GALLUS AND CONSTANTIUS

They endured the most grueling labors in vain. For once the sun had scattered the darkness, they were prevented from crossing by the sheer size of the narrow and deep current. An attempt. While they were searching for small fishing boats original: "lenunculos" or preparing to swim across on hastily constructed rafts, the legions that were then wintering at Sidenis A town in Pamphylia arrived with a swift charge. Having positioned their standards near the bank to engage in close combat, the soldiers most skillfully joined their shields into a dense interlocking formation The "testudo" or "tortoise" formation, where shields are overlapped for maximum protection to block the way. The judge of the world aids just arms and daring men. Those few rebels who, trusting in their swimming ability or using hollowed-out tree trunks, dared to cross the river secretly, were very easily slaughtered. Therefore, after many attempts at the most desperate maneuvers, they achieved nothing; driven back by fear and force, they were pushed out.

Uncertain of where to turn, they arrived near the town of Laranda. There, having been refreshed by food and rest, and once their fear had subsided, they attacked the wealthy villages. Rebellion does not easily extend its hand, but falls back into its natural character at the first opportunity. However, they did not attempt to resist on the open plain because of the assistance of the cavalry cohorts which happened to be nearby; instead, they departed. Withdrawing backward, they summoned all the strength of their youth who had remained in their homes. And because they were being afflicted by severe hunger, they sought a place named Paleas, situated toward the sea and secured by a strong wall. This is where the supplies are stored even to this day, which are usually distributed to the soldiers defending the entire flank of Isauria.

They surrounded this fortification for three days and three nights. Dangers sharpen the madness of rebellion, so that it rushes headlong into whatever stands in its way and undermines everything like a lightning bolt. But when the steep slope itself could not be approached without deadly risk, nor could anything be accomplished by mines Tunnels dug under walls to collapse them, and no siege engine was proving successful, they departed in sorrow. Finally, as rage overcame them, they prepared to attempt things greater than their strength. Accordingly, having conceived a more savage madness, which desperation and hunger were inflaming, they were carried away with uncontrollable heat toward the destruction of the mother of cities, Seleucia. This city was defended by the Count Castritius and three legions hardened by the toils of war. Forewarned of their arrival by faithful scouts, the leaders of the soldiers gave the solemn watchword original: "tessera" and led the armed troops...