The History, 16.12.57

Ammian  translated by C. D. Yonge

« Amm. 16.12 | Amm. 16.12 | Amm. 17.1 | About This Work »

57And as sometimes in a theatrical spectacle the curtain exhibits marvellous figures, so here one could see many strange things in that danger; some unconsciously clinging to others who were good swimmers, others who were floating were pushed off by those less encumbered as so many logs, others again, as if the violence of the stream itself fought against them, were swallowed up in the eddies. Some supported themselves on their shields, avoiding the heaviest attacks of the opposing waves by crossing them in an oblique direction, and so, after many dangers, reached the opposite brink, till at last the foaming river, discoloured with barbarian blood, was itself amazed at the unusual increase it had received.

« Amm. 16.12 | Amm. 16.12 | Amm. 17.1 | About This Work »

Version menu

Table of contents