Chronicon

Here begins the Chronicle of Saint Isidore of Seville, Bishop. Preface. A brief sequence of times, arranged by generations and reigns, was first set forth among our writers by Julius Africanus, under the Emperor Marcus Aurelius Antoninus, in a simple historical style. Afterwards, Eusebius, bishop of Caesarea, and Jerome, presbyter of blessed memory, published a manifold history of chronological canons, ordered by both reigns and times. After these, others, one after another—among whom Victor, bishop of the church of Tonnena, is especially notable—having reviewed the histories of the aforementioned writers, completed the record of the events of subsequent ages down to the consulship of Justin the Younger. We, for our part, have noted the sum of these times, from the beginning of the world up to the reigns of Augustus Heraclius and Sisebut, king of the Goths, with as much brevity as we could, adding a descending line of times at the side, by whose indication the sum of the past age may be known. The First Age of the World.

God formed all things as creatures in six days. On the first day he created light, on the second the firmament of heaven, on the third the appearance of the air and the earth, on the fourth the stars, on the fifth fish and birds, on the sixth beasts and cattle, and lastly, in his own image, the first man Adam. [230 years from the beginning of the world] Adam, at 230 years of age, begot Seth, who was born in place of Abel, and is interpreted as "resurrection," because in him the righteous seed, which is of the sons of God, was revived. [435] Seth, at 205 years of age, begot Enos, who first began to invoke the name of the Lord. [625] Enos, at 190 years of age, begot Cainan, whose name is interpreted as "nature of God." At the same time, Cain first built a city before the flood, which he filled solely from the multitude of his own posterity. [795] Cainan, at 170 years of age, begot Mahalalel, whose name is said to mean "plantation of God." [960] Mahalalel, at 165 years of age, begot Jared, who is interpreted as "descending" or "strengthening.

Jared, at 162 years of age, begat Enoch, who was translated by God, and who is also said to have written some things; but on account of their antiquity, they have been rejected by the Fathers as of suspect reliability. Enoch, at 154 years of age, begat Methuselah, who, according to the sequence of years, is found to have lived 14 years after the flood. But he is not found to have been in the ark, for which reason some, with a false opinion, suppose that he was with his father Enoch, who had been translated, for a little while until the flood should pass. In this generation the sons of God desired the daughters of men. Methuselah, at 167 years of age, begat Lamech. In this generation giants were born. Also in this age, Jubal, of the line of Cain, discovered the art of music, whose brother Tubal-Cain was the inventor of the arts of bronze and iron. Lamech, at 190 years of age, begat Noah, who is commanded by divine oracle to build an ark in the 500th year of his age. In these times, as Josephus relates, those men, knowing that they could perish either by fire or by water, inscribed their studies on two columns, made of brick and stone, lest the memory of what they had wisely discovered be destroyed. The stone column is said to have survived the flood, and to remain in Syria to this day.

Noah, in the six hundredth year, the flood is recorded to have occurred; Josephus reports that his ark came to rest on the mountains of Armenia, which are called Ararat. Now Noah had three sons, from whom seventy-two nations arose: that is, fifteen from Japheth, thirty from Ham, and twenty-seven from Shem. The first age ends after 2,242 years. The second age of the world. In the second year after the flood, Shem, when he was one hundred years old, begat Arphaxad, from whom the Chaldean nation arose. This Shem is said to have been Melchizedek, who first after the flood founded the city of Salem, which is now called Jerusalem. Arphaxad, at 135 years of age, begat Salah, from whom the ancient Salamites, or Medes, descend. Salah, at 130 years of age, begat Eber, from whom the Hebrews are named. Eber, at 134 years of age, begat Peleg, in whose time the Tower of Babel was built, and the division of languages occurred. The height of this tower is said to be four thousand paces, gradually narrowed from wider to narrower, so that the impending weight might be more easily supported. They describe there marble temples, adorned with precious stones and gold, and many other things which seem incredible. The giant Nimrod built this tower, who after the confusion of languages migrated from there to the Persians, and taught them to worship fire.

Phaleg, at 130 years of age, begat Reu. In his times, temples were first built, and certain leaders of peoples began to be worshipped as gods. Reu, at 132 years of age, begat Serug, under whom the kingdom of the Scythians arose, where Tanaus first reigned. Serug, at 130 years of age, begat Nahor. The kingdom of the Egyptians takes its beginning, with Zoes being the first to reign. Nahor, at 79 years of age, begat Terah, under whom the kingdom of the Assyrians and Sicyonians arises. But Belus, whom some consider to be Saturn, first reigned among the Assyrians, and Aegialeus first among the Sicyonians, from whom Aegialea was named, which is hitherto called Peloponnesus. Terah, at 70 years of age, begat Abraham. At the same time, Ninus, king of the Assyrians, reigned, who first instituted wars and invented instruments of arms. In this age, the magical art was discovered in Persia by Zoroaster, king of the Bactrians. He is killed by King Ninus. Also, the walls of Babylon are built by Semiramis, queen of the Assyrians.

From the Flood to the birth of Abraham, 942 years. The second age ends, totaling 3,184 years. The third age. [3284] Abraham, at 100 years of age, begat Isaac from the free woman Sara. For earlier he had begotten Ismael from the handmaid Agar, from whom the people of the Ismaelites, later called Agareni, and finally Saracens, are named. [3344] Isaac, at 60 years of age, begat twins, of whom the first was Esau, from whom the Idumaeans, and the second Jacob, who was surnamed Israel, from whom the Israelites are named. At this time the kingdom of the Greeks begins, where Inachus first reigned. [3435] Jacob, at 91 years of age, begat Joseph. In these times, Serapis, son of Jupiter, king of the Egyptians, upon dying is transferred among the gods, and the city of Memphis is founded in Egypt. Then at Lake Tritonis, Minerva appeared in the form of a virgin, who is said to have been renowned for many inventions. For she is said to have been the inventor of weaving; she discovered the shield and the bow; she taught how to begin a web and to dye wools. In this age also Phoroneus, son of King Inachus, was famous, who first established laws and courts in Greece.

[3545] Joseph lived 110 years. From this time, Greece, with Argos ruling, began to have grain crops, seeds having been brought from elsewhere. [3689] The 144 years of Hebrew servitude in Egypt after the death of Joseph are found. In these times Prometheus is said to have lived, whom fables fashion as having formed men from clay. Then also his brother Atlas discovered astrology, and first considered the motion of the sky and its order. There was also Mercury, grandson of Atlas, skilled in many arts. And for this reason, after death, he was translated among the gods. In this age also, Proclytus first yoked a four-horse chariot, and at the same time Cecrops founded Athens, and from the name of Minerva called the Attics Athenians. He also, first sacrificing an ox, ordered that Jupiter be worshipped in the Gentile rite. At this time, Corinth was founded in Greece, and there the art of painting was discovered by Cleanthes. Then the first Curetes and Corybantes invented a measured dance in arms and a harmonious song. Then also is said to have occurred the flood under Deucalion in Thessaly and the fabulous conflagration of Phaethon.

[3729] Moses ruled the people for 40 years in the wilderness, after they were freed from Egyptian servitude. At this time, the Jews, through Moses, began to have both law and letters. Then the temple at Delphi was established; the vine was discovered in Greece. [3756] Joshua, successor of Moses, ruled the people for 27 years. In these times, Erichthonius, prince of the Athenians, first yoked a four-horse chariot in Greece. [3796] Othniel, 40 years. Cadmus reigns at Thebes, who first invented Greek letters. At the same time, Linus and Amphion first became renowned among the Greeks in the art of music; the Idaean Dactyls discovered iron metal in Greece at the same time. [3876] Ehud, 80 years. In these times, fables were invented: about Triptolemus, that, at the command of Ceres, carried on winged serpents, he distributed grain to the needy by flying; about the Hippocentaurs, that they were of a mixed nature of horses and men; about Cerberus, the three-headed dog of the underworld; about Phrixus and Helle, his sister, that they crossed the sea carried by a ram; about the Gorgon, a harlot, that she had snakes for hair and turned those who looked at her into stone; about Bellerophon, that he was carried by a winged horse; about Amphion, that by the song of his lyre, he moved stones and rocks.

[3916] Deborah, 40 years. At the same time, Apollo invented the cithara and discovered the art of medicine. Also, the fable was then invented about the craftsman Daedalus and his son Icarus, that they flew after fitting wings to themselves. In this age, Picus first reigned among the Latins, who is said to have been the son of Saturn. [3956] Gideon, 40 years. In this age, the city of Tyre is built. Also, a second Mercury discovered the lyre and handed it over to Orpheus. At this time, Philemon first established a chorus at Pythium. Then also, the Thracian Linus, master of Hercules, is said to have been famous in the art of music. The voyage of the Argonauts is also recorded at that time. [3959] Abimelech, 3 years. He killed his seventy brothers. Hercules laid waste to Ilium and killed Antaeus, the inventor of the art of wrestling, in Libya. [3982] Tola, 23 years. In his times, Priam reigned in Troy after Laomedon. Then the fable was invented about the Minotaur, a beast enclosed in the labyrinth.

[4004] Jair, 22 years. At the same time, Hercules instituted the Olympic contest. The nymph Carmentis discovered the Latin letters. [4010] Jephte, 6 years. In his time, Hercules, in his fifty-second year, threw himself into the flames because of the pain of a disease. At the same time, Alexander abducted Helen, and the ten-year Trojan War arose. [4017] Abesan, 7 years. The Amazons first took up arms. [4025] Abdon, 8 years. In his third year, Troy was captured, and Aeneas came to Italy. [4045] Sampson, 20 years. Ascanius, son of Aeneas, founded Alba. Also, the fables of Ulysses or the Sirens were invented at the same time. [4085] Eli the priest, 40 years. The Ark of the Covenant is captured by foreigners. The kingdom of the Sicyonians ends. [4125] Samuel and Saul, 40 years. The kingdom of the Lacedaemonians arises. And in Greece, Homer is thought to have been the first poet. From the promise to Abraham up to David, 940 years.

The third age ends after 425 years. The fourth age of the world. [4165] David reigns 40 years. Codrus, king of the Athenians, offering himself willingly for the salvation of his country, is killed by the enemy. And Carthage is built by Dido, while in Judea Gath, Nathan, and Asaph are prophesying. [4205] Solomon reigns 40 years. In the fourth year of his reign, he built the temple in Jerusalem, and completed it in the eighth year. [4222] Rehoboam reigns 17 years. The kingdom of Israel is divided from Judah, under whom ten tribes are separated from two, and they began to have kings in Samaria. In this age, Samos is founded, and the Sibyl Erithraea is held in renown. [4225] Abijah reigns 3 years. Under him, the high priest of the Hebrews, Abimelech, is considered notable. [4266] Asa reigns 41 years. In Judea, Ahijah, Amos, Jehu, Joel, and Azariah were prophesying. [4291] Jehoshaphat reigns 25 years. Elijah, Elisha, Obadiah, Azariah, and Micah were prophesying.

[4299] Joram reigns 8 years. Elijah, Elisha, and Aldias prophesy. [4300] Ochozias reigns 1 year. Elijah is taken up; his seven notable miracles are enumerated. [4307] Athalia reigns 7 years. Jonadab, son of Rechab, is held to be a distinguished priest, etc. Joiada the pontiff, who alone after Moses is said to have lived one hundred and thirty years. [4347] Joas reigns 40 years. Zacharias the prophet is killed. Elisha dies; his fourteen virtues are proclaimed. And Lycurgus the lawgiver is held in high regard in Greece. [4376] Amasias reigns 29 years. Some assert that Carthage was founded at this time, others earlier. [4428] Azarias reigns 52 years. The Olympiad is first instituted by the Greeks. A lamb speaks in Greece. Sardanapalus the king is consumed by a self-inflicted fire, and the kingdom of the Assyrians is transferred to the Medes. At that time the poet Hesiod flourished. And Phidon of Argus discovers measures and weights. Hosea, Amos, Isaiah, and Jonah prophesy in Judea in this age.

[4444] Joathan reigns 16 years. Remus and Romulus are born, while Hosea, Joel, Isaiah, and Micah prophesy in Judaea. [4460] Ahaz reigns 16 years. In his times Romulus founds Rome. And Sennacherib, king of the Assyrians, transfers the ten tribes from Samaria into Media, and sends Samaritan settlers into Judaea. [4489] Hezekiah reigns 29 years. Under him Isaiah and Hosea prophesy. At this time Romulus first takes soldiers from the people, and chooses one hundred of the most noble men from the people, who are called senators on account of their age, and fathers on account of their care and concern for the republic. [4549] Manasseh reigns 55 years. During the same time Numa Pompilius rules over the Romans, who first institutes pontiffs and Vestal Virgins among the Romans, and fills the city with a multitude of false gods. He adds two months to the year for the Romans, to the ten months; he dedicates January to the gods above, February to the gods below. At that time also the Sibyl of Samos becomes famous.

[4556] Ammon reigns 3 years. In his times Tullus Hostilius, king of the Romans, first conducted a census in the republic, which until then was unknown throughout the world, and was the first to use purple and the fasces. [4588] Josias reigns 32 years. Thales of Miletus, the natural philosopher, became famous; having grasped solar eclipses with the keenest investigation, he first investigated the number of astrology, while Jeremiah, Huldah, and Zephaniah were prophesying in Judaea. [4599] Joacbim reigns 11 years. In his third year, Nebuchadnezzar made captured Judaea tributary. Then Daniel, Hananiah, Azariah, and Mishael became famous in Babylon. [4610] Zedekiah reigns 11 years. The king of Babylon, coming a second time to Jerusalem, led him captive with the people, the temple having been burned, in the 454th year from its building. At the same time, Sappho the woman became famous in Greece for diverse poetry. Solon gave laws to the Athenians.

From David up to the Babylonian captivity, 485 years. The fourth age ends, totaling 4,610 years. The fifth age of the world. [4680] The captivity of the Hebrews, 70 years, during which fire was taken from the altar of God and hidden in a well; after the seventieth year of its return, it is taken up, found still alive. During the same period of captivity, the book of Judith is written. Also, Pythagoras the philosopher and inventor of the art of arithmetic, and Pherecydes, the first writer of histories, and Xenophanes, the inventor of tragedies, are held in high regard. [4714] Darius reigns 34 years. In his second year, the captivity of the Jews is ended; from that time, there were not kings in Jerusalem, but princes, until Aristobulus. Then the Romans, having driven out their kings, began to have consuls. [4754] Xerxes reigns 20 years. Aeschylus, Pindar, Sophocles, and Euripides, writers of tragedies, are celebrated as distinguished. Also, Herodotus the writer of histories, and Zeuxis the painter, are recognized.

[4774] Artaxerxes, who is also Longimanus, reigns for 40 years. During his reign, Esdras the priest renewed the law which had been burned by the gentiles, and Nehemias restored the walls of Jerusalem. Also, Aristarchus, Aristophanes, and Sophocles were held to be writers of tragedies. Likewise, Hippocrates the physician, Socrates the philosopher, and Democritus became famous. [4795] Darius, who is also Nothus, reigns for 19 years. This age had Plato the philosopher, and Gorgias the first rhetorician. [4833] Artaxerxes reigns for 40 years. In his time, the history of Esther is taught to have been completed. Also, Plato and Xenophon, Socratic figures, are held as distinguished. [4859] Artaxerxes, who is also Ochus, reigns for 26 years. Demosthenes is recognized as the first orator, and Aristotle is proclaimed as the first dialectician. Plato dies. [4863] Arses, son of Ochus, reigns for 4 years. Xenocrates the philosopher is held as illustrious. [4869] Darius reigns for 6 years. Alexander, overcoming the Illyrians and Thracians, then captures Jerusalem, and entering the temple, sacrifices victims to God. Up to this point the kingdom of the Persians stood. Thenceforth the kings of the Greeks begin.

[4874] Alexander of Macedon reigns for 5 years. For his last three years are counted in the chronological order in which he held the monarchy of Asia, after the destruction of the Persian kingdom. For his first seven years are reckoned among the Persian kings. Then the kings of Alexandria begin. [4914] Ptolemy, son of Lagus, reigns for 11 years. He, capturing Judaea, transferred many of the Hebrews to Egypt. At this time, Zeno the Stoic, and Menander the comic poet, and Theophrastus the philosopher flourished. At the same time, the first book of Maccabees begins. [4952] Ptolemy Philadelphus reigns for 38 years. He freed the Jews who were in Egypt, and, restoring the sacred vessels to the high priest Eleazar, he requested the Seventy Interpreters and translated the divine Scriptures into the Greek language. At the same time, Aratus the astronomer is recognized, and silver coins are first minted at Rome. [4978] Ptolemy Euergetes reigns for 26 years. Under him, Jesus, son of Sirach, composed the book of Wisdom.

[4995] Ptolemy Philopator reigns for 27 years. In his time, the Jews are defeated in battle, and 60,000 armed men fall. During the same period, the consul Marcellus gains control of Sicily. [3019] Ptolemy Epiphanes reigns for 24 years. In his time, the events contained in the history of the second book of Maccabees take place. In this age, the Romans decree that the conquered Greeks are to be free, saying: It is impious that those among whom philosophy first arose, the teacher of morals and the discoverer of the liberal arts, should be slaves. During the same period, Ennius, the first notable Latin poet, is celebrated in Rome. [5651] Ptolemy Philometor reigns for 35 years. Antiochus defeats him in battle and oppresses the Jews with various calamities. During the same period, Scipio conquers Africa, and Terence, the comic poet, is renowned. [5883] Ptolemy Euergetes reigns for 29 years. At this time, under the consul Brutus, Spain is obtained by the Romans. [5100] Ptolemy Soter reigns for 17 years. Varro and Cicero are born. The Thracians are subjected to the Romans.

[5100] Ptolemy Alexander reigns for 10 years. Syria passes into the dominion of the Romans through the general Gabinius. The poet Lucretius is also born, who later killed himself in a fit of amorous madness. 61, [5118] Ptolemy, son of Cleopatra, reigns for 7 years. During this time, Plotius Gallus first teaches Latin rhetoric at Rome. At that time also the historian Sallust is born. [5148] Ptolemy Dionysius reigns for 30 years. Pompey, having captured Jerusalem, makes the Jews tributaries to the Romans. During this time, the philosopher Cato is renowned; Virgil is born at Mantua, Horace at Venusia. At that time also Apollodorus, the teacher of Augustus, is esteemed, and Cicero is celebrated for his oratorical glory. [5150] Cleopatra reigns for 2 years. She was the daughter of Ptolemy, king of the Egyptians, and became both sister and wife of her brother Ptolemy. When she wished to defraud him of the kingdom during the time of the civil war, she met Caesar in Alexandria as he was besieging the city, and through her beauty and her debauchery she obtained from Julius the kingdom for herself and the death of Ptolemy. And the kingdom of Alexandria, in the third year of Cleopatra’s reign, passes through Julius Caesar into the dominion of the Romans.

[5155] Gaius Julius Caesar reigns for 5 years. This man, having previously been created consul, obtained the Gallic provinces; he triumphed over Britain; finally, having engaged in civil war against Pompey, he obtained the monarchy of the entire empire. From his name, the following emperors were called Caesars. From the transmigration of Babylon up to the nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ, there are 587 years. The fifth age ends, comprising 5,155 years. The sixth age of the world. [5211] Octavius Augustus reigns for 56 years. This man, after the Sicilian war, celebrated three triumphs during his rule: the Dalmatian, the Asiatic, and finally the Alexandrian against Antony, and then the Spanish. Thereafter, with peace on land and sea achieved throughout the whole world, he closed the gates of Janus. Under his rule, the seventy weeks written in Daniel are completed, and, with the kingdom and priesthood of the Jews ceasing, the Lord Jesus Christ is born in Bethlehem of Judea from the Virgin, in the 42nd year of his reign.

[5234] Tiberius, son of Augustus, reigns for 22 years. This man, because out of greed he did not send back kings who came to him, many peoples withdrew from the Roman Empire. In the eighteenth year of his reign the Lord was crucified, after 5,229 years from the beginning of the world had been completed. [5238] Gaius Caligula reigns for 4 years. This man was savage in avarice, cruelty, and luxury, and transferring himself among the gods, he ordered a statue of Olympian Jupiter to be set up in the temple of Jerusalem under his own name. At the same time, the apostle Matthew first wrote the Gospel in Judea. [5252] Claudius reigns for 14 years. During his reign, the apostle Peter goes to Rome against Simon Magus. Also Mark the evangelist, preaching Christ in Alexandria, wrote the Gospel. [5266] Nero reigns for 14 years. This man, given over to injuries, cruelty, and luxury, fished with golden nets. He prostituted and killed his mother and sister; he destroyed much of the senate; he lost many provinces and cities of the republic; he also set fire to the city of Rome, so that he might behold the image of the Trojan destruction. In his times, Simon Magus, having proposed a disputation with the apostles Peter and Paul, saying that he was some great power of God, at midday, while he promised to fly to his father in heaven, was let go and burst, by the demons by whom he was carried in the air, Peter adjuring them through God, Paul praying. Because of his death, Peter is crucified by Nero, Paul is slain by the sword.

At this time the poet Persius dies. Also Lucan and Seneca are put to death by order of Nero. [5276] Vespasian reigns for 10 years. This man, vigorous in military discipline, restored to the Republic by warfare many provinces which Nero had lost. He was unmindful of offenses, and lightly bore insults spoken against him. In his second year, Titus captured and destroyed Jerusalem, where eleven hundred thousand Jews perished by famine and sword. And besides these, also a hundred thousand were publicly sold. [5278] Titus reigns for 11 years. This man was so eloquent in both languages that he pleaded cases in Latin and composed poems and tragedies in Greek; moreover, he was so warlike that, while serving under his father in the siege of Jerusalem, he pierced twelve defenders with the shots of twelve arrows. Furthermore, in his rule he was of such great goodness that he punished no one at all, but dismissed those convicted of conspiracy against him and retained them in the same familiarity as he had held before. Also among all his sayings was that famous one: he had lost a day in which he had done nothing good.

[5294] Domitian, brother of Titus, reigns for 16 years. This man, second after Nero, abominable in pride, ordered himself to be called God, and instituted the persecution of Christians by pagans. Under him the apostle John, banished to the island of Patmos, wrote the Apocalypse. This man sent many senators into exile and killed them, and also ordered all who were of the line of David to be put to death, so that none of the Jews of royal origin would survive. [5295] Nerva reigns for 1 year. A man moderate in rule, he showed himself equal and common to all. In his time the apostle John returned from exile to Ephesus, and, at the request of the bishops of Asia, published the Gospel last. [5314] Trajan reigns for 19 years. This man, with remarkable valor, extended the Roman empire far and wide into the East. He captured Babylonia and Arabia, and, after Alexander, reached the borders of India, being generous to all and tranquil. Among his other sayings, this notable one is reported: when asked why he was so common to everyone, he replied that he was such an emperor to private citizens as he himself, as a private citizen, would have wished for an emperor. Simeon Cleophas, bishop of Jerusalem, is crucified in his time, and the apostle John rests.

[5335] Hadrian reigns for 21 years. This man, envying Trajan’s glory, returned the provinces of the East to the Persians and set the Euphrates River as the boundary of the Roman Empire. He also subdues the Jews, who had become rebels a second time, restores the city of Jerusalem, and names it Aelia after himself. At the same time, Aquila of Pontus, the second translator after the Seventy, arises; and Basilides is recognized as a heresiarch. [5357] Antoninus Pius reigns for 21 years. This man received such a surname because of his clemency, since throughout the entire Roman realm, after the bonds were burned, he remitted the debts of all; hence he was also called Father of the Fatherland. He first divided the empire of the Roman world with Antoninus the Younger, with equal power. During his reign, the heresiarchs Valentinus and Marcion appear, and Galen the physician, born in Pergamum, is held in high regard at Rome. [5375] Antoninus Minor reigns for 18 years. This man, setting out against the Parthians, captured Seleucia, a city of Assyria, with four hundred thousand men; he triumphed over the Parthians and Persians. During his reign, Montanus, the author of the Cataphrygians, and Tatian, from whom the heresy of the Encratites arose, emerged.

[5388] Commodus reigns for 13 years. He was given to great luxury. In his time, Theodotion of Ephesus, the third translator, appeared; and Irenaeus, bishop of Lyons, is held to be of notable learning. [5389] Aelius Pertinax reigns for 1 year. When the Senate begged him to make his wife Augusta and his son Caesar, he refused, saying that it ought to be enough that he himself ruled unwillingly. [5407] Severus Pertinax reigns for 18 years. He waged many wars successfully: he conquered the Parthians, gained Arabia, recovered Britain by warfare, and had knowledge of literature and philosophy. In his time, Symmachus, the fourth translator, is recognized; Narcissus, bishop of Jerusalem, is celebrated for his many virtues; Tertullian the African is held in honor in the Church; Origen is educated in the schools of Alexandria. [5414] Antoninus Caracalla, son of Severus, reigns for 7 years. He was impatient in lust: he married his own stepmother. He accomplished nothing memorable. In his time, a fifth edition of the divine Scriptures was discovered at Jericho, whose author is unknown.

[5415] Macrinus reigns for 1 year. He, reigning with his son, accomplished nothing memorable due to the brevity of their time. For after one year, they were both killed in a military uprising. [5419] Aurelius Antoninus reigns for 4 years. He, while living most obscenely, was himself killed in a military uprising. In his times, the sixth edition was discovered at Nicopolis; Sabellius, the heresiarch, arises. [5432] Alexander reigns for 13 years. He most gloriously conquered the Persians; he was favorable to the citizens. In his times, Origen flourished at Alexandria, and at Rome, Ulpian, the distinguished jurist. [5435] Maximinus reigns for 3 years. He was the first from the military class, without a decree of the senate, to become emperor, and he persecutes the Christians. [5441] Gordian reigns for 6 years. He crushed the rebellious Parthians and Persians. Returning victorious from Persia, he perished by the treachery of his own men. In his times, Zephyrinus, by the testimony of the Holy Spirit descending in the form of a dove upon his head, is ordained bishop at Rome.

Philip reigns for 7 years. He was the first among the emperors to believe in Christ. In his first year, the thousandth year of the city of Rome is said to have been completed. Decius reigns for 1 year. In his time, Saint Anthony the monk is said to have arisen in Egypt, by whom the first monasteries were founded. Gallus and his son Volusianus reign for 2 years. Novatus, a presbyter of Bishop Cyprian, coming to Rome, founded the Novatian heresy. Valerian, with Gallienus, reign for 15 years. Cyprian, first a rhetorician, then a bishop, is crowned with martyrdom. The Goths also lay waste to Greece, Macedonia, Asia, and Pontus. Valerian, stirring up a persecution against the Christians, is captured by Sapor, king of the Persians, and there grew old in the disgrace of his life. Claudius reigns for 2 years. He overcomes the Goths, who were ravaging Illyricum and Macedonia. Paul of Samosata is recognized as a heresiarch.

Aurelian reigns for 6 years. He nearly restored the Roman Empire to its former boundaries through warfare; but when he stirred up a persecution against the Christians, he was struck by lightning and killed without delay. Tacitus reigns for 1 year. The brevity of his life leaves nothing worthy of history to record. Probus reigns for 6 years. He was vigorous in military service and distinguished in civil affairs; through warfare he restored to the Romans the Gauls, which had been occupied by barbarians. In his time the heresy of the Manichaeans arose. Carus, together with his sons Carinus and Numerian, reigns for 2 years. Carus, after he triumphed over the Persians, while encamping as victor near the Tigris, fell by a stroke of lightning. Diocletian and Maximian reigned for 20 years. Diocletian, after the burning of the sacred books, persecutes the Christians throughout the whole world. He was the first to order that gems be set into garments and footwear, whereas previously only purple had been used by emperors. These emperors waged various wars, defeated the Persians, and recovered Mesopotamia. Later, having alike abandoned the pinnacle of imperial power, they lived as private citizens.

Galerius reigns for 2 years. The brevity of his reign contributed nothing worthy of history to the record. Constantinus reigns for 3 years. He prepared war against the Persians; at his approach they trembled so greatly that they came as suppliants, promising to carry out his commands. Having also become a Christian, he gave permission for Christians to assemble freely and for basilicas to be built in honor of Christ. In these times the Arian heresy arises. The Council of Nicaea is also convened by Constantinus for the condemnation of Arius. Then the Donatist schism also arises. At the same time, the cross of Christ was discovered at Jerusalem by Helena, the mother of Constantinus. Constantinus, however, at the very end of his life was baptized by Eusebius, bishop of Nicomedia, and converted to the Arian dogma: alas, alas! having made a good beginning, and a bad end. Constantius and Constans reign for 24 years. Constantius, terrible in the cruelty of his character, suffered much at the hands of the Persians. Then, having become an Arian, he persecutes Catholics throughout the whole world. Also relying on his favor, Arius, while on his way to the church at Constantinople to contend against our people concerning the faith, turning aside through the Forum of Constantinus for a necessary bodily function, his bowels suddenly were poured out together with his life. At the same time, Athanasius and Hilary are celebrated for their teaching and confession of the faith. The heresy of the Anthropomorphites arises in Syria, Macedonia, and Constantinople.

Donatus, a writer on the art of grammar and a teacher of Hieronymus, is held in high repute at Rome. Antonius the monk dies. The bones of the apostles Andrew and Luke are transferred to Constantinople. Julianus reigns for 2 years. This man, having been made emperor from a cleric and turned pagan, converts to the worship of idols and inflicts martyrdoms on Christians. He forbade Christians to teach or learn the liberal arts. He also, while in hatred of Christ he permitted the Jews to repair the temple at Jerusalem, and Jews gathered from all the provinces were laying new foundations of the temple, suddenly by night an earthquake arose, and stones were shaken from the bottom of the foundations and scattered far and wide. Also a fiery globe, emerging from the inner shrine of the temple, laid low many of them with its conflagration. The rest, terrified by this dread, confessed Christ unwillingly. And, lest they think this happened by chance, on the following night the sign of the cross appeared on the garments of all. Julianus, however, proceeding against the Persians, after an engagement was joined, received a javelin and died.

Jovian reigns for one year. When he saw himself chosen emperor by the army, he affirmed that he was a Christian and declared that he could not rule over pagans. “And we,” said the entire army, “who under Julian cast off the name of Christ, wish to be Christians with you.” Upon hearing this, he accepted the scepter of empire, and having made peace with the Persians, he returned; immediately issuing a law, he restored privileges to Christians and ordered the temples of idols to be closed. Valentinian and his brother Valens reign for fourteen years. The Goths on the Ister are divided into two parts under two kings, Fritigern and Athalaric. But Fritigern, overcoming Athalaric with the aid of Valens, an Arian emperor, and at his urging, in gratitude for this favor, became an Arian from a Catholic along with the entire Gothic people, and followed his error. At that time also, Ulfilas, bishop of the Goths, devised letters for the Goths after the pattern of Greek letters, and translated both testaments into their own language. Photinus, also, and Eunomius, and Apollinaris are recognized as heresiarchs at the same time.

Gratian reigns with his brother Valentinian for six years. Ambrose, bishop of Milan, became renowned in the teaching of the Catholics. Priscillian introduced the unspeakable heresy bearing his name into Spain. Martin, bishop of the city of Tours in Gaul, shone forth with many signs of miracles. Valentinian reigns with Theodosius for eight years. A synod is held at Constantinople. One hundred and fifty holy fathers are assembled by Theodosius, in which all heresies are condemned. Jerome, a presbyter in Bethlehem, is held in renown throughout the whole world. Priscillian, on the accusation of Ithacius, is put to the sword by the tyrant Maximus. At the same time, the head of John the Baptist was brought to Constantinople and buried at the seventh milestone of the city. Also, the temples of the pagans throughout the whole world, at the command of Theodosius, are overthrown at the same time. For they had remained untouched up to then. Theodosius reigns with Arcadius and Honorius for three years. At that time, John the anchorite is held to be notable for the miracles of his virtues; he also, when Theodosius consulted him, foretold to him the victory over the tyrant Eugenius.

Arcadius reigns with his brother Honorius for thirteen years. In his times, Augustine, bishop, is considered notable for his knowledge of doctrine. Also John of Constantinople and Theophilus of Alexandria are proclaimed as illustrious bishops. At the same time, Donatus, bishop of Epirus, was considered notable for his virtues. He killed a huge dragon by spitting into its mouth, which eight yokes of oxen could scarcely drag to the place of burning, lest its putrefaction corrupt the air. At the same time, the bodies of the prophets Habakkuk and Micah are revealed by divine revelation. The Goths plunder Italy. The Vandals and Alans attack Gaul. 108. Honorius, with Theodosius the Younger, his brother's son, reigns for fifteen years. During their rule, the Goths capture Rome; also the Vandals, Alans, and Suevi occupy Spain. In this time, Pelagius preaches the dogmas of his error against the grace of Christ; for his condemnation, a council of 214 bishops is gathered at Carthage. At this time, Cyril, bishop of Alexandria, was considered notable.

Theodosius the Younger, son of Arcadius, reigns for twenty-seven years. The Vandals cross from Spain into Africa. There they overthrow the Catholic faith with Arian impiety. At the same time, Nestorius, bishop of Constantinople, contrives the error of his perfidy; against him the Synod of Ephesus is gathered, and condemns his impious dogma. Also at this time, the devil, appearing to the Jews in Crete in the likeness of Moses, while promising to lead them dry-shod through the sea to the promised land, after many are killed, the rest who are saved immediately convert to the grace of Christ. Martian reigns for six years. At his beginning, the Council of Chalcedon is held, where Eutyches together with Dioscorus, bishop of Alexandria, are condemned. In the sixth year of his reign, Theodoric, king of the Goths, enters Spain with a huge army. Leo the Great, with Leo the Younger, reigns for sixteen years. Alexandria and Egypt, rejecting the Council of Chalcedon, languishing in the error of the heretic Dioscorus, filled with an unclean spirit, bark with canine rage. At the same time, the heresy of the Acephali appeared, attacking the Council of Chalcedon, who are called Acephali, that is, headless, because it is not found who first introduced this heresy, by whose plague many of the Easterners languish to this day.

Zeno reigns for 17 years. By him the heresy of the Acephali is defended, and the decrees of the Council of Chalcedon are repudiated. This Zeno, seeking to kill his son Leo Augustus, had another child of similar appearance offered to him by the boy’s mother, and secretly made Leo a cleric; he lived in the clerical state until the time of Justinian. At the same time, the body of the apostle Barnabas and the Gospel of Matthew written in his own hand were discovered, revealed by him. Anastasius reigns for 27 years. He, upholding the error of the Acephali, condemns to exile the bishops who defend the Council of Chalcedon, and also criticizes and corrects the Gospels, as if composed by ignorant evangelists. At that time, Bishop Fulgentius was renowned for his confession of God and his learning. Thrasamund, king of the Vandals, closes the Catholic churches in Africa and sends 120 bishops to Sardinia, raging against Catholics. At the same time, in Carthage, a certain Arian named Olympus, while blaspheming the Holy Trinity in the baths, was visibly burned by three fiery darts sent by an angel. Also, a certain Arian bishop named Barbas, while baptizing someone contrary to the rule of faith, said: “Barbas baptizes you, in the name of the Father, through the Son, in the Holy Spirit,” and immediately the water of that font, which had been brought for baptism, disappeared.

Seeing this, the one who was to be baptized immediately went to the Catholic Church and, according to the custom of evangelical faith, received the baptism of Christ. Justinus the Elder reigns for 9 years. He, a lover of the Synod of Chalcedon, repudiates the heresy of the Acephali. In his time, after Trasemundus, Childericus, born from a captive daughter of the emperor Valentinianus, takes up rule among the Vandals. Although bound by an oath to Trasemundus not to favor Catholics in his kingdom, before he assumed the kingship he ordered the bishops to return from exile and commanded them to restore their own churches. Justinianus reigns for 39 years. He, embracing the heresy of the Acephali, compels all bishops in his kingdom to condemn the three chapters of the Council of Chalcedon. In Alexandria the heresies of Theodosiana and Gaiana arise. Into Spain, through the tyrant Athanaildus, the Roman soldier enters. The patrician Belisarius triumphs marvelously over the Persians. Then, sent by Justinianus into Africa, he destroys the Vandal people. In Italy also, Tottila, king of the Ostrogoths, is overcome by the Roman patrician Narses. At the same time, the body of the monk Saint Antonius, discovered by divine revelation, is brought to Alexandria and buried in the church of Saint John the Baptist.

Justinus the Younger reigns for 11 years. He destroyed those things which had been published against the Council of Chalcedon, and commanded the people to chant the Creed of the 150 Fathers at the time of the sacrifice. The Armenians then for the first time receive the faith of Christ. The Gepidae are destroyed by the Lombards. At that same time, Martinus, bishop of Bracara, is held to be distinguished in Gallaecia for his prudence and teaching of the Catholic faith. The patrician Narses, after he had overcome Totila, king of the Goths, in Italy under the Emperor Justinian, terrified by the threats of Sophia, the Augusta, wife of Justin, invited the Lombards from Pannonia and introduced them into Italy. In this storm, Leovigild, king of the Goths, subdued certain regions of Spain rebellious to him, bringing them into the power of his kingdom by conquest. Tiberius reigns for 7 years. The Lombards, having driven out the Romans, enter Italy; the Goths, divided into two parts through Hermenegild, son of King Leovigild, are devastated by mutual slaughter.

Mauricius reigns for 21 years. The Suevi, under King Leovigildus, are subdued and subjected to the Goths; likewise the Goths themselves, at the urging of the most religious prince Recaredus, are converted to the Catholic faith. The Avars, fighting against the Romans, are driven off more by gold than by the sword. Thrace is occupied by the Huns. At this time Leander, bishop in the Spains, became renowned for the conversion of the Gothic people through the doctrine of the faith and the sciences. Phocas reigns for 8 years. This man, having been made emperor by military command, killed Mauricius Augustus and many of the nobles. In his time the Greens and the Blues wage civil war throughout the East and Egypt, and destroy each other in mutual slaughter. Also, very severe battles of the Persians are stirred up against the republic; by them the Romans are strongly defeated, and lose many provinces, as far as the river Euphrates, and even, as they say, Jerusalem itself. Heraclius then enters the fifth year of his reign. At its beginning the Slavs took Greece from the Romans. The Persians took Syria and Egypt and many provinces. In Spain also Sisebutus, king of the Goths, captured certain cities of the same Roman soldiery, and converted the Jews subject to his kingdom to the faith of Christ.

From the beginning of the world up to the present era 654, that is, in the fifth year of the Emperor Heraclius and the fourth of the most glorious prince Sisebutus, there are five thousand eight hundred and fourteen years. The remaining time of the age is uncertain to human inquiry; for our Lord Jesus Christ has removed every question concerning this matter, saying: "It is not for you to know the times or the moments which the Father has placed in His own power." And elsewhere: "But concerning that day and hour," He says, "no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, except the Father alone." Therefore let each one think about his own passing, as sacred Scripture says: "In all your works, remember the last things." For when each one departs from this world, then for him is the consummation of the age.