w h o w a t ch ful for t h e
.
, ,

sa fe t y of R om e st ill hu ng on t h e i r r e a r fou nd i n t hi s
, ,

pl a c e t h e de ci siv e m om e nt of givi ng t h e m a t ot a l a nd
i rr e t r i e v a bl e d e fe a t T h e flyi ng r e m na nt of t h e i r "
.

h ost w a s e x t e rm i na t e d i n a t hi r d a nd l a st b a t t l e ne a r
P a vi a ; a nd I t a ly w a s d e liv e r e d fr om t h e i nr oa d s of t h e
A l e m a nni .

F e a r h a s b e e n t h e or igi na l p a re nt Of sup e rst iti on ; S p ti

‘
u e rs

gonigi
o us
a nd e v e r y ne w c a l a m i t y u r g e s t re m bli ng m or t a l s t o de
e r '

p re c a t e t h e w ra t h of t h e i r i nvi sibl e e ne m i e s Th ou gh .

t h e b e st h op e of t h e r e public w a s i n t h e va l ou r a nd
c onduct of A u r e li a n y e t such w a s t h e public c onst e rna ,

t i on wh e n t h e b a r b a ri a ns w e r e h ou r ly e xp e c t e d a t t h e
,

g a t e s of R om e t h a t by a d e c re e of th e se na t e t h e
, , ,

sibylli ne b ook s w e r e c onsul t e d Ev e n t h e e m p e ror ,

.

hi m se lf fr om a m ot iv e e i t h e r of r e ligi on or of p olicy
, ,

r e c om m e nd e d t hi s sa lu t a r y m e a su r e chid e d t h e t a r di , ,

ne ss of t h e se na t e P a nd O ffe r e d t o supply wh a t e v e r ,

e xp e nse wh a t e v e r a ni m a l s wh a t e v e r c a p t iv e s Of a ny
, ,

na t i on t h e g od s sh ould r e qui r e
, N ot with st a ndi ng t hi s .

lib e r a l O ffe r i t d oe s not a pp e a r th a t a ny hu m a n vic

,

t i m s e xpi a t e d wi t h t h e i r bl ood t h e si ns of t h e R om a n

p e opl e T h e sibylli ne b ook s e nj oi ne d c e r e m oni e s of a A D 2 71

.
. . ,

m ore h a rm l e ss na t u re ; p r oc e ssi ons of p r i e st s i n whi t e J a n a y 11 u r °

r ob e s a t t e nd e d by a
,
ch or u s of y ou t h s a nd vi rgi ns ;
lu stra t i ons of t h e ci t y a nd a dj a c e nt cou nt r y ; a nd sa c r i
fi ce s wh ose p ow e r ful i nflu e nc e di sa bl e d t h e b a r b a ri a ns
,

from p a ssi ng t h e my st ic g rou nd on which t h e y h a d

b e e n c e le b ra t e d H ow e v e r pu e ril e i n t h e m se lv e s t h e se
.
,

sup e rst i t i ou s a r t s w e r e sub se r vi e nt t o t h e succ e ss of

t h e w a r ; a nd if i n t h e d e ci siv e b a tt l e of F a no t h e, ,

A l e m a nni fa nci e d t h e y sa w a n a rm y of sp e c t re s com

Th e li t tl ri v e o ra t h e t o re nt of M e t u r s ne a F a no ha b en i m
e r, r r r a u r , s e

Livy nd uch p o t a H o a c
,

m o t l i z e d by fi ndi ng uch a n hi t o i a n
r a , s s r as , a s a e s r e.
0
It i c o d d by n i nsc ip t i on fou nd t Pe ro S e G ut e cclxxvi 3
s re r e a r a za . e r r. . .

P O n h ould i m gi ne h e id t h t yo w e a mbl e d i n a ch i t i n
e s a , sa , a u er sse r s a

chu ch not i n t he t m pl e of a ll t h g od
r , e e s.

VOL 1 . 0
 THE D E C L INE AN D FA L L
h a t i ng on th e A u re li a n h e r e c e iv e d a re a l a nd
s id e of ,

e ffe c t u a l a id from t hi s i m a gi y i f c e e
na r r e n o r m n t q

B u t wh a t e v e r c onfid e nc e m igh t b e pl a c e d i n id e a l
ra m p a r t s t h e e xp e r i e nc e of t h e p a st a nd t h e d re a d of
, ,

t h e fu t u r e i nduc e d t h e R om a ns t o c onst r uc t for t i fi ca

,

t i ons of a g r osse r a nd m or e sub st a nt i a l ki nd The .

se v e n hill s of R om e h a d b e e n su r rou nd e d by t h e su c

ce ssor s of R om ulu s wi t h a n a nci e nt w a ll of m or e t h a n ,

t hi rt e e n m il e s T h e v a st e ncl osu r e m a y se e m di sp r o
p or t i one d t o t h e st re ng t h a nd nu m b e rs of t h e i nfa nt
st a t e B u t i t w a s ne c e ssa r y t o se cu re a n a m pl e e x t e nt
.

of p a st u re a nd a ra bl e l a nd a g a i nst t h e fre qu e nt a nd ,

sudd e n i ncu r si ons of t h e t rib e s of L a t iu m t h e p e rp e ,

t u a l e ne m i e s of t h e r e public Wi t h t h e p rog re ss of .

R om a n g re a t ne ss t h e ci t y a nd i t s i nh a bi t a nt s g r a du a lly
,

i nc re a se d fill e d up t h e v a c a nt sp a c e pi e rc e d t h r ough
, ,

t h e u se l e ss w a ll s c ov e r e d t h e fi e ld of M a r s a nd on , , ,

e v e ry side foll ow e d t h e public highw a y s i n l ong a nd

,

b e a u t iful subu rb s T h e e x t e nt of t h e ne w w a ll s ’
.
,

e re c t e d by A u r e li a n a nd fi ni sh e d i n t h e r e ig n of Pr o ,

bu s w a s m a g ni fi e d by p opul a r e st i m a t i on t o ne a r fifty
,

b u t i s r e duc e d by a ccu ra t e m e a su re m e nt t o a b ou t
t w e nt y one m il e s ~
It w a s a g re a t bu t a m e l a nch oly
,

l a b ou r si nc e t h e d e fe nc e of t h e c a pi t a l b e t ra y e d t h e
,

d e cli ne of t h e m ona r chy T h e R om a ns of a m ore .

p r osp e rou s a g e w h o t ru ste d t o t h e a r m s of t h e l e gi ons

,

t h e sa fe t y of t h e fr ont i e r c a m p s w e re v e ry fa r fr om e n
t e r t a i ni ng a su spici on t h a t i t W ould e v e r b e c om e ne ce s ,

‘V
l Hi t A ug p 2 15 2 16 gi v s a l ong cc ou nt of t h e e c e e
0 pi scus in s . . .
, . e a s r

m oni f e s, gi t of t he e n t e
rom t he re s e rs s a .

Pl i n Hi t N t iii 5 . To c onfi m o
s . id a w e ma y ob v e t h a t
a . . . r ur e , se r ,

fo a l ong t i m m ou nt C aali
r w a e g ov e of oa k a nd mou nt Vi mi na l w s us s a r s, a
ov u n wi t h o i e ; t h t i n t he fou t h c ent u y t he Av nt i n w a v a c nt
err s rs a , r r , e e as a
a nd oli t y t i m nt ; t h t t ill t h t i m of A ugu t u t h E q uili n w
s ar re re e a e e s s, e s e as
a n u nwh ol om bu yi ng g ou nd ; nd t h t th nu m ou i n qu a li t i
es e r r a a e er s e e s,
re m k d by t h
ar e nci nt n t h Q ui i n l e au ffici e nt ly p ov e t h t i t w a not
e s l e r a , s r a s
c ov e d wi t h buildi ng O f t h v n bi ll t h e C p i t oli ne nd P l t i ne
er s . e se e s, a a a a
only wi t h t h
,
di c nt v a ll y w e t h e p i m i t iv h a bi t t i on of t h Roma n
e a a e e s, re r e a e
p opl e B t t hi ubj c t w ould e q ui e di t t i on
e . u s s e r r a sse r a .

Ex p t i nt i t e c t m ul t
5
s a a ddi d e u b e i t h e xp
a i on of Pli ny
a as a er r s, s e re ss .

H i t A ugu t p 2 2 2 B ot h L i p i a nd I sa c Vo iu h v e a g e ly
s . s . . . s us a ss s a e r
e mb c e d t hi m
ra ue s ea s r .

Se N di ni R om A nt ic
e ar I i c 8 , T ci t Il t iv 2 3
a a , . . . .
x
a . is . . .
 O F THE R O MA N E MP IR E . 355

sa r y t o fort ify t h e se a t of e m pi re a g a i nst th e i nroa d s of C H A P .

X I
t h e b a rb a r i a ns
T h e vic t ory of C l a udiu s ov e r t h e G ot h s a nd t h e A u li n , re a

succ e ss of A u r e li a n a g a i nst t h e A l e m a nni h a d a l r e a dy ,

r e st ore d t o t h e a rm s of R om e t h e i r a nci e nt sup e r i or i t y u u p s s r er .

ov e r t h e b a rb a rou s na t i ons of t h e nor t h T o ch a st i se .

d om e st ic t y ra nt s a nd t o r e u ni t e t h e di sm e mb e re d p a r t s
,

of t h e e m pi r e w a s a t a sk r e se r v e d for t h e se c ond of
,

th ose w a rlik e e m p e r ors Th ou gh h e w a s a ck now .

l e dg e d by t h e se na t e a nd p e opl e t h e fr ont i e r s of I t a ly , ,

A fric a Illy ricu m a nd Th ra c e c onfi ne d t h e li mi t s of

, , ,

h i s r e ig n G a ul S p a i n a nd B r i t a i n Egyp t Syri a
.
, , , , ,

a nd A si a M in or w e re st ill p osse sse d by t w o r e b e l s

, ,
‘
w h o a l one ou t of so nu m e r ou s a li st
,
h a d hi t h e r t o ,

e sc a p e d t h e d a ng e rs of t h e i r si t u a ti on ; a nd t o com ,

l e t e t h e i g nom i ny of R om e th e se r iv a l t h r one s h a d
p ,

b e e n u su rp e d by w om e n

“
.

A r a pid succ e ssi on of m ona r ch s h a d a r i se n a nd fa ll e n S a c i on e ss

T h e rigid vi r tu e s of P ost 3
p 1e
13:
)
i n t h e p r ovi nc e s of G a ul .
3 1
hu m u s se rv e d only t o h a st e n h i s d e st r uc t i on A ft e r .

supp r e ssi ng a c om p e t i t or w h o h a d a ssu m e d t h e pu r pl e

,

a t M e nt z h e re fu se d t o g ra t ify h i s t roup s wi t h t h e
,

plu nd e r of t h e r e b e lli ou s ci t y ; a nd i n t h e se v e nt h y e a r ,

of h i s r e ig n b e c a m e t h e vic t i m of t h e i r di sa pp oi nt e d
,

a v a r ic e
Z
T h e d e a t h of V ic t or i nu s h i s fri e n d a nd
.
,

a ssoci a t e w a s occ a si one d by a l e ss w or t hy c a u se

, Th e .

shi ni ng a cc om pli sh m e nt s of t h a t p r i nc e w e r e st a i ne d

by a lic e nt i ou s p a ssi on which h e i ndulg e d i n a c t s of

,

vi ol e nc e with t oo li t t l e r e g a r d t o t h e l a w s of soci e t y
, ,

V u li
For A re a n s a s, se e V0 i sc
’
w ll
p us i n st A st Hi 2 1 6 2 2 2 ;. ugu p . . .

Z i u l i p
os m s, . 43 E u t rOpi u s,
. . 15 ix
re . t or i nA u l V ic
re a n . t or A u li . V ic
ju i A u li
n or i n re a n ; E useb Hi eron m .
y .e t Ida c i us i n. ron C h ic .

2
c p i
Hi s om e t t or w a s L olli a nu s, or E li a nu s, n e e t e se na me s m e a n if i d d h
p
t h e sa m e e rson Se e Ti ll e m ont , t om
. iii p
1177 . . . .

ch c
3 Th
e a ra t er of t s r n e hi p i c by J uliu
s A t e ri a nu s ( a p st st . Hi A ugu
. . p
w h c ibi g
i s ort t ra ns r n , a s i t se e m s a r a nd m a rt a fi t or no q ui i p i l . Vic i ,

p ost J u nt um Post h u m i u m a G lli

a s re xi t ne m i ne m e st m o
, praa fe re ndum ; xi i
vi u
non i n
j
rt t e Tra a nu m n o n A n t oni num in e m e nt a ; non i n r a t cl
a te i g vi
i
Nerva m ; non i n g ub e rna ndo :e ra r o Ve spa si a nu m ; non i n e ns ra t ot i u s c u
vi t ae a cse ve ri t a t e m ili i
t a r Pe rt i na c e m ve l Se ve ru m Se d om n a ae o. i h c libid
e t cu pidi t a s vol u t a t i s m u l i e ra ri a a si c e rdi di t , u t ne mo a ude a t vi rt u t es e u s
p p j
i n t e ra s m i t te re
li em qu
onsta t om n m c iu j udici
o m e ru i sse puni ri .

A a 2
356 THE D E C LIN E A N D F A L L
v
or e e n t o th ose of l ov e b
H e w a s sl a i n a t C ol og ne
.
,

by a c onspi ra cy of j e a l ou s hu sb a nd s wh ose re v e ng e ,

w ould h a v e a pp e a re d m or e j u st ifi a bl e h a d t h e y sp a r e d ,

t h e i nnoc e nc e of hi s son A ft e r th e m u rd e r of so m a ny
.

v a li a nt p ri nc e s i t i s som e wh a t r e m a rk a bl e t h a t a
, ,

fe m a l e for a l ong t i m e c ontr oll e d t h e fi e r c e l e gi ons of

G a ul a nd st ill m ore si ngul a r t h a t sh e w a s t h e m ot h e r
, ,

of t h e u nfor t u na t e V ic t ori nu s T h e a r t s a nd t re a su r e s .

of V ic t or i a e na bl e d h e r succ e ssiv e ly t o pl a c e M a r iu s

a nd T e t r i c u s on t h e t h r one a nd t o r e ig n wi t h a m a nly ,

vig ou r u nd e r th e na m e of t h ose d e p e nd e nt e m p er ors .

M one y of C opp e r of silv e r a nd of g old w a s c oi ne d i n

, , ,

h e r na m e ; sh e a ssu m e d t h e t i t l e s of A ugu st a a nd
m oth e r of t h e c a m p s : h e r p ow e r e nd e d only wi t h h e r
life ; b u t h e r life w a s p e rh a p s sh or t e ne d by t h e i ng ra t i
t ud e of T e t ri cu s
Wh e n a t t h e i nst ig a t i on of h i s a mbi t i ou s p a t r one ss
,
,

T e t ri cu s a ssu m e d t h e e nsig ns of r oy a l t y h e w a s g o ,

v e rnor of t h e p e a c e ful p rovi nc e of A qui t a i ne a n e m ,

pl oy m e n t sui t e d t o h i s ch a ra c t e r a nd e duc a t i on H e .

r e ig ne d fou r or fi ve y e a rs ov e r G a ul Sp a i n a nd B r i , ,

t a i n t h e sl a v e a nd sov e re ig n of a lic e nti ou s a r m y wh om

, ,

h e d r e a d e d a nd by wh om h e w a s d e spi se d
( , T h e v a l ou r .

a nd for t u ne of A u r e l i a n a t l e ngth Op e ne d t h e osp e c t

p r

of a d e liv e ra nc e H e v e nt u re d t o di scl ose h i s m e l a n

.

ch oly si t u a t i on a nd c onj u re d t h e e m p e r or t o h a st e n t o
,

t h e r e li e f of h i s u nh a ppy r iv a l H a d t hi s se c re t cor .

r e sp ond e nc e r e a ch e d t h e e a r s of t h e soldi e rs i t w ould ,

m ost p rob a bly h a v e c ost T e t r i cu s h i s li fe ; nor c oul d

h e r e sig n th e sc e p t re of t h e w e st wi t h ou t c omm i t t i ng ,

an ac t of t re a son a g a i nst hi m se lf H e a ffe c t e d t h e a p .

p e a ra nc e s of a civil w a r l e d h i s for c e s i nt o t h e fi e ld
,

a g a i nst A u r e li a n p ost e d t h e m i n t h e m ost di sa dva n

,

t a g e ou s m a nne r b e t ra y e d h i s ow n c ou nse l s t o t h e
,

e ne m y a nd wi t h a fe w ch ose n fr i e nd s d e se r t e d i n t h e
,

b e gi nni ng of t h e a c t i on T h e re b e l l e gi ons t h ough .

,

b vi h ed t h w if of A t ti t i a n a n ct y o my a gent Hi t
He ra s e e us, a ua r , r ar . s .

A ugu t p 186 ; A u el V ic t o i n A u li a n
s . . r . r re .

c P lli o ig n h e a n ticl e a mong t he thi ty t y a nts Hi st A ug p 2 00

o a ss s r ar r r . . . . .
 ne a r C h a l ons i n C h a m p a g ne
O F THE R OMA N E MP IRE
di sord e re d a nd di sma y e d by t h e u ne xp e c t e d t re a ch e r y C H A P
of t h e i r chi e f d e fe nd e d th e m se lv e s wi t h a d e sp e ra t e

,
,

v a l ou r t ill t h e y w e re cu t i n pi e c e s a l m ost t o a m a n i n
t hi s bl oody a nd m e m ora bl e b a t t l e which w a s fought
T h e re t re a t of t h e
i rre gul a r a uxili a ri e s F ra nk s a nd B a t a vi a ns wh om t h e
c onqu er or soon c om p e ll e d or p e rsu a d e d t o r e p a ss th e
Rhi ne r e st ore d t h e g e ne ra l t ra nquilli t y ; a nd t h e p owe r
,

of A u re li a n w a s a ck nowl e dg e d fr om t h e w a ll of A nt o

ni nu s t o t h e c olu m ns of H e r cul e s

A s e a rly a s t h e re ig n of C l a udiu s t h e ci t y of A u t u n
XI

,
“ .

.
,

,
e
,
. 357

,
'
.

a l one a nd u na ssi st e d h a d v e nt u re d t o de c la r e a g a i nst ,

t h e l e gi ons of G a ul A ft e r a si e g e o f se v e n m ont h s .
,

t h e y st orm e d a nd plu nd e r e d t h a t u nfor t u na t e ci t y ,

a l r e a dy w a st e d by fa m i ne
f Ly ons on t h e c ont ra ry .
, ,

h a d r e si st e d wi t h ob st i na t e di sa ffe c t i on t h e a rm s of
A u e li a n W e r e a d of t h e pu ni sh m e nt of Ly ons but
r .
g
,

t h e r e i s not a ny m e nt i on of t h e re w a r d s of A u t u n .

Such i nd e e d i s t h e p olicy of civil w a r ; se v e re ly t o

, ,

r e m e m b e r i nj u ri e s a nd t o for g e t t h e m ost i m p or t a nt ,

se r vic e s R e v e ng e i s p rofi t a bl e g ra t i t ud e i s e xp e nsiv e

.
, .

A u re li a n h a d no soone r se cu re d t h e p e r son a nd p r o A D 2 72 . . .

vi nc e s of T e t ri cu s t h a n h e t u rne d h i s a rm s a g a i nst t ggg ,

c
fii é ;
r

Z e nobi a t h e c e l e b ra t e d qu e e n of P a l m y r a a nd t h e
,

e a st M od e rn Eu rop e h a s p roduc e d se v e r a l illu st ri ou s

.

w ome n w h o h a v e su st a i ne d wi t h gl ory t h e w e igh t of

e mpi re ; nor i s ou r ow n a e d e sti t u t e of such di st i n
g
u i sh e d ch a r a c t e r s B ut if w e e xc e p t t h e d oub t ful
g .

a chi e v e m e nt s of S e m i ra m i s Z e nobi a i s p e rh a p s t h e ,

only fe m a l e wh ose sup e r i or g e niu s b r ok e t h r ough t h e

*1
Polli o i n Hi t A ugu t p 196 ; V pi c i n Hi t A ugu t p 2 2 0
s . s . . 0 s us s . s . .
°

t h t o V ic to
e w i n th h rsof G lli nu
,
nd A u
e li n Ent opi ix 13
ve s a e s a re a r u s, .

E use b i n C h on
. O f ll t h r w i t only t h t w o l t (b t w i t h t ong
.
'

a e se r e rs, e as u s r

p ob b i l i ty ) pl c t h f ll of T t i c b fo t h t of Z nobi M d B oz
r a a e e a e r us e re a e a. . e e

( i n t h A ced m y of I an c ipet i o n t o m xxx ) d o n

s rot wi h nd T ll m onts, . . es s , a i e

m iii p d d f ll h m I h v b nf i h
( t o . . o. n ot t o o ow t es t
a re n e . a e ee a re r a

t h on
e nd b old
e, a t h n t h ot h er a e e r.
9 V i c to j u ni o i n A u li n E m n m nt i on B t cc ; ome c i t i c
r r re a . u e ru s e s a a vz
'
e s r s,

wi t h o t ny u on w ould f i n l t
a re a s t h w o d to B g di c a a er e r a au az.
f E m n i n V t P n gy iv 8
u e . e
,

. a e r. . .

8 V i c i Hi A ugu 2 4 6 A u tu n not e t o d t i ll t h
'
0 n t
s us t w as r s re e
p p s . s . . .

re ig n of Di ocl t i n S E m m d t e a . eend ch oli u e us e re s a u ra is s s.

 358 TH E D E C LIN E A N D FA L L
se r vil e i nd ol e nc e im p ose d on h e r se x by t h e cli m a t e
a nd ma nne r s of A si a
h
Sh e cl a i m e d h e r d e sc e nt fr om
.

t h e M a c e d oni a n ki ng s of Egyp t e qu a ll e d i n b e a u t y ,

h e r a nc e st or C l e op a t ra a nd fa r su r p a sse d t h a t p r i nc e ss
,

i
i n ch a st i ty a nd v a l ou r Z e nobi a w a s e st e e m e d t h e
.

m ost l ov e ly a s w e ll a s t h e m ost h er oic of h e r se x Sh e .

w a s of a da r k c om pl e xi on (for i n sp e a ki ng of a l a dy , ,

t h e se t ri fl e s b e c om e i m p or t a nt ) H e r t e e t h w e r e of a .

p e a rly whi t e ne ss ; a nd h e r l a rg e bl a ck e y e s S p a rkl e d

wi t h u nc omm on fi re t e m p e re d by t h e m ost a t t ra c t i ve
‘
,

sw e e t ne ss H e r v oic e w a s str ong a nd h a rm oni ou s H e r

. .

m a nly u nd e r st a ndi ng w a s st re ng t h e ne d a nd a d orne d by

st udy S h e w a s not ig nora nt of t h e L a t i n t ongu e bu t
.
,

p osse sse d i n e qu a l p e r fe c t i on t h e G re e k th e Sy ri a c , ,

a nd t h e Egyp t i a n l a ngu a g e s S h e h a d d ra w n up for .

h e r ow n u se a n e pi t om e of ori e nt a l hi st ory a nd fa m ili ,

a rly c om p a r e d t h e b e a u t i e s of H om e r a nd P l a t o u nd e r

t h e t ui t i on of t h e subli m e L ongi nu s .

he , v l ou
a r
.
Thi s a cc om pli sh e d w om a n g a v e h e r h a nd t o O d e na
t hu s w h o fr om a p r iv a t e st a t i on r a i se d hi m se lf t o t h e
,

d om i ni on of t h e e a st Sh e soon b e c a m e t h e fri e nd a nd
.

c omp a ni on of a h e ro In t h e i nt e rv a l s of w a r O d e na
.
,

t hu s p a ssi ona t e ly d e ligh t e d i n t h e e x e r ci se of hu nt i ng ;

h e pu rsu e d wi t h a r d ou r t h e wild b e a st s of t h e d e se r t ,

li ons p a nt h e r s a nd b e a rs ; a nd th e a rd ou r of Z e nobi a
, ,

i n t h a t d a ng e rou s a m u se m e nt w a s not i nfe r i or t o h i s

ow n S h e h a d e nu re d h e r c onst i t u t i on t o fa t igu e di s
.
,

d a i ne d t h e u se of a c ov e re d c a rr i a g e g e ne ra lly a p ,

e a re d on h orse b a ck i n a m ili t a r y h a bi t a nd som e t i m e s

p ,

m a rch e d se v e ra l m il e s on foot a t t h e h e a d of t h e t roop s .

T h e succ e ss of O de na t h u s w a s i n a g re a t m e a su r e a s
cri b e d t o h e r i nc om p a ra bl e p rud e nc e a nd for t i t ud e .

Th e i r spl e ndid vic t ori e s ov e r t h e g re a t ki ng wh om ,

t h e y t wic e pu rsu e d a s fa r a s t h e g a t e s of C t e siph on ,

*1A l mo t e v y t hi ng t h t i id of t h m nn of Od n th nd Z
s er a s sa e a e rs e a us a e
nob i i t k n f om t h i liv
a s a e i n t h A ugu t n Hi t o y by T b l h
r e r es Polli o e s a s r , re e us

see p 192 198

. . .

Sh n v d m i t t d h hu b nd mb c b t fo th k ofp o t i ty ’
e e er a e er s a s e ra es u r e sa e s er .

If h h op e w e b ffl d i n t h n ui ng month h i t t d t h xp e
er s re a e , e e s s e re e ra e e e rt

me nt .
 OF
’

THE R O MA N E MP IRE . 359

l a id th e fou nd a t i ons of t h e i r u ni t e d fa m e a nd p ow e r C H A P .

L
.

X
T h e a rm i e s which t h e y c om m a nd e d a nd t h e p r ovi nc e s ,

which t h e y h a d sa v e d a ck nowl e dg e d not a ny ot h e r ,

sov e r e ig ns th a n t h e i r i nvi ncibl e chi e fs T h e se na t e .

a nd p e opl e of R om e r e v e re d a st ra ng e r w h o h a d

a v e ng e d t h e i r c a p t iv e e m p e ror ; a nd e v e n t h e i nse nsi

b le son of V a l e r i a n a cc e p t e d O de na th u s for h i s l e g i t i
m a t e c oll e a gu e .

A ft e r a succ e ssful e xp e di t i on a g a i nst t h e G ot hic Sh e re

h G

plu nd e re rs of A sra t h e Pa lm y r e nl a n p rl nce re t u rne d

,

to th e ci t y of E m e sa i n Sy r i a I nvi ncibl e i n w a r h e d t h .
,
ea .

w a s t h e r e cu t O ff by d om e st ic t re a son ; a nd h i s fa v ou r

i t e a m u se m e nt of hu n t i ng w a s t h e c a u se or a t l e a st t h e ,

,
‘
occ a si on of h i S de a t h Hi s ne ph e w Mae oni u s p r e , ,

su m e d t o d a r t h i s j a v e li n b e for e t h a t of h i s u ncl e ; a nd

t h ough a d m oni sh e d of h i s e r r or r e p e a t e d t h e sa m e l n ,

sole nc e A s a m ona r ch a nd a s a sp or t sm a n O de na t h u s
.
,

w a s p rov ok e d t ook a w a y h i s h or se a m a r k of ig nom i ny

, ,

a m ong t h e b a r b a r i a ns a nd ch a st i se d t h e r a sh y ou t h by
,
‘

a sh or t c onfi ne m e nt T h e offe nc e w a s soon for g ot

.
,

b u t t h e pu ni sh m e nt w a s re m e mb e r e d ; a nd Maeoni u s ,

wi t h a fe w d a ri ng a ssoci a t e s a ssa ssi na t e d h i s u ncl e i n ,

t h e m id st of a g r e a t e nt e r t a i nm e nt H e rod t h e son of A D 2 67 .
,
. . .

O de na t h u s t h ough not of Z e nobi a a y ou ng m a n of a

, ,

1
soft a nd e ffe m i na t e t e m p e r w a s kill e d wi t h h i s fa t h e r , .

B u t Mae oni u s Ob t a i ne d only t h e pl e a su r e of r e v e ng e by

t hi s bl oody d e e d H e h ad sc a r c e ly t i m e t o a ssu m e t h e
.

t i t l e of A ugu st u s b e for e h e w a s sa cr ific e d by Z e nobi a

, ,

m
t o t h e m e m ory of h e r hu sb a nd .

Wi t h t h e a ssi st a nc e of h i s m ost fa i t hful fr i e nd s sh e nd ig n ,

a re s

i mm e di a t e ly fill e d t h e v a c a nt t h rone a nd g ov e rne d wi t h : 23 ,

m a nly c ou nse l s P a l m y r a Sy r i a a nd t h e e a st a b ov e E gyp

,
t
, ,

fi ve y e a rs By th e d e a t h of O de na t h u s t h a t a u t h ori t y
.
,

w a s a t a n e nd which t h e se na t e h a d g ra nt e d h i m only

‘Hi t A ugu t p
1 s . s . Z o i m u l i p 36 ; Zono a s 1 x p 633
. 192 , 193 ; s s, . . . r , . li . . .

T he l t i cl
as s a nd p ob a bl e t h e ot h
ea r r c onfu d a nd i nc on i t e nt The
, e rs se ss .

t e x t of Sy nc e llu if not c o up t i b olu t non n

s, rr , s a s e se se .

nd Z nobi oft e n e nt h i m f om t h e sp oil s of t he e ne my

I Od
e n th a us a e a s , r ,

p ent of g e m a nd t oy w h ich he e c e iv d wi t h i nfi ni te d ligh t

re s s s s, r e e .

"1
S om e v y u nj u t u pici on h v b e en c a t on Ze nobi a a if h w a
er s s s s a e s , s s e s

a cc e ssa y t o h hu b nd d t h '
r er s a s ea .
360 THE D E C LIN E A N D F A LL
as a p e rsona l di st i nc t i on ; b u t h i s ma r ti a l wid ow di s ,

d a i ni ng b ot h t h e se na t e a nd G a lli e nu s oblig e d one of ,

t h e R om a n g e ne ra l s w h o w a s se nt a g a i nst h e r t o r e
, ,

t r e a t i nt o E u r O p e wi t h t h e l oss of h i s a r m y a nd h i s
,
.

re pu t a t i on I nst e a d of t h e li t t l e p a ssi ons which so

fre qu e nt ly p e r pl e x a fe m a l e r e ig n t h e st e a dy a dm i ni ,

st ra t i on of Z e nobi a w a s guid e d by t h e m ost j udici ou s

m axi m s of p olicy If i t w a s e xp e di e nt t o p a r d on sh e
.
,

c ould c a l m h e r r e se nt m e nt : if i t w a s ne c e ssa ry t o
pu ni sh sh e c ould i m p ose sil e nc e on t h e v oic e of pi t y
,
.

H e r st r ic t e c onom y w a s a ccu se d of a v a ric e ; y e t on

e v e ry p r op e r occ a si on sh e a pp e a r e d m a g nific e n t a nd

lib e ra l T h e ne ighb ou r i ng st a t e s of A ra bi a A rm e ni a
.
, ,

a nd P e r si a d re a d e d h e r e nm i t y a nd solici t e d h e r a lli
, ,

a nc e . T o t h e d om i ni ons of O de na t h u s which e x ,

t e nd e d fr om t h e Euph ra t e s t o t h e fr ont i e rs Of Bi t hy ni a ,

h i s wi dow a dd e d t h e i nh e ri t a nc e of h e r a nc e st ors t h e ,

p opul ou s a nd fe rt il e ki ngd om of Egyp t T h e e m p e ror .

C l a udiu s a ck nowl e dg e d h e r m e r i t a nd w a s c ont e nt ,

tha t ,
whil e he pu rsu e d t h e G ot hic w a r she sh ould ,

a sse r t t h e dig ni t y of t h e e m pi r e i n t h e e a st The °

c onduc t h ow e v e r of Z e nobi a w a s a t t e nd e d wi t h som e

, , ,

a m bigui t y ; nor i s it u nlik e ly t h a t sh e h a d c onc e iv e d

th e d e sig n of e re c t i ng a n i nd e p e nd e nt a nd h ost il e m on

a r chy . S h e bl e nd e d wi t h t h e p opul a r m a nne r s of

R om a n p r i nc e s t h e sta t e ly p om p of t h e c ou rt s of A si a ,

a nd e x a c t e d fr om h e r subj e c t s t h e sa m e a d ora t i on t h a t

w a s p a id t o t h e succ e ssor s of C y r u s S h e b e st ow e d on .

h e r t h re e sons p a L a t i n e duc a t i on a nd oft e n sh ow e d ,

t h e m t o t h e t roop s a d orne d wi t h t h e i m p e r i a l pu rpl e .

F or h e rse lf sh e r e se r v e d t h e di a d e m w i t h t h e spl e ndid ,

b u t d oub t ful t i t le of qu e e n Of t h e e a st .

Wh e n A u r e li a n p a sse d ov e r i nt o A si a a g a i nst a n ,

'1
Hi st . A ugu
p 180 181 st . .
, .

See i n E t A ugu t p 198 A u li a n t t i mony t o he m e i t ; a nd

’
0 re
1s . s . .
, s es r r

fo t h c onqu t of E g yp t Z o i m
r e es l i p 39 40 , s u s, . . .
, .

P Ti mol H nn n
a u s, nd Va b l l t h
ere ia It i
u s, a upp o e d t h t th t w oa a u s. s s s a e
fo me w e a h a dy d d b fo t h e w a O n t h l a t A u eli a n b e t ow d
r r re e ea e re r. e s , r s e
a sm a ll p ovi nc e of A m ni
r wi t h t he t i t l e of ki ng e v e l of hi me d a l
r e a, : s ra s s
t ll x t nt
a re s 1 e S aTill e m t om iii p 1190
ee . . . . .
a

of c ont e m p t
O F TH E R OMA N E MP IR E
dv e rsa ry wh ose se x a l one c ould r e nd e r h e r a n obj e c t C H A P
hi s p r e se nc e r e st or e d Ob e di e nc e t o t h e
,
XI
“ . 36 1

'
.

p r ovi nc e of Bi t hy ni a a l re a dy sh a k e n by t h e a rm s a nd Th xp , e e e

i nt rigu e s of Z e nobi a 9 A d v a nci ng a t t h e h e a d of h i s X 3

3532 .
(

l e gi ons h e a cc e p t e d t h e sub m i ssi on of A ncy ra a nd w a s A D 2 72

, ,
. . .

a d m i t t e d i nt o Ty a na a ft e r a n ob st i na t e si e g e by t h e ,

h e lp of a p e rfi di ou s ci t iz e n T h e g e ne rou s th ough .

fi e r c e t em p e r of A u re li a n a b a nd one d t h e t ra it or t o t h e
r a g e of t h e soldi e rs : a sup e r st i t i ou s r e v e r e nc e i nduc e d

h im t o t r e a t wi t h l e ni t y t h e c ou nt ry m e n of A p oll oniu s
t h e phil osoph e r
”
A nti och w a s d e se rt e d on h i s a p .

p roa ch t ill t h e e m p e r or by h i s sa lu t a r y e dict s re

, , ,

c a ll e d t h e fugi t iv e s a nd g ra nt e d a g e ne r a l p a r d on t o ,

a ll w h o fr om ne c e ssi t y ra t h e r t h a n ch oic e
, ha d been ,

e ng a g e d i n t h e se r vic e of t h e P a l my re ni a n qu e e n T he .

u ne xp e ct e d m ild ne ss of such a c onduc t r e c oncil e d t h e

m i nd s of t h e Sy r i a ns ; a nd a s fa r a s t h e g a t e s of E m e sa , ,

t h e wi sh e s of t h e p e opl e se c ond e d t h e t e rr or of h i s

a rm s
s
.

Z e nobi a w ould h a v e ill d e se r v e d h e r r e pu t a ti on h a d Th m pe ,

e e

m df t r e ea s
sh e i nd ol e nt ly p e rm i tt e d t h e e m p e r or of t h e w e st t o h
t P lmy e a

a pp r oa ch wi t hi n a n hu nd r e d m il e s Of h e r c a pi t a l T h e ni n n
li gii i .

e a
fa t e of t h e e a st w a s d e c i d e d i n t w o g re a t b a t t l e s ; so of A nt i cs
:
nd E m a
si m il a r i n a l m ost e v e r y ci r cu m st a n c e th a t w e ca n a es
,

sc a r c e ly di st i ngui sh t h e m fr om e a ch ot h e r e xc e pt by ,

Ob se rvi ng t h a t t h e fi rst w a s fough t ne a r A nt i och a nd

t h e se c ond ne a r E m e sa In b ot h t h e qu e e n of Pa l ,

m y ra a ni m a t e d t h e a rm i e s by h e r p re se nc e a nd de ,

v olv e d t h e e x e cu t i on of h e r ord e rs on Z a bda s w h o ,

h a d a l re a dy sig na liz e d h i s m ili t a r y t a l e nt s by t h e con

‘
qu e st of Egyp t T h e nu me r ou s force s of Z e nobi a con
.

si st e d for t h e m ost p a r t of light a r ch e r s a nd of h e a vy ,

‘
1 Z osi m u l i p s, . . 4
A ugu t p
V0 pi scu s (i n H1st giv n u t h nt ic l e t te
. a nd s . . es u s a a e r, a
d oub ful vi i
t A u li n A p oll oni of Ty n w b o n b ou t t h m
s on of re a . us a a as r a e sa e
tim e as J u C h i t Hi l f (t h t of t he fo m ) i l t d i n o f bul ou
es s r s . s 1e a r er s re a e s a s
a m nn by hi di cipl
a er th t w e arst l o t o di c ov e wh et h e h w
s e s, a e a a ss s r r e as
a sa g n mpo to o f n t ic
e, a 1 s r, r a a a .

5
Z o i m u l i p 46
s s, . . . .

At-
pl c c ll d I mm
a a e E t pi S x t u R ufu nd J ome m n
a e aa. u rO u s, e s s, a er , e
t i on only t hi fi t b t t l s rs a e.
V pi c i n H t A ugu t p 2 17 m nt i on only t h
0 s us 1s e c ond
. s . . , e s e s .
 362 THE D E C LIN E A N D F A L L
C H AP c a v a l ry cl oth e d i n c om pl e t e st e e l T h e M oori sh a nd
. .

XI .

Illy r ia n h orse of A u re li a n w e r e u na bl e t o su st a i n t h e '

p ond e rou s ch a rg e of t he i r a nt a g oni st s Th e y fl e d i n .

r e a l or a ffe c t e d di sor d e r e ng a g e d t h e P a l m y r e ni a ns i n ,

a l a b or i ou s pu rsui t h a ra sse d t h e m by a d e sul t or y c

, om

b a t a nd a t l e ng t h di scom fi t e d t hi s i m p e ne t r a bl e b u t
,

u nwi e ldy b ody Of c a v a l ry Th e ligh t i nfa nt r y i n t h e .

,

m e a n t i me wh e n t h e y h a d e xh a u st e d t h e i r quiv e r s
, .
,

re m a i ni ng with ou t p r ot e c t i on a g a i nst a cl ose r onse t ,

e xp ose d t h e i r na k e d sid e s t o t h e sw ord s of t h e l e gi ons .

A u re li a n h a d ch ose n t h e se v e t e ra n t roop s w h o w e re
u su a lly st a t i one d on t h e U pp e r D a nub e a nd wh ose ,

v a l our ha d b e e n se v e r e ly t ri e d i n t h e A l e m a nnic w a r "

.

A ft e r t h e d e fe a t of E m e sa Z e nobi a fou nd i t i m p ossibl e ,

t o c oll e c t a t hi r d a rm y A s fa r a s t h e front i e r of .

Egyp t t h e na t i ons subj e c t t o h e r e mpi re h a d j oi ne d

,

t h e st a nd a r d of t h e c onqu e ror w h o d e t a ch e d P r obu s , ,

t h e b ra v e st of h i s g e ne ra l s t o p osse ss hi m se lf of t h e ,

Egyp t i a n p rovi nc e s P a l m y r a w a s t h e l a st r e sou rc e of

.

t h e wid ow of O de na t h u s S h e r e t i r e d wi t hi n t h e w a l ls.

of h e r c a pi t a l m a d e e v e ry p r e p a ra t i on for a vig or ou s
,

re si st a nc e a nd d e cl a r e d
, wi t h t h e i nt re pidi ty of a h e ,

r oi ne t h a t t h e l a st m om e nt of h e r re ig n a nd of h e r life
,

sh ould b e t h e sa m e .

Th t t of
e s a e A m id t h e b a rre n d e se r t s of A r a bi a a fe w cul t iv a t e d ,
P l my
a ra .
sp ot s r i se lik e i sl a nds ou t Of t h e sa ndy oc e a n Ev e n .

t h e na m e of T a d m or or P a l m y ra by i t s sig nific a t i on i n
, ,

t h e Sy r i a c a s w e ll a s i n t h e L a t i n l a ngu a g e d e not e d ,

t h e m ul t i t ud e of p a l m t re e s which a ff or d e d sh a d e a nd
v e r du re t o t h a t t e m p e ra t e re gi on T h e a i r w a s pu re .
,

a nd t h e soil w a t e re d by som e i nv a lu a bl e sp r i ng s w a s
, ,

c a p a bl e of p roducing frui t s a s w e ll a s c orn A pl a c e .

p osse sse d of such si ngul a r a dv a nt a g e s a nd si t u a t e d a t

“
,

a c onv e ni e nt di st a nc e y b e t w e e n t h e gulf of P e r si a a nd

Z o i m u s 1 i p 44— 48 Hi a cc ou nt of t h t w o b t tl e i cl a r a nd
’

3
s , . . . . s e a s s e
ci cu m t a nt i a l
r s .

Y It w fi ve hu nd d nd t hi ty
as ve n m il
re f om S l u ci a nd tw o h n
a r -
se es r e e a , u
d d nd t h e f om t h e n a t c o t of Sy i a cc o di ng t o t he e ck oni ng
re a re r e re s as r , a r r
of Pli ny w h o i n
, ,fe w w o d (Hi t Na t v
a giv a n e xc ll nt d
r s, s . . . es e e e
c ip ti on of P l my a
s r a r
 O F THE R OM A N E MP IR E . 363

t he M e di t e rra ne a n w a s soon fre qu e nt e d by t h e ca C H A P

, .

r a va ns which c onv e y e d t o t h e na t i ons of Eu rop e a X L

c onsid e ra bl e p a r t of t h e r ich c omm odi t i e s of I ndi a .

P a l my ra i nse nsibly i nc re a se d i nt o a n opul e nt a nd i nd e

p e nd e nt city ; a nd c onne c t i ng t h e R om a n a nd t h e Pa r
,

t hi a n m ona r chi e s by t h e m u t u a l b e ne fi t s of c om m e r c e ,

w a s su ffe re d t o Ob se r v e a n hu m bl e ne u t ra li t y t ill a t ,

l e ng t h a ft e r t h e vic t or i e s of T ra j a n t h e li t t l e r e public
, ,

su nk i nt o t h e b osom of R om e a nd fl ou r i sh e d m or e ,

t h a n one h u nd r e d a nd fift y y e a rs i n t h e sub or di na t e

t h ough h o ou r a bl e r a nk of a c ol ony
n It w a s du ri ng .

t h a t p e a c e ful p e r i od if w e m a y j udg e from a fe w re

,

m a i ni ng i nsc rip t i ons t h a t t h e w e a l thy P a l m y r e ni a ns

,

c onst r uct e d t h ose t e m pl e s p a l a c e s a nd p ort ic oe s of , ,

G re ci a n a rchi te ctu r e wh ose r ui ns sc a t t e r e d ov e r a n

, ,

e x t e nt of se v e ra l m il e s h a v e de se r v e d t h e cu r i osi t y Of
,

ou r t ra v e ll e r s T h e e l e v a ti on of O de na t h u s a nd Z e
.

nob i a a pp e a r e d t o r e fl e c t ne w spl e nd ou r on t h e i r c ou n

t ry ; a nd P a l m y ra for a whil e st ood for t h t h e r iv a l of

, ,

R om e : b u t t h e c om p e t i t i on w a s fa t a l a nd a g e s of ,

p r osp e ri t y w e re sa c rific e d t o a m om e nt of gl ory 3

.

In h i s m a r ch ov e r t h e sa ndy d e se r t b e tw e e n E m e sa I t i b e s

a nd P a l m y ra t h e e m p e r or A u r e li a n w a s p e r p e t u a lly
,

h a ra sse d by th e A ra b s ; nor c ould h e a lw a y s d e fe nd

h i s a r m y a nd e sp e ci a lly h i s b a gg a g e fr om t h ose fl y i ng
, ,

t r oop s of a c t iv e a nd d a ri ng r obb e r s w h o w a t ch e d t h e ,

m om e nt of su r p r i se a nd e lud e d t h e sl ow pu rsui t of t h e
'

l e gi ons T h e si e g e of P a l m y ra w a s a n Obj e c t fa r m ore

.

difli cu l t a nd i m p ort a nt ; a nd t h e e m p e r or w h o wi t h i n ,

c e ssa nt vig ou r p re sse d t h e a t t a ck s i n p e r son w a s h i m ,

T h e R om a n p e opl e sa y s
”
se lf w ou nd e d wi t h a d a r t .
,

A u re li a n i n a n origi na l l e t t e r
, sp e a k wi t h c ont e m p t ,

of t h e w a r which I a mw a gi ng a g a i nst a w om a n Th e y .

a r e ig nora nt b ot h of t h e ch a r a c t e r a nd p ow e r of Z e no

bi a . It i s i m p ossibl e t o e nu m e ra t e h e r w a rlik e p re p a

1
S om E ngli h t a v ll e f om A l epp o di cov d t he i n of P l my
e s r e rs r s er e ru s a ra ,

a b ou t t h e nd of t h l a t c nt u y
e eO cu i o i t y h a i nc b e n g t i fi e d
s e r . ur r s s s e e ra
in mo
a re spl ndid m nn by M e i e u Wood nd D wki n Fo t h hi
e a er ss rs a a s. r e s

t o y of P l my
r a w m a y c on ul t t h m st e ly di
ra , e s t a t i on of DeH ll y i n
a r sse r r. a e ,

t he P hil o ophic l T a n a c t i on ; L ow t h o p s Ab idg e m e nt vol iii p 518

’
s a r s s r r ,
. . . .
“
364 THE DE C LIN E A N D F A LL
C HAP . ra t ons of
i st one s,v e ry sp e ci e s of of a r row s, a nd of e
XI ’

m i ssil e w e a p ons Ev e ry p a rt of t h e w a ll s i s p r ovid e d

.

wi t h t w o or th re e ba li stw a nd a r t ifici a l fi re s a re t h row n ,

from h e r m ili t a ry e ngi ne s T h e fe a r of pu ni sh m e n t .

h a s a r m e d h e r wi t h a d e sp e ra t e c ou r a g e Y e t st ill I .

t r u st i n t h e prot e c t i ng d e i t i e s of R om e w h o h a v e ,
”
hi t h e rt o b e e n fa v ou ra bl e t o a ll m y u nd e rt a ki ng s a
.

D oub t ful h ow e v e r of t h e p rot e c t i on of t h e g od s a nd

, , ,

of t h e e v e nt of t h e si e g e A u r e li a n j udg e d i t m ore p r u
’

d e nt t o offe r t e rm s of a n a dv a nt a g e ou s c a pi tul a t i on : t o
t h e qu e e n a spl e ndid r e t r e a t ; t o t h e ci t i z e ns t h e i r a n
'

, ,

ci e nt p r ivil e g e s H i s p rop osa l s w e re ob st i na t e ly r e .

e d a nd t h e re fu sa l w a s a cc om p a ni e d wi t h i nsul t
j ec t , .

w ho b e T h e fi rm ne ss of Z e nobi a w a s supp or te d by t h e h O pe ,

:32? e t h a t in a v e r y sh or t t i m e fa m i ne w ould c om p e l t h e

Z nobi nd R om a n a r my t o re p a ss t h e d e se r t ; a nd by t h e r e a son
e a a
t h C i ty
e
a bl e e xp e c t a t i on t h a t t h e ki ng s of t h e e a st a nd
'

a
p r ,

t i cu l a rly t h e P e r si a n m ona r ch w ould a rm i n t h e de ,

fe nc e of t h e i r m ost na t u r a l a lly B u t for t u ne a nd t h e .

p e rse v e ra nc e of A u re li a n ov e r c a m e e v e ry Ob st a cl e .

T h e d e a t h of S a p or which h a pp e ne d a b ou t t hi s t i m e b , ,

di st ra c t e d t h e c ou ncil s of P e rsi a ; a nd t h e i nc onsid e ra bl e

succ ou r s t h a t a t t e m p t e d t o r e li e v e P a l m y r a we r e e a sily ,

i nt e r c e p t e d e i t h e r by t h e a r m s or t h e lib e ra li t y of th e
e m p e r or F rom e v e ry p a r t of S y ri a a r e gul a r succ e s
.
,

si on of c onv oy s sa fe ly a r r iv e d i n t h e c a m p which w a s ,

i nc re a se d by t h e r e t u rn of P r obu s wi t h h i s vic t ori ou s

t r oop s from t h e c onqu e st of Egyp t It w a s t h e n t h a t .

Z e nobi a re solv e d t o fly S h e m ou nt e d t h e fl e e t e st of .

h e r d rom e d a ri e s a nd h a d a l re a dy r e a ch e d t h e b a nk s
of t h e Euph ra t e s a b ou t six t y m il e s from P a l m y r a , ,

wh e n sh e w a s ov e rt a k e n by t h e pu rsui t of A u re li a n s ’

‘V
1
p i sc
0 Hi t A ugu t p 2 18
us i n s . s . . .

b v y d oub t f l ch onol ogy I h a v e nd ea v ou d t o x t a c t the

F rom a e r u r e re e r
m o t p ob bl e d a t
s r a e.
C
H t A ugu t p 2 18 ; Z o i m u l i p 50
is . s . Th ough t h c me l i a
. s s . . . . e a s

h ea vy b e t of bu d n t h d om d y w ho i e i th of t h m o of a
as r e , e r e ar , s er e sa e r

ki nd e d p eci e i u d by t he n t ve of A i a nd A f ic on ll occ i on
r s s, s se a 1 s s a r a a as s
which q e c l i ty The A b a ffi m t h t he w l1 n ov
re u 1r e er . m uch ra s r , a 1 ru er a s
g ou nd i n on d y a t h ei fl e t e t h o s c n pe fo m i n igh t o t en S
r e a , s r e s rse a r r e r . ee
B u ffon Hi t N t t om xi p 2 2 2 a nd Sh a w T ra v l p 167 ’

, s . a . . . .
, s e s, . .
 O F T HE R O MA N E MP IRE . 365

light h orse se iz e d a nd b rough t b a ck a c a p t iv e t o th e C H A P

, , .

fe e t of th e e m p e ror H e r c a pi t a l soon a ft e rw a r d s su r
.
X L
r e nd e r e d a nd w a s
, t r e a t e d wi t h u ne xp e c t e d l e ni t y .

T h e a rm s h or se s a nd c a m e l s wi t h a n i mm e nse t r e a
, , ,

su r e of g old silv e r silk a nd p r e ci ou s st one s w e r e a ll

, , , ,

d e liv e r e d t o t h e c onqu e r or ; w h o l e a vi ng only a g a r ri son

“
of si x hu nd re d a r ch e r s r e tu r ne d t o E m e sa,
a nd e m ,

pl oy e d som e t i m e i n t h e di st ribu t i on of r e w a rd s a nd
pu ni sh m e nt s a t t h e e nd of so m e m ora bl e a w a r which ,

r e st or e d t o t h e ob e di e nc e of R om e t h ose p r ovi nc e s t h a t

h a d r e nou nc e d t h e i r a ll e gi a nc e si nc e t h e c a p t ivi t y of
V a l e ri a n .

Wh e n t h e Sy ri a n qu e e n w a s b rough t i nt o t h e p re B h vi ou e a r

f Z n bi a
se nc e of A u r e li a n h e st e r nly a sk e d h e r h ow sh e h a d
0 e O :

, ,

p r e su m e d t o r i se i n a rm s a g a i nst t h e e m p e rors of
R om e . T h e a nsw e r of Z e nobi a w a s a p r ud e nt m i x
t u re of r e sp e c t a nd fi rm ne ss : B e c a u se I di sd a i ne d
t o c onsid e r a s R om a n e m p e r or s a n A u r e olu s or a G a l
l i e nu s .Y ou a l one I a ck nowl e dg e a s m y c onqu e ror
d ”
a nd m y sove r e i g n B u t a s fe ma l e for titud e i s com
.

m ou ly a r t ifici a l so i t i s se ld om st e a dy or c onsi st e nt
, .

T h e c ou ra g e of Z e nobi a d e se r t e d h e r i n t h e h ou r of
t r i a l ; sh e t re m bl e d a t t h e a ng ry cl a m ou r s of t h e sol
die r s w h o c a lle d a l oud for h e r i mm e di a t e e x e cu t i on
, ,
‘
forg ot t h e g e ne r ou s d e sp a i r of C l e op a tra which sh e ,

h a d p rop ose d a s h e r m ode l a nd ig nom i ni ou sly p u r

.
,

ch a se d Ii fe by t h e sa c r ific e of h e r fa m e a nd h e r fri e nd s .

It w a s t o t h e i r c ou nse l s which g ov e rne d t h e w e a k ne ss

,

of h e r se x th a t sh e i m pu t e d t h e guilt of h e r ob st i na t e
,

r e si st a nc e ; i t w a s on t h e i r h e a d s t h a t sh e di re c t e d t h e

v e ng e a nc e of t h e c r u e l A u re li a n T h e fa me of L ongi .

nu s w h o w a s i nclud e d a m ong t h e nu m e r ou s a nd p e r
,

h a p s i nnoc e nt vic t i m s of h e r fe a r will su rviv e t h a t of ,

t h e qu e e n w h o b e t ra y e d or t h e t y r a nt w h o c ond e m ne d
,

hi m . G e niu s a nd l e a rni ng w e re i nc a p a bl e Of m ovi ng a

fi e r c e u nl e t t e re d soldi e r ; b u t t h e y h a d se rv e d t o e le
v a t e a nd h a rm oniz e t h e soul Of L ongi nu s Wi t h ou t .

u t t e r i ng a c om pl a i nt h e c a l m ly foll ow e d t h e e xe cu
,

‘
1 P olli
o i n Hi t A ugu t p 1 99s . s . . .
 T HE D E C LIN E
'

366 AN D FA L L
t i one r , pityi ng u nh a ppy m i st r e ss a nd be st owi ng
h is ,

c om for t on h i s a ffl ic t e d fri e nds e

.

R e t u rni ng from th e c onqu e st Of t h e e a st A u re li a n ,

h a d a l re a dy c rosse d t h e st r a i ts which divid e Eu r op e‘

from A si a wh e n h e w a s p r ov ok e d by t h e i nt e llig e nc e
,

t h a t t h e P a l my r e ni a ns h a d m a ssa c re d t h e g ov e rnor a nd
g a rri son which h e h a d l e ft a m ong t h e m a nd a g a i n ,

e re c t e d t h e st a nd a r d of r e v ol t
’
Wi t h ou t a m om e nt s .

de lib e ra t i on h e onc e m or e t u rne d h i s fa c e t ow a r d s

,

Sy ri a A nt i och w a s a l a rm e d by h i s ra pid a pp r oa ch
.
,

a nd t h e h e lpl e ss ci t y of P a l m y r a fe l t t h e i rr e si st ibl e

w e igh t of h i s r e se ntm e nt W e h a v e a l e t t e r of A u re .

f
li a n hi m se lf i n which h e a ck now l e dg e s t h a t Old m e n
, , ,

w ome n child re n a nd p e a sa nt s h a d b e e n i nv olv e d i n

, , ,

t h a t d r e a dful e x e cu t i on which sh ould h a v e b e e n con ,

fi ne d t o a r m e d r e b e lli on ; a nd a l t h ough h i s p ri ncip a l

c onc e rn se e m s di r e c t e d t o t h e r e e st a bli sh m e nt of a
t e m pl e of t h e su n h e di sc ov e rs som e pi t y for t he
,

r e m na nt of t h e P a l my r e ni a ns t o wh om h e g ra nt s t h e ,

p e rm i ssi on of r e buildi ng a nd i nh a bi t i ng th e i r ci t y But .

i t i s e a si e r t o d e st r oy t h a n t o r e st ore T h e se a t of .

c omm e rc e of a r t s a nd of Z e nobi a gr a du a lly su nk i nt o

, , ,

a n ob scu r e t ow n a t rifli ng for t re ss, a nd a t l e ng t h a ,

m i se ra bl e vill a g e T h e p r e se nt ci t iz e ns of P a l my ra
.
,

c onsi st i ng of t hi r t y or for ty fa m ili e s h a v e e re c t e d t h e i r ,

m u d c ot t a g e s wi t hi n t h e sp a ci ou s c ou r t of a m a g nific e nt
t e mpl e .

A noth e r a nd a l a st l a b ou r st ill a w a i t e d t h e i nde fa t i

g a bl e A u re li a n ; t o supp re ss a d a ng e r ou s t h ough ob
scu re r e b e l w h o du ri ng t h e r e vol t of P a l m y ra
, , ha d ,

a ri se n on t h e b a nk s of t h e Nil e Pi r m u s t h e fr i e nd .
,

a nd a lly a s h e p r oudly st yl e d hi m se lf of O de na t h u s
, ,

a nd Z e nobi a w a s no m or e t h a n a w e a l t hy m e r ch a nt of
,

Egyp t In t h e c ou rse of h i s t ra d e t o I ndi a h e h a d

.
,

form e d v e ry i nt i m a t e c onne c t i ons wi t h t h e S a ra c e ns

'

a nd t h e Bl e mm e s w h ose si t u a t i on on e i t h e r c oa st of
y ,

t h e R e d se a g a v e t h e m a n e a sy i nt r oduc t i on i nt o t h e '

9
V0 pi scu s i n Hi st . A ugu st . p . 2 19 Z o i mu l i p
s s, . . . 51
.

Hi st . A ugu t p s . . 2 19 .
 “
O F THE R OMA N E MP IR E . 367

U pp e r ‘
Egypt T h e Egypti a ns h e i nfl a m e d wi t h
. the C H A P .

h op e of fr e e d om a nd a t t h e h e a d of t h e i r fu ri ou s m u l
,
X
,
L
t i t u de b r ok e i nt o t h e ci t y of A l e x a nd ri a wh e r e h e a s
, ,

su m e d t h e i m p e r i a l pu r pl e c oi ne d m one y publi sh e d , ,

e dic t s a nd r a i se d a n a rm y which a s h e v a i nly b oa st e d

, , , ,

h e w a s c a p a bl e of m a i nt a i ni ng from t h e sol e p rofi t s Of

h i s p a p e r t ra d e S uch t roop s w e re a fe e bl e d e fe nc e
.

a g a i nst t h e a pp r oa ch of A u r e li a n ; a nd i t se e m s a l m ost

u nne c e ssa ry t o r e l a t e t h a t Pi rm u s w a s r ou t e d t a k e n , , ,

t or t u re d a nd p u t t o d e a t h
, A u re li a n m igh t now con .

g r a t ul a t e t h e se na t e t h e p e opl e a nd hi m se lf t h a t i n , , ,

li t tl e m ore t h a n t h re e y e a rs h e h a d r e st ore d u niv e rsa l ,

p e a c e a nd ord e r t o t h e R om a n w orld g .

Si nc e t h e fou nd a t i on Of R om e no g e ne ra l h a d m ore A D 2 74
m
, . . .
.

i gflgg
l
nobly d e se r v e d a t riu m ph th a n A u re li a n ; nor w a s a
.

t r iu m ph e v e r c e l e b r a t e d wi t h sup e r i or p r id e a nd m a g
h ‘
n ifi ce nc e T h e p om p w a s op e ne d by t w e nt y e l e ph a nt s
.
,

fou r roy a l t ig e rs a nd a b ov e t w o hu nd re d of th e m ost

,

cu ri ou s a ni m a l s fr om e v e ry cli m a t e of th e nort h t h e ,

e a st a nd t h e south
, Th e y w e re foll ow e d by six t e e n
.

hu nd r e d gl a di a t ors d e v ot e d t o t h e c ru e l a m u se m e nt of
,

t h e a m phi t h e a t r e T h e w e a l t h of A si a t h e a r m s a nd
.
,

e nsig ns of so m a ny c onqu e r e d na t i ons a nd t h e m a g ni

fic
,

e n t pl a t e a nd w a r d r ob e of t h e Sy r i a n qu e e n w e r e ,

di sp ose d i n e x a c t sy mme t ry or a r t ful di sor d e r T h e .

a m b a ssa d or s of t h e m ost r e m ot e p a r t s Of t h e e a r t h O f , ,

E t hi opi a Ara bi a P e r si a B a ct ri a na I ndi a a nd C hi na

, , , , , ,

a l l r e m a r k a bl e by t h e i r r ich or si ngul a r d re sse s di s ,

pl a y e d t h e fa m e a nd p ow e r of t h e R om a n e m p e ror ;
‘
w h o e xp ose d lik e wi se t o t h e public vi e w t h e p r e se nt s

th a t h e h a d re c e iv e d a nd p a rt icul a rly a g re a t nu m b e r ,

of c r ow ns of g old t h e offe r i ng s of g ra t e ful ci t i e s T he

‘

.
,

vic t or i e s of A u re li a n w e re a tt e st e d by t h e l ong t ra i n of
3 A ugu t p 2 2 0 2 42 A n i n t nc of luxu y
Se e V0 pi scus i n H1st . s . . . . s a s a e r ,

i t i ob s v d t h t h h d gl wi ndow H w
se r e , a e m k bl fo hi
a a ss s. e a s re ar a e r s
t ng t h nd pp t i t
s re a hi c ou g
a nd d x t i t y
e e, F om t h l t t of A u
s ra e a e er . r e e er re

li n w e m y j u t ly i nf t h t F i m w th l t of t h b l nd con
a , a s e r, a r us as e as e re e s, a
se q u nt ly t h t T t i c w l dy upp
e a e r dus a s a re a s re sse .

Sh
t h t iu m p h of A u li n d c ib d by V pi c
ee e r H l t th re a , es r e 0 s u s. e re a e s e
p t icul wi t h hi u u l m i nu t n ; nd on t hi occ a i on t h y h pp n
ar a rs s s a e e ss a ,
s s , e a e
t o b i nt e t i ng Hi t A ug 2 2 0
e re s . s . . .
 THE D E C LIN E A N D F A L L
\

c a p t iv e s w h o r e luct a nt ly a tt e nd e d h i s t rium ph G ot h s , ,

V a nd a l s S a rm a t i a ns A l e m a nni F ra nk s Ga ul s Sy ri a ns
, , , , , ,

a nd Egyp t i a ns E a ch p e opl e w a s di st i ngui sh e d by i t s

.

p e culi a r i nsc rip t i on ; a nd t h e t i t l e of Am a z ons w a s be

st ow e d on t e n m a r t i a l h e r oi ne s of t h e G ot hic na t i on
i
w h o h a d b e e n t a k e n i n a rm s B u t e v e ry e y e di sre .
,

g a rdi ng t h e c r owd of c a p t iv e s w a s fix e d on th e e m ,

e r or T e t ri c u s a nd t h e qu e e n of t h e e a st T h e for
p ,
.

m e r a s w e ll a s h i s son wh om h e h a d c re a t e d A ugu st u s
, , ,

w a s d r e sse d i n G a llic t row se r s

' k a sa ffr on t u nic a nd a , ,

r ob e of pu r pl e T h e b e a u t e ou s figu r e of Z e nobi a w a s
.

c onfi ne d by fe t t e rs of g old ; a sl a v e supp ort e d t h e g ol d

ch a i n which e nci r cl e d h e r ne ck a nd sh e a l m ost fa i nt e d ,

u nd e r t h e i nt ol e ra bl e w e igh t of j e w e l s Sh e p re c e d e d .

on foot t h e m a g nific e nt ch a r i ot i n whi ch sh e onc e ,

h op e d t o e nt e r t h e g a t e s of R om e It w a s follow e d . ,

by t w o ot h e r ch a ri ot s st ill m or e su m p t u ou s of O de , ,

na t h u s a nd of t h e P e r si a n m ona r ch ,
T h e t r iu m ph a l ,

ca r of A u r e li a n (i t h a d form e rly b e e n u se d by a G ot hic

ki ng) w a s d ra w n on t hi s m e m ora bl e Occ a si on e i t h e r , ,

1
by fou r st a g s or by fou r e l e ph a nt s T h e m ost illu s .

t ri ons of t h e se na t e t h e p e opl e a nd t h e a r m y cl ose d , , ,

t h e sol e m n p r oc e ssi on U nfe ig ne d j oy w ond e r a nd .

, ,

g ra t i t ud e sw e ll e d t h e a ccl a m a t i ons of t h e m ulti t ud e ;

,

b u t t h e sa t i sfa c t i on of t h e se na t e w a s cl oud e d by t h e
a pp e a ra nc e of T e t ri c us ; nor c ould t h e y supp re ss a

r i si ng m u rm u r t h a t t h e h a ugh t y e m p e r or sh ould t hu s
,

g
e xp ose t o public i nom i ny t h e p e r son of a R om a n a nd
m
a m a gi st ra t e .

A mong b b ou n t i on w om n h v oft n c omb t d by t h de of

1 a r ar s a s, e a e e a e e sr
th hu b nd B t i t i lmo t i m p o ibl t h t
e 1r s a s. u oci t y of A m z on
s a s ss e, a a s e a s
h ould v h v xi t d i t h i n t h ol d o n w w o ld
‘Th e of b c b ch o t ow
s e er a e e s e e er e r e r .

1
e us raw t ill c on id
ere , d i n I t ly
re e e s, r r se rs, as s s e re a
as a G l k nd b b i n f h i on Th R om n h ow v h d m d g t
a e a ar ar a as . e a s, e e r, a a e re a

a dv nc t ow d i t To nci cl th l g ndt high wi t h f ci o b nd

a es ar s . e r e e e s a s as a , r a s,
w as u nd tood i n t h t i m of P omp y nd H o c t o b p oof of ill h l t h
ers e e e a ra e, e a i ea
o ff m i n cy
r e e I n t h e g of T j n t h cu t om
a . a c onfi n d t o t h ich
a e ra a , e s w s e e r
a nd luxu i ou I t g du lly w
r s. dop t d by t h m n t of t h p opl
ra a as a e e ea es e e e.
S ee av y cu i ou not of C ub on d S t on i n A ugu t c 82
er r s e a sa , a ue . s . . .

1 Mo t p
ob bly t h fo m
s r ; th l tt
a n on t h m d l of A u li n
e r er e a e r, se e e e a s re a

( cc o d i ng t o t h l n d c di n l N o i ) n o i nt l vic t o y
,

only d not e e a r e ea r e ar a rr s a r e a r

N
.

Th x
p on of C l ph
e e ni (
re ssr E cl og i ull o d c t c
a p t i ur u s, . . s u e a va
t i m ph o
r u ppli d t o Rom c ont i n
s, as a v y m nif t llu i on nd
e e, a s a er a es a s a
c nue s re .
 O F TH E R O MA N E MP IR E . 369

Bu t h ow e v e r i n t h e t re a t m e nt of h i s u nfort u na t e ri C H A P
, .

XI
v a l s A u re li a n m igh t i ndulg e h i s p rid e h e b e h a v e d t o
, ,
’

w a rd s th e m wi t h a g e ne rou s cl e m e ncy which w a s se l Hi t t ; ,

s re a

1
P r i nc e s $325:
0
dom e x e r ci se d by t h e a nci e nt c onqu e r or s .
1

w h o wi t h ou t succ e ss h a d d e fe nd e d t h e i r t h r one or Z nobi

, ,
e a

fre e d om w e r e fr e qu e ntly st ra ngl e d i n p ri son a s soon

’

, ,

a s t h e t riu m ph a l p om p a sc e nd e d t h e c a pi t ol Th e se .

u su rp e rs wh om t h e i r d e fe a t h a d c onvic t e d of t h e c r i m e
,

of t r e a son w e re p e r m i t t e d t o sp e nd t h e i r liv e s i n a ffl u
'

e nc e a nd h onou ra bl e r e p ose T h e e m p e r or p r e se nt e d
.

Z e nobi a wi t h a n e l e g a nt villa a t Tibu r or Tiv oli , ,

a b ou t t w e nt y m il e s fr om t h e c a pi t a l ; t h e S y ri a n qu e e n

i nse nsibly su nk i nt o a R om a n ma t ron h e r d a ugh t e rs ,

m a rr i e d i nt o nobl e fa m ili e s a nd h e r ra c e w a s not y e t,

‘
e x t i nc t i n t h e fift h c e nt u ry T e t r i cu s a nd h i s son
w e re r e i nst a t e d i n t h e i r r a nk a nd for tu ne s Th e y .

e r e c t e d on t h e C ae li a n hill a m a g nific e nt p al a c e a nd a s ,

soon a s i t w a s fi ni sh e d i nvi t e d A u r e li a n t o supp e r

, On .

h i s e nt r a nc e h e w a s a g re e a bly su r p r i se d wi t h a pic t u r e
,

which r e p r e se nt e d t h e i r si ngul a r hi st or y Th e y w e re .

d e li ne a t e d offe ri ng t o t h e e m p e ror a civic c row n a nd

t h e sc e p t r e of G a ul a nd a g a i n r e c e ivi ng a t h i s h a nd s
,

t h e or na m e nt s of t h e se na t ori a l dig ni t y T h e fa t h e r .

w a s a ft e r w a rd s i nv e st e d wi t h t h e g ov e r nm e nt of Luc a

ni a ; a nd A u r e li a n w h o soon a d m it t e d t h e a bdic a t e d
°
,

m ona r ch t o h i s fr i e nd ship a nd c onv e r sa t i on fa m ili a rly ,

a sk e d h i m wh e t h e r i t w e r e not m or e de si ra bl e t o a d
,

m i ni st e r a p rovi nc e of I t a ly t h a n t o r e ig n b e y ond t h e ,

A lp s T h e son l ong c ont i nu e d a r e sp e c t a bl e m e m b e r

.

of t h e se na t e ; nor w a s t h e re a ny one of t h e R om a n no

bi li t y m or e e st e e m e d by A u re li a n a s w e ll a s by h i s ,

su cce ssors p .

Sol ong a nd so v a ri ou s w a s t h e p om p of A u re li a n s Hi m g ni ’
s a

fi c nc a nd e e
t riu m ph th a t a l t h ough it op e ne d with t h e d a w n of da y d vofi on
, , e .

'1
V0 pi scus i n st Hi A ugu p
st 199 ; Hi erony m i n
. . . ron ros e r i n . Ch P p
Ch ron B a roni u s s
. upp h
ose s t a t Z e nob i u s, bi h p
s o of F ore n e 1n t h e t m e of l c i
St. A b
m rose , w a s of h e r a m f ily .

V0 pi scu s i n st n Hi A gu p
st 2 2 2 ; E u t rOp i u s,
. . .13; t or n or ix . V ic ju i .

P lli
B u t o o, i n st stHi A ugu p
. . . y h
196, sa s, t a t Te t ri cu s w a s m a e orre t or d c c
of a ll I t lya . P Hi st . A ugu st p. . 197 .

VO L . 1 . B b
 ’
THE D E C L IN E A N D F A L L
the l ow m a j e st y of t h e p roce ssi on a sc e nd e d not t h e
s

c a pit ol b e fore t h e ni nt h h ou r ; a nd i t w a s a l re a dy d a rk
wh e n t h e e m p e ror re t u r ne d t o t h e p a l a c e T h e fe st iv a l .

w a s p r ot ra c t e d by t h e a t ric a l re p re se nt a t i ons t h e g a m e s ,

of t h e ci r cu s t h e hu nt i ng of wild b e a st s c omb a t s of
, ,

gl a di a tors a nd na v a l e ng a g e m e nt s Lib e ra l d ona t iv e s

,
.

w e re di st ribu t e d t o t h e a rm y a nd p e opl e a nd se v e ra l ,

i nsti t u t i ons a g re e a bl e or b e ne fici a l t o t h e ci t y c ont r i

, ,

bu t e d t o p e rp e t u a t e t h e gl or y of A u re li a n A c ou si .

de ra ble p ort i on of hi s ori e nt a l sp oil s w a s c onse c r a t e d

t o t h e g od s of R om e ; t h e c a pit ol a nd e v e ry ot h e r t e m,

p l e, gli t t e r e d wi t h t h e offe ri ng s of h i s ost e nt a t i ou s

pi e t y ; a nd t h e t e m pl e of th e su n a l one re c e iv e d a b ov e
fif e e n t h ou sa nd p ou nd s o g old
t f q Thi s l a st w a s a .

m a g nific e nt st ruc t u re e re c t e d by t he e m p e ror On t h e

,

sid e of t h e Q ui r i na l hill a nd d e dic a t e d , soon a ft e r t h e

,

t r iu m ph t o t h a t d e i t y wh om A u r e li a n a d or e d a s t h e
,

p a re nt of h i s life a nd for t u ne s H i s m ot h e r h a d b e e n
.

a n i nfe r i or p r i e st e ss i n a ch a p e l of t h e su n : a p e culi a r

d e v ot i on t o t h e g od of ligh t w a s a se nt i m e nt which t h e
,

for tu na t e p e a sa nt imbib e d i n h i s i nfa ncy ; a nd e v e r y

st e p of h i s e l e v a t i on e v e r y vic t ory of hi s r e ig n for t ifi e d
, ,

sup e r st i t i on by g r a t i t ud e
’
.

T h e a rm s of A u re li a n h a d v a nqui sh e d t h e fore ig n
a nd d om e st ic foe s of t h e r e public W e a re a ssu re d .
,

t h a t by h i s sa lu t a r y ri g ou r c r i m e s a nd fa c t i ons m i s
, , ,

ch i e vou s a r t s a nd p e r nici ou s c onniv a nc e t h e luxu ri a nt ,

g row t h of a fe e bl e a nd O pp r e ssiv e g ov e rnme nt w e re ,

e r a dic a t e d t h r ough ou t t h e R om a n w or ld B u t if w e 5
.

a t t e nt iv e ly r e fl e c t h ow m uch swift e r i s t h e p r og re ss Of

c orr up t i on t h a n i t s cu re a nd if w e re m e mb e r t h a t
,

t h e y e a rs a b a nd one d t o pu blic di sord e rs e xc e e d e d t h e

m ont h s a ll ot t e d t o t h e m a r t i a l re ig n of A u re li a n ; w e

‘V
1 0
p i scHi A ugu
us i n st . Z i u l i p
.st 2 2 2 o s m s , 56
. He a e i n i t
. . . pl c d
B lu which
t h e i m a ges of e s a nd of t he su n, he h a d b rou gh t from a m ra I t Pl y .

w as d dic d
e a te fu h y
i n t h e o rt ig e a r of h i s re n, E u seb i n
( ron
) bu t w a s
. Ch .

dly b gu
m ost a ssure e cc i
n i mme th a t ely on hi s a ess on .

A ugu
Se e i n t h e Hi y p
st a n stor , . 2 10, t he ome ns of hi s ort ne Hi s de f u .

pp
vot i on t o t he sun a l d l
e a rs i n hi s e t t e rs, on h i s m e a s, a nd i s me nt one in i d
t he C J uli
ae sa rs of C an. i p
omment a re de Spa nhe i m , 109 . .

5
A ugu p
V0 pi scus i n Hl st . .st . 22 1 .
“ “
O F T H E R OMA N E MP IRE . 371

m u st c onfe ss t h a t a fe w sh or t i nt e rv a l s Of p e a c e w e r e C H A P .

XI
i nsu ffici e nt for t h e a rdu ou s w or k of r e form a t i on Ev e n .

h i s a tt e m p t t o r e st ore t h e i nt e g rity of t h e c oi n w a s ,

opp ose d by a for m id a bl e i nsu rr e c t i on Th e e m p e .

’
r or s v e x a t i on b re a k s ou t i n one of h i s p r iv a t e l e t t e r s .

”
S u re ly sa y s h e
, t h e g od s h a v e d e c r e e d t h a t m y
,

life sh ould b e a p e rp e t u a l w a r fa r e A se di t i on wi t hi n .

t h e w a ll s h a s j u st now giv e n bi r t h t o a v e ry se r i ou s civil

w ar . T h e w ork m e n Of t h e m i nt a t t h e i nst ig a t i on of ,

F e li ci ssi m u s a sl a v e t o wh om I h a d i nt r u st e d a n
,

e m pl oy m e nt i n t h e fi na nc e s h a v e r i se n i n r e b e lli on
, .

‘
Th e y a r e a t l e ng t h supp re sse d ; b u t se v e n t h ou sa nd of

“
m y soldi e r s h a v e b e e n sl a i n i n t h e c ont e st of t h ose

“
,

t roop s wh ose ordi na r y st a t i on i s i n D a ci a a nd t h e c a m p s

O t h e r w ri t e r s w h o c onfi rmt h e
,

a l ong t h e D a nub e ,

sa m e fa c t a dd lik e wi se
, t h a t i t h a pp e ne d soon a ft e r
,

A u re li a n s t riu m ph ; t h a t t h e d e ci siv e e ng a g e m e nt w a s
’

fough t on t h e C a zli a n hill ; t h a t t h e w ork m e n of t h e

m i nt h a d a dul t e ra t e d t h e coi n ; a nd t h a t t h e e m p e r or
r e st ore d t h e public c re di t by d e liv e r i ng ou t g ood m one y
,

i n e xch a ng e for t h e b a d which t h e p e opl e w a s com

‘
,

m a nde d t o b ri ng i nt o t h e t re a su ry 1
.

We m igh t c ont e nt ou rse lv e s wi t h r e l a t i ng t hi s e x t ra O b v a se r

O
or di na r y t r a nsa c t i on ; but w e c a nnot di sse m bl e h ow P

m uch i n i t s p re se nt for m i t a pp e a rs t o u s i nc onsi st e nt

a nd i nc re d ibl e T h e d e b a se m e nt of t h e c oi n i s i nd e e d
.

w e ll sui t e d t o t h e a d m i ni st ra t i on of G a lli e nu s ; nor i s i t

u nlik e ly t h a t t h e i nst r u m e nt s of t h e c orr up t i on m igh t
d re a d t h e i nfl e xibl e j u st ic e of A u re li a n B u t t h e guilt .
,

a s w e ll a s t h e p rofi t m u st h a v e b e e n c onfi ne d t o a fe w ;
,

nor i s i t e a sy t o c onc e iv e by wh a t a r t s t h e y c ould a rm

a p e opl e wh om t h e y h a d i nj u r e d a g a i nst a m ona r ch ,

wh om t h e y h a d b e t ra y e d We m igh t na t u ra lly e xp e c t
. ,

t h a t such m i sc re a nt s sh ould h a v e sh a r e d t h e public de

t e st a t i on wi t h t h e i nfor me r s a nd t h e ot h e r m i ni st e r s Of
,

opp r e ssi on ; a nd t h a t t h e r e for ma t i on of t h e c oi n sh ould

l 11st . A ugu st . p . 2 22 . A u li
re a n c ll s t h o e oldi e
a s s rs Hiber i R i p a r i enses ,

C u st rt a ni , a nd D t i
‘
l .

1
Z osIm u s , l i p
. . . 56 ; E u t rOpi u s, ix . 14 A u l V i c to
re . r.

B b fZ
 THE DE C L IN E A N D FA L L
h a v e b e e n a n a c ti on e qu a lly p opul a r wi t h t h e de st ru c
t i on of t h ose ob sol e t e a cc ou nt s which by t h e e m p e ,

r or s ord e r w e r e bu r nt i n t h e for u m of T ra j a n In a n
'
"
.

a e wh e n t h e p ri ncipl e s of c om m e r c e w e r e so i m p e r
g
fe ct ly u nd e rst ood t h e m ost d e si ra bl e e nd m igh t p e r
,

h a p s b e e ffe c te d by h a rsh a nd i nj udici ou s m e a ns ; b u t

a t e m ora r y g r i e v a nc e of such a na t u re c a n sc a r c e ly
p
e xci t e a nd supp or t a se ri ou s civil w a r T h e re p e .

t i t i on of i nt ol e ra bl e t a x e s i m p ose d e i t h e r on t h e l a nd,

or on t h e ne c e ssa ri e s of life m a y a t l a st p r ov ok e t h ose ,

w h o will not or w h o c a nnot re li nqui sh t h e i r c ou nt ry

, ,
.

B u t t h e c a se i s fa r ot h e r wi se i n e v e ry op e ra t i on which ,

by wh a t soe v e r e xp e di e nt s r e st or e s t h e j u st v a lu e of ,

m one y T h e t ra nsi e nt e vil i s soon obli t e r a t e d by t h e

’

p e rm a ne nt b e ne fi t th e l oss i s divid e d a m ong m ul t i

,

t ud e s ; a nd i f a fe w w e a l t hy i ndividu a l s e xp e r i e nc e a

se nsibl e di m i nu t i on of t r e a su r e wi t h t h e i r r ich e s t h e y ,

a t t h e sa m e t i m e l ose t h e d e g re e of w e igh t a nd i m or t
p
a nc e which th e y d e r iv e d fr om t h e p osse ssi on of t h e m .

H ow e v e r A u re li a n mi gh t ch oose t o di sgui se t h e re a l
c a u se of t h e i nsu rre c t i on h i s r e form a t i on of t h e c oi n ,

c ould fu rni sh only a fa i nt p re t e nc e t o a p a rt y a l re a dy

p ow e rful a nd di sc ont e nt e d R om e t h ough d e p r iv e d .
,

of fr e e d om w a s di st ra c t e d by fa c t i on
, T h e p e opl e .
,

t ow a r d s wh om t h e e m p e ror hi m se lf a pl e be i a n a lw a y s , ,

e xp re sse d a p e culi a r fond ne ss liv e d i n p e r p e t u a l di s ,

se nsi on wi t h t h e se na t e t h e e qu e st r i a n or d e r a nd t h e
, ,

p re t ori a n gu a rd s N ot hi ng l e ss t h a n th e fi rm t h ough
se c r e t c onspi ra cy of t h ose or d e r s of t h e a uth or i t y of ,

t h e fi r st t h e w e a l t h of t h e se c ond a nd t h e a r m s of t h e
, ,
.

t hi rd c ould h a v e di spl a y e d a st re ng t h c a p a bl e of con

,

t e ndi ng i n b a t t l e wi t h t h e v e t e r a n l e gi ons of t h e D a n
.

u b e which u nd e r t h e c onduc t of a m a r ti a l sov e r e ig n

, , ,

h a d a chi e v e d t h e c onqu e st of t h e w e st a nd of t h e e a st .

Wh a t e v e r w a s th e c a u se or t h e obj e c t of t hi s r e
b elli on i mpu t e d wi t h so li tt l e p r ob a bili t y t o t h e w ork
,

x
Hi A ugu t p 2 2 2 A u l V ic to
st . s . . re . r.

It l dy g d b fo A u li n t u n f om Egyp t ’
'
3 a re a ra e e re re a s re r r . Se e V0 pi scu s,
w ho qu ot n o igi n l l t t
es a Hi t A gu t p 2 44
r a e er. s . u s . . .
 O F TH E R OMA N E MP IRE . 373

m e n of t h e m i nt , A u re li a n u se d
vic t ory wi t h u n C H A P his .

r e l e nt i ng r i ou r H w n a t u ra lly
z
Of v X L
g e as . a se e re

di sp osi t i on A p e a sa nt a nd a soldi e r h i s ne r v e s yi e ld
.
,

e d not e a sily t o t h e i m p r e ssi on s of sy m p a t hy a nd h e ,

c ould su st a i n wi t h ou t e m oti on th e sigh t of t or t u re s

a nd d e a t h T ra i ne d from h i s e a rli e st y ou th i n t h e
.

e x e r ci se of a r m s h e se t t oo sm a ll a v a lu e on t h e life
,

of a ci t iz e n ch a st i se d by m ili t a r y e x e cu t i on t h e sligh t
,

e st O ffe nc e s a nd t ra nsfe rr e d t h e st e r n di scipli ne of t h e

,

c a m p i nt o th e civil a d m i ni st ra t i on of t h e l a w s Hi s .

l ov e of j u st ic e oft e n b e c a m e a bli nd a nd fu r i ou s p a s
si on ; a nd wh e ne v e r h e d e e m e d h i s ow n or th e public

sa fe t y e nd a ng e r e d h e di sre g a r d e d t h e r ul e s of e vi
,

d e nc e a nd th e p r op or t i on of pu ni sh me nt s T h e u m
, .

p rov ok e d r e b e lli on wi t h which t h e R om a ns r e w a rd e d

h i s se rvic e s e x a sp e r a t e d h i s h a ugh t y spi r it
, T h e no .

bl e st fa m ili e s Of t h e c a pi t a l w e re i nv olv e d i n t h e guil t

or su spici on of t hi s d a r k c onspi ra cy A h a st y spi r i t .

of r e v e ng e u rg e d t h e bl oody p r ose cu t i on a nd i t p r ov e d ,

fa t a l t o one of t h e ne ph e w s of t h e e m p e ror T h e e x e ‘
.

cu t i one r s (if w e m a y u se t h e e xp r e ssi on of a c ont e m

o ra r p oe t ) w e r e fa tigu e d t h e p r i sons w e re c r owd e d
p y , ,

a nd t h e u nh a ppy se na t e l a m e nt e d t h e d e a th or a b se nc e

of i t s m ost illu st ri ou s m e m b e rs N or w a s t h e p r id e a
.

of A u re li a n l e ss offe nsiv e t o t h a t a sse m bly t h a n h i s

c r u e l t y Ig nora nt or i m p a t i e nt of t h e re st ra i nt s of
.

civil i nst i t u ti ons h e di sd a i ne d t o hold h i s p ow e r by

,

an o th e r t i t l e t h a n t h a t of t h e sw or d a nd g ov e rne d
y ,

by r ight of c onqu e st a n e m pi re which h e h a d sa v e d

a nd subdu e d
b .

It w a s ob se r v e d by one of t h e m ost sa g a ci ou s of t h e H m ch e ar es
m t th e t O e aS
R om a n p r i nc e s t h a t t h e t a l e nt s of h i s p r e d e c e ssor ndi
, a s a ssa s
’

A u re h a n w e re b e t t e r 8111t
, t o t h e c omm a nd of a n n t d Sl a e

V pi c i n Hi t A ugu t p 2 2 2 t h t w o V ic t o ; E t pi
Z
0 s us s . ix 14
s . . e rs u rO u s, .

Zo i m u (I i p
s s m nt i on only t h
. . . e n to end pl c th i d th
s re e s a rs, a a es e r ea
b fo the t n
e re e a s er w a r.

N ull c t n ti f l i p omp a n t u
3
a a e a e ra s se a s

C ni fi c m l b i t O pu ; n c c c
ar upl no a ssa s e a r e re e

Inf li x o n m bi t cu i p t
e ra r s u e ra r a a res .

C l ph n B l og i 60 a ur . e
b A cc o di ng t o t h y ou ng Vic to he omet i me w o t h di d m D
. . .

r e er r s s re e a e . e us

a nd Domi n pp on hi med lus a ea r s a s.

374

a rm ,
THE D E C LIN E AN D F A LL
y th a n t o t h e g ov e rnm e nt of a n e mpi re C on
sci ou s of t h e ch a r a c te r i n which na t u r e a nd e xp e r i e nc e

h a d e na bl e d h i m t o e xc e l h e a g a i n t ook t h e fi e ld a
fe w m onth s a ft e r h i s t r iu m ph It w a s e xp e di e nt t o
e x e r ci se t h e r e st l e ss t e m p e r of t h e l e gi ons i n som e
,

.
“
.

fore ign w a r ; a nd t h e P e r si a n m ona r ch e xul t i ng i n t h e ,

sh a m e Of V a l e r i a n st ill b ra v e d wi t h i m pu ni t y t h e O f
,

fe nd e d m a j e st y of R om e A t t h e h e a d of a n a r m y .
,

l e ss form id a bl e by i t s nu m b e rs t h a n by i t s di scipli ne
a nd v a l ou r t h e e m p e ror a dv a nc e d a s fa r a s t h e st r a i t s
,

which divid e Eu rop e from A si a H e t h e re e xp e .

r i e nc e d t h a t t h e m ost a b solu t e p ow e r i s a w e a k de
,

fe nc e a g a i nst t h e e ffe c t s of d e sp a i r H e h a d t h re a t e ne d .

one of h i s se c re t a ri e s w h o w a s a ccu se d of e x t or t i on ;

a nd i t w a s k now n t h a t h e se ld om t h r e a t e ne d i n v a i n .

T h e l a st h op e which r e m a i ne d for t h e c ri m i na l w a s t o
i nv olv e som e Of t h e p ri ncip a l offic e r s of t h e a r m y i n
h i s d a ng e r or a t l e a st i n h i s fe a r s
, A rt fully c ou nt e r .

fe i t i ng h i s m a st e r s h a nd h e sh ow e d t h e m i n a l ong
’

, ,

a nd bl oody li st t h e i r ow n na m e s d e v ot e d t o d e a th
, .

Wi th ou t su sp e c t i ng or e x a m i ni ng t h e fra ud t h e y r e ,

solv e d t o se cu r e t h e i r liv e s by t h e m u rd e r of t h e e m

p e r o r O n
. h i s m a r ch b e t w e e n Byz a nt iu m a nd H e r a
,

cl e a A u r e li a n w a s sudd e nly a t t a ck e d by t h e c onspi ra t ors

, ,

wh ose st a t i ons g a v e t h e m a righ t t o su rr ou nd h i s p e r

son ; a nd a ft e r a sh or t r e si st a nc e fe ll by t h e h a nd of

Mu ca p or a g e ne ra l wh om h e h a d a lw a y s l ov e d a nd
,

t r u st e d H e di e d r e g re t t e d by t h e a rm y d e t e st e d by
. ,
,

t h e se na t e b u t u niv e r sa lly a ck nowl e dg e d a s a w a rlik e

,

a nd for tu na t e p r i nc e t h e u se ful t h ough se v e re r e form e r

,

of a d e g e ne r a t e st a t e d .

0
It w as t h e o b v i
se r a t on of Di ocl ti e a n. Se e V0 pi scus i n Hi t A ugu
s . st .

p. 2 2 4 .

d
V0 pi scu s i n Hi st . A ugu st . p . 22 1 Z o i mu l i p
s s, . . . 57 E nt rop . ix . 15 ;
t he t w o t ors V ic .
 C H AP T ER X II .

C O ND U C T O F THE A R MY A N D S E N A TE A F TE R THE DE A TH
—
O F A U RE LI A N RE I G N S O F T A C I T U S P R O BU S C A R U S
.
, , ,

A N D H IS S O N S .

S UC H w a s u nh a ppy c ondi t i on of t h e R om a n e m Ext o di

the ra r

n
e ir :
eg bi
y l
a t e v e r m igh t b e th e i r c onduc t
'

p e r o rs t h,at wh ,
t h ,

fa t e w a s c omm only t h e sa m e A life of pl e a su re or t w e n t h .

e e

vi r t u e of se v e ri t y or m ild ne ss of i ndol e nc e or gl ory

f‘
, , ,

lh
a lik e le d t o a n u nt i m e ly g r a v e ; a nd a l m ost e v e r y r e ig n
cir
e

o c of 1 e

i s cl ose d by t h e sa m e d1sg u st 1ng r e p e t 1t 10 n of t re a son n m a e

m ‘ e
a nd m u r de r T h e d e a t h of A u re li a n h ow e v e r i s r e
.
P
, ,

m a rk a bl e by i t s e xt ra or di na ry c onse qu e nc e s T h e le .

gi ons a d m i re d l a me nt e d a nd re v e ng e d t h e i r vic t or i ou s
, ,

chi e f .T h e a rt ific e of h i s p e rfi di ou s se c re t a ry w a s
di sc ov e re d a nd pu ni sh e d T h e d e lud e d c onspi ra t ors
.

a t t e nd e d t h e fu ne ra l of t h e ir i nju re d sov e re ig n wi t h
si nc e re or w e ll fe ig ne d c ont r i t i on ; a nd sub m i t t e d t o t h e

u na ni m ou s re s lu t i on of t h e m ili t a ry ord e r which w a s

“
,

sig nifi e d by t h e foll owi ng e pi stl e T h e b r a v e a nd .

for tu na t e a rmi e s t o t h e se na t e a nd p e opl e of R om e .

T h e c ri m e of one ma n a nd t h e e rror of m a ny h a v e
, ,

d e p riv e d u s of t h e l a t e e mp e ror A u re li an Ma y it .

pl e a se y ou v e ne ra bl e l or d s a nd fa t h e rs ! t o pla ce h im
,

i n th e nu mb e r of t h e g od s a nd t o a pp oi nt a succ e ssor ,

wh om y ou r j udg e me nt sh a ll d e cl a re w ort hy of t h e i m
p e ri a l pu rpl e N one of t h ose wh ose guil t or m i sfor
.

t u ne h a v e c ont r ibu t e d t o ou r l oss sh a ll e v e r r e ig n ,

ov e r u s T h e R om a n se na t ors h e a r d wi t h ou t su r
.
,

p r i se t h a t a noth e r e m p e r or h a d b e e n a ssa ssi na t e d i n

,

h i s c a m p : t h e y se c re t ly r ej oic e d i n t h e fa ll of A u re li a n ;
but th e m od e st a nd du t iful a dd re ss of t h e l e gi ons wh e n ,

i t w a s c om m u nic a t e d i n full a sse m bly by t h e c onsul ,

di ffu se d t h e m ost pl e a si ng a st oni sh m e nt Such h on .

3
V0 pi scus i n Hi st .A ugu t p
s . . 22 2 . A u re liu V ic to
s r m e nt ons i a fo m l
r a

d e pu t t i on f om t he t
a r oop t o t h
r s e se na t e .
 376 THE D E C LIN E A N D F A L L
CHAP u . fe a r a nd p e rh a p s e ste e m c ould e xt or t th e y
o rs a s ,
XI I
lib e ra lly p ou re d for t h on t h e m e m or y of t h e i r d e c e a se d
.

sov e r e ig n S uch a ck nowl e dg e m e nt s a s g ra t i t ud e c ould

.

i nspi re t h e y r e t u rne d t o t h e fa i t hful a r m i e s of t h e re

,

public w h o e nt e r t a i ne d so j u st a se nse of t h e l e g a l
,

a u t h ori t y of t h e se nat e i n t h e ch oic e of a n e m p e r or .

Y e t not wi t h st a ndi ng t hi s fl a t t e r i ng a pp e a l t h e m ost

, ,

p r ud e nt of t h e a sse m bly d e cli ne d e xp osi ng t h e i r sa fe t y

a nd dig ni t y t o t h e c a p r ic e of a n a r m e d m ul t i t ud e Th e .

st re ng t h of t h e l e gi ons w a s i nd e e d a pl e dg e of t h e i r , ,

si nc e r i t y si nc e t h ose w h o m a y c om m a nd a r e se ld om
,

r e duc e d t o t h e ne c e ssi t y Of di sse m bli ng ; bu t c ould i t

na t u ra lly b e e xp e c t e d t h a t a h a st y r e p e nt a nc e w ould ,

c orr e c t t h e i nv e t e ra t e h a bi t s of fou r sc ore y e a rs Sh ould

?

t h e soldi e r s r e la p se i nt o t h e i r a ccu st om e d se di t i ons ,

t h e i r i nsol e nc e m igh t di sg r a c e t h e m a j e sty of t h e se na t e ,

a nd p r ov e fa t a l t o t h e obj e c t Of i t s ch oic e M ot iv e s .

lik e t h e se dic t a t e d a d e c r e e by which t h e e l e c t i on of ,

a ne w e m p e r or w a s r e fe rre d t o t h e su ffra g e Of t h e m i li

t a r y ord e r .

A D 2 75
. . T h e c ont e nt i on th a t e nsu e d i s one of t h e b e st a t
.

F b u y3
e r ar
'

t e st e d but m ost i m p r ob a bl e e v e nt s i n t h e hi st or y of
.

A p c fulea e
”
,

1nt m a nki nd
e rre
g T h e t roop s a s if sa t i a t e d wi t h t h e e x e r ci se
.
,
n m of
u

eigh t of p ow e r a g a i n c onj u r e d t h e se na t e t o i nv e st one of i t s

,

m ont h ow n b ody wi t h t h e i m p e r i a l pu r pl e
s.
T h e se na t e st ill .

p e rsi st e d i n i t s r e fu sa l ; t h e a rmy i n i t s r e qu e st T h e .

r e cip r oc a l O ffe r w a s p r e sse d a nd r ej e c t e d a t l e a st t h re e

t im e s ; a nd whil st t h e ob st i na t e m od e st y of e i t h e r p a r ty
w a s r e solv e d t o r e c e iv e a m a st e r from t h e h a nd s Of t h e

ot h e r e igh t m ont h s i nse nsibly e l a p se d : a n a m a zi ng

,

p e ri od of t ra nquil a na r chy du ri ng which t h e R om a n ,

w orld re m a i ne d wi t h ou t a sov e re ig n wi t h ou t a n u su rp ,

er a nd wi t h ou t a
, se di t i on T h e g e ne r a l s a nd m a .

i st ra t e s a pp oi nt e d by A u re li a n c ont i nu e d t o e x e cu t e
g
t h e i r or di na r y fu nc t i ons ; a n d i t i s ob se r v e d t h a t a ,
‘
p roc onsul of A si a w a s t h e only c onsid e ra bl e p e rson
b V pi c o p i ncip l u th o i ty w ot t Rom ix t n y only
0 s us, ur r a a r , r e a e, s ee e a rs
ft t h d t h of A li n nd b id th c nt not o i ty of t h f c t
a er e ea u re a a , es es e re e r e e a s,

c on t nt ly d w h i m t i l f om th j ou n l of t h n t nd t h o i
s a ra s s a er a s r e r a s e se a e, a e r

gi n l p p of t h U lpi n l b
a a
ye rs Z o i m u n d Zeon pp a ig no nt
1 ra r . s s a a ra s a ea r as ra
of t hi t a n c t i on th y w
s r i n g n a l of t h R om n c on t i t u t i on
sa as e e re e er e a s .
 O F THE R OMA N E MP IR E . 377

r e mo e v d from h i s offic e i n t h e wh ol e c ou rse of t h e C H A P .

i nt e r re g nu m .
X II .

A n e v e nt som e wh a t si m il a r b u t m uch l e ss a u th e n ,

tic i s supp ose d t o h a v e h a pp e ne d a ft e r th e d e a t h of

,

R om ulu s w h o i n h i s life a nd ch a ra c t e r b or e som e

, , ,

a ffi ni t y wi t h A u r e li a n T h e t h r one w a s v a c a nt d u r i ng
.

t w e lv e m ont h s t ill t h e e l e c t i on of a S a b ine phil osoph e r ;

,

a nd t h e public p e a c e w a s gu a r d e d i n t h e sa m e m a nne r ,

by t h e u ni on of t h e se v e ra l ord e rs of t h e st a te B u t .
,

i n t h e t i m e of Nu m a a nd R om ulu s t h e a rm s of t h e ,

pe o pl e w e r e c ont roll e d by t h e a u t h or i t y of t h e p a t r i
ci a ns ; a nd t h e b a l a nc e of fre e d om w a s e a sily p r e se r v e d
i n a sm a ll a nd vi rt u ou s c omm u ni t y T h e d e cli ne of "
.

t h e R om a n st a t e fa r di ffe re nt from i t s i nfa ncy w a s

, ,

a t t e nd e d wi t h e v e r y ci r cu m st a nc e t h a t c ould b a ni sh
from a n i nt e rre g nu m t h e p rosp e ct of Ob e di e nc e a nd
h a rm ony ; a n i m m e nse a nd t u m ul t u ou s c a pi t a l a wid e ,

e x t e nt of e m pi r e t h e se r vil e e qu a li t y of d e sp ot i sm a n
, ,

a rm y of fou r hu nd re d t h ou sa nd m e r c e na r i e s a nd t h e ,

e xp e r i e nc e of fre qu e nt r e v olu t i ons Y e t not w i t h st a nd .

,
‘
i ng a ll t h e se t e m p t a t i ons t h e di scipli ne a nd m e m ory of
,

A u r e li a n st ill r e st ra i ne d t h e se di t i ou s t e m p e r of t h e
t r oop s a s w e ll a s t h e fa t a l a mbi t i on of t h e i r l e a d e rs
, .

T h e fl ow e r of t h e l e gi ons m a i nt a i ne d t h e i r st a t i on on
t h e b a nk s of t h e B osph or u s a nd t h e i m p e r i a l st a nd a r d
,

a w e d t h e l e ss p ow e r ful c a m p s of R om e a nd of t h e

p r ovi nc e s A g e ne r ou s t h ou g lr t ra nsi e nt e nt hu si a sm
.

se e m e d t o a ni m a t e t h e m ili t a ry or d e r ; a nd w e m a h
y ope

t h a t a fe w r e a l p a t ri ot s cul t iv a t e d t h e r e t u rni ng fri e nd

ship of t h e a rm y a nd t h e se na t e a s t h e only e xp e di e nt ,

c a p a bl e of r e st ori ng t h e re public t o i t s a nci e nt b e a u t y

a nd vig ou r .

O n t h e t w e nt y fi ft h of S e p t e m b e r ne a r e igh t m ont h s A D 2 75
-
, . . .

a ft e r t h e m u r d e r of A u re li a n t h e c onsul c onv ok e d a n
S p t 25 e . .

,
Th c on ul e s

a sse m bly of t h e se na t e a nd r e p ort e d t h e d oub t ful a nd

,
mbl a sse es

th en t e s
d a ng e r ou s si t u a ti on of t h e e m pi r e H e sligh t ly i n .
a e.

0
Liv i . Di ony Ha l i ca n l p 115 ; P lu ta ch i n N u m a p 60
. 17 s. r . . 11. . r .
, . .

The fi t of t h
rs w it el a t
e se th r st o y lik a n o t or t h e s c ond lik
e rs r es e r
a e ra , e e
l wy
a nd t h t hi d lik
e r, a a m o a li t ; a nd none of t h e m p ob bly w th o t
e r e r s r a 1 u
ome i nt mix t u e of fa bl
s er r e.
378 THE DE C LIN E A N D FA L L

“
s inu a t e d t h a t t h e p re c a r i ou s l oy a l ty of t h e soldi e rs
‘
,

d e p e nd e d on t h e ch a nc e of e v e ry h ou r a nd of e v e ry ,

a ccid e nt ; b u t h e r e p re se nt e d wi t h t h e m ost c onvi nci ng ,

e l oqu e nc e t h e v a r i ou s d a ng e r s t h a t m igh t a t t e nd a ny
,

fa rt h e r d e l a y i n t h e ch oic e of a n e m p e r or Int elli .

g e nc e h e sa id w a s a l re a dy r e c e iv e d t h a t t h e G e rm a ns
, , ,

h a d p a sse d t h e Rhi ne a nd occupi e d som e of t h e ,

st r ong e st a nd m ost Opul e nt ci t i e s of G a ul T h e a m bi .

t i on of t h e P e r si a n ki ng k e p t t h e e a st i n p e rp e t u a l
a l a r m s ; Egypt A fr ic a a nd Illy ricu m w e r e e xp ose d
, , ,

t o for e ig n a nd d om e st ic a rm s ; a nd t h e l e vi t y O f Sy r i a
w ould p re fe r e v e n a fe m a l e sc e p t re t o t h e ‘sa nc t i t y of
t h e R om a n l a w s T h e c onsul t h e n a dd re ssi ng hi m se lf
.

t o T a ci t u s t h e fi r st of t h e se na t ors
,
r e qui r e d h i s ,

opi ni on on t h e i m p or t a nt su bj e c t of a p rop e r c a ndid a t e

for t h e v a c a nt t h r one .

If w e ca n p re fe r p e r sona l me ri t t o a ccid e nt a l gr e a t
ne ss w e sh a ll e st e e m t h e bi r t h of T a ci t u s m or e t ruly
,

nobl e t h a n th a t of ki ng s H e cl a i m e d hi s d e sc e nt .

from t h e p h i lOSO p h i c hi st ori a n wh ose w ri t i ng s will i n ,

st r uc t t h e l a st g e ne ra t i ons of m a nki nd T h e se na t or "

.

f
T a ci t u s w a s t h e n se v e nt y fi ve y e a r s of a g e T h e l ong -
.

p e ri od Of h i s i nnoc e nt life w a s a d orne d wi t h w e a l t h :

a nd h onou r s H e h a d t wic e b ee n i nv e ste d wi t h t h e

.

c onsul a r di g ni ty a nd e nj oy e d wi t h e l e g a nc e a nd so
’
g
,

b ri e t y h i s a m pl e p a t r i m ony of b e t w e e n t w o a nd t h r e e
h
m illi ons st e rli ng T h e e xp e r i e nc e of so m a ny p r i nc e s
.
,

wh om h e h a d e st e e m e d or e ndu re d from t h e v a i n ,

folli e s of El a g a b a lu s t o t h e u se ful rig ou r of A u re li a n ,

‘
1V
p c 0( i n Hi
1s ust A u g u t p sc ll
. h i m p i m s nt nt i v c
. on
. a s r es se e e
nd oon ft w d p i nc p n t fi It i n t u l t o upp o ”
l i ;
su a r s a s a er ar s, r e s se a s. s a ra s se
t h t t h m on ch of Rom
a e ar di d i ni ng t h t h mble t i tl
s e, ig n d i t t o t h
s a a u e , re s e e
m o t nci nt of t h
s a e n to e se a rs.

T h only obj ec t i on t o t hi g n l ogy i t h t t h hi t o i n

e e s n med
e ea s, a e s r a w as a
C o n liu t he mp o C l udiu B t u nd t h l ow e mpi u n m
r e s e e r r, a s. u , er e r e re , s r a es
w e x t m ly v iou nd u nc t i n
er e re e ar sa er a .

Zon l xii p 637 Th A l x nd i n C h onicl by n obvi ou

a ra s, . . . . e e a r a r e, a s
mi t k t n f
s a e, t h t g t o A u li n
ra s e rs a a e re a .

s In t h y 2 73 h w
e ea r o di n y c on ul e B t h mu t h v b n f
as r ar s u e s a e ee s
u .

m ny y b f d m p b bly u nd V l i
f c
e t us a o n e a rso t o e re , a n s r a er a er a .

h B i m l li s oct i ng nt i
t es V pi c i n H i t A ugu t p 2 2 9 Thi
e es. 0 m s us s . s . . . s su ,

a cc o di ng t o t h old t nd d
r e quiv l nt t o igh t hu nd d nd fo ty
s a ar , w as e a e e re a r

t h ou nd R om n p ou nd of ilv
sa a ch of t h v lu of t h p ou nd t li ng
s s e r, e a e a e re e s s er .

B t i n th
u g o f T ci
e at u t
e h c oi n h d al o t m uch of i t w igh t nd pu i ty
s e a s s e a r .
 O F TH E R OMA N E MP I R E . 379

t a ugh t h i m t o for m a j u st e st i ma t e of t h e duti e s th e C H A P , .

XII
da ng e rs a nd t h e t e m p t a t i ons of t h e i r subli m e st a t i on
'

.
,

F rom t h e a ssidu ou s st udy of h i s i mm or t a l a nc e st or h e

d e riv e d t h e k nowl e dg e of t h e R om a n c onst i t uti on a nd
i
of hu m a n na t u re T h e v oic e of t h e p e opl e h a d a l re a dy
.

na i ne d T a ci t u s a s t h e ci t iz e n t h e m ost w or t hy of e m

p i re .T h e u ng r a t e ful r u m ou r r e a ch e d h i s e a r s a nd ,

i nduc e d hi m t o se e k t h e r e t i re m e nt of one of h i s vill a s

i n C a m p a ni a H e h a d p a sse d t w o m ont h s i n t h e de
.

ligh t fu l p riv a cy of B a i ae wh e n h e r e luct a nt ly ob e y e d ,

t h e su m m ons of t h e c onsul t o r e su m e h i s h onou r a bl e

pla c e i n th e se na t e a nd t o a ssi st t h e re public wi t h h i s
,

c ou nse l s on t hi s i m p or t a nt occ a si on .

“
H e a rose t o sp e a k wh en fr om e v e ry qu a r t e r of t h e H i l c t
, ,
e s e e

e d mp o e e r r’
h ou se h e w a s sa lu t e d wi th t h e na me s of A ugu stu s a nd
,

e m p e r or T a citu s A ugu st u s th e g od s p re se r v e t h e e ;
.
,

w e ch oose t h e e for ou r sov e re ig n ; t o t h c a re w e i n

y
t r u st t h e r e public a nd t h e w orld A cc e p t t h e e m pi re .

fr om th e a u t h ori t y of t h e se na t e It i s du e t o t h y r a nk ,

t o thy c onduc t t o thy m a nne rs , A s soon a s t h e t u .

m ult Of a ccl a m a t i ons sub sid e d T a ci t u s a t t e m pt e d t o ,

.

d e cli ne t h e d a ng e rou s h onou r a nd t o e xp re ss h i s ,

w ond e r t h a t th e y sh ould e l e c t h i s a ge a nd i nfi rm i t i e s
,

t o succ e e d t h e m a r t i a l vig ou r of A u r e li a n A re .

t h e se li m b s c onsc r ip t fa t h e r s ! fit t e d t o su st a i n th e
,

w e igh t of a rm ou r or t o p ra c t i se t h e e x e r ci se s of t h e
,

ca mp ? T h e v a ri e t y of cli m a t e s a nd t h e h a r d ship s of ,

a m ilit a r y li fe w ould soon Opp re ss a fe e bl e const i t u

,

ti on which sub si st s only by t h e m ost t e nd e r m a na g e

,

m e nt M y e xh a u st e d st re ng t h sc a r c ely e na bl es m e t o
.

di sch a rg e t h e du ty of a se na t or ; h ow i nsu ffi ci e nt w ould

it p rov e t o t h e a r du ou s l a b ou r s of w a r a nd g ov e rnm e nt .

C a n y ou h op e t h a t t h e l e gi ons will re sp e ct a w e a k Old

m a n wh ose d a y s h a v e b e e n S p e nt i n t h e sh a d e of p e a c e
,

A fte hi a cc i on he g v o d t h t t n c opi of the hi t o i n h ould

r s e ss , a e r e rs a e es s r a s

be nnu lly t a n c ib d
a a nd pl c d i n t h
r s r public lib i
e a Th R om n a e e ra r es. e a

l b
1 ra r1 s
e h v l ong i nc p e i h d nd t h mo t v lu bl p t of T ci t u
a e s e r s e , a e s a a e ar a s

w as p v d i n i ngl m nu c ip t nd di c ove d i n m onast y of

re se r e a s e a s r , a s re a er

W t ph li Se B yl D ict onn i a t T cit nd L i p i

es a a. e a e, d A nn l
l a re , r . a e, a s us a a .

ii 9
. .
 380 T HE DE C LIN E A ND F A L L
CHAP . a nd r e t re m e n ? i t C a n y ou d e si re t h a t I sh ould e v e r
XII ’

fi nd r e a son to r e g re t t h e fa v ou ra bl e Opi ni on of t h e

a nd a cc ep ts luc t a nc e of T a ci t u s; a nd i t m igh t p ossibly b e

T he re
th P l l
si nc e r e w a s e nc ou nt e r e d by t h e a ffe c t i ona t e ob st i na cy
e u r ’ e'
,

of t h e se na t e Fiv e hu nd re d v oic e s r e p e a t e d a t onc e

.
,

i n e l oqu e nt c onfu si on t h a t t h e g re a t e st of t h e R om a n ,

p ri nc e s N u m a T ra j a n H a d r i a n a nd t h e A nt oni ne s
, , , , ,

h a da sc e nd e d t h e t h r one i n a v e r y a dv a nc e d se a son Of
li fe ; t h a t th e m i nd not t h e b ody a sov e re ig n not a , , ,

soldi e r w a s t h e obj e c t of t h e i r ch oic e ; a nd t h a t t h e y

,

e xp e c t e d fr om h i m no m or e t h a n t o guid e by h i s w i s

dom t h e v a l our of t h e l e gi ons Th e se p r e ssi ng th ough .

t u m ul t u a r y i nst a n c e s w e r e se c ond e d by a m ore re gul a r

or a t i on of M e t iu s F a l coni u s t h e ne x t on t h e c onsul a r , .

b e nch t o T a ci t u s hi m se lf H e r e m i nd e d th e a sse m bly .

of t h e e vil s which R om e h a d e ndu r e d from t h e vic e s of

h e a d st rong a nd c a p rici ou s y ou th s ; c ong ra t ul a t e d t h e m

on t h e e l e c t i on of a vi r t u ou s a nd e xp e r i e nc e d se na t or ;

a nd wi t h a m a nly t h ough p e r h a p s a se lfi sh fr e e d om
, , ,

e xh or t e d T a ci t u s t o r e m e m b e r t h e r e a sons of h i s e l e

v a t i on a nd t o se e k a succ e ssor not i n h i s ow n fa m ily

, , ,

b u t i n t h e re public T h e sp e e ch of F a l coni u s w a s e n
.

forc e d by a g e ne ra l a ccl a m a t i on T h e e m p e ror e l e ct .

-

sub m i t t e d t o t h e a u t h or i t y of hi s c ou nt ry a nd r e c e iv e d ,

t h e v olu nt a r y h om a g e of h i s e qu a l s T h e j u dg e m e nt .

of t h e se na t e w a s c onfi rm e d by t h e c onse nt of t h e R o
1
m a n p e opl e a nd Of t h e p r e t or i a n gu a r d s
, .

“
A th o i ty of
u r T h e a d m i ni st ra t i on of T a ci t u s w a s not u nw or t hy of
t h e en t
s a e
h i s life a nd p ri ncipl e s
:

A g r a t e ful se rv a nt of t h e se n .

a t e h e c onsid e r e d t h a t na t i ona l c ou ncil a s t h e a u t h or

, ,

m
a nd hi m se lf a s t h e subj e c t of t h e l a w s H e studi e d .

t o h e a l t h e w ou nd s which i m p e r i a l p rid e civil di sc or d , ,

a nd mili t a r y vi ol e nc e h a d i nflic t e d on t h e c onst i t u t i on ;

1‘V O
pi scus in Hi t A ugu t p 2 2 7 s s
l Hi t A ugu t p 2 2 8 T a ci tu dd e d t h p e t o i a n by t h pp l
. . . .

s . s . . . s a r sse e r r s e a e
l a t i on of ncti imi m i li t nd t he p eopl by t h a t of c t i m i Q t
sa ss es, a e sa ra ssi u zrz es.
1
In hi m a nu m i i on h e n v
s xc d d t h num b of n hu nd d
ss s . e er e ee e e er a re , as

li m i t d by t h C ni ni n l w which w
e e a n c t e d u nd e A ugu t u
a a , a nd t as e a r s s, a
l eng t h ep ea l e d by J u t i ni n See C a a ub on a d l ocu m V pi ci
r s a . s 0 s .
 O F THE R OM A N E MP IRE . 381

a nd to l e a st t h e i m a g e of t h e a nci e nt r e C H A P
re st or e , a t , .

XII
public a s i t h a d b e e n p re se r v e d by t h e p olicy of A u
,
'

gu st u s a nd t h e vi r t u e s of T r a j a n a nd t h e A nt oni ne s
, .

I t m a y not b e u se l e ss t o r e c a pi t ul a t e som e of t h e m ost

i m p or t a nt p r e r og a t iv e s which t h e se na t e a pp e a re d t o
h a v e r e g a i ne d by t h e e l e c t i on of T a ci t u s 1 T o in .

“
v e st one of t h e i r b ody u nd e r t h e t itl e of e m p e ror wi t h
, ,

“
t h e g e ne r a l c om m a nd Of t h e a rm i e s a nd t h e g ov e rnm e nt

of t h e front i e r p r ovi nc e s 2 T o d e t e rm i ne t h e li st or
. .
, ,
-

a s i t w a s t h e n st yl e d t h e c oll e g e of c onsul s
, Th e y .

w e re t w e lv e i n nu m b e r w h o i n succ e ssiv e p a i rs e a ch
, , ,

du ri ng t h e sp a c e of t w o m ont h s fill e d t h e y e a r a nd , ,

r e p r e se nt e d t h e dig ni t y of t h a t a nci e nt offic e The .

a u t h ori t y of t h e se na t e i n t h e nom i na t i on of t h e c
, on .

su l s ,
w a s e x e r ci se d wi t h such i nd e p e nd e nt fr e e d om ,

th a t no re g a r d w a s p a id t o a n i rre gul a r r e qu e st of t h e
e m p e r or i n fa v ou r of h i s b r ot h e r Fl or i a nu s The .

”
se na t e ,e xcl a i m e d T a ci t u s wi t h t h e h one st t ra nsp or t
,

of a p a t r i ot u nd e rst a nd t h e ch a ra c
, t e r of t h e p ri nc e
”
wh om t h e y h a v e ch ose n 3 T o a pp oi nt t h e p r ocon
. .

su l s a nd p r e sid e nt s of t h e p r ovi nc e s a nd t o c onfe r on ,

a l l t h e m a gi st ra t e s t h e i r civil j u ri sdic t i on 4 T o re . .

ce i ve a pp e a l s t h rough t h e i nt e r m e di a t e offic e of t h e
p re fe c t of t h e ci t y from a ll th e t ribu na l s of t h e e m pi re .

5 T o giv e for c e a nd v a lidi t y by t h e i r d e c re e s t o such

.
, ,

a s th e y sh ould a pp rov e of t h e e m p e r or s e dic t s

’
6 To . .

th e se se v e ra l b ra nch e s of a u t h ori ty w e m a y a dd som e ,

i nsp e c t i on ov e r t h e fi na nc e s si nc e e v e n i n t h e st e rn
, ,

r e ig n of A u r e li a n i t w a s i n t h e i r p ow e r t o div e r t a p a r t
,

of t h e r e v e nu e fr om t h e public se rvic e

C i r cul a r e pi st l e s w e re se nt wi t h ou t d e l a y t o a ll t h e Th i j oy e r

p r i ncip a l ci t i e s of t h e e m pi re T r e v e s M il a n A quil e i a
, , , ,

Th e ssa l onic a C ori nt h A t h e ns A nt i och A l e x a nd ri a

, , , , ,

a nd C a r th a g e t o cl a i m t h ei r ob e di e nc e a nd t o i nform
, ,

t h e m of t h e h a ppy re v olu t i on which h a d r e st or e d t h e

Se e t he liv
e s of a T ci u l i u
t s, F or a n s, a nd ro s, i n t he P bu
st a n Hi s A ugu
t or y w e ma
y b e e a ss w ll u d h wh
re , t a t a t e e r t he so v
e r a e , t he se na t or ldi g v
h a d a l re a dy giv
en .

0
V0 pi scu s i n st Hi A ugu
st 2 16
. . p
The a ssa e i s er e t
. . p
ea r ; y e t g p f c ly cl
b hC
ot a sa ub
on a nd Sa l m a si us s wi h
t o orre t i t c c .
382 THE DE C LIN E A N D F A L L
R oma n se na te t o i t s a nci e nt dig ni t y T w o of t h e se .

e pi st l e s a re st ill e x t a nt W e like wi se p osse ss t w o v e r y

.

si ngul a r fra g m e nt s of t h e p r iv a t e c or r e sp ond e nc e of

t h e se na t or s on t hi s occ a si on Th e y di sc ov e r t h e m ost .

e xc e ssiv e oy a nd t h e m ost u nb ou nd e d h op e s C
j ”
,
a st .

a w a y y ou r i nd ol e nc e ; i t i s t hu s t h a t one of th e se na
t ors a dd re sse s h i s fr i e nd ; e m e r g e fr om y ou r re t i r e

m e n t s Of B a i ae a nd P u t e oli Giv e y ou rse lf t o t h e ci t y

.
,

t o t h e se na t e R om e fl ou r i sh e s t h e wh ol e r e public
.
,

fl ou ri sh e s Th a nk s t o t h e R om a n a rm y t o a n a rm y
.
,

t r uly R om a n ; a t l e ng t h w e h a v e r e c ov e r e d ou r j u st
-

a u t h or i t y t h e e nd of a ll ou r d e si re s
, W e h ea r a p .

p e a l s w e a pp oi nt p roc onsul s w e c re a t e e m p e rors ;

, ,

p e rh a p s t oo w e m a r e st r a i n t h e m — t o t h e wi se a
y ,

w o d s u fici
r i s f e n t P ”
Th e se l oft y e xp e c t a t i ons w e re
.
,

h ow e v e r soon di sa pp oi nt e d ; nor i nd e e d w a s i t p os
, , ,

sibl e t h a t t h e a r m i e s a nd t h e p r ovi nc e s sh ould l ong

ob e y t h e luxu r i ou s a nd u nw a rlik e nobl e s of R om e .

O n t h e sligh t e st t ouch t h e u nsupp ort e d fa b r ic of ,

t h e i r p r id e a nd p ow e r fe ll t o t h e g rou nd T he e x .

pi ri ng se na t e di spl a y e d a sudd e n lu st re bl a z e d for a ,

m om e nt a nd w a s e x t i ngui sh e d for e v e r
, .

A ll t h a t h a d y e t p a sse d a t R ome w a s no m ore t h a n

a t h e a t r ic a l r e p re se nt a t i on u nl e ss i t w a s ra t ifi e d by t h e,

m ore su b st a nt i a l p ow e r of t h e l e gi ons L e a vi ng t h e .

se na t ors t o e nj oy t h e i r d r e a m of fr e e d om a nd a m bi

t i on T a ci t u s p r oc e e d e d t o t h e Th ra ci a n c
, a mp a nd ,

w a s t h e r e by t h e p r e t or i a n p r e fe c t p re se nt e d t o t h e
, ,

a sse m bl e d t r oop s a s t h e p r i n c e wh om t h e y t h e m se lv e s
,

h a d d e m a nd e d a nd wh om t h e se na t e h a d b e st ow e d
, .

A s soon a s t h e p r e fe c t w a s sil e nt t h e e m p e r or a d ,

d re sse d hi m se lf t o t h e sol di e r s wi t h e l oqu e nc e a nd

p r op ri e ty H e g rat ifi e d t h e i r a v a ric e by a lib e r a l
.

di st r ibu t i on of t r e a su r e :u nd e r t h e na m e s of p a y a nd
d ona t iv e H e e ng a g e d t h e ir e st e e m by a spi ri t e d de
.

cl a ra t i on t h a t a l t h ough h i s a g e m igh t di sa bl e h i m
,

from t h e p e rform a nc e Of m ili t a ry e xpl oi t s h i s c ou n ,

P V0 pi scus i n Hi t A ugu t p 2 30 2 32 2 33 Th na to c e l b
s . s . . .
, . e se rs e ra t e d
t he h a ppy re s t o a t i on wi t h h e c t omb s a nd public
r a j oici ng re s.
 O F THE R OMA N E MP IRE '
. 383

l
se s s h ould ne v e r b e u nw or t hy of a R om a n g e n e ra l C HA P , .

t h e succ e ssor of t h e b ra v e A u r e li a n q X II .
.

Whil st t h e d e c e a se d e m p e ror w a s m a ki ng p re p a ra The Al ni a

in d A i a e
t i ons for a se c ond e xp e di t i on i nt o t h e e a st h e h a d n
va s ,
,
d a a re t e

ne g oci a t e d with t h e A l a ni a S cythi a n p e opl e w h o pul d by

, ,
se

T ci t u a s.
pi t ch e d t h e i r t e nt s i n t h e ne ighb ou rh ood of t h e l a k e
Moe ot i s Th ose b a rb a ri a ns a llu re d by p re se nt s a nd
. .
,

sub sidi e s h a d p rom i se d t o i nv a d e P e r si a w i t h a nu

,

m e r ou s b ody of light c a v a l ry Th e y w e r e fa i t hful t o .

t h e i r e ng a g e m e nt s ; b u t wh e n t h e y a rr iv e d on t h e R O

m a n fronti e r A u r e li a n w a s a l re a dy d e a d t h e d e sig n
, ,

Of t h e P e rsi a n w a r w a s a t l e a st su sp e nd e d a nd t h e
-

g e ne ra l s w h o du r i ng t h e i nt e rre g nu m e x e r ci se d a
, ,

d oub t ful a u t h or ity w e re u np re p a r e d e i th e r t o r e c e iv e

,

or t o opp ose t h e m P rov ok e d by such t re a t me nt

.
,

which th e y c onsid e r e d a s t r ifli ng a nd p e rfi di ou s t h e ,

Al a ni h a d re c ou rse t o t h e i r ow n v a l ou r for t h e i r p a y
m e nt a nd r e v e ng e ; a nd a s t h e y m ov e d wi t h t h e u su a l
swift ne ss of T a rt a r s t h e y h a d soon sp r e a d t h e m se lv e s
,

ov e r t h e p r ovi nc e s of P ont u s C a pp a d oci a C ilici a a nd , , ,

G a l a t i a T h e l e gi ons w h o from t h e Opp osi t e sh ore s

.
,

Of t h e B osph oru s c ould a l m ost di st i ngui sh t h e fl a m e s

of t h e ci t i e s a nd vill a g e s i m p a t i e nt ly u r g e d t h e i r g e,

ne ra l t o l e a d t h e m a g a i nst t h e i nv a d e rs T h e c onduc t .

O f T a citu s w a s sui t a bl e t o h i s a g e a nd st a t i on H e .

c onvi nc e d t h e b a rb a ri a ns of t h e fa i t h a s w e ll a s Of th e ,

p ow e r of t h e e m pi re G r e a t nu m b e r s of t h e A l a ni
.
,

a pp e a se d by t h e pu nc t u a l di sch a rg e of t h e e ng a g e

m e nt s which A u re li a n h a d c ont ra c t e d wi t h t h e m r e liu ,

u i sh e d t h e i r b ooty a nd c a p t iv e s a nd qui e t ly re t re a t e d
q ,

t o t h e i r ow n d e se r t s b e y ond t h e P h a si s A g a i nst t h e .

r e m a i nd e r w h o re fu se d p e a c e t h e R om a n e m p e ror ,

w a g e d i n p e rson a succ e ssful w a r S e c ond e d by a n . .

a r m y of b ra v e a nd e xp e r i e nc e d v e t e r a ns i n a fe w ,

w e e k s h e d e liv e re d t h e p rovi nc e s of A si a from t h e

t e rr or of t h e S cy t hi a n i nv a si on

‘1 Hi t A ugu t p 2 2 8
1
s . s . . .

V p c
0 n H t A ugu t p 2 30 ; Z o i m u
1s us 1 1s . l i p 57 Zona 1x
s . . s s, . . . ra s, . 11.

p 637 T o p g i n t h lif of P obu

. . w a ssa es 2 36 c onvi nc m
e e r s . e e,
t h t th
a Scyt hi n i nv d
e se a of Pont u w e l a ni If w e m y b l i v
a e rs s er . a e e e
 384 T H E D E C L I NE A N D F A LL
CHAP . But t h e gl ory a nd life of T a citu s w e r e of sh or t
XH '

du ra t i on T ra nsp or t e d i n t h e d e p t h of w i nt e r from
.
, ,

gzéggim
a l t h e soft r e t i r e m e nt of C a mp a ni a t o t h e foot of m ou nt
r
‘
Ta ci t us .
C a uc a su s h e su nk u nd e r t h e u na ccu st om e d h a r d ship s
,

Of a m ili t a ry life Th e fa t igu e s Of t h e b ody w e re a g

.

g r a va t e d by t h e c a r e s Of t h e m i n d F or a whil e t h e .
,

a ng ry a nd se lfi sh p a ssi ons of t h e soldi e r s h a d b e e n

su sp e nd e d by t h e e nt hu si a sm of public vi r t u e Th e y .

soon br ok e ou t wi t h r e d oubl e d vi ol e nc e a nd r a g e d i n ,

t h e c a m p a nd e v e n i n t h e t e nt of t h e a g e d e m p e r or
,
.

H i s m ild a nd a m i a bl e ch a ra c t e r se r v e d only t o i nspi re

c ont e m pt ; a nd h e w a s i nc e ssa nt ly t orm e nt e d wi t h fa c
t i ons which h e c ould not a ssu a g e a nd by d e m a nd s ,

which i t w a s i m p ossibl e t o sa t i sfy Wh a t e v e r fl a t t e r i ng .

e xp e c t a t i ons h e h a d c onc e iv e d of r e c oncili ng t h e public

di sord e rs T a ci t u s soon w a s c onvi nc e d t h a t t h e li ce n

, ,

t i ou sne ss of t h e a r my di sd a i ne d t h e fe e bl e r e st ra i nt of
l a w s ; a nd h i s l a st h ou r w a s h a st e ne d by a ngui sh a nd
di sa pp oi nt m e nt It m a y b e d oub t ful wh e t h e r t h e
.

soldi e r s i mb ru e d th e i r h a nd s i n t h e bl ood of t hi s i n

noc e nt p r i nc e It i s c e r t a i n th a t t h e i r i nsol e nc e w a s
3
.

A D 2 76
. . . t h e c a u se of h i s d e a t h H e e xpi re d a t Ty a na i n C a p
.

A prl l 12
d f g f ly m th s a nd a b ou t
.

p a O C Ia ,a t e r a r e 1 n o o n s1x o n

t w e nt y d a y s
U su rp a t i on T h e e y e s of T a ci t u s w e re sc a rc e ly cl ose d b e fore h i s ,

b roth e r Fl ori a nu s sh ow e d hi m se lf u nw or t hy t o r e ig n ,

F l o i a nus
r . by th e h a sty u su rp a t i on of th e pu r pl e with ou t e xp e c t ,

i ng t h e a pp r ob a t i on of t h e se na t e T h e r e v e r e nc e for .

t h e R om a n c onsti t u t i on which y e t i nflu e nc e d t h e c a m p

,

a nd t h e p r ovi nc e s w a s su ffi ci e nt ly st r ong t o di sp ose

,

t h e m t o c e nsu re b u t not t o p rov ok e t h e m t o opp ose

, ,

t h e p r e cipi t a t e a m bi t i on of Fl ori a nu s T h e di sc ont e nt .

w ould h a v e e v a p ora t e d i n idl e m u rmu r s h a d not t h e ,

Zo i m u ( l i p
s s, . . . F l ori a nu s
pu u d t h em a fa a t he C i m m i a n
rs e s r s er
B o ph o u B t
s r s
. u he h a d sc c ely t i m e fo so l ong a nd di fficul t n e x
ar r a
p ed t i on
l .

5
E ut rOpi u s a nd re s A u liu V ic
t or on ly
sa
y t ha t hedi d V ic ju i
e ; t or n or
add h s, t a t i t w a s of a e er fv Z i u h
os m s a nd Z ona ra s a ffi rm , t a t h e w a s
.

kill d by
e t h e so e rs ldi i b h cc u
V0 pi scu s me nt ons ot a o nt s, a nd see ms t o
.

h i
e s ta te . Y e t s re u ly h j i g O pi i
t e se a rr n ily c cil d
n ons a re e a s r e on e .

A ccordm g t o t he t w o V ic ig d x c ly
t ors, h e re ne e a t hu d d d y
tw o n re a s .
 O F THE R OMA N E MP IRE 385
‘
.

g e ne ra l of t h e e a st t h e h e r oic P robu s o ,
e cl a r e d C HAP , b ldly d .

XH
hi m se lf t h e a v e ng e r Of t h e se na t e T h e c ont e st h ow
’

.
,

e ve r w,
a s s t ill u n e qu a l ; no r c ould t h e m o st a bl e l e a d e r ,

a t t h e h e a d of t h e e ffe m i na t e t r oop s of Egy p t a nd

Sy r i a e nc ou nt e r wi th a ny h op e s of vic t ory t h e l e gi ons

,

Of Eu rop e wh ose i r re si st ibl e st re ng t h a pp e a r e d t o

'

supp or t t h e b r ot h e r of T a ci t u s B u t t h e fort u ne a nd .

a c t ivi t y of P r obu s t r iu m ph e d ov e r e v e r y ob st a cl e T he .

h a r dy v e t e ra ns O f h i s r iv a l a ccu st om e d t o c old cli m a t e s , ,

sick e ne d a nd c onsu m e d a w a y i n t h e sul t ry h e a t s Of

C ilici a wh e re t h e su m m e r p rov e d r e m a rk a bly u nwh ol e

,

som e Th e i r nu m b e r s w e re di m i ni sh e d by fre qu e nt
.

d e se r t i on ; t h e p a sse s of th e m ou nt a i ns w e r e fe e bly de
fe nd e d ; T a rsu s Op e ne d i t s g a t e s ; a nd t h e soldi e rs of
Fl ori a nu s wh e n t h e y h a d p e rm it t e d hi m t o e nj oy t h e
,

i m p e ri a l t i t l e a b ou t t h re e m ont h s d e liv e re d t h e e m pi re J uly ,

.

from civil w a r by t h e e a sy sa c rific e of a p r i nc e w h om

t h e y d e spi se d

“
T h e p e r p e t u a l r e v olu t i ons of t h e t h r one h a d so p e r Th ei f r a

fe ctly e ra se d e v e ry not i on Of h e re di t a ry righ t t h a t t h e ,

fa m ily of a n u nfor t u na t e e m p e ror w a s i nc a p a bl e of e x cw i ty s o

ci t i ng t h e j e a l ou sy Of h i s succ e ssor s T h e child re n of .

T a ci t u s a nd Fl or i a nu s w e re p e r m i t t e d t o d e sc e nd i nt o
a p r iv a t e st a t i on a nd t o m i ngl e wi t h t h e g e ne r a l m a ss
,

of t h e p e opl e Th e i r p ov e rt y i nd e e d b e c a m e a n a d
.

di t i ona l sa fe gu a r d t o t h e i r i nnoc e nc e Wh e n T a ci t u s .

w a s e l e c t e d by t h e se na t e h e r e sig ne d h i s a m pl e a t ri
p ,

m ony t o t h e public se rvic e ; a n a ct of g e ne r osi t y S p e

0 1ou s l n a pp e a r a nc e b u t which e vid e nt ly di scl ose d h i s ,

i nt e nt i on of t ra nsm it t i ng t h e e m pi re t o h i s d e sc e nd a nt s .

T h e only c onsol a t i on Of t h e i r fa ll e n st a t e w a s t h e r e ,

m e m br a nce of t ra nsi e nt g re a t ne ss a nd a di st a nt h op e , ,

t h e child of a fl a t t e ri ng p roph e cy t h a t a t t h e e nd of a , ,

t h ou sa nd y e a rs a m ona r ch of t h e r a c e of T a ci t u s
,

‘Hi t A ugu t p
1
s . Zo i m u l i p 58 59 ; Z ona 1 x p 637
s . . 2 31 s s, . . .
, ra s, . 11 . . .

A eh
ur V e t o y t h t P obu
us 1 r sa u med t he e m pi i n Ill y i cu m ; n
s, a r s a ss re r a
opm on w h ch ( t h ough
l d op t d by v y l e ne d m n) w ould t h ow t h t
1 a e a er ar a r a
p i od of hi to y i nt o i n x t ic bl e c onfu i on
er s r e r a s .

H i t A ugu t p 2 2 9
.

x
s . s . . .

VOL . 1 .
386 THE D E C LIN E AN D F A L L
s h ould a ri se t h e p rote c t or of t h e se na t e t h e re st ore r
, ,

of R ome a nd t h e c onqu e r or of t h e wh ol e e a r t h y
,

T h e p e a sa nt s of Illy r icu m w h o h a d a l re a dy giv e n ,

C l a udiu s a nd A u re li a n t o t h e si nki ng e m pi re h a d a n ,

e qu a l righ t t o gl ory i n t h e e l e v a t i on of P r obu s A b ov e 2

.

t w e nt y y e a r s b e fore t h e e m p e r or V a l e r i a n wi t h h i s , ,

u su a l p e ne t ra t i on h a d di sc ov e re d t h e r i si ng m e ri t of
,

t h e y ou ng soldi e r on wh om h e c onfe rr e d t h e r a nk of ,

t ribu ne l ong b e fore t h e a ge p re sc rib e d by t h e m ili t a ry

,

r e gul a t i ons T h e t ribu ne soon j u st ifi e d h i s ch oic e by

.
,

a vic t or y ov e r a gr e a t b ody of S a rm a t i a ns i n which h e ,

sa v e d t h e life of a ne a r re l a t i on of V a l e ri a n ; a nd de

se r v e d t o re c e iv e from t h e e m p e ror s h a nd t h e c oll a r s

’

b ra c e l e t s sp e a rs a nd b a nne rs t h e m u ra l a nd th e civic
, , ,

c row n a nd a ll t h e h onour a bl e re w a rd s r e se rv e d by a n
,

ci e nt R om e for succ e ssful v a l ou r T h e t hi rd a nd a f .

,

t e rw a r ds t h e t e nt h l e gi on w e r e i nt r u st e d t o t h e com
,

m a nd of P robu s w h o i n e v e ry st e p of h i s p rom ot i on
, , ,

sh ow e d hi m se lf sup e ri or t o t h e st a t i on which h e fill e d .

A fric a a nd P ont u s t h e Rhi ne t h e D a nub e t h e Eu

.
, , ,

h ra t e s a nd t h e Nil e by tu rns a ffor d e d h i m t h e m ost

p , ,

spl e ndid occ a si ons of di spl a yi ng h i s p e r sona l p r ow e ss

a nd h i s c onduct i n w a r A u re li a n w a s i nd e b te d t o h i m .

for t h e c onqu e st of Egyp t a nd st ill m ore i nd e bt e d for ,

t h e h one st c ou ra g e wi t h which h e oft e n ch e ck e d t h e

c r u e l ty of h i s m a st e r T a citu s w h o d e si re d by t h e .
,

a bili t i e s of h i s g e ne ra l s t o supply h i s ow n d e fici e ncy of

m ili t a ry t a l e nt s na m e d h i m c om m a nd e r i n chi e f of a ll
,

th e e a st e rn p r ovi nc e s wi t h fi ve ti m e s t h e u su a l sa l a r y , ,

t h e p r om i se of t h e c onsul ship a nd t h e h op e of a t ri ,

u m ph Wh e n P robu s a sc e nd ed t h e i m p e ri a l t h rone
.
,

h e w a s a b ou t fort y fou r y e a rs of a g e ; i n t h e full p os -

a

Y He w a s t o se n d j u dg
P t hi n P i n nd S a m t i n a es t o t he ar a s, e rs a s, a r a a s,
p id nt t o T p ob n nd p oc on ul t o t h Rom n i l nd ( up po e d by
re s e a r a a, a a r s e a s a , s s
C ub on nd S lm i to me n B i t i n ) Such hi to y mm
a sa a a a s us y a r a . a s r as e , sa s

V pi c
0 wi t h p op m od ty will not ub i t t h ou nd y
s u s, r er to xp ose
es , s s s a sa e a rs e

o j t ify t h d ct i on
'

e re 1
r us
p .

Fo t h p r t lif of P obu
e V pi c i n Hi t A ug t p 2 34— 2 37
r1va e e r s, se e 0 s us s . us . . .

A cco dmg t o t h A l ex nd i n C h onicl

3*
r h w e fift y t t h t i m of hi
a r a r e, e as a e e s
d thea .
 “
O F THE R OMA N E MP IRE . 387

i
se ss on of h i s fa m e of t h e l ov e of t h e a r m y a nd of a C H A P
, , .

XII
m a tu re vig ou r of m i nd a nd b ody
'

H i s a ck nowl e dg e d m e r i t a nd t h e succ e ss of h i s a r ms Hi p ct
‘ ‘
, s re s e

{gi i iggifi
t
a g a i nst Fl or i a nu s l e ft h i m wi t h ou t a n e ne m y or a c
,
om
v e

p e t i t or Y e t if w e m a y c re di t h i s ow n p r ofe ssi ons n te

.
, , se a .

v e ry fa r fr om b e i ng d e si r ou s of t h e e m pi re h e h a d a c ,

ce p t e d i t wi t h t h e m ost si nc e re r e luc t a nc e Bu t i t i s .

”
no l ong e r i n m y p ow e r sa y s P r obu s i n a p riv a t e l e t
, ,

ter , t o la y d ow n a t i t l e so full of e nvy a nd of d a ng e r .

I m u st c ont i nu e t o p e rsona t e t h e ch a ra c t e r which t h e

soldi e rs h a v e i m p ose d up on m e
b ”
H i s du t iful a dd re ss .

t o t h e se na t e di spl a y e d t h e se nti m e nt s or a t l e a st t h e ,

l a ngu a g e Of a R om a n p a t ri ot : Wh e n y ou e l e c t e d
,

one of y ou r or d e r c onsc ript fa t h e rs t o succ e e d t h e

, ,

e m p e r or A u re li a n o u a ct e d i n a m a nne r sui t a bl e t o
y ,

y ou r ju st ic e a nd wi sd om F or y ou a re t h e l e g a l sov e .

r e ig ns of t h e w orld ; a nd t h e p ow e r which o u d e r iv e
y
from y ou r a nc e st or s will d e sc e nd t o y ou r p ost e ri t y, .

H a ppy w ould i t h a v e b e e n if Fl ori a nu s i nst e a d of , ,

u su r pi ng t h e pu rpl e Of hi s b rot h e r lik e a p r iv a t e i nh e ,

r i t a nc e ,h a d e xp e c t e d wh a t y ou r m a j e st y m igh t d e t e r
m i ne e i t h e r i n h i s fa v ou r or i n t h a t of a ny ot h e r p e r
, ,

son . T he p r ud e nt soldi e rs h a v e pu ni sh e d h i s ra sh ne ss .

T o m e t h e y h a v e O ffe r e d t h e t i t l e of A ugu st u s But .

I sub m i t t o y ou r cl e m e ncy my p r e t e nsi ons a nd m y

c”
m e ri t s . Wh e n t hi s re sp e c t ful e pi st l e w a s r e a d by A D 2 76 . . .

A g w
t h e c onsul t h e se na t or s w e re u na bl e t o di sgui se t h e i r
u us ’

sa t i sfa c t i on t h a t P r obu s sh ould c ond

, e sc e nd t hu s h u m

bly t o solicit a sc e pt re which h e a l re a dy p osse sse d .

Th e y c e l e b ra t e d wi t h th e w a rm e st g ra t i t ud e h i s vi r t u e s ,

h i s e xpl oi t s a nd a b ov e a ll h i s m od e ra t i on
, A d e c re e .

i m m e di a t e ly p a sse d wi t h ou t a di sse nt i ng v oic e t o r a t ify

, ,

t h e e l e c t i on of t h e e a st e r n a r m i e s a nd t o c onfe r on ,

t h e i r chi e f a ll t h e se v e r a l b r a n ch e s of t h e i m p e r i a l dig
ni t y : t h e na m e s of C ae sa r a nd A ugu st u s t h e t i t l e Of ,

b The le t t e r dd d to t h p t o i n p e f c t wh om (on condi t mn

w as a re sse e re r a r e ,

of hi s g ood b h vi ou ) h p om i d t o c ont i n e i n h g t offic S

e a r e r se u 1s re a e. ee
Hi t A ugu t p 2 37
s . s . . .

V p c i n H t A ugu t p 2 37
0 1s us 1s Th d t e of t he l t t
. i s a u dly
s . . . e a e er ss re
fa ul t y I n t e a d of Non F b
. s m a y e a d Non A g t
. e ru a r . w e r . u us .

C 0 2
 388 TH E D E C LIN E A N D F A LL
C H A P fa th er of h i s c ou nt ry t h e righ t of m a ki ng i n t h e sa m e
.
,
XH
da y t h r e e m oti ons i n t h e se na t e
' d t h e offic e of p ont ife x ,

m a xi m u s t h e t r ibu n i t i a n p o w e,
r a n d t h e p r oc o n sul a r
,

c om m a nd ; a m od e Of i nv e st i t u re which t h ough i t ,

se e m e d t o m ul t iply t h e a u t h ori t y of t h e e m p e r or ex ,

p re sse d t h e c onst i t u t i on of t h e a nci e nt r e public T h e .

r e ig n of P r obu s c or r e sp ond e d wi t h t hi s fa i r b e gi nni ng .

T h e se na t e w a s p e r m i tt e d t o di re c t t h e c 1v 11a d m i ni st ra
t i on of t h e e m pi re Th e i r fa i thful g e ne ra l a sse r t e d t h e .

h onou r of t h e R om a n a rm s a nd Oft e n l a id a t t h e i r fe e t ,

c row ns of g old a nd b a rb a ric t rophi e s t h e fr ui t s of h i s ,

nu m e r ou s vic t or i e s Y e t whil st h e g ra t ifi e d t h e i r "

.
,

v a ni t y h e m u st se c re tly h a v e d e spi se d t h e i r i nd ol e nc e
,

a nd w e a k ne ss Th ough i t w a s e v e ry m om e nt i n t h e i r
.

p ow e r t o r e p e a l t h e di sg ra c e ful e dic t of Ga lli e nu s t h e ,

p r oud succ e ssors of t h e S cipi os p a t i e nt ly a cqui e sc e d

i n t h e i r e xclu si on from a ll m ili t a ry e m pl oy m e nt s Th e y .

soon e xp e r i e nc e d t h a t t h ose w h o r e fu se t h e sw ord , ,

m u st r e nou nc e t h e sc e p t re .

V ic t o i of T h e st r e ng t h of A u re li a n h a d c ru sh e d on e v e ry sid e
r es

P obu ov e
r s r
th b b
e ar ao t h e e ne m l e s o f R om e A f t e r h l s d e a t h t h e y se e m e d t o .

i n
r a s:
r e viv e wi t h a n i nc r e a se of fu r y a nd of nu m b e r s Th e y .

w e re a g a i n v a nqui sh e d by t h e a c t iv e vig ou r of P r obu s ,

w h o i n a sh or t re ig n of a b ou t si x y e a rs
,
f e qu a ll e d t h e ,

fa m e Of a nci e nt h e r oe s a nd re st ore d p e a c e a nd or d e r ,

t o e v e r y p r ovi nc e of t h e R om a n w or ld T h e da n .

e rou s fr on t i e r of Rh ae t i a h e so fi r m ly se cu re d t h a t h e
g ,

l e ft i t wi t h ou t t h e su spici on Of a n e ne m y H e b rok e
‘
.

t h e w a nd e ri ng p ow e r of t h e S a rm a t i a n t r ib e s a nd by ,

t h e t e rr or of h i s a r m s c om p e ll e d t h ose b a r b a ri a ns t o

re li nqui sh t h e i r sp oil T h e G ot hic na t i on c ou r t e d t h e .

d Hi t A gu t p 2 38 It i odd t h t t he en t h ould t t P obu

s . u s . . . s a s a e s re a r s
l f v ou bly t h n M cu A ntoni nu Th t p i nc h d c iv d v n b
e ss a ra a ar s s. a r e a re e e , e e e
for t h d t h of P J q i nt e l t i oni S C pi toli n i n H t A
e e ea 1us, us u ae r a s. ee a . 1s . u

gu t p 2 4
s . . .

8
S e t h e du t iful l t t of P ob
e t o t he n te ft h i G m n vic to i e
e er r us se a , a er s er a r s.

Hi t A ugu t p 2 39
s s
f Th d t nd du t i on of t he ig n of P obu
. . . .

e a e a v y c o c tly c ra re r s a re er rre a s er

t n d by c
a1 e di n l N o i i n h i l e n d w O k D Epochi Sy o M c
ar a rr s, s ar e r , e s r -
a e

d onu m p 96— 105 A p ge of E biu c onn c t t h c ond y of

, . . a ssa u se s e s e se ea r
P obu wi t h t h e
r s of v l of t h Sy i n ci t i e ra s se e ra e r a e s.
 O F THE R O MA N E MP IR E
‘
. 389

a lli a nc e of so w a rlik e a n e m p H e a t t a ck e d t h e 3
e r or . C HA P .

I sa u ri a ns i n t h e i r m ou nt a i ns b e si e g e d a nd t ook se v e ra l XII '

of t h e i r st r ong e st c a st l e s a nd fl a t t e re d hi m se lf t h a t

h e h a d for e v e r supp r e sse d a d om e st ic foe wh ose i nd e ,

e nde nc so d e e ply w ou nde d t h e m a j e st y of t h e e m pi r e

p e .

T h e t r oubl e s e xci t e d by t h e u su rp e r F i rm u s i n t h e
U pp e r Egyp t h a d ne v e r b e e n p e r fe c t ly a pp e a se d ; a nd
,

t h e ci t i e s of P t ol e m a i s a nd C op t os for t ifi e d by t h e ,

a lli a nc e of t h e Bl e m m y e s st ill m a i nt a i ne d a n ob scu r e ,

r e b e lli on T h e ch a st i se m e nt of t h ose ci t i e s a nd p f
.
,
o

t h e i r a uxili a r i e s t h e sa v a g e s Of t h e sou t h i s sa id t o ,

i
h a v e a l a rm e d t h e c ou r t of P e rsi a a nd t h e g re a t ki ng ,

su e d i n v a i n for t h e fr i e nd ship of P r obu s Most of .

t h e e xpl oi t s which di st i ngui sh e d h i s r e ig n w e re ,

a chi e v e d by t h e p e r sona l v a l ou r a nd c onduc t of t h e

e m p e ror ; i nsom uch t h a t t h e w r i t e r of h i s life e xp r e sse s

som e a m a z e m e nt h ow i n so sh or t a t i m e a si ngl e m a n , ,
.

c ould be p r e se nt i n so m a ny di st a nt w a r s T h e r e m a i n .

i ng a c t i ons h e i nt ru st e d t o t h e c a re of h i s li e u t e na nt s ,

t h e j udici ou s ch oic e of wh om for m s no i nc onsid e r a bl e

p a rt of h i s gl ory C a ru s Di ocl e t i a n Ma xi m i a n C on .
, , ,

st a nt u s, i G a le ri u s, A scle p i oda t u s, A nni b a li a nu s, a nd a

c rowd of ot h e r chi e fs w h o a ft e rw a r d s a sc e nd e d or su p ,

p or t e d t h e t h rone w e re t ra i ne d t o a rm s i n t h e se v e re,

sch ool of A u r e li a n a nd P r obu s

B u t t h e m ost i m p ort a nt se r v ic e which P r obu s r e n A D 2 77

d e re d t o t h e r e public w a s t h e d e liv e ra nc e of G a ul a nd , ,

t h e 1e cov e 1y Of se v e nt y fl ou r i shi ng ci t i e s op p 1e sse d by t h m v mn e as

g
th
t h e b a 1b a r i a ns Of G e r m a ny w h o si nc e t h e d e a t h Of A u
e fin
, ,
rr a s
1
r e li a n h a d r a v a g e d t h a t g re a t p r ovi nc e wi t h i m pu ni t y
, .

A m ong t h e v a ri ou s m ul t i t ud e of t h ose fi e r c e i nv a d e rs ,

w e ma
y di st i ngui sh with s om e d e g re e of cl e a rne ss , ,

'

3 Hi t A ugu t p 2 39
V0 pi scus
‘Zo m (l i p 62 — 65 t ll v y long nd t ifli ng to y of L yci
1n s . s . . .

1 a r
s1 us . . . . e s a er s r us

t he I u i n obb
sa r a r e r.

Zo m l p 65 V pi c i n Hi t A ugu t p 2 39 2 40 B t i t
s1 u s, . i . .
, 0 s us s . s . .
, . u
s e e m i nc d b l
s t h t t h e d e fe t of t h e
re 1 e, v g of E t hi opi c ould a ff c t t h
a a sa a es a e e
P i a n mon ch
‘B e id t h w ll k now n chi f v a l oth e
e rs ar .

1 n m d by V
s es e se e
pi c e s, se er rs a re a e 0 s u s,

( Hi t A
s ugu t p wh so c t i on h v not e ch d o k nowl e dg se a s a e r a e ur e.

nd Hi t A ugu t p 2 38 2 40 2 4 1
. . .

1 Se t h C e s of J l i n
e aesa r u a , a s . s . . .
, .
390 THE D E C LIN E A N D F A L L
t h re e g re a t a rm i e s or ra t h e r na t i ons succ e ssiv e ly va n
, ,

q u i sh ed by t h e v a l ou r of P r obu s H e d rov e b a ck t h e .

F ra nk s i nt o t h e i r m ora sse s ; a d e sc rip t iv e ci r cu m st a nc e

from wh e nc e w e m a y i nfe r t h at t h e c onfe d e ra cy k now n ,

by t h e m a nly a pp e ll a t i on of fr ee a l re a dy occupi e d t h e ,

fl a t m a ri t i m e c ou nt ry i nt e r se c te d a nd a l m ost ove rfl ow n
,

by t h e st a g na t i ng w a t e r s of t h e Rhi ne a nd t h a t se v e r a l ,

t rib e s of t h e F r i si a ns a nd B a t a vi a n s h a d a cc e d e d t o

t h e i r a lli a nc e H e v a nqui sh e d t h e Bu r gu ndi a ns a

.
,

consid e ra bl e p e opl e of t h e V a nd a lic ra c e Th e y h a d .

““
w a nd e r e d i n qu e st of b oot y from t h e b a nk s of t h e O d e r
t o t h ose of t h e S e i ne Th e y e st e e m e d t h e m se lv e s su f
.

fi cie ntly for t u na t e t o pu r ch a se by t h e r e st i t u t i on of a ll ,

t h e i r b oot y t h e p e rm i ssi on of a n u ndi st u rb e d r e t r e a t

,
.

Th e y a t t e m p t e d t o elud e t h a t a rt icl e of t h e t re a t y .

m
Th e i r pu ni sh m e nt w a s i m m e di a t e a nd t e r r ibl e Bu t .

of a ll t h e i nv a d e r s Of G a ul t h e m ost form id a bl e w e r e
’

t h e L y g i a ns a di st a nt p e opl e w h o r
, e ig ne d ov e r a wid e
”
d om a i n on t h e front i e rs of P ol a nd a nd Sil e si a In .

t h e L yg i a n na t i on t h e A r ii h e ld t h e fi r st r a nk by t h e i r
,
”
nu m b e rs a nd fi e r ce ne ss T h e A r ii (i t i s thu s t h a t .
,

t h e y a r e d e sc rib e d by t h e e ne r gy of T a ci t u s ) st udy ,

t o i m p r ov e by a r t a nd ci r cu m st a nc e s t h e i nna t e t e rror s

of t h e i r b a rb a r i sm Th e i r shi e ld s a re bl a ck t h e i r
.
,

b odi e s a re p a i nt e d bl a ck Th e y ch oose for t h e c om b a t .

t h e d a rk e st h ou r of t h e nigh t Th e i r h ost a dv a nc e s .
,

c ov e r e d a s i t w e re wi t h a fu ne r e a l sh a d e ; nor do t h e y °

oft e n fi nd a n e ne m y c a p a bl e of su st a i ni ng so st r a ng e

a nd i nfe r na l a n a sp e c t O f a ll ou r se nse s t h e e y e s a re
.
,

t h e fi rst v a nqui sh e d i n b a t t l e P
”
Y e t t h e a rm s a nd .

di scipli ne of t h e R om a ns e a sily di scomfi t e d t h e se h orrid

ph a nt om s T h e L y g i i w e re d e fe a te d i n a g e ne ra l e n
.

a e m e nt a nd S e m no t h m o t no w n d of t h i
g g , e s re e , e r

chi e fs fe ll a liv e i nt o t h e h a nd s of P robu s Th a t p r u

, .

m Zo i mu s 1 i p 62 ; Hi t A ugu t p 2 40
s, . . . B t th l tt s upp o
. s . . . u e a er s se s

th e pu ni h m nt i nflic t d wi t h t h c on nt of t h i ki ng if o t w p
s e e e se e r s: s , 1 as ar
t i l l k t h off nc
a ,
1 e e e e.

S C luv G m ni A nt iqu 1 iii P tol my pl c i n t h i c ou nt y

ee er. er a a a, . . e a es e r r
t h ci t y of C li i ob bly C h h i n Sil
a s a, i a a s es a .
e
p r
0
F li
er a mb th
su xp ra ou of T ci t u
15 i t i u ly v y h old on
e e re ss1 a s: s s re a er e.
P T ci t G m ni c 43
a . er a
,

a, . .
 O F THE R OMA N E MP IRE . 391

d e nt e mp e ror u nwilli ng t o re duc e a b ra v e p e opl e t o C H A P

, .

d e sp a i r g ra nt e d th e m a n h onou ra bl e c a pitul a t i on a nd X II .

, ,

p e rm itt e d t h e m t o r e tu rn i n sa fe t y t o th e i r na t iv e c ou n
t ry . B ut th e l osse s which t h e y su ffe re d i n th e m a r ch ,

t h e b a t t l e a nd t h e re t re a t b r ok e t h e p ow e r of t h e na
, ,

t i on : nor i s t h e L y g i a n na m e e v e r re p e a t e d i n t h e h i s
t or y e ith e r of G e rm a ny or of t h e e m pi r e T h e de .

liv e ra nc e of G a ul i s r e p or t e d t o h a v e c ost t h e liv e s of

fou r hu nd re d t h ou sa nd of t h e i nv a d e r s ; a w ork of
l a b ou r t o th e R om a ns a nd of e xp e nse t o t h e e mp eror
, ,

w h o g a v e a pi e c e of g old for t h e h e a d of e v e ry b a r b a

ri na 9. But a s t he fa me O f w a rri ors i s buil t on t h e de

st r uc t i on of hu m a n ki nd w e m a y na tu ra lly su sp e c t
, ,

“
t h a t t h e sa ngui na ry a cc ou nt w a s m ul t ipli e d by t h e
a v a ric e of t h e soldi e rs a nd a cc e p t e d with ou t a n v y
, y e r

se v e re e x a m i na t i on by t h e lib e ra l v a ni t y of P r obu s .

Si nc e t h e e xp e di t i on of M a xi mi n t h e R om a n g e ne a nd c i ,
a rr es

hi a m s r s
r a l s h a d c onfi ne d t h e i r a m bi t i on t o a de fe nsiv e w a r
i nto G e r

a g a i nst t h e na t i ons Of G e r m a ny w h o p e r p e tu a lly m n)

,
a

p re sse d on t h e front i e rs of t h e e m pi re T h e m ore .

d a ri ng P robu s pur su e d h i s G a llic vict ori e s p a sse d t h e ,

R hi ne a nd di spl a y e d h i s i nvi ncibl e e a gl e s on t h e b a nk s

,

of t h e Elb e a nd t h e N e ck e r H e w a s fully c onvi nc e d

.
,

t h a t not hi ng c ould r e c oncil e t h e m i nd s of t h e b a rb a

r i a ns t o p e a c e , u nl e ss t h e y e xp e r i e nc e d i n t h e i r ow n
c ou nt ry t h e c a l a m i t ie s of w a r G e rm a ny e x ha u st e d
.
,

by t h e ill succ e ss of t h e l a st e m ig ra t i on w a s a st oni sh e d ,

by h i s p re se nc e N i ne of t h e m ost c onsid e ra bl e p ri nc e s
.

re p a i r e d t o h i s c a m p a nd fe ll p r ost r a t e a t h i s fe e t
, .

S uch a t re a ty w a s hu mbly re c e iv e d by t h e G e rm a ns ,

a s i t pl e a se d t h e c onqu e ror t o dic t a t e H e e x a c te d a .

st r ic t r e st i t u t i on of t h e e ffe ct s a nd c a p t iv e s which t h e y

h a d c a rri e d a w a y from t h e p rovin c e s ; a nd oblig e d th e i r

ow n m a gi st ra t e s t o pu ni sh t h e m ore ob st i na t e r obb e r s

w h o p re su m e d t o d e t a i n a n p a r t of t h e sp oil A c on
y .

side ra ble t ribu t e of c orn c a t t l e a nd h orse s t h e only

, , ,

w e a l t h of b a rb a r i a ns w a s r e se r v e d for t h e u se of t h e
,

g a r ri sons which P robu s e st a bli sh e d on t h e li mi t s of

‘
1 V
p c i n Hi t A ugu t p 2 38
i0 s us s . s . . .
392 TH E D E C LIN E A N D FA L L
t h e i r t e rr i t ory He
i d som e t h ough t s
. e ven e nt e r t a ne

of c om p e lli ng t h e G e rm a ns t o r e li nqui sh t h e e x e r ci se

of a r m s a nd t o t rust t h e i r di ffe r e nc e s t o t h e j u st ic e
, ,

t h e i r sa fe t y t o t h e p ow e r of R om e T o a cc om pli sh ,
.

t h e se sa lu t a r y e nd s t h e c onst a nt r e sid e nc e of a n i m ,

p e ri a l g ov e r nor supp or te d by a nu m e r ou s a r my w a s
, ,

i ndi sp e nsa bly re qui si t e P r obu s t h e re for e j udg e d i t .

m or e e xp e di e nt t o d e fe r t h e e x e cu t i on of so g r e a t a
d e sig n ; w h i ch w a s i nd e e d ra t h e r of sp e ci ou s t h a n solid
‘
u t ili t y 1 H a d G e rm a ny b e e n r e duc e d i nt o t h e st a t e of
a p r ovi nc e t h e R om a ns wi t h i mm e nse l a b ou r a nd e x
, ,

p e nse w ould h a v e a cqui re d only a m ore e x t e nsiv e

,

b ou nd a ry t o d e fe nd a g a i nst t h e fi e r ce r a nd m ore a c t iv e
b a rb a ri a ns of S cy t hi a .

I nst e a d of r e duci ng t h e w a rlik e na t iv e s of G e rm a ny

t o t h e c ondi t i on of subj e c t s P r obu s c ont e nt e d hi m se lf ,

wi t h t h e hu m bl e e xp e di e nt of ra i si ng a bulw a rk a g a i nst
t h e i r i nr oa d s T h e c ou nt ry which now form s t h e
.

ci rcl e of Sw a bi a h a d b e e n l e ft d e se rt i n t h e a g e of
,

A u g u st u s by t h e e m ig ra t i on of i t s a nci e nt i nh a bi t a nt s 5
.

T h e fe r t ili t y of t h e soil soon a t t ra c t e d a ne w c ol ony

fr om t h e a dj a c e nt p r ovi nc e s of G a ul C rowd s of a d .

v e ntu re r s of a r ovi ng t e m p e r a nd of d e sp e ra t e for t u ne s

, ,

occupi e d t h e d oub t ful p osse ssi on a nd a ck nowl e dg e d , ,

by t h e p a y m e n t of t i t h e s t h e m a j e st y of t h e e m pi re ,

T o p r ot e c t t h e se ne w subj e c t s a li ne of front i e r g a rr i ,

sons w a s g ra du a lly e x t e nd e d fr om t h e Rhi ne t o t h e

D a nub e A b ou t t h e r e i g n of H a d ri a n wh e n t h a t
.
,

m od e of d e fe nc e b e g a n t o b e p r a c t i se d t h e se g a r ri sons ,

w e re c onne c t e d a nd c ov e re d by a st r ong i nt re nch m e nt

of t re e s a nd p a li sa d e s In t h e pl a c e of so r ud e a bul .

w a r k t h e e m p e r or P r obu s c onst ruc t e d a st one w a ll of a

c onsid e ra bl e h e igh t a nd st re ng th e ne d i t by t ow e rs a t ,

Hi st . A ugu p 2 38 2 39 V
st . .
, . 0
p i scus uot e s a q l e t t e f om t he m p o
r r e er r

t o t he se na t e , 1 n which h e m e nt i on s h1s desr n of re

g duci ng G m ny i nto er a a

p ovi nc e
r .

St bo 1
5
ra A cco dm g t o V ll i
V 11. P t r
0

e e us a e rcul u s,
(11 Ma rob o
A iq
. .
,

duu l edh i M c om nni i nt o B oh m i C l

s s ar a e a : u ve ri u s
( G e rm a n . nt . 11
1.

p ov t h t i t w f om Sw bi
r es a as r a a .

Th e t tl f om t h p a y m e nt of t th w
e se s e rs r e 1 es e re d e nom i na t d e , Decu ma t es .

T a ci t G e m ni c 2 9
. r a a, . .
 O F THE R OMA N E MP IRE . 393

c onv e ni e nt di st a nc e s . F r om th e ighb ou rh ood of C H A P

ne .

XI I
N e w st a dt R a t i sb on on t h e
a nd D a nub e i t st re t ch e d
,
'

a c r oss hill s v a ll e y s r iv e r s a nd m ora sse s a s fa r a s

, , , ,

Wi m p fe n on t h e N e ck e r a nd a t l e ng t h t e rm i na t e d on
,

t h e b a nk s of t h e Rhi ne a ft er a wi ndi ng c ou rse of ne a r

,

t w o hu nd r e d m il e s Thi s i m p or t a nt b a rri e r u ni t i ng ,

t h e t w o m igh t y st r e a m s t h a t p r ot e ct e d t h e p r ovi nc e s of
Eu r op e se e m e d t o fill up t h e v a c a nt sp a c e t h r ough
,

which t h e b a rb a ri a ns a nd p a r t icul a r ly t h e A l e m a nni

, ,

c ould p e ne t ra t e wi t h t h e g re a t e st fa cili t y i nt o t h e h e a r t
of t h e e m pi re B u t t h e e xp e r i e nc e of t h e w orld fr om
.

C hi na t o B ri t a i n h a s e xp ose d t h e v a i n a t t e m p t of for
,

t ify i ng a ny e x t e nsiv e t ra c t of c ou nt ry A n a c t iv e "

.

e ne m y w h o ca n se l e c t a nd v a r y h i s p oi nt s of a t t a ck
, ,

m u st i n t h e e nd di sc ov e r som e fe e bl e sp ot or som e u n
, , ,

gu a rd e d m om e nt T h e st r e ng t h a s w e ll a s t h e a t t e n
.
,

t i on of t h e d e fe n d e r s i s divid e d ; a nd such a r e t h e

bli nd e ffe c t s of t e rror on t h e fi rm e st t r oop s t h a t a li ne ,

b r ok e n i n a si ngl e pl a c e i s a l m ost i nst a nt ly d e se r t e d

’

.
,

T h e fa t e of t h e w a ll which P r obu s e r e c t e d m a y con ,

fi rm t h e g e ne ra l Ob se r v a t i on Wi t hi n a fe w y e a rs
.

a ft er h i s de a t h i t w a s ov e r t h r ow n by t h e A l e m a nni
, .

It s sc a t t e re d r ui ns u niv e r sa lly a sc rib e d t o t h e p ow e r of

,

t h e d ae m on now se rv e only t o e xci t e t h e w ond e r of t h e

,

S w a bi a n p e a sa nt .

A m ong t h e u se ful c ondi t i ons of p e a c e i m pose d by I nt od c r u

P r obu s on t h e v a nqui sh e d nat i ons of G e r m a ny w a s : iflgffii nt

l
, e

t h e Oblig a t i on of supplyi ng t h e R om a n a rm y w i t h si x of th b e ar

t e e n t h ou sa nd r e c
h n n a a s’
r ui t s t h e b r a ve st a nd m ost r obu st of
,

t h e i r y ou t h T h e e m p e ror di sp e rse d t h e m t h r ough a l l

.

t h e p r ovi nc e s a nd di st ribu t e d t hi s d a ng e r ou s r e i n
,

for c e m e nt i n sm a ll b a nd s of fift y or six t y e a ch a m ong

, ,

‘S N ot
1
ee de I A bbé de l a B l e t e ri e a la G e rm a ni e de a t e
es
’
183 T ci p , . .

cc u
Hi s a o nt of t he a i s w ll e chi fly b
orro e ( w d
a s h e sa s
y m se
) rom t he hi lf f
Al sa t ai Illu st ra t a of S c hoep fl i n .

x
S e
e R
ch ch
e e r C hi i
e s su r l e s p
no s e t l e s E gy p t i e ns, t om 11 81— 1 02 . . . .

y u uh w ll cqu i d wi
The a non mo s a t or i s e gl b
a g l
a nt e t h t he o e in e ne ra a nd ,

wi G
th y p icul
e rma n 1n wi h g d
a rt ar :l qu w k
t re a r t o t h e a t t e r h e ot e s a
,
or of
M H l
. c fu d
a nse m a n ; bu t h e see m s t ow ll P bu on o n t he a of ro s, des1g ne d

g i Al
a a nst t he i wi h f ific i
e m a nn t ,t h e ort c uc d
a t on of t h e Ma t t i a c i , onst r t e i n
ighb u h d
t he ne g i C i
o r oo of Fra ncfort a a nst t h e a tt .
394 TH E D E C LIN E A N D F A L L
the i l t roop s ; j udici ou sly ob se r vi ng t h a t t h e
na t ona ,

a i d which t h e re public d e riv e d fr om t h e b a rb a ri a ns ,

sh ould b e fe l t b u t not se e n Th e i r a i d w a s now b e

c om e ne c e ssa ry T h e fe e bl e e l e g a nc e of I t a ly a nd t h e
.

i nt e rna l p rovi nc e s c ould no l ong e r supp or t t h e w e igh t

of a r m s T h e h a rdy front i e r of t h e Rhi ne a nd D a nub e
.

s till p roduc e d m i nd s a nd b odi e s e qu a l t o t h e l a b ou rs of

t h e c a m p ; b u t a p e r p e tu a l se ri e s of w a r s h a d g ra du a lly
di m i ni sh e d t h e i r num b e r s T h e i nfre qu e ncy of m a r .

ri a g e a nd t h e r ui n Of a g r icul t u re a ffe c t e d t h e p r i nci

, ,

pl e s of p opul a t i on a nd not only d e st r oy e d t h e st re ng t h ,

of t h e p re se nt b u t i nt e r c e p t e d t h e h op e of fu t u re g e
,

ne r a t i ons T h e wi sd om of P robu s e m b ra c e d a gre a t

.

a nd b e ne fici a l pl a n of r e pl e ni shi ng t h e e xh a u st e d fr on

t i e rs by ne w c ol oni e s of c a p t iv e or fugi t iv e b a r b a r i a ns
, ,

on wh om h e b e st ow e d l a nd s c a t t l e i nst ru m e nt s of , ,

hu sb a nd ry a nd e v e ry e nc ou ra g e me nt t h a t m igh t e u
,

g a g e t h e m t o e duc a t e a r a c e of soldi e r s for t h e se r vic e

of t h e r e public I nt o B ri t a i n a nd most p rob a bly i nt o
.
,

C a m b ridg e shi re b e t ra nsp or t e d a c onsid e ra bl e b ody 2

,

of V a nd a l s T h e i m p ossibili ty of a n e sc a p e r e c oncil e d
.

t h e m t o t h e i r si t u a t i on ; a nd i n t h e sub se qu e nt t r oubl e s
of t h a t i sl a nd t h e y a pp r ov e d t h e m se lv e s t h e m ost fa i t h
,

ful se r v a nt s of t h e st a t e G re a t nu m b e rs of F ra nk s a
.

a nd G e pid ae w e r e s e t t l e d on t h e b a nk s of t h e D a nub e

a nd t h e Rhi ne A n hu nd r e d t h ou sa nd B a st a rnae e x
.
,

p e ll e d f r om t h e i r ow n c ou nt ry ch e e r fully a cc e p t e d a n ,

e st a bli sh m e nt i n Th r a c e a nd soon i m bib e d t h e m a n ,

ne r s a nd se nt i m e nt s of R om a n subj e c t s
b Bu t t h e e x .

e c t a t i ons Of P r obu s w e re t oo Of t n di pp oi nt d
p e sa e .

T h e i m p a t i e nc e a nd idl e ne ss of t h e b a rb a r i a ns c ould ill

b rook t h e sl ow l a b ours of a g ricul t u re Th e i r u ncon .

'
3 di t ibu t e d a b ou t fift y o ix t y b a b a i a ns to a
He s r r s r r nu m eru s, a s it w as
t h n c ll e d a c o p wi t h wh o e e t a bli h e d nu m b x a c t ly
’

e a , r s we s s s er a re not e ao
u a i nt e d.
q
z
C m d n B i t nni I nt oduc t i on p 136 ; b t h p e k f om v y
a e
’
s r a a, r ,
. u e s a s r a er
d oub t ful c onj ct u e re .
3
*
Z o i m u l i p 62 A cc o di ng t o V pi c not h e b ody of V nd l
s s, . . . . r 0 s u s, a r a a s

w asl f i t hful
e ss a .

Hi t A ugu t p 2 40 Th y w p ob bly xp ll d by th G ot h
s . s . . . e e re r a e e e e s.
Z o i m l i p 66
s . . . . .
 OF T HE R OM A N E MP IRE . 395

qu e ra b e ll ov e of fre e d om r i si ng a g a i nst d e sp ot i sm
, C H A P , .

X H
p r ov ok e d t h e m i nt o h a st y r e b e lli ons a lik e fa t a l t o ,
’

t h e m se lv e s a nd t o t h e p rovi nc e s ; nor c ould t h e se a r t i

°

fi cia l suppli e s h ow e v e r re p e a t e d by succ e e di ng e m p e

,

r or s r e st ore t h e i m p or t a nt li m i t of G a ul a nd Illy r icu m

,

t o i t s a nci e nt a nd na t iv e vig ou r .

O f a l l t h e b a rb a r i a ns w h o a b a nd one d t h e i r ne w D i ng n ar e

l f
se t t l e m e nt s a nd di st u rb e d t h e
,
public t ra nquilli t y a tig p o
i fznk ,
s.

v e ry sm a ll nu mb e r re t u rne d t o t h e i r ow n c ou nt ry F or .

a sh or t se a son t h e y m igh t w a nd e r i n a r m s t h r ough t h e

e m pi re ; b u t i n t h e e nd t h e y w e re su re ly d e st roy e d by t h e

p ow e r of a w a rlik e e m p e r or T h e succ e ssfu l r a sh ne ss .

of a p a r t y of F r a nk s w a s a t t e nd e d h ow e v e r wi t h such , ,

m e m ora bl e c onse qu e nc e s th a t it ough t not t o be p a sse d

,

u nnot ic e d Th e y h a d b e e n e st a bli sh e d by P robu s on

.

t h e se a c oa st of P ont u s wi t h a vi e w of st r e ng t h e ni ng
,

t h a t front i e r a g a i nst t h e i nr oa d s Of t h e A l a ni A fle e t .

st a t i one d i n one of t h e h a r b ou r s of t h e Euxi ne fe ll ,

i nt o t h e h a nd s of t h e F ra nk s ; a nd t h e y r e solv e d ,

t h r ough u nk now n se a s t o e xpl or e t h e i r w a y from t h e

,

m ou t h Of t h e P h a si s t o t h a t of t h e Rhi ne Th e y e a sily .

e sc a p e d t h r ough t h e B osph oru s a nd t h e H e ll e sp ont ,

a nd c r ui si ng a l ong t h e M e di t e r ra ne a n i ndulg e d t h e i r ,

a pp e t i t e for r e v e ng e a nd plu nd e r by fre qu e nt d e sc e nt s ,

on t h e u nsu sp e cti ng sh or e s of A si a G r e e c e a nd A fr ic a , , .

T h e opul e nt ci t y of Sy r a cu se i n wh ose p or t t h e na vi e s ,

of A t h e ns a nd C a r t h a g e h a d form e r ly b e e n su nk w a s ,

sa ck e d by a h a ndful of b a rb a r i a ns w h o m a ssa c r ed t h e ,

g re a t e st p a r t of t h e t r e m bli ng i nh a bi t a nt s F rom t h e .

i sl a nd of Sicily t h e F ra nk s p roc e e d e d t o t h e c olu m ns

Of H e rcul e s t ru st e d t h e m se lv e s t o t h e oce a n coa st e d
, ,
.

r ou nd Sp a i n a nd G a ul a nd st e e ri ng t h e i r t r iu m ph a nt
,

c ou rse t h r ough t h e B r i t i sh C h a nne l a t l e ng t h fi ni sh e d ,

t h e i r su r p r i si ng v oy a g e by l a ndi ng i n sa fe t y on t h e
,

B a t a vi a n or F ri si a n sh or e s d
T h e e x a m pl e of th e i r.

succ e ss i nst ruc t i ng t h e i r c ou nt ry m e n t o c onc e iv e t he

,

a dv a nt a g e s a nd t o d e spi se th e
, d a ng e rs of t h e se a ,

0
Hi st . A ugu st . p . 2 40 .

Pa ne gy r Ve t . . v . 18 ; Z osi m u l i p
s, . . . 66 .
 396 THE D E C LIN E A ND F A L L
C H A P p oi nt e d ou t t o t h e i r e nt e rp ri si ng spi ri t a ne w r oa d t o
.

X II w e a l t h a nd gl ory
.

‘
R v ol t of
e N ot wi th st a ndi ng t h e vigil a nc e a nd a c t ivi ty O f Pl O '

S t ni n
a ur
b u s i t w a s a l m ost i m p ossibl e t h a t h e c ould a t onc e
us
,
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c ont a i n i n ob e di e nc e e v e r y p a r t of h i s wid e e x t e nd e d
d omi ni ons T h e b a rb a r i a ns w h o b rok e t h e i r ch a i ns
.
,

h a d se iz e d t h e fa v ou r a bl e Opp or t u ni t y of a d om e st ic
war Wh e n t h e e m p e r or m a r ch e d t o t h e re li e f of
.

G a ul h e d e v olv e d t h e c omm a nd Of th e e a st on S a t u r
,

ni nu s Th a t g e ne r a l a m a n of m e ri t a nd e xp e r i e nc e
.
, ,

w a s d r iv e n i nt o r e b e lli on by t h e a b se nc e Of h i s sov e

r e ig n t h e l e vi t y of t h e A l e x a nd r i a n p e opl e t h e p r e ss
, ,

i ng i nst a nc e s of h i s fri e nd s a nd h i s ow n fe a r s ; bu t ,

from t h e m om e nt Of h i s e l e v a t i on h e ne v e r e nt e rt a i ne d
”
a h O p e of e m pi r e or e v e n of life A l a s ! h e sa id , .
,

t h e r e public h a s l ost a u se ful se r v a nt a nd t h e r a sh ,

ne ss of a n h ou r h a s d e st r oy e d t h e se r vic e s of m a ny
”
y e a rs Y ou k now not c ont i nu e d h e
. t h e m i se ry Of , ,

sov e r e ig n p ow e r ; a sw or d i s p e r p e t u a lly su sp e nd e d

ov e r ou r h e a d W e d re a d ou r v e ry gu a rd s w e di s .
,

t ru st ou r c om p a ni ons T h e ch oic e of a c t i on or of .

r e p ose i s no l ong e r i n ou r di sp osi t i on ; nor i s t h e re a ny

e o r ch a ra c t e r or c onduc t t h a t c a n p r ot e c t us fr om
a
g , , ,

t h e c e nsu re of e nvy In t hu s e x a l t i ng m e t o t h e t h r one .

,

o u h a v e d oom e d m e t o a life of c a re s a nd t o a n u n
y ,

t i m e ly fa t e T h e only c onsol a t i on which re m a i ns i s

.
,

t h e a ssu ra nc e t h a t I sh a ll not fa ll a l one Bu t a s th e

form e r p a r t of h i s p re dic t i on w a s v e rifi e d by t h e vic
t or y so t h e l a t t e r w a s di sa pp oi nt e d by t h e cl e m e ncy of
,

P r obu s Th a t a m i a bl e p r i nc e a t t e m p t e d e v e n t o sa v e
.

t h e u nh a ppy S a t u r ni nu s fr om t h e fu r y of t h e soldi e r s .

H e h a d m or e t h a n onc e solici t e d t h e u su rp e r hi m se lf
t o pl a c e som e c onfid e nc e i n t h e m e r cy of a sov e r e ig n

A D 2 79 w h o so highly e st e e m e d hi s ch a r a c t e r t h a t h e h a d
. . . ,

pu ni sh e d a s a m a lici ou s i nform e r t h e fi rst w h o r e

, ,

l a te d t h e i m p rob a bl e ne w s Of h i s d e fe c t i on f S a t u r ni .

V pi c i n Hi t A ugu t p 2 45 2 46
e
O s us Th nfo t u n ts o to h d
. s . .
, . e u r a e ra r a

t udi d h t o ic t C th g nd
s e r e th fo
r mo p ao b bly arM oo a e, a w as e re re re r a a r

( Z o i m l i p s t h n G.ul V
.
p i c. c ll
. h m a a a , as O s us a s 1 .

Z on l xii p 638 a 1a s, . . . .
 O F THE R OMA N E MP IR E . 397

nu s p e rh a p s h a v e e m b rac e d t h e g e ne r ou s O ffe r C H A P
migh t , , , .

XH
h a d h e not b e e n r e st ra i ne d by t h e ob st i na t e di st r u st of
'

h i s a dh e r e nt s Th e i r guil t w a s d e e p e r a nd t h e i r h op e s
. ,

“
m or e sa ngui ne t h a n t h ose of t h e i r e xp e r i e nc e d l e a d e r
,
.

T h e r e v ol t of S a t u rni nu s w a s sc a r c e ly e x t i ngui sh e d A D 2 80 . . .

i n t h e e a st b e fore ne w t r oubl e s w e r e e xci t e d i n t h e

,

w e t by th e r e b e lli on of B onosu s a d
s , n P r oc u l u s i n l i n G ul us a

G a ul T h e m ost di st i ngui sh e d m e rit of t h ose t w o

.

O ffic e rs w a s t h e i r r e sp e c t iv e p row e ss of th e one i n th e ,

c om b a t s of B a cchu s of t h e ot h e r i n t h ose of Ve nu s ; g
,

e t ne i t h e r o f t h m w d t i t u t e of c ou r a g e a nd
y e e r e e s

c a p a ci t y a nd b ot h su st a i ne d wi t h h onou r t h e a ugu st
, , ,

ch a ra c t e r which t h e fe a r Of pu ni sh m e nt h a d e ng a g e d
t h e m t o a ssu m e t ill t h e y su nk a t l e ng t h b e ne a t h t h e
,

sup e ri or g e niu s of P r obu s H e u se d t h e vi ct ory ‘w i t h .

h i s a ccu st om e d m od e ra t i on a nd sp a r e d t h e fort u ne s a s ,

w e ll a s t h e liv e s Of t h e i r i nnoc e nt fa m ili e s .

T h e a r m s of P r obu s h a d now supp r e sse d a ll t h e A D 2 S 1 . .

for e ig n a nd d om e st ic e ne m i e s of t h e st a t e H i s m ild E zfigi fi

u
.
e r

b u t st e a dy a d m i ni st ra t i on c onfi rm e d t h e re e st a bli sh P obu r s.

m e nt of t h e public t r a nquilli t y ; nor w a s t h e r e l e ft i n

t h e p r ovi nc e s a h ost il e b a r b a r i a n a t y ra nt or e v e n a , ,

r obb e r t o r e viv e t h e m e m ory of p a st di sor d e r s

, It .

w a s t i m e t h a t t h e e m p e r or sh ould r e vi si t R om e a n
d ,

c e l e b ra t e h i s ow n gl ory a nd t h e g e ne ra l h a ppi ne ss .

T h e t riu m ph du e t o t h e v a l ou r of P r obu s w a s con

duc t e d wi t h a m a g nific e nc e sui t a bl e t o h i s fort u ne ; a nd
t h e p e opl e w h o h a d so l a t e ly a d m i re d t h e t r ophi e s of

A u r e li a n g a z e d wi t h e qu a l pl e a su r e on th ose of h i s
,

h e roic succ e ssor We c a nnot on t hi s occa s10 n forg e t

i
.
, ,

t h e d e sp e ra t e c ou ra g e of a b ou t fou rsc or e gl a di a t ors ,

r e se r v e d wi t h ne a r si x hu nd re d ot h e rs for t h e i nb u
, ,

gA v y u p i i ng i n t nc i c o d d of t h p ow of P oc l
er s r r s H
s a e s re r e e r e ss r u u s. e
h d t k n on hu nd d S m t i n vi gi n
a a e e Th t of t h
reto y h m u t ar a a r s . e re s e s r e s

l t i n hi o n l ngu g E x h i n noc t d c m i ni i om n t m n
re a e s w a a e : s u a e e e v es a e ,

qu od i n m t m h i nt di qui nd ci m ddi di V pi c i n Hi t
e e ra u e re s ra es e re O s us s
A ugu t p 2 46
.
, .

s . . .

n t iv of A lb ng on t h G no co t m d
*1
P oc l r w ho w u u s, as a a e e ue e e e se as , ar e
t w o t h ou nd of h i o n l v
sa Hi ich w g t b t th y w
s w os a e s. s r es e re re a , u e e re a

qui d by obb y It w ft w d
re r eryi ng of hi f m ily N c l t on
. as a er a r s a sa s a , e a r es
e sse , n c p i ncip
e ibi pl c r V pi c i n Hi t A ugu t p 2 47
es s a e re . O s u s, s . s . . .

Hi t A ugu t p 2 40
s . s . . .
398 T HE DE C LIN E A N D F A L L
ma n p or t s of t h e a mphi th e a tr e Di sd a i ni ng t o sh e d
s .

t h e i r bl ood for t h e a m u se m e nt of t h e p opul a c e t h e y ,

kill e d t h e i r k e e p e rs b rok e from t h e pl a c e of t h e i r con ,

fi ne m e nt a nd fill e d t h e st re e t s of R om e wi t h bl ood
,

a nd c onfu si on A ft e r a n ob st i na t e re si st a nc e t h e y w e re
.
,

ov e r p ow e re d a nd c u t i n pi e c e s by t h e r e gul a r for c e s ;

b u t t h e y Ob t a i ne d a t l e a st a n h onou ra bl e d e a t h a nd ,

t h e sa t i sfa c t i on of a j u st r e v e ng e
k .

T h e m ili t a ry di scipli ne which r e ig ne d i n t h e c a m p s

of P r obu s w a s l e ss c r u e l t h a n t h a t Of A u r e li a n b u t it ,

w a s e qu a lly rigid a nd e x a c t T h e l a t t e r h a d pu ni sh e d .

t h e i rre gul a r i t i e s of t h e soldi e rs wi t h u nr e l e nt i ng se v e

r i ty ; t h e for m e r p r e v e nt e d t h e m by e m pl oyi ng t h e
l e gi ons i n c onst a nt a nd u se ful l a b ou rs Wh e n P robu s .

c om m a nd e d i n Egyp t h e e x e cu t e d m a ny c onsid e ra bl e ,

w ork s for t h e spl e nd ou r a nd b e ne fi t of t h a t r ich c ou n

t ry . T h e na vig a t i on of t h e N il e so i m p ort a nt t o R om e ,

i t se lf w a s i m p r ov e d ; a nd t e m pl e s b ridg e s p or t ic oe s
, , , ,

a nd p a l a c e s w e r e c onst ruc t e d by t h e h a nd s of t h e sol

“
,

di e rs w h o a c t e d by t u rns a s a r chi te c t s a s e ngi ne e rs

, , ,
'
a nd a s hu sb a nd m e n It w a s r e p or t e d Of H a nnib a l .
,

t h a t i n orde r t o p r e se r v e h i s t r oop s fr om t h e d a ng e r
,

ou s t e mp t a t i ons of idl e ne ss h e h a d oblig ed t h e m t o ,

form l a r g e pl a nt a t i ons of Oliv e t re e s a l ong t h e c oa st of

m
A fr i ca F rom a si m il a r p r i ncipl e P r obu s e x e rci se d
.
,

h i s l e gi ons i n c ov e r i ng with r ich vi ne y a rd s t h e hill s of

G a ul a nd P a nnoni a ; a nd t w o c onsid e r a bl e sp ot s a r e
d e sc rib e d which w e re e nt i re ly dug a nd pl a nt e d by
,

m ili t a ry l a b ou r O ne of t h e se k now n u nd e r t h e na m e
.
,

Of m ou nt Al m o w a s si t u a t e d ne a r Si rm iu m t h e c ou n
, ,

t ry wh e re P robu s w a s b or n for which h e e v e r r e t a i ne d ,

a p a r t i a l a ffe c t i on a nd wh ose g r a t i t ud e h e e nd e a v ou re d
,

t o se cu re by c onv e r t i ng i nt o t ill a g e a l a r ge a nd nu
,

k l i p 66
Z osi m . . .
l Hi t A ugu t p 2 36
. . s . s . . .

m A u l V ic t o n P ob B t t h pol cy of H nnib l unnot ic d by a ny

re i . r r . u e r a a , e
m o e nci nt w i t
r a e i i e conci l b l wi t h t he hi t o y of hi l fe
r e r, s rr H l ft ea e s r s r . e e
A f ic a wh n h w ni n y
r e old e t u n d t o i t wh n h w
e as efo t y fi e a rs , r r e e e as r - ve ,
a nd i m m d t e l l h i m y i h d ci iv b l of Z m Liv xxx 37
‘Hi t A ugu t p 2 40 ; E t op ix [7 ; A u l V ic t o i n P ob ; Vic to
ye o t la n t e e e
s t t sar s a e a a . . . .

1
s . s . . u r . . re . r r . r
ju ni o H vok d t he p ohibi t i on of D om i t i a n a nd g nt d g n l p
r. e re e r , ra e a e e ra er
m i i on of pl nt mg vi ne t o t he G ul s t he B i tons a nd t he P nnoni a n
ss a s a , r , a s.
 O F THE R OMA N E MP IR E . 399

h e a l t hy t ra c t of m a rshy g rou nd A n a rm y t hu s e m C H A P . .

XII‘
pl oy e d c onst i t ut e d p e rh a p s t h e m ost u se ful a s w e ll a s
, ,

t h e b ra v e st p or t i on of R om a n subj e c t s
, .

B u t i n t h e p r ose cuti on of a fa v ou rit e sch e me t h e Hi d e a t h , s .

b e st of m e n sa t i sfi e d wi t h t h e re c ti t ud e of t h e i r i nt e n
,

ti ons a re subj e c t t o forg e t t h e b ou nd s of m od e ra t i on ;

,

nor did P r obu s hi m se lf su fli cie ntly c onsul t t h e p a t i e nc e

a nd di sp osi t i on of h i s fi e r c e l e gi ona r i e s T h e d a ng e r s °
.

of t h e m ili t a r y p r ofe ssi on se e m only t o b e c om p e nsa t e d

by a life of pl e a su r e a nd idl e ne ss ; b u t if t h e duti e s of

t h e soldi e r a re i nc e ssa nt ly a gg r a v a t e d by t h e l a b ou r s
of t h e p e a sa nt h e will a t l a st si nk u nd e r t h e i nt ol e ra bl e
,

bu rd e n or sh a k e i t O ff wi t h i ndig na t i on T h e i m p ru
, .

d e nc e of P robu s i s sa id t o h a v e i nfl a m e d t h e di sc ont e nt
of h i s t r oop s M ore a t t e ntiv e t o th e i nt e r e st s of m a n
.

ki nd t h a n t o t h ose of th e a rm y h e e xp r e sse d t h e v a i n ,

h O p e t h a t by t h e e st a bli sh m e nt of u niv e r sa l p e a c e h e
, , ,

sh ould soon a b oli sh t h e ne c e ssi t y of a st a ndi ng a nd

m e r c e na r y for ce P T h e u ngu a r d e d e xp re ssi on p rov e d

.

fa t a l t o h i m In one of t h e h otte st d a y s of su m m e r a s
.
,

b e se v e re ly u rg e d t h e u nwh ol e som e l a b ou r of d ra i ni ng
t h e m a rsh e s of Si rm iu m t h e soldi e r s i m p a t i e nt of fa , ,

tigu e on a sudd e n t h re w d ow n th e i r t ool s g ra sp e d

, ,

t h e i r a rm s a nd b rok e ou t i nt o a fu r i ou s m u t i ny
, The .

e m p e ror c onsci ou s Of h i s d a ng e r t ook r e fug e i n a

, ,

l ofty t ow e r c onst r uc t e d for t h e p u rp ose of su rv e yi ng

,

th e p g
r o re ss Of t h e w o r k q T h e t oive r w a s i nst a nt ly A D 2 82 . . . .

A gm u
for c e d a nd a th ou sa nd sw ord s w e r e plu ng e d a t onc e
'

i nt o t h e b osom of t h e u nfor tu na t e P r obu s T h e ra g e .

of t h e t r oop s su b sid e d a s soon a s it h a d b e e n g r a t ifi e d .

Th e y t h e n l a m e nt e d th e i r fa t a l ra sh ne ss forg ot t h e ,

se v e r i t y of t h e e m p e ror wh om t h e y h a d m a ssa c r e d a nd ,

h a ste ne d t o p e r p e t u a t e by a n h onou ra bl e m onu m e nt , ,

t h e m e m ory of h i s vi r t u e s a nd vic t or i e s
'
.

0
J uli n b tow
a esv e a nd i nde d xc iv e c n u e on the ig ou of
s a se re , e e e ss e s r r r

P obu ho h t hi nk l mo t d v d h i f t
r s, w as e s, a s e se r e s a e.

P V pi c i n Hi t A ugu t p 2 41 H l vi h on t hi idl h p a l g
,

0 s us s . s . . . e a s es s e O e ar e

s t ock of v y fool h l oqu nc e

er rs e e .

q T i f
u rr s t It em
e rra a to h v b e n a m ov e bl t ow
. se nd c
s ed a e e a e er , a as

wi t h on
tr .

P obu t v p obu i t u t vic to omniu m g ent iu m b a ba a um

r s, e e re r s, s s es : r r r r

vic to t i m t y nno m
r e a ra ru .
 TH E D E C LIN E A N D FA L L
Wh e n th e
l e gi ons h a d i ndulg e d t h e i r g ri e f a nd r e
p e n t a nc e f o r t h e d e a t h Of P r obu s t h e i r u na ni m ou s co n ,

se nt d e cl a r e d C a r u s h i s p re t ori a n p re fe c t t h e m ost , ,

d e se r vi ng Of t h e i m p e r i a l t h rone Ev e r y ci rcu m st a nc e .,

t h a t r e l a t e s t o t hi s p r i nc e a pp e a r s of a m ix e d a nd
doub t ful na t u r e H e gl ori e d i n t h e t i t l e of R om a n
.

ci t iz e n ; a nd a ffe c t e d t o c om p a r e t h e pu r i t y of hi s bl ood
wi t h t h e for e ig n a nd e v e n b a rb a r ou s origi n of t h e p re
c e di ng e m p e r ors ; y e t t h e m ost i nqui si t iv e of h i s con
t e m p ora r i e s v e ry fa r fr om a d m i t t i ng h i s cl a i m h a v e
, ,

v a r i ou sly d e duc e d h i s ow n bi r t h or t h a t of h i s p a r e nt s , ,

from Illy r icu m from G a ul or from A fric a ,

Th ough ,
s
.

a soldi e r h e h a d r e c e iv e d a l e a rne d e duc a t i on ; t h ough

,

a se na t or h e w a s i nv e st e d wi t h t h e fi r st dig ni t y of t h e
,

a r my ; a nd i n a n a e wh e n t h e civil a nd m ili t a r y p r o
g
fe ssi ons b e g a n t o b e i rre c ov e ra bly se p a ra t e d from e a ch
ot h e r t h e y w e re u ni t e d i n t h e p e r son of C a r u s
, Not .

wi th st a ndi ng t h e se v e re j u st ic e which b e e x e rci se d

a g a i nst t h e a ssa ssi ns of P r obu s t o wh ose fa v ou r a nd ,

e st e e m Ire w a s highly i nd e b t e d h e c ould not e sc a p e t h e ,

su spici on of b e i ng a cc e ssa ry t o a d e e d from wh e nc e b e

d e riv e d t h e p ri ncip a l a dv a nt a g e H e e nj oy e d a t l e a st .
,

b e fore h i s e l e v a t i on a n a ck nowl e dg e d ch a ra c t e r of
‘
vi rtu e a nd a bili t i e s ; bu t h i s a u ste r e t e m p e r i nse nsi
,

bly d e g e ne ra t e d i nt o m or ose ne ss a nd c ru e l t y ; a nd t h e
'

i m p e r fe c t w r i t e rs of h i s life a l m ost h e si t a t e wh e t h e r
t h e y sh a ll not r a nk h i m i n t h e nu m b e r of R om a n t y
r a nt s Wh e n C a r u s a ssu m e d t h e pu r pl e h e w a s a b out ,

six t y y e a r s Of a g e a nd h i s t w o sons C a r i nu s a nd N u
, ,

m e ri a n h a d a lr e a dy a tt a i ne d t h e se a son of m a nh ood
,
"
.

9
Yet hi m y b c oncili t d He w b o n t N a b onn n Illy i
a ll t s a e a e . as r a r e, 1 r

c m c onfou nd e d by E t 0 p
u , wi t h t he m o e f mou s ci t y of t h t na m n
u r 1u s r a a e 1

G a ul Hi f t h m i gh t be a n A f ic n a nd hi m ot h e nobl R om n
. s a er r a , s r a e a .

C u hi m lf w
ar s duc t e d 1n t he c a pi ta l S e Sc lig e A ni m dv i on
se as e a . e a r. a e rs .

adE eb C h on p 2 4 1
us . r . . .

P obu h d qu t d of th n t e a n e qu e t i n t t ue nd a m bl e
r s a re es e e se a s r a s a a ar

p l c t t h publ i c xp e n
a a e, a e ju t c om p n e of t h i ngul me i t of
e se , a s a s re e s e s ar r

C u V pi c 1n H t A ugu t p 2 49
a r s. 0 s us 1s . s . .

n Hi t A ugu t p 2 42 2 49
.

V pi c 0 s us 1 J uli n e xclud t he m p e o
s . s . . . . a es e r r

C u nd b ot h hi on f om t he b nqu t of th C
ar s a s s s r a e e aesa rs.
X
J oh n M l l t om 1 p 40 1 B t t h u th o i t y of t h t ig no nt G k
a e a, . . . . u e a r a ra re e

i v y l i gh t
s er H idicul ou ly d iv f om C u t h ci t y of C h nd
s . e r s er es r a r s, e a rr aa , a

t h p ovi nc of C
e r i t h l tt of which i m e nt on d by H om
e ar a , e a er s r e e r.
 O F THE R OMA N E MP IR E . 40 1

The u t h or i t y of th e se na t e e xpi re d wi t h P robu s ; C H A P

a .

XU
nor w a s t h e re p e n t a nc e of t h e soldi e r s di spl a y e d by
'

the s a m e du t iful re g a r d f or t h e civil p o w e r which t h e y Th nt i ,

e se

233?
0
h a d t e st ifie d a ft e r t he u nfor t u na t e d e a t h of A u re li a n $ 3 .

T h e e l e c t i on of C a r u s w a s d e cid e d wi t h ou t e xp e c t i ng P P 1 90 6~

t h e a pp r ob a t i on of t h e se na te ; a nd t h e ne w e m p e r or
’

c ont e nt e d hi m se lf wi t h a nnou nci ng i n a c old a nd st a t e ly ,

e pi st l e th a t h e h a d a sc e nd e d t h e v a c a nt t h r one
,
A
b e h a vi ou r so v e ry O pp osi t e t o t h a t of h i s a m i a bl e p r e
d e c e ssor a fford e d no fa v ou ra bl e p resa g e of t h e ne w
,

r e ig n ; a nd t h e R om a ns d e p r iv e d of p ow e r a nd fr e e

“
,

dom a sse r t e d t h e i r p r ivil e g e of lic e nt i ou s m u rm u rs

,
2
.

T h e v oic e of c ong r a t ul a t i on a nd fl a t t e ry w a s not h ow

e v e r sil e n t ; a nd w e m a y st ill p e r u se wi t h pl e a su re a nd ,

c ont e m p t a n e cl ogu e which w a s c om p ose d on t h e a c

“
,

c e ssi on of t h e e m p e ror C a r u s T w o sh e ph e rd s av oid .

,

i ng t h e noon t id e h e a t re t i r e i nt o t h e c a v e of F a u nu s
-
, .

O n a sp re a di ng b e ech t h e y di sc ov e r som e re c e nt ch a
ra c t e rs Th e r u ra l d e i t y h a d d e sc rib e d i n p r Op h e t i c
.
,

v e rse s t h e fe lici t y p r om i se d t o t h e e m pi re u nd e r t h e
, ,

r e ig n of so g re a t a p r i nc e F a u nu s h a il s t h e a pp roa ch .

of th a t h e r o w h o r e c e ivi ng on h i s sh ould e r s t h e si nk
, ,

i ng w e igh t of t h e R om a n w orld sh a ll e xti ngui sh w a r ,

a nd fa c t i on a nd onc e a g a i n r e st or e t h e i nnoc e nc e a nd
,

se cu ri t y of t h e g old e n a e
a
g .

It i s m ore t h a n p rob a bl e t h a t t h e se e l e g a nt t ri fl e s C u d ar s e

ne v e r r e a ch e d t h e e a r s of a v e t e ra n g e ne ra l w h o wi t h , ,

t h e c onse nt of t h e l e gi ons w a s p r e p a ri ng t o e x e cut e n nd

,
a s: a

B e fore fifi th ?
e
t h e l ong su sp e nd e d d e sig n Of t h e P e r si a n w a r . t

h i s d e p a r t u re for t hi s di st a nt e xp e di t i on C a ru s con ,
-
Ga s

fe rre d on h i s t w o sons C a r i nu s a nd N u m e ri a n t h e , ,

t i t l e of C ae sa r ; a nd i nv e st i ng t h e form e r wi t h a l m ost a n

e qu a l sh a r e of t h e i m p e r i a l p ow e r di r e ct e d t h e y ou ng ,

p ri nc e fi rst t o supp re ss som e t roubl e s which h a d a ri se n

,

i n G a ul a nd a ft e r w a rds t o fix t h e se a t of h i s re sid e nc e
,

3 HiA ugu t p 2 49 C u c ong t ul t d t h e n te t h t one of

st . s . . . ar s ra a e e s a , a
the o no d wa m d mp o Hi t A ugu t p 2 42
.

1r w 1
r er s a e e e r r. s . s . . .

a
S t h fi t cl ogu of C l h
ee e ni rsTh d eig n of i t i pefe d by a ur u s. e es
p s re rre
Font n ll e to t h t of V i gil Polli o S t om iii p 148
e e a r
’
s . ee . . . .

VO L I . . D d
 40 "
THE D E C LI NE A N D F A L L
C H A P a t R om e a nd t o a ssu m e t h e g ov e rnm e nt of t h e w e st e r n
X I L p r ovi nc
.
,

es T h e sa fe t y of Illy r icu m w a s c onfi r m e d by

a m e m ora bl e d e fe a t of t h e S a rm a t i a ns : six t e e n t h ou

sa nd of t h ose b a rb a r i a ns r e m ai ne d on t h e fi e ld of b a t t l e ,

a nd t h e nu m b e r of c a p t iv e s a m ou nt e d t o t w e nt y t h ou

sa nd T h e Old e m p e r or a ni m a t e d wi t h t h e fa m e a nd

“
.
,

p rosp e c t of vic t ory pu rsu e d h i s m a r ch i n t h e m id st , ,

of wi nt e r t h r ough t h e c ou nt r i e s of Th ra c e a nd A si a
,

M i nor a nd a t l e ng t h wi t h h i s y ou ng e r son Nu m e
, ,

ri a n a r r iv e d on t h e c onfi ne s Of t h e P e rsi a n m ona r chy

,
.

Th e re e nc a m pi ng on t h e su mm i t of a l ofty m ount a i n
, ,

h e p oi nt e d ou t t o h i s t roop s t h e O p ul e nc e a nd luxu r y
of t h e e ne m y wh om t h e y w e re a b ou t t o i nv a d e .

A D 2 83
. . T h e succ e ssor of A r t a x e r x e s V a ra ne s or B a h ra m
.
, ,
H gi
e ves a u
h ugh h e h a d subdu e d t h e S e e st a ns one of t h e m ost
'

di nc t o
e e
t o g ,

th P
e i n w a rlik e na t i ons of U pp e r A si a
e rs a w a s a l a rm e d a t t h e ,

a pp r oa ch of t h e R om a ns a nd e nd e a v ou r e d t o r e t a r d ,

t h e i r p r og r e ss by a ne g ocia t i on of p e a c e Hi s a mb a s .

sa dors e nt e re d t h e c a m p a b ou t su nse t a t th e t i me ,

wh e n t h e t r oop s w e r e sa t i sfyi ng t h e i r hu ng e r wi t h a
fr ug a l r e p a st T he P e rsi a ns e xp r e sse d t h e i r d e si re of
.

b e i ng i nt roduc e d t o t h e p re se nc e of t h e R om a n e m
p e r o r Th e y w e r e a t l e ng t h c onduc t e d t o a soldi e r
.
,

w h o w a s se a t e d on t h e g ra ss A pi e c e of st a l e b a c on .

a nd a fe w h a r d p e a se c om p ose d h i s supp e r A c oa r se .

w ooll e n g a rm e nt of pu rpl e w a s t h e only ci rcu m st a nc e

t h a t a nnou nc e d h i s dig ni t y T h e c onfe r e nc e w a s con .

duc t e d wi t h t h e sa m e di sr e g a rd of c ou r t ly e l e g a nc e .

C a ru s t a ki ng off a ca p which h e w ore t o c onc e a l h i s

,

b a ld ne ss a ssu re d t h e a m b a ssa d or s t h a t u nl e ss t h e i r
, , ,

m a st e r a ck nowl e dg e d t h e sup e r i or i t y Of R om e h e ,

w ould sp e e dily re nd e r P e r si a a s na k e d of t re e s a s h i s ,
d
ow n h e a d w a s d e st i t u t e of h a i r N ot wi t h st a ndi ng .

Hi A ugu
353 E u t rOpi u s, p
18 ; ix P gi A nn l
‘
1
’
st . st . . a . . a .

3 A a t hi
g as , 1 i v 135 W . . p
e fi nd one of h rs sa n
. . yi g n t h B bl i ot héq
s 1 e r ue

i l
O r e nt a e of M d Herbe lot
’
The e n t on of . d fi ii hu m ni t y i nclud a e s a ll

ot h vi t u
‘Sy n
er r e s.
1 e si u s ll t hi t o y of C a nu
te s s s r u s a nd 1t i s m uch m ore na t u al
r to u n
de rst a nd i t of C u t h a n ( Pe t vi
a r s, as a u s a nd T rl lem ont oose ch to do) of
P obu
r s.
som e
OF

t ra ce s of

ra v a g e d M e so ot a m l a
p
,
TH E R O MA N E MP IR E :

c
a rt a nd

i n t hi s sc e ne t h e m a nne rs of C a ru s a nd t h e se v e r e
si m plici t y which t h e m a r t i a l p r i nc e s

,
di sc ov e r C H A P
p re p a ra t i on

w h o succ e e d e d

G a lli e nu s h a d a l re a dy r e st or e d i n t h e R om a n c a m p s
T h e m i ni st e r s of t h e g r e a t ki ng t re m bl e d a nd re t i re d
T h e t h r e a t s of C a ru s w e re not wi t h ou t e ffe c t
u t l n p re c e s wh a t e v e r Opp ose d
,

h i s p a ssa g e m a d e hi m se lf m a ste r of t h e g re a t ci t i e s of d t h
S e l e uci a a nd C t e siph on (which se e m t o h a v e su rre n

a rm s b e y ond t h e Tig r i s

a bl e m om e nt for a n i nv a si on:
,

d e red wi t h ou t r e si st a nc e ) a nd c a rri e d h i s vic t ori ou s

"
.
,

H e h a d se iz e d t h e fa v ou r
T h e P e r si a n c ou ncil s
w e re di st ra c te d by d om e st ic fa c t i ons a nd t h e g r e a t e r
p a r t of t h e i r for c e s w e re d e t a i ne d on t h e front i e r s Of
I ndi a R om e a nd th e e a st re c e iv e d wi t h t ra nsp or t t h e
.
XII

nd xt
n y
,

H e Hi i ct o i
o
,

,
we

.
ma y

.
403

.
.

“
a
(

ea
sv

ar
'

ra
r es

ne w s of such i m p or t a nt a dv a nt a g e s Fl a t t e ry a nd h op e .

p a i nt e d i n t h e m ost liv e ly c ol ou r s t h e fa ll of P e rsi a

, , ,

t h e c onqu e st Of A r a bi a t h e sub m i ss i on of Egyp t a nd

, ,

a l a st i ng de liv e ra nc e fr om t h e i nr oa d s Of t h e S cy t hi a n

na t i ons
f B u t t h e re ig n of C a ru s w a s de st i ne d t o e x
.

p ose t h e v a ni t y O f p re dic t i ons Th e y w e re sc a r c e ly A D 2 83

. . . .

D c 25 e
u t te r e d b e fore t h e y w e re c ont ra dic t e d by h i s de a t h ; ' ° °

a n e v e nt a t t e nd e d wi t h such a m bigu ou s ci r cu m st a nc e s ,

t h a t i t m a y b e st b e re l a t e d i n a l e t t e r fr om h i s ow n
”
se c re t a ry t o t h e p re fe c t Of t h e ci t y C a r u s sa y s h e .
, ,

ou r d e a r e st e m p e ror w a s c onfi ne d by sick ne ss t o h i s

,

b e d wh e n a fu r i ou s t e m p e st a rose i n t h e c a m p
, T he .

d a rk ne ss which ov e rsp re a d t h e sky w a s so t hick t h a t ,

w e c ould no l ong e r di st i ngui sh e a ch ot h e r ; a nd t h e

i nc e ssa nt fl a sh e s of light ni ng t ook from u s t h e k now

l e dg e of a ll t h a t p a sse d i n t h e g e ne ra l c onfu si on Im .

m e di a t e ly a ft e r t h e m ost vi ol e nt cl a p of t hu nde r w e ,

h e a r d a sudd e n cry th a t t h e e m p e ror w a s d e a d ; a nd

,

i t soon a pp e a r e d t h a t h i s ch a m b e rl a i ns i n a r a g e of
, ,

g ri e f h a d se t fi r e t o t h e r oy a l p a vili on a ci rcu m st a nc e
, ,

'
3
VOpi scus i n Il i st A ugu p 2 50 ; E t pi ix 18 ; t h t o Vic to
st u rO us, e w rs
f
. . . . .

P i vic y C u I f t h di l ogu of t h Pl i lop t i

To t he e rs a n t or of ar s, re e r e a e e r u r s,

which h a s so on l gb bj c t of di pu t m ong t h l n d B t to
een a n o e s e a e ea r e . u
expl i j
a n a nd u st i t
y m y pi i w ould qui
o n on, di t t i on re re a sse r a .
 40 4 TH E D E C LIN E A N D F A L L
C HAP which g a v e r i se t o t he r e p or t t h a t C a ru s w a s kille d by
.

XU '

ligh t ni ng B u t a s fa r a s w e h a v e b e e n a bl e t o i nv e st i
.
,

g a t e t h e t ru th h i s d e a t h w a s t h e na tu ra l e ffe c t of h i s
,
”
di sord e r g
.

He i i
s st e T h e v a c a ncy of t h e t h r one w a s not p r oduc t iv e of a ny
ce e de d by
hi s t o on
w
di
s
s t u
s
rb a n c e T h e a m bi t i on .of t h e a s pi r i ng g e ne r a l s

Ca r in ufind
w a s ch e ck e d by t h e i r m u t u a l fe a r s ; a nd y ou ng Nu m e
Nu m en n a .

r 1a n w 1t h 1 ,
11s a b se nt b r ot h e r C a ri nu s w e r e u na m m ou sl
y ,

a ck nowl e dg e d a s R om a n e m p e r or s T h e public e x .

e c t e d t h a t t h e succ e ssor of C a r u s w ould pu r su e h i s

p
fa t h e r s foot st e p s a nd with ou t a ll owi ng t h e P e r si a ns
’

, ,

t o re c ov e r fr om t h e i r c onst e r na t i on w ould a dv a nc e ,

sw or d i n h a nd t o t h e p a l a c e s of Su sa a nd E cb a t a na
h
.

B u t t h e l e gi ons h ow e v e r st rong i n nu m b e rs a nd di sci ,

pli ne w e re di sm a y e d by th e m ost a bj e c t sup e r st i t i on

, .

N ot wi t h st a ndi ng a ll t h e a r t s t h a t w e re p ra c t i se d t o di s
gui se t h e m a nne r of t h e l a t e e m p e r or s d e a t h i t w a s ’

fou nd i m p ossibl e t o r e m ov e t h e Opi ni on of t h e m ul t i

t ud e a nd t h e p ow e r of opi ni on i s i rr e si st ibl e
,
Pla ce s .

or p e rsons st ruck wi t h ligh t ni ng w e r e c onsid e r e d by

t h e a nci e nt s wi t h pi ou s h or r or a s si ngul a rly d e v ot e d ,

i
t o t h e w ra t h of h e a v e n A n ora cl e w a s re m e m b e re d .
,

which m a rk e d t h e r iv e r Tig ri s a s t h e fa t a l b ou nd a ry of
t h e R om a n a r m s T h e t roop s t e rr ifi e d wi t h t h e fa t e .
,

of C a r u s a nd wi t h t h e i r ow n d a ng e r c a ll e d a l oud on ,

y ou ng N u m e r i a n t o ob e y t h e will of t h e g od s a nd t o ,

l e a d t h e m a w a y from t hi s i na u spici ou s sc e ne of w a r .

T h e fe e bl e e m p e r or w a s u na bl e t o subdu e t h e i r ob st i
na t e p r ej udic e ; a nd t h e P e rsi a ns w ond e r e d a t t h e u n

e xp e ct e d r e t re a t of a vict ori ou s e ne m y
k .

T h e i nt e llig e nc e of t h e m y st e r i ou s fa t e of t h e l a t e
{
\
f ICCS O

Ca r in us. e m p e r or w a s so on c a
,
rr i e d fr om th e front i e rs Of P e rsi a

s Hrst A ugu t p 2 50 Y t E t pi F t u R ufu th t o V ic to

. s . . . e u rO u s, es s, s, e w rs,

J om Sid oniu A p olli n i Sy nc llu nd Z on

er e, s ll c ib t h d t h
a r s, e s, a e ras, a as r e e ea
of C u t o ligh t ni ng
ar s .

h See N m i n C y n g t i con v 7 1 t c
e es a . e e , . . e .

i See F t u nd h c om m nt to on t h w o d Sc i boni n m P l c
es s a 1s e a rs, e r r a u . a es

t uck wi t h ligh t ni ng w
s r u ou nd ed wi t h w ll t hi ng w bu i d e re s rr a a : s ere r e

wi t h m y t i ou c m ony
s er s e re .

k V
pi0c i n Hi
s us t A ugu t p 2 50 A u liusV ic t o
. m t o b li e v s . . . re s r se e s e e
t h p dic t i on
e re nd t o pp ov t h, a t t a r e e re re a .
 O F TH E R OMA N E MP IRE .

to R om e ; a nd t h e se na t e a s w e ll a s t h e p rovi nc e s C H A P
, ,
.

XII
c ongr a t ul a t e d t h e a cc e ssi on of t h e sons of C a r u s .
'

Th e se fortu na t e y ou t h s w e re st ra ng e r s h o w e ver t o , ,

t h a t c onsci ou s sup e r i or i t y e i t h e r Of bi r t h or Of m e ri t
, ,

which ca n a l one r e nd e r t he p osse ssi on of a t h r one e a sy ,

a nd a s i t w e r e na t u ra l B orn a nd e duc a t e d i n a p ri
.

v a te st a t i on th e e l e c t i on of t h e i r fa t h e r r a i se d t h e m a t
,

onc e t o t h e ra nk of p r i nc e s ; a nd h i s d e a t h which h a p ,

p e ne d a b ou t six t e e n m ont h s a ft e r w a r d s l e ft th e m t h e ,

u ne x pe c t e d l e g a cy of a v a st e m pi r e T o su st a i n wi t h .

t e m p e r t hi s r a pid e l e v a t i on a n u nc om m on sh a re of ,

vi r t u e a nd p r ud e nc e w a s re qui si t e ; a nd C a ri nu s t h e '
,

e ld e r of t h e b rot he r s w a s m or e t h a n c om m only de fi
,

‘
ci e nt i n t h ose qu a li t i e s In t h e G a llic w a r h e di s
.
,

c ov e re d som e d e g re e of p e r sona l c ou r a g e ; bu t from

t h e m om e nt of h i s a rr iv a l a t R om e h e a b a nd one d h i m ,

se lf t o t h e lu xu r y of t h e c a pit a l a nd t o t h e a bu se Of ,

h i s for tu ne . H e w a s soft y e t c r u e l ; d e v ot e d t o pl e a
,

su r e, b u t d e st i t u t e of t a st e ; a nd t h ough e xqui si t e ly
su sc e ptibl e of v a ni t y i ndi ffe r e nt t o t h e public e st e e m
, .

In t h e c ou r se of a fe w m ont h s h e succ e ssiv e ly m a rri e d ,

a nd div or c e d ni ne wiv e s m ost Of wh om h e l e ft p r e g ,

na nt ; a nd notwi t h st a ndi ng t hi s l e g a l i nc onst a ncy fou nd ,

t im e t o i ndulg e such a v a ri e t y of i r r e gul a r a pp e t i t e s a s ,

b r ought di sh onou r on hi m se lf a nd on t h e nobl e st h ou se s

of R om e . H e b e h e ld wi t h i nv e t e ra t e h a t re d a ll t h ose
w h o m igh t r e m e m b e r h i s for m e r ob scu r i t y or c e nsu r e ,

h i s p r e se nt c onduc t H e b a ni sh e d or p u t t o d e a th
.
, ,

t h e fri e nd s a nd c ou nse ll ors wh om h i s fa th e r h a d pl a c e d

a b ou t h i m t o guid e h i s i ne xp e r i e nc e d y ou t h ; a nd h e
,

p e r se cu t e d wi t h t h e m e a nest r e v e ng e h i s sch oolfe ll ow s

a nd c om p a ni ons w h o h a d not su ffici e nt ly r e sp e ct e d t h e
,

l a t e nt m aj e st y of t h e e m p e ror With t h e se na t or s .
,

C a ri nu s a ffe c t e d a l oft y a nd r e g a l d e m e a nou r fre ,

qu e ntly d e cl a r i ng t h a t h e d e sig ne d t o di st r ibu t e t h e i r

,

e st a t e s a m ong t h e p opul a c e of R om e F r om t h e d r e g s .

of t h a t p opul a c e h e se l e c t e d h i s fa v ou r i t e s a nd e v e n
, ,

h i s m i ni st e rs . T h e p a l a c e a nd e v e n t h e i m p e ri a l ,

eN m i n Cy n g t i con v 69 H w
es a . e e , c ont m
. p o y b t p oet
. e as a e ra r , u a .
406 THE D E C L I N E A N D FA L L
t a ble , w a s fill e d wi t h si ng e rs d a nc e rs p rost i t ut e s a nd , , ,

a ll t h e v a ri ou s r e t i nu e of vic e a nd folly O ne of h i s .

m
d oor k e e p e r s h e i nt r u st e d wi t h t h e g ov e r nm e nt of t h e
-

ci ty In t h e r oom of t h e p r etori a n p r e fe c t wh om h e
.
,

u t t o d e a th C a r i n u s sub st i t u t e d one of t h e m i ni st e r s
p ,

of h i s l oose r pl e a su r e s A not h e r w h o p osse sse d t h e .

sa m e or e v e n a m or e i nfa m ou s t i tl e t o fa v ou r w a s i n
, ,

ve st e d wi t h t h e c onsul ship A c onfid e nt i a l se c re t a r y .

,

w h o h a d a cqui r e d u nc om m on skill i n t h e a r t of for g e r y ,

d e liv e re d t h e i nd ol e nt e m p e r or wi t h h i s ow n c onse nt , ,

from t h e i rk som e du t y of sig ni ng h i s na m e .

Wh e n th e e m p e ror C a r u s u nd e r t ook th e P er si a n "

w a r h e w a s i nduc e d by m ot iv e s of a ffe c t i on a s w e ll a s
, ,

p olicy t o se cu re t h e for t u ne s Of h i s fa m ily by l e a vi ng

, ,

i n t h e h a nd s of h i s e ld e st son t h e a rm i e s a nd p rovi nc e s
of t h e w e st T h e i n t e llig e nc e which h e soon Re c e iv e d
.

of t h e c onduc t of C a ri nu s fill e d h i m wi t h sh a m e a nd ,

re g r e t ; nor h a d b e c onc e a l e d h i s re solu t i on of sa t i sfy

i ng t h e r e public by a se v e r e a ct of j u st i ce a nd of a d op t ,

i ng i n t h e pl a c e of a n u nw or t hy son t h e b ra v e a nd
, ,

vi r tu ou s C onst a nt iu s w h o a t t h a t t i me w a s g ov e r nor Of
,

D a l ma tia B u t t h e e l e v a t i on of C onst a nt iu s w a s for a

.

whil e d e fe rre d ; a nd a s soon a s a fa th e r s d e a t h h a d ’

r e l e a se d C a r i nu s fr om t h e c ont r ol of fe a r or d e c e ncy ,

h e di spl a y e d t o t h e R om a ns t h e e x t ra v a g a nci e s of
El a g a b a lu s a gg ra v a t e d by t h e c r ue l t y of D om i t i a n
,

T h e only m e r i t of t h e a dm i ni st ra t i on of C a ri nu s t h a t
hi st ory c ould r e c or d or p oe t ry c e l e b ra t e w a s t h e u n ,

c om m on spl e nd ou r wi t h whi ch i n h i s ow n a nd h i s ,

b rot h e r s na m e be e xhibi t e d t h e R om a n g a m e s of t h e
’

t h e a t re t h e c1r cu s a nd t h e a m phi t h e a t r e
, , M ore t h a n .

t w e nt y y e a rs a ft e r w a r d s wh e n t h e c ou r ti e r s Of D i ocle ,

t i a n r e p r e se nt e d t o t h e i r frug a l sove r e i g n t h e fa m e a nd
’

p opul a ri ty of h i s m u ni fi ce nt p re d e c e ssor h e a c know ,

m C nc l l iu Thi w o d o hu m bl i n i t o i g i n h by i ngul
a e ar s
. s r , s e s r , as a s ar
fo t u n o i nt o t h t i t l of t h fi t g t offi c of t t n t h m on chi
r e r se e e e rs re a e s a e 1 e ar es

of E u op r S C ub on nd S l m
e . ee d H t A ugu t p 2 53
a sa a a a sru s, a 1s . s . . .

P V pi c 0 n Hi t A gu t p 2 53 2 54 ; E t p
s us l s . ix 19 ; V ic t o
u s . .
, u rO l u s, . r

j u ni or Th
. ig n of Di ocl t i n nd d w
e re o l ong nd p o p ou e th t
a 1 ee as s a r s er s, a

1 t mu t h v
s b n v y u nf v ou bl t o t h
a e ee pu t t i on of C i n
er a ra e e re a ar u s.
 '

O F THE R OMA N E M P IRE . 40 7

l e dg e d th a t t h e re ig n of C a ri nu s h a d i nd e e d b e e n a C H A P .

XH
r e ig n of pl e a su r e B u t t hi s v a i n p rodig a li t y which
0 '

.
,

t h e p r ud e nc e of Di ocl e t i a n m igh t j u st ly d e spi se w a s ,

e nj oy e d wi th su r p r i se a nd t ra nsp or t by t h e R om a n

p e opl e T h e old e st of t h e ci t iz e ns r e c oll e c t i ng t h e

.
,

sp e c t a cl e s of for m e r d a y s t h e t r iu m ph a l p om p of Pr o ,

3b u s
or A u r e li a n a nd t h e se cul a r g a m e s of t h e e m p e r or
,

“
P hilip a ck nowl e dg e d t h a t t h e y w e re a l l su r p a sse d by
,

t h e sup e r i or m a g nific e nc e of C a r i nu s P

T h e sp e c t a cl e s of C a r i nu s m a y t h e re fore b e b e st Sp e c t cl a es

illu st ra t e d by t h e ob se rv a t i on of som e p a r t icul a r s O f R ome ‘

,

which hi st ory h a s c onde sc e nd e d t o re l a t e c onc e rni ng

t h ose of h i s p r e d e c e ssors If w e c onfi ne ou r se lv e s .

sol e ly t o t h e hu nt i ng of wild b e a st s h ow e v e r w e m a
y ,

c e nsu re t h e v a ni ty of t h e d esig n or t h e c r u e l ty of t h e
e x e cu t i on w e a r e oblig e d t o c onfe ss t h a t ne i t h e r b e
, ,

fore nor si nc e t h e t i m e of t h e R om a ns so m uch a rt ,

a nd e xp e nse h a v e e v e r b e e n l a vi sh e d for t h e a m u se

m e nt of t h e p e opl e 4 By t h e or d e r of P r obu s a g r e a t
’
.
,

qu a nt i t y of l a r g e t re e s t orn up by t h e r oot s w e r e , ,

t ra nspl a nt e d i nt o t h e m id st of t h e ci r cu s T h e sp a .

ciou s a nd sh a dy fore st w a s i mm e di a t e ly fill e d wi t h a

t h ou sa nd ost r ich e s a t h ou sa nd st a g s a t h ou sa n d fa l
, ,

l ow d e e r a nd a t h ou sa nd wild b oa r s ; a nd a ll t hi s va
,

r i e t y of g a m e w a s a ba nd one d t o t h e r i ot ou s i m p e t u osi t y

of t h e m ul t i t ud e T h e t ra g e dy of t h e succ e e di ng da y
.

c onsi ste d i n t h e m a ssa c re of a n hu nd re d li ons, a n e qu a l

nu m b e r of li one sse s t w o hu nd re d l e op a r d s a nd t h r e e
, ,

hu nd re d b e a rs T h e c oll e c t i on p r e p a r e d by t h e
y ou ng e r G ordi a n for h i s t riu m ph a nd which h i s su c ,

c e ssor e xhi bi t e d i n t h e se cul a r g a m e s w a s l e ss r e m a rk ,

a bl e by t h e nu m b e r t h a n by t h e si ngul a r i t y of t h e

a ni m a l s Tw e nt y z e b ra s di spl a y e d t h e i r e l e g a nt form s
.

a nd v a r i e g a t e d b e a u t y t o t h e e y e s of t h e R om a n p e o

V0 pi c i n Hi t A ugu t p 2 54 He c ll hi m C u ; b t t h e n
s us s . s . . . a s ar s u e s se

is s u ffi ci nt ly obviou nd t h o d w oft n c onfou nd d

e s, a e~ w r s e re e e .

P S ee C l ph ni a Eclog i i 43
ur u s, W m y ob v t h t h S p c t cl
. v . . e a se r e , a t e e a es

of P obr us w t i ll c nt nd t h t t h p o t
e re s re e c ond d by t h h i to i n
, a a e e 18 se e e s r a .

q Th e phil o oph M ont ig n ( E i 1 i i i

s er giv a v y j u t nd
e ssa s, . . es a er s a

liv ly vi w of Rom n m g nific nc i n t h e p c t cl

e e a a e e es s e a e s.

Vop c i n H i t A ugu t p 2 40
i s us s . s . . .
 THE D E C LIN E A N D F A LL
p le
5
. lks a nd a s m a ny c a m el op a r d s th e l oft i e st
Te n e , ,

a nd m ost h a r m l e ss c re a t u r e s t h a t w a nd e r ov e r t h e pl a i ns

of S a rm a t i a a nd fE t h i O p i a w e r e c ont ra st e d wi t h t hi rt y ,

A fric a n hy ae na s a nd t e n I ndi a n t ig e rs t h e m ost i m

, ,

p la c a bl e sa v a g e s of t h e t orr id z one T h e u noffe ndi ng .

st r e ng t h wi t h hich na t u r e h a s e nd ow e d t h e g r e a t e r
w
qu a d rup e d s w a s a d m i re d i n t h e rhi noc e r os t h e hip
, ,

o t a m u s of t h e Nil e a nd a m a j e st ic t roop of t hi r t y
p p0

t w o e l e ph a nt s Whil e t h e p opul a c e g a z e d wi t h stupid

w ond e r on t h e spl e ndid sh ow th e na t u r a li st m igh t i n ,

d e e d ob se r v e t h e figu re a nd p rop e r t i e s of so m a ny
di ffe re nt sp e ci e s t ra nsp ort e d fr om e v e ry p a rt of t h e
,

a nci e nt w orld i nt o t h e a m phi t h e a t r e of R om e Bu t .

t hi s a ccid e nt a l b e ne fi t which sci e nc e m igh t d e r iv e fr om

folly i s su re ly i nsu ffici e nt t o j u st ify such a w a nt on
,

a bu se of t h e public r ich e s Th e r e occu r s h ow e v e r .

, ,

a singl e i nst a nc e i n t h e fi rst P u nic w a r i n which t h e ,

se na t e wi se ly c onne c t e d t hi s a m u se m e nt of t h e m ul t i

t u de wi t h t h e i nt e r e st of t h e st a t e A c onsid e ra bl e .

nu m b e r of e l e ph a nt s t a k e n i n t h e d e fe a t of t h e C a r ,

t h a g i ni a n a rm y w e re d r iv e n t h r ough t h e ci r cu s by a
,

fe w sl a v e s a rm e d only wi t h blu nt j a v e li ns
,
T h e u se X
.

ful sp e c t a cl e se rv e d t o i m p re ss t h e R om a n soldi e r wi t h
a j u st c ont e m p t for t h ose u nwi e ldy a ni m a l s ; a nd h e no

l ong e r d re a d e d t o e nc ou nt e r t h e m i n th e ra nk s of w a r .

T h e hu nt i ng or e xhibi t i on of wild b e a st s w a s con

duc t e d wi t h a m a g nific e nc e sui t a bl e t o a p e opl e w h o
st yl e d t h e m se lv e s t h e m a st e r s of t h e w orld ; nor w a s

t h e e dific e a pp rop r i a t e d t o t h a t e nt e r t a i nm e nt l e ss e x
p re ssiv e of R oma n g re a t ne ss P oste ri t y a dm i re s a nd .
,

will l ong a d m i re t h e a wful re ma i ns of th e a m phi t h e a t re

,

5 Th ey c ll d on g i b t the nu mb i t oo i nc on id bl e fo me e
a re a e a r u er s s e ra r r

w ild a sses. C up e ( d Eleph a nt i Exe cit a t ii

r h p ov e d f om O p
e s r . . as r r

pi n Di on nd a n nony m ou G eek t h a t z b a ha d b een n a t Rome

a , , a a s r , e r s see .

Th ey w e e b ough t f om om i l a nd of t h oc e n p h p M d a g a c
r r r s e s e a , er a s a s a r.

C i n s g a v e a n hipp op ot m u
ar u e C l h
p n B l og vii 66 I n t hea s : se a ur . e . . .

l t te p c t cl I do not e c olle c t a ny c oc odil e of which A ugu t u onc e

a r s e a es r r s, s s
xhibi t e d t hi ty i x Di on C a s iu l l v p 781
‘C pi t oli n i n H i t Augu t p 164 165 W a e not a cqu i nt ed wi t h
e r -s . s s, . . . .

1 s s
a . . . .
, .
‘
e r a

t h e ni m a l wh om h e c ll
a s ch l ont ome d g ol ont ot h
a sar
g ic e e es, s re a a r e es, e rs a r

l ont
e es : b ot h c o c t i on a e v y nug a t o y
rre s r er r .

1
"
Pl i n Hi t N t v ii 6 f om t he nn l of P i o
. s . a . 1 . . r a a s s .
 O F TH E R O MA N E MP IRE .

of Titu s which ,
w e ll d e se rv e d t h e e pi t h e t of c ol os
so

sa l It w a s a buildi ng of a n e llip t ic figu re fi ve h u n ,

d re d a nd six t y fou r fe e t i n l e ng t h a nd fou r hund re d-

,

a nd six t y se v e n i n b r e a d t h fou nde d on fou rsc or e a r ch e s

-
, ,

a nd r i si ng with fou r s ,ucc e ssiv e ord e r s of a r chi t e c t u r e ,

t o t h e h e igh t of one hu nd r e d a nd for t y fe e t T he z

.

out sid e of t h e e dific e w a s e nc ru st e d wi t h m a rbl e a nd ,

d e c ora t e d wi t h st a t u e s T h e sl op e s of t h e v a st con .

c a v e which form e d t h e i nsid e w e r e fill e d a nd su r

, ,

r ou nd e d wi t h six t y or e igh t y r ow s of se a t s of m a rbl e

lik e wi se c ov e re d wi t h cu shi ons a nd c a p a bl e of re

, ,

ce i vi ng wi t h e a se a b ov e fou r sc ore t h ou sa nd Sp e ct a
t or s
3
Six t y fou r vomi t or i es (for by t h a t na m e t he
.
-

d oors w e re v e r y a ptly di st i ngui sh e d ) p ou re d fort h t h e

i mm e nse m ul t i t ud e ; a nd t h e e ntra nc e s p a ssa g e s a nd , ,

st a i r c a se s w e re c ont r iv e d wi t h such e xqui si t e skill t h a t ,

e a ch p e r son wh e th e r of t h e se na t ori a l t h e e qu e st r i a n
, , ,

or t h e pl e b e i a n or d e r a rr iv e d a t h i s d e sti ne d pl a c e ,

wi t h out t roubl e or c onfu si on b N ot hi ng w a s om i t t e d .

which i n a ny r e sp e c t c ould b e sub se r vi e nt t o t h e con

v e ni e nc e a nd pl e a su r e of t h e sp e c t a t or s Th e y w e re .

p r ote ct e d from t h e su n a nd r a i n by a n a mpl e c a nopy , ,

occ a si ona lly d ra w n ov e r t h e i r h e a d s Th e a ir w a s .

c ont i nu a lly re fre sh e d by t h e pl a yi ng of fou nt a i ns a nd ,

p r ofu se ly i mp r e g na t e d by t h e g ra t e ful sc e nt of a ro
m a ti e s In t h e c e nt re of t h e e dific e t h e a r e na or
.
, ,

st a g e w a s st re w e d wi t h t h e fi ne st sa nd
, a nd succ e s ,

si ve l a ssu m e d t h e m ost di ffe r e nt form s A t o n m o

y e .

m e nt i t se e m e d t o r i se ou t of t h e e a rt h lik e t h e g a r d e n ,

of t h e H e sp e r id e s a nd w a s a fte r w a r d s b r ok e n i nt o t h e ,

r ock s a nd c a v e rns of Th r a c e T h e sub t e rra ne ou s pip e s .

M fl i V ona Illu t t p iv 1 i c 2
'

V S ee a e , er s ra a , . . . . . .

l
M ff i 1 i n c 2 Th h igh t w v y m uch x gge t d by t h
a e , . . . . e e as er e a ra e e

a nci nt e It s.ch d l mo t t o t h h v n cc o di ng t o C l ph ni
re a e a s e ea e s, a r a ur u s,

( B el og . nd
vu . u p d t h k nao f hu m n igh t cc
s ro di ng t o A
a ssem e e a s , a r

m i nu M c lli nu
a s x ar e 10 Y t h o t ifli ng t o t h g
s, t py mid of
vi . . e w r e rea ra

E gyp t which i
, fiv hu nd d f t p p nd i cul
r se s ! e re ee er e ar
3*
A cco di ng t o di ff nt c opi of V ic to w
r d v nt y v n t h ou
e re es r, e re a se e - se e

sa nd o igh ty v n t h ou nd p c t t o ; b t M fi i (1 ii c
r e -
se e fi nd
sa s e a rs u a e . . . s

r oom on t h O p n t fo no m o t h n t hi t y fou t h ou nd
e e se a s The r m in re a r - r sa . re a

d wer c ont i n d i n t h upp c ov d g ll i

e re a e e er e re a e r e s.
b S M ff i 1 ii 55— 12 H t t t h v y di fficul t ubj c t wi t h ll
ee a e , . . C. . e re a s e er s e a

p o ibl cl n
ss e nd l i k n
e a r e ss, achi t c t w ll n nt iqu i n e a ar e , as e as a a ar a .
410 THE D E C LIN E A N D F A L L
c onv e y e d a n i ne xh a u st ibl e supply of w a t e r ; a nd wh a t
h a d j u st b e for e a pp e a re d a l e v e l pl a i n m igh t b e su d ,

de nly c onv e r t e d i nt o a wid e l a k e c ov e re d wi t h a rm e d ,

v e sse l s a nd r e pl e ni sh e d wi t h t h e m onst e rs of t h e
,

deep In t h e d e c ora t i on of t h e se sc e ne s t h e R 0 ,

m a n e m p e r or s di spl a y e d t h e i r w e a l t h a nd lib e r a li t y ;
a nd w e r e a d on v a r i ou s occ a si ons t h a t t h e wh ol e fu r ,

ni t u r e of t h e a m phi t he a t re c onsi st e d e i t h e r of silv e r or

, ,

of g old or of a m b e r d ,
T h e p oe t w h o d e sc r ib e s t h e .

g a m e s of C a ri nu s i n t h e ch a ra c t e r of a sh e ph e r d a t ,

t r a c t e d t o t h e c a pi t a l by t h e fa m e of t h e i r m a g nific e nc e ,

a ffi rm s t h a t t h e ne t s d e sig ne d a s a d e fe nc e a g a i nst t h e
,

wild b e a st s w e re of g old wi r e ; t h a t t h e p or t ic oe s w e r e
gild ed a nd t h a t t h e be lt or ci rcl e which divid e d t h e se
,

v e ra l ra nk s of sp e c t a t or s fr om e a ch ot h e r w a s st udd e d ,

wi t h a p re ci ou s m osa ic of b e a u tiful st one s

In t h e m id st of t hi s gli t t e r i ng p a g e a nt r y t h e e m ,

e r or C a ri nu s se cu re of h i s for t u ne e nj oy e d th e a c
p , ,

cla m a t i ons of t h e p e opl e t h e fl a tt e r y of h i s c ou r t i e r s , ,

a nd t h e song s of t h e p oe t s w h o for w a nt of a m or e , ,

e sse nt i a l m e r i t w e re r e duc e d t o c e l e b ra t e t h e divi ne

,

f
g ra c e s of hi s p e r son In t h e sa m e h ou r b u t a t th e .
,

di st a nc e of ni ne hu nd re d m il e s from R om e h i s b rot h e r ,

e xpi re d ; a nd a sudd e n re v olu t i on t ra nsfe r r e d i nt o t h e

h a nd s of a st ra ng e r t h e sc e p t re of t h e h ou se of C a r u s 3 .

T h e sons of C a r u s ne v e r sa w e a ch oth e r a ft e r t h e i r
fa t h e r s d e a t h T h e a r ra ng e m e nt s which t h e i r ne w
’
.

si t u a t i on re qui r e d w e r e p r ob a bly d e fe r re d t ill t h e r e ,

t u r n of t h e y ou ng e r b r ot h e r t o R om e wh e r e a t r iu m ph ,

w a s d e c re e d t o t h e y ou ng e m p e r or s for t h e gl or i ou s ,

C a lph urn Ke . l og . v11. 64 73. . Th e se li n es a re cu i ou r s; a nd t h e wh ol e

e cl ogu h b n of i nfi ni t
e as t o M fi ei
ee C lph ni w ll M e u se a . a ur us, a s e as ar

ti l (
a hi fi t b ook ) w
, se e s p o t b t wh e n t h ey d c ib d t h a mphi
rs , as a e u es r e e

th e t t h e y b ot h w ot f om t h i ow n
a re n nd t o t h o e of t he R om n
r e r e r se se s, a
‘
, s a s.
1 C on ul t Pl n Hi t N t xxxiii 1
s 6 xxxvii l l
i . s . a . . . . .

B l t u e n ge mmi e n i nl i t a p o t icu a u o
8 a e s s, r s r

C t ti m d i nt e t c er a C l ph n vi i ra a a ur
f Et M t i v l t
, . . .

t A pol l ni
ar s
p t a i a y C l ph ni
u us e ; b t J oh n i s e sse u v , s s a ur us u

M l l w ho h d p h p
a e a , n pic t u e of C
a n d e c i b hi m t hick
er a s se e r s a ri u s, s r es as ,

s h o t nd whi t t om i p 403
r , a e, . . . .

8 With g d t o t h t i me wh en t h e R om a n g m w c l b t d
re ar e se a es e re e e ra e ,

Sc lig S lm a i
a e r, nd C up
a h a v e giv n th e ms lv e a g e t d l of t oubl
s u s, a er e e s r a ea r e
t o p pl e x erv y cl e ubj c t a er ar s e .
 O F TH E R OM A N E MP IRE . 4 11

s ucc e ss of t h e P e rsi a n w a r It i s u nc e r t a i n wh e t h e r
t h e y i nt e nd e d t o divid e b e t w e e n t h e m t h e a d m i ni st ra
t i on or t h e p r ovi nc e s of t h e e m pi r e ; b u t i t i s v e ry u n
, ,
,

lik e ly t h a t t h e i r u ni on w ould h a v e p rov e d of a ny l ong

du ra t i on T h e j e a l ou sy of p ow e r m u st h a v e b e e n i h
.

fl a m e d by t h e Opp osi t i on of ch a ra c t e rs In t h e m ost .

c or rup t of t i m e s C a ri nu s w a s u nw or t hy t o liv e : Nu
,

m e r i a n d e se r v e d t o re ig n i n a h a ppi e r p e r i od Hi s .

a ffa bl e m a nne rs a nd g e n t l e vi r t u e s se cu re d h i m as ,

soon a s t h e y b e c a m e k now n t h e r e g a r d a nd a ffe c t i ons

’

of t h e public H e p osse sse d t h e e l e g a nt a cc om pli sh

.

m e n t s of a p oe t a nd ora t or which dig nify a s w e ll a s ,

a d or n t h e hu m bl e st a nd t h e m ost e x a l t e d st a t i on His .

e l oqu e nc e h ow e v e r i t w a s a ppl a ud e d by t h e se na t e w a s
, ,

form e d not so m uch on t h e m od e l of C ic e r o a s on t h a t ,

of t h e m od e r n d e cl a i m e r s ; b u t i n a n a g e v e r y fa r fr om

b e i ng d e st i t u t e of p oe t ic a l m e ri t h e c onte nd e d for t h e ,

p riz e wi t h t h e m ost c e le b ra t e d of h i s c ont e m p ora ri e s ,

a nd st ill r e m a i ne d t h e fri e nd of h i s r iv a l s ; a ci r cu m

st a nc e which e vi nc e s e i t h e r t h e g ood ne ss of h i s h e a r t !
,

or t h e sup e r i or i t y of h i s g e niu s
i
B u t t h e t a l e nt s o f .

N u m e r i a n w e re ra t h e r of t h e c ont e m pl a t iv e t h a n of
t h e a c t iv e ki nd Wh e n h i s fa t h e r s e l e v a t i on r e luc t ’
.

a nt ly for c e d h i m fr om t h e sh a d e of re t i r e m e nt ne i t h e r ,

h i s t e m p e r nor h i s pu rsui t s h a d qu a lifi e d h i m for t h e

c om m a nd of a rm i e s H i s c onst i t u t i on w a s d e st roy e d
'

by t h e h a r d ship s of t h e P e r si a n w a r ; a nd h e h a d con
t ra c t e d fr om t h e h e a t of t h e cli m a t e
,
k such a w e a k ,

ne ss i n h i s e y e s a s oblig e d h i m i n t h e c ou rse of a l ong

, ,

r e t re a t t o c onfi ne hi m se lf t o t h e soli t ud e and d a r k ne ss

, [

of a t e nt or li t t e r T h e a d m i ni st ra t i on of a ll a ffa i r s
.
,

civil a s w e ll a s m ili ta ry w a s d e v olv e d on A rri u s A p e r , ,

t h e p re t or i a n p re fe c t w h o t o t h e p ow e r of h i s i m , ,

icip fa ncy t h a t
.

h Ne m e si a nu s ( i n t h e C y ne ge t i cons) se e m s t o a nt a te i n hi s
a u pici ou
s da y s

N
.

4 He w on a l l th e ro ns rom c w
e m e Si a nu s, itf om h e w e d i n i a t i W h wh dd c c
poe t r y c d
The se na t e e re t e a st a t e t o t h e son of a r s,
. t au er am C u wi h v y
i c ip i
b i g u ou s ns r t on, To t he m ost o e r of ora t ors
”
p w ful
Se e V0 pi scus i n .

i st
H A ugu p . st 2 51 . .

A u lc u l a se , a t e a st , t a n t a t a ssi ne
h V0 pi scus, ( i st
h g d by H
k m ore na t ra .

A ugu p i c ly w p g ee i n f h d h ’
st n e ssa nt
. . for h i s a t e r s e a t .
412 THE D E C LIN E A N D F A L L
p or t a nt of h onou r of b e i ng fa th e r i n
fic e , a dd e d th e -

la w t o Nu m e ri a n T h e i m p e ri a l p a vili on w a s st ric t ly
.

gu a rd e d by h i s m ost t ru st y a dh e r e nt s a nd du r i ng
m a ny d a y s A pe r d e liv e re d t o t h e a r m y t h e supp ose d
,
1
m a nd a t e s of t h e i r i nvi sibl e sov e r e ign .

It w a s not t ill e ight m ont h s a ft e r th e d e a t h of C a r u s ,

t h a t t h e R om a n a rm y r e t u rni ng by sl ow m a r ch e s fr om ,

t h e b a nk s of t h e Tig ri s a rr iv e d on t h ose of t h e Th r a ,

ci a n B osph or u s T h e l e gi ons h a l te d at C h a lc e d on i n
.

A si a whil e t h e c ou r t p a sse d ov e r t o H e ra cl e a on t h e
, ,

m
Eu rop e a n sid e of t h e P r op onti s B u t a r e p or t soon .

ci r cul a t e d t h rough t h e c a m p a t fi r st i n se c r e t whi sp e rs , ,

a nd a t l e ng t h i n l oud cl a m ou rs of t h e e m p e r or s d e a t h
’

, ,

a nd of t h e p r e su m p t i on of h i s a m bi t i ou s m i ni st e r w h o ,

st ill e x e r ci se d t h e sov e r e ig n p ow e r i n t h e na m e of a

p ri nc e w h o w a s no m or e T h e i m p a t i e nc e of t h e sol .

di e rs c ould not l ong supp or t a st a t e of su sp e nse .

Wi t h ru d e cu ri osi t y t h e y b r ok e i nt o t h e i m p e ri a l t e nt ,

a nd di sc ov e re d only t h e c or p se of N u m e ri a n T he
g ra du a l d e cli ne of h i s h e a l t h m ight h a v e i nduc e d t h e m
t o b e li e v e t h a t h i s de a t h w a s na t u r a l ; but t h e c onc e a l
m e nt w a s i nt e r p r e t e d a s a n e vid e nc e of guil t a nd t h e ,

m e a su r e s which A p e r h a d t a k e n t o se cu re h i s e l e c t i on ,

be c a m e t h e i m m e di a t e occ a si on of h i s r ui n Y e t e v e n .
,

i n t h e t ra nsp or t of t h e i r r a g e a nd g ri e f t h e t roop s oh ,

se r v e d a r e gul a r p roc e e di ng which p r ov e s h ow fi rm ly ,

di scipli ne h a d b e e n re e st a bli sh e d by t h e m a r t i a l su c
ce ssors of G al li e nu s A g e ne ra l a sse m bly of th e a r m y .

w a s a pp oi nt e d t o b e h e l d a t Ch a lc e d on whi t h e r A p e r ,

w a s t ra nsp or t e d i n ch a i ns a s a p r i sone r a nd a c r i m i na l , .

A v a c a nt t r ibu na l w a s e re c t e d i n t h e m id st of t h e c a m p ,

a nd t h e g e ne r a l s a nd t r ibu ne s for m e d a g r e a t m ili t a r y

c ou ncil Th e y soon a nnou nc e d t o th e m ul t itud e t h a t

.

P i n w A p w u p c t d of d ig n t o b t y C u
1 In t h e e rs a a r, er as s s e e a es e ra a r s.
Hi t A ugu t p 2 50
s . s . . .

W
"1
oblig d t o t h A l x nd i n C h onicl
e a re e p 2 74 fo t h k now e e a r a r e, .
, r e
l dg of t h t i m nd pl c wh Diocl t i n
e e e e a l ct d mp o a e ere e a w as e e e e e r r.
H i t A g t p 2 5l ; E t op ix 18 ; H ony m i n C h on A cc o di ng
s u us u r . . 1e r r r

d t h of N m i n
. . . . .

to th j di cio w i t
e se th
u us r di c ov d by t h
e rs, e ea u er a w as s e re e
t nch of hi
s e d d b ody C ould no om t ic b fou nd i n t h i m p i l
s ea . ar a s e e er a
h ou h old
se ?
 O F THE R OMA N E MP IRE . 4 13

t h e i r ch oic e h a d fa ll e n on Di ocl e t i a n c omm a nd e r of C H A P , .

XII
t h e d om e st ic s or b ody gu a r d s a s t h e p e rson t h e m ost
’

“
c a p a bl e of re v e ngi ng a nd succ e e di ng th e i r b e l ov e d e m A D 2 84 . . .

e r or T h e fu t u r e fort u ne s of t h e c a ndid a t e d e p e nd e d E 2283 ,

p .
0

Ou t h e ch a nc e or c onduct of t h e p re se nt h ou r C on i h? mp o .
- t e er r
D w le u m e a
sci ou s t h a t t h e st a t i on which h e h a d fill e d e xp ose d

h i m t o som e su spici ons Di ocl e t i a n a sc e nd e d t h e t ri ,

bu na l a nd r a i si ng h i s e y e s t ow a r d s t h e su n m a d e a
, ,

sol e m n p r ofe ssi on of h i s ow n i nnoc e nc e i n t h e p re se nc e ,

of t h a t a l l se e i ng d e i t y Th e n a ssu m i ng t h e t one of
-
0
.
,

a sov e r e ig n a nd a j udg e h e c om m a nd e d th a t A p e r ,

sh ould b e b r ough t i n ch a i ns t o t h e foot of t h e t ribu na l

”
Thi s m a n sa id h e i s t h e m u r d e re r of N u m e ri a n ;
, ,

a nd wi t h ou t givi ng h i m t i m e t o e nt e r on a d a ng e rou s
,

j u stific a t i on d re w h i s sw ord a nd bu ri e d it i n t h e b re a st
, ,

of t h e u nfor tu na t e p re fe c t A ch a rg e supp or t e d by .

such d e ci siv e p r oof w a s a d m i t t e d wi t h ou t c

, ont ra di c

ti on a nd t h e l e gi ons wi t h r e p e a t e d a ccl a m a t i ons a c

, , ,

k nowl e dg e d th e j u st ic e a nd a u t h or i t y of t h e e m p e r or
Di ocl e t i a n P .

B e fore w e e nt e r up on t h e m e m ora bl e r e ig n of th a t D f t nd e ea a
d t h of ea
p ri nc e i t Wi ll b e p rop e r t o pu ni sh a nd d i sm i ss t h e u n C i n s
, ar u .

w or t hy b r ot h e r of N u m e ri a n C a ri nu s p osse sse d a rm s .

a nd t re a su r e s su ffici e nt t o supp ort h i s l e g a l ti t l e t o t h e

e m pi re B u t h i s p e rsona l vic e s ov e rb a l a nc e d e v e r y a d
.

v a nta g e of bi r t h a nd si t u a t i on T h e m ost fa i t hful se r .

v a nt s of t h e fa t h e r d e spi se d t h e i nc a p a ci ty a nd d re a d e d .
,

t h e c r u e l a rr og a nc e of t h e son T h e h e a r t s of t h e
,
.

“
p e ople w e r e e ng a g e d i n fa v ou r of h i s r iv a l ; a nd e v e n
t h e se na t e w a s i ncli ne d t o p re fe r a n u su r p e r t o a t y r a nt .

T h e a rt s of Di ocl e t i a n i nfl a m e d t h e g e ne ra l di sc ont e nt ;
a nd t h e wi nt e r w a s e m pl oy e d i n se c r e t i nt rigu e s a nd ,

O p e n p re p a ra t i ons for a civil w a r In t h e sp r i ng t h e A B 2 B5 .

, . . .

Ma )
for c e s of t h e e a st a nd of t h e w e st e nc ou nt e re d e a ch
ot h e r i n t h e pl a i ns of M a r gu s a sm a ll ci t y of Mae si a , ,

A u l V ic to ; E t pi ix 2 0 ; Hi onym i n C h on
re r u rO u s, er r
P V pi c i n H i t A ugu t p 2 52 Th
. . . .

0 s us s on w h Di ocl t i a n kill d e re a s e
. s
y. . . e
Ap ( wild b o ) w fou nd d on p oph cy nd p n
er a ar as e fooli h t h y
a r e a a u , as s as e
a e w l l k now n
r e .
4 14 T HE DE C LIN E A N D FA L L
in the ighb ou rh ood Of t h e D a nub e 9 T h e t roop s
ne .

so l a t e ly r e t u rne d fr om t h e P e rsi a n w a r h a d a cqui r e d ,

t h e i r gl ory a t t h e e xp e nse of h e a l t h a nd nu m b e rs nor ,

w e re t h e y i n a c ondi t i on t o c ont e nd wi t h t h e u ne x
h a nst e d st re ng t h of t h e l e gi ons of Eu rop e Th e i r .

r a nk s w e r e b r ok e n a nd for a m om e nt Di ocl e t i a n de
, , ,

s a i r e d of t h e pu r pl e a nd of life B u t t h e a dv a nt a g e
p .

which C a ri nu s h a d ob t a i ne d by t h e v a l ou r of hi s sol
di e r s h e quickly l ost by t h e i nfid e li t y of h i s offi c e rs
, .

A t r ibu ne wh ose wife h e h a d se duc e d se iz e d t h e

, ,

opp or t u ni t y of r e v e ng e a nd by a si ngl e bl ow e x t i n
,

u i sh e d civil di sc or d i n t h e bl ood of t h e a dul t e r e r

-
g

(
l k
E u t rOpi u s ma r s i t s s t a t on er a iu ira t e v y ccu
; it ly b t w n th
w as e ee e

M ons Au u re s a nd Vi m i ni a cum M d A nVi lle ( o

’
. . G é g phi A nci e nn
ra e e,

t om i p . pl c M gu
. a es
. ar s a t Ka stol a t z i n er a, a S vi li t tl e b l ow B l e e

g d S di
ra e a nd e m e n r a .

Hi A ugu p
st st . 2 54 Eu t rOpi u s,
. . 20 ; re ix
s . A u liu V ic to ; Vic to
r r in
E pi tom e.
 C HAP T ER X III .

T HE RE IG N O F D I O C L ET I A N
H I S THRE E A SS O C I A TE S A ND ,

M A X I M IA N G A L E R I U S A N D C O N S T A N T I U S
,
— G EN ER A L
,
.

REE S T A B LI S H MEN T O F O RDE R A N D TR A N Q U I L LI T Y .

T HE P E R S I A N W A R VI C T O R Y A N D TR I U M P H — THE .
, ,

N E W F O R M O F A D M I N I S TR A T I O N —A B D I C A T I O N A N D .

RET I RE M EN T O F D I O C L ET I A N A N D M A X I M I A N .

AS th e re ig n of
Di ocl e t i a n w a s m ore illu st ri ou s t h a n E l v t i on e a

“
t h a t of a ny of h i s p re d e c e ssors so w a s h i s bi rt h m ore d l
i

a ofgff ,

a bj e c t a nd ob scu r e T h e st rong cl a i m s of m e r i t a nd cl t i n
. e a .

A D 2 85
of vi ol e nc e h a d fre qu e nt ly sup e r se d e d t h e i de a l p r e r o
° ° '

a t i ve s of nobili t y ; b u t a di st i nc t li ne Of se p a ra t i on w a s
g
hi th e rt o p r e se r v e d b e t w e e n t h e fr e e a nd t h e se r vil e
p a r t of m a nki nd T h e p a r e nt s of Di ocl e t i a n h a d b e e n
.

sl a v e s i n t h e h ou se of A nu li nu s a R om a n se na t or ; nor ,

w a s h e hi m se lf di st i ngui sh e d by a ny ot h e r na m e t h a n ,

t h a t which h e d e r iv e d fr om a sm a ll t ow n i n D a l m a t i a ,

fr om wh e nc e h i s m ot h e r d e duc e d h e r origi n It i s .
,

h ow e v e r p r ob a bl e t h a t h i s fa t h e r ob t a i ne d t h e fre e
, ,

dom of t h e fa m ily a nd t h a t h e soon a cqui r e d a n offic e

,

of sc r ib e which w a s c om m only e x e r ci se d by p e r sons of

,

h i s c ondi t i on b F a v ou r a bl e ora cl e s or r a t h e r t h e con

.
,

sc i ou sne ss of sup e r i or m e r i t p rom p t e d h i s a spi ri ng son ,

t o pu r su e t h e p r ofe ssi on of a r m s a nd t h e h op e s of for

t u ne ; a nd i t w ould b e e x t r e m e ly cu r i ou s t o Ob se r v e
t h e g r a d a t i on of a r t s a nd a ccid e nt s which e na bl e d h i m
i n t h e e nd t o fulfil t h ose ora cl e s a nd t o di spl a y t h a t ,

m e r i t t o t h e w orld Di ocl e t i a n w a s succ e ssiv e ly p ro

.

3
E nt rop . ix 19. V ic
t or i n Epi t om h v b
The t o n se e m s t o a e e e n p ro
. w
p ly c ll d
er a e ll ib Illy i
D ocli a , from a sm a t r e of ( G g ph
r a ns, se e C e ll a ri us, e o ra

A iqu
.

nt i p
a , t om . . igi l
a nd t h e or
. f u l v
na na m e of t h e ort na t e s a e w a s
p b bly
ro a fi l gh d
D ocle s h e rst e n t e ne i t t o t he G ci h re y Di cl
an a rm on of o es,
l gh
a nd a t e n t R
t o t he j y
om a n m a e st of D i oc lik wi
le t i a nu s He u d e se a ss m e .

V l iu
t h e p a t ri Ci a n na me of a er u u lly giv
s, a nd i t i s s a by A u liu
e n hi m re s

V ic t or.
D S eeD a ci on t h
er ix t h sa t i e of t he e c ond b ook of H o c e C o nel
e s r s ra r .

N p o i n Vi t E m e n c i
e s, . u . . .
 4 16 THE DE C LINE A N D F A L L
m ot e d t o t h e g ov e rnme nt of M se si a th e h onou rs of t h e ,

c onsul ship a nd t h e i m p or t a nt c om m a nd of t h e gu a r d s
,

of t h e p a l a c e H e di st i ngui sh e d h i s a bili t i e s i n t h e
.

P e rsi a n w a r ; a nd a ft e r t h e d e a t h of N u m e r i a n t h e
, ,

sl a v e by t h e c onfe ssi on a nd j udg e m e nt of h i s r iv a l s

, ,

w a s d e cl a r e d t h e m ost w or t hy of t h e i m p e r i a l t h r one .

T h e m a lic e of re ligi ou s z e a l whil st i t a r ra igns t h e ,

sa v a g e fi e rc e ne ss of h i s c oll e a gu e M a xi m i a n ha s a f ,

fe ct e d t o c a st su spici ons on t h e p e r sona l c ou r a g e of

t h e e m p e ror Di ocl e t i a n It w ould not b e e a sy t o °
.

p e rsu a d e u s of t h e c ow a rdic e of a soldi e r of fort u ne ,

w h o a cqui re d a nd p re se r v e d t h e e st e e m of t h e l e gi ons ,

a s w e ll a s t h e fa v ou r of so m a ny w a r lik e p r i nc e s Ye t .

e v e n c a lu m ny i s sa g a ci ou s e nough t o di sc ov e r a nd t o

a tt a ck t h e m ost vul ne ra bl e p a r t T h e v a l ou r of D i o .

cle ti a n w a s ne v e r fou nd i na d e qu a t e t o h i s du t y or t o
t h e occ a si on ; b u t h e a pp e a r s not t o h a v e p osse sse d
t h e d a r i ng a nd g e ne r ou s spi ri t of a h e r o w h o c ou r t s ,

d a ng e r a nd fa m e di sda i ns a r t ific e a nd b oldly ch a l

, ,

le ng e s t h e a ll e gi a nc e of h i s e qu a l s H i s a bili t i e s w e r e .

u se ful ra t h e r t h a n spl e ndid ; a vi g orou s m i nd i m p r ov e d ,

by t h e e xp e ri e nc e a nd st udy of m a nki nd ; d e x t e ri ty
a nd a pplic a t i on i n bu si ne ss ; a j udici ou s m ix t u r e of

lib e ra li t y a nd e c onom y of m ild ne ss a nd rig ou r ; p ro ,

fou nd di ssi m ul a t i on u nd e r t h e di sgui se of m ilit a ry fra nk

ne ss ; st e a di ne ss t o pu rsu e h i s e nd s ; fl e xibili t y t o v a r y

h i s m e a ns ; a nd a b ov e a ll t h e g re a t a r t of sub m i t t i ng ,

h i s ow n p a ssi ons a s w e ll a s t h ose of ot h e r s t o t h e i n

, ,

t e r e st of h i s a m biti on a nd of c ol ou ri ng h i s a mbi t i on ,

wi t h t h e m ost sp e ci ou s p re t e nc e s of j u st ic e a nd public
utility Lik e A ugu stu s Di ocl e t i a n ma y be c onsid e re d
.
,

a s t h e fou nd e r of a ne w e m pi r e Lik e t h e a d op t e d .

son of C ae sa r h e w a s di st i ngui sh e d a s a st a t e sm a n
,

r a t h e r t h a n a s a w a r r i or ; nor did e i t h e r of th ose p r i nc e s

e m pl oy for c e wh e ne v e r t h e i r pu rp ose c ould b e e ffe c te d

,

by p olicy .

‘L ct ant i (o wh o v
3
a us th ru t h o of t h l i tt l t t i D Mo ti b
e er w a s e a r e e re a se e r us
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a se s e a 7 8 In w a e s, 0 . , .

ch p 9 h y of h m
a .

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, e sa st i n om ni t m l t
i ,m ti c lo
e ra t ni m i di u u u e u sus e a s

j ect u s.
 T he
O F THE R OMA N E M P IRE
vic t ory of Di ocl e t i a n w a s r e m a rk a bl e for i t s si n C H A P
gul a r m ild ne ss A p e opl e a ccu st om e d t o a ppl a ud t h e
.

cl e m e ncy Of t h e c onqu e r or if t h e u su a l pu ni sh m e nt s of Hi cl m n
d e a t h e xil e a nd c onfi sc a t i on w e r e i nflic t e d wi t h a ny 83
, ,

d e g r e e O f t e m pe r a nd e qui t y b e h e ld wi t h t h e m ost
pl e a si ng a st oni sh m e nt a civil w a r th e fl a m e s of which
) w e re e x t i ngui sh e d i n t h e fi e ld of b a t t l e Di ocl e t i a n
r e c e iv e r] i nt o h i s c onfid e nc e A ri st obulu s t h e p r i ncip a l

m i ni st e r of t h e h ou se of C a ru s r e s p e c t e d t h e liv e s t h e
,
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nd c
,

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,
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.
.

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4 17

s e

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fort u ne s a nd t h e dig ni t y of h i s a dv e rsa r i e s a nd e v e n

, ,

c ont i nu e d i n t h e i r r e sp e c t iv e st a t i ons t h e g re a t e r nu m
d
b e r of t h e se r v a n t s of C a ri nu s It i s not i m p r ob a bl e .

t h a t m ot iv e s of p r ud e n c e m igh t a ssi st t h e hu m a ni t y of
'

t he a r t ful D a l m a t i a n : of t h e se se r v a nt s m a ny h a d p u r ,

ch a se d h i s fa v ou r by se c re t t re a ch e ry ; i n ot h e rs h e ,

e st e e m e d t h e i r g ra t e ful fid e li t y t o a n u nfor t u na t e m a s

te r T h e di sc e rni ng j udg e m e nt of A u re li a n of Pro

.
,

b u s a nd of C a r u s h a d fill e d t h e se v e ra l de p a r t m e nt s
, ,

of t h e st a t e a nd a rm y wi t h O ffic e rs of a pp r ov e d m e ri t ,

wh ose r e m ov a l w ould h a v e i nj u re d t h e public se rvic e ,

wi t h ou t p r om ot i ng t h e i n t e r e st of t h e succ e ssor S uch .

a c onduc t h ow e v e r di spl a y e d t o t h e R om a n w orld t h e

, ,

fa i re st p rosp e c t of th e ne w r e ig n ; a nd t h e e m p e r or a f
fe ct e d t o c onfi rm t hi s fa v ou r a bl e p r e p osse ssi on by de ,

cla ri ng t h a t a m ong a ll t h e vi r t u e s of h i s p re d e c e ssors

, , ,

h e w a s t h e m ost a m b i t i ons of i m i t a t i ng t h e hu m a ne
phil osophy of M a r cu s A nt oni nu s e
.

T h e fi rst c onsid e r a bl e a c t i on of h i s re ig n se e m e d t o A oci t i on ss a

d l
e vi nc e h i s si nc e r i t y a s w e ll a s h i s m od e ra t i o n A ft e r fif ofifig fi .
r

t h e e x a m pl e of M a r cu s h e g a v e hi m se lf a c oll e a gu e i n i m i m ,
a

A D 2 86
t h e p e r son of Ma x1m 1a n on wh om h e b e st ow e d a t fi rst A p il 1
. . .

, r ,

t h e t i t l e of C ae sa r a nd a ft e r w a r d s t h a t of A ugu st u s
,
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hi e nc om ium A u liu V ic t o ms t o c onv ey a ju t t h ough i ndi
In t s , re s r se e s ,
.

re c t c e n u e of t h c uel t y O f C on t nt iu It pp e f om t he F t i t h t
, s r e r s a s. a a rs r as a

A i tobulu m i n d p f c t of t h ci t y nd t h t h nd d wi t h D iocle
,

r s s re a e re e e , a a e e e
t i n t h e c on ul hip which h h d c om m nc d th C i n
‘
a s s e a e e w i ar u s.

A u liu V ic t o tyl Di ocl t i n P e nt m p oti n qu m d om i nu m

3 re s r s es e a , ar e s a .

S e Hi t A ugu t p 30
e s s
f Th qu ti on of t h t i m wh e n M xi m i n c iv d t he h onou O f C
. . . .

e es e e a a re e e rs ae sa r

a nd A u g u t u h divid d m od n c i t ic
s s as nd giv n occ i on t o g t
e er r s, a e as a re a

d a l of l
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ea r e I h v foll ow d M d T ll m ont ( Hi t oi e de
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VOL I . . Ee
4 18 T HE D E C LIN E A ND FA L L
bu t t h e m ot iv e s of h is
c onduc t a s w e ll a s t h e obj e c t of ,

h i s ch oic e w e re of a v e ry di ffe re nt na t u re from t h ose

,

of h i s a d m i r e d p r e d e c e ssor By i nv e st i ng a luxu ri ou s .

y ou t h wi t h t h e h onou r s of t h e pu rpl e M a rcu s h a d di s ,

ch a r g e d a d e b t of p r iv a t e g ra t i t ud e a t t h e e xp e nse i h , ,

d e e d O f t h e h a ppi ne ss of t h e st a t e By a ssoci a t i ng a
,
.

fri e nd a nd a fe ll ow soldi e r t o t h e l a b ou rs of g ov e rnm e nt ,

Di ocl e t i a n i n a t i m e of public d a ng e r p rovid e d for t h e

, ,

d e fe nc e b ot h of t h e e a st a nd of t h e w e st Ma xi m i a n .

w a s b orn a p e a sa nt a nd lik e A u r e li a n i n t h e t e r r i t or y
, , ,

Si iu Ig f l t g c a r e l e ss of l a w s t h e
of rm m n or a n t o . e t e r s , ,

r u st ici t y of h i s a pp e a r a nc e a nd m a nne rs st ill b e t ra y e d

i n t h e m ost e l e v a t e d for t u ne t h e m e a nne ss of h i s e x t ra c

t i on . W a r w a s t h e only a rt w hich h e p rofe sse d In .

a l ong c ou rse of se r vic e h e h a d di st i ngui sh e d hi m se lf ,

on e v e ry fr ont i e r of th e e m pi r e ; a nd t h ough h i s m ili t a r y

t a l e nt s w e r e form e d t o Ob e y r a t h e r t h a n t o c omm a nd ;

t h ough p e rh a p s h e ne v e r a t t a i ne d t h e skill of a con

, ,

su m m a t e g e ne ra l ; h e w a s c a p a bl e by h i s v a l ou r c on , ,

st a nc a nd e xp e r i e nc e of e x e cu t i ng t h e m ost a rdu ou s
y , ,

u nd e r t a ki ng s N or w e r e t h e vic e s of Ma xi mi a n l e ss
.

u se ful t o h i s b e ne fa c t or I nse nsibl e t o pi t y a nd fe a r .

,

l e ss O f c onse qu e nc e s h e w a s t h e r e a dy i nst ru m e nt of ,

e v e ry a ct of c r u e l t y which t h e p olicy of t h a t a rt ful

p ri nc e m igh t a t onc e sugg e st a nd di scl a i m A s soon .

a s a bl oody sa c r ific e h a d b e e n offe r e d t o p r ud e nc e or

t o re v e ng e Di ocl e t i a n by h i s se a sona bl e i nt e r c e ssi on

, , ,

sa v e d t h e r e m a i ni ng fe w wh om h e h a d ne v e r d e sig ne d

t o pu ni sh g e ntly c e nsu re d t h e se v e r i t y of h i s st e r n
,

c oll e a gu e a nd e nj oy e d t h e c om p a ri son of a g old e n a nd

,

a n i r on a e which w s u niv e rsa lly a ppli e d t o t h e i r O

g a , p
o si t e m a xi ms of g ov e r nm e nt N o t wi t h t ndi ng the
p s a .

di ffe re nc e of t h e i r ch a ra c t e rs t h e t w o e m p e rors m a i n ,

E m p e re u rs iv p 500
, t om w ho h as w e igh e d t he se v e a l e a son a nd
. . . r r s

d i fficul ti e wi t h hi c upul ou a ccu cy

s ss r s ra .

8 I n a n o t i on d liv
ra d b fo e hi m (Pa n gy Vet
e e re Ma m e t i n s
e r , e r. . ii . r u

e xp re sses a d oub t wh t h h h o i n i m i t t i ng t h c onduc t of H a nni b l

e er is er , a e a

a nd Scipi o h a d e v , h a d of t h i n m erF om t h e nc w m a y f i ly
e r e r a es. r e e a r

i nf t h a t Ma xi mi a n w a s m o e d e i ou of b i ng c on id ed a a oldi e
e r, r s r s e s er s s r
t h a n a a m n of l tt
s a nd i t i i n t hi m nne t h t w
e e rs : a ca n oft e n t ns s a r a e ra s

l te t h l a ngu g e of fl t t y i nt o t h t of t u t h
a e a a er a r .
 O F TH E R O MA N E MP IRE . 4 19

t a i ne d, on t h e t h r one , t h a t fr i e nd ship which t h e y h a d C H A P .

X III
c ont ra c t e d i n a p r iv a t e st a t i on T h e h a ugh t y t u r hu
'

l e nt S pi ri t of Ma xi mi a n so fa t a l a ft e rw a rd s t o hi m se lf ,

a nd t o t h e public p e a c e w a s a ccu st om e d t o r e sp e c t t h e ,

g e niu s of Di ocl e t i a n a nd c onfe sse d t h e a sc e nd a nt of ,

‘
r e a son ov e r b r ut a l vi ol e nc e F r om a m ot iv e e i t h e r of
p rid e or sup e rst i t i on t h e t w o e m p e ror s a ssu m e d t h e ,

“
t i t l e s t h e one of J ovi u s t h e oth e r Of H e r cu l i u s
, Whil st ,
.

t h e m ot i on of t h e w orld (such w a s t h e l a ngu a g e of

t h e i r v e na l ora t ors) w a s m a i nt a i ne d by t h e a ll se e i ng -

wi sd om of J upi t e r t h e i nvi ncibl e a rm of H e r cul e s ,

i
pu rg e d t h e e a rt h fr om m onst e rs a nd t y ra nt s .

B u t e v e n t h e om nip ot e nc e of J ovi ns a nd H e r cu li u s A oci a t i on ss

on w o 0
w a s i nsu ffici e nt t o su st a i n t h e w e igh t of t h e public
33 '

G le
:

sa rs, a

T h e p r ud e nc e of Di ocl e t i a n di sc o
g
a d m i ni st r a t i on nd
tn
.
us t

OD S a
v e r e d t h a t th e e m pi re a ssa il e d on e v e ry sid e by t h e t i
, , u s.

b a rb a r i a ns r e qui re d on e v e ry sid e t h e p re se nc e of
,
1
e ar .

g r e a t a rm y a nd of a n e m p e ror W i t h th i s V i e w h e
, .

r e solv e d onc e m ore t o divid e h i s u nwi e ldy p ow e r a nd , ,

wi t h t h e i nfe ri or t i t l e of C ae sa rs t o c onfe r on t w o ’

g e ne r a l s of a pp rov e d m e r i t a n e qu a l sh a re of t h e sov e
r e ig n a u t h or i t y
.
G a le ri u s su r na m e d A rm e nt a r i u s
.
, ,

from h i s origi na l p r ofe ssi on of a h e r d sm a n a nd C on ,

st a nt i u s w h o fr om h i s p a l e c om pl e xi on h a d a cqui r e d
,

1
t h e d e nom i na t i on of Chl oru s w e re t h e t w o p e rsons i n ,

v e st e d wi t h t h e se c ond h onou r s of t h e i m p e ri a l pu r pl e .

In d e sc ribi ng t h e c ou nt ry e x tra cti on a nd m a nne r s of , ,

He rcu l i u s w e h a v e a l re a dy d e li ne a t e d t h ose of G a
,

l e r i u s w h o w a s oft e n a nd not i m p r op e rly styl e d t h e

, , ,

y ou ng e r Ma xi m i a n ; t h ough i n m a ny i nst a nc e s b ot h of ,

vi rtu e a nd a bility h e a pp e a rs t o h a v e p osse sse d a ,

h L c t nt i
a d M P c 8 A u liu V ic to
a us e A mong t h P n gy ic
. . . re s r. sa e a e r s,
w e fi nd o t i on p onou nc e d i n p i
ra s of M xi m i n
r ndot h e which fl a t t ra se a a , a rs er
hi s a dv i t hi xp n
e rsa r es a e d iv om k nowl dg f om t h c ont a t
s e e se , w er e s e e e r e r s .

1S ee th c ond nd t hi d P a n gy ic p t icul ly i n 3 10 14 ; b t i t
e se a r e r s, ar ar . . . u
w ould b t di ou t o c opy t h di ffu nd ff c t d xp e i on of t h i f l e
e e s e se a a e e e r ss s e r a s
e l oqu nc Wi t h g d t o t h t i t l c on ul t A l V ic t o L ct nt i d
e e. re ar e e s, s u re . r, a a us e
M P c 52 Sp nh i m de U N mi m t m t c D i t t xii 8
. . . a e su u s a u e sse r a
k A u liu V ic t o V i c t o i n E pi t ome E nt op ix 2 2 L a c t nt dé
, . . . .

re s r r r
; ; . . a .

M P c 8 ; Hie onym i n C h on
. . . r . r .

I I t i only m ong t h
s mod n G
a k t h t Ti ll mont c n di c ov hi
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. er e a s er s
a pp e ll t i on of C hlo
a A ny m k bl e d g of p l e n
ru s .
s ms i nc o re ar a e ree a ess ee a
si t nt wi t h t h b m nt i on d i n P n gy ic v 19 '
s e e ru ar e e a e r . .

B e ?
42 0 THE D E C LIN E A N D F A LL
m a nife st p e r i ori t y ov e r t h e e ld e r T h e bi rt h of C on
su .

st a nt i u s w a s l e ss Ob scu r e t h a n t h a t of h i s c oll e a gu e s .

E u t rO p i u s h i s fa t h e r w a s one of t h e m ost c onsi de r

, ,

a bl e n obl e s of D a r d a ni a a d h i s m ot h e r w a s t h e ni e c e
n ,

m
of t h e e m p e r or C la u di u s A l t h ough t h e y ou th of .

“
C onst a nt iu s h a d b e e n sp e nt i n a r m s h e w a s e nd ow e d ,

wi t h a m ild a nd a m i a bl e di sp osi ti on ; a nd t h e p opul a r

v oic e h a d l ong si nc e a ck nowl e dg e d h i m w or t hy of t h e
r a nk which h e a t l a st a t t a i ne d T o st r e ng t h e n t h e .

b ond s of p ol i t i ca l by t h ose of d om e st ic u ni on e a ch Of ,_ ,

t h e e m p e r ors a ssu m e d t h e ch a ra c t e r of a fa t h e r t o one

Of t h e C ae sa rs Di ocl e t i a n t o G a l e ri u s a nd M a xi m i a n
, ,

t o C onst a nt iu s ; a nd e a ch obligi ng t h e m t o r e pudi a t e

t h e i r form e r wiv e s b e st ow e d h i s d a ugh t e r i n m a r ri a g e,

on h i s a d op t e d son Th e se fou r p ri nc e s di st ribu t e d .

a m ong t h e m se lv e s t h e wid e e x t e nt of t h e R om a n e m
”
pi re T h e d e fe nc e of G a ul S p a i n a nd B r i t a i n w a s
.
, , ,

i nt ru st ed t o C onst a nt iu s : G a le ri u s w a s st a t i one d on
t h e b a nk s of t h e D a nub e a s th e sa fe g u a r d of t h e ,

Illy ri a n p r ovi nc e s I t a ly a nd A fric a w e r e c onsid e re d .

a s t h e de p a r t m e n t of Ma xi m i a n ; a nd for h i s p e culi a r

p or t i on Di ocl e t i a n r e se r v e d Th ra c e Egyp t a nd t h e
, , ,

r ich c ou nt r i e s of A si a Ev e ry one w a s sov e re ig n wi t hi n .

h i s ow n j u r i sdic t i on ; b u t t h e i r u ni t e d a u t h ori t y e x
t e nd e d ov e r t h e wh ol e m ona r chy ; a nd e a ch of t h e m
w a s p r e p a r e d t o a ssi st h i s c oll e a gu e s wi t h h i s c ou nse l s

or p r e se n c e T h e C msa r s i n t h e i r e x a l t e d r a nk r e
.
, ,

v e r e d t h e m aj e st y of t h e e m p e r ors ; a nd t h e t h re e
'

y ou ng e r p ri nc e s i nv a ri a bly a ck nowl e dg e d by t h e i r
.
,

g ra t i t ud e a nd ob e di e nc e t h e c om m on p a re nt of t h e i r ,

for t u ne s T h e su spici ou s j e a l ou sy of p ow e r fou nd not

.

an
y pl a c e a m ong t h e m ; a n d t h e si ngul a r h a ppi ne ss of

t h e i r u ni on h a s b e e n c om p a r e d t o a ch or u s of m u sic ,

m J ul i n t h g and on of C on t nt iu b o t t h t hi f m ily
a , e r s d s a s, as s a s a w as e
r iv d f om t h w lik M i n M i pogon p 348 Th D d ni n
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e e e e aes a .

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a er us a rr e a er a ,
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s r e ss, e d ugh t only t o
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a t t xi 2
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s a re e s a e r re e re s e re s
s om on t o d oub t wh t h
e re a s Sp i n not p ovi nc of M xi m i n S
e er a w as a r e a a . ee
Ti l l mont t om iv p 5 17
e , . . . .
 O F TH E R OMA N E MP IR E . 42 1

w h ose h a rm ony w a s r e gul a t e d a nd m a i nt a i ne d by t h e C H A P

“
.

X111
skilful h and of t h e fi rst a rt i st

Thi s i m p or t a nt m e a su re w a s not c a rri e d i nt o e xe cu S i of er es

t i on t ill a b ou t si x y e a rs a ft e r t h e a ssoci a t i on of Ma x v nt e e s:

i m i a n a nd t h a t i nt e r v a l of t i m e h a d not b e e n d e st i t u t e
,

of m e m or a bl e i ncid e nt s B ut w e h a v e p re fe rr e d for .
,

\t h e sa k e of p e r sp icui t y fi rst t o d e sc r ib e t h e m or e pe r ,

fe e t for m of Di ocl e t i a n s g ov e rnm e nt a nd a ft e r w a r d s t o ’

re l a t e t h e a c t i ons of h i s re ig n foll owi ng ra t h e r t h e ,

nat u ra l or d e r of t h e e v e nt s t h a n t h e d a t e s of a v e r y ,

d oub t fu l ch r onol ogy .

T h e fi rst e xpl oi t of lV Ia x i m i a n t h ough i t i s m e n A D 2 87 , . . .

t i one d i n a fe w w or d s by ou r i m p e r fe c t w r i t e r s de S t a t m e 0

m ; ,

f
e s 0
ser v e s fr om i t s si ngul a ri t y t o b e r e c or d e d i n a hi st ory E
, fd ,

of hu m a n m a nne r s H e supp re sse d t h e p e a sa nt s of

.

G a ul w h o
, h a ,
n f
u nd e r t e pp e ll a t i o o B g a u da a h a d
a q
,

r i se n i n a g e ne ra l i nsu rre c t i on ; v e r y si m il a r t o t h ose

which i n t h e fou r t e e nt h c e nt u ry succ e ssiv e ly a fflic t e d

b ot h F ra nc e a nd E ngl a nd It sh ould se e m t h a t v e ry ’
.
,

m a ny of t h ose i nst i t u t i ons r e fe rr e d by a n e a sy solu t i on ,

t o t h e fe ud a l sy st e m a r e d er iv e d fr om t h e C e l t ic b a r ,

b a ri a ns Wh e n C ae sa r subdu e d t h e G a ul s t h a t g re a t
.
,

n a t i on w a s a l r e a dy divid e d i nt o t h r e e or d e rs of m e n ;
‘
t h e cl e rgy t h e nobili t y a nd t h e c omm on p e opl e
,
T he , .

fi rst g ov e rne d by sup e rst i t i on t h e se c ond by a rm s bu t , ,

t h e t hi r d a nd l a st w a s not of a ny w e igh t or a cc ou nt i n
th e i r public c ou ncil s It w a s v e ry na tu r a l for t h e p le .

h e i a ns Opp r e sse d by d e bt or a pp re h e nsiv e of i nj u ri e s

, , ,

t o i m pl ore t h e p r ot e c ti on of som e p ow e r ful chi e f w h o ,

a cqui r e d ov e r t h e i r p e r sons a nd p r op e r t y t h e sa m e ,

a b sol u t e r igh t a s a m ong t h e G re e k s a nd R om a ns a , ,

m a st e r e x e r ci se d ov e r h i s sl a v e s T h e g re a t e st p a r t 5
.

P J uli n i n C ib p 315 ; Sp nh i m note t o t h F nch t n l

a aesa r . . a e
’
s s e re ra s a

t i on p 12 2
, . .

q Th g n l n m of B g d ( i n the ig nific t i on of b l ) con

e e e ra a e a au az s a re e s

t i nn d t i ll t h fift h c nt u y i n G ul
e e S om c i t ic d iv i t f om C l t i c
e r a . e r s er e r a e

w o d b g d t u m ul t u ou
r a a , m bly
a Sc lig d E b ; Du C ng
s a sse . a er a use . a e,

Gl o ssa r.

C h oniqu d F oi t v ol i c 182 i i 73— 79 Th n té of hi

r e e r ssa r , . . . . . . e a zve s

s to y i l o t i n o
r s b t m od n w i t
s ur es er r e rs.
8
C d B ll G llic vi 13
aesa r e O ge t o i x t h H lv e t i n c ould
e . a . m . . i r , e e a , ar

fo hi d f nc
r s b ody of t n t h ou nd l v
e e e a e sa s a e s.
42 2 THE D E C LIN E A N D F A LL
of t h e i g ra du a lly r e duc e d i nt o a st a t e of
na t on w a s

se rvitud e ; c om p e ll e d t o p e rp e tu a l l a b ou r on t h e e st a t e s

of t h e G a llic nobl e s a nd c onfi ne d t o t h e soil e i t h e r by

, ,

t h e re a l w e igh t of fe t t e r s or by t h e no l e ss c r u e l a nd ,

forcibl e r e st ra i nt s of t h e l a w s Du r i ng th e l ong se ri e s .

of t r oubl e s which a gi t a t e d G a ul fr om t h e r e ign of ,

G a lli e nu s t o t h a t of Di ocl e t i a n t h e c ondi t i on of t h e se ,

se r vil e p e a sa nt s w a s p e culi a rly m i se ra bl e ; a nd t h e y

“
e xp e r i e nc e d a t onc e t h e c om plic a t e d ty ra nny of t h e i r

m a st e r s O f t h e b a rb a r i a ns of t h e soldi e r s a nd Of t h e
, , ,

offi c e rs of t h e r e v e nu e

Th e i r p a ti e nc e w a s a t l a st p r ov ok e d i nt o d e sp a i r .

O n e v e r y sid e t h e y r ose i n m ul t i t ud e s a rm e d wi t h ,

r u st ic w e a p ons a nd wi t h i rre si st ibl e fu r y

,
T h e pl ough .

m a n b e c a m e a foot soldi e r t h e sh e ph e r d m ou nt e d on ,

h orse b a ck t h e d e se r t e d vill a g e s a nd op e n t ow ns w e re
,

a b a nd one d t o t h e fl a m e s a nd t h e ra v a g e s of t h e ,p e a

sa nt s e qu a ll e d t h ose of t h e fi e rce st b a rb a r i a ns Th e y .

a sse r t e d t h e na t u ra l r igh t s of m e n bu t th e y a sse rt e d ,

t h ose r ight s with t h e m ost sa v a g e c ru e l ty T h e G a llic .

nobl e s j u st ly d re a di ng t h e i r r e v e ng e e i t h e r t ook r e fug e

, ,
”

i n t h e for t ifi e d ci t i e s or fl e d from t h e wild sc e ne of

,

a na rchy T h e p e a sa nt s re igne d wi t h out c ont rol ; a nd

. -

t w o of t h e i r m ost d a r ing l e a d e r s h a d t h e folly a nd

ra sh ne ss t o a ssu m e t h e i m pe ri a l orna m e nt s Th e i r "
.

p ow e r soon e xpi re d a t t h e a pp r oa ch of t h e le gi ons .

T h e st re ng t h of u ni on a nd di scipli ne ob t a i ne d a n
e a sy vic t or y ov e r a lic e nt i ou s a nd divid e d m ul t i t ud e

A se v e re r e t a li a ti on w a s i nflic t e d on t h e p e a sa nt s .

w h o w e r e fou nd i n a r m s : t h e a ffrigh t e d re m na n t re

t u rne d t o t h e i r r e sp e c t iv e h a bi t a t i ons ; a nd t h e i r u n
succ e ssful e ffor t for fr e e d om se r v e d only t o c onfi r m

t h e i r sl a v e ry S o st rong a nd u ni form i s t h e c urr e nt of

.

p opul a r p a ssi ons t h a t w e m igh t a l m ost v e nt u re from

, ,

Th i O pp e r i
re ss on a nd m se r i ya re a ck nowl e dged by E um e ni us,
(Pa negy r .

vi. G a lli a s e ffe ra t a s i nj uri i s

ii 4 ; A u eliu V ic t o
.

Pa ne gy r Ve t . . . r s r.
x
ZEli a nu s a nd A m a nd s W h a v e med a l c oi ned by t h em
u . e s . G ol t zi us
in Th e s. R A p
. . . 117 12 1 . .

Y L e vi b us p raal i i s dom ui t . E ntrop . ix . 20 .

 O F T H E R OMA N E MP IR E . 42 3
v e ry sc a nt y p a r t icul a rs of t hi s C H A P
m a t e r i a l s, t o re a tel th e .

XII I
w a r ; b u t w e a re not di sp ose d t o b e li e v e t h a t t h e p r i n
.

ci p a l l e a d e r s fE li a nu s a nd A m a ndu s w e r e Ch r i st i a ns ”
,

or t o i nsi nu a t e t h a t t h e r e b e lli on a s i t h a pp e ne d i n
, ,

“
t h e t i m e of Lu t h e r w a s occ a si one d by t h e a bu se of ,

t h ose b e ne v ol e nt p r i ncipl e s of C h ri st i a ni t y which i n ,

cu l ca t e t h e na t u ra l fr e e d om of m a nki nd .

Ma xi m i a n h a d no soone r r e c ov e re d G a ul fr om th e A D 2 87 . . .

1
h a nd s Of t h e p e a sa nt s t h a n h e l ost B ri t a i n by t h e $3; s ,

u su r p a t i on of Ca ra u si u s Ev e r si nc e t h e ra sh but i n B i t m . r a .

succ e ssful e nt e r p r i se of t h e F r a nk s u nd e r t h e r e ig n of

P r obu s t h e i r d a ri ng c ou nt ry m e n h a d c onst ruc t e d squ a d

,

r ons of ligh t b rig a nt i ne s i n w hic h t h e y i nc e ssa nt ly ,

r a v a g e d t h e p r ovi nc e s a dj a c e nt t o t h e oc e a n To .

re p e l t h e i r d e sult or y i ncu rsi ons i t w a s fou nd ne c e ssa r y ,

t o c re a t e a na v a l p ow e r ; a nd t h e j udici ou s m e a su r e
w a s p r ose cu t e d wi t h p r u de nc e a nd vig ou r G e ssor i a .

cu m or B oul og ne i n t h e st ra i t s of t h e B r i t i sh ch a n
, ,

ne l w a s ch ose n by t h e e m p e ror for t h e st a ti on of t h e

,

R om a n fl e e t ; a nd t h e c omm a nd of i t w a s i nt ru ste d t o
C a ra u si u s a M e na p i a n of t h e m e a ne st origi n b bu t
, ,

w h o h a d l ong sig na liz e d h i s skill a s a pil ot a nd h i s ,

v a l ou r a s a soldi e r T h e i nt e g ri t y of t h e ne w a d m i ra l
.

c orr e sp ond e d not wi t h h i s a bi li t i e s Wh e n t h e G e r .

m a n pi ra t e s sa il e d fr om t h e i r o w n h a rb ou rs h e con ,

h iv e d a t t h e i r p a ssa g e b u t h e dilig e nt ly i nt e r c e p t e d,

t h e i r r e t u r n a nd a pp r op r i a t e d t o h i s ow n u se a n a m pl e
,

sh a r e of t h e sp oil which th e y h a d a cqui re d T h e .

w e a l t h of C a ra u si u s w a s on t hi s occ a si on v e ry j u stly , ,

c onsid e re d a s a n e vid e nc e of h i s guil t ; a nd Ma xi m i a n

z
fc
Th e a t rests n e e i d d on v ery ligh t a u th o i t y a life of St B bol i n s r ,
a u s,

which p b bly
i s ro a of t he v e nt h c e nt u y S Duch ne Sc pt ore R e
se r . ee es , ri s r.

F ra ncica r t orn i p
662
. . . . .

a
A u liu V ic t o c ll t h m G e m n : E t Opi ( ix
re s r a s e giv s t h m
r a s u r us . e e

the n m e of S a x ons
a B t E t pi .liv e d i n t he e n ui ng c e nt u y a nd
u u rO us s r ,

e m
s e tos t h e l ngu g e of hi ow n t i mes
u se a a s .

b Th e t h e e xpre i on of E t opi A u liu V ic t or a nd E me ni s

re ss s u r u s, re s , u u ,

vil i i m e n t u a lu m nu M n pi aa civi giv e

” ” ”
ss a Ba t a vi
s, a nd aa s, e a s, us

a v y d oub t ful cc ou nt of t h bi t h of C a i
er a D St k ly h ow v e
e r ra us u s. r. u e , e r,

( Hi ts of. C a a si s p
r u ch o o ue ,t o m . k e h i m na t iv e of St D vid
s s a a . a
’
s,

a nd a i nc e of t he bl ood oy l of B i t i n The fo me id h h d fou nd r a r r a

i n R i cfi d of C i nc t
r r a . ea e

ar ,
p 44
re e s e r, . .
42 4 THE D E C LIN E A N D F A LL
h a d a l re a dy giv e n ord e rs for h i s d e a th B u t th e c ra ft y .

M e na p i a n fore sa w a nd p re v e nt e d t h e se ve ri t y of t h e
e m p e r or By h i s lib e ra li t y h e h a d a t t a ch e d t o h i s for
.

t u ne s t h e fl e e t which h e c omm a nd e d a nd se cu r e d t h e ,

b a r b a ri a ns i n h i s i nt e r e st Fr om t h e p or t of B oul og ne .

h e sa il e d ov e r t o B ri t a i n p e rsu a d e d t h e l e gi on a nd , ,

t h e a uxili a ri e s which gu a r d e d t h a t i sl a nd t o e m b r a c e ,

h i s p a r t y a nd b oldly a ssu m i ng wi t h t h e i m p e r i a l p u r
, ,

l t h e t i t l e of A ugu st u s d e fi e d t h e j u st ic e a nd t h e
p e , ,

c
a rm s of h i s i nj u re d sove r e i g n .

Wh e n B ri t a i n w a s t hu s di sm e m b e re d from t h e e m
pi r e i t s i m p or t a nc e w a s se nsi bly fe l t a nd i t s l oss
, ,

si nc e re ly l a m e nt e d T h e R om a ns c e l e b ra t e d a nd p e r
. ,

h a p s m a gnifi e d t h e e x t e nt of t h a t noble i sl a nd p ro
, ,

vi de d on e v e ry sid e wi t h c onv e ni e nt h a rb ou rs ; t h e
t e m p e r a t u r e of t h e cli m a t e ,a nd t h e fe r t ili t y of t h e soil ,

a lik e a d a p t e d for t h e p r oduc t i on of c or n or of vi ne s ;

t h e v a lu a bl e m i ne ra l s wi t h which i t a b ou nd e d ; i t s r ich
p a st u re s c ov e r e d wi t h i nnu m e ra bl e fl ock s a nd i t s w ood s ,

fre e fr om wild b e a st s or v e nom ou s se r p e nt s Ab ov e .

a l l t h e y r e g re t t e d t h e l a r g e a m ou nt of t h e r e v e nu e of
,

B ri t a i n ; wh il st t h e y c onfe sse d t h a t such a p rovi nc e ,

w e ll d e se r v e d t o b e c om e t h e se a t of a n i nd e p e nd e nt
d
m ona r ch y Du ri ng t h e sp a ce of se ve n y e a rs i t w a s
.
,

p osse sse d by C a r a u si u s ; a nd for t une c ont i nu e d p r o

pi t i ou s t o a re be lli on supp or t e d wi t h c ou r a g e a nd ,

a bili t y T h e B ri t i sh e m p e ror d e fe nd e d t h e front i e rs

.

of h i s d om i ni ons a g a i nst t h e C a l e d oni a ns of t h e nor t h ,

i nvi t e d from t h e c ont i ne nt a g re a t nu mb e r of skilful

a rt i st s a nd di spl a y e d
, on a v a r i e t y of c oi ns t h a t a re ,

st ill e x t a nt h i s t a st e a nd opul e nc e
, B or n on t h e con .

fi ne s of t h e F ra nk s h e c ou r t e d t h e fri e nd ship of t h a t ,

for m id a bl e p e opl e by t h e fl a t t e ri ng i m i t a t i on of t h e i r
,

d re ss a nd m a nne rs T h e b ra v e st of t h e i r y ou t h h e .

‘P n gy v 12 B i t i n t t hi t i m w
3
a e r. . cu . nd ligh t ly gu
r ad d a s e a s se re , a s ar e .

d P n
gy Va t v e11 i 9
r. T h o t o E m ni
e . .wi h d t o x l t t h
. Vi . . e ra r u e us s e e a e
gl o y of t h h o ( C on t nt iu ) wi t h t h i m p o t nc of t h c onqu t Not
r e er s a s e r a e e es .

wi t h t ndi ng o l ud bl p t i li t y fo o n t iv c ou nt y i t i d fli c lt t o
s a ur a a e ar a r ur a e r , s i u

c onc iv t h t i n t he b gi nni ng of t h fou t h c nt u y E ngl nd d v d

e e a , e e r e r , a e se r e
a ll t h e c omm nd t i on
es A c nt u y nd h a lf b fo i t h dly p id i t
e a s. e r a a e re , ar a s
o n w t bli h m nt S
es a A ppi n i n P ooem
s e . ee a r .
 O F T H E R OM A N E MP IRE . 42 5

e nli st e d a for c e s ; a nd i n re t u r n C H A P
m ong h i s l a nd or se a .

for t h e i r u se ful a lli a nc e b e c om m u nic a t e d t o t h e b a r

X III .

b a ri a ns t h e d a ng e r ou s k nowl e dg e of m ili t a r y a nd na v a l
a rt s C a ra u si u s st ill p re se r ve d t h e p osse ssi on of B on
.

l og ne a nd t h e a dj a c e nt c ou nt ry H i s fl e e t s r od e t r i .

u m h a nt i n t h e ch a nne l c om m a nd e d t h e m ou th s of
p ,

t h e S e i ne a nd of t h e Rhi ne ra v a g e d t h e c oa st s of t h e ,

oc e a n a nd d i ffu se d b e y ond t h e c olu m ns of H e r cul e s

,

t h e t e rr or of hi s na m e U nd e r h i s c omm a nd B r i t a i n .
, ,

d e st i ne d i n a fu t u re a g e t o Ob t a i n t h e e m pi r e of t h e
se a a l r e a dy a ssu m e d i t s na t u ra l a n d r e sp e c t a bl e st a t i on
,

of a m a r i t i m e p ow e r
8
.

By se izi ng t h e fl e e t of B oul og ne C a r a u si u s h a d de A D 2 89 , . .

ri ve d h i s m a st e r of t h e me a ns of pu r sui t a nd r e v e ng e
ck now a
p l dg d by .

e e

A nd wh e n a ft e r a v a st e xp e nse of t i m e a nd l a b ou r a t h ot h
, ,
e er

ne w a r m a m e nt w a s l a u nch e d i nt o t h e w a t e r
f t h e im p e
mp o
,
e e r rs.

r i a l t r oop s u na ccu st om e d t o t h a t e l e m e nt w e r e e a sily

, ,

b a ffl e d a nd d e fe a t e d by t h e v e t e ra n sa il or s of t h e
u su r p e r Thi s di sa pp oi nt e d e ffor t w a s soon p r oduc t iv e
.

of a t re a t y of p e a c e Di ocl e t i a n a nd h i s c oll e a gu e
.
,

w h o j u stly d re a d e d t h e e n t e r p r i si ng spi r i t of C a ra u si u s ,

r e sig ne d t o h i m t h e sov e r e ig nt y of B ri t a i n a nd r e luc t ,

a nt ly a d m i t t e d t h e i r rfi di ou s se rv a nt t o a p a r t icip a
p e

t i on of t h e i m p e ri a l h onou r s g B u t t h e a d op t i on of .

t h e t w o C ae sa rs r e st or e d ne w vig ou r t o t h e R om a n

a r m s ; a nd whil e t h e Rhi ne w a s gu a r d e d by t h e r e
p
se nc e of M a xi m i a n h i s b ra v e a ssoci a t e C onst a ntiu s ,

a ssu m e d t h e c onduc t of t h e B r i t i sh w a r H i s fi rst e n .

t e r p ri se w a s a g a i nst t h e i m p or t a nt pl a c e of B oul og ne .

‘A
3
g a t nu mb of m d l of C
s a re i a e er t ill p v e d he i
e a s a ra u s us r s re se r , s

b c ome v e y f v ou i t e Obj e c t of a nt iqu a i a n cu i o i t y a nd e v y ci cu m

e a r a r r r s , er r

t nc of hi l i f
s a nd c t i on h a
e sb n i nv t i g t e d wi t h a g a ci ou a ccu
e a a s s ee es a s s

racy D r St k ly i n p t icul a h a d v ot e d a l g e v olu m t o t h B i t i h

. . u e ar r s e ar e e r s

e mpe o I h a v u se d hi m a t e i a l a nd j c t e d m o t of hi fa nciful con

r r. e s r s, re e s s

j e ct ure s .

W h e n Ma m e rt i nu s p
u c d h i fi t p a ne gy ic t he na v a l p ep a a
rono n e s rs r , r r

t i on of M a x m i a n w e
s c om pl t d ; a nd t he o t o p e g e d a n a u d
r re e e ra r r sa ss re

vic t o y Hi il e nc i n t he c ond p n gy ic m igh t a l one i nfo m u s t h t '

r . s s e se a e r , r , a

t h e xp di t i on h d not ucc
e e d ed a s ee
s Au
.

liu V ic to E t pi s a nd t he m d a l (P x A gg ) i nfo m us
re s r, u rO u ,
e s, a u . r

of t hi t m p o a y r c oncili t i on t h ough I will not p esu m e ( s D r St ke ly

s e r r e a : r a . u

h as d one M d a llic Hi to y O f C a a i s p 86 etc) t o i n e t the id e ntic a l

, e s r r us u , .
, . s r

ar t icl of t h t e a t y
es e r .
 42 6 THE D E C LIN E A ND FA L L
C H A P A stup e ndou s m ol e ra i se d a c ross t h e e nt ra nc e of t h e
'

. ,

X III h a rb ou r i nt e r c e p t e d a ll h op e s of r e li e f T h e t ow n
.

.
,

A O D 2 92
o
s u rr .e nd e re d a ft e r a n o b st i na t e d e fe nc e ; a nd a co n si
de r a bl e p a r t Of t h e na v a l st re ng t h of C a r a u si u s fe ll i nt o
t h e h a nd s of t h e b e si e g e r s Du ri ng t h e t h r e e y e a rs
.

which C onst a nt iu s e m pl oy e d i n p r e p a ri ng a fl e e t a de
u a t e t o t h e c onqu e st of B r i t a i n h e se cu r e d t h e c oa st
q ,

of G a ul i nv a d e d th e c ou nt ry of t h e F r a nk s a nd de
, ,

ri ve d t h e u su r p e r of t h e a ssi st a nc e of t h ose p ow e r ful

p
a lli e s .

A D 2 94 . B e fore t h e p r e p a ra t i ons w e re fi ni sh e d C onsta ntiu s

.
,

H d th
re c e iv e d t h e i nt e llig e nc e of t h e t y ra nt s d e a t h a nd i t
is ea . ’

w a s Consid e r e d a s a su re r e sa e of t h e a pp r oa chi ng
p g
v ic t ory T h e se r v a nt s of C a ra u si u s i m i ta t e d t h e e x
.

a m pl e O f t r e a son which h e h a d giv e n He w a s m ur

'

d e re d by h i s fi r st m i ni st e r A lle ctu s a nd th e a ssa ssi n ,

succ e e de d t o h i s p ow e r a nd t o h i s d a ng er Bu t h e .

p osse sse d not e qu a l a bili t i e s e i th e r t o e x e r ci se t h e one ,

or t o r e p e l t h e ot h e r He b e h e ld wi t h a nxi ou s
.
,

t e rr or t h e opp osi t e sh ore s of t h e c ont i ne nt a l r e a dy

, ,

fill e d wi t h a r m s wi t h t roop s a nd wi t h v e sse l s ; for

, ,

C onsta nt iu s h a d v e ry p r ud e ntly divid e d h i s forc e s t h a t ,

h e m igh t lik e wi se divid e t h e a t t e nt i on a nd r e si st a nc e of

A D 2 96 t h e e ne my T h e a t t a ck w a s a t l e ng th m a d e by t h e
. . . .

R c ov y of r n a
e er
p i cip l squ a d r on which u nd e r t h e c om m a nd of t h e
B i t i n by
r a , ,

C on t n p re fe c t A scle p i oda t u s a n O ffic e r of di st i ngui sh e d m e rit

s a
, ,
t iu s.
h a d b e e n a sse m bl e d i n t h e m ou t h of t h e S e i ne SO .

i m p e rfe c t i n t h ose t i m e s w a s t h e a rt of na vig a t i on t h a t ,

ora t or s h a v e c e l e b ra t e d t h e d a r i ng c ou ra g e of t h e

R om a ns w h o v e nt ure d t o se t sa il wi t h a sid e wi nd a nd
, ,

on a st orm y da y T h e w e a t h e r p r ov e d fa v ou ra bl e t o
.

t h e i r e nt e r p r i se U nd e r t h e c ov e r of a t hick fog t h e y
.
,

e sc a p e d t h e fl e e t of A lle c t u s which h a d b e e n st a t i one d

,

O ff t h e i sl e of Wigh t t o r e c e iv e t h e m l a nd e d i n sa fe t y ,

on som e p a r t of t h e w e st e r n c oa st ; a nd c onvi nc e d t h e

B ri t ons t h a t a sup e ri ori ty of na v a l st re ng t h will not

,

a lw a y s p r ot e c t t h e i r c ou nt r y fr om a fore ig n i nv a si on .

A scl e p i oda t u s h a d no soone r di se mb a rk e d t h e i m p e r i a l

t r oop s t h a n h e se t fi re t o h i s ship s ; a nd a s th e e xp e
,
 O F TH E R O M A N E MP IR E .

di t i on p rov e d for tu na t e h i s h e roic c onduct w a s u ni C H A P

,
.

X III
ve r sa lly a d m i r e d T h e u su r p e r h a d p ost e d hi m se lf
'

ne a r L ond on t o e xp e c t th e form id a b le a t t a ck of C on
,

st a nt i u s w h o c omm a nd e d i n p e rson t h e fl e e t of B on
,

l ogu e ; but t h e d e sce nt of a ne w e ne my r e qui re d h i s

i m me di a t e p re se nc e i n t h e w e st H e p e r forme d t hi s .

l ong m a r ch i n so p re cipi t a t e a m a nne r t h a t h e e ncou n ,

t e r e d t h e wh ol e for c e O f t h e p r e fe c t wi t h a sma ll b ody

of h a ra sse d a nd di sh e a r t e ne d t roop s T h e e ng a g e me nt .

w a s soon t e rm i na t e d by t h e t ot a l d e fe a t a nd d e a t h of

A ll e ct u s ; a si ngl e b a t t l e a s i t h a s oft e n h a pp e ne d
, ,

d e ci de d t h e fa t e of t hi s g re a t i sl a nd ; a nd wh e n C on
st a nt i u s l a nd e d on t h e sh or e s of K e nt h e fou nd t h e m ,

c ov e re d wi t h ob e di e nt subj e ct s Th e i r a ccl a m a ti ons .

w e re l oud a nd u na ni mou s ; a nd t h e vi rt u e s of t h e con

u e r or m a y i nduc e u s t o b e li e v e t h a t t h e y si nc e r e ly re
q ,

i d i a r e v olu t i on which a ft e r a se p a ra ti on of t e n
j o ce n , ,
h
y e a rs re st ore d B ri t a i n t o t h e b ody of t h e R om a n e mpi re
,
.

B r it a i n h a d none but d om e st ic e ne m i e s t o d re a d ; D f nc e of e e

d a s l ong a s t h e g ov e rnors pr e se rv e d t h e i r fid e li t y ,

a nd t h e t r oop s t h e i r di scipli ne t h e i ncu rsi ons of t h e ,

na k e d sa v a g e s of S c ot l a nd or I re l a nd c ould ne v e r m a

t e r i a lly a ffe ct t h e sa fe t y of t h e p r ovi nc e T he p ea ce .

of t h e c ont i ne nt a nd t h e d e fe nc e of t h e p r i ncip a l r iv e r s
,

which b ou nd e d t h e e m pi re w e re O bj e c t s of fa r g r e a t e r,

di fficul t y a nd i m p ort a nc e T h e p olicy of Di ocl e t i a n .

,

which i nspi re d t h e c ou ncil s of h i s a ssoci a te s p rovid e d ,

for t h e p ublic t ra nquilli t y by e nc ou r agi ng a spi ri t of ,

di sse nsi on a mong t h e b a rb a r i a ns a nd by st re ng t h e ni ng ,

t h e for t ific a t i ons of t h e R om a n li m i t In t h e e a st h e Fo t fi ca . r i

nons
fi xe d a li ne of c a m p s from Egypt t o t h e P e rsi a n d om i
'

ni ons ; a nd for e v e ry c a m p h e i nst i t u t e d a n a d e qu a t e

, ,

nu m b e r of st a t i ona ry t r oop s c om m a nd e d by t h e i r r e ,

sp e c t i ve offic e rs a nd suppli e d wi t h e v e ry ki nd of a rm s
, ,

fr om t h e ne w a rse na l s which h e h a d forme d a t A nti och ,

,

E m e sa a nd D a m a scu s
,
i
N or w a s t h e p r e c a uti on of
.

'
1
With g a d t o t he e c ov ery of B i t a i n w e ob t a i n a fe w hi nts f om
re r r r , r

A u liu V ic to nd E t pi s
re s r a u rO u .

J oh n Ma l e l i n C h on A nt ioche n t om i p 408 409

a , r . . . . .
, .
 42 8 THE D E C LIN E A N D F A L L
CHA P t h e e m e r or e ss
p l w a tchful a g a i nst th e w e ll k now n v a l our
X III.

of t h e b a r b a ri a ns of Eu r op e F r om t h e m ou t h Of t h e .

Rhi ne t o t h a t of t h e D a nub e t h e a nc i e nt c a m p s , ,

t ow ns a nd ci t a d e l s w e r e dilig e nt ly r e e st a bli sh e d a nd
, , , ,

i n t h e m ost e xp ose d pl a ce s ne w on e s w e r e skilfull y ,

c onst ruc t e d ; t h e st ric t e s t vigi la nc e w a s i ntr oduc e d

a m ong t h e g a rr i sons of t h e fr on t i e r a nd e v e r y e x p e ,

di e nt w a s p ra c t i se d t h a t c ould re nd e r t h e l ong ch a i n of
for t ific a t i ons fi rm a nd i m p e ne t ra bl e k A b a r r i e r so r e .

s ec t a ble w a s se ld om vi ol a t e d ; a nd t h e b a r b a ri a ns oft e n
p
t u r ne d a g a i nst e a ch ot h e r t h e i r di sa pp oi nt e d ra g e .

T h e G ot h s t h e V a nd a l s t h e G e pid ae t h e Bu r gu n
, , ,
’
di a ns t h e A l e m a nni w a st e d e a ch ot h e r s st re ng t h by
, ,

d e struc t iv e h ost ili t i e s ; a nd wh osoe v e r v a nqui she d t h e y ,

v a nqui sh e d t h e e ne m i e s of R om e T h e subj e c t s of .

Di ocl e t i a n e nj oy e d t h e bl oody sp e c t a cl e a nd cong ra ,

t u la t e d e a ch oth e r t h a t t h e m i schi e fs of civil w a r w e re

now e xp e r i e nc e d only by t h e b a rb a ri a ns
,

‘ .

Conduc t of N ot wi t h st a ndi ng t h e p olicy of D i ocl e t i a n i t w a s i m ,

th mp
e e e
to rs.
p ossibl e t o m a i nt a i n a n e qu a l a nd u ndi st u rb e d t ra n
’

quilli ty du r i ng a r e ig n of t w e nt y y e a rs a nd a l ong a ,

fr ont i e r Of m a ny hund r e d m il e s S om e t i m e s t h e b a r .

b a r i a ns su sp e nd e d th e i r d om e st ic a ni m osi t i e s a nd t h e ,

r e l a x e d vigil a nc e of t h e g a rr i sons som e t i m e s g a v e a

p a ssa g e t o t h e i r st re ng t h or d e x t e ri t y Wh e ne v e r th e .

p r ovi nc e s w e re i nv a d e d Di ocl e t i a n c onduc t e d hi m se lf ,

wi t h t h a t c a l m dig ni t y which h e a lw a y s a ffe c t e d or p os

“
se sse d ; r e se r v e d hi s p re se nc e for such occ a si ons a s

w e re w or t hy of h i s i nt e r p osi t i on ne v e r e xp ose d h i s ,

p e r son or r e pu t a t i on t o a ny u nne c e ssa r y d a ng e r e nsur e d ,

h i s succ e ss by e v e ry m e a ns t h a t p r ud e nc e c ould su g
g e st a nd di spl a y e d wi t h ost e nt a ti on t h e c onse qu e nc e s
,

k Zosi m l i p 3 Th a t p t i l hi to i a n em t o c e l b a t t he vigil a nc
. . . . . ar a s r se s e r e e
of Di ocl t i n w i t h a d e ig n of e xp o i ng th e n glig e nc of C on t nt i n
e a , s w s e e s a e e
m a y h ow v
, li t n t o n o t o N m quid go l um t coh o t i m
e e r, s e a ra r: a e a ar e r u

c a t i a p ce n m t ot o B h ni e t I t i e t E ph t i li mi t est i t u t 1 P ne
s er se a , e s r u ra s e r a
”
a

gy Ve t iv 18
r. . . .

1R nt om n
uu in ngui n m uu m p opuli qu i bu non cont i i t
es sa e Ro
e s s e ss
g ,

m a ni s,ob t i n t qs fe t a t i p osn
a a nu ncue p ont p ol v nt P n gy
ri s as s e e rs u . a e r.

Ve t iii 16
. M m e t i n illu t te t h f c t by t h x a m pl of l mo t ll
. a r us s ra s e a , e e e a s a
t h e n t i on of t h w o ld
a s e r .
 O F TH E R OMA N E MP IR E . 42 9

“
of h i s vic t ory In w a rs of a m ore di ffi cul t na t u re a nd C H A P
.
, .

m ore d oub t ful e v e nt h e e m pl oy e d t h e r ough v a l ou r of

X III '

Ma xi m i a n ; a nd t h a t fa i t hful sol di e r w a s c ont e nt t o

a sc r ib e h i s ow n vic t ori e s t o t h e wi se c ou nse l s a n d a u s

i ci o u s i nflu e nc e o f h i s b e ne fa c t or But a ft e r t h e V l ou of
p . a r

th 0 m m e
a d op t i on of t h e t w o C ae sa r s t h e e m p e r or s t h e m se lv e s , ,

r e t i r i ng t o a l e ss l a b or i ou s sc e ne Of a c t i on d e v olv e d on ,

t h e i r a d op t e d sons t h e d e fe nc e of t h e D a nub e a nd of

t h e Rhi ne T h e vigil a nt G a le ri u s w a s ne v e r r e duc e d

.

t o t h e ne c e ssi t y of va nq u i sl i i ng a n a r m y of b a r b a ri a ns ,

m
on t h e R om a n t e r r i t or y T h e b ra v e a nd a c t iv e C on
.

st a nt i u s d e liv e r e d G a u l fr om a v e r y fu r i ou s i nr oa d of
'

t h e A l e m a nni ; a nd h i s vic t ori e s O f L a ng r e s a nd V i n

doni ssa a pp e a r t o h a v e b e e n a c t i ons of c onsid e r a bl e
d a ng e r a nd m e ri t A s h e t ra v e r se d t h e Op e n c ou nt ry
.

wi t h a fe e bl e gu a rd h e w a s e nc om p a sse d on a sudd e n,

by t h e sup e r i or m ul t i t u d e of t h e e ne m y H e r e t re a t e d .

wi t h di fficul t y t ow a rd s L a ng re s ; b u t i n t h e g e ne ra l ,

c onst e rna t i on t h e ci t iz e ns re fu se d t o op e n t h e i r g a t e s
, ,

a nd th e w ou nd e d p ri nc e w a s d ra w n up t h e w a ll by t h e

m e a ns of a r op e B u t on t h e ne w s of h i s di st re ss t h e
.
,

R om a n t r oop s h a st e ne d fr om a ll sid e s t o h i s re li e f ; a nd
b e fore t h e e v e ni ng h e h a d sa t i sfi e d h i s h onou r a nd re
”
v e ng e by t h e sl a ugh t e r of si x t h ou sa nd A l e m a nni .

F r om th e m onu m e nt s of t h ose t i m e s t h e ob scu re t ra c e s ,

of se v e r a l ot h e r vic t or i e s ov e r t h e b a r b a r i a ns of S a r

m a t i a a nd G e r m a ny m igh t p ossibly b e c oll e ct e d ; b u t

t h e t e di ou s se a r ch w ould n ot b e r e w a r d e d e i t h e r wi t h

“
'

a m u se m e nt or wi t h i nst r uc t i on .

T h e c onduc t which t h e e m p e r or P robu s h a d a d op t e d T t m nt re a e

i n t h e di sp osa l Of t h e v a nqui sh e d w a s i m i t a t e d by ,

Di ocl e t i a n a nd h i s a ssoci a t e s T h e c a p t i ve b a rb a ri a ns .
,

e xch a ngi ng d e a t h for sl a v e ry w e r e di st r ibut e d a m ong ,

t h e p r ovi nci a l s a nd a ssig ne d t o t h ose di st r ic t s (i n G a ul

, ,

"0
He c om pl i n d t h ough not wi t h t h t ic te t t u t h J m fl xi e
a e , e s r s r , a u ss

a nno qui nd ci m i n quibu

s e i n Il l y i co d i p m D n bi i s, l g t cm r a r a a u re e a us u
La c t nt de M P c 18
,

g nt ibu b b i l ct e t
e s ar ar s u ar .
”
a . . . . .

I n t h G e k t x t of Eu b i u w
e re e d i x t h ou nd a nu mb which
se s, e re a s sa , er

I h a v p f d t o t he ix t y t h ou a nd of J om O o i u E t pi s a nd
e re e rre s s er e, r s s, u rO u ,

h G
is k t a n l t o P ni
re e r s a r re a us.
48 0 THE D E C LINE A N D FA L L
t he t e rri t ori e s of A m i e ns B e a uv a i s C a mb ra y T re v es , , , ,

L a ng re s a nd T roy e s a re p a r t icul a rly sp e cifi e d which

, ,

h a d b e e n d e p op ul a t e d by t h e c a l a m i t i e s of w a r Th e y .

w e re u se fully e mpl oy e d a s sh e ph e rd s a nd hu sb a nd me n ,

b u t w e re d e ni e d t h e e x e r ci se of a r m s e xc e p t wh e n i t ,

w a s fou nd e xp e di e nt t o e nr ol t h e m i n t h e m ili t a r y se r

vic e . N or did th e e m p e ror s r e fu se t h e p r op e r t y of

l a nd s wi t h a l e ss se r vil e t e nu re t o such of t h e b a rb a
, ,

r i a ns a s solici t e d t h e p r ot e c t i on of R om e Th e y .

g ra nte d a se t t l e m e nt t o se v e ra l c ol oni e s Of t h e C a rpi ,

t h e B a st a rnae a nd t h e S a r m a t i a ns ;
, a nd by a da n ,

g e r ons i nd ulg e nc e p e rm i t t e d t h e m i n som e m e a su r e

,

t o r e t a i n t h e i r na t i ona l m a nne rs a nd i nd e p e nd e nc e
A m ong t h e p r ovi nci a l s i t w a s a subj e ct of fl a t te ri ng ,

e xul t a ti on t h a t t h e b a rb a ri a n so l a t e ly a n Obj e c t of
, ,

t e rr or now cul t iv a t e d t h e i r l a nd s d r ov e t h e i r c a t t l e t o
, ,

t h e ne ighb ou ri ng fa i r a nd c ont r ibu t e d by h i s l a b ou r ,

t o t h e public pl e nt y Th e y c ongr a t ul a t e d t h e i r m a s
.

t e r s on t h e p ow e r ful a cc e ssi on of subj e ct s a nd soldi e rs ;

b u t t h e y for g ot t o O b se r v e th a t m ul t i t ud e s of se c re t ,

e ne m i e s i nsol e nt fr om fa v ou r or d e sp e r a t e from O pp re s
‘
, ,

,
r n h
si on w e r e i nt oduc e d i t o t e h e a r t of t h e e m pi re 1 .

Whil e t h e C aesa rs e x e r ci se d t h e i r v a l ou r on t h e
b a nk s of t h e Rhi ne a nd D a nub e t h e p re se nc e of t h e ,

e m p e r ors w a s r e qui re d on t h e sou t h e r n c onfi ne s of t h e

R om a n w orld F rom t h e Nil e t o m ou nt A t l a s A fric a

.
,

w a s i n a rm s A c onfe d er a cy of fi ve M oor i sh na t i ons

.

i ssu e d from t h e i r d e se r t s t o i nv a d e t h e pe a c e ful p ro

vi nc e s J uli a n h a d a ssu me d t h e pu r pl e a t C a r t h a ge 8
,

Pa ne gyr Ve t . 21
. Vi i . .

PTh e e r w a s a se tt e m e nt of t h e l a rm a t a ns i n t h e ne S i ighb ou h ood of r

T e v e which
r s, se e m s t o a e een h v b
e sert e t ose a zd ar d by h l y b ba ia n A r s u

soni s spe k
u a h
s of t e m i n hi s M ose e ll .

d i i g di
U n e t er n re e ns ne morosa p e r a a so m , vi lu
Et n a ull hu i
m a n spe ct a ns e st a t s v igi cul u
A rva qu e Sa u rom a t fi m h e r m et a t a o on s up c l i
L
.

Th e re w a s a t o n of t h e w i n the o erC pi w M i
‘
ar a s a .

1 Se e t h e r e t or a e h ic l xul i
t a t on of Eu m e ni u s Pa ne gy r v11 9 . . . .

Sc li
a
g er ( A ni m a dve rs a d Eu se b e
. e s i n hi s d cid
. p uu l
s a m a nne r ,
.

h
t a t t he qui unq e ge nt i a ni or fi ve r a n na t ons,
, A f ic
e re t h e fi ve i w
re a t g
t e s, ci i
t he P li
e nt a o s of t he noffe ns e
p ro n e ofi re ne iv p vi c C y .

5
Af d f
t e r hi s e ea t a n st a e , J uli
mse t a bb d hi lf wi h d gg
a e r, a nd i m m e di
a te ly l p d i
ea e nto t h e a mes fl
t or i n E t om e . V ic pi .
 O F THE R O MA N E MP IR E . 431

A ch i lle u s A l e x a nd ri a a nd e v e n t h e Bl e m my e s re C H A P
a t , , .

X III
ne w e d or ra t h e r c on t i nu e d t h e i r i ncu r si ons i nt o t h e
.

, ,

U pp e r Egyp t S c a r c e ly a ny ci rcu m st a nc e s h a v e b e e n
.

p re se r v e d of th e e xpl oi t s of Ma xim i a n i n t h e w e st e rn

“
p a r t s of A fr ic a ; b u t i t a pp e a rs by t h e e v e nt t h a t t h e ,

p rog r e ss O f h i s a rm s w a s r a pid a nd d e ci siv e t h a t h e va n ,

u i sh e d t h e fi e r c e st b a rb a r i a ns of M a u ri t a ni a a nd t h a t
q ,

h e r e m ov e d t h e m fr om t h e m ou nt a i ns wh ose i n a cc e ssibl e ,

st re ng t h h a d i nspi re d t h e i r i nh a bi t a n t s wi t h a l a wl e ss

c onfid e nc e a nd h a bi t u a t e d t h e m t o a l ife of r a pi ne a nd
,

vi ole nc e t
Di ocle t i a n on h i s sid e Op e ne d t h e ca m A D 2 96
.
, ,
. . .

C onduc t of
a i n i n Egypt by t h e si e g e of A l e x a nd r i a cu t off t h e
p g D i ocl e t i a n ,

a qu e duc t s which c o nv e y e d t h e w a t e r s of t h e Nil e i nt o i n E gyp t

e v e r y qu a rt e r of t h a t i mm e nse ci t y a nd r e nd e r i ng h i s
‘

c a m p i m p r e g na bl e t o t h e sa lli e s of t h e b e si e g e d i nul t i
t ud e h e pu sh e d h i s re i t e ra t e d a t t a ck s wi t h c a u t i on a nd
,

vig ou r A fte r a si e g e of e igh t m ont h s Al e x a nd ri a

.
, ,

w a st e d by th e sw ord a nd by fi re i m pl ore d t h e cl e m e ncy ,

of t h e c onqu e r or ; but i t e xp e r i e nc e d t h e full e x t e nt of

h i s se v e r i t y M a ny t h ou sa nd s of t h e ci t iz e ns p e ri sh e d
.

i n a p r om i scu ou s sl a ugh t e r ; a nd t h e r e w e r e fe w Oh
noxi ou s p e r sons i n Egyp t w h o e sc a p e d a se nt e nc e e i t h e r
/
of d e a t h or a t l e a st of e xil e T h e fa t e of Bu si ri s a nd x
.

of C op t os wa s st ill m ore m e l a nch oly t h a n t h a t of A l e x

a nd ri a : t h ose p r oud ci t i e s t h e form e r di st i ngui sh e d by ,

i t s a nt iqui ty t h e l a t t e r e nrich e d by t h e p a ssa g e of t h e

,

I ndi a n t ra d e w e re ut t e rly d e st r oy e d by t h e a rm s a nd
,

by t h e se ve r e o r de r of Di ocl e i t a n ’ T h e ch a r a c t e r of .

t h e Egyp t i a n na t i on i nse nsibl e t o ki nd ne ss b u t e x , ,

t r e m e ly su sc e p t ibl e of fe a r c ould a l one j u st ify t hi s e x ,

ce ssi ve r ig ou r T h e se di t i ou s of A l e x a nd ri a h a d oft e n
.

a ffe c t e d t h e t r a nquilli t y a nd sub si st e nc e of R om e it se lf .

Si nc e t h e u su rp a t i on of F i r mus t h e p r ovi nc e of U pp e r ,

Tu f M u i t ni p opul o i n cc i mont i m j gi t n t u li
e roci ssi mos a r a a; s, a e ss s u u s e a ra

m n t on fi d nt
u i i x e
p g n tei c pi t i t
e s, en t l ti P n gy V t
u as i 8
,
re e s , ra s u rs . a e r. e . v .

S t h d c ip t i on of Al x nd
ee e es r i n Hi t i d B l A l x nd i n c 5e a rra , r us e e . e a r . . .

E nt op x 2 4 ; O o iu vii 2 5 ; J oh n M l l i n C h on A nt i och
x r . i . r s s, . a e a r . .

p 409 4 10 Y t E m ni
.
, . ue et h t E gyp t w
u p ci fi d by t h cl
e us a ss r s u s, a as a e e e
m ncy of Di ocl t i n
e e a .

Y E biu i n C h on pl c t h i d t uc t i on v l y
use s r .
soon
a es nd e r es r se e ra e a rs e r, a
at t i m e wh n Egyp t i t
a lf w i n a t t e of eb lli on g i n t th Rom n
e se as s a r e a a s e a s.
 432 THE DE C LI N E A N D F A L L
Egyp t i nc e ssa nt ly r e l a p si ng i nt o r e b e lli on h a d e m
, ,

b ra c e d th e a lli a nc e of t h e sa v a g e s of E t hi opi a T he .

nu mb e r of t h e Bl e m m y e s sc a t t e r e d b e t w e e n t h e i sl a nd ,

of M e r oe a nd t h e R e d se a w a s v e r y i nc onsid e r a bl e , ,

t h e i r di sp osi t i on w a s u nw a rlik e t h e i r w e a p ons r ud e ,

a nd i noffe nsiv e Y e t i n t h e public di sord e rs t h e se

Z
.

b a r ba ri a ns wh om a nt iqui t y sh ock e d wi t h t h e de for

, ,

m i ty of t h e i r figu r e h a d a l m ost e xclud e d fr om t h e ,

hu m a n sp e ci e s p re su m e d t o r a nk t h e m se lv e s a m ong
,

t h e e ne m i e s of R om e S uch h a d b e e n th e u nw ort hy 3
.

a lli e s Of t h e Egyp t i a n s ; a nd whil e t h e a t t e nt i on of t h e

st a t e w a s e ng a g e d i n m or e se r i ou s w a r s t h e i r v e x a t i ou s ,

i nroa d s m igh t a g a i n h a ra ss t h e r e p ose of t h e p rovi nc e .

Wi t h a vi e w Of Opp osi ng t o t h e Bl e m m y e s a sui t a bl e

a dv e r sa r y Di ocl e t i a n p e rsu a d e d t h e N ob a t ae or p e opl e
, ,

of Nubi a t o r e m ov e from t h e i r a nci e nt h a bi t a t i ons i n

,

t h e d e se r t s of Liby a a nd r e sig ne d t o t h e m a n e x t e n ,

siv e b u t u np r ofi t a bl e t e rr i t or y a b ov e Sy e ne a nd t h e

c a t a ra c t s of t h e N il e wi t h t h e st ipul a t i on t h a t t h e y , ,

sh ould e v e r r e sp e c t a nd gu a r d t h e front i e r of t h e e m

pi re T h e t re a t y l ong sub si st e d ; a nd t ill t h e e st a bli sh

.

m e nt of C h ri st i a ni t y i nt r oduc e d st ric t e r not i ons of r e li

gi ons w orship i t w a s a nnu a lly r a t ifi e d by a sol e m n
,

sa c r ific e i n t h e i sl e of El e ph a nt i ne i n wh i ch t h e R o ,

m a ns as w e ll a s t h e b a rb a ri a ns a d ore d t h e sa m e vi sibl e
, ,

or i nvi sibl e p ow e r s of t h e u niv e rse

b .

A t t h e sa m e t i m e t h a t Di ocl e t i a n ch a st i se d t h e p a st
cri m e s of t h e Egy p t i a ns h e p r ovid e d for t h e i r fu t u re ,

sa fe t y a nd h a ppi ne ss by m a ny wi se r e gul a t i ons which ,

w e r e c onfi r m e d a nd e nfor c e d u nd e r t h e succ e e di ng

c
r e i ns O ne v e ry r e m a r k a bl e e dic t w hich h e pub
g .

l i sh e d i nst e a d of b e i ng c ond e m ne d a s t h e e ffe c t of

,

j e a l ou s t y r a nny d e se rv e s t o b e a ppl a ud e d a s a n a ct of
,

S t b o l xvn p 1 172 Pom poni M l l i c 4 H s w o d a e

Z ra , . . . . us e a, . . . . i r s r

cu i ou
r I nt
s, i c d lb tra x h om i n
, s m gi q e e m i f i ; [E gip
re e re r e , Vi es a s u s er a

t S ty i
”
t Bl mm y
‘A
ne s, e e es, e a r .

1
n
u su s se se i fo t u n t p ov oc m a R om na
se re re r es e r a re a r a
b S P oc opiu d B ll P ic l i c 19
.

ee r s e e . e rs . . . . .

0
H fix d t h public a ll ow nc of c o n fo t h p opl of A l e x nd i
e e e t a e r r e e e a r a , a

t o m i lli on of m di m n i ;
w s b ou t fou hu nd d t h ou nd qu t e
e C h ona r re sa ar rs. r .

P ch a l p 2 76 ; P ocop H i t A n c 2 6
as . . r . s . re a . . .
 “
“
OF TH E R OMA N E MP IRE . 433

p rud e nc e a nd h u m a ni ty H e c a u se d a dilig e nt e nqui ry C 1} A P

. .

IL
t o be m a d e for a ll t h e a nci e nt b ook s which t re a t e d of
t h e a d m i ra bl e a r t of m a ki ng g old a nd silv e r a nd wi t h He p , su

ou t pi t y c om m i t t e d t h e m t o t h e fl a m e s ; a pp r e h e nsiv e £ 2 21:e ,

a s w e a r e a ssu r e d l e st t h e Opul e nc e of t h e Egyp t i a ns lchy m y

,
a .

sh ould i nspi re t h e m wi t h c onfid e nc e t o re b e l a g a i nst

d ”
h m i B t if Di cl e t i a n h a d b e e n c onvi nc e d of
t e e
p r e u . o

t h e r e a li t y of t h a t v a lu a bl e a r t fa r fr om e x t i ngui shi ng ,

t h e m e m or y h e w ould h a v e c onv e r t e d t h e op e ra t i on of
,

i t t o t h e b e ne fi t of t h e public r e v e nu e It i s m uch .

m ore lik e ly t h a t h i s g ood se nse di sc ov e r e d t o h i m t h e

,

folly of such m a g nifi c e nt p re t e nsi ons a nd t h a t h e w a s ,

d e si r ou s of p re se rvi ng t h e r e a son a nd for tu ne s of h i s

subj e c t s from t h e m i schi e v ou s pu r sui t It m a y b e re N ov l ty . e

m a r k e d t h a t t h e se a nci e nt b ook s so lib e ra lly a scr ib e d

, 3 ; ,

t o P y t h a g or a s t o S ol om on or t o H e rm e s w e r e t h e l t "
, , ,
a e

pi ou s fra ud s of m or e r e c e nt a d e p t s T h e G r e e k s w e re .

i na t t e nt iv e e i t h e r t o t h e u se or t o t h e a bu se of ch y mi s
t ry . In t h a t i mm e nse r e gi st e r wh e re P li ny h a s de ,

p osi t e d t h e di sc ov e ri e s t h e a r t s a nd t h e e rr or s of , ,

m a nki nd t h e re i s not t h e l e a st m e nt i on of t h e t ra nsm u

,

t a t i on of m e t a l s ; a nd t h e p e r se cu t i on of Di ocl e ti a n i s
t h e fi r st a u t h e nt ic e v e nt i n t h e hi st ory of a lchy m y .

T h e c onqu e st of Egyp t by t h e A r a b s di ffu se d t h a t

v a i n sci e nc e ov e r t h e gl ob e C ong e ni a l t o t h e a v a ric e .

of t h e hu m a n h e a r t i t w a s st udi e d i n C hi na a s i n E u
,

r op e ,wi t h e qu a l e a g e rne ss a nd wi t h e qu a l succ e ss , .

T h e d a r k ne ss of t h e m iddl e a g e s e nsu re d a fa v ou ra bl e
re c e p t i on t o e v e ry t a le of w ond e r ; a nd t h e r e viv a l of

l e a r ni ng g a v e ne w vig ou r t o h O p e a nd sugg e st e d m ore ,

sp e ci ou s a r t s of d e c e p t i on Pli i lO SO p h y wi t h t h e a i d
.
,

of e xp e r i e nc e h a s a t l e ng t h b a ni sh e d t h e st udy of a l
,

ch y m y ; a nd t h e p r e se nt a g e h ow e v e r d e si rou s of ,

r ich e s i s c ont e n t t o se e k t h e m by t h e hu m bl e r m e a ns
'

of c om m e r c e a nd i ndu st ry
8

Th Pe a n e rsr
T h e re duc t i on of Egyp t w a s i m m e di a t e ly foll ow e d w a r,

‘J h A t i ch i E xc p V l i p 834 S id
1 in Di cl i a n
‘S
o n n o . n er . a es a n. .
; u as o et .

3
h hi t y d c fu t i
ee a s ort f lch y m y i s or an on ta on o a , n t he w k of t h a t
or s
ph il o oph i c a l c om pil
s e r, La Mot h e 1
e Va ye r , t om . i p
. . 32 7— 353 .

VO L . I . F f
 434 THE D E C LIN E A N D F A LL
by th e P e rsi a n w a r It w a s r e se rv e d for th e re ig n of
.

Di ocl e t i a n t o v a nqui sh t h a t p ow e r ful na t i on a nd t o ,

e x t ort a c onfe ssi on fr om t h e succ e ssors of A r t a x e r x e s ,

of t h e sup e ri or m a j e st y of t h e R om a n e m pi r e .

W e h a v e ob se rv e d u nd e r t h e r e ig n of V a l e ri a n t h a t
, ,

A r m e ni a w a s subdu e d by t h e p e rfi dy a nd t h e a rm s of t h e
P e r si a ns a nd t h a t a ft e r t h e a ssa ssi na t i on of C h osr oe s
, ,

h i s son T i ri da t e s t h e i nfa nt h e i r of t h e m ona r chy w a s

, ,

sa v e d by t h e fid e li t y of h i s fr i e nd s a nd e duc a t e d u nd e r
'

t h e p r ot e c t i on of t h e e m p e r or s T i ri da t e s de riv e d .

from hi s e xil e such a dv a nt a g e s a s h e c ould ne v e r h a v e

ob t a i ne d on t h e t h r one of A r m en i a ; t h e e a r ly k now

l e dg e O f a dv e rsi t y Of m a nki nd a nd of t h e R om a n di s
, ,

ci p li ne . H e sig na liz e d h i s y ou t h by d e e d s of v a l ou r ,

a nd di spl a y e d a m a t chl e ss d e x t e ri t y a s w e ll a s st re ng th , ,

i n e v e r y m a r t i a l e x e r ci se a nd e v e n i n t h e l e ss h onou r
,

A D 2 82
. . . a bl e c ont e st s of t h e O ly m pi a n g a m e s Th ose qu a li t i es
‘
w e re m ore nobly e x e r t e d i n t h e d e fe nc e of h i s b e ne
fa c t or Lici niu s g Th a t offic e r i n t h e se di t i on which
.
,

occ a si one d t h e d e a t h of P r obu s w a s e xp ose d t o t h e ,

m ost i m m i ne nt d a ng e r ; a nd t h e e nr a g e d soldi e r s w e re
for ci ng t h e i r w a y i nt o h i s t e nt wh e n t h e y w e re ch e ck e d ,

by t h e si ngl e a rm of t h e A rm e ni a n p ri nc e T h e g ra t i .

t ud e of T i ri da t e s c ont r ibu t e d soon a ft e r w a r d s t o h i s

r e st or a t i on Lici niu s w a s i n e v e ry st a t i on t h e fri e nd
.

a nd c om p a ni on of G a le ri u s ; a nd t h e m e r i t of G a l e r i u s ,

l ong b e for e h e w a s ra i se d t o t h e digni ty of C ae sa r h a d ,

b e e n k now n a nd e st e e m e d by Di ocl e t i a n In t h e t hi r d .

y e a r of t h a t e m p e ror s r e ig n T i ri da t e s w a s i nv e st e d
’
.
,

w i t h t he ki ngd om of A r m e ni a T h e j u st ic e of t h e .

m e a su re w a s not l e ss e vid e nt th a n i t s e xp e di e ncy It .

w a s t i m e t o r e scu e fr om t h e u su r p a t i on of t h e P e r si a n

f d c i gh
Se e t h e e u a t on a nd st re n t of Ti ri da t e s i n t h e A rm e n a n st or of i hi y
ii c
Mose s of C hore ne , 1 . c uld iz
.76 He o
. . se e tw o s t h e orns, wild bull by h
b k h
a nd re a Wi h h d
t e m Off t hi s a n s .

giv c di
3 If w e e re y u g V ic
t t o t he o n e r upp h
tor, w h o sy ose s t a t i n t h e e a r
32 3L ici i u ly ix y y
n s w a s on s t c uld c c ly
e a rs of a g e , h e o s ar e b e t h e sa m e
p p
e rson a s t h e k wf uch b
a t ron of Ti ri da t e s ; b u t w e nouh iy
rom m e t t e r a t or t

( E Hi
u se b
. ccl i l x c
st E . e s a st h Lic i iu
. . t ath i
. n s w a s a t t a t t m e i n t he
.

l p i d
a st er o ix y b f
of ol d a g e : s t e e n p
e a rs d wi h g y
e ore h e i s re re se nt e t , re

h i c
a rs , a nd a s t h e p y L c
ont e m ora r of G a le ri u sc L ic i iu
Se e a t a nt 32 . n s . . .

w asp b bly b
ro a b u
orn a o t t h e e a r 2 50
y .
 OF TH E R OMA N E MP IRE . 435

m ona rch i m p ort a nt t e r ri t ory which si nc e th e re ig n C H A P

an , , .

of N e r o h a d b e e n a lw a y s g ra nt e d u nd e r t h e p r ot e c
X III '

t i on of t h e e m pi re t o a y ou ng e r b r a nch of t h e h ou se of
h
A rsa ce s .

Wh e n T i ri da t e s a pp e a r e d on t h e fr ont i e rs of A rm e A D 2 86 . .

ni a h e w a s r e c e iv e d wi t h a n u nfe ig ne d t ra nsp or t of j oy
,

nd l oy a l t y Du i g w y i y h c u t y h d m f
t t t
g
n n s x e a r s e o n r a no e 9
a r e -
.
,
m em a °

e xp e r i e nc e d t h e r e a l a nd i m a gi na ry h a r d ship s of a fo

r e ig n y ok e T h e P e rsi a n m ona rch s a d or ne d t h e i r ne w

.

c onqu e st wi th m a g nific e nt buildi ng s ; but t h ose m onu

m e nt s h a d b e e n e re c t e d a t t h e e xp e nse of t h e p e opl e ,

a nd w e re a bh orr e d a s b a dg e s of sl a v e r y T h e a p p re S t t of th e . a e

com m)
h e nsi on of a r e v ol t h a d i nspi re d t h e m ost r ig or ou s p re
"

c a uti ons : Opp re ssi on h a d b e e n a gg ra v a t e d by i nsul t ,

a nd t h e c onsci ou sne ss of t h e public h a t r e d h a d b e e n

p r oduc t iv e of e v e ry m e a su re t h a t c ould re nd e r it st i ll
m ore i m pl a c a bl e W e h a v e a l re a dy re ma rk e d t h e i n
.

t ol e r a nt spi ri t O f t h e m a gi a n r e ligi on T h e st a t u e s of .

“
t h e d e ifi e d ki ng s of A rm e ni a a nd t h e sa c re d i m a g e s of ,

t h e su n a nd m oon w e re b r ok e i n pi e c e s by t h e z e a l of
,

t h e c onqu e r or ; a nd t h e p e r p e tu a l fi re of O rm uzd w a s
ki ndl e d a nd p r e se rv e d up on a n a l t a r e re c t e d on th e
i
su mm i t of m ou nt B a g a va n It w a s na t u ra l th a t a R e vol t of .

p e opl e e x a sp e ra t e d by so m a ny i nj u ri e s sh ould a rm $
, 333
1
2: ,

wi t h z e a l i n t h e c a u se of t h e i r i nd e p e nd e nc e t h e i r re ,

li g i on a nd t h e i r h e re di t a r y sov e r e ig n
, T h e t orre nt .

b ore d ow n e v e ry ob st a cl e a nd t h e P e rsi a n g a r ri sons ,

re t r e a t e d b e for e i t s fu ry T h e nobl e s of A rm e ni a fl e w .

t o t h e st a nd a r d of T i ri da t e s a ll a ll e gi ng t h e i r p a st ,

m e r i t offe ri ng t h e i r futu re se rvic e a nd solici t i ng from

, ,

t h e ne w ki ng th ose h onou rs a nd r e w a r d s fr om which

t h e y h a d b e e n e xclud e d wi t h di sd a i n u nd e r t h e for e ig n
g ov e r nm e nt T h e c om ma nd of t h e a rmy w a s b e st ow e d
.

h Se e t h e s ix ty
c ond a nd ix t y th i d b ook of Di on C a siu s
-
se s - r s s .

of C h o e ne Hi t A m n 1 ii 0 74 Th e t t u e h d b e e n
i Mo
e
s s r , s . r e . . . . . s a s a
er e c t e d by V l c w h o e ig ne d i n A m ni a
a a rsa e s, b ou t on hu nd d nd
r r e a e re a
t hi t y y e
r b e fo C h i t nd w t he fi t ki ng of t h f m ily of A ce
a rs re r s , a as rs e a rsa s.
See Mo Hi t A m n 1 ii 2 3 Th d ifi c t i on of t h e A cide i
se s, s . r e . . .
, . e e a rsa s s
m e nt i one d by J u t i n xli 5 nd by A m m i nu M c lli nu xxiii 6
‘
1 Th A me ni a n nobil i t y w
e r
s

nu m o
, .

a nd p ow
. a

ful Mo e m nt i on
as er us
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er .
s,

s s
. .

e s
m a ny f m il i e which w e di t i ngui h e d u nd r t he re ig n of V l a a c
a s er s s e a rs e s,

F f2
436 THE DE C LIN E A N D F A LL
on A r t a va sde s,
wh ose fa t h e r h a d sa v e d th e i nfa ncy of
T i ri da t e s a nd wh ose fa m ily h a d b e e n m a ssa c r e d for
,

t h a t g e ne r ou s a c t i on T h e b r ot h e r of A r t a va sde s oh .

t a i ne d t h e g ov e r nm e nt of a p r ovi nc e O ne of t h e fi rst .

m ili t a ry dig ni t i e s w a s c onfe rr e d on t h e sa t ra p O t a s a ,

m a n of si ngul a r t e m p e ra nc e a nd for t i t ud e w h o p r e ,

1
se nt e d t o t h e ki ng h i s si st e r a nd a c onsid e r a bl e t r e a
,

su r e b ot h of which i n a se qu e st e re d for t r e ss O t a s
, , ,

h a d p re se r v e d from vi ol a t i on A m ong t h e A r m e ni a n .

nobl e s a pp e a r e d a n a lly wh ose fort u ne s a r e t oo r e ,

m a r k a bl e t o p a ss u nnot ic e d H i s na m e w a s Ma m g o .
,

h i s origi n w a s S cy t hi a n a nd t h e h or d e which a ck now ,

l e dg e d h i s a u t h or i t y h a d e nc a m p e d a v e ry fe w y e a rs ,

m
b e fore on t h e ski r t s of t h e C hi ne se e m pi re which a t ,

t h a t t i m e e x t e nd e d a s fa r a s t h e ne ighb ou rh ood of S og
d i a na H a vi ng i ncu rre d th e di spl e a su re of h i s m a st e r ,

Ma m g o wi t h h i s foll ow e r s re t i re d t o t h e b a nk s of t h e
, ,

O xu s a nd i m pl or e d t h e p rot e c t i on of S a p or T h e
, .

e m p e ror of C hi na cl a i m e d t h e fugi t iv e a nd a ll e g e d t h e ,

r igh t s of sov e re ig nt y T h e P e rsi a n m ona r ch pl e a d e d .

t h e l a w s of h ospi t a li t y a nd wi t h som e di ffi cul t y a v oid e d ,

a w a r by t h e p r om i se t h a t h e w ould b a ni sh Ma m go t o
,

t h e u t t e r m ost p a r t s of t h e w e st ; a pu ni sh m e nt a s h e ,

de sc r ib e d i t not l e ss d re a dful t h a n d e a t h i t se lf
, Ar .

m e ni a w a s ch ose n for t h e pl a c e of e xil e ; a nd a l a rg e

di st ric t w a s a ssig ne d t o t h e S cy t hi a n h or d e on which ,

t h e y m igh t fe e d t h e i r fl ock s a nd h e rd s a nd re m ov e ,

t h e i r e nc a m p m e n t from one pl a c e t o a not h e r a cc ordi ng ,

(1 i i
. . which t ill ub i t d i n hi ow n t i me a b ou t t he middl e of t he
a nd s s s s e s ,

fift h c ntu y S t h p f c of hi e di t o
e r . ee e re a e s rs.

Sh w na m d C ho oi d ch t
e as nd h d not t he o p t l m lik e ot h e
e sr u a a a s a u u r

w om n Hi t A m n 1 ii c 79 I do not u nde t a nd t h xp e i on
,

e s . r e . . . rs e e r ss
m I n t he A m ni a n Hi t o y
. . . .

( 1 r e a w ll a i n t h e G e osg phy
r , . ii . s e s ra ,

( p 367 ) C h n i c ll d Z ni o Z na t n It i ch a c t iz d by t he
. r a s a e e a, r e s a . s ar er e

p oduc t i on of i lk by t h O pul nc of t h n t iv
r s , nd by t h e i el ov e of e e e a e s, a r

p e c b ov l l t h ot h n t i on of t h e e t h
a e, a e a e er a s ar .

Von t t h fi t m p e o of t h
-
i , e v nt h dy n t y w ho t h n eig n d i n
rs e r r e se e as , e r e

C hi n h d p oli t ic l t n c t i on wi t h F g n p ovi nc e of S ogdi n nd

a, a a ra sa s er a a, a r a a, a
i s said t o h a v c iv e d a R om n mb y Hi t oi de H n t om i p
e re e a e a ss . s re s a s, . . .

38 In t h o
. g t h C hi n e k p t a g i on t Kashg ; a nd one of t h i
se a es e es e a rr s a ar e r

g n l b ou t t h t i m of T j n m ch d f a t h C pi n
e e ra s , a e e ra a , ar e as ar s e as a se a .

Wi t h eg d t o t h i nt c o
r ar b et w n C hi n a nd the w e t n c ou nt i
e er urse ee a s er r es,

a cu i ou m m oi of M d G uig ne m
e br c on ul t d i n t h e A ced é m i ed a e a es
r s
y . s s e ,

I n c ip t i on t o n xxxii p 355
s r s, r . . . .
 O F THE R OMA N E MP IR E . 437

t o th e di ffe re nt se a sons of t h e y e a r Th e y w e re e m C H A P . .

X III
pl oy e d t o re p e l t h e i nv a si on of T i ri da t e s ; bu t t h e i r .

l e a d e r a ft e r w e ighi ng t h e o blig a t i ons a nd i nj u r i e s

,

which h e h a d r e c e iv e d from th e P e rsi a n m ona rch re ,

solv e d t o a b a nd on h i s p a r t y T h e Arm e ni a n p r i nc e .
,

w h o w a s w e ll a cqu a i nt e d wi t h t h e m e rit a s w e ll a s

\p ow e r of Ma m g o t re a t e d h i m wi t h di st i ngui sh e d r e
,

s e ct ; a nd by a d m i t t i ng h i m i nt o h i s c onfid e nc e ao
p ,

qui re d a b ra v e a nd fa i t hful se r v a nt w h o c ont ribu t e d ,

v e ry e ffe ctu a lly t o h i s r e st ora t i on

F or a whil e for t u ne a pp e a re d t o fa v ou r t h e e nt e r Th P
,
e er

i n s a s re
p r i si ng v a l ou r of T i ri da t e s H e not only e xp e ll e d t h e c ov A .
er r

e ne m i e s of h i s fa m ily a nd c ou nt ry fr om t h e wh ol e e x
m n i e a

t e nt of A rm e ni a b u t i n t h e p rose cu t i on of h i s re v e ng e
,

h e c a rri e d h i s a r m s or a t l e a st h i s i ncu rsi ons i nt o t h e

, ,

h e a r t of A ssy r i a T h e hi st ori a n w h o h a s p r e se r v e d
.
,

t h e na m e of T i ri da t e s from Oblivi on c e l e b r a t e s wi t h a , ,

d e g re e of na t i ona l e nt hu si a sm h i s p e rsona l p row e ss ; ,

a nd i n t h e t ru e spi r i t of e a st e r n r om a n c e
,
d e sc rib e s ,

t h e gi a nt s a nd t h e e l e ph a nt s t h a t fe ll b e ne a t h h i s i h
vi ncibl e a rm It i s from ot h e r i nform a t i on t h a t w e
.

di sc ov e r t h e di st ra c t e d st a te of t h e P e rsi a n mona r chy ,

t o which t h e ki ng of A r me ni a w a s i nd e b t e d for som e

p a rt of h i s a dv a nt a g e s T h e t h rone w a s di spu t e d by
.

t h e a m bi t i on of c ont e ndi ng b r ot h e r s ; a nd H or m uz ,

a ft e r e x e r t i ng wi t h ou t succ e ss t h e st r e ng t h of h i s ow n

p a r ty h a d re c ou rse t o t h e d a ng e r ou s a ssi st a nc e of t h e
,

b a rb a r i a ns w h o i nh a bit e d t h e b a nk s of t h e C a spi a n
se a P . T h e civil w a r w a s h ow e v e r soon t e rm i na t e d , ,

e i t h e r by a vic t ory or by a r e c oncili a t i on ; a nd N a r se s

, ,

w h o w a s u niv e r sa lly a ck nowl e dg e d a s ki ng of P e rsi a ,

di re c t e d h i s w h ol e forc e a g a i nst t h e fore ig n e ne m y .

T h e c ont e st t h e n b e c a m e t oo u ne qu a l ; nor w a s t h e
v a l ou r of t h e h e ro a bl e t o wi t h st a nd t h e p owe r of t h e
0
See Hi t A s . rm e n. 811 ii. . 0
P
. .

Ip o P
s s e rsa s i su m u e re e m , a sc
p q iti s a g
s, e t R u ffi s, e t e S cci
s, et t G lli p i
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. . w i
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er n c p d w d
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The
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a n a on t h e as Ghil l g
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, D il
e m t e s, n e st e th e i i f d
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archy . Se e d He rb e lot , B rbl i ot hé q ue O r e nt a e
’
i l .
 CHAP
X III “
. m ona rch

“ .
THE D E C LIN E A N D F A L L
T i ri da t e s,
c ond t i m e e xp e lle d from t h e
t h rone of A r m e ni a onc e m or e t ook r e fug e i n t h e c ou r t
of t h e e m p e r ors N a rse s soon r e e st a bli sh e d h i s a u
.

t h ori t y ov e r t h e r e v ol t e d p r ovi nc e ; a nd l oudly com

pl a i ni ng of t h e p rot e c t i on a fford e d by t h e R om a ns t o
r e b e l s a nd fugi t iv e s a spi re d t o t h e c onqu e st of t h e
,
a se

“
,

e a st .

Wa r be N e ith e r p rud e nc e nor h onou r c ould p e rm i t t h e e m

P E
IZI
ZfS r or s t o forsa k e t h e c a u se O f t h e A r m e ni a n ki ng a nd
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p e ,
I

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18

$13
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P e rsi a n w a r Di ocl e t i a n with t h e c a l m dig ni t y which
.
,

h e c onsta nt ly a ssu m e d fix e d h i s ow n st a t i on i n t h e ci t y ,

of A nt i och from wh e nc e h e p r e p a r e d a nd di re ct e d t h e
,
'

”
m ili t a ry op e ra t i ons T h e c onduc t o f t h e l e gi ons w a s .

i nt ru st e d t o t h e i nt re pi d v a l ou r of G a le ri u s w h o for , ,

t h a t i m p or t a nt pu r p ose w a s r e m ov e d fr om t h e b a nk s

“
,

D fe t of
e a of t h e D a nub e t o t h ose O f t h e Euph r a t e s T h e a rm i e s .

G a l en soon e nc ou nt e r e d e a ch ot h e r i n t h e pl a i ns of M e sop o

t a m i a a nd t w o b a t t l e s w e re fought wi t h v a r i ou s a nd
,

d oub t ful succ e ss : bu t t h e t hi rd e ng a g e m e nt w a s of a

m ore d e ci siv e na tu r e ; a nd t h e R om a n a rm y r e c e iv e d a
t ot a l ov e r th r ow which i s a t t ri bu t e d t o t h e ra sh ne ss of
,

G a l e ri u s w h o wi t h a n i nc onsid e r a bl e b ody of t roop s

, , ,

a t t a ck e d t h e i nnu m e ra bl e h ost of t h e P e r si a ns B ut 3
.

t h e c onsid e ra t i on of t h e c ou nt ry t h a t w a s t h e sc e ne of

a c t i on m a sugg e st a not h e r r e a son for h i s d e fe a t T h e

y ,
.

sa m e g r ou nd on which G a le r i u s w a s v a nqui sh e d h a d ,

b e e n r e nd e re d m e m ora bl e by t h e d e a t h of C ra ssu s a nd ,

t h e sl a ugh t e r of t e n l e gi ons It Wa s a pl a i n of m ore .

t h a n six t y m il e s which e x t e nd e d fr om t h e hill s of C a rr

,

l ra a t o t h e Euph ra t e s ; a sm oot h a nd b a rr e n su r fa c e of

‘
1 Mo k no not ic of t hi s c ond e v olu t i on which I
se s of C hore ne t a es e se r ,

h v e b e n oblig d to c oll e c t f om p a ge of A m m i nu M c lli nu

a e e r a ssa a s ar e s,

l xxiii c 5 L ct nt i p k of t h mbi t i on of N e
. . . . a a C onci t t s
u s s ea s e a a rs s : a u
dom t i ci x m pl i a vi
es i S po i
s e d occ p nd m o i nt m m gn c pii
e s su a r s a u a u r e e a is 0 s

i nhi a b a t .
”
De M ort Pe rse cu t c 9
. . . .

r
We dily b eli v t h t L cta nt i
may re a c ib t o c ow dic t h con
e e, a .
a us a s r es ar e e

duc t of Di ocl t i n J uli n i n hi o t i on y t h t h e m i ne d wi t h l l

e a . a s ra sa s, a e r a a

t h fo c e of t h
e r m pi s v y hyp b olic a l xp e i on
e e re a er er e r ss .

O 8
fi ur bb vi t o E t pi F t u t he t w o V ic t o nd O o iu
ve a re a rs, u rO u s, es s, rs, a r s s,

a ll e l t rt h e l t a nd g
a e t b t tl b t O oi
as i t h only on w ho p k
re a a e u r s us s e e s ea s

of t h e t w o fo m e r r.
 sa nd
y
‘de se r t ,
OF

wi th ou t a sp ri ng of fre sh w a t e r
T HE R OMA N E MP IRE
wi t h ou t a hill ock wi t h ou t a t re e a nd C H A P
T h e st e a dy i nfa nt ry
of t h e R om a ns fa i nt i ng wi t h h e a t a nd t hi rst , c ould
ne i t h e r h op e for vic t or y if t h e y p re se rv e d t h e i r r a nk s
X III
,
.

,
,
439

,
“ .

nor b r e a k t h e i r r a nk s wi t h ou t e xp osi ng t h e m se lv e s t o

t h e m ost i m m i ne nt d a ng e r In t hi s si t u a t i on t h e y w e r e .

g r a du a lly e nc om p a sse d by t h e sup e r i or nu m b e rs h a r

i ,

a sse d by t h e r a pid e v olu t i ons a nd d e st r oy e d by t h e ,

a r row s of t h e b a rb a ri a n c a v a l ry T h e ki ng of A rm e ni a .

h a d sig na liz e d h i s v a l our i n t h e b a t t l e a nd a cqui re d ,

p e rsona l gl ory by t h e public m i sfor t u ne H e w a s p u r .

su e d a s fa r a s t h e Euph ra t e s ; h i s h orse w a s w ou nd e d ,

a nd i t a pp e a r e d i m p ossibl e for h i m t o e sc a p e t h e vi ot o

r i ons e ne m y In t hi s e x t re m i t y T i r i da t e s e m b ra c e d
.

t h e only r e fug e which h e sa w b e for e h i m ; b e di s

m ou nt e d a nd plu ng e d i nt o t h e st re a m H i s a r m ou r .

w a s h e a vy t h e r i v e r v e ry d e e p a n d a t t h ose p a r t s a t
, ,

l e a st h a lf a m il e i n b re a d t h ; y e t such w a s h i s st re ng th u

a nd d e x t e ri t y t h a t h e re a ch e d i n sa fe t y t h e Opp osi t e
,

b a nk "
Wi t h r e g a r d t o t h e R om a n g e ne ra l w e a r e
.
,

ign ora nt of t h e ci r cu m st a nc e s of h i s e sc a p e ; b u t wh e n
h e r e t u r ne d t o A nt i och Di ocl e t i a n r e c e iv e d h i m not Hi cp
: , ,
s re e

wi t h t h e t e nd e rne ss of a fr i e nd a nd c oll e a gu e bu t wi t h ,

t h e i ndig na t i on of a n offe nd e d sov e re ig n T h e h a ugh .

t i e st of m e n cl ot h e d i n h i s pu r pl e b u t hu m bl e d by t h e
, ,

se nse of h i s fa ul t a nd m i sfor t u ne w a s oblig e d t o foll ow ,

t h e e m p e ror s ch a r i ot a b ov e a m il e on foot a nd t o e x
’
,
,

bibi t b e fore t h e wh ol e c ou r t t h e spe ct a cl e of h i s di s

, ,

g ra c e
A s soon a s D i ocl e t i a n h a d i nd ulg e d h i s p r iv a t e r e S c ond e

c m p a i gn f a 0
se nt m e nt a nd a sse r t e d t h e ma j e st y of sup re m e p ow e r
,
G l i a e r u s.

l i e yi e ld e d t o t h e sub m i ssiv e e nt re a t i e s of t h e C ae sa r A D 2 97 ,
. . .

t The na t u
c ou nt y i fi n ly de c ib d by Plu t a ch i n t he life of
re of t he r s e s r e r

C u nd by X noph on i n the fi t b ook of t h A n b i

,

‘S Fo t e Dis e t t i on i n t h e e cond v olu m of t h t a n l a ti on of t h

ra ss s, a e , rs e a a s s.
’
1
ee s r s s r a s e e r s e

A n b a i s by Sp l n n ; which I will v e nt u e t o e c om m e nd
a s e ia one of t he r r as
b t v i on e x t nt
es e rs s a .

Hi t A me n 1 c 76 I h a v t n fe e d t hi e xpl oi t of Ti i da te
x
s . r . . ii . . . e ra s rr s r s
from a n i ma gi n y d fe t t o t h e e l on of G l e i
ar e a r a e a r us.

y A m m i n M a c e ll i n l xi v Th m il e n t h h nd of E t op i
a . r ( ix
. . . e , i e a s u r us, .

tu a i ly i nc r
of F (c es nd of O osi s ( v i
s, . d to v l
a r u , r . e s e a se se e ra
mi e s.
 THE D E C LIN E AN D F A LL
a ndp e rm i t t e d h i m t o re t ri e v e hi s ow n h onou r a s w e ll
a s t h a t of t h e R om a n a rm s In t h e r oom of t h e u m .

w a rlik e t r oop s of A si a which h a d m ost p rob a bly se rv e d

,

i n t h e fi rst e xp e di t i on a se c ond a r m y w a s d ra w n fr om
,

t h e v e t e ra ns a nd ne w l e vi e s of t h e Illy r i a n fr ont i e r a nd ,
‘
a c onsi de ra bl e b ody of G ot hic a uxili a r i e s w e r e t a k e n

i nt o t h e i m p e r i a l p a y A t t h e h e a d Of a ch ose n a rm y
of t w e nt y fi ve t h ou sa n d m e n G a le ri u s a g a i n p a sse d t h e
-
,

Euph ra t e s ; b u t i nst e a d of e xp osi ng h i s l e gi ons i n t h e

,

op e n pl ai ns of M e sop ot a m i a h e a dv a nc e d t h r ough t h e ,

m ou nt a i ns of A rm e ni a wh e r e h e fou nd t h e i nh a bi t a nt s

“
,

de v ot e d t o hi s c a u se a nd t h e c ou nt ry a s fa v ou ra bl e t o
,

t h e op e r a t i ons of i nfa nt ry a s i t w a s i nc onv e ni e nt for ,

t h e m ot i ons of c a v a l ry A dv e rsi t y h a d c onfi rm e d t h e

3
.

R om a n di scipli ne whil e t h e b a rb a ri a ns e l a t e d by su c
, ,

c e ss w e re b e c om e so ne glig e nt a nd r e m i ss t h a t i n t h e
, ,

m om e nt wh e n t h e y l e a st e xp e c t e d i t t h e y w e r e su r ,

p ri se d by t h e a c t iv e c onduc t of G a l e r i u s w h o a t t e nd e d , ,

only b t w o h orse m e n h a d wi t h h i s ow n e y e s se c re t ly
y ,

e x a m i ne d t h e st a t e a nd p osi t i on of t h e i r c a m p A su r .

p ri se e sp e ci a lly i n t h e nigh t t i m e w a s for t h e m ost

,
-
,

p a r t fa t a l t o a P e rsi a n a rm y T h e i r h or se s w e re .

t i e d a nd g e ne ra lly sh a ckl e d t o p r e v e nt t h e i r r u nni ng

, ,

a w a y ; a nd if a n a l a r m h a pp e ne d a P e r si a n h a d h i s ,

h ou si ng t o fix h i s h orse t o b ridl e a nd h i s c or sl e t t o
, ,

Hi s vic to y p u t on b e for e h e c ould m ou nt b

r , , O n t hi s occ a si on ,

t h e i m p e t u ou s a t t a c k of G a l e r i u s sp r e a d di sord e r a nd

di sm a y ov e r t h e c a m p of t h e b a rb a r i a ns A sligh t r e .

si st a nc e w a s foll ow e d by a d r e a dful c a r na g e a nd i n ,

t h e g e ne ra l c onfu si on t h e w ou nd e d m ona r ch (for N a r se s

c om m a nd e d h i s a rm i e s i n p e rson) fl e d t ow a rd s t h e de
se r t s of M e di a H i s su m p t u ou s t e nt s a nd t h ose Of h i s
.
,

sa t ra p s a fford e d a n i m m e nse b oot y t o t h e c onqu e r or ;

,

a nd a n i ncid e nt i s m e nt i one d which p rov e s t h e r u st ic ,

7 ‘
A u l iu V ic t o
re s r ; J orna nde s de e R bu
s G etici s, c 2 1 . .

3
A u l i u Vi c
re s y h
t or sa s, Pe r A rme ni a m i n ost es cont e ndi t , qu ire f e rm e
l
so a , se u fa cili or vi nce ndi vi a est . He foll ow e d t he c onduc t of T j a n ra , a nd
th e ide a O f J uliu C s ae sa r.
b
X enoph on A n b i 1 iii Fo t h
’
s a a s s, . . r a t re a son the P i ers a n ca v l y a r eh ~

c a mp e d i x ty t d i a f om t h e n my
s s a r e e .
 “
O F THE R OMA N E MP IRE . 44 1

bu t m a r t i a l ig nora nc e of t h e l e gi ons i n t h e e l e g a nt su C H A P .

A f
X III
e r fl u i t i e s of life b hi i g l e a t h e r fill e d wi t h
.

a
g o s n n
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p e a r l s fe ll i nt o t h e h a nd s of a p r iv a t e soldi e r ; h e c a re
fully p r e se r v e d t h e b a g bu t h e t h re w a w a y i t s con ,

t e nt s j udgi ng t h a t wh a t e v e r w a s of no u se c ould not

, ,

p ossibly be of a ny v a lu e T h e p r i ncip a l l oss of N a r se s nd b h : a e a

w a s of a m uch m ore a ffe c t i ng na t u r e S e v e ra l of h i s :

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3 2: $ 31 .

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,
B u t t h ough .

t h e ch a ra c t e r of G a le r i u s h a d i n g e ne ra l v e r y li t t l e

a ffi ni t y wi t h t h a t of A l e x a nd e r h e i m i t a t e d a ft e r hi s , ,

vic t ory t h e a m i a bl e b e h a vi ou r of t h e M a c e d oni a n t o

,

Wa rd s t h e fa m ily of D a riu s T h e wiv e s a nd child r e n .

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ve y e d t o a pl a c e of sa fe t y a nd t r e a t e d wi t h e v e ry m a r k
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e r ou s e ne m y t o t h e i r a e t h e i r se x a nd t h e i r r oy a l
g , ,

dig ni t y d .

Whil e t h e e a st a nxi ou sly e xp e c t e d t h e d e ci si on of Negoci ti on a

fo p e ce r a
thi s g re a t c ont e st t h e e m p e r or Di ocl e t i a n h a vi ng a s
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'

se mbl e d i n Sy r i a a st r ong a rm y of ob se r v a t i on di s ,

pl a y e d fr om a di st a nc e t h e r e sou r c e s of t h e R om a n
p ow e r a nd r e se r v e d hi m se lf for a ny futu re e m e r g e ncy
,

of t h e w a r O n t h e i nt e llig e nc e of t h e vic t or y h e
.
,

c ond e sc e nd e d t o a dv a nc e t ow a r d s t h e fr ont i e r wi t h a ,

vi e w of m od e ra t i ng by h i s p r e se nc e a nd c ou nse l s t h e
, ,

p rid e of G a le ri u s T h e i nt e r vi e w of th e R om a n p ri nc e s
.

a t Ni sibi s w a s a cc om p a ni e d wi t h e v e r y e xp r e ssi on of

r e sp e c t on one sid e a nd of e st e e m on t h e ot h e r , It .

w a s i n t h a t ci t y t h a t t h e y soon a ft e r w a rd s g a v e a udi e nc e

t o t h e a m b a ssa d or of t h e g r e a t ki ng T h e p ow e r or 3
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,

a t l e a st t h e spi ri t of N a r se s h a d b e e n b r ok e n by h i s ,

c The st or yi s to ld by A mmi a nu s l xx ii , . . I nst e a d of sa ccu m som e re a d

scu tu m
d
.

The e rs a ns on e sse t he Rom a n s er or t i n mora s a s e a s i n

P i up i i y c f l d w ll
ix
a rm s : E u t rop hi 24p c
. g i ud
B u t t s re s e t a nd r a t t e of e ne m es i s e r
. . i v y
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Th e a o nt of t h e ne gocia t i on i s t a e n rom t h e ra m e nt s of e t er th e P
p ici
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 442 THE D E C LIN E A N D F A L L
C H A P l a st d e fe a t ; a nd h e c onsid e re d a n i mm e di a t e p e a c e a s
.

X III t h e only m e a ns t h a t c ould st op t h e p r og r e ss of t h e

.

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.
,

w h o p osse sse d h i s fa v ou r a nd c onfid e nc e wi t h a c om ,

m i ssi on t o ne g oci a t e a t re a t y or ra t h e r t o re c e iv e wh a t
,

Sp ch of e v e r c ondi t i ons t h e c onqu e ror sh ould i m p ose A p h a r

ee .

th Pe i n b a n Op e ne d t h e c onfe re nc e by e xp r e ssi ng h i s m a st e r s
e rs a ’

amb do
a ssa r.

g r a t i t ud e for t h e g e ne rou s t r e a t m e nt of h i s fa m ily a nd ,

by solici t i ng t h e lib e r t y of th ose illu st ri ou s c a p t iv e s .

H e c e l e b ra t e d t h e v a l ou r ofG a le ri u s wi t h ou t d e g ra di ng
,

t h e r e pu t a t i on of N a rse s ; a nd t h ough t i t no di sh onou r

t o c onfe ss t h e sup e r i or i t y Of t h e vic t or i ou s C msa r ov e r ,

a m ona r ch w h o h a d su r p a sse d i n gl ory a l l t h e p r i nc e s

of hi s r a c e N ot wi t h st a ndi ng t h e j u st ic e of th e Pe r
.

si a n c a u se h e w a s e m p ow e r e d t o sub m i t t h e p r e se nt

“
,

di ffe re nc e s t o t h e d e ci si on of t h e e m p e ror s t h e m se lv e s
c onvi nc e d a s h e w a s t h a t i n t h e m id st of p r osp e ri t y
, , ,

t h e y w ould not b e u nm i ndful of t h e vici ssi t ud e s of for

t u ne A p h a rba n c onclud e d h i s di sc ou rse i n t h e st yl e

.

of e a st e r n a ll e g ory by ob se rvi ng t h a t t h e R om a n a nd
, ,

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which w ould r e m a i n i m p e r fe ct a nd m u t il a t e d if e i t h e r
of t h e m sh ould b e put ou t .

It w e l l b e c om e s t h e P e rsi a ns ; re pli e d G a le ri u s ,
‘
wi t h a t ra nsp or t of fu ry which se e m e d t o c onvul se
h i s wh ol e fra m e ,i t w e ll b e c om e s t h e P e rsi a ns t o
e xp a t i a t e on t h e vici ssi t ud e s of fort u ne a nd c a l m ly t o ,

r e a d u s l e c t u re s on t h e vi r t u e s of m od e ra t i on L et .

t h e m r e m e mb e r t h e i r ow n m ode r a t i on t ow a r d s t h e nu
h a ppy V a l e ri a n. Th e y v a nqui sh e d h i m by fra ud t h e y ,

t re a t e d h i m wi t h i ndig ni t y Th e y d e t a i ne d h i m t ill
.

t h e l a st m om e nt of h i s li fe i n sh am e ful c a p t ivi t y a nd ,

a ft e r hi s d e a t h t h e y e xp ose d h i s b ody t o p e r p e t u a l

ig nom i ny .S oft e ni ng h ow e v e r h i s t one G a le ri u s i n

, , ,

si nu a t e d t o t h e a m b a ssa d or t h a t i t h a d ne v e r b e e n
,

t h e p r a c t ic e of t h e R om a ns t o t ra m pl e on a p r ost ra t e
e ne m y ; a nd t h a t on t hi s occ a si on t h e y sh ould c onsul t
, ,

t h e i r ow n dig ni ty r a t h e r t h a n t h e P e r si a n m e ri t He .

di smi sse d A p h a rba n wi th a h op e t h a t N a r se s w ould

,
 O F TH E R OMA N E MP IRE .

soon i nform e d on wh a t c ondi t i ons h e m ight ob t a i n C H A P

be ,
.

from t h e cl e m e ncy of t h e e m p e r or s a l a st i ng p e a c e X III .

, ,

a nd t h e r e st ora t i on of h i s wiv e s a nd child r e n In t hi s .

c onfe re nc e w e m a y di sc ov e r t h e fi e rc e p a ssi ons of G a

l e ri u s a s w e ll a s h i s d e fe re nc e t o t h e sup e ri or wi sd om
,

a nd a u t h or i t y of Di ocl e t i a n T h e a m bi t i on of t h e for .

m e r g ra sp e d a t t h e c onqu e st of t h e e a st a nd h a d p ro ,

p ose d t o re duc e P e rsi a i nt o t h e st a t e of a p r ovi nc e .

T h e p rud e nc e of t h e l a t t e r w h o a dh e re d t o th e m o M od t i on , e ra

of D i ocl e
d e ra t e p olicy of A ugu st u s a nd t h e A nt oni ne s e m b ra c e d t i n , a .

t h e fa v ou ra bl e opp or t u ni t y of t e r m i na t i ng a succ e ssful

w a r by a n h onou ra bl e a nd a dv a nt a g e ou s p e a c e
f .

In pu rsu a nc e of t h e i r p rom i se t h e e m p e r or s soon C oncl u i on ,

s

a ft e r w a r d s a pp oi nt e d S i cori u s P r obu s one Of t h e i r ,

se c re t a r i e s t o a cqu a i n t t h e P e r si a n c ou r t wi t h t h e i r
,

fi na l re solu t i on A s t h e m i ni st e r of p e a c e h e w a s r e
.
,

ce i ve d wi t h e v e ry m a rk of p oli t e ne ss a nd fri e nd ship ;

b u t u nd e r th e p r e t e nc e Of a ll owi ng h i m t h e ne c e ssa r y
r e p ose a ft e r so l ong a j ou rne y t h e a udi e nc e of P r obu s ,

w a s d e fe r r e d fr om da y t o da y ; a nd h e a t t e nd e d t h e

sl ow m ot i ons of t h e ki ng t ill a t l e ng t h h e w a s a d m i t t e d
,

t o h i s p re se nc e ne a r t h e r iv e r A sp ru du s i n M e di a
, .

T h e se c re t m ot iv e of N a rse s i n t hi s d e l a y h a d b e e n t o ,

c oll e c t such a m ili t a r y forc e a s m igh t e na bl e h i m ,

t h ough si nc e r e ly d e si rou s of p e a c e t o ne g oci a t e wi t h ,

t h e g r e a t e r w e igh t a nd dig ni t y Th re e p e rsons only .

a ssi st e d at t hi s i m p or t a nt c on fe re nc e t h e m i ni st e r ,

A p h a rb a n t h e p re fe ct of t h e gu a r d s a nd a n offic e r
, ,

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m n n t h e A rm e i a n fr ont i e r
n g T he .

fi rst c ondi t i on p r op ose d by t h e a mb a ssa d or i s not a t

p re se nt of a v e ry i nt e lligi bl e na t u re ; th a t t h e ci ty of
N i sibi s m igh t b e e st a bli sh e d for t h e pl a c e of m utu a l
e xch a ng e or a s w e sh ould form e r ly h a v e t e rm e d i t
, , ,

for t h e st a pl e of t ra d e b e t w e e n t h e t w o e m pi re s .

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t n t m
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i n E xc p t L g a t
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 444 TH E D E C LINE A N D F A L L
C H A P Th e re i s no di fficul ty i n c onc e ivi ng t h e i nt e nt i on of
.

X III t h e R om a n p r i nc e s t o i m p r ov e t h e i r re v e nu e by som e
.

r e st ra i nt s up on c omm e r c e ; bu t a s Ni sibi s w a s si t u a t e d
‘
wi t hi n t h e i r ow n dom i ni ons a nd a s t h e y w e re m a st e rs ,

b ot h of t h e i m p or t s a nd e xp ort s i t sh ould se e m t h a t ,

such r e st ra i nt s w e r e t h e obj e c t s of a n i nt e r na l la w ,

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e ffe c t u a l som e st ipul a t i ons w e re p r ob a bly r e qui r e d on

,

t h e sid e Of t h e ki ng of P e r si a which a pp e a r e d so v e r y ,

r e pug na nt e i t h e r t o h i s i nt e re st or t o h i s dig ni t y t h a t ,

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t hi s w a s t h e only a rt icl e t o which h e r e fu se d h i s con

se nt i t w a s no l ong e r i nsi st e d on ; a nd t h e e m p e r or s
,

e i t h e r su ffe r e d t h e t ra d e t o fl ow i n i t s na t u ra l ch a nne l s ,

or c ont e nt e d t h e m se lv e s wi t h such r e st ric t i ons a s i t de

p e nd e d on t h e i r ow n a u t h ori t y t o e st a bli sh .

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w a g e d a g a i nst ba rb a ri a ns ignora nt O f t h e u se of l e t t e rs .

Th A bo as I T h e A b ora s or a s i t i s c a ll e d by X e noph on t h e
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st r e a m of t h e M g doni u s p a sse d u nd e r t h e w a ll s of
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P oc opiu de Edifi cii 1 11 c 6

r s s, . . . .
 OF T H E R O MA N E MP IRE . 44 5

g re a t p rovi nc e 11 Th e y r e li nqui sh e d t o t h e R om a ns C H A P
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form e d a v e ry u se ful b a rri e r a nd t h e i r na t u ra l st re ng t h C i on of , e ss

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m or e from t h e a r r ow s of t h e C a rdu ch i a ns t h a n fr om
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t h e p ow e r of t h e g re a t ki ng Th e i r p ost e r i t y t h e .
,

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se r v e t h a t T i rida t e s t h e fa i thful a lly of R om e w a s

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a nd se cu re d T h e li m i t s of A r m e ni a w e r e e x t e nd e d
.

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c r e a se of d om i ni on w a s not so m uch a n a ct of lib e ra li t y

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er e re e re e a , r er . r

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b y ond t h e Tig i
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p ( t u r u s, st . . as e s r r s e e e

m nu c ip t ) t he ci t y of Ti g noce t a w
a s r s, in A an n The na m e a nd ra r as rz e e. s

S i t u t i on of t h ot h e t h
a m y b e f i nt ly t c e d
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 TH E D E CL IN E A N D FA L L
wh e n th e R om a ns a cqui re d t h e p osse ssi on of t h e m ,

t h e y stipul a t ed a t t h e e xp e nse of t h e u su r p e rs a n
, ,

a m pl e c om p e nsa t i on which i nv e st e d t h e i r a lly wi t h t h e

,

e x t e nsiv e a nd fe rt il e c ou nt ry of A t r op a t e ne It s p r i n ~
.
’

cip a l ci t y i n t h e sa m e si t u a t i on p e rh a p s a s t h e m od e r n
,

T a u ri s w a s fre qu e nt ly h onou re d wi t h t h e r e sid e nc e of

,

T i r i da t e s ; a nd a s i t som e t i m e s b or e t h e na m e of E c
b a t a na h e i m i ta t e d i n t h e buildi ng s a nd for t ific a t i ons
, , ,

Ib i a
er . t h e spl e ndid c a pi t al of t h e M e d e s I V T h e c ou nt ry .

of Ib e r i a w a s b a rr e n i t s i nh a bi t a nt s r ud e a nd sa v a g e
,
.

B u t t h e y w e re a ccu st om e d t o t h e u se of a rms a nd t h e y ,

se p a ra t e d fr om t h e e m pi re b a rb a r i a ns m uch fi e r c e r a nd

m ore form id a bl e t h a n t h e m se lv e s T h e na rrow de fi le s .

of m ou nt C a uc a su s w e re i n t h e i r h a nd s ; a nd i t w a s i n

t h e i r ch oic e e i t h e r t o a d m i t or t o e xclud e t h e w a n
d e ri ng t rib e s of S a rm a t i a wh e ne v e r a ra p a ci ou s spi r i t
,

u rg e d t h e m t o p e ne t ra t e i nt o t h e rich e r cli m a t e s of t h e
sou t h T h e nom i na t i on of t h e ki ng s of Ib e ri a which ,

w a s r e s1g ne d by t h e P e r si a n m ona r ch t o t h e e m p e r ors ,

c ont ribu t e d t o t h e st re ng t h a nd se cur i ty of t h e R 0

m a n p ow e r i n A si a P T h e e a st e nj oy e d a p rofou nd
.

t ra nquilli t y du r i ng for t y y e a rs ; a nd t h e t r e a t y b e t w e e n
t h e r iv a l m ona r chi e s w a s st ric t ly ob se r v e d t i ll t h e d e a t h
of T i ri da t e s ; wh e n a ne w g e ne r a t i on a ni m a t e d wi t h ,

di ffe re nt vi e w s a nd di ffe re nt p a ssi ons succ e e d e d t o t h e ,

g ov e r nm e nt of t h e w orld ; a nd t h e g ra nd son of N a rse s

u nd e r t ook a l ong a nd m e m ora bl e w a r a g a i nst t h e p ri nc e s
of t h e h ou se of C onst a nt i ne .

T h e a r du ou s w ork of r e scui ng t h e di st re sse d e m pi re

‘
from t y ra nt s a nd b a rb a ri a ns h a d now b e e n c om pl e t e ly ,

a chi e v e d by a succ e ssi on of Illy ri a n p e a sa nt s A s soon .

a s Di ocl e ti a n e nt e r e d i nt o t h e t w e nt i e t h y e a r of h i s

re ig n h e c e l e b ra t e d t h a t m e mora bl e e ra a s w e ll a s
, ,

t h e succ e ss of h i s a r m s by t h e p om p of a R oma n ,

C om p a re H e odot u
r 1 s, 97.i c twi h M
. ose s C horone ns
. . st rm e n . Hi . A .

l 11 c 84 a nd t h e m a
. . . .
p of rm e n a A i giv by
en hi s e t ors di .

0
p
H i be ri , l ocoru m ot e nt e s C a spi a vi a Sa rm a t a m i n rm e n os ra p t i m
. A i
e ffu ndu nt : a itT c A nna vi 34l . Se e St ra b on
. e o ra 1 764 . G g ph xi p
PP
. . . . . . .

e t e r Pa t ri ci us (i n E e r t L e g xc p i s t h e on
. p
r t e r w ho m e n
. . ly w i .

i
t ons t h e Ib i
e r a n a rt icl
e of t h e t re a t y .
 O F THE R O M A N E MP IR E . 447

t riu m ph 9. Ma xi m i a n ,
th e
qu a l p a r t ne r of h i s p ow e r C H A P e , .

w a s h i s only c om p a ni on i n t h e gl or y of t h a t da y T he
X III .
'

t w o C ae sa r s h a d fough t a nd c onqu e r e d ; b u t t h e m e r it
of t h e i r e xpl oi t s w a s a sc r ib e d a cc ordi ng t o t h e r ig ou r ,

of a nci e nt m a xi m s t o t h e a u spici ou s i nflu e nc e of t h e i r

,

fa th e rs a nd e m p e rors T h e t r iu m ph of Di ocl e ti a n
a nd Ma xi m i a n w a s l e ss m a g nific e nt p e r h a p s th a n t h ose

of A u r e li a n a nd P r obu s ; bu t i t w a s dig nifi e d by se

v e ra l ci rcu m st a nc e s of sup e ri or fa me a nd g ood for t u ne .

A fric a a nd B ri t a i n t h e Rhi ne t h e D a nub e a nd th e

, , ,

N il e fu rni sh e d t h e i r r e sp e c t iv e t rophi e s ; b u t t h e m ost

,

di st i ngui sh e d or na m e nt w a s of a m ore si ngu la r na t u re

‘

a P e rsi a n vic t or y foll ow e d by a n i m p or t a nt c onqu e st .

T h e re p r e se nt a t i ons of r iv e rs m ou nt a i ns a nd p r o , ,

vi nc e s w e re c a r ri e d b e fore t h e i m p e ri a l ca r T h e
,
.

i m a g e s of t h e c a p t iv e wiv e s t h e si st e rs a nd t h e chil , ,

d r e n of t h e g re a t ki ng a fford e d a ne w a nd g ra t e ful ,

sp e c t a cl e t o t h e v a ni t y of t h e p e opl e In t h e e y e s of 3
.

p ost e ri t y t hi s t rium ph i s re m a rk a bl e by a di st i nc t i on ,

of a l e ss h onou ra bl e ki nd It w a s t h e l a st th a t R ome .

e v e r be h el d S oon a ft e r t hi s p e ri od t h e e m p e rors
.
,

c e a se d t o v a nqui sh a nd R om e c e a se d t o be t h e c a pi t a l
,

of t h e e m pi re .

T h e S p ot on which R om e w a s fou nd e d h a d b e e n Long h , a

i gggf
th
c onse c r a t e d by a nci e nt c e re m oni e s a nd im a gi na ry m i Z r s
e

cl T h p nc of om o d o t h m m o y of f om R ome
ra es . e r e se e s e g r e e r ,
r .

som e h e r o se e m e d t o a ni m a t e e v e r y p a r t of t h e ci t y
, ,

a nd t h e e m pi r e of t h e w orld h a d b e e n p rom i se d t o t h e

c a pi t ol ‘ T h e na t iv e R om a ns fe lt a nd c onfe sse d t h e
.

p ow e r of t hi s a gre e a bl e illu si on It w a s d e riv e d from .

t h e i r a nc e st or s h a d g r ow n up wi t h t h e i r e a rli e st h a bi t s
,

q E u se biu s i n C h ron . P gia a d a nn u m Till th e di c ove y of t h e t ea t i

. s r r se

D e Mort i b u s P e rse cu t orum , i t w a s not c e t a i n t h t t h e t iu m ph a nd t he

r a r

V i nce na l i a w
e re e e ra t e c l b
a t t h e sa d me t i me .

i
A t t h e t me of t he V i nce na l i a , a G le i e ms t o h a v e k e p t h i
r u s se t a t i on s s

on t h e an D ub
e Se e a t a nt de
. Lc . M P c 38
. . . .

8
Eu t rOpi u s ( ix
m e nt ons e i th m s a p a t of t h e t iu m ph ar A t he r . s

d N
.

e rson s h a d b e e n re st ore to a rs es not h i ng m o e t h a n t h e i r i m g r c ould a es

p ,

b xhibi t e d
e e .

tL ivy giv p ch of C m ill on t h t subj ec t ( v 5l

e s us a s e e full of
a us a , .

el oqu nc e nd e n ib i li ty i n opp o i t i on to d g n of r
e a s s ,
e movm
g t h t of s a es1 e se a

g ov e nme nt f om R ome to t he n ighb ou i ng C i ty of Ve n

r r e r .
448 THE DE C LIN E A N D F A L L
of life a nd w a s p rot e c t e d i n som e m e a su r e by t h e
, , ,

Opi ni on of p oli t ic a l u t ili t y T h e for m a nd t h e se a t of .

g ov e rnm e nt w e r e i nt i m a t e ly bl e nd e d t og e t h e r ; nor w a s
i t e st e e m e d p ossibl e t o t ra nsp or t t h e one wi t h ou t de
st royi ng t h e ot h e r B u t t h e sov e re ig nt y of t h e c a pi t a l
w a s g ra du a lly a nnihil a t e d i n t h e e x t e nt of c onqu e st ;

t h e p r ovi nc e s r ose t o t h e sa m e l e v e l a nd t h e v a n ,

u i sh e d na t i ons a cqui r e d t h e na m e a nd p r ivil e g e s wi t h

q ,

ou t i m bibi ng t h e p a r t i a l a ffe c t i ons of R om a ns Du ri ng ,

.

a l on g p i
er o d h w
o e er v t h e re,
m a i n s of t h e a nci e n t c on
,
i

st i t u t i on a nd t h e i nflu e nc e of cu st om
,
p re se r v e d t h e ,

dig ni t y of R om e T h e e m p e ror s t h ough p e rh a p s of

.
,

A fr ic a n or Illy ri a n e x t ra c t i on r e sp e c t e d t h e i r a d op t e d ,

c ou nt ry a s th e se a t of t h e i r p ow e r a nd t h e c e nt r e of
, ,

t h e i r e x t e nsiv e d om i ni ons T h e e m e rg e nci e s of w a r .

v e ry fre qu e nt ly r e qui r e d t h e i r p re se nc e on t h e fron

t i e rs ; b u t Di ocl e t i a n a nd Ma xi m i a n w e r e t h e fi r st R o

m a n p ri nc e s w h o fix e d i n t i m e of p e a c e t h e i r or di na r y , ,

r e sid e nc e i n t h e p r ovi nc e s ; a nd t h e i r c onduc t h ow ,

e v e r i t m igh t b e sugg e st e d by p riv a t e m ot iv e s was ,

j u stifi e d by v e r y sp e ci ou s c onsid e ra t i ons of p olicy .

T h e c ou rt of t h e e m p e ror of t h e w e st w a s for t h e ,

m ost p a r t e st a bli sh e d a t M il a n wh ose si t u a t i on a t

, , ,

t h e foot of t h e A lp s a pp e a r e d fa r m or e c onv e ni e nt ,

t h a n t h a t of R om e for t h e i m p or t a nt pu r p ose of w a t ch
,

i ng t h e m ot i ons of t h e ba rb a r i a ns of G e rm a ny M il a n .

soon a ssu m e d t h e spl e nd ou r of a n i m p e ri a l ci t y T he .

h ou se s a r e d e sc rib e d a s nu me r ou s a nd w e ll buil t ; t h e
m a nne rs of t h e p e opl e a s p oli sh e d a nd lib e ra l A .

ci r cu s a t h e a t re a m i nt a p a l a c e b a t h s which b ore
, , , ,

t h e na m e of t h e i r fou nd e r Ma xi m i a n p or t ic oe s a d or ne d ,

wi t h st a t u e s a nd a d oubl e ci r cu m fe re nc e of w a ll s con
, ,
‘
t r ibu t e d t o t h e b e a u t y of t h e ne w c a pi t a l ; nor did i t

se e m opp r e sse d e v e n b
y t h e p r oxi m i t y of R om e T o
x
.

‘J uliu C
1
s aesa r w a s re p roa ch d wi t h t he i nt
vi ng t he mpi e i
e nt on of r e m o e re
t o Iliu m o A l x nd i a
r S S t on i n Cm a c 79
e a r A cc o di ng t o t h
. ee ue . s r. . r e
i ng ni ou c onj c t u of L F v nd D c t h t h i d od of t h t hi d
e s e re e e re a a re r, e r e e r

b ook of Ho c e w i nt nd d t o div e t A ugu t u f om t h e x cu t i on of

ra as e e r s s r e e a
s i m i l d ig n
ar es .

1
"
Se A u l i u V ic t o w ho lik e w i
e re s m nt i on t h buildi ng e c t d by
r, se e s e s re e
 O F THE R O MA N E MP IR E . 449

iv a l t h e m a j e st y of R om e w a s t h e a m bi t i on lik e w i se of C H A P
r .

XIII ‘
Di ocl e t i a n w h o e m pl oy e d h i s l e i su re a nd t h e w e a l t h
, ,

of t h e e a st i n t h e e mb e lli sh m e nt of Nic om e di a a ci t y a nd
, N
m d‘
a
ic o ,
e
.

pl a c e d on t he v e rg e of Eu r op e a nd A si a a l m ost a t a n ,
'

e qu a l di st a nc e b e t w e e n t h e D a nub e a nd t h e Euph r a t e s .

By t h e t a st e of t h e m ona r ch a nd a t t h e e xp e nse of t h e ,

l N ic m di cqui d i h sp a c e of a f
p p
e o e o e
, a a r e n t e e w ,

y e a r s a d e g re e of m a g nific e nc e which m igh t a pp e a r t o

,

h a v e r e qui r e d t he l a b ou r of a g e s a nd b e c a m e i nfe r i or ,

only t o R om e A l e x a nd r i a a nd A nt i och i n e x t e nt or
, , ,

O u lou sne ss y T h lif o f Di ocl t i a n a nd M a xi m i a n

p p e e e .

w a s a life of a c t i on a nd a c onsid e ra bl e p or t i on of i t w a s ,

sp e nt i n c a m p s or i n t h e i r l ong a nd fre qu e n t m a r ch e s ;
,

but wh e ne v e r t h e public bu si ne ss a ll ow e d t h e m a ny
r e l a x a t i on t h e y e e m t o h a v e r e t i r e d wi t h pl e a su r e t o
s ,

t h e i r fa v ou ri t e r e sid e nc e s of N ic om e di a a nd M il a n .

Till Di ocl e t i a n i n t h e t w e nt i e t h y e a r of hi s r e ig n
, ,

c e l e b ra t e d h i s R om a n t r iu m ph i t i s e x t r e m e ly d oub t ,

ful wh e t h e r h e e v e r vi si t e d t h e a nci e nt c a pi t a l of t h e
e m pi r e Ev e n on t h a t m e m ora bl e occ a si on h i s st a y
.

di d not e xc e e d t w o m ont h s Di sgu st e d wi t h t h e li .

ce nt i ou s fa m ili a r i t y of t h e p e opl e h e qui t t e d R om e ,

wi t h p r e cipi t a t i on t hi r t e e n d a y s b e for e i t w a s e xp e c t e d
,

t h a t h e sh ould h a v e a pp e a r e d i n t h e se na t e in ,

v e st e d wi t h t h e e nsig ns of t h e c onsul a r dig ni t y z

T h e di slik e e xp r e sse d by Di ocl e t i a n t ow a r ds R om e D b e a se

a nd R om a n fre e d om w a s not t h e e ffe ct of m ome nt a ry

Eggs; d
,

M a xi mi a n a t C t h g p ob bly du i ng t h M oo i h w a We h ll i n
ar a e, r a r e r s r. s a se rt
som e ve rse s of A u oniu d C l
s U b v s e a r. r . .

E t M di ol a ni m i
e om ni c opi um ra a a re r

I nn m u c lt q d om u ; f cu nd i o m
e rae u aa ue s a a v r ru
I ng ni t m o l t i ; t m duplic m u o
e a, e re s ae u e r

A m pl i fi c t l oci p ci a a
p p ql i v olup t s e es O u ue as

C i c us t i nclu i mol cu n t t h t i
r e s es ea a ea r
T mpl P l t n q
e a , c e p l n q mon t
a a r ee ue a r s, O u e s ue e a,
Et gi o H c l i c l b i b h ono l v c i
re er u e e e r s su re a a r .

C u nct a q u e m a rm ore i s orna t a p e ri st y l a si gni s ;

M oeni a que i n a orm a m circu m da t a a ro, v lli f l b
O mn a i qu
ae m a h s O e ru m ve l u t a rm u l a
p g iorm s f i
E xce l l u nt : ne cj u nct re re m t n a R om e p i vici i
Lc
.

!
3 a t a nt de M . . P
c 17 L i b a nru s O ra t
. . 2 03 viii p . .

Lc
. .

'
5
a t a nt de M . 17 . P c
O n a s m a r o a s on m m a n
. . . i il cc i A i u s ment i on s
t h e di ca cit a s p lebi s, a s not ve y g
r a re e a ble t o n i m p e i a l e a See 1 xvi
a r r. . .

c . 10 .

VOL I . .
 450 TH E D E C LIN E A N D F A L L
C H A P c a p r ic e but t h e r e sul t of t h e m ost a r t ful p olicy Th a t
.
,
.

X II I‘ c ra ft y p r i nc e h a d fra m e d a ne w sy st e m of i m p e ri a l
g ov e rnme nt which w a s a ft e rw a r d s c om pl e t e d by t h e
,

fa m ily of C onst a nt i ne ; a nd a s t h e i m a g e of t h e ol d
c onst i t u t i on w a s r e ligi ou sly p r e se r v e d i n t h e se na t e h e ,

r e solv e d t o d e p r iv e t h a t or d e r of i t s sm a ll r e m a i ns of

p ow e r a nd c onsid e ra t i on W e m a y r e c oll e ct a b ou t
"

.
,

e igh t y e a r s b e for e t h e e l e v a t i on of Di ocl e t i a n th e ,

t r a nsi e nt g r e a t ne ss a nd t h e a m bi t i ou s h op e s of t h e , ,

R om a n se na t e A s l ong a s t h a t e nt hu si a sm p re v ail e d
.
,

m a ny of t h e nobl e s i m p r ud e nt ly di spl a y e d t h e i r z ea l i n
t h e c a u se of fre e d om ; a nd a ft e r t h e succ e ssors of P r o

b u s h a d wi t hd r a w n t h e i r c ou nt e na nc e fr om t h e r e publi
ca n p a r t y t h e se na t or s w e r e u na bl e t o di sgui se t h e i r
,

i m p ot e nt re se nt m e nt A s t h e sov e re ig n of I t a ly Ma x .
,

i m i a n w a s i nt ru st e d wi th t h e c a r e of e x t i ngui shi ng t hi s
t r ou bl e som e ra t h e r t h a n d a ng e r ou s spi ri t a nd t h e
, ,

t a sk w a s p e r fe c t ly sui t e d t o h i s c r u e l t e m p e r T he .

most illu st ri ou s m e m b e rs of t h e se na t e wh om D i ocle ,

t i a n a lw a y s a ffe c t e d t o e st e e m w e r e i nv olv e d by h i s , ,

c oll e a gu e i n th e a ccu sa t i on of i m a gi na ry pl ot s ; a nd
,

t h e p osse ssi on of a n e l e g a nt vill a or a w e ll cul t iv a t e d ,

e st a t e w a s i nt e r p r e t e d a s a c onvi nci ng e vid e nc e of

,

g u i l t T h e c a m p of t h e p re t or i a ns
a
. w hich h a d s o ,

l ong Opp r e sse d b e g a n t o p rot e c t t h e m a j e st y of R om e ;

, ,

a nd a s t h ose h a ugh t y t roop s w e re c onsci ou s of t h e

d e cli ne of t h e i r p ow e r t h e y w e re na t u ra lly di sp ose d t o ,

u ni te t h e i r st r e ng t h wi t h t h e a u t h ori t y of t h e se na t e .

By t h e p r ud e nt m e a su re s of Di ocl e t i a n t h e nu m b e r s ,

of t h e p re t or i a ns w e r e i nse n sibly r e duc e d t h e i r p ri ,

N w b odi vi le g e s a b oli sh e d
e es
b a nd t h e i r pl a c e suppli e d by t w o ,

fa i t hful l e gi ons of Illy r icu m w h o u nd e r t h e ne w t itl e s , ,

H c li n of J ovi a ns a nd H e r cu l i a ns w e r e a pp oi nt e d t o p e r form
er u a s.
,

c
t h e se r vic e of t h e i m p e r i a l g u a r ds B u t t h e m ost fa t a l .

L ct nt i
a
a ccu M xi mi n of d t oyi ng fi cti c i m i n ti onib l n
a us a se s a a es r , s r a us

min n tu
a se D M P c 8a s. A u l i u V i c to p k v y d oub t fully of
e . . . . re s r s ea s er

t h f t h of Di ocl t i n t ow
e ai d hi f i nd e a ar s s r e s.
b T nc t vi u bi i m mi n t o p t o i m coh o t i m tq u i n m i
ru a ae re s r s, u rae r a ru r u a e ar s

vulgi nu m o A u l i u V i c to L ct nt
er . t t i bu t
re to G l i
s th r. a a i us a r es a er u s e

p o cu t i on of t h m pl n c 2 6
r se e sa e a , . .

Th y w old c o p t t i on d i n Illy icu m ; nd cc o di ng to t h

0
e e re r s s a e r a a r e
 O F TH E R O MA N E MP IR E . 451

t h ough c re t w ou nd which t h e se na t e r e c e iv e d from C H A P

se , .

XHL
t h e h a nd s of Di ocl e t i a n a nd Ma xi m i a n w a s i nflic t e d ,

by t h e i ne vi t a bl e op e ra t i on of t h e i r a b se nc e A s l ong .

a s t h e e m p e r ors r e sid e d a t R om e t h a t a sse m bly m igh t ,

b e opp r e sse d b u t i t c ould sc a r c e ly b e ne gl e c t e d

,
The .

succ e ssors of A ugu st u s e x e r ci se d t h e p ow e r of dic t a t i ng

\ivh a t e ve r l a w s t h e i r wi sd om or c a p ric e m igh t sugg e st ;

b u t t h ose l a w s w e r e r a t ifi e d by t h e sa nc t i on of t h e
se na t e T h e m od e l of a nci e nt fr e e d om w a s p re se r v e d
.

i n i t s d e lib e r a t i ons a nd d e c r e e s ; a nd wi se p r i nc e s w h o ,

r e sp e c t e d t h e p rej udic e s of t h e R om a n p e opl e w e r e i n ,

som e m e a su r e oblig e d t o a ssu m e t h e l a ngu a g e a nd b e

h a vi ou r sui t a bl e t o t h e g e ne r a l a nd fi r st m a gi st r a t e of
t h e r e public In t h e a rm i e s a nd i n t h e p r ovi nc e s t h e y
.
,

di spl a y e d t h e dig ni t y of m ona r ch s ; a nd wh e n th e y

fix e d t h e i r r e sid e nc e a t a di st a n c e fr om t h e c a pi t a l ,

t h e y for e v e r l a id a sid e t h e di ssi m ul a t i on which A u

gu st u s h a d r e c om m e nd e d t o h i s succ e ssors In t h e .

e x e r c ise of t h e l e gi sl a t iv e a s w e ll a s t h e e x e cu t iv e
p ow e r t h e sov e re ig n a dvi se d wi t h h i s m i ni st e r s i nst e a d
, ,

of c onsul t i ng t h e g r e a t c ou ncil of t h e na t i on The .

na m e of t h e se na t e w a s m e n t i one d wi t h h onou r t ill t h e

l a st p e ri od of t h e e m pi r e ; t h e v a ni t y of i t s m e m b e r s
d
w a s st i ll fl a t t e re d wi t h h onor a r y di st i nct i ons ; b u t t h e

a sse m bly which h a d so l ong b e e n t h e sou r c e a nd so ,

l ong t h e i nst r u m e nt of p ow e r w a s r e sp e c t fully su ffe r e d ,

t o si nk i nt o oblivi on T h e se na t e of R om e l osi ng a ll
.
,

c onne c t i on wi t h t h e i m p e r i a l c ou r t a nd t h e a c t u a l con
st i t u t i on w a s l e ft a v e ne ra bl e b u t u se l e ss m onu m e n t of
,

a nt iqui t y on t h e C a pi t oli ne hill .

Wh e n t h e R om a n p ri nce s h a d l ost sigh t of t h e C i i l m gif

se na t e a nd of t h e i r a nci e n t c a pi t a l th e y e a sily forg ot ifififii
‘ ‘
d
,
v a

fs ‘
a

t h e or igi n a nd na t u r e of t h e i r l e g a l p ow e r T h e civil .

offi c e s of c onsul of p r oc onsul of c e nsor a nd of t ribu ne

, , , ,

an ci nt t bli h m nt th y e a ch c on i t d of i x t h ou a nd m n Th ey h d
e es a s e , e s s e s s e . a
a cqui d m uch pu t t i on by t h
re re of t h p l mb t
a o d t l oa d d wi t h
e u se e u a es, r ar s e
l e d E ch oldi e c i e d fi v of t h e e which he d te d f om a c on id e
a . a s r a rr e s , ar r s r
a bl edi t nc e wi t h g t t eng t h nd d x t i t y See V get i i 17
s a , re a s r a e er . e us, . .

4
Se e t h e Th eod o i a n C od 1 vi t i t ii wi t h G ode f oy c om m e nt a y
’
s e, . . . . r s r .

G
g 2
452 T HE D E C LIN E A N D F A LL
by t he
u ni on of which it h a d b e e n form e d b e t ra y e d t o ,

t h e p e opl e i t s r e public a n e x t r a c t i on Th ose m od e st .

t i t l e s w e r e l a id a si de ; a nd if t h e y st ill di st i ngui sh e d
e

t h e i r high st a t i on by t h e a p p e ll a t i on of e m p e ror or ,

i m p e r a t or t h a t w or d w a s u nd e rst ood i n a ne w a nd
,
’

m or e dig nifi e d se nse a nd n o l ong e r de not e d t h e g e ne ,

r a l of t h e R om a n a rm i e s but t h e sov e re ig n of t h e R o ,

m a n w orld T h e na m e of e m p e r or which w a s a t fi rst

.
,

of a m ili t a r y na t u re w a s a ssoci a t e d wi t h a not h e r of a ,

‘
T h e e pi t h e t of d om i nu s or l or d
’
m ore se rvil e ki nd .
, ,

i n i t s p r i m i t iv e sig nific a t i on w a s e xp re ssiv e not of t h e , ,

a u t h or i t y of a p r i nc e ov e r h i s subj e c t s or of a com ,

m a nd e r ov e r h i s soldi e rs b u t of t h e d e sp ot ic p ow e r of ,

a m a st e r ov e r h i s dom e st ic sl a v e s
f V i e wi ng i t i n t h a t .

odi ou s ligh t i t h a d b e e n r ej e c t e d wi t h a bh orr e nc e by

,

t h e fi r st C ae sa r s Th e i r r e si st a nc e i nse nsibly b e c a m e
.

m or e fe e bl e a nd t h e na m e l e ss odi ou s ; t ill a t l e ng t h
,
’
t h e st yl e of ou r l or d a nd e m p e ror w a s not only b e ,

st ow e d by fl a t t e ry b u t w a s r e gul a r ly a d m i t t e d i nt o t h e
'

l a w s a nd public m onu m e nt s S uch l ofty e pi t h e t s w e re .

su fli c i e nt t o e l a t e a nd sa t i sfy t h e m ost e xc e ssiv e v a ni t y ;

a nd if t h e succ e ssors of Di ocl e t i a n st ill d e cli ne d t h e

t i t l e of ki ng i t se e m s t o h a v e b e e n t h e e ffe ct not so
,
s

m uch of t h e i r m od e ra t i on a s of t h e i r d e lic a cy W he r .

e v e r t h e L a t i n t ongu e w a s i n u se (a nd i t w a s t h e la n ,

gu a g e of g ov e r nm e nt t h r ough ou t t h e e m pi re ) t h e ,

i m pe r i a l t i t l e a s i t w a s p e culi a r t o t h e m se lv e s c ori
, ,

ve e d a m or e r e sp e c t a bl e id e a t h a n t h e na m e of ki ng
y ,

which t h e y m u st h a v e sh a re d wi t h a n hu nd re d b a r
b a ri a n C hi e ft a i ns ; or which a t t h e b e st t h e y c ould , ,

d e riv e only fr om R omulu s or from T a rq u i n But t h e .

se nt i m e nt s of t h e e a st w e r e v e ry di ffe r e nt fr om t h ose

Se e t h e t
8 w elft h di i on i n Spa nh ei m e xc ell e nt w o k D U u N
sse rt a t
’
s r e s u

m i sm a t u m . F om m d l i n c ip t i on nd hi t o i n h x m i n v y
r e a s, s r s, a s r a s, e e a es e er
i l p at
t t e se ar e ly a nd t c i t f om A ugu t u t o t he m om nt of t di p
, ra es r s s e i s sa

p i ng
ea r .

P l i ny i n P n gy c 3 55 t c p e k of domi nu wi t h x e c t i on a s
a e r. . .
, e . s a s s e ra ,

s y nony m ou t o t y nt nd O pp o i t e t o p i nc A nd th m P li ny e
s ra , a s r e. e sa e r

g l l
u ar
y giv t h t t i t l e
es ( i n t he t nt h b ook of t he
a pi t l ) t o h i s f i
e nd e s es r e

ra th th n m
er t e t h vi t u ou T j n
a as r, Thi s t ng c ont dic t i on pu l e
e r s ra a . s ra e ra zz s
t h c omm nt t o
e ew h o t hi nk
a nd t he t a n l a t o
rs, w ho c n w i t e
, a r s rs, a r .
 O F THE R O MA N E M P IRE . 453

of t h e w e st F rom t h e e a rli e st p e r i od of hi st ory t h e C H A P

. ,
.

X III
sov e re ig ns of A si a h a d b e e n c e l e b ra t e d i n t h e G r e e k
.

l a ngu a g e by t h e t i t l e of b a sil e u s or ki ng ; a nd si nc e ,
’

i t w a s c onsid e re d a s t h e fi rst di st i nc t i on a m ong m e n i t ,

w a s soon e m pl oy e d by t h e se r vil e p r ovi nci a l s of t h e

‘
e a t i n t h e i r h u m b l e a dd r e sse s t o t h e R om
s , a n t h r one g .

Ev e n t h e a t t r ibu t e s or a t l e a st t h e t i t l e s of t h e Di
,

vi nity w e r e u su r p e d by Di ocl e t i a n a nd Ma xi m i a n w h o
, ,

h
t ra nsm i t t e d t h e m t o a succ e ssi on of ch ri st i a n e mp e ror s .

S uch e x t ra v a g a nt c om pli m e nt s h ow e v e r soon l ose , ,

th e i r i m pi e t y by l osi ng t h e i r m e a ni ng ; a nd wh e n t h e
e a r i s onc e a ccu st om e d t o t h e sou nd t h e y a re h e a r d ,

w i t h i ndi ffe r e nc e a s v a gu e t h ough e xc e ssiv e p r ofe ssi ons

,

of r e sp e c t .

F r om t h e t i m e of A ugu st u s t o t h a t of Di ocl e t i a n t h e Di ocl t i n ,

e a
um th a ss es e
R om a n p ri nc e s c onv e rsi ng i n a fa m ili a r m a nne r a m ong di d m nd
, a e , a

th e i r fe ll ow ci t iz e ns w e re sa lu t e d only wi t h t h e sa m e i nt oduc r es
,
th P i n e e rs a
r e sp e c t t h a t w a s u su a lly p a id t o se na t or s a nd m a g i c emoni l er a .

st ra t e s Th e i r p ri ncip a l di st i nc t i on w a s t h e i m p e ri a l
.

or mili t a r y r ob e of pu r pl e ; whil st t h e se na t or i a l g a r

m e nt w a s m a rk e d by a b roa d a nd t h e e qu e st r i a n by a ,

na r row b a nd or str ip e of t h e sa me h onou ra bl e c ol ou r .

T h e p r id e or r a t h e r t h e p olicy of Di ocl e ti a n e ng a g e d
, , ,

th a t a r t ful p ri nc e t o i nt roduc e t h e st a t e ly m a g nific e nc e

of t h e c ou r t of P e r si a
i
H e v e nt u re d t o a ssu m e t h e
.

d i a d e m , a n orna m e nt d e t e ste d by t h e R om a ns a s t h e
odi ou s e nsig n of r oy a l t y a nd t he u se of which h a d ,

b e e n c onsid e re d a s t h e m ost d e sp e ra t e a ct of t h e m a d
ne ss of C a ligul a It w a s n o m ore t h a n a b roa d whi t e
.

fill e t se t wi t h p e a rl s which e nci rcl e d t h e e m p e ror s

,
’

h e a d T h e su m ptu ou s r ob e s of Di ocl e t i a n a nd h i s
.

succ e ssors w e re of silk a nd g old ; a nd i t i s re m a rk e d

wi t h i ndig na t i on t h a t e v e n t h e i r sh oe s w e r e st udd e d
,

‘
8 Sy ne si us de e no, e R g
t et a di P
15. am v p
n e te for t s
. . . I
ot a i db d hi qu
i
t on t o t he a bbé de l a Ble t e ri e .

h Se e V d l
a n a e de C onse c ra t i one , 354, e t c I t w a s p st oma r
. for t he . cu y
p
e m e rors t o m e nt on i n t h e i re a m p e of a bl
s, t e r nu m en , sa c l w h i
r ed ma est ,
j y
di vi ne or a cles e t c , or n A cc di g
. t o Ti l l e m ont , re or G g y
of Na zi a nz e n com
pla i ns m ost bi
tte r ly p f
of t h e ro a na t on, e s e a i
en i t w a s p ci lly wh
ra t se p c i d by
an Air a n e m p e ror .

See Spa nhe i m de Usu Nu m i sm a t sse rt . Di . xii .

 454 TH E D E C LIN E A N D FA L L
C H A P wi t h th e m ost p re ci ou s g e m s T h e a cc e ss t o t h e i r
. .

X III '

sa c r e d p e rson w a s e v e r y da y r e nd e re d m or e di fficul t ,

by t h e i nst i t u t i on of ne w forms a nd c e re m oni e s T h e .

a v e nu e s of t h e p a l a c e w e r e st r ic tly gu a r d e d by t h e va

r i ons s c h ools a s t h e y b e g a n t o b e c a ll e d of d om e st ic
, ,
i

offic e r s T h e i nt e r i or a p a r t m e nt s w e re i nt ru st e d t o
.

t h e j e a l ou s vigil a nc e of t h e e u nuch s ; t h e i nc re a se of
wh ose nu m b e r s a nd i nflu e nc e w a s t h e m ost i nfa llibl e
sy m p t om of t h e p r og re ss of d e sp ot i sm W h e n a su b .

a s a t l e ng t h a d m i t t e d t o t h e i m p e r i a l p r e se nc e
j e c t w ,

h e w a s oblig e d wh a t e v e r m igh t be h i s r a nk t o fa ll
, ,

p rost ra t e on t h e g rou nd a nd t o a d or e a cc ordi ng t o t h e

, ,

e a st e r n fa shi on t h e divi ni t y of h i s l or d a nd m a st e r
,
k .

Di ocl e t i a n w a s a m a n of se nse w h o i n t h e c ou rse , ,

of p r iv a t e a s w e ll a s public life h a d form e d a j u st e st i ,

m a t e b ot h of hi m se lf a nd of m a nki nd : nor i s i t e a sy t o
c onc e iv e t h a t i n su b st i t u t i ng t h e m a nne rs of P e rsi a t o
,

t h ose of R om e h e w a s se ri ou sly a c t u a t e d by so m e a n a
,

p r i ncipl e a s t h a t of v a ni t y H e fl a t t e re d hi m se lf t h a t.
,

a n ost e nt a t i on of spl e nd ou r a nd luxu ry w ould subdu e

t h e i m a gi na t i on of t h e m ul t i t ud e ; t h a t t h e m ona r ch
w ould b e l e ss e xp ose d t o th e r ud e lic e nc e of t h e p e opl e
a nd t h e soldi e rs a s h i s p e r son w a s se clud e d fr om t h e
,

public vi e w ; a nd t h a t h a bi t s of sub m i ssi on w ould i n

se nsibly b e p r oduc t iv e of se nt i m e nt s of v e ne ra t i on .

Lik e t h e m od e st y a ffe c t e d by A ugu stu s t h e st a t e m a i n ,

t a i ne d by Di ocl e t i a n w a s a t h e a t r ic a l r e p r e se nt a t i on ;
b u t i t m u st b e c on fe sse d t h a t of t h e t w o c om e di e s t h e
, ,

form e r w a s of a m uch m ore lib e ra l a nd m a nly ch a r a c t e r

t h a n th e l a t te r It w a s t h e a i m of t h e one t o di sgui se
.
,

a nd t h e obj e c t of t h e ot h e r t o di spl a y t h e u nb ou nd e d ,

p ow e r which t h e e m p e r ors p osse sse d ov e r th e R om a n

w orld .

N ew fo m ofr O st e nt a t i on w a s t h e fi rst p ri ncipl e of t h e ne w sy st e m

d n t m st l t u a

fiofi t j ;
l
i
i

v
t e d by D i ocl e t i a n T h e se c ond w a s d i v i si on
. .

A ugu t i
s H e divid e d t h e e m pi re t h e p r ovi nc e s a nd e v e ry b ra nch
, ,

k
A u liu V ic t o
re s r ; E u t rOpi u s,ix 2 6 It pp e a
. . a rs by t he p a n gy i t
e r s s,
t h t t h R om n w
a e a s e re soon re c onc i l d t o t he n m
e a e a nd c e m ony of do
er a
ra t i on.
 O F TH E R OMA N E MP IR E .

of t h e civil w e ll a s m ilit a ry a d m i ni st r a t i on H e m u l C H A P
as . .

XII I
t i p l i e d t h e wh e e l s of t h e m a chi ne Of g ov e r nm e nt a nd
'

r e nd e re d i t s Op e ra t i ons l e ss r apid b u t m ore se cu r e nd t w o . a

ce ar s a s
Wh a t e v e r a dv a nt a g e s a nd wh a t e v e r d e fe c t s m igh t a t ’

t e nd t h e se i nnov at i ons t h e y m u st b e a sc r ib e d i n a v e r y
,

g re a t d e g re e t o t h e fi rst i nv e nt or ; bu t a s t h e ne w fra m e
of p olicy w a s g r a du a lly i m p r ov e d a nd c om pl e t e d by
t
succ e e di ng p r i nc e s i t will b e m or e sa t i sfa c t or y t o d e l a y
,

t h e c onsid e ra t i on of i t t ill t h e se a son of i t s full m a t u r i t y

'
a nd p e r fe c t i on R e se rvi ng t h e r e fore for th e r e ign of
.
, ,

C onst a nt i ne a m or e e x a c t pic t u r e of t h e ne w e m pi re ,

w e sh a ll c ont e nt ou rse lv e s wi t h d e sc r ibi ng t h e p r i nci

a l a nd d e ci siv e ou t li ne a s i t w a s t r a c e d by t h e h a nd
p ,

of Di ocl e ti a n H e h a d a ssoci a t e d t h r e e c oll e a gu e s i n

.

t h e e x e r ci se of t h e sup re m e p ow e r ; a nd a s h e w a s
c onvi nc e d t h a t th e a bili t i e s of a si ngl e m a n w e re i na de
qu a t e t o t h e public d e fenc e h e c onsid e r e d t h e j oi n t ,

a d m i ni st r a t i on of fou r p r i nc e s not a s a t e m p or a r y e x e
p
di e nt b u t a s a fu nd a m e nt a l la w of t h e c onst i t u t i on
, It .

w a s h i s i nt e nt i on t h a t t h e t w o e l de r p r i nc e s sh ould b e
,

di st i ngui sh e d by t h e u se of t h e di a d e m a nd t h e t itl e of ,

A ug ust i ; t h a t a s a ffe c t i on or e st e e m m igh t di re c t t h e i r

,

ch oic e t h e y sh ould re gul a rly c a ll t o t h e i r a ssi st a nc e

,

t w o sub or di na t e c oll e a gu e s ; a nd t h a t t h e Cw sa r s r i si ng ,

i n t h e i r t u rn t o t h e fi r st r a nk sh ould supply a n u ni n ,

t e rr u p t e d succ e ssi on of e m p e r ors T h e e m pi re w a s .

divid e d i nt o fou r p a r t s T h e e a st a nd I t a ly w e re t h e
.

m ost h onou ra bl e t h e D a nub e a nd t h e Rhi ne t h e m ost

,

l a b ori ou s st a t i ons T h e form e r cl a i m e d t h e p re se nc e

.

of t h e A u u st i t h e l a t t e r w e r e i nt r u st e d t o t h e a dm i ni
g ,

st r a t i on of t h e Cw sa r s T h e st r e ng t h Of t h e l e gi ons
.

w a s i n t h e h a nd s of t h e fou r p a r t ne rs of sov e r e ig nt y ;

a nd t h e d e sp a i r of succ e ssiv e l y v a nqui shi ng fou r for m i d

a bl e r iv a l s m igh t i nt i m id a t e t h e a m bi t i on of a n a s i r
, p
i ng g e ne ra l In t h e i r civil g ov e rnm e nt t h e e m p e rors
.
,

w e re supp ose d t o e x e r ci se t h e u ndivid e d p ow e r of t h e

l Th i nnov t i on i nt oduc d by Di ocl t i n
e a s r chi fly d duc d fi t
e e a , a re e e e , rs ,

f om om v y t ong p ge i n L ct nt i ; nd c ondly f om t he n w
r s e er s r a ssa s a a us a , se , r e

a nd var i ou offi c which n t h Th od o i n c od pp

s es , i l edy t b
e s a e, a ea r a rea es a

l i he di n t he b gi nni ng of t h
s e ig n of C on t nt i n e re s a e.
 THE D EC L I N E A ND FA L L
m ona r ch ; a nd t h e i r e dic t s, i nsc r ib e d wi t h t h e i r j oi nt
na m e s, w e r e r e c e iv e d i n a l l t h e p r ovi nc e s, a s p r om u l

g a t e d by t h e i r m u t u a l c ou ncil s a nd a u t h ori t y N ot .

wi t h st a ndi ng t h e se p re c a u t i ons t h e p oli t ic a l u ni on of

,

t h e R om a n w orld w a s g ra d u a lly di ssolv e d a nd a p r i n ,

ci p le of divi si on w a s i nt roduc e d which i n t h e c ou rse , ,

o f a fe w y e a r s occ a si one d t h e p e r p e t u a l se p a r a t i on of
,

t h e e a st e r n a nd w e st e r n e m pi r e s .

T h e sy st e m Of Di ocl e t i a n w a s a cc om p a ni e d wi t h
a not h e r v e r y m a t e r i a l di sa dv a nt a g e which c a nnot e v e n ,

a t p re se nt b e t ot a lly ov e r l ook e d ; a m ore e xp e nsiv e e s

t a bli sh m e nt a nd c onse qu e nt ly a n i nc r e a se of t a x e s a nd
, ,

t h e op p r e ss10 n of t h e p e opl e I nst e a d of a m od e st fa

.

m ily of sl a v e s a nd fre e d m e n such a s h a d c ont e nt e d t h e

,

si m pl e gr e a t ne ss of A ugu st u s a nd T ra j a n t h r e e or fou r ,

m a g ni fic e nt c ou r t s w e re e st a bli sh e d i n t h e v a ri ou s p a r t s
of t h e e m pi re a nd a s m a ny R om a n ki n s c ont e nd e d
, g
wi t h e a ch ot h e r a nd wi t h t h e P e rsi a n m ona r ch for t h e
, ,

v a i n sup e r i or it y of p om p a nd luxu ry T h e nu m b e r of .

m i ni st e rs of m a gi st ra t e s of offic e rs a nd of se r v a nt s
, , , ,

w h o fill e d t h e di ffe re nt d e p a r t m e nt s of t h e st a t e w a s ,

m ul t ipli e d b e y ond t h e e x a m pl e Of form e r t i m e s ; a nd ,

r ow t h e w a r m e xp re ssi on of a c ont e m p o
( if w e m a
y b or

r a ry )
, wh e n t h e p rop or t i on of t h ose w ho r e c e iv e d ,

e xc e e d e d t h e p r op ort i on of t h ose w h o c ont r ibu t e d t h e ,

m ”
p r ovi nc e s w e re Opp re sse d by t h e w e igh t of t r ibu t e s .

F rom t hi s p e ri od t o t h e e x t i nc t i on of t h e e m pi re i t ,

Would b e e a sy t o de duc e a n u ni nt e r rup t e d se ri e s of

cl a m ou rs a nd c om pl a i nt s A cc or di ng t o h i s r e ligi on
.

a nd si t u a t i on e a ch w r i t e r ch oose s e i t h e r Di ocl e t i a n or
, ,

C onst a nt i ne or V a l e ns or Th e od osiu s for t h e obj e c t

, , ,

of hi s i nv e c t iv e s ; b u t t h e y u na ni m ou sl a g r e e i n r e re
y p
se nt i ng t h e bu r d e n of t h e public i m p osi t i ons a nd
p a r ,

t i cu l a r ly t h e l a nd t a x a nd c a pi t a t i on a s t h e i nt ol e ra bl e
-
,

a nd i nc r e a si ng g r i e v a nc e of th e i r ow n t i m e s F rom .

such a c oncu rr e nc e a n i m p a r t i a l hi st or i a n w h o i s
, ,

oblig e d t o e x t ra c t t r u t h fr om sa t i re a s w e ll a s fr om ,

p a ne gy ric will b e i ncli ne d t o divid e t h e bla m e a m ong

'

L c t nt d M P c 7
"1
a a . e . . . .
 O F THE R O MA N E MP IR E . 457

th e p ri nc e s wh om t h e y a ccu se a nd t o a sc rib e t h e i r e x C H A P
, .

a c t i ons m uch l e ss t o t h e i r p e rsona l vic e s t h a n t o t h e

X III .

u niform sy st e m of t h e i r a d mi ni st ra t i on T h e e m p e r or .

Di ocl e t i a n w a s i nd e e d t h e a u t h or of t h a t sy st e m ; b u t
du ri ng h i s r e ig n t h e g r owi ng e vil w a s c onfi ne d wi t hi n
,

t h e b ou nd s of m od e st y a nd di sc r e t i on ; a nd h e d e se r v e s
t h e r e p roa ch of e st a bli shi ng p e r nici ou s p r e c e d e nt s ,

r a t h e r t h a n of e x e r ci si ng a c t u a l Opp r e ssi on It m a y
b e a dd e d t h a t hi s re v e nu e s w e r e m a na g e d wi t h p r ud e nt
,

e c onom y ; a nd t h a t a ft e r a ll t h e cu r re nt e xp e nse s w e r e

di sch a r g e d t h e re still r e m a i ne d i n t h e i m p e r i a l t r e a
,

su r y a n a m pl e p r ovi si on e i t h e r for j udici ou s lib e r a li t y

or for a ny e m e r g e n cy of t h e st a t e .

It w a s i n t h e t w e nt y fi r st y e a r of h i s re ig n t h a t D i o A bd ic t i on
-
a

cle t i a n e xe cu t e d h i s m e m or a bl e r e solu t i on of a bdic a t i ng

‘

t h e e m pi re ; a n a c t i on m or e na t u r a lly t o h a v e b e e n e x M xi m i n a a .

p e c t e d fr o m t h e e ld e r or t h e y o u ng—
e r A n t oni nu s t h a n ,

from a p r i nc e w h o h a d ne v e r p ra c t i se d t h e l e ssons of
phil osophy e i t h e r i n t h e a t t ai nm e nt or i n t h e u se of su
,

p re m e p ow e r Di ocl e t i a n a cqui re d t h e gl ory of givi ng

.

t o t h e w orld t h e fi rst e x am pl e of a r e sig na t i on which

h a s not b e e n v e ry fre qu e nt ly i m i t a t e d by succ e e di ng
m ona r ch s . T h e p a ra ll e l of C h a rl e s t h e fift h h ow e v e r R m , , e se

will na t u ra lly offe r i t se lf t o ou r m i nd not only si nc e ,

t h e e l oqu e nc e of a m od e rn hi st or i a n h a s r e nd e r e d t h a t fift h .

na m e so fa m ili a r t o a n E ngli sh r e a d e r b u t from t h e ,

v e ry st riki ng re se m bl a nc e b e t w e e n t h e ch a ra c t e r s of
t h e t w o e m p e r ors wh ose p oli t ic a l a bili t i e s w e r e sup e
,

r i or t o t h e i r m ili t a r y g e niu s a nd wh ose sp e ci ou s vi r

,

tu e s w e re m uch l e ss t h e e ffe c t of na tu r e t h a n of a r t .

T h e a bdic a t i on of C h a rl e s a pp e a rs t o h a v e be e n h a st
e ne d by t h e vici ssi t ud e of for t u ne ; a nd t h e di sa pp oi nt

m e nt of h i s fa v ou ri t e sch e m e s u r g e d h i m t o re li nqui sh
a p ow e r which h e fou nd i na d e qu a t e t o h i s a m bi t i on .

B u t t h e r e ig n of Di ocl e t i a n h a d fl ow e d wi t h a t id e of

v p u
Indi ct a l e x no a , qu a sa ne i ll oru m t e m or m m o e st d i a t ole ra b i l i s, in
p e rni c i e m p roce ssi t
. A u l V ic
re . t or, w h o h a s t re a t e t h d
e ch a c t ar er of D i o
wi h g d
cl e t i a n t h ugh
oo se nse , t o i n b a d La t n i .

0
S luo s om n m , ost condi t u m R om a nu m m e r m ,
iu p i p iu qui ex t a nt o fa s
p p iv vi
t i gi o s ont e a d r a ta u t a st a t m ci vrli t a t e mq u e re me a re t . E ntrop . ix . 28
.
 458 THE D E C LIN E A ND F A L L
C H A P u ni nt e rr u pt e d succ e ss ; nor w a s i t t ill a ft e r h e h a d va n
.

X III u i sh e d a ll h i s e ne m i e s a nd a cc om pli sh e d a ll h i s de
.

q ,

s ig ns t h a t h e se e m s t o h a v e e nt e r t a i ne d a ny se ri ou s
,

t h ough t s of r e signi n g t h e e m pi re N e i t h e r C h a r l e s .

nor Di ocl e t i a n w e r e a r r iv e d a t a v e r y a dv a n c e d p e r i od

of life ; si nc e t h e o e w a s
n only fi ft —
fi ve a nd t h e ot h e r
y ,

w a s no m or e t h a n fi ft y ni ne y e a r s of a g e ; b u t t h e a c t iv e
-

li fe of t h ose p ri nc e s t h e i r w a rs a nd j ou r ne y s t h e c a re s
, ,

of r oy a l t y a nd t h e i r a pplic a t i on t o bu si ne ss h a d a l re a dy
, ,

i m p a i re d t h e i r c onst i t u t i on a nd b r ough t on t h e i nfi r
,

m i t i e s of a p re m a t u r e ol d a g e P .

A D 304 . N otwi t h st a ndi ng t h e se v e r i t y of a v e ry c old a nd ra i ny

Long ill n
. .

ess

of D i ocle wi nt e r Di ocl e t i a n l e ft I t a ly soon a ft e r t h e c e re m ony of

,

t ia n .
h i s t riu m ph a nd b e g a n h i s p r og re ss t ow a rd s t h e e a st
,

r ou nd t h e ci r cui t of t h e Illy ri a n p r ovi nc e s F r om t h e .

i ncl e m e ncy of t h e w e a t h e r a nd t h e fa t igu e of t h e ,

j ou rne y h e soon c ont ra c t e d a sl ow ill ne ss ; a nd t h ough

,

h e m a d e e a sy m a rch e s a nd w a s g e ne ra lly c a r r i e d i n a
,

cl ose li t te r,h i s d i sord e r b e fore h e a r riv e d a t Nic o

,

m e di a a b ou t t h e e nd of t h e su m m e r w a s b e c om e v e r y
, ,

se r i ou s a nd a l a r m i ng Du ri ng t h e wh ol e wi nt e r h e
.

w a s c onfi ne d t o h i s p a l a c e ; h i s d a ng e r i nspi r e d a e n
g
e r a l a nd u na ffe c t e d c onc e rn ; bu t t h e p e opl e c ould
only j udg e of t h e v a ri ou s a l t e ra t i ons of h i s h e a l t h fr om ,

t h e j oy or c onst e r na t i on which t h e y di sc ov e re d i n t h e
c ou nt e na nc e s a nd b e h a vi ou r of h i s a t t e nd a nt s Th e .

r u m ou r of h i s d e a t h w a s for som e t i m e u niv e rsa lly b e

li e ve d ; a nd i t w a s supp ose d t o b e c onc e a l e d wi t h a ,

vi e w t o p re v e nt th e t r oubl e s t h a t m igh t h a v e h a pp e ne d
du ri ng t h e a b se nc e of t h e C a sa r G a le ri u s A t l e ng t h .
,

h ow e v e r on t h e fi rst of M a r ch Di ocl e t i a n onc e m ore

, ,

a pp e a r e d i n public b u t so p a l e a nd e m a ci a t e d t h a t h e
, ,

c ould sc a r c e ly h a v e b e e n r e c og ni se d by t h ose t o wh om
h i s p e rson w a s t h e m ost fa mili a r It w a s t i m e t o p u t .

a n e nd t o t h e p a i nful st ruggl e which h e h a d su st a i ne d ,

du ri ng m ore t h a n a y e a r b e t w e e n t h e c a re of h i s h e a l t h
,

P T he p a t icul
r a rs of t he j ou
y nd ill n rne a e ss a re k e n f om L ct a nt i s
ta r a u ,

(c. w ho m a y om t i m s be d m i t t e d
e es a as an e vid nc e of public f c t
e a s,
t h ough v e y e ld om of p iv a t e a ne cd ot
r s r es.
 O F TH E R OMA N E MP IR E . 459

a nd t ha t dig ni t y T h e for m e r r e qui re d i ndu l C H A P

of h is . .

g e nc e a nd r e l a x a t i on ; t h e l a t t e r c om p e ll e d h i m t o di X III ’

r e ct fr om t h e b e d of sick ne ss t h e a d m i ni st rat i on of a
, ,

g re a t e m pi re H e r e solv e d t o p a ss t h e r e m a i nd e r of
.

h i s d a y s i n h onou ra b le re p ose t o pl a c e h i s gl ory b e ,

y ond t h e re a ch of for tu ne a nd t o re li nqui sh t h e t h e a t re

‘
,

of t h e w orld t o h i s y ou ng e r a nd m ore a c t iv e a ssoci a t e s 1 .

T h e c e r e m ony of hi s a bdic a t i on w a s p e r form e d i n

a sp a ci ou s pl a i n a b ou t t h r e e m il e s fr om N ic om e di a
, .

T h e e m p e ror a sc e nd e d a l oft y t h rone a nd i n a sp e e ch , ,

full of r e a son a nd dig ni t y d e cl a r e d h i s i nt e nt i on b ot h ,

t o t h e p e opl e a nd t o t h e soldi e r s w h o w e r e a sse m bl e d

on t hi s e x t ra or di na ry occ a si on A s soon a s h e h a d A D 305 . . . .

M y 1‘ a
div e st e d hi m se lf of t h e pu rpl e h e wi t hd r e w from t h e ,

g a zi ng m ul t i t ud e ; a nd t ra v e rsi ng t h e ci t y i n a c ov e re d
ch a r i ot p r oc e e d e d wi t h ou t d e l a y t o t h e fa v ou ri t e re
, , ,

t i re m e nt which h e h a d ch ose n i n h i s na t iv e c ou nt ry of
D a l m a t i a O n t h e sa m e da y which w a s t h e fi rst of
.
,

Ma y Ma xi m i a n a s i t h a d b e e n p r e vi ou sly c onc e r te d C om pli a nc e

,, ,

ma d e h i s r e sig na ti on of t h e i m p e ri a l dig ni ty a t M il a n .

Ev e n i n th e spl e nd ou r of t h e R om a n t riu m ph Di ocl e ti a n ,

h a d m e di t a t e d h i s d e sig n of a bdic a t i ng t h e g ov e rnm e nt .

A s h e wi sh e d t o se cu r e t h e O b e di e nc e of M a xi m i a n h e ,

e x a c t e d from h i m e i t h e r a g e ne r a l a ssu ra nc e t h a t h e
,

w b u l d sub m i t h i s a c t i ons t o t h e a u t h or i t y of h i s b e ne

fa c t or or a p a r t icul a r p rom i se t h a t h e w ould d e sc e nd

,

fr om t h e t h rone wh e ne v e r h e sh ould re c e iv e t h e a dvic e

,

a nd t h e e x a m pl e Thi s e ng a g e m e nt t h ough it w a s
.
,

c onfi rm e d by t h e sol e m ni t y of a n oa t h b e fore t h e a l t a r

of t h e C a pi t oli ne J upi t e r w ould h a v e p rov e d a fe e bl e 5
,

r e st ra i nt on t h e fi e r c e t e m p e r of Ma xi m i a n wh ose p a s ,

qA u liu V ic to a c ib t h bdic t i on which h d b en o v i ou ly

re s r s r es e a a , a e s ar s

a cc ou nt d fo t o t w o c u e F i t Di ocl t i n c ont m p t of m bi t i on ;
e r, a s s. rs , e a
’
s e a

and c ondly hi p p h n i on of i m p ndi ng t oubl

se , s a O n of t he p n gy
re e s e r e s. e a e

i t ( vi
r s s m nt i on t h
.
g nd i nfi
e m t of Di oclst i n v y n
e a e a r r i es e a , as a er a

tu lra on fo hi
re a s t i m nt r s re re e .

Th d i fficul t i
e w ll m i t k t t ndi ng t h d t b oth of t h y
es a s e as s a es a e e a es e ear

a nd of t h d y of Di ocl t i n
e bdic t i on
a p f c tly cl d p by T i ll
e a
’
s a a , a re er e e a re u e

m ont Hi t d E m p
, s u t om iv p 52 5 note 19 nd by P gi d
. es e re rs, . . . .
, a a a

a nnu m .

5
S P n gy V te vi 9
ee a The o t i on w
e r. p onou nc d ft M xi
e r. . . ra as r e a er a

mi n h d e
a a n dt h pu pl
r a ssu i e e r e.
460 T HE DE C LIN E A N D FA L L

i
s on w a s t h e l ov e of p ow e r a nd w h o ne i t h e r d e si r e d ,

p r e se nt t ra nquilli ty nor fu t u r e r e pu t a t i on B u t h e .

yi e ld e d h ow e v e r re luc t a nt ly t o t h e a sc e nd a nt whic h
, ,

h i s wi se r c oll e a gu e h a d a cqui re d ov e r h i m a nd r e t i re d , ,

i m m e di a t e ly a ft e r h i s a b d i c a t i on t o a vill a i n Luc a ni a , ,

Wh e r e i t w a s a l m ost i m p ossibl e t h a t such a n i m p a t i e nt

spi ri t c ould fi nd a ny l a st i ng t r a nquilli t y .

Di ocl e t i a n w h o fr om a se rvil e origi n h a d r a i se d

, , ,

hi m se lf t o t h e t h r one p a sse d t h e ni ne l a st y e a rs of h i s ,

li fe i n a p riv a t e c ondi t i on R e a son h a d dic t a t e d a nd .

,

c ont e nt se e m s t o h a v e a cc om p a ni e d h i s re t re a t i n , ,

which h e e nj oy e d for a l ong t i m e t h e r e sp e c t of t h ose

p r i nc e s t o wh om h e h a d r e sig ne d t h e p osse ssi on of t h e
w orld ‘ .I t i s se ld om t h a t m i nd s l ong e x e r ci se d i n ,

bu si ne ss h a v e form e d a ny h a bi t s of c onv e rsi ng wi t h

,

t h e m se lv e s ; a nd i n t h e l oss of p ow e r t h e y p r i ncip a lly

r e g re t t h e w a nt of occup a t i on T h e a m u se m e nt s of .

l e t t e r s a nd of d e v ot i on which a fford so m a ny re sou rc e s ,

i n soli t ud e w e re i nc a p a bl e of fixi ng t h e a t t e nt i on of
,

Di ocle t i a n ; b u t h e h a d p re se r v e d or a t l e a st h e soon r e ,

c ov e re d a t a st e for t h e m ost i nnoc e nt a s w e ll a s na t u ra l

,

pl e a su r e s a nd h i s l e i su re h ou rs w e re su ffici e ntly e m
,

pl oy e d i n buildi ng pl a nt i ng a nd g a rd e ni ng H i s a n
, , .

sw e r t o Ma xi m i a n i s d e se r v e dly c e l e b r a t e d He w a s .

solici t e d by t h a t r e st l e ss Old m a n t o r e a ssu m e t h e r e i ns

of g ov e r nm e nt a nd t h e i m p e ri a l pu r pl e H e rej e c t e d .

t h e t e m p t a t i on wi t h a sm il e of pi t y c a l m ly ob se r vi ng , ,

t h a t if h e c ould sh ow Ma xi m i a n t h e c a bb a g e s which
h e h a d pl a nt e d wi t h h i s ow n h a nd s a t S a l ona h e sh ould ,

no l ong e r b e u rg e d t o re li nqui sh t h e e nj oy m e nt of h a
p
i n e ss for t h e pu r sui t of p ow e r I n h i c o nv t i o n
p s e r s a s

wi t h h i s fri e nd s h e fr e qu e nt ly a ck nowl e dg e d t h a t of
, ,

a ll a r t s t h e m ost di fficul t w a s t h e a r t of re ig ni ng ; a nd
,

h e e xp r e sse d hi m se lf on t h a t fa v ou r i t e t op ic wi t h a de
E m ni
u e p y hi m v y fi ne c om pli m nt
us a s aA t ni m di i n m i l l m
er e : e v u u

v i u m qui p i m u i m p i um t p t i cp v t t p o i t c on ilii t f c t i i
r , r s er e ar i a i e su , s e a su
non o n t t ; n c m
pe i e pu
e t t qua od p ont t n ci
i srsse se
p i t F lix b a t u s e ra s r s . e ea s

que v
e re qu m v t et n t o m p i nc
e s ra ,
p m col nt ob qui p iv t u m
a ru r i u , u se a r a .
”

Pa ne gy r V e t
. . vi i . 15 .

We a re blige d t o th e y ou nge V ic t o fo t hi c l b
o r r r s e e ra te d hon mot . Eu
t rop i n m e nt i on t h t hi ng n a m o
s s g ne a l m a nner
e i re e r .
g re e
p e r i e nc
of

e H o
.
O F TH E R OM A N E MP IR E
w a rm t h which c oul d b e t h e r e sul t only of e x C H A P
w oft e n
”
w a s h e a ccu st om e d t o sa
,

i t t h e i nt e re st of fou r or fi ve m i ni st e rs t o c om bi ne t o
g e t h e r t o d e c e iv e t h e i r sov e re ig n ! S e clud ed fr om m a n
y

ki nd by h i s e x a l t e d dig ni ty t h e t ru t h i s c onc e a l e d fr om
h i s k nowl e dg e ; h e ca n se e only wi t h t h e i r e y e s h e
h e a r s not hi ng b u t t h e i r m i sre p r e se nt a t i ons H e con
i

,
XI II
.

,
,

,
“
46 1

fe r s t h e m ost i m p or t a nt offic e s up on vic e a nd w e a k ne ss ,

a nd di s ra c e s t h e m ost vi r t u ou s a nd d e se r vi ng a m ong
l g
”
h i s subj e c t s By such i nfa m ou s a r t s a dd e d D i ocle
.
,

t ia n , t h e b e st a n d wi se st p r i nc e s a r e sold t o t h e v e na l
”
c orr up t i on of t h e i r cou rt i e r s A j u st e st i m a t e of x
.

g re a t ne ss a nd t h e a ssu r a nc e Of i m m or t a l fa m e i m p rov e
, ,

ou r re li sh for t h e pl e a su r e s of re t i r e m e nt ; bu t t h e R o

m a n e m p e r or h a d fill e d t oo i m p or t a nt a ch a ra ct e r i n
t h e w orld t o e nj oy wi t h ou t a ll a y t h e c om for t s a nd se
,

cu r i ty of a p r iv a t e c ondi t i on It w a s i m p ossibl e t h a t .

h e c ould r e m a i n ig nor a n t Of t h e t roubl e s which a fflic t e d

t h e e m pi re a ft e r h i s a bdic a t i on It w a s i m p ossibl e th a t .

h e c ould be i ndi ffe r e nt t o t h e i r c onse qu e nc e s Fe a r .

,

sorr ow a nd di sc ont e nt som e t i m e s pu r su e d h i m i nt o t h e

, ,

soli t ud e of S a l ona H i s t e nd e rne ss or a t l e a st h i s

.
,

p r id e w a s d e e ply w ou nd e d by t h e m i sfortu ne s of h i s
,

wife a nd d a ugh t e r ; a nd t h e l a st m om e nt s of Di ocl e t i a n

w e re i m bi t te r e d by som e a ffr ont s which Lici niu s a nd ,

C onst a nt i ne m igh t h a v e sp a r e d t h e fa t h e r of so m a ny
e m p e r or s a nd t h e fi r st a u t h or of t h e i r ow n for tu ne
, .

A r e p or t t h ough of a v e ry d oub t ful na t u re h a s re a ch e d ndd t h , a ea .

A D 313
ou r t i m e s t h a t h e p r ud e nt ly wi t hd re w hi m se lf fr om
'

t h e i r p ow e r by a v olu nt a r y d e a t h y
B e fore w e di sm i ss t h e c onsid e ra t i on of t h e life a nd D c ip t i on es r

ch a r a c t e r of Di ocl e t i a n w e m a y for a m om e nt di re c t gii if

,
igi d , ,
a

ou r vi e w t o t h e pl a c e of h i s r e t i r e m e nt S a l ona a j a c nt co n .
,
e u
i ) t
p r i ncip a l ci t y of h i s na t iv e p r ovi nc e of D a l m a ti a w a s ,
"

‘Hi A ugu t p
1
st . s . . 2 2 3, 2 2 4 . V0 pi scus h a d le a rne d t hi s c onv e rsa t i on
f om hi f t h e
r s a r.

3 Th y ou ng e V i c to sligh t ly m e nt i on the e p o t B t a Di ocl ti a n

e r r s r r . u s e

h a d d i oblig d a p ow e ful a nd ucc es ful p a t y h i m m o y h a b e e n

s e r s s r , s e r s

l o d d w i t h v e y c i me nd m i fo t u ne It h a s b ee n a ffi me d t h a t he di e d
a e e r r a s r . r

r a vi ng m a d t h a t h e w a s c ond e mne d a s a c i mi na l by t he Rom a n se na t e e t c

,
r , .
 “
462 THE D E C LIN E A N D F A L L

“
ne a r t w o hu nd re d R om a n mil e s (a cc ordi ng t o t h e m e a
su r e m e nt of t h e public highw a y s
) f rom A quil e i a a nd

t h e c onfi ne s of I t a ly a nd a b ou t , t w o hu nd r e d a nd

se v e nt y fr om Si r m iu m t h e u su a l r e sid e nc e of t h e e m
,
‘
e ror s wh e ne v e r t h e y vi si t e d t h e Illy r i a n fr ont i e r A
p .

m i se ra bl e vill a g e st ill p r e se r v e s t h e na m e of S a l ona ;

but so l a t e a s t h e six t e e nt h c e nt u ry t h e r ema i ns of a ,

t h e a t r e a nd a c onfu se d p r osp e c t Of b r ok e n a r ch e s a nd
,

m a r bl e c olu m ns c ont i nu e d t o a t t e st i t s a nci e nt spl e n

,

d ou r . A b ou t si x or se v e n m il e s from t h e ci t y D i o ,

cl e ti a n c onst r uc t e d a m a g nific e nt p a l a c e ; a nd w e m a y
i nfe r fr om t h e g r e a t ne ss of t h e w ork h ow l ong h e h a d
, ,

m e di t a t e d h i s d e sig n of a bdic a t i ng t h e e m pi r e T he .

ch oic e of a sp ot which u ni t e d a ll t h a t c ould c ont ribu t e

e i t h e r t o h e a l t h or t o luxu ry did not r e qui r e t h e p a r
,

t i a l i t y of a na t iv e T h e soil w a s dr y a nd fe r t il e t h e
.
,

a i r i s pu re a nd wh ol e som e a nd t h ough e x t r e m e ly h ot
,

du ri ng t h e su mm e r m onth s t hi s c ou nt ry se ld om fe e l s
,

t h ose sul t ry a nd noxi ou s wi nd s t o which t h e c oa st of ,

I st ri a a nd som e p a r t s of I t a ly a r e e xp ose d T h e vi e w s .

from t h e p a l a c e a r e no l e ss b e a u t iful t h a n t h e soil a nd

cli m a t e w e re i nvi t i ng T ow a rd s t h e w e st li e s t h e fe r
.

t il e sh or e th a t st re t ch e s a l ong t h e A d r i a t ic , i n which a
nu mb e r of sm a ll i sl a nd s a r e sc a tt e re d i n such a m a nne r ,

a s t o giv e t hi s p a r t of t h e se a t h e a pp e a r a n c e of a g r e a t

l a k e O n t h e nor t h sid e li e s t h e b a y which l e d t o t h e

.
,

a nci e nt ci t y of S a l ona ; a nd t h e c ou nt r y b e y ond i t a

p ,

p e a ri ng i n sigh t form s a p r op e r c ont ra st t o t h a t m ore

,

e x t e nsiv e p r osp e c t of w a t e r which t h e A d ri a t ic p re

,

se nt s b ot h t o t h e sou t h a nd t o t h e e a st T ow a r d s t h e .

nor t h , t h e vi e w i s t e rm i nat e d by hi gh a nd i r re gul a r

m ou nt a i ns si t u a t e d a t a p rop e r di st a nc e a nd i n m a ny
, ,

pl a c e s c ov e re d wi t h vill a g e s w ood s a nd vi ne y a r d s b ”
, , .

t
See t h e It i ne r
. p .di W l
2 69 2 72 e t
. e sse
. . .

b i i ggi
Th e a a t e F ort s, i n hi s V a D l zi p o in pia ma a, 43 ( r nt e at . . d
V ic y
e n e i n t he ea r 1 ll v lu
774 i n t w o sm a
, q qu
o m e s i n u a rto) ot e s a m a n u
c ip cc u
s r t a iqui i
o nt of t h e a nt S l c p d by Gi b i
t e s of a ona , om ose a m a t t st a Giu
b u iddl
st i nra ni a o t t h e m ix hc uy
e of t h e s t e e nt e nt r
b Ad
.

A iqui i
am s
’
nt Di cl i
t e s of p l c ’
p
o e t a n s a a e a t Spa l a t ro, 6 We m a y . .

a dd a ci cu r c f b i li l
m st a n e or t w o rom t h e a a t e Fort s Th e t t e stre a m of t h e
.

Hy d i d by Luc p duc
a er, m e nt one a n, xqui i
ro u which
e s m ost e s t e t ro t , a sa a g
 O F T HE R O MA N E MP IRE . 463

Th ough C onst a nt i ne from a v e r y Obvi ou s p rej udic e C H A P , , .

a ffe c t s t o m e n t i on t h e p a l a c e of Di ocl e t i a n w i t h con

X III .

t em p t t f h i r succ e ssor s w h o c ould only se e O f D i oc

"
y e o n e o
,
t e l , e

a
it i gl c d d m u il d t c l b i ts m a g P
'

n a ne e t e a n t a t e st a e e e ra t e s ,

d
ni fi ce nce i n t e rm s of t h e high e st a dm i ra t i on It co .

v e r e d a n e x t e nt of g rou nd c onsi st i ng of b e t w e e n ni ne
a nd t e n E ngli sh a c r e s T h e for m w a s qu a d ra ngul a r .
,

fl a nk e d wi t h six t e e n t ow e rs T w o of t h e sid e s w e re .

ne a r si x hu nd re d a nd t h e oth e r t w o ne a r se v e n h u n ,
~

d re d fe e t i n l e ng t h T h e wh ol e w a s c onstr uc t e d of a .

b e a u t iful fr e e st one e x t ra c t e d fr om t h e ne ighb ou ri ng ,

qu a rri e s of T r a u or T ra g u t i u m a nd v e ry li t t l e i nfe r i or ,

t o m a rbl e i t se lf F ou r st re e t s i nt e r se c t i ng e a ch ot h e r
.
,

a t r igh t a ngl e s divid e d t h e se v e ra l p a r t s of t hi s g r e a t

,

e di fic e ; a nd t h e a pp r oa ch t o t h e p r i ncip a l a p a r t m e nt

w a s fr om a st a t e ly e nt ra nc e which i s st ill d e nom i na t e d ,

t h e g old e n g a t e T h e a pp r oa ch w a s t e rm i na t e d by a
.

e r zst lzu m of g r a ni t e c olu m ns ne sid e of which

’ ’

p
-
y o n o ,

w e di sc ov e r t h e squ a r e t e m pl e of fE scu la p i u s on t h e ,

ot h e r t h e oct a g on t e m pl e of J upi t e r
, T h e l a t t e r of .

th ose d e i t i e s D i ocl e ti a n r e v e re d a s t h e p a t ron of hi s

for t u ne s t h e form e r a s t h e p r ot e c t or of h i s h e a l t h B y
, .

c om p a r i ng t h e p re se nt r e m a i ns wi t h t h e p re c e p t s of
V i t ruviu s t h e se v e ra l p a r t s of t h e buildi ng t h e b a th s
, , ,

b e dch a m b e r t h e a t r i um t h e ba si li ca a nd t h e Cy z i
, , ,

c e ne C ori nt hi a n a nd Egyp t i a n h a ll s h a v e b e e n de
, , ,

sc r ib e d wi t h som e d e g r e e of p re ci si on or a t l e a st Of ,

p rob a bili t y Th e i r for m s w e re v a ri ou s th e i r p r op or

.
,

t i ons j u st ; b u t th e y w e re a ll a t t e nd e d wi t h t w o i m p e r
fe ct i ons v e r y re pug na nt t o ou r m od e r n not i ons of t a st e
,

a nd c onv e ni e ncy Th e se st a t e ly r oom s h a d ne i th e r

.

wi nd ow s nor chi mne y s Th e y w e re ligh t e d from t h e .

cious w
p e h a p m onk supp o e s t o h a v e b ee n one of th e p i ncip a l
r i t er, r s a , s r

e
r as on t h a t d e t e m i n d Di ocl t i n i n t he ch oic e of hi s et i e m e nt
s r e e Fo t i
a r r . r s,

p 45 Th e m a u t h o ( p
. . sa ob e rv e
e that t a t for a g icul t u e i
r . s s, a s e r r s
r e vivi ng a t Sp l a t o ; nd t h t n e xp e i m e nt a l f m h a s l a t e ly b e n e t b
a r a a a r ar e s a
li h d n
s e t he ci t y by a oci e t y of g e nt l m n
ea r , s e e .

C on t nt i n O t d Oost u m S a nc t c 2 5 In t hi e mon the e m

s a . ra . a . . . s s r ,

e o o
r r, t h e bi h o w h o c om p o d i t fo h i m
r ff c t t o l t t h m i se bl r
p p s e a e e se e , a s re ra

e nd of ll t he p e a cu to of t h chu ch
‘
rse rs e r .

1
C on ta nt i n Po phy de S t a t u I m p er p 86
s . r r. . . .
 464 THE D E C LIN E A ND F A L L
r th e
t op , (fo buildi ng se e m s t o h a v e c onsi st e d of no
m or e t h a n one st ory ) a nd t h e y r e c e iv e d t h e i r h e a t by ,

t h e h e lp of pip e s t h a t w e r e c onv e y e d a l ong t h e w a ll s .

T h e ra ng e of p r i ncip a l a p a rt m e nt s w a s p rot e c t e d t o
w a r d s t h e sou t h w e st by a p or t ic o fi ve hu nd r e d a nd-
,

se v e nt e e n fe e t l ong which m u st h a v e form e d a v e r y ,

nobl e a nd d e ligh t ful Wa lk wh e n t h e b e a u t i e s of p a i nt ,

i ng a nd sculp t u r e w e re a dd e d t o t h ose of t h e p r osp e c t .

H a d t hi s m a g nific e nt e dific e r e m a i ne d i n a soli t a ry

c ou nt ry i t w ould h a v e b e e n e xp ose d t o t h e ra v a g e s of
,

t i m e ; b u t it m igh t p e r h a p s h a v e e sc a p e d t h e r a p a , ,

ci ons i ndu st ry of m a n T h e vill a g e Of A sp a la t h u s .

e
,

a nd l ong a ft e r w a r ds t h e p r ovi nci a l t ow n of S a l a t ro

p ,

h a v e g row n ou t of i t s r ui ns T h e g old e n g a t e now .

op e ns i nt dt h e m a rk e t pl a c e S t J oh n t h e b a p t i st h a s -
. .

u su r p e d t h e h onou r s of fE scu la p i u s ; a nd t h e t e m pl e
of J upi t e r u nd e r t h e p r ot e c t i on Of t h e V i r gi n i s con
, ,

v e r t e d i nt o t h e c a t h e d ra l chu r ch F or t hi s a cc ou nt of .

’
Di ocl e ti a n s p a l a c e w e a re p r i ncip a lly i nd e bt e d t o a n ,

i ng e ni ou s a r t i st of ou r ow n t i m e a nd c ou nt ry wh om a ,

v e ry lib e ra l cu ri osi t y c a rr i e d i nt o t h e h e a r t of D a l
f
m a t ia B u t t h e r e i s r oom t o su sp e c t t h a t t h e e l e g a nc e
.

of h i s d e si g ns a nd e ng r a vi ng ha s som e wh a t fl a tt e r e d

t h e obj e c t s which i t w a s t h e i r pu r p ose t o r e p r e se nt .

W e a re i nform e d by a m or e r e c e nt a nd v e ry j udici ou s
t ra v e ll e r t h a t t h e a wful r ui ns of S p a l a t r o a r e not l e ss
,

e xp r e ssiv e of t h e d e cli ne of t h e a r t s t h a n of t h e g re a t ,

n e ss of t h e R om a n e m pi re i n t h e t i m e of D i ocle t i a n g .

If such w a s i nd e e d t h e st a t e of a rchi te c t u r e w e m u st ,

na t u ra ll b e li e v e t h a t p a i nt i ng a nd sculp t u r e h a d e x
y
e r i e nc e d a st ill m ore se nsibl e d e c a y T h p c t ic e of
p e r a .

a r chi t e c t u r e i s di r e c t e d by a fe w g e ne r a l a nd e v e n m e

‘D A
3
’
G éog ra phi A nci nne t o n i p 162
nvi l le , e e r
f M e i u A d m nd C l i
. . .
, .

ss e rs a t t nd d by t w o d a ugh t m n vi i t e d
a a e r sse a u , e e r s e , s
S p l t o i n th m ont h of J uly 1757
a a r e Th m g nific nt w o k which t h i e a e r e r
j ou n y p oduc d w publi h d n Lond on v n y
.
,

r e r e as ft w d s e i se e e a rs a er ar s.
g I h a ll qu ot t he w o d of t h b a t e Fo t i E b t v ol m nt not a ’
s e r s e a r s. as e e e
a gli a m t o i d ll chi t t t u
a r d ell nt i chi t a l op e a d l ig no A d m
e
’
ar e ra , e
’
a ,
’
r e s r a ,

ch e adon t o m ol t oa
q up bi v t i gi c oll b i t u l l g nz d l o
a ue
’
s er es
’
a a e e e a a e su
t occ l pi d l bu b no In g n l l o z zz a d l c lp ll o e l c a t iv o ’
a a s e e . e e ra e a r z e e s a e ,

g t o d l c ol o vi g gg i no c oll a m gn fi c n a de l f b i ca to Se e
us e se a re a a r e z a r .

V i ggi o i n D l m zi p 40
a a a a , . .
 OF THE R O MA N E MP IRE .

ch a ni ca l ul e s B u t sculp t u re a nd a b ov e a ll p a i nti ng C H A P
r .
, , , .

X 11"
p rop ose t o th e m se lv e s t h e i m i t a t i on not only of t h e ,

form s of na tu re b u t of t h e ch a ra ct e rs a nd p a ssi ons of

,

t h e hu m a n soul In th ose subli m e a r t s t h e d e xt e r ity

.
,

of t h e h a nd i s of li t t l e a v a il u nl e ss it i s a ni ma t e d by ,

fa ncy a nd guid e d by t h e most c orre c t t a st e a nd oh

,

se r v a ti on .

It i s a l most u nne c e ssa ry t o r e m a rk th a t t h e civil di s O f l t t , e e rs.

t ra cti ons of t h e e m pi r e t he lic e nc e of t h e soldi ers t h e , ,

i nroa d s of t h e b a rb a r i a ns a nd t h e p r og re ss of d e sp ot ,

i sm h a d p r ov e d v e ry u nfa v ou ra bl e t og e niu s a nd e v e n
, ,

t o l e a r ni ng ; T h e succ e ssi on of Illy r i a n p r i nc e s r e st or e d

t h e e mpi r e wi t h out r e st or i ng t h e s ci e nce s
, Th e i r m ili .
~

t a ry e duc a ti on w a s not c a lcul a t e d t o i nspi r e th e m wi t h

t h e l ov e of l e tt e rs ; a nd e v e n t h e m i nd of Di ocl e t i a n ,

h ow e v e r a ctiv e a nd c a p a ci ou s i n b u si ne ss w a s t ota lly ,

u ni nform e d by study or sp e cul a tion T h e p rofe ssions .

of l a w a nd phy sic a r e of such com mon u se a nd ce rt a i n

p r ofit th a t th e y will a lw a ys se cu re a su fli cie nt nu mb e r

,

of p ra cti t i one rs e nd ow e d wit h a re a sona bl e d e g re e of

,

a bili t i e s a nd k nowl e dg e ; b u t i t d oe s not a pp e a r th a t

t h e stud e nt s i n t h ose t w o fa cul t i e s a p pe a l t o a ny c e le

bra t e d m a st e r s w h o fl ouri sh e d withi n th a t p e ri od T h e .

v oic e of p oe try w a s sil e nt Hi st ory w a s r e duc e d t o dry .

a nd c onfu se d a b r idg e me nt s a lik e d e sti t ut e of a m u se ,

m e nt a nd i nst ructi on A l a nguid a nd a ffe c t e d e lo .

u e nc e w a s st ill r e t a i ne d i n t h e a y a nd se r vic e O f t h e
~

q p
e m p e rors w h o e nc ou ra g e d not a ny a r t s e xc e p t th ose
,

which c ont ribut e d t o t h e g ra t ific a ti on of th e i r p ride or ,

h
t h e d e fe nc e of t h e i r p ow e r .

T h e d e cli ni ng a g e of l e a r ni ng a nd of m a nk i nd i s Th n w e e
Em m ”
ma rk e d h ow e v e r by t h e ri se a nd ra pid p r og re ss of t h e
, ,
i

n e w P l a t oni st s T h e sch ool of A l e x a nd r i a sil e nc e d

.

th ose of A t h e ns ; a nd t h e a nci e nt se c t s e nroll e d th e m

Th o t o E m ni
e ra w r c t y t o t h m p e o Ma xi m i n nd
u e us a s se re a r e e r rs a a
C on t nt iu nd p of o of h t o ic i n t h c oll g of A u t u n H i l y
s a s, a r e ss r r e r e e e . s sa a r

w as si x hu nd d t h ou nd t c
re which cc o di ng t o t h l ow e t com
sa se s e r e s, , a r e s

pu t t i on of t h t g mu t h v xc d d t h t h ou nd p ou nd y
a a a e, s a e e ee e re e sa s a e a r.

H g n ou ly qu t d t h p m i s i on of m pl oyi ng i t i n ebu i ld i ng t h
e e er s re es e e er s e r e
c oll g S hi O t i on D B t a ndi Sch oli ; w hich t h ough not
e e. ee s ra e es u ra s s ,

e x mp t f om v ni ty m y t on fo hi p n gy ic
e r a , a a e r s a e r s.

VOL I . .
 466 TH E D E C L I N E A N D F A L L
C HAP .
se lv e s u nd e r t h e b a nne r s of t he m ore fa shi onab l e
X III
.
t e a ch e r s w h o r e c om m e nd e d t h e i r sy st e m by t h e no
,

ve l t y of t h e i r m e th od a nd t h e a u st er i t y of t h e i r m a n
,

ne rs. S e v e ra l of t h e se m a ste rs A mm oni u s P l oti nu s , , ,

’
A m e li u s a nd P or phy ry w e r e m e n of p r ofou nd t h ough t
, ,

a nd i nt e nse a pplic a t i on ; b u t by m i st a ki ng t h e t r u e oh

j ce t of phil osophy t h e i r l a b ou rs c ont r ibu t e d m uch l e ss

,

t o i m pr ov e t h a n t o c or rupt t h e hu m a n u nd e rst a ndi ng .

T h e k nowl e dge th a t i s sui t e d t o ou r si t u a t i on a nd

p ow ers th e wh ol e c omp a ss of m or a l na tu ra l a nd m a
, , ,

t h e m a tic a l sci e nc e w a s ne gl e ct e d by t h e ne w
, Pla
t oni st s ; whil st t h e y e xh a u st e d t h e i r st re ng t h i n t h e
v e rb a l di sput e s of m e t a phy sic s a t t e m p t e d t o e xpl ore ,

t h e se c re t s of t h e i nvi sibl e w orld a nd st udi e d t o re c on ,

cile A ri st ot l e wi t h P l a t o on subj e c t s of which b ot h ,

"

t h e se philosoph e r s w e re a s ig nor a nt a s t h e r e st of m a n
ki nd Consu m i ng t h e i r r e a son i n t h e se de e p but u n
.

sub st a nti a l m e di t a t ions t h e i r m i nd s w e r e e xp ose d t o

,

illu si ons of fa ncy Th e y fl a t te r e d t h e m se lv e s t h a t th e y

.

p osse sse d t h e se c re t of di se ng a gi ng t h e soul from i t s

c or p ore a l p r i son ; cl a i m e d a fa m ili a r i nt e r c ou rse wi t h
d e m ons a nd S pi ri t s ; a nd by a v e r y si ngul a r re v olu t i on
, ,

conve r t e d t h e st ud y of p h il osophy i nt o t h a t of m a gic

'

T h e a nci e nt sa g e s h a d d e r id e d t h e p opul a r su p e rst i

t i on a ft e r d i sgui si ng i t s e x t ra v a g a nc e by t h e thi n
p re

t e nc e of a ll e g or y t h e di scipl e s of P l ot i nu s a nd Por
'

h
p y y r b e c a m e i t s m ost z e a l ou s d e fe nd e r s A s t h e y .
'

a g re e d wi t h t h e C h r i st i a ns i n a fe w m y st e r i ou s p oi nt s

“
of fa i t h t h e y a t t a ck e d t h e re m a i nde r of t h e i r t h e ol o
,

i ca l sy st e m wi t h a l l t h e fu ry of civil w a r T h e ne w
g .

Pla foni st s w ould sc a r c e ly d e se rv e a pl a c e i n t h e hi st or y

of sci e n c e bu t i n t h a t of t h e chu r ch t h e m e nti on of
,

t h e m will v e ry fre qu e ntly occu r .

Po phy y di d b ou t t h t i me of Di ocl t i n bdic t i on Th lif of

r r e a e e a
’
s a a . e e

hi m t
s a s er Pl ot i nu which h c omp o d W i ll giv
s, e th m o t c om pl t
se , e us e s e e

id of t h g niu of t h c t nd t h m nn of i t p of o Thi v y
ea e e s e se , a e a e rs s r e ss rs. s er

cu i ou pi c i i n t d i n F b iciu B bl G c t om iv p 88— 148

r s e e s se r e a r s, r . ra a, . . . .

THE END OF VOL . I .

P R I N T F D BY T A L B O Y S A H) ‘ ’
H EF L F R , O X FO D R .