Read the _Histories_ of Theophylact,[261] prefect and imperial
secretary, in eight books. He was an Egyptian by birth. His style
is not without grace, but owing to his excessive use of figurative
expressions and allegorical ideas is frigid and shows a puerile
lack of taste; further, his frequently ill-timed insertion of moral
sentiments betrays a fondness for excessive and superfluous display.
In other respects he is less deserving of censure. The history begins
with the reign of Maurice, and goes down to the accession of Phocas.
In the first book he gives an account of the proclamation of Maurice
by the emperor Tiberius as his successor at the time when John was
patriarch of Constantinople. Tiberius bestowed good advice upon
Maurice through the mouth of John the quaestor, who was deputed to
address Maurice and the people in place of the emperor. Tiberius
betrothed his daughter to Maurice and died the day after the
proclamation. Just before his death, he saw a vision and heard
a voice saying, “Thus saith the Trinity to thee, O Tiberius; the
tyrannous times of impiety shall not come during thy reign.” These
words were a prediction of the tragedy of the impious and tyrannical
reign of the accursed Phocas. Maurice made peace with the Avars,
who a little time before had laid siege to Sirmium, and agreed to
pay the barbarians 80,000 pieces of gold yearly in consignments
of garments and money. The treaty was kept for two years, but was
broken owing to the greed of the barbarians, who demanded 20,000
more pieces of gold. This led to the rupture of the truce: Singidum,
Augusta, and Viminacium were taken by the barbarians and Anchialus
besieged. Elpidius and Comentiolus, who were sent as ambassadors from
Rome to the chagan[262] of the Avars, were treated with insult on
the ground that Comentiolus had spoken too freely to the barbarian.
In the following year Elpidius was again sent to the chagan with
an offer to pay the additional 20,000 pieces of gold, and returned
to Byzantium with Targitius, the representative of the Avars, to
ratify the agreement. After the barbarians had plundered much Roman
territory, Targitius was banished to the island of Chalcis for six
months. Comentiolus was afterwards appointed to command against the
Slavs, and greatly distinguished himself. The chagan again violated
the truce on account of the affair of Boukolobras[263] the magian,
and many Roman towns were devastated.
The battle between the Romans and Persians at the river Nymphius and
the marriage of Maurice and Constantina, the daughter of Tiberius,
are next described. Then the fire that broke out in the forum at
the beginning of Maurice’s reign; the execution of Paulinus and the
miracle of the basin of Glyceria the martyr;[264] how the patriarch
John, when the emperor seemed inclined to leniency, himself insisted
that the magician should be given over to the flames, appealing
to the words of the apostle; how Paulinus and his son, who had
taken part in the crime, were put to death.[265] The affair of the
fortresses of Aphumon and Acbas. The battle between the Romans
and Persians, and how John was defeated by the cunning of the
barbarians. The great earthquake which took place at the beginning of
Maurice’s reign, and an account of his consulship. The appointment of
Philippicus, the husband of the emperor’s sister, to be commander in
the East, and his valiant deeds. The withdrawal of the Romans from
Media, during which the army suffered greatly from want of water.
How Philippicus handed over the district of Arzanene to his army to
plunder; the bravery of the Romans. The devastation of the country
round Martyropolis by the Persians, and their first and second
embassy to the Romans. Such is the contents of the first book.
The second book describes mount Izala; the haughtiness of
Cardarigan[266] the Persian commander; the battle between the Romans
under Philippicus and the Persians under Cardarigan at Arzamon; how
Philippicus, carrying the image “not made with hands” marched through
the camp and consecrated the army; how the Romans won a glorious
victory; how the image was sent with all due reverence to Simeon,
bishop of Amida. The territory of the barbarians plundered by the
Romans; Cardarigan flees for refuge to Daras, but the inhabitants
refuse to admit him for having been defeated. How a Roman soldier
belonging to the Quarto-Parthian legion (as those were called who
were quartered at Beroea in Syria) was brought into camp dying
of wounds. The expedition of the Romans against Azarnene, and
the desertion of its commanders Maruthas and Iobius (Jovius) to
Philippicus. The private forces raised by Cardarigan to deceive the
Romans. The marvellous escape of Heraclius (father of Heraclius
who was afterwards emperor), who was sent by Philippicus on a
reconnoitring expedition. Zabertas the Persian and the abandonment of
the siege of Chlomaron by the Romans. The headlong and unintelligible
flight of Philippicus, and the subsequent confusion in the Roman
army. Philippicus attacked by disease and the command taken over by
Heraclius. The Roman vice-commander attacks the Southern Persians
and at the beginning of spring the Romans invade Persian territory.
Comentiolus sets out against the Avars, having under him Martin and
Castus, who distinguished themselves against the enemy. Castus taken
prisoner. Ansimuth, commander of the infantry in Thrace, captured by
the Avars, who overrun Thrace. Comentiolus hesitates to attack the
enemy; speeches for and against at a council of war. A false alarm,
which also spread to the ranks of the enemy, frustrates Comentiolus’s
plan of attacking the chagan. How a soldier named Busas, who had
been captured by the enemy while hunting and left to his fate by
his countrymen, taught the barbarians to make siege-engines. The
unsuccessful siege of Beroea and Diocletianopolis by the chagan.
The emperor Maurice insulted by the Byzantine mob because of the
calamities brought upon Europe by the ravages of the barbarians.
John, surnamed Mystacon, appointed by Maurice to the command in
Thrace, with Drocton as second in command, who when Adrianople was
besieged by the Avars, attacked them and saved the city. Heraclius
attacks a Persian stronghold. The fortress of Beïudaës taken by the
distinguished valour of Sapir. The return of Philippicus to the
imperial city.
The third book begins with the appointment of Priscus to the command
of the East in place of Philippicus. The latter, jealous of Priscus,
persuades the emperor to announce a reduction of the rations of
the army. Priscus, when he approached the camp, did not get off
his horse, as was the usual custom, in order to salute the army.
This slight and the reduction of their rations caused a mutiny
amongst the soldiers. Priscus then gave the image “made without
hands” to Elifredas[267] and endeavoured to calm the soldiers by
exhibiting it, but they pelted it with stones. Priscus takes refuge
in Constantina, and Germanus against his will is chosen commander by
the army. While these disturbances were taking place, the Persians
greatly harassed the Romans. The emperor accordingly deprived
Priscus of his command and reappointed Philippicus. But the army
mutinied against him also. Constantina is besieged by the Persians
but relieved by Germanus. At the battle of Martyropolis the Romans
gain a brilliant victory over the Persians, their general Maruzas and
3000 being killed, and 1000 taken prisoners. The army is reconciled
to the emperor by the efforts of Aristobulus. Gallantry of the
Roman prisoners in the fortress of Giligerdon. Gregory, patriarch
of Antioch, re-establishes friendly relations between Philippicus
and the army. Martyropolis captured by the Persians owing to the
treachery of Sittas. Philippicus superseded in the command against
Persia by Comentiolus. The Getae or Slavs ravage the borders of
Thrace. Rome takes up arms against the Lombards. Libya[268] defeats
the Maurusii.[269] Under the command of Comentiolus, the Romans
engage the Persians at Sisarbanum near Nisibis; the Romans, fighting
with great bravery, are victorious. Heraclius greatly distinguishes
himself in the engagement. The Persian commander Phraates is slain
and much booty taken from the enemy. The defeat of the Turks by
Baram,[270] who secured great and valuable spoil for king Hormisdas.
Baram then takes up the sword against Suania. The Romans under the
command of Romanus attack Baram and his army, and inflict a severe
defeat upon him. Thereupon, Hormisdas insults Baram by sending him a
woman’s garment; Baram returns the insult by addressing a letter to
Hormisdas as daughter, not son, of Chosroës. The Armenians, prompted
by Symbatius, kill their commander John and prepare to go over to
the Persians. Comentiolus, being sent by the emperor, puts down the
mutiny and carries off Symbatius to Byzantium. He is condemned to be
thrown to the wild beasts, but his life is spared by the clemency of
the emperor. Hormisdas sends Sarames against Baram. Baram defeats
Sarames, causes him to be trampled upon by an elephant, and openly
revolts against the king. Baram, before he meditated revolt, had
become so powerful that he was considered next in rank to the king
and held what the Romans call the office of _curopalates_.[271] The
narrative returns to the events of earlier times, and a brief account
is given of what took place in the reigns of Justin and Tiberius,
of the cruelty of Hormisdas the Persian king, and the origin of the
family. Such is the contents of the third book.
The fourth book relates the spread of civil war amongst the Persians,
their victories and successes during the rule of Baram. The murder
of Pherochanes. Zadespras[272] goes over to the enemy. Hormisdas,
deprived of the throne by Bindoës, is allowed to plead his cause
in chains. After Bindoës has replied, the son of Hormisdas and the
queen are put to death and cut to pieces before his eyes; he himself
is blinded and subsequently beaten to death by order of his son
Chosroës, who was chosen to succeed him. The vigorous rule of Baram.
The flight of Chosroës, king of Persia, to Circensium, whence he
sends a letter and an embassy to the emperor Maurice. How Baram
schemes to get himself made king by the Persians, but, unable to
persuade them to elect him, proclaims himself. The emperor removes
Chosroës to Hierapolis, accompanied by a suite worthy of his rank.
What took place between Baram and Chosroës, before the latter made an
alliance with the Romans. The ambassadors sent by Baram to Maurice
are dismissed, while those of Chosroës are welcomed. The emperor
sends the bishop of Melitene and Gregory, bishop of Antioch, to
Chosroës. The treacherous murder of Baram by Zamerdes, Zoanambes,
and others. Bindoës, who had taken part in the plot against Baram,
flees to Persia. Martyropolis restored by Chosroës to the Romans.
The traitor Sittas burnt to death. The festal oration delivered by
Dometian, bishop of Melitene, on the occasion of the recovery of the
city. Such is the contents of the fourth book.
The fifth book relates how Chosroës, king of the Persians, being
dejected and sick at heart, sends a message to the shrine of Sergius
the martyr,[273] the object of devotion also of the rest of the
barbarians, entreating him to show him a way out of misfortune, and
promising him the gift of a golden cross set with gems. Zadespras
treacherously killed by Rosas at the instigation of Blischames,
and other events favourable to Chosroës. Chosroës gives a bond for
money lent by the emperor Maurice, and sends an embassy requesting
that Comentiolus be dismissed from the command; the appointment of
Narses in his stead, and the alliance with the Romans against the
usurper Baram. The royal gifts sent by Maurice to Chosroës. The
keys of Daras handed over to the emperor by the Persian ambassador
Dol(a)bzas. The speech of Dometian, bishop of Melitene, exhorting
the Romans to make an alliance with Chosroës against Baram. The
successes of Chosroës before the collision between the Romans and
Persians. How Chosroës recovers his throne and the royal treasures
with the aid of Bindoës. Junction of the Roman forces in Armenia and
the East, battle with Baram, and brilliant victory of the Romans. In
this battle, in which Narses was in command, some Turks were taken
prisoners who bore on their foreheads the sign of the cross, which
they declared they had formerly placed there to deliver them from
the ravages of a pestilence. Golinduch the Persian and his severely
ascetic life. The return of Chosroës to his own dominions. The gifts
sent by Chosroës to Sergius the martyr. His petition to the saint
to bestow pregnancy upon his wife Sirem, who was a Christian. His
petition proving successful, he sends valuable gifts to the shrine of
the martyr. Chosroës punishes all those who took part in the revolt
and puts Bindoës to death, as having lifted his hands against the
king. Chosroës predicts that the Romans will revolt against their
tyrannical masters. The embassy of Probus, bishop of Chalcedon, the
portrait of the Mother of God, and what took place at the embassy.
The emperor’s visit to Anchialus in Europe, where he is met by a
portent in the form of a sow. His return to the palace and the
arrival of the embassy of Zalabzas. Such is the contents of the fifth
book.
The sixth book relates how Maurice, setting out from the city, is
overtaken by a violent storm at sea. During his stay at Heraclea, a
monstrous prodigy is born, an infant without hands, eyes, eyebrows,
or eyelids, and a fish’s tail attached to his thigh. The destruction
of the monster. Three Slavs carrying citharae, said to have been sent
from the borders of ocean to the chagan, brought before Maurice.
Bossus and Bettus sent as ambassadors to Maurice by Theodorich,
king of the Franks, proposing an alliance in return for a sum of
money. The proposal rejected. How a large stag, one of a herd, being
wounded flees to a wood and is pursued by one of the bodyguard and
one of the Gepidae. How the former is treacherously slain for the
sake of his golden ornaments by the latter, who is convicted of the
crime a long time afterwards and burnt to death. The expedition
of the Avars against the Romans, the siege of Singidum,[274] the
appointment of Priscus as commander and general of the forces in
Europe. The church of Alexander the martyr at Drizipera set on fire
by the chagan. The Romans shut up in Tzurulum by the chagan. Maurice
cleverly deceives the chagan and forces him to raise the siege. The
embassy of the Avars to the Romans, the defeat of Ardagast,[275] the
affair of Tatimer.[276] The bravery of the tribune Alexander and
the Romans, the massacre of the Slovenes, and their counter-attack
on the Romans. Concerning the monsters born in the queen-city, a
child with four feet, another with two heads. Priscus deprived of
his command for sharing with the Persians the booty taken from the
Slovenes, and succeeded in the European command by Peter. An account
of the learning and shrewdness of Theodore,[277] who was sent as an
ambassador to the chagan by Priscus. Such is the contents of the
sixth book.
The seventh book relates the disturbances amongst the soldiers
and their bravery against the Slavs (or Getae, as they were
formerly called). What happened to Peter and the citizens at the
Thracian city of Asemus. How Pirigastus, the Slovene commander,
was slain. The bravery of the Romans, although suffering greatly
from lack of water. How Peter, being defeated by the Slovenes, is
superseded by Priscus. The death of John the Faster, patriarch of
Constantinople.[278] Concerning the money lent him by Maurice, for
which he gave a bond. The great respect shown by the truly pious
emperor to the ragged vestments left by the patriarch. The expedition
of the Maurusii against Carthage, and how it was stopped by the
bravery of Gennadius. Of the comet that was seen for several days.
The Turkish civil war. An account of their constitution, manners,
and customs. How the chagan of the Turks slew the ethnarch[279] of
the Ephthalites, enslaved the people, and also slew 300,000 Ogors
and Colchians. How he also slew Turum, who rebelled against him,
and sent a letter to the emperor Maurice announcing his victory. He
also enslaved the Avars. The inhabitants of Taugast and the tribe
of Mucri, with whom the defeated Avars took refuge. Concerning the
Ouars and Hunni, a great number of whom have inhabited Europe since
the reign of Justinian, and call themselves Avars. The Turkish
empire free from earthquakes and pestilence. The mountain of gold
and the city of Taugast. Silkworms, the mode of rearing them, and
the extensive manufacture of silk at Chubda. The white Indians.
The chagan’s conversation with Priscus concerning the enslavement
of the inhabitants of Singidum; Priscus’s answer, and how he saved
the city. The ravages of the barbarians in Dalmatia, and the great
success of Gunduis,[280] who had been sent against them by Priscus.
In the nineteenth year of Maurice’s reign a certain monk prophesies
his death and that of his children. Running with a drawn sword
from the forum to the vestibule of the palace, he proclaims that
Maurice and his children will be slain with the sword. A certain
Herodian also foretells what was about to happen. The famine in
the Roman camp. How the chagan, with remarkable humanity, granted
a suspension of hostilities for five days, during which the Romans
were to be supplied by the barbarians with provisions without fear
of molestation. How Priscus sent him gifts of spices in return. The
chagan’s advance into Moesia. Battle with Comentiolus in Moesia, in
which, by the treachery of Comentiolus, the Roman army is cut to
pieces by the barbarians. Flight of Comentiolus to Drizipera, but
the inhabitants refuse to admit him as being a runaway, and he goes
on to the long walls.[281] The barbarians in close pursuit first
capture Drizipera, burn the church of Alexander the martyr, drag
his body from the tomb and insult it. But divine justice overtakes
his insulters; the seven sons of the chagan die of bubo in one day.
During these disturbances Comentiolus resides in Constantinople; the
barbarians in the meantime approach the long walls. The inhabitants
of Byzantium are so alarmed that they contemplate abandoning Europe
and crossing over into Asia. However, the king sends Harmaton as
ambassador to the chagan, who by splendid gifts, to which are added
20,000 pieces of gold, is with difficulty persuaded to make peace,
declaring, “God judge between the chagan and Maurice, between the
Avars and the Romans.” The monsters in human form seen in the waters
of the Nile, and the various opinions as to the rising of the river.
Theophylact agrees with Agatharchides of Cnidus.[282] He says that in
the countries of Aethiopia there is a heavy and continuous downpour
of rain every year from the summer solstice to the autumnal equinox;
hence it is natural that the river should contract in winter, since
its waters are only fed from its own sources, whereas in summer it is
greatly increased by the rains from Aethiopia. Such is the contents
of the seventh book.
The eighth book relates how Chosroës, in consequence of the raids of
the Saracens who were subject to the Romans, desires to break the
treaty, but is persuaded by George, who was sent as ambassador, not
to do so. George, however, incurs the displeasure of the emperor,
since Chosroës declares that he had kept the treaty unbroken not for
the sake of the emperor, but for the sake of George. The charge of
treachery against Comentiolus, his reconciliation with the soldiers
and reappointment as commander by the emperor. Battle between the
Avars and the Romans commanded by Priscus and Comentiolus. The latter
excuses himself from taking part in the battle,[283] but the army,
under the leadership of Priscus, behaves with the greatest gallantry
and slays 4000 of the enemy. In a second engagement, the Avars lose
9000, in a third 15,000 men. In a fourth battle the Romans gain a
brilliant victory, in which 30,000 Avars and Gepidae are slain. In a
fifth and last battle, the Avars are utterly defeated, 3000 of them
being taken prisoners, together with 4000 other barbarians, 2200 of
other nations, and 8000 Slavs. The chagan cunningly persuades the
emperor to restore the captive Avars. The dejection of Comentiolus,
by whose carelessness a number of the soldiers, on the way to
Philippopolis, are frozen to death. Peter again appointed to the
command in Europe by the emperor. The marriage of Theodosius the son
of Maurice to the daughter of Germanus. The famine in the queen-city,
the disorderly conduct of the demes[284] while the emperor was
attending divine service, his clemency, the banishment and return of
the soldiers on the same day. Peter enjoined by Maurice at all costs
to keep the Thracian forces on the other side of the Ister (Danube);
the divine voice heard by Peter. Mutiny in the Roman army and a
rising against Maurice, Phocas being proclaimed exarch (captain) by
the soldiery. Flight of Peter; the emperor informed of the mutiny.
The demes, urged on by the demarchs Sergius and Cosmas, for the
first time meddle in state affairs, 1500 Greens and 900 Blues.
Maurice bestows largess on the demesmen, and sends an embassy to
the mutinous soldiers, who refuse to receive it. Byzantium put in a
state of defence. The army sends a message to Theodosius, demanding
that either he or his father-in-law should be proclaimed emperor.
When Maurice hears of this, suspecting that Germanus is the cause
of the revolt, he threatens his life. Germanus, being warned by his
son-in-law Theodosius, takes refuge in the church of the Mother of
God that had been built by Cyrus.[285] Stephen the eunuch, the tutor
of the king’s sons, sent to Germanus to induce him to leave the
church, but his mission is unsuccessful. Theodosius flogged by his
father for informing his father-in-law. Germanus removes from the
church of the Mother of God to St. Sophia, and being again summoned
to come out, is prevented from leaving the church by Andrew, a
constant attendant at the services. Disturbances in the city and
burning of the house of Constantine Lardys the patrician. Perplexity
and flight of Maurice, which is hindered by a storm. Mission of
Theodosius to Chosroës; his departure from Nicaea on being shown the
ring, which his father had arranged should be the sign and signal
for his return. The inhabitants of the city, amongst them a certain
Hebdomites, go over to the usurper. Vain attempt of Germanus to get
himself declared emperor, the Greens refusing to support him on the
ground that he favoured the Blues. Phocas proclaimed emperor in the
church of St. John in Hebdomon,[286] while Cyriacus was patriarch
of the royal city. Entry of Phocas into the palace and proclamation
of his wife Leontia as Augusta. Dispute amongst the demarchs about
their places during the procession. Cosmas, demarch of the Blues,
assaulted by Alexander, who is in his turn insulted. A reminder
that Maurice was not yet dead decides the usurper to murder the
emperor. Maurice’s children killed before his eyes in the harbour
of Eutropius. Philosophical resignation of Maurice, and his murder
by Lilius. Will of Maurice found during the reign of Heraclius.
The bodies of the king and his son thrown into the sea. Funeral
oration on Maurice. The soldiers punished by the judgment of divine
providence for their crime against Maurice, not one of all those
who had taken part in the rising being left alive soon afterwards;
they perished to a man, some by disease, others by fire from heaven,
others by the sword. When Heraclius resolved to declare war against
Razates, king of the Persians, and mustered his army, he found only
two left of those who had supported the usurper. After that the
Romans began to show themselves superior to the Persians, whereas
as long as any of the mutineers survived, victory always remained
with the enemy. Theodosius, Maurice’s son, slain by Alexander at the
command of Phocas, together with Peter, Comentiolus, and Constantine
Lardys. A false report that Theodosius was not put to death. How
the statues at Alexandria, in the district called Tychaeum, moving
from their places of their own accord, announced what had happened
in Byzantium to a copyist, as he was returning home after supper.
Maurice said to have remitted the third part of the tribute to his
subjects and to have given thirty talents to the Byzantines for the
repair of the aqueducts. His generous treatment of scholars and
students. The strange things that happened in regard to the bloody
flux of Euphemia the martyr; how Maurice, who tested the miracle
since he was at first incredulous, found it confirmed. How Phocas
shut up the wife of Maurice with her daughter in a private house. His
unsuccessful embassy to Chosroës, king of Persia; the treaty with
Persia broken by Chosroës, who pretended that it was his solemn duty
to avenge Maurice. So Lilius, who was sent as ambassador, returned
without having succeeded in his mission. Murder of Alexander, who had
conspired with Phocas against Maurice, on suspicion of having saved
the life of Theodosius, whereas he had really murdered him. This ends
the history.