Q. WHen began the War of Antiochus against the Romans A. In the Year of Rome 562. Q. What made him declare War against them A. He was instigated to it by Annibal who was then a Refugee in his Court. Q. And how came he off A. Having been beaten both by Land and Sea as well by the Consul Lucius Scipio Brother to him sirnamed Africanus as by the Courage and good Conduct of his Brother he was forced to beg a Peace Q. On what Terms was it given him A. That he would quit all the Places on this side Mount Taurus Q. Did not Lucius Scipio for this Exploit merit the name of Asiaticus A. You are in the right The second Macedonian War The Year of the World 3883. Of Rome 583. Q. WHat did Philip King of Macedonia do all this while A. He wholly employ'd himself in making Preparations for a new War Q. Had this Philip any Children A. He had two whose names were Perses and Demetrius This last was given in Hostage to the Romans who entertain'd him very respectfully Q. Were there no Divisions between the Brothers A. Yes and so managed that their Father Philip put Demetrius to death whom the Jealousy of Perses and the kind Treatment he receiv'd at Rome had render'd suspicious to him Q. What was the Consequence of all this A. The year following Perses who inherited the hatred and designs of his Father against the Romans declared War against them Q. What was the Success of this War A. Aemilius the Roman General entirely defeated Perses in the Year 586. Q How many Macedonians lost their lives upon this occasion A. There were Thirty thousand of them slain Q. How did this War conclude A. With the final destruction of the Kingdom of Macedonia Q. Did Perses continue there A. No he engag'd himself in the Interests of Gentius King of Illyrium who met with the same dâ—stiny Q. How did that happen A. He was overcome by Anicius the Praetor and the same year both Anicius and Aemilius triumph'd at Rome one over Gentius and the other over Perses and each King marched before the Chariot of his Conqueror Q. In what year did this fall out A. In the year 587 of Rome Thus Macedonia and Illyrium were reduced into the form of Provinces Q. After these mighty Victories no body I suppose thought it dishonourable to submit to the Romans A. No for after the Defeat of Antiochus and the Reduction of Macedonia several Kings and Nations strove and were ambitious to be under their Protection Q. Among these Kings were there not some that show'd themselves more forward than the rest A. There were two Eumenes King of Asia and Prusias King of Bithynia sirnamed the Hunter but Eumenes was suspected of some under-hand dealing Q. What was that A. To have secretly favour'd the Party of Perses Q. What method did he take to clear himself of this Suspicion A. He sent his Brother Attalus to Rome who had bâ—gg'd his Brother's Kingdom for himself if a Physician appointed to bear him company in this Journey had not hinder'd his design Q. And what did Prusias on his side to engage the Romans to support him A. He scandalously flatter'd them having caus'd some Medals to be coin'd in Honour of the Senate which he treated as a Divinity and the Senators whom he call'd his Tutelar gods The Third Punic War The Year of the World 3905. Of Rome 605. Q WHen did this Third Punic War begin A. In the year of Rome 605. Q. What gave occasion to it A. 'T was because the Carthaginians violated the Articles of Peace and declar'd War against Massinissa who was an Ally of the Romans Q. And what Resolutions did the Senate make hereupon A. 'T was unanimously decreed to follow the advice of Cato the Censor which was to destroy the City of Carthage entirely Q. And to effect it what Measures were tâ—ken A. Censorinus and Manilius the Consuls marched directly to the City Q. What did the Carthaginians to avert the Storm A. They sent Deputies to them to know what Satisfaction it was they demanded Q. What answer was return'd them A. That it was the Will and Pleasure of the Senate that they should demolish their City even to the Foundations and remove themselves at least Ten Miles from the Sea Q. So harsh a Proposition how did it relish with the high spirits of the Carthaginians A. It possess'd them with so vigorous an Indignation that they made a much greater Resistance than could be expected from so feeble an Enemy Q. And what was the Result of all A. In the fourth year of this War Carthage was taken by Publius Cornelius Scipio who burnt and wholly destroy'd it The War of Corinth The Year of the World 3907. Of Rome 607. Q FOR what reason did the Romans declare War against the People of Corinth A. Because of their ill treatment of the Roman Ambassadors as also because they brought over the Achaeans to their own Party Q. How did their Affairs succeed A. They were defeated by the Praetor Metellus in two Battels near the Thermopylae and in Phocis in the year of Rome 607. Q. And what was the destiny of Corinth A. Mummius the Consul after he had made himself Master of all Achaia order'd Corinth the Capital City of that Nation to be burnt down to the ground Q. What remarkable matter happen'd in the burning of it A. Different Metals being melted together accidentally form'd the famous Corinthian Brass on which the Romans set a higher value than Silver and which in succeeding times was imitated by a mixture of several Metals on which they bestow'd the same name The War of Portugal The Year of the World 3908. Of Rome Q. WHO occasion'd the War of Portugal A. A Prince whose name was Viriatus who had usurp'd the Sovereignty of that Country Q. By whom was that Country retaken A. By Quintus Fabius Q. What did they do to Viriatus A. They made a Peace with him Q. And after the Treaty was ratified what became of him then A. The year following Cepio the Consul without having any regard to the Treaty fell suddenly upon Viriatus and treacherously put him to death The Destruction of Numantia The Year of the World 3913. Of Rome 613. Q. WHEN did the Ruin of Numantia begin A. Sixteen years after that of Carthage the very same Scipio who had destroy'd that famous City and thence acquir'd the name of Africanus went to besiege Numantia Q. What incited Scipio to be angry with them A. The Numantians had refus'd to surrender to the Romans some Rebels who had taken shelter among them Q. And how did they behave themselves A. Tho they were inferior in number to the Enemy yet for Nine years together they resisted the whole Power of Rome nay they fatigu'd and harass'd two or three of their Armies Q. But at last how went their Affairs A. Scipio the Destroyer of Carthage having sat down before the Town shut up the
not vanquish that of the Enemies altho it lay in their Power There happen'd several little Mutinies that don't deserve to be particularly mention'd Q. Give me some instance of the Distrust or Jealousy of the Romans A. They were so jealous of having the least Invasion made upon their Liberty that they often sent the most Illustrious of the Nobility into Banishment whenever they suspected that they design'd to arrogate too much Power to themselves Q. Pray give me an Example of it A. There was in the first place Coriolanus banish'd for having served them too well and Camillus was sent abroad for the same reason Q. Wherefore do they say Camillus was exiled A. Because the People were possest with an imagination that this Great Man had not equitably divided the Booty taken from the Vejentes between them and the Army so they believed he had a design to secure himself of the Hearts of the Soldiers in order to enslave the People Q. Give me one other Demonstration I beseech you that the Romans were so jealous of their Liberty A. They put Spurius Cassius and Sparius Melius to Death because they suspected them the first for endeavouring to revive the Lex Agraria the second for his Largesses or Donatives to the People Q. Who kill'd Spurius Cassius A. 'T was his own Father that executed Justice upon him and as for the other Servilius Ahala General of the Horse kill'd him in the midst of the Forum by the order of Quintius Cincinnatus Q. And Manlius how died he A. He was thrown headlong from the top of that very Capitol which he had so generously defended Q. For what reason A. Because he had deliver'd several poor Debtors from the Clutches of their Creditors 't was observ'd he carried himself too high and did not contain himself within the Bounds of a private Citizen Q. How many Roman Generals do you observe there were that kill'd the Generals of the Enemies Army with their own hands A. Three viz Romulus who kill'd Acron King of the Cecinians Cornelius Cossus who kill'd Tolumnius King of the Vejentes and Marcellus who slew Viridomarus King of the Insubrian Gauls Q. Recount to me the Action of Curtius A. In the Year 395. a Gulf appear'd in the middle of the Forum and as 't was impossible to fill it up altho they threw in never so much Wood and Stones and Earth they had recourse to the Augars Q. And what Answer did they give them A. That it would never close again till the most precious thing in Rome was thrown into it Now as they were strangely perplex'd to find it out Marcus Curtius mounted on Horseback and all in Armour rode into it saying That nothing was more precious than Arms and Military Virtue Q. What was the design of Catiline's Conspiracy A. To kill Cicero who was Consul to set the City on Fire at the four Corners to Plunder and make themselves Masters of it but this Plot was happily discovered Q. Who were concern'd in this Affair A. Lentulus and Cethegus and several other Senators Q. After this Conspiracy was discover'd what became of Catiline A. He was condâ—mn'd to depart out of Rome so he withdrew towards his Army Q. What was done to the other Conspirators A. They were all put to Death Q. What became of Catiline at last A. He was defeated and his Army cut in pieces by Petreius Lieutenant to Antonius the Consul and himself kill'd upon the place A Chronological Table of the Emperors of Rome From Julius Caesar to Augustus IN the Year 705 of Rome 4005 of the World Iulius Caesar made himself Emperor and was Assassinated in the Senate on the Day of the Ides of March in the Year 710. He was perpetual Dictator but Three Years Four Months and Six Days Augustus took the Empire in the Year 711 of Rome and in 724. after the Death of Marc Anthony he was sole Emperor and thus held the Empire Fifty seven years and the Monarchy Forty three years He died in the Fourteenth year of the Christian Aera Anno Dom. Roman Emperors who Reign'd Years Months Days 14 Tiberius 22 6  37 Caligula 3 10 8 41 Claudius 13 8 20 54 Nero 13 7 28 68 Galba  6 7 69 Otho  3 5 69 Vitellius  8 5 69 Vespasian 10   79 Titus 2 2 2 81 Domitian 15  6 These are commonly call'd the XII Caesars Here follows the Catalogue of the rest Anno Dom. Roman Emperors who Reign'd Years Months Days 96 Nerva 1 4 11 98 Trajan 19 6 15 117 Adrian 20 11  138 Antoninus Pius 22 6  161 Marcus Aurelius Antoninus 19  10 161 L. Verus 9   180 Commodus 12 9 14 199 Pertinax  2 26 193 Iulianus  2 5 193 Severus 17 8 3 211 Caracalla and Geta 6 2 5 217 Macrinus and his Son 1 2  218 Heliogabalus 3 9 4 222 Alexander 13  9 235 Maximin and his Son 2   238 Pupienus and Balbinus  10  238 The Gordiani 6   244 Philip and his Son 5   249 Decius and his Son 3   251 Gallus and Volusian his Son 2 4  254 Valerian 6   259 Galienus 8   268 Claudius II. 2   270 Aurelian 5   270 Quintillus   15 275 Tacitus  6 6 275 Florianus  3  276 Probus 6 4  282 Carus 1   282 Numerian slain in the Year 284.    282 Carinus slain in 285    284 Diocletian 20   285 Maximian 18   304 Galerius and Constantius 2 3 25 306 Constantine the Great 30 9 27 337 Constantine Constance and Constantius Brothers 25 5 13 361 Iulian the Apostate 1 7 27 363 Iovian  7 22 364 Valentinian the Great  8 22 375 Gratian 7 9 12 383 Valentinian II. 8 8 21 392 Theodosius the Great  8 22 395 Honorius 28 7  Julius Caesar the first Roman Emperor The Year of the World 4005. Of Rome 705. Q. I Desire to be instructed in the Pedigree of Caesar A He was descended of one of the most Ancient Families of Rome by his Mother's side and of the Kings of that City by his Father's Q. What was his Mother's Name A. Aurelia Q. Under whom did he learn the Art-Military A. Under Marius Q. Where did he first carry Arms A. In Asia Q. What sort of a Reputation had he there A. A very bad one occasion'd by his Lewdness Q. To whom did he particularly apply himself A. To Pompey and Crassus as being the most capable to advance his fortune by reason of the great Interest they had in the Commonwealth Q. What was the first Office he was call'd to A. To be Aedile with Bibulus Q. What was the next A. He was Censor and Pontifex Maximus under the Consulate of Cicero Q. When was he made Praetor A. The year following Q. At his going out of the
many Ships were there on both sides A. Caesar had Four hundred but Anthony had no more than Two hundred Q. On which side fell the Victory A. In the midst of the Engagement when as yet the Success on both sides was equal enough on the sudden Cleopatra possess'd with fear flies towards Egypt which Anthony perceiving leaves the Battel to run after this Fugitive tho no less a stake than the Empire of the World depended upon it But Caesar pursued him and laid Siege to Alexandria Q. What became of Anthony A. Finding himself irrecoverably lost he kill'd himself Q. And Cleopatra how came she off A. Having resolv'd not to adorn the Triumphs of Caesar she follows Anthony's Example and stings her self to Death with Serpents Q. At what time was Caesar the Master of the whole World A. In the year of Rome 725 and the 12 th year after the Triumvirate Q. Did not our Blessed Saviour come into the world under the Reign of Augustus A. Some Chronologers place his Birth 15 years before the death of Augustus the 3985 th year after the Creation of the world and the 753 d. from the Foundation of Rome in the Consulate of Cornelius Lentulus and Calpurnius Piso But others that have examin'd the matter more exactly place it under the Consulate of Antistius Verus and Laelius Balbus in the year of Rome 747 and the 38 th year of Augustus Q. Had Augustus no Sons to bequeath his Empire to A. No. Q. To whom did he leave it then A. He adopted Tiberius the Son of his Wife Livia and at her importunity made him Heir of the Empire upon condition that he should adopt Germanicus the Son of Drusus Q. How long did he reign A. Fifty seven years he possessed the Empire and held the Monarchy or single Government by himself Forty three years He died at Nola in Campania in Italy Q. How many Wives had Augustus A. Three Claudia Scribonia and Livia Drusilla Q. Had he no Children by Scribonia A. He had Iulia a Lady of no extraordinary Reputation Q. Who was Claudia A. Daughter-in-Law to Anthony whom his Wife Fulvia had by her former Husband Claudius Q Whom of the Three did he most passionately love A. Livia Drusilla Q. After what manner did he marry her A. He took her from her Husband Tiberius and married her tho she was big with child Q. What do Historians particularly remark of Augustus A. That he was of so sweet a Temper that when a certain person came to presâ—nt a Petition to him and as he offer'd it shew'd a great deal of Fear he pleasantly reproach'd him saying That he tender'd him a Paper after the same manner as people use to give meat to Elephants Q. And don't they observe that he was a great Admirer of the Fair Sex A. As he particularly lov'd them his Empress was so complaisant to him as to furnish him with them from all Quarters Q. Who were his most intimate Friends A. Agrippa and Maecenas Q. What was the latter remarkable for A. He was descended from the Kings of Etruria and was a most Munificent Patron to all the celebrated Wits of that Age particularly to Virgil and Horace Q. What is it that Historians remark farther concerning him A. 'T was observ'd of him that when the Affairs of State requir'd Application and Diligence no one could be more industrious than he At other times when he had no business upon his hands he wholly abandon'd himself to all sorts of Pleasure and Effeminacy From these two qualities so remarkable in him his Encouragement of Learning and his Inclination to a Voluptuous Life Maecenas afterwards came to signiâ—y both a Patron and an Effeminate Person Q. When did the Latin Tongue principally flourish A. All are agreed that it arrived to its greatest Purity in the time of Iulius Caesar and Augustus In the following Ages what by adopting too many Greek Words into their Language and what by the continuâ—â— Irruptions of the Northern Nations it sensibly declin'd and about the Sixth Century after our Saviour was totally disus'd at Rome Q. What men of note liv'd in his time A. So many that 't is a difficult matter to recount them To begin with those that writ in Greek at this time flourish'd Diodorus Siculus who spent Thirty years in the Capital City of the World to collect Memoirs for his Historical Library and that most excellent Historian and Critic Dionysius Halicarnassâ—uâ— Then Titus Livius born at Padua whose Wit Seneca says was equal to the Greatness of the Roman Empire Virgil the Prince of Epic Hâ—race of Lyric Ovid of Elegiac Poetry Cornellus Gallus Tibullus and Propertius with several more of eminent Note too numerous to be here inserted all lived in his time In short never did the Roman Arms and Eloquence with all the Inferior Sciences as Musick Statuary Painting c so universally triumph as they did in the Augustean Age. Q. Did Augustus make any progress in the reducing of Britain A. He wholly neglected it either because he believ'd it would scarce answer the Expence or because he thought it not adviseable to enlarge the Limits of the Roman Empire but contentâ—d himself with those which Nature had prescribed to it viz. the Ocean the Rhine and the Euphrates Q. Was not the Temple of Ianus shut in his time A. All Authors agree That it was now the third time shut by Augustus in the year 730 after it had been the first time shut by Numa and the second time a little after the first Punic War Q. What was the greatest Loss he sustain'd A. Quintilius Varus had Three Legions cut in pieces by the Germans under their General Arminius which so disturbed him that he was often heard to say Quintili Vare redde mihi Legiones Q. Had he any inclinations to be intemperate A. No for in his greatest Debauches he never exceeded his Six Glasses and as for eating he sate any where down to Dinner let the place be never so homely if he had an appetite Q. Was he not superstitious A. Yes and when it thunder'd of which he was strangely afraid he generally carried the Skin of a Sea-calf to preserve himself Q. How did he respect his Son-in-Law Agrippa and the two Iulia's the Mother and the Daughter A. He used to wish That he could have lived without Wives and died without Children whom he frequently call'd his Three Imposthumes Q. What sort of a Man was he A. His Hair was white and somewhat frizzled his Complexion brown but clear and smooth his Eyebrows arched and almost join'd a Roman Nose his Mouth well made small Teeth but somewhat spoil'd and a short Chin his Eyes black and great a little greenish and full of fire His Body was marked with small spots his Stature below the common There appear'd in his Face something agreeably Majestic and Charming which deservedly gave him the Name of Augustus and hinder'd a certain Gaul of Quality who had resolv'd to throw him
Constantius contented himself with Britain and Gaul and Galerius had the rest of the Roman Empire for his share Q. What did Galerius do when he found himself unable to support so weighty a Charge A. He associated Severus and Maximin with himself whom he created Caesars Q. What Governments did he bestow upon them A. He gave the Government of Italy to Severus that of the East to Maximin and as for his own share he contented himself with Illyrium Q. What was Constantius's Character A. He was of an agreeable sweet and merciful Disposition but as for Galerius he was of a quite contrary temper he declared himself a mortal Enemy of the Christians and massacred a whole Town of them in Phrygia nay he would have fain engaged Constantius to persecute them Q. What Judgments did these Cruelties draw down upon his head A. God permitted him to be seized by an infamous and nasty Disease during which he saw himself devour'd alive by Worms and so died Q. How did Constantius behave himself A. Making as if he really design'd to persecute the Christians he commanded all the Officers of his Houshold who were Christians to change their Religion otherwise they should lose their Places Q. And were any of them so faint-hearted and wavering as to prefer the renouncing of their Religion before the loss of their Employments A. Several of them were so but the Emperor sent them away with disgrace saying That those who were not true to their God would never be faithful to their Prince Q. How did he treat those that continued firm in their Religion A. He kept them still in his Service and highly commended their Fidelity Q. How long did Constantius possess the Empire A. Two years after which he died at York between the Arms of his Son Constantine the Great Q. Whom did Constantius leave his Successor behind him A. His Son Constantine the Great who signalized himself exceedingly by his Courage and a thousand noble Actions Q. Wherein did he particularly distinguish himself from his Predecessors A. In that he was the first Emperor that embraced the Christian Faith Constantine the Great the Forty sixth Emperor The Year of Rome 1046. Of the Birth of I. C. 306. Q. WHO was the Mother of Constantine the Great A. Hâ—lena whom some Historians make a British Woman but with what probability let the Learned judge Q. Why was the Sirname of Great conferr'd upon him A. For his great Exploits and Performances in War He was the first Christian Emperor Q. What happen'd to him in the course of his life A. The news of his being Emperor having arrived at Rome Maxentius the Son of that Herculius who had renounced the Empire was elected and proclaimed Emperor Q. How did Maxentius behave himself in the beginning of his Reign A. At first he seem'd to favour the Christians in order to bring them over to his Party by this means but he did not treat them long after this manner for he persecuted them with a thousand cruelties and render'd himself odious by abundance of other Crimes Q. What was the consequence of these Barbarities A. He was defeated by Constantine the Great and God who was pleas'd by a Miracle to draw this mighty Prince to the true Faith shew'd him a Cross in the Air to convince this Victorious Emperor that it was the Crucified Jesus who made him triumph over the Tyrant Maxentius Q. What did Constantine do after this A. He gave his Sister in marriage to Licinius who requited him very ill for this Honour for without any provocation he declared war against him nor was so advantageous an Alliance able to make him live in good Terms with Constantine Q. How came he off at last A. He was defeated but his Wife by her continual intercession obtain'd of Constatnine that he should not be put to death for his Crimes Q. And did Constantine yield to his Sister's Intreaties A. Yes and was contented only with their banishing him to Thessalonica Q. Did Licinius continue long without attempting to make some disturbance A. No for the next year he rais'd new Commotions and in this second Sedition was kill'd in the place of his Exile Q. What had Constantine to do after he had put an end to these Civil Wars A. He had enough to manage his own Family where he had some Affairs that gave him abundance of uneasy moments and sensibly touched him Q. What happen'd to him there A. Fausta the Wife of this great Prince became passionately in love even to madness with Crispus who was Caesar and Son to Constantine by his first Wife and attempted by her Caresses to induce him to answer her Brutal Passion Q. How did she succeed in her Amours A. She tried all efforts but vainly to debauch this young Prince who possess'd as great a share of Virtue as he did of Beauty Q. What courses did this Woman take finding her self so despised A. Her love being changed into hatred carried her to those extremities against this innocent Prince that she accus'd him before the Emperor with a design to force her Q. What credit did this Accusation find A. She had authority enough with the Emperor to be believed and Crispus though wholly guiltless of the matter was condemned to die whiâ—h was accordingly executed Q. And did this Wickedness continue long unpunished A. No for the young Prince's Innocence was discover'd some time after and then Constantine by way of Retaliation justly put the Empress to death Q. What glorious things did Constantine do in his Reign A. He enriched and adorned Ann. Dom. 336. the City of Constantinople which took its new Name from him but before was called Byzantium so magnificently with the Spoils of his Enâ—mies that it went by the name of New Rome as the Country of Thrace where it stands still goes by the name of Romelia Q. What warlike Exploits did this Prince perform A. He defeated his Enemies and particularly overthrew the Sarmatians in several parts of the Roman Empire Q. Did he live any long time after his Conquests A. No he died on Whitsunday in the Year of our Lord 337. in the Suburbs of Nicomedia where he had received Baptism Q. From whose hands did he receive Baptism A. He was baptized by Pope Sylvester Q Was not the Nicene Council celebrated in his Reign A. Arius a Presbyter of Alexandria having denied the Divinity of our Blessed Saviour Constantine to oppose the farther spreading of this Heresy in the Year 325. summons a Council of Bishops which consisted in all of Three hundred and eighteen to meet at Nice a City of Bithynia where they made Arius recant his impious Doctrine and compiled the Nicene Crâ—ed Q. What other remarkable things happen'd in his time A. His Mother Helena a woman of much piety but mixt with a great deal of Superstition which now began openly to infect the Church is reported to have found tâ—e very Cross on which J.C. suffered In memory of which Invention
Temples of the Heathens to be open'd and having renounced the Faith he assumed the Title of Pontifex Maximus Nor was this all for the more to vex the Christians he made scandalous condescentions to the Iews and began to erect a Temple for them at Ierusalem which he was obliged soon to leave off for Globes of Fire breaking out from under the Foundations disturbed the Workmen as Ammianus Marcellinus a Pagan Writer witnesses Q. What befel him upon this A. He became the Laughter and Contempt of the People of Antioch Q. What course did he take to revenge the Affronts they put upon him A. He writ a Satyric Letter upon this occasion call'd the Misopogan or Beard-hater Q. Upon whom did Iulian make war A. Upon the Persians but having after the second Battel insolently refused to comply with the just Articles of Peace which they offer'd him and burnt the Ships that followed him and carried Provisions for the Army he was surrounded on all sides by the Enemy Q. What became of him at last A. He had the mortification to find himself cut off from all hopes of Assistance and was wounded by an Arrow in the Fight but 't was never known from what side it came Q. Did he say any thing as he was dying A. He desperately took out a handful of Blood which gushed from the Wound and throwing it up into the Air cry'd out Vieisti Galilaee O Galilean thou hast at last overcome me Q. What did he mean by these words A. That our Blessed Saviour whom he had so often provoked by his Sacriledges and other indignities and whom now he found to his cost to be the great Judge of the Universe would take a full vengeance for the Crimes and Blasphemies he had uttered against his Sacred Person Q. What sort of a man was Iulian the Apostate A. He had sparkling Eyes a stern wandring Countenance a straight Nose his Mouth somewhat of the biggest a slit in his under Lip a thick Beard which he wore picked his Shoulders large and moving his Head hanging down which he always turned on one and t'other side he walked very fast although he was but little and made a great noise when he laughed How great a Warrier he was the Alemans Franks and Saxons whom he overcame do testify and his remaining Works are undeniable proofs of his Wit and Ingenuity Jovian the Forty Ninth Emperor The Year of Rome 1103. Of the Birth of I. C. 363. Q. WHO was proclaimed Emperor after the death of Iulian the Apostate A. Iovian the Son of Count Varronianus Q. Whom did he marry A. Charitas the Daughter of Lucillianus by whom he had a Son named Varro whom he made Consul Q. What do Historians tell us of this Prince A. That he was a handsome well-shaped man illustrious for his Birth but more for his Piety Q. What did he principally apply himself to in the beginning of his Reign A. To draw the Souldiers from Superstition He commanded Jesus Christ to be adored by all those Soldiers who had abandon'd his worship Q. Was he engaged in any Wars A. No for in the condition he found the Army after the defeat and death of Iulian he was obliged to make a Truce of Thirty years with Sapores to whom he yielded the greatest part of Mesopotamia Q. Did he live a long time after this A. No he died of a sickness in the Thirty third year of his Age after he had reigned 7 months 22 days Q. What particular things were done in his Reign A. He generally cancell'd all the Edicts of the Apostate which were favourable to the Pagans he restored to the Faithful and to the Churches all their Goods their Honours their Revenues and their Priviledges Valentinian the Great the Fiftieth Emperor The Year of Rome 1104. Of the Birth of I. C. 364. Q. WHO was named Emperor after the death of Iovian A. The Army chose Valentinian Emperor at Nice because in Iulian's time he had preferr'd his Religion to his Preferment Q. What did he do as soon as he saw himself possess'd of the Imperial Throne A. He made his Brother Valens his Partner in the Empire and gave him the Government of the East Q. What part did he reserve for himself A. The West Q. What sort of a man was Valentinian A. He was a very virtuous Prince and a strict observer of Justice very ingenious and a religious keeper of his word Q. With whom did he make war A. With the Saxons and Sarmatians whom he defeated and oblig'd them to demand a Peace by their Ambassadors whom they sent to him Q. And what said Valentinian to them A. He fell into such a fit of anger to which he was always very subject that he was seized with an Apoplexy Q. Did he dye of it A. Yes in Hungary being fifty five years old Q How many years did he reign A. Twelve years Q. Was he baptized before his death A. No nevertheless he did not forbear to give sensible proofs of the Religion he profess'd and commanded the Pagan Temples to be shut Valens the Fifty first Emperor The Year of Rome 1104. Of the Birth of I. C. 364. Q. WHat Enemy had Valens to fight with in the beginning of his Empire A. Procopius who was related to Iulian and was his greatest Enemy Q. Did Valens make War against him A. The dispute between them was bloody but at the upshot Valens defeated Procopius took him prisoner and put him to death Q. What other Wars was he involved in A. He had a continual war with the Goths till their King Athanaricus having begg'd a Peace of him he granted it and afterwards kindly entertain'd him at such time as being persecuted by the Hunns he came to desire this Emperor's Protection who setled him in Thrace Q. How did the Goths behave themselves at that time A. Not being able to bear the insufferable Avarice of Lupicinus their Governour they took up Arms against the Romans ◠invaded Thrace Q. What memorable things happen'd in the course of this War A. Valens fell into the hands of his Enemies who burnt him in a Cottage Q. How old was he when this Accident befel him A. He was fifty years old and had reign'd fourteen years and four months Q. What Qualities were observable in him A. He had both good and bad ones He was choleric cruel and envious The Arian Heresy with which he was infected corrupted all his other good Inclinations Q. What Learned men flourished in his time A. Gregory and Basil who had contracted a friendship in their Youth at Athens where they follow'd their Studies The former born at Nazianzum in Cappadocia from whence Sirnamed Nazianzenus The other born in Pontus and afterwards made Bishop of Caesaréa Q. What Acts of Cruelty did he ever commit A. He put all people to death who had the curiosity to know the name of his Successor and being inform'd that the first Letters of his Name were to begin with
was found dead in his Tent after a terrible Tempest Q. To what did the Romans ascribe his Death A. To the Divine Vengeance for endeavouring to carry his Victories beyond Ctesiphon because there was an Ancient Oracle which forbad the Romans to extend their Empire beyond that Capital City of the Persians Numerianus the Forty second Emperor The Year of Rome 1022. Of the Birth of I. C. 282. Q. WAS not Numerianus mightily concern'd for his Father's Death A. He was so afflicted at it that the Tears he shed incessantly upon this occasion so far injur'd his Eyesight that he was forced to be carried in a close Litter because he could not endure the light Q. What became of him at last A. His Father-in-Law Aper who was Captain of the Guards and had an Ambition to be Emperor got him to be assassinated in this Litter Q. Did not Aper take care to conceal his death from the Army A. That the Soldiers might not have the least suspicion of the matter he accompanied the Litter as if the Emperor had been still alive in it Q. What Answer did he give those persons that asked to see him A. That the Emperor had given Orders not to let the Litter be open'd because the Day-light extremely incommoded his eyes Q. Who commanded the Army all this while in the Emperor's Name A. Aper who by this means pretended to possess himself soon of the Empire but the noisom smell of the dead body discover'd his Villany and gave occasion to Diocletian one of the Principal Officers of the Army to kill him upon the spot Q. And did this Action please the Army A. They liked it so well that they immediately with one common consent proclaim'd him Emperor without considering that they had another Lawful Emperor still living Q. Who was he A. Carâ—nus the Brother of Numerianus Carinus the Forty third Emperor The Year of Rome 1022. Of the Birth of I. C. 282. Q. WHere was Carinus when he heard that his Father was dead and his Brother Numerianus assassinated A. He was then in Gaul where he minded nothing else but satisfying his Brutal Appetite Q. Was he not surprized when he receiv'd advice that Diocletian was proclaim'd Emperor and was marching towards him to dispute the Legality of his Title A. Yes and immediately made a Truce with his Vices to go and fight him Q. Where was the Battel fought A. In Moesia a Province of Asia Minor Q. Which side got the better on 't A. Carinus had obtain'd the Victory but as he pursued the Enemy in their flight he was assassinated by a Collonel of his own Army Q. For what Provocation A. Because he had formerly abused this Collonel's Wife Q. When did this happen A. In the Year of J. C. 285. after he had reign'd Three Years Diocletian and Maximian making together the Forty fourth Emperor The Year of Rome 1024. Of the Birth of I. C. 284. Q. WHere was Diocletian born A. In Dalmatia of very obscure Parentage but he prov'd a man of great Generosity Q. What was foretold concerning him A. That he should be made Emperor as soon as he had slain a Boar upon which account he kill'd several in hunting but to no purpose At last when he had slain Aper the Captain of the Guards he saw that was the Boar he was to kill for which reason he cried out aloud I have kill'd the Boar and the Army proclaim'd him Emperor Q. After the Imperial Purple was thus conferr'd upon him how did he manage Affairs A. Finding the Empire was invaded on every side and that himself alone was not able to oppose the Violence of the Barbarians he took his old Friend Maximian an ill-bred clownish sort of a Brute but a good Soldier his Partner in the Empire Q. What did these two do in conjunction A. They chose each of them Constantius Chlorus and Galerius to command their Armies Q. What method did they take to engage them more strongly in their Interests A. They created them Caesars and afterwards obliging them to be divorced from their Wives Diocletian gave his Daughter Valeria to Galerius and Maximian his Daughter Theodora to Constantius Q. These two Emperors and two Caesars were they successful in their Wars A. They were so fortunate in all their Attempts against the Enemies of the Empire that they obtain'd as many Victories as they fought Battels and after they had spent ten years thus in their Wars crown'd with Glory and Success they entred all four Triumphantly into Rome where Diocletian caused himself to be call'd Iovianus and Maximian took the Title of Herculianus Q. After these two Great Men had made themselves absolute Masters of the Empire what is it that Historians tell us they did A. To the great amazement of all the world both of them voluntarily quitted the Empire Diocletian at Nicomedia and Maximian at Milan Q. Where did Diocletian pass his Retirement A. At Salonae a small City of Dalmatia the place of his Nativity where he spent the remainder of his life in cultivating his Gardens Q. And where did Maximian live privately A. In Lucania Q. How long did they reign A. Diocletian reign'd almost Twenty Years and Maximian Eighteen Q. Was not Diocletian a cruel Persecutor of the Christians A. Out of an implacable Malice to the Professors of that Religion he design'd to extirpate them utterly out of the world and what by the Cruelty of his Edicts the Bigotry of his Ministers and the barbarous Variety of his Torments made a greater havock of them than any of his Predecessors In Egypt only a Hundred and fourteen thousand are said to be put to death and Seven hundred thousand sent into Banishment The Thebaean Legion together with their Commander Mauritius were cut off by Maximian but this relation by some Modern Critics is look'd upon to be Fabulous Q Was not Maximian soon weary of this retired life A. Yes and being desirous to leave it in order to reassume the Imperial Dignity he earnestly importunes Diocletian to remedy those Evils which Constantius and Galerius had occasion'd by their ill conduct Q. What answer did Diocletian return him A. Showing him the Coleworts growing in his Garden he told him he took a greater pleasure to plant them than to govern the Empire Q. What courses did Maximian take finding himself despised and neglected by all the world A. He withdrew to his Daughter who was the Wife of Constantius and endeavouring to engage her to poison her own Husband she discover'd his Perfidiousness to Constantius who caus'd him to be slain Galerius and Constantius making together the Forty fifth Emperor The Year of Rome 1044. Of the Birth of I. C. 304. Q. WHen were Galerius and Constantius proclaimed Emperors A. They did not take possession of the Empire till Diocletian and Maximian had abdicated Q. What were they before they were advanced to that Honour A. They were only Caesars Q. How did they divide the Empire between them A.