(mentioned in this book), the Sarmatians, the Catti, the Jazyges.
In Rome itself there was pestilence and starvation, the one
brought from the east by Verus's legions, the other caused
by floods which had destroyed vast quantities of grain.
After all had been done possible to allay famine and to supply
pressing needs--Marcus being forced even to sell the imperial
jewels to find money--both emperors set forth to a struggle which
was to continue more or less during the rest of Marcus's reign.
During these wars, in 169, Verus died. We have no means
of following the campaigns in detail; but thus much is certain,
that in the end the Romans succeeded in crushing the barbarian tribes,
and effecting a settlement which made the empire more secure.
Marcus was himself comanander-in-chief, and victory was due
no less to his own ability than to his wisdom in choice
of lieutenants, shown conspicuously in the case of Pertinax.
There were several important battles fought in these campaigns;
and one of them has become celebrated for the legend of
the Thundering Legion. In a battle against the Quadi in 174,
the day seemed to he going in favour of the foe, when on a
sudden arose a great storm of thunder and rain the lightning
struck the barbarians with terror, and they turned to rout.
In later days this storm was said to have been sent in answer
to the prayers of a legion which contained many Christians,
and the name Thundering Legion should he given to it on this account.
The title of Thundering Legion is known at an earlier date,
so this part of the story at least cannot be true; but the aid
of the storm is acknowledged by one of the scenes carved on
Antonine's Column at Rome, which commemorates these wars.

The settlement made after these troubles might have been