"... Numerian, after losing his father, at the same time decided that the war was over, but while he was leading his army back he was murdered through the treachery of Aper, the praetorian prefect and his father-in-law. An infection of the young man's eyes provided the opportunity for this. In short the deed was concealed for a long time, while the body was being carried in a closed litter on the pretext that he was ill, so that his eyesight might not be troubled by the wind."

"... but at last the stench of his body revealed the facts. Then all fell upon Aper, whose treachery could no longer be hidden, and they dragged him before the standards in front of the general's tent. Then a huge assembly was held ... And when the question was asked who would be the most lawful avenger of Numerian and who could be given to the commonwealth as a good emperor, then all, with a heaven-sent unanimity, conferred the title of Augustus on Diocletian ..."

"He, at the very first assembly of the soldiers, swore on oath that Numerian had not been killed by any treachery on his part and, since Aper ... stood next to him, Diocletian, with his own hand, ran him through with his sword in full view of the army."