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[1] Then amid¹ . . . it has seemed best to give an account, without a break, of what happened next, lest while, amongst matters and places widely separated, others are intruded, the survey of many varying events may inevitably be confused.

[2] Nubel, as a petty king, had great power among the Moorish peoples; on departing from life, besides legitimate sons he left some that were the offspring of concubines. Of the latter Zammac, who was beloved by the general called Romanus,² was secretly murdered by his brother Firmus, an act which occasioned dissensions and wars. For Romanus, hastening with extreme zeal to avenge his death, resorted to many formidable means for the destruction of the assassin; and, as persistent rumours divulged, even at court vigorous measures were taken to make sure that the reports of Romanus, which heaped up many serious charges against Firmus, should be gladly received and read out to the emperor; and many voices united in supporting these reports. But, on the contrary, the arguments which Firmus through his friends frequently presented in his defence for the purpose of saving his life, although they were received, were long concealed; for Remigius, at that time marshal of the court, a relative and friend of Romanus, declared that amid the more important and pressing business of the emperor such trivial and superfluous communications could not be read until opportunity offered.

[3] When the Moor perceived that these things were being done to break down his defence, he was now in dread of the worst; and fearing that the rebuttal which he offered would be set aside and he would be executed without a trial as dangerous and unruly, he revolted from the rule of the empire, and sought the help of neighbouring peoples . . . for devastating³ . . .⁴

[4] To avert this danger before an implacable enemy should increase in strength, Theodosius, commander of the cavalry, was sent with the aid of a small body of the court troops, since in his merits (as a man efficient in accomplishing his ends) he surpassed all others of his time. He might well be compared with Domitius Corbulo and Lusius⁵ of old, of whom the former under Nero, the latter during Trajan’s reign, were famed for many brave deeds.

[5] Then setting out from Arles under favourable auspices and crossing the sea with the fleet under his command, preceded by no report of his coming he landed on the coast of Sitifian⁶ Mauritania, which the natives call Igilgilitanum. There he chanced upon Romanus, whom he addressed courteously, and sent him to take charge of the guards and frontier defences, with a very slight rebuke for the conduct⁷ which made him apprehensive.

[6] When Theodosius had departed to Caesarean Mauritania, he sent Gildo,⁸ the brother of Firmus, and Maximus to arrest Vincentius, who as second in command to Romanus participated in his insolence and thefts.

[7] Then, after being joined by his troops somewhat tardily, since they were delayed by the long sea-voyage, he hastened to Sitifis, and gave orders that Romanus should, with his attendants, be handed over to the guard, to be kept in custody. During his stay in that town Theodosius was torn with twofold anxiety and turned over many things in his mind, considering by what way and by what devices he might lead his soldiers, who were accustomed to a cold climate, through lands parched with heat, or might capture an enemy who was a runabout, making sudden moves and trusting rather to secret ambuscades than to stand-up fights.

[8] When this became known to Firmus, at first through uncertain rumour and then through definite information, overcome by the arrival of so brilliant a general, he sent envoys with a letter to ask pardon and indulgence for what had happened, declaring that he had not of his own volition taken a hasty step which he knew to be criminal, but because of unjust and outrageous treatment by Romanus, as he promised to show.

[9] When the general had read the letter, he accepted hostages and promised peace; he then proceeded to the station called Pancharia, in order to review the legions which were guarding Africa and had been bidden to assemble in that place. There he aroused the hope of all by a lofty, but discreet, address, and returned to Sitifis, where he united the native troops and those which he himself had brought; then, impatient of further delay, he hastened with all speed to open the campaign.

[10] But among many other excellent measures he made himself immensely more beloved by this—that he did not allow the provincials to furnish supplies for the army, declaring with splendid confidence that the harvests and stores of the enemy were the granaries of our valorous troops.⁹

[11] After these arrangements had thus been made to the joy of the land-owners, he marched to Tubusuptum, a town near Mount Ferratus, but declined to receive a second deputation from Firmus, because, contrary to the previous agreement, it had brought no hostages with it. From there he carefully examined into everything, so far as present circumstances allowed, and then advanced rapidly against the peoples of the Tyndenses and the Masinissenses, who were provided only with light arms and were led by Mascizel¹⁰ and Dius, brothers of Firmus.

[12] When the enemy, active in all their limbs, were in sight, a fierce battle began after volleys of missiles from both sides; amid the groans of the dying and the wounded the mournful howls of the barbarians were heard, as they were taken prisoner or killed; and when the contest was ended, many fields were plundered and burned.

[13] Among such disasters conspicuous were those to an estate called Petrensis, which its owner, Salmaces, a brother of Firmus had built up in the manner of a city,¹¹ and which was utterly destroyed. The victor, elated by this success, with remarkable speed seized the town of Lamfoctum, situated among the aforesaid peoples, where he caused an abundance of provisions to be stored, so that if on penetrating farther into the country he met with a scarcity of food, he might order it to be brought from near at hand.

[14] During the course of these events Mascizel, having recovered his strength by bringing in helpers from neighbouring tribes, engaged with our men; but when very many of his troops were routed, he himself barely escaped the danger of death through the swiftness of his horse.

[15] Firmus, weakened by the losses of two battles and chafing in his inmost heart, in order not to neglect even one last measure, sent priests of the Christian sect with hostages to beg for peace. These were received courteously and, on their promise to furnish the necessities of life for the soldiers, as was ordered, they brought back a favourable reply and peace; whereupon the Moor himself, after sending presents, went with some confidence to the Roman general, mounted upon a horse that would prove useful in times of danger; and when he had come near, dazzled by the gleaming standards and the fear-inspiring expression of Theodosius, he sprang from his mount, and with bowed neck almost prostrate on the ground blamed with tears his rashness, and begged for pardon and peace.

[16] Being received with a kiss, since the interests of the state so demanded, he was now filled with joyful hope, furnished a sufficient amount of provisions, left some of his relatives by way of hostages, and went away, after agreeing to fulfil his promise and return the captives which he had taken at the very beginning of the rebellion. Two days later, without hesitation, he restored, as had been ordered, the town of Icosium, of whose founders I spoke before,¹² the military standards, and the priestly crown,¹³ as well as the rest of the booty which he had taken.

[17] When after this our general had hurried through long marches and was now entering Tipasa, to envoys from the Mazices, who had joined with Firmus, and humbly begged for pardon, he replied with lofty spirit that he would at once take the field against them as traitors.

[18] And when they, paralysed with fear of the imminent danger, had been ordered to return to their homes, he went on to Caesarea,¹⁴ formerly a powerful and famous city, the origin of which I have also fully discussed in my description of the topography¹⁵ of Africa.¹⁶ On entering the city, and finding it almost wholly burned down from widespread fires, and the pavingstones white with mould, he decided to station the first and second legions there for a time, with orders to clear away the heaps of ashes and keep guard there, to prevent the place from being devastated by a renewed attack of the savages.

[19] When these events had been spread abroad by frequent and trustworthy rumours, the officials of the province and the tribune Vincentius¹⁷ came out of the hiding-places in which they had taken refuge, and at last, free from fear, quickly appeared before the general. He, after having seen and received them gladly, being then still at Caesarea, inquired carefully about the true state of affairs; he learned that Firmus, under pretence of fear and submission, was secretly forming the plan of throwing our army into confusion, as if by a sudden tempest, while it feared no hostile demonstration.

[20] Therefore he turned from there and came to the municipal town of Sugabarritanum, on the slope of the Transcellian mountain, where he found the horsemen of the fourth cohort of archers, which had gone over to the rebel; and to show that he was content with a somewhat mild punishment, he degraded them all to the lowest class of the service; then he ordered them and a part of the Constantian¹⁸ infantry, with their tribunes, one of whom had placed his neckchain, in place of a diadem, on Firmus’ head, to come to Tigaviae.

[21] While this was going on, Gildo and Maximus returned, bringing Belles, one of the chiefs of the Mazices, and Fericius, prefect¹⁹ of the tribe, who had aided the party of the disturber of the public peace²⁰ . . .

[22] When this had been done according to order, at daybreak he himself came out, and finding the rebels surrounded by his army, he said: What think you, my devoted comrades, ought to be done with these abominable traitors? And acceding to the acclamation of those who asked that they should pay for it with their blood, he turned over those who served among the Constantiani to the soldiers, to be slain in the oldfashioned way.²¹ But he had the hands of the leaders of the archers cut off and punished the rest with death, following the example of that strictest of leaders Curio,²² who put an end by a punishment of that kind to the wildness of the Dardani, when, like the Lernaean hydra, they constantly gained new life.

[23] But malevolent detractors, while praising that act of the olden time, find fault with this one as cruel and inhuman, declaring that the Dardani were murderous enemies and justly suffered the punishment which befell them, while these, on the contrary, were soldiers under the flag who had allowed themselves to commit a single fault and deserved to have been punished more leniently. But such folk we remind of what they perhaps do not know, that this cohort was harmful, not only in its action, but also in the example which it set.

[24] The aforesaid Belles and Fericius, whom Gildo had brought, and Curandius, tribune of the archers, he ordered to be put to death, the last named on the ground that he never wished either to engage with the enemy himself or to encourage his men to fight. Moreover, Theodosius did this bearing in mind the saying of Cicero: Wholesome strength is better than a vain show of mercy.²³

[25] Setting out from there, he came to an estate called Gaionatis, surrounded by a strong wall and hence a very safe refuge for the Moors. Against this he brought up his battering-rams and destroyed it, killing all the inhabitants and levelling the walls; then advancing over the Ancorarian mountain to Castellum Tingitanum, he attacked the Mazices, who were gathered together into one body and replied with missiles which came flying like hail.

[26] And after both sides had rushed in to the attack, the Mazices, though a warlike and hardy race, could not resist the columns of our men, charging with all their strength and weapons, but involved in heavy losses at various points fled in shameful terror; and as they rushed to escape all were cut down except those who found a means of getting away, and later by abject prayers obtained the pardon which circumstances made it advisable to grant.

[27] Suggen, when their leader²⁴ . . . had succeeded Romanus, was ordered to go to Mauritania Sitifensis, in order to keep guard and prevent the province from being overrun, while he himself, encouraged by past successes, marched against the tribe of the Musones, which consciousness of their deeds of plunder and blood had joined with the enterprise of Firmus, since they hoped he would soon attain greater power.

[28] Having advanced some distance, near the 373 f. municipal town of Adda Theodosius learned that a great number of tribes, differing in civilization and in variety of language, but united in their purpose, were stirring up the beginnings of cruel wars, instigated and abetted through very great hope of rewards by a sister of Firmus named Cyria, who, abounding in wealth and in feminine persistence, had resolved to make great efforts to aid her brother.

[29] Therefore Theodosius, fearing lest he should involve himself in an unequal contest, and if he confronted a vast horde with only a few troops—for he had under his command only 3500 armed men—might lose them all, wavered between the shame of retreat and the desire for battle; but at last he gradually withdrew and made off, with the horde pressing at his heels.

[30] The foe, tremendously elated by this success, followed persistently²⁵ . . . so that he found it necessary to fight; but he himself would have been killed and his army utterly annihilated, had not the enemy, attacking in disorder, seen afar off the auxiliaries of the Mazices, in the van of which were some Romans; so thinking that they were attacked by many columns, they turned in flight and opened to our men ways of escape which before had been blocked.

[31] From there, leading his army safe and sound, Theodosius came to an estate called Mazucanus, where he burned a few deserters alive and mutilated the rest as he had the archers whose hands were cut off;²⁶ and in the month of February he reached Tipasa.

[32] There he made a long halt, and after the manner of the famous Lingerer²⁷ of old took counsel with himself as the circumstances demanded, planning, if chance gave the opportunity, rather through strategy and discretion than by the danger of battle, to overthrow an enemy who was pugnacious and effective in the use of missiles.

[33] Nevertheless he constantly sent men experienced in²⁸ persuasion to the surrounding tribes, the Baiurae, Cantauriani, Avastomates, Cafaves, Bavares, and other neighbours, to entice them to an alliance, now by fear, now by bribes, and sometimes by promising pardon for their impudence with²⁹ . . . intending by subterfuges and delays to overcome an enemy who foiled his attacks, as Pompey once vanquished Mithridates.

[34] Therefore Firmus, to avoid imminent destruction, although he was protected by a strong body of troops, abandoned the army which he had got together at great expense; and when the quiet of night gave him the opportunity of concealment, he made his way into the far distant Caprariensian mountains, which are inaccessible because of their steep crags.

[35] In consequence of his secret departure his army scattered and roamed about in small bands without a leader, thus giving our men the opportunity of invading their camp. After this was plundered and those who resisted were killed or received in surrender, the greater part of the country was devastated and our prudent leader put prefects of tried fidelity in charge of the peoples through whose country he was marching.

[36] The public enemy, terrified by this unexpected confidence of the pursuit, quickly departed, accompanied by a few slaves, in order to provide for his safety; and to prevent being impeded by any hindrance, he threw away packs containing valuable articles which he had carried off with him. For his wife, worn out by continual hardships and by dangers³⁰ . . .

[37] Theodosius,³¹ sparing none of the enemy who came near, after refreshing his soldiers with better food and their pay, as well as disposing of the Caprarienses and their neighbours the Abanni in a slight skirmish, hastened to the municipal town of Audia.³² But having learned from trustworthy sources that the savages had already taken possession of hills which extended upwards in all directions in winding masses, and could be penetrated by no one except natives who were thoroughly acquainted with the locality, he retreated and thereby during the cessation of hostilities, brief though it was, gave the enemy an opportunity of being strengthened by very numerous auxiliaries from the Aethiopians who dwelt near by.

[38] When the foe, with united forces and threatening uproar, taking no thought for their own lives, rushed to battle, they drove off Theodosius in great terror at the fearful sight of their countless throngs. But he took courage and at once returned, bringing an abundance of provisions, and with his men in close order and brandishing their shields in a terrifying posture, met the enemy hand to hand.

[39] Then, although the bands of raging savages, blaring some ferocious tune on their barbaric trumpets and also clashing their bucklers against their knees, were close upon him, nevertheless, like a careful and discreet warrior, though distrusting the small number of his men, he formed a hollow square³³ and then advanced boldly. Then he fearlessly turned aside to a city called Conta, where Firmus, since it was a concealed and lofty fortress, had placed those of our men whom he had captured. But Theodosius recovered them all, and severely punished the traitors and the attendants of Firmus, as was his custom.

[40] While he was thus most successful, with the aid of the mighty godhead, a trustworthy scout informed him that Firmus had fled to the Isaflenses; whereupon he invaded their lands, to demand the traitor as well as his brother Mazuca and the rest of his kinsfolk; and when his demand was refused, he declared war upon that race.

[41] A fierce battle followed, since the savages were uncommonly ferocious; but he opposed his army to them in circular formation³⁴ and the Isaflenses were so overcome by the weight of the onrushing troops that many of them were slain. Firmus himself, after fighting bravely and often risking his life, was carried off in headlong flight by his horse, which was accustomed to run swiftly over rocks and crags; but his brother Mazuca was fatally wounded and taken prisoner.

[42] Theodosius gave orders to send Mazuca to Caesarea, a city on which the Moor had branded the savage marks of his evil deeds; but he tore open his wound³⁵ and died. However, his head was torn off, leaving the rest of his body intact, and to the great joy of all who saw it was brought into the aforesaid city.

[43] After this our famous general overcame the race of the Isaflenses, who still resisted, and, as justice demanded, inflicted many vexatious penalties upon them. There Evasius, an important citizen, Florus his son, and some others, who were clearly convicted of having aided the violator of peace by secret counsel, were burned alive.

[44] Then Theodosius marched farther into the country, and with great courage attacked the tribe of the Iubaleni, to which he had learned that Nubel, the father of Firmus, belonged; but he was brought to a halt by the high mountains and the circuitous passes; and although he attacked the enemy and after killing many of them opened a way, yet dreading the high hills, so well adapted to ambuscades, he led his men back in safety to the fortress of Audia. There the wild race of the Iesalenses voluntarily surrendered, promising to furnish aid and provisions.

[45] The mighty leader, exulting in these and similar glorious actions, then went in quest of the disturber of peace himself with a mighty effort of strength. To that end he made a long halt near the castle of Medianum, hoping that through many carefully devised plans Firmus might be betrayed into his hands.

[46] While he was looking forward to this with perplexed thoughts and deep care, he found that his enemy had returned to the Isaflenses; whereupon he did not delay, as before, but attacked them with all the speed he could. Their king, Igmazen by name, who was highly regarded in those parts and notable for his resources, boldly came forward to meet him. What is your rank, said he, or what have you come here to do? Tell me. Theodosius, with stern glance and resolute mind, replied: I am the general³⁶ of Valentinian, lord of the world, sent to destroy a murderous robber. Unless you give him up at once, as the invincible emperor has ordered, you will perish utterly with the race over which you rule. On hearing this, Igmazen, after heaping a flood of abuse upon the general, departed, full of wrath and resentment.

[47] At the first appearance of the following daylight both armies, with threatening mien, advanced to meet each other in battle. Nearly 20,000 savages were stationed in the very van, with bands of reserves concealed behind them, in order that they might gradually rise up and surround our men with their unexpected numbers. Besides these there were a great many auxiliaries from the Iesalenses, who, as we have pointed out, had promised help and provisions to our side.

[48] On the other hand, the Romans, although very few in number, nevertheless brave in spirit and encouraged by their former victories, pressed side to side in close order and with shields closely held together in the tortoise-formation,³⁷ stood fast and resisted them; and the battle was continued from sunrise to the end of the day. A little before evening Firmus was seen, mounted on a tall horse, his purple cloak³⁸ trailing out and spreading wide, urging our soldiers with loud shouts to take advantage of the opportunity and give up Theodosius, if they wished to be saved from the dangers to which they were exposed, calling him a fierce savage and a cruel deviser of inhuman punishments.

[49] These unexpected words roused some to fight more fiercely but induced others to abandon the battle. Accordingly, when the first quiet of night came, and the landscape was wrapped in fear-inspiring darkness, the general returned to the stronghold of Duodia, and, reviewing his soldiers, rid himself by various forms of punishment of those whom panic and the words of Firmus had turned from their duty in the battle; some had their right hands cut off, others were burned alive.

[50] And keeping watch by night with most vigilant care, he repulsed some of the barbarians who ventured to make an attempt on his camp after the setting of the moon, when they thought they could not be seen, or took prisoners those who rushed in too boldly. Then departing by quick marches and following by-paths, he attacked the Iesalenses from a quarter where they could least expect it, believing them to be of doubtful loyalty, and so devastated their lands that they were reduced to dire need; then he returned by way of the towns of Mauritania Caesariensis to Sitifis, where he tortured to the verge of death and then burned alive Castor and Martinianus, as sharers in the robberies and atrocities of Romanus.

[51] After this the war with the Isaflenses was renewed; and when in the first engagement great numbers of the savages were put to flight or killed, their king Igmazen, who had before been accustomed to victory, wavering through fear of the present danger, and thinking that because of his unlawful associations³⁹ no hope of life was left him if be made obstinate resistance, rushed forth alone and with all possible caution and secrecy from the scene of the battle. When he came into the presence of Theodosius, he humbly begged that the general would order Masilla, a chief of the Mazices, to appear before him.

[52] When Masilla had been sent to Theodosius, as he had asked, the king through him, in a secret interview, urged the general, who by his own nature was inclined to resolution, that in order to provide himself with the means of accomplishing his desires, he should vigorously assail his fellow-countrymen, and by constant fighting reduce them to fear; he said that they were indeed inclined to favour the public enemy, but were wearied by their many losses.

[53] Theodosius did as he was advised, and so wore out the Isaflenses by frequent contests, that they were falling like cattle; and Firmus himself secretly escaped, intending to hide in remote and lasting retreats; but while he was there planning flight, he was taken prisoner by Igmazen and kept in custody.

[54] And since he had learned through Masilla of the secret negotiations, he saw that in his extremity only one remedy was left, and decided by a voluntary death to spurn with his foot the desire to live. Accordingly, having purposely filled his guards with wine and made them drunk, and in the silence of the night they were buried in sound sleep, he himself, kept awake by fear of the trouble which hung over him, with noiseless steps⁴⁰ left his bed, by creeping on hands and knees⁴¹ got himself some distance off, and finding a rope which he had procured for the calamity of ending his life, he hung it from a nail fastened in the wall, and putting his neck in it breathed his last without the torments of a painful death.⁴²

[55] This event troubled Igmazen, who lamented that he had been robbed of glory, in not having had the good fortune of bringing the usurper alive to the Roman camp. Therefore, after gaining a public pledge of safety through Masilla he placed the corpse of the dead man on his camel to bring it in; and on reaching the tents of the army, which were pitched near the fortress of Subicara, he transferred the body to a pack-animal and himself offered it to the exultant Theodosius.

[56] The latter called together his soldiers and with them the populace, and asked them whether they recognized the features; and when he bad learned beyond any doubt that it was the face of Firmus, after a brief stay there he returned to Sitifis in the guise of a triumphing general, where he was received with applause and commendation by all, of every age and rank.⁴³

Res Gestae. Ammianus Marcellinus. John C. Rolfe (Translator). Cambridge, MA. 1935-1940.

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Current edition Perseus

History (English) (Ammianus Marcellinus. Ammianus Marcellinus, with an English translation, Vols. I-III. Rolfe, John C., translator. Cambridge, MA; London: Harvard University Press; W. Heinemann, 1935-1940 (printing).)

Editions (1)

Res Gestae Perseus (Ammianus Marcellinus. Ammianus Marcellinus, with an English translation, Vols. I-III. Rolfe, John C., editor. Cambridge, MA; London: Harvard University Press; W. Heinemann, 1935-1940 (printing).) — 29.5 focus

Theodosius, magister equitum per Gallias, Firmum Maurum Nubelis Regulifilium, qui a Valentiniano desciverat, multis procliis atterit, ac demum eo ad voluntariam mortem compulso, pacem Africae reddit.

[1] Abhinc inter¹ proximo haec narratione disseri continua placuit, ne dum negotiis longe discretis et locis alia subseruntur, cognitio multiplex necessario confundatur.

[2] Nubel velut regulus per nationes Mauricas potentissimus, vita digrediens, et legitimos et natos e concubinis reliquit filios, e quibus Zammac comiti nomine Romano acceptus, latenter a fratre Firmo peremptus, discordias excitavit et bella. Eius enim necem ulcisci, impensiore studio properans comes, ad insidiatoris perniciem multa ciebat et formidanda. Utque rumores distulerunt assidui, navabatur opera diligens in palatio, Romani quidem relationes, multa et aspera congerentes in Firmum, libenter suscipi recitarique principi, in earum favorem concinentibus multis: ea vero, quae contra Firmus salutis tuendae gratia docebat crebro per suos, accepta, diutius occultari, Remigio tunc tune officiorum magistro, affine amicoque Romani, inter potiores imperatoris necessitates haec velut minima et superflua, non nisi opportune legi posse adseverante.

[3] Quae cum ad obruendam defensionem suam agitari adverteret Maurus, ultimorum metu iam trepidans, ne amendatis, quae praetendebat, ut perniciosus et contumax indemnatus² occideretur, ab imperii dicione descivit et adiumenta conquirebat vicinarum gentium³ ad vastandum⁴

[4] Ad hoc periculum antequam⁵ hostis implacabilis incrementis virium adulescerent, abolendum cum comitatensis auxilio militis pauci Theodosius magister equitum mittitur, cuius virtutes (ut impetrabilis) ea tempestate prae ceteris enitebant:⁶ Domitii Corbulonis et Lusii simillimi veterum,⁷ quorum prior sub Nerone, alter Traiano rem regente Romanam pluribus inclaruere fortibus factis.

[5] Proinde ab Arelate secundis egressus auspiciis, emeatoque mari cum classe, quam ductabat, nullo de se rumore praegresso, defertur ad Sitifensis Mauritaniae litus, quod appellant accolae Igilgitanum Igilgilitanum.⁸ Ibique inventum casu Romanum leniter allocutus, misit ad vigilias ordinandas et praetenturas, parum super his quae verebatur increpitum.

[6] Quo ad Caesariensem digresso Gildonem Firmi fratrem et Maximum misit correpturos Vincentium, qui curans Romani vicem, incivilitatis eius erat particeps et furtorum.

[7] Recepto itaque tardius milite, quem amplitudo amplitude maris morabatur,⁹ Sitifim properans, Romanum cum domesticis custodiendum, protectoribus committi mandavit, agensque in oppido sollicitudine diducebatur ancipiti, multa cum animo versans, qua via quibusve commentis, per exustas caloribus terras pruinis assuetum duceret militem, vel hostem caperet discursatorem et repentinum, insidiisque potius clandestinis, quam proeliorum stabilitate confisum.

[8] Quod ubi Firmo levi rumore, dein apertis est indiciis cognitum, spectatissimi ducis adventu praestrictus, veniam cum concessione¹⁰ praeteritorum, missis oratoribus poscebat et scriptis, docentibus eum non sponte sua ad id erupisse, quod norat¹¹ scelestum, sed Romani¹² iniquitate grassante licentius, ut monstrare pollicebatur.

[9] Quibus lectis, paceque obsidibus acceptis promissa, dux ad recensendas legiones quae Africam tuebantur, ire pergebat ad Pancharianam stationem, quo convenire praeceptae sunt. Ibi magnificis verbis atque prudentibus spe cunctorum erecta, reversus Sitifim, consociato¹³ indigena milite cum eo quem ipse perduxerat, aegre perpetiens moras, ad procinctus ire ocius festinabat.

[10] Inter residua autem multa et clara, id amorem eius auxerat in immensum, quod a provincialibus commeatum exercitui prohibuit dari, messes et condita hostium virtutis nostrorum horrea esse, fiducia memorans speciosa.

[11] His ita cum laetitia possessorum dispositis, ad Tubusuptum progressus, oppidum Ferrato contiguum monti, legationem secundam Firmi repudiavit, quae obsides (ut ante statutum est) non duxerat secum. Unde omnibus pro loco et tempore cautius exploratis, concito gradu Tyndensium gentem et Masinissensium petit, levibus armis instructas, quas Mascizel et Dius fratres Firmi ductabant.

[12] Cum essent hostes iam in contuitu, membris omnibus celeres, post missilia hinc inde crebrius iacta, committitur certamen asperrimum, interque gemitus mortis et vulnerum, audiebantur barbarorum ululabiles fletus captorum et caesorum,¹⁴ pugnaque dirempta plures agri populati sunt et incensi.

[13] Inter quas¹⁵ clades eminuere fundi Petrensis, excisi radicitus, quem Salmaces dominus (Firmi frater) in modum urbis exstruxit. Hoc successu victor elatus, mira velocitate Lamfoctense oppidum occupavit, inter gentes positum ante dictas, ubi abunde rei cibariae copiam condi effecit, ut si pergens interius alimentorum offendisset penuriam, iuberet e propinquo convectari.

[14] Quae dum ita procedunt, Mascizel reparatis viribus nationum confinium adminicula ductans, conserta manu cum nostris, fusis e parte suorum compluribus,¹⁶ ipse equi pernicitate aegre discrimine mortis exemptus est.

[15] Fessus aerumnis gemini proelii Firmus, imoque aestuans corde, nequid ultimae rationis omitteret, Christiani ritus antistites oraturos pacem cum obsidibus misit. Qui quoniam suscepti lenius pollicitique victui congrua militibus (ut praeceptum est), laeta rettulere responsa et pacem,¹⁷ missis muneribus, Maurus ipse fidentius ad Romanum perrexerat ducem, equo insidens apto ad ancipitis casus, cumque prope venisset, fulgore signorum et terribili vultu Theodosi praestrictus, iumento desiluit, curvataque cervice humi paene affixus, temeritatem suam flebiliter incusabat, pacem obsecrando cum venia.

[16] susceptusque Suseeptusque cum osculo, quoniam id rei publicae conducebat, bonae spei iam plenus, sufficientia praebuit alimenta, et quibusdam propinquis suis ad obsidum vicem relictis, abscessit, captivos (ut spoponderat) redditurus, quos primis turbarum exordiis rapuit: biduoque post, Icosium oppidum, cuius supra docuimus conditores, militaria signa et coronam sacerdotalem, cum ceteris quae interceperat, nihil cunctatus restituit, ut praeceptum est.

[17] Exinde cum discursis itineribus magnis, Tipasam noster dux introiret, legatis Mazicum, qui se consociaverant Firmo, suppliciter obsecrantibus veniam, animo elato respondit, se in eos ut perfidos arma protinus commoturum.

[18] Quibus imminentis¹⁸ periculi metu defixis, revertique iussis ad sua, Caesaream ire tendebat, urbem opulentam quondam et nobilem,¹⁹ cuius itidem originem in Africae situ digessimus plene, eamque ingressus, cum omnem paene incendiis late dispersis vidisset exustam, horridasque canitie silices, primam et secundam legionem ad tempus ibi locari disposuit, ut favillarum egerentes acervos, agitarent ibi praesidium, ne repetito barbarorum impetu vastaretur.

[19] Quae cum rumores crebri distulissent et veri,²⁰ provinciae rectores, tribunusque Vincentius, e latibulis quibus sese commiserant, egressi tandem intrepidi ad ducem ocius pervenerunt. Quibus ille gratanter visis atque susceptis, agens etiam tum²¹ apud Caesaream, fide rerum diligentius explorata, comperit Firmum per speciem paventis²² et supplicis, tectiore consilio id moliri, ut nihil hostile metuentem²³ exercitum in modum tempestatis subitae conturbaret.

[20] Quam ob rem conversus hinc venit ad municipium Sugabarritanum, Transcellensi monti accline, ubi inventos equites quartae sagittariorum cohortis, quae ad rebellem defecerat, ut contentum se supplicio leniori monstraret, omnes contrusit ad infimum militiae gradum, eosque et Constantianorum peditum partem Tigavias venire iusserat cum tribunis, e quibus unus torquem pro diademate capiti imposuit Firmi.

[21] Quae dum²⁴ aguntur, reverterunt Gildo et Maximus, Bellen e principibus Mazicum et Fericium gentis praefectum ducentes, qui factionem iuverant quietis publicae turbatoris²⁵ producerent vinctos.

[22] Quo ita ut statutum est facto, lucis primo exortu, ipse egressus, cum invenisset eos in exercitu circumsaeptos: Quid de istis nefariis inquit proditoribus fieri oportere, contubernales devoti, censetis? Secutusque acclamationem rogantium, sanguine vindicari, eos qui inter Constantianos merebant, prisco more militibus dedidit²⁶ occidendos, sagittariorum vero primoribus manus incidit, residuos supplicio capitali multavit, ad aemulationem Curionis, acerrimi illius ducis, qui Dardanorum ferociam, in modum Lernaeae serpentis aliquotiens renascentem, hoc genere poenarum extinxit.

[23] Sed obtrectatores malivoli vetus factum laudantes, hoc ut dirum vituperant et asperrimum, Dardanos hostes memorantes internecivos, et iuste quae sustinuere perpessos, hos vero subsignanos milites debuisse lenius corrigi, ad unum prolapsos errorem. Quos nescientes²⁷ forsitan admonemus, hanc cohortem et facto fuisse²⁸ et exemplo adversam.

[24] Ante dictos²⁹ Bellen et Fericium, quos duxerat Gildo, tribunumque sagittariorum Curandium, ea re iussit occidi, quod nec ipse umquam cum hostibus congredi voluit, nec suos ut pugnarent hortari. Agebat autem haec Tullianum illud advertens, quod salutaris vigor³⁰ vincit inanem speciem clementiae.

[25] Exin profectus, fundum nomine Gaionatis, muro circumdatum valido, receptaculum Maurorum tutissimum, arietibus admotis evertit, et caesis omnibus incolis, moenibusque complanatis, ad Tingitanum castellum progressus, per Ancorarium montem, Mazicas in unum collectos invasit, iam tela reciprocantes, volitantia grandinis ritu.

[26] Et cum esset utrimque discursum, agmina viribus³¹ armisque incitata nostrorum non perferentes Mazices licet bellicosum genus et durum, diversis stragibus implicati, foedo diffluxere terrore, ruentesque in fugam, caesi sunt absque his qui reperta copia discedendi supplici prece veniam (quam dari tempus flagitaverat) impetrarunt.

[27] Suggen eorum ductorem duetore³² Romano successerat, in Sitifensem Mauritaniam ire disposito, ad agitanda praesidia, ne provincia pervaderetur, ipse praeteritis elatior casibus, gentem petit Musonum, quam conscientia rapinarum et caedum actibus congregaverat Firmi, ut sperabatur maiora mox adepturi.

[28] Progressusque aliquantum, iuxta Addense municipium comperit, dissonas cultu et sermonum varietate, nationes plurimas unum spirantibus animis, immanium exordia concitare bellorum, adigente hortanteque maxima spe praemiorum, sorore Firmi nomine Cyria, quae abundans divitiis, et destinatione feminea, nisibus magnis instituit iuvare germanum.

[29] Quocirca Theodosius veritus, ne Marti sese committeret impari, congressusque multitudini immensae cum paucis—tria enim armatorum milia ductabat atque quingentos—amitteret universos, inter pudorem cedendi, pugnandique ardorem, gradiens retro paulatim, trudente pondere plebis abscessit.

[30] Hocque eventu barbari nimium quantum elati,³³ sequentesque pertinaciter³⁴ certare necessitate compulsus³⁵ semet ipsum et ad internecionem perdiderat cunctos, ni gentium turbulenta concussio, procul Mazicum visis auxiliis, quos anteibant quidam Romani, arbitrata in se impetum agminum ferri complurium, versa in pedes aperuisset nostris exitus antehac intersaeptos.

[31] Exinde cum militem ducens incolumem Theodosius ad fundum venisset nomine Mazucanum, exustis desertoribus paucis, aliisque ad sagittariorum exemplum, quibus manus ademptae sunt, contruncatis, Tipasam³⁶ mense Februario venit.

[32] Ubi diutius agens, ut antiquus ille Cunctator pro negotio consultabat, commentis potius et prudentia quam periculosis congressibus, hostem pugnacem et impetrabilem iactu telorum, si fors copiam dederit, oppressurus.

[33] Mittebat tamen assidue suadendi quosdam peritos, ad gentes circumsitas, Baiuras Cantaurianos Avastomates Cafaves Davaresque Bavaresque et finitimos alios, nunc timore nunc praemiis³⁷ eos ad societatem alliciens, veniamque petulantiae interdum promittendo cum³⁸ t ulterius³⁹ per ambages et moras hostem frangentem suos impetus oppressurus, ut quondam Pompeius Mithridatem.

[34] Qua causa declinans perniciem proximam Firmus, licet praesidiorum magnitudine communitus, relicta plebe, quam coegerat magna mercede, quoniam latendi copiam nocturna quies dedit, Caprarienses montes longe remotos penetravit, et diruptis rupibus inaccessos.

[35] Cuius abitu clandestine multitudo dispersa sine rectore particulatimque diffluens, invadendi eius castra nostris copiam dedit. Hisque direptis, et interfectis qui resistebant, vel in deditionem acceptis, regionum maxima parte vastata, gentibus per quas transibat dux consultissimus apposuit fidei compertae praefectos.

[36] Hac inopina sequendi confidentia territus perduellis, servis comitantibus paucis, digressu celeri consulturus saluti, nequo praepediretur obstaculo, abiecit pretiosarum sarcinas specierum, quas avexerat secum. Uxorem⁴⁰ namque⁴¹ fessam labore continuo et per ancipitis di

[37] Theodosius nullique adeuntium⁴² parcens, mundiore victu stipendioque milite recreato, Caprariensibus Abannisque eorum vicinis proelio levi sublatis, ad municipium properavit ense:⁴³ sed⁴⁴ veris nuntiis doctus, barbaros occupasse iam tumulos, per anfracta undique spatia in sublime porrectos, nullique pervios nisi indigenis locorum perquam gnaris, repedando dedit hostibus facultatem, per indutias (licet breves) Aethiopum iuxta agentium adminiculis augeri vel maximis.

[38] Qui concatervatis copiis fremituque minaci, sine sui respectu ruentes in pugnam, averterunt eum inaestimabilium turmarum specie dira perterrefactum, statimque redintegratis animis, commeatus vehens abunde, revertit, et conglobatis suis scutaque in formidabilem moventibus gestum, controversas eisdem opposuit manus.

[39] Quamquam igitur immite quiddam barbaricis concrepantibus tubis,⁴⁵ manipuli furentium imminebant, ipsi quoque parmas genibus illidentes, tamen ut pugnator ille cautus et prudens, militis paucitate diffisus, audacter agmine quadrato incedens, ad civitatem nomine Contensem flexit iter intrepidus, ubi captivos⁴⁶ nostros Firmus ut in munimento abstruso locarat et celso; cunctisque receptis, in proditores satellitesque memorati animadvertit acriter (ut solebat).

[40] Hoc ei magni numinis adiumento gerenti prosperrime, verus indicat explorator confugisse ad Isaflensium populum Firmum: ad quem reposcendum una cum fratre Mazuca, ceterisque necessitudinibus illuc ingressus, cum adipisci non posset, genti bellum indixit.

[41] Et proelio atroci commisso, ferocientibus barbaris ultra modum, aciem rotundo⁴⁷ habitu figuratam opponit, adeoque Isaflenses pondere catervarum urgentium⁴⁸ inclinati sunt, ut plurimi caderent, et ipse Firmus ferox et saepe in suam perniciem⁴⁹ praeceps equo auferretur in fugam, per saxa et rupes discurrere citius assueto, Mazuca vero frater eius caperetur letaliter saucius.

[42] Qui Caesaream mitti dispositus, ubi saeva inusserat monumenta facinorum pessimorum, dilatato vulneris hiatu discessit. Caput tamen eius avulsum residue integro⁵⁰ corpore, cum magno visentium gaudio urbi illatum est ante dictae.

[43] Post haec Isaflensium gentem, quae obstitit, superatam dux nobilis incommodis multis (ut aequitas poscebat) afflixit. Ibi Evasium potentem municipem, Florumque eius filium, et quosdam alios per secretiora consilia temeratorem quietis iuvisse confutatos aperte, flammis absumpsit.

[44] Exindeque pergens interius, nationem Iubalenam spiritu aggressus ingenti, ubi natum Nubelem patrem didicerat Firmi, repulsus altitudine montium et flexuosis angustiis, stetit. Et quamlibet facto in hostem impetu pluribusque peremptis aperuerit viam, formidans tamen sublimia collium ad insidiandum aptissima, ducens suos incolumes, revertit ad Audiense castellum: ubi Iesalensium gens fera semet dedidit⁵¹ voluntaria, auxilia praestare spondens et commeatus.

[45] His et eius modi gloriosis actibus exsultans amplissimus ductor, ipsum otii turbatorem petebat valido virium nisu, ideoque prope munimentum nomine Medianum diu consistens, per multas prudentesque sententiarum vias eundem sibi prodi posse sperabat.

[46] Haecque cogitationibus anxiis, altioreque prospiciens cura, rursus ad Isaflenses hostem comperit revertisse; quos nihil moratus, ut antea, agminibus adoritur incitatis. Cui rex Igmazen nomine spectatus per eos tractus opibusque insignis, progressus obviam confidenter: Cuius loci es tu inquit vel quid acturus huc venisti? responde. Quem Theodosius fundata mente intuens torvum: Comes, ait, Valentiniani sum (orbis terrarum domini) ad opprimendum latronem funereum missus; quem nisi statim reddideris, ut invictus statuit imperator, peribis funditus cum gente quam regis. Quo audito Igmazen post convicia multa, quae congessit in ducem, ira doloreque perculsus abscessit.

[47] Et secutae principio lucis, utrimque occursurae sibi ad confligendum processerunt acies minacissimae, et barbarorum viginti paene milia in ipsis locata sunt frontibus, occultatis pone terga subsidialibus globis, ut assurgentes paulatim nostros multitudine clauderent insperata: hisque Iesalenses auxiliares accessere quam plures, quos adiumenta et commeatus nostris docuimus promisisse.

[48] Contra Romani, quamvis admodum pauci, tamen fortibus animis, victoriisque antegressis elati, densetis⁵² lateribus, scutisque in testudinis formam cohaerenter aptatis, restiterunt gradibus fixis, et a sole orto usque ad diei extimum pugna protenta, paulo ante vesperam visus est Firmus, equo celsiori insidens, sago puniceo porrectius panso, milites clamoribus magnis hortari, ut dedant Theodosium opportune, truculentum eum appellans et dirum, et suppliciorum saevum repertorem, si discriminibus eximi vellent, quae perferebant.

[49] Hae insperatae voces ad dimicandum quosdam acrius incitarunt, alios deserere proelium illexerunt. Proinde ubi noctis advenit quies prima, partibus tenebrarum obvolutis horrore, dux reversus ad Duodiense castellum, militesque recognoscens, eos quos a pugnandi proposito pavor et verba detorserant Firmi, diverso genere poenarum exstinxit: alios ademptis dexteris quosdam vivos combustos.

[50] Excubiasque agens cura pervigili, barbarorum aliquos ausos, cum apparere non possent, post occasum lunae castra sua temptare effudit,⁵³ vel irruentes audentius capit. Digressus exinde passibus citis, Iesalenses ut ambiguae fidei per tramites adortus obliquos undere parum sperari potuit) ad penuriam vastavit extremam, perque Caesariensis Mauritaniae oppida reversus Sitifim, Castorem et Martinianum rapinarum flagitiorumque Romani participes, ad interitum tortos incendit.

[51] Redintegratur post haec cum Isaflensibus bellum, primoque conflictu barbarorum pluribus pulsis et interfectis, rex eorum Igmazen, vincere antehac assuetus, terrore fluctuans mali praesentis, nihilque commerciis vetitis ad vitam spei sibi restare, si obstinatius egerit, arbitratus, quantum caute fieri potuit et occulte, prorupit ex acie solus, visumque Theodosium suppliciter petit, ut Masillam⁵⁴ Mazicum optimatem ad se venire iuberet.

[52] Per quem (ut rogaverat) missum, clandestinis colloquiis monuit, ducem suopte ingenio pertinacem, ut ad praebendam sibi copiam agendi quae vellet, popularibus suis acriter immineret, eosque assiduitate pugnandi mutaret in metum, promptos quidem ad perduellis favorem sed iacturis multiplicibus fessos.

[53] Paruit Theodosius dictis, et crebritate certaminum Isaflenses ita protrivit, ut eisdem labentibus pecudum ritu,⁵⁵ Firmus ipse⁵⁶ latenter evaderet, et aviis et diuturnis latebris amendandus, inibi dum de fuga consultat, tentus ab Igmazene custodiretur.

[54] Et quoniam obscurius gesta didicerat per Masillam, in extremis rebus unum remedium superesse contemplans, calcare vivendi cupiditatem voluntaria statuit morte: vinoque consulto distentis⁵⁷ et crapulatis,⁵⁸ silenti nocte oppressis altiore somno custodibus, pervigil ipse impendentis aerumnae terrore, insonis gradibus relicto cubili, manibus repens et pedibus, longius sese discrevit, repertumque funiculum, quem ad⁵⁹ finiendae vitae paraverat⁶⁰ casus, de clavo parieti affixo suspendit, ubi collo inserto, animam absque mortis cruciabilibus exhalavit.

[55] Quod dolenter ferens Igmazen, ereptamque sibi gloriam gemens, quia non contigerat ad castra Romana vivum ducere perduellem, interposita fide publica per Masillam, ipse camelo necati cadaver impositum ferens, cum tentoria exercitus adventaret, ad Subicarense castellum locata, in iumentum transtulit sarcinale, et Theodosio obtulit exultanti.

[56] Qui convocatis armatis simul atque plebeiis,⁶¹ interrogatisque an agnoscerent vultum, cum eiusdem esse sine ulla didicisset ambage, ibi paulisper moratus, Sitifim triumphanti similis redit, aetatum ordinumque omnium celebrabili favore susceptus.

Notes on the current edition

History

1. The words Abhinc inter are followed by a lacuna of 2 1/2 lines. Ammianus takes up the narrative from xxviii. 6, disregarding the exact chronology; cf. Orosius, vii. 33, 6, who places the uprising of Firmus in the time of Valentinian and Valens.

2. See xxviii. 6, 5.

3. The text is fragmentary. The idea seems to be that he sought auxiliary forces for devastating the province.

4. 373 A.D.

5. On Domitius see Index. Lusius Quietus served as legatus in the Dacian wars of Trajan, and in the East. Both men fell victims to the envy of the courtiers and emperors. The same fate overtook Theodosius; hence an additional reason for the comparison.

6. Sitifis, modern Setif, gave its name to one division of Mauritania; the others were Caesariensis and Tingitana.

7. I.e., his misconduct; Theodosius was well aware that Romanus was to blame for the revolt.

8. He, after the death of the emperor Theodosius, being then commander in Africa, revolted from Honorius.

9. Cf. xxiv. 1, 15, virtutis suae horrea.

10. At the command of Honorius he later invaded Africa with an army and killed his brother Gildo (see xxix. 5, 6, note); cf. Claudian, Bell. Gild. i. 389 ff.; Orosius, vii. 36, 4. Stilicho had him thrown from a bridge; cf. Zos. v. 11, who calls him Masceledus.

11. An estate with the surrounding fields; cf. Macelli fundum, xv. 2, 7, note.

12. The book in which he spoke of this is lost. He perhaps drew his material from Solinus, Polyhist. 25, 17, who ascribes its founding to twenty companions of Hercules,

qui a comitatu eius desciverant . . . ac ne quis imposito a se nomine privatim gloriaretur, de condentium numero urbi nomen datum

(i.e. from εἴκοσι, twenty).

13. The high priest of a province wore a golden crown (according to Tertullian). The reference is to xxviii. 6, 10, where the death of the high priest, Rusticianus, is mentioned.

14. Orosius, vii. 33, 5, says that it was taken and destroyed by Firmus. It was formerly called Iol, but Juba changed the name to Caesarea in honour of Augustus Caesar; cf. Eutr. vii. 10, 3.

15. I.e., descriptione situs. For this meaning of situ, cf. xxiii. 6, 10, and Ernesti, Index, s.v.

16. In a lost book.

17. See 5, 6, above.

18. Cf. xxi. 11, 2.

19. A Roman title adopted by the Mazices.

20. A lacuna of four lines follows, after which are the words producerent vinctos, to bring them in chains, or something similar.

21. Something like running the gauntlet; cf. Tac., Ann. i. 44; Polyb. vi. 37, 3 ff.; Lamprid. Commodus, 6, 2,

hostis appellatus lacerandusque militibus est deditus.

22. He was proconsul in Thrace; see Livy, Epit. xcv.; Flor. i. 39, 6; Front., Strateg. iv. 1, 43.

23. Epist. ad Brutum, i. 2, 5 (Cic. has severitas, not vigor).

24. A lacuna of three lines follows. The successor of Romanus is therefore unknown.

25. A brief lacuna follows which does not greatly affect the sense.

26. See § 22, above.

27. Q. Fabius Maximus in the Hannibalic war, nicknamed Cunctator because of his policy of caution.

28. 363 ff. A.D.

29. Here there is a lacuna of three lines, perhaps telling that, strengthened through these tribes, he again took the field.

30. Another lacuna of four lines. Doubtless it is said that his wife lost her life during the flight.

31. nullique shows that Theodosius is really the subject of a missing verb, but there is no lacuna in V.

32. Or Duobia; both names occur below, but the lacuna of four letters in V suggests Audia here; cf. § 44, below.

33. quadrato agmine means with the soldiers in the form of a square (or rectangle), with the baggage in the middle. It was the usual marching order when an attack was looked for.

34. That is, facing the enemy on all sides.

35. So Wagner, dilatato ab ipso vulneris hiatu, which seems to fit the context and the situation.

36. He was really magister militum, which officer is called comes also in xviii. 8, 6; cf. ducem, below, and Introd. Vol. I, p. xxxiv, n. 3.

37. See the illustration at xxiii. 4, 1.

38. For a similar use of the sagum see xviii. 6, 13, xxv. 6, 14 ( sagulum).

39. With Firms

40. Cf. suspensis passibus and quodrupedo gradu, xiv. 2, 2.

41. Cf. suspensis passibus and quodrupedo gradu, xiv. 2, 2.

42. Such as he might have expected if he fell into the hands of Theodosius.

43. This happened in 374. Theodosius, as Orosius, vii. 33, 7, tells us, was put to death at Carthage in 377 in consequence of court intrigue. His son, living in retirement, was called to court by Gratian and became magister militum, and later Augustus.

Ammianus Marcellinus Res Gestae 29.5

John C. Rolfe (Translator)

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Theodosius, magister equitum per Gallias, Firmum Maurum Nubelis Regulifilium, qui a Valentiniano desciverat, multis procliis atterit, ac demum eo ad voluntariam mortem compulso, pacem Africae reddit.

Notes on the current edition

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