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Whoever has been at Friedrichshafen on beautiful Lake Constance, on a clear August day, and watched the sun setting in splendor behind the tops of the beeches of Manzell; whoever has seen the waves of the lake and the snow-capped peaks of the Alps from Sentis to the Allgau Mountains glow in the crimson light, while the notes of the Ave Maria float softly over forest, meadow, and water, will treasure the memory of the peaceful scene throughout his whole life. To this region the story of little Bissula leads us.
But in that period—the year 378—the whole northern shore of the “Venetus Lacus” (Lake Constance) looked somewhat desolate, and often by no means peaceful. The lowlands were covered with primeval forests and fens—only here and there a few scattered settlements appeared on patches of parched tilled land.
At that time the lake covered a much more extensive tract of country than now, and a still larger space was occupied by a marshy territory between the water and the meadow, which being for the greater portion of the year a mere swamp afforded at the same time refuge and food to flocks of wild swans, herons, and countless smaller water-fowl.
This region had already been a considerable time in the possession of the Alemanni; but on the southern shore of the lake Rome still maintained her supremacy. This was with the special object of controlling the important roads leading from Gaul by way of Augst (Augusta Rauracorum) to Basle, Windisch (Vindonissa) to Arbon (Arbor Felix), Bregenz (Brigantium), and thence farther eastward, thus preserving the connection between the Western and Eastern portions of the Empire, and facilitating the movements of the troops. The men were sometimes forced to hasten from the Rhine to the Danube to meet the Goths in the East, and anon from the Danube to the Rhine to contend with the Franks on the lower, or the Alemanni on the upper portion of the stream.
This year also such assistance seemed necessary—this time in the eastern provinces, where the Gothic tribes, especially the Visigoths, fleeing before the Huns, had found refuge on Roman territory, but, driven to desperation by the ill-treatment of the Roman governor, had risen in arms...
But in that period—the year 378—the whole northern shore of the “Venetus Lacus” (Lake Constance) looked somewhat desolate, and often by no means peaceful. The lowlands were covered with primeval forests and fens—only here and there a few scattered settlements appeared on patches of parched tilled land.
At that time the lake covered a much more extensive tract of country than now, and a still larger space was occupied by a marshy territory between the water and the meadow, which being for the greater portion of the year a mere swamp afforded at the same time refuge and food to flocks of wild swans, herons, and countless smaller water-fowl.
This region had already been a considerable time in the possession of the Alemanni; but on the southern shore of the lake Rome still maintained her supremacy. This was with the special object of controlling the important roads leading from Gaul by way of Augst (Augusta Rauracorum) to Basle, Windisch (Vindonissa) to Arbon (Arbor Felix), Bregenz (Brigantium), and thence farther eastward, thus preserving the connection between the Western and Eastern portions of the Empire, and facilitating the movements of the troops. The men were sometimes forced to hasten from the Rhine to the Danube to meet the Goths in the East, and anon from the Danube to the Rhine to contend with the Franks on the lower, or the Alemanni on the upper portion of the stream.
This year also such assistance seemed necessary—this time in the eastern provinces, where the Gothic tribes, especially the Visigoths, fleeing before the Huns, had found refuge on Roman territory, but, driven to desperation by the ill-treatment of the Roman governor, had risen in arms...
184 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1884
About the author
Felix Dahn
630 books5 followersFelix Ludwig Julius Dahn (1834-1912) war ein deutscher Professor für Rechtswissenschaften, Schriftsteller und Historiker.
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
November 5, 2025
An adventure story of the historical figure of the Germanic girl Bissula and her relationship to her Roman captor Ausonius. Unfortunately the story does not align with the historical facts and the ending is completely made up.
Although there is a good collection of characters, each playing their distinct role and emphasising the grit and determination of the peoples they represent, with some obligatory advocacy for self-rule in between, the story flow is too singular and centres around one particular event: the liberation of Bissula. The reader knows the outcome to be entirely different, however.
The poetic qualities of Ausonius as well as his relationship towards the other Roman legionnaires are highlighted, which is a welcome addition. Also the use of antique names for extant places and their descriptions feels genuine.
Available on Project Gutenberg.
Although there is a good collection of characters, each playing their distinct role and emphasising the grit and determination of the peoples they represent, with some obligatory advocacy for self-rule in between, the story flow is too singular and centres around one particular event: the liberation of Bissula. The reader knows the outcome to be entirely different, however.
The poetic qualities of Ausonius as well as his relationship towards the other Roman legionnaires are highlighted, which is a welcome addition. Also the use of antique names for extant places and their descriptions feels genuine.
Available on Project Gutenberg.
Displaying 1 of 1 review