207).] No golden age lasts long.

Before 350, probably in 343, Constans had to cross the Channel and repel the Picts and other assailants.[1] After 368 such aid was more often and more urgently required.

Significantly enough, the lists of coins found in some country-houses close about 350-60, while others remained occupied till about 385 or even later.

The rural districts, it is plain, began then to be no longer safe; some houses were burnt by marauding bands, and some abandoned by their owners.[2] Therewith came necessarily, as in many other provinces, a decline of Roman influences and a rise of barbarism.

Men took the lead who were not polished and civilized Romans of Italy or of the provinces, but warriors and captains of warrior bands.