Zosimus, New History 3.28

The translation of Zosimus' New History offered here was printed in 1814 by W. Green and T. Chaplin in London, and was probably prepared by J. Davis of the Military Chronicle and Military Classics Office. The translator is anonymous. The text was found at Tertullian.org. The notes were added by Jona Lendering.

[3.28.1] The enemy, upon seeing that the Romans approached a town called Acceta, burnt all the produce of the country; but the Romans hastened and, extinguishing the fire, took what they could save for their own use.

[3.28.2] In their march from this place they came to a town called Maronsa, where the Persians again attacked the rear-guard, and killed amongst others Vetranio, the captain of a troop, and a brave soldier. They also took several ships, which fell into their power by being considerably behind the army. 

[3.28.3] The Romans from thence passed hastily along by some villages, and arrived at a place called Tummara. Here they repeated the burning of their ships; for the cattle were so exhausted with the fatigue of travelling in an enemy's country, that they were not able to carry all the necessaries; and the Persians collected all the provender they could, and stored it in their strongest fortresses that it might not fall into the hands of the Romans. When they were thus situated they perceived the Persian army, with which they engaged, and having considerably the advantage, they killed a great number of Persians. 

[3.28.4] Upon the following day, about noon, the Persians drew up in a large body, and once more attacked the rear of the Roman army. The Romans, being at that time out of their ranks, were surprised and alarmed at the suddenness of the attack, yet made a stout and spirited defence. The emperor, according to his custom, went round the army, encouraging them to fight with ardor.