Note 42 — Chapter XXXIX · A HALF CENTURY OF DECLINE: COMMODUS TO ALEXANDER SEVERUS
Reading edition
[During this reign the disciplined legions under able commanders still protected the frontiers. Most of the empire was peaceful and prosperous. The government still carried on great public works and benevolently succoured the afflicted. The Christians were tolerated, and those of the sect who were in prison were released. The great official machine was little disturbed by the caprices of the emperor.]