ng-star by other cities also, and therefore on the very next day
exhibited a chariot race, to the great joy of the people. On the third
day, unable to brook any delay, he proceeded by the public roads, and
without any resistance seized upon Succi, and appointed Nevitta governor
of the place, as one whom he could trust. It is fitting that I should
now explain the situation of this place Succi.

3. The summits of the mountain chains of Haemus[117] and Rhodope, the
first of which rises up from the very banks of the Danube, and the other
from the southern bank of the river Axius, ending with swelling ridges
at one narrow point, separate the Illyrians and the Thracians, being on
the one side near the inland Dacians and Serdica, on the other looking
towards Thrace and the rich and noble city of Philippopolis. And, as if
Nature had provided for bringing the surrounding nations under the
dominion of the Romans, they are of such a form as to lead to this end.
Affording at first only a single exit through narrow defiles, but at a
later period they were opened out with roads of such size and beauty as
to be passable even for waggons. Though still, when the passes have been
blocked up, they have often repelled the attacks of great generals and
mighty armies.

4. The part which looks to Illyricum is of a more gentle ascent, so as
to be climbed almost imperceptibly; but the side opposite to Thrace is
very steep and precipitous, in some places absolutely impassable, and in
others hard to climb even where no one seeks to prevent it. Beneath this
lofty chain a spacious level plain extends in every direction, the upper
portion of it reaching even to the Julian Alps, while the lower portion
of it is so open and level as to present no obstacles all the way to the
straits and sea of Marmora.

5. Having arranged these matters as well as the occasion permitted, and
having left there the commander of the cavalry, the emperor returned to
Nissa, a considerable town, in order, without any hindrance, to settle
everything in the way most suited to his interests.

6. While there he appointed Victor, an historical writer, whom he had
seen at Sirmium, and whom he ordered to follow him from that city, to be
consular governor of the second Pannonia; and he erected in his honour a
brazen statue, as a man to be imitated for his temperance; and some time
after he was appointed prefect of Rome.

7. And now, giving the rein to loftier ideas, and believin