Ammianus Marcellinus, Res Gestae, John C. Rolfe (Translator), val2.9

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[39] Then, after Zeno was made emperor by his son Leo,¹ who was the offspring of the daughter of Leo the Great, Ariagne by name, he reigned for a year with his son Leo, and it was through Leo’s merit that Zeno retained his power. But after sharing the rule with his son for one year, Zeno was emperor for fourteen years more; he was an Isaurian of high rank, trained to arms, and worthy to receive an emperor’s daughter in marriage.

[40] It is said of him that he was of even superhuman speed as a swift runner,² since his kneepans were not attached to his knees, but moved freely. In the administration of the State he was in general most wise, but inclined to favour his own people.³

[41] A plot was made against him by Basiliscus, himself a senator of high distinction.⁴ As soon as Zeno learned of the plot, he took some of his wealth and went to Isauria. But soon after his departure Basiliscus, who, as was said, was plotting against him, seized upon the imperial power.

[42] Basiliscus ruled for two years. Zeno strengthened the Isaurians within the province; then he sent to the city of Nova,⁵ where Theodoric, the general of the Goths and son of Walamericus, was stationed, and invited him to render him relief against Basiliscus. Then he came back⁶ to Constantinople after two years, brought an attacking force against the city, and laid siege to it.

[43] But because the senate and people feared Zeno, to prevent the city from suffering any harm they deserted Basiliscus, opened the gates, and all surrendered to Zeno. Basiliscus fled to a church and took refuge within the baptistery with his wife and his sons. After Zeno had given him a pledge confirmed by oath that his blood would not be shed,⁷ he came out and was shut up with his wife and children in a dry cistern,⁸ where they all died of cold.

[44] Zeno remembered the affection felt for him by the senate and people; and therefore showed himself so generous to all that he earned the gratitude of every one. He upheld so well the senate and people of Rome, that statues were even erected to him in various parts of the city. His times were peaceful.

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).) — val2.9 focus

[39] Ergo postquam factus est imperator Zeno a filio suo Leone, qui natus fuerat de filia Leonis Ariagne¹ nomine, regnat cum filio suo anno uno, et merito Leonis regnum remansit apud Zenonem. Zeno vero cum filio iam regnans anno uno, imperavit annos XIIII, Isauriae nobilissimus, qui dignus esset filiam imperatoris accipere, exercitus in arma.

[40] Perhibent de eo, quia patellas in genucula non habuisset, sed mobiles² fuissent, ut etiam cursum velocissimum³ ultra modum hominum haberet. In re publica omnino providentissimus, favens genti⁴ suae.

[41] Huic insidiabatur Basiliscus, ipse primus senator; quo cognito, Zeno cum aliquantis divitiis petiit Isauriam. At ubi ille egressus est, mox⁵ Basiliscus, qui ei, ut dictum est, insidiabatur, arripuit imperium.

[42] Basiliscus imperavit annos II. Zeno confortans Isauros intra provinciam, deinde misit ad civitatem Novam, ubi erat Theodericus dux Gothorum, filius Walamerici, et eum invitavit in solacium sibi adversus Basiliscum, obiectans militem, post biennium veniens, obsidens civitatem Constantinopolim.

[43] Sed quia senatus et populus Zenonem metuentes, nequid mali pateretur civitas, relicto Basilisco se illi omnes dederunt aperta civitate. Basiliscus fugiens ad ecclesiam, intra baptisterium cum uxore et filiis ingreditur. Cui Zeno dato sacramento securum esse de sanguine, exiens, inclausus cum uxore et filiis intra cisternam siccam,⁶ ibidem frigore defecerunt.

[44] Zeno recordatus est amorem⁷ senatus et populi, munificus omnibus se ostendit, ita ut omnes ei gratias agerent. Senatum Romanum et populum⁸ tuitus est, ut etiam ei imagines per diversa loca in urbe Roma levarentur. Cuius tempora pacifica fuerunt.

Notes on the current edition

History

1. Leo the Thracian, also called Leo the Great, having no son, named his son-in-law Zeno as his successor. Since the people of Constantinople did not approve the choice, Leo associated with himself his grandson Leo, who survived him a few months only.

2. Cf. Amm. xxi. 16, 19, of Constantius. Here Wagner has the pertinent note:

rem ipsam ut admissuri sint Anatomici, vehementer vereor.

The author must mean his kneepans were not fixed to the knees, but moved easily.

3. The Isaurians.

4. He was the brother of Varina, the widow of Leo the Great.

5. In Moesia on the Danube.

6. See § 36, note 9, where we have a sure example; sometimes, as here, the use is less obvious, though probable.

7. An evasive way of pretending to spare his life, which was kept in the letter, but not in the spirit.

8. According to others, in a fortress of Cappadocia.

Ammianus Marcellinus Res Gestae val2.9

John C. Rolfe (Translator)

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