which her Husband had assumed while he Reigned Aurelian highly esteemed the Victory he had obtained over this brave War-like Queen and bringing Overcome her to Rome bound with Chains of Gold and enrich'd with pretious Stones made her the noblest Ornament of his Triumph From Christ 274. Aurelian having accomplish'd all these Affairs most cruelly persecuted the Christians The Christians persecuted Bishops of Rome of whom he put to Death a great number for their Faith and among the rest Faelix Bishop of Rome Successor to Denis Aurelian preparing to make War against Aurelian kill'd the Persians was killed by the Treachery of one of his Secretarys whom he had threatned and who fearing the effect of his menaces seduc'd several Officers of the Army persuading them that the Emperor designed their Death It was very strange that there happened no trouble in the Empire during an interregnum of seaven Months in all which time the Army and Senate had complemented each other about the right of Election at last the Senate absolutely refusing to Elect obliged the Army to name an Emperor who was unanimously received called Claudius Tacitus He highly Claudius Tacitus Emperor His Death Florian his Successor Probus Emperor deserved it for his great parts but the Empire injoyed him only Seven Months his Brother Florian who succeded him Reigned but Twenty Days From Ch. 277. Aurelius Probus their Successor was generally approved by all the Noble Degrees of the Empire with great reason being endued with exceeding rare Qualities suitable to his Name During the five Years he Reigned he supprest all the designs of those who affected Tyranny in several Provinces of the Empire and drove out of its limits all the Barbarians who infested them But the Soldiers not being able to endure that great severity of Discipline to which he restrained them kill'd him and put in His Death his place Carus Praefect of the Praetorian Bands who associated to the Empire his Carinus and Numerianus Emperors Sons Carinus and Numerianus From Christ 282. The Persecution being revived against the Christians Eutichius Bishop of Rome Bishops of Rome and Successor of Faelix suffered Martyrdom Carus pursued the design of Probus and obtained great advantages over them but as he was resolving to pursue them with more Force and Vigour he fell sick and The Death of Carus died whether of his Sickness or by a Fright occasioned by a dreadful Tempest of Thunder which killed many of his Army and wept so much for the death of his Father that he was fain to be carried in a close Litter Aper his Father-in-law who took Numerianus killed that occasion to kill him secretly hoping by that means to attain to the Empire He concealed this Murther for some days but it being discovered by the nauseous smell of the dead Body the Soldiers killed the Murtherer and proclaimed Emperor Dioclesian Emperor one of their chiefs called Diocles who adding some Letters to his Name called himself Dioclesian This new Prince march'd presently against Charinus the Son of Carus who being informed of what had happened in the East took his way on that side to fight his Competitor They met in Panonia where Charinus was overcome and killed in Battle so Dioclesian being Conqueror was received Emperor by the Senate Maximinian Hercules Associates to the Empire Maximinian Galerus and Constantius Chlorus and People and with their Consent associated to the Empire Maximinian Hercules Four years after the two Emperors took the Title of Caesars Dioclesian Maximinian Galerus Armentarius Maximinian took Constantius Chlorus the great Grandchild of the Emperor Claudius the Second In the terrible persecution that Dioclesian raised up against the Christians as infinite number of the Faithful suffered Martyrdom and amongst them Caius the Successor to Eutychius Bishop of Rome From Bishop of Rome Christ 296. The four Princes Triumph'd magnificently The Triumph of the Four Princes at Rome having victoriously driven out the Barbarians each of them from that part of the Empire where they waged War against them From Christ 298. This Age was pestered with many Hereticks Hereticks among others Sabellius an Enemy Sabellius to the Holy Trinity In like manner was Paul of Samosatus Bishop of Antioch Paul of Samosatus Manes Manes who asserted two new Principles she one Good and the other Bad. The Fathers of the Christian Church did not Fathers of the Church exactly set down in what Year of this Age Origen died Gregorius Thaumaturgius Bishop of Neocesaria Gregorius Thaumaturgius Arnobius Flourish'd at that time as also Arnobius who writ against the Gentiles and against Porphyrius an Apostate to Christianity Jamblicus was his Disciple The Pagan Authors most remarkable Historians of this Age were Herodian who writ in Greek Eight Herodian Books of the Roman Emperors Dion Dion Cassian Cassian writ also in Greek in the time of Severus a Roman History comprising the space of 981 Years Julius Capitolinus Aelius Lampridius Flavius Vopiscus Spartianus Vulcatius Gallicanus who were almost all contemporary Authors of the Imperial History The Fourth Age. THe Persecution against the Christians Mercellinus Bishop of Rome still encreasing Marcellinus Bishop of Rome persevering in his Sufferings obtained a crown of Martyrdom From Ch 301. says Theodoret against what some had Writ that he fell into Idolatry as he confest in the Councel of Sinuessa before 300 Bishops there present but there is little likelihood that in the time of so terrible a Persecution when the poor Christians hid themselves that so many Bishops could be assembled From Christ 304. By the resigning of Dioclesian and of Dioclesian and Maximian resign the Empire Constantius Chlorus Maximinian Galerus Severus and Maximin Emperor Maximinian Hercules the Empire remained in the power of Maximinian Galerus Armentarius and Constantius Chlorus who divided it in that manner that Maximinian had the Provinces of the East and Chlorus those of the West Maximinian Galerus adopted his two Nephews Caesars Severus and Maximin at the very same time that Maxentius the supposed Son of Maximinian Hercules made himself Master of Rome and there stood for Emperor so that when Severus came to Besige it he found him so very strong that he was forc'd to raise his Siege retreating to Ravenna where Maxentius Besieged him From Ch. 306. These disorders caused Maximinian Hercules to write to Diocletian to persuade him to reassume the command of the Empire but Dioclesian answered him like a Philosopher and remained in his retired way of Life yet Maximinian left his Retirement and having reassumed the Marks and Title of Emperor came to the Siege of Ravenna and under pretence of a Treaty of Peace to bring Severus out of the City and having him in his power he caused him to be Strangled but as he intreagued Severus strangled with the Soldiers to bring them over to Maxentius they detesting his base proceedings
long time like a Monk he had brought over with him Paula and his Daughter Eustochia the best qualified Ladies in Rome After he had made a great Friendship with Ruffinus a Priest of Aquilia he broke it off Ruffinus with him when he found him to be an Origenist He writ most severely against Vigilantius Vigilantius a Spanish Priest who was an Enemy to the unmarried Clergy he also vigorously oppos'd the Errors of Helvidius who Helvidius denied the Honour due to the Holy Virgin Mother of our Saviour At this time flourrish'd Paulus Orosius Paulus Orosius Author of the Seven Books of the Universal History from the Creation of the World to his time The Emperor Honorius The Death of Honorius died of a Dropsie Aged Thirty Nine Years having Reign'd Twenty Eight Some time before his death he conferred the Title of Emperor Augustus on Constance his Brother-in-law who marry'd Placidia Widow to Astolfus King of the Goths Constance died not long after he was Marry'd leaving Valentinian his Son under the Tuition of his Mother Placidia she and her Son lived at Constantinople when Honorius died so Italy being destitute of the Royal Presence of the Princes John the Tyrant John a Prefect of the Praetorian Bands took upon him the Title of Emperor Placidia having heard of it marches with her Son to Fight the Tyrant who was taken by surprize at Ravenna by the means of some Officers faithful to the Princes He was brought Prisoner to them at Aquilia when they there were and where the Rebel had his Head cut off His Death so the Empire was divided between the Theodosius the 2d and Valentinian the 3d. Emperors Bishops of Rome two Cousins Theodosius the Second and Valentinian the Third The first keeping his Court at Constantinople and the other at Rome From Christ 423. Boniface Bishop of Rome and Successor to Innocent died in the same Year as Honorius the Emperor Count Boniface Governour of Africk incensed on a false Accusation that Placidia Regent of the Western Empire design'd to put him out of his Government called Tâ—â— Vandalls in Africk Genseric their King The Death of St. Augustin the Vandals out of Spain into Africk of which they easily took Possession under the Conduct of Genseric their King St. Augustin Bishop of Hippo in the same Province of Africk died a little before the taking of that City by the Vandalls This Great Father of the Church opposed the Errors of the Manichees though he had been infected with them in his Youth he boldly Combated against the Errors of Pelagius thâ— Heritick The Council of Carthage and of Mileva Pelagius who at that time declared himself an Enemy to our Saviour Christ They were Condemned in two Councils held at Carthage and at Mileva at the same time Pelagius had two Disciples Celestius and Julien Celestius was wholly of the Opinion of his Master Julien was not altogether of that Opinion but acknowledged a necessity of the Grace of Jesus Christ for the Conversion and intire accomplishment of Salvation he affirmed that the Beginnings and Inclinations depended on the will of Man John Cassian a Monk who had been a John Cassian Disciple of St. John Chrisostome being retired to Marseilles infected the Priests and Monks of that City and all thereabouts with this Error of Semipelagianism Prosperus of Aquitaine opposed it most Prosperus of Aquitaine Vigorously in Gaule as his Master St. Augustin had done in Africk At this time flourish'd in Gaule Severus Sulpitius Author of the two Books of the Learned Men. Sacred History And in the East Theodoret Bishop of Cir who Writ the Ecclesiastical History from Constantine to Theodosius the Younger Genseric King of the Vandals took Carthage Carthage taken and made it the Metropolis of the Kingdom he Establish'd in Africk In the same Year Theodosius assembled a The Council of Ephesus against Nestorius Council at Ephesus to enquire into the Opinion of Nestorius Bishop of Constantinople who asserted two Persons in Jesus Christ This Error was condemned there Cyrillus Bishop of Alexandria by the Council in which presided Cyrillus Bishop of Alexandria John Bishop of Alexandria in Thrace pretending that that precedency belonged to him because that Ephesus depended on his Metropolis and had drawn away several Bishops to its Faction among others Theodoret Bishop of Cir with whom he had Assembled another Council in the same City of Ephesus not to countenance the Errors of Nestorius but to demonstrate that they had mistaken the Forms of Proceeding In the mean time Affairs were embroiled to that Degree that the Emperor not being able at first to discover the Truth imprisoned Cyrillus and Nestorius but at last being better informed of the justice of the Cause he set Cyrillus at Liberty and sent Nestorius The Death of Nestorius to utter Banishment where he died Miserably From Christ 432. Caelestin Bishop of Rome died the Year Bishops of Rome after that Council was held He had there his Legats who Subscribed to the Condemnation of Nestorius who had been already Condemned at Rome in a Council which had been there Assembled by the same Caelestin Sixtus the Third his Successor held the See Eight Years during which time all was very quiet in the Church From Christ 440. But the Church was again disturbed in Eutychus the Heritick the East by Eutychus a Priest and Abbot of the Monks of Constantinople who by an Error contrary to that of Nestorius asserted but one Nature in Jesus Christ he found so many Adherents among the A false Câ—uncil at Ephesus Eastern Bishops that a great number of them being Assembled at Ephesus his Error was approved of in that false Council where things were carried with that Violence that Flavian who had been made Flavian Bishop of Constantinople Bishop of Constantinople in the place of Nestorius for having oppos'd the Judgment of the Council that favoured Eutychus suffer'd Martyrdom not by the hands of the Pagans but by those of Barsumas an Abbot and of Dioscorus Bishop of Alandria and President of the Assembly From Christ 449. These great Troubles were redrest at Pulcheria Sister to Theodosius the return of Pulcheria to the Court of her Brother Theodosius There had been formerly some Disgust between her and her Sister-in-law Eudosia Eudosia his Wife which had obliged that Empress to retire to Jerusalem where she had wholly Devoted her self to Piety and Charity towards the Poor From that time the Eunuch Chrisapius Chrisapius was become so great a Favorite to Theodosius that Pulcheria making that Minister jealous of her was removed but the pressing necessity of Affairs obliged Theodosius to recall her she made her Brother highly sensible of the ill Conduct his Favorite used in Governing the Empire and of his most inveterate Malice to foment the Troubles of the Church so the Eunuch having been punish'd
among those who descended from them two of the Name of Picus and two of that of Faunus one of the latter was Father of Latinus Father to Lavinia who was married to Aeneas The third of Aeneas the chief of the third Dinasty which lasted 436 Years under Kings to the Foundation of Rome At this time lived Homer and Hesiod the Home Hesiod Jetys and Dares Greek Poets and Jetys of Creet and Dares of Phrygia Historians who writ in Prose the History of Troy as Homer did in Verse Nabonassar and Arbaces Lieutenant Generals The Death of Sardanapalus to Sardanapalus besieged him in Niniveh insomuch that this Prince who had been so Effeminate finding the Walls broken down had the Courage to burn himself in his own Palace with his Wives his Children and Treasures Of the World 3257. before Ch. 747. From the Destruction of the Empire of Babylon and Assyria there arose three Kingdoms the first in Babylon under Nebonassar Nabonassar King of Babylon called Baladam in the Holy Scriptures and Bellesis by the Greeks In the first Year of his Reign the ancient Geographers have taken their Epoche The second Kingdom was that of the Medes but lasted only about Thirty eight Years Arbaces being contented at that time to restore Liberty to his Countrymen The third Kingdom in Nineveh was under Tilgamus Tilgamus King of Assyria or Ninus the younger called Tiglat Pilezer in the Holy Scripture Of the World 3262. before Ch. 742. Achas succeeded his Father Jonathan King of Judah Picae was killed by Hoseas his Successor in the Kingdom of Israel which ended The end of the King 〈…〉 of Israel in the Person of 〈◊〉 King slain by Tilgat Pylezar King of Asâ—yria after that Monarchy had lasted 254 Years from Jeroboam Of the World 3278. before Ch. 726. Nebonazar having reigned fourteen Years had for his Successors Na 〈…〉 Ch 〈…〉 and Ponâ—s together Then Eluâ—ius who reigned Kings of Babylon successively for the space of Twelve Years After whom Merodachus Balladan so called by Isaiah began to Reign This King is named Mardosempades by the Greeks Of the World 3284. before Ch. 720. Lycurgus of the Royal Blood of the Heraclides Lycurgus Guardian to his Nephew King of Lacedemon did there change the Government purely Monarchical into a Government composed of Monarchy and Aristocracy The fabulous History ascribes the Foundation The Foundation of Lacedemon of that City to Lacedemon Son of Jupiter and Thais Daughter to Atlas But the true History does reckon for their first King Laelex Contemporary with Cecrops He had for his Successor Eurctas who gave the Name to a River on which that City was built It was also call'd Sparta from the Name of a Daughter of that King Candaulus the last King of Lydia of the Candaule Giges Dinâ—sly of Arges was killed by Giges instigated by the Wife of Candaulus enraged that her Husband had shewed her naked to Giges who married this Queen and so became King of Lydia Of the World 3286. before Ch. 718. The Poet Archilochus who made Jamlike Archilochus Verses was their Contemporary and makes mention of that History Of the World 3290. before Ch. 714. Corinth changed the Form of its Government Corinth ' s change of Government It s Foundation of Monarchy to a Republick This City was built in the Year of the World 2640 by Sisiphus Son to Aeolus who was killed by Theseus by reason of his Robberies Corinthus who succeeded him gave the Name to that City Romulus died and was Deified under the The Death of Romulus Name of Quirinus Of the World 3293. before Ch. 731. Zenacherib Son and Successor to Salmanasur Zenachrib who conquered Egypt and Syria was constrained to raise the Siege of Jerusalem an Angel having killed in one Night 185000 of his Army Being returned to Ninive he was there kill'd by two of his Sons Serrhaddon or Assaradin his other Son Assaradin King of Assyria Ezechias Esaiah reigned in his place Ezechias was then King of Judah assisted by the Counsel of the Prophet Esaiah He reigned with great Justice and Piety But Manasses his Son was not like to Manasses him Of the World 3310. before Ch. 698. The Kindom of Babylon being fallen into Babylon and Syria united decay and weakned Assaradin made himself Master of it and joyned it to Assyria Of the World 3323. before Ch. 681. Numa Pompilius who succeeded Romulus Numa Pompilius died Of the World 3336. before Ch. 668. Jeodachim who was Nebuchadnezzar in Nebuchadonezar King of Assyria Babylon Deicos King of the Medes the Book of Judith succeeds Assaradin in the Kingdom of Assyria and Babylon He overcame Arphaxad called Deicos by the Greeks King of the Medes Manasses died after he had been re-establish'd in his Kingdom having lain in Prison many Years at Babylon Ammon his Son followed his wicked Ways but not his Repentance Josias his Son was always held a Godly and a Vertuous King Tullus Hostillius the third King of Rome Tullus Hostillius died Under his Reign Alba was joyned to Rome by the Victory of the Horatii over Horaces Curiaces the Curatii Of the World 3369. before Ch. 635. Chinaladanan or Saracus Successor to Saosduchin Kings of Assyria was overcome and killed in Ninive by Nabopalassur who revolted against him and made a League with Phraord Son and Successor to Deicus King of the Kings of the Medes Medes Of the World 3380. before Ch. 624. So Nabonahassur became King of Babylon and of Assyria and was in Alliance with the Medes and marrying Nebuchadonesur with Amâ—tys Sister to Astyages Son of Cyaxares he succeeded his Father Phraord Anous Martius the fourth King of Rome Anous Martius died He built the City of Ostia at the Mouth of Tyber Of the World 3393. before Ch. 611. N 〈…〉 or Neco King of Egypt having Necos King of Egypt left his Kingdom to make War against Nabâ—palâ—â—ur is stopt in his Way by Josias who was killed in the Battle Of thâ— World 3395. before Ch. 609. Necos being victorious brought Jehoaâ—has Kings of Judah Son of Josias Prisoner and put in his place on the Throne of Judah Jâ—hoachim Brother to Jehoachas Of the World 3398. before Ch. 609. Nebuchadnesur carried Jehoachim into Captivity as likewise Jeconius Son to Jehâ—achim The 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of Judah and at last took Zedechias Uncle to Jeconias and put out his Eyes and killed his Children in his presence while Nebuzaradin ruined the City and Temple of Jerusalem The Dâ—struction of Jerusalem Of the World 3416. before Ch. 588. Where Jeremiah the Prophet lived to bewail the Miseries of the Jews In the same time that Ezekiel prophesied to the Captive Jews in Babylon Of the World 3417. before Ch. 587. The Sixth Age. DAniel and his Companions gave Daniel Marks of their Faith and Piety towards Nebuchadnezar ' s
before Ch. 300. At this time lived Theocritus the Poet The Poet Theocritus Author of the Idyles which treat of Pastoral Matters Ptolomy Philadelphus having succeeded his Ptolomy Phyladelphus The Pharos Father built the Pharos at the entrance into the Port of Alexandria He collected a great Number of Volumes The famous Library Demetrius Phylareus in a most stately Library by the Care of Demetrius Phylareus the famous Philosopher Of the World 3727 before Ch. 277. The Gauls under the Conduct of Belgius The Gauls in Greece and of young Brennus passed into Greece plunder'd the Temple of Delphos there lost a great part of their Army by the Plague which was believed to be a Punishment for their Sacriledge With the remainder of their Forces they past into Asia and gave to that Country where they establish'd themselves the Name of Galatia Gallatia or Gallo-Graecia Pyrrhus driven out of Aegypt or Gallo-Graecia Pyrrhus had at first great Success in the War he waged against the Romans in favour of the Tarentines but at last he was so often beaten that he was forced to repass the Sea He was killed a-while after His Death by a Blow of a Tyle which a Woman threw at him from a Window having heard he had killed her Son in a Combate against the young Antigonus in the City of Argos those two Princes having been admitted into that City by their Factions Of the World 3733 before Ch. 271. By the great Care and Wisdom of Phylopaemen Phylopaemen and Aratus The Acaike League and Aratus the Acaicke League was made to which all the Greeks subscrib'd for the preservation of their Liberties Of the World 3740 before Ch. 264. The Kingdoms of Pergamus and Bythinia The Kingdom of Pergamus and Bythinia began the first under Eumenes Nephew to the Eunuch Phyleterus who had been Treasurer to Lysimachus the second under Nicomedes who rebuilt the City of Astacia and called it Nicomedia Of the World 3744 before Ch. 260. Then began the Kingdom of the Parthians The Kingdom of the Parthians Arsaces who shook off the Macedonian Yoke under the Conduct of Arsaces their first King Chief of the Dinasty which from his Name was called the Arsacides At this time lived Berosus the Chaldean Berosus who writ three Books of the History of the Kings of Assyria and Babylon Plautus Plautus the Comick Poet lived then at Rome Of the World 3758 before Ch. 246. Antiochus Theos the third King of Syria Kings of Syria Aegypt and Macedonia had for his Successor Seleucus Callinicus and Ptolomy Philadelphius his Son Everietes in Aegypt The young Antigonus his Son Demetrius in Macedonia These three Kings Fathers dying in the space of two Years Of the World 3760 before Ch. 244. The first Punick War Hieron King of Syracuse This Year being the 477th of Rome began the first Punick War in Sicily where the Romans got great Advantages over King Hieron allied to the Carthaginians Seleucus Callinicus and Antiochus Hierax his Brother having a long time disputed for the Kingdom of Syria they both died Kings of the Kingdom of Syria and Seleucus Cerannus succeeded his Father Callinicus Of the World 3778. before Ch. 226. In Aegypt Ptolomy Phylopater having Of Aegypt poison'd his Father Everietes succeeded him Of the World 3781. before Christ 223. The War was carried over into Africk in the Sequel of which happened that which the Roman History fully relates of Attilius Regulus At last a Peace was made Attillius Regulus The end of the first Punick War to the advantage of the Romans to whom the Carthaginians were compelled to give up Sâ—rdinia Of the World 3784. before Ch. 220. The Romans past the Po took Millan and made themselves Masters of a great The Gauls in Gaule-Cisalpine and in Illyria The second Punick War The Ruine of Saguntum Hannibal in Italy He defeats the Romans at the River Trebea part of Gaule-Cisalpine They acted the same thing in Illyria against Queen Teuta a Gauloise descended from young Brennus Annibal the Son of Amilcar commanding for the Carthaginians in Spain had been sworn by his Father to be an inveteratâ— Enemy to the Romans To effect which he began to make War in Spain by the overthrow of Saguntum After which he past into Italy having made a Passage over the Alps defeated the Romans near the River Trebea which passes by Placentia And a second time in Tuscany near the The Lake Trasimene Lake Trasimene But these first Successes were a little interrupted by the wise Conduct of Q. Fabius Maximus 'till such Consuls succeeded who not following the same Method lost the Battle of Cannae the Circumstances of At Cannae which are fully related in the Roman History After this great Victory if Hannibal had but known how to have made a right use of it he had taken Rome the Romans being deceived by a false Report that he was driven away by a Storm which Heaven caused to fall on his Fleet. Some write that he went into Campania being allured by the Delights of that Country However Fabius Maximus by his great Conduct put a stop to the raging Fury of this Conquerour But that which fully re-establish'd the Roman Affairs was the passing of Cornelius Cornelius Scipio in Spain Scipio into Spain where he was sent to succeed his Father and his Uncle killed by Asdrubal Brother to Hannibal At length Scipio going from Spain into Africk got there such advantage over the In Africk Carthaginians that they were forc'd to recall Hannibal to oppose this great Warrior After many Skirmishes the Affair terminated Hannibal repasses and is overcome in one Battle where Hannibal was overcome and could very hardly escape Of the World 3803 before Ch. 201. Scipio being Master of the Field by this Victory reduc'd the Carthaginians to demand A Peace made Peace which was made very advantageous for the Romans and their Ally Massinissa one of the Numidian Kings and very disadvantageous to the Carthaginians and for their Ally Syphax another King of Numidia By this great Success Scipio gained the Honour of Triumph The Surname of African with the Sur-name of African Of the World 3805 before Ch. 199. In this time lived Ennius and Terence Roman Ennius and Terence Poets the first Heroick and the second Comick The Romans from this time grown very powerful and interessing themselves in the Affairs of Kings forbid Philip of Macedon to molest Ptolomy Epiphanes who was left by his Father Phylopater King of Aegypt under the Protection of the Senate and People of Rome This Philip King of Macedon had favoured Hannibal The Romans made War against The Macedonian War him for that Reason and after having beaten him in several Rencounters with the Lacedemonians his Allies they had the pleasure to see march before the Triumph of the victorious Consul the eldest Son of that King with the
AN EXACT ABRIDGEMENT OF THE General History OF THE WORLD From the Creation TO THE Year 1685. By the Acurate Pen of a Learned Historian Lege Historiam ne fias Historia LONDON Printed by James Moxon for Samuel Heyrick at Grays-Inn Gate in Holbourn 1698. TO Popham Connoway Esq Of RAGLEY In the COUNTY of WARWICK CHronology the Display of Ages past is here presented to You and Time the wisest of all things claims in its Transactions the wisest of Mens Judgments To You therefore Honoured SIR do I make this Address it being of that excellency that where History is left imperfect by this it is render'd compleat so that not only the what and where but the when those Actions were perform'd are particulariz'd whereas in History they are only glanc'd at in the Gross Hence it was that Venerable Antiquity pay'd that Respect to Chronologers of their Time And I dare aver that there is no Station where a Gentleman's Education has been concern'd whether in Divinity Law or Physick but this part of Knowledge may be highly useful And as a Gentleman designing Court Preferment especially in Affairs of State it will imbellish him to that degree to equallize if not outvie most of his Contemporaries As a Jewel therefore do I Recommend this Piece to You worthy of Your Patronage and Protection And tho' SIR I have not the Honour to be known to You yet Fame has so transmitted to me as to make the Choice in Your Person The Merit of this Subject has sway'd my Ballance wholly to submit it to Your Censure which I question not but according to the Calculation of the Ingenuous it will find a safe Harbour and favourable Reception which will lay an eternal Obligation on SIR Your most Devoted and most Humble Servant Richard Ferrar. AN EXACT ABRIDGEMENT OF THE General History OF THE WORLD The First Age. THE Creation as it is Written by The Creation Moses in the Book of Genesis Of the World 1. before Christ 4004. The Double Generation of the Children of Adam The first was of Cain who killed his Brother The Posterity of Cain Abel after which all the impious Posterity of the Murtherer was extinct in the Deluge The second Generation was of Seth and That of Seth. descends to Noah and from him directly to the Messias The Second Age. IT began at the end of the Deluge Of The Deluge the World 1657. before Christ 2347. The Collonies of the Three Sons of The Collonies of Japhet Noah Sem Ham and Japhet the Off-spring of Japhet peopled the Northern parts of Asia and the principal parts of Europe Ham with his Off-spring peopled some Of Ham. parts of Asia towards the South and Aegypt with the rest of Affrick The Posterity of Sem peopled Mesopotamia The Collonies of Sem. Babylon Arabia Persia and India The Generation directly coming to the Messias is perpetuated from Sem to Abraham In the time of Peleg Mankind was dispersed The Dispersing of Mankind to people the Earth Of the World 1771. before Christ 2233. Soon after Nimrod establisht the first The Babylonian Monarchy seat of Monarchy in Babel or Babylon which from a Tower founded by the Posterity of Noah took that Name from the confusion of Tongues that arose there Of the World 1772. before Christ 2232. Much about that time Assur the Son of The Assyrian Monarchy Sem Built a City which was after called Niniveh upon the River Tygris and made it the Seat of Empire which after his Name was called the Assyrian The Establishment of the Kingdom was The Monarchy of Aegypt by Misraim the Son of Ham. Of the World 1816. before Christ 2188. The Chineses reckon the setting up of Of China their King in this Year under Fohi Of the World 1850. before Christ 2154. The Kingdom of Sycione in the Peloponese Of Sycione began under Aegialeus Of the World 1915. before Ch 2079. The Arabians made themselves masters Pastoral Kings of Aegypt of Aegypt under those Kings called Pastoral Kings Of the World 1920. before Christ 2084. Noah Died Aged 950 Years Of the The Death of Noah Word 2006. before Christ 1998. The Birth of Abraham Of the World 2008. before Christ 1996. The Third Age BEgins from the calling of Abraham The Collony of Abraham Of the World 2803. before Ch. 1921. which he obeyed and came first from Hur in Caldea to Caram in Mesopotamia where his Father there Dying he past into Canaan His History Of the World 2018. before Ch. 1896. What happened to him till the Birth of Isaac for the space of 25 Years is contained in the Book of Genesis Sem Dyed 502 Years after the Deluge The Death of Sem. The Kingdom of Argos Of the World 2158. before Christ 1846. The Establishment of the Kingdom of the Argives under Inachus Of the World 2168. before Christ 1836. The Birth of Esau and Jacob the Sons The Birth of Esau and Jacob. of Isaac and Rebecca Thomosis King of Aegypt of the Ancient Dynasty descended from High Aegypt to the Tower who drove out Jannias the last of Arabian Kings called Pastors These Arabs to the Number of Two Hundred Forty Thousand past into Palestine and The Foundation of Jerusalem there founded Jerusalem Of the World 2179. before Christ 1825 Abraham died after the Death of Sarah The Death of Abraham he had by Ketura Madan and Madean the Fathers of the Madeanites Of the World 2187. before Ch. 1817. Heber died the Eldest of the Patriarchs And of Heber Born after the Deluge In his Family he preserved the primitive Language which from his Name was called Hebrew A Deluge happened in the time of Ogiges The Deluge of Ogiges and of Deucalion King of Thebes which occasioned the Fable of Deucalion and Pyrrah Their Son Hellenus gave the Name to that Country afterwards called Greece from the Name of Graecus who descended from Hellenus Chaldeans Kings of Babylon Evecous their first King The Chaldeans possest themselves of the Kingdom of Babylon under their first King Evecous Of the World 2242. before Christ 1762. Jacob's flying into Mesopotamia his Marriage The History of Jacob. and his Children are Recorded in the Book of Genesis Of the World 2259. before Christ 1745. His return into Canaan is there also mentioned and what is related of Esau his Brother otherwise called Edom who gave the name to Edomia or Idumea from his Grand-son Amalee came the Amalakites Of the World 2261. before Ch. 1743. The selling of Joseph into Aegypt and That of Joseph the sequel of his History is in the Book of Genesis As also the Arrival of Jacob his Father into that Country Of the World 2299. before Ch. 1705. The Kings who had Reigned in Aegypt The Kings of Aegypt after Thomesis who drove out the Arabs are these following Hebron Amenophis the First his Sister Arnessis Mephres and
King of Athens Father of Theseus who by the help of Ariadne killed the Minotaure she was Daughter to Minos King of Creet Husband of Pasiphae This Minos was renowned for Justice as well as Aeacus and Radamanthus Pyrithous the Son of Ixicon The Judges of Hell and Friend of Theseus Ninias the Son of Ninus and of Semeâ—amis Ninius succeeded his Mother in the Kingdoms of Assyria and Babylon Of the World 2824. before Ch. 1180. Ilsam Helon and Habdon judged Israel The Judges of Israel successively Of the World 2826. before Christ 1178. Then Ely the High Priest Ely In the 20th Year of his Government Gamson was Born whose History is related Samson in the 14 15 and 16. Chapters of Judges Of the World 2868. before Ch. 1136. The four first Chapters of the first Book of Samuel relates the Birth and Disorders Samuel of the Sons of Ely their Death with their Fathers after the Ark of God was taken by the Phylistins The seventh Chapter of Samuel relates the happy beginning of Samuels Government Of the World 2903. before Ch. 1101. The Israelites demand a King which was Saul Of the World 2909. before Ch. Saul the first King of Israel 1095 his History is written in the first Book of Samuel form the 8th Chapter to the 31st Of the World 2949. before Ch. 1055. His Son Isboseth succeeded him only over His Death Ten Tribes David being acknowledg'd King by the other two Judah and Benjamin Isboseth being killed David is declared Isboseth David King over all Israel He took Jerusalem and made it the Takes Jerusalem Seat of his Kingdom the remainder oâ— his History is set down in the second Book of Samuel from the 16 Chapter to His Death the second Book of Kings which relates his Death Of the World 2990. before Ch. 1014. Solomon his Son succeded him in his Solomon Throne The History of his first three Years is mentioned in the first Book of Kings from the second Chapter to the fifth Of the World 2993. before Ch. 1011. The Fifth Age BEgins from the foundation of the The Foundation of the Temple Temple by Solomon who finisht it in Seven Years and a half Of the World 3000. before Christ 1004. The remainder of his History is inserted in the first Book of Kings Chapter the 9th and in the first Book of Chronicles the 9th and 10th Chapters Under his Son Rhehoboam the Kingdom Rhehoboam was divided into two Of the World 3029. before Christ 975. The first composed of two Tribes of Judah and Benjamin which obeyed his Rule and his Successors under The Kingdom of Judah The Kingdom of Israel Jeroboam the Name of the Kingdom of Judah The second consisted of the Ten Tribes under the name of the Kingdom of Israel and passed to Jeroboam and his Successors Of the World 3030. before Ch. 974. The Battle between the two Kings in A remarkable Battle which were killed 500000 Men of the Army of Jeroboam Abiam the Son of Rhehoboam Of the Abiam World 3049. before Ch. 955. Reigned also in the time of Jeroboam Of the World 3050. before Ch. 954. Baasca the Son and Successor to Jeroboam Baasca Of the World 3062. before Ch. 942. Asa Son of Abiam King of Judah Asa Nadab King of Israel the Murtherer and Nadab Successor to Baasca Ela the Son of Baasca killed by Zimri Ela and Zimri and Homri Kings of Israel and he in the space of 16 days by Homri who Built Samaria Of the World 3088. before Ch. 916. Jehosophat Son and Successor to Asa King of Judah Achab Son and Successor to Homri he Achab. was reproved for his Wickedness and Elia. Echosias Elisha cruel Injustice by the Prophet Elia and his Son Echosias by the Prophet Elisha Jehosophat Son and Successor to Asa Jehosophat King of Judah Joram Brother and Successor to Ochosias Joram King of Israel King of Israel Of the World 3007. before Ch. 897. Joram Son and Successor to Jehosaphat Joram King of Judah King of Judah Of the World 3008. before Ch. 896. Jehoachas or Achasis King of Judah was Jehoachas killed as was also Joram King of Israel by Jehu who was likewise King of Israel Jehu King of Israel Athalia while Athalia Mother of Achasias having killed all her Children except Joas Reigned in Judah the space of Seven Years Of the World 3020. before Ch. 884. Joas Reigned in Judah after his Grandmother Joas King of Judah Athalia was killed Of the World 3126. before Ch. 878. At the same time Jehoachas Son and Successor Jehoachas King of Israel to Jehu Reigned in Israel Of the World 3148. before Ch. 856. The Athenians after the Death of Codrus Change of Government at Athens their last King changed the form of their Government and establisht their Archons for life after that for Ten Years and at last for every Year Joas Son and Successor to Jehoachas Joas King of Israel King of Israel Of the World 3164. before Ch. 840. Ozias or Azarias Son and Successor of Ozias King of Judah Amazius who succeeded his Father Joas King of Judah Of the World 3194. before Ch. 810. Jeroboam the second Son and Successor Jeroboam second King of Israel to Joas King of Israel Of the World 3220. before Ch. 770. Iphytus revived in Elida which is in Peleponesus Iphytus the Olimpick Games instituted above 400 Years before in Thessaly at the foot of Mount Olimpus by Hercules in Honour of his Father Jupiter Of the World 3228. before Ch. 776. From this Re-establishment the Greeks have reckoned their famous Epoche called the Olimpiads of which each contains The Olimpiads four Years compleat After an Interregnum of Eleven Years Zacharias succeeded his Father Jeroboam the Second at the end of six Months Zacharias was killed by Ralaum Kings of Israel who reigned but one Month and then was killed by Maniur his Successor who was made Tributary by Pul or Pall King of Assyria and Babylon Of the World 3233. before Ch. 771. Pecaia succeeded his Father Maneheim Kings of Judah and was killed at the end of Twelve Years by Pecaia his Successor Ozias or Azanas became Leprous for having usurpt the Office of High-Priest Of the World 3245. before Ch. 759. His Son Jonathan Governed the Kingdom in his place Of the World 3256. before Ch. 748. The Foundation of Rome Three Dinastys in Italy The first of Janus and Corythus The second of Saturnus Rome was Built at the end of the 7th Olimpiad Three Dinasties are observed to have Reigned in Italy before the Foundation of Rome The first of Janus the Ancient and from Corythus to Italus whose Daughter Roma married Saturnus called from thence Romanessus who was the chief of the second Dinasty called the Aborigines which he brought out of Arcadia into Italy There are counted
Son of the Lacedemonian General Of the World 3807 before Ch. 197. The Syrian War was not less glorious to The Syrian War the Romans Hannibal being retired to Antiochus the Great whom he perswaded to declare War against them which proved unfortunate to him For the Romans first beat him at the famous Pass of Thermopolis and again on the Banks of Meander in Asia under the Conduct of Lucius Scipio Lucius Scipio Asiaticus from thence Sur-named the Asiatick His Brother Cornelius the African having been his Lieutenant in this Expedition Of the World 3813. before Ch. 191. Four Years after Antiochus having been Kings of Syria killed by the Persians near the Temple of Jupiter Elemais his Son Seleucus Phylopater succeeded him in the Kingdom of Syria Of the World 3817 before Ch. 187. Hannibal poison'd himself having discover'd The Death of Hannibal that Prusias King of Bythinia designed to deliver him up to the Romans Of the World 3822 before Ch. 182. In the third Chapter of the second Book of the Maccabees is to be read what happened to Heliodorus when he attempted The History of Heliodorus to plunder the Temple of Jerusalem Of the World 3828 before Ch. 176. At his return from Judea Heliodorus killed Seleucus and so made himself Master of the Kingdom of Syria but did not long Kings of the Kingdom of Syria Antiochus Epiphanes enjoy it for he was soon after slain by Antiochus Epiphanes Brother to Seleucus This Antiochus had been given a Hostage to the Romans by his Father Antiochus the Great Seleucus his Brother disengaged him by sending his own Son Demetrius in his place So that in the Nephew's absence it was easie for the Uncle to usurp the Kingdom of Syria The Romans did nor then oppose Antiochus but as he was entring into Aegypt against the Pupils their two Brothers Ptolomeus Phylometer and Everietes the Second Successors to their Father Ptolomeus Epiphanes they sent him a Kings of Aegypt Command by Papilius Laena who was then Pro-Consul of Asia not to molest the young Aegyptian Kings In returning from Aegypt this enraged Prince brought those Calamities upon the Jews which are set down in the Second The Jews persecuted by Antiochus Book of the Maccabees Chap. 4 5 6. And by Josephus in his Twelfth Book and the Sixth Chapter in the Fifteenth Book and the Third Chapter of the Jewish Antiquities Of the World 3836 before Ch. 168. In the mean time the Romans became The Conquest of Illyria by the Romans Masters of Illyria by defeating Gentius King of that Country and also of Macedonia which they took from Perseus who was carried in Triumph to Rome by the Consul Paulus Aemilius Of the World 3838 before Ch. 168. Judas Maccabeus that Illustrious Jew Judas Maccabeus revenged the Injuries done to his Nation upon the Lieutenants of Antiochus who preparing to enter into Judea against Maccabeus The Death of Antiochus Epiphanes met with an unfortunate End described in the Book of the Maccabees and in those of Josephus Of the World 3840 before Ch. 164. His Son Antiochus Eupater succeeded him at Nine Years of Age and was under the Tuition of Lysias his Father's Friend But two Years after the Guardian and his Pupil were killed by Demetrius Son of Seleucus who being escap'd from Rome was acknowledg'd King by the Syrians Of the Kings of Syria World 3842 before Ch. 162. His Lieutenants with an Army of Forty thousand Men overwhelmed Judas Maccabeus The Death of Judas Maccabeus who had the Courage to meet them only with Eight hundred Men. He had for his Successor to Command the Jewish Army his Brother Jonathas Of the World 3843 before Ch. 161. Alexander Balas calling himself the Son of Antiochus Epiphanes made himself Master of Syria having killed in Battle his Cousin Demetrius Soter This new King was a Friend to Jonathas Jonathas High-Priest by which means he obtained the Dignity of High-Priest and deposed the wicked Alcymius who had taken that Title upon him Onias Son to Onias the Great finding himself by this means excluded from this The Affairs of the Jews Soveraign Dignity in Jerusalem retir'd to exercise it in Aegypt among the Jews who lived there Having obtained of Philometer leave to build a Temple near Memphis not unlike that of Jerusalem Of the World 3856 before Ch. 148. A false Philip not long before had been A false Philip. driven out of Macedonia by the Romans they soon after had the same advantage A false Perseus over a false Perseus And the Achaians by favouring the latter exposed their Country to the Victorious Arms of the Romans This War ended by the Ruine of Corinth The Ruine of Corinth Polybius under the Consul Mumius Polybius a Native of that City who had followed his Disciple Scipio Aemilianus into Africk hearing of the Misfortune of his Country went thither to save some Remains of its ancient and precious Monuments Of the World 3858 before Ch. 146. The same Year was also remarkable for The Ruinâ— of Carthage Scipio Aemilianus Africanus the Destruction of Carthage Scipio Aemilianus took it and destroyed it by the Order of the Senate The third and last Punick War ending in that manner who at the same time acquired the Sur-name of Africanus as his Father by Adoption had done This happen'd in the third Year of the 158th Olimpiad Ptolomy Phylometer took away his Daughter Cleopatra from Balas then killed him in a Battle and gave Cleopatra to Demetrius Kings of Syria Nicator Son of Soter who by that means put himself in possession of the Kingdom of Syria Of the World 3859 before Christ 145. Phylometer being dead a little while after Everietes the Second his Brother married his Widow Cleopatra Sister to them Kings of Aegypt both and killed a Son she had by her first Husband So Everietes Reigned sole King of Aegypt Of the World 3861 before Ch. 143. In Syria Tryphon who was a Friend to Balas made Antiochus the Son of Balas to be acknowledged King at Antioch with so much the less trouble by reason Demetrius Nicator was taken Prisoner in a Battle by the Parthians The vanquish'd being honourably treated by the Victors married Rodoguna Daughter to their King Cleopatra hearing this married Antiochus Sydetes Brother to her Husband Demetrius So Sydetes was acknowledged King of the Syrians having overcome and killed in Battle Tryphon who pretended to the Crown of Syria after he had killed his Pupil young Antiochus Of the World 3866 before Ch. 138. Jonathas had been murthered by this The Jewish Aâ—â—airs Tryphon Symon Brother to Jonathas who succeeded him in the Principality and High-Priesthood of the Jews assisted Sydetes to defeat Tryphon and was killed a while after by his Father-in-Law Ptolomy the Son of Abobus his Son John Hircanus succeeded in his place Of the World 3869 before Ch. 135. The Romans seized on the Treasures
Domitius a Son called Nero who by the help and means Nero his Successâ—r of his Mother came to be Emperor the Mother and the Son Poisoned Britanicus whom Claudius had by Messalina his first Wife The Voyages and Travels of St. Paul and his Imprisonment are at large set down in the Acts of the Apostles From Christ 58. Young Agrippa Son to him who died Young Agrippa King of the Jews struck by an Angel was plac'd on the Throne of his Father by Nero This young King took away the High-Priesthood from Ananias because he had put to Death St. James the Son of Alpheus The Death of St. James the Son of Alpheus whose Sanctity was so highly revered by the Jews that Josephus attributes to his Death all the misfortunes that happened to that Nation Nero who had appeared Wise Just Neros ' s Debauches and Cruelties and Clement for the first Five Years of his Reign afterwards gave himself up to all kind of Impieties Injustice and Cruelties killed his Wife Octavia and Seneca his Tutor with many other persons of Quality Colonia Agripina and at last his own Mother Agripina it was she who founded a Colony on the Rhine that still retains her Name In the mean time Corbulon maintained Corbulons Exploits in Armenia with Glory the Honour of the Roman Empire in Armenia and forced Tyridates Tyridates at Rome Brother of Volgeses King of the Parthians to come to Rome and there to take the Title of King and his Crown from the hands of the Emperor In Great Britain the Romans did not succeed The War in Great Britain Bonduca so happily for the Britains revolted under the Conduct of their Queen Bonduca and though this brave Princess was killed in a Battle the Peace made afterwards was most shameful to the Romans From Christ 61. Nero burns Rome Nero burnt Rome and accused the Christians to have been the Incendiaries And under that pretence raised a most cruel Persecutes the Christians The War against the Jews Persecution against them From Christ 65. The War against the Jews began upon the occasion of opposing the Roman Officers who exacted very great Tributes from that miserable Nation Cestius Gallus besieged Jerusalem took The Siege of Jerusalem the lower part of the City but on a sudden he raised the Siege without any apparent Cause But Heaven decreed it so to save the Christian Church which retired for safety to a little Village called Pella a little beyond the River Jordan From Christ 66. In the mean time Nero went into Greece Nero in Greece where he made himself as despicable as he was at Rome exposing his Person and Dignity upon Theaters and at Races where he play'd the Comedian and the Charrioteer He attempted but in vain to cut the Isthmus of Corinth to joyn the two Seas the Ionian and the Aegrean From Christ 67. Upon the News of the Revolt of his Armies in the West he returned to Rome where finding himself at last abandoned even by all the World he fled basely then fell into Despair stabb'd himself and Nero ' s Death died From Christ 68. Sergius Galba already proclaimed Emperor Galba his Successor by the Army in Spain and in Gaul came to Rome and was there received as Emperor by the Senate and the People of Rome Most Ecclesiastick Writers remark about this time the Martyrdom of St. Peter and St. Paul It is most certain that they sealed their Faith and Doctrine by the effusion of their Blood but cannot tell exactly in what Year Clementius Romanus is the only ancient Writer who mentions their Martyrdom says nothing more in his Epistle to the Corinthians but that they suffered under the Emperors without naming which of them From Christ 69. Galba aged Seventy four Years having not Reigned one compleat Year was killed Galba killed by Otho his Successor by Otho who by that means seized on the Empire yet Reigned a shorter time than his Predecessor For Vitellius being proclaimed Emperor by the Army in Germany being come into Italy the two Competitors fought a Battle at Brebia in Gaule-Cisalpine where Otho being worsted would Otho overcome and killed not tempt his Fortune a second time but killed himself and left Vitellius Master of the Empire From Christ 70. But the Armies of the East having given up the Empire to their General Vespatian his Lieutenants in Italy pressed Vitellius so forcibly that having defeated his Vitellius killed Army they took him Prisoner in Rome and there killed him Vespatian coming into Italy and finding Vespatian Emperor the Business done was received at Rome with great applause by the Senate and People joyful to find themselves delivered from those last Emperors whose scandalous Reputation caused all Nations to dread their Government Vespatian in Nero's Reign had begun a The War against the Jews War against the Jews He had defeated their Forces in the Field took all their Towns except Jerusalem which he besieged Coming into Italy he left his Son Titus to make an end of that War which The Ruine of Jerusalem he did by taking and destroying Jerusalem The dreadful Calamities that happened to that miserable City during the Siege by the unnatural Divisions of their Fellow-Citizens with the rest of that lamentable Tragick Story may be read with horror in Josephus's Book who was an Eye-witness of the Ruine of his Country The Roman Historians make mention of The Triumph of Titus the magnificent Triumph Titus made at his Return to Rome From Christ 71. Vespatian Reigned Nine Years worthy Vespatian his Death of great Praise in all things except his Aâ—â—rice His Son Titus stil'd The Delight of Mankind Titus his Successor succeeded him While he applied himself to make his Reign perfectly happy a dreadful Fire wasted Rome and another at Campania by the Fire broke out at Vesuvius These two Misfortunes gave occasion to the good Emperor to bestow his Liberality to a great Number of miserable People whom these Accidents had reduc'd to extream Poverty From Christ 79. Titus having Reigned but two Years died bewailing himself that his Life was Titus ' s Death taken away so soon protesting he had done but one thing to be repented of Which made some believe that it was to have associated his Brother Domitian to the Domitian his Successor Empire who was endowed with as many ill Qualities as Titus was possest with good ones He was covetous unjust and most His ill Qualities cruel to the Romans in general and to the Christians in particular who felt it very much all the time of his Reign He put to Death a great Number of the Noblest Citizens and plundered the Goods of the richest Families From Christ 81. He raised up a bloody Persecution among He persecutes the Christians the Christians In the Number of those who were Crowned with Martyrdom Lynus and Cletus Bishops
expelled him shamefully He fled into Gaule to Constantine Constantius Chlorus the Father of Constantine being dead in great Britain his Son had there been Constantin Emperor saluted Emperor by the Army then having past into Gaule he was there acknowledged with the same Title his Wife Minervina was then dead by whom he had a Son named Crispus he not only received Maximinian into his favour but made him his Father-in-law by marrying his Daughter Fausta But Maximinian having taken measures to seduce the Army of Constantine his own Daughter to whom he had imparted his designs discovered it to her Husband so the Traytor was obliged to fly but being followed very close he was at last taken in the City of Marseilles where he was strangled either by Maximinian strangled the command of Constantine or that he strangled himself out of Despair From Christ 309. In the mean time Maxentius was Master of Rome and all Italy where he exercised very great Tyrannies especially against the Bishop of Rome Christians he put to death Marcellus Successor to Marcellinus but Eusebius who succeeded Marcellus died of a fit of Sickness at the end of two Years having held the See but two Years From Christ 311. The 〈◊〉 agaiâ—sâ— Constantin and Maxentius The Vision of the Cross The Romans wearied with the Tiranny of Maxentius sent for Constantine to help them It is said that being on his way he beheld the Vision of a Cross shining with a most glorious Light that appeared to him in the Air at Noon-day with an Inscription that promist him Victory which made him send for Rheticius Bishop of Autune he having seen the same Vision near that City so that by the care of that Holy Bishop Constantin being fully instructed in the truth of Christianity made publick profession of it all the Cities of Italy which he found in his way surrendered voluntarily At his approach to Rome there was a Bloody Battle between him and Maxentius in which after a vigorous Resistance Maxentius was overcome Maxentius ' s Death Constantin Emperor and slain so that Constantine was received with Triumph at Rome and with a general Joy was acknowledged Emperor throughout the Western parts It was in this remarkable year that the Roman Indiction began which was the The Roman Indiction Revolution of Fifteen Years beginning at the year of Rome 1065 the number that makes Seventy one Fifteens After the Death of Severus Maximinian Galerus had created Caesar Licinius his old Caesar Licinius Companion in Arms a little while after Galerus died of the lousie Disease so the Empire was divided between Constantine who had all the Western parts except Illyria and Panonia Licinius was master of Greece and Thrace and Maximin possest the Provinces of Asia Licinius having espoused Constantia the Sister of Constantine these two Emperors made an Edict in favour of the Christians The Death of Maximin Maximin continuing to persecute them till at length he died at Tharsus of a languishing Disease The Provinces under his Government fell to Licinius then Constantine and Licinius condemned by an Edict the memory of Maximin as a Tyrant From Christ 314. Dioclesian died the Year before of a natural Dioclesians ' s Death Distemper as some Write or as others will have it that he poisoned himself out of despair to find the Christians were so much favoured by the two Emperors Melchiades Bishop of Rome died the same Bishops of Rome Year he had been appointed with some other Bishops of Italy by Constantine to examine The Donatists the Schism of the Donatists in Africk who refus'd to acknowledge Cecilian Bishop of Carthage because he had been put in the place of Mensurius accused to have delivered the Books of Holy Writ to the Idolaters during the Persecution Constantine employed the following ten The Exploits of Constantine Years in several Expeditions against the Barbarians who attack'd the Frontier Provinces of the Empire in all which he succeeded with great Glory For he defeated them in all Rencounters so that they were disabled to make any further Attempts against him Licinius who had only favoured the Christians in Complaisance to Constantine discovered at length his Aversion to them Whereupon Constantine took that occasion The Quarrel between Constantine and Licinius to fall out with him This Rupture brought them to a Battle in which Licinius was overcome Constantine pardoned him because he was his Brother-in-Law But Licinius finding himself freed from this first Misfortune raised another Army and was again defeated near Chalcedon At that time Constantine compell'd him to resign his part of the Empire The Vanquish'd taking it for a Favour that the Conqueror had given him his Life suffering him to live at Thessalonica But as he could not be satisfied to live in Peace and as he still endeavoured by his secret Practices to set up his Party again Constantine ordered him to be strangled The Death of Licinius From Christ 324. Thus Constantine Reigned sole Emperor Constantine sole Emperor acknowledg'd as well in the East as in the West The Empire being then at Peace Constantine applied himself to make Justice and Piety flourish and endeavoured to give that Peace and Quiet to the Church she had not 'till then enjoyed having been not only turmoil'd abroad by the Persecutions of Idolaters but harrass'd at home by the Opinions of Hereticks particularly of those who were called Arrians from Arrius the Heretick the Name of Arrius a Priest of Alexandria an Enemy to the Divinity of Jesus Christ To redress this intestine Disorder of the The Council of Nice Church Constantine commanded a Council to be assembled of a great Number of Bishops in the City of Nice in Bythinia From Christ 325. There they condemned the Errors of Arrius condemned Arrius and consequently made Canons of Discipline and Ecclesiastical Polity Particularly they ordained the Paschal Cycle The Paschal Cycle or the Golden Number called the Golden Number containing the Lunary Revolutions compleated in Nineteen Years to the end that by that all the Churches might regulate their Celebration of Easter This Year was fatal to the Family of Constantine by the Death of Crispus whom The Death of Crispus the Son of Constantine Constantine had by Minervina his first Wife Fausta his second Wife having in vain sollicited this young Prince to gratifie the Passion she had for him His refusal made her to accuse him of solliciting her Chastity Constantine unadvisedly believing her put his Son to Death and after that did the like to Fausta having discovered her The Death of Fausta his Wife Treachery by putting her into a Bath which he caused to be heated boyling hot And this to comfort his own Mother Helena afflicted to extremity for the Death of her Grand-child In the mean time Christianity flourisht Christianity receiv'd under the Protection of this mighty Prince insomuch that powerful Nations
abroad embrac'd the Truth of the Gospel The Abyssinians by the means of Edesius In the Indies and Frumentius Brothers whose Father Meropius a rich Merchant of Tyre had brought them young into Abyssinia when they were grown up Men they preach'd the Gospel with that success that they built there many stately Churches which were approved of by Athenasius Bishop of Alexandria who ordained one of the Brothers Bishop of those parts who came from thence to give him an Account of what they had done there relating to the Church A Woman taken in the Wars by the In Iberia Iberians gave them their first Knowledge of the Gospel So that when they had embrac'd it they address'd themselves to Constantine who sent them Preachers to perfect their Instruction He also sent others into Armenia to Tyridates In Armenia King of that Country who had been called to the Faith of Christ by a Vision From Christ 328. The two following Years were also very remarkable from the Foundation of New Rome which from the Name of its Constantinople New Rome Founder was called Constantinople upon the Bosphorus of Thrace in the place wherâ— was the ancient Byzantium There he erected Buildings as well publick as private which were so numerous and magnificent as rendred it not inferiour to ancient Rome He establish'd the same Constitution of Government with the very same kind of Magistrates as at Rome designing that it should be the Seat of the Empire From Christ 330. Constantia Sister to Constantine and Widow to Licinius had among her Domesticks a Priest in outward appearance a Man of Vertue but proved to be an Arrian Constantia dying recommended him to her Brother the Emperor This Priest having insinuated himself into the Emperor's The Affairs of the Arrians Favour perswaded him That Arrius had been unjustly condemned and that he ought to be heard a second time Constantine complied and being deceived by this Arch-Heretick he sent Arrius back to his Church in Alexandria But Athenasius who was then Bishop Athenasius Bishop of Alexandria refusing to receive him the Enemies of Athanasius assembled a Council at Tyre where he was condemned by the Arrians who were there very numerous and afterwards was banish'd to Treves where he was kindly received by Constantine eldest Son to the Emperor and by Maximus Bishop of that City From Christ 336. Silvester Bishop of Rome and Successor Bishops of Rome to Miltiades died Arrius triumphing in his Re-establishment came to Constantinople where disposing himself to enter by Force into the Church he died in a most shameful manner As is related by the Ecclesiastical The Death of Arrius Writers Constantine finding himself very much The Death of Constantine weakned by a Disease that made him to languish for a long time he was baptized in the Suburbs of Nicomedia and died a few Days after As Eusebius of Caesarea reports in his Book of the Life of this Emperor who assisted at his Baptism Which shews the falseness of what others have writ a long time since That Constantine had received this Sacrament at Rome from the Hands of Silvister with all the Circumstances they remark'd as true as the pretended Donation of Rome which they alledge Constantine made to this Pope and to his Successors Constantine left behind him three Sons who according to their Father's Testament shared between them the Empire Constantine the eldest had the Gauls His three Sons Emperors Spain Germany and the Brittannick Isles Constance the second had Thrace with all the East comprizing Aegypt Constant the third Italy Illyria Greece and Africk They Reigned in Peace for three Years at the end of which Constantine shewing that he was not content with his own share set upon Constant in his own Country their two Armies met near Aquilia where Constantine being killed before he was The Death of Constantine the Second acknowledged the Provinces under his Rule submitted themselves to Constant Constantine the second with his Brother Constant making a constant Profession of the Faith of the Council of Nice had prevailed with Constance to re-establish Athanasius in his Bishoprick but he was again put out by a Council held at Antioch the Number of the Arrians prevailing against the Orthodox Party But he being return'd to Rome Bishop Julius Successor to Marcus did there Bishops of Rome assemble a Council who asserted the Innocency of Athanasius The Eastern Bishops who had not been at that Council did not acquiesce to it and therefore call'd another Council composed of Bishops of both parts of the Empire The Council of Sardis to assemble at Sardis in the upper part of Illyrâ—a Osius Bishop of Cordova was there chose to preside over 170 Bishops who were there met as well Eastern as Western As the Number of the last was somewhat greater than the first it was so decreed that Athanasius should be re-invested in his Bishoprick But the Eastern Bishops reassembled at Philippolis in Thrace and there Assembled at Philippolis made Decrees contrary to those of Sardis However Athanasius did not fail to return to his Church For Constance could not refuse to re-establish him by reason of the pressing Instances that Constant urg'd in his behalf Constant was truly Orthodox as to his Faith but given up to his Pleasures neglecting much the Care of his Affairs it was easie for Magnentius one of the chief Officers of his Army to take away his Life and to cause himself to Constant killed by Magnentius the Tyraâ—â— be received Emperor by the Army in Rome it self Constance having heard the News while he was making War against the Persians made a Peace with them and created Caesar his Cousin Gallus to Govern in his Gallus Caesar Absence in the East and so marched Westward against Magnentius From Christ 350. This War lasted two Years before the two Armies came to a decisive Battle at last it was fought near to Murza in Pannonia Magnentius was there worsted but Magnentius 〈◊〉 come not so much as to hinder him from retreating in good Order towards Gaul Constance followed him and wholly routed his Army near Lyons The Vanquish'd Killed himself kill'd himself out of Despair after he had with his own Hands killed his Mother and some of his nearest Relations From Christ 353. Constance thereupon being acknowledg'd sole Emperor exercis'd his Power most cruelly towards his Cousin Gallus Caesar The Death of Gallus Caesar whom he put to Death upon light grounded Suspicions and even against the Orthodox Bishops who agreed to the Decisions of the Council of Nice to which Constance was averse being an Arrian So Constance an Arrian that he expelled Athanasius from his See and persecuted him even to the Hazard of his Life From Christ 355. They put in his place a most wicked Man called Georgius who committed a thousand Mischiefs in that Church Liberius was likewise expelled at the See of Rome because
of the Sects of the Theopaschytes Eutychians From Christ 492. Faelix had also condemned Acacius Bishop of Constantinople because he had consented out of Complaisance to the Emperor Zeno that those two Hereticks might possess those two great Sees Theodoric Sur-named Veronensis from his taking that City King of the Ostrogots or Eastern Goths had rendred considerable Services to the Emperor Zeno and as a Recompence he demanded to have his Consent others say Zeno invited him to make War against Odoacre King of Italy to which he willingly complied So Theodoric having past into Italy there The War between Odoacre and Theodoric was a bloody War between him and Odoacre Both of them behaved themselves very bravely so that the Business could not be decided by Arms. At length Theodoric being more politick after he had besieged Odoacre above three Years in Ravenna made use of very indirect Ways He proposed an Agreement and during the Treaty he invited Odoacre to a Banquet where he had him treacherously killed So ended Odoacre killed by Theodoric The Kingdom of the Ostrogots in Italy The French Christians the Kingdom of the Herules in Italy and then began that of the Ostrogots which Theodoric firmly established From Christ 493. The French embrac'd Christianity with their King Clouis by the Ministry of St. Remy Bishop of Reims Some time before Clouis had put out of Gaul all who remained of the Romans so that there was none of them left From Christ 496. Gelasius Bishop of Rome Successor to Bishops of Rome Faelix died Gelasius was to be commended that he made a just Collection of the Canonical Books of Scripture and to have set down as Apocriphal many that past before for Canonical From Christ 498. Anastatius the Second his Successor having held the See but two Years there arose a Schism between Symachus and Laurentius both chose by different Factions of the Clergy and People This Division caused many Disorders and also Murders which continued to the End of this Age. From Christ 500. The Sixth Age. AT the Beginning of the Sixth Age the East afforded nothing remarkable for History From Christ 501. But in the West Theodoric expelled out of Pannonia the Bulgarians who had made an Incursion there From Christ 505. Clouis had married Clotilda Niece to The Exploits of Theodoric Gondibald King of the Burgundians This King had put to Death three of his Brothers one of whom was Father to Clotilda which occasioned a War between Clouis and Gondebald in which the latter conquered the greatest part of Burgundy only Savoy and Provence remained to Gondemar Son to Gondebald From Christ 506. Clouis added to this Conquest all that Clouis ' s Exploits the Wisigots possess'd in Gaul after he had vanquish'd and killed their King Alaric in a Battle fought near Poitiers and after that having overcome Amalaric the Son of Alariâ— near Bourdeaux the Vanquish'd fled for Refuge to Theodoric King of Italy who was his Grand-father by the Mother's side And by his help Amalaric recovered almost all he had lost in Gaul From Christ 509. This unfortunate Success with some others that attended Clouis towards the end of his Life reduc'd him to an extream Melancholly and so very much indisposed him that he died in his middle Age. His Death From Christ 511. According to his last Will his four His Four Sons Sons divided his Dominions among them and each of them had the Titles of King of the French Symachus Bishop of Rome Successor to Bishop of Rome Anastatius the Second died From Christ 514. Anastatius Emperor of the East had applauded and congratulated the Conquests Anastatius Emperor of Clouis by a solemn Embassy and sent him the Consulary Ornaments with a rich Crown which Clouis consecrated to the Church of St. Peter's at Rome While Anastatius reigned he favoured the Eutychians He was afraid of Thunder and built him a round House to secure himself from it but all in vain For in a violent Storm of Thunder and Lightning His Death he was found dead in his Bed-Chamber at the Age of 88 Years From Christ 518. Justin his Successor who from a very Justin his Successor low Birth having been a common Soldier rose to the highest Command in the Army and in the Empire He redress'd those Disorders had been a long time in the Church by a Schism between the Western and the Eastern Churches occasioned by Acatius who notwithstanding the Excommunications of Faelix Bishop of Rome had discoursed with the two Peters Mungus and Foulon Bishops of Alexandria and Antioch who favoured the Theophasticks Hormisdas Bishop of Rome and Successor Bishopâ— of Rome to Symachus died John who succeeded Hormisdas was sent by King Theodoric in an Embassy to the Emperor Justin upon whose Head he set the Imperial Crown The first that ever was Crowned by the Roman Pontiff For which at his Return Theodoric under pretence that he had not faithfully acquitted himself of his Commission put him in Prison where he died of extream Want From Christ 526. Theodoric upon false Suspicions had put Simmachus and Boetius to Death Symachus with his Son-in-Law Boetius who were qualified for Consuls and were Persons of high Merit Theodoric being one Day at Table imagined he saw the Head of Symachus instead of the Head of a great Fish served up before him which put him into so great a Fright that he fell into a violent Fever of which he died leaving his Dominions to Athalaric The Death of Theodoric Son of his Daughter Amalazuntha Widow of Euthairc Aurelius Cassidorus a very Learned and Orthodox Person was Secretary to Theodâ—ric tho' that Prince was an Arrian yet Cassiodorus The Tripartite History Cassidorus after the Death of his Master retired from the World and compiled many excellent Works among others the Tripartite History taken from that of Eusebius Socrates and Zozimenus adding to it what happened since the last even to his Time The good and pious Emperor Justin dying had his Nephew Justinian for his Successor The Death of Justin Justinian his Successor who in the beginning of his Reign caused to be collected and put in order the Roman Laws Among the Civilians who laboured Tribonien the Civil Lawyer three Years about them the famous Trebonianus was particularly taken Notice of This great Work consisted of fifty digested Books or Pandects the four first of Institutes and those which contained the New or Authentick Constitutions From Christ 530. Faelix the fourth Bishop of Rome who Bishops of Rome succeeded John died this Year and had for his Successor Boniface who kept not the See above eleven Months Bellisarius went by Order of Justinian Bellisarius in Africk his Master to make War against the Vandals in Africk having ruined their Forces in the Field he besieged and took Carthage The end of the Kings of the Vandals in Africk in which
Dreams God as is set down in the first Book of that Prophet Where also is related the Interpretation of Nebuchadnezar's two Dreams In this time lived Arion Alciceus and Epimenides Learned Men. Greek Poâ—ts with Sappho the Poetess Pythagoras the Philosopher Nebuchadnezar took Tyre from Itabulus Nebuchadnezar takes Tyrâ— and so put an end to that Kingdom of which Itabulus was the last King of the Race of Hiram Contemporary with Solomon that Dinasty having lasted from the time of Agenor and Phaenix Of the World 3432. before Ch. 572. Nebuchadnezar past into Egypt and easily Nebuchadnezar King of Egypt conquered it having found it divided by a Civil War between Apries and Amasis the former lawful King having been expelled by the Conqueror Tarquinius Priscus the fifth King of Rome Tarquinius Priscus was killed by the Sons of Ancus Martius his Predecessor This was that Tarquinius Priscus who establish'd Triumphs for those who had obtained a signal Victory over their Enemies Nebuchadnezar grown proud of the most Nebuchadnezar turned Beast stately Buildings he had erected in Babylon was by a Judgment of God reduc'd to the Condition of a Beast for the space of seven Years Of the World 3435. before Ch. 569. After which acknowledging his Sins and giving all Glory to God he was restored to his Reason and Kingdom Of He is re-establish'd the World 3442. before Ch. 562. His Son and Successor Evilmerodach Evilmerodach delivered Jeconias out of Prison After two Years Reign Evilmerodach was killed by Neriglisser his Brother-in-Law Neriglisser King of Babylon whose Son Laborascadus succeeded him but Reigned only nine Months and then was killed and a Son of Evilmerodach was plac'd on the Throne He was called Balthazar by Daniel by Barotius Balthazar King of Babylon Naboniclus by Herodotus Labinithus Of the World 3448. before Ch. 556. Astiages King of Media being dead had Darius or Cyaxar the Second to succeed him Ciaxar the Second who was called Darius in the Book of Daniel This King gave the Command of his Armies to Cyrus his Nephew and Son-in-Law Cyrus The Gauls under the Conduct of Cigorais Cigorais Bellorais and Bellorais past into Italy and became Masters of that part which is called Gaule Cisalpine Croesus the last King of Lydia who descended Croesus from Giges was taken Prisoner in a Battle by Cyrus who saved his Life when he was just ready to be burnt upon hearing him call on the Name of Solon the Athenian Of the World 3456. before Ch. 548. Historians record the Death of the fair Panthea Abradates Panthea who killed herself on the Body of her Husbaud Abradates slain in the Battle that Cyrus gained over Croesus Aesop lived at that time Aesop The end of the Empire of Assyria The end of the Empire of Assiria and Babylon by the Death of Balthazar and the taking of Babylon in the very same Night that Balthazar made a most impious Feast mentioned in the Fifth Chapter of Daniel Of the World 3466. before Ch. 538. So the Assyrian Empire devolved to the The Empire of the Medes Medes in the Person of Ciaxar the Second or Darius to whom Cyrus his Son-in-Law resigned all his Conquests In the Time of the Seven Years Captivity of the Jews in Babylon flourish'd in Greece the Seven Wise Men called Thales The Seven Wise Men of Greece the Milesian Châ—lon the Lacedâ—monian Cleobulus of Câ—rinth Byas of Prienae Pittacus of Mitelene and Solon of Salamis This was he who gave milder and more easie Laws to the Athenians than those of Draco which were so very severe and cruel that it was said of them they were writ in Blood Cambyses King of Persia and Darius or The Empire of Persia Cyaxar the Second King of the Medes both being dead Cyrus Son to the one and Nephew to the other succeeded in all their Principalities and gave Beginning to the Empire of the Persians which extended from the Hellâ—â—p 〈…〉 to India Of the World 3468. before Ch. 536. Cyrus in the First Year of his Reign set The Jews 〈◊〉 at Liberty the Jews at Liberty and they returned into their own Country under the Conduct of Zâ—rubbabel Son of Salathiel Son of Jeconias King of Judah Cyrus died according to some Writers Cyrus ' s Death in the War against Thomiris Queen of Scythia contrary to the Testimony of Xenophon who writes that this Prince died in his Bed at Pasaâ—gade in Persia Of the World 3475. before Ch. 529. Servius Tullius the Sixth King of Rome Servius Tullius was killed by his Son-in-Law and Successor Tarquinius Superbus Of the World 3476. before Ch. 528. Cambyses subdues Egypt Pzametticus Governour of Egypt having â—ook upon him the Title of King Cambyses Son and Successor to Cyrus went thither and subjected it yet he lost two Armies in the Desarts of Lybia one which he sent to plunder the Temple of Jupiter Ammon and the other which he sent against the Aethiopians Of the World 34â—1 beâ—ore Ch. 523. At this time flourish'd the Poet Anacreon Anacreon Policrates Friend of Polycrates Tyrant of Samos who had been a Friend to Amasis but this latter renounc'd the Friendship of that â—yrant because he judged that so much continual good Fortune could not be attended without some remarkable Misfortune Cambyses had caus'd his Brother Smerdis to be secretly kill'd In the mean while the Magus Patisites plac'd on the Throne his own Brother Oropastes under the Name of Smerdis because he exactly resembled The Impostor Smerdis the Prince of the same Name Of the World 3482. before Ch. 522. This News made Cambyses leave Egypt to return into Persia but he diâ—d by the Way of a Wound he received by his own Sword as he lighted off from his â—orse Cambyses Death He was woundâ—d in the Thigh in the same Place and by the same Sword with which he had wounded the God Apis in Egypt The Impostor Smerdis was killed by Seven of the chief Sâ—trapâ—s of the Kingdom of which Number Darius Son of Darius King of Persia Istapes was chosen King by the cunning Intrigue of Othanes Zopyrus a Friend to this King shewed Zopyrus him the Means to reduce Babylon under his Obedience Of the World 3493. before Ch 501. Tarquinius Superbus was driven out of Tarquinius Superbus â—xpelled Rome Rome for Reasons sâ—t down in the Roman History He was the seventh and last of the Kings of Rome who there Reigned for the space of 245 Years In their place were elected two Consuls The Election of Consuls annually The first Year they chose five to wit Valerius Publicola and Collatinus the Husband of Leucretia Of the World 3500. before Christ 504. But he having been turn'd out because he was of the Family of the Tarquins they constituted in his place Junius Brutus who was killed in the Battle against Porsâ—nna and in his place