The key of historie. Or, A most methodicall abridgement of the foure chiefe monarchies, Babylon, Persia, Greece, and Rome Being a generall and compendious chronicle from the Flood. Digested into three bookes. Whereunto is added a marginall chronologie of euery Roman emperors raigne, and of all the most memorable persons and accidents. Together with briefe illustrations vpon the more obscure names, places, and offices. With a directory table for the more profitable reading of history. Written by that excellent and most learned man Iohn Sleidan.

IOHN SLEID AN of the foure chiefe Monarchies. OR, The key of History.

The second Booke.

CEsar being slain, his sisters sonne Caius Octauius (hauing drawn about the mili∣tarie bands to his partie) per∣secuted the murtherers most bitterly. And at first, seemed to take armes in defence of the

Commō-wealth against Mar∣cus Antonius: but afterward diuding the Empire with him, and Marcus Ledipus or∣dained a i Triumuirat, in which Marcus Cicero was by Marcus Antonius (whom he had very vehemently opposed) put to death, being sixty three yeers of age, which was eight yeeres after Quintus Hortensius his death, who was so many yeers elder then hee, as abouesaid. Cicero directly ouershot him∣selfe in his owne policies: for when Marcus Antonius mole∣sted the Common-wealth, af∣ter Caius Cesars death, he with exceeding great praises com∣mended to the Senate, Caius Octauius, Cesars kinsman, a yong Gentleman of twenty yeeres of age, and begunne to vrge to haue him created Consull, without any regard had to his age, producing ex∣amples of ancient times, how

it might be done, and refuting such obiections as might seeme dangerous: professing to be bound to the Senate vpon his honour, that he should al∣waies couernue such a Com∣mon-wealths man, as he then was, and such an one, as they ought chiefly, to wish and de∣sire him to be: but afterwards, forsaken by him, hee fell into Marcus Antonius his hands. Marcus Brutus reprehends him sharpely for such his flat∣terie.

Then as it is common, cer∣taine grudges arising in emu∣lation of the Empire, when as Marens Lepidus for conspira∣cie against Octauius, was for∣merly remoued out of the Triumuirat, and banished: Octauius made warre against Antonius his other Collegue: and after his victorie at k Acti∣um, ouerthrew both him and Cleopatra beforementioned, at

Alexandria, forcing them both to kill themselues, and made Egypt a Romane Prouince. Au∣thors report, that in Ptolomie, Auletes raigne the yeerely re∣uenues of Egypt, came to 12500. talents, which summe the learned of our times rec∣kon to 7500000. crownes: but when it came in subiecti∣on to the Romans, they iudged it to be farre more rich, in re∣gard of the traffique with In∣dia and Aethiopia. Antonius thus ouerthrowne and cut off, Octauius alone gouerned the Common-wealth forty foure yeeres, and in 29. yeere of his Empire, and of the world, 3954. as most account, was our Sauiour IESVS CHRIST borne. Herod, sirnamed the Great, hauing seuen yeeres be∣fore, most sumptuously re-edi∣fied the demolished Temple of Ierusalem.

Marcus Antonius was mar∣ried

to Caius Octauius his si∣ster, but afterward (being in∣tangled with Cleopatra's loue) forsooke his wife, and marri∣ed her, which partly was cause of the warre. Both of them were exceeding riotous, and Authors relate almost incredi∣ble stories of their banquets, delights, and pleasures: but such as I before set downe, was the vp-shot and end of their liues: This Marcus An∣tonius, was that most famous Oratour before-mentioned, Marcus Antonius his Nephew.

In Caius Octauius his raign, the Romans had their first war in Germanie, within their own territories. Caius Iulius Cesar indeed ouerthrew the Ger∣manes twice, but it was in Gal∣lia, to wit, Ariouistus in the Country of the Celts, and af∣terwards at the meeting toge∣ther of the Riuer Maze, and the Rhyne. After this victorie,

he built a bridge, and past ouer the Rhyne, but resting there a few daies, brought backe his Armie into Gallia, and broke downe the bridge. Two yeers after, he passed again ouer the Rhyne on his second bridge, a little aboue that place where hee formerly had led ouer his Armie, and then fully intended to haue gone against the l Sue∣uians, but being certified by his Scouts of all affaires, and fearing much difficultie and scarcitie of prouision, returnes into Gallia, breakes downe some part of the bridge, and in the other part, built a To∣wer and a Castle, and fortified it with Cittadels, that hee might not altogether free his enemies from the feare of his returne. And this was all that Cesar did against the Germans, as he himself writes. But Octa∣uius by the two brothers, Ti∣berius and Drusus, made warre

against the m Rhaetians and n Vindelicians, and with o Vbian forces, (who were confede∣rates with the Romanes) Quin∣tilius Ʋarus being their Cap∣taine Generall, inuaded that part of Germanie, now called Westphalia: howbeit Armini∣us Chiefe-taine of the p Che∣ruscans, almost vtterly ouer∣threw him, betwixt the Riuer q Amasia, and r Lupia. Horaee in a most elegant Ode, com∣forts Virgil, lamenting his death. Drusus died in Germa∣nie, leauing behinde him two sonnes, Germanicus a most worthy soldier, and Claudius. Horace in another most ele∣gant Ode, as wee said before, extols him, and deriues his pe∣degree from Caius Claudius Nero, who when hee was the second time Consull, together with Marcus Liuius Saelinator, slew Asdrubal, Annibals bro∣ther, at the Riuer of Metan∣rum,

as he was bringing ouer a supply of forces. s Augustus also subdued the t Cantabrians, u Aquitanians, Pannonians, x Dalmatians, y Illyrians, z Salas∣sians, and inhabitants of the Alpes. It is reported, that he often intended, to lay off the weightie charge of the Em∣pire: but againe considering with himselfe that it would be rashly committed to many mens authority, changes his minde. In the thirty third yeere of his raigne, deceased Herod the Great: whom hee, and Marcus Antonius in the third yeere of their Triumui∣rate, had made King of Iudaea: and in the eight yeere after his death, his sonne and suc∣cessor Archelaus was banished to Vienna a Towne in Gallia. It is written, that Octauius maintained forty foure legions of soldiers in protection of the Prouinces of the Empire. In

Egypt, there were three, as ma∣ny in Hispaine, and eight in Germanie. The yeerly expence (as many in their computati∣on reckon) amounts to 2100000. crownes, so as they may distribute amongst euery legion, 272000. crownes yeerely. A legion as they hold, consists of 6000. footmen, and 500. horsemen.

Octauius is very much com∣mended for his loue and libe∣ralitie towards men renow∣ned for their learning. The most famous Poets which then flourished, were Varius, Ʋir∣gil, Plotius, Ʋalgius, Fusous, the two Viscoes, Pollio, Messa∣la, the Bibulies, Seruius, Fur∣nius, and Horace, who desired that his workes might haue approbation frō them, not re∣garding other mens censures of thē. But the most famous wits of Reme, flourisht in a certaine continuall order from Marcus

Portius Cato, and Aphricanus the elder, vntill this time. For this age wherein Augustus li∣ued, was in a manner the last that retained that genuine sense, and pure vigour of the Latine tongue; for afterwards by little and little, it grew more and more corrupt, till it degenerated into meere bar∣barisme, which continued e∣uen till within our memorie. The Poets borne at a Corduba, vsed as Tully saith, a kinde of grosse and vncouth garbe: but what thinke wee, would hee haue iudged of them, who li∣ued after him aboue a hundred yeeres, not onely those who were borne and brought vp at Corduba, but those of Rome also.

Now Tiberius Augustus his wiues sonne, as also his sonne in law, and by adoption, did (but vtterly against his will, at leastwise hee pretended so,

being with much adoe at last perswaded to it by the Senates entreaty) take vpon him the Empire, and at his first en∣trance, vndertooke nothing of himselfe alone, but commu∣nicated with the Senate in all matters of importance: not∣withstanding within a little while after quite neglecting the affaires of the common∣wealth wholly gaue ouer him∣selfe to his pleasures. In his raigne the Parthians bereft him of A••menia, and the Da∣cians and Sarmatians of Moe∣sia, the Germanes forraged Gal∣lia: but all those losses nothing at all mooued him.

Many writers, (and those, men of great esteeme in point of Diuinity) record that in the fifteenth yeare of his raign our Sauiour IESVS CHRIST was crucified, but Saint Luke writes, that in that same yeare he was baptiz'd by Iohn Baptist.

At that time flourisht those Lawiers, Marcus Coccius Ner∣na, the father and sonne, and Cassius Longinus. Tiberius Nero who serued in the warre at A∣lexandria with Caius Caesar, was this Tiberius his Father. To him Caius Caesar Caligula succeeded, the most wicked sonne and direct monster of Germanicus his most worthie father. Its recorded that Ti∣berius in those twentie three yeares which he raigned, had gathered together an infinite Masse of gold: which Caligu∣la out of hand in the very first yeare consumed. About the second yeare of his raigne He∣rod Antipa, Herod the Great his Sonne, he who beheaded Iohn the Baptist, was sent in banishment to b Lugdunum: to whom Herod Agrippa suc∣ceeded, who beheaded Iames the Apostle.

After Caligula was slaine,

Claudius his vncle was broght in. He hearing that Brittaine had reuolted, went thither, and after hee had subdued part of the Iland, retur∣ned home. In his raigne hap∣pened that great generall dearth, which Agabus fore∣told, as the Euangelist Saint Luke mentions.

Claudius Nero, this Claudius his successor, openly signified, that at some time or other, hee would quite abrogate the or∣der of the Senatours. In his raigne Brittaine gaue him a great ouerthrow, massacring the Roman Citizens and confe∣derates there: the Legions also in Armenia were compelled to goe reprochfully vnder the yoke: with much difficulty Syria was held in: Gallia re∣uolted by the meanes of Iulius Vindex Gouernour of that pro∣uince: as afterwards Spaine, Sergius Galba being their Lea∣der.

And whilst he was casting about how to recouer those losses, and making ready his iourney into Gallia, the rest of his forces which lay dispersed in other prouinces, rebelled. Histories relate what a loath∣some and outragious Monster he was: and thereupon being condemned by the Senate, as an enemy to the Common∣wealth, by the helpe of one of his seruants, he killed himselfe. Besides Seneca these Poets thē florished, Lucan, Persius, and Silius Italicus: the last where∣of was Confull in the last yeare of Neroes raigne. From that time the State of the Common wealth was brought to that passe, that the Creation of the Emperours lay within the po∣wer of the Armies and legions of the Romanes. After this manner was Vespatian made Emperour. For those bands which lay in Masia, Pannonia,

Iudaea, and Syria reuolted from Aul••s Vitellius, and swore feal∣tie to Vespasian. Hee subdued Achaia, Lycia, Rhodes, Byzan∣tium, Samos, Thracia, Cilicia, and Comagena, making them Roman Prouinces, and vtterly subuerted Ierusalem, which warre his son Titus mannaged. Flauius Domitian, made warre against the d Chatties, Dacians, and Sarmatians, and triumph∣ed ouer them. Then liued those Poets, Statius, Iuuenal, and Martial. Vlpius Trajane (adopted by Cocceus Nerua, and afterwards made Empe∣rour) subdued the Dacians, twice rebelling, bringing them in subiection to the Ro∣mans, and planting Colonies there, marching with an Ar∣my against Armenia, and the Parthians, vpon dedition and fauour brought them into his partie, thereupon gaining his sirname of Parthicus, but al∣most

all those Countries by him subdued at length rebel∣led, especially the Armenians and Mesopotamians, and the Parthians reiected the King whom hee had assigned them, as soon as his backe was turned homewards towards Italy. Aelius Adrianus subdued I••∣daea then rebelling: the occa∣sion of this warre, was because he had erected a Temple at Ierusalem (which City he suf∣fered to bee inhabited againe) to Iupiter Olympius: which fact the Iewes tooke most hai∣nously. Hee likewise visited the Gallia's, Germany, Brittaine, and the Hispaines, as afterwards Mauritania, the Parthians, Asia and Greece: & returning home through Sicilie, from thence went againe into Africa: and after his returne to Rome, sets forward againe into Greece, and from thence passed into Arabia, and afterward to E∣gypt.

Assembling the Senate, hee commended to them Anto∣ninus Pius, who being made Emperor after him, maintain'd peace, endeauoring to obtaine all mens good will, and by his letters and courteous demea∣nure, kept forreine Kings and people within their obedi∣ence. In his time flourisht those Lawiers, Alburnius Va∣lens, Tuscianus, Vindius, Ʋerus, Ʋlpius, Marcellus, Arrianus, Tertullianus, Saluius, Iulianus, Lucius Volusius, Metianus.

To Antonius Pius his sonne Marcus Antoninus surnamed the Philosopher, succeeded: He tooke his c kinsman Lucius Aurelius Verus to be his Asso∣ciate in the Empire. By him hee had happy successe in his warres in Parthia, hee himselfe looking to the affaires of the Common-wealth at home, and in the City: but soone after Verus dying he raigned alone,

and ouercame in his warre a∣gainst the Germaues, ouer∣throwing also the f Marco∣mannes. Sarmatians, Vandalls, and g Quadies, who had inua∣ded the h Pannonia's. For at this time almost all the nations from Illyricum to Gallia, had conspired against the name of the Romanes.

Commodus Antoninus the most lewd sonne of this most laudable Prince, by his Leiute∣nants ouerthrew the i Moores and Dacians, quieted the Pan∣noniaes, Germanie and Britanie, which Countries cast off their subiection: He himselfe in the meane while, wallowing in all manner of filthinesse and cru∣eltie.

Septimius Seuerus had ciu••ll warres with Niger and Albinus who procured Asia and Gallia to make a reuolt: he had good successe in his warres against the Parthians, vanqu••shed the

Iewes throughout Syria, subdu∣ed Abagatus King of the Per∣sians, and compelled the Ara∣bians to come to composition. He fortified Brittanie, with a wall crosse ouertwart the I∣land, reaching to the Ocean on both sides: and hauing sub∣dued those people that annoy∣ed the Country dyed at Yorke.

His son Antoninus Bassianus Caracalla, made warre against the Parthians and Armenians. This was hee that comman∣ded Pupinianus, Captaine of the Guard, to bee put to death, for refusing to defend his k fra∣tricide. In his time flourisht many Lawyers, and most of them Pupinianus his Auditors, as Tarruntius, Paternus Macer, Papirius Fronto, Anthius, Max∣imus, Hermogenianus, Africa∣nus, Florentinus, Triphoninus, Iushts, Callistratus, Venuleius Celsus.

After Caracalla was slaine,

Macrinus succeeded, who, hauing bad successe in his warres against Artabanus King of the Parthians, and percei∣uing the legions encline to Heliogabulus Bassianus his son, concluded a peace.

Alexander Seuerus a stout souldier, successor to Helioga∣bulus that most brutish of men: ouerthrew Artaxerxes King of the Persians in maine battle: and recouered Mesopotamia, which was lost by Heliogabu∣lus. Hee made warre by his Lieutenants in Mauritania, Il∣lyricum, and Armenia, and had good successe: but afterwards in his expedition against the Germanes, who had forraged the Countrey of Gallia, was murthered by certaine of his owne souldiers. Ʋlpianus the Lawyer, Pupinianus his schol∣ler was very intimate with him, and in his time liued Pau∣lus Pomponius, and Modestinus.

To this Alexander Maxi∣minus succeeded: Hee with maine forces marches into Germanie: his Army consisting not onely of Roman souldiers, but also of Moores, Osdronians, and Parthians, who had serued vnder Alexander. He burnt the Dorps in Germany farre and wide, put very many of his enemies to the sword, and tooke many more prisoners, returning with a wealthy Ar∣my: Germany being at peace he marches to Syrmium, and was purposed to haue made warre against the Sarmatians, not onely so, but his further intent was, to haue brought all those Countries which lye northward euen to the Ocean, in subiection to the Roman Empire: but his souldiers not enduring his cruelty, created Gordianus their Captaine Ge∣nerall, which the Senate (bear∣ing no good will neither to∣wards

Maximinus) ratified and proclaimed the other ene∣mie to the Common-wealth. He, going about to reuenge this fact, first made an Oration to the armie, and then set for∣wards towards Rome: the Se∣nate vpon notice hereof pro∣claime Pupienus and Balbinus their Emperours: and to Pupi∣enus was committed the charge of the warre against Maximinus, who, together with his sonne, was at the siege of l Aquileia slaine by his owne soldiers as hee lay asleepe in his Tent.

After this, Pupienus and Balbinus being both slaine in a mutinie amongst the soldiers in the second yeere of their raigne, the gouernement of the Empire was committed to Gordianus a yong Gentle∣man. He in the fourth yeere of his raigne, marched through Moesia and Thracia against

the Persians, & in those coun∣tries subdued the enemies of the Romans; from thence, stri∣king through Syria, came to Antiochia, which was then held by the Persians. There he fought diuers battels, in so much as hee compelled the Persians, who were in a man∣ner accounted the terror of Italie, to containe themselues in their own limits. At length, in the sixth yeere of his Em∣pire, hee was slaine, being be∣traied by Philip Captaine of the G••ard, who had raised a mutinie amongst the soldiers. And this Philip also, who sent ouer his Lieutenants with an armie against the Scythians that were vp in armes against the confederates of the Ro∣mans and their free-boroughs, came to the m like end: Decius succeeded him, who being created Emperour by the Le∣gions of Illyricum, and after∣wards

by cōsent of the Senate; first of all appeased the trou∣bles in Gallia. Afterwards com∣mending the care of the Com∣mon-wealth to the Senate, Hee, together with his sonne, whom hee had made his Collegue in the Empire, sets forwards, (hauing the Se∣nates consent thereunto) on his expedition against the Scythians, who both by sea and land forraged the country of Thracia and other domini∣ons of the Empire: from whence (after some battels, hauing got the vpper-hand, and drawne the enemie into a narrow straight place) he had returned with complete victo∣rie, had not Gallus Hostilianus Gouernour of the furthest parts of Moesia, reuealed his counsell to the enemie; where∣upon it came to passe, vpon ioyning battell, that both hee and his sonne (by trecherie

circumuented) were slaine.

After this, Gallus made Emperour by one of the Legi∣ons, and the remainder of the furuiuing soldiers, concluded a peace with the Scythians, to the dishonour and ignominie of the Romans, in that he pro∣mised to pay them tribute, ne∣uer heard of before, and alto∣gether vnworthy the Maiesty of so renowned a State. The Scythians hereupon growne more fierce, broke the league, ouer-runne Dardania, Thrace, Thessalie, Macedonia, not re∣sting there, but Asia also ••o∣uerthrowing and subuerting very many Cities. At length, many other Countries, after the example of the Scythians, turned enemies to the Romans, and many rebelled. The Par∣thians broke into Syria, and seized vpon Armenia, putting their King Tyridates to flight. And such was the insolencie

of the Seythians, that they threatned Italie also, and were likely to haue done much mis∣chiefe, had not Aemilianus Gouernour of Moesia vpon the coast of Sarmatia, encouraging his soldiers with faire promi∣ses, and hope of rewards, giuen them an ouerthrow, and pur∣suing them very farre, tooke from them their owne Terri∣tories: for this cause the soldi∣ers proclaime him Emperour: and Gallus vpon notice hereof, marching forth to resist them, was slaine, together with his sonne Volusianus his Collegue in the Empire.

In this age flourished Cypri∣an Bishop of Carthage, certaine of whose Epistles to Lucius Bishop of Rome, whom hee calls his brother and collegue, are amongst diuers others, yet extant: and many more of his to Cornelius, where amongst other matters, hee complaines

of those, who being for their offences condemned by the Bishops of Affrica, and degra∣ded from their Priesthood, had appealed to Rome: for it is fit saith hee, that where the crime is committed, there the cause should bee discussed. Si∣thence euery Pastor hath a cer∣taine portion of a flocke com∣mitted to his charge, whereof he must render an account to the Lord: therefore the con∣cord of Bishops is not to bee abrogated, nor their decree to be annihilated, who had alrea∣die giuen sentence in the cause, in Affrica.

In the meane space, another armie, lying in the Alpes, cre∣ates Valerianus Emperour, a man of Noble parentage, which when it came to the cares of Aemilians soldiers, they, to shake off all danger from themselues, kill their owne Emperour, and flie to

Valerianus his partie. This Ae∣milianus, when hee was made Emperour, sent his letters to the Senate, wherein hee pro∣mised to deliuer Thracia and Mesopotamia from the enemy, to recouer Armenia, and on euery side to repel the enemies of the Roman State. Valerianus making warre against the Persians, was by fault of one of his Captaines, taken prisoner, by Sapor King of Persia, whom the neighbouring Princes, and confederate Nations, counsel∣led (but all in vaine) to haue dismissed. For it was the desti∣nie of the Romans to grow more valiant in resistance, after they were conquered.

Valerianus thus taken priso∣ner, his sonne Gallienus succee∣ded. He wholly gaue himselfe to his pleasures, neglecting the Common-wealth, insomuch as the armies which lay dis∣persed in the Prouinces, ele∣cted

euery one a new Empe∣rour; as in Gallia, Spaine, the Pannonia's, Illyricum, Egypt, Affrica, and the rest: but partly by him, partly by ciuill dissen∣tions amongst themselues, all those were ouerthrown. In his raigne, the Gothes seize vpon Thracia, forrage Macedonia, and besiege Thessalonica: the Scythians inuade Bythinia, Cap∣padocia, and Asia, and striking through the n Euxine sea into o Isther, offer hostilitie against the free-borroughs of the Ro∣mans, but so excessiue was his rechlesnesse, then when these newes of the Prouinces reuolt, and publike calamitie came to his eares, his reply was in deri∣sion and scorne: as though all this could not hinder the sub∣sistance of the Common∣wealth, or the preseruation of the dignitie thereof, or the state thereof bee any whit im∣paired thereby. Thus by this

dishonourable course of life, growne into contempt, as well at home as abroad, hee got himselfe many enemies in the Common-wealth, the Scythi∣ans and Gothes mixt together with other Nations, being a∣bout 320000. strong, were then vp in armes, and had con∣spired the destruction of the Romans: but Flauius Claudius (who succeeded after Gallie∣nus was slaine,) with much adoe vanquished all those in Moesia and other places.

Hee was a man of great prowesse, and worthie of a longer life. After Claudius, followed Aurelianus, because his worth was eminent, hauing made euident proofe thereof in Claudius his raigne, against the enemie in many places. He made warres in Insubria, and with the Marcomannes: at the beginning indeed with much hazard and ieopardie,

but at length, (after the Si∣bylla's bookes, by his com∣mand, were perused, and the Senate had purged Religion) with happy successe. After his returne from thence to Rome, (where hee inflicted a penaltie vpon those, who in his absence had raised an in∣surrection;) he made warre for recouerie of those Prouin∣ces which lay eastward, and in Syria, which Zenobia held, (a puissant and magnanimous Queene, and her owne chil∣drens Tutrix) being left to her by her husband Odeuatus, who in Gallienus his time, behaued himselfe very couragiously and stoutly in those parts.

Wheresoeuer this Empe∣rour set his foot, there he ouer∣threw the enemies of the Ro∣mans, as in Illyricum, Thracia, and the rest: and at length ar∣riuing in the p enemies coun∣try, after no lesse doubtfull

then dangerous battell, ouer∣threw and tooke the q Queen; who, relying vpon the Arme∣nian and Persian auxiliars, most valiantly resisted him. The chiefe Citie in that Country, (which he subdued,) was Pal∣myra: the Citizens whereof, vpon the Emperours returne out of Asia into Europe, rebel∣led, killing their Gouernour, and maintaining a Garrison for their defence. But the Em∣perour making another expe∣dition thither, demolished the conquered Citie, put all to the sword, not sparing any age or sexe. After this, he recouered Egypt, which then had reuol∣ted, and of a new reduced the Gallia's into the Roman subie∣ction. Then hee triumphed at Rome, and from thence mar∣ching through Illyricum, pro∣claimed warre against the Per∣sians: but in his iourney, was slaine by his owne familiar

friends. After his death, there was a vacancie for a r space, which had neuer happened before since Romulus his de∣cease. At length, Tacitus suc∣ceeded, who, continuing Em∣perour but a few moneths, at∣chieued no memorable ex∣ploit; him the Senate reque∣sted, that he would not ordain his children his successors af∣ter him in the Empire, but some man of approued worth and integritie: which was, Probus, who being confirmed, as well by the Legions as the Senate, recouered Gallia, and in diuers battels ouerthrew the s French, a people of Ger∣manie, who had gotten pos∣session thereof. He vanquished the Sarmatians, and other Na∣tions in Illyricum; and coasting through Thracia, with the ve∣ry terrour of the name of the Romans, and the greatnesse of his noble exploits, obliged

the barbarous people to his subiection: In Asia hee setled a peace, and the fame onely of his name, made the Parthi∣an King sue for peace. Hee concluded a peace with the Persians, and from thence re∣turned into Thracia, and transplanted those forraigne nations whom he had subdued into the Roman territories; some whereof, continued in subiection, but others contra∣riwise, notwithstanding after∣wards hee vanquished all or the greatest part of them: and hauing composed the rebelli∣ons in Gallia, Hispaine, and Britaine, in his iourney through Illyricum, towards his intended warre against the Persians, was trecherously slaine, by his owne soldiers. At this time the Common∣wealth flourished, peace being setled in all nations on euery side farre and neere; in so much

as Probus would sometimes say, that the world would come to that passe shortly, that there would be no need of Le∣gions and garrisons: but the souldiers offended at this his speech, thought it best to cut him off.

After him, followed Carus: hee subdued the Sarneatians, who now, after Probus his death, were growne more insolent, and menaced euen Italie it selfe: then making an expedition against the Persi∣ans, tooke Mesopotamia, and marching on further, died. His yonger sonne Numerianus serued in the warres with him: his other sonne Carinus hee had set ouer the Gallia's. Nu∣merianus was slaine by his t wiues father, and in his place, came Diocletian: with whom Carinus had diuers conflicts about obtaining the Empire, but was ouerthrowne and

slaine. Diocletian in regard of the troubles and seditions in many places kindling, tooke to him for his Collegue, Max∣imianus. He quiered the coun∣try of Gallia then in commo∣tion, as also Affrica; and Dio∣cletian Egypt putting the Au∣thors of these broiles to death. He recouered Britaina also in the tenth yeer after the reuolt: and to the end that the state of the Common-wealth might be more firme, and to auoid new commotions about suc∣cession, hee adopted Galerius, and Maximianus, Constanti∣us Chlorius. Galerius being sent by Diocletian, against Narses King of the Parthians, had ill fortune in that warre, losing the major part of his armie: but afterwards com∣manded to renew the warre, he ouerthrew the enemie in maine battell, and marching on further in those places, then

any other Emperour, except Trajan, tooke Ctesiphon, sub∣dued all Assyria, and recouered the fiue Prouinces, lying be∣yond the riuer u Tigris, which had reuolted in Trajan the Emperours time.

Diocletian hauing setled the affaires of Asia, returned into Europe, where the Scythians, Sarmatians, Alans, x Bastar∣nans, y Carpies, Chatties, and Quadies, were then all in peace. Afterwards both hee, as also Maximianus resigning their Soueraigntie, inuest their Collegues before mentioned, with the title of Emperours: Constantius of the Gallia's, Bri∣taine, the Hispaines, Italie, and Affrica; and Galerius, of Illyri∣cum, Greece, and Asia: Marcel∣lus was then Bishop of Rome, whose decree is extant, prohi∣biting Bishops from calling a Synode, without the authori∣ty of the Sea of Rome, as also

to condemne any Bishop who should appeale to Rome. But Maxentius the Emperour per∣secuting him, his estate as o∣thers before him, was both meane and miserable. Where∣upon it may easily bee conie∣ctured, whether or no, he (in those perplexities and lurking corners) could take so much vpon him, as to establish such manner of decrees.

At length Constantius dying at Yorke, Galerius adopted Se∣verus and Maximianus. In the meane space, the Preterian souldiers at Rome, elect Max∣entius their Emperour. After Seuerus was slaine, Maximia∣nus made choice of Licinius for his Collegue in the Em∣pire. Among those arose great troubles: whereupon the No∣bles of Rome call home Con∣stantine, Constantius his sonne, then imploied in the Gallia's, to rescue their Citie from the

tyranny of Maxentius. Hee marching forward into Italie, with part of his armie, in pitcht field, got the victorie, and afterwards quite defeated Maxentius his forces at the Citie of Rome. After this, hee fought against Licinius, who being ouerthrowne in battell, and almost growne into ha∣tred with all men, was at length slaine by his own soul∣diers. Many write that the cause of this warre was, for that Licinius did bitterly per∣secute the professors of Chri∣stianitie, although he had been very often intreated and ad∣monished to the contrary by Constantine. For from the time of the resurrection of Christ, vntill this age, (almost three hundred yeeres) the professors of Christ were diuersly puni∣shed; omitting those whereof the Scripture makes mention, as of z Stephen, a Iames the bro∣ther

of Iohn, b Peters imprison∣ment and inlargement by the Angel; passing ouer in silence Paul likewise, who grieuously persecuted the Church of God, but after his conuersion, escaped no kinde of punish∣ment for Christs cause: the Roman Emperours also, as Ne∣ro, Domitian, Trajan, Septi∣mius Seuerus, Decius, Valerian, Aurelian, Diocletian, and Maximian, committed most horrible and outragious mas∣facres. But Constantine com∣ming to the Empire, and im∣bracing the true Religion, affoorded harbour and refuge to the Christians. Then first of all beganne the Bishops of Rome to liue in safe••ie; for till then, almost all of them, (who from Peter, whom they will haue to be their first, are recko∣ned to thirty three) were tor∣mented with persecutions. Their decrees are inserted in

the bookes of the Councels, but the greatest part of them are so sleight, triuiall, & quite different from the sacred Scriptures, as makes it credi∣ble that they were a long time after forged by some others. But if they bee true, and pro∣ceeded from them, then in∣deed that which Paul by pro∣phesie foretold, seemes most rightly to bee applied to this place, that then that sonne of perdition and man of sinne beganne to worke the myste∣rie of iniquity. That decree yet extant goes vnder Anacletus his name, the fourth from Pe∣ter, as they reckon; wherein he ordaineth the Church of Rome to be (by Christs com∣mand and institution) the head of other Churches.

To Alexander the next af∣ter him, is that decree attribu∣ted, where he commands, that the water should be consecra∣ted

with salt, to purge the peo∣ple, and to auoid the snares of the Deuill. But iudge I pray you how far those differ from that Maiestie of the Apostles, how farre from the writings of S. c Iohn the Euangelist who almost liued till this very time. I haue onely set downe these two decrees, that by them wee may iudge of the rest, for they are almost of the same molde, and cary open colour of ambi∣tion, and not onely the speech wants the grace, but also the matter it selfe hath no salt in it, both which Paul requires in the Ministers of the Church.

And to this place also apper∣taines, that decree of Constan∣tine the Emperor, which they haue inserted into their books, for the foundation and bul∣warke of their power. For the cause and occasion of his exces∣siue d liberality, which is there set downe, may out of history,

be disproued and conuicted of falshood. Further, bee it gran∣ted that the Emperor was thus most exceedingly profuse; per∣haps for himselfe onely, hee might herein abate of his own right, but could not doe it, for his successors, authorized with coequal power, and Protectors of the Common-wealth. For hee who damnifies the free∣dome and liberties of his Em∣pire, ought not to haue the ti∣tle of Father of his Countrey, nor can he ordaine another to share with him in equality of authority or preiudice the same.

By Constantine the Emperors appointment, a most populous Counsell was called and as∣sembled at Nice a City in By∣thinia, wherein the heresie of Arrius, denying Christ to be coequall in substance with his father, was condemned. Its recorded that many Bishops,

not onely out of Europe and Asia, but also out of Egypt and Lybia, met together there. Amongst other, one decree was, that through Egypt, Lybia and Pontapolis; the ancient cu∣stome should be maintained, that is, all the Bishops there, should remaine vnder superio∣rity of the Bishop of Alexan∣dria, notwithstanding the v∣surpation and withholding therof by the Bishop of Rome: as also that the Church of An∣tioch and other Prouinces and Churches should each one en∣tirely retaine their peculiar priuiledges. After this Coun∣cell, certaine Iewd opinions were vented, (one Eustathius being Author) about shunning of mariage, e about a new and vnusuall kind of habit, about forbearance to eate flesh, and forsaking propriety of posses∣sions. And hereupon (many husbands procuring a diuorce,

and seruants leauing their ma∣sters, betaking themselues to this new and religious habite, as they call it; women likewise taking the same course, forsa∣king their husbands: and those who fed vpon flesh, as also the Ministers of the Church that were maried being publikely contemned, as persons impure and vnacceptable to God;) a Counsell was assembled at Gangra a town in Paphlagonia, wherein those were condem∣ned, who either taught or held that opinion.

Constantine (for reestablish∣ing a peace in the Common-wealth) being with most ge∣nerall acclamation, confumed both by the Senate and people of Rome, turned himselfe who∣ly to forraine warres, and after many battels ouerthrew the G••thes and Sarmatians, then forraging the Countrey of Thracia; afterwards being

strucken in yeares, he proclai∣med warre against the Persi∣ans, who wasted the Country of Mesopotamia: and in Asia, where he was arriued with his Army, (after receipt of a medi∣cine for recouery of his health) breathed his last, not without suspition of poison. This is he by surname, stiled the Great: who named By∣zantium a City of Thrace after his owne f name, and thither translated the Imperiall Seat. He began his g raigne about the three hundred and twelfth yeare after the birth of Christ. It is written that Comets of wonderfull greatnesse, were seene before his death. Hee left three sonnes, Constantine, Constantius, and Constans, a∣mongst those was the body of the Empire diuided, to Con∣stantine part of the Alpes, Gal∣lia, Hispaine, Brittaine h the Or∣cades, Ireland, and i Thyle, were

allotted: to Constans, Italy, A∣frica, with the Islands, Illyri∣cum, Macedonia, Achaia, Pe∣loponnesus, and Greece: to Con∣stantius, Asia, and Thrace.

Constantine not satisfied with this diuision made warre vpon his brother Constans, and at Aquileia (whither he was then come) ioyning battell with Constans his forces: lost both his Army and his life. Constans who in the meane time, was vp in Armes against the k Getes and Sarmatians in Dacia, re∣turnes into Italie, and hauing gotten the Alpes, inuaded Gallia, and in two yeares space won all his deceased brothers dominions: but was slaine within a while after by the treachery and crafty dealing of Magnentius. Him, the soul∣diers (before hand allured and inueigled with rewards) elec∣ted Emperour. Constantius the onely suruiuing brother of the

three, vpon notice hereof, (deputing Gallus his vncles sonne, and sisters husband, his Vice-gerent ouer Asia) mar∣ches with a strong Army into Italy, and so into Gallia, where in maine battell he ouerthrew the Enemy. But Magnentius es∣caping, sends his Ambassadors to sue for peace. Whose suit the Conqueror rejecting, he on a fresh wages battell again, but with ill successe: there∣upon flying to Lyons, where perceiuing his owne friends to conspire his destruction, and not hauing any corner where to hide himselfe, became his owne executioner. Afterwards Constantius commanded Gallus his Cosin germane, and Vice∣gerent for Asia as abouesaid, (who abused his authority and power) to bee put to death, when he could not o∣therwise remedy it. After this he returnes into Asia, with in∣tent

to prosecute the warre in Persia, which, by reason of Magnentius his faction aboue∣mentioned, he had broken off. And in regard the Germanes about this time, making an in∣road into Gallia, forraged the Countrey there, hee adopted his other Cosin germane Iuli∣anus, Gallus his brother, and to him committed the protection of Gallia. Iulianus, (hauing had prosperous successe in his de∣signes, and in many battels gotten the vpper hand) beat backe the Enemy beyond the Rhyne, tooke many prisoners, and rescued many Roman soul∣diers out of prison, and at l Ar∣gentine almost quite cut off the Enemies whole Army. Here∣upon the souldiers proclaime him not onely Caesar, but also Augustus, and set a Diadem vpon his head, but against his will as hee pretended. For in his letters to Constantius he in∣deauoured

to remoue the en∣vie of the fact frō himselfe. But Constantius hereat greiuously offended, ceasing his warre in Persia, and liberally and kind∣ly entreating the neighbour∣ing nations, that they might continue their allegiance, sets forward on his iourney to re∣duce Iulianus to his duty; but on the way whilst hee was yet in Asia, being taken with a feuer, ended his life, first or∣daining Iulianus his successor.

During Iulianus his raigne the enemies contained them∣selues within their owne bounds not raising any com∣motion in any place. He him∣selfe went out against the Per∣sians, and forraging Assyria (ha∣uing put the Enemies forces to flight) marched forwards as farre as Ctesiphon. At length returning home with his for∣ces, the enemy set vpon him in the rere, where, fighting in the

midst of his souldiers in the maine battalia, hee receiued a wound, whereof, within a while after, he died, an enemy to the name of Christ. The souldiers hauing thus lost their Leader, being plunged in great distresse, create Iouinianus Emperor: at what time Iulius the first of that name was Bi∣shop of Rome: certaine of whose Epistles to the Bishops of the East, are yet extant, in which he often presses it, that to Him alone, as Bishop, saith he, of the chiefe See, by a cer∣taine singular priuiledge and diuine ordinance, belongeth the right of conuocating Ge∣nerall Councells. But it may seeme wonderfull, with what face hee could write thus, or they so boast of it, when as be∣fore him, Constantin•• had cal'd the Councell of Nice; and af∣ter him, a hundred yeares full, Martianus the Emperor called

the Councell of Chalcedon. To Him also alone, as Primate of that City, saith hee, apper∣taines the cognizance of Epis∣copall causes, and other matters of that kinde of more weighty importance. This his arrogan∣cy the Bishops could not en∣dure. But assembling at An∣tiech, boldly reply: That it was not fit, that the sentence by them passed should bee re∣pealed by him, for that they were possessed of the same de∣gree of dignity, whereof hee was, and the doctrine of Christ, came from their Coun∣tries to Rome at the second hand, by the paines and mini∣stery of the Apostles. Where∣fore in case he should proceed, and make new decrees, they would not obey them, neither haue communion with him, but would take such a course as the matter it selfe should re∣quire. And in another Coun∣cell

in the same City (of grea∣ter concourse then the former) amongst other decrees, They limit the office of a Bishop, as also of a Metropolitane, about discussing matters of more weighty importance. For they decreed, that in case the Bi∣shops concurre not, the Metro∣palitane of the next adioyning prouince, shall delegate cer∣taine Iudges to determine the cause. But if any Bishop bee condemned for an offence by common decree of the rest of the Bishops, they ordaine that their sentence shall stand firme, and not bee repealed by ano∣ther. They further establish that the Bishop, shall faithfully dispence the goods of the Church, and distribute them to the vse of the poore, and that hee himselfe if need re∣quire, may take from thence as much as shall bee necessary for naturall sustentation. For St.

Paul saith, We ought to bee con∣tent with food and ••raiment. Which goods if the Bishop say they, shall perchance con∣uert into his owne or his friends priuate commodity, or commit the administration thereof to his kindred, he is to be restrained by a Councell.

At length Ioninianus (the enemy being at his backe) concluded a dishonourable peace, redeliuering those fiue Prouinces beyond Tigris, (wonne by Galerius, as aboue mentioned) as also part of Me∣sopotamia: and afterwards co∣uenanted that the Romanes should lend no ayde, to the King of Armenia their friend and confederate. Marching forth with his Army, as hee was returning home dyed vp∣on the borders of Bythinia. The soldiers forthwith create Valentinianus Emperour, who soone after his comming to

Constantinople, tooke his bro∣ther Valens to be his Collegue in the Empire, and commen∣ding those m Countries to his care, marched into Germa∣nie, where hee subdued the Saxons bordering vpon the Ocean, and soone after he had beene in Gallia, n dyed as it is written vpon a vehement pas∣sion of anger. By this time his brother Valens was arriued in Asia, to represse the Parthians forraging the Country of Ar∣menia, and the King of Persia, who breaking the league, was falne into open hostility: But after the Hunnes or Tartars, and Scythians had ouer-runne Pannonia, Epirus, and Thessaly, he returnes into Europe, where in pitcht battell being ouer∣throwne, and as he fled woun∣ded and carried into a little cottage, which the Enemy set∣ting on fire, hee there dyed. That Edict of Valentinianus the

Emperor, and of Valens, is yet extant, wherein it is prouided, That those who betake them∣selues to a monasticall life and solitarinesse, and in that re∣gard escape warfare and pub∣like impositions, shall bee drawne out of their cells, and either serue for their Country, or else forfeit all those benefits, afterwards conferred vpon them, that vndergoe both paines and perill for the Com∣mon-wealth.

The Enemies not long after (appeased by the Emperours gift and mony) departed from Constantinople which they then besiged. Saxony being at peace, Ʋalentinian the Emperour chose his sonne Gratianus for his Collegue: who, after his father and vncle Valens their decease, succeeded them both, both. But he (the Common-wealth being tossed with di∣uers billowes of troubles) as∣sumed

Theodosius a worthy Commander in warre, and sent him into the Easterne Countries. There at Constan∣tinople, he vāquished the Huns, and Gothes, and chased them out of the Coasts of Thrace. After this, Gratianus was trea∣cherously slaine in Gallia, by Maximus one of his Coronels who affected the Empire. Au∣sonius of Burdeaux (certaine of whose Poems are yetextāt, was his Tutor for literature, whom afterwards he aduanced to the dignity of a Consull. His son Valentinianus also died in man∣ner of the same death, by the treachery of his familiar friend Arbogastus. But the mur∣therers escapt not scot-free, for both of them were slaine by Theodosius the Emperour. Maximus was taken and put to death at Aquileia, and the o∣ther acted that part himselfe.

Those Tyrants thus cut

off, Theodosius possest of the Empire, ordaines his two sons Honorius and Arcadius his Collegues: to whom by rea∣son of their nonage hee ap∣pointed Protectors, or as it were Gouernors: to Arcadius he assigned Ruffinus, and to Honorius, Siilico; sand not long after departed hi life. By his command a Councell was held at Constantinople, wherein the heresie of Macedonius, who derogated from the Diuinity of the holy Ghost, was con∣demned. The Fathers there assembled, being as it is recor∣ded, 150 in number, ordained Bishops, both there as also at Antiochia, which they stile the elder and truely Catholike Church, & at Ierusalem which they call the Mother of all Churches. They transmitted those their proceedings to Darsasus Bishop of Rome, who endeauoured to call them

to Rome. Saint Hierom when he was yong, was familiar with this Damasus. Hee was the Author of that memorable saying. Wheresoeuer the Bi∣shop is, be it at Rome, Engubiū, Constantinople, Rhegium, or A∣lexandria, he is of the same de∣merit and Priesthood. The∣odosius hath the fame for a ve∣ry godly Prince, who being reprehended by St. Ambrose Bishop of Millane, and prohi∣bited entrance into the church tooke it patiently.

Arcadius gouerned in the East at Constantinople, and Ho∣norius at Rome. But Ruffinus with intent to translate the Empire to himself, vnderhand incited the King of the Gothes to make warre against Arca∣dius: whose treachery being disclosed, he was slaine by the souldiers.

Innocent the first of that name excommunicated Arca∣dius

the Emperor, for that hee gaue consent to haue Saint Iohn Chrysostome expelled out of his Church, as it is related in the Papall Law. At this time flourisht Saint Augustine also, Bishop of Hippo, who was present at the third and fourth Counsell of Carthage, where amongst others, those decrees passed, That the Bishop should haue a little mansion house neere to his Church.

That his housholdstuffe should be meane, his table and prouision poore, and by his vprightnesse and integrity of life, should get himselfe autho∣rity. That he should vse the vtensils of the Church, as things committed to his charge, and not as his owne.

This Innocent the first writ also to Saint Austine, and to Aurelius Bishop of Carthage, where exhorting them to mu∣tuall prayers, he cals them bro∣thers,

and fellow-priests. After Innocent followed Zozimus, who commending the decrees of the Fathers, and of antiqui∣ty, saith that it is not lawfull, no not for the See of Rome, as they call it, to make any altera∣tion therein, or any contradic∣tory decree. Hee also repre∣hends & corrects the custome of his time, that many men of no learning, aspired to the or∣der of Priesthood. Boniface the first succeeded Zozimus, in whose time the sixt Councell of Carthage was assembled, whereto there was great con∣course, wherein Saint Austine also was present. Boniface sen∣ding his Legates thither, de∣clared that the Councell of Nice had granted such priui∣ledge to the See of Rome, that all Prouinces euery where, should appeale thither: and therfore requested the Fathers there assembled, to establish

and confirme the same. Their answer was, that as far as they knew, there was not any such decree at Nice, but, that the certaine truth might be sifted out and knowne, they were agreed to send for a true copy of the Councell, from the Churches of Alexandria and Constantinople; which being at length produced, the decree was found quite contrary: to wit, each Prouince should haue the cognizance of their owne causes, and that an ap∣peale should lye from the Bi∣shops to the Councells of the Prouince, or else to the Oecu∣menicall Councell, as they call it. St. Cyril was then Bishop of Alexandria. Boniface died before the copy came, and his successor Celestinus vrging the same, had his answer accor∣ding to the tenor of that de∣cree.

Arcadius dying, his sonne

Theodosius the II. succeeded, in whose raigne, and by whose command, a Councel was held at Ephesus, in which Nestorius was condemned, who denyed that Christ was borne God of the Virgin Mary, and at this time dyed St. Augustine. On the other side Stilico Honorius his Protector dealt no lesse perfidiously then Ruffinus: For hee not onely gaue the Gothes leaue to inhabite and seat themselues in Gallia, but also instigated them to march into Italy, with their Leader Alaricus, and took the City of Rome, which happened in the yeare of Rome built 1162, and of our Lord 412.

The Gothes keeping their Rendezuous at Rome for a while, and harrazing the Countrey till they came to n Rhegium, from thence sayld ouer into Sicily, where they suffered shipwracke, and lost

their King. But Stilico still continuing his villainous and treacherous practices, with in∣tent to translate the sway of gouernment into his owne sonne Eucherius his hands: was (vpon discouery of his plot) taken, and by Honorius his command put to death. King Alaricus thus dispatcht, the Gothes elected his kinsman Adolphus their King, and vn∣der his leading marcht backe againe to Rome, where, what remained, they spoile. He be∣ing slaine, Gensericus raigned, after whose death followed Wallis, with whem Constantine Honorius. his sisters husband and Leiutenant for the Gallia's, as afterwards Collegue in the Empire: entered into amitie and league, granting them Aquitania a part of Gallia to inhabite.

At the same time the Scots and Picts. infested Brittaine,

but were put to flight by the auxiliary forces sent from Ho∣norius the Emperour, likewise the Vandals and Alans, with their chiefetaine, Gense ricus pillaged vp and downe His∣paine.

After Honorius his decease at Rome, his sisters sonne Ʋa∣lentinianus succeeded him in the West and at Rome. Theo∣dosius Arcadius his sonne, as aboue recited, in the meane space gouerned the other part of the world at Constantinople.

About this time the Van∣dalls and Alans (prouoked by the dissentions and factions of the Roman Captaines in Afri∣ca) breake forth out of the Hispaines into Africa, and wasted the country w^th fire & sword. After with destruction, a certaine part of Africa was giuen them to inhabite.

The Gothes (who by Hono∣rius his permission and consent

as a little abouementioned, inhabited Aquitane in Gallia) not satisfied with their owne bounds, offred violence and injury to their neighbours: and wearied Narbon with their siege. But Litorius being dispatcht thither with forces, raised the siege, set the Town at liberty, brought in prouisi∣on, and giuing them battell, at the first sped well, but after∣wards was taken with the losse almost of his whole Army: so great was this ouerthrow that the Romans were forced to sue for peace. In like manner Gen∣sericus King of the Vandalls, breaking the league made with the Romans in Africa, as before mentioned, on a sudden sur∣prizes Carthage, where he ex∣ercised much cruelty: which City had then continued in subiection to the Romans, for 585. yeares. Thus hauing got possession of Carthage, hee

strikes ouer into Sicilia, which hee made flow with blood. Hereupon Theodosius the Em∣perour rigging a Nauie, pre∣pares for warre against the Vandals, but by reason the Hunnes forraged Thrace and Illyricum, the Armie was recal∣led out of Sicilie, to defend those parts. The Scots & Picts then againe make an irruption into Britaine, and the inhabi∣tants despairing of aid from the Romans, desire helpe from the English, a people of Saxo∣nie: who being allured with the beautifulnesse of the coun∣try, by little and little conuey∣ing ouer more forces (oppres∣sing the Britaines) brought the greatest part of the Iland into their subiection. Not long after this, Theodosius the second, died at Constentinople; in whose raigne, as it is writ∣ten, the Sunne was doubled, and a comet appeared almost

from the Ides of Iuly, till the moneth of September.

Martianus succeeded Theo∣dosius in the East. Wee haue a∣boue mentioned Gensericus, with whom Valentinianus con∣cluded a peace, diuiding Af∣frica betwixt them. About this time, Athila King of the Huns, hauing got Ducia and Panno∣nia, most cruelly harrazed the neighbouring Countries, Macedonia, Mysia, Thracia, intending to conquer the Easterne part of the Romane Empire. But perceiuing that the warre would be extreame difficult, in regard the Gothes, (who then were in league with the Romans, and inhabi∣ted part of Gallia, as aboue∣said) aided the Romans, there∣fore by his Ambassadours, hee requires their amitie and con∣federacie, but Aetius Valenti∣nianus the Emperours Lieute∣nant preuented that; who cor∣roborating

the league with Theodoricus king of the Gothes, wholly bent himselfe to the warre. Athila neuerthelesse proceeds, and in the Downes of Chaalons, (which part of France in regard of the plaines, is Champaigne) was this most dismall battell fought, in which as it is recorded, 180000. men were slaine. And Athila losing the day, deter∣mined to kill himselfe, lest he should fall aliue into the hands of his enemies. Howbeit king Theodoricus his sonne, follow∣ing Aetius the Lieutenants counsaile, returned home with his forces, to succeed his de∣ceased Father: whereby Athi∣la getting time to recollect himselfe, retires into Pannonia, and leaying new forces, mar∣ches, full swoln with reuenge, into Itali••: where at length, winning the Citie of Aquil∣leia, (first wearied out with a

long-continuing siege) sackt and burnt it. Then forthwith he takes Concordia, Padua, Vi∣centia, Verona, Brescia, Berga∣mo, Millaine and Pauie: and so pillaging vp and downe o Flaminia, incamped at the meeting of the Riuer of Men∣cius and Po: where delibera∣ting about his passage to Rome with his Armie, Leo the first of that name, Bishop of Rome, comes to him, and so farre pre∣uailed, that altering his intent, he not onely surceased his ex∣pedition to Rome, but also quite remouing out of Italie, returned into Pannonia, where within a while after he ended his daies.

This was that Leo, many of whose Epistles to Theodosius the second, and Martianus the Emperour, are extant, where∣in he partly apologizes for his absence from the Councels by them conuocated, and intreats

them not to bee offended for sending thither of his Legates; and partly also requests, that they would designe some place in Italie, rather then in Asia, for the celebrating of Councels: but he obtained no∣thing.

Whilest Athila thus raged vp and downe Italie, the Citie of Venice was builded; when many of the abler sort, leauing the adioyning places, betooke themselues to those sea-sands, little Islelands, and hillockes, as into some harbour. Thus meane and in a manner despe∣rate and miserable, was the be∣ginning of this Citie, which now, as we see, is growne to a wonderfull greatnesse. They reckon 805. Dukes till this time; the first whereof was p Paulus Anazatus, in the yeere of grace, 706. being 252. yeeres after the begin∣ning of the building of their Citie.

Afterwards when Valenti∣nianus was slaine, Gensericus King of the Vandals, sailing ouer with a Nauie from Affri∣ca into Italie, marches with an exceeding great armie (be∣ing aided by the Moores) to∣wards Rome, and takes the Ci∣tie, in a manner left quite de∣solate: but at the earnest re∣quest of Leo the Bishop, who also, as aforesaid, appeased Athila: hee forbore fire and sword: The Citie-sackt, cap∣tiues were transported to Car∣thage in great troopes. The e∣nemies after this, infest Cam∣pania with grieuous outrages, rase Capua, Nola, Naples, and other Cities: those who sur∣uiue the sword, they con∣demne to the irons, and growne rich with the wealth of Italie, returne into Af∣frica.

Martianus, Emperour of the East, a Prince of a calme na∣ture,

inioyed peace: hee was wont to say: That it was not sitting for a Prince to take armes, as long as he might liue in peace. In his raigne, and by his com∣mand, a very great Councell was assembled at Chalcedon, wherein Eutyches who con∣founded the two natures in Christ, was condemned.

There, amongst the rest, it was decreed, that no Clerke, as they call them, should bee admitted to the Churches of two Cities. Pluralitie of li∣uings, as wee tearme it, was not then heard of, which now is growne so ordinarie, as no∣thing is more common. And almost within our memorie, that custome crept in amongst other blemishes of the Church, that the Pope may conferre two Bishoprickes vp∣on one man. If now therefore he would restore the custome in this behalfe, which was

held in the next precedent age; hee should doe his dutie, but seeing that cannot be, can we suppose it euer to be gran∣ted, that matters shall be amen∣ded according to the holy Scriptures, and decrees of the Apostles and primitiue times? No, they toile in vaine, that ballance the deedes of the Popes, with the rules of anci∣ent Religion.

Martianus dying in the se∣uenth yeere of his Empire, Leo succeeded him: and Auitus, (when Gensericus after the ta∣king of Rome, was returned in∣to Affrica) succeeded Valenti∣nianus at Rome, and in the West, next to him, Majoranus, then Seuerus, and after him, Anthemius: after those follow∣ed others, but nothing emi∣nent, who perished in their mutuall massacres and treache∣ries, and raigned but a while, insomuch that now the other

part of the Roman Empire in the West, stood in great dan∣ger.

Nothing memorable is re∣corded of Leo the Emperour, but that he entred into amitie and league with the Gothes, then wasting Illyricum, and an Epistle or two of Leo the Bi∣shop of Romes to him, are ex∣tant. Zeno q Isauricus was his successor. Among stthose also, who ruled in Rome, after Ʋa∣lentinianus his death, Augustu∣lus was one, in whose raigne, Odoacer with a maine armie of Herulians and Syrians, out of Pannonia, inuades Italie, takes Orestes, a Nobleman of Rome, who was fled to Pauie with his forces) puts him to death, sackes and burnes the Citie: and marching on, takes in the whole Country as far as Rome. Augustulus deiected in minde, voluntarily resignes his Em∣pire: Odoacer enters the Citie,

and obtaining the kingdome of Italie, gouerned without resistance fourteene yeeres. But at length, Theodorieus King of the East-Gothes, sent by Zeno the Emperour: march∣ing from Constantinople, ouer∣threw the r Gepides and Bul∣garians, opposing him; and so making his way through My∣sia, and Pannonia, arriues in Italie, and incampes himselfe not farre from Aquileta: whi∣ther Odoacer afterwards repai∣ring, a sharpe battell insued. Odoacer losing the day, fled; but recollecting his forces, ioynes battell on fresh, and is againe ouerthrown, most part of his armie lost: some whereof perished in battell, others in s Athesis. Hee flies amaine to∣wards Rome, where shut out, he spoiles the Country about, and comes to Rauenna: there at length, after three yeeres siege, vpon the Cities yeel∣ding,

she was taken and put to death.

Odoacer thus cut off, Theo∣doricus became Lord of Italie, marches to Rome, where hee assembled two Councels of Bishops, whom hee called to∣gether out of sundry Prouin∣ces of Italie, to sit vpon t Sym∣machus his cause, whom the greatest part refused, as one vnworthy, and falsly created. This Theodoricus was an Ari∣an, as the Papall bookes haue it. His sirname was u Veronen∣sis, and was descended from that Theodoricus abouementi∣oned, who was slaine in the battell against Athila King of the Hunnes. Odoacer was a Rugian, a people of Germanie, vpon the Danish sea. Theodori∣cus thereby to strengthen him∣selfe, obliged the Kings of the Vandals, Visigothes, and Bur∣gundians to him by affinitie.

Whilest the squares went

thus in Italie, great troubles were on foot, throughout Thrace, Affrica, and Britaine, where at length, the Saxons got the vpperhand.

Zeno dying at Constantino∣ple, Anastatius succeeds him. Hee fauoured many of those, who allowed of Eutyches his o∣pinion: wherupon a dissention grew betwixt him and Gela∣sius Bishop of Rome: who by tedious letters dehorts him, as their bookes haue it, from vndertaking the protection of them: for there were two things saith he, whereby prin∣cipally this world should bee gouerned; the sacred authori∣tie of Bishops and regall po∣wer: and so much the more charge lies vpon the Priests, for that they, euen for other men, must render an account to the Lord: but he was to go∣uerne for ciuill policie, yet so, as to bee subiect to the Mini∣sters

of God, and to depend vpon their iudgement: and seeing that Priests doe obey the lawes politicall, it is like∣wise iust, that hee himselfe should not refuse those consti∣tutions, which the Steers-men in matters diuine establish: therefore sithence this honour ought to be giuen to all Mini∣sters of the Church, the cause it selfe requires, that to him most especially it should bee attributed, whom God by his owne word, as also the consent of the Church, would haue to rule ouer the whole order of Priests. Let him leaue off ther∣fore, and rather heare him an excuser in this life, then finde him an accuser in the other. After this, his decree concer∣ning the holy Bible is annex∣ed, in which he grants superi∣ority to the Sea of Rome, as they call it, then to Alexan∣dria, & the third place to An∣tiochia.

In Anastatius his raigne, Sicilie was tossed with trou∣bles and hostile insurrections, which were quenched by the Authors death. Then also the Hunnes wasted Armenia, and Cappadocia: the Getes, Mace∣donia, Thessalie, and Epirus: from both which the Empe∣rour was enforced to buy his peace by gifts, and no small losses.

Much about this time, which was in the yeere of Grace, 500. Clodoueus King the French, first of all imbraced the Christian Religion, ha∣uing beene very oft and ear∣nestly solicited thereunto, as also to forsake his Idols and superstition: by his wife who was of the house of Burgundie. The Councell of Orleans in his raigne established, which con∣sisted of thirty three French Bishops, is extant: wherein a∣mongst the rest it is decreed,

that if the rauisher of a Virgin shall flie to a Church, though hee haue offered violence to the Virgin, yet hee shall not come within danger of death: but shall either bee as a bond∣slaue, or else redeeme himselfe from her.

Anastatius slaine by lighte∣ning, or as the papall law speakes, dying vpon an x erup∣tion of his bowels: Iustinus succeeded, a man of obscure parentage, and from a swine-heard made a souldier, as it is written. He was at dissention with Theodoricus King of the Gothes, Lord of Italie, about diuersitie of Religion, but yet they held off from blowes: Theodoricus dying, Alaricus his Grand-child by his sonne, succeeded, to the great ioy and contentment of the Gothes. Iohn the first of that name, was then Bishop of Rome. He with other more, was sent in Am∣bassage,

by the aforementio∣ned King Theodoricus, to Con∣stantinople; where, as their bookes relate, hee was most honourably entertained, not onely by the people, but also by the Emperour himselfe. For they, say they, were excee∣ding ioyous, that it was their fortune, now at length to see and entertaine the blessed S. Peters Vicar, as they tearme him, in Greece; which had ne∣uer befallen them before since Constantines time the Great, and Syluesters. But it is strange, that they should pra••e thus of Syluester, who came not into Greece, as it is manifest: For, then when it was most be∣••oofefull, as also needfull, I meane at the Councell of Nice, he stirred not, but sent thither his Legates, Victor and Vincent: and afterwards as they relate, he himselfe assembled another Councell at Rome,

wherein he confirmed the de∣crees of the Councell of Nice. There is extant also, a conso∣latorie Epistle of this Iohn the first to the Bishops of Italie, wherein hee exhorts them, that albeit King Theodoricus polluted with Arian heresie, threatned destruction to them, and to all Italie, yet they should not desist from their purpose, but resolutely pro∣ceed.

After Iustine, his sisters son Iustinianus was made Empe∣rour: Hee wholly bent him∣selfe to the restoring of the Common-wealth, and at his first entrance, set ouer the whole charge of gouernment to Belisarius, who by many great battels, ouercame the Persians, transgressing their bounds, and offring violence to the Romane dominions: set free Illyricum, wasted by the Gepidaes and Bulgarians, redu∣ced

the Parthians being vp in armes, to amitie: ouerthrew the Vandals most powerfull forces in Affrica, recouered Carthage; and from thence striking ouer into Sicilie, where hauing notice of the rebellion in Affrica, he returnes thither, and speedes well. Then at length marching into Italie, takes Naples, sackes it, ouer∣throwes the Gothes, whose King Theodatus then was. Af∣ter this, he repaires to Rome, where he was kindly and ho∣nourably entertained by all, remouing from thence, takes in the townes and forts euery where, and amongst the rest, Perousa: after this, he besieges Rauenna, where Vitigis, King of the Gothes giuing him bat∣tell loseth his Armie, is taken prisoner, and carried away by Belisarius to Constantinople. The Gothes renewing their forces in the country beyond

Po, elect Hildebrand their king. To him, two succeeded, and after them, Totilas. He in Be∣lisarius his absence, ouer-run∣ning all Italie, takes Rome, after a siege, sackes and sets fire on it. Belisarius hereupon recal∣led, hauing finished the warre against the Parthians, who a∣gaine forraged Syria, returnes into Italie, and recouers the Citie in a manner left desolate: and then incountring with the enemy, had a happy bat∣tell: but sailing into Sicilie for prouision, is called backe by Iustinianus, which affoorded occasion to Totilas, to renew his forces, & returne to Rome. The Emperour forthwith or∣daines Narses the Eunuch, Generall in the Italian warre: hee expelled the Gothes quite out of Italie, which was so much the easilier effected, they hauing lost their King Totilas, who died of a wound. That

warre with the Gothes, lasted eighteene yeeres. And Iustini∣anus thus recouering Italie, and Affricke, after he had assumed his Grandchild by his daugh∣ter, for his Collegue in the Empire, departed this life. Some write, that hee was a Prince of a dull nature, and ouerswaied by his wife Theo∣dora. Tribonianus the Lawyer was in high esteeme with him: he who (abrogating the wri∣tings and disputations of the Ancients) gathered out of them an hotchpotch of the lawes, and left vs the frag∣ments onely, which now goe vnder the name of the Pan∣dects: But he had certaine hel∣pers in that worke, whose names are mentioned all ouer. He did the like also in the re∣ferences and lawes of the Em∣perours, which being com∣prehended in three bookes, the Gregorian, Hermogenian,

and Theodosian: he contracted into one volume, naming it Iustinians Code, vsing other mens helpes therein, whose names the Emperour reckons vp in the preface to his booke. There are Authors that report, how this Tribonianus was a co∣uetous man, and for gaine, (as the Poet saith) made and marred lawes. In the Code be∣fore mentioned, there are ma∣ny of Iustinians lawes, which contradict the former. There was added also, a peculiar worke, of new constitutions, which throughout beare the name and title of Iustinian.

The Emperour intreated Belisarius, whom I spoke of, (him by whose prowesse hee had obtained so many and so glorious victories) most igno∣miniously: and in his extreame old age, caused his eyes to bee put out. In his raigne, some Councels were assem∣bled

at Constantinople, wherein Menna, Patriarch of that Ci∣tie, sate President: who, as their bookes haue it, is stiled the most holy, most blessed, and oecumenicall. In the be∣ginning of the Code, an Epi∣stle of the Emperour to the Archbishop of the Citie of Rome, is set downe, wherein he calls him, the Head of all Churches, and subiects all to him. Furthermore, although the learned are of opinion, that it was forged, yet grant it be true, it is certaine, that this controuersie continued many yeers after, til at length the Bi∣shops of Rome, amplified with abilities, preuailed: and in the possession of the Church, would erect to themselues a Tower, which, whether rea∣red by the hands of men, or fauour of Princes, now carries the name, as though it were founded by power diuine. We

haue formerly mentioned how the sixth Councell of Carthage was held in S. Au∣stines time, wherein Pope Bo∣niface the first, and Pope Cae∣lestines fallacies were vnmas∣ked, when they alledged how it was decreed at Nice, that all Prouinces should appeale to them. And in Iustinians time, Boniface the second was Bi∣shop of Rome, whose Epistle is extant, wherein he sharpely re∣prehends Aurelius Bishop of Carthage in the before-menti∣oned Councell, and saies, that he with his fellowes, did by the deuils instigation resist the Church of Rome: as also, giues God thankes, that in his time, Eulalius, Aurelius his succes∣sor, was reconciled to the Church of Rome, and after that, rehearses the words of Eulalius, wherein he professes, that hee condemnes both his predecessors and successors

whosoeuer they bee, that goe about to weaken the priuiled∣ges of the holy and Apostoli∣call Church of Rome.

Agapetus the next to Boni∣face, remoued Anthemius Pa∣triarch of Constantinople out of his place, for denying the two natures in Christ. Theodora the Empresse, tooke this very hainously, and by Belisarius, admonished Siluirius Agape∣tus his successor, to restore him: and Belisarius (certaine other accusations also being laid to his charge) turnes him out of his place, and sends him into banishment, substituting Vigilius, who likewise called to Constantinople, and refusing to recall Anthemius, was con∣demned to the like punish∣ment: whereby it sufficiently appeares, in what manner the Bishops of Rome were then subiect to the power of the Emperour.

Iustine the II. being Empe∣ror, the Persian war was renu∣ed, which miscarying, Arche∣laus the Emperors Lieutenant, of a new concludes a peace,

Narses the Emperors Lieu∣tenant throughout Italy, (after the Gothes were expulst, and Totilas dead) held Italy almost sixteene yeares: afterwards called home by the Emperour from whom receiuing certain vnwelcome letters, and there∣in perceiuing his ingratitude, he not onely stayes still, but surther for reuenge, (sending away his Ambassadours) insti∣gates the Lombards then seated in Pannonia, proffering them very large rewards, to depart from Pannonia and come into Italy, the most pleasant and fruitfull of all Countries. Thereupon they tooke that part of Italy, which till this day, retaines the name from them. This Iustine as

it is written, constituted an Ex∣arch, Gouernour throughout Italy: hee was as it were the Emperors Vicar or Deputy: His chiefe seat was at Rauenna, neglecting Rome, and in each City and towne ordaining some Gouernour. The Itali∣an writers report that this new ordinance, was the bane of Italy, and Rome. Narses soone after dyed at Rome.

Tiberius not long before a∣dopted and made Collegue in the Empire, was Iustines succes∣sor. He got two happie victo∣ries against the Persians: and established a peace with the Lombards, whose Kingdome then reached from the Sam∣nites vnto the Alpes, the City of Rome onely expected, which after they had for a space sharply besieged, at length (constrained by force of tem∣pest and raine) raised their siege. Mauritius, Tiberius his

sonne in law, being created Emperor, in some certaine bat∣tels by his Lieutenants, ouer∣threw the Persians, and at length concluded a peace with them: recalling his Army, he expelled the Scythians out of Mysia, repressed the Lombards throughout Italy: chased the Hunnes out of Pannonia: but being hated of the souldiers for his couetousnesse, was en∣forced (vpon a mutinie arisen) to flie to Chalcedon, & there at length was slain, together with his wife, children, and whole race, by Phocas the Centurion, who afterwards throgh sediti∣on, was proclaimed Emperor.

It is written that in Mau∣ritius his raigne, a Comet ap∣peared for sixe moneths space, and then also was Mahomet borne, whom we will speake of hereafter.

At that time, Iohn Bishop of Constantinople, stiled himselfe

the vniuersall Patriarch: but Pelagius the second, Bishop of Rome, vehemently resisted him, and pronounced his de∣crees void. His successor Gre∣gory, the first sharply repre∣hends him for this, and indeed confesses, that in the Councell of Chalcedon, this title and ho∣nour was giuen to his prede∣cessors, but none of them vsed it. As also he exhorts Mauri∣tius the Emperour by his Let∣ters, to restraine him, for that also appertained to his autho∣rity, which he (in arrogating such a kinde of power) did much impaire. It is recorded that the next after Gregory, Bo∣niface the III obtained the pri∣macie from Phocas, certaine E∣dicts and charters being pub∣lisht in that behalfe.

In Phocas his raigne the Per∣sians very greiuously annoyed the Common-wealth: seizing vpon Mesopotamia, and Assy∣ria,

and marching on euen vn∣to the lesser Asia, such was the negligence of this Prince. Germany also, together with Gallia, and a great part of Ita∣ly reuolted. The Saracens wa∣sted Aegypt: and he himselfe being slaine for his cruelty and neglect of the Common∣wealth, Heraclius succeeded. Then againe the Persians mar∣ching on very farre through Aegypt, inuade Africa, which they bring vnder their sub∣iection. The Scythians diuersly dismember Europe. Heraclius at length marching into Asia, when hee could not make his peace, though propounding certaine conditions, little ten∣ding to the honour of the Ro∣manes, almost by meere con∣straint encountred with the Persians, (who now also forra∣ged Iudaea) and in a battell or two discomfited them. Then marching on beyond the Ri∣uer

Tigris, and ransaking Per∣sia farre and wide (entring at length into amity with Siro∣chus the a King of Persia's son, who hauing slaine his father, set vpon the Kingdome) reco∣uered Africa, and Aegypt, and whatsoeuer else the Persians had taken, and it was coue∣nanted that the Riuer Tigris should deuide the Persian and Roman dominions. At this time also the Saracens seruing in the warres vnder Heraclius, being defrauded of their pay, reuolt in huge troopes, and pillaging vp and downe Syria, (Mahomet being their Chief∣taine) took Damascus, forraged Aegypt, subdued Arabia, and gaue the Persians some ouer∣throwes. This Mahomet was by parentage obscure, but sub∣tle and aduenturous, as also afterwards enriched by mari∣age: and by reason of his prompt wit carying great

sway he propounds a new kind of doctrine (to reason indeed very delectable, but for the most part ridiculous and foo∣lish) whereby hee might more and more oblige the mindes of men, and more firmly possesse himselfe with soueraigntie. And though this flame might at first haue easily beene quen∣ched, yet being neglected, in short space grew to a maine height: and so from that time the Maiestie and Empire of the Romans in the East, decay∣ed more and more, Nations re∣uolting one after another.

In Heraclius his raigne, the fourth Councell of Toledo was celebrated, where, because most part of the Priests throughout Spaine, did not e∣uery day (but onely vpon that day which wee call Sunday) vse that prayer which Christ himselfe taught vs: amongst other matters, a reformation

therein was decreed, as also that the Apocalyps of S. Iohn, as they say should bee read in the Church from Easter to Whitsontide.

The Gothes then raigned in Hispain, when as the Spaniards (growne weary, as it is com∣mon, of forraign gouernment) attempting an innovation, this Councell vnder a seuere penalty prohibited the practi∣zing of any conspiracy against their King or the Gothish Na∣tion: and that after the Kings decease, the States and Clergie of the whole Nation, should by common consent appoint the successor. The same decree was also renued in some other of their assemblies. The sing∣ing of the Hebrew Allelujah in the Church, in time of Lent was likewise forbidden, for that it was a time of sorrow and not of reioycing. To He∣raclius, Constans succeeded,

who was his grandchild by his sonne Constantine. He had an infortunate sea-fight with the Saracens, who getting the victory, tooke Rhodes, and without doubt had proceeded further, had not the factions kindled amongst them pro∣cured a two yeares truce with the Romanes. The Emperour hauing this time to pause, marches with an Army into Italy, thereby, as he boasted, to rescue it out of the Enemies hands: and arriuing at Taren∣to, besieged Luceria, and other places of Apulia belonging to the Lombards: but in his iour∣ney towards Naples, his rere∣guard was cut off by the Lom∣bards. Entring Rome peacea∣bly, at length hee disrobes the City of all its ornaments, and there staying a few dayes strucke ouer into Sicily, where afterwards he was murthered in a Bath: and some dissension

arising after his death about succession, the Sarazens (lay∣ing hold on this opportunity) with a great Nauy inuaded Sicilie, commit a horrible mas∣sacre of the Islanders, take Sy∣racuse and carry away with them all Constans his spoiles taken from Rome. To Con∣stans, Constantine the IIII. suc∣ceeded, commonly called the Bearded. He for certain yeeres encountring with the Sara∣zens, at length vanquisht them insomuch as they sued for peace, and for a thirty yeares Truce: as also condescended to pay a yearely Tribute: and the Romanes Enemies in the East herewith shaken implore a peace. But the Bulgars, trans∣passing their bounds wast Thrace, with them a peace was at length concluded, and both the b Mysia's yeelded vp to them: but afterwards (when they perceiued the Romanes

negligence) breaking the league, flye out againe, and ex∣tenuate the forces of the Em∣pire. This Emperour as it is re∣corded, was the first, that or∣dained, that whom the Clergy and people of Rome together with the souldiers, had created Bishop of that City, hee should obtaine full power: for till this time the dignity of Bishop of Rome depended vpon the con∣firmation either of the Empe∣rour, or of his Deputy for Italy. There is a long Epistle extant of Pope Leo the II, to Constan∣tine, wherein hee condemnes all manner of heretiques, and highly extolls him for his loue to, and protection of Religion, as also for his liberality and munificence: adding, that the Church hauing gotten such a Defender, most ioyfully tri∣umphed.

The sixth Counsell at Con∣stantinople was held in his raign

which consisted of 150. Bi∣shops. Wherein, about the end thereof, mention is made (but in obscure words) of those Canons stiled the Apo∣stles. But Gratianus reckons vp the contrary opinions, for he auerres, that there be those that can affirme, that they were compiled by heretiques, reiec∣ted by the Primitiue Church, and accounted among the A∣pocrypha's. Yet it is written that Zepherinus B. of Rome, in order the sixteenth appro∣ued them: as also, after him, this Councell before mentio∣ned, which (as they report) was ended in Iustine the II. his time, Constantine the IIII. his sonne. In briefe, all flotes vpon incertaine grounds, nei∣ther doe they agree in the number of the Canons, for some hold 50. others 60. o∣thers 84. in which number in∣deed they are extant. Where∣by

it may easily be coniectured that more were added by de∣grees, and afterwards (though proceeding from many) com∣prehended vnder one title. It is written that then also the Archbishop of Rauenna, sub∣iected himselfe to the Bishop of Rome, who before that (but most especially after the tran∣slation thither of the Exarchy) would yeeld nothing at all to him.

To Constantine, Iustinianus his son succeeded; he by reason of his nonage and inexperi∣ence, misgouerned the Com∣mon-wealth, and breaking the league which his father had made with the Sarazens and Bulgars, was brought to that pinch, as he himselfe was con∣strained to sue for peace to both of them. At length, be∣ing thrust out for his crueltie, an•• banisht with his nose cut off, Leontius succeeded, hauing

beene prisoner two yeares vp∣on suspition of affecting the Empire. In the time of those broiles, the Sarazens inuade Africa, but were within two yeares after chased out thence by force of armes. The Roman souldiers forsaking the garri∣son in Africa, sith the Empe∣rour sleighted ouer all affaires with negligence and carelesse∣nesse, and fearing lest they should againe bee expelled by the Sarazens, who were then exceeding strong: create one Tiberius Emperour. He mar∣ches with his forces to Con∣stantinople, where winning the City, takes Leontius, cuts off his nose, cast him into prison, and constitutes a new Exarch in Italy. And whilst all matters were caried after this boiste∣rous manner, the Sarazens lay∣ing hold on this fit opportuni∣ty, march out of Egypt, with an huge Army: and againe sur∣prise

Africa, and Lybia, and welnigh all Hispaine.

Iustinianus (hee whom I a∣boue spoke of, expeld and ban∣nisht by Leontius,) by helpe of Tribellius King of Bulgaria, at length takes Constantinople, and therein Leontius, and Ti∣berius, whom hee put to death: c after which hee raigned sixe yeares cruelly, prouing also in∣gratefull to King Tribellius, and at length ioyning battle with Philippicus Bardanes, to whom the souldiers had re∣uolted, both he and his sonne Tiberius were there slaine. Pope Constantine pronounced this Philippicus (for difference in Religion) a Schismatick, whose eyes being afterwards pluckt out by his owne ser∣uants, Anastatius the II. was his successor.

Hee sent a strong Nauie to the Rhodes to make warre with the Sarazens, constitu∣ting

an ecclesiasticall person Generall thereof: whom the souldiers refusing to obey, a mutinie arose and one Theodo∣sius of obscure parentage was created Emperour, who chan∣ging the voyage, marches to Constantinople, takes the City, and confines Anastasius (whō he ouerthrew in battaile) to a Monastery: but not long after being expulst by Leo Lieute∣nant of his forces, hee also be∣takes himselfe to a Monasticall life. About this time which was in the yeare of Grace 717. the Moores with their whole powers breake into Spaine, and subdue it, Rodericke being then King of the Hispaines, whom the Gothes had elected. The Sarazens in Leo's raigne, hauing ouerrunne Thrace, be∣siege Constantinople both by sea and land for three yeares space; but at length (being well nigh destroyed by the

plague) were constrained to retire home. This Leo was a mortall aduersary to Gregory the II. Bishop of Rome: and charged his Vicar or Exarch in Italy, by all meanes to cut him off: but the Lombards de∣fended the Pope, not for any loue they bare him, but to the end, that by these dissensions, they might enlarge their owne Territories. For vpon this occasion they surprised many townes belonging to the Exarchie-Certaine of this Gre∣gories Epistles to the Clergy and Laity of Thuringia, d are ex∣tant, whereby he admonishes them more and more to en∣crease in the knowledge of God: as also to the Saxons sharply deterring them from worshipping of Idolls, in which employment hee vsed one e Boniface his helpe, whom he had sent into Germany.

The Emperour Leo throwes

all statues & Images of Saints, out of Churches, and enioynes the Pope also to doe the like: but hee not onely disobeyes, but also denounces sharpe pu∣nishment against him perseue∣ring in his purpose. To Leo, his son Constantine of that name the V. succeeded, surnamed Copronymos, of the same Reli∣gion with his father. He, set∣ting forth with a great Nauie against the Sarazens, for reco∣uery of Alexandria in Egypt. vnderstanding by a messenger of the insurrections hatched at home, and of Artabastus the new elected Emperour retires to Constantinople, takes the Ci∣ty by force, and puts out Ar∣tabastus his eies. He also, as his father Leo, liued in vehe∣ment discord with Gregory the III. Bishop of Rome, who forthwith sending his Nun∣tio's, excommunicates him: and they being cast in prison,

hee made a decree in the Councell thereupon assem∣bled: That, whosoeuer should hereafter demolish the Images of Saints, or contumeliously abuse them, should be vtterly excluded from the Communi∣on of the Church: after this, with all diligence and endea∣uour he erected Images in di∣uers Churches, and as farre as he could, sumptuously adorned them.

After Gregory the III. Za∣charias succeeded. An Epistle of his is extant to one Boniface a Bishop in Germany; the same man, as it appeares, whose helpe Gregory the II. vsed, as a little aboue mentioned. Za∣charias satisfied his requests and permitted Bishopricks at Merburgh, Bamberg, and Er∣phord; and also gaue him leaue to goe to Charlemaine, Charles Martel his sonne, who was de∣sirous to haue a Councell held

in some City of the French Kingdome: and that he might diligently reforme the abuses of the Church, but most espe∣cially remoue adulterers, and those that had many wiues from the order of Priesthood: for sithence after the vnderta∣king of the holy Ministery, they ought not to haue or touch so much as one wife, much lesse at one and the same time, they should haue more, for Pauls words, that a Bi∣shop should bee the husband of one wife, is to bee vnder∣stood not of the time present, but past, to wit, that hee who desires to be admitted into the ministeriall function, should haue no more wiues then one. To this Epistle Charlemaines Edict (who stiles himselfe Duke of the French) is an∣nexed: wherein hee ordaines that a Councell should be held euery yeare in his presence:

and commands that adulte∣rous Priests, and whoremon∣gers should be remoued out of their places: and likewise pro∣hibits them from hunting and hawking, and charges them not to maintaine any whore at home: but concerning wiues not a word.

From this time Aistulphus King of the Lombards requi∣red a tribute from the Romans, sharply menacing them in case of non-payment. Stephen the II. of that name, then Bishop of Rome, seeing hee could not stop his mouth neither with flatteries nor rewards sues to Constantine the Emperour for ayde, but no helpe comming from him, hee sollicites Pipin, lately (as we below shall men∣tion) made king of the French; to lend him his hand. He mar∣ching with an Army into Italy besieges Pauie, and compells Aistulphus to come to compo∣sition,

but the Enemy, after Pipins returne home, growne more kene, againe takes armes: whereupon Pipin, againe soli∣cited, marches into Italy; then at length Aistulphus surrenders the Exarchie to Pipin, in which Country those Cities are of chiefe account, Rauenna, Fa∣uentia, Caesena, Forli, Forlimpo∣poli, Bologna, Reggio, Parma, and Placentia.

It is written that Pipin deli∣uered all this Countrey into the Popes hands, though the Emperor first required him to restore them to him, as belong∣ing to the Empire, not to the Church of Rome.

To Constantine, his son Leo the IIII. succeeded: He vn∣dertooke one only expedition into f Syria, where discomfited, he retires home, and not long after dyed, of the same religion with his father, leauing be∣hind him his son Constantine

the VI. who by reason of his nonage, not of ability to raigne, his mother Irene gouer∣ned the Common-wealth, but he, waxen warmer in g yeares, deposing his mother, tooke the Empire vpon himselfe, with no lesse insolency then cruelty: whereupon certaine conspiracies being practized against him: he set a mulct, a∣mongst others, vpon his vncle Nicephorus, and put out his eyes. And at length he him∣selfe by the meanes of his mo∣ther, was serued with the same sauce, within a while after dy∣ing of griefe; and thereupon the sway of gouernment retur∣ned into her hands. Who afterwards in the fourth yeere of her Empire was deposed and sent into exile, Nicephorus whom we before mentioned, was her successor.

In the meane time whilest matters were thus tumultuous∣ly

caryed at Constantinople, the name of Charles King of the French, grew famous. For he hauing finished the warre in Aquitania, at the request of Adrian Bishop of Rome, mar∣ches into Italy, and as his Fa∣ther Pipin repressed Aistulphus King of the Lombards, as a∣bouesaid: so he, after a long siege tooke Desiderius, Aistul∣phus his successor, a heauy foe to Italy, and Adrian the I. As also excluded his sonne Adalgisius out of the Kingdome, and cha∣sed him quite out of Italy. For the Emperours of Rome, by reason of their farre remote absence (I meane at Constan∣tinople) euer since Constantine the Great, and being likewise hindered, not onely with for∣raigne wars, but also with ci∣uill & domesticall dissensions, in a manner neglected Italy, or at leastwise could not con∣ueniently protect it, especially

the Lombards raigning there: Furthermore, most of them also, being at deadly dissenti∣on with the Bishops of Rome, as we haue formerly specified, out of their hatred towards them, were not moued at this prosperous estate of the Lom∣bards. For this cause the Popes prouided forraigne defence, and because no house was in those times, of more renowne and puissance, then that of the French Kings, in regard of the greatnesse of their noble ex∣ploits, to them they flie, as to a harbour in time of trouble. And after this manner, Adrian dying, Leo the third, who suc∣ceeded him, hauing many ad∣uersaries at Rome, sued to Charles, Pipins son: who, at his fourth accession to the Citie, was by the Pope and all the people proclaimed Emperour, which happened at the same time, when nought but facti∣ons

swarmed at Constantinople, insomuch as the very time it selfe, and state of the Com∣mon-wealth, seemed to admi∣nister the cause and occasion of this change.

Thus therefore the Empire of the West, came to the Ger∣manes: for without all doubt, Pipin and Charles were Ger∣manes. This was in the eight hundred and first yeere after Christs birth.

Now, after Nicephorus, the Emperours of the East were tossed with continuall warres; for at first, the Bulgars often incountred them, then the Sa∣razens issuing out of Affrica, tooke the Ile of Candie, as af∣terwards Sicilie, and made ha∣uocke in Asia farre and wide: and last of all the Turks, a peo∣ple of Scythia.

The Emperours of Greece, from Nicephorus to Constantine Palaeologus the last, are recko∣ned

to 50, some whereof were women: but most of those were sloathfull. And in Con∣stātine Monomachus his raign, the Turkes from a base origi∣nall, by degrees getting ground more and more, began to wast Asia, and daily increa∣sing their power, at length made vp a Monarchie, but no new or fifth one, but sprouted out of that part of the Romane Empire, lying in the East. Of which Monarchie, Ottoman was the head, about the yeere of Christ, 1300.

Afterwards, Ma hom et of that name the second, great Grandfather to Solyman, who now swaies the Empire, taking Constantinople, & putting Con∣stantine Palaeologus the Empe∣rour before mentioned, toge∣ther with his whole family, to the sword, vtterly extin∣guisht the n••me, and successi∣on of Emperours of our Reli∣gion,

in those parts. And the Turkes to this day hold Asia, Syria, Egypt, Mesopotamia, Iudea, the Rhodes, all Greece, Thracia, Bulgaria, Macedonia, Illyricum, both the Mysia's, and of late, almost the other part of Hungary, and some part of Affrica.

In former times, the Chur∣ches of Ierusalem, Antioch, Constantinople, and Rome, con∣tended amongst themselues for primacie, but especially the two last, as wee formerly shewed: but the Turke ended that controuersie, and set such a confusion in those h three places, that there is not a tract remaining of a Church or Christian Congregation: and the matter it selfe shewes, of what colour the face, and what the state is of that i Church now remaining, which now (those riuals or eye-sores be∣ing remoued) alone triumphs.

Therefore hauing shewne after what manner the other part of the Roman Empires bo∣dy, lying in the East, vtterly decaied and fell into the hands of strangers: it remaines that we should also briefly vnfold, how that part in the west, quite perished, and found new Lords. But here by the way, let vs consider, after what a wonderfull kinde of mockerie of fortune, that maiesticall glo∣ry and sublimitie of the Em∣pire, was from those Romans and ancient families, brought into the hands of strangers, and some of them of base de∣grees: some being Spaniards, others originally of Pannonia, Dacia, Dardania, Dalmatia, Gallia, Thrace, Cappadocia.

But chiefly it is worth ob∣seruance, how doubtfull and miserable the estate of these Emperours was: for their dig∣nitie and safetie consisted not

in the power of the Senate, or people, but of the Legions and souldiers: so that it may stand for a great wonder, that any would vndertake this charge so dangerous and ob∣uious to iniuries: For from Caius Caesar, (who was mur∣thered in the face of the Se∣nate) till Charles the Great, a∣bout thirty of them were slaine, foure whereof killed themselues: alwaies some∣thing was wanting in them, which the souldiers desired, who could abide the good no more then the wicked: but vpon the least occasion, raising a tumult, cut off those, whom sometimes they had drawne vp to that height of honour a∣gainst their wills, as for ex∣ample, it was Aelius Pertinax his case. The Senate stood in feare of the Emperour, but the Emperour himselfe was swaied by the will, and in a manner,

the becke of the rascall soul∣diers. And this presumption they tooke vpon them after Caius Caesars death, especially those veterane bands, which he had imploied in Gallia, His∣paine, and Affrica.

Hereupon Cicero deploring this: Couragious they are in∣deed, saith hee, but in regard of the memory of those ex∣ploits, which they atchieued for the liberty of the Romans, and the dignitie of the Com∣mon-wealth too fierce, and recall all our Councell to their violence.

The end of the second Booke.

Notes

• Octauius Cesar be∣gun his raigue, An∣no mundi, 3925. and raigned An. 57.
• i

  Gouern∣ment by three. Cicero put to death, An. 3926.
• k

  A town in Epirus.
• Christ born An. mundi, 3954.
• l

  Now of Pomerania in Germa∣nie.
• m

  Germanes bordering on the Alpes.
• n

  Vandals.
• o

  People about Co∣len.
• p

  Germanes neere the riuer Elbe.
• q

  Ems.
• r

  Necchar. Horat. lib. 1 Ode 24.
• Horat. lib. 4 Ode 4.
• s

  Octauius so stiled, in honour, as much as Soueraign at this day.
• t

  Of Biscay in Spaine.
• u

  Of Aqui∣tane in Gal∣lia.
• Hungars.
• x

  Inhabi∣ting Wen∣denland in some parts.
• y

  Of Scla∣uonia also or Wenden∣lond.
• z

  Inhabi∣ting neere Lombardie.
• a

  Citie of Betica in Spaine.
• Tiberius An. Dom. 16. an. 23. m. •• d. 26.
• Christ cru∣cified, An. etatis 34. Luk. cap. 3.
• Caius Cali∣gula, An. ••om. 38. an. 3. m. 8. d. 8.
• b

  Lyons in France.
• Claudius, 42. an. 13. m. 8. d. 20.
• Acts 11.
• Nero 56. An. 13.
• Galba 68. m. 7. d. 7.
• Othom. 4. Vitellius m. 8.
• Ʋespatian 69. an 9. m. 11. d. 24.
• Titus. 79. an. 2. m. 2. d. 20. Domitiaen 81. an. 15.
• d

  Now of the Lantz∣graue of Hessens Countrey. Nerua 96, an. 1. m. 1. Trajane 97 an. 19. m. 6. d. 15.
• Adrianus 116. an. 19. m. 6. d. 15.
• Antoninus Pius, 151. an. 22. m. 7. d. 26.
• Antoninus the Philo∣sopher 160 an. 19. m. 0. d. 11.
• c

  Carien calls him his brotuer
• f

  Now Mo∣rauians.
• g

  Inhabi∣tants in and about Sile∣sia.
• h

  Vpper & lower Hun∣garia.
• Commodus Anteninus 79. an. 12. m. 8. d. 15.
• i

  Of Mau∣ritania or Morisco in Barbary. Pertinax. m. 3. Didius Iu∣lianus m. 7. Septimius Seuerus 192. ca. 17. m. 8. ••. 5.
• Caracalla 210. an. 6. m. 2. d. 5.
• Prafectū praetorij, Gouernor of the pre∣torian Co∣hort.
• k

  For Ca∣racalla slew his brother Geta.
• Macrinus 216. An. 1. m. 1. d. 28.
• Heliogabu∣lus 217. an. 3 m. 9. d. 4. Alexander Senerus 221. an. 13. m. 0. d. 9.
• Maximinus 234. An. 2.
• Gordianus 236. m. 1. d. 6.
• Pupienus, Balbinus 236. an. 1. some moneths.
• l

  A Citie in Italie.
• Gordianus iunior, 237 Ann. 6.
• Philip, 243. An. 5.
• m

  He was slaine by his owne soldiers at Verona. Decius, 248. An. 2.
• Gallus 250. An. 1. m. 6.
• Aemilianus, 252. m. 4.
• Valerianus 252. An. 7.
• Gallienus 295. An. 8.
• n

  Which parteth Europe and Asia.
• o

  A Riuer in Jllyri∣cum, which begins in Germany, and is there cal∣led Danu∣bius or Da∣now.
• Flauius Claudius 167. An. 1. m. 9. Aurelianus 269. An. 6.
• p

  Syria.
• q

  Zenobia.
• Jnterreg∣num.
• r

  For sixe moneths. Tacitus 275 m. 6.
• Florianus, m. 2. Probus 276 an. 6. m. 4.
• s

  Inhabi∣ting Fran∣conia, now called Franken∣landt.
• Carus 282. An. 1. and some mo∣neths to∣gether with his sonnes, Corinus & Numeria∣nus.
• t

  Arius Aper. Diocletian, 284. an. 20.
• u

  Running through Armenia.
• Almaines, lying be∣twixt the Alpes and Ments, as Carion sup∣poses.
• x

  People of Sarmatia.
• y

  ••welling about the Riuer Car∣pis in Scy∣thia. Constantius Galerius, 304. an. 2 m 3. an. 7. m. 5.
• Constantine the Great, 306. an. 30. m. 9. d. 27.
• z

  Acts 7.
• a

  Acts 11.
• b

  Acts 9.
• 2 Thes. 2.
• c

  S. Ierom writes that he dyed in the 68 yere after the passion. Suidas says that he liued 120 yeares.
• Colos. 4.
• d

  In con∣ferring (as they ima∣gine) the City of Rome the Empire of the West &c. vpon he Popes.
• The first Councell of Nice held in An. 325. con∣tinued 3. yeares.
• e

  In mona∣sticall man∣ner, and some wo∣men arti∣red in mens ha∣bite.
• f

  His desire was to haue it called New Rome, but vse pre∣uailed and altered it to Constan∣tinople.
• g

  At Rome, but hee raigned 6. yeares be∣fore in Brittaine and else∣where.
• h

  The Iland of Orkney lying neer and belon∣ging to Scotland.
• i

  Now cal∣led Island lying be∣yond Scot∣land, as some say, others Hitland. Constantine, 337. An. 3. Constantius 337. An. 24 Conslaus 337. An. 1••
• k

  The same who were afterwards called Gothes. Carion.
• l

  Strasburg in Germany
• Julianus 361. an. 1. m. 7. d. 23.
• Iouinianus, 363. m. 7. d. 22.
• Tandem.
• Bona sa∣cra.
• 1 Tim. 6.8.
• Valentinia∣nus 364. An. 11. m. 8. d. 32. toge∣ther with his brother Valens
• m

  Of the East.
• n

  In Panno∣nia falling into a fe∣uer by an excessiue straining of his voice in an angry reply a∣gainst some of∣fenders.
• Gratian 375. an. 7. m. 9. d 9. With his son Valen∣••i••tan the I••.
• Theodosius 378. an. 16. d. 12.
• The se∣cond Councell of Constan∣tinople, An. 381.
• Arcad us 395 a••. 13. m. 3 d. 15. Together with Hono∣rius, who raigned a∣bout 15. yeares af∣ter the death of Arcadius.
• Theodos. II. 408. an. 42. m. 2. d. 28.
• n

  A seacoast towne in Italy, now called Reg∣gio, oppo∣site to Sicilie.
• The Sax∣ons inuade Britaine, about 448.
• Martianus 450. an. 6. m. 6.
• o

  Roman∣diola.
• Venice be∣gunne to be built, An. 430.
• p

  Some Au∣thors call him Pau∣lutius Ana∣festus, and write of his beginning in Anno Dom. 697. and after their Citie built, 282.
• The fourth Councell at Chalce∣don in By∣thinia.
• Leo, 457. an. 17.
• Zeno 474. an. 17. m. 2. d. 7.
• q

  Called Isauricus, because he was borne in Isaurica in Cicilia.
• r

  Part of the Gothes.
• s

  A Riuer running through Verona.
• t

  Pope of Rome.
• u

  Because of his vi∣ctory at Verona.
• Of Ruger∣land in Pomerania.
• Anastatius, 491. an. 27. m. 3. d. 3.
• x

  Sleidan (as. Mei∣bomius notes) here mistakes the Empe∣rour, for Pope Ana∣statius. Iustine, 518 an. 9. d. 24. ••
• Iustinianus, 527. an. 38. m. 3. d. 13.
• Virgil 6. Aenoad.
• Iustine I••I. 565. an. 10. m. 10. d. 20.
• Tiberius II. 576. an. 6. m. 10. d. 8.
• Mauritius 582. an. 19. m. 3. d. 11.
• Phocas 603. an. 8. m. 4. d. 9.
• a

  Cosroes.
• Constantine the III. raigned 2. moneths, and Hera∣clian two yeares.
• Constans the II. 642. an. 27. m. 8. d. 10.
• Constantine the IIII, or Bearded, 669. an. 16. d. 7.
• b

  Now Bursia in Asia.
• The sixth Councel at Constanti∣nople, 680.
• Iustinian, II 686. an. 10.
• Leontius, 696 an 3.
• Tiberius Apsimarus 699. an 7.
• Iustinian the II. a∣gaine, 706. An. 6.
• c

  First cau∣sing them to be cari∣ed vp and downe the city bound in cords, then tram∣pling vpon their necks and lastly beheading them. Philippius Bardanes, 712. an. 2. m. 9. d. 7.
• Anastatius the II. 715. an. 1. m. 3.
• Theodosius Adramitte∣nus, 716. m. 7. d. 16.
• Leo Conon, 717. an. 24. m. 2. d. 25.
• d

  A part of Saxony, where the City Er∣ford stands.
• e

  An Eng∣lishman borne in Deuonshire.
• Constantine the V. 741. an. 35. m. 1. d. 27.
• ••••o the IIII 775. an. 4. m. 11. d. 26.
• f

  Against the Sara∣zeni.
• g

  20 yeares of age.
• Irene the Empresse 797. an. 4.
• Charles the Great, 801. an. 13. m. 1. d 4.
• Nicepho∣rus was o∣uercome and slaine∣by the Bul∣gars, and his scull made a drinking bowle by Crumnus King of the Bulgars.
• Ottoman first Mo∣narch of the Turkes, an. 1300.
• h

  Hierus, Antioch, Constanti∣nople.
• i

  Rome.
• Aemulis.