Agapius continues to make interesting statements. There’s this one:
Starting from this period, among the Greeks, Josephus (Yousifous), i.e. Aesop (Yousfâs) the fabulist began to be illustrious.
Well, no wonder names get mangled! Who would have thought Aesop = Josephus?
Just before that, I’ve seen a discussion of why rulers speak in the plural; “We order that…” rather than “I order that.” According to Agapius, Romulus is responsible (the founder of Rome, O Star-Trek viewer!). After the murder of Remus (whom for some reason I imagine as being short), Rome was shaken by perpetual earthquakes and the inhabitants kept knifing each other in the forum. Romulus then prayed to the gods, who told him that his fratricide was responsible. But if he put Remus on the throne beside him, all would be well. Romulus then prepared a gold statue of Remus, which he placed on the throne and then issued his commands as “We order…” (i.e. Romulus and Remus order).
I wonder what the real reason is?