Book 28
1.21
When the emperor learned this from the report of the judges, who gave what had been done a harsh interpretation, he issued orders that the affair should be investigated with excessive strictness. And since Frontinus, an adviserFor consiliarius = minister, cf. Suet., Tib. 55; Claud. 12, 2. He was one of the governor’s assistants, appointed to aid him in making judicial decisions, and corresponding to the members of the emperor’s consistorium; see Index II, Vol. I, s.v. consiliarius. of the said Hymetius, was charged with having drawn up the form of prayer that was made, he was mangled with rods, and having confessed his guilt, was exiled to Britain; but Amantius was later found guilty of a capital crime and executed.
1.22
After this course of events Hymetius was taken to the town of Ocriculum,Modern Otricoli. to be heard by Ampelius, prefect of the city,He was city prefect in 371 and 372. Ammianus includes the whole time of the investigation. and Maximinus, the deputy-prefect; and when it was evident that he would immediately be condemned to death, he boldly appealed to the emperor’s protection, when the opportunity was given him, and, defended under the refuge of that name, saved his life.
