CHAP. VI. From the death of Maximinus the first created Emperour without consent of the Senate, to the Monarchy of Constantine the first Christian Emperour, who reformed Religion, and translated the Imperial seat to Byzantium, the space of 86 years.
1. THE news of Maximinus his death being brought to Rome, filled the City with extraordinary joy, having taken Maximus as he was listing men in Italy, who thereupon went to Aquileia, and received the Ar∣my, to which he pardoned all things past. Then returned he to Rome, where he and his Collegue managed matters with discretion enough,* 1.1 could they have agreed betwixt themselves; but the one being jealous of the other, and both endeavouting to grapple all the power into their own hands, thereby wrought to themselves sodain destruction. The Praetorian bands hated them both, as created by the Senate, and resolved for the removal of such an indignity of∣fered to the Army, to make them away, which Maximus understanding, would have sent for the Guard of Germans, which he knew both to be faith∣ful to him, and able to resist the power of the other; but Balbinus suspecting that he intended something against himself, would not suffer it; and so the Soldiers entering the Palace haled them out, and after all sorts of indigni∣ties offered to their persons, upon report that the Germans were coming, slew them both. Now knowing no fit person whom they might prefer, and being assured it would be very acceptable to the People, they made choice of Gordianus,* 1.2 who had been formerly made Caesar. At his beginning so great an Eclypse of the Sun happened (April 2. on the second Feria, as Cappellus agreeth with Mulierus) that the day seemed to be turned into night,* 1.3 and nothing could be done in houses without candles. Sabinianus in Africk at∣tempted new matters, but was slain. Gordianus being yet very young un∣dertook an Expedition against the Persians, over whom Sapores in his third year began to reign, having succeeded Artaxerxes their first King. By the good conduct of Misitheus his Father-in-Law he prospered very well, but he