A source-book of ancient history - The Search For Mecca

Reorganization of the Empire 529
qualities and the experience in military affairs which they
had gained under Aurelian and Probus, practically took
the place of those virtues that they did not have.
Finally
they were honoring Valerius as a parent or even as a great
god; a thing which, whatsoever its nature, stands out in
relief in comparison with the usual crimes among relatives
from the founding of the city to our own time.
And because the difficulty of the wars, of which I have
spoken above, was felt more keenly every day, the two
Emperors and the two Caesars di\dded the empire as it
were among themselves. To Constantius were entrusted
all the Gallic provinces across the Alps; to Herculius Africa
and Italy; to Galerius, the shores of Illyricum even to the
Black Sea; Valerius retained for himself the rest of the
empire.
Soon afterward therefore a great burden of taxation
was laid upon a part of Italy. Heretofore all Italy
furnished the same sum by means of which army and
Emperor, who always or practically always had their
residence in Italy, were supported; then a new law was
introduced in regard to taxation. True, it was endurable
because moderate at first; but in these days the tax has
become an intolerable burden. . . .
With like zeal, the duties of peace were safeguarded by
w^ise and just laws; and the Emperors dispensed with the
officials
evil
called grain commissioners (frumentarii), men of
repute whose duties resembled most nearly those of
the Agents of to-day. These officials, who seem to have
been elected for the purpose of spying and reporting those
disturbances which arise in the provinces, and who basely
invented criminal accusations and robbed left
and right,
were spreading fear everywhere, especially among those
farthest away from Rome. The grain supply of the city
and the safety of tributaries were carefully and anxiously
Aurelian;
Ancient
World, 504-6.
Probus,
emperor,
shortly after
Aurelian.
Division of
commands.
Administration.