Gibbon's History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire. With the ... notes by H. H. Milman. With illustrations

Front matter

II THE HISTORY OF THE DECLINE' AND J'ALL OP tile EOMAN EMPIRE BY EDWARD GIBBON. WITH NOTES BY H. H. MILMAN, D.D. (LATE DEAN OF ST. PAUL'S.) SHith Jail 3$age Illustrations. VOLUME I. WARD, LOCK AND CO., LONDON: WARWICK HOUSE, SALISBURY SQUARE, E.C. NEW YORK : 10 BOND STREET. 5. Cowan £-= Co. , Strathmore Printing Works, forth. The great work of Gibbon is indispensable to the student of history. The literature of Europe offers no substitute for " The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire." It has obtained undisputed possession, as rightful occu pant, of the vast period which it comprehends. However, some subjects, which it embraces, may have undergone more complete investigation ; on the general view of the whole subject, this history is the sole undisputed authority to which all defer, and from which few appeal to the original writers, or to more modern compilers.

The inherent interest of the subject, the inexhaustible labour employed upon it ; the immense condensa tion of matter ; the luminous arrangement ; the general accuracy ; the style, which however monotonous from its uniform stateliness, and sometimes wearisome from its elaborate art, is throughout vigorous, animated, often picturesque ; always commands attention, always conveys its meaning with emphatic energy ; describes with singular breadth and fidelity ; and gene ralises with unrivalled felicity of expression ; all these high qualifications have secured, and seem likely to secure, its permanent place in historic literature.

This vast design of Gibbon, the magnificent whole into which he has cast the decay and ruin of the ancient civilisation, the formation and birth of the new order of things, will of itself, independent of the laborious execution of his immense plan, render the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire an unapproachable subject to the future historian* In the eloquent language of his recent French editor, M. Guizot : — " The gradual decline of the most extraordinary dominion which has ever invaded and oppressed the world ; the fall of that immense empire, erected on the ruins of so many kingdoms, republics, and states both barbarous and civilised ; and forming in its turn, by its dismemberment, a multitude of states, republics, and kingdoms ; the annihilation of the religion of Greece and Rome ; the birth and the progress of the two new religions which have shared the most beautiful regions of the earth ; the decrepitude of the ancient world, the spectacle of its expiring glory and degenerate manners ; the infancy of the modern world, the picture of its first progress, of the new direction given to the mind and character of man — such a subject must necessarily fix the attention and excite the interest of men, who cannot behold with indifference those memorable epochs, during which, in the fine language of Corneille — ' Un grand destin commence, un grand destin s'acheve.' " * A considerable portion of this preface has already appeared before the public in the Quarterly Review.

Introduction

1 March. .. 11 Moderation of Augustus .. .. 1 Number and Disposition of the Legions 12 Imitated by his Successors . . . . 2 Conquest of Britain was the first Exception to it 3 Navy 12 Amount of the whole Establishment 13 Conquest of Dacia, the second Exception to it 4 "View of the Provinces of the Roman Empire 13 Conquest of Trajan in the East .. 4 Resigned by his Successor Hadrian . . 5 Spain 13 Gaul 13 Contrast of Hadrian and Antoninus Pius 5 Britain .. .. .. .. *. 14 Italy .. ■ .. .. ■ .. .. 14 The Danube and Ulyrian Frontier . . 15 Pacific System of Hadrian and the two Antonines 6 Rhætia . . - . . . . . . . . 15 Defensive Wars of Marcus Antoninus 6 Noricum and -Pannonia .. .. 15 Military Establishment of the Roman Emperors 6 Dalmatia . . .... . . . . 15 Mæsia and Dacia .. .. .. 15 Discipline , . . . . . . . 7 Thrace, Macedonia, and Greece .. 16 Asia Minor .. 16 Exercises 8 Syria, Phœnicia, and Palestine . . 16 The Legions under the Emperora .. 8 Egypt 18 Arms 9 Cavalry 9 Africa 18 Auxiliaries 10 The Mediterranean with its Islands 19 Artillery .. 11 General Idea of the Roman Empire 19 Encampment 11

Chapter II. The Roman Empire In The Age Of The Of The

UNION AND INTERNAL PROSPERITY OF ANTONINES. Principles of Government . . . . 20 Populousness of the Roman Empire 31 Universal Spirit of Toleration . . 20 Obedience and Union 31 Roman Monuments 32 Of the People 20 Many of them erected at private Expense 32 Of Philosophers 21 Of the Magistrates 22 In the Provinces . . . . - . . . • 22 Example of Herodes Atticus . . . . 33 At Rome . . . . • ■ • • • • 23 His Reputation 33 Freedom of Rome 23 Most of the Roman Monuments for public Use 34 Italy 24 Temples, Theatres, Aqueducts .. 34 The Provinces 25 Number and greatness of the Cities of the Empire 35 Colonies and Municipal Towns . . 25 Division of the Latin and Greek Provinces . . . . . . • • • • 26 In Italy 35 General use of both the Greek and Latin Languages 27 Gaul and Spain 35 Africa 36 Asia 36 Slaves 28 Roman Roads 36 Their Treatment 28 Posts 37 Enfranchisement 30 Numbers 30 Navigation Contents.

XIV Page A.D. Page A.D. Arts of Luxury 39 Improvements of Agriculture in the Western Countries of the Empire . . 37 Foreign Trade .. .. .. .• 39 Gold and Silver 40 Introduction of Fruits, &c 38 General Felicity 4q The Vine 38 Decline of Courage 41 The Olive 38 Flax 38 Decline of Genius 41 Degeneracy 42 Artificial Grass 39 General Plenty 39

Chapter III. Of The Constitution Of The Roman Empire

j I, IN THE AGE OF THE ANTONINES. Idea of a Monarchy 42 Image of Government for the Armies 51 Situation of Augustus .. .. .. 43 Their Obedience 52 He reforms the Senate , 43 Designation of a Successor .. .. 52 Resigns his usurped Power .. .. 43 Of Tiberius 52 Of Titus .. .. 52 Is prevailed upon to resume it under the Title of Emperor or General ... 44 The Race of the Cæsars, and Flavian Family 53 Power of the Roman Generals .. 44 Lieutenants of the Emperor .. .. 45 96 Adoption and Character of Trajan . . 53 Division of the Provinces between the Emperor and the Senate .. . . 45 117 Of Hadrian 53 Adoption of the elder and younger Verus .. .. .. .. .. 64 The former preserves his military Command, and Guards, in Rome itself 46 138-180 Adoption of the two Antonines . . 54 Character and Reign of Pius .. .. 55 Consular and Tribunitian Powers .. 46 Character and Reign of Marcus .. 55 Imperial Prerogatives .. .. „ 47 Happiness of the Romans . . „ 66 The Magistrates .. „ .. ..47 Its precarious Nature 56 Memory of Tiberius, Caligula, Nero, and Domitian . . . . . . . . 56 The Senate .. _ .. 48 General Idea of the Imperial System 48 Court of the Emperors .. „ .. 48 Peculiar Misery of the Romans under their Tyrants . . . . 66 Deification 49 Titles of Augustus and Cæsar . . .. 50 Insensibility of the Orientals .. .. 57 Character and Policy of Augustus .. 50 Image of Liberty for the People . . 51 Knowledge and free Spirit of the Romans _ 67 Attempts of the Senate after the Death of Caligula 61 Extent of their Empire left them no place of Refuge , 68

Chapter IV. The Cruelty, Follies, And Murder Of Commodus

— ELECTION OF PERTINAX — HIS ATTEMPTS BY THE PRÆTORIAN GUARDS. TO REFORM THE STATE — HIS ASSASSINATION Indulgence of Marcus 5S Acts as a Gladiator 66 To his wife Faustina .» .. .. 59 His Infamy and Extravagance M 66 To his son Commodus .. .. 59 Conspiracy of his Domestics .. .. 67 180 Accession of the Emperor Commodus 59 Character of Commodus .. .. 60 192 Death of Commodus 67 Choice of Pertinax for Emperor .. 67 His return to Rome .. .. .. 60 He is acknowledged by the Prætorian guards „ 68 183 Is wounded by an Assassin .. .. 61 Hatred and Cruelty of Commodus towards the Senate . . . . . . 61 193 And by the Senate 68 The memory of Commodus declared infamous gg The Quintilian Brothers .. . . 61 186 The Minister Perennis 62 Legal Jurisdiction of the Senate over the Emperors qq Revolt of Maternus 62 The Minister Cleander 63 "Virtues of Pertinax 69 His Avarice and Cruelty . . . . 63 He endeavours to reform the State 69 His Regulations .. .. .. 70 189 Sedition and Death of Cleander .. 64 Dissolute Pleasures of Commodus . . 64 His Ignorance and low Sports . . 65 Hunting of wild Beasts 65 His Popularity 79 Discontent of the Prætorians .. ., 70 A Conspiracy prevented .. ... 7j Commodus displays his Skill in the Amphitheatre 65 193 murder of Pertinax by the Prætorians . . . . . . . t Contents. XV

Chapter V. Public Bale O?

THE EMPIRE TO DIDIU8 JULIANUS BY THE PRÆTORIAN GUARDS — CLODIUS ALBINUS IN [BRITAIN, PESCENNIUS NIGER IN STRIA, AND SEPTIMIUS 8EVERU8 IN PAN- NONIA, DECLARE AGAINST THE MURDERERS OF PERTINAX — CIVIL "WARS AND VICTORY OF SBVERUS OVER HIS THREE RIVALS — RELAXATION OF DISCIPLINE — NEW MAXIMS OF GOVERNMENT, Page A.D. Page A.D. Proportion of the Military Force to the Number of the People . . . . 71 Disgrace of the Prætorian Guards .. 79 Funeral and Apotheosis of Pertinax 79 The Prætorian Guards 72 193-197 Success of Severus against Niger and against Albinus . . . . . . 79 Their Institution 72 Their Camp 72 Conduct of the two Civil Wars .. 80 Arts of Severus 80 Strength and Confidence .. .. 72 Their specious Claims 73 Towards Niger 80 They offer the Empire to Sale .. 73 Towards Albinus 81 J 93 It is purchased by Julian .. .. 73 Event of the civil Wars . . . . 81 Julian is acknowledged by the Senate 74 Decided by one or two Battles .. 82 Takes Possession of the Palace . . 74 Siege of Byzantium 82 The Public Discontent 74 Death of Niger and Albinus .. .. 83 The Armies of Britain, Syria, and Pannonia, declare against Julian .. 75 Cruel Consequences of the Civil Wars 83 Animosity of Severus against the Senate 83 Clodius Albinus in Britain .. .. 75 Pescennius Niger in Syria . . . . 76 The Wisdom and Justice of his Government 84 Pannonia and Dalmatia .. -* 76 General Peace and Prosperity .. 84 193 Septimius Severus 77 Declared Emperor by the Pannonian Legions ( 77 Relaxation of military Discipline .. 8 New Establishment of the Prætorian Guards 85 Marches into Italy 77 Advances towards Rome . . . . 77 The Office of Prætorian Prefect .. 85 Distress of Julian 78 The Senate oppressed by military Despotism .. .. .. .. ■■ 86 His uncertain Conduct 78 New Maxims of the Imperial Prerogative .. 86 Is deserted by the Prætorians . . 78 Is condemned and executed by Order of the Senate 79

Chapter VI. The Death Of Severus

— TYRANNY OF CARACALLA — USURPATION OF MACRIN US— FOLLIES OF ELAGABALUS— VIRTUES OF ALEXANDER SEVERUS— LICENTIOUSNESS OF THE ARMY- GENERAL STATE OF THE ROMAN FINANCES, Imitation of Alexander .. .. 95 Greatness and Discontent of Severus 87 Election and Character of Macrinus 95 His Wife the Empress Julia . . . . 87 Their two Sons, Caracalla and Geta . . 87 Discontent of the Senate . . . - 05 Their mutual Aversion to each other BS Discontent of the Army .- .. 96 Macrinus attempts a Reformation of the Army . . . . . . . . 96 Three Emperors .. .. .. .. SS 208 The Caledonian War 88 Death of the Empress Julia .. .. 97 Fingal and his Heroes 88 Education, Pretensions, and Revolt, of Elagabalus, called at first Bassianus and Antoninus .. .. 97 Contrast of the Caledonians and the Romans 89 Ambition of Caracalla 89 218 Defeat and Death of Macrinus .. 97 211 Death of Severus, and Accession of his two Sons 89 Elagabalus writes to the Senate .. 98 219 Picture of Elagabalus 99 Jealousy and Hatred of the two Emperors • . 89 His Superstition 99 Fruitless Negotiation for dividing the Empire between them . . . - 90 His profligate and effeminate Luxury 100 Contempt of Decency, which distinguished the Roman Tyrants . . 100 212 Murder of Geta 90 Discontents of the Army . . ..101 Remorse and Cruelty of Caracalla .. 91 221 Alexander Severus declared Cæsar .. 101 Death of Papinian 92 222 Sedition of the Guards, and Murder of Elagabalus 101 213 His Tyranny extended over the whole Empire 93 Accession of Alexander Severus .. 102 Relaxation of Discipline . . • . 93 Power of his Mother Mamæa .. .. 102 217 Murder of Caracalla Contents.

XVI Page- A.D. PaS« Trig wise and moderate Administration 103 Tributes of the Provinces . . - - 1°» Of Asia, Egypt, and Gaul .. ..109- Education and virtuous Temper of Of Africa and Spain 109 Alexander 103 Of the Isle of Gyarus HO Journal of his ordinary Life . . • • 103 222-235 General Happiness of the Eoman World 104 Amount of the Revenue HO Taxes on Eoman Citizens instituted by Augustus 11° Alexander refuses the Name of Antoninus 10* I. The Customs H° II. The Excise m He attempts to reform the Army . . 105 III. Tax on Legacies and Inheritances •■ HI Seditions of the Prætorian Guards, and Murder of Ulpian 105 Suited to the Laws and Manners . . 112 Danger of Dion Cassius 106 Eegulations of the Emperors . . . . 112 Tumults of the Legions 108 Edict of Caracalla US Firmness of the Emperor 106 The Freedom of the City given to all the Provincials for the Purpose of Taxation us Defects of his Eeign and Character . . 107 Digression on the Finances of the Empire 108 Temporary Eeduction of the Tribute 113 Establishment of the Tribute on Eoman Citizens 108 Consequences of the Universal Freedom of Eome H3 Abolition of the Tribute 108 CHAPTEE VII.

THE ELEVATION AUD TYRANNY OF MAXIHIN— REBELLION IN AFRICA AND ITALY, UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF THE SENATE— CIVIL WARS AND SEDITIONS—VIOLENT DEATHS OF MAXIMIN AND HIS SON, OF MAXIMUS AND BALBINUS, AND OF THE THREE GORDIANS— USURPATION AND SECULAR GAMES OF PHILIP. The apparent Eidicule and solid Advantages of hereditary Succession 114 Tumult at Eome 123 The younger Gordian is declared Cæsar 123 Maximin prepares to attack the Senate, and their Emperors 123 Want of it in the Eoman Empire productive of the greatest Calamities . . 114 238 Marches into Italy 124 Birth and Fortunes of Maximin . . . 115 His Military Service and Honours . . 116 Siege of Aquileia 124 235 Conspiracy of Maximin 116 Conduct of Maximus . . . . . . 125 Murder of Alexander Severus .. .. 116 238 Murder of Maximin and his Son . . 125 Tyranny of Maximin 117 His Portrait 125 Joy of the Roman World .. ..126 Oppression of the Provinces . . . . 118 Sedition at Eome 126 237 Revolt in Africa 118 Discontent of the Prætorian Guards . . 127 Character and Elevation of the two Gordians 119 238 Massacre of Maximus and Balbinus . . 127 They solicit the Confirmation of their Authority 120 The third Gordian remains sole Emperor 123 The Senate ratifies the Election of the Gordians 120 Innocence and Virtues of Gordian . . 128 240 Administration of Misitheus .. .. 128 Declares Maximin a public Enemy .. 120 242 The Persian War 129 Assumes the Command of Rome and Italy 121 243 The Arts of Philip 129 244 Murder of Gordian 129 Prepares for a Civil War . . . . 121 Form of a Military Republic .. ..129 237 Defeat and Death of the two Gordians 121 Eeign of Philip 130 Election of Maximus and Balbinus by the Senate 122 248 Secular Games 130 Decline of the Roman Empire . . . . 131 Their Characters .. .. ■„, .. ..122

Chapter VIII. Of The State Of Persia After The Restoration Of The

MONARCHY BY ARTAXERXES. The Barbarians of the East and of the North 131 Encouragement of Agriculture .. 137 Power of the Magi 137 Revolutions of Asia . . . . . . 132 Spirit of Persecution 138 The Persian Monarchy restored by Artaxerxes 133 Establishment of the Royal Authority in the Provinces 139 Reformation of the Magian Religion 133 Extent and Population of Persia . . 139 Persian Theology, two Principles . . 135 Recapitulation of the War between the Parthian and Eoman Empires . . 140 Religious Worship 136 Ceremonies and moral Precepts . . 136 165 Cities of Seleucia and Ctesiphon . . Contents. XVII Page Pag A.D. A.D. 216 Conquest of Osrhoene by the Eomans 141 More probable Account of the War . . 14 230 Artaxerxes claims the Provinces of Asia, and declares War against the Eomans .. .. .. .. .- 141 240 Character and Maxims of Artaxerxes . . 1<3 Military Power of the Persians . . 144 Their Infantry contemptible . . . . 144 233 Pretended Victory of Alexander Severus 142 Their Cavalry excellent 144 CHAPTEE IX.

THE STATE OF GERMANY TILL THE INVASION OF THE BARBARIANS, IN THE TIME OF THE EMPEROR DECIUS. Extent of Germany 146 Voluntary Engagements .. .. 154 Climate 147 German Chastity 155 Its probable Causes 155 Its Effects on the Natives .. ..148 Eeligion .. .. .. .. .. 156 Origin of the Germans 148 Its Effects in Peace 157 Fables and Conjectures .. .. 148 The Germans ignorant of Letters . . 149 War 157 The Germans ignorant of Arts and Agriculture 150 TheBards 158 Causes which checked the Progress of the Germans . . . . . . . . 158 The Germans ignorant of the Use of Metals 151 WantofArms 158 of Discipline 159 Their Indolence 151 Their Taste for strong Liquors . . 152 Civil Dissensions of Germany . . 159 State of Population 152 Fomented by the Policy of Rome . . 160 German Freedom 153 Transient Union against Marcus Antoninus .. .. .. •- ■- 160 Assemblies of the People .. .. 153 AuthorityofthePrincesandMagistrates 154 Distinction of the German Tribe . . 161 Numbers 161 More absolute over the Property, than over the Persons of the Germans . . 154

Chapter X. Valerian, And

GALLIENUS— THE GENERAL TIIE EMrERORS DECIUS, GALLUS, ÆMILIANUS IRRUPTION OF THE BARBARIANSi — THE THIRTY TVRANTS. 243-268 The Nature of the Subject . . 162 Gallus purchases Peace by the payment of an annual Tribute .. ..171 The Emperor Philip 162 Popular Discontent 172 249 Services, Revolt, Victory, and Eeign 253 Victory and Revolt of Æmilianus . . 172 of the Emperor Decius 162 Gallus abandoned and slain .. .. 172 250 He marches against the Goths . . 163 Valerian revenges the Death of Gallus 172 Origin of the Goths from Scandinavia 163 Valerian is acknowledged Emperor . . 172 Eeligion of the Goths 164 Character of Valerian 173 Institutions and Death of Odin . . 164 Agreeable, but uncertain, Hypothesis 253-268 General Misfortunes of the Eeigns of Valerian and Gallienus . . . . 173 concerning Odin 165 Inroads of the barbarians .. .. 173 Emigration of the Goths from Scandinavia into Prussia 165 Origin and Confederacy of the Franks 174 They invade Gaul 174 Emigration of the Goths from Prussia to the Ukraine 166 Ravage Spain 175 The Gothic Nation increases in its March 167 Pass over into Africa 175 Origin and Penown of the Suevi . . 175 A mixed body of Suevi assume the Name of Alemanni 176 Distinction of the Germans and Sarmatians 167 Invade Gaul and Italy 176 Description of the Ukraine . . . . 168 Are repulsed from Rome by the Senate and people 176 The Goths invade the Roman Provinces 168 The Senators excluded by Gallienus from the Military Service . . . . 176 250 Various Events of the Gothic War . . 168 251 Decius revives the Office of Censor in the Person of Valerius .. .. 169 Gallienus contracts an Alliance with the Alemanni 177 The Design impracticable, and without Effect 170 Inroads of the Goths 177 Conquest of the Bosphorus by the Goths 177 Defeat and Death of Decius and his Son 170 The Goths acquire a Naval Force . . 178 251 Election of Gallus 171 First Naval Expedition of the Goths 178 262 Retreat of the Goths 171 b Contents.

XVIII Page Page a.d. "*■" Boldness and Success of Odenathus against Sapor 184 A.D. The Goths besiege and take Trebizond 1'9 The second Expedition of the Goths 179 Treatment of Valerian 185 Character and Administration of Gallienus .. .. .. •• •• 185 They plunder the Cities of Bithynia 179 Retreat of the Goths 180 The Thirty Tyrants 186 Third Naval Expedition of the Goths 180 Their real number was no more than nineteen 187 They pass the Bosphorus and the Hellespont 18° Ravage Greece, and threaten Italy . . 181 Character and merit of the Tyrants . . 187 Their obscure Birth 187 Their Divisions and Retreat . . . . 181 The Causes of their Rebellion . . 187 Ruin of the Temple of Ephesus .. 182 Conduct of the Goths at Athens . . 182 Their violent Deaths 188 Conquest of Armenia by the Persians 183 Fatal Consequences of these Usurpations 188 Valerian marches into the East . . 183 Disorders of Sicily ... . . . . 189 Tumults of Alexandria 189 260 Is defeated and taken prisoner by Sapor King of Persia 183 Eebellion of the Isaurians . . . . 190 Sapor overruns Syria, Cilicia, and Cappadocia 184 Famine and Pestilence 390 Diminution of the Human Species .. 191 CHAPTEE XI.

REIGN OF CLAUDIUS— DEFEAT OF THE GOTHS—" -VICTORIES: I, TRIUMPH, AND DEATH OF AURELIAN. 271 Aurelian suppresses the two Usurpers 201 268 Aureolus invades Italy, is defeated and besieged at Milan . . . . 191 Succession of Usurpers in Gaul . . 202 Death of Gallienus 192 271 The Eeign and Defeat of Tetricus . . 202 Character and Elevation of the Emperor Claudius 192 272 Character of Zenobia 203 Her Beauty and Learning .. .. 203 ■238 Death of Areolus 193 Her Valour 203 Clemency and Justice of Claudius . . 193 She revenges her Husband's Death .. 204 He undertakes the Reformation of the Army 194 She reigns over the East and Egypt . . 204 272 The Expedition of Aurelian .. ..204 269 The Goths invade the Empire .. 194 The Emperor defeats the Palmyrenians in the Battles of Antioch and Emesa 205 Distress and Firmness of Claudius . . 195 The State of Palmyra 205 His Victory over the Goths . . . . 195 270 Death of the Emperor, who recommends Aurelian for his Successor . . 196 It is besieged by Aurelian . . . . 206 273 Aurelian becomes Master of Zenobia, and of the City 206 The Attempt and fall of Quintilius . . 196 Origin and Services of Aurelian . . 196 Behaviour of Zenobia . . . . 207 Aurelian's successful Reign . . . . 197 Rebellion and Ruin of Palmyra .. 207 His severe Discipline 197 Aurelian suppresses the Rebellion of Firmus in Egypt 207 He concludes a Treaty with the Goths 197 He resigns to them the Province of Dacia 198 274 Triumph of Aurelian 208 His Treatment of Tetricus and Zenobia 209 270 The Alemannic War 199 His Magnificence and Devotion . . 209 The Alemanni invade Italy . . . . 200 He suppresses a Sedition at Rome . . 210 They are at last vanquished by Aurelian 200 Observations upon it 210 Cruelty of Aurelian 211 271 Superstitious Ceremonies . . . . 200 275 He marches into the East, and is assassinated . . . . , . . . 211 Fortifications of Rome 201

Chapter XII. Conduct Of The Army And Senate After The Death Of

AURELIAN — REIGNS OF TACITUS, PROBUS, CARUS, AND HIS SONS. Extraordinary Contest between the Army and the Senate for the Choice of an Emperor 212 Their Joy and Confidence . . . . 215 276 Tacitus is acknowledged by the Army 216 The Alani invade Asia, and are repulsed by Tacitus 216 £73 A peaceful Interregnum of eight Months .. 213 276 Death of the Emperor Tacitus . . 216 The Consul assembles the Senate . . 213 Usurpation and Death of his Brother Florianus .. .. .. .. 217 Character of Tacitus 213 He is elected Emperor 214 Their family subsists in Obscurity . . 217 He accepts the Purple 214 Character and Elevation of the Emperor Probus 217 Authority of the Senate . . . .

Contents, XIX A.D. Page A.D. Pag His respectful Conduct towards the Senate 218 The Sentiments of the Senate and People 225 Victories of Probus over the barbarians 219 Carus defeats the Sarmatians, and marches into the East . . . . 220 277 He delivers Gaul from the Invasion of the Germans . . . . . . . . 219 283 He gives Audience to the Persian Ambassadors . . . . . . . . 226 He carries his Arms into Germany . . 220 283 Hie Victories, and extraordinary Death 227 He builds a Wall from the Rhine to the Danube 221 He is succeeded by his two Sons, Carinus and Numerian . . . . , . 227 Introduction and Settlement of the barbarians . . . . . . . . 222 284 Vices of Carinus 228 Daring Enterprise of the Franks . . 222 He celebrates the Roman Games ». 229 279 Revolt of Saturninus in the East . . 223 Spectacles of Rome 229 280 Revolt of Bonosus and Proculus in Gaul 223 The Amphitheatre 230 Return of Numerian with the Army from Persia . . . . . . . . 231 281 Triumph of the Emperor Probus . . 224 His Discipline 224 Death of Numerian . . . , . . 231 282 His Death 224 2S4 Election of the Emperor Diocletian . . 232 Election and Character of Carus . . 225 285 Defeat and Death of Carinus .. ..232

Chapter XIII. The Reign Of Diocletian And His Three Associates, Maximian, Galerius

AND CON- STANTIUS — GENERAL RE-ESTABLISHMENT OF ORDER AND TRANQUILLITY— THE PERSIAN WAR, VICTORY, AND TRIUMPH — THE NEW FORM OF ADMINISTRATION— ABDICATION AND RETIREMENT OF DIOCLETIAN AND MAXIMIAN, 285 Elevation and Character of Diocletian 233 His Victory 246 His Clemency in Victory . . . . 234 His Behaviour to his Royal Captives .. 247 286 Association and Character of Maximian 234 Negotiation for Peace 247 Speech of the Persian Ambassador .. 247 292 Association of two Cæsars, Galerius and Constantius . . . . . . 235 Answer of Galerius 247 Moderation of Diocletian . . . . 248 Departments and Harmony of the four Princes .. .. .. .. 236 Conclusion of a Treaty of Peace . . 248 Articles of the Treaty 248 Series of Events 236 The Aboras fixed as the Limits between the Empires 249 287 State of the Peasants of Gaul . . . . 336 Their Rebellion 237 Cession of five Provinces beyond the Tigris 249 And Chastisement . . . . . . 237 287 Revolt of Carausius in Britain . . 237 Armenia .. .. .. .. -• 249 Importance of Britain .. .. . . 238 Iberia 250 Power of Carausius 238 303 Triumph of Diocletian and Maximian 250 289 Acknowledged by the other Emperors 238 Long Absence of the Emperors from Eome 250 Their Residence at Milan . . . . 251 294 His Death 239 296 Recovery of Britain by Constantius . . 239 Defence of the Frontiers . . . . 239 Their Residence at Nicomedia .. 251 Fortifications . . . . . . . . 239 Debasement of Rome and of the Senate 252 Dissensions of the barbarians . . . . 240 Civil Magistracies laid aside . . - . 253 Conduct of the Emperors .. .. 240 Imperial Dignity and Titles .. ..253 Valour of the Cæsars . . . . . . 240 Diocletian assumes the Diadem, and introduces the Persian Ceremonial 254 Treatment of the barbarians . . . . 240 Wars of Africa and Egypt . . . . 241 New Form of Administration, two Augusti, and two Cæsars . . . . 254 296 Conduct of Diocletian in Egypt . . 241 He suppresses Books of Alchemy . . 242 Increase of Taxes 255 Novelty and Progress of that Art . . 242 Abdication of Diocletian and Maximian 256 The Persian War 243 Resemblance to Charles the Fifth . . 256 282 Tiridates the Armenian . . . . 243 304 Long Illness of Diocletian .. .. 256 286 His Restoration to the Throne of Armenia 243 His Prudence 257 Compliance of Maximian .. .. 257 State of the Country 243 Retirement of Diocletian at Salona .. 257 Revolt of the People and Nobles .. 244 His Philosophy 258 Story of Mamgo 244 313 His Death 258 The Persians recover Armenia . . 245 Description of Salona and the adjacent Country 258 296 War between the Persians and the Romans 245 Of Diocletian's Palace 259 Decline of the Arts 260 Defeat of Galerius 215 His Reception by Diocletian . . . . 246 Decline of Letters 2(0 297 Second Campaign of Galerius . . . . 246 The new Piatonists Contents.