On the Deaths of the Persecutors 38.1–52.5
Latin text: CSEL 27.2 (Latin text: S. Brandt and G. Laubmann (CSEL 27.2, 1897), digitized by Open Greek and Latin, University of Leipzig (csel-dev), CC BY-SA 4.0).English: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), public domain (CC0). Compare: Ante-Nicene Fathers, vol. 7 (1886).
Chapter 38
38.1CSEL 27.2:217
Illud uero capitale et supra omnes qui fuerunt, corrumpendi cupiditas! quid dicam nescio nisi caecam et effrenatam, et tamen his uerbis exprimi res pro indignatione sua non potest: uicit officium linguae sceleris magnitudo. eunuchi, lenones scrutabantur omnia.
But that was his capital vice, beyond all who have ever been: his lust for seduction! I do not know what to call it except blind and unbridled; and yet the thing cannot be expressed in these words as its outrage deserves: the magnitude of the crime has overcome the function of the tongue. Eunuchs and pimps searched everything out.
Notes and citation
Summary: Maximinus's worst vice was unbridled lust.
Topics: Ethics
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 38.1 (CSEL 27.2:217; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/38-1/#p-38-1).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
38.2CSEL 27.2:217–218
ubicumque liberalior facies erat, secedendum patribus ac maritis fuit. detrahebantur nobilibus feminis uestes itemque uirginibus et per singulos artus inspiciebantur, ne qua pars corporis regio cubili esset indigna. si qua detrectauerat, in aqua necabatur, tamquam maiestatis crimen esset sub illo adultero pudicitia.
Wherever there was a more comely face, fathers and husbands had to withdraw. Noble women and likewise virgins were stripped of their clothes and inspected limb by limb, lest any part of the body be unworthy of the royal bed. If any woman refused, she was drowned, as if under that adulterer chastity were a crime of treason.
Notes and citation
Summary: Women were inspected for his bed and drowned if they refused.
Topics: Ethics
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 38.2 (CSEL 27.2:217–218; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/38-1/#p-38-2).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
38.3CSEL 27.2:218
aliqui constupratis uxoribus, quas ob castitatem ac fidem carissimas habebant, cum dolorem ferre non possent, se ipsos etiam necauerunt. sub hoc monstro pudicitiae integritas nulla, nisi ubi barbaram libidinem deformitas insignis arcebat.
Some men, when their wives, whom they held most dear for their chastity and faithfulness, had been violated, could not bear the grief and even killed themselves. Under this monster there was no chastity left intact, except where striking ugliness kept off his barbarous lust.
Notes and citation
Summary: Husbands of violated wives killed themselves; no woman was safe.
Topics: Ethics
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 38.3 (CSEL 27.2:218; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/38-1/#p-38-3).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
38.4CSEL 27.2:218
postremo hunc iam induxerat morem, ut nemo uxorem sine permissu eius duceret, ut ipse in omnibus nuptiis praegustator esset ingenuas uirgines inminutas seruis suis donabat uxores.
Finally he had introduced this custom, that no one should marry a wife without his permission, so that he himself might be the foretaster in all marriages; he gave freeborn virgins, once deflowered, to his slaves as wives.
Notes and citation
Summary: No one could marry without his leave, and he claimed brides first.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 38.4 (CSEL 27.2:218; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/38-1/#p-38-4).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
38.5CSEL 27.2:218
sed >et comites eius sub tali principe imitabantur stupra et hospitum suorum cubilia inpune uiolabant: quis enim uindicaret? mediocrium filias, ut cuique libuerat, rapiebat. primariae, quae rapi non poterant, in beneficiis petebantur, nec recusare licebat subscribente imperatore, quin aut pereundum esset aut habendus gener aliquis barbarus.
But his companions too, under such a prince, imitated his debaucheries and violated the beds of their hosts with impunity; for who would punish them? They carried off the daughters of people of middling rank, as each pleased. Women of the first rank, who could not be carried off, were asked for as favours, and it was not permitted to refuse when the emperor signed the request; one must either perish or accept some barbarian as son-in-law.
Notes and citation
Summary: His courtiers imitated him, and noble families were forced to give daughters to barbarians.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (word split in the digital text): hospit um → hospitum.
Topics: Ethics
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 38.5 (CSEL 27.2:218; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/38-1/#p-38-5).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
38.6CSEL 27.2:218–219
nam fere nullus stipator in latere ei nisi ex gente eorum qui a Gothis tempore uicennalium terris suis pulsi Maximiano se tradiderant malo generis humani, ut illi barbarorum seruitutem fugientes in Romanos dominarentur.
For almost no one of his bodyguard was at his side except from the nation of those who, driven from their lands by the Goths at the time of the twentieth anniversary, had given themselves to Maximian, the bane of the human race, so that those who fled slavery to barbarians might lord it over Romans.
Notes and citation
Summary: His bodyguard were barbarian refugees who now ruled over Romans.
- Here Maximian is Galerius.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 38.6 (CSEL 27.2:218–219; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/38-1/#p-38-6).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
38.7CSEL 27.2:219
his satellitibus et protectoribus cinctus Orientem ludibrio habuit.
Surrounded by these attendants and guards, he made a mockery of the East.
Notes and citation
Summary: With these guards he made a mockery of the East.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR misread in the digital text): protectQribus → protectoribus.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 38.7 (CSEL 27.2:219; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/38-1/#p-38-7).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
Chapter 39
39.1CSEL 27.2:219
Denique cum libidinibus suis hanc legem dedisset, ut fas putaret quicquid concupisset, ne ab Augusta quidem, quam nuper appellauerat matrem, potuit temperare.
Finally, since he had given his lusts this law, to think lawful whatever he desired, he could not restrain himself even from the Augusta, whom he had lately called mother.
Notes and citation
Summary: His lust extended even to the empress Valeria.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 39.1 (CSEL 27.2:219; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/38-1/#p-39-1).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
39.2CSEL 27.2:219
uenerat post obitum Maximiani ad eum Valeria, cum se putaret in partibus eius tutius moraturam eo maxime, quod habebat uxorem. sed animal nefarium protinus inardescit.
After the death of Maximian, Valeria had come to him, thinking she would live more safely in his territory, especially because he had a wife. But the wicked animal at once burned with passion.
Notes and citation
Summary: Galerius's widow Valeria sought refuge with Maximinus, who desired her.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 39.2 (CSEL 27.2:219; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/38-1/#p-39-2).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
39.3CSEL 27.2:219
adhuc in atris uestibus erat mulier nondum luctus tempore impleto. legatis praemissis in matrimonio postulat eiecturus uxorem, si impetrasset. respondit illa libere quae sola poterat:
The woman was still in black garments, the time of mourning not yet complete. Sending envoys ahead, he asked her in marriage, intending to cast off his wife if he obtained his request. She answered freely, as she alone could:
Notes and citation
Summary: Maximinus proposed marriage, planning to divorce his wife; Valeria replied boldly.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR misread in the digital text): impeti-asset → impetrasset.
Topics: Marriage, Divorce, Divorce and remarriage
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 39.3 (CSEL 27.2:219; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/38-1/#p-39-3).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
39.4CSEL 27.2:219
primo non posse de nuptiis in illo ferali habitu agere tepidis adhuc cineribus mariti sui, patris eius; deinde illum impie facere, quod sibi fidam coniugem repudiet, idem utique facturus et sibi; postremo nefas esse illius nominis ac loci feminam sine more, sine exemplo maritum alterum experiri.
first, that she could not treat of marriage in that funeral dress, while the ashes of her husband, his father, were still warm; next, that he was acting impiously in repudiating a faithful wife, and he would certainly do the same to her; finally, that it was wrong for a woman of her name and station to try a second husband, without custom, without precedent.
Notes and citation
Summary: Valeria refused: she was in mourning, he would divorce her too, and remarriage did not befit her rank.
- “His father”: Galerius was Maximinus's adoptive father.
Topics: Marriage, Divorce, Remarriage, Divorce and remarriage
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 39.4 (CSEL 27.2:219; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/38-1/#p-39-4).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
39.5CSEL 27.2:219
nuntiatur homini quid esset ausa. libido in iram furoremque conuertitur. statim mulierem proscribit, bona eius rapit, aufert comites, spadones in tormentis necat, ipsam cum matre in exilium relegat nec in locum certum, sed huc atque illuc praecipitem cum ludibrio exturbat et amicas eius afficto adulterio damnat.
What she had dared was reported to the man. His lust turned to anger and fury. At once he proscribed the woman, seized her goods, took away her companions, killed her eunuchs under torture, banished her with her mother, not to a fixed place but driving her headlong hither and thither with mockery, and condemned her friends on a trumped-up charge of adultery.
Notes and citation
Summary: Enraged, Maximinus exiled Valeria and her mother and condemned her friends.
- The mother is Prisca, Diocletian's wife.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 39.5 (CSEL 27.2:219; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/38-1/#p-39-5).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
Chapter 40
40.1CSEL 27.2:219–220
Erat clarissima femina, cui ex filiis iuuenibus iam nepotes erant. hanc Valeria tamquam matrem alteram diligebat: cuius consilio negatam sibi suspicatur. dat negotium praesidi t Eratineo, ut eam cum dedecore interficiat.
There was a woman of the highest rank who already had grandchildren from her young sons. Valeria loved her as a second mother; by her counsel he suspected that he had been refused. He commissioned the governor Eratineus to put her to death with dishonour.
Notes and citation
Summary: He had a noblewoman, Valeria's friend, targeted by the governor.
- The governor's name is uncertain in the text (Eratineus).
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 40.1 (CSEL 27.2:219–220; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/38-1/#p-40-1).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
40.2CSEL 27.2:220
huic aliae duae adiunguntur aeque nobiles, quarum altera filiam uirginem Vestalem Romae reliquerat, furtiue tunc Valeriae familiaris, altera uirum habuit senatorem, non nimis Augustae proxima. sed utraque ob eximiam pulchritudinem corporis ac pudicitiam necabantur.
Two others equally noble were joined with her, one of whom had left a daughter at Rome, a Vestal virgin, and was then secretly an intimate of Valeria; the other had a senator for a husband and was not very close to the Augusta. But both were put to death for their outstanding beauty of body and their chastity.
Notes and citation
Summary: Two other noblewomen were condemned with her.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 40.2 (CSEL 27.2:220; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/38-1/#p-40-2).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
40.3CSEL 27.2:220
rapiuntur subito mulieres non ad iudicium, sed ad latrocinium: nec enim quisquam accusator extabat. inuenitur quidam Iudaeus ob alia facinora reus, qui spe inpunitatis inductus aduersus insontes mentiatur. iudex aequus et diligens extra ciuitatem < eum > cum praesidio, ne lapidibus obruatur, producit. agebatur haec tragoedia Nicaeae. inrogantur tormenta Iudaeo, dicit quae iussus <fuerat:
The women were suddenly seized, not for a trial but for a robbery; for there was no accuser. A certain Jew was found, accused of other crimes, who was induced by hope of impunity to lie against the innocent. The fair and careful judge led him out of the city under guard, lest he be overwhelmed with stones. This tragedy was being enacted at Nicaea. Tortures were applied to the Jew; he said what he had been ordered to say.
Notes and citation
Summary: A Jewish prisoner was bribed with promises of pardon to testify falsely against them at Nicaea.
- The judge's fairness is said ironically. “him” is the editor's supplement.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 40.3 (CSEL 27.2:220; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/38-1/#p-40-3).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
40.4CSEL 27.2:220
illae ne obl>oquerentur, pugnis a tortoribus coercentur. innocentes duci iubentur. fletus et comploratio non illius tantum mariti qui aderat bene meritae uxori, sed omnium quos res indigna et inaudita contraxerat.
The women, so that they might not speak against it, were checked with fists by the torturers. The innocent were ordered to be led away. There was weeping and lamentation, not only of the husband who was present for his well-deserving wife, but of all whom the shameful and unheard-of affair had drawn together.
Notes and citation
Summary: The women were silenced and condemned amid public grief.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 40.4 (CSEL 27.2:220; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/38-1/#p-40-4).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
40.5CSEL 27.2:220–221
ac ne impetu populi de carnificum manibus raperentur, promoti militari modo instructi, clibanarii, sagittarii prosequuntur. ita mediae inter cuneos armatorum ad supplicium deductae.
And so that they might not be snatched from the executioners' hands by the onrush of the people, cavalry armed in military fashion, mailed horsemen and archers, followed them. So they were led to punishment in the midst of the wedges of armed men.
Notes and citation
Summary: They were led to execution under heavy guard.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (word split in the digital text): arma-, torum → armatorum.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 40.5 (CSEL 27.2:220–221; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/38-1/#p-40-5).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
40.6CSEL 27.2:221
iacuissentque insepultae domesticis in fugam uersis, nisi eas furtiua amicorum misericordia sepelisset. nec adultero inpunitas promissa persoluitur, sed patibulo adfixus aperit omne mysterium et sub extremo spiritu [inquit] omnibus qui uidebant, innocentes occisas esse testatur.
And they would have lain unburied, their households having fled, had not the secret compassion of friends buried them. Nor was the promised impunity paid to the adulterer; but, fastened to the gibbet, he disclosed the whole secret and, with his last breath, testified to all who saw him that the women had been killed innocent.
Notes and citation
Summary: The false witness was executed and confessed the women were innocent.
- The edition brackets “inquit” as spurious; it is left out. “Adulterer” refers to the false witness, perhaps as the alleged partner in the charge.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 40.6 (CSEL 27.2:221; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/38-1/#p-40-6).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
Chapter 41
41.1CSEL 27.2:221
Augusta uero in desertas quasdam Syriae solitudines relegata patrem suum Diocletianum per occultos nuntios gnarum calamitatis suae fecit.
The Augusta, banished to certain desert wastes of Syria, made her father Diocletian aware of her calamity through secret messengers.
Notes and citation
Summary: Valeria, exiled in Syria, secretly told her father Diocletian.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 41.1 (CSEL 27.2:221; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/38-1/#p-41-1).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
41.2CSEL 27.2:221
mittit ille legatos et rogat, ut ad se filiam remittat: nihil proficit. iterum ac saepius obsecrat: non remittitur.
He sent envoys and asked that he send his daughter back to him: he achieved nothing. Again and repeatedly he pleaded: she was not sent back.
Notes and citation
Summary: Diocletian's requests for her return were refused.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 41.2 (CSEL 27.2:221; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/38-1/#p-41-2).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
41.3CSEL 27.2:221
postremo cognatum suum quendam, militarem ac potentem uirum, legat, qui eum beneficiorum suorum admonitum deprecetur. is quoque imperfecta legatione irritas preces renuntiat.
Finally he sent a certain relative of his, a military and powerful man, to entreat him, reminding him of his favours. He too, his embassy unfulfilled, reported that the entreaties were in vain.
Notes and citation
Summary: Even a powerful envoy failed to secure her release.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 41.3 (CSEL 27.2:221; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/38-1/#p-41-3).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
Chapter 42
42.1CSEL 27.2:221
Eodemque tempore senis Maximiani statuae Constantini iussu reuellebantur et imagines ubicumque pictus esset, detrahebantur. et quia senes ambo simul plerumque picti erant, et imagines simul deponebantur amborum.
At the same time, by Constantine's order, the statues of old Maximian were being pulled down and his portraits, wherever he was painted, were being removed. And because the two old men were mostly painted together, the portraits of both were taken down together.
Notes and citation
Summary: Constantine ordered Maximian's images destroyed, and Diocletian's went with them.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 42.1 (CSEL 27.2:221; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/38-1/#p-42-1).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
42.2CSEL 27.2:221–222
itaque <Diocltianus) cum uideret uiuus quod nulli umquam imperatorum acciderat, duplici aegritudine adfectus moriendum sibi esse decreuit. iactabat se huc atque illuc aestuante anima per dolorem nec somnum nec cibum capiens. suspiria et gemitus, crebrae lacrimae, iugis uolutatio corporis, nunc in lecto, nunc humi.
So Diocletian, seeing in his lifetime what had never happened to any emperor, afflicted with a double grief, decided that he must die. He tossed himself this way and that, his soul seething with pain, taking neither sleep nor food. Sighs and groans, frequent tears, continual rolling of the body, now on the bed, now on the ground.
Notes and citation
Summary: Diocletian, grieving over his humiliations, resolved to die.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 42.2 (CSEL 27.2:221–222; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/38-1/#p-42-2).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
42.3CSEL 27.2:222
ita uiginti annorum felicissimus imperator ad humilem uitam deiectus a deo et proculcatus iniuriis atque in odium uitae deductus postremo fame atque angore confectus est.
So the emperor who had been most fortunate for twenty years, cast down by God to a humble life, trampled by insults and brought to hatred of life, was at last worn out by hunger and anguish.
Notes and citation
Summary: Diocletian died of starvation and grief.
- The date and manner of Diocletian's death (ca. 311–313) are uncertain; other sources speak of illness or suicide.
Topics: Persecution
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 42.3 (CSEL 27.2:222; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/38-1/#p-42-3).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
Chapter 43
43.1CSEL 27.2:222
Unus iam supererat de aduersariis dei< Maximinus>: cuius nunc exitum ruinamque subnectam.
One of the adversaries of God, Maximinus, now remained, whose end and ruin I will now add.
Notes and citation
Summary: Maximinus alone of the persecutors remained.
- “Maximinus” is the editor's supplement.
Topics: Persecution
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 43.1 (CSEL 27.2:222; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/38-1/#p-43-1).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
43.2CSEL 27.2:222
cum haberet aemulationem aduersus Licinium, quia praelatus ei a Maximiano fuerat, licet nuper cum eo amicitiam confirmasset, tamen ut audiuit Constantini sororem Licinio esse desponsam, existimauit affinitatem illam duorum imperatorum contra se copulari.
Since he felt rivalry towards Licinius, because he had been preferred to him by Maximian, although he had lately confirmed friendship with him, yet when he heard that Constantine's sister had been betrothed to Licinius, he thought that this alliance of the two emperors was being joined against him.
Notes and citation
Summary: Maximinus saw the betrothal of Constantine's sister to Licinius as an alliance against him.
- The sister is Constantia; Maximian here is Galerius.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 43.2 (CSEL 27.2:222; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/38-1/#p-43-2).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
43.3CSEL 27.2:222
et ipse legatos ad urbem misit occulte societatem Maxentii atque amicitiam postulatum. scribit etiam familiariter. recipiuntur legati benigne: fit amicitia, utriusque imagines simul locantur.
He too sent envoys secretly to the city to request alliance and friendship with Maxentius. He even wrote in friendly terms. The envoys were kindly received; friendship was made; the portraits of both were set up together.
Notes and citation
Summary: Maximinus secretly allied with Maxentius.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 43.3 (CSEL 27.2:222; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/38-1/#p-43-3).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
43.4CSEL 27.2:222–223
Maxentius tamquam diuinum auxilium libenter amplectitur: iam enim bellum Constantino indixerat quasi necem patris sui uindicaturus. unde suspicio inciderat senem illum exitiabilem finxisse discordiam cum filio, ut ad alios succidendos uiam sibi faceret, quibus omnibus sublatis sibi ac filio totius orbis imperium uindicaret. sed id falsum fuit.
Maxentius gladly embraced it as if it were divine help; for he had already declared war on Constantine, as if to avenge his father's death. From this a suspicion had arisen that that deadly old man had feigned the quarrel with his son so as to make a way for himself to cut down the others, and, when they were all removed, to claim the empire of the whole world for himself and his son. But that was false.
Notes and citation
Summary: Maxentius welcomed the alliance; some thought his father's quarrel with him had been a ruse, which was false.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 43.4 (CSEL 27.2:222–223; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/38-1/#p-43-4).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
43.5CSEL 27.2:223
nam id propositi habebat, ut et filio et ceteris extinctis se ac Diocletianum restitueret in regnum.
For his purpose was, when both his son and the others had been destroyed, to restore himself and Diocletian to rule.
Notes and citation
Summary: Maximian had really intended to restore himself and Diocletian.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR debris in the digital text): Diocletianus- • num → Diocletianum.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 43.5 (CSEL 27.2:223; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/38-1/#p-43-5).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
Chapter 44
44.1CSEL 27.2:223
Iam mota inter eos fuerant arma ciuilia. et quamuis se Maxentius Romae contineret, quod responsum acceperat periturum esse, si extra portas urbis exisset, tamen bellum per idoneos duces gerebatur.
Now civil war had broken out between them. And although Maxentius kept himself at Rome, because he had received an oracle that he would perish if he went outside the gates of the city, yet the war was carried on through capable generals.
Notes and citation
Summary: War broke out; Maxentius stayed in Rome because of an oracle.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 44.1 (CSEL 27.2:223; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/38-1/#p-44-1).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
44.2CSEL 27.2:223
plus uirium Maxentio erat, quod et patris sui exercitum receperat a Seuero et suum proprium de Mauris atque Gaetulis nuper extraxerat.
Maxentius had more forces, because he had both received his father's army from Severus and had lately drawn out his own from the Moors and Gaetulians.
Notes and citation
Summary: Maxentius had the larger army.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 44.2 (CSEL 27.2:223; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/38-1/#p-44-2).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
44.3CSEL 27.2:223
dimicatum, et Maxentiani milites praeualebant, donec postea confirmato animo Constantinus et ad utrumque paratus copias omnes ad urbem propius admouit et e regione pontis Muluii consedit.
Battle was joined, and Maxentius's soldiers prevailed, until afterwards Constantine, his spirit strengthened and ready for either outcome, moved all his forces nearer to the city and encamped opposite the Milvian Bridge.
Notes and citation
Summary: Constantine advanced and encamped by the Milvian Bridge.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 44.3 (CSEL 27.2:223; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/38-1/#p-44-3).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
44.4CSEL 27.2:223
imminebat dies quo Maxentius imperium ceperat, qui est a. d. sextum Kalendas Nouembres, et quinquennalia terminabantur.
The day was approaching on which Maxentius had taken power, which is the sixth day before the Kalends of November, and his five years were coming to an end.
Notes and citation
Summary: The anniversary of Maxentius's accession, 27 October, was near.
- The sixth day before the Kalends of November is 27 October; Maxentius's accession and the battle at the Milvian Bridge are usually dated 28 October (306 and 312).
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 44.4 (CSEL 27.2:223; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/38-1/#p-44-4).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
44.5CSEL 27.2:223
commonitus est in quiete Constantinus, ut caeleste signum dei notaret in scutis atque ita proelium committeret. facit ut iussus est et transuersa X littera, summo capite circumflexo, Christum in scutis notat.
Constantine was admonished in his sleep to mark the heavenly sign of God on the shields and so join battle. He did as he was commanded, and by the letter X turned sideways, with its top bent round, he marked Christ on the shields.
Notes and citation
Summary: In a dream Constantine was told to mark Christ's sign on his soldiers' shields.
- The description seems to fit a staurogram or the Chi-Rho, but the exact form is disputed. Eusebius (Vit. Const. 1.28–31) gives a different account, of a vision in the sky before the campaign followed by a dream.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR misread in the digital text): CODstantinus → Constantinus.
Topics: Christology
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 44.5 (CSEL 27.2:223; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/38-1/#p-44-5).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
44.6CSEL 27.2:223–224
quo signo armatus exercitus capit ferrum. procedit hostis obuiam sine imperatore pontemque transgreditur. acies pari fronte concurrunt, summa ui utrimque pugnatur: neque his fuga nota neque illis.
Armed with this sign, the army took up the sword. The enemy advanced to meet them without their emperor and crossed the bridge. The lines clashed with equal front; there was fighting with the utmost force on both sides: neither side knew flight.
Notes and citation
Summary: The armies met and fought fiercely.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 44.6 (CSEL 27.2:223–224; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/38-1/#p-44-6).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
44.7CSEL 27.2:224
fit in urbe seditio et dux increpitatur uelut desertor salutis publicae cumque <conspiceretur>, repente populus — Circenses enim natali suo edebat — una uoce subclamat Constantinum uinci non posse.
There was a riot in the city, and the leader was reviled as a deserter of the public safety; and when he was seen, suddenly the people (for he was giving circus games on his birthday) shouted with one voice that Constantine could not be conquered.
Notes and citation
Summary: In Rome the crowd at the games shouted that Constantine was invincible.
- “when he was seen” is the editor's supplement. The birthday is the anniversary of accession.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 44.7 (CSEL 27.2:224; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/38-1/#p-44-7).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
44.8CSEL 27.2:224
qua uoce consternatus proripit se ac uocatis quibusdam senatoribus libros Sibyllinos inspici iubet: in quibus repertum est illo die hostem Romanorum esse periturum.
Dismayed by this cry, he rushed out, called certain senators, and ordered the Sibylline books to be consulted; in them it was found that on that day the enemy of the Romans would perish.
Notes and citation
Summary: The Sibylline books declared that the enemy of the Romans would perish that day.
- The Sibylline books of the Roman state are meant, not the Jewish-Christian Sibylline Oracles.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 44.8 (CSEL 27.2:224; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/38-1/#p-44-8).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
44.9CSEL 27.2:224
quo responso in spem uictoriae inductus procedit, in aciem uenit. pons a tergo eius scinditur. eo uiso pugna crudescit et manus dei supererat aciei. Maxentianus proterretur, ipse in fugam uersus properat ad pontem, qui interruptus erat, ac multitudine fugientium pressus in Tiberim deturbatur.
Led by this reply to hope for victory, he went out and came to the battle line. The bridge was cut behind him. At this sight the fighting grew fiercer, and the hand of God was over the battle line. Maxentius's army was routed; he himself, turned to flight, hurried to the bridge, which had been broken, and, pressed by the multitude of fugitives, was thrown down into the Tiber.
Notes and citation
Summary: Maxentius's army broke, and he fell into the Tiber and drowned.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 44.9 (CSEL 27.2:224; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/38-1/#p-44-9).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
44.10CSEL 27.2:224
confecto tandem acerbissimo bello cum magna senatus populique Romani laetitia susceptus imperator Constantinus Maximini perfidiam cognoscit, litteras deprehendit, statuas et imagines inuenit.
When the most bitter war was at last ended, the emperor Constantine, received with great joy by the senate and people of Rome, learned of Maximinus's treachery: he found the letters, he discovered the statues and portraits.
Notes and citation
Summary: In Rome Constantine discovered Maximinus's secret alliance with Maxentius.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 44.10 (CSEL 27.2:224; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/38-1/#p-44-10).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
44.11CSEL 27.2:224
senatus Constantino uirtutis gratia primi nominis titulum decreuit, quem sibi Maximinus uindicabat: ad quem uictoria liberatae urbis cum fuisset adlata, non aliter accepit, quam si ipse uictus esset.
The senate, in recognition of his valour, decreed to Constantine the title of the first name, which Maximinus claimed for himself; and when the news of the victory and liberation of the city was brought to him, he received it no differently than if he himself had been conquered.
Notes and citation
Summary: The senate gave Constantine the senior title, to Maximinus's dismay.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 44.11 (CSEL 27.2:224; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/38-1/#p-44-11).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
44.12CSEL 27.2:224–225
cognito deinde senatus decreto sic exarsit dolore, ut inimicitias aperte profiteretur, conuicia iocis mixta aduersus imperatorem maximum diceret.
Then, when he learned of the senate's decree, he so burned with resentment that he openly professed enmity and uttered insults mixed with jests against the senior emperor.
Notes and citation
Summary: Maximinus openly insulted Constantine.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 44.12 (CSEL 27.2:224–225; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/38-1/#p-44-12).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
Chapter 45
45.1CSEL 27.2:225
Constantinus rebus in urbe compositis hieme proxima Mediolanum concessit. eodem Licinius aduenit, ut acciperet uxorem.
Constantine, having settled affairs in the city, went to Milan the following winter. Licinius came there too, to receive his wife.
Notes and citation
Summary: Constantine and Licinius met at Milan for Licinius's wedding.
- Early 313.
Topics: Marriage
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 45.1 (CSEL 27.2:225; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/38-1/#p-45-1).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
45.2CSEL 27.2:225
Maximinus ubi eos intellexit nuptiarum sollemnibus occupatos, exercitum mouit e Syria hieme [quam] cum maxime saeuiente et mansionibus geminatis in Bithyniam concurrit debilitato agmine.
When Maximinus understood that they were occupied with the wedding festivities, he moved his army from Syria while winter was at its fiercest, and with double stages he hastened into Bithynia with a weakened column.
Notes and citation
Summary: Maximinus marched from Syria in midwinter to attack.
- The edition brackets “quam” as spurious; it is left out.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 45.2 (CSEL 27.2:225; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/38-1/#p-45-2).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
45.3CSEL 27.2:225
nam maximis imbribus et niuibus et luto et frigore et labore iumenta omnis generis amissa sunt, quorum miserabilis per uiam strages speciem iam futuri belli et similem cladem militibus nuntiabat.
For by the heaviest rains and snows and mud and cold and toil, beasts of burden of every kind were lost, and their pitiful slaughter along the road announced to the soldiers the appearance of the coming war and a like disaster.
Notes and citation
Summary: The winter march killed many animals, an omen of defeat.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 45.3 (CSEL 27.2:225; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/38-1/#p-45-3).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
45.4CSEL 27.2:225
nec ipse intra fines suos moratus est, sed transiecto protinus freto ad Byzantii portas accessit armatus. erant ibi milites praesidiarii, ad huius modi casus a Licinio conlocati. hos primum muneribus et promissis inlicere temptauit, postea ui et oppugnatione terrere, nec tamen quicquam uis aut promissa ualuerunt.
Nor did he stay within his own borders, but, crossing the strait at once, he approached the gates of Byzantium in arms. There were garrison soldiers there, placed by Licinius for such an event. He first tried to entice them with gifts and promises, then to terrify them by force and assault; yet neither force nor promises availed at all.
Notes and citation
Summary: He besieged Byzantium, whose garrison resisted.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 45.4 (CSEL 27.2:225; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/38-1/#p-45-4).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
45.5CSEL 27.2:225
iam consumpti erant dies undecim, per quos fuit spatium nuntios litterasque mittendi ad imperatorem, cum milites non fide, sed paucitate diffisi se ipsos dederunt. hinc promouit Heracleam et illic eadem ratione detentus aliquot dierum tempus amisit.
Eleven days had now been spent, during which there was time to send messengers and letters to the emperor, when the soldiers, distrustful not in loyalty but in their small numbers, surrendered themselves. From there he advanced to Heraclea, and there, held up in the same way, lost some days' time.
Notes and citation
Summary: Byzantium surrendered after eleven days, and Heraclea delayed him further.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 45.5 (CSEL 27.2:225; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/38-1/#p-45-5).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
45.6CSEL 27.2:225–226
et iam Licinius festinato itinere cum paucis Hadrianopolim uenerat, cum ille accepta in deditionem Perintho aliquantum moratus processit ad mansionem milia decem et octo: nec enim poterat ulterius, Licinio iam secundam mansionem tenente distantem milibus totidem.
And Licinius, by a hurried march, had already come with a few men to Hadrianople, when he, having received Perinthus in surrender and delayed somewhat, advanced to a station eighteen miles on: for he could go no further, since Licinius already held the second station, the same number of miles distant.
Notes and citation
Summary: The two armies approached each other in Thrace.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 45.6 (CSEL 27.2:225–226; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/38-1/#p-45-6).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
45.7CSEL 27.2:226
qui collectis ex proximo quantis potuit militibus pergebat obuiam Maximino, magis ut eum moraretur quam proposito dimicandi aut spe uictoriae. quippe cum ille septuaginta milium armatorum exercitum duceret, ipse uix triginta milium numerum collegisset.
He, having collected from nearby as many soldiers as he could, went to meet Maximinus, more to delay him than with the intention of fighting or hope of victory, since the other led an army of seventy thousand armed men, while he himself had gathered scarcely thirty thousand.
Notes and citation
Summary: Licinius advanced with 30,000 men against Maximinus's 70,000.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 45.7 (CSEL 27.2:226; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/38-1/#p-45-7).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
45.8CSEL 27.2:226
sparsi enim milites per diuersas regiones fuerant et adunari omnes angustiae temporis non sinebant.
For the soldiers had been scattered through various regions, and the shortness of time did not allow them all to be united.
Notes and citation
Summary: Licinius's troops were too scattered to assemble in time.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 45.8 (CSEL 27.2:226; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/38-1/#p-45-8).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
Chapter 46
46.1CSEL 27.2:226
Propinquantibus ergo exercitibus iam futurum propediem proelium uidebatur.
As the armies drew near, then, a battle now seemed about to take place very soon.
Notes and citation
Summary: Battle was imminent.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 46.1 (CSEL 27.2:226; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/38-1/#p-46-1).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
46.2CSEL 27.2:226
tum Maximinus eius modi uotum Ioui uouit, ut si uictoriam cepisset, Christianorum nomen extingueret unusque deleret.
Then Maximinus made a vow to Jupiter of this kind: that if he gained the victory he would extinguish and utterly destroy the Christian name.
Notes and citation
Summary: Maximinus vowed to Jupiter to wipe out the Christians if he won.
Topics: Persecution
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 46.2 (CSEL 27.2:226; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/38-1/#p-46-2).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
46.3CSEL 27.2:226
tunc proxima nocte Licinio quiescenti adsistit angelus dei monens, ut ocius surgeret atque oraret deum summum cum omni exercitu suo: illius fore uictoriam.
Then on the following night an angel of God stood by Licinius as he slept, warning him to rise quickly and pray to the most high God with all his army: the victory would be his
Notes and citation
Summary: An angel told Licinius in a dream to pray with his army to the highest God.
- Licinius's dream is reported only here. The account is written to show God's favour to Licinius, who later persecuted and was defeated by Constantine (324); the author wrote before that break.
Topics: Prayer
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 46.3 (CSEL 27.2:226; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/38-1/#p-46-3).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
46.4CSEL 27.2:226
si fecisset. post has uoces cum surgere sibi usus esset et cum ipse qui monebat, adstaret, tunc docebat eum, quomodo et quibus uerbis esset orandum.
if he did so. After these words, when it seemed to him that he rose, and the one who was warning him stood by, he then taught him how and with what words he should pray.
Notes and citation
Summary: The angel taught him the words of the prayer.
Topics: Prayer
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 46.4 (CSEL 27.2:226; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/38-1/#p-46-4).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
46.5CSEL 27.2:226
discusso deinde somno notarium iussit acciri et sicut audierat, haec uerba dictauit:
Then, shaking off sleep, he ordered a secretary to be summoned and dictated these words just as he had heard them:
Notes and citation
Summary: On waking Licinius dictated the prayer.
Topics: Prayer
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 46.5 (CSEL 27.2:226; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/38-1/#p-46-5).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
46.6CSEL 27.2:226
Summe deus, te rogamus, sancte deus, te rogamus: omnem iustitiam tibi commendamus, salutem nostram tibi commendamus, imperium nostrum tibi commendamus. per te uiuimus, per te uictores et felices existimus. summe, sancte deus, preces nostras exaudi: brachia nostra ad te tendimus: exaudi sancte, summe deus.
“Highest God, we pray to you; holy God, we pray to you. All justice we commend to you; our safety we commend to you; our empire we commend to you. Through you we live; through you we are victorious and fortunate. Highest, holy God, hear our prayers; we stretch out our arms to you; hear us, holy, highest God.”
Notes and citation
Summary: The text of the prayer to the highest God.
- The prayer names no god specifically and could be said by pagan as well as Christian soldiers.
Topics: Prayer
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 46.6 (CSEL 27.2:226; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/38-1/#p-46-6).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
46.7CSEL 27.2:226
scribuntur haec in libellis pluribus et per praepositos tribunosque mittuntur, ut suos quisque milites doceat. creuit animus uniuersis uictoriam sibi credentibus de caelo nuntiatam.
These words were written in many copies and sent through the commanders and tribunes, so that each might teach his own soldiers. Everyone's courage grew, believing that victory had been announced to them from heaven.
Notes and citation
Summary: The prayer was taught to the whole army, raising their spirits.
Topics: Prayer
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 46.7 (CSEL 27.2:226; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/38-1/#p-46-7).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
46.8CSEL 27.2:226–227
statuit imperator proelium diei Kalendarum Maiarum, quae octauum annum nuncupationis eius implebant, ut suo potissimum natali uinceretur, sicut ille uictus est Romae.
The emperor fixed the battle for the day of the Kalends of May, which completed the eighth year of his proclamation, so that he might be conquered precisely on his anniversary, as the other had been conquered at Rome.
Notes and citation
Summary: Battle was set for 1 May, Maximinus's anniversary.
- The “he” who would be conquered is Maximinus; the other is Maxentius.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 46.8 (CSEL 27.2:226–227; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/38-1/#p-46-8).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
46.9CSEL 27.2:227
Maximinus uoluit praeire maturius: pridie mane aciem composuit, ut natalem suum postridie uictor celebraret. nuntiatur in castra mouisse Maximinum. capiunt milites arma obuiamque procedunt. campus intererat sterilis ac nudus, quem uocant Serenum.
Maximinus wanted to strike earlier: on the day before, in the morning, he drew up his line, so that on the next day he might celebrate his anniversary as victor. It was reported in camp that Maximinus had moved. The soldiers took up arms and went out to meet him. Between them lay a barren, bare plain which they call Serenus.
Notes and citation
Summary: Maximinus attacked a day early, on the plain called Serenus.
- The battle of Tzirallum, 30 April 313.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR misread in the digital text): matunus → maturius.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 46.9 (CSEL 27.2:227; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/38-1/#p-46-9).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
46.10CSEL 27.2:227
erat iam utraque acies in conspectu. Liciniani scuta deponunt, galeas resoluunt, ad caelum manus tendunt praeeuntibus praepositis et pro imperatore precem dicunt. audit acies peritura precantium murmur.
Both lines were now in sight. The soldiers of Licinius laid down their shields, took off their helmets, stretched out their hands to heaven, their officers leading them, and said the prayer for the emperor. The line that was about to perish heard the murmur of those praying.
Notes and citation
Summary: Licinius's army prayed together in sight of the enemy.
Topics: Prayer
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 46.10 (CSEL 27.2:227; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/38-1/#p-46-10).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
46.11CSEL 27.2:227
illi oratione ter dicta uirtute iam pleni reponunt capitibus galeas, scuta tollunt. procedunt imperatores ad conloquium.
They, having said the prayer three times, now full of courage, put their helmets back on their heads and raised their shields. The emperors came forward to a parley.
Notes and citation
Summary: After praying three times they re-armed; the emperors met to talk.
Topics: Prayer
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 46.11 (CSEL 27.2:227; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/38-1/#p-46-11).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
46.12CSEL 27.2:227
ferri non potuit Maximinus ad pacem: contemnebat enim Licinium ac desertum in a militibus existimabat, quod ille esset in largiendo tenax, ipse autem profusus, eoque proposito mouerat bellum, ut exercitu Licinii sine certamine accepto ad Constantinum duplicatis uiribus statim pergeret.
Maximinus could not be brought to peace; for he despised Licinius and thought he would be deserted by his soldiers, because he was tight-fisted in giving, while he himself was lavish; and he had started the war with this purpose, that, taking over Licinius's army without a fight, he might at once proceed against Constantine with doubled forces.
Notes and citation
Summary: Maximinus refused peace, expecting Licinius's army to defect.
- The digital text reads “desertum in”, probably for desertum iri.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 46.12 (CSEL 27.2:227; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/38-1/#p-46-12).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
Chapter 47
47.1CSEL 27.2:227
Ergo propius acceditur, tubae canunt, signa procedunt. Liciniani impetu facto aduersarios inuadunt. illi uero perterriti nec gladios expedire nec tela iacere quiuerunt.
So they drew nearer; the trumpets sounded; the standards advanced. Licinius's men charged and fell on the enemy. But they, terrified, could neither draw their swords nor throw their weapons.
Notes and citation
Summary: Licinius's men attacked; the enemy was paralysed with fear.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 47.1 (CSEL 27.2:227; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/38-1/#p-47-1).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
47.2CSEL 27.2:227
Maximinus aciem circumire ac milites Licinianos nunc precibus sollicitare, nunc donis. nullo loco auditur. fit impetus in eum et ad suos refugit. caedebatur acies eius inpune et tantus numerus legionum, tanta uis militum a paucis metebatur.
Maximinus went round the line and tried to win over Licinius's soldiers, now by entreaties, now by gifts. He was heard nowhere. An attack was made on him and he fled back to his own men. His line was cut down with impunity, and so great a number of legions, so great a force of soldiers, was mown down by a few.
Notes and citation
Summary: Maximinus's attempts to bribe failed and his army was cut down.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 47.2 (CSEL 27.2:227; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/38-1/#p-47-2).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
47.3CSEL 27.2:227
nemo nominis, nemo uirtutis, nemo ueterum praemiorum memor: quasi ad deuotam mortem, non ad proelium uenissent, sic eos deus summus iugulandos subiecit inimicis. iam strata erat ingens multitudo. uidet Maximinus aliter rem geri quam putabat.
No one mindful of his name, no one of his valour, no one of his old rewards: as if they had come to a devoted death and not to battle, so the most high God subjected them to their enemies to be slaughtered. Now a huge multitude lay strewn. Maximinus saw that the thing was going otherwise than he had thought.
Notes and citation
Summary: God gave his army up to slaughter.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 47.3 (CSEL 27.2:227; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/38-1/#p-47-3).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
47.4CSEL 27.2:227–228
proiecit purpuram et sumpta ueste seruili fugit ac fretum traiecit. at in exercitu pars dimidia prostrata est, pars autem uel dedita uel in fugam conuersa est: ademerat enim pudorem deserendi desertor imperator.
He threw away the purple, put on a slave's clothing, fled, and crossed the strait. In the army, half was laid low, and half either surrendered or was put to flight; for the deserter emperor had taken away the shame of deserting.
Notes and citation
Summary: Maximinus fled disguised as a slave; his army was destroyed or surrendered.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 47.4 (CSEL 27.2:227–228; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/38-1/#p-47-4).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
47.5CSEL 27.2:228
at ille Kalendis Mais id est una nocte atque una die **, Nicomediam alia nocte peruenit, cum locus proelii abesset milia centum sexaginta, raptisque filiis et uxore et paucis ex palatio comitibus petiuit Orientem.
And he, on the Kalends of May, that is, in one night and one day …, reached Nicomedia on the next night, though the place of battle was a hundred and sixty miles away; and seizing his children and wife and a few companions from the palace, he made for the East.
Textual problem in this passage: see the notes.
Notes and citation
Summary: He fled 160 miles to Nicomedia in a day and night and went on to the East.
- Something is lost in the manuscript (marked ** in the edition).
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR debris in the digital text): eto:.paucis → et paucis.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 47.5 (CSEL 27.2:228; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/38-1/#p-47-5).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
47.6CSEL 27.2:228
sed in Cappadocia collectis ex fuga et ab Oriente militibus substitit. ita uestem resumpsit.
But in Cappadocia, having gathered soldiers from the flight and from the East, he halted. So he put on his robe again.
Notes and citation
Summary: In Cappadocia he regrouped and resumed the purple.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 47.6 (CSEL 27.2:228; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/38-1/#p-47-6).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
Chapter 48
48.1CSEL 27.2:228
Licinius uero accepta exercitus parte ac distributa traiecit exercitum in Bithyniam paucis post pugnam diebus et Nicomediam ingressus gratiam deo, cuius auxilio uicerat, retulit ac die Iduum Iuniarum Constantino atque ipso ter consulibus de restituenda ecclesia huius modi litteras ad praesidem datas proponi iussit:
But Licinius, having received and distributed part of the army, took his army across into Bithynia a few days after the battle, and, entering Nicomedia, gave thanks to God by whose help he had conquered; and on the day of the Ides of June, when Constantine and he himself were consuls for the third time, he ordered a letter of this kind concerning the restoration of the church, addressed to the governor, to be posted:
Notes and citation
Summary: At Nicomedia on 13 June 313 Licinius published a letter restoring the church.
- This letter is the text commonly called the “Edict of Milan”; it records the policy agreed at Milan. A Greek version is in Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 10.5.2–14.
Topics: Persecution
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 48.1 (CSEL 27.2:228; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/38-1/#p-48-1).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
48.2CSEL 27.2:228–229
Cum feliciter tam ego [quam] Constantinus Augustus quam etiam ego Licinius Augustus apud Mediolanum conuenissemus atque uniuersa quae ad commoda et securitatem publicam pertinerent, in tractatu haberemus, haec inter cetera quae uidebamus pluribus hominibus profutura, uel in primis ordinanda esse credidimus, quibus diuinitatis reuerentia continebatur, ut daremus et Christianis et omnibus liberam potestatem sequendi religionem quam quisque uoluisset, quo quicquid <est> diuinitatis in sede caelesti, nobis atque omnibus qui sub potestate nostra sunt constituti, placatum ac propitium possit existere.
“When I, Constantine Augustus, and I, Licinius Augustus, had happily met at Milan and were considering all things that pertained to the public advantage and security, we believed that among the other things which we saw would benefit most people, those matters in which reverence for the divinity was contained should be ordered first of all: that we should give both to the Christians and to all a free power of following whatever religion each wished, so that whatever divinity there is in the heavenly seat may be appeased and propitious to us and to all who are placed under our authority.
Notes and citation
Summary: Constantine and Licinius agreed at Milan to grant religious freedom to Christians and all others.
- The edition brackets “quam” as spurious; it is left out. “is” (est) is the editor's supplement.
Topics: Persecution
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 48.2 (CSEL 27.2:228–229; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/38-1/#p-48-2).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
48.3CSEL 27.2:229
itaque hoc consilium salubri ac rectissima ratione ineundum esse credidimus, ut nulli omnino facultatem abnegandam putaremus, qui uel obseruationi Christianorum uel ei religioni mentem suam dederat quam ipse sibi aptissimam esse sentiret, ut possit nobis summa diuinitas, cuius religioni liberis mentibus obsequimur, in omnibus solitum fauorem suum beniuolentiamque praestare.
And so we believed that this plan should be undertaken on a sound and most right principle: that we should think that the opportunity should be denied to no one at all who had given his mind either to the observance of the Christians or to that religion which he himself felt was most fitting for him, so that the supreme divinity, whose religion we follow with free minds, may be able to show us in all things its accustomed favour and benevolence.
Notes and citation
Summary: No one is to be refused the freedom to follow Christianity or any religion of their choice.
Topics: Persecution
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 48.3 (CSEL 27.2:229; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/38-1/#p-48-3).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
48.4CSEL 27.2:229–230
quare scire dicationem tuam conuenit placuisse nobis, ut amotis omnibus omnino condicionibus quae prius scriptis ad officium tuum datis super Christianorum nomine <continebantur, et quae prorsus sinistra et a nostra clementia aliena esse) uidebantur, <ea remoueantur, et> nunc libere ac simpliciter unus quisque eorum, qui eandem obseruandae religionis Christianorum gerunt uoluntatem, citra ullam inquietudinem ac molestiam sui id ipsum obseruare contendant.
Therefore it is fitting for your Devotedness to know that it has pleased us that, all conditions whatever being removed which were contained in the letters previously given to your office concerning the Christian name, and which seemed wholly harmful and foreign to our clemency, these be removed, and that now each one of those who share the wish to observe the religion of the Christians may freely and simply strive to observe it, without any disturbance or annoyance to himself.
Notes and citation
Summary: All earlier restrictions on Christians are removed.
- Several words are the editor's supplements. “Your Devotedness” (dicatio tua) is a courtesy title for the governor.
Topics: Persecution
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 48.4 (CSEL 27.2:229–230; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/38-1/#p-48-4).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
48.5CSEL 27.2:230
quae sollicitudini tuae plenissime significanda esse credidimus, quo scires nos liberam atque absolutam colendae religionis suae facultatem isdem Christianis dedisse.
We have believed that these things should be made known most fully to your Solicitude, so that you might know that we have given to these same Christians a free and unrestricted opportunity of practising their religion.
Notes and citation
Summary: The governor is informed that Christians have full freedom of worship.
Topics: Persecution
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 48.5 (CSEL 27.2:230; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/38-1/#p-48-5).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
48.6CSEL 27.2:230–231
quod cum isdem a nobis indultum esse peruideas, intellegit dicatio tua etiam aliis religionis suae uel obseruantiae potestatem similiter apertam et liberam pro quiete temporis nostri <esse> concessam, ut in colendo quod quisque delegerit, habeat liberam facultatem. <quod a nobis factum est, ut neque cuiquam> honori neque cuiquam religioni <detractum> aliquid a nobis (uideatur>.
And when you perceive that this has been granted by us to them, your Devotedness understands that to others too the power of their own religion or observance has likewise been granted, open and free, for the peace of our time, so that each may have free opportunity in worshipping what he has chosen. This has been done by us so that nothing may seem to have been taken away by us from any honour or any religion.
Notes and citation
Summary: The same freedom is granted to all religions.
- The last sentence is largely the editor's supplement.
Topics: Persecution
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 48.6 (CSEL 27.2:230–231; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/38-1/#p-48-6).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
48.7CSEL 27.2:231–232
atque hoc insuper in persona Christianorum statuendum esse censuimus, quod, si eadem loca, ad quae antea conuenire consuerant, de quibus etiam datis ad officium tuum litteris certa antehac forma fuerat comprehensa, priore tempore aliqui uel a fisco nostro uel ab alio quocumque uidentur esse mercati, eadem Christianis sine pecunia et sine ulla pretii petitione, postposita omni frustratione atque ambiguitate,
And moreover we have decided that this must be established in respect of the Christians: that if any appear to have bought, in the past, either from our treasury or from anyone else, those places where they had previously been accustomed to meet, concerning which a definite rule had also been laid down before in letters sent to your office, they are to restore them to the Christians without payment and without any demand of price, all evasion and ambiguity being set aside;
Notes and citation
Summary: Confiscated meeting-places are to be returned to the Christians without charge.
Topics: Persecution
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 48.7 (CSEL 27.2:231–232; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/38-1/#p-48-7).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
48.8CSEL 27.2:232
restituant, qui etiam dono fuerunt consecuti, eadem similiter isdem Christianis quantocius reddant, etiam uel hi qui emerunt uel qui dono fuerunt consecuti, si petiuerint de nostra beniuolentia aliquid, uicarium postulent, quo et ipsis per nostram clementiam consulatur. quae omnia corpori Christianorum protinus per intercessionem tuam ac sine mora tradi oportebit.
those who have received them as a gift are likewise to give them back to the same Christians as quickly as possible; and if either those who bought them or those who received them as a gift ask anything of our benevolence, let them apply to the deputy, so that they too may be provided for by our clemency. All these things must be handed over to the body of the Christians at once through your intervention and without delay.
Notes and citation
Summary: Buyers and recipients must return the property and may seek compensation from the state.
- The vicarius, deputy of the praetorian prefect.
Topics: Persecution
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 48.8 (CSEL 27.2:232; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/38-1/#p-48-8).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
48.9CSEL 27.2:232–233
et quoniam idem Christiani non [in] ea loca tantum ad quae conuenire consuerunt, sed alia etiam habuisse noscuntur ad ius corporis eorum id est ecclesiarum, non hominum singulorum, pertinentia, ea omnia lege quam superius comprehendimus, citra ullam prorsus ambiguitatem uel controuersiam isdem Christianis id est corpori et conuenticulis eorum reddi iubebis, supra dicta scilicet ratione seruata, ut ii qui eadem sine pretio sicut diximus restituant, indemnitatem de nostra beniuolentia sperent.
And since these same Christians are known to have possessed not only those places where they were accustomed to meet, but others also belonging to the right of their body, that is, of the churches, not of individual persons, you will order all these, under the law we have stated above, to be given back without any ambiguity or dispute to the same Christians, that is, to their body and their assemblies, the above-mentioned principle being observed, that those who restore them without price, as we have said, may hope for indemnity from our benevolence.
Notes and citation
Summary: Other property owned by the churches as corporate bodies is also to be restored.
- The edition brackets “in” as spurious; it is left out.
Topics: Persecution
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 48.9 (CSEL 27.2:232–233; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/38-1/#p-48-9).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
48.10CSEL 27.2:233
in quibus omnibus supra dicto corpori Christianorum intercessionem tuam efficacissimam exhibere debebis, ut praeceptum nostrum quantocius conpleatur, quo etiam in hoc per clementiam nostram quieti publicae consulatur.
In all these matters you ought to show the most effective intervention for the above-mentioned body of the Christians, so that our command may be fulfilled as quickly as possible, so that in this also, through our clemency, the public peace may be provided for.
Notes and citation
Summary: The governor must act quickly to carry out the order.
Topics: Persecution
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 48.10 (CSEL 27.2:233; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/38-1/#p-48-10).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
48.11CSEL 27.2:233
hactenus fiet, ut, sicut superius comprehensum est, diuinus iuxta nos fauor, quem in tantis sumus rebus experti, per omne tempus prospere successibus nostris cum beatitudine publica - perseueret.
Thus it will come about, as has been stated above, that the divine favour towards us, which we have experienced in such great matters, will continue through all time to prosper our successes together with the public happiness.
Notes and citation
Summary: Thus divine favour will continue to bless the emperors and the state.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 48.11 (CSEL 27.2:233; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/38-1/#p-48-11).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
48.12CSEL 27.2:233
ut autem huius sanctionis <et> beniuolentiae nostrae forma ad omnium possit peruenire notitiam, prolata programmate tuo haec scripta et ubique proponere et ad omnium scientiam te perferre conueniet, ut huius nostrae beniuolentiae [nostrae] sanctio latere non possit.
And so that the form of this enactment and of our benevolence may come to the notice of all, it will be fitting for you to publish these writings by your proclamation, to post them everywhere, and to bring them to the knowledge of all, so that the enactment of this our benevolence may not be hidden.”
Notes and citation
Summary: The governor is to publish the letter everywhere.
- The edition brackets a second “nostrae” as spurious; it is left out.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR misread in the digital text): pro-poaere → proponere.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 48.12 (CSEL 27.2:233; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/38-1/#p-48-12).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
48.13CSEL 27.2:233
His litteris propositis etiam verbo hortatus est, ut conuenticula < 10) statum pristinum redderentur. sic ab euersa ecclesia usque ad restitutam fuerunt anni decem, menses plus minus quattuor.
When this letter had been posted, he also exhorted by word of mouth that the meeting-places be restored to their former state. So from the overthrow of the church to its restoration there were ten years and about four months.
Notes and citation
Summary: The persecution lasted ten years and about four months.
- From February 303 to June 313. The digital text has a stray “10)” for the editor's supplement “in”.
Topics: Persecution
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 48.13 (CSEL 27.2:233; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/38-1/#p-48-13).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
Chapter 49
49.1CSEL 27.2:233–234
Sequenti autem Licinio cum exercitu tyrannum profugus concessit et rursus Tauri montis angustias petiit. munimentis ibidem ac turribus fabricatis iter obstruere conatus est et inde detrusus perrumpentibus omnia uictoribus Tarsum postremo confugit.
As Licinius followed with his army, the fugitive tyrant withdrew and again made for the passes of Mount Taurus. There, building fortifications and towers, he tried to block the road; and, driven from there as the victors broke through everything, he finally fled to Tarsus.
Notes and citation
Summary: Maximinus fled to the Taurus passes and then to Tarsus.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 49.1 (CSEL 27.2:233–234; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/38-1/#p-49-1).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
49.2CSEL 27.2:234
ibi cum iam terra marique premeretur nec ullum speraret refugium, angore animi ac metu confugit ad mortem quasi ad remedium malorum, quae deus in caput eius ingessit.
There, when he was now pressed by land and sea and hoped for no refuge, from anguish of mind and fear he fled to death as a remedy for the evils which God had heaped on his head.
Notes and citation
Summary: Trapped at Tarsus, he resolved on suicide.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 49.2 (CSEL 27.2:234; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/38-1/#p-49-2).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
49.3CSEL 27.2:234
sed prius cibo se infersit ac uino ingurgitauit, ut solent ii qui hoc ultimo se facere arbitrantur, et sic hausit uenenum. cuius uis referto stomacho repercussa ualere non potuit in praesens, sed in languorem malum uersum est pestilentiae similem, ut diutius protracto spiritu cruciamenta sentiret.
But first he stuffed himself with food and gorged himself with wine, as those are accustomed to do who think they are doing this for the last time, and so drank poison. Its force, repelled by the full stomach, could not take effect immediately, but turned into an evil languor like the plague, so that, his breath being drawn out longer, he might feel torments.
Notes and citation
Summary: He took poison after a feast, which caused a slow and painful death.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 49.3 (CSEL 27.2:234; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/38-1/#p-49-3).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
49.4CSEL 27.2:234
iam saeuire in eum coeperat uirus. cuius ui cum praecordia eius furerent, insustentabili dolore usque ad rabiem mentis elatus est, adeo ut per dies quattuor insania percitus haustam manibus terram uelut esuriens deuoraret.
Now the poison had begun to rage in him. When his vitals raged with its force, he was carried by unbearable pain to the point of madness, so that for four days, driven by insanity, he devoured earth scooped up in his hands as if starving.
Notes and citation
Summary: Maddened by the poison, he ate earth for four days.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 49.4 (CSEL 27.2:234; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/38-1/#p-49-4).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
49.5CSEL 27.2:234
deinde post multos grauesque cruciatus cum caput suum parietibus infligeret, exilierunt oculi eius de caueis. tunc demum, amisso uisu, deum uidere coepit candidatis ministris de se iudicantem.
Then, after many grievous torments, as he dashed his head against the walls, his eyes leapt from their sockets. Then at last, having lost his sight, he began to see God judging him, with attendants clothed in white.
Notes and citation
Summary: Blinded, he began to see God judging him.
- Eusebius (Hist. eccl. 9.10.14–15) gives a similar account.
Topics: Eschatology
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 49.5 (CSEL 27.2:234; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/38-1/#p-49-5).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
49.6CSEL 27.2:234
exclamabat ergo sicut ii qui torquentur solent, et non se, sed alios fecisse dicebat. deinde quasi tormentis adactus fatebatur Christum subinde deprecans et implorans, ut suimet misereretur.
So he cried out, as those who are tortured are accustomed to do, and said that not he but others had done it. Then, as if driven by tortures, he confessed, repeatedly praying to Christ and imploring him to have mercy on him.
Notes and citation
Summary: He blamed others, then confessed and begged Christ for mercy.
Topics: Christology
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 49.6 (CSEL 27.2:234; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/38-1/#p-49-6).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
49.7CSEL 27.2:234–235
sic inter gemitus quos tamquam cremaretur edebat, nocentem spiritum detestabili genere mortis efflauit.
So, amid groans which he uttered as if he were being burned, he breathed out his guilty spirit by a detestable kind of death.
Notes and citation
Summary: Maximinus died in agony.
- Summer 313.
Topics: Persecution
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 49.7 (CSEL 27.2:234–235; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/38-1/#p-49-7).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
Chapter 50
50.1CSEL 27.2:235
Hoc modo deus uniuersos persecutores nominis sui debellauit, ut eorum nec stirps nec radix ulla remaneret.
In this way God vanquished all the persecutors of his name, so that neither stock nor root of them remained.
Notes and citation
Summary: God destroyed all the persecutors and their families.
Topics: Persecution
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 50.1 (CSEL 27.2:235; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/38-1/#p-50-1).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
50.2CSEL 27.2:235
nam Licinius summa rerum potitus in primis Valeriam, quam Maximinus iratus ne post fugam quidem, cum sibi uideret esse pereundum, fuerat ausus occidere, item Candidianum, quem Valeria ex concubina genitum ob sterilitatem adoptauerat, necari iussit. mulier tamen ut eum uicisse cognouit.
For Licinius, having gained supreme power, ordered first of all that Valeria be put to death, whom Maximinus in his anger had not dared to kill even after his flight, when he saw he must perish; likewise Candidianus, whom Valeria, because of her barrenness, had adopted, though he was born of a concubine. Yet the woman, when she learned that he had conquered,
Notes and citation
Summary: Licinius ordered the deaths of Valeria and of Galerius's son Candidianus.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR misread in the digital text): Yaleriam → Valeriam.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 50.2 (CSEL 27.2:235; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/38-1/#p-50-2).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
50.3CSEL 27.2:235
mutato habitu comitatui eius se immiscuerat, ut fortunam Candidiani specularetur: < qui> quia Nicomediae se obtulerat et in honore haberi uidebatur, nihil tale metuens occisus est. et illa exitu eius audito protinus fugit.
had changed her dress and mingled with his retinue, to watch the fortune of Candidianus; he, because he had presented himself at Nicomedia and seemed to be held in honour, fearing nothing of the kind, was killed. And she, hearing of his end, fled at once.
Notes and citation
Summary: Candidianus was killed at Nicomedia; Valeria, disguised, fled.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 50.3 (CSEL 27.2:235; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/38-1/#p-50-3).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
50.4CSEL 27.2:235
idem Seueri filium Seuerianum iam aetate robustum, qui fugientem Maximinum fuerat ex acie secutus, tamquam post obitum eius de sumenda purpura cogitasset, capitali sententiae subiectum interemit.
The same man put to death Severianus, the son of Severus, already of mature age, who had followed the fleeing Maximinus from the battle, having subjected him to capital sentence as if he had thought of taking the purple after his death.
Notes and citation
Summary: Severus's son Severianus was executed on suspicion of aiming at power.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 50.4 (CSEL 27.2:235; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/38-1/#p-50-4).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
50.5CSEL 27.2:235
qui omnes Licinium iam pridem quasi malum metuentes, cum Maximino esse maluerant praeter Valeriam, quae <quod> uolenti Licinio, in omnia Maximiani <bona> hereditatis iure suo -^ <se> cedere, idem Maximino negauerat.
All of these, fearing Licinius long since as an evil, had preferred to be with Maximinus, except Valeria, who, though she had refused to Licinius, who wanted it, the right to all Maximian's property which was hers by inheritance, had refused the same to Maximinus.
Notes and citation
Summary: These had sided with Maximinus out of fear of Licinius; Valeria had refused her inheritance to both.
- The Latin of the last clause is damaged and partly supplied by the editor; the translation gives the probable sense.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 50.5 (CSEL 27.2:235; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/38-1/#p-50-5).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
50.6CSEL 27.2:235–236
ipsius quoque Maximini filium [suum] maximum agentem in annis octo et filiam septennem, quae desponsa fuerat Candidiano, extinxit. sed prius mater eorum in Orontem praecipitata est: ibi saepe illa castas feminas mergi iusserat.
He also destroyed the son of Maximinus himself, who was eight years old, and his daughter of seven, who had been betrothed to Candidianus. But first their mother was thrown into the Orontes: there she had often ordered chaste women to be drowned.
Notes and citation
Summary: Maximinus's children and wife were killed.
- The edition brackets “suum” as spurious; it is left out.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 50.6 (CSEL 27.2:235–236; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/38-1/#p-50-6).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
50.7CSEL 27.2:236
sic omnes impii uero et iusto iudicio dei eadem quae fecerant, receperunt.
So all the ungodly, by the true and just judgement of God, received the same things they had done.
Notes and citation
Summary: The ungodly received what they had done to others.
Topics: Persecution
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 50.7 (CSEL 27.2:236; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/38-1/#p-50-7).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
Chapter 51
51.1CSEL 27.2:236
Valeria quoque per uarias prouincias quindecim mensibus plebeio cultu peruagata postremo apud Thessalonicam cognita, comprehensa cum matre poenas dedit.
Valeria too, having wandered through various provinces for fifteen months in common dress, was at last recognized at Thessalonica, arrested with her mother, and paid the penalty.
Notes and citation
Summary: Valeria and her mother were caught at Thessalonica and executed.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 51.1 (CSEL 27.2:236; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/38-1/#p-51-1).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
51.2CSEL 27.2:236
ductae igitur mulieres cum ingenti spectaculo et miseratione tanti casus ad supplicium, et amputatis capitibus corpora earum in mare abiecta sunt. ita illis pudicitia et condicio exitio fuit.
So the women were led to execution amid a huge spectacle and pity at so great a fall; their heads were cut off and their bodies thrown into the sea. So their chastity and their rank proved their ruin.
Notes and citation
Summary: They were beheaded and thrown into the sea.
- The author does not present their death as God's judgement; he says their chastity and rank destroyed them.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 51.2 (CSEL 27.2:236; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/38-1/#p-51-2).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
Chapter 52
52.1CSEL 27.2:236–237
Quae omnia secundum fidem — scienti enim loquor — ita ut gesta sunt mandanda litteris credidi, ne aut memoria tantarum rerum interiret aut si quis historiam scribere uoluisset, [non] corrumperet ueritatem uel peccata illorum aduersus deum uel iudicium dei aduersus illos reticendo.
All these things I have believed should be committed to writing faithfully (for I speak to one who knows) just as they were done, so that the memory of such great events might not perish, and so that, if anyone wished to write a history, he might not corrupt the truth by keeping silent either about their sins against God or about God's judgement against them.
Notes and citation
Summary: Lactantius has written these events down faithfully so their memory and meaning are not lost.
- The edition brackets “non” as spurious; it is left out.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 52.1 (CSEL 27.2:236–237; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/38-1/#p-52-1).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
52.2CSEL 27.2:237
cuius aeternae pietati gratias agere debemus, qui tandem respexit in terram, quod gregem suum partim uastatum a lupis rapacibus partim uero dispersum reficere ac recolligere dignatus est et bestias malas extirpare, quae diuini gregis pascua protriuerant, cubilia dissipauerant.
We ought to give thanks to his eternal kindness, that he has at last looked upon the earth, that he has deigned to restore and gather again his flock, partly laid waste by ravening wolves and partly scattered, and to root out the evil beasts which had trampled the pastures of the divine flock and destroyed its folds.
Acts 20:29 (echo, low confidence) · Ezek 34:12 (echo, low confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: God has gathered his scattered flock and destroyed the wild beasts that ravaged it.
Topics: Persecution
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 52.2 (CSEL 27.2:237; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/38-1/#p-52-2).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
52.3CSEL 27.2:237
ubi sunt modo magnifica illa et clara per gentes Iouiorum et Herculiorum cognomina, quae primum a Dioclete ac Maximiano insolenter adsumpta ac postmodum ad successores eorum translata uiguerunt? nempe deleuit ea dominus et erasit de terra.
Where now are those magnificent surnames of Jovii and Herculii, famous among the nations, which were first insolently assumed by Diocles and Maximian and afterwards passed to their successors and flourished? Surely the Lord has blotted them out and erased them from the earth.
Notes and citation
Summary: The proud titles of the persecutors have been wiped from the earth.
- Diocletian took the name Jovius and Maximian Herculius.
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 52.3 (CSEL 27.2:237; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/38-1/#p-52-3).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
52.4CSEL 27.2:237
celebremus igitur triumphum dei cum exultatione, uictoriam domini cum laudibus frequentemus, diurnis nocturnisque precibus celebremus, celebremus, ut pacem post annos decem plebi suae datam confirmet in saeculum.
Let us therefore celebrate the triumph of God with exultation; let us throng the victory of the Lord with praises; let us celebrate it with prayers day and night; let us celebrate it, so that he may establish forever the peace given to his people after ten years.
Notes and citation
Summary: Let us celebrate God's victory with prayer so that he may make the peace permanent.
Topics: Prayer
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 52.4 (CSEL 27.2:237; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/38-1/#p-52-4).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.
52.5CSEL 27.2:237–238
tu praecipue, Donate carissime, qui a deo mereris audiri, dominum deprecare, ut misericordiam suam seruet etiam famulis suis propitius ac mitis, ut omnes insidias atque impetus diaboli a populo suo arceat, ut florescentis ecclesiae perpetuam quietem custodiat.
You above all, dearest Donatus, who deserve to be heard by God, entreat the Lord that he may keep his mercy, propitious and gentle, towards his servants also; that he may ward off all the snares and assaults of the devil from his people; that he may guard the lasting peace of the flourishing church.
Notes and citation
Summary: Donatus is asked to pray for God's continued mercy and the church's lasting peace.
Topics: Prayer
Cite (SBL): Lactantius, Mort. 52.5 (CSEL 27.2:237–238; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/lactantius-mortibus/38-1/#p-52-5).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin text of CSEL 27.2; made independently of existing English translations.