A.D. 292. ALECTUS IS SENT TO BEDUCE BRITAIN. 177 it twenty years ; and immediately, as soon as he had the power, he slew with his own hand Aper, the slayer of Numerianus. A.D. 286. There was in Britain a certain youth named Caraueius, of the lowest class of the people, who, haying gone to Rome, demanded permission from the senate to protect the maritime coast of Britain from barbarian invasion with a fleet. At last, after he had deceived the senate with his false promises, he obtained what he asked, and departed for Britain with sealed papers. Presently putting to sea, with a band of pirates for his companions, he plundered the lands in all the islands o f the province, and overthrew the cities and towns, sparing n o one. All who coveted the property of others flocked to him ; and he laboured to unite them into one band by continual largesses. Nevertheless he was uneasy in his mind from being conscious of wickedness, and so he told the Britons that if they would make him king, he would exterminate the Romans, and deliver the whole island from that barbarous nation. When they all consented, he assumed the royal diadem, and reigned seven years, and disdained to pay the accustomed tribute to the Roman senate. A.s. 287. Caius, bishop of the city of Rome, received the crown of martyrdom under the emperor Diocletian. A.D. 288. Marcellinus succeeded to the Roman chair, and filled it seven years, two months, and twenty-four days. And the see was vacant for seven years and ten days. A.D. 289. Diocletian, after a most difficult war and exceedin g labour, subdued Carinus, whom Carus Gassar had left in Dalmatia. A.D. 290. When Amandus and -Mian had stirred up pernicious tumults in Gaul, Diocletian made Maximian, surnamed Herculeus, Gassar and partner in the empire ; and sent him to Gaul, where by his military valour he easily routed the disorderly armies of uncivilised men. A.D. 291. Sudden disturbances took place in nearly every part of the Roman empire. On which Diocletian was moved, and sent Constantiue, Maximian, Galerius, and Maximin to the different provinces, in order to defend the republic by military force. A.D. 292. As Carausius was rebelling against the Romans in Britain, the senate send Alectus to slay the tyrant and reduce Britain to obedience to the Romans. And he having . YOI*. ι. S"