" He likewise cursorily recounted the number of the
legions, and what countries they defended: a detail which I think it
behoves me also to repeat; that thence may appear what was then the
complement of the Roman forces, what kings their confederates, and how
much more narrow the limits of the Empire.
Italy was on each side guarded by two fleets; one at Misenum, one at
Ravenna; and the coast joining to Gaul, by the galleys taken by Augustus
at the battle of Actium, and sent powerfully manned to Forojulium.
[Footnote: Frejus.] But the chief strength lay upon the Rhine; they were
eight legions, a common guard upon the Germans and the Gauls. The
reduction of Spain, lately completed, was maintained by three. Mauritania
was possessed by King Juba; a realm which he held as a gift from the Roman
People: the rest of Africa by two legions; and Egypt by the like number.
Four legions kept in subjection all the mighty range of country, extending
from the next limits of Syria, as far as the Euphrates, and bordering upon
the Iberians, Albanians, and other Principalities, who by our might are
protected against Foreign Powers.
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