No More Learning

The Roman mutineers return to their allegiance.

_Summer_

Sextilius Felix routs Tutor near Bingen. Cerialis defeats
Valentinus and occupies Trier.

The Germans surprise the Romans in Trier, but Cerialis drives
them out and storms their camp.

Massacre of Germans at Cologne. Cohort of Chauci and Frisii
entrapped and burnt.

Leg. XIV Gemina arrives from Britain and receives submission of
Nervii and Tungri.

Legs. I Adjutrix and VI Victrix arrive from Spain.

_Autumn_

Civilis defeats Cerialis near Vetera, but is routed on the next
day and retires into The Island.

Hard fighting on the Waal.

Germans capture Roman flotilla.

Civilis retires northwards over the Rhine.

Cerialis occupies The Island.
Civilis makes overtures of peace.



NOTE

The text followed is that of C. D. Fisher _(Oxford Classical Texts)_.
Departures from it are mentioned in the notes.




BOOK III


ANTONIUS' ADVANCE

On the Flavian side the generals concerted their plans for the war 1
with greater loyalty and greater success. They had met at Poetovio[1]
at the head-quarters of the Third legion, where they debated whether
they should block the passage of the Pannonian Alps and wait until
their whole strength came up to reinforce them, or whether they should
take a bolder line, assume the offensive, and strike for Italy. Those
who were in favour of waiting for reinforcements and prolonging the
war dwelt on the strength and reputation of the German legions, and
pointed out that the flower of the British army had lately arrived in
Rome with Vitellius;[2] their own forces were numerically inferior and
had recently suffered defeat; moreover, conquered troops, however bold
their language, never show the same courage. On the other hand, if
they occupied the Alps, Mucianus would soon arrive with the forces
from the East. Besides, Vespasian still[3] commanded the sea, and
could count on the support of the fleets[4] and of the provinces,
where he could still raise material for a sort of second war. A
salutary delay would bring them fresh forces without in any way
prejudicing their present position.

In answer to these arguments Antonius Primus,[5] who had done more 2
than any one else to stir up the war, stoutly maintained that prompt
action would save them and ruin Vitellius. 'Their victory,' he said,
'has not served to inspirit but to enervate them. The men are not held
in readiness in camp, but are loitering in towns all over Italy. No
one but their hosts has any call to fear them. The more unruly and
ferocious they showed themselves before, the greater the greed with
which they now indulge in unwonted draughts of pleasure.