each of which had sent forward detachments two thousand strong. The rest followed at a short interval: the Seventh legion raised by Galba,[1] the Eleventh and Thirteenth, both composed of veteran troops, and the Fourteenth, which had won great distinction by crushing the rebellion in Britain.[2] Nero had further increased their glory by choosing them for special service,[3] which accounts for their lasting loyalty to Nero and their keen support of Otho. But the stronger their numbers the greater their self-confidence and the slower their march. The cavalry and auxiliaries preceded the main body of the legions. From Rome itself came no mean force, five regiments of Guards with some detachments of cavalry and the First legion.[4] To these were added an irregular force of 2,000 gladiators,[5] a shameful assistance of which during the civil wars even strict generals availed themselves. Annius Gallus was placed in command of these forces with Vestricius Spurinna,[6] and they were sent forward to hold the line of the Po. Their first plans had failed,
- ↑ The legion brought from Spain, mentioned in i. 6.
- ↑ The revolt of Boadicea crushed by Suetonius Paulinus; described by Tacitus in his life of Agricola and in Book XIV of the Annals.
- ↑ i.e. for his projected war against the Albanians (cp. i. 6). Probably they stopped in Dalmatia on hearing of Nero's fall.
- ↑ The quondam marines (cp. i. 6, 9, &c).
- ↑ They were commanded by Martius Macer (see chaps. 23, 35, &c.).
- ↑ The defender of Placentia. He earned further laurels under Trajan in Germany. He was a friend of Tacitus and the younger Pliny, and is suspected of writing some bad verse.
