Surviving Works

CONSTANTIUS ET GALLUS. 353.

deaths of those who were killed were known, no one brought their ship to these stations thereafter. Instead, avoiding them like the lethal cliffs of Sciron A legendary cliff-path near Megara, associated with a bandit thrown into the sea, they sailed near the shores of Cyprus, which lie opposite the rocky crags of Isauria. 4. Therefore, as time passed, since no incoming ships could be found, they abandoned the seacoast and moved into Lycaonia, which is adjacent to Isauria. There, blocking the roads with dense barriers, they fed upon the wealth of the provincials and travelers. 5. This fervor stirred the soldiers stationed in the many municipalities and forts that border these regions. Each man, attempting to repel the spreading scourge as best he could, was often overcome by an enormous multitude, whether they were gathered in groups or dispersed. These bandits, born and raised among the towering, winding circuits of the mountains, moved over the flat and soft land as if it were their own, harassing those they met from a distance with missiles and terrifying them with savage howling. 6. Our infantry, forced at times to climb high cliffs to pursue them, even if their feet slipped, would grab onto bushes or briars to reach the summits. Yet, among the narrow and impassable crags, they were not permitted to deploy their battle lines, nor could they plant their feet with a firm stance. The enemy, roving above on the rocks, would roll down debris, causing them to retreat dangerously down the slopes; or, if they fought bravely under ultimate necessity, they were crushed by the ruin of massive weights. 7. For this reason, cautious surveillance was practiced thereafter; and when the marauders began to head for the heights of the mountains, the soldiers would retreat due to the treacherous terrain. But when they could be found on the plains—which happened constantly—the soldiers, not permitted to exert their strength or brandish their weapons (of which they carried two or three), were slaughtered like sluggish cattle.

8. Fearing this, the same bandits, knowing from frequent experience that they would not be equal to our men in a standing battle, sought out Pamphylia, which is largely level. This region had long been untouched, but due to fear of devastation and slaughter, it was now fortified with large garrisons on all sides, as the military was dispersed throughout the area.