The history of the world the second part in six books, being a continuation of famous history of Sir Walter Raleigh, Knight : beginning where he left viz at the end of the Macedonian kingdom, and deduced to these later-times : that is from the year of the world 3806, or 160 years before Christ till the end of the year 1640 after Christ / by Alexander Ross ; wherein the most remarkable passages of those times both ecclesiasticall and civill, in the greatest states, empires, and kingdomes, are represented ; together with a chronologie of those times and an alphabeticall-table by the author.

The third Book [ 10] OF THE SECOND PART, INTREATING Of the times from CONSTANTINE the Great, till CHARLES the Great, containing 476 Yeares. [ 20] (Book 3)

CHAP. I.

The life, actions and death of Constantine the Great. 2. The history of his four sonnes. 3. The affaires of the Church under these Emperors.

THE Church hitherto Militant, begins now to be Triumphant, which being delivered from a longer captivity, then that of * 1.1 Babel, is setled by a greater Captain then Zorobabel; Con∣stantine the great Eagle carries this woman upon his two [ 30] wings into the wildernesse, or state of rest and security. Now Religion lifteth up her head, the Temples are opened for the true God, at whose presence Idolatry like Dagon falls to the ground; Bishops and Doctors, chiefly those that suffered are highly rewarded; controversies are silenced; therefore Constantine gives, order for calling of Councels, and will himselfe hear the difference between Caecilian and Donatus, by his Deputies who absolve Caecilian and condemne the turbulent spirit of Do∣natus, and his sect. Constantine compelled no man to embrace Christianity; yet suffered none to commit Idolatry: he would have Christ to be professed freely; not by constraint. He will not use that bloudy course against Pagans which they [ 40] used against Christians. Furious reformers of Religion, are the successors of Di∣ocletian, not of Constantine. But this fair day of the Churches peace was quickly overcast by the black cloud of Arianisme, which like a sparkle being kindled at Alexandria by Arius Presbyter, there did spread it selfe soon after into a flame through Egypt, Lybia, and the rest of the world. The Emperour willing to quench this fire betimes, sends Osius Bishop of Corduba, with letters, desiring them to study mo•…•… piety, and lesse controversie, lest they become a mocking stock to * 1.2 the Infidels. But seeing he could not thus prevail, he cals a Councell at Nicea in Bi∣thynia of 318 Bishops, besides innumerable Presbyters and Deacons. Sylvester [ 50] the Pope by reason of his age could not be there, but sent his Deputies. Constan∣tine sitting down in his gilded Throne, exhorted them, to decide the controver∣sie by Scripture, and to lay aside all emulation and strife. In the end Arius is con∣demned and banished; and the eternall consubstantiality of the Son of God with his Father is confirmed. The controversie also about Easter is abolished, and it is commanded to be kept, the first sunday still, after the Equinoctiall full Moon, and not with the Jewes, the 14 day of the Moon. All other controversies between

the Bishops he ended by flinging the papers in the fire. He commanded the Lords day to be observed, he put downe the Gladiators, and would not suffer any Chri∣stian to be slave to a Jew. He did not permit the Governours of Provinces to in∣fringe the Bishops Decrees and Canons. He caused the Church goods to be re∣stored, which were held by the city, and many other excellent laws he made in sa∣vour of Testators, Orphans, and Virgins. He alwayes heard Sermons standing, acknowledging thereby what reverence was due to Gods Word.

After the overthrow of Arius, Constantine celebrates the 20 yeare of his reigne, and entertaines the Bishops with a great Feast, on whom he bestowed gifts. Hee kissed the scars of Paphnutius Bishop of Thebais, and of Spiridion bishop of Cy∣prus, [ 10] calling them blessed that were wounded for Christ. It was this Paphnutius that stood up in the Councell in defence of the marryed Clergy. Constantine re∣proved Acesius bishop of the Novatians, for denying the Communion to those that had fallen, and wished him to set up a ladder, and climbe up himselfe alone to heaven. But the Arians did not cease to spew out their malice against the Or∣thodox, by false accusations, whereas other wayes they could not hurt them. In the mean time Constantine gives order to pull down the chappell of Venus, built over the Holy Sepulchre, and in lieu thereof to erect a Temple to our Saviour; and a town, which he called new Jerusalem. His mother Helena built churches in the places of Christs Nativity and Ascension. Shee searched and found the Holy [ 20] Crosse, by which miracles were wrought. At last having done much good, she dyed being 80 years old.

Crispus was Constantines eldest son, who being falsely accused by his stepmo∣ther Fausta, that he would have ravished her, is by his Fathers command put to death, and she afterward being found guilty of this murther, is killed in a scalding bath. Hee caused also Licinianus his sisters son to be slain. Then he repaires and beautifies Byzantium, and cals it from his own name Constantinople, and having translated thither many Noble Families, and wealth from Rome, and erected mag∣nificent buildings and Temples there, it was called new Rome: he buildes again the wals which by Severus 130 yeares before were thrown down; and gives the [ 30] same priviledges to new Rome, which old Rome had. This he did in hatred to Romes greatnesse and Idolatry; and because this city lay fit for the suppressing the Goths, and Sarmatians: but it was impolitickly done to weaken the old seat of the Empire, and Italy which lay so fit for Dominion. He adorned also Ni∣comedia, Hebron, and Antiochia and other places. He caused Idolatry to be sup∣pressed, and Idols to be thrown downe, and hereticall conventicles to be abolished: hee subdued the Scythians and made them tributaries, and likewise the Sauro∣matae or Sarmatians, Indians, Ethiopians, and Persians honour him with pre∣sents. Hormisdas the Persian king fled to him for aid. He upon spleen of his No∣bility was put by his right, being the eldest son, and cast in chains; the younger bro∣ther [ 40] was made king: but Hormisdas wife delivered him, by sending him a fish, and in it a file, wherewith he filed off his fetters, and in the clothes of an Eunuch passed unknown through the drunken guard; and so got to Armenia, and from thence had a convoy to Constantine: who had sent to Sapores the old Persian King to surcease persecuting the christians, as he did; upon the instigation of Jews and Magitians, he killed above 16000 Christians.

Constantine in his latter dayes began to waver, for the Arian faction wrought upon his sister Constantia, the wife of Licinius, and she upon him, to recall Arius from banishment. Eusebius also bishop of Nicomedia, with other Arians falsly accused Athanasius successour to Alexander in Alexandria, and in a councell held [ 50] at Tyrus condemned him, with Eustachius bishop of Antioch, whom they falsly accused of adultery. Athanasius is banished to Treviri, but by a Synod of 80 bi∣shops in Egypt, he is absolved from the Arians unjust sentence, who condemned him for a magitian: but Arius having fraudulently subscribed and sworne to the Nicean creed, having another under his arm, was received by the Emperor, and order given to Alexander bishop of Constantinople to receive him publickly in∣to * 1.3 the church there, seeing the Alexandrians refused to communicate with him:

but the next day as Arius was going in pomp towards the church, he stept aside to ease himself, and in the privy, his guts and soul went together. He dyed belike of a rupture; this was it that Alexander in his prayers did so earnestly desire the night before.

Constantine had three sonnes besides Crispus whom the stepmother Fausta the daughter of Maxentius murthered, that her own sonnes might succeed; the el∣dest Constantinus was made Caesar the 10 year of his Fathers reigne; Constans the second son in the 20 year, and Constantius the youngest in the 30. In lieu of Crispus unjustly slain, and much lamented by Helena his Grandmother, and the whole city. The good old Emperor having celebrated the marriage of his sonne [ 10] Constantius, and answered the Embassadours of India and Iberia, as he was going * 1.4 against the Persians, and was baptized in the Suburbs of Nicomedia, departed this life the 63 of his age, and the 32 years of his Empire. His death was foretold by a comet▪ his body was interred with great solemnity in the Apostles Church which he built at Constantinople. He was much lamented by the Romans, such was his piety that he taught his armies to pray, and gave them a set forme of his own making. He caused his Image to be stampt on his coin, in the gesture of one kneeling and praying to Christ: In his time Meletius bishop, for his misdemean∣ours was degraded, and then out of spleen became Arian. Clodomerus King of the Francs invaded Gallia, the two Feasts of cxaltation and invention of the Crosse were [ 20] instituted. The Irish are converted by the preaching of St. Patrick. Christianity in∣creaseth in India, Iberia and Armenia.

Constantine a little before his death, upon the importunity of the souldiers made Dalmatius his brothers sonne Caesar also; but by the same souldiers he was oppres∣sed, and so the Empire was divided betweene the three brothers. Constantine the eldest had for his share Spain, Gallia the Alpes and Britain, Constans (whom others call Constantius confounding the names) had Italy, Afric, Graecia, and Illyri∣cum. Constantius or Constans obtained the East. Constantine having restored A∣thanasius, as his father had ordered, quarrelled with his brother about Italy and Afric, and was overthrown by Constans his army; having received many wounds [ 30] * 1.5 as hee fell from his horse neer Aquileja, and is flung into the river Alfa, the 3 year of his reign, the 25 of his age. Coustans was at first a valiant and just Emperor, but afrer growing gowty, he began lascvious and cruell. Hee subdued the Francs oppressing Gallia: he maintained Athanasius and the Nicean creed: but one day as he was hunting, Chrestius, Marcellinus and Magnentius, conspire against him, and murther him. Ungratefull Magnentius forgot that one time Constans saved his life, by casting his robe over him, when the souldiers would have killed him. Constans dyed the 13 year of his reign, he had been Caesar 3 years before his fathers * 1.6 death, he was 27 years old, some say. 30. Magnentius made himselfe Emperor of the East. Vetranius Generall of the Illyrian and Pannonian Forces, invaded the [ 40] Emprire on that side, but Constantius by an eloquent speech hee made to both the armies ready to fight, made Vetranius lay down his command, the 10 month after he had taken it up, and content himselfe with a private life. At Rome Nepo∣tianus sisters sonne of Constantine the Great, having slaine the Governour of the city is made Emperor in such a tumult, that the streets ranne with bloud, and all places were filled with dead bodies. The Persians also invaded the Empire.

Constantius finding how unable he was alone to manage the Empire, makes Gallus his cousen German Caesar, and marryeth to him Constantina his sister, who had been marryed to Annibalianus Governour of Armenia. Magnentius also makes [ 50] his kinsman Decentius Caesar, beyond the Alpes. These having many times skir∣mished, at last encountred with all their strength neer Mursia, where Magnentius the Gaul is defeated, having lost 36000 men, and Constantius 30000. This victory was deer bought, for by the losse of so many men, the Empire was much weak∣ned, so that the barbarous Nations could not be kept out. Magnentius fled to Lions, where he killed himselfe with his own sword, the 4 yeare of his Empire; * 1.7 and about the 50 of his age. Decentius hearing of his overthrow and death, strang∣led

himself. Gallus Caesar quieted the Jewes who would have made them a new King; he killed many thousand of them, and burned Cesarea, and Tiberias. This Gallus was of a fierce and bloudy disposition; so was his wife. They caused many innocent men to be murthered, upon false accusations of informers, she thought she might doe any thing, being the Emperors sister. But they both were invited by flattering letters to come to Constantius. She feared her brothers cruelty, yet ad∣ventured to see him; but having come to Bithynia, she fell sick of a Feaver and dyed, Gallus was apprehended at Pola a town of Istria, where he was accused of all * 1.8 his cruelties; he laid the blame of al upon his wife; but there he was beheaded, the 4. year of his tyranny. [ 10]

Silvanus was chosen in his room by Constantius; he was a Gaul by birth, but of an aspiring nature, who aiming too high was killed by the souldiers, within a month of his advancement. Constantius having now no Competitor, begins to exercise his cruelty, accusing many, as if guilty of plotting with Magnentius Gallus, and Sylvanus against him. He banisheth also many Orthodox Bishops. And because the Francs, Alemans, Saxons, and Quadi made irruptions upon Gallia, he chose Claudius Iulianus the brother of Gallus, and having sent for him from A∣thens, makes him Caesar: and gave him command over the Transalpin coun∣tries, he subdued the barbarous Nations thereabout; and took king Chonodoma∣rius prisoner: and regained the ancient bounds of the Empire. He took also pri∣soner Badomarius chief King of the Alemans. He defeated the Saxons and Qua∣di; [ 20] upon this he is proclaimed Augustus by the Army. Constantius by Embas∣sadours counsells him to content himselfe with the title of Caesar; who replyes that he will be no lesse officious and obedient, under the high title of Augustus then before.

Constantius overcame the Sarmatians, who had over run Illyricum, but having no successe against the Persians, and understanding that Iulian was marching against him with an Army, out of impatience and long watchings, fell into a vio∣lent feaver and dyed, at Mesocrene neer the foot of mount Taurus, having reigned 24 years, 8 alone, 16 with his brother & Magnentius. He had fought 9 battels with the Persians, but with little successe: the last was lost by the wilfulnesse of his soul∣diers. [ 30] He was a good archer, temperatin dyet and sleep, a good scholar; and one that could indure hard labour. Not much given to venery, contenting himself with his wives, chiefly Eusebia. Hee favoured the Arians, being induced thereto by the same Presbyter that wrought upon Great Constantines sister. He was 41 years old when he dyed; his genius that was wont to be cheerfull with him, a little before his sicknesse looked sad upon him.

In his time Athanasius was much vexed by the Arian Bishops, for returning to his charge without Episcopall approbation; for bringing into the Church the word Consubstantiall not found in Scripture. He to avoid Constantius his fury, [ 40] flies to Pope Iulius at Rome; in his absence one George sits down in his chair at Alexandria: and Eusebius at Antioch in a conventicle of 80 bishops, expels the word consubstantiall; and possesseth the chair of Constantinople, which belonged to Paulus the true bishop. But after his death Paul is received again by the Catho∣licks; but Macedonius is ordained by the Arians, and ratified by the Emperor, who sent Hermogenes with some Forces to thrust out Paul. But the people killed the captain, and burned downe his house. For this sedition the city is fined, Paul banished, and Macedonius with the losse of 3000 citizens gets up into the chair. By the favour of Constans and Pope Iulius, Athanasius returnes to Alexandria, and is banished the third time, being accused for converting the Poors corn to [ 50] his own use. He flies to Constance, and desires a free Synod. His fellow-sufferer Paul, by the Arians malice perished in his exile: and Macedonius himselfe, who held the Holy Ghost to be the servant only of the Father, and the Sonne, was shortly expelled by the Arians, because he would not call the Son of God a creature.

Constans calls a Synod of 300 Westerns, and 800 Eastern Bishops at Sardica in Thracia, in which Athanasius is absolved by the Western bishops, and is a∣gain

restored to his charge, to the grief of the Eastern Cleargy: but Constans be∣ing dead, Constantius was much abused by the Arian bishops, chiefly by Va∣lens who prayed with Constantius, whilest his Army was fighting with Mag∣nentius, and got him the first news of the victory; he with divers others, still waited on the Emperor, soliciting him against the Catholicks; whom George at Alexandria did eagerly persecute. Photinus bishop of Syrmium is condemned by a Councell held there, for giving Christ no other beginning but from Mary. Aetius and his scholar Eunomius, dissent in this from the Arians in denying Christ to be like his Father. A Synod is called by Constantius at Millan in which Pope Liberius, Hilarius bishop of Poytures with divers others are banished [ 10] for not subscribing to the unjust sentence against Athanasius. But the Arians dis∣senting among themselves, & with the Orthodox gave occasion of calling another Synod at Ariminum in Italy of 400 bishops. But there could be no reconciliati∣on. Whereupon a Synod is called at Seleucia, in which much digladiation there was about the word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 or like; whether was meant the similitude of essence or of will. But nothing could be agreed upon, wherefore the Arians fly to Con∣stantinople, and forced many Orthodox bishops to receive that fallacious Symbol, which was compiled in the Synod of Seleucia, in which the word usia, or sub∣stance was put out, and concluded that the Son was like the Father, and that he was not a creature like other creatures: but some who refused to subscribe were banish∣ed. [ 20] Hilarius is sent back to France, as being found too hard a disputant for the ea∣stern bishops.

About this time Apollinaris starts up, affirming that the Word assumed the flesh, but not the soul, or minde, and that God was the mind or soul of the flesh as∣sumed. Constantius was a great enemy to superstition; he punished all that con∣sulted with cunning men or witches. He removed out of the Forum, the image of Cybele. Many Jews were converted to Christ upon the sight of a fiery crosse in the air, reaching from Golgotha to Mount Olivet.

CHAP. II. [ 30]

Of Julian, Jovinian, Valentinian, and Valens. 2. Of the Church, and forraign affaires.

FLavius Claudius, Iulianus the sonne of Censtantius Constantine the Greats brother, whose mother was Basilina a Noble Lady. In his youth he was bred * 1.9 a Christian under the bishop of Nicomedia, and for his pregnant wit and e∣loquence was made reader in the church. He was studious and expert in the Greek tongue. But being too familiar with Libanius the Sophister, with Iam∣blicus, [ 40] Maximus, and other Philosophers, hee became a heathen, a magician, a persecutor of Christians, and a right Apostate. He used to diffame great Con∣stantine, calling him an innovator and disturber of the ancient lawes. He put none to death for religion, but pretended other causes: hee shut up all schools of learn∣ing among Christians, knowing that learning was an enemy to Gentilism. He opened the Idolatrous Temples, and commanded sacrifices there to be offered. He stampt upon his coin Iupiter, setting the crown on his head; Pallas putting on his cloak, and Mercury giving him the scepter. He robbed the church of her revenues, telling the Clergy that they should be the fitter for heaven, because it is written, Blessed be the poore. He suffered no military honours to be conferred [ 50] on Christians. He writ invectives against Christian Religion, which Nazianzen and Cyrill refuted. He would not permit Christian children to learn Rhetorick, fearing lest they might wound the Gentiles with their own quils. He incouraged the Jewes in hatred of Christianity, to set up again their owne State and religion, promising them great immunities and priviledges. Upon this the Jews began to rebuild the Temple, but they were faine to give off by reason of thunder, hail, fire, and earthquakes which destroyed many thousands of them. Where

ever they cast their eyes they saw crosses on their garments and tables; the Delphic Temple also, was much about this time overthrown with thunder and earthquakes, as Iulian was sending thitherto know by the Oracle what successe he should have against the Persians. It had been overthrown before and spoiled 4 times, namely by the Phlegians. 2. by Xerxes his souldiers. 3. by the Phocenses 4. by Brennus; but still it was rebuilt again; by the overthrow of these two Tem∣ples, Judaism, and Gentilism were deadly wounded.

It's recorded of Iulian (whom Athanasius called a cloud soon vanishing) that in private he put divers Christians to death for their religion: among the rest Artemius Governour of Egypt, which made the Alexandrians fall furiously up∣on George their Arian Bishop, and murther him. This George had used to in∣veigh [ 10] bitterly against them, to make sport with the skuls of the murthered Ca∣tholicks; tricks fitter for a Turkish turbant, then a Bishops miter. Iulian threat∣ned to revenge this murther of George, but was taken off with fair words, and the Persian war: which he was preparing for. Understanding that Apollo could utter no Oracle, because the christians had buryed some of their Martyrs neere to him, he caused their bodies and reliques to be removed, the people in the interim singing that of the Psalmist: Confounded bee all they that worship graven Images. At which Iulian was vexed inwardly, but could not helpe it, but vowed to sacrifice the bloud of christians to his Gods, if he prevailed [ 20] against the Persians. About this time also Apollo's Temple at Rome was burned down.

Sapores who was made King before he was born, 24 years of age, made irrupti∣ons upon the Empire. Iulian with 65000 souldiers tooke divers Forts and Towns from the Persian, and wasted all Assyria. Having crossed the river Ti∣gris, he burnt his boats, as if he had conquered all: but being brought into an ambush by a fugitive, where he was beset with famine and Persian armies, was shot in the liver, by an unknown hand; he in a rage flinging the bloud of his wound in the air, cries out, Thou hast overcome mee O Galilean, and so dyed the 31 year of age, having reigned alone 1 year, 8 months, and 10 yeares with [ 30] Constantius. His wife was Helena great Constantins daughter, of whom hee had no children, her Matrix being poysoned by Eusebia the Empresse, so hee dyed childlesse. Maris bishop of Chalcedon was blind, whom Iulian mockingly told him, that he could not have so much as eyes from his Christ. I thank Christ for it (saith he) for so I shall not see thee, who art the great plague of the world. Atha∣nasius after the death of George was restored againe to Alexandria; but pre∣sently was forced to hide himself a while from Iulian's fury; in which time he compiled his excellent Symbol. Nazianzen writes of Iulian, that he was unstable in his head, eyes, and feet; at first he exhorted them to agree a∣mong themselves, and not to trouble themselves with points of Religion, [ 40] but to let every one enjoy his owne opinion. He restored to the Donatists their churches again.

Iovinian or Iovian succeeded, he was chosen for his fathers sake Varonianus a Noble Pannonian, and who had done good service. Iovinian was a good chri∣stian, * 1.10 a bountifull Prince, and a handsome man. He was forced upon the ill suc∣cesse of Iulian to make a dishonourable peace with the Persian, upon these arti∣cles. 1. That five regions beyond Tigris with some castles should be surrender∣ed to the Persian. 2. That Nisibis and Singara, which the Romans held ever since Mithridates till now, should be delivered to the Persian, but not the inhabi∣tants. 3. That the Romans should not aid Arsaces King of Armenia the greater [ 50] against the Persians; this Article was hard, being this King was alwayes faith∣full to the Romans; but they were forced to yeeld, because the Army was much weakened with famine and war in that hostile and barren countrey. Hee would not take upon him the Empire, till the whole Army had declared them∣selves Christians, for many of them in Iulians time had apostatised. He shut up al the Idol Temples again, and restored the true worship of God, with the churches revenues, and Valentinian (who had been banished) to his former charge of the

Army. He recalled the banished Bishops, chiefly Athanasius, to whom he wrote for a copy of that truth in Religion which he was to follow. Upon this Athanasius cals a Synod at Alexandria, where the sum of the Catholick Faith was compiled, and sent to the Emperour.

As the Emperor was returning from Persia, the Semi-Arian Macedonian he∣retickes met him, crying out against the Arians, and striving to insinuate them∣selves into his favour, but he rejected them, professing that hee would give no ear to contentions. Acacius the great Arian, Bishop of Caesarea, who had been a great stickler for Arianism, is now (but hypocritically) content to subscribe to the Nicaean Creed in the Councell of Antioch held by Meletins Bishop there, who [ 10] was lately returned from exile: his example was followed by divers other Ari∣an bishops, more out of fear to the Emperour, then love to the truth. Iovi∣nian could abide no disputes in Religion, but advanced those who were mode∣rate and peaceable men. He dyed in Illyricum suddenly of a surfeit the 8 month of his Empire, and of his age the 33 year. In his time Vlphilas the Arian Bishop of the Goths found out the Gothic letters, and was the first who turned the Bi∣ble into the Gothic tongue. He was interred neer to the Capitol, and his ob∣sequies kept in Pannonia; before his death a comet appeared, and the Library at * 1.11 Antioch was burned.

Valentinian the first succeeded, he had been Tribune of the souldiers under [ 20] Iulian, who casheered him for striking a heathen Priest, that besprinkled him with Holy water in the Church porch, as Iulian was sacrificing to his Idol. But Iovinian restored him. He was a Pannonian born, his fathers name was Gratian, who was so strong that five souldiers could not with all their strength wring a rope out of his hand, which he had then to sell. The Army urged Valentinian to choose a consort; one told him, that if he loved his kindred, he had a brother; if the State, he should seek out some other. This speech angered him; but hee said nothing till he came to Constantinople, and then pronounced Valens Co-Em∣peror: no man daring to oppose him, they two deposed most of Iulians officers. About this time the barbarous Nations on all sides invaded the Empire, the Picts Saxones, Scots, and Attacots, (a Nation in the South of Scotland, or North of [ 30] England) fell upon the Britaines, the Persians on Armenia, the Alemans on Gallia, the Sarmatians on Pannonia, the Goths on Thracia, and the Maurisci on Africa. Upon this Valentinian sets up his seat at Millan, Valens at Constantino∣ple, where he was infected by Eudoxus the Arian bishop, from thence he remo∣ved to Antioch, where he cast the Catholicks out of their churches. Petronius his Father in law did so pole the people with extortions that they set up one Pro∣copius to be Emperor of Constantinople, Armies are raised, and Bithynia is taken. The Thracians and Goths are invited to side with them. The posthume daughter of Constantius, the Emperor is carryed about the Army, as if this new Emperor intended her good: Cizycus is taken; but when Procopius should have fought [ 40] with Valens, his souldiers forsook him, and he was brought to Valens, who gave order hee should lose his head, and be quratered; many also of his side suffered with him: thus ended that civill broil.

At this time a great schism was in Rome, about the election of the Pope Dama∣sus and Vrsicianus striving for it; the faction was so great, that many were killed; at last Damasus carryed it. He was the first that authorised the Latin Version before the Greek: but the Clergy retained their old Psalmes; he caused the Creed of Constantinople to be sung in stead of the Nicen. Lucifer bishop of Sar∣dinia brought a schism into the church, for refusing to admit those Arians into [ 50] the Priesthood, who had renounced their errours. Ambrose then translated from the Greek into the Latin church the singing of hymnes and Anti-hymnes; he was made bishop, being Governour of Millan, for he being commanded by Valentinian to suppresse the sedition that was risen about the election, he himselfe was elected by the approbation of all.

After Valentinian had suppressed the Alemans, and was recovered from a de∣sperate sicknesse, he named his young sonne Gratianus Emperor: so now are * 1.12

three Emperours. Hee began to be a rigorous punnisher of every small offence in the Army. He suppressed the Scots and Picts incursions upon the Britains: whom still they vexed in the Romans absence. He subdued the Randon the Ale∣man, and fortified the Rhene. Valens also suppressed the Persians, and killed their King Arsaces. At Rome Maximinus rageth upon all sorts of people. One Theo∣dorus at Antioch foretold that the foure first letters of his name did belong to Gratians successour, meaning Theodosius, but this Theodorus with some other Ma∣thematicians were burned, and divers Philosophers beheaded, Iamblicus poyson∣ed himselfe. For Valens rashly condemned all such learning, not discrimina∣ting between good and bad, nocent and innocent. In the West Valentinian did [ 10] so oppresse the people with taxes and tributes, that the Mauritanians rebelled and made one Firmus their Emperour, whom in divers battels Theodosius defea∣ted. This Firmus flying to the neighbor king Igmazanes for help, but finding none, killed himself. The Quadi also rebelled because Garrisons were placed beyond Ist∣her, and Gabinius the king was slain by Caedestius Perca at a feast treacherously; therefore they fell upon Pannonia, and had almost taken the daughter of Constan∣tius, who was going to be marryed to Gratian, if Messala Governour of Panno∣nia had not by post brought her back to Syrmium. The Sarmatians also breake out, but they were so beaten by Theodosius then a young man; that they were for∣ced to beg for pardon and peace from Valentinian, excusing themselves, that this [ 20] insurrection was not caused by the Nobility, but by the countrey people, who were angry at the new erected Garrisons. Valentinian in a violent passion reproved them for this frivolous excuse, and their ingratitude, and upon the vehement stirring of his spirit fell into a Feaver, and within few dayes dyed, having reigned about 15 years, and lived 55.

Valentinian had two wives, Severa the mother of Gratian, and Iustina mother of Valentinian the second. This being as yet but 4 yeares old is made Emperor, of that part, by the Army which might be indangered without a head, seeing Valens and Gratian were far off, and could not help them. So he is Emperor of Italy, and Afric, and Illyricum. In the mean while the Hunns an unknown peo∣ple [ 30] beyond Maeotis towards the frozen Sea, having no setled aboad, nor houses, nor lands, but lived in waines, made a sudden incursion upon the confines of Isther: so that the Goths and Scythians implore Valens for aid. He unwisely re∣ceives these barbarians within the Roman territories, who being pinched with famine, in great multitudes passe over the Danow, and enters Thracia with their Armes, which they were commanded to deliver up, when they petitioned for help: but Maximus and the other Roman Governours were carelesse. Valens was forced to leave the Persian war, and to aid Thracia, which was oppressed by the Goths, to whose assistance there did flock all sorts of discontented persons: be∣sides as Gratian was coming with an Army to aid his Uncle Valens, he was set up∣on [ 40] by the Aleman forces, but Gratian defeated and killed 40000 of them. Valens unwilling that Gratian should have any share of his victory, would not stay for his assistance, but ventured with his Army upon the Goths, Alans, and Hunns, who defeated him, and at last burned him in a cottage whither he had retired, to dresse his wound he received by an arrow. He lived almost 50 yeares, and reigned a∣bout 14. This, next to that of Cannae, was the greatest blow that ever the Romans had; the Goths also lost aboundance of men, both in this battell, and in their siege of Adrianapolis; hee was a cruell and an illiterate prince, who could indure any religion except the Orthodox. Which against his brothers will he persecuted. As he was subscribing an edict for banishing of Basil out of Caesarea, his arm was [ 50] taken with such a shaking, that he was forced to desist. He cruelly caused to be burned in a ship 80 Orthodox men, that were sent to petition for the free exercise of their faith. About this time dyed Athanasius, having beene bishop of Alexan∣dria 46 years. In the time of Constantius he hid himselfe 6 years in a dark cave, where he saw not the Sun all the time of Iulian, he hid himself in Alexandria, un∣der Valens he lay hid 4 months in his fathers tomb. To him succeeded Peter, but because he was Orthodox, Valens thrust him out, and set up Lucius the Arian.

CHAP. III.

Of Gratianus, Theodosius, Arcadius, Honorius, and Theodosius the younger. 2. Of the Goths, Vandales, and other barbarous Nations. 3. The Church affair•…•…s of those times

GRatianus was born at Syrmium; this was a learned and good Prince; who * 1.13 after the death of Valens called home the banished Catholicks. He would neither take the title nor habit of the High Priest, as others used to doe. He was moderate in his sleep, diet, and delights. He permitted liberty of conscience, [ 10] except to the Manichees, Eunomians and Photinians: he sent for Theodosius out of Spain, and made him Co-Emperor, by whom he subdued the Alans, Hunns, and Goths, Nations not touched by Alexander; and he overthrew them at such a time, when the Roman army was almost lost, and when the enemy had furnished them∣selves with the Roman horse and arms. Gratian reigned with his Father Valentini∣an 8 years, with his Uncle and brother three, with the same brother and Theodosius * 1.14 four, with these and Arcadius 6 moneths. Theodosius was baptized at Thessalonica, and after his great victory in Thracia which he set free, entred Constantinople, and was made Emperor. [ 20]

Valens had placed in divers towns of Asia, the sons of the chief Barbarians to be civilized and educated. These understanding of the great overthrow of their countrymen, resolved to sacrifice to their Ghosts, these towns they dwelt in; but were prevented by Iulius who had the charge of them: for one day he assembled them all together, as if hee meant to reward them, and suddenly by the souldiers laid in ambush, slew them. Theodosius made much of the Fugitives, and mixed them with his own souldiers. He was a Prince endowed with as many vertues as ever any, and nothing inferiour to Trajan his countryman, from whom he derived his pedegree; but hee exceeded Trajan in being more temperate, and lesse ambitious. His diet was simple, his apparell was plaine like others; his modesty was such, that hee forbid the marriage of cousin germans. He [ 30] was an enemy to all lasciviousnesse, not suffering women to play or sing at Feasts. He was learned, wise, diligent, sober; a hater of Cinna, Marius, Sylla, and such like tyrants. He overthrew Idolatry, and established the true religion.

Gratian began to grow carelesse, and to prefer the Alans before the Roman souldiers, so that hee became hatefull to them. Maximus Theodosius his fellow soul∣dier, angry that no honour was conferred on him, in Britain made himself Em∣perour, then passing over into France, Gratians souldiers being angry with him, * 1.15 entertained Maximus for their Generall, who driving him to Lions, killed him, having lived 28 years. He was a good Oratour, whose Epistle to S. Ambrose, wherein hee professeth the Nicen Faith is yet extant. In his time Audaeus in Sy∣ria, [ 40] taught that God had a humane shape; his scholars were called Audeani and Anthropomorphites. To these were coetaneall the Messalians, called Euchites and Enthusiasts, who bragged much of prayer, and of the Spirit, in the i nterim li∣ving an idle life. Priscillianus then lived in Spain, who renewed the heresie of the Gnostics, he with his followers were banished out of Spain, and in Gallia be∣ing brought before Maximus Emperour, there were punished with death. The Mes∣salians or Euchites were called Valentiniani, because in his time they first appeared. Vigilantius and Iovinianus hereticks affirmed, that all sins were equall. The Sa∣racens and Gothes turn Christians, but withall, Arians. Theodosius cals a Sy∣nod at Constantinople, where Macedonius is condemned, and the Divinity of the [ 50] Holy Ghost asserted, then was the title of Patriarch first mentioned, and given to the four chief Bishops.

Gratian being dead, Theodosius chose his brother Valentinian the second, yet a child for his colleague. Iustina his mother supplyed his room, in his minority; she had a fair face, but a foul soul, infected with Arianism. Shee would have ex∣pelled Ambrose out of Millan, but he resisted the souldiers that were sent into the

Church to apprehend him, saying the Church was Gods House, not the Empe∣rors. Maximus who had the charge of Britain, Gallia, and Germany, not con∣tent with this share aimed at Valentinians also, wherefore having past the Alpes, he drove Valentinian out of Italy, who fled to Theodosius for help, the rather be∣cause he had new marryed with Galla, the daughter of old Valentinian and Iusti∣na; for he had buryed his former wife Placilla mother to Arcadius already created Augustus, and his brother Honorius. He resolves therefore by reason of this affinity with Valentinian, and the justnesse of this cause, to assist him. Andragathius Generall of Maximus his Forces, had fortified the passages of the Alpes, but hearing of Theodosius his preparation, forsakes the Alpes, and by a naval expedition, in∣tends [ 10] to prevent the enemy; Theodosius unexpectedly passeth the Alpes now o∣pen, falleth upon Aquileja, where Maximus thought himselfe secure, takes him, and kills him. Andragathius hearing that Maximus was slain, flings himself over∣board into the Sea. So Valentinian recovered Italy and his Empire, and by the perswasion of Theodosius embraceth the Catholick Faith. Theodosius in his victo∣ry shewed great elemency in sparing Symmachus and others of Maximus his faction. Victor Maximus his sonne Generall of the French Forces was now dead, whereupon Valentinian repaires thither, and governed Gallia about 5 yeares. Theodosius goeth to Rome, and there shuts up the Idol Temples, and reformes many abuses. Valentinian at last by Eugenius his Secretary, and Arbogastus the [ 20] Goth, Generall of his French Armies, was strangled at Vienna; because hee had casheered Arbogastus upon suspicion of treason. He told Valextinian to his face, that hee received no preferment from him, nor had hee power to casheer him; and so put himself out, and killed his Lord.

Arbogastus presuming on the souldiers favour raised a great Army, and de∣clares Engenins Emperour, who unwillingly accepted it; knowing hee should bee Emperour but in Title. These two intended to re-establish Idolatry: but Theodosius hearing of these great preparations, betakes himselfe to his prayers, then marcheth with his small army against the enemy, carrying the Crosse for his standard. Arbetion with a part of the enemies Forces went over to him. In [ 30] the heat of the battell, a sudden whirlewinde fell upon the enemy, and beat the darts against themselves. Upon this the whole Army submitted to Theodo∣sius, for whom the Heavens did fight. Eugenius fell flat at the Emperors feet, but was killed by the souldiers. Arbogastus killed himselfe. Theodosius returning victorious to Rome, declares his son Honorius Emperor, and appoints Stilico for his Tutor. He perceiving how unwilling the Romans were to leave their old I∣dolatry, under which they had flourished 1200 yeares, seiseth upon all the re∣venues that belonged to the Priests and to the Idols, and so Idolatry began to decay: and the poor in stead of Idols were relieved: yet Gentilism could not be as yet quite extirpated. [ 40]

Whilest Theodosius was at Millan in a popular tumult, at Thessalonica, Vlde∣ricus the Governour there was killed. Upon this the Emperor in anger sent thi∣ther some Troopes to revenge his death, these killed about 7000 men. Ambrose Bishop of Millan, hearing of this, debarred Theodosius from the Communion, who publikely acknowledging his errour, shewed serious repentance, and made a a law that 30 dayes should intercede between the sentence and execution. For Theodosius though an excellent Prince, yet was oftentimes rash and rigid in pu∣nishing, as may bee seene in the Antiochians whom he caused to bee plundered and inslaved, for breaking downe the statue of Placilla the Empresse. Yet was afterward pacified by Flavianus the Bishop, and so hee was recon∣ciled [ 50] to the Byzantines for pulling downe the Jewes Synagogues, and by S. Ambrose perswaded to thrust them out of all Cities into the Suburbs. After this good Prince had reigned 16 years, he dyed at Millan, the 50, others say the 65 year of his age, and left the Empire to his two sons, his body was buryed at Constantinople.

The Goths not long before Theodosius chose them a King, Alaricus by * 1.16 name, who persecuted the Christians. Afterward he embraced Arianism, in which

the Goths continued 213 yeares. Theodosius subdued them; to whom they sub∣mitted, but afterward chose Alaricus for their king. The Helvidians or Anti∣dicomarianits lived about these times; then also ceased the Olympiads, and the Indictions were instituted. Isdigerdes persecutes the Christians in Persia. Gregory Nazianzen surrendred for peace sake his Bishoprick of Constantinople, to whom succeeded Nectarius who abolished private confession, upon an abuse offered by a Deacon to a Noble woman: a Synod was held at Constantinople, and another by Damasus at Rome.

After Theodosius, Arcadius succeeded in the East, Honorius in the West. These two were bred under Arsenius a Roman Deacon, whom Theodosius one day com∣ing [ 10] into the schoole reproved, for suffering his sonnes to sit, whilest hee stood teaching them; therefore he made them stand up, and him set down, charging him to whip them when they deserved. This Arsenius might have had any preferment from his scholars, but hee refused all, and lived an Eremit. They had two Govern∣ours in their minority; Arcadius had Ruffinus a Gaul and a wicked man; Honorius had Stilico: to Gildo was committed Africa. Ruffinus drew Alaricus the Goth in∣to Greece, where he committed many outrages. Stilico marryed with Serena, the daughter of Theodosius his brother, of her he had a daughter Mary by name, whom he marryed with Honorius. Then sends Captain Gaina with an army to Arcadius, in whose presence they kill Ruffinus. So Stilico was rid of a corrivall. Gildo by defrau∣ding [ 20] the souldiers of their pay, caused them to rebell, hoping thereby to be Emper∣our. * 1.17 But him also Stilico destroyed by the help of his brother Mascelzel, who hated Gildo his brother, for some wrongs received from him, therefore he overthrows him in a battell, and drives him to self-murther. Afterward Mascelzel by Stilico's trea∣chery was drowned in the river.

The two Emperors having now got some breath after these tumults, in imi∣tation of their Father, command all Idolatrous temples to be overthrown, and the gladiators to be abolished. Chrysostom was then sent for to be Bishop of Constan∣tinople; who reproved Gaina to his face for aiming at the Empire; and en∣deavouring to overthrow Eutropius who succeeded to Ruffinus in the Emperours [ 30] favour: Gainas conspiring with his countryman Tribigildus, began to make shew of a civill war. Tribigildus wastes many places in the provinces, against him Gai∣nas is sent, who of purpose increaseth the feare, and labours with Arcadius to banish or put to death Eutropius for his own security. So Gainas a Goth and Arian is received within the City, desires to exercise publikely the Arian heresie, telling the Emperor that it did not stand with his honour, that he who was the Roman Generall should exercise his Religion without the wals. But Chry∣sostome resisted him, telling him of his ingratefulnesse, and turbulent nature. But the Traitor intends to invade the city and Empire, wherefore under pretence of re∣creating himself, removes into the countrey, carrying some Forces with him, and leaving some in the city to act for him. But whilest they thought to surprise the [ 40] city in the night, there appeared a guard about the Tower, as if they had been angels. For Arcadius not doubting of treachery, placed no guards in the city. But some ar∣mour which he was conveying away being found, Gainas is proclaimed traitor, and all the Goths in the city, were by the inraged multitude murthered; even those 7000 that had taken sanctuary in the Temple. Then Travittas being made Generall, overthrew Gainas in a Sea fight, and drove him home into his owne country, whom at last the king of the Hunns overthrew in a battell, and then put him to death.

The Alani about this time made inroades upon the Empire. Stilico the Van∣dall [ 50] got the good will both of the Roman and Barbarian souldiers. He kept se∣cret correspondency with the enemies of the Empire, and endeavoured to set the two brothers Emperors at variance. He imployed Alaricus to seise upon Illyricum, and all this was to make his own son Eucherius Emperour. Hee imployed also his countreymen the Vandals, with the Alans, Sueves, Goths, and Huns against Gallia and Germany. The Vandals under Croscus their Generall did much havock in Gallia. Alaricus king of the Visi goths, or Western Goths, drove the Alans

and Sueves with the Vandals thence into Spaine. Stilico's ambition was raised by the great victory he got over the Scythians, of which 200000 under their king Rhadagaisus break in upon Italy, having laid wast many townes by the way. Hee vowed the bloud of Christians for a sacrifice to his gods. But Stilico so shut him up within the barren hils of Fesulae, that they consumed away with the plague and famine, their king was laid in irons, and strangled, and they were sold by flocks like sheep, a crown then could buy a whole flock; but they dyed shortly after. In the mean while Arcadius dyeth, being 31 years old, having reigned 14 years alone, and * 1.18 13 with his Father. His Empresse Eudoxa dyed a little before, having a dead child in her womb. [ 10]

In his time the Monkes who in Diocletian's persecution began, were increased to great numbers: they persecuted Theophilus Bishop of Alexandria, for deny∣ing to God a humane shape, this Theophilus was an enemy to Chrysostome, because hee befriended the Monkes which he had excommunicated, for commending Ori∣gens bookes. Chrysostome stood for Origen, whom Epiphanius Bishop of Salamis in Cyprus resisted condemning these bookes, which Methodius Bishop of Lycia, then of Tyrus, compared to the Syrenes for their many allegories. Epiphanius was reproved by the Monkes for condemning these bookes before a Councell was called, and so as he was returning home dyed by the way. Chrysostome for being too free in his speech, chiefly against Eudoxa the Emperesse, whom he calls Hero∣dias, [ 20] inveighing bitterly against her and her statue which was erected neere the Church upon a marble pillar, at which the Stage players used to act. Hee thrust out also 13 Bishops; and reproved the Monkes for comming into cities; re∣fusing to converse or eat with any of them. Hereupon hee is banished, but by the importunity of the people recalled again; yet could hee not refrain from inveighing against Eudoxa, which made Arcadius being uxorious banish him the second time, then he dyed on the borders of Armenia, a year before the death of Arcadius, two years before Rome was taken by Alaricus. But Pope Innocenti∣us excommunicated the Emperour and the Eastern Churches for condemning of Chrysostome. [ 30]

Arcadius left one sonne Theodosius behinde him, a child of 8 years, to the tuiti∣on of Isdigerdes king of Persia, hopeing by this meanes that the Persians would forbeare to molest the kings pupill by incursions on his territories. He was a milde and religious Prince, well educated by his sister Pulcheria, who in his mino∣rity ruled the Empire with great commendation. About this time a certain pa∣ralytick Jew by baptism was recovered, and Marutha•…•… Bishop in Mesopotamia by his prayers freed Isdigerdes from his continuall head-ach, and his sonne from the evill spirit with which he was possessed, so that the king was like to turn Chri∣stian had not his Magi hindred him.

The same year that young Theodosius began his reign, Honorius understanding [ 40] of Stilico's treasons caused him to be put to death at Ravenna with his confederats. Stilico's daughter that was marryed to Honorius, is restored to her mother Sere∣na. His sonne Eucherius is executed at Rome, and the wives and children of the Goths are by the inraged souldiers through all the townes of Italy murthered. The Goths to be revenged, assembled themselves in a body of 30000 under Ala∣ricus, * 1.19 who finding no justice from Honorius, by a secret command as hee said, marcheth toward Rome, without medling with any towns by the way; to hinder him: hee seised upon the harbour and stopt all provision. He laughed when hee heard the citizens would fight; saying: that thick hay is easyer cut then thin. In∣nocentius caused all the Images to be stript of their ornaments and jewels, to make [ 50] up the summe of 5000 l. weight of gold, and 30000 of silver, to pay Ala∣ricus, who upon receipt thereof, removed the siege. But Honorius refused to give hostages, and to ratifie the peace which the city had made with Alaricus, wherefore hee intercepted the souldiers which Honorius sent to guard the City.

Honorius continuing in his obstinacy sent for the Huns to assist him, and remitted to Constantine the Tyrant, all the Territories beyond the Alpes, then

did the Britaines, Celtae, and A•…•…morici recover their liberty, by expelling all the Roman Officers. Alaricus besiegeth Rome againe, and forceth the citizens to make Attalus their Governour Caesar, and to join their Forces with him against Honorius. But the Army of Attalus which hee sent to subdue Africa, was cut off by Heraclianus Governour there under Honorius. Alaricus would willingly have made peace with Honorius, and to that purpose sent divers Embassies, but Honorius had vowed the contrary. Attalus with a great Army drew neer Ra∣venna where Honorius was, which so affrighted him, that hee profferred to make Attalus his colleague, which he refused, in a proud and scornfull way; whereupon Alaricus devested Attalus of all his honour, and princely ornaments, which hee [ 10] sent to Honorius, hoping thereby that hee would hearken to peace. But Sarus and Iovius the two great Commanders of Honorius his Armies, would not give way to any peace. Wherefore Alaricus by treason takes Rome, and sackes it; when the * 1.20 newes thereof came to Honorius, that Rome was taken, he thought the messenger had spoke of his great Cock, which hee named Rome. Alaricus gave order that none should be slain who took Sanctuary: but he could not keep the souldiers from pillaging and burning. So great was the famine in Rome before it was betrayed, that the people desired a price might bee set upon mens flesh. Alaricus stayed not in the city above three days, for he feared lest Theodosius Honorius his brothers sonne, might be coming with his Eastern army, wherefore having wasted Italy, as [ 20] he was passing over into Sicily, dyed suddenly, to whom succeeded his kinsman A∣taulphus.

This Ataulphus marryed with Placidia Honorius his sister, who by her allure∣ments was perswaded to make peace, and goe into Spaine, that Honorius might suppresse the new upstart tyrants, which invaded the Empire, to wit, Constantine, Constans, Gerontius, Iovinus, Sebastian, Sarus, and others. Which was effected by the meanes of Constantius and Vulphilas his Generall. Constantine at Arela∣tum is besieged, taken, and slain by Constantius: his sonne Constans is killed by Gerontius, and hee by his own souldiers: Iovinus also is slain. Attalus is carryed away with the Goths into Spaine, and being taken at Sea, had his head cut off. He∣raclianus [ 30] with a great fleet entred upon Italy, but being beaten back as hee was landing, returnes to Carthage, where hee is slain by the souldier. About this time Constantius recovered Gallia from the Goths. Athaulphus for desiring to make peace with Honorius is killed in Spaine by his souldiers: and so was his successor Sugericus, for the same cause. After whom Mallia was elected by the Goths, to break the peace, which the two former kept; but he remembring the miseries, which the Goths formerly suffered for violating the peace, made a firm league with Hono∣rius, gave him choise hostages, and sent him back his sister Placidia, who afterward marryed with Constantius that brave commander, and of him had Valentinian, af∣terward Emperor. In the interim the Vandals and Suevi did continually war with the Goths, to the great advantage of the Romans. But the Burgundians being grie∣vously [ 40] oppressed by Uptarus king of the Huns, resolve to serve Christ, and so having received baptism, they fall suddenly upon the Huns, and in one battell kill 30000 of them. Since which time they constantly maintained the Christian re∣ligion.

In the East Baraanes the Persian, upon the instigation of his Magi persecuted the Christians, which Isdigerdas tolerated, and because Theodosius would not re∣store those that fled to him, hee is threatned with war: but Ardaburius the Em∣perors Generall defeated the Persian Armies, and slew 10000 of their prime soul∣diers, which they called immortall, 100000 Saracens being suddenly taken with a panic fear, as they were flying from the Romans over Euphrates were drowned. [ 50] The news of this defeat was by Palladius in three dayes space brought from Meso∣potamia to Constantinople. About this time Honorius dyed of an Hydropsie at Rome the 30 year of his Empire, and the 40 of his age. He had made Constantius * 1.21 his sisters husband Co-Emperor, but he dyed 5 moneths after his inauguration. About these times lived Pelagius the great patron of free-will, Helvidius also, Audaeus and Benosus hereticks. From Atulphus the Spaniards reckon their kings,

for before him Spain was possessed by Vandals, Alans, and Sueves. The French begin their Chronicles from Faramund their first king, and General of the Francks. Vasconia is so called from the Visigoths which drove out thence the Vandals, A∣lans and Suoves into Spain, and 19 years after they drove the Vandals, thence in∣to Africa, they also overthrew the Alans and Sueves, and reigned there about 386 yeares, untill they were destroyed by the Mores. Innocentius the first drove the Novatians out of Rome. The Britains being forsaken by the Romans, became a prey to the Scots and Picts; from whose oppressions that they might be delivered, they invited to their own destruction the Saxons or Angles out of Germany. The Gaules also shook off the Roman yoak, and called in the Francks, whilest Alari∣cus [ 10] was raging in Italy. Palladius by Pope Celestine is sent into Scotland, to convert them from the Pelagian heresie. He was the first Bishop there, before him that Church was governed by Monks. About these times dyed S. Hierome in Bethlem 91 yeares old, and about 11 or 12 years after, S. Augustine in Hippo in the 76 year of his age, the 40 of his Bishoprick. The University of Bononia is insti∣tuted by Theodosius.

CHAP. IV.

Divers alterations in the Empire under Theodosius, Martianus, Leo and Ze∣no. [ 20] 2. The Westerne Empire ruined by the Goths, Vandals, Huns, and Heruli. 3. Divers forraigne passages of those times; and of the Church affaires.

VPon the death of Honorius, Castinus Generall of the Army, advanceth Iohn the Secretary to the Empire; who sent Embassadours to Theodosius for his favour and approbation. But hee imprisons the Embassadours, and * 1.22 sends Ardaburius the Praetor against him, whom Iohn neer Ravenna beset round. Which being known, Theodosius sends Valentinian the sonne of Placidia his Aunt, whom hee had made Caesar to recover the Western Empire. Asper the [ 30] sonne of Ardaburius was sent before, whom a shepheard in an unknown habit, con∣ducted through a Lake into Ravenna. Ardaburius is set free, Iohn is subdued, and Castinus banished. So Valentinian by the consent of all Italy is made Emperor. Bonifacius and Aetius by Theodosius are allowed for his Generalls. But these two by their emulations, and Valentinian his negligence ruined all. Spain, Gallia, Bri∣taine, and west Lybia are lost. Aetius instigated the Emperour against Boniface Go∣vernour of Africa, who understanding of the danger he was in, and what was in∣tended against him by Valentinian and Placidia, called in Guntharius and Genseri∣cus kings of the Vandals then in Spain. These with fire and sword wast Africa, and [ 40] poyson it with Arlanism. But at last Boniface understanding that Aetius his letters, which he sent him were false concerning the Emperors intentions against him, would fain have thrust the Vandals out of Africa again, but could not, wherefore he comes to Rome, and in a set battell defeats Aetius, but shortly after hee dyed, and left * 1.23 Afric to the Vandals, who besieged Hippo, in the 3 month of this siege S. Au∣stin dyed.

After this Aetius is reconciled to the Emperours. Numidia is given to the Vandals and a peace concluded with them. Aetius forceth the Burgundians, and Litorius, the Goths then besieging Narbon, to hearken to peace. Theodosius his wife Athenais daughter of Leontius the Athenian Philosopher, was baptised, and [ 50] new named Eudoxia. Shee expressed some places of Scripture in Homer's verses, as Proba Falconia did before her in Virgil's. This Eudoxia had a daughter by Theodosius of her own name, who was marryed to Valentinian in Constan∣tinople. Eudoxia the mother went the next yeare to Jerusalem, whence shee brought Peters chaines, in memory of which shee caused the first of August to be kept holy, which before was observed in honour of Augustus his victory over Antonius and Cleopatra. In the 30 yeare of Theodosius there were earthquakes

which lasted many moneths together, overthrowing houses and townes, which pre∣saged great commotions and changes in the State. In these earthquakes a certaine young man was suddenly taken up in the air, and let down again, who told the peo∣ple, that they must all sing: Holy God, Holy and strong, Holy and Immortall, have mercy upon us. Hereupon they all sung Kyrie eleison, and the earthquake ceased. But the Empire began more and more to decline. For Theodosius let loose the rains to his covetous Funuchs.

The Goths first defeated Valentinians Army, took Litorius his Generall pri∣soner, and forced the Emperour to sue for peace, and to surrender a part of Gallia. In the interim Gensericus possesseth himselfe of Carthage, the next year he cros∣seth [ 10] over to Sicily, which he wasteth. Theodosius sent Forces thither, but to little purpose. Shortly after, that scourge of God Attila king of the Huns, wastes Thra∣cia and Illyricum: takes in all Castles, and Cities, except Adrianopolis and He∣raclea. So that Theodosius was fain to hire him to be gone, for 6000 lib. weight of gold, and a yearly tribute. But pretending not long after, that his tribute was not duly paid, he renews the war; and being confederate with Gensericus, he arms the Scythians, Ostrogoths, Sarmatians, Marcomans, Saxons, and divers other na∣tions, making shew that he would drive the Goths out of Gallia, and makes the Goths beleeve, that he was the greatest enemy the Romans had. But Valentinian having discovered his cunning plot, unites himself to all the kings of Gallia, to Theo∣doricus of the Goths, Gundericus of the Burgundions, Merovenus of the Francs, and [ 20] Sangibanus king of the Alans; all these under Aetius his Generall, he employeth a∣gainst A•…•…tila. In the large fields of Catalaunum or Chaalons the battel was fought, on both sides were slaine 162000, besides 90000 of the Gepidae and Francs, wh•…•…ch before the great battell had killed each other in the night time. The Francs held with the Romans, the Gepidae with the Huns. Theodoricus king of the Goths, or of Spaine was killed by a fall from his horse, as hee was riding about his souldiers, animating them to fight. Attila after the battell durst not ven∣ture out of his Camp. It's thonght hee had in his Army 500 thousand men. [ 30]

Theodosius the second being 50 yeares old, dyed of a bruise which hee had by a * 1.24 fall from his horse, he reigned 42 yeares after his father. In his time lived Pope Leo a great Champion against Eutyches Archimandrita or Abbot of Constanti∣nople, who held but one nature in Christ. Him Flavianus the Bishop excommu∣nicated, Eutyches appeares to Leo, who condemned his Colleague of temerity: and the heretick by the meanes of Chrysaphius the Eunuch got a Councell to be held at Ephesus, in which Dioscorus of Alexandria guarded by souldiers was presi∣dent. Here Flavianus was condemned, and Eutyches absolved. The Bishops then present out of fear were fain to subscribe to Dioscorus. Flavianus was kickt out of the Councell by Dioscorus, and dyed three days after. It's said that Dioscorus troad on him after he was dead. This second Councell of Ephesus was called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, or the [ 40] theevish Synod. After this Domnus of Antioch repenting that hee had voted with that impious Synod, incensed the Emperour against Dioscorus, to appease whose an∣ger Chrysaphius made Anatolius Bishop of Constantinople, and removed Pulcheria from the Court, upon false surmises. But Theodosius upon better information ba∣nisheth the Eunuch, recals his sister to the Court againe, and reproves his wife, who pretending a vow went to Jerusalem. But the death of Theodosius, and wars of Attalus hindred the full decision of this heresie till the third yeare of Martian.

Before this, in the 24 yeare of Theodosius the second, the first Councell of Ephe∣sus [ 50] was held against Nestorius the Syrian Bishop of Constantinople, who held there were two persons in Christ. Against him Cyrill of Alexandria wrote, whose doctrine was received by the Church of Constantinople. Nestorius is banished be∣yound Thebes in Egypt, where he dyed, his tongue being eat out with worms: this Ecclesiasticall broil raised by Nestorius was presaged by the murther done in the Church of Constantinople. Not long before; some slaves being threatned by their Masters, took sanctuary in the Church, from whence they were commanded to

depart, but they having killed a Priest, and one more that resisted them, at last mur∣thered one another. And not only was the Church infested with Nestorians and Eutychians, but with Pelagians also and Novatians, against whom divers Councels were assembled; and the Novatians by force of armes were forbid the exercise of Religion. The Jewes about this time were driven out of Alexandria, and those of Crete being deluded by a false Mos•…•…s, who perswaded many of them to leape into the Sea, promising he would divide it for them, as the true Moses once did, were drowned, and the rest being wiser were converted.

The Goths being gone, Attila layeth siege to Aquileja, which hee took and o∣verthrew, with Millan, Ticinum, and Vincentia: the Veneti or Heneti, a people [ 10] of Paphlagonia, seated neer the Hadriatic, for fear of Attila fled into those lit∣tle Islands of the Sea, and laid the foundation of Venice. Pope Leo so pacified * 1.25 Attila, that he went not further, but returned with his army into Gallia, where hee was defeated by Thursimundus, and so retreated into Scythia, where he dyed in his marriage bed: for though he had many wives, yet he would marry with Hil∣dico a young maid and daughter of the King of Bactria, that night being infla∣med with wine and Venus, he surrendred his bloudy soul, being choaked with bloud in his sleep which gushed out of his mouth in great aboundance. Not long after Valentinian was murthered by Maximus who was then a great man at Rome, and whose wife Valentinian had abused by sending her husbands ring to her [ 20] which he in sport pulled off from his finger, she thinking it had been her husbands pleasure to repair to the Court, went, where she was ravished by the Prince. To be revenged of this wrong, Maximus aleniates Valentinians affection from Aetius, as if hee aimed at the Empire. Whereupon Aetius who had done him so much good service, is by his command put to death; Valentinian (as one told him) had done better to have cut off his own right hand. Maximus causeth two of Aetius his * 1.26 souldiers to kill him, which they did, and thus was his magick, lusts, and murther punished in Campus Martius the 30 year of his Empire. About this time the Sax∣ons being called by the Britaines against the Scots, drove those they should have aided into Wales. The Acephali were the Eutychian spaune, who held that Christ was to be worshipped but in one nature, which was made up of the divinity and hu∣manity. [ 30]

Martianus succeeded to Theedosius, he was a Thracian by birth, and the Gene∣rall of Theodosius his Army in Africa against Gensericus, and in Syria against the Persians. Pulcheria being now a Virgin of 50 years, advanced him to the Em∣pire, and marryed with him conditionally, that he should make no use of her bed, for she meant to dye a Virgin. He had been taken heretofore a prisoner in Africa by Gensericus, to whom hee swore that if ever he were Emperor, he would hold perpetuall peace with the Vandals. For when he was sleeping among the rest of the captives in the field, Gensericus observed how an Eagle spread her wings o∣ver [ 40] his face to keep him from the Sun, which he tooke as a presage of his fu∣ture Empire. Therefore dismissed him, on the condition above said; which he observed, holding it unlawfull for a publick person to breake the Oath he made when he was a private man. That he might put an end to the quarrels of the Ma∣cedonians, Arians, Nestorians, and Eutychians, which had now troubled the world 150 years, he cals a generall Councell at Chalcedon, in which he was present with 600 and 30 Bishops. Here Dioscorus of Alexandria was condemned; and it was de∣termined, that in Christ remained the two natures without confusion, mutation, division or separation, united in one person.

The quarrell was no sooner ended, but upstarts another between the two Patri∣archs of Rome and Constantinople about the primacy; Leo challenging the head∣ship [ 50] over all Churches. The Councell gave to Constantinople an equall share with Rome. In the mean while Attila was wasting all the Westerne Empire. Earthquakes every where, and flashes of lightning in the air. Leo disliked the definition of the Councell, and impugned it with publick and private Epistles written to the Churches. Valentinian and Aetius being killed, the Barbarians without feare broke in on all sides upon the Empire. The Francs were now sub∣ject

to Merovius, after Feramundus and Clagio; they took possession of Paris, and the Isle of France. The Visigoths under Theodoricus were seated in Spain, whence they expulsed the Suevi. At Rome Maximus marryed with Eudoxia the daughter of Theodosius, and wife of Valentinian. Possessing both wife and Empire together by force of armes. But when foolishly hee had discovered to the Emperesse, that hee was the cause of Valentinians death; shee desiring to bee revenged, invited Gensericus out of Africa by private letters. Gensericus glad of this occasion, hastens to Rome with a great Fleet. Maximus being unprovided, thought to escape by flight, but his own souldiers stoned him to death. The Prin∣ces flye away, the City is delivered to Gensericus, which the souldiers for 14 dayes [ 10] together spoil and plunder, carrying away the rich statues and ornaments thereof, with the plate which Titus brought from Jerusalem; this plate Bellisarius after∣ward, having recovered Africa, sent to Constantinople, and by Iustinian it was remitted to Jerusalem: the City also in many places was fired; but consecrated places upon the intreaty of Leo were spared, much of the spoil was cast away by shipwrack, as they returned home.

The tyrant carryed with him to Africa Eudoxia with her two daughters, which shee bare to Valentinian, Placidia, and Galla, Eudocia, with many more Captives. Hee marryed Eudocia to his sonne Hunnericus; Placidia to Olybrius a Roman Senator. Others write that Gensericus to appease Martianus who was [ 20] moved for the losse Rome had suffered sent, to him Placidia with her mother; but before they came Martian was dead, and so Leo had them. Gallia now is di∣vided among the Burgundians, Goths, and Francks. But on a sudden Avitus whom Maximus had made his Generall invaded the Empire of France, which he was forced to lay down again, and to accept of the Bishopwrick of Placentia. But thinking himself not safe there, returned into Gallia where he dyed of griefe. Him shortly after followed Martianus who dyed the 7 year of his Empire. He was a * 1.27 peaceable and religious Prince.

Leo succeeded to Martianus, hee was a Thracian, and had beene a Tribune of the souldiers, he was the first Emperor that was crowned by a Patriarch. Anato∣lius [ 30] was the Bishops name that crowned him. Hee maintained the Chalcedon Faith; and punished the Alexandrians for murthering Proterius their Bishop. He made Majorinus Generall of his Forces, and sent him to govern the West, which he did for 4 years, at last was killed by Ricimerus, whom hee had invited with his Army to expell the Alans out of Gallia. Leo made a league with the O∣strogoths, who drove Hernacus the sonne of Attila into Scythia, and the Sueves out of Spaine. Ardaricus King of the Gepidae, a people among the Getae, the first who freed himselfe from the slavery of Attalus his sonnes, received Dacia from Leo. The Goths had Pannonia, a part of the Alans had the lower Maesia. After Majoranus, Severus reigned 3 yeares, under him Ricimer defeated the A∣lans, [ 40] * 1.28 breaking in upon Italy, and killed Beurgus their King. By a Candle left burning in the Forum carelessely, Constantinople took fire, which could not be quenched in 4 dayes. Antioch, Gallia, and others parts were shaken with Earth∣quakes, which occasioned Mamertus Bishop of Vienna to institute larger Litanies, which afterward were wont to be sung still the sixt week after Easter. Severus being killed by Ricimer the Goth Anthemius is sent to Italy by Leo, upon the intreaty of the Romans, his daughter Ricemer marryed, and so was quiet a while. * 1.29 In the mean time Gensericus is defeated in a Sea fight. Leo's Fleet was 1000 and 100 ships; but shortly after, Basiliscus the brother of Verina Augusta, (whom Leo upon the recommendation of his two great Generalls Aspar and Ardabutius [ 50] both Arians, had made Admirall) treacherously lost this Fleet to the Vandals, Basiliscus being an Eutychian, and willing to please his two Patrons, that the Arian heresie might flourish. Ricemer also the Arian besiegeth his Father in law Anthemius in Rome, which hee took, and then murthered him, having reigned 5 yeares; but hee shortly after dyed, to whom succeeded Anicius Olybrius, who * 1.30 dyed 4 months after. Then did Leo upon the importunity of Aspar, create his sonne Caesar, at which the peope repined, that an Arian should reign over them.

but not long after Leo finding Aspars treachery, commanded both him and his two sons to be slain and bequeathed by will, the Empire to his Grandchilde by Ariadna his daughter.

To Olybrius succeeded Glycerius at Ravenna; he bribed the Goths to keep out of Italy, and so did Leo to keep them off from Greece. Who shortly after dyed of a loosenesse, having reigned 17 yeares. Hee named Iulius Nepos for the western Empire, who comming to Italy by Sea, removed Glycerius after he had reigned 5 yeares, and made him a Bishop in Dalmatia. In Leo's time Childericus King of the Francs, was banished by the people (for his insolency) into Thuringia, and by them Aegidius a Roman Commander is chosen: but 8 years after Childe∣ricus [ 10] returnes, and is received again, whose reign afterward was more moderate. The name of France was given to all that part which Merovnus held. About this time dyed Pope Leo, to whom succeeded Hilaricus. And at Constantinople to Genandius succeeded Acacius. Studius a Consular man set up an order of watch∣ing Monkes who were to sing divine Service, and to watch by turnes night and day: in Constantinople. There a certain painter represented Christ in the form of Iupiter, whereupon his hand withered. Vesuvius brake out into great flames, with the ashes whereof many countreys were covered: in memory of which, an annuall solemnity was ordained to bee kept at Constantinople. Euty∣ches and Dioscorus refusing to stand to the decrees of the Councell of Chalcedon, [ 20] divided themselves into divers sects; the two chiefe were the Iacobites, so called from Iacob the Syrian, and the Haesitantes or Diacrinomeni, which doubted whether or not they should receive the said Synod. The Rogation solemnity was then instituted by Mamercus Bishop of Vienna: In which the time was spent in fasting, praying, singing, and weeping, it was occasioned by the Earthquakes of Vienna, and the irruption of Wolves and other wild Beasts into the City, which destoyed many people: then did Rabbi Ionathan perfect the Thalmud of Jerusalem.

Leo's Nephew being dead in his infancy, deformed Zeno Leo's son in law, a Cilician of obscure parentage, and father to the foresaid Infant, succeeds in the [ 30] Eastern Empire, and Nepos in the Western, whom Orestes drove into Dalma∣tia, as Nepos had done Glycerius before. Nepos his sonne called Momyllus, is made Augustus, and for his small stature is named Augustulus. But hee shortly after is banished by Odoacer King of the Heruli, who being called in by the friends of Nepos, overrun all Italy, slew Orestes at Placentia, and took Rome; which is now the 4 time it is taken. 1. By the Gaules. 2. By the Goths in the time of Hono∣rius. 3. By the Vandals in Martians time. 4. Now by the Heruli. And 5. it was afterward taken by Attila. In the reigne of Iustinian, as wee shall see, Odoacer named himselfe King of Italy, abolished the Consular dignity, transferred the seat of his Kingdome to Ravenna, and so that glorious Em∣pire [ 40] which began in Augustus ended in Augustulus, 522 years since Augustus Caesar.

In the East Basiliscus brother to Verina the Emperesse, made war against Zeno, * 1.31 shee animating her brother against her son in law, Zeno being a coward, fled with his wife Ariadne to Isauri neer mount Taurus in Cilicia, where hee was born; there he lived one year and 8 moneths. In the meane time Basiliscus as bad as Zeno, advanced the Eutychian heresie, and forced Acacius to side with him a∣gainst the Councell of Chalcedon. But within two yeares his Army under Har∣matus fell off to Zeno, against whom they were sent, and brought him back to Constantinople, who sent away Basiliscus with his wife and children to a Castle [ 50] in Cappadocia, where they perished with famine. In Basiliscus his time, the Li∣brary of Byzantium took fire, in which 120000 bookes were burned. Zeno be∣ing nothing bettered by these troubles, names for Caesar Basiliscus sonne to Har∣matus the traitor; hee first kills Hermatus the father, not daring to trust him who betrayed his Master, then after hee had named his sonne Caesar, according to his promise, hee makes him a Clergy man. Zeno's sonne dyed, before hee attained the Empire. And he himself being one day dead drunk fell down speechlesse, his

wife Ariadne buryeth him before he was quite dead, no man offering to help him, though he groned lamentably, and so dyed having reigned 17 years. 532 yeares after Iul. Caesars death.

Two years before Zeno dyed, Theodoricus the sonne of Amalus King of the Ostrogoths, having overrun Thracia and Maesia, threatens Constantinople. Zeno a better flatterer then a souldier, invites his enemy into the City, made him Consul, and bestowed divers honours on him; and at last perswaded him to goe against Odoacer in Italy. Theodoricus an active Prince was easily perswa∣ded to this, being troubled that Italy the mistresse of the World should bee subject to the obscure Nation of the Heruli, and finding that Odoacer having [ 10] subdued Phaebas Prince of the Rugi upon the Baltick sea (whose seats were now possessed by the Longobarbs) was secure at this time; hastens into Italy, and defeates him at the bridge Sotius, then gives him a second overthrow neer Verona, whence he was called Veronensis. In the third encounter hee drives * 1.32 him within Ravenna, who having made a sally upon Theodoricus in the night, was beat back again; a part of the Army was left to besiege the towne, with the rest Theodoricus marcheth about Italy, makes peace with Hunericus King of the Vandals in Africa, and frees Sicily from their oppression. This Hu∣nericus worse then Gensericus his father, upon the instigation of the Arians, banished and slew 400000 Catholicks. Hee cut out some of the Preachers [ 20] tongues: and at last hee fell so madde that hee tore and bit his owne flesh, so that hee dyed miserably, his body being putrefied, and eat up with ver∣mine the 8 yeare of his reigne. Odoacer after hee had beene besieged three yeares in Ravenna, was slaine by Theodoricus, who having recovered Italy, recommended the care of Rome to the Senat, and made Ravenna the seat of his Kingdome. But being an Arian hee imprisoned Pope Iohn, till hee dyed there, for not permitting the Arians to have Churches. Hee imprisoned at Ticinum two Senators, Symmachus and his sonne in law Boetius; then seised upon their estates, and slew them. Not long after, at supper, as hee was looking on the head of a fish; hee thought hee saw Symmachus with [ 30] fiery eyes gaping on him, which put him into such a shaking, that he was car∣ryed away to his bed and dyed. This Symmachus was not hee that in the time of Theodosius wrote against the Christians.

About Zeno's time the South-Saxons erected their Kingdome in England 32 yeares after their arrivall. The Jewes at Tiberias by the help of Rabbi Ben Aser, and R. Ben. Nepthali found out those Hebrew pricks which we use at this day in stead of vowels and accents, which are read in some words otherwayes by the Eastern Jewes about Babylon, then by the Western. Enricus King of Spain was the first there, that gave lawes to the Goths in writing. Pope Gelasius compiled the Canon of the Masse, and the Collects or short Church-prayers. Clodovens the [ 40] first Christian King of France is baptized by Remigius Archbishop of Rhemes, who gave him the name of Ludovicus. The holy Oil was then (if we may be∣leeve it) brought by a Dove from Heaven, with which he was, and his successours are at this day anointed.

CHAP. V.

The Roman affaires under Anastasius, Justinus and Justinian. 2. Of the Persians, Goths, and other barbarous Nations of those times. 3. The affaires [ 50] of the Church.

ZEno being starved in his tombe, for want of food eat up his own flesh, A∣riadna his wife not suffering any to help him; advanceth to the Empire Anastasius, with whom 'tis thought shee was too familiar in her former * 1.33 husbands time; therefore now makes hast to marry him. Hee was before but a Court Scribe or Secretary, called Silentiarius, for Secretaries should be silent, he

was nick named Dicorus because the apple of his eyes were of two colours. Euphe∣mius Patriarch of Constantinople, refused to crown him, till he had subscribed to the councell of Chalcedon: which in policy he did, shewing great justice in the beginning of his reign; in abrogating those acts by which taxes were raised by un∣lawfull wayes, as of publick stewes, and such like; he banished all informers from the city; and would suffer no offices to bee bought and sold. He banished Longinus, Zeno's brother, for aspiring to the Empire, at last slew him for arm∣ing the Isauri against him. Hee forced the Arabians who had overrun Meso∣potamia and Palestina, to make peace with him. He took Amida from Cabades the Persian King. Whom his subjects imprisoned for making it lawfull that [ 10] wives should be common. But his wife got him to be dismissed by prostituting her body to the Goal Keeper. He shortly after recovered his power, and became a good friend to the Christians. But killed his brother who had reigned 2 years.

Anastasius being setled in the Empire, began to shew himselfe in his true colours being disguised before. He demands back his hand-writing, by which hee had promised never to molest the Orthodox professours. He banisheth Euphemius, and sets up Macedonius in his place, from whom violently hee extorted his hand∣writing, and then banished him, advancing Timotheus his flatterer, and Pander. Hee banished also the chief of the Orthodox Clergy. He built a wall 280 fur∣longs distant from Constantinople, to keep off the barbarous incursions of the In∣habitants [ 20] about Pontus, Colchis and Maeotis. But he could not keep out Vitalianus the Thracian with his Mysians and Scythians from plundering the countrey all a∣bout Byzantium; who also beset the City with a Fleet of Ships. But Anastasius sent Martinus captain of his guard with an army against him, and by burning glasses, which Proclus the Mathematician had made, set all the enemies ships on fire: yet he was fain to begge for peace, which was granted conditionally, that the Orthodox Bishops which Anastasius banished, be recalled home; and that a Synod bee cal∣led. Which was assented to, and Vitalianus is made muster master of Thracia, and rewarded with a great summe of gold. Pope Hormisdas sent to Anastasius about this Synod, but upon some discontents, or miscarriage of the Legats, they [ 30] were sent privately away, with command not to return any more into Greece. So little hope there was of a Synod. Flavianus Bishop of Antioch was assaulted by the Eutychian Monks, because he would not abjure the Councell of Chalcedon, but the townsmen fell upon the Monks, killed many of them, and drove many into the ri∣ver Orontes, where they were drowned. Hereupon Flavianus is banished againe, and the Eutychian Severus set in his chair, who being incensed against the Monks of Syria for aiding Flavianus, he slew 300 of them, and would not suffer them to be buryed. Anastasius adding to the hymne of the Trinity these words, who was cru∣cified for us; as if he meant, that the deity was crucified, occasioned such a tumult in the people, that he could scarse appease them, though he layed down his crown be∣fore [ 40] them.

In the second year of Anastasius, Odoacer was killed by Theodoricus, who was * 1.34 King of Italy 33 yeares; he repaired the decayes of Rome, and was bountifull to the people. Clodoveus then King of France, partly by the instigation of his wife, a Burgundian, and partly because of his vow which he made, became a Chri∣stian, for he vowed so to be, if he obtained the victory over the Alemans, which hee had. He overcame also Gundebaldus of Burgundy, and Theodoricus the Goth King of Aquitania, so having inlarged the bounds of France, he set up his Court at Paris, he was angry with Anastasius for diverting the Bulgarians, (a people unheard of till now) from Illyricum, and Thracia, where they were seating them∣selves, [ 50] and sent them into the Western Provinces. These Theodoricus overthrew, and added Syrmium with Pannonia to his Dominion. Anastasius made Clodo∣veus a Patrician, and named him Augustus, whence great jealousies arose between Clodoveus and Theodoricus, and then wars in which 30000 Francks were killed by the Goths. Pope Anastasius being dead, a bloudy quarrell arose at Rome, about the election of a new Pope; some stood for Symmachus; some for Lau∣rentius. The quarrell lasted 3 yeares, till Thedoricus ended it, who assigned the

honour to Symmachus that was first nominated. About this time the Catholicks in Africa were set at liberty by Gundamundus the Vandall, but they were banished afterward by Thrasamundus. One Olympius as he was blaspheming the Trinity, was visibly burned by a fire dart from heaven. Theodoricus the Arian killed one Diaco∣nus whom hee loved well, because he became an Arian for the Kings sake, saying: He that will not be faithfull to God, will never be faithfull to the King: for he hated those that changed their religion. Severus the Eutychian Bishop of Antioch would have converted Alamundarus the Saracen king to Eutychianism. The King fained himself to be sad for the death of Michael the Archangel: the Bishops told him an Angel could not dye, to whom he replyed: How then could Christ dye, if [ 10] * 1.35 he was only God? and so stopped the Eutychians mouths.

Anastasius having lived 88 yeares, and reigned 27. was struck dead with thunder. In his time the Acephali or headlesse hereticks, having no Bishops to patronise them, divided themselves into many sects: to wit, Trithaits, Agonets, Theopa∣schites, Jacobites, Armenians, &c. A people of Persia called Immeres, who had been Jews, after Salomon had visited their Queen, but turned again to Gentilism, sent to Anastasius for a Bishop, and so embraced Christianity. Alamundarus also the Saracen Prince was baptized. The Babylonian Thalmud was now finished by the Rabbies, about 100 yeares after the Thalmud of Jerusalem, and 29. years af∣ter, the invention of the Hebrew pricks. The feast of Michael the Archangel is [ 20] instituted. Anastasius dreamed before he dyed that 14 years of his life should be cut off, for his heresie; he was forewarned also that he should dye by thunder. His statues and his wifes are dragged through the streets of Byzantium by the inraged people.

Iustinus a Thracian born, of a Sow-herd became Emperor, by bribing the soul∣diers. For Amantius the Eunuch and great Chamberlain to Anastasius, had given to Iustinus a large donative to be distributed among these souldiers, who did vote for his friend Theocritus whom he meant to make Emperour, Iustinus preferred himselfe, and so got the souldiers to vote for him. Amantius being thus delu∣ded conspired with Andrew the Chamberlain, and Theocritus against Iustinus, but the plot being discovered, they were all three slain. Amantius had dreamed a [ 30] little before this, that he was devoured by a great hogge. Iustin to shew his zeale * 1.36 to the Councell of Chalcedon, called his wife Dupicina by the name of Euphe∣mia the martyr, in whose church that Councell was held. He recall'd the Catho∣licks from banishment, exiled the Arians and Eutychians, thrust Severus from his Bishoprick of Antioch, and condemned him to lose his blasphemous tongue. Vita∣lianus muster-master under Anastasius, and very intimate with Iustin was (as its thought) by his command murthered in the palace. In whose place Iustinian his si∣sters son was chosen.

Cabades the Persian king having wars with Iustin, he hired for gold Zeliobes King of the Huns, to assist him. Who being invited by the Persian for a greater [ 40] summe forsook Iustin, and assisted the Persian. Iustin by his letters acquainted Ca∣bades how this dishonest King had served him, who could not deny, but hee had received the money, whereat Cabades being incensed slew him, and many more of the Huns with him, which had not escaped by flight; (there were 20000 of them) and peace was made with Iustin for his sincerity, which lasted not long: for Tsathius King of the Lazors or Colchi revolting from the Persian, came to Iu∣stin, receives the Christian religion and is baptized, therefore hee is called King by Iustin, and is sent back to Colchis, which then was subject to the Persian. This caused a quarrell; the Colchi and Huns join with Iustin against the Persians. But Cabades being aged and sickly, desired his sonne Cosroes might bee adopted by Iu∣stin; [ 50] which had beene done, but that he was by Proclus his Treasurer disswaded, as being dangerous both to himselfe, and to Iustinian. Upon this the quarrell grew greater; and now not only is Cabades Iustins enemy, for advancing Tsathius, but Theodoricus Veronensis also, for persecuting the Arians. Pope Iohn the first successour to Hormisdas with Boetius and Symmachus, came to intreat Iustin, that hee would not bee too rigid against the Arians, lest Theodoricus should use the same rigour in his Dominions against the Catholicks. These Embassadours were honourably entertained, and great joy there was to see a Pope in Constantinople,

who because he was above the Patriarch, Iustin would bee crowned by him; hee was the first Emperour that was crowned by the Pope; Theodoricus hearing of this was inraged, thinking these Embassadours had plotted with Iustin, against him, and his Western Dominion, therefore he starved Iohn in pri∣son, and slew the other two (as was said) with their followers; he dyed shortly after * 1.37 himself.

His daughter Amalasunta succeeded with her young sonne Athalaricus, they reign∣ed together 8 yeares, and restored to the Francs those parts of Gallia, which the Grand father had taken. After the death of Alaricus, Amalasunta made Theo∣datus her cousin german Colleague with her in the kingdome, whom shee used to [ 10] reprove freely for his loose manners. Shee also put to death three prime men of the Goths, for telling young Alaricus, that it stood not with the greatnesse of a Prince to bee under the mothers ferula. But shee for her good will towards her sonne and cousin, lost her life; for by command of Theodatus shee was strangled in a bath. But Eudoxia daughter to Valentinian the third so instructed her sonne Childericus, that hee having obtained the kingdom of the Vandals in Africa, by the death of Tharsimund, broke the Oath which his Father made him sweare, to persecute the catholicks, and hearkening to his mother, called home all the ba∣nished Bishops. Iustin in the mean time having reigned 9 yeares, and lived 77 dy∣ed of grief, for the overthrow of Antiochia by Earthquake, in which Euphrasius [ 20] the Bishop, with millions of people perished, foure moneths before his death hee nominated his sisters sonne, Iustinian Emperour. In his time the Manichees were utterly destroyed by King Cabades in Persia, because they poysoned his son Pha∣tuarsas with their heresies, and were tampering with him, to bring innovations in∣to the kingdom. Clodovejus four sonnes divided the kingdom amongst them, and to entertain peace with Alamaricus the son of Alarinus they marry their sister Clotilda to him. Alaricus 2 King of Spain, and Aquitain marryed with Amalasintha daughter to Theodoricus King of Italy. Shee was learned in the Greeke and Latin tongues, besides divers vulgar languages; whereas Iustin the Emperour could neither write nor read. Alamaricus marryed with Tottilla the daughter of king [ 30] Clodovejus, whom hee used roughly for holding firm to the Catholick Religion, which caused a warre between Childebertus (who succeeded Clodoveus) and Al∣maricus, who here lost his life. S. Benedict instituted the order of the Benedictin monkes. Slavi a people of Scythia invaded Istria and the borders of Venetia; these in the time of Mauritius transplanted themselves into Bohemia and Polonia. The Histrians upon the comming of these Slavónians removed to the Isle Ca∣praria or Aegilon in the Tuscan Sea, abounding in Goates; here they built Justi∣nopolis. The Longobards invade Pannonia, whence they drive out the Huns and Ostrogoths. Theodoricus restores Spain and Aquitania to his Nephew Amalari∣cus. About this time lived S. Brigid that famous Scots Lady, who was very intimate [ 40] with S. Patric.

Iustinian succeeded, a Catholick Prince, learned and fortunate, by reason of his * 1.38 good Commanders, but covetous and wretched, extorting great summes from the people, which he spent on his buildings and souldiers. He so broke the Persian with that war which Iustin began that he forced Cosroes the son of Cabades to sue for peace. He slew also the rebellious Jews, hee caused Tribonianus and other Law∣yers to abbreviate and reduce into method, the old lawes confused and dispersed in many volumes. Whence we have the Codex, the Digests and Institutions. The rest of Antioch is overthrown with a new earthquake, and in a dangerous sedition at Constantinople above 30000 were slaine. For Hypatius Pompejus and Probus [ 50] cousin germans, and the Nephews of Anasiasius, being armed by the people who were weary of Iustinian's taxes, invaded the Empire, first pillaging for five dayes together, all that were loyall to Iustinian. But Hippatius and Pompejus were both slain, as they were offering to seise upon the Palace, by Belisarius who being be∣fore in some disgrace, did now by this fact reingratiate himselfe with the Em∣perour.

In Afric Gilimer having killed Hildericus the sonne of Hunericus, and Eudoxa

Valentinians daughter, took the kingdome of the Vandals by force. Iustinian who interceded for the life of Hildericus, finding his request slighted, and Hil∣dericus murthered in the prison, sent Belisarius with an Army, who drove Gilimer into Numidia, took Carthage, which had been 95 yeares out of the Romans possession, since Gensericus tooke it. Gilimer being besieged and forced with fa∣mine, was taken and carryed in silver fetters by Belisarius to Iustinian, who as he was led in triumph cryed out Vanity of vanities, and all is vanity. Thus was the king∣dome of the Vandals extinguished in Africa, which had continued since their first comming thither 108 yeares. Iustinian divided Afric into seven Provinces, three Consular, and four Praetorian: that is, three were appointed by the Consuls and peo∣ple, [ 10] and foure by the Emperour, then Belisarius being made Consul is sent into Sicily to revenge the murther of the Queen Amalasventa, who in prison implored the Emperours help. Belisarius having seised upon Sicily, Theodatus sends Pope Agape∣tus to Constantinople to make his peace with the Emperour. Agapetus condem∣ned Anthimus the Patriarch of heresie, and having got Menna to succeed him, dy∣ed shortly after at Byzantium, to whom by the appointment of Theodatus Silve∣rius succeeds. Belisarius takes Naples, upon which Theodatus is slain at Ravenna by his souldiers for his carelesnesse, and so hee was punished for the murther of Amalasventa his cousin german. Vitiges is made King by the Goths. Belisa∣rius was invited to Rome by the citizens, who takes it and repaires the walls; [ 20] the Italians fall off every day to Belisarius; Vitiges joining with the Francs, raiseth an Army of 150000 men, layeth siege to Rome, Belisarius stoutly defends it, so that 30000 Goths were at this siege destroyed in one day. The siege lasted a∣bove a year, in which time there were 69 skirmishes, and the Goths at last driven from the siege. Pope Silverius being accused of treachery is by Iustinian's com∣mand banished into Pontia an Island in the Tyrrhen Sea, called Porce. In whose place Belisarius sets up Vigilius, and then raiseth the siege before Ariminum. But the Goths assisted by the Burgundians, take Millan upon surrender, and put all to the sword; it's thought at least 300000. of all sorts, the women were bestowed on the Burgundians. 50000 dyed of the plague at Picenum, and so great was the [ 30] famine, that mothers eat their children. This famine drove the Francs back again into Gallia; wherefore Vitiges being in great straights, solicited Cosroes the Per∣sian to make warre upon the Emperour, who otherwayes was like to bring all his Forces into Italy. But in the meane while Belisarius tooke Ravenna, Vitiges submits to him; the Goths proffered to Belisarius the Empire of Italy, which he refused, and retorning home upon Iustinians command, carryed with him Vitiges. In whose stead the Goths beyond Padua set up Theudibaldus, who having scarse reigned a year, was killed. Araricus succeeded, who was slain shortly after; then To∣tilas was made King. He thrusts the Romans out of Ravenna, and overthrowes them in a pitcht battell. [ 40]

Belisarius upon his returne is imployed in Syria and Persia against Cosroes, at * 1.39 which time the plague so rageth at Constantinople, that there dyed 10000 a day. Cosroes burnes Seleucia and divers other cities. In Italy Neapolis is reco∣covered by the diligence of the Goths. The Garrison is friendly dismissed, and the Inhabitants almost starved, are kindly used. So strict was the Discipline of the Army, that Totilas executed a kinsman of his for lying with a maid, whose whole estate he bestowed on her. Italy being in danger to be lost again. Belisarius is cal∣led back from Persia, and sent to Italy, where hee could doe but little good, be∣cause the old souldiers were either al gone, or else they were grown stubborn. There∣fore Totilas takes Rome again, being betrayed, and almost all starved, and over∣throwes [ 50] some parts of the walls, but abstained from slaughter. In England Occa King of Cantium having invited the Saxons against Arthur King of the Britaines, was disappointed; for they were not permitted to land, wherefore they take pay under the French King. Serditius King of the South. Saxons, seiseth on the Isle of Wight, which he bestowed upon Stuffa and Whitgar, who destroyed the old Britains. Whitgar called the Castle there Whitgarsburg, now briefly Garesburg.

Belisarius returnes again into Italy, takes Tarentum, Spoletum, and Rome,

which hee fortysieth; but the Persian warre being renewed by Cosroes, hee was a∣gaine commanded thither. Whose departure gave occasion to Totilas to over∣runne againe all Italy: hee obtaines also Rome by the treason of the Isauri; which now hee fenceth for himselfe. Not long before this, the Danes being driven out of France, fell upon Frisia. The Lombarbs came out of their countreys be∣fore this, Sujon being then king of the Danes, they under their Captain Alboi∣nus, on the borders of Pannonia overcame Cunimundus King of the Gepidae, to whom Syrmium and much of Dalmatia was subject. Shortly after Narses whom Iustinian sent to Italy in stead of Belisarius sends for these who did him good service in subduing the Goths: in a short while after Totilas in Tuscia was over∣thrown [ 10] * 1.40 and killed. So Rome and Italy became subject again to Iustinian, from whence the remainder of the Goths were quite expulsed, who chose Tejas for their King. He having raigned one year, was in a battell overthrown at Cumae, and slaine. The 22 year of the Gothic war. Aligernus Captain of the Cumaean Garri∣son, yeelded himselfe to Narses. Shortly after the Francs and Alemans, as they entered into Italy, and fell to plundering, were set upon, stript of all their booty, and of 30000 Scairs 5000 returned home, the rest being consumed by the sword and the plague. So Italy being quieted, and Cosroes forced by many losses to sue for peace, both Rome and Constantinople were shaken with earthquakes, upon which follows the plague, which swept away multitudes of people: Iustinian [ 20] laying aside his Crown, bestowed the money on the poore, which was wont to be imployed on sports and playes. He made a law against Sodomites, punishing them with the losse of their genitals, and sacriligious persons with the losse of their hands.

Belisarius though now aged, yet was imployed against the Huns, who had broke in upon Chersonesus and Greece, these also he overthrew, and cleared the Em∣pire of them. But after all his good services, upon suspicion of treason hee was imprisoned, some say hee was forced to begge for almes; but hee being found in∣nocent, was restored to his wealth and honours, and two yeares after dyed in peace. Iustinian also dyed the same yeare, having reigned 38 yeares and 7 months. In his [ 30] time the fifth generall Councell was called at Constantinople; in which Theodo∣rus. * 1.41 Bishop of Mapsvesta in Cilicia, Theodoritus Bishop of Cyprus, and Ibas Bi∣shop of Edessa were condemned, which had moved many dangerous disputations savoring of Nestorianism; Origen was also condemned, though Vigilius the Pope would not be present or give his assent, for which cause hee was banished, but re∣called by Narses the Evnuch, and in his return dyed of the stone in Sicily. In this Councell also were condemned the two Originists, Didymus and Euagrius, for teaching that the soules were extant before the bodies, that the Divels should bee saved, and that the paines of hell were not eternall. Iustinian occasioned much barbarousnesse and ignorance in his time, by converting the salaries allowed [ 40] for maintenance of schooles and learning, to his owne use; he spent vast summes in building: the chiefest whereof was the Temple of S. Sophia, dedicated to the eternall wisdome of the Father. Hee held before hee dyed, that Christs body was immortall and incapable of suffering from the time of his birth: which opinion he forced upon all men, and because Eutychius the Patriarch of Constantinople would not give his assent to it, hee was banished, and Iohannes Scholasticus substi∣tuted in his place. In his time David an Indian king, upon a victory hee had over the Homerits a people of Ethiopia, became a Christian, and had a Bishop with some Monkes sent into his country, two of these Monkes brought home with them Silk-wormes, which were before unknown to the Romans, and so they learn∣ed [ 50] to make silk stuffes, which they were wont to buy ready made, hitherto. As Iustinus had commanded Christs Nativity to bee kept, so did Iustinian festum oc∣cursus Simeonis 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, the purification of Mary, and afterward Mauritius her sleep or death. Then did the Avares a people of the Huns obtain from Iustinian a place in Pannonia to inhabit, upon the removing of the Longobards from thence into Ita∣ly. Gethes King of the Heruli, Gorda King of the Huns, Abasgi and divers other people upon Tanais become Christians. The Sarmatians and their new King Iulian

were destroyed. Toletum is taken by the Francs, who plunder the Churches thereof. The hereticks called Agnoetae, held that Christ knew not the day of judgement. Pope Agapetus for calling Iustinian Diocletian, in that hee became an Eutychian, was smitten on the face by a courtier; some thinke Iustinian dyed madde. Narses of the booties which hee tooke from the Goths, built a Temple at Venice to Theodoricus the Martyr, where now is the Church of S. Mark. Ruper∣tus Bishop of the Francs converted the Boii or Bavarians to Christ. The last of the Consuls was Basilius, in whom ended that honorable Office. Childebertus & his bro∣ther Clotharius, takes divers towns in Spain, and bring away with them the coat of Vincentius, the martyr, to whom they build a church in the Suburbs, now called S. [ 10] Germans.

CHAP. VI.

1. Of Justin, Tiberius, and Mauritius. 2. Of the Persians, Goths, Longobards, Suevi, Avares, and others of these times. 3. The affaires of the Church then.

IUstinus the second a Thracian born, and Nephew to Iustinian by his daughter, [ 20] succeeded; in the beginning of his reign he took off many taxes, built fair houses, and adorned the Churches. But shortly after, being of an infirm body, hee gave himselfe to women and idlenesse. Hee sold the Church livings, and by con∣nivence, permitted many injuries, till one demanding of him the Government of the City, and wishing him to give way for execution of justice, caused a Senator that was found guilty to be whipt, and so the others by this punishment were af∣frighted. Iustin deposed Narses being accused by the Romans for his oppression, and Longinus is sent in his place. In whom began the Exarchat of Ravenna; the Em∣perors Deputies being called Exarchi. Sophia the Empresse, scoffingly sent word to the Ennuch, that hee should returne to spin among the women. Hee returned her this answer, that He would spin her such a thred, as neither shee nor her husband should [ 30] bee able to untwist. Whereupon hee cals the Longobards into Italy, who under their King Alboinus, made no scruple to exchange poore Pannonia for rich Italy, * 1.42 thither they came accompanyed with the Saxons and other Nations, leaving Pan∣nonia to the Huns, but conditionally, that if things fell not out to their mindes in Italy, they might injoy againe their old habitations. This migration of the Lom∣bards into Italy was presaged by the rushing of armed men in the air. Narses having raised the storm, forsooke Rome, and sheltred himself in Naples, Pope Iohn the third (who succeeded Pelagius) followed after, desiring his return to Rome; but not long after they both dyed, and left Italy as a prey to the Barbarians. In the inter∣im [ 40] the Huns and Avares did utterly extirpate the Gepidae, and the Saxons coun∣try being forsaken, is re-peopled by the French King with plantations of Sue∣vians.

Albonius having possessed himself of Gallia Cisalpina, called it Longobardia, now Lombardie. He spent 3 yeares and 6 months in the siege of Ticinum, which hee took, and made the seat of his kingdome, and called it by the name of Papia. Three dukedomes were erected: one called Forojulium now called Friuli, the se∣cond at Spoletum, and the third at Beneventum. But Alboinus in the 4. yeare of his reign ended his life by drunkennesse. He had killed some yeares before Cuni∣mundus king of the Gepidae, whose wife being dead (shee was the daughter of Clo∣tharius [ 50] the French King) He marryed with Rosimunda the daughter of Cunimund. One day at Verona in a feast, hee drunk to her in a cup made of her Fathers skull, de∣siring her to be merry with her Father. Shee in a rage prostitutes her body to Hel∣miches the kings page, and to one Perido a resolute souldier, desiring no other re∣ward but the murther of her husband. Upon this Alboinus is murthered in his chamber, as he was sleeping after dinner. Helmiches flyes with adulterous Rosimund to Longinus the Exarch. Shee falling in love with an other poysoned Helmiches, as

he was coming out of the bath; he perceiving that hee was poysoned, drew his sword, and forced her to drink up the rest of the potion: thus three murtherers are justly punished.

To Alboinus succeeded Clephus, who having reigned tyrannically 1 yeare and 6 months, was murthered by one of his servan•…•…s. After him the Longobards chose them Dukes, as they were wont. These subdued a great part of Italy, and made warres upon Gallia, these lasted 10 yeares, till one of them fell off to Lon∣ginus the Exarch. About this time the peace was broken by Iustin with the Persian for he with held the payment of 500 l. weight of gold which hee used to pay to Cosroes. He armed Arethas the Ethiopian King against the Parthians, and under∣took [ 10] also the protection of Armenia the greater. Martianus Iustins Generall, de∣feated the Persian, and besieged Nisibis; but Iustin most foolishly took away Mar∣tianus commission, and substituted Acacius as great a coward as himselfe. This made the Army in a rage give off the siege, which the Persian perceiving; pre∣sently Hormisdas the sonne of Cosroes▪ sends Ardamanes with new Forces, which far and neer wasted the Eastern Empire; so that Sophia the wife of Iustin (who was now become phrenetick upon his bad successe) was forced to sue for peace. Iustin being recovered, by the advice of his wife made Tiberius a Thracian, but a good souldier, his successour, to whom hee gave many wholesome admonitions, in which hee shewed himselfe a better Counsellour, then an Emperor. And so [ 20] grieving at his own follies and miscarriages dyed the 13 yeare of his reigne. In his time Cantabria was subdued by the Visigoths, who having overthrown the Sue∣vi, made Toletum their Regall Seat. In France there were civill warres between the four sonnes of Clotharius. Two French Bishops Sagitarius and Salonius were degraded in the councell of Lyons, for arming themselves like souldiers, and going to the wars; but upon their appeal to Pope Iohn they were restored, yet after∣ward continuing in their lewd courses they were degraded again in the Councel of Cabilon. Herebertus or Charibertus, the son of Lotharius or Clotharius King of Paris, for putting his wife away unjustly, & committing incest with his two sisters, was excommunicated by Germanus Bishop of Paris, and suddenly after dyed. [ 30]

Tiberius Constantinus was made Co-emperor with Iustin before his death, and was crowned with his wife Anastasia by Eutychius the Patriarch. He was a just, milde and bountifull Emperor, chiefly to the poore, wltom Sophia the Empresse reproved, as being too prodigall; he answers, that hee should never want wealth on earth, as long as hee laid up treasures in heaven by relieving the poore. For as hee caused a marble stone to be taken up, on which was ingraven the crosse, count∣ing it unchristian like to tread upon it, hee found many talents of gold buryed there. Hee was also informed of the great treasure which Narses had hid; with this wealth he relieved the poore, and made war against the Persians which had broke in upon Armenia, and recovered all that had been lost under Iustinian and [ 40] Iustin. Cosroes being aged and grieving for his losses dyed; and made a Law that no Persian King hereafter should make war against the Romans. Tiberius having found such good service from Mauritius in this last Persian warre, bestowed his daughter Constantina on him, and having crowned them both, made him his suc∣cessour in the Empire. He shewed himselfe so gratious to the captives, that hee sent them home without any ransome. He releived the Romans with corn from Egypt, when they were almost famished, and ready to surrender to the Longo∣bards, or long bearded Barbarians, who were grown very insolent, because Tibe∣rius was wholely employed about the Persian war.

Tiberius before he was made Emperour by Iustin, was sent against the Avares, [ 50] who being vexed by the Turkes their neighbours, removed from the higher Scy∣thia, * 1.43 and passing over Caucasus, sat down upon the banks of Ister, and threat∣ned to take Syrmium. In this expedition Tiberius escaped narrowly from being ta∣ken. But at last he made peace with them. Coganus their King desired Tiberius to send him some Carpenters to make baths for him after the Roman fashion; but when the Carpenters came, hee forced them to build him a bridge over Danubi∣us, that he might on all occasions plunder the Roman Provinces. Tiberius having

reigned with Iustinus 3 yeares and 11 moneths, and by himselfe 4 yeares, dyed of a surfeit, eating too many mulberries. In his time Pelagius the second being consecrated Pope without the Emperors knowledge, sent Gregory then a Dea∣con, to excuse him to Tiberius, whom he could not acquaint with his consecration, because the city was besieged: then did Gregory begin his Commentaries on Iob; and caused Eutychius the Patriarch to renounce his Origenicall opinions. Such violent Arians were in the Goths in Spain, that King Lemugildus slew his own sonne Elmingildus, because hee forsooke the Arian heresie. Many Jewes in his time became Christians. It's thought that Cosroes dyed a christian, and that he sent two golden crosses, with other rich presents to the Church of S. Sergius in [ 10] Antioch. The remainders of the Suevi are driven out of Spain, having reigned there 177 years. The Gothish Kings who hitherto wore the same clothes and used the same seats, that the Nobility used; begin now to sit in a throne and to wear the re∣gall purple. One Donatus then, was the first that brought into Spain the monasti∣call profession.

Mauritius a Cappadocian born, succeeds: an excellent Prince had he not been * 1.44 covetous. Having taken Alamundarus the Saracen in the Persian war, and sent him prisoner to Sicily, he had wars next with Caganus King of the Avares, who bad taken Syrmium the chief city of Pannonia, and exacted a yearly stipend from the Romans. And not content with this, he sends the Sclavi to plunder and waste [ 20] the Roman territories, whom Mauritius by his General Commentiolus suppressed; and recovered all the Roman prisoners, and the booty. Hormisdas the Persian King slighting his fathers command, makes wars upon the Romans. Against him Mauritius sends Philippicus, on whom he bestowed his sister in marriage. The Roman Army had rejected their Generall Priscus for his insolency, and chosen Germanus, but by the intreaty and eloquence of Gregory; they received Philippi∣cus for their Generall, who had good successe against the Medes and Persians, but Martyropolis was betrayed to the Persian by Sitta the Decurion, whereupon Com∣mentiolus is sent in Philippicus his place. He overthrowes the Persian neer Marty∣ropolis. Hormisdas being angry with Baras his Generall, (who had subdued the [ 30] Turks, and made them tributaries to Persia) banisheth him to Colchis, where Ba∣ras was again overthrown by Romanus Mauritius his Praetor. Upon this Hormisdas takes away the Generals place from him, and in a scoffe sends him a womans gar∣ment. Baras to be revenged of this disgrace, faines letters as from the King written to the armies, in which he upbraided them for their cowardise & effeminatenesse, and withdrawes also a good part of their pay. The souldiers thinking these let∣ters to be reall, swear fealty to Baras. Bynodoes a great man whom Hormisda had put in irons was set at liberty by his brother Basta; who seise on the King, and imprison him. These having called a Parliament; condemne the King as unworthy of Government, because of his cruelty, and needlesse wars, besides his other crimes. Hereupon he is deposed, imprisoned, and exoculated, his wife, [ 40] and son whom he appointed his successour, both put to death, and his son Cos∣roes whom he hated is made King. This new King used his Father at first very kindely, but being exasperated by his railing language continually against him, at last commanded him to be cudgelled to death. This fact made him odious to his people, who fel from him to Baras. Hereupon Cosroes flyes away on post Horses to the Roman camp: He was received by Probus the Patrician, and recommended to Mauritius, whom he animates against Baras. Narses is sent with the Army, who overthrowes Baras: besides many thousand Persians that were slaine, 6000 were taken prisoners. Cosroes is restored to his kingdome; who puts all the captives to [ 50] the sword, except the Turkes who are sent to the Emperour at Byzantium, and so in the 8 year of Mauritius a generall peace is concluded in the East. But the wars with Caganus King of the Avares is not yet at an end. Many doubtfull bat∣tels are fought betwixt them. And many inrodes are made by the Sclavi. But Mau∣ritius in the 10 year of his reign removed Caganus out of Thracia by this trick. He faigned some letters and sent them to Priscus the Praetor, who was then be∣sieged in acastle by Caganus; he wisheth him to hold out the siege, for the Barbarian

should be forced to remove suddenly; because the Fleet which hee had sent to waste his coast, had already made great havock in his countrey; Chaganus ha∣ving intercepted these letters, and supposing them to be true, raised the siege and marched homeward. But for 6 yeares after there were continuall wars; so that Chaganus sackt 40 cities of Dalmatia. Mauritius out of covetousnesse, and the bad counsell of Commentiolus, gave way that Caganus should take many of his soul∣diers prisoners, because they refused to contribute towards the charges of their armes and clothes, yet tooke 12000 captives, whom hee offered to release for a small sum, which Mauritius out of hatred and avarice refused to pay. Where∣fore Chaganus in a rage put them all to the sword, and would not depart thence, till [ 10] he had received a great sum of gold.

Mauritius was so little sensible of what he had done, that he absolved Commen∣tiolus, when hee was accused as the chief actor in this treachery, and his ac∣cusors were punished; which so incensed the people, that they slung stones at the Emperor as he was going to the Church. He had after this some victories over the Avares. But shortly after a Monke running with a naked sword through the streets cryeth out, Mauritius shall shortly be killed with the sword. A comet burned for whole 6 moneths. At last his heart smote him, for the murther of the souldi∣ers, and desired that he might be prayed for; In his sleep hee thought that hee stood before Christs Tribunall, where he was asked, whether he would be punished [ 20] here or hereafter: he answered here Lord, and so he was by Phocas; of whom he understood by Philippicus, that he was a rash young fellow, but unconsiderable, and a coward; then said Mauritius: if a coward, then a murtherer. This Phocas was a Centurion, he had been Yeoman of the stirrop to Priscus the Patrician; but now a great stickler against Mauritius his government. Who used his army un∣discreetly and rigidly, abridging them of their pay; and refusing to let them have any provision but what they should take from the enemy, and therefore wilied them to take up their Winter quarters among the Slavonians. Upon this the Army did mutiny, and lifting up Phocas on a Target, as the custome was, they salute him Emperour; Peter Mauritius his brother who had charge of the Army is forced to flye. In Constantinople they would have made Theodosius the son of [ 30] Mauritius, or else Theodosius his father in law Germanicus Emperor; but Mauri∣tius had already imprisoned Philippicus who marryed his own sister, upon suspi∣cion. He cudgelled his sonne. Germanicus took sanctuary in a Church, whence Mauritius would have pulled him out, but the uprore so increased, that hee is driven our of the City; Phocas is received, who having sworne to maintaine the Orthodox Religion, is crowned by Ciriacus the patriarch. 5 dayes after Mau∣ritius is pursued by Phocas and taken at Chalcedon, where hee fell sick. In the presence of Phocas, Mauritius his two younger sonnes are slain, then his 3 daugh∣ters, at last Constantina their mother and daughter of Tiberius, though some write [ 40] that the mother and 3 daughters having taken sanctuary, were not beheaded till 5 yeares after. Brt Mauritius having seen the execution of his sons, and his owne at hand, cries out: Iust art thou O Lord, and righteous are thy judgements: and so submitted his neck to the sword. After their heads were cut off, their bodies were left on the shore for the gazing objects of the people; but at last they were bury∣ed in the Church by a certain Eunuch. The eldest sonne Theodosius was fled to the Persians by his Fathers advice: but he was so eagerly pursued, that he was overtaken, and by a command from Phocas, slain also. Shortly after Germanus is killed, and his daughter the wife of Theodosius; and at last all that had any re∣lation to Mauritius even his youngest child of all, which was but an Infant, * 1.45 [ 50] and whom the Nurse would have saved, by offering her owne to death, which Mauritius refused. He reigned 20 yeares, three moneths, and some odde dayes.

In his time the Saxons being weary of the Longobards Government, returned to their own countrey, which was now possessed by the Suevi, between whom there arose such a quarrell about the removing of the Sueves; that 20000 were killed. The Lombards after they had bin ruled 10 years by Dukes, they chose them a King

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whom they named Flavius, because this was an honourable name among the Romans; on him they conferred the halfe of their goods, that hee might main∣taine the greater state. Mauritius hired Childebertus the French King, to op∣pose him, which caused great troubles in Lombardy. Such inundations of waters there were in Italy, that Tibris overflowed the wals, a great Dragon swimmed through the city downe towards the Sea, upon which followed the plague, whereof Pope Pelagius dyed: this sicknesse lasted many yeares. Grego∣rius is made Pope; who by letters desired Mauritius not to confirm this election, but this honour was forced on him; and not without cause was he called great, if we consider either his doctrine, or life. Hee appointed Litanies against that [ 10] plague, which swept away in an houres space 80 people. Gregory sent Austin with some other Monks to instruct the Saxons in the Christian Faith, who had now been setled 150 yeares in England. Antioch 61 yeares after the former earthquake was shaken again, in which there dyed 60000 people. Gregory Bishop of that City was strangely preserved, for no sooner was he gone out of the house, but it immediately fell down: Iohn Patriarch of Byzantium assumed the title of Oecumenicall Bishop; which Antichristian pride in him Gregory sharpely reproved. In Spain Ricaredus the sonne of King Lebuigildus who killed his son for being a Catholick, drove the Arian heresie out of Spain, and obtained the title of Catho∣lick King. He overthrew 60000 French, who had broke in upon Spain. Hee was both a good and fortunate Prince, who having reigned 15 years dyed at To∣letum. [ 20] Such was the ignorance of that age, that neither the Latin tongue at Con∣stantinople, nor the Greek at Rome was understood. Chilpericus King of France was slaine by his subjects, at the perswasion of his wife Fredegunda, for his cruelties, and heresies; a Synod of 62 Bishops in Toledo is held against Arianism. With Religion, learning flourished in these South parts of England, till Charles the great, who sent for Beda's scholars hence to teach in France and Italy. The Slavi set themselves in Istria and Dalmatia, which from them is called Slavonia: Gregory calls himselfe the servant of servants. He introduceth many ceremonies, sets up divers Monasteries, one in his own house, and six in Sicily, and sends abroad [ 30] many Apostles to preach the Gospell. Columbanus out of Ireland preacheth to the Picts.

CHAP. VII.

The affairs of the Empire under Phocas and Heraclius. 2. Of Mahomet and the Saracens. 3. Of the Church and divers Forraign passages of these times.

PHocas who murthered his Master, and by sedition; got the Empire, by ty∣ranny [ 40] maintaines it. But not long; for hee tyrannised not much above 7 * 1.46 yeares. That Army of his which murthered Mauritius is overthrowne by Cosroes. And hee who cut off the head of his Master, had his own head at last cut off with his armes and genitals. Not onely he, but the whole Empire suffers, for his cruell paricide. The Persians subdue Phenicia, Syria, and Palestina, they wast Galatia, Paphlagonia, and Cappadocia. In Europe the Avares overrunne Thracia, and kill every where the Roman Legions. In Antioch the Jews murther the Christians, and among the rest Anastasius their Patriarch, whose body they burned. The Jewes for these outrages are condemned to lose first their geni∣tals, then their heads. Phocas was a notorious drunkard, who being taxed by some [ 50] for that vice, rageth on the people murthering multitudes of them: but tyranny is short-lived: therefore Heraclius Governour of Afric, enters into a league with Priscus and Gregoras Patricians, that hee who first did dispatch Phocas, should be Emperour. Heraclius the sonne of this Heraclius, by a Fleet of Ships obtaines Constantinople. Photius a Noble man, whose wife Phocas had abused, breakes into the Palace, flings down Phocas from his thrown, lays him in Irons, and brings him to Heraclius, who kicking him with his heels, caused his genitalls with which he

abused so many women to be cut off, and at last his head; some say he was burned in a brasse furnace. It's remarkable that of all Phocas his Army, which consented to the death of Mauritius, there are but two left alive, in lesse then 8 yeares space.

Caganus King of the Avares enters Lombardy, kills Gisulphus, king Agilulphus his Generall, and besiegeth Forojulium, and takes it by the treachery of Romilda the wife of Gisulphus, to whom hee promised marriage. Caganus hating the trea∣chery and leachery of Romilda, performed his promise for one night, and lay with her, then he delivered her to the lust of his souldiers, who having abused her, thrust a long pole through her. But her daughters more modest then the mother, preserved their chastity, by keeping in their brests the flesh of chickens, [ 10] which putrefying with heat, so stunk that no souldier could come neer them, who thought that all the women of Lombardy had smelled thus ranck. About this time the Sclavi shake off the tyrannicall yoke which the Huns and Avares (now called by one name Hungarians) had laid on them; and made one Samon a French Merchant their King, under whom they defeated the Huns in a battell. Agilulphus Duke of Taurinum in Lombardy is chosen King by Theudolinda (the widow of the former King Autharus) whom she marryed, and made a good Christian; her Gregory had by his letters seasoned with the Catholick Religion. This King made peace with France, and with the Exarch, & caused al Church Lands to be restored, [ 20] which had been taken away. In Spain Vittericus obtained the kingdome by mur∣thering the sonne of Recaredus the former king, and he himselfe in the 7 year of his reign was murthered by his own subjects at a feast. Gindemarus that followed reigned 2 yeares, and Sesibutus his successour 8 yeares. Pope Gregory dyed the 2 yeare of Phocas, to whom succeeded Sabinianus, and after him, Boniface the third, who obtained of Phocas, that Rome should be the head of all other Churches. He was willing to comply with the Pope, knowing how conducible this was to his af∣faires; Boniface the third, 8 months after this dyed, to whom succeeded Boniface the fourth, who turned the Pantheum dedicated of old to all the Gods, to a Church dedicated to Mary and all the Saints. Cosroes took Jerusalem from the Romans, and [ 30] carryed away the Crosse to Persis with many thousand Christians. About these times the use of clocks and bels was found out. The Roman government was quite extinguished in Spain by Sesibutus King there.

Heraclius a Patrician, and sonne of Heraclian or Heraclius Governour of Africa, * 1.47 is made Emperour by the Senat and Army. He with his wife Fabia Eudoxia were crowned by Sergius the Patriarch. He indeavoured first to make peace with the Persian, but could not, except he would reject Christ and worship the Sun. In the interim the Jewes insult over the Christians, having bought from Cosroes their conqueror 90000 of them, which they barbarously murthered. Jerusalem be∣ing taken; the Persians seise next upon Alexandria, Egypt, and Libya, subduing [ 40] all to Ethiopia, about the 6 yeare of Heraclius, and in the 7 they tooke Carthage: and at the same time Caganus was pillaging Thracia. At the same time also Io∣hannes Limigius successour to Smaragdus in the Exarchat, and after him Eleuthe∣rius for their tyranny in Italy are slaine by the souldiers. Heraclius who could not make peace with Cosroes, makes it with Caganus; and so removes his European Armies to the east: Exhorting them to remember the wrongs done to Christi∣anity by Cosroes. They first enter Armenia, and defeat Sabarus the enemies Ge∣nerall there. In the 13 year of his reign he marcheth through the heart of Persia, killing many thousand of Persians, and overthrowing their groves, and fire which they worshipped. He had so many captives, that in Albania where he wintered, he [ 50] suffered 50000 to escape.

About this time appeared Mahomet the Saracen, being left a poor orphan, he * 1.48 marryed his rich mistresse Chadiga, whom hee made beleeve that his falling sick∣nesse was but a consternation of his mind, proceeding from the sight of the An∣gel Gabriel, who used to appear to him: which lye was confirmed by Sergius the Monk, who was banished out of Byzantium for his Nestorianism, by whose help and of an impostor Jew, hee compiled a gallimafry of errours out of Christian

Jewish and Heathenish writers, which he called Alcoran, wherein hee denyes Christs Divinity, and the Trinity; approving Circumcision and Polygamie. Of this absurd and impious book I have spoke, in my caveat against the Alcoran. He was forced to flye from Mecha; being in danger to lose his life for his errours. This flight the Arabians call Hegira, that is, the persecution, from whence they compute their yeares. Cosroes mad at the successe of Heraclius, plunders all the Christian churches of his Dominions, and forces them to embrace Nestori∣anism, already professed by the Armenians and Georgians. Hee invites the Bul∣garians, Avares, Gepidae, and Sclavi to invade Constantinople. Herarclius hear∣ing of this, calls in the Chazari or Turkes to the number of 40000. Byzantium [ 10] * 1.49 is besieged by the Barbarians, who ten dayes after were forced to flye. Heraclius marcheth as farre as Ninive, where he defeates the enemie, kills Razates their Generall, and many of their prime men. Cosroes shuts himself up in Seleucia, and fends Spartarius to kill Chardarigas, who with Sarbarus besiegeth Chalcedon, because hee suspected that hee entertained correspondence with Heraclius. This businesse of killing Chardarigas was discovered, at which the Persians were dis∣contented, and the rather because Cosroes refused to hearken to any peace with Caesar. Gundabundas a Colonell to Sabaros revolts to the Romans; many of the Commanders fals off to Siroes the Kings eldest sonne, whom he meant to dis-in∣herit, and to crown Merdaces his son, by another venter. Upon this Heraclius [ 20] and Siroes conclude a peace; wherein it was agreed that all places and captives should be restored. Siroes the new chosen king pursues his father, overtakes * 1.50 him in his flight, and layes him in irons, then shewing him his gold and jewels; which he had bought at so deare a rate from the Romans, by the losse of so much blood, he left them with him to feed upon, for he was was kept 5 days without food; then having seen Merdaces whom he designed for his successor, with his other sonnes murthered before his face, by Syroes command he was shot to death with arrowes, and so he lost both his crown and life by the Romans; of whom he had received both. Thus the captives & plunderings being restored on both sides, the Crosse and Zacharias Bishop of Jerusalem, then a captive, were restored. Hera∣clius [ 30] in the 7 year of this war, returned in a triumphant chariot to Jerusalem bear∣ing the Crosse in his hand; upon this was instituted the feast of the exaltation of the Crosse.

Heraclius understanding by the Astronomers that his Empire should bee laid wast, by those of the circumcision; he thought the Jews had been meant, and not the Saracens: wherefore hee forces them to embrace the Christian professi∣on; and those that refused he banished out of his Dominions, commanding them not to come within 3 miles of Jerusalem. The same was done by Sisebutus in Spaine, and by Dagobertus the French King in France, against the Jews, of whom divers joined themselves with Mahomet, supposing him to be their Messias, till [ 40] they saw him feed upon Camels flesh, and then they fell from him again. Ma∣homet * 1.51 having in 9 yeares space inlarged his Dominion by force and craft, his wives made him away: hee dyed being 40 yeares old, the 22 year of Heraclius. His stinking carcasse which had lain 3 dayes on the ground unburyed, was put in an iron chest, and sent to Mecha. Hee promised his Disciples he would rise again the third day, but forgot it. The Saracens souldiers who had served un∣der Heraclius, were slighted by one of Heraclius his Eunuchs, who had charge to pay them their arreares, but hee paid them with ill language, calling them dogs, so being incensed for want of their pay, and with ill words, they stirre up the whole Nation of the Saracens, being accustomed to robbing, against Heraclius. [ 50] These under Abubecher their leader, Mahomet's kinsman, take Gaza, and the pas∣sages of Mount Sinai, being a while resisted by the Governour of Caesarea Pale∣stina, two yeares after Abubecher dyed; Homar succeeds. Who fell upon Arabia, and tooke the city Bozra, then drove Theodorus Heraclius his brother to Edessa.

Heraclius sends an Army of 40000 under Theodorus Sacellarius and Bahanes, against the Saracens, Sacellarius was first defeated, then Bahanes having the dis∣advantage

of ground, and the winde which drove the dust in his face. Homar sei∣seth upon Damascus, then upon Phenicia. Thence he falls upon Egypt and makes it tributary: In the 26 year of Heraclius hee sits down before Jerusalem, and in two years space takes it. To Sophronius the Bishop, and to all the Christians of Pale∣stina he promised security. In the 28 year of Heraclius Antioch is taken, Muha∣vias is made Amaras or Praetor of Egypt, as far as Euphrates. Then Hyaidus another of their Generalls takes Edessa, Darae, and Mesopotamia. The next yeare they enter Persia where king Syroes was dead, having reigned one year. Hormisdas succeeded, whom they defeated and put to flight, and took the three daughters of Cosroes prisoners, with all the kings wealth and furniture, and so in a short time [ 10] subdued the East, and conquered the Persians, calling them Saracens now from Sara Abraham's wife. Heraclius being grieved at this great successe of the Saracens * 1.52 or Hagarens rather, dyed of an hydropsie, having reigned 31 yeares. His incestu∣ous marriage with Martino his brothers daughter, and his hereticall prefession, in holding there was but one will and operation in Christ, as Sergius Bishop of Con∣stantinople, and Cyrus of Alexandria had taught him, were the causes of these miseries which fell on the Empire. Martina his incestuous widow having poysoned her son in law Constantine the third, after he had reigned 4 months, not without the knowledge of Bishop Sergius undertakes the Government. But having ruled halfe a yeare, shee was condemned by the Senat to have her tongue cut out, and her son [ 20] Heraclionas to loose his nose, and both to be banished. Constans the son of Constan∣tine and nephew of Heraclius obtained the Empire. Pyrrhus the Patriarch who suc∣ceeded Sergius, upon a sedition raised against him, fled to Africa, to whom succee∣ded Paul.

About these times Edwin king of Northumberland was christned by Paulinus, whose successour Oswaldus propagated the Gospell farther in those parts. Isaacius * 1.53 Exarchat of Ravenna robs Pope Horonius of his treasures. One Mauritius keeper of Records, aiming to be king of Italy, is by this Isaacius apprehended and slain. In Lombardy Rotharis succeeded Ariobaldus, who set down in writing the Laws of the Lombards 77 yeares after their comming into Italy. Muchavius the Sara∣cen [ 30] after 7 yeares siege took Caesarea Palestina. In France Brunchilide the Queen mother of Childericus who had caused much effusion of bloud, by set∣ting the French kings at variance among themselves, and had been the death of ten kings, was by king Lotharius of France condemned to lose one foot and one arm, then to be tyed to the tail of an unruly horse, and torn in sunder. To Lotharius suc∣ceeded Dagobertus in Austrasia, Neustria and Burgundy. His other sonne Ari∣bertus succeeded in Aquatania. Rupertus or Robertus Bishop of Woorms first, then of Ratisbone converted Theodon Duke of Bavaria to the Christian faith; Lupus * 1.54 being banished by Lotharius baptizeth Duke Boson in Austria. The Nestorian he∣resie by means of Cosroes spreads far in the East, and continues to this day, whose [ 40] Patriarch resides in Mozall or Seleucia of the Parthians.

Pope Boniface the fifth made Sanctuaries of Churches and Altars; so did Ho∣norius and Theodosius long before. The Jacobites so called from Iacob the Syri∣an increase much. Pope Honorius the first in the 4 Councell of Toledo is excom∣municate and degraded by the Bishops. The West Saxons are converted by the preaching of Berinus; sent thither by Pope Honorius. Severus a Bishop in Spain is martyred. Chilenus a Scotch man converted to the Faith the Atrebates or people of Arois, about Arras. The University of Cambridge was erected by King Sigebert, or as some will have it repaired or inlarged by him, but founded by Cantaber King of Spain many yeares before, when hee lived here in exile. Cyrus [ 50] the last Bishop of Alexandria save one, a Monotholit, paid to the Saracens for 3 years an annuall pension, and so long Egypt injoyed freedome of religion; but when Heraclius refused to allow it the Saracens subded it. Heraclius was the last elective Emperour; after him it became hereditary. The Saracens seise on Persia, which had continued in the race of Artaxerxes 413 years; that is from Artabanus the last Par∣thian king till Hormisdas 2 the last Persian king. Dagobertus king of France erects many Monasteries and Churches; hee covered S. Dennis with silver, and made the

Duke of Britany doe him homage. Rotharis king of Lombardy placed in every Church two Bishops, an Orthodox and an Arian, which occasioned much mischief and factions. In Italy Sosphronius was the last Bishop of Jerusalem. From hence till the year 1100 that it was recovered by the Christians, if there were any be∣tween they were only titular. Pope Severinus sate in the chaire a year two months: his successour Iohn the fourth 1 yeare 9 months, to him succeeded Theodorus or Theodosius 6 yeares 5 months. Pope Iohn by his letters reproves the Scots for their Pelagianism, & undue observation of Easter. Peter was the last real Bishop of Alexandria; for now after the Saracens had got it, the Bishops were but titular; the Saracens make Babylon the seat of their kingdom, which before was in Damascus: [ 10] they call their chief Prince, Amiras or Caliphas, that is a successour; because Ebube∣zar was the first Caliphas or successour of Mahomet, the Governours of their Pro∣vinces, they name Sultans.

CHAP. VIII.

The affaire of the Empire under Constans the second, Constantine the fourth, Ju∣stinian the second, Philippicus Bardanes, Anastasius the second, and Theodo∣sius the third. 2. The affaires of the Saracens, Longobards, Spaniards, French, [ 20] and others. 3. The affaires of the Church in that time.

COnstans the second son of Constantine the second succeeded. He was a Mo∣nothelite, * 1.55 and a persecutor of Orthodox men. By Theodorus Calliopas the Exarch, Pope Martin was seised upon, and sent to this Constans who banish∣ed him into Chersona where hee was starved to death, because he condemned the Monothelites in a Synod held by him; in whose chair he set up Eugenius. He mur∣thered his brother Theodostus, though a Clergy man, with the horrour of which murther he was so affrighted in his sleep (for he dreamed that his brother presented him with a cup full of bloud) that he resolved to transfer his seat from thence to [ 30] Rome, saying, the Mother deserves more honour then the daughter, but he was disswa∣ded by his wife, children, & friends. Yet he went over into Italy, and made war upon Romoaldus king of the Longobards: from whom hee tooke some towns in Apulia, and was set down before Beneventum; but hearing that Grimoaldus Prince there∣of was comming to raise the siege, Caesar removed to Naples, and there being beaten by Romoaldus he marcheth to Rome. Pope Vitalianus with all the Clergy and people met him. A cloak interwoven with gold was by Constans presented to S. Peter which hee had better been without. For Caesar robbed the Churches and City too of all their brasse ornaments, for 12 dayes together, and stript the Pan∣theon that was covered with brasse, then he laid heavy taxes upon Sicily, Calabria, [ 40] Sardinia, and Afric, and who did not pay, had either their wives or children taken from them. So that he was laden with the curses of the Sicilian women, and un∣der this burthen hee dyed, being stifled in a scalding bath the 27 yeare of his reign.

In the 11 year of Constans his Empire there rained ashes, upon which followed a cruel plague; a Ghost was seen to knock at mens doors, and as often as he knocked * 1.56 so often there dyed some out of that house; a year before his death, Sapor Govern∣our of Armenia who revolted to Muhavias had his brains dashed out against a wall by his horse. In his time Homar having built a Moscu at Jerusalem was stabbed by a Persian, to whom succeeded Hormanus, who defeated Gregory the Patrician in A∣frica, [ 50] having rebelled against Constans, and so imposed a tribute on that part of Africa. The next year which was the seventh of Constans Muhavias in a Fleet of 1700 ships invaded Cyprus and took Constantia the Metropolis of that Island. He conquered also the Island Aradus after much opposition. Constantinople was delivered from a siege by two sonnes of a certain Trumpeter, who broke their prison doores, slew Amiras and set the Fleet on fire, but Muhavias prepared a new Fleet with which hee beat Constantines neer Phenice a harbour of Lycia, the Sea was

died with the Roman bloud, the Emperor was fain to disguise himself in a poor ha∣bit, and so escaped. Then also did the Saracens subdue the Isle of Rhodes, and in it break down the Colossus of the Sun, which a certain Jew bought. The brasse of that statue loaded 900 Camels.

Shortly after this the Saracens fell out among themselves. Some of them fol∣lowed Muhavias, some Aly Mahomets son in law, who called himselfe the true Prophet, saying, that the Angell Gabriel was sent to him, and not to Mahomet, but by a mistake. Muhavias during this division was humbled, and content to pay a yeerly pension to the Emperour, which afterward when things were setled he re∣fused to pay. He subdued Haly and his faction, by intercepting the waters, so that [ 10] being tormented with thirst they submitted in the 15 yeare of Constance. Pope Vi∣talianus brought the use of Organs into the Church, Eligius Bishop of Novio ma∣gum converted Flanders to Christ, Zechius a Croatian, by birth a Sclavonian, ha∣ving committed murther at home, fled into Bohemia, and there planted. His bro∣ther Lechus planted in Polonia, so called from pole which in Sclavonic signifies a plain or champion countrey. The posterity of Zechius planted Moravia and Lu∣satia. But Russia and Pomerania were peopled by the children of Lechus. Sigeber∣tus in France, fearing hee should be childlesse made Hildebert son of Grimoaldus his successour. But beyond hope having got a sonne, whom he called Dagobert, hee commits the care of him to Grimoaldus, and then dyed. Grimoaldus having [ 20] shaved Dagobert sent him into Scotland, and made his own sonne Hildebert king. The French hating this treachery, sues him before Clodoveius, who imprisoned him, thrusts out Hildebert, and sets up his own sonne Hildericus King of the Au∣strasii. Clodoveius spoiled all the Sepulchers of the Martyrs, of their wealth, which his Father Dagobert had bestowed on them; and distributes all to the poore. But to make amends hee exempts the Monastery of St. Dennis neer Paris, which his Father had built, from the Iurisdiction of the Bishops. To him succeeded Ebrunus; about this time the French Kings growing dissolute and carelesse, left the mana∣ging of the kingdome to the Governours of the Palace. Homar ordained that e∣very month the Alcoran should be read. Azomon the fourth from Mahomet much [ 30] weakened the Empire. Theodiscus a Greek Bishop of Hispalis or Sivill, was un∣bishopped for corrupting Isiodores workes, wherefore he becomes an Arabian he∣retick, in detestation of this wickednesse, the primacy of the Church of Spaine is translated from Hispalis to Toledo. Eugenius the first, ordained that Bishops should have peculiar prisons for Delinquent Clergy men. Cindasuindus king of Spain, repaires the Churches which were demolished by the hereticks, Peter suc∣ceedeth to Paul in the seat of Constantinople. To Pope Eugenius who sate almost 3 yeares succeeded Vitalius who was Pope 14 years: from the first year of Clota∣rius, which was the 662 yeare of Christ, till the 750 which is about 90 yeares, to wit, till Pipin the Father of Charles the Great, the Major Domus or Steward of the [ 40] Kings house managed the kingdome, the kings themselves taking their pleasures, and presenting themselves to the people but once a year. The Saracens under Mu∣havias Gizad expelled the Romans and Vandals out of Africa; Pope Adeodatus suc∣ceeded to Vitalius, and sate 4 yeares.

Constantinus the 4^th called Pogonatus from his great beard which he wore when he * 1.57 returned from Sicily, whither he went to revenge his Fathers death, was made Em∣peror in his Fathers time. He overcame & slew Mezentius the Armenian whom the Sicilian Legions had saluted Emperor. Constantine the Patrician, and al that assisted Mezentius were taken by the help of Theodorus Calliopa the Exarch, and punished: the Eastern Princes, would have had Tiberius and Heraclius Constantines two bro∣thers [ 50] to be crowned, desiring a Trinity of Governours on earth, as there was in heaven. Constantine making shew as if he assented, sent for these Princes, and slew them as seditious persons, and made his brothers uncapable of the Empire, by cut∣ting off their Noses. The Saracens in the mean time waste Africa, and took 80000 prisoners. They take also Syracuse, they besieged Byzantium 7 yeares, in which time they lost many ships and men, and were at last forced to return home, in which return they lost by a sudden storm all their ships, but this losse they repaired, and

shortly after they lost their ships again, by the invention of Callinicus the Mathe∣matician, who by a new invented fire called Marinus or Graecus, which burned in the water, consumed them all, with the losse of 30000 men. This fire from Calli∣nicus the Graecian is called Graecus; but indeed before this the Romans made bals of fire which would burn in the water. The Saracens had also another losse by the Mardaits in Mount Libanus: they made them sue for peace, which was granted for 30 yeares, paying yearly during this time 3000 l. weight of gold, 50 men, and so many of their best horses to Caesar. Upon the report of this peace, Caesars European enemies, fearing lest their countreys might be made the seat of warre, by presents and intreaties, obtained also peace of the Emperour: the yeare fol∣lowing [ 10] there was a great Earthquake, a forerunner of the Bulgarian eruption * 1.58 out of Scythia upon the lower Mysia not farre from Byzantium, called from them Bulgaria, and this from the river Bolga, whose springs are from the lakes of Mo∣scovia: against these Constantine marcheth with an Army, which made the Bulga∣rians keep themselves within their trenches. This war was like to hold; Caesar be∣ing troubled with the Gout, went to the baths of Mesembria, a city in Thracia. His souldiers thinking that hee had fled for fear, began all to fly, which the enemy per∣ceiving, pursued and killed multitudes of them: and subdued the Sclavonians; Con∣stantine was forced to pay them a tribute, that they might not annoy the Roman territories. About this time dyed Muchavias Prince of the Saracens, to whom suc∣ceeded [ 20] his son Gizildus.

Constantins care now was, having peace abroad, to quiet all controversies in the Church also: therefore cals a Synod at Constantinople of 280 Bishops. This * 1.59 was the sixt Oecumenicall Councell, in which the five former were confirmed, and the Monothelites condemned for hereticks: among which were Sergius, Pyrrhus, Cyrus, Paulus, Petrus and Pope Honorius, who lived in the time of Heraclius. But some excuse him in that he held there were not in Christ two contrary wills. Theo∣phanes the Abbot was made Bishop of Antioch. Alexandria and Jerusalem, sent no Bishops, being now in the possession of the Saracens. Pope Agatho his Le∣gats had the chief place in the Councell next the Emperour. Who •…•…ased Rome of the money which was wont to be paid to the Emperour, for the Popes ordination, [ 30] but conditionally, that the Pope should not be consecrate without the Emperors de∣cree. The Bishop of Ravenna is commanded to receive his ordination from Rome, which hitherto he neglected, presuming on the greatnesse of the Exarchs.

In Constantins time Partharis king of the Longobards, after the death of Gri∣moaldus is called home from his banishment, and is made King. Bamba King of Spain, having reigned 10 years with great commendation, and after hee had sub∣dued the Saracen Pyrats on the Coast, became a Monk. Hildericus or Childeri∣cus the French King, for causing Bodilo a noble man to be whipped, was with his wife great (with child) killed by this Bodilo, as hee was hunting; and so Theo∣doricus, [ 40] who had been thrust into a Monastery, was called to the Scepter. To Adeodatus succeeded Donnus who was Pope five years, his successour was Agatho who sate two yeares. Under him began the sixt generall Councell held in Constan∣tinople, but it ended under Pope Leo the second, who sate not above 10 moneths. At this Synod the Popes Legat celebrated the Masse in the Latin tongue be∣fore the Emperour and people in the great Church of S. Sophia in Constantino∣ple. In this Synod the Monothelits were confuted out of the writings of the Greek and Latin Fathers.

Caesarea Queen of Persia with her husband and 40000 Persians are baptized at Constantinople. This Pope Leo brought into the masse the holy kisse or os∣culum [ 50] pacis. In Spain to Bamba succeeded Eringius; in that time Maildulphus a a Scotchman, was a famous professour of Greek and Latin tongues in England. To Leo succeeded Benedict the second, who was Pope 10 moneths, who sent Chilianus to preach the Gospell in Germany, chiefly in Franconia. His succes∣sour Iohan the fifth, was Pope 1 year. He ordained that the Pope should bee con∣secrated in the Church of Lateran by the Bishops of Ostia, Portunus, and Veliter∣num, which custome yet continues, whereas before, he was only carried to St.

Peters chaire where hee sate while Abdimelech King of the Saracens, recovers Persia, Mesopotamia, Armenia, and Hircania, having overcome his two enemies, Mu∣star in Persis; and Said in Mesopotamia. Conon in the Popedome succeeded to Iohn, and sate 11 months. Constantine reigned 17 yeares.

Iustinian the second succeeded Constantine, son of Anastasia the Empresse. He * 1.60 by Leontius his Generall subdued divers Nations in the East, whilest the Saracens were at difference among themselves: for Abdimelech had great warres with the Kings of Persia and Arabia, whom he subdued, and so he put an end to the Ma∣humetan civill warre, In the 5 year of Iustinian, with whom the Saracens made peace, by restoring to him Africa, and paying dayly 1000 peeces of silver, with one [ 10] servant and one horse, conditionally that Iustinian would cleer Libanus and the adjacent Mountaines of all the Mardaites, which much infested the Arabian ci∣ties. But in so doing Caesar weakened the Empire, for so long as these Mardaites held the Mahumetans play, they troubled not the Empire, but when they were removed, the Saracens power increased. Hee also weakned himselfe by breaking the second yeare of his reign the league, which his Father made with the Bulgari∣ans. At first he had the better, but afterward, he lost his Army, and was forced to flye almost alone to Byzantium. In the 7 year of his reign, having entertained 30000 Selavi, and trusting to his power, broke the peace with the Saracens, pre∣tending that the money which was paid him for a tribute, was not stampt with his [ 20] Image. The Saracens calling upon God the revenger of perjuries, and carrying on the top of a speare in stead of a Banner the Articles of peace, fell upon the Ro∣man Army and routed them. The Sclavonian Generall having first revolted with 20000 to the enemy, who corrupted him with money. Iustinian hard∣ly escaped, who comming to Leucate, commanded the remainders of the Sclavi to be killed and flung into the Sea. After this the Agarens made havock of the Roman Provinces, and Sabbatius the Armenian Praetor, delivered up Armenia to them.

The Arabians overrun Africa, to whom Sergius the Patrician betrayed the city Lazica. But Iohn brother to the Emperour Leontius recovered Africa again, and [ 30] drove out the Saracens. This Leontius had been imprisoned 2 yeares by Theo∣dosius and Stephanus the Emperours favorites, but having escaped out of prison, was by the Patriarchs help made Emperour. He cut off Iustinian's nose, and banished him to Chersonesus, having reigned 10 yeares. The two sycophants Theodosius and Stephanus, were by his command dragged through the streets, by ropes fastned to their feet, and afterward were burnt. Leontius after three yeares reign was by Tiberius Apsimarus (whom his Army had made Emperour, upon his return from Africa) served, as he served Iustinian; for he cut off his Nose, and then thrust him into a monastery: then he sent his brother Heraclius into Syria against the Saracens, who tooke and slew of the enemies about 200000. The Ar∣menian [ 40] Princes killed their Agaren Governours, and returned to the Roman o∣bedience. But Mahumet Prince of the Arabians, subdued the Armenians again, and burned their princes alive. Yet in Cilicia he was defeated by Heraclius who took multitudes of the Saracens prisoners, and sent them to his brother Abismarus for slaves, who about this time sent Theophylact into Italy as successour to Iohn in the Exarchat. After this Iustinian escaped out of prison, and marryed with Theo∣dora the sister of Chaganus, with whom hee lived a whole yeare in Phanogoria a town of Sarmatia. But the Barbarian king being corrupted with gold from Abis∣marus, promised to betray him, which hee understanding by his wife, fled to Tre∣bellis the Bulgarian king, by whose Armes hee was restored, the 10 yeare of his * 1.61 [ 50] banishment. The third day after he laid siege to Byzantium, by some sluces of water which he opened, he got within the town. Abismarus fled, but was overtaken and brought back, multitudes of the people who had abused Caesar with ill lan∣guage as hee lay before the City, were slaine. Leontius and Abismarus being in irons fell flat at the Emperours feet, who troad on their necks, the people crying out: Thou shalt walk upon the Aspe, and the Basilisk, and then they were both be∣headed. Callinicus the Bishop had both his eyes thrust out, and was banished to

Rome, and Cyrus set up in his place, who had incouraged the Emperour in his banishment to recover his right. Abismarus had reigned 7 yeares. It's said of Iustinian that still when hee wept or blew his cut nose, he caused one of Leonti∣us his faction to be slain. For he had vowed before when he was like to be drown∣ed in a storm, that if God would preserve him then, he would shew no mercy to his enemies.

Things thus setled, King Trebellis being honourably rewarded was dismissed; but afterward Iustinian quarrelled with him about the extent of their borders: the Bulgarians being suddenly set upon by the Imperialists, fled to the mountains, whence afterward perceiving the Greeks to be secure, came down and made such [ 10] slaughter among them, that Iustinian in hast got on shipboard, and returned with dishonour to Constantinople. Afterward hee sent an Army against the Chersonaeans, among whom he had been exiled. They in the beginning of his designes would have destroyed him; therefore he causeth them to be cruelly mur∣thered, and their Grandees to be burned: and delighted himselfe to see 73000 of their youths drowned in a storm. The Chersonaei being thus barbarously used, and their childrens heads by Iustinian's command dashed against the wals, im∣plore aid from the Chazari, and perswade Philip Bardanes, lately returned from banishment, and made Admirall of the Seas, to invade the Empire, with him joines Elias the Praetor, whose children Iustinian murthered in their mothers breasts, and marryed her to an Indian cook. Bardanes with Elias rise against [ 20] the tyrant, who was now in Amastris a town of Paphlagonia, which Elias took, and in it Iustinian, whose head he cut off with his own hands; and slew his sonne Tiberius whom he begot of Theodora, and had made his colleague in the Empire. * 1.62 This was the last of Heraclius his race, who of all the Emperours had the hap∣pinesse alone, to have a sixt successour of his own bloud. Iustinian reigned 7 years after his banishment. He was nicknamed Rhinotmetus from his cut nose; his tongue also was cut out by Leontius after he had been animated by the Astro∣logians, and Calinicus the Bishop (whom Iustinian had first designed for the slaughter) to invade the Empire. In his time a Synod was held in the palace cal∣led [ 30] Trullus of Constantinople, wherein Clergy men are ordained to retaine their wives. Pope Sergius who succeeded Conon opposed this Synod, wherefore Iustinian commands him to be brought to Constantinople; but in vain, for the Ar∣my at Ravenna resisted, and did not suffer the Pope to be touched. Besides Kilianus that was sent to convert the Franconians in Germany, who was murthered there. Wigbertus with divers other preachers from England, were sent to convert the Fri∣sians, Danes, Saxons and others.

At this time Cunibertus the sonne of Bertarius was King of Lombardy. Him Alchisus Duke of Trent, whom Cuniberius saved when his Father Bartarius would have killed him, drove him out of his kingdome. But Alchisus tyrannising over the Clergy, was hated, and Cunibert is restored; who defeated Alchisus in a battell, [ 40] and then cut off his head and feet. To Cunibert succeeded his young son Ludbert; whom he recommended to the care of Duke Asprandus. But Regnibert Duke of Taurinum made war and overthrew the young King with his Governor Aspran∣dus; and so made himselfe King. He dyeth within one yeare of his reign, to whom succeeded his sonne Aripertus the second, who reigned 12 yeares. He kil∣led the lawfull heirs. Ludbert, whose Governour Asprandus fled into Bavaria, where he lived in exile 9 yeares: then being assisted by Dithbertus Duke of Ba∣varia, hee returnes to Lombardy, where he overthrowes in a great battell Ari∣pertus the usurper, and in his flight at Ticinum kills him. This Aripertus bestowed [ 50] on the Popedome that part of Piemont, which of old was called Alpes, Cottiae, or Cottiae, or Gothitae, Cerduella king of the West-Saxons was baptized at Rome, and there dyed, to whom succeeded Ina. Conredus King of the Mercii, that is, of Nottinghamshire and Darbyshire, taking Offa the son of Sigerus King of the East-Saxons with him, at Rome puts on the habit of a Monk. In Spaine all the Jews are made slaves, their goods confiscated, and their children delivered to Christi∣ans, to be bred by them. Felix Archbishop of Ravenna, for refusing to

bee subject to the Pope, looseth his Bishoprick and both his Eyes.

In Spaine Iulianus a Grandee whose wife King Rudericus abused, called the Saracens out of Africa, who oppressed the Goths, and in a great battell over∣threw Rudericus and killed him. The Saracen Generall was Tarichus, from whom the Mountaine Gibraltar, upon which he pitched his camp, was called of old Gebel-Tarich. So now the Saracens possesse Spaine, and drive the remain∣ing Goths to Biscay and the Pyrenaean hils, and the Astures, whose Captain Pe∣lagius was the first King there. In France Pipinus Duke of Ostrasia was Master of the Palace under Theodoricus, Clodoveus and Child•…•…bertus the French Kings, whose power he exercised; he made Lambertus Bishop of Trajectum, or Utricht, [ 10] who enveyed against Alpaida Pipins concubine, of whom he had Carolus Mar∣tellus. She caused her brother Dodon to murther the bishop, to expiate which wickednesse shee erected a Colledge of Canons; but the murtherer was eat up with vermine, the stink of whose body was so o•…•…ious, that he was flung and drowned in the river Mosa. Egicas King of Spain was like to be murthered by the Jews, which was the cause of their hard usage there, as is said. Sergius was Pope 13 yeares, he added divers Litanies to the Masse. His successour was Iohn the sixt, who sate 3 yeares.

Paulus Anazar of Heraclea in Magna Graecia is chosen the first Duke of Ve∣nice under Abismarus 252 yeares since the building of that City. The Egypti∣ans [ 20] fall off quite from the Empire, and choose themselves a King, whom they call Caliph. Afric which was recovered by Belisarius from the Vandals, and had continued since subject to the Romans 170 yeares, is now possessed by the Sa∣racens. The West Goths had now reigned in Spain 256 years, but (as is said) alrea∣dy, are driven into corners, which is •…•…46 years since by the Huns they were thrust out of Scythia. So the Saracens have now all Spain (except Gallicia the seat of the Astures and Cantabrians) which they injoyed 800 yeares together. The Vi∣sigoths yet possesse Aquitania, but ten yeares hence they are driven out by Caro∣lus Martellus, Vitisa the sonne of Egicas King of Spain, orders the Clergy to keep what Concubines they will, and forbids them to obey the Pope. Ulid king [ 30] of Arabia destroyes the Christian church at Damascus, commanding the Ara∣bick tongue to be used in stead of Greek. To Pope Iohn succeeded Zosimus for 20 dayes, and after him Constantinus 7 years, whom Iustinian in Nicomedia hono∣rably useth, to whom hee confessed his sinnes, and received absolution, lying prostrate at the Popes feet. He was the first Emperour that ever kissed the Popes Feet.

Philippicus Bardanes having murthered Iustinian, obtaineth the Empire for 2 yeares and 9 months. The Pope rejects him as an hereticall Emperour, for he abrogated the sixt Synod, and reestablished the Monothelites, upon the request of that Monkish Astrologer who foretold him, he should be Emperour. Cyrus [ 40] the Patriarch is deposed by him, and one Iohn an heretick is advanced. He pro∣digally exhausted the treasures which were left by his predecessors, suffering in the interim Thracia to be exhausted by the Bulgarians, and Asia by the Saracens: wherefore he was hated by his Peeres, two of which, to wit, Theodorus and Buramphus deprived him of his eyes, as hee was reposing himselfe after dinner, this was done by the advice of Artemius the chief Secretary, who the next day * 1.63 is proclaimed Emperour. Pope Constantine, absolves the Emperours subjects from their allegiance to him. Artemius or Anastasius the second reigned one year and 3 months. Hee prepares a great Fleet against the Saracens, and takes order that Byzantium be furnished with 3 yeares provision. But the Army upon a so∣dain [ 50] sedition forceth one Theodosius of Adramyttum, a Collector of Subsidies, and a quiet man, to accept the Empire against his will. Anastasius upon this layeth down his Emperiall Ensignes, is made a Monk, and is sent to Thessalonica; he was both a good scholar, and a good Catholick. He put down Iohn the here∣tick, and set Germanus in the chair of Constantinople. About this time dyed Pi∣pinus. Carolus Martellus is imprisoned by his stepmother Plearudis Pipins wi∣dow; but Dagobertus being dead, he escaped out of prison, and recovered his fa∣thers

dignity, which he so managed, that he established his posterity in the king∣dome of France. Theodosius was Emperor not much above a year, for understand∣ing that Leo Isauricus was made Emperour by the Army, and that his son Theodo∣sius was taken prisoner; he resigned up his interest to the new Emperor, and having * 1.64 received the publick Faith for his indemnity, he with his son enter into holy Or∣ders, in which they spent the remainder of their days at Ephesus, in his his time Mu∣salmas the Saracen took Pergamus.

CHAP. IX. [ 10]

The Roman affaires under Leo the third, and Constantine the fifth. 2. Of Pipinus, and Forraigne affaires. 3. The Church affaires of these times.

LEo the third called before Isaurus Conon from his country Isauria, had been Governour of Albania in Iustinian's time, and subdued the Abasgi a people of Scythia. Now in the beginning of his Empire he is exercised by the Sara∣cens, who with a Fleet of 3000 ships besiege Constantinople almost 3 years, but of this great number scarse 5 escaped, but were all consumed with famine, plague warre, thunder, stormes, and artificiall fires in the water. The Bulgarians alone killed 22000 of them, as they were plundering of the countrey. In the meane [ 20] while Sergius Praetor of Sicilia, with one Gregory, aime at the Empire, but they were quickly suppressed by Leo; Gregory was killed, Sergius upon submission •…•…is pardoned. Leo in his third year overthrew Nicetas Xylinites and seise upon his whole estate for assisting Artemius (who was now banished in Thessalonica) to recover the Empire. Artemius with his Bulgarian Forces arrive at Byzantium, hoping the City had been for him, but finding it otherwayes, the Bulgarians for money betray him to Leo, who put him, with all that were of his plot, to the sword. The plague at this time was so hot at Rome and Byzantium, that it consumed 300000 Inhabitants. Tybris overflowed the wals of Rome: the Jews were a∣gain [ 30] deluded by a false Messias, a Syrian born. Which caused Leo to force bap∣tisme * 1.65 upon them, for which some of them were so desperate, that they burned themselves with their families. One Radbodus a German Prince and Heathen, as he was ready to be baptized, asked whether there were most of his Ancestors in heaven or in hell, it was answered in hell; with that he pulled his foot out of the water, saying: I will rather follow many then a few; but within three dayes after he dyed: So Gizid a Saracen Prince was perswaded by a Jewish Im∣postour, that hee should raigne a long time, if hee would abolish the Im∣ages of Christ, and of the Saints, which he went about to doe, but dyed the next * 1.66 year after. [ 40]

Leo in the 10 yeare of his reign commanded all Images to be abolished. Philip∣picus Bardanes had commanded the same before, but was resisted by Pope Con∣stantine, as Leo is now by Pope Gregory the second, who would not suffer any tribute to be payed to the Emperour out of Rome and Italy, because he took up∣on him to alter religion. This gave occasion of great troubles in Italy, between the Pope and the Exarch, till it came to that passe, that the Emperor lost all his power in Italy, and had almost lost it in Byzantium; for not onely were his offi∣cers murthered by the tumultuous multitude, but the City also was assaulted with new Fleets of Saracens and others, which were forced with losse to be gone. Leo deposeth Germanus the Patriarch and other Bishops, for resisting his command [ 50] about the Images, and sets up Anastasius Patriarch, whom Gregory in the Synod which he assembled condemneth, and then dyeth the 16 yeare of his Popedome, to whom succeeded Gregory the third, no lesse zealous for Images then his pre∣decessour, against whom Leo sent a Fleet of ships, which miscarryed in a storme. Upon this the Pope cals a Councell, and excommunicates all enemies to Image∣worship. This so inraged Leo that he did cruelly put to death divers learned men and others, who distiked his proceedings against Images. Oecumenicus pro∣fessour

in the Colledge of Constantinople is burned with his bookes. Hereupon Rome and Italy by Gregories means fall off quiter from the Greek Empire. A league is made beteween the Pope and the French against Luitprandus the Lon∣gobard, who was now besieging Rome. Corolus Martellus causeth Luitprandus to raise his siege and be gone. Leo seeing all his revenues in Italy to be stopped, gave order to confiscate all the Popes revenues in Sicily and Calabria. He pur∣posed to be revenged upon Italy, but was hindred by the incursions of the Sara∣cens upon the Eastern Empire. Gregory having excommunicated the Emperor, * 1.67 dyed the 10 year of his Popedome, whom Leo followed shortly after. He reigned 24 years and 2 moneths: before his death the wals of Constantinople, Nicea, [ 10] Nicomedia, and other townes were shaken down with earthquakes. In his time dyed venerable Beda; and Iohn Damascen for patronising Images, was banished a∣mong the Saracens. Leo dyed of a bloudy flux.

In this Leo's time Eudon Duke of Aquitania, calls into France the barbarous Saracens to suppresse the greatnesse of Martellus, they under Abdiran their General take Garunda and Burdeaux. Charles being aided by the Lombards and Ger∣mans, subdues the Saracens, and kills their Generall. Eudon, repenting for cal∣ling in the Saracens, turnes head against them. It's thought there were killed in that war 375000 Saracens, of the French onely 1500. Pope Gregory sent to congratulate with Martellus this great victory, and withall to implore his [ 20] help for the City and Church of Rome. The Venetians and Pantapolitans, by the Popes authority shook off Leo's Government, they kill the Duke of Cam∣panie with his son, and soon after Paul the Patrician and Exarch, whose successour Eutychius is excommunicated by the Pope. The Romans sweare to defend Gregory against the Emperour. The Exarch with Luitprandus King of Lombardy, en∣ter into a league to suppresse Rome, Beneventum and Spoletum, and to reduce them again unto the Empire. But Gregory made all quiet, and a peace is conclu∣ded. Tiberius who thought to be King is killed. Inas King of the West-Saxons commanded that each house should pay a penny to St. Peter yeerly. Luitpran∣dus confirmes the donation of the Alpes, the Patent whereof written in golden [ 30] letters was carefully kept at Rome. Pope Gregory the second, ordained that on every Friday in Lent there should be fasting and solemne masse. He sent Boniface or Vinefred to convert the Frisians and their neighbours, who is made the first Bishop of Ments. Under Martellus S. Willibore converted the Westphalians. Whilest Pergamus was besieged by the Saracens, they were perswaded by a Magitian to rip open the belly of a woman with child, and to wash their right hands in the childs bloud, which they did in hope of victory. But they lost it, with the town, in Gods just fury.

Pelagius descended of the Gothish Kings, is made the first King of Asturia and Legion or Leon, by the remaining Christians of Spaine, four yeares after [ 40] Ruderic had lost Spaine to the Saracens. Hee tooke for his armes a red Lion in a white field, which yet the Kings of Leon wear to this day. From him is de∣scended without interruption Philip, the now King of Spain. The Kings of Na∣var and Aragon are descended from Garsias Ximenius the Goth, and first king that reigned among the Pyreneans. The Christians that were permitted to live in Spaine were called Mozarabes, because mixed with Arabians. This liberty con∣tinued till Alphonsus the seventh. About the yeare 1100 that the Almoad Arabi∣ans came into Spain, they suffered no Christians to live among them. Martellus subdued Burgundy and Aquitania, slew Eudon, and drove the Saracens quite out of France. Alphonsus the first King of Galicia, son in law, and heire to Pe∣lagius [ 50] drove Arianism quite out of his kingdome; for which he obtained the name of Catholick for him and his posterity. Abathaminus Calypha nephew of Abdimelech having subdued Egypt, built Cayro where Memphis of old stood. From him Cayliph became a title of honour, both in Egypt and Babylon, or Bal∣dac. About this time dyed Carolus Martellus, who would not be called Mejor Domus as his predecessours, but Prince of France. He left two sons Carolomanus and Pipinus to rule France. These suppressed the Saxons: then C•…•…rolomanus be∣came a Monk.

Constantine the fifth, sonne to Leo Isauricus called Iconomachus, for being an enemie to Images, was crowned at two yeares old, therefore the first that was called Porphyrogenitus. He was called Copronymus from fouling in the Font when hee was baptized, which some held as a presage that he would pollute Religion. He was suspected to be a Nestorian. Whilest he was imployed in the Saracen war, Artabasdus his sisters husband, by the aid of Anastasius the Patriarch, set up the Images in Byzantium again, and for this cause was saluted Emperour by the people; which caused three yeares wars. In the end Constantine took Arta∣basdus and his son, these he blinded. Anastasius the Patriarch he caused to be car∣ryed about the city upon an Asse, with his face to the Asses tail, but afterward [ 10] restored him to his spirituall charge. In the fifth year of his reign, whilest the Saracens were involved in civill broiles, he overrun Syria and Assyria, he tooke the city Germanitia between Cappadocia and Cilicia, and there advanced the Christian religion; He made a league with the Bulgarians, and marryed with the daughter of Caganus, who after shee was baptized was called Irene. But his ha∣tred to Images, reliques, and intercession of Saints: his persecuting of Priests and Monks who sided not with him, forcing them to marry, causing them to be beaten and banished to Cyprus, which was then invaded by the Saracens: his buyring, burning, drowning and breaking of pictures and Church ornaments, made him odious to the people and Clergy, many calling him the young Leopard, and brat of the old Lion; some cal•…•…ed him Caballinus, because hee loved to wallow in [ 20] horse dung. The sixt and seventh yeare of his reigne were terrible by reason of a violent plague through Calabria, Sicilia, Greece and Thracia; at Byzantium, there wanted people to bury the dead: such darknesse there was for 10 days to∣gether in August, that mens hearts failed them for feare: such Earthquakes were in Syria, that hils were turned into valleys, and townes removed 6 miles out of their places.

Constantine cals a Synod at Constantinople, in which were present 338 Bi∣shops, who condemned Image-worship. This Councell he named the seventh Oecumenicall, notwithstanding the Popes opposition. He was not content to de∣molish statues and Images, but violates the Temple of Euphemia the Martyr, in [ 30] flinging her odoriferous bones into the Sea, which being driven by the wind to the Isle Lemnos, were taken up and brought back to Chalcedon. He drew Ste∣phen the Monk out of his cloyster, because hee taught men to despise worldly greatnesse. He killed and banished many of his Grandees; he made all men swear against worshipping of Images. Constantine the Patriarch who succeeded to Anastasius, was accused of secret plotting and correspondency with the banished Princes, for which cause he was banished, and then basely murthered. It was trea∣son to say, Mother of God help us: or to watch at the tombes of the dead. He took some townes of Armenia from the Saracens, and filled Byzantium againe [ 40] with Armenians and Syrians, which had beene almost exhausted of people by the plague. In the 22 of his reign he tooke occasion to quarrell with the Bulga∣rians, whilest they were intangled with civill discords; he defeated Zeletines their new King, who was therefore murthered by his people, and shortly after his successour Sabinus was banished for desiring peace: but the Emperour comming upon them with new Forces, made them sue for peace, which they obtained: but Telerichus their King resolved to breake it, by assaulting suddenly the Roman Forces. For that purpose an ambush is laid, which was discovered to Caesar by some of the Bulgarian Nobles. He without shedding of bloud seised on the am∣bush, and took all that lay in it. Telerichus perceiving his plot was discovered, [ 50] thought to finde out the discoverers by these meanes. He makes shew as if he would submit himselfe to Caesar, for this cause he desires the names of such men as might be fittest to be imployed in this Negotiation, and such as Caesar might put most trust in; divers of Tilerichus his friends were nominated unawares; these the Tyrant murthers supposing they had discovered the plot. Constantine to be revenged on the Barbarian for his treachery, resolves to fall againe upon Bulgaria, but in the interim he is taken with a burning Feaver, which was so

hot, that he cryed out, he was in burning flames, and so dyed, having reigned almost 35 years. He had been three times marryed, his first wife was Irene the Bul∣garian mother to Leo, whom he marryed with Irene Attica, who made him a * 1.68 Grandfather, by the birth of his nephew to Constantine, in the 30 yeare of his Empire.

In this Emperours time, the Turkes breaking out of the Caspian straits o∣ver-run Armenia and Iberia; and being richly laden with booties, return home. This was about the year of Christ 763 and 764. At which time there fell out such a cold winter, that the Euxin sea was frozen 30 foot deep, and 100 miles over. Upon this followed such a hot summer, that the springs were dryed up. Moun∣taines of ice broke down the wals of some towns. To Luitbrandus in Lombardy [ 10] succeeded Ratchesius, who forgetting the 20 yeares peace he made with Pope Zacchary, and which he confirmed by an oath, besieged Perusia. To his camp the Pope repaires, and so wrought upon him, with presents, and his eloquence, that to expiate the violation of his oath, he resolves to enter into a Monastery, and did accordingly, with his wife and sonnes: but his brother and successour▪ Ai∣stulphus tooke another course. For hee seised upon Ravenna, and the whole Exarchat, and drove Eutychius the Exarch to Byzantium. This Government had lasted in Italy 182 yeares under 10 Princes.

Aistulphus withheld from the Pope those towns which hee said belonged to St. Peter. Wherefore Pope Stephen who was the first that sealed his buls with lead, [ 20] and the first that was carryed on mens shoulders to the Lateran, implores the help of France, which he obtains for the courtesie Pipin had received of Pope Zacchary; which was this: Pipin had two brothers; the one Carolomannus was entred in∣to a Monastery; the other Gryphon was killed; wherefore he affecting the king∣dome of France, by his letters desires to know of Zacchary, whether a stupid Prince or an active subject were fittest to rule. The Pope understanding his meaning, gives present order to Boniface being lately made Archbishop of Mints, to annoint Pipin King of France, so Chilpericus being held unfit for go∣vernment, was forced to lay downe the Scepter and Crown, and to content him∣selfe [ 30] * 1.69 with a Monks hood. He was the last of the Merovean race. Thus Pipin be∣ing established in his throne by the Popes meanes, could doe no lesse then assist him to recover his own; wherefore having passed over the Alpes with an Army, he wrests from Aistulphus the Exarchat, and Pentapolis: and for the good of his soul he bestowed as a patrimony on the Church Ravenna, Bononia, Imola, Fa∣ventia, Ferraria; and in Pentapolis, Ariminum, Pisaurum, Ancona, Auximum and Urbinum, of old these provinces were called Aermilia, Fla∣minia, and Picenum. At this day they are named Romandiola, and Marca An∣conitana.

No sooner was Pipinus returned to France, but Aistulphus repenting of his bar∣gaine, besiegeth Rome with an Army, wasting all the countrey about with fire [ 40] and sword. Wherefore Pipins help being implored again, Aistulphus is forced to pay the third part of his treasures, and a tribute to the French. Shortly after he broke his neck with a fall from his horse, as he was hunting. Pipin having with a long war wearied Guaiofarius Duke of Aquitania, for denying of the Chur∣ches rights, and the Duke at last being killed by his people, enlargeth his Domini∣on by the addition of Aquitania. Constantine the Emperour in hope to reco∣ver the Exarchat of Ravenna, sends presents to Pipin, and among the rest a rich Organ, the first that was ever seen in the West. But to no purpose, for it was an∣swered him, that those countryes were purchased for, and given to S. Peter: so [ 50] Pipin dyed at Paris. To Charles he left Austrasia, to Carolomanus his other son, Burgundy and Alemannia. Gascony is divided between them. He founded the * 1.70 Bishopricks of Saltzburg, Ratisbone, Aichstart and Frisinge. Burchard founded the Church of Herbipolis or Wirtsburg, and Boniface the Abby of Fulden in Ger∣many.

Aistulphus being dead, Ratichisus had a minde to recover the Kingdome of Lombardy, slighting Desiderius who from the Duke of Tuscia came to sway

the Scepter of Lombardy, but Pope Stephen changed his minde; he having con∣firmed Desiderius, received from him Faventia and Ferraria. In Spain to Alphon∣sus succeeded his sonne Fro•…•…olas, who overthrew Iuzaphus a Prince of the Sa∣racens on the borders of Gallicea, after which time Spain was no more tribu∣tary to Miromalinus the Babylonian. For Abderamen thrust out Iuzaphus and made himself king of Corduba. The Saracens were now distracted into facti∣ons, so that their Dominion was divided among divers. Abubales had Persia, Salimus Egypt, Habdallas Syria, who having killed the other two obtained [ 10] the whole Empire of the Saracens 21 years. He laid heavy taxes on the Christians and favoured the Jewes, yet permitted the Antiochians to choose them a new Patriarch, having been 40 yeares without one. He punished 16 of the Persian Magi, for offering by the vertue of certaine inchantments to flye in the aire, whence they fell down and hurt themselves. Habdallus Prince of Arabia dyed the same month that Constantine did. The same year Adelgisus sonne of Desi∣derius King of Lombardy fled to the Emperour Charles the Great, having in∣vaded his Fathers kingdome, which had continued 206 yeares. Charles was set on by Pope Hadrian, because Desiderius laid claim to all the lands granted by Pipin to the Roman Church. And Charles had devorced his wife Ber∣tha the daughter of Desiderius, which made him a greater stranger then before, to the Lombards; wherefore passing over the Alpes with his Army, he gave [ 20] battell to Desiderius, whom he defeated, and drove into Ticinum; at last tooke him upon surrender of the town, whom he sent with his wife into France; for his sonne Adelgisus was gone to Constantinople. So Charles obtaines all Ita∣ly except Neapolis, and the Provinces belonging to Sicily. He restores to Pope Hadrian the Exarchat and Pentapolis. Who having called a Synod makes Charles a Patrician, and power is given him to invest Bishops. Two years be∣fore * 1.71 this Italian war, the French made war upon the Saxons, as yet heathen Idolaters, who exercised Charles his armes 33 yeares. The Church was much beholding to these two Princes, Pipin and Charles, for their munificence to∣wards her, for propagating Christianity, and suppressing Heathenism, Judaism, and heresies, for a setled Parliament in Paris, the work of Pipin, who was the [ 30] first that brought the use of Organs into the Western Church, after he had been presented with one from the Eastern Emperor; he also brought into the Gallican Church, the regulated musick of Rome, for before him, the French musick was confused, and inharmonious.

CHAP. X.

The affaires of the Empire under Leo, Irene, and Constantine. 2. Of for∣raigne [ 40] affaires under Charles the Great. 3. Of the Church affaires in those times.

LEo the fourth succeeded to his Father Copronymus. Hee was also called * 1.72 Porphyrogenitus, because in his childhood hee was made Co-emperour with his Father, and was clothed with a purple robe. He banished his brother Nicephorus with divers more, upon suspition, that he aimed at the Em∣pire. By his preswasion Telerichus King of Bulgaria being banished by his own subjects, was baptized, and marryed with Irenes cousin german, then hee was made a Patrician. Leo was perswaded to make his young sonne Constantine [ 50] Co-emperour with him. Hee had warres with the Saracens in Syria, where hee killed 5 of their Amiras, and 6000 Arabians. Hee removed the Jaco∣bite Syrians into Thracia. By this war he exasperated the Mahumetans, so that they overrun Asia, but all provision being conveyed into strong towns, they were faine to return home without effecting any great matter. Mahdy con∣trary to his oath persecuted the Christian within his Dominion, so that di∣vers suffered Martyrdome. Leo persecuted and punished the Image-wor∣shippers

as his Father did. The fift yeare of his reigne, hee woulds needs set upon his head the Sacred Crowne beset with rich jewells which Mau∣ricius had dedicated in the Church of S. Sophia upon the wearing of this * 1.73 Crowne, his head swelled with carbuncles, then he fell into a violent feaver, and so dyed.

Charles the son of Pipin succeeded prosperously in his wars against the Saxons, Westphalians, Huns, Angarians, Hessians. Rodgundus the Longobard with divers o∣thers. In all his conquests he settles Christianity. He gave many honors, and crea∣ted many Nobles, of such as had done him good service. He had also good successe in Spaine against the Infidels, but in his return he lost the greatest part of [ 10] his Army among the Pyrenaean hils, the Vascones being better acquainted with those places deceived them, and cut them off. Herein were slaine Eginhardus, Anshelmus, Roland, and many more of his chief commanders. The Saxons un∣der Witskundus their Generall oftentimes rebelled, and were still subdued, they were supplyed still with Auxiliaries of Danes, and Vandals, but at last Witikundus was baptized in the year of Christ 785. Charles erected the Bishopricks of Paderborn, Minden, and Osnaburg in Germany. About this time Ximenius the first King of Navar dyed, to whom succeeded Garzicas Eunicus, who relieved Pampilona, and took many castles and garrisons from the Moores. One Lescus was the first that taught the Polonians about this time to shooe horses. [ 20]

Irene Leo's widow, with her young sonne Constantine rule the Empire. She was a great defender of Images. Having understood that her husbands brother had plotted treason against her, shee caused them to be shaven, and then made Priests of them, and banished all those that favoured them. To make her sonnes Em∣pire the more firme, shee contracts him to Charles the Greats daughter, for that purpose sends Eliseus the Eunuch to instruct her in the Greek tongue and customs. Shee overthrew in divers battels Elpidius Praetor of Sicilia, and forced him to flye over to the Saracens in Africa, because he would have set up Nicephorus Constantines Uncle. Shee let the Saracens enjoy Afric quietly, being afraid of their power, and made the Empire tributary to Aaron the Saracen Prince. Paul [ 30] the Patriarch repenting that he had withstood Image-Worship, enters into a Monastery; Tarasius his successour adviseth Irene to call a generall Synod, which was done by Pope Adrians assistance, whose Legats were there. The place was first at Byzantium, then Nicea of Bithynia. In this 7 generall Councell was undone whatsoever had been done by Leo Isaurus, and his sonne and grandchild concerning abolishing of Images. The 6 yeare of her reign a great commoti∣on was raised, which disturbed the proceedings of the Synod, so that the Bi∣shops being 350 in all were forced to rise: the Empresse making shew of an ex∣pedition against the Saracens, demands all the armes of those who were of the contrary side and enemies to Images, which when shee had gotten shee banish∣eth [ 40] them all from the city, and arms her own party, and calls the Councell again, the 8 year of her reign at Nicaea, Image Worship is their concluded, and by her au∣thority confirmed.

After this shee dissolves the contract made between her sonne and Rhotilde, and made him against his will to marry with one Mary an Armenian. She sends also Adalgisus the sonne of Desiderius, with some Commanders to make new stirres in Lombardy against Charles; because hee had seised upon the Duke∣dome of Beneventum. But Adalgisus is overthrown by the French and Lom∣bards in a battell, wherein he was taken and put to death. Constantine per∣ceiving that his mother did what she listed, and was altogether ruled by Stau∣ratius [ 50] a Patrician; and that hee being the lawfull heire, and now of yeares sufficient to rule the State, was slighted, and kept like a child under the fe∣rula; resolves to take the government upon himselfe. But shee on the other side will not part with any share of her power; keepes her sonne at home under correction being 20 yeares of age; banisheth all who adhere to him, and makes the souldiers sweare fidelity to her alone, and not to acknowledge any power in him whilest she was alive. But the Armenian Armies were constant

in their loyalty to Constantine, and would not acknowledge the mothers so∣veraignty, whose example moved other souldiers, against their oath, to fall off from the Empresse. Therefore Constantine by their helpe takes the reines in his owne hand, commands Stauratius to forbeare meddling with State affaires, and confines his mother to her palace at Eleutherium, which shee had lately built, in which shee was entertained with all princely respect, and the next year he intending an expedition into Bulgaria, and another into Arabia, restores her a∣gain to her former power; which when shee had obtained, shee fell to vex and [ 10] punish all his friends and acquaintance; hee makes an expedition into Bulga∣ria, but with ill successe, for his army was defeated, and his chiefest Nobility ei∣ther killed or taken prisoners. Upon suspition of treason, hee caused his three Uncles Nicephorus, Christophorus, and Nicetus to be apprehended, and their eys to be put out, which cruelty made him to be hated, chiefly of the Armenians, and to make himselfe the more odious hee puts away his wife Mary, pretending shee would have poysoned him, whereas it was known she was a vertuous and religious Lady: then he being puft up for some good successe he had lately against the Saracens, takes one Theodate a Virgin out of the Nunnery, and makes her his Empresse, which iucensed the Monks against him, who accused him of bigamy, for which he banished them.

Constantine makes a second expedition into Bulgaria, to take off (if he could) [ 20] the tribute, which they so insolently demanded, but understanding that his wife was brought to bed of a sonne, hee repaires to the City, and commends the charge of the Army to his mother: shee takes this absence of her sonne, as a fit opportunity to reinvest her selfe in the soveraignty; to this end both shee and Stauratius with bribes and flatteries worke upon the Army, whose good will shee obtained. Upon this the Emperour is called home from the Saracen war, the intent was to apprehend and secure him, which was done accordingly; he thought to have escaped, but could not, wherefore hee is brought back to the City, and his eyes are put out, 5 yeares after hee had so served his Uncles, and * 1.74 on that very day. Not long after he dyed, his death was accompanied with 17 dayes darknesse, the eye of the world disdaining to looke on those who had thrust [ 30] out the eyes of their Soveraign. Hee reigned 8 yeares alone. His mother after this reigned 3 yeares, in which time shee put to death her husbands Uncles, that they might not aspire to the Empire. Embassadours are sent by her to Charles for confirming a solid peace, for parting the Empire between them, and for the making up of a match between Charles and her; hee likewise sends Embassadours to Constantinople to the same effect; but whilest they were there a great change fell out; for Irene being sick, it was given out by some of the Grandees, that she had nominated Nicephorus the Patrician to succeed her in the Empire; upon this, he is saluted Emperour by the Armies, to whom hee gives the oath of allegiance, [ 40] then besiegeth Irene in the Palace, makes her deliver up all her treasures; then banisheth her to the Isle Lesbos, where shee was secured with a strong guard, there shee pined away with griefe, and dyed, having reigned 23 yeares. Nicephorus dispatcheth the Embassadours with letters to Charles, desiring a ratification of the peace, propounded by Irene. Charles having again subdued the Saxons, hee translates a great number of them into Flanders and Bra∣bant. Hee beat the Sclavi and Vinidi, as they were plundering of Magde∣burg. Hee takes Thassilo sonne in law to Desiderius, who by his wifes per∣swasion had renewed the rebellion. Him hee condemnes of treason, and then sends him to a Monastery. Charles also suppressed the Hungarians, who were [ 50] Thassiloes associates, and had invaded Germany. So having after 8 years warre subdued the Huns, and quieted Pannonia, Charles assembleth a Synod at Franc∣furd of 300 Bishops, wherein Nestorianism is condemned, which Elipandus and Felix two Bishops had renewed, and it was defined, that Christ according to his flesh was the true sonne of God, and not adopted, and that in his huma∣nity he should be worshipped, no lesse then in his Divinity. Image worship is condemned, and the second Synod of Nice rejected. Alphonsus also King of

Asturia and Gallicia in Spaine wearyed with payment of Virgins which was ex∣acted by the Saracens, in way of attribute, resolves to fight them, and did ac∣cordingly, in which battell hee defeated them, took Lysbone, killed many 1000 of them, and freed a great part of Spain from the Saracens yoak. The Ensigns of this victory he sends to Charles. After Stephen the fourth, or third as some say, who sate 4 years succeeded Adrian the first, who sate 23 yeares. He ordained that every day 100 poore people should be fed in the Lateran Court. In Leo's time a coffin or chest of stone, was digged out of the ground. Christ shall be born of a Virgin. In him I beleeve, was ingraven on it, the dead body that was found in it, is thought by some to bee Plato's, this was found a little before [ 10] the warres of Charles with the Avares and Boii, whose last King Tassilo hee tooke with his sonne, and put them in a Monastery. About this time England was invaded by the Danes. In the yeare 791. the University of Paris is erected by Charles, whose first professours were foure Monkes, all Beda's scholars, to wit, Rabanus, Albinus, Claudius and Scotus; not Scotus subtilis the Franciscan, who lived long after: he erected also the Universities of Papia, of Ticinum, of Osnaburg, and renews that of Bononia fonnded by Theodosius. To Hadrian succeeded Leo the third, who sate 4 yeares: he lost both eyes and tongue by the malice of the Romans. He escaped out of prison, and was restored by Charles. In his time the Empire was translated from Greece to France. But which was a greater wonder; Leo was resto∣red [ 20] again to his eyes and tongue.

Notes

• * 1.1

  4294. A. C. 324.
• * 1.2

  4295. A. C. 325.
• * 1.3

  4306. A. C. 336.
• * 1.4

  4307. A. C. 337.
• * 1.5

  4310. A. C. 340.
• * 1.6

  4320. A. C. 350.
• * 1.7

  4323. A. C. 353.
• * 1.8

  4324. A. C. 354.
• * 1.9

  4331. A. C. 361.
• * 1.10

  4333. A. C. 363.
• * 1.11

  4334. A. C. 364.
• * 1.12

  4337. A. C. 307.
• * 1.13

  4349. A. C. 379.
• * 1.14

  4350. A. C. 380.
• * 1.15

  4353. A. C. 383.
• * 1.16

  4365. A. C. 395
• * 1.17

  4368. A. C. 398.
• * 1.18

  4378. A. C. 480.
• * 1.19

  4379. A. C. 409.
• * 1.20

  4380. A. C. 310.
• * 1.21

  4393. A. C. 423.
• * 1.22

  4395. A. C. 425.
• * 1.23

  4402. A. C. 432.
• * 1.24

  4420. A. C. 450.
• * 1.25

  4424. A. C. 454.
• * 1.26

  4425. A. C. 455.
• * 1.27

  4426. A. C. 456
• * 1.28

  4431. A. C. 461.
• * 1.29

  4445. A. C. 465.
• * 1.30

  4452. A. C. 472.
• * 1.31

  A. C. 476▪
• * 1.32

  4460. A. C. 490.
• * 1.33

  4461. A. C. 491.
• * 1.34

  4463. A. C. 493.
• * 1.35

  4488. A. C. 518.
• * 1.36

  4889. A. C. 519.
• * 1.37

  4496. A. C. 520.
• * 1.38

  4497. A. C. 527.
• * 1.39

  4511. A. C. 541.
• * 1.40

  4522. A. C. 552.
• * 1.41

  4535. A. C. 565.
• * 1.42

  4538. A. C. 568.
• * 1.43

  4436. A. C. 576.
• * 1.44

  4553. A. C. 583.
• * 1.45

  4572. A. C. 602.
• * 1.46

  4581. A. C. 611.
• * 1.47

  4589. A. C. 619.
• * 1.48

  A. C. 623.
• * 1.49

  A. C. 626.
• * 1.50

  4598. A. C. 628.
• * 1.51

  4602. A. C. 632.
• * 1.52

  4611. A. C. 641.
• * 1.53

  Paulinus a Bishop.
• * 1.54

  Lupus Bi∣shop.
• * 1.55

  4612. A. C. 642.
• * 1.56

  4639. A. C. 669.
• * 1.57

  4639. A. C. 669.
• * 1.58

  A. C. 679.
• * 1.59

  4653. A. C. 680.
• * 1.60

  4666. A. C. 696.
• * 1.61

  A. C. 703.
• * 1.62

  4682. A. C. 712.
• * 1.63

  4685. A. C. 715.
• * 1.64

  4687. A. C. 717.
• * 1.65

  A. C. 718.
• * 1.66

  4695. A. C. 725.
• * 1.67

  4711. A. C. 741.
• * 1.68

  4745. A. C. 775.
• * 1.69

  4720. A. C. 750.
• * 1.70

  A. C. 768.
• * 1.71

  A. C. 775.
• * 1.72

  A. C. 775.
• * 1.73

  4750. A. C. 780.
• * 1.74

  4768. A. C. 798.