🟡 CONSTANTINOPLE BEFORE CONSTANTINE Before becoming the Roman capital, Byzantium was a small, but strategically important Greek city located on the European side of the Bosporus strait. Its prime location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia made it a natural hub for trade and commerce. Founded in the 7th century BC, Byzantium was a prosperous city-state that participated in the trade of the ancient world. Its strong fortifications and its naval power were used to protect its lucrative trade routes. Byzantium also had a rich cultural heritage, being home to a number of temples, theaters, and other public buildings. It was a center of learning and the arts, and its citizens were known for their love of literature and philosophy. Byzantium's small size and limited resources meant that it was always vulnerable to attack from larger powers. It was conquered several times throughout its history, most notably by the Persians in the 6th century BC. In 330 AD the Roman Emperor Constantine I chose it as the new capital of the Roman Empire, renaming it Constantinople.

🟤 LETTER FROM CONSTANTINE TO SHAPUR A part: 3.11.10 “You may well see how delighted I am to hear that this company of my fellow servants—I mean Christians (for my whole message is about them)—abundantly adorns even the finest parts of Persia, in accord with my wishes. Now if you do what is proper and allow them to live happily, then may you accrue happiness, for they are your subjects.” 3.11.11 “Then God, the Lord of all, will be gentle, gracious, and kind toward you. Since you are so mighty and distinguished by piety, I commend them to you. I entrust the task of guiding them (I mean the Christians) to the overseers of the pious worship of God among them. Love them as befits your philanthropy. You will do an indescribable favor for yourself and for us through faith.” 3.11.12 “The all-excellent Emperor Constantine cared for those adorned with piety toward Christ so much that he not only looked after his own subjects but also took care for those living under other regimes, if possible. Therefore he enjoyed the care of God from above, and as he held the reins of all the inhabitants of the Roman world, even of the barbarians, his willing officials and subjects joyfully obeyed the bridle of his will.”

🟤 THE THIRD LEGION The Legio III Gallica was founded by Julius Caesar himself in 49 BCE during his civil war against Pompey. Its name, "Third Gallic Legion," suggests its early recruits were drawn from veterans of Caesar's Gallic campaigns. The legion's symbol was a bull, likely chosen to be associated with Venus, the goddess claimed by Caesar as his ancestor. Legio III Gallica fought in Caesar's civil war and later served in various parts of the Roman Empire, including Gaul, Moesia, and Syria.

🔺 THE PARTHIAN GENERAL “Nor was Surena an ordinary man at all, but in wealth, birth, and consideration, he stood next the king, while in valour and ability he was the foremost Parthian of his time, besides having no equal in stature and personal beauty. He used to travel on private business with a baggage train of a thousand camels, and was followed by two hundred waggons for his concubines, while a thousand mail-clad horsemen and a still greater number of light-armed cavalry served as his escort; and had altogether, as horsemen, vassals, and slaves, no fewer than ten thousand men. Moreover, he enjoyed the ancient and hereditary privilege of being first to set the crown upon the head of the Parthian king; and when this very Hyrodes was driven out of Parthia, he restored him to his throne, and captured for him Seleucia the Great, having been the first to mount its walls, and having routed with his own hand his opponents. And though at this time he was not yet thirty years of age” Plutarch

🔘 WHY DO THE LATINS REVERE THE WOODPECKER AND ALL STRICTLY ABSTAIN FROM IT? “Is it because, as they tell the tale, Picus, transformed by his wife's magic drugs, became a woodpecker and in that form gives oracles and prophecies to those who consult him? Or is this wholly incredible and monstrous, and is that other tale more credible which relates that when Romulus and Remus were exposed, not only did a she-wolf suckle them, but also a certain woodpecker came continually to visit them and bring them scraps of food? For generally, even to this day, in foot-hills and thickly wooded places what the woodpecker is found, there also is found the wolf, as Nigidius records. Or is it rather because they regard this bird as sacred to Mars, even as other birds to other gods? For it is a courageous and spirited bird and has a beak so strong that it can overturn oaks by pecking them until it has reached the inmost part of the tree.” Plutarch, Roman Questions

🔵 HANNIBAL PERSUADES THE SENATE “It was then that the story goes that, upon a certain Senator intending to speak against accepting the terms and actually beginning to do so, Hannibal came forward and pulled the man down from the tribune; and when the other senators showed anger at this breach of custom, Hannibal rose again and "owned that he was ignorant of such things; but said that they must pardon him if he acted in any way contrary to their customs, remembering that he had left the country when he was but fourteen, and had only returned when now past forty-five. Therefore he begged them not to consider whether he had committed a breach of custom, but much rather whether he were genuinely feeling for his country's misfortunes; for that was the real reason for his having been guilty of this breach of manners. For it appeared to him to be astonishing, and, indeed, quite unaccountable, that any one calling himself a Carthaginian, and being fully aware of the policy which they had individually and collectively adopted against the Romans, should do otherwise than adore the kindness of Fortune for obtaining such favourable terms, when in their power, as a few days ago no one—considering the extraordinary provocation they had given—would have ventured to mention, if they had been asked what they expected would happen to their country, in case of the Romans proving victorious. Therefore he called upon them now not to debate, but unanimously to accept the terms offered, and with sacrifices to the gods to pray with one accord that the Roman people might confirm the treaty." His advice being regarded as both sensible and timely, they resolved to sign the treaty on the conditions specified; and the senate at once despatched envoys to notify their consent.” Polybius, histories

🟣 PRECAUTIONS WITH REGARD TO ALLIED FORCES “If allied forces [are admitted] into the city they should never be stationed together, but should be separated in the manner already suggested and for the same reasons. In the same way those who are to make use of mercenary troops should always have citizens under arms surpassing these mercenaries in number and power, otherwise both the citizens and the state are at their mercy. [A danger] of this sort [befell] the Chalcedonians while in a state of siege, due to the presence of allied forces sent by [the people of Cyzicus], their allies. When the Chalcedonians were deliberating upon measures affecting their interest, the troops of the garrison said that they would not consent unless it seemed advantageous to the people of Cyzicus as well, so that the garrison within the walls was much more terrible to the Chalcedonians than was the besieging enemy. One must, therefore, never admit into a city an alien force greater than that already available to the citizens, and the state employing mercenaries must always be much superior to them in strength, since it is not safe to be outnumbered by aliens nor to be in the power of mercenaries, as actually happened to the inhabitants of Heracleia Pontica; for, by bringing in more hired troops than they should, they first made away with those of the opposing faction, but later brought destruction to the themselves and the state, being forced into subjection to the man who introduced the mercenaries.” Aeneas tacticus siege defense

⚪️ WINNING VS TRULY WINNING “The Phoenicians and Romans fought a naval battle; afterwards, in consideration of the magnitude of the war that lay before them, they sent envoys to the consul to discuss terms of friendship. There was much discussion, and both sides engaged in acrimonious debate: the Phoenicians said that they marvelled how the Romans could venture to cross over into Sicily, inasmuch as the Carthaginians had control of the seas; for it was obvious to all that if they did not maintain friendly relations, the Romans would not dare even to wash their hands in the sea. The Romans, for their part, advised the Carthaginians not to teach them to meddle with maritime affairs, since the Romans, so they asserted, were pupils who always outstripped their masters. For example, in ancient times, when they were using rectangular shields, the Etruscans, who fought with round shields of bronze and in phalanx formation, impelled them to adopt similar arms and were in consequence defeated. Then again, when other peoples were using shields such as the Romans now use, and were fighting by maniples, they had imitated both and had overcome those who introduced the excellent models. From the Greeks they had learned siegecraft and the use of engines of war for demolishing walls, and had then forced the cities of their teachers to do their bidding. So now, should the Carthaginians compel them to learn naval warfare, they would soon see that the pupils had become superior to their teachers.” Diodorus Siculus

🟢 MILITARY EXERCISE “if any one does but attend to the other parts of their military discipline, he will be forced to confess that their obtaining so large a dominion hath been the acquisition of their valor, and not the bare gift of fortune; for they do not begin to use their weapons first in time of war, nor do they then put their hands first into motion, while they avoided so to do in times of peace; but, as if their weapons did always cling to them, they have never any truce from warlike exercises; nor do they stay till times of war admonish them to use them; for their military exercises differ not at all from the real use of their arms, but every soldier is every day exercised, and that with great diligence, as if it were in time of war, which is the reason why they bear the fatigue of battles so easily; for neither can any disorder remove them from their usual regularity, nor can fear affright them out of it, nor can labor tire them; which firmness of conduct makes them always to overcome those that have not the same firmness; nor would he be mistaken that should call those their exercises unbloody battles, and their battles bloody exercises.” Flavius Josephus, The Wars Of The Jews

⚫️ THE IDEA OF FREEDOM “The Batavians," he said, "although free from tribute, have taken up arms against our common masters. In the very first engagement the Romans have been routed and defeated. What if the Gallic provinces should throw off the yoke? What forces are there left in Italy? It is by the blood of the provinces that provinces are won. Do not think of Vindex's battle. It was the Batavian cavalry that crushed the Aedui and Averni; among the auxiliary forces of Verginiusº were Belgians, and if you consider the matter aright you will see that Gaul owed its fall to its own forces. Now all belong to the same party, and we have gained besides all the strength that military training in Roman camps can give; I have with me veteran cohorts before which Otho's legions lately succumbed. Let Syria, Asia, and the East, which is accustomed to kings, play the slave; there are many still alive in Gaul who were born before tribute was known. Surely it was not long ago that slavery was driven from Germany by the killing of Quintilius Varus, and the emperor whom the Germans then challenged was not a Vitellius but a Caesar Augustus. Liberty is a gift which nature has granted even to dumb animals, but courage is the peculiar blessing of man. The gods favour the braver: on, therefore, carefree against the distressed, fresh against the weary.” Tacitus, Histories

Read this: “What thou sayest,” replied Cineas, “is probably true; but will our expedition stop with the taking of Sicily?” “Heaven grant us,” said Pyrrhus, “victory and success so far; and we will make these contests but the preliminaries of great enterprises. For who could keep his hands off Libya, or Carthage, when that city got within his reach, a city which Agathocles, slipping stealthily out of Syracuse and crossing the sea with a few ships, narrowly missed taking? And when we have become masters here, no one of the enemies who now treat us with scorn will offer further resistance; there is no need of saying that.” “None whatever,” said Cineas, “for it is plain that with so great a power we shall be able to recover Macedonia and rule Greece securely. But when we have got everything subject to us, what are we going to do?” Then Pyrrhus smiled upon him and said: “We shall be much at ease, and we’ll drink bumpers, my good man, every day, and we’ll gladden one another’s hearts with confidential talks.” And now that Cineas had brought Pyrrhus to this point in the argument, he said: “Then what stands in our way now if we want to drink bumpers and while away the time with one another? Surely this privilege is ours already, and we have at hand, without taking any trouble, those things to which we hope to attain by bloodshed and great toils and perils, after doing much harm to others and suffering much ourselves.”

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🟡 THE GAULS SACK ROME The Gauls, a Celtic people from present-day France and parts of Germany, began expanding south into Italy. In 390 BC, a massive Gallic army, led by Brennus, invaded Italy and defeated the Roman army at the Battle of the Allia, a river north of Rome. This devastating defeat instilled such terror in the Romans that they abandoned the city, leaving it defenseless. The Gauls marched on Rome and captured it, sacking the city, burning and looting it. Only the Capitoline Hill, where a small group of Romans held out, remained unconquered. The Gauls withdrew from Rome after receiving a substantial gold ransom. This event compelled significant changes within Roman society and its military. The Romans recognized that their traditional military tactics were no longer effective against the Gauls. Consequently, they began recruiting soldiers from the lower classes and training them in innovative military strategies. Another change was the establishment of a more robust central government. The Romans understood the necessity of a stronger government to safeguard themselves against future attacks. They also initiated the construction of a more fortified city to better protect themselves.

🟤 MEDITATIONS BY MARCUS AURELIUS Meditations by Marcus Aurelius is a collection of personal writings by the Roman Emperor, composed between 170 and 180 AD. Originally titled "Things for Himself," it was never intended for publication. The work is deeply rooted in Stoic philosophy, emphasizing virtue, reason, and living in accordance with nature. Aurelius uses the book as a tool for personal growth, reflecting on his own thoughts, emotions, and actions. He emphasizes the importance of living in the present moment, rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. Stoicism teaches that some things are beyond our control, and we should accept them rather than resist. As a ruler, Aurelius felt a strong sense of duty to serve the public good and to live a virtuous life.

🔶 THE FAMOUS LIBRARY OF ALEXANDRIA “This Ptolemy (III Euergetes) is said to have given sufficient proof of his eagerness to collect old books, by his behaviour towards the Athenians. After giving them fifteen talents of silver as a surety, he received from them the manuscripts of Sophocles and Euripides and Aeschylus, on the understanding that he would simply make new copies from the manuscripts, and then promptly return them intact. But after he had produced magnificent new copies on the finest writing material, he kept the books that the Athenians had sent to him, and sent back to them the copies that he had made. He urged them to keep the fifteen talents, and at the same time to receive new copies instead of the old books that they had sent to him. The Athenians would have had no other option, even if he had kept the old books without sending new copies to them, because when they accepted the money, they had agreed that if he kept the books, then they would keep the money; and so they accepted the new copies and kept the money.”

🔺 AN ARMENIAN OFFER DECLINED “And most of all, Artabazes the king of Armenia gave him courage, for he came to his camp with six thousand horsemen. These were said to be the king's guards and couriers; but he promised ten thousand mail-clad horsemen besides, and thirty thousand footmen, to be maintained at his own cost. And he tried to persuade Crassus to invade Parthia by way of Armenia, for thus he would not only lead his forces along in the midst of plenty, which the king himself would provide, but would also proceed with safety, confronting the cavalry of the Parthians, in which lay their sole strength, with many mountains, and continuous crests, and regions where the horse could not well serve. Crassus was tolerably well pleased with the king's zeal and with the splendid reinforcements which he offered, but said he should march through Mesopotamia, where he had left many brave Romans. Upon this, the Armenian rode away.” (Before the battle of Carrhae, 53 BC). Plutarch

🔘 WHY IS IT FORBIDDEN FOR A MEN TO RECEIVE A GIFT FROM HIS WIFE OR A WIFE TO RECEIVE A GIFT FROM HER HUSBAND? “Is it that, Solon having promulgated a law that the bequests of the deceased should be valid unless a man were constrained by force or persuaded by his wife, whereby he excepted force as overriding the free will, and pleasure as misleading the judgement, in this way the bequests of wives and husbands became suspect? Or did they regard giving as an utterly worthless token of affection (for even strangers and persons with no kindly feelings give gifts), and so deprived the marriage relation­ship of this mode of giving pleasure, that mutual affection might be unbought and free, existing for its own sake and for no other reason? Or is it that women are most likely to be seduced and welcome strangers because of gifts they receive from them; and thus it is seen to be dignified for them to love their own husbands even though their husbands give them no gifts? Or is it rather that both the husbands' property should be held in common with their wives and the wives' with their husbands? For anyone who accepts what is given learns to regard what is not given to him as belonging to another, with the result that by giving a little to each other they deprive each other of all else that they own.” Plutarch, Roman Questions