tradition of our ancestors that seven emperors went into Britain, though
the Romans affirm there were nine.

* This district, in modern language, extended from the great
St. Bernard in Piedmont to Cantavic in Picardy, and from
Picardy to the western coast of France.

28. Thus, aggreeably to the account given by the Britons, the Romans
governed them four hundred and nine years.

After this, the Britons despised the authority of the Romans, equally
refusing to pay them tribute, or to receive their kings; nor durst the
Romans any longer attempt the government of a country, the natives of
which massacred their deputies.

29. We must now return to the tyrant Maximus. Gratian, with his brother
Valentinian, reigned seven years. Ambrose, bishop of Milan, was then
eminent for his skill in the dogmata of the Catholics. Valentinianus
and Theodosius reigned eight years. At that time a synod was held at
Constantinople, attended by three hundred and fifty of the fathers,
and in which all heresies were condemned. Jerome, the presbyter of
Bethlehem, was then universally celebrated. Whilst Gratian exercised
supreme dominion over the world, Maximus, in a sedition of the soldiers,
was saluted emperor in Britain, and soon after crossed the sea to Gaul.
At Paris, by the treachery of Mellobaudes, his master of the horse,
Gratian was defeated and fleeing to Lyons, was taken and put to death;
Maximus afterwards associated his son victor in the government.

Martin, distinguished for his great virtues, was at this period bishop
of Tours. After a considerable space of time, Maximus was divested of