Book 28
2.1
But Valentinian, meditating important and 369 A.D. useful plans, fortified the entire Rhine from the beginnings of Raetia as far as the strait of the OceanThe Belgic Channel, a part of the North Sea at the mouth of the Rhine. with great earthworks, erecting lofty fortresses and castles, and towers at frequent intervals, in suitable and convenient places as far as the whole length of Gaul extends; in some places also works were constructed even on the farther bank of the river,The Rhine. which flows by the lands of the savages.
2.2
Finally, when he considered that a lofty and secure fortification (which he himself had built from its very foundations) since a river called the NicerThe Neckar. flowed at its foot could gradually be undermined by the immense force of the waters, he even thought of turning the course of the stream in a different direction; and after he had hunted up men skilled in hydraulic work, the difficult task was begun with a great force of soldiers.
2.3
For during many days beams of oak were bound togetherIn the form of a chest or coffer-dam. and placed in the bed of the river; but although they were fastened again and again by great piles driven close to them on both sides, they were forced from their place by the rising waters, and finally were swept away by the force of the current and lost.
