# Seven Books of History against the Pagans - Author: [Orosius](https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/authors/orosius/) - Latin title: *Historiarum adversum paganos libri VII* - Date: ca. 417–418 (probable) - Source: Karl Zangemeister, ed., Pauli Orosii historiarum adversum paganos libri VII, accedit eiusdem liber apologeticus, CSEL 5 (Vienna: Gerold, 1882) (Latin text: K. Zangemeister (CSEL 5, 1882), digitized by Open Greek and Latin, University of Leipzig (csel-dev), CC BY-SA 4.0) - Translation: Claude, from the original text, unless a passage says otherwise; each passage below gives the translator - Work page: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/ - Passages: 2362 ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.0.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-0-1 - Source: CSEL 5:1 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Orosius dedicates the work to Augustine as an act of obedience. ### Latin text Praeceptis tuis parui, beatissime pater Augustine; atque utinam tam efficaciter quam libenter. quamquam ego in utramuis partem parum de explicito mouear, rectene an secus egerim. ### English translation (Claude) I have obeyed your instructions, most blessed father Augustine; and would that I had done so as effectively as willingly. Yet I am little troubled, in either direction, about the outcome: whether I have done rightly or otherwise. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.0.1 (CSEL 5:1; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-0-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.0.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-0-2 - Source: CSEL 5:1 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Orosius leaves the judgment of his ability to Augustine. ### Latin text tu enim iam isto iudicio laborasti, utrumne hoc, quod praeciperes, possem: ego autem solius oboedientiae, si tamen eam uoluntate conatuque decoraui, testimonio contentus sum. ### English translation (Claude) For you have already laboured over that judgment, whether I could do what you were instructing; I, for my part, am content with the testimony of obedience alone, if indeed I have adorned it with willingness and effort. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.0.2 (CSEL 5:1; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-0-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.0.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-0-3 - Source: CSEL 5:1–2 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Orosius compares himself to a household dog that waits for its master's sign. ### Latin text Nam et in magna magni patrisfamilias domo cum sint multa diuersi generis animalia adiumento rei familiaris commoda, non est tamen canum cura postrema; quibus solis natura insitum est, uoluntarie ad id quod praeparantur urgueri et per ingenitam quandam oboedientiae formulam sola disciplinati timoris exspectatione suspendi, donec ad peragendi licentiam nutu signoue mittantur. ### English translation (Claude) For in the great house of a great householder, although there are many animals of various kinds useful in the service of the household, the care of the dogs is not the least. To them alone it is given by nature to be urged willingly toward that for which they are trained, and, through a certain inborn pattern of obedience, to be held in suspense solely by the expectation of a disciplined fear, until they are sent off with leave to act by a nod or a sign. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.0.3 (CSEL 5:1–2; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-0-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.0.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-0-4 - Source: CSEL 5:2 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Dogs, he says, can discern, love, and serve. ### Latin text habent enim proprios appetitus, quantum brutis excellentiores tantum rationabilibus propinquantes, hoc est discernere amare seruire. ### English translation (Claude) For they have their own impulses, coming as close to rational beings as they excel brute beasts: that is, to discern, to love, to serve. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.0.4 (CSEL 5:2; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-0-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.0.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-0-5 - Source: CSEL 5:2 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: A dog's watchfulness springs from love of its master. ### Latin text nam discernentes inter dominos atque extraneos non eos quos insectantur oderunt sed iis quos amant zelant, et amantes dominum ac domum non quasi ex natura apti corporis uigilant, sed ex conscientia solliciti amoris inuigilant. ### English translation (Claude) For discerning between masters and strangers, they do not hate those they chase but are zealous for those they love; and loving their master and his house, they keep watch not as if from a natural aptitude of body, but they keep vigil from the awareness of an anxious love. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.0.5 (CSEL 5:2; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-0-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.0.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-0-6 - Source: CSEL 5:2 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: He recalls the Canaanite woman's words about the dogs and the crumbs. ### Latin text unde etiam mystico sacramento in Euangeliis, quod edant micas catelli sub mensa dominorum, et Chananaea non erubuit dicere et Dominus non fastidiuit audire. ### English translation (Claude) Hence also, as a mystical sign in the Gospels, the Canaanite woman did not blush to say, and the Lord did not disdain to hear, that the little dogs eat the crumbs under their masters' table. ### Scripture references - Matt 15:27: allusion, high confidence - Mark 7:28: allusion, medium confidence ### Translation notes - Matt 15:27; Mark 7:28. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.0.6 (CSEL 5:2; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-0-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.0.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-0-7 - Source: CSEL 5:2–3 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Citing Tobias's dog, Orosius says he has gladly obeyed. ### Latin text beatus etiam Tobias, ducem angelum sequens, canem comitem habere non spreuit. igitur generali amori tuo speciali amore conexus uoluntati tuae uolens parui. ### English translation (Claude) Blessed Tobias too, following the angel as his guide, did not scorn to have a dog as companion. Therefore, bound to your general love by a special love, I have willingly obeyed your will. ### Extrabiblical texts - Tob 6:1 (Tobit): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Tobit 6:1 (Vulgate), where the dog follows Tobias; cf. 11:9. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.0.7 (CSEL 5:2–3; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-0-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.0.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-0-8 - Source: CSEL 5:3 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The work is Augustine's; Orosius's only contribution is his willingness. ### Latin text nam cum subiectio mea praecepto paternitatis tuae factum debeat totumque tuum sit, quod ex te ad te redit, opus meum, hoc solo meo cumulatius reddidi, quod libens feci. ### English translation (Claude) For since my submission owes the deed to the command of your fatherhood, and the whole work is yours, since it returns to you from you, I have repaid it more abundantly by this alone that is mine: that I did it gladly. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.0.8 (CSEL 5:3; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-0-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.0.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-0-9 - Source: CSEL 5:3 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Augustine asked Orosius to answer the pagans who blame the present troubles on Christianity. ### Latin text Praeceperas mihi, uti aduersus uaniloquam prauitatem eorum, qui alieni a ciuitate Dei ex locorum agrestium conpitis et pagis pagani uocantur siue gentiles quia terrena sapiunt, qui cum futura non quaerant, praeterita autem aut obliuiscantur aut nesciant, praesentia tamen tempora ueluti malis extra solitum infestatissima ob hoc solum quod creditur Christus et colitur Deus, idola autem minus coluntur, infamant: ### English translation (Claude) You had instructed me to speak against the empty-talking perversity of those who, strangers to the City of God, are called pagans (*pagani*) from the crossroads and villages (*pagi*) of country places, or gentiles because they savour earthly things. Since they do not seek the future, and either forget or do not know the past, they nevertheless defame the present times as most beset by evils beyond the usual, for this reason alone: that Christ is believed and God is worshipped, while idols are less worshipped. ### Scripture references - Phil 3:19: echo, low confidence ### Translation notes - The derivation of *pagani* from *pagus* (village) is Orosius's. 'Beyond the usual' renders *extra solitum*, corrected from the digital text's *extra alitum*. 'Savour earthly things' recalls Phil 3:19. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.0.9 (CSEL 5:3; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-0-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.0.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-0-10 - Source: CSEL 5:3–4 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: His task is to collect from the histories the disasters of past ages. ### Latin text — praeceperas ergo, ut ex omnibus qui haberi ad praesens possunt historiarum atque annalium fastis, quaecumque aut bellis grauia aut corrupta morbis aut fame tristia aut terrarum motibus terribilia aut inundationibus aquarum insolita aut eruptionibus ignium metuenda aut ictibus fulminum plagisque grandinum saeua uel etiam parricidiis flagitiisque misera per transacta retro saecula repperissem, ordinato breuiter uoluminis textu explicarem. ### English translation (Claude) You instructed me, then, that from all the records of histories and annals that can be had at present, whatever I found in ages past that was grievous with wars, or wasted by diseases, or sad with famine, or terrible with earthquakes, or unusual for floods of water, or fearful for eruptions of fire, or savage with strokes of lightning and blows of hail, or wretched also with parricides and crimes, I should set out briefly in the ordered text of a volume. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.0.10 (CSEL 5:3–4; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-0-10). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.0.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-0-11 - Source: CSEL 5:4 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Augustine was then at work on the eleventh book of the City of God. ### Latin text maxime cum reuerentiam tuam perficiendo aduersum hos ipsos paganos undecimo libro insistentem — quorum iam decem orientes radii mox ut de specula ecclesia- ### English translation (Claude) Especially since it was not fitting that Your Reverence, intent on completing the eleventh book against these same pagans (whose ten books, like rays of the rising sun, shone throughout the world as soon as they were raised up from the watchtower of the church's ### Translation notes - The sentence continues in 1.0.12. The work is Augustine's *City of God*, of which ten books had then appeared. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.0.11 (CSEL 5:4; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-0-11). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.0.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-0-12 - Source: CSEL 5:4 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Julian of Carthage also pressed for the work to be done. ### Latin text sticae claritatis elati sunt toto orbe fulserunt - leui opusculo occupari non oporteret et sanctus filius tuus, Iulianus Carthaginiensis, seruus Dei, satisfieri super hac re petitioni suae eadem fiducia qua poposcit exigeret: ### English translation (Claude) splendour), should be taken up with a slight little work; and since your holy son Julian of Carthage, a servant of God, was demanding with the same confidence with which he had asked that his request on this matter be satisfied, ### Translation notes - Continues the sentence of 1.0.11. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.0.12 (CSEL 5:4; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-0-12). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.0.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-0-13 - Source: CSEL 5:4 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: At first Orosius himself thought the present disasters unusually great. ### Latin text dedi operam et me ipsum in primis confusione pressi. cui plerumque reputanti super modum exaestuauisse praesentium clades temporum uidebantur. ### English translation (Claude) I set to work, and first of all I was overwhelmed with confusion myself; for as I often reflected, the disasters of the present times seemed to me to have boiled over beyond measure. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.0.13 (CSEL 5:4; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-0-13). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.0.14 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-0-14 - Source: CSEL 5:4–5 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: He found the past worse than the present, the more so the further from true religion. ### Latin text nanctus sum enim praeteritos dies non solum aeque ut hos graues, uerum etiam tanto atrocius miseros quanto longius a remedio uerae religionis alienos: ut merito hac scrutatione claruerit regnasse mortem auidam sanguinis, dum ignoratur religio quae prohiberet a sanguine; ista inlucescente, illam constupuisse; illam concludi, cum ista iam praeualet; illam penitus nullam futuram, cum haec sola regnabit: ### English translation (Claude) For I found that past days were not only as grievous as these, but more terribly wretched the further they were from the remedy of true religion; so that this investigation has rightly made it clear that death, greedy for blood, reigned while the religion that would forbid bloodshed was unknown; that as this religion dawned, death was stunned; that death is shut in now that religion prevails; and that death will be wholly nothing when religion alone reigns, ### Scripture references - Rom 5:14: echo, low confidence ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.0.14 (CSEL 5:4–5; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-0-14). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.0.15 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-0-15 - Source: CSEL 5:5 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The exception is the tribulation of the last days foretold by Christ. ### Latin text exceptis uidelicet semotisque illis diebus nouissimis sub fine saeculi et sub apparitione Antichristi uel etiam sub conclusione iudicii, quibus futuras angustias, quales ante non fuerint, dominus Christus per scripturas sanctas sua etiam contestatione praedixit, ### English translation (Claude) excepting, of course, and setting apart those last days at the end of the age, at the appearance of Antichrist or also at the conclusion of the judgment, for which the Lord Christ foretold through the holy Scriptures, by his own testimony also, distresses to come such as there have not been before, ### Scripture references - Matt 24:21: allusion, high confidence - Mark 13:19: allusion, medium confidence - Dan 12:1: echo, low confidence ### Translation notes - Matt 24:21; Mark 13:19; cf. Dan 12:1. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.0.15 (CSEL 5:5; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-0-15). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.0.16 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-0-16 - Source: CSEL 5:5 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: In those last days the saints will be tested and the wicked destroyed. ### Latin text cum secundum ipsum quidem qui et nunc et semper est modum uerum apertiore ac grauiore discrimine, per intolerabiles tribulationes temporum illorum sanctos probatio, impios perditio consequetur. ### English translation (Claude) when, according to the true measure of him who is both now and always, but in a more open and graver crisis, through the unbearable tribulations of those times testing will follow the saints, and destruction the wicked. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.0.16 (CSEL 5:5; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-0-16). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.1.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-1-1 - Source: CSEL 5:5 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The historians begin their accounts with Ninus, king of Assyria. ### Latin text et quoniam omnes propemodum tam apud Graecos quam apud Latinos studiosi ad scribendum uiri, qui res gestas regum populorumque ob diuturnam memoriam uerbis propagauerunt, initium scribendi a Nino Beli filio, rege Assyriorum, fecere — ### English translation (Claude) And since nearly all the men eager to write, among the Greeks as among the Latins, who have spread abroad in words the deeds of kings and peoples for a lasting memory, have begun their writing with Ninus son of Belus, king of the Assyrians, ### Translation notes - The sentence runs on to 1.1.4. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.1.1 (CSEL 5:5; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-1-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.1.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-1-2 - Source: CSEL 5:5 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: They hold the world eternal but date kingdoms and wars from Ninus. ### Latin text qui cum opinione caeca mundi originem creaturamque hominum sine initio credi uelint, coepisse tamen ab hoc regna bellaque definiunt, ### English translation (Claude) who, although by a blind opinion they would have it believed that the origin of the world and the creation of men had no beginning, nevertheless define kingdoms and wars as having begun from him, ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.1.2 (CSEL 5:5; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-1-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.1.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-1-3 - Source: CSEL 5:5–6 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: As if mankind had lived like cattle until then. ### Latin text quasi uero eatenus humanum genus ritu pecudum uixerit et tunc primum ueluti ad nouam prouidentiam concussum suscitatumque uigilarit —: ### English translation (Claude) as if, forsooth, the human race had lived until then in the manner of cattle, and then for the first time, as though shaken and roused to a new foresight, had awakened: ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.1.3 (CSEL 5:5–6; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-1-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.1.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-1-4 - Source: CSEL 5:6 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Orosius will begin human misery with the first sin. ### Latin text ego initium miseriae hominum ab initio peccati hominis ducere institui, paucis dumtaxat isdemque breuiter delibatis. ### English translation (Claude) I have resolved to trace the beginning of man's misery from the beginning of man's sin, touching only a few points, and those briefly. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.1.4 (CSEL 5:6; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-1-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.1.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-1-5 - Source: CSEL 5:6 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: There are 3,184 years from Adam to Ninus and Abraham. ### Latin text Sunt autem ab Adam primo homine usque ad Ninum magnum ut dicunt regem, quando natus est Abraham, anni III.CLXXXIIII, qui ab omnibus historiographis uel omissi uel ignorati sunt. ### English translation (Claude) From Adam, the first man, to Ninus, the 'great king' as they call him, when Abraham was born, there are 3,184 years, which have been either passed over or not known by all the historians. ### Extrabiblical texts - Chron. (Eusebius and Jerome, Chronicle): echo, medium confidence ### Translation notes - The figure follows the Septuagint-based chronology of Eusebius and Jerome. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.1.5 (CSEL 5:6; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-1-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.1.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-1-6 - Source: CSEL 5:6 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: There are 2,015 years from Ninus and Abraham to the birth of Christ under Augustus. ### Latin text a Nino autem uel Abraham usque ad Caesarem Augustum id est usque ad natiuitatem Christi, quae fuit anno imperii Caesaris quadragesimo secundo, cum facta pace cum Parthis Iani portae clausae sunt et bella toto orbe cessarunt, colliguntur anni MMXV in quibus se inter actores scriptoresque omnium otia negotiaque triuerunt. ### English translation (Claude) From Ninus or Abraham to Caesar Augustus, that is, to the birth of Christ, which was in the forty-second year of Caesar's rule, when peace was made with the Parthians, the gates of Janus were closed and wars ceased throughout the world, 2,015 years are counted, in which all the leisure and business of the men of action and the writers was spent. ### Translation notes - The numeral is garbled in the digital text (*n xv*); Zangemeister prints MMXV (2,015). ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.1.6 (CSEL 5:6; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-1-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.1.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-1-7 - Source: CSEL 5:6–7 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: He will draw briefly on the Scriptures, whose prophecies were proved true. ### Latin text quapropter res ipsa exigit ex his libris quam breuissime uel pauca contingere, qui originem mundi loquentes praeteritorum fidem adnuntiatione futurorum et post subsequa probatione fecerunt: ### English translation (Claude) Therefore the matter itself demands that I touch, as briefly as possible, on a few things from those books which, speaking of the origin of the world, have won credence for the past by foretelling the future and by the proof that followed: ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.1.7 (CSEL 5:6–7; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-1-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.1.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-1-8 - Source: CSEL 5:7 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: He does not force biblical authority on his readers but appeals to common opinion. ### Latin text non quo auctoritatem eorum cuiquam uideamur ingerere, sed quo operae pretium sit de opinione uulgata quae nobis cum omnibus communis est commonere. ### English translation (Claude) not that we seem to force their authority on anyone, but because it is worthwhile to recall a commonly held opinion which we share with everyone. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.1.8 (CSEL 5:7; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-1-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.1.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-1-9 - Source: CSEL 5:7 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Providence must both help and correct man, who is weak and stubborn. ### Latin text primum quia si diuina prouidentia, quae sicut bona ita et iusta est, agitur mundus et homo, hominem autem, qui conuertibilitate naturae et libertate licentiae et infirmus et contumax est, sicut pie gubernari egenum opis oportet ita iuste corripi inmoderatum libertatis necesse est, ### English translation (Claude) First, because if the world and man are governed by divine providence, which is just as well as good, and man, who by the changeableness of his nature and the freedom of his choice is both weak and stubborn, must be governed with mercy when he needs help, and must also be justly corrected when he is immoderate in his freedom, ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.1.9 (CSEL 5:7; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-1-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.1.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-1-10 - Source: CSEL 5:7 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: So the world has always known alternating good and evil. ### Latin text iure ab initio hominis per bona malaque alternantia, exerceri hunc mundum sentit quisquis per se atque in se humanum genus uidet; ### English translation (Claude) then anyone who sees the human race through himself and in himself perceives that this world has rightly been exercised from the beginning of man by alternating goods and evils; ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.1.10 (CSEL 5:7; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-1-10). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.1.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-1-11 - Source: CSEL 5:7 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Sin and its punishment began with Adam, and the historians record only wars and disasters. ### Latin text deinde cum ab ipso primo homine peccatum punitionemque peccati coepisse doceamur; porro autem cum etiam isti de mediis temporibus inchoantes, quamuis superiorum nusquam meminerint, nihil nisi bella cladesque descripserint — ### English translation (Claude) next, since we are taught that sin and the punishment of sin began with the first man himself; and further, since even those historians, beginning from the middle of time, although they nowhere remember earlier ages, have described nothing but wars and disasters, ### Scripture references - Gen 3:17: echo, low confidence ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.1.11 (CSEL 5:7; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-1-11). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.1.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-1-12 - Source: CSEL 5:7–8 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Wars and evils are either open sins or hidden punishments of sin. ### Latin text quae bella quid aliud dicenda sunt, nisi uergentia in alterutrum mala; mala autem huiusmodi quae tunc erant, sicut et nunc sunt in quantum sunt, sine dubio aut manifesta peccata sunt aut occultae punitiones peccatorum —: ### English translation (Claude) and what else are these wars to be called but evils turning now one way, now the other? And evils of this kind which existed then, as they also exist now in so far as they exist, are without doubt either manifest sins or hidden punishments of sins: ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.1.12 (CSEL 5:7–8; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-1-12). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.1.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-1-13 - Source: CSEL 5:8 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: He will show that the earlier ages suffered similar miseries. ### Latin text quid impedimenti est nos eius rei caput pandere, cuius illi corpus expresserint, et priora illa saecula, quae multo numerosiora monstramus, uel tenuissimo testari relatu similes miserias pertulisse? ### English translation (Claude) what hinders us from laying open the head of that matter whose body they have depicted, and from showing, even by the briefest account, that those earlier ages, which we show to have been far more numerous, endured similar miseries? ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.1.13 (CSEL 5:8; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-1-13). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.1.14 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-1-14 - Source: CSEL 5:8 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: He sets out the span of his history, from creation to his own day. ### Latin text Dicturus igitur ab orbe condito usque ad Vrbem conditam, dehinc usque ad Caesaris principatum natiuitatemque Christi ex quo sub potestate Vrbis orbis mansit imperium, uel etiam usque ad dies nostros, in quantum ad cognitionem uocare ### English translation (Claude) Being about to tell, then, from the founding of the world to the founding of the City, and then to the principate of Caesar and the birth of Christ, from which time the empire of the world has remained under the power of the City, or even to our own days, as far as I shall be able ### Translation notes - The sentence runs on to 1.1.16. 'The City' is Rome. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.1.14 (CSEL 5:8; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-1-14). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.1.15 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-1-15 - Source: CSEL 5:8 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: He will display the world set on fire by greed. ### Latin text suffecero, conflictationes generis humani et ueluti per diuersas partes ardentem malis mundum face cupiditatis incensum e ### English translation (Claude) to bring them to knowledge, and to display the conflicts of the human race, and the world, set on fire by the torch of greed and burning with evils in its various parts, as from ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.1.15 (CSEL 5:8; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-1-15). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.1.16 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-1-16 - Source: CSEL 5:8 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: First he will describe the geography of the inhabited world. ### Latin text specula ostentaturus necessarium reor, ut primum ipsum terrarum orbem quem inhabitat humanum genus, sicut est a maioribus trifariam distributus deinde regionibus prouinciisque determinatus, expediam; ### English translation (Claude) a watchtower, I think it necessary first to set out the very circle of the lands which the human race inhabits, as it was divided by our ancestors into three parts and then marked out by regions and provinces; ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.1.16 (CSEL 5:8; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-1-16). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.1.17 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-1-17 - Source: CSEL 5:8–9 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Geography will help readers place the events. ### Latin text quo facilius, cum locales bellorum morborumque clades ostentabuntur, studiosi quique non solum rerum ac temporum sed etiam locorum scientiam consequantur. ### English translation (Claude) so that, when the local disasters of wars and diseases are displayed, all who are studious may more easily gain knowledge not only of events and times but also of places. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.1.17 (CSEL 5:8–9; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-1-17). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.2.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-2-1 - Source: CSEL 5:9 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The world is divided into Asia, Europe, and Africa. ### Latin text Maiores nostri orbem totius terrae, oceani limbo circum saeptum, triquetrum statuere eiusque tres partes ASIAM EVROPAM ET AFRICAM uocauerunt, quamuis aliqui duas hoc est Asiam ac deinde Africam in Europam accipiendam putarint. ### English translation (Claude) Our ancestors held that the circle of the whole earth, enclosed by the border of the Ocean, is three-cornered, and called its three parts Asia, Europe, and Africa, although some have thought there are two, that is, Asia, and then Africa, to be counted as part of Europe. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.2.1 (CSEL 5:9; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-2-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.2.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-2-2 - Source: CSEL 5:9 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Asia occupies the east. ### Latin text ASIA tribus partibus oceano circumcincta per totam transuersi plagam orientis extenditur. ### English translation (Claude) Asia, surrounded by the Ocean on three sides, stretches across the whole region of the east. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.2.2 (CSEL 5:9; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-2-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.2.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-2-3 - Source: CSEL 5:9–10 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Asia borders Europe, Africa, and the Mediterranean. ### Latin text haec occasum uersus a dextra sui sub axe septentrionis incipientem contingit Europam, a sinistra autem Africam dimittit, sub Aegypto uero et Syria mare nostrum quod Magnum generaliter dicimus habet. ### English translation (Claude) Toward the west, on its right, it touches Europe, which begins under the northern pole; on its left it leaves Africa; and below Egypt and Syria it has our sea, which we generally call the Great Sea. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.2.3 (CSEL 5:9–10; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-2-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.2.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-2-4 - Source: CSEL 5:10 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Europe begins at the river Don. ### Latin text EVROPA incipit ut dixi sub plaga septentrionis, a flumine Tanai, qua Riphaei montes Sarmatico auersi oceano Tanaim ### English translation (Claude) Europe begins, as I said, in the northern region at the river Tanais, where the Riphaean mountains, turned away from the Sarmatian Ocean, pour out the river Tanais, ### Translation notes - The Tanais is the Don. The sentence continues in 1.2.5. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.2.4 (CSEL 5:10; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-2-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.2.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-2-5 - Source: CSEL 5:10 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Don flows into the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea. ### Latin text fluuium fundunt, qui praeteriens aras ac terminos Alexandri Magni in Rhobascorum finibus sitos Maeotidas auget paludes, quarum inmensa exundatio iuxta Theodosiam urbem Euxinum Pontum late ingreditur. ### English translation (Claude) which, passing the altars and boundary marks of Alexander the Great set in the territory of the Rhobasci, swells the Maeotic marshes, whose immense overflow enters the Euxine Sea far and wide near the city of Theodosia. ### Translation notes - The Maeotic marshes are the Sea of Azov; the Euxine is the Black Sea. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.2.5 (CSEL 5:10; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-2-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.2.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-2-6 - Source: CSEL 5:10 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The straits at Constantinople lead to the Mediterranean. ### Latin text inde iuxta Constantinopolim longae mittuntur angustiae, donec eas mare hoc quod dicimus Nostrum accipiat. ### English translation (Claude) From there a long strait is sent out near Constantinople, until this sea which we call Ours receives it. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.2.6 (CSEL 5:10; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-2-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.2.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-2-7 - Source: CSEL 5:10–11 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Europe ends in the west at Spain and the Strait of Gibraltar. ### Latin text Europae in Hispania occidentalis oceanus termino est, maxime ubi apud Gades insulas Herculis columnae uisuntur et Tyrrheni maris faucibus oceani aestus inmittitur. ### English translation (Claude) In Spain the western Ocean is the boundary of Europe, especially where the Pillars of Hercules are seen at the Gades islands and the tide of the Ocean flows into the jaws of the Tyrrhenian Sea. ### Translation notes - Gades is Cádiz. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.2.7 (CSEL 5:10–11; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-2-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.2.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-2-8 - Source: CSEL 5:11 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Africa begins at Egypt's western border. ### Latin text AFRICAE principium est a finibus Aegypti urbisque Alexandriae ubi Parethonio ciuitas sita est, super mare hoc Magnum, quod omnes plagas terrasque medias interluit. ### English translation (Claude) The beginning of Africa is at the borders of Egypt and the city of Alexandria, where the city of Paraetonium lies, on this Great Sea which washes all the regions and lands in the middle. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.2.8 (CSEL 5:11; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-2-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.2.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-2-9 - Source: CSEL 5:11 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Africa's eastern boundary runs south to the Ocean. ### Latin text unde per loca quae accolae Catabathmon uocant haud procul a castris Alexandri Magni et super lacum Chalearzum, deinde iuxta superiorum fines Auasitarum missa in transuersum per Aethiopica deserta meridianum contingit oceanum. ### English translation (Claude) From there, through the places the inhabitants call Catabathmon, not far from the camp of Alexander the Great, and above Lake Chalearzus, then past the borders of the Upper Avasitae, its line runs across the Ethiopian deserts and touches the southern Ocean. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.2.9 (CSEL 5:11; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-2-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.2.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-2-10 - Source: CSEL 5:11 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Africa ends in the west at the Strait of Gibraltar. ### Latin text termini Africae ad occidentem idem sunt qui et Europae, id est fauces Gaditani freti. ### English translation (Claude) The boundaries of Africa to the west are the same as those of Europe, that is, the jaws of the Strait of Gades. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.2.10 (CSEL 5:11; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-2-10). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.2.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-2-11 - Source: CSEL 5:11 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Its farthest point is Mount Atlas and the Fortunate Isles. ### Latin text ultimus autem finis eius est mons Athlans et insulae quas Fortunatas uocant. ### English translation (Claude) Its farthest limit is Mount Atlas and the islands they call the Fortunate Isles. ### Translation notes - The Fortunate Isles are the Canaries. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.2.11 (CSEL 5:11; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-2-11). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.2.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-2-12 - Source: CSEL 5:11–12 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Now he will describe the regions of each part. ### Latin text Et quia breuiter generales tripertiti orbis diuisiones dedi, ipsarum quoque partium regiones, sicut pollicitus sum, significare curabo. ### English translation (Claude) And since I have briefly given the general divisions of the threefold world, I shall take care to indicate also the regions of the parts themselves, as I promised. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.2.12 (CSEL 5:11–12; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-2-12). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.2.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-2-13 - Source: CSEL 5:12 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Asia's eastern edge: the Ganges and Taprobane. ### Latin text ASIA ad mediam frontem orientis habet in oceano Eoo ostia fluminis Gangis, a sinistra promunturium Caligardamana, cui subiacet ad Eurum insula Taprobane, ex qua oceanus Indicus uocari incipit; ### English translation (Claude) Asia, at the middle of its eastern front, has on the Eastern Ocean the mouths of the river Ganges; on the left the promontory of Caligardamana, below which to the south-east lies the island of Taprobane, from which the Ocean begins to be called the Indian Ocean; ### Translation notes - Taprobane is Sri Lanka. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.2.13 (CSEL 5:12; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-2-13). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.2.14 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-2-14 - Source: CSEL 5:12 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: In the north-east lie Mount Imavus and the Seric Ocean. ### Latin text a dextra habet Imaui montis — ubi Caucasus deficit — promunturium Samarae, cui ad aquilonem subiacent ostia fluminis Ottorogorrae, ex quo oceanus Sericus appellatur. ### English translation (Claude) on the right it has the promontory of Samara on Mount Imavus, where the Caucasus ends, below which to the north lie the mouths of the river Ottorogorra, from which the Ocean is called the Seric. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.2.14 (CSEL 5:12; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-2-14). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.2.15 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-2-15 - Source: CSEL 5:12–13 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Boundaries of India. ### Latin text In his finibus INDIA est, quae habet ab occidente flumen Indum, quod Rubro mari accipitur, a septentrione montem Caucasum; reliqua ut dixi Eoo et Indico oceano terminatur. ### English translation (Claude) Within these boundaries is India, which has on the west the river Indus, which is received by the Red Sea, and on the north Mount Caucasus; the rest, as I said, is bounded by the Eastern and the Indian Ocean. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.2.15 (CSEL 5:12–13; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-2-15). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.2.16 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-2-16 - Source: CSEL 5:13 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: India has forty-four peoples. ### Latin text haec habet gentes XLIIII, absque insula Taprobane, quae habet decem ciuitates, et absque reliquis insulis habitabilibus plurimis. ### English translation (Claude) It has forty-four peoples, besides the island of Taprobane, which has ten cities, and besides very many other inhabitable islands. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.2.16 (CSEL 5:13; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-2-16). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.2.17 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-2-17 - Source: CSEL 5:13 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Between the Indus and the Tigris lie Arachosia, Parthia, Assyria, Persis, and Media. ### Latin text A flumine Indo, quod est ab oriente; usque ad flumen Tigrim, quod est ad occasum, regiones sunt istae: ARACHOSIA PARTHIA ASSVRIA PERSIDA ET MEDIA, situ terrarum montuoso et aspero. ### English translation (Claude) From the river Indus, which is on the east, to the river Tigris, which is on the west, are these regions: Arachosia, Parthia, Assyria, Persis and Media, mountainous and rugged country. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.2.17 (CSEL 5:13; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-2-17). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.2.18 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-2-18 - Source: CSEL 5:13 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Their borders and rivers; thirty-two peoples. ### Latin text hae a septentrione habent montem Caucasum, a meridie mare Rubrum et sinum Persicum, in medio autem sui flumina praecipua Hydaspem et Arbim. in his sunt gentes XXXII. ### English translation (Claude) These have on the north Mount Caucasus, on the south the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf, and in their midst the chief rivers Hydaspes and Arbis. In them are thirty-two peoples. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.2.18 (CSEL 5:13; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-2-18). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.2.19 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-2-19 - Source: CSEL 5:13–14 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The region is called Parthia, or in Scripture Media. ### Latin text sed generaliter Parthia dicitur, quamuis Scripturae Sanctae uniuersam saepe Mediam uocent. ### English translation (Claude) But it is generally called Parthia, although the holy Scriptures often call the whole of it Media. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.2.19 (CSEL 5:13–14; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-2-19). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.2.20 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-2-20 - Source: CSEL 5:14 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Mesopotamia lies between the Tigris and the Euphrates. ### Latin text A flumine Tigri usque ad flumen Euphraten MESOPOTAMIA est, incipiens a septentrione inter montem Taurum et Caucasum. ### English translation (Claude) From the river Tigris to the river Euphrates is Mesopotamia, beginning in the north between Mount Taurus and the Caucasus. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.2.20 (CSEL 5:14; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-2-20). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.2.21 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-2-21 - Source: CSEL 5:14 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: South of Mesopotamia lie Babylonia, Chaldaea, and Arabia Felix. ### Latin text cui ad meridiem succedit Babylonia, deinde Chaldaea, nouissime Arabia Eudaemon, quae inter sinum Persicum et Arabicum angusto terrae tractu orientem uersus extenditur. ### English translation (Claude) South of it comes Babylonia, then Chaldaea, and last Arabia Eudaemon, which stretches eastward in a narrow tract of land between the Persian and the Arabian Gulf. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.2.21 (CSEL 5:14; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-2-21). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.2.22 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-2-22 - Source: CSEL 5:14 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: They hold twenty-eight peoples. ### Latin text in his sunt gentes XXVIII. ### English translation (Claude) In these are twenty-eight peoples. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.2.22 (CSEL 5:14; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-2-22). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.2.23 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-2-23 - Source: CSEL 5:14 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The extent of Syria begins to be described. ### Latin text A flumine Euphrate, quod est ab oriente, usque ad mare Nostrum, quod est ab occasu, deinde a septentrione id est a ciuitate Dagusa, quae in confinio Cappadociae et Armeniae sita est haud procul a loco ubi Euphrates nascitur, usque ad ### English translation (Claude) From the river Euphrates, which is on the east, to Our Sea, which is on the west, and from the north, that is, from the city of Dagusa, which lies on the border of Cappadocia and Armenia not far from where the Euphrates rises, as far as ### Translation notes - The sentence continues in 1.2.24. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.2.23 (CSEL 5:14; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-2-23). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.2.24 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-2-24 - Source: CSEL 5:14–15 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Syria, with Commagene, Phoenicia, and Palestine. ### Latin text Aegyptum et extremum sinum Arabicum, qui ad meridiem longo angustoque sulco saxis insulisque creberrimo a Rubro mari id est ab oceano occasum uersus extenditur, SVRTA generaliter nominatur, habens maximas prouincias Commagenam Phoeniciam et Palaestinam, absque Saracenis et Nabathaeis, quorum gentes sunt XII. ### English translation (Claude) Egypt and the end of the Arabian Gulf, which stretches westward from the Red Sea, that is, from the Ocean, toward the south in a long, narrow channel thick with rocks and islands, the land is generally named Syria. It has the very large provinces of Commagene, Phoenicia and Palestine, besides the Saracens and Nabataeans, whose peoples are twelve. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.2.24 (CSEL 5:14–15; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-2-24). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.2.25 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-2-25 - Source: CSEL 5:15 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Boundaries of Cappadocia. ### Latin text In capite Syriae CAPPADOCIA est, quae habet ab oriente Armeniam, ab occasu Asiam, ab aquilone Themiscyrios campos et mare Cimmericum, a meridie Taurum montem, cui subiacet Cilicia et Isauria. usque ad Cilicium sinum, qui spectat contra insulam Cyprum. ### English translation (Claude) At the head of Syria is Cappadocia, which has Armenia on the east, Asia on the west, the Themiscyrian plains and the Cimmerian Sea on the north, and Mount Taurus on the south, below which lie Cilicia and Isauria, as far as the Cilician Gulf, which faces the island of Cyprus. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.2.25 (CSEL 5:15; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-2-25). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.2.26 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-2-26 - Source: CSEL 5:15–16 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Asia Minor and its seas. ### Latin text ASIA REGIO uel, ut proprie dicam, Asia minor absque orientali parte qua ad Cappadociam Syriamque progreditur undique circumdata est mari: a septentrione Ponto Euxino, ab occasu Propontide atque Hellesponto, ad meridiem mari Nostro. ibi est mons Olympus. ### English translation (Claude) The region of Asia, or, to speak properly, Asia Minor, except on its eastern side where it runs toward Cappadocia and Syria, is surrounded on every side by sea: on the north by the Euxine, on the west by the Propontis and the Hellespont, on the south by Our Sea. There is Mount Olympus. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.2.26 (CSEL 5:15–16; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-2-26). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.2.27 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-2-27 - Source: CSEL 5:16 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Boundaries of Lower Egypt. ### Latin text AEGVPTVS inferior ab oriente habet Syriam Palaestinam, ab occasu Libyam, a septentrione mare Nostrum, a meridie montem. qui appellatur Climax. et Aegyptum superiorem fluuium- ### English translation (Claude) Lower Egypt has on the east Syria Palaestina, on the west Libya, on the north Our Sea, on the south the mountain called Climax, and Upper Egypt, and the river ### Translation notes - The sentence continues in 1.2.28. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.2.27 (CSEL 5:16; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-2-27). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.2.28 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-2-28 - Source: CSEL 5:16 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The course of the Nile. ### Latin text que Nilum, qui de litore incipientis maris Rubri uidetur emergere in loco, qui dicitur Mossylon emporium, deinde diu ad occasum profluens, faciens insulam nomine Meroen in medio sui, nouissime ad septentrionem inflexus, tempestiuis auctus incrementis plana Aegypti rigat. ### English translation (Claude) Nile, which seems to emerge from the shore where the Red Sea begins, at the place called the Mossylon market; then, flowing long toward the west and making in its midst an island named Meroe, it finally bends north and, swollen by its seasonal floods, waters the plains of Egypt. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.2.28 (CSEL 5:16; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-2-28). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.2.29 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-2-29 - Source: CSEL 5:16 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Some place the Nile's source near Mount Atlas. ### Latin text hunc aliqui auctores ferunt haud procul ab Athlante habere fontem et continuo harenis ### English translation (Claude) Some authors report that it has its source not far from Atlas and at once sinks into the sands, ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.2.29 (CSEL 5:16; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-2-29). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.2.30 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-2-30 - Source: CSEL 5:16–17 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: This theory makes it flow east and then north to Egypt. ### Latin text mergi, inde interiecto breui spatio uastissimo lacu exundare atque hinc oceano tenus orientem uersus per Aethiopica deserta prolabi rursusque inflexum ad sinistram ad Aegyptum descendere. ### English translation (Claude) then after a short interval overflows in a vast lake, and from there flows eastward through the Ethiopian deserts as far as the Ocean, and bending again to the left, comes down to Egypt. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.2.30 (CSEL 5:16–17; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-2-30). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.2.31 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-2-31 - Source: CSEL 5:17 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: There is such a western river, called Dara or Nuhul. ### Latin text quod quidem uerum est esse huiusmodi fluuium magnum, qui tali ortu talique cursu sit et re uera omnia Nili monstra gignat; quem utique prope fontem barbari Dara nominant, ceteri uero accolae Nuhul uocant; ### English translation (Claude) It is indeed true that there is a great river of this kind, with such a source and such a course, and that it truly produces all the monsters of the Nile; the barbarians near its source call it Dara, but the other inhabitants call it Nuhul; ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.2.31 (CSEL 5:17; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-2-31). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.2.32 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-2-32 - Source: CSEL 5:17 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: But that river ends in a lake. ### Latin text sed hic in regione gentium, quae Libyoaegyptiae uocantur, haud procul ab illo fluuio, quem a litore maris Rubri prorumpere diximus, inmenso lacu acceptus absumitur; ### English translation (Claude) but in the region of the peoples called Libyoaegyptians, not far from the river which we said bursts forth from the shore of the Red Sea, it is received into an immense lake and swallowed up, ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.2.32 (CSEL 5:17; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-2-32). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.2.33 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-2-33 - Source: CSEL 5:17 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Unless it joins the Nile underground; Upper Egypt stretches east. ### Latin text nisi forte occulto meatu in alueum eius, qui ab oriente descendit, eructat. AEGVPTVS SVPERIOR in orientem per longum extenditur. ### English translation (Claude) unless perhaps by a hidden passage it discharges into the bed of the one that comes down from the east. Upper Egypt stretches a long way to the east. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.2.33 (CSEL 5:17; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-2-33). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.2.34 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-2-34 - Source: CSEL 5:17 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Boundaries of Upper Egypt. ### Latin text cui est a septentrione sinus Arabicus, a meridie oceanus. nam ab occasu ex inferiore Aegypto incipit, ad orientem Rubro mari terminatur. ibi sunt gentes XXIIII. ### English translation (Claude) It has on the north the Arabian Gulf, on the south the Ocean; for on the west it begins from Lower Egypt, and on the east it is bounded by the Red Sea. There are twenty-four peoples there. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.2.34 (CSEL 5:17; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-2-34). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.2.35 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-2-35 - Source: CSEL 5:17 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: He turns to northern Asia. ### Latin text Et quoniam meridianam partem uniuersae Asiae descripsimus, superest ut ab oriente ad septentrionem pars quae restat expediatur. ### English translation (Claude) And since we have described the southern part of all Asia, it remains to set out the part that is left, from east to north. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.2.35 (CSEL 5:17; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-2-35). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.2.36 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-2-36 - Source: CSEL 5:17–18 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Caucasus range and its many names. ### Latin text MONS CAVCASVS inter Colchos, qui sunt super Cimmericum mare, et inter Albanos, qui sunt ad mare Caspium, primum attollitur. cuius quidem usque in ultimum orientem unum uidetur iugum, sed multa sunt nomina; ### English translation (Claude) The Caucasus range first rises between the Colchians, who are above the Cimmerian Sea, and the Albanians, who are by the Caspian Sea. As far as the farthest east it seems to be a single ridge, but it has many names; ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.2.36 (CSEL 5:17–18; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-2-36). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.2.37 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-2-37 - Source: CSEL 5:18 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Some take the Caucasus to be the Taurus. ### Latin text et multi hoc ipsum iugum Tauri montis credi uolunt, quia re uera Parcohatras mons Armeniae inter Taurum et Caucasum medius continuare Taurum cum Caucaso putatur; ### English translation (Claude) and many would have this same ridge believed to be that of Mount Taurus, because in fact Mount Parcohatras of Armenia, lying between the Taurus and the Caucasus, is thought to join the Taurus to the Caucasus; ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.2.37 (CSEL 5:18; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-2-37). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.2.38 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-2-38 - Source: CSEL 5:18 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Euphrates separates the Caucasus from the Taurus. ### Latin text sed hoc ita non esse discernit fluuius Euphrates, qui, radice Parcohatrae montis effusus, tendens in meridiem, ipsum ad sinistram, Taurum excludit ad dextram. ### English translation (Claude) but the river Euphrates shows that this is not so: pouring out from the foot of Mount Parcohatras and flowing south, it shuts off that mountain on its left and the Taurus on its right. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.2.38 (CSEL 5:18; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-2-38). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.2.39 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-2-39 - Source: CSEL 5:18 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Names of the range: the Caucasus proper. ### Latin text itaque ipse Caucasus inter Colchos et Albanos, ubi et portas habet, mons Caucasus dicitur; ### English translation (Claude) So the Caucasus itself, between the Colchians and the Albanians, where it also has its gates, is called Mount Caucasus; ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.2.39 (CSEL 5:18; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-2-39). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.2.40 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-2-40 - Source: CSEL 5:18 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Names of the range: the Acroceraunian Mountains. ### Latin text a portis Caspiis usque ad Armenias pylas uel usque ad fontem Tigridis fluminis inter Armeniam et Iberiam montes Acrocerauni dicuntur; ### English translation (Claude) from the Caspian Gates to the Armenian Gates, or to the source of the river Tigris, between Armenia and Iberia, they are called the Acroceraunian Mountains; ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.2.40 (CSEL 5:18; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-2-40). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.2.41 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-2-41 - Source: CSEL 5:18 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Names of the range: Ariobarzanes. ### Latin text a fonte Tigridis usque ad Carras ciuitatem inter Massagetas et Parthos mons Ariobarzanes; ### English translation (Claude) from the source of the Tigris to the city of Carrhae, between the Massagetae and the Parthians, Mount Ariobarzanes; ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.2.41 (CSEL 5:18; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-2-41). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.2.42 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-2-42 - Source: CSEL 5:18 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Names of the range: Memarmali and Parthau. ### Latin text a Carris ciuitate usque ad oppidum Cathippi inter Hyrcanos et Bactrianos mons Memarmali, ubi amomum nascitur; a quo proximum iugum mons Parthau dicitur; ### English translation (Claude) from the city of Carrhae to the town of Cathippus, between the Hyrcanians and the Bactrians, Mount Memarmali, where amomum grows; the ridge next to it is called Mount Parthau; ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.2.42 (CSEL 5:18; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-2-42). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.2.43 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-2-43 - Source: CSEL 5:18–19 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Names of the range: Oscobares. ### Latin text ab oppido Cathippi usque ad uicum Safrim inter Dahas Sacaraucas et Parthyenas mons Oscobares, ubi Ganges fluuius oritur et laser nascitur; ### English translation (Claude) from the town of Cathippus to the village of Safris, between the Dahae, the Sacaraucae and the Parthyenae, Mount Oscobares, where the river Ganges rises and silphium grows; ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.2.43 (CSEL 5:18–19; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-2-43). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.2.44 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-2-44 - Source: CSEL 5:19 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Names of the range: the Taurus. ### Latin text a fonte fluminis Gangis usque ad fontes fluminis Ottorogorrae qui sunt a septentrione, ubi sunt montani Paropanisadae, mons Taurus; ### English translation (Claude) from the source of the river Ganges to the sources of the river Ottorogorra, which are in the north, where the mountain-dwelling Paropanisadae live, Mount Taurus; ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.2.44 (CSEL 5:19; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-2-44). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.2.45 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-2-45 - Source: CSEL 5:19 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Names of the range: the Caucasus again. ### Latin text a fontibus Ottorogorrae usque ad ciuitatem Ottorogorram inter Chunos Scythas et Gandaridas mons Caucasus. ### English translation (Claude) from the sources of the Ottorogorra to the city of Ottorogorra, between the Hunnic Scythians and the Gandaridae, Mount Caucasus. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.2.45 (CSEL 5:19; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-2-45). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.2.46 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-2-46 - Source: CSEL 5:19 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Names of the range: Imavus in the far east. ### Latin text ultimus autem inter Eoas et Passyadras mons Imauus, ubi flumen Chrysorhoas et promunturium Samara orientali excipiuntur oceano. ### English translation (Claude) Last of all, between the Eoae and the Passyadrae, is Mount Imavus, where the river Chrysorhoas and the promontory of Samara are received by the Eastern Ocean. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.2.46 (CSEL 5:19; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-2-46). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.2.47 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-2-47 - Source: CSEL 5:19–20 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: North-east Asia holds forty-two Hyrcanian and Scythian peoples. ### Latin text igitur a monte Imauo hoc est ab imo Caucaso et dextra orientis parte qua oceanus Sericus tenditur, usque ad promunturium Boreum et flumen Boreum, inde tenus Scythico mari quod est a septentrione, usque ad mare Caspium quod est ab occasu, et usque ad extentum Caucasi iugum quod est ad meridiem, Hyrcanorum et Scytharum gentes sunt XLII, propter terrarum infecundam diffusionem late oberrantes. ### English translation (Claude) So from Mount Imavus, that is, from the lowest Caucasus, and the right-hand part of the east where the Seric Ocean extends, to the Boreum promontory and the river Boreum, and from there as far as the Scythian Sea in the north, to the Caspian Sea in the west, and to the extended ridge of the Caucasus in the south, there are forty-two peoples of the Hyrcanians and Scythians, wandering far and wide because of the barren expanse of the lands. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.2.47 (CSEL 5:19–20; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-2-47). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.2.48 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-2-48 - Source: CSEL 5:20 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Caspian Sea, thought to flow from the northern Ocean. ### Latin text MARE CASPIVM sub Aquilonis plaga ab oceano oritur, cuius utraque circa oceanum litora et loca deserta incultaque habentur. inde meridiem uersus per longas angustias tenditur, donec per magna spatia dilatatum Caucasi montis radicibus terminetur. ### English translation (Claude) The Caspian Sea rises from the Ocean in the region of the north wind; both its shores near the Ocean are deserted and uncultivated. From there it stretches south through long narrows until, widened over great spaces, it ends at the foot of Mount Caucasus. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.2.48 (CSEL 5:20; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-2-48). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.2.49 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-2-49 - Source: CSEL 5:20–21 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Between the Caspian and the Don are thirty-four peoples. ### Latin text itaque a mari Caspio quod est ad orientem, per oram oceani septentrionalis usque ad Tanaim fluuium et Maeotidas paludes quae sunt ad occasum, per litus Cimmerici maris quod est ab Africo, usque ad caput et portas Caucasi quae sunt ad meridiem, gentes sunt XXXIIII. ### English translation (Claude) So from the Caspian Sea, which is on the east, along the shore of the northern Ocean to the river Tanais and the Maeotic marshes, which are on the west, along the coast of the Cimmerian Sea, which is to the south-west, to the head and gates of the Caucasus, which are to the south, there are thirty-four peoples. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.2.49 (CSEL 5:20–21; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-2-49). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.2.50 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-2-50 - Source: CSEL 5:21 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: This area is called Albania and the land of the Amazons. ### Latin text sed generaliter regio proxima Albania, ulterior sub mari et monte Caspio Amazonum nominatur. ### English translation (Claude) But in general the nearer region is called Albania, and the farther, below the Caspian Sea and mountain, the land of the Amazons. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.2.50 (CSEL 5:21; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-2-50). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.2.51 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-2-51 - Source: CSEL 5:21 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Orosius turns from Asia to Europe. ### Latin text Expliciti sunt quam breuissime fines Asiae. nunc EUROPAM in quantum cognitioni hominis conceditur stilo peruagabor. ### English translation (Claude) The boundaries of Asia have been set out as briefly as possible. Now I shall travel over Europe with my pen, as far as is granted to human knowledge. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.2.51 (CSEL 5:21; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-2-51). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.2.52 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-2-52 - Source: CSEL 5:21 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Northern Europe from the Don to the Rhine and Danube; Alania in the east. ### Latin text Incipit a montibus Riphaeis ac flumine Tanai Maeotidisque paludibus quae sunt ad orientem, per litus septentrionalis oceani usque ad Galliam Belgicam et flumen Rhenum quod est ab occasu descendens, deinde usque ad Danuuium quem et Histrum uocant, qui est a meridie et ad orientem directus Ponto accipitur ab oriente Alania est, ### English translation (Claude) It begins at the Riphaean Mountains, the river Tanais and the Maeotic marshes, which are on the east, and runs along the shore of the northern Ocean to Gallia Belgica and the river Rhine, which comes down from the west; then to the Danube, which they also call the Hister, which lies to the south and, flowing east, is received by the Pontus. On the east is Alania, ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.2.52 (CSEL 5:21; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-2-52). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.2.53 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-2-53 - Source: CSEL 5:21–22 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Dacia, Gothia, and Germany: fifty-four peoples. ### Latin text in medio Dacia ubi et Gothia, deinde Germania est ubi plurimam partem Suebi tenent; quorum omnium sunt gentes LIIII. ### English translation (Claude) in the middle Dacia, where Gothia also is, then Germany, where the Suebi hold the greatest part; of all these there are fifty-four peoples. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.2.53 (CSEL 5:21–22; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-2-53). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.2.54 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-2-54 - Source: CSEL 5:22 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: He turns to the lands south of the Danube. ### Latin text Nunc quidquid Danuuius a barbarico ad mare Nostrum secludit expediam. ### English translation (Claude) Now I shall set out whatever the Danube shuts off from barbarian lands as far as Our Sea. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.2.54 (CSEL 5:22; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-2-54). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.2.55 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-2-55 - Source: CSEL 5:22 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Boundaries of Moesia. ### Latin text MOESIA ab oriente habet ostia fluminis Danuuii, ab euro Thraciam, a meridie Macedoniam, ab Africo Dalmatiam, ab occasu Histriam, a circio Pannoniam, a septentrione Danuuium. ### English translation (Claude) Moesia has on the east the mouths of the river Danube, on the south-east Thrace, on the south Macedonia, on the south-west Dalmatia, on the west Histria, on the north-west Pannonia, on the north the Danube. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.2.55 (CSEL 5:22; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-2-55). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.2.56 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-2-56 - Source: CSEL 5:22–23 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Boundaries of Thrace. ### Latin text THRACIA habet ab oriente Propontidis sinum et ciuitatem Constantinopolim quae Byzantium prius dicta est, a septentrione partem Dalmatiae et sinum Euxini ponti, ab occasu et Africo Macedoniam, a meridie Aegaeum mare. ### English translation (Claude) Thrace has on the east the gulf of the Propontis and the city of Constantinople, formerly called Byzantium; on the north part of Dalmatia and a gulf of the Euxine Sea; on the west and south-west Macedonia; on the south the Aegean Sea. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.2.56 (CSEL 5:22–23; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-2-56). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.2.57 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-2-57 - Source: CSEL 5:23 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Boundaries of Macedonia. ### Latin text MACEDONIA habet ab oriente Aegaeum mare, a borea Thraciam, ab euro Euboeam et Macedonicum sinum, a meridie Achaiam, a fauonio montes Acrocerauniae in angustiis Hadriatici sinus, qui montes sunt contra Apuliam atque Brundisium, ab occasu Dalmatiam, a circio Dardaniam, a septentrione Moesiam. ### English translation (Claude) Macedonia has on the east the Aegean Sea, on the north-east Thrace, on the south-east Euboea and the Macedonian Gulf, on the south Achaia, on the west-south-west the Acroceraunian Mountains at the narrows of the Adriatic Gulf, which mountains face Apulia and Brundisium, on the west Dalmatia, on the north-west Dardania, on the north Moesia. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.2.57 (CSEL 5:23; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-2-57). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.2.58 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-2-58 - Source: CSEL 5:23–24 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Boundaries of Achaia, with Corinth and Athens. ### Latin text ACHAIA undique propemodum cincta est mari; nam ab oriente habet Myrtoum mare, ab euro mare Creticum, a meridie Ionium mare, ab Africo et occasu Cephaleniam et Cassiopam insulas, a septentrione sinum Corinthium, ab aquilone angustum terrae dorsum, quo Macedoniae coniungitur uel potius Atticae; qui locus Isthmos uocatur, ubi est Corinthus, habens in Attica ad boream non longe Athenas ciuitatem. ### English translation (Claude) Achaia is surrounded by sea on almost every side: on the east it has the Myrtoan Sea, on the south-east the Cretan Sea, on the south the Ionian Sea, on the south-west and west the islands of Cephallenia and Cassiopa, on the north the Corinthian Gulf, on the north-east a narrow ridge of land by which it is joined to Macedonia, or rather to Attica. This place is called the Isthmus, where Corinth is, which has in Attica, not far to the north, the city of Athens. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.2.58 (CSEL 5:23–24; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-2-58). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.2.59 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-2-59 - Source: CSEL 5:24 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Boundaries of Dalmatia. ### Latin text DALMATIA habet ab oriente Macedoniam, ab aquilone Dardaniam, a septentrione Moesiam, ab occasu Histriam et sinum Liburnicum et insulas Liburnicas, a meridie Hadriaticum sinum. ### English translation (Claude) Dalmatia has on the east Macedonia, on the north-east Dardania, on the north Moesia, on the west Histria, the Liburnian Gulf and the Liburnian islands, on the south the Adriatic Gulf. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.2.59 (CSEL 5:24; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-2-59). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.2.60 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-2-60 - Source: CSEL 5:24 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Boundaries of Pannonia, Noricum, and Raetia. ### Latin text PANNONIA NORICVS ET RAETIA habent ab oriente Moesiam, a meridie Histriam, ab Africo Alpes Poeninas, ab occasu Galliam Belgicam, a circio Danuuii fontem et limitem qui Germaniam a Gallia inter Danuuium Galliamque secernit, a septentrione Danuuium et Germaniam. ### English translation (Claude) Pannonia, Noricum and Raetia have on the east Moesia, on the south Histria, on the south-west the Pennine Alps, on the west Gallia Belgica, on the north-west the source of the Danube and the frontier that separates Germany from Gaul between the Danube and Gaul, on the north the Danube and Germany. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.2.60 (CSEL 5:24; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-2-60). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.2.61 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-2-61 - Source: CSEL 5:24–25 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Italy and the Alps. ### Latin text ITALIAE SITVS a circio in eurum tenditur, habens ab Africo Tyrrhenum mare, a borea Hadriaticum sinum; cuius ea pars qua continenti terrae communis et contigua est, Alpium obicibus obstruitur. ### English translation (Claude) The land of Italy stretches from north-west to south-east, having on the south-west the Tyrrhenian Sea and on the north-east the Adriatic Gulf; the part of it which is shared with and adjoins the continent is blocked by the barrier of the Alps, ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.2.61 (CSEL 5:24–25; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-2-61). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.2.62 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-2-62 - Source: CSEL 5:25 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The course of the Alps. ### Latin text quae a Gallico mari super Ligusticum sinum exsurgentes, primum Narbonensium fines; deinde Galliam Raetiamque secludunt, donec in sinu Liburnico defigantur. ### English translation (Claude) which, rising from the Gallic Sea above the Ligurian Gulf, shut off first the territory of Narbonensis, then Gaul and Raetia, until they come to rest at the Liburnian Gulf. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.2.62 (CSEL 5:25; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-2-62). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.2.63 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-2-63 - Source: CSEL 5:25 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Boundaries of Gallia Belgica. ### Latin text GALLIA BELGICA habet ab oriente limitem fluminis Rheni et Germaniam, ab euro Alpes Poeninas, a meridie prouinciam. Narbonensem, ab occasu prouinciam Lugdunensem, a circio oceanum Britannicum, a septentrione Britanniam insulam. ### English translation (Claude) Gallia Belgica has on the east the frontier of the river Rhine and Germany, on the south-east the Pennine Alps, on the south the province of Narbonensis, on the west the province of Lugdunensis, on the north-west the British Ocean, on the north the island of Britain. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.2.63 (CSEL 5:25; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-2-63). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.2.64 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-2-64 - Source: CSEL 5:25 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Shape of Gallia Lugdunensis. ### Latin text GALLIA LVGDVNENSIS, ducta per longum et per angustum inflexa, Aquitanicam prouinciam semicingit. ### English translation (Claude) Gallia Lugdunensis, drawn out long and bent narrow, half encircles the province of Aquitania. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.2.64 (CSEL 5:25; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-2-64). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.2.65 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-2-65 - Source: CSEL 5:25 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Boundaries of Lugdunensis. ### Latin text Haec ab oriente habet Belgicam, a meridie partem prouinciae Narbonensis, qua Arelas ciuitas sita est et mari Gallico Rhodani flumen accipitur. ### English translation (Claude) It has on the east Belgica, on the south part of the province of Narbonensis, where the city of Arelate lies and the river Rhone is received by the Gallic Sea. ### Translation notes - Arelate is Arles. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.2.65 (CSEL 5:25; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-2-65). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.2.66 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-2-66 - Source: CSEL 5:25–26 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Boundaries of Narbonensis. ### Latin text NARBONENSIS PROVINCIA, pars GALLIARVM, habet ab oriente Alpes Cottias, ab occidente Hispaniam, a circio Aquitanicam, a septentrione Lugdunensem, ab aquilone Belgicam Galliam, a meridie mare Gallicum quod est inter Sardiniam et insulas Baleares, habens in fronte, qua Rhodanus fluuius in mare exit, insulas Stoechadas. ### English translation (Claude) The province of Narbonensis, part of the Gauls, has on the east the Cottian Alps, on the west Spain, on the north-west Aquitania, on the north Lugdunensis, on the north-east Gallia Belgica, on the south the Gallic Sea, which lies between Sardinia and the Balearic islands; and it has off its front, where the river Rhone goes out into the sea, the Stoechades islands. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.2.66 (CSEL 5:25–26; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-2-66). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.2.67 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-2-67 - Source: CSEL 5:26 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Aquitania and the Loire. ### Latin text AQVITANICA PROVINCIA obliquo cursu Ligeris fluminis, qui ex plurima parte terminus eius est, in orbem agitur. ### English translation (Claude) The province of Aquitania is bent into a circle by the slanting course of the river Liger, which for the most part is its boundary. ### Translation notes - The Liger is the Loire. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.2.67 (CSEL 5:26; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-2-67). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.2.68 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-2-68 - Source: CSEL 5:26 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Boundaries of Aquitania. ### Latin text haec a circio oceanum qui Aquitanicus sinus dicitur, ab occasu Hispanias habet, a septentrione et oriente Lugdunensem, ab euro et meridie Narbonensem prouinciam contingit. ### English translation (Claude) It has on the north-west the Ocean, which is called the Aquitanian Gulf, on the west the Spains, on the north and east Lugdunensis; on the south-east and south it touches the province of Narbonensis. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.2.68 (CSEL 5:26; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-2-68). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.2.69 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-2-69 - Source: CSEL 5:26 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Spain is a triangular near-island. ### Latin text HISPANIA uniuersa terrarum situ trigona est et circumfusione oceani Tyrrhenique pelagi paene insula efficitur. ### English translation (Claude) Spain as a whole is triangular in the lie of its land and, being surrounded by the Ocean and the Tyrrhenian Sea, is almost made an island. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.2.69 (CSEL 5:26; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-2-69). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.2.70 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-2-70 - Source: CSEL 5:26–27 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Spain's eastern corner. ### Latin text huius angulus prior, spectans ad orientem, a dextris Aquitanica prouincia, a sinistris Balearico mari coartatus, Narbonensium finibus inseritur. ### English translation (Claude) Its first corner, facing east, hemmed in on the right by the province of Aquitania and on the left by the Balearic Sea, fits into the territory of Narbonensis. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.2.70 (CSEL 5:26–27; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-2-70). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.2.71 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-2-71 - Source: CSEL 5:27 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Spain's north-western corner and the lighthouse of Brigantia. ### Latin text secundus angulus circium intendit; ubi Brigantia Gallaeciae ciuitas sita altissimam pharum et inter pauca memorandi operis ad speculam Britanniae erigit. ### English translation (Claude) The second corner points north-west, where Brigantia, a city of Gallaecia, raises a very tall lighthouse, a work among the few worth recording, facing toward Britain. ### Translation notes - Brigantia is La Coruña, with the Roman lighthouse now called the Tower of Hercules. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.2.71 (CSEL 5:27; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-2-71). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.2.72 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-2-72 - Source: CSEL 5:27 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Spain's southern corner at Gades. ### Latin text tertius angulus eius est, qua Gades insulae, intentae in Africum, Athlantem montem interiecto sinu oceani prospiciunt. ### English translation (Claude) Its third corner is where the islands of Gades, facing south-west, look across an inlet of the Ocean toward Mount Atlas. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.2.72 (CSEL 5:27; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-2-72). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.2.73 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-2-73 - Source: CSEL 5:27 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Boundaries of Hither Spain. ### Latin text Hispaniam citeriorem ab oriente incipientem Pyrenaei saltus a parte septentrionis usque ad Cantabros Asturesque deducit, atque inde per Vaccaeos et Oretanos, quos ab occasu habet, posita in Nostri maris litore Carthago determinat. ### English translation (Claude) Hither Spain, beginning in the east, is drawn by the Pyrenean forest on its northern side as far as the Cantabrians and Asturians, and from there, through the Vaccaei and the Oretani, whom it has on the west, it is bounded by Carthage, set on the shore of Our Sea. ### Translation notes - The Carthage of Spain, Carthago Nova (Cartagena). ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.2.73 (CSEL 5:27; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-2-73). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.2.74 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-2-74 - Source: CSEL 5:27–28 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Boundaries of Farther Spain. ### Latin text Hispania ulterior habet ab oriente Vaccaeos, Celtiberos et Oretanos, a septentrione oceanum, ab occasu oceanum, a meridie Gaditanum oceani fretum; unde mare Nostrum, quod Tyrrhenum uocatur, inmittitur. ### English translation (Claude) Farther Spain has on the east the Vaccaei, the Celtiberians and the Oretani, on the north the Ocean, on the west the Ocean, on the south the Gaditanian strait of the Ocean, from which Our Sea, which is called the Tyrrhenian, flows in. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.2.74 (CSEL 5:27–28; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-2-74). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.2.75 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-2-75 - Source: CSEL 5:28 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: He turns to Britain and Ireland. ### Latin text Et quoniam oceanus habet insulas, quas Britanniam et Hiberniam uocant, quae in auersa Galliarum parte ad prospectum Hispaniae sitae sunt, breuiter explicabuntur. ### English translation (Claude) And since the Ocean has islands, which they call Britain and Hibernia, which lie on the far side of the Gauls, within sight of Spain, they will be briefly described. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.2.75 (CSEL 5:28; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-2-75). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.2.76 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-2-76 - Source: CSEL 5:28 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Britain and its harbour at Rutupiae. ### Latin text BRITANNIA oceani insula per longum in boream extenditur; a meridie Gallias habet. cuius proximum litus transmeantibus ciuitas aperit, quae dicitur Rutupi portus; unde haud procul a Morinis in austro positos Menapos Batauosque prospectat. ### English translation (Claude) Britain, an island of the Ocean, stretches lengthwise to the north; on the south it has the Gauls. Its nearest shore opens to those crossing over at a city called Rutupiae port; from there it looks out, not far from the Morini, toward the Menapii and Batavi lying to the south. ### Translation notes - Rutupiae is Richborough in Kent. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.2.76 (CSEL 5:28; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-2-76). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.2.77 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-2-77 - Source: CSEL 5:28–29 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The size of Britain. ### Latin text haec insula habet in longo milia passuum DCCC, in lato milia cc. ### English translation (Claude) This island is 800 miles in length and 200 miles in breadth. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.2.77 (CSEL 5:28–29; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-2-77). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.2.78 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-2-78 - Source: CSEL 5:29 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Orkneys. ### Latin text A tergo autem unde oceano infinito patet Orcadas insulas habet quarum xx desertae sunt, XIII coluntur. ### English translation (Claude) Behind it, where it lies open to the boundless Ocean, it has the Orkney islands, of which twenty are deserted and thirteen inhabited. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.2.78 (CSEL 5:29; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-2-78). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.2.79 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-2-79 - Source: CSEL 5:29 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Thule, known to few. ### Latin text Deinde insula Thyle, quae per infinitum a ceteris separata, circium uersus medio sita oceani, uix paucis nota habetur. ### English translation (Claude) Then there is the island of Thule, which, separated from the rest by a boundless distance and lying north-west in the middle of the Ocean, is known to scarcely a few. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.2.79 (CSEL 5:29; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-2-79). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.2.80 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-2-80 - Source: CSEL 5:29 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Ireland lies between Britain and Spain. ### Latin text HIBERNIA insula inter Britanniam et Hispaniam sita longiore ab Africo in boream spatio porrigitur. ### English translation (Claude) Hibernia, an island lying between Britain and Spain, extends over a longer distance from south-west to north-east. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.2.80 (CSEL 5:29; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-2-80). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.2.81 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-2-81 - Source: CSEL 5:29–30 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Ireland, inhabited by the Scots. ### Latin text huius partes priores intentae Cantabrico oceano Brigantiam Gallaeciae ciuitatem ab Africo sibi in circium occurrentem spatioso interuallo procul spectant, ab eo praecipue promunturio, ubi Scenae fluminis ostium est et Velabri Lucenique consistunt. haec propior Britanniae, spatio terrarum angustior, sed caeli solique temperie magis utilis, a Scottorum gentibus colitur. ### English translation (Claude) Its nearer parts, facing the Cantabrian Ocean, look from far off across a wide interval toward Brigantia, a city of Gallaecia, which faces it from the south-west toward the north-west, especially from that promontory where the mouth of the river Scena is and where the Velabri and Luceni dwell. This island is nearer to Britain, narrower in extent of land, but more useful for the mildness of its climate and soil; it is inhabited by the peoples of the Scots. ### Translation notes - The 'Scots' (*Scotti*) of Orosius's day were the Irish. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.2.81 (CSEL 5:29–30; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-2-81). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.2.82 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-2-82 - Source: CSEL 5:30 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Isle of Man; the end of Europe. ### Latin text Huic etiam Meuania insula proxima est et ipsa spatio non parua, solo commoda. aeque a Scottorum gentibus habitatur. Hi sunt fines totius Europae. ### English translation (Claude) Next to it is the island of Mevania, itself of no small extent and of good soil; it too is inhabited by the peoples of the Scots. These are the boundaries of all Europe. ### Translation notes - Mevania is probably the Isle of Man. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.2.82 (CSEL 5:30; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-2-82). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.2.83 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-2-83 - Source: CSEL 5:30–31 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Africa is a third part by division, not by size. ### Latin text AFRICAM ut dixi cum tertiam orbis partem maiores nostri accipiendam descripserint, non spatiorum mensuras sed diuisionum rationes secuti sunt. ### English translation (Claude) When our ancestors described Africa, as I said, as to be reckoned the third part of the world, they followed not measurements of area but principles of division. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.2.83 (CSEL 5:30–31; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-2-83). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.2.84 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-2-84 - Source: CSEL 5:31 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Mediterranean narrows Africa. ### Latin text mare hoc siquidem Magnum, quod ab occasu ex oceano oritur, in meridiem magis uergens angustiorem inter se et oceanum coartatae Africae limitem fecit. ### English translation (Claude) For this Great Sea, which rises from the Ocean in the west, inclining more toward the south, has made the boundary of Africa, squeezed between it and the Ocean, narrower. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.2.84 (CSEL 5:31; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-2-84). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.2.85 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-2-85 - Source: CSEL 5:31 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Some therefore counted Africa as part of Europe. ### Latin text unde etiam aliqui quamuis eam longitudine parem tamen multo angustiorem intellegentes, inuerecundum arbitrati tertiam uocare partem sed potius in Europam Africam deputantes, hoc est secundae portionem appellare maluerunt. ### English translation (Claude) Hence some too, understanding it to be equal in length but much narrower, thought it unfitting to call it a third part, and, assigning Africa rather to Europe, preferred to call it a portion of the second. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.2.85 (CSEL 5:31; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-2-85). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.2.86 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-2-86 - Source: CSEL 5:31–32 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Africa seems smaller because its heat leaves much of it desert. ### Latin text praeterea cum multo amplius terrae in Africa ardore solis quam in Europa rigore frigoris incultum atque incognitum sit — quippe cum omnia paene animantia uel germinantia patientius et tolerabilius ad summum frigoris quam ad summum caloris accedant — ea scilicet causa est, Africam per omnia situ et populis minorem uideri: quia et natura sui minus habeat spatii et caeli inclementia plus deserti. cuius descriptio per prouincias et gentes haec est: ### English translation (Claude) Moreover, since much more land in Africa is uncultivated and unknown because of the heat of the sun than in Europe because of the severity of the cold (for almost all living and growing things approach the extreme of cold more patiently and tolerably than the extreme of heat), this is clearly the reason Africa seems smaller in every respect, in territory and in peoples: both because by its nature it has less space and because by the harshness of its climate it has more desert. Its description by provinces and peoples is as follows: ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.2.86 (CSEL 5:31–32; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-2-86). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.2.87 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-2-87 - Source: CSEL 5:32 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Cyrenaica comes first after Egypt. ### Latin text LIBYA CYRENAICA ET PENTAPOLIS post Aegyptum in parte Africae prima est. ### English translation (Claude) Libya Cyrenaica and the Pentapolis is the first in the part of Africa after Egypt. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.2.87 (CSEL 5:32; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-2-87). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.2.88 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-2-88 - Source: CSEL 5:32 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Extent of Cyrenaica. ### Latin text haec incipit a ciuitate Parethonio et montibus Catabathmon, inde secundo mari usque ad aras Philenorum extenditur. post se habet usque ad oceanum meridianum gentes Libyoaethiopum et Garamantum. ### English translation (Claude) It begins at the city of Paraetonium and the Catabathmon mountains, and from there extends along the sea to the Altars of the Philaeni. Behind it, as far as the southern Ocean, it has the peoples of the Libyo-Ethiopians and the Garamantes. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.2.88 (CSEL 5:32; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-2-88). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.2.89 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-2-89 - Source: CSEL 5:32 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Boundaries of Cyrenaica. ### Latin text huic est ab oriente Aegyptus, a septentrione mare Libycum, ab occasu Syrtes maiores et Trogodytae — contra quos insula Calypso est — a meridie Aethiopicus oceanus. ### English translation (Claude) It has on the east Egypt, on the north the Libyan Sea, on the west the Greater Syrtes and the Trogodytes, opposite whom is the island of Calypso, on the south the Ethiopian Ocean. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.2.89 (CSEL 5:32; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-2-89). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.2.90 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-2-90 - Source: CSEL 5:32–33 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Boundaries of Tripolitana. ### Latin text TRIPOLITANA prouincia, quae et Subuentana uel regio Arzugum dicitur, ubi Leptis magna ciuitas est, quamuis Arzuges per longum Africae limitem generaliter uocentur, habet ab oriente aras Philaenorum inter Syrtes maiores et Trogodytas, a septentrione mare Siculum uel potius Hadriaticum et Syrtes minores, ab occasu Byzacium usque ad lacum Salinarum, a meridie barbaros Gaetulos Nathabres et Garamantas usque ad oceanum Aethiopicum pertingentes. ### English translation (Claude) The province of Tripolitana, which is also called Subventana or the region of the Arzuges, where the city of Leptis Magna is (although the Arzuges are a general name along a long stretch of the African frontier), has on the east the Altars of the Philaeni between the Greater Syrtes and the Trogodytes, on the north the Sicilian, or rather the Adriatic, Sea and the Lesser Syrtes, on the west Byzacium as far as the Salt Lake, on the south the barbarian Gaetuli, Nathabres and Garamantes, reaching to the Ethiopian Ocean. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.2.90 (CSEL 5:32–33; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-2-90). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.2.91 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-2-91 - Source: CSEL 5:33 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Byzacium, Zeugis, and Numidia. ### Latin text BYZACIVM ZEVGIS ET NVMIDIA. Zeugis autem prius non unius conuentus, sed totius prouinciae generale nomen fuisse inuenimus. ### English translation (Claude) Byzacium, Zeugis and Numidia. We find that Zeugis was formerly the general name not of one judicial district but of the whole province. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.2.91 (CSEL 5:33; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-2-91). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.2.92 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-2-92 - Source: CSEL 5:33–34 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Boundaries of Byzacium, Zeugis, and Numidia. ### Latin text Byzacium ergo ubi Hadrumetus ciuitas, Zeugis ubi Carthago magna, Numidia ubi Hippos regius et Rusiccada ciuitates sunt, habent ab oriente Syrtes minores et lacum Salinarum, a septentrione mare Nostrum quod spectat ad Siciliam et Sardiniam insulas, ab occasu Mauretaniam Sitifensem, a meridie montes Vzarae et post eos Aethiopum gentes peruagantes usque ad oceanum Aethiopicum. ### English translation (Claude) Byzacium, then, where the city of Hadrumetum is, Zeugis, where great Carthage is, and Numidia, where the cities of Hippo Regius and Rusiccada are, have on the east the Lesser Syrtes and the Salt Lake, on the north Our Sea, which faces the islands of Sicily and Sardinia, on the west Mauretania Sitifensis, on the south the Uzara mountains and beyond them the peoples of the Ethiopians, roaming as far as the Ethiopian Ocean. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.2.92 (CSEL 5:33–34; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-2-92). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.2.93 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-2-93 - Source: CSEL 5:34 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Boundaries of the two Mauretanias. ### Latin text SITIFENSIS ET CAESARIENSIS MAVRETANIAE habent ab oriente Numidiam, a septentrione mare Nostrum, ab occasu flumen Maluam, a meridie montem Astrixim, qui diuidit inter uiuam terram et harenas iacentes usque oceanum. in quibus oberrant Gangines Aethiopes. ### English translation (Claude) The Mauretanias Sitifensis and Caesariensis have on the east Numidia, on the north Our Sea, on the west the river Malva, on the south Mount Astrixis, which divides the living land from the sands lying as far as the Ocean; in these the Gangines Ethiopians wander. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.2.93 (CSEL 5:34; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-2-93). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.2.94 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-2-94 - Source: CSEL 5:34–35 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Boundaries of Mauretania Tingitana. ### Latin text TINGITANA MAVRETANIA ultima est Africae. haec habet ab oriente flumen Maluam, a septentrione mare Nostrum usque ad fretum Gaditanum quod inter Auenae et Calpes duo contraria sibi promunturia coartatur, ab occidente Athlantem montem et oceanum Athlanticum, sub Africo Hesperium montem, a meridie gentes Autololum, quas nunc Galaules uocant, usque ad oceanum Hesperium contingentes. ### English translation (Claude) Mauretania Tingitana is the last of Africa. It has on the east the river Malva, on the north Our Sea as far as the Gaditanian strait, which is narrowed between the two facing promontories of Abenna and Calpe, on the west Mount Atlas and the Atlantic Ocean, on the south-west Mount Hesperius, on the south the peoples of the Autololes, whom they now call Galaules, reaching to the Hesperian Ocean. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.2.94 (CSEL 5:34–35; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-2-94). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.2.95 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-2-95 - Source: CSEL 5:35 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The end of Africa; next the Mediterranean islands. ### Latin text Hic est uniuersae terminus Africae. Nunc insularum, quae in Nostro mari sunt, loca nomina et spatia dimetiar. ### English translation (Claude) This is the boundary of all Africa. Now I shall measure the positions, names and sizes of the islands that are in Our Sea. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.2.95 (CSEL 5:35; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-2-95). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.2.96 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-2-96 - Source: CSEL 5:35–36 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Cyprus. ### Latin text INSVLA CYPROS ab oriente mari Syrio, quem Issicum sinum uocant, ab occidente mari Pamphylico, a septentrione Aulone Cilicio, a meridie Syriae et Phoenices pelago cingitur. cuius spatium. in longo tenet milia passuum CLXXV, in lato milia passuum CXXV. ### English translation (Claude) The island of Cyprus is surrounded on the east by the Syrian Sea, which they call the Issic Gulf, on the west by the Pamphylian Sea, on the north by the Cilician Strait, on the south by the sea of Syria and Phoenicia. Its extent is 175 miles in length and 125 miles in breadth. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.2.96 (CSEL 5:35–36; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-2-96). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.2.97 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-2-97 - Source: CSEL 5:36 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Crete. ### Latin text INSVLA CRETA finitur ab oriente Carpathio mari, ab occasu et septentrione mari Cretico, a meridie mari Libyco, quod et Hadriaticum uocant. habet in longo milia passuum CLXXII, in lato L. ### English translation (Claude) The island of Crete is bounded on the east by the Carpathian Sea, on the west and north by the Cretan Sea, on the south by the Libyan Sea, which they also call the Adriatic. It is 172 miles in length and 50 in breadth. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.2.97 (CSEL 5:36; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-2-97). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.2.98 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-2-98 - Source: CSEL 5:36–37 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Cyclades. ### Latin text INSVLAE CYCLADES, quarum est ab oriente prima Rhodos, a septentrione Tenedos, a meridie Carpathos, ab occasu Cythera, ab oriente finiuntur litoribus Asiae, ab occidente mari Icario, a septentrione mari Aegaeo, a meridie mari Carpathio. sunt autem omnes Cyclades numero LIIII. hae tenent a septentrione in meridiem milia passuum D, ab oriente in occasum milia cc. ### English translation (Claude) The Cyclades islands, of which the first on the east is Rhodes, on the north Tenedos, on the south Carpathos, on the west Cythera, are bounded on the east by the shores of Asia, on the west by the Icarian Sea, on the north by the Aegean Sea, on the south by the Carpathian Sea. All the Cyclades number fifty-four. They extend 500 miles from north to south and 200 miles from east to west. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.2.98 (CSEL 5:36–37; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-2-98). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.2.99 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-2-99 - Source: CSEL 5:37 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The three promontories of Sicily. ### Latin text SICILIA insula. tria habet promunturia, unum quod dicitur Pelorum et aspicit ad aquilonem, cui Messana ciuitas proxima est; secundum quod dicitur Pachynum, sub quo ciuitas Syracusana, respicit ad euronotum; tertium quod appellatur Lilybaeum, ubi et ciuitas eiusdem nominis sita est, dirigitur in occasum. ### English translation (Claude) The island of Sicily has three promontories: one called Pelorus, which looks to the north-east, near which is the city of Messana; the second, called Pachynum, below which is the city of Syracuse, faces south-east; the third, called Lilybaeum, where also a city of the same name lies, points west. ### Translation notes - The digital text prints *Peiorum* for Pelorum. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.2.99 (CSEL 5:37; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-2-99). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.2.100 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-2-100 - Source: CSEL 5:37–38 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Size and seas of Sicily. ### Latin text haec habet a Peloro in Pachynum milia passuum CLVIIII, a Pachyno in Lilybaeum CLXXXVII. haec ab oriente cingitur mari Hadriatico, a meridie mari Africo quod est contra Subuentanos et Syrtes minores, ab occidente et septentrione habet mare Tyrrhenum, a borea usque subsolanum fretum Hadriaticum quod diuidit Tauromenitanos Siciliae et Bruttios Italiae. ### English translation (Claude) It is 159 miles from Pelorus to Pachynum and 187 from Pachynum to Lilybaeum. It is surrounded on the east by the Adriatic Sea, on the south by the African Sea, which lies opposite the Subventani and the Lesser Syrtes, on the west and north it has the Tyrrhenian Sea, and from the north-east to the east the Adriatic strait which divides the Tauromenitani of Sicily from the Bruttii of Italy. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.2.100 (CSEL 5:37–38; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-2-100). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.2.101 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-2-101 - Source: CSEL 5:38 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Sardinia and Corsica. ### Latin text SARDINIA ET CORSICA insulae paruo fretu hoc est milium xx diuiduntur. ex quibus Sardinia habet a meridie contra Numidiam Caralitanos, contra Corsicam insulam hoc est septentrionem uersus habet Vlbienses. ### English translation (Claude) The islands of Sardinia and Corsica are divided by a small strait, that is, of twenty miles. Of these, Sardinia has on the south, facing Numidia, the people of Caralis, and facing the island of Corsica, that is, toward the north, the people of Ulbia. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.2.101 (CSEL 5:38; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-2-101). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.2.102 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-2-102 - Source: CSEL 5:38–39 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Size and seas of Sardinia. ### Latin text cuius in longo spatium tenet milia passuum CCXXX, in lato milia LXXX. haec habet ab oriente et borea Tyrrhenicum mare quod spectat ad portum urbis Romae, ab occasu mare Sardum, ab Africo insulas Baleares longe positas, a meridie Numidicum sinum, a septentrione ut dixi Corsicam. ### English translation (Claude) Its extent is 230 miles in length and 80 miles in breadth. It has on the east and north-east the Tyrrhenian Sea, which faces the port of the city of Rome, on the west the Sardinian Sea, on the south-west the Balearic islands lying far off, on the south the Numidian Gulf, on the north, as I said, Corsica. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.2.102 (CSEL 5:38–39; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-2-102). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.2.103 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-2-103 - Source: CSEL 5:39 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Corsica. ### Latin text CORSICA INSVLA. multis promunturiis angulosa est. haec habet ab oriente Tyrrhenicum mare et portum Vrbis, a meridie Sardiniam, ab occasu insulas Baleares, a circio et septentrione Ligusticum sinum. tenet autem in longo milia passuum CLX, in lato milia xxvi. ### English translation (Claude) The island of Corsica is full of angles with many promontories. It has on the east the Tyrrhenian Sea and the port of the City, on the south Sardinia, on the west the Balearic islands, on the north-west and north the Ligurian Gulf. It is 160 miles in length and 26 miles in breadth. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.2.103 (CSEL 5:39; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-2-103). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.2.104 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-2-104 - Source: CSEL 5:39–40 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Balearic islands. ### Latin text INSVLAE BALEARES duae sunt, maior et minor, quibus insunt bina oppida, maior Tarraconam Hispaniae ciuitatem, minor Barcilonam septentrionem uersus contra se habent. maiori subiacet insula Ebusos. deinde ab oriente Sardiniam, ab aquilone mare Gallicum, a meridie et Africo Mauretanicum pelagus. ab occasu Hibericum pelagus spectant. ### English translation (Claude) The Balearic islands are two, the greater and the lesser, each with two towns; the greater faces Tarraco, a city of Spain, and the lesser Barcelona, toward the north. Below the greater lies the island of Ebusus. Then they face Sardinia on the east, the Gallic Sea on the north-east, the Mauretanian Sea on the south and south-west, and the Iberian Sea on the west. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.2.104 (CSEL 5:39–40; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-2-104). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.2.105 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-2-105 - Source: CSEL 5:40 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: These are the chief islands of the Mediterranean. ### Latin text Hae sunt insulae ab Hellesponto usque ad oceanum per totum Magnum pelagus constitutae, quae et cultu et memoria magis celebres habentur. ### English translation (Claude) These are the islands set throughout the whole Great Sea from the Hellespont to the Ocean that are held more famous for their cultivation and their renown. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.2.105 (CSEL 5:40; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-2-105). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.2.106 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-0-1/#p-1-2-106 - Source: CSEL 5:40 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The survey ends; now the miseries of each people. ### Latin text Percensui breuiter ut potui prouincias et insulas orbis uniuersi. nunc locales gentium singularum miserias, sicut ab initio incessabiliter exstiterunt et qualiter quibusque exortae sunt, in quantum suffecero proferam. ### English translation (Claude) I have surveyed, as briefly as I could, the provinces and islands of the whole world. Now I shall set forth, as far as I am able, the local miseries of each people, as they have arisen unceasingly from the beginning, and how they arose for each. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.2.106 (CSEL 5:40; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-2-106). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.3.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-3-1 - Source: CSEL 5:40–41 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Man, made upright, sinned, and punishment followed at once. ### Latin text Cum post fabricam ornatumque mundi huius homo, quem rectum atque inmaculatum fecerat Deus, ac perinde humanum genus libidinibus deprauatum peccatis obsorduisset, continuo iniustam licentiam iusta punitio consecuta est. ### English translation (Claude) When, after the making and adorning of this world, man, whom God had made upright and spotless, and consequently the human race, depraved by lusts, had grown filthy with sins, a just punishment at once followed the unjust licence. ### Scripture references - Eccl 7:29: allusion, medium confidence ### Translation notes - 'God made man upright' recalls Eccl 7:29. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.3.1 (CSEL 5:40–41; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-3-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.3.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-3-2 - Source: CSEL 5:41 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Everyone experiences God's sentence on man and the earth, whether they admit it or not. ### Latin text sententiam creatoris Dei et iudicis peccanti homini ac terrae propter hominem destinatam semperque dum homines terram habitauerint duraturam omnes inuiti licet aut probamus negando aut confitendo toleramus, obstinatisque mentibus testis sibi infirmitas sua inurit, quibus fideliter scriptura non suaserit. ### English translation (Claude) The sentence of God the creator and judge, appointed for sinning man and for the earth because of man, and lasting as long as men shall inhabit the earth, we all, however unwillingly, either prove by denying it or bear by confessing it; and on obstinate minds their own weakness brands its testimony, where Scripture has not faithfully persuaded them. ### Scripture references - Gen 3:17: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Gen 3:17–19. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.3.2 (CSEL 5:41; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-3-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.3.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-3-3 - Source: CSEL 5:41 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The flood destroyed mankind except the few in the ark. ### Latin text deinde refuso in omnem terram mari inmissoque diluuio, cum toto orbe contecto unum spatium caeli esset ac pelagi, deletum fuisse uniuersum humanum genus, paucis in arca fidei suae merito ad substituendam originem reseruatis, euidentissime ueracissimi scriptores docent. ### English translation (Claude) Then, when the sea was poured back over the whole earth and the flood sent upon it, so that the whole world was covered and sky and sea were a single space, the whole human race was destroyed, a few being preserved in the ark by the merit of their faith to restore the stock: this the most truthful writers teach most clearly. ### Scripture references - Gen 7:19: allusion, high confidence - Heb 11:7: echo, low confidence ### Translation notes - Gen 6–8; cf. Heb 11:7. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.3.3 (CSEL 5:41; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-3-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.3.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-3-4 - Source: CSEL 5:41 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Pagan writers too inferred the flood from shells found on mountains. ### Latin text fuisse tamen etiam illi contestati sunt, qui praeterita quidem tempora ipsumque auctorem temporum nescientes, tamen ex indicio et coniectura lapidum, quos in remotis montibus conchis et ostreis scabros, saepe etiam cauatos aquis uisere solemus, coniciendo didicerunt. ### English translation (Claude) Yet even those have testified that it happened who, though they knew neither past times nor the very Author of time, nevertheless learned it by inference from the evidence of the stones which we often see on remote mountains, rough with shells and oysters and often hollowed out by water. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.3.4 (CSEL 5:41; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-3-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.3.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-3-5 - Source: CSEL 5:41–42 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The fall and the flood suffice as the chief examples. ### Latin text et quamuis huiusmodi adhuc et relatu digna et fide certa proferri a nobis queant, tamen haec ueluti principalia duo de praeuaricatione primi hominis et condemnatione generationis uitaeque eius ac deinde de perditione totius generis humani dicta sufficiant, ### English translation (Claude) And although further things of this kind, both worth telling and of sure credit, could still be brought forward by us, let these two, as it were the chief ones, suffice: the transgression of the first man and the condemnation of his offspring and his life, and then the destruction of the whole human race, ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.3.5 (CSEL 5:41–42; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-3-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.3.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-3-6 - Source: CSEL 5:42 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Biblical events will be told where the pagan histories touch them. ### Latin text tantum ut, si qua gentiles historici de nostris aliquo ordine contigerunt, haec plenius cum ceteris ipso quo incurrerint ordine proferantur. ### English translation (Claude) only so that, if the gentile historians have touched on any of our events in any order, these may be set out more fully along with the rest, in the very order in which they occur. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.3.6 (CSEL 5:42; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-3-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.4.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-4-1 - Source: CSEL 5:42 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Ninus of Assyria began wars of conquest throughout Asia. ### Latin text Anno ante urbem conditam MCCC Ninus rex Assyriorum primus ut ipsi uolunt propagandae dominationis libidine arma foras extulit cruentamque uitam quinquaginta annis per totam Asiam bellis egit; ### English translation (Claude) In the 1300th year before the founding of the City, Ninus, king of the Assyrians, the first, as they themselves would have it, carried arms abroad out of lust for extending his dominion, and spent a bloody life of fifty years in wars throughout all Asia. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.4.1 (CSEL 5:42; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-4-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.4.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-4-2 - Source: CSEL 5:42–43 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Ninus taught the peaceful Scythians to make war. ### Latin text a meridie atque a Rubro mari surgens, sub ultimo septentrione Euxinum pontum uastando perdomuit, Scythicamque barbariem, adhuc tunc inbellem et innocentem, torpentem excitare saeuitiam, uires suas nosse, et non lacte iam pecudum sed sanguinem hominum bibere, ad postremum uincere dum uincitur edocuit. ### English translation (Claude) Rising from the south and from the Red Sea, he ravaged and subdued the Euxine Sea in the far north, and he taught the barbarism of Scythia, until then unwarlike and innocent, to rouse its sluggish savagery, to know its strength, to drink no longer the milk of cattle but the blood of men, and at last to conquer while being conquered. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.4.2 (CSEL 5:42–43; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-4-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.4.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-4-3 - Source: CSEL 5:43 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Ninus killed Zoroaster and was later killed by an arrow. ### Latin text nouissime Zoroastrem Bactrianorum regem eundemque magicae ut ferunt artis repertorem pugna oppressum interfecit. post ipse, dum deficientem a se oppugnat urbem, sagitta ictus interiit. ### English translation (Claude) Last of all he overcame in battle and killed Zoroaster, king of the Bactrians, who, they say, was also the inventor of the art of magic. Afterwards he himself, while besieging a city that had revolted from him, was struck by an arrow and died. ### Translation notes - Orosius here follows Justin's *Epitome* of Pompeius Trogus (1.1–2). ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.4.3 (CSEL 5:43; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-4-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.4.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-4-4 - Source: CSEL 5:43 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Semiramis succeeded Ninus and continued his wars. ### Latin text huic mortuo Samiramis uxor successit, uirum animo, habitu filium gerens, auidosque iam usu sanguinis populos, per duos et quadraginta annos caedibus gentium exercuit. ### English translation (Claude) After his death his wife Semiramis succeeded him, a man in spirit, in dress her son, and for forty-two years she exercised peoples already greedy for blood by habit in the slaughter of nations. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.4.4 (CSEL 5:43; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-4-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.4.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-4-5 - Source: CSEL 5:43 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Semiramis conquered Ethiopia and invaded India. ### Latin text non contenta terminis mulier, quos a uiro suo tunc solo bellatore in quinquaginta annis adquisitos susceperat, Aethiopiam bello pressam, sanguine interlitam, imperio adiecit. Indis quoque bellum intulit, quo praeter illam et Alexandrum Magnum nullus intrauit. ### English translation (Claude) Not content with the boundaries which she had received from her husband, then the only warrior, acquired in fifty years, the woman added to her empire Ethiopia, crushed by war and smeared with blood. She also made war on the Indians, whose land no one but she and Alexander the Great ever entered. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.4.5 (CSEL 5:43; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-4-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.4.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-4-6 - Source: CSEL 5:43–44 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Attacking peaceful peoples was then all the crueller. ### Latin text quod eo tempore ideo crudelius grauiusque erat quam nunc est, persequi et trucidare populos in pace uiuentes, quia tunc apud illos nec foris erant ulla incendia bellorum, nec domi tanta exercitia cupiditatum. ### English translation (Claude) At that time it was crueller and graver than it is now to pursue and slaughter peoples living in peace, because then among them there were neither any fires of war abroad nor such exercise of greed at home. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.4.6 (CSEL 5:43–44; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-4-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.4.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-4-7 - Source: CSEL 5:44 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Semiramis's lust ended in incest with her son. ### Latin text haec, libidine ardens, sanguinem sitiens, inter incessabilia et stupra et homicidia, cum omnes quos regie arcessitos, meretricie habitos, concubitu oblectasset occideret, tandem filio flagitiose concepto impie exposito inceste cognito priuatam ignominiam publico scelere obtexit. ### English translation (Claude) This woman, burning with lust and thirsting for blood, amid unceasing debaucheries and murders, killing all whom she had summoned in royal fashion, treated in harlot fashion, and enjoyed in bed, at last, having shamefully conceived a son, impiously exposed him, and incestuously known him, covered her private disgrace with a public crime. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.4.7 (CSEL 5:44; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-4-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.4.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-4-8 - Source: CSEL 5:44 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: She legalized marriage between parents and children. ### Latin text praecepit enim, ut inter parentes ac filios nulla delata reuerentia naturae de coniugiis adpetendis ut cuique libitum esset liberum fieret. ### English translation (Claude) For she decreed that between parents and children, no regard for nature being paid, everyone should be free to seek marriage as he pleased. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.4.8 (CSEL 5:44; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-4-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.5.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-5-1 - Source: CSEL 5:44 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Tacitus records the burning of the Pentapolis by fire from heaven. ### Latin text Anno ante urbem conditam MCLX confinem Arabiae regionem quae tunc Pentapolis uocabatur arsisse penitus igne caelesti inter alios etiam Cornelius Tacitus refert, qui sic ait: ### English translation (Claude) In the 1160th year before the founding of the City, the region bordering Arabia, which was then called the Pentapolis, was wholly burned by fire from heaven, as Cornelius Tacitus, among others, reports. He says: ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.5.1 (CSEL 5:44; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-5-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.5.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-5-2 - Source: CSEL 5:44–45 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Tacitus's description of the burned plains. ### Latin text Haud procul inde campi, quos ferunt olim uberes magnisque urbibus habitatos fulminum iactu arsisse; sed manere uestigia, terramque ipsam, specie solidam, uim frugiferam perdidisse. ### English translation (Claude) "Not far from there are plains which, they say, were once fertile and inhabited by great cities, and were burned by the stroke of lightning; but traces remain, and the land itself, solid in appearance, has lost its power to bear fruit." ### Extrabiblical texts - Tacitus, Hist. 5.7 (Tacitus): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Tacitus, *Histories* 5.7. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.5.2 (CSEL 5:44–45; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-5-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.5.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-5-3 - Source: CSEL 5:45 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Tacitus later betrays more knowledge. ### Latin text et cum hoc loco nihil de incensis propter peccata hominum ciuitatibus quasi ignarus expresserit, paulo post uelut oblitus consilii subicit et dicit: ### English translation (Claude) And though in this place he said nothing about cities burned because of men's sins, as if he did not know of it, a little later, as though forgetting his plan, he adds: ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.5.3 (CSEL 5:45; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-5-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.5.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-5-4 - Source: CSEL 5:45 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Tacitus grants that the cities burned by heavenly fire. ### Latin text Ego sicut inclitas quondam urbes igne caelesti flagrasse concesserim, ita halitu lacus infici terram et corrumpi reor. ### English translation (Claude) "For my part, while I would grant that once famous cities were consumed by fire from heaven, I think the land is infected and corrupted by the exhalation of the lake." ### Extrabiblical texts - Tacitus, Hist. 5.7 (Tacitus): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Tacitus, *Histories* 5.7. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.5.4 (CSEL 5:45; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-5-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.5.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-5-5 - Source: CSEL 5:45 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Tacitus knew the truth but would not state it plainly. ### Latin text quo dicto inuitus licet de exustis urbibus, quae procul dubio peccatorum noxa conflagrauerunt, et scisse se et concessisse confessus palam prodidit non sibi cognitionis fidem defuisse sed exprimendae fidei uoluntatem. quod nunc a me plenius proferetur. ### English translation (Claude) By this statement, though unwillingly, he confessed that he both knew and granted the burning of the cities, which doubtless were consumed for the guilt of sins, and openly revealed that what he lacked was not trustworthy knowledge but the will to express belief. This will now be set out more fully by me. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.5.5 (CSEL 5:45; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-5-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.5.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-5-6 - Source: CSEL 5:45–46 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The five cities of the plain. ### Latin text In confinio Arabiae et Palaestinae, qua dimissi altrinsecus montes subiectis campis excipiuntur, quinque ciuitates fuere Sodoma Gomorra Adama Seboim et Segor. ### English translation (Claude) On the border of Arabia and Palestine, where the mountains sloping down on either side give way to the plains below, there were five cities: Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, Zeboiim and Zoar. ### Scripture references - Gen 14:2: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Gen 14:2. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.5.6 (CSEL 5:45–46; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-5-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.5.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-5-7 - Source: CSEL 5:46 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The cities were rich, watered by the Jordan. ### Latin text sed Segor ex his parua, illae amplae et magnae, quippe quibus et soli fecunditas suberat et Iordanes fluuius, per plana diffusus ac peropportune diuisus, augmentis ubertatis inpendebatur. ### English translation (Claude) Of these Zoar was small, the others large and great, for they had the fertility of the soil beneath them, and the river Jordan, spread over the plains and divided most conveniently, was spent on increasing their abundance. ### Scripture references - Gen 13:10: allusion, medium confidence ### Translation notes - Gen 13:10. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.5.7 (CSEL 5:46; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-5-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.5.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-5-8 - Source: CSEL 5:46 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Wealth bred luxury and homosexual vice in Sodom. ### Latin text huic uniuersae regioni, bonis male utenti, abundantia rerum causa malorum fuit. ex abundantia enim luxuria, ex luxuria foedae libidines adoleuere, adeo ut masculi in masculos operantes turpitudinem ne consideratis quidem locis condicionibus aetatibusque proruerent. ### English translation (Claude) For this whole region, which used its goods badly, abundance of things was the cause of evils. For from abundance grew luxury, and from luxury foul lusts, so much so that males, working shamefulness with males, rushed headlong without even regard to places, conditions, or ages. ### Scripture references - Rom 1:27: quotation, high confidence - Ezek 16:49: echo, low confidence ### Translation notes - 'Males working shamefulness with males' is Rom 1:27; cf. Ezek 16:49. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.5.8 (CSEL 5:46; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-5-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.5.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-5-9 - Source: CSEL 5:46 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: God rained fire and sulphur on the region. ### Latin text itaque iratus Deus pluit super hanc terram ignem et sulphur totamque regionem cum populis atque urbibus exustam, testem iudicii sui futuram, aeterna perditione damnauit, ### English translation (Claude) So God in his anger rained fire and sulphur on this land, and condemned to eternal destruction the whole region, burned up with its peoples and cities, to be a witness of his judgment for the future, ### Scripture references - Gen 19:24: quotation, high confidence - Jude 1:7: echo, medium confidence ### Translation notes - Gen 19:24–25; cf. Jude 7. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.5.9 (CSEL 5:46; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-5-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.5.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-5-10 - Source: CSEL 5:46 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The region is now ashes under the Dead Sea. ### Latin text ut nunc quoque adpareat quidem forma regionis sed inueniatur regio cineris, mediamque conuallem, quam Iordanes inrigauerat, nunc mare superfusum tegat. ### English translation (Claude) so that now too the shape of the region indeed appears, but it is found a region of ashes, and a sea poured over it now covers the central valley which the Jordan had watered. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.5.10 (CSEL 5:46; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-5-10). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.5.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-5-11 - Source: CSEL 5:46–47 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: For misusing God's gifts the land itself perished. ### Latin text tantumque de rebus ut putatur paruis diuinae indignationis accensum est, ut propter hoc, quod illi, male utentes bonis, fructus misericordiarum nutrimenta libidinum fecerant, terra quoque ipsa, quae has habuerat ciuitates, primum exusta ignibus, post oppressa aquis, in aeternam damnationem communi periret adspectui. ### English translation (Claude) And so great was the divine indignation kindled over things thought small, that because those people, using goods badly, had made the fruits of mercy the nourishment of lusts, the very land that had held these cities, first burned by fire and then overwhelmed by water, perished from common sight to eternal damnation. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.5.11 (CSEL 5:46–47; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-5-11). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.6.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-6-1 - Source: CSEL 5:47 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Let the pagans compare Sodom's punishment with Rome's. ### Latin text Itaque nunc si placet hi, qui in Christum, quem nos iudicem saeculorum ostendimus, quantum in ipsis est sputa coniciunt, inter Sodomam et Romam discernant causas et conferant poenas; quae a me uel maxime ob hoc retractandae non sunt, quia omnibus notae sunt. ### English translation (Claude) So now, if they please, let those who, as far as in them lies, spit upon Christ, whom we have shown to be judge of the ages, distinguish the causes between Sodom and Rome and compare the punishments; which I need not go over again, chiefly because they are known to all. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.6.1 (CSEL 5:47; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-6-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.6.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-6-2 - Source: CSEL 5:47 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: He wishes the pagans would say what they really think. ### Latin text et tamen quam libenter sententias eorum acciperem, si illi fideliter ita ut sentiunt faterentur. ### English translation (Claude) And yet how gladly I would accept their opinions, if they would confess faithfully what they really think. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.6.2 (CSEL 5:47; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-6-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.6.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-6-3 - Source: CSEL 5:47 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Few complain about Christian times; the Roman people's real mind is known. ### Latin text quamquam quia de temporibus Christianis rari et hoc in angulis murmurent, non usque adeo moleste accipiendum putem, cum totius populi Romani consona uoce parique iudicio sensus ac sermo sit cognitus. ### English translation (Claude) Although, since only a few murmur about Christian times, and that in corners, I would not think it should be taken too seriously, when the feeling and the speech of the whole Roman people, with one voice and equal judgment, is known. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.6.3 (CSEL 5:47; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-6-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.6.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-6-4 - Source: CSEL 5:47–48 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Romans care only for their games, not the Gothic sack. ### Latin text adeo autem paruo quodam et leui motu haesitasse erga se parumper consuetudinem uoluptatum indubitatissime contestatus est, ut libere conclamaret, Si reciperet circum, nihil esse sibi factum, hoc est, nihil egisse Romae Gothorum enses, si concedatur Romanis spectare circenses. ### English translation (Claude) For it has testified most beyond doubt that its accustomed pleasures were shaken for a little while only by a small and slight disturbance, so that it cried out freely: "If it gets back the circus, nothing has happened to it"; that is, the swords of the Goths did nothing at Rome if the Romans are allowed to watch the circus games. ### Translation notes - The sack of Rome by Alaric's Goths in 410. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.6.4 (CSEL 5:47–48; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-6-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.6.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-6-5 - Source: CSEL 5:48 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Many think their small troubles worse than others' great ones. ### Latin text nisi forte, ut se habet apud plerosque hoc praecipue tempore qui ex longa requie uel paruam obortam sollicitudinem intolerabilem laborem putant, hasce clementissimas admonitiones quibus omnes aliquando perstringimur aliorum punitionibus auditis lectisque praeponunt. ### English translation (Claude) Unless perhaps, as is the case with many, especially at this time, who after a long rest think even a small anxiety that arises an unbearable labour, they rank these most merciful admonitions, by which we are all touched at times, above the punishments of others that they have heard and read about. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.6.5 (CSEL 5:48; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-6-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.6.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-6-6 - Source: CSEL 5:48 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Sodom shows how God punishes sinners. ### Latin text quos saltem de hoc ipso exitu Sodomorum et Gomorraeorum moneo, ut discere atque intellegere queant, qualiter Deus peccatores punierit, qualiter punire possit, qualiter puniturus sit. ### English translation (Claude) These at least I warn, from this very fate of Sodom and Gomorrah, that they may learn and understand how God has punished sinners, how he can punish, and how he will punish. ### Scripture references - 2 Pet 2:6: echo, low confidence ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.6.6 (CSEL 5:48; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-6-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.7.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-7-1 - Source: CSEL 5:48 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Telchines fought Phoroneus of Argos. ### Latin text Anno ante urbem conditam MLXX Telchises et Caryathii peruicax proelium aduersus Foroneum, regem Argiuorum, et Parrhasios ancipiti spe sine fructu uictoriae gesserunt. ### English translation (Claude) In the 1070th year before the founding of the City, the Telchines and the Caryatii fought a stubborn battle against Phoroneus, king of the Argives, and the Parrhasians, with doubtful hope and without the fruit of victory. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.7.1 (CSEL 5:48; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-7-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.7.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-7-2 - Source: CSEL 5:49 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The defeated Telchines settled Rhodes. ### Latin text idemque Telchises post paululum bello uicti, patria profugi ignarique rerum, credentes quia se penitus a congressu totius humanae habitationis abstraherent, Rhodum insulam quae Offiussa antea uocabatur quasi tuta possessione ceperunt. ### English translation (Claude) And a little later the same Telchines, defeated in war and fleeing their homeland, ignorant of the world, believing that they were withdrawing themselves entirely from contact with all human habitation, seized the island of Rhodes, which was formerly called Ophiussa, as a safe possession. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.7.2 (CSEL 5:49; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-7-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.7.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-7-3 - Source: CSEL 5:49 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The flood of Ogyges in Achaia. ### Latin text Anno ante urbem conditam MXL in Achaia saeuum diluuium uastatione plurima totius paene prouinciae fuit. quod quia Ogygii, qui tunc Eleusinae conditor et rex erat, temporibus effusum est, nomen loco ac tempori dedit. ### English translation (Claude) In the 1040th year before the founding of the City there was a savage flood in Achaia, with the very great devastation of almost the whole province. Because it was poured out in the times of Ogyges, who was then founder and king of Eleusis, it gave his name to the place and the time. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.7.3 (CSEL 5:49; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-7-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.8.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-8-1 - Source: CSEL 5:49–50 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Pagan historians record Joseph's relief of the Egyptian famine. ### Latin text Anno ante urbem conditam MVIII fuisse apud Aegyptum primum insolitam fastidiendamque ubertatem deinde iugem atque intolerabilem famem, cui Ioseph uir iustus et sapiens diuina prouisione subuenerit, Pompeius historicus eiusque breuiator Iustinus docet, qui inter cetera ### English translation (Claude) In the 1008th year before the founding of the City there was in Egypt first an unusual and wearisome abundance, then a continuous and unbearable famine, which Joseph, a just and wise man, relieved by divine foresight: so the historian Pompeius and his abridger Justin teach, who among other things ### Scripture references - Gen 41:53: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Pompeius Trogus, abridged by Justin. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.8.1 (CSEL 5:49–50; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-8-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.8.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-8-2 - Source: CSEL 5:50 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Justin's account: Joseph sold by his brothers. ### Latin text sic ait: Minimus aetate inter fratres Ioseph fuit; cuius excellens ingenium fratres ueriti, interceptum peregrinis mercatoribus uendiderunt. ### English translation (Claude) says this: "Joseph was the youngest of his brothers; fearing his excellent intelligence, his brothers seized him and sold him to foreign merchants. ### Scripture references - Gen 37:28: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Justin, *Epitome* 36.2. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.8.2 (CSEL 5:50; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-8-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.8.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-8-3 - Source: CSEL 5:50 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Justin's account: Joseph's skill in dreams. ### Latin text a quibus deportatus in Aegyptum, cum magicas ibi artes sollerti ingenio percepisset, breui ipsi regi percarus fuit. nam et prodigiorum sagacissimus erat et somniorum primus intellegentiam condidit, nihilque diuini iuris humanique ei incognitum uidebatur: ### English translation (Claude) Carried off by them to Egypt, when he had there acquired the magic arts by his shrewd intelligence, he soon became very dear to the king himself. For he was most skilled in prodigies and was the first to establish the interpretation of dreams, and nothing of divine or human law seemed unknown to him, ### Scripture references - Gen 41:39: echo, medium confidence ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.8.3 (CSEL 5:50; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-8-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.8.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-8-4 - Source: CSEL 5:50 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Justin's account: Joseph stored grain against famine. ### Latin text adeo ut etiam agrorum sterilitatem futuram ante multos annos prospiciens fruges congregasset: tantaque experimenta eius fuerunt, ut non ab homine, sed a Deo responsa uiderentur. ### English translation (Claude) so much so that, foreseeing the barrenness of the fields many years ahead, he had gathered the crops; and so great were his proofs that his answers seemed to come not from a man but from God. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.8.4 (CSEL 5:50; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-8-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.8.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-8-5 - Source: CSEL 5:50 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Justin's account: Moses, called Joseph's son, expelled with the sick. ### Latin text filius Ioseph Moyses fuit, quem praeter paternae scientiae hereditatem etiam formae pulchritudo commendabat. Sed Aegyptii cum scabiem et uitiliginem paterentur, responso moniti eum cum aegris, ne pestis ad plures serperet, terminis Aegypti pellunt. ### English translation (Claude) Joseph's son was Moses, whom, besides the inheritance of his father's knowledge, the beauty of his appearance also commended. But when the Egyptians were suffering from scabies and leprosy, warned by an oracle, they drove him with the sick beyond the borders of Egypt, so that the plague might not creep on to more people." ### Translation notes - Justin makes Moses Joseph's son; Orosius corrects this account from Moses' own writings below. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.8.5 (CSEL 5:50; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-8-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.8.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-8-6 - Source: CSEL 5:50–51 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Moses' own account is more trustworthy than Justin's. ### Latin text haec Iustinus. sed quoniam haec idem Moyses, quem isti sapientem scientemque fuisse adtestantur, plenius ueriusque tamquam per se suosque gesta conscripsit, primum fide eius atque auctoritate quam etiam isti probant horum ignorantia supplenda, ### English translation (Claude) So far Justin. But since this same Moses, whom they attest to have been wise and learned, wrote these things more fully and more truly, as deeds done by himself and his people, first the ignorance of these writers must be supplied by his trustworthiness and authority, which even they approve; ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.8.6 (CSEL 5:50–51; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-8-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.8.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-8-7 - Source: CSEL 5:51 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Egyptian priests suppressed the true God's part in the story. ### Latin text dehinc sacerdotum Aegyptiorum fallax malitia confutanda est, qui uel astu, quod manifestius est, euidentem iram misericordiamque ueri Dei memoriae subtrahere conati sunt, particulatim expositione confusa, ne in contumeliam idolorum suorum eum colendum merito ostenderent, cuius consilio adnuntiata haec mala et auxilio euitata docuissent; uel forte, ut indulgentius accipiamus, obliti sunt. ### English translation (Claude) then the deceitful malice of the Egyptian priests must be refuted, who either by cunning, which is more evident, tried to remove from memory the evident wrath and mercy of the true God by confusing the account piecemeal, so as not to show, to the insult of their idols, that he deserved to be worshipped by whose counsel, as they would have had to teach, these evils were foretold and by whose help they were avoided; or perhaps, to take it more indulgently, they forgot. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.8.7 (CSEL 5:51; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-8-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.8.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-8-8 - Source: CSEL 5:51 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The priests, well fed by Joseph's foresight, forgot him. ### Latin text illius enim nostri Ioseph, qui fuit ueri Dei seruus et pro creatura domini sui pie intenteque sollicitus, prouisione ipsi abundabant frugibus quasi sacerdotes; sed, quia falsi sacerdotes erant, cum ceteris esurientibus non dolebant. enimuero cui placet, obliuiscitur: cui dolet, meminit. ### English translation (Claude) For by the foresight of our Joseph, who was a servant of the true God and was devoutly and attentively concerned for the creatures of his Lord, they themselves, being priests, abounded in grain; but because they were false priests, they did not grieve with the others who were starving. Indeed, the one who is pleased forgets; the one who grieves remembers. ### Scripture references - Gen 47:22: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Gen 47:22. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.8.8 (CSEL 5:51; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-8-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.8.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-8-9 - Source: CSEL 5:51–52 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Egypt still pays the fifth instituted by Joseph. ### Latin text quamquam huius temporis argumentum historiis fastisque reticentibus ipsa sibi terra Aegypti testis pronuntiat: quae tunc redacta in potestatem regiam restitutaque cultoribus suis, ex omni fructu suo usque ad nunc quintae partis incessabile uectigal exsoluit. ### English translation (Claude) Yet, though histories and records are silent, the very land of Egypt bears witness for itself to the evidence of this time: for, brought then under the king's power and restored to its cultivators, it has paid down to now an unceasing tax of a fifth part of all its produce. ### Scripture references - Gen 47:26: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Gen 47:26. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.8.9 (CSEL 5:51–52; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-8-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.8.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-8-10 - Source: CSEL 5:52 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The famine fell under King Amosis. ### Latin text fuit itaque haec fames magna sub rege Aegyptiorum Diopolita, cui nomen erat Amosis, quo tempore Baleus Assyrios, Argiuos Apis regebat. ### English translation (Claude) This great famine, then, was under a king of the Egyptians of Diospolis, whose name was Amosis, at the time when Baleus ruled the Assyrians and Apis the Argives. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.8.10 (CSEL 5:52; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-8-10). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.8.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-8-11 - Source: CSEL 5:52 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Joseph stored the abundance of the seven good years. ### Latin text fuerunt autem ante annos famis septem praecedentes alii septem ubertatis anni. quorum affluentiam tanto neglegentius perituram quanto uberius natam Ioseph noster sollertia sua collegit et condidit totamque Aegyptum conseruauit. ### English translation (Claude) Before the seven years of famine there were seven other preceding years of plenty. Their abundance, which would have perished the more carelessly the more richly it had arisen, our Joseph by his skill gathered and stored, and preserved all Egypt. ### Scripture references - Gen 41:48: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Gen 41:47–49. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.8.11 (CSEL 5:52; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-8-11). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.8.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-8-12 - Source: CSEL 5:52 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Joseph bought Egypt for Pharaoh and set the fifth. ### Latin text adquisiuit uniuersam Pharaoni pecuniam et Deo gloriam, reddens dispensatione iustissima cui uectigal, uectigal, cui honorem, honorem, omniumque pecora terras censusque collegit; ipsos autem, qui semet cum terris suis accipiendae stipis taxatione uendiderant, statuta quintae partis pactione laxauit. ### English translation (Claude) He acquired all the money for Pharaoh and glory for God, rendering with most just management tax to whom tax was due, honour to whom honour; he gathered all their cattle, lands and property; but those who had sold themselves with their lands at the price of receiving their rations he released on the fixed agreement of a fifth part. ### Scripture references - Rom 13:7: quotation, high confidence - Gen 47:20: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - 'Tax to whom tax, honour to whom honour' is Rom 13:7; Gen 47:14–26. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.8.12 (CSEL 5:52; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-8-12). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.8.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-8-13 - Source: CSEL 5:52–53 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Egypt quickly forgot Joseph and enslaved his people. ### Latin text hunc Ioseph, quem constituit Deus Aegyptiis conseruatae salutis auctorem, quis credat ita in breui eorum excidisse memoriae, ut filios eius atque uniuersam cognationem paulo post seruitio addixerint, laboribus adfecerint, internecionibus profligarint? ### English translation (Claude) Who would believe that this Joseph, whom God appointed for the Egyptians as the author of their preserved safety, so quickly fell from their memory that a little later they bound his sons and all his kin to slavery, afflicted them with labours, and ruined them with massacres? ### Scripture references - Exod 1:8: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Exod 1:8–22. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.8.13 (CSEL 5:52–53; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-8-13). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.8.14 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-8-14 - Source: CSEL 5:53 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: So too pagans saved by the name of Christ now slander it. ### Latin text Quamobrem non est mirandum, si nunc quoque aliqui reperiuntur, qui cum a ceruicibus suis inpendentem gladium praetento Christiano nomine auerterint, ipsum nomen Christi, quo solo salui sunt, aut dissimulent aut infament grauarique se eorum temporibus adserant, quorum meritis liberantur. ### English translation (Claude) It is no wonder, then, if now too some are found who, when they have turned aside the sword hanging over their necks by putting forward the Christian name, either conceal or defame the very name of Christ, by which alone they are saved, and claim that they are burdened by the times of those by whose merits they are set free. ### Translation notes - In the sack of 410 pagans saved themselves by taking refuge in Christian churches. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.8.14 (CSEL 5:53; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-8-14). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.9.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-9-1 - Source: CSEL 5:53 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The flood of Deucalion in Thessaly. ### Latin text Anno DCCCX ante urbem conditam Amphictyon Athenis tertius a Cecrope regnauit. cuius temporibus aquarum inluuies maiorem partem populorum Thessaliae absumpsit paucis per refugia montium liberatis, maxime in monte Parnaso, in cuius circuitu Deucalion tunc regno potiebatur, ### English translation (Claude) In the 810th year before the founding of the City, Amphictyon reigned at Athens, third from Cecrops. In his times a flood of waters swept away the greater part of the peoples of Thessaly, a few being saved by taking refuge in the mountains, especially on Mount Parnassus, in whose region Deucalion then held the kingship, ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.9.1 (CSEL 5:53; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-9-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.9.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-9-2 - Source: CSEL 5:53–54 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Deucalion sheltered the survivors on Parnassus. ### Latin text qui tunc ad se ratibus confugientes susceptos per gemina Parnasi iuga fouit aluitque; a quo propterea genus hominum reparatum ferunt. ### English translation (Claude) who then received those fleeing to him on rafts, and sheltered and fed them on the twin ridges of Parnassus; for which reason they say the human race was restored by him. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.9.2 (CSEL 5:53–54; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-9-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.9.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-9-3 - Source: CSEL 5:54 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Plagues in Ethiopia. ### Latin text tunc etiam in Aethiopia pestes plurimas dirosque morbos paene usque ad desolationem exaestuauisse Plato testis est. ### English translation (Claude) Then too, Plato is witness, very many plagues and dreadful diseases raged in Ethiopia, almost to the point of desolation. ### Extrabiblical texts - Plato (Plato (works)): allusion, low confidence ### Translation notes - The source in Plato is uncertain. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.9.3 (CSEL 5:54; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-9-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.9.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-9-4 - Source: CSEL 5:54 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Father Liber's bloody conquest of India. ### Latin text et ne forte diuisa tempora esse credantur irae Dei furorisque bellici, ea tempestate subactam Indiam Liber pater sanguine madefecit, caedibus oppleuit, libidinibus polluit, gentem utique nulli umquam hominum obnoxiam, uernacula tantum quiete contentam. ### English translation (Claude) And lest it be thought that the times of God's wrath and of the fury of war are separate, at that time Father Liber subdued India, soaked it with blood, filled it with slaughter, and polluted it with lusts: a people that had never been subject to any man and was content only with its native quiet. ### Translation notes - Father Liber is Bacchus (Dionysus). ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.9.4 (CSEL 5:54; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-9-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.10.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-10-1 - Source: CSEL 5:54 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Trogus and Tacitus disagree about the plagues of Egypt. ### Latin text Anno autem ante Vrbem conditam DCCCV infanda Aegyptiis mala atque intolerabiles plagas incubuisse Pompeius Corneliusque testantur: qui quidem, cum haec ambo de Iudaeis referenda proponant, aliquantulum me pro sui diuersitate mouerunt. ### English translation (Claude) In the 805th year before the founding of the City, Pompeius and Cornelius testify that unspeakable evils and unbearable plagues fell upon the Egyptians: and since both put these forward as things to be told about the Jews, they troubled me a little because of their disagreement. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.10.1 (CSEL 5:54; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-10-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.10.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-10-2 - Source: CSEL 5:54–55 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Justin's version of the Exodus. ### Latin text ait enim Pompeius siue Iustinus hoc modo: Aegyptii cum scabiem ac uitiliginem paterentur, responso moniti Moysen cum aegris, ne pestis ad plures serperet, terminis Aegypti pellunt. dux igitur exulum factus sacra Aegyptiorum furto abstulit; quae armis repetentes Aegyptii domum redire tempestatibus conpulsi sunt. ### English translation (Claude) For Pompeius, or Justin, speaks thus: "When the Egyptians were suffering from scabies and leprosy, warned by an oracle, they drove Moses with the sick beyond the borders of Egypt, so that the plague might not creep on to more people. Having become the leader of the exiles, he stole the sacred objects of the Egyptians; and the Egyptians, seeking to recover them by arms, were forced by storms to return home." ### Translation notes - Justin, *Epitome* 36.2. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.10.2 (CSEL 5:54–55; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-10-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.10.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-10-3 - Source: CSEL 5:55 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Tacitus's version: Bocchoris expelled the diseased people. ### Latin text at uero Cornelius de eadem re sic ait: Plurimi auctores consentiunt orta per Aegyptum tabe, quae corpora foedaret, regem Bocchorim adito Hammonis oraculo remedium petentem purgare regnum et id genus hominum ut inuisum deis alias in terras auehere iussum. ### English translation (Claude) But Cornelius says of the same matter: "Most authors agree that when a wasting disease which disfigured the body arose throughout Egypt, King Bocchoris approached the oracle of Hammon seeking a remedy and was ordered to purge his kingdom and to carry that race of men away to other lands as hateful to the gods. ### Extrabiblical texts - Tacitus, Hist. 5.3 (Tacitus): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Tacitus, *Histories* 5.3. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.10.3 (CSEL 5:55; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-10-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.10.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-10-4 - Source: CSEL 5:55 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Tacitus's version: Moses led the exiles. ### Latin text sic conquisitum collectumque uulgus postquam uastis locis relictum sit, ceteris per lacrimas torpentibus Moysen, unum exulum, monuisse, ne quam deorum hominumue opem exspectarent sed sibimet duci caelesti crederent, primo cuius auxilio praesentes miserias pepulissent. ### English translation (Claude) So after the multitude had been sought out and gathered and left in waste places, while the rest lay stupefied in tears, Moses, one of the exiles, warned them not to expect any help from gods or men, but to trust themselves to him as a leader sent from heaven, by whose help they had first driven off their present miseries." ### Extrabiblical texts - Tacitus, Hist. 5.3 (Tacitus): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Tacitus, *Histories* 5.3. Orosius reads the last clause as referring to the past (see 1.10.5). ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.10.4 (CSEL 5:55; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-10-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.10.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-10-5 - Source: CSEL 5:55–56 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Tacitus unwittingly admits that Moses delivered them. ### Latin text Itaque Cornelius dicit, quod ipsis Aegyptiis cogentibus Iudaei in deserta propulsi sint, et postea subiungit incaute, quia ope Moysi ducis in Aegypto miserias propulissent. quare ostenditur quaedam quae per Moysen strenue acta sunt fuisse celata. ### English translation (Claude) So Cornelius says that the Jews were driven into the desert by the compulsion of the Egyptians themselves, and afterwards he adds incautiously that by the help of Moses as leader they had driven off their miseries in Egypt. This shows that certain things vigorously done through Moses were concealed. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.10.5 (CSEL 5:55–56; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-10-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.10.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-10-6 - Source: CSEL 5:56 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Justin also reveals part of what was hidden. ### Latin text item Iustinus adserit pulsum aeque cum populo Moysen sacra Aegyptiorum fuisse furatum, quae Aegyptios armis recipere molientes, coactos tempestatibus ac repulsos, domum redisse. et hic aliquid amplius etsi non totum prodidit quod ille celauit. ### English translation (Claude) Likewise Justin asserts that Moses, driven out with the people, stole the sacred objects of the Egyptians, and that the Egyptians, attempting to recover them by arms, were forced back by storms and returned home. He too has disclosed something more, though not all, of what the other concealed. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.10.6 (CSEL 5:56; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-10-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.10.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-10-7 - Source: CSEL 5:56 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Orosius will tell the Exodus from Moses' account. ### Latin text quapropter, quia Moysi magno illi duci testimonium ambo dixerunt, ab ipso sicut per eum et gesta et dicta sunt proferantur. ### English translation (Claude) Therefore, since both bore witness to Moses, that great leader, let the events be set out from him, as they were both done and told by him. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.10.7 (CSEL 5:56; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-10-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.10.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-10-8 - Source: CSEL 5:56 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: God demanded through Moses the release of his oppressed people. ### Latin text Cum populum Dei hoc est genus Ioseph Aegyptii, cuius ope salui erant, seruitio oppressum labore cruciarent, insuper etiam ad necandam subolem suam crudeli imperio cogerent, dimitti Deus populum suum liberum ad seruiendum sibi per Moysen nuntium iubet; ### English translation (Claude) When the Egyptians were tormenting with labour the people of God, that is, the race of Joseph, by whose help they had been saved, oppressing them with slavery and, moreover, compelling them by a cruel command to kill their own offspring, God commanded through Moses as messenger that his people be sent away free to serve him; ### Scripture references - Exod 1:11: allusion, high confidence - Exod 1:22: allusion, high confidence - Exod 5:1: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Exod 1:11–22; 5:1. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.10.8 (CSEL 5:56; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-10-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.10.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-10-9 - Source: CSEL 5:56 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: After ten plagues the Egyptians hurried Israel out. ### Latin text contemptusque durissimis contumaces suppliciis agit: qui decem plagis onerati ac protriti, tandem quos dimittere noluerant, etiam festinare coegerunt. ### English translation (Claude) and, being despised, he drove the stubborn with the harshest punishments: and they, burdened and crushed by ten plagues, at last compelled those whom they had refused to send away even to hurry. ### Scripture references - Exod 12:33: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Exod 12:33. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.10.9 (CSEL 5:56; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-10-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.10.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-10-10 - Source: CSEL 5:56–57 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The first plagues: blood, frogs, gnats. ### Latin text POST aquas in sanguinem uersas ardentibus siti grauiora adferentes poenarum remedia quam poenas, POST horridos ranarum squalores per omnia munda inmundaque reptantes, POST ignitas sciniphes et nusquam, toto aere uibrante, uitabiles, ### English translation (Claude) After the waters turned to blood, which brought to those burning with thirst remedies worse than their punishments; after the horrid filth of frogs creeping over all things clean and unclean; after the stinging gnats, which, while the whole air quivered, could nowhere be avoided; ### Scripture references - Exod 7:20: allusion, high confidence - Exod 8:6: allusion, high confidence - Exod 8:17: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Exod 7:20–8:19. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.10.10 (CSEL 5:56–57; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-10-10). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.10.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-10-11 - Source: CSEL 5:57 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The flies, the cattle plague, and the boils. ### Latin text POST muscas caninas etiam per interiora membrorum horridis motibus cursitantes acerbeque inferentes tam grauia tormenta quam turpia, POST omnium pecorum et iumentorum repentinam ruinam stragemque generalem, POST uesicas efferuescentes ulceraque manantia et, ut ipsi dicere maluerunt, scabiem ac uitiliginem totis corporibus erumpentem, ### English translation (Claude) after the dog-flies running about with horrid motions even through the inner parts of the limbs and bitterly inflicting torments as grievous as they were shameful; after the sudden ruin and general slaughter of all cattle and beasts of burden; after the boils breaking out and running sores and, as they themselves preferred to call it, scabies and leprosy breaking out over their whole bodies; ### Scripture references - Exod 8:24: allusion, high confidence - Exod 9:6: allusion, high confidence - Exod 9:10: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Exod 8:21–9:11. 'As they themselves preferred to call it' refers to the pagan writers' 'scabies and leprosy' (1.10.2). ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.10.11 (CSEL 5:57; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-10-11). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.10.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-10-12 - Source: CSEL 5:57 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Hail, locusts, and darkness. ### Latin text POST grandinem cum igne permixtam, passim homines armenta atque arbores proterentem, POST lucustarum nubes, exhaustis omnibus ipsas quoque radices seminum persequentes. POST tenebras imaginibus diras. ### English translation (Claude) after the hail mixed with fire, crushing men, herds and trees everywhere; after the clouds of locusts, which, when all was consumed, pursued even the very roots of the seeds; after the darkness, dreadful with apparitions, ### Scripture references - Exod 9:24: allusion, high confidence - Exod 10:15: allusion, high confidence - Exod 10:22: allusion, high confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Wis 17:3 (Wisdom of Solomon): echo, low confidence ### Translation notes - Exod 9:23–10:23; the 'apparitions' in the darkness recall Wis 17:3–6. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.10.12 (CSEL 5:57; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-10-12). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.10.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-10-13 - Source: CSEL 5:57 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: After the death of the firstborn Egypt yielded, then pursued Israel. ### Latin text crassitudine palpabiles, diuturnitate ferales, postremo POST uniformem in tota Aegypto primitiuae subolis necem paremque per uniuersos orbitatum tempestatem — qui iubenti Deo non cesserant cessere punienti, sed mox pessima paenitentia dimissos persequi ausi, ultima nefandae peruicaciae expendere supplicia. ### English translation (Claude) palpable in its thickness, deadly in its long duration; and last, after the uniform death of the firstborn offspring in all Egypt and an equal storm of bereavement over all: those who had not yielded to God commanding yielded to God punishing; but soon, in a most evil repentance, daring to pursue those whom they had released, they paid the final penalty of their wicked obstinacy. ### Scripture references - Exod 10:21: allusion, high confidence - Exod 12:29: allusion, high confidence - Exod 14:5: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - 'Palpable' darkness is Exod 10:21; the firstborn, Exod 12:29. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.10.13 (CSEL 5:57; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-10-13). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.10.14 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-10-14 - Source: CSEL 5:57–58 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Pharaoh's army pursued six hundred thousand Israelites. ### Latin text nam rex eorum uniuersum Aegypti exercitum curribus atque equitibus instructum in circumerrantes egit, cuius numerum hoc solo uel maxime argumento conicere possumus, quod eum sescenta milia uirorum timuerunt atque fugerunt. ### English translation (Claude) For their king drove the whole army of Egypt, equipped with chariots and horsemen, against the wanderers; its number we can estimate chiefly by this one argument, that six hundred thousand men feared it and fled. ### Scripture references - Exod 14:7: allusion, high confidence - Exod 12:37: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Exod 12:37; 14:6–10. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.10.14 (CSEL 5:57–58; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-10-14). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.10.15 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-10-15 - Source: CSEL 5:58 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: God divided the Red Sea. ### Latin text sed protector depressorum et ultor contumacium Deus diuisit subito Rubrum mare ac dilatatis utrimque marginibus rigentium undarum in montis faciem latera erecta suspendit, ut inoffensi spe limitis prouocati, pii uiam desperatae salutis, impii foueam insperatae mortis intrarent. ### English translation (Claude) But God, protector of the oppressed and avenger of the stubborn, suddenly divided the Red Sea and, the margins widened on either side, held up the walls of the stiffened waves raised like a mountain, so that, drawn on unhindered by hope of a road, the godly entered a way of salvation they had despaired of, the ungodly a pit of death they had not expected. ### Scripture references - Exod 14:21: allusion, high confidence - Exod 15:8: echo, medium confidence ### Translation notes - Exod 14:21–22; 15:8. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.10.15 (CSEL 5:58; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-10-15). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.10.16 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-10-16 - Source: CSEL 5:58 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The sea returned and drowned the Egyptian army. ### Latin text itaque Hebraeis tuto per sicca gradientibus, refusis a tergo aquarum adstantium molibus, obruta est et interfecta cum rege suo uniuersa Aegypti multitudo, totaque prouincia plagis ante cruciata hac postrema interfectione uacuata est. ### English translation (Claude) So while the Hebrews walked safely on dry ground, the masses of the standing waters were poured back behind them, and the whole multitude of Egypt with its king was overwhelmed and killed; and the whole province, already tormented by the plagues, was emptied by this last slaughter. ### Scripture references - Exod 14:28: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Exod 14:28–29. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.10.16 (CSEL 5:58; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-10-16). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.10.17 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-10-17 - Source: CSEL 5:58 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Chariot tracks are still visible at the Red Sea. ### Latin text exstant etiam nunc certissima horum monumenta gestorum. nam tractus curruum rotarumque orbitae non solum in litore sed etiam in profundo, quousque uisus admittitur, peruidentur et, si forte ad tempus uel casu uel curiositate turbantur, continuo diuinitus in pristinam faciem uentis fluctibusque reparantur: ### English translation (Claude) Very sure monuments of these deeds exist even now. For the tracks of the chariots and the ruts of the wheels are seen not only on the shore but also in the deep, as far as sight reaches; and if by chance they are disturbed for a time, by accident or curiosity, they are at once restored to their former appearance by divine power through winds and waves, ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.10.17 (CSEL 5:58; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-10-17). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.10.18 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-10-18 - Source: CSEL 5:58–59 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The tracks remain as a warning. ### Latin text ut, quisque non docetur timorem Dei propalatae religionis studio, ira eius transactae ultionis terreatur exemplo. ### English translation (Claude) so that whoever is not taught the fear of God by zeal for the religion made known may be terrified by the example of his past vengeance. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.10.18 (CSEL 5:58–59; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-10-18). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.10.19 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-10-19 - Source: CSEL 5:59 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: A great heat of the time gave rise to the Phaethon myth. ### Latin text his etiam temporibus adeo iugis et grauis aestus incanduit, ut sol per deuia transuectus uniuersum orbem non calore affecisse sed igne torruisse dicatur, inpressumque feruorem et Aethiops plus solitum et insolitum Scytha non tulerit; ex quo etiam quidam dum non concedunt Deo ineffabilem potentiam suam, inanes ratiunculas conquirentes ridiculam Phaethontis fabulam texuerunt. ### English translation (Claude) In these times also so continuous and heavy a heat blazed that the sun, carried along off its course, is said not to have warmed the whole world with heat but scorched it with fire; and the Ethiopian could not bear the fervour pressed upon him beyond the usual, nor the Scythian a fervour unusual for him. From this also certain people, refusing to grant God his ineffable power, searching out empty little reasons, have woven the ridiculous fable of Phaethon. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.10.19 (CSEL 5:59; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-10-19). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.11.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-11-1 - Source: CSEL 5:59–60 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Danaus's daughters killed their husbands, and he usurped Argos. ### Latin text Item anno ante Vrbem conditam DCCLXXV inter Danai atque Aegypti fratrum filios quinquaginta parricidia una nocte commissa sunt. ipse deinde tantorum scelerum fabricator Danaus regno, quod tot flagitiis adquisiuerat, pulsus Argos concessit, ibique indigne persuasis in facinus Argiuis Sthenelan qui eum profugum egentemque exceperat regno expulit atque ipse regnauit. ### English translation (Claude) Likewise, in the 775th year before the founding of the City, fifty murders of kin were committed in one night among the sons of the brothers Danaus and Aegyptus. Then Danaus himself, the contriver of such crimes, driven from the kingdom he had gained by so many outrages, went to Argos; and there, having shamefully persuaded the Argives to crime, he drove from the kingdom Sthenelas, who had received him as a needy fugitive, and reigned himself. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.11.1 (CSEL 5:59–60; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-11-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.11.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-11-2 - Source: CSEL 5:60 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Busiris sacrificed his guests. ### Latin text Busiridis in Aegypto cruentissimi tyranni crudelis hospitalitas et crudelior religio tunc fuit; qui innocentum hospitum sanguinem diis scelerum suorum participibus propinabat: quod exsecrabile sine dubio hominibus uiderim an ipsis etiam diis exsecrabile uideretur. ### English translation (Claude) Then there was the cruel hospitality and crueller religion of Busiris, the bloodiest tyrant in Egypt, who drank the blood of innocent guests in pledge to the gods who shared his crimes: I would like to know whether this, doubtless execrable to men, seemed execrable even to the gods themselves. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.11.2 (CSEL 5:60; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-11-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.11.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-11-3 - Source: CSEL 5:60 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The crimes of Tereus, Procne, and Philomela. ### Latin text tunc etiam Terei Procnae et Philomelae incesto parricidium adiunctum atque exsecrabilius utroque conuiuium per infandos cibos additum, cum propter sororis pudicitiam ereptam praecisamque linguam filium paruulum mater occidit, pater comedit. ### English translation (Claude) Then too, to the incest of Tereus, Procne and Philomela was joined the murder of a kinsman, and a banquet of unspeakable food more execrable than both was added, when, because her sister's chastity had been taken and her tongue cut out, the mother killed her little son and the father ate him. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.11.3 (CSEL 5:60; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-11-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.11.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-11-4 - Source: CSEL 5:60 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Perseus conquered Asia and named the Persians. ### Latin text isdem temporibus Perseus a Graecia in Asiam transuectus est, ibi barbaras gentes graui diuturnoque bello domuit et nouissime uictor nomen subiectae genti dedit: namque a Perseo Persae sunt uocitati. ### English translation (Claude) At the same time Perseus crossed from Greece into Asia; there he subdued barbarian peoples in a heavy and long war, and at last, as victor, gave his name to the conquered people: for from Perseus they were called Persians. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.11.4 (CSEL 5:60; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-11-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.12.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-12-1 - Source: CSEL 5:60–61 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Orosius must pass over much to finish. ### Latin text At ego nunc cogor fateri, me prospiciendi finis commodo de tanta malorum saeculi circumstantia praeterire plurima, cuncta breuiare. nequaquam enim tam densam aliquando siluam praetergredi possem, nisi etiam crebris interdum saltibus subuolarem. ### English translation (Claude) But now I am forced to confess that, for the sake of reaching the end in view, I pass over very much from so great a crowd of the world's evils and abridge all. For I could never pass through so dense a forest unless I also flew over it at times with frequent leaps. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.12.1 (CSEL 5:60–61; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-12-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.12.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-12-2 - Source: CSEL 5:61 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Assyria's 1,160 years of wars cannot all be told. ### Latin text nam cum regnum Assyriorum per MCLX annos usque ad Sardanapallum per quinquaginta propemodum reges actum sit et numquam paene uel inferendis uel excipiendis usque ad id tempus bellis quieuerit, quis finis reperietur, si ea commemorare numerando, ut non dicam describendo, conemur? ### English translation (Claude) For since the kingdom of the Assyrians lasted 1,160 years under nearly fifty kings down to Sardanapalus, and almost never rested until that time from waging or receiving wars, what end will be found, if we try to recall them by listing, not to say describing them? ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.12.2 (CSEL 5:61; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-12-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.12.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-12-3 - Source: CSEL 5:61 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: He will not recount Tantalus and Pelops. ### Latin text praesertim cum et Graecorum praetereunda non sint et Romanorum uel maxime recensenda sint. nec mihi nunc enumerare opus est Tantali et Pelopis facta turpia, fabulas turpiores. ### English translation (Claude) Especially since the affairs of the Greeks are not to be passed over, and those of the Romans must above all be reviewed. Nor do I need now to recount the shameful deeds of Tantalus and Pelops, and their more shameful fables. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.12.3 (CSEL 5:61; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-12-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.12.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-12-4 - Source: CSEL 5:61 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Tantalus's abduction of Ganymede caused a war. ### Latin text quorum Tantalus rex Frygiorum Ganymedem, Troi Dardaniorum regis filium, cum flagitiosissime rapuisset, maiore conserti certaminis foeditate detinuit, sicut Fanocles poeta confirmat, qui maximum bellum excitatum ob hoc fuisse commemorat: ### English translation (Claude) Of these, Tantalus, king of the Phrygians, having most shamefully carried off Ganymede, son of Tros, king of the Dardanians, kept him with the still greater foulness of the struggle that was joined, as the poet Phanocles affirms, who records that a very great war was stirred up because of this: ### Translation notes - The phrase *maiore conserti certaminis foeditate* is obscure; it may refer to the war that followed or to the abuse itself. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.12.4 (CSEL 5:61; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-12-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.12.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-12-5 - Source: CSEL 5:61–62 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Or Tantalus procured Ganymede for Jupiter. ### Latin text siue quia hunc ipsum Tantalum utpote adseculam deorum uideri uult raptum puerum ad libidinem Iouis familiari lenocinio praeparasse, qui ipsum quoque filium Pelopem epulis eius non dubitaret inpendere. ### English translation (Claude) or because he would have this same Tantalus, as a follower of the gods, seem to have prepared the stolen boy for Jupiter's lust by a familiar pandering: he who did not hesitate to serve up even his own son Pelops at Jupiter's banquet. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.12.5 (CSEL 5:61–62; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-12-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.12.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-12-6 - Source: CSEL 5:62 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Pelops's wars are too familiar to tell. ### Latin text taedet etiam ipsius Pelopis contra Dardanum atque Troianos quamlibet magna referre certamina: quae quia in fabulis celebrari solita sunt, neglegentius audiuntur. ### English translation (Claude) I am weary too of telling the contests of Pelops himself against Dardanus and the Trojans, however great: because they are commonly celebrated in fables, they are listened to more carelessly. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.12.6 (CSEL 5:62; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-12-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.12.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-12-7 - Source: CSEL 5:62 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: He passes over other Greek legends. ### Latin text illa quoque praetereo, quae de Perseo Cadmo Thebanis Spartanisque per inextricabiles alternantium malorum recursus Palefato scribente referuntur. ### English translation (Claude) I pass over also the things reported, in the writing of Palaephatus, about Perseus, Cadmus, the Thebans and the Spartans, through the inextricable recurrences of alternating evils. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.12.7 (CSEL 5:62; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-12-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.12.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-12-8 - Source: CSEL 5:62 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Lemnian women, Pandion, Atreus and Thyestes. ### Latin text taceo flagitia Lemniadum, praetermitto Pandionis Atheniensium regis flebilem fugam, Atrei et Thyestis odia stupra et parricidia caelo quoque inuisa dissimulo. ### English translation (Claude) I keep silent about the outrages of the Lemnian women, I pass over the lamentable flight of Pandion, king of the Athenians, I disregard the hatreds, debaucheries and murders of kin of Atreus and Thyestes, hateful even to heaven. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.12.8 (CSEL 5:62; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-12-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.12.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-12-9 - Source: CSEL 5:62 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Oedipus and his sons. ### Latin text omitto Oedipum interfectorem patris, matris maritum, filiorum fratrem, uitricum suum. sileri malo Eteoclen atque Polynicen mutuis laborasse concursibus, ne quis eorum parricida non esset. ### English translation (Claude) I omit Oedipus, killer of his father, husband of his mother, brother of his sons, his own stepfather. I prefer that it be left unsaid that Eteocles and Polynices laboured in mutual attacks so that neither of them should fail to be a fratricide. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.12.9 (CSEL 5:62; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-12-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.12.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-12-10 - Source: CSEL 5:62–63 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Medea and the horrors of that age. ### Latin text nolo meminisse Medeae, amore saeuo sauciae et pignorum paruulorum caede gaudentis, et quidquid illis temporibus perpetratum: conici datur, qualiter homines sustinuerint quod etiam astra fugisse dicuntur. ### English translation (Claude) I do not wish to recall Medea, wounded by savage love and rejoicing in the slaughter of her little children, and whatever was done in those times: one may infer how men endured what even the stars are said to have fled. ### Translation notes - The sun was said to have turned back in horror at Atreus's banquet. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.12.10 (CSEL 5:62–63; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-12-10). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.13.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-13-1 - Source: CSEL 5:63 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: War between Crete and Athens. ### Latin text Anno ante Vrbem conditam DLX atrocissimum inter Cretenses atque Athenienses certamen fuit, ubi populis utrimque infeliciter profligatis cruentiorem uictoriam Cretenses exercuerunt; ### English translation (Claude) In the 560th year before the founding of the City there was a most fierce contest between the Cretans and the Athenians, in which, the peoples on both sides having been miserably crushed, the Cretans used a bloodier victory: ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.13.1 (CSEL 5:63; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-13-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.13.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-13-2 - Source: CSEL 5:63 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Athenian youths were fed to the Minotaur. ### Latin text qui nobilium Atheniensium filios Minotauro, utrum fero homini an humanae bestiae aptius dicam nescio, deuorandos crudeliter addicebant atque informe prodigium effossis Graeciae luminibus saginabant. ### English translation (Claude) they cruelly gave over the sons of noble Athenians to be devoured by the Minotaur (whether I should call it more fittingly a wild man or a human beast I do not know), and fattened that misshapen monster on the plucked-out lights of Greece. ### Translation notes - 'The lights of Greece' are its noble youth. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.13.2 (CSEL 5:63; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-13-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.13.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-13-3 - Source: CSEL 5:63 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Lapiths fought the Thessalians. ### Latin text isdem diebus Lapithae et Thessali famosis nimium certauere conflictibus. ### English translation (Claude) In the same days the Lapiths and the Thessalians fought in all too famous conflicts. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.13.3 (CSEL 5:63; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-13-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.13.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-13-4 - Source: CSEL 5:63 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Palaephatus explains the Centaurs as horsemen. ### Latin text sed Thessalos Palefatus in libro primo Incredibilium prodit ipsos a Lapithis creditos dictosque fuisse Centauros eo, quod discurrentes in bello equites ueluti unum corpus equorum et hominum uiderentur. ### English translation (Claude) But Palaephatus, in the first book of his *Incredible Things*, reveals that the Thessalians themselves were believed and called Centaurs by the Lapiths, because as horsemen running about in war they seemed like one body of horses and men. ### Translation notes - Palaephatus, *On Incredible Things* 1. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.13.4 (CSEL 5:63; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-13-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.14.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-14-1 - Source: CSEL 5:63–64 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Vesozes of Egypt declared war on the Scythians. ### Latin text Anno ante Vrbem conditam CCCCLXXX Vesozes rex Aegypti meridiem et septentrionem, diuisas paene toto caelo ac pelago plagas, aut miscere bello aut regno iungere studens, Scythis bellum primus indixit missis prius legatis, qui hostibus parendi leges dicerent. ### English translation (Claude) In the 480th year before the founding of the City, Vesozes, king of Egypt, eager either to embroil in war or to join in one kingdom the south and the north, regions divided by almost the whole sky and sea, was the first to declare war on the Scythians, having first sent envoys to tell the enemy the terms of submission. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.14.1 (CSEL 5:63–64; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-14-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.14.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-14-2 - Source: CSEL 5:64 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Scythians defied him. ### Latin text ad quae Scythae legatis respondent, stolide opulentissimum regem aduersus inopes sumpsisse bellum, quod timendum ipsi magis uersa uice fuerit propter incertos belli euentus nulla praemia et damna manifesta. porro sibi non exspectandum, dum ad se ueniatur, sed ultro praedae obuiam ituros. ### English translation (Claude) To this the Scythians reply to the envoys that a most wealthy king had stupidly undertaken war against poor men, a war which on the contrary he himself should rather have feared, because of the uncertain outcome of war, with no rewards and manifest losses; furthermore, that they would not wait to be attacked, but would go out of their own accord to meet their plunder. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.14.2 (CSEL 5:64; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-14-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.14.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-14-3 - Source: CSEL 5:64 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Scythians routed Vesozes. ### Latin text nec mora, nam dicta factis insequuntur. primum ipsum Vesozen territum refugere in regnum cogunt, destitutum uero exercitum inuadunt omnemque belli apparatum capessunt, uniuersam quoque Aegyptum populauissent, ni paludibus inpediti repellerentur. ### English translation (Claude) Nor was there delay, for deeds followed words. First they forced Vesozes himself in terror to flee back to his kingdom; then they attacked his deserted army and took all the equipment of war; and they would have plundered all Egypt as well, had they not been hindered by the marshes and driven back. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.14.3 (CSEL 5:64; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-14-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.14.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-14-4 - Source: CSEL 5:64–65 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Scythians held Asia fifteen years until their wives recalled them. ### Latin text inde continuo reuersi perdomitam infinitis caedibus Asiam uectigalem fecere; ubi per XV annos sine pace inmorati tandem uxorum flagitatione reuocantur denuntiantium, ni redeant subolem se a finitimis quaesituras. ### English translation (Claude) Turning back from there at once, they subdued Asia with endless slaughter and made it tributary; there they stayed fifteen years without peace, and were at last called back by the demand of their wives, who declared that unless they returned they would seek offspring from their neighbours. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.14.4 (CSEL 5:64–65; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-14-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.15.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-15-1 - Source: CSEL 5:65 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Two exiled Scythian princes settled by the Thermodon and were killed. ### Latin text Medio autem tempore apud Scythas duo regii iuuenes Plynos et Scolopetius per factionem optimatium domo pulsi, ingentem iuuentutem secum traxere et in Cappadociae Ponticae ora iuxta amnem Thermodontem consederunt campis Themiscyriis sibi subiectis; ubi diu proxima quaeque populati conspiratione finitimorum per insidias trucidantur. ### English translation (Claude) Meanwhile among the Scythians two royal youths, Plynos and Scolopetius, driven from home by a faction of nobles, drew a great body of young men with them and settled on the coast of Pontic Cappadocia near the river Thermodon, subjecting to themselves the Themiscyrian plains; there, after long plundering everything near, they were treacherously slaughtered by a conspiracy of their neighbours. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.15.1 (CSEL 5:65; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-15-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.15.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-15-2 - Source: CSEL 5:65 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Their widows took up arms and avenged them. ### Latin text horum uxores exilio ac uiduitate permotae arma sumunt et, ut omnibus par ex simili condicione animus fieret, uiros qui superfuerant interficiunt atque accensae in hostem sanguine suo ultionem caesorum coniugum finitimorum excidio consequuntur. ### English translation (Claude) Their wives, stirred by exile and widowhood, took up arms and, so that all might have an equal spirit from a like condition, killed the men who had survived; and, enflamed against the enemy by their own blood, they achieved vengeance for their slain husbands by the destruction of their neighbours. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.15.2 (CSEL 5:65; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-15-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.15.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-15-3 - Source: CSEL 5:65–66 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The origin of the Amazons. ### Latin text tunc pace armis quaesita externos concubitus ineunt, editos mares mox enecant, feminas studiose nutriunt inustis infantium dexterioribus mammillis, ne sagittarum iactus impedirentur; unde Amazones dictae. ### English translation (Claude) Then, having gained peace by arms, they entered into unions with foreigners, soon killed the males born, carefully reared the females, burning off the right breasts of the infants so that the shooting of arrows might not be hindered; hence they were called Amazons. ### Translation notes - The name was explained as 'breastless' (Greek *a-mazos*). ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.15.3 (CSEL 5:65–66; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-15-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.15.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-15-4 - Source: CSEL 5:66 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Their two queens. ### Latin text harum duae fuere reginae, Marpesia et Lampeto, quae agmine diuiso in duas partes uicissim curam belli et domus custodiam sortiebantur. ### English translation (Claude) They had two queens, Marpesia and Lampeto, who, dividing their force into two parts, took turns by lot in the conduct of war and the guarding of home. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.15.4 (CSEL 5:66; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-15-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.15.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-15-5 - Source: CSEL 5:66 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Amazons' conquests; Marpesia killed. ### Latin text igitur cum Europam maxima e parte domuissent, Asiae uero aliquantis ciuitatibus captis, ipsae autem Ephesum aliasque urbes condidissent, praecipuam exercitus sui partem onustam opulentissima praeda domum reuocant, reliquae ad tuendum Asiae imperium relictae cum Marpesia regina concursu hostium trucidantur. ### English translation (Claude) So when they had subdued Europe for the most part, and had taken a good number of cities of Asia and themselves founded Ephesus and other cities, they called home the chief part of their army, laden with very rich plunder; the rest, left to guard the empire of Asia with Queen Marpesia, were slaughtered by an attack of enemies. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.15.5 (CSEL 5:66; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-15-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.15.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-15-6 - Source: CSEL 5:66 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Sinope succeeded her. ### Latin text huius locum Sinope filia capessit, quae singularem uirtutis gloriam perpetua uirginitate cumulauit. ### English translation (Claude) Her place was taken by her daughter Sinope, who crowned the singular glory of her courage with perpetual virginity. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.15.6 (CSEL 5:66; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-15-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.15.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-15-7 - Source: CSEL 5:66–67 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Hercules prepared a great force against the Amazons. ### Latin text hac fama excitas gentes tanta admiratio et formido inuaserat, ut Hercules quoque cum iussus fuisset a domino suo exhibere arma reginae quasi ad ineuitabile periculum destinatus, uniuersam Graeciae lectam ac nobilem iuuentutem contraxerit, nouem longas naues praepararit, nec tamen contentus examine uirium ex inprouiso adgredi et insperatas circumuenire maluerit. ### English translation (Claude) Such admiration and fear of them had seized the nations roused by this fame that Hercules too, when he had been ordered by his master to bring the queen's arms, as though appointed to an inescapable danger, gathered all the chosen and noble youth of Greece, prepared nine long ships, and yet, not content with this swarm of strength, preferred to attack unexpectedly and surround them off guard. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.15.7 (CSEL 5:66–67; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-15-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.15.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-15-8 - Source: CSEL 5:67 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Hercules surprised the Amazons. ### Latin text duae tunc sorores regno praeerant, Antiope et Orithyia. Hercules mari aduectus incautas inermesque et pacis incuria desides oppressit. inter caesas captasque complurimas duae sorores Antiopae, Melanippe ab Hercule, Hippolyte a Theseo retentae. ### English translation (Claude) Two sisters then ruled the kingdom, Antiope and Orithyia. Hercules, arriving by sea, overpowered them unwary, unarmed and idle through the carelessness of peace. Among the very many killed and captured, two sisters of Antiope were kept, Melanippe by Hercules, Hippolyte by Theseus. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.15.8 (CSEL 5:67; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-15-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.15.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-15-9 - Source: CSEL 5:67 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Theseus married Hippolyte; Hercules ransomed Melanippe. ### Latin text sed Theseus Hippolyten matrimonio adsciuit, Hercules Melanippen sorori reddidit et arma reginae pretio redemptionis accepit. ### English translation (Claude) But Theseus took Hippolyte in marriage, while Hercules returned Melanippe to her sister and received the queen's arms as the price of her ransom. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.15.9 (CSEL 5:67; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-15-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.15.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-15-10 - Source: CSEL 5:67 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Penthesilea at Troy. ### Latin text post Orithyiam Penthesilea regno potita est, cuius Troiano bello clarissima inter uiros documenta uirtutis accepimus. ### English translation (Claude) After Orithyia, Penthesilea held the kingdom, of whose courage among men we have received very famous proofs in the Trojan War. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.15.10 (CSEL 5:67; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-15-10). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.16.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-16-1 - Source: CSEL 5:67–68 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: No one blames the times for the Amazons' devastation. ### Latin text Pro dolor, pudet erroris humani. mulieres patria profugae Europam atque Asiam id est plurimas fortissimasque mundi partes intrauerunt peruagatae sunt deleuerunt, centum paene annis euertendo urbes plurimas atque alias constituendo tenuerunt: nec tamen miseriae hominum pressura temporum deputata est. ### English translation (Claude) Oh the pain of it! I am ashamed of human error. Women fleeing their homeland entered, roamed through and laid waste Europe and Asia, that is, the greatest and strongest parts of the world, and held them for almost a hundred years, overthrowing very many cities and founding others: and yet this was not counted a misery of men from the pressure of the times. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.16.1 (CSEL 5:67–68; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-16-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.16.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-16-2 - Source: CSEL 5:68 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Goths, once feared by all, now seek a Roman alliance. ### Latin text modo autem Getae illi qui et nunc Gothi, quos Alexander euitandos pronuntiauit, Pyrrhus exhorruit, Caesar etiam declinauit, relictis uacuefactisque sedibus suis ac totis uiribus toti Romanas ingressi prouincias simulque ad terrorem diu ostentati societatem Romani foederis precibus sperant, quam armis uindicare potuissent; ### English translation (Claude) But now those Getae who are now also the Goths, whom Alexander declared were to be avoided, whom Pyrrhus dreaded, whom even Caesar shunned, having left and emptied their own seats and entered the Roman provinces with all their strength, and having long been displayed as a terror, now hope by prayers for an alliance of a Roman treaty, which they could have claimed by arms; ### Translation notes - Orosius identifies the Getae with the Goths. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.16.2 (CSEL 5:68; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-16-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.16.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-16-3 - Source: CSEL 5:68 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Goths ask for land and offer to defend Rome. ### Latin text exiguae habitationis sedem non ex sua electione sed ex nostro iudicio rogant, quibus subiecta et patente uniuersa terra praesumere, quam esset libitum, liberum fuit; semet ipsos ad tuitionem Romani regni offerunt, quos solos inuicta regna timuerunt. ### English translation (Claude) they ask for a seat of small habitation, not by their own choice but by our judgment, though the whole earth lay subject and open to them, free to take as much as they liked; they offer themselves for the defence of the Roman realm, they whom alone unconquered kingdoms feared. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.16.3 (CSEL 5:68; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-16-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.16.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-16-4 - Source: CSEL 5:68–69 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Through the Christian faith the Goths, whose women once ravaged the world, submit without battle. ### Latin text et tamen caeca gentilitas cum haec Romana uirtute gesta non uideat, fide Romanorum inpetrata non credit nec adquiescit, cum intellegat, confiteri, beneficio Christianae religionis - quae cognatam per omnes populos fidem iungit - eius uiros sine proelio sibi esse subiectos, quorum feminae maiorem terrarum partem inmensis caedibus deleuerunt ### English translation (Claude) And yet blind paganism, since it does not see that these things were achieved by Roman courage, does not believe that they were obtained by the faith of the Romans, nor does it acquiesce, though it understands, so as to confess that by the benefit of the Christian religion, which joins a kindred faith through all peoples, the men of that nation have been made subject to it without battle, whose women destroyed the greater part of the earth with immense slaughter. ### Translation notes - Orosius links the Amazons with the Scythian-Gothic peoples; the Goths were by then Christians. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.16.4 (CSEL 5:68–69; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-16-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.17.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-17-1 - Source: CSEL 5:69 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Trojan War. ### Latin text At uero ante Vrbem conditam CCCCXXX anno raptus Helenae, coniuratio Graecorum et concursus mille nauium, dehinc decennis obsidio ac postremo famosum Troiae excidium praedicatur. ### English translation (Claude) But in the 430th year before the founding of the City are told the rape of Helen, the conspiracy of the Greeks and the gathering of a thousand ships, then the ten-year siege and finally the famous destruction of Troy. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.17.1 (CSEL 5:69; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-17-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.17.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-17-2 - Source: CSEL 5:69 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Homer told the Trojan War; Orosius will not. ### Latin text in quo bello per decem annos cruentissime gesto quas nationes quantosque populos idem turbo inuoluerit atque adflixerit, Homerus poeta in primis clarus luculentissimo carmine palam fecit, nec per ordinem nunc retexere nostrum est, quia et operi longum et omnibus notum uidetur. ### English translation (Claude) In that war, waged most bloodily for ten years, which nations and how great peoples the same whirlwind involved and struck down the poet Homer, famous above all, has made plain in a most brilliant poem; nor is it our task to unravel it now in order, since it seems both long for this work and known to all. ### Extrabiblical texts - Homer, Il. (Homer, Iliad): allusion, medium confidence ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.17.2 (CSEL 5:69; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-17-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.17.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-17-3 - Source: CSEL 5:69–70 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Unlike Troy's enemies, today's barbarians seek peace and fight for Rome. ### Latin text uerumtamen qui diuturnitatem illius obsidionis, euersionis atrocitatem caedem captiuitatemque didicerunt, uideant, si recte isto qualiscumque est praesentis temporis statu offenduntur quos hostes occulta misericordia Dei cum per omnes terras instructis copiis bello persequi possint, pacis gratia praetentis obsidibus per omnia maria sequuntur; et, ne forte haec quietis amore facere credantur, se ipsos ac pericula sua pro Romanorum pace aduersum alias gentes offerunt. ### English translation (Claude) But let those who have learned of the length of that siege, the atrocity of the destruction, the slaughter and captivity, see whether they are right to be offended by the present state of things, whatever it is, when enemies, by the hidden mercy of God, though they could pursue them in war with forces drawn up through all lands, follow them across all seas for the sake of peace, offering hostages; and, lest it be thought that they do this for love of quiet, offer themselves and their dangers against other peoples for the peace of the Romans. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.17.3 (CSEL 5:69–70; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-17-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.18.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-18-1 - Source: CSEL 5:70 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Aeneas's wars in Italy, known from schoolbooks. ### Latin text Paucis praeterea annis interuenientibus, Aeneae Troia profugi aduentus in Italiam quae arma commouerit, qualia per triennium bella exciuerit, quantos populos inplicuerit odio excidioque adflixerit, ludi litterarii disciplina nostrae quoque memoriae inustum est. ### English translation (Claude) A few years after this, what arms the arrival in Italy of Aeneas, a fugitive from Troy, stirred up, what wars it roused for three years, how many peoples it involved and struck with hatred and destruction, the instruction of the elementary school has branded on our memory too. ### Extrabiblical texts - Virgil (Virgil): allusion, medium confidence ### Translation notes - Virgil's *Aeneid*, read in school. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.18.1 (CSEL 5:70; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-18-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.18.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-18-2 - Source: CSEL 5:70 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Other disasters of the same period. ### Latin text horum praeterea temporum medio interiacent exilia naufragiaque Graecorum, Peloponnensium clades Codro moriente fractorum, ignoti Thraces noua in bella surgentes, et generalis tunc per totam Asiam Graeciamque commotio. ### English translation (Claude) Between these times, moreover, lie the exiles and shipwrecks of the Greeks, the disaster of the Peloponnesians broken at the death of Codrus, the unknown Thracians rising to new wars, and a general upheaval then through all Asia and Greece. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.18.2 (CSEL 5:70; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-18-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.19.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-19-1 - Source: CSEL 5:70–71 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Sardanapalus, last king of Assyria, burned himself; the kingdom passed to the Medes. ### Latin text Anno ante Vrbem conditam LXIIII nouissimus apud Assyrios regnauit Sardanapallus, uir muliere corruptior: qui inter scortorum greges feminae habitu purpuram colo tractans a praefecto suo Arbato, qui tunc Medis praeerat, uisus atque exsecrationi habitus, mox etiam excitis Medorum populis ad bellum prouocatus et uictus ardenti pyrae se iniecit. exin regnum Assyriorum in Medos concessit. ### English translation (Claude) In the 64th year before the founding of the City, Sardanapalus reigned last among the Assyrians, a man more corrupt than a woman. Seen by his prefect Arbatus, who then governed the Medes, spinning purple on a distaff in a woman's dress among flocks of harlots, he was held in execration; soon, when the peoples of the Medes had been roused, he was challenged to war and defeated, and threw himself on a burning pyre. Thereafter the kingdom of the Assyrians passed to the Medes. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.19.1 (CSEL 5:70–71; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-19-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.19.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-19-2 - Source: CSEL 5:71 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Power shifted among Scythians, Chaldaeans, and Medes. ### Latin text deinde multis proeliis undique scatescentibus, quae per ordinem disserere nequaquam aptum uidetur, per uarios prouentus ad Scythas Chaldaeosque et rursus ad Medos parili uia rediit. ### English translation (Claude) Then, with many battles springing up on every side, which it seems not at all fitting to discuss in order, it passed through various fortunes to the Scythians and Chaldaeans and by a like path back to the Medes. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.19.2 (CSEL 5:71; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-19-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.19.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-19-3 - Source: CSEL 5:71 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Every change of kingdom meant great slaughter. ### Latin text in qua breuitate pensandum est: quantae ruinae cladesque gentium fuere, quanta bella fluxerunt ubi totiens tot et talia regna mutata sunt. ### English translation (Claude) In this brief account one must weigh how great were the ruins and disasters of nations, how many wars flowed, when so many such kingdoms changed hands so often. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.19.3 (CSEL 5:71; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-19-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.19.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-19-4 - Source: CSEL 5:71 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Phraortes of Media. ### Latin text post haec Medis Fraortes imperitauit, qui creberrimis Assyriorum Persarumque bellis XXII regni sui annos consumpsit. ### English translation (Claude) After this Phraortes ruled the Medes, who spent the twenty-two years of his reign in very frequent wars with the Assyrians and Persians. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.19.4 (CSEL 5:71; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-19-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.19.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-19-5 - Source: CSEL 5:71 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Diocles of Media. ### Latin text post hunc Diocles regnauit, uir armis experientissimus semperque bellis immoratus; qui auctum late imperium moriens Astyagi dedit. ### English translation (Claude) After him reigned Diocles, a man most experienced in arms and always engaged in wars, who at his death handed the widely enlarged empire to Astyages. ### Translation notes - Diocles is Deioces (or Cyaxares) in other sources. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.19.5 (CSEL 5:71; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-19-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.19.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-19-6 - Source: CSEL 5:71 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Cyrus rose against his grandfather Astyages. ### Latin text Astyages, uirili prole uacuus, Cyrum nepotem apud Persas genitum habuit. sed Cyrus mox ut adoleuit congregata Persarum manu auo certamen indixit. ### English translation (Claude) Astyages, having no male offspring, had a grandson, Cyrus, born among the Persians. But Cyrus, as soon as he grew up, gathered a band of Persians and declared war on his grandfather. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.19.6 (CSEL 5:71; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-19-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.19.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-19-7 - Source: CSEL 5:71–72 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Astyages had once served Harpalus his own son to eat. ### Latin text porro Astyages oblitus sceleris sui quod in Harpalum dudum admiserat, cum filium eius unicum et paruulum interfecit epulandumque patri adposuit ac, ne quid infelicissimae orbitati felix ignorantia subtraheret, infames epulas ostensis patri cum capite manibus in- ### English translation (Claude) Moreover Astyages, forgetting the crime he had once committed against Harpalus, when he killed his only and little son and set him before the father to be eaten, and, so that happy ignorance might not take anything from his most unhappy bereavement, hastened to ### Translation notes - The sentence continues in 1.19.8. Harpalus is Harpagus in Herodotus. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.19.7 (CSEL 5:71–72; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-19-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.19.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-19-8 - Source: CSEL 5:72 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Harpalus betrayed the army to Cyrus; Astyages renewed the war. ### Latin text properauit — huius ergo facti immemor, ipsi Harpalo summam belli committit, qui acceptum exercitum statim Cyro per proditionem tradit. quo conperto Astyages raptis secum copiis in Persas ipse proficiscitur acriusque certamen instaurat, proposito suis, metu si quis e proelio cedere moliretur, ferro exciperetur. ### English translation (Claude) reproach the father with the infamous feast by showing him the head and hands: unmindful, then, of this deed, he entrusted the conduct of the war to Harpalus himself, who at once handed over to Cyrus by treachery the army he had received. On learning this, Astyages himself, seizing his forces, set out against the Persians and renewed the contest more fiercely, having set before his men the fear that if anyone tried to give way in battle, he would be met with the sword. ### Translation notes - The digital text divides *in-properauit* across 1.19.7–8. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.19.8 (CSEL 5:72; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-19-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.19.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-19-9 - Source: CSEL 5:72 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Persian women shamed their men back into battle. ### Latin text qua necessitate instanter Medis pugnantibus pulsa iterum Persarum acies cum paulatim cederet, matres et uxores eorum obuiam occurrunt, orant in proelium reuertantur; cunctantibus sublata ueste obscena corporis ostendunt quaerentes, num in uteros matrum uel uxorum uellent refugere. ### English translation (Claude) Under that necessity the Medes fought hard, and when the Persian line, driven back again, was gradually giving way, their mothers and wives ran to meet them and begged them to return to battle; when they hesitated, the women lifted their garments and showed the private parts of their bodies, asking whether they wished to flee back into the wombs of their mothers or wives. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.19.9 (CSEL 5:72; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-19-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.19.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-19-10 - Source: CSEL 5:72–73 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Cyrus captured Astyages; the Median empire ended. ### Latin text quo facto erubescentes in proelium redeunt et facta inpressione quos fugiebant fugere conpellunt. ibi tunc Astyages capitur, cui Cyrus nil aliud quam regnum abstulit, eumque maximae Hyrcanorum genti praeposuit. in Medos uero reuerti ipse noluit. is finis imperii Medorum fuit. ### English translation (Claude) At this, blushing, they returned to battle and, making a charge, forced those they were fleeing to flee. There Astyages was captured; Cyrus took nothing from him but his kingdom, and set him over the very great nation of the Hyrcanians; for he himself did not wish to return to the Medes. This was the end of the empire of the Medes. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.19.10 (CSEL 5:72–73; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-19-10). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.19.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-19-11 - Source: CSEL 5:73 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Medes' subject cities revolted from Cyrus. ### Latin text sed ciuitates, quae tributariae Medorum erant, a Cyro defecerunt: quae res Cyro multorum bellorum causa et origo exstitit. ### English translation (Claude) But the cities which had been tributaries of the Medes revolted from Cyrus; and this was for Cyrus the cause and origin of many wars. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.19.11 (CSEL 5:73; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-19-11). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.20.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-20-1 - Source: CSEL 5:73 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Phalaris, tyrant of Agrigentum. ### Latin text Ea tempestate Phalaris Siculus Agrigentinos arrepta tyrannide populabatur. ### English translation (Claude) At that time Phalaris the Sicilian seized a tyranny and plundered the people of Agrigentum. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.20.1 (CSEL 5:73; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-20-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.20.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-20-2 - Source: CSEL 5:73 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Phalaris once punished someone justly. ### Latin text qui crudelis mente, commentis crudelior, omnia nefarie in innocentes agens, inuenit aliquando quem iuste puniret iniustus. ### English translation (Claude) Cruel in mind, crueller in his inventions, doing all things wickedly against the innocent, he once found someone whom, though unjust himself, he could justly punish. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.20.2 (CSEL 5:73; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-20-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.20.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-20-3 - Source: CSEL 5:73–74 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Perillus made a bronze bull for roasting victims. ### Latin text nam Perillus quidam aeris opifex adfectans tyranni amicitiam, aptum munus crudelitati illius ratus, taurum aeneum fecit, cui fabre ianuam e latere conposuit, quae ad contrudendos damnatos receptui foret: ut cum inclusus ibidem subiectis ignibus torreretur, sonum uocis extortae capacitas concaui aeris augeret pulsuque ferali conpetens imagini murmur emitteret, nefarioque spectaculo mugitus pecudis, non hominis gemitus uideretur. ### English translation (Claude) For a certain Perillus, a worker in bronze, seeking the tyrant's friendship and thinking it a gift suited to his cruelty, made a bronze bull, in whose side he skilfully fitted a door to serve as an entry for thrusting in the condemned: so that when a man shut in there was roasted by fires set beneath, the capacity of the hollow bronze would amplify the sound of the voice wrung from him and give out, with a deadly beat, a murmur fit for the image, and in the wicked spectacle it would seem the lowing of a beast, not the groaning of a man. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.20.3 (CSEL 5:73–74; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-20-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.20.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-20-4 - Source: CSEL 5:74 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Phalaris roasted Perillus in his own bull. ### Latin text sed Phalaris, factum amplexus factorem exsecratus, et ultioni materiam praebuit et crudelitati: nam ipsum opificem sua inuentione puniuit. ### English translation (Claude) But Phalaris, embracing the work but cursing the worker, provided material both for vengeance and for cruelty: for he punished the craftsman himself with his own invention. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.20.4 (CSEL 5:74; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-20-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.20.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-20-5 - Source: CSEL 5:74 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Aremulus of the Latins was struck by lightning. ### Latin text Fuerat etiam paulo superiore tempore apud Latinos rex Aremulus, qui per annos XVIII flagitiis inpietatibusque crescens, ad postremum diuino iudicio fulmine interceptus matura supplicia inmatura aetate dissoluit. ### English translation (Claude) A little earlier, too, there had been among the Latins a king, Aremulus, who, growing in crimes and impieties for eighteen years, was at last cut off by divine judgment with a thunderbolt, and paid at an unripe age the penalties he had ripened. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.20.5 (CSEL 5:74; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-20-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.20.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-3-1/#p-1-20-6 - Source: CSEL 5:74 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Christian emperors forgive even usurpers, unlike ancient tyrants. ### Latin text Eligant nunc, si uidetur, Latini et Siculi, utrum in diebus Aremuli et Phalaridis esse maluissent innocentum uitas poenis extorquentium, an his temporibus Christianis, cum imperatores Romani, ipsa in primis religione conpositi, post comminutas reipublicae bono tyrannides ne ipsorum quidem iniurias exigunt tyrannorum. ### English translation (Claude) Let the Latins and Sicilians now choose, if they will, whether they would rather have lived in the days of Aremulus and Phalaris, who wrung out the lives of the innocent by torments, or in these Christian times, when the Roman emperors, formed above all by religion itself, after crushing tyrannies for the good of the commonwealth, do not exact punishment even for the wrongs done to themselves by the tyrants. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.20.6 (CSEL 5:74; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-20-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.21.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-1-21-1 - Source: CSEL 5:74–75 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: A great war between Peloponnesians and Athenians. ### Latin text Anno ante Vrbem conditam xxx Peloponnensium Atheniensiumque maximum bellum totis uiribus animisque commissum est: in quo mutuis caedibus ad hoc coacti sunt, ut uelut uicti se ab alterutro subtraherent bellumque desererent. ### English translation (Claude) In the 30th year before the founding of the City a very great war was waged between the Peloponnesians and the Athenians with all their strength and spirit, in which by mutual slaughter they were driven to such a point that, as though conquered, they withdrew from each other and abandoned the war. ### Translation notes - Orosius's chronology is confused here. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.21.1 (CSEL 5:74–75; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-21-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.21.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-1-21-2 - Source: CSEL 5:75 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Amazons and Cimmerians raided Asia. ### Latin text tunc etiam Amazonum gentis et Cimmeriorum in Asiam repentinus incursus plurimam late diu uastationem stragemque edidit. ### English translation (Claude) Then too a sudden incursion of the Amazons and the Cimmerians into Asia brought very great and long devastation and slaughter far and wide. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.21.2 (CSEL 5:75; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-21-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.21.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-1-21-3 - Source: CSEL 5:75 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Spartan war against Messenia. ### Latin text Anno xx ante Vrbem conditam Lacedaemonii contra Messenios propter spretas uirgines suas in sollemni Messeniorum sacrificio, per annos uiginti indefesso furore bellantes, ruinae suae totas Graeciae uires inplicuerunt. ### English translation (Claude) In the 20th year before the founding of the City, the Lacedaemonians, warring against the Messenians for twenty years with unwearied fury because their maidens had been scorned at a solemn sacrifice of the Messenians, involved the whole strength of Greece in their own ruin. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.21.3 (CSEL 5:75; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-21-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.21.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-1-21-4 - Source: CSEL 5:75 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Spartans' oath and their wives' complaints. ### Latin text qui cum se magnis exsecrationibus deuouissent sacramentisque obstrinxissent domum nisi Messena expugnata numquam esse redituros, ac per decem annos longa fatigati obsidione nec tamen aliquem uincendi fructum adepti, porro autem et querellis uxorum super longa uiduitate et periculo sterilitatis contestantium permoti reuocarentur, ### English translation (Claude) When they had devoted themselves with great curses and bound themselves by oaths never to return home unless Messene were taken, and, worn out by a long siege for ten years without gaining any fruit of victory, they were moreover being called back, moved by the complaints of their wives, who protested at their long widowhood and the danger of childlessness, ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.21.4 (CSEL 5:75; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-21-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.21.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-1-21-5 - Source: CSEL 5:75–76 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: They sent men home to beget children with all the women. ### Latin text consultatione habita ueriti, ne intercepta spe subolis sibi magis hac perseuerantia quam Messeniis perditio nutriretur, selectos in exercitu eos qui post iusiurandum in supplementum militiae uenerant Spartam remittunt, quibus promiscuos omnium feminarum concubitus permisere, infami satis nec tamen utili licentia. ### English translation (Claude) they held a consultation and, fearing that, if hope of offspring were cut off, this persistence was nurturing destruction for themselves rather than for the Messenians, they sent back to Sparta chosen men of the army, those who had come as reinforcements after the oath, and allowed them promiscuous intercourse with all the women: a licence infamous enough, yet not useful. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.21.5 (CSEL 5:75–76; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-21-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.21.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-1-21-6 - Source: CSEL 5:76 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Messenians revolted; Sparta chose Tyrtaeus as leader. ### Latin text ipsi autem proposito insistentes expugnant fraude Messenios, uictos seruitio premunt. at illi, diu cruentam dominationem inter uerbera et uincla perpessi, iugum excutiunt, arma sumunt, bellum instaurant. Lacedaemonii Tyrreum, Atheniensem poetam, ducem proelio legunt. ### English translation (Claude) They themselves, keeping to their purpose, took the Messenians by fraud and pressed the conquered into slavery. But the Messenians, having long endured a bloody domination amid scourges and chains, shook off the yoke, took up arms and renewed the war. The Lacedaemonians chose Tyrtaeus, an Athenian poet, as their leader in battle. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.21.6 (CSEL 5:76; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-21-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.21.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-1-21-7 - Source: CSEL 5:76 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Defeated, Sparta freed slaves to fight. ### Latin text qui tribus conflictibus fusi, amissum exercitum uocata in libertatem seruorum manu suppleuerunt. ### English translation (Claude) Routed in three engagements, they made up their lost army by calling a band of slaves to freedom. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.21.7 (CSEL 5:76; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-21-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.21.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-1-21-8 - Source: CSEL 5:76 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Tyrtaeus's poem roused the Spartans to victory. ### Latin text sed cum sic quoque desistendum certamine propter metum periculi arbitrarentur, Tyrrei poetae et ducis conposito carmine et pro contione recitato rursus accensi mox in certamen ruunt; tanta autem ui animorum concursum est, ut raro umquam cruentius proelium exarserit; ad postremum tamen uictoria Lacedaemoniorum fuit. tertio Messenii ### English translation (Claude) But when even so they judged that they must give up the contest for fear of danger, they were fired again by a poem composed by Tyrtaeus, poet and general, and recited before the assembly, and soon rushed into battle; and they clashed with such force of spirit that rarely has a bloodier battle blazed up; at last, however, the victory was the Lacedaemonians'. A third time the Messenians ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.21.8 (CSEL 5:76; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-21-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.21.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-1-21-9 - Source: CSEL 5:76–77 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: A third Messenian war; Athens prepared to attack Sparta. ### Latin text reparauere certamen, nec Lacedaemoniis mora, multas in auxilium copias utrimque duxerunt. Athenienses uero Lacedaemonios alibi intentos e diuerso adgredi parant. ### English translation (Claude) renewed the contest, and the Lacedaemonians did not delay; both sides brought many forces to their help. The Athenians, however, prepared to attack the Lacedaemonians from the other side while they were occupied elsewhere. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.21.9 (CSEL 5:76–77; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-21-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.21.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-1-21-10 - Source: CSEL 5:77 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Sparta's allies defeated Athens at sea, then Athens renewed the war. ### Latin text nec Lacedaemonii quieuere: nam ipsi in Messenios occupati Peloponnenses inmiserunt, qui Athenienses proelio exciperent. Athenienses autem, missa in Aegyptum parua classe inpares uiribus, nauali congressu facile uincuntur. dehinc recepta classe, aucti etiam militum robore, uictores in proelium uocant. ### English translation (Claude) Nor were the Lacedaemonians idle: for, being themselves occupied with the Messenians, they sent the Peloponnesians to meet the Athenians in battle. The Athenians, having sent a small fleet to Egypt and being unequal in strength, were easily defeated in a naval engagement. Then, the fleet recovered and strengthened also by a force of soldiers, they challenged the victors to battle. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.21.10 (CSEL 5:77; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-21-10). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.21.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-1-21-11 - Source: CSEL 5:77 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: An indecisive war between Sparta and Athens. ### Latin text Lacedaemonii quoque omissis Messeniis in Athenienses arma conuertunt. diu uariae et graues pugnae et anceps uictoriae status ac postremum pendente euentu utrimque discessum est. ### English translation (Claude) The Lacedaemonians too, leaving the Messenians, turned their arms against the Athenians. For a long time there were varied and heavy battles and an uncertain state of victory, and at last, with the outcome undecided, both sides withdrew. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.21.11 (CSEL 5:77; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-21-11). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.21.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-1-21-12 - Source: CSEL 5:77 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Sparta and Lacedaemon are the same. ### Latin text Sciendum tamen est maxime, ipsam esse Spartam quam et Lacedaemonam ciuitatem, atque inde Lacedaemonios Spartanos dici. ### English translation (Claude) It must, however, be especially understood that Sparta is the same city as Lacedaemon, and hence the Lacedaemonians are called Spartans. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.21.12 (CSEL 5:77; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-21-12). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.21.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-1-21-13 - Source: CSEL 5:77–78 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Sparta induced Thebes to fight Athens. ### Latin text Igitur inde reuocati Lacedaemonii ad Messeniorum bellum, ne medium tempus otiosum Atheniensibus relinquerent, cum Thebanis paciscuntur, ut Boeotiorum imperium eis restituerent, quod temporibus belli Persici amiserant, si illi Atheniensium bella susciperent. ### English translation (Claude) So the Lacedaemonians, called back from there to the Messenian war, so as not to leave the Athenians the intervening time at leisure, made a pact with the Thebans to restore to them the rule of the Boeotians, which they had lost in the time of the Persian war, if they would take up the war against the Athenians. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.21.13 (CSEL 5:77–78; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-21-13). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.21.14 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-1-21-14 - Source: CSEL 5:78 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Sparta's fury for war. ### Latin text tantus furor Spartanorum erat, ut duobus bellis inpliciti suscipere tertium non recusarent, dummodo inimicis suis hostes adquirerent. ### English translation (Claude) So great was the fury of the Spartans that, entangled in two wars, they did not refuse to take on a third, provided they could gain enemies for their enemies. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.21.14 (CSEL 5:78; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-21-14). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.21.15 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-1-21-15 - Source: CSEL 5:78 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Pericles and Sophocles led Athens to success. ### Latin text Athenienses tanta bellorum tempestate permoti duo duces deligunt Periclen spectatae uirtutis uirum et Sophoclen scriptorem tragoediarum: qui diuiso exercitu et Spartanorum fines late populati sunt et multas Asiae ciuitates Atheniensium imperio adiecerunt. ### English translation (Claude) The Athenians, alarmed by so great a storm of wars, chose two generals, Pericles, a man of proven courage, and Sophocles, the writer of tragedies: they divided the army, ravaged the territory of the Spartans far and wide and added many cities of Asia to the empire of the Athenians. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.21.15 (CSEL 5:78; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-21-15). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.21.16 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-1-21-16 - Source: CSEL 5:78 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Fifty years of war exhausted Sparta. ### Latin text hinc porro per annos quinquaginta incerta semper uictoria terra marique pugnatum est, donec Spartani, et opibus inminutis et fide profligata, sociis quoque probro fuere. ### English translation (Claude) From then on, for fifty years, they fought on land and sea with victory always uncertain, until the Spartans, their resources diminished and their good faith ruined, became a disgrace even to their allies. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.21.16 (CSEL 5:78; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-21-16). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.21.17 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-1-21-17 - Source: CSEL 5:78 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Greece's long sufferings are ignored while small present troubles are resented. ### Latin text Sed haec per tot aetatum uolumina incubuisse Graeciae parui penditur. nunc autem interpellari interdum uoluptates et impediri parumper libidines non sustinetur. ### English translation (Claude) But that these things weighed on Greece through so many rolling ages is thought of little account; while now it is not endured that pleasures are sometimes interrupted and lusts hindered for a little while. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.21.17 (CSEL 5:78; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-21-17). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.21.18 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-1-21-18 - Source: CSEL 5:78–79 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: People today, used to peace, are upset by small troubles. ### Latin text quamquam inter illius temporis homines atque istius hoc interest, quod illi aequo animo haec intoleranda tolerabant, quia in his nati uel enutriti erant et meliora non nouerant: isti autem, perpetuo in uita sua tranquillitatum et deliciarum sereno adsuefacti, ad omne uel modicum obductae sollicitudinis nubilum commouentur. ### English translation (Claude) Although there is this difference between the men of that time and those of this: that they bore these unbearable things with equanimity, because they had been born or brought up among them and knew nothing better; but these, accustomed throughout their lives to the unbroken fair weather of tranquillity and delights, are disturbed by every cloud of anxiety, however slight, that gathers. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.21.18 (CSEL 5:78–79; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-21-18). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.21.19 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-1-21-19 - Source: CSEL 5:79 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: They should pray to the God who gave them peace. ### Latin text atque utinam ipsum depulsorem huius uel modicae inquietudinis precarentur, cuius munere hanc ignoratam aliis temporibus iugitatem pacis habuerunt. ### English translation (Claude) And would that they would pray to him who can drive off even this slight disquiet, by whose gift they have had this continuity of peace unknown in other times. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.21.19 (CSEL 5:79; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-21-19). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.21.20 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-1-21-20 - Source: CSEL 5:79 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: He recalls his plan. ### Latin text et quoniam spopondisse memini, cum ueluti articulis quibusdam dicendi ordinem definirem, dicturum me esse ab orbe condito usque ad Vrbem conditam, ### English translation (Claude) And since I remember that I promised, when I was marking out the order of my account as by certain joints, that I would speak from the founding of the world to the founding of the City, ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.21.20 (CSEL 5:79; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-21-20). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 1.21.21 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-1-21-21 - Source: CSEL 5:79–80 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Book 1 ends; Book 2 will begin with the founding of Rome. ### Latin text huic uolumini quod ab orbe condito explicuimus finis hic sit, ut ab Vrbe condita sequens libellus incipiat, qui contextiora illorum temporum mala, exercitatioribus quippe ad nequitiam atque eruditioribus hominibus, continebit. ### English translation (Claude) let this be the end of this volume, which we have unfolded from the founding of the world, so that the following book may begin from the founding of the City; it will contain the more closely woven evils of those times, since men were then more practised and more learned in wickedness. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 1.21.21 (CSEL 5:79–80; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/1-21-21). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.1.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-2-1-1 - Source: CSEL 5:81 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: God made man, and the world is chastised for man's sin. ### Latin text Neminem iam esse hominum arbitror, quem latere possit, quia hominem in hoc mundo Deus fecerit. unde etiam peccante homine mundus arguitur ac propter nostram intemperantiam conprimendam terra haec, in qua uiuimus, defectu ceterorum animalium et sterilitate suorum fructuum castigatur. ### English translation (Claude) I think there is no longer any man from whom it can be hidden that God made man in this world. Hence also when man sins the world is reproved, and, to restrain our intemperance, this earth in which we live is chastised by the failing of the other animals and the barrenness of its fruits. ### Scripture references - Gen 3:17: echo, medium confidence ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.1.1 (CSEL 5:81; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-1-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.1.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-2-1-2 - Source: CSEL 5:81 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: As our Maker, God rightly governs us. ### Latin text itaque si creatura Dei, merito et dispensatio Dei sumus; quis enim magis diligit, quam ille qui fecit? quis autem ordinatius regit, quam is qui et fecit et diligit? quis uero sapientius et fortius ordinare et regere facta potest, quam qui et facienda prouidit et prouisa perfecit? ### English translation (Claude) So if we are God's creation, we are rightly also under God's governance; for who loves more than he who made? And who rules in more orderly fashion than he who both made and loves? And who can order and rule what is made more wisely and more strongly than he who both foresaw what was to be made and brought to completion what he foresaw? ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.1.2 (CSEL 5:81; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-1-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.1.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-2-1-3 - Source: CSEL 5:81–82 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: All power, and so all kingdoms, come from God. ### Latin text quapropter omnem potestatem a Deo esse omnemque ordinationem, et qui non legerunt sentiunt et qui legerunt recognoscunt. quod si potestates a Deo sunt, quanto magis regna, a quibus reliquae potestates progrediuntur; ### English translation (Claude) Therefore that all power and all ordering is from God, those who have not read perceive and those who have read recognize. And if powers are from God, how much more kingdoms, from which the other powers proceed; ### Scripture references - Rom 13:1: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Rom 13:1. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.1.3 (CSEL 5:81–82; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-1-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.1.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-2-1-4 - Source: CSEL 5:82 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: God also ordains the great empires: Babylonian, Macedonian, African, Roman. ### Latin text si autem regna diuersa, quanto aequius regnum aliquod maximum, cui reliquorum regnorum potestas uniuersa subicitur, quale a principio Babylonium et deinde Macedonicum fuit, post etiam Africanum atque in fine Romanum quod usque ad nunc manet, ### English translation (Claude) and if kingdoms are diverse, how much more fittingly some one greatest kingdom, to which the whole power of the other kingdoms is subject, such as was the Babylonian in the beginning, and then the Macedonian, afterwards also the African, and at the end the Roman, which remains to this day; ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.1.4 (CSEL 5:82; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-1-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.1.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-2-1-5 - Source: CSEL 5:82 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The four empires stand at the four quarters of the world. ### Latin text eademque ineffabili ordinatione per quattuor mundi cardines quattuor regnorum principatus distinctis gradibus eminentes, ut Babylonium regnum ab oriente, a meridie Carthaginiense, a septentrione Macedonicum, ab occidente Romanum: ### English translation (Claude) and by the same ineffable ordering, at the four cardinal points of the world, the leadership of four kingdoms standing out in distinct degrees: the Babylonian kingdom in the east, the Carthaginian in the south, the Macedonian in the north, the Roman in the west; ### Scripture references - Dan 2:39: echo, low confidence ### Translation notes - Orosius's scheme of four empires differs from the four kingdoms of Dan 2 and 7. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.1.5 (CSEL 5:82; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-1-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.1.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-2-1-6 - Source: CSEL 5:82–83 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Carthage and Macedon were interim guardians between Babylon and Rome. ### Latin text quorum inter primum ac nouissimum, id est inter Babylonium et Romanum, quasi inter patrem senem ac filium paruum, Africanum ac Macedonicum breuia et media, quasi tutor curatorque uenerunt potestate temporis non iure hereditatis admissi. quod utrum ita sit, apertissime expedire curabo. ### English translation (Claude) between the first and the last of which, that is, between the Babylonian and the Roman, as between an old father and a little son, the African and Macedonian came, short and intermediate, as guardian and trustee, admitted by the power of the time, not by right of inheritance. Whether this is so, I shall take care to set out most plainly. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.1.6 (CSEL 5:82–83; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-1-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.2.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-2-2-1 - Source: CSEL 5:83 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Semiramis made Babylon the Assyrian capital. ### Latin text Rex primus apud Assyrios, qui eminere ceteris potuit, Ninus fuit. occiso Nino Samiramis uxor eius, totius Asiae regina, Babylonam urbem instaurauit caputque regni Assyriis ut esset instituit. ### English translation (Claude) The first king among the Assyrians who was able to stand out above the rest was Ninus. When Ninus was killed, Semiramis his wife, queen of all Asia, restored the city of Babylon and established it as the capital of the kingdom for the Assyrians. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.2.1 (CSEL 5:83; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-2-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.2.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-2-2-2 - Source: CSEL 5:83 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Arbatus killed Sardanapalus and transferred power to the Medes. ### Latin text regnum Assyriorum diu inconcussa potentia stetit; sed cum Arbatus, quem alii Arbacen uocant, praefectus Medorum idemque natione Medus, Sardanapallum regem suum apud Babylonam interfecisset, regni nomen et summam ad Medos transtulit. ### English translation (Claude) The kingdom of the Assyrians stood long with unshaken power; but when Arbatus, whom others call Arbaces, prefect of the Medes and himself a Mede by nation, had killed his king Sardanapalus at Babylon, he transferred the name and sum of the kingdom to the Medes. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.2.2 (CSEL 5:83; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-2-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.2.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-2-2-3 - Source: CSEL 5:83 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Babylon fell in the year Procas began to reign in Latium. ### Latin text ita Nini et Babylonis regnum eo anno in Medos deriuatum est, quo anno apud Latinos Procas, Amuli et Numitoris pater, auus autem Rheae Siluiae, quae mater Romuli fuit, regnare coepit. ### English translation (Claude) So the kingdom of Ninus and Babylon passed to the Medes in the same year in which Procas began to reign among the Latins, father of Amulius and Numitor and grandfather of Rhea Silvia, who was the mother of Romulus. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.2.3 (CSEL 5:83; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-2-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.2.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-2-2-4 - Source: CSEL 5:83 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Ancient histories begin with Ninus, Roman ones with Procas. ### Latin text ut autem omnia haec ineffabilibus mysteriis et profundissimis Dei iudiciis disposita, non aut humanis uiribus aut incertis casibus accidisse perdoceam, omnes historiae antiquae a Nino incipiunt, omnes historiae Romanae a Proca exoriuntur. ### English translation (Claude) And to show fully that all these things were disposed by ineffable mysteries and the deepest judgments of God, and did not happen either by human strength or by uncertain chance: all ancient histories begin with Ninus, all Roman histories arise from Procas. ### Scripture references - Rom 11:33: echo, low confidence ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.2.4 (CSEL 5:83; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-2-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.2.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-2-2-5 - Source: CSEL 5:83–84 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Parallel intervals of sixty-four years link Babylon and Rome. ### Latin text deinde a primo anno imperii Nini usque quo Babylon a Samiramide instaurari coepta est, interueniunt anni LXIIII, et a primo anno Procae, cum regnare coepit, usque ad conditionem Vrbis factam a Romulo intersunt aeque anni LXIIII. ita regnante Proca futurae Romae sementis iacta est, etsi nondum germen apparet. eodem anno regni ipsius Procae Babylonis regnum defecit, etsi adhuc Babylon ipsa consistit. ### English translation (Claude) Then from the first year of Ninus's rule until Babylon began to be restored by Semiramis, sixty-four years intervene; and from the first year of Procas, when he began to reign, until the founding of the City by Romulus, there are likewise sixty-four years. So in the reign of Procas the seed of future Rome was sown, though no shoot yet appeared; in the same year of the reign of that Procas the kingdom of Babylon failed, though Babylon itself still stood. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.2.5 (CSEL 5:83–84; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-2-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.2.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-2-2-6 - Source: CSEL 5:84 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Chaldaeans kept Babylon. ### Latin text discedente autem Arbato in Medos, partem regni penes se retinuere Chaldaei, qui Babylonam sibi aduersum Medos uindicauerunt. ### English translation (Claude) When Arbatus withdrew to the Medes, the Chaldaeans kept part of the kingdom for themselves, and they claimed Babylon for themselves against the Medes. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.2.6 (CSEL 5:84; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-2-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.2.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-2-2-7 - Source: CSEL 5:84 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Power with the Medes, possession with the Chaldaeans. ### Latin text ita Babyloniae potestas apud Medos, proprietas apud Chaldaeos fuit: Chaldaei autem propter antiquam regiae urbis dignitatem non illam suam, sed se illius uocare maluerunt. ### English translation (Claude) So the power over Babylon was with the Medes, its ownership with the Chaldaeans; but the Chaldaeans, because of the ancient dignity of the royal city, preferred to call themselves its people rather than it theirs. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.2.7 (CSEL 5:84; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-2-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.2.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-2-2-8 - Source: CSEL 5:84–85 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: So Nebuchadnezzar and his successors are not counted among the great kings. ### Latin text unde factum est, ut Nabuchodonossor ceterique post eum usque ad Cyrum reges, quamuis Chaldaeorum uiribus potentes et Babyloniae nomine clari legantur, in numero tamen et cardine regum non habentur inlustrium. ### English translation (Claude) Hence it came about that Nebuchadnezzar and the other kings after him down to Cyrus, although they are read of as powerful by the strength of the Chaldaeans and famous by the name of Babylon, are nevertheless not counted in the number and rank of the illustrious kings. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.2.8 (CSEL 5:84–85; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-2-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.2.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-2-2-9 - Source: CSEL 5:85 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Babylon fell to Cyrus when Rome expelled its kings. ### Latin text Babylon itaque eo anno sub Arbato praefecto dehonorata, quo Roma sub Proca rege, ut proprie dixerim, seminata est. Babylon nouissime eo tempore a Cyro rege subuersa, quo primum Roma a Tarquiniorum regum dominatione liberata est. ### English translation (Claude) So Babylon was dishonoured under the prefect Arbatus in the same year in which Rome, to speak properly, was sown under King Procas. Babylon was finally overthrown by King Cyrus at the same time as Rome was first freed from the domination of the Tarquin kings. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.2.9 (CSEL 5:85; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-2-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.2.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-2-2-10 - Source: CSEL 5:85 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Babylon's fall and Rome's rise coincided. ### Latin text siquidem sub una eademque conuenientia temporum illa cecidit, ista surrexit; illa tunc primum alienorum perpessa dominatum, haec tunc primum etiam suorum aspernata fastidium, illa tunc quasi moriens dimisit hereditatem, haec uero pubescens tunc se agnouit heredem; tunc Orientis occidit et ortum est Occidentis imperium. ### English translation (Claude) For at one and the same coincidence of times the one fell and the other rose: the one then first endured the domination of foreigners, the other then first spurned the arrogance even of its own; the one then, as though dying, left its inheritance, the other, coming of age, then recognized itself as heir; then the empire of the East fell and that of the West arose. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.2.10 (CSEL 5:85; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-2-10). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.2.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-2-2-11 - Source: CSEL 5:85 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Orosius braves his critics, trusting in truth. ### Latin text Et ne diutius uerbis morer, committo me dentibus insanientium, sed ueritatis praesidio liberandum. ### English translation (Claude) And not to delay longer with words, I commit myself to the teeth of madmen, but to be freed by the protection of the truth. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.2.11 (CSEL 5:85; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-2-11). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.3.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-2-3-1 - Source: CSEL 5:85 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The reigns of Ninus and Semiramis. ### Latin text Regnauit Ninus annis LII. cui successit, ut dixi, uxor sua Samiramis: quae cum et ipsa XLII annis regnauerit, medio imperii sui tempore Babylonam caput regni condidit. ### English translation (Claude) Ninus reigned fifty-two years. He was succeeded, as I said, by his wife Semiramis; and she, who herself reigned forty-two years, in the middle of her rule founded Babylon as the capital of the kingdom. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.3.1 (CSEL 5:85; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-3-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.3.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-2-3-2 - Source: CSEL 5:85–86 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Babylon was despoiled by its own prefect 1,164 years after its founding. ### Latin text ita Babylon post annos MCLX et propemodum quattuor, quam condita erat, a Medis et [ab] Arbato, rege eorum, praefecto autem suo, spoliata opibus et regno atque ipso rege priuata est: ipsa tamen postea aliquamdiu mansit incolumis. ### English translation (Claude) So Babylon, 1,164 years or thereabouts after it was founded, was stripped of its wealth and kingdom and deprived of its very king by the Medes and Arbatus, their king but its own prefect; yet it remained unharmed for some time afterwards. ### Translation notes - The editor deletes *ab* before *Arbato*. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.3.2 (CSEL 5:85–86; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-3-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.3.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-2-3-3 - Source: CSEL 5:86 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Rome was sacked by Alaric after the same span of years. ### Latin text similiter et Roma post annos totidem, hoc est MCLX et [fere] quattuor, a Gothis et Alaricho rege eorum, comite autem suo, inrupta et opibus ### English translation (Claude) Likewise Rome too, after as many years, that is, 1,164, was broken into by the Goths and Alaric their king, but its own count, and stripped of its wealth, ### Translation notes - Alaric held a Roman military command (*comes*). The editor deletes *fere* ('about') before *quattuor*. The sentence continues in 2.3.4. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.3.3 (CSEL 5:86; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-3-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.3.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-2-3-4 - Source: CSEL 5:86 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Rome, unlike Babylon, kept its rule; Attalus's usurpation failed. ### Latin text spoliata non regno, manet adhuc et regnat incolumis, quamuis in tantum arcanis statutis inter utramque urbem conuenientiae totius ordo seruatus sit, ut et ibi praefectus eius Arbatus regnum inuaserit et hic praefectus huius Attalus regnare temptarit; tametsi apud hanc solam merito Christiani imperatoris adtemptatio profana uacuata sit. ### English translation (Claude) not of its kingdom; it still remains and reigns unharmed. Yet the order of correspondence between the two cities has been kept by hidden decrees so completely that there its prefect Arbatus seized the kingdom, and here this city's prefect Attalus tried to reign; although in this city alone, deservedly, the profane attempt was made void by the merit of a Christian emperor. ### Translation notes - Priscus Attalus, prefect of Rome, was set up as emperor by Alaric in 409 and deposed under Honorius. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.3.4 (CSEL 5:86; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-3-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.3.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-2-3-5 - Source: CSEL 5:86–87 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: One God ordered both Babylon and Rome; our misery comes from our own excess. ### Latin text Itaque haec ob hoc praecipue commemoranda credidi, ut tanto arcano ineffabilium iudiciorum Dei ex parte patefacto intellegant hi, qui insipienter utique de temporibus Christianis murmurant, unum Deum disposuisse tempora et in principio Babyloniis et in fine Romanis, illius clementiae esse, quod uiuimus, quod autem misere uiuimus, intemperantiae nostrae. ### English translation (Claude) So I thought these things should be recalled chiefly for this reason: that, so great a secret of the ineffable judgments of God having been partly opened, those who murmur foolishly about Christian times may understand that one God disposed the times, both in the beginning for the Babylonians and at the end for the Romans; that it is of his mercy that we live, but of our own intemperance that we live wretchedly. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.3.5 (CSEL 5:86–87; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-3-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.3.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-2-3-6 - Source: CSEL 5:87 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Babylon and Rome were alike, but their ends differ. ### Latin text ecce similis Babyloniae ortus et Romae, similis potentia, similis magnitudo, similia tempora, similia bona, similia mala; tamen non similis exitus similisue defectus. illa enim regnum amisit, haec retinet; illa interfectione regis orbata, haec incolumi imperatore secura est et hoc quare? ### English translation (Claude) See: a like rise of Babylon and of Rome, like power, like greatness, like times, like goods, like evils; yet not a like outcome or like failing. For the one lost its kingdom, the other keeps it; the one was bereaved by the killing of its king, the other is secure with its emperor unharmed. And why is this? ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.3.6 (CSEL 5:87; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-3-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.3.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-2-3-7 - Source: CSEL 5:87 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Rome was spared because of Christian rulers, Goths, and martyrs. ### Latin text quoniam ibi in rege libidinum turpitudo punita, hic Christianae religionis continentissima aequitas in rege seruata est; ibi absque religionis reuerentia auiditatem uoluptatis licentia furoris impleuit, hic et Christiani fuere, qui parcerent, et Christiani, quibus parcerent, et Christiani, propter quorum memoriam et in quorum memoria parceretur. ### English translation (Claude) Because there the foulness of lusts was punished in the king, here the most self-controlled equity of the Christian religion was preserved in the king; there, without reverence for religion, the licence of fury fulfilled the greed for pleasure, here there were both Christians who spared, and Christians who were spared, and Christians on account of whose memory and in whose memorial places sparing was done. ### Translation notes - The Christian Goths spared those who took refuge in the basilicas of the apostles and martyrs. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.3.7 (CSEL 5:87; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-3-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.3.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-2-3-8 - Source: CSEL 5:87 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Let the pagans stop slandering religion while God is patient. ### Latin text quapropter desinant religionem lacerare et lacessere patientiam Dei propter quam habent, uti et hoc quoque inpunitum habeant, si aliquando desistant. ### English translation (Claude) Therefore let them cease to tear at religion and to provoke the patience of God, on account of which they have it that even this too may go unpunished, if they ever desist. ### Scripture references - Rom 2:4: echo, low confidence ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.3.8 (CSEL 5:87; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-3-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.3.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-2-3-9 - Source: CSEL 5:87 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Let them recall the miseries of their ancestors. ### Latin text recolant sane mecum maiorum suorum tempora, bellis inquietissima, sceleribus exsecrabilia, dissensionibus foeda, miseriis continuatissima, quae et merito possunt horrere, quia fuerunt, et necessario debent rogare, ne sint: ### English translation (Claude) Let them indeed recall with me the times of their ancestors, most restless with wars, execrable with crimes, foul with dissensions, most continuous in miseries, which they may rightly shudder at because they were, and must necessarily pray that they may not be: ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.3.9 (CSEL 5:87; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-3-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.3.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-2-3-10 - Source: CSEL 5:87–88 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Pray to the God who now spares them; the history of Rome follows. ### Latin text eum sane rogare solum Deum, qui et tunc occulta iustitia permisit, ut fierent, et nunc aperta misericordia praestat, ut non sint. quae modo a me plenius ab ipso Vrbis exordio, reuolutis per ordinem historiis, proferentur. ### English translation (Claude) and pray indeed to the one God alone, who then by hidden justice allowed them to happen, and now by open mercy grants that they should not be. These things will now be set out more fully by me from the very beginning of the City, going through the histories in order. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.3.10 (CSEL 5:87–88; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-3-10). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.4.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-2-4-1 - Source: CSEL 5:88 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Rome was founded by Romulus and Remus. ### Latin text Anno post euersionem Troiae CCCCXIIII, olympiade autem sexta, quae quinto demum anno quattuor in medio expletis apud Elidem Graeciae ciuitatem agone et ludis exerceri solet, urbs Roma in Italia a Romulo et Remo geminis auctoribus condita est. ### English translation (Claude) In the 414th year after the overthrow of Troy, and in the sixth Olympiad (which is customarily celebrated with contests and games at Elis, a city of Greece, every fifth year, after four full years between), the city of Rome was founded in Italy by the twins Romulus and Remus. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.4.1 (CSEL 5:88; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-4-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.4.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-2-4-2 - Source: CSEL 5:88 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Romulus began with fratricide and the rape of the Sabines. ### Latin text cuius regnum continuo Romulus parricidio imbuit, parique successu crudelitatis sine more raptas Sabinas, inprobis nuptiis confoederatas maritorum et parentum cruore dotauit. ### English translation (Claude) Romulus at once stained its kingdom with the murder of a kinsman, and with a like success of cruelty he endowed with the blood of husbands and parents the Sabine women, carried off contrary to custom and bound in shameless marriages. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.4.2 (CSEL 5:88; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-4-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.4.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-2-4-3 - Source: CSEL 5:88 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Romulus founded Rome on bloodshed and an asylum for criminals. ### Latin text itaque Romulus, interfecto primum auo Numitore dehinc Remo fratre, arripuit imperium Vrbemque constituit; regnum aui, muros fratris, templum soceri sanguine dedicauit; sceleratorum manum promissa inpunitate collegit. ### English translation (Claude) So Romulus, having killed first his grandfather Numitor and then his brother Remus, seized power and established the City; he dedicated the kingdom of his grandfather, the walls of his brother, the temple of his father-in-law with blood; he gathered a band of criminals with a promise of impunity. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.4.3 (CSEL 5:88; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-4-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.4.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-2-4-4 - Source: CSEL 5:88 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: His first battle was in the Forum. ### Latin text primus illi campus ad bellum forum Vrbis fuit, mixta simul externa ciuiliaque bella numquam defutura significans. ### English translation (Claude) His first field of war was the forum of the City, signifying that foreign and civil wars mingled together would never be lacking. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.4.4 (CSEL 5:88; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-4-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.4.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-2-4-5 - Source: CSEL 5:88–89 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The seizure of the Sabine women. ### Latin text Sabinorum, quos foedere ludisque pellexerat, feminas tam inhoneste praesumpsit quam nefarie defendit. ### English translation (Claude) The women of the Sabines, whom he had lured by a treaty and games, he seized as dishonourably as he defended them wickedly. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.4.5 (CSEL 5:88–89; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-4-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.4.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-2-4-6 - Source: CSEL 5:89 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Romulus killed his co-ruler Titus Tatius. ### Latin text ducem eorum Titum Tatium, senem honestis pietatis causis insistentem, diu armis propulsatum, mox, ut in societatem regni adsumpsit, occidit. ### English translation (Claude) Their leader Titus Tatius, an old man pressing honourable claims of family duty, he long repelled by arms, and soon, when he had taken him into partnership of the kingdom, killed him. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.4.6 (CSEL 5:89; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-4-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.4.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-2-4-7 - Source: CSEL 5:89 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Wars with Veii and Caenina. ### Latin text cum Veientibus proelium adhuc paruo nomine, iam magnis uiribus, agitatum. Caeninensium captum ac dirutum oppidum. ### English translation (Claude) A battle was fought with the Veientes, then small in name but already great in strength. The town of the Caeninenses was taken and destroyed. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.4.7 (CSEL 5:89; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-4-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.4.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-2-4-8 - Source: CSEL 5:89 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Rome was never at rest from war. ### Latin text adsumptis semel armis numquam quies, quippe quibus egestas turpis atque obscena fames domi timerentur, si umquam paci adquieuissent. iam hinc incessabilia certamina et iuxta quantitatem uirium semper grauia quam breuissime strinxerim: ### English translation (Claude) Once arms were taken up there was never rest, since for them shameful want and foul hunger were to be feared at home if they ever settled down to peace. From here on I shall touch as briefly as possible the unceasing contests, always heavy in proportion to the measure of their strength: ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.4.8 (CSEL 5:89; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-4-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.4.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-2-4-9 - Source: CSEL 5:89 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Tullus Hostilius and the combat of the Horatii and Curiatii. ### Latin text Tullum Hostilium militaris rei institutorem fiducia bene exercitae iuuentutis Albanis intulisse bellum et diu altrinsecus spe incerta, certa clade, tandem pessimos exitus et dubios euentus conpendiosa tergeminorum congressione finisse: ### English translation (Claude) that Tullus Hostilius, founder of military discipline, trusting in his well-trained youth, made war on the Albans, and that, after long uncertain hope and certain slaughter on both sides, he at last ended the worst results and doubtful outcomes by the short-cut of the combat of the triplets; ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.4.9 (CSEL 5:89; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-4-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.4.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-2-4-10 - Source: CSEL 5:89–90 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The traitor Mettius Fufetius was torn apart by chariots. ### Latin text rursus pace disrupta Mettum Fufetium Fidenate bello, meditata etiam proditione suspensum, curribus in diuersa raptantibus duplicis animi noxam poena diuisi corporis expendisse: ### English translation (Claude) that, the peace again broken, Mettius Fufetius, in suspense in the war with Fidenae and planning treachery as well, paid for the guilt of a double mind by the punishment of a body torn apart by chariots dragging it in opposite directions; ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.4.10 (CSEL 5:89–90; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-4-10). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.4.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-2-4-11 - Source: CSEL 5:90 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Wars of Ancus Marcius, Tarquinius Priscus, and Servius Tullius. ### Latin text Latinos Anco Marcio duce saepe congressos, aliquando superatos: Tarquinium Priscum omnes finitimos et potentes tunc Tusciae duodecim populos innumeris concidisse conflictibus: Veientes Seruio Tullio insistente uictos fuisse nec domitos: ### English translation (Claude) that the Latins, under the leadership of Ancus Marcius, often fought and were sometimes overcome; that Tarquinius Priscus cut down all his neighbours, and the twelve peoples of Etruria, powerful then, in countless conflicts; that the Veientes, under the pressure of Servius Tullius, were defeated but not subdued; ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.4.11 (CSEL 5:90; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-4-11). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.4.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-2-4-12 - Source: CSEL 5:90 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The reign and fall of Tarquinius Superbus. ### Latin text Tarquinii Superbi regnum occisi soceri scelere adsumptum, habita in ciues crudelitate detentum, flagitio adulteratae Lucretiae amissum, et inter domestica uitia uirtutesque forinsecus emicantes, id est oppida ualida in Latio per eum capta Ardeam Oricolum Suessam Pometiamque et quidquid in Gabios uel fraude propria uel poena filii uel Romanis uiribus perpetrauit. ### English translation (Claude) that the kingdom of Tarquinius Superbus was taken by the crime of murdering his father-in-law, held by cruelty against the citizens, and lost by the outrage of the violated Lucretia; and, among his domestic vices and the virtues that shone out abroad, the strong towns of Latium taken by him, Ardea, Oricolum, Suessa and Pometia, and whatever he did against Gabii by his own fraud, by his son's punishment, or by Roman strength. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.4.12 (CSEL 5:90; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-4-12). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.4.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-2-4-13 - Source: CSEL 5:90–91 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The abolition of kingship shows how much Rome suffered under kings. ### Latin text sed Romani quanta mala per CCXLIII annos continua illa regum dominatione pertulerint, non solum unius regis expulsio uerum etiam eiuratio regii nominis et potestatis ostendit. ### English translation (Claude) But how great evils the Romans endured through 243 years of that continuous domination of kings is shown not only by the expulsion of one king but also by their abjuring the royal name and power. ### Translation notes - The digital text reads CCCLIII; the regal period is 243 years (CCXLIII; cf. 2.5.1, 'the 244th year'). ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.4.13 (CSEL 5:90–91; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-4-13). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.4.14 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-2-4-14 - Source: CSEL 5:91 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Otherwise only Tarquin would have been expelled. ### Latin text nam si mins tantum superbia fuisset in culpa, ipsum solum oportuisset expelli seruata regia dignitate melioribus. ### English translation (Claude) For if only his pride had been at fault, he alone should have been expelled, the royal dignity being kept for better men. ### Translation notes - The digital text reads *si mins*; the sense requires 'his' (probably *eius*), and it is translated so. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.4.14 (CSEL 5:91; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-4-14). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.4.15 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-2-4-15 - Source: CSEL 5:91 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: After the kings Rome created consuls. ### Latin text igitur regibus Vrbe propulsis Romani, consulendum sibi quam cuiquam suae libertati dominandum rati, consules creauerunt: quibus ueluti adulta reipublicae crescentis aetas robustioribus ausis exercebatur. ### English translation (Claude) So when the kings had been driven from the City, the Romans, thinking it better to take counsel for themselves than to let anyone lord it over their liberty, created consuls; under them, as in the grown-up age of the growing commonwealth, it was exercised in more vigorous ventures. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.4.15 (CSEL 5:91; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-4-15). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.5.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-2-5-1 - Source: CSEL 5:91 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Brutus executed his own sons and in-laws. ### Latin text Anno post Vrbem conditam CCXLIIII Brutus primus apud Romanos consul primum conditorem regemque Romae non solum exaequare parricidio sed et uincere studuit; quippe duos filios suos adulescentes totidemque uxoris suae fratres, Vitellios iuuenes, reuocandorum in Vrbem regum placito insimulatos, in contionem pretraxit, uirgis cecidit securique percussit, ### English translation (Claude) In the 244th year after the founding of the City, Brutus, the first consul among the Romans, strove not only to equal but even to surpass the first founder and king of Rome in the murder of kin: for he dragged before the assembly his two young sons and as many brothers of his wife, the young Vitellii, accused of a plot to recall the kings to the City, beat them with rods and struck them with the axe; ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.5.1 (CSEL 5:91; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-5-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.5.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-2-5-2 - Source: CSEL 5:91–92 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Brutus and Arruns killed each other. ### Latin text ipse deinde Veientum Tarquiniensiumque bello cum Arrunte, Superbi filio, congresso sibi commortuoque procubuit. ### English translation (Claude) then he himself, in the war with the Veientes and Tarquinienses, fell together with Arruns, son of Superbus, who met him in combat and died with him. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.5.2 (CSEL 5:91–92; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-5-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.5.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-2-5-3 - Source: CSEL 5:92 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Porsenna besieged Rome; Mucius and Cloelia saved it. ### Latin text Porsenna rex Etruscorum, grauissimus regii nominis suffragator, Tarquinium manu ingerens, tribus continuis annis trepidam urbem terruit conclusit obsedit; et nisi hostem uel Mucius constanti urendae manus patientia uel uirgo Cloelia admirabili transmeati fluminis audacia permouissent, profecto Romani conpulsi forent perpeti aut captiuitatem hoste insistente superati, aut seruitutem recepto rege subiecti. ### English translation (Claude) Porsenna, king of the Etruscans, a most weighty supporter of the royal name, forcing Tarquin back on them, terrified, shut in and besieged the trembling city for three years in a row; and had not either Mucius, by his steady endurance in burning his hand, or the maiden Cloelia, by her wonderful daring in crossing the river, moved the enemy, the Romans would surely have been forced to endure either captivity, overcome by the pressing enemy, or slavery, subjected to the restored king. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.5.3 (CSEL 5:92; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-5-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.5.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-2-5-4 - Source: CSEL 5:92 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Against the Sabines Rome created a dictator. ### Latin text post haec Sabini conrasis undique copiis magno apparatu belli Romam contendunt. quo metu consternati Romani dictatorem creant, cuius auctoritas et potentia consulem praeiret; quae res in illo tunc bello plurimum emolumenti tulit. ### English translation (Claude) After this the Sabines, gathering forces from everywhere, marched on Rome with a great preparation of war. Dismayed by this fear, the Romans created a dictator, whose authority and power would outrank a consul; and this was of the greatest advantage in that war. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.5.4 (CSEL 5:92; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-5-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.5.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-2-5-5 - Source: CSEL 5:92–93 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The secession of the plebs nearly destroyed Rome. ### Latin text Sequitur discessio plebis a patribus, cum, M. Valerio dictatore dilectum militum agente, uariis populus stimulatus iniuriis Sacrum Montem insedit armatus. qua pernicie quid atrocius, cum corpus a capite desectum perditionem eius, per quod inspirabat, meditaretur? actumque de Romano nomine intestina pernicie foret, nisi maturata reconciliatio subrepsisset prius quam se discessio ipsa cognosceret. ### English translation (Claude) There follows the secession of the plebs from the patricians, when, while the dictator Marcus Valerius was holding a levy of soldiers, the people, goaded by various injuries, occupied the Sacred Mount in arms. What could be more atrocious than this ruin, when the body, cut off from the head, was planning the destruction of that through which it breathed? And the Roman name would have been finished by an internal ruin, had not a timely reconciliation crept in before the secession itself knew what it was. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.5.5 (CSEL 5:92–93; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-5-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.5.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-2-5-6 - Source: CSEL 5:93 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Famine and plague struck Rome. ### Latin text urguet se atque inminet sibi extra illas apertas bellorum clades successu misero clandestina pernicies: quippe T. Gesonio et P. Minucio consulibus duo uel maxima omnium malorum abominamenta, fames et pestilentia fessam Vrbem corripuere. Cessatum est paulisper a proeliis, cessatum tamen a mortibus non est. ### English translation (Claude) Beyond those open disasters of wars, a hidden ruin presses on and threatens with wretched succession: for in the consulship of Titus Geganius and Publius Minucius the two greatest abominations of all evils, famine and pestilence, seized the weary City. There was a short respite from battles; yet there was no respite from deaths. ### Translation notes - The digital text spells the consul *Gesonio*. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.5.6 (CSEL 5:93; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-5-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.5.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-2-5-7 - Source: CSEL 5:93–94 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: A costly battle with Veii; Fabius refused a triumph. ### Latin text Veientes Etrusci graues hostes adiunctis sibi finitimorum copiis in bella surgentes obuiis M. Fabio et Cn. Manlio consulibus excipiuntur: ubi post sacramentum iurationis, quo se Romani deuouerant non nisi post uictoriam ad castra redituros, adeo atrox certamen fuit et uictis uictoribusque par forma, ut, amisso plurimo exercitu occisisque in pugna Manlio consule et Fabio consulari, M. Fabius consul oblatum sibi a senatu triumphum suscipere recusarit, quia tantis reipublicae detrimentis luctus potius debebatur. ### English translation (Claude) The Veientes, grievous Etruscan enemies, rising to war with the forces of their neighbours joined to them, were met by the consuls Marcus Fabius and Gnaeus Manlius: there, after the military oath by which the Romans had vowed not to return to camp except after victory, the battle was so fierce and the condition of vanquished and victors so equal that, with the greatest part of the army lost and the consul Manlius and the ex-consul Fabius killed in the fight, the consul Marcus Fabius refused to accept the triumph offered him by the senate, because mourning rather was owed for such great losses to the commonwealth. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.5.7 (CSEL 5:93–94; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-5-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.5.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-2-5-8 - Source: CSEL 5:94 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The fall of the Fabii is remembered by a river and a gate. ### Latin text Gloriosissima illa numero et uiribus Fabiorum familia Veientanum sortita certamen quantam reipublicae orbitatem occasu suo intulerit, infamibus usque ad nunc uocabulis testes sunt fluuius qui perdidit et porta quae misit. ### English translation (Claude) How great a bereavement that family of the Fabii, most glorious in number and strength, brought upon the commonwealth by its fall, after it had been allotted the contest with Veii, the river that destroyed them and the gate that sent them out are witnesses, with names infamous to this day. ### Translation notes - The river Cremera and the Porta Carmentalis, called the 'Accursed Gate'. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.5.8 (CSEL 5:94; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-5-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.5.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-2-5-9 - Source: CSEL 5:94 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Three hundred and six Fabii perished in ambush. ### Latin text nam cum sex et trecenti Fabii, uere clarissima Romani status lumina, speciale sibi aduersum Veientes decerni bellum expetiuissent, spem temere sumptae expeditionis primis successibus firmauerunt: dehinc inducti in insidias circumuentique ab hostibus, omnes ibidem trucidati sunt, uno tantum ad enuntiandam cladem reseruato, ut miserius audiret patria perditos, quam perdidisset. ### English translation (Claude) For when three hundred and six Fabii, truly the most brilliant lights of the Roman state, had asked that a war against the Veientes be decreed to them alone, they strengthened by first successes the hope of an expedition rashly undertaken; then, drawn into an ambush and surrounded by the enemy, they were all slaughtered there, only one being kept to announce the disaster, so that the fatherland might more wretchedly hear of those lost than it had lost them. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.5.9 (CSEL 5:94; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-5-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.5.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-2-5-10 - Source: CSEL 5:94 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Every land suffered like Rome. ### Latin text ad haec non Romae tantum talia gerebantur, sed quaeque prouincia suis ignibus aestuabat et, quod poeta praecipuus in una urbe descripsit, ego de toto orbe dixerim: crudelis ubique Luctus, ubique pauor et plurima mortis imago. ### English translation (Claude) Nor were such things done at Rome only, but every province seethed with its own fires; and what the foremost poet described in one city, I would say of the whole world: "Everywhere cruel grief, everywhere fear, and very many a form of death." ### Extrabiblical texts - Virgil, Aen. 2.368 (Virgil): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Virgil, *Aeneid* 2.368–369. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.5.10 (CSEL 5:94; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-5-10). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.6.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-2-6-1 - Source: CSEL 5:94–95 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Cyrus's conquests in the time of Tarquin. ### Latin text Igitur eodem tempore Cyrus, Rex Persarum — quem superius explicandae historiae causa commemoraueram, qui tunc Asiam Scythiam totumque Orientem armis peruagabatur, cum Tarquinius Superbus Vrbem uel rex uel hostis aut seruitio premebat aut bello — ### English translation (Claude) So at the same time Cyrus, king of the Persians (whom I mentioned above for the sake of setting out the history, who was then ranging through Asia, Scythia and the whole East with arms, while Tarquinius Superbus, as king or as enemy, was pressing the City either with slavery or with war), ### Translation notes - The sentence resumes in 2.6.2. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.6.1 (CSEL 5:94–95; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-6-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.6.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-2-6-2 - Source: CSEL 5:95 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Cyrus marched on Babylon but was stopped by the Gyndes. ### Latin text Cyrus, ut dixi, cunctis aduersum quos ierat perdomitis, Assyrios et Babylonam petit, gentem urbemque tunc cunctis opulentiorem; sed impetum eius Gyndes fluuius, secundae post Euphraten magnitudinis, intercepit. ### English translation (Claude) Cyrus, as I said, having subdued all against whom he had gone, attacked the Assyrians and Babylon, a people and a city then richer than all; but his onset was checked by the river Gyndes, second in size after the Euphrates. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.6.2 (CSEL 5:95; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-6-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.6.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-2-6-3 - Source: CSEL 5:95 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The river drowned one of Cyrus's horses. ### Latin text nam unum regiorum equorum candore formaque excellentem, transmeandi fiducia persuasum, qua per rapacem alueum offensi uado uertices attollebantur, abreptum praecipitatumque merserunt. ### English translation (Claude) For one of the royal horses, outstanding in whiteness and form, induced by confidence in swimming across, was seized and plunged down and drowned by the whirlpools which rose up where the rushing channel struck the ford. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.6.3 (CSEL 5:95; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-6-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.6.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-2-6-4 - Source: CSEL 5:95–96 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Cyrus punished the river by dividing it into 460 channels. ### Latin text rex iratus ulcisci in amnem statuit, contestans eum, qui nunc praeclarum equum uorauisset, feminis uix genua tinguentibus permeabilem relinquendum. nec peragendo segnior totis copiis perpeti anno Gynden fluuium per magnas concisum deductumque fossas in quadringentos sexaginta alueos comminuit. ### English translation (Claude) The king, angered, resolved to take vengeance on the river, declaring that the one which had now swallowed a splendid horse should be left fordable by women barely wetting their knees. Nor was he slower in carrying it out: with all his forces, in a whole year, he cut the river Gyndes through great ditches, drew it off, and broke it into four hundred and sixty channels. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.6.4 (CSEL 5:95–96; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-6-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.6.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-2-6-5 - Source: CSEL 5:96 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: He also diverted the Euphrates. ### Latin text eo opere praedoctis fossoribus, etiam Euphraten longe ualidissimum et mediam Babyloniam interfluentem deriuauit. ### English translation (Claude) With diggers trained by that work, he also diverted the Euphrates, by far the strongest river, which flows through the middle of Babylon. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.6.5 (CSEL 5:96; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-6-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.6.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-2-6-6 - Source: CSEL 5:96 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Cyrus entered Babylon through the dry riverbed. ### Latin text ac sic meabilibus uadis siccum etiam patentibus aluei partibus iter fecit, cepitque urbem, quam uel humano opere exstrui potuisse uel humana uirtute destrui posse utrumque paene incredibile apud mortales erat. ### English translation (Claude) And so, with fordable shallows and the parts of the channel lying open, he made a dry way and took the city which, among mortals, it was almost equally incredible could have been built by human work or destroyed by human strength. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.6.6 (CSEL 5:96; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-6-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.6.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-2-6-7 - Source: CSEL 5:96 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Babylon was founded by the giant Nimrod. ### Latin text namque Babylonam a Nebrot gigante fundatam, a Nino uel Samiramide reparatam multi prodidere. ### English translation (Claude) For many have reported that Babylon was founded by the giant Nebroth and restored by Ninus or Semiramis. ### Scripture references - Gen 10:9: allusion, medium confidence ### Translation notes - Nebroth is Nimrod (Gen 10:8–10, LXX 'giant'). ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.6.7 (CSEL 5:96; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-6-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.6.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-2-6-8 - Source: CSEL 5:96 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Babylon's walls were fifty cubits broad and two hundred high. ### Latin text haec campi planitie undique conspicua, natura loci laetissima, castrorum facie moenibus paribus per quadrum disposita. murorum eius uix credibilis relatu firmitas et magnitudo, id est latitudine cubitorum quinquaginta, altitudine quater tanta. ### English translation (Claude) It was visible on every side on the level of a plain, most fertile by the nature of the place, laid out like a camp in a square with equal walls. The strength and size of its walls is scarcely credible to tell: fifty cubits broad and four times as high. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.6.8 (CSEL 5:96; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-6-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.6.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-2-6-9 - Source: CSEL 5:96 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Its circuit, wall, and moat. ### Latin text Ceterum ambitus eius quadringentis octoginta stadiis circumuenitur. murus coctili latere atque interfuso bitumine conpactus, fossa extrinsecus late patens uice amnis circumfluit. ### English translation (Claude) Its circuit is four hundred and eighty stadia. The wall, compacted of baked brick with bitumen poured between, is surrounded on the outside by a wide ditch that flows round like a river. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.6.9 (CSEL 5:96; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-6-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.6.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-2-6-10 - Source: CSEL 5:96–97 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Its hundred bronze gates and lofty houses. ### Latin text a fronte murorum centum portae aereae. ipsa autem latitudo in consummatione pinnarum utroque latere habitaculis defensorum aeque dispositis, media intercapedine sui citas quadrigas capit. domus intrinsecus quatergeminae habitationis minaci proceritate mirabiles. ### English translation (Claude) In the face of the walls are a hundred bronze gates. The breadth itself at the top of the battlements, with quarters for the defenders arranged equally on either side, takes swift four-horse chariots in the space between. Within, the houses of fourfold storeys are wonderful for their threatening height. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.6.10 (CSEL 5:96–97; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-6-10). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.6.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-2-6-11 - Source: CSEL 5:97 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Yet great Babylon fell quickly. ### Latin text et tamen magna illa Babylon, illa prima post reparationem humani generis condita, nunc paene etiam minima mora uicta, capta subuersa est. ### English translation (Claude) And yet that great Babylon, the first founded after the restoration of the human race, was now conquered almost with the least delay, taken and overthrown. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.6.11 (CSEL 5:97; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-6-11). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.6.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-2-6-12 - Source: CSEL 5:97 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Cyrus defeated and spared Croesus. ### Latin text ibi tunc Croesus rex Lydorum famosus opibus cum ad auxiliandum Babyloniis uenisset, uictus sollicite in regnum refugit. Cyrus autem posteaquam Babylonam ut hostis inuasit ut uictor euertit ut rex disposuit, bellum transtulit in Lydiam; ubi conterritum superiore iam proelio exercitum nullo negotio superauit. ipsum etiam Croesum cepit captumque et uita et patrimonio donauit. ### English translation (Claude) There then Croesus, king of the Lydians, famous for his wealth, having come to help the Babylonians, was defeated and fled anxiously to his kingdom. But Cyrus, after he had invaded Babylon as enemy, overthrown it as victor and ordered it as king, carried the war into Lydia, where he overcame without trouble an army already terrified by the earlier battle. He also took Croesus himself, and when he had taken him gave him both his life and his patrimony. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.6.12 (CSEL 5:97; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-6-12). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.6.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-2-6-13 - Source: CSEL 5:97–98 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Babylon's fall shows that all human works pass away. ### Latin text Exaggerare hoc loco mutabilium rerum instabiles status non opus est: quidquid enim est opere et manu factum, labi et consumi uetustate, Babylon capta confirmat; cuius ut primum imperium ac potentissimum extitit ita et primum cessit, ut ueluti quodam iure succedentis aetatis debita posteris traderetur hereditas, ipsis quoque eandem tradendi formulam seruaturis. ### English translation (Claude) There is no need here to exaggerate the unstable states of changeable things: for that whatever is made by labour and hand slips and is consumed by age, captured Babylon confirms; as its empire arose first and most powerful, so it also gave way first, so that, as by a kind of right of the succeeding age, the inheritance owed might be handed to those who came after, who themselves would keep the same pattern of handing on. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.6.13 (CSEL 5:97–98; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-6-13). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.6.14 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-2-6-14 - Source: CSEL 5:98 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Babylon and Lydia fell in one campaign; Rome only trembles in old age. ### Latin text ita ad proxima aduentantis Cyri temptamenta succubuit magna Babylon et ingens Lydia, amplissima Orientis cum capite suo bracchia unius proelii expeditione ceciderunt: et nostri incircumspecta anxietate causantur, si potentissimae illae quondam Romanae reipublicae moles nunc magis inbecillitate propriae senectutis quam alienis concussae uiribus contremescunt. ### English translation (Claude) So at the first attempts of Cyrus's approach great Babylon and vast Lydia succumbed; the widest arms of the East, together with their head, fell in the campaign of a single battle; and our people complain with unconsidered anxiety if the mass of that once most powerful Roman commonwealth now trembles, shaken more by the weakness of its own old age than by the strength of others. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.6.14 (CSEL 5:98; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-6-14). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.7.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-2-7-1 - Source: CSEL 5:98 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Queen Thamyris let Cyrus cross into Scythia. ### Latin text Igitur idem Cyrus proximi temporis successu Scythis bellum intulit. quem Thamyris regina quae tunc genti praeerat cum prohibere transitu Araxis fluminis posset, transire permisit, primum propter fiduciam sui, dehinc propter opportunitatem ex obiectu fluminis hostis inclusi. ### English translation (Claude) Then the same Cyrus, in the success of the following time, made war on the Scythians. Queen Thamyris, who then ruled the nation, though she could have prevented him from crossing the river Araxes, allowed him to cross, first from confidence in herself, then because of the advantage of having the enemy shut in by the barrier of the river. ### Translation notes - Thamyris is Tomyris in Herodotus. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.7.1 (CSEL 5:98; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-7-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.7.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-2-7-2 - Source: CSEL 5:98–99 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Cyrus left a camp full of wine as a trap. ### Latin text Cyrus itaque Scythiam ingressus, procul a transmisso flumine castra metatus, insuper astu eadem instructa uino epulisque deseruit, quasi territus refugisset. hoc conperto regina tertiam partem copiarum et filium adulescentulum ad persequendum Cyrum mittit. ### English translation (Claude) So Cyrus entered Scythia, pitched camp far from the river he had crossed, and moreover by a trick abandoned that camp furnished with wine and feasts, as if he had fled in terror. On learning this the queen sent a third of her forces and her young son to pursue Cyrus. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.7.2 (CSEL 5:98–99; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-7-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.7.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-2-7-3 - Source: CSEL 5:99 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The drunken Scythians and the queen's son were slaughtered. ### Latin text barbari ueluti ad epulas inuitati ebrietate uincuntur, mox reuertente Cyro uniuersi cum adulescente obtruncantur. ### English translation (Claude) The barbarians, as though invited to a feast, were overcome by drunkenness; soon, Cyrus returning, all were cut down together with the youth. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.7.3 (CSEL 5:99; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-7-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.7.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-2-7-4 - Source: CSEL 5:99 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Thamyris lured Cyrus into an ambush. ### Latin text Thamyris exercitu ac filio amisso uel matris uel reginae dolorem sanguine hostium diluere potius quam suis lacrimis parat. simulat diffidentiam desperatione cladis inlatae, paulatimque cedendo superbum hostem in insidias uocat. ### English translation (Claude) Thamyris, having lost her army and her son, prepared to wash away the grief of mother and queen with the blood of the enemy rather than with her own tears. She feigned lack of confidence as though in despair at the disaster inflicted, and by gradually giving ground lured the proud enemy into an ambush. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.7.4 (CSEL 5:99; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-7-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.7.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-2-7-5 - Source: CSEL 5:99 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: She destroyed Cyrus and two hundred thousand Persians. ### Latin text ibi quippe conpositis inter montes insidiis ducenta milia Persarum cum ipso rege deleuit, adjecta super omnia illius rei admiratione, quod ne nuntius quidem tantae cladis superfuit. ### English translation (Claude) There, with an ambush laid among the mountains, she destroyed two hundred thousand Persians together with the king himself, with this wonder added above all, that not even a messenger of so great a disaster survived. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.7.5 (CSEL 5:99; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-7-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.7.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-2-7-6 - Source: CSEL 5:99 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Thamyris put Cyrus's head in a skin of blood. ### Latin text regina caput Cyri amputari atque in utrem humano sanguine oppletum coici iubet non muliebriter increpitans: Satia te, inquit, sanguine quem sitisti, cuius per annos triginta insatiabilis perseuerasti. ### English translation (Claude) The queen ordered Cyrus's head to be cut off and thrown into a wineskin filled with human blood, taunting him not like a woman: "Sate yourself," she said, "with the blood you thirsted for, of which you were insatiable for thirty years." ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.7.6 (CSEL 5:99; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-7-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.8.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-2-8-1 - Source: CSEL 5:99 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Darius became king of Persia. ### Latin text Anno ab Vrbe condita CCXLV Darius Cyro apud Scythas interfecto post aliquantum interuallum sorte regnum adeptus est. ### English translation (Claude) In the 245th year from the founding of the City, Darius, after Cyrus had been killed among the Scythians, obtained the kingdom by lot after some interval. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.8.1 (CSEL 5:99; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-8-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.8.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-2-8-2 - Source: CSEL 5:99–100 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Cambyses conquered Egypt and destroyed its temples. ### Latin text regnauit enim medius eorum Cambyses Cyri filius; qui deuicta Aegypto cunctam Aegypti religionem abominatus caerimonias eius et templa deposuit. ### English translation (Claude) For between them reigned Cambyses, son of Cyrus, who, having conquered Egypt, abominating all the religion of Egypt, abolished its ceremonies and temples. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.8.2 (CSEL 5:99–100; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-8-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.8.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-2-8-3 - Source: CSEL 5:100 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Magi usurped the throne and were overthrown. ### Latin text post hunc etiam magi sub nomine quem occiderant regis regno obrepere ausi; qui quidem mox deprehensi et oppressi sunt. ### English translation (Claude) After him the Magi too dared to creep into the kingdom under the name of the king they had killed; but they were soon discovered and crushed. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.8.3 (CSEL 5:100; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-8-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.8.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-2-8-4 - Source: CSEL 5:100 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Darius made war on the Scythian king who refused him his daughter. ### Latin text Darius itaque, unus ex his qui magorum audaciam ferro coercuerant, consensu omnium rex creatus est. qui postquam Assyrios ac Babylonam a Persarum regno deficientem bello recuperauit, Antyro, regi Scytharum, hac uel maxime causa bellum intulit, quod filiae eius petitas sibi nuptias non obtinuisset. ### English translation (Claude) So Darius, one of those who had checked the daring of the Magi with the sword, was made king by the consent of all. After he had recovered by war the Assyrians and Babylon, which were revolting from the kingdom of the Persians, he made war on Antyrus, king of the Scythians, chiefly for this reason: that he had not obtained the marriage he sought with his daughter. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.8.4 (CSEL 5:100; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-8-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.8.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-2-8-5 - Source: CSEL 5:100 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Darius invaded Scythia with seven hundred thousand men. ### Latin text magna scilicet necessitas, pro unius libidine hominis septingenta milia uirorum periculo mortis exponi. incredibili quippe apparatu cum septingentis milibus armatorum Scythiam ingressus, non facientibus hostibus iustae pugnae potestatem, ### English translation (Claude) A great necessity indeed, that for the lust of one man seven hundred thousand men should be exposed to the danger of death! For with an incredible preparation he entered Scythia with seven hundred thousand armed men, and as the enemy gave him no chance of a regular battle, ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.8.5 (CSEL 5:100; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-8-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.8.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-2-8-6 - Source: CSEL 5:100–101 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Darius fled Scythia, losing eighty thousand men, and did not care. ### Latin text insuper repentinis incursibus extrema copiarum dilacerantibus, metuens ne sibi reditus interrupto ponte Histri fluminis negaretur, amissis octoginta milibus bellatorum trepidus refugit, quamuis hunc amissorum numerum inter damna non duxerit, et, quem habendum uix quisquam ambire ausus esset, perditum ille non sensit. ### English translation (Claude) and moreover tore at the rear of his forces with sudden raids, fearing that his return would be denied him if the bridge over the river Hister were broken, he fled in alarm, having lost eighty thousand fighting men; yet he did not count this number of the lost among his losses, and he did not feel the loss of what scarcely anyone else would have dared to aspire to have. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.8.6 (CSEL 5:100–101; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-8-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.8.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-2-8-7 - Source: CSEL 5:101 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Darius conquered Asia Minor and Macedonia and turned on Athens. ### Latin text inde Asiam Macedoniamque adgressus perdomuit. Ionas quoque nauali congressione superauit. deinde in Athenienses, cur Ionas aduersum se auxilio iuuissent, impetum fecit atque arma direxit. ### English translation (Claude) From there he attacked and subdued Asia and Macedonia. He also overcame the Ionians in a naval engagement. Then he attacked the Athenians and directed his arms against them because they had given help to the Ionians against him. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.8.7 (CSEL 5:101; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-8-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.8.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-2-8-8 - Source: CSEL 5:101 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Ten thousand Athenians faced six hundred thousand Persians at Marathon. ### Latin text porro autem Athenienses ubi aduentare Darium conpererunt, quamuis auxilium a Lacedaemoniis poposcissent, tamen, cum detineri Persas quadriduanae religionis otio conpertum haberent, spem occasione sumentes instructis tantum decem milibus ciuium et Plataeensibus auxiliaribus mille aduersum sescenta milia hostium campis Marathoniis proruperunt. ### English translation (Claude) But the Athenians, when they learned that Darius was approaching, although they had asked help from the Lacedaemonians, nevertheless, having learned that the Persians were held back by the rest of a four-day religious observance, took hope from the opportunity and, drawing up only ten thousand citizens and a thousand Plataean auxiliaries, burst out against six hundred thousand of the enemy on the plains of Marathon. ### Translation notes - Orosius says the Persians were held back by the festival; in Herodotus it is the Spartans who delayed for religious reasons. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.8.8 (CSEL 5:101; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-8-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.8.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-2-8-9 - Source: CSEL 5:101 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Miltiades charged before the Persian archers could act. ### Latin text Miltiades ei tunc bello praefuit, qui celeritate magis quam uirtute fretus alacri satis expeditione prius hosti comminus inhaesit quam posset expedito sagittarum iactu propulsari. ### English translation (Claude) Miltiades commanded in that war; relying on speed rather than on courage, in a sufficiently swift onset he closed with the enemy before he could be driven back by an unhindered shower of arrows. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.8.9 (CSEL 5:101; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-8-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.8.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-2-8-10 - Source: CSEL 5:101–102 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The battle was a slaughter. ### Latin text tanta in eo bello diuersitas certandi fuit, ut ex alia parte uiri ad occidendum parati, ex alia pecudes ad moriendum praeparatae putarentur. ### English translation (Claude) So great was the difference in fighting in that war that on one side there seemed to be men ready to kill, on the other cattle prepared to die. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.8.10 (CSEL 5:101–102; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-8-10). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.8.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-2-8-11 - Source: CSEL 5:102 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Two hundred thousand Persians fell at Marathon. ### Latin text ducenta milia Persarum apud campos Marathonios ea tempestate ceciderunt. ### English translation (Claude) Two hundred thousand Persians fell on the plains of Marathon at that time. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.8.11 (CSEL 5:102; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-8-11). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.8.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-2-8-12 - Source: CSEL 5:102 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Darius fled home. ### Latin text sensit Darius hoc damnum: nam uictus fugatusque arreptis nauibus refugit in Persas. ### English translation (Claude) Darius felt this loss: for, defeated and put to flight, he seized his ships and fled back to Persia. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.8.12 (CSEL 5:102; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-8-12). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.8.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-2-8-13 - Source: CSEL 5:102 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Darius died preparing a new war. ### Latin text cum autem instauraret bellum et ulcisci in uictores moliretur, in ipso apparatu concidit olympiade LXXIIII, hoc est post Vrbem conditam anno CCLXXV, quo tempore Romae Popilia uirgo ob crimen stupri uiua defossa est. ### English translation (Claude) But while he was renewing the war and striving for vengeance on the victors, he died in the midst of the preparation, in the 74th Olympiad, that is, in the 275th year after the founding of the City, at which time at Rome the virgin Popilia was buried alive for the crime of unchastity. ### Translation notes - Popilia was a Vestal Virgin. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.8.13 (CSEL 5:102; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-8-13). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.9.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-2-9-1 - Source: CSEL 5:102 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Xerxes prepared war; Demaratus warned Sparta by hidden tablets. ### Latin text Xerxes Dario patri in regnum succedens bellum aduersus Graeciam a patre susceptum per quinquennium instruxit; quod Demaratus Lacedaemonius, qui tunc forte apud Xerxen exulabat, per tabellas primum scriptas deinde ceratas suis prodidit. ### English translation (Claude) Xerxes, succeeding his father Darius in the kingdom, prepared for five years the war against Greece undertaken by his father; Demaratus the Lacedaemonian, who was then by chance living in exile with Xerxes, betrayed this to his countrymen by tablets first written and then covered with wax. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.9.1 (CSEL 5:102; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-9-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.9.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-2-9-2 - Source: CSEL 5:102–103 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Xerxes' enormous army and fleet. ### Latin text igitur Xerxes septingenta milia armatorum de regno et trecenta de auxiliis, rostratas etiam naues mille ducentas, onerarias autem tria milia numero habuisse narratur; ut merito inopinato exercitu inmensaeque classi uix ad potum flumina, uix terras ad ingressum, uix maria ad cursum suffecisse memoratum sit. ### English translation (Claude) So Xerxes is said to have had seven hundred thousand armed men from his kingdom and three hundred thousand from auxiliaries, and also twelve hundred beaked ships and three thousand transports; so that it is rightly recorded that for the unheard-of army and the immense fleet the rivers scarcely sufficed for drinking, the lands for marching, the seas for sailing. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.9.2 (CSEL 5:102–103; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-9-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.9.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-2-9-3 - Source: CSEL 5:103 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Leonidas held Thermopylae with four thousand men. ### Latin text huic tam incredibili temporibus nostris agmini, cuius numerum nunc difficilius est adstrui quam tunc fuit uinci, Leonida rex Spartanorum cum quattuor milibus hominum in angustiis Thermopylarum obstitit. ### English translation (Claude) This column, so incredible in our times, whose number is now harder to establish than it was then to defeat, Leonidas, king of the Spartans, withstood with four thousand men in the narrows of Thermopylae. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.9.3 (CSEL 5:103; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-9-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.9.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-2-9-4 - Source: CSEL 5:103 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The first Persian attackers were slaughtered. ### Latin text Xerxes autem contemptu paucitatis obiectae iniri pugnam, conseri manum imperat. porro illi, quorum cognati et commanipulares in campis Marathoniis occubuerant, et certaminis simul et cladis exstitere principium. ### English translation (Claude) Xerxes, scorning the small number set against him, ordered battle to be joined and hand-to-hand fighting begun. Moreover, those whose kinsmen and comrades had fallen on the plains of Marathon were the beginning both of the battle and of the slaughter. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.9.4 (CSEL 5:103; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-9-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.9.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-2-9-5 - Source: CSEL 5:103 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: For three days the Persians were slaughtered. ### Latin text deinde succedens sibi turba maior ac segnior, cum iam neque ad procurrendum libera neque ad pugnandum expedita neque ad fugiendum prompta solis mortibus subrigeretur, triduo continuo non duorum pugna, sed caedes unius populi fuit. ### English translation (Claude) Then a larger and more sluggish crowd succeeded them, and since, being neither free to charge, nor unencumbered to fight, nor ready to flee, it was propped up only by deaths, for three days on end it was not a battle of two peoples but the slaughter of one. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.9.5 (CSEL 5:103; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-9-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.9.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-2-9-6 - Source: CSEL 5:103–104 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Leonidas dismissed his allies and stayed with the Spartans. ### Latin text quarto autem die cum uideret Leonida undique hostem circumfundi hortatur auxiliares socios, ut subtrahentes se pugnae in cacumen montis euadant ac se ad meliora tempora reseruent; sibi uero cum Spartanis suis aliam sortem esse subeundam: plus se patriae debere quam uitae. ### English translation (Claude) But on the fourth day, when Leonidas saw the enemy pouring round on every side, he urged his allied auxiliaries to withdraw from the battle, escape to the mountain top and keep themselves for better times; but he and his Spartans must undergo another lot: he owed more to his country than to his life. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.9.6 (CSEL 5:103–104; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-9-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.9.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-2-9-7 - Source: CSEL 5:104 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Leonidas planned a night attack on the Persian camp. ### Latin text dimissis sociis Spartanos admonet, de gloria plurimum, de uita nihil sperandum; neque exspectandum uel hostem uel diem, sed occasione noctis perrumpenda castra, conmiscenda arma, conturbanda agmina fore; nusquam uictores honestius quam in castris hostium esse perituros. ### English translation (Claude) Having dismissed the allies, he advised the Spartans that they should hope for very much glory and nothing of life; that they should wait neither for the enemy nor for day, but under cover of night they must break into the camp, mingle arms, throw the columns into confusion; nowhere would victors perish more honourably than in the enemy's camp. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.9.7 (CSEL 5:104; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-9-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.9.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-2-9-8 - Source: CSEL 5:104 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Six hundred Spartans attacked the camp of six hundred thousand. ### Latin text persuasi igitur mori malle, in ultionem futurae mortis armantur tamquam ipsi interitum suum et exigerent et uindicarent. mirum dictu sescenti uiri castra sescentorum milium inrumpunt. ### English translation (Claude) Persuaded, then, to prefer death, they armed themselves to avenge their coming death, as though they were both exacting and avenging their own destruction. Wonderful to say, six hundred men broke into the camp of six hundred thousand. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.9.8 (CSEL 5:104; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-9-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.9.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-2-9-9 - Source: CSEL 5:104 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Spartans wrought havoc in the camp. ### Latin text tumultus totis castris oritur. Persae quoque ipsi Spartanos adiuuant mutuis caedibus suis. Spartani quaerentes regem nec inuenientes caedunt sternuntque omnia, castra peruagantur uniuersa et inter densas strues corporum raros homines uix sequuntur: uictores sine dubio, nisi mori elegissent. ### English translation (Claude) Uproar arose through the whole camp. The Persians themselves also helped the Spartans by killing one another. The Spartans, seeking the king and not finding him, cut down and laid low everything, roamed through the whole camp, and among the dense heaps of bodies could scarcely pursue the few men left: victors without doubt, had they not chosen to die. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.9.9 (CSEL 5:104; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-9-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.9.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-2-9-10 - Source: CSEL 5:104–105 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Spartans died exhausted; Xerxes turned to the sea. ### Latin text proelium a principio noctis in maiorem diei partem tractum: ad postremum uincendo fatigati, ubi quisque eorum deficientibus membris uisus est sibi mortis suae ultione satiatus, ibi inter impedimenta cadauerum campumque crasso et semigelato sanguine palpitantem lassus lapsus et mortuus est. Xerxes bis uictus in terra nauale proelium parat. sed ### English translation (Claude) The battle was drawn out from the beginning of night into the greater part of the day: at last, weary with conquering, wherever each of them, as his limbs failed, felt himself satisfied with the vengeance for his death, there amid the obstacles of corpses and the field quivering with thick and half-congealed blood he fell, exhausted, and died. Xerxes, twice defeated on land, prepared a naval battle. But ### Translation notes - The sentence continues in 2.10.1. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.9.10 (CSEL 5:104–105; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-9-10). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.10.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-2-10-1 - Source: CSEL 5:105 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Themistocles sought to win over the Ionian fleet. ### Latin text Themistocles dux Atheniensium cum intellexisset Ionas — quibus dum auxilium superiore bello praebet, in se Persarum impetum uerterat — in auxilium Xerxis instructam classem deducere, sollicitare eos parti suae hostique subtrahere statuit. ### English translation (Claude) Themistocles, the Athenian general, when he understood that the Ionians (by giving help to whom in the earlier war he had turned the attack of the Persians on himself) were bringing a fleet prepared to help Xerxes, resolved to stir them up toward his side and withdraw them from the enemy. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.10.1 (CSEL 5:105; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-10-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.10.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-2-10-2 - Source: CSEL 5:105 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: He left messages on the rocks urging the Ionians to desert. ### Latin text et quia conloquendi facultas negabatur, locis quibus Iones accessuri nauibus uidebantur proponi symbolos saxisque adfigi iubet, socios quondam et participes periculorum, nunc autem iniuste desides apta increpatione corripiens atque ad antiquorum iura foederum religiosa adhortatione persuadens praecipueque admonens, uti commisso proelio cedentium uice inhibeant remos seseque bello auferant. ### English translation (Claude) And because the opportunity of conferring was denied, he ordered messages to be put up and fixed on rocks in the places where the Ionians seemed likely to land with their ships, rebuking them with fitting reproach as once allies and partners in dangers but now unjustly idle, and urging them with religious exhortation to the rights of the ancient treaties, and especially warning them that, when battle was joined, they should back water as though giving way and take themselves out of the war. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.10.2 (CSEL 5:105; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-10-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.10.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-2-10-3 - Source: CSEL 5:105–106 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Xerxes watched from shore while Queen Artemisia fought. ### Latin text igitur rex, partem nauium sibi detinens, spectator pugnae in litore manet. contra autem Artemidora, regina Halycarnasi, quae in auxilium Xerxi uenerat, inter primos duces acerrime bello inmiscetur, ita ut uersa uice in uiro feminea cautela, in femina uirilis audacia spectaretur. ### English translation (Claude) So the king, keeping part of the ships with him, remained on the shore as a spectator of the battle. But Artemidora, queen of Halicarnassus, who had come to help Xerxes, threw herself most fiercely into battle among the foremost commanders, so that, reversing roles, feminine caution was seen in the man and manly daring in the woman. ### Translation notes - Artemidora is Artemisia in Herodotus. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.10.3 (CSEL 5:105–106; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-10-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.10.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-2-10-4 - Source: CSEL 5:106 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Ionian withdrawal caused the Persians to flee. ### Latin text cum autem anceps pugna esset, Iones iuxta praeceptum Themistoclis paulatim se certamini subtrahere coeperunt: quorum defectio Persas iam fugam circumspicientes aperte fugere persuasit. ### English translation (Claude) When the battle was in doubt, the Ionians, according to Themistocles' instruction, began gradually to withdraw from the contest; their defection persuaded the Persians, already looking about for flight, to flee openly. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.10.4 (CSEL 5:106; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-10-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.10.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-2-10-5 - Source: CSEL 5:106 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Many Persian ships were lost or deserted. ### Latin text in qua trepidatione multae naues mersae captaeque sunt, plures tamen saeuitiam regis uelut immanitatem hostis timentes domos dilabuntur. ### English translation (Claude) In that panic many ships were sunk and captured, but more, fearing the savagery of the king as much as the brutality of the enemy, slipped away home. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.10.5 (CSEL 5:106; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-10-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.10.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-2-10-6 - Source: CSEL 5:106 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Mardonius urged Xerxes to go home. ### Latin text anxium tot malis regem Mardonius adgreditur suadens, regem in regnum redire oportere prius quam aduersa fama nouas res domi moliretur; ### English translation (Claude) Mardonius approached the king, anxious after so many evils, urging that the king ought to return to his kingdom before evil rumour stirred up revolution at home; ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.10.6 (CSEL 5:106; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-10-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.10.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-2-10-7 - Source: CSEL 5:106 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Mardonius offered to carry on the war. ### Latin text se autem, si residuae sibi copiae traderentur, et ultionem ab hoste exacturum et ignominiam domesticam propulsaturum, aut, si aduersa belli perseuerassent, cessurum se quidem hosti, sed tamen sine regis infamia. ### English translation (Claude) but he himself, if the remaining forces were handed over to him, would both exact vengeance from the enemy and drive off the disgrace at home; or, if the adversities of war persisted, he would indeed give way to the enemy, but still without dishonour to the king. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.10.7 (CSEL 5:106; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-10-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.10.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-2-10-8 - Source: CSEL 5:106 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Xerxes fled across the Hellespont in a fishing boat. ### Latin text probato consilio exercitus Mardonio traditur. rex Abydum, ubi pontem ueluti uictor maris conseruerat, cum paucis proficiscitur. sed cum pontem hibernis tempestatibus dissolutum offendisset, piscatoria scapha trepidus transiit. ### English translation (Claude) The plan approved, the army was handed over to Mardonius. The king set out with a few to Abydos, where, as though conqueror of the sea, he had joined a bridge. But when he found the bridge broken up by winter storms, he crossed in terror in a fishing boat. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.10.8 (CSEL 5:106; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-10-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.10.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-2-10-9 - Source: CSEL 5:106–107 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The once all-powerful king hid in a small boat. ### Latin text erat sane quod spectare humanum genus et dolere debuerit mutationes rerum hac uel maxime uarietate permetiens: exiguo contentum latere nauigio, sub quo ipsum pelagus ante latuisset et iugum captiuitatis suae iuncto ponte portasset; ### English translation (Claude) It was indeed something that the human race ought to look at and grieve over, measuring the changes of things chiefly by this reversal: that he was content to hide in a tiny boat, beneath whom the very sea had once lain hidden and had borne the yoke of its captivity when the bridge was joined; ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.10.9 (CSEL 5:106–107; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-10-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.10.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-2-10-10 - Source: CSEL 5:107 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: He depended on one slave, he whom nature itself had obeyed. ### Latin text uilissimo unius seruuli egere ministerio, cuius potentiae, dum montes exciduntur, ualles replentur, amnes exhauriuntur, ipsa etiam rerum natura cessisset. ### English translation (Claude) that he needed the cheapest service of a single slave, he to whose power, while mountains were cut through, valleys filled and rivers drained, nature itself had given way. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.10.10 (CSEL 5:107; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-10-10). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.10.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/1-21-1/#p-2-10-11 - Source: CSEL 5:107 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Xerxes' land army wasted away from plague. ### Latin text pedestres quoque copiae, quae ducibus commissae fuerant, labore fame ac metu ita distabuerunt et erudescente morbo tanta pestis tantaque foeditas morientium exorta est, ut uiae cadaueribus replerentur, dirae etiam alites atque improbae bestiae escarum inlecebris sollicitatae moribundum sequerentur exercitum. ### English translation (Claude) The land forces too, which had been entrusted to the generals, so wasted away by toil, hunger and fear, and as disease broke out again so great a plague and so great a foulness of the dying arose, that the roads were filled with corpses, and even dreadful birds and shameless beasts, stirred by the allurements of food, followed the dying army. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.10.11 (CSEL 5:107; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-10-11). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.11.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-11-1 - Source: CSEL 5:107 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Mardonius took Olynthus. ### Latin text At uero Mardonius, cui reliqua belli Xerxes commiserat, adflatus primum successu breui mox in extrema deiectus est. Olynthum siquidem Graeciae oppidum expugnauit. ### English translation (Claude) But Mardonius, to whom Xerxes had committed the rest of the war, puffed up at first by a brief success, was soon cast down to the extreme. He took Olynthus, a town of Greece. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.11.1 (CSEL 5:107; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-11-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.11.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-11-2 - Source: CSEL 5:107–108 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Mardonius burned part of Athens and moved to Boeotia. ### Latin text Athenienses uaria sollicitatione adducere in spem pacis adgressus, ubi inexpugnabilem eorum libertatem uidet, incensa urbis parte in Boeotiam omnem belli apparatum deducit. ### English translation (Claude) Having attempted by various solicitations to bring the Athenians to hope of peace, when he saw that their liberty could not be stormed, he burned part of the city and led all his apparatus of war into Boeotia. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.11.2 (CSEL 5:107–108; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-11-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.11.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-11-3 - Source: CSEL 5:108 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: At Plataea the Greeks won, and Persian gold began their corruption. ### Latin text illuc quoque eum centum milia Graecorum insecuta sunt et commisso sine mora proelio Mardonium deletis copiis ipsius uelut e naufragio nudum cum paucis fugere conpulerunt; castra regiis opibus referta ceperunt, non paruo quidem antiquae industriae damno: nam post huius praedae diuisionem aurum Persicum prima Graeciae uirtutis corruptio fuit. ### English translation (Claude) There too a hundred thousand Greeks followed him and, joining battle without delay, destroyed his forces and forced Mardonius to flee with a few, stripped as from a shipwreck; they took the camp crammed with royal wealth, not without great loss to their ancient diligence: for after the division of this plunder Persian gold was the first corruption of Greek virtue. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.11.3 (CSEL 5:108; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-11-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.11.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-11-4 - Source: CSEL 5:108 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: On the same day the Persians fought at Mycale. ### Latin text urguet igitur inceptus miseros extrema perditio. nam forte eodem die, quo in Boeotia Mardonii copiae deletae sunt, pars Persici exercitus in Asia sub monte Mycale nauali proelio dimicabat. ### English translation (Claude) So final ruin, once begun, pressed on the wretched. For by chance on the same day on which the forces of Mardonius were destroyed in Boeotia, part of the Persian army was fighting a naval battle in Asia beneath Mount Mycale. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.11.4 (CSEL 5:108; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-11-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.11.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-11-5 - Source: CSEL 5:108 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: News of Plataea reached Mycale the same day. ### Latin text ibi nouus repente rumor utriusque classis et populi inpleuit aures, Mardonii exstinctas copias, Graecos exstitisse uictores. mira diuini iudicii ordinatio, in Boeotia oriente sole bellum fuisse commissum, in Asia meridianis horis sub eadem die tantis spatiis maris terraeque interiacentibus nuntiatum! ### English translation (Claude) There a new rumour suddenly filled the ears of both fleets and peoples, that the forces of Mardonius had been wiped out and the Greeks had been victors. Wonderful ordering of divine judgment, that the battle was joined in Boeotia at sunrise and announced in Asia at midday on the same day, across such great spaces of sea and land between! ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.11.5 (CSEL 5:108; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-11-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.11.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-11-6 - Source: CSEL 5:108–109 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The news broke Persian morale and the Greeks won. ### Latin text qui rumor ei uel maxime rei adstipulatus est, quod Persas, audita clade sociorum primum dolore dehinc desperatione correptos, nec bello expeditos nec fugae habiles reddidit. atque ita consternatos profligatosque constantior factus hostis successu felicitatis inuasit. ### English translation (Claude) This rumour especially favoured the outcome, in that it made the Persians, seized first by grief and then by despair at hearing of their allies' disaster, neither ready for war nor fit for flight. And so, dismayed and routed as they were, the enemy, made more steadfast by the success of good fortune, attacked them. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.11.6 (CSEL 5:108–109; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-11-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.11.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-11-7 - Source: CSEL 5:109 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Xerxes was murdered by Artabanus. ### Latin text Xerxes, bello in Graecia infeliciter gesto contemptibilis suis factus, per Artabanum praefectum suum in regia circumuentus occiditur. ### English translation (Claude) Xerxes, having become contemptible to his own people through the war unhappily waged in Greece, was entrapped in the palace by Artabanus his prefect and killed. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.11.7 (CSEL 5:109; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-11-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.11.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-11-8 - Source: CSEL 5:109 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Ironically, these 'good old days' saw millions killed. ### Latin text O tempora desiderio et recordatione dignissima! o dies illos inoffensae serenitatis, qui nobis ueluti e tenebris respiciendi proponuntur! quibus breuissimo interuallo de uisceribus unius regni decies nouies centena milia uirorum tribus proximis regibus tria bella rapuerunt; ut taceam de infelicissima tunc Graecia, quae totum hunc, de quo nunc hebescimus, numerum moriendo superauit. ### English translation (Claude) O times most worthy of longing and remembrance! O those days of untroubled calm, which are set before us to look back on as from darkness! In which, in the shortest interval, three wars snatched nineteen hundred thousand men from the bowels of one kingdom under three successive kings; not to speak of most unhappy Greece at that time, which by its dying surpassed the whole of this number at which we now grow dull. ### Translation notes - Ironical. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.11.8 (CSEL 5:109; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-11-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.11.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-11-9 - Source: CSEL 5:109–110 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Leonidas promised his allies better times to come. ### Latin text Leonida ille clarissimus Lacedaemoniorum in bello isto aduersus Xerxen, quod supremum ipsi atque hostibus fuit, cum sescentis suis famosissima illa incitamenta dixisset: Prandete, tamquam apud inferos cenaturi, auxiliaribus tamen, quos excedere bello iubebat, misericorditer suis, ut se ad meliora tempora permixta. ### English translation (Claude) That most famous Leonidas of the Lacedaemonians, in that war against Xerxes which was the last for himself and for the enemy, when he had spoken to his six hundred those most famous words of encouragement, "Have your breakfast as men who will dine in the underworld," nevertheless mercifully urged his auxiliaries, whom he ordered to leave the war, to keep themselves for better times. ### Translation notes - The end of the sentence is garbled in the digital text (*ut se ad meliora tempora permixta*); translated by sense from 2.9.6. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.11.9 (CSEL 5:109–110; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-11-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.11.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-11-10 - Source: CSEL 5:110 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Every age thinks another time better. ### Latin text ecce cum ille promisit futura meliora, isti adserunt meliora praeterita, quid aliud colligi datur utroque in suis detestante praesentia, nisi aut semper bona esse sed ingrata aut numquam omnino meliora? ### English translation (Claude) See: when he promised better things to come, these men assert that the past was better; what else may be inferred, when each in his own time detests the present, but that times are either always good but unappreciated, or never better at all? ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.11.10 (CSEL 5:110; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-11-10). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.12.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-12-1 - Source: CSEL 5:110 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Orosius returns to Rome; he compares all ages, not one people. ### Latin text At Romae — ut ad id tempus redeam unde digressus sum: neque enim interuallo miseriarum ad alios transire conpellor, sed, sicuti se quondam efferuescentia ubique mala ipsis actibus conligarunt, ita etiam permixta referuntur: nobis quippe conferre inter se tempora Orbis, non cuiusquam partis eius la- ### English translation (Claude) But at Rome (to return to the point from which I digressed; for I am not compelled by an interval in miseries to pass to others, but, as the evils once seething everywhere were bound together by the events themselves, so they are also told intermingled; for our purpose is to compare the times of the world with each other, not to insult the ### Translation notes - The sentence continues in 2.12.2. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.12.1 (CSEL 5:110; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-12-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.12.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-12-2 - Source: CSEL 5:110–111 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: A great plague struck Rome, preceded by a burning sky. ### Latin text boribus insultare propositum est — Romae ergo post Vrbem conditam anno CCLXL suspenso ad modicum bello grauis pestilentia, quae semper ibi raras indutias aut factas intercepit aut ut fierent coegit, per uniuersam ciuitatem uiolenter incanduit, ut merito praecedente prodigio caelum ardere uisum sit, quando caput gentium tanto morborum igne flagrauit. ### English translation (Claude) sufferings of any part of it), at Rome, then, in the 290th year after the founding of the City, war being suspended for a little, a grave pestilence, which there always either cut short the rare truces that had been made or forced them to be made, blazed violently through the whole city, so that, as was fitting, by a preceding portent the sky was seen to burn when the capital of the nations was aflame with so great a fire of diseases. ### Translation notes - The digital text prints CCLXL; read as 290. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.12.2 (CSEL 5:110–111; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-12-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.12.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-12-3 - Source: CSEL 5:111 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The plague killed both consuls and many others. ### Latin text nam eo anno Aebutium et Seruilium ambo consules pestilentia consumpsit, militares copias plurima ex parte confecit, multos nobiles praecipueque plebem foeda ### English translation (Claude) For in that year the pestilence consumed both consuls, Aebutius and Servilius, wore down the military forces for the most part, and destroyed many nobles and especially the common people with foul ### Translation notes - The sentence continues in 2.12.4. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.12.3 (CSEL 5:111; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-12-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.12.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-12-4 - Source: CSEL 5:111 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: A plague had struck four years earlier too. ### Latin text tabe deleuit; quamuis iam etiam superiore quarto anno oborta lues eundem populum depopulata sit. ### English translation (Claude) wasting; although even in the fourth year before a plague that had arisen had ravaged the same people. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.12.4 (CSEL 5:111; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-12-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.12.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-12-5 - Source: CSEL 5:111 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Exiles and slaves under Herbonius seized the Capitol. ### Latin text Proximo dehinc anno ciues exules seruique fugitiui duce Herbonio, uiro Sabino, inuaserunt incenderuntque Capitolium. ### English translation (Claude) In the next year exiled citizens and runaway slaves, led by Herbonius, a Sabine, seized and burned the Capitol. ### Translation notes - Herbonius is Appius Herdonius in Livy. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.12.5 (CSEL 5:111; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-12-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.12.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-12-6 - Source: CSEL 5:111 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The consul Valerius died retaking the Capitol from slaves. ### Latin text ubi fortissime quidem Valerio consule et imperatore obstitere iuniores; sed adeo atrox et graue discrimen proelii fuit, ut ipse quoque consul Valerius ibi fuerit occisus et indignam de seruis uictoriam insuper etiam sua morte foedarit. ### English translation (Claude) There the young men, with Valerius as consul and commander, resisted most bravely; but the danger of the battle was so fierce and grave that the consul Valerius himself was killed there and moreover stained by his own death an unworthy victory over slaves. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.12.6 (CSEL 5:111; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-12-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.12.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-12-7 - Source: CSEL 5:111–112 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Cincinnatus rescued the besieged consul Minucius. ### Latin text Sequitur annus, in quo cum uicto exercitu consul obsessus est. nam Minucium consulem congressum proelio Aequi Vulscique superarunt et fugientem in Algido fame ferroque cinxerunt, actumque infeliciter foret, ni Quintius Cincinnatus, praecipuus ille dictator, artatam obsidionem oppresso hoste soluisset. ### English translation (Claude) The following year came, in which a consul was besieged with a defeated army. For the Aequi and Volsci overcame the consul Minucius in battle and, as he fled, surrounded him on Algidus with hunger and sword; and it would have ended unhappily, had not Quintius Cincinnatus, that outstanding dictator, crushed the enemy and broken the tight siege. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.12.7 (CSEL 5:111–112; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-12-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.12.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-12-8 - Source: CSEL 5:112 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Cincinnatus, called from the plough, defeated the Aequi. ### Latin text qui repertus in rure, ab aratro arcessitus ad fasces, sumpto honore instructoque exercitu, mox uictor effectus, iugum boum Aequis inposuit uictoriamque quasi stiuam tenens subiugatos hostes prae se primus egit. ### English translation (Claude) He, found in the country, summoned from the plough to the fasces, took up the office, drew up an army, soon became victor, put a yoke of oxen on the Aequi, and, holding victory as though it were the plough-handle, drove the subjugated enemy before him first of all. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.12.8 (CSEL 5:112; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-12-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.13.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-13-1 - Source: CSEL 5:112 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Famine and plague stopped Rome's wars while envoys sought Solon's laws. ### Latin text Anno qui proximus trecentesimo ab Vrbe condita fuit, dum legati ad Athenienses propter Solonis leges transferendas missi exspectantur, arma Romana fames pestilentiaque compescuit. ### English translation (Claude) In the year which was next to the 300th from the founding of the City, while envoys sent to the Athenians to bring over the laws of Solon were awaited, famine and pestilence restrained Roman arms. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.13.1 (CSEL 5:112; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-13-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.13.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-13-2 - Source: CSEL 5:112 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The decemvirs replaced the consuls, to Rome's harm. ### Latin text Ipso autem trecentesimo anno, hoc est olympiade nonagensima quinta, potestas consulum decemuiris tradita constituendarum legum Atticarum gratia magnam perniciem reipublicae inuexit. ### English translation (Claude) In the 300th year itself, that is, in the 95th Olympiad, the power of the consuls handed over to the decemvirs for the sake of establishing the Attic laws brought great ruin on the commonwealth. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.13.2 (CSEL 5:112; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-13-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.13.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-13-3 - Source: CSEL 5:112 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Appius Claudius and the other decemvirs seized power. ### Latin text nam primus ex decemuiris cedentibus ceteris solus Appius Claudius sibi continuauit imperium, statimque aliorum coniuratio subsecuta est, ut more contempto, quo insigne imperii penes unum potestas autem communis erat, omnes omnia propriis libidinibus agitarent. ### English translation (Claude) For first, of the decemvirs, while the others retired, Appius Claudius alone extended his power; and at once a conspiracy of the others followed, so that, despising the custom by which the insignia of power lay with one but the power was common, all did all things according to their own lusts. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.13.3 (CSEL 5:112; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-13-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.13.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-13-4 - Source: CSEL 5:112–113 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Each decemvir took twelve fasces. ### Latin text itaque inter cetera, quae insolentissime cuncti praesumebant, repente singuli cum duodenis fascibus ceterisque imperatoriis insignibus processerunt: ### English translation (Claude) So, among the other things which all took upon themselves most insolently, suddenly each one went out with twelve fasces and the other insignia of command: ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.13.4 (CSEL 5:112–113; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-13-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.13.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-13-5 - Source: CSEL 5:113 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The decemvirs refused to lay down office. ### Latin text et nouo improbae ordinationis incepto, ablegata religione consulum emicuit agmen tyrannorum, duabus tabulis legum ad decem priores additis, agentes insolentissimo fastu plurima, die, quo deponere magistratus mos erat, cum isdem insignibus processerunt. ### English translation (Claude) and, by a new beginning of wicked ordering, the regard for the consuls set aside, a column of tyrants shone out; two tables of laws were added to the ten earlier ones; acting in very many things with most insolent arrogance, on the day on which it was customary to lay down office they went out with the same insignia. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.13.5 (CSEL 5:113; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-13-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.13.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-13-6 - Source: CSEL 5:113 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Verginius killed his daughter to save her from Appius Claudius. ### Latin text maximam etiam Appii Claudii libido auxit inuidiam, qui ut Verginiae uirgini stuprum inferret, prius seruitutis causam intulit; quamobrem adactus Verginius pater dolore libertatis et pudore dedecoris protractam ad seruitutem filiam in conspectu populi pius parricida prostrauit. ### English translation (Claude) The lust of Appius Claudius also greatly increased the hatred: in order to violate the maiden Verginia he first brought a suit claiming her as a slave; for which reason her father Verginius, driven by grief for her liberty and shame at the disgrace, struck down before the eyes of the people his daughter, dragged off to slavery, a dutiful killer of his own child. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.13.6 (CSEL 5:113; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-13-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.13.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-13-7 - Source: CSEL 5:113 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The people seceded and the decemvirs resigned. ### Latin text qua populus necessitatis atrocitate permotus et periculo libertatis admonitus montem Auentinum occupauit armatus. nec tueri libertatem armis destitit, nisi postquam se coniuratorum conspiratio ipsis quoque honoribus abdicauit. ### English translation (Claude) Moved by the atrocity of this necessity and warned of the danger to liberty, the people occupied the Aventine hill in arms; nor did it cease defending liberty by arms until the conspiracy of the plotters resigned even its offices. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.13.7 (CSEL 5:113; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-13-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.13.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-13-8 - Source: CSEL 5:113–114 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Earthquakes shook Italy. ### Latin text Tertia et quinta post centesimam olympiade per totum fere annum tam crebri tamque etiam graues in Italia terrae motus fuerunt, ut de innumeris quassationibus ac ruinis uillarum oppidorumque adsiduis Roma nuntiis fatigaretur, ### English translation (Claude) In the 103rd and 105th Olympiad, through almost the whole year, there were such frequent and such grave earthquakes in Italy that Rome was wearied by constant messages of innumerable shakings and collapses of villas and towns; ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.13.8 (CSEL 5:113–114; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-13-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.13.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-13-9 - Source: CSEL 5:114 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: A drought followed. ### Latin text deinde ita iugis et torrida siccitas fuit, ut praesentis tunc futurique anni ### English translation (Claude) then the drought was so continuous and scorching that it denied hope of the earth's producing fruits for the present and the following ### Translation notes - The sentence continues in 2.13.10. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.13.9 (CSEL 5:114; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-13-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.13.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-13-10 - Source: CSEL 5:114 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Aemilius saved Rome from Fidenae. ### Latin text spem gignendis terrae fructibus abnegarit, isdemque temporibus cum Fidenates hostes maximorum auxiliorum manu stipante terribiles Romanis arcibus imminerent, Aemilius tertium dictator magnam mali molem ipsis Fidenis uix captis depulit et sanauit. ### English translation (Claude) year. At the same time, when the Fidenates, enemies made terrible by a band of very great auxiliaries packed around them, were threatening the Roman citadels, Aemilius, dictator for the third time, drove off and healed the great mass of evil, Fidenae itself being scarcely taken. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.13.10 (CSEL 5:114; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-13-10). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.13.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-13-11 - Source: CSEL 5:114 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: War and plague alternated without end. ### Latin text tanta in ipsis erat malorum animorumque contentio, ut uel domesticas clades superfusa forinsecus bella oblitterarent uel post damna bellorum indutias relaxatas diuersae pestes caelo terraque excandescentes incessabili infestatione corrumperent. ### English translation (Claude) So great was the contest of evils and of spirits among them that either wars pouring in from outside blotted out the disasters at home, or, after the losses of wars, when truces had been relaxed, various plagues blazing up from sky and earth ruined them with unceasing attack. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.13.11 (CSEL 5:114; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-13-11). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.14.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-14-1 - Source: CSEL 5:114 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Sicily was always the home of tyrants. ### Latin text Sicilia ab initio patria Cyclopum et post eos semper nutrix tyrannorum fuit, saepe etiam captiua seruorum, quorum primi carnibus hominum, medii cruciatibus, postremi mortibus pascebantur, excepto eo, quod externis bellis aut praeda habebatur aut praemium. ### English translation (Claude) Sicily was from the beginning the homeland of the Cyclopes and after them always the nurse of tyrants, often even the captive of slaves; of whom the first fed on the flesh of men, the middle ones on tortures, the last on deaths; except that in foreign wars it was held either as plunder or as prize. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.14.1 (CSEL 5:114; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-14-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.14.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-14-2 - Source: CSEL 5:114 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Sicily, once always troubled, now alone is at rest. ### Latin text haec, ut quam breuissime absoluam, requiem malorum nisi nunc nescit, immo, ut euidentius diuersitates temporum declarentur, sicut antea uel intestinos uel externos tumultus perpessa est inter omnes sola semper, ita ### English translation (Claude) This island, to finish as briefly as possible, knew no rest from evils except now; indeed, so that the difference of the times may be declared more clearly, as before it alone among all always suffered either internal or external upheavals, so ### Translation notes - The sentence continues in 2.14.3. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.14.2 (CSEL 5:114; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-14-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.14.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-14-3 - Source: CSEL 5:114–115 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Even Etna is now harmless. ### Latin text nunc ex omnibus sola numquam. nam etiam — ut sileam de diuturnitate uel illius calamitatis, qua pressa est, uel istius e contrario, qua fruitur, pacis — Aethna ipsa, quae tunc cum excidio urbium atque agrorum crebris eruptionibus aestuabat, nunc tantum innoxia specie ad praeteritorum fidem fumat. ### English translation (Claude) now alone of all it never does. For even (to say nothing of the length either of that calamity by which it was oppressed, or, by contrast, of this peace which it enjoys) Etna itself, which then seethed with frequent eruptions to the ruin of cities and fields, now only smokes with a harmless appearance, to vouch for the past. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.14.3 (CSEL 5:114–115; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-14-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.14.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-14-4 - Source: CSEL 5:115 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Rhegium called in veterans from Himera. ### Latin text igitur — ut praetermittam interim de tyrannis, quorum mox qui fuit ultor successor effectus est — medio tempore, hoc est anno ab Vrbe condita CCCXXXV, cum Regini apud Siciliam discordia laborarent ciuitasque per dissensionem diuisa in duas partes esset, pars una ueteranos ab Himera urbe Siciliae in auxilium uocauit. ### English translation (Claude) So (to pass over for the time the tyrants, of whom whoever was an avenger soon became a successor), in the intervening time, that is, in the 335th year from the founding of the City, when the people of Rhegium near Sicily were labouring with discord and the city was divided by dissension into two parts, one party called in veterans from the city of Himera in Sicily to help. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.14.4 (CSEL 5:115; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-14-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.14.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-14-5 - Source: CSEL 5:115 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The veterans seized Rhegium. ### Latin text porro illi, pulsis ciuitate primum his contra quos inplorabantur, deinde mox caesis etiam illis quibus ad auxiliandum conuenerant, urbem cum coniugibus ac liberis sociorum occupauere, ausi facinus nulli tyranno comparandum: ### English translation (Claude) But they, having first driven from the city those against whom they had been called in, and then soon killed also those whom they had come to help, occupied the city with the wives and children of their allies, daring a crime to be compared with that of no tyrant: ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.14.5 (CSEL 5:115; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-14-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.14.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-14-6 - Source: CSEL 5:115 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Rhegium would have done better to suffer anything. ### Latin text quippe cum Reginis quiduis perpeti satius fuerit, quam ut ultro inuitarent, quibus patriam coniuges liberos ac penates ipsi extorres ad praedam relinquerent. ### English translation (Claude) for it would have been better for the people of Rhegium to suffer anything rather than of their own accord invite those to whom, as exiles, they themselves would leave their country, wives, children and household gods as plunder. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.14.6 (CSEL 5:115; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-14-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.14.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-14-7 - Source: CSEL 5:115–116 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Athens sent a fleet to Sicily for its own ends. ### Latin text At etiam Catinienses cum Syracusanos graues infestosque paterentur, ab Atheniensibus auxilia poposcerunt. sed Athenienses suo magis quam sociorum studio instructam classem in Siciliam misere, cum et sibi propagare molirentur imperium et Syracusanam classem nuper instructam Lacedaemoniis proficere uererentur. ### English translation (Claude) The people of Catana too, suffering from the Syracusans as grievous and hostile, asked help from the Athenians. But the Athenians, more in their own interest than their allies', sent a fleet prepared for Sicily, since they were striving to extend their own empire and feared that the Syracusan fleet recently prepared might profit the Lacedaemonians. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.14.7 (CSEL 5:115–116; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-14-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.14.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-14-8 - Source: CSEL 5:116 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Athens reinforced its army in Sicily. ### Latin text et quoniam Athenienses qui missi erant caesis hostibus prospera initia sumpserant, maiores copias robustioremque exercitum cum Lachete et Chariade ducibus in Siciliam reduxerunt. ### English translation (Claude) And since the Athenians who had been sent had made a prosperous beginning by killing the enemy, they brought back to Sicily larger forces and a stronger army under the generals Laches and Chariades. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.14.8 (CSEL 5:116; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-14-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.14.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-14-9 - Source: CSEL 5:116 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Catana made peace with Syracuse. ### Latin text sed Catinienses, belli taedio permoti, cum Syracusanis foedus ineunt, auxilia Atheniensium spernunt; ### English translation (Claude) But the Catanians, moved by weariness of the war, entered into a treaty with the Syracusans and spurned the help of the Athenians; ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.14.9 (CSEL 5:116; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-14-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.14.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-14-10 - Source: CSEL 5:116 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Catana again begged Athens for help. ### Latin text post autem, Syracusanis condiciones pacis meditatione dominationis transgredientibus, denuo legatos Athenas mittunt, qui capillo barbaque squalidi et lugubribus induti misericordiam atque auxilium et sermone et habitu precarentur. ### English translation (Claude) but afterwards, when the Syracusans transgressed the terms of peace, intending domination, they again sent envoys to Athens, who, unkempt in hair and beard and dressed in mourning, begged for mercy and help by both speech and dress. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.14.10 (CSEL 5:116; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-14-10). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.14.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-14-11 - Source: CSEL 5:116 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Athens sent a great fleet under Nicias and Lamachus. ### Latin text igitur magna classis instruitur ducibus Nicia et Lamacho, tantisque uiribus Sicilia repetitur, ut suffragia sua et hi timerent, qui impetrauissent. ### English translation (Claude) So a great fleet was prepared under the generals Nicias and Lamachus, and Sicily was attacked again with such great forces that even those who had obtained them feared their own requests. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.14.11 (CSEL 5:116; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-14-11). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.14.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-14-12 - Source: CSEL 5:116 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Athens besieged Syracuse. ### Latin text Athenienses duas ilico pedestres pugnas secundis successibus faciunt, confectos in urbe hostes et obiecta classe circumdatos terra marique concludunt. ### English translation (Claude) The Athenians at once fought two land battles with success and shut in the enemy, worn down in the city and surrounded by a fleet set against them, by land and sea. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.14.12 (CSEL 5:116; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-14-12). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.14.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-14-13 - Source: CSEL 5:116–117 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Sparta sent Gylippus to Syracuse. ### Latin text at Syracusani fractis fessisque rebus auxilium a Lacedaemoniis petunt. a quibus mox mittitur Gylippus, solus quidem sed in quo omnium praesidiorum instar praeferebatur. qui ueniens ut audiuit inclinatum iam belli statum, auxiliis partim in Graecia partim in Sicilia contractis opportuna bello loca occupauit. ### English translation (Claude) But the Syracusans, their affairs broken and worn out, asked help from the Lacedaemonians. By them Gylippus was soon sent, alone indeed, but in whom the equivalent of all reinforcements was displayed. On arriving, when he heard that the state of the war was already tilting, he gathered auxiliaries partly in Greece, partly in Sicily, and occupied positions favourable for war. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.14.13 (CSEL 5:116–117; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-14-13). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.14.14 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-14-14 - Source: CSEL 5:117 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Gylippus killed Lamachus and broke the siege. ### Latin text deinde duobus proeliis uictus nec territus, tertio congressu Lamachum occidit, hostes in fugam uertit, socios obsidione liberauit. ### English translation (Claude) Then, defeated in two battles but not dismayed, in a third encounter he killed Lamachus, put the enemy to flight and freed his allies from the siege. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.14.14 (CSEL 5:117; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-14-14). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.14.15 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-14-15 - Source: CSEL 5:117 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Both sides prepared for a sea battle. ### Latin text hinc Athenienses terrestri proelio uicti, experimenta maris ineunt et nauali certamine congredi parant; quo cognito Gylippus classem instructam a Lacedaemoniis arcessit; ### English translation (Claude) From then on the Athenians, defeated in a land battle, tried the sea and prepared to engage in a naval contest; on learning this Gylippus summoned a fleet prepared by the Lacedaemonians; ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.14.15 (CSEL 5:117; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-14-15). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.14.16 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-14-16 - Source: CSEL 5:117 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Reinforcements came on both sides. ### Latin text aeque Athenienses in locum amissi ducis Demosthenen et Eurymedonta cum supplemento copiarum mittunt; Peloponnesii quoque cum multarum urbium consensu et decreto ingentia Syracusanis auxilia misere. ### English translation (Claude) likewise the Athenians, in place of the lost general, sent Demosthenes and Eurymedon with reinforcements; the Peloponnesians too, with the agreement and decree of many cities, sent great help to the Syracusans. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.14.16 (CSEL 5:117; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-14-16). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.14.17 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-14-17 - Source: CSEL 5:117 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Greek war was fought out in Sicily. ### Latin text ita sub specie socialis belli domesticos motus exsequuntur, et, quasi placito de Graecia translatum certamen in Siciliam fuerit, sic ex utraque parte summis uiribus dimicatur. ### English translation (Claude) So under the appearance of an allied war they pursued their domestic quarrels, and, as though by agreement the contest had been transferred from Greece to Sicily, so both sides fought with their utmost strength. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.14.17 (CSEL 5:117; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-14-17). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.14.18 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-14-18 - Source: CSEL 5:117 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Athenians lost their camp. ### Latin text igitur Athenienses prima congressione uincuntur, castra quoque cum omni pecunia uel publica uel priuata et cum uniuerso instructu diuturnae expeditionis amittunt; ### English translation (Claude) So the Athenians were defeated in the first encounter and lost their camp too, with all the money, public or private, and with all the equipment of a long expedition; ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.14.18 (CSEL 5:117; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-14-18). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.14.19 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-14-19 - Source: CSEL 5:117 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Demosthenes urged retreat. ### Latin text fractis opibus et in angustum redactis, suadet Demosthenes, dum nondum omnino res perditae sint quamlibet uideantur adflictae, domum redeant Siciliaque decedant; ### English translation (Claude) their resources broken and reduced to narrow straits, Demosthenes urged that, while things were not yet wholly lost, however afflicted they seemed, they should return home and leave Sicily; ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.14.19 (CSEL 5:117; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-14-19). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.14.20 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-14-20 - Source: CSEL 5:117–118 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Nicias refused. ### Latin text Nicias autem, pudore male gestarum rerum ab initio desperatior redditus, remanere contendit. ### English translation (Claude) but Nicias, made more desperate from the beginning by shame at things badly done, insisted on remaining. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.14.20 (CSEL 5:117–118; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-14-20). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.14.21 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-14-21 - Source: CSEL 5:118 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Athens lost the sea battle and abandoned its fleet. ### Latin text reparant nauale certamen et mox per inscitiam in angustias Syracusani maris deducti insidiis hostium circumueniuntur: Eurylochus dux primus occiditur, undecim naues incenduntur. Demosthenes et Nicias classem dimittunt quasi tutius terrena expeditione fugituri. ### English translation (Claude) They renewed the naval contest and soon, led through inexperience into the narrows of the Syracusan sea, were surrounded by the enemy's ambush: Eurylochus, a general, was killed first, eleven ships were burned. Demosthenes and Nicias abandoned the fleet as though they would flee more safely by a land march. ### Translation notes - Eurylochus is Eurymedon in other sources. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.14.21 (CSEL 5:118; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-14-21). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.14.22 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-14-22 - Source: CSEL 5:118 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Athenian army was destroyed; Demosthenes killed himself, Nicias was captured. ### Latin text Gylippus autem primum naues eorum relictas centum triginta inuadit, dehinc ipsos fugientes persequi adgressus capit caeditque quam plurimos. Demosthenes dedecus seruitutis uoluntaria morte declinat, Nicias uero indignam turpemque uitam dedecore captiuitatis accumulat. ### English translation (Claude) Gylippus, however, first seized their hundred and thirty abandoned ships, then, setting out to pursue the fugitives themselves, captured and killed very many. Demosthenes escaped the disgrace of slavery by a voluntary death; but Nicias heaped up an unworthy and shameful life with the disgrace of captivity. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.14.22 (CSEL 5:118; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-14-22). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.15.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-15-1 - Source: CSEL 5:118 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Alcibiades was recalled for trial. ### Latin text Igitur Athenienses, biennio apud Siciliam non sine Lacedaemoniorum damno conflictati, aliis domi malis circumueniuntur. Alcibiades enim, dux pridem aduersus Syracusas pronuntiatus, mox ad iudicium pro quadam insimulatione detentus ### English translation (Claude) So the Athenians, having struggled for two years in Sicily, not without loss to the Lacedaemonians, were beset by other evils at home. For Alcibiades, earlier named general against Syracuse, soon detained for trial on a certain charge, ### Translation notes - The sentence continues in 2.15.2. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.15.1 (CSEL 5:118; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-15-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.15.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-15-2 - Source: CSEL 5:118 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Alcibiades went over to Sparta and urged war on Athens. ### Latin text uoluntario exilio Lacedaemonem se contulit inpulitque Spartanos, ut turbatis Atheniensibus nouo rursus bello insisterent, neque eis respirandi spatium, quin opprimerentur, relaxarent. ### English translation (Claude) went into voluntary exile at Lacedaemon and drove the Spartans to press the troubled Athenians with a new war again, and not to allow them any space to breathe without being crushed. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.15.2 (CSEL 5:118; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-15-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.15.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-15-3 - Source: CSEL 5:118–119 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: All Greece joined against Athens. ### Latin text cui incepto ita Graecia omnis adstipulata est, quasi ad commune incendium restinguendum bono publico congestis uiribus ac consuleretur. ### English translation (Claude) All Greece so agreed with this undertaking as if forces had been gathered for the public good to put out a common fire, and as if counsel were being taken for it. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.15.3 (CSEL 5:118–119; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-15-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.15.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-15-4 - Source: CSEL 5:119 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Persia allied with Sparta. ### Latin text Darius etiam rex Persarum, memor paterni auitique in hanc urbem odii, per Tissafernen praefectum Lydiae cum Lacedaemoniis foedus paciscitur eisque sumptus belli et copias pollicetur. ### English translation (Claude) Darius too, king of the Persians, mindful of his father's and grandfather's hatred of this city, through Tissaphernes, prefect of Lydia, made a treaty with the Lacedaemonians and promised them the costs of war and troops. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.15.4 (CSEL 5:119; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-15-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.15.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-15-5 - Source: CSEL 5:119 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Athens was worn out rather than conquered. ### Latin text mirum dictu, Atheniensium tantas ea tempestate opes fuisse, ut, cum aduersus eos, hoc est aduersus unam urbem, Graeciae Asiae totiusque Orientis uiribus incursum sit, pugnando saepe nec umquam cedendo consumpti magis uideantur fuisse quam uicti. ### English translation (Claude) Wonderful to say, the resources of the Athenians were then so great that, though the strength of Greece, Asia and the whole East attacked them, that is, attacked one city, by fighting often and never yielding they seem to have been worn out rather than conquered. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.15.5 (CSEL 5:119; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-15-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.15.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-15-6 - Source: CSEL 5:119 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Alcibiades fled from Sparta to Tissaphernes. ### Latin text principio enim Alcibiades omnes socios deficere ab his ad Lacedaemonios coegit, sed et ab his quoque per inuidiam insidiis adpetitus aufugit et ad Tissafernen in Mediam concessit. ### English translation (Claude) For at first Alcibiades compelled all their allies to defect from them to the Lacedaemonians; but, attacked by these too with plots out of envy, he fled and went over to Tissaphernes in Media. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.15.6 (CSEL 5:119; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-15-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.15.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-15-7 - Source: CSEL 5:119 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Alcibiades persuaded Tissaphernes to hold back. ### Latin text cui statim accommodato ingenio et apti eloquii gratia familiarior factus persuadet, ne Lacedaemonios tam profusis opibus iuuet; eum potius istius certaminis arbitrum spectatoremque fieri debere, integrasque Lydiae uires aduersum uictorem reseruandas. ### English translation (Claude) Having at once become more intimate with him by his adaptable nature and the charm of his fitting eloquence, he persuaded him not to help the Lacedaemonians with such lavish wealth; that he ought rather to become the arbiter and spectator of this contest, and that the strength of Lydia should be kept intact against the victor. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.15.7 (CSEL 5:119; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-15-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.15.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-15-8 - Source: CSEL 5:119–120 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Tissaphernes gave Sparta limited help. ### Latin text quamobrem Tissafernes partem classis cum aliquanta manu deduci Lacedaemonam iubet, ne uel abundantes suffragiis alieno tuti periculo dimicarent uel in totum destituti susceptum certamen omitterent. ### English translation (Claude) For this reason Tissaphernes ordered part of the fleet with a considerable force to be taken to Lacedaemon, so that they would neither fight safe at another's risk with abundant support, nor, wholly abandoned, give up the contest they had undertaken. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.15.8 (CSEL 5:119–120; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-15-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.16.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-16-1 - Source: CSEL 5:120 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Under threat Athens gave power to the council. ### Latin text Apud Athenienses uero cum diu domestica discordia agitaretur, imminente periculo summa imperii ad senatum populi uoluntate transfertur: quippe otio discordiae nutriuntur, at ubi necessitas incubuit, postpositis priuatis causis atque odiis in commune consulitur. ### English translation (Claude) Among the Athenians, when they had long been troubled by domestic discord, with danger threatening the supreme power was transferred to the senate by the will of the people: for discords are nourished by leisure, but when necessity presses, private causes and hatreds are put aside and counsel is taken in common. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.16.1 (CSEL 5:120; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-16-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.16.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-16-2 - Source: CSEL 5:120 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Alcibiades was recalled and given the fleet. ### Latin text sed hoc ipsum cum propter insitam genti superbiam et tyrannicas libidines perniciosum foret, tandem Alcibiades exul ab exercitu reuocatur et dux classis constituitur. ### English translation (Claude) But since this very thing was ruinous because of the arrogance inborn in the race and tyrannical lusts, at last the exile Alcibiades was recalled by the army and made commander of the fleet. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.16.2 (CSEL 5:120; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-16-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.16.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-16-3 - Source: CSEL 5:120 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The oligarchs fled and Alcibiades led the fleet. ### Latin text quo conperto principes primo Spartanis urbem prodere moliti sunt; deinde, cum id frustra cogitassent, in exilium sponte cesserunt. igitur Alcibiades patria liberata classem in hostes dirigit. ### English translation (Claude) On learning this, the leading men first tried to betray the city to the Spartans; then, when they had planned this in vain, they went into exile of their own accord. So Alcibiades, having freed his country, directed the fleet against the enemy. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.16.3 (CSEL 5:120; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-16-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.16.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-16-4 - Source: CSEL 5:120 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Athens won a great naval victory. ### Latin text commisso proelio uictoriam Athenienses capessunt. porro autem maior pars Spartani exercitus caesa, duces quoque paene omnes interfecti et octoginta naues captae absque his, quae in conflictu incensae demersaeque perierunt. ### English translation (Claude) When battle was joined the Athenians won the victory. Moreover, the greater part of the Spartan army was killed, almost all its commanders too were slain, and eighty ships taken, besides those which perished burned and sunk in the fight. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.16.4 (CSEL 5:120; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-16-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.16.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-16-5 - Source: CSEL 5:120–121 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Sparta, defeated on land, sought peace in vain. ### Latin text rursus bellum in terram translatum Spartanis aeque infeliciter cessit. quibus rebus fracti Lacedaemonii petiere pacem, nec tamen impetrare potuerunt. ### English translation (Claude) Again the war, transferred to land, went just as unhappily for the Spartans. Broken by these events, the Lacedaemonians sought peace, but could not obtain it. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.16.5 (CSEL 5:120–121; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-16-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.16.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-16-6 - Source: CSEL 5:121 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Alcibiades swept through Asia. ### Latin text praeterea Syracusana praesidia in Siciliam audita Carthaginiensis belli infestatione reuocata sunt. quamobrem Alcibiades classe uictrici totam Asiam peruagatur, bellis incendiis caedibus rapit sternitque omnia; urbes, quae dudum a societate defecerant, capit recipitque quamplurimas. ### English translation (Claude) Besides, the Syracusan forces were recalled to Sicily on hearing of the attack of a Carthaginian war. Therefore Alcibiades with his victorious fleet ranged through all Asia, plundering and laying low everything with wars, fires and slaughter; he took and recovered very many cities which had earlier defected from the alliance. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.16.6 (CSEL 5:121; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-16-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.16.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-16-7 - Source: CSEL 5:121 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Alcibiades returned to Athens in triumph. ### Latin text sic Alcibiades magni nominis factus Athenas cum admiratione et gaudio omnium uictor ingreditur. ### English translation (Claude) So Alcibiades, having become a man of great name, entered Athens as victor amid the admiration and joy of all. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.16.7 (CSEL 5:121; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-16-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.16.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-16-8 - Source: CSEL 5:121 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Sparta appointed Lysander. ### Latin text paruo post interuallo auget uires, exercitum classemque numero prouehit rursusque Asiam petit. Lacedaemonii uero Lysandrum ducem classi belloque praeficiunt. ### English translation (Claude) After a short interval he increased his strength, enlarged the army and fleet in number and sought Asia again. The Lacedaemonians, however, put Lysander in command of the fleet and the war. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.16.8 (CSEL 5:121; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-16-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.16.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-16-9 - Source: CSEL 5:121 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Lysander surprised and routed Alcibiades' army. ### Latin text Cyrus etiam frater Darii, in locum Tissafernis Ioniae Lydiaeque praepositus, magnis eos opibus auxiliisque confirmat. Lysander itaque Alcibiadis exercitum praedae intentum ac per hoc ubique dispersum ac uagum repentino incursu opprimit, sine aliquo conflictu uincit caeditque fugientem. ### English translation (Claude) Cyrus too, brother of Darius, set over Ionia and Lydia in place of Tissaphernes, strengthened them with great wealth and help. So Lysander, by a sudden attack, overwhelmed the army of Alcibiades, intent on plunder and therefore scattered and wandering everywhere, conquered it without any battle and cut it down as it fled. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.16.9 (CSEL 5:121; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-16-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.16.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-16-10 - Source: CSEL 5:121 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Athens suspected Alcibiades of treachery. ### Latin text magna haec clades Atheniensibus, et multo hoc atrocius uulnus, quam dudum inflixerant, susceperunt. quo conperto Athenienses opinati sunt Alcibiaden antiquum exilii sui dolorem isto scelere proditionis uindicare curasse, ### English translation (Claude) This was a great disaster for the Athenians, and they received a wound much more terrible than the one they had lately inflicted. On learning this the Athenians supposed that Alcibiades had taken care to avenge the old grief of his exile by this crime of treachery, ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.16.10 (CSEL 5:121; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-16-10). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.16.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-16-11 - Source: CSEL 5:121–122 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Conon replaced Alcibiades. ### Latin text ideoque in locum eius Cononem constituunt, cui residuam manum et summam belli committunt. ### English translation (Claude) and therefore they appointed Conon in his place, to whom they committed the remaining force and the conduct of the war. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.16.11 (CSEL 5:121–122; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-16-11). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.16.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-16-12 - Source: CSEL 5:122 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Conon enrolled old men and boys. ### Latin text qui supplere saltem numero exhaustas copias uolens, senes ac pueros legit exercitumque conscripsit. ### English translation (Claude) Wishing at least to make up the exhausted forces in number, he enrolled old men and boys and drew up an army. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.16.12 (CSEL 5:122; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-16-12). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.16.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-16-13 - Source: CSEL 5:122 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The untrained army was annihilated. ### Latin text sed huiusmodi manus moram bello non attulit: quippe quod robore, non numero confici solet. itaque statim inbellis manus uel capta uel caesa est, tantaque strages occisorum illo proelio facta est, ut deletum non solum regnum, sed etiam nomen Atheniensium uideretur. ### English translation (Claude) But a band of this kind brought no delay to the war, since war is usually decided by strength, not by number. So at once the unwarlike band was either captured or killed, and so great a slaughter of the slain was made in that battle that not only the dominion but even the name of the Athenians seemed to have been destroyed. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.16.13 (CSEL 5:122; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-16-13). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.16.14 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-16-14 - Source: CSEL 5:122 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Athens enfranchised foreigners and tried another sea battle. ### Latin text at illi desperatis rebus statuunt urbem peregrinis dare — ut, qui per totam Asiam paulo ante dominati sunt, nunc ex hac conluuie muros saltem libertatemque tueantur — et, quamuis uel suo iudicio ad haec tuenda etiam obiectis muris non sufficiant, iterum tamen experiri nauale proelium parant. ### English translation (Claude) But they, in desperate straits, resolved to give the city to foreigners, so that those who a little before had ruled through all Asia might now, from this rabble, at least defend their walls and liberty; and, though even by their own judgment they were not sufficient to defend these even behind the shelter of walls, they nevertheless prepared to try a naval battle again. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.16.14 (CSEL 5:122; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-16-14). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.16.15 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-16-15 - Source: CSEL 5:122 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Anger mistook itself for courage. ### Latin text expers consilii furor dolorem uirtutem putat, quantumque meditatur ira, tantum promittit audacia. ### English translation (Claude) Fury devoid of counsel thinks grief is courage, and as much as anger plans, so much daring promises. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.16.15 (CSEL 5:122; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-16-15). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.16.16 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-16-16 - Source: CSEL 5:122 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Athenian fleet was destroyed; Conon fled to Cyrus. ### Latin text itaque omnibus partim captis partim interfectis de ipsis quoque reliquiis nihil reliqui factum est. solus dux Conon superstes bello et populo, timens ciuium crudelitatem, ad Cyrum regem concessit. ### English translation (Claude) So, all being partly captured and partly killed, nothing was left even of the remnants. Only the general Conon survived the war and the people; fearing the cruelty of the citizens, he went over to King Cyrus. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.16.16 (CSEL 5:122; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-16-16). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.16.17 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-16-17 - Source: CSEL 5:122–123 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Sparta besieged Athens. ### Latin text Euacoras autem dux Lacedaemoniorum ademptis omnibus ciuitatibus nihil Atheniensibus praeter inanem urbem reliquit; nec hoc diu, nam et ipsam urbem postea obsidione circumdedit. agebat intrinsecus fames desolatio et morbus obsessos, ### English translation (Claude) Euagoras, the Lacedaemonian general, taking away all their cities, left the Athenians nothing but an empty city; nor this for long, for afterwards he surrounded the city itself with a siege. Within, hunger, desolation and disease harassed the besieged, ### Translation notes - The general was Lysander; the name in the digital text (*Euacoras*) may be Orosius's error or a corruption. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.16.17 (CSEL 5:122–123; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-16-17). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.16.18 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-16-18 - Source: CSEL 5:123 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Starving, Athens sued for peace. ### Latin text et cum post omnia miseriarum abominamenta, quae etiam dicere horror est, nihil spei praeter mortem occurreret, pacem petiuere. ### English translation (Claude) and when, after all the abominations of miseries, which it is horror even to tell, no hope but death appeared, they sought peace. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.16.18 (CSEL 5:123; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-16-18). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.17.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-17-1 - Source: CSEL 5:123 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Sparta's allies wanted Athens destroyed. ### Latin text magna hinc inter Spartanos et socios deliberatio fuit: cum plurimi inquietissimam ciuitatem sternendam solo populumque infestissimum cum ipso nomine abolendum pronuntiarent, ### English translation (Claude) Thereupon there was great deliberation between the Spartans and their allies: when very many declared that the most restless city should be levelled to the ground and the most hostile people abolished with its very name, ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.17.1 (CSEL 5:123; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-17-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.17.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-17-2 - Source: CSEL 5:123 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Sparta spared Athens on harsh terms. ### Latin text Spartani negauerunt se permissuros uti e duobus Graeciae oculis unus erueretur; insuper etiam pacem promiserunt, si Piraei portus ducentia in urbem munimina uerterentur nauesque reliquas ultro traderent, deinde si rectores sibi triginta lectos susciperent. ### English translation (Claude) the Spartans said they would not allow one of the two eyes of Greece to be plucked out; moreover, they promised peace if the fortifications leading from the Piraeus harbour into the city were thrown down and they handed over their remaining ships of their own accord, and then if they accepted thirty chosen rulers. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.17.2 (CSEL 5:123; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-17-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.17.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-17-3 - Source: CSEL 5:123 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Lysander imposed the terms. ### Latin text huic condicioni addictis et succumbentibus Lacedaemonii Lysandrum ad conponendas in urbe parendi leges constituerunt. ### English translation (Claude) When they had bound themselves to this condition and submitted, the Lacedaemonians appointed Lysander to settle the laws of obedience in the city. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.17.3 (CSEL 5:123; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-17-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.17.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-17-4 - Source: CSEL 5:123 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: A year of notable events. ### Latin text insignis hic annus et expugnatione Athenarum et morte Darii Persarum regis et exilio Dionysii Siciliae tyranni fuit. ### English translation (Claude) This year was notable for the capture of Athens, the death of Darius, king of the Persians, and the exile of Dionysius, tyrant of Sicily. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.17.4 (CSEL 5:123; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-17-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.17.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-17-5 - Source: CSEL 5:123–124 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Thirty Tyrants ruled Athens. ### Latin text igitur triginta rectores Atheniensibus ordinati triginta tyranni exoriuntur: qui primo se tribus milibus satellitum stipant, mox etiam septingentos milites uictoris exercitus lateribus suis circumponunt. ### English translation (Claude) So the thirty rulers appointed for the Athenians arose as thirty tyrants: at first they surrounded themselves with three thousand attendants, and soon also set seven hundred soldiers of the victorious army about their persons. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.17.5 (CSEL 5:123–124; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-17-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.17.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-17-6 - Source: CSEL 5:124 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: They had Alcibiades burned alive. ### Latin text caedem omnium passim futuram occiso Alcibiade auspicantur, qui fugiens, in itinere clausus cubiculo, uiuus ### English translation (Claude) They inaugurated the slaughter of all, which was to follow everywhere, by killing Alcibiades, who, as he fled, was shut in a bedroom on his journey and burned ### Translation notes - The sentence continues in 2.17.7. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.17.6 (CSEL 5:124; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-17-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.17.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-17-7 - Source: CSEL 5:124 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Thirty plundered Athens and killed Theramenes. ### Latin text incensus est. quo interfecto quasi sublato ultore securi miseras urbis reliquias caedibus rapinisque exhauriunt. Theramenen quoque, unum ex numero suo, cui haec displicere senserunt, in exemplum timoremque reliquorum trucidant. ### English translation (Claude) alive. When he had been killed, as though the avenger had been removed, they drained the wretched remnants of the city in security by slaughter and plunder. Theramenes too, one of their own number, whom they perceived to be displeased with these things, they slaughtered as an example and a terror to the rest. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.17.7 (CSEL 5:124; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-17-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.17.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-17-8 - Source: CSEL 5:124 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The exiles found refuge in Argos and Thebes. ### Latin text itaque omnes passim ex urbe diffugiunt, sed interdictu Lacedaemoniorum cum per totam Graeciam exulibus negaretur hospitium, omnes se Argos ac Thebas contulerunt: ubi ita hospitalitatis obsequio foti sunt, ut non solum dolorem amissae patriae lenirent, uerum etiam spem recuperandae meditarentur. ### English translation (Claude) So everyone fled the city in all directions; but since by a prohibition of the Lacedaemonians hospitality was denied to the exiles throughout Greece, all betook themselves to Argos and Thebes, where they were so warmed by the kindness of hospitality that they not only eased their grief for the lost fatherland but even began to plan the hope of recovering it. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.17.8 (CSEL 5:124; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-17-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.17.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-17-9 - Source: CSEL 5:124 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Thrasybulus and the exiles seized Phyle. ### Latin text erat inter exules Thrasybulus, uir strenuus et generis nobilitate inter suos clarus: qui auctor audendi pro patria fuit. itaque castellum Fylen Atticorum finium collecti exules capiunt multarumque ciuitatum opibus adiuti uires capessunt: quibus Lysias quoque Syracusanus orator quasi in auxilium urbis, quae esset patria communis eloquentiae, quingentos milites cum stipendiis suis misit. ### English translation (Claude) Among the exiles was Thrasybulus, an energetic man, distinguished among his people for the nobility of his family, who became the leader in daring for the fatherland. So the gathered exiles took Phyle, a fort on the borders of Attica, and, aided by the resources of many cities, gathered strength; to them Lysias too, the Syracusan orator, sent five hundred soldiers with their pay, as if in aid of the city that was the common homeland of eloquence. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.17.9 (CSEL 5:124; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-17-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.17.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-17-10 - Source: CSEL 5:124–125 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The exiles defeated the tyrants. ### Latin text atrox id proelium fuit, sed his pro patria libertate, illis pro aliena dominatione certantibus animorum atque causarum ipsa quoque tulit pugna iudicium: nam uicti tyranni in urbem refugerunt omnesque, quos ex Atheniensibus prius sibi satellites legerant, tunc suspectos proditionis, urbis custodia remouerunt. ### English translation (Claude) That battle was fierce; but since the one side fought for their country's freedom, the other for domination over others, the battle itself also gave judgment on their spirits and causes: for the defeated tyrants fled back into the city, and all whom they had earlier chosen as attendants from among the Athenians, now suspected of treachery, they removed from guarding the city. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.17.10 (CSEL 5:124–125; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-17-10). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.17.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-17-11 - Source: CSEL 5:125 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Two of the cruellest tyrants were killed. ### Latin text Thrasybulum quoque ipsum temptare corruptione ausi sunt: quod ubi frustra speratum est, arcessitis a Lacedaemona auxiliis rursus in bellum ruunt. ubi duo saeuissimi omnium longe tyrannorum trucidantur. ### English translation (Claude) They even dared to try to corrupt Thrasybulus himself; when this was hoped for in vain, they summoned help from Lacedaemon and rushed into war again. There two of the tyrants, by far the most savage of all, were slaughtered. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.17.11 (CSEL 5:125; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-17-11). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.17.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-17-12 - Source: CSEL 5:125 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Thrasybulus appealed to the Athenians among the defeated. ### Latin text ceteros uictos et in fugam uersos Thrasybulus ubi uel maxime Athenienses esse intellegit, clamore consequitur, oratione retinet, precibus ligat, proponens ante oculos eorum, quos fugere uel ad quos refugere uellent; sibi aduersum triginta dominos, non aduersum ciues miseros bellum esse susceptum. quin potius omnes, qui se meminerint esse Athenienses, sequi oportere Atheniensium libertatis ultores. ### English translation (Claude) When Thrasybulus realized that the rest, defeated and put to flight, were for the most part Athenians, he followed them with shouts, held them back with a speech and bound them with prayers, setting before their eyes whom they wished to flee from and to whom to flee back; that he had undertaken war against thirty masters, not against wretched citizens; rather, all who remembered they were Athenians ought to follow the avengers of Athenian liberty. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.17.12 (CSEL 5:125; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-17-12). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.17.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-17-13 - Source: CSEL 5:125–126 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The tyrants were driven to Eleusis and made war again. ### Latin text itaque haec adhortatio tantum apud illos ualuit, ut mox reuersi in ciuitatem tyrannos arce decedere atque Eleusinam emigrare conpulerint. qui postquam in societatem urbis ciues suos, eatenus exules, receperunt, tyrannos in bellum aemulatione suscitant, quibus libertas aliorum quasi ipsorum seruitus uidebatur. ### English translation (Claude) This exhortation had such force with them that soon, returning to the city, they compelled the tyrants to leave the citadel and move to Eleusis. After these had received into partnership of the city their fellow citizens, till then exiles, the tyrants were roused to war by jealousy, since the freedom of others seemed to them their own slavery. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.17.13 (CSEL 5:125–126; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-17-13). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.17.14 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-17-14 - Source: CSEL 5:126 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The tyrants were killed and Athens swore to forget past quarrels. ### Latin text tunc indicta pugna cum prius quasi ad conloquium conuenirent, circumuenti insidiis ueluti pacis uictimae trucidantur: ita reuocati in unum, post inexplebiles magnorum lacrimas gaudiorum haec prima fundamina recuperatae libertatis instaurant proposita iuris iurandi contestatione, uti discordiae animositatesque praeteritae in obliuionem perpetuam atque immortale silentium deducantur. ### English translation (Claude) Then, battle having been declared, when they first came together as if to a conference, they were surrounded by an ambush and slaughtered as victims of peace. So, called back into one, after insatiable tears of great joy, they laid these first foundations of recovered liberty, with the solemn sworn declaration that past discords and animosities should be consigned to perpetual oblivion and undying silence. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.17.14 (CSEL 5:126; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-17-14). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.17.15 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-17-15 - Source: CSEL 5:126 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The amnesty was a wise measure. ### Latin text quod pactionis genus quasi nouam uitae institutionem nouamque felicitatem status sui informantes amnestiam uocauerunt, id est abolitionem malorum. sapientissima Atheniensium, praesertim post tanta miseriarum documenta, prouisio: si quo pacto res humanae manente consensu hominum ita ut ordinantur ualerent: ### English translation (Claude) This kind of pact, as though shaping a new institution of life and a new happiness of their state, they called an amnesty, that is, an abolition of evils. A most wise provision of the Athenians, especially after so many proofs of miseries, if in any way human affairs could hold firm, with men's agreement remaining, as they are ordained: ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.17.15 (CSEL 5:126; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-17-15). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.17.16 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-17-16 - Source: CSEL 5:126–127 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Yet soon Socrates was put to death and Athens fell to Philip. ### Latin text sed adeo hoc idem placitum inter ipsa paene placiti uerba corruptum est, ut uix intercedente biennio Socrates ille clarissimus philosophorum adactus malis ueneno sibi apud eos uitam extorserit, deinde uix quadraginta annis interuenientibus, ut alia sileam, idem Athenienses adempta sibi penitus libertate sub Philippo Macedonum rege seruierint. ### English translation (Claude) but this same agreement was corrupted almost amid the very words of the agreement, so that scarcely two years later Socrates, that most famous of philosophers, driven by evils, wrung his life from himself by poison among them; then, scarcely forty years later, to say nothing of other things, the same Athenians, their liberty wholly taken from them, were slaves under Philip, king of the Macedonians. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.17.16 (CSEL 5:126–127; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-17-16). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.17.17 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-17-17 - Source: CSEL 5:127 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Athens taught that concord builds and discord destroys. ### Latin text uerumtamen sapientissimi omnium Athenienses etiam suis malis satis docti concordia minimas res crescere, discordia maximas labi, cunctaque uel bona uel etiam mala quae foris geruntur internis esse radicata et emissa principiis, domi abstersere odia et foris bella presserunt, reliqueruntque posteris suis de ruina sui exemplum, de reparatione consilium: si tamen ob infirmissimam humanae mentis mutabilitatem, quod in adflictis rebus consulitur, in prosperis seruaretur. ### English translation (Claude) Nevertheless the Athenians, wisest of all, sufficiently taught even by their own evils that small things grow by concord and the greatest fall by discord, and that all things good or even evil that are done abroad are rooted in and sent forth from internal beginnings, wiped away hatreds at home and checked wars abroad, and left to their posterity an example from their ruin and a counsel from their recovery: if only, because of the most feeble changeableness of the human mind, what is resolved in adversity were kept in prosperity. ### Extrabiblical texts - Sallust, Iug. 10.6 (Sallust): quotation, medium confidence ### Translation notes - 'Small things grow by concord, the greatest fall by discord' is Sallust, *Jugurtha* 10.6. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.17.17 (CSEL 5:127; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-17-17). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.18.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-18-1 - Source: CSEL 5:127 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Artaxerxes and Cyrus fought for the Persian throne. ### Latin text Isdem fere diebus bellum ciuile, immo etiam plus quam ciuile, uix parricidio terminatum, apud Persas gerebatur. mortuo enim rege Dario cum Artaxerxes et Cyrus filii eius de regno ambigerent, tandem apparatibus magnis, prouinciarum ac populorum ruinis utrimque certatum: ### English translation (Claude) At almost the same time a civil war, indeed more than civil, scarcely ended by fratricide, was waged among the Persians. For when King Darius had died and Artaxerxes and Cyrus his sons disputed the kingdom, at last they contended with great preparations and with the ruin of provinces and peoples on both sides: ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.18.1 (CSEL 5:127; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-18-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.18.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-18-2 - Source: CSEL 5:127–128 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Cyrus was killed and Artaxerxes kept the throne. ### Latin text in quo conflictu cum e diuerso concurrentes sibi ambo fratres mutuo casus obiectauisset, prior Artaxerxes uulneratus a fratre equi uelocitate morti exemptus euasit. Cyrus autem mox a cohorte regia oppressus finem certamini dedit. Artaxerxes ergo et praeda fraternae expeditionis et exercitu potitus potestatem regni parricidio firmauit. ### English translation (Claude) in that conflict, when chance had set the two brothers against each other as they charged from opposite sides, Artaxerxes, wounded first by his brother, escaped from death by the speed of his horse. Cyrus, however, soon overwhelmed by the royal guard, put an end to the contest. So Artaxerxes, gaining both the plunder of his brother's expedition and its army, strengthened the power of the kingdom by fratricide. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.18.2 (CSEL 5:127–128; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-18-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.18.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-18-3 - Source: CSEL 5:128 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Asia and Europe were full of slaughter. ### Latin text sic uniuersa Asia atque Europa, partim in se singulae, partim inter se inuicem funeribus et flagitiis permiscebantur. ### English translation (Claude) So all Asia and Europe were confounded with deaths and crimes, partly each within itself, partly with one another. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.18.3 (CSEL 5:128; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-18-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.18.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-18-4 - Source: CSEL 5:128 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Words cannot express the miseries of that age. ### Latin text Ecce paruissima pagina uerbisque paucissimis quantos de tot prouinciis populis atque urbibus non magis explicui actus operum, quam inplicui globos miseriarum. quis enim cladem illius temporis, quis fando funera explicet aut aequare lacrimis possit dolores? ### English translation (Claude) See in how small a page and in how very few words I have not so much unfolded the deeds of so many provinces, peoples and cities as wrapped up masses of miseries. For who could unfold in speech the disaster of that time, who its deaths, or who could equal its sorrows with tears? ### Extrabiblical texts - Virgil, Aen. 2.361 (Virgil): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - The question echoes Virgil, *Aeneid* 2.361–362. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.18.4 (CSEL 5:128; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-18-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.18.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-18-5 - Source: CSEL 5:128–129 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Comparing the ages shows God's anger then and his mercy now. ### Latin text uerumtamen haec ipsa, quia multo interiectu saeculorum exoleuerunt, facta sunt nobis exercitia ingeniorum et oblectamenta fabularum. quamquam si quis intentius adhibeat animum seseque toto mentis adfectu ipsis paene causis bellisque permisceat ac rursus uelut in arce spectaculi constitutus utrumque in suis qualitatibus tempus permetiatur, facile dixerim eum iudicaturum, neque illa nisi irato atque auersato Deo posse tam infeliciter perturbari ac permisceri neque ista sic nisi propitio et miserante conponi. ### English translation (Claude) Yet these very things, because they have faded through a long interval of ages, have become for us exercises of wit and the delights of tales. Although if anyone applies his mind more intently and with the whole affection of his mind almost mingles himself with those causes and wars, and again, set as on the height of a spectacle, measures both times in their qualities, I would readily say that he will judge that those times could not have been so unhappily disturbed and confounded except by an angry and averted God, nor these so ordered except by a propitious and merciful one. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.18.5 (CSEL 5:128–129; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-18-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.18.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-18-6 - Source: CSEL 5:129 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Earthquake and eruption struck Sicily. ### Latin text His deinde temporibus grauissimo motu terrae concussa Sicilia, insuper exaestuantibus Aethnae montis ignibus fauillisque calidis cum detrimento plurimo agrorum uillarumque uastata est. ### English translation (Claude) Then in these times Sicily, shaken by a very heavy earthquake, was moreover laid waste by the seething fires of Mount Etna and hot ashes, with very great damage to fields and villas. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.18.6 (CSEL 5:129; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-18-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.18.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-18-7 - Source: CSEL 5:129 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Atalante was cut off by the sea; plague struck Athens. ### Latin text Tunc etiam Atalante ciuitas, Locris adhaerens terrae contigua, repentino maris impetu abscissa atque in insulam desolata est. Atheniensium quoque miserabiles reliquias pestis inuasit diuque populata est. ### English translation (Claude) Then too the city of Atalante, adjoining Locris and connected to the land, was cut off by a sudden onrush of the sea and left desolate as an island. A plague too attacked the wretched remnants of the Athenians and long ravaged them. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.18.7 (CSEL 5:129; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-18-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.19.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-19-1 - Source: CSEL 5:129 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The ten-year siege of Veii exhausted the Romans. ### Latin text Anno ab Vrbe condita CCCLV obsidio Veiorum decem continuis annis magis obsessores quam obsessos detriuit. nam Romani repentinis saepe hostium eruptionibus comminuti, praeterea in hibernis bella sortiri, hiemare sub pellibus, postremo famem ac frigus in conspectu hostium perpeti coacti sunt; ### English translation (Claude) In the 355th year from the founding of the City, the siege of Veii for ten continuous years wore down the besiegers more than the besieged. For the Romans, crushed by frequent sudden sallies of the enemy, were moreover compelled to engage in war in winter quarters, to winter under skins, and finally to endure hunger and cold in sight of the enemy; ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.19.1 (CSEL 5:129; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-19-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.19.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-19-2 - Source: CSEL 5:129 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Rome took Veii by tunnels. ### Latin text urbem nouissime sine ullo digno Romanae uirtutis testimonio cuniculis et clandestina obreptione ceperunt. ### English translation (Claude) at last they took the city, without any worthy testimony of Roman courage, by tunnels and a stealthy creeping in. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.19.2 (CSEL 5:129; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-19-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.19.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-19-3 - Source: CSEL 5:129–130 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Camillus's exile and the Gallic sack followed. ### Latin text hanc utilem magis quam nobilem uictoriam primo dictatoris Camilli, qui eam de Veientibus patrauit, exilium, dehinc inruptio Gallorum et incendium urbis insequitur. ### English translation (Claude) This victory, more useful than glorious, was followed first by the exile of the dictator Camillus, who won it over the Veientes, then by the invasion of the Gauls and the burning of the City. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.19.3 (CSEL 5:129–130; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-19-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.19.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-19-4 - Source: CSEL 5:130 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Nothing today compares with the Gallic sack. ### Latin text cui cladi audeat quisquam, si potest, aliquos motus huius temporis conparare: quamuis non aeque pendat praeteriti mali fabulam praesentis iniuria. ### English translation (Claude) Let anyone, if he can, dare to compare any disturbances of this time with that disaster, although he does not weigh the tale of a past evil equally with the injury of a present one. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.19.4 (CSEL 5:130; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-19-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.19.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-19-5 - Source: CSEL 5:130 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Roman envoys fought at Clusium, and the Gauls turned on Rome. ### Latin text igitur Galli senones duce brenno exercitu copioso et robusto nimis cum urbem Clusini, quae nunc Tuscia dicitur, obsiderent, legatos Romanorum, qui tunc conponendae inter eos pacis gratia uenerant, in acie aduersum se uidere pugnantes: qua indignatione permoti, Clusini oppidi obsidione dimissa, totis uiribus Romam contendunt. ### English translation (Claude) So the Senonian Gauls under their leader Brennus, with a numerous and very strong army, while they were besieging the city of Clusium in what is now called Tuscia, saw the envoys of the Romans, who had come then to make peace between them, fighting against them in the battle line: moved by this indignation, they abandoned the siege of the town of Clusium and marched on Rome with all their strength. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.19.5 (CSEL 5:130; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-19-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.19.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-19-6 - Source: CSEL 5:130–131 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Gauls crushed the Roman army at the Allia. ### Latin text hos ita mentes Fabius cum exercitu consul excepit; nec tamen obstitit, immo potius hostilis ille impetus quasi aridam segetem succidit strauit et transiit. testatur hanc Fabii cladem fluuius Halia, sicut Cremera Fabiorum. non enim facile aliquis similem ruinam Romanae militiae recenseret, etiam si Roma insuper incensa non esset. ### English translation (Claude) The consul Fabius met them, raging as they were, with an army; yet he did not withstand them; rather, that hostile onset cut down, laid low and passed over it like a dry crop. The river Allia testifies to this disaster of Fabius, as the Cremera does to that of the Fabii. For no one would easily recount a like ruin of the Roman army, even if Rome had not been burned besides. ### Translation notes - 'Raging' renders the sense of the garbled *ita mentes*. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.19.6 (CSEL 5:130–131; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-19-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.19.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-19-7 - Source: CSEL 5:131 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Gauls killed the senators in their seats. ### Latin text patentem Galli urbem penetrant, trucidant rigentes simulacrorum modo in suis sedilibus senatores eosque incendio domorum crematos lapsu culminum suorum sepeliunt. ### English translation (Claude) The Gauls entered the open city; they slaughtered the senators sitting stiff like statues in their seats, and, burned in the fire of their houses, buried them under the fall of their own roofs. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.19.7 (CSEL 5:131; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-19-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.19.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-19-8 - Source: CSEL 5:131 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The remnant was besieged on the Capitol. ### Latin text uniuersam reliquam iuuentutem, quam constat nu mille hominum tunc fuisse, in arce Capitolini montis latentem obsidione concludunt, ibique infelices reliquias fame peste desperatione formidine terunt subigunt uendunt: ### English translation (Claude) All the remaining youth, which is known to have been then scarcely a thousand men, hiding in the citadel of the Capitoline hill, they shut in by siege, and there they wore down, subdued and sold the unhappy remnant by hunger, plague, despair and fear: ### Translation notes - 'Scarcely' renders the garbled *nu*, probably *uix*. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.19.8 (CSEL 5:131; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-19-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.19.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-19-9 - Source: CSEL 5:131 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Gauls left for a thousand pounds of gold. ### Latin text nam mille libris auri discessionis pretium paciscuntur, non quo apud Gallos Roma parui nominis fuerit, sed quo illam sic iam ante detriuerint, ut amplius tunc ualere non posset. ### English translation (Claude) for they agreed on a thousand pounds of gold as the price of departure, not because Rome was of small repute among the Gauls, but because they had already so worn it down that it could not then be worth more. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.19.9 (CSEL 5:131; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-19-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.19.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-19-10 - Source: CSEL 5:131 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Rome was left an echoing ruin. ### Latin text exeuntibus Gallis remanserat in illo quondam Vrbis ambitu informium ruinarum obscena congeries, et undique per impedita errantium et inter sua ignotorum offensae uocis imago respondens trepidos suspendebat auditus. horror quatiebat animos, silentia ipsa terrebant: siquidem materia pauoris est raritas in spatiosis. ### English translation (Claude) When the Gauls left, there remained within the once great circuit of the City an unsightly heap of shapeless ruins, and on every side the echo of a voice, striking against obstacles, answering those who wandered through the blocked ways and did not recognize their own places, held their trembling hearing in suspense. Horror shook their minds; the very silences terrified them: for scarcity in wide spaces is matter for fear. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.19.10 (CSEL 5:131; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-19-10). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.19.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-19-11 - Source: CSEL 5:131–132 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Romans thought of moving to another city. ### Latin text hinc illis mutare sedes, aliud incolere oppidum, altero etiam censeri nomine cogitatum placitum atque temptatum est. ### English translation (Claude) Hence they thought of, agreed on and attempted changing their seat, inhabiting another town, even being counted under another name. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.19.11 (CSEL 5:131–132; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-19-11). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.19.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-19-12 - Source: CSEL 5:132 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: These are the times the pagans long for. ### Latin text En tempora, quorum conparatione praesentia ponderantur; en, de quibus recordatio suspirat; en, quae incutiunt de electa uel potius de neglecta religione paenitentiam. ### English translation (Claude) Behold the times by comparison with which the present is weighed; behold the times for which memory sighs; behold the times that strike repentance at the religion chosen, or rather neglected! ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.19.12 (CSEL 5:132; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-19-12). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.19.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-19-13 - Source: CSEL 5:132 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Gallic sack lasted six months, the Gothic three days and spared the churches. ### Latin text reuera pares sunt et conferuntur inter se hae duae captiuitates: illa sex mensibus desaeuiens et tribus diebus ista transcurrens; Galli exstincto populo Vrbe deleta ipsum quoque Romae nomen in extremis cineribus persequentes et Gothi relicta intentione praedandi ad confugia salutis, hoc est sanctorum locorum, agmina ignara cogentes; ibi uix quemquam inuentum senatorem, qui uel absens euaserit, hic uix quemquam requiri, ### English translation (Claude) Truly these two captivities are equal and may be compared with each other: that one raging for six months, this one passing in three days; the Gauls, having wiped out the people and destroyed the City, pursuing even the very name of Rome into its last ashes, and the Goths, abandoning the intention of plunder, driving bewildered crowds to refuges of safety, that is, to the holy places; there scarcely any senator was found who escaped even by absence, here scarcely any is sought ### Translation notes - The sentence continues in 2.19.14. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.19.13 (CSEL 5:132; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-19-13). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.19.14 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-19-14 - Source: CSEL 5:132 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: In 410 men were less cruel; God himself completed the chastisement. ### Latin text qui forte ut latens perierit recte sane conpararim, hunc fuisse ibi seruatorum numerum, qui hic fuerit perditorum. plane, quod re proditur, et fatendum est: in hac clade praesenti plus Deum saeuisse, homines minus, cum, peragendo ipse quod illi non inpleuissent, cur eos miserit demonstrauit. ### English translation (Claude) who perished by chance in hiding; I might rightly compare thus: the number of those saved there was the number of those lost here. Plainly, what is shown by the fact must also be confessed: in this present disaster God was more severe, men less, since, by himself accomplishing what they had not fulfilled, he showed why he had sent them. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.19.14 (CSEL 5:132; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-19-14). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.19.15 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-19-15 - Source: CSEL 5:132–133 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Lightning destroyed the pagan statues the Goths had not burned. ### Latin text quippe cum supra humanas uires esset, incendere aeneas trabes et subruere magnarum moles structurarum, ictu fulminum forum cum imaginibus uanis, quae superstitione miserabili uel Deum uel hominem mentiuntur, abiectum est: horumque omnium abominamentorum, quod inmissa per hostem flamma non adiit, missus e caelo ignis euertit. ### English translation (Claude) For since it was beyond human strength to set fire to bronze beams and to overthrow the masses of great structures, the forum with its empty images, which by wretched superstition falsely represent either a god or a man, was struck down by strokes of lightning; and of all these abominations, what the flame sent in by the enemy did not reach, fire sent from heaven overthrew. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.19.15 (CSEL 5:132–133; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-19-15). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 2.19.16 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-2-19-16 - Source: CSEL 5:133 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Book 2 ends. ### Latin text Et quoniam uber dicendi materia est, quae nequaquam hoc concludi libro potest, hic praesentis uoluminis finis sit, ut in subsequentibus cetera persequamur. ### English translation (Claude) And since the material for speaking is rich and can by no means be contained in this book, let this be the end of the present volume, so that we may pursue the rest in the following ones. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 2.19.16 (CSEL 5:133; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/2-19-16). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.0.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-3-0-1 - Source: CSEL 5:134 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Orosius cannot tell everything; he writes of the miseries of wars. ### Latin text Et superiore iam libro contestatus sum et nunc necessarie repeto secundum praeceptum tuum de anteactis conflictationibus saeculi: nec omnia nec per omnia posse quae gesta et sicut gesta sunt explicari, quoniam magna atque innumera copiosissime et a plurimis scripta sunt, scriptores autem etsi non easdem causas, easdem tamen res habuere propositas: quippe cum illi bella, nos bellorum miserias euoluamus. ### English translation (Claude) I have already declared in the previous book, and now necessarily repeat according to your instruction about the past conflicts of the world, that not everything, nor in every detail, can be set out that was done and as it was done, since great and countless things have been written most copiously and by very many; and the writers, though they did not have the same purposes, had the same events before them: since they unroll wars, we the miseries of wars. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.0.1 (CSEL 5:134; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-0-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.0.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-3-0-2 - Source: CSEL 5:134–135 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Brevity risks omission or obscurity. ### Latin text praeterea ex hac ipsa de qua queror abundantia angustia oritur mihi et concludit me sollicitudo nodosior. si enim aliqua studio breuitatis omitto, putabuntur aut mihi nunc defuisse aut in illo tunc tempore non fuisse; si uero significare cuncta nec exprimere studens conpendiosa breuitate succingo, obscura faciam et ita apud plerosque erunt dicta, ut nec dicta uideantur: ### English translation (Claude) Moreover, from this very abundance of which I complain a difficulty arises for me, and a more knotted anxiety confines me. For if I omit some things for the sake of brevity, it will be thought either that they were lacking to me now or did not exist at that time; but if, striving to indicate everything without expressing it, I gird it up in compendious brevity, I shall make it obscure, and for many it will be so said that it will not seem said: ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.0.2 (CSEL 5:134–135; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-0-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.0.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/2-11-1/#p-3-0-3 - Source: CSEL 5:135 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: He will balance brevity and clarity. ### Latin text maxime cum e contrario nos uim rerum, non imaginem commendare curemus; breuitas autem atque obscuritas, immo ut est semper obscura breuitas, etsi cognoscendi imaginem praefert, aufert tamen intellegendi uigorem. sed ego cum utrumque uitandum sciam, utrumque faciam ut quocumque modo alterutra temperentur, si nec multa praetermissa nec multum constricta uideantur. ### English translation (Claude) especially since we, on the contrary, take care to commend the force of things, not their image; and brevity and obscurity, or rather brevity which is always obscure, though it offers an image of knowing, takes away the vigour of understanding. But since I know that both are to be avoided, I shall do both, so that each may in some way be tempered by the other, if neither many things seem passed over nor much compressed. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.0.3 (CSEL 5:135; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-0-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.1.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-1-1 - Source: CSEL 5:135 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Artaxerxes imposed peace on Greece in the year of the Gallic sack. ### Latin text Anno ab Vrbe condita CCCLXIIII, quem annum sicut grauissimum propter ignotam sibi captiuitatem Roma persensit ita magnificum propter insolitam pacem Graecia habuit, eo siquidem tempore, quo Galli Romam captam incensamque tenuerunt ac uendiderunt, Artaxerxes rex Persarum discedere ab armis et quiescere in pace uniuersam Graeciam per legatos praecepit, denuntians contradictorem pacis bello inpetendum. ### English translation (Claude) In the 364th year from the founding of the City, a year which Rome felt as most grievous because of a captivity unknown to it, while Greece held it magnificent because of an unaccustomed peace (for at the time when the Gauls held, after capturing and burning it, and sold Rome), Artaxerxes, king of the Persians, commanded through envoys that all Greece withdraw from arms and rest in peace, declaring that any opponent of the peace would be attacked in war. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.1.1 (CSEL 5:135; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-1-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.1.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-1-2 - Source: CSEL 5:135–136 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Greeks accepted because they longed for peace. ### Latin text quem ita iubentem potuissent utique Graeci tam constanter contemnere, quam fortiter saepe uicerunt, nisi porrectam undecumque occasionem quam auide desiderauerant, tam libenter hausissent — ### English translation (Claude) The Greeks could surely have despised him giving such orders as steadfastly as they had often bravely defeated him, had they not seized the opportunity offered from any quarter, which they had so eagerly desired, as gladly as they did: ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.1.2 (CSEL 5:135–136; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-1-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.1.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-1-3 - Source: CSEL 5:136 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Their eagerness showed how weary of war they were. ### Latin text ostenderunt enim, quam aegre et misere illa eatenus gesserint, quae tam facile indigna etiam condicione posuerunt: nam quid tam indignum liberis et fortibus uiris, quam longe remoti; saepe uicti, adhuc hostis et deinde minitantis imperio arma deponere pacique seruire? — si non in ipso tantum adnuntiatae pacis sono per corda cunctorum aegra belli tabuisset intentio et post diuturnas laborum uigilias oscitantes ac stupefactos quies inopina laxasset, priusquam ipsam quietem uoluntas pacta conponeret. ### English translation (Claude) for they showed how reluctantly and wretchedly they had carried on those things until then, which they laid down so easily, even on unworthy terms. For what is so unworthy of free and brave men as, at the command of an enemy far removed, often defeated, still an enemy and threatening besides, to lay down arms and be slaves to peace? Unless, at the very sound of the announced peace, the sick intention of war had wasted away in the hearts of all, and unexpected rest had relaxed them, yawning and stupefied after long vigils of labours, before their will had set the agreed rest in order. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.1.3 (CSEL 5:136; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-1-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.1.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-1-4 - Source: CSEL 5:136 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: He will explain Greece's weariness. ### Latin text unde autem tanta fatigatio omnium per totam Graeciam populorum corda corporaque oppresserit, quae efferos animos ignoto adquiescere otio tam facile persuasit, quam breuissime ostendam. ### English translation (Claude) But whence so great a weariness oppressed the hearts and bodies of all peoples throughout Greece, which so easily persuaded savage spirits to acquiesce in an unknown leisure, I shall show as briefly as possible. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.1.4 (CSEL 5:136; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-1-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.1.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-1-5 - Source: CSEL 5:136 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Sparta sought to dominate Asia. ### Latin text Lacedaemonii, utpote homines et Graeci homines, quo plura habebant, eo ampliora cupientes, postquam Atheniensium potiti sunt, uniuersam Asiam spe dominationis hauserunt. ### English translation (Claude) The Lacedaemonians, being men and Greek men, desiring more the more they had, after they had gained control of the Athenians, swallowed all Asia in the hope of domination. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.1.5 (CSEL 5:136; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-1-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.1.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-1-6 - Source: CSEL 5:136–137 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Spartan general fought one Persian satrap and made peace with the other. ### Latin text itaque toto Orienti bellum monentes Hircyliden ducem in hanc militiam legunt. qui eum sibi aduersus duos potentissimos Artaxerxis Persarum regis praefectos Farnabasum et Tissafernen pugnandum uideret, prouiso ad tempus consilio, ut pondus geminae congressionis eluderet. unum denuntiato bello adpetit, alterum pacta pace suspendit. ### English translation (Claude) So, stirring up war with the whole East, they chose Hircylides as general for this campaign. Since he saw that he had to fight against two very powerful prefects of Artaxerxes, king of the Persians, Pharnabazus and Tissaphernes, he took a counsel suited to the time, to evade the weight of a double engagement: he attacked one by declaring war, and held the other in suspense by a pact of peace. ### Translation notes - Hircylides is Dercylidas. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.1.6 (CSEL 5:136–137; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-1-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.1.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-1-7 - Source: CSEL 5:137 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Conon was given command of the Persian fleet. ### Latin text Farnabazus Tissafernen apud Artaxerxen, communem tunc regem, defert ut proditorem, praesertim qui cum hoste belli tempore de foederis condicione pepigisset; hortaturque regem, ut in locum eius Cononem Atheniensem uirum, qui tunc forte apud Cyprum exulabat, ducem nauali bello constituat. acceptis igitur quingentis argenti talentis Conon per Farnabazum euocatur classique praeficitur. ### English translation (Claude) Pharnabazus denounced Tissaphernes to Artaxerxes, then their common king, as a traitor, especially as one who had agreed with the enemy in time of war on the terms of a treaty; and he urged the king to appoint in his place as commander in the naval war Conon, an Athenian, who was then by chance living in exile in Cyprus. So, having received five hundred talents of silver, Conon was summoned through Pharnabazus and put in command of the fleet. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.1.7 (CSEL 5:137; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-1-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.1.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-1-8 - Source: CSEL 5:137–138 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Sparta got ships and grain from Egypt. ### Latin text quibus conpertis Lacedaemonii et ipsi auxilia naualis belli a rege Aegypti Hereynione per legatos petunt, a quo centum instructas triremes et sescenta milia modium frumenti acceperunt; a sociis etiam undique magna contraxere subsidia. ### English translation (Claude) On learning this, the Lacedaemonians too asked by envoys for help for the naval war from Hercynion, king of Egypt, from whom they received a hundred equipped triremes and six hundred thousand measures of grain; from their allies also they gathered great reinforcements on every side. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.1.8 (CSEL 5:137–138; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-1-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.1.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-1-9 - Source: CSEL 5:138 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Agesilaus and Conon fought indecisively. ### Latin text cui militiae consensu omnium Agesilaum ducem decreuerunt, uirum pede claudum, sed qui in difficillimo rerum statu mallent sibi regem claudicare quam regnum. raro umquam ita pares omni industria duces in unum coiere bellum, qui acerbissimis inuicem proeliis fatigati et multo sanguine obliti uelut inuicti ab alterutro recesserunt. ### English translation (Claude) For this campaign they decreed by consent of all Agesilaus as general, a man lame in the foot, but they preferred, in the most difficult state of affairs, that their king limp rather than their kingdom. Rarely have generals so equal in all diligence come together in one war; worn out by most bitter battles against each other and smeared with much blood, they withdrew from each other as though unconquered. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.1.9 (CSEL 5:138; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-1-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.1.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-1-10 - Source: CSEL 5:138 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Conon ravaged Spartan territory. ### Latin text igitur Conon accepto iterum per se ipsum a Rege Magno stipendio reuersus ad classem inuadit hostiles agros, turres castella ceteraque praesidia expugnat et ueluti effusa tempestas quacumque incubuit cuncta prosternit. ### English translation (Claude) So Conon, having again received pay from the Great King in person, returned to the fleet, invaded the enemy's lands, stormed towers, forts and other strongholds, and, like a storm let loose, laid everything low wherever he fell. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.1.10 (CSEL 5:138; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-1-10). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.1.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-1-11 - Source: CSEL 5:138 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Sparta recalled Agesilaus. ### Latin text Lacedaemonii uero domesticis malis circumuenti externis inhiare desistunt abiciuntque spem dominationis inminente periculo seruitutis; Agesilaum, quem cum exercitu in Asiam miserant, ad subsidium patriae reuocant. ### English translation (Claude) The Lacedaemonians, beset by evils at home, ceased to gape after foreign things and cast away the hope of domination with the danger of slavery threatening; they recalled Agesilaus, whom they had sent with an army into Asia, to help the fatherland. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.1.11 (CSEL 5:138; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-1-11). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.1.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-1-12 - Source: CSEL 5:138–139 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Pisander prepared a Spartan fleet. ### Latin text interea Pisander, dux apud Spartam per Agesilaum regem relictus, maximam munitissimamque tunc classem instruxerat, motus aemulatione uirtutis Agesilai, ut, illo pedestrem expeditionem agitante, ipse quoque nauali discursu oram maritimam peruagaretur. ### English translation (Claude) Meanwhile Pisander, the commander left at Sparta by King Agesilaus, had prepared a very great and well-equipped fleet, moved by rivalry with the courage of Agesilaus, so that, while he conducted a land expedition, he too might range the coast in naval raids. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.1.12 (CSEL 5:138–139; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-1-12). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.1.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-1-13 - Source: CSEL 5:139 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Conon served Persia but fought for Athens. ### Latin text Conon uero suscepto negotio duplicem curam inpendebat debens sociis sollicitudinem, patriae fidem, ut huic exhiberet naturam, illis praeberet industriam: in hoc propensior ciuibus, quod quieti libertatique eorum alieni sanguinis discrimen inpenderet et pugnaret aduersus insolentissimos hostes periculo regis, praemio patriae. ### English translation (Claude) Conon, having taken up the task, gave a double care, owing diligence to his allies and loyalty to his country, so as to show to the one his nature and to offer the other his industry; in this more inclined to his citizens, that he spent the risk of others' blood for their quiet and liberty, and fought against most insolent enemies at the king's risk, for the reward of his country. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.1.13 (CSEL 5:139; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-1-13). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.1.14 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-1-14 - Source: CSEL 5:139 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The battle of Cnidus. ### Latin text conserunt itaque nauale certamen Persae Conone, Spartani Pisandro duce; milites remiges ipsique ductores uno pariter in mutuam caedem ardore rapiuntur. ### English translation (Claude) So they joined a naval battle, the Persians under Conon, the Spartans under Pisander; soldiers, rowers and the commanders themselves were swept with one equal ardour into mutual slaughter. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.1.14 (CSEL 5:139; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-1-14). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.1.15 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-1-15 - Source: CSEL 5:139–140 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Sparta declined from that battle. ### Latin text magnitudinem atque atrocitatem belli istius inclinatos ex hoc semper in posterum Lacedaemoniorum status prodit: namque ex illo fluere ac sublapsa retro referri Spartanorum spes uisa, donec adsurgendo aegre ac misere recidendo confecta et potestate careret et nomine. ### English translation (Claude) The greatness and atrocity of this war are shown by the state of the Lacedaemonians, declining from then on always into the future: for from that time the hope of the Spartans seemed to ebb and, slipping, to be carried backward, until, rising with difficulty and falling back wretchedly, it was spent and lacked both power and name. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.1.15 (CSEL 5:139–140; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-1-15). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.1.16 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-1-16 - Source: CSEL 5:140 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Thebes under Epaminondas attacked Sparta. ### Latin text Atheniensibus uero haec eadem pugna initium recuperandae potentiae sicut Lacedaemoniis amittendae fuit. primi igitur Thebani, auxilio Atheniensium fulti, superiore clade saucios ac trepidos adgrediuntur, multa animati fiducia propter uirtutem atque industriam Epaminondae ducis sui, cum quo sibi facile obtinere posse imperium totius Graeciae uidebantur. ### English translation (Claude) For the Athenians this same battle was the beginning of recovering power, as for the Lacedaemonians of losing it. So first the Thebans, supported by the help of the Athenians, attacked them, wounded and trembling from the earlier disaster, inspired with much confidence because of the courage and diligence of their general Epaminondas, with whom they thought they could easily gain the rule of all Greece. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.1.16 (CSEL 5:140; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-1-16). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.1.17 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-1-17 - Source: CSEL 5:140 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Thebes won; Lysander was killed. ### Latin text fit itaque terrestre proelium, Thebanis minimo negotio uincentibus. uincitur enim etiam hoc conflictu Lysander et occiditur; Pausanias quoque dux alter Lacedaemoniorum insimulatus proditionis in exilium traditur; ### English translation (Claude) So a land battle took place, the Thebans winning with very little trouble. For in this conflict too Lysander was defeated and killed; Pausanias, the other general of the Lacedaemonians, accused of treachery, was sent into exile; ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.1.17 (CSEL 5:140; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-1-17). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.1.18 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-1-18 - Source: CSEL 5:140–141 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Thebes marched on Sparta. ### Latin text Thebani autem uictoria potiti, collecta uniuersi exercitus manu, Spartam contendunt, putantes se uacuam praesidio ciuitatem nullo intraturos negotio, cuius iam omnes paene copias cum ipso rege delessent atque ab omnibus sociis destitutos uiderent. ### English translation (Claude) the Thebans, having gained the victory, gathered the force of their whole army and marched on Sparta, thinking they would enter without any trouble a city empty of defence, almost all of whose forces they had already destroyed together with the king, and which they saw abandoned by all its allies. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.1.18 (CSEL 5:140–141; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-1-18). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.1.19 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-1-19 - Source: CSEL 5:141 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Sparta's untrained levy could not resist. ### Latin text Lacedaemonii periculo ciuitatis inpulsi habito inexercitati militis qualicumque dilectu obuiam hosti procedunt. sed uictis semel aduersum uictores obsistendi nec uirtus nec animus erat. ### English translation (Claude) The Lacedaemonians, driven by the danger to the city, held some kind of levy of untrained soldiers and went out to meet the enemy. But having been conquered once, they had neither the courage nor the spirit to resist the victors. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.1.19 (CSEL 5:141; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-1-19). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.1.20 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-1-20 - Source: CSEL 5:141 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Agesilaus returned and defeated the Thebans. ### Latin text cum igitur caedes tantum unius paene partis ageretur, repente rex Agesilaus arcessitus ex Asia inprouisus bello superuenit; Thebanos iam successu duplicis uictoriae laetiores segnioresque adgreditur nec difficile superat, maxime cum adhuc apud ipsum paene integrae uires haberentur. ipse tamen Agesilaus grauiter uulneratur. ### English translation (Claude) So when only the slaughter of almost one side was going on, suddenly King Agesilaus, summoned from Asia, came upon the battle unexpectedly; he attacked the Thebans, already more joyful and slack from the success of a double victory, and overcame them without difficulty, especially since his forces were still almost intact. Agesilaus himself, however, was seriously wounded. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.1.20 (CSEL 5:141; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-1-20). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.1.21 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-1-21 - Source: CSEL 5:141 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Athens sent Iphicrates to help the Boeotians. ### Latin text at uero Athenienses cum conperissent insperata Lacedaemonios uictoria subleuatos, pristinae seruitutis, de qua tunc respirare uix coeperant, trepidi metu exercitum contrahunt eumque Boeotiis in auxilium adiungunt, commissum Iphicrati duci, qui adulescens admodum, uixdum annos uiginti natus, infirmitatem aetatis maturitate animi muniebat. ### English translation (Claude) But the Athenians, when they learned that the Lacedaemonians had been raised up by an unexpected victory, trembling with fear of their former slavery, from which they had then scarcely begun to breathe again, gathered an army and joined it to the Boeotians in aid, entrusted to the general Iphicrates, who, quite young, barely twenty years old, fortified the weakness of his age with maturity of spirit. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.1.21 (CSEL 5:141; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-1-21). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.1.22 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-1-22 - Source: CSEL 5:141–142 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Conon ravaged Spartan land; Sparta despaired. ### Latin text Conon quoque, uir quidem Atheniensis, dux autem Persici exercitus, audito Agesilai reditu ad populandos Lacedaemoniorum agros reuertitur. ita Spartani, strepitu circumsonantium undique hostium clausi atque exterriti, ultima propemodum desperatione tabuerunt. ### English translation (Claude) Conon too, an Athenian man but commander of the Persian army, hearing of the return of Agesilaus, came back to ravage the lands of the Lacedaemonians. So the Spartans, shut in by the din of enemies sounding all around them and terrified, wasted away in almost final despair. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.1.22 (CSEL 5:141–142; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-1-22). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.1.23 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-1-23 - Source: CSEL 5:142 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Conon grieved over ruined Athens. ### Latin text sed Conon postquam uasta hostilis soli populatione satiatus est, Athenas pergit, in maximo gaudio ciuium ipse tristis, quippe cum uideret urbem populo quondam cultuque ornatissimam, nunc miserabili ruinarum ac desolationis squalore confectam. ### English translation (Claude) But Conon, after he had sated himself with the vast devastation of the enemy's soil, went to Athens, himself sad amid the greatest joy of the citizens, since he saw the city, once most adorned with people and culture, now consumed by the wretched squalor of ruins and desolation. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.1.23 (CSEL 5:142; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-1-23). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.1.24 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-1-24 - Source: CSEL 5:142 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Conon rebuilt Athens with Spartan spoils and Persian labour. ### Latin text itaque magnum pietatis miserationisque monumentum in reparatione eius operatus est. namque eam a Lacedaemoniis exinanitam Lacedaemoniorum praedis repleuit, Persis incendentibus concrematam Persis aedificantibus reformauit. ### English translation (Claude) So he wrought a great monument of piety and compassion in its restoration: for he filled it, emptied by the Lacedaemonians, with the spoils of the Lacedaemonians, and rebuilt it, burned by the Persians, with Persians building. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.1.24 (CSEL 5:142; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-1-24). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.1.25 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-1-25 - Source: CSEL 5:142 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Artaxerxes imposed peace for his own ends. ### Latin text interea Artaxerxes rex Persarum, sicut principio dictum est, uniuersis Graeciae populis per legatos, ut ab armis discederent et paci adquiescerent, imperauit: non quia misericorditer fessis consuleret, sed ne se in Aegypto bellis occupato aliqua in regnum suum temptaretur inruptio. ### English translation (Claude) Meanwhile Artaxerxes, king of the Persians, as was said at the beginning, commanded all the peoples of Greece through envoys to withdraw from arms and acquiesce in peace: not because he took merciful thought for the weary, but so that, while he was occupied with wars in Egypt, no invasion of his kingdom would be attempted. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.1.25 (CSEL 5:142; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-1-25). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.2.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-2-1 - Source: CSEL 5:142–143 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Sparta broke the peace by stealth. ### Latin text Cunctis igitur Graecis optatissima quiete resolutis domesticoque otio torpentibus Lacedaemonii, inquieti magis quam strenui et furore potius quam uirtute intolerabiles, post bella deposita temptant furta bellorum. ### English translation (Claude) So when all the Greeks were relaxed in a most longed-for quiet and torpid with domestic leisure, the Lacedaemonians, restless rather than vigorous, and intolerable by fury rather than by courage, after laying down wars attempted thefts of war. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.2.1 (CSEL 5:142–143; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-2-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.2.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-2-2 - Source: CSEL 5:143 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Sparta seized an Arcadian fort; Arcadia and Thebes struck back. ### Latin text nam speculati absentiam Arcadum castellum eorum repentina inruptione perfringunt. Arcades uero exciti iniuria, iuncto sibi Thebanorum auxilio amissa furto bello repetunt. ### English translation (Claude) For, spying out the absence of the Arcadians, they broke into their fort by a sudden attack. The Arcadians, roused by the injury, joined to themselves the help of the Thebans and sought back by war what they had lost by theft. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.2.2 (CSEL 5:143; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-2-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.2.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-2-3 - Source: CSEL 5:143 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Sparta conceded defeat by asking for its dead. ### Latin text in eo proelio Archidamus dux Lacedaemoniorum uulneratus cum iam caedi suos ut uictos uideret, occisorum corpora per praeconem ad sepulturam poposcit: quod signum uictoriae traditae inter Graecos haberi solet. ### English translation (Claude) In that battle Archidamus, the Lacedaemonian general, wounded, when he saw his men already being slaughtered as conquered, asked through a herald for the bodies of the slain for burial: which among the Greeks is held to be a sign of victory conceded. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.2.3 (CSEL 5:143; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-2-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.2.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-2-4 - Source: CSEL 5:143 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Thebans stopped the battle. ### Latin text Thebani autem hac confessione contenti, dato parcendi signo, finem dedere certamini. ### English translation (Claude) The Thebans, content with this admission, gave the signal for sparing and put an end to the contest. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.2.4 (CSEL 5:143; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-2-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.2.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-2-5 - Source: CSEL 5:143 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Epaminondas attempted a night attack on Sparta. ### Latin text paucis deinde interuenientibus indutiarum diebus, Lacedaemoniis ad alia bella conuersis, Thebani cum Epaminonda duce de inuadenda Lacedaemona quasi secura et destituta cepere fiduciam. taciti intempesta nocte Lacedaemonam ueniunt; sed non ita incautam uel indefensam, sicut rebantur, offendunt: ### English translation (Claude) Then, a few days of truce intervening, while the Lacedaemonians were turned to other wars, the Thebans with their general Epaminondas took confidence about invading Lacedaemon as though secure and abandoned. They came silently to Lacedaemon in the dead of night; but they did not find it as unguarded or undefended as they had thought: ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.2.5 (CSEL 5:143; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-2-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.2.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-2-6 - Source: CSEL 5:143–144 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Sparta's old men held the gates until the young men came. ### Latin text armati enim senes cum reliqua turba inbellis aetatis, praecognito aduentu hostium, in ipsis se portarum angustiis obiecerunt et aduersus quindecim milia militum uix centum confecti aeuo homines proruperunt. his itaque tantam belli molem sustinentibus iuuentus superueniens congredi aduersus Thebanos aperto certamine incunctanter decreuit. ### English translation (Claude) for the old men, armed, with the rest of the crowd of unwarlike age, having foreknown the enemy's coming, threw themselves into the very narrows of the gates, and scarcely a hundred men worn out with age burst out against fifteen thousand soldiers. While they were sustaining so great a mass of war, the youth arrived and resolved without hesitation to engage the Thebans in open battle. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.2.6 (CSEL 5:143–144; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-2-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.2.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-2-7 - Source: CSEL 5:144 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Epaminondas was wounded and both sides withdrew. ### Latin text commisso proelio cum Lacedaemonii uincerentur, repente Epaminondas dux Thebanorum incautius dimicans uulneratur. quare dum his ex dolore metus, illis ex gaudio stupor nascitur, ueluti ex consensu tacito utrimque discessum est. ### English translation (Claude) When battle was joined and the Lacedaemonians were being defeated, suddenly Epaminondas, general of the Thebans, fighting too incautiously, was wounded. Therefore, while fear arose in these from grief and stupor in those from joy, both sides withdrew as if by tacit consent. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.2.7 (CSEL 5:144; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-2-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.2.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-2-8 - Source: CSEL 5:144 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Epaminondas died, and Thebes's power with him. ### Latin text Epaminondas autem grauiter saucius cum de uictoria suorum conperisset scutumque exosculatus esset, remota manu, qua uulnus occluserat, egressum sanguinis ac mortis patefecit introitum: cuius mortem sic Thebanorum perditio subsecuta est, ut non perdidisse ducem sed ipsi cum eo tunc perisse uiderentur. ### English translation (Claude) But Epaminondas, gravely wounded, when he had learned of his men's victory and had kissed his shield, removed the hand with which he had closed the wound and opened an exit for the blood and an entrance for death: and the ruin of the Thebans so followed his death that they seemed not to have lost a general but themselves to have perished with him. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.2.8 (CSEL 5:144; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-2-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.2.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-2-9 - Source: CSEL 5:144 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The history is as tangled as the wars. ### Latin text Contexui indigestae historiae inextricabilem cratem atque incertos bellorum orbes huc et illuc lymphatico furore gestorum uerbis e uestigio secutus inplicui, quoniam tanto, ut uideo, inordinatius scripsi, quanto magis ordinem custodiui. ### English translation (Claude) I have woven the tangled wickerwork of an undigested history, and, following in words step by step the uncertain cycles of wars waged here and there with frenzied fury, I have entangled them; for, as I see, I have written the more disorderly the more I have kept to the order. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.2.9 (CSEL 5:144; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-2-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.2.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-2-10 - Source: CSEL 5:144–145 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Sparta's lust for power caused countless wars. ### Latin text improba dominandi Lacedaemoniorum cupiditas quantis populis, qualibus urbibus, quibus prouinciis cuiusmodi odiorum motus, quantas causas certaminum suscitarit, quis uel numero uel ordine uel ratione disponat? cum ipsi quoque non plus adflicti bellis quam bellorum confusione referantur: ### English translation (Claude) The wicked desire of the Lacedaemonians for domination, among how many peoples, what cities, which provinces, what kind of movements of hatred, how many causes of conflict it stirred up, who could set out in number or order or reckoning? Since they themselves too are reported to have been afflicted no more by wars than by the confusion of wars: ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.2.10 (CSEL 5:144–145; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-2-10). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.2.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-2-11 - Source: CSEL 5:145 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Countless thousands died in these wars. ### Latin text siquidem tracto per aliquot aetates hoc continuo bello Athenienses Lacedaemonii Arcades Boeotii Thebani, postremo Graecia Asia Persis atque Aegyptos cum Libya insulisque, maximis nauales simul pedestresque conflictus indiscretis egere discursibus. referre caesa hominum milia non possem, etiam si bella numerarem. ### English translation (Claude) for, this continuous war being drawn out through several generations, the Athenians, Lacedaemonians, Arcadians, Boeotians, Thebans, and at last Greece, Asia, Persia and Egypt with Libya and the islands carried on the greatest naval and land conflicts in indiscriminate raids. I could not report the thousands of men slain, even if I numbered the wars. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.2.11 (CSEL 5:145; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-2-11). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.2.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-2-12 - Source: CSEL 5:145 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Those peoples now grow old at games, not in war. ### Latin text At nunc increpet haec tempora atque illa conlaudet, quicumque nescit hosce omnes istarum urbium prouinciarumque populos ita nunc in solis ludis ac theatris consenescere, sicuti tunc in castris maxime proeliisque tabuisse. ### English translation (Claude) But now let anyone rail at these times and praise those, who does not know that all these peoples of those cities and provinces now grow old in nothing but games and theatres, just as then they wasted away chiefly in camps and battles. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.2.12 (CSEL 5:145; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-2-12). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.2.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-2-13 - Source: CSEL 5:145 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Sparta had barely a hundred old men. ### Latin text florentissima illa et totius tunc imperium Orientis adfectans Lacedaemoniorum ciuitas uix centum habere potuit senes; ita incessabilibus circumuenta malis inmaturas misere expendebat aetates: ### English translation (Claude) That most flourishing city of the Lacedaemonians, then aspiring to the empire of the whole East, could scarcely have a hundred old men; so beset by unceasing evils, it wretchedly spent unripe lives: ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.2.13 (CSEL 5:145; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-2-13). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.2.14 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-2-14 - Source: CSEL 5:145–146 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Today's peaceful prosperity is still complained of. ### Latin text et queruntur nunc homines, quorum refertae pueris et senibus ciuitates secura iuuenum peregrinatione ditantur pacificisque exercitiis stipendia domesticae uoluptatis adquirunt? nisi forte — ut adsolent humanae mutabilitati omnia sordere praesentia — nouitates rerum acta audituque prurientibus ipsa etiam uita fastidio est. ### English translation (Claude) and do men complain now, whose cities, filled with boys and old men, grow rich by the safe travels of young men and earn by peaceful exercises the wages of domestic pleasure? Unless perhaps, as for human changeableness all present things are commonly worthless, to those itching for novelties in deed and hearing even life itself is a weariness. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.2.14 (CSEL 5:145–146; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-2-14). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.3.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-3-1 - Source: CSEL 5:146 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: An earthquake swallowed two cities of Achaia. ### Latin text Anno ab Vrbe condita CCCLXXVI saeuissimo terrae motu Achaia uniuersa concussa est et duae tunc ciuitates, id est Ebora et Helice, abruptis locorum hiatibus deuoratae. ### English translation (Claude) In the 376th year from the founding of the City all Achaia was shaken by a most savage earthquake, and two cities then, that is, Ebora and Helice, were swallowed up by chasms that broke open in the ground. ### Translation notes - Ebora is Bura. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.3.1 (CSEL 5:146; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-3-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.3.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-3-2 - Source: CSEL 5:146 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: At Constantinople a similar disaster was averted by prayer. ### Latin text At ego nunc e contrario poteram similia in diebus nostris apud Constantinopolim, aeque modo principem gentium, praedicta et facta sed non perfecta narrare, cum post terribilem denuntiationem conscientiamque mali sui praesciam subter commota funditus terra tremeret et desuper fusa caelitus flamma penderet, donec orationibus Arcadii principis et populi Christiani praesentem perditionem Deus exoratus auerteret, ### English translation (Claude) But I could now, on the contrary, tell of similar things in our own days at Constantinople, now likewise the chief of the nations, foretold and begun but not completed: when, after a terrible warning and a conscience foreknowing its own evil, the earth trembled, shaken from its foundations beneath, and flame poured from heaven hung above, until God, entreated by the prayers of the emperor Arcadius and the Christian people, turned away the present destruction, ### Translation notes - Probably the earthquake and fiery sign at Constantinople of 396. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.3.2 (CSEL 5:146; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-3-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.3.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-3-3 - Source: CSEL 5:146–147 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: God preserves the humble and punishes the wicked. ### Latin text probans se solum esse et conseruatorem humilium et punitorem malorum. sed haec ut commemorata sint magis quam explicita uerecundiae concesserim ut et qui scit recolat et qui nescit inquirat. ### English translation (Claude) proving that he alone is both the preserver of the humble and the punisher of the wicked. But I would yield it to modesty that these things be mentioned rather than set out, so that whoever knows may recall them and whoever does not may inquire. ### Scripture references - Luke 1:52: echo, low confidence ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.3.3 (CSEL 5:146–147; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-3-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.3.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-3-4 - Source: CSEL 5:147 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Camillus ended Rome's long wars with its neighbours. ### Latin text Interea Romani, qui per septuaginta annos ab urbe Vulseoram, praeterea Faliscorum Aequorum et Sutrinorum subacti et adtriti adsiduis bellis conficiebantur, tandem in supra scriptis diebus Camillo duce easdem cepere ciuitates et rediuiuo finem dedere certamini. ### English translation (Claude) Meanwhile the Romans, who for seventy years had been worn out and crushed by constant wars with the city of the Volsci, and besides with the Falisci, the Aequi and the Sutrini, at last in the days written above, under Camillus as leader, took these same cities and put an end to the reviving contest. ### Translation notes - The name is garbled in the digital text (*Vulseoram*). ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.3.4 (CSEL 5:147; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-3-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.3.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-3-5 - Source: CSEL 5:147 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Rome defeated Praeneste at the Allia. ### Latin text Praenestinos etiam eodem tempore, qui usque ad portam Romae bellando et caedendo peruenerant, ad flumen Haliam T. Quintio pugnante uicerunt. ### English translation (Claude) At the same time too they defeated the Praenestines, who had come fighting and killing as far as the gate of Rome, at the river Allia, with Titus Quintius commanding. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.3.5 (CSEL 5:147; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-3-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.4.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-4-1 - Source: CSEL 5:147 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: A great plague struck Rome. ### Latin text Anno ab Vrbe condita CCCLXXXIIII L. Genucio et Q. Seruilio consulibus ingens uniuersam Romam pestilentia corripuit: ### English translation (Claude) In the 384th year from the founding of the City, in the consulship of Lucius Genucius and Quintus Servilius, a great pestilence seized all Rome: ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.4.1 (CSEL 5:147; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-4-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.4.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-4-2 - Source: CSEL 5:147–148 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: It was not an ordinary seasonal sickness. ### Latin text non ut adsolet plus minusue solito temporum turbata temperies, hoc est aut intempestiua siccitas hiemis aut repentinus calor ueris aut incongruus umor aestatis uel autumni diuitis indigesta inlecebra, insuper etiam exspirata de Calabris saltibus aura corrumpens, repentinos acutarum infirmitatum adferre transcursus; ### English translation (Claude) not, as is usual, a disturbance of the seasons' balance, more or less than normal (that is, either an untimely drought of winter, or a sudden heat of spring, or an unsuitable moisture of summer, or the undigested allurement of a rich autumn, and besides a corrupting breeze breathed out from the Calabrian forests), bringing sudden passing attacks of acute illnesses; ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.4.2 (CSEL 5:147–148; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-4-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.4.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-4-3 - Source: CSEL 5:148 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The plague lasted two years and spared no one. ### Latin text sed grauis diuturnaque in nullo dispar sexu, in nulla aetate dissimilis generali cunctos per biennium iugiter tabe confecit, ut etiam quos non egit in mortem, turpi macie exinanitos adflictosque dimiserit. ### English translation (Claude) but grave and long-lasting, no different in either sex, not unlike in any age, it wasted all continuously for two years with a general consumption, so that even those it did not drive to death it left emptied and afflicted with a foul leanness. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.4.3 (CSEL 5:148; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-4-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.4.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-4-4 - Source: CSEL 5:148 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: He will tell how Rome tried to appease the gods. ### Latin text conquererentur hoc, ut arbitror, loco obtrectatores temporis Christiani, si forte silentio praeterierim, quibus tunc caerimoniis Romani placauerint deos et sedauerint morbos. ### English translation (Claude) The detractors of Christian times would complain at this point, I think, if I passed over in silence with what ceremonies the Romans then appeased the gods and calmed the diseases. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.4.4 (CSEL 5:148; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-4-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.4.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-4-5 - Source: CSEL 5:148 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Stage plays were introduced to appease the gods. ### Latin text cum pestilentia in dies crudesceret, auctores suasere pontifices, ut ludi scaenici diis expetentibus ederentur. ita pro depellenda temporali peste corporum arcessitus est perpetuus morbus animorum. ### English translation (Claude) When the pestilence grew worse day by day, the pontiffs as advisers urged that stage plays be put on for the gods who demanded them. So, to drive away a temporary plague of the body, a perpetual disease of souls was summoned. ### Translation notes - Cf. Augustine, *City of God* 1.32. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.4.5 (CSEL 5:148; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-4-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.4.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-4-6 - Source: CSEL 5:148–149 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: He refers the reader to Augustine's treatment. ### Latin text uber nunc quidem mihi iste doloris atque increpationis locus est, sed, in quo iam reuerentia tua studium sapientiae et ueritatis exercuit, mihi super eo audere fas non est, commonuisse me satis sit et ex qualibet intentione lectorem ad illius lectionis plenitudinem remisisse. ### English translation (Claude) Here indeed there is rich room for grief and reproach; but on a matter in which Your Reverence has already exercised the zeal for wisdom and truth, it is not right for me to venture; let it be enough for me to have reminded, and to have referred the reader, whatever his purpose, to the fullness of that reading. ### Translation notes - Augustine, *City of God* 1.32–33; 2.8, 13. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.4.6 (CSEL 5:148–149; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-4-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.5.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-5-1 - Source: CSEL 5:149 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: A chasm opened in the Forum. ### Latin text Sequitur hanc miseram luem miserioremque eius expiationem proximo anno satis triste prodigium. repente siquidem medio Vrbis terra dissiluit, uastoque praeruptu hiantia subito inferna patuerunt. ### English translation (Claude) This wretched plague and its more wretched expiation were followed the next year by a sad enough portent. For suddenly in the middle of the City the earth burst apart, and through a vast chasm the gaping depths suddenly lay open. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.5.1 (CSEL 5:149; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-5-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.5.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-5-2 - Source: CSEL 5:149 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The chasm was said to demand a living man. ### Latin text manebat diu ad spectaculum terroremque cunctorum patenti uoragine inpudens specus nefariamque uiui hominis sepulturam diis interpretibus expetebat. ### English translation (Claude) The shameless cave remained a long time with its open abyss, a spectacle and terror to all, and, as the gods' interpreters said, demanded the wicked burial of a living man. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.5.2 (CSEL 5:149; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-5-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.5.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-5-3 - Source: CSEL 5:149 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Marcus Curtius leapt into the chasm. ### Latin text satisfecit inprobis faucibus praecipitio sui M. Curtius, uir eques armatus, iniecitque crudeli terrae inopinam satietatem, cui parum esset, quod ex tanta pestilentia mortuos per sepulchra susciperet, nisi etiam uiuos scissa sorberet. ### English translation (Claude) Marcus Curtius, an armed knight, satisfied the wicked jaws by throwing himself in, and cast into the cruel earth an unexpected surfeit, for which it was too little that it received through tombs those dead of so great a pestilence, unless, split open, it also swallowed the living. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.5.3 (CSEL 5:149; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-5-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.6.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-6-1 - Source: CSEL 5:149 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Gauls again threatened Rome. ### Latin text Anno ab urbe condita CCCLXXXVIII iterum terribilis Gallorum inundatio iuxta Anienem fluuium ad quartum ab Vrbe lapidem consedit, facile sine dubio pondere multitudinis et alacritate uirtutis perturbatam occupatura ciuitatem, nisi otio et lentitudine torpuisset. ### English translation (Claude) In the 388th year from the founding of the City, again a terrible flood of Gauls settled by the river Anio at the fourth milestone from the City; doubtless it would easily have seized the alarmed city by the weight of its numbers and the eagerness of its courage, had it not grown torpid with leisure and slowness. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.6.1 (CSEL 5:149; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-6-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.6.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-6-2 - Source: CSEL 5:149–150 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Manlius Torquatus and the dictators defeated the Gauls. ### Latin text ubi atrocissimam pugnam Manlius Torquatus singulariter inchoauit, T. Quintius dictator cruentissima congressione confecit. fugati ex hoc proelio plurimi Galli, instauratis iterum copiis in bellum ruentes a C. Sulpicio dictatore superati sunt. ### English translation (Claude) There Manlius Torquatus began a most fierce battle in single combat, and Titus Quintius the dictator finished it in a most bloody engagement. Very many Gauls, put to flight in this battle, renewed their forces, rushed again into war, and were overcome by the dictator Gaius Sulpicius. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.6.2 (CSEL 5:149–150; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-6-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.6.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-6-3 - Source: CSEL 5:150 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: A battle with the Etruscans. ### Latin text post paululum quoque Tuscorum pugna sub C. Marcio consecuta est: ubi conici datur quantum hominum caesum sit, quando octo milia sunt capta Tuscorum. ### English translation (Claude) A little later a battle with the Etruscans followed under Gaius Marcius: in which one may infer how many men were killed, since eight thousand Etruscans were captured. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.6.3 (CSEL 5:150; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-6-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.6.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-6-4 - Source: CSEL 5:150 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Rome raised ten legions against the Gauls. ### Latin text Tertio autem in isdem diebus Galli se in praedam per maritima loca subiectosque campos ab Albanis montibus diffuderunt; aduersum quos, nouo militum dilectu habito conscriptisque legionibus decem, LX milia Romanorum, negatis sibi Latinorum auxiliis, processerunt. ### English translation (Claude) A third time in the same days the Gauls spread out for plunder through the coastal regions and the plains below the Alban mountains; against them, a new levy of soldiers having been held and ten legions enrolled, sixty thousand Romans went out, the help of the Latins being refused them. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.6.4 (CSEL 5:150; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-6-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.6.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-6-5 - Source: CSEL 5:150 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Valerius Corvinus defeated the Gauls with a raven's help. ### Latin text confecit hanc pugnam M. Valerius, auxiliante coruo alite, unde postea Coruinus est dictus. occiso enim prouocatore Gallo, hostes territi sparsimque fugientes grauiter trucidati sunt. ### English translation (Claude) Marcus Valerius finished this battle, helped by a raven, from which he was afterwards called Corvinus. For when the Gallic challenger had been killed, the enemy, terrified and fleeing in scattered groups, were heavily slaughtered. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.6.5 (CSEL 5:150; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-6-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.7.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-7-1 - Source: CSEL 5:150–151 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The first treaty with Carthage began great evils. ### Latin text Numerandum etiam inter mala censeo primum illud ictum cum Carthaginiensibus foedus, quod isdem temporibus fuit; praesertim ex quo tam grauia orta sunt mala, ut exim coepisse uideantur. ### English translation (Claude) I think that the first treaty struck with the Carthaginians, which was at the same time, should also be counted among the evils; especially since such grievous evils arose from it that they seem to have begun from then. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.7.1 (CSEL 5:150–151; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-7-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.7.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-7-2 - Source: CSEL 5:151 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Carthage made a treaty with Rome. ### Latin text anno siquidem ab Vrbe condita CCCCII legati a Carthagine Romam missi sunt foedusque pepigerant. ### English translation (Claude) For in the 402nd year from the founding of the City envoys were sent from Carthage to Rome and made a treaty. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.7.2 (CSEL 5:151; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-7-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.7.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-7-3 - Source: CSEL 5:151 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Carthage's entry into Italy brought endless misery. ### Latin text quem ingressum Carthaginiensium in Italiam malorum grandinem secuturam continuarumque miseriarum tenebras iuges historiarum fides locorumque infamia et abominatio dierum, quibus ea gesta sunt, protestantur. ### English translation (Claude) That a hailstorm of evils and continual darkness of continuous miseries would follow this entry of the Carthaginians into Italy, the trustworthiness of histories, the infamy of places, and the abomination of the days on which those things were done all bear witness. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.7.3 (CSEL 5:151; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-7-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.7.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-7-4 - Source: CSEL 5:151 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Portents of darkness and stone-hail. ### Latin text Tunc etiam nox usque ad plurimam diei partem tendi uisa est et saxea de nubibus grando descendens ueris terram lapidibus uerberauit. ### English translation (Claude) Then too night was seen to stretch into the greater part of the day, and a hail of stone coming down from the clouds beat the earth with real stones. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.7.4 (CSEL 5:151; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-7-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.7.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-7-5 - Source: CSEL 5:151 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Alexander the Great was born. ### Latin text Quibus diebus etiam Alexander Magnus, uere ille gurges miseriarum atque atrocissimus turbo totius Orientis, est natus. ### English translation (Claude) In those days too Alexander the Great was born, truly a whirlpool of miseries and the most atrocious whirlwind of the whole East. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.7.5 (CSEL 5:151; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-7-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.7.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-7-6 - Source: CSEL 5:151 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Artaxerxes Ochus deported Jews to Hyrcania. ### Latin text Tunc etiam Ochus, qui et Artaxerxes, post transactum in Aegypto maximum diuturnumque bellum plurimos Iudaeorum in transmigrationem egit atque in Hyrcania ad Caspium mare habitare praecepit: ### English translation (Claude) Then too Ochus, also called Artaxerxes, after finishing a very great and long war in Egypt, drove very many of the Jews into deportation and commanded them to live in Hyrcania by the Caspian Sea: ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.7.6 (CSEL 5:151; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-7-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.7.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-7-7 - Source: CSEL 5:151–152 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: They are said to remain there and may yet break out. ### Latin text quos ibi usque in hodiernum diem amplissimis generis sui incrementis consistere atque exim quandoque erupturos opinio est. ### English translation (Claude) the opinion is that they remain there to this day with very great increase of their race and will some day break out from there. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.7.7 (CSEL 5:151–152; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-7-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.7.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-7-8 - Source: CSEL 5:152 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Ochus destroyed Sidon and subdued Egypt. ### Latin text cuius etiam belli tempestate transcurrens et Sidonam opulentissimam Phoenicis prouinciae urbem deleuit et Aegyptum, quamuis prius uictus, tunc tamen subactam comminutamque ferro Persarum subiecit imperio. ### English translation (Claude) In the storm of that war, passing through, he also destroyed Sidon, the richest city of the province of Phoenicia, and Egypt, although he had earlier been defeated, he then subjected to the empire of the Persians, subdued and crushed by the sword. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.7.8 (CSEL 5:152; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-7-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.8.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-8-1 - Source: CSEL 5:152 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Samnite, Pyrrhic, and Punic wars followed one another. ### Latin text Iam hinc statim a Romanis aduersum Samnitas, gentem opibus armisque ualidam, pro Campanis et Sedicinis bella suscepta sunt; Samniticum bellum ancipiti statu gestum Pyrrhus uel maximus Romani nominis hostis excepit; Pyrrhi bellum mox Punicum consecutum est: ### English translation (Claude) From here at once wars were undertaken by the Romans against the Samnites, a people strong in wealth and arms, on behalf of the Campanians and Sidicini; the Samnite war, waged in an uncertain state, was taken over by Pyrrhus, perhaps the greatest enemy of the Roman name; the war with Pyrrhus was soon followed by the Punic war: ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.8.1 (CSEL 5:152; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-8-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.8.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-8-2 - Source: CSEL 5:152 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: From then on evils blazed like the noonday sun. ### Latin text et quamuis numquam post mortem Numae a bellorum cladibus fuisse cessatum patentes semper Iani portae indicent, ex eo tamen ueluti per meridiem toto inpressus caelo malorum feruor incanduit. ### English translation (Claude) and although the gates of Janus, always open, show that there was never a respite from the disasters of wars after the death of Numa, yet from that time, as though at midday, a heat of evils pressed on the whole sky blazed up. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.8.2 (CSEL 5:152; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-8-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.8.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-8-3 - Source: CSEL 5:152 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: War never ceased until Augustus. ### Latin text porro autem, inchoato semel bello Punico utrum aliquando bella caedes ruinae atque omnia infandarum mortium genera nisi Caesare Augusto imperante cessauerint, inquirat inueniat prodat quisquis infamanda Christiana tempora putat. ### English translation (Claude) Moreover, once the Punic war had begun, whether wars, slaughter, ruins and all kinds of unspeakable deaths ever ceased except under the rule of Caesar Augustus, let whoever thinks the Christian times are to be defamed inquire, find out and declare. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.8.3 (CSEL 5:152; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-8-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.8.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-8-4 - Source: CSEL 5:152–153 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: A single year of peace only made things worse. ### Latin text absque illo tamen inter bella Punica unius anni ueluti auis praeteruolantis excursu Romani propter clausas Iani portas inter febres morbosque reipublicae, ad hoc breuissimo pacis signo uelut tenuissimo aquae gelidae haustu inlecti sunt, ut in peius recalescentes multo grauius uehementiusque adflictarentur. ### English translation (Claude) Apart from that, however, amid the Punic wars, in the passing of one single year, as of a bird flying by, because of the closing of the gates of Janus amid the fevers and diseases of the commonwealth, the Romans were so enticed by this briefest sign of peace, as by the slightest draught of cold water, that, growing hot again for the worse, they were afflicted much more gravely and violently. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.8.4 (CSEL 5:152–153; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-8-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.8.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-8-5 - Source: CSEL 5:153 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Under Augustus the whole world for the first time lived in peace under Roman law. ### Latin text At uero, si indubitatissime constat sub Augusto primum Caesare post Parthicam pacem uniuersum terrarum orbem positis armis abolitisque discordiis generali pace et noua quiete conpositum Romanis paruisse legibus, Romana iura quam propria arma maluisse spretisque ducibus suis iudices elegisse Romanos, ### English translation (Claude) But if it is beyond all doubt established that under Caesar Augustus, for the first time, after the peace with Parthia, the whole world, arms laid down and discords abolished, settled in a general peace and a new quiet, obeyed the laws of the Romans, preferred Roman law to its own arms, and, scorning its own leaders, chose Roman judges; ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.8.5 (CSEL 5:153; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-8-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.8.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-8-6 - Source: CSEL 5:153 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: All the world then shared one will for peace. ### Latin text postremo omnibus gentibus, cunctis prouinciis, innumeris ciuitatibus, infinitis populis, totis terris unam fuisse uoluntatem libero honestoque studio inseruire paci atque in commune consulere — quod prius ne una quidem ciuitas unusue populus ciuium uel, quod maius est, una domus fratrum iugiter habere potuisset —; ### English translation (Claude) and finally that all nations, all provinces, countless cities, innumerable peoples, the whole earth had one will, to serve peace with free and honourable zeal and to take counsel for the common good (which before not even one city or one people of citizens, or, what is more, one household of brothers could have maintained continuously); ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.8.6 (CSEL 5:153; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-8-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.8.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-8-7 - Source: CSEL 5:153 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Christ was born in the reign of Augustus. ### Latin text quodsi etiam, cum imperante Caesare ista prouenerint, in ipso imperio Caesaris inluxisse ortum in hoc mundo Domini nostri Iesu Christi liquidissima probatione manifestum est: ### English translation (Claude) and if, since these things came about under the rule of Caesar, it is also manifest by the clearest proof that in the very reign of Caesar the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ shone forth in this world: ### Scripture references - Luke 2:1: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Luke 2:1. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.8.7 (CSEL 5:153; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-8-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.8.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-8-8 - Source: CSEL 5:153–154 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The peace of Augustus came from the power of the Son of God. ### Latin text inuiti licet illi, quos in blasphemiam urguebat inuidia, cognoscere faterique cogentur, pacem istam totius mundi et tranquillissimam serenitatem non magnitudine Caesaris sed potestate filii Dei, qui in diebus Caesaris apparuit, exstitisse nec unius urbis imperatori sed creatori orbis uniuersi orbem ipsum generali cognitione paruisse, qui, sicut sol oriens diem luce perfundit, ita adueniens misericorditer extenta mundum pace uestierit. quod plenius, cum ad id ipso perficiente Domino uentum fuerit, proferetur. ### English translation (Claude) then those whom envy drove to blasphemy will be forced, though unwilling, to recognize and confess that this peace of the whole world and its most tranquil calm came about not by the greatness of Caesar but by the power of the Son of God, who appeared in the days of Caesar, and that the world itself obeyed, in a general knowledge, not the emperor of one city but the creator of the whole world, who, as the rising sun floods the day with light, so at his coming mercifully clothed the world with an extended peace. This will be set out more fully when, the Lord himself bringing it about, we come to that point. ### Scripture references - Luke 1:78: echo, low confidence ### Translation notes - 'Rising sun' recalls Mal 4:2 and Luke 1:78. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.8.8 (CSEL 5:153–154; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-8-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.9.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-9-1 - Source: CSEL 5:154 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: In the Latin war one consul died, the other killed his son. ### Latin text Igitur anno ab urbe condita CCCCVIIII Romani bellum Latinis rebellantibus intulerunt Manlio Torquato et Decio Mure consulibus. in quo bello unus consul interfectus est, alter exstitit parricida. ### English translation (Claude) So in the 409th year from the founding of the City the Romans made war on the rebelling Latins, in the consulship of Manlius Torquatus and Decius Mus. In that war one consul was killed, the other became the killer of his son. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.9.1 (CSEL 5:154; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-9-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.9.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-9-2 - Source: CSEL 5:154 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Manlius executed his victorious son. ### Latin text Manlius enim Torquatus filium suum, iuuenem, uictorem, interfectoremque Metii Tusculani, nobilis equitis et tum praecipue prouocantis atque insultantis hostis, occidit. ### English translation (Claude) For Manlius Torquatus killed his son, a young man, a victor, the slayer of Metius of Tusculum, a noble knight and an enemy who was then especially challenging and insulting. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.9.2 (CSEL 5:154; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-9-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.9.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-9-3 - Source: CSEL 5:154 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Decius devoted himself to death. ### Latin text alius uero consul cum iterato conflictu illud cornu, cui praeerat, caedi atque adfligi uideret, in confertissimos hostes sponte prolapsus occubuit. ### English translation (Claude) But the other consul, when in a renewed engagement he saw the wing he commanded being cut down and crushed, threw himself of his own accord among the densest enemies and fell. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.9.3 (CSEL 5:154; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-9-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.9.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-9-4 - Source: CSEL 5:154–155 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Manlius was denied the customary honour. ### Latin text Manlius quamuis uictor occursum tamen nobilium iuuenum Romanorum, qui legitime exhiberi solet, triumphans parricida non meruit. ### English translation (Claude) Manlius, although victor, did not deserve, as a triumphing slayer of his son, the procession of the noble Roman youths which is customarily shown. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.9.4 (CSEL 5:154–155; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-9-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.9.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-9-5 - Source: CSEL 5:155 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: A Vestal was buried alive. ### Latin text Anno autem post hunc subsequente Minucia uirgo Vestalis ob admissum incestum damnata est uiuaque obruta in campo, qui nunc sceleratus uocatur. ### English translation (Claude) In the year following this, Minucia, a Vestal Virgin, was condemned for incest committed and buried alive in the field which is now called the Accursed. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.9.5 (CSEL 5:155; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-9-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.10.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-10-1 - Source: CSEL 5:155 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Roman matrons committed a strange crime. ### Latin text At uero paruo enim tempore interiecto horresco referre quod gestum est. nam Claudio Marcello et Valerio Flacco consulibus incredibili rabie et amore scelerum Romanae matronae exarserunt. ### English translation (Claude) But after a short interval of time I shudder to report what was done. For in the consulship of Claudius Marcellus and Valerius Flaccus Roman matrons burned with an incredible madness and love of crimes. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.10.1 (CSEL 5:155; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-10-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.10.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-10-2 - Source: CSEL 5:155 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The deaths were found to be poisonings by matrons. ### Latin text erat utique foedus ille ac pestilens annus infictaeque iam undique cateruatim strages egerebantur et adhuc tamen penes omnes de corrupto aere simplex credulitas erat, cum, exsistente quadam ancilla indice et conuincente, primum multae matronae ut biberent quae coxerant uenena compulsae, deinde, simul atque hausere, consumptae sunt. ### English translation (Claude) That was indeed a foul and pestilent year; the dead were already being carried out in crowds everywhere, and yet all simply believed it came from corrupted air, when, a certain slave girl coming forward as informer and proving it, first many matrons were compelled to drink the poisons they had brewed, and then, as soon as they drank, they were consumed. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.10.2 (CSEL 5:155; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-10-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.10.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-10-3 - Source: CSEL 5:155 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Three hundred and seventy were condemned. ### Latin text tanta autem multitudo fuit matronarum in his facinoribus consciarum, ut trecentae septuaginta damnatae ex illis simul fuisse referantur. ### English translation (Claude) So great was the multitude of matrons privy to these crimes that three hundred and seventy of them are reported to have been condemned at once. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.10.3 (CSEL 5:155; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-10-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.11.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-11-1 - Source: CSEL 5:155–156 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Alexander of Epirus was killed in Lucania. ### Latin text Anno ab Vrbe condita CCCCXXII Alexander rex Epirotarum, Alexandri illius Magni auunculus, traiectis in Italiam copiis cum bellum aduersus Romanos pararet et circa finitimas Romae urbes firmare uires exercitus sui auxiliaque uel sibi adquirere uel hostibus subtrahere studens bellis exerceretur, a Samnitibus, qui Lucanae genti suffragabantur, maximo bello in Lucania uictus atque occisus est. ### English translation (Claude) In the 422nd year from the founding of the City, Alexander, king of the Epirotes, uncle of that Alexander the Great, having brought his forces over into Italy, while he was preparing war against the Romans and was engaged in wars around the cities neighbouring Rome, eager to strengthen the forces of his army and either gain allies for himself or withdraw them from the enemy, was defeated and killed in a very great war in Lucania by the Samnites, who were supporting the Lucanian people. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.11.1 (CSEL 5:155–156; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-11-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.11.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-11-2 - Source: CSEL 5:156 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: He turns to Philip of Macedon. ### Latin text Sed, quoniam aliquantum Romanas clades recensendo progressus sum, uel Alexandri istius mentione commonitus, de Philippo Macedonum rege, qui Olympiadem huius Alexandri Epirotae sororem uxorem habuit, ex qua Alexandrum Magnum genuit, paucissimis annis retro repetitis magna paruis in quantum potero colligam. ### English translation (Claude) But since I have advanced somewhat in reviewing Roman disasters, reminded also by the mention of this Alexander, I shall gather, as far as I can, great things into small compass concerning Philip, king of the Macedonians, who had as wife Olympias, sister of this Alexander of Epirus, and by her begot Alexander the Great, going back a very few years. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.11.2 (CSEL 5:156; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-11-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.12.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-12-1 - Source: CSEL 5:156–157 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Philip reigned twenty-five years. ### Latin text Anno ab urbe condita cccc Philippus Amyntae filius Alexandri pater regnum Macedonum adeptus, xxv annis tenuit, quibus hos omnes acerbitatum aceruos cunctasque malorum moles struxit. ### English translation (Claude) In the 400th year from the founding of the City, Philip, son of Amyntas and father of Alexander, obtained the kingdom of the Macedonians and held it twenty-five years, in which he piled up all these heaps of bitterness and all these masses of evils. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.12.1 (CSEL 5:156–157; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-12-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.12.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-12-2 - Source: CSEL 5:157 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Philip was educated at Thebes under Epaminondas. ### Latin text hic primum ab Alexandro fratre obses Thebanis datus, per triennium apud Epaminondam strenuissimum imperatorem et summum philosophum eruditus est. ### English translation (Claude) He was first given by his brother Alexander as a hostage to the Thebans and was educated for three years in the house of Epaminondas, a most vigorous general and a great philosopher. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.12.2 (CSEL 5:157; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-12-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.12.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-12-3 - Source: CSEL 5:157 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Philip took the throne after his mother's crimes. ### Latin text ipso autem Alexandro scelere Eurydices matris occiso, quamuis ea iam commisso adulterio et altero primum filio interfecto filiaque uiduata generi nuptias mariti morte pepigisset, conpulsus a populo regnum, quod paruo occisi fratris filio tuebatur, suscepit. ### English translation (Claude) When Alexander himself had been killed by the crime of their mother Eurydice (although she, having already committed adultery and first killed another son and widowed her daughter, had promised marriage to her son-in-law upon her husband's death), he was compelled by the people to take up the kingdom, which he was guarding for the little son of his slain brother. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.12.3 (CSEL 5:157; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-12-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.12.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-12-4 - Source: CSEL 5:157 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Philip first fought Athens. ### Latin text qui cum foris concursu exsurgentium undique hostium, domi autem deprehensarum saepe insidiarum metu fatigaretur, primum bellum cum Atheniensibus gessit. ### English translation (Claude) Wearied abroad by the onset of enemies rising up on every side and at home by fear of plots often detected, he first waged war with the Athenians. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.12.4 (CSEL 5:157; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-12-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.12.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-12-5 - Source: CSEL 5:157 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: He defeated the Illyrians and took Larissa. ### Latin text quibus uictis arma ad Illyrios transtulit multisque milibus hostium trucidatis Larissam urbem nobilissimam cepit. ### English translation (Claude) Having defeated them, he turned his arms against the Illyrians and, slaughtering many thousands of the enemy, took Larissa, a most noble city. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.12.5 (CSEL 5:157; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-12-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.12.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-12-6 - Source: CSEL 5:157 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: He invaded Thessaly for its cavalry. ### Latin text inde Thessaliam non magis amore uictoriae quam ambitione habendorum equitum Thessalorum, quorum robur ut exercitui suo admisceret, inuasit. ### English translation (Claude) From there he invaded Thessaly, not so much from love of victory as from ambition to have the Thessalian cavalry, whose strength he might mix into his army. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.12.6 (CSEL 5:157; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-12-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.12.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-12-7 - Source: CSEL 5:157–158 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: He built an invincible army. ### Latin text ita Thessalis ex inprouiso praeoccupatis atque in potestatem redactis, iungendo equitum peditumque fortissimas turmas et copias inuictissimum fecit exercitum. ### English translation (Claude) So, the Thessalians being seized unexpectedly and brought under his power, by joining the strongest squadrons and forces of horse and foot he made a most invincible army. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.12.7 (CSEL 5:157–158; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-12-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.12.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-12-8 - Source: CSEL 5:158 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Philip married Olympias and dispossessed her brother. ### Latin text igitur uictis Atheniensibus subiectisque Thessalis Olympiadem, Arabae regis Molossorum sororem duxit uxorem. qui Aruba cum per hoc, quod societatem Macedonum adfinitate regis paciscebatur, imperium suum se dilataturum putaret, per hoc deceptus amisit priuatusque in exilio consenuit. ### English translation (Claude) So, the Athenians defeated and the Thessalians subdued, he married Olympias, sister of Arybas, king of the Molossians. Arybas, thinking that by this, since he was contracting an alliance with the Macedonians by kinship with the king, he would enlarge his own empire, was deceived by this very thing, lost it, and grew old as a private man in exile. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.12.8 (CSEL 5:158; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-12-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.12.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-12-9 - Source: CSEL 5:158 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Philip lost an eye at Methone. ### Latin text deinde Philippus, cum Mothonam urbem oppugnaret, ictu sagittae oculum perdidit. ipsam uero urbem mox expugnauit et cepit. ### English translation (Claude) Then Philip, while besieging the city of Methone, lost an eye from the stroke of an arrow. But he soon stormed and took the city itself. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.12.9 (CSEL 5:158; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-12-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.12.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-12-10 - Source: CSEL 5:158 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Greece's divisions let Philip conquer it. ### Latin text Exim Graeciam prope totam consiliis praeuentam uiribus domuit. quippe Graeciae ciuitates dum imperare singulae cupiunt, imperium omnes perdiderunt et dum in mutuum exitium sine modo ruunt, omnibus perire quod singulae amitterent oppressae demum seruientesque senserunt. ### English translation (Claude) Thereafter he subdued by force almost all Greece, first outwitted by his counsels. For the cities of Greece, while each desired to rule, all lost their rule, and while they rushed without measure to mutual destruction, they realized only when crushed and enslaved that what each lost was perishing for all. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.12.10 (CSEL 5:158; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-12-10). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.12.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-12-11 - Source: CSEL 5:158–159 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Philip played the Greek cities off against each other. ### Latin text quarum dum insanas conuersationes Philippus ueluti e specula obseruat auxiliumque semper inferioribus suggerendo contentiones, bellorum fomites, callidus doli artifex fouet, uictos sibi pariter uictoresque subiecit. ### English translation (Claude) While Philip watched their mad dealings as from a watchtower, and, always suggesting help to the weaker side, cunning craftsman of deceit, fostered contentions, the kindling of wars, he subjected to himself conquered and conquerors alike. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.12.11 (CSEL 5:158–159; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-12-11). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.12.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-12-12 - Source: CSEL 5:159 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Thebes's harshness drove Sparta and Phocis to war. ### Latin text huic autem ad obtinendam totius Graeciae dominationem immoderata Thebanorum dominatio facultatem dedit, qui uictos Lacedaemonios ac Phocenses, caedibus etiam rapinisque confectos, cum insuper in communi Graeciae concilio tanta pecuniae multa onerauissent, quantam illi soluere nullo modo possent, ad arma confugere coegerunt. ### English translation (Claude) The immoderate domination of the Thebans gave him the opportunity to gain the domination of all Greece: when they had defeated the Lacedaemonians and the Phocians, worn out also by slaughter and plunder, and had moreover burdened them in the common council of Greece with so great a fine of money as they could in no way pay, they forced them to take refuge in arms. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.12.12 (CSEL 5:159; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-12-12). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.12.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-12-13 - Source: CSEL 5:159 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Phocian war: Philomelus fell. ### Latin text itaque Phocenses Philomelo duce et auxiliis Lacedaemoniorum Atheniensiumque fulti commissa pugna fugatisque hostibus Thebanorum castra ceperunt. sequenti proelio inter inmensas utriusque populi strages Philomelus occisus est; in cuius locum Phocenses Oenomaum ducem creauerunt. ### English translation (Claude) So the Phocians, with Philomelus as leader and supported by the help of the Lacedaemonians and Athenians, joined battle, routed the enemy and took the camp of the Thebans. In the next battle, amid immense slaughter of both peoples, Philomelus was killed; in his place the Phocians made Onomarchus general. ### Translation notes - The digital text names him *Oenomaus*; he is Onomarchus in other sources. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.12.13 (CSEL 5:159; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-12-13). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.12.14 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-12-14 - Source: CSEL 5:159 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Thebes and Thessaly called in Philip, who crushed the Phocians. ### Latin text Porro autem Thebani et Thessali omisso dilectu ciuium Philippum Macedoniae regem, quem hostem prius repellere laborabant, ultro sibi ducem expetiuerunt. commisso proelio et Phocensibus paene ad internecionem caesis uictoria ad Philippum concessit. ### English translation (Claude) But the Thebans and Thessalians, giving up a levy of their own citizens, of their own accord sought as their leader Philip, king of Macedonia, whom earlier they had laboured to repel as an enemy. Battle was joined, the Phocians were cut down almost to extermination, and victory went to Philip. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.12.14 (CSEL 5:159; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-12-14). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.12.15 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-12-15 - Source: CSEL 5:159–160 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Athens held Thermopylae against Philip. ### Latin text sed Athenienses audito belli euentu, ne Philippus transiret in Graeciam, angustias Thermopylarum pari ratione sicut aduentantibus antea Persis occupauere. ### English translation (Claude) But the Athenians, on hearing the outcome of the war, to keep Philip from crossing into Greece, seized the narrows of Thermopylae in the same way as they had earlier when the Persians approached. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.12.15 (CSEL 5:159–160; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-12-15). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.12.16 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-12-16 - Source: CSEL 5:160 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Philip turned on his own allies. ### Latin text Igitur Philippus ubi exclusum se ab ingressu Graeciae praestructis Thermopylis uidet, paratum in hostes bellum uertit in socios: nam ciuitates, quarum paulo ante dux fuerat, ad gratulandum ac suscipiendum patentes hostiliter inuadit, crudeliter ### English translation (Claude) So Philip, when he saw himself shut out from entering Greece by the blocking of Thermopylae, turned the war prepared against the enemy upon his allies: for the cities whose leader he had been a little before, which lay open to congratulate and receive him, he attacked as an enemy, cruelly ### Translation notes - The sentence continues in 3.12.17. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.12.16 (CSEL 5:160; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-12-16). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.12.17 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-12-17 - Source: CSEL 5:160 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: He sacked their cities and temples, yet was never defeated. ### Latin text diripit, omnique societatis conscientia penitus abolita coniuges liberosque omnium sub corona uendidit, templa quoque uniuersa subuertit spoliauitque, nec tamen umquam per xxv annos quasi iratis dis uictus est. ### English translation (Claude) plundered them, and, every sense of alliance utterly abolished, sold the wives and children of all at auction; he also overthrew and despoiled all the temples; and yet in twenty-five years he was never defeated, as though the gods were angry. ### Translation notes - Ironical: the gods whose temples he despoiled never punished him. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.12.17 (CSEL 5:160; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-12-17). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.12.18 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-12-18 - Source: CSEL 5:160 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: He conquered Cappadocia by treachery. ### Latin text post haec in Cappadociam transiit ibique bellum pari perfidia gessit, captos per dolum finitimos reges interfecit totamque Cappadociam imperio Macedoniae subdidit. ### English translation (Claude) After this he crossed into Cappadocia and there waged war with equal treachery; he killed neighbouring kings captured by deceit and subjected all Cappadocia to the empire of Macedonia. ### Translation notes - 'Cappadocia' is probably a slip for Chalcidice or Thrace. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.12.18 (CSEL 5:160; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-12-18). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.12.19 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-12-19 - Source: CSEL 5:160 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: He set about killing his half-brothers. ### Latin text inde post caedes incendia depraedationesque in sociis urbibus gestas parricidia in fratres conuertit, quos patri ex nouerca genitos cum coheredes regni uereretur, interficere adgressus est. ### English translation (Claude) Then, after the slaughter, burnings and plundering carried out in allied cities, he turned to the murder of his brothers, whom, born to his father of a stepmother, he feared as co-heirs of the kingdom, and set about killing them. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.12.19 (CSEL 5:160; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-12-19). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.12.20 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-12-20 - Source: CSEL 5:160–161 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: He destroyed Olynthus and killed his brothers. ### Latin text cum autem unum ex his occidisset, duo in Olynthum confugerunt: quam mox Philippus hostiliter adgressus urbem antiquissimam et florentissimam, caedibus ac sanguine repletam opibus hominibusque uacuauit, abstractos etiam fratres supplicio et neci dedit. ### English translation (Claude) When he had killed one of them, two fled to Olynthus: Philip soon attacked it as an enemy, filled that most ancient and flourishing city with slaughter and blood, emptied it of wealth and men, and gave the brothers, dragged out, to punishment and death. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.12.20 (CSEL 5:160–161; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-12-20). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.12.21 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-12-21 - Source: CSEL 5:161 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Philip seized mines and took to piracy. ### Latin text dein cum, excidio socieram et parricidio fratrum elatus, licere sibi omnia quae cogitauisset putaret, auraria loca in Thessalia et argenti metalla in Thracia inuasit ac, ne quod ius uel fas inuiolatum praetermitteret, praeoccupato mari et classe dispersa piraticam quoque exercere instituit. ### English translation (Claude) Then, elated by the destruction of his allies and the murder of his brothers, thinking everything he had thought of allowed to him, he seized the gold-bearing places in Thessaly and the silver mines in Thrace, and, so as to leave no right or law unviolated, having seized the sea and scattered his fleet, he began also to practise piracy. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.12.21 (CSEL 5:161; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-12-21). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.12.22 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-12-22 - Source: CSEL 5:161 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Asked to arbitrate, Philip killed two Thracian kings. ### Latin text praeterea, cum eum fratres duo Thraciae reges de regni terminis ambigentes iudicem ex consensu praeoptauissent, Philippus more ingenii sui ad iudicium tamquam ad bellum cum instructo exercitu ingressus inscios iuuenes uita regnoque priuauit ### English translation (Claude) Moreover, when two brothers, kings of Thrace, disputing about the boundaries of their kingdom, had by consent chosen him as judge, Philip, after the manner of his character, came to the judgment as if to a war, with an army drawn up, and deprived the unsuspecting young men of life and kingdom. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.12.22 (CSEL 5:161; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-12-22). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.12.23 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-12-23 - Source: CSEL 5:161 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Athens sought peace and left Thermopylae open. ### Latin text Athenienses uero, qui prius Philippi ingressum Thermopylarum munitione reppulerant, ultro pacem eius expetentes fraudulentissimum hostem de neglecta introitus custodia commonuerunt. ### English translation (Claude) But the Athenians, who had earlier repelled Philip's entry by fortifying Thermopylae, now of their own accord seeking peace with him, warned that most fraudulent enemy that the guard of the entrance had been neglected. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.12.23 (CSEL 5:161; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-12-23). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.12.24 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-12-24 - Source: CSEL 5:161 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Greek cities submitted to him. ### Latin text ceterae etiam Graeciae ciuitates ut intentius ciuilibus bellis uacarent, sub specie pacis et foederis sponte se externae dominationi subiecerunt, ### English translation (Claude) The other cities of Greece too, so as to be more intently free for civil wars, under the appearance of peace and treaty submitted of their own accord to foreign domination, ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.12.24 (CSEL 5:161; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-12-24). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.12.25 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-12-25 - Source: CSEL 5:161–162 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Both sides courted Philip. ### Latin text maxime cum Thessali Boeotiique poscerent Philippum, ut professum se aduersum Phocenses ducem exhiberet susceptumque bellum gereret, contra Phocenses adhibitis secum Atheniensibus et Lacedaemoniis uel differri bellum uel auferri et pretio et precibus laborarent. ### English translation (Claude) especially since the Thessalians and Boeotians were demanding of Philip that he show himself the declared leader against the Phocians and wage the war he had undertaken, while the Phocians, joining the Athenians and Lacedaemonians with them, laboured both with money and prayers to have the war either postponed or removed. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.12.25 (CSEL 5:161–162; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-12-25). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.12.26 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-12-26 - Source: CSEL 5:162 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Philip promised both sides different things. ### Latin text Philippus tacite utrisque diuersa promisit, Phocensibus pacem et ueniam se daturum sacramento confirmans, Thessalis uero adfuturum se mox cum exercitu spondet, bellum tamen ab utrisque parari uetat. ### English translation (Claude) Philip secretly promised different things to both: to the Phocians he confirmed by oath that he would give peace and pardon, to the Thessalians he pledged that he would soon be present with an army; yet he forbade both to prepare for war. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.12.26 (CSEL 5:162; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-12-26). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.12.27 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-12-27 - Source: CSEL 5:162 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: He occupied Thermopylae. ### Latin text igitur Philippus instructis copiis angustias Thermopylarum securus ingreditur easque occupatas dispositis praesidiis emunit. ### English translation (Claude) So Philip, his forces drawn up, entered the narrows of Thermopylae without fear and, having occupied them, fortified them with garrisons placed. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.12.27 (CSEL 5:162; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-12-27). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.12.28 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-12-28 - Source: CSEL 5:162 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Philip betrayed the Phocians and terrorized Greece. ### Latin text tunc primum se non Phocenses soli, sed omnis Graecia captam esse persensit: siquidem primos Phocenses Philippus rupta fide calcatoque sacramento infandae dilacerationi dedit, inde omnium urbes finesque populatus cruenta praesentia effecit, ut etiam absens timeretur. ### English translation (Claude) Then for the first time not the Phocians alone but all Greece felt itself captured: for first Philip, breaking faith and trampling his oath, gave the Phocians to unspeakable tearing apart, then, ravaging the cities and territories of all, by his bloody presence brought it about that he was feared even when absent. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.12.28 (CSEL 5:162; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-12-28). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.12.29 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-12-29 - Source: CSEL 5:162 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: He moved peoples about like flocks. ### Latin text ubi uero in regnum redit, more pastorum, qui pecora sua nunc per aestiuos nunc per hibernos saltus circumducunt, populos et urbes, ut illi replenda uel relinquenda quaeque loca uidebantur, ad libidinem suam transfert. ### English translation (Claude) When he returned to his kingdom, after the manner of shepherds who lead their flocks now through summer pastures, now through winter ones, he transferred peoples and cities at his pleasure, as each place seemed to him to need filling or emptying. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.12.29 (CSEL 5:162; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-12-29). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.12.30 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-12-30 - Source: CSEL 5:162–163 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Ruin, captivity, and exile without war. ### Latin text miseranda ubique facies et atrocissimum miseriarum genus obuersabatur, perpeti cidium sine inruptione, sine bello captiuitatem, sine crimine exilium, sine uictore dominatum. ### English translation (Claude) Everywhere a pitiable sight and a most atrocious kind of misery met the eye: to suffer ruin without an invasion, captivity without war, exile without crime, domination without a victor. ### Translation notes - The digital text reads *perpeti cidium*, apparently a corruption of a word for 'ruin' (*excidium*). ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.12.30 (CSEL 5:162–163; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-12-30). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.12.31 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-12-31 - Source: CSEL 5:163 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: People could not even weep openly. ### Latin text premit miseros inter iniuriarum stimulos superfusus pauor ipsaque dissimulatione dolor crescit hoc altius demissus quo minus profiteri licet timentium, ne ipsae quoque lacrimae pro contumacia accipiantur. ### English translation (Claude) Amid the goads of injuries an overwhelming fear pressed the wretched, and grief itself grew by its very concealment, sunk the deeper the less it was permitted to declare it, as they feared that even their tears might be taken for defiance. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.12.31 (CSEL 5:163; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-12-31). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.12.32 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-12-32 - Source: CSEL 5:163 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: He scattered whole peoples. ### Latin text alios populos, auulsos a sedibus suis, finibus hostium apponit; alios in extremis regni terminis statuit; quosdam aemulatione uirium, ne possint quod posse creduntur, in supplemento exhaustarum urbium diuidit. ### English translation (Claude) Some peoples, torn from their seats, he set against the borders of enemies; others he placed at the farthest limits of the kingdom; some, from jealousy of their strength, lest they be able to do what they were believed able to do, he divided up to fill out depleted cities. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.12.32 (CSEL 5:163; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-12-32). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.12.33 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-12-33 - Source: CSEL 5:163 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Greece was torn to pieces. ### Latin text ita gloriosissimum illud quondam florentis Graeciae corpus in multas laceratasque particulas exstincta primum libertate concidit. ### English translation (Claude) So that once most glorious body of flourishing Greece, its liberty first extinguished, fell into many torn little pieces. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.12.33 (CSEL 5:163; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-12-33). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.13.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-13-1 - Source: CSEL 5:163 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Philip besieged Byzantium. ### Latin text Sed haec cum per aliquantas Graeciae ciuitates exercuisset et tamen omnes metu premeret, coniciens ex praeda paucorum opes omnium, ad perficiendam aequalem in uniuersis uastationem utili emolumento necessariam maritimam urbem ratus, Byzantium, nobilem ciuitatem, aptissimam iudicauit, ut receptaculum sibi terra marique fieret, eamque obsistentem ilico obsidione cinxit. ### English translation (Claude) But when he had done these things throughout a number of the cities of Greece and still held all down by fear, inferring from the plunder of a few the wealth of all, and thinking a maritime city necessary as a useful source of profit for completing an equal devastation in all, he judged Byzantium, a noble city, most suitable, so that it might become his base by land and sea; and when it resisted he at once surrounded it with a siege. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.13.1 (CSEL 5:163; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-13-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.13.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-13-2 - Source: CSEL 5:163–164 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Byzantium is now Constantinople. ### Latin text haec autem Byzantium quondam a Pausania rege Spartanorum condita, post autem a Constantino Christiano principe in maius aucta et Constantinopolis dicta, gloriosissimi nunc imperii sedes et totius caput Orientis est. ### English translation (Claude) This Byzantium, once founded by Pausanias, king of the Spartans, and afterwards enlarged by Constantine, the Christian emperor, and called Constantinople, is now the seat of a most glorious empire and the capital of the whole East. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.13.2 (CSEL 5:163–164; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-13-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.13.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-13-3 - Source: CSEL 5:164 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Philip turned pirate to pay for the siege. ### Latin text Philippus uero post longam et inritam obsidionem, ut pecuniam quam obsidendo exhauserat praedando repararet, piraticam adgressus est. captas itaque CLXX naues mercibus confertas distraxit et anhelanti inopiae parua recreatione subuenit. ### English translation (Claude) But Philip, after a long and fruitless siege, so as to restore by plundering the money he had exhausted by besieging, took to piracy. So he sold off a hundred and seventy captured ships full of merchandise and relieved his gasping want with a small refreshment. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.13.3 (CSEL 5:164; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-13-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.13.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-13-4 - Source: CSEL 5:164 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Philip plundered the Chersonese and Scythia. ### Latin text inde propter agendam praedam et curandam obsidionem diuisit exercitum. ipse autem cum fortissimis profectus multas Cherronesi urbes cepit profligatisque populis opes abstulit. ad Scythiam quoque cum Alexandro filio praedandi intentione pertransit. ### English translation (Claude) Then he divided his army for taking plunder and managing the siege. He himself set out with the bravest, took many cities of the Chersonese and carried off the wealth of the routed peoples. He also passed over into Scythia with his son Alexander, intent on plunder. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.13.4 (CSEL 5:164; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-13-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.13.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-13-5 - Source: CSEL 5:164–165 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Scythian king broke his treaty with Philip. ### Latin text Scythis tunc Atheas regnabat: qui cum Histrianorum bello premeretur, auxilium a Philippo per Apollonienses petiit, sed continuo Histrianorum rege mortuo et belli metu et auxiliorum necessitate liberatus pactionem foederis cum Philippo habitam dissoluit. ### English translation (Claude) Atheas then reigned over the Scythians: when he was pressed by war with the Histrians, he asked help from Philip through the people of Apollonia; but when the king of the Histrians soon died, freed both from fear of war and from need of help, he dissolved the treaty agreement made with Philip. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.13.5 (CSEL 5:164–165; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-13-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.13.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-13-6 - Source: CSEL 5:165 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Philip defeated the Scythians by fraud. ### Latin text Philippus dimissa obsidione Byzantii Scythicum bellum totis uiribus adgreditur commissoque proelio cum Scythae et numero et uirtute praestarent, Philippi fraude uincuntur. ### English translation (Claude) Philip, abandoning the siege of Byzantium, attacked the Scythian war with all his forces, and when battle was joined, though the Scythians excelled in both number and courage, they were defeated by Philip's fraud. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.13.6 (CSEL 5:165; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-13-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.13.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-13-7 - Source: CSEL 5:165 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: He took captives and mares but no gold. ### Latin text in ea pugna xx milia puerorum ac feminarum Scythicae gentis capta, pecorum magna copia abducta, auri atque argenti nihil repertum: nam et ea res primo fidem inopiae Scythicae dedit. uiginti milia nobilium equarum sufficiendo generi in Macedoniam missa. ### English translation (Claude) In that battle twenty thousand boys and women of the Scythian race were captured, a great quantity of cattle carried off, no gold or silver found: and this first gave credence to Scythian poverty. Twenty thousand noble mares were sent to Macedonia to supply the breed. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.13.7 (CSEL 5:165; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-13-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.13.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-13-8 - Source: CSEL 5:165 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Triballi wounded Philip. ### Latin text Sed reuertenti Philippo Triballi bello obuiant: in quo ita Philippus in femore uulneratus est, ut per corpus eius equus interficeretur. cum omnes occisum putarent, in fugam uersi praedam amiserunt. aliquantula deinde mora dum conualescit a uulnere in pace conquieuit; ### English translation (Claude) But as Philip was returning, the Triballi met him in war, in which Philip was so wounded in the thigh that his horse was killed through his body. When all thought him dead, they turned to flight and lost the plunder. Then for a little while, until he recovered from the wound, he rested in peace; ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.13.8 (CSEL 5:165; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-13-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.13.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-13-9 - Source: CSEL 5:165–166 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Philip attacked Athens, which rallied Greece. ### Latin text statim uero ut conualuit Atheniensibus bellum intulit: qui in tanto discrimine positi Lacedaemonios quondam hostes tunc socios adsciscunt totiusque Graeciae ciuitates legationibus fatigant, ut communem hostem communibus uiribus petant. itaque aliquantae urbes Atheniensibus se coniunxere, quasdam uero ad Philippum belli metus traxit. ### English translation (Claude) but as soon as he recovered he made war on the Athenians, who, placed in so great a crisis, took as allies the Lacedaemonians, once enemies, and wearied the cities of all Greece with embassies, that they should attack the common enemy with common strength. So a number of cities joined the Athenians, but fear of war drew some to Philip. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.13.9 (CSEL 5:165–166; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-13-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.13.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-13-10 - Source: CSEL 5:166 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Macedon defeated Athens at Chaeronea. ### Latin text proelio commisso cum Athenienses longe maiore numero militum praestarent, adsiduis tamen bellis indurata Macedonum uirtute uincuntur. ### English translation (Claude) When battle was joined, though the Athenians excelled by a far greater number of soldiers, they were nevertheless defeated by the courage of the Macedonians, hardened by constant wars. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.13.10 (CSEL 5:166; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-13-10). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.13.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-1-1/#p-3-13-11 - Source: CSEL 5:166 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: This battle ended Greek liberty. ### Latin text quam pugnam longe omnibus bellis anterioribus atrociorem fuisse ipse rerum exitus docuit: nam hic dies apud uniuersam Graeciam adquisitae dominationis gloriam et uetustissimae libertatis statum finiuit. ### English translation (Claude) That this battle was far more atrocious than all earlier wars the outcome itself showed: for this day ended, for all Greece, the glory of domination acquired and the condition of most ancient liberty. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.13.11 (CSEL 5:166; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-13-11). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.14.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-14-1/#p-3-14-1 - Source: CSEL 5:166 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Philip punished Thebes and Sparta. ### Latin text Postea Philippus cruentissimam uictoriam in Thebanos et Lacedaemonios exercuit: siquidem principes ciuitatum alios securi percussit, alios in exilium egit, omnes bonis priuauit. ### English translation (Claude) Afterwards Philip exercised a most bloody victory over the Thebans and Lacedaemonians: for he beheaded some of the leading men of the cities, drove others into exile, and deprived all of their goods. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.14.1 (CSEL 5:166; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-14-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.14.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-14-1/#p-3-14-2 - Source: CSEL 5:166 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: He installed exiles as rulers. ### Latin text pulsos dudum a ciuibus in patriam restituit: ex quibus trecentos exules iudices rectoresque praefecit, qui ut antiquum dolorem noua potestate curarent, pressos infeliciter populos in spem libertatis respirare non sinerent. ### English translation (Claude) Those long since driven out by their citizens he restored to their country; of these he set three hundred exiles as judges and rulers, who, to heal an old grief with new power, would not let the unhappily oppressed peoples breathe again in hope of liberty. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.14.2 (CSEL 5:166; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-14-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.14.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-14-1/#p-3-14-3 - Source: CSEL 5:166–167 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: He prepared an invasion of Persia. ### Latin text praeterea magno dilectu militum in subsidium regiae dispositionis ex tota Graecia habito, ducenta milia peditum et quindecim milia equitum absque exercitu Macedonum et infinita gentium barbaria Persicae expeditioni in Asiam missurus instruxit. ### English translation (Claude) Moreover, having held a great levy of soldiers from all Greece in support of the royal arrangements, he prepared two hundred thousand foot and fifteen thousand horse, besides the army of the Macedonians and a boundless barbarism of nations, to send on a Persian expedition into Asia. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.14.3 (CSEL 5:166–167; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-14-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.14.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-14-1/#p-3-14-4 - Source: CSEL 5:167 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Philip arranged his daughter's marriage to Alexander of Epirus. ### Latin text tres duces hoc est Parmenionem Amyntam et Attalum praemittendos in Persas legit. et dum suprascriptae copiae de Graecia congregantur, Alexandri — qui erat Olympiadis uxoris suae frater et post a Sabinis in Lucania prostratus est —, quem Epiri regem ob mercedem stupri in eum perpetrati constituerat, nuptias in copulando ei filiam suam Cleopatram celebrare decreuit. ### English translation (Claude) He chose three generals, that is, Parmenio, Amyntas and Attalus, to send ahead against the Persians. And while the forces written above were being gathered from Greece, he decided to celebrate the marriage of Alexander (who was the brother of his wife Olympias and was afterwards struck down by the Sabines in Lucania, and whom he had made king of Epirus as the price of the debauchery he had committed on him), joining him to his daughter Cleopatra. ### Translation notes - 'Sabines' is probably a slip for Samnites or Bruttians (cf. 3.11.1, 3.18.3). ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.14.4 (CSEL 5:167; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-14-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.14.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-14-1/#p-3-14-5 - Source: CSEL 5:167 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Philip wished for a sudden death, and got it. ### Latin text qui cum pridie quam occideretur interrogatus fuisset, quis finis homini magis esset optandus, respondisse fertur, eam esse optimum, qui uiro forti post uirtutum suarum glorias in pace regnanti sine conflictatione corporis et dedecore animi subitus et celer inopinato ferro potuisset accidere: quod ipsi mox obtigit. ### English translation (Claude) When he had been asked, the day before he was killed, what end a man should most desire, he is said to have answered that the best was one that could befall a brave man suddenly and swiftly by an unexpected sword, after the glories of his virtues, while he reigned in peace, without struggle of body or disgrace of mind: and this soon happened to him. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.14.5 (CSEL 5:167; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-14-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.14.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-14-1/#p-3-14-6 - Source: CSEL 5:167–168 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The gods could not stop him getting the death he wanted. ### Latin text nec ab iratis dis, quos parui semper penderat quorumque aras templa et simulacra subuerterat, quin electissimam ut ipsi uidebatur mortem adipisceretur, potuit inpediri. ### English translation (Claude) Nor could he be prevented by the angry gods, whom he had always held of little account and whose altars, temples and images he had overthrown, from obtaining the death most chosen, as it seemed to him. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.14.6 (CSEL 5:167–168; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-14-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.14.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-14-1/#p-3-14-7 - Source: CSEL 5:168 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Pausanias assassinated Philip. ### Latin text nam die nuptiarum cum ad ludos magnifice apparatos inter duos Alexandros filium generumque contenderet, a Pausania nobili Macedonum adulescente in angustiis sine custodibus circumuentus occisus est. ### English translation (Claude) For on the day of the wedding, when he was going to magnificently prepared games between the two Alexanders, his son and his son-in-law, he was surrounded and killed in a narrow passage without guards by Pausanias, a noble Macedonian youth. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.14.7 (CSEL 5:168; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-14-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.14.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-14-1/#p-3-14-8 - Source: CSEL 5:168 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Those who enjoy tales of others' calamities lament their own. ### Latin text Adserant nunc multisque haec uocibus efferant quasi uirorum fortium laudes et facta felicia, quibus amarissimae aliorum calamitates in dulces fabulas cedunt, si tamen numquam ipsi iniurias, quibus aliquando uexantur, relatu tristiore deplorant. ### English translation (Claude) Let them now assert and extol with many words these things as the praises of brave men and fortunate deeds, men for whom the most bitter calamities of others turn into sweet tales; if only they themselves never lament, in a sadder telling, the injuries by which they are sometimes vexed. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.14.8 (CSEL 5:168; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-14-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.14.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-14-1/#p-3-14-9 - Source: CSEL 5:168 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Let them compare like with like, impartially. ### Latin text si uero de propriis querimoniis tantum alios audientes adfici uolunt, quantum ipsi perpetiendo senserunt, prius ipsi non praesentibus praeterita sed gestis gesta conparent et utraque ex auditu uelut alienorum arbitri iudicent. ### English translation (Claude) But if they want others, hearing their own complaints, to be affected as much as they felt in suffering them, let them first compare not past with present, but deeds with deeds, and judge both from hearing, as arbiters of others' affairs. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.14.9 (CSEL 5:168; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-14-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.14.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-14-1/#p-3-14-10 - Source: CSEL 5:168 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Philip's twenty-five years of destruction. ### Latin text per uiginti et quinque annos incendia ciuitatum, excidia bellorum, subiectiones prouinciarum, caedes hominum, opum rapinas, praedas pecorum, mortuorum uenditiones captiuitatesque uiuorum unius regis fraus ferocia et dominatus agitauit. ### English translation (Claude) For twenty-five years the fraud, ferocity and domination of one king drove on the burnings of cities, the destructions of wars, the subjugations of provinces, the slaughter of men, the plundering of wealth, the seizing of cattle, the sale of the dead and the captivity of the living. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.14.10 (CSEL 5:168; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-14-10). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.15.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-14-1/#p-3-15-1 - Source: CSEL 5:168–169 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Before Alexander, he turns to Rome. ### Latin text sufficerent ista ad exemplum miseriarum insinuata memoriae nostrae gesta per Philippum, etiamsi Alexander ei non successisset in regnum. cuius bella immo sub cuius bellis mundi mala ordine sequentia suspendo paulisper, ut in hoc loco pro conuenientia temporum Romana subiciam. ### English translation (Claude) These deeds done by Philip, brought to our memory, would be enough as an example of miseries, even if Alexander had not succeeded him in the kingdom. His wars, or rather the evils of the world following in order under his wars, I suspend for a little, so that here, for the correspondence of the times, I may insert Roman affairs. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.15.1 (CSEL 5:168–169; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-15-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.15.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-14-1/#p-3-15-2 - Source: CSEL 5:169 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Samnites encamped at the Caudine Forks. ### Latin text Anno ab Vrbe condita CCCCXXVI Caudinas furculas satis celebres et famosas insignis Romanorum fecit infamia. nam cum superiore bello uiginti milia Samnitum Fabio magistro equitum pugnam conserente cecidissent, circumspectiore cura Samnites ac magis instructo apparatu apud Caudinas furculas consederunt; ### English translation (Claude) In the 426th year from the founding of the City, a notable infamy of the Romans made the Caudine Forks very celebrated and famous. For when in the earlier war twenty thousand Samnites had fallen, Fabius the master of horse joining battle, the Samnites, with more circumspect care and better-prepared equipment, encamped at the Caudine Forks; ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.15.2 (CSEL 5:169; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-15-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.15.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-14-1/#p-3-15-3 - Source: CSEL 5:169 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Pontius trapped the Roman army and chose to humiliate it. ### Latin text ubi cum Veturium et Postumium consules omnesque copias Romanorum angustiis locorum armisque clausissent, Pontius dux eorum in tantum abusus est uictoriae securitate, ut Herennium patrem consulendum putaret, utrum occideret clausos an parceret subiugatis: ut uiuos tamen dedecori reseruaret, elegit. ### English translation (Claude) there, when they had shut in the consuls Veturius and Postumius and all the forces of the Romans by the narrowness of the places and by arms, Pontius their leader so abused the security of victory that he thought he should consult his father Herennius whether to kill the trapped men or spare them when subjugated: he chose to keep them alive for disgrace. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.15.3 (CSEL 5:169; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-15-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.15.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-14-1/#p-3-15-4 - Source: CSEL 5:169–170 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Rome had never before surrendered. ### Latin text Romanos enim antea saepissime uinci et occidi, numquam autem capi aut ad deditionem cogi potuisse constabat. ### English translation (Claude) For it was agreed that the Romans had very often before been defeated and killed, but never captured or forced to surrender. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.15.4 (CSEL 5:169–170; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-15-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.15.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-14-1/#p-3-15-5 - Source: CSEL 5:170 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Romans were sent under the yoke. ### Latin text itaque Samnites uictoria potiti uniuersum exercitum Romanum turpiter captum armis etiam uestimentisque nudatum, tantum singulis uilioribus operimentis ob uerecunda corporum tegenda concessis, sub iugum missum seruitioque subiectum, longum agere pompae ordinem praeceperunt. ### English translation (Claude) So the Samnites, having gained the victory, ordered the whole Roman army, shamefully captured, stripped even of arms and clothing, with only single cheaper coverings allowed each for covering the private parts of the body, sent under the yoke and subjected to slavery, to lead a long procession. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.15.5 (CSEL 5:170; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-15-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.15.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-14-1/#p-3-15-6 - Source: CSEL 5:170 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The consuls were sent home in disgrace. ### Latin text sescentis autem equitibus Romanis in obsidatum receptis oneratos ignominia, ceteris rebus uacuos consules remiserunt. ### English translation (Claude) Receiving six hundred Roman knights as hostages, they sent the consuls back, loaded with ignominy, emptied of all else. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.15.6 (CSEL 5:170; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-15-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.15.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-14-1/#p-3-15-7 - Source: CSEL 5:170 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Rome survived only by breaking the treaty. ### Latin text Quid de exaggeranda huius foedissimi foederis macula uerbis laborem, qui tacere maluissem? hodie enim Romani aut omnino non essent aut Samnio dominante seruirent, si fidem foederis, quam sibi seruari a subiectis nolunt, ipsi subiecti Samnitibus seruauissent. ### English translation (Claude) Why should I labour in words to exaggerate the stain of this foulest treaty, I who would rather have been silent? For today the Romans would either not exist at all or would be slaves under Samnite domination, if they, when subject to the Samnites, had kept the faith of the treaty which they do not want kept toward themselves by their subjects. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.15.7 (CSEL 5:170; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-15-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.15.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-14-1/#p-3-15-8 - Source: CSEL 5:170 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Rome broke the treaty and renewed war. ### Latin text Posteriore anno infringunt Romani firmatam cum Samnitibus pactionem eosque in bellum cogunt, quod Papirio consule insistente commissum magnas strages utriusque populi dedit. ### English translation (Claude) In the following year the Romans broke the agreement confirmed with the Samnites and forced them into war; joined under the pressure of the consul Papirius, it caused great slaughter on both peoples. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.15.8 (CSEL 5:170; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-15-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.15.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-14-1/#p-3-15-9 - Source: CSEL 5:170–171 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Rome won and put the Samnites under the yoke. ### Latin text cum hinc ira recentis infamiae, inde gloria proximae uictoriae pugnantes instimularet, tandem Romani pertinaciter moriendo uicerunt; nec caedi pariter uel caedere destiterunt, nisi postquam uictis Samnitibus et capto duci eorum iugum reposuerunt. ### English translation (Claude) While on the one side anger at the recent disgrace, on the other the glory of the recent victory spurred the fighters on, at last the Romans conquered by stubbornly dying; nor did they cease from being killed and killing alike until, the Samnites conquered and their leader captured, they put the yoke back on them. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.15.9 (CSEL 5:170–171; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-15-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.15.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-14-1/#p-3-15-10 - Source: CSEL 5:171 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Papirius was thought Rome's answer to Alexander. ### Latin text idem deinde Papirius Satricum expulso inde Samnitico praesidio expugnauit et cepit. hic autem Papirius adeo tunc apud Romanos bellicosissimus ac strenuissimus habebatur, ut cum Alexander Magnus disponere diceretur ab Oriente descendens obtinere uiribus Africam atque inde in Italiam transuehi, Romani inter ceteros duces tunc in republica sua optimos hunc praecipuum fore qui Alexandri impetum sustinere posset meditarentur. ### English translation (Claude) Then the same Papirius stormed and took Satricum, after driving out the Samnite garrison. This Papirius was then held among the Romans so very warlike and vigorous that, when Alexander the Great was said to be planning, coming down from the East, to take Africa by force and from there cross into Italy, the Romans reckoned that among the other generals, then the best in their commonwealth, he would be the foremost who could withstand Alexander's onset. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.15.10 (CSEL 5:171; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-15-10). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.16.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-14-1/#p-3-16-1 - Source: CSEL 5:171 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Alexander succeeded Philip and crushed a Greek revolt. ### Latin text Igitur Alexander anno ab Vrbe condita CCCCXXVI patri Philippo successit in regnum: qui primam experientiam animi et uirtutis suae conpressis celeriter Graecorum motibus dedit, quibus auctor, ut ab imperio Macedonum deficerent, Demosthenes orator auro Persarum corruptus exstiterat. ### English translation (Claude) So Alexander, in the 426th year from the founding of the City, succeeded his father Philip in the kingdom. He gave the first proof of his spirit and courage by swiftly crushing the movements of the Greeks, whose author, in urging them to revolt from the rule of the Macedonians, had been the orator Demosthenes, corrupted by Persian gold. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.16.1 (CSEL 5:171; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-16-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.16.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-14-1/#p-3-16-2 - Source: CSEL 5:171–172 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Alexander destroyed Thebes and subdued Greece. ### Latin text itaque Atheniensibus bellum deprecantibus remisit, quos insuper etiam multae metu soluit; Thebanos cum diruta ciuitate deleuit, reliquos sub corona uendidit; ceteras urbes Achaiae et Thessaliae uectigales fecit; Illyrios quoque et Thracas translato mox abhinc bello domuit. ### English translation (Claude) So he spared the Athenians when they begged off the war, and moreover released them from fear of a fine; the Thebans he destroyed together with their demolished city and sold the rest at auction; the other cities of Achaia and Thessaly he made tributary; the Illyrians and Thracians too he soon subdued, transferring the war there. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.16.2 (CSEL 5:171–172; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-16-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.16.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-14-1/#p-3-16-3 - Source: CSEL 5:172 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: With a small army Alexander set out against Persia. ### Latin text inde profecturus ad Persicum bellum omnes cognatos ac proximos suos interfecit. in exercitu eius fuere peditum XXXII milia, equitum IIII milia quingenti, naues CLXXX. hac tam parua manu uniuersum terrarum orbem utrum admirabilius sit quia uicerit an quia adgredi ausus fuerit incertum est. ### English translation (Claude) Then, as he was about to set out for the Persian war, he killed all his kinsmen and nearest relatives. In his army there were thirty-two thousand foot, four thousand five hundred horse, a hundred and eighty ships. With so small a band, whether it is more wonderful that he conquered the whole world or that he dared to attack it is uncertain. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.16.3 (CSEL 5:172; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-16-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.16.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-14-1/#p-3-16-4 - Source: CSEL 5:172 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: At the Granicus the Persians were routed. ### Latin text primo eius cum Dario rege congressu sescenta milia Persarum in acie fuere, quae non minus arte Alexandri superata quam uirtute Macedonum terga uerterunt. magna igitur caedes Persarum fuit. in exercitu Alexandri cxx equites et nouem tantum pedites defuere. ### English translation (Claude) In his first engagement with King Darius there were six hundred thousand Persians in the battle line, who, overcome no less by the skill of Alexander than by the courage of the Macedonians, turned their backs. So there was a great slaughter of Persians. In Alexander's army a hundred and twenty horsemen and only nine foot soldiers were lost. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.16.4 (CSEL 5:172; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-16-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.16.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-14-1/#p-3-16-5 - Source: CSEL 5:172–173 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Alexander nearly died after bathing in the Cydnus. ### Latin text deinde Gordien Phrygiae ciuitatem, quae nunc Sardis uocitatur, obsessam oppugnatamque cepit ac direptioni dedit inde nuntiato sibi Darii cum magnis copiis aduentu, timens angustias quibus inerat locorum, Taurum montem mira celeritate transcendit et quingentis stadiis sub uno die cursu transmissis, Tarsum uenit, ibique cum sudans in Cydnum praefrigidum amnem descendisset, obriguit contractuque neruorum proximus morti fuit. ### English translation (Claude) Then he besieged, stormed and took Gordium, a city of Phrygia, which is now called Sardis, and gave it to plunder. Then, when the approach of Darius with great forces was announced to him, fearing the narrowness of the places he was in, he crossed Mount Taurus with wonderful speed and, covering five hundred stadia in one day's march, came to Tarsus; and there, when, sweating, he went down into the very cold river Cydnus, he grew stiff and, his sinews contracting, came near to death. ### Translation notes - Gordium was not Sardis; the identification is Orosius's. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.16.5 (CSEL 5:172–173; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-16-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.16.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-14-1/#p-3-16-6 - Source: CSEL 5:173 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Darius came with four hundred thousand men. ### Latin text interea Darius cum ccc milibus peditum et c milibus equitum in aciem procedit. mouebat haec multitudo hostium etiam Alexandrum maxime respectu paucitatis suae, quamuis iam pridem DC milibus hostium eadem paucitate superatis non solum non timere pugnam sed etiam uictoriam sperare didicisset. ### English translation (Claude) Meanwhile Darius advanced into battle with three hundred thousand foot and a hundred thousand horse. This multitude of enemies moved even Alexander, chiefly in view of his own small numbers, although he had long since learned, having overcome six hundred thousand enemies with the same small force, not only not to fear battle but even to hope for victory. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.16.6 (CSEL 5:173; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-16-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.16.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-14-1/#p-3-16-7 - Source: CSEL 5:173 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The battle of Issus began. ### Latin text itaque cum intra iactum teli uterque constitisset exercitus et intentos ad signum belli populos discurrentes principes uariis incitamentis acuerent, ingentibus utrimque animis pugna committitur: ### English translation (Claude) So when each army had halted within a spear's throw and the leaders, running about, sharpened with various incentives the peoples intent on the signal for battle, the battle was joined with great spirit on both sides: ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.16.7 (CSEL 5:173; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-16-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.16.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-14-1/#p-3-16-8 - Source: CSEL 5:173 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Darius fled and the Persians were slaughtered. ### Latin text in qua ambo reges et Alexander et Darius uulnerantur, ac tam diu certamen anceps fuit, quoad fugeret Darius; exinde caedes Persarum secuta est. ### English translation (Claude) in it both kings, Alexander and Darius, were wounded, and the contest was doubtful until Darius fled; thereafter a slaughter of the Persians followed. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.16.8 (CSEL 5:173; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-16-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.16.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-14-1/#p-3-16-9 - Source: CSEL 5:173–174 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Darius's family was captured. ### Latin text ibi tum peditum LXXX milia, equitum x milia caesa, capta autem XL milia fuere. ex Macedonibus uero cecidere pedites cxxx, equites CL. in castris Persarum multum auri ceterarumque opum repertum. inter captiuos castrorum mater et uxor eademque soror et filiae duae Darii fuere; ### English translation (Claude) Then eighty thousand foot and ten thousand horse were slain, and forty thousand captured. Of the Macedonians there fell a hundred and thirty foot and a hundred and fifty horse. In the Persian camp much gold and other wealth was found. Among the captives of the camp were the mother and the wife, who was also his sister, and two daughters of Darius; ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.16.9 (CSEL 5:173–174; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-16-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.16.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-14-1/#p-3-16-10 - Source: CSEL 5:174 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Darius prepared a third war. ### Latin text quarum redemptionem Darius cum etiam oblata regni dimidia parte non inpetrauisset, tertio cunctis Persarum uiribus sociorumque auxiliis contractis, bellum instaurat. ### English translation (Claude) when Darius could not obtain their ransom even by offering half the kingdom, he gathered for the third time all the strength of the Persians and the help of their allies and renewed the war. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.16.10 (CSEL 5:174; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-16-10). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.16.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-14-1/#p-3-16-11 - Source: CSEL 5:174 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Alexander took Syria and Tyre. ### Latin text sed dum haec Darius agit, Alexander Parmenionem ad inuadendam Persicam classem cum copiis mittit, ipse in Syriam proficiscitur, ibi ex multis sibi regibus cum infulis ultro occurrentibus alios allegit, alios mutauit, alios perdidit, Tyrum urbem antiquissimam et florentissimam, fiducia Carthaginiensium sibi cognatorum obsistentem, oppressit et cepit. ### English translation (Claude) But while Darius was doing this, Alexander sent Parmenio with forces to attack the Persian fleet; he himself set out for Syria; there, of the many kings coming to meet him of their own accord with fillets, he chose some, changed others, destroyed others; and Tyre, a most ancient and flourishing city, resisting in reliance on the Carthaginians, its kinsmen, he crushed and took. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.16.11 (CSEL 5:174; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-16-11). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.16.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-14-1/#p-3-16-12 - Source: CSEL 5:174 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Alexander visited the oracle of Ammon. ### Latin text exim Ciliciam Rhodum atque Aegyptum pertinaci furore peruadit. inde ad templum Iouis Hammonis pergit, ut mendacio ad tempus conposito ignominiam sibi patris incerti et infamiam adulterae matris aboleret. ### English translation (Claude) Thereafter he overran Cilicia, Rhodes and Egypt with persistent fury. Then he went to the temple of Jupiter Hammon, so that by a lie composed for the occasion he might abolish the disgrace of an uncertain father and the infamy of an adulterous mother. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.16.12 (CSEL 5:174; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-16-12). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.16.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-14-1/#p-3-16-13 - Source: CSEL 5:174–175 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Alexander arranged the oracle's answer, showing the gods are dumb. ### Latin text nam arcessitum ad se fani ipsius antistitem ei occulto monuit, quid sibi tamquam consulenti responderi uelit, sicut historici eorum dicunt. ita certus Alexander fuit nobisque prodidit, dis ipsis mutis et surdis uel in potestate esse antistitis quid uelit fingere uel in uoluntate consulentis quid malit audire. ### English translation (Claude) For he secretly instructed the priest of the shrine himself, summoned to him, what he wished to be answered to him as he consulted, as their historians say. So Alexander was sure, and has revealed to us, that, the gods themselves being dumb and deaf, it is in the power of the priest to invent what he wishes or in the will of the consulter to hear what he prefers. ### Scripture references - Ps 115:5: echo, low confidence ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.16.13 (CSEL 5:174–175; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-16-13). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.16.14 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-14-1/#p-3-16-14 - Source: CSEL 5:175 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: He founded Alexandria. ### Latin text reuertens ab Hammone ad tertium Persicum bellum Alexandriam in Aegypto condidit. ### English translation (Claude) Returning from Hammon for the third Persian war, he founded Alexandria in Egypt. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.16.14 (CSEL 5:175; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-16-14). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.17.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-14-1/#p-3-17-1 - Source: CSEL 5:175 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Darius met Alexander with half a million men. ### Latin text Darius uero spe pacis amissa CCCC milia peditum et C milia equitum Alexandro ab Aegypto reuertenti apud Tarsum bello opponit. ### English translation (Claude) Darius, having lost hope of peace, set four hundred thousand foot and a hundred thousand horse in battle against Alexander as he returned from Egypt, near Tarsus. ### Translation notes - 'Near Tarsus' is Orosius's error; the battle was at Gaugamela. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.17.1 (CSEL 5:175; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-17-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.17.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-14-1/#p-3-17-2 - Source: CSEL 5:175 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Both sides fought furiously. ### Latin text nec pugnae mora; omnes caeca rabie in ferrum ruunt: Macedones totiens a se uictis hostibus animosi, Persae nisi uincant mori praeoptantes. ### English translation (Claude) Nor was there delay in fighting; all rushed onto the steel with blind rage: the Macedonians emboldened by enemies so often defeated by them, the Persians preferring to die unless they conquered. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.17.2 (CSEL 5:175; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-17-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.17.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-14-1/#p-3-17-3 - Source: CSEL 5:175 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Darius was persuaded to flee. ### Latin text raro in ullo proelio tantum sanguinis fusum est. sed Darius cum uinci suos uideret, mori in bello paratus persuasu suorum fugere conpulsus est. ### English translation (Claude) Rarely in any battle has so much blood been shed. But Darius, when he saw his men being conquered, though ready to die in battle, was compelled by the persuasion of his men to flee. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.17.3 (CSEL 5:175; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-17-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.17.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-14-1/#p-3-17-4 - Source: CSEL 5:175–176 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Persian empire fell to Macedon. ### Latin text hoc proelio Asiae uires et regna ceciderunt totusque Oriens in potestatem Macedonici cessit imperii atque ita attrita est in hoc bello Persarum omnis fiducia, ut post hoc nullus rebellare ausus sit patienterque Persae post imperium tot annorum iugum seruitutis acceperint. ### English translation (Claude) In this battle the strength and kingdoms of Asia fell, and the whole East passed into the power of the Macedonian empire; and all the confidence of the Persians was so worn away in this war that after it no one dared to rebel, and the Persians, after an empire of so many years, patiently accepted the yoke of slavery. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.17.4 (CSEL 5:175–176; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-17-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.17.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-14-1/#p-3-17-5 - Source: CSEL 5:176 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Alexander took Persepolis. ### Latin text Alexander XXXIIII continuis diebus castrorum praedam percensuit; Persepolim, caput Persici regni, famosissimam confertissimamque opibus totius orbis inuasit; ### English translation (Claude) Alexander spent thirty-four continuous days surveying the plunder of the camp; he entered Persepolis, the capital of the Persian kingdom, most famous and crammed with the wealth of the whole world; ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.17.5 (CSEL 5:176; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-17-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.17.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-14-1/#p-3-17-6 - Source: CSEL 5:176 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Alexander found Darius dying. ### Latin text Darium uero cum a propinquis suis uinctum conpedibus aureis teneri conperisset persequi statuit. itaque iusso ut subsequeretur exercitu ipse cum sex milibus equitum profectus inuenit in itinere solum relictum, multis confossum uulneribus et extrema uitae per uulnera efflantem. ### English translation (Claude) but when he learned that Darius was held bound in golden fetters by his own kinsmen, he resolved to pursue him. So, ordering the army to follow, he set out himself with six thousand horse and found him on the road, left alone, pierced with many wounds and breathing out the last of life through his wounds. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.17.6 (CSEL 5:176; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-17-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.17.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-14-1/#p-3-17-7 - Source: CSEL 5:176 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Alexander buried Darius but kept his family captive. ### Latin text hunc mortuum inani misericordia referri in sepulchra maiorum sepelirique praecepit; cuius non dicam matrem uel uxorem sed etiam paruulas filias crudeli captiuitate retinebat. ### English translation (Claude) When he was dead, with empty pity he ordered him carried back to the tombs of his ancestors and buried; yet he kept in cruel captivity not only, I will not say, his mother or wife, but even his little daughters. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.17.7 (CSEL 5:176; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-17-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.17.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-14-1/#p-3-17-8 - Source: CSEL 5:176–177 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Fifteen hundred thousand died in three years. ### Latin text In tanta malorum multitudine difficillima dictis fides: tribus proeliis totidemque annis quinquiens deciens centena milia peditum equitumque consumpta, et haec quidem ex eo regno illisque populis, unde iam ante per annos non multo plures deciens nouiens centena milia profligata referuntur: ### English translation (Claude) In so great a multitude of evils belief in what is said is most difficult: in three battles and as many years fifteen hundred thousand foot and horse were consumed, and these from that kingdom and those peoples from which, not many years before, nineteen hundred thousand are reported to have been destroyed: ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.17.8 (CSEL 5:176–177; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-17-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.17.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-14-1/#p-3-17-9 - Source: CSEL 5:177 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Many lands were laid waste besides. ### Latin text quamquam extra has clades per eosdem tres annos et Asiae ciuitates plurimae oppressae sint et Syria tota uastata, Tyrus excisa, Cilicia exinanita, Cappadocia subacta, Aegyptus addicta sit, Rhodus quoque insula ultro ad seruitutem tremefacta successerit plurimaeque subiectae Tauro prouinciae atque ipse mons Taurus diu detrectatum iugum domitus et uictus acceperit. ### English translation (Claude) although besides these disasters, in the same three years very many cities of Asia were crushed, all Syria laid waste, Tyre destroyed, Cilicia emptied, Cappadocia subdued, Egypt made over; the island of Rhodes too, trembling, of its own accord submitted to slavery, and very many provinces lying below the Taurus, and Mount Taurus itself, subdued and conquered, accepted the yoke long refused. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.17.9 (CSEL 5:177; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-17-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.18.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-14-1/#p-3-18-1 - Source: CSEL 5:177 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Wars raged at the same time in Greece, Italy, and Scythia. ### Latin text Et ne forte tunc quisquam opinetur uel Orientem solum Alexandri uiribus subactum uel Italiam tantummodo Romana inquietudine fatigatam: tunc etiam bellum Hagidis Spartanorum regis in Graecia, Alexandri regis Epiri in Lucania, Zopyrionis praefecti in Scythia gerebatur. ### English translation (Claude) And lest anyone perhaps think that then either the East alone was subdued by Alexander's forces or Italy alone was wearied by Roman restlessness: then too the war of Agis, king of the Spartans, was waged in Greece, that of Alexander, king of Epirus, in Lucania, and that of Zopyrion the prefect in Scythia. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.18.1 (CSEL 5:177; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-18-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.18.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-14-1/#p-3-18-2 - Source: CSEL 5:177 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Agis of Sparta fell fighting Antipater. ### Latin text quorum Hagidis Lacedaemonius excitata et rebellante secum uniuersa Graecia cum Antipatri fortissimis copiis congressus inter magnas utrorumque strages et ipse procubuit. ### English translation (Claude) Of these, Agis the Lacedaemonian, having roused all Greece to rebel with him, engaged the very strong forces of Antipater and, amid great slaughter on both sides, fell himself. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.18.2 (CSEL 5:177; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-18-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.18.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-14-1/#p-3-18-3 - Source: CSEL 5:177–178 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Alexander of Epirus was killed in Italy. ### Latin text Alexander autem in Italia adfectans occidentis imperium aemulans Alexandrum Magnum, post numerosa et grauia bella ibidem gesta a Bruttiis Lucanisque superatus est corpusque eius ad sepulturam uenditum. ### English translation (Claude) Alexander, aiming in Italy at the empire of the West in rivalry with Alexander the Great, after numerous and grave wars waged there, was overcome by the Bruttii and Lucanians, and his body was sold for burial. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.18.3 (CSEL 5:177–178; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-18-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.18.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-14-1/#p-3-18-4 - Source: CSEL 5:178 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Zopyrion's army was annihilated in Scythia. ### Latin text Zopyrion uero praefectus Ponti adunato triginta milium exercitu Scythis bellum inferre ausus et usque ad internecionem caesus funditus cum omnibus copiis suis abrasus est. ### English translation (Claude) Zopyrion, prefect of Pontus, having gathered an army of thirty thousand, dared to make war on the Scythians, was cut down to extermination, and was utterly wiped out with all his forces. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.18.4 (CSEL 5:178; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-18-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.18.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-14-1/#p-3-18-5 - Source: CSEL 5:178 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Alexander subdued the Hyrcanians; an Amazon queen visited him. ### Latin text Igitur Alexander Magnus post Darii mortem Hyrcanos et Mardos subegit: ubi etiam illum adhuc bello intentum Halestris siue Minothea, excita suscipiendae ab eo subolis gratia cum trecentis mulieribus procax Amazon inuenit. ### English translation (Claude) So Alexander the Great, after the death of Darius, subdued the Hyrcanians and the Mardi; there too, while he was still intent on war, Halestris or Minothea, a wanton Amazon, aroused by the desire to conceive offspring by him, came upon him with three hundred women. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.18.5 (CSEL 5:178; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-18-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.18.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-14-1/#p-3-18-6 - Source: CSEL 5:178 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: He crushed the Parthians. ### Latin text post haec Parthorum pugnam adgressus: quos diu obnitentes deleuit propemodum antequam uicit. ### English translation (Claude) After this he attacked the Parthians in battle; long resisting, he almost destroyed them before he conquered them. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.18.6 (CSEL 5:178; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-18-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.18.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-14-1/#p-3-18-7 - Source: CSEL 5:178 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: He conquered the peoples of the Hindu Kush. ### Latin text inde Drangas Euergetas Parimas Parapamenos Adaspios ceterosque populos qui in radice Caucasi morabantur subegit, urbe ibi Alexandria super amnem Tanaim constituta. ### English translation (Claude) Then he subdued the Drangae, Euergetae, Parimae, Parapameni, Adaspii and the other peoples who lived at the foot of the Caucasus, founding there a city of Alexandria on the river Tanais. ### Translation notes - The 'Tanais' here is the Jaxartes. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.18.7 (CSEL 5:178; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-18-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.18.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-14-1/#p-3-18-8 - Source: CSEL 5:178–179 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Alexander killed many of his own, including Clitus. ### Latin text sed nec minor eius in suos crudelitas quam in hostem rabies fuit. docent hoc Amyntas consobrinus occisus, nouerca fratresque eius necati, Parmenio et Philotas trucidati, Attalus Eurylochus Pausanias multique Macedoniae principes exstincti, Clitus quoque annis grauis, amicitia uetus nefarie interfectus: ### English translation (Claude) But his cruelty toward his own was no less than his rage against the enemy. This is shown by the murder of his cousin Amyntas, the killing of his stepmother and her brothers, the slaughter of Parmenio and Philotas, the deaths of Attalus, Eurylochus, Pausanias and many leading men of Macedonia, and the wicked killing of Clitus too, heavy with years, an old friendship: ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.18.8 (CSEL 5:178–179; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-18-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.18.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-14-1/#p-3-18-9 - Source: CSEL 5:179 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Clitus was killed at a banquet for defending Philip's memory. ### Latin text qui cum in conuiuio fiducia amicitiae regiae aduersus regem, sua opera patri Philippo praeponentem, memoriam patris tueretur, ab offenso frustra rege uenabulo transfossus, commune conuiuium moriens cruentauit. ### English translation (Claude) when at a banquet, trusting in the king's friendship, he defended the memory of the king's father against the king, who was ranking his own deeds above his father Philip's, he was run through with a hunting spear by the king, offended for nothing, and as he died stained the common banquet with blood. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.18.9 (CSEL 5:179; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-18-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.18.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-14-1/#p-3-18-10 - Source: CSEL 5:179 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: He thirsted for blood of friend and foe. ### Latin text sed Alexander, humani sanguinis inexsaturabilis siue hostium siue etiam sociorum, recentem tamen semper sitiebat cruorem. ### English translation (Claude) But Alexander, insatiable of human blood, whether of enemies or even of allies, always thirsted for fresh gore. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.18.10 (CSEL 5:179; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-18-10). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.18.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-14-1/#p-3-18-11 - Source: CSEL 5:179 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: He killed Callisthenes for refusing to worship him. ### Latin text itaque pertinaci impetu in bella procurrens Chorasmos et Dahas indomitam gentem in deditionem accepit; Callisthenen philosophum sibique apud Aristotelen condiscipulum cum plurimis aliis principibus, cur eum deposito salutandi more ut deum non adoraret, occidit. ### English translation (Claude) So, rushing into wars with persistent onset, he received in surrender the Chorasmi and the Dahae, an untamed people; he killed the philosopher Callisthenes, his fellow pupil under Aristotle, with very many other leading men, because, setting aside the custom of greeting, he would not worship him as a god. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.18.11 (CSEL 5:179; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-18-11). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.19.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-14-1/#p-3-19-1 - Source: CSEL 5:179 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Alexander invaded India. ### Latin text Post haec Indiam petit, ut Oceano ultimoque Oriente finiret imperium; Nysam urbem adiit; Daedalos montes regnaque Cleophylis reginae expugnauit: quae cum se dedidisset, concubitu regnum redemit. ### English translation (Claude) After this he sought India, to end his empire at the Ocean and the farthest East. He came to the city of Nysa; he stormed the Daedalian mountains and the realm of Queen Cleophylis, who, when she had surrendered, redeemed her kingdom by lying with him. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.19.1 (CSEL 5:179; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-19-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.19.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-14-1/#p-3-19-2 - Source: CSEL 5:179–180 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: He took the rock Hercules had failed to take. ### Latin text peragrata perdomitaque Alexander India cum ad saxum mirae asperitatis et altitudinis, in quod multi populi confugerant, peruenisset, cognoscit Herculem ab expugnatione eiusdem saxi terrae motu prohibitum. aemulatione permotus, ut Herculis acta superaret, cum summo labore ac periculo saxo potitus omnes loci eius gentes in deditionem accepit. ### English translation (Claude) When Alexander, having traversed and subdued India, came to a rock of wonderful steepness and height, to which many peoples had fled, he learned that Hercules had been prevented by an earthquake from storming that same rock. Moved by rivalry, to surpass the deeds of Hercules, he gained the rock with the greatest labour and danger and received all the peoples of that place in surrender. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.19.2 (CSEL 5:179–180; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-19-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.19.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-14-1/#p-3-19-3 - Source: CSEL 5:180 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Alexander defeated and captured Porus. ### Latin text cum Poro fortissimo Indorum rege cruentissimum bellum gessit: in quo Alexander cum ipso Poro singulariter congressus occisoque deiectus equo concursu satellitum praesentiam mortis euasit; Porus multis uulneribus confossus et captus est. ### English translation (Claude) He waged a most bloody war with Porus, the bravest king of the Indians, in which Alexander, engaging Porus himself in single combat, was thrown when his horse was killed and escaped the presence of death by the rush of his guards; Porus, pierced with many wounds, was captured. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.19.3 (CSEL 5:180; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-19-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.19.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-14-1/#p-3-19-4 - Source: CSEL 5:180 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: He restored Porus and founded two cities. ### Latin text quo ob testimonium uirtutis in regnum restituto duas ibi condidit ciuitates Niciam et Bucefalen, quam de nomine equi sui ita uocari praecepit. inde Adrestas Catthenos Praesidas et Gangaridas caesis eorum exercitibus Macedones expugnauere. ### English translation (Claude) Having restored him to his kingdom in testimony of his courage, he founded two cities there, Nicaea and Bucephala, which he ordered to be called by the name of his horse. Then the Macedonians stormed the Adrestae, Catheni, Praesidae and Gangaridae, after slaughtering their armies. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.19.4 (CSEL 5:180; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-19-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.19.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-14-1/#p-3-19-5 - Source: CSEL 5:180–181 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The weary army won another battle. ### Latin text cum ad Cofides uentum esset, ibi contra cc milia equitum hostium pugnam conseruerunt; et cum iam aetate detriti, animo aegri, uiribus lassi difficile uicissent, castra ob memoriam plus solito magnifica condiderunt. ### English translation (Claude) When they came to the Cofides, there they joined battle against two hundred thousand enemy horsemen; and when, already worn by age, sick at heart and weary in strength, they had won with difficulty, they built a camp more magnificent than usual as a memorial. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.19.5 (CSEL 5:180–181; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-19-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.19.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-14-1/#p-3-19-6 - Source: CSEL 5:181 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: He sailed down to the Ocean. ### Latin text exim Alexander ad amnem Agesinem pergit; per hunc in Oceanum deuehitur: ibi Gesonas Sibosque, quos Hercules condidit, oppressit. hinc in Adros et Subagras nauigat: quae gentes eum armatis LXXX milibus peditum et LX milibus equitum excipiunt. ### English translation (Claude) Thereafter Alexander went to the river Acesines; by it he was carried down to the Ocean; there he crushed the Gesonae and Sibi, whom Hercules founded. From there he sailed to the Adri and Subagri, peoples who met him with eighty thousand armed foot and sixty thousand horse. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.19.6 (CSEL 5:181; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-19-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.19.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-14-1/#p-3-19-7 - Source: CSEL 5:181 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Alexander leapt alone into an enemy city. ### Latin text commisso praelio diu anceps et cruenta pugna tandem tristem paene uictoriam Macedonibus dedit. nam fusis hostium copiis Alexander exercitum ad urbem duxit; et cum murum primus escendisset, uacuam ciuitatem ratus solus introrsum desiluit: ### English translation (Claude) When battle was joined, a long, doubtful and bloody fight at last gave the Macedonians an almost sad victory. For when the enemy's forces were routed Alexander led the army to the city; and when he had climbed the wall first, thinking the city empty, he leapt down inside alone: ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.19.7 (CSEL 5:181; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-19-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.19.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-14-1/#p-3-19-8 - Source: CSEL 5:181 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Alone he fought off thousands. ### Latin text quem cum undique infesti hostes circumdedissent, incredibile dictu est ut eum non multitudo hostium, non uis magna telorum, non tantus lacessentium clamor terruerit, solus tot milia ceciderit ac fugarit. ### English translation (Claude) when hostile enemies had surrounded him on every side, it is incredible to say that neither the multitude of the enemy, nor the great force of missiles, nor the great shouting of those attacking him terrified him; alone he cut down and put to flight so many thousands. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.19.8 (CSEL 5:181; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-19-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.19.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-14-1/#p-3-19-9 - Source: CSEL 5:181 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: His army broke in to save him. ### Latin text at ubi se obrui a circumfusa multitudine persensit, muri obice posteriora tutatus, contrarios facilius eo usque sustinuit, donec ad periculum eius clamoremque hostium perfractis muris exercitus omnis inrumperet. ### English translation (Claude) But when he felt himself being overwhelmed by the multitude poured round him, protecting his back by the barrier of the wall, he held off those facing him more easily until, at his danger and the shouting of the enemy, the whole army broke through the walls and burst in. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.19.9 (CSEL 5:181; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-19-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.19.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-14-1/#p-3-19-10 - Source: CSEL 5:181–182 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Wounded, he killed his attacker. ### Latin text in eo proelio sagitta sub mamma traiectus, fixo genu eatenus pugnauit, donec eum a quo uulneratus esset occideret. ### English translation (Claude) In that battle, pierced by an arrow below the breast, he fought on one knee until he had killed the man by whom he had been wounded. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.19.10 (CSEL 5:181–182; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-19-10). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.19.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-14-1/#p-3-19-11 - Source: CSEL 5:182 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: A dream-herb cured his soldiers of poisoned arrows. ### Latin text inde conscensis nauibus cum Oceani litora peragraret, ad urbem quandam cui Ambira rex praeerat peruenit. sed in expugnatione ciuitatis magnam partem exercitus sagittis hostium ueneno inlitis amisit, ac post herba per somnium sibi ostensa et in potum sauciis data cum reliquis subueniretur, urbem expugnauit et cepit. ### English translation (Claude) Then, embarking on ships, while he was travelling along the shores of the Ocean, he came to a certain city ruled by King Ambira. But in storming the city he lost a great part of his army through the enemy's arrows smeared with poison; and after an herb shown to him in a dream was given in drink to the wounded and the rest were relieved, he stormed and took the city. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.19.11 (CSEL 5:182; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-19-11). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.20.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-14-1/#p-3-20-1 - Source: CSEL 5:182 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Alexander returned to Babylon. ### Latin text Post quasi circumacta meta de Oceano Indum flumen ingressus, Babylonam celeriter rediit. ### English translation (Claude) Afterwards, as though the turning-post had been rounded, he entered the river Indus from the Ocean and quickly returned to Babylon. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.20.1 (CSEL 5:182; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-20-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.20.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-14-1/#p-3-20-2 - Source: CSEL 5:182 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Envoys from the whole world awaited him. ### Latin text ubi eum exterritarum totius Orbis prouinciarum legati opperiebantur, hoc est Carthaginiensium totiusque Africae ciuitatum, sed et Hispanorum Gallorum Siciliae Sardiniaeque, plurimae praeterea partis Italiae. ### English translation (Claude) There envoys of the terrified provinces of the whole world awaited him, that is, of the Carthaginians and the cities of all Africa, but also of the Spaniards, the Gauls, Sicily and Sardinia, and besides of most of Italy. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.20.2 (CSEL 5:182; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-20-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.20.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-14-1/#p-3-20-3 - Source: CSEL 5:182 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The far West feared him. ### Latin text tantus timor in summo Oriente constituti ducis populos ultimi Occidentis inuaserat, ut inde peregrinam toto mundo cerneres legationem, quo uix crederes peruenisse rumorem. ### English translation (Claude) So great a fear of the leader established in the farthest East had seized the peoples of the farthest West that you might see from there an embassy travelling through the whole world to a place to which you would scarcely believe rumour had reached. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.20.3 (CSEL 5:182; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-20-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.20.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-14-1/#p-3-20-4 - Source: CSEL 5:183 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Alexander died of poison at Babylon. ### Latin text Alexander uero apud Babylonam, cum adhuc sanguinem sitiens male castigata auiditate ministri insidiis uenenum potasset, interiit. ### English translation (Claude) But Alexander, at Babylon, while still thirsting for blood with his greed ill checked, drank poison through the plot of a servant and died. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.20.4 (CSEL 5:183; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-20-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.20.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-14-1/#p-3-20-5 - Source: CSEL 5:183 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Orosius rebukes himself for not weeping at such evils. ### Latin text O dura mens hominum et cor semper inhumanum! ego ipse, qui haec pro adserenda omnium temporum alternanti calamitate percenseo, in relatu tanti mali, quo uel morte ipsa uel formidine mortis accepta totus mundus intremuit, numquid inlacrimaui oculis? numquid corde condolui? numquid reuoluens haec propter communem uiuendi statum maiorum miserias meas feci? ### English translation (Claude) O hard mind of men and heart always inhuman! I myself, who review these things to establish the alternating calamity of all times, in the telling of so great an evil, at which the whole world trembled either at the death itself or at the fear of death it received, did I weep with my eyes? Did I grieve in heart? In turning these things over, did I, on account of the common condition of living, make the miseries of our ancestors my own? ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.20.5 (CSEL 5:183; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-20-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.20.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-14-1/#p-3-20-6 - Source: CSEL 5:183 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: He recalls his own escape from the barbarians. ### Latin text cum tamen, si quando de me ipso refero, ut ignotos primum barbaros uiderim, ut infestos declinauerim, ut dominantibus blanditus sim, ut infideles praecauerim, ut insidiantes subterfugerim, ### English translation (Claude) And yet, if ever I tell of myself, how I first saw unknown barbarians, how I avoided hostile ones, how I flattered those in power, how I guarded against the faithless, how I slipped away from those lying in wait, ### Translation notes - The sentence continues in 3.20.7. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.20.6 (CSEL 5:183; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-20-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.20.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-14-1/#p-3-20-7 - Source: CSEL 5:183–184 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: He wants others to weep at his own sufferings. ### Latin text postremo ut persequentes in mari ac saxis spiculisque adpetentes, manibus etiam paene iam adprehendentes repentina nebula circumfusus euaserim, cunctos audientes me in lacrimas commoueri uelim et tacitus de non dolentibus doleam, reputans duritiae eorum, qui quod non sustinuere non credunt. ### English translation (Claude) and finally how, wrapped in a sudden mist, I escaped those pursuing me on the sea and attacking me with stones and spears, and almost already seizing me with their hands, I would want all who hear me to be moved to tears, and I grieve silently over those who do not grieve, reckoning it to the hardness of those who do not believe what they have not endured. ### Translation notes - Orosius's flight from Spain by sea, probably in 414. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.20.7 (CSEL 5:183–184; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-20-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.20.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-14-1/#p-3-20-8 - Source: CSEL 5:184 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Even far peoples begged Alexander's mercy, yet it is forgotten. ### Latin text Hispanus et Morinus ad supplicandum Alexandro Babylonam adiit cruentumque ultro dominum, ne hostem exciperet, per Assyriam Indiamque quaesiuit, terrarum metas lustrans et utrique infeliciter notus Oceano: et tamen tam uiolentae necessitatis memoria uel obliuione defecit uel uiluit uetustate. ### English translation (Claude) The Spaniard and the Morinian went to Babylon to entreat Alexander, and of their own accord sought out a bloody master through Assyria and India, so as not to receive him as an enemy, travelling over the bounds of the earth, unhappily known to both Oceans: and yet the memory of so violent a necessity has either failed through forgetfulness or grown cheap with age. ### Translation notes - The Morini lived on the Channel coast of Gaul. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.20.8 (CSEL 5:184; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-20-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.20.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-14-1/#p-3-20-9 - Source: CSEL 5:184 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The barbarian raids in Spain are small by comparison. ### Latin text et nos perpetuae recordationi haesurum putamus, quod plurima Orbis parte secura unum angulum fugax latro uiolauit? quasi uero Gotthorum et Sueborum pacem ut non dicam uersa uice Indus uel Assyrius, sed etiam uel ipse, qui hostem patitur, Hispanus orauerit. ### English translation (Claude) And do we think that it will cling to perpetual memory that, while most of the world is secure, a fleeing robber violated one corner? As if indeed, I will not say the Indian or the Assyrian in reverse, but even the Spaniard himself, who suffers the enemy, had begged the Goths and Suebi for peace. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.20.9 (CSEL 5:184; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-20-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.20.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-14-1/#p-3-20-10 - Source: CSEL 5:184 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: If Alexander is praised, so might today's conquerors be. ### Latin text at uero si illa Alexandri tempora laudanda potius propter uirtutem qua totus orbis obtentus, quam detestanda propter ruinam qua totus orbis euersus est iudicantur: inuenientur et modo plurimi, qui haec laudanda censeant, quia multa uicerunt et miserias aliorum felicitatem suam reputent. ### English translation (Claude) But if those times of Alexander are judged worthy of praise for the courage by which the whole world was gained rather than of detestation for the ruin by which the whole world was overthrown, there will also be found now very many who think these present things praiseworthy, because they conquered much, and count the miseries of others their own happiness. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.20.10 (CSEL 5:184; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-20-10). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.20.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-14-1/#p-3-20-11 - Source: CSEL 5:184–185 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Rome too once seemed an enemy to others. ### Latin text sed dicat quisquam: isti hostes Romaniae sunt. respondebitur: hoc et tunc toto Orienti de Alexandro uidebatur, talesque et Romani aliis uisi sunt, dum bellis ignotos quietosque petiuerunt. sed illi adquirere regna, isti euertere student. separata sunt hostis excidia et iudicia uictoris. ### English translation (Claude) But someone may say: these are enemies of the Roman world. The answer will be: this too seemed so then to the whole East about Alexander, and the Romans too seemed such to others, when they attacked in wars those unknown to them and living in quiet. But they strove to acquire kingdoms, these to overthrow them. The destructions of an enemy and the judgments of a victor are different things. ### Translation notes - *Romania* is the Roman world. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.20.11 (CSEL 5:184–185; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-20-11). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.20.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-14-1/#p-3-20-12 - Source: CSEL 5:185 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Today's barbarians would be called great kings if they won. ### Latin text siquidem et illi prius eos bellis adflixerunt, quos postea suis legibus ordinarunt: et hi nunc hostiliter turbant quae — in quo non permiserit Deus — si edomita obtinerent, ritu suo conponere molirentur, dicendi posteris magni reges, qui nunc nobis saeuissimi hostes adiudicantur. ### English translation (Claude) For they too first afflicted with wars those whom afterwards they ordered by their laws; and these now disturb as enemies the things which (may God not permit it) if they held them subdued, they would strive to order after their own manner, to be called great kings by posterity, they who are now judged by us most savage enemies. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.20.12 (CSEL 5:185; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-20-12). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.20.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-14-1/#p-3-20-13 - Source: CSEL 5:185 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Either way, present troubles are smaller than Alexander's age. ### Latin text quolibet haec gesta talia nomine censeantur, hoc est siue dicantur miseriae siue uirtutes, utraque prioribus conparata in hoc tempore minora sunt, atque ita utraque pro nobis faciunt in conparatione Alexandri atque Persarum: si uirtus nunc uocanda est, minor est hostium; si miseria, minor est Romanorum. ### English translation (Claude) By whatever name such deeds are reckoned, that is, whether they are called miseries or virtues, both, compared with earlier ones, are smaller in this time; and so both tell in our favour in comparison with Alexander and the Persians: if it is now to be called virtue, the enemies' is smaller; if misery, the Romans' is smaller. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.20.13 (CSEL 5:185; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-20-13). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.21.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-14-1/#p-3-21-1 - Source: CSEL 5:185 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Four Italian peoples allied against Rome. ### Latin text Anno ab Vrbe condita CCCCL Fabio Maximo v Decio Mure iiii consulibus quattuor fortissimi florentissimique Italiae populi in unum agmen foedusque coierunt. namque Etrusci Vmbri Samnites et Galli uno agmine conspirantes Romanos delere conati sunt. ### English translation (Claude) In the 450th year from the founding of the City, in the consulship of Fabius Maximus for the fifth time and Decius Mus for the fourth, four of the bravest and most flourishing peoples of Italy came together in one column and treaty. For the Etruscans, Umbrians, Samnites and Gauls, conspiring in one column, tried to destroy the Romans. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.21.1 (CSEL 5:185; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-21-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.21.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-14-1/#p-3-21-2 - Source: CSEL 5:185–186 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Rome divided its enemies by guile. ### Latin text tremefacti hoc bello Romanorum animi et labefactata fiducia est, nec ausi sunt totum sperare de uiribus: dolo diuisere hostes, tutius rati pluribus se bellis inplicare quam grauibus. ### English translation (Claude) The spirits of the Romans trembled at this war and their confidence was shaken; they did not dare to hope everything from their strength: they divided the enemy by guile, thinking it safer to entangle themselves in more wars than in heavy ones. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.21.2 (CSEL 5:185–186; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-21-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.21.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-14-1/#p-3-21-3 - Source: CSEL 5:186 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Rome drew off the Etruscans and Umbrians. ### Latin text itaque cum, quibusdam suis ad populandos hostiles agros in Vmbriam Etruriamque praemissis, Vmbrorum Etruscorumque exercitum redire ad tuitionem suorum coegissent, cum Samnitibus et Gallis bellum inire properarunt. ### English translation (Claude) So when, by sending some of their men ahead into Umbria and Etruria to ravage the enemy's fields, they had compelled the army of the Umbrians and Etruscans to return to protect their own, they hastened to engage in war with the Samnites and Gauls. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.21.3 (CSEL 5:186; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-21-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.21.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-14-1/#p-3-21-4 - Source: CSEL 5:186 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Decius fell; Fabius won at Sentinum. ### Latin text in quo bello cum Gallorum impetu Romani premerentur Decius consul occisus est. Fabius tamen post magnam Decianae partis stragem tandem uicit. ### English translation (Claude) In that war, when the Romans were pressed by the onset of the Gauls, the consul Decius was killed. Fabius, however, after great slaughter of Decius's part, at last conquered. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.21.4 (CSEL 5:186; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-21-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.21.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-14-1/#p-3-21-5 - Source: CSEL 5:186 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Forty thousand enemies and seven thousand Romans died. ### Latin text eo proelio quadraginta milia Samnitium siue Gallorum caesa, Romanorum uero septem milia ex Decii tantummodo parte qui occisus est exstincta referuntur. ### English translation (Claude) In that battle forty thousand Samnites or Gauls were slain, and seven thousand Romans are reported to have been lost, from the part of Decius alone, who was killed. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.21.5 (CSEL 5:186; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-21-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.21.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-14-1/#p-3-21-6 - Source: CSEL 5:186 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Livy's figures for the enemy army. ### Latin text fuisse autem absque Etruscis et Vmbris, quos astu Romani bello auocauerunt, Gallorum et Samnitium peditum CXL milia cccxxx, equitum uero XLVII milia Liuius refert, et carpentarios mille in armis contra aciem stetisse Romanam. ### English translation (Claude) Livy reports that there were, besides the Etruscans and Umbrians whom the Romans by craft called away from the war, 140,330 foot soldiers of the Gauls and Samnites and 47,000 horse, and that a thousand chariot-fighters in arms stood against the Roman battle line. ### Extrabiblical texts - Livy (Livy, History of Rome): quotation, medium confidence ### Translation notes - The passage of Livy is lost. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.21.6 (CSEL 5:186; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-21-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.21.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-14-1/#p-3-21-7 - Source: CSEL 5:186–187 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Plague spoiled the victory. ### Latin text Sed — ut saepe dictum est semper Romanorum aut domesticam quietem extraneis bellis interpellatam aut externos prouentus morbis interioribus adgrauatos, tantum ut omnimodis ingentes animi undecumque premerentur — hanc cruentam tristemque uictoriam pestilentia ciuitatis onerauit et triumphales pompas obuiae mortuorum exsequiae polluerunt. nec erat cui de triumpho gaudium suaderetur, cum tota ciuitas aut aegris suspiraret aut mortuis. ### English translation (Claude) But (as has often been said, that always either the domestic quiet of the Romans was interrupted by foreign wars or their external successes were weighed down by internal diseases, so that their great spirits might be pressed from every side in every way) a pestilence in the city burdened this bloody and sad victory, and funeral processions of the dead meeting them polluted the triumphal parades. Nor was there anyone to whom joy at the triumph could be urged, when the whole city was sighing either over the sick or over the dead. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.21.7 (CSEL 5:186–187; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-21-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.22.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-14-1/#p-3-22-1 - Source: CSEL 5:187 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Samnites defeated Rome. ### Latin text Sequitur annus, quo Romani instaurato a Samnitibus bello uicti sunt atque in castra fugerunt. ### English translation (Claude) The following year came, in which the Romans, the war with the Samnites being renewed, were defeated and fled into their camp. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.22.1 (CSEL 5:187; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-22-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.22.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-14-1/#p-3-22-2 - Source: CSEL 5:187 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Samnites returned with silvered arms. ### Latin text postea uero Samnites nouum habitum animumque sumentes, hoc est deargentatis armis ac uestibus, paratoque animo ni uincant mori, bello sese offerunt. ### English translation (Claude) Afterwards the Samnites, taking on a new appearance and spirit, that is, with silvered arms and clothing, and with minds prepared to die unless they conquered, offered themselves to battle. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.22.2 (CSEL 5:187; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-22-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.22.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-14-1/#p-3-22-3 - Source: CSEL 5:187 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Papirius ignored the augurs and won. ### Latin text aduersum quos Papirius consul cum exercitu missus cum a pullariis auguribus uana coniectantibus congredi prohiberetur, inridens eos tam feliciter confecit bellum quam constanter arripuit. ### English translation (Claude) The consul Papirius, sent against them with an army, when he was forbidden to engage by the chicken-keeping augurs with their empty conjectures, laughed at them and finished the war as happily as he had steadfastly taken it up. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.22.3 (CSEL 5:187; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-22-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.22.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-14-1/#p-3-22-4 - Source: CSEL 5:187 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Disease spoiled this victory too. ### Latin text nam in hoc proelio xu milia hostium caesa, III milia capta referuntur. sed hanc quoque istius uere laudandam uictoriam, quam uani auspices impedire non potuerunt, oborti subito corrupere morbi. ### English translation (Claude) For in this battle twelve thousand of the enemy are reported slain and three thousand captured. But this victory too, truly praiseworthy, which empty augurs could not hinder, diseases suddenly arising spoiled. ### Translation notes - The numeral is garbled in the digital text (*xu*); read as XII. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.22.4 (CSEL 5:187; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-22-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.22.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-14-1/#p-3-22-5 - Source: CSEL 5:187–188 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Rome brought the serpent of Aesculapius to stop the plague. ### Latin text nam tanta ac tam intolerabilis pestilentia tunc corripuit ciuitatem, ut propter eam quacumque ratione sedandam libros Sibyllinos consulendos putarint horrendumque illum Epidaurium colubrum cum ipso Aesculapi lapide aduexerint: quasi uero pestilentia aut ante sedata non sit aut post orta non fuerit. ### English translation (Claude) For so great and so unbearable a pestilence then seized the city that, to calm it by any means, they thought the Sibylline books should be consulted, and they brought that horrible Epidaurian serpent along with the very stone of Aesculapius: as though the pestilence had not either been calmed before or arisen after. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.22.5 (CSEL 5:187–188; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-22-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.22.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-14-1/#p-3-22-6 - Source: CSEL 5:188 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Fabius Gurges was defeated. ### Latin text Praeterea altero abhinc anno Fabius Gurges consul male aduersum Samnitas pugnauit. namque amisso exercitu uictus in Vrbem refugit. ### English translation (Claude) Moreover, in the next year from then the consul Fabius Gurges fought badly against the Samnites: for, having lost his army, he fled defeated into the City. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.22.6 (CSEL 5:188; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-22-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.22.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-14-1/#p-3-22-7 - Source: CSEL 5:188 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: His father offered to serve under him. ### Latin text itaque cum senatus de summouendo eo deliberaret, pater eius Fabius Maximus ignominiam filii deprecatus legatum se filio iturum ultro obtulit, si illi depellendae ignominiae et gerendi iterum belli facultas daretur. ### English translation (Claude) So when the senate was deliberating about removing him, his father Fabius Maximus, begging off his son's disgrace, offered of his own accord to go as legate to his son, if the opportunity of driving off the disgrace and waging war again were given him. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.22.7 (CSEL 5:188; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-22-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.22.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-14-1/#p-3-22-8 - Source: CSEL 5:188 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The old Fabius rode in to save his son. ### Latin text qua impetrata proelioque conserto cum subito pugnantem filium consulem insistente Pontio Samnitarum duce et infestis hostium telis conclusum uideret, in medium se agmen pius senex equo uectus ingessit. ### English translation (Claude) When this was granted and battle was joined, when he saw his son the consul suddenly shut in as he fought, with Pontius, leader of the Samnites, pressing on and the enemy's missiles hostile, the devoted old man rode on horseback into the middle of the column. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.22.8 (CSEL 5:188; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-22-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.22.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-14-1/#p-3-22-9 - Source: CSEL 5:188 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Rome won and captured Pontius. ### Latin text quo facto commoti Romani tota ibi incubuere acie, donec ipsum Pontium ducem deleto hostili exercitu uictum oppressumque ceperunt. ### English translation (Claude) Moved by this deed, the Romans threw their whole line in there, until, the enemy army destroyed, they captured Pontius himself, the leader, conquered and overpowered. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.22.9 (CSEL 5:188; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-22-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.22.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-14-1/#p-3-22-10 - Source: CSEL 5:188–189 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Samnite war ended after forty-nine years. ### Latin text caesa sunt in eo proelio Samnitium xx milia, capta autem IIII milia cum rege suo; tandemque Samniticum bellum, quod per quadraginta et nouem annos multa Romanorum clade trahebatur, capti ducis destitutione finitum est. ### English translation (Claude) In that battle twenty thousand Samnites were slain and four thousand captured with their king; and at last the Samnite war, which had dragged on for forty-nine years with much slaughter of Romans, was ended by the loss of the captured leader. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.22.10 (CSEL 5:188–189; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-22-10). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.22.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-14-1/#p-3-22-11 - Source: CSEL 5:189 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Curius could not count his Sabine captives. ### Latin text Anno subsequente cum Sabinis Corio consule bellum gestum est, ubi quot milia hominum interfecta, quot capta sint, ipse consul ostendit. qui cum in senatu magnitudinem adquisiti agri Sabini et multitudinem capti populi referre uellet, numerum explicare non potuit. ### English translation (Claude) In the following year war was waged with the Sabines under the consul Curius, in which how many thousands of men were killed and how many captured the consul himself showed: for when he wanted to report in the senate the size of the Sabine land acquired and the multitude of the people captured, he could not set out the number. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.22.11 (CSEL 5:189; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-22-11). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.22.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-14-1/#p-3-22-12 - Source: CSEL 5:189 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: A new coalition rose against Rome. ### Latin text Anno ab Vrbe condita CCCCLXIII Dolabella et Domitio consulibus Lucani, Bruttii, Samnites quoque cum Etruscis et Senonibus Gallis facta societate, cum rediuiuum contra Romanos bellum molirentur, Romani ad exorandos Gallos misere legatos. ### English translation (Claude) In the 463rd year from the founding of the City, in the consulship of Dolabella and Domitius, the Lucanians, Bruttians, and Samnites too, having made an alliance with the Etruscans and Senonian Gauls, were preparing a revived war against the Romans; the Romans sent envoys to entreat the Gauls. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.22.12 (CSEL 5:189; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-22-12). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.22.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-14-1/#p-3-22-13 - Source: CSEL 5:189 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Gauls killed Rome's envoys and the praetor Caecilius. ### Latin text quos cum Galli interfecissent, Caecilius praetor ob ulciscendam legatorum necem et conprimendum tumultum hostium cum exercitu missus, ab Etruscis Gallisque oppressus interiit. ### English translation (Claude) When the Gauls had killed them, the praetor Caecilius, sent with an army to avenge the death of the envoys and suppress the enemy's uprising, was overwhelmed by the Etruscans and Gauls and perished. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.22.13 (CSEL 5:189; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-22-13). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.22.14 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-14-1/#p-3-22-14 - Source: CSEL 5:189 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Thirteen thousand Romans fell. ### Latin text septem praeterea tribuni militum in ea pugna occisi, multi nobiles trucidati, tredecim milia militum Romanorum illo bello prostrata sunt. ### English translation (Claude) Besides, seven military tribunes were killed in that battle, many nobles slaughtered, and thirteen thousand Roman soldiers laid low in that war. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.22.14 (CSEL 5:189; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-22-14). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.22.15 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-14-1/#p-3-22-15 - Source: CSEL 5:189–190 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Gauls were worse than the Goths. ### Latin text Ita autem quotienscumque Galli exarserunt, totis opibus suis Roma detrita est, ut sub praesenti nunc concursatione Gotthorum magis debeat meminisse Gallorum. ### English translation (Claude) So every time the Gauls blazed up, Rome was worn down with all its resources, so that under the present raiding of the Goths it ought rather to remember the Gauls. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.22.15 (CSEL 5:189–190; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-22-15). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.23.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-3-23-1 - Source: CSEL 5:190 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: He turns to the wars of Alexander's successors. ### Latin text At ego nunc reuocor, ut per haec eadem tempora, quibus Romani ista perpessi sunt, quae inter se bella gesserint Macedonum duces reuoluam, qui mortuo Alexandro diuersas sortiti prouincias mutuis se bellis consumpserunt. ### English translation (Claude) But now I am called back to unroll what wars the generals of the Macedonians waged among themselves during these same times in which the Romans suffered these things: who, after Alexander's death, having been allotted different provinces, consumed one another in mutual wars. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.23.1 (CSEL 5:190; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-23-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.23.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-3-23-2 - Source: CSEL 5:190 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Their wars were like the fires of a vast camp at night. ### Latin text quorum ego tumultuosissimum tempus ita mihi spectare uideor, quasi aliqua inmensa castra per noctem de specula montis aspectans nihil in magno campi spatio praeter innumeros focos cernam. ### English translation (Claude) Their most tumultuous time I seem to myself to watch as though, looking by night from a mountain watchtower at some immense camp, I should see nothing in the great space of the plain except countless fires. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.23.2 (CSEL 5:190; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-23-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.23.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-3-23-3 - Source: CSEL 5:190 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: War blazed across the Macedonian empire. ### Latin text ita per totum Macedoniae regnum, hoc est per uniuersam Asiam et plurimam Europae partem Libyaeque uel maximam, horrendi subito bellorum globi conluxerunt: ### English translation (Claude) So throughout the whole kingdom of Macedonia, that is, throughout all Asia and most of Europe and the greatest part of Libya, horrible masses of wars suddenly blazed up: ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.23.3 (CSEL 5:190; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-23-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.23.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-3-23-4 - Source: CSEL 5:190 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Fear of war spread everywhere. ### Latin text qui cum ea praecipue loca, in quibus exarsere, populati sunt, reliqua omnia terrore rumoris quasi fumi caligine turbauerunt. ### English translation (Claude) while they especially ravaged the places in which they blazed up, they disturbed all the rest with the terror of rumour, as with the darkness of smoke. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.23.4 (CSEL 5:190; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-23-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.23.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-3-23-5 - Source: CSEL 5:190 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: First he lists the successors' kingdoms. ### Latin text sed nequaquam tantorum regum ac regnorum bella excidiaque explicabo, nisi prius ipsa cum regibus regna prodidero. ### English translation (Claude) But I shall by no means set out the wars and destructions of such great kings and kingdoms unless I first reveal the kingdoms themselves together with the kings. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.23.5 (CSEL 5:190; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-23-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.23.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-3-23-6 - Source: CSEL 5:190 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Alexander's generals tore the empire apart like cubs. ### Latin text Igitur Alexander per duodecim annos trementem sub se orbem ferro pressit, principes uero eius quattuordecim annis dilaniauerunt et ueluti opimam praedam a magno leone prostratam auidi discerpsere catuli, seque ipsos inuicem in rixam inritatos praedae aemulatione fregerunt. ### English translation (Claude) So Alexander for twelve years pressed with the sword the world trembling beneath him, but his chief men tore it apart for fourteen years, and like greedy cubs they tore to pieces the rich prey laid low by a great lion, and, provoked to quarrel with one another by rivalry over the prey, broke themselves. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.23.6 (CSEL 5:190; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-23-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.23.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-3-23-7 - Source: CSEL 5:190–191 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Ptolemy received Egypt. ### Latin text itaque prima Ptolemaeo Aegyptus et Africae Arabiaeque pars sorte prouenit. confinem huic prouinciae Syriam Laomedon Mitylinaeus, Ciliciam Philotas, Philo Illyrios accipiunt. ### English translation (Claude) So first Egypt and part of Africa and Arabia fell by lot to Ptolemy. Laomedon of Mytilene received Syria, bordering this province, Philotas Cilicia, Philo the Illyrians. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.23.7 (CSEL 5:190–191; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-23-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.23.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-3-23-8 - Source: CSEL 5:191 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Media, Susiana, and Phrygia were assigned. ### Latin text Mediae maiori Atropatas, minori socer Perdiccae praeponitur. Susiana gens Scyno, Phrygia maior Antigono Philippi filio adsignatur. ### English translation (Claude) Atropatus was set over Greater Media, the father-in-law of Perdiccas over the Lesser. The Susian people were assigned to Scynus, Greater Phrygia to Antigonus, son of Philip. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.23.8 (CSEL 5:191; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-23-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.23.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-3-23-9 - Source: CSEL 5:191 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Lycia, Caria, Lydia, and Lesser Phrygia were assigned. ### Latin text Lyciam et Pamphyliam Nearchus, Cariam Cassander, Lydiam Menander sortiuntur. Leonnatus minorem Phrygiam accipit. ### English translation (Claude) Nearchus was allotted Lycia and Pamphylia, Cassander Caria, Menander Lydia. Leonnatus received Lesser Phrygia. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.23.9 (CSEL 5:191; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-23-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.23.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-3-23-10 - Source: CSEL 5:191 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Thrace, Cappadocia, and the high command were assigned. ### Latin text Thracia et regiones Pontici maris Lysimacho, Cappadocia cum Paphlagonia Eumeni data. summa castrorum Seleuco Antiochi filio cessit; stipatoribus regis satellitibusque Cassander filius Antipatri praeficitur. ### English translation (Claude) Thrace and the regions of the Pontic Sea were given to Lysimachus, Cappadocia with Paphlagonia to Eumenes. The supreme command of the camp went to Seleucus, son of Antiochus; Cassander, son of Antipater, was put in charge of the king's bodyguards and attendants. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.23.10 (CSEL 5:191; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-23-10). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.23.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-3-23-11 - Source: CSEL 5:191–192 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The eastern prefects remained. ### Latin text in Bactriana ulteriore et Indiae regionibus praefecti priores, qui sub Alexandro esse coeperant, permanserunt. Seres inter duos amnes Hydaspen et Indum constitutos Taxiles habuit. ### English translation (Claude) In farther Bactria and the regions of India the former prefects, who had begun to serve under Alexander, remained. Taxiles held the Seres, set between the two rivers Hydaspes and Indus. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.23.11 (CSEL 5:191–192; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-23-11). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.23.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-3-23-12 - Source: CSEL 5:192 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Python and Oxyarches were assigned. ### Latin text in colonias in Indis conditas Python Agenoris filius mittitur. Parapamenos fine Caucasi montis Oxyarches accepit. ### English translation (Claude) Python, son of Agenor, was sent to the colonies founded among the Indians. Oxyarches received the Parapameni at the edge of Mount Caucasus. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.23.12 (CSEL 5:192; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-23-12). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.23.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-3-23-13 - Source: CSEL 5:192–193 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The remaining provinces were assigned. ### Latin text Arachossi Chedrosique Sibyrti decernuntur. Drancheos et Areos Statanor, Bactrianos Amyntas sortitur, Sogdianos Scythaeus, Statanor Parthos, Philippus Hyrcanios, Fratafernes Armenios, Tleptolemus Persas, Peucestes Babylonios, Archon Pelassos, Archelaus Mesopotamiam adepti sunt. ### English translation (Claude) The Arachosians and Gedrosians were assigned to Sibyrtius. Statanor received the Drangians and Arians, Amyntas the Bactrians, Scythaeus the Sogdians, Statanor the Parthians, Philip the Hyrcanians, Phrataphernes the Armenians, Tlepolemus the Persians, Peucestes the Babylonians, Archon the Pelasgians, Archelaus Mesopotamia. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.23.13 (CSEL 5:192–193; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-23-13). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.23.14 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-3-23-14 - Source: CSEL 5:193 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Alexander's order to restore exiles caused revolt. ### Latin text Igitur causa et origo bellorum epistula Alexandri regis fuit, qua iussit omnes exules patriae libertatique restitui potentes enim ciuitatum Graeciae timentes, ne exules recepta libertate ultionem meditarentur, a regno Macedonum defecerunt. ### English translation (Claude) So the cause and origin of the wars was a letter of King Alexander in which he ordered all exiles to be restored to their country and liberty; for the powerful men of the cities of Greece, fearing that the exiles, their liberty recovered, would plan revenge, revolted from the kingdom of the Macedonians. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.23.14 (CSEL 5:193; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-23-14). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.23.15 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-3-23-15 - Source: CSEL 5:193 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Athens led a Greek revolt against Antipater. ### Latin text primi Athenienses, contracto triginta milium exercitu et ducentis nauibus, bellum cum Antipatro, cui Graecia sorte uenerat, gerunt, per Demosthenen quoque oratorem Sicyonam Argos et Corinthum ceterasque ciuitates sibi socias adiungunt, Antipatrum obsidione cingunt. ### English translation (Claude) First the Athenians, gathering an army of thirty thousand and two hundred ships, waged war with Antipater, to whom Greece had fallen by lot; through the orator Demosthenes they also joined Sicyon, Argos, Corinth and the other cities to themselves as allies, and surrounded Antipater with a siege. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.23.15 (CSEL 5:193; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-23-15). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.23.16 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-3-23-16 - Source: CSEL 5:193 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Leosthenes and Leonnatus were killed. ### Latin text ibi dux eorum Leosthenes telo e muris iacto perfossus occiditur. Athenienses Leonnato, qui Antipatro auxilium ferebat, occurrunt eiusque copiis conminutis ipsum interficiunt. ### English translation (Claude) There their leader Leosthenes, pierced by a missile thrown from the walls, was killed. The Athenians met Leonnatus, who was bringing help to Antipater, crushed his forces and killed him. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.23.16 (CSEL 5:193; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-23-16). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.23.17 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-3-23-17 - Source: CSEL 5:193 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Cappadocians burned themselves rather than yield to Perdiccas. ### Latin text Perdicca uero bellum Ariarato Cappadocum regi intulit eumque uicit. in qua uictoria nihil praeter uulnera et pericula conquisiuit, nam omnes ante inruptionem urbis suae succensis domibus suis se suaque omnia concremauerunt. ### English translation (Claude) Perdiccas made war on Ariarathes, king of the Cappadocians, and defeated him. In that victory he gained nothing but wounds and dangers, for before the storming of their city all set fire to their houses and burned themselves and all their possessions. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.23.17 (CSEL 5:193; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-23-17). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.23.18 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-3-23-18 - Source: CSEL 5:193–194 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: War broke out between Antigonus and Perdiccas. ### Latin text Post haec bellum inter Antigonum et Perdiccam oritur, grauissime multis prouinciis et insulis ob auxilia uel negata ### English translation (Claude) After this war arose between Antigonus and Perdiccas, with many provinces and islands most grievously torn apart on account of help either refused ### Translation notes - The sentence continues in 3.23.19. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.23.18 (CSEL 5:193–194; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-23-18). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.23.19 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-3-23-19 - Source: CSEL 5:194 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Perdiccas invaded Egypt. ### Latin text uel praestita dilaceratis, diu deliberatum, utrum in Macedoniam bellum transferretur an in Asia gereretur: nouissime ipse Perdicca Aegyptum cum ingenti exercitu petit. sic Macedonia, in duas partes discurrentibus ducibus, in sua uiscera armatur. ### English translation (Claude) or given; it was long deliberated whether the war should be carried into Macedonia or waged in Asia: at last Perdiccas himself sought Egypt with a huge army. So Macedonia, its generals running off in two directions, armed itself against its own vitals. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.23.19 (CSEL 5:194; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-23-19). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.23.20 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-3-23-20 - Source: CSEL 5:194 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Ptolemy prepared; Neoptolemus fought Eumenes. ### Latin text Ptolemaeus Aegypti uiribus et Cyrenensibus copiis instructus occurrere bello Perdiccae parat. inter haec Neoptolemus et Eumenes cruentissimo inter se proelio digladiati sunt. ### English translation (Claude) Ptolemy, equipped with the strength of Egypt and the forces of Cyrene, prepared to meet Perdiccas in war. Meanwhile Neoptolemus and Eumenes fought it out with each other in a most bloody battle. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.23.20 (CSEL 5:194; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-23-20). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.23.21 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-3-23-21 - Source: CSEL 5:194 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Eumenes outwitted his attackers. ### Latin text uictus Neoptolemus ad Antipatrum fugit: quem ut Eumenen de insperato opprimat perurguet: quod Eumenes futurum ratus, insidiantes insidiis capit. ### English translation (Claude) Neoptolemus, defeated, fled to Antipater, and urged him to overwhelm Eumenes unexpectedly; Eumenes, thinking this would happen, caught the ambushers in an ambush. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.23.21 (CSEL 5:194; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-23-21). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.23.22 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-3-23-22 - Source: CSEL 5:194 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Neoptolemus died; Eumenes won. ### Latin text in eo bello Polypercon occiditur, Neoptolemus et Eumenes mutuis uulneribus confossi, sed Neoptolemus interiit, Eumenes uictor euasit. ### English translation (Claude) In that war Polyperchon was killed; Neoptolemus and Eumenes were pierced with mutual wounds, but Neoptolemus died, Eumenes escaped as victor. ### Translation notes - Polyperchon in fact survived (cf. 3.23.30); Orosius probably means Craterus. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.23.22 (CSEL 5:194; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-23-22). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.23.23 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-3-23-23 - Source: CSEL 5:194–195 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Perdiccas was killed; Eumenes was outlawed. ### Latin text Perdicca cum Ptolemaeo acerbissimo bello congressus, amissis copiis ipse quoque interfectus est. Eumenes Python et Illyrius et Alceta frater Perdiccae a Macedonibus hostes pronuntiantur, bellumque aduersus eos Antigono decernitur. ### English translation (Claude) Perdiccas, engaging Ptolemy in a most bitter war, lost his forces and was himself also killed. Eumenes, Python, Illyrius and Alcetas, brother of Perdiccas, were declared enemies by the Macedonians, and the war against them was assigned to Antigonus. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.23.23 (CSEL 5:194–195; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-23-23). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.23.24 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-3-23-24 - Source: CSEL 5:195 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Antigonus defeated Eumenes and besieged him. ### Latin text Itaque Eumenes et Antigonus conlatis aduersum se maximis copiis conflixerunt. Eumenes uictus in quoddam castellum munitissimum fugit, unde auxilia Antipatri tunc potentissimi per legatos poposcit: quo nuntio territus Antigonus ab obsidione discessit. ### English translation (Claude) So Eumenes and Antigonus, bringing very great forces against each other, clashed. Eumenes, defeated, fled to a very strongly fortified fort, from which he asked by envoys for the help of Antipater, then most powerful: terrified by this news, Antigonus withdrew from the siege. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.23.24 (CSEL 5:195; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-23-24). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.23.25 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-3-23-25 - Source: CSEL 5:195 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Eumenes called on the Silver Shields. ### Latin text sed nec sic Eumeni spes firma aut salus certa. quare ultimo consilio argyraspidas ob arma deargentata sic dictos, hoc est milites, qui sub Alexandro militauerant, in auxilium rogat: ### English translation (Claude) But not even so did Eumenes have firm hope or sure safety. So, as a last counsel, he asked for help from the Argyraspids, so called from their silvered arms, that is, the soldiers who had served under Alexander: ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.23.25 (CSEL 5:195; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-23-25). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.23.26 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-3-23-26 - Source: CSEL 5:195 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Silver Shields lost everything. ### Latin text qui fastidiose ducem in disponendo bello audientes ab Antigono uicti castrisque priuati, et uxores et liberos simulque omnia, quae sub Alexandro adquisierant, perdiderunt. ### English translation (Claude) they, listening disdainfully to their leader in the disposition of the war, were defeated by Antigonus and deprived of their camp, and lost their wives and children and at the same time everything they had acquired under Alexander. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.23.26 (CSEL 5:195; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-23-26). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.23.27 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-3-23-27 - Source: CSEL 5:195 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Antigonus demanded Eumenes. ### Latin text qui postea turpiter per legatos reddi sibi quae perdiderant, uictorem rogant. Antigonus autem redditurum pollicetur, si sibi uinctum Eumenen pertraherent. ### English translation (Claude) Afterwards they shamefully asked the victor through envoys to return to them what they had lost. Antigonus promised to return it if they would bring Eumenes to him in chains. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.23.27 (CSEL 5:195; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-23-27). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.23.28 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-3-23-28 - Source: CSEL 5:195–196 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: They betrayed Eumenes. ### Latin text ita illi spe recuperationis inlecti, dedecorissima proditione ducem suum, cuius signa paulo ante secuti fuerant, captiui ipsi captum catenatumque duxerunt et mox cum foedissima ignominia in exercitu Antigoni dispersi sunt. ### English translation (Claude) So they, enticed by hope of recovery, by a most disgraceful betrayal led their leader, whose standards they had followed a little before, captured and chained, they themselves captives, and soon were dispersed with the foulest ignominy in the army of Antigonus. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.23.28 (CSEL 5:195–196; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-23-28). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.23.29 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-3-23-29 - Source: CSEL 5:196 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Eurydice ruled through her lover Cassander. ### Latin text interea Eurydice, Arridaei regis Macedonum uxor, multa sub nomine uiri nefaria gerit per Cassandrum, quem flagitiose cognitum ad summum fastigium per omnes honorum gradus prouexerat: qui ex libidine mulieris multas Graeciae ciuitates adflixit. ### English translation (Claude) Meanwhile Eurydice, wife of Arrhidaeus, king of the Macedonians, did many wicked things in her husband's name through Cassander, whom, having shamefully known him, she had advanced through all the grades of honours to the highest summit; and he, at the woman's lust, afflicted many cities of Greece. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.23.29 (CSEL 5:196; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-23-29). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.23.30 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-3-23-30 - Source: CSEL 5:196 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Olympias had Arrhidaeus and Eurydice killed. ### Latin text tunc Olympias, mater Alexandri regis, hortante Polyperconta, cum ab Epiro in Macedoniam prosequente Aeacida rege Molossorum ueniret et ab Eurydice finibus prohiberetur, adnitentibus Macedonibus Arridaeum regem et Eurydicen iussit occidi. ### English translation (Claude) Then Olympias, mother of King Alexander, at Polyperchon's urging, when she came from Epirus into Macedonia with Aeacides, king of the Molossians, escorting her, and was kept from the borders by Eurydice, with the support of the Macedonians ordered King Arrhidaeus and Eurydice to be killed. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.23.30 (CSEL 5:196; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-23-30). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.23.31 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-3-23-31 - Source: CSEL 5:196 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Olympias fled to Pydna. ### Latin text quamquam et ipsa Olympias continuo meritas crudelitatis poenas luit: nam cum muliebri audacia multas principum caedes ageret, audito aduentu Cassandri diffisa Macedonibus cum Roxa nuru sua et nepote Hercule in urbem Pydnam concedit: ### English translation (Claude) But Olympias herself also at once paid the deserved penalty of cruelty: for when with a woman's daring she carried out many murders of leading men, on hearing of Cassander's approach, distrusting the Macedonians, she withdrew with her daughter-in-law Roxane and her grandson Hercules into the city of Pydna: ### Translation notes - The child was in fact Alexander IV; Orosius calls him Hercules (cf. 3.23.38). ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.23.31 (CSEL 5:196; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-23-31). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.23.32 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-3-23-32 - Source: CSEL 5:196–197 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Cassander killed Olympias and imprisoned Alexander's son. ### Latin text ubi continuo per Cassandrum capta et interfecta est. filius Alexandri Magni cum matre in arcem Amphipolitanam custodiendus est missus. ### English translation (Claude) there she was at once captured and killed by Cassander. The son of Alexander the Great with his mother was sent to the citadel of Amphipolis to be guarded. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.23.32 (CSEL 5:196–197; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-23-32). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.23.33 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-3-23-33 - Source: CSEL 5:197 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The wars seemed over. ### Latin text Perdicca Alceta et Polyperconte ceterisque ducibus, quos commemorare longum est, diuersae partis occisis finita bella inter successores Alexandri uidebantur, ### English translation (Claude) When Perdiccas, Alcetas and Polyperchon and the other generals of the opposing party, whom it would be long to recount, had been killed, the wars among Alexander's successors seemed ended, ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.23.33 (CSEL 5:197; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-23-33). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.23.34 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-3-23-34 - Source: CSEL 5:197 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Antigonus made war on the pretext of freeing Alexander's son. ### Latin text cum Antigonus ardens cupiditate dominandi liberandum bello Herculem regis filium ab obsidione simulat. ### English translation (Claude) when Antigonus, burning with desire for domination, pretended that Hercules, the king's son, must be freed from confinement by war. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.23.34 (CSEL 5:197; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-23-34). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.23.35 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-3-23-35 - Source: CSEL 5:197 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: A coalition defeated Antigonus and Demetrius. ### Latin text his cognitis Ptolemaeus et Cassander, inita cum Lysimacho et Seleuco societate bellum terra marique enixe instruunt. Antigonus in eo bello cum filio Demetrio uincitur. ### English translation (Claude) On learning this Ptolemy and Cassander, entering into alliance with Lysimachus and Seleucus, prepared war strenuously by land and sea. Antigonus with his son Demetrius was defeated in that war. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.23.35 (CSEL 5:197; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-23-35). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.23.36 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-3-23-36 - Source: CSEL 5:197 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Cassander met a people driven out by frogs and mice. ### Latin text Cassander Ptolemaeo in uictoria particeps factus cum Apolloniam rediret, incidit in Auieniatas: qui propter intolerandae multitudinis ranas et mures relicto patrio solo et antiquis habitaculis emigrantes, nouas sedes praetenta interim pace requirebant. ### English translation (Claude) Cassander, having become Ptolemy's partner in victory, when he was returning to Apollonia, came upon the Avieniatae, who, because of the unbearable multitude of frogs and mice, had left their native soil and ancient dwellings and, emigrating, were seeking new seats, offering peace for the meantime. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.23.36 (CSEL 5:197; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-23-36). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.23.37 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-3-23-37 - Source: CSEL 5:197–198 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: He settled them on Macedon's border. ### Latin text sed Cassander et uirtutem et multitudinem gentis adgnoscens, ne adacti necessitate Macedoniam bello quaterent atque inuaderent, receptos in societatem in ultimis Macedoniae finibus conlocat. ### English translation (Claude) But Cassander, recognizing both the courage and the multitude of the people, lest, driven by necessity, they should shake and invade Macedonia with war, received them into alliance and settled them in the farthest borders of Macedonia. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.23.37 (CSEL 5:197–198; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-23-37). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.23.38 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-3-23-38 - Source: CSEL 5:198 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Cassander murdered Alexander's son and his mother. ### Latin text inde cum iam Hercules Alexandri filius quattuordecim esset annorum, timens ne eum omnes quasi legitimum regem praeoptarent, occidendum tacite cum matre curauit. ### English translation (Claude) Then, when Hercules, son of Alexander, was already fourteen years old, fearing that all would prefer him as the legitimate king, he secretly had him killed with his mother. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.23.38 (CSEL 5:198; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-23-38). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.23.39 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-3-23-39 - Source: CSEL 5:198 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Demetrius defeated Ptolemy at sea. ### Latin text ptolemaeus iterum cum Demetrio nauali proelio conflixit et cum omnem paene classem atque exercitum perdidisset, uictus in Aegyptum refugit. ### English translation (Claude) Ptolemy again clashed with Demetrius in a naval battle, and, having lost almost all his fleet and army, fled defeated into Egypt. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.23.39 (CSEL 5:198; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-23-39). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.23.40 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-3-23-40 - Source: CSEL 5:198 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Antigonus took the title of king, and all followed. ### Latin text hac uictoria elatus Antigonus, regem se cum Demetrio filio appellari iubet: quod exemplum omnes secuti regium sibi nomen dignitatemque sumpserunt. ### English translation (Claude) Elated by this victory, Antigonus ordered himself to be called king together with his son Demetrius; following this example, all took for themselves the royal name and dignity. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.23.40 (CSEL 5:198; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-23-40). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.23.41 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-3-23-41 - Source: CSEL 5:198 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The others allied against Antigonus. ### Latin text igitur Ptolemaeus et Cassander ceterique alterius factionis duces cum decipi se ab Antigono singillatim uiderent, per epistulas se inuicem confirmantes coeundi in unum tempus locumque condicunt et bellum aduersus Antigonum communibus uiribus instruunt. ### English translation (Claude) So Ptolemy and Cassander and the other generals of the other faction, when they saw themselves being deceived one by one by Antigonus, encouraging one another by letters, agreed on a time and place to come together and prepared war against Antigonus with common forces. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.23.41 (CSEL 5:198; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-23-41). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.23.42 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-3-23-42 - Source: CSEL 5:198 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Cassander sent Lysimachus. ### Latin text Cassander finitimorum bellis inplicitus Lysimachum, clarissimum inter omnes ducem, cum ingenti manu pro se sociis in auxilium misit. ### English translation (Claude) Cassander, entangled in wars with his neighbours, sent Lysimachus, the most famous general of all, with a huge force on his behalf to help his allies. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.23.42 (CSEL 5:198; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-23-42). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.23.43 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-3-23-43 - Source: CSEL 5:198 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Seleucus joined the coalition. ### Latin text Seleucus quoque ex Asia maiore descendens nouus Antigono hostis accessit. hic siquidem Seleucus plurima per Orientem inter socios regni Macedonici bella gessit. ### English translation (Claude) Seleucus too, coming down from Greater Asia, joined as a new enemy of Antigonus. For this Seleucus waged very many wars throughout the East among the partners of the Macedonian kingdom. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.23.43 (CSEL 5:198; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-23-43). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.23.44 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-3-23-44 - Source: CSEL 5:199 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Seleucus took Babylon and Bactria. ### Latin text principio Babylonam bello expugnauit et cepit. Bactrianos nouis motibus adsurgentes perdomuit. ### English translation (Claude) At the beginning he stormed and took Babylon in war. He subdued the Bactrians rising in new movements. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.23.44 (CSEL 5:199; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-23-44). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.23.45 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-3-23-45 - Source: CSEL 5:199 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: India had freed itself under Androcottus, who became a tyrant. ### Latin text transitum deinde in Indiam fecit: quae post mortem Alexandri ueluti detracto excussoque a ceruicibus iugo praefectos eius occiderat, Androcotto quodam ad uindicandam libertatem duce. qui postea crudeliter in ciues agens, quos de externa dominatione defenderat ipse seruitio premebat. ### English translation (Claude) Then he made a crossing into India, which after Alexander's death, as though the yoke had been pulled and shaken off its neck, had killed his prefects, with a certain Androcottus as leader to vindicate its liberty. He afterwards, acting cruelly against the citizens, himself pressed into slavery those whom he had defended from foreign domination. ### Translation notes - Androcottus is Chandragupta. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.23.45 (CSEL 5:199; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-23-45). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.23.46 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-3-23-46 - Source: CSEL 5:199 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Seleucus made peace with Androcottus. ### Latin text cum hoc ergo Androcotto Seleucus quamuis multa et grauia bella gessisset, nouissime firmatis regni condicionibus et pacta pace discessit. ### English translation (Claude) So Seleucus, though he had waged many grave wars with this Androcottus, at last, the conditions of the kingdom being settled and peace made, withdrew. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.23.46 (CSEL 5:199; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-23-46). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.23.47 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-3-23-47 - Source: CSEL 5:199 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The great battle of Ipsus. ### Latin text Adunatis itaque copiis Ptolemaei sociorumque eius, pugna committitur: cuius quanto potentior apparatus tanto ruina grauior fuit, nam in ea tunc totius paene Macedonici regni uires conciderunt. ### English translation (Claude) So, the forces of Ptolemy and his allies being united, battle was joined; the more powerful its preparation, the graver its ruin: for in it the strength of almost the whole Macedonian kingdom then fell. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.23.47 (CSEL 5:199; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-23-47). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.23.48 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-3-23-48 - Source: CSEL 5:199–200 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Antigonus fell, and the victors quarrelled. ### Latin text in ipso bello Antigonus occisus est; sed finis belli huius initium alterius fuit: nam cum uictoribus de praeda non conueniret, iterum in duas factiones diducuntur: Seleucus Demetrio, Ptolemaeus Lysimacho iungitur; ### English translation (Claude) In that very war Antigonus was killed; but the end of this war was the beginning of another: for since the victors did not agree about the plunder, they were again drawn apart into two factions: Seleucus joined Demetrius, Ptolemy Lysimachus; ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.23.48 (CSEL 5:199–200; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-23-48). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.23.49 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-3-23-49 - Source: CSEL 5:200 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Cassander's death led to new wars. ### Latin text Cassandro defuncto filius Philippus succedit. sic quasi ex integro noua Macedoniae bella nascuntur. ### English translation (Claude) When Cassander died, his son Philip succeeded. So, as if afresh, new wars of Macedonia were born. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.23.49 (CSEL 5:200; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-23-49). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.23.50 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-3-23-50 - Source: CSEL 5:200 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Antipater murdered his mother. ### Latin text Antipater Thessalonicen matrem suam, Cassandri uxorem, quamuis miserabiliter pro uita precantem, manu sua transuerberauit. ### English translation (Claude) Antipater ran through with his own hand his mother Thessalonice, Cassander's wife, though she was begging pitiably for her life. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.23.50 (CSEL 5:200; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-23-50). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.23.51 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-3-23-51 - Source: CSEL 5:200 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Demetrius killed Alexander. ### Latin text Alexander frater eius dum bellum aduersus fratrem ob ultionem matris instruit, a Demetrio, cuius auxilium petierat, circumuentus occiditur. ### English translation (Claude) His brother Alexander, while preparing war against his brother to avenge their mother, was trapped and killed by Demetrius, whose help he had sought. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.23.51 (CSEL 5:200; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-23-51). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.23.52 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-3-23-52 - Source: CSEL 5:200 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Lysimachus was tied down in Thrace. ### Latin text Lysimachus cum Dori regis Thracum infestissimo bello urgueretur, aduersus Demetrium pugnare non potuit. ### English translation (Claude) Lysimachus, since he was pressed by a most hostile war with Dorus, king of the Thracians, could not fight against Demetrius. ### Translation notes - The Thracian king is Dromichaetes in other sources; the name is garbled in the digital text. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.23.52 (CSEL 5:200; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-23-52). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.23.53 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-3-23-53 - Source: CSEL 5:200 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Demetrius planned to invade Asia. ### Latin text Demetrius augmento Graeciae et totius Macedoniae elatus, in Asiam transire disponit. ### English translation (Claude) Demetrius, elated by the addition of Greece and all Macedonia, planned to cross into Asia. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.23.53 (CSEL 5:200; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-23-53). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.23.54 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-3-23-54 - Source: CSEL 5:200 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The others allied against Demetrius. ### Latin text Ptolemaeus autem et Seleucus et Lysimachus experti priore certamine, quantae uires essent concordiae, iterum societate pacta adunatisque exercitibus, bellum in Europam transferunt aduersus Demetrium. ### English translation (Claude) But Ptolemy, Seleucus and Lysimachus, having learned in the former contest how great the strength of concord was, made an alliance again, united their armies, and carried the war into Europe against Demetrius. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.23.54 (CSEL 5:200; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-23-54). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.23.55 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-3-23-55 - Source: CSEL 5:200–201 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Pyrrhus took Macedonia. ### Latin text his se comitem et belli socium Pyrrhus rex Epiri iungit, sperans Demetrium Macedonia posse depelli. nec spes frustra fuit: quippe exercitu eius corrupto ipsoque in fugam acto, regnum Macedoniae Pyrrhus inuasit. ### English translation (Claude) Pyrrhus, king of Epirus, joined them as companion and ally in the war, hoping that Demetrius could be driven from Macedonia. Nor was the hope vain: for when Demetrius's army had been corrupted and he himself put to flight, Pyrrhus seized the kingdom of Macedonia. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.23.55 (CSEL 5:200–201; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-23-55). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.23.56 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-3-23-56 - Source: CSEL 5:201 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Lysimachus killed his son-in-law and his son. ### Latin text deinde Lysimachus generum suum Antipatrum insidiantem sibi interfecit filiumque suum Agathoclem ultra humanum morem perosus occidit. ### English translation (Claude) Then Lysimachus killed his son-in-law Antipater, who was plotting against him, and, hating him beyond human custom, killed his own son Agathocles. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.23.56 (CSEL 5:201; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-23-56). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.23.57 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-3-23-57 - Source: CSEL 5:201 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: An earthquake destroyed Lysimachia. ### Latin text Quibus quidem diebus Lysimachia ciuitas formidolosissimo terrae motu euersa, oppressoque populo suo crudele sepulchrum fuit. ### English translation (Claude) In those days the city of Lysimachia was overthrown by a most fearful earthquake and became a cruel tomb for its crushed people. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.23.57 (CSEL 5:201; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-23-57). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.23.58 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-3-23-58 - Source: CSEL 5:201 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: His allies urged Seleucus to attack Lysimachus. ### Latin text Lysimachum autem adsiduis se parricidiis cruentantem omnes socii deseruerunt et ad Seleucum deficientes, pronum iam regem aemulatione regni, ut bellum Lysimacho inferret, hortati sunt. ### English translation (Claude) All his allies deserted Lysimachus, who stained himself with constant murders of kin, and, defecting to Seleucus, urged that king, already inclined by rivalry for the kingdom, to make war on Lysimachus. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.23.58 (CSEL 5:201; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-23-58). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.23.59 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-3-23-59 - Source: CSEL 5:201 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Two old kings fought for each other's realms. ### Latin text res foedissimi spectaculi erat, duo reges, quorum Lysimachus annos natus LXXIIII, Seleucus autem LXXVII, de eripiendis alterutrum regnis concurrere, in acie stare, arma gerere. ### English translation (Claude) It was a most shameful spectacle: two kings, of whom Lysimachus was seventy-four years old and Seleucus seventy-seven, clashing, standing in the battle line, bearing arms, to snatch each other's kingdoms. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.23.59 (CSEL 5:201; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-23-59). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.23.60 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-3-23-60 - Source: CSEL 5:201 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The last war of Alexander's companions. ### Latin text ultimum hoc quidem bellum Alexandri commilitonum fuit, sed quod ad exemplum humanae miseriae fuerit reseruatum: ### English translation (Claude) This was indeed the last war of Alexander's fellow soldiers, but one that seems to have been kept as an example of human misery: ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.23.60 (CSEL 5:201; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-23-60). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.23.61 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-3-23-61 - Source: CSEL 5:201–202 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: They alone remained, and the world was too small for them. ### Latin text quippe cum orbem terrarum exstinctis iam XXXIIII Alexandri ducibus soli possiderent et angustissimos senectutis ac uitae suae terminos non aspicientes, angustos esse imperio suo totius mundi terminos arbitrabantur. ### English translation (Claude) for though, thirty-four of Alexander's generals being already dead, they alone possessed the world, and, not regarding the very narrow limits of their old age and life, they thought the limits of the whole world narrow for their empire. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.23.61 (CSEL 5:201–202; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-23-61). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.23.62 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-3-23-62 - Source: CSEL 5:202 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Lysimachus was killed. ### Latin text in eo bello Lysimachus, uel amissis uel interfectis prius ante hanc pugnam quindecim liberis, postremus occisus est. sic Lysimachus solutio pugnae Macedonicae fuit. ### English translation (Claude) In that war Lysimachus, who before this battle had lost or killed fifteen children, was killed last of all. So Lysimachus was the end of the Macedonian struggle. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.23.62 (CSEL 5:202; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-23-62). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.23.63 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-3-23-63 - Source: CSEL 5:202 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Seleucus too died by violence. ### Latin text sed ne Seleucus quidem tanta uictoria inpune laetatus est: nam neque ipse post LXXVII annos quietem naturalis mortis inuenit, sed extortam sibi infeliciter uitam uelut immatura morte finiuit: ### English translation (Claude) But not even Seleucus rejoiced in so great a victory unpunished: for neither did he himself, after seventy-seven years, find the rest of a natural death, but ended the life unhappily wrung from him as if by an untimely death: ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.23.63 (CSEL 5:202; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-23-63). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.23.64 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-3-23-64 - Source: CSEL 5:202 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Ptolemy had Seleucus assassinated. ### Latin text quippe insistente Ptolemaeo, cuius sororem Lysimachus in matrimonio habuerat, insidiis circumuentus occisus est. ### English translation (Claude) for at the instigation of Ptolemy, whose sister Lysimachus had had in marriage, he was entrapped and killed. ### Translation notes - Ptolemy Ceraunus. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.23.64 (CSEL 5:202; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-23-64). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.23.65 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-3-23-65 - Source: CSEL 5:202 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Such was their regard for kinship and oaths. ### Latin text Haec sunt inter parentes filios fratres ac socios consanguinitatis societatisque commercia. tanti apud illos diuina atque humana religio pendebatur. ### English translation (Claude) These are the dealings of kinship and alliance among parents, children, brothers and allies. Of so much weight among them were divine and human religion. ### Translation notes - Ironical. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.23.65 (CSEL 5:202; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-23-65). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.23.66 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-3-23-66 - Source: CSEL 5:202–203 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Now Christian faith and oaths keep peace with enemies. ### Latin text erubescant sane de recordatione praeteritorum, qui nunc interuentu solius fidei Christianae ac medio tantum iurationis sacramento uiuere se cum hostibus nec pati hostilia sciunt; ### English translation (Claude) Let them indeed blush at the remembrance of the past, those who now know that by the intervention of Christian faith alone, and with only an oath in between, they live with enemies and do not suffer hostile things; ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.23.66 (CSEL 5:202–203; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-23-66). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.23.67 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-3-23-67 - Source: CSEL 5:203 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Oaths sworn on the Gospels now bind barbarians and Romans. ### Latin text quibus indubitatissime probatur, quia non, sicut illi antea, caesa iungebant foedera porca, sed quia nunc inter barbaros ac Romanos creatorem et dominum suum contestantes tantam fidem adhibita in sacramentum seruant euangelia, quantam tunc nec inter parentes ac filios potuit seruare natura. ### English translation (Claude) by whom it is most beyond doubt proved that it is not, as those men did before, that they struck treaties over a slain sow, but that now, between barbarians and Romans, calling their Creator and Lord to witness, they keep with the Gospels brought for the oath so great a faith as then not even nature could keep between parents and children. ### Extrabiblical texts - Virgil, Aen. 8.641 (Virgil): quotation, medium confidence ### Translation notes - 'They struck treaties over a slain sow' echoes Virgil, *Aeneid* 8.641. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.23.67 (CSEL 5:203; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-23-67). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 3.23.68 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-3-23-68 - Source: CSEL 5:203–204 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Book 3 ends. ### Latin text Nunc autem finis Macedonici belli finis etiam libri fiat, praesertim cum iam abhinc Pyrrhi bella incipiant et mox Punica consequantur. ### English translation (Claude) Now let the end of the Macedonian war be also the end of the book, especially since from here the wars of Pyrrhus begin and the Punic wars soon follow. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 3.23.68 (CSEL 5:203–204; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/3-23-68). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.0.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-4-0-1 - Source: CSEL 5:204 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Virgil's line on remembering past troubles. ### Latin text Dixisse Aenean Virgilius refert, cum post pericula sua suorumque naufragia residuos aegre socios solaretur, Forsan et haec olim meminisse iuuabit. ### English translation (Claude) Virgil reports that Aeneas said, when after his own dangers and the shipwrecks of his men he was with difficulty consoling his remaining companions: "Perhaps one day it will please you to remember even these things." ### Extrabiblical texts - Virgil, Aen. 1.203 (Virgil): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Virgil, *Aeneid* 1.203. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.0.1 (CSEL 5:204; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-0-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.0.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-4-0-2 - Source: CSEL 5:204 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The past seems sweet and the future better. ### Latin text haec sententia, semel apte ficta, semper uim sui triplicem diuersissimis effectibus refert, cum et praeterita tanto gratiora habentur in uerbis quanto grauiora referuntur in gestis et futura dum desiderabilia fastidio praesentium fiunt semper meliora creduntur, ### English translation (Claude) This saying, once aptly framed, always brings back its threefold force with very different effects: past things are held the more pleasing in words the more grievous they are told in deeds, and future things, while they become desirable through weariness of the present, are always believed to be better; ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.0.2 (CSEL 5:204; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-0-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.0.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-4-0-3 - Source: CSEL 5:204 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Present troubles always feel worst. ### Latin text ipsis autem praesentibus ob hoc nulla in parte miseriarum iusta conparatio adhiberi potest, quia multo maiore molestia adficiunt quantulacumque sint ista quae sunt quam illa quae siue transacta siue uentura, etsi magna dicuntur, interim omnino tunc non sunt. ### English translation (Claude) but with the present things themselves no just comparison of miseries can be made in any respect, because these things that are, however small they may be, affect us with much greater trouble than those which, whether past or to come, though they are called great, meanwhile do not exist at all. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.0.3 (CSEL 5:204; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-0-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.0.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-4-0-4 - Source: CSEL 5:204 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Fleas tonight feel worse than past fevers. ### Latin text ueluti si quis nocturnis pulicibus titillatus atque ex eo uigiliis anxius alias forte, quas aliquando ex ardentissimis febribus diu sustinuit, uigilias recordetur, procul dubio inpatientius feret istarum inquietudinem quam illarum recordationem. ### English translation (Claude) As if someone, tickled by fleas at night and made anxious by wakefulness from it, should perhaps remember other wakeful nights, which he once long endured from the most burning fevers: doubtless he would bear the disquiet of these more impatiently than the memory of those. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.0.4 (CSEL 5:204; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-0-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.0.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-4-0-5 - Source: CSEL 5:204–205 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Yet no one would call fleas worse than fever. ### Latin text sed quamuis apud omnium sensus pro captu temporum ita uideri queat, numquid tamen aliquis exsistet, qui uel in ipsa anxietate pronuntiet grauiores pulices esse quam febres? aut acerbius accipiat se uigilare sanum quam dormire non potuisse moriturum? ### English translation (Claude) But although it may seem so to everyone's feelings according to the capacity of the times, will anyone nevertheless be found who, even in that very anxiety, would declare that fleas are worse than fevers? Or would take it more bitterly to lie awake healthy than to have been unable to sleep when about to die? ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.0.5 (CSEL 5:204–205; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-0-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.0.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-4-0-6 - Source: CSEL 5:205 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Let them feel their troubles, but not call them worse than the past. ### Latin text quae cum ita sint, delicatis istis et querulis nostris utcumque concedo, ut haec, quibus nunc, quia sic expedit, interdum admonemur, sentiendo grauia putent, non tamen coniueo, ut etiam adserant conparando grauiora. ### English translation (Claude) Since this is so, I somehow grant these delicate and querulous people of ours that they may think grievous, by feeling them, these things by which we are now at times admonished, because it is expedient so; but I do not close my eyes to their asserting that they are graver by comparison. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.0.6 (CSEL 5:205; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-0-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.0.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-4-0-7 - Source: CSEL 5:205 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Someone may rightly say it is cold. ### Latin text quemadmodum si quis e mollissimis stratis cubiculoque percommodo matutinus egrediens nocturno gelu lacunarum dorsa obriguisse herbasque incanuisse prospiceret et inopinato uisu admonitus diceret ‛frigus est hodie: hic mihi nequaquam reprehendendus uideretur, quia uel communi usu uel proprio sensu locutus esset. ### English translation (Claude) Just as, if someone coming out in the morning from the softest bed and a most comfortable bedroom should see that the backs of the pools had stiffened with the night's frost and the grass had turned white, and, admonished by the unexpected sight, should say, 'It is cold today,' he would by no means seem to me to be blamed, because he would have spoken either by common usage or by his own feeling. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.0.7 (CSEL 5:205; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-0-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.0.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-4-0-8 - Source: CSEL 5:205 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: But not that it is colder than Hannibal's Alps. ### Latin text at si trepidus in cubiculum recurrens stratisque sese adoperiens uel magis abdens clamaret, tantum omnino frigus esse quantum nec in Appennino aliquando fuerit, cum Hannibal elephantos equos plurimamque exercitus sui partem niuibus clausus atque oppressus amisit: ### English translation (Claude) But if, running back in alarm into his bedroom and covering himself with the bedclothes, or rather hiding in them, he should cry out that the cold was altogether as great as it never was even in the Apennines, when Hannibal, shut in and overwhelmed by snows, lost elephants, horses and the greatest part of his army: ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.0.8 (CSEL 5:205; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-0-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.0.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-4-0-9 - Source: CSEL 5:205–206 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: He would show such a man children playing in the frost. ### Latin text hunc ego puerilibus licentiis nausiantem non modo dicentem ista non ferrem, sed etiam ab ipsis stratis, otii sui testibus, in populum publicumque protraherem, eique foras producto infantes in eo atque ex eo gelu ludentes iucundantes sudantesque monstrarem, ### English translation (Claude) I would not only not bear this man, sickened by childish indulgences, saying such things, but would even drag him from his very bedclothes, witnesses of his idleness, among the people and into public, and, bringing him outdoors, would show him children playing, delighting and sweating in that same frost and from it, ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.0.9 (CSEL 5:205–206; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-0-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.0.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-4-0-10 - Source: CSEL 5:206 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The fault lies in their softness, not the times. ### Latin text ut uerbosa nugacitas delicatis uitiata nutrimentis non in tempore uiolentiam sed in se esse segnitiam doceretur et in conparatione rerum diiudicanda non maiores parua tolerasse sed se nec parua tolerare sufficere probaretur. ### English translation (Claude) so that wordy triviality, spoiled by delicate nourishment, might be taught that the violence is not in the time but the sluggishness in itself, and in the comparison of things to be judged it might be proved, not that their elders endured small things, but that they themselves are not able to endure even small ones. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.0.10 (CSEL 5:206; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-0-10). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.0.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-4-0-11 - Source: CSEL 5:206 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: He begins with the war of Pyrrhus. ### Latin text Quod euidentius ipsis in memoriam reuolutis praeteritorum cladibus adprobabo Pyrrhi bello in primis, sicut ordo est, prodito. cuius causa et origo haec fuit. ### English translation (Claude) This I shall prove more clearly by recalling to their memory the disasters of the past, setting out first, as the order is, the war of Pyrrhus. Its cause and origin was this. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.0.11 (CSEL 5:206; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-0-11). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.1.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-4-1-1 - Source: CSEL 5:206 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Tarentum attacked a Roman fleet. ### Latin text Anno ab Vrbe condita CCCCLXIIII Tarentini Romanam classem forte praetereuntem, spectaculo theatri prospectam hostiliter inuaserunt, quinque tantum nauibus uix per fugam elapsis; cetera retracta in portum classis et profligata est; praefecti nauium trucidati, omnes bello utiles caesi, reliqui pretio uenditi sunt. ### English translation (Claude) In the 464th year from the founding of the City, the Tarentines, catching sight from their theatre of a Roman fleet that happened to be passing, attacked it as enemies; only five ships scarcely escaped by flight; the rest of the fleet was dragged into port and destroyed; the captains of the ships were slaughtered, all fit for war killed, the rest sold for a price. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.1.1 (CSEL 5:206; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-1-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.1.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-4-1-2 - Source: CSEL 5:206 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Tarentum insulted Rome's envoys, and war followed. ### Latin text continuo missi Tarentum a Romanis legati, ut de inlatis quererentur iniuriis, pulsati ab isdem auctas insuper iniurias rettulerunt. his causis bellum ingens exortum est. ### English translation (Claude) At once envoys sent by the Romans to Tarentum to complain of the injuries inflicted were beaten by the same people and brought back injuries increased besides. From these causes a huge war arose. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.1.2 (CSEL 5:206; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-1-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.1.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-4-1-3 - Source: CSEL 5:206 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Rome even enlisted the proletarii. ### Latin text Romanos, qui quantique hostes circumstreperent permetientes, ultima adegit necessitas proletarios quoque in arma cogere, hoc est eos qui in Vrbe semper sufficiendae prolis causa uacabant, militiae adscribere: quippe cum frustra de prole cura est, nisi rebus praesentibus consulatur. ### English translation (Claude) The Romans, measuring who and how great were the enemies roaring about them, were driven by the last necessity to force even the proletarians into arms, that is, to enrol in the army those who were always exempted in the City for the sake of supplying offspring: since care for offspring is vain unless the present situation is provided for. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.1.3 (CSEL 5:206; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-1-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.1.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-4-1-4 - Source: CSEL 5:206–207 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Rome ravaged Tarentine territory. ### Latin text itaque inruit in uniuersos Tarentinorum fines cum Aemilio consule Romanus exercitus, igni ferroque uastat omnia, plurima expugnat oppida, iniuriam insolenter acceptam crudeliter uindicat. ### English translation (Claude) So the Roman army with the consul Aemilius rushed into all the territory of the Tarentines, laid everything waste with fire and sword, stormed very many towns, and cruelly avenged the injury insolently received. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.1.4 (CSEL 5:206–207; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-1-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.1.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-4-1-5 - Source: CSEL 5:207 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Pyrrhus took up Tarentum's cause. ### Latin text continuo Tarentinos, plurimis finitimorum praesidiis fultos, maxime Pyrrhus angit, qui etiam in se ob magnitudinem uirium consiliorumque summam belli nomenque transduxit. ### English translation (Claude) At once the Tarentines, supported by very many garrisons of neighbours, were especially strengthened by Pyrrhus, who, because of the greatness of his strength and counsels, transferred to himself the conduct and name of the war. ### Translation notes - The digital text reads *angit* ('presses'), apparently for *auget* ('strengthens'); translated by sense. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.1.5 (CSEL 5:207; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-1-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.1.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-4-1-6 - Source: CSEL 5:207 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Pyrrhus brought elephants into Italy. ### Latin text nam Tarentum, utpote ex Lacedaemoniis conditam cognatamque Graeciae ciuitatem, uindicaturus totas uires Epiri Thessaliae et Macedoniae, elephantos etiam usque in id tempus inuisos Romanis numero xx in Italiam primus inuexit: terra mari, uiris equis, armis beluis, ad postremum uiribus suis dolisque terribilis, ### English translation (Claude) For, being about to defend Tarentum, a city founded by the Lacedaemonians and akin to Greece, he brought into Italy the whole strength of Epirus, Thessaly and Macedonia, and was the first to bring elephants, until that time unseen by the Romans, twenty in number: terrible by land and sea, with men and horses, arms and beasts, and finally by his own strength and wiles, ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.1.6 (CSEL 5:207; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-1-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.1.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-4-1-7 - Source: CSEL 5:207 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Delphic oracle misled Pyrrhus. ### Latin text nisi quod Delphici illius uanissimi spiritus et mendacissimi nebulonis, quem magnum ipsi uatem ferunt, responso circumuentus ambiguo exitum fecit eius, qui non consuluisset. ### English translation (Claude) except that, entrapped by an ambiguous answer of that most empty Delphic spirit and most lying rascal, whom they themselves call a great prophet, he met the outcome of one who had not consulted. ### Translation notes - The oracle's answer, *Aio te, Aeacida, Romanos uincere posse*, could mean either that Pyrrhus would conquer the Romans or the reverse. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.1.7 (CSEL 5:207; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-1-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.1.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-4-1-8 - Source: CSEL 5:207 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The battle of Heraclea. ### Latin text itaque apud Heracleam, Campaniae urbem, fluuiumque Lirim prima inter Pyrrhum regem et Laeuinum consulem pugna commissa est. consumpta est grauissimo certamine dies, utrimque omnibus mori intentis, fugere nesciis. ### English translation (Claude) So near Heraclea, a city of Campania, and the river Liris the first battle was joined between King Pyrrhus and the consul Laevinus. The day was spent in a most grievous contest, all on both sides intent on dying, not knowing how to flee. ### Translation notes - Heraclea was in Lucania, on the Siris; Orosius's geography is mistaken. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.1.8 (CSEL 5:207; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-1-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.1.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-4-1-9 - Source: CSEL 5:207 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The elephants routed the Romans. ### Latin text introductos autem inter concurrentia agmina elephantos forma truces, odore graues, mole terribiles ut uidere Romani, nouo pugnandi genere circumuenti et territi, equis maxime pauitantibus, diffugerunt. ### English translation (Claude) But when the Romans saw the elephants brought in between the clashing columns, fierce in form, heavy in smell, terrible in bulk, surrounded and terrified by a new kind of fighting, with the horses especially panicking, they scattered in flight. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.1.9 (CSEL 5:207; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-1-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.1.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-4-1-10 - Source: CSEL 5:207–208 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: A wounded elephant turned on its own side. ### Latin text sed postquam Minucius quartae legionis primus hastatus protentam in se manum beluae gladio desecuit et conturbatam dolore uulneris auerti bello atque in suos saeuire conpulit eiusque inmoderato discursu perturbari ac permisceri coepere, finis pugnae etiam beneficio noctis inpositus est. ### English translation (Claude) But after Minucius, first hastatus of the fourth legion, cut off with his sword the trunk a beast stretched out against him, and compelled it, maddened by the pain of the wound, to turn from the battle and rage against its own side, and they began to be disturbed and confused by its unrestrained running about, an end was put to the battle, by the kindness of night as well. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.1.10 (CSEL 5:207–208; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-1-10). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.1.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-4-1-11 - Source: CSEL 5:208 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Roman losses at Heraclea. ### Latin text Victos fuisse Romanos turpis fuga prodidit: quorum tunc cecidisse referuntur peditum XIIII DCCCLXXX, capti MCCCX, equites autem caesi CCXLVI, capti DCCCII, signa amissa XXII. ### English translation (Claude) That the Romans were defeated their shameful flight revealed: of them there are said to have fallen then 14,880 foot and 1,310 captured; of horse 246 killed and 802 captured; 22 standards were lost. ### Translation notes - The numerals are garbled in the digital text (*xnn DCCCLXXX*, *ICCCX*, *xxn*); read as XIIII DCCCLXXX, MCCCX, XXII. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.1.11 (CSEL 5:208; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-1-11). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.1.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-4-1-12 - Source: CSEL 5:208 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Pyrrhus's losses were not recorded. ### Latin text nam quantus e diuerso numerus sociorum Pyrrhi fuerit extinctus, memoriae traditum non est, maxime quia scriptorum ueterum mos est ex ea parte quae uicerit occisorum non commendare numerum, ne uictoriae ### English translation (Claude) For how great a number of Pyrrhus's allies was lost on the other side has not been handed down to memory, chiefly because it is the custom of ancient writers not to record the number of the slain on the side that won, lest the losses of victory stain the ### Translation notes - The sentence continues in 4.1.13. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.1.12 (CSEL 5:208; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-1-12). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.1.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-4-1-13 - Source: CSEL 5:208 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Victors record only very small losses. ### Latin text gloriam maculent damna uictoria, nisi forte cum adeo pauci cadunt, ut admirationem terroremque uirtutis augeat paucitas perditorum, sicut in prima Persici belli congressione apud Alexandrum Magnum fuit: cui inter cccc fere milia hostium interfecta nouem tantummodo in exercitu eius pedites defuisse referuntur. ### English translation (Claude) glory of the victory, unless perhaps so few fall that the small number of the lost increases admiration and terror of the courage, as was the case in the first engagement of the Persian war with Alexander the Great: of whose army, among almost four hundred thousand enemies killed, only nine foot soldiers are reported lost. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.1.13 (CSEL 5:208; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-1-13). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.1.14 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-4-1-14 - Source: CSEL 5:208–209 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Pyrrhus admitted the cost of his victory. ### Latin text sed Pyrrhus atrocitatem cladis, quam hoc bello exceperat, dis suis hominibusque testatus est, adfigens titulum in templo Tarentini Iouis, in quo haec scripsit: Qui antehac inuicti fuere uiri, pater optime Olympi, Hos ego in pugna vici uictusque sum ab isdem. ### English translation (Claude) But Pyrrhus testified to his gods and men the atrocity of the slaughter he had received in this war, fixing an inscription in the temple of Tarentine Jupiter in which he wrote: "Men who before were unconquered, best father of Olympus, these I conquered in battle and was conquered by them." ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.1.14 (CSEL 5:208–209; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-1-14). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.1.15 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-4-1-15 - Source: CSEL 5:209 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The original Pyrrhic victory. ### Latin text et cum a sociis increpitaretur, cur se uictum diceret qui uicisset, respondisse fertur: Ne ego si iterum eodem modo uicero, sine ullo milite Epirum reuertar. ### English translation (Claude) And when he was reproached by his allies for calling himself conquered when he had conquered, he is said to have replied: "Truly, if I conquer again in the same way, I shall return to Epirus without a single soldier." ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.1.15 (CSEL 5:209; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-1-15). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.1.16 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-4-1-16 - Source: CSEL 5:209 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Portents added to Rome's defeat. ### Latin text interea Romanus exercitus, postquam uictus clam fugit e castris, miserabilem belli cladem grauioribus monstris auctam accumulatamque persensit. ### English translation (Claude) Meanwhile the Roman army, after it had fled secretly from the camp defeated, felt the wretched disaster of war increased and heaped up by graver portents. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.1.16 (CSEL 5:209; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-1-16). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.1.17 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-4-1-17 - Source: CSEL 5:209 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Lightning killed Roman foragers. ### Latin text nam pabulatores forte progressos uelut hostilis quaedam oborta tempestas cum horribili fragore caeli correptos diris fulminibus exussit. ### English translation (Claude) For foragers who had happened to go out, as though some hostile storm had arisen with a horrible crash of the sky, were seized and burned up by dreadful thunderbolts. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.1.17 (CSEL 5:209; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-1-17). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.1.18 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-4-1-18 - Source: CSEL 5:209 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The storm was itself a disaster. ### Latin text quippe xxx et IIII eorum idem turbo prostrauit; duo et uiginti semineces relicti, iumenta exanimata et capta conplurima: ut merito contigisse non in signum uastationis futurae sed uastatio ipsa referatur. ### English translation (Claude) For the same whirlwind laid low thirty-four of them; twenty-two were left half-dead; very many beasts of burden were killed and taken: so that it is rightly reported to have happened not as a sign of future devastation but as the devastation itself. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.1.18 (CSEL 5:209; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-1-18). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.1.19 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-4-1-19 - Source: CSEL 5:209 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Rome won the second battle in Apulia. ### Latin text Secunda inter Pyrrhum et Romanos consules pugna in Apuliae finibus fuit. ubi clades belli ad utrosque sed maxime ad Pyrrhum, uictoria ad Romanos concessit. ### English translation (Claude) The second battle between Pyrrhus and the Roman consuls was on the borders of Apulia, where the slaughter of the war fell to both, but especially to Pyrrhus, and the victory to the Romans. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.1.19 (CSEL 5:209; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-1-19). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.1.20 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-4-1-20 - Source: CSEL 5:209 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Pyrrhus was wounded and withdrew. ### Latin text nam cum diu obnixe cunctis in mutuam caedem ruentibus, anceps belli penderet euentus, Pyrrhus, transfixo bracchio saucius, prior cessit e proelio. sed et Fabricius legatus tunc uulneratus est. ### English translation (Claude) For when for a long time, all rushing stubbornly into mutual slaughter, the outcome of the war hung in doubt, Pyrrhus, wounded with his arm pierced, was the first to leave the battle. But Fabricius the legate was also wounded then. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.1.20 (CSEL 5:209; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-1-20). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.1.21 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-4-1-21 - Source: CSEL 5:209–210 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Fire turned the elephants against Pyrrhus. ### Latin text elephanti prima pugna uulnerari atque in fugam cogi posse deprehensi, deinde subiectis inter posteriora ac mollia ignibus exagitati, ardentes insuper machinas furore trepido circumferentes exitio suis fuere. ### English translation (Claude) The elephants, found in the first battle to be capable of being wounded and put to flight, were then goaded by fires placed beneath their hind and soft parts, and, carrying about the burning towers moreover in trembling fury, became the ruin of their own side. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.1.21 (CSEL 5:209–210; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-1-21). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.1.22 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-4-1-22 - Source: CSEL 5:210 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Losses at Asculum. ### Latin text caesa sunt in ea pugna v milia Romanorum, de exercitu uero Pyrrhi xx milia prostrata sunt. regis signa ablata LIII, Romanorum undecim amissa sunt. ### English translation (Claude) In that battle five thousand Romans were slain, but of the army of Pyrrhus twenty thousand were laid low. Fifty-three of the king's standards were taken, eleven of the Romans' lost. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.1.22 (CSEL 5:210; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-1-22). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.1.23 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-4-1-23 - Source: CSEL 5:210 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Pyrrhus went to Sicily. ### Latin text Pyrrhus bello fractus, Agathocle mortuo rege Syracusano ad Siciliae arcessitus imperium Syracusas concessit. ### English translation (Claude) Pyrrhus, broken by the war, when Agathocles, king of Syracuse, had died, was summoned to the rule of Sicily and went to Syracuse. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.1.23 (CSEL 5:210; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-1-23). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.2.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-4-2-1 - Source: CSEL 5:210 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Rome's misery never paused. ### Latin text Sed Romanorum miseria nullis cessat indutiis; consumitur morborum malis intercapedo bellorum et, cum foris cessatur a proelio, agitur introrsum ira. ### English translation (Claude) But the misery of the Romans ceases with no truces; the interval between wars is consumed by the evils of diseases, and when there is a pause from battle abroad, anger is at work within ### Translation notes - The sentence continues in 4.2.2. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.2.1 (CSEL 5:210; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-2-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.2.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-4-2-2 - Source: CSEL 5:210 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: A plague killed unborn young. ### Latin text de caelo. nam Fabio Gurgite iterum C. Genucio Clepsina consulibus pestilentia grauis Vrbem ac fines eius inuasit; quae cum omnes tum praecipue mulieres pecudesque corripiens necatis in utero fetibus futura prole uacuabat, et immaturis partubus cum periculo matrum extorti abortus proiciebantur, adeo ut defectura successio et defuturum animantum genus adempto uitalis partus legitimo ordine crederetur. ### English translation (Claude) from heaven. For in the consulship of Fabius Gurges for the second time and Gaius Genucius Clepsina, a grave pestilence attacked the City and its territory; seizing all, but especially women and cattle, it emptied them of future offspring by killing the young in the womb, and forced abortions were cast out in premature births with danger to the mothers, so that it was believed the succession would fail and the race of living things would cease, the lawful order of life-giving birth being taken away. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.2.2 (CSEL 5:210; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-2-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.2.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-4-2-3 - Source: CSEL 5:210 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The third battle with Pyrrhus. ### Latin text Interea reuersum ex Sicilia Pyrrhum Curius consul excepit, tertiumque id bellum contra Epirotas apud Lucaniam in Arusinis campis gestum est. ### English translation (Claude) Meanwhile the consul Curius met Pyrrhus on his return from Sicily, and this third war against the Epirotes was waged in Lucania, in the Arusinian plains. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.2.3 (CSEL 5:210; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-2-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.2.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-4-2-4 - Source: CSEL 5:210–211 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Pyrrhus sent in the elephants. ### Latin text itaque primo concursu cum Pyrrhi milites Romanorum inpressione trepidarent et circumspectantes fugam bello cedere molirentur, Pyrrhus elephantos ex subsidiis iussit induci. ### English translation (Claude) So when at the first clash Pyrrhus's soldiers trembled at the Romans' charge and, looking about for flight, were trying to yield the battle, Pyrrhus ordered the elephants to be brought in from the reserves. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.2.4 (CSEL 5:210–211; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-2-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.2.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-4-2-5 - Source: CSEL 5:211 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Rome turned the elephants with fire-darts. ### Latin text Romani, adsueti iam pugnare cum beluis, cum malleolos stuppa inuolutos ac pice oblitos uncis insuper aculeis tenaces praeparauissent eosque flammatos in terga beluarum turresque uibrarent, non difficile furentes ardentesque beluas in eorum excidia, quorum subsidia fuerant, retorserunt. ### English translation (Claude) The Romans, now used to fighting beasts, had prepared fire-darts wrapped in tow and smeared with pitch, made clinging besides with hooked barbs, and, hurling them aflame onto the backs of the beasts and their towers, without difficulty turned the raging and burning beasts back to the destruction of those whose support they had been. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.2.5 (CSEL 5:211; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-2-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.2.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-4-2-6 - Source: CSEL 5:211 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Pyrrhus's losses. ### Latin text LXXX milia peditum in illo proelio habuisse regem dicunt, equitum uero vi milia. ex his caesa referuntur xxxni milia, capti autem sunt mille trecenti. ### English translation (Claude) They say the king had eighty thousand foot in that battle and six thousand horse. Of these thirty-three thousand are reported slain and thirteen hundred captured. ### Translation notes - The numeral is garbled in the digital text (*xxxni*); read as XXXIII. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.2.6 (CSEL 5:211; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-2-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.2.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-4-2-7 - Source: CSEL 5:211 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Pyrrhus left Italy and died at Argos. ### Latin text Pyrrhus quinto demum anno, quam uenerat, ab Italia uictus aufugit. qui post multa grauissimaque bella, quae gessit, in Graecia apud Argos Achaiae florentissimam urbem, Spartani regni auiditate seductus, saxo ictus occubuit. ### English translation (Claude) Pyrrhus at last, in the fifth year after he had come, fled from Italy defeated. After many most grievous wars which he waged, he fell in Greece at Argos, a most flourishing city of Achaia, struck by a stone, led astray by greed for the Spartan kingdom. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.2.7 (CSEL 5:211; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-2-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.2.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-4-2-8 - Source: CSEL 5:211–212 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: A Vestal was buried alive. ### Latin text Tunc quoque apud Romanos Sextilia uirgo Vestalis conuicta damnataque incesti ad portam Collinam uiua defossa est. ### English translation (Claude) Then too among the Romans Sextilia, a Vestal Virgin, convicted and condemned of incest, was buried alive at the Colline Gate. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.2.8 (CSEL 5:211–212; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-2-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.3.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-4-3-1 - Source: CSEL 5:212 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Tarentum sought Carthaginian help. ### Latin text Anno ab Vrbe condita CCCCLXXV Tarentini Pyrrhi morte conperta iterum noua aduersum Romanos arma sollicitant, Carthaginiensium auxilia per legatos poscunt atque accipiunt. ### English translation (Claude) In the 475th year from the founding of the City the Tarentines, learning of Pyrrhus's death, again stirred up new arms against the Romans, and asked for and received help from the Carthaginians through envoys. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.3.1 (CSEL 5:212; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-3-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.3.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-4-3-2 - Source: CSEL 5:212 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Carthage learned it could be beaten. ### Latin text conserto proelio uicere Romani: ubi iam tunc Carthaginienses, quamuis nondum hostes adiudicati, uinci tamen a Romanis se posse senserunt. ### English translation (Claude) Battle was joined and the Romans won; in which the Carthaginians even then, though not yet judged enemies, felt that they could be defeated by the Romans. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.3.2 (CSEL 5:212; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-3-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.3.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-4-3-3 - Source: CSEL 5:212 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Rome destroyed one of its own legions. ### Latin text Sequenti anno magnam uiscerum suorum partem seueritas Romana concidit. ### English translation (Claude) In the following year Roman severity cut down a great part of its own vitals. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.3.3 (CSEL 5:212; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-3-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.3.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-4-3-4 - Source: CSEL 5:212 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: A legion massacred Rhegium. ### Latin text nam aduentante dudum Pyrrho octaua legio diffidens Romanae spei, nouum scelus ausa Reginenses omnes, quibus subsidio praeerat, interfecit, praedam sibi omnem atque ipsum oppidum uindicauit. ### English translation (Claude) For long before, when Pyrrhus was approaching, the eighth legion, distrusting Roman hope, dared a new crime: it killed all the people of Rhegium, whom it was guarding as a garrison, and claimed all the plunder and the town itself for itself. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.3.4 (CSEL 5:212; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-3-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.3.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-4-3-5 - Source: CSEL 5:212–213 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The legion was executed in the Forum. ### Latin text hoc facinus in tam sceleratos defectores puniendum Genucio consuli iussum est qui obsessa Reginorum urbe captisque omnibus ipse quidem in reliquos perfugas et latrones exercuit digna supplicia, Romanos uero milites integrae legionis Romam misit: qui populi iussu medio in foro uirgis caesi sunt securique percussi. ### English translation (Claude) The punishment of this crime against such wicked rebels was ordered to the consul Genucius, who, having besieged the city of Rhegium and captured all, himself exacted fitting punishments from the other deserters and robbers, but sent the Roman soldiers of the whole legion to Rome; by order of the people they were beaten with rods in the middle of the forum and struck with the axe. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.3.5 (CSEL 5:212–213; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-3-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.3.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-4-3-6 - Source: CSEL 5:213 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Rome counted the killing of its own legion a victory. ### Latin text Visa sibi est tunc Roma uincere, cum legionem suam integram occidit, quae sine dubio uicta fuisset, si eam hostili proelio perdidisset. ### English translation (Claude) Rome seemed to itself then to conquer, when it killed its own whole legion, which would doubtless have been reckoned conquered if it had lost it in battle with an enemy. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.3.6 (CSEL 5:213; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-3-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.4.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-4-4-1 - Source: CSEL 5:213 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Portents at Rome. ### Latin text Anno ab Vrbe condita CCCCLXXVIII obscena et dira prodigia uel uisa Romae uel nuntiata sunt. aedes Salutis ictu fulminis dissoluta, pars muri sub eodem loco de caelo, ut dicunt, tacta est. ### English translation (Claude) In the 478th year from the founding of the City foul and dreadful portents were either seen at Rome or reported. The temple of Salus was broken up by a stroke of lightning; part of the wall beneath the same place was, as they say, struck from heaven. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.4.1 (CSEL 5:213; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-4-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.4.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-4-4-2 - Source: CSEL 5:213 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Wolves brought a corpse into the Forum. ### Latin text lupi tres ante lucem ingressi urbem, semesum cadauer intulerunt sparsumque membratim in foro ipsi strepitu hominum exterriti reliquerunt. ### English translation (Claude) Three wolves entering the city before dawn brought in a half-eaten corpse and, scattering it limb by limb in the forum, left it, terrified themselves by the noise of men. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.4.2 (CSEL 5:213; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-4-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.4.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-4-4-3 - Source: CSEL 5:213 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Lightning struck Formiae. ### Latin text apud Formias multis ictibus fulminum moenia undique ambusta et dissoluta sunt. ### English translation (Claude) At Formiae the walls were burned on every side and broken up by many strokes of lightning. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.4.3 (CSEL 5:213; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-4-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.4.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-4-4-4 - Source: CSEL 5:213–214 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: A fire burst from the earth near Cales. ### Latin text apud agrum Calenum repente flamma scisso hiatu terrae eructata tribus diebus tribusque noctibus terribiliter exaestuans, quinque agri iugera exhausto penitus suco ubertatis in cinerem extorruit, ita ut non fruges solum sed et arbores cum imis stirpibus absumpsisse referatur. ### English translation (Claude) In the territory of Cales a flame suddenly belched forth from a split chasm of the earth, seething terribly for three days and three nights, and scorched five iugera of land to ash, its fertile sap wholly drained, so that it is reported to have consumed not only crops but even trees with their deepest roots. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.4.4 (CSEL 5:213–214; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-4-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.4.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-4-4-5 - Source: CSEL 5:214 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: An earthquake struck before a battle. ### Latin text Sequenti abhinc anno Sempronius consul aduersum Picentes duxit exercitum. et cum directae intra iactum teli utraque acies constitissent, repente ita cum horrendo fragore terra tremuit, ut stupore miraculi utrumque pauefactum agmen hebesceret. ### English translation (Claude) In the following year the consul Sempronius led an army against the Picentes. And when both lines, drawn up, had halted within a spear's throw, suddenly the earth shook with so horrible a crash that both columns, terrified by the astonishment of the marvel, were stunned. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.4.5 (CSEL 5:214; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-4-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.4.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-4-4-6 - Source: CSEL 5:214 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: At last they fought. ### Latin text diu attoniti utrimque populi haesitauere praeiudicata incepti conscientia; tandem procursu concito iniere certamen. ### English translation (Claude) For a long time the astonished peoples on both sides hesitated, with an awareness that their undertaking had been prejudged; at last, with a swift charge, they entered the battle. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.4.6 (CSEL 5:214; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-4-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.4.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-4-4-7 - Source: CSEL 5:214 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The few surviving Romans won. ### Latin text triste adeo id bellum fuit, ut merito dicatur tantum humanum sanguinem susceptura etiam cum gemitu horrisono tunc terra tremuisse. Romani pauci admodum eo proelio qui euasere uicerunt. ### English translation (Claude) That war was so sad that it may rightly be said that the earth, about to receive so much human blood, then trembled with a horrible groan. The Romans, very few of whom escaped in that battle, conquered. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.4.7 (CSEL 5:214; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-4-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.5.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-4-5-1 - Source: CSEL 5:214–215 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Blood and milk portents. ### Latin text Anno ab Vrbe condita CCCCLXXX inter multa prodigia sanguis e terra, lac uisum est manare de caelo. nam et plurimis locis scaturiens e fontibus cruor fluxit et de nubibus guttatim in speciem pluuiae lacte demisso, diri, ut ipsis uisum est, terram imbres inrigauerunt. ### English translation (Claude) In the 480th year from the founding of the City, among many portents, blood was seen to flow from the earth and milk from the sky. For in very many places gore welled up from springs and flowed, and from the clouds, milk coming down drop by drop like rain, dreadful showers, as it seemed to them, watered the earth. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.5.1 (CSEL 5:214–215; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-5-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.5.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-4-5-2 - Source: CSEL 5:215 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Carthage perjured itself; Volsinii nearly fell through luxury. ### Latin text eo tempore Carthaginienses dato aduersum Romanos auxilio Tarentinis, cum a senatu per legatos arguerentur, turpissimam rupti foederis labem praesumpto accumulauere peiurio. Tunc etiam Vulsinienses, Etruscorum florentissimi, luxurie paene perierunt. ### English translation (Claude) At that time the Carthaginians, having given help to the Tarentines against the Romans, when they were rebuked by the senate through envoys, heaped upon the most shameful stain of a broken treaty a perjury committed in advance. Then too the Volsinians, most flourishing of the Etruscans, almost perished from luxury. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.5.2 (CSEL 5:215; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-5-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.5.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-4-5-3 - Source: CSEL 5:215 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Volsinii freed its slaves freely. ### Latin text nam cum, licentia in consuetudinem prorogata, seruos suos passim liberos facerent, conuiuiis allegarent, coniugiis honestarent: ### English translation (Claude) For when, licence having been extended into custom, they freed their slaves indiscriminately, admitted them to banquets and honoured them with marriages, ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.5.3 (CSEL 5:215; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-5-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.5.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-4-5-4 - Source: CSEL 5:215 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The freedmen plotted to take power. ### Latin text libertini in partem potestatis recepti plenitudinem per scelus usurpare meditati sunt et liberati seruitutis iugo, ambitu dominationis arserunt et quos dominos subditi aequanimiter dilexerunt, eos iam liberi, quod dominos fuisse meminerant, exsecrati sunt. ### English translation (Claude) the freedmen, received into a share of power, planned to seize its fullness by crime; and, freed from the yoke of slavery, they burned with ambition for domination; and those whom, as subjects, they had loved with equanimity as masters, now as free men they cursed because they remembered they had been their masters. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.5.4 (CSEL 5:215; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-5-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.5.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-4-5-5 - Source: CSEL 5:215–216 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The freedmen seized Volsinii; Rome restored the masters. ### Latin text itaque conspirantes in facinus libertini — quorum tanta manus fuit, ut sine controuersia auso potirentur — correptam urbem suo tantum generi uindicant, patrimonia coniugiaque dominorum sibi per scelus usurpant, extorres dominos procul abigunt, qui miseri, exules egentesque Romam deferuntur: ubi ostentata miseria querellaque defleta, per Romanorum seueritatem et uindicati sunt et restituti. ### English translation (Claude) So the freedmen, conspiring in crime (so great was their band that they gained their daring without contest), seized the city and claimed it for their kind alone, usurped by crime the estates and wives of their masters, and drove the masters far off as exiles; and these wretched men, exiles and destitute, were brought to Rome, where, having displayed their misery and wept their complaint, they were both avenged and restored through Roman severity. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.5.5 (CSEL 5:215–216; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-5-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.5.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-4-5-6 - Source: CSEL 5:216 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: A great plague struck Rome. ### Latin text Anno ab Vrbe condita CCCCLXXXI pestilentia ingens apud Romam conflagrauit, cuius atrocitatem significare contentus sum, quia uerbis inplere non possum. ### English translation (Claude) In the 481st year from the founding of the City a huge pestilence blazed up at Rome, whose atrocity I am content to indicate, because I cannot fill it out in words. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.5.6 (CSEL 5:216; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-5-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.5.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-4-5-7 - Source: CSEL 5:216 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The plague lasted two years and was blamed on heavenly anger. ### Latin text si enim spatium temporis quo mansit inquiritur, ultra biennium uastando porrecta est; si depopulatio quam egerit, census indictus est, qui non quantum hominum deperisset, sed quantum superfuisset, inquireret; si uiolentia qua adfecerit, Sibyllini libri testes sunt, qui eam caelesti ira inpositam responderunt. ### English translation (Claude) For if the length of time it lasted is asked, it stretched on ravaging for more than two years; if the depopulation it caused, a census was ordered to inquire not how many men had perished but how many had survived; if the violence with which it struck, the Sibylline books are witnesses, which answered that it had been imposed by heavenly anger. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.5.7 (CSEL 5:216; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-5-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.5.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-4-5-8 - Source: CSEL 5:216–217 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Even demonic powers act only by God's permission. ### Latin text sed, ne quemquam quasi temptatio cauillationis offendat, quod, cum Sibylla iratos deos dixerit, nos iram caelestem dixisse uideamur, audiat et intellegat, quia haec, etsi plerumque per aerias potestates fiunt, tamen sine arbitrio omnipotentis Dei omnino non fiunt. ### English translation (Claude) But lest it offend anyone, as a temptation to quibbling, that when the Sibyl said the gods were angry we seem to have said heavenly anger, let him hear and understand that these things, even if they are mostly done through aerial powers, are nevertheless not done at all without the judgment of almighty God. ### Scripture references - Eph 2:2: echo, low confidence ### Translation notes - 'Aerial powers' are demons; cf. Eph 2:2. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.5.8 (CSEL 5:216–217; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-5-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.5.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-4-5-9 - Source: CSEL 5:217 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: A Vestal hanged herself. ### Latin text Eodem tempore Caparronia uirgo Vestalis incesti rea suspendio periit: corrupter eius consciique serui supplicio adfecti sunt. ### English translation (Claude) At the same time Caparronia, a Vestal Virgin, accused of incest, died by hanging; her seducer and the slaves privy to it were punished. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.5.9 (CSEL 5:217; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-5-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.5.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-4-5-10 - Source: CSEL 5:217 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Almost every year had its disaster, even in writers bent on praise. ### Latin text Ecce continuatim quae et quanta numeramus accidisse annis singulis plurima, inter quos certe rari aut paene nullo nihil triste gestum, et hoc, cum idem scriptores proposito sibi magis laudandi negotio cauerent numerositates miseriarum, ### English translation (Claude) See how many and how great things we enumerate as having happened continuously, very many in single years, in which rarely or almost never was nothing sad done; and this although the same writers, having set themselves rather the task of praising, avoided the multitude of miseries, ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.5.10 (CSEL 5:217; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-5-10). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.5.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-4-5-11 - Source: CSEL 5:217 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: They did not wish to offend their readers. ### Latin text ne eosdem quibus haec et de quibus scribebantur offenderent auditoresque suos exemplis praeteritorum terrere potius quam instituere uiderentur. ### English translation (Claude) lest they offend those for whom and about whom these things were written, and seem to terrify rather than instruct their hearers by examples from the past. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.5.11 (CSEL 5:217; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-5-11). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.5.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-4-5-12 - Source: CSEL 5:217 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: We know Rome's evils only from its admirers. ### Latin text porro autem nos in ultimo temporum positi mala Romanorum scire non possumus nisi per eos, qui laudauere Romanos. ### English translation (Claude) Moreover, we, placed at the last of the times, cannot know the evils of the Romans except through those who praised the Romans. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.5.12 (CSEL 5:217; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-5-12). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.5.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/3-23-1/#p-4-5-13 - Source: CSEL 5:217 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: What they suppressed must have been worse still. ### Latin text ex quo intellegi datur, quanta illa fuerint quae studio propter horrorem repressa sunt, cum tanta inueniuntur quae tenuiter inter laudes emanare potuerunt. ### English translation (Claude) From this it may be understood how great were the things deliberately suppressed because of their horror, when such great things are found that could slip out faintly amid the praises. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.5.13 (CSEL 5:217; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-5-13). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.6.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-6-1 - Source: CSEL 5:217–218 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: He turns to the history of Carthage. ### Latin text Et quoniam ex hoc iam Punica bella succedunt, res ipsa exigit, ut de Carthagine, quae ante urbem Romam duo et septuaginta annos ab Helissa condita inuenitur, eiusque cladibus ac domesticis malis, sicut Pompeius Trogus et Iustinus exprimunt, uel pauca referantur. ### English translation (Claude) And since from here the Punic wars follow, the matter itself requires that a few things be told about Carthage, which is found to have been founded by Elissa seventy-two years before the city of Rome, and about its disasters and domestic evils, as Pompeius Trogus and Justin set them out. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.6.1 (CSEL 5:217–218; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-6-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.6.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-6-2 - Source: CSEL 5:218 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Carthage was always torn by discord. ### Latin text Carthaginienses uernaculum atque intestinum semper inter se malum habuere discordiam, qua infeliciter exagitante nulla umquam tempora uel foris prospera uel domi quieta duxerunt. ### English translation (Claude) The Carthaginians always had discord among themselves as a native and internal evil; through its unhappy agitation they never spent any times either prosperous abroad or quiet at home. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.6.2 (CSEL 5:218; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-6-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.6.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-6-3 - Source: CSEL 5:218 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Carthage sacrificed children against plague. ### Latin text sed cum inter cetera mala etiam pestilentia laborarent, homicidiis pro remediis usi sunt: quippe homines ut uictimas inmolabant aetatemque inpuberem, quae etiam hostium misericordiam prouocaret, aris admouebant. ### English translation (Claude) But when, among other evils, they were also labouring with pestilence, they used murders as remedies: for they sacrificed men as victims and brought to the altars children under the age of puberty, an age which would rouse the pity even of enemies. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.6.3 (CSEL 5:218; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-6-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.6.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-6-4 - Source: CSEL 5:218 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Such sacrifices only aided the plague. ### Latin text De quo sacrorum immo sacrilegiorum genere quid potissime discutiendum sit non inuenio. si enim huiusmodi ritus aliqui daemones praecipere ausi sunt, ut mortibus hominum occisione hominum satisfieret, intellegendum fuit se operarios atque adiutores pestilentiae conduci, ut ipsi quos illa non corripuisset occiderent: ### English translation (Claude) About this kind of sacred rites, or rather sacrileges, I do not find what most to discuss. For if some demons dared to command rites of this kind, that the deaths of men should be satisfied by the slaughter of men, it should have been understood that they were hiring themselves as workmen and helpers of the pestilence, so that they themselves killed those whom it had not seized: ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.6.4 (CSEL 5:218; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-6-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.6.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-6-5 - Source: CSEL 5:218 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: They killed the healthy before the plague could. ### Latin text sanas enim atque incorruptas offerri hostias mos est, ita ut illi non sedarent morbos sed praeuenirent. ### English translation (Claude) for it is the custom to offer sound and uncorrupted victims, so that they did not calm the diseases but anticipated them. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.6.5 (CSEL 5:218; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-6-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.6.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-6-6 - Source: CSEL 5:218 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Their gods turned away, or rather God was angry. ### Latin text Itaque Carthaginienses auersis dis propter istius modi sacra — sicut Pompeius Trogus et Iustinus fatentur, sicut autem apud nos constat, propter praesumptionem impietatemque ipsorum irato Deo ### English translation (Claude) So the Carthaginians, the gods being turned away because of sacred rites of this kind (as Pompeius Trogus and Justin acknowledge; but, as is established among us, because of their own presumption and impiety, God being angry), ### Translation notes - The sentence continues in 4.6.7. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.6.6 (CSEL 5:218; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-6-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.6.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-6-7 - Source: CSEL 5:218–219 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Exiled general Mazeus besieged Carthage. ### Latin text — cum in Sicilia diu infeliciter dimicassent, translato in Sardiniam bello iterum infelicius uicti sunt. propter quod ducem suum Mazeum et paucos qui superfuerant milites exulare iusserunt. exules ueniam per legatos petentes repulsi patriam bello et obsidione cinxerunt. ### English translation (Claude) when they had long fought unhappily in Sicily, the war transferred to Sardinia, were again defeated more unhappily still. For this reason they ordered their general Mazeus and the few soldiers who had survived into exile. The exiles, seeking pardon through envoys and repulsed, surrounded their country with war and siege. ### Translation notes - Mazeus is Malchus in Justin's manuscripts. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.6.7 (CSEL 5:218–219; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-6-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.6.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-6-8 - Source: CSEL 5:219 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Mazeus crucified his own son. ### Latin text ibi tunc Mazeus dux exulum Carthalonem filium suum, sacerdotem Herculis, cur sibi uelut insultans purpuratus occurreret, in crucem sub oculis patriae ita ut erat cum purpuris infulisque suspendit. ### English translation (Claude) There Mazeus, leader of the exiles, hanged his son Carthalo, a priest of Hercules, on a cross before the eyes of his country, just as he was, with his purple and fillets, because he had come to meet him clad in purple as though insulting him. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.6.8 (CSEL 5:219; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-6-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.6.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-6-9 - Source: CSEL 5:219 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Mazeus took Carthage and was killed. ### Latin text post paucos dies urbem ipsam cepit; qui cum, interfectis plurimis senatorum, cruente dominaretur, occisus est. haec temporibus Cyri Persarum regis gesta sunt. ### English translation (Claude) After a few days he took the city itself; and when, having killed very many of the senators, he was ruling bloodily, he was killed. These things were done in the times of Cyrus, king of the Persians. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.6.9 (CSEL 5:219; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-6-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.6.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-6-10 - Source: CSEL 5:219 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Himilco's army died of plague in Sicily. ### Latin text Post haec uero Himelcho rex Carthaginiensium cum in Sicilia bellum gereret, repente horribili peste exercitum amisit. nec mora: ### English translation (Claude) After this Himilco, king of the Carthaginians, while waging war in Sicily, suddenly lost his army to a horrible plague. Nor was there delay: ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.6.10 (CSEL 5:219; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-6-10). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.6.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-6-11 - Source: CSEL 5:219 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Carthage was thrown into grief. ### Latin text morbis, populo cateruatim cadente, cito quisque correptus, mox mortuus, iam nec sepeliebatur: cuius mali nuntius cum attonitam repentino luctu Carthaginem repleuisset, non secus ac si capta esset turbata ciuitas fuit. ### English translation (Claude) with the people falling in crowds from the diseases, each was quickly seized, soon dead, and no longer buried; when the news of this evil had filled Carthage, stunned by sudden grief, the city was thrown into turmoil no differently than if it had been captured. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.6.11 (CSEL 5:219; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-6-11). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.6.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-6-12 - Source: CSEL 5:219 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Carthage ran to the harbour for news. ### Latin text omnia ululatibus personabant, clausae ubique ianuae, cuncta publica priuataque officia damnata, uniuersi ad portum decurrunt egredientesque de nauibus paucos, qui cladi superfuerant, de suis percontantur. ### English translation (Claude) everything resounded with wailing, doors were shut everywhere, all public and private duties were abandoned; all ran down to the harbour and questioned the few who had survived the disaster, as they came off the ships, about their own people. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.6.12 (CSEL 5:219; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-6-12). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.6.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-6-13 - Source: CSEL 5:219–220 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Mourning filled the shore. ### Latin text postquam de clade suorum, tacentibus illis uel gementibus, miseri intellegunt, tunc toto litore plangentium uoces, tunc infelicium matrum ululatus et flebiles querellae audiebantur. ### English translation (Claude) After the wretched people understood about the disaster of their own, while those men were silent or groaning, then along the whole shore the voices of mourners, then the shrieks and tearful complaints of unhappy mothers were heard. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.6.13 (CSEL 5:219–220; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-6-13). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.6.14 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-6-14 - Source: CSEL 5:220 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Himilco came ashore in a slave's tunic, lamenting. ### Latin text inter haec procedit et ipse de naui sua imperator sordida seruilique tunica discinctus; ad cuius conspectum plangentia iunguntur agmina; ipse quoque manus ad caelum tendens nunc suam nunc publicam infelicitatem accusat et deflet; ### English translation (Claude) Amid this the general himself came forth from his ship, ungirt, in a dirty slave's tunic; at the sight of him the mourning columns joined together; he too, stretching his hands to heaven, accused and bewailed now his own, now the public misfortune; ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.6.14 (CSEL 5:220; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-6-14). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.6.15 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-6-15 - Source: CSEL 5:220 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Himilco killed himself. ### Latin text ad postremum uociferans per urbem, tandem ingressus domum, cunctos, qui lacrimantes prosequebantur, ultimo dimisit adloquio ac deinde obseratis ianuis exclusisque etiam filiis gladio dolorem uitamque finiuit. haec Darii temporibus gesta sunt. ### English translation (Claude) at last, crying out through the city, he finally entered his house, dismissed with a last address all who followed him weeping, and then, the doors barred and even his sons shut out, ended his grief and his life with the sword. These things were done in the times of Darius. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.6.15 (CSEL 5:220; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-6-15). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.6.16 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-6-16 - Source: CSEL 5:220 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Hanno plotted to poison the senate. ### Latin text Post haec Hanno, uir quidam Carthaginiensis priuatis opibus reipublicae uires superans, inuadendae dominationis hausit cupiditatem. cui rei consilium utile ratus est, ut simulatis unicae filiae nuptiis omnes senatores, quorum dignitatem obstaturam inceptis suis arbitrabatur, inter pocula ueneno necaret ### English translation (Claude) After this Hanno, a certain Carthaginian who surpassed the strength of the commonwealth with his private wealth, conceived the desire to seize domination. He thought it a useful plan, under pretence of the marriage of his only daughter, to kill with poison over their cups all the senators whose dignity he judged would stand in the way of his undertakings. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.6.16 (CSEL 5:220; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-6-16). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.6.17 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-6-17 - Source: CSEL 5:220 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Foiled, Hanno raised the slaves. ### Latin text quae res per ministros prodita sine ultione uitata est, ne in uiro potenti plus negotii faceret res cognita quam cogitata. hoc consilio elusus Hanno alio machinamento facinus adgredi parat: seruitia concitat, quibus repente incautam urbem opprimeret. ### English translation (Claude) This plan, betrayed by servants, was avoided without punishment, lest in the case of a powerful man the thing known should cause more trouble than the thing planned. Foiled in this plan, Hanno prepared to attempt the crime by another device: he stirred up the slaves, with whom he might suddenly overwhelm the unwary city. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.6.17 (CSEL 5:220; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-6-17). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.6.18 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-6-18 - Source: CSEL 5:220–221 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Hanno seized a fort with twenty thousand slaves. ### Latin text sed cum ante statutam caedibus diem proditum se praeuentumque intellexisset, castellum quoddam cum uiginti milibus seruorum armatis occupauit. ### English translation (Claude) But when he understood that he had been betrayed and forestalled before the day fixed for the slaughter, he seized a certain fort with twenty thousand armed slaves. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.6.18 (CSEL 5:220–221; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-6-18). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.6.19 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-6-19 - Source: CSEL 5:221 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Hanno was tortured to death. ### Latin text ibi dum Afros regemque Maurorum concitat, captus est ac primo uirgis caesus, deinde effossis oculis et manibus cruribusque fractis, uelut a singulis membris poena exigeretur, in conspectu populi necatus est. ### English translation (Claude) There, while he was stirring up the Africans and the king of the Moors, he was captured, and first beaten with rods, then, his eyes gouged out and his hands and legs broken, as though punishment were exacted from each limb separately, he was killed in sight of the people. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.6.19 (CSEL 5:221; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-6-19). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.6.20 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-6-20 - Source: CSEL 5:221 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: His whole family was executed. ### Latin text corpus uerberibus lacerum cruci suffixum, filii cognatique omnes supplicio traditi, ne quis eum eiusdem familiae umquam aut imitari aut ulcisci meditaretur. haec temporibus Philippi gesta sunt. ### English translation (Claude) His body, torn by blows, was fixed to a cross; his sons and all his kin were handed over to punishment, lest anyone of the same family should ever think of imitating or avenging him. These things were done in the times of Philip. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.6.20 (CSEL 5:221; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-6-20). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.6.21 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-6-21 - Source: CSEL 5:221 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Carthage sent a spy to Alexander. ### Latin text Post haec Carthaginienses cum Tyrum urbem, auctorem originis suae, ab Alexandro Magno captam euersamque didicissent, timentes transitum eius in Africam futurum, Hamilcarem quendam cognomento Rhodanum, uirum facundia sollertiaque praecipuum, ad perscrutandos Alexandri actus direxerunt. ### English translation (Claude) After this the Carthaginians, when they learned that the city of Tyre, the source of their origin, had been captured and overthrown by Alexander the Great, fearing that he would cross into Africa, sent a certain Hamilcar, surnamed Rhodanus, a man outstanding for eloquence and shrewdness, to search out the doings of Alexander. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.6.21 (CSEL 5:221; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-6-21). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.6.22 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-6-22 - Source: CSEL 5:221 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Carthage killed its loyal spy. ### Latin text qui per Parmenionem quasi transfuga exceptus, dehinc in militiam regis admissus omnia ciuibus suis per tabellas scriptas et post cera superlitas enuntiabat. hunc mortuo Alexandro Carthaginem reuersum, quasi urbem regi uenditasset, non ingrato tantum animo uerum etiam crudeli inuidia necauerunt. ### English translation (Claude) He was received through Parmenio as a deserter, then admitted into the king's army, and reported everything to his fellow citizens by tablets written and then covered over with wax. When he returned to Carthage after Alexander's death, they killed him, as though he had sold the city to the king, not only with an ungrateful spirit but even with cruel envy. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.6.22 (CSEL 5:221; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-6-22). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.6.23 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-6-23 - Source: CSEL 5:221–222 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Agathocles outwitted Carthage. ### Latin text deinde cum adsidua nec umquam satis prospera aduersus Siculos bella gererent et Syracusas urbem Siciliae tunc florentissimam obsidione cinxissent, per Agathoclen Siciliae regem miro circumuenti ingenio usque ad extrema desperationis adducti sunt. ### English translation (Claude) Then, when they were waging constant and never prosperous enough wars against the Sicilians and had surrounded with a siege Syracuse, then the most flourishing city of Sicily, they were outwitted by the wonderful ingenuity of Agathocles, king of Sicily, and brought to the extremes of despair. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.6.23 (CSEL 5:221–222; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-6-23). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.6.24 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-6-24 - Source: CSEL 5:222 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Agathocles invaded Africa. ### Latin text namque Agathocles cum apud Syracusas a Carthaginiensibus obsideretur ac se neque bello parem instructu copiarum neque obsidionis patientem stipendiorum sufficientia uideret. bene prouiso ac melius dissimulato consilio in Africam cum exercitu transiit. ibi suis quid moliatur aperit, deinde quid facto opus sit docet. ### English translation (Claude) For Agathocles, when he was besieged at Syracuse by the Carthaginians and saw himself neither equal in war in the equipment of his forces nor able to endure a siege by the sufficiency of his pay, with a plan well foreseen and better concealed crossed into Africa with his army. There he revealed to his men what he was undertaking and then taught them what had to be done. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.6.24 (CSEL 5:222; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-6-24). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.6.25 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-6-25 - Source: CSEL 5:222 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Agathocles burned his ships and routed Hanno. ### Latin text ilico unanimiter naues primum in quibus uenere succendunt, ne qua spes refugiendi foret; dein cum omnia in quae direxisset prosterneret, uillas castellaque incenderet, Hannonem quendam cum triginta milibus Poenorum obuiam habuit. quem cum duobus milibus suorum interfecit; ipse autem duos tantum in eo bello perdidit. ### English translation (Claude) At once, with one mind, they first burned the ships in which they had come, so that there would be no hope of fleeing back; then, while he laid low everything toward which he turned and burned villas and forts, he was met by a certain Hanno with thirty thousand Carthaginians. He killed him with two thousand of his men; he himself lost only two in that war. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.6.25 (CSEL 5:222; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-6-25). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.6.26 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-6-26 - Source: CSEL 5:222 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: He plundered Africa. ### Latin text qua pugna et Afrorum animis incredibiliter fractis et suorum in inmensum auctis urbes castellaque expugnat, praedas ingentes agit, hostium multa milia trucidat. ### English translation (Claude) By this battle, the spirits of the Africans being incredibly broken and those of his men immensely increased, he stormed cities and forts, drove off huge plunder and slaughtered many thousands of the enemy. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.6.26 (CSEL 5:222; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-6-26). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.6.27 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-6-27 - Source: CSEL 5:222 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: He camped within sight of Carthage. ### Latin text castra deinde ad quintum lapidem a Carthagine statuit, ut damna rerum opulentissimarum uastationemque agrorum et incendia uillarum de muris ipsius urbis specularentur. ### English translation (Claude) Then he pitched camp at the fifth milestone from Carthage, so that they might watch from the walls of the city itself the losses of their richest possessions, the devastation of the fields and the burning of the villas. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.6.27 (CSEL 5:222; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-6-27). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.6.28 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-6-28 - Source: CSEL 5:222 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Carthage's army in Sicily was also destroyed. ### Latin text adicitur praesentibus malis tristior fama. nam et apud Siciliam deletus cum imperatore Afrorum exercitus nuntiatur, quem reuera incautum ac paene otiosum Andro Agathoclis frater oppresserat. ### English translation (Claude) A sadder report was added to the present evils. For it was announced that in Sicily too the army of the Africans had been destroyed with its general, which Andro, brother of Agathocles, had in fact overwhelmed when it was unwary and almost idle. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.6.28 (CSEL 5:222; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-6-28). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.6.29 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-6-29 - Source: CSEL 5:222–223 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Africa revolted; Ophellas allied with Agathocles. ### Latin text hoc per totam Africam rumore disperso non tributariae tantum urbes ab his, uerum etiam socii reges deficiebant. inter quos rex quoque Cyrenarum Afellas pactus est cum Agathocle communionem belli, dum regnum Africae ardenter adfectat. ### English translation (Claude) When this rumour spread through all Africa, not only the tributary cities but even allied kings revolted from them. Among them the king of Cyrene too, Ophellas, made a pact with Agathocles for partnership in the war, while he ardently aspired to the kingdom of Africa. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.6.29 (CSEL 5:222–223; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-6-29). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.6.30 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-6-30 - Source: CSEL 5:223 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Agathocles murdered Ophellas. ### Latin text sed postquam in unum exercitus et castra iunxerunt, per Agathoclen blandimentis et insidiis circumuentus occisus est. ### English translation (Claude) But after they had joined their armies and camps into one, he was entrapped by Agathocles with flatteries and plots and killed. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.6.30 (CSEL 5:223; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-6-30). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.6.31 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-6-31 - Source: CSEL 5:223 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Agathocles defeated Carthage again. ### Latin text Carthaginienses contractis undique copiis in bellum exarsere. quibus Agathocles habens secum Afellae copias congreditur, eosque magno utriusque exercitus sanguine et graui proelio superat. ### English translation (Claude) The Carthaginians, gathering forces from every side, blazed into war. Agathocles, having with him the forces of Ophellas, engaged them and overcame them with much blood of both armies and in a heavy battle. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.6.31 (CSEL 5:223; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-6-31). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.6.32 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-6-32 - Source: CSEL 5:223 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Carthage crucified a general who meant to desert. ### Latin text hoc certaminis discrimine tanta desperatio inlata Poenis est, ut, nisi in exercitu Agathoclis orta seditio fuisset, transfugiturus ad eum Hamilcar dux Poenorum cum exercitu fuerit. ob quam noxam in medio foro iussu Carthaginiensium patibulo suffixus crudele spectaculum suis praebuit. ### English translation (Claude) By the crisis of this contest so great a despair was brought on the Carthaginians that, had not a mutiny arisen in Agathocles' army, Hamilcar, general of the Carthaginians, would have deserted to him with his army. For this offence, by order of the Carthaginians, he was fixed to a gibbet in the middle of the forum and offered a cruel spectacle to his people. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.6.32 (CSEL 5:223; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-6-32). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.6.33 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-6-33 - Source: CSEL 5:223 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: After Pyrrhus, Carthage turned to war with Rome. ### Latin text deinde cum post mortem Agathoclis Carthaginienses Siciliam instructa classe uastarent, a Pyrrho rege Epiri ab Italia arcessito terrestri naualique certamine saepe superati, nouissime ad Romana bella conuersi sunt. ### English translation (Claude) Then, when after the death of Agathocles the Carthaginians were laying Sicily waste with a fleet prepared, they were often overcome in land and sea battles by Pyrrhus, king of Epirus, summoned from Italy, and at last turned to the Roman wars. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.6.33 (CSEL 5:223; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-6-33). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.6.34 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-6-34 - Source: CSEL 5:223 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The complainers read such things, but unfairly. ### Latin text Pro dolor, legantne ista de ueteribus, qui de recentibus conqueruntur? immo legunt et ea non aequitate sed aemulatione coniciunt. ### English translation (Claude) Oh the pain! Do those who complain of recent things read these things about the ancients? Indeed they read them, and judge them not with fairness but with rivalry. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.6.34 (CSEL 5:223; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-6-34). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.6.35 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-6-35 - Source: CSEL 5:223–224 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: They hate the times only because they are Christian. ### Latin text maximo enim illo et ineffabili quem nec ipsi discernunt abimnle conpunguntur non propter tempora mala sed propter tempora Christiana; et deriuatio est inuidi ulceris, ut, quidquid sub exsecrabili agitur, atrocius esse uideatur: ### English translation (Claude) For they are stung by that very great and unspeakable goad, which they themselves do not perceive, not because of bad times but because of Christian times; and it is the outflow of an envious sore, that whatever is done under what is execrated seems more atrocious: ### Translation notes - The digital text is garbled at *abimnle*; translated by sense. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.6.35 (CSEL 5:223–224; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-6-35). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.6.36 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-6-36 - Source: CSEL 5:224 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Envy sees evil in everything its enemy does. ### Latin text sicut etiam inter nos saepe inimicorum oculis uideri solet, eos, quos exsecrantur, nihil non prauum, nihil non subsiciuum, nihil non in uulnus suum dicto factoue agere, et hoc tamen plane simpliciter, in tantum enim captum cor obliquat inuidia, ut rectum natura non uideat; ### English translation (Claude) just as among us too it is often seen by the eyes of enemies that those whom they execrate do nothing in word or deed that is not depraved, nothing not underhand, nothing not to their injury; and this quite simply, for envy so warps the captured heart that it does not see what is by nature straight; ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.6.36 (CSEL 5:224; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-6-36). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.6.37 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-6-37 - Source: CSEL 5:224 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The pagans are enemies of God and truth. ### Latin text de quorum numero sunt isti, sed multo miseriores quia inimici Dei ac perinde inimici ueritatis — de quibus flentes haec dicimus et quos misericorditer, si patiantur, arguimus, ut sa- ### English translation (Claude) of whose number these are, but much more wretched, because they are enemies of God and consequently enemies of the truth (about whom we say these things weeping, and whom we reprove mercifully, if they will allow it, so as to heal ### Translation notes - The sentence continues in 4.6.38. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.6.37 (CSEL 5:224; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-6-37). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.6.38 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-6-38 - Source: CSEL 5:224 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Their diseased sight doubles every evil. ### Latin text nemus, — qui uitioso oculo haec uident atque ideo duplicia illis uidentur quae uident et confusi caligine nequitiae in id cadunt, ut minus uidendo plus uideant, cum tamen id quod est ita ut est uidere non possint; ### English translation (Claude) them), who see these things with a diseased eye, and therefore the things they see seem double to them, and, confused by the darkness of wickedness, they fall into this, that by seeing less they see more, while yet they cannot see what is as it is; ### Scripture references - Matt 6:23: echo, low confidence ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.6.38 (CSEL 5:224; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-6-38). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.6.39 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-6-39 - Source: CSEL 5:224 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: They think God's correction worse than the devil's cruelty. ### Latin text qui grauiora arbitrantur flagella patris, quam hostis incendia; qui acerbiorem uocant blandientem admonentem et redimentem Deum quam persequentem dominantem trucidantemque diabolum; ### English translation (Claude) who think the scourges of a father heavier than the fires of an enemy; who call God, who coaxes, admonishes and redeems, harsher than the devil, who persecutes, dominates and slaughters; ### Scripture references - Heb 12:6: allusion, medium confidence ### Translation notes - The father's scourge recalls Heb 12:6. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.6.39 (CSEL 5:224; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-6-39). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.6.40 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-6-40 - Source: CSEL 5:224 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: God's discipline, with Christian hope, should be borne gladly. ### Latin text quamquam, si de patre intellegerent, de castigatione gauderent et, si praeuideretur fructus eruditionis, esset disciplina tolerabilis ac propter spem, quae nunc gentibus data est, antea uero non fuerat, leuiora ducerent, etsi grauiora paterentur. ### English translation (Claude) although, if they understood it of a father, they would rejoice at the chastisement, and if the fruit of the training were foreseen, the discipline would be tolerable; and because of the hope which is now given to the nations, but before had not been, they would count things lighter, even if they suffered heavier ones. ### Scripture references - Heb 12:11: allusion, medium confidence ### Translation notes - Cf. Heb 12:7–11. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.6.40 (CSEL 5:224; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-6-40). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.6.41 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-6-41 - Source: CSEL 5:224–225 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Pagans of old endured much for fame. ### Latin text quamquam contemptus miseriarum possunt etiam a suis discere, apud quos summa mala pro summis bonis aestimata sunt, tantum ut gloriam famae celebrem atque inlustrem consequerentur: ### English translation (Claude) Although they can learn contempt for miseries even from their own, among whom the greatest evils were esteemed the greatest goods, so long as they attained a celebrated and illustrious glory of fame: ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.6.41 (CSEL 5:224–225; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-6-41). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.6.42 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-6-42 - Source: CSEL 5:225 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Christians should endure more for eternal life. ### Latin text per quos colligi datur, quanta nobis, quibus aeternitas beata promittitur, sint toleranda pro uita, cum illi tanta potuerint tolerare pro fama. ### English translation (Claude) from whom it may be inferred how much we, to whom a blessed eternity is promised, ought to endure for life, when they could endure so much for fame. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.6.42 (CSEL 5:225; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-6-42). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.7.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-7-1 - Source: CSEL 5:225 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Rome sent Appius Claudius to Sicily, beginning the First Punic War. ### Latin text Anno ab Vrbe condita CCCCLXXXIII id est Appio Claudio Q. Fabio consulibus Mamertinis, quorum Messana nobilis Siciliae ciuitas erat, auxilia contra Hieronem Syracusanum regem et Poenorum copias Hieroni iunctas et Appium Claudium consulem cum exercitu misere Romani. ### English translation (Claude) In the 483rd year from the founding of the City, that is, in the consulship of Appius Claudius and Quintus Fabius, the Romans sent help to the Mamertines, whose city was Messana, a noble city of Sicily, against Hiero, king of Syracuse, and the forces of the Carthaginians joined to Hiero: they sent the consul Appius Claudius with an army. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.7.1 (CSEL 5:225; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-7-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.7.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-7-2 - Source: CSEL 5:225 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Appius quickly defeated Hiero. ### Latin text qui tam celeriter Syracusanos Poenosque superauit, ut ipse quoque rex rerum magnitudine perterritus ante se uictum quam congressum fuisse prodiderit: ### English translation (Claude) He so quickly overcame the Syracusans and Carthaginians that the king himself too, terrified by the greatness of events, declared that he had been conquered before he engaged: ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.7.2 (CSEL 5:225; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-7-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.7.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-7-3 - Source: CSEL 5:225 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Hiero made peace. ### Latin text qui exim fractis uiribus amissaque fiducia cum pacem supplex rogaret, ducentis argenti talentis iussu consulum multatus accepit. ### English translation (Claude) and he, his strength thereafter broken and his confidence lost, when he begged for peace as a suppliant, received it, fined two hundred talents of silver by order of the consuls. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.7.3 (CSEL 5:225; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-7-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.7.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-7-4 - Source: CSEL 5:225 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Rome besieged Agrigentum. ### Latin text consules Agrigentum Siciliae ciuitatem ibique praesidia Poenorum operibus ualloque cinxerunt. ### English translation (Claude) The consuls surrounded Agrigentum, a city of Sicily, and the Carthaginian garrisons there with siege works and a rampart. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.7.4 (CSEL 5:225; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-7-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.7.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-7-5 - Source: CSEL 5:225–226 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Hanno came to relieve Agrigentum. ### Latin text cumque inclusus ea obsidione senior Hannibal imperator Poenorum ad summam egestatem redactus esset, Hanno imperator nonus Carthaginiensium cum equitibus mille quingentis et triginta milibus peditum, triginta etiam elephantis ex inprouiso intercessit expugnationemque ciuitatis paulisper distulit. ### English translation (Claude) And when Hannibal the elder, general of the Carthaginians, shut in by that siege, had been reduced to extreme want, Hanno, a new general of the Carthaginians, with fifteen hundred horse and thirty thousand foot and also thirty elephants, intervened unexpectedly and put off the storming of the city for a little. ### Translation notes - 'New' renders *nonus*, apparently for *nouus*. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.7.5 (CSEL 5:225–226; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-7-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.7.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-7-6 - Source: CSEL 5:226 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Agrigentum fell. ### Latin text sed continuo ciuitas capta est. Poeni maximo bello uicti et profligati, undecim elephanti in potestatem redacti, Agrigentini sub corona omnes uenditi sunt; Hannibal senior facta cum paucis eruptione diffugit. ### English translation (Claude) But the city was soon taken. The Carthaginians were defeated and routed in a very great battle, eleven elephants brought into Roman power, and the people of Agrigentum all sold at auction; Hannibal the elder escaped with a few by a sally. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.7.6 (CSEL 5:226; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-7-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.7.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-7-7 - Source: CSEL 5:226 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Rome built a fleet. ### Latin text Cn. Cornelio Asina C. Duilio consulibus cum Hannibal senior oram Italiae maritimam instructa septuaginta nauium classe uastaret, Romani et ipsi classem fabricari atque instrui praeceperunt. ### English translation (Claude) In the consulship of Gnaeus Cornelius Asina and Gaius Duilius, when Hannibal the elder was ravaging the coast of Italy with a fleet of seventy ships prepared, the Romans too ordered a fleet to be built and equipped. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.7.7 (CSEL 5:226; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-7-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.7.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-7-8 - Source: CSEL 5:226 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: A fleet was built in sixty days. ### Latin text quod Duilius consul celeriter inpleuit; nam intra sexaginta dies quam arbores caesae erant centum triginta nauium classis deducta in anchoris stetit. ### English translation (Claude) The consul Duilius quickly accomplished this; for within sixty days after the trees had been cut, a fleet of a hundred and thirty ships was launched and stood at anchor. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.7.8 (CSEL 5:226; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-7-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.7.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-7-9 - Source: CSEL 5:226 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Cornelius was captured by treachery. ### Latin text Cornelius Asina consul alter cum sedecim nauibus Liparam insulam petiit; ubi ab Hannibale quasi ad conloquium pacis euocatus Punica fraude captus atque in uinculis necatus est. ### English translation (Claude) Cornelius Asina, the other consul, went with sixteen ships to the island of Lipara; there, called out by Hannibal as if to a conference on peace, he was taken by Punic fraud and killed in chains. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.7.9 (CSEL 5:226; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-7-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.7.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-7-10 - Source: CSEL 5:226 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Duilius won Rome's first naval victory. ### Latin text quod ubi Duilius alter consul audiit, cum triginta nauibus aduersus Hannibalem profectus est. commisso nauali proelio Hannibal, amissa naui qua uehebatur, scapha subductus aufugit; triginta et una naues eius captae, tredecim mersae, tria milia hominum occisa, septem milia capta referuntur. ### English translation (Claude) When Duilius, the other consul, heard this, he set out with thirty ships against Hannibal. When the naval battle was joined, Hannibal, having lost the ship in which he sailed, escaped in a skiff; thirty-one of his ships were captured, thirteen sunk, three thousand men are reported killed, seven thousand captured. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.7.10 (CSEL 5:226; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-7-10). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.7.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-7-11 - Source: CSEL 5:226–227 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Scipio defeated Hanno off Sardinia. ### Latin text Postea Carthaginienses C. Aquilio Floro L. Cornelio Scipione consulibus Hannonem in locum Hannibalis subrogatum pro Sardis et Corsis defensandis nauali proelio praefecerunt, qui a Scipione consule uictus, amisso exercitu ipse confertissimis hostibus se inmiscuit ibique interfectus est. ### English translation (Claude) Afterwards, in the consulship of Gaius Aquilius Florus and Lucius Cornelius Scipio, the Carthaginians put Hanno, appointed in place of Hannibal, in command of a naval battle to defend the Sardinians and Corsicans; defeated by the consul Scipio, having lost his army, he threw himself among the densest enemies and was killed there. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.7.11 (CSEL 5:226–227; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-7-11). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.7.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-7-12 - Source: CSEL 5:227 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: A slave conspiracy against Rome was foiled. ### Latin text eodem anno tria milia seruorum et quattuor milia naualium sociorum in urbis Romae excidium coniurarunt et, nisi maturata proditio consilium praeuenisset, destituta praesidio ciuitas seruili manu perisset. ### English translation (Claude) In the same year three thousand slaves and four thousand naval allies conspired to destroy the city of Rome, and, had not an early betrayal forestalled the plan, the city, left without a garrison, would have perished by the hand of slaves. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.7.12 (CSEL 5:227; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-7-12). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.8.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-8-1 - Source: CSEL 5:227 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Calatinus led his army into a trap. ### Latin text Anno ab hoc proximo Calatinus consul Camerinam Siciliae urbem petens temere in angustias deduxit exercitum, quas Poenorum copiae iam dudum praestruxerant. ### English translation (Claude) In the year next to this, the consul Calatinus, making for Camarina, a city of Sicily, rashly led his army into narrows which the Carthaginian forces had long since blocked. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.8.1 (CSEL 5:227; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-8-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.8.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-8-2 - Source: CSEL 5:227 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Calpurnius Flamma and three hundred men saved the army. ### Latin text cui cum omnino nulla uel obsistendi uel euadendi facultas esset, Calpurni Flammae uirtute et opera liberatus est, qui lecta trecentorum uirorum manu insessum ab hostibus tumulum occupauit et in se Poenos omnes pugnando conuertit, donec Romanus exercitus obsessas angustias hoste non urguente transiret. ### English translation (Claude) When he had no means at all either of resisting or escaping, he was freed by the courage and effort of Calpurnius Flamma, who with a chosen band of three hundred men seized a hill occupied by the enemy and turned all the Carthaginians on himself by fighting, until the Roman army passed through the besieged narrows with the enemy not pressing. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.8.2 (CSEL 5:227; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-8-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.8.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-8-3 - Source: CSEL 5:227 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: All died but Calpurnius. ### Latin text caesi sunt in eo bello omnes trecenti, solus Calpurnius quamuis multis confossus uulneribus et cadaueribus obtectus euasit. ### English translation (Claude) All three hundred were killed in that battle; Calpurnius alone, though pierced with many wounds and covered with corpses, escaped. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.8.3 (CSEL 5:227; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-8-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.8.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-8-4 - Source: CSEL 5:227 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Hannibal the elder was stoned by his men. ### Latin text Hannibal senior a Carthaginiensibus iterum classi praepositus, infeliciter cum Romanis nauali proelio congressus et uictus, ab exercitu suo seditione orta lapidibus coopertus interiit. ### English translation (Claude) Hannibal the elder, put in command of the fleet again by the Carthaginians, engaged the Romans unhappily in a naval battle and was defeated; a mutiny arising in his army, he was covered with stones and died. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.8.4 (CSEL 5:227; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-8-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.8.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-8-5 - Source: CSEL 5:227 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Atilius ravaged Lipara and Malta. ### Latin text Atilius consul Liparam Melitamque insulas Siciliae nobiles peruagatus euertit. ### English translation (Claude) The consul Atilius ranged over and overthrew Lipara and Melita, noble islands of Sicily. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.8.5 (CSEL 5:227; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-8-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.8.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-8-6 - Source: CSEL 5:227–228 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Rome won a sea battle on the way to Africa. ### Latin text consules, in Africam iussi transferre bellum, cum trecentis triginta nauibus Siciliam petiuerunt: quibus Hamilcar Poenorum imperator et Hanno classi praefectus occurrit. conserto nauali proelio Carthaginienses in fugam uersi sexaginta et quattuor naues perdiderunt. ### English translation (Claude) The consuls, ordered to carry the war into Africa, made for Sicily with three hundred and thirty ships; Hamilcar, the Carthaginian general, and Hanno, commander of the fleet, met them. When a naval battle was joined the Carthaginians were put to flight and lost sixty-four ships. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.8.6 (CSEL 5:227–228; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-8-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.8.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-8-7 - Source: CSEL 5:228 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Rome landed in Africa. ### Latin text uictores consules in Africam transuecti sunt primamque omnium Clipeam urbem in deditionem receperunt. ### English translation (Claude) The victorious consuls crossed into Africa and first of all received the city of Clupea in surrender. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.8.7 (CSEL 5:228; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-8-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.8.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-8-8 - Source: CSEL 5:228 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: They ravaged the land around Carthage. ### Latin text inde Carthaginem petentes trecenta aut eo amplius castella populati sunt, infesta Carthagini signa circumtulerunt. ### English translation (Claude) Then, making for Carthage, they ravaged three hundred forts or more and carried hostile standards around Carthage. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.8.8 (CSEL 5:228; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-8-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.8.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-8-9 - Source: CSEL 5:228 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Manlius returned with many captives. ### Latin text Manlius consul Africa cum uictrici classe decedens septem et uiginti milia captiuorum cum ingentibus spoliis Romam reuexit. ### English translation (Claude) The consul Manlius, leaving Africa with the victorious fleet, brought back to Rome twenty-seven thousand captives with huge spoils. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.8.9 (CSEL 5:228; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-8-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.8.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-8-10 - Source: CSEL 5:228 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: A giant serpent attacked Regulus's army. ### Latin text Regulus, bellum Carthaginiense sortitus, iter cum exercitu faciens haud procul a flumine Bagrada castra constituit: ubi cum plurimos militum aquandi necessitate ad flumen descendentes serpens mirae magnitudinis deuoraret, Regulus ad expugnandam bestiam cum exercitu profectus est. ### English translation (Claude) Regulus, allotted the Carthaginian war, while marching with his army, pitched camp not far from the river Bagradas: there, when a serpent of wonderful size was devouring very many of the soldiers who went down to the river out of the need for water, Regulus set out with his army to attack the beast. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.8.10 (CSEL 5:228; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-8-10). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.8.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-8-11 - Source: CSEL 5:228–229 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: A ballista stone broke the serpent's spine. ### Latin text sed nihil in tergo eius proficientibus iaculis atque omni telorum ictu inrito, quae per horrendam squamarum cratem quasi per obliquam scutorum testudinem labebantur mirumque in modum, ne corpus laederent, ipso corpore pellebantur, cum insuper magnam multitudinem morsu conminui, impetu proteri, halitu etiam pestifero exanimari uideret, ballistas deferri imperauit, per quas molare saxum spinae eius incussum conpagem totius corporis soluit. ### English translation (Claude) But when javelins availed nothing on its back and every stroke of missiles was in vain, for they slid off the horrid lattice of its scales as off a slanting tortoise of shields and were in a wonderful way driven back by the body itself so as not to harm the body, and when moreover he saw a great multitude crushed by its bite, trampled by its rush, and even killed by its pestilent breath, he ordered ballistas to be brought, by which a millstone struck against its spine broke the structure of its whole body. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.8.11 (CSEL 5:228–229; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-8-11). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.8.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-8-12 - Source: CSEL 5:229 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: How serpents move. ### Latin text talis siquidem est natura serpentis, ut, cum pedibus carere uideatur, costis tamen et squamis, quas a summo gutture usque ad imam aluum parili modo dispositas habet, ita instruitur, ut squamis quasi unguibus, costis quasi cruribus innitatur. ### English translation (Claude) For such is the nature of the serpent that, though it seems to lack feet, it is so equipped with ribs and scales, which it has arranged in like fashion from the top of its throat to the bottom of its belly, that it supports itself on the scales as on claws and on the ribs as on legs. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.8.12 (CSEL 5:229; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-8-12). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.8.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-8-13 - Source: CSEL 5:229 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The serpent moves by ribs and scales. ### Latin text non enim ut uermis, cui spinae rigor non est, et in directum corpusculi sui partes gradatim porrigendo contractas, contrahendo porrectas motum explicat, sed alternis intenta conatibus latera sinuosa circumfert, ut per exteriorem spinae curuaturam rigentem costarum aciem tendat, costis autem natura ad summum rectis squamarum ungulas figat; quod uicissim et celeriter agendo non solum plana perlabitur, sed etiam conuexa conscendit, tot uestigiis instructa quot costis. ### English translation (Claude) For it does not, like a worm, which has no rigid spine, unfold its motion in a straight line by stretching forward the contracted parts of its little body step by step and contracting the stretched ones; but with alternate efforts it carries its winding sides around, so that along the outer curve of its spine it stretches the stiff edge of its ribs, and on the ribs, by nature set upright, it fixes the claws of its scales; and by doing this alternately and quickly, it not only glides over flat ground but also climbs slopes, equipped with as many footholds as ribs. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.8.13 (CSEL 5:229; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-8-13). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.8.14 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-8-14 - Source: CSEL 5:229–230 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: One blow to the spine disabled it. ### Latin text huius itaque rei causa est, ut, si in qualibet corporis parte ab aluo usque ad caput ictu aliquo conlidatur, debilis reddita cursum habere non possit; quia ubicumque ille ictus inciderit spinam soluit, per quam costarum pedes et motus corporis agebantur. unde etiam haec serpens, quae tamdiu tot iaculis inuulnerabilis obstitit, ad unius saxi ictum debilis cessit ac mox circumuenta telis facile oppressa est. ### English translation (Claude) The reason for this, then, is that if it is struck by some blow in any part of its body from belly to head, it is weakened and cannot move; because wherever that blow falls it breaks the spine, through which the feet of the ribs and the movements of the body were worked. Hence too this serpent, which had so long resisted so many javelins, invulnerable, gave way, weakened, at the blow of one stone, and soon, surrounded by missiles, was easily overcome. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.8.14 (CSEL 5:229–230; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-8-14). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.8.15 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-8-15 - Source: CSEL 5:230 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Its 120-foot skin was shown at Rome. ### Latin text corium autem eius Romam deuectum — quod fuisse centum uiginti pedum spatio ferunt — aliquamdiu cunctis miraculo fuit. ### English translation (Claude) Its skin, brought to Rome, which they say was a hundred and twenty feet long, was for some time a wonder to all. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.8.15 (CSEL 5:230; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-8-15). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.8.16 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-8-16 - Source: CSEL 5:230 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Regulus won a great victory. ### Latin text Regulus aduersum tres imperatores, id est Hasdrubales duos et accitum ex Sicilia Hamilcarem, atrocissimum bellum gessit, in quo caesa sunt Carthaginiensium decem et septem milia, capta autem quinque milia, decem et octo elephanti abducti, oppida octoginta et duo in deditionem cessere Romanis. ### English translation (Claude) Regulus waged a most fierce war against three generals, that is, the two Hasdrubals and Hamilcar summoned from Sicily, in which seventeen thousand Carthaginians were slain, five thousand captured, eighteen elephants led off, and eighty-two towns surrendered to the Romans. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.8.16 (CSEL 5:230; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-8-16). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.9.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-9-1 - Source: CSEL 5:230–231 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Carthage rejected Regulus's terms and hired Greeks. ### Latin text Carthaginienses fracti bellis et cladibus exinaniti pacem Regulo poposcerunt. sed cum intolerabiles et duras condiciones pacis audissent, tutius rati sese armatos mori quam miseros uiuere, pretio non solum Hispanorum uel Gallorum auxilia, quae iam dudum plurima habebant, sed etiam Graecorum conparanda duxerunt. ### English translation (Claude) The Carthaginians, broken by wars and drained by disasters, asked Regulus for peace. But when they heard the unbearable and harsh conditions of peace, thinking it safer to die armed than to live wretched, they decided to hire not only the help of the Spaniards and Gauls, which they had long had in great numbers, but also of the Greeks. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.9.1 (CSEL 5:230–231; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-9-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.9.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-9-2 - Source: CSEL 5:231 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Xanthippus took command. ### Latin text itaque Xanthippum Lacedaemoniorum regem cum auxiliis accitum, ducem bello praefecerunt. Xanthippus, inspectis Poenorum copiis atque in campum deductis, longe in melius mutato apparatu pugnam cum Romanis conseruit. ### English translation (Claude) So they summoned Xanthippus, king of the Lacedaemonians, with auxiliaries and put him in command of the war. Xanthippus, having inspected the Carthaginian forces and led them out onto the plain, with their equipment far changed for the better, joined battle with the Romans. ### Translation notes - Xanthippus was a Spartan mercenary commander, not a king. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.9.2 (CSEL 5:231; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-9-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.9.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-9-3 - Source: CSEL 5:231 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Regulus was defeated and captured. ### Latin text ingens ibi ruina Romanorum uirium fuit: nam triginta milia militum Romanorum in illa tunc congressione prostrata sunt. Regulus ille dux nobilis cum quingentis uiris captus est et in catenas coniectus decimo demum anno Punici belli nobilem triumphum Carthaginiensibus praebuit. ### English translation (Claude) There was a huge ruin of Roman strength there: for thirty thousand Roman soldiers were laid low in that engagement. Regulus, that noble general, was captured with five hundred men, thrown into chains, and in the tenth year of the Punic war at last provided the Carthaginians with a notable triumph. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.9.3 (CSEL 5:231; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-9-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.9.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-9-4 - Source: CSEL 5:231 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Xanthippus went home. ### Latin text Xanthippus tam audacis facti conscius rerum instabilium mutationem timens ilico ex Africa migrauit in Graeciam. ### English translation (Claude) Xanthippus, aware of so daring a deed and fearing the change of unstable things, at once left Africa for Greece. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.9.4 (CSEL 5:231; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-9-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.9.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-9-5 - Source: CSEL 5:231 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: A new Roman fleet sailed to Africa. ### Latin text Igitur Aemilius Paulus et Fuluius Nobilior consules audita captiuitate Reguli et clade exercitus Romani transire in Africam cum classe trecentarum nauium iussi Clipeam petunt. eo confestim Carthaginienses cum pari classe uenerunt; nec differri potuit nauale certamen. ### English translation (Claude) So the consuls Aemilius Paulus and Fulvius Nobilior, hearing of the capture of Regulus and the disaster of the Roman army, ordered to cross into Africa with a fleet of three hundred ships, made for Clupea. The Carthaginians came there at once with an equal fleet; nor could the naval battle be put off. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.9.5 (CSEL 5:231; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-9-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.9.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-9-6 - Source: CSEL 5:231 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Rome won a great sea battle. ### Latin text centum et quattuor naues Carthaginiensium demersae, triginta cum pugnatoribus captae, praeterea triginta et quinque milia militum ex ipsis caesa sunt; Romanorum autem nouem nauibus depressis mille centum periere milites. consules apud Clipeam castra posuerunt. ### English translation (Claude) A hundred and four ships of the Carthaginians were sunk, thirty captured with their fighting men, and besides thirty-five thousand of their soldiers were killed; of the Romans, nine ships being sunk, eleven hundred soldiers perished. The consuls pitched camp at Clupea. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.9.6 (CSEL 5:231; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-9-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.9.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-9-7 - Source: CSEL 5:231–232 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Carthaginians lost again. ### Latin text duo Hannones imperatores Poenorum eo rursus cum magno exercitu conuenerunt proelioque commisso nouem milia militum perdiderunt. ### English translation (Claude) Two Hannos, generals of the Carthaginians, again came there with a great army, and when battle was joined they lost nine thousand soldiers. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.9.7 (CSEL 5:231–232; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-9-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.9.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-9-8 - Source: CSEL 5:232 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The fleet was wrecked on the way home. ### Latin text sed — ut tunc apud Romanos numquam diuturna felicitas erat et qualescumque successus magnis continuo malorum molibus obruebantur — cum Romana classis ad Italiam praedis onusta remearet, infando naufragio euersa est: nam de trecentis nauibus ducentae uiginti perierunt, octoginta uix abiectis oneribus liberatae sunt. ### English translation (Claude) But (as then among the Romans there was never lasting good fortune, and whatever successes they had were at once overwhelmed by great masses of evils) when the Roman fleet was returning to Italy laden with plunder, it was overturned by an unspeakable shipwreck: for of three hundred ships two hundred and twenty perished; eighty were barely saved by throwing their cargo overboard. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.9.8 (CSEL 5:232; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-9-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.9.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-9-9 - Source: CSEL 5:232 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Hamilcar punished the Africans who had welcomed Regulus. ### Latin text Hamilcar dux Poenorum cum exercitu in Numidiam Mauretaniamque missus postquam hostiliter cruenteque in uniuersos egit, cur Regulum libenter suscepisse dicerentur, mille argenti talentis et uiginti milibus boum reliquos condemnauit; principes autem omnium populorum patibulo suffixit. ### English translation (Claude) Hamilcar, general of the Carthaginians, sent with an army into Numidia and Mauretania, after acting as an enemy and bloodily against all, because they were said to have welcomed Regulus gladly, condemned the rest to pay a thousand talents of silver and twenty thousand oxen; but the leading men of all the peoples he fixed to gibbets. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.9.9 (CSEL 5:232; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-9-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.9.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-9-10 - Source: CSEL 5:232 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Another Roman fleet raided Africa. ### Latin text Tertio anno — sicut semper indomitus furor cito periculorum obliuiscitur — Seruilius Caepio et Sempronius Blaesus consules ducentis sexaginta nauibus in Africam transgressi uniuersam oram maritimam, quae circa Syrtes iacet, depopulati sunt atque in superiora progressi captis euersisque ciuitatibus plurimis ingentem praedam ad classem deuexerunt. ### English translation (Claude) In the third year (as untamed fury always quickly forgets dangers) the consuls Servilius Caepio and Sempronius Blaesus crossed into Africa with two hundred and sixty ships, ravaged the whole coast that lies around the Syrtes, and, advancing inland, took and overthrew very many cities and carried huge plunder to the fleet. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.9.10 (CSEL 5:232; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-9-10). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.9.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-9-11 - Source: CSEL 5:232–233 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: That fleet too was wrecked. ### Latin text inde cum ad Italiam redirent, circa Palinuri promuntorium, quod a Lucanis montibus in altum excurrit, inlisi scopulis centum quinquaginta naues onerarias nobilemque praedam crudeliter adquisitam infeliciter perdiderunt. ### English translation (Claude) Then, as they were returning to Italy, near the promontory of Palinurus, which runs out from the Lucanian mountains into the deep, they were dashed on the rocks and unhappily lost a hundred and fifty transport ships and the noble plunder cruelly acquired. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.9.11 (CSEL 5:232–233; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-9-11). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.9.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-9-12 - Source: CSEL 5:233 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Rome limited its fleet, then broke its own decree. ### Latin text uicit aliquando apud Romanos improbissimam cupiditatem enormitas miseriarum: nam patres, quibus iam nauticae rei pertaesum esset, decreuere ne amplius quam sexaginta nauium classis ad subsidium haberetur Italiae; quod quidem decretum continuo adacti indomita cupiditate ruperunt. ### English translation (Claude) At length among the Romans the enormity of miseries overcame their most wicked greed: for the fathers, now weary of naval affairs, decreed that no fleet of more than sixty ships should be kept for the defence of Italy; which decree, driven by untamed greed, they at once broke. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.9.12 (CSEL 5:233; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-9-12). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.9.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-9-13 - Source: CSEL 5:233 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Cotta's campaigns in Sicily. ### Latin text praeterea Cotta consul in Siciliam transgressus plurimis proeliis aduersum Poenos et Siculos terra marique pugnauit et per totam Siciliam partim hostium, partim etiam sociorum inhumatas strages reliquit. ### English translation (Claude) Besides, the consul Cotta crossed into Sicily and fought in very many battles against the Carthaginians and Sicilians by land and sea, and left throughout all Sicily unburied heaps of slain, partly of enemies, partly even of allies. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.9.13 (CSEL 5:233; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-9-13). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.9.14 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-9-14 - Source: CSEL 5:233 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Hasdrubal fought Metellus at Panormus. ### Latin text L. Caecilio Metello C. Furio Placido consulibus Hasdrubal nouus Carthaginiensium imperator cum elephantis centum triginta et equitum peditumque amplius triginta milibus Lilybaeum uenit ex Africa et continuo cum Metello consule apud Panormum pugnam conseruit. ### English translation (Claude) In the consulship of Lucius Caecilius Metellus and Gaius Furius Placidus, Hasdrubal, the new general of the Carthaginians, came from Africa to Lilybaeum with a hundred and thirty elephants and more than thirty thousand horse and foot, and at once joined battle with the consul Metellus near Panormus. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.9.14 (CSEL 5:233; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-9-14). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.9.15 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-9-15 - Source: CSEL 5:233–234 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Metellus won and captured a hundred and four elephants. ### Latin text sed Metellus uim magnam beluarum timens prius eas magno usus consilio uel in fugam uel in mortem egit et sic facile quamuis magnam uim hostium superauit: xx milia Carthaginiensium in eo proelio caesa sunt, elephanti quoque sex et uiginti interfecti centum et quattuor capti et per Italiam ducti maximum Italicis gentibus spectaculum praebuerunt. Hasdrubal cum paucis Lilybaeum profugit atque absens a Poenis capitis damnatus est. ### English translation (Claude) But Metellus, fearing the great force of the beasts, using great counsel first drove them either to flight or to death, and so easily overcame the enemy's force, however great: twenty thousand Carthaginians were slain in that battle; twenty-six elephants too were killed, and a hundred and four captured, which, led through Italy, offered a very great spectacle to the Italian peoples. Hasdrubal fled with a few to Lilybaeum and in his absence was condemned to death by the Carthaginians. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.9.15 (CSEL 5:233–234; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-9-15). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.10.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-10-1 - Source: CSEL 5:234 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Regulus was sent to Rome and, on his return, tortured to death. ### Latin text Post haec fessi tot malis Carthaginienses petendam esse pacem a Romanis decreuerunt. ad quam rem Atilium Regulum antea ducem Romanum, quem iam per quinque annos captiuum detinebant, inter ceteros legatos praecipue mittendum putauerunt: quem non impetrata pace ab Italia reuersum resectis palpebris inligatum in machina uigilando necauerunt. ### English translation (Claude) After this the Carthaginians, weary of so many evils, decreed that peace must be sought from the Romans. For this purpose they thought Atilius Regulus, formerly a Roman general, whom they had been holding captive for five years, should be sent especially among the other envoys: when he returned from Italy, peace not obtained, they cut off his eyelids, bound him in a machine, and killed him by keeping him awake. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.10.1 (CSEL 5:234; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-10-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.10.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-10-2 - Source: CSEL 5:234 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The siege of Lilybaeum failed. ### Latin text alter deinde Atilius Regulus et Manlius Vulsco, ambo bis consules, cum classe ducentarum nauium et quattuor legionibus Lilybaeum profecti: quod oppidum in promuntorio situm Romani obsidere conati, superueniente Hannibale qui Hamilcaris filius fuit uicti, maiore exercitus sui parte perdita ipsi aegre euaserunt. ### English translation (Claude) Then the other Atilius Regulus and Manlius Vulso, both consuls for the second time, set out for Lilybaeum with a fleet of two hundred ships and four legions: when the Romans tried to besiege that town, set on a promontory, they were defeated by Hannibal, who was the son of Hamilcar, coming upon them, and, having lost the greater part of their army, they themselves barely escaped. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.10.2 (CSEL 5:234; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-10-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.10.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-10-3 - Source: CSEL 5:234–235 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Claudius was defeated at Drepana; Junius lost his fleet. ### Latin text post hos Claudius consul cum classe centum uiginti nauium ad Drepani portum contra hostem profectus: ubi mox exceptus classe Poenorum superatusque est. et ipse quidem cum triginta nauibus Lilybaeum in castra confugit, reliquae omnes, id est nonaginta, aut captae aut demersae fuerunt; octo milia militum caesa, uiginti milia capta referuntur. Gaius quoque Iunius collega Claudi uniuersam classem naufragio amisit. ### English translation (Claude) After these the consul Claudius set out against the enemy with a fleet of a hundred and twenty ships to the harbour of Drepana; there he was soon met by the Carthaginian fleet and overcome. He himself fled with thirty ships to the camp at Lilybaeum; all the rest, that is, ninety, were either captured or sunk; eight thousand soldiers are reported slain, twenty thousand captured. Gaius Junius too, Claudius's colleague, lost his whole fleet by shipwreck. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.10.3 (CSEL 5:234–235; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-10-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.10.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-10-4 - Source: CSEL 5:235 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Carthage raided Italy. ### Latin text Anno etiam consequenti classis Punica in Italiam transiit eiusque plurimas partes longe lateque uastauit. ### English translation (Claude) In the following year too the Carthaginian fleet crossed into Italy and laid waste very many parts of it far and wide. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.10.4 (CSEL 5:235; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-10-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.10.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-10-5 - Source: CSEL 5:235 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Lutatius was wounded at Drepana. ### Latin text interea Lutatius cum classe trecentarum nauium in Siciliam transuectus dum apud Drepanam ciuitatem pugnam inter primores ciet, transfixo femore aegerrime, cum iam obrueretur, ereptus est. ### English translation (Claude) Meanwhile Lutatius, crossing into Sicily with a fleet of three hundred ships, while he was stirring battle among the foremost at the city of Drepana, was pierced through the thigh and rescued with great difficulty when he was already being overwhelmed. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.10.5 (CSEL 5:235; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-10-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.10.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-10-6 - Source: CSEL 5:235 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The fleets met at the Aegates islands. ### Latin text Porro autem Poeni cum quadringentis nauibus magnisque copiis ad Siciliam duce Hannone concurrunt. nec Lutatius segnior, immo consilia Poenorum mira celeritate praeuenit postquam proxime sibi utrorumque classes apud Aegades insulas per totam noctem intertextis propemodum anchoris constiterunt, orta luce prior Lutatius signum bello dedit. ### English translation (Claude) Moreover, the Carthaginians hastened to Sicily with four hundred ships and great forces under Hanno as leader. Nor was Lutatius slower; indeed he forestalled the plans of the Carthaginians with wonderful speed. After the fleets of both had stood very near each other at the Aegates islands all night, with their anchors almost interwoven, at daybreak Lutatius first gave the signal for battle. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.10.6 (CSEL 5:235; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-10-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.10.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-10-7 - Source: CSEL 5:235–236 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Rome won the decisive battle of the Aegates. ### Latin text crudescente pugna uictus Hanno nauem auertit et dux fugae primus fuit. aliquanta cum eo pars exercitus sui Africam petiit, alii confugere Lilybaeum; sexaginta et tres Punicae naues captae sunt, centum uiginti quinque demersae, triginta duo milia hominum capta, caesa quattuordecim milia fuere; Romanorum autem duodecim naues demersae sunt. ### English translation (Claude) As the fight grew fierce Hanno, defeated, turned his ship and was the first leader of the flight. A considerable part of his army made for Africa with him, others fled to Lilybaeum; sixty-three Carthaginian ships were captured, a hundred and twenty-five sunk, thirty-two thousand men captured and fourteen thousand slain; but of the Romans twelve ships were sunk. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.10.7 (CSEL 5:235–236; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-10-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.10.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-10-8 - Source: CSEL 5:236 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Lutatius won at Eryx. ### Latin text Lutatius deinde ad Erycinam ciuitatem, quam Poeni tenebant, uenit ibique duo milia Carthaginiensium conserta pugna interfecit. ### English translation (Claude) Lutatius then came to the city of Eryx, which the Carthaginians held, and there, joining battle, killed two thousand Carthaginians. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.10.8 (CSEL 5:236; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-10-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.11.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-11-1 - Source: CSEL 5:236 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Carthage sued for peace. ### Latin text Tunc Carthaginienses praecipiti festinatione ad Lutatium consulem ac deinde Romam mittunt: orant pacem, quam condicionibus ante propositis ilico consequuntur. ### English translation (Claude) Then the Carthaginians in headlong haste sent to the consul Lutatius and then to Rome: they begged for peace, which they at once obtained on the conditions proposed before. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.11.1 (CSEL 5:236; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-11-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.11.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-11-2 - Source: CSEL 5:236 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The terms of peace. ### Latin text condiciones autem erant, ut Sicilia Sardiniaque decederent proque inpensis bellicis puri argenti tria milia talentum Euboicorum aequis pensionibus per annos uiginti penderent. ### English translation (Claude) The conditions were that they should leave Sicily and Sardinia and, for the costs of the war, pay three thousand Euboic talents of pure silver in equal instalments over twenty years. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.11.2 (CSEL 5:236; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-11-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.11.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-11-3 - Source: CSEL 5:236 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The First Punic War lasted twenty-three years. ### Latin text huius pacis condicio habita est post annum tertium et uicensimum, ex quo bellum Punicum primum fuerat inchoatum. ### English translation (Claude) This peace was made after the twenty-third year from when the First Punic War had begun. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.11.3 (CSEL 5:236; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-11-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.11.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-11-4 - Source: CSEL 5:236–237 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Weigh that war before judging the present. ### Latin text Quis, rogo, duarum ciuitatum unum bellum per annos tres et uiginti gestum fando explicet, quot reges Carthaginiensium, quot consules Romanorum, quot agmina exercituum, quantum numerum nauium contraxerit profligarit oppresserit? et tunc demum, si illa ad plenum perpensa uideantur, de praesentibus iudicetur. ### English translation (Claude) Who, I ask, could set out in speech one war of two cities waged for twenty-three years, how many kings of the Carthaginians, how many consuls of the Romans, how many columns of armies, what number of ships it brought together, routed and crushed? And only then, if those things seem fully weighed, let judgment be passed on the present. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.11.4 (CSEL 5:236–237; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-11-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.11.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-11-5 - Source: CSEL 5:237 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Disaster struck Rome before its triumph. ### Latin text Anno ab Vrbe condita DVII repentina subuersio ipsius Romae praeuenit triumphum Romanorum; neque enim temere dixerim, quando non uel modicam laetitiam Romae superueniens repente quam grauissimus luctus oppresserit. siquidem Q. ### English translation (Claude) In the 507th year from the founding of the City a sudden overthrow of Rome itself forestalled the triumph of the Romans; for I may say without rashness that never did even a moderate joy come upon Rome without a very grievous mourning suddenly crushing it. For in the consulship of Quintus ### Translation notes - The sentence continues in 4.11.6. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.11.5 (CSEL 5:237; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-11-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.11.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-11-6 - Source: CSEL 5:237 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: A flood destroyed Rome's low-lying buildings. ### Latin text Lutatio Catulo A. Manlio consulibus diuersae ignium aquarumque clades paene absumpsere Vrbem. nam Tiberis insolitis auctus imbribus et ultra opinionem uel diuturnitate uel magnitudine redundans omnia Romae aedificia in plano posita deleuit. ### English translation (Claude) Lutatius Catulus and Aulus Manlius various disasters of fires and waters almost consumed the City. For the Tiber, swollen by unusual rains and overflowing beyond belief in both duration and size, destroyed all the buildings of Rome set on the level ground. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.11.6 (CSEL 5:237; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-11-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.11.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-11-7 - Source: CSEL 5:237 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The flood destroyed in different ways. ### Latin text Diuersae qualitates locorum ad unam conuenere perniciem, quoniam et, quae segnior redundatio tenuit, madefacta dissoluit et, quae carens torrentis inuenit, inpulsa deiecit. ### English translation (Claude) The different qualities of places came together to one ruin, since the slower flooding broke up, soaked, what it held, and the course of the torrent struck and threw down what it found. ### Translation notes - 'The course of the torrent' renders the sense of the garbled *carens torrentis*. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.11.7 (CSEL 5:237; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-11-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.11.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-11-8 - Source: CSEL 5:237 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: A great fire followed the flood. ### Latin text aquarum grauissimam cladem grauior ignis secuta uastatio est; qui ignis, incertum unde surrexerit, plurimas ciuitatis partes peruagatus cum hominum domorumque miserabilem stragem fecit tum etiam tantum opum uno consumpsit incendio quantum plurimae et peregrinae uictoriae conferre non possent. ### English translation (Claude) The very grievous disaster of the waters was followed by a still graver devastation of fire; this fire, it is uncertain whence it arose, ranged through very many parts of the city and both caused a wretched slaughter of men and houses and consumed in one fire as much wealth as very many foreign victories could not bring in. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.11.8 (CSEL 5:237; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-11-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.11.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-11-9 - Source: CSEL 5:237–238 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The fire burned the temple of Vesta. ### Latin text dehinc cum omnia in circuitu fori popularetur, aedem Vestae corripuit, et ne sibi quidem dis subuenientibus ignem illum, qui aeternus putabatur, temporarius ignis oppressit; unde etiam Metellus, dum arsuros deos eripit, uix bracchio semiustilatus aufugit. ### English translation (Claude) Then, while it was ravaging everything around the forum, it seized the temple of Vesta, and, the gods not even helping themselves, a temporary fire overwhelmed that fire which was thought eternal; whence too Metellus, while rescuing the gods about to burn, barely escaped with his arm half-burned. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.11.9 (CSEL 5:237–238; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-11-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.11.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-11-10 - Source: CSEL 5:238 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: War with the Falisci. ### Latin text T. Sempronio Graccho C. Valerio Falcone consulibus cum Faliscis bellauere Romani, eoque proelio quindecim milia Faliscorum interfecta sunt. ### English translation (Claude) In the consulship of Titus Sempronius Gracchus and Gaius Valerius Falco the Romans fought with the Falisci, and in that battle fifteen thousand Falisci were killed. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.11.10 (CSEL 5:238; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-11-10). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.12.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-12-1 - Source: CSEL 5:238 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: War with the Cisalpine Gauls. ### Latin text eodem anno Galli Cisalpini noui exstitere hostes. aduersum quos uaria sorte bellatum est; nam in primo conflictu Valerio consule tria milia quingenti cecidere Romani, secundo quattuordecim milia Gallorum caesa, duo milia capta sunt, sed ob priorem cladem triumphus consuli denegatus est. ### English translation (Claude) In the same year the Cisalpine Gauls emerged as new enemies, against whom war was waged with varying fortune; for in the first conflict, under the consul Valerius, three thousand five hundred Romans fell; in the second fourteen thousand Gauls were slain and two thousand captured, but because of the earlier disaster a triumph was denied the consul. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.12.1 (CSEL 5:238; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-12-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.12.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-12-2 - Source: CSEL 5:238 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Sardinia rebelled and Rome threatened Carthage. ### Latin text T. Manlio Torquato C. Atilio Bubuloo consulibus Sardinia insula rebellauit auctoribus Poenis. unde mox Sardi subacti et oppressi sunt; Carthaginiensibus autem uiolatoribus pacis, quam ipsi poposcissent, inferri bellum decretum est. ### English translation (Claude) In the consulship of Titus Manlius Torquatus and Gaius Atilius Bulbus the island of Sardinia rebelled at the instigation of the Carthaginians. So the Sardinians were soon subdued and crushed; and it was decreed that war be made on the Carthaginians as violators of the peace which they themselves had asked for. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.12.2 (CSEL 5:238; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-12-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.12.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-12-3 - Source: CSEL 5:238 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Carthage obtained peace through Hanno. ### Latin text contra Carthaginienses pacem suppliciter poposcerunt et cum bis missis legatis nihil profecissent, post etiam decem principibus bis aeque supplicantibus nec impetrarent, nouissime Hannonis, minimi hominis inter legatos, oratione meruerunt. ### English translation (Claude) In reply the Carthaginians suppliantly asked for peace, and when they had achieved nothing by envoys sent twice, and afterwards ten leading men, likewise supplicating twice, did not obtain it, at last they earned it by the speech of Hanno, the least of the men among the envoys. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.12.3 (CSEL 5:238; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-12-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.12.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-12-4 - Source: CSEL 5:238–239 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The gates of Janus were closed. ### Latin text hoc anno porta Iani Gemini clausa est, quia nusquam eodem anno bellum erat; quod sub Numa solum Pompilio rege prouenerat ### English translation (Claude) In this year the gate of Janus Geminus was closed, because nowhere in that year was there war; which had happened only under King Numa Pompilius. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.12.4 (CSEL 5:238–239; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-12-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.12.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-12-5 - Source: CSEL 5:239 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Ironically, he says he must keep silent about this peace. ### Latin text Hic demum nobis tacendum est et tempora, quibus conferri nostra nullo modo possunt, silentio transmitti expedit, ne obtrectatores dierum uitae suae ad insultandum potius sibi hoc strepitu suscitemus. ### English translation (Claude) Here at last we must be silent, and it is expedient that times with which ours can in no way be compared be passed over in silence, lest by this din we rather rouse the detractors of the days of their own life to insult them. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.12.5 (CSEL 5:239; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-12-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.12.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-12-6 - Source: CSEL 5:239 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: For once Rome was at peace. ### Latin text ecce portae Iani clausae fuerunt, foris bellum Romanorum non fuit, omnem subolem suam in gremio suo conquiescentem Roma continens non suspirauit. ### English translation (Claude) See, the gates of Janus were closed; there was no war of the Romans abroad; Rome, holding all its offspring resting in its lap, did not sigh. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.12.6 (CSEL 5:239; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-12-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.12.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-12-7 - Source: CSEL 5:239 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: That peace lasted one year in 440. ### Latin text et hoc quando? post primum Punicum bellum; post quantum temporis? post annos CCCCXL; quamdiu? anno uno; et quid altero subsecutum est? ut de ceteris taceam, bellum Gallicum et Hannibal cum bello Punico secundo. ### English translation (Claude) And when was this? After the First Punic War. After how much time? After 440 years. For how long? For one year. And what followed in the next? To say nothing of the rest, the Gallic war, and Hannibal with the Second Punic War. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.12.7 (CSEL 5:239; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-12-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.12.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-12-8 - Source: CSEL 5:239 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: That single year of peace only fed the fire. ### Latin text ei mihi, cognouisse haec et denudasse quam etiam me pudet pax ista unius anni uel magis umbra pacis lenimentum miseriarum an incentiuum malorum fuit? stilicidium istud olei in medium magnae flammae cadens extinxit fomitem tanti ignis an aluit? parum aquae frigidae ardentissimis haustum in febribus sanauit aegrotum an potius incendit? ### English translation (Claude) Alas for me, for having known and laid bare these things, of which even I am ashamed: was that peace of one year, or rather shadow of peace, a soothing of miseries or an incitement of evils? Did that drop of oil falling into the middle of a great flame put out the kindling of so great a fire, or feed it? Did a little cold water drunk in the most burning fevers heal the sick man, or rather inflame him? ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.12.8 (CSEL 5:239; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-12-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.12.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-12-9 - Source: CSEL 5:239 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: In seven hundred years Rome had peace for only one summer. ### Latin text per annos prope septingentos, id est ab Hostilio Tullo usque ad Caesarem Augustum, una tantummodo aestate Romana sanguinem uiscera non sudarunt, et inter plurimas magnorum saeculorum aetates misera ciuitas, uere misera mater, uix uno tempore a timore luctuum, ut non dicam ab ipsis luctibus, conquieuit. ### English translation (Claude) For nearly seven hundred years, that is, from Tullus Hostilius to Caesar Augustus, only for one summer did the Roman vitals not sweat blood, and among the very many generations of great ages the wretched city, truly a wretched mother, scarcely at one time rested from fear of mourning, not to say from mourning itself. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.12.9 (CSEL 5:239; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-12-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.12.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-12-10 - Source: CSEL 5:239–240 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: One quiet day does not redeem a year of torment. ### Latin text hoc, si quisquam hominum tam parum in uita sua quietis habuisset, numquid uel uixisse diceretur? aut, si quisquam per totum annum doloribus et cruciatibus agatur, medio autem anni ipsius spatio unum tantum diem tranquillum et sine conflictationibus transigat, numquid ex eo leuamentum malorum accipiet ac non totum annum ### English translation (Claude) If any man had had so little quiet in his life, would he even be said to have lived? Or if anyone were driven by pains and tortures through a whole year, but in the middle of that year spent only one day tranquil and without struggles, would he receive relief of his evils from it, and not count the whole year ### Translation notes - The sentence continues in 4.12.11. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.12.10 (CSEL 5:239–240; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-12-10). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.12.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-12-11 - Source: CSEL 5:240 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The historians boasted of that year. ### Latin text miseriis deputabit? sed illi, inquit, hunc annum pro glorioso signo infatigabilis uirtutis conlocauerunt. atque utinam pro obliuione calamitatis continuae praeterissent. ### English translation (Claude) among his miseries? "But they," someone says, "set down this year as a glorious sign of untiring courage." And would that they had passed it over, so that the continual calamity might be forgotten. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.12.11 (CSEL 5:240; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-12-11). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.12.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-12-12 - Source: CSEL 5:240 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Unbroken toil would seem like a chosen way of life. ### Latin text nam sicut in corpore hominis ita demum lepra dinoscitur, si uariatim inter sanas cutis partes color diuersus appareat, at si ita se ubique diffundat, ut omnia unius coloris quamuis adulteri faciat, perit illa discretio: ita si continuus labor aequali tolerantia sine respirandi appetitu perfluxisset, intentio uoluntatis et electio consuetudinis, diceretur. ### English translation (Claude) For as in the body of a man leprosy is recognized only if a different colour appears here and there among sound parts of the skin, but if it spreads everywhere so as to make everything of one colour, however false, the distinction perishes: so, if continuous toil had flowed on with equal endurance without desire for respite, it would be called an intention of the will and a choice of habit. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.12.12 (CSEL 5:240; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-12-12). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.12.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-6-1/#p-4-12-13 - Source: CSEL 5:240 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The brief peace shows how bitter the long war was. ### Latin text cum autem in hoc pausillulum otii tantopere uel maiorum gaudia uel minorum studia reclinantur, profecto discernitur, et quam iucunditatem habuerit haec breuitas et quam amaritudinem illa prolixitas, hoc est, et quies illa quam grata fuisset, si diuturna mansisset, et haec incessabilis miseria quam etiam uitanda fuerit, si uitari quacumque potuisset. ### English translation (Claude) But when the joys of the greater or the pursuits of the lesser rest so much on this tiny bit of leisure, surely it is discerned both what pleasantness this brevity had and what bitterness that length; that is, both how welcome that quiet would have been had it remained long, and how much this unceasing misery should have been avoided, had it been possible to avoid it in any way. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.12.13 (CSEL 5:240; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-12-13). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.13.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-13-1/#p-4-13-1 - Source: CSEL 5:240–241 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Hamilcar died in Spain; Illyrians killed Roman envoys. ### Latin text Anno ab Vrbe condita DXVII Hamilcar dux Carthaginiensium ab Hispanis in bello, cum aliud bellum aduersus Romanos clam pararet, occisus est. Sequenti anno legati Romanorum ab Illyriis interfecti sunt. ### English translation (Claude) In the 517th year from the founding of the City, Hamilcar, general of the Carthaginians, was killed in war by the Spaniards while he was secretly preparing another war against the Romans. In the following year the envoys of the Romans were killed by the Illyrians. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.13.1 (CSEL 5:240–241; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-13-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.13.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-13-1/#p-4-13-2 - Source: CSEL 5:241 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Rome subdued the Illyrians. ### Latin text post cum ipsis Illyriis atrocissimum bellum gestum est: in quo multis oppidis populisque deletis reliqui se Fuluio Postumioque consulibus dediderunt. ### English translation (Claude) Afterwards a most fierce war was waged with these Illyrians, in which, many towns and peoples being destroyed, the rest surrendered to the consuls Fulvius and Postumius. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.13.2 (CSEL 5:241; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-13-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.13.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-13-1/#p-4-13-3 - Source: CSEL 5:241 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Rome buried alive two Gauls and a Greek woman as a sacrifice. ### Latin text Tertio deinceps anno miseram ciuitatem sacrilegis sacrificiis male potentes funestauere pontifices; namque decemuiri consuetudinem priscae superstitionis egressi Gallum uirum et Gallam feminam cum muliere simul Graeca in foro boario uiuos defoderunt. ### English translation (Claude) In the third year after, the pontiffs, wickedly powerful, polluted the wretched city with sacrilegious sacrifices; for the decemvirs, going beyond the custom of ancient superstition, buried alive in the cattle market a Gallic man and a Gallic woman together with a Greek woman. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.13.3 (CSEL 5:241; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-13-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.13.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-13-1/#p-4-13-4 - Source: CSEL 5:241 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The sacrifice was followed by Roman disasters. ### Latin text sed obligamentum hoc magicum in contrarium continuo uersum est; namque diras illas quas fecerant externorum mortes foedissimis suorum caedibus expiauerunt. ### English translation (Claude) But this magical binding was at once turned to the contrary; for they expiated those dreadful deaths of foreigners which they had caused by the foulest slaughters of their own. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.13.4 (CSEL 5:241; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-13-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.13.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-13-1/#p-4-13-5 - Source: CSEL 5:241 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Gauls threatened Rome. ### Latin text siquidem L. Aemilio Catulo C. Atilio Regulo consulibus magna formidine consternatus est senatus defectione Cisalpinae Galliae, cum etiam ex ulteriore Gallia ingens aduentare exercitus nuntiaretur, maxime Gaesatorum, quod nomen non gentis sed mercennariorum Gallorum est. ### English translation (Claude) For in the consulship of Lucius Aemilius Catulus and Gaius Atilius Regulus the senate was dismayed with great fear by the defection of Cisalpine Gaul, when a huge army was also announced to be coming from farther Gaul, chiefly of the Gaesatae, a name not of a people but of Gallic mercenaries. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.13.5 (CSEL 5:241; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-13-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.13.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-13-1/#p-4-13-6 - Source: CSEL 5:241 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Rome raised eight hundred thousand men. ### Latin text itaque permoti consules totius Italiae ad praesidium imperii contraxere uires. quo facto in utriusque consulis exercitu octingenta milia armatorum fuisse referuntur, sicut Fabius historicus, qui eidem bello interfuit, scripsit. ### English translation (Claude) So the consuls, alarmed, gathered the forces of all Italy for the defence of the empire. When this was done, there are said to have been eight hundred thousand armed men in the army of the two consuls, as the historian Fabius, who took part in that war, wrote. ### Translation notes - Fabius Pictor. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.13.6 (CSEL 5:241; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-13-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.13.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-13-1/#p-4-13-7 - Source: CSEL 5:241 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Roman and Campanian share of the army. ### Latin text ex quibus Romanorum et Campanorum fuerunt peditum CCLXLVIIII milia ducenti, equitum uero XXVI milia sescenti; cetera multitudo sociorum fuit: ### English translation (Claude) Of these, the foot soldiers of the Romans and Campanians were 299,200, and the horse 26,600; the rest of the multitude were allies: ### Translation notes - The numeral is garbled in the digital text (*CCLXLVIIII milia ducenti*); read as 299,200. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.13.7 (CSEL 5:241; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-13-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.13.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-13-1/#p-4-13-8 - Source: CSEL 5:241–242 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Eight hundred thousand Romans fled after losing three thousand. ### Latin text commisso proelio apud Arretium Atilius consul occisus est: octingenta milia Romanorum, nec saltem tanta quanta eos terrere debuit, caesa sui parte fugerunt: nam tria milia eorum tunc interfecta historici tradunt. ### English translation (Claude) When battle was joined near Arretium the consul Atilius was killed: eight hundred thousand Romans, part of them slain, and not even as great a part as ought to have frightened them, fled: for the historians report that three thousand of them were then killed. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.13.8 (CSEL 5:241–242; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-13-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.13.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-13-1/#p-4-13-9 - Source: CSEL 5:242 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Such a flight was shameful. ### Latin text quod ideo ignominiosius turpiusque est, tam paucis amissis tanta agmina diffugisse, quia se in aliis uictoriis non uiribus animorum praeualuisse sed bellorum prouentibus prodiderunt. quis enim rogo in exercitu Romanorum crederet numerum istum fuisse saltem, non dico fugisse? ### English translation (Claude) This is the more ignominious and shameful, that so great columns fled after so few were lost, because they revealed that in other victories they had prevailed not by strength of spirit but by the chances of war. For who, I ask, would believe that this number had even been in the Roman army, I do not say had fled? ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.13.9 (CSEL 5:242; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-13-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.13.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-13-1/#p-4-13-10 - Source: CSEL 5:242 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Forty thousand Gauls were killed. ### Latin text post haec secundum cum Gallis proelium gestum est, in quo plane quadraginta milia Gallorum trucidata sunt. ### English translation (Claude) After this a second battle was fought with the Gauls, in which a full forty thousand Gauls were slaughtered. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.13.10 (CSEL 5:242; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-13-10). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.13.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-13-1/#p-4-13-11 - Source: CSEL 5:242 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Rome crossed the Po and defeated the Insubres. ### Latin text Sequenti anno Manlius Torquatus et Fuluius Flaccus consules primi trans Padum Romanas duxere legiones. pugnatum est ibi cum Insubribus Gallis, quorum interfecta sunt uiginti tria milia, quinque milia capta sunt. ### English translation (Claude) In the following year the consuls Manlius Torquatus and Fulvius Flaccus were the first to lead Roman legions across the Po. They fought there with the Insubrian Gauls, of whom twenty-three thousand were killed and five thousand captured. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.13.11 (CSEL 5:242; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-13-11). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.13.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-13-1/#p-4-13-12 - Source: CSEL 5:242 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Portents of blood, fire, and three moons. ### Latin text Eo deinde anno, qui huic proximus fuit, dira miseram Vrbem terruere prodigia. miseram utique, quae hinc fremitu hostium, inde nequitia daemonum terrebatur; namque in Piceno flumen sanguine effluxit et apud Tuscos caelum ardere uisum est et Arimini nocte multa lucem claram obfulsisse ac tres lunas distantibus caeli regionibus exortas apparuisse. ### English translation (Claude) Then, in the year next to this, dreadful portents terrified the wretched City; wretched indeed, which was terrified on the one side by the roaring of enemies, on the other by the wickedness of demons; for in Picenum a river flowed with blood, and among the Etruscans the sky was seen to burn, and at Ariminum, late at night, a clear light shone out and three moons appeared risen in distant regions of the sky. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.13.12 (CSEL 5:242; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-13-12). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.13.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-13-1/#p-4-13-13 - Source: CSEL 5:242–243 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: An earthquake felled the Colossus of Rhodes. ### Latin text tunc quoque magno terrae motu Caria et Rhodus insulae adeo concussae sunt, ut labentibus uulgo tectis ingens quoque ille colossus rueret. ### English translation (Claude) Then too Caria and the island of Rhodes were so shaken by a great earthquake that, houses collapsing everywhere, even that huge Colossus fell. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.13.13 (CSEL 5:242–243; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-13-13). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.13.14 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-13-1/#p-4-13-14 - Source: CSEL 5:243 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Flaminius ignored the auspices and won. ### Latin text eodem anno Flaminius consul contemptis auspiciis, quibus pugnare prohibebatur, aduersum Gallos conflixit et uicit. in quo bello nouem milia Gallorum caesa, decem et septem milia capta sunt. ### English translation (Claude) In the same year the consul Flaminius, scorning the auspices by which he was forbidden to fight, engaged the Gauls and conquered. In that war nine thousand Gauls were slain and seventeen thousand captured. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.13.14 (CSEL 5:243; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-13-14). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.13.15 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-13-1/#p-4-13-15 - Source: CSEL 5:243 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Claudius Marcellus killed King Virdomarus and took Milan. ### Latin text Post hoc Claudius consul Gaesatorum triginta milia deleuit, ubi etiam ipse Virdomarum regem in primam aciem progressus occidit: et inter multa Insubrium, quos ad deditionem coegerat, oppida Mediolanium quoque urbem florentissimam cepit. ### English translation (Claude) After this the consul Claudius destroyed thirty thousand of the Gaesatae, where he himself also, advancing into the front line, killed King Virdomarus; and among many towns of the Insubres, whom he had forced to surrender, he took also Mediolanum, a most flourishing city. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.13.15 (CSEL 5:243; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-13-15). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.13.16 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-13-1/#p-4-13-16 - Source: CSEL 5:243 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Rome subdued the Histrians. ### Latin text Deinde Histri noui hostes excitati sunt: quos Cornelius Minuciusque consules multo quidem Romanorum sanguine subegerunt. ### English translation (Claude) Then the Histrians were roused as new enemies, whom the consuls Cornelius and Minucius subdued, though with much Roman blood. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.13.16 (CSEL 5:243; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-13-16). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.13.17 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-13-1/#p-4-13-17 - Source: CSEL 5:243 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Another Roman father killed his son. ### Latin text emergit hic paululum antiquus ille Romanorum improbae laudis etiam de parricidiis appetitus. ### English translation (Claude) Here there emerges for a little that old appetite of the Romans for wicked praise even from the killing of kin. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.13.17 (CSEL 5:243; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-13-17). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.13.18 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-13-1/#p-4-13-18 - Source: CSEL 5:243 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Fabius killed his son for a theft. ### Latin text nam Fabius Censorins Fabium Buteonem filium suum furti insimulatum interfecit: dignum scilicet facinus, quod pater uel parricidio plectendum duceret, quod ne leges quidem nisi multa pecuniae aut summum exilii circa quemlibet hominum censuerunt. ### English translation (Claude) For Fabius Censorinus killed his son Fabius Buteo, accused of theft: a crime worthy, forsooth, that a father should think it punishable even by killing his son, which not even the laws judged worth more than a fine of money or at most exile for any man. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.13.18 (CSEL 5:243; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-13-18). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.14.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-13-1/#p-4-14-1 - Source: CSEL 5:243–244 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Hannibal destroyed Saguntum. ### Latin text Anno ab Vrbe condita DXXXIIII Hannibal Poenorum imperator Saguntum florentissimam Hispaniae ciuitatem, amicam populi Romani, primum bello inpetitam, deinde obsidione cinctam et fame excruciatam omniaque fortiter contemplatione fidei, quam Romanis deuouerant, digna indignaque tolerantem octauo demum mense deleuit. ### English translation (Claude) In the 534th year from the founding of the City, Hannibal, general of the Carthaginians, destroyed in the eighth month Saguntum, a most flourishing city of Spain and a friend of the Roman people, first attacked in war, then surrounded by siege and tortured by hunger, bearing everything bravely, worthy and unworthy, out of regard for the faith which they had pledged to the Romans. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.14.1 (CSEL 5:243–244; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-14-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.14.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-13-1/#p-4-14-2 - Source: CSEL 5:244 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Hannibal refused to see Rome's envoys. ### Latin text legatos Romanorum ad se missos iniuriosissime etiam a conspectu suo abstinuit. ### English translation (Claude) He most insultingly kept even from his sight the envoys of the Romans sent to him. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.14.2 (CSEL 5:244; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-14-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.14.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-13-1/#p-4-14-3 - Source: CSEL 5:244 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Hannibal marched from Spain to the Alps. ### Latin text exinde odio Romani nominis, quod patri Hamilcari, cum esset nouem annos natus fidelissime alias infidelissimus ante aras iurauerat, P. Cornelio Scipione et P. Sempronio Longo consulibus Pyrenaeos montes transgressus inter ferocissimas Gallorum gentes ferro uiam aperuit et nono demum die a Pyrenaeo ad Alpes peruenit; ### English translation (Claude) Then, out of hatred of the Roman name, which he had sworn before the altars to his father Hamilcar when he was nine years old (most faithfully, though otherwise most faithless), in the consulship of Publius Cornelius Scipio and Publius Sempronius Longus he crossed the Pyrenees, opened a way with the sword among the fiercest peoples of the Gauls, and on the ninth day came from the Pyrenees to the Alps; ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.14.3 (CSEL 5:244; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-14-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.14.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-13-1/#p-4-14-4 - Source: CSEL 5:244 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: He crossed the Alps in five days. ### Latin text ubi dum montanos Gallos, repellere ab ascensu obnitentes, bello superat atque inuias rupes igni ferroque rescindit, quadriduum commoratus quinto demum die cum maximo labore ad plana peruenit. ### English translation (Claude) there, while he overcame in war the mountain Gauls, who strove to repel him from the ascent, and cut through pathless rocks with fire and sword, he lingered four days and only on the fifth day reached the plains with the greatest labour. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.14.4 (CSEL 5:244; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-14-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.14.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-13-1/#p-4-14-5 - Source: CSEL 5:244 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Hannibal's army. ### Latin text fuisse tunc exercitum eius in centum milibus peditum et uiginti milibus equitum definiunt. ### English translation (Claude) They put his army at that time at a hundred thousand foot and twenty thousand horse. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.14.5 (CSEL 5:244; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-14-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.14.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-13-1/#p-4-14-6 - Source: CSEL 5:244–245 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: At the Ticinus young Scipio saved his father. ### Latin text Scipio consul Hannibali primus occurrit commissoque proelio apud Ticinum ipse grauiter uulneratus per Scipionem filium admodum praetextatum, qui post Africanus cognominatus est, ab ipsa morte liberatus euasit. caesus est ibi omnis paene Romanus exercitus. ### English translation (Claude) The consul Scipio was the first to meet Hannibal, and when battle was joined at the Ticinus he himself, seriously wounded, escaped, freed from death itself by his son Scipio, still quite a boy, who was afterwards surnamed Africanus. Almost the whole Roman army was cut down there. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.14.6 (CSEL 5:244–245; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-14-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.14.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-13-1/#p-4-14-7 - Source: CSEL 5:245 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Rome was defeated at the Trebia. ### Latin text pugnatum deinde eodem consule ad flumen Treuiam iterumque Romani pari clade superati sunt. Sempronius consul cognito collegae casu a Sicilia cum exercitu rediit; qui similiter apud eundem fluuium congressus, amisso exercitu paene solus evasit. in eo tamen bello etiam Hannibal sauciatus est. ### English translation (Claude) Then a battle was fought under the same consul at the river Trebia, and again the Romans were overcome with like slaughter. The consul Sempronius, learning of his colleague's fate, returned from Sicily with an army; he likewise engaged at the same river, lost his army and escaped almost alone. In that war, however, Hannibal too was wounded. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.14.7 (CSEL 5:245; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-14-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.14.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-13-1/#p-4-14-8 - Source: CSEL 5:245 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Hannibal lost many men and elephants in the Apennine snows. ### Latin text qui postea, cum in Etruriam primo uere transiret, in summo Appennino tempestate correptus, biduo continuo inmobiliter cum exercitu niuibus conclusus et onustus obriguit. ubi magnus hominum numerus, iumenta conplurima, elephanti paene omnes frigoris acerbitate perierunt. ### English translation (Claude) Afterwards, when he was crossing into Etruria at the beginning of spring, he was caught by a storm on the top of the Apennines, and for two days on end, shut in and weighed down by snows with his army, he stiffened motionless; there a great number of men, very many beasts of burden, and almost all the elephants perished from the bitterness of the cold. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.14.8 (CSEL 5:245; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-14-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.14.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-13-1/#p-4-14-9 - Source: CSEL 5:245–246 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Gnaeus Scipio won in Spain. ### Latin text at uero alter tunc Scipio, frater consulis Scipionis, in Hispania plurima bella gessit, Magonem quoque Poenorum ducem bello uicit et cepit. ### English translation (Claude) But the other Scipio then, brother of the consul Scipio, waged very many wars in Spain, and also defeated and captured Mago, a Carthaginian general. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.14.9 (CSEL 5:245–246; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-14-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.15.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-13-1/#p-4-15-1 - Source: CSEL 5:246 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Many portents terrified Rome. ### Latin text Diris tunc etiam Romani prodigiis territi sunt. nam et solis orbis minui uisus est et apud Arpos parmae in caelo uisae, sol quoque pugnasse cum luna, apud Capenas interdiu duas lunas ortas, in Sardinia sanguine duo scuta sudasse, Faliscis caelum scindi uelut magno hiatu uisum, apud Antium metentibus cruentas spicas in corbem decidisse. ### English translation (Claude) Then too the Romans were terrified by dreadful portents. For the sun's disc was seen to grow smaller, and at Arpi shields were seen in the sky, the sun too seemed to fight with the moon, at Capena two moons rose by day, in Sardinia two shields sweated blood, among the Falisci the sky was seen to split as with a great chasm, and at Antium bloody ears of grain fell into the basket of the reapers. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.15.1 (CSEL 5:246; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-15-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.15.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-13-1/#p-4-15-2 - Source: CSEL 5:246 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Hannibal took the marshy road. ### Latin text igitur Hannibal sciens Flaminium consulem solum in castris esse, quo celerius imparatum obrueret primo uere progressus arripuit propiorem sed palustrem uiam et cum forte Sarnus late redundans pendulos et dissolutos campos reliquerat, de quibus dictum est: et quae rigat aequora Sarnus. ### English translation (Claude) So Hannibal, knowing that the consul Flaminius was alone in the camp, so as to overwhelm him the more quickly while unprepared, advancing at the beginning of spring, took the nearer but marshy road; and the Sarnus, as it happened, overflowing widely, had left the fields soft and loosened, of which it was said: "and the plains the Sarnus waters." ### Extrabiblical texts - Virgil, Aen. 7.738 (Virgil): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Virgil, *Aeneid* 7.738. The river was in fact the Arno. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.15.2 (CSEL 5:246; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-15-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.15.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-13-1/#p-4-15-3 - Source: CSEL 5:246 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Hannibal lost an eye in the marshes. ### Latin text in quos cum exercitu progressus Hannibal nebulis maxime, quae de palude exhalabantur, prospectum auferentibus magnam partem sociorum iumentorumque perdidit. ipse autem uni elephanto, qui solus supersedens, uix difficultatem itineris euasit; sed oculum, quo iamdudum aeger erat, uiolentia frigoris uigiliarum ac laboris amisit. ### English translation (Claude) Advancing into them with his army, Hannibal lost a great part of his allies and beasts of burden, chiefly because the mists exhaled from the marsh took away the view. He himself, riding on the one elephant that alone survived, barely escaped the difficulty of the road; but he lost an eye, with which he had long been sick, through the violence of the cold, of wakefulness and of toil. ### Translation notes - 'That alone survived' renders the garbled *solus supersedens*; the editor's text probably has *superfuerat*. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.15.3 (CSEL 5:246; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-15-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.15.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-13-1/#p-4-15-4 - Source: CSEL 5:246 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: He provoked Flaminius. ### Latin text ubi uero proximus castris Flaminii consulis fuit, uastatione circumiacentium locorum Flaminium in bellum excitauit. ### English translation (Claude) When he was nearest to the camp of the consul Flaminius, he roused Flaminius to war by laying waste the surrounding places. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.15.4 (CSEL 5:246; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-15-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.15.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-13-1/#p-4-15-5 - Source: CSEL 5:246–247 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Rome was crushed at Lake Trasimene. ### Latin text haec pugna ad Trasumennum lacum facta est. ubi exercitus Romanus infelicissime arte circumuentus Hannibalis funditus trucidatus est; ipse quoque consul occisus; xxv milia Romanorum in eo proelio caesa, sex milia capta referuntur. de exercitu Hannibalis duo milia ceciderunt. ### English translation (Claude) This battle was fought at Lake Trasimene. There the Roman army, most unhappily surrounded by the skill of Hannibal, was slaughtered utterly; the consul himself was killed; twenty-five thousand Romans are reported slain in that battle and six thousand captured. Of Hannibal's army two thousand fell. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.15.5 (CSEL 5:246–247; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-15-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.15.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-13-1/#p-4-15-6 - Source: CSEL 5:247 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The fighters did not notice a great earthquake. ### Latin text famosum hoc apud Trasumennum lacum certamen fuit tanta clade Romana, maxime cum ita intentus pugnantum ardor extiterit, ut grauissimum terrae motum, qui tunc forte tam uehemens factus est, ut urbes diruisse, montes transtulisse, discidisse rupes et flumina retrorsum coegisse referatur, pugnantes omnino non senserint. ### English translation (Claude) This contest at Lake Trasimene was famous for so great a Roman disaster, especially since the ardour of the fighters was so intent that they did not feel at all a very heavy earthquake, which happened then to be so violent that it is reported to have overthrown cities, moved mountains, split rocks and forced rivers backward. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.15.6 (CSEL 5:247; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-15-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.15.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-13-1/#p-4-15-7 - Source: CSEL 5:247 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Fabius Maximus delayed Hannibal before Cannae. ### Latin text factam ad Trasumennum ruinam sequitur pugna Cannensis, quamuis Fabii Maximi dictatoris tempus medium fuerit, qui impetum Hannibalis cunctando tardauit. ### English translation (Claude) The ruin at Trasimene was followed by the battle of Cannae, although the time of the dictator Fabius Maximus came in between, who slowed Hannibal's onset by delaying. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.15.7 (CSEL 5:247; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-15-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.16.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-13-1/#p-4-16-1 - Source: CSEL 5:247 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Rome was destroyed at Cannae. ### Latin text Anno ab Vrbe condita DXL L. Aemilius Paulus et P. Terentius Varro consules contra Hannibalem missi inpatientia Varronis consulis infelicissime apud Cannas Apuliae uicum omnes paene Romanae spei uires perdiderunt. ### English translation (Claude) In the 540th year from the founding of the City, the consuls Lucius Aemilius Paulus and Publius Terentius Varro, sent against Hannibal, through the impatience of the consul Varro most unhappily lost at Cannae, a village of Apulia, almost all the strength of Roman hope. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.16.1 (CSEL 5:247; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-16-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.16.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-13-1/#p-4-16-2 - Source: CSEL 5:247–248 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Forty-four thousand Romans died at Cannae. ### Latin text nam in ea pugna XLIIII milia Romanorum interfecta sunt, quamquam et de exercitu Hannibalis magna pars caesa est. nullo tamen Punico bello Romani adeo ad extrema internecionis adducti sunt. ### English translation (Claude) For in that battle forty-four thousand Romans were killed, although a great part of Hannibal's army was also slain. Yet in no Punic war were the Romans brought so near the extremity of extermination. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.16.2 (CSEL 5:247–248; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-16-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.16.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-13-1/#p-4-16-3 - Source: CSEL 5:248 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Rome's losses at Cannae. ### Latin text periit enim in eo consul Aemilius Paulus, consulares aut praetorii uiri uiginti interfecti sunt, senatores uel capti uel occisi sunt triginta, nobiles uiri trecenti, pedestrium militum XL milia, equitum tria milia quingenti. Varro consul cum quinquaginta equitibus Venusium fugit. ### English translation (Claude) For in it perished the consul Aemilius Paulus; twenty men of consular or praetorian rank were killed; thirty senators were captured or killed, three hundred noble men, forty thousand foot soldiers, three thousand five hundred horse. The consul Varro fled with fifty horsemen to Venusia. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.16.3 (CSEL 5:248; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-16-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.16.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-13-1/#p-4-16-4 - Source: CSEL 5:248 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Rome would have fallen had Hannibal marched on it. ### Latin text nec dubium est ultimum illum diem Romani status futurum fuisse, si Hannibal mox post uictoriam ad peruadendam Vrbem contendisset. ### English translation (Claude) Nor is there doubt that that would have been the last day of the Roman state, had Hannibal hurried soon after the victory to overrun the City. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.16.4 (CSEL 5:248; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-16-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.16.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-13-1/#p-4-16-5 - Source: CSEL 5:248 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Hannibal sent three measures of gold rings to Carthage. ### Latin text Hannibal in testimonium uictoriae suae tres modios anulorum aureorum Carthaginem misit, quos ex manibus interfectorum equitum Romanorum senatorumque detraxerat. ### English translation (Claude) Hannibal sent to Carthage as testimony of his victory three modii of gold rings, which he had pulled from the hands of the slain Roman knights and senators. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.16.5 (CSEL 5:248; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-16-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.16.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-13-1/#p-4-16-6 - Source: CSEL 5:248–249 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Young Scipio stopped the plan to abandon Italy. ### Latin text usque adeo autem ultima desperatio reipublicae apud residuos Romanos fuit, ut senatores de relinquenda Italia sedibusque quaerendis consilium ineundum putarint. quod auctore Caecilio Metello confirmatum fuisset, nisi Cornelius Scipio tribunus tunc militum, idem qui post Africanus, destricto gladio deterruisset ac potius pro patriae defensione in sua uerba iurare coegisset. ### English translation (Claude) So complete was the despair of the commonwealth among the remaining Romans that the senators thought a plan should be adopted for leaving Italy and seeking new homes. This would have been confirmed on the motion of Caecilius Metellus, had not Cornelius Scipio, then military tribune, the same who was afterwards Africanus, deterred him with drawn sword and rather compelled him to swear to his words for the defence of the fatherland. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.16.6 (CSEL 5:248–249; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-16-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.16.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-13-1/#p-4-16-7 - Source: CSEL 5:249 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: A dictator raised boys into legions. ### Latin text Romani ad spem uitae quasi ab inferis respirare ausi dictatorem Decimum Iunium creant: qui dilectu habito ab annis decem et septem immaturae inordinataeque militiae quattuor legiones undecumque contraxit. ### English translation (Claude) The Romans, daring to breathe again toward hope of life as though from the underworld, created Decimus Junius dictator; he, holding a levy from the age of seventeen, gathered from everywhere four legions of immature and untrained soldiery. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.16.7 (CSEL 5:249; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-16-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.16.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-13-1/#p-4-16-8 - Source: CSEL 5:249 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Rome armed slaves and stripped the temples. ### Latin text tunc etiam seruos spectati roboris ac uoluntatis uel oblatos uel, si ita opus fuit, publico pretio emptos sub titulo libertatis sacramento militiae adegit. arma, quae deerant, templis detraxerunt, egenti aerario priuatae opes refusae sunt. ita equester ordo, ita plebs trepida oblita studiorum in commune consuluit. ### English translation (Claude) Then too he bound by the military oath, under the title of liberty, slaves of proven strength and willingness, either offered or, if need be, bought at public cost. Arms that were lacking they took from the temples; private wealth was poured into the needy treasury. So the equestrian order, so the trembling plebs, forgetting their partisan interests, took counsel for the common good. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.16.8 (CSEL 5:249; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-16-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.16.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-13-1/#p-4-16-9 - Source: CSEL 5:249 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Criminals and debtors were enlisted. ### Latin text Iunius quoque dictator antiquum Romanae miseriae factum recolens, pro supplemento exercitus edicto uelut asylo patefacto homines quicumque sceleribus ac debitis obnoxii essent impunitate promissa militiae mancipauit; quorum numerus ad sex milia uirorum fuit. ### English translation (Claude) The dictator Junius too, recalling the ancient deed of Roman misery, as a supplement to the army, opening an asylum as it were by edict, enlisted in military service, with a promise of impunity, all men liable for crimes and debts; their number was up to six thousand men. ### Translation notes - The 'ancient deed' is Romulus's asylum (2.4.3). ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.16.9 (CSEL 5:249; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-16-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.16.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-13-1/#p-4-16-10 - Source: CSEL 5:249 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Italy revolted to Hannibal. ### Latin text Campania uero uel potius omnis Italia ad Hannibalem desperata penitus Romani status reparatione defecit. post hoc L. ### English translation (Claude) But Campania, or rather all Italy, utterly despairing of the restoration of the Roman state, revolted to Hannibal. After this Lucius ### Translation notes - The sentence continues in 4.16.11. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.16.10 (CSEL 5:249; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-16-10). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.16.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-13-1/#p-4-16-11 - Source: CSEL 5:249 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Postumius was killed by the Gauls. ### Latin text Postumius praetor aduersus Gallos pugnare missus cum exercitu caesus est. ### English translation (Claude) Postumius the praetor, sent to fight against the Gauls, was cut down with his army. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.16.11 (CSEL 5:249; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-16-11). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.16.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-13-1/#p-4-16-12 - Source: CSEL 5:249–250 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Marcellus first defeated Hannibal. ### Latin text Deinde Sempronio Graccho Q. Fabio Maximo consulibus Claudius Marcellus expraetore proconsule designatus Hannibalis exercitum proelio fudit primusque post tantas reipublicae ruinas spem fecit Hannibalem posse superari. ### English translation (Claude) Then, in the consulship of Sempronius Gracchus and Quintus Fabius Maximus, Claudius Marcellus, appointed proconsul after being praetor, routed Hannibal's army in battle and was the first, after such ruins of the commonwealth, to give hope that Hannibal could be overcome. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.16.12 (CSEL 5:249–250; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-16-12). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.16.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-13-1/#p-4-16-13 - Source: CSEL 5:250 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Scipios defeated Hasdrubal in Spain. ### Latin text Scipiones autem in Hispania Hasdrubalem Poenorum imperatorem ad Italiam exercitum conparantem grauissimo bello oppresserunt; nam xxxv milia militum de exercitu eius uel caede uel captione minuerunt. ### English translation (Claude) The Scipios in Spain crushed in a most grievous war Hasdrubal, the Carthaginian general, who was preparing an army for Italy; for they reduced his army by thirty-five thousand soldiers by slaughter or capture. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.16.13 (CSEL 5:250; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-16-13). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.16.14 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-13-1/#p-4-16-14 - Source: CSEL 5:250 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Rome hired Celtiberian mercenaries. ### Latin text Celtiberos milites, quam primam externam manum Romani in castris habere coeperunt, pretio sollicitatos ab hostium societate in sua castra duxerunt. ### English translation (Claude) The Celtiberian soldiers, the first foreign band the Romans began to have in their camp, they drew by pay from alliance with the enemy into their own camp. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.16.14 (CSEL 5:250; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-16-14). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.16.15 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-13-1/#p-4-16-15 - Source: CSEL 5:250 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Gracchus was betrayed and killed. ### Latin text Sempronius Gracchus proconsule ab hospite suo Lucano quodam in insidias inductus occisus est. ### English translation (Claude) Sempronius Gracchus the proconsul, led into an ambush by a certain Lucanian, his host, was killed. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.16.15 (CSEL 5:250; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-16-15). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.16.16 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-13-1/#p-4-16-16 - Source: CSEL 5:250 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Centenius Penula was killed with his army. ### Latin text Centenius Penula centurio decerni sibi ultro bellum aduersum Hannibalem petiit: a quo cum octo milibus militum, quos in aciem eduxerat, caesus est. ### English translation (Claude) Centenius Penula, a centurion, of his own accord asked that war against Hannibal be assigned to him; by him he was cut down with eight thousand soldiers whom he had led into the battle line. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.16.16 (CSEL 5:250; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-16-16). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.16.17 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-13-1/#p-4-16-17 - Source: CSEL 5:250 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Fulvius lost his army. ### Latin text post hunc Cn. Fuluius praetor ab Hannibale uictus amisso exercitu uix euasit. ### English translation (Claude) After him Gnaeus Fulvius the praetor, defeated by Hannibal, lost his army and barely escaped. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.16.17 (CSEL 5:250; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-16-17). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.16.18 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-13-1/#p-4-16-18 - Source: CSEL 5:250 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Rome's state was a wicked misery. ### Latin text Pudet recordationis. quid enim dicam improbitatem magis an miseriam Romanorum? immo uerius uel improbam miseriam uel miseram improbitatem. ### English translation (Claude) I am ashamed to recall it. For what shall I call it, the wickedness or the misery of the Romans? Rather, more truly, either wicked misery or miserable wickedness. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.16.18 (CSEL 5:250; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-16-18). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.16.19 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-13-1/#p-4-16-19 - Source: CSEL 5:250–251 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: When Rome was utterly exhausted, ### Latin text quis credat eo tempore, quo aerarium populi Romani egenam stipem priuata conlatione poscebat, miles in castris non nisi aut puer aut seruus aut sceleratus aut debitor et ne sic quidem numero idoneus erat, senatus in curia omnis paene nouicius uidebatur, postremo cum ita inminutis fractisque omnibus desperabatur, ut consilium de relinquenda Italia subiretur: ### English translation (Claude) Who would believe that at that time, when the treasury of the Roman people was begging a needy contribution by private collection, when the soldier in the camp was only a boy, a slave, a criminal or a debtor, and even so not sufficient in number, when the senate in the curia seemed almost entirely new, and finally when, everything being so diminished and broken, there was such despair that a plan of leaving Italy was undertaken: ### Translation notes - The question continues in 4.16.20. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.16.19 (CSEL 5:250–251; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-16-19). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.16.20 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-13-1/#p-4-16-20 - Source: CSEL 5:251 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: it undertook three wars overseas besides Hannibal's. ### Latin text — eo tempore, cum unum domesticum, ut diximus, bellum ferri nullo modo posset, tria insuper transmarina bella fuisse suscepta? unum in Macedonia contra Philippum potentissimum Macedoniae regem, alterum in Hispania contra Hasdrubalem Hannibalis fratrem, tertium in Sardinia contra Sardos et alterum Hasdrubalem Carthaginiensium ducem; extra hoc quartum Hannibalis, quo in Italia premebantur. ### English translation (Claude) at that time, when, as we said, one war at home could in no way be borne, three overseas wars were undertaken besides? One in Macedonia against Philip, the most powerful king of Macedonia; a second in Spain against Hasdrubal, Hannibal's brother; a third in Sardinia against the Sardinians and the other Hasdrubal, general of the Carthaginians; besides this a fourth, that of Hannibal, by which they were pressed in Italy. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.16.20 (CSEL 5:251; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-16-20). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.16.21 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-13-1/#p-4-16-21 - Source: CSEL 5:251 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Not calmer times, but braver men. ### Latin text et tamen fortis in alterutrum desperatio in meliora profecit, nam in his omnibus desperando pugnarunt, pugnando uicerunt. ex quo euidenter ostenditur non tempora tunc fuisse tranquilliora otiis, sed homines miseriis fortiores. ### English translation (Claude) And yet a brave despair on either side led to better things; for in all these they fought by despairing and conquered by fighting. From which it is evidently shown that the times were not then more tranquil with leisure, but the men were braver in miseries. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.16.21 (CSEL 5:251; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-16-21). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.17.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-13-1/#p-4-17-1 - Source: CSEL 5:251 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Marcellus took Syracuse despite Archimedes. ### Latin text Anno ab Vrbe condita DXLIII Claudius Marcellus Syracusas opulentissimam urbem Siciliae secunda oppugnatione uix cepit, quam cum iam pridem obsedisset, Archimedis Syracusani ciuis admirabili ingenio praediti machinis repulsus expugnare non potuit. ### English translation (Claude) In the 543rd year from the founding of the City, Claudius Marcellus at a second attempt barely took Syracuse, the richest city of Sicily, which, when he had long since besieged it, he could not storm, repelled by the machines of Archimedes, a citizen of Syracuse endowed with wonderful genius. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.17.1 (CSEL 5:251; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-17-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.17.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-13-1/#p-4-17-2 - Source: CSEL 5:251–252 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Hannibal encamped three miles from Rome. ### Latin text decimo anno post quam Hannibal in Italiam uenerat, Cn. Fuluio P. Sulpicio consulibus Hannibal de Campania mouit exercitum et cum ingenti clade omnium per Sedicinum Suessanumque agrum uia Latina profectus ad Anienem fluuium tribus milibus ab Vrbe consedit incredibili totius ciuitatis ### English translation (Claude) In the tenth year after Hannibal had come into Italy, in the consulship of Gnaeus Fulvius and Publius Sulpicius, Hannibal moved his army from Campania and, with huge slaughter of all, set out through the territory of Sidicinum and Suessa by the Latin Way and encamped by the river Anio, three miles from the City, to the incredible ### Translation notes - The sentence continues in 4.17.3. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.17.2 (CSEL 5:251–252; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-17-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.17.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-13-1/#p-4-17-3 - Source: CSEL 5:252 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: All Rome was in terror. ### Latin text metu, cum senatu populoque diuersis curis trepido matronae quoque amentes pauore per propugnacula currerent et conuehere in muros saxa primaeque pro muris pugnare gestirent. ### English translation (Claude) fear of the whole city, when, the senate and people trembling with different cares, the matrons too, out of their minds with fear, ran along the battlements, and longed to carry stones onto the walls and to be the first to fight for the walls. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.17.3 (CSEL 5:252; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-17-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.17.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-13-1/#p-4-17-4 - Source: CSEL 5:252 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Hannibal rode up to the Colline Gate. ### Latin text ipse autem cum expeditis equitibus usque ad portam Collinam infestus accessit, deinde omnes copias in aciem direxit. sed et consules Fuluiusque proconsule non detrectauere pugnam. ### English translation (Claude) He himself, with light-armed horsemen, came up threateningly as far as the Colline Gate, then drew up all his forces in battle line. But the consuls and Fulvius the proconsul did not refuse battle. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.17.4 (CSEL 5:252; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-17-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.17.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-13-1/#p-4-17-5 - Source: CSEL 5:252 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: A hailstorm stopped the battle. ### Latin text at ubi expositae utrimque acies constiterunt, in conspectu Romae praemium uictoris futurae tantus se subito imber e nubibus grandine mixtus effudit, ut turbata agmina uix armis retentis in sua se castra colligerent. ### English translation (Claude) But when the lines stood drawn up on both sides, in sight of Rome, the prize of the future victor, so great a rain mixed with hail suddenly poured from the clouds that the columns, thrown into confusion and barely keeping their arms, withdrew into their own camps. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.17.5 (CSEL 5:252; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-17-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.17.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-13-1/#p-4-17-6 - Source: CSEL 5:252 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: A second storm stopped it again. ### Latin text deinde cum serenitate reddita in campum copiae atque in aciem redissent, rursum uiolentior fusa tempestas maiore metu mortalium audaciam cohercuit territosque exercitus refugere in tentoria coegit. ### English translation (Claude) Then, when fair weather returned and the forces had gone back onto the plain and into line, again a more violent storm poured down, checked the daring of mortals with greater fear, and forced the terrified armies to flee back into their tents. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.17.6 (CSEL 5:252; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-17-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.17.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-13-1/#p-4-17-7 - Source: CSEL 5:252 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Hannibal saw divine opposition. ### Latin text tunc conuersus in religionem Hannibal dixisse fertur, potiundae sibi Romae modo uoluntatem non dari, modo potestatem. ### English translation (Claude) Then Hannibal, turning to religion, is said to have said that the taking of Rome was granted him now not by will, now not by power. ### Extrabiblical texts - Livy, 26.11 (Livy, History of Rome): allusion, medium confidence ### Translation notes - As in Livy 26.11: sometimes the will, sometimes the opportunity to take Rome was denied him. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.17.7 (CSEL 5:252; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-17-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.17.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-13-1/#p-4-17-8 - Source: CSEL 5:252–253 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Was Rome saved by its courage or by God's mercy? ### Latin text Respondeant nunc mihi obtrectatores ueri Dei hoc loco: Hannibalem a capessenda subruendaque Roma utrum Romana abstinuit fortitudo an diuina miseratio? aut forsitan conseruati isti dedignantur fateri, quod Hannibal et uictor extimuit et cedens probauit ac — ### English translation (Claude) Let the detractors of the true God answer me now at this point: was it Roman courage or divine mercy that kept Hannibal from seizing and overthrowing Rome? Or perhaps these men, having been preserved, disdain to confess what Hannibal both feared as victor and proved as he withdrew; and ### Translation notes - The sentence continues in 4.17.9. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.17.8 (CSEL 5:252–253; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-17-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.17.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-13-1/#p-4-17-9 - Source: CSEL 5:253 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Rain comes only through Christ. ### Latin text si istam diuinam tutelam per pluuiam de caelo uenisse manifestum est, ipsam autem pluuiam opportunis et necessariis temporibus non nisi per Christum, qui est uerus Deus, ministrari — etiam ab huiusmodi satis certo sciri nec negari posse existimo: ### English translation (Claude) if it is plain that this divine protection came from heaven through the rain, and that rain itself at fitting and necessary times is supplied only through Christ, who is the true God, I think that this too can be known with sufficient certainty and cannot be denied: ### Scripture references - Matt 5:45: echo, low confidence ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.17.9 (CSEL 5:253; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-17-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.17.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-13-1/#p-4-17-10 - Source: CSEL 5:253 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Only Christian prayer brings rain. ### Latin text maxime nunc — quando ad documentum potentiae eius, cum siccitate turbante pluuiam poscere adsidue contingit, et alternis uicibus nunc gentiles nunc Christiani rogant nec umquam etiam ipsis testibus factum est, ut optati imbres superueniant nisi in die, quo rogari Christum et Christianis rogare permittitur — ### English translation (Claude) especially now, when, as proof of his power, when drought troubles us and it happens that rain is constantly asked for, and in turn now the gentiles, now the Christians pray, it has never happened, even by their own testimony, that the longed-for showers came except on the day on which Christ is asked and the Christians are permitted to ask; ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.17.10 (CSEL 5:253; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-17-10). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.17.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-13-1/#p-4-17-11 - Source: CSEL 5:253 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Christ preserved Rome then and chastises it now. ### Latin text procul dubio constat, urbem Romam per hunc eundem uerum Deum, qui est Christus Iesus, ordinantem secundum placitum ineffabilis iudicii sui, et tunc ad futurae fidei credulitatem seruatam fuisse et nunc pro parte sui incredula castigatam. ### English translation (Claude) beyond doubt it is established that the city of Rome, through this same true God, who is Christ Jesus, ordering things according to the good pleasure of his ineffable judgment, was both then preserved for the belief of the future faith and now chastised in part for its unbelief. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.17.11 (CSEL 5:253; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-17-11). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.17.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-13-1/#p-4-17-12 - Source: CSEL 5:253 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Scipios fell in Spain; Capua was taken. ### Latin text At uero in Hispania ambo Scipiones a fratre Hasdrubalis interfecti sunt. in Campania Capua capta est a Q. Fuluio proconsule; principes Campanorum ueneno mortem sibi consciuerunt; senatum omnem Capuae etiam prohibente senatu Romano Fuluius suppliciis necauit. ### English translation (Claude) But in Spain both Scipios were killed by the brother of Hasdrubal. In Campania Capua was taken by Quintus Fulvius the proconsul; the leading Campanians killed themselves with poison; Fulvius put to death with punishments the whole senate of Capua, even though the Roman senate forbade it. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.17.12 (CSEL 5:253; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-17-12). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.17.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-13-1/#p-4-17-13 - Source: CSEL 5:253–254 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Young Scipio volunteered for Spain. ### Latin text interfectis in Hispania Scipionibus cum, omnibus incusso pauore cunctantibus, Scipio se admodum adulescens ultro obtulisset et pudenda ### English translation (Claude) When the Scipios had been killed in Spain, and, all hesitating with fear struck into them, Scipio, still quite a young man, had offered himself of his own accord, and there was a shameful ### Translation notes - The sentence continues in 4.17.14. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.17.13 (CSEL 5:253–254; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-17-13). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.17.14 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-13-1/#p-4-17-14 - Source: CSEL 5:254 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The senators gave their gold and silver to the state. ### Latin text penuria esset aerarii, Claudio Marcello et Valerio Laeuino auctoribus qui tunc consules erant aurum argentumque signatum ad quaestores palam omnes senatores in publicum contulerunt, ita ut nihil praeter anulos singulos bullasque sibi ac filiis et deinde per filias uxoresque suas singulas tantum auri uncias et argenti non amplius quam singulas libras relinquerent. ### English translation (Claude) want in the treasury, on the motion of Claudius Marcellus and Valerius Laevinus, who were then consuls, all the senators openly brought their gold and silver, coined, to the quaestors for public use, so that they left nothing except a single ring and bulla each for themselves and their sons, and then for their daughters and wives only an ounce of gold each and not more than a pound of silver each. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.17.14 (CSEL 5:254; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-17-14). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.18.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-13-1/#p-4-18-1 - Source: CSEL 5:254 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Scipio took New Carthage. ### Latin text Scipio annos natus uiginti et quattuor imperium in Hispaniam proconsulare sortitus, ultionem praecipue patris et patrui animo intendens, Pyrenaeum transgressus primo impetu Carthaginem Nouam cepit, ubi stipendia maxima, praesidia ualida, copiae auri argentique magnae Poenorum habebantur; ibi etiam Magonem fratrem Hannibalis captum cum ceteris Romam misit. ### English translation (Claude) Scipio, twenty-four years old, allotted the proconsular command in Spain, intent above all on avenging his father and uncle, crossed the Pyrenees and at the first assault took New Carthage, where the Carthaginians kept their greatest stores of pay, strong garrisons and great supplies of gold and silver; there too he captured Mago, Hannibal's brother, and sent him with the rest to Rome. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.18.1 (CSEL 5:254; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-18-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.18.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-13-1/#p-4-18-2 - Source: CSEL 5:254 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Laevinus took Agrigentum. ### Latin text Laeuinus consul ex Macedonia rediens Agrigentum urbem Siciliae expugnauit ibique Hannonem Afrorum ducem cepit, quadraginta ciuitates in deditionem accepit, uiginti et sex expugnauit. ### English translation (Claude) The consul Laevinus, returning from Macedonia, stormed Agrigentum, a city of Sicily, and there captured Hanno, the African general; he received forty cities in surrender and stormed twenty-six. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.18.2 (CSEL 5:254; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-18-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.18.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-13-1/#p-4-18-3 - Source: CSEL 5:254–255 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Hannibal killed Fulvius and seventeen thousand men. ### Latin text Hannibal in Italia Cn. Fuluium proconsulem, XI praeterea tribunos et XVII milia militum interfecit. ### English translation (Claude) Hannibal in Italy killed the proconsul Gnaeus Fulvius, besides eleven tribunes and seventeen thousand soldiers. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.18.3 (CSEL 5:254–255; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-18-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.18.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-13-1/#p-4-18-4 - Source: CSEL 5:255 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Marcellus fought Hannibal for three days. ### Latin text Marcellus consul cum Hannibale triduum continuum dimicauit. primo die pari pugna discessum est, sequenti uictus consul, tertio uictor VIII milia hostium interfecit, ipsum Hannibalem cum reliquis fugere in castra conpulit. ### English translation (Claude) The consul Marcellus fought with Hannibal for three continuous days. On the first day they parted on equal terms; on the next the consul was defeated; on the third he was victor, killed eight thousand of the enemy, and forced Hannibal himself with the rest to flee into his camp. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.18.4 (CSEL 5:255; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-18-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.18.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-13-1/#p-4-18-5 - Source: CSEL 5:255 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Fabius retook Tarentum. ### Latin text Fabius Maximus consul Tarentum, quae a Romanis desciuerat, iterum expugnauit et cepit ibique ingentes copias Hannibalis cum ipso duce ejus Carthalone deleuit, xxx milia hominum captiuorum uendidit, pretia in fiscum rettulit. ### English translation (Claude) The consul Fabius Maximus again stormed and took Tarentum, which had revolted from the Romans, and there destroyed great forces of Hannibal together with their leader Carthalo himself; he sold thirty thousand captive men and brought the proceeds into the treasury. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.18.5 (CSEL 5:255; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-18-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.18.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-13-1/#p-4-18-6 - Source: CSEL 5:255 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Marcellus was killed. ### Latin text Sequenti anno in Italia Claudius Marcellus consul ab Hannibale cum exercitu occisus est. ### English translation (Claude) In the following year, in Italy, the consul Claudius Marcellus was killed with his army by Hannibal. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.18.6 (CSEL 5:255; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-18-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.18.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-13-1/#p-4-18-7 - Source: CSEL 5:255 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Scipio defeated Hasdrubal in Spain. ### Latin text Scipio in Hispania Poenorum ducem Hasdrubalem uicit et castris exuit; praeterea LXXX ciuitates aut deditione aut bello in potestatem redegit; Afris sub corona uenditis, sine pretio dimisit Hispanos. ### English translation (Claude) Scipio in Spain defeated Hasdrubal, the Carthaginian general, and stripped him of his camp; besides, he brought eighty cities into his power either by surrender or by war; the Africans he sold at auction, the Spaniards he dismissed without ransom. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.18.7 (CSEL 5:255; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-18-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.18.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-13-1/#p-4-18-8 - Source: CSEL 5:255 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Hannibal ambushed both consuls. ### Latin text Hannibal utrumque consulem Marcellum et Crispinum insidiis circumuentos interfecit. ### English translation (Claude) Hannibal killed both consuls, Marcellus and Crispinus, entrapped in an ambush. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.18.8 (CSEL 5:255; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-18-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.18.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-13-1/#p-4-18-9 - Source: CSEL 5:255–256 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Hasdrubal was destroyed before he could join Hannibal. ### Latin text Claudio Nerone et M. Liuio Salinatore consulibus cum Hasdrubal Hannibalis frater ab Hispaniis per Gallias ad Italiam ueniret iussusque a Carthaginiensibus, ut fratri cum copiis iungeretur, magna secum auxilia Hispanorum Gallorumque deduceret, cum maturato aduentu descendisse iam ex Alpibus consulibus proditus fuisset, ab exercitu Romano ignorante Hannibale praeuentus cum omni exercitu suo interfectus est. ### English translation (Claude) In the consulship of Claudius Nero and Marcus Livius Salinator, when Hasdrubal, Hannibal's brother, was coming from the Spains through the Gauls to Italy, and, ordered by the Carthaginians to join his brother with his forces, was bringing with him great auxiliaries of Spaniards and Gauls, his early arrival, having already come down from the Alps, was betrayed to the consuls; forestalled by the Roman army without Hannibal's knowledge, he was killed with his whole army. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.18.9 (CSEL 5:255–256; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-18-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.18.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-13-1/#p-4-18-10 - Source: CSEL 5:256 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The elephants troubled the Roman line. ### Latin text diu quidem incertus belli euentus fuit elephantis maxime Romanam infestantibus aciem: qui a militibus Romanis, quos ### English translation (Claude) For a long time indeed the outcome of the war was uncertain, chiefly because the elephants were harassing the Roman line: these, by the Roman soldiers whom ### Translation notes - The sentence continues through 4.18.12. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.18.10 (CSEL 5:256; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-18-10). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.18.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-13-1/#p-4-18-11 - Source: CSEL 5:256 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The velites, newly invented. ### Latin text a uolitando uelites uocant — quod genus militiae paulo ante repertum fuerat, ut lecti agilitate iuuenes cum armis suis post terga equitum sederent et mox, cum ad hostem uentum esset, equis desilirent et continuo pedites ipsi, ex alia parte equitibus per quos aduecti fuerant dimicantibus, hostem proturbarent — ### English translation (Claude) they call velites from flying about (a kind of soldiery invented a little before, in which young men chosen for agility sat with their arms behind the backs of horsemen, and soon, when they came to the enemy, leapt down from the horses and at once, themselves as foot soldiers, drove back the enemy from the other side while the horsemen by whom they had been carried fought), ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.18.11 (CSEL 5:256; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-18-11). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.18.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-13-1/#p-4-18-12 - Source: CSEL 5:256 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The elephants had to be killed by their own drivers. ### Latin text ab his ergo uelitibus elephanti retroacti cum regi iam a suis non possent, fabrili scalpro inter aures adacto necabantur. id genus occidendae cum opus esset beluae idem dux Hasdrubal primus inuenerat. ### English translation (Claude) by these velites, then, the elephants were driven back, and when they could no longer be controlled by their own men, they were killed by a carpenter's chisel driven in between the ears. This way of killing the beast when necessary the same general Hasdrubal had first invented. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.18.12 (CSEL 5:256; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-18-12). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.18.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-13-1/#p-4-18-13 - Source: CSEL 5:256 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Metaurus was Carthage's Cannae. ### Latin text fuit hoc proelio Poenis Metaurum flumen, ubi Hasdrubal est uictus, quasi Trasumennus lacus et Cesena Piceni ciuitas ut uicus ille Cannensis; ### English translation (Claude) In this battle the river Metaurus, where Hasdrubal was defeated, was for the Carthaginians as it were Lake Trasimene, and Sena, a city of Picenum, as that village of Cannae; ### Translation notes - *Cesena* in the digital text; the city was Sena Gallica. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.18.13 (CSEL 5:256; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-18-13). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.18.14 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-13-1/#p-4-18-14 - Source: CSEL 5:256–257 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Hasdrubal lost fifty-eight thousand men. ### Latin text nam L et VIII milia de exercitu Hasdrubalis ibi occisa sunt, capta sunt V cccc; IIII autem ciuium Romanorum inter eos reperta atque reuocata sunt: quod uictoribus consulibus solacio fuit. nam et ab exercitu eorum VIII ceciderunt. ### English translation (Claude) for fifty-eight thousand of Hasdrubal's army were killed there and five thousand four hundred captured; four thousand Roman citizens were found among them and recovered, which was a comfort to the victorious consuls; for eight thousand of their own army also fell. ### Translation notes - The numeral is garbled in the digital text (*L et vm*); read as LVIII. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.18.14 (CSEL 5:256–257; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-18-14). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.18.15 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-13-1/#p-4-18-15 - Source: CSEL 5:257 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Hannibal learned of his brother's death. ### Latin text Hannibali caput fratris sui Hasdrubalis ante castra projectum est. quo uiso et simul clade Poenorum cognita, anno tertio decimo quam in Italiam uenerat refugit in Bruttios. ### English translation (Claude) The head of his brother Hasdrubal was thrown in front of Hannibal's camp. Seeing it and at the same time learning of the Carthaginian disaster, in the thirteenth year after he had come into Italy he fled back to the Bruttii. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.18.15 (CSEL 5:257; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-18-15). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.18.16 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-13-1/#p-4-18-16 - Source: CSEL 5:257 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Plague brought a year's pause. ### Latin text post haec anno continuo inter Hannibalem et Romanos quies a tumultu bellorum intercessisse uisa est, quia inquietudo morborum in castris erat et grauissima pestilentia utrique exercitus agebantur. ### English translation (Claude) After this, for a whole year, rest from the tumult of wars seemed to come between Hannibal and the Romans, because there was the disquiet of diseases in the camps and both armies were afflicted by a most grievous pestilence. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.18.16 (CSEL 5:257; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-18-16). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.18.17 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-13-1/#p-4-18-17 - Source: CSEL 5:257 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Scipio crossed into Africa. ### Latin text interea Scipio uniuersa Hispania a Pyrenaeo usque ad Oceanum in prouinciam redacta Romam uenit, consul cum Licinio Crasso creatus in Africam transiit, Hannonem Hamilcaris filium, ducem Poenorum, interfecit, exercitum eius partim caede partim captiuitate disperdidit: nam undecim milia Poenorum eo proelio occidit. ### English translation (Claude) Meanwhile Scipio, all Spain from the Pyrenees to the Ocean having been reduced to a province, came to Rome, was made consul with Licinius Crassus, crossed into Africa, killed Hanno son of Hamilcar, the Carthaginian general, and destroyed his army partly by slaughter, partly by captivity: for he killed eleven thousand Carthaginians in that battle. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.18.17 (CSEL 5:257; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-18-17). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.18.18 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-13-1/#p-4-18-18 - Source: CSEL 5:257 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Scipio burned the enemy camps. ### Latin text Sempronius consul cum Hannibale congressus et uictus Romam refugit. Scipio in Africa adgressus hiberna Poenorum atque alia Numidarum, quae utraque haud procul ab Vtica erant, nocte concubia fecit incendi. ### English translation (Claude) The consul Sempronius engaged Hannibal, was defeated and fled back to Rome. Scipio in Africa attacked the winter quarters of the Carthaginians and others of the Numidians, both not far from Utica, and had them set on fire at dead of night. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.18.18 (CSEL 5:257; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-18-18). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.18.19 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-13-1/#p-4-18-19 - Source: CSEL 5:257–258 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Forty thousand died in the fires. ### Latin text Poeni trepidi cum casu accidisse ignem putarent, inermes ad extinguendum concurrerunt: quare facile ab armatis oppressi sunt. in utrisque castris quadraginta milia hominum igni ferroque consumpta sunt, capta quinque milia, duces ipsi miserabiliter ambusti aegre effugerunt. ### English translation (Claude) The Carthaginians, in alarm, thinking the fire had happened by accident, ran unarmed to put it out; so they were easily overwhelmed by armed men. In both camps forty thousand men were consumed by fire and sword, five thousand captured, and the generals themselves, wretchedly burned, barely escaped. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.18.19 (CSEL 5:257–258; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-18-19). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.18.20 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-13-1/#p-4-18-20 - Source: CSEL 5:258 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Syphax and Hasdrubal were defeated again. ### Latin text Hasdrubal imperator Carthaginem profugus uenit; itaque Syphax et Hasdrubal mox plurimum reparauere exercitum atque iterum cum Scipione congressi sunt, uictique fugerunt. ### English translation (Claude) Hasdrubal the general came as a fugitive to Carthage; so Syphax and Hasdrubal soon restored a very large army and again engaged Scipio, and, defeated, fled. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.18.20 (CSEL 5:258; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-18-20). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.18.21 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-13-1/#p-4-18-21 - Source: CSEL 5:258 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Syphax was captured. ### Latin text Syphacem fugientem Laelius et Masinissa ceperunt, cetera multitudo Cirtam confugit, quam Masinissa oppugnatam in deditionem recepit, Syphacem ad Scipionem catenis uinctum deduxit; quem Scipio cum ingentibus spoliis plurimisque captiuis perducendum Laelio tradidit. ### English translation (Claude) Laelius and Masinissa captured Syphax as he fled; the rest of the multitude fled to Cirta, which Masinissa attacked and received in surrender; he brought Syphax, bound in chains, to Scipio, who handed him over to Laelius to be taken to Rome with huge spoils and very many captives. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.18.21 (CSEL 5:258; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-18-21). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.19.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-13-1/#p-4-19-1 - Source: CSEL 5:258–259 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Hannibal returned to Africa. ### Latin text Hannibal redire in Africam iussus, ut fessis Carthaginiensibus subueniret, flens reliquit italiam omnibus Italici generis militibus qui sequi nollent interfectis. cui ad Africanum litus propinquanti iussus quidam e nauticis ascendere in arborem nauis atque inde speculari, quam regionem teneret, sepulchrum dirutum se prospexisse respondit; abominatus dictum Hannibal deflexo cursu ad Leptim oppidum copias exposuit. ### English translation (Claude) Hannibal, ordered to return to Africa to help the weary Carthaginians, left Italy weeping, having killed all the soldiers of Italian race who would not follow. As he was approaching the African shore, one of the sailors, ordered to climb the ship's mast and look out from there to see what region they were holding, answered that he saw a ruined tomb; Hannibal, abhorring the omen, changed course and landed his forces at the town of Leptis. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.19.1 (CSEL 5:258–259; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-19-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.19.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-13-1/#p-4-19-2 - Source: CSEL 5:259 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Hannibal and Scipio met but could not make peace. ### Latin text qui continuo refecta multitudine Carthaginem uenit, deinde conloquium Scipionis petiit. ubi cum se diu attoniti admiratione mutua duo clarissimi duces suspexissent, infecto pacis negotio proelium consertum est: ### English translation (Claude) He at once, his host refreshed, came to Carthage and then sought a conference with Scipio. There, when the two most famous generals had long looked at each other, stunned with mutual admiration, the business of peace being left undone, battle was joined: ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.19.2 (CSEL 5:259; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-19-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.19.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-13-1/#p-4-19-3 - Source: CSEL 5:259 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Scipio defeated Hannibal at Zama. ### Latin text quod diu magnis ducum artibus dispositum, magnis copiarum molibus gestum, magnis militum uiribus consummatum Romanis uictoriam contulit. octoginta ibi elephanti uel capti uel occisi sunt, Carthaginiensium interfecta sunt XX milia quingenti. Hannibal omnia et ante proelium et in proelio expertus, cum paucis, hoc est uix quattuor equitibus, inter tumultum elapsus Hadrumetum confugit. ### English translation (Claude) laid out at length with great arts of the generals, waged with great masses of forces, completed with great strength of soldiers, it gave the victory to the Romans. Eighty elephants were there either captured or killed; twenty thousand five hundred Carthaginians were killed. Hannibal, having tried everything both before the battle and in the battle, slipped away amid the tumult with a few, that is, scarcely four horsemen, and fled to Hadrumetum. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.19.3 (CSEL 5:259; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-19-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.19.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-13-1/#p-4-19-4 - Source: CSEL 5:259 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Hannibal urged Carthage to make peace. ### Latin text postea Carthaginem post sex et triginta annos, quam inde paruus cum patre exierat, uenit consultantique senatui nullam esse residuam spem nisi in petenda pace persuasit. ### English translation (Claude) Afterwards he came to Carthage, thirty-six years after he had left it as a small boy with his father, and persuaded the deliberating senate that there was no hope left except in seeking peace. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.19.4 (CSEL 5:259; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-19-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.19.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-13-1/#p-4-19-5 - Source: CSEL 5:259 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Carthage made peace and its fleet was burned. ### Latin text C. Cornelio Lentulo P. Aelio Paeto consulibus Carthaginiensibus pax per Scipionem uoluntate senatus populique concessa est. naues tamen plus quam quingentae in altum productae in conspectu ciuitatis incensae sunt. ### English translation (Claude) In the consulship of Gaius Cornelius Lentulus and Publius Aelius Paetus peace was granted to the Carthaginians through Scipio by the will of the senate and people. Yet more than five hundred ships were brought out into the deep and burned in sight of the city. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.19.5 (CSEL 5:259; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-19-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.19.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-13-1/#p-4-19-6 - Source: CSEL 5:259–260 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Scipio Africanus triumphed. ### Latin text Scipio, iam tum cognomento Africanus, triumphans Vrbem ingressus est; quem Terentius, qui postea comicus, ex nobilibus Carthaginiensium captiuis pilleatus — quod insigne indultae sibi libertatis fuit — triumphantem post currum secutus est. ### English translation (Claude) Scipio, already then surnamed Africanus, entered the City in triumph; and Terentius, afterwards the comic poet, one of the noble Carthaginian captives, wearing the cap of freedom, which was the sign of the liberty granted him, followed him in triumph behind his chariot. ### Translation notes - Orosius confuses the comic poet Terence with Q. Terentius Culleo, a senator freed from captivity. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.19.6 (CSEL 5:259–260; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-19-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.20.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-20-1/#p-4-20-1 - Source: CSEL 5:260 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Second Punic War ended; the Macedonian war followed. ### Latin text Anno ab Vrbe condita DXLVI bellum Punicum secundum finitum est, quod gestum est annis decem et septem. cui Macedonicum continuo successit, quod Quintius Flamininus consul sortitus post multa et grauissima proelia, quibus Macedones uicti sunt, pacem Philippo dedit. ### English translation (Claude) In the 546th year from the founding of the City the Second Punic War was ended, which was waged for seventeen years. The Macedonian war followed it at once; the consul Quintius Flamininus, allotted it, after many very grievous battles in which the Macedonians were defeated, gave peace to Philip. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.20.1 (CSEL 5:260; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-20-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.20.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-20-1/#p-4-20-2 - Source: CSEL 5:260 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Flamininus defeated Nabis of Sparta. ### Latin text deinde cum Lacedaemoniis pugnauit, uicto Nauide duce ipsorum nobilissimos obsides Demetrium Philippi filium et Armenen Nauidis filium ante currum duxit. ### English translation (Claude) Then he fought with the Lacedaemonians, and, having defeated their leader Nabis, led before his chariot as most noble hostages Demetrius, son of Philip, and Armenes, son of Nabis. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.20.2 (CSEL 5:260; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-20-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.20.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-20-1/#p-4-20-3 - Source: CSEL 5:260 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Roman captives were freed. ### Latin text Romani captiui, qui sub Hannibale per Graeciam uenditi fuerant, uniuersi recepti, capitibus rasis ob detersam seruitutem currum triumphantis secuti sunt. ### English translation (Claude) The Roman captives who had been sold through Greece under Hannibal were all recovered and followed the chariot of the triumphant general with shaven heads, for slavery wiped away. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.20.3 (CSEL 5:260; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-20-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.20.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-20-1/#p-4-20-4 - Source: CSEL 5:260 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Gauls of the Po were defeated. ### Latin text eodem tempore Insubres Boi atque Cenomanni contractis in unum uiribus Hamilcare Poeno duce, qui in Italia remanserat, Cremonam Placentiamque uastantes, difficillimo bello a L. Fuluio praetore superati sunt. ### English translation (Claude) At the same time the Insubres, Boii and Cenomani, uniting their strength under the leadership of Hamilcar the Carthaginian, who had remained in Italy, while laying waste Cremona and Placentia, were overcome in a most difficult war by the praetor Lucius Fulvius. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.20.4 (CSEL 5:260; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-20-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.20.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-20-1/#p-4-20-5 - Source: CSEL 5:260–261 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Flamininus defeated Philip and his allies. ### Latin text postea Flamininus proconsule Philippum regem et cum eo Thracas Macedonas Illyrios multasque praeterea gentes, quae in auxilium ei uenerant, bello subegit. ### English translation (Claude) Afterwards Flamininus the proconsul subdued in war King Philip and with him the Thracians, Macedonians, Illyrians and many other peoples who had come to his aid. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.20.5 (CSEL 5:260–261; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-20-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.20.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-20-1/#p-4-20-6 - Source: CSEL 5:261 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The historians disagree on the Macedonian dead. ### Latin text uicti Macedones castra amiserunt, VIII milia hostium eo die caesa, v milia capta Polybius scribit; Valerius dicit XL milia trucidata; Claudius uero XXXII milia interfecta commemorat. ### English translation (Claude) The defeated Macedonians lost their camp; Polybius writes that eight thousand of the enemy were slain that day and five thousand captured; Valerius says forty thousand were slaughtered; but Claudius records thirty-two thousand killed. ### Extrabiblical texts - Valerius Antias (Valerius Antias (fragments)): allusion, medium confidence ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.20.6 (CSEL 5:261; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-20-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.20.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-20-1/#p-4-20-7 - Source: CSEL 5:261 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The historians' figures are flattery. ### Latin text Sed haec uarietas scriptorum utique fallacia est; fallaciae autem causa profecto adulatio est, dum uictoris laudes accumulare uirtutemque patriae extollere uel praesentibus uel posteris student: alioquin, si inquisitus non fuisset numerus, nec qualiscumque fuisset expressus. ### English translation (Claude) But this variety among writers is certainly deceit; and the cause of deceit is surely flattery, while they strive to heap up the praises of the victor and exalt the courage of their country for those present or for posterity: otherwise, if the number had not been inquired into, it would not have been expressed at all. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.20.7 (CSEL 5:261; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-20-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.20.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-20-1/#p-4-20-8 - Source: CSEL 5:261 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Fewer losses would be a greater glory. ### Latin text quodsi gloriosum est duci et patriae plurimos hostium peremisse, quanto magis laetum patriae et duci beatum potest uideri suorum uel nullos uel paucissimos perdidisse. ### English translation (Claude) But if it is glorious for a general and his country to have destroyed very many enemies, how much more joyful for the country and blessed for the general may it seem to have lost none or very few of his own. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.20.8 (CSEL 5:261; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-20-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.20.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-20-1/#p-4-20-9 - Source: CSEL 5:261 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The same lies shrink their own losses. ### Latin text ita lucidissime patet, quia simili impudentia mentiendi, qua occisorum hostium numero adiicitur, sociorum quoque amissorum damna minuuntur uel etiam omnino reticentur. ### English translation (Claude) So it is most clearly evident that with the same shamelessness of lying by which the number of enemy slain is increased, the losses of allies are also lessened or even passed over in silence altogether. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.20.9 (CSEL 5:261; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-20-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.20.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-20-1/#p-4-20-10 - Source: CSEL 5:261 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Tuditanus died with his army in Spain. ### Latin text Igitur Sempronius Tuditanus in Hispania citeriore bello oppressus cum omni exercitu Romano interfectus est; ### English translation (Claude) So Sempronius Tuditanus, overwhelmed in war in Hither Spain, was killed with the whole Roman army; ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.20.10 (CSEL 5:261; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-20-10). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.20.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-20-1/#p-4-20-11 - Source: CSEL 5:261–262 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Boii were nearly annihilated. ### Latin text consul Marcellus in Etruria a Bois oppressus magnam partem exercitus perdidit; cui postea Furius alter consul auxilio accessit: atque ita uniuersam Boiorum gentem igni ferroque uastantes propemodum usque ad nihilum deleuerunt. ### English translation (Claude) the consul Marcellus, overwhelmed by the Boii in Etruria, lost a great part of his army; afterwards Furius, the other consul, came to his help; and so, laying waste the whole nation of the Boii with fire and sword, they destroyed them almost to nothing. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.20.11 (CSEL 5:261–262; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-20-11). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.20.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-20-1/#p-4-20-12 - Source: CSEL 5:262 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Antiochus invaded Europe. ### Latin text L. Valerio Flacco M. Porcio Catone consulibus Antiochus rex Syriae bellum contra populum Romanum struens in Europam transiit ex Asia. ### English translation (Claude) In the consulship of Lucius Valerius Flaccus and Marcus Porcius Cato, Antiochus, king of Syria, preparing war against the Roman people, crossed from Asia into Europe. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.20.12 (CSEL 5:262; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-20-12). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.20.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-20-1/#p-4-20-13 - Source: CSEL 5:262 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Hannibal fled to Antiochus. ### Latin text tunc etiam Hannibal propter excitandi belli rumores, qui de eo apud Romanos serebantur, exhiberi Romam a senatu iussus, clam ex Africa profectus ad Antiochum migrauit: quem cum apud Ephesum inuenisset cunctantem, mox in bellum inpulit. ### English translation (Claude) Then too Hannibal, because of rumours spread about him among the Romans that he was stirring up war, ordered by the senate to be produced at Rome, set out secretly from Africa and went over to Antiochus; finding him hesitating at Ephesus, he soon drove him into war. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.20.13 (CSEL 5:262; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-20-13). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.20.14 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-20-1/#p-4-20-14 - Source: CSEL 5:262 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Oppian law was repealed. ### Latin text tunc etiam lex, quae ab Oppio tribuno plebi lata fuerat, ne qua mulier plus quam semunciam auri haberet neue uersicolori uestimento nec uehiculo per Vrbem uteretur, post uiginti annos abrogata est. ### English translation (Claude) Then too the law that had been carried by Oppius, tribune of the plebs, that no woman should have more than half an ounce of gold, or use a parti-coloured garment, or a carriage through the City, was repealed after twenty years. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.20.14 (CSEL 5:262; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-20-14). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.20.15 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-20-1/#p-4-20-15 - Source: CSEL 5:262 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Battles with the Gauls near Milan. ### Latin text P. Scipione Africano iterum T. Sempronio Longo consulibus, apud Mediolanium decem milia Gallorum caesa, sequenti autem proelio undecim milia Gallorum, Romanorum uero quinque milia occisa sunt. ### English translation (Claude) In the consulship of Publius Scipio Africanus for the second time and Titus Sempronius Longus, ten thousand Gauls were slain near Mediolanum, and in the following battle eleven thousand Gauls, but five thousand Romans were killed. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.20.15 (CSEL 5:262; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-20-15). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.20.16 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-20-1/#p-4-20-16 - Source: CSEL 5:262–263 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Mixed fortunes in Spain. ### Latin text Publius Digitius praetor in Hispania citeriore paene omnem amisit exercitum. M. Fuluius praetor Celtiberos cum proximis gentibus uicit regemque eorum cepit. ### English translation (Claude) Publius Digitius, praetor in Hither Spain, lost almost his whole army. Marcus Fulvius the praetor defeated the Celtiberians with the neighbouring peoples and captured their king. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.20.16 (CSEL 5:262–263; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-20-16). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.20.17 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-20-1/#p-4-20-17 - Source: CSEL 5:263 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Minucius narrowly escaped the Ligurians. ### Latin text Minucius a Liguribus in extremum periculi adductus et insidiis hostium circumuentus uix Numidarum equitum industria liberatus est. ### English translation (Claude) Minucius, brought into extreme danger by the Ligurians and trapped by the enemy's ambush, was barely freed by the diligence of the Numidian cavalry. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.20.17 (CSEL 5:263; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-20-17). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.20.18 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-20-1/#p-4-20-18 - Source: CSEL 5:263 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Scipio met Hannibal at Antiochus's court. ### Latin text Scipio Africanus inter ceteros legatos ad Antiochum missus, etiam cum Hannibale conloquium familiare habuit. sed infecto pacis negotio ab Antiocho discessit. ### English translation (Claude) Scipio Africanus, sent among other envoys to Antiochus, also had a friendly conversation with Hannibal. But the business of peace left undone, he departed from Antiochus. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.20.18 (CSEL 5:263; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-20-18). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.20.19 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-20-1/#p-4-20-19 - Source: CSEL 5:263 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Bloody wars in Spain. ### Latin text in utraque Hispania per Flaminium Fuluiumque praetores bella multum horrida cruentaque utrisque populis gesta sunt. ### English translation (Claude) In both Spains wars very horrible and bloody for both peoples were waged by the praetors Flaminius and Fulvius. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.20.19 (CSEL 5:263; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-20-19). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.20.20 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-20-1/#p-4-20-20 - Source: CSEL 5:263 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Glabrio defeated Antiochus at Thermopylae. ### Latin text P. Cornelio Scipione M. Acilio Glabrione consulibus Antiochus quamuis Thermopylas occupasset, quarum munimine tutior propter dubios belli euentus fieret, tamen commisso bello a consule Glabrione superatus uix cum paucis fugit e proelio Ephesumque peruenit. ### English translation (Claude) In the consulship of Publius Cornelius Scipio and Marcus Acilius Glabrio, Antiochus, although he had occupied Thermopylae, so as to be safer through its fortification against the doubtful outcomes of war, nevertheless, when battle was joined, was overcome by the consul Glabrio, barely fled from the battle with a few, and reached Ephesus. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.20.20 (CSEL 5:263; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-20-20). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.20.21 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-20-1/#p-4-20-21 - Source: CSEL 5:263–264 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Antiochus lost forty thousand; Scipio Nasica defeated the Boii. ### Latin text is habuisse fertur armatorum LX milia, ex quibus XL milia caesa, capta plus quam v milia fuisse referuntur. alter consul Scipio cum Boiorum gente conflixit, in quo proelio xx milia hostium interfecit. ### English translation (Claude) He is said to have had sixty thousand armed men, of whom forty thousand are reported slain and more than five thousand captured. The other consul, Scipio, fought with the nation of the Boii, in which battle he killed twenty thousand of the enemy. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.20.21 (CSEL 5:263–264; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-20-21). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.20.22 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-20-1/#p-4-20-22 - Source: CSEL 5:264 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Antiochus was defeated and sued for peace. ### Latin text Sequenti anno Scipio Africanus, habens in auxilio Eumenem Attali filium, aduersus Hannibalem, qui tunc Antiochi classi praeerat, bellum nauale gessit; Antiochus uicto Hannibale atque in fugam acto simulque omni exercitu amisso pacem rogauit filiumque Africani, quem utrum explorantem an in proelio cepisset incertum est, ultro remisit. ### English translation (Claude) In the following year Scipio Africanus, having Eumenes son of Attalus as ally, waged a naval war against Hannibal, who then commanded Antiochus's fleet; Antiochus, Hannibal being defeated and put to flight and his whole army lost at the same time, asked for peace and of his own accord sent back the son of Africanus, whom he had captured, it is uncertain whether while scouting or in battle. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.20.22 (CSEL 5:264; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-20-22). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.20.23 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-20-1/#p-4-20-23 - Source: CSEL 5:264 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Aemilius died with his army in Spain. ### Latin text in Hispania ulteriore L. Aemilius proconsule a Lusitanis cum uniuerso exercitu caesus interiit. ### English translation (Claude) In Farther Spain Lucius Aemilius the proconsul was cut down by the Lusitanians with his whole army and perished. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.20.23 (CSEL 5:264; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-20-23). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.20.24 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-20-1/#p-4-20-24 - Source: CSEL 5:264 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Baebius's army was wiped out. ### Latin text L. Baebius in Hispaniam proficiscens, a Liguribus circumuentus cum uniuerso exercitu occisus est; unde adeo ne nuntium quidem superfuisse constat, ut internecionem ipsam Romae Massilienses nuntiare curauerint. ### English translation (Claude) Lucius Baebius, setting out for Spain, was trapped by the Ligurians and killed with his whole army; so that it is agreed that not even a messenger survived, so that the people of Massilia took care to announce the massacre itself at Rome. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.20.24 (CSEL 5:264; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-20-24). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.20.25 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-20-1/#p-4-20-25 - Source: CSEL 5:264–265 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Rome defeated the Galatians at Mount Olympus. ### Latin text Fuluius consul de Graecia in Gallograeciam, quae nunc est Galatia, transuectus, ad Olympum montem peruenit, ad quem uniuersi Gallograeci cum coniugibus et liberis confugerant, ibique acerbissimum bellum gessit; namque de superioribus locis sagittis glandibus saxis ceterisque telis Romani grauiter contriti, tandem usque ad congressum hostium perruperunt: quadraginta milia Gallograecorum eo proelio interfecta referuntur. ### English translation (Claude) The consul Fulvius, crossing from Greece into Gallograecia, which is now Galatia, came to Mount Olympus, to which all the Gallograeci had fled with their wives and children, and there waged a most bitter war; for the Romans, heavily worn down from the higher places by arrows, sling-shots, stones and other missiles, at last broke through to close combat with the enemy: forty thousand Gallograeci are reported killed in that battle. ### Translation notes - The consul was Manlius Vulso. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.20.25 (CSEL 5:264–265; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-20-25). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.20.26 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-20-1/#p-4-20-26 - Source: CSEL 5:265 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Marcius was defeated by the Ligurians. ### Latin text Marcius consul aduersus Ligures profectus superatusque IIII milia militum amisit et, nisi uictus celeriter refugisset in castra, eandem internecionis cladem, quam Baebius dudum ab isdem hostibus acceperat, pertulisset. ### English translation (Claude) The consul Marcius, setting out against the Ligurians, was defeated and lost four thousand soldiers; and had he not quickly fled back defeated into his camp, he would have suffered the same massacre which Baebius had received from the same enemies not long before. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.20.26 (CSEL 5:265; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-20-26). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.20.27 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-20-1/#p-4-20-27 - Source: CSEL 5:265 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Demetrius won pardon for his father Philip. ### Latin text M. Claudio Marcello Q. Fabio Labeone consulibus Philippus rex, qui legatos populi Romani interfecerat, propter Demetrii filii sui, quem legatum miserat, uerecundissimas preces ueniam meruit, ### English translation (Claude) In the consulship of Marcus Claudius Marcellus and Quintus Fabius Labeo, King Philip, who had killed envoys of the Roman people, earned pardon because of the most modest prayers of his son Demetrius, whom he had sent as envoy, ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.20.27 (CSEL 5:265; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-20-27). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.20.28 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-20-1/#p-4-20-28 - Source: CSEL 5:265 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Philip poisoned Demetrius. ### Latin text eundemque continuo uelut Romanis amicum suique proditorem, fratre quoque ipsius ad parricidium patris ministro, nihil de utroque miserum mali suspicantem ueneno necauit. ### English translation (Claude) and at once, as though he were a friend of the Romans and a traitor to himself, with Demetrius's own brother as agent of the murder of his father's son, he killed him with poison, the poor youth suspecting no evil of either. ### Translation notes - The Latin is compressed; Perseus, Demetrius's brother, brought about the killing. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.20.28 (CSEL 5:265; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-20-28). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.20.29 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-20-1/#p-4-20-29 - Source: CSEL 5:265–266 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Scipio, Hannibal, and Philopoemen died. ### Latin text eodem anno Scipio Africanus ab ingrata sibi Vrbe diu exulans apud Amiternum oppidum morbo periit. isdem etiam diebus Hannibal apud Prusiam Bithyniae regem, cum a Romanis reposceretur, ueneno se necauit, Philopoemenes, dux Achiuorum a Messanis captus occisusque est. ### English translation (Claude) In the same year Scipio Africanus, long in exile from the City ungrateful to him, died of disease at the town of Amiternum. In the same days Hannibal, at the court of Prusias, king of Bithynia, when he was demanded back by the Romans, killed himself with poison; Philopoemen, leader of the Achaeans, was captured and killed by the Messenians. ### Translation notes - Scipio died at Liternum, not Amiternum. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.20.29 (CSEL 5:265–266; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-20-29). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.20.30 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-20-1/#p-4-20-30 - Source: CSEL 5:266 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: A volcanic island rose near Sicily. ### Latin text in Sicilia tunc Vulcani insula, quae ante non fuerat, repente mari edita cum miraculo omnium usque ad nunc manet. ### English translation (Claude) In Sicily then an island of Vulcan, which had not existed before, suddenly rose from the sea, to the wonder of all, and remains to this day. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.20.30 (CSEL 5:266; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-20-30). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.20.31 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-20-1/#p-4-20-31 - Source: CSEL 5:266 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Fulvius Flaccus won in Spain. ### Latin text Q. Fuluius Flaccus praetor in citeriore Hispania maximo proelio XXIII milia hominum fudit, IIII milia cepit. ### English translation (Claude) Quintus Fulvius Flaccus, praetor in Hither Spain, routed twenty-three thousand men in a very great battle and captured four thousand. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.20.31 (CSEL 5:266; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-20-31). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.20.32 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-20-1/#p-4-20-32 - Source: CSEL 5:266 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Gracchus subdued 105 towns. ### Latin text Ti. Sempronius Gracchus in Hispania ulteriore centum quinque oppida uacuata quassataque bellis ad deditionem coegit. ### English translation (Claude) Tiberius Sempronius Gracchus in Farther Spain forced to surrender a hundred and five towns emptied and shattered by wars. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.20.32 (CSEL 5:266; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-20-32). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.20.33 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-20-1/#p-4-20-33 - Source: CSEL 5:266 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: More Roman victories in Spain. ### Latin text eadem aestate etiam L. Postumius in citeriore Hispania quadraginta milia hostium bello interfecit. Gracchus praetor ibidem iterum ducenta oppida expugnauit et cepit. ### English translation (Claude) In the same summer Lucius Postumius in Hither Spain killed forty thousand of the enemy in war. Gracchus the praetor there again stormed and took two hundred towns. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.20.33 (CSEL 5:266; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-20-33). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.20.34 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-20-1/#p-4-20-34 - Source: CSEL 5:266–267 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Bastarnae tried to cross the frozen Danube. ### Latin text Lepido et Mucio consulibus Basternarum gens ferocissima auctore Perseo Philippi filio praedarum spe sollicitata et transeundi Histri fluminis facultate sine ulla pugna uel aliquo hoste deleta est. nam tunc forte Danuuius, qui et Hister, crassa glacie superstratus pedestrem facile transitum patiebatur. ### English translation (Claude) In the consulship of Lepidus and Mucius the most ferocious nation of the Bastarnae, at the instigation of Perseus son of Philip, enticed by the hope of plunder and the possibility of crossing the river Hister, was destroyed without any battle or any enemy. For then by chance the Danube, which is also the Hister, covered with thick ice, readily allowed a crossing on foot. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.20.34 (CSEL 5:266–267; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-20-34). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.20.35 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-20-1/#p-4-20-35 - Source: CSEL 5:267 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The ice broke and drowned the Bastarnae. ### Latin text itaque cum inprouide toto et maximo simul agmine inaestimabilis hominum uel equorum multitudo transiret, enormitate ponderis et concussione gradientum concrepans gelu et glacialis crusta dissiluit uniuersumque agmen, quod diu sustinuerat, mediis gurgitibus uicta tandem et conminuta destituit atque eadem rursus fragmentis inpedientibus superducta summersit. pauci ex omni populo per utramque ripam uix concisis uisceribus euaserunt. ### English translation (Claude) So when, improvidently, an inestimable multitude of men and horses was crossing all at once in one very great column, by the enormity of the weight and the shaking of those walking the creaking frost and icy crust split apart, and, at last overcome and broken in the middle of the currents, it gave way beneath the whole column it had long held up, and then, closing over it again with fragments obstructing, drowned it. Few of the whole people escaped to either bank, with their bodies barely whole. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.20.35 (CSEL 5:267; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-20-35). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.20.36 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-20-1/#p-4-20-36 - Source: CSEL 5:267 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Third Macedonian War. ### Latin text P. Licinio Crasso C. Cassio Longino consulibus Macedonicum bellum gestum est, merito inter maxima bella referendum. nam in auxilio Romanorum tota primum Italia, deinde Ptolomaeus rex Aegypti et Ariarathes Cappadociae, Eumenes Asiae, Masinissa Numidiae fuerunt. Perseum et Macedonas secuti sunt Thraces cum rege Cotye et uniuersi cum rege Gentio Illyrii. ### English translation (Claude) In the consulship of Publius Licinius Crassus and Gaius Cassius Longinus the Macedonian war was waged, rightly to be reckoned among the greatest wars. For on the side of the Romans were first all Italy, then Ptolemy king of Egypt, and Ariarathes of Cappadocia, Eumenes of Asia, Masinissa of Numidia. Perseus and the Macedonians were followed by the Thracians with their king Cotys and all the Illyrians with their king Gentius. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.20.36 (CSEL 5:267; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-20-36). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.20.37 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-20-1/#p-4-20-37 - Source: CSEL 5:267 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Perseus defeated the Romans. ### Latin text itaque aduenienti Crasso consuli Perseus occurrit, commissoque proelio miserabiliter uicti fugere Romani. sequenti pugna paene pari clade partis utriusque in hiberna discessum est. ### English translation (Claude) So Perseus met the consul Crassus as he arrived, and when battle was joined the Romans were miserably defeated and fled. In the following battle, with almost equal slaughter on both sides, they withdrew into winter quarters. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.20.37 (CSEL 5:267; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-20-37). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.20.38 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-20-1/#p-4-20-38 - Source: CSEL 5:267–268 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Perseus took a Roman-held town in Illyricum. ### Latin text deinde Perseus profligato multis proeliis exercitu Romano in Illyricum transgressus Sulcamum oppidum defensum a praesidiis Romanis pugnando cepit: ubi magnam Romanorum praesidiorum multitudinem partim occidit partim sub corona uendidit partim secum in Macedoniam duxit. ### English translation (Claude) Then Perseus, having routed the Roman army in many battles, crossed into Illyricum and by fighting took the town of Sulcamum, defended by Roman garrisons; there he partly killed, partly sold at auction, partly took with him into Macedonia a great multitude of the Roman garrisons. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.20.38 (CSEL 5:267–268; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-20-38). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.20.39 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-20-1/#p-4-20-39 - Source: CSEL 5:268 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Aemilius Paulus defeated and captured Perseus. ### Latin text Postea cum eo L. Aemilius Paulus consul dimicauit et uicit: nam xx milia peditum in eo bello interfecit; rex cum equitatu subterfugit, sed continuo captus atque in triumpho cum filiis ante currum actus est et post apud Albam in custodia defecit. ### English translation (Claude) Afterwards the consul Lucius Aemilius Paulus fought with him and conquered: for he killed twenty thousand foot in that war; the king escaped with his cavalry, but was soon captured and driven in triumph before the chariot with his sons, and afterwards died in custody at Alba. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.20.39 (CSEL 5:268; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-20-39). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.20.40 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-20-1/#p-4-20-40 - Source: CSEL 5:268 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Perseus's son ended as a smith; much else is passed over. ### Latin text filius eius iunior fabricam aerariam ob tolerandam inopiam Romae didicit ibique consumptus est. plurima praeterea et satis diuersis prouentibus bella multarum ubique gentium gesta sunt, quae breuitatis causa praetermisi. ### English translation (Claude) His younger son learned the craft of metalworking at Rome to bear his poverty, and there wasted away. Very many other wars of many peoples everywhere, with quite various outcomes, were waged besides, which I have passed over for the sake of brevity. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.20.40 (CSEL 5:268; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-20-40). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.21.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-20-1/#p-4-21-1 - Source: CSEL 5:268 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Young Scipio volunteered for Spain. ### Latin text Anno ab Vrbe condita DC L. Licinio Lucullo A. Postumio Albino consulibus cum omnes Romanos ingens Celtiberorum metus inuasisset et ex omnibus non esset, qui ire in Hispaniam uel miles uel legatus auderet, P. Scipio, qui postea Africanus erit, ultro sese militaturum in Hispaniam obtulit, cum tamen in Macedoniam sorte iam deputatus esset. ### English translation (Claude) In the 600th year from the founding of the City, in the consulship of Lucius Licinius Lucullus and Aulus Postumius Albinus, when a huge fear of the Celtiberians had seized all the Romans and there was no one among them all who dared to go to Spain as soldier or legate, Publius Scipio, who would afterwards be Africanus, of his own accord offered to serve in Spain, though he had already been assigned by lot to Macedonia. ### Translation notes - Scipio Aemilianus, later Africanus the Younger. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.21.1 (CSEL 5:268; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-21-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.21.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-20-1/#p-4-21-2 - Source: CSEL 5:268–269 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Scipio fought in Spain, even in single combat. ### Latin text itaque profectus in Hispaniam magnas strages gentium dedit, saepius etiam militis quam ducis usus officio; nam et barbarum prouocantem singulariter congressus occidit. ### English translation (Claude) So he set out for Spain and wrought great slaughter of peoples, often performing the duty of a soldier rather than of a general; for he also met in single combat and killed a barbarian who challenged him. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.21.2 (CSEL 5:268–269; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-21-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.21.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-20-1/#p-4-21-3 - Source: CSEL 5:269 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Galba was defeated by the Lusitanians. ### Latin text Sergius autem Galba praetor a Lusitanis magno proelio uictus est uniuersoque exercitu amisso ipse cum paucis uix elapsus euasit. ### English translation (Claude) But Sergius Galba the praetor was defeated by the Lusitanians in a great battle, and, his whole army lost, he himself barely slipped away with a few. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.21.3 (CSEL 5:269; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-21-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.21.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-20-1/#p-4-21-4 - Source: CSEL 5:269 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Scipio Nasica stopped the building of a theatre. ### Latin text eodem tempore censores theatrum lapideum in Vrbe construi censuerunt. quod ne tunc fieret, Scipio Nasica grauissima oratione obstitit dicens, inimicissimum hoc fore bellatori populo ad nutriendam desidiam lasciuiamque commentum, adeoque mouit senatum, ut non solum uendi omnia theatro conparata iusserit, sed etiam subsellia ludis poni prohibuerit. ### English translation (Claude) At the same time the censors decreed that a stone theatre be built in the City. Scipio Nasica opposed its being done then with a most weighty speech, saying that this device would be most hostile to a warlike people, devised to nourish idleness and wantonness; and he so moved the senate that it not only ordered everything prepared for the theatre to be sold, but even forbade seats to be set up at the games. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.21.4 (CSEL 5:269; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-21-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.21.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-20-1/#p-4-21-5 - Source: CSEL 5:269 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Theatres, not Christian times, weakened Rome. ### Latin text Quamobrem intellegant nostri — quibus quidquid extra oblectamentum libidinis occurrit offensio est — propter hoc, quod se infirmiores esse hostibus suis ipsi sentiunt et fatentur, theatra incusanda non tempora, ### English translation (Claude) Therefore let our people understand (to whom whatever comes outside the delight of lust is an offence) that, because they themselves feel and confess that they are weaker than their enemies, it is the theatres that are to be blamed, not the times; ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.21.5 (CSEL 5:269; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-21-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.21.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-20-1/#p-4-21-6 - Source: CSEL 5:269 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The demons who demanded games are to blame. ### Latin text nec blasphemandum Deum uerum, qui usque ad nunc ea prohibet, sed abominandos deos uel daemones suos, qui ista petierunt, profundo quidem satis malignitatis suae argumento tale sacrificium flagitantes, quoniam non magis fuso cruore pecudum quam profligata uirtute hominum pascerentur. ### English translation (Claude) and that the true God, who to this day forbids such things, is not to be blasphemed, but their gods or demons are to be abominated, who demanded these things, giving a deep enough proof of their malignity in demanding such a sacrifice, since they fed no more on the shed blood of cattle than on the ruined virtue of men. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.21.6 (CSEL 5:269; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-21-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.21.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-20-1/#p-4-21-7 - Source: CSEL 5:269 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: In the theatres virtues are sacrificed to luxury. ### Latin text nam utique tunc nec hostes nec fames nec morbi nec prodigia deerant, immo tunc plurima erant; sed theatra non erant, in quibus — quod incredibile dictu est — ad aram luxuriae uirtutum uictimae trucidantur. ### English translation (Claude) For certainly then neither enemies nor famine nor diseases nor portents were lacking, indeed there were very many of them; but there were no theatres, in which, incredible to say, the victims of the virtues are slaughtered at the altar of luxury. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.21.7 (CSEL 5:269; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-21-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.21.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-20-1/#p-4-21-8 - Source: CSEL 5:270 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Carthage gave up human sacrifice; Rome demanded worse. ### Latin text Carthaginiensibus aliquando uisum est homines immolare, sed male praesumpta persuasio breui praetermissa est; a Romanis uero exactum est, ut ### English translation (Claude) The Carthaginians once thought fit to sacrifice men, but that wrongly presumed conviction was soon abandoned; but by the Romans it was demanded that ### Translation notes - The sentence continues in 4.21.9. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.21.8 (CSEL 5:270; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-21-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.21.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-20-1/#p-4-21-9 - Source: CSEL 5:270 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Let them blame the theatre that Nasica forbade. ### Latin text semet ipsos perditioni impenderent. factum est, fit, amatur et clamatur ut fiat: qui pro mactanda gregis sui pecude fortasse offenderentur, pro interficienda cordis sui uirtute laetantur. quin potius Nasicae erubescant, qui Christianis exprobrandum putant et non nobis de hostibus, quos semper habuerunt, sed illi de theatro, quod haberi prohibuerat, conquerantur. ### English translation (Claude) they should spend themselves on their own ruin. It was done, it is done, it is loved, and there is clamour that it be done: those who would perhaps be offended at the slaughter of a beast of their flock rejoice at the killing of the virtue of their heart. Let them rather blush before Nasica, those who think it is to be cast up against the Christians, and let them complain not to us about enemies, whom they have always had, but to him about the theatre, which he had forbidden to be had. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.21.9 (CSEL 5:270; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-21-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.21.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-20-1/#p-4-21-10 - Source: CSEL 5:270 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Galba massacred surrendered Lusitanians. ### Latin text Igitur in Hispania Sergius Galba praetor Lusitanos citra Tagum flumen habitantes cum uoluntarios in deditionem recepisset, per scelus interfecit; simulans enim de commodis eorum se acturum fore, circumpositis militibus cunctos inermes incautosque prostrauit. quae res postea uniuersae Hispaniae propter Romanorum perfidiam causa maximi tumultus fuit. ### English translation (Claude) So in Spain Sergius Galba the praetor, when he had received in surrender the Lusitanians living on this side of the river Tagus, who surrendered voluntarily, killed them criminally; for, pretending that he would act for their interests, he surrounded them with soldiers and laid low all, unarmed and unwary. This afterwards was the cause of the greatest upheaval in all Spain because of the perfidy of the Romans. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.21.10 (CSEL 5:270; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-21-10). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.22.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-20-1/#p-4-22-1 - Source: CSEL 5:270–271 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Third Punic War began. ### Latin text Anno ab Vrbe condita DCII L. Censorino et M. Manilio consulibus tertium Punicum bellum exortum est. igitur cum senatus delendam Carthaginem censuisset, profecti in Africam consules et Scipio tunc tribunus militum prope Vticam maioris Africani castra tenuerunt. ### English translation (Claude) In the 602nd year from the founding of the City, in the consulship of Lucius Censorinus and Marcus Manilius, the Third Punic War arose. So when the senate had decreed that Carthage must be destroyed, the consuls, setting out for Africa, and Scipio, then military tribune, held the camp of the elder Africanus near Utica. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.22.1 (CSEL 5:270–271; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-22-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.22.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-20-1/#p-4-22-2 - Source: CSEL 5:271 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Carthage surrendered its arms. ### Latin text ibi Carthaginiensibus euocatis iussisque ut arma et naues traderent nec moratis, tanta uis armorum repente tradita est, ut facile tota ex his Africa potuisset armari. ### English translation (Claude) There the Carthaginians were summoned and ordered to hand over their arms and ships, and without delay so great a quantity of arms was suddenly handed over that all Africa could easily have been armed from them. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.22.2 (CSEL 5:271; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-22-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.22.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-20-1/#p-4-22-3 - Source: CSEL 5:271 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Ordered to abandon their city, the Carthaginians resolved to fight. ### Latin text sed Carthaginienses postquam arma tradiderant et relicta urbe recedere procul a mari decem milibus passuum iussi sunt, dolorem ad desperationem contulerunt aut defensuri ciuitatem aut cum ipsa per ipsam sepeliendi, ducesque sibi duos Hasdrubales creauerunt. ### English translation (Claude) But after the Carthaginians had handed over their arms and were ordered to leave the city and withdraw ten miles from the sea, they turned grief to desperation, either to defend the city or to be buried with it and by it, and created two Hasdrubals as their leaders. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.22.3 (CSEL 5:271; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-22-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.22.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-20-1/#p-4-22-4 - Source: CSEL 5:271 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Carthage rearmed with gold and silver. ### Latin text arma primum facere adgressi aeris ferrique inopiam auri argentique metallis suppleuerunt. consules oppugnare Carthaginem statuunt, cuius situs fuisse huiusmodi dicitur: ### English translation (Claude) First setting about making arms, they supplied the lack of bronze and iron with gold and silver. The consuls resolved to attack Carthage, whose site is said to have been of this kind: ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.22.4 (CSEL 5:271; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-22-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.22.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-20-1/#p-4-22-5 - Source: CSEL 5:271 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The site and walls of Carthage. ### Latin text uiginti duo milia passuum muro amplexa, tota paene mari cingebatur absque faucibus, quae tribus milibus passuum aperiebantur. is locus murum triginta pedes latum habuit saxo quadrato in altitudinem cubitorum quadraginta. ### English translation (Claude) embraced by a wall of twenty-two miles, it was surrounded almost entirely by sea except at the neck, which opened for three miles. That place had a wall thirty feet broad, of squared stone, forty cubits high. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.22.5 (CSEL 5:271; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-22-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.22.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-20-1/#p-4-22-6 - Source: CSEL 5:271–272 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The citadel of Byrsa. ### Latin text arx, cui Byrsae nomen erat, paulo amplius quam duo milia passuum tenebat. ex una parte murus communis erat urbis et Byrsae imminens mari, quod mare Stagnum uocant, quoniam obiectu protentae linguae tranquillatur. ### English translation (Claude) The citadel, whose name was Byrsa, covered a little more than two miles. On one side the wall was common to the city and the Byrsa, overlooking the sea, which they call the Pool, because it is made calm by the barrier of a projecting tongue of land. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.22.6 (CSEL 5:271–272; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-22-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.22.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-20-1/#p-4-22-7 - Source: CSEL 5:272 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The first assault on Carthage failed. ### Latin text consules igitur quamuis aliquantam muri partem quassatam machinis diruissent, tamen a Carthaginiensibus uicti ac repulsi sunt: quos fugientes Scipio repulso intra muros hoste defendit. Censorinus in Vrbem rediit. Manlius omissa Carthagine ad Hasdrubalem arma conuertit. ### English translation (Claude) So the consuls, although they had shattered with machines and pulled down a considerable part of the wall, were nevertheless defeated and repelled by the Carthaginians: Scipio protected them as they fled, driving the enemy back within the walls. Censorinus returned to the City. Manlius, leaving Carthage, turned his arms against Hasdrubal. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.22.7 (CSEL 5:272; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-22-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.22.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-20-1/#p-4-22-8 - Source: CSEL 5:272 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Scipio divided Numidia; Hasdrubal was killed by his own men. ### Latin text Scipio Masinissa mortuo inter Masinissae filios tres Numidiae regnum diuisit. quo circa Carthaginem reuerso Manlius Tezagam urbem expugnauit atque diripuit; duodecim milia ibi Afrorum caesa, sex milia capta sunt. Hasdrubal Poenorum imperator, Masinissae nepos, subselliorum fragmentis in curia a suis propter suspicionem proditionis occisus est. ### English translation (Claude) Scipio, on the death of Masinissa, divided the kingdom of Numidia among Masinissa's three sons. When he returned to the neighbourhood of Carthage, Manlius stormed and plundered the city of Tezaga; twelve thousand Africans were slain there and six thousand captured. Hasdrubal, the Carthaginian general, a grandson of Masinissa, was killed in the senate house by his own men with fragments of the benches on suspicion of treachery. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.22.8 (CSEL 5:272; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-22-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.22.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-20-1/#p-4-22-9 - Source: CSEL 5:272 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Juventius was killed by the Pseudo-Philip. ### Latin text Iuuentius praetor in Macedonia aduersus Pseudophilippum congressus, cum maxima clade totius Romani exercitus interfectus est. ### English translation (Claude) Juventius the praetor, engaging the Pseudo-Philip in Macedonia, was killed with the greatest slaughter of the whole Roman army. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.22.9 (CSEL 5:272; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-22-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.23.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-20-1/#p-4-23-1 - Source: CSEL 5:272–273 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Scipio entered the harbour of Carthage. ### Latin text Anno ab Vrbe condita DCVI id est anno quinquagensimo post bellum Punicum secundum Cn. Cornelio Lentulo L. Mummio consulibus P. Scipio, superioris anni consul, delere Carthaginem suprema sorte molitus Gothonem ingreditur. ### English translation (Claude) In the 606th year from the founding of the City, that is, in the fiftieth year after the Second Punic War, in the consulship of Gnaeus Cornelius Lentulus and Lucius Mummius, Publius Scipio, consul of the previous year, striving to destroy Carthage by a final throw, entered the Cothon. ### Translation notes - The Cothon was Carthage's inner harbour. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.23.1 (CSEL 5:272–273; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-23-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.23.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-20-1/#p-4-23-2 - Source: CSEL 5:273 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Carthage surrendered after six days. ### Latin text ubi dum sex continuis diebus noctibusque pugnatur, ultima Carthaginienses desperatio ad deditionem traxit petentes, ut quos belli clades reliquos fecit, saltem seruire liceat. ### English translation (Claude) There, while fighting went on for six continuous days and nights, final despair drove the Carthaginians to surrender, asking that those whom the disasters of war had left might at least be allowed to be slaves. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.23.2 (CSEL 5:273; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-23-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.23.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-20-1/#p-4-23-3 - Source: CSEL 5:273 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The survivors and Hasdrubal surrendered. ### Latin text primum agmen mulierum satis miserabile, post uirorum magis deforme descendit. nam fuisse mulierum xxv milia, uirorum xxx milia memoriae traditum est. rex Hasdrubal se ultro dedit. ### English translation (Claude) First a column of women came down, pitiable enough, then one of men, more unsightly still. For it is recorded that there were twenty-five thousand women and thirty thousand men. King Hasdrubal gave himself up of his own accord. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.23.3 (CSEL 5:273; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-23-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.23.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-20-1/#p-4-23-4 - Source: CSEL 5:273 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Hasdrubal's wife threw herself and her sons into the fire. ### Latin text transfugae qui Aesculapii templum occupauerant, uoluntario praecipitio dati igne consumpti sunt, uxor Hasdrubalis se duosque filios secum uirili dolore et furore femineo in medium iecit incendium, eundem nunc mortis exitum faciens nouissima regina Carthaginis, quem quondam prima fecisset. ### English translation (Claude) The deserters who had occupied the temple of Aesculapius gave themselves to a voluntary plunge and were consumed by fire; Hasdrubal's wife threw herself and her two sons with her into the middle of the fire, with a man's grief and a woman's fury, the last queen of Carthage now making the same end in death which the first had once made. ### Translation notes - The first queen was Elissa (Dido). ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.23.4 (CSEL 5:273; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-23-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.23.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-20-1/#p-4-23-5 - Source: CSEL 5:273 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Carthage burned for seventeen days. ### Latin text ipsa autem ciuitas decem et septem continuis diebus arsit miserumque spectaculum de uarietate condicionis humanae uictoribus suis praebuit. ### English translation (Claude) The city itself burned for seventeen continuous days and offered its victors a wretched spectacle of the changeableness of the human condition. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.23.5 (CSEL 5:273; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-23-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.23.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-20-1/#p-4-23-6 - Source: CSEL 5:273–274 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Carthage was razed seven hundred years after its founding. ### Latin text diruta est autem Carthago omni murali lapide in puluerem conminuto septingentensimo post anno quam condita erat. ### English translation (Claude) Carthage was destroyed, all the stone of its walls ground to dust, in the seven hundredth year after it was founded. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.23.6 (CSEL 5:273–274; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-23-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.23.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-20-1/#p-4-23-7 - Source: CSEL 5:274 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Third Punic War ended. ### Latin text multitudo omnis captiuorum exceptis paucis principibus uenundata est. ita quarto quam coeptum fuit anno bellum Punicum tertium terminatum est. ### English translation (Claude) The whole multitude of captives, except a few leading men, was sold. So the Third Punic War was ended in the fourth year after it began. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.23.7 (CSEL 5:274; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-23-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.23.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-20-1/#p-4-23-8 - Source: CSEL 5:274 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Orosius finds no just cause for the Third Punic War. ### Latin text Sed mihi quamlibet studiose quaerenti uerumtamen homini tardioris ingenii nusquam omnino causa tertii belli Punici, quam in tantum Carthago accenderit, ut iuste euerti decerneretur, eluxit, illudque me uel maxime mouet, quod, si ita ut in superioribus bellis euidens in adsurgentem causa et dolor accendebat, consultatione non opus erat. ### English translation (Claude) But to me, however zealously I inquire, being nevertheless a man of slower wit, nowhere at all has the cause of the Third Punic War appeared, by which Carthage so kindled it that it was decreed she should justly be overthrown; and this moves me most of all, that if, as in the earlier wars, an evident cause and grievance had inflamed them against a city rising up, there would have been no need of deliberation. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.23.8 (CSEL 5:274; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-23-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.23.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-20-1/#p-4-23-9 - Source: CSEL 5:274 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The cause lay in Roman weakness, not Carthaginian wrong. ### Latin text at uero, cum alii Romanorum propter perpetuam Romae securitatem delendam esse decernerent, alii uero propter perpetuam Romanae uirtutis curam, quam sibi semper ex suspicione aemulae urbis inpenderent, ne uigor Romanus bellis semper exercitus in languidam segnitiem securitate atque otio solueretur, incolumem Carthaginem statui suo permittendam esse censerent: causam non ex iniuria lacessentum Carthaginiensium sed ex inconstantia torpescentium Romanorum ortam inuenio. ### English translation (Claude) But since some of the Romans decreed that it must be destroyed for the perpetual security of Rome, while others judged that Carthage should be left unharmed in its condition for the sake of perpetual care for Roman virtue, which they would always exert from suspicion of a rival city, lest Roman vigour, always exercised by wars, should be dissolved through security and leisure into languid sloth: I find that the cause arose not from any injury by provoking Carthaginians but from the inconstancy of Romans growing torpid. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.23.9 (CSEL 5:274; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-23-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.23.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-20-1/#p-4-23-10 - Source: CSEL 5:274–275 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Rome destroyed its own whetstone long before Christ. ### Latin text quod cum ita sit, cur Christianis temporibus imputant hebetationem ac robiginem suam, qua foris crassi, intus exesi sunt? qui porro ante sescentos fere annos, sicut sui prudentes timentesque praedixerant, cotem illam magnam splendoris et acuminis sui Carthaginem perdiderunt. ### English translation (Claude) Since this is so, why do they impute to Christian times their own dullness and rust, by which they are coarse outside and eaten away within? They, moreover, nearly six hundred years ago, as their own prudent and fearful men had foretold, destroyed Carthage, that great whetstone of their brightness and sharpness. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.23.10 (CSEL 5:274–275; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-23-10). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 4.23.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-20-1/#p-4-23-11 - Source: CSEL 5:275–276 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Book 4 ends. ### Latin text Itaque finem uolumini faciam, ne forsitan conlidendo uehementius discussa ad tempus robigine ubi necessarium acumen elicere non possum, superuacuam asperitatem inueniam. quamquam obuiantem asperitatem nequaquam expauescerem, si interioris spem acuminis inuenirem. ### English translation (Claude) So I shall make an end of the volume, lest perhaps, by rubbing too hard on the rust that has for a time been knocked off, where I cannot draw out the needed sharpness I find superfluous roughness. Though I would by no means dread roughness meeting me, if I found hope of an inner sharpness. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 4.23.11 (CSEL 5:275–276; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/4-23-11). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.1.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-20-1/#p-5-1-1 - Source: CSEL 5:276 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Orosius anticipates the objection that Rome's victories made these times happy. ### Latin text Scio aliquantos post haec deinceps permoueri posse, quod uictoriae Romanae multarum gentium et ciuitatum strage crebrescunt. quamquam, si diligenter appendant, plus damni inuenient accidisse quam commodi. neque enim parui pendenda sunt tot bella seruilia, socialia, ciuilia, fugitiuorum, nullorum utique fructuum et magnarum tamen miseriarum. ### English translation (Claude) I know that some may be disturbed from this point on, because Roman victories grow more frequent with the slaughter of many peoples and cities. Yet if they weigh the matter carefully, they will find that more loss than gain resulted. For so many wars, slave wars, wars with the allies, civil wars, wars with runaways, which brought no fruits at all and yet great miseries, are not to be lightly regarded. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.1.1 (CSEL 5:276; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-1-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.1.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-20-1/#p-5-1-2 - Source: CSEL 5:276 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The imagined objection: the age of triumphs was the happiest. ### Latin text sed coniueo, ut quemadmodum uolunt ita fuisse uideatur; unde arbitror esse dicturos: ecquid his temporibus beatius, quibus continui triumphi, celebres uictoriae, diuites praedae, nobiles pompae, magni ante currum reges et longo ordine uictae gentes agebantur? ### English translation (Claude) But I shut my eyes and let it seem to have been as they wish. Hence I expect them to say: “What could be happier than those times, in which there were continual triumphs, famous victories, rich spoils, noble processions, great kings driven before the chariot and conquered peoples led in a long line?” ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.1.2 (CSEL 5:276; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-1-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.1.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-20-1/#p-5-1-3 - Source: CSEL 5:276–277 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The times must be judged for the whole world, not for Rome alone. ### Latin text quibus breuiter respondebitur et ipsos de temporibus solere causari et nos pro isdem temporibus instituisse sermonem, quae tempora non uni tantum urbi adtributa sed Orbi uniuerso constat esse communia. ecce quam feliciter Roma uincit tam infeliciter quidquid extra Romam est uincitur. ### English translation (Claude) To them the brief answer will be that they themselves are accustomed to complain about the times, and that we have undertaken this discourse on behalf of those same times, times which, it is agreed, were not assigned to one city only but are common to the whole world. See: as happily as Rome conquers, so unhappily is whatever lies outside Rome conquered. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.1.3 (CSEL 5:276–277; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-1-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.1.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-20-1/#p-5-1-4 - Source: CSEL 5:277 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The good fortune of one city does not outweigh the ruin of the world. ### Latin text quanti igitur pendenda est gutta haec laboriosae felicitatis, cui adscribitur unius urbis beatitudo in tanta mole infelicitatis, per quam agitur totius Orbis euersio? aut si ideo felicia putantur, quia unius ciuitatis opes auctae sunt, cur non potius infelicissima iudicentur, quibus miserabili uastatione multarum ac bene institutarum gentium potentissima regna ceciderunt? ### English translation (Claude) How much, then, is this drop of laborious happiness worth, to which the blessedness of one city is ascribed, amid so great a mass of unhappiness by which the overthrow of the whole world is brought about? Or if those times are thought happy because the wealth of one city was increased, why should they not rather be judged most unhappy, since in them, through the pitiable devastation of many well-ordered peoples, the mightiest kingdoms fell? ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.1.4 (CSEL 5:277; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-1-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.1.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-20-1/#p-5-1-5 - Source: CSEL 5:277 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Carthage would not call those times happy. ### Latin text an forte aliud tunc Carthagini uidebatur, cum post annos centum uiginti, quibus modo bellorum clades modo pacis condiciones perhorrescens, nunc rebelli intentione nunc supplici, bellis pacem, pace bella mutabat, nouissime miseris ciuibus passim se in ignem ultima desperatione iacientibus unus rogus tota ciuitas fuit? cui etiam nunc, situ paruae, moenibus destitutae, pars miseriarum est audire quid fuerit. ### English translation (Claude) Or did Carthage perhaps see it differently then, when after a hundred and twenty years, dreading now the disasters of war, now the terms of peace, now with rebellious intent, now as a suppliant, she exchanged peace for war and war for peace, and at last, as her wretched citizens everywhere threw themselves into the fire in final despair, the whole city became one funeral pyre? Even now, small in site and stripped of walls, part of her misery is to hear what she once was. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.1.5 (CSEL 5:277; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-1-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.1.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-20-1/#p-5-1-6 - Source: CSEL 5:277–278 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Spain too suffered for two centuries under Roman wars. ### Latin text edat Hispania sententiam suam: cum per annos ducentos ubique agros suos sanguine suo rigabat inportunumque hostem ultro ostiatim inquietantem nec repellere poterat nec sustinere, cum se suis diuersis urbibus ac locis, fracti caede bellorum, obsidionum fame exinaniti, interfectis coniugibus ac liberis suis ob remedia miseriarum concursu misero ac mutua caede iugulabant, — quid tunc de suis temporibus sentiebat? ### English translation (Claude) Let Spain give her opinion. For two hundred years she watered her fields everywhere with her own blood, and could neither drive off nor endure a relentless enemy who harassed her door to door unprovoked; her people, broken by the slaughter of wars and drained by the hunger of sieges, having killed their wives and children, cut one another's throats in their various cities and places, in a wretched gathering and mutual slaughter, as a remedy for their miseries. What did she then think of her times? ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.1.6 (CSEL 5:277–278; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-1-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.1.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-20-1/#p-5-1-7 - Source: CSEL 5:278 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Italy's long resistance shows Roman success was its misery. ### Latin text ipsa postremo dicat Italia: cur per annos quadringentos Romanis utique suis contradixit obstitit repugnauit, si eorum felicitas sua infelicitas non erat Romanosque fieri rerum dominos bonis communibus non obstabat? ### English translation (Claude) Finally, let Italy herself say why for four hundred years she opposed, resisted, and fought against the Romans, who were after all her own, if their happiness was not her unhappiness, and if the Romans' becoming masters of the world did not stand in the way of the common good. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.1.7 (CSEL 5:278; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-1-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.1.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-20-1/#p-5-1-8 - Source: CSEL 5:278 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The enslaved nations need not even be asked. ### Latin text non requiro de innumeris diuersarum gentium populis diu ante liberis, tunc bello uictis, patria abductis, pretio uenditis, seruitute dispersis, quid tunc sibi maluerint, quid de Romanis opinati sint, quid de temporibus iudicarint. ### English translation (Claude) I do not ask the countless peoples of various nations, long free before, then conquered in war, led away from their homeland, sold for a price, scattered into slavery, what they would then have preferred for themselves, what they thought of the Romans, how they judged the times. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.1.8 (CSEL 5:278; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-1-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.1.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-20-1/#p-5-1-9 - Source: CSEL 5:278 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Nor need the captured kings be asked. ### Latin text omitto de regibus magnarum opum, magnarum uirium, magnae gloriae, diu potentissimis, aliquando captis, seruiliter catenatis, sub iugum missis, ante currum actis, in carcere trucidatis: quorum tam stultum est exquirere sententiam, quam durum non dolere miseriam. ### English translation (Claude) I pass over kings of great wealth, great strength, and great glory, long most powerful, at length captured, chained like slaves, sent under the yoke, driven before the chariot, butchered in prison: to seek their opinion is as foolish as it is hard not to grieve at their misery. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.1.9 (CSEL 5:278; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-1-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.1.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-20-1/#p-5-1-10 - Source: CSEL 5:278 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Orosius turns to the experience of his own generation. ### Latin text nos, nos inquam ipsos uitaeque nostrae electionem, cui adquieuimus, consulamus. maiores nostri bella gesserunt, bellis fatigati pacem petentes tributa obtulerunt: tributum pretium pacis est. ### English translation (Claude) Let us, let us, I say, consult ourselves and the choice of life in which we have found rest. Our ancestors waged wars; worn out by wars, they sought peace and offered tribute. Tribute is the price of peace. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.1.10 (CSEL 5:278; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-1-10). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.1.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-20-1/#p-5-1-11 - Source: CSEL 5:278–279 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: His own times are happier, enjoying the peace the ancestors finally sought. ### Latin text nos tributa dependimus, ne bella patiamur, ac per hoc in portu, ad quem illi tandem pro euadendis malorum tempestatibus confugerunt, nos consistimus et manemus. igitur nostra tempora uiderim utrum felicia; certe feliciora illis ducimus, qui quod illi ultime delegerunt nos continue possidemus. ### English translation (Claude) We pay tribute so as not to suffer wars, and so we stand and remain in the harbor to which they at last fled to escape the storms of evils. So I leave it to be seen whether our times are happy; certainly we consider them happier than theirs, since what they chose at the very end we possess continuously. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.1.11 (CSEL 5:278–279; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-1-11). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.1.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-20-1/#p-5-1-12 - Source: CSEL 5:279 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The peace begun under Augustus and the birth of Christ is now normal. ### Latin text inquietudo enim bellorum, qua illi attriti sunt, nobis ignota est. in otio autem, quod illi post imperium Caesaris natiuitatemque Christi tenuiter gustauerunt, nos nascimur et senescimus; ### English translation (Claude) For the restlessness of wars by which they were worn down is unknown to us. In the peace which they tasted only slightly after the rule of Caesar and the birth of Christ, we are born and grow old; ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.1.12 (CSEL 5:279; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-1-12). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.1.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-20-1/#p-5-1-13 - Source: CSEL 5:279 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Taxes are now a shared contribution, and the Goths are no worse than the old Romans. ### Latin text quod illis erat debita pensio seruitutis nobis est libera conlatio defensionis, tantumque interest inter praeterita praesentiaque tempora, ut quod Roma in usum luxuriae suae ferro extorquebat a nostris, nunc in usum communis reipublicae conferat ipsa nobiscum. aut si ab aliquo dicitur tolerabiliores parentibus nostris Romanos hostes fuisse, quam nobis Gothos esse, audiat et intellegat, quanto aliter quam circa se ipsum agitur sibi esse uideatur. ### English translation (Claude) what for them was the payment owed for servitude is for us a free contribution for defense; and so great is the difference between past and present times that what Rome extorted from our people by the sword for the use of her luxury, she now contributes together with us for the use of the commonwealth we share. Or if anyone says that the Romans were more tolerable enemies to our forefathers than the Goths are to us, let him hear and understand how differently things appear to him than they are going on around him. ### Translation notes - The last clause is compressed in the Latin; the sense is that the complainer misjudges his own situation. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.1.13 (CSEL 5:279; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-1-13). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.1.14 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-20-1/#p-5-1-14 - Source: CSEL 5:279 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: In former times the nations had no common bond. ### Latin text Olim cum bella toto Orbe feruebant, quaeque prouincia suis regibus suis legibus suisque moribus utebatur, nec erat societas adfectionum, ubi dissidebat diuersitas potestatum; postremo solutas et barbaras gentes quid tandem ad societatem adduceret, quas diuersis sacrorum ritibus institutas etiam religio separabat? ### English translation (Claude) Formerly, when wars blazed throughout the world, each province used its own kings, its own laws, and its own customs, and there was no fellowship of affections where the diversity of powers was at variance. Finally, what could ever bring into fellowship peoples loose and barbarous, whom even religion kept apart, trained as they were in different sacred rites? ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.1.14 (CSEL 5:279; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-1-14). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.1.15 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-20-1/#p-5-1-15 - Source: CSEL 5:279 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: A refugee of old had nowhere safe to go. ### Latin text si quia igitur tunc acerbitate malorum uictus patriam cum hoste deseruit, quem tandem ignotum locum ignotus adiit? quam gentem generaliter hostem hostis orauit? cui se congressu primo credidit, non societate nominis inuitatus, non communione iuris adductus, non religionis unitate securus? ### English translation (Claude) If then, overcome by the bitterness of evils, a man abandoned his homeland to the enemy, what unknown place could he, unknown, go to? What people, an enemy to all, could he, an enemy, beg as a suppliant? To whom could he entrust himself at first meeting, not invited by a common name, not drawn by a shared law, not made secure by one religion? ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.1.15 (CSEL 5:279; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-1-15). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.1.16 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-20-1/#p-5-1-16 - Source: CSEL 5:279–280 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Examples of the ancient killing of guests and fugitives. ### Latin text an parum exempli dederunt Busiris in Aegypto peregrinorum infeliciter incurrentium impiissimus immolator, crudelissima circa aduenas Dianae Tauricae litora sed magis sacra crudelia, Thracia cum Polymestore suo usque ad propinquos hospites scelerata? et ne antiquitatibus uidear immorari, testis est Roma de Pompeio interfecto, testis Aegyptus de interfectore Ptolemaeo. ### English translation (Claude) Or did they give too few examples: Busiris in Egypt, most impious sacrificer of strangers who unluckily fell in with him; the shores of Tauric Diana, most cruel to newcomers, but her rites more cruel still; Thrace with her Polymestor, wicked even toward guests who were kinsmen? And lest I seem to linger over ancient things, Rome is witness in the case of the murdered Pompey, and Egypt in the case of his murderer Ptolemy. ### Translation notes - Polymestor of Thrace murdered Polydorus, the son of Priam entrusted to him (Euripides, Hecuba; Virgil, Aeneid 3). ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.1.16 (CSEL 5:279–280; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-1-16). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.2.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-20-1/#p-5-2-1 - Source: CSEL 5:280 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: For a Roman Christian every land is home. ### Latin text Mihi autem prima qualiscumque motus perturbatione fugienti, quia de confugiendi statione securo, ubique patria, ubique lex et religio mea est. ### English translation (Claude) But as for me, when I flee at the first disturbance of any upheaval, since I am secure about a place of refuge, everywhere is my homeland, everywhere my law and my religion. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.2.1 (CSEL 5:280; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-2-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.2.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-20-1/#p-5-2-2 - Source: CSEL 5:280 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Africa now welcomes Orosius as a fellow Christian and Roman. ### Latin text nunc me Africa tam libenter excepit quam confidenter accessi; nunc me, inquam, ista Africa excepit pace simplici, sinu proprio, iure communi, de qua aliquando dictum et uere dictum est hospitio prohibemur harenae, Bella cient primaque uetant consistere terra; nunc ultro ad suscipiendos socios religionis et pacis suae beniuolum late gremium pandit atque ultro fessos, quos foueat, inuitat. ### English translation (Claude) Now Africa has received me as gladly as I came to her confidently; now, I say, this Africa has received me with simple peace, in her own bosom, under common law, she of whom it was once said, and truly said: “We are barred from the welcome of the sand; they stir up war and forbid us to stand on the shore.” Now of her own accord she opens wide a kindly bosom to receive the partners of her religion and peace, and of her own accord invites the weary to cherish them. ### Extrabiblical texts - Virgil, Aen. 1.540-541 (Virgil): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation of Virgil, Aeneid 1.540–541. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.2.2 (CSEL 5:280; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-2-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.2.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-20-1/#p-5-2-3 - Source: CSEL 5:280 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: All regions belong to the Roman Christian. ### Latin text latitudo orientis, septentrionis copiositas, meridiana diffusio, magnarum insularum largissimae tutissimaeque sedes mei iuris et nominis sunt quia ad Christianos et Romanos Romanus et Christianus accedo. ### English translation (Claude) The breadth of the East, the abundance of the North, the expanse of the South, the most ample and secure dwellings of the great islands, are of my law and name, because I come as a Roman and a Christian to Christians and Romans. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.2.3 (CSEL 5:280; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-2-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.2.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-20-1/#p-5-2-4 - Source: CSEL 5:280 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: No pagan host's gods threaten him. ### Latin text non timeo deos hospitis mei, non timeo religionem eius necem meam, non habeo talem quem pertimescam locum, ubi et possessori liceat perpetrare quod uelit et peregrino non liceat adhibere quod conuenit, ubi sit ius hospitis quod meum non sit; ### English translation (Claude) I do not fear the gods of my host, I do not fear that his religion means my death; I have no such place to dread, where the owner may do whatever he wishes and the stranger may not do what is fitting, where the law of the host is not my law; ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.2.4 (CSEL 5:280; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-2-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.2.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-20-1/#p-5-2-5 - Source: CSEL 5:280–281 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: One God and one law now prevail everywhere. ### Latin text unus Deus, qui temporibus, quibus ipse innotescere uoluit, hanc regni statuit unitatem, ab omnibus et diligitur et timetur; eaedem leges, quae uni Deo subiectae sunt, ubique dominantur; ubicumque ignotus accessero, repentinam uim tamquam destitutus non pertimesco. ### English translation (Claude) the one God, who in the times when he willed to make himself known established this unity of the empire, is loved and feared by all; the same laws, which are subject to the one God, rule everywhere; wherever I come unknown, I do not dread sudden violence as one left defenseless. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.2.5 (CSEL 5:280–281; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-2-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.2.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-20-1/#p-5-2-6 - Source: CSEL 5:281 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: His true homeland is not on earth. ### Latin text inter Romanos, ut dixi, Romanus, inter Christianos Christianus, inter homines homo legibus inploro rempublicam, religione conscientiam, communione naturam. utor temporarie omni terra quasi patria, quia quae uera est et illa quam amo patria in terra penitus non est. ### English translation (Claude) Among Romans, as I said, a Roman, among Christians a Christian, among men a man, I appeal to the commonwealth through its laws, to conscience through religion, to nature through our common humanity. For the time being I use every land as my homeland, because the true homeland, the one I love, is not on earth at all. ### Scripture references - Heb 11:14: echo, low confidence ### Translation notes - Compare Heb 11:13–16 and Phil 3:20 (not cited explicitly). ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.2.6 (CSEL 5:281; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-2-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.2.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-20-1/#p-5-2-7 - Source: CSEL 5:281 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: God, who owns the earth, makes all men neighbors. ### Latin text nihil perdidi, ubi nihil amaui, totumque habeo, quando quem diligo mecum est, maxime quia et apud omnes idem est, qui me non modo notum omnibus uerum et proximum facit, nec egentem deserit, quia ipsius est terra et plenitudo eius, ex qua omnibus omnia iussit esse communia. ### English translation (Claude) I have lost nothing where I loved nothing, and I have everything when he whom I love is with me, especially since he is also the same among all, he who makes me not only known to all but their neighbor, and does not desert me in need, because “the earth is his, and its fullness,” from which he commanded that all things be common to all. ### Scripture references - Ps 24:1 (23:1 LXX): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation of Ps 24:1 (LXX 23:1). ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.2.7 (CSEL 5:281; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-2-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.2.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-20-1/#p-5-2-8 - Source: CSEL 5:281 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The goods of the present age, which the ancients lacked. ### Latin text haec sunt nostrorum temporum bona: quae in totum uel in tranquillitate praesentium uel in spe futurorum uel in perfugio communi non habuere maiores, ac per hoc incessabilia bella gesserunt, quia, mutandarum sedium communione non libera, persistendo in sedibus suis aut infeliciter necati sunt aut turpiter seruierunt. quod clarius promptiusque ipsis ueterum gestis per ordinem explicitis aperietur. ### English translation (Claude) These are the goods of our times, which the ancestors did not have at all, whether in the tranquility of the present, or in the hope of the future, or in a common refuge; and so they waged ceaseless wars, because, not being free to change their dwellings in common, they stayed in their dwellings and were either unhappily killed or shamefully enslaved. This will be shown more clearly and readily when the deeds of the ancients themselves are set out in order. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.2.8 (CSEL 5:281; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-2-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.3.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-20-1/#p-5-3-1 - Source: CSEL 5:281–282 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Corinth falls in the year Carthage is destroyed. ### Latin text Anno ab Vrbe condita DCVI, hoc est eodem anno, quo et Carthago deleta est, Cn. Cornelio Lentulo L. Mummio consulibus ruinam Carthaginis euersio Corinthi subsecuta est, duarumque potentissimarum urbium paruo unius temporis interuallo per diuersas mundi partes miserabile conluxit incendium. ### English translation (Claude) In the 606th year from the founding of the City, that is, in the same year in which Carthage was destroyed, in the consulship of Gnaeus Cornelius Lentulus and Lucius Mummius, the overthrow of Corinth followed the ruin of Carthage, and within a small interval of one time a pitiable fire blazed from two most powerful cities in different parts of the world. ### Translation notes - 146 BC. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.3.1 (CSEL 5:281–282; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-3-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.3.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-20-1/#p-5-3-2 - Source: CSEL 5:282 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Metellus defeats the Achaeans and Boeotians. ### Latin text nam cum Metellus praetor Achaeos Boeotiosque coniunctos duobus bellis, hoc est primum apud Thermopylas, ### English translation (Claude) For when the praetor Metellus had defeated the Achaeans and Boeotians, who were joined together, in two battles, first at Thermopylae, ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.3.2 (CSEL 5:282; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-3-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.3.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-20-1/#p-5-3-3 - Source: CSEL 5:282 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The historians disagree about the Achaean battles. ### Latin text iterum in Phocide uicisset — quorum priore bello occisa esse xx milia, secundo VII milia caesa Claudius historicus refert, Valerius et Antias in Achaia pugnatum et xx milia Achaeorum cum duce suo Diaeo cecidisse confirmant, Polybius Achiuus quamuis tunc in Africa cum Scipione fuerit, tamen, quia domesticam cladem ignorare non potuit, semel in Achaia pugnatum Critolao duce adserit, Diaeum uero adducentem ex Arcadia militem ab eodem Metello praetore oppressum cum exercitu docet; ### English translation (Claude) and again in Phocis (the historian Claudius reports that twenty thousand were killed in the first battle and seven thousand slain in the second; Valerius and Antias assert that the battle was fought in Achaea and that twenty thousand Achaeans fell with their leader Diaeus; Polybius the Achaean, although he was then in Africa with Scipio, yet because he could not be ignorant of a disaster at home, states that there was one battle in Achaea under the leadership of Critolaus, and shows that Diaeus, when he was bringing up soldiers from Arcadia, was crushed with his army by the same praetor Metellus; ### Extrabiblical texts - Valerius Antias (Valerius Antias (fragments)): allusion, medium confidence ### Translation notes - “Valerius et Antias” as printed; Valerius Antias is one historian, and the “et” may be an error of Orosius or of the tradition. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.3.3 (CSEL 5:282; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-3-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.3.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-20-1/#p-5-3-4 - Source: CSEL 5:282 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The historians' disagreements show their unreliability. ### Latin text sed de uarietate discordantium historicorum aliquanta iam diximus, quorum sufficiat detecta haec et male nota mendaciorum nota, quia parum credendum esse in ceteris euidenter ostendunt qui in his quoque, quae ipsi uidere, diuersi ### English translation (Claude) but I have already said a good deal about the variety of discordant historians; let it suffice that this mark of falsehood has been detected and noted, because those who differ even in matters they themselves saw clearly show that little is to be believed in the rest) ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.3.4 (CSEL 5:282; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-3-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.3.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-20-1/#p-5-3-5 - Source: CSEL 5:282–283 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Mummius takes Corinth. ### Latin text sunt — igitur post extincta totius Achaiae praesidia destitutarum euersionem urbium Metello praetore meditante consul Mummius repentinus cum paucis uenit in castra. qui dimisso statim Metello Corinthum sine mora expugnauit, urbem toto tunc Orbe longe omnium opulentissimam, quippe quae uelut officina omnium artificum atque artificiorum et emporium commune Asiae atque Europae per multa. retro saecula fuit. ### English translation (Claude) so then, after the forces of all Achaea had been destroyed, while the praetor Metellus was planning the overthrow of the defenseless cities, the consul Mummius came suddenly to the camp with a few men. He at once dismissed Metellus and without delay stormed Corinth, then by far the richest city in the whole world, since for many ages past it had been like a workshop of all craftsmen and crafts and the common market of Asia and Europe. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.3.5 (CSEL 5:282–283; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-3-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.3.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-20-1/#p-5-3-6 - Source: CSEL 5:283 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Corinth is sacked and burned. ### Latin text permissa crudeliter etiam captiuis praedandi licentia sic omnia caedibus ignibusque conpleta sunt, ut de murorum ambitu quasi e camino in unum apicem coartatum exundaret incendium. itaque plurima parte populi ferro flammisque consumpta reliqua sub corona uendita est; urbe incensa muri funditus diruti sunt; muralis lapis in puluerem redactus, praeda ingens erepta est. ### English translation (Claude) Since license to plunder was cruelly granted even to captives, everything was so filled with slaughter and fire that the conflagration poured out from the circuit of the walls as from a furnace, narrowed into one peak. So the greater part of the people was consumed by sword and flame, and the rest was sold at auction; the city was burned and the walls razed to the ground; the stone of the walls was reduced to dust, and enormous booty was carried off. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.3.6 (CSEL 5:283; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-3-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.3.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/4-20-1/#p-5-3-7 - Source: CSEL 5:283 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The origin of Corinthian bronze. ### Latin text sane cum propter multitudinem et uarietatem statuarum simulacrorumque in illo ciuitatis incendio permixta in unum auri argenti atque aeris omniaque simul metalla fluxissent, nouum genus metalli factum est, unde usque in hodiernum diem siue ex ipso siue ex imitatione eius aes Corinthium, sicut memoriae traditum est, et Corinthia uasa dicuntur. ### English translation (Claude) Indeed, because of the number and variety of the statues and images, in that fire of the city gold, silver, and bronze, and all metals together, melted and flowed into one, and a new kind of metal was made; from it, whether from that very metal or from imitation of it, Corinthian bronze and Corinthian vessels are, as tradition records, so called down to the present day. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.3.7 (CSEL 5:283; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-3-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.4.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-4-1/#p-5-4-1 - Source: CSEL 5:283 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Viriathus rises in Spain. ### Latin text Isdem consulibus Viriatus in Hispania genere Lusitanus, homo pastoralis et latro, primum infestando uias deinde uastando prouincias postremo exercitus praetorum et consulum Romanorum uincendo fugando subigendo maximo terrori Romanis omnibus fuit. ### English translation (Claude) In the same consulship Viriathus in Spain, a Lusitanian by birth, a herdsman and a brigand, first by infesting the roads, then by laying waste the provinces, and finally by conquering, routing, and subduing the armies of Roman praetors and consuls, was the greatest terror to all the Romans. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.4.1 (CSEL 5:283; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-4-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.4.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-4-1/#p-5-4-2 - Source: CSEL 5:283–284 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Vetilius is defeated. ### Latin text siquidem Hiberum et Tagum, maxima et diuersissimorum locorum flumina, late transgredienti et peruaganti C. Vecilius praetor occurrit: qui continuo caeso usque ad internecionem paene omni exercitu suo uix ipse praetor cum paucis fuga lapsus euasit. ### English translation (Claude) For as he crossed and roamed widely over the Ebro and the Tagus, the greatest rivers of very different regions, the praetor Gaius Vetilius met him; at once almost his whole army was cut down to the point of annihilation, and the praetor himself barely escaped in flight with a few men. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.4.2 (CSEL 5:283–284; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-4-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.4.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-4-1/#p-5-4-3 - Source: CSEL 5:284 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Plautius and Claudius Unimanus are defeated. ### Latin text deinde C. Plautium praetorem idem Viriatus multis proeliis fractum fugauit. post etiam Claudius Vnimammus cum magno instructu belli contra Viriatum missus quasi pro abolenda superiore macula turpiorem ipse sunt infamiam. ### English translation (Claude) Then the same Viriathus broke the praetor Gaius Plautius in many battles and put him to flight. Afterward Claudius Unimanus too, sent against Viriathus with great equipment of war, as if to wipe out the earlier stain, himself incurred a more shameful disgrace. ### Translation notes - “Vnimammus” as printed for Claudius Unimanus. - The printed “ipse sunt infamiam” is corrupt (perhaps for “sumpsit” or “auxit”); translated by sense. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.4.3 (CSEL 5:284; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-4-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.4.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-4-1/#p-5-4-4 - Source: CSEL 5:284 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Viriathus displays Roman insignia as trophies. ### Latin text nam congressus cum Viriato uniuersas quas secum deduxerat copias maximasque uires Romani amisit exercitus. Viriatus trabeas fasces ceteraque insignia Romana in montibus suis tropaea praefixit. ### English translation (Claude) For in meeting Viriathus the Roman army lost all the forces he had brought with him and its greatest strength. Viriathus set up the robes, the fasces, and the other Roman insignia as trophies on his mountains. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.4.4 (CSEL 5:284; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-4-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.4.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-4-1/#p-5-4-5 - Source: CSEL 5:284 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: A small battle in a mountain pass. ### Latin text Eodem tempore ccc Lusitani cum mille Romanis in quodam saltu contraxere pugnam, in qua LXX Lusitanos, Romanos autem cccxx cecidisse Claudius refert; ### English translation (Claude) At the same time three hundred Lusitanians joined battle with a thousand Romans in a certain pass, in which, Claudius reports, seventy Lusitanians fell, but three hundred and twenty Romans; ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.4.5 (CSEL 5:284; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-4-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.4.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-4-1/#p-5-4-6 - Source: CSEL 5:284 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The feat of a single Lusitanian. ### Latin text et cum uictores Lusitani sparsi ac securi abirent, unus ex his longe a ceteris segregatus cum, circumfusis equitibus pedes ipse deprehensus unius eorum equo lancea perfosso ipsius equitis ad unum gladii ictum caput desecuisset, ita omnes metu perculit, ut prospectantibus cunctis ipse contemptim atque otiosus abscederet. ### English translation (Claude) and when the victorious Lusitanians were going off scattered and unconcerned, one of them, separated far from the rest, was caught on foot by horsemen who surrounded him; he pierced the horse of one of them with his lance and cut off the rider's head with a single stroke of his sword, and so struck them all with fear that, while all looked on, he went off contemptuously and at leisure. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.4.6 (CSEL 5:284; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-4-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.4.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-4-1/#p-5-4-7 - Source: CSEL 5:284–285 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Appius Claudius celebrates a triumph at his own cost. ### Latin text Appio Claudio Q. Caecilio Metello consulibus Appius Claudius aduersus Salassos Gallos congressus et uictus quinque milia militum perdidit. reparata pugna, quinque milia hostium occidit. sed cum iuxta legem, qua constitutum erat, ut quisque quinque milia hostium peremisset triumphandi haberet potestatem, iste quoque triumphum expetisset, propter superiora uero damna non impetrauisset, infami impudentia atque ambitione usus priuatis sumptibus triumphauit. ### English translation (Claude) In the consulship of Appius Claudius and Quintus Caecilius Metellus, Appius Claudius engaged the Salassian Gauls, was defeated, and lost five thousand soldiers. When battle was renewed, he killed five thousand of the enemy. But since, according to the law which laid down that whoever had slain five thousand of the enemy should have the right to triumph, he too sought a triumph and did not obtain it because of his earlier losses, with notorious impudence and ambition he triumphed at his own expense. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.4.7 (CSEL 5:284–285; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-4-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.4.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-4-1/#p-5-4-8 - Source: CSEL 5:285 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: A portent expiated by drowning is followed by a plague. ### Latin text L. Caecilio Metello Q. Fabio Maximo Seruiliano consulibus inter cetera prodigia androgynus Romae uisus iussu haruspicum in mare mersus est. sed nihil impiae expiationis procuratio profecit; nam tanta subito pestilentia exorta est, ut ministri quoque faciendorum funerum primum non sufficerent deinde non essent; iamque etiam magnae domus uacuae uiuis plenae mortuis remanserunt: largissimae introrsum hereditates et nulli penitus heredes. ### English translation (Claude) In the consulship of Lucius Caecilius Metellus and Quintus Fabius Maximus Servilianus, among other portents a hermaphrodite was seen at Rome and was drowned in the sea by order of the soothsayers. But the performance of this impious expiation did no good; for so great a plague suddenly arose that those who served in conducting funerals were at first not enough and then were not there at all; and now great houses remained empty of the living and full of the dead: the largest inheritances within, and no heirs at all. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.4.8 (CSEL 5:285; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-4-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.4.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-4-1/#p-5-4-9 - Source: CSEL 5:285 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The stench of the plague. ### Latin text denique iam non solum in Vrbe uiuendi sed etiam adpropinquandi ad Vrbem negabatur facultas, tam saeui per totam Vrbem tabescentium sub tectis atque in stratis suis cadauerum putores exhalabantur. ### English translation (Claude) In the end it was impossible not only to live in the City but even to come near it, so fierce was the stench breathed out through the whole City from corpses rotting under the roofs and in their beds. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.4.9 (CSEL 5:285; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-4-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.4.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-4-1/#p-5-4-10 - Source: CSEL 5:285–286 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The plague ended by God's hidden judgment, not by sacrifice. ### Latin text Expiatio illa crudelis et uiam mortibus hominum morte hominis struens tandem Romanis inter miserias suas erubescentibus quam misera et uana esset, innotuit. ante enim in suffragium praeueniendae cladis est habita et sic pestilentia, consecuta est; quae tamen sine ullis sacrificiorum satisfactionibus tantummodo secundum mensuram arcani iudicii expleta correptione sedata est. ### English translation (Claude) That cruel expiation, which paved the way for the deaths of men by the death of a man, at last made known to the Romans, blushing amid their miseries, how wretched and vain it was. For it was held beforehand as a help to forestall disaster, and so the plague followed; yet the plague was quieted without any satisfaction of sacrifices, only when the chastisement had been completed according to the measure of a hidden judgment. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.4.10 (CSEL 5:285–286; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-4-10). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.4.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-4-1/#p-5-4-11 - Source: CSEL 5:286 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The soothsayers would have claimed credit had the timing suited them. ### Latin text quam si artifices illi circumuentionum haruspices sub ipsa ut adsolent declinatione morborum forte celebrassent, procul dubio sibi dis et ritibus suis reductae sanitatis gloriam uindicassent. ita misera et ad sacrilegia male religiosa ciuitas mendaciis, quibus liberari non poterat, ludebatur. ### English translation (Claude) If those artists of deception, the soothsayers, had happened to perform it, as they usually do, just when the disease was declining, they would doubtless have claimed for themselves, their gods, and their rites the glory of restored health. So the wretched city, religious to the point of sacrilege, was mocked by lies from which it could not be freed. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.4.11 (CSEL 5:286; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-4-11). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.4.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-4-1/#p-5-4-12 - Source: CSEL 5:286 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Fabius mutilates five hundred Lusitanian chiefs. ### Latin text Igitur Fabius consul contra Lusitanos et Viriatum dimicans Bucciam oppidum, quod Viriatus obsidebat, depulsis hostibus liberauit et in deditionem cum plurimis aliis castellis recepit. fecit facinus etiam ultimis barbaris Scythiae, non dicam Romanae fidei et moderationi, exsecrabile. quingentis enim principibus eorum, quos societate inuitatos deditionis iure susceperat, manus praecidit. ### English translation (Claude) The consul Fabius, then, fighting against the Lusitanians and Viriathus, drove off the enemy and freed the town of Buccia, which Viriathus was besieging, and received it in surrender together with very many other forts. He also committed a crime that would be detestable even to the remotest barbarians of Scythia, not to speak of Roman faith and moderation: he cut off the hands of five hundred of their chief men, whom he had invited into alliance and received under the right of surrender. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.4.12 (CSEL 5:286; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-4-12). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.4.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-4-1/#p-5-4-13 - Source: CSEL 5:286 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Pompeius is defeated at Numantia. ### Latin text Pompeius sequentis anni consul fines Numantinorum ingressus accepta maxima clade discessit, non solum exercitu paene omni profligato uerum etiam plurimis nobilium, qui ei militiae aderant, interemptis. ### English translation (Claude) Pompeius, consul the following year, entered the territory of the Numantines and withdrew after suffering a very great disaster, not only with almost his whole army routed but with very many of the nobles who were serving in that campaign killed. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.4.13 (CSEL 5:286; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-4-13). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.4.14 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-4-1/#p-5-4-14 - Source: CSEL 5:286 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Viriathus is murdered by his own men. ### Latin text Viriatus autem cum per quattuordecim annos Romanos duces atque exercitus protriuisset, insidiis suorum interfectus est, in hoc solo Romanis circa eum fortiter agentibus, quod percussores eius indignos praemio iudicarunt. ### English translation (Claude) But Viriathus, after wearing down Roman generals and armies for fourteen years, was killed by the treachery of his own men, the Romans acting bravely toward him in this alone, that they judged his assassins unworthy of a reward. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.4.14 (CSEL 5:286; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-4-14). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.4.15 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-4-1/#p-5-4-15 - Source: CSEL 5:286–287 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Orosius declines to narrate the eastern wars at length. ### Latin text At ego non modo nunc, uerum etiam saepe intertexere Orientis illa inextricabilia bella poteram, quae raro umquam nisi sceleribus aut incipiunt aut terminantur; sed Romanorum, cum quibus nobis actio est, tanta sunt, ut iure fastidiantur aliena. ### English translation (Claude) Now I could, not only here but often, weave in those tangled wars of the East, which seldom either begin or end except with crimes; but the wars of the Romans, with whom our case lies, are so many that foreign ones are rightly passed over with distaste. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.4.15 (CSEL 5:286–287; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-4-15). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.4.16 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-4-1/#p-5-4-16 - Source: CSEL 5:287 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Parthian Mithridates conquers Babylon and the East. ### Latin text Mithridates tunc siquidem, rex Parthorum sextus ab Arsace, uicto Demetrii praefecto Babylonam urbem finesque eius uniuersos uictor inuasit. omnes praeterea gentes, quae inter Hydaspen fluuium et Indum iacent, subegit. ad Indiam quoque cruentum extendit imperium. ### English translation (Claude) For at that time Mithridates, king of the Parthians, sixth from Arsaces, defeated the prefect of Demetrius and as victor invaded the city of Babylon and all its territory. Besides, he subdued all the peoples who lie between the river Hydaspes and the Indus. He extended his bloody rule even to India. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.4.16 (CSEL 5:287; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-4-16). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.4.17 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-4-1/#p-5-4-17 - Source: CSEL 5:287 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Demetrius is captured; Diodotus usurps. ### Latin text Demetrium ipsum secundo sibi bello occurrentem uicit et cepit: quo capto Diodotus quidam cum Alexandro filio regnum eius et regium nomen usurpauit. ### English translation (Claude) He defeated and captured Demetrius himself when he met him in a second war; and when Demetrius was captured, a certain Diodotus with his son Alexander usurped his kingdom and the royal title. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.4.17 (CSEL 5:287; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-4-17). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.4.18 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-4-1/#p-5-4-18 - Source: CSEL 5:287 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Diodotus murders his son. ### Latin text qui postea ipsum Alexandrum filium, quem participem periculi in peruadendo regno habuerat, ne in obtinendo consortem haberet, occidit. ### English translation (Claude) He afterward killed this very son Alexander, whom he had had as partner of the danger in seizing the kingdom, so as not to have him as a sharer in holding it. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.4.18 (CSEL 5:287; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-4-18). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.4.19 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-4-1/#p-5-4-19 - Source: CSEL 5:287 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Portents under Lepidus and Mancinus. ### Latin text M. Aemilio Lepido C. Hostilio Mancino consulibus prodigia apparuere diuersa et, quantum in ipsis fuit, ex more curata sunt. sed non semper aucupatoribus euentuum et structoribus fallaciarum haruspicibus opportuni casus suffragantur. ### English translation (Claude) In the consulship of Marcus Aemilius Lepidus and Gaius Hostilius Mancinus various portents appeared and, as far as lay in them, were dealt with according to custom. But favorable events do not always support the soothsayers, those hunters after outcomes and builders of deceptions. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.4.19 (CSEL 5:287; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-4-19). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.4.20 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-4-1/#p-5-4-20 - Source: CSEL 5:287–288 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Mancinus makes a shameful treaty with Numantia. ### Latin text namque Mancinus consul postquam a Popilio apud Numantiam suscepit exercitum, adeo infeliciter proelia cuncta gessit atque in id suprema desperatione perductus est, ut turpissimum foedus cum Numantinis facere cogeretur. ### English translation (Claude) For after the consul Mancinus took over the army from Popilius at Numantia, he fought every battle so unsuccessfully and was brought to such extreme despair that he was forced to make a most shameful treaty with the Numantines. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.4.20 (CSEL 5:287–288; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-4-20). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.4.21 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-4-1/#p-5-4-21 - Source: CSEL 5:288 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Mancinus is handed over to the Numantines and refused by them. ### Latin text quamuis et Pompeius iam aliud aeque infame foedus cum isdem Numantinis paulo ante pepigisset, senatus dissolui foedus et Mancinum dedi Numantinis praecepit, qui nudato corpore manibusque post tergum reuinctis ante portas Numantinorum expositus ibique usque in noctem manens, a suis desertus, ab hostibus autem non susceptus lacrimabile utrisque spectaculum praebuit. ### English translation (Claude) Although Pompeius too had made another equally disgraceful treaty with the same Numantines a little before, the senate ordered the treaty annulled and Mancinus handed over to the Numantines. He was exposed before the gates of the Numantines with his body stripped and his hands bound behind his back, and remaining there until night, deserted by his own and not received by the enemy, he offered a pitiful spectacle to both sides. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.4.21 (CSEL 5:288; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-4-21). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.5.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-4-1/#p-5-5-1 - Source: CSEL 5:288 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Orosius contrasts Numantine virtue with Roman claims. ### Latin text Exclamare hoc loco dolor exigit. cur falso uobis, Romani, magna illa nomina iustitiae fidei fortitudinis et misericordiae uindicatis? a Numantinis haec uerius discite, fortitudine opus fuit? ### English translation (Claude) Here grief compels me to cry out. Why, Romans, do you falsely claim for yourselves those great names of justice, faith, courage, and mercy? Learn them more truly from the Numantines. Was courage needed? ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.5.1 (CSEL 5:288; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-5-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.5.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-4-1/#p-5-5-2 - Source: CSEL 5:288 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Numantines showed courage and good faith. ### Latin text pugnando uicerunt. fides exigebatur? credentes aliis secundum se, quos occidere potuerant, pacto foedere dimiserunt iustitia probanda erat? ### English translation (Claude) By fighting they conquered. Was good faith demanded? Trusting others to be like themselves, they made a treaty and released those they could have killed. Was justice to be proved? ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.5.2 (CSEL 5:288; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-5-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.5.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-4-1/#p-5-5-3 - Source: CSEL 5:288 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Numantines' just demand. ### Latin text probauit eam uel tacitus senatus, cum idem Numantini per legatos suos aut inuiolatam pacem solam aut omnes, quos pignore pacis accepto uiuos dimiserant, reposcebant. ### English translation (Claude) Even the senate approved it by its silence, when the same Numantines through their envoys demanded back either the inviolate peace alone or all those whom they had released alive after receiving the pledge of peace. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.5.3 (CSEL 5:288; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-5-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.5.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-4-1/#p-5-5-4 - Source: CSEL 5:288 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Numantines showed mercy. ### Latin text misericordia examinanda uidebatur? satis documenti dederunt uel emittendo ad uitam inimicum exercitum uel ad poenam non recipiendo Mancinum. ### English translation (Claude) Did mercy seem to need examining? They gave proof enough, both by letting the enemy army go free to live and by refusing to receive Mancinus for punishment. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.5.4 (CSEL 5:288; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-5-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.5.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-4-1/#p-5-5-5 - Source: CSEL 5:288 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Mancinus had saved the army. ### Latin text Mancinusne rogo dedendus fuit, qui uicti exercitus inpendentem trucidationem praetento umbone pacti foederis dispulit, qui periclitantes patriae uires in meliora tempora reseruauit? ### English translation (Claude) Ought Mancinus, I ask, to have been handed over, who by holding out the shield of an agreed treaty warded off the slaughter that hung over a defeated army, who kept the endangered strength of his country for better times? ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.5.5 (CSEL 5:288; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-5-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.5.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-4-1/#p-5-5-6 - Source: CSEL 5:288–289 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The senate's inconsistency. ### Latin text aut, si displicuit foedus quod pactum est, cur miles hoc pignore redemptus aut, cum reuerteretur, receptus est aut, cum repeteretur, redditus non est? aut, si placuit seruati militis qualiscumque prouisio, cur Mancinus, qui hoc pepigit, solus deditus fuit? ### English translation (Claude) Or, if the treaty that was made displeased, why was the soldier redeemed by this pledge either received when he returned or not given back when demanded? Or, if this provision of some sort for saving the soldiers was pleasing, why was Mancinus, who agreed to it, alone handed over? ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.5.6 (CSEL 5:288–289; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-5-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.5.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-4-1/#p-5-5-7 - Source: CSEL 5:289 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Varro's rashness at Cannae. ### Latin text Nuper Varro, ut praepropera pugna iniretur, collegam Paulum obluctantem impulit, trepidantem praecipitauit exercitum, infelices copias apud infames illas Romanis cladibus Cannas non disposuit certamini sed opposuit morti; plus quam XL milia ibi militum Romanorum sola inpatientia sua, de qua sibi uictoriam iam dudum Hannibal praesumebat, amisit. collega etiam Paulo — quo tandem uiro! ### English translation (Claude) Not long before, Varro, to bring on a hasty battle, pushed on his colleague Paulus, who resisted, threw the frightened army headlong, and did not deploy his ill-starred forces for battle but exposed them to death at Cannae, notorious for Roman disasters; through his impatience alone, on which Hannibal had long been counting for victory, he lost more than forty thousand Roman soldiers there. And his colleague Paulus too (what a man!) ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.5.7 (CSEL 5:289; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-5-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.5.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-4-1/#p-5-5-8 - Source: CSEL 5:289 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Varro returns alone to Rome. ### Latin text — perdito, nouissime in Vrbem paene solus impudentissime redire ausus est meruitque impudentiae suae praemium. ### English translation (Claude) was lost, and at last he dared most shamelessly to return to the City almost alone, and received the reward of his shamelessness. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.5.8 (CSEL 5:289; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-5-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.5.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-4-1/#p-5-5-9 - Source: CSEL 5:289 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Varro is thanked by the senate. ### Latin text nam gratiae ei, quod de republica non desperasset, quam tamen ipse fecerat desperatam, publice in senatu actae sunt ### English translation (Claude) For thanks were publicly given him in the senate because he had not despaired of the commonwealth, which he himself had brought to despair. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.5.9 (CSEL 5:289; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-5-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.5.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-4-1/#p-5-5-10 - Source: CSEL 5:289 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Mancinus is punished for saving his army. ### Latin text Porro autem Mancinus, qui sorte bellica circumuentum exercitum ne perderet laborauit, ab eodem senatu deditione damnatus est. ### English translation (Claude) Mancinus, on the other hand, who labored not to lose an army surrounded by the fortune of war, was condemned by the same senate to be handed over. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.5.10 (CSEL 5:289; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-5-10). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.5.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-4-1/#p-5-5-11 - Source: CSEL 5:289 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Roman policy bent to circumstance and bred distrust. ### Latin text scio, Romani, et illud in Varrone displicuit, sed tempori concessum est, et hoc in Mancino placuit, sed secundum tempus praesumptum est; atque ideo ab initio perfecistis, ut nec ciuis consulat conuenienter ingratis nec hostis fideliter credat infidis. ### English translation (Claude) I know, Romans, that that too displeased you in Varro, but a concession was made to the times; and this pleased you in Mancinus, but it was a judgment made to suit the times. And so from the beginning you have brought it about that a citizen does not take counsel fittingly for the ungrateful, nor does an enemy trust faithfully in the faithless. ### Translation notes - The Latin of this sentence is compressed; translated by sense. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.5.11 (CSEL 5:289; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-5-11). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.5.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-4-1/#p-5-5-12 - Source: CSEL 5:289–290 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Brutus crushes the Gallaecians. ### Latin text Interea Brutus in ulteriore Hispania LX milia Gallaecorum, qui Lusitanis auxilio uenerant, asperrimo bello et difficili quamuis incautos circumuenisset, oppressit: quorum in eo proelio L milia occisa, sex milia capta referuntur, pauci fuga euaserunt. in citeriore Hispania Lepidus proconsule Vaccaeos, ### English translation (Claude) Meanwhile Brutus in Further Spain crushed sixty thousand Gallaecians, who had come to the aid of the Lusitanians, in a very harsh and difficult war, although he had surrounded them while they were off guard; fifty thousand of them are reported killed in that battle and six thousand captured, and a few escaped by flight. In Nearer Spain Lepidus, as proconsul, the Vaccaei, ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.5.12 (CSEL 5:289–290; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-5-12). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.5.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-4-1/#p-5-5-13 - Source: CSEL 5:290 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Lepidus is justly defeated by the Vaccaei. ### Latin text innoxiam gentem et supplicem, etiam senatu prohibente pertinaciter expugnare temptauit. sed mox accepta clade grauissima improbae pertinaciae poenas luit. sex milia quippe Romanorum in hoc iniusto bello iustissime caesa sunt, reliqui exuti castris, armis etiam perditis, euaserunt. ### English translation (Claude) a harmless and suppliant people, tried stubbornly to storm, even though the senate forbade it. But he soon suffered a very heavy defeat and paid the penalty for his wicked stubbornness. For six thousand Romans were most justly cut down in this unjust war; the rest, stripped of their camp and having lost even their weapons, escaped. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.5.13 (CSEL 5:290; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-5-13). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.5.14 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-4-1/#p-5-5-14 - Source: CSEL 5:290 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: These were not happy times even for the Romans. ### Latin text Nec minus turpis haec sub Lepido clades quam sub Mancino fuit. ita nunc sibi haec tempora loco felicitatis adscribant ut non dixerim Hispani tot pulsati fatigatique bellis, sed uel ipsi saltem Romani tam continuis subacti cladibus totiensque superati; ### English translation (Claude) This disaster under Lepidus was no less shameful than that under Mancinus. So let them now ascribe these times to themselves as happiness, not, I would say, the Spaniards, battered and wearied by so many wars, but at least the Romans themselves, subdued by such continual disasters and so often defeated; ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.5.14 (CSEL 5:290; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-5-14). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.5.15 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-4-1/#p-5-5-15 - Source: CSEL 5:290 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Roman soldiers came to flee at the sight of a Spaniard. ### Latin text ut non exprobrem, quot praetores eorum, quot legati, quot consules, quot legiones quantique exercitus consumpti sint, illud solum reuoluo, quanta fuerit timoris amentia miles Romanus hebetatus, ut iam ne ad experimentum quidem belli cohibere pedem atque offirmare animum posset, sed mox conspecto Hispano specialiter hoste diffugiens uinci se paene prius crederet quam uideri. ### English translation (Claude) not to reproach them with how many of their praetors, legates, consuls, how many legions and great armies were destroyed, I recall only this: how great was the madness of fear by which the Roman soldier was dulled, so that he could no longer even stand his ground and steel his mind for a trial of battle, but at the mere sight of a Spaniard as enemy he fled and believed himself conquered almost before he was seen. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.5.15 (CSEL 5:290; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-5-15). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.5.16 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-4-1/#p-5-5-16 - Source: CSEL 5:290–291 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Both sides found those times wretched. ### Latin text quo argumento patet apud utrosque misera illa tempora iudicata, cum et Hispani etsi uincere poterant, inuiti tamen desererent dulcia otia sua et bella externa tolerarent, et Romani quanto inpudentius alienae quieti sese ingererent, tanto turpius uincerentur. ### English translation (Claude) By this proof it is plain that those times were judged wretched by both sides: the Spaniards, even though they could win, unwillingly left their sweet peace and endured foreign wars, and the Romans were defeated the more shamefully, the more shamelessly they thrust themselves upon another's quiet. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.5.16 (CSEL 5:290–291; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-5-16). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.6.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-4-1/#p-5-6-1 - Source: CSEL 5:291 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Portents at Rome and in Sicily. ### Latin text Seruio Fuluio Flacco Q. Calpurnio Pisone consulibus Romae puer ex ancilla natus quadripes quadrimanus, oculis quattuor, auribus totidem, natura uirili duplex. in Sicilia ### English translation (Claude) In the consulship of Servius Fulvius Flaccus and Quintus Calpurnius Piso, a boy was born at Rome of a slave woman with four feet and four hands, four eyes and as many ears, and double male parts. In Sicily ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.6.1 (CSEL 5:291; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-6-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.6.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-4-1/#p-5-6-2 - Source: CSEL 5:291 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Etna erupts; grain grows on trees. ### Latin text mons Aetna uastos ignes eructauit ac fudit, qui torrentum modo per prona praecipites proxima quaeque corripientibus exussere flammis, longinquiora autem fauillis calidis cum uapore graui late uolitantibus torruerunt: quod Siciliae semper uernaculum genus monstri non portendere malum adsolet sed inferre. in Bononiensi agro fruges in arboribus enatae sunt. ### English translation (Claude) Mount Etna belched out and poured forth vast fires, which, rushing headlong down the slopes like torrents, burned up everything nearby with devouring flames, and scorched more distant places with hot ash flying widely with heavy vapor; this kind of portent, always native to Sicily, is wont not to foretell evil but to bring it. In the territory of Bononia grain sprang up on trees. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.6.2 (CSEL 5:291; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-6-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.6.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-4-1/#p-5-6-3 - Source: CSEL 5:291 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The first Sicilian slave war. ### Latin text igitur in Sicilia bellum seruile ortum est, quod adeo graue et atrox multitudine seruorum, instructu copiarum, magnitudine uirium fuit, ut ### English translation (Claude) So a slave war arose in Sicily, which was so serious and fierce in the number of slaves, the equipment of forces, and the greatness of strength, that it ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.6.3 (CSEL 5:291; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-6-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.6.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-4-1/#p-5-6-4 - Source: CSEL 5:291–292 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Seventy thousand slaves in arms. ### Latin text non dicam praetores Romanos, quos penitus profligauit, sed consules quoque terruerit. nam LXX milia seruorum tunc in arma conspirantium fuisse referuntur, excepta urbe Messana, quae seruos liberaliter habitos in pace continuit. ### English translation (Claude) terrified not only, I will say, the Roman praetors, whom it utterly routed, but even the consuls. For seventy thousand slaves are said to have conspired in arms at that time, except in the city of Messana, which kept its slaves, who were treated generously, at peace. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.6.4 (CSEL 5:291–292; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-6-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.6.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-4-1/#p-5-6-5 - Source: CSEL 5:292 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Sicily's peculiar misery as an island. ### Latin text ceterum Sicilia in hoc quoque miserior, quia insula et numquam erga statum suum iuris idonei nunc tyrannis subiecta nunc seruis, uel illis dominatu improbo exigentibus seruitutem uel istis praesumptione peruersa conmutantibus libertatem, maxime quia clausa undique mari egerere foras non facile potest intestinum malum. ### English translation (Claude) Sicily was more wretched in this also, because as an island never with a stable condition of its own, now subject to tyrants, now to slaves, the former exacting servitude by wicked domination, the latter exchanging it for liberty by perverse presumption, and especially because, shut in on all sides by the sea, it cannot easily cast out an evil within. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.6.5 (CSEL 5:292; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-6-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.6.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-4-1/#p-5-6-6 - Source: CSEL 5:292 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Slave revolts are rare but savage. ### Latin text uiperinam quippe conceptionem perditioni suae aluit sua libidine auctam, sua morte uicturam. in hoc autem seruilis tumultus excitatio quanto rarior ceteris tanto truculentior est, quia intentione commouetur libera multitudo ut patriam augeat, seruilis ut perdat. ### English translation (Claude) For it nourished to its own destruction a viper's brood, increased by its own lust, destined to live by its death. In this, moreover, the rousing of a slave uprising is the more savage the rarer it is than others, because a free multitude is stirred with the aim of enlarging its homeland, a slave multitude with the aim of destroying it. ### Translation notes - The viper image follows the ancient belief that young vipers kill their mother at birth. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.6.6 (CSEL 5:292; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-6-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.7.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-4-1/#p-5-7-1 - Source: CSEL 5:292 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Scipio is sent against Numantia. ### Latin text Anno ab Vrbe condita DCXX cum maior paene infamia de foedere apud Numantiam pacto quam apud Caudinas quondam furculas pudorem Romanae frontis oneraret, Scipio Africanus consensu omnium tribuum consul creatus atque ad expugnandam Numantiam cum exercitu missus est. ### English translation (Claude) In the 620th year from the founding of the City, when the treaty made at Numantia laid on the shame of the Roman brow almost greater infamy than that once at the Caudine Forks, Scipio Africanus was created consul by the consent of all the tribes and sent with an army to storm Numantia. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.7.1 (CSEL 5:292; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-7-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.7.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-4-1/#p-5-7-2 - Source: CSEL 5:292 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The location of Numantia. ### Latin text Numantia autem citerioris Hispaniae, haud procul a Vaccaeis et Cantabris in capite Gallaeciae sita, ultima Celtiberorum fuit. ### English translation (Claude) Numantia, a city of Nearer Spain, situated not far from the Vaccaei and the Cantabrians at the head of Gallaecia, was the last of the Celtiberians. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.7.2 (CSEL 5:292; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-7-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.7.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-4-1/#p-5-7-3 - Source: CSEL 5:292–293 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Numantia's long resistance. ### Latin text haec per annos quattuordecim cum solis quattuor milibus suorum quadraginta milia Romanorum non solum sustinuit sed etiam uicit pudendisque foederibus adfecit. ### English translation (Claude) For fourteen years, with only four thousand of its own men, it not only withstood forty thousand Romans but defeated them and imposed shameful treaties on them. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.7.3 (CSEL 5:292–293; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-7-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.7.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-4-1/#p-5-7-4 - Source: CSEL 5:293 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Scipio trains his army before attacking. ### Latin text igitur Scipio Africanus Hispaniam ingressus non se ilico ingessit hostibus, ut quasi incautos circumueniret, sciens numquam hoc genus hominum adeo in otium corpore atque animo resolui, ut non ipsa qualitate habitudinis suae apparatus aliorum praecelleret, sed aliquamdiu militem suum in castris uelut in scholis exercuit. ### English translation (Claude) So Scipio Africanus, on entering Spain, did not hurl himself at once on the enemy so as to surround them as if off guard, knowing that this kind of men is never so relaxed in body and mind for leisure that by the very quality of their condition they do not surpass the preparations of others; instead for some time he trained his soldiers in camp as in schools. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.7.4 (CSEL 5:293; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-7-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.7.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-4-1/#p-5-7-5 - Source: CSEL 5:293 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Scipio's delay. ### Latin text et cum partem aestatis totamque hiemem ne adtemptata quidem pugna transegisset, sic quoque parum propemodum hac profecit industria. ### English translation (Claude) And when he had spent part of the summer and the whole winter without even attempting battle, even so he gained almost nothing by this diligence. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.7.5 (CSEL 5:293; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-7-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.7.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-4-1/#p-5-7-6 - Source: CSEL 5:293 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Scipio rallies his army and routs the Numantines. ### Latin text namque ubi copia pugnandi facta est, exercitus Romanus oppressus impetu Numantinorum terga conuertit; sed increpatione et minis obiectantis sese consulis manuque retinentis tandem indignatus in hostem rediit et quem fugiebat fugere conpulit. difficilis tunc in relatu fides: Numantinos et fugauere et fugientes uidere Romani. ### English translation (Claude) For when an opportunity for fighting arose, the Roman army, overwhelmed by the attack of the Numantines, turned its back; but at the rebukes and threats of the consul, who threw himself in their way and held them back with his hand, it at last turned in indignation on the enemy and forced the one it was fleeing to flee. A thing hard to believe in the telling: the Romans both routed the Numantines and saw them fleeing. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.7.6 (CSEL 5:293; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-7-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.7.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-4-1/#p-5-7-7 - Source: CSEL 5:293 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Scipio resolves to avoid further battle. ### Latin text unde quamuis Scipio, quia praeter spem acciderat, laetatus et gloriatus esset, tamen ultra bello aduersum eos audendum non esse professus est. ### English translation (Claude) Hence, although Scipio rejoiced and boasted because it had happened beyond hope, he nevertheless declared that no further venture of battle should be made against them. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.7.7 (CSEL 5:293; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-7-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.7.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-4-1/#p-5-7-8 - Source: CSEL 5:293 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Scipio besieges Numantia. ### Latin text itaque Scipio insistendum inopinatis prouentibus censuit, urbem ipsam obsidione conclusit, fossa etiam circumdedit, cuius latitudo pedibus decem, altitudo uiginti fuit. ### English translation (Claude) So Scipio judged that he should press on with the unexpected successes: he shut the city in by siege and surrounded it with a ditch ten feet wide and twenty deep. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.7.8 (CSEL 5:293; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-7-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.7.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-4-1/#p-5-7-9 - Source: CSEL 5:293–294 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The siege works. ### Latin text ipsum deinde uallum sudibus praestructum crebris turribus conmuniuit, ut, si qua ab erumpente hoste in eum temptaretur inruptio, iam non quasi obsessor cum obsesso sed uersa uice obsessus cum obsessore pugnaret. ### English translation (Claude) Then he fortified the rampart itself, fronted with stakes, with frequent towers, so that if any assault were attempted on it by the enemy breaking out, he would no longer fight as a besieger with the besieged but, the other way round, as one besieged with a besieger. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.7.9 (CSEL 5:293–294; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-7-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.7.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-4-1/#p-5-7-10 - Source: CSEL 5:294 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The size of Numantia. ### Latin text Numantia autem in tumulo sita haud procul a flumine Durio tria milia passuum ambitu muri amplexabatur; quamuis aliqui adserant eam et paruo situ et sine muro fuisse: ### English translation (Claude) Numantia, situated on a hill not far from the river Durius, enclosed a circuit of wall of three miles; although some assert that it was both small in site and without a wall. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.7.10 (CSEL 5:294; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-7-10). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.7.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-4-1/#p-5-7-11 - Source: CSEL 5:294 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: An explanation of Numantia's large circuit. ### Latin text unde credibile est, quia hoc spatii cura alendorum custodiendorumque pecorum uel etiam exercendi ruris commodo cum bello premerentur incluserint, ipsi arcem paruam natura munitam obtinentes; alioquin tantam paucitatem hominum tam amplum urbis spatium non munire magis quam prodere uidebatur. ### English translation (Claude) Hence it is credible that they enclosed this space for the care of feeding and guarding their flocks, or also for the convenience of working the land when they were pressed by war, while they themselves held a small citadel fortified by nature; otherwise so large a city space would seem rather to betray than to protect so small a number of men. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.7.11 (CSEL 5:294; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-7-11). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.7.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-4-1/#p-5-7-12 - Source: CSEL 5:294 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The starving Numantines offer surrender or battle. ### Latin text igitur conclusi diu Numantini et fame trucidati deditionem sui obtulerunt, si tolerabilia iuberentur, saepe etiam orantes iustae pugnae facultatem, ut tamquam uiris mori liceret. ### English translation (Claude) So the Numantines, long shut in and destroyed by hunger, offered their surrender if tolerable terms were imposed, often also begging for the chance of a fair battle, that they might be allowed to die as men. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.7.12 (CSEL 5:294; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-7-12). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.7.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-4-1/#p-5-7-13 - Source: CSEL 5:294 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Numantines' last sortie after drinking caelia. ### Latin text ultime omnes duabus subito portis eruperunt, larga prius potione usi non uini, cuius ferax is locus non est, sed suco tritici per artem confecto, quem sucum a calefaciendo caeliam uocant. ### English translation (Claude) At last they all suddenly burst out of two gates, having first drunk deeply, not of wine, which that place does not produce, but of a juice made by art from wheat, which juice they call caelia, from its heating. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.7.13 (CSEL 5:294; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-7-13). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.7.14 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-4-1/#p-5-7-14 - Source: CSEL 5:294–295 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: How caelia is made. ### Latin text suscitatur enim igne illa uis germinis madefactae frugis ac deinde siccatur et post in farinam redacta molli suco admiscetur, quo fermento sapor austeritatis et calor ebrietatis adicitur. hac igitur potione post longam famem recalescentes bello sese obtulerunt. ### English translation (Claude) For the strength of the germ of the moistened grain is roused by fire and then dried, and afterward, ground into flour, it is mixed with a mild juice, and by this ferment a sharp taste and the heat of drunkenness are added. Warmed by this drink after long hunger, then, they offered themselves to battle. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.7.14 (CSEL 5:294–295; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-7-14). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.7.15 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-4-1/#p-5-7-15 - Source: CSEL 5:295 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The last battle and the Numantine retreat. ### Latin text atrox diu certamen et usque ad periculum Romanorum fuit, iterumque Romani pugnare se aduersum Numantinos fugiendo probauissent, nisi sub Scipione pugnassent. Numantini interfectis suorum fortissimis bello cedunt, conpositis tamen ordinibus nec sicut fugientes in urbem reuertuntur, corpora interfectorum ad sepulturam oblata accipere noluerunt. ### English translation (Claude) The struggle was fierce and long, to the point of danger for the Romans, and once more the Romans would have proved by fleeing that they were fighting against Numantines, had they not fought under Scipio. The Numantines, with the bravest of their men killed, yielded in battle, yet returned to the city in ordered ranks and not as fugitives; they refused to accept the bodies of the slain when offered for burial. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.7.15 (CSEL 5:295; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-7-15). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.7.16 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-4-1/#p-5-7-16 - Source: CSEL 5:295 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Numantines destroy themselves. ### Latin text nouissima spe desperationis in mortem omnes destinati clausam urbem ipsi introrsum succenderunt cunctique pariter ferro ueneno atque igne consumpti sunt. ### English translation (Claude) With a last hope of despair, all resolved on death, they themselves set fire to the shut city from within, and all together were consumed by sword, poison, and fire. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.7.16 (CSEL 5:295; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-7-16). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.7.17 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-4-1/#p-5-7-17 - Source: CSEL 5:295 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Rome gained only safety from Numantia's fall. ### Latin text Romani nihil ex his penitus habuere uictis praeter securitatem suam; neque enim euersa Numantia uicisse se magis Numantinos quam euasisse duxerunt. ### English translation (Claude) The Romans got nothing at all from these conquered men except their own safety; for with Numantia overthrown they did not consider that they had conquered the Numantines so much as escaped them. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.7.17 (CSEL 5:295; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-7-17). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.7.18 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-4-1/#p-5-7-18 - Source: CSEL 5:295 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: No captives or spoil from Numantia. ### Latin text unum Numantinum uictoris catena non tenuit; unde triumphum dederit, Roma non uidit; aurum uel argentum, quod igni superesse potuisset, apud pauperes non fuit; arma et uestem ignis absumpsit. ### English translation (Claude) The victor's chain held not one Numantine; Rome did not see anything for which it could award a triumph; gold or silver that might have survived the fire did not exist among poor men; the fire consumed their arms and clothing. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.7.18 (CSEL 5:295; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-7-18). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.8.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-4-1/#p-5-8-1 - Source: CSEL 5:295–296 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: A Celtic chief explains Numantia's strength and fall. ### Latin text Igitur ea tempestate, cum haec apud Numantiam gesta sunt, apud Romam Gracchorum seditiones agitabantur. Scipio autem cum deleta Numantia ceteras Hispaniae gentes pace conponeret, Thyresum quendam, Celticum principem, consuluit, qua ope res Numantina aut prius inuicta durasset aut post fuisset euersa. Thyresus respondit: concordia inuicta, discordia exitio fuit. ### English translation (Claude) At that time, then, while these things were done at Numantia, the seditions of the Gracchi were being stirred up at Rome. Scipio, when after destroying Numantia he was settling the other peoples of Spain in peace, asked a certain Thyresus, a Celtic chief, by what strength the Numantine state had either previously endured unconquered or afterward been overthrown. Thyresus answered: “Concord made it unconquerable, discord was its ruin.” ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.8.1 (CSEL 5:295–296; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-8-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.8.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-4-1/#p-5-8-2 - Source: CSEL 5:296 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: With external enemies gone, discord grows at Rome. ### Latin text quod Romani tamquam sibi ac de se dictum exempli loco acceperunt, quippe quibus iam de seditionibus discordantis totius Vrbis nuntiabatur. Carthagine Numantiaque deleta moritur apud Romanos utilis de prouisione conlatio et oritur infamis de ambitione contentio. ### English translation (Claude) The Romans took this as an example, as if it were spoken to them and about them, since news was already coming to them of the seditions of the whole City in discord. With Carthage and Numantia destroyed, useful deliberation about foresight died among the Romans, and infamous strife arising from ambition was born. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.8.2 (CSEL 5:296; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-8-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.8.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-4-1/#p-5-8-3 - Source: CSEL 5:296 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Tiberius Gracchus's land law. ### Latin text Gracchus tribunus plebi iratus nobilitati, cur inter auctores Numantini foederis notatus esset, agrum a priuatis eatenus possessum populo diuidi statuit. Octauio tribuno plebi obsistenti ademit imperium et successorem Minucium dedit. his causis senatum ira, populum superbia inuasit. ### English translation (Claude) Gracchus, tribune of the plebs, angry with the nobility because he had been censured among the authors of the Numantine treaty, decreed that land hitherto held by private persons should be divided among the people. When Octavius, tribune of the plebs, opposed him, he took away his office and gave him Minucius as successor. For these reasons anger seized the senate, and arrogance the people. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.8.3 (CSEL 5:296; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-8-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.8.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-4-1/#p-5-8-4 - Source: CSEL 5:296–297 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Gracchus proposes distributing Attalus's legacy. ### Latin text ac tunc forte Attalus, Eumenis filius, moriens testamento populum Romanum imperio Asiae succedere heredem iusserat. Gracchus gratiam populi pretio adpetens legem tulit, uti pecunia, quae fuisset Attali, populo distribueretur. obsistente Nasica etiam Pompeius spopondit se Gracchum, cum primum magistratu abisset, accusaturum. ### English translation (Claude) At that time, as it happened, Attalus, son of Eumenes, dying, had by his will ordered the Roman people to succeed as heir to the rule of Asia. Gracchus, seeking the people's favor with a price, carried a law that the money which had been Attalus's should be distributed to the people. When Nasica opposed him, Pompeius also promised that as soon as Gracchus left office he would prosecute him. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.8.4 (CSEL 5:296–297; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-8-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.9.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-4-1/#p-5-9-1 - Source: CSEL 5:297 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The nobility attacks the Gracchans. ### Latin text Gracchus cum eniteretur, ut ipse tribunus plebi subsequenti anno permaneret, cumque comitiorum die seditiones populi accenderet, auctore Nasica inflammata nobilitas fragmentis subselliorum plebem fugauit. ### English translation (Claude) When Gracchus strove to remain tribune of the plebs himself for the following year, and on the day of the elections was inflaming the seditions of the people, the nobility, set on fire with Nasica as leader, routed the plebs with fragments of benches. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.9.1 (CSEL 5:297; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-9-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.9.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-4-1/#p-5-9-2 - Source: CSEL 5:297 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Tiberius Gracchus is killed. ### Latin text Gracchus per gradus, qui sunt super Calpurnium fornicem, detracto amiculo fugiens ictus fragmento subsellii conruit rursusque adsurgens alio ictu clauae cerebro inpactae exanimatus est. ### English translation (Claude) Gracchus, fleeing down the steps above the Calpurnian arch, after throwing off his cloak, was struck by a fragment of a bench and fell, and rising again was killed by another blow of a club driven into his brain. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.9.2 (CSEL 5:297; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-9-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.9.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-4-1/#p-5-9-3 - Source: CSEL 5:297 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The dead are thrown into the Tiber. ### Latin text ducenti praeterea in ea seditione interfecti eorumque corpora in Tiberim proiecta sunt; ipsius quoque Gracchi inhumatum cadauer extabuit. orta praeterea in Sicilia ### English translation (Claude) Two hundred others were killed in that sedition and their bodies thrown into the Tiber; the corpse of Gracchus himself also rotted away unburied. Moreover, arising in Sicily, ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.9.3 (CSEL 5:297; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-9-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.9.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-4-1/#p-5-9-4 - Source: CSEL 5:297 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The slave revolt spreads; executions at Minturnae. ### Latin text belli seruilis contagio multas late infecit prouincias. nam et Minturnis CCCCL serui in crucem acti et Sinuessae ad quattuor milia seruorum a Q. Metello et Cn. ### English translation (Claude) the contagion of the slave war infected many provinces far and wide. For at Minturnae four hundred and fifty slaves were crucified, and at Sinuessa about four thousand slaves were crushed by Quintus Metellus and Gnaeus ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.9.4 (CSEL 5:297; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-9-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.9.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-4-1/#p-5-9-5 - Source: CSEL 5:297 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Slave revolts at Athens and Delos. ### Latin text Seruilio Caepione oppressa sunt; in metallis quoque Atheniensium idem tumultus seruilis ab Heraclito praetore discussus est; apud Delon etiam serui nouo motu intumescentes oppidanis praeuenientibus pressi sunt, absque illo primo Siciliensis mali fomite, a quo istae uelut scintillae emicantes, diuersa haec incendia seminarunt. ### English translation (Claude) Servilius Caepio; in the mines of the Athenians, too, the same slave uprising was broken up by the praetor Heraclitus; at Delos also slaves swelling with a new revolt were crushed by the townspeople, who forestalled them; all this apart from that first kindling of the Sicilian evil, from which these as it were flying sparks sowed these various fires. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.9.5 (CSEL 5:297; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-9-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.9.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-4-1/#p-5-9-6 - Source: CSEL 5:297–298 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Piso fights the Sicilian slaves. ### Latin text in Sicilia enim post Fuluium consulem Piso consul Mamertium oppidum expugnauit, ubi octo milia fugitiuorum interfecit, quos autem capere potuit, patibulo suffixit. ### English translation (Claude) For in Sicily, after the consul Fulvius, the consul Piso stormed the town of Mamertium, where he killed eight thousand runaways and fastened to the gibbet those he could capture. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.9.6 (CSEL 5:297–298; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-9-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.9.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-4-1/#p-5-9-7 - Source: CSEL 5:298 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Rupilius ends the slave war. ### Latin text cui cum Rupilius consul successisset, idem quoque Tauromenium et Hennam, firmissima fugitiuorum refugia, bello recepit: amplius quam xx milia tunc seruorum trucidata referuntur. ### English translation (Claude) When the consul Rupilius succeeded him, he too recovered by war Tauromenium and Henna, the strongest refuges of the runaways; more than twenty thousand slaves are reported to have been slaughtered then. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.9.7 (CSEL 5:298; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-9-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.9.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-4-1/#p-5-9-8 - Source: CSEL 5:298 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The slave war harmed victors and vanquished alike. ### Latin text Misera profecto talis belli et inextricabilis causa. pereundum utique dominis erat, nisi insolescentibus seruis ferro obuiam iretur. sed tamen in ipsis quoque infelicissimis damnis pugnae et infelicioribus lucris uictoriae quanti periere uicti tantum perdidere uictores. ### English translation (Claude) Wretched indeed, and hopeless, was the cause of such a war. The masters were surely bound to perish unless the insolent slaves were met with the sword. And yet, in these most unhappy losses of battle and the still more unhappy gains of victory, the victors lost as much as perished of the vanquished. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.9.8 (CSEL 5:298; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-9-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.10.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-4-1/#p-5-10-1 - Source: CSEL 5:298 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Crassus is sent against Aristonicus. ### Latin text Anno ab Vrbe condita DCXXII P. Licinius Crassus consul et pontifex maximus aduersus Aristonicum Attali fratrem, qui traditam per testamentum Romanis Asiam peruaserat, cum ### English translation (Claude) In the 622nd year from the founding of the City, Publius Licinius Crassus, consul and pontifex maximus, against Aristonicus, brother of Attalus, who had seized Asia, handed over to the Romans by will, when, ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.10.1 (CSEL 5:298; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-10-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.10.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-4-1/#p-5-10-2 - Source: CSEL 5:298 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Crassus is defeated despite royal allies. ### Latin text instructissimo missus exercitu, praeterea a magnis regibus hoc est Nicomede Bithyniae, Mithridate Ponti et Armeniae, Ariarathe Cappadociae, Pylaemene Paphlagoniae eorumque maximis copiis adiutus, conserto tamen bello uictus est; ### English translation (Claude) sent with a very well equipped army, and helped besides by great kings, that is, Nicomedes of Bithynia, Mithridates of Pontus and Armenia, Ariarathes of Cappadocia, Pylaemenes of Paphlagonia, and their very great forces, he was nevertheless defeated when battle was joined; ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.10.2 (CSEL 5:298; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-10-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.10.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-4-1/#p-5-10-3 - Source: CSEL 5:298–299 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Crassus provokes his own death to avoid capture. ### Latin text et cum, exercitu post plurimam caedem in fugam acto, ipse iam circumuentus ab hostibus et paene captus esset, uirgam, qua erat usus ad equum, in oculum Thraecis inpegit; barbarus autem cum ira et dolore exarsisset, latus Crassi gladio transuerberauit. ita ille excogitato genere mortis effugit et dedecus et seruitutem. ### English translation (Claude) and when, after his army had been put to flight with very great slaughter, he himself was already surrounded by the enemy and almost captured, he drove the rod he had been using on his horse into the eye of a Thracian; the barbarian, blazing with anger and pain, ran Crassus through the side with his sword. So by a contrived kind of death he escaped both disgrace and slavery. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.10.3 (CSEL 5:298–299; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-10-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.10.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-4-1/#p-5-10-4 - Source: CSEL 5:299 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Perpenna defeats Aristonicus. ### Latin text Perpenna consul, qui Crasso successerat, audita morte Crassi et clade exercitus Romani raptim in Asiam peruolauit, Aristonicum recenti uictoria feriatum inprouiso bello adortus nudatumque omnibus copiis in fugam uertit; ### English translation (Claude) The consul Perpenna, who had succeeded Crassus, hearing of Crassus's death and the disaster of the Roman army, hurried swiftly into Asia, attacked Aristonicus in an unexpected war while he was relaxing after his recent victory, and, stripping him of all his forces, put him to flight; ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.10.4 (CSEL 5:299; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-10-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.10.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-4-1/#p-5-10-5 - Source: CSEL 5:299 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Aristonicus surrenders and is executed. ### Latin text cumque Stratonicen urbem, ad quam ille confugerat, obsidione cinxisset, trucidatum fame ad deditionem coegit. Perpenna consul apud Pergamum correptus morbo diem obiit; Aristonicus Romae iussu senatus in carcere strangulatus est. ### English translation (Claude) and when he had surrounded with a siege the city of Stratonicea, to which Aristonicus had fled, he forced him, destroyed by hunger, to surrender. The consul Perpenna was seized by illness at Pergamum and died; Aristonicus was strangled in prison at Rome by order of the senate. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.10.5 (CSEL 5:299; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-10-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.10.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-4-1/#p-5-10-6 - Source: CSEL 5:299 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Ptolemy's incestuous marriage. ### Latin text Eodem anno Ptolemaei Alexandrinorum regis misera uita miseriorem uitae exitum dedit. is enim sororem suam stupro cognitam ac deinde in matrimonium receptam nouissime turpius quam duxit abiecit. ### English translation (Claude) In the same year Ptolemy, king of the Alexandrians, ended a wretched life with a still more wretched end. For he had known his own sister by illicit intercourse and then taken her in marriage, and at last cast her off more shamefully than he had married her. ### Translation notes - stuprum: illicit sexual intercourse; here incest. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.10.6 (CSEL 5:299; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-10-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.10.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-4-1/#p-5-10-7 - Source: CSEL 5:299 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Ptolemy is expelled for incest and murders. ### Latin text priuignam uero suam, hoc est filiam sororis et coniugis, coniugem adsciuit, filium suum, quem ex sorore susceperat, nec non et filium fratris occidit. quamobrem tantis incestis parricidiisque exsecrabilis ab Alexandrinis regno pulsus est. ### English translation (Claude) He then took as wife his stepdaughter, that is, the daughter of his sister and wife, and killed his son whom he had had by his sister, and also his brother's son. For this reason, accursed for such incests and murders of kin, he was driven from his kingdom by the Alexandrians. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.10.7 (CSEL 5:299; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-10-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.10.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-4-1/#p-5-10-8 - Source: CSEL 5:299–300 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Antiochus perishes against the Parthians. ### Latin text Isdem temporibus Antiochus, non contentus Babylona atque Ecbatana totoque Mediae imperio, aduersus Phrahatem Parthorum regem congressus et uictus est. qui cum in exercitu suo centum milia armatorum habere uideretur, ducenta milia amplius calonum atque lixarum inmixta scortis et histrionibus trahebat. itaque facile cum uniuerso exercitu suo Parthorum uiribus oppressus interiit. ### English translation (Claude) At the same time Antiochus, not content with Babylon and Ecbatana and the whole empire of Media, engaged Phraates, king of the Parthians, and was defeated. Although he seemed to have a hundred thousand armed men in his army, he dragged with him more than two hundred thousand camp servants and sutlers mixed with prostitutes and actors. So he easily perished with his whole army, crushed by the strength of the Parthians. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.10.8 (CSEL 5:299–300; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-10-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.10.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-4-1/#p-5-10-9 - Source: CSEL 5:300 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The mysterious death of Scipio Africanus. ### Latin text C. Sempronio Tuditano et M. Acilio consulibus P. Scipionem Africanum pridie pro contione de periculo salutis suae contestatum, quod sibi pro patria laboranti ab improbis et ingratis denuntiari cognouisset, alio mane exanimem in cubiculo suo repertum non temere inter maxima Romanorum mala recensuerim, praesertim cum tantum in ea urbe Africani uigor et modestia ualeret, ut facile uiuo eo neque sociale neque ciuile bellum posse exsistere crederetur. ### English translation (Claude) In the consulship of Gaius Sempronius Tuditanus and Manius Acilius, Publius Scipio Africanus, who the day before had declared before the assembly the danger to his life, since he had learned that he was being threatened by wicked and ungrateful men while laboring for his country, was found lifeless in his bedroom the next morning; I would not lightly reckon this among the greatest evils of the Romans, especially since the vigor and moderation of Africanus counted for so much in that city that it was believed that while he lived neither a war with the allies nor a civil war could easily arise. ### Translation notes - “M. Acilio” as printed. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.10.9 (CSEL 5:300; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-10-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.10.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-4-1/#p-5-10-10 - Source: CSEL 5:300 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Rumor blames his wife Sempronia. ### Latin text hunc quidam uxoris suae Semproniae, Gracchorum autem sororis, dolo necatum ferunt, ne scelerata ut credo familia ad perniciem patriae suae nata inter impias seditiones uirorum non etiam facinoribus mulierum esset immanior. ### English translation (Claude) Some say he was killed by the treachery of his wife Sempronia, sister of the Gracchi, so that, I suppose, a wicked family born for the ruin of its homeland should not be more monstrous amid the impious seditions of its men without the crimes of its women as well. ### Translation notes - The Latin of the purpose clause is ironic: the family's men had their seditions, so its women must add crimes. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.10.10 (CSEL 5:300; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-10-10). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.10.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-4-1/#p-5-10-11 - Source: CSEL 5:300–301 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Volcanic eruptions at Etna and Lipara. ### Latin text M. Aemilio L. Oreste consulibus Aetna uasto tremore concussa exundauit igneis globis, rursusque alio die Lipara insula et uicinum circa eam mare in tantum efferbuit, ut adustas quoque rupes dissoluerit, tabulata nauium liquefactis ceris extorruerit, exanimatos pisces supernatantesque excoxerit, homines quoque, nisi qui longius potuere diffugere, reciprocato anhelitu calidi aeris adustis introrsum uitalibus suffocarit ### English translation (Claude) In the consulship of Marcus Aemilius and Lucius Orestes, Etna, shaken by a vast tremor, poured out balls of fire; and again on another day the island of Lipara and the sea around it boiled so greatly that it dissolved even scorched rocks, dried out the planking of ships when the wax melted, cooked dead fish floating on the surface, and suffocated men too, except those who could flee far away, by burning their vital organs within as they breathed the hot air in and out. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.10.11 (CSEL 5:300–301; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-10-11). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.11.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-4-1/#p-5-11-1 - Source: CSEL 5:301 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: A disaster strikes Africa. ### Latin text M. Plautio Hypsaeo M. Fuluio Flacco consulibus uixdum Africam a bellorum excidiis quiescentem horribilis et inusitata perditio consecuta est. ### English translation (Claude) In the consulship of Marcus Plautius Hypsaeus and Marcus Fulvius Flaccus, a horrible and unheard-of destruction followed upon Africa, which was barely resting from the ravages of wars. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.11.1 (CSEL 5:301; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-11-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.11.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-4-1/#p-5-11-2 - Source: CSEL 5:301 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: A plague of locusts drowned in the sea. ### Latin text namque cum per totam Africam inmensae lucustarum multitudines coaluissent et non modo iam cunctam spem frugum abrasissent herbasque omnes cum parte radicum, folia arborum cum teneritudine ramorum consumpsissent, uerum etiam amaras cortices atque arida ligna praeroderent, repentino abreptae uento atque in globos coactae portataeque diu per aerem, Africano pelago inmersae sunt. ### English translation (Claude) For when immense multitudes of locusts had gathered throughout all Africa, and had not only scraped away all hope of crops and consumed all grasses with part of their roots and the leaves of trees with the tender shoots of the branches, but were even gnawing the bitter bark and dry wood, they were suddenly snatched up by the wind, driven together into masses, carried for a long time through the air, and plunged into the African sea. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.11.2 (CSEL 5:301; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-11-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.11.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-4-1/#p-5-11-3 - Source: CSEL 5:301–302 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The rotting locusts cause a pestilence. ### Latin text harum cum inmensos aceruos longe undis urguentibus fluctus per extenta late litora propulissent, taetrum nimis atque ultra opinionem pestiferum odorem tabida et putrefacta congeries exhalauit, unde omnium pariter animantum tanta pestilentia consecuta est, ut auium pecudum ac bestiarum corruptione aeris dissolutarum putrefacta passim cadauera uitium corruptionis augerent. ### English translation (Claude) When the waves, driven far by the billows, had pushed immense heaps of them along widely extended shores, the rotting, putrefied mass breathed out a stench exceedingly foul and pestilential beyond belief; from this so great a pestilence followed for all living things alike that the decaying corpses of birds, cattle, and beasts, destroyed by the corruption of the air, lying everywhere, increased the evil of the corruption. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.11.3 (CSEL 5:301–302; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-11-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.11.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-4-1/#p-5-11-4 - Source: CSEL 5:302 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Vast numbers die in the plague. ### Latin text at uero quanta fuerit hominum lues, ego ipse, dum refero, toto corpore perhorresco: siquidem in Numidia, in qua tunc Micipsa rex erat, octingenta milia hominum, circa oram uero maritimam, quae maxime Carthaginiensi atque Vticensi litori adiacet, plus quam ducenta milia perisse traditum est, apud ipsam uero Vticam ciuitatem triginta milia militum, quae ad praesidium totius Africae ordinata fuerant, extincta atque abrasa sunt. ### English translation (Claude) But how great the plague among men was, I myself shudder with my whole body as I relate it: for in Numidia, where Micipsa was then king, eight hundred thousand men are said to have perished, and along the seacoast, which lies chiefly by the shore of Carthage and Utica, more than two hundred thousand; at the city of Utica itself thirty thousand soldiers, who had been stationed for the defense of all Africa, were wiped out and swept away. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.11.4 (CSEL 5:302; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-11-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.11.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-4-1/#p-5-11-5 - Source: CSEL 5:302 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Fifteen hundred dead in one day at one gate. ### Latin text quae clades tam repentina ac tam uiolenta institit, ut tunc apud Vticam sub una die per unam portam ex illis iunioribus plus quam mille quingentos mortuos elatos fuisse narretur. ### English translation (Claude) This disaster came on so suddenly and so violently that at Utica, it is said, more than fifteen hundred of those young men were carried out dead through one gate on a single day. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.11.5 (CSEL 5:302; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-11-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.11.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-4-1/#p-5-11-6 - Source: CSEL 5:302–303 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Nothing so terrible has happened in Christian times. ### Latin text Verumtamen pace et gratia omnipotentis Dei dixerim, de cuius misericordia et in cuius fiducia haec loquor: quamuis et temporibus nostris exoriantur aliquando et hoc diuersis partibus lucustae et plerumque etiam sed tolerabiliter laedant, numquam tamen temporibus Christianis tanta uis inextricabilis mali accidit, ut pernicies lucustarum, quae nullo modo ferri uiua potuisset, mortua plus noceret et qua diu uiuente peritura erant omnia, ea perdita pereuntibus magis omnibus optandum fuerit, ne perisset. ### English translation (Claude) Yet, by the peace and grace of almighty God I would say, of whose mercy and in trust in whom I speak these things: although even in our times locusts sometimes arise, and that in various places, and often do harm, but tolerably, never in Christian times has so great a force of inescapable evil occurred that the plague of locusts, which could in no way be endured alive, did more harm dead, and that when, while it lived, everything was about to perish, it would have been more desirable for all, perishing once it was destroyed, that it had not perished. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.11.6 (CSEL 5:302–303; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-11-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.12.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-4-1/#p-5-12-1 - Source: CSEL 5:303 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Carthage is refounded as a Roman colony. ### Latin text Anno ab Vrbe condita DCXXVII L. Caecilio Metello et Q. Titio Flaminino coss. Carthago in Africa restitui iussa uicensimo secundo demum anno quam fuerat euersa deductis ciuium Romanorum familiis, quae eam incolerent, restituta et repleta est, magno ante prodigio praecedente. ### English translation (Claude) In the 627th year from the founding of the City, in the consulship of Lucius Caecilius Metellus and Quintus Titius Flamininus, Carthage in Africa was ordered to be restored, and in the twenty-second year after it had been overthrown it was restored and filled by settling there families of Roman citizens to inhabit it, a great portent having gone before. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.12.1 (CSEL 5:303; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-12-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.12.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-4-1/#p-5-12-2 - Source: CSEL 5:303–304 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Wolves tear up the boundary stakes. ### Latin text nam cum mensores ad limitandum Carthaginiensem agrum missi stipites, terminorum indices, fixos nocte a lupis reuulsos mordicus conrososque reperissent, aliquamdiu haesitatum est, utrum Romanae paci expediret Carthaginem reformari. ### English translation (Claude) For when the surveyors sent to mark out the boundaries of the territory of Carthage found that the stakes fixed as boundary markers had been torn up at night by wolves and gnawed with their teeth, there was hesitation for some time whether it was expedient for the Roman peace that Carthage be rebuilt. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.12.2 (CSEL 5:303–304; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-12-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.12.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-4-1/#p-5-12-3 - Source: CSEL 5:304 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Gaius Gracchus becomes tribune. ### Latin text Eodem anno C. Gracchus, Gracchi illius qui iam occisus in seditione fuerat frater, tribunus plebi per tumultum creatus magna reipublicae pernicies fuit. ### English translation (Claude) In the same year Gaius Gracchus, brother of the Gracchus who had already been killed in the sedition, created tribune of the plebs amid tumult, was a great ruin to the commonwealth. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.12.3 (CSEL 5:304; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-12-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.12.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-4-1/#p-5-12-4 - Source: CSEL 5:304 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Gaius Gracchus stirs sedition over the land law. ### Latin text nam cum saepe populum Romanum largitionibus promissisque nimiis in acerbissimas seditiones excitauisset, maxime legis agrariae causa, pro qua etiam frater eius Gracchus fuerat occisus, tandem a tribunatu Minucio successore decessit. ### English translation (Claude) For after he had often roused the Roman people to the bitterest seditions by largesses and excessive promises, chiefly on account of the agrarian law, for which his brother Gracchus too had been killed, he at last left the tribunate, with Minucius as his successor. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.12.4 (CSEL 5:304; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-12-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.12.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-4-1/#p-5-12-5 - Source: CSEL 5:304 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Violence on the Capitol. ### Latin text Minucius tribunus plebi cum maxima ex parte decessoris sui Gracchi statuta conuulsisset legesque abrogasset, C. Gracchus cum Fuluio Flacco ingenti stipatus agmine Capitolium, ubi contio agitabatur, ascendit: ibi maximo tumultu excitato quidam praeco a Gracchanis interfectus uelut signum belli fuit. ### English translation (Claude) When Minucius, tribune of the plebs, had overturned for the most part the enactments of his predecessor Gracchus and repealed his laws, Gaius Gracchus with Fulvius Flaccus, surrounded by a huge throng, went up to the Capitol, where an assembly was being held; there a very great tumult was raised, and a certain herald killed by the Gracchans became as it were the signal for war. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.12.5 (CSEL 5:304; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-12-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.12.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-4-1/#p-5-12-6 - Source: CSEL 5:304 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Flaccus and Gracchus occupy the temple of Diana. ### Latin text Flaccus duobus filiis armatis cinctus, comitante etiam Graccho togato breuemque gladium sub sinistra occultante, quamuis et praeconem frustra praemisisset, qui seruos ad libertatem uocaret, Dianium tamquam arcem occupauit. ### English translation (Claude) Flaccus, girded with his two sons in arms, and accompanied also by Gracchus in his toga with a short sword hidden under his left arm, after he had vainly sent ahead a herald to call the slaves to freedom, seized the temple of Diana as a citadel. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.12.6 (CSEL 5:304; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-12-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.12.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-4-1/#p-5-12-7 - Source: CSEL 5:304–305 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Battle with the Gracchans. ### Latin text contra D. Brutus uir consularis a cliuo Publicio cum ingenti certamine inruit. ibi Flaccus diu obstinatissime dimicauit; Gracchus, postquam in templum Mineruae secesserat, gladio incumbere uolens, interuentu Laetorii retentus est. itaque cum diu anceps bellum agitaretur, tandem sagittarii ab Opimio missi consertam multitudinem disturbauerunt. ### English translation (Claude) Against them Decimus Brutus, a man of consular rank, rushed down from the Publician slope with a huge struggle. There Flaccus fought long and most stubbornly; Gracchus, after he had withdrawn into the temple of Minerva, wishing to fall on his sword, was held back by the intervention of Laetorius. So, when the fight had long gone on doubtfully, archers sent by Opimius at last broke up the massed crowd. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.12.7 (CSEL 5:304–305; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-12-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.12.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-4-1/#p-5-12-8 - Source: CSEL 5:305 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The deaths of the Flacci and of Gaius Gracchus. ### Latin text duo Flacci pater filiusque cum per aedem Lunae in priuatam domum desiluissent foresque obiecissent, rescisso craticio pariete confossi sunt. Gracchus diu pro se amicis pugnantibus ac pereuntibus aegre ad pontem sublicium peruenit ibique, ne uiuus caperetur, ceruicem seruo suo praebuit. ### English translation (Claude) The two Flacci, father and son, after leaping down through the temple of Luna into a private house and barring the doors, were run through when the wattle wall was cut open. Gracchus, while his friends fought and died for him for a long time, barely reached the Sublician bridge and there, so as not to be taken alive, offered his neck to his slave. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.12.8 (CSEL 5:305; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-12-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.12.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-4-1/#p-5-12-9 - Source: CSEL 5:305 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Aftermath of Gracchus's death. ### Latin text caput Gracchi excisum consuli adlatum est, corpus ad Corneliam matrem Misenum oppidum deuectum est. haec autem Cornelia, Africani maioris filia, Misenum, ut dixi, prioris filii morte secesserat. bona Gracchi publicata sunt; Flaccus adulescens in robore necatus est; ex factione Gracchi ducenti quinquaginta in Auentino caesi fuisse referuntur. ### English translation (Claude) Gracchus's head was cut off and brought to the consul; his body was taken to his mother Cornelia at the town of Misenum. This Cornelia, daughter of the elder Africanus, had, as I said, withdrawn to Misenum after the death of her first son. Gracchus's property was confiscated; the young Flaccus was put to death in the dungeon; of Gracchus's faction two hundred and fifty are reported to have been slain on the Aventine. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.12.9 (CSEL 5:305; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-12-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.12.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-4-1/#p-5-12-10 - Source: CSEL 5:305 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Opimius's cruel reprisals. ### Latin text Opimius consul sicut in bello fortis fuit ita in quaestione crudelis. nam amplius tria milia hominum suppliciis necauit, ex quibus plurimi ne dicta quidem causa innocentes interfecti sunt. ### English translation (Claude) The consul Opimius, as he was brave in war, so was he cruel in judicial inquiry. For he put to death more than three thousand men by execution, of whom very many were killed innocent without even being allowed to plead their case. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.12.10 (CSEL 5:305; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-12-10). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.13.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-4-1/#p-5-13-1 - Source: CSEL 5:305–306 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Metellus subdues the Balearic Islands. ### Latin text Isdem temporibus Metellus Baleares insulas bello peruagatus edomuit et piraticam infestationem, quae ab isdem tunc exoriebatur, plurima incolarum caede conpressit. ### English translation (Claude) At the same time Metellus overran the Balearic Islands in war and subdued them, and suppressed with great slaughter of the inhabitants the piratical raids which then arose from them. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.13.1 (CSEL 5:305–306; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-13-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.13.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-4-1/#p-5-13-2 - Source: CSEL 5:306 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Domitius defeats the Allobroges. ### Latin text Gnaeus quoque Domitius proconsule Allobrogas Gallos iuxta oppidum Vindalium grauissimo bello uicit, maxime cum elephantorum noua forma equi hostium hostesque conterriti diffugissent: xx milia ibi Allobrogum caesa referuntur, tria milia capta sunt. ### English translation (Claude) Gnaeus Domitius too, as proconsul, defeated the Allobrogian Gauls near the town of Vindalium in a very severe war, chiefly because the enemy's horses and the enemy themselves, terrified by the strange shape of the elephants, fled; twenty thousand Allobroges are reported slain there, and three thousand captured. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.13.2 (CSEL 5:306; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-13-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.13.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-4-1/#p-5-13-3 - Source: CSEL 5:306 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Etna destroys Catina. ### Latin text Eodem tempore Aetna mons ultra solitum exarsit et torrentibus igneis superfusis lateque circumfluentibus Catinam urbem finesque eius oppressit ita ut tecta aedium calidis cineribus praeusta et praegrauata conruerent: cuius leuandae cladis causa senatus decem annorum uectigalia Catinensibus remisit. ### English translation (Claude) At the same time Mount Etna blazed up more than usual, and with torrents of fire pouring over and flowing widely around, it overwhelmed the city of Catina and its territory, so that the roofs of houses, scorched and weighed down by hot ashes, collapsed; to relieve this disaster the senate remitted the taxes of the Catinians for ten years. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.13.3 (CSEL 5:306; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-13-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.14.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-4-1/#p-5-14-1 - Source: CSEL 5:306–307 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Fabius faces Bituitus of the Arverni. ### Latin text Anno ab Vrbe condita DCXXVIII Fabius consul Bituito regi Aruernorum Galliae ciuitatis bellum maximo instructu conparanti adeo cum paruo exercitu occurrit, ut Bituitus paucitatem Romanorum uix ad escam canibus, quos in agmine habebat, sufficere posse iactaret. ### English translation (Claude) In the 628th year from the founding of the City, the consul Fabius met Bituitus, king of the Arverni, a Gallic state, who was preparing war with very great equipment, with so small an army that Bituitus boasted that the small number of the Romans would scarcely be enough to feed the dogs he had in his column. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.14.1 (CSEL 5:306–307; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-14-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.14.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-4-1/#p-5-14-2 - Source: CSEL 5:307 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Bituitus builds a pontoon bridge. ### Latin text qui cum sibi ad transferendas copias unum pontem Rhodani fluminis parum esse intellegeret, alium conpactis lintribus catenisque conexum superstratis confixisque tabulis instruxit. ### English translation (Claude) Since he perceived that one bridge over the river Rhone was too little for him to bring his forces across, he built another of boats fastened together and linked with chains, with planks laid over them and nailed down. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.14.2 (CSEL 5:307; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-14-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.14.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-4-1/#p-5-14-3 - Source: CSEL 5:307 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Gauls drown when the bridge breaks. ### Latin text conserta pugna et diu grauiter agitata, uicti Galli conuersique in fugam, dum quisque sibi timet, coaceruatis inconsulte agminibus et praepropero transitu pontis uincula ruperunt ac mox cum ipsis lintribus mersi sunt. ### English translation (Claude) When battle was joined and had long been fought hard, the Gauls were defeated and turned to flight; while each feared for himself, their columns crowded together recklessly, and by their headlong crossing of the bridge they broke its fastenings and soon sank with the boats themselves. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.14.3 (CSEL 5:307; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-14-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.14.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-4-1/#p-5-14-4 - Source: CSEL 5:307 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The losses of Bituitus. ### Latin text centum octoginta milia armatorum in exercitu Bituiti fuisse traduntur, ex quibus centum quinquaginta milia uel caesa uel mersa sunt. ### English translation (Claude) There are said to have been a hundred and eighty thousand armed men in the army of Bituitus, of whom a hundred and fifty thousand were either slain or drowned. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.14.4 (CSEL 5:307; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-14-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.14.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-4-1/#p-5-14-5 - Source: CSEL 5:307 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: An Alpine people destroy themselves. ### Latin text Q. Marcius consul Gallorum gentem sub radice Alpium sitam bello adgressus est. qui cum se Romanis copiis circumsaeptos uiderent belloque inpares fore intellegerent, occisis coniugibus ac liberis in flammas sese proiecerunt. ### English translation (Claude) The consul Quintus Marcius attacked in war a people of the Gauls situated at the foot of the Alps. When they saw themselves surrounded by Roman forces and understood that they would be unequal to the war, they killed their wives and children and threw themselves into the flames. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.14.5 (CSEL 5:307; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-14-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.14.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-4-1/#p-5-14-6 - Source: CSEL 5:307–308 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The captives also kill themselves. ### Latin text qui uero praeoccupantibus Romanis peragendae tunc mortis suae copiam non habuerant captique fuerant, alii ferro, alii suspendio, alii abnegato cibo sese consumpserunt, nullusque omnino uel paruulus superfuit, qui seruitutis condicionem uitae amore toleraret. ### English translation (Claude) Those who, because the Romans forestalled them, had not had the chance to carry out their death then and had been captured, destroyed themselves, some by the sword, some by hanging, some by refusing food; and not one at all, not even a little child, survived who would endure the condition of slavery for love of life. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.14.6 (CSEL 5:307–308; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-14-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.15.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-15-1 - Source: CSEL 5:308 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: War is declared on Jugurtha. ### Latin text Anno ab Vrbe condita DCXXXV P. Scipione Nasica et L. Calpurnio Bestia consulibus Iugurthae Numidarum regi bellum consensu populi Romani senatus indixit. ### English translation (Claude) In the 635th year from the founding of the City, in the consulship of Publius Scipio Nasica and Lucius Calpurnius Bestia, the senate, with the consent of the Roman people, declared war on Jugurtha, king of the Numidians. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.15.1 (CSEL 5:308; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-15-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.15.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-15-2 - Source: CSEL 5:308 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Orosius will be brief on Jugurtha, whom others have described. ### Latin text Sed ego de Iugurtha ordinis tantum loco et causa commemorationis breuiter perstrinxerim, quia ut de natura eius uaria atque intolerabili ita et de rebus tam dolose quam strenue gestis propter opimam scriptorum luculentiam satis sufficiens apud omnes notitia est. ### English translation (Claude) But I would touch on Jugurtha only briefly, for the sake of order and as a matter of record, because, as about his varied and intolerable nature, so also about his deeds, done as craftily as vigorously, there is sufficient knowledge among all because of the rich brilliance of the writers. ### Extrabiblical texts - Sallust (Sallust): allusion, medium confidence ### Translation notes - The reference is chiefly to Sallust's Jugurthine War. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.15.2 (CSEL 5:308; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-15-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.15.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-15-3 - Source: CSEL 5:308 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Jugurtha kills and expels Micipsa's sons. ### Latin text Igitur Iugurtha, Micipsae Numidarum regis adoptiuus heresque inter naturales eius filios factus, primum coheredes suos, id est Hiempsalem occidit, Adherbalem bello uictum Africa expulit. ### English translation (Claude) So Jugurtha, adopted by Micipsa, king of the Numidians, and made heir among his natural sons, first killed his coheirs, that is, Hiempsal, and drove Adherbal, defeated in war, out of Africa. ### Translation notes - Orosius's “coheredes … id est Hiempsalem” is loose; Adherbal was the other coheir, later also killed. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.15.3 (CSEL 5:308; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-15-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.15.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-15-4 - Source: CSEL 5:308 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Jugurtha bribes Calpurnius. ### Latin text Calpurnium deinde consulem aduersum se missum pecunia corrupit atque ad turpissimas condiciones pacis adduxit. ### English translation (Claude) Then he bribed the consul Calpurnius, who was sent against him, and brought him to most shameful terms of peace. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.15.4 (CSEL 5:308; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-15-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.15.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-15-5 - Source: CSEL 5:308–309 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Jugurtha's saying about venal Rome. ### Latin text praeterea cum Romam ipse uenisset, omnibus pecunia aut corruptis aut adtemptatis seditiones dissensionesque permiscuit; quam cum egrederetur infami satis notauit elogio dicens: o urbem uenalem et mature perituram, si emptorem inuenerit! ### English translation (Claude) Moreover, when he himself had come to Rome, having either bribed or tempted everyone with money, he stirred up seditions and dissensions; and as he left the City he branded it with an infamous enough saying: “O city for sale, and soon to perish, if it finds a buyer!” ### Extrabiblical texts - Sallust, Jug. 35.10 (Sallust): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - The saying is also in Sallust, Jugurthine War 35.10. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.15.5 (CSEL 5:308–309; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-15-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.15.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-15-6 - Source: CSEL 5:309 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Jugurtha defeats Aulus Postumius. ### Latin text Insequenti anno A. Postumium, Postumii consulis fratrem, quem is quadraginta milium armatorum exercitui praefecerat, apud Calamam urbem thesauris regiis conditis inhiantem bello oppressit atque uicto ignominiosissimum foedus exegit. uniuersam paene Africam a Romanis deficientem regno suo iunxit. ### English translation (Claude) In the following year he crushed in war Aulus Postumius, brother of the consul Postumius, whom the consul had put in command of an army of forty thousand armed men, while he was coveting the royal treasures stored at the city of Calama, and exacted from him when defeated a most ignominious treaty. He joined to his kingdom almost all of Africa as it fell away from the Romans. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.15.6 (CSEL 5:309; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-15-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.15.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-15-7 - Source: CSEL 5:309 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Metellus forces Jugurtha's surrender. ### Latin text postea tamen Metelli consulis integritate et disciplina coercitus, duobus etiam proeliis uictus uidit praesente se et uastari Numidiam suam et non posse defendi: a quo ad deditionem coactus trecentos obsides dedit, frumentum atque alios commeatus persoluturum sese spopondit, tria milia amplius perfugarum reddidit. ### English translation (Claude) Afterward, however, checked by the integrity and discipline of the consul Metellus, and defeated in two battles, he saw his Numidia both laid waste in his presence and unable to be defended; forced by him to surrender, he gave three hundred hostages, promised to pay grain and other supplies, and returned more than three thousand deserters. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.15.7 (CSEL 5:309; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-15-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.15.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-15-8 - Source: CSEL 5:309–310 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Marius takes Capsa. ### Latin text exim cum incertus in pace improbos non cohiberet excursus, C. Marii consulis non minore paene, quam ipse praeditus erat, astutia Romanisque uiribus fractus est, maxime postquam Marius urbem Capsam, ab Hercule Phoenice ut ferunt conditam, regiis tunc thesauris confertissimam dolo circumuenit et cepit. ### English translation (Claude) Then, when, unsettled in peace, he did not restrain his wicked raids, he was broken by the cunning of the consul Gaius Marius, hardly less than his own, and by the Roman forces, especially after Marius by a stratagem surrounded and took the city of Capsa, founded, as they say, by the Phoenician Hercules, which was then crammed with royal treasures. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.15.8 (CSEL 5:309–310; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-15-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.15.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-15-9 - Source: CSEL 5:310 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Jugurtha allies with Bocchus. ### Latin text diffidens deinde propriis rebus et uiribus Iugurtha societatem cum Boccho Maurorum rege fecit, cuius equitatu in immensum auctus Marianum exercitum creberrimis incursionibus fatigauit. ### English translation (Claude) Then, distrusting his own affairs and strength, Jugurtha made an alliance with Bocchus, king of the Moors; enormously increased by his cavalry, he wore out Marius's army with very frequent raids. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.15.9 (CSEL 5:310; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-15-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.15.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-15-10 - Source: CSEL 5:310 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The battle near Cirta. ### Latin text postremo apud Cirtam, urbem antiquam, Masinissae regiam, aduersum Romanos expugnationem eius parantes sexaginta milibus equitum instructus occurrit. ### English translation (Claude) Finally, at Cirta, an ancient city, the royal seat of Masinissa, he met the Romans, who were preparing to storm it, with sixty thousand cavalry. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.15.10 (CSEL 5:310; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-15-10). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.15.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-15-11 - Source: CSEL 5:310 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The terrifying cavalry battle. ### Latin text numquam ulla Romano militi tumultuosior pugna et terribilior fuit, adeo ut discursu et fremitu circumcursantium et impetentium equitum suscitatus puluis caelum subtexuerit, diem ademerit noctemque obduxerit, tantus autem telorum nimbus ingruerit, ut nulla pars corporis ab ictu tuta esset, quippe quibus et uisus ad prospiciendum impedimento caliginis et ### English translation (Claude) Never was any battle more tumultuous and terrifying for the Roman soldier, so much so that the dust raised by the running and noise of the cavalry riding around and charging covered the sky, took away the day, and brought on night, and so great a cloud of missiles fell on them that no part of the body was safe from a blow, since for them both sight for looking ahead was hindered by the darkness and ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.15.11 (CSEL 5:310; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-15-11). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.15.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-15-12 - Source: CSEL 5:310–311 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Romans are pressed together; night brings relief. ### Latin text expeditio ad cauendum compressione multitudinis deerat. nec laborabat eques Maurus ac Numida, ut bene conlocatum hostem opportuno teli impetu rimaretur, sed potius in incertum pila mittebant certi quod uulnera incerta non essent. ita coacti in unum Romani pedites densabantur. intercapedinem tanti periculi nox interueniens dedit. ### English translation (Claude) freedom of movement for taking care was lacking because of the pressure of the crowd. Nor did the Moorish and Numidian horseman labor to search out a well-placed enemy with a well-timed throw of a missile; rather they threw their javelins at random, certain that the wounds would not be uncertain. So the Roman infantry were forced together into one mass. Night intervening gave a respite from such great danger. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.15.12 (CSEL 5:310–311; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-15-12). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.15.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-15-13 - Source: CSEL 5:311 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The second day of the battle. ### Latin text eadem postera die et belli et periculi facies: erumpere in hostem quamuis stricto miles gladio non ualebat, eminus enim iaculis repellebatur; fugere non poterant, undique enim uelocior ad persequendum eques incluserat. ### English translation (Claude) The next day the face of war and danger was the same: the soldier, though his sword was drawn, could not break out against the enemy, for he was driven back by javelins from a distance; they could not flee, for the cavalry, swifter to pursue, had shut them in on every side. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.15.13 (CSEL 5:311; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-15-13). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.15.14 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-15-14 - Source: CSEL 5:311 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Marius breaks out on the third day. ### Latin text iam tertia dies et nullum undecumque suffragium, dira undique mortis facies obiciebatur: tandem Marius consul forti desperatione spei uiam fecit, uniuerso simul agmine prorupit e uallo campoque sese simul et proelio dedit. ### English translation (Claude) Now it was the third day, and there was no help from anywhere; the dreadful face of death was presented on every side. At last the consul Marius by brave despair made a way for hope: he broke out from the rampart with the whole column at once and gave himself to the field and to battle together. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.15.14 (CSEL 5:311; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-15-14). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.15.15 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-15-15 - Source: CSEL 5:311 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: A sudden rainstorm saves the Romans. ### Latin text et cum iterum circumfusi hostes non solum agminis extrema laniarent, uerum etiam media excussis procul telis caederent turbatosque Romanos insuper etiam aestus solis, intolerantia sitis, mortis circumstantia usque ad extremum desperationis defetigaret, subito notum illud Romanorum aduersus Afros tempestatum imbriumque suffragium caelo missum insperatae saluti fuit. ### English translation (Claude) And when the enemy, surrounding them again, were not only mangling the ends of the column but also cutting down its middle with missiles hurled from afar, and the heat of the sun besides, unbearable thirst, and death standing all around were wearing the confused Romans down to the last extreme of despair, suddenly that well-known help of storms and rain sent from heaven to the Romans against the Africans brought unhoped-for safety. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.15.15 (CSEL 5:311; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-15-15). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.15.16 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-15-16 - Source: CSEL 5:311 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The rain disables the Numidian javelins. ### Latin text siquidem repentina pluuia sitientibus Romanis et aestuantibus refrigerium potumque praebuit, porro autem Numidis hastilia telorum, quae manu intorquere sine ammentis solent, lubrica ac per hoc inutilia reddidit; ### English translation (Claude) For the sudden rain gave refreshment and drink to the thirsty and overheated Romans, while it made slippery and therefore useless the shafts of the Numidians' javelins, which they are accustomed to hurl by hand without throwing-thongs; ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.15.16 (CSEL 5:311; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-15-16). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.15.17 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-15-17 - Source: CSEL 5:311–312 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The sodden shields fail; the kings flee. ### Latin text scuta etiam, quae elephanti corio extento atque durato habilia et tuta gestabant — cuius ea natura est, ut acceptum imbrem tamquam spongia ebibat ac per hoc intractabile repentino pondere fiat — quia circumferri non poterant, defendere nequiuerunt. ita ex insperato conturbatis destitutisque Mauris ac Numidis Bocchus ac Iugurtha fugerunt. ### English translation (Claude) and the shields too, which, made of elephant hide stretched and hardened, they carried as handy and safe (its nature is such that it drinks in rain like a sponge and so becomes unmanageable from the sudden weight), since they could not be carried about, could not protect them. So, the Moors and Numidians being unexpectedly thrown into confusion and left helpless, Bocchus and Jugurtha fled. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.15.17 (CSEL 5:311–312; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-15-17). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.15.18 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-15-18 - Source: CSEL 5:312 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Bocchus betrays Jugurtha to Marius. ### Latin text post hoc nonaginta milia armatorum nouissimo bello ab isdem regibus obiecta; haec quoque usque ad internecionem Romanis uincentibus caesa referuntur. ex eo Bocchus spem belli abiciens, pacem petiuit atque in pretium pacis Iugurtham dolo captum catenisque obrutum per Sullam legatum misit ad Marium. ### English translation (Claude) After this ninety thousand armed men were thrown against them in a last battle by the same kings; these too are reported to have been slaughtered to the point of annihilation as the Romans conquered. From then on Bocchus, abandoning hope of war, sought peace, and as the price of peace he had Jugurtha captured by treachery and sent him, loaded with chains, through the legate Sulla to Marius. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.15.18 (CSEL 5:312; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-15-18). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.15.19 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-15-19 - Source: CSEL 5:312 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Jugurtha's end. ### Latin text qui in triumpho ante currum cum duobus filiis suis actus et mox in carcere strangulatus est. ### English translation (Claude) He was driven in the triumph before the chariot with his two sons and soon strangled in prison. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.15.19 (CSEL 5:312; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-15-19). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.15.20 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-15-20 - Source: CSEL 5:312 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: A knight's daughter caught in a storm. ### Latin text Isdem diebus obscenum prodigium ac triste uisum est. L. Heluius eques Romanus cum uxore et filia de Roma in Apuliam rediens, tempestate correptus cum filiam consternatam uideret, ut citius propioribus tectis succederent, relictis uehiculis arreptisque equis filiam uirginem equo insidentem in medium agmen accepit. ### English translation (Claude) In the same days an indecent and sad portent was seen. Lucius Helvius, a Roman knight, returning from Rome to Apulia with his wife and daughter, was caught in a storm; when he saw his daughter terrified, in order to reach the nearer houses more quickly, he left the carriages, took horses, and placed his maiden daughter, seated on a horse, in the middle of the column. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.15.20 (CSEL 5:312; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-15-20). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.15.21 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-15-21 - Source: CSEL 5:312–313 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: She is killed by lightning and stripped. ### Latin text puella continuo ictu fulminis exanimata est, sed omnibus sine scissura aliqua uestimentis ademptis ac pectoris pedumque uinculis dissolutis, monilibus etiam anulisque discussis, ipso quoque corpore inlaeso, nisi quod obscenum in modum nuda et lingua paululum exerta iacuit; equus quoque ipse, quo utebatur, straturis frenis et cingulis dissolutis passim ac dispersis exanimis procul iacuit. ### English translation (Claude) The girl was at once killed by a stroke of lightning, but with all her clothes taken off without any tear, the bands of her breast and feet loosed, her necklaces and rings scattered, and her body itself unharmed, except that she lay naked in an indecent way with her tongue put out a little; the horse too, which she was riding, lay lifeless some way off, its trappings, bridle, and girths loosed and scattered everywhere. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.15.21 (CSEL 5:312–313; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-15-21). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.15.22 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-15-22 - Source: CSEL 5:313 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Scandal among the Vestal virgins. ### Latin text Paruo post hoc intercessu temporis L. Veturius eques Romanus Aemiliam uirginem Vestalem furtiuo stupro polluit. duas praeterea uirgines Vestales eadem Aemilia ad participationem incesti sollicitatas contubernalibus sui corruptoris exposuit ac tradidit. indicio per seruum facto supplicium de omnibus sumptum est. ### English translation (Claude) A short interval of time after this, Lucius Veturius, a Roman knight, defiled the Vestal virgin Aemilia by secret illicit intercourse. Moreover, this same Aemilia solicited two other Vestal virgins to share the unchastity and exposed and handed them over to the companions of her seducer. When information was given by a slave, punishment was inflicted on all. ### Translation notes - stupro: illicit intercourse; incesti: the sacrilegious unchastity of a Vestal. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.15.22 (CSEL 5:313; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-15-22). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.15.23 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-15-23 - Source: CSEL 5:313 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Cassius is killed by the Tigurini. ### Latin text Isdem praeterea Iugurthini belli temporibus L. Cassius consul in Gallia Tigurinos usque Oceanum persecutus rursusque ab isdem insidiis circumuentus occisus est. ### English translation (Claude) Moreover, in the same times of the Jugurthine war, the consul Lucius Cassius in Gaul pursued the Tigurini as far as the Ocean and was in turn surrounded by them in an ambush and killed. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.15.23 (CSEL 5:313; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-15-23). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.15.24 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-15-24 - Source: CSEL 5:313–314 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: A shameful treaty with the Tigurini. ### Latin text Lucius quoque Piso uir consularis, legatus Cassii consulis, interfectus. C. Publius alter legatus, ne residua exercitus portio, quae in castra confugerat, deleretur, obsides et dimidiam partem rerum omnium Tigurinis turpissimo foedere dedit: qui Romam reuersus, a Caelio tribuno plebi die dicta eo quod Tigurinis obsides dederat, in exilium profugit. ### English translation (Claude) Lucius Piso too, a man of consular rank, legate of the consul Cassius, was killed. Gaius Publius, the other legate, so that the remaining part of the army, which had fled into the camp, should not be destroyed, gave the Tigurini hostages and half of everything by a most shameful treaty; on returning to Rome, when a day for trial was set by Caelius, tribune of the plebs, because he had given hostages to the Tigurini, he fled into exile. ### Translation notes - “C. Publius” as printed; the legate was Gaius Popillius. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.15.24 (CSEL 5:313–314; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-15-24). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.15.25 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-15-25 - Source: CSEL 5:314 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Caepio's theft of the gold of Tolosa. ### Latin text Caepio proconsule capta urbe Gallorum, cui nomen est Tolosae, centum milia pondo auri et argenti centum decem milia e templo Apollinis sustulit: quod cum ad Massiliam, amicam populo Romano urbem, cum praesidiis misisset, interfectis clam — sicut quidam contestantur — quibus ea custodienda et peruehenda commiserat, cuncta per scelus furatus fuisse narratur. unde etiam magna quaestio post Romae acta est. ### English translation (Claude) Caepio, as proconsul, having captured a city of the Gauls named Tolosa, took from the temple of Apollo a hundred thousand pounds of gold and a hundred and ten thousand of silver. When he had sent this with guards to Massilia, a city friendly to the Roman people, he is said, after secretly killing (as some testify) those to whom he had entrusted it for guarding and transport, to have stolen it all by a crime. Hence a great inquiry was afterward held at Rome. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.15.25 (CSEL 5:314; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-15-25). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.16.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-16-1 - Source: CSEL 5:314 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Manlius and Caepio face the Cimbri. ### Latin text Anno ab Vrbe condita DCXLII C. Manlius consul et Q. Caepio proconsule aduersus Cimbros et Teutonas et Tigurinos et Ambronas, Gallorum Germanorum gentes, quae tunc ut imperium Romanum extinguerent conspirauerant, missi prouincias sibi Rhodano flumine medio diuiserunt. ### English translation (Claude) In the 642nd year from the founding of the City, the consul Gaius Manlius and the proconsul Quintus Caepio, sent against the Cimbri, Teutones, Tigurini, and Ambrones, peoples of the Gauls and Germans, who had then conspired to destroy the Roman empire, divided the provinces between them with the river Rhone in the middle. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.16.1 (CSEL 5:314; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-16-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.16.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-16-2 - Source: CSEL 5:314 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Romans are defeated at Arausio. ### Latin text ubi dum inter se grauissima inuidia et contentione disceptant, cum magna ignominia et periculo Romani nominis uicti sunt. siquidem in ea pugna M. Aemilius consularis captus atque interfectus est, duo filii consulis caesi; ### English translation (Claude) There, while they were quarreling with each other with very bitter envy and rivalry, they were defeated, with great disgrace and danger to the Roman name. For in that battle Marcus Aemilius, a man of consular rank, was captured and killed, and two sons of the consul were slain; ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.16.2 (CSEL 5:314; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-16-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.16.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-16-3 - Source: CSEL 5:314–315 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The losses at Arausio. ### Latin text LXXX milia Romanorum sociorumque ea tempestate trucidata, XL milia calonum atque lixarum interfecta Antias scribit. ### English translation (Claude) Antias writes that eighty thousand Romans and allies were slaughtered at that time, and forty thousand camp servants and sutlers killed. ### Extrabiblical texts - Valerius Antias (Valerius Antias (fragments)): allusion, medium confidence ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.16.3 (CSEL 5:314–315; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-16-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.16.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-16-4 - Source: CSEL 5:315 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Only ten survive. ### Latin text ita ex omni penitus exercitu decem tantummodo homines, qui miserum nuntium ad augendas miserias reportarent, superfuisse referuntur. ### English translation (Claude) So of the whole army only ten men are reported to have survived to bring back the wretched news and increase the misery. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.16.4 (CSEL 5:315; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-16-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.16.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-16-5 - Source: CSEL 5:315 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The victors destroy the spoils. ### Latin text hostes binis castris atque ingenti praeda potiti noua quadam atque insolita exsecratione cuncta quae ceperant pessum dederunt; ### English translation (Claude) The enemy, having taken both camps and enormous booty, destroyed everything they had taken by a new and unusual kind of curse; ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.16.5 (CSEL 5:315; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-16-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.16.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-16-6 - Source: CSEL 5:315 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The ritual destruction of the spoils. ### Latin text uestis discissa et proiecta est, aurum argentumque in flumen abiectum, loricae uirorum concisae, phalerae equorum disperditae, equi ipsi gurgitibus inmersi, homines laqueis collo inditis ex arboribus suspensi sunt, ita ut nihil praedae uictor, nihil misericordiae uictus adgnosceret. ### English translation (Claude) clothing was torn and thrown away, gold and silver cast into the river, the men's breastplates cut up, the horses' trappings destroyed, the horses themselves plunged into the eddies, the men hanged from trees with nooses put round their necks, so that the victor recognized no booty and the vanquished no mercy. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.16.6 (CSEL 5:315; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-16-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.16.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-16-7 - Source: CSEL 5:315 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Fear at Rome. ### Latin text maximus tunc Romae non solum luctus, uerum etiam metus fuit, ne confestim Cimbri Alpes transgrederentur Italiamque delerent. ### English translation (Claude) At Rome there was then very great not only grief but also fear, lest the Cimbri should immediately cross the Alps and destroy Italy. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.16.7 (CSEL 5:315; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-16-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.16.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-16-8 - Source: CSEL 5:315 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Fabius Maximus murders his son. ### Latin text Isdem temporibus Q. Fabius Maximus filium suum adulescentem, rus relegatum, cum duobus seruis parricidii ministris interfecit ipsosque continuo seruos in pretium sceleris manumisit. die dicta Cn. Pompeio accusante damnatus est. ### English translation (Claude) At the same time Quintus Fabius Maximus killed his young son, whom he had banished to the country, with two slaves as agents of the murder, and immediately freed those slaves as the price of the crime. When a day for trial was set, with Gnaeus Pompeius as accuser, he was condemned. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.16.8 (CSEL 5:315; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-16-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.16.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-16-9 - Source: CSEL 5:315–316 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Marius camps at the confluence; the enemy marches on Italy. ### Latin text Igitur Marius quarto consul cum iuxta Isarae Rhodanique flumina, ubi in sese confluunt, castra posuisset, Teutones Cimbri et Tigurini et Ambrones postquam continuo triduo circa Romanorum castra pugnarunt, si quo pacto eos excuterent uallo atque in aequor effunderent, tribus agminibus Italiam petere destinarunt. ### English translation (Claude) So when Marius, consul for the fourth time, had pitched camp near the rivers Isère and Rhone where they flow together, the Teutones, Cimbri, Tigurini, and Ambrones, after fighting for three days continuously around the Roman camp to see whether they could somehow drive them out of their rampart and pour them out onto the plain, resolved to make for Italy in three columns. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.16.9 (CSEL 5:315–316; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-16-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.16.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-16-10 - Source: CSEL 5:316 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Marius wins the fight for water. ### Latin text Marius, post digressum hostium castra mouit et collem occupauit, qui campo et fluuio, ubi hostes sese diffuderant, imminebat. cumque exercitui eius aqua ad potandum deesset, querellisque omnium coargueretur, aquam quidem in conspectu esse respondit, sed eam ferro uindicandam. primis itaque calonibus cum clamore in pugnam ruentibus subsecutus exercitus, mox iusto certamine conpositis ordinibus bellum gestum et uicere Romani. ### English translation (Claude) Marius, after the enemy's departure, moved camp and seized a hill which overlooked the plain and the river where the enemy had spread out. And when his army lacked water to drink and he was reproached by the complaints of all, he answered that water was indeed in sight but must be won with the sword. So, when the camp servants first rushed into battle with a shout, the army followed, and soon the war was fought in a regular battle with ordered ranks, and the Romans conquered. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.16.10 (CSEL 5:316; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-16-10). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.16.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-16-11 - Source: CSEL 5:316 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Gauls wilt in the heat. ### Latin text quarto die rursus productae utrimque in campum acies usque ad meridiem paene pari pugnauere discrimine. post ubi incalescente sole fluxa Gallorum corpora in modum niuium distabuerunt, usque in noctem caedes potius quam pugna. ### English translation (Claude) On the fourth day the battle lines were again led out on both sides into the plain and fought until almost midday with nearly equal fortune. Afterward, when the sun grew hot and the soft bodies of the Gauls melted away like snow, slaughter rather than battle ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.16.11 (CSEL 5:316; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-16-11). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.16.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-16-12 - Source: CSEL 5:316 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The losses of the Teutones. ### Latin text protracta est. ducenta milia armatorum in eo bello interfecta sunt, octoginta milia capta, uix tria milia fugisse referuntur; dux quoque eorum Teutobodus occisus est. ### English translation (Claude) went on until night. Two hundred thousand armed men were killed in that war, eighty thousand captured, and scarcely three thousand are reported to have fled; their leader Teutobodus too was killed. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.16.12 (CSEL 5:316; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-16-12). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.16.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-16-13 - Source: CSEL 5:316 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The women kill their children and themselves. ### Latin text mulieres eorum constantiore animo quam si uicissent consuluere consulem, ut, si inuiolata castitate uirginibus sacris ac dis seruiendum esset, uitam sibi reseruarent. itaque cum petita non impetrauissent, paruulis suis ad saxa conlisis cunctae sese ferro ac suspendio peremerunt. haec de Tigurinis et Ambronibus gesta sunt. ### English translation (Claude) Their women, with a firmer spirit than if they had conquered, asked the consul that, if their chastity were kept inviolate and they might serve the sacred virgins and the gods, they might keep their lives. So when they did not obtain what they asked, they dashed their little children against the rocks and all killed themselves by the sword and by hanging. These things were done concerning the Tigurini and Ambrones. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.16.13 (CSEL 5:316; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-16-13). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.16.14 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-16-14 - Source: CSEL 5:316–317 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Marius and Catulus meet the Cimbri in Italy. ### Latin text Teutones autem et Cimbri integris copiis Alpium niues emensi Italiae plana peruaserant, ibique cum rigidum genus diu blandioribus auris, poculis, cibis ac lauacris emolliretur, Marius v consul et Catulus aduersum eos missi, die ad pugnam et campo dato Hannibalis secuti ingenium in nebula disposuere pugnam, in sole pugnarunt. ### English translation (Claude) The Teutones and Cimbri, with their forces intact, crossed the snows of the Alps and overran the plains of Italy; and there, while that hardy race was long softened by milder air, drink, food, and baths, Marius, consul for the fifth time, and Catulus were sent against them; when the day and field for battle had been fixed, following the ingenuity of Hannibal, they drew up the battle in a fog and fought in the sun. ### Translation notes - Orosius has confused the peoples: the Teutones had been destroyed at Aquae Sextiae (5.16.12); it was the Cimbri who entered Italy. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.16.14 (CSEL 5:316–317; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-16-14). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.16.15 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-16-15 - Source: CSEL 5:317 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Fog, sun and dust confound the Cimbri. ### Latin text prima siquidem perturbatio Gallorum fuit, quod Romanam aciem prius offendere dispositam quam adesse senserunt. cumque ilico uulnerati equites retro in suos cogerentur, totamque multitudinem indisposite adhuc aduentantem conturbarent, et sol cum uento ortus ex aduerso emicuisset, uisus eorum puluis oppleuit et splendor hebetauit. ### English translation (Claude) For the first confusion of the Gauls was that they ran into the Roman line already drawn up before they perceived that it was there. And when their horsemen, wounded at once, were driven back on their own men and threw into confusion the whole multitude still coming up in disorder, and the sun, rising with the wind, flashed in their faces, dust filled their eyes and the glare dulled them. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.16.15 (CSEL 5:317; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-16-15). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.16.16 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-16-16 - Source: CSEL 5:317 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Cimbri are annihilated. ### Latin text ita factum est, ut tanta ac tam terribilis multitudo minima Romanorum clade, sua autem ultima internecione caederetur. centum quadraginta milia eorum tunc in bello caesa, sexaginta milia capta dicuntur. ### English translation (Claude) So it came about that so great and so terrible a multitude was cut down with very small loss to the Romans and with its own utter annihilation. A hundred and forty thousand of them are said to have been slain in that battle, and sixty thousand captured. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.16.16 (CSEL 5:317; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-16-16). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.16.17 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-16-17 - Source: CSEL 5:317 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Cimbrian women resist and then kill themselves. ### Latin text mulieres grauiorem paene excitauere pugnam, quae plaustris in modum castrorum circumstructis, ipsae autem desuper propugnantes, diu repulere Romanos. sed cum ab his nouo caedis genere terrerentur — abscisis enim cum crine uerticibus inhonesto satis uulnere turpes relinquebantur — ferrum, quod in hostes sumpserant, in se suosque uerterunt. ### English translation (Claude) The women stirred up an almost fiercer battle: they set their wagons around like a camp and, fighting from above, long drove back the Romans. But when they were terrified by a new kind of slaughter (for their scalps were cut off with the hair, and they were left disfigured by a quite shameful wound), they turned the steel they had taken up against the enemy on themselves and their own. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.16.17 (CSEL 5:317; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-16-17). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.16.18 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-16-18 - Source: CSEL 5:317–318 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The ways the women died. ### Latin text namque aliae concursu mutuo iugulatae, aliae apprehensis inuicem faucibus strangulatae, aliae funibus per equorum crura consertis ipsisque continuo equis exstimulatis, postquam suas isdem funibus, quibus equorum crura nexuerant, indidere ceruices, protractae atque exanimatae sunt, aliae laqueo de subrectis plaustrorum temonibus pependerunt. ### English translation (Claude) For some cut each other's throats in mutual assault, some strangled each other gripping one another's throats, some tied ropes to the legs of horses, and when the horses were at once goaded, having put round their own necks the same ropes with which they had bound the horses' legs, were dragged and killed; others hanged themselves with nooses from the raised poles of the wagons. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.16.18 (CSEL 5:317–318; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-16-18). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.16.19 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-16-19 - Source: CSEL 5:318 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: A mother hangs herself with her sons. ### Latin text inuenta est etiam quaedam, quae duos filios traiectis per colla eorum laqueis ad suos pedes uinxerit et, cum se ipsam suspendio morituram dimisisset, secum traxerit occidendos. ### English translation (Claude) One woman was even found who had tied her two sons to her feet with nooses passed through their necks and, when she had let herself go to die by hanging, dragged them with her to be killed. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.16.19 (CSEL 5:318; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-16-19). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.16.20 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-16-20 - Source: CSEL 5:318 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The fate of the Cimbrian kings. ### Latin text inter haec multa ac miserabilia mortis genera reguli quoque duo strictis in se gladiis concurrisse referuntur. Lugius et Boiorix reges in acie ceciderunt; Claodicus et Caesoris capti sunt. ### English translation (Claude) Among these many and pitiable kinds of death, two chieftains too are reported to have run at each other with drawn swords. The kings Lugius and Boiorix fell in the battle; Claodicus and Caesorix were captured. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.16.20 (CSEL 5:318; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-16-20). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.16.21 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-16-21 - Source: CSEL 5:318 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The totals of the Cimbrian wars. ### Latin text ita in his duobus proeliis CCCXL milia Gallorum caesa et CXL milia capta sunt, absque innumera mulierum multitudine, quae se suosque paruulos femineo furore, ui autem uirili necauerunt. ### English translation (Claude) So in these two battles three hundred and forty thousand Gauls were slain and a hundred and forty thousand captured, apart from the countless multitude of women, who killed themselves and their little children with a woman's frenzy but a man's strength. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.16.21 (CSEL 5:318; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-16-21). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.16.22 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-16-22 - Source: CSEL 5:318 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: A crime darkens Marius's triumph. ### Latin text igitur talem Marii triumphum Romanamque uictoriam incredibile facinus et numquam antea Romanis cognitum Romae subito perpetratum uersa ### English translation (Claude) So an incredible crime, never before known to the Romans, suddenly committed at Rome, turned such a triumph of Marius and such a Roman victory ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.16.22 (CSEL 5:318; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-16-22). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.16.23 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-16-23 - Source: CSEL 5:318 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Publicius Malleolus kills his mother. ### Latin text in horrorem ac maerorem tota Vrbe fuscauit. Publicius siquidem Malleolus seruis adnitentibus matrem suam interfecit; damnatus parricidii insutusque in culleum et in mare proiectus est; ### English translation (Claude) into horror and grief and darkened the whole City. For Publicius Malleolus, with his slaves helping, killed his mother; condemned for parricide, he was sewn into a sack and thrown into the sea; ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.16.23 (CSEL 5:318; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-16-23). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.16.24 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-16-24 - Source: CSEL 5:318–319 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Roman penalty for parricide. ### Latin text inpleueruntque Romani et facinus et poenam, unde et Solon Atheniensis decernere non ausus fuerat, dum fieri posse non credit, et Romani, qui se ortos a Romulo scirent, etiam hoc fieri posse intellegentes supplicium singulare sanxerunt. ### English translation (Claude) and the Romans fulfilled both crime and punishment; for this reason Solon of Athens had not dared to decree a penalty, since he did not believe it could happen, while the Romans, who knew that they were sprung from Romulus, understanding that even this could happen, established a unique punishment. ### Translation notes - Romulus killed his brother; hence the Romans knew kin-murder was possible. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.16.24 (CSEL 5:318–319; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-16-24). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.17.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-17-1 - Source: CSEL 5:319 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Rome is shaken in Marius's sixth consulship. ### Latin text Anno ab Vrbe condita DCXLV post Cimbricum et Teutonicum bellum et quintum Marii consulatum, quo status imperii Romani iure conseruatus iudicatur, sexto consulatu eiusdem C. Marii ita labefactatus est, ut paene usque ad extremum intestina clade conciderit. ### English translation (Claude) In the 645th year from the founding of the City, after the Cimbrian and Teutonic war and the fifth consulship of Marius, in which the state of the Roman empire is judged to have been rightly preserved, in the sixth consulship of the same Gaius Marius it was so shaken that it almost collapsed completely through internal disaster. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.17.1 (CSEL 5:319; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-17-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.17.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-17-2 - Source: CSEL 5:319 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Orosius will be brief on the seditions. ### Latin text euoluere ac percurrere mihi discordiarum ambages et inextricabiles seditionum causas incommodum simul ac longum uidetur; ### English translation (Claude) To unfold and run through the windings of the discords and the tangled causes of the seditions seems to me both tiresome and long; ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.17.2 (CSEL 5:319; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-17-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.17.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-17-3 - Source: CSEL 5:319 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Saturninus attacks Metellus and murders Nunius. ### Latin text sane breuiter strinxisse sufficiat, quia primus L. Apuleius Saturninus excitati tumultus auctor exstiterit, Q. Metello Numidico uiro sane primario acerrimus inimicus, qui eum censorem creatum protractum domo atque in Capitolium confugientem armata multitudine obsedit, unde equitum Romanorum indignatione deiectus est, plurima ante Capitolium caede facta. A. Nunium deinde, conpetitorem suum, Saturninus et Glaucia fraude C. Marii consulis occiderunt. ### English translation (Claude) let it suffice to touch on it briefly: Lucius Apuleius Saturninus was the first author of the tumult that was stirred up, a most bitter enemy of Quintus Metellus Numidicus, truly a leading man; when Metellus had been made censor, Saturninus dragged him from his house and, as he fled to the Capitol, besieged him with an armed multitude, from which he was driven off by the indignation of the Roman knights, after very great slaughter before the Capitol. Then Saturninus and Glaucia, through the treachery of the consul Gaius Marius, killed Aulus Nunius, Saturninus's rival. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.17.3 (CSEL 5:319; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-17-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.17.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-17-4 - Source: CSEL 5:319–320 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Metellus is exiled. ### Latin text subsequente anno Marius sexto consul et Glaucia praetor et Saturninus tribunus plebi conspirauerunt Metellum Numidicum in exilium quacumque ui agere. die dicta a suppositis eiusdem factionis iudicibus per scelus innocens Metellus damnatus in exilium cum totius Vrbis dolore discessit. ### English translation (Claude) In the following year Marius, consul for the sixth time, Glaucia as praetor, and Saturninus as tribune of the plebs conspired to drive Metellus Numidicus into exile by any force. When a day for trial was set, the innocent Metellus was criminally condemned by judges of the same faction put in place for the purpose and went into exile amid the grief of the whole City. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.17.4 (CSEL 5:319–320; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-17-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.17.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-17-5 - Source: CSEL 5:320 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Saturninus has Memmius murdered. ### Latin text idem Saturninus Memmium, uirum acrem et integrum, fieri consulem timens, orta subito seditione fugientem per P. Mettium satellitem informi stipite conminutum interfecit. ### English translation (Claude) The same Saturninus, fearing that Memmius, a keen and upright man, would become consul, raised a sudden sedition and, as Memmius fled, killed him through his henchman Publius Mettius, who battered him with a shapeless club. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.17.5 (CSEL 5:320; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-17-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.17.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-17-6 - Source: CSEL 5:320 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Marius changes sides; Saturninus is hailed as king. ### Latin text fremente pro tantis reipublicae malis senatu populoque Romano, Marius consul accommodato ad tempus ingenio consensui bonorum sese inmiscuit commotamque plebem leni oratione sedauit. Saturninus infamibus ausis contionem domi suae habuit ibique ab aliis rex, ab aliis imperator est appellatus. ### English translation (Claude) While the senate and the Roman people raged at such great evils of the commonwealth, the consul Marius, with a character suited to the times, joined the consensus of the good men and calmed the agitated plebs with a mild speech. Saturninus, in his infamous daring, held an assembly in his own house, and there was called king by some and commander by others. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.17.6 (CSEL 5:320; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-17-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.17.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-17-7 - Source: CSEL 5:320 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Saturninus is besieged on the Capitol. ### Latin text Marius manipulatim plebe descripta alterum consulem cum praesidiis in colle disposuit, ipse portas communiuit. in foro proelium commissum est; Saturninus a Marianis foro pulsus in Capitolium confugit; Marius fistulas, quibus eo aqua deducebatur, incidit. ### English translation (Claude) Marius, having organized the plebs by maniples, posted the other consul with guards on the hill and himself fortified the gates. Battle was joined in the forum; Saturninus, driven from the forum by the Marians, fled to the Capitol; Marius cut the pipes by which water was brought there. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.17.7 (CSEL 5:320; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-17-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.17.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-17-8 - Source: CSEL 5:320 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Saturninus accuses Marius. ### Latin text bellum deinde in aditu Capitolii horridum satis actum est, multi circa Saufeium et Saturninum caesi. Saturninus palam clamitans, Marium auctorem esse omnium molitionum suarum, contestatus est; ### English translation (Claude) Then a quite fearful fight took place at the approach to the Capitol, and many around Saufeius and Saturninus were slain. Saturninus, crying aloud openly, declared that Marius was the author of all his schemes; ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.17.8 (CSEL 5:320; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-17-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.17.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-17-9 - Source: CSEL 5:320 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Saturninus and his allies are killed. ### Latin text cum autem ipse Saturninus et Saufeius et Labienus cogente Mario in curiam confugissent, per equites Romanos effractis foribus occisi sunt. C. Glaucia extractus e domo Claudii trucidatus est. ### English translation (Claude) but when Saturninus himself, Saufeius, and Labienus, under pressure from Marius, had taken refuge in the senate house, they were killed by Roman knights after the doors were broken down. Gaius Glaucia was dragged out of the house of Claudius and slaughtered. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.17.9 (CSEL 5:320; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-17-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.17.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-17-10 - Source: CSEL 5:320–321 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The sedition ends. ### Latin text Furius, tribunus plebi, bona omnium publicanda decreuit. Cn. Dolabella, Saturnini frater, per forum holitorium fugiens, cum L. Giganio interfectus est. itaque auctoribus tantae seditionis occisis quies populo fuit. ### English translation (Claude) Furius, tribune of the plebs, decreed that the property of all of them be confiscated. Gnaeus Dolabella, Saturninus's brother, fleeing through the vegetable market, was killed with Lucius Giganius. So, with the authors of so great a sedition killed, the people had quiet. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.17.10 (CSEL 5:320–321; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-17-10). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.17.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-17-11 - Source: CSEL 5:321 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Metellus's recall is blocked. ### Latin text tunc Cato atque Pompeius rogationem de reditu Metelli Numidici totius Vrbis gaudio promulgarunt: quae ne perficeretur, Marii consulis et Furii tribuni plebi factionibus intercessum est. ### English translation (Claude) Then Cato and Pompeius proposed a bill for the return of Metellus Numidicus, to the joy of the whole City; its passage was blocked by the factions of the consul Marius and the tribune of the plebs Furius. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.17.11 (CSEL 5:321; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-17-11). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.17.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-17-12 - Source: CSEL 5:321 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Rutilius's dignified conduct on trial. ### Latin text Rutilius quoque uir integerrimus adeo fidei atque innocentiae constantia usus est, ut die sibi ab accusatoribus dicta, usque ad cognitionem neque capillum barbamue promiserit neque sordida ueste humiliue habitu suffragatores conciliarit, inimicos permulserit, iudices temperarit, orationem quoque a praetore concessam nihilo summissiorem quam animum habuerit. ### English translation (Claude) Rutilius too, a man of the greatest integrity, showed such constancy of good faith and innocence that, when a day for trial was set for him by his accusers, until the hearing he neither let his hair or beard grow nor won supporters by mourning dress or humble bearing, nor soothed his enemies, nor softened the judges, and even the speech allowed him by the praetor was no more submissive than his spirit. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.17.12 (CSEL 5:321; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-17-12). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.17.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-17-13 - Source: CSEL 5:321 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Rutilius is condemned and retires to Smyrna. ### Latin text cum euidenti oppugnaretur calumnia et opinione bonorum omnium iure absoluendus putaretur, peiurio iudicum condemnatus est. qui Zmyrnam conmigrans litterarum studiis intentus consenuit. ### English translation (Claude) Although he was attacked by obvious slander and in the opinion of all good men was thought to deserve acquittal by right, he was condemned by the perjury of the judges. He moved to Smyrna and grew old there devoted to the study of letters. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.17.13 (CSEL 5:321; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-17-13). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.18.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-18-1 - Source: CSEL 5:321 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Social War begins. ### Latin text Anno ab Vrbe condita DCLIII Sex. Iulio Caesare et L. Marcio Philippo consulibus intestinis causis sociale bellum tota commouit Italia. ### English translation (Claude) In the 653rd year from the founding of the City, in the consulship of Sextus Julius Caesar and Lucius Marcius Philippus, the war with the allies, from internal causes, convulsed all Italy. ### Translation notes - The year is as the digital text prints it (DCLIII); the numeral may be misread (DCLIX, 659?). The Social War began in 91 BC. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.18.1 (CSEL 5:321; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-18-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.18.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-18-2 - Source: CSEL 5:321 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Livius Drusus incites the Latins. ### Latin text siquidem Liuius Drusus, tribunus plebi, Latinos omnes spe libertatis inlectos cum placito explere non posset, in arma excitauit. ### English translation (Claude) For Livius Drusus, tribune of the plebs, when he could not fulfill his promise to all the Latins, whom he had enticed with the hope of freedom, roused them to arms. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.18.2 (CSEL 5:321; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-18-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.18.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-18-3 - Source: CSEL 5:321–322 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Portents at Rome. ### Latin text eo accessit, ut maestam Vrbem prodigia dira terrerent. nam sub ortu solis globus ignis a regione septentrionis cum maximo caeli fragore emicuit. ### English translation (Claude) To this was added that dreadful portents terrified the sorrowing City. For at sunrise a ball of fire flashed out from the region of the north with a very great crash in the sky. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.18.3 (CSEL 5:321–322; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-18-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.18.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-18-4 - Source: CSEL 5:322 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Bleeding bread at Arretium. ### Latin text apud Arretinos cum panes per conuiuia frangerentur, cruor e mediis panibus quasi ex uulneribus corporum fluxit. ### English translation (Claude) At Arretium, when loaves were broken at banquets, blood flowed from the middle of the loaves as from wounds of bodies. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.18.4 (CSEL 5:322; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-18-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.18.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-18-5 - Source: CSEL 5:322 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Hail of stones and fire from the earth. ### Latin text praeterea per septem continuos dies grando lapidum, inmixtis etiam testarum fragmentis, terram latissime uerberauit. in Samnitibus uastissimo terrae hiatu flamma prorupit et usque in caelum extendi uisa est. ### English translation (Claude) Moreover, for seven continuous days a hail of stones, mixed even with fragments of pottery, beat the earth over a very wide area. Among the Samnites flame burst out from a vast chasm in the earth and was seen to stretch up to the sky. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.18.5 (CSEL 5:322; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-18-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.18.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-18-6 - Source: CSEL 5:322 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: A golden globe in the sky. ### Latin text conplures praeterea in itinere uidere Romani globum coloris aurei caelo ad terram deuolui maioremque factum rursus a terra in sublime ad orientem solem ferri ac magnitudine sua ipsum solem obtexisse. ### English translation (Claude) Moreover, a number of Romans on a journey saw a globe of golden color roll down from the sky to the earth and, having grown larger, be borne again from the earth up to the east and by its size cover the sun itself. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.18.6 (CSEL 5:322; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-18-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.18.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-18-7 - Source: CSEL 5:322 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Drusus is murdered. ### Latin text Drusus tantis malis anxius domi suae incerto quidem auctore interfectus est. ### English translation (Claude) Drusus, troubled by such evils, was killed in his own house by an assassin who remains unknown. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.18.7 (CSEL 5:322; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-18-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.18.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-18-8 - Source: CSEL 5:322 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The allies revolt and massacre Romans at Asculum. ### Latin text Igitur Picentes Vestini Marsi Paeligni Marrucini Samnites Lucani cum adhuc occultam defectionem meditarentur, C. Seruium praetorem, legatum ad se missum, apud Asculum occiderunt statimque clausa ciuitate omnes ciues Romanos indicta caede iugularunt. ### English translation (Claude) So the Picentes, Vestini, Marsi, Paeligni, Marrucini, Samnites, and Lucanians, while they were still planning a secret revolt, killed the praetor Gaius Servius, who had been sent to them as envoy, at Asculum, and at once, shutting the city, slaughtered all Roman citizens in a proclaimed massacre. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.18.8 (CSEL 5:322; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-18-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.18.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-18-9 - Source: CSEL 5:322–323 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Tame animals flee to the wild. ### Latin text continuo atrocissimam perniciem infamissima praecessere prodigia. namque omnium generum animalia, quae manus hominum blande perpeti atque inter homines uiuere solita erant, relictis stabulis pascuisque cum balatu hinnitu mugituque miserabili ad siluas montesque fugerunt. canes quoque, quorum naturae est extra homines esse non posse, lacrimosis ululatibus uagi luporum ritu oberrarunt. igitur Cn. ### English translation (Claude) Immediately the most ill-omened portents went before a most dreadful destruction. For animals of all kinds that were used to bearing the hands of men gently and living among men left their stalls and pastures and fled to the woods and mountains with pitiful bleating, neighing, and lowing. Dogs too, whose nature is that they cannot be apart from men, wandered about like wolves with tearful howling. So Gnaeus ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.18.9 (CSEL 5:322–323; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-18-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.18.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-18-10 - Source: CSEL 5:323 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Pompeius is defeated by the Picentes. ### Latin text Pompeius praetor cum Picentibus iussu senatus bellum gessit et uictus est, postquam sibi Samnites Papium Mutilum imperatorem praefecerant, Marsi autem Agamemnonem archipiratam praeoptauerant. ### English translation (Claude) Pompeius, as praetor, by order of the senate waged war with the Picentes and was defeated, after the Samnites had set Papius Mutilus over themselves as commander, and the Marsi had chosen Agamemnon, an arch-pirate. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.18.10 (CSEL 5:323; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-18-10). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.18.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-18-11 - Source: CSEL 5:323 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Marius advises Rutilius to delay. ### Latin text Iulius Caesar Samnitium pugna uictus caeso fugit exercitu. Rutilius consul Marium propinquum suum legatum sibi legit: quem adsidue summonentem moram bello utilem fore et paulisper in castris exerceri militem oportere tironem, ### English translation (Claude) Julius Caesar, defeated in battle by the Samnites, fled after his army was cut down. The consul Rutilius chose his kinsman Marius as his legate; when Marius kept advising that delay would be useful for the war and that the raw soldiers ought to be trained in camp for a little while, ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.18.11 (CSEL 5:323; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-18-11). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.18.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-18-12 - Source: CSEL 5:323 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Rutilius dies in an ambush. ### Latin text dolo id eum agere ratus contempsit seseque in insidias Marsorum et uniuersum agmen exercitus sui incautus iniecit, ubi et ipse consul occisus et multi nobiles interfecti et octo milia Romanorum militum caesa sunt. ### English translation (Claude) Rutilius, thinking he did this from guile, scorned him and recklessly threw himself and the whole column of his army into an ambush of the Marsi, where the consul himself was killed, many nobles slain, and eight thousand Roman soldiers cut down. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.18.12 (CSEL 5:323; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-18-12). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.18.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-18-13 - Source: CSEL 5:323 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Marius avenges Rutilius. ### Latin text arma et corpora interfectorum in conspectum Marii legati Tolenus fluuius pertulit atque in testimonium cladis euexit. Marius raptis continuo copiis uictores insperatus oppressit, octo milia et ipse Marsorum interfecit. ### English translation (Claude) The river Tolenus carried the arms and bodies of the slain into the sight of the legate Marius and brought them down as a witness of the disaster. Marius at once gathered his forces, fell unexpectedly on the victors, and himself killed eight thousand Marsi. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.18.13 (CSEL 5:323; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-18-13). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.18.14 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-18-14 - Source: CSEL 5:323 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Caepio is killed; Caesar recovers. ### Latin text Caepio autem a Vestinis et Marsis deductus in insidias, cum exercitu trucidatus est. L. uero Iulius Caesar postquam apud Aeserniam uictus aufugerat, contractis undique copiis aduersum Samnitas et Lucanos dimicans multa hostium milia interfecit. ### English translation (Claude) Caepio, however, was led into an ambush by the Vestini and Marsi and was slaughtered with his army. But Lucius Julius Caesar, after he had fled defeated at Aesernia, gathered forces from everywhere, fought against the Samnites and Lucanians, and killed many thousands of the enemy. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.18.14 (CSEL 5:323; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-18-14). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.18.15 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-18-15 - Source: CSEL 5:323–324 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The senate resumes the toga after a victory. ### Latin text cumque ab exercitu imperator appellatus esset Romamque nuntios de uictoria misisset, senatus saga, hoc est uestem maeroris, quam exorto sociali bello sumpserat, hac spe adridente deposuit atque antiquum togae decorem recuperauit. Marius deinde sex milia Marsorum cecidit, septem milia armis exuit. ### English translation (Claude) And when he had been hailed commander by the army and had sent messengers to Rome about the victory, the senate, as this hope smiled on it, laid aside the military cloaks, that is, the garment of mourning, which it had put on when the war with the allies broke out, and recovered the ancient dignity of the toga. Then Marius slew six thousand Marsi and stripped seven thousand of their arms. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.18.15 (CSEL 5:323–324; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-18-15). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.18.16 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-18-16 - Source: CSEL 5:324 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Sulla relieves Aesernia. ### Latin text Sulla cum uiginti et quattuor cohortibus Aeserniam missus, ubi artissima obsidione Romani ciues et milites premebantur, maximo bello et plurima caede hostium urbem sociosque seruauit. ### English translation (Claude) Sulla, sent with twenty-four cohorts to Aesernia, where Roman citizens and soldiers were hard pressed by a very close siege, saved the city and the allies with a very great battle and very great slaughter of the enemy. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.18.16 (CSEL 5:324; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-18-16). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.18.17 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-18-17 - Source: CSEL 5:324 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Victories over the Picentes, Etruscans and Umbrians. ### Latin text Cn. Pompeius Picentes graui proelio fudit, qua uictoria senatus laticlauia et cetera dignitatis insignia recepit, cum togas tantummodo uictoria Caesaris primum respirante sumpsisset. Porcius Cato praetor Etruscos, Plotius legatus Vmbros plurimo sanguine inpenso et difficillimo labore uicerunt. ### English translation (Claude) Gnaeus Pompeius routed the Picentes in a heavy battle; by this victory the senate took back the broad purple stripes and the other insignia of rank, having taken back only the togas when Caesar's victory first gave breathing space. Porcius Cato as praetor conquered the Etruscans, and Plotius as legate the Umbrians, with very much blood spent and most difficult labor. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.18.17 (CSEL 5:324; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-18-17). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.18.18 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-18-18 - Source: CSEL 5:324 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Pompeius defeats the allies at Asculum. ### Latin text Cn. Pompeio L. Porcio Catone consulibus Pompeius diu obsedit Asculum ciuitatem; nec tamen expugnauisset, nisi populum in campum prorumpentem grauissima oppressione uicisset. decem et octo milia Marsorum in ea pugna cum Franco imperatore suo caesa sunt, capta tria milia. ### English translation (Claude) In the consulship of Gnaeus Pompeius and Lucius Porcius Cato, Pompeius long besieged the city of Asculum; and yet he would not have taken it had he not defeated the people as they burst out onto the plain, with very heavy slaughter. Eighteen thousand Marsi with their commander Francus were slain in that battle, and three thousand captured. ### Translation notes - “Franco” as printed (Fraucus in some sources). ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.18.18 (CSEL 5:324; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-18-18). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.18.19 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-18-19 - Source: CSEL 5:324–325 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Four thousand fugitives freeze on a mountain. ### Latin text quattuor milia autem Italici uiri ex ea caede profugi iugum montis coacto in unum agmine forte conscenderant, ubi oppressi exanimatique niuibus miserabili morte riguerunt. ### English translation (Claude) But four thousand Italians, fleeing from that slaughter, had happened to climb a mountain ridge with their column drawn together into one, where, overwhelmed and killed by the snows, they froze in a pitiful death. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.18.19 (CSEL 5:324–325; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-18-19). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.18.20 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-18-20 - Source: CSEL 5:325 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The frozen men look alive. ### Latin text namque ita, ut attoniti timore hostium steterant, alii stirpibus uel saxis reclines, alii armis suis innitentes, patentibus cuncti oculis dentibusque nudatis uiuentium in modum uisebantur; nec ullum erat procul intuentibus mortis indicium nisi diuturna immobilitas, quam nullo modo humanae uitae uegetatio diu perpeti potest. ### English translation (Claude) For just as they had stood stunned with fear of the enemy, some leaning against stumps or rocks, others resting on their arms, all were seen like living men, with eyes open and teeth bared; nor was there any sign of death for those looking from afar except the long stillness, which the vigor of human life can in no way endure for long. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.18.20 (CSEL 5:325; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-18-20). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.18.21 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-18-21 - Source: CSEL 5:325 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Vidacilius poisons himself. ### Latin text eadem die Picentes congressi et uicti sunt, quorum dux Vidacilius conuocatis principibus suis post magnificas epulas largaque pocula cunctos ad exemplum sui prouocans hausto ueneno absumptus est, cunctis factum eius laudantibus sed nemine subsequente. ### English translation (Claude) On the same day the Picentes engaged and were defeated; their leader Vidacilius, having called together his chief men, after a magnificent banquet and generous drinking, urging all to follow his example, drank poison and died, all praising his deed but none following it. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.18.21 (CSEL 5:325; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-18-21). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.18.22 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-18-22 - Source: CSEL 5:325 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Postumius Albinus is stoned by his soldiers. ### Latin text Anno ab Vrbe condita DCLXI cum ad obsidendos Pompeios Romanus isset exercitus et Postumius Albinus uir consularis, tunc L. Sullae legatus, intolerabili superbia omnium in se militum odia suscitasset, lapidibus occisus est. ### English translation (Claude) In the 661st year from the founding of the City, when the Roman army had gone to besiege Pompeii, and Postumius Albinus, a man of consular rank, then legate of Lucius Sulla, had roused against himself the hatred of all the soldiers by intolerable arrogance, he was stoned to death. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.18.22 (CSEL 5:325; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-18-22). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.18.23 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-18-23 - Source: CSEL 5:325–326 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Sulla's army expiates its crime in battle. ### Latin text Sulla consul ciuilem cruorem non nisi hostili sanguine expiari posse testatus est: cuius rei conscientia permotus exercitus ita pugnam adortus est, ut sibi unusquisque pereundum uideret nisi uicisset. decem et octo milia Samnitium illo proelio caesa sunt; Iuuentium quoque, Italicum ducem, et magnum ipsius populum persecutus occidit. ### English translation (Claude) Sulla as consul declared that the blood of citizens could be expiated only by the blood of enemies; the army, moved by the guilt of this deed, attacked so that each man saw he must perish unless he conquered. Eighteen thousand Samnites were slain in that battle; he also pursued and killed Juventius, the Italian leader, and a great body of his people. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.18.23 (CSEL 5:325–326; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-18-23). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.18.24 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-18-24 - Source: CSEL 5:326 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Cato is killed by the younger Marius. ### Latin text Porcius Cato consul Marianas copias habens cum aliquanta strenue gessisset, gloriatus est, C. Marium non maiora fecisse, et ob hoc, cum ad lacum Fucinum contra Marsos bellum gereret, a filio C. Marii in tumultu belli quasi ab incerto auctore prostratus est. ### English translation (Claude) The consul Porcius Cato, who had the forces of Marius, after he had done a number of things vigorously, boasted that Gaius Marius had not done greater things; and for this, while he was waging war against the Marsi at the Fucine lake, he was struck down in the confusion of battle by the son of Gaius Marius, as if by an unknown hand. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.18.24 (CSEL 5:326; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-18-24). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.18.25 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-18-25 - Source: CSEL 5:326 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Further battles of the Social War. ### Latin text C. Gabinius legatus in expugnatione hostilium castrorum interfectus est. Marrucini Vestinique Sulpicio legato Pompei persequente uastati sunt. Popaedius et Obsidius, Italici imperatores, ab eodem Sulpicio apud flumen Teanum horribili proelio oppressi et occisi sunt. ### English translation (Claude) The legate Gaius Gabinius was killed in storming the enemy camp. The Marrucini and Vestini were laid waste as Sulpicius, Pompeius's legate, pursued them. Popaedius and Obsidius, Italian commanders, were crushed and killed by the same Sulpicius at the river Teanus in a horrible battle. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.18.25 (CSEL 5:326; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-18-25). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.18.26 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-18-26 - Source: CSEL 5:326 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Pompeius's harsh treatment of Asculum. ### Latin text Pompeius Asculum ingressus praefectos centuriones cunctosque principes eorum uirgis cecidit securique percussit, seruos praedamque omnem sub hasta uendidit, reliquos liberos quidem sed nudos et egentes abire praecepit; et cum de hac praeda opitulationem aliquam in usum stipendii publici senatus fore speraret, nihil tamen Pompeius ex ea egenti aerario contulit. ### English translation (Claude) Pompeius, entering Asculum, beat with rods and beheaded the prefects, centurions, and all their chief men, sold the slaves and all the booty at auction, and ordered the rest to leave free but naked and destitute; and although the senate hoped that some help from this booty would go to the public pay, Pompeius contributed nothing of it to the needy treasury. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.18.26 (CSEL 5:326; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-18-26). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.18.27 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-18-27 - Source: CSEL 5:326 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Sacred lands are sold to pay for grain. ### Latin text namque eodem tempore cum penitus exhaustum esset aerarium et ad stipendium frumenti deesset expensa, loca publica quae in circuitu Capitolii pontificibus auguribus decemuiris et flaminibus in possessionem tradita erant, cogente inopia uendita sunt et sufficiens pecuniae modus, qui ad tempus inopiae subsidio esset, acceptus est. ### English translation (Claude) For at the same time, when the treasury was completely exhausted and money was lacking for the grain allowance, the public lands around the Capitol which had been given into the possession of the pontiffs, augurs, decemvirs, and flamens were sold under pressure of want, and a sum of money was received sufficient to serve as help for the time of need. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.18.27 (CSEL 5:326; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-18-27). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.18.28 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-18-28 - Source: CSEL 5:326–327 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Rome, enriched by plunder, was yet impoverished. ### Latin text equidem tunc in sinus ipsius ciuitatis euersarum omnium urbium nudatarumque terrarum abrasae undique opes congerebantur, cum ipsa Roma turpi adigente inopia praecipuas sui partes auctionabatur. ### English translation (Claude) Indeed, at that very time the riches scraped from everywhere of all the overthrown cities and stripped lands were being heaped into the bosom of the city itself, while Rome herself, driven by shameful want, was auctioning off her own chief parts. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.18.28 (CSEL 5:326–327; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-18-28). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.18.29 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-18-29 - Source: CSEL 5:327 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Rome's insatiable greed made her wretched. ### Latin text quamobrem consideret tunc tempora sua, cum quasi inexplebilis uenter cuncta consumens et semper esuriens cunctis urbibus, quas miseras faciebat, ipsa miserior nihil relinquens nihil habebat et stimulo domesticae famis ad continuationem bellicae inquietudinis trudebatur. ### English translation (Claude) Therefore let her consider her times then, when, like an insatiable belly consuming everything and always hungry, she herself, more wretched than all the cities she made wretched, leaving nothing, had nothing, and was driven by the goad of hunger at home to continue the unrest of war. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.18.29 (CSEL 5:327; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-18-29). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.18.30 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-18-30 - Source: CSEL 5:327 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Sothimus raids Macedonia. ### Latin text Isdem temporibus rex Sothimus cum magnis Thracum auxiliis Graeciam ingressus cunctos Macedoniae fines depopulatus est tandemque a C. Sentio praetore superatus redire in regnum coactus est. ### English translation (Claude) At the same time King Sothimus, entering Greece with great Thracian auxiliaries, ravaged all the territory of Macedonia, and at last, overcome by the praetor Gaius Sentius, was forced to return to his kingdom. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.18.30 (CSEL 5:327; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-18-30). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.19.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-19-1 - Source: CSEL 5:327 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The first civil war and the Mithridatic war begin. ### Latin text Anno ab Vrbe condita DCLXII nondum finito sociali bello Romae primum bellum ciuile commotum est, eodemque anno Mithridaticum bellum etsi minus infame non tamen minus graue coeptum est. ### English translation (Claude) In the 662nd year from the founding of the City, before the war with the allies was finished, the first civil war was stirred up at Rome, and in the same year the Mithridatic war, though less infamous, yet no less grave, began. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.19.1 (CSEL 5:327; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-19-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.19.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-19-2 - Source: CSEL 5:327–328 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Orosius will treat the wars separately. ### Latin text equidem de Mithridatici belli spatio uarie traditum est, utrum abhinc primum coeperit an tunc praecipue exarserit, maxime cum alii triginta alii quadraginta annos gestum ferant. sed quamuis isdem gesta temporibus perplexis coaceruata malis exarserint, a me tamen speciatim, etsi breuiter, singula proferentur. ### English translation (Claude) Indeed, about the length of the Mithridatic war there are various traditions, whether it first began at this point or then chiefly blazed up, especially since some say it was waged for thirty years, others for forty. But although things done at the same times blazed up heaped together in tangled evils, I shall nevertheless set them out one by one, if briefly. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.19.2 (CSEL 5:327–328; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-19-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.19.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-19-3 - Source: CSEL 5:328 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Marius seeks the Mithridatic command. ### Latin text Marius, Sulla consule et contra Mithridatem in Asiam cum exercitu profecturo, in Campania tamen propter socialis belli reliquias consistente, adfectauit septimum consulatum et bellum suscipere Mithridaticum. ### English translation (Claude) When Sulla, as consul, was about to set out for Asia with an army against Mithridates, but was staying in Campania because of the remnants of the war with the allies, Marius aimed at a seventh consulship and at taking on the Mithridatic war. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.19.3 (CSEL 5:328; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-19-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.19.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-19-4 - Source: CSEL 5:328 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Sulla marches on Rome. ### Latin text quo Sulla cognito inpatiens reuera iuuenis intemperataque ira percitus cum quattuor legionibus primum ante Vrbem consedit, ubi Gratidium Marii legatum quasi primam uictimam belli ciuilis occidit, mox Vrbem cum exercitu inrupit, faces ad inflammandam Vrbem poposcit. omnibus metu abditis, per Sacram uiam cito agmine in forum uenit. ### English translation (Claude) When Sulla learned this, being truly an impatient young man and stirred by unrestrained anger, he first encamped before the City with four legions, where he killed Gratidius, Marius's legate, as the first victim, as it were, of the civil war; soon he burst into the City with his army and called for torches to set the City on fire. With everyone hidden in fear, he came into the forum along the Sacred Way with a swift column. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.19.4 (CSEL 5:328; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-19-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.19.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-19-5 - Source: CSEL 5:328 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Marius flees from Sulla. ### Latin text Marius cum permouere nobilitatem, inflammare plebem, equestrem denique ordinem perarmare aduersus Sullam frustra adtemptasset, postremo seruis spe libertatis et praedae ad arma sollicitatis, nequiquam repugnare ausus, tandem in Capitolium concessit. sed cum eo Sullanae cohortes inruissent, magna suorum caede diffugit. ### English translation (Claude) Marius, having vainly tried to stir the nobility, to inflame the plebs, and finally to arm the equestrian order against Sulla, at last, after soliciting the slaves to arms with the hope of freedom and booty, dared to resist in vain and finally withdrew to the Capitol. But when Sulla's cohorts burst in there, he fled with great slaughter of his men. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.19.5 (CSEL 5:328; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-19-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.19.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-19-6 - Source: CSEL 5:328 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Sulpicius is betrayed by his slave. ### Latin text ibi tunc Sulpicius Marii collega seruo suo prodente prostratus est; seruum uero ipsum, quod hostem indicauerat, manumitti, quod uero dominum prodiderat, saxo Tarpeio deici consules decreuerunt. ### English translation (Claude) There Sulpicius, Marius's colleague, was then struck down when his slave betrayed him; the consuls decreed that the slave himself should be freed because he had informed on an enemy, but thrown from the Tarpeian rock because he had betrayed his master. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.19.6 (CSEL 5:328; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-19-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.19.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-19-7 - Source: CSEL 5:328–329 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Marius is captured at Minturnae. ### Latin text Marius fugiens cum persequentum instantia circumsaeptus esset, in Minturnensium paludibus sese abdidit; e quibus infeliciter luto oblitus ignominioseque protractus, turpi autem spectaculo Minturnas deductus contrususque in carcerem percussorem ad se missum solo uultu exterruit. ### English translation (Claude) Marius, fleeing, when he was surrounded by the pressure of his pursuers, hid himself in the marshes of Minturnae; dragged out of them unhappily, smeared with mud, and ignominiously, he was led to Minturnae in a shameful spectacle and thrust into prison, where by his look alone he terrified the assassin sent to him. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.19.7 (CSEL 5:328–329; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-19-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.19.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-19-8 - Source: CSEL 5:329 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Marius returns and joins Cinna. ### Latin text deinde lapsus e uinculis in Africam transfugit sollicitatoque ex Vtica filio, ubi in custodia obseruabatur, continuo Romam regressus Cinnae consuli societate scelerum coniunctus est. ### English translation (Claude) Then, slipping out of his chains, he crossed over to Africa, and after summoning his son from Utica, where he was kept under guard, he at once returned to Rome and joined the consul Cinna in a partnership of crimes. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.19.8 (CSEL 5:329; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-19-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.19.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-19-9 - Source: CSEL 5:329 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Marius and Cinna divide their forces. ### Latin text igitur ad profligandam uniuersam rempublicam exercitum sibi in quattuor partes diuiserunt. tres siquidem legiones Mario datae, parti copiarum Cn. Carbo praepositus est, partem Sertorius accepit, ille scilicet Sertorius, iam hic ciuilis belli incentor et particeps, qui etiam hoc finito aliud post in Hispania bellum excitauit, quod per multos annos maximis Romanorum cladibus traxit. cetera uero exercitus portio Cinnam secuta est. porro autem Cn. ### English translation (Claude) So to ruin the whole commonwealth they divided the army among themselves into four parts. Three legions were given to Marius; Gnaeus Carbo was set over part of the forces; Sertorius received a part, that Sertorius, of course, already here an instigator and partner of civil war, who even when this was ended later stirred up another war in Spain, which he dragged out for many years with very great disasters for the Romans. The rest of the army followed Cinna. Then Gnaeus ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.19.9 (CSEL 5:329; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-19-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.19.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-19-10 - Source: CSEL 5:329 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Pompeius Strabo fights Sertorius. ### Latin text Pompeius, qui a senatu cum exercitu arcessitus, ut reipublicae opitularetur, et diu sese nouarum rerum aucupatione suspenderat, contemptus a Mario, uel Cinna ad Octauium alterum consulem sese contulit et mox cum Sertorio conflixit. ### English translation (Claude) Pompeius, who had been summoned by the senate with his army to help the commonwealth and had long held himself in suspense, watching for a change of affairs, scorned by Marius and Cinna, joined Octavius, the other consul, and soon clashed with Sertorius. ### Translation notes - “uel Cinna” as printed; translated as “and Cinna.” ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.19.10 (CSEL 5:329; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-19-10). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.19.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-19-11 - Source: CSEL 5:329 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: An indecisive battle. ### Latin text infelicem pugnam interuentus noctis diremit; sescenteni ex utraque parte milites trucidati sunt. ### English translation (Claude) The coming of night broke off the unhappy battle; six hundred soldiers on each side were slaughtered. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.19.11 (CSEL 5:329; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-19-11). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.19.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-19-12 - Source: CSEL 5:329–330 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: A soldier finds he has killed his brother. ### Latin text postera die cum permixtim corpora ad sepulturam discernerentur, miles Pompeianus fratris sui, quem ipse interfecerat, corpus adgnouit: in concursu enim utrique cognitionem uultus galea, considerationem furor ademerat; quamuis parum sit culpae circa ignorantiam, ut uideatur nescisse de fratre quem non ambigitur scisse de ciue. ### English translation (Claude) The next day, when the bodies lying mixed together were being sorted for burial, a soldier of Pompeius recognized the body of his brother, whom he himself had killed: in the clash the helmet had taken from both the recognition of the face, and fury had taken away reflection; although there is little guilt in ignorance, so that he may seem not to have known about his brother, whom it is not doubted that he knew to be a fellow citizen. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.19.12 (CSEL 5:329–330; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-19-12). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.19.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-19-13 - Source: CSEL 5:330 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The fratricide kills himself. ### Latin text itaque uictor uicto infelicior, ubi et fratris corpus agnouit et parricidium suum, exsecratus bella ciuilia ilico pectus suum gladio transuerberans simulque lacrimas et sanguinem fundens super fraternum sese cadauer abiecit. ### English translation (Claude) So the victor, more unhappy than the vanquished, when he recognized both his brother's body and his own kin-murder, cursing civil wars, at once ran his own breast through with his sword and, shedding tears and blood together, threw himself on his brother's corpse. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.19.13 (CSEL 5:330; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-19-13). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.19.14 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-19-14 - Source: CSEL 5:330 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The example did nothing to stop the civil wars. ### Latin text Et quid hoc profuit ad confusionem crudelis incepti, quod in primo statim bellorum ciuilium exordio infamis fama percrebruit, concurrisse ignaros quidem fratres sed conscios ciues, petisse fratrem scelere uictorem spolia fratris occisi ac mox tantae immanitatis reum eodem gladio atque eadem manu per suam necem parricidium, quod admiserat, uindicasse? ### English translation (Claude) And what good did it do toward confounding this cruel undertaking that, right at the first beginning of the civil wars, the infamous report spread that brothers had clashed unaware, yet citizens knowingly, that a brother, victorious through crime, had sought the spoils of the brother he had killed, and that, soon guilty of such monstrousness, he had avenged by his own death, with the same sword and the same hand, the kin-murder he had committed? ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.19.14 (CSEL 5:330; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-19-14). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.19.15 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-19-15 - Source: CSEL 5:330 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: No one was deterred. ### Latin text numquid intentarum animositates partium tam triste mouit exemplum? numquid apud quemquam periculum sceleris reppulit terror erroris? numquid haec, quae communis est etiam cum beluis, pietas et reuerentia naturae? quod unus perimendo ac pereundo commisit, quia in se agi posset intremuit seseque ab huiusmodi incepto conscientia uictus remouit? ### English translation (Claude) Did so sad an example move the passions of the intent factions? Did the terror of such an error drive back from anyone the danger of crime? Did this piety and reverence for nature, which is common even with beasts, make anyone tremble, because what one man had committed by killing and dying could be done to himself, and, overcome by conscience, withdraw from such an undertaking? ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.19.15 (CSEL 5:330; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-19-15). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.19.16 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-19-16 - Source: CSEL 5:330–331 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Forty years of civil war followed. ### Latin text quin potius annis fere quadraginta consequentibus in tantum continuata sunt bella ciuilia, ut magnitudo laudis adpendenda ex magnitudine sceleris putaretur. omnes enim post tale documentum in tali militia parricidiorum pericula refugissent, nisi parricidia ipsa uoluissent. ### English translation (Claude) On the contrary, for about forty years following, civil wars were continued so long that the greatness of glory was thought to be weighed by the greatness of crime. For after such a lesson all would have shunned the dangers of kin-murder in such warfare, had they not wanted the kin-murders themselves. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.19.16 (CSEL 5:330–331; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-19-16). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.19.17 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-19-17 - Source: CSEL 5:331 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Marius sacks Ostia. ### Latin text Igitur Marius coloniam Ostiensem ui ingressus omnia ibi genera libidinis auaritiae et crudelitatis exercuit. ### English translation (Claude) So Marius, entering the colony of Ostia by force, practiced every kind of lust, greed, and cruelty there. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.19.17 (CSEL 5:331; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-19-17). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.19.18 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-19-18 - Source: CSEL 5:331 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Pompeius Strabo dies; plague in the armies. ### Latin text Pompeius fulmine adflatus interiit; exercitus uero eius pestilentia correptus paene totus absumptus est. nam undecim milia uirorum de castris Pompei mortua, sex milia autem de parte Octauii consulis siderata sunt. ### English translation (Claude) Pompeius died struck by lightning; his army, seized by pestilence, was almost wholly destroyed. For eleven thousand men died from Pompeius's camp, and six thousand from the side of the consul Octavius were struck down. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.19.18 (CSEL 5:331; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-19-18). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.19.19 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-19-19 - Source: CSEL 5:331 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Marius and Cinna massacre the nobles. ### Latin text Marius Antium et Ariciam ciuitates hostiliter inrupit cunctosque in his praeter proditores interfecit, bona suis diripienda permisit. post Cinna consul cum legionibus et Marius cum fugitiuis Vrbem ingressi nobilissimos quosque e senatu et plurimos consulares uiros interfecerunt. ### English translation (Claude) Marius broke into the cities of Antium and Aricia as an enemy and killed everyone in them except the traitors, and let his men plunder their goods. Afterward the consul Cinna with his legions and Marius with the runaway slaves entered the City and killed all the noblest men of the senate and very many men of consular rank. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.19.19 (CSEL 5:331; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-19-19). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.19.20 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-19-20 - Source: CSEL 5:331 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The slaughter of good men cannot be told. ### Latin text Sed quota haec portio ostentatae miseriae est? **uno uerbo definisse caedem bonorum, cuius fuit tanta numerositas, tanta diuturnitas, tanta crudelitas tantaque diuersitas? ### English translation (Claude) But what fraction is this of the misery displayed? [Could I] define in one word the slaughter of good men, whose number was so great, whose duration so long, whose cruelty so great, and whose variety so great? ### Translation notes - The digital text marks a gap (**) before “uno uerbo”; a word such as “possumne” is missing; supplied by sense. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.19.20 (CSEL 5:331; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-19-20). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.19.21 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-19-21 - Source: CSEL 5:331 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Orosius restrains his account. ### Latin text uerumtamen aequius est me aliquid utilitatis subtraxisse causae quam tantum horroris ingessisse notitiae, siue peritis haec siue imperitis obiciantur. ### English translation (Claude) Yet it is fairer that I should have withheld something useful to my case than heaped so much horror into the record, whether these things are set before the learned or the unlearned. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.19.21 (CSEL 5:331; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-19-21). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.19.22 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-19-22 - Source: CSEL 5:331–332 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Reverence for ancestors limits the telling. ### Latin text de patria siquidem, de ciuibus et de maioribus nostris haec loquimur, qui his exagitati malis tam abominanda gesserunt, de quibus etiam auditis posteri perhorrescant, qui profecto nolunt ista nimis exaggerari aut sufficientis notitiae moderatione, si sciunt, aut misericordis reuerentiae contemplatione, si nesciunt. ### English translation (Claude) For we speak of our homeland, of our fellow citizens, and of our ancestors, who, driven by these evils, did deeds so abominable that even their descendants shudder to hear of them, and who surely do not want these things exaggerated too much, either out of a measured sufficient knowledge, if they know them, or out of regard for merciful reverence, if they do not. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.19.22 (CSEL 5:331–332; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-19-22). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.19.23 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-19-23 - Source: CSEL 5:332 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Marius dies in his seventh consulship. ### Latin text Igitur Marius cum interfectorum ciuium capita inlata conuiuiis, oblata Capitoliis, conlata Rostris ad spectaculum ornatumque congereret ac septimum consulatum cum Cinna tertium consule peruasisset, in exordio consularis imperii sera tandem morte praereptus est. ### English translation (Claude) So Marius, when he had heaped up the heads of murdered citizens, brought in at banquets, displayed on the Capitol, gathered on the Rostra, for show and ornament, and had seized a seventh consulship with Cinna as consul for the third time, was at last carried off by a late death at the beginning of his consular command. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.19.23 (CSEL 5:332; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-19-23). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.19.24 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-15-1/#p-5-19-24 - Source: CSEL 5:332 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Cinna massacres the slaves and is killed. ### Latin text Cinna bonorum neces malorum caede suppleuit. nam cum introducta per Marium fugitiuorum manus insatiabilis praedandi esset nullamque partem auctoribus praedae consulibus ministraret, in forum quasi stipendii causa sollicitata, militibusque circumdata, inermis extincta est. caesa sunt illa die in foro Vrbis octo milia fugitiuorum, idemque Cinna quarto consul ab exercitu suo interfectus est. ### English translation (Claude) Cinna added to the deaths of the good the slaughter of the bad. For when the band of runaway slaves brought in by Marius was insatiable in plundering and gave no share to the consuls, the authors of the plunder, it was lured into the forum as if for pay, surrounded by soldiers, and destroyed unarmed. Eight thousand runaways were slain that day in the forum of the City; and the same Cinna, consul for the fourth time, was killed by his own army. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.19.24 (CSEL 5:332; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-19-24). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.20.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-5-20-1 - Source: CSEL 5:332 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The senators summon Sulla. ### Latin text Interea residui senatorum, qui potentiam Cinnae, Marii crudelitatem, insaniam Fimbriae Sertoriique audaciam fuga euaserant, transuecti in Graeciam coegere precibus Sullam, ut periclitanti immo iam paene perditae patriae opem ferret. ### English translation (Claude) Meanwhile the remaining senators, who by flight had escaped the power of Cinna, the cruelty of Marius, the madness of Fimbria, and the daring of Sertorius, crossed over to Greece and by their prayers compelled Sulla to bring help to his homeland, which was in danger, indeed already almost lost. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.20.1 (CSEL 5:332; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-20-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.20.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-5-20-2 - Source: CSEL 5:332–333 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Sulla defeats Norbanus. ### Latin text igitur Sulla mox ut Campanum litus attigit, Norbanum consulem proelio oppressit: septem milia tunc Romanorum Romani interfecerant, sex milia eorundem ab isdem capta sunt, centum uiginti et quattuor de Sullana parte ceciderunt. ### English translation (Claude) So Sulla, as soon as he touched the Campanian shore, crushed the consul Norbanus in battle: seven thousand Romans were then killed by Romans, six thousand of the same were captured by the same, and a hundred and twenty-four fell on Sulla's side. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.20.2 (CSEL 5:332–333; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-20-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.20.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-5-20-3 - Source: CSEL 5:333 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Fabius Hadrianus is burned at Utica. ### Latin text Fabius uero Hadrianus, cui imperium pro praetore erat, regnum Africae seruorum manu adfectans, a dominis eorum apud Vticam congestis sarmentis cum omni familia uiuus incensus est. ### English translation (Claude) Fabius Hadrianus, who held command as propraetor, aiming at the kingship of Africa with a band of slaves, was burned alive with his whole household at Utica by their masters, who piled up brushwood. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.20.3 (CSEL 5:333; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-20-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.20.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-5-20-4 - Source: CSEL 5:333 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Damasippus murders senators. ### Latin text Damasippus praetor incentore Mario consule Q. Scaeuolam C. Carbonem L. Domitium P. Antistium in curiam quasi ad consultandum uocatos crudelissime occidit. corpora interfectorum per carnifices unco tracta atque in Tiberim missa sunt. ### English translation (Claude) The praetor Damasippus, at the instigation of the consul Marius, most cruelly killed Quintus Scaevola, Gaius Carbo, Lucius Domitius, and Publius Antistius, summoned to the senate house as if for consultation. The bodies of the slain were dragged with a hook by the executioners and thrown into the Tiber. ### Translation notes - “C. Carbonem” as printed; the victim was Gaius Papirius Carbo Arvina. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.20.4 (CSEL 5:333; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-20-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.20.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-5-20-5 - Source: CSEL 5:333 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Sulla's generals win battles. ### Latin text eodem tempore Sullae duces plurima proelia aduersum Marianas partes infelicissima felicitate gesserunt. nam et Q. Metellus Carrinatis copias cecidit et castra peruasit et Cn. Pompeius Carbonis equitatum grauiter trucidauit. ### English translation (Claude) At the same time Sulla's generals fought very many battles against the Marian party with most unhappy success. For Quintus Metellus cut down the forces of Carrinas and took his camp, and Gnaeus Pompeius severely slaughtered Carbo's cavalry. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.20.5 (CSEL 5:333; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-20-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.20.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-5-20-6 - Source: CSEL 5:333 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The battle of Sacriportus. ### Latin text Sullae etiam et Marii adulescentis maximum tunc proelium apud Sacriportum fuit, in quo de exercitu Marii caesa sunt xxv milia, sicut Claudius scribit. ### English translation (Claude) There was also then a very great battle of Sulla and the young Marius at Sacriportus, in which twenty-five thousand of Marius's army were slain, as Claudius writes. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.20.6 (CSEL 5:333; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-20-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.20.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-5-20-7 - Source: CSEL 5:333 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Defeats of Carbo and Norbanus. ### Latin text Pompeius Carbonem etiam castris exuit fugientemque insecutus, nunc caedendo nunc ad deditionem cogendo plurima exercitus parte priuauit. Metellus Norbani agmen oppressit: ubi nouem milia Marianae partis occisa sunt. ### English translation (Claude) Pompeius also stripped Carbo of his camp and, pursuing him as he fled, deprived him of most of his army, now by slaughter, now by forcing surrender. Metellus crushed Norbanus's column, where nine thousand of the Marian party were killed. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.20.7 (CSEL 5:333; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-20-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.20.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-5-20-8 - Source: CSEL 5:333–334 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Lucullus breaks a siege. ### Latin text Lucullus cum a Quintio obsideretur, erupit et repentina pugna obsessorem deleuit exercitum. nam plus quam decem milia ibi tunc caesa referuntur. ### English translation (Claude) Lucullus, when he was besieged by Quintius, broke out and in a sudden battle destroyed the besieging army. For more than ten thousand are reported to have been slain there then. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.20.8 (CSEL 5:333–334; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-20-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.20.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-5-20-9 - Source: CSEL 5:334 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The battle of the Colline Gate. ### Latin text Sulla deinde cum Camponio Samnitium duce et Carrinatis reliquis copiis ante ipsam Vrbem portamque Collinam ad horam diei nonam signa contulit grauissimoque proelio tandem uicit. octoginta milia hominum ibi fusa dicuntur: duodecim milia sese dediderunt, reliquam multitudinem in fugam uersam insatiabilis uictorum ciuium ira consumpsit. ### English translation (Claude) Then Sulla, with Camponius, leader of the Samnites, and the remaining forces of Carrinas, joined battle before the City itself and the Colline Gate until the ninth hour of the day, and at last won in a very heavy battle. Eighty thousand men are said to have been routed there: twelve thousand surrendered, and the insatiable anger of the victorious citizens consumed the rest of the multitude as it was turned to flight. ### Translation notes - “Camponio” as printed, for Pontius Telesinus. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.20.9 (CSEL 5:334; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-20-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.21.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-5-21-1 - Source: CSEL 5:334 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Sulla's massacres in Rome. ### Latin text Sulla mox atque Vrbem uictor intrauit, tria milia hominum, qui se per legatos dediderant, contra fas contraque fidem datam inermes securosque interfecit. plurimi tunc quoque, ut non dicam innocentes, sed etiam ipsius Sullanae partis occisi sunt, quos fuisse plus quam nouem milia ferunt. ita liberae per Vrbem caedes, percussoribus passim uagantibus ut quemque uel ira uel praeda sollicitabat, agitabantur. ### English translation (Claude) As soon as Sulla entered the City as victor, he killed three thousand men, who had surrendered through envoys, unarmed and feeling safe, against divine law and against the pledge given. Very many were killed then too, not to say innocent men, but even men of Sulla's own party, who they say were more than nine thousand. So free slaughter went on throughout the City, with assassins wandering everywhere, as anger or booty enticed each one. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.21.1 (CSEL 5:334; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-21-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.21.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-5-21-2 - Source: CSEL 5:334–335 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Catulus rebukes Sulla. ### Latin text igitur cunctis iam quod singuli timebant aperte frementibus Q. Catulus palam Sullae dixit: cum quibus tandem uicturi sumus, si in bello armatos, in pace inermes occidimus? ### English translation (Claude) So when all were now openly murmuring what each individually feared, Quintus Catulus said openly to Sulla: “With whom, then, shall we be victors, if we kill armed men in war and unarmed men in peace?” ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.21.2 (CSEL 5:334–335; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-21-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.21.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-5-21-3 - Source: CSEL 5:335 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Sulla's first proscription list. ### Latin text tunc Sulla auctore L. Fursidio primipilari primus infamem illam tabulam proscriptionis induxit. prima proscriptio octoginta hominum fuit, in quibus quattuor consulares erant Carbo Marius Norbanus et Scipio et inter eos Sertorius tunc maxime pertimescendus. ### English translation (Claude) Then Sulla, at the suggestion of Lucius Fursidius, a chief centurion, was the first to introduce that infamous proscription list. The first proscription was of eighty men, among whom were four of consular rank, Carbo, Marius, Norbanus, and Scipio, and among them Sertorius, then most to be feared. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.21.3 (CSEL 5:335; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-21-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.21.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-5-21-4 - Source: CSEL 5:335 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Lollius finds his name on the list. ### Latin text item alia cum quingentis nominibus proposita est, quam cum Lollius, quippe securus nihilque sibi conscius legeret, ubi suum repente nomen offendit, dum se trepidus adoperto capite foro subtrahit, interfectus est. ### English translation (Claude) Likewise another list with five hundred names was posted; when Lollius, feeling safe and conscious of nothing against himself, was reading it, and suddenly came upon his own name, he was killed while he was slipping away from the forum, trembling, with his head covered. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.21.4 (CSEL 5:335; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-21-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.21.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-5-21-5 - Source: CSEL 5:335 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Proscription and murder in any order. ### Latin text sed ne in ipsis quidem tabulis fides ac finis malorum uidebatur. namque alios quos proscripserant iugulabant, alios autem postquam iugulauerant proscribebant. ### English translation (Claude) But not even in the lists themselves was there any trust or end of evils to be seen. For some whom they had proscribed they cut down, and others they proscribed after cutting them down. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.21.5 (CSEL 5:335; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-21-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.21.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-5-21-6 - Source: CSEL 5:335 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The cruelty of the killings. ### Latin text nec ipsius mortis erat uia simplex aut una condicio, ut in nece ciuium saltem ius hostium seruaretur, qui nihil a uictis praeter uitam exigunt. M. ### English translation (Claude) Nor was there a simple way or a single condition of death itself, so that in killing citizens at least the right of enemies might be kept, who demand nothing from the conquered but their life. Marcus ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.21.6 (CSEL 5:335; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-21-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.21.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-5-21-7 - Source: CSEL 5:335 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The torture of Marcus Marius. ### Latin text Manum siquidem de caprili casa extractum uinciri Sulla iussit ductumque trans Tiberim ad Lutatiorum sepulchrum effossis oculis membrisque minutatim desectis uel etiam fractis trucidari. post hunc P. ### English translation (Claude) Marius, for instance, dragged from a goat shed, Sulla ordered bound and led across the Tiber to the tomb of the Lutatii and there slaughtered, his eyes dug out and his limbs cut off piece by piece or even broken. After him Publius ### Translation notes - “M. Manum” as printed across 5.21.6–7, for Marcus Marius (Gratidianus). ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.21.7 (CSEL 5:335; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-21-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.21.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-5-21-8 - Source: CSEL 5:335–336 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The younger Marius and Telesinus seek death together. ### Latin text Laetorius senator et Venuleius triumuir occisi. M. Marii caput Praeneste missum: quo uiso C. Marius ultima desperatione correptus, ubi a Lucretio obsidebatur, ne in manus incideret inimicorum, cum Telesino mutua morte concurrit. ### English translation (Claude) Laetorius, a senator, and Venuleius, a triumvir, were killed. The head of Marcus Marius was sent to Praeneste; on seeing it, Gaius Marius, seized by final despair, where he was besieged by Lucretius, so as not to fall into the hands of his enemies, ran against Telesinus in a mutual death. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.21.8 (CSEL 5:335–336; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-21-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.21.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-5-21-9 - Source: CSEL 5:336 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The younger Marius dies by his slave's hand. ### Latin text dumque uiolentius ipse in concurrentem manus adigit, circa suum uulnus manum percutientis hebetauit. ita eo interfecto, ipse leuiter uulneratus ceruices seruo suo praebuit. ### English translation (Claude) And while he himself drove his hands more violently against his opponent, he blunted the hand of the one striking him around his own wound. So, having killed Telesinus, he himself, lightly wounded, offered his neck to his slave. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.21.9 (CSEL 5:336; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-21-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.21.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-5-21-10 - Source: CSEL 5:336 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Sulla kills the Marian officers. ### Latin text Carrinatem praetorem Sulla iugulauit. inde Praeneste profectus omnes Marianae militiae principes, hoc est legatos quaestores praefectos et tribunos iussit occidi. ### English translation (Claude) Sulla cut the throat of the praetor Carrinas. Then, setting out for Praeneste, he ordered all the leaders of the Marian army, that is, the legates, quaestors, prefects, and tribunes, to be killed. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.21.10 (CSEL 5:336; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-21-10). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.21.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-5-21-11 - Source: CSEL 5:336 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Pompey kills Carbo. ### Latin text Pompeius Carbonem a Cossura insula in Aegyptum fugere conantem, in Siciliam ad se retractum conpluresque cum eo socios eius occidit. ### English translation (Claude) Pompeius, when Carbo was trying to flee from the island of Cossura to Egypt, had him brought back to himself in Sicily and killed him with a number of his associates. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.21.11 (CSEL 5:336; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-21-11). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.21.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-5-21-12 - Source: CSEL 5:336 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Sulla becomes dictator. ### Latin text Sulla dictator creatus est, ut dominationis et crudelitatis libido honesti praecipuique nominis reuerentia et armaretur et uelaretur. ### English translation (Claude) Sulla was made dictator, so that his lust for domination and cruelty might be both armed and veiled by the reverence of an honorable and distinguished title. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.21.12 (CSEL 5:336; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-21-12). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.21.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-5-21-13 - Source: CSEL 5:336 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Pompey in Africa. ### Latin text Pompeius in Africam transgressus eruptione circa Vticam facta decem et octo milia hominum interfecit. quo bello Domitius dux Marianus dum inter primores pugnat, occisus est. ### English translation (Claude) Pompeius, crossing over into Africa, made a sortie near Utica and killed eighteen thousand men. In that war Domitius, the Marian leader, was killed while fighting among the foremost. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.21.13 (CSEL 5:336; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-21-13). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.21.14 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-5-21-14 - Source: CSEL 5:336–337 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Pompey defeats Hiarbas. ### Latin text idemque Pompeius Hiertam Numidiae regem persecutus, fugientemque a Bogude Bocchi Maurorum regis filio spoliari omnibus copiis fecit: quem continuo Bullam reuersum tradito sibi oppido interfecit. ### English translation (Claude) And the same Pompeius pursued Hiarbas, king of Numidia, and had him, as he fled, stripped of all his forces by Bogud, son of Bocchus, king of the Moors; when Hiarbas returned to Bulla and the town was handed over to Pompeius, he at once killed him. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.21.14 (CSEL 5:336–337; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-21-14). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.22.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-5-22-1 - Source: CSEL 5:337 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Sulla lays down power. ### Latin text Creatis itaque P. Seruilio et Appio Claudio consulibus uisus est tandem Sulla priuatus. ### English translation (Claude) So when Publius Servilius and Appius Claudius had been made consuls, Sulla was at last seen as a private citizen. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.22.1 (CSEL 5:337; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-22-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.22.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-5-22-2 - Source: CSEL 5:337 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The cost of the Social and Sullan wars. ### Latin text hoc fine conclusa sunt duo bella funestissima, sociale Italicum et ciuile Sullanum. haec per annos decem tracta plus quam centum quinquaginta milia Romanorum consumpserunt; ### English translation (Claude) With this end two most deadly wars were concluded, the Italian war with the allies and the civil war of Sulla. These, dragged out over ten years, consumed more than a hundred and fifty thousand Romans; ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.22.2 (CSEL 5:337; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-22-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.22.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-5-22-3 - Source: CSEL 5:337 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Rome lost as many men as her whole earlier census. ### Latin text tantumque lectissimorum uirorum uernaculorumque militum Roma hoc ciuili bello perdidit, quantum in ea superiore tempore, cum se iam aduersum Alexandrum Magnum circumspiceret, in discretis aetatibus census inuenit; ### English translation (Claude) and in this civil war Rome lost as many of her choicest men and home-born soldiers as the census had found in her, counted by separate ages, in an earlier time when she was already looking around against Alexander the Great; ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.22.3 (CSEL 5:337; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-22-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.22.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-5-22-4 - Source: CSEL 5:337 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The roll of the dead. ### Latin text praeterea uiros consulares uiginti et quattuor, praetorios sex, aedilicios sexaginta, senatores fere ducentos, absque innumeris totius Italiae populis, qui passim sine consideratione deleti sunt, quos neget quisquam, si ualet, quin eodem damno suo uicerit Roma quo amisit Italia. ### English translation (Claude) besides twenty-four men of consular rank, six of praetorian rank, sixty of aedilician rank, and about two hundred senators, apart from countless peoples of all Italy, who were destroyed everywhere without consideration; and let anyone deny, if he can, that Rome conquered at the same loss to herself at which Italy lost. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.22.4 (CSEL 5:337; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-22-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.22.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-5-22-5 - Source: CSEL 5:337 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The pagans compare civil wars then and now. ### Latin text Pro pudor! num quidnam et hic conparatione ambigua egent tempora? immo uel maxime, inquiunt: nam quid tam apte quam bellis ciuilibus bella ciuilia conparantur? an forte dicetur, etiam in his temporibus bella ciuilia non fuisse? ### English translation (Claude) For shame! Do the times need doubtful comparison here too? Indeed, very much so, they say: for what can more fittingly be compared with civil wars than civil wars? Or will it perhaps be said that there were no civil wars even in these times of ours? ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.22.5 (CSEL 5:337; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-22-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.22.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-5-22-6 - Source: CSEL 5:337–338 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Christian times show restraint in civil war. ### Latin text quibus a nobis respondebitur, iustius quidem socialia uocari oportere, sed nobis proficere, si ciuilia nominentur. cum enim causis uocabulis ac studiis paria docentur omnia tum sibi in his tanto plus uindicat reuerentia Christianae religionis quanto minus praesumpserit potestas irata uictoris. ### English translation (Claude) To them we shall answer that they ought more rightly to be called wars with allies, but that it is to our advantage if they are called civil. For when everything is shown to be equal in causes, names, and passions, then the reverence of the Christian religion claims for itself in these the more, the less the angry power of the victor presumed. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.22.6 (CSEL 5:337–338; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-22-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.22.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-5-22-7 - Source: CSEL 5:338 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Recent wars were made by usurpers raised in Britain and Gaul. ### Latin text nam cum plerumque improbi tyranni temere inuadentes rempublicam usurpatoque regio statu Romani imperii corpus abruperint atque ex eo bella uel per se iniusta inportarint uel in se iusta commouerint, Britannis Gallisque et creati populis et instructi: ### English translation (Claude) For since for the most part wicked tyrants, rashly invading the commonwealth and usurping royal standing, have torn apart the body of the Roman empire, and from this have either brought in wars that were unjust in themselves or stirred up just wars against themselves, being both created and equipped by the Britons and Gauls: ### Translation notes - Orosius has in mind the usurpers of his own day, e.g. Maximus and Constantine III, raised in Britain and Gaul. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.22.7 (CSEL 5:338; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-22-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.22.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-5-22-8 - Source: CSEL 5:338 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Such wars are not properly civil. ### Latin text haec bella, quantum externis proxima tantum longinqua ciuilibus, quid nisi socialia iure uocitentur, cum ipsi Romani ne Sertorii quidem aut Perpennae aut Crixi aut Spartaci bella ciuilia uspiam nominarint? ### English translation (Claude) what should these wars, as near to foreign wars as they are remote from civil ones, rightly be called but wars with allies, since the Romans themselves nowhere called even the wars of Sertorius, Perpenna, Crixus, or Spartacus civil? ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.22.8 (CSEL 5:338; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-22-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.22.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-5-22-9 - Source: CSEL 5:338 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Even severe fighting against rebels would deserve less blame. ### Latin text in tali ergo uel defectu uel perduellione sociorum minore nunc utique inuidia laboraret, si fortassis exsisteret uel grauis pugna uel cruenta uictoria. ### English translation (Claude) In such a defection or treason of allies, then, there would surely now be less reproach to bear, even if perhaps a severe battle or a bloody victory occurred. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.22.9 (CSEL 5:338; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-22-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.22.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-5-22-10 - Source: CSEL 5:338 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Present wars are driven by necessity. ### Latin text uerumtamen cum in hisce temporibus omnia plus necessitatis adferant et minus pudoris, hoc est causa pugna uictoria, uel pro extinguenda insolentia tyrannorum uel pro cohibendo sociorum defectu uel pro inurendo ultionis exemplo: ### English translation (Claude) Nevertheless, since in these times everything, that is, cause, battle, and victory, brings more of necessity and less of shame, whether for extinguishing the insolence of tyrants, or for checking the defection of allies, or for branding an example of punishment: ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.22.10 (CSEL 5:338; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-22-10). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.22.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-5-22-11 - Source: CSEL 5:338 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Civil wars are now waged more mercifully. ### Latin text cui tandem dubium est, quanto nunc mitius quantoque clementius excitata, ut dicunt, bella ciuilia geruntur, immo reprimuntur potius quam geruntur? ### English translation (Claude) who can doubt how much more mildly and how much more mercifully civil wars, as they call them, once stirred up, are waged now, or rather are suppressed rather than waged? ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.22.11 (CSEL 5:338; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-22-11). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.22.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-5-22-12 - Source: CSEL 5:338 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Nothing like the Sullan slaughter happens now. ### Latin text quis enim unum ciuile bellum per decem annos his temporibus agitatum audierit? quis uno bello centum quinquaginta milia hominum, uel hostium ab hostibus, ut non dicam ciuium a ciuium, caesa meminerit? ### English translation (Claude) For who has heard of one civil war waged for ten years in these times? Who remembers a hundred and fifty thousand men slain in one war, even of enemies by enemies, not to say of citizens by citizens? ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.22.12 (CSEL 5:338; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-22-12). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.22.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-5-22-13 - Source: CSEL 5:338–339 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: No proscriptions in Christian times. ### Latin text quis illam, quam explicare longum est, optimorum atque inlustrium uirorum multitudinem trucidari in pace cognorit? postremo quis illas infames interficiendorum tabulas timuerit legerit senserit? ### English translation (Claude) Who has known of that multitude of the best and most illustrious men, which it would take long to set out, being butchered in peace? Finally, who has feared, read, or felt those infamous lists of men to be killed? ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.22.13 (CSEL 5:338–339; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-22-13). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.22.14 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-5-22-14 - Source: CSEL 5:339 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Victors and vanquished now rejoice together. ### Latin text ac non potius omnibus notum sit, una cunctos pace compositos atque eadem salute securos uictos uictoresque pariter communi exultasse laetitia, at etiam in tantis totius imperii Romani prouinciis urbibus ac populis uix paucos aliquando extitisse, quos iusta ultio inuito etiam uictore damnarit? ### English translation (Claude) And is it not rather known to all that all, settled in one peace and secure in the same safety, vanquished and victors alike, have rejoiced with common gladness, and that even in the many provinces, cities, and peoples of the whole Roman empire there have scarcely ever been a few whom just punishment condemned, even against the victor's will? ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.22.14 (CSEL 5:339; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-22-14). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.22.15 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-5-22-15 - Source: CSEL 5:339 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Fewer soldiers die in war now than nobles then in peace. ### Latin text et, ut uerbis uerba non onerem, non temere dixerim, tantam uel in bello saltim extinctam modo fuisse gregariorum militum manum quanta tunc caesa est in pace nobilium. ### English translation (Claude) And, not to pile words on words, I would not rashly say that as large a band of common soldiers has been destroyed recently even in war as was then slain of nobles in peace. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.22.15 (CSEL 5:339; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-22-15). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.22.16 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-5-22-16 - Source: CSEL 5:339 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Lepidus renews civil war after Sulla's death. ### Latin text Igitur Sulla mortuo Lepidus, Marianae partis adsertor, aduersus Catulum Sullanum ducem surgens, rediuiuos bellorum ciuilium cineres suscitauit. bis tunc acie certatum est; plurimi Romanorum, iam ipsa paucitate miserorum et adhuc illo furore insanientium, caesi sunt. ### English translation (Claude) So when Sulla was dead, Lepidus, champion of the Marian party, rising against Catulus, Sulla's general, stirred up the reviving ashes of the civil wars. Battle was fought twice in the field then; very many Romans were slain, already wretched in their very fewness and still raving with that madness. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.22.16 (CSEL 5:339; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-22-16). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.22.17 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-5-22-17 - Source: CSEL 5:339 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The end of Lepidus's revolt. ### Latin text Albanorum ciuitas, obsidione oppugnata atque excruciata fame ultima, miserabilium reliquiarum deditione seruata est; ubi tunc Scipio, Lepidi filius, captus atque occisus est. Brutus in cisalpinam Galliam fugiens persequente Pompeio apud Regium interfectus est. ### English translation (Claude) The city of the Albans, attacked by siege and tormented by extreme hunger, was saved by the surrender of its pitiful remnants; there Scipio, son of Lepidus, was then captured and killed. Brutus, fleeing into Cisalpine Gaul with Pompeius pursuing, was killed at Regium. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.22.17 (CSEL 5:339; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-22-17). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.22.18 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-5-22-18 - Source: CSEL 5:339–340 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The war burns out quickly. ### Latin text ita hoc bellum ciuile non magis dementia Catuli quam taedio Sullanae crudelitatis, ut ignis in stipula, eadem celeritate qua exarsit euanuit. ### English translation (Claude) So this civil war, less from Catulus's madness than from weariness with Sulla's cruelty, like fire in stubble, died out with the same speed with which it blazed up. ### Translation notes - “dementia Catuli” as printed; the sense requires Lepidus (or “clementia,” mercy, of Catulus). ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.22.18 (CSEL 5:339–340; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-22-18). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.23.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-5-23-1 - Source: CSEL 5:340 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Wars on four fronts. ### Latin text Anno ab Vrbe condita DCLXXIII sonantibus undique bellorum fragoribus, quorum unum in Hispania erat, aliud in Pamphylia, in Macedonia tertium, quartum in Delmatia, exsanguis adhuc atque exhausta intestina pernicie tamquam febribus Romana respublica propulsare armis Occidentis Septentrionisque fortissimas gentes cogebatur. ### English translation (Claude) In the 673rd year from the founding of the City, with the crash of wars resounding on all sides, one in Spain, another in Pamphylia, a third in Macedonia, a fourth in Dalmatia, the Roman commonwealth, still bloodless and exhausted by internal ruin as by fevers, was forced to drive back with arms the strongest peoples of the West and North. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.23.1 (CSEL 5:340; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-23-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.23.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-5-23-2 - Source: CSEL 5:340 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Sertorius raises Spain. ### Latin text Sertorius siquidem, uir dolo atque audacia potens, cum partium Marianarum fuisset, Sullam fugiens ex Africa dilapsus in Hispanias, bellicosissimas gentes in arma excitauit. ### English translation (Claude) For Sertorius, a man strong in guile and daring, since he had been of the Marian party, fleeing Sulla, slipped away from Africa into the Spains and roused the most warlike peoples to arms. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.23.2 (CSEL 5:340; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-23-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.23.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-5-23-3 - Source: CSEL 5:340 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Domitius is defeated by Hirtuleius. ### Latin text aduorsus hanc, ut breuiter definiam, duo duces missi Metellus et Domitius: quorum Domitius ab Hirtuleio Sertorii duce cum exercitu oppressus est. ### English translation (Claude) Against this people, to put it briefly, two generals were sent, Metellus and Domitius; of these Domitius was crushed with his army by Hirtuleius, Sertorius's general. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.23.3 (CSEL 5:340; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-23-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.23.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-5-23-4 - Source: CSEL 5:340–341 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Manlius is defeated. ### Latin text Manlius, proconsule Galliae in Hispaniam cum tribus legionibus et mille quingentis equitibus transgressus, iniquam cum Hirtuleio pugnam conseruit: a quo castris copiisque nudatus, in oppidum Ilerdam paene solus refugit. ### English translation (Claude) Manlius, proconsul of Gaul, crossing into Spain with three legions and fifteen hundred cavalry, joined an unequal battle with Hirtuleius; stripped by him of camp and forces, he fled almost alone into the town of Ilerda. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.23.4 (CSEL 5:340–341; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-23-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.23.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-5-23-5 - Source: CSEL 5:341 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Metellus delays. ### Latin text Metellus multis proeliis fatigatus, per deuia oberrans, hostem mora fatigabat, donec Pompei castris consociaretur. ### English translation (Claude) Metellus, worn out by many battles, wandering through trackless places, wearied the enemy by delay until he could join the camp of Pompeius. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.23.5 (CSEL 5:341; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-23-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.23.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-5-23-6 - Source: CSEL 5:341 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Pompey fails at Lauro. ### Latin text Pompeius contracto apud Palantiam exercitu Lauronem ciuitatem, quam tunc Sertorius oppugnabat, frustra conatus defendere uictus aufugit. ### English translation (Claude) Pompeius, having gathered an army at Pallantia, vainly tried to defend the city of Lauro, which Sertorius was then besieging, and fled defeated. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.23.6 (CSEL 5:341; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-23-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.23.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-5-23-7 - Source: CSEL 5:341 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Sertorius sacks Lauro. ### Latin text Sertorius superato fugatoque Pompeio Lauronem captam cruentissime depopulatus est; reliquum agmen Lauronensium, quod caedibus superfuerat, miserabili in Lusitaniam captiuitate traduxit. ### English translation (Claude) Sertorius, having overcome and routed Pompeius, took Lauro and laid it waste most bloodily; the remaining column of the people of Lauro, which had survived the slaughter, he carried off to Lusitania in pitiful captivity. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.23.7 (CSEL 5:341; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-23-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.23.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-5-23-8 - Source: CSEL 5:341 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Sertorius boasts of defeating Pompey. ### Latin text Pompeium autem, hoc est illum Romanorum ducem, a se uictum fuisse gloriatus est, quem magna praeditum fiducia ad hoc bellum non pro consule sed pro consulibus Roma misisset. ### English translation (Claude) He boasted that Pompeius, that is, the famous general of the Romans, had been conquered by him, whom Rome, full of great confidence, had sent to this war not as proconsul but in place of the consuls. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.23.8 (CSEL 5:341; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-23-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.23.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-5-23-9 - Source: CSEL 5:341 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The numbers of the armies. ### Latin text fuisse tunc Pompeio triginta milia peditum, mille equites Galba scribit, Sertorium autem sexaginta milia peditum, octo milia equitum habuisse commemorat. ### English translation (Claude) Galba writes that Pompeius then had thirty thousand infantry and a thousand cavalry, and records that Sertorius had sixty thousand infantry and eight thousand cavalry. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.23.9 (CSEL 5:341; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-23-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.23.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-5-23-10 - Source: CSEL 5:341 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Hirtuleius is defeated at Italica. ### Latin text postea uero Hirtuleius cum Metello congressus apud Italicam Baeticae urbem uiginti milia militum perdidit uictusque in Lusitaniam cum paucis refugit. ### English translation (Claude) Afterward Hirtuleius, engaging Metellus near Italica, a city of Baetica, lost twenty thousand soldiers and, defeated, fled into Lusitania with a few men. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.23.10 (CSEL 5:341; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-23-10). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.23.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-5-23-11 - Source: CSEL 5:341–342 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: An indecisive battle of Pompey and Sertorius. ### Latin text Pompeius Belgidam, nobilem Celtiberiae urbem, cepit. Sertorius deinde cum Pompeio congressus decem milia militum eius interfecit; ex alio cornu uincente Pompeio tantundem paene ipse perdidit. ### English translation (Claude) Pompeius took Belgida, a noted city of Celtiberia. Then Sertorius, engaging Pompeius, killed ten thousand of his soldiers; with Pompeius winning on the other wing, he himself lost almost as many. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.23.11 (CSEL 5:341–342; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-23-11). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.23.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-5-23-12 - Source: CSEL 5:342 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Further battles. ### Latin text multa inter eos praeterea proelia gesta sunt. Memmius, quaestor Pompei idemque uir sororis eius, occisus est. Hirtulei fratres interfecti. Perpenna, qui se Sertorio iunxerat, comminutus est. ### English translation (Claude) Many battles besides were fought between them. Memmius, Pompeius's quaestor and also his sister's husband, was killed. The brothers Hirtuleius were slain. Perpenna, who had joined Sertorius, was crushed. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.23.12 (CSEL 5:342; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-23-12). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.23.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-5-23-13 - Source: CSEL 5:342 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Sertorius is murdered by his own men. ### Latin text postremo ipse Sertorius decimo demum anno belli inchoati isdem quibus et Viriatus suorum dolis interfectus finem bello fecit Romanisque uictoriam sine gloria dedit; quamuis Perpennam postea pars exercitus eius secuta sit: qui a Pompeio uictus cum uniuerso exercitu suo interfectus est. ### English translation (Claude) Finally Sertorius himself, in the tenth year after the war began, was killed by the treachery of his own men, as Viriathus had been, and ended the war, giving the Romans a victory without glory; although part of his army afterward followed Perpenna, who, defeated by Pompeius, was killed with his whole army. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.23.13 (CSEL 5:342; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-23-13). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.23.14 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-5-23-14 - Source: CSEL 5:342 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Uxama and Calagurris are destroyed. ### Latin text ciuitatibus uero cunctis ultro ac sine mora per deditionem receptis, duae tantum restiterunt, hoc est Vxama et Calagurris: quarum Vxamam Pompeius euertit, Calagurrim Afranius iugi obsidione confectam atque ad infames escas miseranda inopia coactam ultima caede incendioque deleuit. ### English translation (Claude) When all the cities had been received in surrender voluntarily and without delay, only two resisted, that is, Uxama and Calagurris; of these Pompeius overthrew Uxama, and Afranius, after wearing down Calagurris by continuous siege and driving it by pitiful want to infamous food, destroyed it with final slaughter and fire. ### Translation notes - “Infamous food”: the besieged were reduced to cannibalism. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.23.14 (CSEL 5:342; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-23-14). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.23.15 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-5-23-15 - Source: CSEL 5:342 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Sertorius's murderers seek no reward. ### Latin text percussores Sertorii praemium ne petendum quidem a Romanis esse duxerunt, quippe qui meminissent antea Viriati percussoribus denegatum. ### English translation (Claude) The assassins of Sertorius thought that a reward should not even be asked of the Romans, since they remembered that it had been refused earlier to the assassins of Viriathus. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.23.15 (CSEL 5:342; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-23-15). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.23.16 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-5-23-16 - Source: CSEL 5:342–343 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Spain has produced good emperors and no usurpers. ### Latin text Et quamuis nullo tunc praemio patrauerint Romanam securitatem, tamen fortis fide ac uiribus semper Hispania cum optimos inuictissimos reges reipublicae dederit, nullum umquam tyrannorum ab initio usque in hodiernum diem uel de se editum misit uel in se extrinsecus incurrentem uiuum potentemue dimisit. ### English translation (Claude) And although they then secured Roman safety without any reward, yet Spain, always strong in faith and strength, while she has given the commonwealth the best and most unconquered rulers, has never from the beginning to the present day sent forth any tyrant produced from herself, or let one who invaded her from outside go away alive or powerful. ### Translation notes - Orosius, himself a Spaniard, alludes to Trajan, Hadrian, and Theodosius, and to the usurpers defeated in Spain. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.23.16 (CSEL 5:342–343; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-23-16). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.23.17 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-5-23-17 - Source: CSEL 5:343 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Claudius is sent against the Thracian peoples. ### Latin text Interea Macedonicum bellum Claudius sortitus uarias gentes, quae Rhodopaeis montibus circumfusae sunt ac tunc Macedoniam crudelissime populabantur — ### English translation (Claude) Meanwhile Claudius, having been allotted the Macedonian war, the various peoples who live around the Rhodope mountains and were then most cruelly plundering Macedonia ( ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.23.17 (CSEL 5:343; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-23-17). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.23.18 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-5-23-18 - Source: CSEL 5:343 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Scordisci drink from skulls. ### Latin text nam inter cetera dictu audituque horrida quae in captiuos agebant, raptis, cum poculo opus esset, humanorum capitum ossibus cruentis capillatisque adhuc ac per interiores cauernas male effosso cerebro oblitis auide ac sine horrore tamquam ueris poculis utebantur: quarum cruentissimi atque immanissimi Scordisci erant — ### English translation (Claude) for among other things horrible to tell and hear which they did to captives, when they needed a cup, they seized the bones of human heads, still bloody and hairy and smeared with brain badly dug out of the inner cavities, and used them greedily and without horror as if they were real cups; of these peoples the bloodiest and most savage were the Scordisci) ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.23.18 (CSEL 5:343; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-23-18). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.23.19 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-5-23-19 - Source: CSEL 5:343 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Claudius dies on campaign. ### Latin text has itaque, ut dixi, Claudius pellere Macedoniae finibus bello adtemptauit magnisque se malorum molibus obiecit: unde cum animo aeger et curis circumsaeptus, morbo insuper correptus esset, interiit. ### English translation (Claude) these peoples, then, as I said, Claudius tried by war to drive from the borders of Macedonia and exposed himself to great masses of evils; from this, sick at heart and beset with cares, and seized by disease besides, he died. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.23.19 (CSEL 5:343; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-23-19). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.23.20 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-5-23-20 - Source: CSEL 5:343 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Scribonius conquers Dardania. ### Latin text huius successor Scribonius adtemptatarum superiore bello gentium uim declinans, in Dardaniam arma conuertit eamque superauit. ### English translation (Claude) His successor Scribonius, avoiding the strength of the peoples attacked in the earlier war, turned his arms against Dardania and conquered it. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.23.20 (CSEL 5:343; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-23-20). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.23.21 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-5-23-21 - Source: CSEL 5:343 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Servilius in Cilicia and Lycia. ### Latin text Publius uero Seruilius exconsule Ciliciam et Pamphyliam crudelissime adortus dum subdere studet, paene deleuit. Lyciam et urbes eius obsessas oppressasque cepit. ### English translation (Claude) Publius Servilius, ex-consul, most cruelly attacked Cilicia and Pamphylia and, while striving to subdue them, almost destroyed them. He besieged, overwhelmed, and took Lycia and its cities. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.23.21 (CSEL 5:343; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-23-21). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.23.22 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-5-23-22 - Source: CSEL 5:343–344 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Servilius earns the name Isauricus. ### Latin text praeterea Olympum montem peruagatus Phasidem euertit, Corycum diruit, Tauri quoque montis latera in Ciliciam uergentia perscrutatus Isauros bello fractos in dicionem redegit; primus Romanorum per Taurum duxit exercitum ac limitem itineris fecit. triennio emenso, quo bellum gestum est, Isaurici ### English translation (Claude) Moreover, ranging over Mount Olympus, he overthrew Phaselis, destroyed Corycus, and, searching out also the slopes of Mount Taurus that face Cilicia, broke the Isaurians in war and brought them under rule; he was the first of the Romans to lead an army through the Taurus and made a road there. When the three years in which the war was waged had passed, he took the name of Isauricus. ### Translation notes - “Phasidem” as printed for Phaselis. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.23.22 (CSEL 5:343–344; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-23-22). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.23.23 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-5-23-23 - Source: CSEL 5:344 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Cosconius takes Salonae. ### Latin text nomen adsumpsit Cosconius proconsule sortitus Illyricum, protrita subactaque Delmatia Salonas, urbem florentissimam, post biennium tandem expugnauit et cepit. ### English translation (Claude) Cosconius, as proconsul, allotted Illyricum, wore down and subdued Dalmatia and after two years at last stormed and took Salonae, a most flourishing city. ### Translation notes - The first two words (“nomen adsumpsit”) complete the sentence of 5.23.22 and are translated there. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.23.23 (CSEL 5:344; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-23-23). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.24.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-5-24-1 - Source: CSEL 5:344 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Spartacus's revolt begins. ### Latin text Anno ab Vrbe condita DCLXXVIIII Lucullo et Cassio consulibus gladiatores septuaginta et quattuor Capuae a ludo Cn. Lentuli diffugerunt: qui continuo ducibus Crixo et Oenomao Gallis et Spartaco Thrace Vesuuium montem occupauerunt; unde erumpentes Clodii praetoris, qui eos obsidione cinxerat, castra expugnarunt, ipsoque in fugam acto cuncta in praedam auerterunt. ### English translation (Claude) In the 679th year from the founding of the City, in the consulship of Lucullus and Cassius, seventy-four gladiators escaped at Capua from the school of Gnaeus Lentulus; at once, under the leadership of Crixus and Oenomaus, Gauls, and Spartacus, a Thracian, they seized Mount Vesuvius; breaking out from there, they stormed the camp of the praetor Clodius, who had surrounded them in a siege, and having put him to flight they turned everything into booty. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.24.1 (CSEL 5:344; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-24-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.24.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-5-24-2 - Source: CSEL 5:344 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The rebel bands grow. ### Latin text inde per Consentiam et Metapontum circumducti, ingentia breui agmina collegerunt. nam Crixo decem milium multitudo, Spartaco autem triplex tunc numerus fuisse refertur. Oenomaus enim iam in superiore bello fuerat occisus. ### English translation (Claude) From there, going round by Consentia and Metapontum, they soon gathered huge columns. For Crixus is reported to have had a multitude of ten thousand, and Spartacus then three times that number. For Oenomaus had already been killed in an earlier battle. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.24.2 (CSEL 5:344; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-24-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.24.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-5-24-3 - Source: CSEL 5:344–345 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The rebels force captives to fight as gladiators. ### Latin text itaque cum caedibus incendiis rapinis stuprisque omnia miscerent, in exsequiis captiuae matronae, quae se dolore uiolati pudoris necauerat, munus gladiatorium ex quadringentis captiuis scilicet qui spectandi fuerant spectaturi, utpote lanistae gladiatorum potius quam militum principes, ediderunt. ### English translation (Claude) So while they threw everything into confusion with slaughter, burning, robbery, and rapes, at the funeral of a captive matron who had killed herself in grief at her violated chastity, they gave a gladiatorial show with four hundred captives, men, that is, who had been meant to be spectators and were now to be the spectacle, as being trainers of gladiators rather than leaders of soldiers. ### Translation notes - The Latin plays on spectandi/spectaturi: those who would have watched are made to be watched. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.24.3 (CSEL 5:344–345; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-24-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.24.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-5-24-4 - Source: CSEL 5:345 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The consuls are defeated by Spartacus. ### Latin text deinde consules Gellius et Lentulus aduersum eos cum exercitu missi, quorum Gellius Crixum acerrime pugnantem proelio oppressit, Lentulus a Spartaco superatus aufugit. post etiam conlatis frustra ambo consules copiis, accepta graui clade, fugerunt. dehinc C. Cassium proconsulem idem Spartacus oppressum bello interfecit. ### English translation (Claude) Then the consuls Gellius and Lentulus were sent against them with an army; of them Gellius crushed Crixus in battle while he fought most fiercely, and Lentulus, overcome by Spartacus, fled. Afterward too both consuls joined their forces in vain and, suffering a heavy defeat, fled. Then the same Spartacus crushed the proconsul Gaius Cassius in battle and killed him. ### Translation notes - Cassius was in fact defeated but not killed; Orosius reports it so. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.24.4 (CSEL 5:345; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-24-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.24.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-5-24-5 - Source: CSEL 5:345 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Crassus is sent against Spartacus. ### Latin text itaque exterrita Ciuitate non minore propemodum metu, quam sub Hannibale circa portas fremente trepidauerat, senatus Crassum cum legionibus consulum nouoque supplemento militum misit. ### English translation (Claude) So, with the City terrified with almost no less fear than it had trembled with when Hannibal raged around the gates, the senate sent Crassus with the consuls' legions and a new supplement of soldiers. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.24.5 (CSEL 5:345; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-24-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.24.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-5-24-6 - Source: CSEL 5:345 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Crassus defeats Spartacus's allies. ### Latin text is mox ut fugitiuorum pugnam iniit, sex milia eorum interfecit, nongentos uero cepit. inde priusquam ipsum Spartacum ad caput Silari fluminis castra metantem bello adgrederetur, Gallos auxiliatores eius Germanosque superauit, e quibus xxx milia hominum cum ipsis ducibus occidit. ### English translation (Claude) As soon as he engaged the runaways in battle, he killed six thousand of them and captured nine hundred. Then, before attacking Spartacus himself in war, as he was pitching camp at the source of the river Silarus, he overcame his Gallic and German auxiliaries, of whom he killed thirty thousand men with their leaders. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.24.6 (CSEL 5:345; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-24-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.24.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-5-24-7 - Source: CSEL 5:345–346 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Spartacus is defeated. ### Latin text nouissime ipsum Spartacum disposita acie congressum maximasque cum eo fugitiuorum copias perculit. nam sexaginta milia eorum caesa, sex milia capta referuntur, tria milia ciuium Romanorum recepta sunt. ### English translation (Claude) Finally he engaged Spartacus himself with his battle line drawn up and struck down with him very great forces of the runaways. For sixty thousand of them are reported slain, six thousand captured, and three thousand Roman citizens were recovered. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.24.7 (CSEL 5:345–346; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-24-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.24.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-5-24-8 - Source: CSEL 5:346 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The survivors are hunted down. ### Latin text ceteri, qui ex hoc bello lapsi oberrabant, per conplures duces frequenti indagine attriti sunt. ### English translation (Claude) The rest, who had slipped away from this war and were wandering about, were worn down by a number of generals in frequent hunts. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.24.8 (CSEL 5:346; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-24-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.24.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-5-24-9 - Source: CSEL 5:346 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Orosius repeats his challenge. ### Latin text At ego iterum ac saepius repeto: num quidnam et hic conparatione aliqua egent tempora? quis rogo audire non horreat non dicam bella talia, sed uel nomina tanta bellorum, externa, seruilia, socialia, ciuilia, fugitiuorum? ### English translation (Claude) But I repeat again and again: do the times need any comparison here too? Who, I ask, would not shudder to hear, I will not say of such wars, but even the very names of so many wars, foreign, slave, with allies, civil, with runaways? ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.24.9 (CSEL 5:346; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-24-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.24.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-5-24-10 - Source: CSEL 5:346 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Wars came not in sequence but all at once. ### Latin text quae ne sic saltem sese, ut commoti maris fluctus quamuis molibus magnis sequuntur, sed undique diuersis causis uocabulis formis malisque excitata coaceruataque concurrunt. ### English translation (Claude) These did not even follow one another in the way that the waves of a stirred sea follow, however great their masses, but, stirred up and heaped together from every side with different causes, names, forms, and evils, they rushed together. ### Translation notes - The Latin of the first clause is defective (“quae ne sic saltem sese … sequuntur”); translated by sense. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.24.10 (CSEL 5:346; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-24-10). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.24.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-5-24-11 - Source: CSEL 5:346 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Jugurthine and Cimbrian wars overlapped. ### Latin text ut e proximo repetam et infame illud seruile praeteream, Iugurthinum bellum nondum adhuc ab Africo perdetonuerat, iam Cimbricum a circio fulminabat. ### English translation (Claude) To take up from the nearest point and pass over that infamous slave war: the Jugurthine war had not yet finished thundering from the southwest when the Cimbrian war was already flashing from the northwest. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.24.11 (CSEL 5:346; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-24-11). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.24.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-5-24-12 - Source: CSEL 5:346 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Social War followed at once. ### Latin text de Cimbricis illis nubibus adhuc foedi uastique torrentes effusi sanguinis agebantur, iam socialis belli nebulas in magna continuo malorum nubila coituras misera exhalabat Italia. ### English translation (Claude) From those Cimbrian clouds foul and vast torrents of poured-out blood were still being driven, when wretched Italy was already breathing out the mists of the war with the allies, soon to gather into great storm clouds of evils. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.24.12 (CSEL 5:346; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-24-12). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.24.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-5-24-13 - Source: CSEL 5:346 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Italy remained unsafe. ### Latin text adhuc uero post infinitam crebramque Italici belli tempestatem discurri tuto per Italiam minime poterat, ita omnes absque illis periculosissimis inimicarum urbium uoraginibus dissoluta ac lubrica pace titubabant; ### English translation (Claude) Even after the endless and frequent storm of the Italian war, one could hardly travel safely through Italy, so much did all things, apart from those most dangerous whirlpools of hostile cities, totter in a loose and slippery peace; ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.24.13 (CSEL 5:346; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-24-13). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.24.14 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-5-24-14 - Source: CSEL 5:346–347 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Marian and Mithridatic disasters followed. ### Latin text iam sibi Marianum atque Cinnanum Roma parturiebat excidium, aliudque e diuerso oriens atque aquilo, hoc est Mithridaticum, minabatur, quod quidem Mithridaticum a superioribus coeptum porro in ulteriora porrigitur. ### English translation (Claude) already Rome was bringing forth for herself the destruction of Marius and Cinna, and the East and North on the other side threatened another, that is, the Mithridatic, which, begun in earlier times, extends further into later ones. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.24.14 (CSEL 5:346–347; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-24-14). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.24.15 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-5-24-15 - Source: CSEL 5:347 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: One civil war kindled many. ### Latin text de Mariana face rogus Sullanae cladis accensus est, de isto rogo funestissimo Sullani et ciuilis belli per plurimas terrarum partes ardentes sudes sparsi sunt multaque incendia ex uno fomite diffuderunt. ### English translation (Claude) From Marius's torch the pyre of Sulla's disaster was kindled; from that most deadly pyre the burning brands of Sulla's civil war were scattered through very many parts of the world and spread many fires from one spark. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.24.15 (CSEL 5:347; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-24-15). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.24.16 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-5-24-16 - Source: CSEL 5:347 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The many leaders of the civil wars. ### Latin text nam Lepidus et Scipio in Italia, Brutus in Gallia, Domitius Cinnae gener in Africa, Carbo in Cossura et Sicilia, Perpenna in Liguria et post cum Sertorio in Hispania, omniumque atrocissimus Sertorius in eadem Hispania haec tunc ciuilia, uel quo alio dicenda sunt nomine, bella excitantes, de uno multa, de magno magna fecerunt; ### English translation (Claude) For Lepidus and Scipio in Italy, Brutus in Gaul, Domitius, Cinna's son-in-law, in Africa, Carbo in Cossura and Sicily, Perpenna in Liguria and afterward with Sertorius in Spain, and, most savage of all, Sertorius in the same Spain, stirring up these civil wars, or by whatever other name they are to be called, made many from one and great ones from a great one; ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.24.16 (CSEL 5:347; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-24-16). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.24.17 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-5-24-17 - Source: CSEL 5:347 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Foreign wars besides. ### Latin text absque illis tribus uastissimis bellis, quae tunc externa uocabantur, hoc est Pamphylico Macedonico atque Delmatico, dissimulato etiam magno illo Mithridatico longe omnium diuturnissimo infestissimo ac formidulosissimo; ### English translation (Claude) apart from those three most vast wars which were then called foreign, that is, the Pamphylian, the Macedonian, and the Dalmatian, and setting aside also that great Mithridatic war, by far the longest, most dangerous, and most fearsome of all; ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.24.17 (CSEL 5:347; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-24-17). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.24.18 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-5-24-18 - Source: CSEL 5:347–348 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The gladiators' war broke out meanwhile. ### Latin text deinde, adhuc Hispaniensi Sertoriano nondum finito immo adhuc ipso uiuente Sertorio, hoc fugitiuorum et, ut uerius dicam, gladiatoricium bellum inhorruit, iam non spectandum paucis sed ubique metuendum. ### English translation (Claude) then, while the Spanish war of Sertorius was not yet finished, indeed while Sertorius himself was still alive, this war of runaways, or, to speak more truly, of gladiators, broke out in horror, no longer a thing for a few to watch but to be feared everywhere. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.24.18 (CSEL 5:347–348; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-24-18). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.24.19 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-5-24-19 - Source: CSEL 5:348 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The slave war was no small matter. ### Latin text quod quia fugitiuarum bellum dicitur, nemini uile habeatur ex nomine: saepe in eo singuli et aliquando simul cum agminibus frustra iunctis ambo consules uicti sunt plurimique nobiles trucidati; ipsi autem fugitiui plus quam centum milia fuere, qui caesi sunt. ### English translation (Claude) Because it is called the war of runaways, let no one hold it cheap because of its name: often in it the consuls were defeated singly, and once both together, though they had joined their columns in vain, and very many nobles were slaughtered; and of the runaways themselves more than a hundred thousand were slain. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.24.19 (CSEL 5:348; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-24-19). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 5.24.20 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-5-24-20 - Source: CSEL 5:348 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Orosius ends Book 5. ### Latin text ei quo admonemus, ut ipsa se consoletur Italia de uexatione externorum praesentium per recordationem praeteritorum ex se atque in se et ipsam se inconparabiliter crudelius dilacerantium suorum. Quamobrem huic nunc quinto uolumini iam finem fecerim, ut bella ciuilia externis ubique permixta, uel quae dicta sunt uel etiam quae sequuntur, quia sic sibi serie temporum et malis sequacibus cohaeserunt, libri saltem termino separentur. ### English translation (Claude) By this we advise Italy to console herself for the harassment of present foreign enemies by remembering her own past sons, who tore her apart, from herself and against herself, incomparably more cruelly. For this reason I would now bring this fifth book to an end, so that the civil wars mixed everywhere with foreign ones, both those that have been told and those that follow, since they clung to one another in the sequence of times and in evils following on evils, may at least be separated by the end of a book. ### Translation notes - “ei quo” as printed; read “eo quo.” ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 5.24.20 (CSEL 5:348; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/5-24-20). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.1.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-6-1-1 - Source: CSEL 5:349 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Every human mind is drawn toward the knowledge of God. ### Latin text Omnes homines cuiuslibet uel sectae uel uitae uel patriae ita semper ad prospectum prudentiae naturali bono eriguntur, ut oblectamento corporis rationale mentis etsi non actu praeferant, indicio tamen praeferendum sciant. quae mens, ratione duce inlustrata, in medio uirtutum, quibus genuino fauore, quamuis uitiis inclinetur, adsurgit, scientiam Dei quasi arcem prospicit. Deum enim quilibet hominum contemnere ### English translation (Claude) All men, of whatever school, way of life, or homeland, are always so raised by a natural good toward the outlook of prudence that, even if they do not prefer the rational part of the mind to the pleasure of the body in act, they nevertheless know by judgment that it ought to be preferred. This mind, enlightened with reason as guide, in the midst of the virtues toward which it rises with an inborn favor, although it leans toward vices, looks out on the knowledge of God as on a citadel. For any man can despise God ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.1.1 (CSEL 5:349; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-1-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.1.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-6-1-2 - Source: CSEL 5:349 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Polytheism arose from misplaced fear and is now abandoned. ### Latin text ad tempus potest, nescire in totum non potest. unde quidam dum in multis Deum credunt, multos deos indiscreto timore finxerunt. sed hinc iam uel maxime cum auctoritate ueritatis operante tum ipsa etiam ratione discutiente discessum est. ### English translation (Claude) for a time; he cannot be wholly ignorant of him. Hence some, while they believe God to be in many things, fashioned many gods with undiscerning fear. But from this men have now departed, most of all with the authority of truth at work and with reason itself also examining. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.1.2 (CSEL 5:349; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-1-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.1.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-6-1-3 - Source: CSEL 5:349–350 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Even the pagans acknowledge one supreme God. ### Latin text quippe cum et philosophi eorum, ut de nostris sanctis sileam, dum intento mentis studio quaerunt scrutanturque omnia, unum Deum auctorem omnium reppererunt, ad quem unum omnia referrentur; unde etiam nunc pagani, quos iam declarata ueritas de contumacia magis quam de ignorantia conuincit, cum a nobis discutiuntur, non se plures deos sequi sed sub uno deo magno plures ministros uenerari fatentur. ### English translation (Claude) For even their philosophers, to say nothing of our saints, while they searched and examined all things with intent study of mind, found one God, author of all things, to whom alone all things should be referred; and so even now the pagans, whom the truth now made plain convicts of stubbornness rather than ignorance, when they are examined by us, confess that they do not follow many gods but venerate many ministers under one great god. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.1.3 (CSEL 5:349–350; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-1-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.1.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-6-1-4 - Source: CSEL 5:350 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Where reason fails, faith helps. ### Latin text restat igitur de intellegentia ueri Dei per multas intellegendi suspiciones confusa dissensio, quia de uno deo omnium paene una opinio est. hucusque humana scrutatio, etsi cum labore, potuit. at ubi ratiocinatio deficit, fides subuenit. ### English translation (Claude) There remains, then, a disagreement about the understanding of the true God, confused by many conjectures of understanding, since about one God nearly all have one opinion. Thus far human inquiry, though with labor, could go. But where reasoning fails, faith comes to help. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.1.4 (CSEL 5:350; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-1-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.1.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-6-1-5 - Source: CSEL 5:350 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The one God founded the Roman empire through a humble shepherd. ### Latin text nisi enim crediderimus, non intellegemus: ab ipso audias ipsique Deo credas, quod uerum uelis scire de Deo. itaque idem unus et uerus Deus, in quem omnis, ut diximus, etsi ex diuersis opinionibus secta concurrit, mutans regna et disponens tempora, peccata quoque puniens, quae infirma sunt mundi elegit, ut confundat fortia, Romanumque imperium adsumpto pauperrimi status pastore fundauit. ### English translation (Claude) For “unless we believe, we shall not understand.” Hear from him and believe God himself what you wish to know truly about God. So the same one and true God, to whom every school, as we have said, runs together though from different opinions, “changing kingdoms and ordering times,” punishing sins too, “chose the weak things of the world to confound the strong,” and founded the Roman empire, taking up a shepherd of the poorest station. ### Scripture references - Isa 7:9: quotation, medium confidence - Dan 2:21: allusion, high confidence - 1 Cor 1:27: quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - “Unless we believe, we shall not understand”: Isa 7:9 in the Old Latin (from the LXX), as often quoted by Augustine. - “Changing kingdoms and ordering times”: Dan 2:21. - “Chose the weak things … the strong”: 1 Cor 1:27. - The shepherd is Romulus. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.1.5 (CSEL 5:350; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-1-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.1.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-6-1-6 - Source: CSEL 5:350 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: God united the empire under Augustus. ### Latin text hoc per reges et consules diu prouectum postquam Asiae Africae atque Europae potitum est, ad unum imperatorem eundemque fortissimum et clementissimum cuncta sui ### English translation (Claude) This empire, long advanced through kings and consuls, after it had gained possession of Asia, Africa, and Europe, he gathered together by his own ordering under one emperor, both most brave and most merciful. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.1.6 (CSEL 5:350; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-1-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.1.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-6-1-7 - Source: CSEL 5:350–351 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Under Augustus God sent his Son. ### Latin text ordinatione congessit sub hoc imperatore, quem omnes fere gentes amore et timore permixto iuste honorarent, Deus uerus, qui superstitione sollicita ab ignorantibus colebatur, magnum illum intellegentiae suae fontem aperuit promptiusque per hominem docturus homines filium suum misit operantem uirtutes, quae praecellerent hominem, coarguentemque daemonas, quos aliqui deos putauissent, ut qui ipsi tamquam homini non credidissent, operibus tamquam Dei crederent; ### English translation (Claude) Under this emperor, whom nearly all peoples rightly honored with mingled love and fear, the true God, who was worshiped by the ignorant with anxious superstition, opened that great fountain of the understanding of himself and, to teach men more readily through a man, sent his Son, working mighty deeds that surpassed man and refuting the demons, whom some had thought gods, so that those who had not believed him as a man might believe his works as God's; ### Scripture references - John 10:38: echo, low confidence ### Translation notes - Compare John 10:38 (believe the works). ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.1.7 (CSEL 5:350–351; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-1-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.1.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-6-1-8 - Source: CSEL 5:351 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Roman peace allowed the gospel to spread. ### Latin text deinde ut in magno silentio ac pace latissima inoffense et celeriter noui nominis gloria et adnuntiatae salutis uelox fama percurreret uel etiam ut discipulis eius per diuersas gentes euntibus ultroque per cunctos salutis dona offerentibus obeundi ac disserendi quippe Romanis ciuibus inter ciues Romanos esset tuta libertas. ### English translation (Claude) and then, that in great silence and the widest peace the glory of the new name and the swift report of the salvation announced might run through without hindrance and quickly, or also that his disciples, going through the various nations and freely offering the gifts of salvation to all, might have safe freedom of traveling and discoursing, as Roman citizens among Roman citizens. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.1.8 (CSEL 5:351; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-1-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.1.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-6-1-9 - Source: CSEL 5:351 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Book 6 reaches Augustus. ### Latin text quod ideo commemorandum putaui, quia hic sextus libellus usque ad Caesarem Augustum, de quo haec dicuntur, extenditur. ### English translation (Claude) I thought this should be recalled because this sixth book extends up to Caesar Augustus, of whom these things are said. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.1.9 (CSEL 5:351; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-1-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.1.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-6-1-10 - Source: CSEL 5:351 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The pagans credit their gods with the empire. ### Latin text quodsi aliqui hanc lucidissimam rationem inritam putant, suisque dis potius adsignant, quos primum prudentia elegerint deinde praecipuo cultu inuitarint, ut sibi per eos amplissimum hoc pulcherrimumque imperium conderetur — ### English translation (Claude) But if some think this most lucid reasoning void and assign it rather to their own gods, whom they say they first chose by prudence and then invited by special worship, so that through them this most ample and most beautiful empire might be founded for them ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.1.10 (CSEL 5:351; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-1-10). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.1.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-6-1-11 - Source: CSEL 5:351 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The pagans claim the gods left when the rites ceased. ### Latin text sic enim iactitant, quia ipsi optimo genere sacrorum emeruerint praecipuum deorum fauorem, quibus ademptis uel praetermissis discesserint omnes adytis arisque relictis Di, quibus imperium hoc steterat — ### English translation (Claude) (for so they boast, that they earned the special favor of the gods by the best kind of rites, and that when these were taken away or neglected, “all the gods departed, leaving their shrines and altars, by whom this empire had stood”): ### Extrabiblical texts - Virgil, Aen. 2.351-352 (Virgil): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation adapted from Virgil, Aeneid 2.351–352. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.1.11 (CSEL 5:351; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-1-11). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.1.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-6-1-12 - Source: CSEL 5:351 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Orosius adds to Augustine's arguments. ### Latin text unde, quamuis reuerentia sanctitatis tuae multa fortissime uerissimeque disseruerit, tamen et mihi locus exigit, ut pauca subiciam. ### English translation (Claude) hence, although Your Reverend Holiness has discussed many things most powerfully and most truly, the place nevertheless requires that I too add a few things. ### Extrabiblical texts - Augustine, Civ. (City of God): allusion, medium confidence ### Translation notes - Addressed to Augustine; the reference is to the City of God. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.1.12 (CSEL 5:351; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-1-12). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.1.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-6-1-13 - Source: CSEL 5:351–352 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Who earned Romulus's safety by worship? ### Latin text si Romani colendo deos emeruerunt fauorem deorum et non colendo amiserunt: ut ipse Romulus, parens Romae, inter tot mala ab ipso ortu suo ingruentia saluus esset, colendo quis meruit? ### English translation (Claude) If the Romans earned the favor of the gods by worshiping them and lost it by not worshiping, who by worshiping earned that Romulus himself, father of Rome, should be safe amid so many evils that befell him from his very birth? ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.1.13 (CSEL 5:351–352; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-1-13). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.1.14 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-6-1-14 - Source: CSEL 5:352 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: None of those around Romulus deserved the gods' favor. ### Latin text an Amulius auus, qui exposuit ad necem? an pater, qui incertus fuit? an Rhea mater stupri rea? an Albani parentes, ipsa quoque ab initio Romani nominis germina persequentes? an tota Italia, quae per quadringentos annos, dum audere potuit, excidio eius inhiauit? ### English translation (Claude) Was it Amulius, his grandfather, who exposed him to death? Or his father, who was uncertain? Or his mother Rhea, accused of illicit intercourse? Or the Alban kinsmen, who also persecuted the very seeds of the Roman name from the beginning? Or all Italy, which for four hundred years, as long as it could dare, gaped for its destruction? ### Translation notes - “auns” in the digital text, read “auus”; Amulius was in fact Romulus's great-uncle. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.1.14 (CSEL 5:352; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-1-14). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.1.15 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-6-1-15 - Source: CSEL 5:352 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The pagans' reply implies the gods foreknew. ### Latin text non, inquiunt, sed di ipsi, quia se colendos sciebant, futuros custodiere cultores. ergo praescii sunt. ### English translation (Claude) No, they say, but the gods themselves, because they knew they would be worshiped, guarded their future worshipers. Then they have foreknowledge. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.1.15 (CSEL 5:352; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-1-15). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.1.16 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-6-1-16 - Source: CSEL 5:352 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The gods raised the empire just when Christ came. ### Latin text si praescii sunt, cur hoc imperium inter tot annorum saecula eo potissimum tempore ad summam potentiae arcem perduxerunt, quo ille nasci inter homines atque adgnosci ut homo uoluit, post cuius nomen et ipsi pro nihilo contempti sunt et cum uniuerso mundo etiam illi, quos ipsi prouexerant, cucurrerunt? ### English translation (Claude) If they have foreknowledge, why, among the ages of so many years, did they bring this empire to the highest summit of power at that time above all when he willed to be born among men and to be recognized as a man, after whose name they themselves were despised as nothing, and even those whom they had raised ran to him with the whole world? ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.1.16 (CSEL 5:352; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-1-16). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.1.17 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-6-1-17 - Source: CSEL 5:352 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Christ's power exceeded that of the gods. ### Latin text sed humiliter obrepsit, inquiunt, et latenter intrauit. latentis et humilis unde tam celebris fama, tam indubitata fides, tam manifesta potentia? signis quibusdam et uirtutibus mentes hominum superstitione sollicitas cepit et tenuit. at haec si homo potuit, di magis posse debuerunt. ### English translation (Claude) But he crept in humbly, they say, and entered secretly. Then from where did one hidden and humble get so celebrated a fame, so undoubted a faith, so manifest a power? By certain signs and mighty works, they say, he captured and held the minds of men anxious with superstition. But if a man could do these things, the gods ought to have been able to do more. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.1.17 (CSEL 5:352; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-1-17). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.1.18 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-6-1-18 - Source: CSEL 5:352–353 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The known and unknown God is grasped only through Christ. ### Latin text an quia ille hanc potentiam a Patre sibi traditam praedicabat, peruentum est aliquando ad intellegentiam illius noti et ignoti Dei, quam adprehendere, ut dixi, nemo nisi per ipsum potest? nec quisquam potest, nisi qui toto se perspecto ac despecto conuersus ad sapientiam Dei omnem quaerendi ratiocinationem transtulerit ad credendi fidem. ### English translation (Claude) Or was it because he proclaimed that this power had been handed to him by the Father that men at last came to the understanding of that known and unknown God, which, as I said, no one can grasp except through him? Nor can anyone, except one who, having looked through and looked down on his whole self, has turned to the wisdom of God and transferred all the reasoning of inquiry to the faith of believing. ### Scripture references - Matt 11:27: allusion, medium confidence - John 14:6: echo, low confidence - Acts 17:23: echo, low confidence ### Translation notes - Compare Matt 11:27; John 14:6; Acts 17:23. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.1.18 (CSEL 5:352–353; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-1-18). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.1.19 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-6-1-19 - Source: CSEL 5:353 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The gods were worshiped devoutly when Christ came. ### Latin text uerumtamen breuiter discutio: di isti, quos tantos ferunt, ut Romanam rempublicam et propitii prouexisse et auersi adflixisse uideantur, eo certe tempore, quod palam constat, quo nasci Christus uoluit et adnuntiari gentibus coepit deuotissime atque intentissime colebantur. ### English translation (Claude) Yet I discuss it briefly: these gods, whom they call so great that they seem both to have advanced the Roman commonwealth when favorable and to have afflicted it when turned away, were certainly worshiped most devoutly and most intently at that time, as is publicly agreed, when Christ willed to be born and began to be proclaimed to the nations. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.1.19 (CSEL 5:353; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-1-19). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.1.20 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-6-1-20 - Source: CSEL 5:353 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The gods could not stop Christianity. ### Latin text ita illi consulentes et sibi et cultoribus suis non potuerunt uel reprimere uel repellere superstitionem eius, propter quam spernendos se cultoresque suos destituendos uiderent? quamquam si ab inuitis, danda uenia nec deserendi fuerunt; si a uoluntariis, seruanda praescientia nec prius fuerant adiuuandi. ### English translation (Claude) So, taking counsel for themselves and their worshipers, could they not either repress or repel his superstition, on account of which they saw that they would be despised and their worshipers abandoned? Although, if they were deserted against their will, they should be pardoned and should not have been abandoned; if willingly, their foreknowledge should be kept in mind, and they should not have been helped beforehand. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.1.20 (CSEL 5:353; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-1-20). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.1.21 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-6-1-21 - Source: CSEL 5:353 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The pagans tried to destroy Christianity. ### Latin text hoc factum est, inquiunt: nam excitauimus gentes, accendimus reges, instituimus leges, disposuimus iudices, praeparauimus poenas suppliciis et crucibus, Orbem totum scrutati sumus, siquo modo Christianum nomen et cultus uniuerso mundo posset abradi. ### English translation (Claude) This was done, they say: for we roused nations, inflamed kings, established laws, set up judges, prepared penalties of tortures and crosses, searched the whole world, to see whether the Christian name and worship could somehow be scraped off the whole world. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.1.21 (CSEL 5:353; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-1-21). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.1.22 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-6-1-22 - Source: CSEL 5:353 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Persecution only spread the faith until it reached the throne. ### Latin text hoc eatenus factum est, donec fecunda crudelitas eo usque inter tormenta ac per tormenta proficeret, quamdiu ipsum regium culmen, per quod solum prohiberi potuerat, occuparet. ### English translation (Claude) This was done up to the point when fruitful cruelty so advanced amid tortures and through tortures that it occupied the very summit of royal power, by which alone it could have been prevented. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.1.22 (CSEL 5:353; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-1-22). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.1.23 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-6-1-23 - Source: CSEL 5:353–354 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The pagans blame the Christian emperors. ### Latin text et quid postea consecutum est? imperatores, inquiunt, Christiani cessare sacra et claudi templa iusserunt atque ideo Excessere omnes adytis arisque relictis Di, quibus imperium hoc steterat. ### English translation (Claude) And what followed afterward? The Christian emperors, they say, ordered the rites to cease and the temples to be closed, and therefore “all the gods departed, leaving their shrines and altars, by whom this empire had stood.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Virgil, Aen. 2.351-352 (Virgil): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Virgil, Aeneid 2.351–352. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.1.23 (CSEL 5:353–354; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-1-23). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.1.24 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-6-1-24 - Source: CSEL 5:354 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Christianity grew under persecution; idol worship ceased at a word. ### Latin text o quanta et quam inoffensa lux ueritatis est, si non aduersus eam ultro sese offerentem inbecilli infeliciter oculi clauderentur! si Christiana fides per multa retro tempora saeuientibus undique aduersum se gentibus regibus legibus caedibus crucibus ac mortibus reprimi nullo modo potuit, immo, ut dixi, inter haec et per haec creuit, cultus autem idolorum iam quodammodo ex se deficiens ac sibi erubescens ad unam clementissimam iussionem sine ullo poenali terrore cessauit: cui dubium ### English translation (Claude) O how great and how unhindered is the light of truth, if only weak eyes did not unhappily close against it as it freely offers itself! If the Christian faith through many past times could in no way be repressed, with nations, kings, laws, slaughters, crosses, and deaths raging against it on all sides, but rather, as I said, grew amid these things and through them, while the worship of idols, already somehow failing of itself and ashamed of itself, ceased at one most merciful command without any terror of penalty: who doubts ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.1.24 (CSEL 5:354; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-1-24). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.1.25 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-6-1-25 - Source: CSEL 5:354 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Creation has at last come to know its Creator. ### Latin text est hoc per istius intellegentiae demonstrationem de creatore suo tandem innotuisse creaturae, quod illa eatenus per uarias ratiocinationes mentis, intentae quamlibet, aliis offuscata quaesierit ac per hoc statim amori eius, quem etiam ignorans dilexerat, inhaesisse? ### English translation (Claude) that through the demonstration of this understanding the creature has at last come to know of its creator what until then it sought through the various reasonings of the mind, however intent, darkened by other things, and so at once clung to the love of him whom it had loved even without knowing him? ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.1.25 (CSEL 5:354; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-1-25). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.1.26 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-6-1-26 - Source: CSEL 5:354–355 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: God chastises ungrateful servants. ### Latin text nec igitur mirum est, si in magna familia inueniuntur aliqui serui, qui consuetudine lasciuiaque seductorum adsuefacti patientia domini sui ad contemptum ipsius abutantur: unde et merito Deus uel ingratos uel incredulos uel etiam contumaces uariis correptionibus arguit; ### English translation (Claude) It is no wonder, then, if in a great household some slaves are found who, accustomed by the habit and wantonness of seducers, abuse their master's patience to the point of despising him; and therefore God rightly reproves the ungrateful, the unbelieving, or even the stubborn with various chastisements; ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.1.26 (CSEL 5:354–355; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-1-26). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.1.27 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-6-1-27 - Source: CSEL 5:355 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Before the church's prayers, punishments were heavier. ### Latin text quod semper utique confitendum est, tunc tamen praecipue, quando adhuc per uniuersum mundum nulla erat ecclesia, quae interuentu fidelium precum meritas mundi poenas iustumque iudicium Dei exorata ipsius clementia temperaret: unde etiam haec, quae mala hominibus uidentur, qualiacumque sunt, grauiora sine dubio omnia fuerunt, sicut ipso, quo coepta sunt, ordine probabuntur. ### English translation (Claude) this must always be confessed, but especially of the time when there was as yet no church throughout the whole world to temper the deserved punishments of the world and the just judgment of God by the intercession of faithful prayers, his own mercy being entreated; hence also these things which seem evils to men, whatever they are, were all without doubt more grievous then, as will be proved by the very order in which they began. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.1.27 (CSEL 5:355; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-1-27). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.1.28 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-6-1-28 - Source: CSEL 5:355 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The length of the Mithridatic war. ### Latin text Bellum Mithridaticum uel, ut uerius dicam, belli Mithridatici clades multas simul inuoluens prouincias tracta et protenta per quadraginta annos fuit. ### English translation (Claude) The Mithridatic war, or, to speak more truly, the disasters of the Mithridatic war, involving many provinces at once, was dragged out and prolonged through forty years. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.1.28 (CSEL 5:355; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-1-28). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.1.29 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-6-1-29 - Source: CSEL 5:355–356 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The war ran from AUC 662 to Cicero's consulship. ### Latin text nam DCLXII, ut dixi, anno ab Vrbe condita, quo etiam primum ciuile bellum coeperat, inardescens, consulatu uero Ciceronis et Antonii, ut uerbis poetae optimi loquar, barbarico uix consummata ueneno est. sed in his temporibus triginta gerendi belli inueniuntur anni. ### English translation (Claude) For blazing up, as I said, in the 662nd year from the founding of the City, in which also the first civil war had begun, it was, to speak in the words of the best of poets, “scarcely ended by barbarian poison” in the consulship of Cicero and Antonius. But in these times thirty years of waging war are found. ### Extrabiblical texts - Lucan, 1.337 (Lucan, Civil War): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - The poet is Lucan, Civil War 1.337. - The digital text reads DCLXU; corrected to DCLXII as in 5.19.1. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.1.29 (CSEL 5:355–356; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-1-29). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.1.30 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/5-20-1/#p-6-1-30 - Source: CSEL 5:356 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The forty-year reckoning is unclear. ### Latin text qualiter autem quadraginta a plerisque dicti sint non facile discernitur. ### English translation (Claude) How it has been called forty by many is not easily discerned. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.1.30 (CSEL 5:356; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-1-30). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.2.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-2-1 - Source: CSEL 5:356 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Mithridates invades Cappadocia. ### Latin text Igitur Mithridates rex Ponti atque Armeniae postquam Nicomedem Bithyniae regem amicum populi Romani regno priuare molitus est atque a senatu monitus, si facere temptaret, bellum sibi a populo Romano inferendum fore, iratus Cappadociam continuo peruasit atque expulso ab ea Ariobarzane rege cunctam prouinciam igni ferroque uastauit. ### English translation (Claude) So Mithridates, king of Pontus and Armenia, after he had tried to deprive Nicomedes, king of Bithynia, a friend of the Roman people, of his kingdom and had been warned by the senate that if he attempted it, war would be made on him by the Roman people, in anger at once invaded Cappadocia and, having driven King Ariobarzanes out of it, laid waste the whole province with fire and sword. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.2.1 (CSEL 5:356; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-2-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.2.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-2-2 - Source: CSEL 5:356–357 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Mithridates orders the massacre of Romans in Asia. ### Latin text Bithyniam deinde pari clade corripuit. Paphlagoniam simili exitu adflixit pulsis ex ea Pylaemene et Nicomede regibus. post cum uenisset Ephesum, crudeli praecepit edicto, ut per totam Asiam quicumque inuenti essent ciues Romani sub una die omnes necarentur. ### English translation (Claude) Then he seized Bithynia with equal destruction. He afflicted Paphlagonia with a similar fate, driving out of it the kings Pylaemenes and Nicomedes. Afterward, when he had come to Ephesus, he ordered by a cruel edict that whatever Roman citizens were found throughout all Asia should all be killed on one day. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.2.2 (CSEL 5:356–357; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-2-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.2.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-2-3 - Source: CSEL 5:357 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The massacre in Asia. ### Latin text et factum est; nec explicari aut conprehendi ullo modo uerbis potest, quae tunc multitudo Romanorum ciuium caesa sit, quis maeror plurimarum prouinciarum, quis gemitus occidendorum pariter atque occidentium fuerit, cum singuli quique aut prodere innocentes hospites et amicos, aut ipsi periclitari poena hospitum cogerentur. ### English translation (Claude) And it was done; nor can it in any way be explained or grasped in words what a multitude of Roman citizens was then slain, what grief there was in very many provinces, what groaning of those to be killed and of those killing alike, when each one was forced either to betray innocent guests and friends or himself to be endangered by the punishment due to his guests. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.2.3 (CSEL 5:357; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-2-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.2.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-2-4 - Source: CSEL 5:357 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Archelaus takes Greece. ### Latin text Archelaus quoque dux Mithridatis cum cxx milibus peditum atque equitum in Achaiam praemissus Athenas cunctamque Graeciam partim ui partim deditione obtinuit. ### English translation (Claude) Archelaus too, Mithridates's general, sent ahead into Achaea with a hundred and twenty thousand infantry and cavalry, took Athens and all Greece, partly by force, partly by surrender. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.2.4 (CSEL 5:357; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-2-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.2.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-2-5 - Source: CSEL 5:357–358 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Sulla takes Athens and defeats Archelaus. ### Latin text Sulla, cui post consulatum Mithridaticum bellum obuenerat, Archelaum apud Piraeum, Atheniensium portum septemplici muro conmunitum, diu obsedit, ipsam Atheniensium urbem ui cepit. postea iusto proelio cum Archelao conflixit: centum decem milia de exercitu Archelai interfecta, uix decem milia superfuisse referuntur. ### English translation (Claude) Sulla, to whom the Mithridatic war had fallen after his consulship, long besieged Archelaus at the Piraeus, the port of the Athenians, fortified with a sevenfold wall, and took the city of the Athenians itself by force. Afterward he clashed with Archelaus in a regular battle: a hundred and ten thousand of Archelaus's army were killed, and scarcely ten thousand are reported to have survived. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.2.5 (CSEL 5:357–358; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-2-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.2.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-2-6 - Source: CSEL 5:358 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: A second defeat of Archelaus. ### Latin text conperta clade Mithridates lectissima septuaginta milia militum Archelao in subsidium misit ex Asia. secundo proelio quinquaginta milia ex his interfecta sunt ibique Diogenes Archelai filius trucidatus est. ### English translation (Claude) When the disaster was learned, Mithridates sent seventy thousand picked soldiers from Asia to help Archelaus. In a second battle fifty thousand of these were killed, and there Diogenes, son of Archelaus, was slaughtered. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.2.6 (CSEL 5:358; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-2-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.2.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-2-7 - Source: CSEL 5:358 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Archelaus's army is destroyed. ### Latin text tertio bello omnes copiae, quas Archelaus habebat, extinctae sunt. nam uiginti milia militum eius in paludem pulsa cum Sullae fidem inplorarent, insatiabili uictoris ira interfecta sunt totidemque alia in flumen coacta ac necata, reliqui miserorum passim trucidati sunt. ### English translation (Claude) In a third battle all the forces Archelaus had were destroyed. For twenty thousand of his soldiers, driven into a marsh, when they implored Sulla's protection, were killed by the insatiable anger of the victor, and as many others were driven into a river and killed; the rest of the wretched men were slaughtered everywhere. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.2.7 (CSEL 5:358; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-2-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.2.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-2-8 - Source: CSEL 5:358 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Asian cities revolt from Mithridates. ### Latin text porro autem Mithridates in Asia nobilissimarum urbium principes occidere bonaque eorum publicare animo intenderat. cumque iam mille sescentos ita interfecisset, Ephesii exemplum uerentes excluso praesidio eius portas obiecerunt; similiter Smyrnaei Sardi Colophonii Trallianique fecerunt. ### English translation (Claude) Moreover, Mithridates in Asia had resolved to kill the chief men of the noblest cities and confiscate their goods. And when he had already killed sixteen hundred in this way, the Ephesians, fearing the example, shut out his garrison and closed their gates against him; similarly the people of Smyrna, Sardis, Colophon, and Tralles did the same. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.2.8 (CSEL 5:358; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-2-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.2.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-2-9 - Source: CSEL 5:358 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Peace with Sulla; Fimbria murders Flaccus. ### Latin text perturbatus Mithridates per Archelaum ducem suum cum Sulla de pace pepigit. interea Fimbria Marianorum scelerum satelles, homo omnium audacissimus, Flaccum consulem, cui legatus ierat, apud Nicomediam occidit; ### English translation (Claude) Mithridates, alarmed, made peace with Sulla through his general Archelaus. Meanwhile Fimbria, the henchman of the Marian crimes, the most daring of all men, killed at Nicomedia the consul Flaccus, to whom he had gone as legate; ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.2.9 (CSEL 5:358; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-2-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.2.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-2-10 - Source: CSEL 5:358–359 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Fimbria nearly captures Mithridates. ### Latin text ac mox arrepto exercitu Mithridatis filium ex Asia ad Miletopolin fugat, stationem regis inuadit ipsumque Pergamo pellit fugientemque insecutus apud Pitanam obsedit, et profecto cepisset, si L. Lucullus ciuilibus discordiis curam reipublicae praetulisset eumque mari coartare obiecta classe uoluisset. ### English translation (Claude) and soon, seizing the army, he drove Mithridates's son out of Asia to Miletopolis, attacked the king's station and drove him out of Pergamum, and, pursuing him as he fled, besieged him at Pitane, and would surely have taken him if Lucius Lucullus had preferred care for the commonwealth to civil discords and had been willing to hem him in by sea by placing his fleet in the way. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.2.10 (CSEL 5:358–359; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-2-10). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.2.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-2-11 - Source: CSEL 5:359 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Fimbria destroys Ilium and kills himself. ### Latin text inde Fimbria Iliensibus iratus, a quibus pro Sullanae partis studio obiectu portarum repulsus uidebatur, ipsam urbem Ilium, antiquam illam Romae parentem, funditus caede incendioque deleuit. sed eam Sulla continuo reformauit. idem Fimbria apud Thyatiram cum ab exercitu Sullae obsideretur, desperatione adactus in templo Aesculapii manu sua interfectus est. ### English translation (Claude) Then Fimbria, angry with the people of Ilium, by whom he thought he had been repulsed by the closing of their gates out of zeal for Sulla's party, destroyed the city of Ilium itself, that ancient mother of Rome, utterly with slaughter and fire. But Sulla at once rebuilt it. The same Fimbria, when he was besieged at Thyatira by Sulla's army, driven by despair, killed himself with his own hand in the temple of Aesculapius. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.2.11 (CSEL 5:359; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-2-11). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.2.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-2-12 - Source: CSEL 5:359 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Mithridates allies with Sertorius. ### Latin text Fannius et Magius de exercitu Fimbriae profugi Mithridati sese adiunxerunt: quorum hortatu Mithridates cum Sertorio per legatos in Hispaniam missos foedus pepigit. Sertorius ad eum M. Marium firmandi foederis causa misit: quem rex apud se retentum breui ducem fecit in locum Archelai, qui se ad Sullam cum uxore liberisque contulerat. ### English translation (Claude) Fannius and Magius, deserters from Fimbria's army, joined Mithridates; at their urging Mithridates made a treaty with Sertorius through envoys sent to Spain. Sertorius sent Marcus Marius to him to confirm the treaty; the king kept him with him and soon made him general in place of Archelaus, who had gone over to Sulla with his wife and children. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.2.12 (CSEL 5:359; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-2-12). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.2.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-2-13 - Source: CSEL 5:359 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Mithridates's generals defeat Rutilius. ### Latin text Marius et Eumachus duces a Mithridate aduersus Lucullum missi, magno exercitu breui congregato cum P. Rutilio apud Chalcedonam congressi sunt eumque cum plurima exercitus ipsius parte ceciderunt. ### English translation (Claude) Marius and Eumachus, generals sent by Mithridates against Lucullus, soon gathered a great army, engaged Publius Rutilius near Chalcedon, and cut him down with the greater part of his army. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.2.13 (CSEL 5:359; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-2-13). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.2.14 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-2-14 - Source: CSEL 5:359–360 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Lucullus besieges the besieger at Cyzicus. ### Latin text Lucullus Mithridatem Cyzicenos obsidentem fossa cinxit eumque quod faciebat pati conpulit atque ad ipsos Cyzicenos, ut bono animo essent, nuntium misit unum ex militibus nandi peritum: qui duobus utribus suspensus mediam ipse regulam tenens plantisque subremigans septem milia passuum transmeauit. ### English translation (Claude) Lucullus surrounded Mithridates, who was besieging the people of Cyzicus, with a ditch and forced him to suffer what he was doing; and he sent to the people of Cyzicus, to bid them be of good heart, a messenger, one of his soldiers skilled in swimming, who, buoyed up by two leather bags, holding a board in the middle and paddling with his feet, swam across seven miles. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.2.14 (CSEL 5:359–360; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-2-14). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.2.15 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-2-15 - Source: CSEL 5:360 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Lucullus destroys a departing detachment. ### Latin text Mithridates inopia laborans partem copiarum instructam armis domum abire praecepit: quam Lucullus excipiens uniuersam disperdidit, nam amplius quam quindecim milia hominum tunc interfecisse narratur. ### English translation (Claude) Mithridates, suffering from want, ordered part of his forces, equipped with arms, to go home; Lucullus intercepted it and destroyed it entirely, for he is said to have killed more than fifteen thousand men then. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.2.15 (CSEL 5:360; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-2-15). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.2.16 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-2-16 - Source: CSEL 5:360 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Fannius and Metrophanes flee into Maeonia. ### Latin text tunc etiam Fannius, qui se Mithridati iunxerat, et Metrophanes regius praetor a Mamerco uicti, cum duobus milibus equitum in Moesiam profugerunt atque inde in Maeoniam digressi in colles camposque Inarimos inciderunt. ### English translation (Claude) Then too Fannius, who had joined Mithridates, and Metrophanes, the king's praetor, defeated by Mamercus, fled with two thousand cavalry into Moesia, and going from there into Maeonia came upon the Inarime hills and plains. ### Translation notes - “Moesiam” as printed; Mysia is meant. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.2.16 (CSEL 5:360; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-2-16). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.2.17 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-2-17 - Source: CSEL 5:360 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The volcanic Burnt Land of Maeonia. ### Latin text ubi non solum montes usti uel saxa quasi quadam fuligine obfuscata cernuntur, uerum etiam campi ambusto solo squalidi per quinquaginta milia passuum sine ullo ignis uel fornacis indicio et pendulo in profundum cinere putres iacent; tribus etiam locis torridae uoragines ostenduntur, quas Graeci physas uocant. ### English translation (Claude) There not only are mountains seen burnt and rocks darkened as if with soot, but plains too lie for fifty miles, rough with scorched soil, without any sign of fire or furnace, and crumbling with ash hanging down into the depths; in three places also burning chasms are shown, which the Greeks call physae. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.2.17 (CSEL 5:360; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-2-17). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.2.18 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-2-18 - Source: CSEL 5:360 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: They reach Mithridates; Deiotarus defeats his prefects. ### Latin text in quibus diu oberrantes inopinatis tandem periculis exempti sunt et clam in regis castra uenerunt. Deiotarus rex Gallograeciae praefectos regis bello trucidauit. ### English translation (Claude) Wandering among these for a long time, they were at last delivered from unexpected dangers and came secretly into the king's camp. Deiotarus, king of Gallograecia, slaughtered the king's prefects in war. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.2.18 (CSEL 5:360; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-2-18). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.2.19 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-2-19 - Source: CSEL 5:360–361 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Mithridates's army perishes at Cyzicus. ### Latin text Interea Mithridates apud Cyzicum eadem mora, qua obsidebat, obsessus in magnam penuriam pestilentiamque exercitum suum coartauit. nam plus quam trecenta milia hominum fame et morbo in eadem obsidione amisisse fertur; ipse cum paucis arrepta naui clam fugit e castris. ### English translation (Claude) Meanwhile Mithridates at Cyzicus, besieged by the same delay with which he was besieging, reduced his army to great want and pestilence. For he is said to have lost more than three hundred thousand men by hunger and disease in that same siege; he himself, seizing a ship, fled secretly from the camp with a few men. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.2.19 (CSEL 5:360–361; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-2-19). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.2.20 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-2-20 - Source: CSEL 5:361 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Lucullus defeats Marius. ### Latin text Lucullus, incruento milite spectator cladis alienae, nouum genus uictoriae adeptus est; mox Marium adortus uicit fugauitque: in quo proelio plus quam undecim milia Marianorum militum interfecta referuntur. ### English translation (Claude) Lucullus, with his soldiers unbloodied, a spectator of another's disaster, gained a new kind of victory; soon he attacked Marius, defeated him and routed him: in that battle more than eleven thousand of Marius's soldiers are reported killed. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.2.20 (CSEL 5:361; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-2-20). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.2.21 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-2-21 - Source: CSEL 5:361 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: A naval victory of Lucullus. ### Latin text Lucullus postea cum eodem Mario nauali proelio congressus triginta et duas naues regias et conplures onerarias aut demersit aut cepit. multi ibi ex his quos Sulla proscripserat, interempti sunt. ### English translation (Claude) Lucullus afterward engaged the same Marius in a naval battle and either sank or captured thirty-two royal ships and a number of transports. Many of those whom Sulla had proscribed were killed there. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.2.21 (CSEL 5:361; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-2-21). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.2.22 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-2-22 - Source: CSEL 5:361 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Marius is captured and executed. ### Latin text Marius postera die de spelunca, ubi latebat, extractus meritas hostilis animi poenas luit. ### English translation (Claude) The next day Marius was dragged out of the cave where he was hiding and paid the deserved penalty for his hostile spirit. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.2.22 (CSEL 5:361; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-2-22). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.2.23 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-2-23 - Source: CSEL 5:361 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Lucullus takes Apamea and Prusa. ### Latin text eodem uero Lucullus impetu Apamiam uastauit et sub monte Olympo Prusam munitissimam ciuitatem captam expugnatamque diripuit. ### English translation (Claude) In the same onset Lucullus laid waste Apamea and, below Mount Olympus, took, stormed, and sacked Prusa, a very strongly fortified city. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.2.23 (CSEL 5:361; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-2-23). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.2.24 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-2-24 - Source: CSEL 5:361–362 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Mithridates loses his fleet in a storm. ### Latin text Mithridates aduersus Byzantium instructa classe nauigans tempestate correptus octoginta rostratas naues perdidit; ipse cum quassa iam naui mergeretur, in myoparonem Seleuci piratae ipso pirata iuuante transiluit. inde Sinopem ac post Amisum cum magna difficultate peruenit. ### English translation (Claude) Mithridates, sailing against Byzantium with a fleet made ready, was caught by a storm and lost eighty beaked ships; when his own ship, already shattered, was sinking, he leaped over into the light vessel of Seleucus the pirate, with the pirate himself helping. From there he reached Sinope and afterward Amisus with great difficulty. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.2.24 (CSEL 5:361–362; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-2-24). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.3.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-3-1 - Source: CSEL 5:362 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Catiline is acquitted of unchastity with a Vestal. ### Latin text Eodem anno apud Romam Catilina incesti accusatus, quod cum Fabia uirgine Vestali commisisse arguebatur, Catuli gratia fultus euasit. ### English translation (Claude) In the same year at Rome Catiline, accused of unchastity, because he was charged with having committed it with Fabia, a Vestal virgin, escaped, supported by the favor of Catulus. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.3.1 (CSEL 5:362; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-3-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.3.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-3-2 - Source: CSEL 5:362 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Sinope is plundered by its own defenders. ### Latin text Lucullus Sinopem expugnaturus obsederat; hanc Seleucus archipirata et Cleochares spado, qui praesidii causa praeerant, expilatam atque incensam reliquerunt. ### English translation (Claude) Lucullus had besieged Sinope, intending to storm it; Seleucus the arch-pirate and Cleochares the eunuch, who commanded it as a garrison, plundered and burned it and left it. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.3.2 (CSEL 5:362; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-3-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.3.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-3-3 - Source: CSEL 5:362 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Lucullus saves Sinope from the fire. ### Latin text Lucullus miserorum hostium intestina clade permotus celeri occursu inmissum restinxit incendium. ita misera ciuitas uersa uice hostium sociorumque unde defendenda disperdita et unde disperdenda seruata est. ### English translation (Claude) Lucullus, moved by the internal disaster of the wretched enemy, by a swift approach put out the fire that had been set. So the wretched city, with enemies and allies changing roles, was destroyed by those who should have defended it and saved by those who should have destroyed it. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.3.3 (CSEL 5:362; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-3-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.3.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-3-4 - Source: CSEL 5:362 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Marcus Lucullus subdues the Bessi. ### Latin text at uero M. Lucullus, qui Curioni in Macedonia successerat, totam Bessorum gentem bello adpetitam in deditionem recepit. ### English translation (Claude) But Marcus Lucullus, who had succeeded Curio in Macedonia, attacked the whole people of the Bessi in war and received them in surrender. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.3.4 (CSEL 5:362; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-3-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.3.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-3-5 - Source: CSEL 5:362 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Metellus clears Sicily of the pirate Pyrganio. ### Latin text Eodem tempore Metellus Siciliae praetor cum foedissima illa C. Verris praetura Siciliam adflictam inuenisset, maxime Pyrganione archipirata nefariis praedis et caedibus dilacerante, qui pulsa classe Romana Syracusanum portum obtinuerat — quem mox nauali terrestrique proelio comminutum Sicilia decedere conpulit. ### English translation (Claude) At the same time Metellus, praetor of Sicily, had found Sicily afflicted by that most foul praetorship of Gaius Verres, and especially torn apart by the wicked plunderings and murders of the arch-pirate Pyrganio, who, having driven off the Roman fleet, had seized the harbor of Syracuse; Metellus soon crushed him in a naval and land battle and forced him to leave Sicily. ### Translation notes - The Latin sentence is broken off and resumed (“quem mox …”); rendered as one sentence. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.3.5 (CSEL 5:362; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-3-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.3.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-3-6 - Source: CSEL 5:362–363 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Lucullus wins at Tigranocerta. ### Latin text praeterea Lucullus transgressus Euphraten et Tigrim, apud Tigranocertam urbem cum Mithridate et Tigrane congressus paruissima suorum manu magnum hostium numerum occidit; nam triginta milia hominum in eo bello caesa referuntur. ### English translation (Claude) Moreover, Lucullus crossed the Euphrates and the Tigris and, engaging Mithridates and Tigranes near the city of Tigranocerta, killed a great number of the enemy with a very small band of his own; for thirty thousand men are reported slain in that battle. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.3.6 (CSEL 5:362–363; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-3-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.3.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-3-7 - Source: CSEL 5:363 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Tigranes flees; Lucullus takes Nisibis. ### Latin text Tigranes uix centum quinquaginta equitibus comitatus aufugit diademate et tiara ne agnosceretur abiectis. tunc ad Lucullum totius paene Orientis supplices uenere legati; imminente hieme per Armeniam in Mesopotamiam regressus Nisibin urbem illis tunc locis inclitam expugnauit et cepit. ### English translation (Claude) Tigranes fled, accompanied by barely a hundred and fifty horsemen, having thrown away his diadem and tiara so as not to be recognized. Then envoys of almost the whole East came to Lucullus as suppliants; with winter approaching he returned through Armenia into Mesopotamia and stormed and took the city of Nisibis, then famous in those parts. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.3.7 (CSEL 5:363; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-3-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.4.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-4-1 - Source: CSEL 5:363 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Pompey suppresses the pirates. ### Latin text Isdem diebus piratae per omnia sparsi maria et iam non tantum intercipientes nauium commeatus sed etiam insulas prouinciasque uastantes, inpunitate sceleris et auiditate praedae uulgo sese adsociantibus in inmensum augebantur: quos Cn. Pompeius post multam quidem uastationem, quam terra marique diu egerant, mira tamen celeritate conpressit. ### English translation (Claude) In the same days the pirates, scattered over all the seas and now not only intercepting the supplies of ships but also laying waste islands and provinces, were growing immensely, as men everywhere joined them through impunity for crime and greed for booty; Gnaeus Pompeius, after much devastation which they had long wrought by land and sea, nevertheless crushed them with wonderful speed. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.4.1 (CSEL 5:363; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-4-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.4.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-4-2 - Source: CSEL 5:363 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Metellus conquers Crete. ### Latin text Eodem tempore Cretam insulam per biennium Metellus euertit diuturnoque bello domitam in potestatem redegit legesque Minois Romanis legibus permutauit. ### English translation (Claude) At the same time Metellus overthrew the island of Crete over two years, brought it under control, subdued by a long war, and exchanged the laws of Minos for Roman laws. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.4.2 (CSEL 5:363; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-4-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.4.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-4-3 - Source: CSEL 5:363–364 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Pompey besieges Mithridates in Lesser Armenia. ### Latin text Pompeius postea, successor Luculli, in minore Armenia iuxta montem Dastracum castra regis obsidione conclusit. rex cum omnibus copiis eruptione per noctem facta, insuper etiam persequentem bello repellere statuit. Pompeius fugientes persequi intendit. ### English translation (Claude) Afterward Pompeius, successor of Lucullus, in Lesser Armenia near Mount Dastracus shut in the king's camp by siege. The king, making a sortie by night with all his forces, resolved even to drive back his pursuer in battle. Pompeius set himself to pursue the fugitives. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.4.3 (CSEL 5:363–364; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-4-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.4.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-4-4 - Source: CSEL 5:364 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: A night battle lit by the moon. ### Latin text itaque bellum nocte commissum est. luna tunc orta a tergo Romanis erat. regii longitudinem umbrarum proximitatem hostium rati cuncta in inritum tela fuderunt. Romani ueluti inermes postea adgressi sine labore uicerunt. ### English translation (Claude) So battle was joined at night. The moon, then risen, was behind the Romans. The king's men, taking the length of the shadows for the nearness of the enemy, poured out all their missiles in vain. The Romans then attacked them as if unarmed and won without effort. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.4.4 (CSEL 5:364; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-4-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.4.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-4-5 - Source: CSEL 5:364 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The losses. ### Latin text namque de exercitu regio XL milia caesa uel capta sunt, Romani uulnerati mille, uix autem quadraginta interfecti. ### English translation (Claude) For of the king's army forty thousand were slain or captured, while of the Romans a thousand were wounded and scarcely forty killed. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.4.5 (CSEL 5:364; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-4-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.4.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-4-6 - Source: CSEL 5:364 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Mithridates escapes alone. ### Latin text rex inter tumultus belli fuga lapsus, adiutus etiam beneficio sublustris noctis euasit, relictusque ab omnibus amicis philosophis scriptoribus rerum uel carminum ac medicis solus per deuia equum manu trahens atque ad omnes nocturnos strepitus trepidans, in quoddam castellum deuertit atque inde in Armeniam perrexit. ### English translation (Claude) The king slipped away in flight amid the confusion of battle and, helped also by the advantage of the dim night, escaped; and deserted by all his friends, philosophers, writers of history or poetry, and physicians, alone, leading his horse by hand through trackless places and trembling at every noise of the night, he turned aside into a certain fort and from there went on into Armenia. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.4.6 (CSEL 5:364; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-4-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.4.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-4-7 - Source: CSEL 5:364 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Pompey founds Nicopolis. ### Latin text Pompeius regem insecuturus inter duo flumina, quae ab uno monte diuersis specubus exoriuntur, hoc est Euphraten et Araxen, urbem Nicopolim senibus, lixis et aegris uolentibus condidit. ### English translation (Claude) Pompeius, about to pursue the king, between two rivers which rise from one mountain from different caves, that is, the Euphrates and the Araxes, founded the city of Nicopolis for the old men, the camp followers, and the sick who wished it. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.4.7 (CSEL 5:364; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-4-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.4.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-4-8 - Source: CSEL 5:364–365 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Pompey's victories in the Caucasus. ### Latin text oranti Tigrani ueniam dedit; exercitum Horodis Albanorum regis praefectosque eius ter proelio uicit; postea epistulas Horodis et munera pro pace cum Albanis instauranda libenter accepit; Artacem regem Hiberiae bello fudit totamque Hiberiam in deditionem accepit. ### English translation (Claude) He granted pardon to Tigranes when he begged for it; he defeated three times in battle the army of Horodes, king of the Albanians, and his prefects; afterward he gladly accepted Horodes's letters and gifts for restoring peace with the Albanians; he routed Artaces, king of Hiberia, in war and received all Hiberia in surrender. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.4.8 (CSEL 5:364–365; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-4-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.4.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-4-9 - Source: CSEL 5:365 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Pompey reaches Ecbatana. ### Latin text inde, cum Armeniam Colchos Cappadociam et Syriam ordinatis rebus conposuisset, promouens de Ponto in Parthiam ad Ecbatanam urbem caput Parthici regni quinquagensimo die uenit. ### English translation (Claude) Then, when he had settled Armenia, the Colchians, Cappadocia, and Syria by ordering their affairs, advancing from Pontus into Parthia, he came on the fiftieth day to the city of Ecbatana, capital of the Parthian kingdom. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.4.9 (CSEL 5:365; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-4-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.5.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-5-1 - Source: CSEL 5:365 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: An earthquake in the Bosporus. ### Latin text In Bosporo Mithridate Cerealia sacra celebrante terrae motus adeo grauis repente exortus est, ut magna clades ex eo urbium atque agrorum secuta narretur. ### English translation (Claude) In the Bosporus, while Mithridates was celebrating the rites of Ceres, so severe an earthquake suddenly arose that a great destruction of cities and fields is said to have followed from it. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.5.1 (CSEL 5:365; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-5-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.5.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-5-2 - Source: CSEL 5:365 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Castor defects at Phanagoria. ### Latin text eodem tempore Castor Mithridatis praefectus, qui Phanagorio praeerat, interfectis amicis regiis arcem occupauit et quattuor Mithridatis filios ad praesidia Romana transmisit. ### English translation (Claude) At the same time Castor, Mithridates's prefect, who commanded Phanagoria, killed the king's friends, seized the citadel, and sent four sons of Mithridates over to the Roman garrisons. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.5.2 (CSEL 5:365; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-5-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.5.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-5-3 - Source: CSEL 5:365 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Mithridates kills his son and friends. ### Latin text Mithridates accensus ira in scelera exarsit. nam conplures tunc amicos suos et Exipodram filium suum interfecit, cum antea iam alio Macharem parricidio trucidasset; ### English translation (Claude) Mithridates, kindled with anger, blazed into crimes. For he then killed a number of his friends and his son Exipodras, having already before butchered Machares in another murder of kin; ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.5.3 (CSEL 5:365; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-5-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.5.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-5-4 - Source: CSEL 5:365 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Pharnaces rebels. ### Latin text Pharnaces alter filius eius exemplo fratrum territus exercitum ad persequendum sese missum sibi conciliauit et mox aduersus patrem duxit. ### English translation (Claude) Pharnaces, another son of his, terrified by the example of his brothers, won over to himself the army sent to pursue him and soon led it against his father. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.5.4 (CSEL 5:365; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-5-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.5.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-5-5 - Source: CSEL 5:365–366 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Mithridates curses his son and poisons his family. ### Latin text Mithridates diu ex altissimo muro filium frustra precatus ubi inexorabilem uidit, moriturus exclamasse fertur: Quoniam Pharnaces, inquit, mori iubet, nos, si estis, di patrii, precor, ut quandocumque et ipse hanc uocem a liberis suis audiat. statimque descendens ad uxores, pelices ac filias suas uenenum omnibus dedit. ### English translation (Claude) Mithridates, after long and vainly pleading with his son from the top of a very high wall, when he saw him inexorable, is said to have cried out as he was about to die: “Since Pharnaces orders us to die, I pray you, gods of my fathers, if you exist, that some day he too may hear this word from his own children.” And at once going down to his wives, concubines, and daughters, he gave poison to all. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.5.5 (CSEL 5:365–366; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-5-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.5.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-5-6 - Source: CSEL 5:366 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Mithridates dies by a Gallic soldier's sword. ### Latin text quod cum ipse nouissimus hausisset nec tamen propter remedia, quibus uitalia sua aduersus noxios sucos saepe obstruxerat, ueneno confici posset frustraque spatiaretur, siquo tandem modo infusa pestis per uenas uegetatione corporis acta discurreret, Gallum quendam militem iam fracto muro discurrentem inuitauit eique iugulum praebuit. ### English translation (Claude) When he himself had drunk it last and yet could not be killed by the poison because of the antidotes with which he had often fortified his vitals against noxious juices, and was walking about in vain in case the poison poured in might somehow at last run through his veins driven by the motion of his body, he called a certain Gallic soldier who was running about, the wall being already broken, and offered him his throat. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.5.6 (CSEL 5:366; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-5-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.5.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-5-7 - Source: CSEL 5:366 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Mithridates's death and his doubt about the gods. ### Latin text hunc exitum uitae Mithridates habuit nobisque sententiae suae fortissimum argumentum reliquit homo omnium, ut ferunt, superstitiosissimus, annos natus septuaginta et duo, habens secum semper philosophos omniumque artium peritissimos. ### English translation (Claude) This was the end of Mithridates's life, and he left us a very strong proof of his judgment, a man, as they say, the most superstitious of all, seventy-two years old, always having with him philosophers and men most skilled in all the arts. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.5.7 (CSEL 5:366; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-5-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.5.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-5-8 - Source: CSEL 5:366 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Mithridates doubted the gods but did not know the true God. ### Latin text Si estis, inquit, di patrii. ita ille diu colendo ac diu quaerendo persenserat hos non esse certos deos, qui esse putabantur. rex multae experientiae atque aeuo grauis uerum Deum, ad cuius notitiam non nisi auditu per fidem uenitur, non intellegebat. hos autem falsos esse rationis ipsius luce peruiderat, aliud consuetudini aliud menti suae tribuens. ### English translation (Claude) “If you exist,” he said, “gods of my fathers.” So by long worship and long inquiry he had come to feel that those who were thought to be gods were not certain gods. A king of much experience and heavy with age, he did not understand the true God, to the knowledge of whom one comes only by hearing through faith; but he had seen through by the light of reason itself that these were false, assigning one thing to custom and another to his own mind. ### Scripture references - Rom 10:17: allusion, medium confidence ### Translation notes - “By hearing through faith”: compare Rom 10:17. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.5.8 (CSEL 5:366; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-5-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.5.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-5-9 - Source: CSEL 5:366 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The meaning of his prayer. ### Latin text si estis, inquit, di, hoc est dicere: ego sentiens esse super hominem potentiorem ipso homine potestatem, precandi necessitate motus commendo diligentiam et excuso ignorantiam meam; inuoco qui est, dum conuenio qui non est. ### English translation (Claude) “If you exist,” he said, “gods”; that is to say: “I, perceiving that there is above man a power mightier than man himself, moved by the need to pray, commend my diligence and excuse my ignorance; I invoke him who is, while I address those who are not.” ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.5.9 (CSEL 5:366; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-5-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.5.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-5-10 - Source: CSEL 5:366–367 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Those who still worship the gods are more guilty. ### Latin text quapropter cum dolore et timore considerandum est: qua poena quoue iudicio digni erunt, qui contra interdictum iam propalatae et publicae ueritatis eos sectantur et colunt deos, de quibus etiam illi iam tunc dubitare poterant, qui adhuc praeter eosdem scire nil poterant. ### English translation (Claude) Therefore it must be considered with grief and fear: of what punishment or what judgment will those be worthy who, against the prohibition of the truth now made plain and public, follow and worship those gods about whom even those men could already then doubt, who as yet could know nothing besides them? ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.5.10 (CSEL 5:366–367; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-5-10). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.5.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-5-11 - Source: CSEL 5:367 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The East suffered under both sides. ### Latin text uerumtamen breuiter consulo: qualia tunc toto Orienti tempora uidebantur, cum per quadraginta annos miserae nationes alternis tantorum ducum uastationibus terebantur; cum quaeque ciuitas tantis concursibus media ineuitabiliter periclitabatur, inde accensura alterum unde alterum temperasset, hoc mox habitura supplicii quod remedii ad tempus habuisset; ### English translation (Claude) Yet I ask briefly: what kind of times did they seem then to the whole East, when for forty years wretched nations were worn down by the alternate devastations of such great generals; when each city, in the middle of such great clashes, was inevitably endangered, sure to inflame one side by the very means by which it had soothed the other, and soon to have as punishment what it had had as remedy for a time; ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.5.11 (CSEL 5:367; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-5-11). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.5.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-5-12 - Source: CSEL 5:367 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The provinces' embassies only increased their danger. ### Latin text cum trepidae diuersarum prouinciarum legationes inter succedentes Romanorum duces et truculentiorem notitia Mithridaten, alternis ad utrumque, prout quemque sors belli attollebat, et incertis satisfactionibus transferebantur augendo pericula quae sanabant? ### English translation (Claude) when the anxious embassies of various provinces were shifted back and forth, between the successive Roman generals and Mithridates, more savage than his reputation, to one and then the other, as the fortune of war raised each, with uncertain offers of satisfaction, increasing the dangers they were healing? ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.5.12 (CSEL 5:367; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-5-12). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.5.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-5-13 - Source: CSEL 5:367 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Pompey's further deeds in the East. ### Latin text nam quid continuo Pompeius et quidem Pompeius homo Romanorum moderatissimus per plurimas partes Orientis finito Mithridatico bello egerit, paucis proferam. ### English translation (Claude) For what Pompeius at once did, and Pompeius indeed, the most moderate of Romans, through very many parts of the East after the Mithridatic war was ended, I shall set out in a few words. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.5.13 (CSEL 5:367; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-5-13). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.6.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-6-1 - Source: CSEL 5:367–368 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Pompey in Syria and Arabia. ### Latin text Anno ab Vrbe condita DCLXXXVIIII M. Tullio Cicerone et C. Antonio consulibus Pompeius occisi Mithridatis nuntio accepto Syriam Coelen et Phoenicen bello adgressus, Ituraeos primum Arabasque perdomuit urbemque eorum, quam Petram nominant, cepit; ### English translation (Claude) In the 689th year from the founding of the City, in the consulship of Marcus Tullius Cicero and Gaius Antonius, Pompeius, having received news that Mithridates had been killed, attacked Coele Syria and Phoenicia in war, first subdued the Ituraeans and Arabs, and took their city, which they call Petra; ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.6.1 (CSEL 5:367–368; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-6-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.6.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-6-2 - Source: CSEL 5:368 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Pompey comes to Jerusalem. ### Latin text hinc ad Iudaeos, quibus Aristobulus expulso fratre Hyrcano primus ex sacerdote rex praeerat, atque ad Hierosolymam urbem eorum Gabinium cum exercitu mittit. ipse continuo subsecutus et a patribus urbe susceptus sed a plebe muro templi repulsus expugnationem eius intendit. ### English translation (Claude) then he sent Gabinius with an army to the Jews, over whom Aristobulus, having driven out his brother Hyrcanus, was ruling as the first king from a priest, and to Jerusalem their city. He himself followed at once and, received into the city by the elders but driven back from the wall of the temple by the common people, set about storming it. ### Translation notes - Orosius's “first king from a priest” is inaccurate: the Hasmonean Aristobulus I had taken the royal title earlier; this is Aristobulus II. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.6.2 (CSEL 5:368; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-6-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.6.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-6-3 - Source: CSEL 5:368 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Pompey takes the temple. ### Latin text id non solum natura loci, uerum etiam ingenti muro fossaque maxima munitum, cum alias aliis legiones dies noctesque succedere sine requie cogeret, uix tertio mense expugnauit. tredecim milia ibi Iudaeorum caesa narrantur, cetera multitudo in fidem uenit. ### English translation (Claude) It was fortified not only by the nature of the place but also by a huge wall and a very great ditch; and though he made legions succeed one another day and night without rest, he barely took it in the third month. Thirteen thousand Jews are said to have been slain there; the rest of the multitude came into his protection. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.6.3 (CSEL 5:368; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-6-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.6.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-6-4 - Source: CSEL 5:368 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Pompey's settlement of Judea. ### Latin text Pompeius muros ciuitatis euerti aequarique solo imperauit et, cum aliquantos principes Iudaeorum securi percussisset, Hyrcanum sacerdotio restituit, Aristobulum captiuum Romam duxit. hoc bellum Orientis cum uiginti et duobus regibus sese gessisse ipse Pompeius pro contione narrauit. ### English translation (Claude) Pompeius ordered the walls of the city overthrown and leveled with the ground and, having beheaded a number of the chief men of the Jews, restored Hyrcanus to the priesthood and led Aristobulus captive to Rome. Pompeius himself declared before an assembly that he had waged this war of the East with twenty-two kings. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.6.4 (CSEL 5:368; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-6-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.6.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-6-5 - Source: CSEL 5:368 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The conspiracy of Catiline. ### Latin text Interea coniuratio Catilinae aduersus patriam per eosdem dies in Vrbe habita et prodita, in Etruria uero ciuili bello extincta est; Romae conscii coniurationis occisi sunt. ### English translation (Claude) Meanwhile the conspiracy of Catiline against his homeland was formed and betrayed in the City in the same days, but was extinguished in Etruria by civil war; at Rome those privy to the conspiracy were killed. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.6.5 (CSEL 5:368; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-6-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.6.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-6-6 - Source: CSEL 5:368–369 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Catiline's story is well known. ### Latin text sed hanc historiam agente Cicerone et describente Sallustio satis omnibus notam nunc a nobis breuiter fuisse perstrictam sat est. ### English translation (Claude) But since this history, with Cicero acting and Sallust describing it, is well enough known to all, it is enough that it has now been touched on briefly by us. ### Extrabiblical texts - Sallust (Sallust): allusion, high confidence - Cicero (Cicero): allusion, medium confidence ### Translation notes - Sallust, The Conspiracy of Catiline; Cicero's speeches against Catiline. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.6.6 (CSEL 5:368–369; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-6-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.6.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-6-7 - Source: CSEL 5:369 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: A related rising among the Paeligni is suppressed. ### Latin text motus etiam in Paelignis ortus a Marcellis patre et filio per L. Vettium proditus patefacta Catilinae coniuratione quasi succisa radice compressus est, et de utroque per Bibulum in Paelignis, per Ciceronem in Bruttiis uindicatum est. ### English translation (Claude) A rising also begun among the Paeligni by the Marcelli, father and son, betrayed by Lucius Vettius, was suppressed once Catiline's conspiracy was disclosed, as if its root had been cut; and punishment was taken of both, by Bibulus among the Paeligni and by Cicero among the Bruttii. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.6.7 (CSEL 5:369; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-6-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.7.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-7-1 - Source: CSEL 5:369 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Caesar receives his Gallic command. ### Latin text Anno ab Vrbe condita DCXCIII C. Caesare et L. Bibulo consulibus lege Vatinia Caesari tres prouinciae cum legionibus septem in quinquennium datae Gallia Transalpina et Cisalpina et Illyricus; Galliam Comatam postea senatus adiecit. ### English translation (Claude) In the 693rd year from the founding of the City, in the consulship of Gaius Caesar and Lucius Bibulus, by the Vatinian law three provinces with seven legions were given to Caesar for five years: Transalpine and Cisalpine Gaul and Illyricum; the senate afterward added Long-haired Gaul. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.7.1 (CSEL 5:369; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-7-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.7.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-7-2 - Source: CSEL 5:369 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Orosius names his source. ### Latin text Hanc historiam Suetonius Tranquillus plenissime explicuit, cuius nos conpetentes portiunculas decerpsimus. ### English translation (Claude) Suetonius Tranquillus has set out this history most fully; we have picked from him suitable small portions. ### Translation notes - Orosius names Suetonius, but what follows draws on Caesar's own Gallic War (perhaps known to him under Suetonius's name). No extrabiblical id exists for either work. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.7.2 (CSEL 5:369; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-7-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.7.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-7-3 - Source: CSEL 5:369–370 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Orgetorix stirs up the Helvetii. ### Latin text Heluetiorum animos, fortissimae Gallorum omnium gentis ea uel maxime causa quod perpetuo paene cum Germanis bello altercabantur a quibus Rheno tantum flumine dirimuntur, Orgetorix quidam princeps gentis spe totas inuadendi Gallias in arma accenderat. ### English translation (Claude) A certain Orgetorix, a chief of the nation, in the hope of invading the whole of Gaul, had inflamed to arms the spirits of the Helvetii, the bravest nation of all the Gauls, chiefly for the reason that they were in almost perpetual war with the Germans, from whom they are separated only by the river Rhine. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.7.3 (CSEL 5:369–370; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-7-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.7.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-7-4 - Source: CSEL 5:370 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Helvetii burn their homes and migrate. ### Latin text quo ceteri optimates correpto et ad mortem coacto cohibere tamen semel animatas in praedam plebes nequiuerunt. qui coniuratione facta ac die dicta, exustis uicis ac domibus suis, ne quod desiderium ex spe reuertendi foret, profecti sunt. ### English translation (Claude) When he had been arrested and driven to death by the other nobles, they could nevertheless not restrain the common people, once roused for plunder. These, having made a conspiracy and fixed a day, burned their villages and houses, so that there would be no longing from the hope of returning, and set out. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.7.4 (CSEL 5:370; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-7-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.7.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-7-5 - Source: CSEL 5:370 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Caesar defeats the Helvetii. ### Latin text quos cum apud Rhodanum flumen obuios Caesar habuisset, magno difficilique bello bis uicit uictosque ad deditionem coegit. horum fuit, cum primum progressa est, omnis multitudo Heluetiorum Tulingorum Latobogiorum Rauracorum et Boiorum utriusque sexus ad centum quinquaginta et septem milia hominum. ex his quadraginta et septem milia in bello ceciderunt, cetera in terras proprias remissa sunt. ### English translation (Claude) When Caesar met them at the river Rhone, he defeated them twice in a great and difficult war and forced them, defeated, to surrender. The whole multitude of these, when it first set out, the Helvetii, Tulingi, Latobogii, Rauraci, and Boii of both sexes, was about a hundred and fifty-seven thousand people. Of these forty-seven thousand fell in war; the rest were sent back to their own lands. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.7.5 (CSEL 5:370; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-7-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.7.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-7-6 - Source: CSEL 5:370 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Caesar defeats Ariovistus. ### Latin text Postea Caesar contra Ariouistum regem excitantem inuehentemque secum incredibiles Germanorum copias, quibus nuper uniuersos Galliarum populos se subegisse iactabat, apud Sequanos uicit, cum diu exercitus Caesaris Germanorum multitudine et uirtute perterritus pugnam detrectasset. ### English translation (Claude) Afterward Caesar defeated among the Sequani King Ariovistus, who was rousing and bringing with him incredible forces of Germans, with which he boasted he had lately subdued all the peoples of Gaul, after Caesar's army, terrified by the multitude and courage of the Germans, had long shrunk from battle. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.7.6 (CSEL 5:370; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-7-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.7.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-7-7 - Source: CSEL 5:370–371 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Ariovistus flees across the Rhine. ### Latin text statim Ariouistus in Germaniam, arrepta nauicula Rhenum transuectus, effugit, uxores eius duae totidemque filiae captae sunt. fuerunt autem in exercitu Ariouisti Arudes Marcomanes Triboci Vangiones Nemetes Eduses et Suebi. ### English translation (Claude) At once Ariovistus fled into Germany, crossing the Rhine in a small boat he seized; his two wives and as many daughters were captured. In the army of Ariovistus were the Harudes, Marcomanni, Triboci, Vangiones, Nemetes, Sedusii, and Suebi. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.7.7 (CSEL 5:370–371; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-7-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.7.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-7-8 - Source: CSEL 5:371 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The German shield formation. ### Latin text pugna maxime grauis ex phalange Germanorum fuit, quam coacto in unum agmine scutisque supra capita contextis ad inrumpendam Romanorum aciem tuti undique praestruxerant. ### English translation (Claude) The fighting was most severe from the phalanx of the Germans, which, with their column drawn together into one and their shields joined over their heads, they had built up, safe on every side, to break through the Roman line. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.7.8 (CSEL 5:371; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-7-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.7.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-7-9 - Source: CSEL 5:371 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Roman soldiers break the German formation. ### Latin text sed postquam aliqui Romanorum militum agilitate audaciaque insignes supra obductam saliere testudinem scutisque singillatim uelut squamis reuulsis desuper nudos deprehensorum detectorumque humeros perfoderunt, territi hostes nouo mortis periculo terribilem dissoluere conpagem. ### English translation (Claude) But after some of the Roman soldiers, noted for agility and daring, leaped onto the tortoise covering them and, tearing off the shields one by one like scales, pierced from above the bare shoulders of men caught and exposed, the enemy, terrified by a new danger of death, broke up the fearsome structure. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.7.9 (CSEL 5:371; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-7-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.7.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-7-10 - Source: CSEL 5:371 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The German rout. ### Latin text exinde in fugam uersi per quinquaginta milia passuum insatiabiliter caesi sunt neque conici numerus potuit Germanorum uel quantus pugnae adfuerit uel quantus fuerit occisorum. ### English translation (Claude) Then, turned to flight, they were cut down insatiably for fifty miles, and the number of the Germans could not be estimated, either how many were present at the battle or how many were killed. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.7.10 (CSEL 5:371; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-7-10). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.7.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-7-11 - Source: CSEL 5:371 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Belgae rise. ### Latin text Post haec Belgarum gens, quae tertia pars Galliarum est, aduersus Caesarem exarsit: ### English translation (Claude) After this the nation of the Belgae, which is a third part of Gaul, blazed up against Caesar: ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.7.11 (CSEL 5:371; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-7-11). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.7.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-7-12 - Source: CSEL 5:371–372 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The forces of the Belgae. ### Latin text quorum distributim copia haec fuit. Bellouagui, qui ceteris numero et uirtute praestare uiderentur, habuere lectissima sexaginta milia armatorum; Suessones ex duodecim oppidis quinquaginta milia; ### English translation (Claude) their forces, people by people, were these. The Bellovaci, who seemed to surpass the rest in numbers and courage, had sixty thousand picked armed men; the Suessiones, from twelve towns, fifty thousand; ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.7.12 (CSEL 5:371–372; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-7-12). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.7.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-7-13 - Source: CSEL 5:372 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Nervii. ### Latin text Neruii, quorum adeo indomita feritas praedicabatur, ut numquam in id temporis mercatores ad se admiserint uina ceteraque uenalia deferre, quibus inducta iucunditas torporem uirtutis adferret, habuerunt similiter quinquaginta milia; ### English translation (Claude) the Nervii, whose ferocity was said to be so untamed that never up to that time had they admitted merchants to bring them wines and other goods for sale, lest the pleasure introduced should bring sluggishness to their courage, had likewise fifty thousand; ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.7.13 (CSEL 5:372; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-7-13). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.7.14 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-7-14 - Source: CSEL 5:372 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Further Belgic contingents. ### Latin text Atrebates etiam et Ambiani decem milia, Morini uiginti quinque milia, Menapii nouem milia, Caleti decem milia, Velocasses et Veromandi aeque decem milia, Aduatuci decem et octo milia; Condurses Eborones Caerosi Caemani, qui uno nomine Germani uocantur, quadraginta milia. ### English translation (Claude) the Atrebates and Ambiani also ten thousand, the Morini twenty-five thousand, the Menapii nine thousand, the Caleti ten thousand, the Velocasses and Veromandui likewise ten thousand, the Aduatuci eighteen thousand; the Condrusi, Eburones, Caerosi, and Caemani, who are called by one name Germans, forty thousand. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.7.14 (CSEL 5:372; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-7-14). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.7.15 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-7-15 - Source: CSEL 5:372 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Belgic total. ### Latin text ita fuisse referuntur CCLXXII milia armatorum lectissima. ### English translation (Claude) So there are reported to have been two hundred and seventy-two thousand picked armed men. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.7.15 (CSEL 5:372; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-7-15). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.7.16 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-7-16 - Source: CSEL 5:372–373 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Caesar defeats the Belgae. ### Latin text his repente silua erumpentibus exercitus Caesaris perturbatus atque in fugam actus, plurimis suorum amissis, tandem hortatu ducis restitit uictoresque adgressus usque ad internecionem paene deleuit. ### English translation (Claude) When they suddenly burst out of a wood, Caesar's army was thrown into confusion and put to flight, losing very many of its men, but at last, at the urging of its leader, it stood firm, attacked the victors, and destroyed them almost to annihilation. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.7.16 (CSEL 5:372–373; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-7-16). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.8.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-8-1 - Source: CSEL 5:373 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Galba is sent to the Alpine tribes. ### Latin text Igitur Caesar magnis in Gallia rebus gestis cum in Italiam proficisci decreuisset, Galbam cum legione duodecima ad Veragros Sedunosque misit. ### English translation (Claude) So Caesar, after great achievements in Gaul, when he had decided to set out for Italy, sent Galba with the twelfth legion to the Veragri and Seduni. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.8.1 (CSEL 5:373; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-8-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.8.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-8-2 - Source: CSEL 5:373 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Veragri occupy a hill above Galba. ### Latin text qui cum hiemandi causa in uico Veragrorum, cui nomen erat Octodurus, consedisset mediamque oppidi partem, quae torrente distinguebatur, accolis concessisset, quadam die eosdem discessisse per noctem ac proximo insedisse colli uidet. ### English translation (Claude) When he had settled for wintering in a village of the Veragri named Octodurus and had given the inhabitants half of the town, which was divided by a torrent, one day he saw that they had left by night and occupied the nearest hill. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.8.2 (CSEL 5:373; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-8-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.8.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-8-3 - Source: CSEL 5:373 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The tribes plan to destroy the legion. ### Latin text quippe illi paucitatem uix mediae legionis despectui habentes ultroneam sibi praedam nullo cessuram negotio arbitrabantur finitimosque suos in hanc caedis ac praedae societatem uocauerant. ### English translation (Claude) For they, despising the small numbers of scarcely half a legion, thought that a ready booty would fall to them with no effort and had called their neighbors into this partnership of slaughter and plunder. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.8.3 (CSEL 5:373; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-8-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.8.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-8-4 - Source: CSEL 5:373 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Gauls attack Galba's camp. ### Latin text igitur Galba tam praesentibus periculis circumsaepto ac trepido atque inter uanas consultationes certi consilii incerto, repente Galli descensu montis effusi castra inperfecta circumdant, raros per uallum propugnatores saxis telisque onerant. ### English translation (Claude) So while Galba was surrounded by such present dangers, alarmed, and uncertain of a sure plan amid vain consultations, suddenly the Gauls poured down the mountain, surrounded the unfinished camp, and overwhelmed the few defenders along the rampart with stones and missiles. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.8.4 (CSEL 5:373; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-8-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.8.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-8-5 - Source: CSEL 5:373–374 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Galba's sortie routs the Gauls. ### Latin text cumque iam castra inrumperentur, Pacuuii primipilaris et Voluseni tribuni consilio cuncti Romani portis eruperunt incautosque subito adgressi hostes primum perturbauerunt, deinde in fugam uersos miserabili strage fuderunt. nam amplius triginta milia barbarorum tunc caesa referuntur. ### English translation (Claude) And when the camp was already being broken into, on the advice of Pacuvius, the chief centurion, and Volusenus, the tribune, all the Romans burst out of the gates, suddenly attacked the unwary enemy, first threw them into confusion, and then routed them, turned to flight, with pitiful slaughter. For more than thirty thousand barbarians are reported to have been slain then. ### Translation notes - “Pacuuii” as printed; Caesar names the centurion Baculus. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.8.5 (CSEL 5:373–374; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-8-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.8.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-8-6 - Source: CSEL 5:374 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: A new war in Gaul. ### Latin text Igitur Caesar cum iam pacatae uniuersas Galliarum gentes putaret, ad nouum et maximum bellum retractus est. ### English translation (Claude) So Caesar, when he thought all the peoples of Gaul were already pacified, was drawn back into a new and very great war. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.8.6 (CSEL 5:374; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-8-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.8.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-8-7 - Source: CSEL 5:374 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Veneti revolt and seize Roman envoys. ### Latin text namque dum P. Crassus adulescens cum legione septima Oceano tenus apud Andicauos hiemat, Veneti ceterique confines repente in arma coniurant, legatos Romanorum uinciunt eosque ita demum se reddituros, si obsides suos recipiant, Romanis indicant. ### English translation (Claude) For while the young Publius Crassus was wintering with the seventh legion near the Ocean among the Andicavi, the Veneti and their other neighbors suddenly conspired in arms, put the Roman envoys in chains, and informed the Romans that they would return them only if they received back their own hostages. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.8.7 (CSEL 5:374; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-8-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.8.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-8-8 - Source: CSEL 5:374 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The allies of the Veneti. ### Latin text socios sibi ad id bellum Osismos Lexouios Namnetes Ambiuaritos Morinos Diablintes et Menapios adsciscunt; auxilia quoque a Britannia arcessunt. ### English translation (Claude) As allies for this war they took the Osismi, Lexovii, Namnetes, Ambivariti, Morini, Diablintes, and Menapii; they also sent for help from Britain. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.8.8 (CSEL 5:374; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-8-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.8.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-8-9 - Source: CSEL 5:374 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Caesar resolves to act. ### Latin text Caesar per Crassum de rebellione dediticiarum gentium certior factus, quamuis intellegeret ineundi belli difficultas esset, tamen rem tanti negotii non neglegendam ratus, ne ceteris exemplo eiusmodi audendi ### English translation (Claude) Caesar, informed by Crassus of the rebellion of the peoples who had surrendered, although he understood the difficulty of entering on the war, nevertheless thought that a matter of such importance must not be neglected, lest the license for daring such things be loosened for the others by the example; ### Translation notes - The Latin “quamuis intellegeret ineundi belli difficultas esset” is ungrammatical as printed; translated by sense. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.8.9 (CSEL 5:374; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-8-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.8.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-8-10 - Source: CSEL 5:374–375 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Caesar builds a fleet on the Loire. ### Latin text licentia laxaretur, itaque terrestri proelio persequi hostes frustra adgressus — quippe cum hostes per interfusa ex Oceano aestuaria atque inaccessos recessus tutis terrarum sinibus munirentur — naues longas aedificari in Ligeri fluuio iubet: ### English translation (Claude) and so, having vainly tried to pursue the enemy in a land battle, since the enemy were protected in safe recesses of the land by estuaries flowing in from the Ocean and by inaccessible retreats, he ordered warships to be built on the river Loire: ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.8.10 (CSEL 5:374–375; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-8-10). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.8.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-8-11 - Source: CSEL 5:375 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Venetic fleet comes out. ### Latin text per quem in Oceanum deductae mox ut hostibus uisae sunt, continuo ducentae uiginti naues eorum paratae atque omni genere armorum instructissimae progressae portu ex aduerso constiterunt. ### English translation (Claude) and as soon as these, brought down by it into the Ocean, were seen by the enemy, at once two hundred and twenty ships of theirs, made ready and fully equipped with every kind of arms, came out of harbor and took position opposite. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.8.11 (CSEL 5:375; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-8-11). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.8.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-8-12 - Source: CSEL 5:375 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Venetic ships are too strong to ram. ### Latin text Bruto circumspicienti imparem longe nauium esse conflictum, quia barbarorum naues solido robore intextae cauernisque praeualidis obduratae saxorum modo adactus rostratarum ictus retundebant, ### English translation (Claude) When Brutus saw that the contest of ships would be far unequal, because the barbarians' ships, built of solid oak and hardened with very strong frames, blunted like rocks the blows of the beaked ships driven against them, ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.8.12 (CSEL 5:375; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-8-12). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.8.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-8-13 - Source: CSEL 5:375 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Brutus's hooks. ### Latin text hoc primum auxilio fuit quod falces acutissimas non pertinaciter contis praefixas funibus autem subnexas parauerat, quibus cum opus esset adprehensos eminus rudentes subductis hastilibus per funem falcem retrahendo succiderent. ### English translation (Claude) this was the first help: he had prepared very sharp hooks, not fixed rigidly to poles but fastened with ropes, with which, when needed, they could catch the rigging from a distance and, drawing back the shafts, cut it by pulling the hook back on the rope. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.8.13 (CSEL 5:375; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-8-13). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.8.14 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-8-14 - Source: CSEL 5:375 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The enemy ships are crippled. ### Latin text his celeriter expeditis disrumpi hostilium antemnarum armamenta praecepit: ita antemnis ruentibus conplures ilico naues uelut captas immobiles reddidit. ### English translation (Claude) When these had quickly been got ready, he ordered the tackle of the enemy's yards to be torn away; so with the yards falling he at once made a number of ships motionless, as if captured. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.8.14 (CSEL 5:375; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-8-14). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.8.15 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-8-15 - Source: CSEL 5:375 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Becalmed, the rest are taken. ### Latin text alii hoc periculo territi, suspensis uelis qua uentus intenderet fugere conati, cessante mox uento destituti ludibrio fuere Romanis; ### English translation (Claude) Others, terrified by this danger, hoisted their sails and tried to flee wherever the wind blew, but soon, left helpless when the wind dropped, they became a sport for the Romans; ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.8.15 (CSEL 5:375; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-8-15). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.8.16 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-8-16 - Source: CSEL 5:375 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Veneti surrender. ### Latin text itaque incensis omnibus nauibus interfectisque his qui pugnauerant Gallis, reliqui sese omnes dediderunt. ### English translation (Claude) so, all the ships having been burned and the Gauls who had fought killed, all the rest surrendered. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.8.16 (CSEL 5:375; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-8-16). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.8.17 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-8-17 - Source: CSEL 5:375–376 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Caesar punishes the Veneti harshly. ### Latin text sed Caesar maxime ob iniuriam legatorum et ut genti ad omnia consilia mobili terribilis exempli notam inureret, cunctis principibus per tormenta interfectis reliquos sub corona uendidit. ### English translation (Claude) But Caesar, chiefly because of the wrong done to the envoys, and to brand a mark of terrible example on a nation fickle in all its plans, put all the chief men to death by torture and sold the rest at auction. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.8.17 (CSEL 5:375–376; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-8-17). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.8.18 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-8-18 - Source: CSEL 5:376 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Sabinus defeats the Aulerci and Lexovii. ### Latin text isdem diebus Titurius Sabinus Aulercos Eburouices Lixouiosque, qui primates suos, cur auctores belli resuscitandi esse nollent, interfecerant, eruptione facta incredibili caede deleuit. ### English translation (Claude) In the same days Titurius Sabinus, making a sortie, destroyed with incredible slaughter the Aulerci Eburovices and Lexovii, who had killed their chief men because they would not be authors of renewing the war. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.8.18 (CSEL 5:376; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-8-18). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.8.19 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-8-19 - Source: CSEL 5:376 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Crassus fights the Sontiates. ### Latin text Publius uero Crassus cum in Aquitaniam peruenisset, bello exceptus est. namque Sontiates magno equitatu pedestribusque copiis praeualidis Romanos adorti diu grauiter turbauerunt; ### English translation (Claude) Publius Crassus, on reaching Aquitania, was met with war. For the Sontiates, attacking the Romans with a great cavalry and very strong infantry forces, long threw them into serious confusion; ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.8.19 (CSEL 5:376; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-8-19). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.8.20 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-8-20 - Source: CSEL 5:376 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Sontiates surrender. ### Latin text post uicti atque in oppidum Sontiatum coacti obsessique, cum se expugnari uiderent, armis traditis in deditionem recepti sunt. ### English translation (Claude) afterward, defeated, driven into the town of the Sontiates and besieged, when they saw themselves being stormed, they handed over their arms and were received in surrender. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.8.20 (CSEL 5:376; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-8-20). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.8.21 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-8-21 - Source: CSEL 5:376 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Aquitani gather Spanish help. ### Latin text Aquitani clade permoti undique exercitum contrahunt; de citeriore quoque Hispania auxilia accersunt; duces bello maxime eos praeficiunt, qui cum Sertorio militauerant. ### English translation (Claude) The Aquitani, moved by the disaster, gathered an army from all sides; they sent for help also from Nearer Spain; they put in command for the war chiefly those who had served with Sertorius. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.8.21 (CSEL 5:376; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-8-21). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.8.22 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-8-22 - Source: CSEL 5:376–377 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Crassus destroys the Aquitani. ### Latin text ii omnes dum obsidionem Crasso parant, in castris suis Crasso obruente deleti sunt nam ex Aquitanis et Cantabris, quorum quinquaginta milia tunc in auxilium uenerant, triginta et octo milia caesa referuntur. ### English translation (Claude) While all these were preparing a siege for Crassus, they were destroyed in their own camp, Crassus overwhelming them; for of the Aquitani and Cantabrians, fifty thousand of whom had then come as help, thirty-eight thousand are reported slain. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.8.22 (CSEL 5:376–377; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-8-22). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.8.23 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-8-23 - Source: CSEL 5:377 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Caesar destroys the invading Germans. ### Latin text Caesar Germanos, qui Rhenum cum immensis copiis transmiserant, simul et totas Gallias subicere sibi parabant, bello adortus usque ad internecionem cecidit. quorum fuisse numerum ad quadringenta quadraginta milia ferunt. ### English translation (Claude) Caesar attacked in war the Germans, who had crossed the Rhine with immense forces and were at the same time preparing to subject all Gaul to themselves, and cut them down to annihilation. Their number, they say, was about four hundred and forty thousand. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.8.23 (CSEL 5:377; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-8-23). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.9.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-9-1 - Source: CSEL 5:377 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Caesar crosses the Rhine. ### Latin text Tunc Caesar in Germaniam facto ponte transgreditur, Sugambros et Vbios obsidione liberat; Suebos maximam et ferocissimam gentem, quorum esse centum pagos et populos multi prodidere, totamque Germaniam aduentu suo terret; mox in Galliam rescisso ponte concedit. ### English translation (Claude) Then Caesar, having made a bridge, crossed into Germany, freed the Sugambri and Ubii from siege, terrified by his coming the Suebi, a very great and fierce nation, who many have reported have a hundred districts and peoples, and all Germany; soon he withdrew into Gaul and cut the bridge. ### Translation notes - Caesar's own account has the Ubii besieged by the Suebi and the Sugambri as enemies; Orosius compresses. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.9.1 (CSEL 5:377; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-9-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.9.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-9-2 - Source: CSEL 5:377 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Caesar's first crossing to Britain. ### Latin text inde ad Morinos uenit, unde in Britanniam proximus et breuissimus transitus est. nauibus circiter onerariis atque actuariis octoginta praeparatis in Britanniam transuehitur. ubi acerba primum pugna fatigatus, deinde, aduersa tempestate correptus plurimam classis partem et non paruum numerum militum, equitum uero paene omnem disperdidit. ### English translation (Claude) From there he came to the Morini, from whom is the nearest and shortest crossing to Britain. Having prepared about eighty transport and swift ships, he crossed over to Britain. There, worn out first by a bitter battle, and then caught by an adverse storm, he lost most of his fleet and no small number of soldiers, and almost all his cavalry. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.9.2 (CSEL 5:377; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-9-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.9.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-9-3 - Source: CSEL 5:377–378 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Caesar builds a new fleet. ### Latin text regressus in Galliam legiones in hiberna dimisit ac sescentas naues utriusque commodi fieri imperauit. ### English translation (Claude) Returning to Gaul, he sent the legions into winter quarters and ordered six hundred ships to be built, suited for both purposes. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.9.3 (CSEL 5:377–378; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-9-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.9.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-9-4 - Source: CSEL 5:378 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: A storm wrecks the second fleet. ### Latin text quibus iterum in Britanniam primo uere transuectus dum ipse in hostem cum exercitu pergit, naues in anchoris stantes tempestate correptae uel conlisae inter se uel harenis inlisae ac dissolutae sunt: ex quibus quadraginta perierunt, ceterae cum magna difficultate reparatae sunt. ### English translation (Claude) With these he crossed again into Britain at the beginning of spring; while he himself went against the enemy with the army, the ships lying at anchor were caught by a storm and either dashed against one another or driven onto the sands and broken up; of these forty were lost, and the rest were repaired with great difficulty. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.9.4 (CSEL 5:378; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-9-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.9.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-9-5 - Source: CSEL 5:378 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Battles in Britain. ### Latin text Caesaris equitatus primo congressu a Britannis uictus ibique Labienus tribunus occisus est. secundo proelio cum magno suorum discrimine uictos Britannos in fugam uertit. ### English translation (Claude) Caesar's cavalry was defeated by the Britons in the first encounter, and there Labienus, a tribune, was killed. In a second battle, with great danger to his men, he defeated the Britons and put them to flight. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.9.5 (CSEL 5:378; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-9-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.9.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-9-6 - Source: CSEL 5:378 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Britons hold the Thames. ### Latin text inde ad flumen Tamsim profectus, quem uno tantum loco uadis transmeabilem ferunt. in huius ulteriore ripa Cassouellauno duce immensa hostium multitudo consederat ripamque fluminis ac paene totum sub aqua uadum acutissimis sudibus praestruxerat. ### English translation (Claude) From there he set out to the river Thames, which they say can be crossed by fords in only one place. On its farther bank an immense multitude of the enemy had settled under the leadership of Cassivellaunus and had fortified the riverbank and almost the whole ford under water with very sharp stakes. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.9.6 (CSEL 5:378; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-9-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.9.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-9-7 - Source: CSEL 5:378 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Britons retreat into the woods. ### Latin text quod ubi a Romanis deprehensum ac uitatum est, barbari legionum impetum non ferentes siluis sese abdidere, unde crebris eruptionibus Romanos grauiter ac saepe lacerabant. ### English translation (Claude) When this was detected and avoided by the Romans, the barbarians, unable to bear the attack of the legions, hid themselves in the woods, from which by frequent sorties they often wounded the Romans badly. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.9.7 (CSEL 5:378; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-9-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.9.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-9-8 - Source: CSEL 5:378 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Trinobantes surrender. ### Latin text interea Trinobantum firmissima ciuitas cum Mandubragio duce datis quadraginta obsidibus Caesari sese dedidit. ### English translation (Claude) Meanwhile the very strong state of the Trinobantes, with its leader Mandubracius, gave forty hostages and surrendered to Caesar. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.9.8 (CSEL 5:378; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-9-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.9.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-9-9 - Source: CSEL 5:378–379 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Caesar takes Cassivellaunus's stronghold. ### Latin text quod exemplum secutae urbes aliae conplures in foedus Romanorum uenerunt isdemque demonstrantibus Caesar oppidum Cassouellauni inter duas paludes situm, obtentu insuper siluarum munitum omnibusque rebus confertissimum tandem graui pugna cepit. ### English translation (Claude) Following this example several other cities came into treaty with the Romans, and with them pointing the way Caesar at last, after a heavy battle, took the stronghold of Cassivellaunus, situated between two marshes, fortified besides by the cover of woods, and crammed with everything. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.9.9 (CSEL 5:378–379; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-9-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.10.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-10-1 - Source: CSEL 5:379 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Ambiorix destroys a legion. ### Latin text Exim Caesar a Britannis reuersus in Galliam postquam legiones in hiberna misit, repentinis bellorum tumultibus undique circumuentus et conflictatus est. namque Ambiorix cum Eburonibus et Aduatucis conspirans, animatus Treuerorum consilio Cottam et Sabinum legatos apud Eburonas cum tota funditus legione insidiis circumuentos interfecit. ### English translation (Claude) Then Caesar, having returned from the Britons to Gaul, after he had sent the legions into winter quarters, was surrounded and harassed on all sides by sudden uprisings of war. For Ambiorix, conspiring with the Eburones and Aduatuci and encouraged by the counsel of the Treveri, surrounded by ambush and killed the legates Cotta and Sabinus among the Eburones with a whole legion, to the last man. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.10.1 (CSEL 5:379; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-10-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.10.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-10-2 - Source: CSEL 5:379 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Ambiorix attacks Cicero's camp. ### Latin text Ambiorix hac uictoria elatus Aduatucos et Neruios plurimosque alios raptim ad arma contrahit atque ad Ciceronem legatum, qui similiter tunc legioni in hibernis praeerat, contendit. ### English translation (Claude) Ambiorix, elated by this victory, hastily gathered to arms the Aduatuci, the Nervii, and very many others and hurried against Cicero the legate, who likewise was then commanding a legion in winter quarters. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.10.2 (CSEL 5:379; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-10-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.10.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-10-3 - Source: CSEL 5:379–380 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The besiegers' rapid siege works. ### Latin text multitudo hostium ex hoc colligi potuit, quia cum in obsidione castrorum uallum circumdandum esse a captiuis Romanis docerentur et instrumenta ruralia non haberent, gladiis concidendo terram et sagulis exportando uix tribus horis uallum pedum decem et fossam pedum quindecim per milia passuum quindecim in circuitu perfecerunt. praeterea centum uiginti turres mirae altitudinis extruxerunt. ### English translation (Claude) The size of the enemy multitude could be gathered from this: when in the siege of the camp they were taught by Roman captives that a rampart must be built around it, and had no farming tools, cutting the earth with swords and carrying it out in their cloaks, in barely three hours they completed a rampart ten feet high and a ditch fifteen feet deep around a circuit of fifteen miles. Besides, they built a hundred and twenty towers of wonderful height. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.10.3 (CSEL 5:379–380; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-10-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.10.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-10-4 - Source: CSEL 5:380 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Gauls hurl fire into the camp. ### Latin text et cum iam septem dies noctesque succidui hostium cunei pugnarent ac uentus subito plurimus exortus esset, testas feruentes intorsere fundis flammataque focis tela ac mox concepto igne rutilantia intra castra iecerunt. ### English translation (Claude) And when the enemy's wedges, relieving one another, had already been fighting for seven days and nights, and a very strong wind had suddenly arisen, they hurled glowing tiles with slings and threw into the camp missiles set alight at hearths and soon glowing red with the fire they had caught. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.10.4 (CSEL 5:380; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-10-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.10.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-10-5 - Source: CSEL 5:380 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Romans hold out. ### Latin text quo facto per culmea culmina raptim uentus insistens, sparsum animauit incendium. sed ne sic quidem Romani, cum undique obruerentur, uulneribus laboribus uigiliis ieiuniis incendiisue cesserunt. ### English translation (Claude) When this was done, the wind, pressing swiftly over the straw roofs, fanned the scattered fire. But not even so did the Romans, though overwhelmed on all sides, yield to wounds, toils, sleeplessness, fasting, or fires. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.10.5 (CSEL 5:380; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-10-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.10.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-10-6 - Source: CSEL 5:380 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Caesar hears of the danger. ### Latin text tandem Caesari nuntiatum est unam deletam esse legionem, alteram iam paene confectam. ### English translation (Claude) At last it was reported to Caesar that one legion had been destroyed and another was already almost finished. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.10.6 (CSEL 5:380; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-10-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.10.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-10-7 - Source: CSEL 5:380 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Caesar lures the enemy across a valley. ### Latin text aduentante cum duabus legionibus Caesare, deserunt hostes obsidionem atque in eum cuncti raptis copiis ruunt. Caesar paruissimis se castris consulto condidit equitibusque praemissis, ut fugam fingerent, imperauit, ut ad transitum uallis, quae media erat sibique periculosa uidebatur, hostes contemptu sui inuitaret. ### English translation (Claude) As Caesar approached with two legions, the enemy abandoned the siege and all rushed against him with their forces. Caesar deliberately hid himself in a very small camp and ordered the cavalry sent ahead to feign flight, so as to entice the enemy, by contempt for him, to cross the valley that lay between, which seemed dangerous to him. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.10.7 (CSEL 5:380; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-10-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.10.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-10-8 - Source: CSEL 5:380 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Caesar routs the Gauls. ### Latin text quibus aduentantibus insuper obstrui portas praecepit. quo uiso Galli, quasi iam uicissent, ad obducendum extrinsecus uallum conuersi sunt. Caesar totis repente portis paratum effudit exercitum uersosque in fugam Gallos uastissima caede confecit. ### English translation (Claude) When they approached, he ordered the gates to be blocked besides. Seeing this, the Gauls, as if they had already won, turned to building a rampart around the outside. Caesar suddenly poured out his ready army from all the gates and finished off the Gauls, turned to flight, with enormous slaughter. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.10.8 (CSEL 5:380; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-10-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.10.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-10-9 - Source: CSEL 5:380–381 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Gallic losses. ### Latin text nam sexaginta milia tunc fuisse referuntur, e quibus pauci per paludes inuias euaserunt. ### English translation (Claude) For there are said to have been sixty thousand of them then, of whom few escaped through the trackless marshes. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.10.9 (CSEL 5:380–381; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-10-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.10.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-10-10 - Source: CSEL 5:381 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Indutiomarus plans to attack Labienus. ### Latin text Indutiomarus Treuerorum princeps, magnas armatorum copias habens, postquam de consensu totius Galliae certior redditus est, Labieni castra legionemque cui is praeerat, quod facile factu arbitrabatur, delere statuit ac deinde Eburonibus Neruiisque coniunctus ad opprimendum Caesarem pergere. ### English translation (Claude) Indutiomarus, chief of the Treveri, having great forces of armed men, after he was informed of the agreement of all Gaul, resolved to destroy the camp of Labienus and the legion he commanded, which he thought easy to do, and then, joined with the Eburones and Nervii, to go on to crush Caesar. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.10.10 (CSEL 5:381; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-10-10). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.10.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-10-11 - Source: CSEL 5:381 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Labienus kills Indutiomarus. ### Latin text Labienus quibus potest artibus simulat timorem atque ita Indutiomarum neglegentiorem cum insultantibus copiis pro uallo oberrantem, repentina eruptione prostrauit. ### English translation (Claude) Labienus by what arts he could feigned fear, and so, when Indutiomarus was wandering carelessly before the rampart with his insulting forces, he struck him down by a sudden sortie. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.10.11 (CSEL 5:381; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-10-11). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.10.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-10-12 - Source: CSEL 5:381 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Gaul is quiet for a time. ### Latin text hac uictoria Labieni reliqui Gallorum conatus repressi sunt et Caesar paulo quietior reliqua parte hiemis fuit. ### English translation (Claude) By this victory of Labienus the remaining attempts of the Gauls were checked, and Caesar was a little quieter for the rest of the winter. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.10.12 (CSEL 5:381; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-10-12). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.10.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-10-13 - Source: CSEL 5:381 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Pompey sends Caesar three legions. ### Latin text sed intellegens sibi maiora belli superesse negotia, maxime quia plurima parte exercitus amissa aliisque grauiter sauciis ne ad sustinendum quidem sibi idoneus, non dicam ad conprimendum Gallorum impetum uideretur, a Cn. Pompeio proconsule conscribi legiones sibique mitti in auxilium petit: itaque ante exactam hiemem tres ad eum legiones in castra uenerunt. ### English translation (Claude) But understanding that greater tasks of war remained for him, especially since, with the greater part of his army lost and others badly wounded, he seemed not fit even to withstand, not to say to crush, the attack of the Gauls, he asked Gnaeus Pompeius the proconsul to enroll legions and send them to his help; and so before the winter was over three legions came to him in camp. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.10.13 (CSEL 5:381; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-10-13). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.10.14 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-10-14 - Source: CSEL 5:381–382 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Caesar ravages the Nervii. ### Latin text igitur Caesar, priusquam in unum hostium copiae coirent, ineunte uere adgredi trepidos et opprimere sparsos in suis finibus parat. primum itaque Neruiorum fines diripit, praedam uero, quae copiosissima erat, exercitui permittit. ### English translation (Claude) So Caesar, before the enemy's forces could come together, prepared at the beginning of spring to attack them while alarmed and crush them while scattered in their own territories. First, then, he plundered the territory of the Nervii and gave the booty, which was very plentiful, to the army. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.10.14 (CSEL 5:381–382; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-10-14). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.10.15 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-10-15 - Source: CSEL 5:382 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Caesar subdues the Menapii. ### Latin text deinde Menapios, qui sibi propter inmensas paludes atque inpeditissimas siluas munitissimi uidebantur, tribus agminibus inuadit nimiaque caede uulgo agitata residuos supplices in deditionem recepit. ### English translation (Claude) Then he invaded with three columns the Menapii, who thought themselves very well protected by immense marshes and most impassable woods, and after excessive slaughter carried out on the common people received the rest as suppliants in surrender. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.10.15 (CSEL 5:382; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-10-15). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.10.16 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-10-16 - Source: CSEL 5:382 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Labienus destroys the Treveri. ### Latin text Labienus sequenti proelio omnes Treuerorum copias interfecit arte in bellum prouocatas, priusquam Germanis aduentantibus iungerentur, et continuo ipsam ciuitatem capit. ### English translation (Claude) Labienus in a following battle killed all the forces of the Treveri, artfully provoked to battle before they could join the Germans who were approaching, and at once took the state itself. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.10.16 (CSEL 5:382; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-10-16). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.10.17 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-10-17 - Source: CSEL 5:382 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Caesar seeks revenge on Ambiorix. ### Latin text Caesar ulcisci mortem Sabini et Cottae legatorum uolens, Ambiorigem et Eburones deletae legionis auctores ### English translation (Claude) Caesar, wishing to avenge the death of the legates Sabinus and Cotta, Ambiorix and the Eburones, the authors of the destroyed legion, ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.10.17 (CSEL 5:382; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-10-17). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.10.18 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-10-18 - Source: CSEL 5:382 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Ardennes forest. ### Latin text postquam in Arduennam siluam refugisse conperit — quae silua totius Galliae maxima est atque a ripis Rheni finibusque Treuerorum ad Neruios usque pertingit et in longitudine plus ### English translation (Claude) after he learned that they had fled back into the Ardennes forest (this forest is the largest in all Gaul and reaches from the banks of the Rhine and the territory of the Treveri as far as the Nervii, and in length extends more ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.10.18 (CSEL 5:382; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-10-18). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.10.19 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-10-19 - Source: CSEL 5:382 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Caesar invites the Gauls to plunder the Eburones. ### Latin text quam quinquaginta milibus passuum patet — permetiens rem suis maximi periculi fore, si per obstructas spatiosasque siluas ignoti diuiderentur hostemque locis notissimum quaererent, omnem Galliam per nuntios inuitat, ut quique secundum placitum suum reconditas in Arduenna silua praedas quaerant diripiantque. ### English translation (Claude) than fifty miles), reckoning that it would be a matter of the greatest danger for his men if, unacquainted with the place, they were divided through obstructed and wide forests and searched for an enemy who knew the places very well, invited all Gaul through messengers to seek out and plunder, each as he pleased, the booty hidden in the Ardennes forest. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.10.19 (CSEL 5:382; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-10-19). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.10.20 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-10-20 - Source: CSEL 5:382 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Gauls destroy Gauls for Caesar. ### Latin text quo facto Gallis utrimque morientibus maximas Romanorum iniurias sine cuiusquam Romani discrimine uindicauit. ### English translation (Claude) When this was done, with Gauls dying on both sides, he avenged the very great wrongs done to the Romans without danger to any Roman. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.10.20 (CSEL 5:382; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-10-20). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.10.21 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-2-1/#p-6-10-21 - Source: CSEL 5:382–383 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Caesar returns to Italy. ### Latin text ita hoc tutissimo uincendi genere securus in Italiam rediit. ### English translation (Claude) So, secure by this safest kind of conquering, he returned to Italy. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.10.21 (CSEL 5:382–383; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-10-21). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.11.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-11-1/#p-6-11-1 - Source: CSEL 5:383 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Vercingetorix leads a general revolt. ### Latin text Igitur Caesare in Italiam reuerso Gallia rursus in arma coniurat multique simul populi coeunt. dux his Vercingetorix fuit, cuius consilio statim omnes Galli ciuitates suas ultro incenderunt: prima a suis incensa Biturigo. ### English translation (Claude) So when Caesar had returned to Italy, Gaul again conspired in arms, and many peoples came together at once. Their leader was Vercingetorix, on whose advice all the Gauls at once of their own accord burned their towns: the first burned by its own people was Bituriges. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.11.1 (CSEL 5:383; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-11-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.11.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-11-1/#p-6-11-2 - Source: CSEL 5:383 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Gauls attack Caesar. ### Latin text inde ad Caesarem, qui magnis itineribus per Narbonensem prouinciam clam ad exercitum recucurrerat, impetum faciunt. ### English translation (Claude) Then they made an attack on Caesar, who had hurried back secretly by forced marches through the province of Narbonensis to his army. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.11.2 (CSEL 5:383; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-11-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.11.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-11-1/#p-6-11-3 - Source: CSEL 5:383 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The siege of Cenabum. ### Latin text Caesar tunc oppidum nomine Caenapum obsidione concluserat: quod diu oppugnatum, tandem post multas Romanorum clades pluuio die, cum hostilium machinarum agmenta neruique elanguerant, adplicitis turribus captum atque deletum est. ### English translation (Claude) Caesar had then shut in by siege a town named Cenabum; long attacked, it was at last, after many Roman losses, on a rainy day when the cords and sinews of the enemy's engines had slackened, taken by moving up towers and destroyed. ### Translation notes - “agmenta” as printed, probably for “amenta” (cords); translated so. Orosius confuses Cenabum with Avaricum, which Caesar took on a rainy day. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.11.3 (CSEL 5:383; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-11-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.11.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-11-1/#p-6-11-4 - Source: CSEL 5:383 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The slaughter at the captured town. ### Latin text quadraginta milia ibi hominum fuisse referuntur: ex quibus uix octoginta per fugam lapsi ad proxima Gallorum castra uenerunt. ### English translation (Claude) Forty thousand people are reported to have been there, of whom barely eighty slipped away in flight and reached the nearest camp of the Gauls. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.11.4 (CSEL 5:383; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-11-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.11.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-11-1/#p-6-11-5 - Source: CSEL 5:383 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Arverni and Aedui fight Caesar. ### Latin text praeterea Aruerni ceterique confines, sollicitatis etiam ad se Aeduis, multis aduersum Caesarem proeliis bellauerunt. ### English translation (Claude) Moreover, the Arverni and their other neighbors, having also won over the Aedui to themselves, fought against Caesar in many battles. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.11.5 (CSEL 5:383; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-11-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.11.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-11-1/#p-6-11-6 - Source: CSEL 5:383–384 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Caesar's defeat at Gergovia. ### Latin text qui cum se pugnando fatigati in quoddam castellum recepissent, milites praedae inhiantes ad expugnationem oppidi animum intendunt, frustra Caesare de loci iniquitate causante. itaque ibi Caesar erumpentibus desuper hostibus pressus, multa exercitus sui parte perdita, uictus aufugit. ### English translation (Claude) When, worn out by fighting, they had withdrawn into a certain fortress, the soldiers, greedy for plunder, set their minds on storming the town, while Caesar complained in vain of the unfavorable ground. So there Caesar, pressed by the enemy bursting down on him from above, lost a large part of his army and fled defeated. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.11.6 (CSEL 5:383–384; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-11-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.11.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-11-1/#p-6-11-7 - Source: CSEL 5:384 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Vercingetorix summons all Gaul to Alesia. ### Latin text dum haec ad Alesiam geruntur, Vercingetorix, quem omnes consensu pari regem praeoptauerant, suadet, uti ex tota Gallia omnes, qui arma ferre possint, huic bello praesto sint. hoc enim esse unum bellum, quo aut perpetua libertas aut aeterna seruitus aut mors omnium consequatur. ### English translation (Claude) While these things were done at Alesia, Vercingetorix, whom all with equal consent had chosen as king, urged that all from the whole of Gaul who could bear arms should be present for this war. For this, he said, was the one war from which would follow either perpetual freedom, or eternal slavery, or the death of all. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.11.7 (CSEL 5:384; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-11-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.11.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-11-1/#p-6-11-8 - Source: CSEL 5:384 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The relief army gathers. ### Latin text itaque absque eo numero, quem infinitum ante contraxerat, equitum circiter octo milia, peditum ducenta et quinquaginta milia contracta sunt. ### English translation (Claude) So, apart from the countless number he had gathered before, about eight thousand cavalry and two hundred and fifty thousand infantry were assembled. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.11.8 (CSEL 5:384; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-11-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.11.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-11-1/#p-6-11-9 - Source: CSEL 5:384 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Romans win at Alesia with German cavalry. ### Latin text dehinc duo colles sibi inuicem obuersos Romani Gallique ceperunt. unde multis saepe eruptionibus et uariis prouentibus proeliantes, tandem Romani praecipua Germanorum equitum, quos sibi iamdudum amicos nunc in auxilium acciuerant, uirtute uirtute. ### English translation (Claude) Then the Romans and the Gauls took two hills facing each other. Fighting from these with many sorties and varying outcomes, the Romans at last won, chiefly by the courage of the German horsemen, whom, long their friends, they had now summoned to their help. ### Translation notes - The digital text repeats “uirtute”; the verb (“uicerunt,” won) seems lost and is supplied by sense. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.11.9 (CSEL 5:384; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-11-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.11.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-11-1/#p-6-11-10 - Source: CSEL 5:384 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Vercingetorix offers himself. ### Latin text Vercingetorix alia die congregatis omnibus, qui fuga euaserant, dixit se auctorem bona fide defendendae libertatis atque inrumpendi foederis fuisse et nunc, siue Romanis sese ad mortem omnes offerant siue se solum pro omnibus dedant, paratum animo fore. ### English translation (Claude) Vercingetorix, on another day, having gathered all who had escaped by flight, said that he had been the author in good faith of defending liberty and breaking the treaty, and that now, whether they all offered themselves to the Romans for death or surrendered him alone for all, he would be ready in spirit. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.11.10 (CSEL 5:384; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-11-10). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.11.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-11-1/#p-6-11-11 - Source: CSEL 5:384–385 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Gauls surrender Vercingetorix. ### Latin text itaque Galli uoluntatem, quam pudore aliquamdiu texerant, quasi ex consilio regis adsumerent, ilico sibi ueniam precantes, eum solum uelut auctorem magni sceleris dediderunt. ### English translation (Claude) So the Gauls, taking up as if on the king's advice the wish they had for some time covered with shame, at once begging pardon for themselves, handed him over alone as the author of a great crime. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.11.11 (CSEL 5:384–385; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-11-11). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.11.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-11-1/#p-6-11-12 - Source: CSEL 5:385 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Bellovaci revolt under Correus. ### Latin text Bellouagui omnibus Gallorum gentibus ipsorum opinione fortiores habebantur. hi Correo duce bellum instaurant sibique in hanc suscepti belli societatem Ambianos Aulercos Caletos Velocasses Atrebatasque coniungunt et locum quendam cinctum atque impeditum undique paludibus capiunt, commissoque proelio magnam Remorum manum, quae auxilio Romanis erat, trucidant. ### English translation (Claude) The Bellovaci were considered, in their own opinion, braver than all the peoples of the Gauls. These, under the leadership of Correus, renewed the war and joined to themselves in the alliance of this war the Ambiani, Aulerci, Caleti, Velocasses, and Atrebates; they took a certain place enclosed and obstructed on all sides by marshes and, joining battle, slaughtered a great band of the Remi who were helping the Romans. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.11.12 (CSEL 5:385; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-11-12). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.11.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-11-1/#p-6-11-13 - Source: CSEL 5:385 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Bellovaci are caught in their own ambush. ### Latin text deinde cum opportunum ipsi locum insidiis prouisum occupauissent atque hoc conperto Romani ad insidiarum locum instructi ordinatique uenissent, commisso proelio Romani Gallos fugientes isdem locorum munitionibus, quibus clausi fuerant, incluserunt cunctosque ad internecionem ceciderunt. ### English translation (Claude) Then, when they had occupied a place they had chosen as suitable for an ambush, and the Romans, learning this, had come drawn up and in order to the place of the ambush, battle was joined and the Romans shut in the fleeing Gauls by the same fortifications of the place in which they had been enclosed, and cut them all down to annihilation. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.11.13 (CSEL 5:385; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-11-13). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.11.14 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-11-1/#p-6-11-14 - Source: CSEL 5:385 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Correus dies fighting. ### Latin text ibi Correus vel fugam vel deditionem detractans Romanos, ut uiuus caperetur, instantes occidendo, ut occideretur, coegit. ### English translation (Claude) There Correus, refusing either flight or surrender, by killing the Romans who pressed on to take him alive, forced them to kill him. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.11.14 (CSEL 5:385; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-11-14). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.11.15 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-11-1/#p-6-11-15 - Source: CSEL 5:385–386 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Caesar ravages Ambiorix's land. ### Latin text igitur cum pacatam esse uniuersam Galliam Caesar neque ausuram fore ad aliquos adspirare motus arbitraretur, legiones in hiberna dimisit, ipse tamen Ambiorigis fines, qui tot bella excitauerat, horrenda hominum strage uastauit. ### English translation (Claude) So when Caesar thought that all Gaul was pacified and would not dare aspire to any uprisings, he sent the legions into winter quarters, but he himself laid waste with horrible slaughter of men the territory of Ambiorix, who had stirred up so many wars. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.11.15 (CSEL 5:385–386; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-11-15). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.11.16 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-11-1/#p-6-11-16 - Source: CSEL 5:386 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Caninius is surrounded by the Pictones. ### Latin text at uero C. Caninius legatus bellum apud Pictonas inuenit: ubi magna hostium multitudo impeditam itinere legionem circumdedit atque ad extremum discrimen adduxit. ### English translation (Claude) But Gaius Caninius the legate found war among the Pictones: there a great multitude of the enemy surrounded his legion, hampered on the march, and brought it into extreme danger. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.11.16 (CSEL 5:386; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-11-16). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.11.17 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-11-1/#p-6-11-17 - Source: CSEL 5:386 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Fabius comes to Caninius's aid. ### Latin text porro autem Fabius legatus acceptis Caninii litteris in Pictonas proficiscitur ibique a captiuis de opportunitate locorum certior factus inopinantes hostes opprimit magnisque stragibus factis plurimas praedas agit. ### English translation (Claude) Then Fabius the legate, on receiving Caninius's letter, set out to the Pictones and there, informed by captives about the advantages of the terrain, crushed the enemy unawares and, after great slaughter, carried off very much booty. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.11.17 (CSEL 5:386; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-11-17). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.11.18 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-11-1/#p-6-11-18 - Source: CSEL 5:386 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Gauls are crushed between two armies. ### Latin text deinde cum Caninio signum aduentus sui dedisset, Caninius totis castris subito exsiluit seseque iniecit hosti. ita Fabio ex alia parte et Caninio ex altera insistente, maximo et diuturno bello innumerae Gallorum copiae trucidatae sunt. ### English translation (Claude) Then, when he had given Caninius the signal of his coming, Caninius suddenly sprang out with the whole camp and threw himself on the enemy. So, with Fabius pressing from one side and Caninius from the other, in a very great and long battle countless forces of the Gauls were slaughtered. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.11.18 (CSEL 5:386; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-11-18). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.11.19 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-11-1/#p-6-11-19 - Source: CSEL 5:386–387 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Fabius subdues the Carnutes and Armoricans. ### Latin text inde Fabius in Carnutes profectus est; sciebat enim Domnacum ducem antiquissimum rebellionis totius incentorem ab hoc bello elapsum, si Aremoricis gentibus adiunctus esset, maximos iterum in Gallia tumultus esse moturum. sed eas adhuc ipsa nouitate trepidantes mira uirtute et celeritate perdomuit. interea ### English translation (Claude) From there Fabius set out against the Carnutes; for he knew that Dumnacus, a very old leader and instigator of the whole rebellion, who had escaped from this war, would again stir up very great uprisings in Gaul if he joined the Armorican peoples. But he subdued them, still trembling at the very newness of things, with wonderful courage and speed. Meanwhile ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.11.19 (CSEL 5:386–387; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-11-19). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.11.20 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-11-1/#p-6-11-20 - Source: CSEL 5:387 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Drappes and Lucterius hold Uxellodunum. ### Latin text Draptes unaque Lycterius cum adesse Caninium et legiones in finibus suis uiderent, undique collectis copiis oppidum Vxellodunum occupant. ### English translation (Claude) Drappes, and with him Lucterius, when they saw that Caninius and the legions were in their territory, gathered forces from all sides and seized the town of Uxellodunum. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.11.20 (CSEL 5:387; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-11-20). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.11.21 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-11-1/#p-6-11-21 - Source: CSEL 5:387 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Uxellodunum's strong position. ### Latin text hoc oppidum in editissima montis arce pendebat, duabus partibus per abrupta latera non paruo flumine cingebatur, medio deinde descensu largissimo fonte securum plurimaque introrsum copia frumenti tutum inritos procul discursus hostium despiciebat. ### English translation (Claude) This town hung on the highest summit of a mountain; on two sides it was surrounded along the steep slopes by no small river; then, made secure by a very abundant spring halfway down, and safe with a great supply of grain within, it looked down from afar on the vain movements of the enemy. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.11.21 (CSEL 5:387; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-11-21). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.11.22 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-11-1/#p-6-11-22 - Source: CSEL 5:387 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Caninius defeats the leaders, but the town holds out. ### Latin text Caninius, quod solum Romana prouisione potuit, ambos duces cum parte copiarum plurima in campum euocatos maximo proelio superauit. nam uno e ducibus interfecto alter cum paucissimis fugit, nullus in oppidum rediit, sed ad id oppugnandum Caesare opus fuit. ### English translation (Claude) Caninius, which was all that Roman foresight could do, lured both leaders with the greater part of their forces into the plain and overcame them in a very great battle. For with one of the leaders killed, the other fled with very few; none returned to the town, but Caesar was needed to storm it. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.11.22 (CSEL 5:387; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-11-22). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.11.23 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-11-1/#p-6-11-23 - Source: CSEL 5:387 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Caesar resolves to cut off the water. ### Latin text itaque certior per nuntios factus Caesar accurrit circumspectisque omnibus uidet, si expugnare ui moliatur, ludo et spectaculo hostium delendum esse exercitum suum; unum solum esse praesidii, si quoquo modo hostes aqua arceantur. ### English translation (Claude) So Caesar, informed by messengers, hurried there, and having surveyed everything, saw that if he tried to storm it by force, his army would be destroyed for the sport and spectacle of the enemy; that there was only one safeguard, if somehow the enemy could be kept from water. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.11.23 (CSEL 5:387; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-11-23). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.11.24 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-11-1/#p-6-11-24 - Source: CSEL 5:387–388 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Fighting at the spring. ### Latin text sed et hoc quoque nisi Caesar non potuisset, siquidem fons, quo ad potum utebantur, medio deuexi montis latera fundebatur. Caesar ad proximum fontis admoueri uineas turrimque exstrui iubet. fit magnus ilico concursus ex oppido. quibus sine periculo proeliantibus Romani quamuis pertinaciter obsisterent crebriusque succederent, conplures tamen trucidantur. ### English translation (Claude) But even this no one but Caesar could have done, since the spring they used for drinking poured out halfway down the sloping side of the mountain. Caesar ordered siege sheds to be moved up next to the spring and a tower built. At once there was a great rush from the town. Though the Romans resisted them stubbornly as they fought without danger, and came up more frequently, a number were nevertheless killed. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.11.24 (CSEL 5:387–388; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-11-24). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.11.25 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-11-1/#p-6-11-25 - Source: CSEL 5:388 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The siege tower. ### Latin text igitur exstruitur agger et turris pedum sexaginta, cuius uertex aequare ad fontis locum possit, ut uel ex aequo tela conici queant uel praecipitata desuper saxorum uolumina non timeri. ### English translation (Claude) So a mound was built and a tower of sixty feet, whose top could be level with the place of the spring, so that missiles could be thrown on equal terms and rolling rocks cast down from above need not be feared. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.11.25 (CSEL 5:388; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-11-25). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.11.26 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-11-1/#p-6-11-26 - Source: CSEL 5:388 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The besieged roll burning barrels down. ### Latin text oppidani autem, ubi exanimari siti non solum pecora sua uerum etiam infirmiores hominum aetates uident, cupas pice sebo et scindulis repletas ac deinde inmisso igne in prona praecipitant easque ipsi toto oppido effusi subsequuntur. ### English translation (Claude) The townspeople, when they saw not only their cattle but also the weaker ages of men dying of thirst, filled barrels with pitch, tallow, and shingles and then, setting fire to them, rolled them down the slope, and followed them themselves, pouring out of the whole town. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.11.26 (CSEL 5:388; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-11-26). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.11.27 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-11-1/#p-6-11-27 - Source: CSEL 5:388 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: A diversion saves the siege works. ### Latin text ardentibus machinis cum graue proelium suis Caesar ac periculosum uideret, cohortes in circuitum oppidi ire uelociter per occultum imperat atque undique subito uastum clamorem attollere. quo facto consternati oppidani dum recurrere ad muniendum oppidum uolunt, ab oppugnatione turris uel demolitione aggeris recesserunt. ### English translation (Claude) When, with the engines burning, Caesar saw that the battle was heavy and dangerous for his men, he ordered cohorts to go quickly and secretly around the town and suddenly raise a vast shout on all sides. When this was done, the townspeople, alarmed, wishing to run back to defend the town, withdrew from attacking the tower and demolishing the mound. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.11.27 (CSEL 5:388; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-11-27). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.11.28 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-11-1/#p-6-11-28 - Source: CSEL 5:388–389 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The spring is tapped and the town surrenders. ### Latin text illi tamen, qui ad incidendas fontis uenas sub obtentu aggeris tuti cuniculos perfodiebant, repertos in abstruso aquarum meatus per multa diuidendo tenuari in semet ipsis consumique fecerunt. oppidani fonte siccato ultima desperatione correpti deditionem sui faciunt. ### English translation (Claude) Those, however, who, safe under cover of the mound, were digging tunnels to cut the veins of the spring, found the hidden channels of the waters and by dividing them in many ways made them thin out and be used up within themselves. The townspeople, with the spring dried up, seized by final despair, surrendered. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.11.28 (CSEL 5:388–389; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-11-28). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.11.29 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-11-1/#p-6-11-29 - Source: CSEL 5:389 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Caesar cuts off the defenders' hands. ### Latin text Caesar autem omnibus, qui arma tulerant, manus sustulit et uitam reliquit, quo testatior esset etiam posteris poena improborum. ### English translation (Claude) But Caesar cut off the hands of all who had borne arms and left them their lives, so that the punishment of the wicked might be a clearer witness even to later generations. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.11.29 (CSEL 5:389; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-11-29). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.11.30 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-11-1/#p-6-11-30 - Source: CSEL 5:389 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: A living example deters. ### Latin text multum enim ad cohercendam audaciam ualet propositum punitionis exemplum, cum ipsa miseri praesens forma uiuentis et ad recordationem admonet conscios et ad sciscitationem cogit ignaros. ### English translation (Claude) For a displayed example of punishment avails much for restraining daring, when the very sight of the wretched man, alive and present, both reminds those who know of it to remember and forces those who do not know to ask. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.11.30 (CSEL 5:389; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-11-30). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.12.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-11-1/#p-6-12-1 - Source: CSEL 5:389 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Caesar leaves Gaul subdued. ### Latin text Exhaustis atque edomitis Gallis securus Caesar cum legionibus in Italiam rediit, nullos post se Gallorum motus pertimescens, certo se sciens minime aliquos, qui uel moueri audeant uel si moueantur timendi sint, reliquisse. ### English translation (Claude) With the Gauls drained and subdued, Caesar returned securely with the legions to Italy, fearing no uprisings of the Gauls behind him, knowing for certain that he had left hardly any who would either dare to rise or, if they rose, would be to be feared. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.12.1 (CSEL 5:389; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-12-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.12.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-11-1/#p-6-12-2 - Source: CSEL 5:389 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Gaul after the conquest, like a patient after fever. ### Latin text constitui nunc ante oculos uelim exsanguem defectamque Galliam, post illas ardentissimas febres internosque aestus uitalium meliora torrentes ut sese habeat, quanta macie quantoque pallore sit, quam demissa ac resoluta iaceat, quam ipsos quoque necessarii officii motus, ne eundem incursum malorum reuocent, pertimescat. ### English translation (Claude) I should like Gaul now to be set before our eyes, bloodless and exhausted, after those most burning fevers and internal heats consuming the better parts of her vitals: how she fares, how thin and how pale she is, how she lies dejected and relaxed, how she fears even the movements of necessary duty, lest they bring back the same onset of evils. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.12.2 (CSEL 5:389; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-12-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.12.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-11-1/#p-6-12-3 - Source: CSEL 5:389–390 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Roman conquest as a plague. ### Latin text inruit enim in eam repentino impetu Romanus exercitus ueluti fortissimo corpori fortior lues, quae tanto grauius accenditur, quanto inpatientius toleratur. ### English translation (Claude) For the Roman army fell on her with a sudden onset, like a stronger plague on a very strong body, which burns the more heavily the more impatiently it is borne. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.12.3 (CSEL 5:389–390; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-12-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.12.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-11-1/#p-6-12-4 - Source: CSEL 5:390 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Gaul thirsted for liberty. ### Latin text sitiebat misera, cum instante gladio profiteri sponsionem seruitutis aeternae auulsis insuper obsidibus cogeretur; sitiebat, ut dixi, notam illam omnibusque suauissimam uelut aquae gelidae dulcedinem libertatis, quantoque eam magis subtrahi intellegebat, tanto auidius desiderabat. ### English translation (Claude) The wretched country thirsted, when with the sword at her throat she was forced to profess a pledge of eternal servitude, hostages torn from her besides; she thirsted, as I said, for that familiar sweetness of liberty, the sweetest of all things, like cool water, and the more she understood that it was being taken from her, the more greedily she longed for it. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.12.4 (CSEL 5:390; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-12-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.12.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-11-1/#p-6-12-5 - Source: CSEL 5:390 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Gaul's revolts only increased her ruin. ### Latin text hinc illa tam frequens contra uetita praesumptio: inuadebatur pro defendenda libertate inportuna libertas praereptamque insatiabiliter potiundi licentiam, quod male conceptam perniciem restinguere uidebatur, augebat. ### English translation (Claude) Hence that so frequent presumption against what was forbidden: untimely liberty was seized in defense of liberty, and the license of obtaining what had been snatched away, sought insatiably, increased the ill-conceived ruin that it seemed to extinguish. ### Translation notes - The Latin is compressed; translated by sense. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.12.5 (CSEL 5:390; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-12-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.12.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-11-1/#p-6-12-6 - Source: CSEL 5:390 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Resistance made Rome harsher. ### Latin text hinc Romanus ante pugnam insidiator argutior, hinc in pugna hostis infestior, hinc post pugnam uictor immitior, hinc omnia ad domandam inpatientiam crudescentia, hinc iam nec remediis credebatur. ### English translation (Claude) Hence the Roman was a craftier ambusher before battle, hence a more hostile enemy in battle, hence a harsher victor after battle; hence everything grew more cruel for taming impatience; hence remedies were no longer trusted. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.12.6 (CSEL 5:390; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-12-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.12.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-11-1/#p-6-12-7 - Source: CSEL 5:390–391 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Gaul would say Rome's conquest was worse than the Goths. ### Latin text itaque si interrogare possem hanc de qua loquimur nationem, quid tunc, cum haec ipsa sustinebat, de illis temporibus iudicarit, responderet ut arbitror dicens: sic me illa tunc febris exsanguem reddidit ac frigidam fecit, ut etiam haec, quae omnes paene perstrinxit, feruefacere uel commouere nequiuerit, atque ita me Romani inclinauerunt, ut nec ad Gothos surgam. ### English translation (Claude) So if I could ask this nation of which we speak what it then judged of those times, when it was enduring these very things, it would answer, I think, saying: “That fever then made me so bloodless and cold that even this one, which has touched almost all, could not heat or stir me; and the Romans bent me so low that I do not rise even against the Goths.” ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.12.7 (CSEL 5:390–391; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-12-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.12.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-11-1/#p-6-12-8 - Source: CSEL 5:391 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Rome's own disasters followed. ### Latin text sed ne ipsa quidem Roma clades, quas intulit, euitauit. exercitae diu auctaeque sunt per totos mundi cardines potentiae ducum uiresque legionum, quae in sese concurrentes eius damno uincerent, cuius periculo uincerentur. nam uictorem Caesarem de Gallia reuersum ciuilia bella comitata sunt aliaque grauissima mala, interfecti apud Parthos Crassi et trucidati exercitus. praecesserunt. ### English translation (Claude) But not even Rome herself escaped the disasters she inflicted. The powers of generals and the strength of legions had long been exercised and increased through all the hinges of the world, to clash with one another and conquer to the loss of the one at whose peril they would be conquered. For civil wars accompanied Caesar on his victorious return from Gaul, and other very grave evils, the Crassi killed among the Parthians and armies slaughtered, went before. ### Translation notes - The digital text ends with a row of dots. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.12.8 (CSEL 5:391; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-12-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.13.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-11-1/#p-6-13-1 - Source: CSEL 5:391 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Crassus plunders the temple at Jerusalem. ### Latin text Anno ab Vrbe condita DCXCVII Crassus in consulatu collega Pompei prouinciam sortitus in Parthos, homo inexplebilis cupiditatis, audita in Hierosolymis templi opulentia, quam Pompeius intactam reliquerat, in Palaestinam deuertit, Hierosolymam adit, templum peruadit, opes diripit. ### English translation (Claude) In the 697th year from the founding of the City, Crassus, colleague of Pompeius in the consulship, having been allotted the province against the Parthians, a man of insatiable greed, hearing of the wealth of the temple at Jerusalem, which Pompeius had left untouched, turned aside into Palestine, went to Jerusalem, broke into the temple, and plundered its riches. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.13.1 (CSEL 5:391; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-13-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.13.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-11-1/#p-6-13-2 - Source: CSEL 5:391–392 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: A Parthian envoy rebukes Crassus. ### Latin text inde per Mesopotamiam tendens in Parthiam, quacumque iter habuit sociis ciuitatibus auxilia indixit. pretia exegit moxque ut Euphraten transiit, ilico Vagesen, legatum ab Horode rege Parthorum ad se missum, obuium habuit, a quo uehementer increpitus est, cur contra foedus Luculli et Pompei auaritia inductus Euphraten transierit. quamobrem sine mora futurum, ut pro auro Parthico Serico ferro oneraretur. ### English translation (Claude) Then, making his way through Mesopotamia into Parthia, wherever he passed he demanded auxiliaries from allied cities and exacted payments; and as soon as he crossed the Euphrates, he at once met Vagises, an envoy sent to him by Orodes, king of the Parthians, who sharply rebuked him for having crossed the Euphrates, against the treaty of Lucullus and Pompeius, led on by greed; for this reason, he said, it would soon come about that instead of Parthian gold he would be loaded with Seric iron. ### Translation notes - “Seric iron”: the steel of the Seres, famed for its hardness. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.13.2 (CSEL 5:391–392; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-13-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.13.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-11-1/#p-6-13-3 - Source: CSEL 5:392 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The disaster at Carrhae. ### Latin text itaque cum prope Carras uentum esset, Parthi subito ingruentes cum Surena et Silacea praefectis sagittis oppressere Romanos. cecidere ibi plurimi senatores, aliquot etiam consulares et praetorii uiri; Crassus quoque filius Crassi, lectissimus iuuenis, in acie occisus est. praeterea quattuor cohortes cum Vargunteio legato mediis deprehensae campis et interfectae sunt. ### English translation (Claude) So when they had come near Carrhae, the Parthians, suddenly attacking with the prefects Surenas and Silaces, overwhelmed the Romans with arrows. Very many senators fell there, and some men of consular and praetorian rank; Crassus, son of Crassus, a most excellent young man, was also killed in the battle line. Moreover, four cohorts with the legate Vargunteius were caught in the middle of the plains and killed. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.13.3 (CSEL 5:392; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-13-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.13.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-11-1/#p-6-13-4 - Source: CSEL 5:392 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Crassus is killed. ### Latin text Surenas rapto equitatu Crassum persequi intendit eumque circumuentum ac frustra conloquium eius petentem interfecit, quamuis uiuum auferre maluisset. pauci noctis beneficio liberati Carras confugerunt. ### English translation (Claude) Surenas, seizing his cavalry, set out to pursue Crassus and, having surrounded him as he vainly sought a parley, killed him, although he would have preferred to carry him off alive. A few, freed by the help of night, fled to Carrhae. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.13.4 (CSEL 5:392; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-13-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.13.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-11-1/#p-6-13-5 - Source: CSEL 5:392–393 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Cassius saves Syria. ### Latin text cognita clade Romanorum multae Orientis prouinciae a societate uel fide populi Romani defecissent, ni Cassius collectis ex fuga militibus paucis intumescentem Syriam egregia animi uirtute ac moderatione pressisset; qui et Antiochum copiasque eius ingentes proelio uicit et interfecit, Parthos quoque ab Horode in Syriam missos iamque ingressos Antiochiam bello expulit ducemque eorum Osagen interfecit. ### English translation (Claude) When the Roman disaster became known, many provinces of the East would have fallen away from the alliance or loyalty of the Roman people, had not Cassius, gathering a few soldiers from the flight, held down swelling Syria with remarkable courage and moderation of spirit; he both defeated and killed Antiochus and his huge forces in battle, and drove out by war the Parthians sent by Orodes into Syria, who had already entered Antioch, and killed their leader Osaces. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.13.5 (CSEL 5:392–393; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-13-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.14.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-11-1/#p-6-14-1 - Source: CSEL 5:393 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Rome's fortunes ebb and flow like the tides. ### Latin text Igitur Romani status agitur semper alterna mutatio et uelut forma Oceani maris, quae omni die dispar nunc succiduis per septem dies attollitur incrementis nunc insequentibus totidem diebus naturali damno et defectu interiore subducitur. ### English translation (Claude) So an alternating change is always at work in the Roman state, like the pattern of the Ocean, which, unequal every day, now rises with successive increases for seven days, now for as many following days is drawn back by natural loss and inner ebbing. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.14.1 (CSEL 5:393; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-14-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.14.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-11-1/#p-6-14-2 - Source: CSEL 5:393 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: After the Cimbri, Rome forgot her defeats. ### Latin text ut enim de proximis ordiar, Cimbris Tigurinisque uincentibus cum apud Rhodanum flumen Romanus exercitus periit, artissimas Roma sensit angustias; refusa continuo clade Cimbrorum, magnis elata prouectibus priorum oblita defectuum est. ### English translation (Claude) For, to begin with the nearest, when the Roman army perished at the river Rhone as the Cimbri and Tigurini conquered, Rome felt the narrowest straits; when the disaster was at once turned back on the Cimbri, elated by great advances she forgot her earlier failures. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.14.2 (CSEL 5:393; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-14-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.14.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-11-1/#p-6-14-3 - Source: CSEL 5:393 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Ruin, then recovery and expansion. ### Latin text hanc deinde recentissimae prosperitatis iactantiam Italicum bellum et dilaceratio Sullana castigat. rursus post hanc domesticam intestinamque perniciem, qua usque ad medullas paene euiscerata et exesa est, paribus propemodum spatiis temporum non solum reparata, uerum etiam extenta est, cum Lucullus Asiam, Pompeius Hispaniam, Caesar Galliam perdomuit Romanumque imperium usque ad extremos propemodum terrae terminos propagatum est. ### English translation (Claude) Then the Italian war and the tearing apart under Sulla chastised this boasting of most recent prosperity. Again, after this domestic and internal ruin, by which she was almost disemboweled and eaten away to the marrow, in nearly equal spaces of time she was not only restored but also extended, when Lucullus subdued Asia, Pompeius Spain, and Caesar Gaul, and the Roman empire was spread almost to the farthest ends of the earth. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.14.3 (CSEL 5:393; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-14-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.14.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-11-1/#p-6-14-4 - Source: CSEL 5:393 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Then came Carrhae, civil war, and fire. ### Latin text hanc nunc amplissimam dilatationem uastissima ruina consequitur. apud Parthos enim consul Romanus occiditur exercitusque deletur, atrocissimum illud Pompei atque Caesaris bellum ciuile conseritur et inter haec Roma ipsa repentino correpta incendio concrematur. ### English translation (Claude) This most ample expansion is now followed by a most vast ruin. For among the Parthians a Roman consul is killed and an army destroyed; that most dreadful civil war of Pompeius and Caesar is joined; and amid these things Rome herself, seized by a sudden fire, is burned. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.14.4 (CSEL 5:393; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-14-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.14.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-11-1/#p-6-14-5 - Source: CSEL 5:393–394 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: A great fire at Rome. ### Latin text anno siquidem ab Vrbe condita DCC incertum unde concretus plurimam Vrbis partem ignis inuasit, neque umquam antea tanto incendio correptam ac uastatam Ciuitatem ferunt. nam quattuordecim uicos cum uico Iugario consumptos fuisse memoriae proditum est. hinc iam bellum ciuile committitur, quod magnis iamdudum dissensionibus ac molitionibus parabatur. ### English translation (Claude) For in the 700th year from the founding of the City a fire, arising no one knows from where, invaded the greater part of the City, and they say the City was never before seized and laid waste by so great a fire. For it has been recorded that fourteen quarters were consumed together with the Vicus Iugarius. From here the civil war was joined, which had long been prepared by great dissensions and schemes. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.14.5 (CSEL 5:393–394; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-14-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.15.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-11-1/#p-6-15-1 - Source: CSEL 5:394 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The senate refuses Caesar's demands. ### Latin text Nam rediens Caesar uictor ex Gallia decerni sibi absenti alterum consulatum poposcit. contradictum est a Marcello consule adnitente Pompeio, deinde decretum est a senatu, ut in Vrbem Caesar non nisi dimisso exercitu ueniret, et ex Marcelli consulis auctoritate ad legiones, quae apud Luceriam erant, Pompeius cum imperio missus est. ### English translation (Claude) For Caesar, returning victorious from Gaul, demanded that a second consulship be decreed to him in his absence. This was opposed by the consul Marcellus with Pompeius supporting him; then it was decreed by the senate that Caesar should not come into the City unless he had dismissed his army, and on the authority of the consul Marcellus Pompeius was sent with command to the legions that were at Luceria. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.15.1 (CSEL 5:394; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-15-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.15.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-11-1/#p-6-15-2 - Source: CSEL 5:394 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The tribunes flee to Caesar. ### Latin text Caesar Rauennam sese contulit. M. Antonius et P. Cassius tribuni plebis pro Caesare intercedentes, interdicente Lentulo consule curia foroque prohibiti, ad Caesarem profecti sunt Curione simul Caelioque comitantibus. ### English translation (Claude) Caesar went to Ravenna. Marcus Antonius and Publius Cassius, tribunes of the plebs, who interceded for Caesar, were barred from the senate house and the forum by the prohibition of the consul Lentulus and set out to Caesar, accompanied by Curio and Caelius. ### Translation notes - “P. Cassius” as printed; the tribune was Quintus Cassius. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.15.2 (CSEL 5:394; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-15-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.15.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-11-1/#p-6-15-3 - Source: CSEL 5:394 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Caesar crosses the Rubicon. ### Latin text Caesar Rubicone flumine transmeato, mox ut Ariminum uenit, quinque cohortes, quas tunc solas habebat, cum quibus, ut ait Liuius, orbem terrarum adortus est, quid facto opus esset, edocuit. deplorans iniurias suas, causam belli ciuilis, pro restituendis in patriam tribunis, esse testatus ### English translation (Claude) Caesar crossed the river Rubicon, and as soon as he came to Ariminum he told the five cohorts which he alone then had, with which, as Livy says, he attacked the world, what must be done. Lamenting his wrongs, he declared that the cause of the civil war was the restoration of the tribunes to their homeland. ### Extrabiblical texts - Livy (Livy, History of Rome): allusion, medium confidence ### Translation notes - The Livy reference is to a lost book. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.15.3 (CSEL 5:394; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-15-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.15.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-11-1/#p-6-15-4 - Source: CSEL 5:394–395 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Pompey and the senate cross to Greece. ### Latin text est inde per Antonium septem cohortes, quae apud Sulmonem morabantur, a Lucretio recepit, tres legiones quae cum Domitio apud Corfinium morabantur, ad suas partes traduxit. Pompeius atque omnis senatus, crescentibus Caesaris uiribus trepidi, tamquam Italia pulsi in Graeciam transuecti, Dyrrachium gerendi belli sedem delegerunt. ### English translation (Claude) Then through Antonius he received from Lucretius seven cohorts that were stationed at Sulmo, and brought over to his side three legions that were stationed with Domitius at Corfinium. Pompeius and the whole senate, alarmed by Caesar's growing strength, crossed into Greece as if driven from Italy and chose Dyrrachium as their seat for waging the war. ### Translation notes - The first word (“est”) completes “testatus est” of 6.15.3. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.15.4 (CSEL 5:394–395; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-15-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.15.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-11-1/#p-6-15-5 - Source: CSEL 5:395 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Caesar seizes the treasury. ### Latin text Caesar Romam uenit negatamque sibi ex aerario pecuniam fractis foribus inuasit protulitque ex eo auri pondo quattuor milia centum triginta et quinque, argenti pondo prope nongenta milia. ### English translation (Claude) Caesar came to Rome and, when money from the treasury was refused him, broke the doors and forced his way in, and brought out from it four thousand one hundred and thirty-five pounds of gold and nearly nine hundred thousand pounds of silver. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.15.5 (CSEL 5:395; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-15-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.15.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-11-1/#p-6-15-6 - Source: CSEL 5:395 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Caesar wins in Spain. ### Latin text inde digressus Ariminum ad legiones, mox Alpes transuectus Massiliam uenit, ad quam oppugnandam, cur receptus non esset, Trebonium cum tribus legionibus relinquens, ad Hispanias contendit, quas L. Afranius et M. Petreius et M. Varro Pompeiani duces cum legionibus obtinebant. ibi multis proeliis Petreium Afraniumque superatos conposita pactione dimisit. in ulteriore uero Hispania duas legiones a M. ### English translation (Claude) Going from there to the legions at Ariminum, he soon crossed the Alps and came to Massilia; leaving Trebonius with three legions to storm it, because he had not been received, he hurried to the Spains, which Lucius Afranius, Marcus Petreius, and Marcus Varro, Pompeian generals, held with legions. There he overcame Petreius and Afranius in many battles and dismissed them after making an agreement. In Further Spain he took over two legions from Marcus ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.15.6 (CSEL 5:395; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-15-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.15.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-11-1/#p-6-15-7 - Source: CSEL 5:395–396 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Caesar's generals take the islands; Massilia falls. ### Latin text Varrone suscepit. similiter et duces eius, hoc est Curio Catonem Sicilia expulit, Valerius Cottam Sardinia, Tuberonem Africa Varus eiecit. Caesar Massiliam rediens, obsidione domitam uita tantum et libertate concessa ceteris rebus abrasit. ### English translation (Claude) Varro. Similarly his generals too: Curio drove Cato out of Sicily, Valerius Cotta out of Sardinia, and Varus Tubero out of Africa. Caesar, returning to Massilia, which had been subdued by siege, granted it only life and liberty and stripped it of everything else. ### Translation notes - Orosius's “Tuberonem Africa Varus eiecit” reverses the facts: the Pompeian Varus kept Tubero out of Africa. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.15.7 (CSEL 5:395–396; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-15-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.15.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-11-1/#p-6-15-8 - Source: CSEL 5:396 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Caesar's commanders are defeated in Illyricum. ### Latin text At uero Dolabella partium Caesaris in Illyrico per Octauium et Libonem uictus copiisque exutus ad Antonium fugit. Basilus et Sallustius cum singulis legionibus, quibus praeerant, similiter et Antonius, Hortensius quoque ab infimo mari cum classe concurrens, omnesque pariter aduersus Octauium et Libonem profecti et uicti sunt. ### English translation (Claude) But Dolabella, of Caesar's party, defeated in Illyricum by Octavius and Libo and stripped of his forces, fled to Antonius. Basilus and Sallustius with the single legions they commanded, and likewise Antonius, and Hortensius too, hurrying up with a fleet from the Lower Sea, all set out together against Octavius and Libo and were defeated. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.15.8 (CSEL 5:396; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-15-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.15.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-11-1/#p-6-15-9 - Source: CSEL 5:396 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Antonius surrenders; Curio dies in Africa. ### Latin text Antonius cum se Octauio cum quindecim cohortibus dedisset, omnes ad Pompeium a Libone deducti sunt. Curio ex Sicilia in Africam cum exercitu transgressus est: quem Iuba rex continuo exceptum cum omnibus copiis trucidauit. Octauius Salonas oppugnare conatus, omnes paene copias quas duxit amisit. ### English translation (Claude) When Antonius had surrendered to Octavius with fifteen cohorts, all were led off by Libo to Pompeius. Curio crossed with an army from Sicily into Africa; King Juba at once met him and slaughtered him with all his forces. Octavius, attempting to storm Salonae, lost almost all the forces he led. ### Translation notes - This Antonius is Gaius Antonius, Mark Antony's brother. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.15.9 (CSEL 5:396; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-15-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.15.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-11-1/#p-6-15-10 - Source: CSEL 5:396–397 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The deaths of Caelius, Milo and Bibulus. ### Latin text Caelius desciuit a Caesare ac se Miloni exuli iunxit; cumque ambo seruorum manu Capuam oppugnare molirentur, occisi sunt. Bibulus apud Corcyram pudore uictus, quod custodiae eius, quam pelago et oppido praetendebat, hostis inluserat, inedia sese uigiliisque confecit. ### English translation (Claude) Caelius deserted Caesar and joined the exile Milo; and when both were attempting to storm Capua with a band of slaves, they were killed. Bibulus at Corcyra, overcome by shame because the enemy had mocked the guard he maintained over the sea and the town, wore himself out by fasting and sleeplessness. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.15.10 (CSEL 5:396–397; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-15-10). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.15.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-11-1/#p-6-15-11 - Source: CSEL 5:397 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Appius consults the Delphic oracle. ### Latin text Appius Claudius Censorinus, qui iussu Pompei Graeciam tuebatur, iam abolitam Pythici oraculi fidem uoluit experiri: quippe ab eo adacta uates descendere in specum respondisse fertur de bello consulenti: Nihil ad te hoc Romane bellum pertinet, Euboeae coela obtinebis. coela autem uocant Euboicum sinum. ita Appius perplexa incertus sorte discessit. ### English translation (Claude) Appius Claudius Censorinus, who by Pompeius's order was guarding Greece, wished to test the credibility of the Pythian oracle, which had already fallen out of use: for the prophetess, forced by him to go down into the cave, is said to have answered him when he consulted about the war: “This war does not concern you at all, Roman; you will hold the Coela of Euboea.” They call the Euboean gulf the Coela. So Appius went away uncertain because of the obscure lot. ### Translation notes - The story is also in Valerius Maximus 1.8.10; Appius died in Euboea before Pharsalus. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.15.11 (CSEL 5:397; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-15-11). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.15.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-11-1/#p-6-15-12 - Source: CSEL 5:397 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The pagans blame Christians for the end of divination. ### Latin text Admonet nos aliquid ab obtrectatoribus nostris consultor iste consulere. queruntur utique fide Christianorum sibi sacra interdicta caerimoniasque sublatas et ob hoc ideo maxime, quod extis uaticiniisque cessantibus futurae clades, quia sciri nequeunt, non uitantur. ### English translation (Claude) This consulter reminds us to consult something about our detractors. They complain above all that by the faith of the Christians their rites have been forbidden and their ceremonies taken away, and chiefly for this reason, that with entrails and prophecies ceasing, future disasters, because they cannot be known, are not avoided. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.15.12 (CSEL 5:397; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-15-12). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.15.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-11-1/#p-6-15-13 - Source: CSEL 5:397 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The oracle had failed long before Christ. ### Latin text cur ergo longe ante imperium Caesaris natiuitatemque Christi, sicut ipsorum auctores adtestantur, abolita fuerat Pythici oraculi fides? abolita autem ideo, quia contempta. porro autem quare contempta, nisi quia uel falsa uel uana uel dubia? unde prudenter poeta praemonuit: Inconsulti abeunt sedemque odere Sibyllae. ### English translation (Claude) Why then, long before the rule of Caesar and the birth of Christ, as their own authors testify, had the credibility of the Pythian oracle been abolished? It was abolished because it was despised. And why was it despised, except because it was false, or vain, or doubtful? Hence the poet wisely warned beforehand: “They go away unadvised and hate the seat of the Sibyl.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Virgil, Aen. 3.452 (Virgil): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Virgil, Aeneid 3.452. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.15.13 (CSEL 5:397; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-15-13). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.15.14 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-11-1/#p-6-15-14 - Source: CSEL 5:397–398 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Pythian Apollo was the chief of oracles. ### Latin text Et ne forte parui id pendant, quod contemptu abolitum atque antiquatum fuit, hoc est aut numen aut sedem: Apollo ille Pythius erat, quem ferunt magno illo Pythone serpente interfecto, totius uaticinationis auctore et principe, heredem et sedis et diuinationis et numinis exstitisse ibique eum reddere elegisse responsa, ubi orta cum auctore ipsa diuinatio uidebatur, ### English translation (Claude) And lest perhaps they make little of what was abolished and made obsolete by contempt, that is, either the deity or its seat: it was that Pythian Apollo, who, they say, having killed that great serpent Python, author and chief of all prophecy, became heir of the seat, the divination, and the deity, and chose to give his answers there, where divination itself seemed to have arisen with its author; ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.15.14 (CSEL 5:397–398; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-15-14). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.15.15 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-11-1/#p-6-15-15 - Source: CSEL 5:398 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Apollo was revered by kings and Romans. ### Latin text praeterea quem per alias quoque terrarum partes spumantibus buccis rabidoque discursu omnis furiatorum ructat insania, ad quem plurimi terrarum reges quasi ad uiuam uocem consulti numinis cucurrerunt, cui saepissime ipsi quoque Romani opulentissima dona miserunt. ### English translation (Claude) moreover, he whom all the madness of the frenzied belches out in other parts of the earth too, with foaming mouths and raving rushing about; to whom very many kings of the earth ran as to the living voice of a consulted deity; to whom the Romans themselves very often sent the richest gifts. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.15.15 (CSEL 5:398; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-15-15). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.15.16 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-11-1/#p-6-15-16 - Source: CSEL 5:398 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: If Apollo deceived, haruspices are no better. ### Latin text at si Apollo iste Pythius paulatim discernente experientia contemptus relictus atque abolitus est, quid uiuum de mortua pecude, quid uerum de amente muliercula sperari potest? quid postremo, Inflauit cum pinguis ebur Tyrrhenus ad aras, expositis opimae pecudis intestinis, non finget esuriens, si, ut ipsi fatentur, uel obscura uel falsa dicendo ipse Apollo seducit? ### English translation (Claude) But if this Pythian Apollo, as experience gradually discerned, was despised, abandoned, and abolished, what living truth can be hoped from a dead beast, what truth from a mad little woman? Finally, what will not the hungry man invent “when the fat Tyrrhenian has blown his ivory pipe at the altars,” with the entrails of a fat victim laid out, if, as they themselves confess, Apollo himself leads astray by saying things either obscure or false? ### Extrabiblical texts - Virgil, Georg. 2.193 (Virgil): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Virgil, Georgics 2.193; the “hungry man” is the haruspex inspecting the entrails. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.15.16 (CSEL 5:398; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-15-16). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.15.17 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-11-1/#p-6-15-17 - Source: CSEL 5:398–399 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Christians forbid what pagans already despised. ### Latin text quamobrem aequo animo ferant, etsi imitari interim nolunt, nos id ueritatis iudicio etiam prohibere, quod potuerunt maiores eorum uel experiendo contemnere. ### English translation (Claude) So let them bear calmly, even if for the present they do not wish to imitate it, that we by the judgment of truth also forbid what their ancestors could despise even by experience. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.15.17 (CSEL 5:398–399; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-15-17). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.15.18 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-11-1/#p-6-15-18 - Source: CSEL 5:399 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Caesar besieges Pompey at Dyrrachium. ### Latin text Interea apud Dyrrachium multi Orientis reges ad Pompeium cum auxiliis conuenerunt. quo cum Caesar uenisset, Pompeium obsidione frustra cinxit, ipse terram quindecim m. p. fossa praestruens, cum illi maria paterent. ### English translation (Claude) Meanwhile at Dyrrachium many kings of the East came to Pompeius with auxiliaries. When Caesar came there, he surrounded Pompeius with a siege in vain, fencing off fifteen miles of land with a ditch, while the seas lay open to them. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.15.18 (CSEL 5:399; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-15-18). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.15.19 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-11-1/#p-6-15-19 - Source: CSEL 5:399 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Fighting at Dyrrachium. ### Latin text Pompeius castellum quoddam propinquum mari, quod Marcellinus tuebatur, euertit praesidiaque Caesaris, quae ibidem morabantur, occidit. Caesar Torquatum legionemque unam, ut expugnaret, adgressus est. ### English translation (Claude) Pompeius overthrew a certain fort near the sea, which Marcellinus was guarding, and killed Caesar's garrisons that were stationed there. Caesar attacked Torquatus and one legion to storm it. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.15.19 (CSEL 5:399; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-15-19). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.15.20 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-11-1/#p-6-15-20 - Source: CSEL 5:399 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Caesar is caught between two forces. ### Latin text hoc periculo sociorum Pompeius cognito omnes eo copias contraxit: in quem se ilico Caesar omissa obsidione conuertit. Torquatus autem e uestigio prorumpens auersum insecutus est. ### English translation (Claude) When Pompeius learned of this danger to his allies, he drew all his forces there; Caesar at once abandoned the siege and turned against him. Torquatus, bursting out at once, pursued him from behind. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.15.20 (CSEL 5:399; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-15-20). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.15.21 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-11-1/#p-6-15-21 - Source: CSEL 5:399 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Caesar's defeat at Dyrrachium. ### Latin text ita Caesaris milites ancipiti periculo territi ipso Caesare frustra obsistente fugerunt. Pompeius uero Caesaris quoque testimonio uictor persequentem reuocauit exercitum. quattuor milia militum Caesaris, centuriones uiginti et duo, equites Romani conplures in eo proelio caesi sunt. ### English translation (Claude) So Caesar's soldiers, terrified by danger on both sides, fled, though Caesar himself vainly resisted. But Pompeius, the victor even by Caesar's testimony, called back his pursuing army. Four thousand of Caesar's soldiers, twenty-two centurions, and a number of Roman knights were slain in that battle. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.15.21 (CSEL 5:399; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-15-21). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.15.22 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-11-1/#p-6-15-22 - Source: CSEL 5:399 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The armies move to Thessaly. ### Latin text Caesar inde citato agmine per Epirum in Thessaliam perrexit; Pompeius cum maximis copiis secutus bellumque commissum est. ### English translation (Claude) From there Caesar went on by forced march through Epirus into Thessaly; Pompeius followed with very great forces, and battle was joined. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.15.22 (CSEL 5:399; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-15-22). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.15.23 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-11-1/#p-6-15-23 - Source: CSEL 5:399–400 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Pompey's battle line at Pharsalus. ### Latin text itaque instruitur utrimque acies. Pompeius octoginta et octo cohortes triplici ordine locauit: fuerunt autem peditum quadraginta milia, equites in sinistro cornu sescenti, in dextro quingenti, praeterea reges multi, senatores equitesque Romani plurimi, absque leuium armaturarum magna copia. ### English translation (Claude) So the battle lines were drawn up on both sides. Pompeius placed eighty-eight cohorts in a triple line: there were forty thousand infantry, six hundred cavalry on the left wing and five hundred on the right, besides many kings and very many senators and Roman knights, apart from a great body of light-armed troops. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.15.23 (CSEL 5:399–400; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-15-23). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.15.24 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-11-1/#p-6-15-24 - Source: CSEL 5:400 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Caesar's battle line. ### Latin text Caesar similiter octoginta cohortes triplici ordine disposuit, cui fuerunt minus quam triginta milia peditum, equites mille. ### English translation (Claude) Caesar likewise arranged eighty cohorts in a triple line; he had fewer than thirty thousand infantry and a thousand cavalry. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.15.24 (CSEL 5:400; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-15-24). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.15.25 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-11-1/#p-6-15-25 - Source: CSEL 5:400 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Roman strength turned on itself. ### Latin text uidere ibi et gemere erat contractas Romanorum uires in campis Pharsalicis ad occisionem mutuam constitisse, quas si concordia rexisset, nulli populi, nulli reges ferre potuissent. ### English translation (Claude) There one could see and groan that the gathered strength of the Romans had taken its stand on the plains of Pharsalus for mutual slaughter, strength which, had concord ruled it, no peoples, no kings could have withstood. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.15.25 (CSEL 5:400; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-15-25). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.15.26 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-11-1/#p-6-15-26 - Source: CSEL 5:400 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Pompey is defeated at Pharsalus. ### Latin text prima congressione equitatus Pompei pulsus sinistra latera nudauit. deinde cum diu utrimque dubia sorte caederentur atque ex alia parte Pompeius inter hortandum diceret parce ciuibus nec tamen faceret, ex alia uero Caesar hoc faceret, quod urgeret dicens miles, faciem feri, tandem uniuersus Pompei fugit exercitus, castraque direpta. ### English translation (Claude) At the first clash Pompeius's cavalry was driven back and left the left flank bare. Then, when they had long been cut down on both sides with doubtful fortune, and on one side Pompeius in his exhortation was saying “Spare the citizens,” and yet not doing so, while on the other Caesar was doing what he urged, saying “Soldier, strike the face,” at last Pompeius's whole army fled, and the camp was plundered. ### Translation notes - Caesar's order to strike at the face is also in Florus and Plutarch. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.15.26 (CSEL 5:400; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-15-26). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.15.27 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-11-1/#p-6-15-27 - Source: CSEL 5:400–401 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Pompey flees after Pharsalus. ### Latin text sunt. caesa sunt in eo proelio Pompeianorum quindecim milia, centuriones triginta et tres. hic exitus pugnae ad Palaeopharsalum fuit. Pompeius fugiens in ostio Penei amnis onerariam nauem nanctus in Asiam transiit. ### English translation (Claude) Fifteen thousand Pompeians and thirty-three centurions were slain in that battle. This was the outcome of the battle at Old Pharsalus. Pompeius, fleeing, found a merchant ship at the mouth of the river Peneus and crossed into Asia. ### Translation notes - The first word (“sunt”) completes “direpta sunt” of 6.15.26. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.15.27 (CSEL 5:400–401; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-15-27). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.15.28 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-11-1/#p-6-15-28 - Source: CSEL 5:401 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Pompey is murdered in Egypt. ### Latin text inde per Cyprom in Aegyptum uenit ibique mox ut litus attigit, iussu Ptolemaei adulescentis in gratiam Caesaris uictoris occisus est. Pompei uxor filiique fugerunt; cetera Pompeiana classis direpta est omnibus qui in ea erant crudelissime trucidatis, ibique et Pompeius Bithynicus occisus est. Lentulus uero uir consularis apud Pelusium interfectus est. ### English translation (Claude) From there he came through Cyprus to Egypt, and there, as soon as he touched the shore, he was killed by order of the young Ptolemy to win the favor of the victorious Caesar. Pompeius's wife and sons fled; the rest of the Pompeian fleet was plundered, all who were in it being most cruelly slaughtered, and there Pompeius Bithynicus too was killed. Lentulus, a man of consular rank, was killed at Pelusium. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.15.28 (CSEL 5:401; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-15-28). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.15.29 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-11-1/#p-6-15-29 - Source: CSEL 5:401 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Caesar weeps over Pompey's head in Alexandria. ### Latin text Caesar conpositis apud Thessaliam rebus Alexandriam uenit perlatoque ad se ac uiso Pompei capite anuloque fleuit; cumque se in regiam recepisset, eludebatur a tutoribus, quominus pecuniam acciperet, templa sua astu spoliantibus, ut et regios thesauros uacuos esse ostenderent et in inuidiam Caesaris populum concitarent. ### English translation (Claude) Caesar, having settled affairs in Thessaly, came to Alexandria, and when Pompeius's head and ring were brought to him and he saw them, he wept; and when he had withdrawn into the palace, he was being cheated of receiving money by the guardians, who were cunningly stripping their own temples, so as both to show that the royal treasures were empty and to rouse the people to hatred of Caesar. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.15.29 (CSEL 5:401; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-15-29). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.15.30 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-11-1/#p-6-15-30 - Source: CSEL 5:401 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Achillas turns on Caesar. ### Latin text praeterea Achillas dux regius, imbutus semel Pompei sanguine, Caesaris quoque necem meditabatur. nam iussus exercitum dimittere, cui praeerat, uiginti milium armatorum, non modo spreuit imperium, uerum et aciem direxit. ### English translation (Claude) Moreover, Achillas, the royal general, once stained with Pompeius's blood, was planning Caesar's death too. For, ordered to dismiss the army he commanded, of twenty thousand armed men, he not only scorned the command but drew up a battle line. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.15.30 (CSEL 5:401; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-15-30). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.15.31 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-11-1/#p-6-15-31 - Source: CSEL 5:401–402 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Books burn at Alexandria. ### Latin text in ipso proelio regia classis forte subducta iubetur incendi. ea flamma cum partem quoque urbis inuasisset, quadringenta milia librorum proximis forte aedibus condita exussit, singulare profecto monumentum studii curaeque maiorum, qui tot tantaque inlustrium ingeniorum opera congesserant. ### English translation (Claude) In the battle itself the royal fleet, which happened to be drawn up on shore, was ordered to be burned. When that fire had spread to part of the city too, it burned four hundred thousand books stored, as it happened, in nearby buildings, truly a unique monument of the zeal and care of the ancestors, who had gathered so many and such great works of illustrious minds. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.15.31 (CSEL 5:401–402; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-15-31). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.15.32 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-11-1/#p-6-15-32 - Source: CSEL 5:402 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Orosius on the libraries he saw in Alexandria. ### Latin text unde quamlibet hodieque in templis extent, quae et nos uidimus, armaria librorum, quibus direptis exinanita ea a nostris hominibus nostris temporibus memorent — quod quidem uerum est —, tamen honestius creditur alios libros fuisse quaesitos, qui pristinas studiorum curas aemularentur, quam aliam ullam tunc fuisse bibliothecam, quae extra quadringenta milia librorum fuisse ac per hoc euasisse credatur. ### English translation (Claude) Hence, although even today there are book cupboards in the temples, which we ourselves have seen, and when these were plundered, they report, they were emptied by our own men in our own times (which indeed is true), yet it is more honorable to believe that other books were sought out to rival the former care for learning, than that there was at that time any other library, which might be believed to have existed apart from the four hundred thousand books and so to have escaped. ### Translation notes - The sense of the long sentence is debated; Orosius seems to mean that the cupboards he saw held later collections, emptied in his own day by Christians (“our own men”). ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.15.32 (CSEL 5:402; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-15-32). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.15.33 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-11-1/#p-6-15-33 - Source: CSEL 5:402 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Battle at the Pharos. ### Latin text Caesar postea insulam, ubi Pharos est, cepit. eo Achillas cum Gabinianis militibus uenit. ingens pugna commissa est: magna ibi Caesarianorum militum multitudo cecidit, omnes etiam interfectores Pompei interfecti sunt. ### English translation (Claude) Afterward Caesar took the island where the Pharos is. Achillas came there with the Gabinian soldiers. A huge battle was fought: a great multitude of Caesar's soldiers fell there, and also all the murderers of Pompeius were killed. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.15.33 (CSEL 5:402; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-15-33). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.15.34 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-11-1/#p-6-15-34 - Source: CSEL 5:402–403 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Caesar swims to safety. ### Latin text Caesar ui insistentium hostium pressus scapham escendit: qua mox pondere subsequentium grauata ac mersa, per ducentos passus ad nauem una manu eleuata, qua chartas tenebat, nando peruenit, mox nauali certamine pulsatus, magna felicitate classem regiam aut depressit aut cepit. ### English translation (Claude) Caesar, pressed by the force of the enemy bearing down, climbed into a skiff; when it was soon weighed down and sunk by the weight of those following, he reached a ship by swimming two hundred paces, holding up one hand in which he held papers; soon, attacked in a naval fight, with great good fortune he either sank or captured the royal fleet. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.15.34 (CSEL 5:402–403; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-15-34). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.16.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-11-1/#p-6-16-1 - Source: CSEL 5:403 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Ptolemy's war and defeat. ### Latin text Alexandrinis petentibus regem reddidit monitum, ut magis amicitiam Romanam quam arma experiri studeret; qui tamen ilico ut liber fuit bellum intulit, sed continuo cum toto exercitu suo et ipse deletus est. nam uiginti milia hominum in eo bello caesa referuntur, duodecim milia cum septuaginta longis nauibus dedita, quingenti ex uictoribus cecidisse dicuntur. ### English translation (Claude) When the Alexandrians asked for it, he gave them back their king, warning him to strive to experience Roman friendship rather than Roman arms; yet as soon as he was free he made war, but at once he himself was destroyed with his whole army. For twenty thousand men are reported to have been slain in that war, and twelve thousand surrendered with seventy warships; five hundred of the victors are said to have fallen. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.16.1 (CSEL 5:403; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-16-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.16.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-11-1/#p-6-16-2 - Source: CSEL 5:403 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Ptolemy drowns; Cleopatra receives Egypt. ### Latin text rex ipse adulescens scapha exceptus ut fugeret, multis insilientibus mersus necatusque est; corpus eius ad litus deuolutum indicio loricae aureae cognitum fuit: qua Caesar Alexandriam praemissa Alexandrinos omnes ad deditionem desperatione conpulit regnumque Aegypti Cleopatrae dedit. ### English translation (Claude) The young king himself, taken into a skiff to flee, was sunk and killed as many leaped in; his body, washed up on the shore, was recognized by the evidence of his golden breastplate; Caesar sent it ahead to Alexandria and so drove all the Alexandrians by despair to surrender, and gave the kingdom of Egypt to Cleopatra. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.16.2 (CSEL 5:403; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-16-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.16.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-11-1/#p-6-16-3 - Source: CSEL 5:403 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Caesar wins at Zela and Thapsus. ### Latin text inde Syriam peruagatus Pharnacem in Ponto uicit. postea uero quam Romam uenit, dictator et consul creatus in Africam transiit et apud Thapsum cum Iuba et Scipione pugnauit maximamque ibi hominum multitudinem interfecit. castra utriusque direpta sunt, sexaginta elephanti capti. ### English translation (Claude) Then, having traveled through Syria, he defeated Pharnaces in Pontus. After he came to Rome, he was made dictator and consul, crossed into Africa, and fought at Thapsus with Juba and Scipio, killing a very great multitude of men there. The camps of both were plundered and sixty elephants captured. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.16.3 (CSEL 5:403; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-16-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.16.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-11-1/#p-6-16-4 - Source: CSEL 5:403–404 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The deaths of Cato, Juba, Petreius and Scipio. ### Latin text Cato sese apud Vticam occidit; Iuba percussori iugulum pretio dato praebuit, Petreius eodem se gladio perfodit; Scipio in naui, qua ad Hispaniam fugere contendens uento coactus in Africam redierat, semet ipse iugulauit. ### English translation (Claude) Cato killed himself at Utica; Juba, having paid an assassin, offered him his throat; Petreius ran himself through with the same sword; Scipio, in the ship in which he had tried to flee to Spain and had been forced back to Africa by the wind, cut his own throat. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.16.4 (CSEL 5:403–404; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-16-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.16.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-11-1/#p-6-16-5 - Source: CSEL 5:404 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Caesar's executions. ### Latin text in eadem naui etiam T. Torquatus occisus est. Caesar Pompei Magni nepotes filiamque Pompeiam simulque cum his Faustum Sullam et Afranium et Petreium filiam iussit occidi. ### English translation (Claude) In the same ship Titus Torquatus too was killed. Caesar ordered the grandsons of Pompeius the Great and his daughter Pompeia to be killed, and together with them Faustus Sulla, Afranius, and the son of Petreius. ### Translation notes - “Petreium filiam” as printed; read “Petrei filium,” the son of Petreius. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.16.5 (CSEL 5:404; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-16-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.16.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-11-1/#p-6-16-6 - Source: CSEL 5:404 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Caesar campaigns in Spain against Pompey's sons. ### Latin text inde quattuor triumphis Vrbem ingressus, disposito recuperatae reipublicae statu continuo in Hispanias contra Pompeios Pompei filios profectus, septimo decimo quam egressus ab Vrbe fuerat die Saguntum peruenit statimque aduersus Pompeios duos et Labienum atque Attium Varum multa bella et uaria sorte gessit. ### English translation (Claude) Then, entering the City with four triumphs, after settling the state of the recovered commonwealth, he set out at once to the Spains against the Pompeii, the sons of Pompeius, reached Saguntum on the seventeenth day after leaving the City, and at once fought many battles with varying fortune against the two Pompeii, Labienus, and Attius Varus. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.16.6 (CSEL 5:404; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-16-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.16.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-11-1/#p-6-16-7 - Source: CSEL 5:404–405 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The battle of Munda. ### Latin text ultimum bellum apud Mundam flumen gestum est, ubi tantis uiribus dimicatum tantaque caedes acta, ut Caesar quoque, ueteranis etiam suis cedere non erubescentibus, cum caedi cogique aciem suam cerneret, praeuenire morte futurum uicti dedecus cogitarit, cum subito uersus in fugam Pompeiorum cessit exercitus. ### English translation (Claude) The last battle was fought at the river Munda, where they fought with such strength and such slaughter was done that Caesar too, when even his veterans did not blush to give way and he saw his line being cut down and driven back, thought of forestalling by death the future disgrace of defeat, when suddenly the army of the Pompeii turned in flight and gave way. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.16.7 (CSEL 5:404–405; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-16-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.16.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-11-1/#p-6-16-8 - Source: CSEL 5:405 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The end of the civil war in Spain. ### Latin text equidem eo die hoc bellum actum est, quo Pompeius pater ab Vrbe bellum gesturus aufugerat, quattuorque annis hoc bellum ciuile indesinenter toto Orbe tonuit. T. Labienus et Attius Varus in acie caesi sunt. Gnaeus Pompeius cum centesimo equite aufugit. ### English translation (Claude) Indeed, this battle was fought on the same day on which the elder Pompeius had fled from the City to wage war; and for four years this civil war thundered unceasingly over the whole world. Titus Labienus and Attius Varus were slain in the battle line. Gnaeus Pompeius fled with a hundred horsemen. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.16.8 (CSEL 5:405; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-16-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.16.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-11-1/#p-6-16-9 - Source: CSEL 5:405 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The younger Pompey is killed; Munda falls. ### Latin text frater eius eane Pompeius contracta celeriter non parua Lusitanorum manu, cum Caesonio congressus et uictus fugiensque interfectus est. Munda ciuitas cum immensa hominum caede Caesare oppugnante uix capta est. ### English translation (Claude) His brother Pompeius quickly gathered no small band of Lusitanians, engaged Caesonius, was defeated, and was killed while fleeing. The city of Munda, attacked by Caesar, was barely taken with immense slaughter of men. ### Translation notes - “eane” in the digital text is corrupt. Orosius here confuses the brothers: it was Gnaeus who was killed after Munda; Sextus survived (6.18.19). ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.16.9 (CSEL 5:405; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-16-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.17.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-11-1/#p-6-17-1 - Source: CSEL 5:405 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Caesar is assassinated. ### Latin text Caesar Romam rediit. ubi dum reipublicae statum contra exempla maiorum clementer instaurat, auctoribus Bruto et Cassio, conscio etiam plurimo senatu, in curia uiginti et tribus uulneribus confossus interiit. ### English translation (Claude) Caesar returned to Rome. There, while he was mercifully restoring the state of the commonwealth, contrary to the examples of the ancestors, he was stabbed with twenty-three wounds in the senate house and died, Brutus and Cassius being the authors, with a very large part of the senate also privy to it. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.17.1 (CSEL 5:405; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-17-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.17.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-11-1/#p-6-17-2 - Source: CSEL 5:405 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The conspirators retreat to the Capitol. ### Latin text in qua coniuratione fuisse amplius sexaginta conscios ferunt. duo Bruti et C. Cassius aliique socii strictis pugionibus in Capitolium secesserunt. diu deliberatum est, utrum Capitolium cum auctoribus caedis oporteret incendi. ### English translation (Claude) They say there were more than sixty in the conspiracy. The two Bruti and Gaius Cassius and other associates withdrew with drawn daggers to the Capitol. It was long debated whether the Capitol should be burned with the authors of the murder. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.17.2 (CSEL 5:405; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-17-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.17.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-11-1/#p-6-17-3 - Source: CSEL 5:405 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Caesar's body is burned in the forum. ### Latin text corpus eius raptum populus dolore instimulatus in foro fragmentis tribunalium ac subselliorum cremauit. ### English translation (Claude) His body was seized by the people, goaded by grief, and burned in the forum on fragments of the tribunals and benches. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.17.3 (CSEL 5:405; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-17-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.17.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-11-1/#p-6-17-4 - Source: CSEL 5:405–406 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Rome's civil wars avenged the nations she had conquered. ### Latin text Percensuit latitudinem regni sui Roma cladibus suis atque in suam conuersa caedem singulas quasque gentes ibidem, ubi domuit, uindicauit. Asiae Europae atque Africae, non dico tribus mundi partibus sed totis trium partium angulis edidit gladiatores suos feriatisque inimicis spectaculum miserae ultionis ingessit. ### English translation (Claude) Rome reckoned up the breadth of her kingdom by her own disasters and, turned to her own slaughter, avenged each nation in the very place where she had subdued it. From Asia, Europe, and Africa, not I say from three parts of the world, but from all the corners of the three parts, she put forward her gladiators and set before her enemies, now at leisure, the spectacle of a wretched vengeance. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.17.4 (CSEL 5:405–406; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-17-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.17.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-11-1/#p-6-17-5 - Source: CSEL 5:406 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Civil war breeds more civil war. ### Latin text nec tamen sufficit ipsas quoque cum auctoribus causas fuisse consumptas; recidiua semina in eodem agro germinant, magna continuo metentibus malorum incrementa cum magno sudore factura: uictor ciuilis belli a ciuibus Caesar occiditur, in caedem unius trahuntur agmina consciorum. ### English translation (Claude) Nor is it enough that the causes themselves too were consumed with their authors; recurring seeds sprout in the same field, soon to yield those who reap great increases of evils with great sweat: the victor of the civil war, Caesar, is killed by citizens; columns of accomplices are drawn into the murder of one man. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.17.5 (CSEL 5:406; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-17-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.17.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-11-1/#p-6-17-6 - Source: CSEL 5:406 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Many nobles are bound to the crime. ### Latin text certum enim erat, quia Caesar indigne peremptus plures habere posset ultores; plurimaque nobilitas una simul catena sceleris copulatur, ne forte tanta malorum materia non belli magnitudine suppleatur sed uindictae breuitate tenuetur. ### English translation (Claude) For it was certain that Caesar, unworthily slain, could have many avengers; and very much of the nobility is bound together in one chain of crime, lest so great a material of evils should be diminished by the brevity of vengeance rather than filled up by the greatness of war. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.17.6 (CSEL 5:406; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-17-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.17.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-11-1/#p-6-17-7 - Source: CSEL 5:406 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The fable of the dragon's teeth. ### Latin text Medeam illam fabulae ferunt dentes quondam occisi seuisse serpentis, e quibus quasi conpetens semini seges armati homines terra emerserint seseque mox inuicem pugnando prostrauerint. ### English translation (Claude) The fables say that Medea once sowed the teeth of a slain serpent, from which, as a crop suited to the seed, armed men rose from the earth and soon struck each other down in fighting. ### Translation notes - The sowing of the dragon's teeth is told of Jason at Colchis, with Medea's help. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.17.7 (CSEL 5:406; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-17-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.17.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-11-1/#p-6-17-8 - Source: CSEL 5:406 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Rome's civil wars were the real dragon's teeth. ### Latin text equidem hoc poetarum commenta finxerunt; nostra autem Roma Caesare occiso quanta de cineribus eius agmina armata parturiit! quanta bella in testimonium miserae fecunditatis non legenda pueris sed spectanda populis excitauit! ### English translation (Claude) This indeed was invented by the fictions of the poets; but our Rome, when Caesar was killed, what armed columns she brought forth from his ashes! What wars she stirred up, as witness of her wretched fertility, not to be read by boys but to be watched by peoples! ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.17.8 (CSEL 5:406; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-17-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.17.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-11-1/#p-6-17-9 - Source: CSEL 5:406–407 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Pride caused the civil wars; one ruler taught humility. ### Latin text et tamen horum omnium malorum initium superbia est: inde exarserunt bella ciuilia, inde iterum pullularunt. non ergo iniusta caedes est eorum, qui eam iniuste consectantur, si ambitionis aemulatio per ipsos atque in ipsis et agitur et punitur, donec qui detrectauere collegium, discant ferre dominatum, summaque imperii totius ad unum redacta longe aliud omnes homines uiuendi genus subeant, ut omnes humiliter placere studeant, non insolenter offendere. ### English translation (Claude) And yet the beginning of all these evils is pride: from it the civil wars blazed up, from it they sprouted again. So the slaughter of those who pursue it unjustly is not unjust, if the rivalry of ambition is both carried on and punished through themselves and in themselves, until those who refused a partnership learn to bear a lordship, and, the sum of the whole empire reduced to one, all men enter on a far different kind of life, so that all strive to please humbly, not to offend insolently. ### Extrabiblical texts - Sir 10:13 (Sirach): allusion, medium confidence ### Translation notes - “The beginning … is pride”: compare Sir 10:13 (Vulg. 10:15). ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.17.9 (CSEL 5:406–407; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-17-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.17.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-11-1/#p-6-17-10 - Source: CSEL 5:407 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Christ was born to teach humility. ### Latin text sed ad tam salubrem humilitatis doctrinam magistro opus est. itaque opportune conpositis rebus Augusti Caesaris natus est Dominus Christus, qui cum in forma Dei esset, formam serui humiliter adsumpsit, ut tunc demum aptior fieret humilitatis institutio, quando iam per totum mundum poena superbiae omnibus esset exemplo. ### English translation (Claude) But for so wholesome a teaching of humility a teacher is needed. So, at an opportune time, when the affairs of Augustus Caesar had been settled, the Lord Christ was born, “who, though he was in the form of God,” humbly “took the form of a servant,” so that the instruction in humility might then at last be the more fitting, when the punishment of pride was now an example to all throughout the whole world. ### Scripture references - Phil 2:6–7: quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation of Phil 2:6–7. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.17.10 (CSEL 5:407; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-17-10). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.18.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-6-18-1 - Source: CSEL 5:407 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Octavian enters the civil wars. ### Latin text Anno ab Vrbe condita DCCX interfecto Iulio Caesare Octauianus, qui testamento Iuli Caesaris auunculi et hereditatem et nomen adsumpserat idemque, qui postea rerum potitus Augustus est dictus, simul ut Romam adulescens admodum uenit, indolem suam bellis ciuilibus uouit. ### English translation (Claude) In the 710th year from the founding of the City, when Julius Caesar had been killed, Octavian, who by the will of his great-uncle Julius Caesar had taken both his inheritance and his name, and who afterward, when he had gained supreme power, was called Augustus, as soon as he came to Rome, still quite a young man, dedicated his talent to civil wars. ### Translation notes - “auunculi” (uncle) as printed; Caesar was Octavian's great-uncle. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.18.1 (CSEL 5:407; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-18-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.18.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-6-18-2 - Source: CSEL 5:407 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Octavian's five civil wars. ### Latin text nam, ut breuiter coaceruationem malorum explicem, bella ciuilia quinque gessit: Mutinense Philippense Perusinum Siculum Actiacum. e quibus duo, hoc est primum ac nouissimum, aduersus M. Antonium, secundum aduersus Brutum et Cassium, tertium aduersus L. Antonium, quartum aduersus Sex. Pompeium, Cn. Pompei filium, confecit. ### English translation (Claude) For, to set out briefly the heap of evils, he waged five civil wars: of Mutina, Philippi, Perusia, Sicily, and Actium. Of these, he fought two, that is, the first and the last, against Marcus Antonius, the second against Brutus and Cassius, the third against Lucius Antonius, the fourth against Sextus Pompeius, son of Gnaeus Pompeius. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.18.2 (CSEL 5:407; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-18-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.18.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-6-18-3 - Source: CSEL 5:407–408 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The war of Mutina. ### Latin text Antonius a senatu hostis pronuntiatus D. Brutum apud Mutinam obsidione concluserat. consules Hirtius et Pansa et cum his Caesar ad liberandum Brutum expugnandumque Antonium missi. ### English translation (Claude) Antonius, declared an enemy by the senate, had shut in Decimus Brutus by siege at Mutina. The consuls Hirtius and Pansa, and with them Caesar, were sent to free Brutus and defeat Antonius. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.18.3 (CSEL 5:407–408; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-18-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.18.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-6-18-4 - Source: CSEL 5:408 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Pansa is wounded; Hirtius defeats Antony. ### Latin text Pansa primo ueniens exceptus insidiis, inter suorum clades ipse quoque pilo grauiter uulneratus ab eodem uulnere interpositis diebus est mortuus. Hirtius auxilium collegae ferens magnas Antonii copias uasta strage deleuit. Caesar eatenus castra custodiit. ### English translation (Claude) Pansa, arriving first, was caught in an ambush, and amid the slaughter of his men he too was gravely wounded by a javelin and died of that wound after some days. Hirtius, bringing help to his colleague, destroyed Antonius's great forces with vast slaughter. Caesar meanwhile guarded the camp. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.18.4 (CSEL 5:408; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-18-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.18.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-6-18-5 - Source: CSEL 5:408 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Antony is defeated; Hirtius dies. ### Latin text secunda aduersus Antonium pugna magnae utrimque strages actae sunt. namque tunc ibi Hirtius consul occisus est, uictus fugit Antonius, Caesar uictoria potitus est, cui D. Brutus de coniuratione occisi Iuli Caesaris confessus preces paenitentiae fudit. ### English translation (Claude) In the second battle against Antonius great slaughter was done on both sides. For the consul Hirtius was then killed there, Antonius fled defeated, and Caesar gained the victory; to him Decimus Brutus, confessing his part in the conspiracy to kill Julius Caesar, poured out prayers of repentance. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.18.5 (CSEL 5:408; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-18-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.18.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-6-18-6 - Source: CSEL 5:408 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Dolabella kills Trebonius. ### Latin text Dolabella Trebonium, unum ex interfectoribus Caesaris, Zmyrnae interfecit. Dolabellam senatus hostem pronuntiauit. consulum occisorum uterque exercitus Caesari paruit. ### English translation (Claude) Dolabella killed Trebonius, one of Caesar's murderers, at Smyrna. The senate declared Dolabella an enemy. Both armies of the slain consuls obeyed Caesar. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.18.6 (CSEL 5:408; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-18-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.18.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-6-18-7 - Source: CSEL 5:408 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: More of the assassins die. ### Latin text postea D. Brutus in Gallia a Sequanis captus et occisus est. Basilus autem, aeque unus de percussoribus, manu seruorum suorum necatus est. ### English translation (Claude) Afterward Decimus Brutus was captured and killed in Gaul by the Sequani. Basilus too, likewise one of the assassins, was killed by a band of his own slaves. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.18.7 (CSEL 5:408; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-18-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.18.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-6-18-8 - Source: CSEL 5:408 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Octavian is reconciled with Antony. ### Latin text Lepido satisagente Caesar Antonium recepit in gratiam atque ob fidem reconciliatae gratiae filiam eius matrimonio sortitus est. ### English translation (Claude) Through Lepidus's efforts Caesar received Antonius back into favor, and as a pledge of the reconciliation he took his daughter in marriage. ### Translation notes - In fact Octavian married Clodia, Antony's stepdaughter (daughter of Fulvia); compare 6.18.17. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.18.8 (CSEL 5:408; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-18-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.18.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-6-18-9 - Source: CSEL 5:408 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Murders before the proscription. ### Latin text inde cum ad Vrbem accessissent ac rumor de futura proscriptione ortus esset, C. Thoranius uir praetorius nihil tale metuens incursu militum domi suae interfectus est aliique conplures trucidati sunt. ### English translation (Claude) Then, when they had approached the City and a rumor of a coming proscription had arisen, Gaius Thoranius, a man of praetorian rank, fearing no such thing, was killed in his own house by an assault of soldiers, and a number of others were slaughtered. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.18.9 (CSEL 5:408; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-18-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.18.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-6-18-10 - Source: CSEL 5:408–409 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The triumvirs' proscription list. ### Latin text itaque, ne latius atque effrenatius incircumscripta caedes ageretur, centum triginta et duum senatorum nomina in tabula proposita sunt, primum Lepidi praecepto et nomine, deinde Antonii, tertio Caesaris. ### English translation (Claude) So, lest unlimited slaughter be carried on more widely and more unrestrainedly, the names of a hundred and thirty-two senators were posted on a list, first at the order and in the name of Lepidus, then of Antonius, third of Caesar. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.18.10 (CSEL 5:408–409; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-18-10). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.18.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-6-18-11 - Source: CSEL 5:409 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Cicero and kinsmen are proscribed. ### Latin text ibi Antonius Tullium Ciceronem inimicum suum, ibi L. Caesarem auunculum suum et — quod exaggerando sceleri accessit — uiua matre proscripserat; ibi Lepidus L. Paulum fratrem suum in eundem proscriptorum gregem coniecerat. ### English translation (Claude) There Antonius had proscribed his enemy Tullius Cicero, there his uncle Lucius Caesar, and, what added to the enormity of the crime, while his mother was alive; there Lepidus had thrown his brother Lucius Paulus into the same herd of the proscribed. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.18.11 (CSEL 5:409; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-18-11). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.18.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-6-18-12 - Source: CSEL 5:409 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: More proscriptions and plunder. ### Latin text adiecti sunt postea ad numerum proscriptorum triginta equites Romani. multae diu et uariae caedes actae, domus proscriptorum direptis omnibus dirutae sunt. ### English translation (Claude) Thirty Roman knights were afterward added to the number of the proscribed. Many and various slaughters were carried out for a long time; the houses of the proscribed, after everything was plundered, were torn down. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.18.12 (CSEL 5:409; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-18-12). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.18.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-6-18-13 - Source: CSEL 5:409 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Dolabella dies; Brutus and Cassius ravage Greece. ### Latin text at Dolabella in Syria multa cum Cassio bella gessit, a quo uictus ipse se interfecit. Brutus et Cassius magnis exercitibus conparatis apud Athenas conuenerunt totamque Graeciam depopulati sunt. Rhodios Cassius terra marique oppugnatos ad deditionem coegit, quibus praeter uitam nihil reliquit. ### English translation (Claude) But Dolabella waged many wars in Syria with Cassius, by whom he was defeated and killed himself. Brutus and Cassius, having gathered great armies, met at Athens and laid waste all Greece. Cassius attacked the Rhodians by land and sea and forced them to surrender, leaving them nothing but their lives. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.18.13 (CSEL 5:409; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-18-13). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.18.14 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-6-18-14 - Source: CSEL 5:409 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Philippi was won by Octavian's luck. ### Latin text igitur Caesar et Antonius eosdem in Macedoniam magnis bellorum apparatibus persecuti, ad mortem conpulerunt; quamuis manifestissime illa tunc pugna non uirtute partis, Antoni, sed Caesaris felicitate confecta sit. ### English translation (Claude) So Caesar and Antonius pursued them into Macedonia with great preparations of war and drove them to death; although that battle was then quite plainly decided not by the courage of the party of Antonius but by the good fortune of Caesar. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.18.14 (CSEL 5:409; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-18-14). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.18.15 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-6-18-15 - Source: CSEL 5:409–410 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: A dream saves Octavian at Philippi. ### Latin text Caesar enim tunc aeger, cum se in castris capiendae quietis causa tenere statuisset, hortatu et precibus medici sui, qui per somnium admonitum sese fatebatur, ut ea die castris Caesarem salutis ipsius causa educeret, in campum aegre inter copias egressus est ac mox castra eius ab hostibus capta sunt. sed rursus Caesariani milites Cassi castra ceperunt. ### English translation (Claude) For Caesar, then sick, when he had decided to keep to the camp to take rest, at the urging and prayers of his physician, who declared that he had been warned in a dream to lead Caesar out of the camp that day for the sake of his safety, went out with difficulty into the field among the troops, and soon his camp was taken by the enemy. But Caesar's soldiers in turn took the camp of Cassius. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.18.15 (CSEL 5:409–410; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-18-15). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.18.16 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-6-18-16 - Source: CSEL 5:410 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Brutus and Cassius kill themselves. ### Latin text quare ad desperationem adacti Brutus et Cassius immaturam sibi mortem ante belli terminum consciuerunt. nam inuitatis percussoribus Cassius caput, Brutus latus praebuit. ### English translation (Claude) So Brutus and Cassius, driven to despair, brought on themselves an untimely death before the end of the war. For having called in assassins, Cassius offered his head, Brutus his side. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.18.16 (CSEL 5:410; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-18-16). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.18.17 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-6-18-17 - Source: CSEL 5:410 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Fulvia's domination at Rome. ### Latin text at Romae Fuluia, uxor Antoni, socrus Caesaris, dominatum ut mulier agitabat, incertum in hac mutatione consularis regiique fastigii utrum deficientis potentiae ultima an incipientis prima numeranda, certe etiam in eos insolens, per quos ut insolesceret agebatur. ### English translation (Claude) But at Rome Fulvia, wife of Antonius and mother-in-law of Caesar, was exercising domination as a woman would; in this change of consular and royal eminence it is uncertain whether she should be counted the last of a failing power or the first of a beginning one; certainly she was insolent even toward those through whom it came about that she could be insolent. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.18.17 (CSEL 5:410; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-18-17). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.18.18 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-6-18-18 - Source: CSEL 5:410 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Fulvia attacks Octavian and flees. ### Latin text nam et Caesarem reuersum apud Brundisium contumeliis factionibus insidiisque petiit. a quo propulsata ad Antonium concessit in Graeciam. ### English translation (Claude) For she also attacked Caesar on his return at Brundisium with insults, factions, and plots. Driven off by him, she went to Antonius in Greece. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.18.18 (CSEL 5:410; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-18-18). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.18.19 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-6-18-19 - Source: CSEL 5:410 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Sextus Pompey starves Rome. ### Latin text Sex. Pompeius postquam se in proscriptorum numerum relatum conperit, conuersus in latrocinia omnem oram Italiae caedibus rapinisque uastauit. Sicilia praerepta commeatibusque inpeditis Romam fame adfecit. ### English translation (Claude) Sextus Pompeius, after he learned that he had been placed on the list of the proscribed, turned to piracy and laid waste the whole coast of Italy with slaughter and robbery. Having seized Sicily and blocked the supplies, he afflicted Rome with hunger. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.18.19 (CSEL 5:410; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-18-19). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.18.20 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-6-18-20 - Source: CSEL 5:410 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Peace with Sextus breaks down. ### Latin text mox cum eo pacem triumuiri, ut non dicam tyranni, id est Lepidus Caesar Antoniusque fecerunt. sed continuo cum contra pactum Pompeius fugitiuos allegeret, ut hostis habitus est. ### English translation (Claude) Soon the triumvirs, not to say tyrants, that is, Lepidus, Caesar, and Antonius, made peace with him. But at once, when Pompeius, against the agreement, was enlisting runaway slaves, he was held as an enemy. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.18.20 (CSEL 5:410; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-18-20). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.18.21 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-6-18-21 - Source: CSEL 5:410–411 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Mena deserts to Octavian. ### Latin text Mena libertus Pompei cum sexaginta nauium classe ad Caesarem defecit eidemque classi ipse iussu Caesaris praefuit. idemque continuo cum Statilio Tauro aduersus Menecraten Pompeianum ducem nauale bellum gessit. ### English translation (Claude) Mena, Pompeius's freedman, deserted to Caesar with a fleet of sixty ships and himself commanded that fleet by Caesar's order. The same man at once, with Statilius Taurus, waged a naval war against Menecrates, the Pompeian commander. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.18.21 (CSEL 5:410–411; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-18-21). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.18.22 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-6-18-22 - Source: CSEL 5:411 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Octavian loses his fleet in a storm. ### Latin text deinde ipse Caesar aduersus eosdem Pompeianos cruentissimum bellum nauale confecit; sed continuo uictricem classem paene uniuersam apud Scylaceum naufragio amisit. ### English translation (Claude) Then Caesar himself fought a most bloody naval war against the same Pompeians; but at once he lost almost the whole victorious fleet by shipwreck at Scylaceum. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.18.22 (CSEL 5:411; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-18-22). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.18.23 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-6-18-23 - Source: CSEL 5:411 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Ventidius defeats the Parthians. ### Latin text Ventidius Persas et Parthos in Syriam inrumpentes tribus bellis maximis fudit regemque eorum Pacorum in acie interfecit, ea scilicet die, qua Crassus a Parthis fuerat occisus. Antonius, uix uno castello expugnato, pacem cum Antiocho fecit, ut ipse tantam rem consummasse uideretur. ### English translation (Claude) Ventidius routed the Persians and Parthians, who were bursting into Syria, in three very great battles and killed their king Pacorus in the battle line, on the very day, as it happened, on which Crassus had been killed by the Parthians. Antonius, having barely stormed one fort, made peace with Antiochus, so that he himself might seem to have brought so great an affair to completion. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.18.23 (CSEL 5:411; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-18-23). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.18.24 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-6-18-24 - Source: CSEL 5:411 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Ventidius against Antigonus. ### Latin text Ventidium Syriae praefecit iussitque ut Antigono bellum inferret, qui Iudaeos tum forte debellauerat captisque Hierosolymis templum spoliauerat regnumque Herodi dederat: quem continuo uictum in deditionem recepit. ### English translation (Claude) He put Ventidius in command of Syria and ordered him to make war on Antigonus, who had then happened to defeat the Jews, taken Jerusalem, plundered the temple, and given the kingdom to Herod; Ventidius at once defeated him and received him in surrender. ### Translation notes - Orosius has the facts confused: Antigonus had driven out Herod, whom the Romans restored. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.18.24 (CSEL 5:411; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-18-24). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.18.25 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-6-18-25 - Source: CSEL 5:411 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Mena changes sides again. ### Latin text Mena libertus cum sex nauibus ad Pompeium rediit, a quo clementer receptus Caesaris classem incendit, quamuis nuper Caesar alteram secundo naufragio perdidisset. idemque Mena postea ab Agrippa nauali proelio circumuentus cum sex triremibus ad Caesarem transiit. sed hunc Caesar tertio transfugam, indulta tantum uita, segnem reliquit. ### English translation (Claude) Mena the freedman returned to Pompeius with six ships; mercifully received by him, he burned Caesar's fleet, although Caesar had lately lost another in a second shipwreck. The same Mena afterward, surrounded by Agrippa in a naval battle, went over to Caesar with six triremes. But Caesar, granting this three-time deserter only his life, left him idle. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.18.25 (CSEL 5:411; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-18-25). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.18.26 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-6-18-26 - Source: CSEL 5:411–412 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Agrippa wins at Mylae. ### Latin text deinde Agrippa inter Mylas et Liparas aduersus Democham et Pompeium nauale proelium gessit ac uicit ibique tunc naues triginta aut demersit aut cepit reliquis laceratis. Pompeius Messanam confugit. ### English translation (Claude) Then Agrippa fought a naval battle between Mylae and Lipara against Demochares and Pompeius and won, and then either sank or captured thirty ships, the rest being shattered. Pompeius fled to Messana. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.18.26 (CSEL 5:411–412; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-18-26). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.18.27 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-6-18-27 - Source: CSEL 5:412 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Octavian is defeated at Tauromenium. ### Latin text Caesar interea Tauromenium traiecerat: quem repentino impetu Pompeius adflixit: unde multis demersis nauibus suis ac magna multitudine suorum militum perdita, in Italiam Caesar aufugit; nec interueniente mora in Siciliam rediit; ### English translation (Claude) Caesar meanwhile had crossed to Tauromenium; Pompeius struck him with a sudden attack; and so, with many of his ships sunk and a great multitude of his soldiers lost, Caesar fled to Italy; and without any delay he returned to Sicily; ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.18.27 (CSEL 5:412; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-18-27). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.18.28 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-6-18-28 - Source: CSEL 5:412 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Lepidus arrives in Sicily. ### Latin text ibique Lepidum ex Africa aduentantem obuium habuit, summas sibi partes terrore minis ac superbia uindicantem. ### English translation (Claude) and there he met Lepidus arriving from Africa, claiming the chief part for himself with terror, threats, and arrogance. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.18.28 (CSEL 5:412; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-18-28). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.18.29 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-6-18-29 - Source: CSEL 5:412 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Agrippa defeats Sextus at Naulochus. ### Latin text post dies paucos Agrippa iussu Caesaris a litore cum acie instructa prospectantis atrocissimo nauali proelio aduersus Pompeium conflixit et uicit. nam centum sexaginta et tres naues aut demersit aut cepit. Pompeius cum decem et septem nauibus uix elapsus euasit. ### English translation (Claude) After a few days Agrippa, by Caesar's order, while Caesar watched from the shore with his army drawn up, fought a most dreadful naval battle against Pompeius and won. For he either sank or captured a hundred and sixty-three ships. Pompeius barely slipped away with seventeen ships and escaped. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.18.29 (CSEL 5:412; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-18-29). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.18.30 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-6-18-30 - Source: CSEL 5:412 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Lepidus defies Octavian. ### Latin text Lepidus magna uiginti legionum insolentia tumens cum Messanam militibus permissam diripuisset, ipsum Caesarem ad se uenientem semel atque iterum spreuit ac potius telis adpeti iussit. ### English translation (Claude) Lepidus, swelling with great arrogance because of his twenty legions, after letting his soldiers plunder Messana, scorned Caesar himself once and again when he came to him, and instead ordered him to be attacked with missiles. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.18.30 (CSEL 5:412; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-18-30). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.18.31 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-6-18-31 - Source: CSEL 5:412–413 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Lepidus's legions desert to Octavian. ### Latin text quae ille collecta in laeuum bracchium lacerna repellendo uitauit; mox inmisso equo ad suos reuersus, instructo exercitu aduersus Lepidum ueniens, plurimas legiones Lepidi paucis interfectis transire in suam partem conpulit. ### English translation (Claude) Caesar avoided these by warding them off with his cloak gathered on his left arm; soon, spurring his horse, he returned to his men and, coming against Lepidus with his army drawn up, forced very many of Lepidus's legions to cross over to his side, with few killed. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.18.31 (CSEL 5:412–413; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-18-31). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.18.32 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-6-18-32 - Source: CSEL 5:413 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Lepidus submits. ### Latin text Lepidus tandem intellegens, quo uanitas sua tenderet, deposito paludamento assumptaque ueste pulla, supplex Caesari factus uitam et bona impetrauit, perpetuo quidem amendatus exilio. Taurus, Caesaris praefectus, totam paene Siciliam ferro pertemptatam conterritamque in fidem recepit. ### English translation (Claude) Lepidus at last, understanding where his vanity was leading, laid aside his general's cloak and put on mourning dress, and, becoming a suppliant to Caesar, obtained his life and property, though he was banished in perpetual exile. Taurus, Caesar's prefect, received into his protection almost all Sicily, tried and terrified by the sword. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.18.32 (CSEL 5:413; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-18-32). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.18.33 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-6-18-33 - Source: CSEL 5:413 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Octavian's settlement after Sicily. ### Latin text quadraginta et quattuor legiones sub unius tunc imperio Caesaris erant; milites, multitudine ferociores, quosdam pro accipiendis agris tumultus excitauerunt; sed Caesar, animo ingens, uiginti milia militum exauctorauit, triginta milia seruorum dominis restituit, sex milia, quorum domini non exstabant, in crucem egit. ### English translation (Claude) Forty-four legions were then under the command of Caesar alone; the soldiers, made fiercer by their numbers, stirred up some tumults to receive land; but Caesar, great of spirit, discharged twenty thousand soldiers, returned thirty thousand slaves to their masters, and crucified six thousand whose masters could not be found. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.18.33 (CSEL 5:413; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-18-33). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.18.34 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-6-18-34 - Source: CSEL 5:413 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Octavian receives tribunician power; a spring of oil flows. ### Latin text ouans Vrbem ingressus ut in perpetuum tribuniciae potestatis esset, a senatu decretum est. his diebus trans Tiberim e taberna meritoria fons olei terra exundauit ac per totum diem largissimo riuo fluxit. ### English translation (Claude) When he entered the City in an ovation, the senate decreed that he should hold the tribunician power forever. In those days, across the Tiber, from a lodging house for veterans, a spring of oil gushed from the earth and flowed in a very abundant stream for a whole day. ### Translation notes - “Taberna meritoria”: a house for discharged veterans (the later church of Santa Maria in Trastevere). ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.18.34 (CSEL 5:413; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-18-34). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.19.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-6-19-1 - Source: CSEL 5:413–414 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Antony's disastrous Parthian campaign. ### Latin text Antonius uero postquam Araxim transmisit, omnibus undique malis circumuentus, uix tandem Antiochiam cum paucis rediit. nam cum multitudine equitum et sagittarum ab omnibus proeliis, quae plura temptauit, uictus semper effugerit tum praeterea incertis et ignotis regionis locis impeditus grauissima fame ad nefandos cibos coactus est; plurimi militum sese hostibus dediderunt. ### English translation (Claude) But Antonius, after crossing the Araxes, surrounded by every kind of evil on all sides, at last barely returned to Antioch with a few men. For, while he always escaped defeated from all the battles, of which he attempted several, by a multitude of horsemen and archers, he was besides hampered by uncertain and unknown places of the region and forced by very severe hunger to unspeakable food; very many of the soldiers surrendered to the enemy. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.19.1 (CSEL 5:413–414; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-19-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.19.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-6-19-2 - Source: CSEL 5:414 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Sextus Pompey is killed. ### Latin text inde in Graeciam transiit iussitque Pompeium, qui uictus a Caesare exercitum bellumque reparabat, cum paucis ad se uenire. Pompeius fugiens a Titio et Furnio Antonianis ducibus saepe terrestri naualique bello uictus et captus ac post paululum interfectus est. ### English translation (Claude) From there he crossed into Greece and ordered Pompeius, who, defeated by Caesar, was preparing an army and war again, to come to him with a few men. Pompeius, fleeing, was often defeated in land and naval war by Titius and Furnius, Antonius's generals, was captured, and a little after was killed. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.19.2 (CSEL 5:414; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-19-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.19.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-6-19-3 - Source: CSEL 5:414 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Antony captures the king of Armenia. ### Latin text Caesar Illyricum Pannoniam partemque Italiae bellis subegit ac domuit; Antonius Artabanen Armeniae regem proditione et dolo cepit: quem argentea catena uinctum ad confessionem thesaurorum regiorum coegit, expugnatoque oppido, in quo conditos esse prodiderat, magnam uim auri argentique abstulit. ### English translation (Claude) Caesar subdued and tamed Illyricum, Pannonia, and part of Italy in wars; Antonius captured Artabanes, king of Armenia, by treachery and guile; he bound him with a silver chain and forced him to reveal the royal treasures, and, having stormed the town in which he had disclosed they were hidden, carried off a great quantity of gold and silver. ### Translation notes - “Artabanen” as printed, for Artavasdes. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.19.3 (CSEL 5:414; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-19-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.19.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-6-19-4 - Source: CSEL 5:414 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Antony divorces Octavia and declares war. ### Latin text qua elatus pecunia denuntiari bellum Caesari atque Octauiae, sorori Caesaris, uxori suae, repudium indici iussit et Cleopatram sibi ex Alexandria occurrere imperauit. ### English translation (Claude) Elated by this money, he ordered war to be declared on Caesar and divorce to be announced to Octavia, Caesar's sister, his wife, and commanded Cleopatra to come to meet him from Alexandria. ### Translation notes - repudium: divorce. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.19.4 (CSEL 5:414; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-19-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.19.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-6-19-5 - Source: CSEL 5:414 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Antony's callous saying at Actium. ### Latin text ipse Actium ubi classem constituerat profectus, cum prope tertiam partem remigum fame absumptam offendisset, nihil motus remi, inquit, modo salui sint; nam remiges non deerunt, quoad Graecia homines habuerit. ### English translation (Claude) He himself, setting out for Actium, where he had stationed the fleet, when he found almost a third of the rowers consumed by hunger, was not at all moved and said: “Only let the oars be safe; for rowers will not be lacking as long as Greece has men.” ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.19.5 (CSEL 5:414; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-19-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.19.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-6-19-6 - Source: CSEL 5:414–415 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Agrippa's operations before Actium. ### Latin text Caesar ducentis triginta rostratis nauibus a Brundisio in Epirum profectus est. Agrippa uero praemissus a Caesare, multas onerarias naues frumento atque armis graues ab Aegypto Syria Asiaque ad subsidium Antonio uenientes cepit peragratoque Peloponnensium sinu Mothonam urbem ualidissimo Antoniano praesidio munitam expugnauit. ### English translation (Claude) Caesar set out from Brundisium for Epirus with two hundred and thirty beaked ships. Agrippa, sent ahead by Caesar, captured many transport ships heavy with grain and arms coming from Egypt, Syria, and Asia to help Antonius, and, sailing through the gulf of the Peloponnese, stormed the city of Methone, fortified with a very strong Antonian garrison. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.19.6 (CSEL 5:414–415; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-19-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.19.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-6-19-7 - Source: CSEL 5:415 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Antony is defeated on land. ### Latin text inde Corcyram cepit; fugientes nauali proelio persecutus profligauit multisque rebus cruentissime gestis ad Caesarem uenit. Antonius defectu et fame militum suorum permotus bellum maturare instituit ac repente instructis copiis ad Caesaris castra processit et uictus est. ### English translation (Claude) Then he took Corcyra; he pursued and routed the fugitives in a naval battle and, after many things done most bloodily, came to Caesar. Antonius, disturbed by the desertion and hunger of his soldiers, decided to hasten the war and, suddenly drawing up his forces, advanced to Caesar's camp and was defeated. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.19.7 (CSEL 5:415; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-19-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.19.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-6-19-8 - Source: CSEL 5:415 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Octavian's fleet at Actium. ### Latin text tertio post pugnam die Antonius castra ad Actium transtulit, nauali proelio decernere paratus. ducentae triginta rostratae fuere Caesaris naues et triginta sine rostris, triremes uelocitate Liburnicis pares et octo legiones classi superpositae, absque cohortibus quinque praetoriis. ### English translation (Claude) On the third day after the battle Antonius moved his camp to Actium, ready to decide by a naval battle. Caesar had two hundred and thirty beaked ships and thirty without beaks, triremes equal in speed to Liburnians, and eight legions placed on the fleet, apart from five praetorian cohorts. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.19.8 (CSEL 5:415; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-19-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.19.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-6-19-9 - Source: CSEL 5:415 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Antony's fleet. ### Latin text classis Antonii centum septuaginta nauium fuit, quantum numero cedens tantum magnitudine praecellens, nam decem pedum altitudine a mari aberant. famosum et magnum hoc bellum apud Actium fuit. ### English translation (Claude) Antonius's fleet was of a hundred and seventy ships, as much superior in size as inferior in number, for they stood ten feet high above the sea. This famous and great war was at Actium. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.19.9 (CSEL 5:415; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-19-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.19.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-6-19-10 - Source: CSEL 5:415 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The battle of Actium. ### Latin text ab hora quinta usque in horam septimam incerta uincendi spe grauissimae utrimque caedes actae; reliquum diei cum subsequente nocte in uictoriam Caesaris declinauit. ### English translation (Claude) From the fifth hour to the seventh, with the hope of victory uncertain, very heavy slaughter was done on both sides; the rest of the day with the following night turned to Caesar's victory. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.19.10 (CSEL 5:415; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-19-10). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.19.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-6-19-11 - Source: CSEL 5:415 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Cleopatra and Antony flee. ### Latin text prior regina Cleopatra cum LX uelocissimis nauibus fugit; Antonius quoque detracto insigni praetoriae nauis fugientem secutus uxorem est. inlucescente iam die uictoriam Caesar consummauit. ### English translation (Claude) Queen Cleopatra fled first with sixty very fast ships; Antonius too, having taken down the ensign of the flagship, followed his fleeing wife. As day was dawning Caesar completed the victory. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.19.11 (CSEL 5:415; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-19-11). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.19.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-6-19-12 - Source: CSEL 5:415–416 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The losses at Actium. ### Latin text ex uictis duodecim milia cecidisse referuntur, sex milia uulnerata sunt, e quibus mille inter curandum defecerunt. ### English translation (Claude) Of the vanquished, twelve thousand are reported to have fallen and six thousand were wounded, of whom a thousand died while being treated. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.19.12 (CSEL 5:415–416; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-19-12). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.19.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-6-19-13 - Source: CSEL 5:416 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Antony and Cleopatra prepare to fight again. ### Latin text Antonius et Cleopatra communes liberos cum parte regiae gazae ad Rubrum mare praemittendos consuerunt; ipsi praesidiis circa duo Aegypti cornua, Pelusium Parethoniumque, dispositis classem et copias instaurando bello parauerunt. ### English translation (Claude) Antonius and Cleopatra decided to send their common children ahead to the Red Sea with part of the royal treasure; they themselves, having placed garrisons around the two horns of Egypt, Pelusium and Paraetonium, prepared a fleet and forces to renew the war. ### Translation notes - “consuerunt” as printed; read “censuerunt” (decided). ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.19.13 (CSEL 5:416; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-19-13). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.19.14 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-6-19-14 - Source: CSEL 5:416 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Octavian advances on Egypt. ### Latin text Caesar sexto imperator appellatus et quartum ipse cum M. Licinio Crasso consul Brundisium uenit; ibi orbis terrarum praesidia diuisis legionibus conposuit; inde in Syriam profectus, mox Pelusium adiit, ubi ab Antonianis praesidiis ultro susceptus est. ### English translation (Claude) Caesar, hailed imperator for the sixth time, and consul for the fourth time with Marcus Licinius Crassus, came to Brundisium; there he arranged the garrisons of the world, distributing the legions; then, setting out for Syria, he soon reached Pelusium, where he was received of their own accord by Antonius's garrisons. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.19.14 (CSEL 5:416; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-19-14). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.19.15 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-6-19-15 - Source: CSEL 5:416 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Gallus defeats Antony. ### Latin text interea Cornelius Gallus praemissus a Caesare quattuor legiones, quas Antonius apud Cyrenas praesidii loco constituerat, suscepit in fidem atque inde Parethonium, primam Aegypti a Libyae parte ciuitatem, uicto cepit Antonio ipsumque continuo apud Pharum uicit. ### English translation (Claude) Meanwhile Cornelius Gallus, sent ahead by Caesar, received into his protection four legions which Antonius had stationed at Cyrene as a garrison, and from there took Paraetonium, the first city of Egypt on the side of Libya, after defeating Antonius, and at once defeated him again at Pharos. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.19.15 (CSEL 5:416; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-19-15). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.19.16 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-6-19-16 - Source: CSEL 5:416–417 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Antony's fleet deserts him. ### Latin text nonna equestre aduersus Caesarem bellum iniit; in eo quoque miserabiliter uictus aufugit. kalendis Sextilibus prima luce Antonius cum ad instruendam classem in portum descenderet, subito uniuersae naues ad Caesarem transierunt; cumque unico praesidio spoliatus esset, trepidus se cum paucis recepit in regiam. ### English translation (Claude) He entered on a cavalry battle against Caesar; in this too he was pitifully defeated and fled. On the first of August, at first light, when Antonius went down to the harbor to draw up his fleet, suddenly all the ships went over to Caesar; and when he had been stripped of his only defense, he withdrew in alarm with a few men into the palace. ### Translation notes - The first word, “nonna,” is corrupt in the digital text; the sense requires Antony as subject (perhaps “Antonius” or “deinde”). ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.19.16 (CSEL 5:416–417; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-19-16). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.19.17 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-6-19-17 - Source: CSEL 5:417 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Antony's suicide. ### Latin text deinde inminente Caesare turbataque ciuitate idem Antonius sese ferro transuerberauit ac semianimis ad Cleopatram in monumentum, in quod se illa mori certa condiderat, perlatus est. ### English translation (Claude) Then, with Caesar approaching and the city in confusion, the same Antonius ran himself through with a sword and, half alive, was carried to Cleopatra in the tomb in which she had shut herself, resolved to die. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.19.17 (CSEL 5:417; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-19-17). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.19.18 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-6-19-18 - Source: CSEL 5:417 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Cleopatra's suicide. ### Latin text Cleopatra postquam se ad triumphum seruari intellexit, uoluntariam mortem petens, serpentis, ut putatur, morsu in sinistro tacta bracchio exanimis inuenta est, frustra Caesare etiam Psyllos admouente, qui uenena serpentum e uulneribus hominum haustu reuocare atque exsugere solent. ### English translation (Claude) Cleopatra, after she understood that she was being kept for the triumph, seeking a voluntary death, was found lifeless, touched, it is thought, by the bite of a serpent on her left arm, although Caesar even brought in the Psylli, who are accustomed to draw back and suck out the poisons of serpents from men's wounds. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.19.18 (CSEL 5:417; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-19-18). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.19.19 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-6-19-19 - Source: CSEL 5:417 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Alexandria's wealth enriches Rome. ### Latin text Caesar Alexandria, urbe omnium longe opulentissima et maxima, uictor potitus est. nam et Roma in tantum opibus eius aucta est, ut propter abundantiam pecuniarum duplicia quam usque ad id fuerant possessionum aliarumque rerum uenalium pretia statuerentur. ### English translation (Claude) Caesar as victor gained possession of Alexandria, by far the richest and greatest of all cities. For Rome was so increased by its wealth that, because of the abundance of money, prices of properties and other things for sale were set double what they had been up to then. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.19.19 (CSEL 5:417; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-19-19). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.19.20 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-6-19-20 - Source: CSEL 5:417 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Octavian's executions at Alexandria. ### Latin text occisi sunt iussu Caesaris maior Antonii filius et P. Canidius, infestissimus quidem semper Caesari sed et Antonio infidus, et Cassius Palmensis, ultima uiolati patris Caesaris uictima, et Q. Ouinius ob eam maxime notam, quod obscenissime lanificio textrinoque reginae senator populi Romani praeesse non erubuerat. ### English translation (Claude) By Caesar's order there were killed Antonius's elder son; Publius Canidius, always most hostile to Caesar but faithless to Antonius too; Cassius of Parma, the last victim for the violation of Caesar's father; and Quintus Ovinius, chiefly because of the disgrace that a senator of the Roman people had not blushed to direct, most obscenely, the queen's wool-working and weaving. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.19.20 (CSEL 5:417; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-19-20). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.19.21 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-6-19-21 - Source: CSEL 5:417–418 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Octavian returns west. ### Latin text dehinc Caesar pedestribus copiis in Syriam uenit, deinde in Asiam ad hiberna concessit ac post per Graeciam Brundisium peruectus est. ### English translation (Claude) Then Caesar came with his land forces into Syria, then withdrew into Asia for winter quarters, and afterward traveled through Greece to Brundisium. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.19.21 (CSEL 5:417–418; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-19-21). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.20.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-6-20-1 - Source: CSEL 5:418 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Octavian closes the gates of Janus. ### Latin text Anno ab Vrbe condita DCCXXV ipso imperatore Caesare Augusto quinquies et L. Apuleio consulibus Caesar uictor ab Oriente rediens, VIII idus Ianuarias Vrbem triplici triumpho ingressus est ac tunc primum ipse Iani portas sopitis finitisque omnibus bellis ciuilibus clausit. ### English translation (Claude) In the 725th year from the founding of the City, in the consulship of the emperor Caesar Augustus himself, for the fifth time, and Lucius Apuleius, Caesar, returning victorious from the East, entered the City with a triple triumph on the eighth day before the Ides of January, and then for the first time he himself closed the gates of Janus, all civil wars having been laid to rest and ended. ### Translation notes - The eighth day before the Ides of January is 6 January. Orosius's date (and his consul “Apuleius”) differ from the usual record: the triple triumph was in August 29 BC, with Sextus Appuleius as colleague. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.20.1 (CSEL 5:418; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-20-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.20.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-6-20-2 - Source: CSEL 5:418 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Octavian receives the name Augustus. ### Latin text hoc die primum Augustus consalutatus est; quod nomen, cunctis antea [inuiolatum] et usque ad nunc ceteris inausum dominis, tantum Orbis licite usurpatum apicem declarat imperii, atque ex eodem die summa rerum ac potestatum penes unum esse coepit et mansit, quod Graeci monarchiam uocant. ### English translation (Claude) On this day he was first hailed as Augustus; this name, not dared by anyone before and down to now by no other lords, declares that the summit of the world's empire was lawfully assumed; and from that same day the supreme power over affairs and powers began to be, and remained, in the hands of one, which the Greeks call monarchy. ### Translation notes - Zangemeister prints “inuiolatum” in square brackets as a word to delete; it is left out. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.20.2 (CSEL 5:418; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-20-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.20.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-6-20-3 - Source: CSEL 5:418 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The day of Augustus's triumph is the Epiphany. ### Latin text Porro autem hunc esse eundem diem, hoc est VIII idus Ianuarias, quo nos Epiphania, hoc est apparitionem siue manifestationem Dominici sacramenti, obseruamus, nemo credentium siue etiam fidei contradicentium nescit. ### English translation (Claude) Moreover, no one of the believers or even of those who speak against the faith is unaware that this is the same day, that is, the eighth day before the Ides of January, on which we observe the Epiphany, that is, the appearance or manifestation of the Lord's mystery. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.20.3 (CSEL 5:418; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-20-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.20.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-6-20-4 - Source: CSEL 5:418–419 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Augustus's empire was prepared for Christ. ### Latin text de quo nostrae istius fidelissimae obseruationis sacramento uberius nunc dicere nec ratio nec locus flagitat; ut et quaerentibus reseruasse et neglegentibus non ingessisse uideamur. hoc autem fideliter commemorasse ideo par fuit, ut per omnia uenturi Christi gratia praeparatum Caesaris imperium conprobetur. ### English translation (Claude) To speak more fully now of the mystery of this most faithful observance of ours neither reason nor place demands, so that we may seem to have reserved it for those who inquire and not to have forced it on the careless. But it was right to have recalled this faithfully so that it may be proved that in all things the empire of Caesar was prepared for the grace of the coming Christ. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.20.4 (CSEL 5:418–419; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-20-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.20.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-6-20-5 - Source: CSEL 5:419 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: A halo around the sun at Octavian's entry. ### Latin text Nam cum primum, C. Caesare auunculo suo interfecto, ex Apollonia rediens Vrbem ingrederetur, hora circiter tertia repente liquido ac puro sereno circulus ad speciem caelestis arcus orbem solis ambiit, quasi eum unum ac potissimum in hoc mundo solumque clarissimum in orbe monstraret, cuius tempore uenturus esset, qui ipsum solem solus mundumque totum et fecisset et regeret. ### English translation (Claude) For when first, after his uncle Gaius Caesar had been killed, he was entering the City on his return from Apollonia, about the third hour, suddenly, in a clear and pure sky, a circle like a rainbow surrounded the disk of the sun, as if pointing him out as the one and most powerful in this world and alone the most glorious in the world, in whose time he would come who alone had made and would rule the sun itself and the whole world. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.20.5 (CSEL 5:419; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-20-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.20.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-6-20-6 - Source: CSEL 5:419–420 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The spring of oil foretold the Anointed One. ### Latin text Deinde cum secundo, in Sicilia receptis a Pompeio et Lepido legionibus, xxx milia seruorum dominis restituisset et quadraginta et quattuor legiones solus imperio suo ad tutamen orbis terrarum distribuisset ouansque Vrbem ingressus omnia superiora populi Romani debita donanda, litterarum etiam monumentis abolitis, censuisset: in diebus ipsis fons olei largissimus, sicut superius expressi, de taberna meritoria per totum diem fluxit. quo signo quid euidentius quam in diebus Caesaris toto Orbe regnantis futura Christi natiuitas declarata est? Christus enim lingua gentis eius, in qua et ex qua natus est, unctus interpretatur. ### English translation (Claude) Then, the second time, when in Sicily, having received the legions from Pompeius and Lepidus, he had restored thirty thousand slaves to their masters, had alone distributed forty-four legions under his command for the protection of the world, and, entering the City in an ovation, had decreed that all former debts of the Roman people be forgiven, the written records also being destroyed: in those very days a most abundant spring of oil, as I have described above, flowed for a whole day from the veterans' lodging house. By this sign what could be more clearly declared than that in the days of Caesar, reigning over the whole world, the birth of Christ was to come? For “Christ,” in the language of the nation in which and from which he was born, is interpreted “anointed.” ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.20.6 (CSEL 5:419–420; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-20-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.20.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-6-20-7 - Source: CSEL 5:420 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Orosius's allegory of the spring of oil. ### Latin text itaque cum eo tempore, quo Caesari perpetua tribunicia potestas decreta est, Romae fons olei per totum diem fluxit: sub principatu Caesaris Romanoque imperio per totam diem, hoc est per omne Romani tempus imperii, Christum et ex eo Christianos, id est unctum atque ex eo unctos, de meritoria taberna, hoc est de hospita largaque Ecclesia, affluenter atque incessabiliter processuros restituendosque per Caesarem omnes seruos, qui tamen cognoscerent dominum suum, ceterosque, qui sine domino inuenirentur, morti supplicioque dedendos, remittendaque sub Caesare debita peccatorum in ea urbe, in qua spontaneum fluxisset oleum, euidentissima his, qui Prophetarum uoces non audiebant, signa in caelo et in terra prodigia prodiderunt. ### English translation (Claude) So when, at the time when perpetual tribunician power was decreed to Caesar, a spring of oil flowed at Rome for a whole day, most evident signs in heaven and wonders on earth showed to those who did not hear the voices of the prophets that under the rule of Caesar and the Roman empire, for a whole day, that is, for the whole time of the Roman empire, Christ, and from him Christians, that is, the Anointed and from him the anointed, would come forth abundantly and unceasingly from the lodging house, that is, from the hospitable and generous church; that through Caesar all slaves would be restored, who nevertheless recognized their master, and the rest, who were found without a master, would be given over to death and punishment; and that under Caesar the debts of sins would be forgiven in the city in which the oil had flowed of its own accord. ### Scripture references - Acts 2:19: echo, low confidence ### Translation notes - “Signs in heaven and wonders on earth”: compare Acts 2:19 (Joel 2:30). ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.20.7 (CSEL 5:420; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-20-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.20.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-6-20-8 - Source: CSEL 5:420–421 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The triumph of Augustus prefigured the Epiphany. ### Latin text Tertio autem, cum Vrbem triumphans quintum consul ingressus est, eo scilicet die, quem supra nominauimus, cum et Ianum post ducentos annos primum ipse clausit et clarissimum illud Augusti nomen adsumpsit, quid fidelius ac uerius credi aut cognosci potest, concurrentibus ad tantam manifestationem pace nomine die, quam hunc occulto quidem gestorum ordine ad obsequium praeparationis eius praedestinatum fuisse, qui eo die, quo ille manifestandus mundo post paululum erat, et pacis signum praetulit et potestatis nomen adsumpsit? Quid autem in quarto reditu, cum finito Cantabrico bello ### English translation (Claude) And the third time, when he entered the City in triumph as consul for the fifth time, on the very day we have named above, when he himself first closed Janus after two hundred years and took that most glorious name of Augustus: what can be believed or known more faithfully and truly, with peace, name, and day converging toward so great a manifestation, than that he was predestined, by a hidden order of events, for the service of preparing for him, who on the day on which he was soon to be manifested to the world both displayed the sign of peace and took the name of power? And what was done on the fourth return, when, the Cantabrian war ended ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.20.8 (CSEL 5:420–421; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-20-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.20.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-6-20-9 - Source: CSEL 5:421 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The fourth sign will be told later. ### Latin text pacatisque omnibus gentibus Caesar Vrbem repetiit, ad contestationem fidei, quam expromimus, actum sit, ipso melius ordine proferetur. ### English translation (Claude) and all nations pacified, Caesar returned to the City, for the attestation of the faith that we set forth, will be better shown in its own order. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.20.9 (CSEL 5:421; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-20-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.21.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-6-21-1 - Source: CSEL 5:421 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Augustus marches against the Cantabrians. ### Latin text Anno ab Vrbe condita DCCXXVI imperatore Augusto Caesare sexies et bis M. Agrippa consulibus Caesar parum in Hispania per ducentos annos actum intellegens, si Cantabros atque Astures, duas fortissimas Hispaniae gentes, suis uti legibus sineret, aperuit Iani portas atque in Hispanias ipse cum exercitu profectus est. ### English translation (Claude) In the 726th year from the founding of the City, in the consulship of the emperor Augustus Caesar for the sixth time and Marcus Agrippa for the second, Caesar, understanding that little had been accomplished in Spain in two hundred years if he allowed the Cantabrians and Asturians, the two strongest peoples of Spain, to use their own laws, opened the gates of Janus and himself set out with an army into the Spains. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.21.1 (CSEL 5:421; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-21-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.21.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-6-21-2 - Source: CSEL 5:421 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Where the Cantabrians live. ### Latin text Cantabri et Astures Gallaeciae prouinciae portio sunt, qua extentum Pyrenaei iugum haud procul secundo Oceano sub septentrione deducitur. ### English translation (Claude) The Cantabrians and Asturians are a part of the province of Gallaecia, where the stretched-out ridge of the Pyrenees runs down not far from the Ocean, along it, under the north. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.21.2 (CSEL 5:421; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-21-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.21.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-6-21-3 - Source: CSEL 5:421–422 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Augustus encamps at Segisama. ### Latin text hi non solum propriam libertatem tueri parati uerum etiam finitimorum praeripere ausi, Vaccaeos et Turmogos et Autrigonas adsiduis eruptionibus populabantur. igitur Caesar apud Segisamam castra posuit, tribus agminibus totam paene amplexus Cantabriam. ### English translation (Claude) These, not only ready to defend their own liberty but also daring to snatch away that of their neighbors, were plundering the Vaccaei, the Turmogi, and the Autrigones with constant raids. So Caesar pitched camp at Segisama, embracing almost all Cantabria with three columns. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.21.3 (CSEL 5:421–422; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-21-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.21.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-6-21-4 - Source: CSEL 5:422 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Augustus lands troops from the sea. ### Latin text diu fatigato frustra atque in periculum saepe deducto exercitu, tandem ab Aquitanico sinu per Oceanum incautis hostibus admoueri classem atque exponi copias iubet. ### English translation (Claude) When the army had long been wearied in vain and often brought into danger, he at last ordered a fleet to be moved up from the Aquitanian gulf through the Ocean, while the enemy were off guard, and troops to be landed. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.21.4 (CSEL 5:422; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-21-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.21.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-6-21-5 - Source: CSEL 5:422 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Cantabrians are defeated. ### Latin text tunc demum Cantabri sub moenibus Atticae maximo congressi bello et uicti in Vinnium montem natura tutissimum confugerunt, ubi obsidionis fame ad extremum paene consumpti sunt. Racilium deinde oppidum magna ui ac diu repugnans, postremo captum ac dirutum est. ### English translation (Claude) Then at last the Cantabrians, having engaged in a very great battle under the walls of Attica and been defeated, fled to Mount Vinnius, most safe by nature, where they were almost consumed to the end by the hunger of the siege. Then the town of Racilium, resisting with great force and for a long time, was at last taken and destroyed. ### Translation notes - “Atticae” as printed; the town was Bergida (Vellica in other sources). ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.21.5 (CSEL 5:422; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-21-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.21.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-6-21-6 - Source: CSEL 5:422 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The conquest of farther Gallaecia. ### Latin text praeterea ulteriores Gallaeciae partes, quae montibus siluisque consitae Oceano terminantur, Antistius et Firmius legati magnis grauibusque bellis perdomuerunt. ### English translation (Claude) Moreover, the further parts of Gallaecia, which, covered with mountains and forests, are bounded by the Ocean, the legates Antistius and Firmius subdued in great and heavy wars. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.21.6 (CSEL 5:422; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-21-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.21.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-6-21-7 - Source: CSEL 5:422 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The siege of Mount Medullius. ### Latin text nam et Medullium montem Minio flumini inminentem, in quo se magna multitudo hominum tuebatur, per quindecim milia passuum fossa circumsaeptum obsidione cinxerunt. ### English translation (Claude) For they also surrounded with a siege Mount Medullius, which overhangs the river Minius, on which a great multitude of men was defending itself, enclosing it with a ditch for fifteen miles. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.21.7 (CSEL 5:422; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-21-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.21.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-6-21-8 - Source: CSEL 5:422–423 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The besieged kill themselves. ### Latin text itaque ubi se gens hominum trux natura et ferox neque tolerandae obsidioni sufficientem neque suscipiendo bello parem intellegit, ad uoluntariam mortem seruitutis timore concurrit. nam se paene omnes certatim igne ferro ac ueneno necauerunt. ### English translation (Claude) So when this race of men, savage and fierce by nature, understood that it was neither able to endure the siege nor equal to undertaking battle, it rushed to voluntary death out of fear of slavery. For almost all killed themselves, vying with one another, by fire, sword, and poison. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.21.8 (CSEL 5:422–423; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-21-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.21.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-6-21-9 - Source: CSEL 5:423 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Asturians are betrayed. ### Latin text Astures uero positis castris apud Asturam flumen Romanos, nisi proditi praeuentique essent, magnis consiliis uiribusque oppressissent. tres legatos cum legionibus suis in tria castra diuisos tribus aeque agminibus obruere repente moliti, suorum proditione detecti sunt. ### English translation (Claude) The Asturians, having pitched camp by the river Astura, would have crushed the Romans with great plans and strength had they not been betrayed and forestalled. Planning to overwhelm suddenly, with three columns likewise, three legates with their legions divided into three camps, they were exposed by the betrayal of their own men. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.21.9 (CSEL 5:423; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-21-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.21.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-6-21-10 - Source: CSEL 5:423 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Carisius spares Lancia. ### Latin text hos postea Carisius bello exceptos non parua etiam Romanorum clade superauit. pars eorum proelio elapsa Lanciam confugit. cumque milites circumdatam urbem incendio adoriri pararent, dux Carisius et a suis cessationem impetrauit incendii et a barbaris uoluntatem deditionis exegit. studiose enim nitebatur integram atque incolumem ciuitatem uictoriae suae testem relinquere. ### English translation (Claude) Afterward Carisius met them in war and overcame them, not without loss to the Romans too. Part of them, slipping away from the battle, fled to Lancia. And when the soldiers were preparing to attack the surrounded city with fire, the general Carisius both obtained from his men a halt to the burning and won from the barbarians a willingness to surrender. For he strove eagerly to leave the city whole and unharmed as a witness to his victory. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.21.10 (CSEL 5:423; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-21-10). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.21.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-6-21-11 - Source: CSEL 5:423 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Janus is closed again. ### Latin text Cantabricae uictoriae hunc honorem Caesar detulit, ut tunc quoque belli portas claustro cohiberi iuberet. ita tunc secundo per Caesarem, quarto post Vrbem conditam clausus est Ianus. ### English translation (Claude) Caesar paid this honor to the Cantabrian victory, that he ordered the gates of war then too to be shut with a bar. So then, for the second time through Caesar, and the fourth time after the founding of the City, Janus was closed. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.21.11 (CSEL 5:423; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-21-11). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.21.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-6-21-12 - Source: CSEL 5:423 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Drusus campaigns in Germany. ### Latin text Post hoc Claudius Drusus, priuignus Caesaris, Galliam Raetiamque sortitus maximas fortissimasque gentes Germaniae armis subegit. ### English translation (Claude) After this Claudius Drusus, Caesar's stepson, allotted Gaul and Raetia, subdued by arms the greatest and bravest peoples of Germany. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.21.12 (CSEL 5:423; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-21-12). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.21.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-6-21-13 - Source: CSEL 5:423–424 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: All nations rise before the universal peace. ### Latin text nam tunc, ueluti ad constitutum pacis diem festinarent, ita omnes ad experientiam belli decisionemue foederis undatim gentes commouebantur aut suscepturae condiciones pacis, si uincerentur, aut usurae quieta libertate, si uincerent. ### English translation (Claude) For then, as if they were hurrying toward an appointed day of peace, all the peoples were stirred up wave upon wave to a trial of war or a settling of treaty, ready either to accept terms of peace if they were defeated or to enjoy a quiet liberty if they won. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.21.13 (CSEL 5:423–424; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-21-13). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.21.14 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-6-21-14 - Source: CSEL 5:424 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The northern peoples are subdued. ### Latin text Norici Illyrii Pannonii Dalmatas Moesi Thraces et Daci Sarmatae plurimique et maximi Germaniae populi per diuersos duces uel superati uel repressi uel etiam obiectu maximorum fluminum, Rheni Danuuiique, seclusi sunt. ### English translation (Claude) The Norici, Illyrians, Pannonians, Dalmatians, Moesians, Thracians and Dacians, Sarmatians, and very many and very great peoples of Germany were, through various generals, either overcome or held back or even shut out by the barrier of the greatest rivers, the Rhine and the Danube. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.21.14 (CSEL 5:424; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-21-14). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.21.15 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-6-21-15 - Source: CSEL 5:424 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Drusus's victories. ### Latin text Drusus in Germania primum Vsipetes, deinde Tencteros et Cattos perdomuit. Marcomannos paene ad internecionem cecidit. ### English translation (Claude) Drusus in Germany first subdued the Usipetes, then the Tencteri and Chatti. He cut down the Marcomanni almost to annihilation. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.21.15 (CSEL 5:424; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-21-15). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.21.16 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-6-21-16 - Source: CSEL 5:424 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Drusus defeats the Cherusci, Suebi, and Sygambri. ### Latin text postea fortissimas nationes et quibus natura uires, consuetudo experientiam uirium dabat, Cheruscos Suebos et Sygambros pariter uno bello sed etiam suis aspero superauit. ### English translation (Claude) Afterward he overcame the bravest nations, to whom nature gave strength and custom gave experience of strength, the Cherusci, Suebi, and Sygambri, together in one war, but one harsh for his own men too. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.21.16 (CSEL 5:424; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-21-16). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.21.17 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-6-21-17 - Source: CSEL 5:424 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The German women kill their children as missiles. ### Latin text quorum ex eo considerari uirtus ac feritas potest, quod mulieres quoque eorum, siquando praeuentu Romanorum inter plaustra sua concludebantur, deficientibus telis uel qualibet re, qua uelut telo uti furor possit, paruos filios conlisos humi in hostium ora iaciebant, in singulis filiorum necibus bis parricidae. ### English translation (Claude) Their courage and ferocity can be judged from this: their women too, whenever they were shut in among their wagons by the Romans' getting there first, when missiles failed, or anything which fury could use as a missile, dashed their little sons on the ground and threw them in the faces of the enemy, twice murderers of kin in each of their sons' deaths. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.21.17 (CSEL 5:424; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-21-17). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.21.18 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-6-21-18 - Source: CSEL 5:424–425 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Cossus checks the Gaetuli in Africa. ### Latin text Tunc etiam in Africa Musolanos et Gaetulos latius uagantes Cossus dux Caesaris artatis finibus cohercuit atque a Romanis limitibus abstinere metu conpulit. ### English translation (Claude) Then too in Africa Cossus, Caesar's general, restrained the Musulamii and Gaetuli, who were roaming too widely, by narrowing their territories, and forced them by fear to keep away from the Roman frontiers. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.21.18 (CSEL 5:424–425; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-21-18). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.21.19 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-6-21-19 - Source: CSEL 5:425 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Envoys from India and Scythia come to Augustus in Spain. ### Latin text Interea Caesarem apud Tarraconem citerioris Hispaniae urbem legati Indorum et Scytharum toto Orbe transmisso tandem ibi inuenerunt, ultra quod iam quaerere non possent, refuderuntque in Caesarem Alexandri Magni gloriam: ### English translation (Claude) Meanwhile envoys of the Indians and Scythians, having crossed the whole world, at last found Caesar at Tarraco, a city of Nearer Spain, beyond which they could seek no further, and poured back upon Caesar the glory of Alexander the Great: ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.21.19 (CSEL 5:425; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-21-19). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.21.20 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-6-21-20 - Source: CSEL 5:425 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: A parallel with Alexander. ### Latin text quem sicut Hispanorum Gallorumque legatio in medio Oriente apud Babylonam contemplatione pacis adiit, ita hunc apud Hispaniam in Occidentis ultimo supplex cum gentilicio munere eous Indus et Scytha boreus orauit. ### English translation (Claude) as an embassy of Spaniards and Gauls had come to Alexander in the middle of the East at Babylon to seek peace, so the eastern Indian and the northern Scythian besought this man in Spain, at the farthest point of the West, as suppliants with their national gifts. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.21.20 (CSEL 5:425; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-21-20). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.21.21 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-6-21-21 - Source: CSEL 5:425 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Augustus returns from Spain. ### Latin text Cantabrico bello per quinque annos acto totaque Hispania in aeternam pacem cum quadam respiratione lassitudinis reclinata ac reposita, Caesar Romam rediit. ### English translation (Claude) When the Cantabrian war had been waged for five years and all Spain had settled down and come to rest in an eternal peace, with a certain breathing space from weariness, Caesar returned to Rome. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.21.21 (CSEL 5:425; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-21-21). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.21.22 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-6-21-22 - Source: CSEL 5:425 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Piso subdues the Vindelici. ### Latin text Quibus etiam diebus multa per se multaque per duces et legatos bella gessit. nam inter ceteros et Piso aduersum Vindelicos missus est; quibus subactis uictor ad Caesarem Lugdunum uenit. ### English translation (Claude) In those days too he waged many wars himself and many through generals and legates. For among others Piso too was sent against the Vindelici; when they had been subdued, he came victorious to Caesar at Lugdunum. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.21.22 (CSEL 5:425; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-21-22). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.21.23 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-6-21-23 - Source: CSEL 5:425 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Tiberius crushes the Pannonians. ### Latin text Pannonios nouo motu intumescentes Tiberius priuignus Caesaris cruentissima caede deleuit. ### English translation (Claude) Tiberius, Caesar's stepson, destroyed with most bloody slaughter the Pannonians, who were swelling with a new revolt. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.21.23 (CSEL 5:425; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-21-23). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.21.24 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-6-21-24 - Source: CSEL 5:425 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Tiberius in Germany. ### Latin text idemque continuo Germanos bello arripuit, e quibus quadraginta milia captiuorum uictor abduxit. ### English translation (Claude) The same man at once attacked the Germans in war and led off forty thousand captives from them as victor. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.21.24 (CSEL 5:425; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-21-24). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.21.25 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-6-21-25 - Source: CSEL 5:425–426 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Pannonian war's scale. ### Latin text quod reuera bellum maximum et formidulosissimum quindecim legionibus per triennium gestum est, nec fere ullum maius bellum, sicut Suetonius adtestatur, post Punicum fuit. ### English translation (Claude) This truly very great and most fearsome war was waged with fifteen legions for three years, and there was hardly any greater war, as Suetonius attests, after the Punic war. ### Translation notes - Suetonius, Tiberius 16.1. No extrabiblical id exists for Suetonius. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.21.25 (CSEL 5:425–426; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-21-25). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.21.26 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-6-21-26 - Source: CSEL 5:426 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The disaster of Varus. ### Latin text Sub eodem uero tempore Quintilius Varus cum tribus legionibus a Germanis rebellantibus, mira superbia atque auaritia in subiectos agens, funditus deletus est. ### English translation (Claude) At the same time Quintilius Varus, who behaved with remarkable arrogance and greed toward the subjects, was utterly destroyed with three legions by the rebelling Germans. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.21.26 (CSEL 5:426; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-21-26). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.21.27 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-6-21-27 - Source: CSEL 5:426 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Augustus's grief for the legions. ### Latin text quam reipublicae cladem Caesar Augustus adeo grauiter tulit, ut saepe per uim doloris caput parieti conlidens clamaret Quintili Vare, redde legiones. ### English translation (Claude) Caesar Augustus took this disaster of the commonwealth so hard that often, in the violence of grief, striking his head against the wall, he cried: “Quintilius Varus, give back the legions!” ### Translation notes - Compare Suetonius, Augustus 23.2. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.21.27 (CSEL 5:426; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-21-27). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.21.28 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-6-21-28 - Source: CSEL 5:426 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Agrippa subdues the Bosporans. ### Latin text Bosporanos uero Agrippa superauit et signis Romanis, quae illi quondam sub Mithridate sustulerant, bello recuperatis uictos ad deditionem coegit. ### English translation (Claude) Agrippa overcame the Bosporans, and having recovered in war the Roman standards which they had once carried off under Mithridates, forced them, defeated, to surrender. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.21.28 (CSEL 5:426; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-21-28). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.21.29 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-6-21-29 - Source: CSEL 5:426 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Parthians return Crassus's standards. ### Latin text Parthi, quasi toto terrarum orbe uel domito uel pacato omnium oculis signarentur atque in se solos omnis uigor Romani imperii uertendus esset, quippe quos pristina ulciscendae Crassianae caedis conscientia mordebat, ultro signa, quae Crasso interfecto abstulerant, ad Caesarem remiserunt regiisque obsidibus traditis firmum foedus fideli supplicatione meruerunt. ### English translation (Claude) The Parthians, as if, with the whole world either subdued or pacified, they were being marked out by the eyes of all, and the whole force of the Roman empire was about to be turned against them alone, since the old guilt of the Crassian slaughter, which was to be avenged, gnawed at them, of their own accord sent back to Caesar the standards they had carried off when Crassus was killed, and, handing over royal hostages, earned a firm treaty by faithful supplication. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.21.29 (CSEL 5:426; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-21-29). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.22.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-6-22-1 - Source: CSEL 5:426–427 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Augustus closes Janus a third time. ### Latin text Itaque anno ab Vrbe condita DCCLII Caesar Augustus ab oriente in occidentem, a septentrione in meridiem ac per totum Oceani circulum cunctis gentibus una pace conpositis, Iani portas tertio ipse tunc clausit. ### English translation (Claude) So in the 752nd year from the founding of the City, Caesar Augustus, having settled all nations in one peace from east to west, from north to south, and through the whole circle of the Ocean, then himself closed the gates of Janus for the third time. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.22.1 (CSEL 5:426–427; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-22-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.22.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-6-22-2 - Source: CSEL 5:427 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Janus stays closed about twelve years. ### Latin text quas ex eo per duodecim fere annos quietissimo semper obseratas otio ipsa etiam robigo signauit, nec prius umquam nisi sub extrema senectute Augusti pulsatae Atheniensium seditione et Dacorum commotione patuerunt. ### English translation (Claude) From then on, for about twelve years, they were always bolted in the most quiet peace, so that even rust marked them, and they never opened before, except at the very end of Augustus's old age, when they were struck by a sedition of the Athenians and a movement of the Dacians. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.22.2 (CSEL 5:427; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-22-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.22.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-6-22-3 - Source: CSEL 5:427 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Augustus's laws. ### Latin text clausis igitur Iani portis rempublicam, quam bello quaesiuerat, pace enutrire atque amplificare studens leges plurimas statuit, per quas humanum genus libera reuerentia disciplinae morem gereret. ### English translation (Claude) So, the gates of Janus being closed, striving to nourish and enlarge by peace the commonwealth he had won by war, he established very many laws through which the human race might comply with discipline in a free reverence. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.22.3 (CSEL 5:427; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-22-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.22.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-6-22-4 - Source: CSEL 5:427–428 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Augustus refuses to be called lord. ### Latin text domini appellationem ut homo declinauit. nam cum eodem spectante ludos pronuntiatum esset in mimo o dominum aequum et bonum uniuersique, quasi de ipso dictum esset, exultantes adprobauissent, et statim quidem manu uultuque indecoras adulationes repressit et insequenti die grauissimo corripuit edicto dominumque se posthac appellari ne a liberis quidem aut nepotibus suis uel serio uel ioco passus est. ### English translation (Claude) As a man, he declined the title of Lord. For when, while he was watching the games, it had been declared in a mime, “O just and good lord!”, and all, as if it had been said of him, had applauded exulting, he both at once checked the unseemly flattery with hand and look, and the next day rebuked it in a very stern edict, and thereafter did not allow himself to be called lord, not even by his children or grandchildren, either in earnest or in jest. ### Translation notes - Compare Suetonius, Augustus 53.1. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.22.4 (CSEL 5:427–428; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-22-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.22.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-6-22-5 - Source: CSEL 5:428 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Christ is born in the year of universal peace. ### Latin text Igitur eo tempore, id est eo anno quo firmissimam uerissimamque pacem ordinatione Dei Caesar conposuit, natus est Christus, cuius aduentui pax ista famulata est, in cuius ortu audientibus hominibus exultantes angeli cecinerunt. Gloria in excelsis Deo, et in terra pax hominibus bonae uoluntatis. eodemque tempore hic, ad quem rerum omnium summa concesserat, dominum se hominum appellari non passus est, immo non ausus, quo uerus dominus totius generis humani inter homines natus est. ### English translation (Claude) So at that time, that is, in the year in which Caesar established, by the ordering of God, the firmest and truest peace, Christ was born, whose coming this peace served, at whose birth, as men heard, angels sang exulting: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men of good will.” And at the same time this man, to whom the sum of all things had been granted, did not allow himself to be called lord of men, indeed did not dare, when the true Lord of the whole human race was born among men. ### Scripture references - Luke 2:14: quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation of Luke 2:14 in the Latin form “hominibus bonae uoluntatis.” ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.22.5 (CSEL 5:428; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-22-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.22.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-6-22-6 - Source: CSEL 5:428 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Christ is enrolled in Augustus's census. ### Latin text eodem quoque anno tunc primum idem Caesar, quem his tantis mysteriis praedestinauerat Deus, censum agi singularum ubique prouinciarum et censeri omnes homines iussit, quando et Deus homo uideri et esse dignatus est. tunc igitur natus est Christus, Romano censui statim adscriptus ut natus est. ### English translation (Claude) In the same year too the same Caesar, whom God had predestined for these great mysteries, then for the first time ordered a census to be taken of every province everywhere and all men to be registered, when God also deigned to be seen as man and to be man. Then, therefore, Christ was born, and as soon as he was born he was enrolled in the Roman census. ### Scripture references - Luke 2:1–5: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Compare Luke 2:1–5. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.22.6 (CSEL 5:428; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-22-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.22.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-6-22-7 - Source: CSEL 5:428–429 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The census was unique in history. ### Latin text haec est prima illa clarissimaque professio, quae Caesarem omnium principem Romanosque rerum dominos singillatim cunctorum hominum edita adscriptione signauit, in qua se et ipse, qui cunctos homines fecit, inueniri hominem adscribique inter homines uoluit; quod penitus numquam ab Orbe condito atque ab exordio generis humani in hunc modum ne Babylonio quidem uel Macedonico, ut non dicam minori cuiquam regno concessum fuit. ### English translation (Claude) This is that first and most famous registration, which marked out Caesar as prince of all and the Romans as masters of the world by the published enrollment of all men one by one, in which he too who made all men willed to be found a man and enrolled among men; something which never at all, from the founding of the world and the beginning of the human race, was granted in this way, not even to the Babylonian or Macedonian kingdom, not to speak of any lesser one. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.22.7 (CSEL 5:428–429; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-22-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.22.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-6-22-8 - Source: CSEL 5:429 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Christ raised Rome and became her citizen. ### Latin text nec dubium, quin omnium cognitioni fidei inspectionique pateat, quia Dominus noster Iesus Christus hanc urbem nutu suo auctam defensamque in hunc rerum apicem prouexerit, cuius potissime uoluit esse cum uenit, dicendus utique ciuis Romanus census professione Romani. ### English translation (Claude) Nor is there doubt, as is open to the knowledge, faith, and examination of all, that our Lord Jesus Christ, by his will, brought this city, increased and defended, to this summit of power, the city to which above all he willed to belong when he came, rightly to be called a Roman citizen by the declaration of the Roman census. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.22.8 (CSEL 5:429; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-22-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.22.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-6-22-9 - Source: CSEL 5:429 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Orosius ends Book 6. ### Latin text Quamobrem quia ad id temporis peruentum est, quo et Dominus Christus hunc mundum primum aduentu suo inlustrauit regnumque Caesari tranquillissimum dedit, hunc quoque sextum libellum hoc fine concluserim: ### English translation (Claude) Therefore, since we have reached the time in which the Lord Christ first lit up this world by his coming and gave Caesar a most tranquil reign, I would close this sixth book too with this end: ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.22.9 (CSEL 5:429; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-22-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.22.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-6-22-10 - Source: CSEL 5:429 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Book 7 will treat Christian times. ### Latin text ut germinantia tempora Christiana magisque inter reprimentium manus crescentia et quae adhuc in prouectu posita horum ipsorum, quibus haec respondere cogimur, insectatione mordentur, septimo libello, si tamen adiuuante Domino suffecero, conprehendam, ### English translation (Claude) that the sprouting Christian times, growing the more amid the hands of those who repress them, and those still in progress which are bitten by the attack of the very men to whom we are forced to give these answers, I may take up in the seventh book, if, with the Lord's help, I am equal to it, ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.22.10 (CSEL 5:429; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-22-10). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 6.22.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-6-22-11 - Source: CSEL 5:429–430 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Book 7 will show persecutions and their punishments. ### Latin text ut, quoniam ab initio et peccare homines et puniri propter peccata non tacui, nunc quoque, quae persecutiones Christianorum actae sint et quae ultiones secutae sint, absque eo quod omnes ad peccandum generaliter proni sunt atque ideo singillatim corripiuntur, expediam, ### English translation (Claude) so that, since from the beginning I have not kept silent that men both sin and are punished for sins, I may now also set out what persecutions of Christians were carried out and what punishments followed, apart from the fact that all are generally prone to sin and are therefore chastised one by one. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 6.22.11 (CSEL 5:429–430; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/6-22-11). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.1.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-7-1-1 - Source: CSEL 5:431 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Orosius sums up his proof of the one God's providence. ### Latin text Sufficientia ut arbitror documenta collecta sunt, quibus absque ullo arcano, quod paucorum fidelium est, probari de medio queat, unum illum et uerum Deum, quem Christiana fides praedicat, et condidisse mundum creaturamque eius, cum uoluit, et disposuisse per multa, cum per multa ignoraretur, et confirmasse ad unum, cum per unicum declaratus est, simulque potentiam patientiamque eius multimodis argumentis eluxisse. ### English translation (Claude) Sufficient proofs, I think, have been gathered, by which, without any mystery that belongs to the few faithful, it can be proved openly that the one and true God, whom the Christian faith preaches, both founded the world and its creation when he willed, and ordered it through many things when he was unknown through many, and confirmed it into one when he was made known through the one, and at the same time that his power and patience have shone out by manifold arguments. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.1.1 (CSEL 5:431; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-1-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.1.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-7-1-2 - Source: CSEL 5:431 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The objection: why such delay? ### Latin text in quo quidem angustas deiectasque mentes offendi paulisper intellego, quod tantae potentiae patientia tanta miscetur. si enim potens erat, inquiunt, creare mundum, componere pacem mundi, insinuare mundo cultum ac notitiam sui, quid opus fuit tanta uel, ut ipsi sentiunt, tam perniciosa patientia, ut in ultimo erroribus cladibus laboribusque hominum fieret, quod a principio uirtute eius, quem praedicas, Dei sic potius coepisse potuisset? ### English translation (Claude) In this I understand that narrow and downcast minds are offended for a little, because so great patience is mixed with so great power. For if he was able, they say, to create the world, to establish the peace of the world, to instill into the world the worship and knowledge of himself, what need was there of such great, or, as they think, such ruinous patience, that at the last, through the errors, disasters, and labors of men, that should come about which could rather have begun so from the beginning by the power of the God whom you preach? ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.1.2 (CSEL 5:431; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-1-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.1.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-7-1-3 - Source: CSEL 5:431–432 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Humanity was made for obedient peace but fell. ### Latin text quibus quidem ueraciter respondere possem, ad hoc ab initio creatum et institutum humanum genus, ut sub religione cum pace sine labore uiuens fructu oboedientiae aeternitatem promereretur, sed abusum bonitate creatoris libertatem indulgentia in contumaciam uertisse licentiam atque ex contemptu in obliuionem defluxisse, ### English translation (Claude) To them I could truly answer that the human race was created and instituted from the beginning for this purpose, that living under religion with peace and without labor it might earn eternity by the fruit of obedience; but that, having abused the goodness of the Creator, it turned the liberty granted by his indulgence into the license of stubbornness and from contempt slid into forgetfulness, ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.1.3 (CSEL 5:431–432; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-1-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.1.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-7-1-4 - Source: CSEL 5:432 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: God's patience is just both ways. ### Latin text iustamque nunc esse patientiam Dei et iustam in utramque partem, ut nec contemptus disperdat in totum cui misereri uelit et affici laboribus dum uelit sinat contemptus potens; deinde subsequens esse, iuste semper adhibere quamuis ignoranti gubernationem, cui aliquando pie restituturus sit paenitenti antiquae gratiae facultatem. ### English translation (Claude) and that the patience of God is now just, and just in both directions, so that, though despised, he does not utterly destroy one on whom he wishes to have mercy, and, though despised and powerful, lets him be afflicted with labors as long as he wills; and then that it follows that he should always justly apply governance to one, even though ignorant, to whom some day he will dutifully restore, when he repents, the possibility of the ancient grace. ### Translation notes - The Latin of this sentence is difficult; translated by sense. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.1.4 (CSEL 5:432; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-1-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.1.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-7-1-5 - Source: CSEL 5:432 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Orosius will argue from what pagans cannot deny. ### Latin text sed haec quoniam, etsi uerissime fortissimeque dicuntur, fidelem tamen atque oboedientem requirunt, mihi autem, uidero an aliquando credituris, certe nunc cum incredulis actio est, promptius ea proferam, quae ipsi etsi probare noluerint, inprobare non possint. ### English translation (Claude) But since these things, though said most truly and powerfully, nevertheless require a believing and obedient hearer, while my case is with unbelievers, at least now (I shall see whether they will believe at some time), I shall more readily bring forward those things which, even if they will not approve them, they cannot disprove. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.1.5 (CSEL 5:432; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-1-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.1.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-7-1-6 - Source: CSEL 5:432 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Christians and pagans differ in faith, not in reverence. ### Latin text itaque, quantum ad conscientiam humanarum mentium pertinet, utrique sub reuerentia religionis et confessione cultuque supernae potentiae uiuimus, distante dumtaxat fide; quia nostrum est, fateri ex uno et per unum Deum constare omnia, illorum, tam multos deos putare quam multa sunt. ### English translation (Claude) So, as far as the conscience of human minds is concerned, both of us live under reverence for religion and the confession and worship of a higher power, differing only in faith; for it is ours to confess that all things exist from one and through one God, theirs to think there are as many gods as there are things. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.1.6 (CSEL 5:432; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-1-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.1.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-7-1-7 - Source: CSEL 5:432–433 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The question turns back on the pagans. ### Latin text si potentiae Dei, inquiunt, quem praedicatis, fuit, ut Romanum imperium tam amplum ac tam sublime fieret, cur igitur patientia eiusdem obfuit, ut ante non fieret? quibus sub eodem uerbo respondebitur: si potentiae deorum, quos praedicatis, fuit, ut Romanum imperium tam amplum ac tam sublime fieret, cur igitur patientia eorundem obfuit, ut ante non fieret? ### English translation (Claude) If it was of the power of the God whom you preach, they say, that the Roman empire should become so ample and so lofty, why then did his patience prevent it from coming about earlier? To them it will be answered in the same words: if it was of the power of the gods whom you preach that the Roman empire should become so ample and so lofty, why then did their patience prevent it from coming about earlier? ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.1.7 (CSEL 5:432–433; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-1-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.1.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-7-1-8 - Source: CSEL 5:433 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The pagan gods are caught in a dilemma. ### Latin text an ipsi dii nondum erant? an adhuc Roma ipsa non erat? an illi non colebantur? an haec necdum idonea imperio uidebatur? si nondum erant dii, cessat intentio; in quid enim iam ibi eorum discutio moram, ubi ne ipsam quidem inuenio naturam? si autem erant dii, aut potentia eorum, ut ipsi indicant, aut patientia in culpa est: uel patientia, si fuit, uel potentia, si defuit. ### English translation (Claude) Did the gods themselves not yet exist? Did Rome herself not yet exist? Were they not worshiped? Did she not yet seem fit for empire? If the gods did not yet exist, the argument ceases; for why should I now discuss their delay there, where I do not even find their nature? But if the gods existed, either their power, as they themselves indicate, or their patience is at fault: either patience, if it was there, or power, if it was lacking. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.1.8 (CSEL 5:433; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-1-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.1.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-7-1-9 - Source: CSEL 5:433 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Gods worthy of the name do not depend on material. ### Latin text aut, si magis suadibile uidetur fuisse tunc quidem deos, qui prouehere potuissent, sed nondum exstitisse Romanos, qui prouehi iure possent, nos auctorem rerum potentiam, non artificem scientiam quaerimus. de diis quippe, ut putant, magnis, non de fabris uilissimis quaestio est, quibus nisi materia accedat, ars cessat. ### English translation (Claude) Or, if it seems more persuasive that there were indeed gods then who could have advanced them, but that the Romans who could rightly be advanced did not yet exist, we are seeking a power that is author of things, not a craftsman's skill. For the question is about gods, great as they think, not about the meanest artisans, whose art ceases unless material is supplied. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.1.9 (CSEL 5:433; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-1-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.1.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-7-1-10 - Source: CSEL 5:433–434 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Omnipotent gods would not need to wait. ### Latin text si enim praescisse illis ac uoluisse praesto semper fuit, immo etiam subiacente praescientia, quia apud omnipotentiam de operibus dumtaxat suis hoc est praescire quod uelle: quodcumque illud praesciebatur, cui uoluntas adstipularetur, non exspectari oportuit sed creari; maxime cum et Iouem illum suum aceruos formicarum in populos hominum ludo uertere solitum ferant. ### English translation (Claude) For if to have foreknown and willed was always at hand for them, indeed with foreknowledge underlying, since with omnipotence, as regards its own works at least, to foreknow is the same as to will: whatever was foreknown, with which the will agreed, ought not to have been waited for but created; especially since they say that their Jupiter himself was accustomed in play to turn heaps of ants into peoples of men. ### Extrabiblical texts - Ovid, Metam. 7.614-660 (Ovid): allusion, medium confidence ### Translation notes - The myth of the Myrmidons, created from ants (Ovid, Metamorphoses 7.614–660). ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.1.10 (CSEL 5:433–434; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-1-10). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.1.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/6-18-1/#p-7-1-11 - Source: CSEL 5:434 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Roman peace was predestined for Christ. ### Latin text porro autem de cura caerimoniarum nec recensendum arbitror, quoniam inter sacra continua incessabilibus cladibus nullus finis ac nulla requies fuit, nisi cum saluator Mundi Christus inluxit: cuius aduentui praedestinatam fuisse imperii Romani pacem, etsi iam sufficienter ostendisse me arbitror, tamen paucis adhuc supplere conabor. ### English translation (Claude) As for the care of ceremonies, I think it need not even be reviewed, since amid continuous rites there was no end and no rest from ceaseless disasters, until Christ, the Savior of the world, shone forth; that the peace of the Roman empire was predestined for his coming, though I think I have already shown it sufficiently, I shall nevertheless try to supplement in a few words. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.1.11 (CSEL 5:434; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-1-11). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.2.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-2-1/#p-7-2-1 - Source: CSEL 5:434 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Recalling the Babylon–Rome parallel. ### Latin text Principio secandi libelli cum tempora Romanae conditionis stili tenore perstringerem, multa conuenienter inter Babylonam urbem Assyriorum tunc principem gentium et Romam aeque nunc gentibus dominantem conpacta conscripsi: ### English translation (Claude) At the beginning of the second book, when I was touching in my course of writing on the times of the founding of Rome, I wrote out many things fittingly arranged between the city of Babylon, then chief of the nations of the Assyrians, and Rome, which now likewise rules the nations: ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.2.1 (CSEL 5:434; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-2-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.2.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-2-1/#p-7-2-2 - Source: CSEL 5:434 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The parallel between Babylon and Rome. ### Latin text fuisse illud primum, hoc ultimum imperium; illud paulatim cedens, at istud sensim conualescens; defluxisse illi sub uno tempore nouissimum regem, cum isti primum fuisse; illam deinde tunc inuadente Cyro captam uelut in mortem concidisse, cum istam fiducialiter adsurgentem post expulsos reges liberis uti coepisse consiliis; ### English translation (Claude) that the one was the first empire, the other the last; that the one gradually gave way, while the other gradually grew strong; that the one lost its last king at the same time as the other had its first; that the one, then captured as Cyrus invaded, fell as if into death, while the other, rising confidently after the kings were expelled, began to use free counsels; ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.2.2 (CSEL 5:434; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-2-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.2.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-2-1/#p-7-2-3 - Source: CSEL 5:434–435 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Jews' return coincided with Rome's freedom. ### Latin text praecipue cum, uindicante libertatem suam Roma, tunc quoque Iudaeorum populus, qui apud Babylonam sub regibus seruiebat, in sanctam Hierusalem recepta libertate redierit templumque Domini, sicut a prophetis praedictum fuerat, reformarit. ### English translation (Claude) especially since, when Rome was asserting her liberty, then too the people of the Jews, who were in servitude under kings at Babylon, having received their liberty, returned to holy Jerusalem and rebuilt the temple of the Lord, as had been foretold by the prophets. ### Scripture references - Jer 29:10: allusion, low confidence - Ezra 1:1–4: allusion, medium confidence ### Translation notes - Compare Jer 29:10; Ezra 1:1–4. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.2.3 (CSEL 5:434–435; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-2-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.2.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-2-1/#p-7-2-4 - Source: CSEL 5:435 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The intervening empires were guardians. ### Latin text praeterea intercessisse dixeram inter Babylonium regnum, quod ab oriente fuerat, et Romanum, quod ab occidente consurgens hereditati orientis enutriebatur, Macedonicum Africanumque regnum, hoc est quasi a meridie ac septentrione breuibus uicibus partes tutoris curatorisque tenuisse. ### English translation (Claude) Moreover, I had said that between the Babylonian kingdom, which had been from the east, and the Roman, which, rising from the west, was nourished on the inheritance of the east, there intervened the Macedonian and African kingdoms, which, as it were from south and north, held for short turns the parts of guardian and trustee. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.2.4 (CSEL 5:435; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-2-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.2.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-2-1/#p-7-2-5 - Source: CSEL 5:435 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The four kingdoms and the four quarters. ### Latin text orientis et occidentis regnum Babylonium et Romanum iure uocitari, neminem umquam dubitasse scio; Macedonicum regnum sub septentrione cum ipsa caeli plaga tum Alexandri Magni arae positae usque ad nunc sub Riphaeis montibus docent; ### English translation (Claude) That the Babylonian and Roman kingdoms are rightly called the kingdoms of the east and west, I know that no one has ever doubted; that the Macedonian kingdom was under the north is shown both by the region of the sky itself and by the altars of Alexander the Great, set up under the Riphaean mountains down to now; ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.2.5 (CSEL 5:435; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-2-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.2.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-2-1/#p-7-2-6 - Source: CSEL 5:435 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Carthage was the southern kingdom. ### Latin text Carthaginem uero uniuersae praecelluisse Africae et non solum in Siciliam Sardiniam ceterasque adiacentes insulas sed etiam in Hispaniam regni terminos tetendisse, historiarum simul monumenta urbiumque declarant. ### English translation (Claude) that Carthage surpassed all Africa and extended the bounds of its kingdom not only to Sicily, Sardinia, and the other neighboring islands but also into Spain, the records of histories and of cities together declare. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.2.6 (CSEL 5:435; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-2-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.2.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-2-1/#p-7-2-7 - Source: CSEL 5:435 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Babylon's fall and Rome's sack. ### Latin text dictum est etiam, uastatae per Medos Babyloniae et inruptae per Gothos Romae pares admodum annorum numeros cucurrisse. ### English translation (Claude) It was also said that the devastation of Babylon by the Medes and the breaking into Rome by the Goths ran through quite equal numbers of years. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.2.7 (CSEL 5:435; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-2-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.2.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-2-1/#p-7-2-8 - Source: CSEL 5:435 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: One God judges all ages. ### Latin text Nunc autem his illud adicio, quo magis clareat unum esse arbitrum saeculorum regnorum locorumque omnium Deum. ### English translation (Claude) Now to these I add this, by which it may be clearer that the one God is the judge of all ages, kingdoms, and places. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.2.8 (CSEL 5:435; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-2-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.2.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-2-1/#p-7-2-9 - Source: CSEL 5:435–436 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The number seven in the fate of kingdoms. ### Latin text regnum Carthaginiense a conditione usque ad euersionem eius, paulo amplius quam septingentis annis stetit, aeque regnum Macedonicum a Carano usque ad Persen paulo minus quam septingentis; utrumque tamen septenarius ille numerus, quo iudicantur omnia, terminauit. ### English translation (Claude) The Carthaginian kingdom, from its founding to its overthrow, stood a little more than seven hundred years; likewise the Macedonian kingdom, from Caranus to Perseus, a little less than seven hundred; yet that number seven, by which all things are judged, ended both. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.2.9 (CSEL 5:435–436; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-2-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.2.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-2-1/#p-7-2-10 - Source: CSEL 5:436 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Rome too met the number seven. ### Latin text Roma ipsa etiam, quamuis ad aduentum Domini Iesu Christi perfecto proueheretur imperio, tamen paululum et ipsa in occursu numeri huius offendit. ### English translation (Claude) Rome too herself, although she was being advanced to a perfect empire toward the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ, nevertheless stumbled a little herself on meeting this number. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.2.10 (CSEL 5:436; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-2-10). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.2.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-2-1/#p-7-2-11 - Source: CSEL 5:436 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The fire in Rome's seven hundredth year. ### Latin text nam septingentesimo conditionis suae anno quattuordecim uicos eius incertum unde consurgens flamma consumpsit, nec umquam, ut ait Liuius, maiore incendio uastata est; adeo, ut post aliquot annos Caesar Augustus ad reparationem eorum, quae tunc exusta erant, magnam uim pecuniae ex aerario publico largitus sit. ### English translation (Claude) For in the seven hundredth year from her founding a flame, rising no one knows from where, consumed fourteen of her quarters, and never, as Livy says, was she laid waste by a greater fire; so much so that some years later Caesar Augustus gave a great sum of money from the public treasury for the repair of what had then been burned. ### Extrabiblical texts - Livy (Livy, History of Rome): allusion, medium confidence ### Translation notes - Livy, in a lost book. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.2.11 (CSEL 5:436; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-2-11). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.2.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-2-1/#p-7-2-12 - Source: CSEL 5:436 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Babylon's fourteen hundred years. ### Latin text poteram quoque ostendere eundem duplicatum numerum mansisse Babyloniae, quae post mille quadringentos et quod excurrit annos ultime a Cyro rege capta est, nisi praesentium contemplatione reuocarer. ### English translation (Claude) I could also show that the same number doubled remained for Babylon, which was finally captured by King Cyrus after fourteen hundred years and somewhat more, were I not called back by consideration of present matters. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.2.12 (CSEL 5:436; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-2-12). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.2.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-2-1/#p-7-2-13 - Source: CSEL 5:436 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Abraham was born in Ninus's forty-third year. ### Latin text illud sane libenter adicio, quia primi illius regum omnium Nini — quamuis et pater eius Belus obscure primus regnasse referatur — illius ergo Nini anno, postquam regnare coeperat, quadragensimo tertio natus est sanctus ille Abraham, cui dictae sunt repromissiones, ex cuius semine promissus est Christus; ### English translation (Claude) This I gladly add: that in the forty-third year after Ninus, first of all kings, began to reign (although his father Belus is obscurely said to have reigned first), in that forty-third year of Ninus, I say, holy Abraham was born, to whom the promises were spoken, and from whose seed Christ was promised; ### Scripture references - Gal 3:16: allusion, high confidence - Gen 22:18: echo, low confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Chron. (Eusebius and Jerome, Chronicle): allusion, medium confidence ### Translation notes - “The promises were spoken … from his seed”: compare Gal 3:16; Gen 22:18. The dating follows the Chronicle of Eusebius and Jerome. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.2.13 (CSEL 5:436; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-2-13). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.2.14 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-2-1/#p-7-2-14 - Source: CSEL 5:436–437 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Christ was born in Augustus's forty-second year. ### Latin text deinde nunc primi istius imperatorum omnium Augusti Caesaris — quamuis et pater eius Caesar metator imperii potius quam imperator exstiterit — istius ergo Caesaris, posteaquam imperare coepit, emenso propemodum anno quadragensimo secundo natus est Christus, qui Abrahae sub Nino primo rege fuerat repromissus. ### English translation (Claude) then now, that of this first of all emperors, Augustus Caesar (although his father Caesar was rather the surveyor of the empire than its emperor), of this Caesar, I say, when nearly the forty-second year after he began to rule had passed, Christ was born, who had been promised to Abraham under Ninus, the first king. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.2.14 (CSEL 5:436–437; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-2-14). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.2.15 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-2-1/#p-7-2-15 - Source: CSEL 5:437 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Christ was born on 25 December. ### Latin text natus est autem VIII kalendas Ianuarias, cum primum incrementa omnia anni uenientis incipiunt. ita factum est, ut, cum Abraham quadragensimo tertio anno natus sit, sub fine quadragensimi secundi natiuitas Christi conueniret, ut iam non ipse in parte tertii anni sed in ipso potius tertius annus oreretur. ### English translation (Claude) And he was born on the eighth day before the Kalends of January, when all the increases of the coming year first begin. So it came about that, since Abraham was born in the forty-third year, the birth of Christ fell at the end of the forty-second, so that he himself was not born in part of the third year, but rather the third year was born in him. ### Translation notes - The eighth day before the Kalends of January is 25 December, when the days begin to lengthen. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.2.15 (CSEL 5:437; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-2-15). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.2.16 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-2-1/#p-7-2-16 - Source: CSEL 5:437 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The blessings of the year of Christ's birth. ### Latin text qui annus quantis, quam nouis quamque inusitatis bonis abundauerit, satis etiam me non proferente compertum haberi arbitror: toto terrarum orbe una pax omnium non cessatione sed abolitione bellorum, clausae Iani geminae portae extirpatis bellorum radicibus non repressis, census ille primus et maximus, cum in hoc unum Caesaris nomen uniuersa magnarum gentium creatura iurauit simulque per communionem census unius societatis effecta est. ### English translation (Claude) How greatly that year abounded in how new and unusual goods, I think is well enough known even without my setting it out: over the whole world one peace for all, not by a cessation but by an abolition of wars; the twin gates of Janus closed, the roots of wars torn out, not held back; that first and greatest census, when the whole creation of great nations swore by this one name of Caesar and at the same time was made one fellowship by sharing in the census. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.2.16 (CSEL 5:437; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-2-16). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.3.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-2-1/#p-7-3-1 - Source: CSEL 5:437–438 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Christ, the rock and the fire. ### Latin text Igitur anno ab Vrbe condita DCCLII natus est Christus salutarem mundo adferens fidem, uere petra medio rerum posita, ubi comminueretur qui offenderet, qui crederet saluaretur; uere ignis ardens, quem qui sequitur inluminatur, qui temptat exuritur; ### English translation (Claude) So in the 752nd year from the founding of the City Christ was born, bringing to the world the saving faith, truly a rock set in the middle of things, on which whoever stumbled would be broken and whoever believed would be saved; truly a burning fire, which enlightens whoever follows it and burns whoever tempts it; ### Scripture references - Luke 20:18: allusion, medium confidence - Rom 9:33: echo, low confidence - Heb 12:29: echo, low confidence ### Translation notes - Compare Luke 20:18; Isa 8:14; Rom 9:33; and Deut 4:24; Heb 12:29. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.3.1 (CSEL 5:437–438; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-3-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.3.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-2-1/#p-7-3-2 - Source: CSEL 5:438 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Christ's sufferings began with Herod. ### Latin text ipse est Christus, Christianorum caput, saluator bonorum, malorum punitor, iudex omnium, qui formam subsecuturis uerbo et opere statuens, quo magis doceret patientes in persecutionibus, quas pro uita aeterna exciperent, esse oportere, mox ut uirginis partu editus mundo apparuit, de passionibus suis coepit. namque eum rex Iudaeae Herodes simul ut natum conperit, necare decreuit plurimosque tunc paruulos, dum unum insectatur, occidit. ### English translation (Claude) he is Christ, the head of Christians, the savior of the good, the punisher of the wicked, the judge of all, who, setting a pattern by word and deed for those who would follow, so as to teach the more that they must be patient in the persecutions they would undergo for eternal life, as soon as he appeared to the world, brought forth by a virgin's childbearing, began from his sufferings. For Herod, king of Judea, as soon as he learned he was born, resolved to kill him, and, while hunting one, killed very many little children. ### Scripture references - Matt 2:16: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Matt 2:16. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.3.2 (CSEL 5:438; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-3-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.3.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-2-1/#p-7-3-3 - Source: CSEL 5:438 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Peace is a grace for believers, trouble a punishment for blasphemers. ### Latin text hinc malignis inprobe incurrentibus digna punitio est; hinc, in quantum tranquille agitur mundus, credentium gratia, in quantum perniciose inquietatur, blasphemantium poena est, securis per omnia fidelibus Christianis, quibus aut aeternae uitae requies in tuto aut etiam huius in lucro est. quod promptius cum per ordinem referam, ipsis rebus ostendam. ### English translation (Claude) Hence there is fitting punishment for the malicious who wickedly attack; hence, as far as the world is governed peacefully, it is the grace of believers, and as far as it is ruinously disturbed, it is the punishment of blasphemers, while faithful Christians are secure in all things, for whom there is either the rest of eternal life in safety or even gain in this life. When I relate this more readily in order, I shall show it by the facts themselves. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.3.3 (CSEL 5:438; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-3-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.3.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-2-1/#p-7-3-4 - Source: CSEL 5:438 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Augustus sends Gaius to the East. ### Latin text postquam redemptor mundi, Dominus Iesus Christus, uenit in terras et Caesaris censu ciuis Romanus adscriptus est, dum per duodecim, ut dixi, annos clausae belli portae beatissima pacis tranquillitate cohibentur, Gaium nepotem suum Caesar Augustus ad ordinandas Aegypti Syriaeque prouincias misit. ### English translation (Claude) After the Redeemer of the world, the Lord Jesus Christ, came to earth and was enrolled as a Roman citizen in Caesar's census, while for twelve years, as I said, the gates of war remained closed in the most blessed tranquility of peace, Caesar Augustus sent his grandson Gaius to order the provinces of Egypt and Syria. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.3.4 (CSEL 5:438; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-3-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.3.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-2-1/#p-7-3-5 - Source: CSEL 5:438–439 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Gaius refuses to worship at Jerusalem. ### Latin text qui praeteriens ab Aegypto fines Palaestinae, apud Hierosolymam in templo Dei tunc sancto et celebri adorare contempsit, sicut Suetonius Tranquillus refert. quod Augustus ubi per eum conperit, prauo usus iudicio prudenter fecisse laudauit. ### English translation (Claude) He, passing from Egypt by the borders of Palestine, scorned to worship in the temple of God at Jerusalem, then holy and celebrated, as Suetonius Tranquillus reports. When Augustus learned this from him, by a wrong judgment he praised him for having acted wisely. ### Translation notes - Suetonius, Augustus 93. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.3.5 (CSEL 5:438–439; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-3-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.3.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-2-1/#p-7-3-6 - Source: CSEL 5:439 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: A famine follows the insult to the temple. ### Latin text itaque anno imperii Caesaris quadragesimo octauo adeo dira Romanos fames consecuta est, ut Caesar lanistarum familias omnesque peregrinos, seruorum quoque maximas copias, exceptis medicis et praeceptoribus, trudi Vrbe praeceperit. ita peccante principe in sanctum Dei et correpto per famem populo quantitatem offensionis qualitas ultionis ostendit. ### English translation (Claude) So in the forty-eighth year of Caesar's rule so dire a famine followed for the Romans that Caesar ordered the households of gladiator trainers and all foreigners, and also very great numbers of slaves, except physicians and teachers, to be driven out of the City. So, when the prince sinned against the holy place of God and the people was chastised by famine, the quality of the punishment showed the size of the offense. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.3.6 (CSEL 5:439; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-3-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.3.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-2-1/#p-7-3-7 - Source: CSEL 5:439 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Tacitus on the opening of Janus. ### Latin text deinde, ut uerbis Corneli Taciti loquar, sene Augusto Ianus patefactus, dum apud extremos terrarum terminos nouae gentes saepe ex usu et aliquando cum damno quaeruntur, usque ad Vespasiani durauit imperium. hucusque Cornelius. ### English translation (Claude) Then, to speak in the words of Cornelius Tacitus, “when Augustus was old, Janus was opened, while new peoples were sought at the farthest ends of the earth, often with advantage and sometimes with loss, and it remained so until the rule of Vespasian.” Thus far Cornelius. ### Extrabiblical texts - Tacitus (Tacitus): quotation, medium confidence ### Translation notes - From a lost part of Tacitus's Histories. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.3.7 (CSEL 5:439; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-3-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.3.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-2-1/#p-7-3-8 - Source: CSEL 5:439 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Titus closes Janus after taking Jerusalem. ### Latin text ceterum et tunc capta euersaque Vrbe Hierosolymorum, sicut prophetae praenuntiauerunt, extinctisque Iudaeis Titus, qui ad uindicandum Domini Iesu Christi sanguinem iudicio Dei fuerat ordinatus, uictor triumphans cum Vespasiano patre Ianum clausit. ### English translation (Claude) Moreover, then too, when the city of Jerusalem had been captured and overthrown, as the prophets foretold, and the Jews destroyed, Titus, who had been appointed by the judgment of God to avenge the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, triumphing as victor with his father Vespasian, closed Janus. ### Scripture references - Luke 19:43–44: echo, low confidence ### Translation notes - The view that the fall of Jerusalem avenged Christ's blood is Orosius's own; compare Luke 19:43–44. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.3.8 (CSEL 5:439; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-3-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.3.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-2-1/#p-7-3-9 - Source: CSEL 5:439 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Even with Janus open, no wars came. ### Latin text igitur etsi sub extremis Caesaris temporibus apertus est Ianus, tamen per multa ex eo tempora, quamuis in procinctu esset exercitus, nulla bella sonuerunt. ### English translation (Claude) So, although Janus was opened in the last times of Caesar, yet for many times after that, though the army was in readiness, no wars resounded. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.3.9 (CSEL 5:439; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-3-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.3.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-2-1/#p-7-3-10 - Source: CSEL 5:439–440 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Christ foretold wars in a time of peace. ### Latin text unde etiam Dominus ipse Iesus Christus in Euangeliis, cum temporibus illis in summa tranquillitate uniuersus mundus ageret cunctasque gentes pax una uelaret et a discipulis suis interrogatus esset de conclusione temporum subsequentium, inter cetera sic ait: ### English translation (Claude) Hence the Lord Jesus Christ himself too in the Gospels, when in those times the whole world was living in the greatest tranquility and one peace covered all nations, and he was asked by his disciples about the end of the times to follow, said, among other things: ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.3.10 (CSEL 5:439–440; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-3-10). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.3.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-2-1/#p-7-3-11 - Source: CSEL 5:440 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Christ's prophecy of wars and persecution. ### Latin text audituri autem estis proelia et opiniones proeliorum. uidete ne turbemini; oportet enim haec fieri, sed nondum est finis. consurget enim gens in gentem et regnum in regnum et erunt pestilentiae et fames et terrae motus per loca. haec autem omnia initia sunt dolorum. tunc tradent uos in tribulationem et occident uos, et eritis odio omnibus gentibus propter nomen meum. ### English translation (Claude) “You will hear of battles and rumors of battles. See that you are not alarmed; for these things must happen, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be plagues and famines and earthquakes in various places. But all these are the beginning of birth pains. Then they will hand you over to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of my name.” ### Scripture references - Matt 24:6–9: quotation, high confidence - Luke 21:11: allusion, medium confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation of Matt 24:6–9 (with “pestilentiae” as in Luke 21:11). ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.3.11 (CSEL 5:440; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-3-11). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.3.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-2-1/#p-7-3-12 - Source: CSEL 5:440 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The prophecy strengthened believers. ### Latin text hoc autem diuina prouidentia docens et credentes praemonendo firmauit et incredulos praedicendo confudit. ### English translation (Claude) Teaching this by divine providence, he both strengthened believers by forewarning them and confounded unbelievers by foretelling it. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.3.12 (CSEL 5:440; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-3-12). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.4.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-2-1/#p-7-4-1 - Source: CSEL 5:440 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Tiberius becomes emperor. ### Latin text Anno ab Vrbe condita DCCLXVII post mortem Augusti Caesaris Tiberius Caesar imperium adeptus est mansitque in eo annis uiginti et tribus. ### English translation (Claude) In the 767th year from the founding of the City, after the death of Augustus Caesar, Tiberius Caesar obtained the rule and remained in it for twenty-three years. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.4.1 (CSEL 5:440; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-4-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.4.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-2-1/#p-7-4-2 - Source: CSEL 5:440 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Tiberius's peaceful reign. ### Latin text hic per semet ipsum nulla bella gessit, sed ne per legatos quidem aliqua grauia, nisi quod tantum aliquantis in locis praecogniti cito gentium tumores conprimebantur. ### English translation (Claude) He waged no wars himself, nor even any serious ones through legates, except only that in some places swellings of peoples, recognized beforehand, were quickly suppressed. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.4.2 (CSEL 5:440; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-4-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.4.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-2-1/#p-7-4-3 - Source: CSEL 5:440 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Germanicus's triumph. ### Latin text sane quarto imperii eius anno Germanicus Drusi filius Caligulae pater de Germanis, ad quos ab Augusto sene missus fuerat, triumphauit. ### English translation (Claude) Indeed, in the fourth year of his rule Germanicus, son of Drusus and father of Caligula, triumphed over the Germans, to whom he had been sent by the aged Augustus. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.4.3 (CSEL 5:440; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-4-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.4.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-2-1/#p-7-4-4 - Source: CSEL 5:440–441 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Tiberius's moderation. ### Latin text ipse autem Tiberius plurima imperii sui parte cum magna et graui modestia reipublicae praefuit, adeo ut quibusdam praesidibus augenda prouinciis tributa suadentibus scripserit boni pastoris esse tondere pecus, non deglubere. ### English translation (Claude) Tiberius himself, for the greater part of his rule, governed the commonwealth with great and grave moderation, so much so that when some governors urged that the tribute of the provinces be increased, he wrote that it was the part of a good shepherd to shear the flock, not to flay it. ### Translation notes - Compare Suetonius, Tiberius 32.2. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.4.4 (CSEL 5:440–441; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-4-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.4.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-2-1/#p-7-4-5 - Source: CSEL 5:441 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Pilate reports to Tiberius about Christ. ### Latin text at postquam passus est Dominus Christus atque a mortuis resurrexit et discipulos suos ad praedicandum dimisit, Pilatus, praeses Palaestinae prouinciae, ad Tiberium imperatorem atque ad senatum rettulit de passione et resurrectione Christi consequentibusque uirtutibus, quae uel per ipsum palam factae fuerant uel per discipulos ipsius in nomine eius fiebant, et de eo, quod certatim crescente plurimorum fide deus crederetur. ### English translation (Claude) But after the Lord Christ had suffered and risen from the dead and sent his disciples out to preach, Pilate, governor of the province of Palestine, reported to the emperor Tiberius and to the senate about the passion and resurrection of Christ and the mighty works that followed, which had been done openly either by him or were being done by his disciples in his name, and about the fact that, as the faith of very many grew in rivalry, he was believed to be a god. ### Extrabiblical texts - Tertullian, Apol. 5 (Apology): allusion, medium confidence - Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.2 (Church History): allusion, medium confidence ### Translation notes - The tradition of Pilate's report is in Tertullian, Apology 5 and 21, and Eusebius, Church History 2.2. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.4.5 (CSEL 5:441; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-4-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.4.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-2-1/#p-7-4-6 - Source: CSEL 5:441 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The senate refuses to deify Christ. ### Latin text Tiberius cum suffragio magni fauoris rettulit ad senatum, ut Christus deus haberetur. senatus indignatione motus, cur non sibi prius secundum morem delatum esset, ut de suscipiendo cultu prius ipse decerneret consecrationem Christi recusauit edictoque constituit, exterminandos esse Vrbe Christianos; praecipue cum et Seianus praefectus Tiberii suscipiendae religioni obstinatissime contradiceret. ### English translation (Claude) Tiberius, with the support of great favor, proposed to the senate that Christ be held a god. The senate, moved by indignation that it had not first been referred to it according to custom, so that it might itself first decide about accepting the cult, refused the consecration of Christ and established by edict that Christians should be banished from the City; especially since Sejanus, Tiberius's prefect, also most stubbornly opposed accepting the religion. ### Extrabiblical texts - Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.2 (Church History): allusion, medium confidence ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.4.6 (CSEL 5:441; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-4-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.4.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-2-1/#p-7-4-7 - Source: CSEL 5:441 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Tiberius turns cruel against the senate. ### Latin text Tiberius tamen edicto accusatoribus Christianorum mortem comminatus est. itaque paulatim immutata est illa Tiberii Caesaris laudatissima modestia in poenam contradictoris senatus; nam regi, quaecumque uoluntate faciebat, uoluptas erat, atque ex mansuetissimo principe saeuissima bestia exarsit. ### English translation (Claude) Tiberius nevertheless by edict threatened death to accusers of Christians. And so gradually that most praised moderation of Tiberius Caesar was changed into punishment of the opposing senate; for the ruler took pleasure in whatever he did by will, and from a most gentle prince he blazed out as a most savage beast. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.4.7 (CSEL 5:441; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-4-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.4.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-2-1/#p-7-4-8 - Source: CSEL 5:441–442 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Tiberius's purges. ### Latin text nam plurimos senatorum proscripsit et ad mortem coegit; uiginti sibi patricios uiros consilii causa legerat: horum uix duos incolumes reliquit, ceteros diuersis causis necauit; Seianum praefectum suum res nouas molientem interfecit; ### English translation (Claude) For he proscribed very many senators and drove them to death; he had chosen twenty men of patrician rank as his council: of these he left barely two unharmed and killed the rest for various reasons; he killed his prefect Sejanus, who was plotting revolution; ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.4.8 (CSEL 5:441–442; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-4-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.4.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-2-1/#p-7-4-9 - Source: CSEL 5:442 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Tiberius kills his family. ### Latin text filios suos Drusum et Germanicum, quorum Drusus naturalis, Germanicus adoptiuus erat, manifestis ueneni signis perdidit; filios Germanici filii sui interfecit. ### English translation (Claude) he destroyed his sons Drusus and Germanicus, of whom Drusus was his natural son and Germanicus adopted, with clear signs of poison; he killed the sons of his son Germanicus. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.4.9 (CSEL 5:442; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-4-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.4.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-2-1/#p-7-4-10 - Source: CSEL 5:442 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Those who scorned Christ were punished by Tiberius. ### Latin text referre singillatim facta eius horret pudetque; tanta libidinis et crudelitatis rabie efferbuit, ut, qui spreuerant Christo rege saluari, rege Caesare punirentur. ### English translation (Claude) To relate his deeds one by one is a horror and a shame; he raged with such madness of lust and cruelty that those who had scorned to be saved by Christ as king were punished by Caesar as king. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.4.10 (CSEL 5:442; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-4-10). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.4.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-2-1/#p-7-4-11 - Source: CSEL 5:442 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The amphitheater at Fidenae collapses. ### Latin text huius tamen imperii anno duodecimo noua et incredibilis clades apud Fidenatium urbem accidit: amphitheatri cauea populo gladiatorium munus spectante conlapsa est et plus quam uiginti milia hominum occidit. ### English translation (Claude) In the twelfth year of his rule, however, a new and incredible disaster happened at the city of Fidenae: the seating of an amphitheater collapsed while the people were watching a gladiatorial show, and killed more than twenty thousand people. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.4.11 (CSEL 5:442; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-4-11). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.4.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-2-1/#p-7-4-12 - Source: CSEL 5:442 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: A chastisement for love of bloodshed. ### Latin text dignum sane posteris tantae correptionis exemplum, tunc ad spectandas hominum mortes auidos homines conuenisse, quando pro salute hominum prouidenda Deus homo esse uoluisset. ### English translation (Claude) Truly an example of so great a chastisement worthy for posterity: that men, greedy to watch the deaths of men, had then gathered, when God had willed to become man to provide for the salvation of men. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.4.12 (CSEL 5:442; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-4-12). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.4.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-2-1/#p-7-4-13 - Source: CSEL 5:442 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: An earthquake at the crucifixion. ### Latin text deinde anno eiusdem septimo decimo cum Dominus Iesus Christus uoluntarie quidem se tradidit passioni, sed impie a Iudaeis apprehensus et patibulo suffixus est, maximo terrae motu per Orbem facto saxa in montibus scissa, maximarumque urbium plurimae partes plus solita concussione ceciderunt. ### English translation (Claude) Then, in his seventeenth year, when the Lord Jesus Christ voluntarily gave himself up to his passion, but was impiously seized by the Jews and fastened to the cross, a very great earthquake occurred throughout the world, rocks were split on the mountains, and very many parts of the greatest cities fell with more than usual shaking. ### Scripture references - Matt 27:51: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Compare Matt 27:51. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.4.13 (CSEL 5:442; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-4-13). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.4.14 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-2-1/#p-7-4-14 - Source: CSEL 5:442–443 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The sun is darkened at the crucifixion. ### Latin text eadem quoque die ad horam diei sextam sol in totum obscuratus tetraque nox subito obducta terris est et, sicut dictum est, Impiaque aeternam timuerunt saecula noctem. ### English translation (Claude) On the same day too, at the sixth hour of the day, the sun was wholly darkened, and a black night suddenly covered the earth, and, as it was said, “impious ages feared eternal night.” ### Scripture references - Matt 27:45: allusion, high confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Virgil, Georg. 1.468 (Virgil): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Compare Matt 27:45. The verse is Virgil, Georgics 1.468. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.4.14 (CSEL 5:442–443; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-4-14). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.4.15 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-2-1/#p-7-4-15 - Source: CSEL 5:443 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The darkness was no eclipse. ### Latin text usque adeo autem neque lunam lumini solis neque nubes obstitisse manifestum est, ut quartam decimam ea die lunam, tota caeli regione interiecta, longissime a conspectu solis afuisse et stellas tunc diurnis horis uel potius in illa horrenda nocte toto caelo fulsisse referatur. quod non solum sanctorum Euangeliorum fides, sed etiam aliquanti Graecorum libri adtestantur. ### English translation (Claude) It is so plain that neither the moon nor clouds blocked the sun's light that it is reported that the moon, on that day the fourteenth, with the whole region of the sky between, was very far from the sight of the sun, and that the stars then shone in the daytime hours, or rather in that horrible night, over the whole sky. This is attested not only by the faith of the holy Gospels but also by a number of books of the Greeks. ### Extrabiblical texts - Phlegon (Phlegon of Tralles, Chronicles): allusion, low confidence ### Translation notes - The “books of the Greeks” probably include Phlegon, as cited in the Chronicle of Eusebius and Jerome. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.4.15 (CSEL 5:443; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-4-15). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.4.16 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-2-1/#p-7-4-16 - Source: CSEL 5:443 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Disasters of the Jews after the passion. ### Latin text iam hinc post passionem Domini, quem Iudaei quantum in ipsis fuit persecuti sunt, continuae clades Iudaeorum, donec exinaniti dispersique deficiant, incessabiliter strepunt. ### English translation (Claude) From then on, after the passion of the Lord, whom the Jews persecuted as far as lay in them, continual disasters of the Jews resound ceaselessly, until, exhausted and scattered, they fail. ### Translation notes - This is Orosius's view of Jewish history, translated as written. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.4.16 (CSEL 5:443; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-4-16). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.4.17 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-2-1/#p-7-4-17 - Source: CSEL 5:443 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Tiberius expels the Jews from Rome. ### Latin text Tiberius siquidem iuuentutem eorum per speciem sacramenti in prouincias grauioris caeli relegauit, reliquos gentis eiusdem uel similia sectantes Vrbe submouit sub poena perpetuae seruitutis, nisi obtemperassent. ### English translation (Claude) For Tiberius banished their youth, under pretext of military oath, to provinces of harsher climate, and removed from the City the rest of that nation, or those following similar practices, under penalty of perpetual slavery if they did not obey. ### Translation notes - Compare Suetonius, Tiberius 36; Tacitus, Annals 2.85. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.4.17 (CSEL 5:443; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-4-17). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.4.18 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-2-1/#p-7-4-18 - Source: CSEL 5:443–444 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Tiberius's relief for Asia and his death. ### Latin text sane Asiae ciuitates illo terrae motu dirutas tributo dimisso propria etiam liberalitate donauit. hic ambiguis signis ueneni obiit. ### English translation (Claude) Indeed, he remitted the tribute of the cities of Asia destroyed by that earthquake and also gave to them from his own generosity. He died with ambiguous signs of poison. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.4.18 (CSEL 5:443–444; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-4-18). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.5.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-2-1/#p-7-5-1 - Source: CSEL 5:444 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Caligula becomes emperor. ### Latin text Anno ab Vrbe condita DCCXC tertius ab Augusto Gaius Caligula regnare coepit mansitque in imperio annis non plenis quattuor, homo omnium ante se flagitiosissimus et qui uere dignus Romanis blasphemantibus et Iudaeis persecutoribus punitor adhibitus uideretur. ### English translation (Claude) In the 790th year from the founding of the City, Gaius Caligula, third from Augustus, began to reign and remained in power for not quite four years, the most shameful of all men before him, and one who seemed truly applied as a fitting punisher of the blaspheming Romans and the persecuting Jews. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.5.1 (CSEL 5:444; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-5-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.5.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-2-1/#p-7-5-2 - Source: CSEL 5:444 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Caligula's cruel sayings. ### Latin text hic, ut breuiter magnitudinem crudelitatis eius expromam, exclamasse fertur utinam populus Romanus unam ceruicem haberet. saepe etiam de condicione temporum suorum conquestus est, quod nullis calamitatibus publicis insignirentur. ### English translation (Claude) He, to set out briefly the greatness of his cruelty, is said to have exclaimed: “Would that the Roman people had one neck!” He also often complained of the condition of his times, that they were marked by no public calamities. ### Translation notes - Compare Suetonius, Caligula 30.2 and 31. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.5.2 (CSEL 5:444; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-5-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.5.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-2-1/#p-7-5-3 - Source: CSEL 5:444 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Christian times frustrate even Caligula's cruelty. ### Latin text O beata germina temporis Christiani, quantum praeualuistis in rebus humanis, ut etiam crudelitas hominis magis potuerit clades desiderare quam inuenire! ecce de tranquillitate generali feritas ieiuna conqueritur; furor impius intus Saeua sedens super arma et centum uinctus aeuis Post tergum nodis fremit horridus ore cruento. ### English translation (Claude) O blessed seeds of Christian times, how strongly you have prevailed in human affairs, that even a man's cruelty could rather desire disasters than find them! See, hungry savagery complains of the general tranquility; impious fury within, “seated on cruel arms and bound with a hundred brazen knots behind its back, roars, horrid, with bloody mouth.” ### Extrabiblical texts - Virgil, Aen. 1.294-296 (Virgil): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Virgil, Aeneid 1.294–296 (adapted; Orosius has “aeuis” for Virgil's “aenis”). ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.5.3 (CSEL 5:444; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-5-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.5.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-2-1/#p-7-5-4 - Source: CSEL 5:444–445 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: In Christian times even a bad emperor cannot break the peace. ### Latin text serui rebelles et fugitiui gladiatores perterruere Romam, euertere Italiam, Siciliam deleuerunt, iam paene uniuerso humano generi toto Orbe metuendi; in diebus autem salutis, hoc est temporibus Christianis, conuellere quietem non potest uel Caesar infestus. ### English translation (Claude) Rebel slaves and runaway gladiators terrified Rome, overthrew Italy, destroyed Sicily, already to be feared by almost the whole human race throughout the world; but in the days of salvation, that is, in Christian times, not even a hostile Caesar can shake the peace. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.5.4 (CSEL 5:444–445; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-5-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.5.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-2-1/#p-7-5-5 - Source: CSEL 5:445 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Caligula's pointless expedition. ### Latin text hic siquidem magno et incredibili apparatu profectus quaerere hostem uiribus otiosis, Germaniam Galliamque percurrens, in ora Oceani circa prospectum Britanniae restitit. cumque ibi Minocynobelinum Britannorum regis filium, qui a patre pulsus cum paucis oberrabat, in deditionem recepisset, deficiente belli materia Romam rediit. ### English translation (Claude) For he set out with great and incredible preparation to seek an enemy for his idle forces, ran through Germany and Gaul, and stopped on the shore of the Ocean in view of Britain. And when he had there received in surrender Minocynobelinus, son of the king of the Britons, who, driven out by his father, was wandering with a few men, for lack of material for war he returned to Rome. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.5.5 (CSEL 5:445; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-5-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.5.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-2-1/#p-7-5-6 - Source: CSEL 5:445 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Philo's embassy to Caligula. ### Latin text isdem autem diebus Iudaei, qui iam tunc ob passionem Christi meritis ubique cladibus exagitabantur, apud Alexandriam seditione excitata, profligati caede atque urbe propulsi, expromendarum querellarum causa Philonem quendam, uirum sane in primis eruditum, legatum ad Caesarem miserant. ### English translation (Claude) In those same days the Jews, who already then were harried everywhere by deserved disasters because of the passion of Christ, having stirred up a sedition at Alexandria, were crushed by slaughter and driven out of the city, and had sent to Caesar as envoy, to set out their complaints, a certain Philo, a man indeed among the most learned. ### Extrabiblical texts - Philo (Philo of Alexandria (works)): allusion, medium confidence ### Translation notes - Philo's own account is the Embassy to Gaius. The verdict on the Jews is Orosius's own. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.5.6 (CSEL 5:445; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-5-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.5.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-2-1/#p-7-5-7 - Source: CSEL 5:445 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Caligula orders his statue in the temple. ### Latin text sed Caligula cum omnibus hominibus tum praecipue Iudaeis infestissimus, spreta legatione Philonis omnes Iudaeorum sacras sedes atque in primis antiquum illud in Hierosolymis sacrarium profanari sacrificiis gentilium ac repleri statuis simulacrisque imperauit seque ibi ut deum coli praecepit. ### English translation (Claude) But Caligula, most hostile to all men but especially to the Jews, scorned Philo's embassy and ordered all the sacred places of the Jews, and above all that ancient sanctuary at Jerusalem, to be profaned with the sacrifices of the gentiles and filled with statues and images, and commanded that he himself be worshiped there as a god. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.5.7 (CSEL 5:445; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-5-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.5.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-2-1/#p-7-5-8 - Source: CSEL 5:445–446 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Pilate's suicide. ### Latin text Pilatus autem praeses, qui sententiam damnationis in Christum dixerat, postquam plurimas seditiones in Hierosolymis excepit ac fecit, tantis inrogante Gaio angoribus coartatus est, ut sua se transuerberans manu malorum conpendium mortis celeritate quaesierit. ### English translation (Claude) And Pilate the governor, who had pronounced the sentence of condemnation on Christ, after he had met with and caused very many seditions at Jerusalem, was pressed by such great distresses inflicted by Gaius that, running himself through with his own hand, he sought by the speed of death a shortcut out of his evils. ### Extrabiblical texts - Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.7 (Church History): allusion, medium confidence ### Translation notes - Compare Eusebius, Church History 2.7. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.5.8 (CSEL 5:445–446; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-5-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.5.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-2-1/#p-7-5-9 - Source: CSEL 5:446 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Caligula's incest and death. ### Latin text Gaius Caligula libidinibus suis etiam illud sceleris adiecit, ut sorores suas primum stupro pollueret, deinde exilio damnaret. qui post omnes simul exules iussit occidi. ipse autem a suis protectoribus occisus est. ### English translation (Claude) Gaius Caligula added to his lusts this crime too, that he first defiled his sisters by illicit intercourse and then condemned them to exile. Afterward he ordered all the exiles killed at once. He himself was killed by his own guards. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.5.9 (CSEL 5:446; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-5-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.5.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-2-1/#p-7-5-10 - Source: CSEL 5:446 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Caligula's death lists and poisons. ### Latin text duo libelli in secretis eius reperti sunt, quorum alteri pugio, alteri gladius pro signo nominis adscriptum erat: ambo lectissimorum uirorum utriusque ordinis senatorii et equestris nomina et notas continebant morti destinatorum. inuenta est et arca ingens uariorum uenenorum, quibus mox Claudio Caesare iubente demersis infecta maria traduntur non sine magno piscium exitio, quos enecatos per proxima litora passim aestus eiecit. ### English translation (Claude) Two notebooks were found among his secret papers, one inscribed with “Dagger,” the other with “Sword” as the sign of its name: both contained the names and marks of the most excellent men of both orders, senatorial and equestrian, destined for death. A huge chest of various poisons was also found; when these were soon sunk by order of Claudius Caesar, the seas are said to have been infected, not without great destruction of fish, which the tide threw up dead everywhere along the nearest shores. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.5.10 (CSEL 5:446; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-5-10). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.5.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-2-1/#p-7-5-11 - Source: CSEL 5:446–447 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: God's mercy shown by the poisoned fish. ### Latin text Magnum reuera indicium miserentis Dei propter suffragium gratiae in populum continuo ex parte crediturum et propter irae temperamentum in populum tunc infideliter obstinatum, ut quanta multitudo hominum praeparatam mortem euaserit, ex multitudine interfectorum piscium disceretur omnibusque notesceret, quid tanta ueneni moles arte aucta agere in misera Ciuitate potuisset, quae neglegenter effusa etiam maria corrupit. ### English translation (Claude) Truly a great sign of the mercy of God, both for the support of grace toward a people soon in part to believe and for the tempering of wrath toward a people then faithlessly stubborn: that from the multitude of the fish killed it might be learned how great a multitude of men had escaped the death prepared for them, and might become known to all what so great a mass of poison, increased by art, could have done in the wretched City, which, carelessly poured out, corrupted even the seas. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.5.11 (CSEL 5:446–447; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-5-11). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.6.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-2-1/#p-7-6-1 - Source: CSEL 5:447 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Claudius becomes emperor. ### Latin text Anno ab Vrbe condita DCCXCV Tiberius Claudius ab Augusto quartus regnum adeptus est mansitque in eo annis quattuordecim. ### English translation (Claude) In the 795th year from the founding of the City, Tiberius Claudius, fourth from Augustus, obtained the rule and remained in it fourteen years. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.6.1 (CSEL 5:447; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-6-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.6.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-2-1/#p-7-6-2 - Source: CSEL 5:447 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Peter comes to Rome. ### Latin text exordio regni eius Petrus, apostolus Domini Iesu Christi, Romam uenit et salutarem cunctis credentibus fidem fideli uerbo docuit potentissimisque uirtutibus approbauit; atque exim Christiani Romae esse coeperunt. ### English translation (Claude) At the beginning of his reign Peter, the apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, came to Rome, taught the saving faith to all believers with faithful word, and confirmed it with most powerful miracles; and from then on there began to be Christians at Rome. ### Extrabiblical texts - Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.14 (Church History): allusion, medium confidence ### Translation notes - The tradition of Peter's arrival under Claudius is in Eusebius, Church History 2.14. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.6.2 (CSEL 5:447; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-6-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.6.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-2-1/#p-7-6-3 - Source: CSEL 5:447 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: After Caligula's death the senate plans to restore the republic. ### Latin text sensit hoc conlatum fidei suae Roma beneficium, nam cum interfecto Caligula multa de abrogando imperio ac republica in antiquum ordinem restituenda euerrendaque penitus Caesarum uniuersa familia senatus et consules decreuissent: ### English translation (Claude) Rome felt this benefit conferred on her faith. For when, after Caligula was killed, the senate and consuls had decreed many things about abolishing the empire, restoring the commonwealth to its ancient order, and wiping out the whole family of the Caesars utterly: ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.6.3 (CSEL 5:447; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-6-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.6.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-2-1/#p-7-6-4 - Source: CSEL 5:447–448 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Claudius grants an amnesty. ### Latin text Claudius mox ut confirmauit imperium, magna atque adhuc Romae incognita usus clementia, ne in tantam nobilium multitudinem ultio, si esset coepta, saeuiret, biduum illud, quo de reipublicae statu infeliciter consultatum actumque fuerat, memoriae exemit omniumque factorum dictorumue in eo ueniam et obliuionem in perpetuum sanxit. ### English translation (Claude) Claudius, as soon as he had confirmed his rule, used great clemency hitherto unknown at Rome: lest vengeance, if begun, should rage against so great a multitude of nobles, he removed from memory those two days on which the state of the commonwealth had been unhappily debated and acted upon, and decreed pardon and forgetfulness forever for all deeds and words in them. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.6.4 (CSEL 5:447–448; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-6-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.6.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-2-1/#p-7-6-5 - Source: CSEL 5:448 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Claudius's amnesty compared with Athens. ### Latin text ita illam praeclaram et famosam Atheniensium amnestiam, quam quidem Romae inducere Iulio Caesare interfecto senatus Cicerone suadente temptauerat, sed Antonio et Octauiano propter ultionem extincti Caesaris inrumpentibus in inritum cesserat: hanc Claudius quamuis multo truculentiore causa in caedem conspiratorum stimularetur, ultronea clementia nullo expetente firmauit. ### English translation (Claude) So that famous and celebrated amnesty of the Athenians, which the senate, at Cicero's urging, had tried to introduce at Rome when Julius Caesar was killed, but which had come to nothing as Antonius and Octavian broke in to avenge the slain Caesar: this Claudius, although he was spurred by a far more savage cause to the slaughter of the conspirators, confirmed by spontaneous clemency, with no one asking for it. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.6.5 (CSEL 5:448; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-6-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.6.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-2-1/#p-7-6-6 - Source: CSEL 5:448 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Scribonianus's revolt. ### Latin text accidit etiam eodem tempore praesentis gratiae Dei grande miraculum: siquidem Furius Camillus Scribonianus, Dalmatiae legatus, bellum ciuile molitus legiones multas fortissimasque ad sacramenti mutationem pellexerat. ### English translation (Claude) At the same time there happened also a great miracle of God's present grace: for Furius Camillus Scribonianus, legate of Dalmatia, plotting civil war, had enticed many very strong legions to change their oath. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.6.6 (CSEL 5:448; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-6-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.6.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-2-1/#p-7-6-7 - Source: CSEL 5:448 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The standards will not move; the revolt fails. ### Latin text itaque die dato, ut in unum undique ad nouum imperatorem conueniretur, neque aquilae ornari neque conuelli quoquo modo signa moueriue potuerunt. exercitus tanta et tam inusitata miraculi fide motus et conuersus in paenitentiam Scribonianum quinta statim die destitutum interfecit seseque sacramento prioris militiae continuit. ### English translation (Claude) So, when a day was set for all to gather in one place to the new emperor, the eagles could not be adorned, nor could the standards in any way be pulled up or moved. The army, moved by so great and unusual a proof of miracle and turned to repentance, at once on the fifth day abandoned and killed Scribonianus and held itself to the oath of its former service. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.6.7 (CSEL 5:448; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-6-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.6.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-2-1/#p-7-6-8 - Source: CSEL 5:448–449 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Peter's coming checked civil war. ### Latin text tristius ac perniciosius urbi Romae nihil umquam fuisse quam bella ciuilia satis notum est. itaque propter aduentum apostoli Petri et tenera Christianorum germina uixdum adhuc pauca ad sanctae fidei professionem erumpentia hanc exorientem tyrannidem et consurgens istud ciuile bellum neget quisquam diuinitus esse conpressum, qui praeteritis temporibus de conpressione bellorum ciuilium simile probarit exemplum. ### English translation (Claude) It is well enough known that nothing was ever sadder or more ruinous for the city of Rome than civil wars. So let anyone deny that, because of the coming of the apostle Peter and the tender seeds of Christians, still scarcely few, breaking out into profession of the holy faith, this rising tyranny and this civil war that was springing up was suppressed by divine power, if he can prove a similar example of the suppression of civil wars in past times. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.6.8 (CSEL 5:448–449; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-6-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.6.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-2-1/#p-7-6-9 - Source: CSEL 5:449 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Claudius invades Britain. ### Latin text Claudius quarto imperii sui anno, cupiens utilem reipublicae ostentare se principem, bellum ubique et uictoriam undecumque quaesiuit. itaque expeditionem in Britanniam mouit, quae excitata in tumultum propter non redhibitos transfugas uidebatur: transuectus in insulam est, quam neque ante Iulium Caesarem neque post eum quisquam adire ausus fuerat, ### English translation (Claude) Claudius, in the fourth year of his rule, desiring to show himself a prince useful to the commonwealth, sought war everywhere and victory from anywhere. So he set an expedition in motion against Britain, which seemed to have been stirred into tumult because deserters had not been given back: he crossed over to the island, which no one either before Julius Caesar or after him had dared to approach, ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.6.9 (CSEL 5:449; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-6-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.6.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-2-1/#p-7-6-10 - Source: CSEL 5:449–450 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Britain and the Orkneys are taken. ### Latin text ibique — ut uerbis Suetoni Tranquilli loquar — sine ullo proelio ac sanguine intra paucissimos dies plurimam insulae partem in deditionem recepit. Orcadas etiam insulas ultra Britanniam in Oceano positas Romano adiecit imperio ac sexto quam profectus erat mense Romam rediit. ### English translation (Claude) and there, to speak in the words of Suetonius Tranquillus, “without any battle or bloodshed, within a very few days he received the greater part of the island in surrender.” He also added to the Roman empire the Orkney islands, set in the Ocean beyond Britain, and returned to Rome in the sixth month after he had set out. ### Translation notes - Suetonius, Claudius 17.2. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.6.10 (CSEL 5:449–450; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-6-10). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.6.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-2-1/#p-7-6-11 - Source: CSEL 5:450 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Julius Caesar and Claudius in Britain compared. ### Latin text Conferatur nunc, si cuiquam placet, sub una insula tempus et tempus, bellum et bellum, Caesar et Caesar — nam de fine nil confero, quoniam hoc felicissima uictoria, illud acerbissima clades fuit — et sic demum Roma cognoscat, per eius latentem prouidentiam in agendis rebus antea se partem felicitatis habuisse, cuius agnitione suscepta plenissima felicitate perfruitur, in quantum non tamen blasphemiarum offendiculis deprauatur. ### English translation (Claude) Let there now be compared, if anyone pleases, under one island, time with time, war with war, Caesar with Caesar (for I make no comparison about the end, since this was a most happy victory and that a most bitter disaster), and so at last let Rome learn that she had earlier, in the conduct of affairs, a part of happiness through the hidden providence of him, by the acknowledgment of whom she enjoys the fullest happiness, as far as she is not corrupted by the stumbling blocks of blasphemies. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.6.11 (CSEL 5:450; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-6-11). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.6.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-2-1/#p-7-6-12 - Source: CSEL 5:450–451 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Famine in Syria; Helena of Adiabene's relief. ### Latin text Eodem anno imperii eius fames grauissima per Syriam facta est, quam etiam prophetae praenuntiauerant; sed Christianorum necessitatibus apud Hierosolymam, conuectis ab Aegypto frumentis, Helena Adiabenorum regina conuersa ad fidem Christi largissime ministrauit. ### English translation (Claude) In the same year of his rule a very severe famine occurred throughout Syria, which the prophets too had foretold; but Helena, queen of the Adiabeni, converted to faith in Christ, ministered most generously to the needs of the Christians at Jerusalem by bringing grain from Egypt. ### Scripture references - Acts 11:28: allusion, high confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, Ant. 20.51-53 (Josephus (works)): allusion, medium confidence ### Translation notes - Compare Acts 11:28 (Agabus). Josephus, Antiquities 20.2.5, describes Helena's relief, but she was a convert to Judaism; Orosius makes her a Christian. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.6.12 (CSEL 5:450–451; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-6-12). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.6.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-2-1/#p-7-6-13 - Source: CSEL 5:451 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: A new volcanic island. ### Latin text Anno imperii eius quinto inter Theram et Therasiam insula de profundo emicuit triginta stadiorum spatio extenta. ### English translation (Claude) In the fifth year of his rule an island rose up from the depths between Thera and Therasia, extending over a space of thirty stades. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.6.13 (CSEL 5:451; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-6-13). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.6.14 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-2-1/#p-7-6-14 - Source: CSEL 5:451 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: A deadly riot in Jerusalem at Passover. ### Latin text Anno eius septimo sub procuratore Iudaeae Cumano in Hierosolymis tanta seditio in diebus azymorum exorta est, ut in portarum exitu populo coartato triginta milia Iudaeorum caede prostrata et conpressione suffocata referantur. ### English translation (Claude) In his seventh year, under Cumanus, procurator of Judea, so great a sedition arose at Jerusalem in the days of unleavened bread that, as the people were crowded together at the exits of the gates, thirty thousand Jews are reported to have been struck down by slaughter and suffocated by crushing. ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, J.W. 2.224-227 (Josephus (works)): allusion, medium confidence ### Translation notes - Compare Josephus, Jewish War 2.224–227. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.6.14 (CSEL 5:451; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-6-14). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.6.15 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-2-1/#p-7-6-15 - Source: CSEL 5:451 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Claudius expels the Jews from Rome. ### Latin text Anno eiusdem nono expulsos per Claudium Vrbe Iudaeos Iosephus refert. sed me magis Suetonius mouet, qui ait hoc modo: Claudius Iudaeos inpulsore Christo adsidue tumultuantes Roma expulit; ### English translation (Claude) In his ninth year Josephus reports that the Jews were expelled from the City by Claudius. But Suetonius moves me more, who speaks thus: “Claudius expelled from Rome the Jews, who were constantly making disturbances at the instigation of Christ”; ### Scripture references - Acts 18:2: echo, medium confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus (Josephus (works)): allusion, low confidence ### Translation notes - Suetonius, Claudius 25.4. The passage of Josephus is not found in his surviving works. Compare Acts 18:2. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.6.15 (CSEL 5:451; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-6-15). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.6.16 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-2-1/#p-7-6-16 - Source: CSEL 5:451–452 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Whether Christians were also expelled is unclear. ### Latin text quod, utrum contra Christum tumultuantes Iudaeos coherceri et conprimi iusserit, an etiam Christianos simul uelut cognatae religionis homines uoluerit expelli, nequaquam discernitur. ### English translation (Claude) whether he ordered the Jews who were making disturbances against Christ to be restrained and suppressed, or wished the Christians too to be expelled at the same time as men of a related religion, is by no means clear. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.6.16 (CSEL 5:451–452; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-6-16). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.6.17 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-2-1/#p-7-6-17 - Source: CSEL 5:452 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Famine at Rome; Claudius is mobbed. ### Latin text Verumtamen sequenti anno tanta fames Romae fuit, ut medio foro imperator correptus a populo conuiciis et fragminibus panis turpissime infestatus, aegre per pseudothyrum in Palatium refugiens furorem excitatae plebis euaserit. ### English translation (Claude) Nevertheless, the following year there was so great a famine at Rome that the emperor, seized by the people in the middle of the forum and most shamefully assailed with insults and pieces of bread, barely escaped the fury of the aroused plebs by fleeing through a back door into the Palace. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.6.17 (CSEL 5:452; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-6-17). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.6.18 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-2-1/#p-7-6-18 - Source: CSEL 5:452 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Claudius's executions and death. ### Latin text Paruo autem intercedente tempore triginta et quinque senatores et trecentos simul equites Romanos minimis causis interfecit; ipse autem manifestis ueneni signis est mortuus. ### English translation (Claude) After a short time he killed thirty-five senators and at the same time three hundred Roman knights for the slightest causes; he himself died with clear signs of poison. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.6.18 (CSEL 5:452; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-6-18). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.7.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-2-1/#p-7-7-1 - Source: CSEL 5:452–453 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Nero's reign and vices. ### Latin text Anno ab Vrbe condita DCCCVIII Nero Caesar ab Augusto quintus principatum adeptus est mansitque in eo annis non plenis quattuordecim. Gai Caligulae auunculi sui erga omnia uitia ac scelera sectator immo transgressor, petulantiam libidinem luxuriam auaritiam crudelitatem nullo non scelere exercuit; siquidem petulantia percitus omnia paene Italiae ac Graeciae theatra perlustrans, adsumpto etiam uarii uestitus dedecore cerycas citharistas tragoedos et aurigas saepe sibi superasse uisus est. ### English translation (Claude) In the 808th year from the founding of the City, Nero Caesar, fifth from Augustus, obtained the principate and remained in it for not quite fourteen years. A follower, indeed a surpasser, of his uncle Gaius Caligula in all vices and crimes, he practiced wantonness, lust, extravagance, greed, and cruelty with every crime; for, driven by wantonness, he went round almost all the theaters of Italy and Greece and, taking on even the disgrace of various costumes, often seemed to himself to have outdone heralds, lyre players, tragic actors, and charioteers. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.7.1 (CSEL 5:452–453; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-7-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.7.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-2-1/#p-7-7-2 - Source: CSEL 5:453 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Nero's sexual crimes. ### Latin text libidinibus porro tantis exagitatus est, ut ne a matre quidem uel sorore ullaue consanguinitatis reuerentia abstinuisse referatur, uirum in uxorem duxerit, ipse a uiro ut uxor acceptus sit. ### English translation (Claude) Moreover, he was driven by such lusts that he is reported not to have refrained even from his mother or sister or from any reverence of kinship; he took a man as wife, and was himself received by a man as wife. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.7.2 (CSEL 5:453; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-7-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.7.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-2-1/#p-7-7-3 - Source: CSEL 5:453 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Nero's extravagance. ### Latin text luxuriae uero tam effrenatae fuit, ut retibus aureis piscaretur, quae purpureis funibus extrahebantur, frigidis et calidis lauaret unguentis. qui etiam numquam minus mille carrucis confecisse iter traditur. ### English translation (Claude) And he was of such unbridled extravagance that he fished with golden nets, drawn out with purple ropes, and bathed in cold and hot perfumes. It is also related that he never made a journey with fewer than a thousand carriages. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.7.3 (CSEL 5:453; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-7-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.7.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-2-1/#p-7-7-4 - Source: CSEL 5:453 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Nero watches Rome burn. ### Latin text denique urbis Romae incendium uoluptatis suae spectaculum fecit; per sex dies septemque noctes ardens ciuitas regios pauit aspectus; ### English translation (Claude) Finally he made the burning of the city of Rome a spectacle for his pleasure; for six days and seven nights the burning city fed the royal gaze; ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.7.4 (CSEL 5:453; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-7-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.7.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-2-1/#p-7-7-5 - Source: CSEL 5:453 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Nero's men spread the fire. ### Latin text horrea quadro structa lapide magnaeque illae ueterum insulae, quas discurrens adire flamma non poterat, magnis machinis quondam ad externa bella praeparatis labefactatae atque inflammatae sunt, ad monumentorum bustorumque deuersoria infelici plebe conpulsa. ### English translation (Claude) granaries built of squared stone, and those great tenement blocks of old, which the flame running about could not reach, were shaken and set on fire by great engines once prepared for foreign wars, while the unhappy common people were driven into the shelters of monuments and tombs. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.7.5 (CSEL 5:453; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-7-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.7.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-2-1/#p-7-7-6 - Source: CSEL 5:453–454 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Nero sings while Rome burns. ### Latin text quod ipse ex altissima illa Maecenatiana turre prospectans laetusque flammae ut aiebat pulchritudine tragico habitu Iliadam decantabat. ### English translation (Claude) Watching this from that very high tower of Maecenas, and delighted, as he said, by the beauty of the flame, he sang the Iliad in tragic costume. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.7.6 (CSEL 5:453–454; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-7-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.7.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-2-1/#p-7-7-7 - Source: CSEL 5:454 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Nero's greed after the fire. ### Latin text auaritiae autem tam praeruptae exstitit, ut post hoc incendium Vrbis, quam se Augustus ex latericia marmoream reddidisse iactauerat, neminem ad reliquias rerum suarum adire permiserit; cuncta, quae flammae quoquo modo superfuerant, ipse abstulit; ### English translation (Claude) And he was of such headlong greed that after this burning of the City, which Augustus had boasted he had turned from brick into marble, he allowed no one to go to the remains of his property; he himself carried off everything that had in any way survived the flames; ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.7.7 (CSEL 5:454; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-7-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.7.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-2-1/#p-7-7-8 - Source: CSEL 5:454 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Nero's exactions. ### Latin text centies centena milia sestertium annua ad expensas a senatu conferri sibi imperauit; plurimos senatorum nulla exstante causa bonis priuauit; negotiatorum omnium sub una die, tormentis quoque adhibitis, omnem penitus censum abstersit. ### English translation (Claude) he ordered ten million sesterces a year to be contributed to him by the senate for expenses; he deprived very many senators of their property without any cause; on a single day, even applying tortures, he wiped out completely the whole wealth of all the merchants. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.7.8 (CSEL 5:454; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-7-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.7.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-2-1/#p-7-7-9 - Source: CSEL 5:454 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Nero's murders. ### Latin text crudelitatis autem rabie ita efferatus est, ut plurimam senatus partem interfecerit, equestrem ordinem paene destituerit. sed ne parricidiis quidem abstinuit, matrem fratrem sororem uxorem ceterosque omnes cognatos et propinquos sine haesitatione prostrauit. ### English translation (Claude) And he became so savage with the madness of cruelty that he killed the greater part of the senate and almost emptied the equestrian order. Nor did he refrain even from murders of kin: he struck down his mother, brother, sister, wife, and all his other relatives and kinsfolk without hesitation. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.7.9 (CSEL 5:454; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-7-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.7.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-2-1/#p-7-7-10 - Source: CSEL 5:454–455 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Nero's persecution; Peter and Paul are killed. ### Latin text auxit hanc molem facinorum eius temeritas impietatis in Deum. nam primus Romae Christianos suppliciis et mortibus affecit ac per omnes prouincias pari persecutione excruciari imperauit ipsumque nomen exstirpare conatus beatissimos Christi apostolos Petrum cruce, Paulum gladio occidit. ### English translation (Claude) The rashness of his impiety toward God increased this mass of crimes. For he was the first at Rome to afflict Christians with tortures and deaths, and ordered them to be tormented with equal persecution throughout all the provinces; and, trying to root out the very name, he killed the most blessed apostles of Christ, Peter by the cross and Paul by the sword. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.7.10 (CSEL 5:454–455; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-7-10). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.7.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-2-1/#p-7-7-11 - Source: CSEL 5:455 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Plague and revolt in Britain follow. ### Latin text mox aceruatim miseram ciuitatem obortae undique oppressere clades. nam subsequente autumno tanta Vrbi pestilentia incubuit, ut triginta milia funerum in rationem Libitinae uenirent. Britannica deinde clades e uestigio accidit, qua duo praecipua oppida magna ciuium sociorumque clade et caede direpta sunt. ### English translation (Claude) Soon disasters, arising from every side, overwhelmed the wretched city in heaps. For the following autumn so great a pestilence lay on the City that thirty thousand funerals were entered in the register of Libitina. Then a British disaster followed at once, in which two principal towns were plundered with great slaughter and destruction of citizens and allies. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.7.11 (CSEL 5:455; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-7-11). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.7.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-2-1/#p-7-7-12 - Source: CSEL 5:455 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Losses in the East; an earthquake in Asia. ### Latin text praeterea in Oriente magnis Armeniae prouinciis amissis Romanae legiones sub iugum Parthicum missae, aegreque Syria retenta est. in Asia tres urbes, hoc est Laudicia Hierapolis Colossae, terrae motu conciderunt. ### English translation (Claude) Moreover, in the East, great provinces of Armenia were lost, Roman legions were sent under the Parthian yoke, and Syria was barely held. In Asia three cities, that is, Laodicea, Hierapolis, and Colossae, collapsed in an earthquake. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.7.12 (CSEL 5:455; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-7-12). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.7.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-2-1/#p-7-7-13 - Source: CSEL 5:455–456 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Nero's suicide ends the Julio-Claudians. ### Latin text at uero Nero postquam Galbam in Hispania imperatorem creatum ab exercitu cognouit, totus animo ac spe concidit. cumque incredibilia perturbandae, immo subruendae reipublicae mala moliretur, hostis a senatu pronuntiatus et ignominiosissime fugiens, ad quartum ab Vrbe lapidem sese ipse interfecit, atque in eo omnis Caesarum familia consumpta est. ### English translation (Claude) But Nero, after he learned that Galba had been made emperor by the army in Spain, collapsed entirely in spirit and hope. And while he was planning incredible evils to throw the commonwealth into confusion, or rather to overturn it, he was declared an enemy by the senate and, fleeing most ignominiously, killed himself at the fourth milestone from the City; and with him the whole family of the Caesars came to an end. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.7.13 (CSEL 5:455–456; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-7-13). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.8.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-2-1/#p-7-8-1 - Source: CSEL 5:456 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Galba's short reign. ### Latin text Anno ab Vrbe condita DCCCXXIIII Galba apud Hispanias usurpauit imperium. qui mox, ut Neronis mortem conperit, Romam uenit; cumque omnes auaritia saeuitia segnitiaque offenderet, Pisonem sibi nobilem industriumque adulescentem in filium atque in regnum adoptauit: cum quo septimo mense imperii sui ab Othone iugulatus est. ### English translation (Claude) In the 824th year from the founding of the City, Galba usurped the empire in the Spains. As soon as he learned of Nero's death, he came to Rome; and since he offended everyone by greed, savagery, and sloth, he adopted Piso, a noble and energetic young man, as his son and heir to the throne; with him, in the seventh month of his rule, he was murdered by Otho. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.8.1 (CSEL 5:456; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-8-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.8.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-2-1/#p-7-8-2 - Source: CSEL 5:456 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Civil war follows the persecution. ### Latin text Luit Roma caedibus principum excitatisque ciuilibus bellis recentes Christianae religionis iniurias, et signa illa legionum, quae sub aduentu in Vrbem Petri apostoli diuinitus cohercita conuelli nullo modo ad excitandum ciuile bellum ualuerant, quod per Scribonianum parabatur, Petro in Vrbe interfecto et Christianis poenarum diuersitate laniatis toto se Orbe soluerunt. ### English translation (Claude) Rome paid by the murders of princes and by civil wars stirred up for the recent wrongs to the Christian religion; and those standards of the legions which, at the coming of the apostle Peter to the City, were divinely held back and could in no way be pulled up to stir up the civil war being prepared through Scribonianus, now, after Peter had been killed in the City and Christians mangled with various punishments, broke loose over the whole world. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.8.2 (CSEL 5:456; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-8-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.8.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-2-1/#p-7-8-3 - Source: CSEL 5:456 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Four emperors rise. ### Latin text de Hispania siquidem ilico Galba surrexerat; quo mox oppresso Otho Romae, Vitellius in Germania, Vespasianus in Syria imperia simul atque arma rapuerunt. ### English translation (Claude) For Galba had at once risen from Spain; and when he was soon crushed, Otho at Rome, Vitellius in Germany, and Vespasian in Syria seized empire and arms at once. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.8.3 (CSEL 5:456; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-8-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.8.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-2-1/#p-7-8-4 - Source: CSEL 5:456–457 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The wars of 69 ended quickly. ### Latin text probent sane etiam inuiti potentiam simul et clementiam Dei, qui Christianis temporibus offenduntur: quanta celeritate tantorum incendia bellorum et excitata sunt et repressa, cum et antea minimis causis magnae ac diuturnae clades agitarentur et nunc maximi undique concrepantes magnorum malorum fragores minimo negotio sopirentur. iam enim erat Romae ### English translation (Claude) Let those who are offended by Christian times prove, even unwillingly, the power and at the same time the mercy of God: with what speed the fires of such great wars were both kindled and suppressed, when formerly great and long disasters were stirred up by the smallest causes, and now the very great crashes of great evils resounding from every side were quieted with the least trouble. For there was already at Rome, ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.8.4 (CSEL 5:456–457; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-8-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.8.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-2-1/#p-7-8-5 - Source: CSEL 5:457 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The church prayed even for its persecutors. ### Latin text quamuis persecutione uexata Ecclesia, quae iudici omnium Christo etiam pro inimicis et persecutoribus supplicaret. ### English translation (Claude) though harried by persecution, the church, which would make supplication to Christ, the judge of all, even for its enemies and persecutors. ### Scripture references - Matt 5:44: echo, low confidence ### Translation notes - Compare Matt 5:44. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.8.5 (CSEL 5:457; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-8-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.8.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-2-1/#p-7-8-6 - Source: CSEL 5:457 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Otho's defeat and suicide. ### Latin text igitur Otho cum, Galba et Pisone Romae interfectis, inter tumultus caedesque inuasisset imperium ac mox creatum imperatorem in Gallia per Germanicas legiones Vitellium conperisset, bellum ciuile molitus tribus primum leuibus proeliis, hoc est uno apud Alpes, alio circa Placentiam, tertio circa locum, quem Castores uocant, contra Vitellianos duces congressus uictor exstitisset, quarto apud Bedriacum proelio cum animaduertisset suos uinci, mense tertio quam imperare coeperat sese interfecit. ### English translation (Claude) So Otho, after Galba and Piso had been killed at Rome, had seized the empire amid tumults and slaughters, and soon learned that Vitellius had been made emperor in Gaul by the German legions; plotting civil war, he had first come off victor in three light battles against Vitellius's generals, one near the Alps, another near Placentia, a third near the place called Castores; in the fourth battle at Bedriacum, when he saw that his men were being defeated, he killed himself in the third month after he began to rule. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.8.6 (CSEL 5:457; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-8-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.8.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-2-1/#p-7-8-7 - Source: CSEL 5:457–458 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Vitellius burns the Capitol with Sabinus. ### Latin text Vitellius uictor Romam uenit: ubi cum multa crudeliter ac nequiter ageret, incredibili etiam uoracitatis appetitu humanam uitam probris adgrauaret, postquam de Vespasiano comperit, primum deponere molitus imperium, post a quibusdam animatus Sabinum Vespasiani fratrem, nihil tum mali suspicantem, cum ceteris Flauianis in Capitolium compulit succensoque templo et mixta simul flamma ruinaque omnes in unum pariter interitum ac tumulum dedit. ### English translation (Claude) Vitellius came to Rome as victor: there, while he did many things cruelly and wickedly, and burdened human life with disgraces by an incredible appetite for gluttony as well, after he learned of Vespasian, he first tried to lay down the empire, then, encouraged by some, drove Sabinus, Vespasian's brother, who then suspected no evil, with the other Flavians into the Capitol, set the temple on fire, and gave them all together one death and tomb in the mingled flame and ruin. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.8.7 (CSEL 5:457–458; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-8-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.8.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-2-1/#p-7-8-8 - Source: CSEL 5:458 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Vitellius's shameful death. ### Latin text post deficiente in Vespasiani nomen exercitu suo destitutus adpropinquantibusque iam hostibus trepidus cum se in quandam proximam palatio cellulam contrusisset, turpissime inde protractus cum per uiam sacram nudus duceretur, passim fimum in os eius coniectantibus in forum deductus, octauo quam regnum praesumpserat mense apud Gemonias scalas minutissimorum ictuum crebris conpunctionibus excarnificatus atque inde unco tractus et in Tiberim mersus etiam communi caruit sepultura. ### English translation (Claude) Afterward, abandoned as his army went over to Vespasian's name, and in fear as the enemy were already approaching, he thrust himself into a little room near the palace; dragged out of it most shamefully, he was led naked along the Sacred Way, with people everywhere throwing dung in his face, and brought into the forum; in the eighth month after he had seized the throne he was tortured to death at the Gemonian steps with many pricks of very small blows, and then, dragged by a hook and plunged into the Tiber, he lacked even common burial. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.8.8 (CSEL 5:458; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-8-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.8.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-2-1/#p-7-8-9 - Source: CSEL 5:458 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Vespasian's soldiers rage in Rome. ### Latin text multis autem et nefariis modis per complures dies a Vespasiani militibus, aduersum senatum populumque Romanum indiscreta caede saeuitum est. ### English translation (Claude) For many days, in many wicked ways, Vespasian's soldiers raged against the senate and the Roman people with indiscriminate slaughter. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.8.9 (CSEL 5:458; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-8-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.9.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-9-1/#p-7-9-1 - Source: CSEL 5:458 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Peace returns under Vespasian. ### Latin text Anno ab Vrbe condita DCCCXXV, breui illa quidem sed turbida tyrannorum tempestate discussa, tranquilla sub Vespasiano duce saeuitum rediit. ### English translation (Claude) In the 825th year from the founding of the City, when that brief but stormy tempest of tyrants had been dispersed, tranquility returned under Vespasian as leader. ### Translation notes - “tranquilla … saeuitum rediit” as printed is corrupt; translated by sense (“tranquility returned”). ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.9.1 (CSEL 5:458; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-9-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.9.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-9-1/#p-7-9-2 - Source: CSEL 5:458–459 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Jewish revolt begins. ### Latin text namque, ut paulo altius repetam, Iudaei post passionem Christi destituti in totum gratia Dei cum omnibus undique malis circumuenirentur, quibusdam in Carmelo monte seducti sortibus, quae portenderent exortos a Iudaea duces rerum potituros fore, praedictumque ad se trahentes in rebellionem exarserunt extinctisque Romanis praesidiis legatum quoque Syriae suppetias ferentem rapta aquila et caesis copiis fugauerunt. ### English translation (Claude) For, to go back a little further, the Jews after the passion of Christ, wholly deprived of the grace of God, when they were beset on every side with all evils, were led astray by certain oracles on Mount Carmel, which foretold that leaders arising from Judea would gain supreme power; applying the prediction to themselves, they blazed into rebellion, wiped out the Roman garrisons, and put to flight the legate of Syria too, who was bringing help, seizing his eagle and cutting down his forces. ### Extrabiblical texts - Tacitus, Hist. 5.13 (Tacitus): allusion, medium confidence ### Translation notes - The prophecy is in Suetonius, Vespasian 4.5, and Tacitus, Histories 5.13; the oracle at Carmel in Suetonius, Vespasian 5.6. The verdict on the Jews is Orosius's own. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.9.2 (CSEL 5:458–459; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-9-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.9.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-9-1/#p-7-9-3 - Source: CSEL 5:459–460 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Vespasian becomes emperor during the siege. ### Latin text ad hos Vespasianus a Nerone missus Titum filium suum maiorem inter legatos habuit; nam multas et ualidas legiones secum in Syriam traiecit. itaque cum Iudaeos, multis eorum oppidis captis in urbem Hierosolymorum praecipue ob diem festum congregatos, obsidione clausisset, cognita Neronis morte hortatu plurimorum regum et ducum — maxime Iosephi Iudaeorum ducis sententia, qui captus cum in uincla coiceretur, constantissime dixerat, sicut Suetonius refert, continuo se ab eodem sed imperatore soluendum — imperium adeptus est, relictoque in castris ad procurationem obsidionis Hierosolymorum filio Tito, per Alexandriam profectus est Romam; sed cognita interfectione Vitelli paulisper Alexandriae substitit. ### English translation (Claude) Vespasian, sent against them by Nero, had his elder son Titus among his legates; for he brought many strong legions with him into Syria. So when, having taken many of their towns, he had shut up by siege the Jews, who were gathered in the city of Jerusalem, chiefly because of a feast day, on learning of Nero's death, at the urging of very many kings and generals, and especially at the declaration of Josephus, leader of the Jews, who, when captured and being thrown into chains, had most firmly said, as Suetonius reports, that he would soon be freed by the same man, but as emperor, he took the empire, and, leaving his son Titus in camp to manage the siege of Jerusalem, set out for Rome by way of Alexandria; but learning of the killing of Vitellius, he stopped for a little while at Alexandria. ### Extrabiblical texts - Josephus, J.W. 3.399-408 (Josephus (works)): allusion, medium confidence ### Translation notes - Suetonius, Vespasian 5.6; Josephus, Jewish War 3.399–408. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.9.3 (CSEL 5:459–460; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-9-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.9.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-9-1/#p-7-9-4 - Source: CSEL 5:460 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Titus breaks into Jerusalem. ### Latin text Titus uero magna ac diuturna obsidione Iudaeos premens, machinis cunctisque bellicis molibus non sine multo suorum sanguine tandem muros ciuitatis inrupit. sed ad expugnandam interiorem templi munitionem, quam reclusa multitudo sacerdotum ac principum tuebatur, maiore ui et mora opus fuit. ### English translation (Claude) Titus, pressing the Jews with a great and long siege, with engines and all the machinery of war, not without much blood of his own men, at last broke through the walls of the city. But to storm the inner fortification of the temple, which a multitude of priests and chief men shut up in it was defending, greater force and delay were needed. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.9.4 (CSEL 5:460; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-9-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.9.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-9-1/#p-7-9-5 - Source: CSEL 5:460 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The temple was to be removed by God's judgment. ### Latin text quod tamen postquam in potestatem redactum opere atque antiquitate suspexit, diu deliberauit utrum tamquam incitamentum hostium incenderet an in testimonium uictoriae reseruaret. sed Ecclesia Dei iam per totum Orbem uberrime germinante, hoc tamquam effetum ac uacuum nullique usui bono commodum arbitrio Dei auferendum fuit. ### English translation (Claude) When this had been brought under his power, he admired it for its workmanship and antiquity and long deliberated whether to burn it as an incitement of the enemy or to keep it as a witness of his victory. But since the church of God was already sprouting most abundantly throughout the whole world, it had to be taken away by the judgment of God, as worn out and empty and fit for no good use. ### Translation notes - Orosius's view, translated as written. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.9.5 (CSEL 5:460; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-9-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.9.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-9-1/#p-7-9-6 - Source: CSEL 5:460 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Titus destroys the temple. ### Latin text itaque Titus, imperator ab exercitu pronuntiatus, templum in Hierosolymis incendit ac diruit, quod a die conditionis primae usque ad diem euersionis ultimae manserat annis mille centum et duobus. muros urbis uniuersos solo adaequauit. ### English translation (Claude) So Titus, proclaimed emperor by the army, burned and destroyed the temple at Jerusalem, which had stood from the day of its first founding to the day of its final overthrow for eleven hundred and two years. He leveled all the walls of the city to the ground. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.9.6 (CSEL 5:460; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-9-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.9.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-9-1/#p-7-9-7 - Source: CSEL 5:460–461 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The numbers of the dead. ### Latin text sexcenta milia Iudaeorum eo bello interfecta Cornelius et Suetonius referunt; Iosephus uero Iudaeus, qui ei tunc bello praefuit et apud Vespasianum propter praedictum imperium ueniam gratiamque meruerat, scribit undecies centena milia gladio et fame perisse, reliquias uero Iudaeorum diuersis actas condicionibus toto Orbe dispersas: quarum numerus ad nonaginta milia hominum fuisse narratur. ### English translation (Claude) Cornelius and Suetonius report that six hundred thousand Jews were killed in that war; but Josephus the Jew, who then commanded in that war and had earned pardon and favor with Vespasian because he had foretold his rule, writes that eleven hundred thousand perished by sword and hunger, and that the remnants of the Jews, driven under various conditions, were scattered over the whole world, their number being said to have been about ninety thousand people. ### Extrabiblical texts - Tacitus, Hist. 5.13 (Tacitus): allusion, medium confidence - Josephus, J.W. 6.420 (Josephus (works)): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Tacitus, Histories 5.13 (600,000 besieged); Josephus, Jewish War 6.420 (1,100,000 dead, 97,000 captives). ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.9.7 (CSEL 5:460–461; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-9-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.9.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-9-1/#p-7-9-8 - Source: CSEL 5:461 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Flavian triumph over the Jews. ### Latin text Vespasianus et Titus imperatores magnificum agentes de Iudaeis triumphum Vrbem ingressi sunt. pulchrum et ignotum antea cunctis mortalibus inter trecentos uiginti triumphos, qui a conditione Vrbis usque in id tempus acti erant, hoc spectaculum fuit, patrem et filium uno triumphali curru uectos gloriosissimam ab his, qui Patrem et Filium offenderant, uictoriam reportasse. ### English translation (Claude) The emperors Vespasian and Titus entered the City celebrating a magnificent triumph over the Jews. Fine and unknown before to all mortals, among the three hundred and twenty triumphs that had been celebrated from the founding of the City to that time, was this spectacle: a father and son, borne in one triumphal chariot, bringing back a most glorious victory over those who had offended the Father and the Son. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.9.8 (CSEL 5:461; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-9-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.9.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-9-1/#p-7-9-9 - Source: CSEL 5:461–462 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Janus is closed after Jerusalem's fall. ### Latin text qui continuo omnibus bellis ac tumultibus domi forisque conpressis pacem totius Orbis pronuntiauerunt et Ianum geminum obseratis cohiberi claustris sexto demum ipsi post Vrbem conditam censuerunt. iure enim idem honos ultioni passionis Domini inpensus est, qui etiam natiuitati fuerat adtributus. ### English translation (Claude) They at once, having suppressed all wars and tumults at home and abroad, proclaimed the peace of the whole world and decreed that twin Janus be shut with bolted bars, they themselves for the sixth time after the founding of the City. For rightly the same honor was paid to the avenging of the Lord's passion as had also been assigned to his birth. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.9.9 (CSEL 5:461–462; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-9-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.9.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-9-1/#p-7-9-10 - Source: CSEL 5:462 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: New provinces under Vespasian. ### Latin text tunc deinde sine ullis bellorum tumultibus in inmensum respublica Romana prouehitur: siquidem Achaia Lycia Rhodus Byzantium Samus Thracia Cilicia Commagene tunc primum redactae in prouincias Romanis iudicibus legibusque paruerunt. ### English translation (Claude) Then the Roman commonwealth was advanced immensely without any tumults of war: for Achaea, Lycia, Rhodes, Byzantium, Samos, Thrace, Cilicia, and Commagene were then first made provinces and obeyed Roman judges and laws. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.9.10 (CSEL 5:462; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-9-10). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.9.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-9-1/#p-7-9-11 - Source: CSEL 5:462 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Earthquake in Cyprus; plague at Rome. ### Latin text Nono autem imperii eius anno tres ciuitates Cypri terrae motu corruerunt et Romae magna pestilentia fuit. ### English translation (Claude) In the ninth year of his rule three cities of Cyprus fell in an earthquake, and there was a great pestilence at Rome. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.9.11 (CSEL 5:462; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-9-11). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.9.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-9-1/#p-7-9-12 - Source: CSEL 5:462 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Vespasian's death. ### Latin text Vespasianus autem in uilla propria circa Sabinos nono anno principatus sui profluuio uentris est mortuus. ### English translation (Claude) Vespasian died of a flux of the bowels in his own villa in the Sabine country in the ninth year of his principate. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.9.12 (CSEL 5:462; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-9-12). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.9.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-9-1/#p-7-9-13 - Source: CSEL 5:462 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Titus's gentle reign. ### Latin text Anno ab Vrbe condita DCCCXXVIII Titus, segregatis a numero principum Othone et Vitellio ab Augusto octauus, biennio post Vespasianum regnauit. cuius tanta tranquillitas in imperio fuit, ut nullius omnino sanguinem in republica administranda fudisse referatur. ### English translation (Claude) In the 828th year from the founding of the City, Titus, eighth from Augustus, setting aside Otho and Vitellius from the number of the princes, reigned two years after Vespasian. Such was the tranquility of his rule that he is reported to have shed no one's blood at all in governing the commonwealth. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.9.13 (CSEL 5:462; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-9-13). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.9.14 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-9-1/#p-7-9-14 - Source: CSEL 5:462 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Fire at Rome and the eruption of Vesuvius. ### Latin text et tamen tunc Romae orto repente incendio plurimae aedes publicae concrematae sunt. abruptum tunc etiam Bebii montis uerticem magna profudisse incendia ferunt torrentibusque flammarum uicina regionis cum urbibus hominibusque delesse. ### English translation (Claude) And yet then a fire suddenly broke out at Rome and very many public buildings were burned. They say that then too the broken summit of Mount Vesuvius poured out great fires and with torrents of flames destroyed the neighboring parts of the region with cities and people. ### Translation notes - “Bebii” as printed, for Vesbius (Vesuvius). ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.9.14 (CSEL 5:462; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-9-14). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.9.15 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-9-1/#p-7-9-15 - Source: CSEL 5:462–463 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Titus's death. ### Latin text Titus cum ingenti omnium luctu in eadem uilla, qua pater eius, morbo absumptus est. ### English translation (Claude) Titus, to the great grief of all, was carried off by disease in the same villa as his father. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.9.15 (CSEL 5:462–463; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-9-15). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.10.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-9-1/#p-7-10-1 - Source: CSEL 5:463 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Domitian's reign and persecution. ### Latin text Anno ab Vrbe condita DCCCXXX Domitianus Titi frater, ab Augusto nonus, fratri successit in regnum. qui per annos xv ad hoc paulatim per omnes scelerum gradus creuit, ut confirmatissimam toto Orbe Christi Ecclesiam datis ubique crudelissimae persecutionis edictis conuellere auderet. ### English translation (Claude) In the 830th year from the founding of the City, Domitian, brother of Titus, ninth from Augustus, succeeded his brother on the throne. For fifteen years he grew gradually through all the degrees of crimes to the point that he dared to tear apart the church of Christ, firmly established throughout the world, by issuing everywhere edicts of most cruel persecution. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.10.1 (CSEL 5:463; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-10-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.10.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-9-1/#p-7-10-2 - Source: CSEL 5:463 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Domitian's pride and cruelty. ### Latin text is in tantam superbiam prolapsus fuit, ut dominum sese ac deum uocari scribi colique iusserit. nobilissimos e senatu inuidiae simul ac praedae causa alios palam interfecit, alios in exilium trusit ibique trucidari imperauit. libidinis intemperantia quidquid cogitari potest, fecit. plurimas Vrbis aedes destructis populi Romani rebus extruxit. ### English translation (Claude) He fell into such pride that he ordered himself to be called, written of, and worshiped as lord and god. Of the noblest men of the senate, out of envy and for plunder, he killed some openly, drove others into exile, and ordered them slaughtered there. In the intemperance of his lust he did whatever can be thought. He built very many buildings in the City, destroying the goods of the Roman people. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.10.2 (CSEL 5:463; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-10-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.10.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-9-1/#p-7-10-3 - Source: CSEL 5:463 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Domitian's failed wars. ### Latin text bellum aduersum Germanos et Dacos per legatos gessit pari reipublicae pernicie, cum et in Vrbe ipse senatum populumque laniaret et foris male circumactum exercitum adsidua hostes caede conficerent. ### English translation (Claude) He waged war against the Germans and Dacians through legates with equal ruin to the commonwealth, since in the City he himself was mangling the senate and people, and abroad the enemy were finishing off the badly maneuvered army with continual slaughter. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.10.3 (CSEL 5:463; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-10-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.10.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-9-1/#p-7-10-4 - Source: CSEL 5:463–464 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Domitian's Dacian disasters. ### Latin text nam quanta fuerint Diurpanei Dacorum regis cum Fusco duce proelia quantaeque Romanorum clades, longo textu euoluerem, nisi Cornelius Tacitus, qui hanc historiam diligentissime contexuit, de reticendo interfectorum numero et Sallustium Crispum et alios auctores quamplurimos sanxisse et se ipsum idem potissimum elegisse dixisset. Domitianus tamen prauissima elatus iactantia, sub nomine superatorum hostium de extinctis legionibus triumphauit. ### English translation (Claude) For how great were the battles of Diurpaneus, king of the Dacians, with the general Fuscus and how great the disasters of the Romans, I would unfold in a long account, had not Cornelius Tacitus, who wove this history most carefully, said that both Sallustius Crispus and very many other authors had decided to keep silent about the number of the slain, and that he himself chose above all to do the same. Domitian nevertheless, carried away by most perverse boasting, triumphed over the destroyed legions under the name of conquered enemies. ### Extrabiblical texts - Tacitus (Tacitus): allusion, medium confidence ### Translation notes - From a lost part of Tacitus's Histories. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.10.4 (CSEL 5:463–464; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-10-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.10.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-9-1/#p-7-10-5 - Source: CSEL 5:464 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The second persecution; John on Patmos. ### Latin text idemque efferatus superbia, qua se deum coli uellet, persecutionem in Christianos agi secundus a Nerone imperauit. quo tempore etiam beatissimus Iohannes apostolus in Patmum insulam relegatus fuit. ### English translation (Claude) And the same man, made savage by pride, by which he wished to be worshiped as a god, ordered a persecution to be carried out against the Christians, the second after Nero. At this time too the most blessed apostle John was banished to the island of Patmos. ### Scripture references - Rev 1:9: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Compare Rev 1:9. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.10.5 (CSEL 5:464; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-10-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.10.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-9-1/#p-7-10-6 - Source: CSEL 5:464 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Domitian hunts the family of David. ### Latin text inter Iudaeos quoque acerbitate tormentorum et cruentissimae quaestionis exquiri genus Dauid atque interfici praeceptum est, dum prophetis sanctis et inuidetur et creditur, quasi adhuc futurus esset ex semine Dauid, qui regnum possit adipisci. ### English translation (Claude) Among the Jews too it was ordered that the family of David be sought out by the cruelty of tortures and most bloody inquiry and killed, while the holy prophets were both envied and believed, as if one were still to come from the seed of David who could obtain the kingdom. ### Extrabiblical texts - Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.19-3.20 (Church History): allusion, medium confidence ### Translation notes - Compare Eusebius, Church History 3.19–20 (from Hegesippus). ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.10.6 (CSEL 5:464; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-10-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.10.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-9-1/#p-7-10-7 - Source: CSEL 5:464–465 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Domitian's murder. ### Latin text continuo tamen Domitianus crudeliter in Palatio a suis interfectus est: cuius cadauer populari sandapila per uespillones exportatum atque ignominiosissime sepultum est. ### English translation (Claude) Soon, however, Domitian was cruelly killed in the Palace by his own men: his corpse was carried out on a common bier by corpse-bearers and most ignominiously buried. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.10.7 (CSEL 5:464–465; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-10-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.11.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-9-1/#p-7-11-1 - Source: CSEL 5:465 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Nerva becomes emperor and adopts Trajan. ### Latin text Anno ab Vrbe condita DCCCXLVI — quamuis Eutropius quinquagesimum hunc esse annum scripserit — Nerua admodum senex a Petronio praefecto praetorio et Parthenio spadone, interfectore Domitiani, imperator decimus ab Augusto creatus Traianum in regnum adoptauit, per quem reuera adflictae reipublicae diuina prouisione consuluit. ### English translation (Claude) In the 846th year from the founding of the City (although Eutropius has written that this was the 850th year), Nerva, a very old man, was made emperor, tenth from Augustus, by Petronius the praetorian prefect and Parthenius the eunuch, Domitian's murderer; he adopted Trajan as heir to the throne, through whom indeed he provided by divine providence for the afflicted commonwealth. ### Translation notes - Eutropius, Breviarium 8.1. No extrabiblical id exists for Eutropius. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.11.1 (CSEL 5:465; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-11-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.11.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-9-1/#p-7-11-2 - Source: CSEL 5:465 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Nerva recalls exiles; John returns to Ephesus. ### Latin text hic primo edicto suo cunctos exules reuocauit — unde et Iohannes apostolus hac generali indulgentia liberatus Ephesum rediit — emensoque anno imperii sui Nerua confectus morbo diem obiit. ### English translation (Claude) By his first edict he recalled all exiles, by which general indulgence the apostle John too was freed and returned to Ephesus; and when a year of his rule had passed, Nerva died, worn out by disease. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.11.2 (CSEL 5:465; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-11-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.12.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-9-1/#p-7-12-1 - Source: CSEL 5:465 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Trajan becomes emperor. ### Latin text Anno ab Vrbe condita DCCCXLVII Traianus, genere Hispanus, undecimus ab Augusto reipublicae gubernacula Nerua tradente suscepit ac per annos decem et nouem tenuit. ### English translation (Claude) In the 847th year from the founding of the City, Trajan, a Spaniard by birth, eleventh from Augustus, took up the helm of the commonwealth from Nerva and held it for nineteen years. ### Translation notes - The digital text reads DCCCXXVU; corrected to DCCCXLVII, following the preceding date (846). ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.12.1 (CSEL 5:465; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-12-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.12.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-9-1/#p-7-12-2 - Source: CSEL 5:465 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Trajan's conquests. ### Latin text apud Agrippinam Galliae urbem insignia sumpsit imperii; mox Germaniam trans Rhenum in pristinum statum reduxit; trans Danuuium multas gentes subegit; regiones autem trans Euphraten et Tigrin sitas prouincias fecit; ### English translation (Claude) He took the insignia of empire at Agrippina, a city of Gaul; soon he brought Germany across the Rhine back to its former state; he subdued many peoples across the Danube; and he made provinces of the regions lying beyond the Euphrates and the Tigris; ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.12.2 (CSEL 5:465; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-12-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.12.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-9-1/#p-7-12-3 - Source: CSEL 5:465–466 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Trajan's persecution and Pliny's report. ### Latin text Seleuciam et Ctesiphontem et Babylonem occupauit in persequendis sane Christianis errore deceptus tertius a Nerone, cum passim repertos cogi ad sacrificandum idolis ac detrectantes interfici praecepisset plurimique interficerentur, Plinii Secundi, qui inter ceteros iudices persecutor datus fuerat, relatu admonitus, eos homines praeter confessionem Christi honestaque conuenticula nihil contrarium Romanis legibus facere, fiducia sane innocentis confessionis nemini mortem grauem ac formidulosam uideri, rescriptis ilico lenioribus temperauit edictum. ### English translation (Claude) he occupied Seleucia, Ctesiphon, and Babylon. Deceived by error in persecuting Christians, the third after Nero, when he had ordered that those found anywhere should be forced to sacrifice to idols and those who refused should be killed, and very many were being killed, he was advised by the report of Plinius Secundus, who had been appointed persecutor among the other judges, that these men did nothing contrary to Roman laws apart from confessing Christ and holding honorable gatherings, and that, in confidence of an innocent confession, death seemed grievous and frightful to none of them; he at once tempered the edict by milder rescripts. ### Extrabiblical texts - Pliny the Younger, Ep. 10.96-97 (Pliny the Younger, Letters): allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Pliny, Letters 10.96–97. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.12.3 (CSEL 5:465–466; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-12-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.12.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-9-1/#p-7-12-4 - Source: CSEL 5:466 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Golden House burns. ### Latin text uerumtamen continuo Romae aurea domus, a Nerone totis priuatis publicisque rebus inpensis condita, repentino conflagrauit incendio, ut intellegeretur missa etiam ab alio persecutio in ipsius potissime monumentis, a quo primum exorta esset, atque in ipso auctore puniri. ### English translation (Claude) Nevertheless, at once at Rome the Golden House, built by Nero at the expense of all private and public property, was burned in a sudden fire, so that it might be understood that the persecution, though ordered by another, was punished above all in the monuments of him by whom it had first arisen, and in the author himself. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.12.4 (CSEL 5:466; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-12-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.12.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-9-1/#p-7-12-5 - Source: CSEL 5:466–467 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Earthquakes and fires under Trajan. ### Latin text terrae motu quattuor urbes Asiae subuersae, Elea Myrina Pitane Cyme, et Graeciae ciuitates duae, Opuntiorum et Oritorum; tres Galatiae ciuitates eodem terrae motu dirutae; Pantheum Romae fulmine concrematum; terrae motus in Antiochia paene totam subruit ciuitatem. ### English translation (Claude) Four cities of Asia were overthrown by an earthquake, Elaea, Myrina, Pitane, and Cyme, and two cities of Greece, of the Opuntii and the Oriti; three cities of Galatia were destroyed by the same earthquake; the Pantheon at Rome was burned by lightning; an earthquake at Antioch overturned almost the whole city. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.12.5 (CSEL 5:466–467; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-12-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.12.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-9-1/#p-7-12-6 - Source: CSEL 5:467 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Jewish revolt in Libya. ### Latin text incredibili deinde motu sub uno tempore Iudaei quasi rabie efferati per diuersas terrarum partes exarserunt. nam et per totam Libyam aduersus incolas atrocissima bella gesserunt: quae adeo tunc interfectis cultoribus desolata est, ut, nisi postea Hadrianus imperator collectas illuc aliunde colonias deduxisset, uacua penitus terra abraso habitatore mansisset. ### English translation (Claude) Then, in an incredible movement at one time, the Jews, as if maddened with rage, blazed up in various parts of the earth. For throughout all Libya they waged most savage wars against the inhabitants; and Libya was then so desolated by the killing of its cultivators that, had not the emperor Hadrian afterward brought colonies gathered from elsewhere and settled them there, the land would have remained utterly empty, its inhabitants scraped away. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.12.6 (CSEL 5:467; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-12-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.12.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-9-1/#p-7-12-7 - Source: CSEL 5:467 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The revolt in Egypt and Mesopotamia. ### Latin text Aegyptum uero totam et Cyrenen et Thebaidam cruentis seditionibus turbauerunt. in Alexandria autem commisso proelio uicti et adtriti sunt. in Mesopotamia quoque rebellantibus iussu imperatoris bellum inlatum est. itaque multa milia eorum uasta caede deleta sunt. ### English translation (Claude) They threw all Egypt, Cyrene, and the Thebaid into confusion with bloody seditions. At Alexandria, however, when battle was joined, they were defeated and crushed. In Mesopotamia too war was made on the rebels by order of the emperor. So many thousands of them were destroyed in vast slaughter. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.12.7 (CSEL 5:467; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-12-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.12.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-9-1/#p-7-12-8 - Source: CSEL 5:467 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Salamis is destroyed; Trajan dies. ### Latin text sane Salaminam urbem Cypri interfectis omnibus accolis deleuerunt. Traianus, ut quidam ferunt, apud Seleuciam Isauriae urbem profluuio uentris extinctus est. ### English translation (Claude) Indeed they destroyed Salamis, a city of Cyprus, killing all its inhabitants. Trajan, as some say, died of a flux of the bowels at Seleucia, a city of Isauria. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.12.8 (CSEL 5:467; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-12-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.13.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-9-1/#p-7-13-1 - Source: CSEL 5:467 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Hadrian becomes emperor. ### Latin text Anno ab Vrbe condita DCCCLXVII Hadrianus, consobrinae Traiani filius, duodecimus ab Augusto principatum adeptus, uno et uiginti annis imperauit. ### English translation (Claude) In the 867th year from the founding of the City, Hadrian, son of Trajan's cousin, twelfth from Augustus, obtained the principate and ruled for twenty-one years. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.13.1 (CSEL 5:467; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-13-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.13.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-9-1/#p-7-13-2 - Source: CSEL 5:467–468 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Hadrian's rescript protecting Christians. ### Latin text hic per Quadratum discipulum apostolorum et Aristidem Atheniensem, uirum fide sapientiaque plenum, et per Serenum Granium legatum libris de Christiana religione conpositis instructus atque eruditus, praecepit per epistulam ad Minucium Fundanum proconsule Asiae datam ut nemini liceret Christianos sine obiectu criminis aut probatione damnare; ### English translation (Claude) He, instructed and taught by books composed on the Christian religion by Quadratus, a disciple of the apostles, by Aristides the Athenian, a man full of faith and wisdom, and by Serenus Granius the legate, ordered in a letter given to Minucius Fundanus, proconsul of Asia, that no one should be allowed to condemn Christians without a charge being brought or proof; ### Extrabiblical texts - Quadratus, Quadr. (Quadratus, Apology (fragment)): allusion, medium confidence - Aristides, Apol. (Apology): allusion, medium confidence - Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.3 (Church History): allusion, medium confidence ### Translation notes - Compare Eusebius, Church History 4.3, 4.8–9; Justin, 1 Apol. 68. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.13.2 (CSEL 5:467–468; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-13-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.13.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-9-1/#p-7-13-3 - Source: CSEL 5:468 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Hadrian's honors and laws. ### Latin text idemque continuo pater patriae in senatu ultra morem maiorum appellatur et uxor eius Augusta. Hadrianus rempublicam iustissimis legibus ordinauit; bellum contra Sauromatas gessit et uicit. ### English translation (Claude) and at once he was called father of the country in the senate, beyond the custom of the ancestors, and his wife Augusta. Hadrian ordered the commonwealth with most just laws; he waged war against the Sauromatae and won. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.13.3 (CSEL 5:468; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-13-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.13.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-9-1/#p-7-13-4 - Source: CSEL 5:468 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Hadrian crushes Bar Kokhba. ### Latin text Iudaeos sane, perturbatione scelerum suorum exagitatos et Palaestinam prouinciam quondam suam depopulantes, ultima caede perdomuit, ultusque est Christianos, quos illi Cocheba duce, cur sibi aduersum Romanos non adsentarentur, excruciabant; ### English translation (Claude) The Jews, indeed, driven by the confusion of their crimes and laying waste Palestine, once their own province, he subdued with final slaughter, and he avenged the Christians, whom they, under the leadership of Cocheba, were torturing because they would not side with them against the Romans; ### Extrabiblical texts - Justin, 1 Apol. 31.6 (First Apology): allusion, medium confidence ### Translation notes - Cocheba is Simon bar Kokhba. Compare Justin, 1 Apol. 31.6. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.13.4 (CSEL 5:468; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-13-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.13.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-9-1/#p-7-13-5 - Source: CSEL 5:468–469 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Jerusalem becomes Aelia. ### Latin text praecepitque, ne cui Iudaeo introeundi Hierosolymam esset licentia, Christianis tantum ciuitate permissa: quam ipse in optimum statum murorum exstructione reparauit et Aeliam uocari de praenomine suo praecepit. ### English translation (Claude) and he ordered that no Jew should have leave to enter Jerusalem, the city being permitted only to Christians; he himself restored it to the best condition by building walls and ordered it to be called Aelia, from his own first name. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.13.5 (CSEL 5:468–469; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-13-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.14.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-9-1/#p-7-14-1 - Source: CSEL 5:469 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Antoninus Pius's reign. ### Latin text Anno ab Vrbe condita DCCCLXXXVIII Antoninus cognomento Pius tertius decimus ab Augusto imperator creatus cum liberis suis Aurelio et Lucio uiginti et non plenis tribus annis rempublicam gubernauit adeo tranquille et sancte, ut merito Pius et pater patriae nominatus sit. ### English translation (Claude) In the 888th year from the founding of the City, Antoninus, surnamed Pius, thirteenth from Augustus, was made emperor and with his children Aurelius and Lucius governed the commonwealth for not quite twenty-three years, so peacefully and righteously that he was deservedly named Pius and father of the country. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.14.1 (CSEL 5:469; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-14-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.14.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-9-1/#p-7-14-2 - Source: CSEL 5:469 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Valentinus, Cerdo, and Justin's apology. ### Latin text huius tamen temporibus Valentinus haeresiarches et Cerdo magister Marcionis Romam uenerunt. uerum Iustinus philosophus librum pro Christiana religione compositum Antonino tradidit benignumque eum erga Christianos homines fecit. Antoninus ad duodecimum ab Vrbe lapidem morbo correptus interiit. ### English translation (Claude) In his times, however, Valentinus the heresiarch and Cerdo, the teacher of Marcion, came to Rome. But Justin the philosopher handed Antoninus a book composed on behalf of the Christian religion and made him kindly toward Christians. Antoninus died, seized by disease, at the twelfth milestone from the City. ### Extrabiblical texts - Justin, 1 Apol. (First Apology): allusion, high confidence - Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 4.11 (Church History): allusion, medium confidence ### Translation notes - Compare Eusebius, Church History 4.11. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.14.2 (CSEL 5:469; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-14-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.15.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-9-1/#p-7-15-1 - Source: CSEL 5:469–470 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus as joint emperors. ### Latin text Anno ab Vrbe condita DCCCCXI Marcus Antoninus Verus quartus decimus ab Augusto regnum cum Aurelio Commodo fratre suscepit mansitque in eo annis decem et nouem. hi primi rempublicam aequo iure tutati sunt. ### English translation (Claude) In the 911th year from the founding of the City, Marcus Antoninus Verus, fourteenth from Augustus, took up the rule with his brother Aurelius Commodus and remained in it for nineteen years. They were the first to protect the commonwealth with equal right. ### Translation notes - Orosius's names are confused: the joint emperors were Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.15.1 (CSEL 5:469–470; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-15-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.15.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-9-1/#p-7-15-2 - Source: CSEL 5:470 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Parthian war. ### Latin text bellum deinde contra Parthos admirabili uirtute et felicitate gesserunt. Annius Antoninus Verus ad id bellum profectus est. Vologesus enim, rex Parthorum, graui eruptione Armeniam Cappadociam Syriamque uastabat. ### English translation (Claude) Then they waged war against the Parthians with admirable courage and success. Annius Antoninus Verus set out for that war. For Vologeses, king of the Parthians, was laying waste Armenia, Cappadocia, and Syria with a heavy incursion. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.15.2 (CSEL 5:470; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-15-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.15.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-9-1/#p-7-15-3 - Source: CSEL 5:470 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Victory over Parthia; Verus's death. ### Latin text sed Antoninus, per strenuissimos duces magnis rebus gestis, Seleuciam Assyriae urbem super Hydaspen fluuium sitam cum quadringentis milibus hominum cepit et cum fratre de uictoria Parthica triumphauit; ac non multo post, dum cum fratre in uehiculo sedet, casu morbi, quem apoplexian Graeci uocant, suffocatus interiit. ### English translation (Claude) But Antoninus, having done great things through very energetic generals, took Seleucia, a city of Assyria situated on the river Hydaspes, with four hundred thousand people, and triumphed with his brother over the Parthian victory; and not long after, while sitting in a carriage with his brother, he died, suffocated by an attack of the disease which the Greeks call apoplexy. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.15.3 (CSEL 5:470; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-15-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.15.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-9-1/#p-7-15-4 - Source: CSEL 5:470–471 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The fourth persecution, in Asia and Gaul. ### Latin text Eo defuncto Marcus Antoninus solus reipublicae praefuit. sed in diebus Parthici belli persecutiones Christianorum quarta iam post Neronem uice in Asia et in Gallia graues praecepto eius exstiterunt multique sanctorum martyrio coronati sunt. ### English translation (Claude) When he had died, Marcus Antoninus alone governed the commonwealth. But in the days of the Parthian war severe persecutions of Christians, now the fourth after Nero, arose by his command in Asia and Gaul, and many of the saints were crowned with martyrdom. ### Extrabiblical texts - Ep. Lugd. (Letter of the Churches of Vienne and Lyons): allusion, medium confidence ### Translation notes - The martyrs of Lyons and Vienne (Eusebius, Church History 5.1). ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.15.4 (CSEL 5:470–471; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-15-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.15.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-9-1/#p-7-15-5 - Source: CSEL 5:471 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Antonine plague. ### Latin text secuta est lues plurimis infusa prouinciis, totamque Italiam pestilentia tanta uastauit, ut passim uillae, agri atque oppida sine cultore atque habitatore deserta in ruinas siluasque concesserint. ### English translation (Claude) A plague followed, spread over very many provinces, and so great a pestilence laid waste all Italy that everywhere villas, fields, and towns, deserted without cultivator or inhabitant, gave way to ruins and woods. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.15.5 (CSEL 5:471; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-15-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.15.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-9-1/#p-7-15-6 - Source: CSEL 5:471 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The army is rebuilt for the Marcomannic war. ### Latin text exercitum uero Romanum cunctasque legiones per longinqua late hiberna dispositas ita consumptas ferunt, ut Marcomannicum bellum, quod continuo exortum est, non nisi nouo dilectu militum, quem triennio iugiter apud Carnuntium Marcus Antoninus habuit, gestum fuisse referatur. ### English translation (Claude) They say the Roman army and all the legions, placed widely in distant winter quarters, were so consumed that the Marcomannic war, which arose at once, is reported to have been fought only with a new levy of soldiers, which Marcus Antoninus held continuously for three years at Carnuntum. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.15.6 (CSEL 5:471; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-15-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.15.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-9-1/#p-7-15-7 - Source: CSEL 5:471 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: God's providence in the Marcomannic war. ### Latin text hoc quidem bellum prouidentia Dei administratum esse cum plurimis argumentis tum praecipue epistula grauissimi ac modestissimi imperatoris apertissime declaratum est. ### English translation (Claude) That this war was directed by the providence of God has been most plainly declared by very many proofs, but especially by a letter of the most serious and modest emperor. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.15.7 (CSEL 5:471; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-15-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.15.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-9-1/#p-7-15-8 - Source: CSEL 5:471 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The army is trapped without water. ### Latin text nam cum insurrexissent gentes inmanitate barbarae, multitudine innumerabiles, hoc est Marcomanni Quadi Vandali Sarmatae Suebi atque omnis paene Germania, et in Quadorum usque fines progressus exercitus circumuentusque ab hostibus propter aquarum penuriam praesentius sitis quam hostis periculum sustineret: ### English translation (Claude) For when peoples barbarous in savagery and countless in number had risen, that is, the Marcomanni, Quadi, Vandals, Sarmatians, Suebi, and almost all Germany, and the army, having advanced as far as the territory of the Quadi and been surrounded by the enemy, was facing, through lack of water, a more present danger from thirst than from the enemy: ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.15.8 (CSEL 5:471; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-15-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.15.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-9-1/#p-7-15-9 - Source: CSEL 5:471–472 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The rain miracle. ### Latin text ad inuocationem nominis Christi, quam subito magna fidei constantia quidam milites effusi in preces palam fecerunt, tanta uis pluuiae effusa est, ut Romanos quidem largissime ac sine iniuria refecerit, barbaros autem crebris fulminum ictibus perterritos, praesertim cum plurimi eorum occiderentur, in fugam coegerit. ### English translation (Claude) at the invocation of the name of Christ, which certain soldiers suddenly made openly, pouring themselves out in prayers with great constancy of faith, so great a force of rain was poured out that it refreshed the Romans most abundantly and without harm, but drove the barbarians, terrified by frequent strokes of lightning, especially as very many of them were being killed, to flight. ### Extrabiblical texts - Tertullian, Apol. 5.6 (Apology): allusion, medium confidence - Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 5.5 (Church History): allusion, medium confidence ### Translation notes - The “Thundering Legion”: compare Tertullian, Apology 5.6; Eusebius, Church History 5.5. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.15.9 (CSEL 5:471–472; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-15-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.15.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-9-1/#p-7-15-10 - Source: CSEL 5:472 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Victory by Christ's help. ### Latin text quorum terga Romani usque ad internecionem caedentes gloriosissimam uictoriam et omnibus paene antiquorum titulis praeferendam rudi paruoque militum numero sed potentissimo Christi auxilio reportarunt. ### English translation (Claude) Cutting down their backs to annihilation, the Romans won a most glorious victory, to be preferred to almost all the titles of the ancients, with a raw and small number of soldiers but by the most powerful help of Christ. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.15.10 (CSEL 5:472; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-15-10). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.15.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-9-1/#p-7-15-11 - Source: CSEL 5:472 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Marcus's letter on the miracle. ### Latin text exstare etiam nunc apud plerosque dicuntur litterae imperatoris Antonini, ubi inuocatione nominis Christi per milites Christianos et sitim illam depulsam et conlatam fatetur fuisse uictoriam. ### English translation (Claude) Letters of the emperor Antoninus are said to exist even now among many, in which he confesses that by the invocation of the name of Christ through Christian soldiers both that thirst was driven off and the victory was granted. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.15.11 (CSEL 5:472; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-15-11). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.15.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-9-1/#p-7-15-12 - Source: CSEL 5:472 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Marcus's last acts and death. ### Latin text idemque Antoninus Commodum filium suum adsumpsit in regnum; praeteriti etiam temporis per omnes prouincias tributa donauit omniaque simul fiscalium negotiorum calumniosa monumenta congesta in foro iussit incendi seuerioresque leges nouis constitutionibus temperauit. postremo in Pannonia constitutus repentino morbo diem obiit. ### English translation (Claude) The same Antoninus took his son Commodus into the rule; he also remitted the tribute of past time throughout all the provinces, ordered all the slanderous records of fiscal business to be gathered and burned together in the forum, and tempered the more severe laws by new enactments. Finally, stationed in Pannonia, he died of a sudden illness. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.15.12 (CSEL 5:472; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-15-12). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.16.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-9-1/#p-7-16-1 - Source: CSEL 5:472 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Commodus becomes emperor. ### Latin text Anno ab Urbe condita DCCCCXXX Lucius Antoninus Commodus quintus decimus ab Augusto patri successit in regnum mansitque in eo annis xiii. ### English translation (Claude) In the 930th year from the founding of the City, Lucius Antoninus Commodus, fifteenth from Augustus, succeeded his father on the throne and remained in it for thirteen years. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.16.1 (CSEL 5:472; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-16-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.16.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-9-1/#p-7-16-2 - Source: CSEL 5:472–473 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Commodus's vices. ### Latin text aduersus Germanos bellum feliciter gessit. ceterum per omnia luxuriae et obscenitatis dedecore deprauatus, gladiatoriis quoque armis saepissime in ludo depugnauit et in amphitheatro feris sese frequenter obiecit; interfecit etiam quamplurimos senatores, maxime quos animaduertit nobilitate industriaque excellere. ### English translation (Claude) He waged war successfully against the Germans. But, depraved in everything by the disgrace of luxury and obscenity, he very often fought with gladiatorial arms in the school and often exposed himself to beasts in the amphitheater; he also killed a great many senators, especially those whom he noticed excelling in nobility and energy. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.16.2 (CSEL 5:472–473; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-16-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.16.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-9-1/#p-7-16-3 - Source: CSEL 5:473 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Fires at Rome under Commodus. ### Latin text flagitia regis poena Vrbis insequitur. nam fulmine Capitolium ictum, ex quo facta inflammatio bybliothecam illam, maiorum cura studioque compositam, aedesque alias iuxta sitas rapaci turbine concremauit. deinde aliud incendium postea Romae exortum aedem Vestae et Palatium plurimamque Vrbis partem solo coaequauit. ### English translation (Claude) The punishment of the City follows the crimes of the king. For the Capitol was struck by lightning, and the fire arising from it burned with a ravenous whirlwind that library collected by the care and zeal of the ancestors and other buildings situated nearby. Then another fire arising later at Rome leveled to the ground the temple of Vesta, the Palace, and the greater part of the City. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.16.3 (CSEL 5:473; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-16-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.16.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-9-1/#p-7-16-4 - Source: CSEL 5:473 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Commodus is strangled. ### Latin text Commodus cunctis incommodus in domo Vestiliani strangulatus interisse fertur, hostis generis humani etiam uiuus iudicatus. ### English translation (Claude) Commodus, troublesome to all, is said to have died strangled in the house of Vestilianus, judged an enemy of the human race even while alive. ### Translation notes - A pun: Commodus incommodus (“troublesome”). ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.16.4 (CSEL 5:473; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-16-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.16.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-9-1/#p-7-16-5 - Source: CSEL 5:473 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Pertinax is murdered. ### Latin text Post hunc a senatu creatus est senex Heluius Pertinax sextus decimus ab Augusto. qui sexto mense quam regnare coeperat Iuliani iuris periti scelere in palatio occisus est. ### English translation (Claude) After him the old man Helvius Pertinax was made emperor by the senate, sixteenth from Augustus. In the sixth month after he began to reign, he was killed in the palace by the crime of Julianus, the jurist. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.16.5 (CSEL 5:473; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-16-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.16.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-9-1/#p-7-16-6 - Source: CSEL 5:473–474 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Julianus is defeated by Severus. ### Latin text Iulianus interfecto Pertinace inuasit imperium sed mox a Seuero apud pontem Muluium bello ciuili uictus et interfectus est mense septimo postquam coeperat imperare. ita inter Pertinacem et Iulianum unus annus absumptus est. ### English translation (Claude) Julianus, after Pertinax was killed, seized the empire, but was soon defeated in civil war by Severus at the Mulvian bridge and killed in the seventh month after he began to rule. So between Pertinax and Julianus one year was used up. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.16.6 (CSEL 5:473–474; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-16-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.17.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-9-1/#p-7-17-1 - Source: CSEL 5:474 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Septimius Severus becomes emperor. ### Latin text Anno ab Vrbe condita DCCCCXLIIII Seuerus, genere Afer Tripolitanus ab oppido Lepti, qui se ex nomine imperatoris, quem occisum ultus fuerat, Pertinacem appellari uoluit, septimus decimus ab Augusto destitutum adeptus imperium XVIII annis tenuit. ### English translation (Claude) In the 944th year from the founding of the City, Severus, an African of Tripolitania from the town of Leptis, who wished to be called Pertinax from the name of the emperor whose murder he had avenged, seventeenth from Augustus, obtained the abandoned empire and held it for eighteen years. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.17.1 (CSEL 5:474; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-17-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.17.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-9-1/#p-7-17-2 - Source: CSEL 5:474 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Severus defeats Niger and the rebels. ### Latin text hic natura saeuus, multis semper bellis lacessitus, fortissime quidem rempublicam sed laboriosissime rexit. Pescennium Nigrum, qui in Aegypto et Syria ad tyrannidem adspirauerat, apud Cyzicum uicit et interfecit. Iudaeos et Samaritas rebellare conantes ferro cohercuit. ### English translation (Claude) He, savage by nature, always provoked by many wars, governed the commonwealth very bravely indeed but most laboriously. He defeated and killed at Cyzicus Pescennius Niger, who had aspired to tyranny in Egypt and Syria. He restrained with the sword the Jews and Samaritans who were attempting to rebel. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.17.2 (CSEL 5:474; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-17-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.17.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-9-1/#p-7-17-4 - Source: CSEL 5:474 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The fifth persecution. ### Latin text Parthos Arabas Adiabenosque superauit. quinta post Neronem persecutione Christianos excruciauit, plurimique sanctorum per diuersas prouincias martyrio coronati sunt. ### English translation (Claude) He overcame the Parthians, Arabs, and Adiabeni. He tormented the Christians in the fifth persecution after Nero, and very many of the saints were crowned with martyrdom in various provinces. ### Translation notes - The staged text has no section 7.17.3. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.17.4 (CSEL 5:474; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-17-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.17.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-9-1/#p-7-17-5 - Source: CSEL 5:474 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Heaven avenges the persecution. ### Latin text hanc profanam in Christianos et Ecclesiam Dei praesumptionem Seueri caelestis ultio e uestigio acta subsequitur. nam continuo rapitur uel potius retrahitur in Galliam Seuerus e Syria ad tertium ciuile bellum; ### English translation (Claude) This profane presumption of Severus against the Christians and the church of God was followed immediately by heavenly vengeance. For at once Severus was snatched, or rather dragged back, from Syria into Gaul to a third civil war; ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.17.5 (CSEL 5:474; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-17-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.17.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-9-1/#p-7-17-6 - Source: CSEL 5:474–475 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Severus defeats Albinus at Lyons. ### Latin text unum iam enim Romae aduersus Iulianum, aliud in Syria contra Pescennium gesserat, tertium Clodius Albinus, Iuliani in occidendo Pertinace socius, qui se in Gallia Caesarem fecerat, suscitabat; cuius bello multum utrimque Romani sanguinis fusum est. Albinus tamen apud Lugdunum oppressus et interfectus est. ### English translation (Claude) for he had already waged one at Rome against Julianus, another in Syria against Pescennius; the third was being stirred up by Clodius Albinus, Julianus's partner in killing Pertinax, who had made himself Caesar in Gaul; in this war much Roman blood was shed on both sides. Albinus, however, was crushed and killed at Lugdunum. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.17.6 (CSEL 5:474–475; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-17-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.17.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-9-1/#p-7-17-7 - Source: CSEL 5:475 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Severus's wall in Britain. ### Latin text Seuerus uictor in Britannias defectu paene omnium sociorum trahitur. ubi magnis grauibusque proeliis saepe gestis receptam partem insulae a ceteris indomitis gentibus uallo distinguendam putauit. itaque magnam fossam firmissimumque uallum, crebris insuper turribus communitum, per centum triginta et duo milia passuum a mari ad mare duxit. ### English translation (Claude) Severus, victorious, was drawn into the Britains by the defection of almost all the allies. There, after often fighting great and heavy battles, he thought that the recovered part of the island should be separated from the other unsubdued peoples by a wall. So he drew a great ditch and a very strong rampart, fortified besides with frequent towers, for a hundred and thirty-two miles from sea to sea. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.17.7 (CSEL 5:475; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-17-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.17.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-9-1/#p-7-17-8 - Source: CSEL 5:475 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Severus dies at York. ### Latin text ibique apud Eboracum oppidum morbo obiit. reliquit duos filios, Bassianum et Getam: quorum Geta hostis publicus indicatus interiit, Bassianus Antonini cognomine adsumpto regno potitus est. ### English translation (Claude) And there he died of disease at the town of Eboracum. He left two sons, Bassianus and Geta: of these Geta, judged a public enemy, died; Bassianus, taking the surname Antoninus, gained the throne. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.17.8 (CSEL 5:475; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-17-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.18.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-9-1/#p-7-18-1 - Source: CSEL 5:475 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Caracalla becomes emperor. ### Latin text Anno ab Vrbe condita DCCCCLXII Aurelius Antoninus Bassianus idemque Caracalla octauus decimus ab Augusto principatum adeptus est mansitque in eo annis non plenis septem. ### English translation (Claude) In the 962nd year from the founding of the City, Aurelius Antoninus Bassianus, also called Caracalla, eighteenth from Augustus, obtained the principate and remained in it for not quite seven years. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.18.1 (CSEL 5:475; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-18-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.18.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-9-1/#p-7-18-2 - Source: CSEL 5:475–476 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Caracalla's vices and death. ### Latin text uixit patre asperior, omnibus autem hominibus libidine intemperantior, qui etiam nouercam suam Iuliam uxorem duxerit. hic contra Parthos bellum moliens, inter Edessam et Carras ab hostibus circumuentus occisus est. ### English translation (Claude) He lived harsher than his father, and more intemperate in lust than all men, he who even married his stepmother Julia. Planning war against the Parthians, he was surrounded by the enemy between Edessa and Carrhae and killed. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.18.2 (CSEL 5:475–476; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-18-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.18.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-9-1/#p-7-18-3 - Source: CSEL 5:476 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Macrinus's short reign. ### Latin text Post hunc nonus decimus ab Augusto Ophilus Macrinus, qui praefectus praetorio erat, cum filio Diadumeno inuasit imperium sed emenso anno continuo apud Archelaidem militari tumultu occisus est. ### English translation (Claude) After him, nineteenth from Augustus, Opilius Macrinus, who was praetorian prefect, seized the empire with his son Diadumenus, but when a year had passed he was at once killed in a military tumult at Archelais. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.18.3 (CSEL 5:476; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-18-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.18.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-9-1/#p-7-18-4 - Source: CSEL 5:476 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Elagabalus becomes emperor. ### Latin text Anno ab Vrbe condita DCCCCLXX Marcus Aurelius Antoninus uicensimus ab Augusto imperium adeptus tenuit annis quattuor. ### English translation (Claude) In the 970th year from the founding of the City, Marcus Aurelius Antoninus, twentieth from Augustus, obtained the empire and held it for four years. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.18.4 (CSEL 5:476; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-18-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.18.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-9-1/#p-7-18-5 - Source: CSEL 5:476 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Elagabalus's infamy and death. ### Latin text hic sacerdos Heliogabali templi nullam sui nisi stuprorum flagitiorum totiusque obscenitatis infamem satis memoriam reliquit. tumultu autem militari exorto, Romae cum matre interfectus est. ### English translation (Claude) He, a priest of the temple of Heliogabalus, left no memory of himself except one infamous enough for illicit intercourse, shameful acts, and every obscenity. When a military tumult arose, he was killed at Rome with his mother. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.18.5 (CSEL 5:476; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-18-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.18.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-9-1/#p-7-18-6 - Source: CSEL 5:476 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Severus Alexander becomes emperor. ### Latin text Anno ab Vrbe condita DCCCCLXXIIII Aurelius Alexander uicensimus primus ab Augusto senatus ac militum uoluntate imperator creatus tredecim annis digno aequitatis praeconio fuit: ### English translation (Claude) In the 974th year from the founding of the City, Aurelius Alexander, twenty-first from Augustus, created emperor by the will of the senate and the soldiers, was for thirteen years worthy of the praise of fairness: ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.18.6 (CSEL 5:476; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-18-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.18.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-9-1/#p-7-18-7 - Source: CSEL 5:476–477 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Mamaea hears Origen; Alexander defeats the Persians. ### Latin text cuius mater Mamea Christiana Origenem presbyterum audire curauit: nam statim expeditione in Persas facta Xerxen regem eorum maximo bello uictor oppressit. ### English translation (Claude) his mother Mamaea, a Christian, took care to hear Origen the presbyter; for at once, making an expedition against the Persians, he crushed Xerxes their king as victor in a very great war. ### Extrabiblical texts - Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.21.3-6.21.4 (Church History): allusion, medium confidence ### Translation notes - Compare Eusebius, Church History 6.21.3–4. “Xerxes” as printed, for Artaxerxes (Ardashir). ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.18.7 (CSEL 5:476–477; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-18-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.18.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-9-1/#p-7-18-8 - Source: CSEL 5:477 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Alexander is killed at Mainz. ### Latin text Vlpiano usus adsessore summam sui moderationem reipublicae exhibuit; sed militari tumultu apud Mogontiacum interfectus est. ### English translation (Claude) Using Ulpian as his assessor, he showed the commonwealth the greatest moderation; but he was killed in a military tumult at Mogontiacum. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.18.8 (CSEL 5:477; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-18-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.19.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-9-1/#p-7-19-1 - Source: CSEL 5:477 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Maximinus's persecution. ### Latin text Anno ab Vrbe condita DCCCCLXXXVII Maximinus uicensimus secundus ab Augusto nulla senatus uoluntate imperator ab exercitu, postquam bellum in Germania prospere gesserat, creatus persecutionem in Christianos sextus a Nerone exercuit. ### English translation (Claude) In the 987th year from the founding of the City, Maximinus, twenty-second from Augustus, created emperor by the army without any will of the senate, after he had waged war successfully in Germany, carried out a persecution against the Christians, the sixth from Nero. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.19.1 (CSEL 5:477; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-19-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.19.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-9-1/#p-7-19-2 - Source: CSEL 5:477 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Maximinus's death; his persecution aimed at clergy. ### Latin text sed continuo, hoc est tertio quam regnabat anno, a Pupieno Aquileiae interfectus et persecutionis et uitae finem fecit. qui maxime propter Christianam Alexandri, cui successerat, et Mameae matris eius familiam persecutionem in sacerdotes et clericos, id est doctores, uel praecipue propter Origenem presbyterum miserat. ### English translation (Claude) But at once, that is, in the third year of his reign, he was killed by Pupienus at Aquileia and made an end of both persecution and life. He had sent the persecution against the priests and clergy, that is, the teachers, chiefly because of the Christian household of Alexander, whom he had succeeded, and of his mother Mamaea, and especially because of Origen the presbyter. ### Extrabiblical texts - Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.28 (Church History): allusion, medium confidence ### Translation notes - Compare Eusebius, Church History 6.28. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.19.2 (CSEL 5:477; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-19-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.19.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-9-1/#p-7-19-3 - Source: CSEL 5:477–478 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Gordian III becomes emperor. ### Latin text Anno ab Vrbe condita DCCCCLXLI Gordianus uicensimus tertius ab Augusto imperator creatus est mansitque in eo annis sex. nam Pupienus, interfector Maximini, et frater eius Balbinus, qui usurpauerant imperium, in Palatio mox interfecti sunt. ### English translation (Claude) In the 991st year from the founding of the City, Gordian, twenty-third from Augustus, was created emperor and remained in it six years. For Pupienus, the slayer of Maximinus, and his brother Balbinus, who had usurped the empire, were soon killed in the Palace. ### Translation notes - The numeral DCCCCLXLI is translated as printed; “brother” is Orosius's error (Balbinus was Pupienus's colleague). ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.19.3 (CSEL 5:477–478; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-19-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.19.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-9-1/#p-7-19-4 - Source: CSEL 5:478 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Gordian opens the gates of Janus. ### Latin text Gordianus admodum puer in Orientem ad bellum Parthicum profecturus, sicut Eutropius scribit, Iani portas aperuit: quas utrum post Vespasianum et Titum aliquis clauserit, neminem scripsisse memini, cum tamen eas ab ipso Vespasiano post annum apertas Cornelius Tacitus prodat. ### English translation (Claude) Gordian, still a mere boy, about to set out to the East for the Parthian war, opened the gates of Janus, as Eutropius writes; whether anyone closed them after Vespasian and Titus I remember no one has written, though Cornelius Tacitus reports that they were opened by Vespasian himself a year later. ### Extrabiblical texts - Tacitus (Tacitus): allusion, low confidence ### Translation notes - Eutropius, Breviarium 9.2; Tacitus in a lost passage. No extrabiblical id exists for Eutropius. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.19.4 (CSEL 5:478; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-19-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.19.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-9-1/#p-7-19-5 - Source: CSEL 5:478 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Gordian is murdered. ### Latin text igitur Gordianus ingentibus proeliis aduersum Parthos prospere gestis suorum fraude haud longe a Circesso super Euphraten interfectus est. ### English translation (Claude) So Gordian, having fought huge battles successfully against the Parthians, was killed by the treachery of his own men not far from Circesium on the Euphrates. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.19.5 (CSEL 5:478; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-19-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.20.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-9-1/#p-7-20-1 - Source: CSEL 5:478 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Philip the Arab becomes emperor. ### Latin text Anno ab Vrbe condita DCCCCLXLVII Philippus uicensimus quartus ab Augusto imperator creatus Philippum filium suum consortem regni fecit mansitque in eo annis septem. ### English translation (Claude) In the 997th year from the founding of the City, Philip, twenty-fourth from Augustus, was created emperor, made his son Philip partner in the rule, and remained in it seven years. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.20.1 (CSEL 5:478; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-20-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.20.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-9-1/#p-7-20-2 - Source: CSEL 5:478–479 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Philip, the first Christian emperor, celebrates Rome's millennium. ### Latin text hic primus imperatorum omnium Christianus fuit ac post tertium imperii eius annum millesimus a conditione Romae annus impletus est. ita magnificis ludis augustissimus omnium praeteritorum hic natalis annus a Christiano imperatore celebratus est. ### English translation (Claude) He was the first of all the emperors to be a Christian, and after the third year of his rule the thousandth year from the founding of Rome was completed. So this birthday year, the most august of all past ones, was celebrated with magnificent games by a Christian emperor. ### Extrabiblical texts - Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 6.34 (Church History): allusion, medium confidence ### Translation notes - The claim that Philip was a Christian is in Eusebius, Church History 6.34; it is disputed. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.20.2 (CSEL 5:478–479; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-20-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.20.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-9-1/#p-7-20-3 - Source: CSEL 5:479 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Philip did not sacrifice at the Capitol. ### Latin text nec dubium est, quin Philippus huius tantae deuotionis gratiam et honorem ad Christum et Ecclesiam reportarit, quando uel ascensum fuisse in Capitolium immolatasque ex more hostias nullus auctor ostendit. ### English translation (Claude) Nor is there doubt that Philip directed the grace and honor of this great devotion to Christ and the church, since no author shows either that there was an ascent to the Capitol or that victims were sacrificed according to custom. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.20.3 (CSEL 5:479; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-20-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.20.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-9-1/#p-7-20-4 - Source: CSEL 5:479 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Philips are killed. ### Latin text ambo tamen quamuis diuersis locis tumultu militari et Decii fraude interfecti sunt. ### English translation (Claude) Both, however, though in different places, were killed by a military tumult and the treachery of Decius. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.20.4 (CSEL 5:479; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-20-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.21.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-9-1/#p-7-21-1 - Source: CSEL 5:479 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Decius becomes emperor. ### Latin text Anno ab Vrbe condita millesimo quarto Decius, ciuilis belli incentor et repressor, occisis Philippis uicensimus quintus ab Augusto inuasit imperium tenuitque annis tribus. ### English translation (Claude) In the 1004th year from the founding of the City, Decius, instigator and suppressor of civil war, having killed the Philips, seized the empire, twenty-fifth from Augustus, and held it three years. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.21.1 (CSEL 5:479; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-21-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.21.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-9-1/#p-7-21-2 - Source: CSEL 5:479 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Decian persecution. ### Latin text idem continuo, in quo se etiam ob hoc Philippos interfecisse docuit, ad persequendos interficiendosque Christianos septimus post Neronem feralia dispersit edicta plurimosque sanctorum ad coronas Christi de suis crucibus misit. ### English translation (Claude) The same man at once, in a way by which he also showed that he had killed the Philips for this reason, scattered deadly edicts, the seventh after Nero, for persecuting and killing Christians, and sent very many of the saints from their crosses to the crowns of Christ. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.21.2 (CSEL 5:479; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-21-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.21.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-9-1/#p-7-21-3 - Source: CSEL 5:479 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Decius dies with his son. ### Latin text idemque filium suum Caesarem legit: cum quo simul continuo in medio barbarorum sinu interfectus est. ### English translation (Claude) And the same man chose his son as Caesar: with him he was soon killed at the same time in the middle of the barbarians' territory. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.21.3 (CSEL 5:479; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-21-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.21.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-9-1/#p-7-21-4 - Source: CSEL 5:479–480 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Gallus becomes emperor. ### Latin text Anno ab Vrbe condita millesimo septimo Gallus Hostilianus uicensimus sextus ab Augusto regnum adeptus uix duobus annis cum Volusiano filio obtinuit. ### English translation (Claude) In the 1007th year from the founding of the City, Gallus Hostilianus, twenty-sixth from Augustus, obtained the rule and held it barely two years with his son Volusianus. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.21.4 (CSEL 5:479–480; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-21-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.21.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-9-1/#p-7-21-5 - Source: CSEL 5:480 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Plague follows the persecution. ### Latin text exeritur ultio uiolati nominis Christiani et usquequo ad profligandas ecclesias edicta Decii cucurrerunt, eatenus incredibilium morborum pestis extenditur: nulla fere prouincia Romana, nulla ciuitas, nulla domus fuit, quae non illa generali pestilentia correpta atque uacuata sit. ### English translation (Claude) The punishment for the violated Christian name is carried out, and as far as the edicts of Decius ran for the ruin of the churches, so far the plague of incredible diseases extended: there was almost no Roman province, no city, no house which was not seized and emptied by that general pestilence. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.21.5 (CSEL 5:480; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-21-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.21.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-9-1/#p-7-21-6 - Source: CSEL 5:480 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Gallus and Aemilianus die. ### Latin text hac sola pernicie insignes Gallus et Volusianus dum contra Aemilianum nouis rebus studentem bellum ciuile moliuntur, occisi sunt. Aemilianus tamen tertio mense inuasae tyrannidis extinctus est. ### English translation (Claude) Gallus and Volusianus, notable for this ruin alone, were killed while they were preparing civil war against Aemilianus, who was striving for revolution. Aemilianus, however, died in the third month of the tyranny he had seized. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.21.6 (CSEL 5:480; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-21-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.22.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-9-1/#p-7-22-1 - Source: CSEL 5:480–481 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Valerian and Gallienus; impiety does not learn. ### Latin text Anno ab Vrbe condita millesimo decimo duo imperatores uicensimo septimo post Augustum loco creati sunt: Valerianus in Raetia ab exercitu Augustus appellatus, Romae autem a senatu Gallienus Caesar creatus; mansitque Gallienus in regno infeliciter annis xv, respirante paulisper ab illa supra solitum iugi et graui pestilentia genere humano. prouocat poenam suam obliuiosa malitia. impietas enim flagella quidem excruciata sentit, sed a quo flagellatur, obdurata non sentit. ### English translation (Claude) In the 1010th year from the founding of the City, two emperors were created in the twenty-seventh place after Augustus: Valerian was hailed Augustus by the army in Raetia, while at Rome Gallienus was created Caesar by the senate; and Gallienus remained in the rule unhappily for fifteen years, the human race breathing again a little from that unusually continuous and heavy pestilence. Forgetful malice provokes its own punishment. For impiety, when tormented, feels the whips, but, hardened, does not feel by whom it is whipped. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.22.1 (CSEL 5:480–481; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-22-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.22.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-9-1/#p-7-22-2 - Source: CSEL 5:481 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The pagans called the plague natural. ### Latin text ut de superioribus taceam, facta a Decio Christianorum persecutione totum Romanum imperium pestilentia magna uexauit. mentita est iniquitas sibi, prauo in perniciem suam circumuenta iudicio, pestilentiam communis casus esse accidentemque ex morbis mortem naturae finem esse non poenam. ### English translation (Claude) To say nothing of earlier events, when the persecution of Christians had been carried out by Decius, a great pestilence harried the whole Roman empire. Iniquity lied to itself, deceived by a perverse judgment to its own ruin, that pestilence was a common chance and that death arising from diseases was the end of nature, not a punishment. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.22.2 (CSEL 5:481; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-22-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.22.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-9-1/#p-7-22-3 - Source: CSEL 5:481 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Valerian's persecution. ### Latin text rursus igitur atque in breui iram Dei sceleratis actionibus prouocat exceptura plagam, cuius aliquandiu meminisse cogatur. Valerianus siquidem mox ut arripuit imperium octauus a Nerone, adigi per tormenta Christianos ad idololatriam abnegantesque interfici iussit, fuso per omnem Romani regni latitudinem sanctorum sanguine. ### English translation (Claude) So again and in a short time it provokes the wrath of God by wicked deeds, about to receive a blow which it would be forced to remember for some time. For Valerian, as soon as he seized the empire, eighth from Nero, ordered Christians to be driven by tortures to idolatry and those who refused to be killed, the blood of the saints being poured out throughout the whole breadth of the Roman realm. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.22.3 (CSEL 5:481; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-22-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.22.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-9-1/#p-7-22-4 - Source: CSEL 5:481–482 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Valerian is captured by Sapor. ### Latin text Valerianus ilico, nefarii auctor edicti, a Sapore Persarum rege captus, imperator populi Romani ignominiosissima apud Persas seruitute consenuit, hoc infamis officii continua, donec uixit, damnatione sortitus, ut ipse adclinis humi regem semper, ascensurum in equum, non manu sua sed dorso attolleret. ### English translation (Claude) Valerian, the author of the wicked edict, was at once captured by Sapor, king of the Persians, and, emperor of the Roman people, grew old in most ignominious servitude among the Persians, condemned for as long as he lived to this continual infamous duty: that, bending down on the ground, he should always raise the king, when about to mount his horse, not with his hand but with his back. ### Extrabiblical texts - Lactantius, Mort. 5 (On the Deaths of the Persecutors): allusion, medium confidence ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.22.4 (CSEL 5:481–482; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-22-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.22.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-9-1/#p-7-22-5 - Source: CSEL 5:482 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: One man's captivity does not avenge so much blood. ### Latin text et Gallienus quidem tam claro Dei iudicio territus tamque misero collegae permotus exemplo pacem ecclesiis trepida satisfactione restituit. sed non conpensat iniuriae ultionisque mensuram unius impii quamuis perpetua et super modum abominanda captiuitas contra tot milia excruciata sanctorum, iustorumque sanguis ad Deum clamans in eadem sese terra, ubi fusus est, uindicari rogat. ### English translation (Claude) And Gallienus indeed, terrified by so clear a judgment of God and moved by the wretched example of his colleague, restored peace to the churches with anxious satisfaction. But the captivity of one impious man, however perpetual and beyond measure abominable, does not make up the measure of the wrong and the vengeance against so many thousands of tortured saints; and the blood of the righteous, crying to God, asks to be avenged in the same land where it was shed. ### Scripture references - Gen 4:10: allusion, medium confidence - Rev 6:10: echo, low confidence ### Translation notes - Compare Gen 4:10; Rev 6:10. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.22.5 (CSEL 5:482; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-22-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.22.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-9-1/#p-7-22-6 - Source: CSEL 5:482–483 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: God unleashes the barbarians. ### Latin text non enim de solo constitutore praecepti iusto supplicium iudicio flagitabatur sed etiam exsecutores delatores accusatores spectatores ac iudices, postremo omnes qui iniustissimae crudelitati uel tacita uoluntate adsentabantur — quia Deus secretorum cognitor est — quorum maxima per omnes prouincias pars hominum uersabatur, eadem ultionis plaga corripi iustum erat. soluuntur repente undique permissu Dei ad hoc circumpositae relictaeque gentes laxatisque habenis in omnes Romanorum fines inuehuntur. ### English translation (Claude) For punishment was demanded by just judgment not only of the one who made the decree, but it was just that the executors, informers, accusers, spectators, and judges, and finally all who assented to that most unjust cruelty even by silent will (since God knows secret things), of whom the greater part of men in all the provinces consisted, should be seized by the same blow of vengeance. Suddenly, by God's permission, the peoples placed round about and left for this purpose are loosed on all sides and, with reins slackened, burst into all the territories of the Romans. ### Extrabiblical texts - Sus 42 (Susanna): allusion, medium confidence ### Translation notes - “God knows secret things”: compare Sus 42 (Dan 13:42 Vulg.). ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.22.6 (CSEL 5:482–483; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-22-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.22.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-9-1/#p-7-22-7 - Source: CSEL 5:483 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Invasions on every frontier. ### Latin text Germani Alpibus Raetia totaque Italia penetrata Rauennam usque perueniunt; Alamanni Gallias peruagantes etiam in Italiam transeunt; Graecia Macedonia Pontus Asia Gothorum inundatione deletur; nam Dacia trans Danuuium in perpetuum aufertur; Quadi et Sarmatae Pannonias depopulantur; Germani ulteriores abrasa potiuntur Hispania; Parthi Mesopotamiam auferunt Syriamque conradunt. ### English translation (Claude) The Germans, having penetrated the Alps, Raetia, and all Italy, reach as far as Ravenna; the Alamanni, ranging through the Gauls, cross even into Italy; Greece, Macedonia, Pontus, and Asia are destroyed by the flood of the Goths; for Dacia beyond the Danube is taken away forever; the Quadi and Sarmatians ravage the Pannonias; the farther Germans, having stripped Spain, take possession of it; the Parthians carry off Mesopotamia and scrape Syria bare. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.22.7 (CSEL 5:483; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-22-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.22.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-9-1/#p-7-22-8 - Source: CSEL 5:483 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Ruined cities still show the damage. ### Latin text exstant adhuc per diuersas prouincias in magnarum urbium ruinis paruae et pauperes sedes, signa miseriarum et nominum indicia seruantes, ex quibus nos quoque in Hispania Tarraconem nostram ad consolationem miseriae recentis ostendimus. ### English translation (Claude) There still exist in various provinces, among the ruins of great cities, small and poor dwellings, preserving signs of the miseries and traces of the names, among which we too in Spain point to our Tarraco as a consolation for the recent misery. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.22.8 (CSEL 5:483; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-22-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.22.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-9-1/#p-7-22-9 - Source: CSEL 5:483–484 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Usurpers add to the ruin, but God relents. ### Latin text et ne quid forte Romani corporis ab hac dilaceratione cessaret, conspirant intrinsecus tyranni, consurgunt bella ciuilia, funditur ubique plurimus sanguis Romanorum Romanis barbarisque saeuientibus; sed cito ira Dei in misericordiam uertitur et coeptae ultionis maior forma quam poena in mensuram plenitudinis reputatur. ### English translation (Claude) And lest any part of the Roman body perhaps should be spared this tearing apart, tyrants conspire within, civil wars arise, very much Roman blood is shed everywhere, Romans and barbarians raging alike; but quickly the wrath of God is turned to mercy, and the form of the vengeance begun is reckoned greater than the punishment in the measure of its fullness. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.22.9 (CSEL 5:483–484; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-22-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.22.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-9-1/#p-7-22-10 - Source: CSEL 5:484 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Genuus and Postumus. ### Latin text igitur primus Genuus, qui purpuram imperii sumpserat, apud Myrsam occiditur. Postumus in Gallia inuasit tyrannidem, multo quidem reipublicae commodo, nam per decem annos ingenti uirtute ac moderatione usus et dominantes hostes expulit et perditas prouincias in pristinam faciem reformauit; seditione tamen militum interfectus est. ### English translation (Claude) So first Genuus, who had taken the purple of empire, was killed at Mursa. Postumus seized the tyranny in Gaul, indeed to the great advantage of the commonwealth, for for ten years, using great courage and moderation, he both drove out the dominating enemy and restored the lost provinces to their former condition; he was nevertheless killed in a mutiny of soldiers. ### Translation notes - “Genuus” as printed, for Ingenuus. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.22.10 (CSEL 5:484; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-22-10). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.22.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-9-1/#p-7-22-11 - Source: CSEL 5:484 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Gallic usurpers. ### Latin text Aemilianus apud Mogontiacum cum res nouas moliretur oppressus est. post mortem Postumi Marius ibidem inuasit imperium sed continuo interfectus est. deinde Victorinus a Gallis ultro creatus et post paululum occisus est. ### English translation (Claude) Aemilianus was crushed at Mogontiacum while he was plotting revolution. After the death of Postumus, Marius seized the empire in the same place but was at once killed. Then Victorinus was created by the Gauls of their own accord and was killed a little later. ### Translation notes - “Aemilianus” as printed, for Laelianus. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.22.11 (CSEL 5:484; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-22-11). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.22.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-9-1/#p-7-22-12 - Source: CSEL 5:484 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Tetricus in Gaul; Odenathus in the East. ### Latin text huic successit Tetricus, qui tunc Aquitanicae praesidatus administrabat officium. multas seditiones militum pertulit. at uero in Oriente per Odenatum quendam collecta agresti manu uicti repulsique Persae, defensa Syria, recepta Mesopotamia est, et usque ad Ctesiphontem rusticani Syriae cum Odenato suo uincendo uenerunt. ### English translation (Claude) He was succeeded by Tetricus, who was then administering the office of governor of Aquitania. He endured many mutinies of soldiers. But in the East, by a certain Odenathus with a band of country people gathered, the Persians were defeated and driven back, Syria defended, Mesopotamia recovered, and the peasants of Syria with their Odenathus came, conquering, as far as Ctesiphon. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.22.12 (CSEL 5:484; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-22-12). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.22.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-9-1/#p-7-22-13 - Source: CSEL 5:484–485 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Gallienus is killed. ### Latin text Gallienus autem cum rempublicam deseruisset ac Mediolani libidinibus inseruiret, occisus est ### English translation (Claude) Gallienus, when he had deserted the commonwealth and was serving his lusts at Mediolanum, was killed. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.22.13 (CSEL 5:484–485; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-22-13). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.23.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-9-1/#p-7-23-1 - Source: CSEL 5:485 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Claudius Gothicus defeats the Goths. ### Latin text Anno ab Vrbe condita MXXV Claudius uicesimus octauus uoluntate senatus sumpsit imperium statimque Gothos iam per annos quindecim Illyricum Macedoniamque uastantes bello adortus incredibili strage deleuit. cui a senatu clipeus aureus in curia et in Capitolio statua aeque aurea decreta est; sed continuo apud Sirmium, priusquam biennium in imperio expleret, morbo correptus interiit. ### English translation (Claude) In the 1025th year from the founding of the City, Claudius, twenty-eighth, took the empire by the will of the senate, and at once attacked in war the Goths, who had already been laying waste Illyricum and Macedonia for fifteen years, and destroyed them with incredible slaughter. For this the senate decreed him a golden shield in the senate house and a statue, likewise of gold, on the Capitol; but at once, at Sirmium, before he completed two years in the empire, he was seized by disease and died. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.23.1 (CSEL 5:485; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-23-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.23.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-9-1/#p-7-23-2 - Source: CSEL 5:485 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Quintillus's brief reign. ### Latin text Claudio mortuo Quintillus frater eius ab exercitu imperator electus, uir quidem unicae moderationis et solus fratri praeferendus, septimo decimo die imperii interfectus est. ### English translation (Claude) When Claudius died, his brother Quintillus was chosen emperor by the army, a man indeed of unique moderation and alone to be preferred to his brother; he was killed on the seventeenth day of his rule. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.23.2 (CSEL 5:485; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-23-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.23.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-9-1/#p-7-23-3 - Source: CSEL 5:485 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Aurelian becomes emperor. ### Latin text Anno ab Vrbe condita MXXVII Aurelianus uicesimus nonus imperium adeptus quinque annis ac sex mensibus tenuit, uir industria militari excellentissimus. ### English translation (Claude) In the 1027th year from the founding of the City, Aurelian, twenty-ninth, obtained the empire and held it five years and six months, a man most excellent in military energy. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.23.3 (CSEL 5:485; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-23-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.23.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-9-1/#p-7-23-4 - Source: CSEL 5:485–486 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Aurelian defeats the Goths and Zenobia. ### Latin text expeditione in Danuuium suscepta Gothos magnis proeliis profligauit dicionemque Romanam antiquis terminis statuit. inde in Orientem conuersus Zenobiam, quae occiso Odenato marito suo Syriam receptam sibi uindicabat, magis proelii terrore quam proelio in potestatem redegit. ### English translation (Claude) Having undertaken an expedition to the Danube, he routed the Goths in great battles and fixed Roman rule at its ancient boundaries. Then turning to the East, he brought Zenobia, who after the killing of her husband Odenathus was claiming recovered Syria for herself, into his power more by the terror of battle than by battle. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.23.4 (CSEL 5:485–486; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-23-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.23.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-9-1/#p-7-23-5 - Source: CSEL 5:486 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Tetricus surrenders; Aurelian's triumph. ### Latin text Tetricum, in Gallia minime sufficientem sustinere seditiones militum suorum scribentemque etiam: Eripe me his, inuicte, malis ac per hoc proditorem exercitus sui, sine labore superauit. sic Orientis et Aquilonis receptor magna gloria triumphauit. ### English translation (Claude) Tetricus, quite unable in Gaul to bear the mutinies of his soldiers, and even writing “Rescue me, unconquered one, from these evils,” and so a betrayer of his own army, he overcame without effort. So, as recoverer of the East and North, he triumphed with great glory. ### Extrabiblical texts - Virgil, Aen. 6.365 (Virgil): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Virgil, Aeneid 6.365, quoted by Tetricus. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.23.5 (CSEL 5:486; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-23-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.23.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-9-1/#p-7-23-6 - Source: CSEL 5:486 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Aurelian's persecution and death. ### Latin text urbem Romam muris firmioribus cinxit nouissime cum persecutionem aduersus Christianos agi nonus a Nerone decerneret, fulmen ante eum magno pauore circumstantium ruit ac non multo post in itinere occisus est. ### English translation (Claude) He surrounded the city of Rome with stronger walls. At last, when he was decreeing that a persecution be carried out against the Christians, ninth from Nero, a thunderbolt fell in front of him to the great terror of those standing around, and not long after he was killed on a journey. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.23.6 (CSEL 5:486; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-23-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.24.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-9-1/#p-7-24-1 - Source: CSEL 5:486–487 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Tacitus and Florianus. ### Latin text Anno ab Vrbe condita MXXXII Tacitus tricesimus adeptus imperium sexto mense occisus in Ponto est. post quem Florianus parem regni sortem ferens, tertio demum mense apud Tarsum interfectus est. ### English translation (Claude) In the 1032nd year from the founding of the City, Tacitus, thirtieth, having obtained the empire, was killed in Pontus in the sixth month. After him Florianus, bearing a like lot of rule, was killed at Tarsus in only the third month. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.24.1 (CSEL 5:486–487; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-24-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.24.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-9-1/#p-7-24-2 - Source: CSEL 5:487 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Probus frees Gaul. ### Latin text Anno ab Vrbe condita MXXXIII Probus tricesimus primus regnum sortitus obtinuit annis sex et mensibus quattuor. Gallias iam dudum a barbaris occupatas per multa et grauia proelia deletis tandem hostibus ad perfectum liberauit. ### English translation (Claude) In the 1033rd year from the founding of the City, Probus, thirty-first, allotted the rule, held it six years and four months. He completely freed the Gauls, long occupied by barbarians, through many heavy battles, at last destroying the enemy. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.24.2 (CSEL 5:487; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-24-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.24.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-9-1/#p-7-24-3 - Source: CSEL 5:487 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Probus's civil wars and death. ### Latin text bella deinde ciuilia equidem plurimo sanguine duo gessit: unum in Oriente, quo Saturninum tyrannide subnixum oppressit et cepit, aliud, quo Proculum et Bonosum apud Agrippinam magnis proeliis superatos interfecit. ipse autem apud Sirmium in turre ferrata militari tumultu interfectus est. ### English translation (Claude) Then he waged two civil wars indeed with very much blood: one in the East, in which he crushed and captured Saturninus, who was relying on tyranny; the other, in which he defeated Proculus and Bonosus at Agrippina in great battles and killed them. He himself was killed at Sirmium in an iron-clad tower in a military tumult. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.24.3 (CSEL 5:487; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-24-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.24.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-9-1/#p-7-24-4 - Source: CSEL 5:487–488 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Carus and Numerian die. ### Latin text Anno ab Vrbe condita MXXXVIIII Carus Narbonensis tricesimus secundus suscepit imperium ac biennio tenuit. qui cum filios suos Carinum et Numerianum consortes regni effecisset, bello Parthico postquam duas nobilissimas Parthorum urbes Cochem et Ctesiphontem cepit, super Tigridem in castris fulmine ictus interiit. Numerianus, qui cum patre fuerat, rediens fraude Apri soceri sui interfectus est. ### English translation (Claude) In the 1039th year from the founding of the City, Carus of Narbo, thirty-second, took up the empire and held it two years. When he had made his sons Carinus and Numerian partners in the rule, in the Parthian war, after he had taken two very famous cities of the Parthians, Coche and Ctesiphon, he died in camp on the Tigris struck by lightning. Numerian, who had been with his father, was killed on his return by the treachery of Aper, his father-in-law. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.24.4 (CSEL 5:487–488; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-24-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.25.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-25-1 - Source: CSEL 5:488 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Diocletian becomes emperor. ### Latin text Anno ab Vrbe condita MXLI Diocletianus tricesimus tertius ab exercitu imperator electus annis uiginti fuit; statimque ut potestatis copiam habuit, Aprum interfectorem Numeriani manu sua interfecit. Carinum deinde, quem Carus Caesarem in Dalmatia reliquerat, flagitiose uiuentem difficillimo bello et maximo labore superauit. ### English translation (Claude) In the 1041st year from the founding of the City, Diocletian, thirty-third, chosen emperor by the army, was emperor twenty years; and as soon as he had the opportunity of power, he killed with his own hand Aper, the slayer of Numerian. Then he overcame Carinus, whom Carus had left as Caesar in Dalmatia, living shamefully, in a very difficult war and with very great labor. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.25.1 (CSEL 5:488; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-25-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.25.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-25-2 - Source: CSEL 5:488 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Maximian suppresses the Bacaudae. ### Latin text dehinc cum in Gallia Amandus et Aelianus collecta rusticanorum manu, quos Bacaudas uocabant, perniciosos tumultus excitauissent, Maximianum cognomento Herculium Caesarem fecit misitque in Gallias: qui facile agrestium hominum imperitam et confusam manum militari ### English translation (Claude) Then, when in Gaul Amandus and Aelianus, having gathered a band of country people whom they called Bacaudae, had stirred up ruinous tumults, he made Maximian, surnamed Herculius, Caesar and sent him to the Gauls; he easily settled the unskilled and disorderly band of rustics by military ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.25.2 (CSEL 5:488; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-25-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.25.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-25-3 - Source: CSEL 5:488–489 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Carausius usurps in Britain. ### Latin text uirtute conposuit. deinde Carausius quidam, genere quidem infimus sed consilio et manu promptus, cum ad obseruanda Oceani litora, quae tunc Franci et Saxones infestabant, positus plus in perniciem quam in prouectum reipublicae ageret, ereptam praedonibus praedam nulla ex parte restituendo dominis sed sibi soli uindicando accendit suspicionem, quia ipsos quoque hostes ad incursandos fines artifici neglegentia permitteret: quamobrem a Maximiano iussus occidi, purpuram sumpsit ac Britannias occupauit. ### English translation (Claude) strength. Then a certain Carausius, indeed of the lowest birth but ready in counsel and action, when he had been placed to watch the shores of the Ocean, which the Franks and Saxons were then infesting, and was acting more to the ruin than to the advantage of the commonwealth, by not restoring to the owners in any part the booty taken from the pirates but claiming it for himself alone, roused the suspicion that he was letting the enemy themselves raid the territories by artful negligence; for this reason, ordered by Maximian to be killed, he took the purple and seized the Britains. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.25.3 (CSEL 5:488–489; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-25-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.25.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-25-4 - Source: CSEL 5:489 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Troubles on every side. ### Latin text igitur per omnes Romani imperii fines subitarum turbationum fragores concrepuerunt, Carausio in Britanniis rebellante, Achilleo in Aegypto, cum et Africam Quinquegentiani infestarent, Narseus etiam rex Persarum Orientem bello premeret. ### English translation (Claude) So throughout all the territories of the Roman empire the crashes of sudden disturbances resounded, with Carausius rebelling in the Britains, Achilleus in Egypt, while the Quinquegentiani were infesting Africa and Narses, king of the Persians, was pressing the East with war. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.25.4 (CSEL 5:489; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-25-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.25.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-25-5 - Source: CSEL 5:489 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The tetrarchy is formed. ### Latin text hoc periculo Diocletianus permotus Maximianum Herculium ex Caesare fecit Augustum, Constantium uero et Maximianum Galerium Caesares legit. Constantius Herculii Maximiani priuignam Theodoram accepit uxorem, ex qua sex filios fratres Constantini sustulit. ### English translation (Claude) Alarmed by this danger, Diocletian made Maximian Herculius Augustus from Caesar, and chose Constantius and Maximian Galerius as Caesars. Constantius took as wife Theodora, the stepdaughter of Maximian Herculius, by whom he had six children, brothers of Constantine. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.25.5 (CSEL 5:489; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-25-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.25.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-25-6 - Source: CSEL 5:489–490 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Britain is recovered. ### Latin text Carausius, Britannia sibi per septem annos fortissime uindicata ac retenta, tandem fraude Allecti socii sui interfectus est. Allectus postea ereptam Carausio insulam per triennium tenuit: quem Asclepiodotus praefectus praetorio oppressit Britanniamque post decem annos recepit. ### English translation (Claude) Carausius, having very bravely claimed and held Britain for seven years, was at last killed by the treachery of his associate Allectus. Allectus afterward held the island, snatched from Carausius, for three years; Asclepiodotus, the praetorian prefect, crushed him and recovered Britain after ten years. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.25.6 (CSEL 5:489–490; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-25-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.25.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-25-7 - Source: CSEL 5:490 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Constantius defeats the Alamanni. ### Latin text Constantius uero Caesar in Gallia primo proelio ab Alamannis profligato exercitu suo, uix ipse subreptus est; secundo autem secuta est satis secunda uictoria: nam paucis horis sexaginta milia Alamannorum caesa referuntur. ### English translation (Claude) Constantius, however, as Caesar in Gaul, with his army routed by the Alamanni in the first battle, barely escaped himself; but in the second a quite favorable victory followed: for sixty thousand Alamanni are reported slain in a few hours. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.25.7 (CSEL 5:490; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-25-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.25.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-25-8 - Source: CSEL 5:490 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Achilleus is defeated; Egypt suffers. ### Latin text at Maximianus Augustus Quinquegentianos in Africa domuit. porro autem Diocletianus Achilleum obsessum per octo menses apud Alexandriam cepit et interfecit. sed inmoderata uictoria usus Alexandriam direptioni dedit, Aegyptum totam proscriptionibus caedibusque foedauit. ### English translation (Claude) But Maximian Augustus subdued the Quinquegentiani in Africa. Moreover, Diocletian captured Achilleus after besieging him for eight months at Alexandria and killed him. But using his victory without restraint, he gave Alexandria over to plunder and defiled all Egypt with proscriptions and slaughters. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.25.8 (CSEL 5:490; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-25-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.25.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-25-9 - Source: CSEL 5:490 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Galerius is defeated and humiliated. ### Latin text praeterea Galerius Maximianus cum duobus iam proeliis aduersus Narseum conflixisset, tertio inter Gallinicum et Carras congressus et uictus, amissis copiis ad Diocletianum refugit: a quo arrogantissime exceptus est, ita ut per aliquot milia passuum purpuratus ante uehiculum eius cucurrisse referatur. ### English translation (Claude) Moreover, Galerius Maximian, when he had already fought two battles against Narses, engaged in a third between Callinicum and Carrhae and was defeated, and, having lost his forces, fled to Diocletian; by him he was received most arrogantly, so that he is reported to have run for some miles in his purple before his carriage. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.25.9 (CSEL 5:490; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-25-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.25.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-25-10 - Source: CSEL 5:490–491 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Galerius defeats Narses. ### Latin text uerumtamen hac contumelia quasi cote ad uirtutem usus est, per quam detrita regii fastus rubigine aciem mentis expediit. itaque mox per Illyricum et Moesiam undique copias contraxit raptimque in hostem reuersus Narseum magnis consiliis uiribusque superauit. ### English translation (Claude) Yet he used this insult as a whetstone for courage, by which, the rust of royal pride rubbed off, he freed the edge of his mind. So he soon gathered forces from everywhere through Illyricum and Moesia, swiftly turned back against the enemy, and overcame Narses with great plans and strength. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.25.10 (CSEL 5:490–491; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-25-10). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.25.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-25-11 - Source: CSEL 5:491 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Galerius's victory over Persia. ### Latin text extinctis Persarum copiis ipsoque Narseo in fugam acto, castra eius inuasit, uxores sorores liberosque cepit, immensam uim gazae Persicae diripuit, captiuos quamplurimos Persarum nobilium abduxit. reuersus in Mesopotamiam a Diocletiano plurimo honore susceptus est. ### English translation (Claude) Having destroyed the forces of the Persians and put Narses himself to flight, he broke into his camp, captured his wives, sisters, and children, plundered an immense quantity of Persian treasure, and led off very many captives of the Persian nobles. Returning to Mesopotamia, he was received by Diocletian with the greatest honor. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.25.11 (CSEL 5:491; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-25-11). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.25.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-25-12 - Source: CSEL 5:491 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Victories on the Danube. ### Latin text postea per eosdem duces strenue aduersus Carpos Basternasque pugnatum est. Sarmatas deinde uicerunt: quorum copiosissimam captiuam multitudinem per Romanorum finium dispersere praesidia. ### English translation (Claude) Afterward there was vigorous fighting through the same generals against the Carpi and Bastarnae. Then they defeated the Sarmatians, whose very large multitude of captives they distributed among the garrisons of the Roman territories. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.25.12 (CSEL 5:491; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-25-12). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.25.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-25-13 - Source: CSEL 5:491 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Great Persecution. ### Latin text Interea Diocletianus in Oriente, Maximianus Herculius in Occidente uastari ecclesias, adfligi interficique Christianos decimo post Neronem loco praeceperunt: quae persecutio omnibus fere ante actis diuturnior atque immanior fuit, nam per decem annos incendiis ecclesiarum, proscriptionibus innocentum, caedibus martyrum incessabiliter acta est. ### English translation (Claude) Meanwhile Diocletian in the East and Maximian Herculius in the West ordered the churches to be laid waste and Christians to be afflicted and killed, in the tenth place after Nero: this persecution was longer and more savage than almost all those before it, for for ten years it was carried on ceaselessly with burnings of churches, proscriptions of the innocent, and slaughters of martyrs. ### Extrabiblical texts - Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.2 (Church History): allusion, medium confidence ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.25.13 (CSEL 5:491; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-25-13). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.25.14 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-25-14 - Source: CSEL 5:491–492 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Diocletian and Maximian abdicate. ### Latin text sequitur terrae motus in Syria, ex quo apud Tyrum et Sidonem passim labentibus tectis multa hominum milia prostrata sunt. secundo persecutionis anno Diocletianus ab inuito exegit Maximiano, ut simul purpuram imperiumque deponerent ac iunioribus in rempublicam substitutis ipsi in priuato otio consenescerent. itaque sub una die Diocletianus apud Nicomediam, Maximianus apud Mediolanium potestatem imperii simul cultumque deposuerunt. ### English translation (Claude) An earthquake follows in Syria, from which at Tyre and Sidon many thousands of men were struck down as roofs fell everywhere. In the second year of the persecution Diocletian demanded of the unwilling Maximian that they lay down the purple and the rule together and, with younger men put in their place over the commonwealth, grow old themselves in private leisure. So on one day Diocletian at Nicomedia and Maximian at Mediolanum laid down both the power and the dress of empire. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.25.14 (CSEL 5:491–492; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-25-14). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.25.15 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-25-15 - Source: CSEL 5:492 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The empire is divided between Galerius and Constantius. ### Latin text Galerius et Constantius Augusti primi Romanum imperium in duas partes diuiserunt: Galerius Maximianus Illyricum Asiam et Orientem, Constantius Italiam Africam et Gallias obtinuit; sed Constantius uir tranquillissimus, Gallia tantum [Hispaniaque] contentus, Galerio ceteris partibus cessit. ### English translation (Claude) Galerius and Constantius, the first Augusti, divided the Roman empire into two parts: Galerius Maximian held Illyricum, Asia, and the East, Constantius Italy, Africa, and the Gauls; but Constantius, a most peaceable man, content with Gaul alone, yielded the other parts to Galerius. ### Translation notes - Zangemeister prints “Hispaniaque” (“and Spain”) in square brackets as a word to delete; it is left out. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.25.15 (CSEL 5:492; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-25-15). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.25.16 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-25-16 - Source: CSEL 5:492–493 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Constantius dies; Constantine succeeds. ### Latin text Galerius duos Caesares legit: Maximinum, quem in Oriente constituit, et Seuerum, cui permisit Italiam, ipse in Illyrico constitutus. Constantius uero Augustus summae mansuetudinis et ciuilitatis in Britannia mortem obiit. qui Constantinum filium ex concubina Helena creatum imperatorem Galliarum reliquit. ### English translation (Claude) Galerius chose two Caesars: Maximinus, whom he set in the East, and Severus, to whom he entrusted Italy, he himself being stationed in Illyricum. Constantius Augustus, a man of the greatest gentleness and courtesy, died in Britain. He left his son Constantine, born of the concubine Helena, as emperor of the Gauls. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.25.16 (CSEL 5:492–493; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-25-16). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.26.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-26-1 - Source: CSEL 5:493 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Constantine's accession. ### Latin text Anno ab Vrbe condita MLXI Constantinus tricensimus quartus gubernacula imperii a Constantio patre suscepit, quae uno et triginta annis felicissime tenuit. ### English translation (Claude) In the 1061st year from the founding of the City, Constantine, thirty-fourth, took up the helm of empire from his father Constantius and held it most happily for thirty-one years. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.26.1 (CSEL 5:493; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-26-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.26.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-26-2 - Source: CSEL 5:493 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The pagans' taunt about the tenth persecution. ### Latin text Occurritur mihi subito et tripudiis quibusdam insultatur: Eia, inquiunt, tandem in foueas nostras diu expectate uenisti. hic te decursurum opperiebamur, hic delapsum opprimimus, hic confusum tenemus. sustinuimus te hactenus, artificiose quodammodo et callide fortuitas temporum mutationes Christianorum ultionibus coaptantem. ### English translation (Claude) Suddenly I am met and mocked with certain dances of triumph: “Aha,” they say, “at last, long awaited, you have come into our pits. Here we were waiting for you to run down, here we are crushing you as you slip, here we hold you confused. We have put up with you so far, adapting in a way artfully and cleverly the chance changes of the times to vengeances for Christians. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.26.2 (CSEL 5:493; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-26-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.26.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-26-3 - Source: CSEL 5:493 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The pagans' taunt continues. ### Latin text et interdum quidem uerisimilium specie permoti, utpote homines ignari diuinorum secretorum, timore palluimus, sed nunc euacuauit Maximianus noster omnem scaenam fabulae tuae nostraeque religionis antiquitatem columna inexpugnabilis fulsit. ### English translation (Claude) And sometimes indeed, moved by the appearance of likelihood, as men ignorant of divine secrets, we grew pale with fear; but now our Maximian has emptied the whole stage of your fable, and has shone out as an unconquerable pillar for the antiquity of our religion. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.26.3 (CSEL 5:493; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-26-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.26.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-26-4 - Source: CSEL 5:493–494 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The worst persecution brought no punishment, they say. ### Latin text per annos decem euersae sunt ecclesiae uestrae, ut etiam tu fateris; dilacerati cruciatibus, exinaniti mortibus toto Orbe Christiani. tenemus euidens testimonium tuum, nullam superiorem persecutionem adeo uel grauem uel diuturnam fuisse. ### English translation (Claude) For ten years your churches were overthrown, as even you confess; Christians were torn apart with tortures and emptied out by deaths over the whole world. We hold your clear testimony that no earlier persecution was so heavy or so long. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.26.4 (CSEL 5:493–494; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-26-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.26.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-26-5 - Source: CSEL 5:494 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The persecutors prospered, they say. ### Latin text et tamen ecce inter tranquillissima temporum bona ipsorum quoque imperatorum, qui ista fecerunt, inusitata felicitas: nulla domi fames, nulla pestilentia, nullum foris bellum nisi uoluntarium, quo exerceri uires non periclitari queant; ### English translation (Claude) And yet see, amid the most tranquil goods of the times, the unusual happiness also of the very emperors who did these things: no famine at home, no pestilence, no war abroad except a voluntary one, by which strength could be exercised, not endangered; ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.26.5 (CSEL 5:494; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-26-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.26.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-26-6 - Source: CSEL 5:494 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The concord of the tetrarchs. ### Latin text res praeterea humano generi hucusque incognita: multorum simul regum patiens consortium et magna concordia potestasque communis, alias numquam, nunc in commune prospiciens. ### English translation (Claude) besides, a thing hitherto unknown to the human race: a patient partnership of many kings at once, and great concord, and a common power, never elsewhere, now looking out for the common good. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.26.6 (CSEL 5:494; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-26-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.26.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-26-7 - Source: CSEL 5:494 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The persecutors retired in peace, they say. ### Latin text deinde etiam, quod absque ulla hactenus mortalium notitia est, imperatores illi maximi quippe et persecutores, honore deposito et adsumpta quiete, priuati, quod beatissimum homines et summum bonum uitae bonae iudicant, et hoc tunc uelut praemii loco auctores persecutionis adepti sunt, quando accensa persecutio medio sui tempore toto Orbe saeuiebat. ### English translation (Claude) Then too, something without any precedent so far in the knowledge of mortals, those emperors, greatest indeed and persecutors, having laid down their rank and taken rest, as private men obtained what men judge most blessed and the highest good of a good life; and the authors of the persecution obtained this as if by way of reward, at the very time when the persecution, kindled, was raging over the whole world in the middle of its course. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.26.7 (CSEL 5:494; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-26-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.26.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-26-8 - Source: CSEL 5:494 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The taunt ends. ### Latin text an etiam hanc beatitudinem illis temporibus poenaliter accidisse adseris et nos hinc quoque terrere moliris? ### English translation (Claude) Or do you claim that this blessedness too happened in those times as a punishment, and are you trying to frighten us from this too?” ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.26.8 (CSEL 5:494; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-26-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.26.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-26-9 - Source: CSEL 5:494–495 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Nine persecutions were followed by disasters. ### Latin text Quibus humiliter responderim, me plurima cura pietatis accinctum commonere de ueris, non terrere de falsis. decem persecutiones a Nerone usque ad Maximianum Ecclesia Christi passa est: nouem, ut ego dixi, ultiones, ut ipsi non negant, calamitates e uestigiis consecutae sunt. nec in uerbo premo; utrum debitae ultiones an fortuitae permutationes fuisse uideantur, quae tamen meo suoque testimonio clades fuerunt. ### English translation (Claude) To them I would answer humbly that, girded with the greatest care of piety, I am warning about true things, not frightening about false ones. The church of Christ suffered ten persecutions from Nero to Maximian: nine were followed in their tracks by punishments, as I have said, and by calamities, as they themselves do not deny. Nor do I press the word: whether they seem to have been deserved punishments or chance changes, they were nevertheless disasters by my testimony and theirs. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.26.9 (CSEL 5:494–495; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-26-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.26.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-26-10 - Source: CSEL 5:495 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The tenth persecution's punishment is the pagans' present pain. ### Latin text in decima haesitatum putant miseri et caeci, non uidentes tanto eam ipsis fuisse grauiorem quanto minus intellecta est. impius enim flagellatur et non sentit. [et] quod cum expositum fuerit, inuiti licet propter ipsam rerum fidem fatebuntur, quia ex illa Maximianae persecutionis maxima punitione ista sunt uulnera, quibus etiam nunc isti dolent et in tantam dolent, ut etiam clament nosque ad reclamandum lacessant: sollicitos fieri, qualiter conticescant. ### English translation (Claude) In the tenth the wretched and blind think there was hesitation, not seeing that it was the heavier for them the less it was understood. For the impious man is scourged and does not feel it. When this has been set out, they will confess, though unwilling, because of the very truth of the facts, that these wounds, from which even now they suffer, and suffer so much that they even cry out and provoke us to cry back, come from that greatest punishment of Maximian's persecution: they ought to be concerned how they may fall silent. ### Scripture references - Jer 5:3: echo, low confidence ### Translation notes - Zangemeister prints “et” before “quod” in square brackets as a word to delete; it is left out. - “The impious man is scourged and does not feel it”: perhaps an echo of Prov 23:35 or Jer 5:3; uncertain. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.26.10 (CSEL 5:495; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-26-10). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.27.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-27-1 - Source: CSEL 5:495 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Recalling the ten plagues of Egypt. ### Latin text In primo libello expositum a nobis est, Pompeium Trogum et Cornelium Tacitum commemorasse non plene quidem, nostrum uero Moysen, etiam ipsorum testimonio fidelem, fideliter sufficienterque dixisse, Aegyptios et regem eorum, cum populum Dei seruire intentum et paratum Deo suo, impediendae deuotionis instinctu ad lutum paleasque reuocarent, decem acerbissimis plagis fuisse uexatos. ### English translation (Claude) In the first book we set out that Pompeius Trogus and Cornelius Tacitus had recorded, though not fully, and our Moses, faithful even by their own testimony, had told faithfully and sufficiently, that the Egyptians and their king, when they were calling back to mud and straw the people of God, intent and ready to serve their God, at the prompting to hinder their devotion, were harried by ten most bitter plagues. ### Scripture references - Exod 5:7–18: allusion, medium confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Tacitus, Hist. 5.3 (Tacitus): allusion, medium confidence ### Translation notes - See Orosius, Histories 1.10. Compare Exod 5:7–18. Trogus survives in Justin's Epitome 36.2; Tacitus, Histories 5.3. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.27.1 (CSEL 5:495; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-27-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.27.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-27-2 - Source: CSEL 5:495–496 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Exodus as a figure of the church. ### Latin text deinde uiolentia malorum edomitos non solum coegisse festinantem sed etiam propriis suis argenteis et aureis uasis accumulauisse. post, oblitos plagae suae et cupidos praedae indebitae, inuidos etiam religionis alienae, dum innocentes auide persequuntur, mari Rubro ultime receptos omnes funditus interisse. quod ego nunc refero ac renuntio, etsi forte fide non acceptatum, exitu tamen probandum, quia haec in figura nostri facta sunt. ### English translation (Claude) Then, subdued by the violence of the evils, they not only compelled the people to hurry away but even loaded them with their own silver and gold vessels. Afterward, forgetting their blow and greedy for undeserved booty, envious too of another's religion, while they eagerly pursued the innocent, they were at last received by the Red Sea and all utterly perished. This I now relate and announce, even if perhaps it is not accepted by faith, yet to be proved by the outcome, because “these things were done as a figure of us.” ### Scripture references - Exod 12:35–36: allusion, high confidence - Exod 14:28: allusion, high confidence - 1 Cor 10:6: quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Compare Exod 12:35–36; 14:23–28. “These things were done as a figure of us”: 1 Cor 10:6 (Vulg. “in figura facta sunt nostri”). ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.27.2 (CSEL 5:495–496; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-27-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.27.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-27-3 - Source: CSEL 5:496 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Israel and the church, Egypt and Rome, compared. ### Latin text uterque populus unius Dei est, una populi utriusque causa. subdita fuit Israhelitarum synagoga Aegyptiis, subdita est Christianorum ecclesia Romanis. persecuti sunt Aegyptii, persecuti sunt et Romani. decem ibi contradictiones aduersus Moysen, decem hic edicta aduersus Christum; diuersae ibi plagae Aegyptiorum, diuersae hic calamitates Romanorum. ### English translation (Claude) Each people is of the one God, one the cause of each people. The synagogue of the Israelites was subject to the Egyptians; the church of the Christians is subject to the Romans. The Egyptians persecuted; the Romans too persecuted. There were ten refusals there against Moses, ten edicts here against Christ; various plagues of the Egyptians there, various calamities of the Romans here. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.27.3 (CSEL 5:496; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-27-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.27.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-27-4 - Source: CSEL 5:496 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The first plague: blood. ### Latin text nam, ut etiam ipsas inter se plagas, in quantum tamen figura formae conparari potest, conferam, ibi prima correptio habuit sanguinem uulgo uel manasse de puteis uel in fluminibus cucurrisse: hic prima sub Nerone exegit plaga, ut ubique morientium sanguis esset uel morbis in Vrbe corruptus uel bellis in Orbe profusus. ### English translation (Claude) For, to compare the plagues themselves with one another, as far as a figure can be compared with its form: there, the first chastisement had blood flowing generally from the wells or running in the rivers; here, the first plague under Nero brought it about that everywhere there was blood of the dying, either corrupted by diseases in the City or poured out by wars in the world. ### Scripture references - Exod 7:20–21: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Exod 7:20–21. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.27.4 (CSEL 5:496; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-27-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.27.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-27-5 - Source: CSEL 5:496 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The second plague: frogs. ### Latin text ibi sequens plaga prodidit, perstrepentes persultantesque in penetralibus ranas inediae propemodum causam habitatoribus atque exilii fuisse: hic sequens sub Domitiano poena similiter ostendit, satellitum militumque eius improbis effrenatisque discursibus cruentissimi iussa principis exsequentum ad inopiam paene omnes ciues Romanos adactos exilioque dispersos. ### English translation (Claude) There the following plague brought forth frogs, croaking and leaping in the inner rooms, which were for the inhabitants almost a cause of hunger and exile; here the following punishment under Domitian similarly showed almost all Roman citizens driven to want and scattered in exile by the wicked and unbridled runnings to and fro of his guards and soldiers, executing the orders of a most bloody prince. ### Scripture references - Exod 8:3–6: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Exod 8:3–6. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.27.5 (CSEL 5:496; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-27-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.27.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-27-6 - Source: CSEL 5:496–497 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The third plague: gnats. ### Latin text ibi tertia uexatio habuit sciniphes, musculas scilicet paruissimas ac saeuissimas, quae mediis saepe aestibus per loca squalida coadunatim uibrando densatae tinnulo uolatu adlabi solent capillisque hominum ac pecudum saetis cum urente morsu interseri: hic itidem tertia sub Traiano plaga Iudaeos excitauit, qui cum antea ubique dispersi ita iam quasi non essent quiescerent, repentino omnes calore permoti, in ipsos, inter quos erant, toto Orbe saeuierunt, absque magnis multarum urbium ruinis, quas crebri terrae motus isdem temporibus subruerunt. ### English translation (Claude) There the third harassment had gnats, that is, very tiny and very fierce little flies, which often in midsummer, massed together in squalid places with a quivering motion, are wont to glide in with a whining flight and to work into the hair of men and the bristles of cattle with a burning bite; here likewise the third plague under Trajan stirred up the Jews, who, after being scattered everywhere before and resting as if they no longer existed, all moved by a sudden heat, raged over the whole world against the very people among whom they lived, apart from great ruins of many cities, which frequent earthquakes overthrew in the same times. ### Scripture references - Exod 8:16–18: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Exod 8:16–18. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.27.6 (CSEL 5:496–497; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-27-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.27.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-27-7 - Source: CSEL 5:497 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The fourth plague: flies. ### Latin text ibi in quarta plaga muscae caninae fuerunt, reuera alumnae putredinis uermiumque matres: hic itidem quarta sub Marco Antonino plaga, lues plurimis infusa prouinciis Italiam quoque cum urbe Roma uniuersam exercitumque Romanum, per longinquos limites et diuersa hiberna dispersum in mortem dissolutum putredini simul ac uermibus dedit. ### English translation (Claude) There, in the fourth plague, there were dog flies, truly nurslings of putrefaction and mothers of worms; here likewise the fourth plague under Marcus Antoninus, a pestilence spread over very many provinces, gave over to putrefaction and worms alike all Italy too with the city of Rome, and the Roman army, scattered along distant frontiers and various winter quarters, dissolved in death. ### Scripture references - Exod 8:21–24: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Exod 8:21–24. “Dog flies” (muscae caninae) is the Latin rendering of the swarm (Greek κυνόμυια). ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.27.7 (CSEL 5:497; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-27-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.27.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-27-8 - Source: CSEL 5:497 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The fifth plague: cattle. ### Latin text ibi quinta correptio pecorum ac iumentorum repentino interitu expleta est: hic similiter quinta ultione sub Seuero persecutore creberrimis ciuilibus bellis propria uiscera et adiumenta reipublicae, hoc est plebes prouinciarum et legiones militum, comminutae sunt. ### English translation (Claude) There the fifth chastisement was accomplished by the sudden death of cattle and beasts of burden; here similarly, by the fifth vengeance under Severus the persecutor, through very frequent civil wars, the very vitals and supports of the commonwealth, that is, the common people of the provinces and the legions of soldiers, were crushed. ### Scripture references - Exod 9:3–6: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Exod 9:3–6. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.27.8 (CSEL 5:497; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-27-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.27.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-27-9 - Source: CSEL 5:497–498 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The sixth plague: boils. ### Latin text ibi sexta uexatio intulit uesicas efferuescentes ulceraque manantia: hic aeque sexta punitio, quae post Maximini persecutionem fuit, qui specialiter episcopos et clericos omissa turba populari, hoc est ecclesiarum primates, trucidari imperauerat, intumescens crebro ira atque inuidia non per uulgi caedem sed per uulnera mortesque principum ac potentium exhalata est. ### English translation (Claude) There the sixth harassment brought boiling blisters and running sores; here likewise the sixth punishment, which came after the persecution of Maximinus, who had ordered specifically that bishops and clergy, that is, the leaders of the churches, be slaughtered, passing over the common crowd, swelling often with anger and envy, was breathed out not through the slaughter of the common people but through the wounds and deaths of princes and powerful men. ### Scripture references - Exod 9:9–10: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Exod 9:9–10. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.27.9 (CSEL 5:497–498; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-27-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.27.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-27-10 - Source: CSEL 5:498 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The seventh plague: hail. ### Latin text ibi septima plaga numeratur coacto aere grando profusa, quae hominibus iumentis satisque exitio fuit: hic similiter septima sub Gallo et Volusiano, qui persecutori Decio mox interfecto successerant, plaga extitit corrupto aere pestis infusa, quae per omnia Romani regni ab Oriente in Occidentem spatia cum omne propemodum genus hominum et pecudum neci dedit tum etiam Corrupitque lacus, infecit pabula tabo. ### English translation (Claude) There the seventh plague is counted, hail poured out from thickened air, which was destruction to men, beasts, and crops; here similarly the seventh plague appeared under Gallus and Volusianus, who had succeeded the persecutor Decius when he was soon killed: a pestilence poured in from corrupted air, which through all the spaces of the Roman realm from East to West both gave over to death almost every kind of men and cattle and also “corrupted the lakes and infected the pastures with gore.” ### Scripture references - Exod 9:23–25: allusion, high confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Virgil, Georg. 3.481 (Virgil): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Exod 9:23–25. The last words are Virgil, Georgics 3.481. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.27.10 (CSEL 5:498; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-27-10). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.27.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-27-11 - Source: CSEL 5:498 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The eighth plague: locusts. ### Latin text ibi octauam Aegypti contritionem fecere excitatae undique lucustae, tenentes terentes tegentesque omnia: hic octauam aeque in subuersionem Romani orbis excitatae undique intulere gentes, quae caedibus atque incendiis cunctas prouincias deleuerunt. ### English translation (Claude) There locusts, roused from everywhere, holding, wearing down, and covering everything, made the eighth crushing of Egypt; here likewise the peoples roused from everywhere brought the eighth for the overthrow of the Roman world, destroying all the provinces with slaughter and fire. ### Scripture references - Exod 10:12–15: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Exod 10:12–15. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.27.11 (CSEL 5:498; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-27-11). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.27.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-27-12 - Source: CSEL 5:498–499 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The ninth plague: darkness. ### Latin text ibi nona turbatio diuturnas crassas ac paene tractabiles tenebras habuit, plus omnino periculi comminata quam fecit: hic itidem nona correptio fuit, cum Aureliano persecutionem decernenti diris turbinibus terribile ac triste fulmen sub ipsis pedibus ruit ostendens, quid, cum ultio talis exigeret, tantus possit ultor, nisi et clemens esset et patiens; quamquam intra sex abhinc menses tres succidui imperatores, hoc est Aurelianus Tacitus et Florianus, diuersis causis interfecti sunt. ### English translation (Claude) There the ninth disturbance had long, thick, and almost tangible darkness, threatening altogether more danger than it caused; here likewise there was a ninth chastisement, when, as Aurelian was decreeing a persecution, a terrible and grim thunderbolt fell with dreadful whirlwinds right under his feet, showing what so great an avenger could do when such vengeance was demanded, were he not both merciful and patient; although within six months from then three successive emperors, that is, Aurelian, Tacitus, and Florianus, were killed for various reasons. ### Scripture references - Exod 10:21–23: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Exod 10:21–23. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.27.12 (CSEL 5:498–499; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-27-12). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.27.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-27-13 - Source: CSEL 5:499 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The tenth plague: the firstborn and the idols. ### Latin text ibi postremo decima plaga, quae et nouissima omnium fuit, interfectio filiorum, quos primos quique genuerant: hic nihilo minus decima id est nouissima poena est omnium perditio idolorum, quae primitus facta in primis amabant. ### English translation (Claude) There, finally, the tenth plague, which was also the last of all, was the killing of the sons whom each had begotten first; here no less the tenth, that is, the last punishment, is the destruction of all the idols, which, made first, they loved among the first. ### Scripture references - Exod 12:29: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Exod 12:29. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.27.13 (CSEL 5:499; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-27-13). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.27.14 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-27-14 - Source: CSEL 5:499 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Pharaoh and Constantine compared. ### Latin text Ibi rex potentiam Dei sensit probauit et timuit ac per hoc populum Dei liberum abire permisit: hic rex potentiam Dei sensit probauit et credidit ac per hoc populum Dei liberum esse permisit. ibi numquam postea populus Dei ad seruitutem retractus: hic numquam postea populus Dei ad idololatriam coactus est. ibi Aegyptiorum uasa pretiosa Hebraeis tradita sunt: hic in ecclesias Christianorum praecipua paganorum templa cesserunt. ### English translation (Claude) There the king felt, proved, and feared the power of God and so allowed the people of God to go free; here the king felt, proved, and believed the power of God and so allowed the people of God to be free. There the people of God was never afterward drawn back into slavery; here the people of God was never afterward forced into idolatry. There the precious vessels of the Egyptians were handed over to the Hebrews; here the chief temples of the pagans passed to the churches of the Christians. ### Scripture references - Exod 12:31–36: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - Exod 12:31–36. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.27.14 (CSEL 5:499; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-27-14). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.27.15 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-27-15 - Source: CSEL 5:499 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: A final persecution awaits before the judgment. ### Latin text sane illud, ut dixi, denuntiandum puto, quia, sicut Aegyptiis post has decem plagas dimissos Hebraeos persequi molientibus inruit per superductum mare aeterna perditio, ita et nos quidem libere peregrinantes superuentura quandoque persecutio gentilium manet, donec mare Rubrum, hoc est ignem iudicii, ipso domino nostro Iesu Christo duce et iudice transeamus. ### English translation (Claude) Indeed, as I said, I think this must be announced: that, as eternal destruction fell on the Egyptians, when they tried to pursue the released Hebrews after these ten plagues, through the sea drawn over them, so too a persecution of the gentiles, to come some day, awaits us, freely journeying as pilgrims, until we cross the Red Sea, that is, the fire of judgment, with our Lord Jesus Christ himself as leader and judge. ### Scripture references - Exod 14:26–28: allusion, high confidence - 1 Cor 10:1–2: echo, low confidence ### Translation notes - Exod 14:26–28; compare 1 Cor 10:1–2. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.27.15 (CSEL 5:499; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-27-15). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.27.16 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-27-16 - Source: CSEL 5:499–500 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Antichrist and his followers will perish in the lake of fire. ### Latin text hi uero, in quos Aegyptiorum forma transfunditur, permissa ad tempus potestate saeuientes grauissimis quidem permissu Dei Christianos cruciatibus persequentur; uerumtamen idem omnes inimici Christi cum rege suo Antichristo accepti stagno ignis aeterni, quod magna impediente caligine dum non uidetur intratur, perpetuam perditionem immortalibus arsuri suppliciis sortientur. ### English translation (Claude) But these, into whom the figure of the Egyptians passes, raging with power permitted for a time, will persecute Christians, by God's permission, with very heavy tortures; yet all these same enemies of Christ, with their king Antichrist, received into the lake of eternal fire, which, because it is not seen through the great darkness that hinders, is entered, will obtain perpetual destruction, to burn in undying punishments. ### Scripture references - Rev 19:20: allusion, high confidence - Rev 20:10: allusion, medium confidence ### Translation notes - Compare Rev 19:20; 20:10. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.27.16 (CSEL 5:499–500; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-27-16). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.28.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-28-1 - Source: CSEL 5:500 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Constantine, the first Christian emperor after Philip. ### Latin text Igitur mortuo, ut dixi, Constantio in Britanniis Constantinus imperator creatus, primus imperatorum Christianus excepto Philippo, qui Christianus annis admodum paucissimis ad hoc tantum constitutus fuisse mihi uisus est, ut millesimus Romae annus Christo potius quam idolis dicaretur. ### English translation (Claude) So, when Constantius had died, as I said, in the Britains, Constantine was created emperor, the first of the emperors to be a Christian, except Philip, who, a Christian for very few years, seems to me to have been appointed only so that the thousandth year of Rome should be dedicated to Christ rather than to idols. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.28.1 (CSEL 5:500; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-28-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.28.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-28-2 - Source: CSEL 5:500 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: All emperors since have been Christian except Julian. ### Latin text a Constantino autem omnes semper Christiani imperatores usque in hodiernum diem creati sunt excepto Iuliano, quem impia, ut aiunt, machinantem exitiabilis uita deseruit. ### English translation (Claude) And from Constantine all emperors have always been created Christians down to the present day, except Julian, whom, as they say, a deadly life deserted while he was plotting impious things. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.28.2 (CSEL 5:500; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-28-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.28.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-28-3 - Source: CSEL 5:500 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The pagans' slow punishment. ### Latin text haec est lenta illa paganorum poena sed certa; hinc sani insaniunt, hinc non uulnerati conpunguntur, hinc ridentes gemunt, hinc uiuentes deficiunt, hinc secreto excruciantur, quos nemo persequitur, hinc iam paucissimi remanserunt, qui numquam aliquo persequente puniti sunt. ### English translation (Claude) This is that slow but certain punishment of the pagans; from this the sane go mad, from this the unwounded are pierced, from this those who laugh groan, from this the living fail, from this those whom no one persecutes are tortured in secret; from this very few now remain who were never punished by any persecutor. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.28.3 (CSEL 5:500; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-28-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.28.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-28-4 - Source: CSEL 5:500–501 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Orosius will tell the persecutors' ends. ### Latin text uerumtamen qualis tunc persecutores illos, de quorum impunitate non solum gloriari sed etiam insultare conantur, finis mansit, expediam. ### English translation (Claude) Nevertheless I shall set out what end then awaited those persecutors, of whose impunity they try not only to boast but even to insult us. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.28.4 (CSEL 5:500–501; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-28-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.28.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-28-5 - Source: CSEL 5:501 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Maxentius is proclaimed at Rome. ### Latin text Constantino in Galliis strenuissime rempublicam procurante praetoriani milites Romae Maxentium filium Herculii, qui priuatus in Lucania morabatur, Augustum nuncupauerunt. ### English translation (Claude) While Constantine was governing the commonwealth most vigorously in the Gauls, the praetorian soldiers at Rome proclaimed as Augustus Maxentius, son of Herculius, who was living as a private man in Lucania. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.28.5 (CSEL 5:501; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-28-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.28.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-28-6 - Source: CSEL 5:501 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Maximian resumes power. ### Latin text Maximianus Herculius, iam ex Augusto privatus et adhuc publicus persecutor, occasione filii sollicitatus, qui imperium abiecerat, arripuit tyrannidem. ### English translation (Claude) Maximian Herculius, now a private man after being Augustus and still a public persecutor, enticed by the opportunity of his son, he who had cast off the empire seized tyranny. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.28.6 (CSEL 5:501; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-28-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.28.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-28-7 - Source: CSEL 5:501 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Severus is sent against Maxentius. ### Latin text Galerius Augustus Seuerum Caesarem aduersus Maxentium Romam cum exercitu misit. ### English translation (Claude) Galerius Augustus sent Severus Caesar with an army to Rome against Maxentius. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.28.7 (CSEL 5:501; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-28-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.28.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-28-8 - Source: CSEL 5:501 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Severus is betrayed and killed. ### Latin text Seuerus cum Vrbem obsideret, militum suorum scelere desertus et proditus atque ex eo fugiens Rauennae interfectus est. ### English translation (Claude) Severus, while besieging the City, deserted and betrayed by the crime of his soldiers, and fleeing because of it, was killed at Ravenna. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.28.8 (CSEL 5:501; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-28-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.28.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-28-9 - Source: CSEL 5:501 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Maximian plots against Constantine. ### Latin text Herculius Maximianus, persecutor et ex Augusto tyrannus, confirmatum iam in imperio filium ueste ac potestate regia spoliare conatus, conuiciis autem ac tumultibus militum palam conterritus in Galliam profectus est, ut Constantino genero aeque dolis iunctus auferret imperium. ### English translation (Claude) Herculius Maximian, persecutor and, from being Augustus, a tyrant, tried to strip his son, now confirmed in the empire, of royal dress and power, but, openly terrified by the abuse and tumults of the soldiers, set out for Gaul to take away the empire by guile from Constantine, his son-in-law, joined to him equally by treachery. ### Translation notes - “aeque dolis iunctus” is obscure; translated literally. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.28.9 (CSEL 5:501; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-28-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.28.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-28-10 - Source: CSEL 5:501 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Maximian's death at Marseilles. ### Latin text sed per filiam deprehensus et proditus, deinde in fugam uersus Massiliae oppressus et interfectus est. ### English translation (Claude) But detected and betrayed by his daughter, then turned to flight, he was overtaken at Massilia and killed. ### Extrabiblical texts - Lactantius, Mort. 29-30 (On the Deaths of the Persecutors): allusion, medium confidence ### Translation notes - Compare Lactantius, Deaths of the Persecutors 29–30. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.28.10 (CSEL 5:501; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-28-10). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.28.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-28-11 - Source: CSEL 5:501 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Licinius is made emperor. ### Latin text porro Galerius occiso Seuero Licinium imperatorem creauit. ### English translation (Claude) Then Galerius, after Severus was killed, created Licinius emperor. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.28.11 (CSEL 5:501; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-28-11). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.28.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-28-12 - Source: CSEL 5:501–502 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Galerius's horrible disease. ### Latin text cumque persecutionem a Diocletiano et Maximiano missam ipse atrocioribus edictis adcumulauisset ac postquam per annos decem omni genere hominum exhausit prouincias, putrefacto introrsum pectore et uitalibus dissolutis, cum ultra horrorem humanae miseriae etiam uermes eructaret neque medici ultra iam foetorem ferentes crebro iussu eius occiderentur: ### English translation (Claude) And when he had heaped up with more savage edicts the persecution sent out by Diocletian and Maximian, and after he had drained the provinces of every kind of men for ten years, his chest rotting within and his vitals dissolving, when beyond the horror of human misery he was even belching out worms, and the physicians, no longer able to bear the stench, were being killed at his frequent order: ### Extrabiblical texts - Lactantius, Mort. 33 (On the Deaths of the Persecutors): allusion, high confidence - Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 8.16 (Church History): allusion, medium confidence ### Translation notes - Compare Lactantius, Deaths of the Persecutors 33; Eusebius, Church History 8.16. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.28.12 (CSEL 5:501–502; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-28-12). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.28.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-28-13 - Source: CSEL 5:502 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Galerius ends the persecution and dies. ### Latin text a quodam medico constantiam ex desperatione sumente increpitus, iram Dei esse poenam suam atque ideo a medicis non posse curari, edictis late missis Christianos de exiliis reuocauit. ipse autem cruciatus non sustinens uim uitae suae adtulit. ### English translation (Claude) rebuked by a certain physician who took courage from despair, that his punishment was the wrath of God and therefore could not be cured by physicians, he sent edicts far and wide and recalled the Christians from exile. He himself, unable to bear the torments, laid violent hands on his own life. ### Extrabiblical texts - Lactantius, Mort. 34-35 (On the Deaths of the Persecutors): allusion, medium confidence ### Translation notes - The suicide is Orosius's own report; Lactantius and Eusebius describe death by the disease. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.28.13 (CSEL 5:502; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-28-13). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.28.14 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-28-14 - Source: CSEL 5:502 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Four rulers. ### Latin text ita respublica tunc sub nouis quattuor principibus fuit Constantino et Maxentio, filiis Augustorum, Licinio autem et Maximino, hominibus nouis. ### English translation (Claude) So the commonwealth was then under four new princes, Constantine and Maxentius, sons of Augusti, and Licinius and Maximinus, new men. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.28.14 (CSEL 5:502; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-28-14). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.28.15 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-28-15 - Source: CSEL 5:502 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Constantine gives peace to the church. ### Latin text Constantinus pacem ecclesiis post decem annos quam a persecutoribus uexabantur indulsit. ### English translation (Claude) Constantine granted peace to the churches ten years after they had been harried by the persecutors. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.28.15 (CSEL 5:502; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-28-15). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.28.16 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-28-16 - Source: CSEL 5:502 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Maxentius is defeated at the Milvian Bridge. ### Latin text deinde inter Constantinum et Maxentium bellum ciuile exortum est. Maxentius, saepe multis proeliis fatigatus, ultime ad pontem Muluium uictus et interfectus est. ### English translation (Claude) Then a civil war arose between Constantine and Maxentius. Maxentius, worn down by many battles, was at last defeated and killed at the Mulvian bridge. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.28.16 (CSEL 5:502; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-28-16). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.28.17 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-28-17 - Source: CSEL 5:502–503 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Maximinus Daia dies. ### Latin text Maximinus, persecutionis Christianorum incentor exsecutorque infestissimus, apud Tharsum, dum ciuile bellum contra Licinium disponit, interiit. ### English translation (Claude) Maximinus, the most hostile instigator and executor of the persecution of Christians, died at Tarsus while he was arranging a civil war against Licinius. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.28.17 (CSEL 5:502–503; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-28-17). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.28.18 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-28-18 - Source: CSEL 5:503 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Licinius turns on the Christians. ### Latin text Licinius, repentina rabie suscitatus, omnes Christianos e palatio suo iussit expelli. mox bellum inter ipsum Licinium et Constantinum efferbuit. ### English translation (Claude) Licinius, roused by sudden madness, ordered all Christians to be expelled from his palace. Soon war blazed up between Licinius himself and Constantine. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.28.18 (CSEL 5:503; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-28-18). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.28.19 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-28-19 - Source: CSEL 5:503 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Constantine defeats Licinius. ### Latin text sed Constantinus Licinium, sororis suae uirum, in Pannonia primum uicit, deinde apud Cibalas oppressit uniuersaque Graecia potitus Licinium crebris bellis terra marique adsurgentem et repressum tandem ad deditionem coegit; ### English translation (Claude) But Constantine first defeated Licinius, his sister's husband, in Pannonia, then crushed him at Cibalae, and, having gained all Greece, at last forced Licinius, rising again in frequent wars by land and sea and held down, to surrender; ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.28.19 (CSEL 5:503; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-28-19). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.28.20 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-28-20 - Source: CSEL 5:503 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Licinius is executed. ### Latin text sed Herculii Maximiani soceri sui motus exemplo, ne iterum depositam purpuram in perniciem reipublicae sumeret, priuatum iussit occidi; ### English translation (Claude) but, moved by the example of his father-in-law Herculius Maximian, lest he should again take up the purple he had laid down to the ruin of the commonwealth, he ordered him killed as a private man; ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.28.20 (CSEL 5:503; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-28-20). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.28.21 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-28-21 - Source: CSEL 5:503 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Licinius too was a persecutor. ### Latin text quamuis omnibus iam ministris nefariae persecutionis extinctis hunc quoque in quantum exerere potuit persecutorem digna punitio flagitaret. ### English translation (Claude) although, when all the ministers of the wicked persecution had already been destroyed, a fitting punishment was demanding this man too, as a persecutor as far as he could act it out. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.28.21 (CSEL 5:503; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-28-21). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.28.22 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-28-22 - Source: CSEL 5:503 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: New Caesars. ### Latin text Constantini filii, Crispus et Constantinus et Licinius adulescens, Licini Augusti filius, Constantini autem ex sorore nepos, Caesares sunt creati. ### English translation (Claude) Constantine's sons, Crispus and Constantine, and the young Licinius, son of Licinius Augustus and Constantine's nephew by his sister, were created Caesars. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.28.22 (CSEL 5:503; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-28-22). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.28.23 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-28-23 - Source: CSEL 5:503–504 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Arius's heresy. ### Latin text His diebus Arrius, Alexandrinae urbis presbyter, a ueritate fidei catholicae deuians, exitiabile plurimis dogma constituit. ### English translation (Claude) In these days Arius, a presbyter of the city of Alexandria, straying from the truth of the catholic faith, established a doctrine deadly to very many. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.28.23 (CSEL 5:503–504; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-28-23). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.28.24 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-28-24 - Source: CSEL 5:504 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Alexander expels Arius. ### Latin text qui simul ut primam Alexandriae vel notus vel notatus inter confusos uulgo sectatores insectatoresque factus est, ab Alexandro, eiusdem tunc urbis episcopo, pulsus ecclesia est. ### English translation (Claude) As soon as he became, at Alexandria first, either known or notorious among confused crowds of followers and opponents, he was driven from the church by Alexander, then bishop of the same city. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.28.24 (CSEL 5:504; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-28-24). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.28.25 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-28-25 - Source: CSEL 5:504 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Council of Nicaea condemns Arius. ### Latin text cumque homines, quos in errorem seduxerat, etiam in seditionem excitaret, apud Nicaeam urbem Bithyniae conuentus trecentorum decem et octo episcoporum factus est, per quos Arrianum dogma exitiabile et miserum esse euidentissime deprehensum, palam proditum ac reprobatum est. ### English translation (Claude) And when he was stirring up even to sedition the men whom he had led into error, an assembly of three hundred and eighteen bishops was held at Nicaea, a city of Bithynia, by whom the Arian doctrine was most clearly detected to be deadly and wretched, publicly exposed, and condemned. ### Extrabiblical texts - Conc. Nic. (Creed and Canons of the Council of Nicaea (325)): allusion, high confidence ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.28.25 (CSEL 5:504; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-28-25). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.28.26 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-28-26 - Source: CSEL 5:504 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Constantine kills Crispus and young Licinius. ### Latin text sed inter haec latent causae, cur uindicem gladium et destinatam in impios punitionem Constantinus imperator etiam in proprios egit affectus. nam Crispum filium suum et Licinium sororis filium interfecit. ### English translation (Claude) But amid these things the causes lie hidden why the emperor Constantine turned the avenging sword and the punishment destined for the impious even against his own kin. For he killed his son Crispus and his sister's son Licinius. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.28.26 (CSEL 5:504; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-28-26). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.28.27 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-28-27 - Source: CSEL 5:504–505 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Constantine founds Constantinople. ### Latin text praeterea multas gentes diuersis proeliis subegit. urbem nominis sui Romanorum regum uel primus uel solus instituit. quae sola expers idolorum ad hoc breuissimo tempore condita a Christiano imperatore prouecta est, ut sola Romae, tot saeculis miseriisque prouectae, forma et potentia merito possit aequari. ### English translation (Claude) Besides, he subdued many nations in various battles. He was either the first or the only one of the Roman rulers to found a city of his own name. This city, alone free of idols, founded by a Christian emperor, was advanced in a very short time to such a point that it alone can deservedly be equaled in beauty and power to Rome, which was advanced through so many ages and miseries. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.28.27 (CSEL 5:504–505; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-28-27). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.28.28 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-28-28 - Source: CSEL 5:505 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Constantine closes the pagan temples. ### Latin text tum deinde primus Constantinus iusto ordine et pio uicem uertit: edicto siquidem statuit citra ullam hominum caedem paganorum templa dandi. ### English translation (Claude) Then Constantine was the first to turn things around in just and pious order: for he decreed by edict that the temples of the pagans be closed without any slaughter of men. ### Translation notes - The last word, “dandi,” is corrupt in the digital text; “claudi” (be closed) is required by the sense and translated so. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.28.28 (CSEL 5:505; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-28-28). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.28.29 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-28-29 - Source: CSEL 5:505 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Constantine defeats the Goths. ### Latin text mox Gothorum fortissimas et copiosissimas gentes in ipso barbarici soli sinu, hoc est in Sarmatarum regione, deleuit. ### English translation (Claude) Soon he destroyed the very strong and numerous peoples of the Goths in the very heart of barbarian soil, that is, in the region of the Sarmatians. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.28.29 (CSEL 5:505; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-28-29). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.28.30 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-28-30 - Source: CSEL 5:505 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Calocaerus is crushed; Dalmatius made Caesar. ### Latin text Calocaerum quendam in Cypro adspirantem nouis rebus oppressit. tricennalibus suis Dalmatiam Caesarem legit. ### English translation (Claude) He crushed a certain Calocaerus in Cyprus, who was aspiring to revolution. At his thirtieth anniversary he chose Dalmatius as Caesar. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.28.30 (CSEL 5:505; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-28-30). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.28.31 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-28-31 - Source: CSEL 5:505 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Constantine dies near Nicomedia. ### Latin text cumque bellum in Persas moliretur, in uilla publica iuxta Nicomediam, dispositam bene rempublicam filiis tradens, diem obiit. ### English translation (Claude) And while he was preparing a war against the Persians, he died in a public villa near Nicomedia, handing over to his sons a well-ordered commonwealth. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.28.31 (CSEL 5:505; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-28-31). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.29.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-29-1 - Source: CSEL 5:505–506 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Constantine's sons succeed him. ### Latin text Anno ab Vrbe condita MXCII Constantius tricensimus quintus cum Constantino et Constante fratribus suis adeptus imperium uiginti et quattuor annis tenuit. fuit inter successores Constantini et Dalmatius Caesar fratris filius, sed continuo militari factione decerptus est. ### English translation (Claude) In the 1092nd year from the founding of the City, Constantius, thirty-fifth, having obtained the empire with his brothers Constantine and Constans, held it twenty-four years. Among the successors of Constantine there was also Dalmatius Caesar, his brother's son, but he was at once cut off by a military faction. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.29.1 (CSEL 5:505–506; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-29-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.29.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-29-2 - Source: CSEL 5:506 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The devil turns to heresy. ### Latin text interea maligna semper aduersus Deum uerum diaboli insectatio, quae ab initio mundi usque ad nunc a sincero fidei religionisque tramite offusis errorum nebulis lubrica hominum corda perturbat, postquam Christianis imperatoribus summam regiae potestatis in meliora uertentibus Ecclesiam Christi zelo idololatriae persequi destitit, aliud machinamentum, quo per eosdem Christianos imperatores Christi Ecclesiam uexaret, inuenit. ### English translation (Claude) Meanwhile the devil's malignant attack, always against the true God, which from the beginning of the world until now, spreading mists of errors, troubles the slippery hearts of men away from the pure path of faith and religion, after it ceased to persecute the church of Christ with zeal for idolatry, as the Christian emperors turned the supremacy of royal power to better things, found another device by which to harass the church of Christ through those same Christian emperors. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.29.2 (CSEL 5:506; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-29-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.29.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-29-3 - Source: CSEL 5:506 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Constantius is drawn into Arianism. ### Latin text fit igitur Arrio, noui erroris auctori, ceterisque discipulis ipsius ad familiaritatem Constantii imperatoris promptus aditus et facilis uia. suadetur Constantio, ut quosdam in Deo gradus credat, et qui per ianuam ab errore idololatriae fuerat egressus, rursum in sinum eius, dum in Deo deos quaerit, tamquam per pseudothyrum inducitur. ### English translation (Claude) So a ready access and an easy way to familiarity with the emperor Constantius is made for Arius, the author of the new error, and his other disciples. Constantius is persuaded to believe in certain degrees in God, and he who had gone out by the door from the error of idolatry is led back into its bosom, as if through a back door, while he seeks gods in God. ### Scripture references - John 10:1: echo, low confidence ### Translation notes - The door imagery recalls John 10:1–9. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.29.3 (CSEL 5:506; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-29-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.29.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-29-4 - Source: CSEL 5:506 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Arian persecution of the catholics. ### Latin text peruerso igitur zelo potestas armatur inlusa et sub nomine pietatis uis persecutionis agitatur. de noua nominis electione contenditur, ut Arrianorum potius ecclesiae quam catholicorum sint. ### English translation (Claude) So power, deceived, is armed with perverse zeal, and under the name of piety the force of persecution is set in motion. The dispute is about a new choice of name, that the churches should belong to the Arians rather than to the catholics. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.29.4 (CSEL 5:506; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-29-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.29.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-29-5 - Source: CSEL 5:506–507 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: An earthquake; Constantine II is killed. ### Latin text sequitur terrae motus horribilis, qui plurimas Orientis urbes solo strauit. Constantinus dum Constantem fratrem bello insectatur, incauta petulantia periculis sese offerens, a ducibus eius occisus est. ### English translation (Claude) A horrible earthquake follows, which leveled very many cities of the East. Constantine, while attacking his brother Constans in war, exposing himself to dangers with careless wantonness, was killed by his brother's generals. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.29.5 (CSEL 5:506–507; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-29-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.29.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-29-6 - Source: CSEL 5:507 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Constantius fights the Persians. ### Latin text Constans aduersus Persas et Saporem, qui Mesopotamiam uastauerat, nouem proeliis parum prospere decertauit. nouissime seditione atque intemperantia militum nocte adoriri pugnam coactus, patratam paene uictoriam insuper uictus amisit. ### English translation (Claude) Constans fought nine battles with little success against the Persians and Sapor, who had laid waste Mesopotamia. At last, forced by the sedition and intemperance of his soldiers to attack at night, he lost a victory almost won and was defeated besides. ### Translation notes - “Constans” as printed; the war with Sapor was fought by Constantius. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.29.6 (CSEL 5:507; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-29-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.29.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-29-7 - Source: CSEL 5:507 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Constans is killed by Magnentius. ### Latin text post cum se intolerandis uitiis dedisset ac poena prouincialium fauorem militum compararet, Magnentii dolis in oppido, cui Helena nomen est, in proximo Hispaniae interfectus est. ### English translation (Claude) Afterward, when he had given himself up to intolerable vices and was winning the favor of the soldiers at the cost of the provincials, he was killed by the treachery of Magnentius in a town called Helena, near Spain. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.29.7 (CSEL 5:507; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-29-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.29.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-29-8 - Source: CSEL 5:507 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Magnentius usurps. ### Latin text Magnentius enim apud Augustodunum arripuit imperium, quod continuo per Galliam Africam Italiamque porrexit. ### English translation (Claude) For Magnentius seized the empire at Augustodunum and at once extended it through Gaul, Africa, and Italy. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.29.8 (CSEL 5:507; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-29-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.29.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-29-9 - Source: CSEL 5:507 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Vetranio is made emperor. ### Latin text in Illyrico autem Vetranionem, aetate grandaeuum, imperatorem sibi milites creauerunt, uirum natura simplicem cunctisque iucundum, sed qui ne prima quidem umquam litterarum elementa didicisset. ### English translation (Claude) In Illyricum, however, the soldiers made Vetranio emperor, a man of great age, simple by nature and pleasant to all, but one who had never learned even the first elements of letters. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.29.9 (CSEL 5:507; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-29-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.29.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-29-10 - Source: CSEL 5:507–508 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Vetranio abdicates. ### Latin text itaque cum primas litteras litterarumque syllabas imperator senex interdum inuitus meditaretur, a Constantio, qui tunc in Magnentium ultione fratris accensus bellum parabat, deponere iussus imperium, abiciens cum litteris purpuras contentusque priuatis feriis, palatium simul scholamque dimisit. ### English translation (Claude) So, while the old emperor was practicing the first letters and the syllables of letters, sometimes against his will, ordered by Constantius, who was then preparing war against Magnentius, kindled to avenge his brother, to lay down the empire, he threw off the purple together with letters and, content with private leisure, dismissed palace and school at once. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.29.10 (CSEL 5:507–508; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-29-10). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.29.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-29-11 - Source: CSEL 5:508 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Nepotianus's revolt. ### Latin text Nepotianus deinde Romae, Constantini sororis filius, gladiatorum manu fretus inuasit imperium: qui deinde cum inprobus ac per hoc inuisus cunctis esset, a Magnentianis ducibus oppressus est. ### English translation (Claude) Then Nepotianus at Rome, son of Constantine's sister, relying on a band of gladiators, seized the empire; since he was wicked and therefore hated by all, he was crushed by Magnentius's generals. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.29.11 (CSEL 5:508; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-29-11). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.29.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-29-12 - Source: CSEL 5:508 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The battle of Mursa. ### Latin text sequitur bellum illud horribile inter Constantium Magnentiumque apud Mursam urbem gestum, in quo multa Romanorum uirium profligatio etiam in posterum nocuit. ### English translation (Claude) There follows that horrible war fought between Constantius and Magnentius at the city of Mursa, in which the great loss of Roman strength did harm even into the future. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.29.12 (CSEL 5:508; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-29-12). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.29.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-29-13 - Source: CSEL 5:508 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Magnentius and Decentius die. ### Latin text Magnentius tamen uictus aufugit ac non multo post apud Lugdunum propria se manu interfecit. Decentius quoque frater eiusdem, quem Caesarem Galliis praefecerat, apud Senonas laqueo uitam finiuit. ### English translation (Claude) Magnentius, however, defeated, fled and not long after killed himself with his own hand at Lugdunum. Decentius too, his brother, whom he had set over the Gauls as Caesar, ended his life with a noose at Senones. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.29.13 (CSEL 5:508; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-29-13). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.29.14 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-29-14 - Source: CSEL 5:508 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Gallus and Silvanus are killed. ### Latin text continuo Constantius Gallum, patrui filium, Caesarem legit: quem rursus crudeliter ac tyrannice agentem paulo post quam crearat occidit. Siluanum quoque, per Gallias rebus nouis inhiantem, mature circumueniendum opprimendumque curauit. ### English translation (Claude) At once Constantius chose Gallus, his uncle's son, as Caesar; and when he acted cruelly and tyrannically, he killed him a little after he had made him. He also saw to it that Silvanus, who was gaping after revolution throughout the Gauls, was promptly surrounded and crushed. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.29.14 (CSEL 5:508; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-29-14). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.29.15 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-29-15 - Source: CSEL 5:508–509 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Julian restores Gaul. ### Latin text igitur Siluano interfecto Iulianum patruelem suum, Galli fratrem, Caesarem creatum misit ad Gallias; itaque Iulianus Caesar euersas oppressasque ab hoste Gallias strenuissime in integrum restituit, Alamannorum paruis copiis magnam multitudinem fudit, Rheno Germanos reuinxit. ### English translation (Claude) So, Silvanus having been killed, he made his cousin Julian, brother of Gallus, Caesar and sent him to the Gauls; and so Julian Caesar most vigorously restored the Gauls, overthrown and oppressed by the enemy, to their whole condition, routed a great multitude of the Alamanni with small forces, and bound the Germans behind the Rhine. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.29.15 (CSEL 5:508–509; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-29-15). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.29.16 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-29-16 - Source: CSEL 5:509 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Julian usurps the title of Augustus. ### Latin text his elatus successibus fastigium usurpauit Augusti et mox Italiam Illyricumque peruadens Constantium Parthicis proeliis occupatum regni parte priuauit. ### English translation (Claude) Elated by these successes, he usurped the rank of Augustus and soon, overrunning Italy and Illyricum, deprived Constantius, who was occupied with Parthian battles, of part of his realm. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.29.16 (CSEL 5:509; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-29-16). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.29.17 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-29-17 - Source: CSEL 5:509 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Constantius dies. ### Latin text Constantius Iuliani scelere comperto dimissa expeditione Parthorum dum ad ciuile bellum reuertitur, in itinere inter Ciliciam Cappadociamque defunctus est. ### English translation (Claude) Constantius, learning of Julian's crime, abandoned the Parthian expedition, and while returning to civil war died on the journey between Cilicia and Cappadocia. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.29.17 (CSEL 5:509; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-29-17). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.29.18 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-29-18 - Source: CSEL 5:509 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Constantius, who divided the church, was harried by civil wars. ### Latin text ita ille qui discissa pace et unitate fidei catholicae Christianos aduersum Christianos armans ciuili, ut ita dicam, bello Ecclesiae membra dilacerauerat, totum inquieti tempus imperii molestissimumque spatium uitae suae bellis ciuilibus etiam per propinquos et consanguineos excitatis exercuit exegit expendit. ### English translation (Claude) So he who, tearing apart the peace and unity of the catholic faith and arming Christians against Christians in a civil war, so to speak, had torn the members of the church, spent, used up, and paid out the whole time of his restless rule and the most troubled span of his life in civil wars, stirred up even through relatives and kinsmen. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.29.18 (CSEL 5:509; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-29-18). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.30.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-30-1 - Source: CSEL 5:509 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Julian becomes sole emperor. ### Latin text Anno ab Vrbe condita MCXVI Iulianus dudum Caesar, post autem tricesimus sextus ab Augusto rerum potitus anno uno et mensibus octo imperii summam solus obtinuit. ### English translation (Claude) In the 1116th year from the founding of the City, Julian, formerly Caesar, afterward thirty-sixth from Augustus, gained supreme power and held the sum of empire alone for one year and eight months. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.30.1 (CSEL 5:509; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-30-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.30.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-30-2 - Source: CSEL 5:509 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Julian's subtle persecution. ### Latin text Christianam religionem arte potius quam potestate insectatus, ut negaretur fides Christi et idolorum cultus susciperetur, honoribus magis prouocare quam tormentis cogere studuit. ### English translation (Claude) Attacking the Christian religion by craft rather than by power, he strove rather to entice by honors than to compel by tortures, so that faith in Christ might be denied and the worship of idols taken up. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.30.2 (CSEL 5:509; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-30-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.30.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-30-3 - Source: CSEL 5:509–510 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Julian bars Christians from teaching. ### Latin text aperto tamen praecepit edicto, ne quis Christianus docendorum liberalium studiorum professor esset. sed tamen, sicut a maioribus nostris compertum habemus, omnes ubique propemodum praecepti condiciones amplexati officium quam fidem deserere maluerunt. ### English translation (Claude) Yet he ordered by an open edict that no Christian should be a professor teaching the liberal studies. But nevertheless, as we have learned from our elders, almost all everywhere, embracing the terms of the order, preferred to give up their office rather than their faith. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.30.3 (CSEL 5:509–510; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-30-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.30.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-30-4 - Source: CSEL 5:510 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Julian vows Christian blood to his gods. ### Latin text Iulianus autem bellum aduersum Parthos parans cum Romanas uires contractas undique ad destinatam secum traheret perditionem, Christianorum sanguinem dis suis uouit, palam persecuturus ecclesias, si uictoriam potuisset adipisci. ### English translation (Claude) But Julian, preparing war against the Parthians, while he was dragging Roman forces gathered from everywhere with him to their appointed destruction, vowed the blood of Christians to his gods, intending openly to persecute the churches if he could win the victory. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.30.4 (CSEL 5:510; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-30-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.30.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-30-5 - Source: CSEL 5:510 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Julian's planned amphitheater at Jerusalem. ### Latin text nam et amphitheatrum Hierosolymis extrui iussit, in quo reuersus a Parthis episcopos monachos omnesque eius loci sanctos bestiis etiam arte saeuioribus obiceret spectaretque laniandos. ### English translation (Claude) For he also ordered an amphitheater to be built at Jerusalem, in which, on returning from the Parthians, he might throw bishops, monks, and all the saints of that place to beasts made even more savage by art, and watch them being torn apart. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.30.5 (CSEL 5:510; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-30-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.30.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-30-6 - Source: CSEL 5:510–511 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Julian's death in Persia. ### Latin text itaque postquam a Ctesiphonte castra mouit, dolo cuiusdam transfugae in deserta perductus, cum ui sitis et ardore solis atque insuper labore harenarum confectus periret exercitus, imperator tanto rerum periculo anxius dum per uasta deserti incautius euagatur, ab obuio quodam hostium equite conto ictus interiit. sic misericors Deus impia consilia impii morte dissoluit. ### English translation (Claude) So after he moved camp from Ctesiphon, led into the desert by the treachery of a certain deserter, when the army was perishing, worn out by the force of thirst and the heat of the sun and the toil of the sands besides, the emperor, anxious at so great a danger, while he wandered somewhat carelessly through the wastes of the desert, was struck by a lance by a certain enemy horseman who met him, and died. So the merciful God undid the impious plans by the death of the impious man. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.30.6 (CSEL 5:510–511; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-30-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.31.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-31-1 - Source: CSEL 5:511 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Jovian makes peace with Persia. ### Latin text Anno ab Vrbe condita MCXVII Iouianus tricesimus septimus imperator in summo rerum discrimine ab exercitu creatus cum et locorum iniquitate captus et hostibus circumsaeptus nullam euadendi facultatem nancisceretur, foedus cum Sapore Persarum rege, etsi parum ut putant dignum, satis tamen necessarium pepigit: ### English translation (Claude) In the 1117th year from the founding of the City, Jovian, thirty-seventh, created emperor by the army at the greatest crisis of affairs, when, caught by unfavorable ground and surrounded by the enemy, he could find no possibility of escape, made a treaty with Sapor, king of the Persians, not very worthy, as they think, but necessary enough: ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.31.1 (CSEL 5:511; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-31-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.31.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-31-2 - Source: CSEL 5:511 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Nisibis is ceded. ### Latin text quippe, ut tutum et incolumem Romanum exercitum non solum ab incursu hostium uerum etiam a locorum periculo liberaret, Nisibi oppidum et partem superioris Mesopotamiae Persis concessit. ### English translation (Claude) for, to free the Roman army safe and unharmed not only from the attack of the enemy but also from the danger of the terrain, he ceded to the Persians the town of Nisibis and part of upper Mesopotamia. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.31.2 (CSEL 5:511; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-31-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.31.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-31-3 - Source: CSEL 5:511–512 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Jovian suffocates in Galatia. ### Latin text inde dum ad Illyricum rediens per Galatiam iter agit, cum in cubiculum quoddam nouum sese cubitum recepisset, calore prunarum et nidore parietum nuper calce inlitorum adgrauatus et suffocatus, octauo demum mense quam imperare coeperat uitam finiuit. ### English translation (Claude) Then, while returning to Illyricum he was making his way through Galatia, when he had withdrawn to sleep in a certain new bedroom, overcome and suffocated by the heat of the coals and the smell of walls recently plastered with lime, he ended his life in only the eighth month after he began to rule. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.31.3 (CSEL 5:511–512; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-31-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.32.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-32-1 - Source: CSEL 5:512 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Valentinian becomes emperor. ### Latin text Anno ab Vrbe condita MCXVIII Valentinianus tricesimus octauus apud Nicaeam consensu militum imperator creatus est mansitque in eo annis undecim. ### English translation (Claude) In the 1118th year from the founding of the City, Valentinian, thirty-eighth, was created emperor at Nicaea by consent of the soldiers and remained in it eleven years. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.32.1 (CSEL 5:512; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-32-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.32.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-32-2 - Source: CSEL 5:512 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Valentinian gives up his command rather than sacrifice. ### Latin text qui cum Christianus integra fide sacramentum militiae gereret sub Iuliano Augusto tribunus scutariorum, iussus ab imperatore sacrilego aut immolare idolis aut militia excedere, fideliter sciens et grauiora Dei esse iudicia et meliora promissa, sponte discessit. ### English translation (Claude) When, as a Christian of whole faith, he was holding his military oath under Julian Augustus as tribune of the shield guards, ordered by the sacrilegious emperor either to sacrifice to idols or to leave the army, knowing faithfully that God's judgments are heavier and his promises better, he left of his own accord. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.32.2 (CSEL 5:512; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-32-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.32.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-32-3 - Source: CSEL 5:512 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Christ rewards Valentinian with the empire. ### Latin text ita parua interiecta mora Iuliano interfecto ac mox Iouiano mortuo qui pro nomine Christi amiserat tribunatum, retribuente Christo in locum persecutoris sui accepit imperium: ### English translation (Claude) So, after a short interval, when Julian had been killed and soon after Jovian had died, he who had lost a tribunate for the name of Christ received, with Christ repaying, the empire in place of his persecutor: ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.32.3 (CSEL 5:512; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-32-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.32.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-32-4 - Source: CSEL 5:512 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Valens becomes co-emperor; Procopius is killed. ### Latin text qui postea fratrem suum Valentem participem fecit imperii, Procopium tyrannum pluresque postea satellites eius occidit. ### English translation (Claude) afterward he made his brother Valens partner of the empire, and killed the tyrant Procopius and afterward several of his henchmen. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.32.4 (CSEL 5:512; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-32-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.32.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-32-5 - Source: CSEL 5:512 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: A great earthquake and tsunami. ### Latin text terrae motus per totum Orbem factus ita turbatum quoque pelagus excussit, ut per uicinas terrarum campestrium partes refuso mari plurimae insularum urbes concussae et subrutae perisse referantur. ### English translation (Claude) An earthquake throughout the whole world so stirred up even the sea that, as the sea poured back over the neighboring parts of the level lands, very many cities of the islands are said to have been shaken, overthrown, and destroyed. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.32.5 (CSEL 5:512; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-32-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.32.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-32-6 - Source: CSEL 5:512–513 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Valens becomes an Arian. ### Latin text Valens ab Eudoxio episcopo, Arriani dogmatis assertore, et baptizatus et persuasus, in saeuissimam haeresim declinauit; sed malignam insectationem diu texit nec uoluntati potestatem admiscuit, quoad uiuentis fratris auctoritate conpressus est. ### English translation (Claude) Valens, both baptized and persuaded by Eudoxius, a bishop and champion of the Arian doctrine, turned aside into a most savage heresy; but he long concealed his malignant hostility and did not join power to will, as long as he was restrained by the authority of his living brother. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.32.6 (CSEL 5:512–513; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-32-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.32.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-32-7 - Source: CSEL 5:513 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Valens feared Valentinian. ### Latin text contemplabatur enim de eo, quantam uim in ulciscenda fide imperator posset exerere, qui tantam constantiam pro retinenda quondam miles habuisset. ### English translation (Claude) For he considered of him how great a force as emperor he could put forth in avenging the faith, who as a soldier had once had such great constancy in keeping it. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.32.7 (CSEL 5:513; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-32-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.32.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-32-8 - Source: CSEL 5:513 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Gratian is made emperor; wool falls from the sky. ### Latin text Horum anno imperii tertio Gratianus Valentiniani filius imperator est factus. eodem anno apud Atrebatas uera lana de nubibus pluuiae mixta defluxit. ### English translation (Claude) In the third year of their rule Gratian, son of Valentinian, was made emperor. In the same year at Atrebatae real wool fell from the clouds mixed with rain. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.32.8 (CSEL 5:513; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-32-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.32.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-32-9 - Source: CSEL 5:513 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Athanaric persecutes the Gothic Christians. ### Latin text Praeterea Athanaricus rex Gothorum Christianos in gente sua crudelissime persecutus, plurimos barbarorum ob fidem interfectos ad coronam martyrii sublimauit, quorum tamen plurimi in Romanum solum non trepidi, uelut ad hostes, sed certi, quia ad fratres, pro Christi confessione fugerunt. ### English translation (Claude) Moreover, Athanaric, king of the Goths, persecuting the Christians in his nation most cruelly, raised very many barbarians killed for the faith to the crown of martyrdom; very many of them, however, fled for the confession of Christ to Roman soil, not fearful, as if to enemies, but sure, because to brothers. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.32.9 (CSEL 5:513; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-32-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.32.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-32-10 - Source: CSEL 5:513–514 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Valentinian crushes the Saxons. ### Latin text Valentinianus Saxones, gentem in Oceani litoribus et paludibus inuiis sitam, uirtute atque agilitate terribilem, periculosam Romanis finibus eruptionem magna mole meditantes in ipsis Francorum finibus oppressit. ### English translation (Claude) Valentinian crushed in the very territory of the Franks the Saxons, a people living on the shores of the Ocean and in impassable marshes, terrible in courage and agility, who were planning with a great mass a dangerous breakout into the Roman territories. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.32.10 (CSEL 5:513–514; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-32-10). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.32.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-32-11 - Source: CSEL 5:514 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Burgundians appear. ### Latin text Burgundionum quoque nouorum hostium nouum nomen, qui plus quam octoginta milia, ut ferunt, armatorum ripae Rheni fluminis insederunt. ### English translation (Claude) The Burgundians too, the new name of new enemies, who, more than eighty thousand armed men, as they say, settled on the bank of the river Rhine. ### Translation notes - The sentence has no main verb in the Latin; it is rendered as it stands. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.32.11 (CSEL 5:514; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-32-11). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.32.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-32-12 - Source: CSEL 5:514 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The origin of the Burgundians' name. ### Latin text hos quondam subacta interiore Germania a Druso et Tiberio, adoptiuis filiis Caesaris, per castra dispositos in magnam coaluisse gentem atque ita etiam nomen ex opere praesumpsisse, quia crebra per limitem habitacula constituta burgos uulgo uocant, eorumque esse praeualidam et perniciosam manum, Galliae hodieque testes sunt, in quibus praesumpta possessione consistunt; ### English translation (Claude) That they were once, when inner Germany had been subdued by Drusus and Tiberius, the adopted sons of Caesar, placed in camps and grew together into a great people, and so also took their name from their work, because they commonly call dwellings set close together along the frontier burgi, and that their band is very strong and ruinous, the Gauls are witnesses even today, in which they remain in a possession they have seized; ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.32.12 (CSEL 5:514; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-32-12). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.32.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-32-13 - Source: CSEL 5:514–515 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Burgundians become catholic Christians. ### Latin text quamuis prouidentia Dei Christiani omnes modo facti catholica fide nostrisque clericis, quibus oboedirent, receptis blande mansuete innocenterque uiuant, non quasi cum subiectis Gallis sed uere cum fratribus Christianis. ### English translation (Claude) although by the providence of God they have all now become Christians of the catholic faith and, having received our clergy, whom they obey, they live gently, mildly, and harmlessly, not as with subject Gauls but truly with Christian brothers. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.32.13 (CSEL 5:514–515; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-32-13). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.32.14 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-32-14 - Source: CSEL 5:515 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Valentinian dies of a stroke. ### Latin text Anno autem undecimo imperii sui Valentinianus, cum Sarmatae sese per Pannonias diffudissent easque uastarent, bellum in eos parans apud Brigitionem oppidum subita effusione sanguinis, quod Graece apoplexis uocatur, suffocatus et mortuus est. ### English translation (Claude) In the eleventh year of his rule Valentinian, when the Sarmatians had spread through the Pannonias and were laying them waste, while preparing war against them, was suffocated and died at the town of Brigetio from a sudden effusion of blood, which in Greek is called apoplexy. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.32.14 (CSEL 5:515; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-32-14). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.32.15 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-25-1/#p-7-32-15 - Source: CSEL 5:515 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Gratian and Valentinian II rule the West. ### Latin text Post quem Gratianus filius Occidentis imperium tenuit, Valente patruo in Orientis partibus constituto; Valentinianum etiam, fratrem suum paruum admodum, socium creauit imperii ### English translation (Claude) After him his son Gratian held the empire of the West, his uncle Valens being established in the parts of the East; he also made his brother Valentinian, still quite small, partner of the empire. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.32.15 (CSEL 5:515; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-32-15). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.33.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-33-1/#p-7-33-1 - Source: CSEL 5:515–516 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Valens conscripts the monks. ### Latin text Anno ab Vrbe condita MCXXVIII Valens tricesimus nonus imperium quattuor annis Valentiniano mortuo tenuit, cui soli, cum impie ageret, potuisset erubescere. ilico uelut effrenata libertatis audacia legem dedit, ut monachi, hoc est Christiani qui ad unum fidei opus dimissa saecularium rerum multimoda actione se redigunt, ad militiam cogerentur. ### English translation (Claude) In the 1128th year from the founding of the City, Valens, thirty-ninth, held the empire for four years after Valentinian died, before whom alone he could have blushed when he acted impiously. At once, as with the unbridled boldness of license, he made a law that monks, that is, Christians who, having given up the manifold business of worldly affairs, devote themselves to the one work of faith, should be forced into military service. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.33.1 (CSEL 5:515–516; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-33-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.33.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-33-1/#p-7-33-2 - Source: CSEL 5:516 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The monks of the Egyptian desert. ### Latin text uastas illas tunc Aegypti solitudines harenasque diffusas, quas propter sitim ac sterilitatem periculosissimamque serpentum abundantiam conuersatio humana non nosset, magna habitantium monachorum multitudo compleuerat. ### English translation (Claude) A great multitude of monks dwelling there had then filled those vast deserts of Egypt and widespread sands, which, because of thirst and barrenness and a most dangerous abundance of serpents, human society had not known. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.33.2 (CSEL 5:516; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-33-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.33.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-33-1/#p-7-33-3 - Source: CSEL 5:516 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Monks are killed in Egypt. ### Latin text huc tribuni et milites missi, qui sanctos ac ueros milites Dei alio nomine persecutionis abstraherent. interfecta sunt ibi agmina multa sanctorum. ### English translation (Claude) Here tribunes and soldiers were sent to drag away the holy and true soldiers of God under another name of persecution. Many companies of saints were killed there. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.33.3 (CSEL 5:516; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-33-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.33.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-33-1/#p-7-33-4 - Source: CSEL 5:516 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Orosius passes over the other persecutions of Valens. ### Latin text quae autem per diuersas ubique prouincias his similibusque iussis aduersus ecclesias catholicas et rectae fidei populos gesta sint, satis significatum ipsa reticendi electione sufficiat. ### English translation (Claude) What was done against the catholic churches and the peoples of right faith everywhere throughout the various provinces by these and similar orders, let the very choice of keeping silent suffice to indicate well enough. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.33.4 (CSEL 5:516; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-33-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.33.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-33-1/#p-7-33-5 - Source: CSEL 5:516 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Firmus's revolt in Africa. ### Latin text Interea in Africae partibus Firmus sese excitatis Maurorum gentibus regem constituens Africam Mauretaniamque uastauit; Caesaream urbem nobilissimam Mauretaniae dolo captam, deinde caedibus incendiisque conpletam barbaris in praedam dedit. ### English translation (Claude) Meanwhile in the parts of Africa Firmus, rousing the peoples of the Moors and setting himself up as king, laid waste Africa and Mauretania; he took Caesarea, the most famous city of Mauretania, by treachery, then, having filled it with slaughter and fire, gave it to the barbarians as booty. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.33.5 (CSEL 5:516; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-33-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.33.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-33-1/#p-7-33-6 - Source: CSEL 5:516–517 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Count Theodosius defeats Firmus. ### Latin text igitur comes Theodosius, Theodosii qui post imperio praefuit pater, a Valentiniano missus effusas Maurorum gentes multis proeliis fregit, ipsum Firmum afflictum et oppressum coegit ad mortem. ### English translation (Claude) So Count Theodosius, father of the Theodosius who afterward ruled the empire, sent by Valentinian, broke the widespread peoples of the Moors in many battles and drove Firmus himself, afflicted and crushed, to death. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.33.6 (CSEL 5:516–517; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-33-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.33.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-33-1/#p-7-33-7 - Source: CSEL 5:517 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Count Theodosius is baptized and executed. ### Latin text post cum experientissima prouidentia totam cum Mauretania Africam meliorem pristinis reddidisset, instimulante et obrepente inuidia iussus interfici, apud Carthaginem baptizari in remissionem peccatorum praeoptauit ac postquam sacramentum Christi quod quaesierat adsecutus est, post gloriosam saeculi uitam etiam de uitae aeternitate securus percussori iugulum ultro praebuit. ### English translation (Claude) Afterward, when with most experienced foresight he had made all Africa with Mauretania better than before, ordered to be killed as envy goaded and crept in, he chose to be baptized at Carthage for the remission of sins; and after he had obtained the sacrament of Christ which he had sought, after a glorious life in the world, secure too of the eternity of life, he offered his neck to the executioner of his own accord. ### Scripture references - Acts 2:38: echo, low confidence ### Translation notes - “For the remission of sins”: compare Acts 2:38. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.33.7 (CSEL 5:517; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-33-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.33.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-33-1/#p-7-33-8 - Source: CSEL 5:517 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Gratian defeats the Alamanni. ### Latin text Gratianus interea imperator admodum iuuenis cum inaestimabilem multitudinem hostium Romanis infusam finibus cerneret, fretus Christi potentia, longe inpari militum numero sese in hostem dedit et continuo apud Argentariam, oppidum Galliarum, formidulosissimum bellum incredibili felicitate confecit. nam plus quam triginta milia Alamannorum minimo Romanorum detrimento in eo proelio interfecta narrantur. ### English translation (Claude) Gratian meanwhile, the emperor, still quite young, when he saw an inestimable multitude of enemies poured into the Roman territories, relying on the power of Christ, threw himself on the enemy with a far unequal number of soldiers and at once at Argentaria, a town of the Gauls, finished a most fearsome war with incredible success. For more than thirty thousand Alamanni are said to have been killed in that battle with very little loss to the Romans. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.33.8 (CSEL 5:517; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-33-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.33.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-33-1/#p-7-33-9 - Source: CSEL 5:517–518 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The root of present miseries sprouts. ### Latin text Tertio decimo autem anno imperii Valentis, hoc est paruo tempore postea quam Valens per totum Orientem ecclesiarum lacerationes sanctorumque caedes egerat, radix illa miseriarum nostrarum copiosissimas simul frutices germinauit. ### English translation (Claude) In the thirteenth year of Valens's rule, that is, a short time after Valens had carried out the tearing of churches and slaughters of saints throughout the whole East, that root of our miseries sprouted very abundant shoots all at once. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.33.9 (CSEL 5:517–518; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-33-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.33.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-33-1/#p-7-33-10 - Source: CSEL 5:518 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Huns drive the Goths into the empire. ### Latin text siquidem gens Hunorum, diu inaccessis seclusa montibus, repentina rabie percita exarsit in Gothos eosque passim conturbatos ab antiquis sedibus expulit. Gothi transito Danuuio fugientes, a Valente sine ulla foederis pactione suscepti ne arma quidem, quo tutius barbaris crederetur, tradidere Romanis. ### English translation (Claude) For the people of the Huns, long shut away by inaccessible mountains, roused by sudden rage, blazed out against the Goths and drove them, thrown into confusion everywhere, from their ancient dwellings. The Goths, crossing the Danube in flight, were received by Valens without any treaty agreement and did not even hand over their arms to the Romans, so that the barbarians might be trusted more safely. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.33.10 (CSEL 5:518; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-33-10). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.33.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-33-1/#p-7-33-11 - Source: CSEL 5:518 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Goths revolt. ### Latin text deinde propter intolerabilem auaritiam Maximi ducis fame et iniuriis adacti in arma surgentes, uicto Valentis exercitu per Thraciam sese, miscentes simul omnia caedibus incendiis rapinisque, fuderunt. ### English translation (Claude) Then, driven by hunger and wrongs because of the intolerable greed of the general Maximus, they rose in arms, defeated Valens's army, and poured themselves through Thrace, confounding everything at once with slaughter, burning, and plunder. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.33.11 (CSEL 5:518; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-33-11). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.33.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-33-1/#p-7-33-12 - Source: CSEL 5:518–519 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Valens recalls the exiled bishops. ### Latin text Valens egressus de Antiochia cum ultima infelicis belli sorte traheretur, sera peccati maximi paenitentia stimulatus episcopos ceterosque sanctos reuocari de exiliis imperauit. ### English translation (Claude) Valens, setting out from Antioch, when he was being dragged to the last lot of an unhappy war, spurred by a late repentance for his very great sin, ordered the bishops and the other saints to be recalled from exile. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.33.12 (CSEL 5:518–519; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-33-12). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.33.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-33-1/#p-7-33-13 - Source: CSEL 5:519 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The battle of Adrianople begins. ### Latin text Itaque quinto decimo imperii sui anno lacrimabile illud bellum in Thracia cum Gothis iam tunc exercitatione uirium rerumque abundantia instructissimis gessit. ubi primo statim impetu Gothorum perturbatae Romanorum equitum turmae nuda peditum deseruere praesidia. ### English translation (Claude) So in the fifteenth year of his rule he waged that lamentable war in Thrace with the Goths, already then most well equipped by practice of strength and abundance of things. There, at the very first charge of the Goths, the squadrons of Roman cavalry, thrown into confusion, deserted the infantry, leaving it bare. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.33.13 (CSEL 5:519; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-33-13). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.33.14 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-33-1/#p-7-33-14 - Source: CSEL 5:519 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Roman infantry is destroyed. ### Latin text mox legiones peditum undique equitatu hostium cinctae ac primum nubibus sagittarum obrutae, deinde, cum amentes metu sparsim per deuia cogerentur, funditus caesae gladiis insequentum contisque perierunt. ### English translation (Claude) Soon the legions of infantry, surrounded on all sides by the enemy's cavalry and first overwhelmed by clouds of arrows, then, when, out of their minds with fear, they were driven scattered through trackless places, were utterly cut down by the swords and lances of their pursuers and perished. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.33.14 (CSEL 5:519; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-33-14). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.33.15 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-33-1/#p-7-33-15 - Source: CSEL 5:519–520 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Valens burns to death. ### Latin text ipse imperator cum sagitta saucius uersusque in fugam aegre in cuiusdam uillulae casam deportatus lateret, ab insequentibus hostibus deprehensus, subiecto igne consumptus est et, quo magis testimonium punitionis eius et diuinae indignationis terribili posteris esset exemplo, etiam communi caruit sepultura. ### English translation (Claude) The emperor himself, wounded by an arrow and turned to flight, when he had been carried with difficulty to the hut of a certain small villa and was hiding there, was caught by the pursuing enemy, consumed by fire set beneath, and, so that the testimony of his punishment and of divine indignation might be the more a terrible example to posterity, he lacked even common burial. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.33.15 (CSEL 5:519–520; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-33-15). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.33.16 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-33-1/#p-7-33-16 - Source: CSEL 5:520 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The pagans' only consolation. ### Latin text Consoletur se, sed in hoc solo, peruicacia miseriaque gentilium, quia temporibus et regibus Christianis tantae simul congestae clades pressam reipublicae onerauere ceruicem: euersae prouinciae, deletus exercitus, imperator incensus. magnum reuera hoc est ad nostrum dolorem magisque miserum quo magis nouum. ### English translation (Claude) Let the obstinacy and misery of the gentiles console itself, but in this alone, that in Christian times and under Christian kings such great disasters heaped together at once burdened the pressed neck of the commonwealth: provinces overthrown, an army destroyed, an emperor burned. This is truly great for our grief, and the more wretched the more new it is. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.33.16 (CSEL 5:520; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-33-16). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.33.17 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-33-1/#p-7-33-17 - Source: CSEL 5:520 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: One God, one faith, one church. ### Latin text sed quid hoc ad consolationem proficit paganorum, qui palam peruident et in his quoque persecutorem ecclesiarum fuisse punitum? unus Deus unam fidem tradidit, unam ecclesiam toto Orbe diffudit: hanc aspicit, hanc diligit, hanc defendit; quolibet se quisquis nomine tegat, si huic non sociatur, alienus, si hanc inpugnat, inimicus est. ### English translation (Claude) But what does this help the consolation of the pagans, who plainly see that in these things too a persecutor of the churches was punished? One God handed down one faith and spread one church through the whole world: this he looks upon, this he loves, this he defends; under whatever name anyone covers himself, if he is not joined to her he is a stranger, if he attacks her he is an enemy. ### Scripture references - Eph 4:5–6: allusion, medium confidence ### Translation notes - Compare Eph 4:5–6. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.33.17 (CSEL 5:520; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-33-17). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.33.18 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-33-1/#p-7-33-18 - Source: CSEL 5:520 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: God is no respecter of persons. ### Latin text consolentur se gentiles, in quantum uolunt, Iudaeorum haereticorumque suppliciis, tantum et unum Deum esse et eundem personarum acceptorem non esse uel ex hac potissimum Valentis extincti probatione fateantur. ### English translation (Claude) Let the gentiles console themselves, as much as they wish, with the punishments of Jews and heretics; only let them confess, from this proof above all of the death of Valens, both that God is one and that he is no respecter of persons. ### Scripture references - Acts 10:34: allusion, high confidence - Rom 2:11: echo, low confidence ### Translation notes - Compare Acts 10:34; Rom 2:11. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.33.18 (CSEL 5:520; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-33-18). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.33.19 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-33-1/#p-7-33-19 - Source: CSEL 5:520–521 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Valens made the Goths Arians and was burned by them. ### Latin text Gothi antea per legatos supplices poposcerunt, ut illis episcopi, a quibus regulam Christianae fidei discerent, mitterentur. Valens imperator exitiabili prauitate doctores Arriani dogmatis misit. Gothi primae fidei rudimento quod accepere tenuerunt. itaque iusto iudicio Dei ipsi eum uiuum incenderunt, qui propter eum etiam mortui uitio erroris arsuri sunt. ### English translation (Claude) The Goths had earlier asked as suppliants through envoys that bishops be sent to them, from whom they might learn the rule of Christian faith. The emperor Valens, with deadly perversity, sent teachers of the Arian doctrine. The Goths kept what they had received as the first rudiment of faith. So by the just judgment of God they themselves burned him alive, who because of him will burn even when dead for the fault of error. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.33.19 (CSEL 5:520–521; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-33-19). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.34.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-33-1/#p-7-34-1 - Source: CSEL 5:521 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Gratian's sole rule. ### Latin text Anno ab Vrbe condita MCXXXII Gratianus quadragesimus ab Augusto post mortem Valentis sex annis imperium tenuit, quamuis iamdudum antea cum patruo Valente et cum Valentiniano fratre regnaret. ### English translation (Claude) In the 1132nd year from the founding of the City, Gratian, fortieth from Augustus, held the empire six years after the death of Valens, although he had long before been reigning with his uncle Valens and with his brother Valentinian. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.34.1 (CSEL 5:521; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-34-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.34.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-33-1/#p-7-34-2 - Source: CSEL 5:521 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Gratian chooses Theodosius. ### Latin text qui cum acum ac paene conlapsum reipublicae statum uideret, eadem prouisione, qua quondam legerat Nerua Hispanum uirum Traianum, per quem respublica reparata est, legit et ipse Theodosium aeque Hispanum uirum et restituendae reipublicae necessitate apud Sirmium purpura induit Orientisque et Thraciae simul praefecit imperio, ### English translation (Claude) He, when he saw the state of the commonwealth afflicted and almost collapsed, with the same foresight with which Nerva had once chosen the Spaniard Trajan, through whom the commonwealth was restored, himself also chose Theodosius, likewise a Spaniard, and, for the need of restoring the commonwealth, clothed him with the purple at Sirmium and set him over the empire of the East and Thrace together, ### Translation notes - “acum” as printed is corrupt (perhaps for “afflictum”); translated by sense. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.34.2 (CSEL 5:521; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-34-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.34.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-33-1/#p-7-34-3 - Source: CSEL 5:521–522 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Theodosius surpasses Trajan in faith. ### Latin text in hoc perfectiore iudicio, quia, cum in omnibus humanae uitae uirtutibus iste par fuerit, in fidei sacramento religionisque cultu sine ulla comparatione praecessit; siquidem ille persecutor, hic propagator Ecclesiae. ### English translation (Claude) in this with the more perfect judgment, that, while this man was equal to Trajan in all the virtues of human life, in the sacrament of faith and the worship of religion he surpassed him beyond all comparison; for that one was a persecutor, this one a propagator of the church. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.34.3 (CSEL 5:521–522; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-34-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.34.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-33-1/#p-7-34-4 - Source: CSEL 5:522 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Theodosius's dynasty. ### Latin text ita illi ne unus quidem proprius filius, quo successore gauderet, indultus est; huius autem Orienti simul atque Occidenti per succiduas usque ad nunc generationes gloriosa propago dominatur. ### English translation (Claude) So to that one not even one son of his own was granted, in whom he might rejoice as successor; while this man's glorious offspring rules East and West together through successive generations down to now. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.34.4 (CSEL 5:522; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-34-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.34.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-33-1/#p-7-34-5 - Source: CSEL 5:522–523 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Theodosius defeats the Goths, Alans and Huns. ### Latin text itaque Theodosius adflictam rempublicam ira Dei reparandam credidit misericordia Dei; omnem fiduciam sui ad opem Christi conferens maximas illas Scythicas gentes formidatasque cunctis maioribus, Alexandro quoque illi Magno, sicut Pompeius Corneliusque testati sunt, euitatas, nunc autem extincto Romano exercitu Romanis equis annisque instructissimas, hoc est Alanos Hunos et Gothos, incunctanter adgressus magnis multisque proeliis uicit. ### English translation (Claude) So Theodosius believed that the commonwealth, afflicted by the wrath of God, must be restored by the mercy of God; placing all his trust in the help of Christ, he attacked without hesitation those very great Scythian peoples, feared by all the ancestors, avoided even by the famous Alexander the Great, as Pompeius and Cornelius have testified, but now, with the Roman army destroyed, most fully equipped with Roman horses and arms, that is, the Alans, Huns, and Goths, and conquered them in great and many battles. ### Translation notes - Pompeius Trogus (through Justin's Epitome) and Tacitus. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.34.5 (CSEL 5:522–523; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-34-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.34.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-33-1/#p-7-34-6 - Source: CSEL 5:523 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Theodosius's treaty with Athanaric. ### Latin text urbem Constantinopolim uictor intrauit et ne paruam ipsam Romani exercitus manum adsidue bellando detereret, foedus cum Athanarico Gothorum rege percussit. ### English translation (Claude) He entered the city of Constantinople as victor and, lest he wear down the small band of the Roman army by constant fighting, made a treaty with Athanaric, king of the Goths. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.34.6 (CSEL 5:523; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-34-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.34.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-33-1/#p-7-34-7 - Source: CSEL 5:523 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Goths submit. ### Latin text Athanaricus autem continuo ut Constantinopolim uenit, diem obiit. uniuersae Gothorum gentes rege defuncto aspicientes uirtutem benignitatemque Theodosii Romano sese imperio dediderunt. ### English translation (Claude) Athanaric, however, died as soon as he came to Constantinople. All the peoples of the Goths, their king dead, beholding the courage and kindness of Theodosius, surrendered themselves to the Roman empire. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.34.7 (CSEL 5:523; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-34-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.34.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-33-1/#p-7-34-8 - Source: CSEL 5:523–524 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Peace with Persia. ### Latin text in isdem etiam diebus Persae, qui Iuliano interfecto aliisque imperatoribus saepe uictis, nunc etiam Valente in fugam acto recentissimae uictoriae satietatem cruda insultatione ructabant, ultro Constantinopolim ad Theodosium misere legatos pacemque supplices poposcerunt; ictumque tunc foedus est, quo uniuersus Oriens usque ad nunc tranquillissime fruitur. ### English translation (Claude) In those same days too the Persians, who, after Julian had been killed and other emperors often defeated, and now with Valens put to flight, were belching out with crude insult their satiety of very recent victory, of their own accord sent envoys to Theodosius at Constantinople and begged for peace as suppliants; and a treaty was then struck which the whole East enjoys most peacefully down to now. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.34.8 (CSEL 5:523–524; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-34-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.34.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-33-1/#p-7-34-9 - Source: CSEL 5:524 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Maximus usurps in Britain. ### Latin text interea cum Theodosius in Oriente subactis barbarorum gentibus Thracias tandem ab hoste liberas reddidisset et Arcadium filium suum consortem fecisset imperii, Maximus, uir quidem strenuus et probus atque Augusto dignus nisi contra sacramenti fidem per tyrannidem emersisset, in Britannia inuitus propemodum ab exercitu imperator creatus in Galliam transiit: ### English translation (Claude) Meanwhile, when Theodosius in the East, having subdued the barbarian peoples, had at last made the Thraces free of the enemy and had made his son Arcadius partner of the empire, Maximus, a man indeed vigorous and upright and worthy of being Augustus had he not risen through tyranny against the faith of his oath, was created emperor in Britain by the army, almost against his will, and crossed into Gaul: ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.34.9 (CSEL 5:524; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-34-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.34.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-33-1/#p-7-34-10 - Source: CSEL 5:524–525 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Maximus kills Gratian. ### Latin text ubi Gratianum Augustum subita incursione perterritum atque in Italiam transire meditantem dolis circumuentum interfecit fratremque eius Valentinianum Augustum Italia expulit. Valentinianus in Orientem refugiens a Theodosio paterna pietate susceptus, mox etiam imperio restitutus est. ### English translation (Claude) there he surrounded by treachery and killed Gratian Augustus, terrified by the sudden incursion and planning to cross into Italy, and drove his brother Valentinian Augustus out of Italy. Valentinian, fleeing to the East, was received by Theodosius with fatherly piety and soon was even restored to the empire. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.34.10 (CSEL 5:524–525; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-34-10). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.35.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-33-1/#p-7-35-1 - Source: CSEL 5:525 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Theodosius's reign. ### Latin text Anno ab Vrbe condita MCXXXVIII Theodosius quadragesimus primus interfecto per Maximum Gratiano imperium Romani orbis obtinuit mansitque in eo annis undecim, cum iam in Orientis partibus sex annis Gratiano uiuente regnasset. ### English translation (Claude) In the 1138th year from the founding of the City, Theodosius, forty-first, after Gratian had been killed by Maximus, obtained the empire of the Roman world and remained in it eleven years, having already reigned six years in the parts of the East while Gratian was alive. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.35.1 (CSEL 5:525; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-35-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.35.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-33-1/#p-7-35-2 - Source: CSEL 5:525 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Theodosius marches against Maximus. ### Latin text itaque iustis necessariisque causis ad bellum ciuile permotus, cum e duobus Augustis fratribus et ultionem unius interfecti sanguis exigeret et restitutionem miseria alterius exulantis oraret, posuit in Deo spem suam seseque aduersus Maximum tyrannum sola fide maior — nam longe minor uniuersa apparatus bellici conparatione — proripuit. ### English translation (Claude) So, moved to civil war by just and necessary causes, since, of the two Augustus brothers, the blood of the one killed demanded vengeance and the misery of the other in exile begged for restoration, he placed his hope in God and rushed out against the tyrant Maximus, greater by faith alone (for he was far less in all comparison of military equipment). ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.35.2 (CSEL 5:525; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-35-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.35.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-33-1/#p-7-35-3 - Source: CSEL 5:525–526 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Andragathius abandons his defenses. ### Latin text Aquileiae tunc Maximus uictoriae suae spectator insederat. Andragathius comes eius summam belli administrabat: qui cum largissimis militum copiis ipsamque magnarum copiarum fortitudinem praecellente consilio omnes incredibiliter Alpium ac fluminum aditus communisset, ineffabili iudicio Dei, dum nauali expeditione incautum hostem praeuenire et obruere parat, sponte eadem quae obstruxerat claustra deseruit. ### English translation (Claude) Maximus was then sitting at Aquileia as spectator of his own victory. His count Andragathius was directing the whole war; he, when with very large forces of soldiers and with counsel surpassing the very strength of great forces he had fortified all the approaches of the Alps and the rivers incredibly, by an ineffable judgment of God, while he was preparing to forestall and overwhelm the enemy off guard by a naval expedition, of his own accord abandoned the very barriers he had built. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.35.3 (CSEL 5:525–526; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-35-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.35.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-33-1/#p-7-35-4 - Source: CSEL 5:526 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Theodosius captures and kills Maximus. ### Latin text ita Theodosius nemine sentiente, ut non dicam repugnante, uacuas transmisit Alpes atque Aquileiam inprouisus adueniens hostem illum magnum, Maximum, trucem et ab inmanissimis quoque Germanorum gentibus tributa ac stipendia solo terrore nominis exigentem, sine dolo et sine controuersia clausit cepit occidit. ### English translation (Claude) So Theodosius, with no one perceiving, not to say resisting, crossed the empty Alps and, arriving unexpectedly at Aquileia, without guile and without dispute shut in, captured, and killed that great enemy Maximus, fierce, and exacting tributes and payments even from the most savage peoples of the Germans by the terror of his name alone. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.35.4 (CSEL 5:526; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-35-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.35.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-33-1/#p-7-35-5 - Source: CSEL 5:526 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: A bloodless victory. ### Latin text Valentinianus recepto Italiae potitus imperio est. Andragathius comes cognita Maximi nece praecipitem sese e naui in undas dedit ac suffocatus est. Theodosius incruentam uictoriam Deo procurante suscepit. ### English translation (Claude) Valentinian, having recovered Italy, gained the empire. Count Andragathius, learning of Maximus's death, threw himself headlong from his ship into the waves and was drowned. Theodosius received a bloodless victory, God providing it. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.35.5 (CSEL 5:526; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-35-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.35.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-33-1/#p-7-35-6 - Source: CSEL 5:526 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: How civil war is fought in Christian times. ### Latin text Ecce regibus et temporibus Christianis qualiter bella ciuilia, cum uitari nequeunt, transiguntur. ad uictoriam peruentum est, inrupta est ciuitas, correptus tyrannus. et hoc parum est. ecce parte alia uictus hostilis exercitus atque ipso tyranno truculentior comes tyranni ad mortem coactus, tantae dissolutae elusaeque insidiae, tanti apparatus exinaniti sunt: ### English translation (Claude) See how, under Christian kings and in Christian times, civil wars, when they cannot be avoided, are carried through. Victory was reached, the city broken into, the tyrant seized. And this is little. See, in another quarter an enemy army defeated and the tyrant's count, more savage than the tyrant himself, driven to death, such great plots undone and mocked, such great preparations emptied: ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.35.6 (CSEL 5:526; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-35-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.35.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-33-1/#p-7-35-7 - Source: CSEL 5:526–527 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: A war ended by two deaths. ### Latin text et tamen nullus dolos struxit, nullus aciem disposuit, postremo nullus, si dici licet, gladium de uagina extulit. formidulosissimum bellum sine sanguine usque ad uictoriam et in uictoria duorum morte confectum est. ### English translation (Claude) and yet no one laid traps, no one drew up a battle line, finally no one, if one may say so, drew a sword from its sheath. A most fearsome war was finished without blood, up to the victory and in the victory, by the death of two men. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.35.7 (CSEL 5:526–527; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-35-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.35.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-33-1/#p-7-35-8 - Source: CSEL 5:527 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: It was not chance. ### Latin text et, ne hoc quisquam casu factum putet, quo magis potentia Dei, qua et dispensantur et iudicantur uniuersa, propalato sui testimonio declarata obstrepentium mentes uel ad confusionem uel ad fidem cogat, dico rem et ignotam omnibus et omnibus notam: ### English translation (Claude) And lest anyone think this happened by chance, so that the power of God, by which all things are both dispensed and judged, declared by open testimony of itself, may force the minds of those who make noise either to confusion or to faith, I say a thing both unknown to all and known to all: ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.35.8 (CSEL 5:527; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-35-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.35.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-33-1/#p-7-35-9 - Source: CSEL 5:527 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Later wars too have been nearly bloodless. ### Latin text post hoc bellum, quo Maximus interfectus est, multa utique, sicut omnes recognoscimus, Theodosium filiumque eius Honorium usque ad nunc et externa bella et ciuilia consecuta sunt, et tamen omnia paene usque in hodiernum diem et quidem cum fructu simplicis sanctaeque uictoriae uel nullo uel minimo sanguine quieuerunt. ### English translation (Claude) after this war, in which Maximus was killed, many wars, as we all recognize, both foreign and civil, have followed Theodosius and his son Honorius down to now, and yet almost all of them, down to the present day, have been quieted, and indeed with the fruit of a simple and holy victory, with no or very little blood. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.35.9 (CSEL 5:527; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-35-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.35.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-33-1/#p-7-35-10 - Source: CSEL 5:527–528 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Valentinian II is murdered at Vienne. ### Latin text Igitur Valentinianus iunior regno restitutus extincto Maximo eiusque filio Victore, quem imperatorem Gallis Maximus reliquerat, ipse in Galliam transiit: ubi cum tranquilla republica in pace ageret, apud Viennam dolo Arbogastis comitis sui, ut ferunt, strangulatus atque, ut uoluntariam sibi consciuisse ### English translation (Claude) So the younger Valentinian, restored to his realm after Maximus and his son Victor, whom Maximus had left as emperor for the Gauls, had been destroyed, himself crossed into Gaul: there, while he was living in peace with the commonwealth tranquil, he was strangled at Vienne by the treachery of his count Arbogast, as they say, and, so that he might be thought to have brought on himself a voluntary ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.35.10 (CSEL 5:527–528; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-35-10). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.35.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-33-1/#p-7-35-11 - Source: CSEL 5:528 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Arbogast sets up Eugenius. ### Latin text mortem putaretur, laqueo suspensus est. mortuo Valentiniano Augusto Arbogastes Eugenium tyrannum mox creare ausus est legitque hominem, cui titulum imperatoris inponeret; ipse acturus imperium uir barbarus, animo consilio manu audacia potentiaque nimius, contraxit undique innumeras inuictasque copias, uel Romanorum praesidiis uel auxiliis barbarorum alibi potestate alibi cognatione subnixus. ### English translation (Claude) death, he was hung with a noose. When Valentinian Augustus was dead, Arbogast soon dared to create the tyrant Eugenius, and chose a man on whom to put the title of emperor, he himself, a barbarian man, intending to wield the power; excessive in spirit, counsel, hand, daring, and power, he gathered from everywhere countless and unconquered forces, relying here on power, there on kinship, whether with Roman garrisons or barbarian auxiliaries. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.35.11 (CSEL 5:528; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-35-11). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.35.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-33-1/#p-7-35-12 - Source: CSEL 5:528–529 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Arbogast's two wars prove God's power. ### Latin text historiam notam etiam oculis plurimorum, quam melius qui spectauere nouerunt, dilatari uerbis non opus est. potentia Dei non fiducia hominis uictorem semper extitisse Theodosium, Arbogastes iste praecipuum in utroque documentum est. qui et tunc, cum Theodosio paruit, tantis instructum praesidiis Maximum ipse minimus cepit et nunc, cum aduersus eundem Theodosium collectis Gallorum Francorumque uiribus exundauit, nixus etiam praecipuo cultu idolorum, magna tamen facilitate succubuit. ### English translation (Claude) A history known even to the eyes of very many, which those who watched it know better, need not be spread out in words. That Theodosius always came out victor by the power of God, not by trust in man, this Arbogast is a chief proof in both cases: he both, when he obeyed Theodosius, himself very small, captured Maximus, equipped with such great forces, and now, when he overflowed against the same Theodosius with the gathered strength of the Gauls and Franks, relying also on a special worship of idols, nevertheless succumbed with great ease. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.35.12 (CSEL 5:528–529; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-35-12). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.35.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-33-1/#p-7-35-13 - Source: CSEL 5:529 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Eugenius and Arbogast hold the Alpine passes. ### Latin text Eugenius atque Arbogastes instructas acies campis expedierant, arta Alpium latera atque ineuitabiles transitus praemissis callide insidiis occuparant, etiamsi numero ac uiribus inpares forent, sola tamen belli dispositione uictores. ### English translation (Claude) Eugenius and Arbogast had deployed their battle lines in the plains, had cunningly sent ambushes ahead and occupied the narrow sides of the Alps and the unavoidable passes, so that even if they were unequal in number and strength, they were victors by the disposition of the war alone. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.35.13 (CSEL 5:529; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-35-13). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.35.14 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-33-1/#p-7-35-14 - Source: CSEL 5:529 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Theodosius prays on the Alps. ### Latin text at uero Theodosius in summis Alpibus constitutus expers cibi ac somni, sciens quod destitutus suis, nesciens quod clausus alienis, Dominum Christum solus solum, qui posset omnia, corpore humi fusus, mente caelo fixus orabat. ### English translation (Claude) But Theodosius, stationed on the heights of the Alps, without food or sleep, knowing that he was abandoned by his own, not knowing that he was shut in by others, prayed alone to the Lord Christ alone, who could do all things, his body stretched on the ground, his mind fixed on heaven. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.35.14 (CSEL 5:529; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-35-14). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.35.15 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-33-1/#p-7-35-15 - Source: CSEL 5:529–530 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Theodosius advances under the sign of the cross. ### Latin text dehinc postquam insomnem noctem precum continuatione transegit et testes propemodum quas in pretium praesidii caelestis adpenderat lacrimarum lacunas reliquit, fiducialiter arma corripuit solus, sciens se esse non solum. signo crucis signum proelio dedit ac se in bellum, etiamsi nemo sequeretur, uictor futurus, inmisit. ### English translation (Claude) Then, after he had spent a sleepless night in continuous prayers and left pools of tears almost as witnesses, which he had paid out as the price of heavenly protection, he confidently took up arms alone, knowing that he was not alone. With the sign of the cross he gave the signal for battle and threw himself into the war, even if no one should follow, to be victor. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.35.15 (CSEL 5:529–530; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-35-15). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.35.16 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-33-1/#p-7-35-16 - Source: CSEL 5:530 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Arbitio changes sides. ### Latin text prima salutis uia extitit Arbitio, hostilium partium comes: qui cum ignarum imperatorem circumpositis excepisset insidiis, conuersus ad reuerentiam praesentis Augusti, non solum periculo liberauit uerum etiam instruxit auxilio. ### English translation (Claude) The first way of safety was Arbitio, a count of the enemy side: when he had caught the unsuspecting emperor in ambushes set around him, turned to reverence for the Augustus before him, he not only freed him from danger but also furnished him with help. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.35.16 (CSEL 5:530; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-35-16). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.35.17 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-33-1/#p-7-35-17 - Source: CSEL 5:530 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The wind carries the Roman missiles. ### Latin text at ubi ad contigua miscendae pugnae spatia peruentum est, continuo magnus ille et ineffabilis turbo uentorum in ora hostium ruit. ferebantur per aera spicula missa nostrorum atque ultra mensuram humani iactus per magnum inane portata nusquam propemodum cadere, priusquam inpingerent, sinebantur. ### English translation (Claude) But when they came to the close spaces for joining battle, at once that great and ineffable whirlwind of winds rushed into the faces of the enemy. The javelins thrown by our men were carried through the air and, borne beyond the measure of human throwing through the great void, were hardly allowed to fall anywhere before they struck. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.35.17 (CSEL 5:530; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-35-17). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.35.18 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-33-1/#p-7-35-18 - Source: CSEL 5:530–531 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The wind turns the enemy's missiles back. ### Latin text porro autem turbo continuus ora pectoraque hostium nunc inlisis grauiter scutis euerberabat, nunc inpressis pertinaciter obstructa claudebat, nunc auulsis uiolenter destituta nudabat, nunc oppositis iugiter in terga trudebat; tela etiam, quae ipsi uehementer intorserant, excepta uenti impetu supinato ac retrorsum coacta ipsos infeliciter configebant. ### English translation (Claude) Moreover, the continuous whirlwind now beat the faces and breasts of the enemy with their shields dashed heavily against them, now, pressing them stubbornly, shut them closed, now, tearing them violently away, left them bare and exposed, now, pushing against them continually, drove them back; even the missiles which they themselves had hurled vehemently, caught by the force of the wind, turned back and forced backward, pierced them unhappily. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.35.18 (CSEL 5:530–531; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-35-18). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.35.19 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-33-1/#p-7-35-19 - Source: CSEL 5:531 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Eugenius is killed; Arbogast kills himself. ### Latin text prospexit sibi humanae conscientiae pauor, nam continuo sese parua suorum manu fusa uictori Theodosio hostilis prostrauit exercitus; Eugenius captus atque interfectus est; Arbogastes sua se manu perculit. ita et hic duorum sanguine bellum ciuile restinctum est, absque illis decem milibus Gothorum, quos praemissos a Theodosio Arbogastes delesse funditus fertur: quos utique perdidisse lucrum et uinci uincere fuit. ### English translation (Claude) The fear of human conscience looked out for itself, for at once the enemy army, when a small band of its own had been routed, threw itself down before the victor Theodosius; Eugenius was captured and killed; Arbogast struck himself with his own hand. So here too a civil war was put out by the blood of two men, apart from those ten thousand Goths, sent ahead by Theodosius, whom Arbogast is said to have destroyed utterly: to have lost them was surely a gain, and to be defeated, a victory. ### Translation notes - The loss of the Gothic federates is a gain in Orosius's view. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.35.19 (CSEL 5:531; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-35-19). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.35.20 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-33-1/#p-7-35-20 - Source: CSEL 5:531 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: No pagan war compares. ### Latin text non insulto obtrectatoribus nostris. unum aliquod ab initio Vrbis conditae bellum proferant tam pia necessitate susceptum, tam diuina felicitate confectum, tam clementi benignitate sopitum, ubi nec pugna grauem caedem nec uictoria cruentam exegerit ultionem, et fortasse concedam, ut non haec fidei Christiani ducis concessa uideantur; ### English translation (Claude) I do not insult our detractors. Let them bring forward any one war from the founding of the City undertaken by so pious a necessity, finished with such divine success, laid to rest with such merciful kindness, where neither the battle exacted heavy slaughter nor the victory a bloody vengeance, and perhaps I will concede that these things do not seem to have been granted to the faith of a Christian leader; ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.35.20 (CSEL 5:531; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-35-20). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.35.21 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-33-1/#p-7-35-21 - Source: CSEL 5:531–532 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Claudian's verses on the battle. ### Latin text quamuis ego hoc testimonio non laborem, quando unus ex ipsis, poeta quidem eximius sed paganus peruicacissimus, huiusmodi uersibus et Deo et homini testimonium tulit, quibus ait: O nimium dilecte Deo! tibi militat aether, Et coniurati ueniunt ad classica uenti. ### English translation (Claude) although I do not labor for this testimony, since one of themselves, a poet indeed outstanding but a most obstinate pagan, bore testimony to both God and man in verses of this kind, where he says: “O much beloved of God! For you the sky does battle, and the winds, conspiring, come at the trumpet's call.” ### Translation notes - Claudian, On the Third Consulship of Honorius 96–98. No extrabiblical id exists for Claudian. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.35.21 (CSEL 5:531–532; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-35-21). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.35.22 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-33-1/#p-7-35-22 - Source: CSEL 5:532 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Heaven judged between humility and arrogance. ### Latin text Ita caelitus iudicatum est inter partem etiam sine praesidio hominum de solo Deo humiliter sperantem et partem adrogantissime de uiribus suis et de idolis praesumentem. ### English translation (Claude) So it was judged from heaven between the side that hoped humbly in God alone, even without human protection, and the side that presumed most arrogantly on its own strength and on idols. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.35.22 (CSEL 5:532; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-35-22). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.35.23 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-33-1/#p-7-35-23 - Source: CSEL 5:532 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Theodosius dies at Milan. ### Latin text Theodosius autem conposita tranquillataque republica apud Mediolanium constitutus diem obiit. ### English translation (Claude) Theodosius, having settled and pacified the commonwealth, died while stationed at Mediolanum. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.35.23 (CSEL 5:532; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-35-23). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.36.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-33-1/#p-7-36-1 - Source: CSEL 5:532–533 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Arcadius and Honorius succeed. ### Latin text Anno ab Vrbe condita MCXLVIIII Arcadius Augustus, cuius nunc filius Theodosius Orientem regit, et Honorius Augustus frater eius, cui nunc respublica innititur, quadragensimo secundo loco commune imperium diuisis tantum sedibus tenere coeperunt; uixitque Arcadius post patris excessum annis duodecim imperiique summam Theodosio filio paruo admodum moriens tradidit. ### English translation (Claude) In the 1149th year from the founding of the City, Arcadius Augustus, whose son Theodosius now rules the East, and his brother Honorius Augustus, on whom the commonwealth now rests, began, in the forty-second place, to hold a common empire, with only their seats divided; and Arcadius lived twelve years after his father's death and, dying, handed the sum of empire to his son Theodosius, still quite small. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.36.1 (CSEL 5:532–533; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-36-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.36.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-33-1/#p-7-36-2 - Source: CSEL 5:533 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Gildo's revolt in Africa. ### Latin text interea Gildo comes, qui in initio regni eorum Africae praeerat, simul ut defunctum Theodosium comperit, siue (ut quidam ferunt) quadam permotus inuidia Africam orientalis imperii partibus iungere molitus est, ### English translation (Claude) Meanwhile Count Gildo, who at the beginning of their reign governed Africa, as soon as he learned that Theodosius was dead, either, as some say, moved by a certain envy, tried to join Africa to the parts of the eastern empire, ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.36.2 (CSEL 5:533; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-36-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.36.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-33-1/#p-7-36-3 - Source: CSEL 5:533 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Gildo seizes Africa. ### Latin text siue (ut alia tradit opinio) minimam in paruulis spem fore arbitratus — praesertim cum absque his non facile antea quisquam pusillus in imperio relictus ad maturitatem uirilis aetatis euaserit istique propemodum soli inueniantur, quos ob egregiam patris ac suam fidem et diuisos et destitutos Christi tutela prouexerit — Africam excerptam a societate reipublicae sibi usurpare ausus est, gentili magis licentia contentus quam ambitu regiae affectationis inflatus. ### English translation (Claude) or, as another opinion relates, thinking there would be very little hope in the little boys (especially since, apart from these, hardly anyone left as a small child in the empire had before reached the maturity of manhood, and these are almost the only ones found whom, because of their father's and their own outstanding faith, the protection of Christ has brought forward though divided and left alone), dared to cut Africa off from the fellowship of the commonwealth and usurp it for himself, content with gentile license rather than puffed up with the ambition of aiming at royalty. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.36.3 (CSEL 5:533; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-36-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.36.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-33-1/#p-7-36-4 - Source: CSEL 5:533–534 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Gildo kills his nephews. ### Latin text huic Mascezel frater fuit, qui nouarum rerum molitiones in fratre perhorrescens, relictis apud Africanam militiam duobus filiis adulescentibus in Italiam rediit. Gildo, et absentiam fratris et praesentiam filiorum eius suspectam habens, adulescentes dolo circumuentos interfecit. ### English translation (Claude) He had a brother Mascezel, who, shuddering at his brother's schemes of revolution, left his two young sons with the African army and returned to Italy. Gildo, holding suspect both his brother's absence and the presence of his sons, surrounded the young men by treachery and killed them. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.36.4 (CSEL 5:533–534; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-36-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.36.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-33-1/#p-7-36-5 - Source: CSEL 5:534 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Mascezel takes monks with him and prays. ### Latin text ad hunc iam ut hostem bello insequendum Mascezel frater missus est, quem idoneum procurandae reipublicae fore propriae orbitatis recens dolor pollicebatur. igitur Mascezel, iam inde a Theodosio sciens, quantum in rebus desperatissimis oratio hominis per fidem Christi a clementia Dei impetraret, Caprariam insulam adiit, unde secum sanctos seruos Dei aliquot permotos precibus suis sumpsit: cum his orationibus ieiuniis psalmis dies noctesque continuans sine bello uictoriam meruit ac sine caede uindictam. ### English translation (Claude) Against him, now to be pursued in war as an enemy, his brother Mascezel was sent, whom the fresh grief of his own bereavement promised to be fit for caring for the commonwealth. So Mascezel, knowing already from Theodosius how much a man's prayer through faith in Christ obtains from the mercy of God in the most desperate affairs, went to the island of Capraria, from which he took with him some holy servants of God, moved by his prayers: continuing with them day and night in prayers, fasts, and psalms, he earned victory without war and vengeance without slaughter. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.36.5 (CSEL 5:534; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-36-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.36.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-33-1/#p-7-36-6 - Source: CSEL 5:534–535 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Mascezel camps by the Ardalio. ### Latin text Ardalio fluminis nomen est, quod fluit inter Theuesten et Ammederam ciuitates; ubi cum parua manu, hoc est cum quinque milibus (ut aiunt) militum, contra septuaginta milia hostium castra metatus, cum interiecta mora excedere loco oppositasque praeiacentis uallis angustias transgredi uellet: ### English translation (Claude) Ardalio is the name of a river which flows between the cities of Theveste and Ammaedara; there, when with a small band, that is, with five thousand soldiers, as they say, he had pitched camp against seventy thousand of the enemy, and after some delay wished to leave the place and cross the narrows of the valley lying opposite before him: ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.36.6 (CSEL 5:534–535; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-36-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.36.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-33-1/#p-7-36-7 - Source: CSEL 5:535 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Ambrose appears to Mascezel in a dream. ### Latin text incurrente nocte beatum Ambrosium episcopum Mediolani paulo ante defunctum per somnium sibi uidere uisus est significantem manu et inpacto ad humum ter baculo dicentem: hic, hic, hic. quod ille prudenti coniectura intellexit merito adnuntiantis fidem uictoriae, uerbo locum, numero diem significare. ### English translation (Claude) as night came on he seemed in a dream to see the blessed Ambrose, bishop of Milan, who had died a little before, signaling with his hand and, striking the ground three times with his staff, saying: “Here, here, here.” This he understood by prudent conjecture to signify by the merit of the announcer the assurance of victory, by the word the place, and by the number the day. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.36.7 (CSEL 5:535; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-36-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.36.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-33-1/#p-7-36-8 - Source: CSEL 5:535 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Mascezel advances after prayer and the sacraments. ### Latin text substitit ac tertio demum die post noctem orationibus hymnisque peruigilem ab ipsis caelestium sacramentorum mysteriis in hostem circumfusum processit; ### English translation (Claude) He halted, and only on the third day, after a night kept awake in prayers and hymns, he went out from the very mysteries of the heavenly sacraments against the enemy pouring around him; ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.36.8 (CSEL 5:535; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-36-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.36.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-33-1/#p-7-36-9 - Source: CSEL 5:535 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Mascezel wounds a standard-bearer. ### Latin text et cum ad eos, qui primi occurrerant, pia pacis uerba iactaret, signiferum quendam insolenter obsistentem et iamiamque pugnam excitantem gladio percussit in bracchio eumque manu debilem ipso uulnere coegit pronum inclinare uexillum. ### English translation (Claude) and when he was addressing pious words of peace to those who had first met him, he struck with his sword on the arm a certain standard-bearer who was insolently resisting and on the point of starting battle, and, the man's hand weakened by the very wound, forced him to lower his banner forward. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.36.9 (CSEL 5:535; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-36-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.36.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-33-1/#p-7-36-10 - Source: CSEL 5:535 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Gildo's army surrenders. ### Latin text quo uiso reliquae cohortes deditionem iam fieri priorum existimantes certatim sese ad Mascezelem signis tradidere conuersis. barbari, quorum magnam multitudinem Gildo ad bellum deduxerat, defectu militum destituti in diuersa fugerunt. ### English translation (Claude) Seeing this, the remaining cohorts, thinking that the first were already surrendering, vied in handing themselves over to Mascezel with standards reversed. The barbarians, a great multitude of whom Gildo had led to war, left helpless by the defection of the soldiers, fled in different directions. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.36.10 (CSEL 5:535; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-36-10). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.36.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-33-1/#p-7-36-11 - Source: CSEL 5:535–536 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Gildo's death. ### Latin text Gildo et ipse fugam molitus arrepta naui ut in altum prouectus ac deinde reuocatus in Africam est, post aliquot dies strangulatus interiit. ### English translation (Claude) Gildo, himself attempting flight, seized a ship, and when he had put out to sea and then been driven back to Africa, after some days died by strangling. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.36.11 (CSEL 5:535–536; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-36-11). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.36.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-33-1/#p-7-36-12 - Source: CSEL 5:536 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The victory over Gildo was a miracle. ### Latin text periclitaremur sub tantorum miraculorum relatu quasi praesumpta mentiendi inpudentia, nisi adhuc uocem nostram conscientia eorum, qui interfuere, praecurreret. nullae aguntur insidiae, nulla corruptio; septuaginta milia hostium uincuntur paene sine pugna; fugit uictus ad tempus, ne plus audeat uictor iratus; transportatur in diuersum locum, ut nesciat frater occidi, quo uindicatur occiso. ### English translation (Claude) We would run the risk, in relating such great miracles, of seeming to have presumed the impudence of lying, did not the knowledge of those who were present still run ahead of our voice. No traps are laid, no bribery; seventy thousand of the enemy are conquered almost without battle; the vanquished flees for a time, lest the angry victor dare more; he is carried off to a different place, so that the brother may not know of the killing of him by whose death he is avenged. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.36.12 (CSEL 5:536; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-36-12). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.36.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-33-1/#p-7-36-13 - Source: CSEL 5:536 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Mascezel violates a church and is punished. ### Latin text sane idem Mascezel elatus rerum secundarum insolentia, posthabito sanctorum consortio, cum quibus antea Deo militans uicerat, etiam ecclesiam temerare ausus est atque ex ea quosdam non dubitauit extrahere. secuta est poena sacrilegum. nam isdem superstitibus atque insultantibus, quos ab ecclesia ad poenam protraxerat, post aliquantum tempus solus ipse punitus est probauitque in se uno, ad utrumque semper diuinum uigilare iudicium, quando et, cum sperauit, adiutus et, cum contempsit, occisus est. ### English translation (Claude) Indeed the same Mascezel, elated by the insolence of success, setting aside the fellowship of the saints, with whom he had conquered before as a soldier of God, even dared to violate a church and did not hesitate to drag certain people out of it. Punishment followed the sacrilegious man. For while those whom he had dragged from the church to punishment survived and exulted, after some time he alone was punished, and proved in himself alone that the divine judgment is always watchful in both directions, since when he hoped he was helped, and when he despised he was killed. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.36.13 (CSEL 5:536; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-36-13). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.37.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-33-1/#p-7-37-1 - Source: CSEL 5:536–537 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Rufinus and Stilicho use the barbarians for their ambition. ### Latin text Interea cum a Theodosio imperatore seniore singulis potissimis infantum cura et disciplina utriusque palatii commissa esset, hoc est Rufino orientalis aulae, Stiliconi occidentalis imperii, quid uterque egerit, quidue agere conatus sit, exitus utriusque docuit, cum alius sibi, alius filio suo affectans regale fastigium, ut rebus repente turbatis necessitas reipublicae scelus ambitus tegeret, barbaras gentes ille inmisit, hic fouit. ### English translation (Claude) Meanwhile, when the elder emperor Theodosius had entrusted the care and training of each of the infants and of each palace to the most powerful men, that is, to Rufinus the eastern court and to Stilicho the western empire, what each did, or tried to do, the end of each showed: the one aiming at royal rank for himself, the other for his son, so that, with affairs suddenly thrown into confusion, the need of the commonwealth might cover the crime of ambition, the one let in barbarian peoples, the other fostered them. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.37.1 (CSEL 5:536–537; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-37-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.37.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-33-1/#p-7-37-2 - Source: CSEL 5:537 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The battle of Pollentia fought on Easter. ### Latin text taceo de Alarico rege cum Gothis suis saepe uicto, saepe concluso semperque dimisso. taceo de infelicibus illis apud Pollentiam gestis, cum barbaro et pagano duci, hoc est Sauli, belli summa commissa est, cuius inprobitate reuerentissimi dies et sanctum pascha uiolatum est cedentique hosti propter religionem, ut pugnaret, extortum est: cum quidem, ostendente in breui indicio Dei et quid fauor eius possit et quid ultio exigeret, pugnantes uicimus, uictores uicti sumus. ### English translation (Claude) I say nothing of King Alaric with his Goths, often defeated, often shut in, and always let go. I say nothing of those unhappy events at Pollentia, when the supreme command of the war was given to a barbarian and pagan general, that is, Saul, by whose wickedness the most reverend days and holy Easter were violated, and from the enemy, who was giving way for the sake of religion, a battle was extorted: when indeed, as the judgment of God soon showed both what his favor could do and what his vengeance demanded, fighting we conquered, and as victors we were conquered. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.37.2 (CSEL 5:537; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-37-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.37.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-33-1/#p-7-37-3 - Source: CSEL 5:537–538 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Barbarians fight one another. ### Latin text taceo de ipsorum inter se barbarorum crebris dilacerationibus, cum se inuicem Gothorum cunei duo, deinde Alani atque Huni uariis caedibus populabantur. ### English translation (Claude) I say nothing of the frequent tearings among the barbarians themselves, when two wedges of the Goths, then the Alans and Huns, ravaged each other with various slaughters. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.37.3 (CSEL 5:537–538; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-37-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.37.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-33-1/#p-7-37-4 - Source: CSEL 5:538 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Radagaisus invades Italy. ### Latin text Radagaisus, omnium antiquorum praesentiumque hostium longe immanissimus, repentino impetu totam inundauit Italiam. nam fuisse in populo eius plus quam ducenta milia Gothorum ferunt. ### English translation (Claude) Radagaisus, by far the most savage of all enemies, ancient and present, flooded all Italy with a sudden onset. For they say there were more than two hundred thousand Goths in his people. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.37.4 (CSEL 5:538; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-37-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.37.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-33-1/#p-7-37-5 - Source: CSEL 5:538 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Radagaisus vows Roman blood to his gods. ### Latin text hic supra hanc incredibilem multitudinem indomitamque uirtutem paganus et Scytha erat: qui, ut mos est barbaris huiusmodi gentibus, omnem Romani generis sanguinem dis suis propinare deuouerat. ### English translation (Claude) He, beyond this incredible multitude and untamed courage, was a pagan and a Scythian, who, as is the custom of barbarian peoples of this kind, had vowed to offer all the blood of the Roman race to his gods. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.37.5 (CSEL 5:538; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-37-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.37.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-33-1/#p-7-37-6 - Source: CSEL 5:538–539 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The pagans blame the loss of the gods. ### Latin text hoc igitur Romanis arcibus imminente fit omnium paganorum in Vrbe concursus, hostem esse cum utique copia uirium tum maxime praesidio deorum potentem, Vrbem autem ideo destitutam et mature perituram, quia deos et sacra perdiderit. ### English translation (Claude) So, as he threatened the Roman citadels, there was a rush of all the pagans in the City, saying that the enemy was powerful both in the abundance of his forces and above all in the protection of the gods, while the City was abandoned and would soon perish because it had lost its gods and rites. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.37.6 (CSEL 5:538–539; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-37-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.37.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-33-1/#p-7-37-7 - Source: CSEL 5:539 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Blasphemies at Rome. ### Latin text magnis querellis ubique agitur, et continuo de repetendis sacris celebrandisque tractatur, feruent tota Vrbe blasphemiae, uulgo nomen Christi tamquam lues aliqua praesentium temporum probris ingrauatur. ### English translation (Claude) There are great complaints everywhere, and at once there is talk of restoring and celebrating the rites; blasphemies boil throughout the City, and the name of Christ is commonly weighed down with the reproaches of the present times, as if it were some plague. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.37.7 (CSEL 5:539; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-37-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.37.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-33-1/#p-7-37-8 - Source: CSEL 5:539 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Two Gothic peoples, by God's judgment. ### Latin text itaque ineffabili iudicio Dei factum est, uti, quoniam in permixto populo piis gratia, poena impiis debebatur oportebatque permitti hostes, qui insuadibilem in plurimis et contradicentem ciuitatem seuerioribus solito flagris coarguerent, non tamen eos, qui indiscrete cunctos intemperata caede delerent — duo tunc Gothorum populi cum duobus potentissimis regibus suis per Romanas prouincias bacchabantur: ### English translation (Claude) So it came about by the ineffable judgment of God that, since in a mixed people grace was owed to the pious and punishment to the impious, and enemies had to be permitted who would chastise with more than usually severe whips a city in very many ways unpersuadable and contradicting, yet not such as would destroy all indiscriminately with unrestrained slaughter, two peoples of the Goths were then raging through the Roman provinces with their two most powerful kings: ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.37.8 (CSEL 5:539; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-37-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.37.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-33-1/#p-7-37-9 - Source: CSEL 5:539–540 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Alaric the Christian and Radagaisus the pagan. ### Latin text quorum unus Christianus propiorque Romano et, ut res docuit, timore Dei mitis in caede, alius paganus barbarus et uere Scytha, qui non tantum gloriam aut praedam quantum inexsaturabili crudelitate ipsam caedem amaret in caede, et hic iam sinu receptus Italiae Romam e proximo trementem terrore quassabat. ### English translation (Claude) of these one was a Christian and nearer to the Roman, and, as events showed, mild in slaughter through fear of God; the other a pagan, a barbarian, and truly a Scythian, who loved not so much glory or booty as slaughter itself in slaughter, with insatiable cruelty; and this one, already received in the bosom of Italy, was shaking Rome, trembling close by, with terror. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.37.9 (CSEL 5:539–540; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-37-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.37.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-33-1/#p-7-37-10 - Source: CSEL 5:540 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: A pagan victory would have revived idolatry. ### Latin text itaque si huic ultionis potestas permitteretur, quem Romani ob hoc praecipue timendum arbitrabantur, quia fauorem deorum sacrificiorum obsequiis inuitaret, et immoderatior caedes sine fructu emendationis arsisset et error nouissimus peior priore creuisset; quandoquidem in pagani et idololatrae manus incidisse, non solum paganis residuis de instaurando cultu idolorum esset indubitata persuasio sed etiam Christianis periculosa confusio, cum et hi terrerentur praeiudicio et illi confirmarentur exemplo. ### English translation (Claude) So, if power of vengeance had been permitted to this one, whom the Romans thought must be feared chiefly because he invited the favor of the gods by the services of sacrifices, both a more unrestrained slaughter would have blazed without fruit of correction, and “the last error would have grown worse than the first”; since, if they had fallen into the hands of a pagan and idolater, there would have been not only an undoubted persuasion among the remaining pagans about restoring the worship of idols but also a dangerous confusion for the Christians, as these would be frightened by the precedent and those confirmed by the example. ### Scripture references - Matt 27:64: quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - “The last error … worse than the first”: Matt 27:64. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.37.10 (CSEL 5:540; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-37-10). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.37.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-33-1/#p-7-37-11 - Source: CSEL 5:540 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: God destroyed the pagan and let the Christian prevail. ### Latin text quamobrem iustus dispensator humani generis Deus perire paganum hostem uoluit et Christianum praeualere permisit, ut pagani blasphemantesque Romani et illo confunderentur perdito et hoc punirentur immisso; maxime cum imperatoris Honorii admiranda in rege continentia et sanctissima fides non parum diuinae misericordiae mereretur ### English translation (Claude) For this reason God, the just dispenser of the human race, willed the pagan enemy to perish and allowed the Christian to prevail, so that the pagans and blaspheming Romans might be both confounded by the destruction of the one and punished by the sending of the other; especially since the admirable self-restraint and most holy faith of the emperor Honorius as king earned no small measure of divine mercy. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.37.11 (CSEL 5:540; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-37-11). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.37.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-33-1/#p-7-37-12 - Source: CSEL 5:540–541 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Hunnic and Gothic allies help, but God acts. ### Latin text conceduntur quidem aduersus immanissimum illum hostem Radagaisum aliorum hostium cum copiis suis inclinati ad auxilium animi. adsunt Vldin et Sarus, Hunorum et Gothorum duces, praesidio Romanorum; sed non sinit Deus rem potentiae suae uirtutem hominum ac maxime hostium uideri. ### English translation (Claude) Against that most savage enemy Radagaisus the minds of other enemies with their forces are indeed granted, inclined to help. Uldin and Sarus, leaders of the Huns and Goths, are present for the protection of the Romans; but God does not allow a matter of his own power to seem the strength of men, and above all of enemies. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.37.12 (CSEL 5:540–541; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-37-12). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.37.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-33-1/#p-7-37-13 - Source: CSEL 5:541 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Radagaisus is trapped at Faesulae. ### Latin text conterritum diuinitus Radagaisum in Faesulanos montes cogit eiusque — secundum eos qui parcissime referunt — ducenta milia hominum inopum consilii et cibi in arido et aspero montis iugo, urguente undique timore concludit agminaque, quibus dudum angusta uidebatur Italia, latendi spe in unum ac paruum uerticem trudit. quid multis morer? ### English translation (Claude) He drives Radagaisus, terrified by divine power, into the mountains of Faesulae and shuts up his two hundred thousand men (according to those who report most sparingly), at a loss for counsel and food, on the dry and rough ridge of the mountain, with fear pressing on every side, and thrusts columns for which Italy had lately seemed narrow, in hope of hiding, onto one small peak. Why should I delay with many words? ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.37.13 (CSEL 5:541; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-37-13). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.37.14 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-33-1/#p-7-37-14 - Source: CSEL 5:541 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The enemy perishes without battle. ### Latin text non disposita in bellum acies fuit, non furor timorque incerta pugnae praetulit, non caedes acta, non sanguis effusus est, non postremo - quod felicitatis loco deputari solet — damna pugnae euentu compensata uictoriae: edentibus bibentibus ludentibusque nostris tanti illi tamque immanes hostes esurientes sitientes languentesque confecti sunt. ### English translation (Claude) No battle line was drawn up for war, no fury and fear brought on the uncertainties of a fight, no slaughter was done, no blood shed, and finally, what is usually counted as good fortune, no losses of battle were compensated by the outcome of victory: while our men ate, drank, and played, those enemies, so many and so savage, were finished off, hungry, thirsty, and languishing. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.37.14 (CSEL 5:541; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-37-14). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.37.15 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-33-1/#p-7-37-15 - Source: CSEL 5:541–542 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Radagaisus is captured and executed. ### Latin text parum hoc est, nisi captum et subiugatum sciant, quem timuere Romani, illumque idololatram suum, cuius sacrificia se magis pertimescere quam arma fingebant, sine proelio uictum ac uinctum sub iugo catenisque despiciant. igitur rex Radagaisus solus spem fugae sumens clam suos deseruit atque in nostros incidit: a quibus captus et paulisper retentus ac deinde interfectus est. ### English translation (Claude) This is little, unless they know that he whom the Romans feared was captured and subjugated, and look down on that idolater of theirs, whose sacrifices they pretended to fear more than his arms, conquered without battle and bound under yoke and chains. So King Radagaisus, alone taking hope of flight, secretly deserted his men and fell among ours: by them he was captured, kept for a little while, and then killed. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.37.15 (CSEL 5:541–542; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-37-15). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.37.16 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-33-1/#p-7-37-16 - Source: CSEL 5:542 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The captives are sold cheaply and soon die. ### Latin text tanta uero multitudo captiuorum Gothorum fuisse fertur, ut uilissimorum pecudum modo singulis aureis passim greges hominum uenderentur. sed nihil superesse Deus de eodem populo sinit. nam ilico cunctis qui emebantur morientibus quod improbi emptores eorum non impenderunt turpiter pretiis, expenderunt misericorditer sepulturis. ### English translation (Claude) So great a multitude of Gothic captives is said to have existed that everywhere herds of men were sold like the cheapest cattle for a gold piece each. But God allowed nothing of that people to remain. For at once, as all who were bought died, what their wicked buyers had not spent shamefully on prices they spent mercifully on burials. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.37.16 (CSEL 5:542; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-37-16). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.37.17 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-33-1/#p-7-37-17 - Source: CSEL 5:542 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Rome is spared for a time. ### Latin text igitur ingrata Roma, quae sicut nunc sensit non ad remittendam sed ad reprimendam idololatriae praesumptionem iudicis Dei obliquam misericordiam, ita continuo propter uiuorum mortuorumque sanctorum piam recordationem Dei iram passura non plenam, si forte confusa paeniteat et per experientiam fidem discat, ab incursu Alarici regis et hostis sed Christiani aliquantulo ad tempus spatio differtur. ### English translation (Claude) So ungrateful Rome, which, as she now felt the indirect mercy of God the judge not for remitting but for repressing the presumption of idolatry, so soon was to suffer God's wrath, though not in full, because of the pious memory of the saints living and dead, if perhaps, confounded, she might repent and learn faith through experience, is given a little respite for a time from the attack of Alaric, a king and an enemy, but a Christian. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.37.17 (CSEL 5:542; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-37-17). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.38.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-33-1/#p-7-38-1 - Source: CSEL 5:542–543 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Stilicho plots to make his son emperor. ### Latin text Interea comes Stilico, Vandalorum inbellis auarae perfidae et dolosae gentis genere editus, parui pendens quod sub imperatore imperabat, Eucherium filium suum, sicut a plerisque traditur, iam inde Christianorum persecutionem a puero priuatoque meditantem, in imperium quoquo modo substituere nitebatur. ### English translation (Claude) Meanwhile Count Stilicho, sprung from the race of the Vandals, an unwarlike, greedy, faithless, and crafty nation, thinking it little that he ruled under an emperor, was striving by any means to put in the emperor's place his son Eucherius, who, as is related by many, was already from boyhood and as a private man planning a persecution of the Christians. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.38.1 (CSEL 5:542–543; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-38-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.38.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-33-1/#p-7-38-2 - Source: CSEL 5:543 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Stilicho keeps Alaric in reserve. ### Latin text quamobrem Alaricum cunctamque Gothorum gentem, pro pace optima et quibuscumque sedibus suppliciter ac simpliciter orantem, occulto foedere fouens, publice autem et belli et pacis copia negata, ad terendam terrendamque rempublicam reseruauit. ### English translation (Claude) For this reason, fostering Alaric and the whole nation of the Goths, who were begging humbly and simply for the best peace and any dwellings whatever, by a secret treaty, but publicly denying them both war and peace, he kept them in reserve to wear down and terrify the commonwealth. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.38.2 (CSEL 5:543; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-38-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.38.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-33-1/#p-7-38-3 - Source: CSEL 5:543 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Stilicho incites the Vandals, Alans and Suebi. ### Latin text praeterea gentes alias copiis uiribusque intolerabiles, quibus nunc Galliarum Hispaniarumque prouinciae premuntur, hoc est Alanorum Sueborum Vandalorum ipsoque simul motu inpulsorum Burgundionum, ultro in arma sollicitans, deterso semel Romani nominis metu suscitauit. ### English translation (Claude) Moreover, he roused other peoples, unbearable in their numbers and strength, by whom the provinces of the Gauls and Spains are now oppressed, that is, the Alans, Suebi, Vandals, and with them the Burgundians driven by the same movement, soliciting them to arms of his own accord, once the fear of the Roman name had been wiped away. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.38.3 (CSEL 5:543; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-38-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.38.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-33-1/#p-7-38-4 - Source: CSEL 5:543–544 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Stilicho's hopes. ### Latin text eas interim ripas Rheni quatere et pulsare Gallias uoluit, sperans miser sub hac necessitatis circumstantia, quia et extorquere imperium genero posset in filium et barbarae gentes tam facile comprimi quam commoueri ualerent. ### English translation (Claude) He wished them meanwhile to batter the banks of the Rhine and strike the Gauls, hoping, wretch, that under this pressure of necessity he could both wrest the empire from his son-in-law for his son, and that the barbarian peoples could be suppressed as easily as they were stirred up. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.38.4 (CSEL 5:543–544; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-38-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.38.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-33-1/#p-7-38-5 - Source: CSEL 5:544 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Stilicho is killed. ### Latin text itaque ubi imperatori Honorio exercituique Romano haec tantorum scelerum scaena patefacta est, commoto iustissime exercitu occisus est Stilico, qui ut unum puerum purpura indueret, totius generis humani sanguinem dedidit; ### English translation (Claude) So when this scene of such great crimes was laid bare to the emperor Honorius and the Roman army, the army being most justly roused, Stilicho was killed, who, to clothe one boy in the purple, had given over the blood of the whole human race; ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.38.5 (CSEL 5:544; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-38-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.38.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-33-1/#p-7-38-6 - Source: CSEL 5:544 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Eucherius is killed; the churches are freed. ### Latin text occisus Eucherius, qui ad conciliandum sibi fauorem paganorum restitutione templorum et euersione ecclesiarum inbuturum se regni primordia minabatur, paucique cum isdem satellites tantarum molitionum puniti sunt. ita minimo negotio paucorumque poena ecclesiae Christi cum imperatore religioso et liberatae sunt et uindicatae. ### English translation (Claude) Eucherius was killed, who, to win the favor of the pagans, was threatening to begin the first days of his reign with the restoration of the temples and the overthrow of the churches, and a few henchmen of such great schemes were punished with them. So with very little trouble and the punishment of a few the churches of Christ, together with the religious emperor, were both freed and avenged. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.38.6 (CSEL 5:544; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-38-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.38.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-33-1/#p-7-38-7 - Source: CSEL 5:544 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Rome's punishment comes. ### Latin text Itaque post haec tanta augmenta blasphemiarum nullamque paenitentiam ultima illa diuque suspensa Vrbem poena consequitur. ### English translation (Claude) So, after these great increases of blasphemies and no repentance, that last punishment, long suspended, overtakes the City. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.38.7 (CSEL 5:544; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-38-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.39.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-33-1/#p-7-39-1 - Source: CSEL 5:544–545 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Alaric sacks Rome but spares the churches. ### Latin text adest Alaricus, trepidam Romam obsidet turbat inrumpit dato tamen praecepto prius, ut si qui in sancta loca praecipueque in sanctorum apostolorum Petri et Pauli basilicas confugissent, hos inprimis inuiolatos securosque esse sinerent, tum deinde in quantum possent praedae inhiantes a sanguine temperarent. ### English translation (Claude) Alaric arrives, besieges, throws into confusion, and breaks into trembling Rome, having first given the order that, if any had fled to the holy places, and especially to the basilicas of the holy apostles Peter and Paul, they should let these above all be unharmed and safe, and then that, as far as they could, while greedy for booty, they should refrain from blood. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.39.1 (CSEL 5:544–545; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-39-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.39.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-33-1/#p-7-39-2 - Source: CSEL 5:545 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Pope Innocent is absent, like Lot from Sodom. ### Latin text accidit quoque, quo magis illa Vrbis inruptio indignatione Dei acta quam hostis fortitudine probaretur, ut beatus Innocentius, Romanae urbis episcopus, tamquam iustus Loth subtractus a Sodomis occulta prouidentia Dei apud Rauennam tunc positus, peccatoris populi non uideret excidium. ### English translation (Claude) It also happened, so that the breaking into the City might be the more proved to have been done by the indignation of God than by the strength of the enemy, that the blessed Innocent, bishop of the city of Rome, like righteous Lot withdrawn from Sodom, was then placed at Ravenna by the hidden providence of God, so that he did not see the destruction of the sinful people. ### Scripture references - Gen 19:15–29: allusion, high confidence - 2 Pet 2:7: allusion, medium confidence ### Translation notes - Compare Gen 19:15–29; 2 Pet 2:7. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.39.2 (CSEL 5:545; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-39-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.39.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-33-1/#p-7-39-3 - Source: CSEL 5:545 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: A Goth finds a consecrated virgin. ### Latin text discurrentibus per Vrbem barbaris forte unus Gothorum idemque potens et Christianus sacram Deo uirginem iam aetate prouectam, in quadam ecclesiastica domo reperit, cumque ab ea aurum argentumque honeste exposceret, ### English translation (Claude) While the barbarians were running through the City, one of the Goths, as it happened, a powerful man and a Christian, found in a certain church house a virgin consecrated to God, already advanced in age; and when he asked her, honorably, for gold and silver, ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.39.3 (CSEL 5:545; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-39-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.39.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-33-1/#p-7-39-4 - Source: CSEL 5:545 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: She shows him the sacred vessels. ### Latin text illa fideli constantia esse apud se plurimum et mox proferendum spopondit ac protulit, cumque expositis opibus attonitum barbarum magnitudine pondere pulchritudine, ignota etiam uasorum qualitate intellegeret, uirgo Christi ad barbarum ait: ### English translation (Claude) she, with faithful constancy, promised that there was a great deal with her and that she would soon bring it out, and she did; and when, the treasures laid out, she understood that the barbarian was astonished at their size, weight, and beauty, and at the unknown kind of the vessels too, the virgin of Christ said to the barbarian: ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.39.4 (CSEL 5:545; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-39-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.39.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-33-1/#p-7-39-5 - Source: CSEL 5:545–546 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The virgin's words. ### Latin text haec Petri apostoli sacra ministeria sunt. praesume, si audes; de facto tu uideris. ego quia defendere nequeo, tenere non audeo. ### English translation (Claude) “These are the sacred vessels of the apostle Peter. Take them, if you dare; you will answer for the deed. I, since I cannot defend them, do not dare to keep them.” ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.39.5 (CSEL 5:545–546; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-39-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.39.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-33-1/#p-7-39-6 - Source: CSEL 5:546 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Alaric is told. ### Latin text barbarus uero ad reuerentiam religionis timore Dei et fide uirginis motus ad Alaricum haec per nuntium rettulit: qui continuo reportari ad apostoli basilicam uniuersa ut erant ### English translation (Claude) The barbarian, moved to reverence for religion by fear of God and the virgin's faith, reported this to Alaric through a messenger; he at once ordered all the vessels, just as they were, ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.39.6 (CSEL 5:546; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-39-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.39.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-33-1/#p-7-39-7 - Source: CSEL 5:546 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The vessels are carried to St. Peter's. ### Latin text uasa imperauit, uirginem etiam simulque omnes qui se adiungerent Christianos eodem cum defensione deduci. ea domus a sanctis sedibus longe ut ferunt et medio interiectu Vrbis aberat. ### English translation (Claude) to be carried back to the apostle's basilica, and the virgin too, and with her all Christians who joined themselves, to be escorted there under protection. That house, they say, was far from the holy places, with half the City lying between. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.39.7 (CSEL 5:546; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-39-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.39.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-33-1/#p-7-39-8 - Source: CSEL 5:546 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The procession of the vessels. ### Latin text itaque magno spectaculo omnium disposita per singulos singula et super capita elata palam aurea atque argentea uasa portantur; exertis undique ad defensionem gladiis pia pompa munitur; ### English translation (Claude) So, to the great spectacle of all, the gold and silver vessels, distributed one to each person and raised above their heads, are carried openly; the pious procession is protected by swords drawn on every side for its defense; ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.39.8 (CSEL 5:546; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-39-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.39.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-33-1/#p-7-39-9 - Source: CSEL 5:546 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Romans and Goths sing together. ### Latin text hymnum Deo Romanis barbarisque concinentibus publice canitur; personat late in excidio Vrbis salutis tuba omnesque etiam in abditis latentes inuitat ac pulsat; ### English translation (Claude) a hymn to God is sung publicly, Romans and barbarians singing together; the trumpet of salvation resounds widely in the destruction of the City and invites and knocks at all, even those hiding in secret places; ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.39.9 (CSEL 5:546; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-39-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.39.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-33-1/#p-7-39-10 - Source: CSEL 5:546–547 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Many join the procession and are saved. ### Latin text concurrunt undique ad uasa Petri uasa Christi, plurimi etiam pagani Christianis professione etsi non fide admiscentur et per hoc tamen ad tempus, quo magis confundantur, euadunt; quanto copiosius adgregantur Romani confugientes, tanto auidius circumfunduntur barbari defensores. ### English translation (Claude) they run together from everywhere to the vessels of Peter, the vessels of Christ; very many pagans too mingle with the Christians in profession, though not in faith, and by this, though for a time, escape, so as to be the more confounded; the more abundantly fleeing Romans gather, the more eagerly the barbarians pour around them as defenders. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.39.10 (CSEL 5:546–547; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-39-10). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.39.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-33-1/#p-7-39-11 - Source: CSEL 5:547 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Orosius's exclamation on the procession. ### Latin text O sacra et ineffabilis diuini iudicii discretio! O sanctum istud et salutare flumen, quod parua exortum domo, dum beato alueo in sanctorum sedes tendit, oberrantes periclitantesque animas in salutis sinum pia rapacitate peruexit! ### English translation (Claude) O holy and ineffable discernment of divine judgment! O holy and saving river, which, arising from a small house, while it makes for the seats of the saints in its blessed channel, carried wandering and endangered souls into the bosom of salvation with a holy rapacity! ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.39.11 (CSEL 5:547; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-39-11). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.39.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-33-1/#p-7-39-12 - Source: CSEL 5:547 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The trumpet of salvation. ### Latin text O praeclara illa Christianae militiae tuba, quae generaliter cunctos dulcissimo ad uitam modulamine inuitans, quos ad salutem inoboedientes non suscitauit, inexcusabiles reliquit ad mortem. ### English translation (Claude) O that glorious trumpet of Christian warfare, which, inviting all in general to life with the sweetest melody, left inexcusable for death those whom, disobedient, it did not rouse to salvation. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.39.12 (CSEL 5:547; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-39-12). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.39.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-33-1/#p-7-39-13 - Source: CSEL 5:547 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The procession as a sieve. ### Latin text mysterium hoc, quod in transferendis uasis, dicendis hymnis, ducendis populis fuit, tamquam magnum cribrum fuisse arbitror, per quod ex congregatione populi Romani tamquam ex magna massa frumenti per omnia ex uniuerso ambitu ciuitatis latebrarum foramina effluxere grana uiua siue occasione siue ueritate commota; ### English translation (Claude) This mystery, which lay in carrying the vessels, singing hymns, and leading the people, I think was like a great sieve, through which, from the gathering of the Roman people, as from a great mass of grain, living grains flowed out through all the holes of the hiding places from the whole circuit of the city, moved either by the occasion or by truth; ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.39.13 (CSEL 5:547; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-39-13). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.39.14 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-33-1/#p-7-39-14 - Source: CSEL 5:547 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Wheat and chaff. ### Latin text omnia tamen de praesenti salute credentia ex horreo dominicae praeparationis accepta sunt, reliqua uero uelut stercora et uelut paleae, ipsa uel incredulitate uel inoboedientia praeiudicata, ad exterminium atque incendium remanserunt. quis haec perpendere plenis miraculis, quis praedicare dignis laudibus queat? ### English translation (Claude) yet all that believed in present salvation were received from the granary of the Lord's preparation, while the rest, like dung and like chaff, already judged by their very unbelief or disobedience, remained for extermination and burning. Who could weigh these things with full wonder, who proclaim them with fitting praise? ### Scripture references - Matt 3:12: allusion, medium confidence - Luke 3:17: echo, low confidence ### Translation notes - Compare Matt 3:12; Luke 3:17. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.39.14 (CSEL 5:547; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-39-14). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.39.15 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-33-1/#p-7-39-15 - Source: CSEL 5:547–548 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Goths leave after three days. ### Latin text Tertia die barbari quam ingressi Vrbem fuerant sponte discedunt, facto quidem aliquantarum aedium incendio sed ne tanto quidem quantum septingentesimo conditionis eius anno casus effecerat. ### English translation (Claude) On the third day after they had entered the City the barbarians left of their own accord, having indeed set fire to a number of buildings, but not even so great a fire as chance had caused in the seven hundredth year from its founding. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.39.15 (CSEL 5:547–548; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-39-15). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.39.16 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-33-1/#p-7-39-16 - Source: CSEL 5:548 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Nero's fire was worse. ### Latin text nam si exhibitam Neronis imperatoris sui spectaculis inflammationem recenseam, procul dubio nulla conparatione aequiperabitur secundum id, quod excitauerat lasciuia principis, hoc, quod nunc intulit ira uictoris. ### English translation (Claude) For if I review the burning displayed for the spectacles of their emperor Nero, beyond doubt there will be no comparison to equate this, which the anger of the victor now brought, with that which the wantonness of the prince had stirred up. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.39.16 (CSEL 5:548; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-39-16). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.39.17 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-33-1/#p-7-39-17 - Source: CSEL 5:548 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Gallic sack was worse. ### Latin text neque uero Gallorum meminisse in huiusmodi conlatione debeo, qui continuo paene anni spatio incensae euersaeque Vrbis adtritos cineres possederunt. ### English translation (Claude) Nor should I recall the Gauls in such a comparison, who for the space of almost a year continuously possessed the worn ashes of the burned and overthrown City. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.39.17 (CSEL 5:548; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-39-17). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.39.18 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-33-1/#p-7-39-18 - Source: CSEL 5:548 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Lightning strikes what the enemy spared. ### Latin text et ne quisquam forte dubitaret ad correptionem superbae lasciuae et blasphemae ciuitatis hostibus fuisse permissum, eodem tempore clarissima Vrbis loca fulminibus diruta sunt, quae inflammari ab hostibus nequiuerunt. ### English translation (Claude) And lest anyone perhaps doubt that it was permitted to the enemy for the chastisement of a proud, wanton, and blasphemous city, at the same time the most famous places of the City, which the enemy could not set on fire, were destroyed by lightning. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.39.18 (CSEL 5:548; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-39-18). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.40.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-40-1/#p-7-40-1 - Source: CSEL 5:548–549 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Rome has largely recovered from the sack. ### Latin text Anno itaque ab Vrbe condita MCLXIIII inruptio Vrbis per Alaricum facta est: cuius rei quamuis recens memoria sit, tamen si quis ipsius populi Romani et multitudinem uideat et uocem audiat, nihil factum, sicut etiam ipsi fatentur, arbitrabitur, nisi aliquantis adhuc existentibus ex incendio ruinis forte doceatur. ### English translation (Claude) So in the 1164th year from the founding of the City the breaking into the City by Alaric took place: although the memory of this event is recent, yet if anyone sees the multitude of the Roman people itself and hears its voice, he will think, as they themselves too confess, that nothing happened, unless perhaps he is informed by some ruins from the fire that still remain. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.40.1 (CSEL 5:548–549; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-40-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.40.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-40-1/#p-7-40-2 - Source: CSEL 5:549 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Placidia marries Athaulf. ### Latin text in ea inruptione Placidia, Theodosii principis filia, Arcadii et Honorii imperatorum soror, ab Athaulfo, Alarici propinquo, capta atque in uxorem adsumpta, quasi eam diuino iudicio uelut speciale pignus obsidem Roma tradiderit, ita iuncta potentissimo barbari regis coniugio multo reipublicae commodo fuit. ### English translation (Claude) In that breaking in, Placidia, daughter of the prince Theodosius and sister of the emperors Arcadius and Honorius, was captured by Athaulf, a kinsman of Alaric, and taken as wife, as if by divine judgment Rome had handed her over as a special pledge and hostage; so, joined in marriage to a most powerful barbarian king, she was of great advantage to the commonwealth. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.40.2 (CSEL 5:549; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-40-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.40.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-40-1/#p-7-40-3 - Source: CSEL 5:549–550 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The great invasion of Gaul. ### Latin text Interea ante biennium Romanae inruptionis excitatae per Stiliconem gentes Alanorum, ut dixi, Sueborum Vandalorum multaeque cum his aliae Francos proterunt, Rhenum transeunt, Gallias inuadunt directoque impetu Pyrenaeum usque perueniunt: cuius obice ad tempus repulsae, per circumiacentes prouincias refunduntur. ### English translation (Claude) Meanwhile, two years before the breaking into Rome, the peoples stirred up by Stilicho, as I said, the Alans, Suebi, Vandals, and many others with them, overran the Franks, crossed the Rhine, invaded the Gauls, and in a direct onset came as far as the Pyrenees; driven back for a time by that barrier, they poured back through the surrounding provinces. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.40.3 (CSEL 5:549–550; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-40-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.40.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-40-1/#p-7-40-4 - Source: CSEL 5:550 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Gratian and Constantine III usurp in Britain. ### Latin text His per Gallias bacchantibus apud Britannias Gratianus, municeps eiusdem insulae, tyrannus creatur et occiditur. huius loco Constantinus ex infima militia propter solam spem nominis sine merito uirtutis eligitur: qui continuo, ut inuasit imperium, in Gallias transiit. ibi saepe a barbaris incertis foederibus inlusus, detrimento magis reipublicae fuit. ### English translation (Claude) While these were raging through the Gauls, in the Britains Gratian, a native of that island, was made tyrant and killed. In his place Constantine was chosen from the lowest ranks of the army only for the hope of his name, without any merit of courage; as soon as he seized the empire, he crossed into the Gauls. There, often mocked by the barbarians with uncertain treaties, he was rather a detriment to the commonwealth. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.40.4 (CSEL 5:550; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-40-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.40.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-40-1/#p-7-40-5 - Source: CSEL 5:550–551 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Didymus and Verinianus resist Constantine. ### Latin text misit in Hispanias iudices: quos cum prouinciae oboedienter accepissent, duo fratres iuuenes nobiles et locupletes Didymus et Verinianus non assumere aduersus tyrannum quidem tyrannidem sed imperatori iusto aduersus tyrannum et barbaros tueri sese patriamque suam moliti sunt. quod ipso gestae rei ordine patuit. ### English translation (Claude) He sent judges into the Spains; when the provinces had received them obediently, two brothers, young, noble, and rich, Didymus and Verinianus, undertook, not indeed to assume a tyranny against the tyrant, but to protect themselves and their homeland for the lawful emperor against the tyrant and the barbarians. This was plain from the very order of what was done. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.40.5 (CSEL 5:550–551; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-40-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.40.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-40-1/#p-7-40-6 - Source: CSEL 5:551 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Their conduct shows they were not usurpers. ### Latin text nam tyrannidem nemo nisi celeriter maturatam secrete inuadit at publice armat, cuius summa est assumpto diademate ac purpura uideri antequam sciri; hi uero plurimo tempore seruulos tantum suos ex propriis praediis colligentes ac uernaculis alentes sumptibus nec dissimulato proposito absque cuiusquam inquietudine ad Pyrenaei claustra tendebant. ### English translation (Claude) For no one seizes a tyranny except one quickly matured, secretly seized and publicly armed, the sum of which is to be seen in diadem and purple before being known; but these, gathering for a long time only their own slaves from their own estates and feeding them at their own household expense, and without concealing their purpose, were making for the barriers of the Pyrenees without disturbing anyone. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.40.6 (CSEL 5:551; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-40-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.40.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-40-1/#p-7-40-7 - Source: CSEL 5:551 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Constans is sent to Spain. ### Latin text aduersus hos Constantinus Constantem filium suum, — pro dolor! — ex monacho Caesarem factum, cum barbaris quibusdam, qui quondam in foedus recepti atque in militiam allecti Honoriaci uocabantur, in Hispanias misit. hinc apud Hispanias prima mali labes. ### English translation (Claude) Against these Constantine sent into the Spains his son Constans, made (alas!) from a monk a Caesar, with certain barbarians who, once received into alliance and enrolled in the army, were called Honoriaci. From here came the first stain of evil in the Spains. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.40.7 (CSEL 5:551; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-40-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.40.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-40-1/#p-7-40-8 - Source: CSEL 5:551–552 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Honoriaci are given the Pyrenees. ### Latin text nam interfectis illis fratribus, qui tutari priuato praesidio Pyrenaei Alpes moliebantur, his barbaris quasi in pretium uictoriae primum praedandi in Pallentinis campis licentia data, dehinc supra dicti montis claustrorumque eius cura permissa est remota rusticanorum fideli et utili custodia. ### English translation (Claude) For when those brothers, who were trying to guard the passes of the Pyrenees with private protection, had been killed, these barbarians were first given license to plunder in the plains of Pallantia, as if as the price of victory, and then the care of the aforesaid mountain and its passes was entrusted to them, the faithful and useful guard of the country people being removed. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.40.8 (CSEL 5:551–552; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-40-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.40.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-40-1/#p-7-40-9 - Source: CSEL 5:552 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The Honoriaci let the barbarians into Spain. ### Latin text igitur Honoriaci inbuti praeda et inlecti abundantia, quo magis scelus inpunitum foret atque ipsi sceleri plus liceret, prodita Pyrenaei custodia claustrisque patefactis cunctas gentes, quae per Gallias uagabantur, Hispaniarum prouinciis inmittunt isdemque ipsi adiunguntur: ### English translation (Claude) So the Honoriaci, steeped in booty and enticed by abundance, so that their crime might be the more unpunished and more might be allowed the crime itself, betrayed the guard of the Pyrenees, opened the passes, let all the peoples who were wandering through the Gauls into the provinces of the Spains, and joined them themselves: ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.40.9 (CSEL 5:552; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-40-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.40.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-40-1/#p-7-40-10 - Source: CSEL 5:552 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The barbarians settle in Spain. ### Latin text ubi actis aliquamdiu magnis cruentisque discursibus, post graues rerum atque hominum uastationes, de quibus ipsos quoque modo paenitet, habita sorte et distributa usque ad nunc possessione consistunt. ### English translation (Claude) there, after great and bloody raids for some time, after heavy devastations of property and people, of which they themselves too now repent, they drew lots, distributed the land, and remain in possession down to now. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.40.10 (CSEL 5:552; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-40-10). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.41.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-40-1/#p-7-41-1 - Source: CSEL 5:552 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Conscience speaks to each. ### Latin text Multa nunc mihi de huiuscemodi rebus loquendi facultas foret, si non secundum omnes homines apud unius cuiusque mentem conscientia secreta loqueretur. ### English translation (Claude) I would now have much opportunity to speak about matters of this kind, if a secret conscience did not speak in the mind of each one, as in all men. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.41.1 (CSEL 5:552; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-41-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.41.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-40-1/#p-7-41-2 - Source: CSEL 5:552–553 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Spain's present sufferings are nothing new. ### Latin text inruptae sunt Hispaniae, caedes uastationesque passae sunt: nihil quidem nouum, hoc enim nunc per biennium illud, quo hostilis gladius saeuiit, sustinuere a barbaris, quod per ducentos quondam annos passae fuerant a Romanis, quod etiam sub Gallieno imperatore per annos propemodum duodecim Germanis euertentibus exceperunt. ### English translation (Claude) The Spains were broken into and suffered slaughters and devastations: nothing indeed new, for they have now endured for two years from the barbarians, while the enemy sword raged, what they had once suffered for two hundred years from the Romans, and what they also underwent under the emperor Gallienus for almost twelve years as the Germans overthrew them. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.41.2 (CSEL 5:552–553; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-41-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.41.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-40-1/#p-7-41-3 - Source: CSEL 5:553 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: All suffer justly. ### Latin text uerumtamen quis non se, qui sui suorumque actuum uel etiam cogitationum conscius indicia Dei metuit, iuste omnia passum uel etiam parua sustinuisse fateatur? aut qui se non intellegit Deumque non metuit, quomodo non iuste ista et quidem parua sustinuit? ### English translation (Claude) Yet who, conscious of himself and of his deeds, or even of his thoughts, and fearing the judgments of God, would not confess that he suffered everything justly or even endured little? Or he who does not understand himself and does not fear God, how has he not suffered these things justly, and indeed little? ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.41.3 (CSEL 5:553; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-41-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.41.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-40-1/#p-7-41-4 - Source: CSEL 5:553 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The barbarians helped refugees leave. ### Latin text quae cum ita sint, illud tamen clementia Dei eadem pietate, qua dudum praedixerat, procurauit, ut secundum euangelium suum, quo incessabiliter commonebat, cum uos persecuti fuerint in una ciuitate, fugite in aliam, quisque egredi atque abire uellet, ipsis barbaris mercennariis ministris ac defensoribus uteretur. ### English translation (Claude) Since this is so, the mercy of God nevertheless provided, with the same kindness with which he had long ago foretold it, that, according to his gospel, in which he ceaselessly warned, “When they persecute you in one city, flee to another,” whoever wished to go out and leave should use the barbarians themselves as hired servants and protectors. ### Scripture references - Matt 10:23: quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - Quotation of Matt 10:23. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.41.4 (CSEL 5:553; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-41-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.41.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-40-1/#p-7-41-5 - Source: CSEL 5:553 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: They escorted people for small payment. ### Latin text hoc tunc ipsi ultro offerebant; et qui auferre omnia interfectis omnibus poterant, particulam stipendii ob mercedem seruitii sui et transuecti oneris flagitabant. et hoc quidem a plurimis factum est. ### English translation (Claude) This they then offered of their own accord; and those who could have taken everything by killing everyone demanded a small part of payment as the wage of their service and of the burden carried. And this indeed was done by very many. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.41.5 (CSEL 5:553; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-41-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.41.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-40-1/#p-7-41-6 - Source: CSEL 5:553–554 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Those who did not flee were overtaken. ### Latin text qui autem non crediderunt euangelio Dei quasi contumaces, uel si etiam non audierunt dupliciter contumaces, non dederunt locum irae, iuste a superueniente ira conprehensi et oppressi sunt. ### English translation (Claude) But those who did not believe the gospel of God, as stubborn, or, if they did not even hear it, doubly stubborn, did not give place to wrath, and were justly caught and crushed by the wrath that came upon them. ### Scripture references - Rom 12:19: allusion, medium confidence ### Translation notes - “Give place to wrath”: Rom 12:19. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.41.6 (CSEL 5:553–554; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-41-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.41.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-40-1/#p-7-41-7 - Source: CSEL 5:554 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The barbarians turn swords to plows. ### Latin text quamquam et post hoc quoque continuo barbari exsecrati gladios suos ad aratra conuersi sunt residuosque Romanos ut socios modo et amicos fouent, ut inueniantur iam inter eos quidam Romani, qui malint inter barbaros pauperem libertatem, quam inter Romanos tributariam sollicitudinem sustinere. ### English translation (Claude) Although even after this, at once, the barbarians, cursing their swords, turned to the plow, and now cherish the remaining Romans as allies and friends, so that there are found among them some Romans who prefer poor freedom among the barbarians to anxiety over tribute among the Romans. ### Scripture references - Isa 2:4: allusion, medium confidence ### Translation notes - Compare Isa 2:4. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.41.7 (CSEL 5:554; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-41-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.41.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-40-1/#p-7-41-8 - Source: CSEL 5:554 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The invasions brought the nations to Christ. ### Latin text quamquam si ob hoc solum barbari Romanis finibus inmissi forent, quod uulgo per Orientem et Occidentem ecclesiae Christi Hunis Suebis Vandalis et Burgundionibus diuersisque innumeris credentium populis replentur, laudanda et adtollenda misericordia Dei uideretur, quandoquidem, etsi cum labefactione nostri, tantae gentes agnitionem ueritatis acciperent, quam inuenire utique nisi hac occasione non possent. ### English translation (Claude) And yet, if the barbarians had been let into Roman territory only so that the churches of Christ throughout East and West are commonly filled with Huns, Suebi, Vandals, and Burgundians and various countless peoples of believers, the mercy of God would seem to be praised and extolled, since, even with our ruin, such great nations would receive the knowledge of the truth, which they surely could not find except by this occasion. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.41.8 (CSEL 5:554; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-41-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.41.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-40-1/#p-7-41-9 - Source: CSEL 5:554–555 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Death is no loss to the Christian. ### Latin text quid enim damni est Christiano ad uitam aeternam inhianti, huic saeculo quolibet tempore et quoquo pacto abstrahi? quid autem lucri est pagano in medio Christianorum aduersus fidem obdurato, si paulo diutius diem protrahat, quandoque morituro, cui desperata conuersio est? ### English translation (Claude) For what loss is it to a Christian eager for eternal life to be withdrawn from this world at any time and in any way? But what gain is it to a pagan, hardened against the faith in the midst of Christians, if he prolongs his day a little longer, being sure to die at some time, when his conversion is despaired of? ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.41.9 (CSEL 5:554–555; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-41-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.41.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-40-1/#p-7-41-10 - Source: CSEL 5:555 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: God's judgments are ineffable but just. ### Latin text Et quia ineffabilia sunt iudicia Dei, quae nec scire omnia nec explicare quae scimus possumus, breuiter expresserim, correptionem iudicis Dei, quoquo pacto accidat, iuste sustinere qui sciunt, iuste sustinere qui nesciunt. ### English translation (Claude) And since the judgments of God are ineffable, which we can neither know all of nor explain the ones we know, I would express it briefly: that those who know it justly endure the chastisement of God the judge, in whatever way it happens, and those who do not know it justly endure it. ### Scripture references - Rom 11:33: echo, low confidence ### Translation notes - Compare Rom 11:33. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.41.10 (CSEL 5:555; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-41-10). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.42.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-40-1/#p-7-42-1 - Source: CSEL 5:555 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Honorius sends Constantius against the usurpers. ### Latin text Anno ab Vrbe condita MCLXV Honorius imperator, uidens tot oppositis tyrannis nihil aduersus barbaros agi posse, ipsos prius tyrannos deleri iubet. Constantio comiti huius belli summa commissa est. ### English translation (Claude) In the 1165th year from the founding of the City, the emperor Honorius, seeing that nothing could be done against the barbarians with so many tyrants opposed to him, ordered the tyrants themselves to be destroyed first. The supreme command of this war was given to Count Constantius. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.42.1 (CSEL 5:555; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-42-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.42.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-40-1/#p-7-42-2 - Source: CSEL 5:555 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The value of a Roman general. ### Latin text sensit tunc demum respublica et quam utilitatem in Romano tandem duce receperit et quam eatenus perniciem per longa tempora barbaris comitibus subiecta tolerarit. ### English translation (Claude) Then at last the commonwealth felt both what advantage it had at last received in a Roman general and what ruin it had endured for long times while subject to barbarian counts. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.42.2 (CSEL 5:555; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-42-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.42.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-40-1/#p-7-42-3 - Source: CSEL 5:555 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Constantine III is killed at Arles. ### Latin text igitur Constantius comes in Galliam cum exercitu profectus, Constantinum imperatorem apud Arelatem ciuitatem clausit cepit occidit. Iam hinc, ut de catalogo tyrannorum quam breuissime ### English translation (Claude) So Count Constantius, setting out for Gaul with an army, shut in, captured, and killed the emperor Constantine at the city of Arelate. From here, to speak as briefly as possible of the catalogue of tyrants: ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.42.3 (CSEL 5:555; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-42-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.42.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-40-1/#p-7-42-4 - Source: CSEL 5:556 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Constans is killed; Maximus set up. ### Latin text loquar, Constantem Constantini filium Gerontius comes suus, uir nequam magis quam probus, apud Viennam interfecit atque in eius locum Maximum quendam substituit. ipse uero Gerontius a suis militibus occisus est. ### English translation (Claude) Gerontius, his own count, a worthless rather than an upright man, killed Constans, Constantine's son, at Vienne and put a certain Maximus in his place. Gerontius himself was killed by his own soldiers. ### Translation notes - The first word, “loquar,” completes the sentence of 7.42.3. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.42.4 (CSEL 5:556; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-42-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.42.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-40-1/#p-7-42-5 - Source: CSEL 5:556 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Maximus lives in exile in Spain. ### Latin text Maximus exutus purpura destitutusque a militibus Gallicanis, qui in Africam traiecti, deinde in Italiam reuocati sunt, nunc inter barbaros in Hispania egens exulat. ### English translation (Claude) Maximus, stripped of the purple and abandoned by the Gallic soldiers, who were taken across to Africa and then recalled to Italy, now lives in exile, needy, among the barbarians in Spain. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.42.5 (CSEL 5:556; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-42-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.42.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-40-1/#p-7-42-6 - Source: CSEL 5:556 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Jovinus and Sebastian. ### Latin text Iouinus postea uir Galliarum nobilissimus in tyrannidem mox ut adsurrexit et cecidit. Sebastianus frater eiusdem hoc solum, ut tyrannus moreretur, elegit: nam continuo ut creatus occisus est. ### English translation (Claude) Jovinus afterward, a most noble man of the Gauls, fell as soon as he rose into tyranny. Sebastian, his brother, chose only this, to die a tyrant: for as soon as he was created he was killed. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.42.6 (CSEL 5:556; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-42-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.42.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-40-1/#p-7-42-7 - Source: CSEL 5:556–557 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Attalus, Alaric's puppet emperor. ### Latin text quid de infelicissimo Attalo loquar, cui occidi inter tyrannos honor et mori lucrum fuit? in hoc Alaricus imperatore facto infecto refecto ac defecto, citius his omnibus actis paene quam dictis, mimum risit et ludum spectauit imperii; ### English translation (Claude) What shall I say of the most unhappy Attalus, for whom to be killed among tyrants was an honor and to die a gain? In him Alaric, making, unmaking, remaking, and unmaking an emperor, all done almost more quickly than said, laughed at a farce and watched a play of empire; ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.42.7 (CSEL 5:556–557; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-42-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.42.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-40-1/#p-7-42-8 - Source: CSEL 5:557 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Tertullus's boast. ### Latin text nec mirum si iure hac pompa miser lusus est, cuius ille umbratilis consul Tertullus ausus est in curia dicere loquar uobis, patres conscripti, consul et pontifex, quorum alterum teneo, alterum spero, sperans ab eo qui spem non habebat et maledictus utique quia spem suam posuerat in homine. ### English translation (Claude) nor is it wonderful if the wretch was rightly mocked by this pageant, whose shadowy consul Tertullus dared to say in the senate house: “I shall speak to you, conscript fathers, as consul and pontiff, of which I hold the one and hope for the other,” hoping from one who had no hope, and surely accursed because he had placed his hope in man. ### Scripture references - Jer 17:5: allusion, high confidence ### Translation notes - “Accursed … who placed his hope in man”: Jer 17:5. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.42.8 (CSEL 5:557; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-42-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.42.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-40-1/#p-7-42-9 - Source: CSEL 5:557 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Attalus is captured and mutilated. ### Latin text Attalus itaque tamquam inane imperii simulacrum cum Gothis usque ad Hispanias portatus est, unde discedens naui incerta moliens in mari captus et ad Constantium comitem deductus, deinde imperatori Honorio exhibitus truncata manu uitae relictus est. ### English translation (Claude) So Attalus, as an empty image of empire, was carried with the Goths as far as the Spains; leaving there by ship, planning uncertain things, he was captured at sea and brought to Count Constantius, then presented to the emperor Honorius, and was left alive with his hand cut off. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.42.9 (CSEL 5:557; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-42-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.42.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-40-1/#p-7-42-10 - Source: CSEL 5:557 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Heraclian defends Africa. ### Latin text Heraclianus interea Africae comes missus, cum idem Attalus umbram gestaret imperii, Africam strenue aduersum iudices ab eo missos tutatus, consulatum adsecutus est; ### English translation (Claude) Heraclian meanwhile, sent as count of Africa, when the same Attalus was bearing the shadow of empire, vigorously defended Africa against the judges sent by him and obtained the consulship; ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.42.10 (CSEL 5:557; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-42-10). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.42.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-40-1/#p-7-42-11 - Source: CSEL 5:557 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Heraclian's son-in-law Sabinus. ### Latin text quo elatus supercilio Sabinum domesticum suum, uirum ingenio callidum industriaque sollertem et sapientem nominandum si animi uires tranquillis studiis adcommodauisset, generum allegit; ### English translation (Claude) elated by this pride, he chose as son-in-law Sabinus, his household officer, a man clever in wit and skilled in industry, and to be called wise if he had applied the powers of his mind to peaceful studies; ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.42.11 (CSEL 5:557; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-42-11). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.42.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-40-1/#p-7-42-12 - Source: CSEL 5:557–558 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Heraclian sails against Rome. ### Latin text cum quo quorundam periculorum suspiciones dum patitur fecit atque, aliquamdiu Africana annona extra ordinem detenta, ipse tandem cum inmensa, certe temporibus nostris satis incredibili classe nauium Romam contendit. ### English translation (Claude) with him, while he suffered suspicions of certain dangers, he caused them; and having for some time held back the African grain supply out of order, he at last himself made for Rome with an immense fleet of ships, certainly quite incredible in our times. ### Translation notes - The first clause is obscure in the Latin; translated literally. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.42.12 (CSEL 5:557–558; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-42-12). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.42.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-40-1/#p-7-42-13 - Source: CSEL 5:558 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Heraclian's enormous fleet. ### Latin text nam habuisse tunc tria milia septingentas naues dicitur, quem numerum ne apud Xerxen quidem praeclarum illum Persarum regem et Alexandrum Magnum uel quemquam alium regum fuisse historiae ferunt. ### English translation (Claude) For he is said to have had then three thousand seven hundred ships, a number which histories report not even Xerxes, that famous king of the Persians, nor Alexander the Great, nor any other king had. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.42.13 (CSEL 5:558; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-42-13). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.42.14 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-40-1/#p-7-42-14 - Source: CSEL 5:558 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Heraclian's defeat and death. ### Latin text is simul ut cum agmine militum ad Vrbem pergens litore egressus est, occursu comitis Marini territus et in fugam uersus, arrepta naui solus Carthaginem rediit atque ibi continuo militari manu interfectus est. Sabinus gener eius Constantinopolim fugit, unde post aliquantum temporis retractus exilioque damnatus est. ### English translation (Claude) As soon as he went ashore, making for the City with a column of soldiers, terrified by meeting Count Marinus and turned to flight, he seized a ship and returned alone to Carthage, and there at once was killed by a band of soldiers. Sabinus, his son-in-law, fled to Constantinople, from where after some time he was brought back and condemned to exile. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.42.14 (CSEL 5:558; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-42-14). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.42.15 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-40-1/#p-7-42-15 - Source: CSEL 5:558 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Honorius and Constantius overcome all usurpers. ### Latin text Hunc omnem catalogum, ut dixi, uel manifestorum tyrannorum uel inoboedientium ducum optima Honorius imperator religione et felicitate meruit, magna Constantius comes industria et celeritate confecit: ### English translation (Claude) This whole catalogue, as I said, of either open tyrants or disobedient generals, the emperor Honorius earned by his excellent religion and good fortune, and Count Constantius finished with great industry and speed: ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.42.15 (CSEL 5:558; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-42-15). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.42.16 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-40-1/#p-7-42-16 - Source: CSEL 5:558 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Unity is restored to the African church. ### Latin text merito sane, quia in his diebus praecipiente Honorio et adiuuante Constantio pax et unitas per uniuersam Africam Ecclesiae catholicae reddita est et corpus Christi, quod nos sumus, redintegrata discissione sanatum est, imposita exsecutione sacri praecepti Marcellino tribuno, uiro inprimis prudenti et industrio omniumque bonorum studiorum appetentissimo. ### English translation (Claude) rightly indeed, because in these days, at the command of Honorius and with the help of Constantius, peace and unity were restored to the catholic church throughout all Africa, and the body of Christ, which we are, was healed, its division mended, the execution of the sacred command being laid on the tribune Marcellinus, a man above all prudent and industrious and most eager for all good studies. ### Scripture references - 1 Cor 12:27: allusion, medium confidence ### Translation notes - The conference of Carthage (411) against the Donatists. “The body of Christ, which we are”: compare 1 Cor 12:27. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.42.16 (CSEL 5:558; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-42-16). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.42.17 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-40-1/#p-7-42-17 - Source: CSEL 5:558–559 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Marcellinus is killed by Marinus. ### Latin text quem Marinus comes apud Carthaginem — incertum zelo stimulatus an auro corruptus — occidit: qui continuo reuocatus ex Africa factusque priuatus uel ad poenam uel ad paenitentiam conscientiae suae dimissus est. ### English translation (Claude) Count Marinus killed him at Carthage, whether stirred by zeal or bribed with gold is uncertain; Marinus was at once recalled from Africa, made a private man, and left either to punishment or to the repentance of his conscience. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.42.17 (CSEL 5:558–559; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-42-17). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.43.1 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-40-1/#p-7-43-1 - Source: CSEL 5:559 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Constantius drives the Goths into Spain. ### Latin text Anno ab Vrbe condita MCLXVIII Constantius comes apud Arelatem Galliae urbem consistens, magna rerum gerendarum industria Gothos a Narbona expulit atque abire in Hispaniam coegit interdicto praecipue atque intercluso omni commeatu nauium et peregrinorum usu commerciorum. ### English translation (Claude) In the 1168th year from the founding of the City, Count Constantius, staying at Arelate, a city of Gaul, with great industry in conducting affairs drove the Goths out of Narbo and forced them to go into Spain, chiefly by forbidding and cutting off all supply by ships and the use of foreign trade. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.43.1 (CSEL 5:559; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-43-1). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.43.2 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-40-1/#p-7-43-2 - Source: CSEL 5:559 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Athaulf succeeds Alaric. ### Latin text Gothorum tunc populis Athaulfus rex praeerat: qui post inruptionem Vrbis ac mortem Alarici Placidia, ut dixi, captiua sorore imperatoris, in uxorem adsumpta Alarico in regnum successerat. ### English translation (Claude) King Athaulf then ruled the peoples of the Goths; he, after the breaking into the City and the death of Alaric, having taken as wife, as I said, Placidia, the captive sister of the emperor, had succeeded Alaric in the kingship. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.43.2 (CSEL 5:559; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-43-2). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.43.3 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-40-1/#p-7-43-3 - Source: CSEL 5:559 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Athaulf seeks peace with Rome. ### Latin text is, ut saepe auditum atque ultimo exitu eius probatum est, satis studiose sectator pacis militare fideliter Honorio imperatori ac pro defendenda Romana republica inpendere uires Gothorum praeoptauit. ### English translation (Claude) He, as was often heard and proved by his final end, a quite zealous follower of peace, chose to serve the emperor Honorius faithfully and to spend the strength of the Goths in defense of the Roman commonwealth. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.43.3 (CSEL 5:559; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-43-3). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.43.4 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-40-1/#p-7-43-4 - Source: CSEL 5:559–560 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Orosius heard of Athaulf in Jerome's presence. ### Latin text nam ego quoque ipse uirum quendam Narbonensem inlustris sub Theodosio militiae, etiam religiosum prudentemque et grauem, apud Bethleem oppidum Palaestinae beatissimo Hieronymo presbytero referentem audiui, se familiarissimum Athaulfo apud Narbonam fuisse ac de eo saepe sub testificatione didicisse, quod ille, cum esset animo uiribus ingenioque nimius, referre solitus esset: ### English translation (Claude) For I myself too heard a certain man of Narbo, of distinguished service under Theodosius, a man also religious, prudent, and grave, telling the most blessed presbyter Jerome at Bethlehem, a town of Palestine, that he had been very intimate with Athaulf at Narbo and had often learned from him, under oath, what Athaulf, a man excessive in spirit, strength, and talent, used to relate: ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.43.4 (CSEL 5:559–560; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-43-4). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.43.5 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-40-1/#p-7-43-5 - Source: CSEL 5:560 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Athaulf's first ambition: Gothia for Romania. ### Latin text se inprimis ardenter inhiasse, ut oblitterato Romano nomine Romanum omne solum Gothorum imperium et faceret et uocaret essetque, ut uulgariter loquar, Gothia quod Romania fuisset et fieret nunc Athaulfus quod quondam Caesar Augustus, ### English translation (Claude) that at first he had ardently longed to blot out the Roman name and to make and call all Roman soil the empire of the Goths, so that, to speak popularly, what had been Romania should be Gothia, and Athaulf should now become what Caesar Augustus had once been; ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.43.5 (CSEL 5:560; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-43-5). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.43.6 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-40-1/#p-7-43-6 - Source: CSEL 5:560 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Athaulf chose to restore Rome instead. ### Latin text at ubi multa experientia probauisset neque Gothos ullo modo parere legibus posse propter effrenatam barbariem neque reipublicae interdici leges oportere, sine quibus respublica non est respublica, elegisse saltim, ut gloriam sibi de restituendo in integrum augendoque Romano nomine Gothorum uiribus quaereret habereturque apud posteros Romanae restitutionis auctor, postquam esse non potuerat immutator. ### English translation (Claude) but when he had proved by much experience that neither could the Goths in any way obey laws because of their unbridled barbarism, nor ought laws be forbidden to the commonwealth, without which a commonwealth is not a commonwealth, he had chosen at least to seek glory for himself by restoring the Roman name entire and increasing it with the strength of the Goths, and to be held by posterity as the author of the Roman restoration, since he could not be its changer. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.43.6 (CSEL 5:560; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-43-6). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.43.7 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-40-1/#p-7-43-7 - Source: CSEL 5:560–561 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Placidia's influence for peace. ### Latin text ob hoc abstinere a bello, ob hoc inhiare paci nitebatur, praecipue Placidiae uxoris suae, feminae sane ingenio acerrimae et religione satis probae, ad omnia bonarum ordinationum opera persuasu et consilio temperatus. ### English translation (Claude) For this he strove to abstain from war, for this to long for peace, tempered toward all works of good ordering especially by the persuasion and counsel of his wife Placidia, a woman indeed of very keen intelligence and quite upright in religion. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.43.7 (CSEL 5:560–561; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-43-7). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.43.8 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-40-1/#p-7-43-8 - Source: CSEL 5:561 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Athaulf is murdered at Barcelona. ### Latin text cumque eidem paci petendae atque offerendae studiosissime insisteret, apud Barcinonam Hispaniae urbem dolo suorum, ut fertur, occisus est. ### English translation (Claude) And while he was pressing most zealously on seeking and offering that peace, he was killed at Barcino, a city of Spain, by the treachery of his own men, as is reported. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.43.8 (CSEL 5:561; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-43-8). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.43.9 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-40-1/#p-7-43-9 - Source: CSEL 5:561 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Segeric is killed. ### Latin text Post hunc Segericus rex a Gothis creatus cum itidem iudicio Dei ad pacem pronus esset, nihilominus a suis interfectus est. ### English translation (Claude) After him Segeric was made king by the Goths; and since he too, by the judgment of God, was inclined to peace, he was nonetheless killed by his own men. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.43.9 (CSEL 5:561; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-43-9). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.43.10 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-40-1/#p-7-43-10 - Source: CSEL 5:561 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Wallia becomes king. ### Latin text Deinde Vallia successit in regnum ad hoc electus a Gothis, ut pacem infringeret, ad hoc ordinatus a Deo, ut pacem confirmaret. ### English translation (Claude) Then Wallia succeeded to the kingship, chosen by the Goths for this, to break the peace, ordained by God for this, to confirm the peace. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.43.10 (CSEL 5:561; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-43-10). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.43.11 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-40-1/#p-7-43-11 - Source: CSEL 5:561–562 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Wallia is frightened by a Gothic disaster at sea. ### Latin text hic igitur — territus maxime iudicio Dei, quia cum magna superiore abhinc anno Gothorum manus instructa armis nauigiisque transire in Africam moliretur, in duodecim milibus passuum Gaditani freti tempestate correpta, miserabili ### English translation (Claude) He, then, terrified chiefly by the judgment of God, because, when a great band of Goths, equipped with arms and ships, had tried a year before to cross into Africa, caught by a storm within twelve miles of the strait of Gades, it had perished by a pitiable ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.43.11 (CSEL 5:561–562; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-43-11). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.43.12 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-40-1/#p-7-43-12 - Source: CSEL 5:562 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Wallia makes peace and returns Placidia. ### Latin text exitu perierat, memor etiam illius acceptae sub Alarico cladis, cum in Siciliam Gothi transire conati, in conspectu suorum miserabiliter arrepti et demersi sunt — pacem optimam cum Honorio imperatore, datis lectissimis obsidibus pepigit; Placidiam imperatoris sororem honorifice apud se honesteque habitam fratri reddidit; ### English translation (Claude) end, and remembering also that disaster suffered under Alaric, when the Goths, trying to cross into Sicily, were pitiably seized and drowned in sight of their own men, made the best peace with the emperor Honorius, giving the choicest hostages; he returned to her brother Placidia, the emperor's sister, whom he had kept honorably and decently; ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.43.12 (CSEL 5:562; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-43-12). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.43.13 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-40-1/#p-7-43-13 - Source: CSEL 5:562 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Wallia fights the other barbarians for Rome. ### Latin text Romanae securitati periculum suum obtulit, ut aduersus ceteras gentes, quae per Hispanias consedissent, sibi pugnaret et Romanis uinceret. ### English translation (Claude) he offered his own danger for Roman security, to fight for himself against the other peoples who had settled throughout the Spains and to conquer for the Romans. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.43.13 (CSEL 5:562; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-43-13). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.43.14 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-40-1/#p-7-43-14 - Source: CSEL 5:562 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The barbarian kings offer to fight for Rome. ### Latin text quamuis et ceteri Alanorum Vandalorum Sueborumque reges eodem nobiscum placito depecti forent mandantes imperatori Honorio: tu cum omnibus pacem habe omniumque obsides accipe: nos nobis confligimus, nobis perimus, tibi uincimus, immortali uero quaestu reipublicae tuae, si utrique pereamus. ### English translation (Claude) Although the other kings too, of the Alans, Vandals, and Suebi, had agreed with us on the same terms, sending to the emperor Honorius: “You, have peace with all and receive hostages from all: we fight one another, we perish for ourselves, we conquer for you, with immortal gain indeed to your commonwealth if we both perish.” ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.43.14 (CSEL 5:562; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-43-14). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.43.15 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-40-1/#p-7-43-15 - Source: CSEL 5:562–563 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Barbarians fight one another in Spain. ### Latin text quis haec crederet, nisi res doceret? itaque nunc cottidie apud Hispanias geri bella gentium et agi strages ex alterutro barbarorum crebris certisque nuntiis discimus, praecipue Valliam Gothorum regem insistere patrandae paci ferunt. ### English translation (Claude) Who would believe this if the facts did not teach it? So now we learn daily from frequent and certain messengers that wars of peoples are waged and slaughters done among the barbarians against one another in the Spains; and they say that Wallia, king of the Goths, is especially intent on bringing about peace. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.43.15 (CSEL 5:562–563; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-43-15). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.43.16 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-40-1/#p-7-43-16 - Source: CSEL 5:563 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: No age matches the good fortune of Christian times. ### Latin text ex quo utcumque concesserim, ut licenter Christiana tempora reprehendantur, si quid a conditione mundi usque ad nunc simili factum felicitate te doceatur. ### English translation (Claude) From which I would in some way concede that Christian times may be freely blamed, if anything done with like good fortune from the founding of the world until now can be shown to you. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.43.16 (CSEL 5:563; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-43-16). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.43.17 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-40-1/#p-7-43-17 - Source: CSEL 5:563 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The record of Christian times. ### Latin text manifestauimus, ut arbitror, atque ostendimus non magis uerbo paene quam digito innumera bella sopita, plurimos extinctos tyrannos, conpressas coangustatas addictas exinanitasque immanissimas gentes minimo sanguine, nullo certamine ac paene sine caede. ### English translation (Claude) We have made plain, I think, and shown that innumerable wars have been laid to rest hardly more by a word than by a finger, very many tyrants destroyed, most savage peoples checked, confined, subjected, and emptied, with very little blood, with no contest, and almost without slaughter. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.43.17 (CSEL 5:563; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-43-17). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.43.18 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-40-1/#p-7-43-18 - Source: CSEL 5:563 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: The detractors should repent and believe. ### Latin text superest ut obtrectatores nostros molitionum suarum paeniteat ueritatique erubescant Deumque uerum et solum, qui potest omnia, credant timeant diligant et sequantur, cuius omnia, et quae mala putant, bona esse didicerunt. ### English translation (Claude) It remains that our detractors should repent of their schemes and blush before the truth, and believe, fear, love, and follow the true and only God, who can do all things, all of whose works, even those they think evil, they have learned are good. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.43.18 (CSEL 5:563; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-43-18). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.43.19 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-40-1/#p-7-43-19 - Source: CSEL 5:563–564 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Orosius concludes his work for Augustine. ### Latin text Explicui adiuuante Christo secundum praeceptum tuum, beatissime pater Augustine, ab initio mundi usque in praesentem diem, hoc est per annos quinque milia sescentos decem et octo, cupiditates et punitiones hominum peccatorum, conflictationes saeculi et iudicia Dei quam breuissime et quam simplicissime potui, Christianis tamen temporibus propter praesentem magis Christi gratiam ab illa incredulitatis confusione discretis. ### English translation (Claude) With Christ's help, according to your command, most blessed father Augustine, I have set out from the beginning of the world to the present day, that is, for five thousand six hundred and eighteen years, the desires and punishments of sinful men, the conflicts of the world and the judgments of God, as briefly and as simply as I could, yet distinguishing Christian times, because of the more present grace of Christ, from that confusion of unbelief. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.43.19 (CSEL 5:563–564; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-43-19). ## Seven Books of History against the Pagans 7.43.20 - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/orosius-historiae/7-40-1/#p-7-43-20 - Source: CSEL 5:564 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-10-23 Summary: Orosius submits the work to Augustine's judgment. ### Latin text ita iam ego certo et solo, quem concupiscere debui, oboedientiae meae fructu fruor; de qualitate autem opusculorum tu uideris qui praecepisti, tibi adiudicanda si edas, per te iudicata si deleas. ### English translation (Claude) So now I enjoy the sure and only fruit of my obedience, which I ought to have desired; as for the quality of these little works, you who commanded them will see to it: they are to be judged by you if you publish them, and judged by you if you destroy them. ### Citation (SBL) Orosius, Hist. 7.43.20 (CSEL 5:564; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/orosius-historiae/7-43-20).