Res Gestae

Ammianus Marcellinus

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).

Maximianus[*](Ille seems to refer to Maximianus, who wished to resume his imperial power; if so, something is missing from the text.) took refuge with Constantine. Then Galerius made Licinius a Caesar[*](Other writers imply that he was made an Augustus at once.) in Illyricum, and after that, leaving him in Pannonia, returned himself to Serdica, where he was attacked by a violent disease and wasted away so completely, that he died with the inner parts of his body exposed and in a state of corruption[*](Cf. Oros. vii. 28, 12, put rescente introrsum pectore et visceribus dissolutis ) —a punishment for a most

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unjust persecution,[*](Of the Christians; cf. Lact., De Mort. Persec. 33; Eusebius, Church Hist. viii. 16, 3 ff.) which recoiled as a well-merited penalty upon the author of the iniquitous order. He ruled for nineteen years.

Severus Caesar was low both in character and in origin, given to drink, and hence a friend to Galerius. Accordingly Galerius made Caesars of him and Maximinus, without Constantine having knowledge of any such step. To this Severus were assigned some cities of Pannonia, Italy, and Africa. Through this chance Maxentius became emperor; for Severus was deserted by his men and fled to Ravenna.