Book 29
5.18
And when they, paralysed with fear of the imminent danger, had been ordered to return to their homes, he went on to Caesarea,Orosius, vii. 33, 5, says that it was taken and destroyed by Firmus. It was formerly called Iol, but Juba changed the name to Caesarea in honour of Augustus Caesar; cf. Eutr. vii. 10, 3. formerly a powerful and famous city, the origin of which I have also fully discussed in my description of the topographyI.e., descriptione situs. For this meaning of situ, cf. xxiii. 6, 10, and Ernesti, Index, s.v. of Africa.In a lost book. On entering the city, and finding it almost wholly burned down from widespread fires, and the pavingstones white with mould, he decided to station the first and second legions there for a time, with orders to clear away the heaps of ashes and keep guard there, to prevent the place from being devastated by a renewed attack of the savages.
5.19
When these events had been spread abroad by frequent and trustworthy rumours, the officials of the province and the tribune VincentiusSee 5, 6, above. came out of the hiding-places in which they had taken refuge, and at last, free from fear, quickly appeared before the general. He, after having seen and received them gladly, being then still at Caesarea, inquired carefully about the true state of affairs; he learned that Firmus, under pretence of fear and submission, was secretly forming the plan of throwing our army into confusion, as if by a sudden tempest, while it feared no hostile demonstration.
