n battle-array, and slew a great number of
them in the fight, and forced them to leave off their madness, and to
grow wiser; nay, had he not fallen thus suddenly upon them on the
place, it had not been long ere they would however have been brought
to punishment; for as soon as ever the news of their revolt was come to
Rome, and Caesar Domitian was made acquainted with it, he made no delay,
even at that his age, when he was exceeding young, but undertook this
weighty affair. He had a courageous mind from his father, and had
made greater improvements than belonged to such an age: accordingly
he marched against the barbarians immediately; whereupon their hearts
failed them at the very rumor of his approach, and they submitted
themselves to him with fear, and thought it a happy thing that they
were brought under their old yoke again without suffering any further
mischiefs. When therefore Domitian had settled all the affairs of Gaul
in such good order, that it would not be easily put into disorder any
more, he returned to Rome with honor and glory, as having performed such
exploits as were above his own age, but worthy of so great a father.
3. At the very same time with the forementioned revolt of the Germans
did the bold attempt of the Scythians against the Romans occur; for
those Scythians who are called Sarmatians, being a very numerous
people, transported themselves over the Danube into Mysia, without
being perceived; after which, by their violence, and entirely unexpected
assault, they slew a great many of the Romans that guarded the
frontiers; and as the consular legate Fonteius Agrippa came to meet
them, and fought courageously against them, he was slain by them. They
then overran all the region that had been subject to him, tearing and
rending every thing that fell in their way. But when Vespasian was
informed of what had happened, and how Mysia was laid waste, he sent
away Rubrius Gallus to punish these Sarmatians; by whose means many of
them perished in the battles he fought against them, and that part which
escaped fled with fear to their own country. So when this general
had put an end to the war, he provided for the future security of the
country also; for he placed more and more numerous garrisons in the
place, till he made it altogether impossible for the barbarians to
pass over the river any more. And thus had this war in Mysia a sudden
conclusion.
CHAPTER V.
Concerning The Sabbatic River Which
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