FOLIO XCV recto

The Sixth Age of the world began with the birth of Christ Jesus Christ, being in the beginning of the forty-second year of the reign of Augustus Octavian; the thirty-first year of the reign of Herod the foreigner; in the third year of the one hundred and ninety-third Olympiad; from the founding of the city (i.e., Rome) 759 years;1 from the Captivity of the Jews 545 years; from the reign of David 1029; from the birth of Abraham 2,015 years; from the Flood of Noah 2957 years; from Adam 5,199 years; from the conception of John the Baptist, in the sixth month; and it continues through the entire period called grace, and extends from the sanctified birth of Jesus Christ to the present time, 1492; and it will take its course to the time of Anti-Christ, or the end of the world. Some (as already stated) take the incarnation of Christ as the beginning of this age; others calculate it from the baptism of Christ, because of the power given the waters; or from the time of the circumcision; some compute it from the suffering of Christ for then the gate of Paradise was opened, and the seventh age of the dead began. And so with this Sixth Age, the Christian Empire and the highest papal authority originated and became established.

Mariamne (Mariannes), a queen of the Hebrews and a daughter of Aristobulus, was slain through jealousy by Herod, her husband; for (as Josephus says) she was of such great and excelling beauty that she was taken for a celestial being, exceeding all other women of her time in personal stature. Finally she was accused before Herod by her mother and sister, of having sent Octavianus a portrait of herself to arouse in him a passion for her. This Herod believed and caused her to be slain.

Until this time the Jews did not lack for princes; but now they accepted this foreign Herod. For it was the time when he came who was promised, and who is praised in the new law as the expectation of the nations.2 And so their anointing (that is, kingdom) deservedly came to an end; for according to the prophecies of Daniel there came the holiest of the holy.

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Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and our Savior and Redeemer, was born at Bethlehem, in Judea, in the forty-second year of the reign of Augustus and when Quirinius (Cirino) was governor, and the whole world was at peace. He was born of the Virgin Mary, who according to the annunciation of an angel, conceived him of the Holy Spirit, to redeem the human race from the fall which was due to the disobedience of the first pair. It was he who by his birth, by his life, by his death, by his resurrection, by his ascension to heaven, and by many unheard-of miracles gave testimony of his divinity. For, firstly, his birth was miraculous, and so the angels in heaven sang that he was God in the Highest; and they gave the shepherds great joy in announcing to them the birth of the Savior of the World. Afterwards, on the eighth day, he was carried to the temple to be circumcised; and he was called Jesus. Later, on the thirteenth day the Wise Men, guided by a star in Syria, came with three gifts to worship him. On the fourteenth day his mother brought him to the temple, and Simeon (Symon) the Just took him up in his arms and pronounced him the Savior, saying, Lord, now allow your servant to depart in peace, according to your word, etc. Afterwards, Joseph, according to a warning from the Lord, fled from Herod into Egypt, together with this child and its mother. There he remained until Herod’s death. Then lived in the city of Nazareth, on account of which he was called a Nazarene. The rest (of the incidents in his life) are well known from the very familiar history of the gospel.3

Archelaus, son of Herod the Great, reigned 9 years after his father. Augustus, because of love for his father, held him and his brothers in high esteem. But later, on a certain charge, Augustus banished him to Vienna in the country of the Allobroges.4

Jesus Christ at the age of twelve years went to the feast at Jerusalem with his parents; and there he went among the teachers of the Holy Scriptures, asking them questions and solving doubtful ones; for this reason they regarded him not as a god, but as a child of marvelous understanding. When his parents were returning to their home, and did not see the child following them, they returned to the temple with much anxiety; and they found the child in discussion with the learned; but at the request of his parents he went home and was obedient to them.5

Componius, who was the colleague of Quirinius6, was sent to Judea to succeed Archelaus as procurator.7

Marcus was the successor of Componius. During his rule, Salome, the sister of Herod died.

Annius Rufus followed Marcus. During his rule Augustus died in the 15th year of the Lord.

Jesus, our Lord, at the age of 30 years, in order to open the door to everlasting life, wished to be baptized in the Jordan by John. And a voice was heard from heaven: This is my beloved Son, etc. And the Holy Spirit, in the likeness of a dove, lighted upon him.8 After that he fasted in the wilderness for forty days and nights; and he was hungry. After being tempted of the devil,9 he returned to the temple and drove out from it the sellers and the buyers, etc.10

Valerius the Roman, from the famous family of the Grati (Gracchorum)11, in the first year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, was sent to Judea to succeed Annius as procurator. He ruled nine years, and was the first who dared sell the priestly office among the Jews.

Pilate, a native of Lyons, in Gaul, a sly and dangerous man, was in the 13th year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar (Ce) sent by Tiberius to Judea as procurator to succeed Valerius Gratus (Gracchus) who had been deposed. And he ruled 10 years. This Pilate, by crafty means, suppressed the turbulence of the Jews. Afterwards, at the instigation of the Jews, he nailed Jesus to the cross. Fearful of the consequences, he sent a report to Tiberius the emperor to acquaint him with the teachings and death of Christ. When this event was reported to Tiberius he decided to place Jesus in the list of the gods. But after Pilate had reported these things to Tiberius and then to the Senate at Rome, the senators would not permit this. Finally, on the complaint of the Jews, Pilate was deposed and banished to perpetual exile in his native town of Lyons, to the curse of his own people. He came to an evil end.12

FOLIO XCVI recto

Tiberius Claudius Nero, the third Roman emperor, reigned 23 years and some days. He was the son of Livia, the wife of Augustus, as well as the latter’s stepson and heir. He was born of the the aristocratic (patricia) Claudian family, and was surnamed Nero. In childhood he was precocious and crafty. He was nine years of age when his father died. On attaining manhood he married Agrippina, the daughter of Marcus Agrippus. Though not very much disposed to leave his wife (for she was pregnant), he was compelled to marry Julia, the daughter of Augustus. He lost his brother Drusus in Germany, and was given the power of tribune for five years in which he was to conquer that country. Believing that the defeat of Varus resulted from lack of forethought and through negligence, he did not act without counsel and consideration. After the expiration of two years Tiberius marched out of Germany to Rome, where he was given a triumph. Although for some time he refused the sovereignty, and sought to live an honest and industrious life, he finally accepted the office of emperor. When some of his officers advised him to burden the land and the people with tribute and taxes, he replied: It becomes a good shepherd to shear his sheep, but not to swallow them. He suppressed the customs and manners of the Egyptians and the Jews, expelled the sorcerers and soothsayers, and scrupulously did away with turmoil, murder and robbery. For a period of two years after assuming the rule he did not set foot beyond the gates, and in the following year, not beyond the suburbs. However, as he was afterwards deprived of his two sons, namely, Germanicus in Syria and Drusus at Rome, he went to Campania; and as he now embraced the freedom of private life and removed himself from the eyes of the city, he now poured forth his long concealed lust; and because of his excessive drinking of wine, he was considered a drunkard and an alcoholic by the masses. He was of an ungenerous and jealous disposition, and filled with excessive pride. He had no paternal love, either for his natural son Drusus, nor for Germanicus who had been adopted by him. Tiberius had a large strong body, not ill built; his chest and shoulders were broad, and his limbs down to his feet were regular, well proportioned, and white. His hair was long, reaching beyond the nape of his neck, which gave him a barbarian appearance. He had an earnest expression and large eyes, and carried his head erect as he walked. He was often calm and silent. He was very fond of the liberal arts and wrote several poems. At the end of a reign of 23 years, during which he was neither reckoned among the very good nor the very bad, he finally died in the village of Lucullus at the age of seventy-eight. Some say that he died of a mild and enervating poison administered by Caius. The people rejoiced in his death.13

Valerius, the Roman procurator sent to Judea by the emperor Tiberius, was the first to begin the sale of the high-priestly office. While procurator he appointed and deposed one high priest after another. First he deposed Annas (Amanum) and put Ismael (Hismaelis) the son of Jabus (Iabi) in his place; but not long afterwards he also deposed the latter, and appointed Eleazar, son of Annas the priest, as high priest. After the expiration of his year he deposed him also, and appointed Simon, son of Cemithis, to the position; but he also remained in office only one year. Having deposed him, Valerius finally appointed Caiaphas (Caypham), a haughty, proud, strange, fortunate and envious man. The evangelist has two of these bishops in mind when he says: Jesus was seized in the garden; and shortly the servants brought him before Annas,14 the father-in-law of Caiaphas. And Annas sent Jesus to Caiaphas. And when Jesus testified that he was the same as God, Caiaphas said: He has blasphemed God. And to make this confession of Christ appear even more wicked, Caiaphas tore his own garments. Moreover, in order to arouse the people to condemn Jesus, Caiaphas cried, He is guilty of death! By his persuasive speaking (as the sacred history of the Gospel holds) Christ our Lord was condemned to death.15

Jesus Christ suffered in the 5230th year of the world and in the 18th year of the reign of Tiberius while two Roman consuls governed; being in the month which the Hebrews call Nisan, and we call April. To satisfy the envy of the priests, he was sold by Judas, one of his disciples; after which he was seized, accused, and, at the instance of the judge, was mocked and scourged. And they spit in his face and struck him; crowned him with thorns, and finally nailed him to a cross. And they reproached him with bitter words. And when he cried with a loud voice and willingly gave up the Spirit, the earth quaked, the sun darkened, and the veil of the temple was torn asunder. And when Longinus, the soldier, pierced the breast of the deceased with his spear, a mixture of blood and water flowed from the wound; from this the sacrament of the church in general had its beginning and origin. Christ was then taken from the cross and buried, and as Jonah came forth from the belly of the whale, so Jesus rose from the dead out of the bowels of the earth on the third day. He often appeared to his disciples, and in their midst and in their presence he ascended to heaven. And not without reason did Christ suffer at Jerusalem; for this was the city ordained for the sacrifice, in the center of the inhabited world; but he also suffered outside its walls, so that he made the sacrifice of his body not alone for his people, but for the pagans as well.16

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Herod Antipas, son of Herod the Great, governed Galilee, after his brother Archelaus; and he ruled for 24 years. After the expulsion of Archelaus, the kingdom of the Jews was divided into four parts, and Galilee was given to Herod. He was a most unkind and cruel man, and showed a murderous disposition toward the citizens. He was a murderer of the nobility, and a savage toward his associates, a robber toward the inhabitants; and in the extermination of the people he spared neither his own children nor strangers, nor his own people. He ignored and dishonored everything; for he abolished the priesthood of the Jews and destroyed their laws and ordinances. And when he espoused the wife of his brother Philip, contrary to the law, and Saint John the Baptist reproached him for it, he wanted to kill him; but he feared the people, for John, as the evangelist states, was regarded by many as a true prophet. However, he caused him to be seized and imprisoned, and not long before the death of Christ he caused him to be beheaded. This is the Herod to whom Jesus was sent by Pilate, and by whom he was mocked and sent back to Pilate, because Jesus, as Luke writes, would not answer Herod’s questions. Finally he was ordered to come to Rome by Caius the emperor, and was found guilty of many penal offenses, and was banished to Lyons, in Gaul. There he ended his life in misery; but his wife, who was a sister of Agrippa, and whom Caius loved very much, was given her freedom and was given permission to return home; but she followed her husband into exile, saying she did not want to leave her husband after having lived happily with him. And afterwards Caius gave the country of Galilee to Herod Agrippa, who from that time on held three fourths of the divided region.17

In the land of Judea there were three sects of Jews, separated from the common life and thought of the others.

One of those sects was the Pharisees, which originated in the time of Ptolemy Philadelphus, and which in these times (as we may infer from the Gospels) was, by reason of its profound sanctity, held in high esteem by the Jews at Jerusalem. They were called Pharisees, that is the ‘separated’ ones, because they were much more rigid than the rest in their spiritual practices and their diet. They wore parchment inscriptions on their foreheads, while on their left hands they wore the Ten Commandments, written in commemoration of the Law. They also wore a wide band of thorns, designed to prick them as a reminder of the divine commandments. They attributed God and his divine Providence to their forebears and ancestors, and acknowledged no contradictions.18 They believed in a future judgment (of reward or punishment), and in the immortality of the soul; hoped for, and predicted the resurrection of the dead. They were very much opposed to our Lord Christ, and were accessories in his death.19

The Sadducees were the second sect, but not of the same sanctity nor held in as high esteem as the Pharisees. They did not believe in divine Providence, but said that God is an observer of all things, and that it rested in the will of man to do good or evil. They denied the incarnation and the existence of angels, and believed that the soul died with the body. They accepted solely the five books of Moses. The Sadducees were serious and strict, but not spiritual among themselves. Because of their seriousness they were called Sadducees, that is, ‘the just.’20

The Essenes were the third sect. In all respects they led the lives of monks or hermits; and avoided wedlock, not because they disapproved of it or attached no importance to childbearing, but to avoid the lasciviousness of women, believing that none of them are faithful to their husbands. They associated with each other in friendship, disparaging wealth and holding their possessions in common as brothers, as though they were sharers in one common patrimony. They did not respect anointing, considering it uncleanly; for they always wore clean white clothing. They had curators and stewards who administered their common property; but no certain abode, dwelling in any place. They did not change their clothes nor shoes until entirely torn or worn out by time. They were opposed to spiritual exercises and divine worship. They did not speak of profane matters before sunrise. At sunrise they prayed, and until the fifth hour they labored. After that they assembled in their white linen clothes, washed in cold water, and went to their meals, of which they did not partake without a prayer having been first offered to God. Grace was repeated after the meal. They operated their establishment with great industry, and no clamor, disturbance, or noise was heard while they worked, for they observed strict silence. They considered an oath perjury, and admitted no one to their sect except on one year’s probation, when the applicant took an obligation of piety toward God, justice toward his fellow men, and obedience to the authorities; if placed in a superior position, he agreed never to employ his authority unjustly against those below him. Their court was attended by no less than 100 persons. Its judgment was final and conclusive. They held the day of rest inviolate; made no fire, nor cooked on that day, nor moved any vessel from its place; nor evacuated their digested food. On other days, when about to free themselves of digested food, they dug a hole into the earth with an axe, and covered themselves round about with their lowered garments so that they might not offend the divine rays of the sun with indecency. Having eased themselves, they filled the hole with the earth they had dug up. While he lived, Herod Antipas honored these Essenes or Essei.21

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Veronica, a woman of Jerusalem, disciple of Christ, and esteemed for her piety and virtue, was at this time called to Rome with the handkerchief of Christ by Tiberius the emperor, through his strongest man, Volusianus. For this same emperor (as some relate) had been seized with a serious malady. As soon as he had received this holy woman and had touched the picture of Christ, he was cured of all illness. For this reason the emperor afterwards held this Veronica in great esteem, and she remained at Rome with the apostles Peter and Paul to her end. Pope Clement erected church to her. This is the woman who suffered with an issue of blood (as the Gospels state), and was cured of it by the Lord after touching the hem of his garment. At the time of his suffering she received from him as a token of his love this picture of his face. This same picture, impressed on cloth, Veronica bequeathed to Pope Clement and his successors in her will. To this day it is viewed with great devotion and contemplation at St. Peter’s Church by people of the Christian faith, and much has been found written in praise of it.22

Xenarchus, a peripatetic philosopher, worthy of commemoration, and whom Strabo the historian heard in his youth, died at Seleucia in Cicilia during the time of the emperor Tiberius. And, as it is said, he did not reside there for long but went to Alexandria, Athens, or Rome to study. To old age he was always held in great esteem. Augustus the emperor favored him. But not long before this time and since his death, his works were lost.23

Philo the Jew, a native of Alexandria, and a highly educated man, was held in great esteem during these times. He wrote many excellent and daring things, and with his skill and versatility he silenced the evil writings of Appianus (Appionis) against the Jews. Many have spoken of his versat (in office)ility, saying that either Philo followed Plato, or Plato followed Philo. He finally came to Rome and had speech and dealings with Saint Peter. By him he was so well instructed in the faith that he afterward wrote much in praise of the Christian religion and practices; and these writings (as Jerome attests) are reckoned among the books called Ecclesiastes. And foremost of all he wrote enlightening interpretations upon the five books of Moses, and many other works.24

Agrippina was born to Marcus Agrippa by Julia, the daughter of the emperor Octavian. She was the mother of the emperor Caius Caligula and was esteemed among the intelligent and renowned women. She was, in those times, deliberately caused so much sorrow by the emperor Tiberius, that she starved herself to death. She was married in her youth to Germanicus, a handsome and virtuous youth, whom Tiberius had been obliged to adopt. She bore him three sons. One, called Caligula, afterward ruled over the Romans. She also bore him three daughters, one of whom was called Agrippina and was the mother of Nero. Her husband was done away with by poison through Tiberius; and because she mourned the death of her husband with great lamentations, as was the custom of women, Tiberius therefore hated her, and those of his people who held her by the arms increased her sorrow by mockery and unbecoming conduct. She determined to escape his haughtiness by starvation, and soon she refrained from eating her food. When Tiberius learned of this, being accustomed to compel women to eat by threats and beatings, he caused her to be fed by force. But being still more embittered against Tiberius in consequence, she gradually accomplished her own death by this means. And as by her death she earned much praise on the part of her own people, so she at the same time caused Tiberius much harm and ill repute.25

Agrippa the Great, son of king Aristobulus, succeeded his father and ruled over the Jews for seven years. He was by nature a good man, and he adorned the city of Jerusalem at his own expense. But the son of Aristobulus, whom the father of Herod killed, came to Tiberius; but as the latter would not entertain his complaint, he stayed at Rome to secure assistance by various means. Now Agrippa was very friendly with Caius (Caligula), the son of Germanicus, and after he said that Germanicus should be emperor, he was accused before Tiberius, and by him imprisoned and held in severe confinement for six months, until the death of Tiberius, when he was liberated by Caius, who gave him the region called Philippi, and so made him a king. In lieu of the iron chain that he wore in prison, Caius gave him a golden one. When he left Rome and came to Jerusalem, he went into the temple and made a sacrifice, and there hung up the same chain as a perpetual memorial. But as he finally went to Caesarea, and permitted himself to be called a god, he was slain by an angel, and with a bloated body he said: I was formerly called a god, so now here I lie in the bondage of death. He died at the age of 57 years, and left a seventeen-year-old son Agrippa, and three daughters, Berenice, Maria, and Drusilla. He had a brother named Herod, king of Chalcis, who acted as regent for the young king.26

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Regensburg (Ratisbona), the celebrated and memorable free city on the Danube, was built by Tiberius Nero in the year Jesus Christ suffered for the salvation of the human race; and at one time it was the capital city of Bavaria. In ancient times this region was occupied by the Norici, for which reason a portion of it is still called Norica to this day. After the Norici came the Baioaria; and it is now called Bavaria. This same Bavarian name originated from the Boii,27 a Gallic people who (as Strabo states), having been driven out of their country by the Romans, migrated to the Danube and lived with the Taurisci.28 They also lived in Pannonia, from whence they probably extended themselves into the neighboring region of Norica. Although, according to Strabo, this region was at one time a wilderness, it is now built up, and has renowned cities and noble fortifications. But of these Regensburg excels all others in beauty. In Bavaria there are five episcopal cities. The capital is the archi-episcopal city of Salzburg, so called from the river on which it lies. The ancients called it Juvanum (or Juvavia), that is, Helffenburg. The bishopric of Regensburg was very celebrated, and all of Bohemia was subject to it. The city has seven names: Firstly, it is named Tiberina, or Tiburina, after its builder; for Tiberius, son of Livia, the wife of Augustus, and step-son of Augustus, was sent by Augustus with a great army against the Norici, or Bavarians, and against the Vindelici. He subdued them; and he built the city; and after him it was called Tiberina. Secondly, for some time the city was called Quadrata, the square city; for it was built in that form and was surrounded by a wall of large square stones, of which remains may be seen behind St. Paul’s Church. Thirdly, it was called Hyatospolis or Hyaspolis, because of the coarse rustic speech of the people in the neighborhood, who pronounced their words with wide-open mouths;29 but also because of the manner in which the rivers here spread out and flow together again. The Danube, Nab, and Regen flow into one another toward the north. Fourthly, it was called Germansheim, after the German people who frequented the city; or after Germanicus, who ruled over the city. Fifthly, Reginopolis, or Koenigsburg, because kings and princes assembled there, as the palatial towers and tall buildings of the lords indicate. Sixthly, it was named after the river Imber (in German, Regen);30 that is, Imbripolis, or Regensburg; for the river Regen flows into the Danube to the north of the city, and there the city was begun. For it the city was named Regensburg, which name has remained to this day. Seventhly, it is called Ratisbona, after the small merchant vessels or boats that came there, and the vessels that during the war laid about it for protection in the time of Charlemagne. And the city was strengthened with fortifications, and is to this day is called Ratisbona in the Latin. The Danube,

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the great river of Germany, originates in the German mountains, and sixty navigable rivers flow into it. It flows by this renowned city, and over it is a very strong bridge with many arches built in the year of the Lord one thousand one hundred and fifteen. The most Christian emperor, Charlemagne (Karolus Magnus), subjugated the whole of Bavaria by force of arms; but Taxillo (Taxilo), the Duke of Bavaria, together with his neighbors, the Huns, made war against Charlemagne. Before long he made peace with them, receiving a number of hostages. And he turned against the city of Regensburg and the unbelievers in it, capturing the city and compelling them to accept the Christian faith. In the same war a great number of unbelievers and Huns were slain before Regensburg. Charlemagne lost a number of men there, who lie buried in the Basilica of St. Peter outside the city. Afterwards this city greatly prospered and increased, and was thereafter adorned with an episcopal church dedicated to St. Peter. Before that time it was called the church of St. Remigius.31 This celebrated structure has not yet been completed. The city is also adorned with a large cloister, that of St. Emmeran, of the Benedictine Order. Here also are two abbeys to Our Lady, an upper and a lower, and in the lower, Bishop Erhard lies at rest. Many houses in this city have consecrated churches and their own priests. Emperor Arnolfus, out of particular affection for this city above all other cities of the realm, enlarged it with a wall, comprehending the cloister of St. Emmeran, which he beautified. Then, as he returned from battle between the Normans and the Bavarians, he gave the relics of St. Dionysius the Areopagite to this cloister in his old age, together with a beautiful book of Gospels written in letters of gold; and finally he was buried there. This city is glorified by the esteemed martyr St. Emmeran, the bishop, and with St. Wolfgang, the eleventh bishop of the city, who worked wonders there and built St. Paul’s Cloister. So also Albertus Magnus, a man highly informed in learning and all the arts, officiated here as bishop.

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Vienna of Pannonia is a widely celebrated city in Austria, and is situated on the river Danube. This same river divides Bavaria, Austria and Hungary. It passes through Rascia33 and Bulgaria, has sixty navigable tributaries, and terminates in the Euxine after touching many distinguished cities. Among these cities none are as wealthy, well populated or ancient as Vienna, the principal city and capital of the country. The city was formerly (as one discovers in the ancient ducal privileges) called Flavianum, after Flavius, the prefect who governed this region and began the city; or, after Flavius, the emperor, who proceeded to the Danube to establish the boundaries of the Roman Empire; and, in part the city is said to have received its name from him. Now when the Germans speak of Flavianum, they use the abbreviated form, Flavienn. And so, not without reason, the first syllable Fla (as otherwise often written), was discarded, and so Vienn (Wienn) remained. For that reason this city was accordingly called Vienna. But some are of the opinion that the city was named after the little river Vienna which flows between it and the suburbs. This great and mighty city, according to the circuit of its walls, has a circumference of two thousand paces, and has large and spacious suburbs, protected by moat and mound. The city has tall stout battlements and is provided with many towers and defenses against war. Here are also large and beautiful residences of its citizens, secure, strong and tall; but many of the houses are roofed with unsightly shingles, and but few with tiles. The other buildings are of stone masonry. Some are painted, so that they shine inside and out. Every house as you enter it gives the impression of a princely residence. The houses of the nobles and the church officials are public. Here also are to be seen large and illustrious buildings of stone erected to the honor of the Almighty God and the saints; and wonderful consecrated church edifices containing statuary. Many costly relics are covered with gold, silver and precious stones; and there are highly ornate churches. The city is located in the bishopric of Pataviensis;34 and the daughter is greater than her mother. Here also are the four orders of the Mendicants; also the Scottish brothers and St. Augustine’s Regular Canons, who are greatly respected. Also the Cloister of the Virgin, and that of St. Jerome, in which are received common sinful women who have been converted, and who day and night sing the praises of God in the German tongue. Those who relapse into sin

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are thrown into the Danube. But here they lead a virtuous and holy life, so that evil report or slander is seldom heard against them. In this city there is also a university of the liberal arts; and for the study of the Holy Scriptures and the canon law, newly established by Pope Urban VI. Here assemble a remarkable number of students from Hungary and Upper Germany. It is estimated that about fifty thousand attend Holy Communion. Eighteen men are elected to the Council; also a judge to preside over court matters and legal transactions, and a mayor who assumes civic responsibility. There are no other officials, except those who collect the tax on wine. They are consulted in all matters, and their tenure is from year to year. An incredible variety of things necessary to human sustenance are brought to this city daily. Many wagons and carts arrive with eggs and crabs; baked bread, meats, fish and fowl, without number, are brought there; but by vespers the supply is exhausted. The grape harvest extends over a period of forty days. Two or three times daily at least three hundred wagons loaded with grapes are on their way, and about twelve hundred horses are employed in the grape harvest daily. An incredible amount of wine is brought to this city daily, and either consumed or shipped with great care and labor up the Danube, against the current of the river. The wine cellars are so large and deep that it is believed the buildings at Vienna are more underground than above it. The streets and avenues are paved with hard stones, and the pavement is not easily injured by the wheels of the heavily loaded wagons. In the homes clean household utensils are found in great number. Here also are large stables for horses and all kinds of animals; arcades and vaultings everywhere, and large quarters and rooms where one may be secure against the inclemency of winter; everywhere there are transparent windows. The doors are generally of iron. The songs of many birds are heard. Old families are seldom found among the Viennese; for most of them immigrated here, or are foreigners. While in his younger days the Emperor Frederick III was at enmity and war with Matthias (Mathia), the king of the Hungarians, the city of Vienna, the emperor’s most distinguished inheritance, suffered great harm and injury at the hands of the said Hungarian king; for he subjected the Viennese to much damage, caused the emperor embarassment, and finally deprived him of the city. But after King Matthias died, the emperor Frederick, now well along in years, recovered Vienna through his son, King Maximilian.35

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Nuremberg is a city very much celebrated throughout Germany, as well as among foreign people; and it is extensively visited. It is a celebrated manufacturing center of Germany, and is adorned with beautiful public and private buildings. A very old royal castle, located on a hill (or mount) dominates the city, and from it one has a view of the city and beyond. Some are of the opinion that the city has its name from this castle.36 Some say that the city was built by Tiberius Nero, the emperor, after Regensburg was built; or that it was called Neronesberg after Drusus Nero, his brother, who fought the Germans; for Tiberius the emperor’s paternal line, is from the family of Tiberius Nero.37 As Suetonius Tranquillus writes, Livia was pregnant by Tiberius, and had also born him a son before that, when he was obliged to give her up at the request of Octavian. He died soon thereafter. Two sons survived him, namely Tiberius and Drusus, surnamed Nero after him.38 According to the Sabine tongue, Nero means strong or strenuous. Afterwards Tiberius conducted successive wars against Burgundy and France, which had become restless through the incursions of the barbarians and the dissensions among their own rulers, and against the Rhaetians (Rheticum) and the Vindelici, and in Pannonia and in Germany. In the same wars he defeated the Alpine nations of the Rhaetians and the Vindelici, and in Pannonia the Brenni and the Dalmatians. In the German wars he carried off into Gaul forty thousand who had surrendered, settling them permanently on the shores of the Rhine. For these achievements he joyfully returned to Rome to celebrate his triumph with all the evidences of victory. His glory and might were thus greatly enhanced. He subjugated all Greece, the interior of Italy, the kingdoms of Noricum, Thrace, and Macedonia, and the lands lying between the Danube and the Adriatic. Claudius Tiberius Nero (as Eutropius39 states) was a man of ability in the art of war, and was fortunate before he assumed the throne. He contrived to have the cities named after himself.40 The most ancient books of history call this citadel a Norican castle. The Romans, in order to avoid being overrun by their enemies, who maintained themselves in the mountains, built citadels and castles on the mountains in Noricum and in many regions of Germany. The city has a single elevation, upon which the castle was built for its protection. And although (as the highly celebrated Pope Pius II writes of the city), there is a doubt whether it is Franconian or Bavarian, yet its name indicates that it belongs to Bavaria, for it is called Noremberg, the equivalent of Norixborg, and the region between the Danube and Nuremberg is called the "Norckaw." However, the city lies in the bishopric of Bamberg, which belongs to Franconia. Nevertheless the Nurembergers neither wished to be considered Bavarians nor Franconians, but a distinct people. The city is divided into two parts by a river called the Pegnitz. We pass from one part to the other by beautiful stone bridges erected over the river. The city is built on sandy arid soil, and in consequence its people are industrious craftsmen. All are either ingenious workmen, inventors, and masters of various wonderful and subtle arts and crafts, useful and ornamental, or are enterprising merchants and manufacturers. The city is by some regarded as modern, for little is found about it in the writings of the ancients, and no manner of foot prints or indications of age appear in it except the aforesaid citadel and some houses, which are not a matter of wonder to anyone. This is also true of many other cities, not only in Germany but in Italy and other countries, and of Rome, the most celebrated city in the world, of whose origin, age and founders much of a doubtful nature appears to have been written by the historians. However, it is known that Nuremberg flourished in the time of Charlemagne. For later Charlemagne, king of the Franks, determined to elevate and increase the churches, and to enlarge the Roman Empire. And he subdued the Saxons, brought the Britons and Gauls into alliance, and made peace with Tassilo, the Bavarian duke, according to the wishes of Pope Adrian. But as Tassilo would not appear in person, nor send citizens as sureties, Charles declared war against him, leading his forces into Bavaria, and dividing the people into three regions; and he ordered the Austrians (Austrasios), Thueringians (Turingos), and Saxons to encamp on the Danube, while his son Pepin (Pipinus) remained with the Italian forces at Trient (Tridentum). But Charles kept ward with one-third of the forces at Nuremberg and the vicinity; and he built a small chapel, which Pope Leo III (who followed him to Paderborn (Padebrunam) in Saxony), on his return to Rome, dedicated in honor of Saint Catherine the virgin and martyr; and it is now called after the old prince.41 Some say that once upon a time this city was under the power of the noble lord, Albrecht, a count of the Francks, and that after his death (for he was slain by the emperor Ludwig (Ludovico) pursuant to the treachery of Hatto, bishop of Mainz) it became subject to Rome. Since that time it remained attached to the Roman Empire with great fidelity and without dissension; and it served the Roman kings with a high degree of faith and loyalty. The city suffered heavy oppression and damage during the quarrels of the Roman emperors, particularly in the reign of Henry (Heinrico) the Fourth, whose son through divine vengeance (as one says), persecuted him with war. As the Nurembergers remained loyal to the father,

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they were besieged and taken by the son with the help of his supporters, as the trustworthy historians Otto Friesingen and Gotfried Viterbius write. The same King Henry marched against Würtzburg (Herbipolim), deposed the bishop Erlongus and installed Robert. Afterwards he permitted the Saxons to return home, and with the Bavarians he captured the citadel at Nuremberg. After besieging it two months or more, he proceeded against Regensburg (Ratisbonam), the capital city of the dukedom of Noricum. He was followed by his father, who drove out the bishop Robert, and reinstated Erlongus. And he proceeded to Regensburg, and with assistance, drove his son out of that city, and installed Bishop Ulrich. With the Bohemians he destroyed the march of Theobaldus.42 King Conrad the Swabian, who after the death of Lothair (Lothario) was declared Roman emperor, and who upon the advice of Saint Bernhard (Bernardi) undertook a campaign against the unbelievers, again built up the city; and he erected the estimable monastery and abbey of Saint Aegidius (Egidium), order of Saint Benedict, in one of the suburbs of the city. And through the subsequent help, revenues, and privileges of King Conrad and other Roman emperors the city again prospered.43 But it is not to be understood that when first rebuilt, it was as large and beautiful as now; for later, in the time of Charles the Fourth, Roman Emperor and King of Bohemia, it was surrounded with more expansive walls, now battlements, and a deep moat; and three hundred and sixty-five towers, together with bastions and additional defenses, were added to the two inner walls. The city was also adorned with substantial residences. Nuremberg is in the heart or Germany. Under imperial laws it has the benefit of a council and a mayor, distinguished from the commons; for citizens of ancient and honorable ancestry have the care of civic matters, and the community awaits their judgment. It has large and elegant church edifices; two parish churches, St. Sebald44 and St. Lorenz (Laurentio),45 as well as four well built monasteries of the order of the Mendicants, erected by the citizens at various times. The pious virgins have two cloisters here, dedicated to Saint Catherine and to Saint Clara. The German lords also have a large area in this city. Here is also a Carthusian monastery, large and magnificent; also a regal well-adorned structure to the most Holy Virgin Mary; and there is a beautiful spring in the marketplace. The city enjoys the patronage of St. Sebald, who in his lifetime brightened the city with his miracles. It is also fortunate in its possession of the royal robe, swords, scepter, and orb, and crown of Charlemagne, and which having been used in the crowning of a Roman emperor, inspire faith through their holiness and because of their antiquity. The city is also particularly fortunate in its possession of the unreplaceable divine spear with which the side of Jesus Christ was opened while on the cross; also with a remarkable piece of the cross, and with other relics esteemed by the entire world, and which, on the thirteenth day after the joys of Easter, have been seen for so many years by crowds of people from various provinces with the highest devotion. And so in its praise are added:

The foundation of the holy militant Church upon which the entire superstructure securely rests consists of the holy apostles, whom God chose as the first sacrifice for the salvation of all the people. They are the basic pillars of the Church, upon which rests that foundation of which Christ is the chief corner-stone; and without these no one can lay any other foundation. Thus the truth, formerly proclaimed by the law and the prophets, was now apostolically trumpeted forth for the salvation of the entire world. For it is written: Their voices have gone forth to all the world. From them the Church sprang and has been proclaimed to the ends of the earth in the words of the annunciation. By their teachings, miracles, examples, and by their blood they have established the church. For this reason they are deservedly called fathers, founders, builders, ordainers, shepherds, bishops, and pathfinders of the Catholic Church. And although the Lord intended to bestow the sacrament of this gift on all the apostles, he singled out the blessed Peter, and poured forth his bounty upon him as upon a single body; for Peter understood the secret intentions of God, who had revealed to him the indivisible unity. And so the Lord said, You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church. And so the building of the eternal temple, with its wonderful endowments and the grace of God, rested upon the blessings bestowed upon Peter. With this sanction he so enlarged the church that no human folly or daring has been able to circumvent it; and the gates of hell have not been able to prevail against it.48

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The highest God and Parent of all things gave a new law to the new believers, and sent a teacher of righteousness from heaven. This new teacher (as has already been stated) allowed himself to be nailed to the cross, and there he gave up the spirit. But as he had prophesied that on the third day he would arise from the dead, the Jews feared that the disciples might secretly remove the body and give currency to the belief that Christ had arisen. Therefore they took him from the cross, sealed him in a sepulchre and guarded it securely with soldiers.49 But on the third day before dawn, after an earthquake, the sepulcher opened, and a great fear took hold of the guards;50 and the Lord came forth from the grave, living and entire. And he wandered into Galilee and revealed the letter of the Holy Scriptures and the secrets of the prophets, which were before that time not understood by his disciples.51 And so they proclaimed him and his sufferings. Now after the Lord had given them the gospels, and had ordered the same to be taught in his name, he was surrounded by a cloud that lifted him up into heaven on the fortieth day after his suffering.52 By divine omnipotence the Temple of God, which had been released from the ill will of the Jews in three days, was now continued in the flesh for forty days as a sign, and to make the belief in the Resurrection secure. Now as the apostles and disciples, after the ascension (as Luke relates of the apostles) came down from the Mount of Olives and arrived at Jerusalem, they went up into an upper room, and there remained in prayer and supplication with the women and Mary, the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren; and day and night they pondered the laws of the Lord and his commandments until they were invested with virtue from on high.53 In these days, between the time when the Lord arose from the dead and his ascension, the motive of his bitter death, and the immortality of not only the soul but also of the body was revealed; and the Lord breathed the Holy Spirit into his apostles;54 And to the apostle Peter were given the keys of the kingdom55 and he was charged with the care of the sheepfold of the Lord. During all this time the eyes and hearts of the Lord’s own were opened by divine foresight, so that it should be acknowledged that the Lord who was born, martyred and died, had really arisen. But ten days after his ascension (which was the fiftieth day after he arose from the dead), when the disciples were gathered together, they received the blessed gift of the Holy Spirit, which they craved; and soon a voice came from heaven and filled the entire room in which they sat ; and cloven tongues "like as of fire" appeared to them, and all were filled with the Holy Spirit; and they began to speak in various tongues.56 And just as the Israelites (following their release from bondage) were given the law on Mount Sinai fifty days after the sacrifice of a lamb, so (after the suffering and slaying of the Lamb of God) the Holy Spirit was poured forth upon the apostles and believers fifty days after he arose from the dead. By virtue of the gift thus received, the apostles fully understood all the things which the prophets had written of Christ, and by common counsel formulated the articles and foundations of our faith. And Peter, the prince of the apostles, spoke according to the prophecies of Jeremiah, Isaiah and David: I believe in one God, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. (Andrew and Habakuk). And in Jesus Christ, his only begotten son, our Lord, (John) who was conceived of the Holy Spirit out of Mary the Virgin (as Isaiah prophesied: Truly, a virgin will bear a son. James confirmed the prophecy of Iaaiah); suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified and buried (Thomas attested the prophecy of Hosea); descended into hell; on the third day he rose from the dead; (James the Greater) ascended into heaven, and sits on the right hand of God, the Father Almighty; (Philip) from where he shall come to judge the living and the dead. (Bartholomew) I believe in the Holy Spirit, (Matthew) the holy Christian Church, (Simon, Jude and Matthias) the communion of saints, the remission of sins, resurrection of the flesh, and life everlasting. Amen. Afterwards the apostles ordained many things in all churches, and made James, the brother of the Lord, a bishop at Jerusalem; for he was a holy man from birth. He began by celebrating mass in a simple manner by saying the "Our Father," etc. (Lord’s Prayer). Christian life increased among men and women, and St. Peter chose seven deacons, that is, servants of the Faith—Stephen, Philip, Prochorus (Procorus), Nicanor, Timon (Tymon), Parmenas, and Nicholas Antiochus—who undertook the tasks assigned to the servants of the church.57 After that the apostles dispersed into all parts of the world. Thomas went among the Parthians, Medes, Persians, Hircanians, Bactrians, and into India interior; Matthew went into Macedonia and Ethiopia; Bartholomew into Liconia and India exterior; Andrew into Achaia and Scythia; John, after the death of the Virgin Mary, into Asia; Peter into Pontus and Galatia, Bithynia, Cappadocia, and finally to Rome; James the Greater into Spain; Judas into Mesopotamia; Simon into Egypt; and Philip into Gaul; just as was later written of the apostles. And so they dispersed themselves into these countries, and laid the foundation of the church. In the name of God, their Master, they performed great and incredible miracles. And he strengthened them in virtue and power in order to augment the establishment and promulgation of the new faith.

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Mary, most glorious and eternal virgin and chaste Mother of God, after the ascension of the Lord Jesus (as Luke states in the Gospels), lived a human life in communion with the apostles until they were filled with the spirit of the Holy Spirit. But after the descent of the Holy Spirit and the dispersion of the apostles (as St. Jerome says), the archangel Gabriel, as a celestial emissary, preserved this Holy Virgin untouched in mind and body; while John the Evangelist (commended to her by her Son from the cross),58 was kind to her and dutifully protected this Virgin, the patroness of all virgins, to the end of her life, as her adopted son; and thus she was given an opportunity of seeing all the places where her Son had suffered. On Mount Zion is shown a cave where she lived and where John read the Mass. Although Christ is to be loved by all the people, he was more intensely loved by her whose Lord and Son he was. She was downcast with much sorrow; and after his ascension, as she quietly and alone contemplated what she had heard, seen and experienced, the intensity of her love for her Son increased. Finally, full of grace, and enlightened by all the virtues, she went to rest in peace in the sixty-third year of her age, and forty-nine years after the birth of Jesus Christ her Son. She had abundantly earned for herself the grace of eternal purity; and this was fully bestowed upon her by her Son, Jesus Christ. According to the pious writers, all the apostles were present at her burial, according to the will of God; and it is to be believed that our Lord Jesus Christ, together with the entire heavenly host, came forth in jubilation to meet her, and with joy of soul and body took her up into heaven and seated her beside his throne. She lived sixteen years after her Son’s death, at which time she was forty-seven years of age. No one should doubt that the entire heavenly Jerusalem exulted in unspeakable joy and with immeasurable love upon her worthy reception and coronation. This should not be a matter of amazement, for out of her was born the one whom all the orders in heaven honor and worship. And she was elevated above them into the seat of the majesty of the Lord. Thus the chaste Mother and Virgin was led forth to the throne on high, and with sublime glory was seated next to Christ on the throne of the kingdom.

Peter, the first pope, prince of the apostles, by birth a Galilean of Bethsaida, a son of John,59 and a brother of Andrew the apostle, occupied the bishop’s chair in the city of Antioch for the first time seven years after the Lord’s ascension. This is the Peter to whom the Lord said: Blessed are you, Simon Bar-jona; for flesh and blood have not revealed it to you, but my Father who is in heaven. And you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church. And I will give to you the keys to the kingdom of heaven, and also the power to bind and to loose.60 Now after Peter with all zeal had sufficiently established the church in Asia, and had overcome the errors of those who held to the rite of circumcision, and had preached the abolition of the rite in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, and was released from Herod’s prison, he came to Italy and established and held the first see in the second year of Claudius at Rome, taking into consideration that Rome was the capital city of the world, and as such would also be suitable as the proper place for the bishop’s chair; and on it he sat for 25 years and 7 months.61 Now Peter at that time came to Rome, because he understood that Simon the sorcerer, a Samaritan, was there, and with his sorceries was now leading the Roman people into error; for they believed him to be a god; for at Rome a memorial plaque was dedicated to him and placed between two bridges, on written was written in Latin letters ‘Simon the Holy God.’ While in Samaria, Simon maintained his faith in Christ until he was baptized by Philip the deacon; but afterwards he made misuse of his baptism, causing much heresy in conjunction with Helena (Selene), an unchaste woman who was associated with him in evil. This evil man confronted Peter by a miracle, causing a dead child to appear to move as a consequence of his sorceries; but the child nevertheless remained dead until, at the command of Peter, in the name of Jesus, it arose. This enraged Simon and he promised the people that in their presence he would fly from the Capitoline to the Aventine Hill; and when Simon thus flew, he fell down, in accordance with Peter’s prayers, and broke a leg; and of this injury he died at Arezzo not long afterwards. From him came the Simonian heretics who pretended to purchase and sell the gift of the Holy Spirit, etc.62 After that Peter instituted the fast of forty days, and wrote two epistles called Canonicas. And as there were many things to which he could not attend, confining himself to prayers and sermons, he ordained two bishops, Linus and Cletus, who performed the priestly office among the Romans and other people.

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Caius, surnamed Caligula, son of Drusus Augustus, stepson of the emperor and grandson of Tiberius, was the fourth Roman emperor. At the age of twenty he was sent to Capri in Cantania, where he was invested with the robe of peace by Tiberius for several days. He served in the senate four times, completed the half-finished buildings begun under Tiberius, namely the Temple of Augustus and the Market of Pompey. He also started the aqueducts of Tiburti, and built many cities in his name. He was tall, pale of complexion, ungainly in body, had thin legs and neck, hollow eyes and temples, broad forehead, little hair, and none at all where the hair parts. His look was dark and terrifying, an appearance he deliberately maintained. He wore neither the dress nor the footwear of his ancestors, nor that of the citizenry, but dressed in clothes embroidered with pearls and gems. His bitter, cruel words resulted in tragedies, and he was considered a most outrageous man. He did nothing praiseworthy or chivalrous at home or abroad, but destroyed all things in a spirit of avarice. He was so sexually debased that he took advantage of his own sisters, and so gruesome that he is often said to have remarked, "I wish that the Roman people had but one neck." He was so envious of persons of renown that he caused their writings and images to be removed from the libraries. He appointed Agrippa king of Judea and exiled Herod to Lyons. Caligula was slain by his own people in the tenth month of the third year of his reign, at the age of 29 years. His body was secretly carried off, burned, and buried.63

Claudius, cousin of Caius Caligula, was the fifth Roman emperor, receiving the office (as Josephus states) through the help and zeal of Agrippa, king of Judea, Claudius was born at Lyons on the day that a temple was there dedicated to the emperor Augustus; and he was called Tiberius Claudius Drusus. From early age until he became fifty he was zealously devoted to the liberal arts. In perception and judgment, he showed an uncertain disposition. He subjugated Britain, a feat that no one had attempted either before or after Julius Caesar. He also subjugated the Orkneys to the Roman emperor. He constructed buildings larger than necessary. Through a mountain he built a canal three thousand feet in length; and in the course of eleven years, by the employment of thirty thousand men without interruption, built the port of Ostia on either side of the inlet as a protection to Rome. He espoused Aelia Paetina (Eliam Petinam), but divorced her on trivial grounds. Later he married Messalina, who had been previously engaged to another. For this and other misdeeds he caused her to be executed. Then he married Agrippina who enticed him by her studied affections. Claudius was well formed in body, long but not thin, and his hair was white. He was thick-necked, and a glutton for food and wine. He was finally poisoned by Agrippina at the age of sixty-four, in the 14th year of his reign. A comet foretold his death.64

Nero, stepson of Claudius, and a legitimate son of Agrippina and Gnaeus Domitius, her husband, was the sixth emperor of the Romans, and was born nine months before Tiberius died. His own name was Domitius, as was that of his father. But when the emperor Claudius gave him his own daughter Octavia in marriage, he called him Nero. From youth he loved horses. From time to time he secretly indulged in youthful errors, wantonness, selfishness, and cruelty; but as his vices increased in course of time, he openly committed great evils. He indulged in gluttony from noon to midnight, and in all things became more evil and wanton than the above named Caligula. He caused a great number of the senators to be slain, and proved a wreckless squanderer of wealth. He caused himself to be anointed with cold creams, and went fishing with golden nets with purple cords. These vices he concealed at the beginning of his reign, thus making all men hopeful as to his future conduct. He was a man of medium stature, bodily odors, yellow hair, a beautiful countenance, but more devoted to his body than to customs and manners. His eyes were dark, his neck thick; he had a protruding belly and thin legs, and his body was probably in good health. In his time a fire occurred at Rome which lasted for six days, and for which he was blamed. However, to avoid responsibility, he suborned witnesses to say that the Christians were the cause. And so a great number of Christians were made prisoners and were slain. Some say that Nero burned the city in order to see a fire like that which destroyed Troy. He employed his raging cruelties against Seneca, Lucan, his own mother, his wife, and all persons who were held in esteem at Rome. At last he succumbed to the hatred of the Roman people, and being sought for punishment, he fled and killed himself at the age of 30, in the fourteenth year of his reign.65

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Stephen, the first martyr, and a native of Jerusalem, was the first of the seven deacons. He was elected to the office of deacon and servant of the Faith by the Apostles because of his piousness and virtue. He began to strengthen the Christian religion (as Luke writes) among the Jewish people by many signs and miracles. Although many Jews opposed him, they were unable to withstand his wisdom and spirit; for his face appeared unto them as that of an angel.66 After he triumphed over their errors they cast him out of the city and stoned him to death. To prevent hindrance in their work they laid their outer garments down at the feet of a young man whose name was Saul. While being stoned Stephen kneeled down and looked into heaven, and he saw Jesus, and zealously pleaded to him on behalf of those who were doing the stoning.67 And while this Stephen, a living image of virtue, was being crushed with stories, and the stones were whizing about his head, he remained steadfast and calm in the hope of setting an example of patience for the future. When his prayer was ended he fell asleep in peace. He was stoned in the month of August of the year in which Christ was crucified. His body was found by Saint Lucian, the priest, in the time of Honorius, the pope, in the Year of the Lord 407. At this same time (as Augustine states) six persons awoke from the dead, and seventy were cured of various maladies. The body was taken to Constantinople, and from there to Rome, where it was buried in a more diginified place.68

Philip, the second deacon, after preaching in Samaria, came to Caesarea (Cesarea) and there became known for his virtues and miracles. He had three daughters who were filled with the spirit of prophecy and who were buried in his grave. He died in the time of Nero, and was esteemed a saint by many.69 Prochorus (Procorus), the third deacon, zealously multiplied the churches begun at Antioch by the Apostles; and there he received the martyr’s crown. Nicanor, the fourth deacon, flourished in grace of faith and virtue at Jerusalem to the time of Vespasian and was martyred there. Timon (Tymon), the fifth deacon, first officiated at Beroaz, and later proclaimed the word of the Lord at Corinth, where he was thrown into a fire that failed to consume him. He was finally crucified. Parmenas, the sixth deacon, fulfilled his office in the completeness of his faith, and was martyred in the time of Trajan. Nicholas, the seventh deacon, did not remain in the faith; but from him the heresy of the Nicolaitanes originated.70

Paul, one of the most worthy apostles of Jesus Christ, was of the tribe of Benjamin, of the city of Giscalis. While a child he was taken prisoner by the Romans, and emigrated with his parents to the city of Tarsus71 in Cilicia. There his father received Roman citizenship; for this was the Roman custom as they brought the whole world under their dominion: Those people who came to the Romans in peace acquired Roman citizenship, and the Romans called them brothers. Now, when the Romans with their forces marched into Cilicia, the father of Paul, together with other notable men of Tarsus, went forth in peace to meet them. And by that action he earned the official toga, so that he was accounted a Roman citizen. In consequence Paul was also a Roman citizen. But when the Christian faith began to grow throughout the land of Judea, Paul, while still a youth, carried letters from the Temple priests for the persecution of the Christians. But he had been present at the stoning of Stephen, where he had taken charge of the clothing of all those who stoned him; and Stephen had prayed for him and had raised him from the earth. And not long after that when Paul went to Damascus (as Luke states) he was touched by the Holy Spirit and impelled to the Christian faith and chosen as one of its vessels; and this all happened in the year in which Christ suffered. Soon afterwards Paul was called and the Gospel of Christ was revealed to him; and he was commended to the highly learned Gamaliel at Jerusalem.72 After his conversion he, together with the Apostles, wandered through many cities. Returning to Jerusalem with Peter, John and James, he collected the Gospels of Christ. And he was pronounced an apostle to the pagans (Gentiles). He sailed to Spain in order to preach there; and he made many converts at Narbonne. He returned to Jerusalem a second time, and was sent to Rome as a prisoner. There he remained under free parole for two years, daily disputing with the Jews. After Nero released him he preached many sermons and wrote much.73

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Mark, the evangelist, born of the tribe of Levi, and a priest, went from Antioch to Rome with Peter, his master, to spread the word of the Lord. There he heard Peter, and at the request of his brethren he wrote a short gospel. When Peter heard it, he authorized it to be read in the churches. When Peter noted this man’s qualifications, he sent him to Alexandria. Before that time Mark, by his preaching, had converted the people of Aquileia to the Christian faith, and more particularly, one Hermagoras, a highly learned man and citizen there. With him Mark returned to Peter, who made him an Aquileian bishop. From there Mark went to Alexandria and proclaimed Christ, and there he founded the first church with such learning and moderation of conduct that he drew all the followers of Christ to him. He was so humble that he cut off his own thumb in order to disqualify himself for the priesthood. After he had held the congregation together for a long time by his learning and writings, he was made prisoner by the priests of the temple in the eighth year of Nero, while he was performing the mass at Easter time. With a rope about his neck he was dragged through the streets and finally put to death. He was buried at Alexandria. Amanus became his successor. In the Year of the Lord 829, when Justianus Patricius was Duke of Venice, the remains of Mark were brought to Venice. In the following year, which was 471 years after Venice was built, the church of St. Mark, which may now be soon there, was begun, and Saint Mark was made the patron of the city. His image is in its coat of arms, and the book of his Gospel was procured from Aquileia with other costly gifts, and was deposited in this same church.74

The phoenix, the most noble and singular bird in all the world (as Cornelius Valerianus writes) and which flew in Egypt, was brought to Rome during the consulship of Q. Plautius and Sex. Papinius in the 800th year of the city. Before that time this bird is said to have been seen in Arabia. It was as large as an eagle, golden about its neck, and otherwise purple. Its tail was dark green interspersed with red feathers containing eyes. Upon its head was a crest or crown of feathers. Manilius, the Roman consul, states that although no one ever saw this bird eat, it lived six hundred and sixty years. When it became old, it built a nest of aromatic branches, filling it with incense; and in that nest it died. Afterwards a small worm or grub issued from the ashes, which later became a small bird.75

James the Greater (Iacobus Maior), an apostle of the Lord, son of Zebedee by Mary Salome, and a brother of John the Evangelist, is called the greater because he was selected as an apostle before James the Lesser, and was martyred and attained to the kingdom of heaven first. The Lord selected him with John, saying, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. And they abandoned their nets and followed him. After the advent of the Holy Spirit James went to Spain to preach. Having wandered all over Spain preaching, and only making nine new disciples, and having noted the coarseness of the people, he returned to Judea. There he was beheaded by Herod, brother and governor of the king, and thus he attained the crown of martyrdom; and this just one year after Christ was martyred. And while he was being led to his death by Josias, a very learned man, and on his way cured a sick man, Josias believed also, and being first baptized, was beheaded with James. But his disciples took his sacred body away by night, and brought it from Jerusalem to Spain, into the place called Galicia Compostella, in the furthermost regions of Spain. And there he is constantly held in great veneration by the inhabitants and by strangers from all over, for the extent that Christians make pilgrimages there is really wonderful; and because of the love of making these pilgrimages there it is not necessary for the Papal See to grant dispensation on that condition. And so what this apostle, as compared with other apostles, lost in honor and esteem by reason of the shortness of his life, was made up to him in an abundance of veneration accorded him after his death. 76

The first persecution of the Christians began in the thirteenth year of the reign of Nero, when various persons at Rome and elsewhere, other than Peter and Paul, mentioned hereafter, were martyred, among them forty-seven who were baptized by Peter while in prison, and then died by the sword of Nero, after confessing their faith.

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James (Iacobus), the apostle, surnamed the Just, and called the Less in deference to the Greater, (not on the score of piety, but because of his call as an apostle), was a brother of the Lord, having been born of the sister of the Lord’s mother. After the ascension of the Lord he was appointed the first bishop of the Church at Jerusalem; and he was in office for 30 years and until the seventh year of Nero. This James was holy by the body of his mother. He did not drink wine, or intoxicating drink, nor did he eat meat. Metal never came upon his head, nor was he ever anointed with ointment. He did not bathe, and he wore linen raiment. He entered the sanctum sanctorum (‘holy of holies’) alone, and constantly and industriously prayed for the welfare of the people on bonded knee. Therefore he was called the Just; and (as Ignatius states), in countenance and demeanor he was so much like the Lord as though they were twins. He was taken prisoner by Annas (Annanus), the priest of the Jews, and he was asked to deny the Lord. He was taken to the highest point of the Temple, and thrown down from there and stoned. Yet he raised his hands toward heaven as much as he could and prayed for his persecutors. While still conscious he was struck upon the head with a fuller’s club, and died. The Lord appeared to him after his ascension, and he blessed his bread, saying: My brother, eat your bread, for the Son of Man is risen from the dead; for he did not like to eat bread until he had first seen him. He was so holy, as Josephus states, that it was believed Jerusalem was destroyed because of his death.78

Now when Peter, the holiest of men, had made a name for himself among all the people, and was highly regarded, Nero became angry and sought to slay him. Having been warned of Nero’s wrath by his friends, Peter fled from Rome; and he met Christ, whom he worshipped; and he asked him, Where are you going? And Christ answered, To Rome, to be again crucified. Therefore Peter also returned to the city, and appointed Clement as bishop. Not long after that, upon the orders of Nero, Peter and Paul were slain, after much torture. For Peter (as he wished) was nailed to a cross with his head to the earth and his feet upward. He was buried in the Vatican. He held his office for twenty-five years. Paul was beheaded on the same day and buried near the Ostian Gate thirty-seven years after the death of Christ. And when they were about to part Paul said to Peter, Peace be with you, you rock of the Church and shepherd of all the lambs of Christ. And Peter said, Go forth in peace, you preacher of the good, you intermediary and sufferer for the salvation of the righteous. Marcelius and Apuleius, their disciples, anointed them with well smelling herbs and buried them. Even today the heads of Peter and Paul are ornamented with gold, silver, and precious stones, and are shown to the people in the Church of St. John Lateran.

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Seneca, also called Lucius Annaeus, a Stoic philosopher, born in Cordoba, was the tutor of Nero the emperor. He was held in esteem at Rome, and was an uncle of Lucan the poet. Of him the pious Jerome writes that he led a most temperate life; and he placed him in the book of the saints because of the numerous epistles that Paul wrote to Seneca, and Seneca to Paul. Among his other virtues God blessed him with such a memory that he was able to repeat two thousand names in proper order as soon as they were pronounced, and could repeat two hundred verses spoken by two hundred students, beginning with the last and ending with the first. It is said that two years before the slaying of Peter and Paul, Seneca was put to death by Nero, his very savage, for having opposed him. For when Seneca was well along in years he was suspected of being a party to the Pisan conspiracy; or, as some say, Nero, recalling the discipline to which he was subjected in his youth, and being born with a hatred of virtue, ordered Seneca to choose the manner of his own death. When Seneca learned of this, he asked to be placed in lukewarm water and all his veins opened until he gave up the spirit, believing this to be an easy manner of death. And so he ended his life. Being a highly learned man, he wrote many works, both human and divine.79

Lucan (Lucanus) Annaeus, son of the brother of the aforesaid Seneca, was a highly celebrated orator, poet and historian. Although younger than his uncle, he was his equal in intelligence and moderation. He first studied at Rome under Cornutus, and at the same time Persius and Bassus were his colleagues. And although, by reason of his talents, he was called to court by Nero and was in favor with him for a long time, and for that reason attained to the office of revenue collector and priest, he was accused of conspiracy as Seneca had been, and was put to death, according to his own choice, by the opening of his veins.80

Persius Flaccus Aulus—his father was Flaccus, his mother Fulvia—a native of Volaterrana in Etruria, was a person of medium stature, pleasing appearance, good habits, and exceptional intelligence and learning. He first studied grammar, then rhetoric, and finally philosophy under Cornutus.81 He died of a disease of the stomach at the age of twenty-nine years, while Nero still reigned. He was buried on his estate at Rome. At this time Cornutus, the philosopher and poet, was also sent into exile by Nero on various accusations. Because of his devotion to his disciple Persius, he collected a library. He left his earnings to his sisters as an inheritance.82

Philip was one of the twelve apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ, who called upon Philip to follow him. Philip enlisted his brother Nathanael, a doctor of law, in whom there was no guile in favor of anyone not called as an apostle, so that the conversion of the people to the faith should not be subordinated to human wisdom. Now after the apostle had preached for twenty years through the land of Scythia, and had converted all the Scythians to faith in Christ, he came to Hierapolis,83 in Asia. There he extinguished the heresy of the Ebionites,84 who did not believe in the divinity of Christ. Afterwards he was taken prisoner and was led to a statue of Mars, an idolatrous god, to worship it. But a dragon came out from under the image and slew the son of the high priest who attended the altar fire, as well as two tribunes whose servants held the apostle. And the dragon made many people ill. Yet after the apostle’s prayers, the dragon disappeared, and the people became well again. In the seventy-eighth year of his age, because of his preaching, he was nailed to a cross by the unbelievers, like his master was; and so he was made a martyr to Christ. This Philip left two daughters, who were virgins and who were buried beside him, one to his right and one to his left.85

Barnabas, one of the seventy-two disciples, and a native of Cyprus, was given to Paul as an associate to preach to the pagans, and at Peter’s command he wandered through the entire Longobardian country, preaching and teaching. He and his disciples converted all Cisalpine Gaul to the Christian faith. He erected the first cathedral at Milan (Mediolanum) and left a bishop there. He returned to Cyprus with the Gospel of Matthew and there he healed many. He earned the crown of martyrdom at Salamina not long before Peter was martyred.86

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Year of the World 5273

Year of Christ 73

Linus succeeded St. Peter in the pontificate in the last year of Nero, and held office to the time of Vespasian. Some assign this position to Pope Clement, foregoing Linus and Cletus. However, history, as well as the writings of Jerome, are to the contrary. Jerome states that Clement was the fourth bishop of Rome after Peter, while Linus was the second, and Cletus the third. Some Latin writers place Clement immediately after Peter, but it is known that Clement compelled Linus and Cletus to precede him in the papal office; for succession to this coveted princely position was not a matter of consequence to him. Linus was a Tuscan by birth. He was a man of good morals and piety, and at the command of Peter ordered that no woman should enter church with uncovered head. Twice he consecrated eighteen priests and eleven bishops in this city. He described the works of Peter, particularly his contest with Simon the Magician. After having driven the devils out of the people and brought the dead back to life, he was slain by Saturninus, then consul, whose daughter he relieved of the devil. He was buried in the Vatican beside the body of Peter on September 21. St. Gregory, bishop of Hostia (Ostiensem), as it is said, removed his remains to that city, interring them in the Church of St. Lawrence. Linus occupied the papal see eleven years three months and twelve days.87

Year of the World 5284

Year of Christ 84

Cletus, a pope, by birth a Roman, reluctantly accepted the pontificate at the request of Clement. He was highly respected as a good and holy man on account of his learning, behavior and worthiness. He left nothing undone that might promote or augment the Church of God. After he had well ordered the churches and had consecrated twenty-five priests at the command of Peter, he received the crown of martyrdom under Emperor Domitian and was buried in the Vatican beside the remains or St. Peter on the 27th day of April. He was the first, as they say, to incorporate salvation and papal blessing in the apostolic letters. He held office during the times of Vespasian and Titus, and until the time of the consuls Domitian and Rufus, as Damasus writes. He occupied the papal see 11 years, 1 month and 11 days. The office was vacant for 20 days after his death.88

Bartholomew, the apostle, and such by the advice of heaven, after the descent of the Holy Spirit, and after he had preached the gospel of Christ in Lycaonia and India, came to the city of Albana89 in Greater Armenia. And he entered the temple in which Ashtaroth (Ascaroth), the pagan god, was worshipped, and so contrived that the devil made no response to his worshippers. On account of that they went to a city nearby, where another idolatrous god told them that their own god had been enslaved by the presence of Bartholomew; and he identified Bartholomew by describing him as having black curly hair, a fair body, large eyes, regular nose, long beard, and a few gray locks, a smooth person, wearing a white robe without sleeves, and a cloak with jewels at all the corners, and that he was accustomed to pray one hundred times daily on bended knees, etc. And there Bartholomew preached the Gospel, converted Polymius (Polemium), the king, and his queen, and twelve cities, to Christ, and exposed the devil. For that reason the priests of the temple became angry; and they caused Astyages, brother of Polymius, to beat Bartholomew, to torture him, and finally to behead him; and thus he attained heavenly bliss. He was buried at the same place by the faithful with every honor. From there his body was removed to Lipari, later to Beneventum, and finally, as some say, to Rome. Bartholomew was born of noble parents, and came to Jerusalem where he became attached to Christ after witnessing his divine works and miracles.90

Apollinaris, bishop of Ravenna, and a very pious man, was consecrated by St. Peter and sent to Ravenna. He was frequently punished with cruel lashes and his old body torn by gruesome tortures. However, in order that the faithful would not fear his hardships, he worked apostolic miracles, raising a girl from the dead, making the blind to see, the dumb to speak, and finally casting down an idol and its temple. After suffering torture he went to glorious martyrdom in the same city on the 23rd day of July.91

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Galba, a man of ancient noble lineage, was the seventh Roman emperor. Although the royal line ended with Nero, and this Galba was in no degree related to the imperial family, nevertheless he was chosen emperor by the army in Iberia. When he learned of Nero’s death he journeyed to Rome. In the beginning he was assiduous in the study of the liberal arts and the furtherance of justice. During his singular career he was esteemed for his knowledge of military and home affairs. He was often in the consulship, and many times a leader in the weightiest engagements. He was erect in stature, bald headed, had dark green eyes and a curved nose. He was awkward in hands and feet, and could not endure any footwear, nor turn over the pages of a small book, nor hold it. A hump grew out of his right side. He was accustomed to eat much food, and in the wintertime ate before daybreak. He was inclined to licentiousness. He offended everyone by his avarice and lack of consideration. He was secretly ambushed by Otho (Ottonis) at Rome, and together with his adopted son Piso, a noble youth, was strangled near the Lacus Curtius, in the seventy-third year of his age and the seventh month of his reign. It was Galba who brought Marcus Fabius Quintilianus, the celebrated rhetorician, from Spain to Rome.92

Otho, the eighth Roman emperor, was born of a noble father and a lowly mother. Yet by his mother he was nobler than through his father. From youth he was of profligate and immoderate ways. By the grace of Livia Augustus, in whose house he grew up, he was made a consul. He was a relative of Nero and participated in his councils; and so in the course of revolts and dissensions he secretly aspired to the empire. And although in three engagements he was victor over Vitellius, who in Germany had been proclaimed emperor, he was defeated in the fourth. In despair he laid hands upon himself. He wounded himself below the nipple of his left breast, and died. In accordance with his wishes he was buried in Volaterrana, in Etruria, in the thirty-eighth year of his age and the ninety-fifth day of his reign. He was (as one finds) a small person, deformed in his legs, bald, and of feminine fastidiousness; but others write that he was a strong man and a singular ruler in military affairs.93

Vitellius, the ninth Roman emperor, of honorable rather than noble offspring, came to Rome, where he spent his childhood and early youth among the unchaste Tiberine women, marring his subsequent years with every vice. He was a favorite of Caius as a result of prophecy, of Claudius as a devotee of the gaming board, and to some extent of Nero. Through the graces of these three princes he attained to great honors, to the consulship of Africa and the office of public works. Galba afterwards sent him into Lower Germany; and there, in civilian garb, he was greeted as an emperor because he denied no one in the encampment anything. When he became emperor he sank into all manner of wantonness, cruelty and gluttony, for he was such a gourmand that he frequently ate during the day. At one evening meal two thousand fish and seven thousand birds were served up at his command. They say he had a very florid face and a fat belly. He burned Sabinus, the brother of Vespasian in the capitol at Rome with the Flavians. Therefore Vespasian ordered Vitellius to be cut up into small pieces and thrown into the Tiber, and he, together with his brother, passed away in the fifty-seventh year of his age.94

Vespasian Flavius was the tenth Roman emperor. Although the empire, in consequence of dissension and war between the three princes, was in a doubtful and uncertain state, it was finally reestablished by the Flavians. Vespasian married Flavia Domitilla, and of her were born to him Titus and Domitian. Before he became emperor, Claudius sent him into Germany and Britain. Two years before his (Nero’s) death he was sent forth by Nero to conquer the land of Judea. There he conducted many battles; and, therefore, on the death of Nero the army proclaimed him emperor. He ordered his son Titus to continue the war, while by way of Alexandria he returned to Rome. And this same city of Rome (whose customs, laws and public works he found in disorder), he embellished. He was a mild and gifted man, and when he received the empire, which had declined in public welfare, he again restored it. He was cherry-red in complexion, strong and pronounced in limb, and of a smooth and shining countenance, thoughtful not to give offense, but too assiduous in the accumulation of money. Although he did not take it from strangers, yet he used it liberally and generously. Finally he died of diarrhea of the stomach. He said that it becomes an emperor to die standing. And as he stood up he died in the hands of those who held him, at the age of fifty-nine years, being the tenth year of his reign.95

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Andrew (Andreas), a brother and associate of Simon (Symonis) Peter in suffering on the cross, was at first a disciple of John the Baptist, and later a follower of Jesus. Pointing to him, John said, Behold the Lamb of God. After the descent of the Holy Spirit, and while Vespasian still reigned, and after Andrew had preached the Gospel to the Scythians, he traveled in Achaia, a region of Greece. And there he converted many people to the faith, particularly Maximilla, the wife of Aegeus. After a lengthy disputation concerning the faith, Aegeus (Egee) imprisoned him at Patras in Achaia. Later he was severely beaten by twenty youths of the court, and finally was tied to a cross with cords. And when the people murmured against Aegeus, the proconsul, Andrew earnestly urged them not to prevent his martyrdom, for Jesus, his Master, had also shown patience while suffering. When Andrew beheld the cross, he saluted it, saying, "Hail, precious Cross, that has been consecrated by the body of my Lord, and adorned with his limbs as with rich jewels." He lived on the cross for two days. Finally a glory appeared about him, and he fulfilled his martyrdom on the last day of November. Maximilla took his body and interred it with aromatic herbs. In the twenty-first year of the reign of Constantius, the emperor, the remains of Andrew, together with those of St. Luke, were taken from the aforesaid city to Constantinople. Afterwards Pope Pius II brought the head of Andrew from the Peloponnesus to Rome, placing it in St. Peter’s Church.96

Qunitilian, celebrated orator and philosopher, a native of Spain, was held in high regard at this time. He was brought to Rome by the emperor Galba, and there established a school. He was a very learned and courageous man. He wrote eight books on the art of oratory; also another on useful matters, containing this excellent and memorable saying: God willed that we do not neglect the teachings of our books. We easily proceed from infancy to pleasures, and a weak or neglectful rearing breaks up the arterial system of mind and body. The book on oratory, lost for nearly six hundred years, was discovered in its entirety about the Year of the Lord 1414 (during the Concilium at Constance) in a monastery by Pogio Florentino, a very learned man, and was transcribed by him and brought into Italy.97

Thomas Didymus, also called Geminus, one of the twelve apostles, was he who doubted the ascension of Christ; and, more than the Magdalene, he confirmed us in our faith, for he was a witness of the ascension, not only by seeing and hearing but also through touch. He preached the gospel to the Parthians, Medes, Persians, Hyrcanians and Brachmanians,98 and he converted many people in Upper and Lower India. He baptized Migdonia Carithius, a friend of the king’s wife, and he founded many churches that are still to be seen. From there, as Chrysostom says, he went to the country of the three kings who came to worship Christ; and he brought them to baptism and took them on as associates to assist in the Christian faith. And at last he was cast into a burning oven by the unbelievers, but he emerged from it unscathed. He was then led forth to worship the idol of the sun; at which the apostle, on bended knee, said: I pray to my Lord Jesus Christ. I pray to you who here lies hidden to destroy this idol. And when that happened the priest of the devil was very angry and he stabbed the apostle with a spear. Before long his body was taken to the city of Edessa. It is thought that Thomas was not present at the death of Mary, and he doubted the ascension of her soul and body. Therefore the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to him and gave him her girdle as evidence. Of this there is no credible writing at hand.99

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Matthew, a highly renowned apostle and evangelist, was called by Christ from the sinful occupation of a tax-gatherer. After the Lord’s ascension he preached the Gospel of Christ in Judea. Contemplating a sojourn with the foreign nations of Ethiopia, land of the Moors, he first wrote a Gospel in the Hebrew tongue for the converted Jews, and left it as a memorial with his fellow-disciples, particularly Barnabas. In the beginning of this Gospel he treats of the incarnation; in the middle, of the ministry; and at the end, of the Passion of Christ. This Gospel the apostle Barnabas used and carried about with him in his ministry in a number of places; and he placed it on the sick, and with it he healed them. Matthew wandered through all of Ethiopia, preaching and converting countless Ethiopians to Christian submission; and he washed them in the font of baptism, turning them from dark into a very beautiful people. And he dedicated churches to Christ. But when he consecrated to Christ the Lord the noble virgin Epigenia, with two hundred other maidens, the king sent to the Apostle of God an executioner, who, while Matthew was holding mass with hands uplifted to God at the altar, ran him through with a sword, and killed him on the 21st day of September. And immediately afterwards the king was plagued with a leprous disease, which made him despondent and caused him to kill himself. By means of an apparition the Apostle admonished the people to set up as king the brother of Epigenia; and he reigned 70 years afterwards, establishing many churches and making Ethiopia a Christian country. Eunuchus, whom Philip had baptized, then undertook the rule of Ethiopia.100

Processus and Martinian, Roman soldiers, were baptized in prison by the divine Peter. At the command of Nero they were tortured with thorns, fire, clubs, and scorpions101, and finally received the crown of martyrdom.102 The brothers Nereus and Achilles (Archelaus),103 during the persecution at Rome suffered martyrdom there; likewise did Torpetus, Torquatus, and Cecilius Euphrasius, among the Spaniards.104

Thecla (Tecla), a highly renowned virgin and disciple of Saint Paul, was cruelly tortured with clubs, wild beasts and fire, because she confessed the Christian faith. She was born at Iconium, and came to rest in the Lord at Seleucia on the 23rd day of the month of September.105

Judas Thaddaeus (Thadeus), a brother of Simon (Symonis) the Canaanite and James (Iacobi) the Less, and a son of Mary Cleophas and Alphaeus, first preached the Gospel in Mesopotamia and the lower regions of the Pontus, after the descent of the Holy Spirit; and he pacified the barbarous people by his pious teachings. Later, with Simon (Symone) the Apostle, he sojourned in Persia. According to ecclesiastical history he came to King Abagarus, in the city of Edessa, who then wrote a letter to Christ before he suffered; and Christ answered it in writing. Abagarus was suffering from an incurable disease of the stomach, and Judas Thaddaeus cured him of it. Afterwards Judas Thaddaeus, together with Simon, was martyred, and they were buried in the city of Netruo (Netri), in Armenia. Their day is observed as the 28th day of October.106

Dioscorides (Diascorides), a Greek physician and a military man, skilled in the knowledge and use of herbs, was greatly renowned at this time. With much industry he wrote upon the power, effect, and virtues of herbs, trees and stones. Concerning himself he said, What I have stated, I have not discovered by mere good luck, but have learned through research and experience. He is also mentioned by Pliny.107

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Simon (Symon), son of Cleophas, was an apostle of Christ Jesus Christ, and was his cousin. He was called "the Canaanite" and was said to have been a brother of Judas Thaddaeus. Because of his zeal for the Lord he was surnamed Peter. In the division of the ministry Egypt fell to his lot. As he preached the Gospel of Christ everywhere, so upon the martyrdom of James the apostle he ruled the church at Jerusalem with the consent of the apostles. And when he attained the age of one hundred twenty years, he, together with Judas (Jude) the apostle, was brought before the image of the sun-god to worship it; but they showed that the idol was full of devils; and they ordered the devils to break up the idol; immediately after which black Ethiopians108 came out of it and broke it up. Then the high priests immediately fell upon the apostles and punished them. Some hold that this Simon was accused of heresy by Atticus, the consul, and was brought to his death by means of many cruel tortures such as Christ suffered. And all the people were astounded that so old a man could endure such suffering. Others said that Simon was the son of Cleophas, and a bishop of Jerusalem. His day is the 28th of October, on which Saint Jude is also honored.109

Petronilla (Petronella), that holiest of virgins and daughter of St. Peter, was a beautiful woman. By the volition of Peter she was troubled with a languishing illness or cold fever. And when the disciples asked him why he did not cure his sick daughter, although he had healed many other persons, he answered it was good for her. Yet he asked her to serve him and then return to her sick bed. And when she began to acquire a fear of God, she received healing medicine from her father. But now, against her inclinations, a count named Flaccus, desired her for wife. She asked three days grace in which to think about it. These three days she spent in fasting and prayer, and on the third day she died, as soon as she had received the last sacrament of Christ our Lord from Nicodemus. So Flaccus, seeing that he would be instantly mocked, took her companion, Felicola, (as his wife), and caused Nicodemus to be put to death with various tortures. Her body was buried at Rome, and her day is the last of May.110

Lazarus, brother of the two sisters, Martha and Magdalen, was a bishop at Massilia.111 He was raised from the dead by our Lord Jesus Christ in the thirteenth year of the reign of Claudius. His sister Martha, according to the Lord’s prophecy, lived a whole year with a cold fever, and then rested in peace. Saint Frontinus buried her body. In memory of brother and sister a church was later built not far from Bethany. Marcella, her next of kin (as it is said), described her life, and afterwards converted to the faith many people in Sclavonia.112 Ten years after the death of Martha, she too rested in peace in the Lord. The relics of this man Lazarus and his sister are held in particular veneration in the city of Massilia.113

Matthias, the apostle from Bethlehem and born out of the tribe of Judah, was, after the Lord’s ascension, chosen by lot by the apostles to become one of their number (as Luke testifies). After the descent of the Holy Spirit, it fell to his lot to preach in the land of Judea. Some say, according to his history that is said to be at Trier114, that he was highly educated in the law of the Lord, pure of body, intelligent in mind, a circumspect counsellor, and of understanding speech. The Jews charged him with blasphemy and ordered two men to stone him. Within the course of his martyrdom he was slain with an axe, and with uplifted hands he gave up the Spirit. Some say his body was brought to Rome, some to Padua, some to Trier. His day is celebrated on the 24th of February. Although various opinions are held as to the time of his martyrdom, yet it is known that by divine direction the apostles elected him to succeed Judas Iscariot the betrayer.115

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Luke, the evangelist and a disciple of Christ, and a native of the city of Antioch, in Syria, was a physician, and not unfamiliar with the Greek tongue. He was a follower of Paul the apostle, and his inseparable companion during all his pilgrimages. Having learned that two gospels were available through Matthew in Judea, and through Mark in Italy, Luke, through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, wrote a gospel in Achaia according to what he had learned from St. Paul. And of him St. Paul said, We have sent with him (i.e., Titus) the brother, whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches.116 At another place St. Paul says, Luke the physician, my most beloved, greets you. But Luke did not derive his gospel from St. Paul alone, but, as he himself states, from other apostles, just as those taught us who were in the service of the ministry and had seen it from the beginning. They say that he was also instructed in it by the Blessed Mother Mary, of whose friendship he availed himself; and that later he was also instructed in the art of painting. And as he had many dealings with the Virgin Mary, and lived there, therefore (as Damascenus states) he often painted her portrait. Of these same portraits there are two at hand in Rome. One of these, at St. Mary of the People117, is preserved with great veneration. After having lived his life without a wife for seventy-four years, Luke died at Bithynia on the 18th day of October. In the twentieth year of the reign of Constantius his remains were brought to Constantinople. They now rest in the Basilica of St. Justina at Padua.118

Evax, king of Arabia, a celebrated philosopher, physician and rhetorician, was in renown at this time. Among other works of his art he wrote a very good book on medicine and sent it to Nero. In it he not only described all the species and colors of medicinal herbs, but also the minerals, and in what regions they are to be found.119 Vectius, a Greek physician, after the civil wars in Rome, set up a new system, opposing both the ancients and the moderns by frivolous aspirations, claiming that it had supplanted the system of Hippocrates. But Galen (Galenius) exposed his ignorance.120

Mary Magdalene, the most distinguished apostle of Christ, was from youth (as the sacred history of her records) the most beautiful among all maidens. By the wishes of Martha, her sister, and Lazarus, her brother, she was given a husband at the castle of Magdala, but soon afterwards she was misled by wantonness and empty happiness. This Magdalene, being unmindful of her family, became a sinner; but through the sermons and teachings of Christ she was reformed. At the house of Simon (Symonis) the leper she fell at His feet. Weeping, she washed His feet and dried them with the hair of her head, and she kissed them, and anointed them with costly ointment.121 And the Lord said, O woman, your many sins are forgiven. Go forth in peace. Afterwards, during all her life, she was zealously attached to Christ, and because of her devotion her brother Lazarus was raised from the dead; and she chose the best part. After the ascension of the Lord, she became a strict hermit at Marseilles (Massilia), and without the knowledge of the people she lived in one spot for thirty years. Every day of the week she was raised up into the air by angels, and her earthly ears were restored by the pleasant song of the celestial choir; and for that reason she was sat (in office)iated to such an extent that she required no bodily nourishment. Finally, through a hermit, she was revealed to the bishop Maximinus. He looked for her at sunrise on the Sunday morning she was to die; and she appeared two cubits above the earth in the midst of angels surrounded by a great light, and fortified with the Holy Sacrament in tears she gave up the Spirit to God the 22nd day of the month of July.122

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Year of the World 5294

Year of Christ 94

Clement, a Roman by birth, lived in the time of the Emperor Domitian (Domiciani), and occupied the papal chair after Pope Cletus, for 9 years and 10 days. He was the fourth Pope of Rome after Peter, although others say he was the second. He was a most kind and gentle man, and voluntarily requested that the two popes Linus and Cletus should precede him in the work. However, he was held in esteem for his spiritual learning and virtue; and he wrote several epistles in the name of the church, and ordered that a single bishop should not hold mass without the deacons; nor a layman lay charges against a cleric; and he appointed seven notaries to industriously write the complete history of the martyrs. This Clement daily converted many people to the Christian faith by his spiritual learning and virtue. On that account P. Tarquinius and Mamertinus, the Romans, incited the Emperor Trajan against the Christians. At his command Clement was taken to an island, where he found two thousand Christians hewing marble. And the people there were ill and in need of water, which they had to bring there from a distance of six miles. So Clement was moved by the wants of the people; and he went to a hill not far off, and there he saw a lamb under whose right foot was a miraculous spring giving forth an abundance of water. With this all the people were refreshed and many were converted to the faith. This enraged Trajan and he sent one of his officers, who tied an anchor about his neck and threw him into the sea on the 23rd day of the month of November. Before long his body was washed ashore, and was finally buried, and in that place a spring came up. After death the chair was vacant for 22 days.123

Year of the World 5303

Year of Christ 104

Anacletus was by birth a Greek of Athens, and a successor of Clement in the papacy in the time of Nerva and Trajan. Eusebius foregoes this Anacletus and says he was Cletus, but there is a difference between the dates of birth and death of these two; for Cletus, a Roman, died under Domitian (Domiciano), while Anacletus of Athens died under Trajan. He collected the reminiscences of Peter; and he also assigned certain places for the burial of the martyrs. And once, in the month or December, he consecrated five priests, three deacons, and in various places six bishops. And he decreed that a bishop was not to be consecrated by less than three bishops; but a bad priest by one bishop; and that a bishop should not undertake to consecrate foreign subjects. Finally he was slain under Trajan; and the chair was vacant for 13 days. He sat 9 years, two months and 10 days.124

Evaristus, the pope, by birth a Greek, was born of a Jew named Judas, a native of Bethlehem. He was a just and fall man. He was the first to assign titles to the clergy at Rome. He appointed seven deacons to hold the preaching bishops to the faith. He also ordered that the charges of the people against a bishop should not be recognized. He forbade secret marriages, and decreed that bride and groom should be blessed by a priest. He held three consecrations in December, and consecrated six priests, two deacons, and in various places five bishops. As some say, he was martyred in the last year of Trajan the Emperor; but it is likely that he was martyred under Hadrian (as others say), while that emperor was not yet reconciled to the Christians. For he sat nine years, ten months and two days, and was buried beside the body of St. Peter; and at that time the chair was vacant for 19 days.125

The second persecution of the Christians after Nero was put into effect by the Emperor Domitian (Domicianus) in the 12thyear of his reign. In the course of these persecutions John the apostle and evangelist was brought to Rome by Domitian the Emperor and placed into a kettle of boiling oil, but from which he came out unharmed. Therefore he was sent to the island of Patmos; but after the death of Domitian he was released from exile, and went to Ephesus. Domitilla (Domicilla), a very holy virgin, was in the course of this persecution brought to the island of Pontia, and after enduring much suffering, was, together with Euphrosina, Theodora, and other virgins, burned in her bedchamber by a tyrant. Nicomedus, a Roman priest, Hermocoras, the Aquilaean archbishop, a disciple of Mark, together with Fortunatus, his archdeacon, earned the crown of martyrdom in this persecution. And so Cletus and Anacletus, the popes, and also many others suffered.126

FOLIO CIX recto

Titus, first son of Vespasian, the eleventh Roman Emperor, began his reign after the demise of his father. By nature he was of a most benevolent disposition. Now Vespasian thought so much of his son’s virtue that when some fostered revolt and dissension in their zeal to rule, he said no one other than his son should aspire to reign; and not without reason, for Titus, because of his virtue and perfect disposition, was respected as a loving and benevolent member of the human race. He was the most eloquent in peace, the strongest in war. He was so kind and generous that he denied no one anything; and when his friends held this against him, he answered, No one should leave the presence of the emperor in sorrow. One day, after the evening meal, it occurred to him that on that day he had done nothing for anybody, and he said: Friends, I have lost this day through forgetfulness of my benevolence. He was highly learned in the Latin and Greek tongues, and therefore held in favor the highly learned man Asconius Pedianus.127 He warred in Judea, took Jerusalem and raised the temple to the ground. He killed six hundred thousand persons, and, as Josephus states, who was taken prisoner in the same engagement, eleven times one hundred thousand persons perished by hunger and the sword, while another hundred thousand were taken prisoners and publicly sold. On account of this victory over the Jews, Titus and his father, seated in the same chariot, celebrated a triumph at Rome, while Domitian followed them on a white horse. To this day one may still see at Rome evidences of this siege, and so the engraved candlestick and tables of laws which were taken from the Temple. He died in the same village as his father, in the forty-second year of his life, and was buried with public lamentations by all the people as though they had been deprived of a father.128

Domitian (Domicianus), a brother of Titus and son of Vespasian, was the twelth Roman emperor, and in the interval up to the time of his rule, he daily resorted to secret places of lechery and did nothing but catch flies and stabbed them with a sharp stylus. He resembled Nero and Caligula more than his father Vespasian and his brother Titus. In his earlier years he was more temperate, but he soon fell into gross vices, voluptuousness, neglect, ill temper and cruelty. He killed many distinguished persons, and also sent many into exile. However he rebuilt many buildings that had burned down, but all in his own name and without regard for the memory of their original founders. Yet he judged justly, and restored the burnt libraries at great cost. But finally, through his misdeeds, he aroused so much enmity that he fairly obliterated the names of his father and brother. He conceived the idea of calling himself a god and decreed that he be honored as such. He was finally slain in his bedchamber and his body infested with bats. He was disgracefully buried at the age of 35 in the fifteenth year of his reign.129

Nerva, the thirteenth Roman emperor, was at an advanced age, elected after Domitian, and was an ordinary man of moderate habits. He placed himself on a level with the commonality and proved very useful. After everything pertaining to the empire was ruined or destroyed through the tumults of his predecessors, by his industry the actions and transactions of Domitian were nullified and repealed by the senate, and many who had been sent into exile were recalled, and the estates and property which had been forfeited were returned to them. And as he was now burdened with years and felt his end near, he took the precaution, for the common good, of adopting Trajan as his son. He died at the age of seventy-two, in the first year and four months of his reign. By approval of the senate he was given the rank of a god.130

Trajan, by birth a Spaniard, and surnamed Ulpius Crinitus, was the fourteenth Roman emperor and successor to Nerva in the empire. By his reputation as a warrior, his nobility and moderation, he excelled all the other emperors; for he extended the Roman Empire far and wide. He restored Germany beyond the Rhine to its former status, and brought under Roman subjection Dacia and many peoples beyond the Danube. He retook the Parthians, and gave the Albanians a king. He made a province of the Euphrates and Tigris, and marched as far as the limits of India and the Red Sea. Yet his conduct so commended him to mankind that up to the time of Justinian, upon election of a Roman emperor the people cried out that their choice would be as fortunate as Augustus and even better than Trajan. In addition, he was so good and magnaminous in visiting the sick and in the greeting of friends, that it was regarded as one of his failings. And thus the proverb originated, That the emperor must so conduct himself to other persons, that others will cleave to him. Honor and riches, gifts and rewards he impartially distributed among the deserving. He did nothing in his lifetime that was not for the common good. He died at Selinus (Seleucia) in Cilicia (Isauria) of diarrhea of the stomach after having reigned eighteen years and six months. His remains were brought to Rome and there buried under a column 140 feet high, which may still be seen there.131

FOLIO CIX verso

Timothy (Timotheus), a disciple of Paul, the apostle, was a bishop at Ephesus. He was the son of a pagan father and of widowed mother, a woman of religious faith. He was called by Paul, and after suffering many dangers, received the martyr’s crown. However, some say he suffered under Nero, and that two angels appeared to him during his martyrdom, saying, Lift your head to heaven and see. And he saw heaven open—and Jesus holding a costly crown. Jesus said, This crown you will receive by my hand. This was also seen by a man named Appollinaris, who permitted himself to be baptized; immediately after which the judge caused them both to be beheaded.132

Titus, also a disciple of Paul and a bishop of the Cretans, after faithful service as a preacher, came to a blessed end; and he received an epistle from Paul out of the city of Nicopolis.133 Crescens (Crescentius) was another disciple of Paul, and by his preaching converted many people to the Christian faith in Galatia.134

Dionysius the Areopagite, a highly renowned philosopher, together with Eleutherius the priest, and Rusticus the Deacon, was martyred at Paris in the persecution by Domitian. For when Pope Clement at the request of Peter, sent him to preach to the Gauls, and he performed the required work of the Lord with zeal, he and his associate, now ninety years of age, were flogged, spit upon, ridiculed, stretched naked upon a grill over the fire, tortured by other means, and finally beheaded in a kneeling posture. Thereafter he carried his head in his arms with the guidance of angels to the place where he finally rested. This is the Dionysius who at Athens spoke of the passion of the Lord Jesus: Either the God of nature suffers, or the whole structure of the world will be ruined. And him also, Paul the apostle afterward baptized, industriously instructed, and ordained as bishop at Athens, where he brought many persons to the Christian faith; as also in Gaul. On the ninth day of October he suffered martyrdom. Being a highly learned man, he left many excellent and enlightening writings. And as he states in one of his books, he was one of the witnesses to the demise of Mary, the mother of God. And when he there after heard that Peter and Paul, the apostles, were taken by Nero, he went there himself to see them. And thereupon he was ordained (as aforesaid) by Pope Clement.135

Victorinus, esteemed for his piety and miracles, and a worthy bishop of the city of Emiterna, was taken as a Christian from the city and led to the Emperor Nerva, and by his order he was hanged with his head downward in a region where stinking and sulphurous water flowed. And after he had endured such martyrdom in the name of Jesus for three days, then, so crowned (with martyrdom) he gave up his Spirit to Christ on the 5th day of the month of September. Eutyches (Eutices) and Marcus were also martyred under the Emperor Nerva; for when Aurelian saw that Domitilla, his betrothed, loved these pious men more for their faith and virtue, and Nereus and Achilleus136 were about then also martyred, he assigned these holy men, with the permission of Nerva, as slaves to do the ploughing on his estates. But as they were looked upon with favor by all and worked miracles, they too were finally slain on the 16th day of May.137

John (Iohannes), the apostle and evangelist, brother of James (Iacobi) the Greater, and the most beloved of Jesus Christ, was called as a disciple in his younger years. They say this pious man lived until the time of Trajan the Emperor. After establishing the Asiatic church he wrote his gospel, being the last; and he confirmed what Matthew, Mark and Luke had written. And, as they say, he nullified the teachings of the Edionite heretics who falsely claimed that Christ did not exist before Mary. For John announced his godly nature, saying: In the beginning was the Word, etc. He also wrote many other things, namely, the Book of Revelation when exiled to the Island of Patmos by Domitian. After the latter’s death and the nullification of his decrees, John returned to Ephesus. Up to the time of Trajan he sustained churches there with his counsel and writings. Burdened with years, he rested in the sixty-eighth year after Christ suffered. Then at ninety years he went to church early one Sunday morning and preached to the people; and he climbed into a square crypt that he had caused to be made in the church. And a great light appeared so he could not be seen. When the light disappeared his body was gone, but the crypt was filled with heavenly bread (manna).138

FOLIO CX recto

The third persecution of the Christians occurred because the Christian faith spread very rapidly. Although Trajan was an emperor of singular justice and goodness, in the tenth year of his reign certain impious and wicked peoples caused him concern as to whether the Roman Empire might not suffer by secessions in consequence. Therefore he caused a third persecution of the Christians, in which many were slain; so that Pliny the Second, who governed the provinces, moved to compassion by the great number of deaths, wrote to Trajan, the Emperor, that countless thousands of people were being slain daily, who neither violated the Roman law nor committed any other misdeeds, being guilty of nothing more than singing hymns to a certain Christ, as to a god; while they considered adultery and such vices unseemly. And as a result of that Trajan was moved and decreed that the Christians should not be sought out, but that when they presented themselves they should be punished.139

Ignatius, a bishop of Antioch, the third bishop there after Peter, and a disciple of St. John the Evangelist, after having governed the church for many years, was taken prisoner at Antioch and sentenced to be thrown to the wild animals. And while being carried to Rome, on the way he fortified all Christian people in the faith with prayers or with letters, saying: So that I may find Christ, fire, the cross, wild animals, breaking of limbs, or the rending of my whole body, and the tortures of the devil may assail me, so long as I gain Christ. And when he heard the roar of the lions he said: I am the food of God, and shall be ground by the teeth of wild beasts that I may be found pure bread. Once upon a time, as he stood upon a mountain, he heard the angels singing antiphonies, and therefore he ordered that these should also be sung in the churches. In many epistles that he wrote to Mary, he greeted her as the Bearer of Christ. He died in the eleventh year of Trajan.140

Eustathius (Eustachius) surnamed Placidus, Trajan’s Master of the Soldiers, was martyred for Christ on September 20th, in this very cruel time, together with his wife Theospita, and their sons, Agapitus and Theospitus. Of his conversion one reads miraculous things. Eustathius saw a beautiful deer, between whose horns appeared a crucifix that spoke to him. And therefore he accepted baptism.141

Hermes, a Roman citizen, and an illustrious official of that city, was baptized by Alexander the pope, together with his wife and children, his sister Theodosa and twelve hundred and fifty servants and their wives. In this persecution he was imprisoned, and later, on the 28th day of August be was sentenced and martyred with the sword.

Josephus the Jew, called Flavius, a priest under Matathias, the priest’s son, a highly renowned historian and in many ways an enlightened man, and a leader in the Jewish wars, in the reigns of Nero and others, was taken prisoner by Vespasian and Titus when the Jewish country was taken, and he was put in honorable service; for he was a good and excellent man, who well understood Christ. He prophesied that Nero would die shortly and that Vespasian would become emperor. Now when this happened, Vespasian released him from all service, and he was afterward taken to Rome, given citizenship, and the name of the Flavian family. And with this same emperor he lived happily for fifteen years. In that time he wrote seven books upon the conquest of the Jews, and for that he earned the honor (as Saint Jerome says) of having a column erected to him at Rome. Afterwards he also wrote a book on the antiquity of the Jews, from the beginning of the world to the time of the Jewish Wars; and many other books; all of which were translated into the Latin tongue by Rufinus the Aquileian. This Josephus was born at the time when Christ was crucified, and he lived up to the time of the Emperor Trajan, and died very honorably.142

Publius (P.) Statius, the Neapolitan, a native of the village of Epiroticus, flourished at Rome; and there he wrote twelve books about the Theban war, and a book about the childhood of Achilles. Also, he was rewarded for his books of Silvae with a country estate at Alba. While he was still young, he took to wife Claudia, the daughter of Apolinaris. And though he began to write the life of Achilles, he was intercepted by death.143

Martial (Marcus Valerius Marcialis) was a native of Spain, held in high esteem at Rome because of his ingenuity, and his various epigrams. He returned to the place of his birth in the time of Trajan, and there he died at an advanced age.144

Stella, also from Padua (Patavinum), not a mean poet, flourished at this time; and he had a wife named Violantilla whom he utterly loved.145

Juvenal, a satiric poet, native of Aquinum, flourished at Rome. At the age of eighty he was taken from the city and sent to Egypt with a body of troops, not for his honor, but as a punishment. In a short time, however, he succumbed to fear and melancholy. He lived up to the time of the emperor Nerva.146

FOLIO CX verso

Metz (Metis), a very renowned city in Lower Gaul, was also called Mediomatricus, being the central mother of three cities located about namely, Trier (Treverim) to the north, Toul (Tullum) to the south, and Verdun (Viridinum), to the west, while Metz itself is picturesquely located to the east. The city derived its name from Metius, the Roman, who augmented and strengthened it, although he was not its builder. When Julius Caesar subdued the Gauls and besieged this praiseworthy city, this highly renowned and noble Roman, Metius, enhanced the city and surrounded it with battlements. When he came there in person he conducted the nobility through the fortresses and suburbs, and then, with great jubilation, into the city itself. He gave it the name of Metz in accordance with an inscription on a stone found beneath the surface of the earth. Some say it was called Dundunum (Dividunum), that is, Mountain of the Gods, a mountain that may be seen to the north and west. The city is located on the shores of the Moselle and the Seille (Salie). It is well populated, and a mighty episcopal city, having accepted the holy Gospel from Bishop Clement, Pope Clement’s uncle, who was sent there to preach. This same Clement was the noble son of the Roman consul, and a brother of Faustinian, the father of Clement the Pope; and he was baptized by St. Peter. When Gaul was laboring under various erroneous beliefs, he was consecrated a bishop, and together with Celesta the priest, and Felice the deacon, was chosen to exalt the Christian faith in these parts. And afterwards, in honor of St. Peter, they erected a chapel called Gozzia within three thousand feet of the city. During a chase the Count of Metz came upon these men and brought them into the city. This noble city is very strong and mighty, accustomed to war and the use of arms, rich in fields, farms, vineyards, forests and moisture, and is very fertile. However, by reason of a certain contamination it was very arid for a long time. A great dragon lay hidden in the sandy region where a costly building, in the nature of a boundary mark was erected by Octavian. These parts the dragon poisoned with his breath; and in consequence the south and east gates were closed to all. But the pious Clement, who through his virtue and teachings had led the people to worship God, deprived this animal of all its poison by means of his stole; and from that moment this region has been free of all unclean animals. Later he also established St. Peter’s church beyond the walls as a mistress of the entire bishopric. This church, having been exalted by the devotion of the people, was afterward consecrated to St. Stephen, and became an episcopal church. Beyond the city he established a chapel to St. John the Baptist, and in his old age a church not far removed from the city and in a position where it could be more openly appreciated; and in it he provided a crypt and a wholesome spring. Before the portal he erected an altar in honor of St. Peter, its patron. Having secured the city for the Lord and freed it of all uncleanliness, and having given it a good administration for twenty-five years and four months, he gave up his Spirit to the Lord on the 23rd day of the month of November, having given renown to the city of Metz by his piety.147

FOLIO CXI recto

Suteonius Tranquillus, historian, advocate, and master of letters, a native Roman of a patrician family of consuls, was held in high esteem by the Romans at this time. Under emperor Hadrian (Adriano) he was beloved and regarded as very reliable because of his intimate relations with Pliny of Novum Comum.148 His versatility enabled him to write a brilliant work on the aforesaid 12 Caesars; and in it he makes frequent mention of historical events and practices in the time of the ancients. He also wrote an exceptional book of illustrious men, and treated of many other things. But the Emperor Hadrian finally deposed him from consular office because of his secret intimacy with Sabina, Hadrian’s wife; for there was a rumor that he misused her. He lived to the time of Emperor Antoninus Verus.149

Pliny the Second, philosopher and orator, of Novum Comum, as well as a celebrated historian, was held in honor at this time. Although he participated in the cares and affairs of the State, he so zealously concerned himself with the liberal arts, that no one, even with leisure at his disposal, could have written more. He was a talented man of ingenious mind, possessed incredible learning and great industry; and he slept little. In the summer, during his leisure moments, he lay in the sun reading books and making notes and extracts from them; for he read nothing without doing so. He stated that no book is so bad that it contains nothing useful, and held that all time is lost that is not devoted to learning. Being of this frame of mind, he produced many books—one about knightly warfare, two on the life of Pomponius the Second, twenty about the Germanic Wars, in which are collected all the wars of the Romans with the Germans; for he was in the wars in Germany. Also, eight books of doubtful sermons, and 37 books of the histories of nature, a work both broad and learned, and no less varied than nature itself. While he was in command of the fleet at Misenum, he endeavored to ascertain the cause of the eruption of Mount Vesuvius; but contrary winds prevented his return, and he was suffocated by the dust and sparks, and died at the age of fifty-six.150

Plutarch (Plutarchus) of Chareonea (Cheroneus) was a philosopher and a very eloquent historian. He was a magistrate under the emperor Trajan, and at this time was held in great esteem for his intelligence and reliability. Concerning him Polycrates, in his history, states: Plutarch is a man who is truthful in his writings, and his words are all intelligible. In sacredness of custom he was so absolute that he might easily have been taken for a governor under the emperor. This Plutarch labored diligently to infuse into the emperor and his own reigning student four things: reverence for god, self-cultivation, discipline of officials, and love and protection of one’s subjects. And as he was a highly learned man, he wrote many books upon various matters, namely: On Educating Children, On the Political Constitution, On Patience, On the Poet Homer, On the Moderation of Magistrates, On Musicians. (Also) apothegms which very many of our (people) knew as maxims or proverbs, and which, when he was living with Trajan on such friendly terms, he assembled with great industry as a very pleasing gift for him. In addition, the assembled broadly and elegantly the biographies of as many famous Greeks as of Romans.151 And he wrote many other things.152

Hegesippus (Egisippus), the pious and highly learned man, (as Eusebius states) flourished at this time, and among other things wrote a history of the church from the time of the suffering of Christ Jesus to this time, setting down thoughts which he himself followed in his lifetime.153

Dion, philosopher, and a native of Prusa (Prusie), flourished at this time and wrote much about the empire.154

Basilides (Basilidas), a certain heretic, and a very smart man, concluded his life at this time. He wrote twenty three books on the gospels, and left these behind. But Agrippa, at this time the most learned among the Christians, by means of his learning, vanquished and nullified the books of the same heretic, and to his terror caused him to be laughed at by others.155

All these were martyred under Domitian:

• Enodius, martyr
• Sileas, suffered martyrdom in Macedonia
• Julian, bishop of Le Mans (Cenomanensis)
• Paul, bishop
• Saturnine (Saturninus), bishop of Toulouse
• Aristarchus (Aristarcus), martyr
• Maron, martyr
• Marcialis, bishop of (Etandensis?)
• Eutropius, bishop of Aquitaine
• Gregory (Gregorius), warrior bishop
• Eutyches (Eutices), etc.

The following were illustrious under Trajan:

• Herenius, bishop of Lyons
• Jovinus, priest and martyr, disciple of St. Dionysius
• Caranus (Carannus) of Chartres, martyr
• Lucianus of Beauvais, disciple of the blessed Peter
• Eutropius, bishop, and Euphrosyne (Eufrosina)
• Eugeus of Toulouse
• Sulpicius
• Santinus, bishop of Meaux, disciple of Dionysius
• Thaurinus, bishop of York
• Theodora
• Saint Servilianus
• Sagericus, bishop of Cambrai, disciple of Dionysius

FOLIO CXI verso

Year of the World 5313

Year of Christ 114

Alexander the pope was by birth a Roman. He was young in years, but mature in manners. He was successor to Pope Evaristus and in office to the time of Emperor Hadrian (Adrianus). By his skill and piety he converted many nobles to the faith, and made various laws for the conduct of the church: Firstly, that no one, under pain of excommunication, should obstruct a papal legate. Likewise, he ordered that no cleric should be accused before a temporal judge, and that only one mass is to be celebrated on a single day, and by one person. So also the wafers should be made not of leavened but of unleavened (dough). And that holy water should be kept in the churches and in the bedchambers to drive away the devil. Now, having performed countless miracles, and among these cured Balbina, daughter of Quirinus, the Roman, and baptized the same tribune with all his household, and having held three consecrations in December, he, together with Eventius and Theodorus, the deacons, was martyred on the third day of the month of May. He sat (in office) ten years seven months and two days; and the chair was vacant 25 days.156

Year of the World 5323

Year of Christ 124

Sixtus the pope was a native Roman. He ordained that the holy vessels and objects belonging to the holy office were not to be touched by anyone other than the person performing such office, and particularly not by any woman. And so the "corporal" should be made of nothing but linen and purest cloth. He also ordered that in the office of the mass the Sanctus should be sung. In these times, because of many slayings, few could be found who dared to acknowledge Christ, and when the Christians of Gaul desired a leader, Sixtus sent Peregrinus, a Roman citizen, there. But after these same Gauls had been confirmed in the faith, and Peregrinus returned to Rome, he was slain. Sixtus, after performing three consecrations in the month of December, was crowned with martyrdom and buried in the Vatican beside St. Peter. He sat ten years, three months and 21 days; and the papal chair was then vacant but two days.157

Year of the World 5333

Year of Christ 134

Telesphorus (Thelesphorus), a native of Greece, lived in the time of Antoninus Pius the emperor. He was a man of exceptional learning and virtue. He ordained that the fast (Lent) should be kept for seven weeks before Easter, and that on the eve of the celebration of the Birth of Christ Jesus Christ, three masses should be said at night; and before the blessing of the Host, the Gloria in Excelsis should be sung. And having performed four consecrations in the month of December, and ordained fifteen priests, eight deacons, and thirteen bishops, he suffered martyrdom and was buried beside the body of St. Peter. He sat eleven years, three months and 22 days; and the chair was vacant for seven days.158

Year of the World 5343

Year of Christ 144

Hyginus (Higinus) the pope, a Greek from Athens, successor to Pope Telesphorus in the time of Emperor Antoninus Pius, wisely established order among the clergy, classifying them according to rank. Churches were not to be consecrated without the office of the mass; nor was their number to be increased or decreased without the consent of the bishop or archbishop. He also decreed that a godfather and godmother be present at the baptism or confirmation. This was a highly learned man, and he wrote an excellent epistle upon the unity and trinity of God, to be read by all Christian believers. And after he had performed three consecrations in the month of December, he died and was buried beside the body of St. Peter. After he had sat for four years three months and four days, the chair rested for four days.159

Year of the World 5353

Year of Christ 154

Pius the pope, an Italian of Aquileia, lived in the time of M. Antoninus Verus the emperor, and in common with Hermas (Hermete) wrote a book entitled the Shepherd, in which an angel in the likeness of a shepherd bade him to advise all people to celebrate Easter on Sunday; and this he did. He likewise ordered that certain heretics of the Jewish faith should not be baptized. At the instance of the pious woman Praxedis, and in honor of her sister Pudenciana, at Rome, he performed consecrations in the street called Patricius, and granted pardons, receiving gifts, and often saying mass there. And there also he established a baptismal font. And for the priests’ neglectful handling of the blood and body of Christ160 he imposed the penance, that wherever it might fall, there they were to lick it up. After having, in the exercise of great virtue, on five occasions, consecrated nineteen priests, twenty-nine deacons and ten bishops, he died a martyr to Christ, and was buried with his ancestors. He sat eleven years, four months and three days; and the chair rested for thirteen days.161

FOLIO CXII recto

Hadrian (Adrianus), surnamed Aelius (Helius), the son of the first cousin of Trajan, fifteenth Roman emperor, of the ancient Picentian ancestry, was born at Rome of his mother Domitia Paulina. He lost his father at ten years of age, and Trajan and Caelius (Celium) were his guardians. He was so accomplished in Greek learning that some called him Graeculus, that is, the little Greek. At the age of fifteen he returned to his native city and entered the military. After that Trajan took him from his home and adopted him as his son. After he received the empire, he was counted among the best of emperors, and rightfully so. At first he was opposed to the Christians, but finally, after learning of their piety and kindness toward him, he became their particular benefactor. He was so well regarded by the Romans that he was deservedly called the father of his country; for he was liberal, brilliant, mild, learned in the Greek and Latin tongues, and well informed in the arts of music and medicine. At the request of the Athenians he made laws for them in the manner of Dracon and Solon, and gave them a remarkable library. At Rome he erected a bridge bearing his name, and in the Vatican, by the Tiber, he built a tomb, now called the Castel Sant’Angelo; and he also built many other wonderful structures. Foremost of all, he enlarged and improved the city of Jerusalem, in Judea, which was destroyed by Titus, with battlements and buildings so that within its walls he enclosed the place of Jesus Christ’s suffering. He called the city Aelia (Helyam), after himself, and decreed that none but Christians were to enter it, and that no Jew was to come into it nor to be given any power there. And finally, burdened with serious illness, he adopted Antoninus Pius. He died in the twenty-second year of his reign, at the age of 72. In person he was an erect man, of handsome stature, and with a long beard.162

Antoninus Pius, the sixteenth Roman emperor, received the empire, together with his sons Aurelius and Lucius. He was the adopted son of Hadrian, and the husband of his daughter. On his father’s side his origin was of Gaul. He ruled with such discretion and kindness that he was deservedly called the Pious and the father of his country. He was never bitter or harsh toward any person in particular, nor against people in general, and it is stated that he often said that he would rather preserve one citizen than slay a thousand enemies. He was such a just man that many kings and peoples laid down their arms at his request, and submitted their quarrels and wars to him for decisions, and followed his judgment and decision. He was a tall, handsome person, and when by reason of his tallness and age he became bent, tablets of linden wood were laid upon his chest so that he walked upright. Because of his goodness, mildness, good sense and virtue, the Roman senate pronounced him divine. At his own expense and by loans he kindly helped the Roman citizens to restore public and private buildings that the inundation of the Tiber had damaged. At last he died, as if in sleep, at the age of seventy years, at the end of a reign of twenty-two years and three months.163

Marcus Antoninus, surnamed Verus, a philosopher, was born at Rome, and reared there in the house of his ancestors. And although he was called to the high office of emperor, he went to the house of Apollonius the teacher to hear the teaching of Sextus the grandson of Plutarch. He was reared in the bosom of Hadrian, and was called Verissimus, that is, the most truthful. Afterwards, together with his brother Lucius Aurelius Commodus, he ruled the empire well for 19 years. Together they conducted the war against the Parthians with great vigor and success, and triumphed over the enemy. But soon afterwards Commodus died of a stroke and Antoninus ruled the empire alone. And although from youth fortune smiled upon him, yet good nature and learning fought within him and he was by many called a philosopher. Yet his art did not interfere with military affairs, for with great vigor and good fortune he, together with his son Antoninus Commodus, defeated and triumphed over the German Marcomanni, Squadi(?) and Sarmatians. When he was about to go to this war, but had nothing with which to pay the soldiers, he sold all his royal household goods and his wife’s jewelry in Trajan’s Forum. But after he returned, having defeated the enemy, he returned the money to the purchasers. Yet those who would not return their purchases were not compelled to do so. After his victories, he was generous to all for the common good. And so he released a number of countries from tribute, and moderated severe laws by the passage of new ones. For those reasons he caused himself to be loved by the people, so that he attained the name of "The Pious;" and he had no counterpart at home. Finally he died at the age of sixty-one in the 18th year of his reign.164

FOLIO CXII verso

The fourth persecution of the Church occurred in the time of Marcus Antoninus and Lucius Aurelius, and many were crowned with martyrdom. But after this persecution suddenly came lamentations and death, which devastated many lands far and wide, chiefly Italy, which was so depopulated that some villages and fields were left without inhabitants or homes. Nor was there a respite in arms, and wars swept over the East, Illyricum (i.e., Greece), Italy and Gaul. There were also earthquakes, sinking of cities, floods, and damage done by locusts in the fields.

Sophia, the noble woman, came to Rome with her three daughters, Faith, Hope and Charity, and by the example of their sanctity and sobriety converted many noble women to Christ. When this became known to Hadrian (Adriano) the emperor, he caused them to be brought before him. They were very beautiful and learned in the Holy Scriptures. After lengthy controversy, she ended her life in martyrdom through various tortures. And when the mother afterwards buried her daughters seventeen miles outside the city, she said in anguish, My daughters, take me to you; and immediately she rested in peace as if fallen asleep.

Seraphia, a virgin of Antioch, suffered at Rome at this time for the sake of Christ. She was taken to a dark place to be dishonored by two lascivious men; but was not molested by them. After that she was tortured with fire, and upon the order of the judge she was beaten with cudgels, and finally slain with a sword. Sabina, whom she converted, caused her to be buried on the 29th day of the month of July.165

Sabina, a very famous woman, former wife of the celebrated Valentinus, and the twelfth daughter of Herodis Metalla, was educated in the faith of Jesus Christ by the aforementioned Seraphia, and practiced works of mercy. She was executed by the sword, at Rome, because she would not sacrifice to the gods. Sabina, who had converted her, had her placed in her (i.e., Sabina’s) own tomb on the fourth of the Kalends of August.166

Quadratus, a bishop at Athens, and a disciple of the apostles and a highly learned man, again assembled the churches, which in those violent times had been dismembered through great fear. And for the protection of the Christian status, he wrote a book of faith and understanding, filled with apostolic teachings. Finally he also suffered martyrdom on the 26th day of the month of May.167

Quirinus, first a tribune, and then a bishop, was at this time martyred in Illyricum, that is, Slavonia, in the city of Siscia on the 4th day of the month of June. A millstone was tied to his hand, and so he was drowned. Zeno, a Roman senator, together with ten thousand and two hundred brethren, was slain in this tumult on Christ’s account.168

Achatius Primicerius was, together with ten thousand people, martyred on Mount Ararat, in Armenia, by Hadrian (Adriano) the emperor. Then, converted by the angels, they obtained victory against the enemy. When Hadrian and Antoninus learned that they had become Christians, they cried, and ordered them to be scourged; and after that they caused three-pointed spikes to be strewn on the ground for a distance of twenty stadia,169 for the pious ones to walk upon with their bare feet; but the angel of God went before them and gathered up the spikes, so that they would not be injured. Afterwards, in emulation of Christ, they suffered martyrdom, and their souls were taken up to heaven.170

Papias, a bishop of Jerusalem (Hierosolimitanus171), and a disciple of John the Apostle, was so highly learned that because of his art and learning, many learned men imitated him in their poetry; such as Irenaeus (Hereneus), Apollinaris, Tertullian (Tertullianus), Victorinus of Pettau (Pictaviensis), Lactantius Firmianus, and the aforesaid Quadratus.172

Aristides, an Athenian philosopher, and formerly a disciple of Christ, sent a book, containing our teachings, to the Emperor Hadrian, as Quadratus had done. By reason of this book Hadrian was influenced to regard the slaying of the Christians as unjust; and for that reason he wrote Minutius Fundanus, the proconsul of Asia, to put to death only in case there is an accused and the offense is apparent and known.173

FOLIO CXIII recto

Secundus, an Athenian philosopher, was held in honor at this time. He led a Pythagorean life, being always silent. The reason of his silence was this: Once upon a time he indecently proposed intercourse to his own mother, and not knowing him to be her own son, she consented. When she learned that he was her own son, she died of shame. When Secundus noted this, he set himself a penance, never to talk to anyone again. When information of this reached the emperor Hadrian, then at Athens, he summoned Secundus; but as he could not move him with greetings, admonitions and threats, and could not induce him to forego his resolution of silence, yet wished him to answer his questions, he requested him to answer them manually. Therefore he asked him, What is God? And in answer Secundus wrote: God is an immortal being, of a stature beyond our ability to comprehend, of many forms, a manifold spirit, an unconceivable omniscience, an unexpressible light, and the highest good. There were also many other problems proposed by Hadrian to the philospher.174

Tiburtina, a city of the Latin district, to this day still called ancient Tibur, was at this time (as Aelius (Helius) Spartianus the historian states) built up on a wonderful scale through the Emperor Hadrian, rising from a village to a city. It lies 16,000 paces from Rome on the River Anio, in a low, uneven region. This city, as Strabo and Virgil would have it, had a Greek origin and aspect, long before Rome came into being. Some say its original founder was Tiburtus, brother of Corax and Catillus; for these same brothers were Thebans, who after the dispersion of the Thebans were born to their father in Italy. And afterwards they built the city in their name. Of this there is evidence in the nearby mountain, to this day called Catillus. And so the second brother Corax built another city among the Volsci. This city of Tiburtina was at one time a noble one. The ruins of great and mighty buildings still to be seen in the vicinity of this ancient city testify to its existence and past renown. In the same region is quarried the strong Tiburtine stone, so useful in the building and preservation of the city of Rome. The Emperor Frederick, surnamed Barbarossa, restored this city after it was destroyed by the Germans (Theotonicis). And so, afterwards, many popes and cardinals enlarged this same city and rendered it illustrious with many structures. From this city, the Roman Pope Simplicius and other men highly renowned for their ability and worthiness had their origin.175

FOLIO CXIII verso

Galen (Galienus), a very learned physician, was by birth a Greek of the city of Pergamum, situated in Asia. He was a big man, had large and broad shoulders, and brown skin. He took pleasure in music and in alchemy. He was born of a wealthy and tender father, rich in knowledge of the sciences of astronomy, mathematics and the like. Through Talius, his master in medicine, he became wonderfully wise and informed. He traveled about the world to gain knowledge. He ate little for breakfast and was satisfied with bread and figs. In the evening he ate a copious meal. From youth he had an inclination to medicine, and at the age of nineteen he disputed with the disciples of Athens on the subject of medicine. He flourished in the time of the Emperor Antoninus Pius. He never came to grief or shame for a lack of medical knowledge and never erred in his prognosis. Constantinus says he wrote 150 books. He lived to the age of 87, and as some say, died at sea while on a voyage to investigate the miracles once performed by Christ. And Mundinus says: This Galen should deservedly be called the prince of physicians, for he is believed to have excelled all except Hippocrates, whose writings he interpreted with great understanding.176

Justin (Justinus), a philosopher, of the city of Naples (Neapoli), at this time devoted much care and labor to the Christian faith. He gave Antoninus Pius and his sons a book written against the pagans. And he wrote a dialogue against Tryphon (Triphonem), prince of the Jews. And so he was also against Marcion, the heretic, who followed the teachings of the heretic Cerdon, who said: That the one Lord was good, and that the other was just, as though there were two contraries in the creation and in goodness. By his speech he also chastised Crescens, the cynic, as a glutton; but through the latter’s secret cunning he was so circumvented that his blood was spilled in honor of the name of Christ.177

Aquila, a Jew, and a native of the Pontus, together with Priscilla his wife were banished by the order of the Emperor Claudius, and (as some say) lived up to this time; and he was the second translator of the Laws of Moses, after the Seventy translators. He translated the books of the Old Testament from the Hebrew into the Greek tongue. He wrote to a little virgin what the prophets had said of the Virgin Mary.178

Cerdo, the heretic, from whom the Cerdonian heresy derived its name, at this time undertook to prophesy nonsense. He said: There are two contrary origins.179

Marcion, another heretic and Cerdo’s disciple, was a Stoic philosopher, and, together with his master, also spoke nonsense. He said that God, the Creator of the World, is not the Father of Christ. At one time Marcion went to Rome to contend with Polycarp; and he asked him whether he knew him. And Polycarp said to him, Yes, I know the firstborn of the devil.180

Valentinus (Valentinianus), another heretic, from whom the Valentinian heresy derived its name, also gained ascendancy at this time. They said that Christ derived nothing from the body of the Virgin, but came out of her pure, as through a pipe or reed.181

Theophilus, a bishop of the church of Antioch, flourished at this time. In the reign of Antoninus he wrote a book against the aforesaid heretic Marcion; and also a book against the heresy of Hermogenis; and three books against Aetholus; and he wrote many other things.182

Melito, a bishop of the church of Sardis, and a disciple of Frontus the rhetorician, was held in great esteem at this time. He wrote a book of Christian teaching to the emperor Antoninus Marcus. This man’s intelligence was wonderfully praised by Tertullian (as Jerome writes); and he says that among many of our people he was regarded as a prophet, for he wrote many prophetical works.183

Apollinaris (Appollinaris), bishop of Hierapolis, was held in high honor at this time. He wrote an excellent work for the emperor, M. Antoninus the Second; and he also wrote many things against heretics; also five books against the pagans and there are extant two others On Truth.184

FOLIO CXIIII recto

Polycarp (Policarpus), a disciple of John the Apostle, by him consecrated a bishop of Smyrna, and in spiritual matters and learning a prince of all Asia, came to Rome in this year, during the episcopate of Pius; and he brought back to the faith many Christians who had been led away from it by the influence of the two heretics, Marcion and Valentinus. This Polycarp once met the aforesaid heretic, Marcion, and Polycarp called him the first-born of the Devil; for he denied that God the Creator is the father of Christ, etc. This Polycarp was burned and martyred with 12 who came from Philadelphia in the fourth persecution in the reign of M. Antoninus and L. Aurelius Commodus. As he was a very learned and pious man, he sent a very useful epistle to the Philippians. He suffered (martyrdom) on the seventh of the Kalends of February.185

Praxedes (Praxedis), a very holy virgin, daughter of the most blessed Roman, Pudentis, and sister of the highly renowned virgin, Pudentiana, was highly informed in the Holy Scriptures and lived in this period up to the time of Anicetus the pope. After having spent her paternal inheritance, together with that of her aforesaid sister, to sustain the poor, and having consumed all her life in watchfulness, prayer and fasting, and left all her household, consisting of ninety persons, and having buried the bodies of many martyrs, this blessed virgin also gave up her Spirit to the Lord and received the crown of righteousness on the 21st day of the month of July, on which she is commemorated. And she was buried at Rome beside her sister Pudentiana in the churchyard of Priscilla.186

Felicitas, a very pious Roman matron, together with her seven sons, namely, Januarius, Felix, Philip, Silanus (Scylano), Alexander, Vitalis and Martial, suffered martyrdom at Rome at this time. This Felicitas, as her name signifies, was in body and soul a very blessed matron, and taught her seven sons to worship God; and so they received the crown of martyrdom; for Januarius, the first born, was beaten with rods and slain with lead; Felix and Philip were killed with cudgels; Silanus was slaughtered and killed by being hurled off a cliff; and Alexander, Vitalus and Martialus were beheaded. And finally this Felicitas, contrary to the manner of matrons, was beheaded with the sword. In these persons a great mirror of our faith is set before our eyes. Their day is celebrated on the 20th day of the month of July.187

Ptolemy (Ptolemeus), a native of Alexandria, and a philosopher and famous astronomer, flourished after the time of the Emperor Hadrian (Adriani), and was known at this time. This distinguished man contributed more to astronomy than has been found in earlier writings. As those learned in Latin know, he also wrote many books on various subjects. He lived 88 years. Among his sayings, these are remarkable: He among men who does not concern himself in whose hands the world is, is above the world. And the following: He who is not bettered or chastised by others, through him shall others not be punished. And as you approach nearer to your end, the more should you increase your good works.188

Aulus Gellius, a Roman rhetorician and famous grammarian, was renowned at this time. Among other works of his virtue, when in the winter he left Rome and went to Attica, he wrote famous commentaries that he, dividing into twenty books, assigned the title Attic Nights; and about them is written: If anyone should wish to be famous for his knowledge of Greek (Cecropia) and Roman (Latia) poetry (Camena), he should read the recommended writings of Gellus. The Attic night, never about to wasted for the light of day, clearly reveals the road to various arts.189

FOLIO CXIIII verso

Year of the World 5363

Year of Christ 164

Anicetus the pope, a native of Syria, was a man of excellent habits. He ordained that no cleric was to grow long hair, after the command of the apostle; also that no bishop was to be consecrated by less than three other bishops. He also ordered many other things. And after conducting five consecrations in the month of December, consecrating 19 priests, four deacons and nine bishops, he was crowned with martyrdom, and was buried on the 17th day of April. He sat 11 years, 4 months and 3 days; and the chair was vacant for 17 days.193

Year of the World 5373

Year of Christ 174

Soter (Sother) the pope, a native of Campania, of the city of Fundanus, lived in the time of L. Commodus the emperor; and although he moved about in many dangers, he turned his conduct to spiritual matters in spite of many temptations. And he ordained that no cloister woman should touch the choral vestment, nor put incense in the censor for use in the holy office. He is credited with an epistle written to the bishops of Italy in these matters. He also ordered that no woman was to be considered a lawful wife unless blessed by a priest after the bans were proclaimed, and who with proper ceremony according to Christian custom was given over to the groom by her parents. And he cast out many dangers from the trickeries and magical arts of wicked people who were accustomed to perform at new marriages. And after he had held five consecrations in the month of December, consecrating eight priests and eleven bishops, he died. He was buried in the church of Calistials, having sat nine years, three months, and twenty days; and at that time the chair rested twenty-one days.194

Year of the World 5383

Year of Christ 184

Eleutherius the pope, a native of Greece, of the city of Nicopolis, lived in the time of L. Antoninus Commodus. He stated that no one, because of an increase in population, should be starved for lack of those foods to which he was accustomed. He also desired that no one should be deposed from his status, unless, on complaint, he was found guilty of a crime. In this pope’s time the churches were accorded peace and rest, and the Christian name was miraculously augmented through all the earth; and chiefly at Rome, where many noble Romans, together with their wives and children, accepted the Christian faith and were baptized. This pope received an embassy from Lucius, king of Britain, asking that he and his be numbered among the Christians. And finally, after he had conducted three consecrations in the month of December, ordaining priests and bishops, he died and was buried beside the body of St. Peter on the 26th day of the month of May. After he had sat 15 years, three months, and two days, the chair was vacant for five days.195

Year of the World 5393

Year of Christ 194

Victor the pope, a native of Africa, ordained that Easter should be celebrated on Sunday from the 14th day of the moon of the first month to the 21st day, which was observed by the Jews on the 14th day of the moon. This same law was afterwards confirmed by the Council of Nicaea, so that we would not be looked upon as following the Jews. This Victor was martyred and buried beside St. Peter. He sat 10 years, three months, and 10 days. Then the chair rested for 12 days.196

Zephyrinus (Sepherinus) the pope, and a Roman, was in the time of Severus the emperor, a pious man, devoted to spiritual more than to temporal affairs. Therefore he ordained that a Levite and priest should be consecrated in the presence of a cleric of faith and of laymen, which was afterwards confirmed in the Chalcedonian Council. He also ordained that the blessing of the holy blood should take place in a vessel of glass and not in a wooden one (as it did before that time); but this ordinance was afterward changed; and it was decided that the blessing should not be in wood nor in glass, but in a vessel of gold or silver, or brass. He likewise ordained that all Christians, on becoming of age, should yearly, on the holy day of Easter, publicly receive Holy Communion. Finally, after the consecration of various priests and bishops, he died in the time of Severus, and was buried on the Appian Way not far from the cemetery of Calixtus on the seventh of the Kalends of September197, having sat eight years, 7 months and 10 days.198

Year of the World 5413

Year of Christ 214

Calixtus the pope, a Roman and a very wise and pious man, during the distress afflicting the Christians under the evil emperor who had departed from his forbears, ordered the observance of a gold-fast four times a year, and the consecrations which had before that time taken place in the month of December were afterwards held quarterly. He also established a cemetery named for him, in which the bodies of many martyrs were buried. But after he had baptized the Romans, Palmachius the consul and Simplicius the senator, and Felix the nobleman, together with their households, and had consecrated many priests and bishops, he was crowned with martyrdom by Emperor Alexander on the 14th day of the month of October, having sat six years, ten months and ten days.199

FOLIO CXV recto

Commodus Lucius Antoninus, the eighteenth Roman emperor, succeeded his father M. Antoninus. While carrying him, his mother Faustina dreamed that she bore many snakes, and among them a rather violent one. And she bore Commodus and Antoninus. After the latter’s death, Marcus the father, caused Commodus to be tutored by good men with great care. Although Commodus had excellent Greek and Latin teachers and masters, they were of no benefit to him, for from early childhood he bore the marks of a cruel, unchaste disposition, and at twelve years of age showed signs of his future cruelty. He went to the German wars with his father, in which he spared neither shame nor tears. At last he no longer had anything in common with his father, was offensive to all men, and became useless, except for one thing, namely, that he fought against the Germans with success, but not without assistance from the Christian soldiers. When in the same wars his army suffered for lack of water, it was sent from heaven pursuant to the prayers of the Christian soldiers; and lightning struck the Germans and Sarmatians. When he returned to Rome, he relapsed into every form of wantonness and vice, following Nero in many ways. He caused many Roman senators, and chiefly the most distinguished in nobility and address to be slain; others he forbade the city, and sold their lands and their control. His body was of regular stature, his countenance drunken, his conversation indecent. He always dyed his hair, and he praised his own locks and beard to his barber. During the time of his evil life the city suffered disaster through the destruction of the library in the Capitol by fire caused by lightning. Commodus was judged an enemy of mankind, and strangled in the twelfth year of his reign. The senate and people demanded that his body be dragged by a hook and tossed into the Tiber. But afterwards, by an order of Pertinax, he was buried in the monument of Hadrian (Adriani).200

Helvius (Helius) Pertinax, nineteenth Roman emperor, was born in the village of Martis in the Apennines. By reason of his good conduct he advanced from station to station until he was crowned emperor. But he was poor, a characteristic which was then regarded as a vice; and for this he was despised. Yet he was an honorable old man, with groomed beard, curly hair, corpulent body, lordly appearance, of moderate speech, and more affectionate than good. He was finally slain in Pallacio by Julianus, the jurist, in the sixth month of his reign; for the troops and people of the court hated him. Yet the Roman populace was displeased at the manner of his death; and therefore the senate pronounced him a god.201

Julianus Didius was the successor to Pertinax. When the troops were carrying the head of the slain Pertinax on a pole through the city to their camp, Julianus found the body of Pertinax in the palace and caused it to be interred with great honor. Some say Julianus himself killed Pertinax and then usurped the sovereignty. Others say it was Julianus the grandson of the great jurist Julian, whose ancestors were of Milan. This man was a most evil person, and lived so shamefully that he was hated by the people and deserted by everyone. He was defeated by Severus and slain in the seventh month of his reign.202

Severus, the Roman emperor, a native of Africa, was so well educated in Greek and Latin in infancy that he acquired a high understanding of them. When as a child he played with other children, he sat as judge and pronounced judgments, while the other children stood about him. He went to Rome where by reason of his learning he was raised from one position to another until he was chosen emperor. He was stingy, serious, and fatigued by many wars. He ruled the common people with strength and care. He was devoted to philosophy, and so victorious over the Parthians, Adiabeni, and Arabs, that he made a province of Arabia. He adorned Rome with public buildings, was moderate in his meals, poor in dress, a disposition to be fatherly, at times fond of wine, but rarely ate meat. He was handsome in person, large, wore a long beard, had gray and curly hair, a venerable countenance, and a lovely voice, and he spoke of his African country even in his old age. Finally he was subjected to many dangerous attacks, not alone in Syria, but also in Gaul and Britain, and being deserted by all his company and afflicted by his relatives, he died at Eburacum, in Gaul, in the 17th year of his reign. He left two sons, Bassanius and Geta.203

FOLIO CXV verso

Lucius, king of the English (Anglorum), son of King Coilus (Coilli) of Fustus(?), receiving the kingdom among the English or the Britians, was called by the Lord. He sent a message to Eleutherius, the pope, requesting him to enroll his people among the number of the Christians. Immediately the pope sent Fugacius and Damianus, two distinguished men, to baptize the king and his people. After receiving baptism Lucius gave over all the pagan temples for use as Christian churches. These he increased and enlarged, and then left his kingdom. He first went to Gaul and then to Upper Rhaetia, passing through the city of Augsburg (Augustam) to Chur (Curiensem); and there he brought many people to the dominion of the Lord, rested in virtue and peace, and performed illustrious miracles. His sister Emerita lived in a castle nearby, called Trimus. Through fire she earned the everlasting crown, and her day is the 3rd of December. Lucius conquered for Christ all of Bavaria and Rhaetia between the Alps.204

Trogus Pompeius, a Spanish historian, gained renown by his history from Belus, the father of Ninus, king of Assyria, to the reign of Julius Caesar, divided into forty-four books. Justin (Justinus), the historian, later abridged these books.205

Dionysius, a bishop of Corinth, as Eusebius writes, lived in the time of Soter (Sotheris) and was a man of such eloquence and versatility that he not only taught the people of his own state and province, but also the bishops of other cities and places by his letters and epistles. Having been instructed in the teachings of the Apostle Paul, he became bishop of Corinth, and in that capacity found it easy to maintain others in office and to teach them by his writings. Of these writings he sent six for use at as many different places. Many other highly learned men lived at this time.206

Theodotion (Theodocion), born in Asia from the country of Ephesus, was a highly learned man and well versed in the Scriptures. This third translator of the Holy Scriptures lived in these times, together with the men already mentioned. In addition to his interpretation and translation he left many other writings in praise of the Christian religion. He was a disciple of Tatian before the latter fell into heresy. By means of his numerous writings he ingeniously ridiculed Apelles the heretic, because Apelles said that he did not know the God whom Theodotion worshipped. Apelles said that Christ was not in truth the Son of God, but an imaginary being.207

Clement, a priest of Alexandria, and an ingenious and highly informed man, as Jerome writes, also flourished with the above-mentioned persons. He wrote many and various books as well as letters. Origen was his disciple.208

Apollonius, a Roman senator and highly educated man, suffered martyrdom in the time of Pope Eleutherius, when the churches were at peace. He preached a fine sermon in praise of the Christian faith, although this was forbidden on pain of death. He presented to the Emperor Commodus an excellent work that the emperor caused to be read at a session of the senate. Afterwards he was betrayed as a Christian by one of his own servants, and was beheaded on the 18th day April. After his death many heresies gained the ascendancy, etc.

Tertullian of Carthage, son of a centurion and proconsul, and celebrated for his learning and intelligence flourished at this time, as Jerome writes. In middle life he was the most renowned of the clergy at Rome. However, through jealousy he was so harassed with slanders and threats that he felt compelled to join the heretic Montanus; and in consequence he wrote many books against the Christian faith. He lived to a declining old age.209

FOLIO CXVI recto

The fifth persecution of the Christians began in this year as a result of the anger of Severus the emperor. He was the fifth, after Nero, who persecuted the Christians; but he was constantly harassed and worried by various dangers and wars. Nor did the Roman people escape God’s vengeance, for they were miraculously troubled with civil wars. In this persecution suffered those named below.

Irenaeus (Hyreneus), bishop of Lyons (Lugdunensis), was a highly learned man, and was martyred for the name of Christ. He was of great renown under Commodus. Jerome writes that he was a disciple of Polycarp, the martyr. By him he was so well instructed that he wrote five books against heresy, one against the pagans, and many other works. Finally he was placed on two hills by the emperor Severus, on one of which stood a cross, on the other an idol; and he was asked to choose between death on the cross and life through the idol. But, with the people, he came to the cross, and they were all crowned with martyrdom on the 28th day of June.210

Leonides of Alexandria, father of the great Origen, was a very pious man. In the time of this persecution he suffered martyrdom. In the tenth year of the emperor Pertinax, his young son Origen determined to follow his father as a martyr, had he not been hindered by God’s will (for he was useful to many people) and the concern of his mother; for when he decided openly to confess Christ on the next day she secretly hid his clothes during the night, and so kept him from the tyrants. But he urged his father to martyrdom, and, with his mother and six brothers was left in poverty; for because of their acknowledgment of Christ, the paternal inheritance was forfeited to the state.211

Eugenia, daughter of Philippus, the illustrious Roman, was a beautiful virgin, educated in the liberal arts. She, together with Prothus and Jacinthus, the brothers who left their parents, was baptized by Helenus the bishop; and thereafter, while she lived in male clothes in a monastery, she was accused of rape by a woman named Melantia (Melancia). For this reason she was brought before the judge, and was threatened with the martyrdom which had been prepared for her. But as they tore her clothes, she appeared to be a woman; and it was discovered that she was the judge’s daughter; and the people were glad, but fearful; for Melantia, together with her house, was destroyed by a miraculous fire. And her parents, together with the entire household permitted themselves to be baptized. Afterwards, with her mother and the brothers Prothus and Jacinthus, she went to Rome; and by the example of their virtue they encouraged many people to accept the faith; and particularly Basilla, whom they urged to perpetual chastity. Because she would not sacrifice to the goddess Diana, she was tied to a stone and thrown into the Tiber; but the stone broke and she remained unharmed. Finally, after enduring many tortures, she was slain in prison on the day of Christ’s birth. Her body was interred in her own soil, not far from Rome.212

Perpetua and Felicitas, the holy women, together with Saturninus and Secundolus, were martyred in Mauretania, in the Tiburtine city, on the 7th day of March. After the death of Secundolus in prison, they were thrown to the wild beasts and torn asunder.213

Narcissus, patriarch of Jerusalem, lived in the time of Victor the pope and Severus the emperor. Once upon a time when the lamps lacked oil, he caused water to be poured in them, and the water became viscous, and the lamps were lighted. He was accused by false witnesses, but they were punished by divine judgment. And he went into the wilderness; and as he became aged and did not want to hold office merely for appearance sake, Alexander, the bishop of Cappodocia, was put in his place with his consent. Afterwards he was also martyred.214

Eusebius, Potentianus, Vincentius, and Peregrinus, very noble Roman men, were slain for their Christian faith before this time in the reign of Commodus Augustus, having first been subjected to many tortures. First these men were placed on the rack and were stretched very sharply by their tendons. Then there were very cruelly beaten with clubs. But when they still remained most faithfully steadfast in their praise of God, they were glorified215 to the release of their spirit on the 8th of the Kalends of October.216

Julius the senator, was, together with his entire household, converted to Christ by these same martyrs, and baptized by Rufinus (Ruffinum). At the instance of the emperor they were killed with clubs. The body of Julius was buried by Eusebius. The judges sentenced him to have his tongue out off, and when this took place, he sang the praises of God. As a result of that Antoninus was converted; and he was beheaded. Then Eusebius was beaten with leaden thongs until he rested in the Lord.

FOLIO CXVI verso

Year of the World 5423

Year of Christ 224

Urban (Urbanus) the First, a pope and native Roman was renowned for his learning and pious life in the Year of Christ 224, under the Emperor M. Aurelius Antonius. With his exceptional learning he drew many people to the faith, particularly the excellent man Valerianus, the betrothed of St. Cecilia, and Tiburtius (Tiburcium) his brother, who afterwards suffered martyrdom with fortitude. This pope ordained that no one should be elected bishop who had not been consecrated as a priest or deacon, and that the church might take the landed estates given by the faithful for the use of all the clergy as common property, and not for the use of any one person in particular. However, there has been a departure from this rule, so great has human selfishness and greed become today. He was crowned with martyrdom on the 24th day of May, after having sat (in office) four years, ten months and 12 days. Then the chair was vacant for 30 days.217

Pontian (Pontianus) the pope, a Roman, lived in the time of the emperor Alexander in the year from the founding of the city (i.e., Rome) 974, but in the Year of Christ 228. He was a good and pious man. At the instigation of the idolaters he was banished from Rome and sent to the island of Sardinia with Philip the priest. And there, after enduring much grief and severe suffering for the Christian faith, he died. His body was brought back to Rome by Pope Fabian at the instance of the pious, and was there buried with great honor. He sat for nine years, five months and two days, and the chair was vacant ten days.218

In several histories one finds Cyriacus as successor to Pontian, and the statement that he left the papacy so that he might suffer martyrdom with the virgins. But calculations of time do not allow this, as the legend of the eleven thousand virgins shows. And he is said to have sat (in office) one year and three months. However, he was not placed in the register of the popes because he abdicated without the consent of the fathers.

Year of the World 5433

Year of Christ 234

Anterus (Antherus), the pope, a Greek, and a very good man, ordered the history of the martyrs industriously investigated and recorded by the notaries, and to be laid up in the archives of the churches, so that the memories and careers of righteous persons might not be lost. He ordained that a bishop leaving his first episcopate should not undertake another for his personal advantage or through necessity alone, but with the consent of the congregation to which he was assigned, and the approval of the pope. But some now think otherwise, and, not concerning themselves with herding their flock, consider only their personal advantage, and how they may enlarge their own revenues and wealth and increase the number of their retainers. Anterus, however, with but one bishop, went to his martyrdom, after having sat 11 years one month and 12 days. And the chair was vacant 13 days.219

Tiburtius (Tiburcius) and Valerianus, brothers, highly renowned Roman citizens, were brought into the faith by the help of Cecilia the virgin and through Urban the pope. Afterwards, pursuant to the sentence of Almachius, the prefect of the city, they were first beaten with clubs, and finally slain with the sword, all for the name of Christ. So was Maximus, the renowned man, who kept them in prison, and who was also a Christian, also beaten to death with a leaden instrument. His body was buried with those of Tiburtius and Valerianus by Cecilia on the 14th day of April.

Cecilia, the Roman virgin, beautiful in person, and illustrious for her morals, piety and exemplary chastity, was an only daughter of her parents, who gave her in marriage, together with royal riches, to the above named noble Roman youth Valerianus. She brought him, together with Tiburtius, into the Christian faith; and by her sweet teachings and constancy she kept their minds focused on it in their endurance of martyrdom. She too, remained firm in her suffering at her father’s house, which previously had been consecrated to God through Pope Urban at her request. Then when Almachius urged this Cecilia to sacrifice to idols, and her parents also tried to prevail upon her to do so, she refused, and acknowledged herself to be a Christian. Immediately afterwards Almachius caused her to be burned day and night with scalding water; but as she remained unharmed he ordered her to be beheaded. However, after the executioner had given her three strokes, he still failed to decapitate her; and as the Roman law forbade a fourth stroke, he left her half dead. In three days she divided her estate among the poor, and commended to Pope Urban those who had converted her to the faith. This very beautiful virgin suffered (martyrdom) around the 220th year of the Lord on the 22nd day of the month of November in the time of Alexander the emperor.220

FOLIO CXVII recto

Bassianus, son of the aforesaid Severus, and surnamed Aurelius Antoninus Caracalla, was a Roman emperor. When Severus died he left two sons, Bassianus and Geta. Bassianus was his father’s successor in the sovereignty, but Geta was adjudged a public enemy and slain by Bassianus, who, in the course of a life checkered with evil, also assassinated Papinian (Pampinian)221 the jurist. Bassianus was even more cruel and licentious than his father, avoiding no form of evil. He took his stepmother for wife. He caused to be beheaded those who wore medicine about their throats for quaternary or tertiary fever; and so those who urinated against the pillars were condemned by him. Finally he was slain in the war against the Parthians in the 6th year and second month of his reign, at the age of forty-three.222

Opilius Macrinus, after the assassination of Caracalla, attained the sovereignty together with his son and Albinus; but as they reigned only a year and two months, they accomplished nothing memorable. They were slain by the troops as a result of discord among them. Macrinus was slain by Elagabulus (Heliogabolo) at Antioch.223 Diadumenianus (Diadumenus) was named Antoninus by his father and the sovereignty was publicly set aside for him while still a child. Of all children he was most favored in stature, tall in person, with blond hair, black eyes, a straight nose, a beautiful chin, and a mouth always ready to be kissed. When he first put on his regal attire he appeared so handsome that he was loved by all.224 And so Clodius Albinus, called an emperor in Gaul, was of noble ancestry. And after those had reigned a short time, but accomplished nothing memorable, various historians have left them by the wayside. Yet Albinus, because of his gluttony, left a name memorable among the shepherds; for, as Cornelius says, at one dinner he ate one hundred Campanian peaches, ten Hostian melons, five hundred figs, and four hundred snails.225

Marcus Aurelius Antoninus226 received the throne, and, as one says, was the son of the aforesaid emperor Caracalla by Soeamias (Semiamira) his most beautiful concubine. Some say he was conceived of the common rabble. This emperor ordered his mother to attend the Roman senate, and he was the first emperor at whose instance a woman went to the senate in a man’s place. He made a separate senate for the women, who passed ridiculous laws, for instance, how the women should dress, what precedence they were to have over one another, and which was to rise in the presence of the other, etc. This Elagabalus left no memory other than of his vileness and shamelessness. He made virgins pregnant, and always kept lascivious women in his house. He put away the Roman senator Sabinus, and conferred honors and offices upon evil and vile persons. Among the Roman emperors he was the first to have a silver table and vessels. And when his friends warned him to take care of himself, he answered and said, What is better than to be my own heir and that of my wife? He overwhelmed his parasites in cunningly crafted dining rooms with violets and flowers, so that some died.227 He also invented certain carnal pleasures; but for his foolhardiness he and his mother were slain in an uprising of the army. They say that when a prophecy had been spoken to him by some Syrian priests that he would die a violent death, he prepared cords entwined with purple and scarlet silk in order that he could put an end to his life by the noose. He had gold swords, too, prepared, with which to kill himself.228 But these were of no use. He died after having been dragged by vagabonds through the streets, plunged most foully into sewers, and hurled into the Tiber in the fourth year of his reign;229 and thus ended the name of Antoninus.230

Alexander became emperor when Elagabalus was slain. He had a Christian mother, named Mamaea. This man was an image of virtue, and he greatly fostered the return of the common weal that had declined through the licentiousness of the previous emperor. In this were helpful to him Julius Frontinus, the great scholar, and Ulpianus and Paulus, men highly informed in civil rights. He lived without pomp or covetousness for honors, and employed prudence to such a degree that he was deceived by none. He despised money, favoritism, and jewels. He wanted to build a temple to Christ and count him among the gods. This Alexander, though crowned while still young, soon made war against the Persians, and he decisively defeated their king Xerxes. Alexander was an earnest and strict military disciplinarian, and he deposed a great number in the army; for this reason in an uprising of the military at Mainz in Gaul, he was slain in the thirteenth year of his reign. When this emperor punished someone he caused a bailiff to call out what he had often heard from the Christians: That which you do not wish to be done to you by another, you should not do. This he loved so much that he ordered it to be inscribed at street corners and on public buildings.231

FOLIO CXVII verso

Origen (Origenes), a native of Alexandria, son of a martyr, and a priest of the Alexandrian church, a prince among all the philosophers and theologians of his time, flourished in these times at Alexandria. From youth he was very Christian and a student of exceptional intelligence; and in the tenth year of the Emperor Severus Pertinax, during the persecution of the Christians in which his father Leonides was martyred, Origen, his young son, urged him to martyrdom. After the death of his father, Origen, according to his means, protected those who were oppressed with punishments by the tyrants, and comforted those who were led forth to their death. Afterwards he devoted himself entirely to spiritual matters and held the office of preacher. He was of such great intelligence that no tongue or scripture was unknown to him. He observed wonderful moderation in his food and drink, and held himself aloof from strange matters. He followed Christ in poverty, and for many years wandered about barefooted. Many people, emulating his virtue and Christian faith, willingly suffered martyrdom. He successfully fought against the heresies of the Ebionites, who maintained that Christ was a natural person born of Joseph and Mary, and interpreted the law according to Jewish custom. He never slept in a feather bed, and entirely abstained from meat. In his zeal for the faith he castrated himself. Because of his wisdom in the Scriptures and his strict life, Mamaea, the Christian woman, mother of Alexander, caused him to be called to Antioch, and she and her son held him in great esteem. Origen possessed so much knowledge and scriptural wisdom that seven scribes were hardly able to keep pace with him. And so he employed another seven scribes and seven well-instructed young virgins, all of whom tired under the burden of transcribing his dictation. And although Porphyrus, the grim persecutor of the Christians, considered Origen an enemy, yet at times he also praised him, calling him a prince of philosophers, and stating that Origen followed all the secret arts of Plato. Jerome says that this Origen wrote six thousand books. Yet (as Augustus and Jerome state), he erred in many respects, principally in the book of princes, called Periarchon, from which the Origenian heresy originated. These heretics said that Christ in his great mercy would not only redeem mankind, but also the rebel angels. But (as some say), Origen, in a letter to Pope Fabianus, recanted the evil things that he thus set forth. Some place the responsibility for his errors upon Ambrosius, one of his opponents, who exposed his unauthorized writings. And therefore some, such as Eusebius and Rufianus (Ruffino), and others, praise Origen; and some of his writings are accepted by the churches. At last, in the Year of Our Salvation 236, he died at the age of sixty-nine and was buried at Tyre.232

Ulpianus (Vulpianus), the jurist, an excellent man and adviser of the aforementioned Alexander, was at this time held in great honor by said emperor because of his remarkable skill and learning. He excelled all other teachers in interpreting the words of the old law, and left behind many writings.233

Paul (Paulus) of Padua, also flourished at this time in philosophy and jurisprudence, and was of great help to the said Emperor Alexander in restoring the commonwealth that had fallen into neglect. He also left behind various writings on jurisprudence.234

Julius Frontinus, a philosopher, rich in learning in all the arts, flourished with the aforesaid men of learning, gave assistance to Alexander, and also wrote much.235

Tryphon (Triphonem) was a disciple of Origen and also lived at this time. A number of his letters are extant. Being a man highly informed in the Scriptures, he wrote a book of the red cows of Deuteronomy; and he also wrote on other matters.236

Minucius (Minutius) Felix, a distinguished orator at Rome, wrote a dialogue entitled Octavius, and also wrote against sorcerers and seers.237

Ambrose (Ambrosius), a Greek deacon, was in high esteem at this time. And although he was at first subject to the errors of Marcion, he was drawn from this course by Origen. Origen wrote many books to Ambrose at the latter’s expense. This noble man of exceptional intelligence died before Origen, and was scorned by many people because, though a rich man, he did not remember his poor old friend at the time of his death.238

FOLIO CXVIII recto

Agapitas (Agapitus), an illustrious youth fifteen years of age, was at this time crowned with martyrdom at Prenesta the Sabine city, through the offices of Emperor Alexander. At the age of fifteen he was zealous to suffer martyrdom for his love of Christ. He was seized by the emperor and at first beaten with rawhide; after which the judge asked him to sacrifice to the gods. He was locked up in a dark stinking prison, and no food was given him for four days. After this burning coals were placed on his head. And as he was giving thanks to God, he was again whipped. Naked, and with his head downward, he was hanged and boiling water poured over his body. And while they were breaking the jaws of this Christian martyr, the judge fell from his seat and gave up his sorry soul. When the emperor heard this, he caused the body to be thrown to the lions, but the wild animals were so tame that they prostrated themselves at the martyr’s feet. When the servants of vice saw this, they took away the martyr and slew him with the sword, between two pillars, on the 18th day of the month of August. His body was carried off secretly by the Christians at night and was placed in a new sarcophagus discovered by divine indication at the first mile-stone from the city.239

Martina, a very holy Roman virgin of this time, was a person of exceptional Christian faith and virtue. Because of her acknowledgment of the Christian faith she was seized by Emperor Alexander and subjected to various tortures. Being inflamed by love for her, he admonished her to worship the idols, and promised to make her his companion. But the image of Apollo fell to pieces upon her approach; for in her chastity of mind and body she had praised God. Afterwards she was beaten and laid in prison, where a great light permeated her body. And on a tablet was found written in her hand: ‘Lord, how magnified are your works. You have done all in your wisdom.’ After that she was placed on the rack and her limbs injured with sharp instruments. A lion was led to her, but he did her no harm. As she still remained unmoved in her faith, she was executed by the sword on the first day of January.240

Quirinus (Quiricius) the Roman, together with his mother Inclita (Iulita), and many others, were martyred on the 15th day of July in these violent times. Their history is found in the apocryphal writings.241

Beryllus (Berillus) the Arab, a bishop of Bostra, and a highly learned man, for a while ruled his church in a praiseworthy manner. However, he finally fell into a heresy that denied that Christ existed before he became a human being. But through Origen he was led back to the truth. A little later he wrote various small works, especially some letters in which ‘Secular Learning’ expresses its gratitude toward Origen. There is also extant a dialogue between Origen and Beryllus in which the latter argues his heresies.242

Porphyry (Porphirius), a most excellent Athenian philosopher, was in great esteem at this time; and although he was a lover of Origen, and praised him, yet he was a severely ruthless persecutor of Christianity, and heaped many derogatory and belittling arguments against the Orthodox faith, which, however, the divine Augustine refuted, although he posits a perfect trinity. And, among other things, he added the Isagoges (i.e., ‘Introductions’) to Aristotle’s Categories (i.e., ‘Categories’).243 And he wrote many other things.244

Hippolytus (Hipolitus), a bishop of a certain church, wrote of the calculation of Easter and the chronology of time up to the first year of Emperor Alexander. He discovered the cycle of sixteen years and gave the opportunity to Eusebius who, concerning the same calculation of Easter, composed a cycle of 19 years. He was considered famous. He even wrote some texts, especially commentaries on the Hexameron and on the Prophets.245

Julius, of Africa (as Saint Jerome writes) was renowned among the historians of his time. He wrote five books of this period; also a large book on the Trinity. He sent an epistle to the great Origen, showing that the fable of Susannah is not accredited by the Hebrews. He also wrote an epistle, full of Scriptural learning, against Origen. This Julius was a sower and a lover of the Scriptures. By the use of his riches he created a remarkable library, bearing his name, at Caesarea in Palestine. Being a reliable man he was sent to rebuild the castle of Emmaus. This he afterward did; and he named it Nicopolis.246

FOLIO CXVIII verso

Fabian (Fabianus), the pope, was a Roman. When, after the death of Pope Anterus, the election of a future pope was under discussion, a dove, wonderfully white, appeared upon the head of Fabian. And after he was chosen in this divine manner, he divided his jurisdiction among seven deacons, who through notaries were to collect the experiences of the martyrs as an example for others who acknowledged faith in Christ. He also built a cemetery in honor of the martyrs. He also ordained that annually, on Holy Thursday, at the Lord’s Supper, the chrism247 should be renewed, and the old burned in the church. The heresy of Novatus originated in his time. After having consecrated 22 priests, seven deacons, and eleven bishops in the month of December, he was crowned with martyrdom, and buried in the cemetery of Calixtus. He sat (in office) for 14 years, 11 months, and 11 days, and the chair was vacant six days. His day and that of St. Sebastian are celebrated on the 20th day of the month of January.248

The first schism, or division, in these times, occurred when Novatus the priest at Rome, undertook to trouble and divide the church of God. Through greed for episcopal honors he confused matters human and divine. In order that the papacy might not pass to Cornelius, he separated from the church, and styled himself and his retainers the pure ones. He also said that those who seceded from the faith should not be again admitted, even though repentant. On this account a council was held, consisting of sixty bishops, and as many priests with their deacons, in which the words of Novatus were decreed to be false, for by the example of our Savior, forgiveness is not to be denied a penitent. And so ended the first schism of the Roman Church.249At this time also other heresies originated. Origen held those to be heretics who said man’s soul does not leave his body, but in the resurrection will rise with the body. Also at this time was the heresy of the Helcesaites (Helchesatarum), who entirely ignored the apostle Paul, and said that it was no sin to deny Christ under torture if one did not do so in one’s heart.250

Cornelius the pope, was also a Roman and a very highly educated man, who sent many letters and epistles to numerous persons and places. During his term, Novatus ministered outside the church, and Nicostratus in Africa. For that reason the confessors who had fallen away from Cornelius returned to the Church; and thus they attained to the names of true confessors and ministers. But Cornelius was afterwards sent into exile through the instigation of the heretics. After he was imprisoned, Cyprianus, the bishop of Carthage, sent him letters, through which he understood his friend’s opposition and the reason for his misfortune. Before he was sent into exile, at the solicitation of the virgin Lucina, he removed the bodies of Saints Peter and Paul at night from places where they were hardly secure, and Lucina buried Paul on her own soil where he was slain, and Cornelius buried Peter where he had undergone his martyrdom of crucifixion in the temple of Apollo at the roots of a golden mountain on the 29th day of the month of June. This Cornelius was tortured in many ways by order of the emperor Decius, and urged to worship the idols. Finally he was slain on the fifth day of the month of May. The blessed Lucina buried his body, together with those of certain priests, at night in a sand-pit on her estate. He sat in office for two years and three days. And the seat was vacant for 35 days.251

Dionysius, bishop of the Alexandrine church, a highly learned man and a disciple of Origen, the master, was ordained as a bishop at this time; and he sat 17 years. He too was of the opinion that heretics should be rebaptized. He sent very many letters; but to Pope Fabian (Fabianus) he sent one letter on the topic of penitence; and to various other individuals he sent letters on the topics of exile, death, the Sabbath, the persecution of Decius, and two books against the bishop Nepos and to Origen his teacher he sent a book about martyrdom as well as many other things.252

FOLIO CXIX recto

Maximinus, emperor after Alexander, in the year from the founding of the city 987253 , was elected by the army and without the consent of the senate, after having waged a successful war in Germany. In early youth he was a shepherd, and for a time a guard stationed to protect his people against the inroads of thieves and murderers. He entered the army under Severus, the emperor, and was notable for his size and conspicuous for his virtue and military demeanor. He was of manly stature and earnest disposition. He stood erect and was over eight feet in height; and so he had a large foot. In speaking of tall and huge persons it was customary to say, This man requires the hose of the Emperor Maximinus. He was a heavy drinker, and is said to have consumed an amphora of wine at a single meal. But being the sixth persecutor of the Christians after Nero, he, together with his son Maximus, was slain by Pupienus at Aquileia, which he was besieging, in the third year of his reign. For those of Aquileia were against Maximinus, and so faithful were they to the Roman senate that when there was a shortage of sinews they made bowstrings from the hair of their women. To the honor of these women the Romans erected a temple to the bald Venus, goddess at Rome.254

Gordianus attained the sovereignty after the tyrant Maximinus. This very noble man, together with his son, was chosen emperor after he had defeated the Parthians with great loss. At the age of eighty, after having been a proconsul in many provinces, he was named Africanus. This Gordianus, the father, and Gordianus, the son, were both elected emperors by the great council of Africa. Gordianus the younger was declared emperor, and he reigned six years. As Maximinus had attained the sovereignty without the consent of the senate, the latter appointed three emperors to make war against him. Of these, two, Pupienus and Albinus, were slain in the palace, leaving the sovereignty to Gordianus alone. This emperor was so well liked that he had sixty-two thousand books in his library. Finally, while returning to Rome to celebrate a triumph, he was slain not far from Rome through the treachery of Philip. He was buried with an honorable epitaph in four languages, Greek, Latin, Persian, and Hebrew.255

Philippus and his son Philippus reigned five years after returning with the army from Syria and Italy in the year from the founding of the city nine hundred ninety-seven. The Christians had the first of these for emperor. However, he did not meddle with the hidden meanings of the faith, but acquiesced in them. In the third year of his reign, the one thousandth year from the founding of the City was celebrated, and the games were played which had always taken place every hundredth year, and which Valerius Publicola, after the line of Roman kings had come to an end, set up as a goal of human life. Those two, namely Philippus, father and son, were afterwards killed by the army through the treachery of Decius, the former at Verona or Bern, the latter at Rome. And they were reckoned among the gods. Philippus the younger was of so serious a disposition that he could not be moved to laughter by any manner of pastime; and the father turned away from those who were moved to laughter at any of the aforesaid games. And after Decius became envious of them they entrusted their treasures to Pope Fabian. On this account Decius became very hateful of the Christians.256

Decius, the Roman emperor, native of Bubalia in lower Pannonia, took over the sovereignty on the death of the Philippi and he burned with hatred against the Christians because of these Christian Philippi. He suppressed the civil war that broke out in Gaul, and made a Caesar of his son. At home he built baths. After having reigned two years, he and his son were defeated in the wars with the barbarians; and he sank so deep in a pool of water that his body was never recovered; and thus he was damned by a deserved judgment. He initiated the seventh persecution of the Christians after Nero, in which many pious men were slain. Here occurs a matter not clear among historians; for Eutropius writes that Decius tortured St. Lawrence the Levite and martyr, with fire. St. Lawrence flourished under Pope Sixtus. And so some extend the reign of Decius. Some say this was the elder Decius, under whom Fabian and Cornelius suffered. After this they mention the younger Decius Caesar, and say that between these two, Gallus Volusianus and other emperors reigned; and after them Valerianus and Gallienus, under whom Lucianus, Stephen, and Sixtus, the popes, and Lawrence the archdeacon, and Hippolytus were martyred; and that Gallienus was called Decius Gallienus. Some state that Decius was before Philippus, for in the life of St. Lawrence one reads of Decius Caesar and not Imperator, under whom St. Lawrence suffered. In ancient times some emperors were called Caesars, some Augusti, and some Imperators; all of which means emperor.257

FOLIO CXIX verso

The sixth persecution of the Christians was carried on by Maximinus the emperor, chiefly against the clergy and the priests. After he had persecuted many unto death, he and his sons were slain by Pupienus at Aquileia in the third year of his reign; and so an end was made of his persecution and of his life.

Pontius, most holy martyr, as the historians say, converted the two emperors, the Philippi, to the Christian faith. He was the son of a Roman senator. His father’s name was Marcus, his mother’s Julia. While with child she went into the temple of Jupiter in which a priest was sacrificing. And he tore his garments, and in a frightened voice cried out, This woman carries in her womb one who will raze the temple to its foundations. Because of this she returned home in sorrow. And she weighted down her body that the child might not thrive; yet she bore the child undefiled. And when she undertook to slay it, the father said, Let it live, for if Jupiter is so minded, he will take revenge on his enemy himself. Pontius became highly learned, and he heard the Christians singing, Our God in heaven has ordered all things as he wishes them. The idols of the pagans are of gold and silver, etc. And Pontius abandoned the idolatrous gods and, with his father, received baptism. Upon his father’s death he gave all of his estate and possessions to Pope Fabian to be distributed among the poor. Now, being a friend of the Philippi, the emperors, and this being the one thousandth year from the foundation of the City, he showed them that the great and true God in heaven should be worshipped; and they received, baptism from Fabian, and destroyed the temple. However, he was variously tortured at the instance of succeeding emperors, yet remained unharmed. But at length his martyrdom was accomplished by decapitation.258

FOLIO CXX recto

The seventh persecution of the Christians after Nero was carried on by Decius, the Emperor, and affected many persons in various places. When Philippus was returning homeward from the war from Verona, Decius went forth to meet him, as if to honor him, but treacherously killed him; and thus he secured the sovereignty. And Decius proceeded to Rome and let it be known that through love of the gods he had slain his master because he (Philippus) was a Christian. And he began a severe persecution against the Christians; and he killed many, among them the son of Philippus; and they suffered various martyrdoms, details of which follow.

Abdon and Senen, petty kings subject to Rome, highly renowned men from Corduba, a city of the Persians, were, after suffering in prison, taken to Rome in chains, and long subjected to various forms of torture. Then after Decius the emperor had overcome Babylonia and other countries, he marched the Christians from various regions to the said city of Corduba and killed them with various forms of martyrdom. Their bodies were buried by Abdon and Senen, Christian men. Finally they suffered martyrdom by the sword on the 30th day of the month of July.

Agatha, a Sicilian virgin of noble birth and highly renowned, was crowned with martyrdom at this time in Catania (Cathania), in Sicily, for Christ’s sake. When Quintianus, the governor, learned of her reputation and heard the praises of her nobility, beauty and riches, and that she was a servant of Christ, he apprehended her and turned her over to Aphrodisia (Affrodisia), a very wicked woman. She had seven vile daughters, who for thirty days threatened her and admonished her to submit to the will of the governor. And when she would not sacrifice to the pagan gods, she was finally beaten and imprisoned, and after her breasts were cut off, and she was rolled over hot coals, she was, according to the judgment of Quintianus, slain in prison, receiving the crown of martyrdom on the 5th day of the month of February. Her body, after being anointed with herbs of incense, was buried by the faithful. And there an angel laid a tablet with the inscription: A pious obedient disposition, an honor to God, and a relief to the fatherland. Cortina also put out a fire on its mountain near the city.260

Apollonia (Appolonia), a very holy and memorable Alexandrian virgin, in these times suffered bitterest martyrdom for the sake of Christ; for when she refused to sacrifice to the idols, they first pulled out all her teeth and punished her with many scourgings. Finally they threatened to burn her alive if she would not blaspheme God. But when she saw the fire that had been prepared, she tore herself from the hands of the evil ones and sprang into it. And when the dispensers of cruelty saw that a woman had been found who was quicker to die than the persecutors were to torture, they were frightened. And she earned the crown of martyrdom on the 9th day of February. Her holy body was afterwards taken to Italy, and is contained in the cathedral church of Dordona (Derdonam) in Lombardy.261

Serapion, a native of Alexandria, a very holy man, was, in the same year, taken prisoner by the persecutors, and subjected to gruesome tortures, to such an extent that his limbs came apart; but while still alive the henchmen of the devil threw him from the highest part of his house, and so made of him a Christian martyr. His day is commemorated on the 14th of November.262 Justinus the priest, together with Victoria, also suffered martyrdom with great fortitude.

Meniatus (Meniacus), an Etrurian of high repute, suffered martyrdom at Florence, in Etruria, on the 25th day of October. The citizens there hold him in high regard for his piety.263 In this tumult, in the same country, Palentinus and Laurentinus, in their city of Aretio, together with Nicostratus, the deacon, and many others, suffered for the sake of Christ.

Victoria, a famous virgin, was espoused to a pagan. She would neither cohabit with him nor sacrifice to the pagan gods. She was beheaded with the sword at the request of her husband during the Decian persecution.264 And many others were crowned with martyrdom, and those who had taken refuge in the wilderness and the mountains, died of thirst, cold and starvation, and murder, and in many parts of the world were consumed by wild beasts.

FOLIO CXX verso

Year of the World 5453

Year of Christ 254

Lucius the pope, a Roman, was elected pope after Cornelius under emperor Gallus Hostilianus. He was exiled by the emperor Volusian (Volusianus). He was released from exile after the death of the same emperor, and again returned to Rome. He ordained that two priests and three deacons should always be about a bishop, giving testimony of his life and transactions. Before being led to martyrdom at the command of Valerian (Valerianus) he left all his power over the churches to his archdeacon Stephen (Stephano). His martyrdom having been accomplished on the 25th day of the month of August, he was buried in the cemetery of Calixtus on the Appian Way after having sat for three years 3 months and 3 days. The chair was then vacant thirty-five days.265

Year of the World 5458

Year of Christ 257

Stephen (Stephanus) the First, the pope, a Roman, and a very good man, ordained that the priests, and their Levites, should not wear the garments designed for pious uses at any other place than in the churches and in sacred transactions, so that by acting to the contrary they would not suffer the punishment visited upon Belshazzar (Balthasar), the Babylonian king, who touched the sacred vessels with unworthy hands. This pope was of the same opinion as Pope Cornelius concerning those who returned to the faith, and held that no communion was to be had with those who were rebaptized. After he had converted many to the Christian faith by his words and works, he was beheaded by Gallienus, or those who at the command of Decius persecuted the Christians; and thus he suffered martyrdom with many others of his people, and was buried in the cemetery of Calixtus on the Appian Way on the 2nd day of August. He sat (in office) seven years, five months and two days. The chair was vacant for twenty-two days.266

Sixtus the Second, a pope, native of Athens in Greece, from having been a philosopher, became a disciple of Christ while the Decian and Valerian persecutions were still going on. This was a highly learned man, who with great industry aimed to discredit and disperse the heresies of Sabellius267 and Nepos.268 However, because of his preaching of the Christian faith contrary to imperial prohibition, he was accused and taken prisoner to the temple of Mars to make sacrifices to the pagan god or lose his head. And as he went to martyrdom Lawrence (Laurentius), the archdeacon, said to him, Father, where are you going without your son and servant? Sixtus answered, Son, I do not leave you. There are much greater trials awaiting you in the battle for the Christian faith. In three days you will follow me. What you have in wealth, give to the poor in the meantime. On the 6th day of the month of August there were slain with Sixtus, six deacons, namely Felicissimus, Agapitus, Januarius, Magnus, Innocentius and Stephen (Stephanus). He sat for two years ten months and twenty-three days. And the papal see was vacant for thirty-five days.269

Dionysius was a monk, and became a pope. He divided the churches and cemeteries at Rome among the priests; also the outlying rectories and bishoprics, so that each would be content with its own jurisdiction. He ordained that no lay or ecclesiastical tribunal should condemn any person unless he first be found guilty by credible witnesses. In his declining years he called a Council in the city of Antioch against Paul, the bishop there. And although Dionysius, because of his age, did not himself attend, yet he was represented in writing in all the transactions of the Council through Maximus. When he died he was buried in the cemetery at Calixtus. He consecrated twelve priests, six deacons and seven bishops, and sat six years two months and four days; and the chair was vacant six days.270

Year of the World 5463

Year of Christ 264

Felix the pope, a Roman, lived in the time of Aurelian. He was a righteous man, worthy of every praise. He ordered that the sacrifices to the martyrs should be celebrated by the priests every year, and also that the mass was to be celebrated only at consecrated places and by spiritual persons. He also ordained that the consecration of churches take place in a festal manner and in due form, and that churches whose consecration was not remembered, or whose walls were in ruin, should be reconsecrated. After having consecrated nine priests, five deacons and five bishops, this Felix became a martyr. He was buried on the Aurelian Road to Rome on the 30th day of the month of May, in the church which he had built in honor of the Lord two miles from the city. He occupied the papal chair four years 2 months and 15 days; and then the chair remained vacant for five days.271

FOLIO CXXI recto

Gallus Hostilianus and Volusian (Volusianus), his son, were soon crowned emperors. In these same times and to avenge the name of Christ, a great pestilence broke out, particularly in Egypt, at Alexandria, so that few countries, cities, and houses remained which did not suffer. These two emperors did nothing of consequence, so that no memories remain of their sovereignty except the misery of this pestilence, plague and sickness. However, they undertook a war against Aemilianus, who undertook new ventures, and in that war they were slain. But after that Aemilianus, who was of very obscure ancestry, ruled still more obscurely and was slain within the third month. The two emperors above named were slain after a rule of less than two years.272

Valerian (Valerianus), the emperor, together with his son Gallienus (Galieno), reigned 15 years. While Valerian was engaged in Rhaetia and Noricum, he was elected emperor by the soldiers, and his son Gallienus was elected emperor by the Roman senate. The sovereignty and rule of these two were disastrous to the Roman name, and they deserved to be exterminated because of their misconduct and cruelty toward the Christians. And the Germans came up to Ravenna, destroying everything with fire and sword. Valerian conducted a war in Mesopotamia. He was taken prisoner by Sapor, the Persian king; and he lived there in disgraceful captivity, and he grew old with the Persians in ignoble service; for when the Persian king wished to mount his horse, he used Valerian as his footstool for the purpose, and placed his foot on his neck, and deservedly so; for when he began his reign he instituted the eighth persecution of the Christians.273 However, Gallienus,274 frightened by the public judgment of God, gave the churches peace. As he was elected emperor in his youth, he at first ruled the empire with good fortune, then soon with indifference, but finally disastrously; for in him was the thirst for power. But the barbarian people invaded the Roman country, and tyrants sprang up who ravaged what had escaped other external enemies who had been there before. This Gallienus abandoned the sovereignty and went to Milan for carnal pleasures; and he was slain in the ninth year of his reign. This occurred, as some say, with the help of Cecropius, the Duke of Dalmatia. And there his brother Valerian was also slain. The Germans marched as far as Hispania, and after many disasters, the Roman Empire was destroyed. And Postumus (Posthumus), obscurely born in Gaul, reigned by force as an emperor for 10 years. He was slain by the soldiers in a revolt.275 After him Victorinus, the Gaul, undertook to rule. He was a strong man, but given to gluttony, and took on a foreign spouse; and therefore he was slain at Cologne in the second year of his reign.276 After him, Tetricus, the Roman senator and governor of Aquitainia, was elected emperor by the soldiers.277

Claudius, the second of that name, Roman emperor, was elected by the soldiers, and also by the Roman senate. With great slaughter he defeated the Goths who had ravaged Greece and Macedonia. His services were recognized by the Roman senate by a golden helmet and a golden column. He was a temperate and well-mannered man, devoted to justice, and able in the management of the public welfare. This man fought against two hundred thousand Alamanni not far from the sea of Benaco, in the forest of Lugano, and killed so many that hardly half their number survived. He reigned not quite two years, and died of an illness. His brother Quintilianus was elected emperor by the army, but was slain on the seventeenth day of his reign.278

Aurelian (Aurelianus) received the sovereignty in the year from the founding of the city (i.e., Rome) one thousand twenty-seven. He was a native of Dacia, and was celebrated in military affairs, mighty in war; yet he was of a mean and cruel nature. He defeated the Goths on the Danube in a heavy engagement, and freed the Roman empire of invasions for three years. He was the first Roman to wear an imperial crown, and he donned jewels and a golden dress, contrary to Roman custom. He surrounded the city of Rome with enlarged and stronger walls, and built a temple to the pagan god Apollo. He gave battle to Zenobia, an empress of the East, not far from Antioch, and in Gaul he freed the Vindelici from a barbarian siege. When he went to Illyricum (i.e., Greece) he was slain by his enraged secretary, between Heraclia and Constantinople. He instituted the ninth persecution of the Christians. He reigned five years and six months. Flavius Vopiscus describes his glorious triumph.279

FOLIO CXXI verso

The eighth persecution of the church occurred at the behest of Emperor Valerian, who was the eighth persecuter after Nero. He managed to torture Christians and put to death those who refused to worship the idolatrous gods. Although in the beginning he so respected the holy ones that his house was regarded as a church of God, later, however, through a sorcerer in the black arts, he was influenced to disrespect the Christian religion and to carry on this persecution, the cruelties and disorders of which, through God’s judgment, were in no small measure, disastrous to the world; for not long thereafter the Germans rose and with hostile purpose marched as far as Ravenna, and devastated everything with fire and sword.

Cyprian (Cyprianus), the highly informed teacher of the church, and bishop of Carthage, after long suffering, was on the 24th day of the month of September, by order of Valerian, the emperor, martyred by beheading, by Galerius Maximus the consul, a very cruel man. And it is said that in the same city, Crescentius, Victor, Rosula and Generalis suffered with him. At first Cyprian was a pagan and of extraordinary intelligence, well endowed with many arts. In the beginning he taught oratory, and afterwards, on the advice of Cecilia, he adopted the Christian faith and gave all his possessions to the poor. He became a priest and was later made a bishop at Carthage. He rendered valuable service there through teachinig, admonitions and writings for the church of Christ. His celebrated life was written in a book by Pontius, one of his priests and sharer of his exile. The head of Cyprian the martyr is held in great veneration in the Church of St. Lawrence (Laurentii) in the imperial city of Nuremberg. He wrote many books, particularly upon the unity of the churches; and he was in accord with the Roman churches that penitent heretics should not be rebaptized, but were to be restored to grace by the laying on of hands alone.280

Lawrence (Laurentius), a Spaniard, adopted son and archdeacon of Pope Sixtus, after a virtuous career suffered imprisonment at Rome under Decius or Gallienus; as well as various other forms of punishment; and there he made a blind man see and baptized Hippolytus (Hypolitum). He was scourged with a leaden instrument and the scorpion281, and these the church exhibits. One night Valerian and Decius demanded that he worship the idolatrous gods. And he said, My might is neither sinister nor dark, but all things shine in the light. After a hard blow on the mouth, he was cruelly roasted on an iron grill over a fire of burning coals on the 10th day of the month of August; and, giving praise to God, he suffered martyrdom with fortitude. Justinus and Hippolytus buried the burnt corpse. Some say this Lawrence was the son of a duke of Spain, whom the devil carried from his cradle into the woods. When the pious Sixtus preached in Spain, he found him, with God’s intervention, under a laurel tree, and, after the same tree, named him Lawrence. And he reared him and taught him with great industry. And he took him, together with Vincentius, to Rome, and made him an archdeacon.282

Sabellius was a heretic after whom the Sabellian heresy was named. They hold that Father, Son and Holy Spirit were but one person. This heresy was filled with blasphemy of God the Father, and of Christ. They denied that he (Christ) was a son of the Father on high. Out of this arose many differences and controversies in the churches in the West and East. Nor did Sabellius escape the divine judgment, and he died shamefully.283

Hippolytus (Hipolytus), a Roman patrician, was seized in the month and year in which he buried Lawrence and was severely tortured for a long time because he was a Christian. He would not worship the idolatrous gods and was beaten with clubs until the executioners became tired. At the command of Decius the emperor, Valerian, the governor caused the entire household of Hippolytus to be beheaded in his presence. Hippolytus himself was tied by his feet to the necks of wild animals, and thus cruelly drawn through thistles and thorns until he died on the 13th day of August.284

Concordia was the nurse of the aforesaid Hippolytus. To her the governor said, Beware of your life, lest you die with your lord. Immediately she answered, We prefer to die with our lord, rather than to live unchastely. And he caused her to be beaten with a leaden instrument until she died.

Romanus, the soldier, suffered on the following day at the same place. This man permitted himself to be baptized during the confession of Lawrence, in consequence of an angelic vision. Therefore the judge ordered him to be beaten with clubs; and after his confession, caused him to be beheaded on the 9th day of August. His body was taken to the city of Lucca in Etruria and there honorably buried.285

FOLIO CXXII recto

Quirinus, a Roman tribune, was executed with the sword in this persecution on the 30th day of March, after his tongue was cut out and his hands and feet were cut off on the Roman road called the Appian Way.286

Theodora, the virgin sister of the martyr Hermetius, was captured by Aurelian at this time and fearlessly underwent martyrdom.287

Valentine (Valentinus), a Roman priest, after giving evidence of exceptional learning and writing, was imprisoned by the Emperor Claudius; and being asked his opinion concerning the pagan gods, said: Jupiter, Mercury, and the other gods were miserable human beings. Afterwards he enlightened the daughter of Asterius. He brought her and forty-nine persons of her household to the Christian faith. Finally, at the command of the emperor, he was severely beaten with clubs, and was beheaded on the 14th day of the month of February.288 Cyrilla, a daughter of the emperor Decius, and a good Christian, was also beheaded at this time with the sword, as histories state, on the 28th day of October.289

The ninth persecution of the church occurred at the instance of Emperor Aurelian (Aurelianus). After accepting evil counsel and sending forth letters and writings to the governors of the Roman countries and regions for the persecution of the Christians, he was visited with divine judgment from heaven, and he died disgracefully.

Geneva (Gebennarum), the highly renowned city of the Allobroges, was built in this year among the Gauls by Emperor Aurelian; and he named it Aureliana after himself. Although Gaul had freed itself of the cruelty and tyranny of the emperors Valerian and Gallienus, and for twenty years remained free of Roman domination, yet through the power of Aurelian the emperor, it was again subjugated. This city is located in Helvetii (Helveciorum)290, and beside it is the Lusitanian Sea, out of which flows the river Rhone (Rhodanus), over which passes a lovely wooden bridge. The city is large and beautiful and has many citizens, being the industrial or mercantile center of the entire Allobrogian country. It has many fairs, and unlimited wealth is brought there. For a long time this city was under the jurisdiction of the Duke of Savoy (Sabaudie), and it is still under his rule. In this city were many celebrated man, such as Maximinus, the confessor, and Anianus291, the bishop, both distinguished for their piety and learning; also Laetus (Letus), the priest, nobly informed in the Holy Scriptures; and many others. This city is so situated that it extends upward on a mountain; and it has very fruitful vineyards. Here is also a bishop’s chair. In this city Amadeus, the first Duke of Savoy, gave the Duchy to his firstborn son, and he taught him to observe spiritual ways and to pray. And between his two sons, two beautiful youths, the one a Duke of Savoy, the other a Count at Geneva, he rode into the council at Basle (Basileam), and was there crowned as a bishop of the Roman church, as is stated below.292

FOLIO CXXII verso

Year of the World 5473

Year of Christ 274

Eutychian (Euticianus) the pope from Tuscia (Thuscus), a native of the city of Luna, sat at Rome after Felix. He was a very pious and learned man. He ordained that the new fruits, particularly grapes and beans, were to be blessed upon the altar. Item: that those who wished to bury the martyrs should not bury with them the clothing prescribed for church service, but leave them behind. It is said that with his own hands he buried three hundred martyrs. But after he had consecrated 14 priests, five deacons, and nine bishops, he too was crowned with martyrdom and was buried in the cemetery of Calixtus on the Appian Way on the 25th day of the month of July. He sat one year, one month, and one day; and at that time the chair was vacant eight days. Some say he was in the papal see eight years and ten months. Damasus, however, was the author of the first thought.293

Caius the pope, a Dalmatian and of the family clan of the emperor Diocletian, was a godly man. He divided the consecrations into stages without passing through which no one could attain to the office of bishop. He also assigned to the deacons the respective regions in which the histories of the martyrs were to be written; that no layman was to summon the consecrated ones before the court; and that no pagan or heretic should have the right to lodge complaint against any Christian. But as in the time of Diocletian, a greater persecution than ever before arose, he concealed himself in hidden places underground. Finally he was taken prisoner by the persecutors, and was crowned with martyrdom, together with Gabinius, his brother, and Susanna, his brother’s daughter; and he was buried on the Appian Way in the cemetery of Calixtus on the 22nd day of the month of April. He sat 11 years, four months, and eleven days. Eusebius writes that this pope was in office fifteen years.294

Paul (Paulus) the bishop of Samosata, and a highly informed man, at this time, is said to have resurrected the heresy of Artemas (Arthemonis), a heresy that deviates from the orthodox faith. This heresy denied the virginity of Mary, and held that Mary, after the birth of Christ, had intercourse with Joseph and bore other sons. Then this Paul was crowned bishop of Antioch, carried himself about with too much pride, read letters to his followers, and sent out epistles. In consequence of his vanity many people looked down upon the Christian faith. But if these same people in our own time should see his courtly fashions, his vanity, pomp, and excessive ecclesiastical show, and so many expensively clad young courtiers riding on horseback, and the swarm of priests following, clad in dress ornamented with gold, and the horses caparisoned in the best and most colorful manner, they would curse and say that such a bishop or cleric, except for his assumed spirituality, had nothing in common with Christ. This Paul denied that the Son of God descended from heaven, and claimed that Christ came of Mary and had an earthly origin. Therefore in the Council of Antioch he was condemned by the common consent of all the bishops attending, and chiefly by Gregory the bishop of Caesaria, a pious man, who was also present and was later martyred for his Christian faith.295

Manes, the heretic, a native of Persia, a cunning devilish man of coarse life and manners, lived at this time. This heretic dared to call himself Christ and chose twelve disciples for himself whom he brought to believe in him; and to kill the souls of the deceived he made an unspeakable poem of shameful teachings of ungodliness and gross lies, with which he deluded himself and also his followers; for he said that Christ was not a true body, but an idle image. This heretic and his followers said that there are two origins—one of good, the other of evil; one of darkness, the other of light. He disregarded the Old Testament, and looked alone to the New. And from him the heresy of the Manichees had its origin.296 But while this heretic Manes is descried for his ill will and vanity, Anatolius the Laodecian bishop is highly praised for his holiness and teachings.

Felix the priest and Eusebius the monk were slain at Terracina in the country of Campania during this persecution because of their Christian faith. For after Eusebius had buried the pious martyrs, Julianus and Caesarius (Cesarium), the priests, and on their account had converted many people to the faith and had baptized them, he, together with Felix the pope, was taken before the court; and as he would not sacrifice to the gods, he was beheaded on the fifth day of November. Caesarius the deacon, and Julianus the priest, were slain on the same day in the same city. After Caesarius had spent many days alone in prison, and was there enlightened, he, together with Julianus, were put in a sack and thrown into the sea on the first day of November. Adiochus the priest, Tyrasius the deacon, and Felix the subdeacon, former disciples of Polycarp (Policarpus) whom he thanked for preaching from the East to Gaul, were crowned with glorious martyrdom in the city of the Gauls, Augusta; finally they died, pierced with spears.

FOLIO CXXIII recto

Tacitus, the Roman emperor, attained the sovereignty after Aurelian from the Roman senate and the people. At his election a Roman senator said: An army cannot exist very long without a leader; therefore necessity dictates that such a man should be elected, for, it is said, that the Germans invaded the region within the Rhine and the strong cities, and worried the noble, rich and mighty. Immediately the whole senate voted and elected this Tacitus. By reason of his virtue and excellence he was a capable and fit man to rule for the common good. The money he collected at home he employed to pay the army. He lived a moderate life and loved sour food. He seldom bathed, and was strong in his old age, and took pleasure in various kinds of glassware. He ate no bread unless it was dry. He was highly versed in architecture, and was partial to marble. He loved to hunt wild game. At length, through the instigation of the army, he was slain in the sixth month of his reign. But some say he succumbed to an illness. His reign being brief, he accomplished nothing great. He caused the month of September to be named Tacitus after himself, for in that month he was born and was also made emperor.297

Florianus, brother of the aforesaid Tacitus, attained to the sovereignty after his brother, not through election by the Roman senate, but by his own act, as though the sovereignty was inheritable. For he knew that Tacitus in the senate had vowed that after his death, the senate should elect an emperor, not his son, but a good and virtuous man. Florianus held the sovereignty for two months, and was slain. This Florianus was a follower of his morals, but not in all things; for he was more ambitious of power than his brother, and therefore not comparable to him.298

Probus, the Roman emperor, was a celebrated man at home and abroad, and after Tacitus he was made emperor by the unanimous voice of all men. He ruled the world very peacefully. He was born in the city of Sirmium, in Pannonia, his mother being of more noble birth than his father. His inheritance was moderate, and his relationship was not very distinguished. During his reign as well as up to that time he was noted for his high nobility and virtue. And since he was renowned in military affairs, and now received the care of the commonwealth, he relieved the besieged Gauls of the barbarians with great good fortune; and forty thousand men were slain and seventy celebrated cities freed of the enemy. This Probus also carried on various wars against Saturninus, the emperor in the East; and he suppressed Proculus and Bonosus at Cologne, in Gaul, with masterful speed. Finally he returned to Sirmium, his home, determined to advance and enlarge his fatherland. This caused objection on the part of the army, and they killed him in an iron tower to which he fled, in the sixth year of his reign.299

Carus, the Roman emperor, attained the sovereignty after Probus. He associated with him in the government his two sons Numerianus and Carinus, making them caesars, and reigning with them for two years. While conducting a war against the Sarmatians, he received news of a revolt in Persia. So he went to the East and made war upon the Persians. He was killed by lightning in camp on the river Tigris.300 Numerianus was confined to his bed by an affliction of the eyes, and was secretly murdered. He surpassed all the poets of his time.301 But Carinus, a man contaminated with every vice, and a constant adulterer, was defeated by Diocletian in Dalmatia, and thus suffered the penalty for his crimes.302

Diocletian of Dalmatia was of very obscure and low birth. He was elected emperor in the year of the founding of the city (i.e., Rome) 1041. When a revolt occurred in Gaul, he sent Maximianus, surnamed Hercules, there with an army, soon silencing this great people. But when wars broke out which Diocletian could not withstand alone, he made Maximian (Maximianus) associate emperor, and sent Constantius and Maximinus Galerius to assist him in governing the empire. After ten years Maximian brought Britain back into the empire. Constantius slaughtered many thousands of Germans who came to Gaul as mercenaries; and he freed Gaul. In the meantime Diocletian proceeded to Egypt and besieged Alexandria. This he conquered in eight months, giving the city over to the soldiers for pillage. Diocletian was cunning, well mannered, resourceful, at times subtle and ingenious, and, in addition, a very industrious and ambitious prince. Although his predecessors were saluted, he commanded that he be worshipped. Maximian, however, was a serious man, ignored customs and usages, and his fierce countenance expressed his cruel nature. Having quelled all the revolts, Diocletian in the East and Maximian in the West, they proceeded to destroy the churches. Diocletian divided the empire and retired. He lived to the age of 73 years and was put to death by poison.303

FOLIO CXXIII verso

The tenth persecution of the Christians after Nero was originated in these times by Veturius, the captain of the army, and at the command of Diocletian and Maximian (Maximianus) it was carried on in all parts of the world. Diocletian in the East, and Maximian in the West, ordered the churches ravaged and the Christians tortured and slain. This persecution was the cruelest of all and lasted longer than the others. The Holy Scriptures were burned, and those in civil offices who acknowledged themselves Christians were deposed and looked upon as without honor. Slaves who became Christians could not be set free by their owners. Christian soldiers were compelled to either sacrifice to the gods or lose their offices, and to give up their careers, under a cruel law posted by the emperor in the market place. One man dared to break this law, and he was flayed, and vinegar and salt poured upon him until he lost his life. This is attested by Dorotheus and Gorgonius, two renowned men. On the same day fire broke out in the imperial palace at Nicomedia. In a spirit of feigned anger, the emperor attributed this to the Christians, and he caused many Christians to be slain, and many to be thrown alive into the fire. Such violent cruelties were not only practiced in Mytilene (Militena), Syria, Africa, Thebes, and in Egypt, but also in Palestine and Tyre. The Christians were spared no form of torture, and as Damasus states, in 30 days 17,000 persons of both sexes were crowned with martyrdom not including those who were exiled to the islands, or to the mines, or to dig ore, or to hew stone; and of these there were an endless number. Finally God opened his eyes and forced Diocletian to abdicate. And Maximian was so frightened by disease and confusion that he committed suicide.

Adauctus, a Roman patrician, a man most Christian and holy, received martyrdom in Phrygia (Phrigiam) because he had converted the city. For this reason Diocletian caused the whole city to be burned because the citizens would not sacrifice to the gods. After having his eyes dug out, this Adauctus was made a martyr by decapitation.

Alexander, the powerful soldier of the legions of Thebes, at this time preached in the name of Christ. After practising numberless virtues he honorably attained martyrdom by decapitation. His body was buried by Grata, a pious widow, on her own soil. There a worthy temple was built, which is still to be seen there.304

Barbara, a very noble virgin, and a native of the city of Nicomedia, was, because of her great beauty, placed in a high tower by her father, who feared she might become a Christian. But through the instruction of the Holy Spirit, she prayed like a Christian to the God of Heaven. Her father decided to slay her, but she concealed herself. However, she was discovered, brought before him with feet upward and beaten with rods, burned with torches and had her breasts cut off. After suffering numberless tortures, she was beheaded by her father on the fourth day of the month of December. Fire, proceeding from heaven, burnt the father to dust.305

Anastasia, daughter of a very noble Roman and the wife of Publius, a very powerful man, became a Christian; and she practiced works of mercy toward the Christians. In this tumult she was imprisoned for a long time by Publius, her husband, and tortured for the sake of Christ. And she was comforted by Chrysogonus (Grisogono), who afterwards through the decapitation of his head earned the palm of martyrdom. Finally, together with men and many women she was lead to the Palmarian islands. After various prayers made by the Christians, Anastasia was tied to a stake by the prefect. And he cremated her with fire on the 8th day of the Kalends of January around the Year of the Lord 280. She was, moreover, very well versed in good literature, and concerning her persecution are extant letters she sent to Chrysogonus full of eloquence.306

Claudius, Nicostratus, Symphorianus, and Simplicius, highly renowned men, suffered at this time in Rome. They were first imprisoned, then beaten with scorpions307, and finally, upon the order of Diocletian, were thrown into the sea on the 28th day of October.

Crispinus and Crispinianus, celebrated men, were first taken prisoners in the city of Soissons (Suesionem) and cruelly tortured, Finally, beheaded on the 25th day of the month of October, they received the crown of martyrdom.308

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Maurice (Mauricius), Exuperius, Candidus, and Victor, together with Innocentius, the most distinguished soldiers of the Theban Legion, at this time received the crown of martyrdom with six thousand six hundred sixty-six others, for the sake of Christ, at the instigation of the emperor Maximian in Gaul, near the city of Seduno. These martyrs were of the East, and out of the noble city of Egypt that lies on the river Nile; and they were baptized by the bishop of Jerusalem. Being greatly experienced in military affairs, noble in virtue, and still nobler in the faith, they were called upon by Maximian to assist him in Gaul. However, when he sent them against the Christians, and he commanded them to worship the idolatrous gods, they refused to do so; and he punished them in various places with various forms of martyrdom, beheading those who proved stubborn. He beheaded every tenth man; but Maurice, the leader of the legion, confirmed the members in their faith; and they laid down their arms and willingly sacrificed themselves. The bodies of these men were revealed after many years of suffering to the holy bishop Theodotus, who built a basilica in their honor. Their feast day is celebated on the 10th Kalends of October.309

Vincent (Vincentius), the deacon, a very invincible and pious man from Spain, disciple of St. Sixtus, the pope, and very much resembling the martyr Lawrence (Laurentii) in skill and virtue, and of noble birth and highly learned, together with Valerius, the pious bishop of the city of Caesar Augusta, suffered very bitter martyrdom at the hands of Dacianus, the proconsul. After severe punishment and imprisonment, being put in chains and starved, Vincent suffered deadly tortures in every limb. He was stretched on a gallows, and while hanging there was lacerated with many wounds. Then he was taken down and laid on a gridiron over glowing coals, and while still on that was torn to pieces with iron forks, and had salt poured over him. After that he was imprisoned with his feet locked in the stocks; and there he was left alone without anyone to console him. But he was released from his bonds by an angel of God, surrounded with a great light. For that reason Dacianus said, We are defeated. And in order to further torture him, he caused him to be healed; but he soon died of starvation and gave up his Spirit to heaven. After his persecution Christians placed his body under the altar of a certain chuch outside the walls of Valencia (Valentie). Prudentius310 expressed his suffering and noble triumph in verse. Augustine also very richly displays praise for this very holy martyr.311

Agnes, the highly renowned virgin of exalted memory, was at the time of this persecution (according to the testimony of Ambrose) born in Rome of Roman citizens. She was a young girl of thirteen with a beautiful face and, when she returned from school was loved by the son of the prefect. But she said, I already love the one whose mother was a virgin. For that reason she was imprisoned and given the choice of sacrificing to the goddess Vesta, or to join the company courtesans. But she disregarded both, and was therefore sent naked into a house of prostitution by the prefect. But the Lord covered her with thick tresses as though she were covered with raiment. And when they came in, she had been clad in a white dress by an angel of the Lord. And at this many wondered; and the son of the prefect was frightened to death. But Agnes prayed for him, and he came to life again. After that she was threatened, frightened, and beaten, and then thrown into the fire. Yet she remained uninjured. At length her neck was pierced by a sword; and so she was brought to martyrdom on the 21st day of January. In the night she appeared to her parents, with a host of virgins; and she said, Dearest parents, you should not mourn for me as one who is dead, but rejoice with me; for I am espoused to that one in Heaven, who, while on earth, I loved with complete understanding.312

Cyriacus (Ciriacus), the deacon, together with Largus and Smaragdus and twenty others, suffered in these times. He released from the Devil, Artemia, the daughter of Diocletian; also Jobia, daughter of Sapor the king of the Persians. Then, after forty-five days, they returned, having receieved from Diocletian much honor. After his (i.e., Diocletian’s) death, his son, Maxiamian (Maximianus), ordered those three, together with other Christians, to be placed in prison. Then, by the judgment of Carpasius, he (i.e., Cyricaus) was brought forth and hot pitch was poured over his head. And afterwards, the son of Diocletian ordered that Cyriacus, together with Smaragdus and twenty others, be beheaded. And there were led away with him (i.e., Cyricacus) those of both sexes. And they were decapitated at Rome on the Salarian Road (Via Salaria). Pope Marcellus with Lucina buried the bodies of the martyrs on a farm on the Hostiensian Road (Via Hostiense) at the seventh mile-stone from the city (i.e., Rome) on the sixth of the Ides of August.313

Gervasius and Protasius (Prothasius), brothers, of Milan, sons of the holy martyr Vitalus, and born at the same time, suffered martyrdom at Milan at this time. Before this, upon the death of their parents, they gave their entire inheritance to the poor. For many years they devoted themselves to good works. Artesius, the governor of the city, was about to go to war. Then the priests of the pagan gods asked him why he did not compel Gervasius and Protasius to worship the idols; so he could not refuse. Therefore Gervasius was beaten to death with scourges loaded with lead; and Protasius was beaten with clubs. At length they were beheaded. Their bodies, still intact, were found many years later by St. Ambrose (Ambrosius) pursuant to a divine revelation, in the same condition as though they had died that very day. These very blessed martyrs were martyred on the 13th day of the Kalends of January.314

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St. George (Georgius) of Cappodocia (Capadocus), was a tribune and a true soldier of Christ. In these times he went from Cappadocia to the city of Diospolis in Persida315 to relieve his fatherland of a dragon at the risk of his own life, and to suffer martyrdom. After slaying the dragon, he was stretched out on a rack, and all his limbs were pulled and his vitals torn. After enduring many tortures he was finally beheaded, as is recorded in history and other writings. Although his very brilliant martyrdom is honored by the Church of God in various ways. And very justly so, for (as Ambrose writes) although acknowledgment and affirmation of the Christian faith remained hidden, this holy martyr alone affirmed the name of the Son of God, and endured torture and martyrdom with the support of divine grace. His sacred head was brought to Venice, and there a church and cloister were erected in his honor. His banner is exhibited with the greatest solemnity in the episcopal city of Bamberg, in Germany. All Christians commemorate his feast day on the 24th of April.316

Erasmus, the Campanian bishop, and a brilliant and pious man, left Antioch in fear of the despotism of Diocletian, who ordered that all who would not sacrifice to the idolatrous gods should be subjected to many tortures. And he lived in the wilderness for seven years in prayer and contemplation, receiving his food from the Lord through a raven. Afterwards, in obedience to an angelic voice, he went to the city and relieved many from demons, and with his teachings converted many to Christ. Therefore he was brought before Diocletian, and tortured with leaden scourges and with cudgels; later resin, sulphur, pitch, and oil were poured over him. But Erasmus remained unconsumed. By such a miracle many people were converted from idolatry to Christian faith. Later he was placed in a hard cell and covered with heavy iron weights; but at length was led forth by an angel. Afterwards he was taken by the Emperor Maximian and submerged in a caldron of seething lead, pitch and resin; but he remained unharmed. Through the guardianship of an angel he was taken out of the city at night to the seacoast, and by divine providence he was carried away in a small boat to Formia in Campania. At length he saw the apparition or a crown descending upon him, and he said: Lord, receive my spirit. And so he went to his holy end on the 3rd day of the month of June. His body is said to rest at Gaeta (Caiete) where his head is on display.317

Christopher (Cristoferus), the martyr, a man of erect stature and of unmatched size and strength, suffered death at this time, in the name of Christ, in the city of Samos, in the state of Lycia, in the province of Asia. He was first beaten with iron rods, then burned with flames; and yet remained firm through divine strength. Finally he was slain with arrows, and was beheaded on the 25th day of the month of July. As they say, he carried the Lord Jesus, in the person of an infant, on his shoulders across the water.318

Cosmo (Cosmas) and Damian (Damnianus), the Christians, noted physicians, were imprisoned at this time. They were submerged in the sea, burned, stoned, shot, and at length beheaded. The blessed Cosmo, Damian, Antimus, Leontius, and Euprepius were martyred on the 27th day of September.319

Methodius, bishop first of the city of Olympus and afterwards of Tyre, in these times in the state of Calchis at the Negropontus (as the divine Jerome writes) was crowned with martyrdom. He was a highly learned man, and left many writings behind, especially his text On the Creation of the World, revealed to him in prison. He died on the 14th day of the Kalends in October. He also composed a brilliant speech against Porphyry as well as books such as his Symposium of Ten Virgins.320

Gorgonius, a Roman soldier, was in these times living in Nicomedia. And he was strongly denouncing the persecution under Diocletian that was especially being brought against Christians. Captured by the emperor himself, he was ordered to be hanged, torn to pieces, and most cruelly roasted on a grill—but still he survived. On the Ides of September they killed him with a rope. Then his body was buried at Rome on the Via Latina.321

Marcus and Marcellianus, brothers and Roman citizens, were arrested by a certain Duke Fabianus under this madness of persecution, and were immediately tied to a tree trunk, and sharp pegs were driven into their feet. And when, at length, they would not renounce the name of Jesus Christ, they were pierced with lances. Through these wounds they migrated to the heavens on the 14th of the Kalends of July.322

Maximus and Claudius, very illustrious men, were at this time, together with the noble wife and two sons of the former, in the city of Hostia, taken in hand by the people of the court of Diocletian and sent into exile; and at length were burned in the name of Christ on the 12th day of the Kalends of March. And thus by that burning they offered to God the sacrifice of their martyrdom.323

FOLIO CXXV recto

Sebastian (Sebastianus), a very illustrious man, was an officer of the highest rank under Diocletian, and the soldiers honored him as a father. He was a true lover of God, and at this time, with his learning sustained many martyrs, particularly Marcus and Marcellianus, the brothers, and their parents, and comforted them in their fears. Without fear he acknowledged himself a Christian. He brought speech to the dumb wife of Nicostratus, and converted them both to the Lord. When Diocletian heard this he caused Sebastian to be bound in the middle of the field, and the soldiers to shoot at him as at a target. And so they filled him with arrows until he looked as rough as a hedgehog; and they left him for dead. But in a short time he came back to health, and to the emperors he made declaration of their unjust persecutions. They caused him to be beaten with clubs at Rome until he died. The people of Diocletian’s court threw him into a secret chamber. Through a vision he was disclosed to the blessed Lucina, and buried in an honorable place. This Sebastian, beside his Christian faith, was a man of complete foresight, truthful speech, righteousness, wise counsel, and faithful dealings, and renowned for his sound morals. The divine Sebastian suffered martyrdom at Rome on the 13th of the Kalends of February.324

Lucia, a maiden of Sicily, among other virgins of the same island the most prominent, was at this time betrothed by her mother to a renowned youth. But when Lucia had seen the miracles of Saint Agatha, she asked her mother to no longer call her the spouse of the youth, and in haste she gave her inheritance to the widows and the poor. For this reason her husband denounced her before the court as a Christian and accused her of dealings contrary to the law. And the judge advised her to sacrifice to the idolatrous gods, saying, If you will not do this, I will cause you to be put into a public house with prostitutes; and he arranged to have this done. Shortly after that she said, The body cannot be defiled without the consent of the mind; and if against my will you cause me to be violated, chastity will be a double crown. But through the help of the Holy Spirit she became so heavy that she could not be removed from the spot. The judge caused a great fire to be made beside her, but the judge became so frightened that his friend drove a sword through her neck. And thus on the Ides of December she gave up her spirit. And through her suffering and holiness the city of Syracuse was especially adorned.325

Vitus, a child out of Sicily, together with Modestus, his tutor, and Crescentia his nurse, suffered martyrdom in the island of Sicily. As a Christian believer, at the age of twelve years, he gave his estate to the needy. He would not follow his pagan father in the worship of idols, and for this reason suffered severe punishment at the hands of Valerianus the judge. Then, by means of an angelic warning, he, together with Modestus and Crescentia, shipped to the land of Tonagritarus; and there they remained for some time, unknown and in prayer. They released the son of Diocletian from demons. By him Vitus was asked to worship the idols, and refusing to do so, he was placed in irons and imprisoned. And afterwards, because they remained steadfast in their faith, they were laid upon a mass of seething resin and pitch; but they remained uninjured. Later they were hung upon a gallows, and so stretched that, with the bones separated, their inner organs could be seen. There was a great earthquake, and an angel of God released them, and led them to the river Siler (Syler). There, while praying, they made their way to the Lord. He collected their flowering bodies and buried them with spices. They suffered their prophesied martyrdoms on the 17th day of the Kalends of July.326

Afra (Affra) was a daughter of the king of Cyprus. He was defeated in a battle. For that reason, while still young, she went with her mother Hilaria from their home to Rome. And Hilaria, her mother, gave her up to the goddess Venus for the attainment of her favors. Sine this Venus was a woman of Cyprus. On account of her beauty it was said that she was a goddess and a temple was built for her on Cyprus. Afterwards they came to Augsburg (Augustum), and there Afra gave herself up to vile uses and carnal business. During the time of the Diocletian persecution the bishop Narcissus came into her house, having no knowledge of her way of life, for purposes of prayer, as was his custom. Afra wondered about this unusual guest. But when she recognized him as a Christian bishop, she confessed herself a vile woman. And she was drawn away from her vile mode of life and was baptized. Dionysius, the brother of Hilarius, there himself was made a bishop. Afterwards she was seized by Gaius, the judge, and given her choice to sacrifice to the gods or endure great punishment. And as she refused to sacrifice, she was led to an island in the river Lech (Lici), not far from Augusta, and there she was tied to a tree, and burned. And as the fire was lighted she gave praise and thanks to God. Afterwards Hilaria, Digna, Eunomia and Eutropia were also burned because of their constancy in the faith. And the blessed Afra suffered (her martyrdom) on the seventh of the Ides of August.327

Pantaleon, an illustrious man and one who was quite learned in the art of medicine, was himself crucified for the sake of Christ at this time in the city of Nicomedia. He was the son of a senator, and while still a boy learning about medicine. Taken to the palace by his teacher, he was praised for his beauty. To him Hermolaus the priest was promising that if he would believe in the Christ, he would be able to heal without medicine. He (i.e., Pantaleon) was afterwards baptized by him (i.e., Hermolaus). In the presence of his father he made a blind man to see; and he converted both to the faith. Maximianus ordered him to be brought before him, and there he healed a man of the gout. Afterwards, for the sake of Christ he was put on a rack and lamentably burned. Then he was set in a cauldron of seething lead. But the Lord appeared and the lead cooled. At length he was thrown to wild beasts; yet they did not harm him. Seeing this, many were converted to the Christian faith, and these the emperor ordered beheaded. Finally Pantaleon himself, with his master Hermolaus and others completed their martyrdom by the blow of the sword on the 5th of the Kalends of August.328

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Dorothea, a glorious virgin, of the city of Caesarea, in the province of Cappadocia, was seized at this time for Christ’s sake, hung on a gallows, beaten severely with fists, and finally beheaded. Upon her passing out, she was laughed at by Theophilus the scholar, who said to her, Ha! You bride of the Lord, send us roses from the paradise of your bridegroom. Dorothea appeared to him as a child carrying a small basket containing three apples and three roses. These he soon received, and he was amazed at this, for it was cold in the month of February; and he was converted, and after severe tortures he was beheaded.329

Eleutherius, a certain very illustrious soldier, was martyred in this persecution, with numberless persons, at Nicomedia. Of these some were burned, some beheaded, and some thrown into the sea. After this Eleutherius had been tortured in every limb, and yet became stronger and stronger; he was at length, like gold, proven by fire, and with the crown of martyrdom entered Paradise on the sixth of the Nones of October.330

Sergius and Bachus, very noble men, distinguished at the court of Maximian (Maximianum), were accused in this persecution; and they were taken to the temple of Jupiter to worship the idolatrous gods. When they refused to do so, they were stripped of their military uniform, and Bachus was beaten with rawhides until his blood flowed and his abdomen was torn and his vitals exposed. His corpse was protected against the wild animals by birds, until he was buried. And as Sergius would not permit himself to be drawn away (from his faith) he was shod with shoes with nails driven into them, and in these he was compelled to run before a wagon for many miles. At last, still firm in the Christian faith, he was beheaded on the Nones of October.331

The four crowned ones, namely, Severinus, Severianus, Carpopherus (Carpoferus) and Victorinus, refused to sacrifice to the idolatrous god Aesculapius at the command of Diocletian, and therefore they were beaten to death with scourges containing leaden balls, and their bodies were thrown to the dogs in the streets. They were buried at night by St. Sebastian and Pope Melchiades. And since it was not possible to discover their names, thus on the seventh of the Ides of November they are thus honored. Afterwards their names were revealed.332

Fides, a very holy virgin, in the city of Agenus, was urged by Dacianus, the judge, by flattery and threats, to sacrifice to the pagan gods. Declining to do so she was stretched upon an iron grill over a coal fire; still she remained constant in her martyrdom, and in consequence many people were converted to the Christian faith. When Saint Caprasius (who through fear had concealed himself) saw the martyrdom of this virgin, he prayed God to give her victory; and he saw a snow-white dove descend from heaven and place a brilliant crown of gold and precious gems on her head; and the fire was extinguished. And so he offered himself up as a Christian, and he, together with Primus and Felicianus, and with the virgin Fides, were all beheaded.

Euphemia, a very noble virgin, together with 70 others, was arrested in the city of Chalcedon in Asia by a proconsul whose name was Priscus, because they would not worship the pagan god Mars. And so they were threatened with every form of torture, all of which for the sake of Christ they steadfastly endured. Their tortures included: imprisonment, beatings, the wheel, fires, the weights of sharp stones, wild beasts, lashings, hot-irons. And, torn apart by a wild beast, she gave back her immaculate spirit to God. Her mother Theodora and her father buried her body on the sixth of the Kalends of October.333

Felix, bishop in Apulia, together with Adauctus and Januarius the priests, and Fortunatus and Septimus the lectors, after having been long imprisoned during this period, traveled through all Africa and Sicily, risking many dangers, and finally, on the ninth day of the Kalends of November, they completed (their martyrdom) by being put to death by the sword.334

Also another Felix and Fortunatus, brothers, during this persecution at Aquileia, were set up on a gallows, and executioners held hot stones against their sides; but by divine power those were extinguished. At length seething oil was poured over them, but they remained unharmed. After their judgment had been given, on the third day of the Ides of June they were beheaded.335

FOLIO CXXVI recto

Margaret (Margaretha), a very beautiful virgin of Antioch, born of pagan parents, and consigned to the care of a nurse, voluntarily permitted herself to be baptized. When, after the death of her mother, she was attending the sheep of her nurse, and now being fifteen years of age and had become quite beautiful, Olybrius (Olibrius) became enamored of her. But when he learned that she was a Christian, he imprisoned her. And as she was opposed to worshipping the pagan gods, she was hung up, beaten with rods, and her flesh torn with iron claws. Then she was thrown back into prison. There the Devil appeared to her in the form of a dragon, as though he wished to swallow her. But she made the sign of the cross, and he disappeared. Afterwards the judge ordered her to be beheaded336; and she prayed for mankind and for her persecutors, and for the pregnant women who call upon her in the time of childbirth. She completed her martyrdom on the 13th day of the Ides of July.337

Maximilian (Maximilianus), of the city of Ceyla, born of noble and devout parents, a highly learned and virtuous man, was upon the death of St. Quirinus, the Laurian bishop, elected bishop by common consent. This was in the time of the two emperors, Carus and Numerianus. He was taken to the Temple of Mars, where he refused to worship the idolatrous gods, and was therefore martyred by the people of the court at Ceyla, outside the walls, in the Year of Christ 289, on the fourth day of the Ides of October. The Duke of Bavaria brought him to Passau, where he is commemorated.

Blasius, who flourished at this time in all piety and mildness, was elected bishop by the Christians in Sebaste, a city of Cappadocia. To escape the cruel persecutions, Blasius fled into a cave in the mountains, frequented by wild animals. These he healed, and the ravens brought him food. Hearing of this the judge ordered him to be brought before him. On his way Blasius performed miracles. He was placed in a dungeon, and because he scorned the gods, he was hung on a timber and his body was torn with an iron comb. Seven Christian women gathered up his blood. Blasius and two little children of these women were beheaded.338

Juliana, a very illustrious virgin of Como, a city of Gaul, suffered many cruel tortures and punishments there at this time. Afterwards she publicly fought with the Devil, overcoming him most gloriously. Then, overcoming fiery flames, burning oil, and the iron wheel with its sharp blades, she at last carried off the palm of martyrdom by having her head lopped off on the 14th day of the Kalends of March.

Primus and Felician (Felicanus), Roman spiritual men, having refused to sacrifice to idolatrous gods, were beheaded in this persecution after enduring many tortures. They attained the crown of martyrdom on the 5th day of the Ides of June.339

Pamphilius (Pamphilus), a Greek priest, and a relative of Eusebius of Caesarea, was a distinguished teacher of the Holy Scriptures. In these times, on the first day of June, he was martyred in the city of Caesarea, in Palestine.340

Quintin (Quintinus), a soldier of Gaul, suffered martyrdom at the hands of the emperor Maximian (Maximianus) on the last day of October. Through angelic revelation his body was discovered intact fifty-five years later.341

Rufus (Ruffus), highly renowned Roman soldier, was subjected to much oppression with his entire household by the emperor Diocletian, and became a martyr of Christ. Although many other Christians were slain at this time, we have fixed upon only the most renowned and distinguished.

FOLIO CXXVI verso

Year of the World 5483

Year of Christ 284

Marcellinus342, a Roman, succeeded Pope Caius in the time of Diocletian and Maximian. He was taken prisoner in the sixth year of his pontificate, during the Diocletian persecution, and by threats was moved to worship strange gods. But before long he took account of himself, assembled a council of 180 bishops at Sinuessa in Campania, and there he appeared in dusty and hairy raiment, requesting punishment for his inconstancy. But in the entire council no one was found to condemn him; for all said that Peter had sinned in such a situation, and in tears had endured the penalty of his sin. Marcellinus returned to Rome and angrily upbraided Diocletian who had urged him to sacrifice to the pagan gods. And for that reason Marcellinus, with Claudius, Cyrinus, and Antoninus, all Christians, were led to martyrdom by order of Diocletian. On the way Marcellinus reminded Marcellus, the priest, not to obey the commands of Diocletian in matters of the faith, and not to bury his (Marcellinus’s) body, because it was not worthy of burial, inasmuch as he had denied the Savior of the World. However, the bodies of all of them were buried after thirty-six days. Marcellinus sat (in office) 9 years, 2 months and 16 days; and the chair rested twenty-five days.343

Year of the World 5493

Year of Christ 294

Marcellus344, a Roman, was pope from the time of Constantine and Galerius, the emperors, to that of Maxentius. He ordained that no public council should be held without the authority of the papal see. He designated twenty-five places in the city of Rome as bishoprics for baptism and to meet the requirements of those who daily deserted paganism to come into the faith. He also established certain places for the burial of martyrs. When Maxentius learned that the noble woman, Lucina, had given her estate to the church, he became angry and exiled her for a time. While Marcellus was a prisoner, Maxentius urged him to resign the pontificate and the faith; and when he refused, Maxentius sent him away to herd animals. In the meantime, however, Marcellus did not neglect his prayers and fasting. Although relieved of his priestly office, Maxentius sent him to a foul-smelling region where he died of the stench, after having sat five years six months and twenty-one days. On his death the Roman See was vacant 20 days.345

Eusebius, a Greek, became pontiff in the reigns of Constantine and Maxentius. He decreed that no layman should cause a bishop to be summoned into court. During his ministry, on the 3rd day of May, the cross of the Lord was found. This pope allowed heretics to be reconciled by laying on of hands alone. He died at Rome and was buried in the cemetery of Calixtus on the Appian Way on the sixth Nones of October. He sat six years one month and three days, although some historians are doubtful as to his term. The papal chair was vacant one day at this time.346

Melchiades (Melciades347), a pope, by birth an African, lived in the times of Maxentius, Licinius and Maximinus, and was distinguished for his piety and skill. He decreed that no man be condemned or judged through enmity or without credible evidence; also that no one fast on Sunday or Thursday, as the pagans held these days holy. He also made laws regulating the sacrifice. At this time the Manichean heresy gained the upper hand at Rome. After these events this pope was crowned with martyrdom at the instigation of Maximinus; likewise also Peter, the Alexandrian bishop, and Lucianus of Antioch, a Roman priest, and many others. Melchiades sat four years seven months and 19 days, and the chair rested 17 days.348

FOLIO CXXVII recto

Constantius and Galerius received the government upon the abdication of Diocletian and Maximian from the sovereignty of the empire; and they divided the country and its provinces between them. Galerius took Greece, Asia and the East, while Constantius was content with only Gaul and Spain; but Italy also fell to his lot. This Constantinus was an extraordinary man of excellent morals, zealous about the wealth of the country and its people, though not favorable to the establishment of a common fund, and he said it was better to employ riches and possessions through various persons than to lock them up in the treasury. He was moderate in his desire for money, and when on occasion he was about to hold a feast with numerous persons, it became necessary to collect revenues and contributions from house to house for the purpose. This Constantius was not only loved by the Gauls, but held in veneration by them, for it was through his rule that they escaped the craftiness of Diocletian and the bloodthirstiness of Maximian. Constantius was the grandson of Claudius the Second, and to him was espoused Theodora, stepdaughter of Maximian. She bore him six children. He divorced her and took Helena, captured daughter of the King of England. Constantius died in Britain in the thirteenth year of his reign. By reason of his gentleness and mildness he was reckoned among the gods.349

Galerius, a proficient man in the practice of arms, created two rulers, namely, Maximian (Maximianum) and Severus. To the first he assigned the East; to the second, Italy. And he lived in Greece (Illirico), which country he retained, having learned that the barbarian enemies of the Romans planned to go there. But Maximian, hoping to recover the empire he involuntarily lost, came out of retirement from Lucania to Rome; and by letters he informed Diocletian that he would again take unto himself the sovereignty he had abdicated. Against this revolt Galerius sent Severus to Rome with an army; but through treachery of the soldiery who were in league with Maxentius, he was circumvented, and fleeing to Ravenna, he was finally slain. And Maximian would have been slain by his own son had he not fled to Constantine, his son-in-law in Gaul. There he pretended that he had been driven out by his son, and for that reason attempted to assassinate Constantine. Now when the Franks and Alamanni350 were defeated and their king taken prisoner, and his treachery was exposed by Fausta, the daughter of Maximian, to her husband, Maximian fled to Massilia (Marseilles), where he finally suffered the penalty for his misconduct.351

Licinius, the emperor, a native of Dacia, by reason of his proficiency in the practice of arms and his acquaintanceship with Galerius, was elevated to a share in the government. But Constantine (Consantinus), a great man, being ambitious to rule all the world, made war against Licinius, first engaging him in Pannonia, secondly at Cibalis. And he conquered Dardania, Moesia, Macedonia, and countless other countries. Licinius was finally defeated on land and sea and slain in the fifteenth year of his reign at the age of sixty years. He was an avaricious and dissolute man and an enemy of the arts; and being ignorant, he called these a poison and a public affliction.352

Maxentius was named emperor at Rome at the same time when Constantine on the death of his father Constantius was crowned emperor in Britain; for the senators at Rome called to office as an augmenter of the empire this Maxentius (son of Herculius353), who lived in an open village not far from Rome. Maxentius was a very cruel man and a grim persecutor of the Christians, although he loved literature. Among other things he was addicted to the black arts. In the fifth year of the reign of Constantine, the latter made war against Maxentius, killed many of his people, and finally defeated him at Rome at the Milvian Bridge. Although Maxentius built a bridge across the Tiber at Rome as a trap to deceive the enemy, in a moment of forgetfulness he himself ventured on the bridge and was drowned with many of his followers.354

FOLIO CXXVII verso

Then the aforesaid emperors realized that Emperor Constantine was held in great respect by all mankind, they relented against the Christians for some time. Yet Maxentius secretly sent forth his soldiers to slay all the Christians they might meet. He also found such zeal and pleasure in the black arts that he caused pregnant Christian women to be cut open to secure the fruits of their wombs, and the powder of these he used in the black arts. With the same folly and cruelty Maximian (Maximianus) also practised in the East, he even compensated the masters of the black arts for instruction in the evil arts. He gave credence to the cries of birds and soothsaying, and the Christians who disdained such matters he persecuted more than the rest. He ordered the old temples to be restored, and the gods to be worshipped according to ancient custom. Through divine vengeance this Maxentius was so bloated and ulcered in every limb and in his innards that there was no difference between him and a lazy ass. At length worms crawled forth from him in such a stench that no one could endure it; and so he died of a serious sickness, a gruesome and unstable being. He proceeded against the Christians as though they were to blame for his ills. Then Galerius sent Maximinus to govern the East in the place of Maximian, the latter employing the same cruelty, persecuting and slaying the Christians.

Christina (Cristina), a very famous virgin, suffered at Tyre in the aforesaid persecution of Maximian. She was born of very noble parents, and was so beautiful that many men sought her in marriage. Therefore her parents placed her in a tower, there to serve the gods as a virgin. But through the instruction of the Holy Spirit she scorned the idolatrous gods. Then her father learned of this and, since he could not divert her by threats, caused her to be stripped naked, flogged, and placed in a dungeon, where her tender limbs were torn. Then Christina took off her own flesh and threw it into her father’s face, saying, Take it, you savage, and eat your own flesh. The enraged father fixed her to a wheel, placing fire and oil beneath her. Flames burst from the fire, which killed fifteen hundred people. The father attributed this to the black arts, and caused a large stone to be tied to her neck, and thus Christina was thrown into the sea by night. The angels received her, and Christ baptized her, and she returned to land. At length, after many tortures and the amputation of her breasts, Julian (Julianus) shot her with arrows, one through the heart, and one into her side. And thus with the palm of martyrdom she gloriously ascended to heaven.355

Menas (Menna), an Egyptian soldier of noble parentage, suffered at this time in the capital city of the country of Phrygia. After having accepted the King of Heaven, and having wandered in solitude, he stepped forth into the world and confessed himself a Christian. When Pyrrhus the duke heard of this, he spoke to him, saying, If you will worship the gods, all that you have done through your ignorance will be forgiven. But as Menas refused to obey his wishes, he caused him to be beaten with rawhide, and subjected to other tortures until the ground flowed with blood. He was then placed on a rack and burned with torches, and after being taken down, was tied hand and foot and dragged over iron spikes. At length, while singing the praises of the Lord, he was beheaded and his body thrown into a fire, from which the Christians took it and gave it honorable burial. The body was later carried to Constantinople, and there held in great veneration.356

Julian (Iulianus), born in Antioch, a very Christian man, at this time suffered a most cruel martyrdom at Rome with the virgin Basillisa (Basilissa). He, together with a great number of priests and servants, sought refuge against cruel persecution; but they and many others suffered death on the 5th day of Ides of January.357 After those ones Antonius, a priest, and Anastasius and Celsus, a child, together with his mother and very many others also all died on the 5th of the Ides of January.358

Victor, a citizen of Milan, and since youth a Christian, and now in the military service of Maximinus, was brought before him as a Christian and asked to worship the pagan idols. Scorning these, he was flogged, but by divine intervention he was rendered immune to pain. Molten lead poured over him left him unharmed, and so, at the command of Maximian, he was beheaded on the eighth day of the Ides of May.359

Saturninus, the priest, and Sisinus, the deacon, after having been arrested in Rome were imprisoned for a long time for confessing the Christian faith. They were placed on a rack, beaten with clubs and scorpions360, and were finally beheaded. Their bodies were buried on the Salarian Way.

Susanna, a very holy virgin, born of noble parents in Dalmatia, and a friend of Pope Caius, in this persecution at Rome, on the 3rd day of the Ides of August, being beheaded for the sake of the Christian faith, completed her martyrdom.361

FOLIO CXXVIII recto

Catherine (Catherina), a very highly renowned Egyptian virgin, flourished at this time (as her history informs us); and she suffered martyrdom after Diocletian, under Maxentius. This most pious virgin was of noble blood. Her father was named Costus. He was a king of the city of Alexandria. And although she was deprived of her father in her younger days, and from him as a king received a great paternal inheritance, we read of her that under the influence of riches, she was not idle nor inclined to feminine weakness, but was so gifted in extraordinary matters that it is to be marveled that in her tender years she undertook the contest of disputation with the highly wise of the world. This most divine virgin was instructed by a hermit of Christian faith and wisdom, and she was a spouse of Christ. While the Diocletian persecution still raged, and continued under the Emperor Maxentius at Alexandria, she saw a number of Christians crying because they were compelled to worship the idolatrous gods. And she stepped into the presence of Maxentius and upbraided him because of his idle worship of the gods and for his cruelty. Maxentius ordered her taken to the palace and guarded with all care. But when he heard her after the sacrifice, he marveled at her eloquence and wisdom; and he sent for fifty world-wise men. In his presence they were won over and confirmed the Christian faith, and therefore burned. Maxentius ordered Catherine placed in a dark dungeon and starved for twelve days. Then the angel of the Lord appeared to her, saying: You favored maiden of the Lord, be firm, for the Lord is with you. Many will be converted to Christ through you, and will enter glory with the sign of victory. After that she converted to the faith the soldier Porphyrius (Porphirium) with two hundred soldiers, and also the wife of the emperor, and many others, and sent them to heaven before her. A wheel with blades, prepared for her martyrdom, was soon broken and many people injured by it. Finally she was beheaded. At the place of her suffering she gave assurance of her assistance to all who preserved the memory of her suffering. After her decapitation milk flowed from her body. Her most holy body was carried by angels from there up to Mount Sinai, and so buried with honor in the 310th year of the Lord, on the 8th day of the Kalends of December.362

Sophronia also was condemned for loss of her virginity by Maxentius, and as she could not avoid the danger, she killed herself in the manner of Lucretia.

Arnobius Africanus, a very celebrated philosopher and a well informed rhetorician (though very old) was held in great veneration at this time. He taught rhetoric in Africa, and wrote many books against the pagans.363 Lucian (Lucianus), the orator, and a priest of the Nicomedian church, in this period wrote many books and letters at Heliopolis, a city of Bithynia. He suffered martyrdom for Christ’s sake. Likewise Jacob (Jacobus), nicknamed the Wise, a priest at Nisibina, a city of the Persias, at this time also wrote many letters against the heretics, and others for our faith. He at last died (according to Jerome) in the time of the ruler Constantius.364

Lactantius Firmianus, a very distinguished orator and philosopher, disciple of the aforesaid Arnobius, was of great name and fame at this time. While teaching the art of eloquence at Nicomedia, he was, by reason of his virtue and greatness, ordered to Rome, together with Flavius, the grammarian. After he had taught there for some time, he became indigent because of the lack of students. Therefore he occupied himself in writing books, and at this he was very able; for after the time of Cicero, he was the second foremost in this art. In his last years he was instructor of the emperor Crispis, the son of Constantine, in Gaul. He wrote praiseworthy books and also various letters and epistles to many persons.365

Eusebius, a bishop of the city of Caesarea, in Palestine, who, on account of his friendship with the martyr Pamphilus, took the name of Pamphilus. And with this same Pamphilus, a very diligent searcher of the books of the Scriptures. He was a man worthy of remembrance, was at this time esteemed by the distinguished and the noble, not only among the pagans, but also the Christians, and not only for his experience in many things, but also by reason of his wonderful knowledge of the arts. And although this Eusebius was attached to the Arian heresy, when he came to the Nicaean Council, he was so enlightened by the Holy Spirit that he came into accord with the fathers of the church, and from that point on piously lived in the Christian faith up to the time of his death. Being a well informed and highly learned man, he was, with Pamphilus, the martyr, a very diligent searcher of the books of the Scriptures. He wrote many books at this time, especially the books of Evangelical Preparation; the Ecclesiastical History against Porphyry, that most vehement enemy of the Christians; he composed six books known as the Defenses in defense of Origen; three books On the Life of Pamphilus (Pomphili) the Martyr, from whom, out of love, he took his surname; in addition very learned commentaries on one hundred and fifty Psalms; and twenty books of the life and suffering of the martyrs and of virgins, especially, his Evangelical Preparation; and also a history of chronicles from the time of Abraham to the Year of the Lord 300, which the pious Jerome completed. This Eusebius, after the conversion of the Emperor Constantine, was on good terms with the latter while he lived.366

FOLIO CXXVIII verso

Year of the World 5513

Year of Christ 314

Silvester the pope, a Roman, whose father was Rufinus (Ruffino), succeeded Melchiades (Melciadem) in the time of Constantine in the one thousand ninety-first year from the founding of the city (i.e., Rome). He was a pious man of angelic countenance, fine physique, clear address, holy works, good counsel, Christian faith, and patient hope, and was immersed in every affection. God endowed him with such grace that not only the Christians were remarkably loyal to him, but the pagans as well. Now when Constantine had been baptized and peace restored to the Church, Silvester initiated many laws pertaining to the divine service: Firstly, that the Chrism should be blessed only by a bishop; that a baptized person should be identified by a bishop; and that a priest should anoint a baptized person with the Chrism in the emergency of death. No layman should bail a consecrated person to court, and no consecrated person should discuss matters or transact business before a temporal judge. A priest holding mass should use white linen, since the body of Christ was buried in it. This most holy pope, among others of his miracles, relieved Rome of the plague of a dragon. He died and was buried in the cemetery of Priscilla on the Sallarian Way at the third mile-stone from the city (i.e., Rome) on the day before the Kalends of January after having sat 23 years, ten months and eleven days. Then the seat was vacant for 15 days.367

Year of the World 5533

Year of Christ 334

Mark (Marcus) the pope, a Roman, succeeded Silvester in the time of Constantine. He was a good man and a lover of the Christian faith. He ordained that the Hostian bishop, by whom the Roman bishop is consecrated, should employ choral vestments, and that on holy days, immediately after the gospel, the (confession of) faith should be sung with great voice by the priests and the people, as had already been ordained by the Nicene Council. He built two churches at Rome. He died and was buried in the cemetery of Balbina on the Ardeatine Way on the third of the Nones of October. He sat for two years eight months and 20 days; then the chair was vacant for 20 days.368

Year of the World 5535

Year of Christ 336

Julius (Iulius) the pope, a Roman, lived in the time of Emperor Constantius, and was a man of wonderful piety and learning, and, during the time the Arian heresy gained the upper hand, he was troubled with much disorder. Constantius, the son of Constantine, sent him into exile. After ten months he returned to Rome and punished the Arian bishops who had undertaken to hold a council at Antioch, which could not be held without the consent or authority of a Roman bishop. At Rome he built two churches and three cemeteries. He ordained that a priest should speak only before a spiritual judge; but if he mistrusted a judge, he could appeal to the Roman See; also, that all things belonging to the churches should be inventoried by a public scrivener or protonotary. He ordained 18 priests, three deacons, and nine bishops. He died and was buried on the Aurelian Way in the cemetery of Calopodius three miles from the city of Rome. He sat 15 years, two months and six days; and then the chair was vacant for twenty-five days.369

Year of the World 5543

Year of Christ 344

Liberius the pope, a Roman, lived in the time of Constantius and of Constantus. In their times, when a Council was hold at Milan, all of his people who were attached to Athanasius were sent into exile. In this assembly the eastern priests, cunning and crafty men, overcame the priests of the West boldly, brazenly and with guile. They denied that Christ is a person co-existent with God. This doctrine Liberius openly attacked, and because he would not condemn Athanasius as the emperor commanded, he was driven into exile by the Arian heretics; and for three years he lived away from Rome. However, the priests assembled and put Felix, a very distinguished man, in the place of Liberius, and they removed the two priests, Visacus and Valentus, from the church. By their petitions they influenced Constantius to recall Pope Liberius from exile, and to restore him to office. And although the pope was attached to the Arians, he graced the church of God with zeal. At length he died and was buried on the Salarian Way in the cemetery of Priscilla on the 9th day of the Kalends of May. He sat six years (although some say 16), 3 months, and 4 days. And then the chair was vacant six days.370

FOLIO CXXIX recto

Constantine (Constantinus) the Great, born of a humble marriage, son of Constantius (Constancii) the Augustus, was elected king in Britain. And although at this time the common people of Rome were ruled by four emperors, Constantine and Maxentius, sons of the Augusti, and Licinus, and Maximian, new men; yet this Constantine, as a great and mighty man who understood how to succeed in all things he undertook, possessed an ambition to rule the entire world, and he overcame all opponents. The beginning of his reign was comparable with the best and in the end with those ranked in the middle. He was gifted with unlimited strength of mind and body, possessed great military skill and zeal, and was victorious over the Goths. He was devoted to the liberal arts and loved justice. In the 339th Year of the Lord, the Christians, previously oppressed by tyrants, began to take on new life under this emperor. He who loved peace was secure by his grace, and by his mildness Constantine secured the good will and devotion of all mankind. He made decrees annulling superfluous laws and repealing those which were too severe. This all-powerful emperor was so concerned with the preservation of the integrity of Christian life that when he went to war he used no other banner than that which was inscribed with the sign of the cross which he had seen in the heavens and worshipped when he marched his army against Maxentius. And he heard the angels saying, Constantine, by this sign you shall conquer. And this he did, dispersing all the tyrants of the Romans and of all Christian people. This Constantine was influenced by Pope Silvester to prosper and multiply the churches of God with great speed. He offered the popes a diadem set with precious stones; but this was declined by Silvester as unsuited to a spiritual head, for which a white headdress should be sufficient. This Constantine and his son Crispus were baptized by Silvester. While making war against the Parthians he died in a village near Nicomedia in the thirty-first year of his reign at the age of sixty-six. His death was announced by a hairy star of unusual size that appeared for some time, a thing which the Greeks call a comet. And he has earned the right to be spoken of as one among the saints.371

Constantius, together with his brothers Constantine and Constans, secured the sovereignty from their father Constantine the Great. At this time, but at no other, Rome was under the rule of one Augustus and three Caesars; for Constantine left three sons; and there was Dalmaticus, his brother’s son, not unlike his uncle. He was not long afterwards killed by the soldiers, rather through circumstances than at the instigation of Constantius. Constantine was killed at Aquileia by officers of Constantius in a war against his brother, which was ill advised. So the sovereignty passed to the two (i.e., Constantius and Constans).372

Constans acquired the empire. For some time he was strict and righteous; but through unfortunate circumstances and evil friends, he was turned to licentiousness, becoming unbearable to the provinces and unacceptable to the army. At the instigation of Magnentius he was slain not far from Spain, in a castle called Helena, in the seventeenth year of his reign and the thirtieth year of his age.373 After his death Magnentius held Italy, Africa and Gaul.374 He attacked Greece anew, and Vetranio, with the consent of the army, was elected to rule and to protect Greece. He was a pious man, of good morals, and beloved by all throughout his long and successful military career; but he was deposed by Constantine, who made war to avenge his brother’s death.375 Nepotianus (Nepociano) caused a revolt at Rome in order to seize the government but was slain in retribution for his evil conduct.376 And so Gallus became emperor in the West. Magnentius ended his own life at Lyons in the third year and seventh month of his reign. Gallus was later slain in the wars. He was a cruel man and a ready tyrant, whenever he could make his will prevail.377 Silvanus also, after stirring up revolution in Gaul, was killed in less than a month. Constantius was the sole Augustus in the empire. Quickly he sent Julian, his cousin, the brother of Gallus, who (i.e., Julian) was born from Constantius, the brother of his (i.e., Constantius II’s) father Constantine, when his (i.e., Constantius II’s) sister had been given in matrimony (to Julian), as Caesar against the Gauls.378 When the barbarians had attacked many towns he quickly, through his own excellence, held in check the movements of the Gauls and the Germans. Constantius, while occupied with civil wars, died on the road between Cilicia and Cappadocia in the thirty-eighth year of his rule and the forty-fifth of his life. He was a man of extraordinary tranquility, calm and too trusting of his friends and servants.379

FOLIO CXXIX verso

Constantinople, the imperial and highly renowned city was called Byzantium while it was still small, and afterwards Constantinople. When Constantine the Great, for greater security of the imperial throne against the Parthians, decided to proceed from Rome to the East, he (as some historians state) went to Troy, where once upon a time Agamemnon and other Greek princes pitched their tents against Priam; and there he undertook to lay the foundations of a royal city. But as our Savior in a dream pointed out to him another place, he left the work unfinished; and of this indications remained for a long time. And from Thrace he sailed to Byzantium. That city he soon enlarged, building new fortifications and high towers and improving the city with beautiful public and other buildings, so that it was very deservedly called a second Rome. The ancient historians who saw the city in its flower treasured it as the home of the gods on earth, rather than that of emperors. This emperor called the city New Rome; but according to common opinion the city retained the name Constantinople, after its founder. This city was from time to time improved with public and other fine tall buildings to such an extent that strangers coming there were so astonished at its appearance that they regarded it not merely as the home of mortal sinners but of the celestials as well. The walls of this city were celebrated the world over for their height and thickness, and its defense was skillfully provided for. They write that the city was triangular. On two sides it was touched by the sea, and by its walls it was secured against naval attack. The land side was surrounded by a moat outside the fortifications. This city had twelve gates through which its beauty might be observed. In addition to other very magnificent buildings the church of Sophia was built there by Justinian, the emperor, and it is worthy of universal admiration. It was provided with nine hundred priests, and was built with wonderful skill and of costly materials. The city was visited by all the peoples of the East and was the home of some of the learned men of Greece. There three great councils were held. Due to its renown and prosperity this city aroused the envy of the Turks and suffered under their cruelties. In the Year of our Salvation 1093 it was besieged by a great force and was taken. Afterwards the Gauls, together with the Venetians, occupied this city for fifty-five years. Next the noble race of Genoese, called Paleologi, took the city from the Gauls and incorporated it in their dominions, retaining it until 1453, when

FOLIO CXXX recto

it was ravaged by the Turkish Sultan, Mohammed (Machometes) Ottoman (Ottommanus). And so this most noble city fell into the hands of the infidels about 1130 years after it was built; and it had stood longer than Rome. Athalaricus ravaged Rome in the year from the founding of the city (i.e., Rome) 1164; yet he forbade the destruction of the churches of the saints; but the rage and beastly ignorance of the Turks left nothing holy or pure intact within this city, and they subjected the temples to foul abuses. We read of the wonderful celebrated and mighty deeds of the Thebans, Lacedaemonians, Athenians and Corinthians, and many venerable countries that have left no trace of their location on earth; but this city alone excels all others by reason of its great age, its wonderful buildings, its weapons, its literature, its glory and honors, to such an extent that its loss is equal to that of all the other cities. And although when the empire fell into the hands of the French, this city passed to the enemy, yet the churches of the holy ones were never destroyed, nor the library burned, nor the monasteries entirely plundered; for the ancient wisdom remained at Constantinople up to this year. No Latin was looked upon as sufficiently learned unless he had studied at Constantinople for some time. From this city Plato was given us, and from this city came to us the writings and teachings of Aristotle, Demosthenes, Xenophon, Thucidydes, Basilius, Dionysius, Origen, and many others up to our own times. But now it is otherwise under the empire of the Turks, that most savage people, the enemies of good morals and teachings. Now the rivers of learning are dammed up and its spring of wisdom sealed. I admit that there are universities among the Latins in many places, as at Rome, Paris, Bologna, Padua, Siena, Paris, Cologne, Vienna, Salamanca, Oxford, Pavia, Leipzig, Erfurt380 , and excellent universities elsewhere; but these are mere brooks flowing from the springs of Greece. How this city fell into the power of the Turkish sultan through war and siege, which occurred later under the emperor Frederick the Third, will be told later.381

FOLIO CXXIX verso and CXXX recto

FOLIO CXXX verso

Helena, mother of Constantine the emperor, was a woman of great faith and spiritual mind, and was distinguished for her acts of magnanimity. When, after the baptism of her son she saw miracles performed by Silvester before her son and against the Jews, nightly visions moved her to go to Jerusalem to search for the wood of the cross. But that was a difficult task; for the image of Venus was in the same place, put there by the old persecutors for the Christian people to worship in the place of the Savior. But with great secrecy she searched the city everywhere, and found three crosses. On one something was written in three tongues ‘Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.’ Beside it stood Macherius, a bishop of that same city. He said that the first was the true cross; that the third one was laid on a dead woman, and the woman was soon restored to life. And so the cross of the Lord was found on the third day of May by Helena, and was adorned by her; and it was held in great veneration. Judas, the finder of the cross, was baptized, and was afterwards called Ciriacus. Later Helena built a temple on the site where the cross was found; and she departed from the place, bringing to her son the nails with which the body of Christ was fastened to the cross. One of these he put in his horse’s bridle, to use in battle. But Constantine was persuaded that in the future no one should make such base use of it. Eager for the spread of Christianity, Constantine erected many churches in Rome. Helena died well loved by God and by mankind at Rome on the 18th day of August.382

Arius (Arrius), a priest at Alexandria, and a man more distinguished by looks and form than by virtue, began to sow discord in the Christian faith. He undertook to separate the Son from the substance of the Eternal and unspeakable God, saying there was a time when he was not. He did not understand that the Son was coeval with the Father, and of the same substance, or an independent element in the Trinity. As it was said, I and the Father are one. With such cunning he pressed forward as if to poison the whole world with his error. In the second year of Constantine a council was assembled, and to it came the Christians and the Arians. But when Arius could not accomplish certain things as he wished, he attempted to humiliate the Christians by accusing Athanasius of the black arts. But God did not permit this devilish man to go unpunished, for before long, when Arius was surrounded by many bishops and people, and sought to relieve himself in a secret chamber, his innards fell into it; and thus he suffered a death utterly worthy of his shameful life.383

The Nicene Council, the first of all such councils, was called in the sixteenth year of Constantine at his command and pursuant to his efforts against the heretical teachings of the benighted Arius. It was attended by 318 bishops. For sometime the council transacted business and carried on disputations. Some, clever in questioning, and crafty, attached themselves to Arius, opposing the monism of our belief. However, one of their number, a highly educated philosopher, who previously had attacked our faith, being moved by God’s spirit, entirely accepted our belief as holy. At length, after industrious investigation of the matter in council, it was concluded to record and acknowledge that the Son and the Father were a single substance. Those who held with Arius, seventeen in number, said that the Son of God was created separately, and was not born of the Godhead. But when the truth concerning their dissension became known, Constantine, with threats, ordered that the conclusions of the council be observed, those gainsaying it to be sent into exile. But only six, together with Arius, accepted the penalty and exiled themselves, while the remainder confessed the established truth. In this council the Sabellian heretics who held the Father and the Holy Spirit to be a single person, were also condemned. In the council the bishops lodged with Constantine accusations against one another, asking his judgment concerning them. These, Constantine caused to be burned, saying that they should await the judgment of God alone, and not of men. And there it was also ordained that those addicted to carnality should not be accepted into the priesthood in the future.384

FOLIO CXXXI recto

Paul, the first hermit, died in the wilderness in Lower Thebes on the 10th day of January in his one hundred thirteenth year. As Jerome writes, St. Anthony (Antonius) saw his soul soon afterwards, flying among the choir of apostles and prophets. After the death of his parents, Paul became very rich by inheritance. At the age of sixteen he was well versed in the Greek and Egyptian languages. He was of a mild disposition, and a great lover of God. During the violent persecutions of Decius and Valerian, he wandered to a village, at last finding a rocky mountain, and within it a large cave, closed with a stone, and containing a wide passage open to the sky. It was covered with the spreading branches of an old palm-tree, and contained a very clear spring. He loved the place as though it had been given him by God; and there he spent his life in prayer and solitude. From the palm-tree he obtained sustenance and clothing. And St. Anthony visited him, and while they dined together a raven brought them a whole loaf of bread. Paul said that the Lord had sent him this food; that for the past sixty years the Lord had fed him with half a loaf, but he now doubled the bread. After Anthony’s farewell, Paul slept softly, his neck upright and his hands raised; and his soul left his body. He was buried by Anthony at a place indicated by lions.385

Anthony (Antonius) the abbot, an Egyptian, a holy man, strong in words and works, flourished at this time. He was not only endowed with such wisdom in divine matters and with such knowledge of morals, as may be acquired by human industry, but was also divinely gifted. The emperor Constantine received from him various writings, executed with great skill. As Jerome writes, Anthony wrote seven epistles in the Egyptian tongue, and sent them to the Egyptian churches. And those, in these times (like the epistles of St. Paul with us) were read in the churches. Afterwards, because of the courage manifested in them, they were translated into the Greek tongue. In his time he was an exhorter of mankind in the faith. Through letters and messengers he was often consulted by Helena for herself and her son. Bread alone was his food, and water his drink. He ate only at sunset. He was entirely devoted to contemplation. He died in the Year of the Lord 360, at the age of 105 years. After having been long concealed, his body, through divine revelation, was discovered in the time of the emperor, Justinian the Great. It was first brought from Thebes to Alexandria, and then to Gaul, where it rested in veneration. The day of his commemoration is the 17th day of January.

Hilarius, the very illustrious bishop of Poitiers (Pictaviensis) was highly learned in all the Scriptures, and always a good Christian. When the people of Poitiers saw that he successfully fought the heretics with all his might, they elected him a bishop. He not only protected this province, but all France against the heretics. For this reason he was accused before the emperor Constantius, and was exiled to the island of Gallinaria, which was infested with snakes that disappeared on his arrival. Afterwards, when called home by the emperor, he awakened a dead son who had passed away without baptism. At the instigation of Saturninus, bishop of Arles (Arelatensis), he was sent to Phrygia (Phrigiam), because of his Christian faith. From there he returned to his own city after many temptations. He journeyed to the Lord in the Year of Our Salvation 371. He published these books described as follows: 12 books on the Trinity, On the Council, Response to Constantius, Against the Arrian Example of Growing Blasphemy. First among Catholics, he published hymns and songs.386

Athansius, bishop of Alexandria, celebrated for his piety and skill, during these times suffered severe persecution at the hands of the Arian heretics; for in years past, he had stood up against the same heretics in the council at Laodicea and had overcome them with clear and evident reasoning, and upon strong and highly sensible grounds and arguments that the Son was coeval with the Father. But when Arius and his associates could no longer contest this, they undertook to disgrace him. From a corpse they cut an arm, and this they showed to the emperor, stating that Athanasius had cut the arm off of Arsenius to employ it in sorcery. But having been warned, he at length exhibited the arm and exposed their fraud; he was nevertheless severely condemned by Constantius; and he fled, and for six consecutive years was hidden in the vault of a cistern, near the water, where he never saw the sun. Afterwards he was reported by a maiden, but, in accordance with divine warning he went into the region of Constans the emperor, who by threats compelled his brother Constantius to again accept Athanasius. Finally, on the second day of May, in the Year of the Lord 379, after many temptations, and having earned the crown of patience, he passed away in blessedness in the time of the emperors Valentinian and Valens. He wrote books (such as) Against the Pagans (Gentiles) and many others with (his?) symbol. Whoever wishes to be saved, etc.387

Juvencus (Iuvencus), a Spaniard, poet and cardinal, of noble parentage, and yet more noble in virtue and learning, was highly renowned at this time. He composed four books in which he translated nearly word for word into hexameter verse the four gospels. He also wrote in that meter certain works pertaining to the order of the mysteries.388

The people of Hibernia were instructed in the Christian faith by a woman prisoner. And so also the Armenians in the East received the faith. And thus the Christian faith spread to the surrounding regions.

FOLIO CXXXI verso

The second schism of the Arians occurred between Liberius and Felix, the popes; for when the Council of Milan was held, all those who adhered to Athanasius were sent into exile; and therefore Liberius was away from the city of Rome for three years, and they elected Felix in his place. He was afterwards driven out by Constantius, and Liberius was reinstated. Out of this arose a violent persecution in which the priests and clerics in the churches were slain everywhere.

Year of the World 5553

Year of Christ 354

Felix the Second, a pope, and a Roman, was elected pope by the heretics after Liberius was driven out, or by the Christians in the place of Liberius; although Jerome states that this was done by the heretics. Now when he came into the pontificate he pronounced Constantius a heretic, and not properly baptized. And a great schism arose between Felix and Liberius, as just mentioned, but Felix could in no manner be diverted from the correct faith. He was taken prisoner by his adversaries, and was slain with many of his adherents. And he was buried in a church that he himself had built on the Aurelian Way at the second mile-stone from the city (i.e., Rome) on the 20th day of November. And he had sat only one year, four months and two days because of the uproar instigated by Liberius.389

Year of the World 5563

Year of Christ 364

Damasus the pope, a Spaniard, whose father was Antony, followed Liberius in the time of Julian, the emperor. He was a good man and the very best guide. He ordained that no one should be condemned in court before a hearing had taken place. He commanded also, under pain of excommunication, that no one through reckless greed should attempt to exercise any powers granted by the Roman see. After the promulgation of these laws and the establishment of peace in the churches, Damasus took pleasure in his literary free time to write the lives of all the popes who had preceded him. He also increased the houses of worship and the divine services, and described the pious bodies buried in them for commemoration by posterity. He likewise ordered that the psalms should be sung interchangeably in the churches, and at the end of each psalm, the Gloria Patri, etc. He was the first to give credence to the writings of Jerome, for up to that time the writings of the Seventy alone were held in esteem. Finally, when he had created many priests and 62 bishops, he died and was buried on the Ardeantine Way with his sister and mother in the church that he himself had founded, on the 11th day of December, after having sat for 19 years, 3 months and 11 days. At that time the chair was vacant for 21 days.390

The third schism was between Damasus and Ursinus (Ursicinum), in consequence of which there was a resort to force and arms. But before long Damasus was confirmed by the common consent of the priests and the people; while Ursinus was relegated to the Neapolitan church. Damasus also, once upon a time, was accused of adultery. But upon his acquittal before a public council, he was absolved of guilt, and his false accusers condemned and cast out of the church; and it was decreed that whosoever should falsely accuse anyone should themselves suffer the pains and penalties provided for the crime.

Year of the World 5583

Year of Christ 384

Siricius the pope, a Roman, whose father was Tyburtius (Tyburcio), lived in the time of Valentinian. He ordained that the monk whose life was such as to be worthy of consecration from the beginning might attain the honor of bishop. He also ordained that the consecrations should be given from time to time. He forbade the Manichean heretics at Rome to hold communion with the faithful. However, those who desired to return and did penance were to be again accepted if they wished to come back to the cloister to improve their days with fasting and prayer. He ordered that a priest should be ordained only by a bishop, and that he who took on a widow or other housewife should be deprived of his office; also that heretics were to be taken back by laying on of the hand. As the affairs of the church were now brought to a state of peace, and this Siricius had consecrated twenty-six priests, sixteen deacons, and thirty-two bishops, he died and was buried in the cemetery of Priscilla on the Salarian Way on the 22nd day of March, and was buried. He sat (in office) 15 years 11 months and 25 days. At that time the chair was vacant for 20 days.391

FOLIO CXXXII recto

Julian (Julianus) was a brother of Gallus the emperor. When Constantius became sole emperor, he made of this Julian, his uncle, a Caesar against the Gauls, who had revolted; and to him he espoused his sister. At that time a great number of Germans (Alamanni) at Strasbourg (Argentinam) were slain by him with but a few men. And when not long afterwards the German army was driven back with the assistance of the Gauls, Julian, with the sanction of the army, was raised to imperial honors. Hearing this, Constantius was afflicted with the dropsy, so that he died of pain and depression; for he learned that Julian was antagonistic. Now this Julian was an excellent man, and versed in the liberal arts; but he was yet more learned in Greek letters. He was a strong and alert orator, had a powerful memory, was kind to his friends, upright to his countrymen, and zealous for honor and renown. But all these qualities he obscured and reversed when he turned against the Christians. He was a more cunning persecutor than others had been; for he did not invoke new punishments, but with rewards, honors, faunings, flattery and advice, he aroused the people, more so than if he had been otherwise more cruel. He forbade that Christians be taught by pagan masters, and ordered that the schools should not be open to those who would not acknowledge the gods and goddesses. Some say that he was consecrated a Christian, and afterward abandoned the faith. Afterwards he undertook several wars; but these he conducted so unwisely that he was slain on the 6th day of the Kalends of July in the seventh year of his reign and the 31st year of his life.392

Jovian (Jovinianus), born in Pannonia, was physically attractive, of a happy disposition, and devoted to learning. He was elected to the sovereignty by the common consent of the army, not so much at his own instigation, as at the request of his father who was better acquainted with the soldiers. And although he was thus elected emperor, he did not wish to be acknowledged such until the people had acknowledged themselves Christians. When this occurred he took the government, and relieved the army of the barbarians. Afterwards things changed; he was twice defeated by the Persians due to his army’s dissension and lack of supplies. And so he followed the dictates of necessity, making a peace by ceding territory previously taken—something that had not happened for many years. After that he marched to Greece; and he died in the vicinity of Galatia. He was otherwise not an unruly or unwise man. Some say he died of starvation; others, that he died of the odor of fresh plaster in his bedchamber, etc. He died in the seventh month of his reign on the fourteenth day of the Kalends of March in the thirty-third year of his life.393

Valentinian (Valentinianus), born at Cibalia, in Pannonia, was a captain of the shield-bearers, and fully a Christian man. Julian the Apostate ordered him to sacrifice to the gods or stay out of the army. And although he willingly gave up military honors for the Christian faith, nevertheless, upon the slaying of Julian and the death of Jovian he was elected emperor as successor. He was an excellent emperor, of honest countenance, courageous disposition, prudent proposals, timely speech, and hateful of vice and avarice. He was sparing in his words, earnest and emphatic, etc.394

Valens held the Eastern Empire for four years after Valentinian’s death, during which time Gratian (Graciano), Valentinian’s son, ruled in the West. This Valens, rebaptized by Lucius of Constantinople, persecuted our people with enmity; nor did he spare those of our number who had gone to the desert, but commanded that these hermits should enter the military service; and if they refused, they were to be slain. Of these there were countless numbers in the wildernesses and hermitages of Egypt. At this time the Goths were driven out of their country and scattered all over Thrace. Valens armed against them; but later, at the instigation of the bishop and hermits, he was shot; and he was carried to a miserable hut, which was set on fire by the Goths. Valens was burned to death in the fourth year of his reign. This outbreak of the Goths resulted in disaster for the Roman Empire and all Italy.395

FOLIO CXXXII verso

Nicholas (Nicolas), of illustrious parentage, was a citizen of the city of Panthera (Patere), in the country of Lycia (Licie). While still a child and nursed by his mother, he only suckled from his mother’s breasts twice a week, on Wednesday and Friday. Now when he was a young man, after he had lost both his parents, among other acts of virtue he performed the following memorable acts. His neighbor, an upright man, was, because of his poverty, about to give up his three daughters of marriageable age to prostitution. When this came to the notice of this holy man, he, out of sympathy, at night secretly threw a small quantity of gold through the window of the poor man’s house. And with this he married off his first daughter. He did likewise with the others. Afterwards he was elected bishop of Myra. He was humble, kind in admonition, earnest in punishment, and circumspect in his speech to women. At length he began to appear in miracles, so that those who invoked his name were helped—particularly mariners. Full of days, he died in blessedness, and many sick people were healed by the oil that flowed out of his grave. We celebrate his feast day on the eighth day of the Ides of December.396

Donatus, a heretic from Africa397, wrote much against the Christians at this time, and with his poisoned teachings he misled almost all Africa and Judea. He erred, saying the Son was less than the Father, and the Holy Spirit less than the Son. Finally, in great distress, he was driven out of Carthage. He wrote many things, especially a book on the Holy Spirit containing the Arian doctrine.398

Eunomius, another heretic of this time, was a leper in body and soul and not otherwise within nor without. He was afflicted with the royal disease399. He at first was an adherent of the Arian faithlessness, but then added and disseminated another false belief. He was affirming that the Son was unlike the Father in all things and that the Holy Spirit had nothing in common with either the Son or the Father.400

Macedonius (whom our people, before he erred, made a bishop at Constantinople) was driven out by the Arian heretics because he acknowledged the Son equal to the Father. He blasphemed the Holy Spirit and thus stirred up many controversies by those who were called Macedonian heretics.401

Donatus, a master of rhetoric, oratory and philosophy, was the teacher of the holy Jerome, and was held in great esteem at Rome. And, among other things, he wrote a commentary on Terence. And, as they say, this Donatus is the author of a little book that up to the present is read in schools by boys learning the first elements of grammar.402

Julian (Julianus), the emperor, was vainly addicted to the black arts. To the distress of the Christians, he rebuilt the Temple at Jerusalem for the Jews, saying he did not care to worship elsewhere. For that reason the Jews were so inflated with vanity that they contributed more to the work than usual. But before long the Temple was destroyed by an earthquake and many Jews were crushed. On the second day fire came down from above and consumed the building’s ironwork. Through fright caused by this miracle, many Jews turned to the Christian faith. Some write that Julian was shot through with an arrow, but no one knows from where; and that with upraised hands he cried to heaven, You have conquered, Galilean, you have conquered! for he called Christ a Galilean and a carpenter’s son.403

John and Paul, brothers, were very Christian men and very famous Romans. When Julian (Julianus) heard that they supported the poor from their estates they were taken prisoner; and at Rome, upon the command of Julian, they were beheaded on the 26th day of June after receiving numerous scourgings.404

Gordian (Gordianus) and Epimachus, highly renowned men, were crowned with martyrdom at Rome in the disturbances of these times. The first, because he acknowledged the Christian faith, was beaten with leaden scourges, and finally beheaded on the 10th day of May; and his corpse was thrown to the dogs. His body was buried at night by the members of his household.405

Juliana and Demetria, the virgins, also attained the crown of martyrdom by order of Julian (Julianus), the tyrant in this persecution.

Cyriacus (Quiriacus), also called Judas, a bishop of Jerusalem, at this time, together with his mother, Anna, suffered martyrdom with fortitude for the Christian faith. This is the man who showed St. Helena the place where the cross lay buried; and because of the miracles that took place at the discovery of the cross, he determined to proclaim everywhere the glory and honor of the same. For that he was taken prisoner by the pagans, and was nailed to a cross. And therefore (as many say), the order of the Crusaders had its origin with him.406

FOLIO CXXXIII recto

At this time real wool, mixed with the clouds, fell in rain in the land of the Atrebates (Atrabatas).407 Marvelously large hailstones fell at Constantinople, killing a number of persons; and an earthquake occurred throughout the earth. In these turbulent times Athanaricus, king of the Goths, cruelly persecuted the Christians among his people, and elevated them to martyrdom.408 Over 80,000 armed Burgundians settled down on the banks of the Rhine, and before long they accepted the Christian faith. At this time, while Valens reigned, the Huns lay concealed in the inaccessible mountain fastnesses for a long while. They came forth against the Goths with such swift vengeance and ferocity that they drove them out of the country. Fleeing over the Danube, the Goths were taken in by the emperor Valens without entering into a treaty or alliance. Afterwards they were subjected to such unendurable poverty by Maximus that starvation drove them to take up arms. They fought against the army of Valens, and invaded all of Thrace, ravaging everywhere with fire and death. Now, when the Goths asked him to send them a bishop to instruct them in the faith, he sent a teacher of the Arian heresy; and so this entire people became Arian. After the emperor was slain the Goths appeared before Constantinople; but Dominica, the august wife of Valens, gave them a large sum of money and thus ransomed the city, and preserved the loyalty of her subjects to the empire.

It is agreed that the people who are called Progethic(?) Gothic had their origin from the Scythians, and that the Scythians first were in Europe in the north and at the border of the Tanais.409 They were a savage people who were very ready to die. Above them were the Ostrogoths, and below them the Visigoths. The first dwelling in that region of the west, the latter in that region of the east in which they lived, having the names they are called in their country. The Huns themselves are also Scythians. But the Goths are far more savage since they, dwelling nearer to the Riphean Mountains410, are exposed to the harsh and cold environment of the north.411

Basil (Basilius) the Great, bishop of Caesarea, in Cappadocia, was illustrious for his great virtue and wisdom in these times. He was the father of many monks. Among the stories of his virtue and piety is one relating to a youth, who, for the love of a maiden, surrendered himself to the Devil; but Basil reconciled him to God, and commanded the Devil to return the document of surrender. Being a very celebrated teacher, Basil wrote excellent books against the heretic Eunomius; also a book concerning the Holy Spirit, and other short works. In Greece he founded the order of the isolated or monastic people. This holy father died on the first day of the month of January in the sixth year of the reign of Valentinian, and was illustrious for his numerous miracles.412

Gregory (Gregorius) Nazianzus (Nazianzenzus), the bishop, who conducted Basil to a monastery, was a teacher of Jerome in the Holy Scriptures, and was held in great esteem at this time for his piety, knowledge of letters, and eloquence. He wrote many things, particularly in praise of Cyprian (Cipriani), Athanasius, and Maximus the Wise. He wrote two books against Eunomius, and one against the Emperor Julian. He also wrote of the obligations of marriage, and eulogized virginity in poetry. For legitimate reasons he relieved the people of Constantinople of heresy. When very old he elected a successor, and from that point on lived a secluded life in the country. Gregory died in the time of Theodosius, Basil and Gratian.413 Epiphanius, a bishop of Salamis, in Cyprus, attacked all heretics with exceptional courage, and in his great age wrote various books. He died like a saint on the fourth day of the Ides of May.

At this time there lived in Syria two holy men of great faith, named the Macharii. They were disciples of St. Anthony. One lived in the upper desert, the other in the lower. Hilarion, a most pious abbot, lived in the island of Cyprus, not far from the city of Salamis. After he saw Anthony, he led a severe life and died on the 12th day of the Kalends of November. Arsenius, born of a Roman senator, became a hermit in response to a voice that spoke to him, saying, Arsenius, if you would be saved, flee mankind and be silent. From that point on he persevered in a holy life and performed miracles in the service of Christ. He died at the age of ninety-five, concluding a blessed life.414 Paphuntius, the abbot, converted Thais, a very shameless prostitute, to Christ at Thebes. And after he had written the life of St. Onuffrius, he was taken to heaven by the angels in the presence of the hermits. Agathon, the abbot, also lived at this time. For three years he carried a stone in his mouth in order to acquire the virtue of silence.

Mary (Maria) of Egypt, first known as a prostitute, became an example of piety, penitence and perseverance. She lived in the desert for forty-seven years, concluding a severe penance. She carried with her over the Jordan only two loaves of bread that soon became as hard as rock. By these she sustained herself for several years. On the 9th day of April she ascended to the Lord. Her body was buried by Zozimas, a very holy abbot.415

FOLIO CXXXIII verso

Year of the World 5593

Year of Christ 394

Anastasius the pope, a Roman, successor to Siricius (Syricium), elected under the Emperor Gratian (Graciano), ordained that the priests should in no event sit, but stand with heads bowed while the Gospel was being read or sung in the churches of God; also that pilgrims, and most of all those who wandered overseas, should not be admitted to the clergy or to consecration, unless they could produce the signatures of the five bishops. This came about (as they say) because of the Manichean heretics, who were in great veneration at that time in Africa, to the destruction of the faith because of the letters they sent forth. He also ordained that those who were physically weak416, and those who lacked an arm, or any other member, should not be accepted in the number of the clergy or the consecrated. After he had made a number of priests, deacons and bishops, he died on the 5th day of the Kalends of May; and the chair was vacant 21 days at that time.417

Year of the World 5603

Year of Christ 404

Innocent (Innocentius), the first pope with this name, was born in Albano in the time of Theodosius the emperor. He was a holy man, who understood many good things pertaining to the Christian and spiritual being. He was esteemed during the peace of the Roman Empire, and was favored with the good will of the emperor. He ordained that one should fast on Saturday, because Christ was laid in his grave on that day, and his disciples fasted. He made certain rules concerning the Jews, the pagans, and monks. He desired that a church once consecrated should not be consecrated again. He drove the Cathaphrygian heretics out of home, and condemned Pelagius, the monk or hermit; also Celestinus, another heretic; because they denied the necessity of divine grace, and said that for the fulfillment of the divine commandments the will alone was sufficient. This pope also ordained that on all festive days observed by the churches, before partaking of the Holy Sacrament, peace was to be given to all believers in Christ. He died and was buried in the cemetery Ad Ursum Pileatum418 on the 5th Kalends of August. He sat 15 years, 2 months and five days. And the chair was vacant for 22 days.419

Zosimus the pope, a Greek, succeeded Innocent in the time of Arcadius and Honorius, the emperors. He was a holy and pious man, and not unmindful of the many perplexities which affected divine matters. He ordained that in celebrating (the mass), the deacons should use a covering of cloth woven from flax and wool; that on holy Easter Eve the Easter candles be blessed in the parishes; that the clergy and consecrated ones do not drink in public; although this was quite permissible in the homes of the faithful. He also ordained that serfs and servants shall not be admitted to the clergy. It is said that Zosimus sent Faustinus the bishop and two priests of the city of Rome to the Council held at Carthage, in order to indicate that nothing was to be done there without the acquiescence of the Roman Church. He died after having sat one year, three months and twelve days; and then the chair rested eleven days.420

Year of the World 5613

Year of Christ 414

Boniface the First, a pope, and a Roman, whose father was Jucundus, lived in the time of Honorius. After he was chosen pope a schism occurred among the churchmen, for Boniface had been elected at one place, and Eulalius at another; and this is said to have been the fourth schism in the Church. When the emperor Honorius, then at Milan, became aware of this, both men were driven out of Rome. Seven months later, however, Boniface was recalled, and he alone was installed as pope, at Rome. And now having peacefully entered upon his pontificate, he made a number of laws for the benefit and honor of the clergy—particularly one to the effect that no one, during his absence, should under any circumstances be accused or condemned in court; also, that no man should be ordained as a priest until he had attained the age of thirty years. Boniface died and was buried on the Salarian Way with the body of Saint Felicity on the 8th of the Kalends of November. He sat three years, eight months and seven days. Immediately afterwards some chose Eulalius from the priesthood, and called him to Rome; but either because he was unwilling to act, or because he scorned worldly affairs, he ignored the summons. He died one year after Boniface.421

FOLIO CXXXIIII recto

Gratian (Gracianus422), eldest son of Valentinian, held the sovereignty for six years after the death of Valens, although he had reigned a long time previously with Valens, his uncle, and Valentinian, the latter’s brother. From youth he was stern in military affairs, and also a good Christian. Then, when a countless horde of the enemy overran the country of the Romans, he armed himself, and although but a youth, yet having faith in Christ, he raised a small army unequal to that of the enemy; and at Strasbourg he fought a fierce battle with incredible good fortune. Although the Roman losses were few, 30,000 Alamanni were routed. Thus Gratian was rewarded for his true love of the faith. When Ambrose (Ambrosius) was elected bishop all Italy returned to the true faith. He ordered all the ruined churches restored. Now when Gratian saw Thrace and Dacia in the hands of the Goths, and the Roman welfare in danger, he recalled from Spain Theodosius, then 33 years of age, and at Sirmium, with the unanimous consent of all, appointed him ruler of the East and of Thrace. This man, placing every faith in Christ’s help, attacked the cruel and mighty Scythians, Alamanni, Huns, and Goths, and defeated them in many great battles. In the meantime Maximus ravished Britain, and then marched into Gaul; and at Lyons he slew Gratian, who was then 29 years of age. Nevertheless, Gratian was a learned and eloquent man, moderate in his meals and hours of sleep, and a victor over licentiousness.423

Theodosius the Elder, a Spaniard, whose father was Theodosius and mother Termancia, after the death of Gratian (Graciano), was sole ruler of the Roman Empire for eleven years. At Aquileia he slew the tyrant Maximus, the murderer of Gratian. This was prophesied to that same tyrant by St. Martin. By divine assistance Theodosius suppressed many tyrants; for he was an augmenter and protector of the general welfare. Morally and physically he resembled Trajan. In addition to his military training he was very intelligent, and was devoted to a Christian life. Once upon a time when he wanted to attend church at Milan, a thing forbidden him because he had not done penance for a certain offense, and was refused admittance, he took this in good part, thanked Ambrose the bishop, and did penance. He married Flacilla, by whom he begot Arcadius and Honorius. He died at Milan in the fiftieth year of his life, leaving the sovereignty to his sons in peace. His body was taken to Constantinople and buried there.424

Arcadius (Archadius), son of Theodosius the Great, ruling in the East, and Honorius, his brother, in the West, held the sovereignty in common. Arcadius lived eleven years after his father’s death.425 They were still young when their father died; so he provided three mighty men as guardians, namely, Rufinus (Ruffinum) to rule the East; Stilicho (Stilconem), the West; and Gildo (Gildonem), Africa. But they were so ambitious to rule that they determined to ignore these youths and to reign for themselves; however, because of his cruelty, Gildo was driven out by his brother Masceleger, and died of poison or of despondency. However, as Masceleger, after his victory, spared neither God nor man, his soldiers killed him. Rufinus was subjugated by Arcadius. Stilicho worked much harm to the common good; and when he was finally defeated by the Goths, and asked for help, the emperor ungratefully sent a number of officers, who killed Stilicho.426

Honorius was the brother of the aforesaid Arcadius. In moral and Christian life he resembled his father Theodosius. When, after accepting the sovereignty, he saw the strength of the commonwealth declining daily, he sent Constantius, a strong and warlike man, with an army into Gaul; and afterwards he married him to his sister Galla Placidia, to the joy of all. By her Constantius begat Valentinian, his son, who afterwards carried on the government. And therefore he took him to Ravenna to rule the empire jointly with him. However, before the expiration of seven months he passed away. In the meantime Placidia was driven out by her brother, and with her sons, Honorius and Valentinian, she went to the East. There she was honorably received by Theodosius. After Honorius had reigned fifteen years with the younger Theodosius, his brother’s son, he died at Rome and was buried in a mausoleum next to the atrium of the blessed apostle Peter, leaving no living issue of his body.427

FOLIO CXXXIIII verso

Ambrose (Ambrosius), bishop of Milan, was a Roman and a worthy advocate. He was a very pious man and among all the teachers of his time the highest and most distinguished. Upon the death of Auxentius he was elected bishop by divine indication and by the choice of the people, although he had been a pagan judge until then. And soon he was baptized and consecrated. For a child’s voice was heard to say, This Ambrosius is worthy to be a bishop. He was the ninth bishop of Milan. Now, as he delivered several books to the emperor Gratian (Graciano) for the sake of the Christian faith, and was received with due honor, all Italy soon reverted to the true faith, and Gaul, lying on this side of the mountains, accepted the true faith. This Ambrosius was of such a good disposition, pious ways, acute intelligence, and was so divine in learning, that, not alone during his lifetime, but also after his death, he was commemorated in Italy and the surrounding countries. When this Ambrosius was still an unspeaking child, sleeping in the cradle, a swarm of bees covered his face as though it were a bee-hive, flying from it to symbolize that out of his mouth honeyed learning would flow; which actually occurred afterwards in the great sweetness of his teachings and writings of which he contributed a remarkable number to strengthen the faith and the churches. Among the Latin writers he shone like a flower. This very holy bishop died on the 4th day of the month of April.428

Martin (Martinus), the bishop of Tours, highly illustrious for his piety and goodness, was a native of the city of Sabaudia, in Pannonia. He was reared at Ticin, that is Pavia, in Italy. With his father, a captain under the Emperor Constantius and later under Julian, he reluctantly practised the art of war. Once he met a poor man, with whom he shared his cloak. On the following night he saw Christ, clothed in it. Immediately, therefore, he left the army and went to Hilarius, bishop of Poitiers, submitting himself to his discipline; and there he later built a cloister of which Hilarius made him a bishop; and his life afterwards was noted for miracles, the like of which have not been seen since the apostles. He was known to have awakened three from the dead. Finally, at the age of 81, he journeyed to God, on the 11th day of November, in the first year of Pope Anasthasius. St. Ambrose greatly marvelled at his accomplishments, and when he afterwards became aware of his piety and virtue, he commended him with many fine expressions of veneration.429

Theodosius, the emperor, entered into an alliance with Athanaric, the Gothic king. At that time Athanaric came to Theodosius at Constantinople, and was received with great rejoicing. When Athanaric saw the buildings of the city, and the multitudes which had come to the celebration, and later saw the imperial court and its many and various servants and officials, he said, Without doubt the emperor is an earthly god. He who is sent to raise a hand against him, shall have his blood upon his head. But soon afterwards Athanaric was afflicted by a malady, of which he died. The emperor caused him to be honorably buried, and was personally present. Now when the Gothic king thus died, and these same Goths saw and noted the virtue and goodness of the Emperor Theodosius, they unanimously gave themselves up to this same emperor and the Roman Empire.430

Claudian (Claudianus), a poet of Spain, was renowned at Florence in these times. He wrote two excellent books of proverbs; also a bound book of poems in praise of the aforesaid Theodosius.431

Prudentius, also a poet, and a Christian, and highly informed in secular literature, was celebrated in these times. He wrote a number of commendable things of a divine nature, such as a book On the Martyrs, On the Origin of Sin, On the Origin of Sins, Hexameron, On the Trinity, etc. Also a book against one Symmachus (Simacum), who defended idolatry, and certain other works.432

Apollinaris, bishop of the city of Laodicea, in Syria, lived in this period. He was an earnest disputant, and so sharp that he dared to say that in the dispensation that the body of the Lord and not the soul was referred to. But when urged to give reasons, he said that he also had a soul—not rational, but as a thing that gives life to the body; that to supply and constitute the rational element, the word of God had been given. This same interpretation had already been nullified and wiped out by Damasus and by Peter, the Alexandrine bishop. And from this the Apollinarian heretics had their origin and received their name.433

FOLIO CXXXV recto

Jerome (Hieronymus), a very pious and celebrated teacher, cardinal of the Roman church, and a priest, whose father was Eusebius, was born in the city of Stridonium, which was devastated by the Goths. To some extent it was bounded by Dalmatia and Pannonia. This man, brilliant in the learning and art of all the world, lived at Bethlehem in the land of Palestine, and enlightened that same country. Too much cannot be said of the extent to which he promoted the churches of God by his life and writings, while his most holy life brilliantly shone before all mankind. His teachings and writings are highly esteemed and held in veneration; for he was a very eloquent man and knew many tongues and writings. When he came to Rome he was consecrated a cardinal and priest. Gregory (Gregorius) Nazianzen was his master and teacher in the Holy Scriptures. Subsequently he donned the garb of monks in the desert of Syria. After four years he returned to Bethlehem. There with verse and the writing of many books he erected an invulnerable tower for the Christian churches against the poisoned darts of unbelievers. It is impossible to comprehend all that concerns this pious man. Once at vespers while St. Jerome and his brethren were sitting at a lecture, a great lion came limping into the cloister. The brethren were frightened, but Jerome approached the lion as a guest. And the lion showed Jerome his wounded feet; and Jerome healed them. And the lion lived among them as a domestic animal. At last, in the time of Honorius and Theodosius the Younger, at Bethlehem of Palestine, Jerome completed the ninety-eighth year of his life and journed to Christ.434

Paula, Roman matron of marvelous piety, disciple of St. Jerome and daughter-in-Christ, died in this year at Bethlehem (like St. Martin), on the 27th day of January at the age of 56 years. Her worthiness, retired life, abandonment of the fatherland, and her wanderings to Jerusalem, are spoken of by St. Jerome with great praise in a small book in which he described her pilgrimages to holy places, her humility and moderation, her kind deeds to the poor, her incredible patience, deeds, and faith, her firmness against heretics, her blessed demise, and the assembly of the holy at her interment. They say this Paula was descended of the race of Agamemnon, the king who destroyed Troy. She was espoused to a renowned man born of the Roman Julian family. On her tomb he (i.e., Jerome) inscribed the following verse: You are gazing upon a narrow tomb made from hewn rock. It is the resting place of Paula, who holds the celestial kingdoms, etc.435

Pelagius, a certain monk, and very evil heretic, went from Rome to England, and poisoned this whole island with his despicable errors; for he proclaimed that any person may be saved without the grace of God, and that a man might be influenced to righteousness by his own conduct and his own virtue. He also said that children are born without sin, and that it is not necessary to baptize them to relieve them of their inherited sins. But the holy Augustine, together with other priests, mightily opposed this heretic, and wrote a book on the baptism of children. Jerome also wrote a book against this heretic.436

Alexis (Alexius), a Roman, a very holy and worthy confessor, died at Rome, unbeknown, on the 16th day of the month of July, under a staircase in the house of his father, a counsellor named Eufemian, after much patient suffering; and he ascended to God. The emperors Arcadius and Honorius were present at his interment; for, by the will of God, he left a very beautiful spouse.437

John (Iohannes), surnamed Chrysostom (Crisostomus), a bishop of Constantinople, came to rest in peace at this time. He led a Christian life in word, example, and teaching. At the hands of Eudoxia and Arcadius he suffered many hardships for defending truth and righteousness. Also, in addition to his great holiness, he wrote very elegant books and sermons and letters.438

Cassianus, also a monk, of Constantinople or Scythia, and a deacon of the aforesaid John (Iohannis) Chrysostom (Crisostomi), was sent to Marseilles (Masilliam) by the latter. There he built two monasteries, and collected many people of both sexes for monastic life. He wrote and left many and various books serviceable to the clergy.439

FOLIO CXXXV verso

The Second Ecumenical Council, held at Constantinople, was attended by one hundred fifty fathers, and was held at the time of the Emperors Gratian (Graciani) and Theodosius, and of Pope Damasus, Cyril, the bishop of Jerusalem, and Nectarius, the patriarch of Alexandria. It was called to proceed against Macedonius the bishop of Constantinople, and against Eudoxius because they had denied that the Holy Spirit was God. And all these fathers, having condemned this heresy, established four rules; for this Macedonius had occupied and embarrassed the patriarchal chair by theft and tyranny. After his deposition the fathers elected Nectarius. And they declared that the Holy Spirit is God, and life-giving, and co-eval with the Father and Son. And they cursed Apollinarius and Sabellius, the blasphemers of God, who also held that the body of Christ is spiritless and without a rational soul and without human understanding, and that the divinity passed away with the death of Christ in three days. The Emperor Theodosius was opposed to the assembled fathers, and by flattery he influenced them unwittingly to elevate the episcopal chair at Constantinople to a patriarchal one without the knowledge of the pope. And this was the cause of the schism that followed.440

Didymus (Dydimus) of Alexandria suffered with impairment of sight from his youth and therefore lacked a knowledge of the alphabet. Nevertheless, in his old age he acquired a knowledge of geometry and dialectics, subjects requiring much experience in letters. He also studied the Holy Scriptures and wrote much against the Arian heretics. His industry and labors were such as no other person could have carried on without the sense of sight; but Didymus relied on his sense of hearing.441

Radagaisus (Radagasus), king of the Goths and among ancient and contemporary enemies the most cruel, ravaged Italy in the time of Emperor Honorius. With his violent horde of over two hundred thousand Goths he overran the countryside with fire and sword. He not only had a countless number of undisciplined men under him, but he himself was a rough Scythian pagan, who loved to spill the blood of all mankind as a libation to his god. Great terror and fear seized Rome, the pagans assembling and attributing their suffering to their neglect of the sacrifices due to their gods. And there arose in the city a great cursing and condemnation of Christ, but by God’s intervention Radagaisus was driven to flight and captured by the Romans. Before long he was deprived of his life. It is said the Gothic prisoners were so numerous that they were sold like base animals.442

Alaric was successor to Radagaisus. He was protected by Stilicho, who might well have defeated him; and he came to Italy. Pursuant to counsel, Honorius gave him Gaul. When Alaric arrived there, Stilicho, contrary to the common good, ordered Saulus the pagan to attack the Goths. At Easter while the Goths were engaged in their festivities, Saulus attacked and slew a great number; but the Goths made a counterattack and won. Enraged, they left Gaul and marched on Rome ravaging everything on the way with fire and sword. They took Rome and plundered and burned it in the year of the founding of the same (city) one thousand sixty-four.443 But Alaric was kind and circumspect, ordering his men to avoid bloodshed as far as possible and to spare those who fled to the churches of St. Peter and St. Paul. Finally Alaric died suddenly.444

Ataulf (Athaulphum), relative of Alaric, was, on the score of relationship and race, made king of the Goths. And they proceeded to Rome, and what still remained they destroyed like locusts. They led away Gallia (Gallam) Placidia (Placidam), daughter of the elder Theodosius and sister of Honorius; and Ataulf himself married her. This later proved a common good, for although Ataulf had decided to destroy Rome and to build a new city there, and to call it Gothia not after the Roman emperors but after himself and his people, Placidia influenced him to abandon his cruel resolve. She made peace between him and Honorius and Theodosius the Younger. Then Ataulf went to Gaul, where he was slain through the treachery of his own people.445

FOLIO CXXXVI recto

Augustine (Augustinus) was a disciple of Saint Ambrose in the faith, and of all who lived at this time the most learned. He was a bishop at Hippo, in Africa, and a mighty protector and protagonist of our faith. He was born of honorable parents, his father a worthy counselor, and Monica, his mother, a very good Christian matron, zealously devoted to the rearing of her son. In his youth Augustine became very well versed in secular literature, as well as in the liberal arts, which he acquired through his own efforts and understanding without the aid of an instructor. Through pagan error he fell into the Manichean heresy, in which he remained for nine years. By an unmarried woman he had a son, called Adeodatus, a man of subtle intelligence, but who died in his youth. At Carthage Augustine for many years first read the liberal arts and rhetoric. Afterwards, without his mother knowing, he went to Rome to study, and then to Milan to teach rhetoric at the request of Symmachus (Symacho) the governor. Then his mother soon followed him. Not long afterwards he was converted to the correct and true faith pursuant to her prayers and the teachings of Saint Ambrose. At the age of thirty, together with his son, he was baptized on Easter Day by the same Ambrose; and they both wrote the hymn of praise, Te Deum Laudamus. Afterwards, at the suggestion of his mother he went to Rome, traveled through the country of Etruria, and visited the pious hermits at Pisa, and their hundred cells not far from Rome. At Rome he contested with the Manichean heretics, and then returned with his mother from Rome to Africa. When his mother died Augustine and his brothers journeyed to Carthage; and he distributed his inheritance among the poor. He began to live in a monastery in the woods according to rule among the apostles. He was afterwards elected bishop of Hippo against his will. He lived another forty years, and after having written so many books in all branches of learning that they could neither be counted nor read, he died blessed at the age of seventy-five, and his body was buried in St. Stephen’s Church. From here it was carried to Sardinia, and finally to Pavia, where it was held in veneration.446

Monica, mother of Saint Augustine, died in blessedness on the 7th day of May at the age of 56 years. She was a virtuous, kind, discreet, and patient woman, devoted to prayer and contemplation, and zealous in watching, fasting and giving alms. For about 1020 years her saintly corpse remained in the country where Augustine was buried, until the time of Pope Martin the Fifth. During Martin’s time, about the Year of the Lord 1429, her remains were brought to Rome with great solemnity, and given a rich and costly funeral, attended with many eulogies.447

Rufinus (Ruffinus), an Aquileian priest and a highly renowned and informed man, flourished at this time. From Jerome (Hieronymus) he received many letters of friendly praise. He was very industrious in making translations from the Greek tongue into the Latin.448

Lucian (Lucianus), a priest at Jerusalem, an excellent man in piety and art, through divine revelation at this time found the remains of Saint Stephen, the first martyr, and of Gamaliel, teacher of Paul; and being a man of learning, he wrote to all the churches, proclaiming this revelation and discovery in the Greek tongue. These letters Habundius, the Spaniard, later translated into Latin.

Alexander, a physician of this period, nicknamed the Wise, who by reason of his great intelligence was regarded as the prince of physicians, wrote three books, comprehending the entire field of medicine.

At this time crept forth the heresy of the predestined, who affirmed that nothing more was necessary for (eternal) life than that all men live virtuously.

Nestor, bishop of Constantinople, a heretic, held and preached that although Christ was a pure man, he was not God; and he cited 72 articles of the Holy Scriptures in support of his erroneous interpretation.449

Proba, a very beautiful woman, wife of Adelphus the Roman proconsul, with much industry so beautifully and neatly assembled all the history found in the poems of Virgil the poet, as well as in the Old and New Testament up to the time of descent of the Holy Spirit, that he who is not well informed upon this composition, might believe that Virgil was an evangelist.

Euphrosina (Eufrosina), who was taught the Scriptures by her father, entered a monastery in male attire, and she called herself Smaragdus. To her end she remained there in strict abstinence in the garb of a monk.

Marina, a virgin, did likewise, entering a monastery in male attire, and calling herself Marinus. When she was accused of deflowering a virgin, she scornfully and patiently remained before the gates of the monastery until the end of her life.

FOLIO CXXXVI verso

Celestine (Celestinus) the pope, a native of Campania, succeeded Boniface in the time of Theodosius the Younger. In his zeal and devotion to divine service he established ordinances to be observed in the singing and reading of the Mass, differing from customs observed before his time. As Gratianus says, he ordained that all the priests should know ecclesiastical laws, ordinances and privileges. Having consecrated a number of priests, deacons and bishops, he died and was buried in the cemetery of Priscilla on the Salarian Way on April 6th. He sat 8 years, 10 months and 17 days; and the chair then rested 21 days.450

The Third Ecumenical Council was held at Ephesus under Emperor Theodosius the Younger, Pope Celestine, and Juvenal, bishop of Constantinople. At Ephesus 200 bishops assembled, also the antagonistic heretic Nestorius with his adherents, and, all the Pelagian heretics. They held that Jesus was born of Mary alone and not of God, and that his divinity was given him for his service. Cyril (Cyrillus), bishop of Alexandria, and Pope Celestine earnestly opposed this. And it was decided to call the Blessed Virgin Theotokos (Theotocos), that is, Mother of the Lord. By unanimous judgment the followers of these heresies were condemned by 13 ordinances, and those who had wandered away from the true faith were cursed.451

Year of the World 5623

Year of Christ 424

Sixtus the Third, a pope, and a Roman, whose father was Sixtus, came to office in the time of Emperor Valentinian. When he became pontiff he was hailed into court by one Bassus, charged with certain offenses; but Sixtus brought the matter before a council and was unanimously acquitted in the presence of 57 bishops. His accuser, with the approval of Valentinian and his mother Placidia, was exiled, while his possessions were forfeited, not to the public purse but to the Church. Sixtus built the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary (now Mary Maggiore) and endowed it well. Having given his all to the building of churches or their adornment and to the poor, he died and was buried in a crypt on the Tiburtine Way with the body of the blessed Lawrence (Laurentii), having sat eight years and 19 days; and the chair rested twenty-two days.452

Leo the First, a pope, and a native of Tuscany (Thuscus), whose father was Quintianus, was called Leo the Great because of his worthiness and extraordinary learning. He was held to be the first in merit because no one could equal him in versatility. Accordingly at the Chalcedonian Council, in consequence of great veneration, he was unanimously acclaimed thrice-holy. He made many ordinances for the establishment and extension of the faith, and being a highly learned man, wrote many statutes, orations and sermons. He erected, beautified, renewed, repaired, and established many churches. After having sat 21 years, one month and 13 days he died and was buried with Saint Peter in the Vatican; and the chair rested 8 days.453

Year of the World 5653

Year of Christ 454

Hilarius the pope, a Sardian, ordained that the popes after him should not choose their own successors; this statute to apply to all ecclesiastical offices. He wrote three epistles on the Christian faith, thereby confirming the three Councils held at Nicaea, Ephesus and Chalcedon. He built three chapels, a cloister, and two libraries; and having sympathetically contributed to the beautification of the houses of God, and having given admonitions to encourage learning, for penance, and the giving of alms, and all other matters, as becomes a pious superior, he was buried after a holy life in the crypt of Saint Lawrence (Laurentii) with the body of the blessed Sixtus. He sat seven years, three months and ten days. Then the chair was vacant for ten days.454

FOLIO CXXXVII recto

Theodosius the Younger was a son of Arcadius the emperor. After he had ruled fifteen years with Honorius, the latter died, and this Theodosius was confirmed in the sovereignty. But while Theodosius ruled in the East, one John (Iohannes), at the behest of Castinus, Master of the Soldiers, sought the sovereignty. When the death of Honorius was reported to Theodosius, he made Valentinian, his aunt’s son, an emperor, and sent him forth with his mother to take possession of the empire in the West. Meanwhile John determined upon war in Africa, which was in the possession of Bonifacius, who was too weak to protect it. The war was terminated by the forces of Valentinian. Theodosius, a most Christian emperor and gracious man, received and took possession of the empire in a great tumult and while Roman affairs were in distress; and he lost all of Africa, which was soon taken away from him by Genseric, king of the Vandals. He suffered many ravages in Britain. After that, Valentinian, by common consent of all Italy, was crowned at Ravenna to reign and rule over the Roman Empire; and he silenced the enemy in Italy. After Theodosius had governed the empire for twenty-seven years (not counting the twenty-one years during which he reigned with his uncle Honorius), he died of the plague at Constantinople.455

Valentinian (Valentinianus), governor and ruler of the empire in the West, made peace with Genseric, king of the Vandals, and gave the Vandals certain territory in which to live. But while Valentinian went to Constantinople to espouse the daughter of Theodosius, the Vandals under the leadership of Genseric began the destruction of the city of Carthage. During this revolt Attila decided to attack the empire in the West, and, accordingly, he speedily assembled a great host and marched forth. When Aetius (Etius) learned of this, he hurried messengers to king Theodoric at Toulouse (Tolosa), urging a peace between them, and suggesting that they make common cause in the war against Attila. On the side of the Romans and Theodoric as allies were the Alans, Burgundians, French, Saxons, and all the peoples of the West. When Attila came on, a battle ensued in the fields of Chalons; and it continued into the night. In this battle there perished on both sides one hundred eighty thousand men. But since victory and power always give birth to envy, Valentinian murdered the said Aetius, being envious of his good fortune; and with Aetius the empire of the West and the hopes of the Roman people fell. But the murder did not remain unavenged, for in the following year Valentinian, after having reigned for thirty years, was stabbed to death by Trusilus, a knight of the aforesaid Aetius.456

Marcian (Marcianus) was installed as emperor in the East, in the year from the founding of the city (i.e., Rome) one thousand two hundred and four. He was a Christian prince, favorably disposed toward the churches. He espoused the sister of Theodosius. When Attila died, Marcian on that same night had a dream in which he saw the bow of Attila broken. During his reign the empire of the West was entirely separated from the empire of the East. Within this period the Romans lost all of Germany, Dacia, Sarmatia, and other regions and countries situated on the Danube and the Rhine; also the hinterland of Spain, Aquitania, Vasconia, and certain regions in Gaul, as well as those lying about Paris. Since then none of these countries have returned to the Roman Empire. This Marcian died at Constantinople in the seventh year of his reign.457

Leo attained to imperial office at Constantinople on the death of Marcian, and immediately made his son Leo a co-ruler of the empire. Leo was the first emperor of Greek ancestry at Constantinople. In this period there was much disorder in the Roman Empire. In the first year of the emperor Leo, a man named Majorian (Maioranum), upon the advice of Leo, was elevated to Caesar by the army at Ravenna; but he was slain in the third year, and the Romans elected Severus (Severianus) in his place. Upon the latter’s death, another, called Athenius, was crowned. But in the meantime Leo, at Constantinople, was not without difficulties. At length Leo died of a sickness, and left Leo as a successor to the empire, after having ruled over the empire of the East for seventeen years.458

FOLIO CXXXVII verso

Genseric (Gensericus), king of the Vandals, in the middle of his rule dispersed the Spaniards, Gauls and Romans. But when Bonifacius, the general, governor of Africa and St. Augustine’s admirer, considered giving up Africa, he, to the destruction of the common good, allowed the Alans and Vandals, together with Genseric their king, whom the Spaniards had ousted, to march in. With murder, fire and plunder, they cruelly devastated almost all of Africa, and substituted the Arian heresies for the Christian faith. They sent various Christian bishops of the true faith into exile. During the time of this disorder, St. Augustine, bishop of Hippo, in order not to witness the fall of the city, ascended to Christ in the third month of the siege. Afterwards Genseric persecuted the city under deceitful pretenses of peace by frightening the citizens with various forms of martyrdom, and taking their possessions and estates. Nor did he refrain from plundering the churches. And so Carthage was captured by the Vandals, after having been obedient to the Romans for three hundred eighty-five years.459 In the following year Genseric journeyed to Sicily and afflicted on it great disasters. Likewise the Picts and Scots harassed the Island of Britain. Now, there was a man named Aetius, very powerful and swift in war, of whom the Britons asked aid. He silenced the Burgundians, who had just revolted and brought on a war. He defeated the Franks, encamped on the Rhine with the intention of overrunning Gaul, in a great battle, driving them back into Germany. He also began a violent war against the Alans, and with the advice and assistance of the kings and their people living on the Danube, he first incited the Huns to invade Italy. Now as the distinguished and foremost Britons who had become accustomed to Roman laws and usages did not wish to endure the barbarism of the Picts and Sects, they sent to this Aetius for assistance; and he loaned them an army of men, who sailed overseas and drove out these barbarians with great slaughter. But when the Britons were abandoned by Aetius, they asked help of the Angles and Saxons. These, however, they found to be enemies rather than allies; for by them they were oppressed, and through them they lost their fatherland as well as their name.

Attila (Athila), of Scythia, was a king of the Huns. His father’s name was Mundizicus. His brothers were Ottar and Rhoas, who are supposed to have ruled before him. After their death, he and his brother Bleda succeeded to the kingdom of the Huns. Attila was a man of stately bearing. Turning his eyes around now here, now there, so that his lofty carriage and power also appeared in his bodily movements. He was a lover of war, not very mild, yet moderate, of good counsel and approachable. He was of short stature, broad chest, large head, small eyes, thin beard besprinkled with gray hair, flat nose, and dark skin. These proclaim his ancestry. By craft he did away with his brother Bleda, a man of kind disposition. He made the kings of the Ostrogoths more subservient to himself than companionable. He marched forth with an army of five hundred thousand soldiers, not from Scythia alone, but from far and wide along the Danube. With such an army, together with the men who survived after the battle of Chalons, he undertook to overrun Italy. He first directed his army against Greece (Illirici), and at that time ravaged and burned many celebrated cities which were in the care of Marcian the emperor. From there he came to the Italian border, besieged Aquileia, and soon captured it. He attacked the unfortified cities of the same neighborhood, and then overthrew Rome. He marched on and captured the cities of Padua, Vincenza, Verona, Milan, and Pavia. And now the Roman people and the other inhabitants of Italy, in fear and dread awaited the tyrant Attila, who called himself the Scourge of God and the dread of mankind, attesting this by his deeds. Pope Leo, at the request of the emperor, went forth to meet Attila, whom he persuaded to spare Italy, and to march home. And his army was astonished. To those who asked him the reason he is said to have answered that he did not do this at the solicitation of the pope, but because two men stood beside him with drawn swords, threatening death to himself and his army. And it is believed these two men were Peter and Paul. By this means Attila was turned from his cruel measures and returned home.460

Venice, the city, had a remarkable origin and rise in the time of the invasion by the tyrant Attila. For when the cries and dread due to the siege of the city of Aquileia reached the region of Venice, the people in that same region fled from the land to the water where the city of Venice now stands. And so, by the grace of God, the building of the city soon took place in this vicinity, which in times of peace human reason would not have chosen for the purpose.

It is said that at this time the Devil in the disguise of Moses defrauded many Jews; for he promised them that in accordance with a like incident recorded in the Old Testament, he would lead them out of the island of Crete across the sea on dry feet into the Promised Land. But many of those who followed this false Moses were drowned in the sea, and only those among them who believed in Christ as the true God escaped.

FOLIO CXXXVIII recto

The Fourth Ecumenical Council, 630 bishops attending, was held at Chalcedon by order of Pope Leo and Emperor Marcian against the Constantinopolitan abbot, Eutyches, who held that Christ, after having accepted human form, did not have two natures but that the divine nature alone remained in him. But the unanimous opinion of the fathers was that Christ had two natures and that he should be believed to be both God and man. Therefore the Nestorian heretics and Eutychea the Manichean bishop were condemned and all Manichean books publicly burned. At this time twenty-eight ecclesiastical laws were made.461

Paulus Orosius, a Spaniard, disciple of Saint Augustine, a versatile man, came to Rome at this time upon the death of Augustus. He wrote many books against the pagans, setting forth all the calamities of the world, its troubles and needs, and the vainglory of war. He wrote a history of the world from the Creation to his own time, calling it Ormista, that is, the misery of the world. Augustine sent him to Jerome for further instruction. On his return he brought with him some of the remains of St. Stephen, first martyr, the first to be brought to the West.462

John of Damascus (Iohannem Damascenum), a very good and learned monk, and a distinguished teacher of the Scriptures flourished at this time, as some believe; for he has been found to be a close adviser of Emperor Theodosius. He wrote four books of higher criticism, treating of faith of the human nature of Christ, and of baptism. And so, being a very highly learned man he wrote other books in praise and appreciation of which many remarkable things were said by Prudentius the scholar.463

Ursula, a virgin worthy of glory, was born in Britain, the only daughter of a prince of that land; and she was beautiful and magnanimous. When she was of marriageable age she was sought in marriage by the son of a pagan king; and she advised her father to give his consent only upon condition that the prince should give her ten unusually beautiful and noble young virgins, and to each of these a thousand attendants; and to prepare a sea voyage for these eleven thousand persons, thereby postponing the wedding for three years. To these virgins was assigned Pontulus, bishop of Basle, who conducted them to Rome. At once Gerasina, queen of Sicily, together with four daughters and a son, left her kingdom, and followed Ursula to martyrdom. And they went from Rome with Pope Cyriacus (Ciriaco). In order that the cause of Christianity might not be augmented, Maximus and Africanus, two pagans, wrote to their uncle Julius, general of the Huns, that when this multitude arrived at Cologne (Coloniam), a city of Germany, he should kill them. And so Ursula was shot through with an arrow, and together with eleven thousand virgins was crowned with martyrdom at Cologne by the Huns and Attila, their king, and ascended to heaven. But one of their number, called Cordula, through human fear stayed in the ship at night. The next day, however, strengthened by God, she came forth, and was killed. And if doubt exists as to the time of their suffering, the Church has no doubt concerning their martyrdom.464

The bodies of the Seven Sleepers, who under the Emperor Decius were locked up in a cave, and were crowned with martyrdom, were at this time awakened by God, to the scorn and ridicule of those who denied resurrection from the dead.

Merlin, a renowned seer of England, lived at this time (as some say). His mother, a nun, was the daughter of a king. She was reared among the nuns of Saint Peter, and (as she says) never knew a man. But she thought a beautiful man once upon a time embraced her and then disappeared; she then found herself pregnant, and at length bore this Merlin. He afterward became a great man. At his instigation Vortigern (Vortigerius) the king of Britain, greatly increased the Christian faith. His surviving brother was the father of the great Arthur. This Merlin discovered and prophesied many great things, and particularly, that below the ground, where no tower could be built, was a sea, and below the sea two dragons.465

FOLIO CXXXVIII verso

Buda is a highly celebrated and renowned city in the kingdom of Hungary, and the seat of the kings is there. It is located on the banks of the Danube. Hungary comprises vast lands on either side of it. What lies to the east of the Danube was at one time Pannonia,466 with Moesia467 on the east; to the west of this is Norica;468 to the north, the Danube; while the mountains of Greece are the southern boundary. But what lies to the west of the Danube, that is Hungary, and this was formerly a part of Scythia; and it had two peoples, namely the Gepidae,469 bordering on the Germans, and the Dacians;470 but these are not those now called the Dacians (whom we call the Danes, whose king possesses a broad but maritime kingdom toward the German Sea, between Sweden and Saxony), but those within whose boundaries lies Transylvania,471 near the Wallachians, a region of circular form surrounded by mountains.472 In this part of Hungary, inhabited by the Gepidae, there is another province called Scepusium, after Gepudium. Hungary is fertile; there is a little river in which submerged iron is turned to copper. It also has a fertile green bearing soil, gold and silver mines, and a good climate. It may be compared with the most fertile regions in which overproduction does not destroy the fertility of the soil. As the Huns multiplied in Scythia, they assembled and appointed captains; and they marched westward, traversing the land of the Bessi473 and the white Cumani; and afterward over the lands of the Ruthenians474 and into the land of the black Cumani. They came to the river Tisa (Theiss). At first they were driven off by Martin (Martrinus) Longobardus who governed Pannonia, but finally they obtained peaceable possession of Pannonia. In the Year of the Lord four hundred one, while Attila (who according to the Hungarian is called Etzel475) and his brother Buda were still alive, they made Attila king, and he chose the city of Sicambria for his royal seat. Through natural vainglory he harassed other people. He appointed his brother Bleda, or Buda, an associate in the government and placed him over the subjugated countries.476 While Attila and his brother Buda thus ruled,

FOLIO CXXXIX recto

and with cruel madness overran and destroyed many lands and people and afterwards lived for a time at Sicambria, Attila’s brother became hostile to him, apparently intending to supplant him in the sovereignty and usurp the kingdom. Now, upon his departure Attila had ordered that the city of Sicambria was to be named Attila, after himself; but his brother called it Buda, after his own name. Therefore Attila slew his brother with his own hands, ordered him thrown into the Danube, and the city called Attila. But the Huns did not do this; and they called the city Budawara; and so the Hungarians to this day call the city Budawara. However, being concerned about the royal command, the Germans, through fear, called the city Etzelburg (Etzelpurg), after Attila. For the next five years Attila rested at Etzelburg; and he placed his governors and spies in many lands. In more fortunate times Buda at length was built up as the capital of Hungary, in such a vicinity that nothing could be found in all Hungary more secure and wonderful. Among all other cities of the same region, this city is the most renowned for the beauty of its public and other buildings; for this reason it is patronized by royalty. With its high fortifications and wonderful castle, it is the most beautiful of all. This same castle, with others, particularly Miscegradun, where the royal crown is kept, was so beautified with thick walls and mighty halls, and beautiful structures by Matthias Corvinus,477 that it is now justly prized and esteemed above all the old structures.478

FOLIO CXXXVIII verso and CXXXIX recto

FOLIO CXXXIX verso

Strasbourg (Argentina), the very old and mighty city called Argentuaria among the Swiss (Helvetios), located on the Rhine, was at first under the rule of Trier (Treveris), of the province of Belgium, the building of which was begun in the time of Abraham. Together with all Switzerland and the adjoining countries, it was subjugated by Julian the emperor; and for this same city he established a treasury department to collect tribute, interest and taxes. From this time on the city was given the name Argentina, which in the Latin is equivalent to silver mine. But afterwards, when the tyrant Attila with his powerful hosts came from the north, and first invaded Greece (Illiricos), and then swept over all of Germany, destroying all the cities and castles on his way, he at length came to the kingdom of Constance. King Sigmund (Sigimundus), a prince of the same land, went forth with a great army to meet him at Basle; but after the dispersion and flight of the army, he was defeated by Attila. Then Attila went forth and laid siege to Strasbourg, which no Roman emperor had been able to overcome entirely. But Attila gave battle, and in many places he destroyed the walls, giving all free entrance to the city without obstacles. And Attila sternly commanded that the walls were not to be rebuilt in his lifetime, and that the city was no longer to be called Argentina, but that it should be called Strasbourg (Straspurg) because of the many entrances and streets passing through its walls. Now, when some time later the kings of the Franks attained to sovereignty over the Swiss (Helvetios), they established their residence in this city. Later they appointed governors over it. And just as Saint Ottilia’s479 father held not only the governership of the city but also of the country, and built Hohenburg and others, so after him, his son Albertus, and his descendants reigned there. Later this city, through the Roman emperor, obtained its freedom, and became part of the Roman Empire; and from Saint Materno (Martin?), who was sent to the Rhenish cities by Saint Peter, received the true Christian faith. This city, in addition to its amusements and the good manners and hospitality of its citizens, has a very large church, with a most beautiful spire, built to an extraordinary height. The nobility from castles and from cities in the vicinity gathered there. Here there is also a noble bishopric; and princes have governed the city. In addition to the river Rhine this city has two other rivers, rich in shipping, and which are its tributaries.480

FOLIO CXXXIX verso and CXL recto

FOLIO CXL recto

Of the Death of Attila, King of the Huns.

When Attila the king (as above stated) marched from his homeland and came to the country of Norica, (in part called Austria, and in part Bavaria), Honoria, the sister of the Emperor Valentinian, through one of her personal attendants, and under the threats of her brother, urged Attila to make her his spouse. This Attila undertook with great zeal in order to attain the object of his desire and secure Honoria.481 But he was an unchaste man who would not abstain from women, but always carried many of them with him in his army. One of these was Ildico. By his intimacy with her he brought about his own death; for once upon a time he held an hilarious celebration given to excess and pleasure, after which he fell into a deep sleep of exhaustion; and his arteries of joy were so congested that the blood spurted from his nostrils, suffocating him.482

Eutyches (Euthices), an abbot of Constantinople, and a heretic, sowed his errors at this time. And in order that it should not appear that he and the heretic Nestorius were of the same mind, he said that the divine and the human nature (of Christ) fused and became one, and should under no circumstances be divided. Now as Flavian (Flavianus), the Constantinopolitan bishop, had condemned this heresy with the approval of the Emperor Theodosius, the Council of Ephesus was called, by which Eutyches was condemned and sent into exile.483

FOLIO CXL verso

Year of the World 5670

Year of Christ 471

Simplicius the pope succeeded Hilarius in the reigns of the emperors Leo the Second and Zeno. This holy and righteous man ordained that no one should be appointed bishop against his will; also that any cleric, possessing a benefice from a layman, should not be recognized; and this was afterwards confirmed by other popes. He declared that the Roman See should be the first among all churches. He divided the jurisdiction of the priests into five divisions: First, Peter’s; Second, Paul’s; Third, Lawrence’s; Fourth, John Lateran’s; Fifth, Mary Maggiore’s. And having consecrated several houses of worship, and having benefitted the Roman churches, not only with order and laws, but with gifts, he died and was buried in the basilica of Peter on the sixth Nones of March, after having sat fifteen years, one month and seventeen days. And the chair rested twenty-six days.484

Felix, the third of that name, a pope, and a Roman, also condemned a number of heretics for their errors, through assembled councils; and in the same councils it was ordained that one accused before a judge should always be given time and opportunity to answer; also that the churches were to be consecrated by the bishops. He built the Church of Saint Agapitus, not far from Saint Lawrence the Martyr’s Church. And now, having consecrated any number of priests, deacons and bishops, he died in basilica of Paul. He sat eight years, 11 months and 17 days; and then the chair rested for five days.485

Mamertus (Mamercus), bishop of Vienne, was at this time held in great esteem for his piety and learning. And as at that time there was a great earthquake in Gaul, and the wild animals fell upon the people and caused them much distress, Mamertus wrote the litany, called the lesser one, which is to be distinguished from the greater of Saint Gregory the Great, written on the feast day of Saint Mark.486

Remigius, bishop of Reims, a holy and highly learned men, lived (as some say) at this time. As the historians state, he baptized Clovis (Clodoveum), king of the Franks, together with innumerable Franks. As a highly renowned man, learned in the Holy Scriptures, he wrote many useful things concerning the Old and New Testament. When he had fulfilled a term of seventy years as bishop, among other miracles, he awakened a little girl from the dead. He died in the Year of the Lord 468, on the first day of October.487

Gelasius the pope, a native of Africa, was a holy man. Whenever he was able to apprehend Manichean heretics, he condemned them to exile and publicly burned their books in Saint Mary’s church. Among other things he ordained that one who had had two wives should not be consecrated without the consent of the Papal See; also that no man lame in any member should be made a priest. He wrote many manuscripts and books against the heretics. He consecrated many churches at Rome, and prescribed what books should not be considered canonical. He died and was buried in the basilica of Peter the Apostle on the eleventh day of the Kalends of December. He sat four years, eight months and seventeen days. The chair then rested seven days.488

Anastasius the pope, the second of that name, was a Roman whose father was Fortunatus. He was pope in the time of Anastasius the emperor. Although at first regarded as a good Christian, he was misled by Acacius; for he secretly recalled him; and thereby he estranged the clergy, who withdrew from communion with the pope. He also had communion with Plotinus the deacon, without the consent of the Christians, who followed the errors of Acacius. Therefore some say he died through divine intervention. They say that while evacuating his intestines fell out. This Anastasius (as some state) excommunicated the emperor Anastasius because no was partial to Acacius. He was buried in the basilica of Peter on the 13th day of the Kalends of December. He sat (in office) one year 10 months and 24 days. Then the chair rested four days.489

FOLIO CXLI recto

Zeno, the emperor, allotted the sovereignty to his son Leo the Second upon the death of Leo the First. Leo the Second, who was severely ill, prior to his death left the sovereignty to his father Zeno. This Leo, (who is mentioned above), who was called upon by his father to share the sovereignty with him, was secretly made a cleric by his mother, who was concerned about giving the imperial power to Zeno. Now when Zeno earnestly entreated her to bring forth her son, she brought him another who resembled her son in appearance. This Leo afterwards lived in the priesthood up to the time of the emperor Justinian. In the same year Little Augustus (Augustulus) marched against his uncle in Italy with an army. He drove him off, and proceeded with the rule of the empire. Over a year later Orestes (Horesce),490 the patrician, made an alliance with Genseric, king of the Vandals. While matters were thus proceeding in Rome, Odoacer (Adovacer) with a strong force from the furthermost regions in Pannonia, began to overrun Italy; and for several years Italy and certain cities were in his power. In consequence Little Augustus was seized with so much fear that he willingly abdicated after having been ruler less than eleven months. And so with this Little Augustus the Roman Empire passed away in the year from the founding of the city (i.e., Rome) 1229, and in the year from the Incarnation of the Lord four hundred seventy-five. Zeno died at Constantinople in the 17th year of his reign.491

Anastasius came to the throne after the death of Zeno, in the 492nd year from the Incarnation of the Lord. He was an ornament to the Roman Empire. He sent a costly robe to Clovis, the king of the Franks, because the latter had wrested certain regions from the Visigoths (who followed the Arian heresy). But later, through the influence of Acacius, the Constantinopolitan bishop, he became a heretic. Although through papal emissaries he was many times admonished to renounce his heresies, he foolishly ignored them. And this, God did not permit him to go unpunished, for in the twenty-seventh year of his reign he was killed by a thunderbolt.492

While these events were happening among the Romans, a new revolt occurred: The Heruli493 and the Thuringi,494 survivors of the army of Attila, living on the Danube, marched into Italy from the remote regions along the Danube. Leaving Aquileia on the left, they turned toward the Tarvisians,495 Vincentians,496 and Brixians.497 When the news reached the emperor Little Augustus, he sent his father, Orestes, whom he had made a general, to meet Odoacer. But as he was helpless, he fled to Pavia. Odoacer pursued him, besieging the city round about, and taking it by storm. He also killed the citizens and the Roman soldiers, and not only ravaged the city, but also the country, with fire and murder. Odoacer also captured Orestes, carried him to Placentia, and stabbed him in the presence of the army. Through such cruelty the rest of the Italian peoples became frightened, and one after another gave themselves up. And so Odoacer ruled Italy 14 years as he pleased. Zeno who ruled Constantinople, advised Theodoric to march into Italy to relieve the cities of those who had wrongfully obtained them. But the alliance did not last long, for each distrusted the other. And Theodoric circumvented Odoacer, inviting him to table, and then slaying him.498

Theodoric (Theodoricus), son of Theudemir (Theodomiris), king of the Ostrogoths, by Erelieva (Arilena), his concubine, held sovereignty over all Italy in the sixteenth year of Emperor Zeno, and he alone with the Goths ruled the country. His rule was not very harsh. He allowed the cities and their citizens to govern themselves. He set up his throne at Ravenna, and lived there 37 years. Theodoric, while governing Italy, was most kind to the rude inhabitants; and although his throne was at Ravenna, yet he beautified the city of Rome by the erection and repair of various buildings, churches, etc. And for the good of his empire he married Audofleda (Andefledam), daughter of Clovis (Clodovei), the king of France; and he espoused his sister to Honoricus, the king of the Vandals; and his two daughters, one to Alaric, king of the Visigoths, and the other to Gundibato. But not long afterwards he warred against Clovis, his brother-in-law, because he had defeated Alaric and had taken certain parts of his kingdom. After that he warred against the Franks, and he performed many other celebrated deeds, except that in his last years he besmirched himself with savagery in slaying Symmachus (Simachum) and Boethius (Boetium). He surrounded the city of Trient with walls. Finally he suffered a stroke and died at once.499

FOLIO CXLI verso

It is said that a very great earthquake, which lasted four consecutive months, occurred at Constantinople. It ceased upon the admonition of a child that people should three times sing, Holy, Holy, Holy God, powerful and eternal, have mercy on us. Afterwards the Chalcedonian Council ordained that these words were to be spoken in the churches.

Many signs appeared in the sky. To the north the heavens appeared fiery, shafts of lightning were seen, the moon darkened, and a comet appeared at Toulouse (Dolosam). Finally, a very large river flooded.500

In these times arose the very wicked heresy of the Acephalonians. Acephali means without a head. This heresy was attacked by the Chalcedonian Council. These heretics contradicted and denied the presence of two natures in Christ, and proclaimed but one nature in one person.501

In these times, as it is said, the remains of Elisha (Elisei) were brought to Alexandria; and the body of Barnabas the apostle, together with the gospel in his own handwriting, was found at this time.

On the 29th day of September, in the time of the aforesaid Pope Gelasius, occurred the revelation of the archangel Michael on Mt. Gargano in Apulaeia. Later a wonderful church was built there; and it is said that at the same place many people gathered annually—not only Christians, but also non-believers, to invoke the holy angel with prayer.502

Epiphanius, the Pavian bishop, a man very learned in sacred and profane wisdom, was held in great esteem in these times by Theodoric, the king, because of his eloquence and piety.503

Germain (Germanum) of Auxerre (Altissidorensem) and Loup (Lupus) of Troyes (Trecharenum), bishops at this time (as some write) gave the churches much assistance by their learning and writing.504 Genevieve (Genofeva) the virgin, flourished at Paris. Her virginity was praised by the Lord through the testimony of Germanus.505

Boethius (Boetius) Anicus Manilius Severinus, a very Christian man, and a consul, highly celebrated poet and philosopher, and son-in-law of Symmachus (Simachi), was held in high esteem at Rome at this time. But since he, as a true Christian, refused to agree with the Arian heretics in many matters, therefore by order of Theodoric he was sent into exile at Pavia after his father-in-law; and there he was afterward, at the instigation of the heretics, condemned to perpetual imprisonment. During this life of misery he invented several means of amusing himself; and being a highly learned man, he wrote many books and manuscripts. Finally, after having suffered imprisonment for a long time he was slain by order of the emperor Theodoric on account of his Christian faith in the reign of Justinus the Elder in the Year of Our Lord 520 at Pavia. And (as some say) he was entered in the book of saints as Saint Severinus.506

Symmachus (Symachus), Roman patrician, senator, orator and philosopher, was highly esteemed at Rome in these times; lie was distrusted by King Theodoric, who condemned him to exile at Pavia, where he was imprisoned for some time. He was called home from exile, and finally suffered death by martyrdom. By his wisdom and writings, this man greatly enlightened the Roman people. He wrote a book of epistles, in which, among other things, he said, Nature rejoices in the equality of things.507

Fulgentius, by birth an African, bishop at Ruspe, and a highly learned doctor, flourished at this time. He and other Christians in Sardinia were sent into exile by Thrasimund, king of the Vandals, for protecting the Christian religion. He neglected nothing that pertained to the Christian faith, writing many and various books and manuscripts.508

Gennadius, the bishop, versed in the Greek and Latin tongues, edited a book of Christian teachings, in which was set forth everything necessary to one’s salvation; and this, together with his teachings and morals, proved very beneficial to the Christian churches.509

Hegesippus, the highly learned man, also brought no small measure of advantage to the churches of God by his writings. He also wrote the regulations for monasteries, and wrote beautifully the life of Severinus, the abbot. Victorius (Victorinus) of Aquitaine (Aquitanus), a famous astronomer, at that time redid when Easter was celebrated by the course of the moon, surpassing Eusebius and Theophilus in that matter.510

Faustus, a bishop among the Gauls, also wrote many and sundry fine books against the Arian heresy.511

FOLIO CXLII recto

Ravenna is an ancient city. It was developed by the Ostrogoths. At one time it was a small town of the Sabines. Emperor Tiberius surrounded this city with walls, which are still in evidence. Because of its closed port it was called the Golden Gate. Now when Theodoric and the Goths came out of Thrace bringing with them their women and children and all their possessions, they finally besieged King Odoacer in this city of Ravenna; but due to the nature of the region this siege consumed more time than the Goths had anticipated; for this city lies on the sea and cannot be besieged very easily. Nor can it be entered readily from the landward side, for the Po River gives it a moat, and it is enclosed by various lakes and marshes. So the siege of the Goths extended itself for almost three years. They took possession of the city according to a treaty; and they furthered and developed it. King Theodoric, master of all Italy, Dalmatia, Hungary, Germany, and no small part of Gaul, lived at Ravenna for forty-two years. And he erected many tall buildings and churches there. Outside the walls may be seen a memorial erected by the same king to the memory of his daughter Amalasuntha.512 In it was built the cloister of Saint Mary, symbolically called the Rotunda, because of the high altar and the choir of twenty cloister people, who while singing according to the custom, are covered by a monolith on top of this rotunda. The emperor Valentinian spent many days there during thirty years of his reign. He enlarged the city, and subordinated to its bishop the bishops of twelve other regions. For a time this city was the seat of the Roman exarch;513 but now it is subject to the Venetian council, and does not have very many inhabitants. In former times this city had many pious and learned men, namely, Apollinaris;514 Vitalus and his sons Gervasius and Protasius;515 also Urcinus;516 all crowned with martyrdom. Pope John, of that name the seventeenth in number;517 Peter, the Foricornelian bishop, who understandingly interpreted many of the Holy Scriptures.518 Cassiodorus, the Roman consul and historian of the epistles of the Ostrogothic kings, and who later retired to a monastery.519 Guilielmus,520 the physician, whom Peter Paul Vergerius highly praises as a most friendly and popular person. Also John (Iohannem),521 the highly learned grammarian and orator, of whom Leonardus Aretinus testifies as being the first to reintroduce into Italy, after many years, the art and teaching of oratory as it now flourishes.522

FOLIO CXLII verso

Year of the World 5693

Year of the Christ 494

Symmachus, a native of Sardinia, was elected pope upon the death of Anastasius, but not without considerable dissension. Some of the clergy elected Symmachus; but the others elected Laurentius. In consequence there followed a great tumult and division in the Roman senate and among the people; and as a natural consequence a council was assembled at Ravenna. After considering the matter, Symmachus was confirmed in the office under a decision dictated by King Theodoric. Then, in the exercise of great kindness, Symmachus made of Laurentius a bishop of Nicotera. Symmachus drove the Manichean heretics out of Rome, and burned their books publicly. He also beautified many churches and built some entirely new from the ground up. For the poor he built houses near Saint Peter’s and Saint Paul’s, and he provided the people with necessaries; for he was a lover of the poor; and he released those who suffered in prison. He ordained that the Gloria in Excelsis Dei should be sung on Sundays or on the days of the martyrs; and he neglected nothing that pertained to the honor of the Almighty God. He died and was buried in the Basilica of Peter on the 14th day of the Kalends of August after having sat 15 years, 6 months and 22 days; and at that time the chair rested 7 days.523

The Fifth Schism arose between Symmachus and Laurentius, as above stated. But four years later, some of the clergy, by the help and assistance of Festus and Probinus, the consuls, recalled Laurentius. In consequence of that the king sent Peter, the bishop of Altinum524 to Rome to drive out both of them, and to occupy the papal chair himself. However, Symmachus defended himself against these accusations before a council; and he secured the unanimous decision that the aforesaid Laurentius and Peter were guilty of all the evil and should be exiled. In consequence such uproar arose at Rome that many of the priesthood, as well as the people, and holy virgins were slain. In this dissension Gordianus, the priest, was also killed. This persecution would not have ended if Faustus, the consul, had not sympathized with the priesthood against Probinus and resorted to arms.

Pope Hormisdas (Hormisda), of Campania, at the beginning of his papacy, and according to admonition of Theodoric, also held a national council, which by unanimous decision condemned the Eutychean heretics. In the same assembly many laws were passed: Firstly, that from this point on no public penitents could attend consecrations; also that weddings of Christians were to be held publicly and not privately; that no altars be erected in consecrated churches without special permission of the bishop. This man reconciled the Greeks, reduced the number of the clergy, and received from the French king a costly gift, and the same from the emperor Justinus. King Theodoric richly endowed St. Peter’s Church. And so pope, emperor, and king vied with each other in making gifts to the churches. Hormisdas died and was buried in the Basilica of Peter on the 8th day of the Ides of August after sitting (in office) nine years and 18 days. The chair then rested six days.525

John (Iohannes), first pope of this name, out of Tuscany (Thuscus), an industrious promoter of the Christian religion, drove out the Arians and gave their churches to the true Christians. This greatly distressed King Theodoric, who sent Pope John and others to Justinus, requesting that the churches of the Arians be restored, or he would destroy all Christian churches. But as these messengers could not move Emperor Justinus, they begged him in tears to have mercy and not cause the downfall and destruction of Italy. When John returned and reported this to Theodoric at Ravenna, he was thrown into prison; and there he died after having sat two years and 8 months. The chair then rested 58 days.526

Year of the World 5713

Year of Christ 514

Felix, the fourth pope of that name, cursed the patriarch of Constantinople who had wandered from the faith. As a good and pious man he erected many buildings at Rome, in particular the Church of Cosimo and Damiano, which is still to be seen there. He ordained that the sick were to be anointed before death. After he had consecrated many priests, deacons and bishops, he died and was buried in the Basilica of Peter on the fourth day of the Ides of October.527 He sat four years, two months and thirteen days. At that time the chair rested three days.528

FOLIO CXLIII recto

Justin (Justinus) the Elder attained to the sovereignty 518 years after the incarnation of the Lord. He proved himself an earnest devotee and protector of the true Christian faith. Before long he sent his messenger to the pope to confirm the authority of the papal see and to assure peace to all the churches. To this emperor, Hormisdas the pop, sent the bishop and holy man Germaine (Germanus) concerning lapses in the faith; and he was kindly received; and through him many doubting persons were strengthened in the faith. He attained to the reputation of art industrious administrator of the faith, and through him the heretics were extinguished; and most important of all, all the Arians were driven out of Constantinople and their churches given over to the true faith. Therefore King Theodoric, as previously stated, persecuted Symmachus and Boethius, the Romans, and also Pope John. But divine vengeance quickly punished this cruel persecution, for on the 98th day after this event Theodoric died. His soul was seen between Pope John and Symmachus, the consul, by a hermit in the island of Lipara, sailing in the harbor of idolatrous god Vulcan not far from the residence of the hermit, and drowned. But after Justinus became a very old man and had carried the cares of the empire for eleven years, and had appointed Justinian (Iustiniano), his sister’s son to the sovereignty, he rested in peace at Constantinople.529

Clovis (Clodoneus), the first Christian king in France, attained to the sovereignty after the death of his father Childeric, and he reined for 30 years. He was a mighty warrior, and for wife he won Clothilda (Crothildem), the daughter of Chilperic, king of Burgundy; for when he learned that this same Clothilda was beautiful, and that she excelled all other young maidens of her age in virtue, knowledge and rearing, he secretly sent messengers to find out whether she would marry him. She was informed of the king’s renown and the mightiness of his empire; and she assented, but upon condition that as she was a Christian, he should also become one. And although Clovis promised her that after talking the matter over he would receive baptism, yet because of his position he did not keep his word. However, he permitted his two sons by her to be baptized. Before long he began a war against Gundobaldus, his wife’s uncle, and the Burgundians; and in that war he took several cities. But the war was ended through his wife. And then he undertook a war against the Germans, who sent forth against him forces and arms not unequal to his own. But when in battle he saw his men in flight, he thought of the promise which, in spite of many reminders from his wife, he had failed to perform; and he attributed his defeat to this remissness on his own part. In consequence of that he praised the God of Heaven and Earth, whom his wife worshipped, and vowed that he would fulfill his promise should his forces defeat the enemy and attain the victory. Then his fortune turned to such an extent that the scattered and fleeing Franks drove the enemy into flight. When he returned home he, together with all his Franks, were baptized by Saint Remigius, the bishop, in the twenty-fifth year of his reign; and before long the kingdom of the Franks prospered, and the cause of the Christians was furthered. The Arians were driven out and the Christians reinstated. And the city of Paris was made the capital of the kingdom.530

Amalasuntha (Amalasiuntha), daughter (of Theodoric) and now a widow, upon the death of Theodoric, the king of the Goths, who left behind no male heirs, inherited the kingdom with her son Athalaric. Since Athalaric was very young, all the cares of government rested upon the queen. She concerned herself with giving the child an education and training in good manners. She governed with earnestness to maintain their rule over the Goths, and beyond usual feminine custom employed wisdom and prudence. She corrected her father’s bad laws and restored to the children of Boethius and Symmachus their paternal inheritances which had been forfeited to the public treasury. But when the Goths proposed that their king should be taught chivalrous practices rather than letters, Athalaric, on account of the reckless abandon of his sexual life, contracted many illnesses and died at the age of seventeen. Amalasuntha, therefore, associated her friend Theodahad (Theodatum) with her in the government. He was very learned, but sluggish and slow in business and in the handling of civil affairs. Although he was taken into the sovereignty through the kind solicitation of the queen, he was ungrateful, causing her to be made a prisoner and sent away. By such faithlessness he distressed many Goths. Later he caused the queen to be slain, taking her daughter to wife and as an associate in the sovereignty. He reigned with her not over five years.531

Dionysius, an abbot, a highly learned man, who was praised at that time at Rome for his computus, that is, he composed with amazing skill the calculation for when Easter will occur.532

Severinus, the bishop of Trier, a man distinguished for every kind of holiness was famous at this time. And Saint Victorinus, bishop of Marseilles, who released the son of the king of Persia from the Devil; and Eutherius, bishop of Lyons.

FOLIO CXLIII verso

The Third Aurelian Council was undertaken at this time at the order of King Clovis (Clodovei). This is said to have been called by St. Mellanius; and so also, four other councils are said to have been held in this city (Aurelia), according to those versed in ecclesiastical jurisprudence.533

Arthur, king of the Britons, at this time (as it is said) attained to the sovereignty. He was a renowned, warlike, and very strong man. He had the most beautiful armor, as well becomes such a king. On his head he wore a golden helmet, upon which a dragon was engraved. He ordered a golden shield upon which was an image of the Mother of God; so that he might at all times have her before him as a spokeswoman in all matters. He also had a broad, long lance to be carried with him wherever he went; and a sword, with which he slew four hundred and sixty men in a single battle. They say he was a good Christian and an augmenter of the faith, and the conqueror of many kingdoms. At last, after having overcome many enemies in battle, he too was wounded and transported to an island; and there he disappeared, and was never seen again. And it is said of the Britons that they have been waiting for his return up to the present time.534

Cassiodorus, a monk of Ravenna and a highly learned man, was held in great esteem at this time because of his celebrated learning. At first he was a Roman consul, but later, moved by the Holy Spirit, he left the world, devoting himself to a monastic life. Before that he was the chancellor of Theodoric, king of Italy, and in the king’s name wrote numerous letters to many persons concerning temporal affairs. As a mental exercise he wrote an excellent interpretation of the Psalter. Later he also compiled a chronicle of the popes and emperors, in which he wrote many things about his contemporary, King Theodatus of Ravenna; also a book on the understanding of the soul and a book on orthography.535

Priscian (Priscianum), a very learned man and philosopher of Caesarea, highly versed in the Greek and Latin tongues, flourished at Constantinople at this time. And as he was regarded as a prince among scholars in the first of the liberal arts, called grammatica, he wrote a very useful booklet upon this same art for the use and instruction of those who wished to grasp the Latin tongue. He also wrote other excellent books.536

Arator, cardinal of the holy Roman Church, and a laureate poet, was in wonderful renown at this time by reason of his art. Among the works born of his intelligence and skill are the Acts of the Apostles in rhymed verse; and he wrote other elegant things.537

Brandanus, holy abbot of Hibernia, was held in great esteem at this time for his piety and learning. He was a father to 3000 cloister-men, and of him many wonderful things have been written.538

Sidonius Apollinaris flourished at this time. In the city of the Averni539 he was promoted from governor to bishop. As a layman he was noble, well practiced in learning, and was a well informed man. He wrote many difficult epistles.540

Bridget (Brigida), a very holy virgin of Scotland, born of Christian and noble parentage, illustrious during the reign of Justinus the Elder for her piety and miraculous works. From childhood she was entirely devoted to virtuous things, and particularly to chastity, modesty, sobriety, and moderation. At one time her mother sent her forth to collect butter from cow’s milk; but she gave it to the poor. When her mother demanded the butter, Bridget fell to prayer; after which she had more (butter) than her fellow-workers. When her parents wished to marry her off, she praised God for her crown of virginity. On one occasion, during the harvest, the rain overflowed all the land. However, in her field not a drop of water fell. Of the water she made beer; of the stones, she made salt. She gave sight to a person born blind; and she also worked other miracles.541

FOLIO CXLIIII recto

Benedict (Benedictus), an Italian abbot, and father of all the people in the monasteries, at this time assembled all the scattered monks, and by inspiration from the Holy Spirit introduced order into their lives. He was born of a noble family in the country town of Nursius (Norica), highly celebrated for its privileges, but chiefly because of Saint Benedict. There he spent his life observing good morals and indisposed to worldly pleasures. He was sent to Rome to study the liberal arts and letters; but when he noted that many persons were misled into error through these arts, he drew back the foot he had set forward into the world. In his zeal to please the Lord alone, he scorned the study of letters, left his father’s house, estate and possessions, and lived unknown for some time with the hermits in the wilderness. He came to a place forty miles from Rome, and there he lived in a small cave for three years, unknown to anyone except a monk named Romanus. There he led a strict and hard life, subject to many temptations; but about all this he remained silent. In addition to his virtue this most holy man was endowed with the spirit of prophecy by which he revealed many future events and hidden things. Then Totila, the king of the Ostrogoths, heard of this man’s virtue and strength, he desired to learn something of his piety; so he put on the clothes of a servant, and clothed his servant in regal robes. But Benedict, in his wisdom, recognized the king clad in the apparel of a servant, invited him into the monastery, and thus prophesied his future: You will reign nine years, and die in the tenth; and the king held him in high esteem. Benedict also gave many other proofs of his holiness, particularly concerning a glass in which the brethren had mixed poison intended for him. Over this he made the sign of the cross, and the glass broke. Finally he died in the Year of Salvation 536.

The Order of the Benedictine Brothers had its origin not far from the city of Aquinas in the Abruzzi, on Mount Cassino, where formerly the city of Cassina was located, and where later the universally renowned monastery of Cassino was later built. After the erection of this monastery Saint Benedict gave the inmates a fundamental Rule by which to live wisely, whereas previously many of these people had lived in isolation. After this saint had lived as a hermit for a long time, and had distinguished himself by his virtue and miracles, many people gathered about him in the service of God; and he soon built twelve monasteries and provided them with inhabitants. And he gathered about him many disciples by whose aid he conquered almost all the world. Out of this holy man’s illustrious Order emanated many pious and learned men. Although he first gave his Rule to the Black Monks alone, it was subsequently adopted by others. From his Order are said to have come 24 popes, 173 cardinals, 1464 archbishops, 15,070 distinguished abbots, and as Pope John XXII writes, 5,555 canonized and elevated monks.

Scholastica, sister of Saint Benedict, was given over to God from childhood. Her brother usually visited her once a year. On one occasion, after they had spent the day together in praising God and discussing holy matters until evening, and Benedict had received his meal and was about to return to his monastery, his sister, the pious nun, bade him to stay awhile longer and to speak to her of the joys of heavenly life. And when he told her that he did not wish to be absent from his cell, there ensued in response to Scholastica’s prayers such a downpour and storm, that with his brethren, he was not able to pull his feet out of the mired earth. And so they consumed the entire night in holy conversation and spiritual intercourse. On the following day Benedict returned to his monastery, and when, after the expiration of three days, he opened his eyes in his cell, he saw his sister’s soul, in the form of a dove, ascending to heaven.542

FOLIO CXLIIII verso

Boniface, the second pope of that name, a Roman whose father was Sigisbald (Sigisbundo), was pope after Felix, during the reign of Emperor Justinian; and (as some say) he was not elected without dissension and division; for Dioscorus was elected in Felix’s place. In this uproar the clergy were troubled for twenty-eight days, but the situation was finally relieved by the death of Dioscorus. This Boniface ordained that no one should nominate his own successor to Episcopal office; which was afterwards confirmed by many popes. He ordained that on the third day after the death of a pope, a new one should be installed. He segregated the clergy from the people when the godly office was being celebrated. He also forbade the summoning of a bishop before a lay judge, whether in civil or criminal matters. And when he had sat two years and two days he died and was buried in the Basilica of Peter. And the chair then rested for two months.543

Year of the World 5723

Year of Christ 524

John (Iohannes) the Second, pope, a Roman whose father was Projectus, was pope during the time of the emperor Justinian. In the beginning of his episcopacy he condemned the bishop Anthimus for his lapse into the Arian heresy. The emperor Justinian, to honor the Roman see, at this time sent two bishops to Rome with gifts with which to greet the Roman pope, these same gifts to be laid up as offerings at the Church of the Blessed Peter; namely, a golden cup set with jewels and weighing six pounds, two silver cups of twelve pounds and two silver chalices of fifteen pounds, This John (of whom historians have little to say) died after he had created fifteen priests and twenty-one bishops. He was buried in the Basilica of Peter on the sixth day of the Kalends of June. He sat two years and four months. The chair then rested six days.544

Pope Agapetus (Agapitus), a Roman whose father was Gordian, was made pope, and presently was sent by King Theodahad (Theodato) to the emperor Justinian to appease his wrath against Theodahad because the latter had caused Amalasuntha, mother of King Athalaric, to be exiled and slain. But as Agapetus was honorably received by the emperor and succeeded in making peace, he was asked by the emperor to confirm the doctrine of the Eutycheans. But as this holy man opposed this, the emperor threatened him; in consequence of which Agapetus said, I wished that I might come to the most Christian emperor Justinian, but I found Diocletian, an acknowledged enemy of the Christians. In resonse to such free speech and divine talent, Justinian was moved to adopt the true Christian faith, and to drive out Anthimus (Anthemio), the Constantinopolitan bishop and protector of the Eutychean heresy, and to put a true Catholic in his place, who would be consecrated by Agapetus. Before long Agapetus died at Constantinople. His body was brought back to Rome and buried in the Basilica of Peter. He sat eleven months and nineteen days.545

Year of the World 5733

Year of Christ 534

Pope Silverius, of Campania, whose father was the bishop Hormisdas, was made pope at the command of King Theodatus, although this was never done before at the command of a king, but at the command of an emperor. However, the threats of this king exceeded all understanding and interpretation of the law; for at the instance of Vigilius, the Roman deacon and treasurer, he threatened the clergy with death. Under threats the empress Theodora, ordered Silverius to drive out Menas (Menna), the Constantinopolitan bishop, and to recall Anthimus (Anthemium). To this he was opposed. In response the empress wrote her general Belisarius to eject Silverius and to put Vigilius in his place. Belisarius, occupied in a war, referred the matter to his wife Antonina. Then Vigilius summoned several witnesses who accused Silverius of having planned to betray the city of Rome. In response Silverius was forced to give up the papacy and to enter upon a monastic life. He was exiled, and he died not without the blessings of piety after he had lived as pope one year, five months, and twelve days. The seat was vacant six days.546

Pope Vigilius, a Roman whose father was a consul, was elected pope in the time of Justinian. The empress Theodora requested Vigilius to proceed to Constantinople to reinstate Anthimus (Anthemium). As he objected to this, he was taken to Constantinople, and there, because of his refusal, he was so severely beaten that he almost died; and he was led about the city at the end of a rope until the closing of the gates. After this he was imprisoned, and given only bread and water for a long time; and he was rendered so patient that when he was about to be commensurately punished, he said he deserved severer treatment. Later he was recalled, but died when he arrived in the city of Syracuse in Sicily, and his body was brought back to Rome and was buried with Saint Marcellus on the Salarian Way. He lived as pope seventeen years, six months, and twenty-six days.547

FOLIO CXLV recto

Justinian (Justinianus), son of the sister of Justin, and greatest of the Roman emperors, attained to the sovereignty; and soon after he received the imperial supremacy, he set his mind upon the return of the common good. He ruled the Roman empire with good fortune. He not only conducted military affairs with success, but was also wonderfully fortunate in civic and business affairs; for through Belisarius, the great man, he defeated the Persians in war, destroyed the Vandals and their king Gelimer (Gelismero), and brought back into the empire Africa, which for 96 years had been alienated from it. Moreover, with the strength of the aforesaid Belisarius, he defeated the Goths in Italy; and captured their king; while with wonderful power and strength he also defeated the Mauri and their king Attila. Likewise, he also overcame other peoples in war. This emperor also built to the Lord, who is the wisdom of God the Father, a church in the city of Constantinople, and he called it Agia Sophia, that is, Holy Wisdom. This structure so excels all others that its equal is not to be found in all the countries of the world. This emperor was a man of true faith, proficient in his works, and upright in his judgments; for these reasons he was fortunate in all his undertakings. As a man of intelligence, with the advice and labors of a number of highly learned men, he reduced to a small number of books the great uncharted sea of law books, of which there were over two thousand scattered about in disorder; and he brought many doubtful laws into harmony. After he had reigned 38 years he died at Constantinople, a man of great and godly intelligence.548

The Fifth Council begun at Constantinople at the command of the pope Agapetus and the emperor Justinian, was concluded during the time of Pope Vigilius, in the year 538. It was called against Theodorus and all heretics who held that the Most Blessed Virgin Mary bore men alone, and not God and men. In this same Council it was ordained that the Blessed Virgin Mary should be called the Mother of God, because through her bearing, she bore us God. And there fourteen anathemas were written against the blasphemy of Theodorus and his associates.549

Belisarius, an esteemed councilor, sturdy in arms, a leader sent forth by Justinian at the head of a large army, first attacked the Persians, who had seriously ravaged Roman territory, and defeated them in a great battle. With the consent of the emperor he entered Constantinople in triumph. This Belisarius was sent with an army by Justinian, the emperor, to Africa, which the Vandals had occupied for many years. With speed he engaged the Vandals in battle, defeated many of their people, took their king Gelimer (Gelismerum) prisoner, and sent him to Constantinople; and he brought Carthage back into the empire. Afterwards, this Belisarius, renowned for many battles, was sent by Justinian against King Theodahad (Theodatus) to release Italy from its servitude to the Goths. While Belisarius lingered in Sicily, the Gothic king, Theodahad, died. Vitiges succeeded Theodahad, and against him Belisarius continued the war which he had begun. He marched from Sicily into Campania and to Naples, which he took by force, slaying many people, sparing neither women nor children. From there he hastened to Rome; and the Goths, who were there, fled by night, leaving the gates open, and hurried on to Ravenna. But as Belisarius surmised that Vitiges would return to Rome with a great force, he, in the meantime speedily secured the city with fortifications, arms and moats. Now Vitiges came on with about one hundred thousand men. After defending the city for a year and a day, Belisarius decided to give Vitiges battle and to defeat his forces. But Vitiges would not accept the challenge, and fled to Ravenna. Belisarius hastened after him, and captured him in that city; and he brought him to Constantinople in the fifth year of his arrival in Italy.550

FOLIO CXLV verso

Vitiges (Vitigis), a Goth of obscure origin, was at this time, while King Theodahad (Theodato) still lived, crowned as king of Rome; and he reigned five years. In military skill and experience he was a celebrated man. He planned to depose Theodahad. After the latter’s death he hurried to Ravenna, and assembled all the Goths dispersed throughout Italy. This Vitiges proceeded to Rome against Belisarius with a large army, and with his Goths besieged the city, and overran, ravaged and burned all the country about Rome, putting all Romans to the sword. He plundered and laid open all holy things, and was attacking the city continuosly. But Belisarius (of whom we have previously written) held the city. Starvation increased in Rome, and in the same year a great famine occurred throughout the world, principally in Liguria; so that (as Datus, the pious bishop of Milan, has said) any number of mothers ate the limbs of their children. And now Vitiges, the king, and his army, proceeded against Belisarius in great battle; but Vitiges and his forces suffered a great defeat, taking to flight; and during such flight he was captured at night and brought to Belisarius at Rome, and from there was taken before Justinian at Constantinople. Justinian was greatly elated. Before long he made Vitiges a governor on the Persian border. There Vitiges ended his own life and with it the Gothic kingdom.

Totila (Tottila), also called Baduila (Baduilla), was the last king of the Ostrogoths. For when Vitiges was taken prisoner the Goths beyond the Padus made Chelpidarus king. Upon his death the latter was succeeded by Erarius. Before a year had passed he was strangled; and after him this Totila was crowned. Totila speedily assembled an army and afflicted all Italy and Sicily; and he coveted Rome, which he besieged round about. And there was such a famine that the parents threatened to eat the flesh of their own children. And when the Romans could no longer defend their city, Totila came through the Hostian Gate. To spare the people Totila caused the horns and trumpets to be sounded all night long, so that the people might protect themselves or hide from the Gothic arms. To this leniency and kindness Totila, who had been a cruel man, was influenced by the earlier admonitions of the holy father, Benedict. Some of the senators escaped over the walls and hurried to Constantinople to inform the emperor of the calamity. He at once sent Narses, his private advocate and officer, to Italy with a large army. Belisarius fought with Totila and his army, utterly defeated him, and relieved Italy of the Goths, who had ruled there for seventy-two years since the time of Theodoric. And so the Gothic name was wiped out; and those who survived the battle, wished to be called Italians and not Goths, because they were born and reared in Italy.551

Narses was a eunuch of Justinian, and the personal chamberlain of the emperor. In acknowledgement of his good conduct the emperor promoted him to counselor; and from that time on he acted toward all as an image of kindness, contemplation, mercy, generosity, and graciousness. With the assistance of troops sent to him by Alboin, king of the Lombards, who was his ally, he fought against the Goths and defeated them and their king Totila; and he sent the Lombards, laden with gifts, back to their homes in Pannonia. Sophia, the wife of Justin, egged on by those envious of Narses, attempted to recall Narses, employing the disdainful words that he should return home where the wool, weaving, and spindle awaited him. But Narses answered that he would spin such thread as would leave his enemies and those envious of him no justification for their errors; and although he sought vengeance, he died shortly.552

Patrick (Patricius), a native of Britain, before he was ordained an archbishop of the Scots, converted the entire island of Hibernia to Christ by his illustrious teachings over a period of 60 years. He awakened many from the dead, released prisoners, built churches, and baptized thousands of people. But there was a savage people who refused to believe unless they saw the sufferings of the evil and the happiness of the good. So the Lord appeared to Patrick and handed him the Gospel and a staff, and led him to a desert region, and showed him a round cave, dark from without, where a true penitent could be purged of all his sins in a natural day553, and would see such suffering and joy. There Patrick built a church, and appointed prebendaries of the blessed Augustine, to whom he gave the key to the cave. During his time many people went to the cave, and they testified to what they learned; and this he caused to be noted in the church; for this reason this is called Patrick’s Purgatory.554

FOLIO CXLVI recto

Dreadful signs were seen by night in Italy in the Year of the Lord 570. Fiery rays were observed in the heavens and blood fell in drops from the clouds. This presaged that human blood would be spilled afterwards. Later it rained for many successive days, and the Tiber became so swollen that many people were drowned in the lowlands. This also occurred in other cities and countries.

Animals formed like men and women, with long hair extending to the hips, appeared in a river from morning until noontime. They say also that a mountain was torn asunder in Gaul, making a great noise; and immediately after many people and buildings were destroyed.

Leonard (Leonardus), a very holy man and a native of Cenomana, in Gaul, was baptized by Saint Remigius, who instructed him in wholesome learning, discipline, and wisdom. He did not wish to become a bishop, and deserting all, lived in the forest near the city of Lemona. A royal hunting lodge had been erected there. When the queen was in danger due to childbirth there, the king caused Leonard to be brought into the house from the woods. And the king asked him to pray for his wife. Leonard called upon God and secured a double joy for the king; for the mother recovered with the child. The king wanted to give him gold and silver; but Leonard scorned it, admonishing the king to give it to the poor, granting him instead the use of so much of the forest as he could ride about in a night. There he built a monastery in which he lived with two fellow monks in great moderation; and he became illustrious for many miracles. Prisoners who invoked his name soon went to freedom, finding their shackles broken. What other great miracles the Lord God worked through him are to be noted by the numerous and various forms of irons in his churches.555

Maurus, a Roman monk, was the particular disciple of Benedict, the holy father. Many of the Roman nobility, moved to spiritual life by the piety of Benedict, came to Mount Cassino. The Gauls, by messengers and letters asked Benedict to send them one of his disciples for instruction in the monastic life; and he sent Maurus, who taught them to live a wholesome and blessed existence. He also built many cloisters. At length, after the practice of many virtues and the performance of many miracles, he died at a good old age and not without the great blessings of piety.556

Columbanus the abbot, celebrated for his spiritual life and piety, flourished in the island of Hibernia during these times; and there he built many cloisters. Later he erected the cloister of Luxeuil, in Burgundy, gathering together innumerable people, and giving them the correct means and form of living. He took King Theuderich to task for committing adultery with certain concubines; for this action the king’s mother, Brunhilde (Brunichildis), became so enraged against him that the king ordered him ejected from the monastery; and that happened, but through God’s vengeance Theuderich was ignited with fire and burned up. Then Saint Columbanus, famous for his miracles, lived on the fruits of the trees. When his servant told him that while gathering fruit he discovered a bear eating the fruit which he had collected, Columban told his servant to divide the fruit and apples, and to give one portion to the bear, and to set aside the other for his use; and so the bear ate his portion, but not the other.557

Herculanus, bishop of Perugia (Perusia), the city which was taken after a siege of seven years, was crowned with martyrdom. The general of the army of Totila beheaded this Herculanus on the walls of the city. He cut off the head and threw the body over the walls. Someone carried the head to the body and buried both, together with the body of a child, beside the wall. After forty days they searched for the body in order to lay it in the church. They found the body of the child full of crawling worms; but the body of Herculanus was so entire that no signs of decapitation were to be seen.558

Medardus, the holy bishop of Tournai, was also illustrious for his miracles. In his departure from this world, heaven was opened, and a divine light shone before him for three hours. He and Gildardus, his brother, the Rotomagian559 bishop, were born and became bishops on the same day.560

Simeon of Antioch was the chosen one of his mother’s womb. Of him many miraculous things are told. At first he led a solitary life. Later he lived in a dry well. Finally he stood on a pillar for forty years, until the time of his death.561

FOLIO CXLVI verso

Year of the World 5753

Year of Christ 554

Pelagius, the first pope of that name, a Roman whose father was John (Iohanne), was pope after Vigilius. He ordained that the heretics and schismatics might also be subjected to the temporal power in the event they do not permit themselves to be reconverted by means of a course of sensible reasoning; also that the consecrated ones should fulfill the seven canonical hours daily. He was accused of being responsible for the proceedings against Vigilius, his predecessor; so in the presence of the people and the clergy, he touched the cross and the Gospels, and cleared himself of the accusation by his oath. After this Narses came to Rome, and, together with this Pelagius, ordered that no one should be admitted to holy consecration through avarice or solicitation. Finally he died in the eleventh year, tenth month and twenty-ninth day of his episcopacy, and was buried in the Basilica of Peter. The chair then rested three months and twenty-six days.562

Year of the World 5763

Year of Christ 564

John (Iohannes), the third pope of that name, a Roman whose father was Anastasius, was born of noble parentage and was pope during the time of Justin. He was a very wise and good man, and improved many churches. He led Narses, who was angry with the Romans, back from Naples to Rome. Not long afterwards Narses died, and his body was taken to Constantinople. In this pope’s time the Armenians accepted the Christian faith. At this time also Italy suffered many defeats at the hands of the barbarian people, as was foretold by the dreadful signs in the heavens, as previously stated. This John died at a great age, full of sorrow and pain, and was buried in the Basilica of Peter. He was pope for twelve years, eleven months and twenty-six days. The chair then rested ten months and three days.563

Year of the World 5773

Year of Christ 574

Benedict (Benedictus) the First, a pope and a Roman whose father was Boniface, lived in the time of Emperor Tiberius the Second. He was a pious man and well worthy of his office. Together with the emperor Tiberius, he gave assistance when Italy suffered a famine, and particularly to Rome; and caused grain to be sent from Egypt to Rome. The emperor Tiberius loved Benedict, and he was great in the eyes of the emperor. But before long (as some write) Benedict died of the sorrow and pain which he suffered during the calamity which befell Rome and Italy. He was pope for four years, one month and twenty-eight days. The chair then rested two months and ten days. They say that on his tomb the following was written:

Year of the World 5783

Year of Christ 584

Pelagius the Second, a Roman whose father was Vingeldus, occupied the papal office from the time of Tiberius and that of the emperor Maurice, the son-in-law of Tiberius. He was created pope at the request of the emperor, during the time when no one could be sent out of the besieged city of Rome; for at that time the election of a pope by the clergy was not considered, as the emperor would not have confirmed such an election. So the virtuous and highly learned man Gregory, a monk and deacon, was sent to Constantinople to appease the emperor. Now having carried out all things according to the wishes of the pope, and not wishing to misuse his intelligence and leisure, he wrote books on Job known as the Moralia; and under the direction of the emperor, he so completely overcame Eutyches (Euticium), the Constantinopolitan bishop, that the latter was compelled to retract all he had said in his book concerning the Resurrection. For he said that our body, in the glory of the Resurrection was probably more subtle than wind and air; and therefore it could not be touched. But this is contrary to the words of the Lord, who says, Touch and see; for the spirit has neither flesh nor bone, as you have seen me. Now Pelagius, on the plea of the Roman people, recalled Gregory to Rome. And he made his paternal home a refuge for indigent old people, and built the basilica of Lawrence (Laurentii) the Martyr from the ground up. He died of the plague, which at that time distressed all Europe, in the tenth year, second month, and tenth day of his episcopacy, and he was buried in the Church of the Blessed Peter in the Vatican. The chair then rested six months and 28 days.565

FOLIO CXLVII recto

Justin (Justinus) the Younger received the government of the empire at Constantinople on the death of the emperor Valentinian. However, he was not like him in any respect, but a greedy, rapacious man, scornful of the gods and men, who stole from the senators. He was so miserly that he caused an iron casket to be made in which he hoarded the gold that he stole. He also (as it is said) fell in with the Pelagian heresy. And as he now turned away the ear of his heart from divine matters, he came under the righteous judgment of God, losing his reason, and becoming insane. He ordered Tiberius, a just and strict man, to govern his palace or estates. Sophia, his wife, ruled the empire until the time of Tibertus the Second; by reason of which misfortune the kingdom of Italy was removed from obedience to the Constantinopolitan rule. When Justinus had reigned 11 years, his insanity ended with his life.566

Tiberius Constantinus accepted the sovereignty of the Romans upon the death of Justin; and (as already stated), he governed the palace of Justin. Justin adopted him as his son and heir of the empire; and not unwisely so, for this man possessed the graces well becoming such a prince, such as mildness, righteousness, goodness, devotion to God, wisdom, firmness, and enduring strength. In particular, he showed good will and kindness toward the people, especially the poor. And when he had spent upon the poor much of the treasure hoarded by Justinian, Sophia the queen upbraided the emperor many times because he had thereby reduced the state treasury to poverty. In response he said, I trust in the Lord that our public treasury will not be broken by the giving of alms to the poor and the redemption of prisoners—that is a great treasure. Once while taking a walk in his palace, he saw the cross of the Lord engraved on a marble tablet in the floor. He ordered the same cross to be put into another and more worthy place, saying, It is not the wish of God that we should tread with our feet upon the cross with which we make the sign upon our foreheads and chests. And immediately the design of another cross was found, under which he discovered so much gold and silver as his magnanimity required. Of this he gave a large portion to the poor. And with the same generosity and kindness he also employed the treasures of Narses brought to him from Italy. nd as further evidence of his good fortune, the victorious army sent against the Persians brought home so much booty that it required twenty elephants to transport it—something which had never occurred before. He met with such good fortune because of his service to mankind, his devotion to our Savior, and his kindness to the Roman people, whom he protected with his arms. After he had ruled over the kingdom for seven years, he chose Maurice as his successor. He died in blessedness, and many mourned the death of such a pious prince.567

The Lombards (Longobardi), so called in the language of the country because of their long beards, had their origin in Scandinavia, an island belonging to Germany. When they migrated from this island they had two dukes, namely, Aionus and Thatonus. Upon the death of these two, they elected one Agelmundus as king. He was slain by the Bulgarians living on the Danube, and Lamissius was put in his place. He undertook to avenge the death of his ancestor Agelmundus, and he defeated the Bulgarians with great slaughter. He reigned forty years. After him ruled the third king, called Lethus. He also reigned forty years, and he appointed his son Hildooch as his successor in the kingdom. After him reigned Godooth, the fifth king. After him came Claffus, the sixth one; and then Thatus, the seventh king. The name of the eighth king was Unachus, and after him his son Valtharith, the ninth. The tenth king of the Lombards was Audoin (Andoin), and by him these people were first led into Pannonia, after they had lived in the province of Rugilanda for forty-two years. Under this Audoin, and afterwards under his son Alboin, the eleventh king of Lombards, they lived for forty-two years, increasing in renown and might. The entry of this people into Italy occurred at the beginning of the episcopacy of Benedict. In the thirteenth year of the reign of Justin the Younger, these people came through Austria and the province of Foriiulius,568 and settled on the river Plane569. 570

FOLIO CXLVII verso

Alboin (Alboinus), the eleventh king of the Lombards, together with all his people, migrated from Pannonia into the fruitful and fertile plains of Italy, on the invitation of Narses. And with all the Lombards—men, women and children, and their cattle proceeded through Sirmium and Forum Iulius into Italy—an unbelievable host. They first took possession of entire Venetia, and thereafter passed through Insubria, took possession of the city of Milan by force, besieged Pavia (Papiam) for three years and finally took it also. Finally they proceeded against Verona, where they set up the capital for the entire kingdom. And there Alboin kept his wife, his treasure, and his court. Now as the people lived in happiness and good fortune, mixing their pleasures with feasts and drunkenness, the king at one such festal occasion drank out of a vessel made of the skull of his father-in-law, Cunimund (Gunimundi), whom he had slain in Pannonia. Indiscreetly he poured too much wine into himself, and becoming intoxicated, he passed the same vessel, filled with good wine, to his wife, the queen. She so took the matter to heart that in the same hour she determined to avenge the scorn and ridicule of her father’s skull, by taking the life of her husband. And thus she proceeded: Helmigis (Helmechildis), a noble knight and handsome youth at the royal court, was wooing a maiden in the women’s chamber. When queen Rosamunda (Rosimunda) learned of this, she so managed that the maiden submitted to the youth’s will. This the queen encouraged in the hope that the youth, through conceit and guile and without appreciation of the consequence; would later lend himself to a yet baser act. And so it turned out. For the youth was secretly introduced into the king’s bedchamber while the king was taking his noonday nap; and he killed the king, with the expectation (of which the queen had assured him) that he would become the successor. But they did not accomplish their purpose, and in fear they fled to Ravenna, where they killed one another with poison.571

Longinus, a Greek, first supreme ruler of Italy to be called exarch, introduced a new name for sovereignty into Italy.572 He resided at Ravenna, exercising a protectorate Italy and those cities and provinces of Emperor Justin which adhered to Rome and Ravenna. From the first he held that no governor should be supreme but that every city, march or commune should be protected and governed by its own supreme officer called a duke. Thus he put Rome on the same footing as all other Italian cities, but honoring it alone with a governor whose successors, however, were called dukes. And so for many years afterwards Rome was in name a duchy. This form of government prevailed in Rome for one hundred and twenty-four years.

Leander, bishop of Toledo (Toletun) in Spain (Hispalensis), was a pious and highly learned man. By his preaching, teaching, example and intelligence, the entire Visigothic nation, through Recaredus its king, was converted from the Arian heresy. For he wrote much, not only to confirm our true Christian faith, but also to the destruction, scorn, and extirpation of the Arian errors which those whom the Vandals driven out by Belisarius introduced from Africa into Spain. During his lifetime and at its close this holy man performed many miracles; because of this he is reckoned with the saints. His day is commemorated on the 27th of February.573

John (Iohannes) the Almsgiver (Elimona) and Alexandrine bishop, at this time kept the Eastern Churches in the faith as much as possible, by his reading, disputation, writing, admonitions, and teachings, although he had many adversaries. He also worked great miracles, gave many alms, and did other good works. This man’s praiseworthy and miraculous life is beautifully described by Leontius (Leoncius), bishop of Naples, of the island of Cyprus.574

In these rebellious and violent times, the very name of Italy would have been endangered had it not been for the holy man Paul (Paulus), patriarch of Aquileia, and if Felix, the bishop of Tervis, had not come to the rescue of Italy. For Paul, together with his clergy, fled from Aquileia to Venice. And so Felix saved the possessions of the churches, finding peace and security with King Alboin.

FOLIO CXLVIII recto

Fortunatus, bishop of Tudertinus575, possessed the great gift and the power of expelling evil spirits, and in his time drove the devil out of hordes of people. By the sign of the cross he calmed down a shy and dangerous horse; and he made a blind man see. Even today, it is said that in the city of Tudertinus his corpse expels the devil daily, and cures the sick as he did in his lifetime.576

Another Fortunatus, highly learned and eloquent, by writing and example encouraged the Gauls to emulate him in his devotion to God. For their king Sigebert (Sigibertum) he wrote a book on how to govern his kingdom. He also wrote the life of the Blessed Martin.577

Germain (Germanus), bishop of Paris, a very holy man, according to some, lived at this time. He kept the kings of France in office in this way: They vied with one another in devotional exercises and goodness; what good works they saw this bishop perform, they performed also. Thus great things are accomplished by the examples of good shepherds.578

Samson (Sampson), bishop of Dol, was illustrious for his piety. During his ordination, a dove descended from heaven and rested on his head until he was consecrated.579

Amandus, bishop of Maastricht (Traiectensis), in Vasconia, in the time when the inhabitants were still very savage, brought the people to a better life by his piety and learning.580

Gregory (Gregorius), archbishop of Tours, was consecrated in the eighth year of the emperor, Justin. He was renowned in all things, and held the office of archbishop for fifteen years. When Gregory the Great became pope, being a well educated man, he wrote a history of the kings of the Franks, and other matters.581

Radegunda (Radegundis), a queen of the Franks, and a native of Thuringia, was stolen and carried away when her fatherland was conquered, and was safely reared by King Lotharius. Although later married to a temporal prince, she was not separated from the heavenly king; for afterwards, through Medardus, she was consecrated to the Lord to a monastic life. With God’s cooperation she built a monastery for the people of Poitiers pursuant to the wish of Lotharius the king. And there she lived with many nuns, in great moderation and performed many wonderful works. She concluded her praiseworthy and blessed life on the 1st day of August.582

Gregory (Gregorius) the Great (on account of his piety and the sublimity of his surpassing moral wisdom), excelled all other learned men. He was born of noble senatorial Roman ancestry. He had as his father Gordian and as his mother Sylvia, very noble Romans. Although, in his youth, he attained to the highest point of natural philosophy and wisdom, and was possessed of great riches, he left all for a spiritual life; and this, though hampered by various temporal affairs requiring his attention. After the death of his father he built six monasteries in Sicily, and a seventh at Rome, in honor of Saint Andrew, in which he lived in humble apparel, scorning more costly clothes. He punished his body with such self-denial that he was barely able to survive with his shrunken stomach. He was held in great veneration for his holiness and piety. He wrote many excellent works at Rome and Constantinople for the benefit of the Christian life.583

FOLIO CXLVIII verso

Year of the World 5793

Year of Christ 594

Gregory (Gregorius) the Great, the first pope of this name, a Roman, was unanimously chosen pope by the people against his own will. And as this election was to take place with the consent of the emperor, Gregory sent a messenger to the emperor Maurice (Maurice) with letters asking him not to confirm such choice by the clergy and the people. But the letters were withheld through the governor of the city of Rome, and were torn up; and other letters were written, asking the emperor to confirm Gregory as pope. This the emperor was glad to do, for Gregory had baptized a son of Maurice at Constantinople. And Maurice sent a message to Gregory, confirming him and ordering him to enter upon the papacy. After this Gregory assumed the burden of the pontificate and the rule of the Christian welfare; and he did nothing to further his own interests, but devoted himself to the common welfare and the honor of God. After scorning and laying aside all worldly riches, pleasure, honor, and power, he so lived that, up to our own time, none of his successors have excelled him in holiness of life, industry in the management of affairs, nor in learning and writing. This highly learned man was so humble that among the popes he was the first to describe himself as the servant of the servants of God. And he made many ordinances for the improvement and maintenance of divine service and of Christian life. Finally he died in the 13th year, 6th month and 10th day of his pontificate, and was buried in the Basilica of Peter with everyone lamenting him on the 12th of the month of March. The Roman chair then rested five months and nineteen days.584

Pope Sabinianus, whose place of nativity is unknown and deservedly so, was the successor to Gregory; but he was very unlike him, and very much opposed to him; for when, during his pontificate a famine occurred, and the people expected alms at his hands, as they had from Gregory, he said only this: that Gregory in order to obtain worldly renown, had dissipated the wealth of the churches; and it so happened that his books were well nigh burned. And thus the envy and wrath of this evil man were kindled against Gregory. Yet he ordained that, aside from the offices, the lamps should be kept lighted in the churches during the day, particularly at the Church of the Blessed Peter. He died after having sat in the pontifical office one year, five months, and 9 days. The chair was vacant by his death for 11 months and twenty-six days.585

Pope Boniface (Bonifacius) the Third, a Roman, came to this worthy office through the emperor Phocas, although not without opposition, on the ground that the chair of Saint Peter the Apostle, which is the head of all churches, should be so called and held by all mankind. For the Constantinopolitan church commenced to give itself up to the formerly evil emperors there, to secure their favor. But the Roman chair is very justly reserved for others, through whom, by reason of the universality and perseverance of the papal see, all heresies are removed and extinguished. After the holding of a council, he ordained many measures. However, all this was set aside by his death in the 9th month of his pontificate. The chair then was vacant one month and six days.586

Year of the World 5813

Year of Christ 614

Pope Boniface (Bonifacius) the Fourth, of Marseilles, secured from the emperor Phocas the church of Saint Mary, the Rotunda, which the people of old called the Pantheon. And he consecrated it in honor of the holy Virgin Mary and all the martyrs. Before this, however, he cast out all the images of the pagan gods, and illuminated the temple. He made a monastery of his paternal home, and gave his landed possessions to the monastery for the use of the monks. He also gave the monks authority to preach and to hear confessions. Not long after this he died in the sixth year, eighth month, and 13th day of his pontificate; and upon his death a famine and flood occurred. He was buried in the Basilica of Peter. The chair then was vacant 7 months and twenty-five days.587

FOLIO CXLIX recto

Maurice (Mauricius) was a son-in-law of the emperor Tiberius, and the first of imperial lineage to be elevated to the office of emperor; and although he was a Cappadocian, he was called upon to assume the sovereignty because of his virtue and firmness in the dispatch of matters of State. The Lombards, for a period of twenty years after the death of their king Alboin, had been governed by dukes; and now they set up a king for themselves; and him they called Flavius, as all preceding Lombard kings had called themselves. Maurice undertook to drive the Lombards out of Italy, and asked Sigebert, king of the Franks, to make war. Sigebert quickly collected a great army out of Gaul and Germany. He fought a great battle with the Lombard king, but was defeated. This victory so encouraged the Lombards that they marched forward to the Sicilian Sea, bringing the Italian states under their power. They besieged Rome for a long time, but could not take it. Now while the Lombards rejoiced in the good fortune of victory, and fell into all manner of vices, Maurice made a law that no Roman not incapacitated or weakened by wounds before the expiration of his service should enter upon the knighthood of the Lord. But Gregory admonished him not to extend his hand into spiritual things, nor attack the clergy. Nevertheless Maurice promoted John, the Constantinopolitan bishop, to an ecumenical patriarch, and admonished Gregory to submit to this. But Gregory answered that the power to bind and loose had been given to Peter and his successors, and not to the Constantinopolitan bishop. Still not satisfied, Maurice moved the Lombards to attack the Romans; and they besieged Rome for a whole year; but not venturing to take the city, they returned to Milan. Maurice rued his treatment of Gregory and accorded him kindly honor. Yet Maurice was a useful man for the common good; for he often fought against the enemy and defeated them. Finally Phocas was elected emperor by the army, and Maurice was slain in the twenty-first year of his reign.588

Phocas took over the sovereignty of the Roman Empire after the death of Maurice and his sons Theodosius, Tiberius, Constantinus, and Advocatus; and he reigned eight years. He was made emperor when he arrived at Constantinople; and although he induced the people to have great faith in him, many were deceived by the result of his dealings; for during his time the Persians under Chosroes (Cosdra) overran the Roman provinces and defeated the army of this emperor. They harassed Jerusalem, and dishonored and destroyed the churches, taking the holy cross from there. They took away as prisoner Zacharias, the holy man, and patriarch of the same city. For this reason Phocas was scorned by all, and particularly by the Roman senate, and was deprived of his sovereignty and of his life by Heraclius, the general of the army and governor of the African provinces. And Heraclius took into the sovereignty with him his son.589

At Saint Peter’s, in Rome, Pope Gregory (Gregorius), that most holy man, held a council of twenty-four bishops; and in that council many points of our faith were duly considered. The proceedings of the four preceding councils, held at Nicaea, Constantinople, Ephesus, and Chalcedon, were publicly confirmed, while the proceedings of the fifth one were recognized. Through the same council Gregory ordained that no man of two marriages should become a priest, and that a bishop should be consecrated but once. He also ordained that he would observe the last decisions in all matters; also that the inception of the mass was to be with a verse from the Psalter; that Kyrie Eleison should be sung or spoken nine times, and Alleluia.590 He also ordained and confirmed the great litany and the order of the churchly offices.591

Afterwards Pope Boniface III also held a council of 72 priests and 33 deacons; and it was ordained that, under pain of excommunication, no successor was to be elected within three days after the death of the pope or bishop. Those also were to be excommunicated, who through gift or favor sought papal or temporal office. He also ordained that all elections of bishops should be by the clergy and the people, and that such elections were to be given as much force as if sanctioned by the princes of the state. He also ordained that a priest about to say mass should always place a clean cloth, called the corporal, upon the altar.

FOLIO CXLIX verso

At this time a Jew stabbed the image on a crucifix, and blood flowed freely from it. It sprayed the Jew, and his footprints became bloody. Christians who saw them followed these bloody prints until they came to the bleeding image; and when they found it they stoned the Jew.

In the sixth year of Emperor Maurice so great a flood occurred that one might have believed it to be a second flood of Noah. The regions of Venetia, Liguria and other Italian provinces were so inundated that the streets and roads disappeared, and farms, meadows, villages and other human habitations were buried as in a sea. Many people and animals were drowned. At this time the river Athesis592 overflowed, and the waters reached the upper windows of the church of Zeno the martyr, located outside the walls of the city of Verona. This flood occurred on the 17th day of October. There also came hail, thunder and lightning, a condition that was almost incredible in the summer. At Rome the Tiber was enlarged to such proportions that the water flowed over the walls, and many areas within them were inundated. And a great dragon, together with many snakes, appeared in the regular watercourse, swimming down the Tiber through the city and into the sea. These disasters were soon followed by a plague which spared only a few of countless numbers. This plague first afflicted Pope Pelagius; and after his demise it spread among the people. Gregory was elected pope during this calamity; and he ordered a litany in seven parts. While one of these was being held eighty people died. He prescribed that seven choirs should participate in this procession: In the first were the clergy, in the second all the abbots and their monks, in the third all the abbesses and their congregations, in the fourth all the children, in the fifth all the laymen, in the sixth all the widows, and in the seventh all the matrons.

At this time the divine Gregory the Great sent Augustine, Miletus (Melitum) and John (Ioannem), and a number of other proved and worthy monks to England, and by these the English people were now for the first time fully instructed in our faith. And among these Englishmen these holy ones came to a blessed end.

At this time also the seamless garment of our Lord Jesus Christ, made by the Blessed Virgin Mary, and which had been given to one of the soldiers, was found in a marble ark in the city of Zaphat,593 not far from Jerusalem, by Gregory, bishop of Antioch, Thoma, the bishop of Jerusalem, and John (Ioanne), the bishop of Constantinople. And after it was found they brought it to Jerusalem and laid it in an ivory ark, where it has been held in great veneration. It is said that when the city of Constantinople was lost, this coat passed into the control of the Turks.

Hermenigild (Hermigildus), king of the Visigoths, son of the king of Spain and the Visigoths, was at this time thrown into prison by his father Leovigild (Lemugildus), and afterwards heinously murdered because he had been converted from the Arian heresy to the true Christian faith by the learning and preaching of the Spanish bishop Leander. After Leander had converted this Hermenigild, the latter’s father persecuted Leander in many ways; and he killed Hermenigild, his own son. Angelic music was heard beside the corpse, and burning lamps were seen. After this the father became ill; and he recalled Leander in order to acknowledge his injustice and to seek forgiveness on account of his sin. And he made Richard (Ricardum), his second son, a king, urging him to become a true and righteous Christian.594

First Column

• Basolus, abbot
• Sindolphus, priest in France
• Euthonicus, of Britain
• Similianus, abbot
• Wungalotus, priest
• Gangericus, bishop of Cambrai
• Furfrus, son of the king of Spain

Second Column

• Body of the blessed Stephen, the first martyr, is brought to Rome
• Phara was a noble virgin
• Walbertus was a disciple of Saint Columbanus
• Deicola, disciple of Saint Columbanus
• Cunbertus, bishop of Cologne, famous for his piety
• Bavo, a robber who, after having been converted by Amandus, led the life of a hermit, under very severe penance, as an example and image of holiness to others

FOLIO CL recto

Authari (Artharis) Flavius, king of the Lombards. After the Lombards had been without a king for ten years, they elected him king; and he reigned for seven years. He was the son of King Daphonus595, whom the Lombards surnamed Flavius. And although elevated to the throne as a youth, he earned great praise through many deeds and transactions; and so much so that all the Lombard dukes entrusted to him one half of their wealth. He built Phara, a very noble city, on the river Abdue. He besieged the city of Brixellus596, situated on the shores of the river Po (Padi), captured it, and razed it to the ground. He enhanced his victory by subjugating everything to the Sicilian Sea, and brought many Italian cities under his control. He also defeated the king of the Franks, together with a large number of his own troops and of Germans, and drove them out of Italy. Afterwards he drove Francilionus, the Roman duke, out of the Comanian Island, and carried away from there great treasures. He married Theodolinda (Theudelindam) daughter of Garibald, the king of the Bavarias, a most Christian woman. Chilperic, king of the Franks, was a bitter enemy of Authari. So he overran the kingdom of Garibald, Authari’s father-in-law, and drove him out of Bavaria; and Garibald fled to his son-in-law. Authari died in the year he was married.597

Theodolinda (Theudelinda), the queen of the Lombards, was the daughter of the king of the Bavarians, and high-born and of illustrious blood. Although young at the beginning of her queenly career, and of distinguished appearance and endowed with great riches, she was noted for her chastity and devout practises. Moved by her virtue, the Blessed Gregory (as some say), wrote her a number of letters of moral import. She was a very brave woman and devoted to the Christian faith. Among other good deeds she built a cloister with her own funds in honor of Columban in the city of Bobium; and to it she gave many landed estates. She also built the Basilica of the Blessed John at Modicia (Modoecia)598 which lies ten thousand paces from Milan, and endowed it with many estates. From this point on the Lombards, following this woman’s example, adopted John the Baptist as their patron saint.599

Agilulf (Agilulphus), king of the Lombards, after king Authari (Artharim) reigned over the Lombards for 21 years. After the latter’s death the Lombards could not agree on a king. They finally concluded that he whom Theodolinda (Theudelinda) should choose to marry should be accepted as king; for she was a woman of such great virtue and honor that her choice was highly regarded. She chose Agilulf. He was a duke of Turin, young, well built, and warlike. The first concerns of this new king were the redemption of prisoners whom Childebert had taken, and to make peace with that king. Having secured peace, he determined to punish the dukes who had been antagonistic to his ancestor Authari. And he slew Minulfus, duke of Saint Julian’s island. When Gandulfus, duke of Bergamum, learned of this he gave himself up, asked mercy and obtained it. So also with Ulfarus, duke of Tervis, who was taken prisoner, bound, and brought before the king. After which the king decided to kill his enemy. Having now achieved peace, he made war against the Romans, besieging Rome for a year. And although a truce was declared, Zotto, duke of Benevento, broke it by attacking the monastery of Cassino; and the abbot fled, taking with him the monks, their clothing, and the book of regulations. The monastery was plundered by the barbarians and razed to the ground. And this may have been the downfall of this most celebrated monastery which (as Gregory writes) was predicted by Benedict, the holy father, who said he should hardly wish to reach God unless some of the souls from his city had accompanied him. However, Benitus, fourth abbot after Benedict, reached Rome with his brethren. Not long after the commission of this crime Zotto (Zoto) died and Arrigus was made duke by the king. Later the Lombards moved their array before Padua, which had been without fortifications since the days of the tyrant Atilla, being protected only by a moat and embankments. The buildings within had been reconstructed of wood; so when the wind was favorable, the Lombards threw flaming torches and fiery darts into these wooden buildings; and they ravaged the city with fire. This Agilulf and his Lombards were finally converted at the request of a Christian king from idolatry to Christ. And he returned the property of the churches, and died. He left a son, Adaloald (Adoaldum), still a child, and its mother Theodolinda.600

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Pope Deusdedit, a Roman whose father was Stephen the subdeacon, was a very good father who was very fond of the clergy and augmented their number. They say this man possessed such holiness that by a kiss he cured a leprous person instantly. He ordained that a godson should not marry the godchild of his godfather. In the time of this pope God permitted (as his name indicates)601 many calamities to take place, such as earthquakes, and such rashes or sores developed as made persons susceptible to leprosy, and so deformed them that they could not be recognized. He died in the 3rd year and 23rd day of his pontificate and was buried in the Basilica of Peter on the sixth day of the Ides of November. By his death the papal chair was then vacant for one month and 16 days.602

Sisebutus, a king of the Visigoths, reigned 36 years. At first he was a pagan, but later became a Christian. He brought back under his rule many Spanish provinces which had been subjugated by the Romans. Such Jews as he was able to seize in his kingdom, he forced by severe tortures to accept the Christian faith in accordance with the wishes of Heraclius. Heraclius had been warned to beware of the circumcised; yet he was afterward oppressed, not by the Jews, but by the Saracens, who also practiced circumcision. Now this king was such a powerful man that he took from the Romans all their Spanish possessions, and thus ended the Constantinopolitan imperial rule in Spain.

Pope Boniface (Bonifacius) the Fifth, of Campania, whose father was John (Joanne) began his pontificate at the time Eleutherius was dispatched to Rome by Heraclius, but made himself king of Italy.603 Boniface was a man of truly singlular humanity, who showed good will and mercy to the people, neglecting nothing becoming a good shepherd. He ordained that those fleeing to the churches should not be removed from them; also that the Acolytes should not touch the blood of the martyrs; and that those who injured what was holy at any place should be burned. He died in the fifth year and 10th day of his pontificate, and was buried accompanied by all the people’s tears in the Basilca of Peter. After his death the seat was vacant at that time for 13 days.604

Pope Honorius the First, also of Campania, whose father was Petronius, lived at the time when Theodolinda died. Not being troubled with extraneous affairs, he rejuvenated all the clergy with his learning and piety. He improved many churches at Rome, put a bronze roof on the Basilica of Peter, and erected many other churches at Rome. This very pious man died in the 12th year, 11th month and 17th day of his pontificate, and was buried in the Basilica of Peter. After his death the chair then rested one year, seven months, and 18 days.605

Year of the World 5823

Year of Christ 624

Pope Severinus the First, a Roman whose father was Labienus, was confirmed as pope in place of the deceased Honorius by Isacius (Ycatio), the supreme ruler of all Italy; for at that time the election of a pope by the clergy was considered ineffectual unless confirmed by the emperors or their highest state representative. He was a man of exceptional kindness and devout spiritual practices; a lover of the poor, encouraging and kind to the needy; honest and gracious toward all men; and illustrious in the rebuilding and improvement of the churches. He died in the first year and second month of his pontificate, and was buried in the Basilica of Peter on the fourth day of the Nones of August. The chair then was vacant for four months and twenty-nine days.606

Pope John (Ioannes) the Fourth, from Dalmatia, whose father was Venancius, as soon as he became pope, showed himself man of wonderful goodness. With the funds left by Isacius (Ysacius) he redeemed, as far as possible, all prisoners. And as soon as he had assumed the cares of his office he ordained that anyone who unlawfully dared seize the property of the church should be compelled to restore it four-fold. During the time of this pope, Rhotaris, king of the Lombards, favored the Arian errors and permitted two bishops at one and the same time, and of equal authority, in all the cities of his realm—one a Catholic, the other an Arian. But John, full of good works, died in the first year, ninth month, and ninth day of his pontificate, and was buried in the Basilica of Peter on the fourth day of the Ides of October. The chair then was vacant for one month and thirteen days.607

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Heraclius was acknowledged as an augmenter of the empire. He was crowned by Sergius, the Constantinopolitan patriarch, and received the Eastern Empire. And immediately he sent to Italy the Constantinopolitan imperial chamberlain, Eleutherius, a well informed captain, experienced in military matters and practises; and he equipped him with men and money for the purpose of confirming these matters in Italy. And now he organized the men from the vicinity in Asia and Europe, and the men his father Heraclianus sent him from Africa (and continued to send him from day to day), and sent them against Chosroes (Cosdroem), the Persian king, for the protection of the Roman provinces. For after the said Chosroes had harassed Mesopotamia and Palestine, he marched against Jerusalem and captured it; and he destroyed the churches and holy places, although (as some historians state) he is said to have shown the holy cross some veneration; for he carried off that part of the cross which Helena, the mother of Constantine the Great, had deposited at the place where Christ was crucified. And he kept it at home in a throne which he caused to be made, ornamented with wonderful work in gold and precious stones. In the sixth year of his reign the Persians conquered all of southern Asia, then turning their arms to Egypt. They captured Alexandria, and tarried there until the cry was heard that Heraclianus, the emperor’s father, had assembled a great army in Africa. But at this same time Heraclianus died. When the Persians heard this they captured Carthage. At the same time Heraclius assembled a large army, and brought back into his power many provinces that had been harassed by the Persians. In a singular battle he struck the captain of the Persians, knocking him from his horse as dead. And he crushed Chosroes, the Persian king; but his son, whom he captured, he caused to be baptized and restored to his father’s kingdom. And he marched into Persia and plundered the castle of Chosroes, which was filled with treasures. Of those he gave one portion to his soldiers, setting aside the other for the rebuilding of the temple and the churches which Chosroes had destroyed. He came to Jerusalem with seven elephants loaded with the great riches he had taken from the enemy; and the cross of the Lord, which the Persians had carried away, he brought back and restored to its former place. Those who had been taken prisoner by the Persians he sent back home. Now it so happened in the twelfth year of the reign of Heraclius that he brought the cross of the Lord to Jerusalem with great pomp; and when he arrived at the gate, through which one passes to the place called Calvary, and the hosts preceding him had gone out, and he himself was about to pass through, he stood still before the gate, although no one restrained him. Then the patriarch, who tarried at his side, said to him: Jesus, the master of poverty and humility, did not carry the cross out of here as you are about to do, clad in purple and costly raiment. Then the emperor immediately humbled himself. And having donned humble apparel, walked barefooted through the gate, now open, where before it appeared to be closed. He carried the cross to the place called Calvary. This Heraclius indiscreetly prided himself upon his accomplishments and fell into various errors of heresy. He finally died of the dropsy in the 30th year of his reign.608

They say that in these days fire fell from the heavens; and a huge rainbow appeared, and the people thought that the end of the world had come because of the frightful lightning and claps of thunder. This was followed by a great plague which, during the summer, consumed many people. A good and an evil angel were seen passing through the city. And the evil angel, at the direction of the good angel, knocked on the doors of the houses; and on the next day as many people died in each house, as knocks had been given on the door.

Various wonders and frightful things occurred in Greece at this time, presaging the misdeeds of Mohammed (Mahometi); for in a certain year a fiery comet was seen at Constantinople; and a child with four feet was born. And in the island of Delos were seen two sea-wonders in human form. And so many things of a like nature appeared in various regions and places.

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Mohammed (Machometus), an Arab, or (as some would have it) a Persian, was born of a noble pagan father and an Ishmaelite woman of Hebrew parentage. And although he had his origin in two contrary sects or faiths, he was not fully attached to either, but according to his own notion and by his cunning intelligence, he drew upon the laws of both, blowing up a dangerous conflagration for all mankind. For among the Arabs (by whom he was held in great veneration), he openly said that Chosroes (Cosdroem), the king of Persia, together with all his relatives, was not wiped out without good reason, having caused himself to be worshipped above God, although he was a very evil person and himself worshipped idolatrous gods. However, in his disputations upon the Hebrew and Christian laws, he said that both laws were in unison, but that both people were misled through grave errors. These errors he summed up follows: He admonished the Hebrews because they denied that Christ was born of a virgin, although her parents had announced this beforehand. On the other hand he admonished the Christians for lightheartedness in holding that Jesus, though ignominiously born of a virgin, was God’s favorite, and yet God wished him to suffer death on the cross at the hands of the Jews. But Mohammed proclaimed his own law, promising that if the Saracens would accept and keep it, and follow him as the divine messenger sent to reveal it, they would attain freedom as well as rule and sovereignty over their neighbors. With a mighty army of Arabs he harassed the provinces of the Roman Empire; but Heraclius soon silenced the revolt. Afterwards the Arabs and Saracens again took up arms; and in the six hundred and twenty-third year from the Nativity of Christ they defeated the generals of Heraclius, and of him who was at first a fortunate man, they made a most unfortunate one. Mohammed called himself the Great Prophet of God, and he deceived the people of Asia and Africa by black magic; and by the pronouncement of a new faith he so influenced them that they completely extirpated the name of the empire. This false faith now holds the upper hand more than before; for all Asia and Africa, and a large part of Europe, has been subordinated to Mohammedan princes. Now by land and sea they are attempting to drive us out of this small corner of Europe. And in order that this Mohammed (as is stated in his book of laws) might lead his followers still further away from the Christian faith, he emulated certain heretics, chiefly the Nestorians, in the interpretation and description of his own laws; and he gathered together many things against the Mosaic laws and the Gospels, and assembled these in one book. And to increase the grip of his laws, he ordained that a man might take four wives of his own race, as many concubines as he could support, and as many purchased wives as he wished. However, he ordered his followers not to drink wine; and those who obeyed his laws he promised the Garden of Eden. Those who scorned his laws he threatened with hell. He stated that Moses and John the Baptist were the great prophets of God; but that Christ was the greatest of all the prophets and born of divine power and cooperation, and not of the human seed of the Virgin Mary, etc. After he had reigned six years and had attained the age of 34 years, he died in the Year of the Lord 632, after having indulged himself in adultery, drunkenness and wantonness.609

Isidore (Isydorus), the Spanish bishop, a disciple of Pope Gregory, was at this time in great esteem because of his great learning, virtue, and numerous miracles; and he wrote very many notable things of service to the Christian faith, and concerning other matters.610

Goar, of Aquitania, in Gaul, was illustrious for his piety and miracles. He built a church in the suburbs of Trier, near the water, and in it deposited many relics of the saints. There, also, he served God day and night in watching, praying and preaching, converting many people to Christ, and curing the sick. He suffered many temptations at the hands of the Devil. He restored life and speech to a dumb dead child. He ignored efforts to make him bishop of Trier, and at the end of his old age, he died in blessedness.611

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Gall (Gallus), a disciple of the Blessed Columban, lived in the West, and in his manner of life he earned for himself the name of saint. He flourished in Germany in the time of Emperor Heraclius. In recognition of his services the monastery of Saint Gall was built for him in the bishopric of Constance. In this monastery flourished many men of virtuous and miraculous lives. Although four hundred lived there in piety, one of their number, called Erubrinus, fled from there, having been enticed away by Brunigild, the queen of France. The Blessed Gall finally went to rest in the Lord, having attested his holiness by many miracles.612 Eustachius the abbot followed in his footsteps, and Saint Aurea followed him. In her honor the Blessed Eligius built a convent for women.613 At this time they also say that a certain Basilius, who shared equal honors with Isidore the bishop in life, virtue and skill, lived.

John (Ioannes), a monk, and later a bishop of Gerunda,614 preserved the Christian faith by his preaching, teaching, and writings. He was a Goth and sought learning at Constantinople. He became so versed in the Greek and Latin tongue and script, that upon his return to Lusitania he easily put to scorn the Arian heresy which had then gained the upper hand; but on this account the heretics sent him into exile. However, after the death of King Leovigild (Lemungildis), who favored the heretics, he returned, built a cloister, and wrote many things favorable to the Christian faith.

Adaloald (Adoaldus), son of Agilulf by Theodolinda, reigned with his mother for ten years after the death of his father. At the age of four years his father had espoused him to the daughter of Theodobert, king of the Franks. They were on terms of peace with the Lombards and Italians for ten years, and in the meantime liberally endowed the churches.615

Eleutherius, ninth exarch of the Roman emperor in Italy, was a Greek of noble birth, well versed in military matters. The Emperor Heraclius sent him into Italy, but when he came to Ravenna he declared himself king of Italy. However, when he later went to Rome, he was slain by his own soldiers because of his haughty demeanor, and his head was sent to Constantinople.616

Eligius, bishop of Novia,617 was held in great veneration at this time for his many virtues. A countless number of miracles attest to his wonderful life. He was born in the country about the city of Lemona. His father was Eucherius; his mother, Terrigia. In his youth his father apprenticed him to a goldsmith. Having served his apprenticeship he went to France, taking service with the goldsmith of the king. Now the king wished a saddle ornamented in gold and silver. The master furnished Eligius with all the material, and out of this he made two very beautiful saddles; and in consequence his renown at court increased. He so loved the poor that what he did not require for his mere necessities he generally expended upon them. Later on he withdrew from the world, and with the assistance of the king built many monasteries. From the time of Brunigild to that of King Dagobert, the evil of simony flourished in Gaul, and Eligius industriously applied himself to uprooting it. For this he was appointed bishop there; and he exercised his authority in many other places. He discovered several holy bodies, and ornamented many saintly graves and coffins with gold and silver, and King Dagobert bore the expense. Eligius also restored sight to a blind man. He died at the age of 70, and a year after his burial he was found in a good state of preservation, his hair and beard appearing to have grown in the grave.618

Rupert (Rupertus), a bishop born from the royal line of the Franks, governed the bishopric of Worms in the time of Childebert (Hildeberti), king of France. After that sovereign’s death Rupert was beaten with rods by Duke Berchgarius (Berchario), who destroyed the churches and forcibly drove Rupert from the Episcopal see. After this he was cheerfully received at Regensburg by Theodo, the duke of Bavaria, whom he baptized, together with many nobles and common people. Later on he traveled from Noricum to Pannonia, preaching and proclaiming Christ, the Light of the Faith. Finally he came to the river Ivarus, on which is located the city then called Juvavia (after the river), and now known as Salzburg. This city was a distinguished one among barbarian cities, but was then fallen into ruin, being overgrown with weeds, shrubbery and woods. And when Rupert saw that the place was well situated and adapted to a bishopric, he acquired it from the duke of Bavaria. And there he built a church in honor of Saint Peter, sending forth his disciples to convert the mountain people to the faith. Therefore he is called the Apostle of Bavaria, Austria, Steier, etc. After many works of piety he died in blessedness on Easter Day, having occupied the Episcopal chair for 44 years.619

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Salzburg (Saltzburga), once upon a time called Juvavia and Petena, is a very old city of Noricum, and now a principal Episcopal city of Bavaria. It had its origin, as they say, in the time of the emperor Julius. It is not far from the mountains which at one time belonged to Noricum and which are now ascribed to Germany. The Norici, who lived in the mountains nearby (as Pliny writes), were formerly called Taurisci; and even now as then around the Carni within the first boundaries of Germany, the people are called Thauri.620 At one time the Saxons and the people of the Marches overran the country of the Wends;621 and the Roman Gnaeus Papirius Carbo fought with them in the mountains not far from Noricum, and (as Strabo says) suffered defeat.622 But not long afterwards three mighty people, the Saxons, the Germans, and the people of the mountains bordering on Austria, all at one and the same time overran Italy and, as Plutarch says, one portion of them passed through Noricum; but the armies were defeated and destroyed—the first, not far from Salzburg near the mountains, and the second on the Athesis;623 and of the barbarian peoples (as Pliny states) three hundred forty thousand were slain, and one hundred fifty thousand were taken prisoner. This rebellion not only frightened all the countries which were invaded, but all Italy as well. And thus the Roman arms passed here and there through Noricum, accompanied by so much commotion that the Norici could hardly continue to live there; and at one time they were obliged to endure the presence of three armies in the vicinity. Now the Romans went to war with the people along the Danube, and also with the Pannonians, Wends and Germans; and they used Salzburg as a base for the ingress and egress of their arms. Now when Julius, the Roman emperor, was about to attack the Germans, he ordered a fortress to be built on a hill in the same region where the Roman army might take refuge, or from which they might secure help; and therefore the fortress was called Juvavium (which according to the vernacular tongue624 is called Helfenburg). The name was also derived from Ivarus, the river upon which the fortress was situated. And the city which was later built there was called Juvavia,

FOLIO CLIII recto

after the fortress. This city has ponds, lakes, fields, hills, and mountains, in which the Salzburgers and their neighbors may make their homes and have their pastures, and secure birds and game, as well as fish. t also has ample highways over which the Germans may transport their merchandise back and forth in their commerce with Italy and other countries. This city was well protected with walls, embankments, and high towers, and therefore was the seat of the kings. In the time of the pagans it possessed marble temples erected to their gods. Although the city continued to flourish for a long time, it was afterward attacked by Attila, king of the Huns, and suffered by fire and sword to such an extent that it was entirely devastated and ruined. In the Year of Salvation five hundred eighty, when Saint Rupert (Rudbertus) had converted Theodo, the duke of Bavaria, and the people of the vicinity to the Christian faith, he finally came to the river Juvarus, now called the Salzach (Saltzaha); and he found the ruins of the city overgrown with forest brush and shrubbery. He renewed and rebuilt the place as a city, which in time became the most celebrated city of Bavaria. And as Saint Rupert considered it well situated and adapted to a bishopric, he secured its possession and liberty from the duke of Bavaria; and he caused the timber, brush and weeds to be uprooted and cleared away, and a church to be built there in honor of Saint Peter. With funds furnished by the duke he also caused a monastery of the Order of Saint Benedict to be built there. And he ruled the bishopric 44 years, and the Blessed Vitalis was his successor. Afterwards Saint Virgilius, the bishop, built the chief Episcopal church there, and in it he placed the body of Saint Rupert. Later Gebhardus, the bishop, caused the defenses to be repaired; and the city was beautified in many respects. At present the city is surrounded with huge fortifications, and improved with beautiful structures—monasteries, churches and houses, and a fortress. In addition to all this the city is graced with many venerable relics of saints.625

Concerning these things the text below is added:

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Year of the World 5833

Year of Christ 634

Pope Theodore (Theodorus), a Greek whose father was Theodore, a bishop of Jerusalem, upon becoming pope carefully considered all things necessary to the advancement of spiritual Christian life; and he conducted himself toward the people, particularly the poor, with wonderful goodness. He ordained that the Easter wax tapers should be blessed on Easter eve. And he ordered that no one should be given a divorce who contracted a marriage after an invalid vow. This pope condemned to exile Pyrrhus (Pirrhum), the Constantinopolitan patriarch, and Sergius, and other heretics. He brought the bodies of Primus and Felicianus, the saintly martyrs, to Rome, and buried them in the Church of Stephen, the first martyr, and beautified their resting place. Afterwards he built a church and two chapels. He died in the sixth year, fifth month and 18th day of his pontificate and was buried in the Basilica of Peter on the day before the Ides of May. The bishop’s chair then was vacant fifty-two days.629

Pope Martin (Martinus) the First, a native of Tudertis whose father was Fabricius, was made pope after Theodore. He sent a messenger to Constantinople to admonish Paul to turn from his errors and to adhere to the truth; but as Paul ignored this papal admonition the pope deposed him from his office. This displeased the emperor Constans, who, in response, made Olympius (Olimpium), his chamberlain, an exarch of Italy, with instructions to seize Martin and send him to him. During this controversy the Saracens at Alexandria prepared for war; and they came to Rhodes with a mighty fleet, took the city, and demolished the very famous Colossus, the bronze of which they loaded on nine hundred camels.630 However, Constans did not change his attitude even in the face of such calamity and distress, but sent another exarch, Theodore Calliopas, into Italy under orders that he bring to the emperor, the pope, Martin, in bonds. Now as he was well received by the Romans, he approached the pope with feigned friendly greetings, at the same time throwing chains about his neck and sending him to Constantinople. From there Martin was exiled to the same place to which the Blessed Clemens, the Roman bishop631, had been sent once upon a time; and as this Martin was there steeped in much sorrow and need, and depressed, he finally died in exile in the 6th year, first month and 26th day of his pontificate, having given many proofs of his virtue; and he has been illustrious to the present day; and for these reasons he is numbered among the holy martyrs. The day of his commemoration is November 10th. The chair at Rome then was vacant 14 months; and no one can say anything for certain concerning this very holy man’s death.632

Year of the World 5843

Year of Christ 644

Pope Eugenius the First, a Roman whose father was Rufianus from the Caelian Hill, became pope after Martin, and at the very time that Peter was installed at Constantinople to succeed Paul, the heretic. And although said Peter in some measure observed the Christian practises more than Paul had done, he did not entirely follow them in manner and form as they were prescribed by the holy Roman Church. This pope was a man of marvelous goodness, piety, gentleness, graciousness, and kindness. He ordained that no monk should leave his monastery on any account whatsoever without the leave of his superior. He died in the second year and ninth month of his pontificate, and was buried in the Basilica of Peter on the fourth day of the Nones of June. The chair then was vacant for 1 month and 28 days.633

Pope Vitalianus, a Signinian from the town of the Volsci whose father was Anastasius, became pope. Being a very good man and diligent in divine service, he made many regulations pertaining to the divine office; and (as some would have it) permitted the use of the organ. He sent Theodore, the archbishop, and Adrianus (Hadrianum), the abbot, highly learned men, to Britain, and called England, to maintain the faith. He died in the 14th year and 6th month of his pontificate, and was buried in the Basilica of Peter on the 6th day of the Kalends of February. The bishop’s chair then was vacant 4 months and 15 days.634

Pope Adeodatus, a Roman whose father was Jovinian, was elevated from monk to pope. He was a pious and gracious man, kind to the poor, good to guests, merciful to the indigent. He restored and dedicated the Church of the Blessed Peter on the Via Portuensis next to the bridge of Meruli (Pons Meruli) at that time. He improved with new buildings the monastery of Saint Erasmus (Herasmi) on the Caelian Hill, in which he lived a monastic life; and to destroy strange omens that often appeared in his time, he conducted many litanies.635 Finally in the fourth year, second month, and fifth day of his pontificate this very holy man died; and he was buried in the Basilica of Peter mourned by many on the sixth day of the Kalends of July. The chair then was vacant four months and 20 days.636

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Constantine (Constantinus) the Third was raised to the sovereignty upon the death of his father Heraclius. Chosroes (Cosdroas), the king of Persia, flourished as a powerful victor and could not be prevailed upon to make peace. So Heraclius sent an army against this barbarian people, primarily to protect the city of Constantinople. And he put his son Constantine into the government as his associate, and he appointed the venerable patriarch Sergius and the capable man Bonosus to act as his preceptors. He was afterwards elevated to the throne in his father’s stead; but four months later he was put to death by poison by Martina, his stepmother, and Heracleonas, his brother, who were incited to this misdeed by Pyrrhus, the Constantinopolitan patriarch.637

Heracleonas (Heraclion) took over the sovereignty after the death of his brother and in the time when Cyrus, Sergius and Pyrrhus furthered and held to the Acephalian heresy, to the effect that in Christ there is but one activity of will, though he was both man and God.638 But after the death of Heraclius, Pyrrhus returned from Africa (to which he had been exiled for his heresy) to Rome; and he fell at the feet of Pope Theodore, pleading for mercy and pardon, because (as above stated) he had incited Martina and Heracleonas to an evil deed. Now as this Heracleonas secured the sovereignty after the death of Constantine, and administered the public affairs in an evil and unworthy manner, the Constantinopolitan senate and the people became enraged against Martina and Heracleonas; and they caused her tongue and his nose to be out off, and sent them into exile; and in their fury the people slew Pyrrhus.639

Constans, the Constantinopolitan emperor, and son of the emperor Constantine, was elevated soon after Heracleonas; while Paul, the patriarch, was put into the place of the dead Pyrrhus by the senate and the people, of which mention was made in the description of Pope Martin. And Constans planned an invasion of Italy, not (as he let it be known) to drive the Lombards out of Italy, but to rob the city of Rome and its dependencies of their riches and treasures. Now, when Constans came to Rome he was met before the city by Pope Vitalianus and the clergy, and a great number of the people. He first escorted the emperor to Saint Peter’s, and then to the other churches. The emperor inspected them for five days, one after the other; and he resolved to carry away their treasures. What he saw, made of bronze and marble, he managed to carry away, or to take by force and to load into ships; so that in seven days he deprived the city of Rome of more treasures than the barbarians before him had taken in two hundred fifty-eight years. After this he went to Naples and from there he shipped to Sicily and remained at Syracuse; and there he was slain in his bath by Misesso, an Armenian, in the twenty-eighth year of his sovereignty. In his place Mezezius (Mezentius), by whose deceit they believe Constans was killed, was made emperor by the soliders.640

Pope Martin (Martinus) held a council of one hundred fifty bishops at Rome, against Paul, the Constantinopolitan patriarch. The messengers which said pope had sent (as above stated) to Paul, were, at the command of the emperor Constans, exiled to various islands. When Martin heard this, he first of all, in this same council, revived the excommunication of Cyrus, Sergius and Pyrrhus; and he excommunicated Paul, then patriarch of Constantinople, and sought to deprive him of his office. In the meantime the peace of Italy which had lasted for thirty years between the Romans and the Lombards, was broken; for the Lombards sought to manage matters according to their own wishes, while the Romans opposed themselves to what was undertaken contrary to justice and fairness.

FOLIO CLIIII verso

Jodoc (Iodocus) the holy hermit, was renowned in these times for his virtue; and although the son of a king of the Britons, he disdained royal honors and worldly pomp and went to the wilderness. And there he lived in piety for a long time. He performed many miracles, and finally died in blessedness.641

Etheldreda (Egiltrudis), queen of England, was renowned at this time. Although espoused to three men, she remained a virgin. Eleven years after her burial her body was found still undecayed.642

Aurea, most holy virgin, disciple or Saint Eligius, flourished at Paris at this time, renowned for her chastity, holiness and great patience. She was of noble parentage. Because of her piety and knowledge Eligius made her the superior over three hundred virgins.643

Fursey (Forseus), son of a Hibernian king, with two brothers, scorning the pomp of royalty, entered monastic life. He built a monastery, and after his brothers were consecrated, he died in blessedness. Four years later his body was disinterred by bishops Eligius and Ausbertus, and no signs of decomposition were found.644

Oswald (Oswaldus), king of Northumbria, was slain by Penda, the Mercian king, in the first year of Emperor Heracleonas. He ruled over people of many tongues, namely the Picts, Scots, Britons and English. His right hand with which he bestowed many alms, together with his arm, head and sinews all undecomposed, are still to be seen, although the rest of his body has gone to ashes. The hand is shown as a relic at Bamburgh (Bembaburch).645

Saint Gertrude (Gerdrudis) of Nivelles, died in the 20th year of the emperor Constans. She was a daughter of Ida, widow of King Pepin, who, with the consent of the holy Amandus, built a cloister, and placed her daughter in it over the virgins. On the day of her death she appeared to an abbess at Trier, who knew of her reputation, and to her, announced her death. She was illustrious for many miracles.646

Leodegar (Leodegarius), the bishop during the time of Constans the emperor, was tortured in many ways, imprisoned and starved by Ebroïn (Ebronius), a rogue whom Theodoric, the emperor, had received hack into his good graces. After cutting out his eyes, tongue, and vitals, and lacerating his heels, he was beheaded. After his death he became illustrious for many miracles. 647

Vigilius, the bishop of Autesiodorum,648 of noble birth, illustrious for his piety, administered the said bishopric for 26 years. And there, outside of the city, he built a church to the Blessed Mary together with a cloister. By reason of his piety he despised the enemies of righteousness; for this reason he was slain in the forest by Warachus, an officer of the king of France. This same Warachus was a relative of Ebroϒn (Ebrionio), who persecuted Leodogar. This same Ebroϒn was seen as he was carried to hell by demons. But when Vigilius was being taken home through the city of Sens (Senona), the chains of the prisoners broke and they emerged from their cells; and they brought their chains to the aforesaid church.649

FOLIO CLV recto

Caesara (Cesaria), queen of the Persians, because of her devotion to the Christian faith, at this time, without the knowledge of her husband, and accompanied by a small number of her faithful and confidential followers, left her homeland in disguise and came to Constantinople in the year 683. She was honorably received by the emperor, and a number of days later was baptized at her own request, the emperor acting as her godfather. When the news reached the king of Persia, he speedily sent his messenger to Constantinople to demand the return of his wife by the emperor. In response the emperor said that the queen was free to stay or to return home; and when she was asked, she said that she would never return unless the king became a Christian. Before long the king came to Constantinople with forty thousand men. He was well received by the emperor, and, together with his men, was baptized and confirmed in the true faith, the emperor acting as godfather and honoring him with many presents and gifts; after which the king, together with his spouse, joyfully returned to his kingdom.650

Rothari (Rotharis), the king of the Lombards, reigned 16 years after his predecessor, Arioaldus. Although gifted with many virtues, he was spotted with the Arian stain, bringing all the Lombards under his influence. Thus he had two bishops in each place, one a Christian, the other an Arian. In military affairs and in battle he was so efficient and ingenious that he brought under his dominion Etruria and Liguria, together with the maritime countries as far as Massilia (Marseilles). He was also so intelligent that he assembled in proper order in a book all the laws that were in use, which he called the Edict; for prior to that time the Lombards had been without laws for a period of seventy-one years. Finally, after a battle with Theodorus, the exarch of Italy, in which the latter lost seven thousand men, Rothari died, leaving no sons.651

Rodoald (Rodoaldus), his (i.e., Rothari’s) son, succeeded him and ruled for five years. To him the daughter of Queen Theodolinda was married. He sank so low in sensuality that he committed adultery with the wife of another, who stabbed him to death.652

Aripert (Aripertus) reigned after him (Rodoald) for 9 years. He built a beautiful church at Pavia in honor of our Savior, and died leaving two sons, Berthari (Pertheritem) and Godepert (Gundibertum), as successors to the kingdom. During this same period the Lombards were at peace with Rome and Ravenna; but they incited all manner of tumult among themselves. Now when Grimoald (Grimoaldus), Lombard duke of Beneventum, learned that these two brothers were at odds, he came to Pavia with a large army, driving Berthari, the younger brother, out of Pavia, and Godepert out of Milan. When this dissension became known to Clovis, king of the Franks, he sent a large force of men into Italy; but Grimoald routed them. Some write that the Lombards, anticipating the Gauls, feigned mass retreat, leaving behind them their camp and wagon fortifications, in which they left a large quantity of wine, in the meantime secreting themselves in ambush at no great distance. The wine gave the Gauls great joy, and they sated themselves with it until they fell asleep. Immediately, then, they were slain like cattle.653

The Saracens at this time consumed so much wealth that, after they had subdued and calmly taken possession of the provinces in Asia that used to belong to the Romans, they took for granted they would invade Europe. And thus, sailing with a great navy from Alexandria, they arrived at Rhodes, an island of the Roman Empire. There they took the city, and demolished the very famous Colossus (from which the principal city of the island took its name), the bronze of which they loaded on nine hundred camels. And with Rhodes devastated the Saracens sailed into the Aegean Sea and afflicted many islands of the Cyclades.654

Grimoald (Grimmoaldus), tenth king of the Lombards, reigned for 9 years. This king possessed many illustrious gifts of mind and body, for he was not only possessed of intelligence and versatility in his dealings, but also was otherwise able and virtuous. He was of medium stature, strong body, bald head, long beard, and active physically and mentally. He caused blood to be let from an artery in his arm, and when he drew the bow to shoot a pigeon, the artery bled and did not cease until he died.655

After the death of the emperor Constantius656 the Saracens came with a great fleet, oppressing the city of Syracuse and the entire island. With their plunder they returned to Alexandria, also bringing with them the treasures and ornaments of the city of Rome which Constans himself had taken there.657

Dagobert (Dagobertus), the king of the Franks, a man of cunning intelligence, clever in counsel and deed, died about this time. His soul was released from the hands of demons by the help of Dionysius and Mauritius (Mauricii), the martyrs, and Martin, the confessor, whom he afterwards honored as his patrons and advisers for the rest of his life. He reigned 34 years and was at perpetual enmity with the English. With the co-operation of the emperor Heraclius he caused all the Jews in his kingdom to be baptized.658

FOLIO CLV verso

Erfurt (Erfordia), the great and memorable city, the capital of the province of Thuringia, and by the ancients called Erphesfurt, has a high hill called Saint Peter’s. When the decline of the (Roman) Empire began from the time of Theodosius, the emperor, and under Arcadius and Honorius, the emperors, the Franks threw off the Roman governors from the Rhine toward Italy, and submitted themselves to the rule of a king of their own. When the Thuringians observed this, they elected as king, from another region to the east of the Rhine, and upon the advice of the king of France, Merwigus. He built a citadel on the same hill, and a castle at Erfurt, which is now the church of Saint Dionysius, and which the common man calls Merwisburg. After the death of this king, Bassinus received the sovereignty of Thueringia; and for him Childeric (Hildericus), the king of France, afterward provided a wife. During this time the village of Schildinorde was located where the Basilica of Saint Andrew now stands. In a marsh near the river Gera (which now runs through the city for almost half its length, and by the use of which the whole city is cleansed and beautified) a noted and renowned miller had a roadway. Said miller’s name was Erpff; and near his mill was a passage or ford. Now, when in the Year of Salvation four hundred thirty-eight, in the time of Clovis, king of the Franks, this city had its beginning, it was named Erffordia after the miller and the ford. The noble French king Dagobert (Tagoberto) during his reign made of the citadel on the hill a Benedictine monastery in honor of Saint Peter of the Order of Saint Benedict, after which the mountain of Saint Peter was named; and he also endowed Saint Gangolf’s Church. Later Boniface, the archbishop of Mainz, under Pepin (Pipino) the king of the Franks, converted Thuringia to the faith, and built a church to the glorious and perpetual Virgin Mary; and he established a bishopric there, which, however, was later absorbed by that at Mainz. Erfurt is situated in a good plain with fertile soil. It bears an herb called sandix and saponaria659 that is very useful in the dyeing of cloth. Through its fields flow the Gera and other rivers, whose moisture makes the region fruitful. About it is also an abundant pasturage. After the year one thousand sixty-six the city was surrounded with walls and bastions, and its size was greatly increased by the addition of residences and houses, and was improved by the beautification of its monasteries and churches. This city was the very famous seat of Thuringia, being situated in the center of the country and possessing an abundance of grain and other necessities. When the country and city were freed of tithes, they on that account suffered much ill will and had much to fear at the hands of the princes in the vicinity, particularly so in the time of Henry the Third. He built castles and great fortresses

FOLIO CLVI recto

on all the mountains and elevations in Saxony and Thuringia; and for this purpose he levied a tax. But as this did not bring sufficient revenue, he contrived the attack of the nearest villages and farms, as though by an enemy, so that the people in the vicinity would at all events be compelled to fortify and preserve the buildings that he had begun. And so that he himself might not openly be suspected of ravaging the country, and in order to conceal his evil purpose by an appearance of goodness, he incited the archbishop of Mainz, by every means, to collect tithes of Thuringia (as he had previously often attempted to do), offering to stand by the archbishop and to assist him in the attempt, and by royal authority coerce those who resisted; but this he made conditional, namely, that a portion of such tithes be given to the king in order to enable him to complete the buildings he had undertaken. Accordingly, the bishop called a council at Erfurt; and on the day appointed, came the king, the archbishop, Bishop Herman (Hermanus) of Bamberg, and others, who were called upon to consider and decide the matter. The Thuringians placed their hope and faith chiefly in the abbot of Fulda and of Hernelda, who had many churches and estates in Thuringia that were receiving tithes. And when they were openly requested to give them over, they urged the archbishop, that above all things, and for God’s sake, he cause to remain undiverted that which since ancient times had been given to the cloisters—a right which the papal see had often confirmed by documents, old and new, and which his predecessors in the archbishopric of Mainz had never attempted to disturb. When the archbishop would not desist from his purpose, the Thuringians appealed to the papal see; but the king refused to permit this on pain of death. Immediately after that followed the Saxon war; and after that no tithes of any kind were demanded. And the Thuringians rejoiced that they had found occasion for protecting by force of arms the laws which had been given them and their forefathers. This so severely grieved the king that he almost lost his kingdom, together with his life. In this city lie interred the remains of many saintly persons, attested by celebrated men, namely, the holy bishops Adolarius, Eobanus, Severus, and Vincent, to whom churches have been built. The venerated university had its beginning here in the Year of the Lord 1392, and from it emanated many distinguished and highly learned men, versed in the Holy Scriptures, in jurisprudence, in medicine, and in philosophy. On a number of occasions, this city suffered great loss by fire. On the feast day of Saint Gervasius, in the year 1472, this city was so damaged by fire, involving the churches of the Blessed Virgin Mary and of Saint Severus, the merchant’s bridge, the vegetable market, and the place before the steps in the buildings of the laity and the clergy, that almost one-third of the city went up in flames.660

FOLIO CLV verso and CLVI recto

FOLIO CLVI verso

Pope Donus, a Roman whose father was Maurice, was pope at the time that Grimoald, the king of the Lombards, died. In the same year occurred great and mighty rains; and many people were struck by lightning and killed; and the grain and the fruits on the farms dried up and wasted away. This Donus was a virtuous man, both in the sanctity of his life and in his teachings. In the Boethian (Boeciano) monastery he seized a number of Syrian monks who had held with the Nestorian heretics; and he punished them and dispersed them into various monasteries. He restored obedience to the papal see by the churches of Ravenna, which had seceded from the Roman Church. He also gave aid to many churches in revenues and improvements. He finally died in the 5th year, 5th month and 10th day of his pontificate, and was buried in the Basilica of Peter on the third day of the Ides of April. From his death the bishop’s chair was vacant two months and sixteen days.661

Year of the World 5863

Year of Christ 664

Pope Agatho the First, a Sicilian, was elevated from monk to pope. He was so pious that with his kiss he instantly cured and cleansed a leper. He was so mild and good that he permitted no man to leave him in sorrow. With the consent and sanction of the emperor, who was not unlike him in morale, he held a council at Constantinople, touching the Monothelite heretics; but postponed it until the emperor Constantine returned from the war. As soon as he returned, and the Saracens whom he fought had been rendered taxable and tributary to the Roman Empire, this pope Agatho sent a bishop and a deacon to Constantinople. They were kindly received by Constantine, who admonished them to abandon their disputations and dissensions and bring unity to the two churches. Agatho died in the second year, sixth month and fifteenth day of his pontificate, at the time when eclipses of sun and moon were followed by a pestilence.662

Leo, the second pope of that name, a Sicilian whose father was Paul, a man highly learned in the Latin and Greek tongues, was so well informed and experienced in music that he wrote the music for the Psalms, and reduced the hymns to better harmony. He ordained that in the mass the peace663 should be given to the people. He accepted the decrees of the Sixth Council, and denounced those whom the Council had condemned with the sanction of the emperor. He permitted baptism on any day, as necessity might require. He also ordained that one elevated to the office of archbishop should not pay a fee for the pallium,664 or other office of the church. If only this were observed at the present day, for through such payments evils spring up daily.665 Leo, the good and mild man, died in the tenth month of his pontificate, and was buried, mourned by mankind as a faithful father to all, in the Basilica of Peter on the fourth day of the Kalends of July. After his death the bishop’s seat was vacant for 11 months and 21 days.666

Year of the World 5883

Year of Christ 684

Pope Benedict (Benedictus) the Younger or the Second, a Roman whose father was John (Joanne), and pope, was a soldier of Christ from youth, and, so zealously devoted himself to the Holy Scriptures that he was held in exceptional esteem for his learning, ability, and practice in divine matters, as well as on account of his graciousness, goodness and mercy toward mankind, particularly the poor. By the piety of this man Constantine was so moved that he sent him a confirmation to the effect that all mankind regard him who was thus elected pope by the clergy, the people, and the nobles, as the true vicar and ruler of the Christian faith. He improved many churches, and died in the tenth month and twelfth day of his pontificate, and was buried at Saint Peter’s on the Ides of May. And he, since his life was dear to everyone, was celebrated by everyone as a saint, deservedly so for his beneficent human nature. After his death the seat was vacant for two months and fifteen days.667

Pope John (Ioannes) the Fifth, a Syrian of Antioch whose father was Cyriacus, was elected pope at the time of Constantine’s death. He was a man of exceptional Christian life, mild, and possessed of wisdom in the Scriptures. He was elected by the people and consecrated in the Church of Salvatore, which is called Constantiniana at the Lateran, in the same manner as Pope Leo II—by three bishops, namely, of Ostia (Hostiensi), Porto (Portuensi) and Velitrae (Veliterno), a custom which was observed by his successors. After having written a booklet on the pallium, he died in the first year of his pontificate, and was buried at Saint Peter’s on the 4th day of the Nones of August. After his death seat was vacant two months and 18 days.668

FOLIO CLVII recto

Constantine (Constantinus), son of the emperor Constans , received the Roman sovereignty after Constans and Mezezius (Mesentio); and he reigned seventeen years. This Constantine (who previously had been taken into the sovereignty by his father Constans as an associate) was so crushed by fear after the assassination of his father (as mentioned above) that he managed all matters so timidly that he might have lost the sovereignty if any force had been raised against him. Later he was a brave and very virtuous Christian man, and after receiving the sovereignty, he shared it in common with his brothers Heraclius and Tiberius whom he took into it with him. However, some write that he deprived his brothers of their noses, although they did not aspire to the sovereignty. Afterwards he restored the churches which had been destroyed by the heretics in the time of Heraclius; and he also built other churches. Being a warlike man and experienced in the use of arms, he defeated the Saracens, enemies of the Roman Empire, in war; and in the tenth year of his reign he so overcame the Saracens by a speedy victory that they chose to pay taxes and tribute to the empire. Upon these terms he made peace with them, and returned to Constantinople. To bring about unity between the Roman church and the other churches he called the Sixth Council at Constantinople at the suggestion of Agatho, the pope. And now being full of good works, he died at Constantinople, leaving his son Justinian as his successor to the sovereignty.669

The Sixth Ecumenical Council was called by the emperor Constantine at Constantinople. Two legates of Pope Agatho were present, namely, John, the bishop of Portuensis, and John, a deacon of the Roman Church. And so, at the command of the emperor, came two hundred eighty-nine bishops. The case of the Monothelite heretics was earnestly considered. Contrary to the true Christian faith, these heretics held that there was but a single will in Christ. Two bishops were responsible for these things— George (Georgius), of Constantinople, and Macarius (Marcharius), bishop of Antioch. And although George, after the presentation of sensible views was easily dissuaded from his error, Macarius, was tenacious in strongly resistant to changing his mind; for this reason he was not only deprived of his episcopate, but, together with the deceased heretics Sergius, Pyrrhus, Paul, and Peter, their followers in the same error, was given over to the Satan. Finally, together with a number of relatives, they were sent to Rome. Theophanus, the abbot, was installed as bishop in the place of Macarius. Now, in thanksgiving to the Lord God for the unification of the two churches, the aforesaid bishop of Porto (Portuensis) held the office of the holy mass in Latin on the eighth day of Easter in the Basilica of Saint Sophia in the presence of the emperor, the patriarch, and the people of Constantinople; and all present acknowledged that such was the correct and holy manner of holding the mass. In this Council it was concluded that according to the correct interpretation of holy Christian teaching there were two natures and wills in Christ, and not a single one as claimed by the Monothelite heretics.670

A comet appeared in these times for three months continuously; then came a heavy rain, and thunderbolts not experienced before. The elements performed as if they had conspired to destroy the city of Rome and the land of Italy. Much cattle died in consequence, and the people sustained great damage. Many men were struck by lightning and died. Crops wilted and dried up in the fields, so that melons, beans, lentils, and the like were a great rarity to the people; and the grain was beaten out by the wind, and matured as mere shrubbery.

Afterwards eclipses of the sun and moon were followed by a severe pestilence that devastated the city of Pavia, so that the people fled to the mountain heights, and the city grew up with shrubbery and weeds.

FOLIO CLVII verso

Conon, a native of Thrace and reared in Sicily, was elected pope. He was a pious man and well worthy of such a high office. When the Romans wanted to elect Peter the archbishop, and the army wanted to elect Theodorus, they finally unanimously elected this Conon through divine admonition; for in morals, in his knowledge of the Scriptures, in goodness, in piety and in worthiness, he was a renowned and praiseworthy man. Some called him an angelic man by reason of his venerable old age and honesty. He was a man of full understanding, of exceptional discretion and righteousness, and of more than human firmness and intelligence. But soon after he entered upon the pontificate, he became weak. Immediately, then, Paschal, the archbishop and custodian of the papal treasury, coveting the pontificate, tempted John (Ioannem), the exarch of Italy, with money, to assist him in securing the pontificate upon the death of Conon. The exarch took the money, but did not perform what he promised. Conon died in the 11th month and third day of his pontificate, and was buried in Saint Peter’s on the 11th day of the Kalends of October. The seat then was vacant for two months and 23 days.671

Year of the World 5893

Year of Christ 694

Pope Sergius, a Syrian whose father was Tiberius (Tyberio), came from Antioch to Rome in the time of Pope Adeodatus. He was called to the Roman priesthood, and because of his knowledge of the Scriptures and of the mysteries of divine matters, he became so well known that he was elected pope after Conon; but not without dissension, for the Roman people favored Theodore the archbishop, while others named Paschal at the instigation of the exarch. But when both factions met at the Lateran, the clergy and the people united upon Sergius in the election. Later, he would not subscribe to the action of the Emperor Justinian’s council; for this reason the emperor ordered Sergius to be brought to him in chains. But the soldiers of Italy would not permit this. Having attained peace of mind, he turned his attention to the improvement of the churches, including noteworthy additions to the Basilica of Peter. He found a portion of the holy cross in a small metal trunk or chest. This pope ordained that at the breaking of the body of Christ672, the Agnus Dei should be sung three times. He died in the 13th year, eighth month, and 23rd day of his pontificate, and was buried, lamented by all, in the Basilica of Peter on the 6th day of the Ides of September. The seat then was vacant one month and twenty days.673

John (Ioannes), the sixth pope of this name, a native of Greece, became pope when Theophylactus (Theophilatius) came to Italy; and he made no small amount of improvement in the houses of worship. Being a good man, he ransomed many prisoners with funds from the common treasury of the Church. He died in the third year and third month of his pontificate as, some will have it, a martyr, but by whom he was martyred is not known. Certain people state that he was buried in the Sebastian catacombs on the Appian Way. After his death the seat was then vacant one month and nineteen days.674

Pope John (Ioannes) the Seventh, a Greek whose father was Plato, became pope when Justinian returned to Constantinople and ordered Tiberius (Tyberium) and Leontius, by whom he had been ousted from the sovereignty, put to death in the presence of the people. This John was a well-spoken and pious man, and built a chapel in the Basilica of Peter in honor of the Mother of God; and in it the walls, on the right and left, were ornamented with the portraits of certain holy fathers in relief. He also made various improvements and beautifications in the churches. He died in the second year, seventh month and 17th day of his pontificate, and was buried on the 15th day of the Kalends of November in the Basilica of Peter before the altar of the Mother of God that he himself had built. After his death the seat was vacant three months.675

Pope Sisinnius (Sysimus) or, as others will have it, Sosimus, a native of Syria whose father was John, was in his pontificate only 20 days. Although he had the gout in hands and feet, so that he could neither walk nor take any food, he was so attentive to the affairs of the Roman state and Christian matters of public concern, that he neglected nothing during his pontificate, which became a pious man; for he provided all the material with which the walls of the city and the old dilapidated churches were improved. But he was taken by a sudden death, and was buried in the Basilica of Peter on the 8th day of the Ides of November. The seat was then vacant one month and 18 days.676

FOLIO CLVIII recto

Justinian (Justinianus) the Second or Younger, son of the aforesaid Constantine, remained in the sovereignty for the first time for ten years after his father. At first he was good, intelligent, careful, and generous distributor of alms. In consequence he greatly enhanced the Constantinopolitan sovereignty, and made many laws respected by the godly Christian clergy. After he had reigned ten years he brought Africa from under the power of the Saracens, and made peace with them on land and sea. Likewise, he recovered from the Saracens Africa and Lybia, which his father had lost. When Gizites, the Saracen, died, he was succeeded by Baldalan, and when he heard that Justinian had acquired the sovereignty with the consent of all the provinces, he voluntarily offered him peace; under the terms of which Africa and Lybia were returned to the empire. And some write that in the same treaty there was a condition that the Saracens should pay the Roman tribute for ten years at the rate of one thousand golden coins per day and one servant from among their people, and one horse. In the meantime Justinian began to employ surprising fickleness toward the people, and contrary to the treaty of peace, he attacked the Saracens and Bulgarians; but of them he received more vexations than he had given them credit for. Immediately, then, he returned to Constantinople, where he was despised by all the citizens because he did not silence the cruelty of the exarches. And he held a council, in which a number of things were done contrary to Christian usage, and which Pope Sergius would not confirm. For this reason the emperor became enraged against the pope, and ordered him brought before him in chains. This, however, the soldiers of Italy would not permit to be done. Among the people there rose up against the emperor one Leontius (Leoncius), the Constantinopolitan senator, together with Gallinicus, the patriarch. Leontius incited the people to arms, and broke open the prisons and released the prisoners. He took Justinian prisoner, cut off his nose, and sent him into exile.677

Leontius (Leoncius), or, as others would have it, Emperor Leo the Second, after deposing Justinian assumed the sovereignty; and he reigned 3 years. When news of the revolt in the empire reached Habdimelech, the Saracen king, he undertook to attack Africa. Leontius sent John (Ioannem), a general of the army, to oppose him. He drove the Saracens completely out of Africa. However, before long, when another revolt occurred, they made Tiberius, a citizen of Constantinople, emperor. Tiberius speedily sailed to Constantinople, taking Leontius prisoner, as Leontius had done with Justinian.678

Tiberius, the third emperor of this name, reigned seven years after the taking and imprisonment of Leontius (Leoncio). He was a very noble citizen of Constantinople, and was elected emperor during a revolt, as mentioned above; and he sent Philippus, a citizen of Constantinople, into exile because he had said that he had a dream that an eagle had overshadowed the head of Tiberius. This Tiberius was later deposed, as will be related below.679

Justinian (Justinianus), former emperor, with the aid of the Bavarians680 and Bulgarians, again returned to Constantinople, and reigned six years. In the beginning of the pontificate of John (Ioannis) the Sixth, and while at Cherson (to which city he had been banished), Justinian determined to recover the sovereignty. Immediately the citizens who had supported Tiberius, prepared to fight Justinian; but Justinian came secretly and fled to the Bavarians, whose king espoused his daughter to him. However, at the expiration of a year the aforesaid Tiberius, by the use of money, so changed the attitude of the king that he was about to give up his guest and son-in-law. When Justinian became aware of this he fled to the king of Bulgaria, placing himself under his protection. With this king’s help, and by the aid of arms, Justinian returned to Constantinople; and there he ordered Leontius and Tiberius put to death, while he caused Gallinicus, the patriarch, to be deprived of his eyesight and sent to Rome; and as often as he blew his cut-off nose, he caused one of his opponents to be hacked to pieces. Afterwards he and his son Tiberius were struck down.681

FOLIO CLVIII verso

A Council was held at this time at Aquilaeia to consider whether the action of the Fifth Council, previously held at Constantinople, should be accepted. The said Fifth Council was held in the time of Pope Julius682 and the emperor Justinian, against Theodore and all heretics who held that Mary bore but a human being, and not a man and God. So in the same Council it was ordained that the holy Mary should be called the Mother of God, because she bore not a mere man, but the true God and man.

Theodore (Theodorus), an archbishop of the English, highly learned and pious, flourished in England at this time; and he wrote many excellent things, notably a book on the subject of penances applicable to every case.683 Saint Theodore, bishop of Augustudiensis,684 was also illustrious at this time.

Lambert (Lambertus), the holy man, suffered martyrdom at this time at Liege (Leodium) because he had denounced Pepin (Pipinum), the duke, for having had intercourse with Alpheid (Alpiadis) as a concubine, beside his lawful wife; although some say that the brother or this Alpheid himself practiced this evil, and was later eaten up by head-lice. This Lambert, born of rich and noble parents, and instructed in the Scriptures from youth, was so loved by the people for his piety that they elevated him to bishop of Utrecht (Traiectensi) after Theodard, his master. When Childeric, who elevated him to princely office, was assassinated, evil persons robbed him of his dignity and placed Faramund (Pharamundus) in his place. For that reason Lambert, taking with him two boys, went into a monastery, where he lived a commendable life for seven years. But Faramund was afterward expelled and Lambert reinstated; and many a person was converted to God by his example and learning. Once upon a time, while lying crosswise on his bed, he was slain at Liege by evil persons, and secretly carried on a ship to the Episcopal church; and because of his enemies he was quickly buried. But Saint Chumbertus, his successor, pursuant to divine admonition, transferred the body of Saint Lambert from Utrecht to Liege in a great glory of miracles.685

Bede (Beda), an English priest and monk, whose surname is the Venerable, and who was very well versed in the Latin and Greek tongue to no mean extent, performed no small measure of labor for the Christian life in the Year of the Lord 692. At the age of thirty he was consecrated as a priest; and although he was born in the most remote corner of the earth, yet he was illustrious throughout the world; for he did not cease preaching, teaching and writing even in his old age. For 59 years he studied and wrote books, and was never found idle. Because of his courage and honorable life he was surnamed the Venerable. Being a highly educated man, he wrote many things of good Christian service. He died at the age of 72, full of good works. The learned men, Strabo and Haymus, were his brothers.686

The body of Saint Benedict is said to have been stolen at this time from Monte Cassino and carried to Gaul. Or, as others write, it was carried from Monte Cassino to the Florentine (Floriacenum) Monastery together with his sister, Scholastica by a monk named Aigulfus.687

Pepin (Pipinus), a duke and governor of Austrasia, or, as others will have it, of Austeria, nicknamed the Ancient or the Short, laid the foundation for occupying the kingdom of France; and with him the celebrated name of Carolingian had its beginning. For when he learned that Bertari (Bertarium), an ignoble man (of whom Theodoric, the king of France, made use) was hated by the people, he assembled a mighty army and marched into Gaul and routed Theodoric and Bertari who had come forth to meet him. When Bertari fled, Theodoric pronounced Pepin the victor, took him home with him and made a ruler of him Now when peace was restored in the kingdom, Pepin put a friend of his clan in charge, and returned to his home. And he reigned there another seven years.688

FOLIO CLIX recto

Ferrara (Ferraria), the renowned noble city, located on the ancient river Po (Padus), as the histories say, was first surrounded by walls and beautified around the Year of the Lord 700 by Smaragdus, the exarch of Italy. The origin of its name lies in the fact that from ancient times it was the custom of the archbishops of the churches to name the three regions belonging to their churches after the three metals; as Aureolum, the city of gold; Argenta, the city of silver, and Ferrara, the city of iron. From the time of its building, this city remained on the side of Ravenna and also on that of Rome, against the Lombards; and when the Lombards were defeated by Carolus and the Christian churches were surrendered, Ferrara remained steadfast in its allegiance. Afterwards, at the time when the German emperor began to strive against the churches, this city pursued a wavering course, taking the part of each side in turn. In the 11th century of the Lord, Matilda the countess, with the aid of Venice and Ravenna, took this city from the emperor Henry III, the enemy of the churches. And one hundred twenty-one years later (when the marquises of Este were mighty in friendship and riches at Ferrara), a man of Ferrara, named Salinguerra, at the instigation of the emperor Frederick Barbarosa, took this city, and he reigned there for nineteen years; but in the Year of Salvation twelve hundred forty he was driven out by the Roman Pope Innocent the Fourth with the help and support of the Venetians. Before long the marquises of Este endeavored to subject this city to their rule. But sixty-eight years later, under Pope Clement the Fifth, Azzo, the marquis of Este, espoused Beatrice, the wife of the king of Naples, he was imprisoned by Fresco, his son, at the instance of his stepmother; and with the help of the Venetians the son took Ferrara. When he observed that the Ferrarans were about to submit themselves to the Church, he burnt half the city in revenge. For this wrong the citizens drove him out, giving themselves over to the Venetians in the hope of being faithfully protected by them. And so the marquises were driven out and the Venetians took over the city upon its surrender by the citizens; and the Venetians refused to give it up, although Pope Clement the Fifth placed a ban against the city of Venice, by which all her possessions in Gaul and Britain were severed from her. Nor did they obey the papal command until they were forced to do so by the papal legate with the assistance of the Florentines and King Charles by force of arms. Afterwards Ferrara, under the rule of the family d’Este, was always obedient to the Church, with the condition that it should annually pay to the Roman Church ten thousand golden pieces. Likewise there were various understandings with the Venetians. Under the Roman pontiff Eugenius the Fourth a council was held here. Here also is a university, from which many highly learned men came forth.689

FOLIO CLIX verso and CLX recto

FOLIO CLX recto

Würtzburg (Herbipolis), a distinguished and renowned city of the eastern Franks, or Franconia, is on the river Main, which has its source in the Bohemian Mountains; and there Diana, the pagan goddess, was worshipped until the time of Kilian, the martyr, who instructed the grand duke Gozbert (Gotzbertum) and his subjects in the Christian faith. His son, Duke Hetan, built the first church on an eminence at Würtzburg in veneration of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Franconia is level in part, and in part mountainous. The peaks are not high, and the soil is not rich but largely sandy. In many places the hills are covered with vineyards, which bear a good vintage, chiefly at Würtzburg. Although this country is divided into many principalities, the Bishop of Würtzburg is called Duke of Franconia; and accordingly this noble city is an Episcopal see. When the bishop performs his holy office a bared sword lies before him on the altar. Here also is a hill called Mount of Our Lady690, upon which is a castle well worth seeing; and there the bishop generally resides. This castle, built on a high elevation, overlooks three plains, and is naturally protected. The fourth region has a bridge and a very deep moat; and here also is a tower, protected round about by bow-windows and breastworks. In the upper reaches of this tower lives a caretaker, who gives warnings by sounding his horn. In it is also a chapel, adorned in honor of God, and containing consecrated altars. Here also are many large and beautiful residences. Underneath the castle are large cellars and stalls. This distinguished city also has three prebendary churches in addition to the cathedral, and four mendicant orders; also the Benedictine Order at Saint Stephan’s; the Carthusian Order, the Order of the German Master, the Order of Saint John with the Scots. It also has five convents, an equal number of parsonages, and two hospitals; the Virgin Mary Chapel, with a tower, and wonderfully adorned; as well as beautiful houses and courts of the canons and the citizens. At this time the bishopric of Würtzburg is administered by the noble and distinguished bishop, Rudolf von Schernberg (Rudolphus de Schernberg), who now exceeds his ninetieth year, and has endowed the bishopric with countless wealth and a number of estates.691

FOLIO CLX verso

Pope Constantine (Constantinus), by birth a Syrian whose father was John (Ioanne), was a highly learned man and well versed in the Latin and Greek tongues. At the time he became pope there was a three-year-famine at Rome in which Constantine was such a comfort, help and support to the people, chiefly the poor, that they believed him heaven-sent. And because of his good reputation the emperor Justinian wished to see this pope. He sent ships with the request that the pope come to him. Now when Constantine approached the city, Tiberius (Tyberius), son of the emperor, with a large retinue, and Cyrus, the patriarch, with all the clergy, respectfully met him. And the emperor Justinian not only embraced the pope, but in a worshipful attitude kissed his foot. But later on, after said Justinian died, this pope declared Philippicus, the son of said emperor, a heretic. In a council the pope not only overthrew the contentions of the said Philippicus and of John (Ioannis), a monk, but also made known and ordained that the pictures of the holy fathers who were present at the six councils should be designed and painted in the vestibule of Saint Peter’s; for he had learned that these portraits had been disrespectfully scraped off the walls in the Church of Saint Sophia at Constantinople. This pope also ordained that the names of heretical emperors were not to be publicly or privately displayed, cast in bronze, silver, or lead. Constantine died in the seventh year and 20th day of his pontificate, and was buried in the Basilica of Peter on the third day of the Ides of February. The seat was vacant 1 month and 40 days.692

Year of the World 5913

Year of Christ 714

Pope Gregory (Gregorius) the Second, a Roman whose father was Marcellus, was a pious and holy man, and so eloquent and well informed in the Scriptures that he easily overcame those who spoke evil of the Christian faith. In the beginning and before he was elected to the pontifical dignity, he was of such great integrity and faith, that he with others was taken to Constantinople by Constantine, his predecessor. When heated and important disputes took place concerning certain points in the faith, this Gregory answered them so smartly that everyone was amazed at his intelligence and wisdom in the Scriptures. And so he was elected pope to succeed Constantine, although some write that Stephen the Second succeeded the deceased pope. During his pontificate Gregory not only repaired the city walls, but made various improvements in the houses of God. He is also praised for having sent into Germany Boniface and others, through whom the Germans were led from darkness into the light of the faith. In accordance with a council which he held, he placed the ban of a heretic against the emperor Leo for destroying the holy images. After he had encouraged others to virtue and piety by his exemplary life, he died in the sixteenth year, ninth month, and 11th day of his pontificate, and was buried in the Basilica of Peter on the third day of the Ides of February. After his death the bishop’s seat was vacant 35 days. It is said that during his pontificate he created 148 bishops.693

Pope Gregory (Gregorius) the Third, a native of Syria whose father was Joanne, was an exceptional man of Scriptural wisdom and graciousness, and above all, highly versed in the Greek and Latin tongues. He was so well grounded in the meaning of the Scriptures that no one has been found to excel him in the interpretation of hidden and miraculous things. He was such a zealous protector of the true Christian faith that he aroused the ill will and powerful animosity of the great princes and lords; but he did not permit himself to be moved by threats or force of arms. Finally, he was so good that he comforted the poor and aided them in their physical necessities; and he was deservedly called a father and shepherd of the poor. From the moment his pontificate began, he held a council in which he excommunicated the emperor Leo the Third for the aforesaid reasons. He also erected a number of buildings and made improvements in the churches and fortifications at Rome; also erected monasteries and added rules for the monks. At last, well loved by God and men, he died in the tenth year eighth month and 24th day of his pontificate, and was buried in the Basilica of Peter on the 4th day of the Kalends of December mourned by all. The seat ceased (to be occupied) only eight days.694

FOLIO CLXI recto

Philippicus, who was also (called) Bardanes (Bardanus), reigned after Justinian for one year and 6 months. He was a man of great intelligence and great eloquence and ingenuity. When Pope Constantine was leaving Constantinople, he warned the emperor Justinian not to undertake severer measures against this Philippicus whom he had already banished to Cherson; but Justinian would not follow his advice, and sent ships against Philippicus with the intention of slaying him. Justinian moved forward with all the men he could raise in Constantinople and Thrace; and there followed a serious battle in which he and his son Tiberius (Tyberius) were left dead after the dispersion and flight of his men. By this victory Philippicus obtained the sovereignty; and he soon turned away from the Christian papal ordinances, and on the erroneous advice of a heretic, he sent letters to the Roman pope and clergy to bless him in his undertakings. But the pope, together with his clergy, refused to gratify his wishes, and, on the contrary, excommunicated him at the request of the Roman people; and he ordained that neither in matters sacred or profane, nor in any other dealings should his name or his sovereignty be mentioned. And so his rule did not endure for long; for as soon as Pope Constantine died, Philippicus was deposed by a Constantinopolitan citizen named Anthemius, also called Anastasius. Philippicus was taken prisoner, deprived of his sight, and cast into prison.695

Anastasius, surnamed Anthemius, reigned as emperor for three years after Philippicus; and, as aforesaid, he deprived the said Philippicus of his sight. He sent letters to the Roman pope offering to act as a strong and mighty protector of the Christian faith. Now after this emperor had offered his respects to the pope, and had received confirmation according to the custom, he began to attack the Saracens as enemies of the Christian faith, and ordered a mighty fleet to proceed against Alexandria; but on the way the generals and captains mutinied and ignored the emperor and deposed him; and his successor, Theodosius, compelled him to accept holy consecration, so that as a consecrated person he could not again aspire to the sovereignty.696

Theodosius, the third of that name, ruled the empire for one year after Anastasius. He was not of noble birth, but a scribe in the public revenues. But having attained the sovereignty, he labored as a Christian emperor, and caused the pictures of the holy fathers, which Philippicus had destroyed, to be restored; but before the end of the first year of his reign he was deposed by Leo the Third, and retired to a monastery.697

Emperor Leo the Third, together with his son Constantius, reigned for twenty-four years after Theodosius; and everything about Constantinople was in a bad state because of the tedium of his reign. He was opposed to the Christian life and unfavorable to the Roman popes, while under him the provinces subject to the empire suffered much damage; for in the first year of his reign, when Athinus and Amortrus attacked the nearer Spanish territory, a great horde of Saracens, who lived in Asia, marched into Thrace; and the leader of their hosts had a thousand ships and besieged Constantinople by land and sea. And although the city of Constantinople was not taken by the enemy at that time, it suffered a frightful calamity, and was depopulated by a plague in which three hundred thousand persons died. Although these things should have drawn the emperor Leo to a course of goodness, yet, as soon as he was relieved of the fear of the Saracens, he thought of nothing but of robbing Rome and Italy of their money, and the churches of their ornaments; and commanded the pope to do away with the pictures and to burn them. However, Pope Gregory would not give his consent to that, but admonished all Christians not to be frightened by the cruelty of this tyrant. And while he (Leo III) persisted in such obstinacy, he finally died, excommunicated and cursed.698

FOLIO CLXI verso

Egidius, a Greek, born of an honorable family at Athens, and renowned at this time as a model of skill and for his miracles, was instructed in the Scriptures from youth. After the death of his parents he made Christ heir to his paternal inheritance. To avoid the dangers of worldly praise and renown, he maintained himself on the sea coast. Having entered a boat, he silenced the turbulent sea by his prayers. He came to the city of Arles (Arelate)699 and lived there for two years with Saint Caesarius (Cesareo), the bishop. He cured a man who for three years had suffered with fever or chills. Later he retired into seclusion in a hermitage, living for a long time with Verdunius (Veredamo), the holy man, and making the land fruitful by his labors. After he had enlightened all mankind by his miracles, he went further into the wilderness to avoid worldly praise. For a home he selected a cave with a spring. Through divine foresight he was provided a doe, which at certain hours nourished him with its milk. When one day the servants of a savage king were hunting this doe, it fled to his foot, and Egidius prayed God to preserve it unharmed. One of the hunters shot at the doe, but struck this holy man. When this became known to King Charles (Carolus), he received Egidius with all honor; and Egidius went into a monastery in the city of Nemausus (Nemarcusem)700, and he awakened the son of the prince. Finally, through the Lord’s revelation, he prophesied his own death to his brethren, and asked them to pray to God for him. They gave testimony that they heard the angels who received his soul. He was famous around the Year of the Lord 700.701

Boniface (Bonifacius) the First, an archbishop, flourished in the time of the aforesaid popes. He was a highly learned and eloquent monk. Because of his graciousness he went from Britain to Pope Gregory the Second. When his virtue and piety become known, Gregory, at the request of Pepin (Pipino), appointed him to the see of Mainz as a bishop, and sent him to Germany to enlighten the people in the truth of the Gospel, and to instruct them in the true faith. This he did, carrying out his instructions by preaching in Thüringia, Hesse, Saxony, Austrasia and France. Having become an archbishop in the Year of Christ 715, he set up in France with the knowledge and authority of the pope and the princes of France, two Episcopal sees, one at Würtzburg, and the other at Eichstädt. He appointed Burkhard bishop of the former, and Willibald of the latter. Afterwards he went to Frisia to preach; and there he was martyred after having been at the head of the church for 36 years. 702

Around these times the Venetian dukedom had its origin; and one Paulus Lucius Heraclianus was elected duke in the city of Heraclea by the patricians, all the people and the army. He reigned as duke for eight years. He entered into an alliance with the Lombards, and devoted himself to the enhancement of the city of Venice in power and might.

Caesarius (Cesarius), bishop of Arles, a man famous for his holiness and knowledge, at this time wrote, among his other writings, ten homilies for monks.703 Also Saint Wulfram (Wolframus), bishop of Sens (Zenonensis), was famous for his miracles.704 And just as famous for his holiness and his miracles was Albinus of Angers (Andegavensis)705, and Remigius, bishop of Rouen (Rothomagensis)706. Also Saint Amatus, the archbishop of the English, was illustrious for his holiness.707

Saint Kilian (Kilianus), the bishop, flourished in Eastern France at this time. He was a Scot, born of noble parents. He was learned in the Scriptures, scorned the world, lived in a monastery, and led a life of obedience and moderation. Later he was consecrated as a priest and elected to the care of the monastery. However, that he might be more free to see things, he went to Britain, Gaul and Germany; and through zeal for the crown of martyrdom he came to Würtzburg, among the pagans. Before he began to preach he went to Rome, received a commission as preacher from Pope Conon, and was consecrated as a bishop. And so, with the priest Colman (Colonato), and the deacon Totnan, he returned to Würtzburg. There he found Duke Gozbert (Gosbertum); and having learned to speak the vernacular language of that place708, he began to preach; and the duke abandoned the idolatrous goddess Diana, and with all his lands submitted to the Christian faith. On holy Easter Day he caused himself to be baptized. He had a wife, called Geilana, who at one time was the wife of his brother. Kilian advised him to give up his wife; but afterwards she so arranged matters that this holy man was slain. One of the murderers tore himself with his teeth, while the other became irrational and committed suicide with his sword. Geilana became possessed of demons and screamed, I am justly tortured since I sent the executioners to this holy man. And in still greater torments she came to an inglorious end. These glorious martyrs illuminate all of eastern France with their miracles and holiness.709

FOLIO CLXII recto

Saint Willibald (Wilibaldus), the holy man, was born of Saint Richard, duke of Swabia and king of the English, and his wife the most chaste Bunna. And after he had visited the Holy Land as a pilgrim, and came to Rome, Pope Gregory the Third, who loved him for his sincerity and constancy in the faith, commended him to Saint Boniface, the archbishop of Mainz. On the 11th day of the Kalends of August he was consecrated as a priest by his friendly kinsman, St. Boniface. In the Year of Salvation 740, being then 41 years of age, he was appointed to the bishopric of Eichstädt (Eystetensi), which Saint Boniface had created from the estates which Swigerus the count, had given him for the sake of God. He was also chancellor of the see at Mainz, and he and his heirs were given the chancellorship of the same see in perpetuity, with the privilege of sitting at the right hand of the archbishops of Mainz in all general councils. He also received the robe of honor, called the rationale710, which the old priests used; and his successors were also to have the privilege of wearing it. This holy man Willibald began the erection of the city of Eichstädt in a wild hermitage by the river Altmühl (Alimonium), after chopping down the woods. Here is a praiseworthy nunnery of the Order of Saint Benedict, and in it is the grave of the holy and wonderful virgin Walpurgis, who was St. Willibald’s sister. Out of this flows a holy oil which restores the sick to health. The very reverend Bishop Wilhelm, of the noble family of Reichenau, is in the possession of the bishopric of Eichstädt, which he administers at this time. It is also called the Aurealtan (Aureantensis) bishopric.711

FOLIO CLXII verso

Sebald (Sebaldus), most worthy and holy confessor, flourished, as some say, in Germany at this time for his learning and piety. He was born of noble parents, the son of a king of Denmark and his chaste queen, who through vows and prayers brought forth this fruit through God. From youth he was held to discipline and study of the scriptures. He journeyed to Paris to study the liberal arts, and having become highly knowledgable in them, he espoused a beautiful maiden of royal French ancestry. But he scorned his kingdom and all worldly pomp, and leaving his most beautiful spouse by night, secluded himself as a hermit in a distant region; and there he lived in piety for fifteen years. Prompted by his devotion he went to Rome, from where Pope Gregory the Second sent him forth to preach to the Germans. The brothers Willibald and Wunibald were his companions. He was illustrious for his learning and virtue, and for his miracles among the Lombards, and later at Regensburg; and finally at Nuremberg, where in a hermitage in the forest he lived a contemplative, serviceable and full life unto his end. He not only instructed the people but became renowned for his miracles. Having reached a great age he went to Saint Martin’s Chapel at Nuremberg, where now stands the Benedictine monastery of Saint Egidius; and there he died in blessedness. His holy remains were carried to the city for burial by unbridled oxen; and there a famous basilica was built in his name. In view of his many miracles the Roman popes caused his name to be inscribed among the number of holy confessors. Pope Martin the Fifth ordained that the festival of Saint Sebald should be celebrated on the 13th day of the Kalends of September. Saint Sebald, patron and house-father of Nuremberg, is honored by the Nurembergers with worthy celebrations; for through the services of its most worthy patron the city has been enhanced in honor and dignity.712

Luitprand (Luitprandus), son of Aisprand (Aisprandus), king of the Lombards, received the kingdom while his father was yet alive; and he reigned thirty-one years and seven months, and was well worthy of the sovereignty. He was tall, possessed an erect strong body, and was so active and alert that no one was regarded as more skilled than he. He was so esteemed for righteousness and goodness that it was difficult to say in which of the virtues he excelled. He was also a very Christian man, and such a lover of devotion to God that he never permitted a church to be built without his help and revenues. At Pavia he also erected and adorned many churches. Charles (Carolus) Martel (Marcellus) was his godfather and very friendly toward him, sending him many men from Italy to help him against the Saracens. He also sent him his son Pepin (Pipinum), in order that he might cut his hair (as is the custom). Luitprand received him very kindly, and sent him back to his parents with presents. However, in the twelfth year of his reign he was moved by the ambition to rule; and he captured the cities round about and undertook the siege of the city of Rome. For that reason Pope Gregory (Gregorius) sent messengers to Charles (Carolum) the king of France, pleading with him to come to the assistance of the city of Rome and the churches. At the request of King Charles, Luitprand abandoned his undertaking, giving up to the Romans many of the cities he had wrested from them.713

Richoldus, Duke of Frisia, was in this year converted by the preaching of Wulfram (Wolframmii), the bishop; but when he went to be baptized, he was seized with doubt; and he withdrew one foot, inquiring whether most of his forefathers were in hell or in Paradise. And when he was told that most of them were in hell, he hurriedly withdrew the other foot also, saying that it is better to follow the many than the few. And so he was cheated by his own folly, and he was taken away by a death upon which he had not reckoned.

Two comets were seen in January of this year for 15 days in the sky. One of them appeared before sunrise, the other followed at vespers.

Othmar (Othmarus), a German, educated in the Scriptures and in virtue, was consecrated as a priest. Because of his pious conduct and renown, Count Victor elevated him to the prelacy, and he was elected abbot. He greatly enlarged the monastery with estates and buildings, and led a strict and well regulated life. He often visited the poor, and also built a hospital. Yet he was persecuted by those who envied him. A woman accused him, and he was sent into exile; and there he died. After ten years his body was translated over the Lake of Constance to the monastery of Saint Gall, in the presence of great miracles and the stilling of the turbulent waters. And as often as the little barrel full of wine that he used for refreshing the monks was drunk, it experienced no loss of wine.714

FOLIO CLXIII recto

The Roman Pope Gregory (Gregorius) the Third held a council of almost one thousand bishops at Rome, and during it, as already stated, he excommunicated emperor Leo from his kingdom and his people because he had destroyed the holy pictures or images. The council held that these pictures should be highly esteemed as previously, and decreed that those who violated this statute should be excommunicated. Not wishing to publicly offend the pope, emperor Leo decreed that all subjects of the Roman Empire do away with the pictures and statues of martyrs and angels in order, as he said, to avoid idolatry; and that those who would not do so be regarded as public enemies. But after this council was held Gregory admonished all Christians not to allow themselves to be misled through fear of the imperial decree.715

Charles Martel (Carolus Marcellus), son of Pepin (Pipini) the Elder, at this time was made mayor of the palace in the land of the Franks after the death of Pepin the Short. He was surnamed Martel, and was the only son of Pepin by Chalpaida (Calpiade), his first wife. Pepin also left a second wife, Plectrude, but Charles honored his stepmother as though she had born him. Nevertheless this envious woman strove to destroy this youth; for when Dagobert, the young king, at the instance of Ragenfrid (Raginfredus) enrolled an army against the government of Pepin, Charles would have lost his life and crown in prison, had he not made a cunning escape. Shortly after his release from imprisonment Dagobort died; and in a spirit of revenge Charles assembled a large army against King Chilperic and Ragenfrid, his mayor of the palace. In the first engagement both turned in flight, leaving the field to Charles. Afterwards, wishing to relieve himself of the secret envy of his stepmother, he led an army against Cologne, where she maintained herself by the fortune that Pepin had left. And by force of arms Charles captured her as well as the fortune. But she secretly escaped across the Danube to the Bulgarians. Thus Charles retained the kingdom alone, although he still had many enemies. These he defeated. Later he marched over the Rhine and subjugated the Saxons, Alamanni (Alemannos), Swabians, and Bavarians. And when he learned that the Saracens, instigated by his enemy Eudo, duke of Aquitaine, were marching into Gaul, he opposed them with a large army, slaying three hundred seventy-five thousand Saracens, while according to the historians, only fifteen hundred Franks were slain. He next turned his arms against the Frisians, then still pagans. After defeating them he returned home. He took Lyons, Arles, and Marseilles (Massiliam) from the Visigoths. He also mastered the Burgundians, but as a matter of policy, called them his allies. The Visigoths called for help from Athimus, the Saracen king. Therefore Charles marched over the Rhone with a large army and took Avignon by force. There he killed the Saracens, and moved against Narbonne and into the nearby valley of Corbaria. There he found a plain well suited for battle. Amoreus, the other Saracen king of Spain, believing Charles in flight, entered the valley. Both armies met, Amoreus was defeated, and Anthimus escaped to farther Spain by boat; and so the Saracens were subdued. From then on the Visigoths were under the power of Charles. When Charles was stricken with a severe illness he divided the conquered kingdoms and countries, according to the advice of his friends, between his sons, Carloman, the eldest, receiving Austrasia and Swabia, while Pepin (Pipino) the Younger obtained Burgundy and a part of France. Charles died in the thirty-fifth year of his reign.716

When the Vandals, three hundred fifty years ago, turned over the Christian churches in Africa to the Arian heretics, the remains of Saint Augustine were removed from the city of Hippo to Sardinia; but in the present year they were translated to Pavia through the zeal of Luitprand, the Lombard king, and were interred in a magnificent place. The terrified Saracens then feared that the army of Charles (would come) within the Pyrenees.717

FOLIO CLXIII verso

Year of the World 5933

Year of Christ 737

Pope Zachary (Zacharias), a Greek whose father was Polycramus (Policramo), was elected pope after Gregory. He is reckoned among the best of princes; for he was a mild-mannered man, of wonderful sweetness and grace, and endowed with every virtue. He was a lover of the clergy and of the people. At the inception of his pontificate he found much internal strife in Italy. For the sake of peace he sent his legate and messengers to Luitprand, the Lombard king, who was at war with Thrasmundus (Trasmundum), the duke of Spoleto. But as he could accomplish nothing through his messengers, he, together with his clergy, went to the city in Sabinia, in order to admonish the king in person. It is said that eight miles from Narnia the king met the pope, and dismounting, followed him to the city of Rome. On the following day, under the office of the holy mass, the pope preached an excellent sermon, publicly indicating what it behooves a Christian king to do, whether in peace or in war. By these instructions the king was so moved that he referred all matters of war to the pope, awaiting his good judgment on those matters. Now when Zachary heard that peace prevailed everywhere, he undertook the erection and improvement of many various church buildings. He forbade the Venetians, under the pain of a curse, to sell servants marked with the sign of Christ, to the Saracens and pagans, as the merchants were accustomed to do. Since he was considered very knowledgable in Greek and Latin, he translated the four books of Dialogues of the Blessed Gregory into Greek.718 He died in the 10th year and third month of his pontificate, and was buried in the Basilica of Peter on the Ides of March. After his death the bishop’s seat was then vacant twelve days.719

Year of the World 5943

Year of Christ 744

Pope Stephen (Stephanus) the Second, a Roman whose father was Constantine, was elected pope. He was so acceptable to everyone that they carried him about on their shoulders in the Basilica of the Savior at Constantinople. He was a man of exceptional Christian devotion and intelligence, a lover of the priesthood, a giver of alms, and an industrious preacher and writer of Christian teachings. He was a father to the poor, and a protector of widows and orphans. He industriously tried (though in vain), by words and gifts, to dissuade Aistulf, the Lombard king, who had attacked the Romans, from pursuing his evil design. Because of this situation he turned to Pepin the king of the Franks. To honor him, Pepin sent his son Charles the younger (who by reason of his accomplishments was called the Great) to the hundredth stone to visit him. But Pepin dismounted from his horse at the third stone from the city of Rome, kissed the feet of this holy man, and led his horse by the bridle up to the Roman palace. And before long this pope anointed Pepin as a king and diverted the empire from the warring factions in France. After many good works he died in the fifth year and first month of his pontificate, and was buried in the Basilica of Peter to the tears of all on the sixth day of the Kalends of May. Then the seat was vacant for thirty-two days.720

Pope Paul the First, a Roman whose father was Constantine, brother of the aforesaid Stephen, succeeded him as pope. He was a very kind and good man, and well, versed in the ecclesiastical doctine of the patriarchate under popes Gregory the Second and Zachary. The latter, in fact, made him, together with his brother, a deacon. But, at the death of his brother, when he was being sought as his successor as pope, there were those who preferred the archdeacon Theophylactus. After a long struggle he alone, on account of the integrity of his life and his learning, was made pope by the votes of all good men in the time of (the emperors) Constantine and Leo.721 He was, moreover, an imitator of our Savior; for he never gave evil for evil, but overcame evil by kindness. He was such a good and benevolent man that at night, accompanied by two or three servants he visited the sickbeds of the poor; and he comforted everyone with words for their recovery and with alms. He ransomed prisoners from foreign lands, and protected widows and orphans and sustained them with alms. With his assembled clergy and all the Roman people, he transferred the body of the Blessed Petronella, Peter’s daughter, together with its marble sepulcher inscribed with these letters: (This is the sepulcher) of Petronella, sweetest daughter. He transferred the boy from the Appian Way to the Vatican with all the priests singing (as is commonly the case) and with the people leading the celebration. And he placed that very holy body itself in the temple of Apollo at the head of the basilica dedicated to her father. And Paul died in the Basilica of Paul on the Via Ostiense, after having restored certain churches that were falling into ruin on account of their antiquity, in the tenth year and first month of his pontificate. And his body was carried to the Vatican with great and solemn ceremony. Then the seat was vacant for one year and 1 month.722

FOLIO CLXIIII recto

Constantine (Constantinus) the Fifth, son of Emperor Leo III, reigned alone for 33 years after the death of his father; and he followed his father’s evil ways. He disparaged the laws and ordinances of the holy fathers with all his might and spent his whole life in iniquity. He practiced the black arts and was addicted to excesses. After he had destroyed the holy images everywhere and had slain Constantine the bishop of the imperial city, who opposed his evil conduct, and had supplanted him with Nicetas, his fellow in crime, the pope sect his emissaries to Constantinople to admonish him under threat of excommunication, and demanding that he restore the images. But the obdurate Constantine scorned these papal admonitions and took into his good graces the Bulgarian king, Sabinus, against whom he had previously made war, and who had also destroyed the images. On the advice of Anastasius, the heretic and Constantinopolitan bishop, he also killed many monks and worthy lay Christians because of their faith. So great a plague occurred at this time that many houses died out altogether. Anastasius, the heretic, died a miserable death, excrement bursting from his mouth. And Constantine was seized with a wild ecstasy, and he died screaming, Although I am still alive, I have been consigned to an unquenchable fire. His son Leo, the fourth of that name, had previously been appointed heir to the empire.723

Leo the Fourth, son of Constantine the Fifth, reigned as emperor and successor to his father for five years from the Year of the Lord 777. His father espoused him to Irene (Hirenem), most noble and beautiful among women; and she bore him a son named Constantine. During the reign of Leo, the empire merely existed in name; for the barbarians harassed the Eastern Empire constantly. The Romans, exhausted by wars, looked to the Gauls or Franks. And although the emperor marched to Syria with his forces, he returned home on the approach of the enemy, giving himself over to indolence and sinking into countless vices and evils. He so loved precious stones that he could not be appeased with the largest gems. He placed on his head the most costly crown in the treasury of Saint Sophia, and wore it through the city; by divine vengeance the jewels in the crown took fire and burned him; and so he suffered a death not unlike that of his father. After his life ended his wife Irene and his son Constantine received the empire.724

Constantine (Constantinus) the Sixth, son of the aforesaid Leo, and born of Irene (Hyrene), reigned as emperor with his mother for 10 years. This most intelligent and god-fearing empress, very beautiful in person, ruled the empire with righteousness and gave peace to the people. She reared her son with much care, intending that he should not follow the evil habits of his father and ancestors, to which she believed him inclined by nature. She called a council of three hundred fifty bishops and thereby silenced the heresy of the iconoclasts. But her son, with whom ancestral evils gained the upper hand, would no longer endure the piety, devotion and goodness of his mother and deposed her from guardianship. Alone in the sovereignty and free to follow inherited inclinations, he indulged in cruel practices. One of these cruelties consisted in securing pleasure for himself by digging out people’s eyes and blinding them. The people of Constantinople therefore concerned themselves with discovering another ruler. To him was espoused a woman called Mary; but he forced her into a monastery, placing the imperial crown upon the head of a maid. For such misdeeds the citizens of Constantinople were moved to restore his mother Irene to the throne. When this was accomplished, Irene seized Constantine and blinded and imprisoned him. She reigned alone for five years, and during that time entered into an alliance with Charles (Carolo).725

Aistulf (Aystulphus), Lombard king, reigned eight years. He attacked the country about Rome; but by means of gifts and supplications the pope moved him to peace hoping that he would observe it for a number of years. But soon afterwards Aistulf besieged Rome and ravaged the country all around it with great damage. Those of the city of Rome who should refuse to surrender, he threatened to hang or strangle. And when the pope admonished Aistulf with still greater earnestness, Aistulf remained unmoved. However, Pepin forced him to desist from his purpose and to keep the peace. After many wars Aistulf finally died of a stroke during a hunt.726

FOLIO CLXIIII verso

Gangolf (Gangolfus), the holy man, was illustrious in Burgundy in the time of the aforesaid Constantine. He bought a well in Gaul and made it spring in Burgundy. Once upon a time he admonished his wife for adultery; but as she denied the charge, he said, If you wish me to believe you, bare your arm and bring me a small stone out of the well without injury to yourself. But when she put her arm into the well, the arm was burned. Because of this Gongolfus at once gave her one half of his possessions and divorced her. And he was slain in his own house by the cleric who committed the adultery. When his corpse was on the bier and was being carried to the grave, he made many sick persons well. This was made known to his wife by the maid; and she laughed and said: Gangolf performs miracles just as my ass sings. Immediately, then, her ass began to emit numerous ugly sounds without cessation. That happened to her for the rest of her life on Fridays, the day on which her husband was martyred. As often as she uttered a word, she made an offensive noise from her ass; a thing which Pepin (Pipinus) thought worthy of being tested.727

Amelius and Amicus, the children, one born to a count, the other to a knight, were taken to Rome for baptism in the time of Pepin the king of the Franks. And when in the course of their journey they met at Lucca, they became so attached to one another that neither would eat or sleep without the other. They were baptized by the pope, and with great joy many Roman soldiers acted as godfathers. They performed many miracles in the course of their lives. And as God united them in life, so he would not part them in death; for although they were buried in the time of Charles (Caroli) in two different regions, the corpse of Amelius in his sarcophagus was before long found by the sarcophagus of Amicus in the royal church.728

Burchard (Burckardus), bishop of Würzburg (Herbipolensis), was illustrious for his piety and miracles. He was born in England of very noble parents, and he and his brother, Swidimus (Suiduno), were bishops there. They were countrymen and kinsmen of Saint Boniface. Having received an education in the liberal arts, Burchard left home for Burgundy; and there he lived in a quiet place in the garb of a pilgrim. Afterwards, (in the time of Pope Zachary) he was elevated from monk to first bishop of Würzburg. This new bishopric was established at Würzburg in the Year of the Lord’s Incarnation seven hundred fifty-one because of the increase in the number of churches among the German people, but more particularly for the salvation of Eastern France. The see was established through the efforts of archbishop Boniface under Burchard, the first bishop, and was confirmed by Pope Zachary and Pepin (Pipini), the ruler of France. This Burchard lived a virtuous life of moderation and of generosity to the poor. Afterwards he gave over the bishopric to Megingold (Megingaudo), and with six monks went to Hohenburg; and there in contemplation and with all holiness he journeyed to Christ in the Year of Salvation seven hundred ninety-one, after having presided over the bishoprics for forty years.729

Carloman (Carolomannus) was the eldest son of Charles Martel (Caroli Marcelli). To him was given Swabia and Austrasia; to Pepin the Younger, Burgundy as his share. Soon after his father’s death Carloman decided to withdraw from worldly affairs. This decision he imparted to his brother; and with a few wayfarers he went to Rome. There he was consecrated by Pope Zachary, and in the garb of a monk he went to the Benedictine monastery of Cassino, and took the vow. Afterwards he journeyed to France to advise his brother Pepin against a war with the Lombards in Italy.730

Albinus, the bishop of Angers (Andegavensis)731 and Remigius, bishop of Rouen (Rothomagensis),732 were at this time renowned for their piety and miracles.

Salvius, bishop of Albi, was martyred together with his disciple Valentinian.733

The body of Saint Benedict, stolen 34 years ago by the monks of Gaul and carried off together with the remains of his sister Scholastica, were awarded to the monks of Mount Cassino by Pope Zachary at the solicitation of Carloman, and were ordered returned to them from the monastery of Fleury. But some say that when the brothers of Fleury were about to be deprived of this holy father they succumbed to such prayers and tears that the body was allowed to remain with them.734

FOLIO CLXV recto

Pepin (Pipinus) the Younger, son of Charles Martel (Caroli Marcelli), was appointed mayor of the palace in France upon the death of his father, and excelled his father and his ancestors in glory, honor and renown. To speak of all his proceedings against the Germans, Aquitainians and Burgundians would require too much time and space. Although he was administering all the affairs of the nation of the Franks and of their king, Childeric, in his name and stead, he encountered more opposition on the part of this feeble minded King Childeric than from any other source; for which reason, as the writers of the history of the Franks state, the nobility and people of this nation, having compared the virtue and ability of Pepin with the unfitness of Childeric, sought the counsel of Pope Zachary as to whether they should any longer endure this incompetent king, or bestow the sovereignty to the more deserving Pepin. And when the pope answered that the care of the state should be in the hands of him who is most worthy of it, Pepin was declared king by the common consent of the Franks, while Childeric was consecrated as a cleric. And so ended the rule of the Merovingian house in Gaul, which had reigned under twenty-one kings over a period of 296 years. Pepin was now confirmed by Pope Zachary, and later by Pope Stephen. The Roman Church called upon him to assume leadership in a war against Aistulf, the Lombard king. He besieged him at Pavia, and Aistulf sued for peace. From that point on Pepin daily enhanced the reputation and might of France; and when he returned from Italy, Tassilo (Taxillo), duke of Bavaria, became a vassal to Pepin; and the Saxons offered him three hundred horsemen, to be employed wherever he might have occasion. And now, having participated in many wars, and being burdened with age, he resigned these matters to his son Charles. And Charles commenced his knightly career with good fortune. Seven years later Aquitaine was subjugated to the kingdom of the Franks. At the same time Pepin died at Thuron, near St. Denis.735

In the meantime the Turks went forth to gain better lands and homes. At first they moved against Asia, the Alani,736 Colchians,737 and Armenians. Later, in the Year of the Lord seven hundred fifty-five they proceeded to Asia Minor, and also against the Persians and Saracens. These Turks were Scythians from among those whom Alexander the Great, as Jerome (Hieronimus) and several other historians state, had locked up with iron chains in the Hyperborean Mountains,738 according to Ethicus the philosopher. They had their ancestral homes in Asiatic Scythia beyond the Pyrenees and in the island of Tharaca739 in the north. They were savage and cruel, uncivilized and lewd, lacking character and honor, and were abhorred by other peoples. While Pepin (Pipino) ruled over the Franks they went forth through the passes of the Caucasus and overran Pontus and Cappadocia, and slowly but surely over time overran the neighboring people. And now the outrageous attacks of the Turks became so overpowering that the Saracens could not make peace with them by any other means than the surrender of the kingdom of Persia, which the Saracens had subjugated in the time of Phocas and Heraclius. Of the power and further conquests of the Turks more will be said hereafter.

At this time ended the government known as the Exarchate of Italy, which had endured under the rule of ten exarchs, beginning with Narses, for a period of one hundred seventy-five years. These rulers, called exarchs, were sent from Constantinople into Italy. To this Exarchate belonged many distinguished Italian cities which were taken away from the Roman Church by the Constantinopolitan emperors, but restored to the Church by Pepin (Pipinus) after his war against Aistulf.

Eucherius, bishop of Lyons, was at this time renowned for his many miracles. He was the son of a nobleman, and turned to a spiritual life. For a long time he lived in a cave, fasting and praying to God and serving him with great devotion. Pursuant to angelic revelation he was afterwards placed in the bishop’s chair at Lyons. During his lifetime he was illustrious for his many miracles.740

Theodore (Theodorus), bishop of Pavia, a very holy and highly learned man, also flourished at this time. He left a number of excellent and memorable writings.741

FOLIO CLXV verso

Year of the World 5964

Year of Christ 764

Constantine (Constantinus), the second pope of that name, a Roman, succeeded the pontificate of Paul. He became such in this manner: Toto, Thotonem, the Nepetian (Nepusinum) duke, who was an ally of the Lombards and lived at Rome, avariciously compelled many people to leave Nepeso742 for Rome; and he so strengthened himself by the arms of these people that, influenced by various gifts and by the advice of false friends, they made Constantine pope. Another, called Philippicus, was also desired as pope by a number of others; but by force of arms he was compelled to forego the pontificate. And so Gregory, the Prenestinian743 bishop, was forced to immediately consecrate Constantine, and to anoint him as a bishop, although he was still a layman. In consequence of such consecration his (Gregory’s?) hands atrophied to such an extent that he could not carry them to his mouth. After Constantine had stupidly exercised his office for one year, he was cast out of the see, and Stephen the Third was regularly elected pope. Through him a council was afterwards assembled at the Lateran, and Constantine was deprived of his sight, looked up in a monastery, and deposed in disgrace. Some do not reckon him among the popes.744

Year of the World 5975

Year of Christ 774

Stephen (Stephanus), the third pope of that name, a native of Sicily whose father was Olibus, entered upon the pontificate in the Year of our Lord 768. He was a learned and well informed man, and very strict and firm in the management of certain spiritual matters. He was welcomed by the entire Roman clergy and the people as a true guide and pope. He turned his attention to the correction of morals and assembled the clergy (particularly from Gaul and Italy) in the Lateran Church at Rome. And there was much discussion as to the ordering of ecclesiastical matters; and they deposed the aforesaid Constantine and repealed his decrees; and by the common consent of all it was ordained that no layman who had not been regularly consecrated should aspire to the pontificate, nor encumber it, under penalty of being accursed; also that all transactions of a holy nature which Constantine had handled should be regarded as improper and of no force, except those concerning baptism and the chrism. On the day following these proceedings took place a fine procession of thanksgiving to God, in which the pope and many others walk barefoot out of the Lateran Basilica to Saint Peter’s with great devotion and divine service. This most industrious shepherd, true successor of Peter and imitator of Christ, at last died in the fourth year, 5th month and 27th day of his pontificate, and was buried in the Basilica of Peter. The seat was then vacant for 9 days.745

Pope Adrian (Hadrianus) the First, a Roman whose father was Theodore, was born of noble parents. During his pontificate he was a zealous devotee of the nobility of virtue. By reason of his greatness of mind, eloquence and piety, he compares favorably with any other pope. Hardly had his election been made public when he released the prisoners in Africa and ordered those who had been sent into exile to return. When news of this reached the Lombard king Desiderius, the latter sought the pope’s friendship and alliance, and for that purpose sent emissaries to him. To these he gave the answer that as much as he desired peace with all, and particularly with the Lombards, yet he could not give credence to the words of their king, who had so often broken treaties with Pope Stephen. After this time the pope called upon King Charles (Carolum) for help; and Charles besieged Desiderius and the Lombards at Pavia. He left the siege to Bernhard, his uncle, and proceeded to Rome. He honored this Adrian by kissing his feet, and they obligated one another to perpetual friendship. When Pope Adrian was thus restored to security against the fears of war, he turned his mind to the beautification of the churches and buildings in the city of Rome. At last he died in the twenty-third year, tenth month, and tenth day of his pontificate, and was buried with great praise in the Basilica of Peter on the sixth day of the Kalends of January.746

FOLIO CLXVI recto

Nicephorus, a patrician, reigned 9 years after the Empress Irene (Hyrenem), whom he craftily made a prisoner and exiled to the island of Lesbos. When he entered upon his reign he made peace with Charles (Carolo). And we read that in these same treaties it was provided that the city of Venice, which honored both emperors, might also make use of their laws; but whether in peace or war, it should not belong to either of them. Now when the emissaries submitted the form and text of the treaty to King Charles, who was then at Salzburg, in Germany, he sent them to Rome to submit these matters to the pope. In the same year, which was the first year of the reign of Nicephorus, Aron Admirhas747 introduced three hundred thousand Saracens into the Asiatic provinces that were subject to the Constantinopolitan empire. Their arrival so frightened the emperor that he sued for a shameful peace, which he secured upon condition that he pay one thousand pieces of gold to save the empire, and three thousand pieces annually to keep his own head. Not long afterwards, without taking advice, Nicephorus declared his son Stauracius (Scaurationem) a fellow-ruler in the kingdom; and being a younger man, he proceeded to turn away from the base course of his father, but was harassed by the Saracens who committed much damage and mischief in many regions. Nicephorus had much success in his war against the Bulgarians; but before he was able to return to Constantinople to enter into a treaty with the emissaries of Charles, he was defeated and killed in Upper Moesia in a battle with the Bulgarian king. His son Stauracius was wounded in the same battle, and upon his return to Constantinople he received the sovereignty. Stauracius, in the third month of his reign, was deposed by his brother-in-law, Michael, who succeeded him.748

Michael, the Constantinopolitan emperor, reigned for two years after Stauracius (Scauracium), his brother-in-law. He was a good man and a follower of the holy law. Above all things he was eager to confirm the treaty with Charles (Caroli), which Nicephorus had begun with the emissaries of Charles, who had tarried for many months at Constantinople; by which treaty the East, with Constantinople, was given to Michael, and the West, with Rome, to Charles. And he was so eager to work with Charles that he sent his emissaries to the city of Aachen to meet the emissaries of Charles and propose the treaty. When they arrived there they secured from Charles all they asked. And although said Michael for ever so long warred against the Bulgarians and defeated them, yet he was finally himself defeated to such an extent that he not only lost his army, but also his mind and heart. He abdicated and went into a monastery, and lived there to his end in the service of God. At this time the empire had hardly a name; for the barbarians ruled in the West, and the Romans, worn out by war, looked to Gaul. For this reason little mention is made afterwards of the Constantinopolitan or Greek emperors, but only of Charles the Great and his successors.749

Irene (Hyrene), the mother of Constantine, held the Second Council at Nicaea with 330 bishops. There it was ordained that those who contended that the holy pictures were to be destroyed, were to be punished with an eternal curse. It was also ordained that the Holy Spirit proceeded from the Father and the Son.750

Also, Pope Adrian (Hadrianus), after peace was secured with the Lombards, held the Seventh Council, attended by 350 bishops. In that Council the matter of the Felician heresy was disposed of; laymen were commanded not to interfere with the election of a Roman pope; also that persons without honor were not to be called into the priesthood; and so also that the clergy in foreign lands were not to allow themselves to be drawn into the civil courts.751

FOLIO CLXVI verso

At this time a golden tablet is said to have been found in the grave of a certain person. On it were written these words: Christ will be born of the Virgin Mary, and I believe in him. Under Constantine and Irene, O sun, you will see me again.

Desiderius, last of the Lombard kings, reigned 18 years after the death of Aistulf, the king; and he was at first king of the land of Etruria. When he heard of the passing of Aistulf, he collected a large army to attack the Lombard kingdom. In order to accomplish his purpose, he promised the pope and the Romans many great things against Ratchis (Rachesium), who had taken on the garb of a monk; and thereby he secured their acquiescence, and the kingdom itself by peaceable means. At this same time the power and virtue of the Lombards began to decline because of their love of pleasure. When Desiderius was relieved of his fears and concerns regarding his opponents, he departed from his promises to the pope and the Romans, and began to show ill will and oppression against them. Therefore Pope Zachary (Zacharias) called upon Charles (Carolum) the Great to warn Desiderius to desist from his unworthy proceedings against the pope. Through the emissaries of King Charles, Desiderius was requested to return to the pope what he had wrongfully taken from him. Armies were assembled by both sides; and when Desiderius came forth to engage him, Charles defeated him at two places, forcing him to flee; and he overran the country far and wide. Then Desiderius fled to Pavia, and sent his wife and children to Verona. And when the Spoletans, Reatians, and Lombards, all of whom lived in the vicinity, noted the calamity that had befallen Desiderius, they marched to Rome, submitting themselves and all their possessions to the Roman bishop. A number of other cities and communities did likewise. Charles left his uncle Bernhard to besiege Pavia, while he proceeded to Verona with a portion of the army. But Aldegisius, son of Desiderius, fled from there to the Constantinopolitan emperor. Charles took almost all the cities of Italy beyond the mountains, and then he came to Rome, from where he returned to Pavia. This he took through surrender, and he removed Desiderius to France, sending him to Lyons. And so ended the Lombard kingdom in the Year of Salvation 774, and in the fifth year of the pontificate of Pope Adrian, after having endured for nearly two hundred and thirty-two years under 22 kings from Alboin all the way up to Desiderius.752

Paul (Paulus), the Lombard historian, and a deacon of the Aquilaeian patriarchate, was beloved by his king, Desiderius, for his wisdom and intelligence. Charles (Carolus) took him to Gaul, and gave him his freedom, holding him in high esteem for a long time; but when Charles observed that Paul sought Desiderius, he sent him to the island of Diomedes. Paul fled from there, and at the request of the wife and daughter of Desiderius, he wrote the entire history from the Emperor Julius to the time of Justinian I. Afterwards he went to the monastery of Cassino, where he spent the rest of his days in devout service to God. He also wrote about many good Christian matters.753

Usuard (Isuardus), a monk, and a native of Gaul, is also said to have flourished at this time for his very great knowledge in every field of study. At the command of Charles (Caroli) the Great he compiled all the dealings, works and histories of the saints in a beautifully written book called a martyrology; and he found that more than three hundred festivals come together every day.754

Alcuin (Alcuinus), also a native of Gaul, was a preceptor and tutor of Charles (Caroli) the Great in the Greek and Latin tongues. He was highly learned, versed in all branches of philosophy, and a prince among teachers in the Holy Scriptures. For these reasons King Charles greatly respected him and held him in high esteem. He taught Charles some of the liberal arts. At the request of Boniface, archbishop of Mainz, he completely restored the prayers of the mass and other things pertaining to the divine service, which had been lost during the ravages of the Goths. And so, at his request, the said Charles transferred the university from Rome to Paris. And the university of Athens was also brought there. This Alcuin, by the grace of Charles, also presided over the Monastery of Saint Martin at Tours; for all the brethren there, having become addicted to sensual pleasures, had been ingloriously destroyed one night by an angel. As he was considered a highly learned theologian he also wrote books: On the Trinity, The Mirror of Little Boys (Little Things? Glosses?) with Questions,755 On Ecclesiastical Dogma, On the Reason of the Soul, and many other books pertaining to the Christian religion.756

FOLIO CLXVII recto

Charles (Carolus), king of the Franks, who because of his deeds was later surnamed the Great, reigned for 46 years after the death of his father Pepin (Pipino). Pepin had reigned 15 years and left his kingdom in equal parts to Charles and Carloman; but as Carloman died soon afterwards, the Franks gave over the care of his share to Charles. This Charles (it is said), was born at Ingleheim, situated four miles from Mainz. Now when Pepin died, Charles made war against the Aquitanians; and he returned home victorious. After this the pope called upon Charles for support against Desiderius, the Lombard king; so Charles, with a large army, moved against Desiderius, who also armed with a great force and went forth to meet him; and they came together in battle. But the Lombards were defeated and took to flight. Desiderius, with a few of his soldiers, fled to Pavia, and Charles pursued him with his army. Finally, Desiderius and his wife and children were made prisoners. And from the first, Italy re-established itself through the good works of Charles. When the war with the Lombards was ended, the pending war with the Saxons, which had been carried on for two years by his generals, compelled him to return home. Now the Saxons were a very great and warlike people. They honored false gods, and continually carried on hostilities with the Franks; and although the Saxons were often defeated, making treaties and giving hostages, nevertheless, until the advent of Charles, none of the Franks had won a complete victory nor subdued the Saxons in their infidelity. Charles armed a mighty force, and determined upon a day on which all the men on the Rhine were to assemble; and the Franks armed with great joy. And so the Saxon war was renewed, and there had never been a greater, longer, or severer war with the Saxons; for it is known that this war lasted 33 years. Finally the Saxons were so hard pressed that they gave themselves up to Charles, with everything in their power; and they abandoned their ways and all their false gods, and were compelled to accept the Christian faith. But as the people of Spain were at this time also held in severe subjection by the barbarians, Charles turned his mind to their relief; and he marched against the enemy. Before long a number of cities surrendered, while others were captured by force; and so nearly all of Spain came into the power of the Franks. In the meantime Tassilo (Taxilo), the Bavarian duke, roused his near neighbors against the Franks; but he afterward surrendered and gave hostages. And now as the kingdom of Charles and all the affairs of the Franks attained to great renown, and the kingdom became rich in possessions, Charles proceeded against the Hungarians, who had given aid and support to his enemies in war. And Charles never conducted a war in which more people were slain; for a great number of Hungarians, and among them the most noble, perished. And the Franks carried home with them a very large amount of gold and silver.757

Roland (Rolandus), a count Palatine and grandson of Charles, was a man of inestimable strength and greatness, for which he was renowned throughout the world. When Charles again led his forces into Gaul, he was surprised by the Vasconians758 near the Pyrenees. And although many of the enemy were slain in this battle, yet Anselm (Anshelmus) and Eggihard (Egibardus), the highest officers in Charles’s army, as well as this Roland (referring to the portrait opposite the text), were slain; although some say Roland died of thirst. 759

Tassilo (Taxilo), duke of Bavaria, at the instigation of his wife, at this time provoked his neighbors, and made an alliance with the Hungarians. His wife was the daughter or Desiderius, the Lombard king, and being dejected by her father’s misfortune, she reminded Tassilo of it day and night, urging him to come to the relief of her father from sorrow and misery; for no one but Tassilo could restore him to freedom. With such pleadings she moved him to equip an army. But Charles soon came to Bavaria, and Tassilo was so frightened that he surrendered and gave Theon, his son, and other select youths as hostages.760

Adalgis (Aldegisius), son of Desiderius, who during the siege of Pavia fled to Greece, at this time, by the help of many Greeks, came into Italy with a great force to demand the return of his father’s kingdom. But he was defeated by the Franks, imprisoned, and subjected to so many tortures that his misery ended in martyrdom.761

FOLIO CLXVII verso

Year of the World 6003

Year of Christ 804

Leo, the third pope of that name, whose father was Arrupius, was elected pope. He was a highly learned man, and so reared and instructed in ecclesiastical and spiritual training, that he was worthy of elevation above all others. He was a virtuous, wholesome, well disciplined, eloquent man, and such a lover of the learned that by means of compensatory inducements he attracted them to himself from many places, and found great pleasure in their instruction and company. He showed great zeal in teaching, preaching, visiting the sick, and in giving alms. After he had admonished two priests for their misconduct, they decided upon revenge, and in the course of a litany and procession he was stopped, made a prisoner, deprived of his papal ornaments, his tongue and his sight, and was placed in custody in the monastery or Saint Erasmus. But his speech and sight (as Bibliothecarius testifies) were restored to him by divine grace. Through the assistance of a faithful chamberlain ho was led to the Basilica of the Blessed Peter, and Winegis (Vinisigius), the duke of Spoleto, was appealed to for help. Leo stayed there only a few days, proceeding to King Charles (Carolum) in Saxony; but upon the latter’s orders he returned to Rome. The Roman clergy and the people came some distance to meet him. Later Charles also came to Rome, being received by the pope and the people with great glory, honor, and joy. Soon afterwards the king called the clergy and the people to the Basilica of the Blessed Peter. There the pope, placing the Gospel of Christ on a lectern, swore on it that he was innocent of all that of which he stood accused. This occurred on the Ides of December in the Year of Salvation eight hundred. On the day of the birth of our Lord (i.e. Christmas day), following, Leo crowned Charles as Roman emperor, and anointed his son Pepin as king of Italy. Finally this Leo built from the ground up a large hospital, which the Greeks call xenodochion, near Saint Peter’s. He died in the twenty-first year of his pontificate.762 A comet appeared in the year in which the said Pope Leo died; and which, according to some, was an omen of this calamity. And he was buried in the Basilica of Peter on the day before the Ides of June. After his death the seat was then vacant for ten days.

Year of the World 6013

Year of Christ 814

Stephen the Fourth, a Roman whose father was Julius, in the third month of his pontificate journeyed to Emperor Louis (Ludovicum) in Gaul. He respectfully sent forth Theodolphus, the local bishop, together with the clergy, to meet him, and also personally received him with great honor and respect. This Stephen was born of noble parents, and possessed such scriptural wisdom and wholesome disposition that he was piously regarded by all. And, as they say, he anointed and crowned said Louis. After various dealings between them, involving the peace of Italy, Leo returned to Rome, bringing with him a very costly cross of great value, which Louis presented to Saint Peter’s at his own expense. And this very holy pope died in the seventh month of his pontificate, and was buried in the Basilica of Peter. The seat, by his death, was then vacant eleven days.763

Paschal (Pascalis), the first pope of this name, a Roman whose father was Bonofus, was elected pope without the sanction of the emperor. As soon as he received the pontificate, he sent his emissaries to Emperor Louis to inquire whether he was obliged to accept the pontificate at the hands of the clergy and the people who had elected him; but Louis was satisfied with the proceedings, and said that the decision of the clergy and the people was to be observed; but that in future they were to be careful not to offend his majesty. Pope Stephen, while he still lived, placed this man (i.e., Paschal), on account of his virtue and learning, in charge o the monastery of Saint Stephen the Martyr in the Vatican; and he erected several churches and repaired others, and translated a number of holy bodies to worthy places. He died in the seventh year, third month and seventeenth day of his pontificate, and was buried in the Basilica of Peter. The seat then was vacant for four days.764

FOLIO CLXVIII recto

Charles (Carolus) was surnamed the Great because of his distinguished services, his great faith, and his liberality toward all Christians. After he had added to his paternal kingdom, not only Gaul, on the Rhine and on the sea; and Germany, on the Danube and the river Saale; also Aquitaine,765 Vasconia,766 and nearly all of Spain; and had engaged the Lombards in Italy and by might and force added them to his kingdom; but also Saxony, which is no small part of the German nation, and both Pannoniae,767 and beyond the Danube, Dacia768 and Istria,769 and the entire Liburnian kingdom;770 also all the barbarian people living in Germany between the Danube, the sea, and the Rhine—partly by force of arms and in part by kindness—so with these possessions and distinguished deeds he attained to this name and renown through force of his arms, not only in Gaul, but throughout the world. In the Year of Salvation eight hundred and one, being the fifth year of Pope Leo, (after Constantine the Great left Rome and went East to Constantinople, and the Roman Empire in the West had been dormant for two hundred thirty years after Augustulus), this Charles, through his virtue and power, brought the empire back to the West; and he received the name and office of emperor with the consent of the Roman people, and to their great joy; and as such emperor he reigned for fourteen years. In commemoration of this imperial honor he restored to its former state the city of Florence, the greater part of which had been destroyed by the Goths; and he brought back into the city all the nobles who had been dispersed among the neighboring towns, castles and marches; and he encompassed it with new walls, and adorned it with churches. Charles was erect in body, had a broad chest and shoulders, large bright eyes, slightly elevated nose, well-formed fine mouth, and a clear voice. He was dignified and courageous in bearing, manner and action. He had a long beard, healthy complexion and, according to Gallic custom, was devoted to the chase, which he believed conducive to health. It is said that he also derived much satisfaction and pleasure from the bath and from natural warm springs. He built a church to the Holy Virgin Mary at great cost and expense in the city of Aix-la-Chapelle (Aquisgrani), the capital of the empire, where he maintained his royal seat; and to this church he gave the handkerchief and shift of the most blessed Mary. In addition to his royal virtues he was well spoken, versatile, and learned in the fine arts. He had many beautiful children by many wives, especially by his wife Hildegard, namely, Charles (Carolum), Pepin (Pipinum), Louis (Ludovicum), and a number of daughters. The sons he placed under the tutelage of highly learned men for instruction in letters and in wisdom; but in order that the daughters might not become indifferent through idleness, he accustomed them to good works. When he became burdened with years, and his son Pepin, the king of Italy, had passed away at Milan, he made provision that his son Louis should be king of Aquitaine and successor to the Empire, while his grandson Bernhard should be king of Italy and obedient to Louis in all things; and he confirmed to his successors not only the kingdom of the Franks, but also the title or emperor. He left Aix-la-Chapelle to participate in the chase, but returned with a fever, and a pain in his side. And he died in the seventy-second year of his age and the forty-seventh year of his reign, in the eight hundred and fifteenth year of Christian salvation on the fifth day of the Kalends of February. His body was buried with a solemn funeral in the Basilica at Aix-la-Chapelle with (his sepulcher) bearing the following epigram: The Body of Charles the Great, a Most Christian Emperor of the Romans, Lies Buried under this Sepulcher.771 Three years before his death he made a will, dividing his estate into three parts, two of which he bequeathed to the principal bishops for the use of the churches and the benefit of the poor, while the third part he gave to his children and grandchildren according to their respective shares. Among his treasures were three silver tables, and a very large golden one. On one was engraved the city of Constantinople, and this he sent to St. Peter’s Church in Rome. On another was engraved the city of Rome, and this he gave to the church at Ravenna. The third one contained a description of all the country round about. This third silver table, as well as the golden one, he left to his sons.772

At this time a Jew in Syria, to the grief of the Christians, pierced an image of Christ with a lance; and soon blood flowed from it continuously. The Jew becoming frightened, held a vessel under the wound, and collected the blood. By this many people were cured, and more Jews were converted to the Christian faith. The same blood was later brought to Mantua, where it was held in great veneration because of the miracles which occurred in its presence. When Charles (Carolus) the emperor heard of this, he wrote to Pope Leo to apprise him of these things. Upon learning of this the pope went to Mantua, and after preserving the blood, he went to Charles and advised him of the truth of this miracle.

FOLIO CLXVIII verso

Year of the World 6023

Year of Christ 824

Eugenius, the second pope of that name, a Roman whose father was Bohemund (Boemundo), succeeded Paschal (Pascali). At this time occurred the eighth schism, between this Eugenius and one named Zinzinnus (Zinzinum); but Eugenius was worthy and honorable, and a man of distinction. And by reason of his amiability and eloquence he was given the preference. He was so industrious in the harvesting of the crops, that at no time was grain marketed in Rome at a lower price. And he protected the widows and orphans, and therefore he was deservedly called the father of the poor by many persons. After having officiated for four years he died, and was mourned by all. Some write that his enemies deprived him of his eyesight, and that thus he was crowned with martyrdom. His body was buried with every devotion in the Basilica of Peter, prince of the Apostles.773

Pope Valentine (Valentinus), a Roman whose father was Leontius, was a man who from his tender years until a mature age learned from Paschal and Eugenius, very holy men, knowledge, reason, and how to lead a good and holy life. He was not inclined to gaming, quarreling and wanton pleasures, which youths indulge in, but took the teachings and regulations of a worthy life from the writings of the ancients and the examples of the holy popes. And having thus led a holy, virtuous, good and kind life, he was elevated to the pontificate, of which he was well worthy. But he died on the fortieth day of his pontificate, possibly through the fault of his contemporaries, and was buried in the Basilica of Peter. When he was alive scarcely could Roman freedom or the Christian religion be weakened.774

Year of the World 6033

Year of Christ 834

Pope Gregory (Gregorius) the Fourth, a Roman whose father was John (Ioanne), and a priest of the parish church of Saint Mark, of noble birth, renowned piety, distinguished scriptural wisdom and learning, and possessed of eloquence, was a man of such discretion that upon his election as pope by the Roman clergy and the people he was not willing to obtain this office until the ambassadors of Emperor Louis (Ludovici), who were to carefully discuss and confirm the election, arrived. And Emperor Louis did not send them on account of pride, but to serve the interests of the empire. At his behest Gregory instituted the feast of All Saints, to be celebrated on the Kalends of November, and the Gauls and the Germans were the first to observe it. After many good deeds Gregory died in the 16th year of his pontificate, and was buried in the Basilica of Peter. After his death the seat was vacant for 15 days.775

Pepin (Pipinus), Emperor Charles’s (Caroli) eldest son, reigned as king of Italy for 13 years. He was a man of high renown, and not unlike his father in a number of ways. His father sent him against the Hungarians, whom he subdued by force of arms; also the Beneventans who were oppressing the adjoining papal lands; and against the Venetians. He also attacked Heraclaea and Aquilaeia, on which account many of the nobility went to Venice. And when he had accomplished these things and concluded many other wars, he went to Milan and there ended his life in renown and peace.776

Bernard (Bernardus), grandson of Charles (Caroli) the Great, was declared king of Italy by the emperor, after Pepin (Pipinum); and he reigned 9 years. Although the emperor Charlemagne had commanded him to obey his son and successor (Louis) in all things, yet after Charlemagne’s death, Bernhard refused, being influenced by a number of Italian bishops and quarrelsome citizens. He took up arms and a number of cities were compelled to submit and the people to take an oath. When knowledge of this came to the emperor, he adjudged Bernard guilty of lese majesty777, and declared him an enemy. And the emperor, together with an army collected from Gaul, Germany and Bavaria, marched into Italy. Those of the nobility who were to blame were strangled, Bernhard was beheaded, and the bishops were deposed and sent into monasteries.778

FOLIO CLXIX recto

Louis (Ludovicus), the first of that name, surnamed the Pious, received the empire in the Year of Salvation 815, after the death of his father, Charles (Carolum) the Great; and with his son Lothair (Lothario) he reigned 25 years. In the winter, while in Aquitaine, Louis received notice of his father’s death; at once he returned to Aix-la-Chapelle (Aquisgranum), and there he first heard the messengers who had journeyed after his father. Afterwards he transacted business with an assembly of the country, concerning matters affecting the Empire and the kingdom of France. Emperor Leo’s ambassadors from Constantinople were also there at that time, and the treaties were renewed. Said Louis, together with King Bernard, undertook a military expedition against the people of Danorum; but as the seas were too frozen in the depth of winter, the emperor and the king were so delayed in their undertaking that when they had covered half the distance to Paderborn, in Saxony, they encamped the army for the winter. There the emperor received news that the most distinguished persons in Rome had sworn to assassinate Pope Leo; at once the emperor sent the king to Italy with the command to prevent diminution of the kingdom or secessions from it. When King Bernard arrived in Italy he became very ill, and he silenced affairs at Rome through Gerardus, the count. Afterwards Pope Stephen the Fourth went to France, and crowned Louis as emperor. Now when he came into the sovereignty, Louis conducted serious wars against the Vasconians and the Britons or English, and also against the Saracens, and he reduced these people to obedience, subordination and peace. With an armed force he also restored to his paternal kingdom, Harold (Heroldum), who had been driven out of Dacia. After many such well managed campaigns, this King Louis held a diet at Aix; and after making peace in ecclesiastical affairs, he declared his first-born son Lothair an associate sovereign, while he appointed Pepin, the second son, to Aquitaine, and designated Louis, the third son, king of Bavaria. In the course of these events Bernard, the king of Italy, at the instigation of certain Italian lords, became antagonistic to the emperor; but he was punished and beheaded as stated previously. Afterwards the king was informed that the Britons were in revolt; but when he had armed to silence them, and had arrived there, he found all things at peace. In the meantime his wife, Irmengard (Ermelgardam), who had born him three sons, died. Afterwards he appointed his son Lothair king of Italy in lieu of the deceased King Bernard. He was called to Rome by Pope Paschal (Pascali) and the Roman people, and was there first anointed and crowned as king by the pope, and after that acclaimed emperor. This Louis, a mild man, so conducting himself toward the papal see that the four popes who succeeded one another over a period of twenty-seven years, during the term of his sovereignty, were never without his support and assistance. This Louis was afterwards imprisoned by his son Lothair; but he was later released and restored to his throne. At last died the following: Firstly, the Greek emperor Michael; shortly afterwards Pope Gregory; and the emperor (Louis) followed in less than a month. He himself was buried in the Basilica of the Blessed Arnulf (Arnolphi).779

The Mauri, a people thus called, at this time came to Sicily in ships and devastated everything. In consequence of which the Venetians also sailed there; and when the unbelievers saw their sails from afar, they returned to Africa.780 The body of Saint Mark, the Evangelist was brought to Venice from Alexandria by certain merchants through a cunning deceit; for the priests, at the request of the merchants, placed the little casket containing the remains in a basket at a designated place. And the merchants covered the casket with vegetables and pork and carried it through the market. When the toll-gatherers sought to collect duty from it as merchandise, and found pork under the vegetables—having a horror of such meat, they searched no further; and so the body was placed on board a ship and brought to Venice.781

Rabanus, a monk and German abbot at Fulda, later archbishop of Mainz, and a very famous and distinguished theologian and poet, at this time through the greatness of his intelligence wrote many excellent books, especially that miraculous work On the Praises of the Holy Cross.782 This same man also commented on Chronicles and Maccabees, and wrote quite elegant sermons for very powerful people in celebration of all the saints. And he sat (in office as archbishop of Mainz) for 10 years (starting) in the Year of Salvation 846.783

Strabo, also a monk from Gaul, was a very eminent Gaul and a most diligent commentator. He was a disciple of the previously mentioned Rabanus, and was a teacher of no less importance during this time than his master. He commented very beautifully on the books of the Bible, and he wrote about the duties of the Church to the emperor Louis (Ludovicum), as well as many other things.

FOLIO CLXIX verso

Year of the World 6043

Year of Christ 844

Sergius, the second pope of that name, a Roman whose father was Sergius from the fourth region784, was elected pope to succeed Gregory, and until then he had been called Pig’s Snout; but because of the offensive significance or his name, he was compelled to adopt another—Sergius. From this originated the custom of the Roman bishops (although all did not follow it) of changing their names when entering upon the pontificate. During the pontificates of his predecessors, Leo the Third, Stephen the Fourth, Eugenius the Second, and Gregory the Fourth, Sergius so demeaned himself in the practice of good morals and learning, that upon the death of Gregory he alone was considered worthy of the office. After entering upon his pontificate he directed his attention to the adornment of the houses of God. He restored the Basilica of Saints Sylvester and Martin that had collapsed on account of its age, and placed many holy relics in it. In the vicinity of these churches he also built a monastery in honor of Peter and Paul for perpetual service of God. The Romans, who through his intercession were relieved of their fears of tyrannical cruelty, loved this pious pope as a true vicar of Christ, and as the sole father of their country. At last, with ecclesiastical matters well and properly managed, he died in the third year of his pontificate, and was buried in the Basilica of Peter. After his death the Roman seat was vacant for two months and 15 days.785

Pope Leo the Fourth, a Roman whose father was Rudolf (Rodulfo), was elected pope, in the Year of the Incarnation eight hundred forty with the unanimous consent and good will of all the people; and deservedly so, for throughout life he was blameless in his service of God, renowned for his kindness, magnanimity, grace, generosity and spiritual learning. Some say that God, pursuant to the prayers of this pious man, caused the Saracens to be shipwrecked and drowned while homeward bound with Christian plunder; and he silenced them. His piety was such that his prayers exorcised a venomous serpent, the basilisk,786 out of the vaults of Saint Lucia the Virgin into a cave. This serpent by its breath and poison had destroyed many people. By the sign of the cross he also extinguished a dangerous fire in Rome. He restored many old ruined buildings there, and added fifteen towers. He also discovered the bodies of the Four Crowned Martyrs.787 The Saracens, having attacked the Romans and Neapolitans with a large fleet, the pope took up arms against them, and proceeded as far as Ostia; and in tears he appealed to God and made the sign of the cross over his forces; and in consequence the enemy was defeated and routed. At last he, who was exceedingly well-deserving of the name of a Christian concerning both the Church of God and the city of Rome, died in the eighth year, third month, and 6th day of his pontificate on the 16th day of the Kalends of August, and was buried in the Basilica of Peter. The seat was then vacant for two months and fifteen days.788

John (Ioannes) of England (and, as they say) born in Mainz (Mogunciaco), secured the pontificate through evil arts; for although she was a woman, she traveled in the guise and manner of a man. In early youth she went to Athens with her lover, a learned man. There she became so highly educated in the Scriptures that when she came to Rome there were but few equal to her in the Holy Scriptures. In the guise of a man, having concealed her sex, she acquired such favor and credence by her lectures and subtle disputations, that upon the death of Leo she was elected pope in his stead (as Martin states) by common consent. But afterwards she became pregnant by one of her attendants; and having carried it in her womb for sometime, and having one day decided to go to the Lateran Basilica, she was taken in labor on the way, between the Colossus of Nero (i.e., the Colosseum) and Saint Clements; and there she gave birth, and died on the spot. Some say that when a pope desires to go to the Lateran Basilica, and reaches the vicinity where this happened, he avoids the same highway in detestation of the memory of such event. And secondly, when a pope has been newly elected, he is placed upon Peter’s perforated chair; and in order to avoid a repetition of such an error in the future, the youngest deacon touches his genitalia through this perforated chair.789

Theodolphus, bishop of Orleans, distinguished by birth and celebrated for his art and learning, was held in great esteem in the above mentioned times. He was falsely accused to Emperor Louis (Ludovicum), and imprisoned. While in prison he wrote many excellent poems, particularly the hymn of praise, Glory, praise, and honor to you, Christ, the redeemer, which is sung on Palm Sundays before the doors of the churches. Now when the emperor on Palm Sunday heard this song, and was informed that it was written by this bishop, he relented; and he caused the bishop to be released, sent for him, and reinstated him in his bishopric.790

FOLIO CLXX recto

Lothair (Lotharius), son of the aforesaid emperor Louis (Ludovici), reigned after his father for 15 years, together with Louis, his son, whom he made an associate in the sovereignty; and after the death of his father he had the Roman Empire to himself. Louis was hardly in his grave when his three brothers, Lothair, Louis and Charles (Carolus) became embittered toward one another on account of Italy; and they entered upon a great war, the like of which had not occurred since the Catalonian battle with Atilla (Athila) in Gaul; for each came on with his greatest power and might, and they met in the field of Auxerre (Antesiodorensi); and there they fought a battle in which more Franks were slain than ever before. And although Louis and Charles held the field, they were as much impaired in strength as Lothair was, and each found it impossible to protect his own country against the enemy. Lothair fled from the field to Aix-la-Chapelle (Aquisgranum), and his brothers pursued him. With his wife and children he escaped to Vienne by way of Lyons (Lugdunum); and there he assembled another army. Emissaries from Italy, Gaul and Germany urged the three brothers to make a treaty, and negotiations were commenced to secure peace and divide the paternal inheritance. The three brothers agreed that Charles the Bald possess the paternal kingdom to the north, from the English Sea to the river Mosa; Louis, all of Germany to the Rhine, and what his father had possessed beyond the Rhine; Lothair to have the imperial title, together with Rome, Italy, the provinces of Narbonne, and Lotharingia. Now after these matters had been settled, Lothair gave the sovereignty to his son Louis, and then entered a monastery. In the meantime the other Louis, his brother, died in his German Empire. And as he had divided the kingdom among his sons, and had now grown old, he left the imperial title to Louis. Not long afterwards Lothair died.792

At this time Gaul, like Italy, suffered great evil and damage at the hands of the Saracens, due to the dissensions between Lothair and his brothers. The Normans forded the Ligiris,793 and ravaged Aquitaine and the island of Heria,794 and destroyed ever so many monasteries. Sweeping through Gaul, far and wide, they plundered, robbed and ravaged many cities and fortresses; but they dared not tarry for long in the Frankish cities, returning to Aquitaine where they set up their royal seat.795

At this time marvelously large hailstones (they say) fell in Gaul, killing many people and animals. These stones had hard centers of marvelous length.

In Italy occurred an earthquake as well, destroying cities and mountains.

Locusts, in inconceivable numbers, having six wings and two teeth harder than stone, covered the earth like snow in Gaul, and destroyed all the vegetation. When they finally fell into the sea, and were afterwards thrown back on the seacoast, they gave off such a foul stench that the air was polluted, resulting in a great number of deaths among the populace. A comet also appeared in the second year of the reign of Lothair.

The Africans at this time proceeded to Italy, where they were engaged at the city of Ostia by the Romans. The Saracens invaded Italy, plundered the city of Ancona and ravaged it with fire.

Adeulphus, the English king, and a most Christian man, at this time exercised sole sovereignty over all England, which now occurred for the first time. Through his special leaning in favor of service to God, he made the island tributary to the Roman see, ordaining that every house should pay a tribute of one silver penny to the church and Saint Peter annually.796

Edmund (Edmundus), afterwards king of the English, was celebrated for his piety and service to God, and was an earnest defender of the Christian faith, conducting many battles against the unbelieving Danes. He finally received the crown of martyrdom. After his decapitation his head was preserved by a wild wolf.797

FOLIO CLXX verso

Pope Benedict the Third, a Roman whose father was Peter, was by reason of his piety deservedly called Benedict798; for under Gregory, and also afterwards, he conducted himself so honorably that upon the death of Leo he was elected to succeed him. He was regarded by the people as a sacred bright star sent down to earth by God. Nevertheless, he pleaded with God and his saints, regarding himself as unworthy of the papal see. After having received the pontificate against his will he fasted for three days, and prayed within his heart that God grant him a holy life and the rule of the entire church. And although some, under the leadership of Rhodoald, bishop of Porto, wished to elevate another to the pontificate, they later realized their mistake, asked mercy of this holy man, and worshipped him according to custom. And the emissaries sent by Emperor Louis (Ludovici) to Rome to confirm the papal election did likewise; for Benedict was a man of such kindness and worthiness in soul and body, that during his pontificate and before that time, he was esteemed and loved, and acceptable to all men. What he undertook he accomplished, not alone in word but in deed. He was always present when a priest passed away; and he visited the sick, fed the poor, comforted the miserable, and industriously protected widows and orphans. And thus with these acts he was continuously leading While dying he ordered that his body be buried before the doors of he Church of the Blessed Peter the Apostle. He died in the second year, sixth month, and ninth day of his pontificate. Meanwhile the bishop’s (seat) was vacant 15 days.799

Year of the World 6063

Year of Christ 864

Nicholas (Nicolaus), the first of that name,800 a Roman whose father was Theodosius, was well reared and piously instructed from youth. He was consecrated a subdeacon by Sergius, and later a deacon by Leo. With his own hands, and not without tears, he lowered the body of Benedict into the grave. After much watching and praying, they elected him pope in his absence. And although he fled, they found him and brought him to the atrium of the Lateran against his will, and placed him in the apostolic chair. After he was consecrated at the Basilica of Peter and crowned with the papal tiara,801 he constantly conferred with Emperor Louis (Ludovico) on matters of church and state. Emperor Michael of Constantinople sent him his messengers with gifts and presents. This pope in the exercise of his worthy dignity, deposed John (Ioannem), archbishop of Ravenna, who refused to obey a summons to appear in connection with proceedings previously held; but he was later pardoned.802 The king of the Bulgarians, with all his provinces, was converted to the Christian faith through his writings and wholesome admonitions, and was given bishops and priests; and peace was made between Louis and the Duke of Benevento. With the cooperation and confirmation of Emperor Louis, many statutes and ordinances were enacted. Finally this man died adorned by every type of virtue in the ninth year, ninth month and 13th day of his pontificate, and he was buried before the gates of the Basilica of the Blessed Peter in accordance with his will after the example of his predecessor. There are some who write that after his death the seat was vacant for many years.

Adrian (Hadrianus), the second of this name, also a Roman whose father was Talarus, a bishop, was related to Pope Sergius. He was very virtuous, and mild, and liberal in his gifts to the poor. For these and other qualities he was held in such great esteem by the people, that when the election of a new pope was under discussion, the people thought of Adrian alone; and at the Lateran Basilica they elected him against his will. When Emperor Louis (Ludovicus) heard of this he speedily sent his emissaries to Rome to confirm the election. And when Adrian entered upon the duties of his office, he zealously considered all things pertaining to the honor and service of God, by word, example and teaching, and by admonitions to a good and blessed life. He also zealously protected those oppressed by judgments and force. With all his might he opposed the enemies of the church. He died in the fifth year, ninth month, and twelfth day of his pontificate, and was buried in the Basilica of Peter. And then the papal (seat) ceased (to be occupied) for twelve days.803

FOLIO CLXXI recto

Louis (Ludovicus), the second of that name, after the death of his father Lothair (Lothario), in the Year of Salvation, 856, ruled the empire alone for 21 years. He was anointed king by Pope Sergius. Lothair sent his son Louis into Italy with a mighty army, commanding him to avail himself of the advice of Drogo (Drogonem), bishop of Metz, and other spiritual men of the faith. But as this Louis was still young, proud, and puffed up with an excess of good fortune, he devastated all things wherever he went, with murder, theft and fire. But when he approached Rome, and the Romans came forth to respectfully receive him, he laid aside his Gallic cruelty and became more kind. The pope anointed him king of Italy, and soon afterwards invested him with the imperial crown. In his time the Saracens invaded and ravaged Benevento. And Louis called upon his brother Lothair for assistance against them. And he came to Italy with an army, but becoming ill, died at Placentia. When Charles (Carolus), king in Gaul, heard of the death of Lothair, he coveted Lorraine; and the Emperor Louis divided Lorraine with Charles, his uncle, on condition that Louis receive the palace and court at Aix-la-Chapelle (Aquisgrani) with his share.804

In the time of Emperor Louis (Ludovici), blood rained from the heavens for three days and nights at Brescia, as the historians say.805

In this year the river Tiber (Tyberis) inundated the city of Rome to such an extent that it became necessary to travel from one highway to another by boat. A number of other places were so flooded that one might believe the Deluge at hand. In this flood many houses were upset, many trees uprooted, and hedges washed out. This occurred twice in a single year at Rome. Pope Nicholas (Nicolaus) spared no manner of benevolence toward his people in alleviating the losses thus sustained.

Bulgaria, together with its king, was at this time converted to the Christian faith through the letters and admonitions of Pope Nicholas (Nicolai); likewise Suerophilus, king of Dalmatia, together with his subject people, a nation of the Slavs, who had their origin in German Bohemia. And now the pope sent there, (as above stated) a number of bishops and priests, who, after the expulsion of Photius the heretic, were to firmly establish the people in the faith; for this heretic kept all the Bulgarians in error. However, their king was a man of such perfection and piety that he installed his eldest son in the sovereignty, himself assuming a monastic status. But when his son allowed himself to be misled into idolatry, the king through devotion to the faith, deposed him and, caused him to be imprisoned and blinded, while he himself resumed his reign. Afterwards he gave over the sovereignty to his youngest son, and again assumed the monastic habit. Soon after his death the Bulgarian people were so deceived by the priests of Constantinople that they drove out the Latin priests, and welcomed back the Greek. This aroused much dissension between the Latins and Greeks. At this time a division took place in the kingdom of Dalmatia; for Dalmatia, the first region of Greece, was bounded on the east by Macedonia, on the west by Istria (Hyistriam), on the south by the Adriatic Sea, and on the north by Pannonia. In this new partition the plains of Dalmatia to Istria became White Croatia; and from these same plains to Diarchium, Red Croatia; and the region from the river Drinus to the mountains, and over the same river to Macedonia, was called Rassia. And beyond the river it was called Bosnia; and Rassia and Bosnia are two regions of the Croatian kingdom.

At this time the Saracens attacked and conquered the entire island of Crete; and sailing to Italy, captured many cities which they burned after the inhabitants had fled.

At this time Pope Nicholas (Nicolaus) made peace between Louis (Ludovicum) and Andalisius, the antagonistic duke of Benevento, whom Louis had besieged in the city of Benevento until compensated for losses sustained; in consequence of which he lifted the siege.

There are some who write that Saint Cyril at this time brought to Rome from Cherson the remains of Saint Clement, and interred them at a church called Saint Clement’s. Not long afterwards Cyril died and was buried at the same place.

Arioldus, king of the people of Denmark, was (as they say) at this time baptized at Mainz (Magnuncie) with his wife and children. The emperor gave him Friesland (Frisiam).

FOLIO CLXXI verso

Year of the World 6073

Year of Christ 874

Pope John the Eighth, a Roman whose father was Gundus, upon his elevation to the pontificate, declared Charles (Carolum), who at that time came to Rome, emperor. Later, in the course of a quarrel, he was thrown into prison by the Romans; but before long, through the help of some of his friends, he regained his freedom; and he fled to Louis, surnamed Balbus in France.806 He lived there a year and anointed him as king. He also disposed of several misunderstandings which had occurred among the clergy. Then he left the place, and held a council at Treca,807 in which were established many things pertaining to the faith. He gave a bishop to the people of Flanders, who were then just emerging from the wilderness and becoming accustomed to better discipline and to religious services. But as the Saracens invaded Italy at this time, John was recalled to Rome; and with the assistance of the Christian princes he drove a large number out of Italy and Sicily. He was learned in the Greek and Latin tongues; and being a highly learned man he wrote many things, translating from the Greek into the Latin. He died after having been pope for ten years and two days, and was buried in the Basilica of Peter. He also wrote the life of Gregory the First in four books when he was a deacon.808

Martin (Martinus) the Second, a native of Gaul whose father was Palumbus, became pope after John (Ioannem). There are some who call him Marinus. And so this Martin, whose life was rather short, lived as pope for only a short time. There are some who write that Martin through deceit and with such persecutions had so agitated Pope John that when he had been thrown into chains it was necessary for him to escape. And as Martin had attained to the pontificate by evil means, he died shortly, having lived as pope only a year and five months. On account of the shortness of time, he carried out nothing memorable.809

Pope Adrian (Hadrianus) the Third, a Roman whose father was Benedict, was a man of such temper and keenness that at the inception of his pontificate he insisted, and so advised the Roman senate and the people, that imperial power and confirmation were unnecessary to the elevation and creation of a pope. Such a law is said to have been first pronounced by Pope Nicholas (Nicolai) the First. But this Adrian, in whom, on account of his virtue and pride, the Roman clergy and people had placed great hope, died in the first year and second month of his pontificate, and was buried in the Basilica of Peter accompanied by the tears and lamentations of all since such a father had been taken so suddenly from them at so unjust a time.810

Stephen (Stephanus), the fifth pope of that name, a Roman, secured the pontificate in the time when the Normans with the assistance of the people of Decii, devastated Gaul. This Stephen, during all his life, was greatly troubled and distressed by the attacks of the Normans, Hungarians and Italians; however, during such attacks he found great satisfaction in the piety of the celebrated men who lived during his time, particularly Luitprand, the Pavian deacon; Valdridus, the Bavarian bishop, and Berardus, the bishop of Pictavi.811 Through their good lives and morale, the Christian faith, at this time, grew so, that many churches and monasteries, in fine style and at great cost were erected in both regions of Gaul. But Stephen died in the 6th year and 11th day of his pontificate. The seat was then vacant for five days.812

The Fifth Council at Constantinople was held at the instance of John VIII. He reunited the Greek and Latin churches with the hope and intent that this measure would be conducive to the expulsion of the Saracens. In this council three hundred eighty-three fathers were present. The books on the canon laws show how useful this Council was in the declaration of the articles of Christian faith. But this accord of the two tongues was not found sufficient to drive off the Saracens; for in the same year they proceeded from the island of Crete and ravaged the regions of Dalmatia, spreading themselves out over land and sea and overrunning peoples cities and country; and they besieged the city of Gradus, but it was rescued by the Venetians, who drove the Saracens across the sea; for the Venetians were concerned lest the Saracens extend their conquests still further if they did not come to the assistance of their neighbors.

FOLIO CLXXII recto

Charles (Carolus), the second of that name, surnamed the Bald, began to reign in the first year of Pope John; and reigned for 6 years. For five consecutive years he was at war with the Britons. He fought, firstly, Homevoius the duke, and then his son Crispoius, and he killed them both. He conquered Britain, and caused himself to be anointed king in the city of Lemonice. With his army he returned home to France. During this same period Charles’s brother, king of Bavaria and Germany, died in Frankfurt. And although the passage of the empire to this Charles is not mentioned, yet it appears according to all historians that he assumed the imperial title, journeyed to Rome, received the crown from Pope John the Eighth, and then returned to France. When peace was restored he again journeyed to Rome. In the meantime Carloman and Charles, his nephews, assembled an army from all the regions of Germany, to be sent against their uncle in Italy. But Charles took up arms against them, and decided to intercept their invasion at the city of Trient. But as he became afflicted with illness at Mantua, he was poisoned by a drink given him by Sedechias, a Hebrew (whom he employed as his doctor). This Charles the Second was a very devout Christian who built many monasteries and churches all over, and at the same time enhanced things divine.813

Charles (Carolus) the Third, surnamed the Fat, reigned 12 years from the Year of the Incarnation eight hundred eighty-one. He was a king of Gaul and Germany. He marched into Italy with a great army of remarkable strength and conquered entire Lombardy. Coming to Rome, he received the imperial crown from Pope John (Ioanne). Not long thereafter, with an army, he marched against the Normans who were ravaging France and Lorraine with plunder and fire. After learning of the death or Emperor Louis they besieged the noble city of Trier and devastated the vicinity with fire. Afterwards this Charles was recalled from Italy by the German and Gallic princes to protect his fatherland against the Normans. So he assembled an army against the Normans out of the Lombards, Bavarias, Saxons, Frisians, Alamanni, and Thüringians; and in a short time he pressed them so mightily that Rothifred, their king, sued for peace, and allowed himself to be made a Christian; and he was baptized, the emperor acting as godfather. Some state that in the time of Pope Stephen the Fifth, Charles, after having reigned 12 years, was relieved of his authority by the leaders, because of his physical sluggishness and mental dullness, and that Arnulf was put in his stead. In the following year, Louis, son of Charles, the king of France, died and was buried in the monastery of Saint Dionysius, leaving Carloman as heir to the throne. Not long afterwards, during a chase, Carloman was injured by a wild boar, and died. After this they were subject to Charles the emperor, who alone was seen to survive of the family line of Carolingians. Some say that Charles, while ill, fell into such necessity, poverty and want that he gratefully received a small income or quantity of gold from Arnulf gratis.814

The County of Flanders had its origin in the time of Charles (Caroli) the Bald, although at that time it was not as rich and mighty as now, and was governed by the chief foresters of the king of France. One of these, named Audacrus, had a son named Baldwin (Baldvinus), who eloped with the king’s daughter Judith, and was therefore banished. However, he was later reconciled, and the emperor gave Baldwin and Judith, and their heirs the County of Flanders to be theirs forever.

Johannes (Ioannes) Scotus, a brilliant man of subtle comprehension, honeyed speech, and highly informed in the Holy Scriptures, was held in great esteem by the aforesaid Charles (Carolum). He came from Scotland and went to France, and at the request of the emperor translated the books of Dionysius the Areopagite, concerning the hierarchy, from Greek into Latin. He composed four books (entitled) On the Division of Nature. Finally, attracted by the munificence of Alfred, he went to England, where at the monastery of Malmesbury, having been stabbed by the students he was teaching with their pens, he died and achieved martyrdom. His book On the Eucharist, afterwards celebrated in the Vercelli Synod by Leo the Ninth, was (at first) condemned. And he made commentaries On the Hierarchy815. 816

Anastasius, the Roman church librarian, very learned in Greek and Latin, made many translations from one language into the other at this time.817

FOLIO CLXXII verso

Year of the World 6093

Year of Christ 894

Formosus the pope was made pope after Stephen. He was a bishop of Porto. Fearing Pope John, he left his episcopate and fled to Gaul. When asked to return to Rome, he ignored the summons, and was excommunicated. When he came to Rome he was deposed and obliged to wear lay dress and adopt worldly manners. Some say this happened to him because he instigated the imprisonment of John and was an accomplice in that matter. Formosus was so moved by his misfortune that he left Rome, taking an oath never to return to Rome nor to resume his episcopate. However, Pope Martinus absolved him of his oath and restored him to his former dignity. Finally he died, in the fifth year and sixth month of his pontificate. The seat was then vacant for two days.818

The Lateran librarian wrote a very accurate history comprehending twenty-one popes, covering a period of sixty years, giving their parentages, places of birth, and terms of office; for although the other historians wrote a number of histories, containing trifling and superfluous matters, they wrote little about the Roman Empire and gave little enlightenment upon the Roman pope. But I know not through what circumstances the decline and diminution, not only in imperial honesty and stability, but also in papal power and integrity, came about. But these were unhappy times, and (as Plato says) the citizens and the people are not unlike their princes. The eight popes named below sat for unusually short periods of time, and were affected by various disturbances and dissensions. Thus Stephen confirmed the acts of John, but condemned Formosus, and caused two fingers to be cut from the corpse of Formosus, and the body thrown into the waters of the Tiber; while Theodore, on the other hand, nullified the acts of Stephen and confirmed those of Formosus. Succeeding popes performed but few praiseworthy deeds.

Pope Boniface (Bonifacius) the Sixth, a native of Tuscany, was elected pope after the death of Formosus; but how long he lived as pope, the historians do not agree. The majority state that he lived in his pontificate for 26 days. After he died he was buried in the Basilica of Peter.819

Stephen, the sixth of this name, a Roman, bishop of Agnano, was elected pope; and he assailed the reputation of Formosus. He immediately recalled his proclamations and set aside his acts, and is said to have so raged against Formosus that, after a council was held, he caused the body of Formosus to be disinterred, his papal robes removed, lay garments placed upon him, and the body reburied as that of a layman. And he caused to be cut off the corpse and to be thrown into the Tiber the two fingers which Formosus had employed in consecrations and blessings, and with which he had foresworn his home land and his priestly office. He died in the first year and second month of his pontificate. The seat then after his death was vacant for three days.820

Romanus, a Roman, secured the pontificate after Stephen—not through ambition or with gifts, but in the manner of Peter. He soon nullified and repealed the ordinances and acts of Pope Stephen; for the whole intent and purpose of those popes appears to have been to destroy and uproot the honor and dignity of one another. Romanus died in the third month.821

Pope Theodore (Theodorus) the Second, a Roman, reconfirmed the ordinances of Formosus. Otherwise, because of the short duration of his pontificate, nothing remarkable occurred, for this Theodore died on the twentieth day of his pontificate.822

Normandy (Normannia), which is part of the kingdom of the Gauls, received its name from the people called Normans, who had recently been converted to the Christian faith. Some say they came from Norway and migrated to Gaul. By wars Charles (Carolo) forced them into the faith and gave them a region in Gaul, which is still called Normandy, on a condition, however, in compliance with which they paid tribute to a number of Frankish kings.

FOLIO CLXXIII recto

Arnulf (Arnulphus), the seventh emperor of the Guals, reigned after Charles (Carolum) the Great. He was elected emperor in the Year of Salvation eight hundred ninety-one in the place of Charles the Third, and reigned 12 years. After he became king of Germany, Pope Formosus, who had been overpowered by his persecutors, asked him to come to Italy to protect him. During his first invasion Arnulf took the city of Bergamo and hanged its duke. Proceeding to Rome, he restored Formosus to his former dignity; and Formosus having crowned him, Arnulf returned to France. This emperor vigorously fought those of Mainz; and he pursued the Normans, who, together with the Danes had done great damage for forty years in Gaul; and he tamed them by great battles. Afterwards he ruled over eastern France, called the German Empire, such as Bavaria, Swabia, Saxony, Thüringia, Friesia, and Lorraine; but Odo (Oddo), son of the Duke of Saxony, through the Emperor Arnulf, had retained possession of France; and so he gave Lorraine to his son Cendebuldus, who was born to him by a concubine. But afterwards Arnulf, due to too much good fortune, became vain and haughty toward the people, and particularly toward the clergy. And as a punishment lice and maggots crawled about his body, and no cure could be found for it. He died of this malady at Otting, in Bavaria. With Arnulf the nobility and supremacy of the Franks over the Roman Empire, which had endured about one hundred years, came to an end.823

The Huns, a people of Scythia, in bygone days, migrated in a great and mighty force from their homeland, and they did not settle down until they had reached their blood relations, the Hungarians, in Pannonia. They were so powerful that they drove out the Hungarians. When they first came there they were so barbarous that they ate raw meat, and at times human flesh. A few years after their arrival, and when Arnulf had been elected emperor in France, the Lombards, hoping for assistance from the Hungarians against Arnulf, or taking advantage of evil conditions and dissensions in Italy, had decided that they would ignore the Romans, whom they considered of minor importance; and they carried on open feuds and hostilities against them. When the Romans and other Italians learned that they could secure no assistance against the Lombards from the emperor, who was troubled with fresh dissensions in France, they elected as emperor Berengar (Berengarium), duke of Friuli, a native of Rome.824 In the meantime the Huns overran the Germans and the Gauls. In the first invasion they made many prisoners from among the Germans, or killed them; plundered and robbed many churches, and ravaged and destroyed them with fire and sword. Likewise they took and carried away a remarkable quantity of loot from Gaul—gold, silver, gems, and ornaments, and destroyed many beautiful and costly buildings.

William (Guilliclinus), surnamed the Pious, a duke of Aquitaine and count of Alvernia, was, at this time, held in high esteem for his faith, conduct, morals, learning, and his service to God. Having no male heir, he built the monastery of Cluny on his paternal soil in Burgundy, and appointed over it as abbot, Berno, a highly learned man. He endowed it with a large quantity of money, rents and revenues.825

Berno, the abbot of the monastery just mentioned, a native of Burgundy and born of noble ducal ancestry, was held in great esteem in these times for his piety and distinguished teachings.

Rudolph (Rudolphus), was appointed king of the Burgundians. This kingdom endured for a long time.826

Sunderold (Sunderoldus), archbishop of Mainz, was martyred at Worms by the Normans.827

Remigius, bishop of Auxerre (Autesidorensem), was at this time renowned for his interpretation of divine and profane scriptures.828

FOLIO CLXXIII verso

Pope John (Ioannes) the Ninth, a Roman, was elected pope after Theodore. The greater portion of the Roman populace being opposed to the proceedings against Formosus, John soon brought the entire matter up for reconsideration. The situation had caused such a tumult that it almost resulted in war. John proceeded to Ravenna, assembled 74 bishops, nullified the acts of Pope Stephen, and confirmed those of Formosus. The decree of Stephen that those who had been consecrated and ordained by Formosus should, be re-ordained, was held unlawful. This came about because the popes had departed from the footsteps of Peter, and because the government of the Christian order had fallen into indolence, indifference and neglect. This John died in the second year and 15th day of his pontificate, and left nothing memorable, except that he renewed a number of dissensions which had almost been extinguished.829

Pope Benedict (Benedictus) the Fourth, a Roman, was elected pope for his goodness and mildness; and in spite of the disordered morals of the popes who preceded him, he lived a stable and praiseworthy life without blame or a single calumny. However, he accomplished nothing praiseworthy, for in these disastrous times all morals in the head and in the members (of the body) were consumed by the neglect and indolence of the people. He died in the third year and fourth month of his pontificate. The seat was then vacant for six days.830

Pope Leo the Fifth (the land of whose origin historians do not mention) was apprehended and thrown into prison by Christopher, his attendant, who aspired to the pontificate, but did not attain it without a great tumult and the destruction of many people. He encumbered the papal see for 40 days of Leo’s pontificate. When Leo saw himself robbed of his office by a servant whom he had shown much kindness, he soon died of grief.831

Pope Christopher (Cristoferus), whose surname and place of origin are unknown because of his ignoble birth, secured the pontificate by evil arts and cunning means after the ejection of Leo; and by the same evil methods he again lost it. For he was deservedly deprived of it seven months later, and forced into a monastery. Later Sergius, his successor, took him out of the monastery and imprisoned him. Before long he was subjected to severer punishment by being placed in harder confinement, where he finally died in wretchedness.832

Michael (Michaelis), the archangel, appeared in these times at A