ant of previous history, and imagined that
this was the first time any such thing had happened. But, in truth, it
was in a similar manner that Andriscus of Adramyttium, a man of the very
lowest class, assuming the name of Philip, added a third calamitous war
to the previous Macedonian wars. Again, while the emperor Macrinus was
at Antioch, it was then that Antoninus Heliogabalus issued forth from
Emessa. Thus also Alexander, and his mother Mamaea, were put to death by
the unexpected enterprise of Maximinus. And in Africa the elder Gordian
was raised to the imperial authority, till, being overwhelmed with agony
at the dangers which threatened him, he put an end to his life by
hanging himself.

VII.

Sec. 1. So the dealers in cheap luxuries, and those who were about the
palace, or who had ceased to serve, and all who, having been in the
ranks of the army, had retired to a more tranquil life, now embarked in
this unusual and doubtful enterprise, some against their will, and
others willingly. Some, however, thinking anything better than the
present state of affairs, escaped secretly from the city, and hastened
with all speed to the emperor's camp.

2. They were all outstripped by the amazing celerity of Sophronius, at
that time a secretary, afterwards prefect of Constantinople, who reached
Valens as he was just about to set out from Caesarea in Cappadocia, in
order, now that the hot weather of Cilicia was over, to go to Antioch;
and having related to him all that had taken place, brought him, though
wholly amazed and bewildered at so doubtful and perplexing a crisis,
back into Galatia to encounter the danger before it had risen to a head.

3. While Valens was pushing forward with all speed, Procopius was using
all his energy day and night, producing different persons who with
cunning boldness pretended that they had arrived, some from the east,
some from Gaul, and who reported that Valentinian was dead, and that
everything was easy for the new and favoured emperor.

4. And because enterprises suddenly and wantonly attempted are often
strengthened by promptness of action, and in order to neglect nothing,
Nebridius, who had been recently promoted through the influence of
Petronius to be prefect of the praetorium in the place of Sallust, and
Caesarius, the prefect of Constantinople, were at once thrown into
prison; and Phronemius was intrusted with the government of the city,
with the customary powers; and Euphrasius wa