That same year the Frisii, a nation beyond the
Rhine, cast off peace, more because of our rapacity than
from their impatience of subjection. Drusus had imposed on them a moderate
tribute, suitable to their limited resources, the furnishing of ox hides for
military purposes. No one ever severely scrutinized the size or thickness
till Olennius, a first-rank centurion, appointed to govern the Frisii,
selected hides of wild bulls as the standard according to which they were to
be supplied. This would have been hard for any
REVOLT OF
FRISII SUPPRESSED |
nation, and it was the less tolerable to the
Germans, whose forests abound in huge beasts, while their home cattle are
undersized. First it was their herds, next their lands, last, the persons of
their wives and children, which they gave up to bondage. Then came angry
remonstrances, and when they received no relief, they sought a remedy in
war. The soldiers appointed to collect the tribute were seized and gibbeted.
Olennius anticipated their fury by flight, and found refuge in a fortress,
named
Flevum, where a by no means contemptible force of Romans and allies
kept guard over the shores of the ocean.
