Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1889 edition. Excerpt: ...notes information from the contemporary Pris-the wealth of Maximus (Ep. ii. 13). cus; it is, moreover, internally probable. to marry, even for cogent political reasons. If he was really related to British Maximus, who had been subdued by Theodosius, the great-granddaughter of Theodosius had perhaps not forgotten it; but the widow of Valentinian must have known or suspected the instigator of her lord's murder. In any case, the new Augustus was a paltry person, and Eudoxia hated or despised him so much that she is said to have taken the bold and fatal step of summoning Gaiseric the Vandal to overthrow the tyrant, --an act almost worthy of her sister-in-law Honoria. But in this crude shape we can hardly accept the story; John of Antioch mentions it in language which implies that he did not consider it well attested; it was "told by some."1 The true account seems to be that Gaiseric came of his own accord, seeing tha't it was a good opportunity for attacking Italy, and considering that the death of Aetius and Valentinian released him from the treaty of 435, which he regarded as a contract made with them personally, not with the Eoman republic. The story of the invitation of Eudoxia will then reduce itself to the probability that, vexed by the importunities and threats of Petronius Maximus, she welcomed Gaiseric on his arrival in Italy as a deliverer from an abhorred oppressor. On the approach of Gaiseric, Maximus, deserted by his supporters, determined to flee from Eome. His departure was attended with riots, and the tyrant was killed by a stone which a soldier cast at him as he was riding from the gates.2 Three days later--it was in the first week of June 455--Gaiseric and his Vandals entered Eome. For fourteen days they abode in...