in Judah and Jerusalem because Jeroboam and his Sons had cast them off from executing the Priest's Office With the Tribe of Judah is also to be reckoned that of Simeon whose possessions were within the Inheritance of Judah Josh 19.9 for which that part of the division that fell to it was too much Part also of the Danites had it's seat within that of Judah for it appeareth that they had some Towns in the division of the Land which formerly had been assigned to the Children of Judah who as hath been observed had so large a Country at first assigned to them rather to protect and defend than solely to possesse it All these still remained the Subjects of Rehoboam though ten Tribes are said to have revolted the Tribe of Dan being attributed to Jeroboam for that Dan the chief City was within his dominions and because the Tribe of Manasseh being separated and divided into two parts might be reckoned for two Tribes The Kingdom thus divided the Northern parts fell off but the Southern continued in obedience to the Son of Solomon whose successors henceforth are called Kings of Judah as those of Jeroboam Kings of Israel and yet this distinction is not alwaies observed Jehosaphat being called King of Israel 2 Chron. 31.2 28.19 and also Ahaz though we know they were both Kings of Judah of that division onely 2. Rehoboam purposed to make War upon the Tribes but 1 King 12.14 admonished by God gave over the enterprize of invading them with 180000 Men although there was continuall War betwixt the two Kings all their dayes The Priests and Levites that were driven into Judah reteined it in the true religion three years but when Rehoboam had established himself He and his Subjects rebel against God he forsook the Law of the Lord and all Israel with him committing sins above all that their Fathers had done They built them high-places images and groves on every high hill and under every green tree there were Sodomites in the Land and they did according to the abhomination of those Nations which the Lord cast out before the Children of Israel Because of this the fifth year of his reign Shishak King of Aegypt perhaps invited by Jeroboam who had lived with him in exile came up against him with 1200 Chariots 60000 Horse-men and innumerous people out of Aegypt the Lubims Sukkiims and Aethiopians with which he took garrisons in Judah and pierced as far as Jerusalem Afflicted they humble themselves and are delivered Rehoboam and his Princes humbling themselves at the preaching of Shemaiah thereby obtained deliverance which yet was to be bought at an high rate For Shishak took away the treasures of the house of the Lord and the Kings house with all the golden shields which Solomon had made in the room of which Rehoboam put others of brasse He died after he had reigned seventeen years Abiah 3. Abiah his Son succeeded him whose Mother is in one place (a) 2 Chron. 11.20 named Maachah the Daughter of Absalom and in another (b) Chap. 13.2 Micajah Daughter to Uriel of Gibeah A. M. 3043. Some think she was the Daughter of Tamer which might be married to this Uriel and adopted by Absalom who seemeth to have left no issue He imitated the impiety of his Father his heart not being perfect before the Lord his God and yet God remembring the Covenant made with David brought him by a fatherly correction into order and acknowledgement of his Soveraignty 1 Kings 15. He also warred with Jeroboam all his dayes who coming up against him with 800000 Men he joyned battell with him having but half so many and yet trusting in God obtained Victory and killed 500000 Israelites the greatest number we read to have fallen in one battel He took from him Bethel Jeskanah and Ephraim with their Towns neither did Jeroboam recover his strength in his time Abijah waxed mighty married fourteen Wives begat two and twenty Sons and fifteen Daughters Yet he reigned but three years Asa A. M. 3046. 4. Asa his Son succeeded him in the 20th year of Jeroboam ending 1 Kings 15. 2 Chron. 14.15 16. Chap. and did that which was righteous in the sight of the Lord. He reformed what was amisse commanding his Subjects to seek the God of their Fathers in his time the Land had rest ten years In his 11th year according to Josephus came Zerach the Aethiopian against him with 1000000 Men of Cashaeans inhabiting Arabia where also Zerach his Aethiopia is onely to be found and Labaeans besides 300 Chariots To those he opposed himself with 300000 of Judah and 280000 of Benjamin and calling upon his God obtained the Victory which he prosecuted and got much bootie Returnnig to Jerusalem he was so wrought upon by the words of Azariah the Prophet the Son of Oded as together with his own Subjects and others that fell to him in abundance out of Israel he sacrificed to and made a Covenant with God Then proceeding in the reformation of his Kingdom he removed Maaca his Grand-mother from her dignity because she was the patronesse of Idolatry Baasa now who reigned in Israel provoked with the revolt of his Subjects and jealous of the growing power of Asa came up against him and built Rama in the 36th year from the division lest any should go in or out to him Asa to divert him hired Benhadad the King of Syria to invade Israel This Ben-hadad was the Son of Tabrimmon and Grand-son to Hezrin or Rezin the first King of Damascus and from him the Sirname of Hadad descended upon his Posterity He smote Jion Dan Bethmaach all Civeroth with the Land of Napthali and constrained Baasa to leave off building Ramah Asa then destroyed Ramah and with the stones thereof built Seba and Mizpah but was checked by God for not trusting in him but putting his confidence in the King of Syria and War for this was denounced to be upon him all his dayes Hereat he grew angry with the Seer that brought the message and oppressed some of his people and for this was punished with the Gout in his later dayes for a remedy to which he had recourse to the Physitians and not to God So he died in the 41 year of his reign Jehosaphat 5. Jehosaphat succeeded him to a good Father a better Son 1 Kings 22. A. M. 3087. In his third year he sent the Levites throughout the Cities to teach the people having removed the Sodomites out of the Land He married his Son Jehoram to Athaliah the Daughter of Ahab King of Israel and in his 18th year made him Vice-King This affinity drew him down with Ahab to fight against Ramoth-Gilead where Ahab received his death's wound and he escaped narrowly with his life For joyning himself with this wicked King he was sorely chidden by Jehu the Prophet the Son of Hanani which so affected him as he reformed his Subjects 2
Chron. 19 20 21. chap. travelling himself from Beersheba unto Mount Ephraim to accomplish it he also constituted Judges to whom he gave a pious and strict charge After this the Moabites Ammonites and a great multitude of others invaded him against which he first strove by Prayer to God and thereby obtained Victory his Enemies being so stricken with madnesse that they fell upon and slaughtered one another Afterwards intending to send Ships for gold to Ophir because he joyned with wicked Ahaziah King of Israel the Lord spoiled the works and the Ships were broken at Esion-geber Some think he made his Son Partner in the Kingdom it self having formerly been but his Vicegerent a year or two before he died He reigned 25 years or rather 24 with some odd months Joram 6. To Jehosaphat succeeded Joram being 32 years old 2 Chron. 21. A. M. 3109. to the best Father the worst Son who being established in his Seat made away all his Brethren and some of the Princes In his dayes the Edomites or Idumaeans who hitherto from the time of David had been in subjection to the Kings of Judah revolted They had heretofore been governed by a Vice-Roy chosen either out of themselves or the Jews but now they made themselves a King the Prophecie of Isaac the common Progenitor of both Nations being now fulfilled that though Esau should serve his younger Brother Jacob yet the time should come when he should break the yoak from off his neck Gen. 27.40 At the same time Libnah a City of the Priest's in the Tribe of Judah revolted because he had forsaken the God of his Fathers for having married Ahab's Daughter he followed the example of his house making high-places in the Mountains of Iudah and causing his Sujects to commit Idolatry therein Because of this 2 Chron. 21. vers 12. there came a Writing to him from the Prophet Elijah rebuking him for his sin and foretelling his punishment Elijah being before this taken up to Heaven the Jews have believed that this Letter was sent down thence Some think there was another Prophet of this name but most are inclined to believe that foreseeing before his assumption the Idolatry of this man he left this Letter with his Schollers to be delivered to him in due time According to the threatnings therein contained God first stirred up against him the Philistins and Arabians who making an invasion took away all his goods his wives and sons except Jehoahaz the youngest otherwise called Ahaziah and Azariah Afterwards God struck him with an incurable disease in his bowels which after two years came out of his body so that he miserably died having reigned eight years three whereof are to be reckoned in conjunction with his father He was buried without honour at Jerusalem not in the Sepulcher of Kings not desired missed nor lamented Ahaziah A. M. 3116. 7. 2 Kings 8. 2 Chron. 22. Ahaziah his son succeeded him who followed the steps of his Grand-father Ahab's wicked family and became a Patron of Idolaters But having scarce reigned one year he went down to Jezreel to visite his Uncle Joram King of Israel where they were both killed by Jehu 2 Kings 9. Joram being slain outright and Ahaziah dying shortly after of his wound at Megiddo Athaliah his mother seized upon the Kingdom Athaliah usurpeth Chap. 11. 2 Chron. 24. wherein to establish her self she destroyed all the Royal seed Onely Jehosheba the daughter of Joram and wife to Jehojada the High-Priest withdrew Joash an infant her brother's son and hid him six years in the house of God At the end of these years Jehojada brought him out to the people then seven years old and anointing him King slew Athaliah restored the worship of God and destroyed the house of Baal whose Priest Matthan he slew before the Altar Joas 8. Joas then succeeded his father after six years 2 Kings 12. A. M. 3122. who did what was good and just as long as Jehojada the Priest lived and through his advice took care to repair the Temple which now had stood 155 years But Jehojada being dead who lived 130 years the Jews observing that he the repairer of the Temple was born the same year that the builder thereof died Idolatry brake out afresh through his connivance The Prophets exclaimed against it in vain especially Zacharias the son and successor of Jehojada against whom Joas was so far transported beyond the bound's of piety gratitude to his father's memory that he commanded him to be stoned and that in the Court of the house of the Lord. Whil'st as he died he said The Lord look upon it and requite it So he did for after a years time the forces of Hazael King of Syria though but small invaded Judah destroyed all the Princes of the people and sent the spoyl to their King Joas himself they left very sick of great diseases but when they were departed from him his own servants conspired against him for the bloud of the sons of Jehojada the Priest and slew him on his bed in the 40th year of his reign A. M. 3160. 9. Amaziah his son succeeded him Chap. 14. who also seemeth to have reigned with him the three last years seeing he is said to have begun his reign in the second year of Joas King of Israel When he was confirmed in his seat 2 Chron. 25. A. M. 3160. he put those to death that slew his father sparing their Children according to the Law of Moses In his 12th year he undertook an expedition against the Edomites with 300000 of his own Subjects and 100000 Israelites which he hired for 100 Talents of silver But as he was about to begin his march a Prophet dehorted him from joyning to himself the Idolatrous Israelites so that he dismissed them and they returned home in great discontent He prospered against the Idumaeans but the Souldiers dismissed fell upon his Cities and smiting 300 of them took much spoyl Yet he at his return to amend the matter having brought home the gods of the Edomites set them up to be his gods bowed down before them and burnt incense to them The Lord being sore angry for this sent first a Prophet to him whom he rejected But burning with a desire to be revenged upon the Israelites he sent and defied Joas their King who admonished him to be well advised but this being in vain they met and joyned battel wherein Amaziah was taken and led back to Jerusalem the Wall of which Citie Joas demolished 400 Cubits and plundering the house of the Lord with the Kings house then departed Fifteen years after Amaziah lived but then having turned away from following the Lord a conspiracy was made against him in Ierusalem whence he fled to Lachish and there was slain by the pursuers after he had reigned 29 years Uzziah 10. He left a son named Uzziah and Azariah who succeeded him 2 Kings 15. but being
said to have begun his reign in the 27th year of Ieroboam 2 Chron. 26. King of Israel an Inter-regnum of twelve years must needs have passed betwixt his father's death and his beginning the Kingdom all this time having perhaps A. M. 3201. been governed by a Lieutenant or the High-Priest When he came to the Age of 16. all the people of Iudah took him and made him King in the room of his father and under him the State of Iudah much flourished He fought prosperously against the Philistins and Arabians that dwelt in Gur-Baal and Mehunims or Minaeans dwelling in Arabia the Happie upon the Red-Sea the Ammonites sought to him with presents and his name was great in those parts About his 35th year was celebrated in Greece the first Olympiad that great help to our understanding in the distinction of times He invaded the Priests Office in Offering Sacrifice and for that was strucken with Leprosie which continued upon him till his death living in an house by himself and Iotham his son ordering the affairs of the Kingdom He reigned 52 years Jotham 11. Iotham his son succeeded him who prevailed against the Ammonites 2 Chron. 27. and forced them to pay Tribute two years He became mighty A. M. 3253. because he prepared his wayes before the Lord his God he built the High-Gate of the Temple much on the Wall of Ophal Moreover Olymp. 5. an 4. Cities in the Mountains of Iudah and in the Forrests thereof Castles and Towers Under him his Predecessor and his two Successors prophesied Isaiah and Hosea Micah began in his time and Nahum also according to Iosephus prophesied the destruction of Niniveh which was fulfilled 115 years after though others think the beginning of these years should rather be placed in the time of his son A. M. 3269. Olymp. 9. an 2. 2 Kings 16. 2 Chron. 28. He reigned sixteen years and was succeeded by Ahaz his son Ahaz whose reign if it be compared with that of Pechah and Hosea Kings of Israel it will appear that he reigned seven or eight years with his father He did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord walking in the wayes of the Kings of Israel he made molten Images for Baalam burnt Incense in the Valley of the son of Hinnom burnt his Children in the fire Sacrificed and burnt Incense in the high places on the Hills and under every green Tree Because of this God stirred up Pekah King of Israel and Rezin the son of Remaliah King of Syria against him who invaded his Kingdom and did much hurt Rezin got Elath which Uzzias had recovered and built the King of Israel gave him a grievous overthrow the Edomites also afflicted him and the Philistins whom Uzziah had brought under made inroads upon him Suspecting his Estate because of these things he sent to Tiglath-Pileser King of Assyria for help presenting him with the Silver and Gold which was found in the Temple 12. Tiglath-Pileser accordingly came up and taking Damascus Nicol. Damascenus apud Iosephum Antiq l. 7. c. 6. killed Rezin in whom fell this Kingdom which having continued ten Generations and begun in a Rezin ended in one of that name Then turned he his Forces upon Pekah transporting into Assyria the Inhabitants of Gilead and Naphthali as formerly he had done those of Damascus But Achaz to procure those things having made himself his Vassal was yet never the better remained in great fear of him and still continued in his wickednesse He made his son Hezekiah for his three last years partner with him in the Kingdom and at the end thereof died having reigned together with his father and by himself 16 years Hezekiah Hezekiah succeeding A. M. 3276. Olymp. 12. an 3. opened the Temple which his father had shut and reformed the abuses in Religion He brake in pieces the brazen Serpent 2 Kings 18. 2 Chron. 29. c. because the Superstitious multitude fancying some Divine vertue therein gave it suitable Worship He shook off the yoak of the King of Assyria refusing to pay Tribute for which cause in his fourteenth year Senacherib being to make War upon Egypt led part of his Forces into Judaea Besieging Lachish Hezekiah bargained with him to depart but he brake his promise and sent Rabshakes with others to Jerusalem who blaspheming God and reproaching the King laboured to draw the people from their obedience This being to no purpose Rabshakes returned to him who had now departed from Lachish and besieged Libnah a strong Citie of Judah removing still nearer Jerusalem that he might seem to pursue what he had given in charge to Rabshakes to denounce against Hezekiah 13. But lying before Libnah news came that Tirhakah King of Aethiopia who as it seemeth had entred into conspiracy with the Egyptian against him was moving towards him at which he was so terrified that he brake up his siege and departed homewards Yet having a greedy mind towards Judaea he sent a blasphemous Letter full of threats to Hezekiah but he lost in one night by the stroak of an Angel 180000 men as some think being on his way towards Jerusalem and confounded hereat returned to Niniveh where he was slain by his two sons Adramelech and Sharezer as he was worshipping in the house of Misroch his God In the time of these dangers Esay 38.8 Hezekiah fell sick unto death the sentence of which he received from Isaiah the Prophet But by his prayers and tears he obtained a prolongation of life for fifteen years and in confirmation of the promise the shadow of the degrees which was gone down in the Sun-dyal of Ahaz was brought ten degrees backward and it followeth The Sun returneth ten degrees backward So the Sun returned ten degrees by which degrees it was gone down As for this Sun-dyal it's thought that in those ancient times the knowledge of Dyals was scarce amongst the Hebrews Yet is it possible that Achaz might have something of that nature though imperfect from the Babylonians who were of old much given to Astrology he being otherwise too curious an admirer of forrein things as appeareth in that he must needs have such an Altar made and erected at Ierusalem as he had seen at Damascus That the Sun went back hath been generally believed Gregory of Oxford but one of late hath gone about to prove that the shadow was lyable to reduction without retrocession of the great Luminary 14. 2 Chron. 32.31 The knowledge of this miracle coming to the Babylonians who by reason of their continual observation of the Heavenly bodies might have more occasion to take notice of it Merodach-Baladan their King sent to Hezekiah to congratulate his recovery desirous it 's likely of his friendship whom he had understood to be so much in the favour of God especially bearing no goodwill to the Assyrians He in a vain ostentation of his Wealth shew'd the Ambassadours all his Treasures
years of age had a Son named Nachor And Nachor one when he was 29 called Terah or Thare Abram 2. Terah being 70 years old begat Abram Nachor and Haran Vers 26. Not that all these were born at the same time or are to be accounted in age as we find them in order What year of his Father he was born De istis lege Ludov. Cappellum Chronol Sacra notis ad Tabulam 5. Joh. Gerard. Vossii Isagog Chronolog Dissert 5. c. 6. Jacob. Cappell Hist Sacra Exotica ad A. M. 2003 multus alios priority in years not being constantly observed in Scripture but rather that of piety and true worth Haran is to be reckoned as the eldest who died at Ur of the Chaldees before his Father departed thence and left 3 children viz. one Son named Lot and two Daughters Milcah married to his Brother and her Uncle Nahor and Sarai or Iscah to Abram The second was Nahor Father to Chesed or Chased and so Abram the youngest because he was born not in the 70th as hath been thought but 130 year of his Father For Terah lived in all (a) Vers 32. 205 year and died in Charan Abram when he came out of Charran which (b) Acts 7. â—4 Stephen saith was after his Father's death was (c) Gen. 12.4 75 years old which being deducted out of 205 130 years will remain But if he was born in the 70 year of his Father then at his death was he 135 years old and having Isaac born to him when 100 in the Land of Canaan he must with him have returned back to Charran which seemeth very incredible or else he left it not at his Father's death as Stephen must make us believe he did 3. Abram therefore was born in the 130 year of his Father's life A. M. 2008. and the 2008th of the World as is clear from the ages of all his Progenitors taken at the births of their Sons and laid together About the 70 year of his age God commanded him to leave his Father's house SECT I. Gen 11.12 Acts 7. and come into the Land which he should shew him promising to make of him a great Nation to blesse him and in him all the Families of the Earth He obeying this command drew on his Father also with him He cometh from Ur to Canaan and so together with Lot the Son of Haran and Sarai Abram's wife they came from Ur of the Chaldaeans to Charran and dwelt there A. M. 2078. Dwelling there seemeth to intimate a longer stay than of one year so that some probably think 5 years to have been there spent For Terah now very old might detein them by his weaknesse they being unwilling to leave him till they saw him either recovered or dead But after his death mindfull of God's command they left Charran and came into the Land of Canaan Thence into Canaan This journey from Ur to Charran was the beginning of the 430 years of his and his posteritie's sojourning in a strange Land the promise also made to him being so many years before the promulgation of the Law in Mount Sinai as the Apostle Paul hath observed 4. The first place of Canaan in which Abram made any stay was Sichem Gen. 12. where God again appeared to him and renewed his Promise another of giving that Land to his Seed being added to it and in this place he built the first Altar to the Lord. Thence he removed towards the hilly Country and the Eastern tract of Luz afterwards called Bethel where he built another Altar and so proceeded into the Southern Coasts whence a Famine drove him into Aegypt Sojourneth in Aegypt There he sojourned and taught the Aegyptians Astrology which Josephus saith they were ignorant of till he communicated to them the knowledge of it and of Arithmetick His wife being beautifull for fear of his life he counterfeited himself her Brother so that Pharaoh began to cast his affections on her till plagued by God he was constrained to dismisse them both in peace Out of Aegypt then he returned to that place between Hai and Bethel where he built the second Altar Chap. 13. Now was he and Lot grown so rich that no longer could they conveniently live together Lot being departed to the Plains of Sodom God again renewed his promise to Abram which he more largely explained both as to the giving of the Land and the propagation of his Posterity After this as he was commanded he went and viewed the Land then pitch't his Tents in the Plain of Mamre neer Hebron where he built another Altar to the Lord. 5. At this time 4 Kings about the River Euphrates Chap. 14. viz. Amraphel King of Shinar oâ— Babylonia Arioch King of Ellasar thought to be Arabia because of a City upon the borders of that Country called Ellas Chedorlaomer King of Elam afterwards Persia and â—idal King of Nations thought to be many petty Kingdoms adjoyning to Phoenicia and Palaestine came and fought against the 5. Kings of the Pentapolis viz. Bera of Sodom Birsha of Gomorrah Shinab King of Admah Shemeber of Zebojim and the King of Bela afterwards called Zoar all who had 12 years served Chedorlaomer Recovereth Lot and the Booty from the 4 Kings and in the 1â—th rebelled They overthrew these five petty Princes led away much pillage and many Captives amongst which was Lot who then sojourned in Sodom Abram hearing this armed 318 servants and pursuing them recovered Lot and all the prey which he restored to the owners In his return Melchisedech whom some improbably make Sem King of Salem or Jerusalem Priest of the most high God brought forth Bread and Wine and blessed him to whom he gave the Tithes of all In this storie Abram is first called an Hebrew by Moses And there came one which had escaped and told Abram the Hebrew which word in Scripture is not found applied to any other before him 6. Some (d) Vide Bochartum Phaleg lib. 2. c. 10. think he was so called from Heber the Son of Salah and that this appellation onely was proper to his Family Why called an Hebrew because it kept the most antient or Hebrew tongue incorrupt But (e) Lege Ludov Cappell Chronol Sacra p. 111 c. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 others finding the word to signifie one that cometh from beyond the water or a Stranger think it was given to Abram upon no other account then because he came from beyond Euphrates None of Heber's Posterity being called so but onely he and some of his they think addeth much to their reason They conclude that the Hebrew language was not appropriate to Heber as a reward of his piety because those that descended of him used it not alwayes and to others besides his posterity it appeareth to have been natural They instance that Laban spake Syriack and the Canaanites and Philistins the Hebrew naturally as
exceeding rich and therefore requiring large room Esau departed to his former possession of Mount Seir Providence so ordaining it that when the Israelites should afterwards come to inherit Canaan his posterity might neither be destroyed nor displaced He was otherwise called Edom Edom. and from him Idumaea took it's name which seemeth from Strabo to have also included the Country of the Nabataeans And likely enough it is that he who married the Sister of Nebaioth might joyn himself to them and praeside over them This is the famous Heroe Vide Fulleâ— Miscell 4. c. 20. from whom not onely Idumaea but also the adjoyning Erithraean Edomaean or Red Sea all signifying the same thing was so called being known to the Greeks by the name of Erythras the same with Edom. 15. Gen. 41. But two years after Joseph had interpreted the Dreams of the servants of Pharaoh he was called up out of prison to explain the meaning of one which the King himself had dreamed This A. M. 2290. betokening 7 years of great plenty to come and after them as many of famine and it being necessary as he hinted to Pharaoh to chuse out some wise Man who being set over the Land should gather and preserve the fruits of the Earth against the time of want Pharaoh made choice of him being about 30 years old for this purpose he appointed him next to himself Joseph advanced and gave him in marriage Asenath the Daughter of Potipherah Priest of On or Heliopolis where Strabo writeth that the Priests of old time had their habitation on which be begat Ephraim and * A. M. 2297. Manasses According to his praediction 7 most plentiful years ensued wherein he gathered into store-houses the Corn that abounded and after them came 7 other of famine which praevailed sore both in Aegypt and the neighbouring Countries of Canaan and Arabia Chap. 42 43 c. Jacob amongst others wanting provisions in the 2d year of the famine sent his Sons down into Aegypt to buy Corn. Joseph knowing them though undiscovered accused them for coming as Spies cast them into prison and dismissed them not till Simeon the eldest of those which conspired against his life was bound and left as an Hostage for their bringing down of Benjamin that so their story might be confirmed of their being one Man's Sons and that their youngest Brother was left behind The next year being pressed with famine they returned and Benjamin with them whom their Father was constrained to let go Now after some further terrifying of them he made himself known and sent for his Father down into Aegypt Jacob understanding of his Son's life and promotion whom he had given over of a long time Jacob goeth into Aegypt A. M. 2298. for dead gladly went down and with him 66 Souls besides his Sons Wives in the 3d year of the famine of the World the 2298th aged 130 years 16. By Pharaoh's consent Joseph placed them in the Land of Goshen Chap. 47. and there nourished them during the famine He sold to the Egyptians the Corn formerly treasured up and therewith purchased for the King all their Money Goods and Lands except the Lands of the Priests which were not alienated The grounds he afterwards granted to the former owners Chap. 48 49. paying the fifth part of the profit to Pharaoh's use After Jacob had lived in Aegypt 17 years he adopted the two eldest Sons of Joseph viz. Manasses and Ephraim of whom the younger he preferred before the elder He called his Sons together blessed them and told them apart what should befall them in their posterity From Reuben his first born he took the preheminence because he had defiled his bed and gave it to Judah A. M. 2315. He prophecied of Christ's coming Dieth commanded them to bury him in the Cave of Machpelah in the Land of Canaan with his Ancestors and then died at the age of 147 years in the year of the World 2315. Joseph caused his servants the Physitians to embalme Israel and a mourning of 70 dayes or 72 was observed for him which number in that Country was onely proper to Kings Then obtaining leave of Pharaoh he and his Brethren with a great company of Courtiers carried him into the Land of Canaan Gen. 50. and buried him there according to his will where they also mourned for him 7 dayes 17. Being returned into Aegypt Joseph forgave his Brethren the fault they formerly had committed against him which now they feared he would revenge after their Father's death and as long as he lived he nourished them and their children This space of time was 54 years after his Father's death at the end whereof having exhorted them to Unity and Concord foretelling them their departure out of Aegypt Joseph dieth and commanding them thence to carry his Bones he dyed at the age of 110 years A. M. 2370. when he had governed Aegypt under severall Kings the space of 80. Trogus Pompeâ—us as appeareth out of Justin * Lib. 36. c. 2. his Epitomizer wrote many things concerning him partly taken out of the Sacred History partly mixed with such Fables as the Heathen were not wanting to invent concerning the Jews Abram Moses and Israel are made by him Kings of Damascus which City took it's name from their Predecessor Israel had ten Sons to whom he committed the Kingdom and commanded them to call themselves Jews from Judah who died before the division and whose portion was divided amongst them all The youngest of the 10 Sons was Joseph whose excellent wit his Brothers fearing they sold him to some Marchants that carried him down into Aegypt Here learning the Magick Arts he became very dear to the King having skill in working Wonders and interpretation of Dreams moreover nothing either Divine or Humane was beyond his reach insomuch that he foretold the barrennesse of the ground severall years before it hapned and all Aegypt had perished with famine but that the King by his advice caused Corn to be treasured up many years finally such was his knowledge that his answers seemed rather the Oracles of a God then the replies of a Man Then followeth that Moses was his Son who being both wise and beautiful became a leader to such Aegyptians as were infected with scab and itch and so returned to Damascus the Country of his Ancestors Which lyes with others hereafter to be mentioned are to be attributed to the malice of the Aegyptians With the life of Joseph endeth the first Book of Moses his history called by the Greeks Genesis which containeth the account of 2369 years of the World The next to it in order of time the Book of Job is thought to be of which Moses also is reputed Author by the common consent and opinion of the Hebrews 18. After the death of Joseph and all that generation Exod. 1. the Children of Israel increased abundantly and grew exceeding mighty so
it need not seem incredible that from about 70 persons in the space of 210 years so many should proceed For if but one man in the thirtieth year of his Age should begin to be a father and had but in all ten Children Vide Jacob. Cappell ad A. M. 2293. who also with their posterity should beget at the same Age that one man before 200 years would have descended from him of the sixth Generation 1000000. of the fifth 100000. of the fourth 10000. of great Grand-Children 1000. of Grand-Children 100. and of Children 10. But that the Israelites began to be fathers before the Age of thirty is more then probable nature * Mea memoria in civitate Lactoratensi Novempopulaniae puer minor annorum duodecim genuit ex puella consobrina sua quae nondum decimum annum expleverat Rem notam narro cujus memoria adhuc recens est in Aquitania Pater hoc ipse de se patri meo testatus est quod alioqui tunc ne pueri quidem ignorabant Scaliger in Parei Deut. 1. sometimes not requiring half that time and there is ground sufficient to think that they often exceeded the number of ten Children The Scripture relateth Abdon to have had fourty sons Abizara thirty and as many daughters Gideon seventy sons and Ahab as many Aegyptus Danaus Priamus and Darius are reported to have had fifty Children Artaxerxes Justin relateth to have had 115. and Hierotimus 600. These things to add no more prove the great increase of the Israelites to have been possible in the course of Nature although not without an especial providence 2. Moses had gathered the people together as Josephus writeth about Ramesses the chief Citie of Goshen that they might be in a readinesse and thence they came to Succoth where was their second station Here Moses propounded the command of God concerning the annual observation of the Passeover The Passeover annually to be observed and the Consecration of the first born A ready way hence to the Land of Canaan would have been through that of the Philistins but because the Israelites were born in slavery and therefore had but low and poor spirits to exercise them to stir them up and lest for want of experience they should be so terrified as to return God lead them another and longer way From Succoth therefore they came to Etham in the end of the Desart in two dayes whither God conducted them by a Pillar of a Cloud by day and Pillar of fire by night that never forsook them till they came to the Borders of the promised Land From Etham they journeyed to Pihahiroth and thence to the Red-sea Hither Pharoh pursued them with all his Forces repenting he had let them go They were there exceedingly struck with terrour and murmured against Moses for bringing them out of Egypt In this extremity God divided the waters of the Red-sea which being as a Wall on both sides to them they passed over on dry ground The Egyptians essayed also to pursue them in this place but the Pillar then removed from before them and placed it self between them giving light to the Israelites The Israelites passe the Red-Sea but causing great darknesse to their Enemies Hereupon ensued great consternation and a pannick fear amongst the Egyptians which causing great disturbance the Lord also fought against them and they fled But then the waters returned to their place and overwhelmed them all so that neither Pharoh nor any one of his men escaped This place of the Red-sea being here not at all fordable the sole power of God procured their passage though Josephus to gain credit to the story from the incredulous Heathen Vide Strabonem l. 14. p. 666. D. taketh off from the miracle by an unsutable comparing of it to Alexander the Great his passing the shoar of the Pamphylian-Sea which at low water was ever bare and at other times not very deep 3. From the Red-Sea they journeyed three dayes through the Wildernesse of Etham which as it seemeth stretcheth forth it self to both the sides of the Sea where they found no water Thence they came to Marah where they found water but bitter and thence the place had its name which bitternesse was removed by the casting in of a certain Tree which God shewed to Moses From Marah they came to their fifth station at Elim where were twelve Fountains of water and seventy Palm-Trees and thence to the Red-Sea which name seemeth to be applied to some Bay or Creek thereof From the Sea they came into the desart of Sin where they pitched their Tents on the fifteenth day of the second moneth after their departure Quails and Manna Here murmuring for flesh Quails were rained down upon the Camp at evening and in the morning was there found Manna which continued every morning to fall all the fourty years they abode in the Wildernesse This Wildernesse of Sin being very large and reaching as far as Mount Sinai they had several stations in it The ninth was at Diphka the tenth at Alush the eleventh at Rephidim where the people again murmuring for water the Rock being struck by Moses gushed out into streams Whil'st they here continued Exod. 17. the Amalekites descended from Amalek who was the son of Eliphaz and Grand son of Esau fell in upon their rear and made slaughter of the weaker sort Moses against them sent Joshua the son of Nun he himself in the mean time praying to God in the Mount And as long as his hands were lifted up the Israelites overcame but when he let them down the Amalekites prevailed so that Aaron his brother and Hur his sister Miriam's husband bore them up till the going down of the Sun 4. In the third moneth they removed Chap. 19.20 and took up their station in the desart of Sinai over against the Mountain Horeh which 't is thought was some part of Sinai and here they continued almost a year to the 20th day of the second moneth of the next year Upon this Mountain God gave the Law of the ten Commandments in a terrible manner on the 50th day after their coming out of Egypt The Decalogue as * Hieronymus ad Fabiolum Leo Serm. 1. de Pentecoste some of the Ancients apprehended The day after several other Laws were promulgated as it were Commentaries upon the Decalogue both Judicial and Ceremonial Then Moses having Offered Sacrifice read the book of the Law to the people and made a Covenant betwixt God and them and went up into the Mount where he remained fourty dayes six in the lower and cloudy and 34 in the highest and fiery part In this space of time he received advice concerning the structure of the Tabernacle the Ornaments and Consecration of Priests c. From this familiar Conversing of God with Moses the Heathen Law-givers took occasion to feign such a priviledge to themselves As amongst the Getes Zamolxis gave out he received
and whatsoever was in his house for which Isaiah the Prophet denounced the carrying away of all these things to Babylon For the pride of his heart there was wrath upon him and Iudah yet he humbled himself both he and the inhabitants of Iudah so that the wrath of the Lord came not upon them in his dayes He flourished in abundance of riches and honour stopped the upper water-course of Gihon and brought it streight down to the West-side of the Citie of David He reigned 29 years 3 whereof were together with his father being dead they buried him in the chiefest Sepulchers of the sons of David and all Iudah with the Inhabitants of Ierusalem did him honour at his death Manasses 15. Manasses his son succeeded him at the Age of twelve years 2 Kings 21. 2 Chron. 33. A. M. 3304. Olymp. 19. an 4. and therefore was begotten by him after his recovery He did evil in the sight of the Lord above those Nations which the Lord had cast out before Israel being more Idolatrous then any of his Predecessors he was also given to Witchcraft and Divinations built Altars for all the Host of heaven which he served in the two Courts of the house of the Lord wherein he also set up an Image of the Grove which he had made He filled Ierusalem with innocent bloud amongst other Martyrs Isaiah the Prophet as it 's said being sawn asunder with a wooden saw because he was free with him in reproving his ungodly life although he was of the bloud royal as the son of Amos the brother of King Amaziah according to the tradition of the Jews who also have related him to have been father-in-law nay as some Grand-father by the Mothers side to Manasses himself In such wickednesse continued he for several years till such time as God sent upon him the Captains of the King of Assyria Esarchaddon some think who took him lying hid amongst the thorns and carried him bound with fetters unto Babylon which City as it appeareth from this place was now again under the King of Assyria Here having leisure and occasion to bethink himself in his affliction he repented was humbled greatly and besought the Lord who heard his Prayer and restored him to his Kingdom After this he knew that the Lord was God and purged his Realm of Idolatry which Reformation the Jews make to have been in the 33th year before his death He reigned 55 years Amon. 16. Amon his Son succeeded him in his Kingdom and Idolatry A. M. 3359. Olymp. 33. an 4. but not in his Repentance worshipping and sacrificing to all the carved Images which his Father had made and going on to trespasse more and more After two years his servants conspired against him and slew him in his own house Chap. 34. all whom the people of the Land put to death and made Iosiah his Son a child of eight years old King in his stead Josiah He in the eighth year of his reign began to seek after the God of his Fathers and in his twelfth to cleanse his Kingdom and all the Land of Israel from Idolatry although the greatest part of the later was now subject to the King of Assyria 2 Kings 23. 2 Chron. 35. A. M. 3368. Olymp. 35. an 4. In the 18th year of his reign and of his age the 26th he commanded the Temple to be repaired and the Worship of God therein restored where also finding a Book of the Law he renewed the Covenant between God and the people and celebrated such a solemn Passeover as had not been kept in Israel since the time of the Judges Now if the time of the Judges and the Oppressions be not confounded but taken at their full length then this year being the 9â—0th ending or the 931th beginning from the entering into Canaan was the 7th of the 133 week or the last of the 19th Jubilie Iosiah in his 31th year ending disguised himself that he might fight with Necho King of Aegypt who was going up against the Assyrian and would not hearken to his words from the mouth of God labouring with him to refuse fighting against the Lord who had sent him and commanded him to make haste Therefore joyning battell with him in the Valley of Megiddo he was sore wounded and being carried to Ierusalem died there all Iudah and Ierusalem mourning and making great lamentation for him Jehoahaz 17. Whilst Pharaoh was busie in his affairs against the Assyrians the people made Jehoahaz the younger Son of Josias King 2 Chron. 36. A. M. 3392. Olymp. 41. an 4. who continued but three moneths in the dignity For Pharaoh having finished his work at Euphrates and in Coelesyria came to Jerusalem whence he led away into Aegypt this young King and left his elder Brother Eliakim in his place whose name he changed into Jehoiakim Jehoiakim imposing a taxe of a hundred talents of silver and a talent of gold upon the Land Though Jeoahaz be said to have reigned three moneths yet some will have a year to have passed betwixt the 31 year of Josias and the first of Jehoiakim partly for that Josias seemeth to have reigned something more than 31 years and some space would be taken up in so solemn a mourning for him before the instalment of Jehoahaz and also to consult about this thing seeing it was against right and custom to give this honour to the younger Brother lastly some time perhaps some moneths was requisite for setling the affairs of Judaea about the instalment of Jehoiakim and the tribute Ludovicus Cappellus moreover giveth a whole year to Jehoahaz and Jehoiakim though the Scripture speaketh but of three moneths a piece that the last year of Zedekiah might fall into the 390th year from the rent of the Kingdom of which more when we arrive at that time 18. Jehoiakim thus advanced by Pharaoh Necho was 25 years old when he began to reign which if so he was born in the fifteenth year of his Father's age as if Jehoahaz was 23 when he began his reign he must also have been born in the sixteenth of Josiah This maketh Josiah to have applied himself to procreation of children at least in the fourteenth year of his life which seeming too early and not agreeable to the Piety of that Prince there are that suspect for 25 ought to be read 15 and 13 for 23 so that the one might be born in the 24 and the other in the 25 year of his Father But thereis no necessity for such a reading of the Text. The fourth year of Jehoiakim fell in with the first of Nebuchadnezar King of Babylon Ierem. 25 1 3. and was the 23th from the 13th of the reign of Josias wherein Jeremiah the Prophet first began to prophesy and hence it also appeareth that Iosias reigned at least full 31 years and that one passed between his death and the beginning of Iehoiakim else 23 onely had passed betwixt the
onely this Law took no hold on Parents but such were constrained to continue three dayes imbracing the Carkeises Against Children who killed their Parents most exquisite punishment was devised for having first their flesh all cut and slashed and then being laid upon Thorns they were burnt quick Women condemned were not executed before their delivery For other Laws not-Capital it was enacted that Souldiers running from their Colours or disobeying their Officers should not dye but be branded with infamy as a means to excite them to regain their former credit If any held intelligence with the Enemy his Tongue was to be cut of his head They that imbased the Coyn used new weights counterfeited Seals Clarks that falsified and forged Records were to loose their hands Ravishment of a free woman was punished with the losse of the Members Adultery of the man with 1000 stroaks with a Rod of the woman with the losse of her Nose 39. Bocchoris enacted that he who denied the borrowing of any money should be absolved upon his Oath which was accounted as a sufficient purgation a mans credit being so much therein concerned Usury upon Bond was not to exceed the double of the principal for which it was lawfull to distrain the goods but in no wise to meddle with the person of the debtor that was owing to his Countrey and not due to his Creditor especially if a Souldier the common safety suffering in him Upon this account they were wont to scoff as the Lawgivers of Greece who forbade seizing upon Plows Weapons and other things but suffered those that should use them to be carried away and imprisoned For stealing they had a peculiar Law Every Thief entered his name with the Chief of that mystery and when he had stoln any thing carried it streight to him where if any one could tell the time and place and prove it by certain tokens to be his he was to pay the fourth part of the value and receive it again the Law-giver thinking this the best remedy against what otherwise could not be prevented The Law-givers of Egypt 40. The first man that gave Laws to the Egyptians was Mnevis perswading the people to receive them because they were communicated to him by Mercury The second was Sasyches who amongst other Laws instituted those concerning religion and being a man of great learning taught Geometry and Astronomy 3. Sesostris who as he excelled all others in military glory so he made Laws for the Discipline of War 4. Bocchoris a wise and prudent man several of whose Apothegms were a long time preserved in the memories of men 5. Amasis who much amended the whole policy of Egypt his rare wisdom having preferred him to that high Dignity for which also being admired abroad as well as at home he was resorted to by some out of Greece as an Oracle Lastly Darius the son of Hystaspes King of Persia Particular customs of the Egyptians 41. As for particular Customs The Egyptians married as many wives as they pleased posterity being with them a thing of greatest consequence except the Priests vvho vvere allowed but one apiece Children born of bond-vvomen and free vvere alike respected and equally legitimate the father by them being onely accounted the author of Generation the mother affoarding but place and nourishment to the Child in which respect also contrary to the custom of other Nations those Trees that bare fruit they accounted Males and the barren ones Females Their Children they educated exceeding hardly the expence of bringing one up not exceeding twenty drachms Each Child succeeded his Father in his Trade or course of life All sorts had some kind of learning especially such as conduced to their callings Musick was neglected by them as rendring men effeminate Once a moneth they used to purge or use some Medicinal course for their health With them no Physician was found as Herodotus writeth who professed the Art of curing the whole body but one was for the head alone another for the eyes and so for the other parts all which yet as Diodorus hath it were nourished of the publick and bound to observe Methods and Medecines prescribed them in books which if they altered or changed upon the miscarriage of the Patient they forfeited their lives together with their credit 42. Such was the constitution of the Egyptian Commonwealth as they themselves related which from some gaineth little credit this constitution of policy hardly agreeing with the manners of those Kings that built the Pyramids so that to them this excellent model of Government seemeth to be of the same nature and credit with the * Vide Judicium Jacob. Cappelli in Hist saern Exotica ad A. M. 1931. Cyropaedia of Xenophon This is observable that according to this constitution the propriety in the Land was carried from that form wherein it was left by Joseph who purchased all the Land except that of the Priests for Pharoh and made the King absolute Lord thereof Their ridiculous superstition The fond and ridiculous superstition which possessed this people above others taketh off much from its reputation That sordid and degenerate humour of consecrating with such blind earnestnesse Bulls Sheep Dogs Cats Ichneumons Ibis Gossehawks Eagles Goats Wolves Crocodiles * Porrum aut caepe nefas violare aut frangere morsu O Sanctas gentes quibus haec nascuntur in hortis Numina Juvenal Satyr 15.2.9 plants that grew in their Gardens and other things is so abominable at the first sight as none of their pretences can give thereto the least shew of reason in the opinion of a man but ordinarily qualified with the light of Nature Ah! what a thing is man devoid of Grace Adoring Garlick with an humble face Begging his food of that which he may eat Starving the while he worshippeth his meat Who makes a Root his God How low is he If God and man be sever'd infinitely What wretchednesse can give him any room Whose house is foul while he adores his Broom None will believe this now though mony be In us the same transplanted foolety Mr. Herbert in his Church Militant CHAP. V. The most Ancient state and condition of Greece during the Babylonian Empire with a Description of its Kingdoms and Common-wealth SECT I. The State of Greece in General 1. THe most Ancient common name of the inhabitants of this Countrey is more agreeable to the Roman Appellations of Graii Graeci and Grajugenae than that whereby they have rather chosen to call themselves viz. Hellenes For till * Vide Apolled lib. 1. c. 21. Thucyd. l. 1. in praefat Aristot de Meteoris l. 1. such time as Hellen the son of Deucalion reigned in Thessaly which hapned some years after the Deucalionean Deluge no such name as the later was known From him his Subjects who inhabited that part of Thessaly Whence the Greeks were called Hellenes being betwixt the two Rivers * Strabo l. 8. p. 383. A. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉
his Subjects took the name of Argi and Argivi and the whole * Lege Strabon lib. 3. p. 365. Peninsula named Apia before he would have called after himself Argos In (l) August de Civit. Dei l. 18. c. 6. his time Greece began to be full of Corn which being ascribed to his care and industry he was honoured after his death with a Temple and Sacrifice which worship was before given to one Homogyrus killed by a Thunder-bolt for that he had first yoaked Oxen in the Plow His brother (m) Apollodorus lib. 2. initio was Pelasgus said also to have been begotten by Jupiter on Niobe the father of Lycaon and who gave name to the Pelasgi a people that first inhabited Arcadia hence called Pelasgis Pelasgia afterwards spread (n) Dionys Halicarnass lâ—b 1. themselves throughout Greece and sent Colonies into Latium Argus on his wife Euadne the daughter of Strymon begat Jasus Peiranthus Epidaurus and Criasus Jasus begat Agenor Criasus the father of that Argus whom the Poets make all eyes though some report him the son of Arestor Criasus succeeded his father after he had reigned seventy years and Governed the Argives 54. Two of his brothers are added by Pausanias viz. Pirasus the same with Peiranthus and Phorbas Peiranthus first built a Temple to Juno at Argos wherein he placed her image made of a wild Pear-Tree and made his daughter (o) Argol p. 58. 17. Euseb praep l. 3. Evangel lib. 3. Callithya called also Callithoe and Io Priest thereof which Superstition being continued for many Ages all instruments publick and private were dated from such or such a year of her Successors as the custome hath been from those of the Kings or Magistrates in other places 6. That this Peiranthus reigned appeareth no where but in Pausanias who seemeth to make him the immediate Successor of Argus by the name of Pirasus Pirasus Phorbas Triopas But Phorbas succeeded Criasus and reigned 35 years after him Triopas 46. whose son Xanthus being Prince of some of the Pelasgi who went out from Argos seized first upon part of Lycia and there seated himself afterwards he passed over into the Island Isa then void of Inhabitants Diodorus Siculus lib. 5. pag 239. in margine notata A. which dividing amongst his followers he named Pelasgia in processe of time called Lesbos Pausanias maketh Jasus and Agenor the sons of Triopas Jasus and Jasus to have reigned at Argos though by Eusebius he be not reckoned amongst the Kings His daughter was the famous Io which being got with Child by Jupiter and thereupon through the displeasure of Juno turned out of her wits or into a Cow as the Poets sing passed over the straits of Thrace to which upon this occasion of her Metamorphosis was given the name of Bosphorus Then went she down into Egypt where restored to humane shape she brought forth her son Epaphus the builder of Memphis and was afterwards taken for a goddesse and called Isis Herodotus leading us out of the Labrynth of fables Lib. 1. ad initium relateth that the Phoenicians after their removal from the Red-sea where he thinketh them once to have inhabited to the Mediterranean applied themselves unto sailing and Traffick from Assyria and Egypt unto other places On a time coming to Argos which then excelled all Greek Cities on the fifth or sixth day after they had exposed their merchandise to sale many women came to their ships to buy what liked them and amongst the rest this Io the Kings daughter The Phoenicians encouraging one another laid hands on those they could catch and taking her with some others carried them into Egypt This by Herodotus is made one of the first grounds of envy betwixt the Asiaticks Greeks though he confoundeth her with the daughter of Inachus which is usual and the Greeks as Pausanias hinteth gave another account of her deportation 7. As Pausanias reckoneth Jasus amongst the Kings of Argos which after him was without doubt called Jasos (p) Stephanus and the Citizens Jasii so he nameth Crotopus Crotopus his brother Agenor's son for his Successor whom Eusebius will have to have succeeded his Grand-father Triopas His daughter Psamathe being with Child by Apollo after her delivery exposed the Infant which she named Linus It chanced to be devoured by wilde beasts whereat she was so troubled that her father perceiving it got out the matter and put her to death for which Apollo brought a plague upon the Argives who to pacifie him made great and solemn lamentation for the Child which is not to be confounded with the Poet Linus as some so order the matter Crotopus having reigned 21 years was followed by Sthenelas his son Sthenelas who held the Kingdom for 11. Galenor and then left it to his son Galenor In his time Danaus the brother of Egyptus King of that Countrey having 50 daughters refused to marry them to his brother's 50 sons because he was bidden by an Oracle to beware of a son in Law and therefore taking them away with him Apollodorus lib. 2. sailed to Rhodes wherein he built a Temple to Minerva Lindia and thence to Argos where he moved a contest with Galenor for the Kingdom Diodorus l. 5. p. 227. D. A.M. 2531. as descended of Epaphus the son of Io. Both pleading hard before the people the cause as doubtfull was put off till the day following at what time there came a Wolf and killed an Ox which was feeding by the Walls Apollod ibid. Pausan in Argolicis pag. 61. The people took the Wolf to signifie Danaus because a stranger and making this contest of the beasts a leading case decreed the Kingdom to the Egyptian Danaus 8. Danaus having obtained the Kingdom his brother Egyptus feared lest by the marriage of his daughters he might get too great alliance and strength and therefore sent down his 50 sons to Argos with an Army and command either to marry them or destroy him They perswaded their Uncle by fair means to receive them as sons in Law but he commanded his daughters that each of them should the first night kill her Bridegroom and gave them Poniards for that purpose They all obeyed him except Hypemnestra and some add Bebrice which dismissing Lynceus with advice to shift for himself was by her Father accused and brought to Judgment but acquitted by the Argives and afterwards had leave from him to receive again Lynceus now reconciled to him As for the rest of the Sisters they were bestowed upon such as in tryall of Masteries got the better and became so infamous that it was believed they were condemned in Hell to fill with water a Barrell which having an hole in it let out as much as it received in 9. From Danaus those who formerly had the name of Pelasgiotae were called Danai He built the Castle and his Daughters are said to have supplied the City with water by
of the stock of Aegyptus to be sacrifized whereupon all that belonged to that family were subjected to the lot and the daughter of one Lyciscus vvas taken She being to be offered the sooth-sayer forbad it alleging that she vvas not the daughter of Lyciscus but brought in under-hand by his vvife that vvas barren and vvhil'st he vvas thus peâ—swading the people Lyciscus fled away vvith her to Sparta All hereat exceedingly startled Aristodemus another of that family voluntarily offered his ovvn daughter but a young man there present that vvas in love vvith her and shortly intended marriage stifly impugned it and contended she vvas not in her fathers povver because betrothed to himself Not herevvith prevailing he affirmed he had lien vvith her and that she vvas vvith Child vvhereat Aristodemus vvas so inraged Aristodemus killeth his daughter that he killed her vvith his ovvn hand A.M. 3269. Olymp. 11. an 1. V. C. 18. Achazi 8. and ripping up her belly shevved plainly to all that there vvas no such matter Yet the sooth-sayer avouched her death could not at all profit the State and commanded some other to be offered but Euphaes persvvaded the people that the Oracle vvas already satisfied and required not the life of any other The Lacedaemonians make War upon the Argives 33. That rest which the Lacedaemonians had in this interval was presently turned into action with the Argives about Thyrea a Town situate in the Borders of both Commonwealths This fell out in the reign of Theopompus Pausan in Laconicis Argolicis Plutar. in Parallelis Herod lib. 1. Suidas in vocâ— Othryades whereat yet he was not present partly by reason of his old age and also for grief taken at the death of his son Archidamus The controversie was brought before the Amphyctiones who ordered that 300 on each side should decide it Of the Argives two persons survived the Combat but on the Spartan party onely one by name Othryades as good as many who lived no longer than to make use of broken Spears instead of Crutches to sustain his body then to gather together the Targets of the slain and to erect a Trophy therewith whereon he made an inscription with his own bloud Because of this Trophy the Amphyctiones decreed the Town to the Lacedaemonians but the Argives for that two of their party survived afterwards renewed the War to their own dammage That with the Messenians renewed 34. The offering up of Aristodemus his daughter seemed to the Messenians to have done some good Pausanias in Messenicis the affairs of Lacedaemon appearing to be in a declining posture and that State slower in its Enterprizes than formerly But in the sixth year after the departure of Lyciscus and the eighth from their removal to Ithome the War was again renewed against them Another battel was fought but with the same successe as formerly In the midst of the fight was the hottest contest the most valiant on both sides betaking themselves thither where Euphaes also venturing further than either stood with his dignity or safety against Theopompus received many and deadly wounds Herewith being so weakned as he fell the Lacedaemonians strove to take him and a great conflict ensued but one Antander so far resisting as to lose his own life in the quarrel Euphaes was brought off and died a few dayes after having reigned 13 years all which time he spent in the War against the Lacedaemonians He dying Childlesse A.M. 3274. Olymp. 12. an 2. V. C. 23. Achazi 13. a great controversie arose about the succession for that several of the family of Aegyptus stood for the Kingdom amongst whom was Aristodemus who though it was objected that having polluted his hands in the bloud of his daughter he was not capable was preferred before all others through the favour of the people After his Election he sent Presents to the chief of the Arcadians Argives and Sicyonians whom he ingaged to his party Assisted by some Arcadians he made encursions and the Lacedaemonians did the same proceeding to no greater extremity but at length in his fifth year another battel was fought near to Ithome wherein the Messenians were assisted by the three States ere now mentioned and the Spartans by no other Peloponnesians than those of Corinth The dispute was very sharp and the event doubtfull till the Messenians having the upper ground at last put their enemies to flight of whom it is credible as Pausanias onely writeth that many miscarried 35. The Lacedaemonians after this almost despairing of successe both parties sent to enquire at Delphos concerning the issue of the War The Messenians received an answer so ambiguous as could not be interpreted that to the Spartans plainly signified that as Cresphontes had obtained Messene by a wile in ordering the lots so by wiles it was to be recovered Several then they invented but all were discovered by the vigilancy and cunning of Aristodemus But the 20th year of the War approaching the affairs of the Messenians began exceedingly to relapse and the Oracle again consulted answered that whosoever could first dedicate a hundred Trestles or three-footed stools to Jupiter of Ithome should obtain Messene The Messinians having the Temple within themselves doubted not but to be able to do this first yet the answer being brought to Lacedaemon one Oebalus a crafty man there made 100 of Clay and while the Messenians were busie about others of Wood for their purses were not able to reach to brasse disguised himself in the habit of a fowler and carried them into the Temple This struck the Messenians with great consternation who were straightly besieged by this time and hindred from getting in any provisions Aristodemus was also tormented with sad dreams about his daughter whereat sorely moved and exceedingly afflicted with consideration that he should kill his Child for his Countrey 's good which notwithstanding was desperate he slew himself at her Monument 36. With this sad accident the Messenians were more grievously struck and so despaired as to have thoughts of making their applications to the Lacedaemonians but as yet not able to stoop they made no overtures though almost oppressed with famine they chose them Captains in the room of Aristodemus preparing to sallie out and fight it out to the last man for their lives and fortunes Yet at length distrusting their ability to do any thing that way and considering themselves urged hard with the want of all necessaries they left Ithome and yielded in the fifth moneth after the death of Aristodemus the 28th year of the War being almost finished in the first of the fourteenth Olympiad the Medontidae at Athens yet enjoying the power for ten years in the dayes of Hezekiah King of Judah and the time of the deportation of the ten Tribes The Conquerours utterly demolished Ithome and having gotten easily the other Towns of Messenia into their power imposed what Laws they pleased upon the Inhabitants who were commanded to till their grounds
ever for peace and the restitution of Helena But Dionysius relateth out of Hellanicus that the lower part of the City being taken Aeneas with his associates that came from Ophyrynium and Dardanus to the aid of Ilium timely perceiving it retired into the Castle where were the Idols and much treasure protected by the most valiant Soldiers A. M. 2821. Hither also betook themselves such as escaped the fury of fire and sword and they easily repelled the force of the Enemy but Aeneas considering that the City could no way be preserved resolved to quit the Castle as might stand with the safety of the Company He therefore sent out with a guard the aged an infirm in the mean time diverting the Enemy and then marched out in order of battel when Neoptolemus and the Achaeans had now taken part of the Fortifications Whilst the Greeks were busied in plunder they all escaped to the Mount Ida where fortifying themselves the same night others flocked to them out of Dardanus Opyhrynium and the rest of the Trojan Towns expecting till the Enemy satisfied with the destruction of Ilium would draw off and return into his own Country 4. But the Achaeans having wasted the City and lesser Towns provided also to storm the Hills when a Treaty was desired by the Trojans It was there agreed that Aeneas and his Companions with such things as they had should depart out of the Country under safe conduct whereupon he first sent away his eldest son Ascanius with part of his associates whereof the greater number was Phrygians to the Lake Ascanius for that he was desired by the Inhabitants of that Country to be their King He continued not long with them for the Scamandridae with others of the family of Hector now dismissed out of Greece by Neoptolemus the son of Achilles coming to him he returned with them to Troy and restored them to their Father's Principality Aeneas with the rest of his children Anchises his Father and his houshold passed over the Hellespont into a Peninsula called Pallene whence he sailed to to the Island Delus thence to another named Cythera over against Peloponnesus Touching at the promontory Cinaethium so called for that Cinathus a Trojan was here buried they renewed their friendship with the Arcadians their kinsfolk and passed on to the Island Zacynthus which was so named from Zacynthus one of the sons of Dardanus Thence they came to Actium and so to Ambraciae from which Bay Anchises directed his course towards Batrotus an Haven of Epirus and Aeneas by land went two dayes journey to the Oracle of Dodoria which having consulted about new Seats in four dayes he came to the Navy at Batrotus From this Haven sailing towards Italy they touched upon some parts thereof but passing into the Straights of Sicilie they fell also upon that Island where leaving part of their Company they passed over and landed at Laurentum the place appointed to put an end to these wandrings This account Dionysius giveth us as most probable amongst others which he briefly toucheth Alexander the Ephesian as he is cited by Aurelius Victor wrote that Ilium being betrayed by Antenor Aeneas took his Father upon his back with his gods and his little son in his hand and thus loaded made towards Ida whither being suffered to come by the Greeks who were much moved at his piety he there built ships and by the advice of an Oracle came into Italy The piety of Aeneas is much spoken of and commended by many and amongst others by the pen of Xenophon that Attick Muse but some wrote that he joyned with Antenor in betraying the City 5. The Trojans landing at Laurentum there pitched their Tents in the place called Troy from this occasion distant from the Sea about half a mile Dionys l. 1. Livius l. 1. Taking their dinner on the ground some laid their meat on Parsley that there grew or as some said on crusts of Bread which afterwards they did also eat up and then understood that they had fulfilled the Oracle which bad them go so far Westward as till they should eat up their Tables and then take the conduct of a Sow which they should follow till she lay down and in that very place build a City Now was Latinus busie in War against the Rutuli his neighbours as some wrote he was first overcome by Aeneas and then made peace with him but others say he first sent to expostulate the injury offered him by these strangers in the invasion of his Kingdom and then understanding who they were agreed to give them all the ground lying five miles about the Hill where the Sow lay down upon their ingagement to assist him in his War against the Rutuli This accord made and Hostages delivered on both sides they soon utterly subdued the Rutuli and then built up the Trojan City which was called Lavinium as the Romans said Nam te jam septima portat Omnibus errantem terris fluctibus astaâ— Aen. 1. A. M. 3824. from the daughter of Latinus Virgil too much indulging his Poetick fancie in imitation of Homer bringeth Aeneas into Italy not till the eighth year after the destruction of Troy But Dionysius and Solinus out of the Annals of Cassius Haemina write that he arrived at Laurentum in the second year and the later saith with no more than 600 followers Aeneas succeedeth Latinus 6. Aeneas in the third year after his departure from Troy and the second of his abode in Italy reigned onely over the Trojans but the next brought him also the Kingdom of the Aborigines by the right of his wife Lavinia daughter to Latinus now deceased and the favour he had purchased of this people by his conduct against the Rutuli For they had again revolted through the procurement of a certain fugitive named Turnus who being the Nephew of Amata Latinus his wife out of indignation that a stranger should be preferred to the marriage of Lavinia before him at the instigation of Amata and others revolted to the Rutuli with a party of men which he commanded Livie maketh him King of the Rutuli and to have made War upon Latinus because he had first made him a promise of his daughter The Aborigines had the victory but lost Latinus in the battel Dionysius saith that Turuus was now also slain with many others but Livie will have him again to renew the War and to call in Mezentius King of the Hetruscans who was already jealous of the growing power of the Greeks Aeneas to oblige his new Subjects caused both them and his own Country-men to be called by the common name of Latini but ingaging in another great and bloody battel with Mezentius which night onely interrupted he was never seen more by some thought to be taken up to Heaven and by others drowned in the River Numicon This happened to him in the fourth year of his reign over the Latines and the seventh after the destruction of Troy He was honoured by
the Wars had absolute authority To the Senate this honour and power was given to debate and resolve about such things as the King propounded Senate which were decreed by the greater number of voices as agreeable to the constitution of Lacedaemon as our Author observeth People To the People he committed three things to create Magistrates make Laws and resolve about War what was propounded by the King yet so as that the authority of the Senate interposed All the whole multitude together gave not their votes but the Curiae apart and whatsoever seemed good to most was referred to the Senate which custom was afterwards changed when the Senate did not confirm the Decrees of the People but the People the resolves of the Senate 5. For the increase of the City besides the opening of a Sanctuary which Dionysius ranketh after this setlement of the civil policy he forbad when any Town was taken Prisoners to be preserved that prisoners of ripe age should be slain or sold or their grounds left untilled but commanded a Colony to be sent from Rome to which part of them should be assigned and some of the strangers to be admitted to the freedom of the City which device our Author esteemeth of great weight and consequence He made many good and profitable Laws Laws in reference to marriage whereof most were unwritten He ordained in reference to marriage that the wife should be partaker of all that was her husband's when chast and modest If he died intestate she was his absolute Heir Consule Val. Max. l. 2. c. 1. and if he left children equally with them When she offended she was left to his disposal for punishment who admitted his kindred to judge with him concerning the fault if she either violated chastity or drank wine which Romulus utterly condemned as an incentive to wantonnesse So effectual became this constitution to the preservation of the conjugal knot that for 520 years there hapned not any divorce in Rome till in the 137th Olympiad when Marcus Pomponius and Caius Papirius were Consuls Sp. Caruilius an eminent man put away his wife and then though he sware to the Censors that he did it onely to provide for posterity yet was he ever hated by the people He gave to Fathers absolute power over their Sons and that for all their lives either to imprison Parents and their Children c. beat carry away bound to rustick labours or kill although the son bore the greatest Office in the Commonwealth or publickly commended and honoured By virtue of this Law some eminent Persons making Orations to the People in opposition to the Senate in the midst of popular applause have by their Parents been pulled down from their seats and led away to be punished according to their pleasure and as they passed along the Forum none could deliver or rescue them not the Consul Tribune nor multitude it self which they had flattered And because of this absolute paternal dominion several valiant men have been put to death for their valour shewed in some way against the Enemy contrary to the direction or Command of their Fathers 6. He compelled parents to educate all their male children and their eldest daughters he permitted a child younger than three years to be made away if it was born defective in some member or monstrous and yet then was it not to be exposed without approbation of the five next neighbours If any one broke this Law he besides other punishment forfeited half of his goods The Father was permitted by the Law-giver to sell his Son and that three times over if it hapned that he recovered his liberty a greater power than was had over slaves who if once made free thenceforth so continued All sordid Arts and such as were subservient to luxury he forbad which being left to slaves and strangers for a long time the Romans scorned to meddle with Two courses of life onely he enjoined them Warfare and Husbandrie allowing a Market once in nine dayes He divided equally to them the grounds slaves and money taken from the Enemy Concerning injuries be presently decided all controversies or referred them unto others inflicting punishment acording to the crime and seeing the people to be by fear best retained in order he set up his Judgment-seat in the most conspicuous place of the Forum where his guard of 300 Celeres and twelve Sergeants or Lictors carrying rods and axes and in the view of all men either beating or putting to death Malefactors made a terrible shew This is the form of the Commonwealth as Romulus first established it much admired by Dionysius above all the constitutions of his own Country-men the Graecians whose Religion also as giving occasion to the vulgar sort to contemn their gods involved in such misfortunes or to abstain from no iniquity and filthinesse to which they heard that their deities were also abnoxious he esteemeth vain frivolous and dangerous in comparison of that which was instituted by the Roman Law-giver 7. Romulus considering that there were several powerful Nations round about him which with evil eyes beheld the growth of his City bethought with himself how he might contract amity with them Concluding that affinity was the onely means by the advice and consent of the Senate he resolved upon a course to provide wives for his Subjects He caused at the suggestion of his Grand-father Numitor The Rape of the Sabine Virgins a Solemn Feast and exercises in honour of Neptune to be proclaimed throughout the Country to which many flocking with their wives and children upon sign given his men laid hold on such Virgins as were come to see and violently carried them to their houses The number of them amounted to 683 for which Romulus chose out so many husbands and married them after their own Country Rites making them covenant a Society or Communion of fire and water which custom continued for many Ages Some write that this happened in the first year of Romulus but others assign the fourth of his reign for it which scarce could be done till matters were something setled Some delivered that scarcity of women was the cause of this rape others thought that by it an occasion was onely sought for War but a third party will have that by this violent act an affinity with the neighbouring Cities was endeavoured 8. Some were grievously moved and others put a good construction upon the businesse Romulus his defensive wars but at length the matter brake out into a manyfold War of which that with the Sabines was most grievous The Cities Caenina Antemna and Crustumium first began after they could not perswade the Sabines to joyn with them The two former inhabited by the Aborigines Romulus presently subdued and afterwards the later also which was a Colony of Alba the grounds were divided betwixt some Romans sent thither to plant and the old Inhabitants of which such as would were made free of the City and without
he was torn in pieces in the Senate house Is made away by the Senators and the Senators by peece-meal carried out his body under their gowns so that it was never seen Others wrote that having drawn out the people to the place called Caprae Palus and there making an Oration to them a sodain darknesse and Tempest hapned wherein he vanished and departed from amongst mortals The Senators took occasion from the secrecy of their fact and concealment of his body to perswade the multitude that he was taken up amongst the gods and Julius Proculus a man of prime Nobility and credit amongst the Patricians put all out of doubt by swearing most religiously that he appeared to him in the high-way and told him that it pleased the gods from whom he came so long to let him continue amongst men till he had founded a City whose Empire and glory should excel and then again that he should return to heaven He bade him faâ—ewel and tell the Romans that if they did but use temperance and valour Called Quirinus they should in power excel all mortals And he would be a propitious god unto them under the name of Quirinus He lived 55 years and reigned 37 in which space he much advanced the Sate of the City which who first planted with him were not much above 2000 foot and scarce 300 horse but when he died he left of the one kind 46000 and almost 1000 of the other sort After his Grand-fathers death he succeeded in the Kingdom of Alba which he governed by Deputies continuing his residence at Rome The day on which he died was the Nones of Quintilis afterwards called July which answereth to the 26th of May as the Callendar was reformed by Julius Caesar It was named Nonae Caprotinae from the place where he vanished and Fâ—ga Populi because the people astonished at the King's death took them to their heels Tarrutius the Mathematician observed that the life of this Prince was signalized by three Eclypses of the Sun one at his conception which is also the first that is observed by Authors another the same day de founded Rome and the third on the day of his death concerning which for that the calculation of the former is rather founded upon Astrological than Astronomical Principles Jacobus Cappellus is to be consulted An Inter-regnum for a year 12. Romulus dying childlesse the Senate for a years space retained the power in their own hands which is called an Inter-regnum They governed by their courses each man five dayes but the People murmuring and giving out that for one tyrant they had got an hundred at length they resolved that a King should be chosen The Sabines thought it reasonable he should be of their Nation not having had any since Tatius and the other were averse to a stranger being desirous he should be some one of the Patricians but at length the Fathers fixed upon Numa Pompilius a Sabine A. M. 3291. V. C. 40. Ezechia 17. Olymp. 16. an 3. a man of almost forty years of age Numa and the most considerable for knowledg and ability of that time who by consent of the People was advanced to the Government At first he excused himself but sollicited by his Father and Marcius his kindsman not to let slip so fair an oportunity of his own and Countrie 's preferment he accepted of it He thought it policy to raise that City by Laws and religious customs which had been founded by force and Arms and to soften the Genius of it by diversion from warfare it being as necessary to employ a people well at home as exercise them abroad He built a Temple to Janus which was to stand open in time of War and be shut in peace as it continued all his reign But it onely hapned so to be twice from his time to that of Tiberius Caesar The first occasion was in the Consulship of Titus Manlius and Marcus Attilius after the ending of the first Punick War and the second in Augustus his reign after he had subdued Antonius and Cleopatra at what time there was an Universal peace Numa disbanded the Royal Guard of the 300 Celeres as standing in no need of them To the two Flamens of Jupiter and Mars he added the third of Romulus To him is also ascribed the bringing in of the Pontifies whereof he himself was one and the Original of which name is so much controverted He also ordained the Vestal Nuns and the Feciales a sort of Priests which judged concerning the equity of War His religion much suiting with that of the Pythagoreans and denounced it His religion much suited in the manner and strictnesse thereof with that of the Pythagoreans which caused the report of his being Contemporary and conversing with Pythagoras although this Philosopher was born 100 years after his death The reason of this mistake besides the ignorance of the times was his familiarity with Pythagoras a Lacedaemonian who gave him advice concerning the ordering of his Kingdom travelling in Italy in the sixteenth Olympiad the third year of which was the beginning of Numa's reign according to Plutarch 13. As Pythagoras taught that the principle of all things is not to be perceived by sense or lyable to motion but invisible immortal and to be apprehended by the understanding alone so Numa forbad the Romans to use the Image of any God whicn represented him after the form of a man or any other living Creature Neither in these antient times was there any painted carved or molten image amongst them but for the first 170 years though they built Temples and Sacred places yet had they no image at all because they thought it wickednesse to liken more excellent things to those below them and thought God no otherwise to be perceived than by the mind Numa divided those grounds amongst the poorer sort which Romulus had gained in his Wars causing his subjects to apply themselves to husbandry to cultivate their minds as well as the earth and that he might take away the distinction of Roman and Sabine which threatned the State with endlesse emulation and prejudice he distinguished them all according to their trades and occupations making every Art a particular Company and Fellowship He abated the rigour of that Law made by Romulus concerning the power of Fathers over their Children ordaining it should not be lawfull for them to sell such sons as by their leave had married because it was unjust that a woman which had married a free-man should be constrained to live with a slave He reformed the year which in the time of Romulus was quite out of all order some moneths had fewer then 20 dayes some had 35. and some above the variety of the several courses of Sun and Moon was not understood but onely this aimed at that the year should consist of 360 dayes He reformeth the year 14. Numa considering that a Solar year exceeded the Lunar by eleven dayes
and Artaphernes reckoned by Ctesias amongst the seven Then in the Holy Scripture Esra 6.14 together with the edict of Darius in the second year of his reign the assent of Artashashta King of Persia is joyned which may well enough be taken for the said Artaphernes though others do otherwise expound the place And to add something not altogether so material the other Conspirators foreseeing how burthensome they should be to Darius which in what other way could it be than this bound him with an * Valer. Max. lib. 9. cap. 2. extern exempl 6. Oath most sacred amongst the Persians that neither with poyson sword any other violence nor by famine should he kill any of them though it proved not so sacred as to be inviolable 7. In the second year of Darius the building of the Temple which had been interrupted The building of the Temple proceedeth began again and proceeded The Samaritans bribed the Courtiers in the time of Cyrus to hinder the work and Cambyses having been formerly no friend to it when he came to reign stopped it by expresse command through the calumniation of such as bore the Jews no good will The Magician also forbad it upon the same account it being clear from Scripture that two several Princes named Ahasuerus and Artaxerxes withstood it and that betwixt the reigns of Cyrus and Darius Esra 4. But when the Adversaries now betook themselves to Darius expecting from him a countermand to the Jews who being reproved for their remissnesse by the Prophet Haggai were fallen again to build upon the foundation formerly laid he instead of any such inhibition sent them an expresse command not onely not to hinder but at his own cost to further the Structure allowing also to the Priests expenses for the daily Sacrifices The Jews therefore incouraged by this new Edict and confirmed by the Prophecies of Haggai and Zachariah proceeded prosperously in the building 8. In the same year had the Prophet Zachariah a Vision in which the Angel interceding for Jerusalem and the Cities of Judah mentioneth the Lord's having had indignation threescore and ten years The rise or beginning of these years Ludovicus Cappellus fetcheth from the destruction of the Temple For from the first Edict of Cyrus and the end of the Captivity to this time passed about eleven years Cyrus according to his account reigning but three after the taking of Babylon Cambyses together with the Magician eight and Darius one from which must be deducted so much as the removal of the Jews would require even so many as passed from the beginning of the Captivity to the desolation of the Temple and so the Temple lay desolate full Severity years Hence is observable that as the State and Policy of the Jewish Commonwealth was broken and much impaired eleven years before the destruction of the Temple so was it renewed at the end of the Captivity so many years before the re-edifying of it which hitherto had been attempted without successe but now renewed SECT 2. was happily finished in the sixth year of Darius as to the house it self though three years more seem to have been taken up in the building the porches and other appendices to it And as the greatest part of the holy Vessels were carried away in the Captivity of Jechoniah eleven years before the destruction of the Temple so were they sent back again so many years before the restauration of it Lastly this also is observed that as from the destruction of this typical Temple to the rebuilding of it passed Seventy years so from the Conception of Christ the true and spiritual Temple to the final desolation of the shadow or typical one at Jerusalem so many years passed precisely Seventy 9. Darius after his setlement in the Kingdom divided it into twenty Provinces which the Persians called Satrapies over each of which he constituted a Praesident The Empire divided into twenty Provinces withall appointing what tribute each Nation should pay For hitherto under the two former Kings nothing was appointed concerning tribute the several people contributing money by way of benevolence whereupon because of this new imposition they styled Darius an Huckster Cambyses a Lord and Cyrus a Father Cyrus was mild and used them as children striving to deserve well of them Cambyses was sharp and morose Intaphernes put to death and Darius by all wayes possible purveied for money The next thing memorable concerning Darius is his putting to death Intaphernes one of the Conspirators for abusing the Porters and violent intruding into the Palace contrary to the Capitulations agreed on amongst them Having an intention to go to the King they that kept the gate stopped him saying that he was with his wife which he thinking to be a lye drew his Sword Herod lib. 3. cap. 118 119. and cutting off their ears and noses then tyed the reigns of an horses bridle to their necks and let them go They presenting themselves in this case to the King he first suspected some treasonable design of all the six but finding that the rest knew nothing of the matter he put Intaphernes to death with all his sons except the eldest Vide Val. Maxim lib. 9. cap. 2. extern exemp 6. whom he granted to the intreaties of the Mother But not onely him but all the rest also who were burthensome to him another telleth us that he made away by a new kind of death All the Conspirators made away He caused many ashes to be laid betwixt some walls over which laying a rafter thereupon he feasted them very nobly but being fast asleep the floor fell and they therewith into the ashes where they perished If he destroyed them in this strange manner probable it is that he desired to be rid of them because of some power to which they might pretend by virtue of a previous agreement not enduring any incombrance or restraint upon his prerogative for that Soveraignty is impatient of any competition in the throne Babylon rebelleth 10. About the tenth year of his reign the City of Babylon rebelled against him having of late recovered that greatnesse of mind which sometime possessed it's Inhabitants Cyrus demolished not their walls Herod ut prius cap. 105. but left them intire with the gates standing which putting them in a posture of defence they took courage at the forein Wars of Cambyses and the stirs that happened about the Magi. He gathered his forces together with all speed and laid siege to it but they being resolved to stand out to the utmost chose every one a woman to make ready their meat and to save provisions killed all the rest of that Sex except their Mothers Then as if they had made themselves impregnable they derided the Persians saying they should be overcome when a Mule foaled And above nineteen moneths they held out notwithstanding all their attempts and devices At length in the 20th Zopyrus son to Megabyzus one of the chief
the Ambassadors doing were much blamed at their return so now he told them if they would be safe they must receive Hippias They refused the Condition and chose rather to be professed Enemies to the Persian and thence presently after joyned with Aristagoras who withdrew the Ionians from their obedience A. M. 3501. V.C. 250. Olymp. 69. an 1. Darii 18. which provoked Darius afterwards to invade them procured the Expedition of Xerxes and the quarrel of that Empire with Greece But these things concerning Athens and Hippias hapned in the first year of the 69th Olympiad the 18th of the reign of Darius A. M. 3501. 19. After the Ionian War was over Herodotus Lib. 6. c. 48 c. and the Graecians in Asia were forced once more to undergo the yoke Darius in the 27th year of his reign and the third after his victory sent into Greece to demand Earth and Water as tokens of subjection The Athenians and Lacedaemonians threw the Messengers into a well and bad them thence fetch Earth and Water to carry to their Master The Aeginetans by giving Earth and Water to Darius incense the Graecians against them but the Inhabitants of Aegina and other Islanders for fear of the Persians promised obedience The Athenians presently took offence thereat as judging that the Aeginetans did it out of a grudge to them that they might fight under the conduct of the Persians against Athens and therefore they sent to Sparta to complain of them as Traitors to Greece Cleomenes was sent from that State and came to Aegina with an intention to apprehend the principal authors of the revolt but one Crius there openly opposed him threatning him in case he laid violent hands on any for that he knew he did it without any publick decree of the Lacedaemonians who else would have sent the other King with him Stirs at Sparta betwixt Cleomenes and Demaratus the Kings This he said at the instance of Demaratus the other King of Sparta who disagreeing with Cleomenes ever since the invasion of Attica now also grievously accused him in his absence Hereupon Cleomenes returned home cast out Demaratus upon pretence of his illegitimation from his Office and put Leutychides his kinsman in his place 20. The Father of Demaratus was Ariston of the posterity of Procles a man as worthy as any of his Ancestors Cap. 61 c. who having no children by two wives for which cause he divorced them to satisfie the desires of the people which greatly desired some issue male from him married a third which already was the wife of his friend Agetus covenanting with him for her she being the most beautiful woman next after Helena which by the Laws of Lycurgus he might do The birth of Demaratus Being married it hapned just after seven moneths when he was according to the custome sitting amongst the Ephori his houshold servant came and signified to him that he had a Son born with the suddainnesse of which thing being disturbed he rashly swore that it was not his coming so much within the Time The Ephori then neglected it and he afterwards repenting of his rashnesse brought up the Child as his own and because he was so desired by the publick wishes of the People gave him the name of Demaratus After his death Demaratus succeeded a man of great worth and who obtained a crown in the Olympick Games which never hapned before to the Kings of Sparta But that speech of his Father was now objected against him by his Colleague and Emulator Cleomenes the Son of Anaxandridas who accused now also for their retreating formerly out of Attica which occasioned all the difference betwixt them and all this was aggravated by Leutychides who sought for his place and had a private quarrel with him about a wife of which he had hindred him by taking her to himself 21. Great contention hence arising the Spartans resolved to send to Delphos and enquire of the Oracle whether Demaratus was the Son of Ariston which being done Cleomenes procured a friend he had at Delphos to corrupt Pyâ—hia Demaratus deposed and Leutychides put in his place so that being drawn by bribery she gave the answer against Demaratus Hereby Cleomenes procured him to be removed from the Kingdom and Leutychides his kinsman to succeed him yet though thus handled he ceased not to love his Country and continuing at home disdained not to bear inferiour Offices till further affronted by Leutychides who to insult over and deride him at such a time as overseeing the exercises of the Boyes he sent and demanded of him how he liked of that Office after the Kingdom He answered that he had tried both but the other not and that that question should be the original either of great mischief or happinesse to the Lacedaemonians and then getting him home with his head covered he sacrifized to Jupiter and sending for his Mother conjured her to tell him the truth concerning his Father Being assured from her of his Legitimation he went out of the City under pretence of going to Delphos but took the way to Elis and thence to the Island Zacynihus and so to Darius King of Persia the Zacynthians having refused to give him up to his Country-men who pursued him He was received with great honour by the Persians Pausan in Laconicis who bestowed Lands upon him to maintain him in a Princely equipage and there his posterity is reported to have endured a long season 22. Not long after Cleomenes received his just reward his own hands being his executioners for his treachery against Demaratus being come to light and fearing to be called to an account for it he first fled into Thessalie and thence returning into Arcadia stirred up the Inhabitants against the Spartans and attempted to swear them to be true to him whithersoever he should lead them The Lacedaemonians hearing of this and fearing what he might do to them Cleomenes his ill end recalled and restored him to his former dignity but when he was come home having not had before this time a very setled head he now fell into a Phrensie as he met any one in the City pushing their faces with his Scepter His friends then bound him with wooden fetters in which condition partly by intreaties and partly by threats he got a Sword of his Keeper wherewith beginning at the calf of his leg he cut up his flesh upwards to the thighs and when he ripped up his belly died leaving no issue behind him but a pattern of Justice to all Greece which being amused at his end most attributed it to the corruption of Pythia and that injustice done to Demaratus the Athenians to his invasion of Eleusine and his destroying the Temple of their gods but the Argives concluded this judgement to have fallen upon him because he had basely killed such of their Country-men as escaped from a battel fought with him after he had got them out of the
much prudence and dexterity The regaining of such places as were lost to the Illyrians and Olynthians with the overthrow of the neighbouring Kings and the State of Olynthus were such things as would have seemed too difficult for many ages to his predecessors The matters atchieved by him required both Mars and Mercury for assistants and therein he bred so many choise Commanders as for their skill and valour being worthy to wear Crowns He seemeth most to deserve that glory which his son by the influence of his abilities afterwards attained 35. Alexander his son succeeded him aged about twenty years Diodorus ibid. in the first of the 111th Olympiad wherein Cleomantes was Victor Pithodorus being Archon in the first of the reign of Darius Codomannus and the year of the World 3669. being by the father's side descended of Hercules Plutarch in Atexandro Alexander succeedeth him and the mother 's from Achilles neither of which lines he disgraced by the course of his fortunes Of a great and lofty spirit he was from a Child easie to be perswaded but hard to be compelled His father apprehending his wit procured Aristotle to be his School-master offering him very large rewards whose Native Citie Stageira being before by him demolished he re-edified for his sake By such a Master he was not onely instructed in morality but had some insight into the more abstruse Sciences and seemed to have some skill in Physick being wont to give directions to his friends about their health Being sixteen years old Philip undertaking an expedition against the Byzantians left him his Deputy in Macedonia where improving his time he subdued the Medaeans who had revolted and taking that Citie planted it with new Inhabitants and called it after himself Alexandropolis At the battel of Chaeronea he behaved himself very stoutly which with other his good parts drew great love upon him from his father insomuch as he willingly suffered the Macedonians to call him King and himself General but Philips mind towards his later end being withdrawn from his mother and fastned upon Cleopatra thereupon ensued great dissatisfaction on both sides whilest his mother stirred him to great indignation insomuch as he escaped not suspition of being privy to her designs against his father's life 36. Yet began he his reign with justice against such as had an hand in the murther killing them upon his Grave Idem ibid. Diodorus ad Olymp. 111. ann 2. and blamed his mother that in his absence she had dealt so cruelly with Cleopatra Then celebrating the funeral of his father with royal Rites and Ceremonies he began to take care of his publick affaires He beginneth his reign well and being contemned for his youth and little experience above all expectation explicated himself out of all difficulties by imitating his Fathers courtesie and overcoming many by the invinciblenesse of his spirit which through the course of his life bore down all opposition He renewed the discipline of War and gained the affections of the Army knowing also that Attalus upon the account of his Niece Cleopatra lay at all advantages to do him mischief he sent Hecataeus with a band of men with order to attack him and send him over alive if possible or else to kill him one way or other which was at length effected In the mean time Demosthenes having had secret intelligence of Philip's death went to the people and pretending to have dreamt it stirred up the Athenians all wayes possible to contemn the youth of Alexander and not to suffer him to obtain the Principality of Greece and to this purpose they sent unto Attalus and entred into conspiracy with him how they might best effect it The Aetolians intended to restore the Exiles of the Acarnanians banished by Philip. The Ambraciots expelled the Garrison there His difficulties in Greece and the Thebans decreed to do the same by that in Cadmea As the Arcadians had refused to consent that the Father should be General of Greece so were they now nothing better inclined towards the Son and the rest of the Peloponnesians as the Argives Eleans and Lacedaemonians were ready to do any thing for the asserting of their own liberty and power The Nations about Macedonia began to stir being altogether inclining to renounce their obedience 37. Alexander as an earnest of his future successe easily removed those obstacles reducing some by entreaty and good words others by awe and some by force of Arms. He first obtained of the Thessalians by a publick Decree to be owned as his Fathers Successor in the Generalship and then easily bringing the neighbouring People to do the same Which he overcometh passing the Pylae called the Council of the Amphyctiones and procured by their suffrages to be elected the Captain General of all Greece Having done this to bring over the rest by fear he led down his Army into Boeotia where pitching his tents by Cadmea he affrighted the Thebans and the Athenians also so much that these getting in all their goods to the City and fortifying it as well as they might they sent to beg his pardon that they had owned him no sooner One of the Ambassadors was Demosthenes who came not with the rest to Alexander but returned back when he was come on his way either fot that he stood in fear of him for the Orations made against his Father or because he would not crack his credit with the Persian King from whom Aeschines accused him to have received much money He answered the Ambassadors to their satisfaction and then sent for the Deputies of the Estates to meet him at Corinth where speaking very courteously to them he vvas again declared General against the Persian and aid decreed to him for carrying on the War after vvhich he returned into Macedonia Whilst he here vvas in the Isthmus many Philosophers came to salute him * Diogenes Laertius Plutarch alii onely Diogenes the Sinopian made no reckoning of him The King understanding this vvent to visit him then at Athens and finding him sunning himself in his tub saluted him kindly and desired him to ask any thing of him vvhatsoever he pleased He onely desired him to stand out of the Sun vvhich greatnesse of mind Alexander so much admired that vvhen his follovvers laughed and jeered at the man he ansvvered that If he were not Alexander he would be Diogenes 38. In the beginning of the Spring he made an Expedition into Thrace Diodorus Plutarch vvhere he subdued several People and afterwards prospered in the same manner in Poeonia and Illyria In the mean time came intelligence that many of the Greeks had a design to revolt and not a few Cities amongst which Thebes was most eminent and had renounced his authority Hereupon he returned into Macedonia But the Thebans fall upon his Garrison in Cadmea the Thebans in the mean while besieging his Garrison in Cadmea which being supplied with Arms by Demosthenes they fell upon and
to stand to any award as he knew they would a more specious pretence might be obtained for the War They accordingly opposing it the Syracusians decreed to hold them as Allies and Confederates and also to be at peace with the Carthaginians but the two concerned Cities falling upon each other both Syracuse and Carthage was thereby drawn into the quarrel Hannibal then having both in Spain and Africk made great preparations Ad ann 4. the next year landed at Lilybaeum the most Southern Cape of Sicily towards Africk and setting upon the Selinuntians at unawares with a vast Army took their Citie in the 10th day of the siege wherein he made Captive 7000 persons 16000 being slain and 2600 escaped to Agrigentum He permitted Empedion and his kindred to people it anew Selinuns taken by the Carthaginians under condition of paying Tribute to Carthage This was the condition of Selinuns after it had stood 242 years from its first founding by the Megarians who being descended from Megara in Greece first came into Sicily under conduct of Lamis and built a Town upon the River Pantacius called Trotilus Thence Lamis departing with some of his Colony went to the Leontines and Chalcidians with whom having lived some time he was driven out by them and planting some Inhabitants in Thapsus after his death they left the place and under conduct of Hyblon the Sicilian King who betrayed the Countrey inhabited Megara and were called Hyblaeans After 245 years they were driven hence by Gelon of Syracuse but 145 years before this they sent out a Colony with Pammilus which built Selinuns 22. Hannibal from Selinus marched to Himera having a particular grudge against that place for his grand-Grand-father's death And Himera Falling on it with all his might he was repulsed for a little time by the resolute valour of the Inhabitants but the Wall being beaten down with his Engines he shortly took it Many Women and Children had withdrawn themselves out of the Citie of those men which he took he carried up 3000 to the Hill where his Grandfather had been slain and there killed them being before used with all kinds of indignities then rased he the Citie which had been inhabited 240 years and dismissing his Mercenaries and Subjects of Sicily departed home where he was received with greatest expressions of honour and affection for having done in three moneths what other Captains would have required far larger time to effect After his departure Hermocrates the Syracusian who having been sent as General to the assistance of the Lacedaemonians was condemned to banishment in his absence through the malice of his Enemies returned with a considerable Force into Sicilie and to ingratiate himself with his Country-men repeopled Selinus and fell upon the tributaries of Carthage The more still to indear himself he took up the bones of those Syracusians that fell at Himera and in a cariage sent them to the City Diodorus ad Olymp. 93. an 1. well knowing that this would procure as love to him so envy and hatred to Diocles his main adversary who having been the Captain of the slain had taken no care for their burial Diocles much opposed their publick Sepulture but the People resolutely decreed it then banished him and yet they recalled not Hermocrates being lealous lest he should improve his power and abilities to the making of himself absolute He then being in despair of returning by fair means attempted to do it by force and getting in to the City was amongst his complices killed by the multitude 23. In the second year of the 93 Olympiad A. M. 3598. Ol. 93. an 3. V.C. 347. Idem ad an 2. the Syracusians sent to Carthage to complain of the late War and to desire that for the time to come they would forbear all hostility to which they returned an ambiguous answer and made all possible provision for an Army wherewith to subdue the whole Island Before they transported any Forces they sent a Colony thither which at the hot waters built a City and called it Thermae The year following they ordered Hannibal to go over as General who excusing himself by reason of his Age they joyned with him Imilco the son of Hanno one of the same Family These two Generals then made Levies throughout Africk Ad an 3. hired Soldiers out of Spain the Islands Baleares and Italy and got together an Army of 120000 men according to Timaeus but after Ephorus his reckoning 300000. As they were passing over the Syracusians met them and sunk fifteen of their Vessels but with the rest Hannibal passed safe over and fell upon the rich and stately City of Agrigentum which contained 200000 persons The Agrigentines wanted not assistance from their friends all the Greek Cities being deeply concerned in their welfare and the Syracusians gave the besiegers a considerable defeat who demolishing the Tombs and Monuments the better to get to the walls had thereby pulled down a Pestilence upon themselves saith Diodorus wherein Hannibal died But Imilco or Imilcar thereby not discouraged continued the Siege expiating the offence as he thought by sacrifizing a Boy to Saturn and drowning a company of Priests in the Sea as an offering to Neptune His Soldiers mutinying for provisions he supplied by taking of the ships which loaded with necessaries were sent from Syracuse to the besieged Hereby he starved them within And Agrigentum and constrained them to quit the City being guarded to Gela by armed men Imilcar found extrordinary rich plunder in it whereof some rarities he sent to Carthage amongst which was Phalaris his Bull though Timaeus the Historian carping at all others by denying that there was ever any such thing is justly censured by Diodorus For Scipio Africanus the younger 260 years after having destroyed Carthage restored this Engine to the Agrigentines with whom it was yet remaining when Diodorus wrote his History 24. Imilcar having after a Siege of eight moneths thus mastered Agrigentum a little before the Winter solstice destroyed it not presently that therein he might quarter his Soldiers that Winter All the Island was struck with great fear upon report of what had happened some of the Sicilians departed to Syracuse and others transported their wives and children with their wealth into Italy The Agrigentines being got safe to Syracuse accused their Captains as having betrayed their Country and the Syracusians were also blamed by the rest for having chosen such Generals as by their dishonesty had brought Sicilie into extreme danger A meeting being had at Syracuse and great fear of a War possessing all men's minds none dared to speak one word or give any advice All sticking at the matter at length stood up Dionysius the Son of Hermocrates and accusing the Captains of having betrayed Agrigentum Dionysius his tricks for making himself absolute earnestly moved the People to punish them forthwith and not stay the time prefixed by Law For this unlawful and seditious motion the Magistrates
Principis and Quaestor Principis or Augusti whose Office Ulpian describeth This gave original to the Quaestor Palatii saith Lipsius to whom was granted great authority as to make Laws and Decrees subscribe Petitions return answers and to be as it were the keeper or President of the Laws which name is now changed into Chancellour But to speak something of the Treasury the Temple of Saturn was first made use of to this purpose The Aerarium or Treasury as Plutarch telleth us Here also were kept the Libri Elephantini Books wherein the 35 Tribes were written and the Decrees of the Senate but the Libri Lintei or the Annals were kept by the Pontifices who therein recorded such things as were memorable In the Aerarium was also a more secret place where the twentieth part of the revenues were reserved for cases of extremity onely The Aerarium was afterwards called Fiscus from the Fiscella or bags wherein the money was kept according to Varro The first Advocatus Fisci was instituted by Adrian the Emperour as Spartianus witnesseth Amongst other tributes the People of Rome had the twentieth part of all revenues of Corn throughout Italy besides Salt which was the device of Livie thence Sirnamed Salinator Those that farmed the Tributes or Custom were called Publicans and the principal of them Mancipes according to Pedianus whom Volateranus followeth 14. Valerius Poplicola having finished his constitutions of Setlement held the Assembly of the People for the election of another Consul Lucietius the father of Lucretia was chosen Lucretius Consul to whom as the elder Poplicola granted the Fasces or bundle of Rods which respect of age was ever after observed by their Successors till the time of (a) In poplicola Plutarch as himself writeth This granting of the Fasces was yet but for the first moneth which indeed afterwards was wont to be granted to the elder Consul but no longer than till the Lex Julia in the seventh Chapter whereof this privilege was given to him who had most children either still in his own power that is to be understood not emanicipated or already lost in War But if both Consuls had an equal number of children he who at present was a maried man was preferred If both were husbands and fathers alike then the antient custom returned and he who was eldest had first the Fasces Concerning such who were both unmaried had the same number of children or were both maried and had no children the Law commanded nothing But I hear saith (b) Noct. Attic. lib. 2. c. 15. Gellius that those who were exempted were wont to yield the Fascos of the first moneth to their Colleagues that far exceeded them in age or in birth or entred upon their second Consulship In the mean time that Consul who had no Fasces that he might be known by some note of distinction had an Accensus a certain Bedle or Crier concerning whom (c) De Ling. Lat. pag. 62. Varro is to be consulted that went before him and Lictors followed with Rods and Staves as (d) Lib. 5. Dionysius (e) Lib. 3. Livie and (f) In Julio Suetonius de testifie 15. Lucretius died also a few daies after his creation to whom succeeded M. Horatius Horatius who continued the Colleague of Poplicola for the remaining part of the year Novv vvas the Capitol finished vvhich had been vovved by Tarquinius Priscus and begun by Superbus his grand-son Poplicola had a great ambition to dedicate it but the Nobility envied him the honour and stirred up Horatius to stand for it whom when the other was constrained to be absent in the War they injoyned by a Decree to do it and caried him up thither knowing that in the presence of Poplicola they could not have prevailed Some write that by lot the War fell to Poplicola much against his will and the Dedication to Horatius On the Ides of September which fell in with the full Moon of the Greek moneth Metagitnion answering to August the 28 of the Julian year as Jacobus Cappellus computeth when many flocked to behold the Solemnity Horatius having commanded silence and finished all the usual rites touched the door and pronounced the words of Dedication Then Marcus the brother of Poplicola standing near for that purpose and watching for an opportunity said Thy son O Consul is dead in the Camp whereat when all others were struck Horatius nothing disturbed answered onely Then cast him out whither you please for I admit not of mourning and went on with the matter in hand Neither was the story true The Capitol dedicated but feigned by Marcus to deter him from the Dedication The same fortune hapned to the Dedication of the second Temple of Jupiter Capitolinus after this was burnt in the Civil Wars For Sylla having rebuilt it died before the Dedication as Tarquinius was banished and so that honour came to Catulus When this had perished in the sedition of Vitellius Vespasian built the third and was herein more fortunate than Sylla thâ—t as he died before the Dedication of his so the Emperour lived not to see the destruction of this which presently after his death was also burned The fourth which stood in Plutarch's time was both built and dedicated by Domitian Tarquinius as was reported spent 40000 pounds of silver in founding his Temple but the fourth was not guilded for so little as the wealth of the richest private man The Marble Pillars Plutarch saw at Athens being then of a thicknesse answerable to their length but afterward when they were new cut at Rome they got not so much splendour as they lost of proportion and beauty being rendred too slender in bulk or substance 16. In the * Polyb. lib. 3. p. 160. Consulship of Junius Brutus and M. Horatius that is in the same year that Horatius succeeded though not immediatly into the place of Brutus who with Tarquinius his Collegue governed but 4 moneths when the Temple of Jupiter Capitolinus was Consecrated 28 years before Xerxes his expedition into Greece the first League was made betwixt the Romans and Carthaginians The first League betwixt the Romans and Carthaginians Herein it was provided that the Romans should not sayl beyond the Fair Promontory which lay before Carthage towards the North. Polybius thinketh the cause was for that the Carthaginians would not have them take notice of the places about Byzacium nor the little Syrtis which for the fruitfulnesse of the soyl they termed Emporia But if it hapned that any either by Tempest or Pirats were forced in thither they promised they would furnish them with all things necessary but forbad any thing to be taken by force and commanded all to be gone thence within five dayes It was lawfull hereby for the Romans to Traffick to Carthage and all that part of Africk which lieth on this side the Fair Promontory as also Sardinia and that part of Sicily then under the Carthaginians who promise
to so constant a work When they were at a stand the whole family of the Fabii by the procurement of the Consul voluntarily offered to take both the charge and trouble upon it self onely which was gratefully accepted The family of the Fabii ingage against the Veientes The Fabii then under conduct of Marcus the last year's Consul fortified a Castle near the River Cremera and not far from Veii Their whole number was at first 4000 whereof their Clients and friends made up the greater part and of such as bore the name of the Family there were 306 afterwards another Company followed being led by Caeso Fabius the Consul Out of this Castle which they named Cremera from the River they made excursions and much endamaged the Enemy This caused the Veientes again to implore the aid of all Hetruria which making preparations news came that the Aequi and Volsci also had agreed upon an invasion The Senate hereupon ordered their Armies to be provided whereof L. Aemilius the next year's Consul led one against the Hetrusci with whom joyned Caeso Fabius as Proconsul C. Servilius the other Consul marched with another part against the Volsci and Ser. Furius with the third against the Aequi having also the power of Proconsul Furius no lesse happily than sodainly finished his work Servilius rashly managing his affaires lost many men and not daring to adventure all in a battel drew out the War in length But Aemilius giving battel to the Veientes and their Associates overthrew them and then storming their Camp forced them to beg Peace 68. Having purchased a Truce by the grant of provisions for two moneths to the Consul's Army and six moneths pay they had leave to send to the Senate The Fathers upon reading of Aemilius his letters who advised them by all means to finish the War resolved to make Peace and left the conditions thereof to him He having a respect rather to equity than the profit of the Conquerours made a League with them neither taking from them any grounds nor any more money nor receiving any Hostages to secure their obedience which procured him much evil will and deprived him of the due honour of a Triumph They ordered him to assist his Colleague against the Volsci but he complaining grievously of them to the People and suggesting to the multitude that they were angry because the War was finished out of a desire to have the Peoples thoughts diverted from the Agrarian Law disbanded his Army as also that of Furius and hereby afforded much matter for contention betwixt the Nobility and Commons The year following being the first of the 76 Olympiad wherein Scamander of Mitylene was Victor in the course and Phaedon Archon at Athens the new Consuls C. Horatius and T. Menenius found some obstruction in the Levies the Commons still complaining that the Agrarian Law was not executed But necessity cut off the dispute eleven several Cities of Hetruria having declared against the Veientes for making Peace without publick consent and forced them to break it The pretence was for that the Fabii were not drawn off from Cremera who sending intelligence to the Senate of this intended breach it ordered Menenius to march into Hetruria as Horatius against the Volsci While Menenius loitered in his Expedition Cremera was taken and the Fabii all cut off Some wrote that it was by an Ambush as they were returning to Rome to sacrifize for the whole family according to their custome But others delivered more probably that being accustomed to make depredations they were drawn into snares by the Hetruscans who caused herds of Cattel to be driven thither where they had bestowed a sufficient quantity of men and being overpowered were all at length destroyed All the adventurers are cut off though with the great losse of the assaliants except such as they had left to keep the Cattel These were so far from being discouraged at what had befallen their fellows that they also stood it out to the last man enduring all extremity and fighting when half dead with weapons wrested from the hands of their Enemies 69. A tradition remained to posterity that 306 of this family being cut off none remained except one Boy who for his youth could not serve in the Expedition Dionysius sheweth the vanity hereof by these reasons 1. All except one could not be unmaried or without children for an ancient Law commanded all at a legitimate age to mary and provide for Posterity which being diligently observed till their age the Fabii alone would not contemn but Whether only one Boy remained of the family 2. Grant this it is not to be granted A. M. 3528. Ol. 15. an 4. V. C. 277. Xerxis 9. that none of those had a brother of young years 3. If their Fathers had been so utterly deprived of their Sons yet certainly all would not have been so old and dry as to despair of any more issue and consequently make no provision for it by mariage 4. And if they had no fathers living yet would it be a prodigious thing to suppose that none of them left any son as yet an Infant a Wife with Child or a young brother This is true that of the three brothers Caeso Marcus and Quintus in the family of whom the Consulship had continued for seven years Marcus onely left a young son besides whom none of this name afterwards being famous thence the report might rise that none else was preserved Concerning the time of this defeat Authors something differ (a) Lib. 1. c. 16. Macrobius maketh the day to have been the 17th of the Calends of Sextilis (b) In Camillo Problem Plutarch after the Summer solstice and about the full Moon in the middle of the moneth Quintuis (c) Lib. 6. Livy and (d) Lib. 18. Tacitus on the fifteenth of the Calends of Sextilis which suiteth with that of Plutarch and (e) Fast 2. Ovid on the Ides of February 70. The Veientes having recovered the Castle went confidently against the Roman Legions which lay incamped not far of and as was thought might have relieved the Fabii but that Menenius the Consul out of envy would not make use of the opportunity They took the advantage of his unskilfulnesse and seized on an Hill near unto him where placing a Guard they made sallies upon the Camp and so straightned it that they brought him to fight upon very unequal terms and put his Army to the worst The Romans forsook their Camp and fled in so tumultuous a manner that had the Veientes not been too greedy of plunder they might utterly have destroyed them The day following they invaded the Roman Territories and came as far as the Hill Janiculus The Veientes peirce within two miles of the Citie two miles from the Citie whereon they seized and thence made excursions to the great disgrace of the Romans Horatius the other Consul returning from the Volsci overthrew them twice and gave the
as the other Quintius made Consul so that the rest of the Classes were not called They that were sent to fetch Quintius into the Citie found him at Plow without as much as a Coat about him onely in his Trusse and a Cap on his head Seeing the company make towards him he wondred what it meant but being told by a Viator that run before he put on other apparel and in a seemlier habit presented himself Being saluted not by his own name but by that of Consul invested with Purple honoured by the Fasces and other Ensigns of Magistracy he was desired to begin his journey whereat pausing a little he answered with tears Then for this year this little field shall be unsown and we shall be in danger of want After this taking leave of his Wife and commending his houshold affairs to her care he departed for the Citie 83. Quintius restrained the Tribunes from preferring the Law by denouncing that except they were quiet he would lead out all the Citizens against the Volsci When they said they would not permit him to make Levies he called the people and put the younger sort in mind of their Sacramentum or Military Oath whereby they had bound themselves to the Consuls to follow whithersoever he would lead them and not be wanting to the Majesty of the Roman people He affirmed they were all obnoxious to him by this Oath now he was Consul and sware he would animadvert upon Offendors according to the Laws Herewith he commanded the Standards to be moved out of the Aerarium and told them that to make them know they should have no leasure for Tribunitial actions in his Consulship he let them understand he would not return out of the Enemie's Countrey till his Office was at an end and bade them prepare for wintring in the Camp The multitude terrified hereat His carriage in his Office desired him to forbear this rigour and he did it upon this condition that they would not molest him for his whole time but suffer him to spend it in administring Justice He behaved himself with such prudence Justice painfulnesse and courtesie that the Commons thought they stood not in need now of any new Laws and the Senate was desirous to have him Consul for the following year to oppose him to the Tribunes who executed that Office now the third time But as he approved it not in them so he himself would not commit the same fault as he counted it and in the Assembly speaking much against such as would not quit their Office when their time was finished swore most religiously that he would not accept the Consulship till he had laid down his present charge Having finished a new Election he betook himself to his little Cottage and his former laborious course of life 84. The year following the Aequi surprized Tusculum which action caused a War betwixt them and Rome wherein they were worsted together with their friends the Volsci and forced to beg peace But in the next Consulship they were drawn again to revolt and making War upon the Latines by Gracchus Claelius their Captain an industrious man who had improved the power granted him by his Countrey almost to regallity Dionysius ut supra Livius lib. 3. He drew the Roman Army into so disadvantagious a place that it was thought convenient to make a Dictator He is made Dictator which was L. Quintius Cincinnatus The Messengers found him newly dressed for when he espied the company suspecting they came to him he left the Countrey-work he was in hand with and put on his better Clothes Seeing himself made Dictator by the trapped Horses the 24 Axes the Purple and other royal Ensigns he was so far from being delighted with this honour He overthroweth the Aequi. that he said with indignation This year's Crop will also be lost by reason of mine imployment and my family must be famished When he came to the Citie he incouraged the people and named Master of Hors-men L. Targuinius a man of no great esteem by reason of his poverty but a good Soldier Having gathered together the Forces he gave Claelius battel and beat him into his Camp which having besieged some time he forced the Aequi to give him up with other incendiaries to be punished with death according to their deserts as also to passe under the Jugum two Spears set in the ground and a third laid over upon them in form of a pair of Gallows in token of servitude and because they had the year following without any provocation plundred Tusculum to suffer him to deal in the like manner with Corbio The choicest part of the plunder he caused to be carried to Rome the rest he gave to his own Soldiers and those of T. Quintius the Quaestor saying that the other of Minutius the Consul who had been besieged by the Enemy ought to be content that they fell not as a prey into his hands Having caused Minutius to lay down his Office he returned to the Citie with a more illustrious Triumph than any Captain before him the General of the Aequi and other Eminent prisoners in Chains preceding his Chariot having overthrown a strong Army and plundred and fortified a Citie of the Enemy within seventeen dayes after his Creation That absolute power which he might have kept for six moneths he presently resigned having first given an account of his administration And when the Senate and his private friends would have enriched him with publick Ground Plunder and Contributions he utterly refused it and betaking himself again to his small Cottage preferred a laborious life before Kingly power for that he pleased himself more in his poverty than others in the abundance of their wealth 85. The year following the Sabines whose grounds the other Consul Nautius had wasted as also the Aequi were in Arms having retaken Corbio against whom when Levies came to be made the Tribunes again withstood them being all new Created the fourth time Hereupon the Fathers with weeping eyes signified to the People that being forsaken by them who hitherto had stiled themselves their Children they would go forth and fight against the Enemy in their own persons wherewith the multitude being sore moved and Virginius seeing that do he what he could they would give their names he averred it to be the resolution of the Commons to live and die with them onely they desired some reward for all their pains and danger which was that they might live in equal freedom If this could not be granted they waved it and desired another thing which he was sure would not intrench upon the Senate's privileges The Consul affirming the thing should be proposed if they would but refer it to the Senate he desired that the number of the Tribunes might be increased unto 10. The Senate debating the matter C. Claudius the son of Appius the Elder spake against it alleging that the Commons would never be satisfied but Quintius who now
Olympiad and 40 after the death of Alexander the Great 14. Seleucus being exceedingly elevated with the thoughts of his Victory and more with consideration that he onely survived of Alexander's followers resolved to passe into Macedonia and there to end his dayes giving up Asia to his son Antiochus Who being the surviver of Alexander's Captains is slain by Ptolomy Ceraunus the same year Hee passed the Hellespont and journying towards Lysimachia came to a place called Argos where his time being but to live seven moneths after Lysimachus he was slain by Ptolomy Sirnamed Ceraunus the son of Ptolomy the first by Euridice daughter to Antipater who having fled out of Aegypt for that his Father preferred his younger brother before him joyned himself first to Lysimachus Justin ut prius Memnon apud Photium who had maried his sister and afterwards to Seleucus by whom he was lovingly entertained though he thus requited him Ptolomy as soon as he had done his feat posted away to Lysimachia when putting on a Diadem and taking a Company of Gallants along with him he went to the Army which received him as King having all Seleucus his money given unto them Antigonus Genatas so called it 's probable from a place in Perrhaebia where he was born son of Demetrius Poliorcetes presently after undertook an Expedition for the recovery of Macedonia hoping to justle out Ptolomy ere he could be well setled but he having notice of his coming and enjoying Lysimachus his Fleet went and met him at Sea where he overthrew him and forcing him to retire into Boeotia then confirmed himself in his Kingdom CHAP. IV. The Macedonian Kingdom From the death of Seleucus to the Captivity of Perseus and the end of this Kingdom containing the space of 139 years Ptolomy Ceraunus King of Macedonia maketh Alliances 1. PTolomy that he might provide for the time to come made Alliances with other Princes as Antiochus of Asia and Pyrrhus of Epirus who now being about to passe into Italy made him Overseer of his son and Kingdom he also wrote to his brother Ptolomy Philadelphus pretending to acquiesce in the missing of that his fathers Kingdom being sufficiently satisfied with this taken from his fathers Enemy Moreover he counterfeited himself to be in Love with his sister Arsinoe and married her for that it was according to the custom of Egypt promising to adopt her Children which he badly performed for being received by her into Cassandria he caused them to be first killed in the bosom of their mother and then thrust her out of the Citie from whence she went to Samothracia At this time the Galls being too many for their own Countrey under three Captains went to seek their fortunes so many several wayes some towards Thrace under the Conduct of Cerethrius others unto Pannonia under Brennus and Acichorius and the rest to Macedonia being headed by Belgius or Bolgius These Ptolomy met with a stragling company being more heady than wise refusing 20000 men offered him by the King of the Dardanians and peace by the Galls if he would but buy it which he scornfully rejected and answered he would not yield them it except they would give up the Chiefest amongst them as Hostages and deliver up their Arms. Joyning battel his Army was overthrown and he being sore wounded was cast by an Elephant on which he rode Is slain by the Galls and so taken alive by the Enemy They tore him in pieces and cutting off his head put it upon a Lance and carried it about to the terror of his followers of which a few escaping all the rest were either taken or slain This end came Ptolomy to after he had held Macedonia scarce a year and a half 2. Meleager his brother succeeded but onely for two moneths Porphyrius in Graecis Eusebii Justin lib. 24. for then the Macedonians cast him out as unworthy of the Dignitie and in his room placed Antipater son to Philip the brother of Cassander whom they sirnamed afterwards Etesia because he continued but 45 dayes during which term the Etesian winds blew After this succeeded an Interregnum if we look at the title of King for Sosthenes who gathering together a company of young men and thereby restraining the pride and covetousnesse of the Gauls though he might have been preferred before divers of Royal Races yet refused the name and made the Soldiers swear to him onely as General But Brennus hearing of the good successe of Belgius and what plunder he had got in the East with 150000 foot and 15000 horse marched thitherwards but 20000 falling off from him by the way and turning up for Thrace where they brought under the Cities of the Propontis he came into Macedonia where he made havock of all things Sosthenes overthrown by Brennus Belgius as it seems before his coming being repelled or gone Sosthenes went and met him with an Army but carrying too few against so great a number was easily overthrown after which the Macedonians securing themselves in the Cities Brennus wrought his pleasure in the Countrey and Villages throughout the Land When he had satisfied himself here with an Army of 152000 foot and 20400 horse of Celtes or Cimbres and Illyrians together he invaded Greece Each horsman had two servants followed him on hors-back who were to succeed their dead Masters which custom they called Trimarkasia or Trima asia rather for Mare in the Teutonick signified the whole species as also in our own Saxon tongue and so furnished they entred Thessaly and came to the Straights of Thermopylae Here they were opposed by the Greeks so as they lost many men till being lead over the Mountains the same way that in the expedition of Xerxes Hydarnes passed and getting over came upon the backs of the Spartans the Greeks then fled away Who with his whole Army is destroyed and they went to Delphos then to spoyl the Temple where with Thunder and Lightning Cold falling of Rocks and the opposition of the Enemy most of them came to their ends Brennus himself being wounded and not willing or not daring to outlive this shamefull expedition of which he had been the Author at home first drinking much Wine killed himself the rest flying were taken with a Pannick fear and killed one another for Enemies and what by this means the rage of the Countreys through which they passed with hunger and cold scarce any of them ever returned to their homes 3. During their stay in Greece Sosthenes died after he had ruled 2 years Euseb and then Antigonus Gonatus having made peace with Antiochus Soter returned and obtained his fathers Kingdom Brennus departing into Greece Justin lib. had left some Gaules to defend the borders and they lest they should be idle with 15000 foot and 3000 horse first fell upon the Getae and Triballi whom overcoming Antigonus Gonatus they then sent to Antigonus offering him peace if he would purchase it with money but
of any evil purpose Credit being given hereunto Herodorus is racked to death confessing nothing and Demetrius being again accused by his brother of intended flight is destined to die though for fear of giving any offence to the Romans and discovering his intentions against them it 's resolved to be done cunningly Being sent to Aestraeum a Town of Paeonia and thence called to Heraclea he is there first poysoned by Didas A. M. 3824. Ol. 149. an 4. V.C. 572. Seleuci Philop. 6. Ptolom Epiph. 22. crying out against the cruelty of his Father the paricide of his brother and wickednesse of Didas Being tormented with the working of the Poyson two lusty Ruffians were let into the room who stifled him with the tapestry and so the innocent young man was murdered His Father within a year or two fell into a sad melancholy for the losse of him which being perceived by one Antigonus the son of Echecrates and Nephew also to Antigonus who was Philip's Father The device is discovered he having been alwaies a faithful friend to the King labored to discover to him the whole device and brought to him one Xyetius who was privy to the whole design He laid open the series of all things to him Hereupon Philocles one of the Ambassadors that were sent to Rome being present was put to death Apelles the other hearing the businesse was come out fled into Italy Perseus onely kept him out of sight but his Father intending to frustrate his expectations of the Kingdom which he so wickedly sought after declared Antigonus his heir and successor saying he had rather his Kingdom should be destroyed than ever come into the hands of Perseus Whereat Philip laboureth to disinherit Perseus and dieth of Melancholy Not long after being spent with extream grief and melancholy and having commended Antigonus to the States of Macedonia and uttered many a bitter curse against Perseus he died at Amphipolis after he had reigned 44 years A. M. 3826 the second of the 150 Olympiad 146 years after the death of Alexander the Great 52. Had Philip lived a little longer Antigonus had got possession of the Kingdom by his means but things being not now ripe A. M. 3826. Ol. 150. an 2. V. C. 575. Seleuci Philop. 9. Ptol. Philom 2. he lost it by the procurement of the Kings Physician who when he saw there was no hopes of life sent and acquainted Perseus with it and kept close his death till his arrival so that then having opportunity to oppresse his Enemies not once thinking of it Yet Perseus getteth the Kingdom and resolveth to renew the War with the Romans he obtained the Kingdom Being a little setled therein he caused Antiochus to be slain and then sent to Rome to renew the League made with his Father and to desire that he might be owned as King doing this onely to secure himself for the present and intending as soon as his affairs would permit to make use of the preparation his Father had made for another War as it afterwards proved His Father a little before his death had prevailed with the Bastarnae who lived near the River Ister to leave their ancient seat and come and live in the Country of the Dardanians which he intended to give unto them that there leaving there wives and children they might together with the Scordisci who being some of those Galls that invaded Thrace had seated themselves at the meeting of Danubius and Sabus and so called themselves invade Italy They re-entred Thrace again with quietnesse but after Philip's death falling out with the Inhabitants and pursuing them to the Mountains they were set upon with such a tempest as seized on the Galls at Delphi and being pressed also by the Thracians onely 20000 got into Dardania the rest of the multitude returning back beyond Danubius Livius lib. 41. Those that arrived in Dardania now did Perseus stir up against the Inhabitants as much as possible which being distasteful to the Romans their Ambassadors also returning from Carthage reported to the Senate that he held intelligence with them there for his Ambassadors had private audience of them by night and others were sent by them into Macedonia 53. About this time some of the Dolopians refusing to obey him and willing to submit their cause to the Roman Senate he went down and by force brought all their Country into his power he laboured then to curry favour with several Cities of Achaia and Thessaly in his passage and either sent or wrote to several others in Greece desiring them that an end might be put to the ancient grudges betwixt his Father and them the Achaeans especially The Roman Senate upon the report of the stirs in Dardania sent three to see how matters went but he refused to see them it being alleged sometimes that he was absent and otherwhiles that he was sick but it clearly appeared to them that he was providing for the War and so much the more for that the Aetolians were now so seditious as though their commissions gave them power to take up the differences amongst them yet could they not prevail by their authority Indeed now he was better provided to make War than the Romans to resist having 30000 Foot with 5000 Horse in a readinesse and provisions too for ten years Thrace was at Peace with him and though he was so infamous for his cruelty not onely in respect of his brother's death but also the killing of Apelles whom he used as an instaument in that businesse and also for making away his wife and upon other accounts yet either out of reverence to the Court of Macedonia or by reason of their emulation against the Romans were both the Greeks and Asiaticks generally more favourable to him than to Eumenes the King of Pergamus though of a clean contrary disposition Eumenes himself came to Rome to complain against him to answer to whose accusations he sent Ambassadors His bad cariage towards Eumenes maketh him the sooner be declared an Enemy and with them the Rhodians who inclined to his side and as Eumenes returned home he most basely sent some to murder him whom though that King escaped as to his life yet was he sore wounded in the straight passage to the Temple at Delphi This as it lost Perseus much with his friends so it made him be the sooner declared an Enemy by the Romans 54. It was thought good that some forces should be raised to be in a readiness Idem lib. 42 43 44. and that certain Commissioners should be sent into Greece to retain the States in their fidelity with Soldiers also to put into such places as wanted He perceiving their resolutions began to repent himself and procured a truce that he might send Ambassadors to Rome He desireth Peace which will not now be granted the Commissioners giving way to it for that they knew him in a good posture for War and themselves unprovided as yet but the
Senate for all this would not grant him Peace his faults being so aggravated against him that the War was denounced P. Licinius Crassus the Cousul being sent against him he had the better of it in an ingagement but yet his heart failed him so contrary to his former humour as that then he sent and desired Peace offering to perform all his Father was tied to but had answer by the stout Romans that on no other terms could it be granted except he absolutely referre himself and Kingdom to the courtesie of the Senate and cast all into their hands After this he sent to Genthius King of the Illyrians to draw him to his party having taken divers Towns from him and might have done himself good thereby had he not been besotted for that Prince was inclinable enough to him onely he said he wanted money which though he had enough by him yet neglected he to send He laboured also to draw into his aid Cotys King of Thrace and subdued again the Dardanians but Quem vult Jupiter perdere dementat priùs Q. Marcius Philippus coming against him His consternation of mind A. M. 3836 Ol. 152. an 4 V. C. 585. Ant. Epipharis 8. Ptol. Philom 12. by reason of the difficulty of the wayes and want of provisions might easily have been utterly defeated but he cried out he was conquered without fighting ran away left the Straights open for his Enemy sent to Thessalonica to burn his ships to Pella to cast his treasures into the Sea and then being angry with the messengers the one for that he had not obeyed him the other for that he had he put them both to death and recovering most of his treasure by those that dived out of the water onely satisfied himself for this madnesse by recovering Dius which had been taken by the Enemy 55. L. Paulus Aemilius the Consul was at length sent against him Livius ibid. who found some difficulty at first to come at him having incamped himself near the Sea under the mountain Olympus Plutarch in Aemilio but Scipio Nasica getting over a Rock led the way and then Perseus retired and pitched his tents near to Pydna The Consul was warie of ingaging with him who now had an Army of 39000 Foot and 4000 Horse his own men being tired but the night before the fight the Moon being eclypsed so terrified the Macedonians that they accounted it to presage the ruine of their Kingdom He is overthrown which made the Romans to whom it was foretold on purpose more eagerly to begin the fight Cato son to M. Cato and son in Law to the Consul behaved himself so stoutly as this encouraged the rest and thereby he was the means to gain the victory Of the Macedonians were slain 20000 and 6000 taken of the Conquerours but 100 lost their lives Perseus fled to Amphipolis and finding there no relief sayled to Samothrace where hoping to be secure in that sanctuary Cn. Octavius the Admiral being sent after him promised by the voice of a Crier safety and freedom to all that would come in whereby he was forsaken of almost all his followers Ion of Thessalonica gave up hfs young children into the hands of the Romans He thought now of escaping to Crete but being left thus gave up himself and eldest son to Octavius when he had reigned 11 years and after being lead in Triumph by the Consul was cast into prison at Alba where for seven dayes he lay in a most sad condition till through the importunity of Aemilius it was changed into a better Yieldeth himself and dieth in custody after two years Two years he thus continued and then through desire of life and liberty encouraging himself in new and vain hopes ended his dayes some say through the barbarousnesse of his Keepers who would not suffer him to take any rest but others by course of nature in free custody having his funeral discharged at the publick cost Thus ended this Macedonian Kingdom being changed into a free State through the seeming bounty of the Conquerours A. M. 3837. the first of the 153 Olympiad 156 years after the death of Alexander the Great CHAP. V. The Asian and Syrian Kingdom From the death of Seleucus to the reducing of Syria into the form of a Roman Province by Pompey containing the space of 220 years 1. FOur or five years after the death of Cassander Plutarch in Demetrio Valerius Maximus lib. 5. cap. 7. Appianus in Syriacis it hapned that Antiochus the eldest son of Seleucus fell in love with Stratonice daughter to Demetrius which woman we said before that Seleucus married after her father was overthrown and beaten out of Asia and for that he was ashamed to reveal his affection pined away and resolved to starve himself had not his disease been discovered by Erasistratus the Physician by the changing of his countenance when she came in or out Antiochus the son of Seleucus falling in love with his Father's wife hath her granted to him and by other tokens Seleucus who was ready to redeem his sons life with his own bloud presently gave him her to wife though he had a Child by her and that the businesse might seem to proceed of himself calling his Army together he declared it to be his pleasure to make them two King and Queen of all the upper Countreys having married them together and that he thought his son who had hitherto been obedient to him in all other things would also herein be ruled by him but if his wife should distaste so unusual a thing he desired his friends to shew and perswade her that whatsoever the King should think fit and the affairs of State required that she ought to account of as just and fitting After this he took Demetrius her father and imprisoned him in the Chersonesus of Syria where he died after three years as was before said and within a year after his death fought his last and the last of Alexander's Companions battel with Lysimachus in which he being Conquerour and his Enemy slain A. M. 3712. Ol. 121. ann 4. V. C. 461. Seleuci 20. Ptol. Lagi 31. left Asia wholy to his son having a desire to go into Macedonia where he had never been since he came over with Alexander and end his dayes in his Native Countrey But as he was journeying towards Lysimachia he was traiterously slain by Ptolomy Ceraunus whom he had lovingly entertained A. M. 3722. 23 years after he had taken the title of King being aged 73. and 42 after the death of Alexander From his Conquests he was called Nicanor and Nicator and is reported to have had the print of an Anchor on his Thigh Vide Jâ—stin lib. 25. and his posterity also after him as a note of their Original 2. Antiochus succeeded his father Appian in Syriacis Memnon excorpt cap. 16. c. and was sirnamed Soter from repelling the Gauls which in his time at the invitation of
and Bachides both of the Kings party killing above 20000 men so that then they recovered many strong holds at which Lysias was exceedingly troubled things falling out so contrary to his expectations the next year invaded Judaea with an army of 60000 choice foot and 5000 horse And Lysias himself but being met by Judas with 10000 men he was received with such resolution that with the losse of 5000 he was glad to retreat to Antioch intending greater preparations for his next expedition 2 Maccab. 10. Judas returning to Hierusalem cleansed the Temple offered sacrifice upon a new Altar after the Heathen had held it just three years then kept they a feast for eight dayes and ordered it to be observed to posterity which in the Gospel is called the Feast of the Dedication 50. Antiochus in the mean while waged War against Artaxias King of Armenia and that with such successe as cutting off many of his men Appian in Syriacis he took him prisoner Antiochus in the mean time prospereth in the upper Countreys Afterwards hearing that the Citie Elymais in Persia was exceeding rich and therein a Temple of Venus or Diana both being asserted wherein were laid up very rich Arms left by Alexander the Great he being greedy of this prey attempted to rifle them both but the Inhabitants taking Arms repelled and caused him shamefully to retreat Being come to Ecbatanâ— he there heard of the overthrow of Nicanor and Timotheus and then journeying towards Babylon in the Borders of Persia of the defeat given to that great Army of Lysias the throwing down the Idol of Jupiter Olympius 2 Maccab. 9. and the fortification of the Sanctuary whereupon he fell into a great rage resolved to revenge himself upon the Jews for his shamefull retreat and commanded his Chariot driver to make speed And in his return hearing of the miscarriage of Lysias and the rest breathes revenge but is presently struck with a foul disease saying he would make Jerusalem the common burying place of them when he should come thither Scarce had he made an end of threatning when he was suddenly struck with exceeding torment in his bowels which yet reduced him not to any good constitution of mind he still breathing fury and revenge against the Jews and crying out to make haste but the Chariot being driven very fast he was shaken out of it and by the fall so sore bruised that he was constrained to betake himself to his Litter and then Worms crawled out of his body the flesh whereof rotted and fell from him yet alive None could endure to carry him for the stench thereof which also offended his Army wherefore being forced to stay his journey for Oxbyton he stayed at Taba a Town in Persia Before his death he confessed this to have falln upon him for the injuries offered to the Jews acknowledged the Soveraignty of God and his own pride A. M. 3841. Ol. 154. ann 1. Seleucida 149. Ptol. Philomet 17. vowed if God would restore him to grant immunities to his people to adorn his Temple to turn Jew himself and to travel through the habitable world to declare his strength and power And when he perceived his end to draw near he wrote most kind Letters to the Jews desiring them to stand faithfull to him and his son after him then constituting Philip who had been brought up with him the Protector and Guardian of his son till he should come to age And dieth he died after he had reigned 12 years A. M. 3841. after the beginning of Seleucus the 149. the first of the 154 Olympiad 51. Antiochus his son a Child of nine years old succeeded him Appian in Syriacis Antiochus Eupator 2 Maccab. 10. sirnamed Eupator by the Syrians for his fathers virtue Him Lysias goverved who had brought him up so that Philip his designed Guardian by his father fled into Egypt and Ptolomy the son of Dorymenes for that being convinced how the Jews were wronged he went about to compose the difference with them was forced to drink poyson Demetrius the son of Seleucus Philopator Polyb. Legat. 107. whom we before said to have been sent Hostage to Rome Demetrius the sonne of Seleucus Philopator and the right heir desireth of the Romans to restore him but they out of policy refuse it hearing there of his Uncles death desired of the Senate that he might be restored to his Fathers Kingdom so long unjustly detained from him affirming he esteemed of Rome as his own Country in which he had been brought up of the sons of Senators as his brethren and themselves as so many Fathers but they judging it more for their interest that the Kingdom of Syria should be under a child than one of mans estate such as he was being now 23 years old resolved it should be secured to Antiochus and presently ordered three Commissioners to be sent thither to settle the affaires thereof according to instructions received from themselves which might now be done easily enough the King himself being so young and his Courtiers thinking they were well enough dealt withall so Demetrius was not restored but especially they gave them in charge to burn all the ships they should find there not allowed to Antiochus by the League and hough the legs of all the Elephants and diminish the Kings strength as much as possible These things being executed provoked one Leptines so far as he slew Cn. Octavius the chief Commissioner and who first brought the Consulship into his family out of which Augustus Caesar issued whom Lysias though he was suspected to incense the People against the Romans honourably buried and dispatched quickly Ambassadors to Rome in the King's name to disclaim any consciousnesse to the fact 52. Gorgias being Governour of the parts about Judaea 2 Maccab. 10. fomented a continual War with the Jews and with him joyned the Idumaeans who received all runnagates and gave them entettainment Against those therefore Judas Maccabaeus marched took divers places and put 20000 to the Sword after which turning upon the Ammonites he overthrew them in divers ingagements Gorgias fomenteth a War with the Jews and taking Jazer with the Territories thereto belonging returned again into Judaea Timotheus the General of the Ammonites hereat inraged and gathering many men out of Asia came as if he would devour Judaea but Judas with his having humbled themselves and called upon the name of God gave him battel in which 20500 Foot and 600 of his Horse being slain he fled to Gazara a strong Garrison kept by his brother but that being taken he was pulled out of a cave where he had hid himself and slain together with the other After this the Nations about Galaad and Galile afflicting sore the Jews Maccabaeus divided his Army into three parts 1 Maccab. 5. one of which viz. 3000 men he delivered to bis brother Simon to relieve them of Galile the second to Joseph the son of
raging against them with pillages and slaughters and corrupting himself with the luxurie of Ionia where he had been brought up pulled upon him the hatred of all his Subjects which he perceiving made onely as an occasion further to prosecute his wicked and unseasonable designs Ariarathes went straight to Rome to crave aid and the Ambassadors both of Demetrius and the other followed to excuse what was done and recriminate him which those of Orophernes performed so dexterously that no body being present that could confute their lies they seemed to gain credit and Ariarathes because he had been the confederate of the Romans was ordered to reign together with his brother This was all he got at Rome but shortly after Attalus the brother and successor of Eumenes expelled Orophernes and Demetrius quite out of Cappadocia Artaphernes the true heir restored by Attalus and restored him to the entire possession of his Kingdom 65. Not long after Excerpt Polybii per Valesium Demetrius casting in his head how to inlarge his Dominions offered Archâ—as the Governour of Cyprus for Ptolomy Philometor 500 Talents to betray the Island into his hands which the man consented to but being discovered and sentenced prevented the execution by hanging himself Being thus frustrated in this design he thenceforth giving himself up to idlenesse having built a Castle fortified with 4 Towers not far from Antioch wherein he passeth away the time without any attendance of State affaires out of the sight of his Subjects Hereby he contracted such hatred that the Antiochians revolted from him and made choice of Orophernes then living in exile at his Court who so badly required him for his former kindnesse as to conspire with them to rob him of his Kingdom and life He getting knowledge of this spared his life lest he should free Ariarathes from the fear of a competitor and caused him to be kept securely at Seleucia but the Antiochians not at all terrified from their attempt went on in their rebellion One Balas suborned by several Princes for the son of Epiphanes to which Attalus of Asia Ariarathes of Cappadocia and Ptolomy lending their helping hand they suborned a young man of the basest condition by one (a) Justin lib. 35. called Prompalus by others (b) Strabo lib. 16. Balas and (c) Josephus lib. 13. c. 8. Balles giving him the name of Alexander and reporting him to be son of Antiochus Epiphanes to recover as it were his Fathers Kingdom by force This youth together with Laodice Antiochus his daughter did (d) Polybius Legat. 140. Heraclides whom Demetrius cast out as we said of the Office of Treasurer at Babylon cary to Rome where he brought him into the Senate and caused him to desire that he might be helped in the recovery of the Kingdom at least that he might not be hindred in his indeavour that way then he seconding him inveighed against Demetrius and heaped up the praises and merits of Antiochus so far as though to all sober minded men his impudence was distasteful as well as his person yet he so bewitched the generality of the Fathers that a Decree was made whereby power was given to them to return and aid ordered them for the recovery of the Kingdom being the children of their late friend and allie as they had required 66. Heraclides having obtained this act of the Senate 1 Maccab. 10. presently hired Souldiers and getting many eminent men to joyn with him went to Ephesus where he made all possible preparation for the War Not long after Alexander got Ptolemais a City of Phoenicia being betrayed to him by the Garrison Soldiers which Demetrius hearing gathered together his Forces to go and fight with him but considering the uncertainty of the chance of War Justin ut prius Appian in Syriacis sent away his two sons Demetrius and Antiochus unto Cnidus to be out of the danger and be reserved to revenge his death or deprivation if need should require He sent also to Jonathan the Captain of the Jews to renew Peace with him giving him power to raise forces against Alexander and commanding the Hostages kept in the Castle at Jerusalem to be restored to him which he using as a good opportunity began to build Jerusalem anew and repair the walls but Alexander having notice of Demetrius his message and the promises made by him sent to him in like manner and amongst many privileges and immunities granted to the Nation appointed him to be the High-priest Contendeth for the Kingdom of Syria sending him Purple and a Crown of Gold So in the seventh moneth of the 160 year of the Seleucidae Jonathan put on the holy robe in the ninth after the death of his brother Judas the Priesthood having been vacant seven years from the death of Aleimus being the first of the Hasmonaeans that arrived at this dignity and of the priestly family A. M. 3852. Ol. 156. an 4. V. C. 601. Seleucid 160. Demet. Sot 10. Ptol. Philom 28. but not of the Pontificial to which Onias who now was in Aegypt was next heir Demetrius hearing of the agreement his Enemy had made with the Jews was sore troubled thereat and laboured again by incredible promises to allure them to his own party but they having had experience formerly how his affections stood towards them refused to entertain his overtures Balas gathering his forces together not onely those that revolted to him in Syria but his Auxiliaries also sent from Jonathan Ariarathes Attalus and especially from Ptolomy Philometor gave battel to Demetrius whose left wing put those to flight which fought against it but the right having the contrary fortune was forced to run which yet he would not do though in it but fighting manfully light with his Horse into a bog where he fought stoutly on his feet And Demetrius being slain in battel till at last he was slain with wany wounds after he had reigned twelve years A. M. 3854 the second of the 157 Olympiad of the Seloucidae the 161. 67. Alexander Balas obtained the Kingdom 1 Maccab. 10. and shortly after his possession of it remembring how much he was beholding to Ptolomy Philometor for it sent to him for his Daughter to wife which he willingly assenting to brought her to Ptolemais and maried her to him with royal magnificence Thither came down Jonathan from Jerusalem bringing presents for both the Kings Alexander Balas getteth the Kingdom and marieth Ptolomie's daughter but was followed by divers naughty persons to accuse him Yet Alexander was so far from listning to any tales that he caused him to be clothed in purple to fit near him and by proclamation commanded all his accusers to forbear at which they being discouraged went their wayes Joseph lib. 13. cap. 8. Livius lib. 50. Justin l. 35. After this Alexander giving up himself to idlenesse luxurie and minding nothing else the affaires of the State were wholly managed by one Ammonius
Cleomenes the Spartan entertained as we said lovingly by his father with promise to endeavour his restitution now finding things to make for it at home by the death of Antigonus and the Conjunction of the Aetolians with them of Sparta against the Achaeans earnestly desired to be dispatched away but he minding nothing but his pleasures and buried in sottishnesse regarded him not at all Sosibius indeed considered of the thing called his friends to advise about it but upon mature deliberation concluded it not wisdom to dismiss him provided of men and arms lest finding all clear abroad his Enemies being now dead or quiet he who knew sufficiently the state and condition of Egypt under such a Prince Stirs about Cleomenes King of Sparta might attempt something rather beneficial for himself than safe for it Hereupon it s resolved he shall be retained still and after some time an occasion was found to confine him For one Nicagoras a Messenian who ought him an injury coming to Town he not at all considering to whom he spake jeered the King to him for his filthy manner of life which he being glad of as having an opportunity against him acquainted Sosibius with his words and they two plot together that Nicagoras at his departure should leave a Letter directed to the other wherein he should accuse Cleomenes of an intention to make stirs in Egypt except he were sent away according to the promise of Euergetes This being laid to his charge by Sosibius and soundly aggravated to the King he was secured in free custody having a large house but kept with a Guard assigned to him whereupon growing desperate one day when Ptolomy was gone out of Town he made his Keepers drunk and with his followers brake out into the streets and called the people to liberty But none stirring being all astonished at the greatnesse of the Enterprize they made for the Castle which finding to be strongly defended he and all with him after a Laconian fashion as Polybius termeth it killed themselves This was the end of this famous man who being indued with a singular dexterity and promptnesse of wit had a genious suitable to great and weighty matters and was fitted by gifts of nature as well as experiences for the Offices either of a great Commander or a Prince 7. Though Cleomenes his sodain and unexpected attempt made no such impression upon the City as that any insurrections ensued thereupon and indeed the luxurie of the Court had infected it and the whole Land with the same distemper yet the minds of the People being something scowred by the Wars with Antiochus from this rust and elevated upon their successe against him after the battel at Raphia and the recovery of Coelesyria Polyb. ut prius they began to slight their lawful King and then arose to such an height as they clearly revolted intending to set up against him a Captain of their own making which shortly after they did and waged War with him though in what manner or with what end we know not further than thus that as it seemeth he had the better of it for he retained his dignity and power About this time 60000 Jews are said to have been slain in Aegypt Eusebius in Chronico 3. Maccab. Usserius Annal. Vet. Test pag. 510. who seeing they amounted to such a number we may have ground enough to think that they took part with the People and that his cruelty towards them ensued as a revenge hereupon though others there be that judge the contrary and deliver it as a thing not to be doubted of This is certain that about this time he grievously persecuted those of that Nation which lived at Alexandria abusing them first with libels and seeking to withdraw them from their Religion Those that refused to turn were either put to death or being deprived of all dignity and liberty were branded with the image of an Ivy leaf as the badge of Bacchus The Jews persecuted and because they were suspected to withdraw others from their obedience to the King all the Jews throughout the Land were in forty dayes space gathered together to be destroyed by 500 Elephants A. M. 3789. Ol. 141. an 1. V.C. 538. Ant. Mag. 8. â— Ptol. Philop. 7. to which was given wine mingled with much frankincence to inrage them But in the morning when Ptolomy should have come out to the sight a sluggish fit is said to have detained him until dinner and on the next day such a forgetfulness to have seized on him as he thought them mad which mentioned the thing to him and then on the third when the beasts were ready to be let loose two terrible Angels appeared which struck King and People with extraordinary horror and drove the Elephants upon those who came to be spectators of the cruelty Hereupon ensued such a change of the Kings mind as he dismissed the Jews after he had feasted them seven dayes and giving them leave to kill the Apostates Ptolomy dieth acknowledged God to be their protector At length he died leaving a childe of five years old and begotten of his sister behind him after he had reigned about eighteen years A. M. 3801 in the first of the 144 Olympiad 8. His son a child of five years succeeded him Justin lib. 30 being declared King by him before his death in the 20 year of Antiochus the Great King of Syria and was sirnamed afterwards Epiphanes Polyb. lib. 15 The death of Philopator was for a long time kept close by Agathocles and his party till his mother and sister had rifled the Court and he had found out such a way as he thought most effectual for the establishment of himself in that power he already enjoyed Then brought he out the King to the Macedonians His son Ptolomy Epiphanes a child of five years succeedeth him and with great expressions of sorrow for the death of his Father tells them the childe was by him delivered into the arms of Agathoclea his sister inveighs bitterly against one Tlepolemus who being a true Patriot was an eye-sore to him as if he intended to seize upon the Kingdom labouring to impose upon the belief of the Soldiers and secure himself by their strength but no man gave any credit to whatever he said so intirely was he hated by all The remembrance of the former outrages committed by him and his being more freshly renewed by some other attempts of cruelty whilst things still hung in this condition so inraged the multitude A. M. 3801. Ol. 144. an 1. V. C. 550. Ant. Mag. 20. that from all the quarters of the City flocking to the Court they would not be satisfied till having the young King first delivered to them they broke open the dores and getting him his sister mother and other of his creatures into their hands they put them to death mangling their bodies afterwards it being natural to that People to be cruel if once in
force but from the Laws all things which under the Popular Goverment were of greatest force and that by Universal consent together with the names they take upon them except Dictatorship For they are often Consuls and when without the Pomaerium are called Proconsuls and they bear the name of Imperator not onely such as have obtained victories but all of them to signifie their plenary and absolute power in the room of King and Dictator which being taken away they never assume but confirm the force and matter of them by the title of Emperour Accordingly they have the power of raising men and money making War and Peace commanding all things effectually both at home and abroad putting to death Equites and Senators even within the Pomaerium and doing all other things which a Consul and other Magistrates who had absolute power might do As Censors also they have Authority to inquire into our life and Maners to make the Census admit persons into the Equestrian or Senatorian rank and remove thence according to their pleasure And in as much as they are inaugurate in all Priesthoods admit Priests into the Colleges and ever one of them if there be two or three Emperours at one time is Chief Priest it is that they may have all religious things and sacred in their own hands As for the Tribunitial power which every eminent Emperour was wont to have it inableth them to interpose against any thing that may be done contrary to their pleasure and they are thereby Sacrosanct or Inviolable so that if any one injure them by the least not onely deed but word they may put him to death without processe as Piacularly Criminal The Emperours count it unlawfull to be Tribunes because they are Patricians but they receive Tribunitial power as large as ever any enjoyed and as renewing it yearly with the annual Tribunes the years of their reign or power are counted accordingly These things as they were established in the Popular Government do the Emperours together with the name take unto them that they may appear to have nothing but what was freely conferred on them 34. But they have another privilege so Dio proceedeth which never was universally granted to any Roman For the Emperours are loosed from the Laws by which thing alone liberty is given them to do those which we have related and all other things After this manner with these names which were used in the Popular State they receive all the power of the whole Commonwealth and the Kingly also shunning onely the name For the titles of Caesar and Augustus add nothing of peculiar power unto them but the one signifieth the succession and the other the splendour of their Dignity As for the name of Fathers though it giveth them such right over their subjects as Parents have over Children yet at first it was given onely for honour and to admonish them to hold their Subjects as dear as Children and these them as Parents These are the titles which the Emperours according to the Laws and Customs use even in our dayes and in our age all these are at the same time given to them except that of Censor but in times past they were severally according to the Laws decreed to them The name also of Censor some of them according to the antient custom have received and Domitian bore it all his life but now it is not so For the Emperours of our time having the thing it self are neither chosen to the Censorship nor bear the name of the Office except during the Census But * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 thus the Commonwealth was changed into a better form and order for it was utterly impossible it should subsist under the power of the people Thus far Dio excellently according to his custom of relating the principal matters of State It clearly appeareth from him how absolute the power of the Emperours was and how without any co-ordinate power of People or Senate in any respect The main of their Authority lay in the title of Imperator assisted by the Tribunitial power which two nay the former of them make good our exposition of the Lex Regia without the other titles which they might take upon them for popularity and to prevent the pretences of others though their Authority was large and strong enough without them Our Author concludeth this discourse with an Attestation to that truth we formerly asserted against Agrippa 35. The same night that Caesar received the sirname of Augustus Dio lib. 53. pag. 510. a considerable sign as it was accounted of his confirmation hapned For Tiber so overflowed that all the lower parts of Rome were Navigable which the Fortune tellers interpreted to signifie his great advancement and that he should have the whole Citie in his power Now many sought to flatter him but the indeavours of Sextus Pacuvius or Apudius exceeded all who being Tribune of the People after the custom of the Spaniard consecrated himself to him and caused others to do so Having now obtained the Government by consent of the people he set himself more effectually to look after it and made several Laws Yet did he not all on his own head but propounded many things to be debated in publick that if any were displeased he might amend them he desired all freely and openly to deliver their opinions and being moved by their reasons changed something but he especially desired to be advised by the Consuls or his Collegue if he himself bore that Office The general course of Augustus his administration Of the other Magistrates he made choice of one out of each sort and out of the Senate fifteen chosen by lot who were for six moneths to be his Counsellors that hereby he might seem to communicate his designs to the rest Some things he brought down to the whole Senate but he thought it fitter to consult with a few persons at leisure about the greatest affairs He called also these men sometimes to decide causes although the Senate still heard certain matters and gave answer to the Ambassadors of Kings and States as formerly Although the Comitia or Assemblies of the People were sometimes held yet nothing was done but according to the pleasure of Augustus He partly named Magistrates and left others to be created by the People onely taking care that no unworthy persons by indirect practices advanced themselves This was the general course of Augustus his administration saith Dio. He reduceth the Spaniards and shutteth the Temple of Janus the second time 36. The year following Augustus made an expedition into Spain Orosius lib. 6. cap. 2. Florus lib. 4. c. ult Sueton. in Octavio which never had been well quieted since the Romans first set footing there but now the Cantabrians and Asturians were not onely ready to defend their own liberty but endeavoured also to lay the yoak upon their neighbours Yet he reduced and brought all under and being then at Tarracon came Ambassadors from
(d) Pausan ut suprà begat three sons which are recorded Argalus Cynortas and Hyacinthus of which the later as Apollodorus writeth being for his beauty the delight of Apollo was killed by him at unawares when they were at play Argalus succeeded his father and left his Kingdom to his brother Cynortas whose son and Successor was Oebalus from whence the Countrey was also called * Servius ad Georg. 4. Apollod l. 3. Pausan A. M. 2646. Diodorus Siculus Oebalia and Castor and Pollux by Statius Oebalidae fratres On his first wife he begat Hypocoon and Icarion and on his second Gorgophone the daughter of Perseus by Andromeda Tyndareus and widdow of Perieres his son Tyndareus The former and later after his death contended about the succession and Tyndareus having the worst of it was constrained to banish himself for many years till at length he was restored by Hercules who slew Hippocoon and his ten sons with a great number of the Spartans but on this condition delivered was the Kingdom to him to keep it for Hercules his own Children and restore it when it should be demanded Tyndareus of Leda the daughter of Thestius an Aetolian Castor and Pollux Helena begat Castor and Pollux called Dioscuri as the supposed off-spring of Jupiter and on her or some other a daughter named Helena The two sons being famous in their lives grew more renowned after their death having the esteem of gods and from them was named the constellation of Gemini Helena was she that made such a broil in the World being first stolne by Theseus afterwards married to Menelaus and from him stolne again by Paris who kept her till the destruction of Troy as hath been shewed Her two brothers dying before their father Menelaus Menelaus with her obtained the Kingdom of Lacedaemon through the special favour of Tyndareus A. M. 2809. who from amongst 29 suters all Princes of Greece made choice of him Lest those great ones should fall out amongst themselves he bound them all with an Oath to be Defendants to whomsoever he would give her which he did by the advice of Ulysses upon promise to assist him in his sute being one of the number This we do not find that he did but in way of requital procured for him Penelope the daughter of Icarius 3. Menelaus on a slave begot two base sons but by Helena had onely a daughter named Hermione which he married first to Orestes the son of his brother Agamemnon and again taking her from him gave her to Pyrrhus the son of Achilles It 's thought that Orestes killed Pyrrhus for after his death he presently resumed his wife and Menelaus once dead he added the Kingdom of Lacedaemon to his other two of Mycenae and Argos for the Lacedaemonians were more willing to receive him as their Prince than Nicostratus and Megapenthes the bastard sons of Menelaus Tisamenus his son succeeded him in his Kingdoms out of all which he was outed by the Heraclidae or posterity of Hercules as before was shewed by the help of the Dores with him the Achaeans being also banished who were Originally of Pthiotis in Thessaly for Achaeus their Progenitor was the son of Xuthus Grand-son to Deucalion by his son Hellen. The descent of the Heraclidae Procles and Eurysthenes obtain in Sparta Argos fell to Temenus by lot A. M. 2901. Crespontes got Messene and Lacedaemon became the portion of Procles and Eurysthenes the sons of Aristodemus who was slain at Delphos for Pausanias judgeth this the most probable opinion by the fraud of Pylas when they were preparing for the expedition Thenceforth the Lacedaemonians were accounted Dores who if formerly they were part of the Achaeans and going to Troy at their return were expelled by those that remained at home and so forced to seek out new seats and received the name of Dores from their Captain as Plato writeth then had they full as much right to the Countrey as the Heraclidae themselves the title of whom we have formerly shewn this change hapned 80 years after the destruction of Troy as Thucydides gathereth 327 before the first Olympiad in the dayes of Melanthus father to Codrus the last King of Athens the year of the World 2901. 4. The two brothers Eurysthenes and Procles were Twins and that so like as their mother not knowing them asunder was ignorant which was the eldest Lege Herodot l. 6. c. 52. and therefore the Lacedaemonians made them both Kings with equal power Both Kings with equal power onely because Eurysthenes was first washed and fed he was vulgarly accounted the elder and though their families were of the same dignity yet was his accounted something the more honourable In their minority Theras their Uncle by the Mother's side managed the Kingdom for them in obeying whom they ever agreed but in nothing else though Twins and so like one another This difference was in a manner propagated to their posterity which continued on both sides for many Generations downwards by the names of Eurysthenidae and Proclidae and being partakers in what is commonly accounted to bear no corrivals no wonder it is that emulation should be continued but much that for so long it kept within the bounds of civil concord After these two followed their two sons Helotae made slaves Agis for Eurysthenes from whom the Kings of this family were also called Agidae and Sous for Procles Plutarch in Lycurgo In their time it hapned that the Inhabitants of Helos a Town built by Helius the youngest son of Perseus were made slaves both they and their posterity to the Lacedaemonian State Strabo l. 8. pag. 363. 365. for whereas they as well as others had formerly the freedom of the Citie and were Members of the Commonwealth Agis took away that privilege and ordered them to pay Tribute to Sparta which refusing to do standing out they were thus punished all other slaves to that State though of what Original soever being called after them Helotae Agis dying was succeeded by Echestratus his son and Sous some years after Euseb left for his Successor his son Eurytion called otherwise Eurypon and Euryphon from whom the Kings of that family were also named Eurytionidae Echestratus was followed by Labotas his son and Eurytion by Prytanis in whose reign the first quarrel arose betwixt the Lacedaemonians and Argives Labotas being dead Doryssus his son succeeded him the Kingdom and in like manner after the death of Prytanis Eunomus his son continued the succession of that family 5. After Doryssus followed Agesilaus A.M. 3019. Euseb in Chronico Eunomus of the family of Procles still continuing who of a former wife begat Polydectes and of a later Lycurgus born 150 years before the first Olympiad Archelaus the son of Agesilaus succeeded his father Plutarch ut suprà and was accompanied in the Government by Polydectos who dying without issue left his inheritance to
Lycurgus his brother Lycurgus then governed as King Lycurgus but not long after his brothers wife proved to be with Child She sent to acquaint him therewith and to tell him that if he would marry her she would make away the infant He detesting from his heart such Villany yet returned her no denial but desired her not to practice any thing upon her self whereby she might come in danger for when the Child was once born he would take care for the destruction of it and by this deceit he drew her on till the time of her Travel When that came he sent some to observe her with command if it were a Girle to deliver it to the women but if a Boy to bring it strait unto him As he was supping with the Magistrates a Boy was born and brought to him who taking him in his arms told the Spartans that there was their King and presently put him in the Royal seat And A.M. 3107. because all men wonderfully rejoyced at so strange a thing admiring his Magnanimity and Justice he gave to the Child the name of Charilaus Tutor to Charilaus 6. Then as Tutor to this his young Nephew he managed publick affairs for some eight moneths but there wanted not those of the Queens kindred especially her brother who reproached him to his face as intending no good to the Child which she also now stuck not to say incensed by his repulse in the matter of marriage He took this in very ill part Lege Plutarchum Strab. lib. 10. pag. 482. and fearing that some inconvenience might follow these suspitions that were begotten by his adversaries in the breasts of several persons resolved to cut them off by Travel wherein he purposed to continue so long till his brothers son should come to maturity and had begotten an Heir for his Kingdom He went first unto Crete Travelleth where he made observations of the Laws and Customes of that Commonwealth instituted by Minos which afterwards he made his pattern and whence he sent Thaletas an Eminent Lyrick Poet of those times by his charming Verses to stir up the Lacedaemonians to Love and Unity From Crete he passed over into Asia that he might compare the luxury thereof with the Cretian severity and as good Physick make up a temper out of both where he found Homer's Verses kept as it seemeth by the Sons of Creophylus the Poet being dead not above thirty years before which he then copied out and bringing them home first made them publick in Greece though in great disorder in which they continued till the dayes of Pisistratus The Egyptians reported that he came down into their Countrey and there learnt the distinction of Military men from Artificers and those of other callings But whilest he thus improved himself abroad he was much wanted at home and often earnestly sollicited to return by all parties 7. For great need there was of his pretence to heal the distempers into which the State was now fall'n the heady multitude having by its desire of loose liberty brought all things into confusion The first Government till the coming in of the Heraclidae for any thing that can be found was meerly absolute and afterwards we do not find that the Regal power was diminished till Eurypon or Eurytion most imprudently let loose the reigns of Government This gave occasion to the Rabble to fly high in disobedience and contest with his Successors when they endeavoured the recovery of their old Authority Many great tumults and seditions were hence raised insomuch that Eunomus the Grand-son of Eurypon father of Lycurgus and fifth from Procles was murdred in one of them with a butchers knife These distempers increasing Plutarch and the Kings not being strong enough to rule the dissolute Rabble nothing but absolute ruin and destruction was expected when Lycurgus returning home of whose prudence and integrity they had had formerly large demonstrations alone seemed able to give any hope of better things 8. He thought this opportunity was not be neglected now that all were in so good a mind and resolved to use his utmost indeavour for an alteration At his return he anew modelleth the State Herein this was the scope he aimed at to make Provision for equality which he thought to be the best Nurse of Concord and the Bulwark of all societies To accustom the People from their tender years to obey the Laws and Magistrates and hereby to render them more inclinable to live justly and frugally to bridle all corrupt affections indure labour and hardship refuse no danger for the publick good nor death it self if the case required Having therefore a design to make a full evacuation of all bad humours as he accounted them and knowing how full of difficulty and danger this might prove to the body politick mens minds much loathing so violent a Purgation he considered that they were apt to be led by a shew of Religion and having learnt how Minos pretended to have received his Laws from Jupiter with whom he conversed in a Cave he resolved to go to Delphos and make use of that Oracle to the same advantage There was he received with incouraging words saluted Beloved of the gods a god rather than a man and received in an Oracle the frame of a Commonwealth which bringing home he called Rhetra to gain the more Authority to it At his return he first consulted with his intimate friends and drew others on by degrees till having made a party he ordered thirty principal persons to go Armed into the Market-place betimes in the morning that they might thereby strike a terrour into their Adversaries A.M. 3122. Charilaus at this much affrighted as thinking it some plot against himself fled to Chalciaecum the Temple of Minerva much spoken of where he took Sanctuary but understanding how things were came forth and joyned himself to his Uncle being of a most sweet and mild disposition 9. The Rhetra according to which he framed his Model was of this tenour Let him build a Temple of Jupiter Syllanius and Minerva Syllania Let him divide the People into Phylae and Obae ordain thirty Senators with the Archagetae then let him call together the People betwixt Babyces and Cnacion so let him propose concerning matters or null them Gamodan Gorian c. In these words of the Oracle saith Plutarch Obae and Phylae that is Tribes signifie certain parts into which the People was to be divided the Kings are called Archagetae as Captains and to assemble the People is in Greek expressed by apollazein for that he attributed the beginning and cause of the Commonwealth to Apollo Pythius Babycas and Cnacion is at this day called Oenuns Aristotle writeth that Cnacion is the name of the River and Babycas of the Bridge In the middle betwixt these the Concio was assembled though there was neither Gallery nor any other accommodation because he thought that those things conduced nothing to Council but rather