The History, 22.13.3

Ammian  translated by C. D. Yonge

« Amm. 22.13 | Amm. 22.13 | Amm. 22.14 | About This Work »

3But it was reported, though the rumour was most vague, that the temple had been burnt by means of Asclepiades the philosopher, of whom we have made mention while relating the actions of Magnentius. He is said to have come to the suburb in which the temple stood to pay a visit to Julian, and being accustomed to carry with him wherever he went a small silver statue of the Heavenly Venus, he placed it at the feet of the image of Apollo, and then, according to his custom, having lighted wax tapers in front of it, he went away. At midnight, when no one was there to give any assistance, some sparks flying about stuck to the aged timbers; and from that dry fuel a fire was kindled which burnt everything it could reach, however separated from it by the height of the building.

« Amm. 22.13 | Amm. 22.13 | Amm. 22.14 | About This Work »

Version menu

Table of contents