The narrative surveys political intrigues and court conspiracies against imperial rulers, detailing plots, divination practices used to predict succession, arrests, trials, and executions; it examines the influence and downfall of powerful courtiers and the persecution of philosophers. It recounts diplomatic and military episodes in neighboring regions, including Armenian affairs, negotiations with the Persian king, assassinations, and frontier disturbances. The work also presents imperial legislation and administrative responses under Valentinian and Gratien, and offers an account of nomadic incursions: origins, customs, and movements of the Huns and Alans, and the consequent displacement and engagements of Gothic peoples along the Danube.