long strugled with various Fortune as afterwards will be seen gave place to his Son Astyages Cyaxares Astyages Father to Mandane the Mother of Cyrus 15. Belesis obtained Babylon as was said but how long he held it or who succeeded him immediately is not known About 71 years after Belesis his successors Nabonasar or Nabonassar obtained the Kingdom there from the beginning of whose reign that famous Aera or Epoche known by the name of Aera Nabonasari Nabanasar is derived It is counted from the first day of that Egyptian month Thoth Febr. 26. which fell out 746 Julian years and 310 dayes before the Aera of Christ as Cappellus and others reckon 424 years before the death of Alexander the Great according to Ptolomy (b) Magn. Syntax lib. 3. c. 8. the Prince of Mathematicians Ptolomie's Catalogue of Kings in the 8th Olympiad This Author hath preserved the names of such as succeeded Nabonasar in his Catalogue of Kings He reigned 14 years after him Nadius 2 then Chezirus or Porus 5 Jugaeus or Hulaeus 5 and then Mardocempadus 26. In his time happened the (c) Idem lib. 4. cap. 6 7. three most antient Eclipses of the Moon observed by the Babylonians The first of them in the first of his reign and the 28th of the month Thoth the 27th year of Nabonasar The second in his 2 nd year on the 18th of Thoth And 176 dayes 20 hours and an halfe after this the third Eclipse fell out on the 15th day of the month Phamenoth Scaliger and others think this Mardokempad to be the same with him who in the (d) 2 Kings 20.12 Scripture is called Merodach-Baladan the Son of Baladan But Cappellus conjectureth there were two Merodach's Sons of Baladan and Nephews of Nabonasar whereof the one was called Merodac-Kempad and the other Merodac-Baladan 16. Mardokempadus having reigned 12 years was succeded by Arkianus who ruled 5. Then followed an Inter-regnum for two years after which Belibus obtained the Kingdom for 3 then Apronadius 6 Rigibelus one Mesessimordak 4 after whom another Inter-regnum insued for 8 years he being also written Mesessi carduc Now the Royall Race seemeth to (e) Usserius in Annal. Vet. Testament ad A. M. 3323. one to have failed and Esarchaddon the King of Assyria to have again subjected the Balylonians to his Kingdom and his reason is for that he who followed at the end of this Inter-regnum is by Ptolomy called Assaradinus which he thinketh to differ onely from Esarchaddon in the sound of severall Languages If so this is he who brought out of the East Country Strangers to inhabite Samaria whence Salmanesser had 40 or more years before transported the Ephramites He is also by the posterity of this new Colonie called the great and noble Asnapper But how this Assyrian Kingdom had sprung up again during these two Principalities of the Babylonians and Medes is to be considered The arising anew of the Assyrian Kingdom How when and by whom 17. It is not probable that the vast Empire of Sardanapalus was all nor perhaps the greatest part subject to Media and Babylon but that although Arbaces left not the Medes to their liberty yet severall people he did for want of power to keep them under Hence in some time the people beyond Euphrates wearie of that anarchie and confusion under which they laboured might be willing to admit of a Prince again though not of the old stock of Belus whose successors having far excelled in power and dominion the Greeks accounted Sardanapalus the last King of the Assyrians Who this new Prince should be remaineth very obscure One (f) Jacobus Cappellus ad A. M. 3236. thinketh him that same Phul Phul. who made an incursion into the Land of Israel in the time of Menachem fixing the beginning of his reign in the 4th Olympiad 17 years before that of Nabonasar Another (g) Usserius ad A. M. 3257. Hist Anim. lib. 12. c. 21. will have Tiglah-Pileser or Thilgath-Pilneser or Theglath-Phalassar to be the man in Aelian he saith called Thilganus whom also he accounteth the same with Ninus Junior mentioned by Eusebius (h) In Chron. ex Cestore Rhodio having assumed the name of the first founder of the Assyrian Empire This Tiglath-Pilesar Tiglath-Pilesar at the invitation of Judah went up against Rezen (i) 2 Kings 15.16 King of Damascus and killing him transported his Subjects into Kir a place as Josephus will have it of upper Media He died when he had reigned 19 years and was succeeded by Salmanasser Salmanasser to whom (k) 17. Hosea King of Israel refused to pay tribute entring into confederacie with So King of Aegypt against him But Salmanasser besieged him in Samaria and at the end of three years taking the City carried the Israelites into captivity into Chelach Cheber and Nehar-gesan A. M. 3273. Cities of Media where he as well as his predecessor might have power if Deioces as yet not having obtain'd the Kingdom that Country was still subject to a popular Government or rather in a confused Anarchie 18. After the subversion of the Kingdom of Israel he overran all Phoenicia and Syria He sent an Army against the Tyrians at such time as Elulaeus their King made War upon the Cittaeans which had rebelled but a peace was presently made and he drew back his Forces Not long after Sidon Arce Palaetyrus and other Towns revolted from the Tyrians to him so that they alone standing out he returned and having a supplie of 60 ships from the Phoenicians ingaged with them in a Sea-fight but they having but 12 yet overthrew his Fleet and thereby obtained great credit At his return he set guards upon the River and water-courses and there kept them five years together which constrained them to make a shift with Wells and Pits as Menander (l) Apud Iosephum Antiq. lib. 9. cap. 14. related out of the Tyrian Annals translated into the Greek tongue wherein the name of Salmanasar was recorded Salmanasar dying Senacherib his Son succeeded him Senacherib A. M. 3287. called also Sargon in (m) Isa 20.1 Berosus apud Iosephum Antiq. lib. 10. c. 1. Scripture as some think He infested all Asia and Aegypt with War into the later of which as he descended in his retreat he sore (n) 2 Kings 18. distressed Hezekiah King of Judah who making his application unto his God obtained deliverance to the confusion of the Assyrian and his Army Herodotus telleth a story How when he came to Pelusium (o) Lib. 2. c. 141. Sethes the Priest of Vulcan then King of Aegypt by his prayer to his god procured all the habilaments of War to be eaten with Mice so that being rendred unable to fight he was forced to draw back his Army Esay 18. But the Prophecies against Egypt ascertain us that this expedition proved very dysastrous to it and that many Captives were thence led away
was commited and so enjoyed the Queen with the Kingdom wherein he was confirmed by the Oracle of Dâlphos to the sentence of which he and his adversaries had agreed to stand 34. Gyges reigned 38 years in which space he made War upon Miletus and Smyrna and took the City Colophon Ardys his Son and Successor subdued Priene fought against Miletus and in his time the Cimmerians being expelled their seats by the Scythian Nomades passed into Asia and took Sardis all but the Castle He reigned 49 years His Son Sadyattes 12 who gave place to Alyattes his Son and Successor Alyattes waged War with * Vide suprà paragraph 21. Cyaxares King of Media and expelled the Cimmerians out of Asia took Smyrna and set upon Clâzomenae In the 6th year of the War betwixt the Median and him whilst they fought upon equall terms the Sun was eclipsed which Thales one of the 7 wise men had foretold to his Milesians Both the armies seing the day beginning to be turned into night left off fighting and then by the mediation of Syennesis the Cilician and Labynitus the Babylonian a peace was concluded Ariena the Daughter of Halyattes being marryed to Astyages the Son of Cyaxares From the Tables of Ptolomy or of Hipparchus it appeareth that this Eclipse happened in the 4th year of the 44th Olympiad the 147th of Nabonasar the 4th day of the Aegyptian month Pachon which answereth to the 20th of September 3 hours and 25 minutes before noone 9 digits being eclipsed and the duration almost 2 hours Halyattes pursued also the War left him by his Father against Miletus the Inhabitants whereof received from him two great blows for that none of the Ionians helped them except the Chians in way of requitall for the aide they had afforded them against the Erythraeans At length having notice that he intended to send a messenger into the City at the command of Thrasybulus their Prince they brought all the provision they had into the market-place which appearing to be much and as such related to Aâyattes he thinking himselfe mistaken in his former belief of their distressed condition made Peace with them and died after he had reigned 57 years 35. Croesus his Son suceeded him at the age of 35 years Herod ubi suprà c. 26 c. He made War upon Ephesus which when he besieged the Towns-men for their security gave up the City to Diana by a rope fastned from the wall to her Temple but for all this he brought them under and subdued all the rest of the Greek Cities in the continent He brought into his subjection all the people of Asia within the River Hulis as the Phrygians Mysians Bâthynians Paphlagonians the Mariandyni Chalibes Thracians Thyni Carians Ionians Dorians Aeolians Lycians and Cilicians Being grown great and flowing with wealth and flourishing with glory the choisest wits of Greece flocked to Sardis and amongst the rest Solon the Athenian who being now in his travells had been with Amesis of Aegypt and now came to visite Croesus He kindly entertained him and shewing him his treasures out of a vain conceit of his own felicity demanded of him Whom he thought the happiest Man He answered he esteemed for such one Tellus an Athenian who having lived in good credit and leaving divers Children and Nephews of honest and virtuous cariage died in the War at Eleusine after he had first helped to put to flight the enemy for which he was honoured by his Citizens with a publick and stately funerall Croesus expecting if not the first yet the second place asked him Whom he accounted next to Tellus He replied Cleobis and âiton two brothers of Argos who had sufficient to live on and being very strong had gotten the better in tryall of Masteries On a time at the feast of Juno their Mother being to be drawn in a Chariot to the Temple and the Heiffers not at hand they yoked themselves and drew her thither She being much affected with the piety of her Sons praied the Goddesse that whatsoever was best for Man might be bestowed on them who sleeping that night in the Temple were found dead in the morning and honoured by the Argives with two Statues erected to their memory at Delphos 36. The King was troubled that his felicity should be so little valued as not comparable to that of private men But Solon plainly told him that all things were uncertain in this life and no man ought to be accounted happy til his End for which Philosophy as strange to the Courtiers he was dismissed with small reputation for learning Croesus growing exceeding proud and irreligious to humble him had a dream that the choisest of his two Sons whereof one was dumb should be slain with the iron head of some weapon Hereupon he removed all things of that nature out of the way looked to him diligently and marryed him out of hand But at this time it hapned that a certain wild Boar haunted about the Mountain Olympus in Mysia which doing great harm to the Inhabitants they were in no wise able to master and therefore sent to Croesus desiring him to send his Son accompanied with a sufficient train to hunt and kill the Wild beast He plainly denied because of his dream to let him stir from home but the young Man having a great desire to the exercise thereby to approve himselfe for activity to his new married wife obtained leave to be sent saying that no such thing would be used in the game as that of which he had dreamed He committed him then to the care of one Adrastus the Son of Gordius and he of Midas King of Phrygia who having at unawares killed his brother had been banished by his his Father When they came into the field and had dislodged the Boar Adrastus throwing a dart at him chanced to hit the young Man and so fulfilled the dream for which offering himselfe to be killed upon Croesus his refusall as done without any intention he yet slew himselfe Croesus took the accident very heavily and kept himselfe in mourning two years 37. This mourning was broken off by the prosperity of Cyrus who having now overthrown the Kingdom of the Medes advanced highly the affairs of Persia Herein he found himselfe exceedingly concerned so as to withstand if possible his successe and make an addition thereby to his own Fortune For encouragement in this design Croesus Halyâ gressus magnam pervertet opum vim he sent to enquire of the Oracles far and near which answering with one consent that he should overturn a great Principality he was much incouraged not doubting but that of the Persians was meant thereby and much more after the Oracle at Delphos had in answer to his requiry whether his Empire should long continue bid him look to himselfe when a Mule should have possession of the Soveraignty of Media taking this in a literall sense notwithstanding the constant ambiguity of such answers Now the Oracle giving way to it
effeminatenesse and luxury so that gluttonous (o) ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ventri indulgere ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã voluptatibus deditus and voluptuous persons (p) ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã unguentarius Lege Athenaeum lib. 15. c. 12. such as made it their profession to afford incitements to debauchery received Epithets from their name 41. Pactyas having fled to Cuma Mazares sent to demand him of the Citizens but they dismissing him he fled to Mytilene and thence to the Chians Taken who sold him to Mazares He then reduced such as had revolted and harrasing the Countrey of Priene with that lying upon Maeander and Magnesia fell sick and died Harpagus the Mede succeeded him and out of hand undertook an expedition against the Ionians The Phocaeans being first besieged obtained truce for a day and then shipping themselves left their ancient seat and passed over into the Island Chius and thence for that the Chians refused to sell them the Islands Oenusae lest they should thither carry the Traffick to Cyrnus where twenty years before they had built a Citie called Alalia Here playing the Pirates they were after five years defeated in a Sea-fight by the Tyrrhenians and âarâhaginians and then those that remained passed over to Rhegium in Iâ where they built a Citie named Hyeâa in the Territories of Oenotria The Teians also after their example departed into Thrace where they built up a Citie called Abdera the foundations of it being formerly lâid by one Temâsius a Clazomenian whom the Thracians thence expelled The Ionians subdued The rest of the Ionians stood it out against Harpagus who yet utterly subdued and forced them to undergo the yoake the second time having refused to follow the counsel of Bâas the Prienaean one of the seven wise-men of Greece who advised them to shun servitude by going to Sardinia and there planting themselves in one great and common Citie as they had formerly reâected the advice of Thales the Milesian another of that number to set up one common Court at Teus in the middle of Ionia After the Conquest of the Ionians Harpagus subdued the Carians Caunians and Lycians and brought all the lower Asia under the Dominion and Soveraignty of Cyrus who in the meân while not idle did as much by the upper Provinces leaving nothing in his way but clearing all before him 42. Having Conquered the rest of the Continent he went against the Assyrians who being aware of him had furnished themselves in Babylon for a long siege And the Assyrians or Babylonians Coming to the River Gyndes which rising in the Mantienean Mountains runneth through the Countrey of the Dardaneans and emptieth it self in Tigris he could find no foârd to passe it and a certain white Horse sacred to the Sun boldly taking the water was overwhelmed in the Floods Hereat being exceeding angry he threatned to reduce it to such a condition as it should not be knee-deep and accordingly setting all his Army on work derived it into 360 Rivolets in which employment he spent all that Summer The Spring following he marched for Babylon the King whereof âabinitus opposed him but being defeated retreated into the Citie to which he then laid close siege In vain for a long time did he attempt the taking of it At length he divided his Army and leaving the two stronger parts of it the one at that side of the Town where the River entred the other there where it came out with the third he retired into the adâoyning Fens and digging great ditches derived the River into them Hereby he brought it to such an Ebb that his Souldiers easily passing it became Masters of the Citie and he of the Babylonian or Assyrian Empire This is the sum of what Herodotus hath written concerning the prosperous fortune of Cyrus The sum of Xenophons Cyropaedia 43. Xenophon contrary to the former story will have Cambyses his father no obscure man but King of Media not a word from him of his Grand-father's dream or exposing of the Infant When he was twelve years old he was sent for by Astyages into Media where having tarried till almost a man and being admired for understanding and abilities far above his age he returned to his father and entred into the * Lege de institutione Persarum Xenoph. Cyropaed l. 1. ad iâtium College of youth where he was trained up in all strict Discipline according to the customs of Persia Astyages dying Cyaxares his son succeeded him at what time the King of Assyria having subdued all the Syrians Arabians Hyrcanians and had now faln upon the Bactryans promised himself the absolute Empire of the East if he could but bring under the Medes and Persians He sent therefore to all his Neighbours to Croesus King of Lydia the King of Cappadocia to both the Phrygians Casians Paphlagonians Cilicians and Indians accusing these two Nations of ambitious designs to enslave them all and procured them to joyn with him in an offensive and defensive league against them Cyaxares hearing this desired of Cambyses his Brother-in-law to send down Cyrus to him with an Army Cyrus being accordingly chosen General by the people first subdued the Armenians who because of this combination of the Princes had denied to pay their accustomed tribute to Cyaxares and then perswaded his Uncle to invade the Assyrians to keep the War from his own doors 44. Making then an inroade into Assyria the King thereof Croesus of Lydia and divers other Confederates came against them but in the first ingagement were worsted and beaten back into their Camp and amongst others the Assyrian himself Neriglissor if any was slain The night following all brake out of the Fortifications and fled whereupon Cyrus prevailing with his Uncle to suffer him to pursue them with as many of the Medes as would follow him of their own accord in his way entred into confederacy with the Hyrcanians through the conduct of whom he overtook and again defeated them they also slew the Kings of Cappadocia and Arabia After this he invaded the Territories of the Babylonians went up to the Citie it self and challenged the King to a single Combat who refusing it he after some few skirmishes thereabout returned to Cyaxares upon the Borders of Media to deliberate about carrying on the War He found him greatly discontented at his successe out of apprehension that he had robbed him of all the glory and much averse to the War but at length he appeased him and so wrought underhand upon the Officers of the Army that they unanimously voted the War to be carried on Some time being necessary then for preparation he chose out a convenient place for the Army's Quarters and not long after understood by certain Fugitives and Prisoners that the King of Assyria was gone towards Lydia with much Treasure 45. Cyrus supposing his design to be for raising men prepared for the main chance by horsing his Persians inventing new and more convenient
Charriots and to get intelligence of the Enemie's purposes sent one Araspes into Lydia who under colour of a revolt should insinuate himself into their Counsels This device taking he disposed of his affairs according as he saw behoofefull modelled his Army and marched against the Confederates whom without any great difficulty he overthrew all but the Aegyptians They put him to sore trouble and endangered his life but having fall'n in upon their Rear and thereby diverted the Front he so overpowered them both behind and before as glad they were to deliver up their Arms and upon promise of better entertainment willing to change Masters and serve him Croesus now who commanded in Chief fled amain to Sardis whither Cyrus pursued him and getting the Castle into his hands by the help of a Persian who had been slave to an Officer in it got possession both of the Citie and its King He coming to Cyrus acquitted the Oracle of Delphos from all blame and took the fault upon himself in that he overweening of his own condition had fooled himself continually in a fond opinion of happinesse After this the Carians falling into two factions both sent unto him and he dispatched to them Adusias with some Forces who overpowering both the one and the other compounded their differences 46. Then sent he Hystaspes into Phrygia who subdued the Country and took the King prisoner at what time the Greeks of Asia submitted themselves procuring by gifts that they should not be constrained to receive any Garrison but onely pay Tribute and serve in the Wars Afterward in his march to Babylon he brought under the greater Phrygia subdued the Cappadocians and Arabians He sate down before that City with a vast Army the walls whereof after he had viewed he concluded there was no storming of it and resolved the best way was to pine them out Understanding then that they were provided within for a whole year he divided his Army into twelve parts assigning to each a moneth to lye in Leaguer at which the besieged scoffed as utterly out of danger But Cyrus taking notice how the River ran through the City caused deep ditches to be made which by dreining rendered it fordable and so taking advantage of a solemn Feast entred by night and surprized them all in their cups The King was slain by Gobryas and Gadatas who both being formerly injured by him had revolted to Cyrus The Inhabitants commanded upon pain of death to deliver up their Arms instantly obeyed And thus the Babylonian Empire being quite overthrown Cyrus assumed to himselfe Royall Majesty setling his Court with great wisdom wherein Xenophon in his most exquisite History maketh him to have excelled in all things to admiration The sum of that wherein Ctesias dissenteth from other Historians concerning Cyrus 47. Ex Photii Bibliotheca But Ctesias will have Astyages whom he calleth Astyigas nothing akin to Cyrus tells us how he fled to Ecbatane where he was hid by his Daughter Amytis and her Husband Spitama and how Cyrus coming upon them put them both to the Rack to make them confesse where he was with their children Spitaces and Magabemes Astyigas rather than they should be tortured discovered himself and was first bound with fetters but afterwards honoured as a Father by Cyrus who at length married Amytis having killed Spitama because he had denied he knew where he was After the marriage the Bactrians gave up themselves to Cyrus and Amytis though formerly they made great and effectuall resistance He relateth also how Cyrus made War upon the Sacae whose King Amorges he took prisoner but Sperethra the Queen gathered an Army of 300000 Men and 200000 Women and therewith overthrowing Cyrus took him with other prisoners and thereby redeemed her Husband With the help then of Amorges he made War upon Croesus and besieged Sardis which City he took by a stratageme taught him by Oebares making images of the Persians and placing them upon the Walls at which the defendants were affrighted But before this Vide Julium Frontinum Stratagem lib. 3. cap. 8. Croesus deluded by a Spectrum gave out his Son an Hostage to Cyrus and delaying to perform what he had promised procured his death which the Mother beholding from the wall tumbled her self down headlong and yet was not killed but the City being taken fled to Apollo's Temple and died there 48. Croesus being bound in the Temple by an art he had of deceiving the sight three times was loosed though the place was secured and committed to the care of Oebares for which they that were bound with him lost their heads Then was he brought into the Palace and more strongly fetter'd but was loosed again by Thunder and Lightning Hereat Cyrus his anger abated and giving him his liberty he used him ever after with great respect and bestowed on him a great City called Barene near to Ecbatane After this Cyrus sent Petisacas his Eunuch to fetch Astyigas from the Barcanians both he and his wife having a great desire to see him But Petisacas through the instigation of Oebares left him in a desart place where he was famished to death The treachery was revealed by dreams and Petisacas was given up into the hands of Amytis who plucked out his eyes his skin over his eares and then crucified him Oebares fearing the like punishment though Cyrus promised him indemnity killed himself As for the body of Astyigas it was sumptuously buried having been guarded by Lyons in the Wildernesse till Petisacas fetched it away These improbable things are related by Ctesias What Berosus and Abydenus wrote of him 49. Berosus the Chaldaean left recorded that Apud Joseph cont Apion l. 1. in the 17th year of Nabonidus Cyrus having subdued all Asia with a great Army turned against Babylon That Nabonidus meeting and ingaging with him in battell was overthrown and betook himself into a Town of the Borsippians Cyrus besieging Babylon and considering it was not to be taken in haste A. M. Olymp. 6. an 1. V.C. 214. returned to Borsippus where Nabonidus not expecting a storm yielded himself and Cyrus using him kindly sent him from Babylon into Caramania where he allotted him an habitation Abydenus (q) Apud Euseb prapar Evang. lib. 9. further added that Cyrus bestowed upon Nabonidus now above 80 years old the Government of Caramania This is the summe of what the most antient Historians delivered concerning Cyrus his attainment of the Empire of the East which hapned about the year of the World 3465 the first of the 60th Olympiad 538 years before the Aera of Christ CHAP. III. Of Sacred History Contemporaries with the Babylonian Empire SECT I. From the time of Phaleg and the division of the Earth to the departure of the Israelites out of Aegypt Phaleg Reu. Sarug Nahor Terah 1. PHaleg being 30 years old begat Reu otherwise called Rehu and Ragau by the 70 Reu 32 years old begat Sarug Gen. 11. He at 30
some time till weary of this bondage he conspired with So King of Aegypt and refused to pay his tribute Hereupon Salmanasser subdued first the Moabites lest he should have an Enemy at his back then invaded Israel and besieged Samaria A. M. 3280. Ezechiae 6. in the fourth year of Hezekiah King of Judah The Israelites carried away Captive and the seventh of Hoshea At the end of three years in the sixth of Hezekiah and the ninth of Hosea he took the City and carried the Israelites Captive into Assyria where he placed them in Chalach Chabor by the River of Gosan and in the Cities of Media because they had not obeyed the voice of the Lord but transgressed the Covenant In their Seat he placed certain Persians that inhabited by the River Chuthus and afterwards in distinction from the Jews were called Samaritans The Samaritans placed in their room This hapned to Israel for their abhominable Idolatry 255 years after the rent of the Kingdom so that this Schism lasted five Jubilies and ten years in the 832 after the entrance into Canaan according to Ludovicus Cappellus and therefore in the end of the seventeenth Jubilie from that in the year of the World 3380. or 3381. and so in the end of the 69 Jubily from the Creation SECT 3. 134 before the destruction of Jerusalem and the Captivity of Iudah CHAP. IV. The most ancient Kingdom of Egypt Contemporary with the Babylonian Empire C ham the first inhabitant of Egypt after the Flood 1. THis Countrey falling at the Division of the Earth to Cham and his Posterity seemeth also to have been inhabited by himself For thence (a) Psal 105.23 27. David knew it by the name of the Land of Ham (b) In Iside Plutarch found it was called Chemia Stephanus Hermochymius the Inhabitants themselves calling it (c) Isiodorus Hieronymus in Genesim vide cap. 1. Parag. 22. Kam who distinguished their Nomi by this Allusion into Chemmis Psochemmis Psittachemmis the Oracle of Jupiter Hammon in Africk and the names of Ammonis and Ammonia given to that Countrey challenge no other Original It is not probable that these names should be onely given to it upon this account that part of his Posterity here fixed themselves for then the like might have been expected concerning many other places Misraim his son Misraim his second son succeeded him or he to whom Moses giveth this name Lege Bocharti Phaleg l. 4. c. 24. as father of the Inhabitants of the Land of Misraiim it scarce being the name of a man because not of the singular number The Scripture calleth Egypt (d) 2 Kings 19.24 Esaias 19.6 Mich. 7.12 often by the name of Masor which seemeth the singular of Misraiim contracted from Mesoraiim signifieth a fortified place no Countrey in the World being more fenced by its natural situation The Arabians at this day know the Metropolis Alcairo by the name of Mesre and the Egyptians anciently called their first moneth Mesori The dual word Misraiim seemeth to hint at the distinction of Egypt into (e) Orosius l. 1. c. 2. Upper and Lower whereof the former watered by the River Nile running in one Channel was divided into Thebais and Heptanomus Thebais being called the Land of Pathros and distinguished from Egypt by Isaiah and Jeremiah and the lower part was by the Greeks called Delta from the Triangular Figure thereof the River being herein divided into many branches The same with Osiris 2. This Misraim is thought to be the same with Osiris so much spoken of by the Egyptians and accounted the son of Saturn the eldest of the gods and also the son of Jupiter Hammon For Osiris being by the Greeks named Dionysus Diodorus Siculus lib. 1. pag. 1. one telleth us that he had this appellation both from his Father and Countrey the former part of the word noting the one and the later the other viz. Nysa a Citie of Arabia Foelix built by Cham in which he seemeth to have been born From the reign of Osiris to the coming down of Alexander the Great into Egypt the Priests reckoned some above 10000 years others little lesse then 23000. But several forms of years being used in several Nations we are to suppose theirs to have been measured rather by the course of the Moon through the Zodiack than that of the Sun Jacobus Cappellus therefore thinketh 1889 years to have passed from the reign of this Osiris to Alexander his going down into Egypt the beginning whereof he fixeth at the 1778th year of the World 100 and odd years after the Flood about the same time that Nimrod his Nephew began his principality at Babylon Osiris and Isis their renowned acts This Osiris is feigned by the Egyptians to have married his sister Isis and they make them the true Bacchus and Ceres Much they are both reported to have done for the benefit of mankind by bringing it to civility to him they ascribe the finding out of Agriculture and to her the invention of Corn and Laws He built Thebes the ancient seat of the Kings with 100 Gates travelled into the greatest part of the World to teach men civility with the use of Corn and Wine taking Pan along with him who being had in great reverence amongst the Egyptians dedicated a Citie to him by the name of Chemmis In his time lived Hermes or Mercurius SECT 4. and Hercules who being otherwise called Gygân or Gygnân is said to have helped the gods against the Gyants Osiris when he returned was killed by his wicked brother Typhon Osiris killed by Typhon 3. Typhon seizing upon the Kingdom was by Isis Diodorus through the help of her son Orus dispossessed again of it and his life after which gathering together the 26 parts of her husbands body into which he had mângled it she instituted to him divine honours Typhon punished by Isis and her son Orus ordering that the several Tribes of the Priests should dedicate some one of their living Creatures to him and for him worship it as long as it lived then at its death seeking out another of the same kind to do as much to it Several things were consecrated in several places yet by a general consent the Sacred Bull called Apis The Sacred Bull Apis. or Mnevis was most valued and chiefly adored because of the special help that kind of Creature affordeth to Tillage This Bull was black all over having onely a square white spot in his forehead saith Herodotus on his right side saith Pliny like to a Crescent being also sacred to the Moon as Marcellânus will have it On the back he had the image of an Eagle a knot on the tongue like to a Crab and on his Tail double hairs This kind of beast did the Egyptians worship as the greatest God with astonishing veneration as Macrobius termeth it till it had lived several years but not being suffered to passe a certain
well he died full of honour at Syracuse after he had held the Principality about thirteen years In the third year of the 75 Olympiad his elder brother Hieron succeeded him Hieron of Syracuse He rebuilded Catana and changed it's name into Aetna the Mountain of which name about this time brake out into flames as fifty years after it did also In the beginning of his reign he was much unlike to his brother Gelon being suspicious cruel covetous and turbulent then caught with a lingering disease he was much amended by the conversation of most Learned men After this he fought prosperously against the Carthaginians who now again returned into Sicilie overthrew Thrasydaeus of Agrigentum in a great battel and drove him to desperation at length he incurred the hatred of the Syracusians uncertain for what cause and shortly after withdrawing himself to Catana there died in the second year of the 78 Olympiad when he had held the Principality from the death of Gelon eleven years and eight moneths Thrasybulus 15. After him his brother Thrasybulus seized upon the power A. M. 3538. Ol. 78. an 2. V. C. 287. whose practices stirred up the Citizens to recover their liberty with the hastening of his ruine For being set upon by them he was overthrown and reduced to such a straight that he fled into Locri on the Coast of Italy and there killed himself having held the Soveraignty ten moneths from the death of Hieron The Syracusians recover their liberty The Syracusians now gladly resumed their liberty yet not therewith content that they might the more secure it they freed also many other Cities of Sicilie from Tyranni and forein Garrisons But not long after they fell into a most pernicious Sedition Arist Polit. l. 5. c. 3. For excluding those from honours whom Gelon had brought into Syracuse for the establishment of his own interest they themselves bearing all Offices of Magistracy and governing the Commonwealth though they took not away from the other the freedom of the City the lately made Denizons not enduring it conspired together being in number 7000 of 10000 which Gelon had brought in Three years after liberty recovered they sodainly fell upon two parts of the City the Island and Acradina The natural Inhabitants overpowering them in numbers besieged them close and overthrowing them in a Sea fight at length constrained them to acquiesce in the present state of things or else quit the City after the Sedition and tumult had endured two years In the mean time by the conduct of Ducetius a Sicilian those planters that Hiero had placed in Catana were thence ejected and the old Inhabitants restored to the place whom he had cast out now also the whole Island was restored to it's antient condition the Exiles being repossessed and new comers driven out who setlâd themselves at Messana the utmost part of the Island The form of the Syracusian Common-wealth 16. That form of a Commonwealth was now established at Syracuse which Aristotle properly calleth Policie mixed of Oligarchie and Democracie which how dangerous it was appeared shortly For after some years the State continuing in this form and the number of Citizens increasing one Tyndarides an Eminent man and very rich egged on by his ambition brought it into great danger For binding to him the indigent rabble by his gifts and using them as a Guard he manifestly pressed towards the soverainty but by the Union of those who were in greatest grace with the people he was repressed and when the beggerly sort would needs undertake his protection killed in a tumult When others not at all deterred by this example aspired after such power as threatned liberty the people for to humble those that carried their heads highest in imitation of the Athenians brought in the use of the Petalism The Petalism As they by their Ostracism removed such Citizens for ten years who for their reputation and interest were dangerous to the freedom of the Citie so the Syracusians by the Petalism removed such like for five years This kind of banishment without losse of honour or fortune was called in Greek Pesalismos because his name whom any one would have banished was written in a leaf of an Olive according to * Quom lege ad Olymp. 81. ann 2. Diodorus both which in the same language were signified by the word Petalos But this constitution as the other at Athens could not long continue For those Eminent persons who were most fit for State Affairs for fear thereof bv little and little withdrew themselves from publick businesse to a private life Hereby the Commonwealth fell into the hands of bold Quickly abrogated for weighty reasons rash unskilfull and the naughtiest sort of men whence grievous incommodities and dangers followed By these things the people were moved to abrogate the Law of Petalism and the better sort returned to the care of the Commonwealth after which it remained in quietnesse for some time but again relapsed as necessarily it must from the informity of Antimonarchical Government The Wars of the Syracusians 17. Abroad the Syracusians had War with the Tuscans in Italy with Ducetius Captain of the Siculi as also the Agrigentines Trinacrians Leontines and Egestans in Sicily wherein most commonly they had the better and either fully brought under or bound to them by Leagues most of the Cities in the Island Leontium a most flourishing Town was utterly destroyed when it now gaped after the Empire of Sicily the principal Citizens being removed to Syracuse and the multitude driven into Exile Out of these motions they fell into the Athenian War in the first year of the 91th Olympiad concerning which we have already sufficiently spoken Syracuse was so exhausted therein with expences and slaughters that upon the brink of ruin it was meerly preserved by the wisdom and valour of Gylippus a stranger of Sparta and not onely preserved but made victorious to admiration and inabled to return to the Athenians so great overthrows by Land and Sea This War which begun in the 50th year after the recovery of their liberty by means of the Egestans who craved aid of Athens against them and the Selinuntians lasted not fully three years leaving a sufficient warning to all of the vicissitude of humane affairs and shewing that they who gape after Dominion and are busie to inlarge their bounds being carried out by the force of ambition rather than reason often fall into a necessity of defending their own Estate and sometimes lose all 18. The multitude grown exceeding high upon this successe would not rest satisfied with its former privileges but so ordered the matter that the temper of this Commonwealth more and more degenerated Lib. 2. cap. 4. Diod. Diocles a man of principal note who had perswaded them to put to death Nicias and Demosthenes the Athenian Generals being of a most severe and rigid disposition A.M. 359â Olymp. 92. ann 1. V.C. 342. Darii
Then came the bodies themselves to ingage Antiochus was busie in the pursute of that Wing wherein he fought but Ptolomy coming to his Army much encouraged the Soldiers and disheartned his adversaries who being charged by Andromachus and Sosibius the Syrians for some time maintained their ground but the rest scarce fighting one stroak shifted for themselves Antiochus being yet unskilfull and young was still following the chace thinking because he had the better of it in his Wing that therefore his whole Army overcame till admonished by some one about him he returned and seeing things so contrary to his expectation endeavoured to break in with his Guard to the place where his Army stood but finding all his men fled Antiochus beaten retired also unto Raphia being perswaded that he had done as became him however A M. 3788. Ol. 140. ann 4. V.C. 537. Antiochi Magni 7. Ptol. Philop. 6. by reason of the Cowardlinesse of others the work had miscarried On his part were slain little lesse than 10000 Foot about 300 Horse and 4000 taken prisoners three of his Elephants were slain outright and two afterwards died of their wounds Ptolomy lost 1500 foot and 700 horse 16 Elephants were killed and the rest taken for the most part 20. Antiochus had intended after the rallying of his men to have fortified himself without Raphia but most of them being got into the Town he desired leave to bury his dead and then returned into his own Kingdom Ptolomy presently received all Coelesyria again into his power the Inhabitants accommodating themselves to his present condition as indeed bearing alwaies great reverence to his family and striving who should first yield themselves Antiochus coming to Antioch presently disparched Antipater his brother's son and Theodotus Herviolius in an Ambassage to him fearing exceedingly he should be prosecuted with War Desireth peace and easily obtaineth it distrusting his Subjects because of his adverse fortune and suspecting Achaeus might make use of this opportunity against him But Ptolomy thought of nothing lesse than molesting him being overjoyed that he had above all expectation recovered Coelesyria and desiring exceedingly to be quiet out of his sluggish disposition and other vices familiar to him wherefore at first receiving the Ambassadors with threatning language and complaints of the injuries received from their Master he presently granted a Truce for a year and then sent Sosibius to confirm the League wanting onely courage and resolution to spoil Antiochus of his Kingdom 21. Antiochus spent all the Winter in preparations Idem excerpt lib. 7. and in Spring marched over the Mountain Taurus against Achaeus whom he besieged in the City Sardis Above a year he lay before it having onely some times light skirmishes with the defendants He besiegeth Achaeus in Sardis till Lagoras a Cretian a man of great experience observing that the strongest Cities are many times taken at such places as are by reason of their strength least looked to and perceiving a piece of the wall beyond which they used to throw carion and filth into a pit to be destitute of any watch by the sitting of fouls upon it which came to feed on the carkeises he took unto him Theodotus the Aetolian and Dionysius with some Soldiers and they made a shift to get over and open the gates the King to divert the Enemy making as if he would give the onset at another place and so the Town was taken Achaeus and Aribazus the Governour got into the Castle and then were straightly besieged again till such time as Sosibius the chief Minister of State in Aegypt pitying the condition of the former made means for his deliverance which by the treachery of the instrument wrought his destruction For whose safety Sosibius plotteth There was at that time in the Aegyptian Court one Bolis a Cretian second to no one Captain as he was reputed Idem excerpt lib. 8. for prudence extraordinary boldnesse and Military skill with him Sosibius dealt having obliged him by his favours and assured him that nothing could he perform more acceptable to the King his Master than some way or other to work the deliverance of Achaeus He asking some time to consider of it within two or three dayes took the businesse upon him which to effect he had as he said a good opportunity for that Cambylus the Commander of the Cretians serving under Antiochus was not onely known to him but his kinsman and had the charge of a Fort behind the Castle which because it could not bee fortified with works was kept by a continual Guard of Soldiers 22. Being supplied with money largely by Sosibius and loaded with promises away he sailed for Rhodes to Nicomachus and thence for Ephesus to Melancoma his acquaintance and friends of Achaeus with whom dealing about his businesse he sent one Arianus to Cambylus to let him know that he was sent from Alexandria to raise Forces and that he must needs speak with him desiring he would appoint time and place for their meetings without the privity of any Having obtained this and bethinking with himself what to do he gave him a letter concerning which like Cretians they had a Cretian conference as Polybius termeth it For not respecting the safety of the besieged or their faith given to those that employed them but agreeing to divide the ten Talents already given in advance by Sosibius they resolved to acquaint Antiochus with the matter and undertake upon promise of money in hand and a good reward afterwards to deliver Achaeus into his power This being with great earnestnesse promised Bolis prevails with Nicomachus and Melancoma wholly ignorant of his treacherous intent to write letters in cipher to Achaeus which he sent by Arianus for whom passage was procured into the Castle by means of Cambylus Achaeus being earnestly advised by his two friends to trust Bolis and Cambylus and withal considering the difficulty for him to escape hoping if he got out to passe presently into Syria whilst Antiochus was yet at Sardis and then to get all the parts about Antioch into his power yielded to put himself into the hands of Bolis who was sent presently by Melancomas with great entreaties and promises if he could accomplish the businesse Bolis went to Cambylus at night and staying with him the next day to consult of the businesse how it should be managed after he had been with Antiochus and was much incouraged by him he went up for Achaeus into the Castle 23. Receiving Bolis with great respect and after all his sifting of him perceiving nothing disagreeable to seriousnesse he much rejoyced but bethinking himself how weighty a thing it was and what a hazard he was like to run he trembled again at the thought of it and at first resolved to send some before to Melancomas but at length out he went of the Castle and according to former agreement Bolis coming behind him by a whistle gave a sign to those in ambush But he
their heels whereby he exceedingly advanced his affaires giving the Carthaginians such a blow who now by reason of their supplies arrived out of Sicilie were thought superior to him that improving the Victory he went against Elymas who had revolted from him and killed him with a great number of his Subjects 11. The year following Amilcar in Sicilie once more besieged Syracuse Ad ann 4. and presently made great haste for storming of it after his arrival because the Soothsayers had foretold him that that day he should dine in the City A great number joyning themselves to him out of hope of plunder they so stopped up the way with cariages Amilcar besieging Syracuse again is taken and killed that they hindered one another and such a tumult arose that the Syracusians having notice of it sallied out upon them and putting them to flight made great slaughter of them and taking Amilcar alive delivered him to the friends of those that had been slain who most cruelly tortured him to death having been formerly it's probable condemned by his ingrateful Citizens themselves though as then Justin l. 22. he having the Army in his power they durst not let it be known but casting all their votes written as the manner was into a vessel they ordered it to be covered and the thing not to be looked into until his return and the giving up of his command But his Army which consisted of 120000 Foot and 5000 Horse being thus strangely defeated was divided then into two factions The Exiles and Greeks chose them Dinocrates for their Captain Whereupon his Army is divided into two factions and the Carthaginians him that had held the next place to Amilcar The affaires of Sicilie being thus in confusion the Inhabitants of Agrigentum thinking a fit opportunity for gaining the Principality of the whole Island to be put into their hands made Xenodocus their Captain who went and took in divers Towns many revolting to him all which with the former he restored to their liberty and restrained the excursions of the Syracusians who were in great distresse for want of provisions which had been cut off by the Carthaginians the constant Masters at Sea By this time Amilcar's head was sent over to Agathocles who receiving it with joy raised the contrary affection in the Enemy to whose Camp he brought it together with the message that their forces were utterly cut off whereupon they dispaired forthwith of better fortune adoring the head of their nominal King 12. Agathocles was much puffed up at his prosperity though he was not far from the waining of his fortune Agathocles being puffed up his fortune changeth by a grievous mutiny of his Soldiers a preludium unto which was made by Lyciscus one of his Officers who in a drunken fit exceedingly jeered him He took it patiently and made a jest of it because the man was very serviceable to him in his Wars but Archagathus his son taking it heinously returned it to him in his own language with threats which further so inraged him that he threw in his teeth which was generally reported his incestuous having to do with his step-mother The young man hereat was so transported as he ran him thorow and slew him outright which was followed by a mutiny of the whole Army demanding justice against him which flew to that height that the Soldiers chose themselves Captains seized on Tunis and besieged Agathocles and his son many of the Officers upon promise of lager pay revolted to the Carthaginians who had not been wanting to add fuel to this flame Agathocles seeing the danger he was in laid aside his Purple and made a pitiful Oration to the Soldiers wherein he told them hee was willing to lay down his life if so they pleased rather than end his dayes by some ignominious death and drew out his Sword as intending to kill himself but the Army hindered it and compelling him to resume his Robes were throughly reconciled unto him Yet he quieteth them now and defeateth the Carthaginians except some 200 which went over to the Enemy He taking this opportunity marched presently against the Carthaginians who full little thought of a battel but expected presently a general revolt so that taking them thus at unawares he easily overthrew them with great slaughter 13. About this time the Numidians revolted from those of Carthage who sent out an Army the next Spring to reduce them to obedience Diodorus Siculus ut priùs Ad ann 1. Olymp. 118. Agathocles understanding that left his son at Tunis and marching after them with all expedition at length overtakes them then overthrows them though with great difficulty and losse to himself The Numidians whilest he was employed in the battel having been intent upon the event of the fight fell in and plundred his Carriages and getting away with the greatest part of the goods by reason of the darknesse of the night he was glad to divide the plunder of the field equally amongst his Soldiers in way of recompence for the damage sustained by them Agathocles obtaineth another victory against the Carthaginians Such Greeks as he took prisoners which had assisted the Carthaginians he put into a Castle where they fearing to be put to death set upon the Garrison by night but being too weak betook themselves thence to a certain fortified place which Agathocles hearing marched thither with his Army and drawing them out under promise of impunity contrary to his faith given killed them all to the number of 1000. of which half were Syracusians At this time there was one Ophellas who having been an Officer under Alexander the Great had seized upon Cyrene and gaped still after larger Dominions To him now sent Agathocles inviting him to come and joyn with him against the Carthaginians offering him all Africk for a reward to which he pretended he was constrained to passe over assuring him he would content himself with Sicily or else if he thought good invade Italy more commodious for him than Africk by far The man puffed up with great expectations Sendeth for Ophellas out of Greece sent to Athens whence he had married a wife of the stock of famous Miltiades to joyn with him in the expedition which not onely divers of that Citie readily imbraced but others of Greece now much shattered by Wars within it self which were raised by Alexander his Successors A. M. 3697. Ol. 118. ann 1. V.C. 446. Seleuci 5. Ptol. Lag 16. P. Decio Mure. 2. Q. Fabio Maximo 3. Coss Ophellas then began his journey with above 10000 foot 600 horse 100 Chariots besides 10000 others extraordinary as they called them of two moneths long through a desart infested with wild beasts and venemous Serpents wherewith his Army was sore distressed as also by want of necessaries till at length they arrived at Agathocles his Camp There they were received with all manner of Provisions but as the greatest part of them were gone out to gather
Africk but without successe within a while the Navy was brought to nothing and Amilcar Barcas being sent from Carthage troubled Italy with his inroads and depredations For seven years then did they abstain from the Sea but being sorely disturbed by Amilcar they resolved once more to try their fortune that way and a Fleet was provided and furnished out of their private purses the Treasury being now exhausted With this they gave such a blow to the Carthaginians near the Islands Aegates under conduct of C. Lutatius Catulus the Consul Defeated again at the Islands Aegatââ they desire as made them give commission to Amilcar to conclude a Peace if he found it requisite Though he was Polybius l. 3. as to his own disposition much averse to it yet seeing it necessary for his Countrie 's welfare he made an agreement with Lutatius upon these terms if the Romans would approve them viz. That the Carthaginians should wholly quit Sicily make no War upon the Syracusians or their allies release without ransom all prisoners and pay within the space of twenty years 2200 Talents of Silver This pleased not the People and therefore ten men were sent into Sicily with full authority to conclude the Peace And obtain Peace who shortned the time of payment added 1000 talents to the former sum and further cautionated that the Carthaginians should not onely quit Sicily but all the Islands also betwixt it and Italy Thus ended the first Punick War after it had continued 24 years Diodorus l. 24. A. M. 3764. Ol. 134 an 4. V. C. 513. Seleuci Callin 6. Ptol. Euerg 6. and Lilybaeum had been besieged ten in the 513 year of the City the fourth of the 134 Olympiad the sixth of Seleucus Callinicus and the sixth of Ptolomy Euergetes A. M. 3764 239 before the birth of Christ A. Manlius Torquatus the second time and Q. Lutatius Cerco being Consuls 8. The Carthaginians submitted to the terms of this Peace that they might recruit themselves by a cessation but the Peace procured them greater danger than the War could well have done For Amilcar Barcas after the ratification drew down the forces to Lilybaeum and giving them up into the hands of Gesco to be transported laid down his Office Lege Polybium l. 1. Gesco wisely considering what danger there was of such a multitude of Mercenaries it 's falling into sedition especially because they wanted their pay which the publick Treasury already exhausted could not afford them conveyed them into Africk by small companies together A lamentable mutiny of the Carthaginian Mercenaries But his Superiours either through inadvertency or for want of money dismissed them not as they arrived but stayed them till all should come together with intention to prevail for an abatement of their wages The City growing full many outrages were committed by the Soldiers which caused the Townsmen to procure their Captains to lead them out to Sicca a Town not far off and when they left their baggage behind them as intending shortly to return to Carthage they fearing their unwillingnesse to depart or their speedy return because of their wives and children in the cariages forced them to take all away When they were come to Sicca they fell into greater licentiousnesse through want of employment and demanded larger pay than formerly they had pretended to expecting also great rewards promised them by their Captains in dangerous adventures As soon as they were all come thither Hanno the Carthaginian Praetor was sent to them who was so far from curing that he heighthened the distemper 9. He not onely brought none of those things with him which they expected Hanno sent to make up the breach inlargeth it but complaining of the emptinesse of the Treasury talked of abating something of their constant wages This put the multitude into a rage into which having once fallen it was hard to be appeased as upon other accounts so through the diversity of their speech things being either misrepresented by unskilful interpreters or misunderstood by them who were willing enough to be mistaken Breathing nothing but fury and violence they took Arms and in despight of Hanno and the other Officers marched toward Carthage and encamped at Tunis fifteen miles from the Citie to the number of 20000. The Carthaginians affrighted at the multitude resolved to satisfie them They march towards Carthage but then the Mercenaries perceiving how they were feared every day invented what to add to their demands requiring besides their pay the price of their horses lost in the War and after this was granted Provision for several years which they said was behind Their late Masters not daring to deny them any thing prevailed that some one who had commanded them in Sicily should be chosen as Moderator and the whole matter left to him 10. The Soldiers made choice of Gesco as one who had best deserved of them And he laboured to pacifie them all he might and was about to pay them their Arrears Spendius and Mathos hinder the agreement and provoke the multitude But there being in the Army one Spendius a Campanian of Italy by birth but by condition a Roman slave who having ran away from his Master wanted neither strength nor courage and one Mathos an African the former fearing to be tortured to death if his Master caught him as the Roman manner was and the later though free fearing to be called to account for his too great forwardnesse in the late stirs sought how to drive all things into extremity that they might procure a War inveighing grievously against Gesco and the Carthaginians as having a design as soon as the rest were dispersed and gone home to spend their rage against the Africans The multitude herewith were strangely incensed so that who ever attempted to speak before they could be heard what they would say were all stoned to death except these two Gesco yet would not cease to do his duty but went from one Nation to another labouring to pacifie them but when the Africans demanded allowance for their Provisions he bade them ask it of Mathos their Captain This so transported them that they plundered the goods of the Carthaginians with all the money he had brought for the dischargement of the Army and binding him and his followers in a contumelious manner cast them into prison 11. By the advice of Mathos they rebelled against the Carthagians and so began the War called Libycum and Africum Whence ariseth the Libyan or African War as also ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã Their numbers being increased to 70000. Matho and Spendius now created Generals divided their forces and besieged Utica and Hippacra Hanno was sent from Carthage to the relief of the Uticans and at the first onset drove away the besiegers but entring the Town and loitering there they set upon his Camp without and killing many took all his Engines and other things prepared for the War His Superiours troubled hereat created
accompanied with most of the Senate many Equites and some Commoners where Gracchus was speaking to the People and endeavoring to be chosen Tribune for the following year They fell upon him and his hearers whereof they killed 300 and amongst them himself with a piece of a seat as he ran down from the Capitol Thus he fell by the means of his own kinsman He and his complices are killed by the means of Scipio Nasica his kinsman which was the first blood drawn by the Romans from one another being a most excellently accomplished man though too violent in a matter honest enough Offic. l. 1. And this was the first blood which in a seditious way the Romans first drew from one another observed by Cicero to have been at the same time that the other Scipio destroyed Numantia 8. At this time were there some risings at Athens and in Delos Livii Epitom l. 59. being as sparks of that fire formerly kindled by Ennus in Sicily which with some trouble were extinguished neither was Italy altogether free from them But a more noble War insued about the Kingdom of Asia For Orosius l. 5. c. 8 9. Attalas King of Pergamus or Asia for so he is called because of a good part of Asia given to Eumenes his father by his last will left the People of Rome his heir But after his death Aristonicus his base brother seized on the Kingdom as his inheritance Aristonicus contesting with the Romans for the Kingdom of Pergamus First was Licinius Crassus the Consul sent against him Velleius Patercul l. 2. c. 4. Florus l. 2. c. ult but was overthrown and being taken struck one of the Soldiers on the eye on purpose to provoke him to kill him which he did He having thus miscaried though he was assisted in his enterprise by several Kings his Successor M. Perpenna hasting into Asia set upon Aristonicus at unawares when he was not yet recovered of the security contracted by his Victory and overthrowing him in battel besieged him in Stratonice where he forced him by famine to yield and shortly after the Consul died at Pergamus The remainder of the War was finished by M. Aquilius the next year's Consul Is taken who poisoned Fountains for taking in some Cities and having together with those joyned with him according to the custom setled the Province with sufficient oppression of the people he led Aristonicus in Triumph though taken by another man's labour who by order of the Senate was strangled in prison in the 625 year of the Citie And strangled the said M. Aquilius Nepos and C. Sempronius Tuditanus being Consuls 9. Vide Appian de bello civili lib. 2. Velleium lib. 2. cap. 6. Plutarch in Gracchis Val. Maxim lib. 6. cap. 2. Exemp 3. Livii Epitom lib. 59 60. Orosium lib. 5. cap. 10. Florum lib. 3. cap. 15. The civil dissentions died not with Gracchus who perished four years before his Law for division of the grounds being still in force and the people being sensible of the equity thereof as they accounted it for that the rich had got all into their hands The civil dissentions renewed and those that underwent all the toyl in Conquering the Land were ready to starve being also exhausted by the Wars and almost none but slaves left in Italy for ordering of the grounds Gracchus had a younger brother called Caius whom together with Fulvius Flaccus and Papirius Carbo he had made Triumviri for division of the grounds Caius Graccbus the brother of Tiberius patronizeth his Law He with his Collegues undertook the patronage of the Law and prosecuting his Enterprize with all earnestnesse such trouble arose about the division in accounting and removing that the Italians finding themselves agrieved betook themselves to Scipio Africanus He refused not to undertake their patronage yet in the Senate spake nothing against the Law onely thought fit that the executive power thereof should be taken from the Triumviri and given to some others The Senate most willingly did this and conferred it on Sempronius Tuditanus the Consul who finding the work troublesom went his way under pretence of the War in Illyricum There being now none to flie to in this case the people conceived great indignation against Scipio as ingratefull and favouring the Italians more than themselves from which his Enemies took occasion to raise further jealousies Indeed hearing of Gracchus his death at Numantia by repeating a verse in * ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã Odyss 1. Homer he liked well of what was done to him and being at his return asked concerning his death he approved of it before all the people which being offended at him for it he rebuked the multitude with contumelious language But at night going to his Chamber he meditated of something he intended to speak to the people the day following and in the morning was found dead in his bed it 's uncertain by what means Scipio Africanus the younger dieth suddenly Cornelia the Mother of the Gracchi was suspected to have joyned with her daughter his wife who being not over-handsome neither loved him much not was over much loved in practizing something upon him No inquisition was made after his death and he was buried privately though so great a man and one that had been the pillar of the Commonwealth 10. The Possessors of the grounds still made delayes in the division and some thought that they to whom they were to be divided should in way of recompense be made free of the Citie which however pleasing to others was highly displeasing to the Senate While men muttered much of these things C. Gracchus procured the Tribuneship and then bearing a grudge to the Senate effectually shewed it Caius getting the Tribuneship preferreth Laws distastfull to the Senate He preferred a Law for dividing of the publick Corn to every man monethly and getting his Office continued to him for another year that he might gratifie the Equites brought down the Office of judging corrupt Officers from the Senators unto them Romulus as we said instituted three Centuries of Equites or Hors-men whereof one from himself was named Ramnensis another from Fitus Tatius Tatiensis and the third from Lucanio or Lucus Luceris Under Romulus and the Kings they were also called Celeres Flexumines and Trossuli Afterwards Tarquinius Priscus added 300 more and so there continued to be 600 Equites The Order and Rank of Equites or Knights how and when it came up But though they were in the Commonwealth from the beginning yet had they no peculiar order authority or rank till this Law of Gracchus by which it was enacted that these judgements should be peculiar to them Their reputation thence forward increased with various successe about the Publicans till Cicero's time who boasting himself of this order procured it such honour that from his Consulship it came to be as a peculiar order in the State before being included in the
and other fruits but even Trees and dry things themselves at length by a wind were driven into the Mediterranean Sea and there putrifying corrupted the air Hence ensued a most fearfull plague both of men Cattel and Fowls In Numidia where Micipsa was now King 800000 died upon the Sea-Coasts about Carthage and Utica 200000 and in Utica it self 30000 Soldiers there lying in Garriison 1500 being reported to have been carried out in one day through one Gate alone Two years after Q. Metellus the Consul subdued the Islands Baleares and restrained pyracy there maintained and at the same time was carried on the War called Bellum Allobrogicum The Allobrick War which hence arose Livii Epitom lib. 60 61. Florus lib. 3. cap. 2. The Salies in Gall beyond the Alps invaded the Massilians the friends of the people of Rome and for this were chastized by Fulvius and subdued by C. Sextius Calvinus Teutomalus their King flying out of the battel was received and protected by the Allobroges who also invaded the Aedui friends of Rome and drew into Confederacy the Arverni First Cn. Domitius Aenobarbus overthrew them and by the use of Elephants especially slew 20000. and took 3000 prisoners After him Q. Fabius Maximus Grandson of Paulus Aemilius by his son adopted into the Fabian family defeated them with the Arverni and Ruteni in a bloody battel wherein 120000 are reported to have been slain and taking Bituitus or Betultus King of the Arverni prisoner obtained the sirname of Allobrogicus These Allobroges inhabited about the Countreys now called Daulphine and Savoy the Ruteni nearer to the Sea the Arverni more toward the North the Aedui in Burgundy Caesar de bello Gallico lib. 1. and the Saloii or Salyes in Piemont Now was Gallia Narbonensis reduced into a Province 15. But the Scordisci a people of Gallish Original inhabiting Thrace Livil Epitom lib. 53 55 Florus lib. 3. cap. 4. Velleius lib. 2. cap. 8. defeated the Roman Army under Cato the Consul yet were afterwards driven back into their own Countrey by Didius the Praetor Affairs of Thrace very obscure and the Consul Drusus and after this gave occasion of a glorious Triumph to Minutius of which honour Metellus also had partaken These transactions of Thrace are of all others most unknown either because they are confounded with those of Illyricum Pannonia Mysia or Macedonia or because what has been written of that subject in particular hath miscaried Now we arrive at two Wars both together and carying noyse sufficient with them through the variety of events and fulnesse of history viz. that with Jugurtha and the other with the Cimbri and Teutones Now to know the Original of the former it 's necessary to fetch things a little higher 16. Masanissa King of Numidia that old and constant friend of the Romans left three sons Gulassa Mastanabal and Micipsa of whom the last his brothers being dead obtained the Kingdom alone The original of the War with Jugurtha He had two sons Hiempsal and Adherbal with whom he brought up Jugurtha his brother Mastanabal's son in the same condition and receiving letters from Scipio out of Spain who gave him large commendations and under whom he served with his Uncle's Auxiliary forces he adopted him Lege Sallust de bello Jugurthino Orosium l. 5. c. 15. Florum l. 3. c. 1. Livii Epitom lib. 62 64 65 66. When Micipsa was dead Jugurtha murdered Hiempsal and attempted to do as much for Adherbal who fled to the Romans for succour By this time avarice and injustice had so much possessed the City that Jugurtha sensible of it sent Ambassadors to Rome with full hands who so wrought upon the Senate that might overcame right and it was decreed that ten Commissioners should be sent to divide the Kingdom betwixt them The Commissioners thinking they might lawfully imitate those that sent them were bribed to bestow the richest and best Peopled part upon Jugurtha who therewith not satisfied after their departure fell sodainly upon Adherbal besieged him in Cirtha and at length getting him into his hands made him away For this War was at length decreed against him by the Senate and committed to the management of L. Calpurnius Bestia the Consul in the 643 year of the City A. M. 3894. V. C. 643. the second of the 167 Olympiad the seventh of Ptolomy Lathurus the 25 of Joh. Hyrcanus P. Cornelius Scipio Nasica and the said Calpurnius being Consuls 17. Calpurnius invaded Numidia with great fiercenesse and took in some Towns but was presently stopped in his career being allured with the golden balls of Jugurtha so that a Treaty of Peace was set on foot The Senate was moved hereat and at the power of M. Scaurus who accompanying the Consul as his friend and counsellor was guilty of the same crime The People was perswaded to send L. Cassius Longinus the Praetor to fetch Jugurtha to Rome upon the publick faith to discover his complices whereof he had by gold procured many in the Senate it self Fighting with silver weapons he conquereth all opposition Cassius perswaded him to cast himself upon the Peoples mercy and he came to the City in a mourning habit But coming into the Assembly to do as he was commanded Baelus the Tribune bade him hold his Peace being also bribed to put off the businesse and delude the People At this time there was one Massina the son of Gulussa his cousin german at Rome who when he had murdered Adherbal escaped out of Africk Him Albinus the Consul who gladly would have had to do with Numidia perswaded to beg the Kingdom of the Senate but Jugurtha having some notice hereof procured him to be killed and conveyed away the murderer into Numidia Hereupon within a few dayes he was commanded to be gone and being out of the City he looked back upon it and uttered these words O City that wouldest be sold if there was but a chapman for thee This he said as having himself experience of the corruption of it's Inhabitants so horribly were they now degenerated from the fidelity and abstinence of the preceding age 18. Albinus followed him with an Army and at first seemed to be very ambitious of finishing the War before the creation of new Consuls But upon some account he prolonged it and his brother by virtue of some compact withdrew from Suthul where the treasure of the Kingdom lay when he was about to besiege it The Centurions also were so corrupted as Jugurtha was suffered to break into the Camp whence beating out the Army he either forced or by former agreement brought Albinus to submit unto most dishonourable terms In this condition Metellus the following Consul found affairs and the Army spoiled for want of discipline But bringing the Soldiers into good order But is humbled by Metellus within the space of two years he overthrew Jugurtha several times outed him of several Towns and chased him further than his own
come over he could not pursue them but they presently sent to treat promising to give Hostages and do further what he should enjoyn them He accepted of their offer and some Hostages they delivered promising to give up the rest with conveniency But it hapned that the horse being come within kenning was driven by the tide the Moon now being at full to the Westward and forced back to the Continent the ships which brought over the Legions lying at Anchor by tempest were miserably shattered and no Provisions had Caesar brought over as not intending to Winter here The Britains having knowledge of these things agreed amongst themselves to break their promise concluding that if they could but intercept or destroy his Army besides getting much plunder they should not be invaded for the time to come They then set upon the seventh Legion as it was reaping Corn His successe but Caesar being informed by the Watch of a greater dust than ordinary that way suspected what the matter was and going to the rescue killed many and burnt their houses for a good compasse Hereupon they sent to him again for peace He required a double number of Hostages whom he commanded them to send over into the Continent for the Aequinoctial being near he would not in Winter trust himself and the Army in such weak Vessels Going on board about midnight he came safe to Land but 41 Vessels being driven the men were forced to Land at another place whereof 300 were presently besieged by the Morini His retreat who before had been reconciled to Caesar out of hope of some booty They were presently rescued and T. Labienus was sent to chastize the Rebels who being reduced to obedience he and L. Cotta harrazed the Countrey of the Menapii who hid themselves in the thick Woods Then was the Army led into its Winter quarters in Belgia The first expedition of Caesar into Britain fell out in the second year of the 181 Olympiad the 699th of the Citie 53 years before the birth of Christ A. M. 3950. Cn. Pompeius the Great and M. Licinius Crassus both of them the second time being Consuls 18. Caesar going into Italy according to his custom ordered a great Navy to be provided Having dispatch'd his businesse within the Alps Idem lib. 5. he went into Illyricum against the Pinistae who had invaded his Province After this having setled things amongst the Treviri or them of Triers who neither came to Councils nor were otherwise obedient he took ship at the Haven Iccius now Calis with five Legions and 2000 horse at Sun-set and being for sometime carried down by the Tide towards the right hand arrived again in Britain the next day by noon He returneth A. M. 3951. V. C. 700. The Natives seeing a great number of ships for in all there were 800 Vessels for that they had falsified their word all but two sorts of people who sent their Hostages over into Belgia for fear withdrew themselves into the Woods Caesar pursuing them took one of their Fortresses which they made onely with great Trees laid together and when he was busied in skirmishing word came that his Navy was shattered by another Tempest whereupon he retreated and took care for the repairing of such ships as were fit to be mended four being utterly lost in which work ten dayes were spent with the great labour of the Soldiers Drawing then up such as were repaired Cassivellaun General of the Britans and fortifying the Camp he returned In the mean time the Britains had made Cassivellaun whose Dominions lay North the River of Thames and with whom before Caesar's coming they had waged War their General against the Romans At first the Britains fighting from their Waggons put their Enemies to it and killed Q. Laberius Durius a Tribune but the day following the Romans recovered their credit putting the other to flight who had falln upon them as they were gathering forrage so as they durst not after this time meddle any more with them when in any considerable body Caesar passeth over the Thamâs 19. Then did Caesar passe the Thames the Soldiers wading over with their heads onely above water though the Britains had fastned sharp stakes under the bank and there made all opposition they could which was inconsiderable Passing on in Cassivellaun's Countrey he wasted it Cassivellaun or Cassibellin having dismissed all his Army except 4000 Waggons wherewith he much endamaged the Romans by making sallies upon advantage out of the Woods But the Triâobantes inhabiting those parts long after by the Saxons called Essex and Middlesex having had their King Imannentius killed by Cassivellaun for that Mandubratius his son had escaped to Caesar yielded themselves and desired that the young man being restored first to his Father's Kingdom might be protected against Cassivellaun This Caesar granted receiving 40 Hostages and Corn for his Army and these having protection given them others near adjoyning yielded themselves Then did Caesar take Cassivelaun's Town not far distant being onely a fortified place in the Woods He sent into Kent where four petty Kings Cingetorix Carnilius Taximagulus and Segonax reigned ordering them if possible to seize on Caesor's ships but Caesar having left to guard the Camp ten Companies of foot and 300 horse these repulsed them with great losse killing many of their men and amongst the rest Lugatorix a Captain of great account Cassivellaun beggeth peace and Caesar returneth into Gall. Cassibellaun hearing this and knowing the defection of the Trinobantes and the rest sent and begged peace of Caesar who being resolved for fear of insurrections in Gall there to vvinter for that Summer was now almost spent commanded him to deliver in Hostages ordered what Tribute Britain should pay yearly to the People of Rome commanded him not to offend Mandubratius nor the Trinobants and then drew down his Army to the Sea which he wafted over at twice for that he had many Prisoners and many ships had perished by Tempest The season being very good they came all safe to land and he quartered them about in several places because Provisions were very scarce in Gall. This second expedition of Caesar into Britain hapned the next year after the former L. Domitius Aenobarbus and Appius Claudius Pulcher being Consuls The Galls revolt 20. This Winter did most of the Galls revolt First the Eburones now inhabiting the Bishoprick of Liege by the instigation of Ambiorix their Prince who by treachery circumvented two of Caesar's Officers Q. Titurius Sabinus and L. Arunculeius Cotta with a whole Legion Idem ibid. He also besieged Q. Cicero who commanded the Legion that quartered amongst the Nervii who had their seats about Tournay in Flanders Dio lib. 40. But Caesar came in to the rescue and overthrew the Galls Labienus lying with another Legion about Rheimes the Treviri and Indutiomarus came to his Camp Orosius lib. 6. cap. 10. intending to destroy him but he took his
with him Velleins Paterculus the Historian formerly a Tribune in the Army in quality of General of the Horse as succeeding his father in his places and for nine whole years was he as he telleth us * Vide l. 2. c. 104 105 106. the spectator of Tiberius his heavenly actions either in that place or as Lieutenant and as far as the meannesse of his faculties could reach an assistant in them This Summer he passed over the River Viturgis and reduced divers Nations but in the next even all Germany For the Roman Army was led 400 miles upwards from the Rhine Tiberius subdueth Germany as far the River Elbe which runneth by Sons now the fear of an Archbishop and a people then called Hermundurians and was met there by the Fleet which having sailed through the Brittish Sea till then unknown and unheard of having conquered many Nations and brought infinite provision of all things there joyned with it Now nothing was left unconquered except the Marcomanni who under conduct of Marobodunus quitting their former seat had setled themselves upon these grounds surrounded by the Hercinian Wood Idem ibid. c. 109 110. and through his ordering were raised to a considerable and emulous greatnesse Tiberius intended to set upon them the next summer but was diverted by the rebellion of all Pannonia and Dalmatia A. D. 8. V. 760. which not satisfied with the benefits of a long Peace and grown in strength drew into society all the Nations about them and flew to arms to the number of 800000 fighting men 51. Augustus himself was much affrighted at this rebellion and well he might for the Rebels having raised 200000 foot and 9000 Horse all select men they ordered that part of this Army should make for Italy it self Dio l. 55. Paterculus l. 2. c. 110 111. under expert Captains that part should break into Macodânia and a third band be left at home to defend their own Levies therefore were carefully made all the old Soldiers recalled from every quarter and such men and women both as were found within the cesse of Freed-men were compelled to find Soldiers the Prince himself being heard to say in the Senate that except they took good heed within ten dayes the Enemie might face the walls of Rome Tiberius was appointed General and amongst other Officers Paterculas went his Quaestor Germanicus also is said to have deserved well in this Expedition Though the War at first was full of difficulties and the more through scarcity of provisions yet was it in the space of three years concluded by Tiberius Reduceth the Pannonians Dalmatians Pannonia first submitted Baro and Pinetus their most famous Leaders being taken off for the one was made a prisoner and the other yielded himself And though the Dalmatians were hard to be overcome through the difficult situation of their places the fiercenesse of their natures and their wondrous abilities in matters of War yet not long after they were reduced being almost totally ruined During these troubles abroad Tacitus l. 1. c. 3. Sueton in Tiberio c. 20. Agrippa the other adopted son of Augustus lived as a banished person being by him confined to Planasia an Island near Corsica for his great folly and rudenesse though he was not found guilty of any notable crime To Tiberius a Triumph and other great honours were decreed for reducing Illyricum but he put off the Triumph as very unseasonable the City being now in great heavinesse for the losse of the Legions and Varus in Germany 52. Quintilius Varus formerly President of Syria which being rich he entred poor but left it poor coming away rich Paterculus ut supra c. 117 118 119 120. as one expresseth it was sent into Germany which he governed with great negligence and security as not considering that he lay in an Enemies Country but administring Justice as if he had been in the Forum at Rome Against him thus secure did the Germans conspire at the instigation of Arminius Tacitus Annal. l. 1. son to Sigimerus Prince of that Nation and a young man of excellent parts The plot was revealed to Varus by Segostes but he refused to give any credit to the relation Dio l. 56. Sueton in Octavio They left no room therefore for a second discoverer The overthrow of the Legions under Varus in Germany but intangling the best Army the Romans had both for discipline valour and experience amongst bogs woods and ambuscadoes cut in pieces three Legions with as many wings and six cohorts Varus killed himself Florus l. 4. c. ult Volumnius his Lieutenant most basely leaving the foot ran away with the horse yet he overlived not those whom he had forsaken but died a betrayer of his Country A. D. 9. V.C. 761. Lucus Asprenas who commanded two Legions under his uncle Varus preserved his party in so great a calamity and by coming down in a seasonable time to the lower Wintering quarters setled the wavering minds of such People as inhabited on this side the Rhine L. Seditius the Camp-Master and others with him being shut up in Alisone and besieged by innumerable forces when they wanted necessaries brake through and came to their own party This disaster fell out in the 762 year of the City Q. Sulpicius Camerinus and C. Poppaeus Sabinus being Consult 53. Augustus was out of all measure troubled at so dishonourable a losse Suetonius in Octavio c. 23. so that counting it as full of danger as disgrace he appointed watches about in the City prorogued the commands of Presidents over the Provinces that by them who were experienced and well known to the people they might the better be kept in order and he vowed to celebrate Games in honour of Jupiter if the Commonwealth should recover it's former and better condition Nayhe was struck with such consternation that for several moneths he never cut the hair of his head or beard and sometimes would he knock his head against the dores crying out in a kind of distraction * Redde Legiones Quintili Vare Patercul l. 2. c. 120 121 122. Sueton in Tiberio c. 18 19 c. Quintilius Varus restore the Legions he also observed the day of the defeat as unluckie and dismal every year He sent Tiberius into Germany who setling the affaires of Gall passed over the Rhene Tiberius setleth that Country and wasting the Country defeated all he met Perceiving the former miscariages to have happened through the negligence and temerity of the General he took good advice though at other times wont to act things on his own head and exacted Military discipline according to the most antient strictnesse thereof For two years he managed this War being once in danger of his life and then returning to Rome triumphed three times whereas if we believe Velleius who served under him he deserved seven The year following Germanicus Caesar after the end of his Confulship was sent into Germany Tiberius
he sent to make a League with the Lacaedemonians who being obliged to him easily complied though no supplies do we read of sent to him For he being in great haste prevented the sending of any and with all the force he could make invaded Cappadocia Croesus invadeth Cappadocia to revenge as he pretended upon Cyrus the injurie offered to Astyages his Brother in Law but indeed to lay that fertile Country to his own Dominions Having passed the River Hayis he came into a place of Cappadocia called Pteria the most safe of all the Country near to the City Sinopâ which was situated upon the Euxine Sea Taking up his quarters here he made incursions took the City of the Pterians with all the rest round about and banished the Syrians so were the Cappadocians called by the Greeks till subjected to the Persian Empire though they had nothing ill deserved at his hands 38. Cyrus coming against him sent to the Ionians to draw them to his party but they standing off he proceeded and pitcht his Camp against Croesus After some skirmishes the Armies ingaged and a very hot dispute continued till night parted them many falling on both sides Croesus though neither party owned any defeat was blamed by his Soldiers for ingaging with so numerous an Army so that Cyrus not stirring out against him the next day he thought it best to retreat to Sardis and sent out of hand for aide to Amesis King of Aegypt and Labynitus of Babylon whom he had by a League obliged to him to the Lacedaemonians also to dispatch their Auxiliaries within 5. month with which resting that winter he would re-invade the Persians the following Spring Retreateth to Sardis Accordingly he dismissed all his mercenaries standing then in no need of them as he thought which Cyrus hearing resolved with all speed to follow him to Sardis hoping he might utterly defeat him before he could recollect his Forces and accordingly marching into Lydia he prevented any message of his coming Croesus though exceedingly perplexed at so unexpected a thing gathered his subjects together as time would give leave and provided for his defence which the other perceiving and fearing the power of his Horse wherein the Lydians excelled all other people of Asia took off the burthens from all the Camels that followed the Camp and setting Riders upon them placed them in the front the smell of which when the Armies joyned the Horses not enduring turned aside Overthrown in battel Yet were not the Riders thereby deterred from fighting but dismounting performed on Foot what could be expected till over-powered rather with number then valour they were put to flight and besieged in the Citie And besieged 39. Croesus thinking he might possibly be able to hold out some considerable time sent again to his confederates to hasten their succours But Cyrus on the fourteenth day of the siege offering a great reward to him that should first mount the Wall one Hyraeades a Mardian having taken notice of a place which because of its heighth and precipitancy was held impregnable and therefore neglected by the besieged where yet he had seen a Souldier come down to fetch his Helmet he had let fall made means to climb up and after him more and more followed till the Citie was thereby surprized Sardis taken All places being full of slaughters a Souldier not knowing Croesus was about to kill him which he neglected as willing to dye with his Kingdom But his dumb son affrighted at the danger he saw him in Vide Herod lib. 1. c. 85. Aul. Gellium l. 5. c. 9. Val. Max. l. 5. c. 4. Ext. Exem 6. Solinum c. 7. is said to have broken silence or dumbnesse with this expression Man do not kill Croesus and thenceforth to have enjoyed the use of his tongue Thus Croesus overturned a great principality as the Oracle had foretold after he had reigned fourteen years Croesus condemned and been besieged so many dayes Cyrus adjudged him to death and had burnt him alive but that he almost too late remembred the words of the wise Law-giver of Athens and cried out Solon Solon Solon Cyrus commanded the Interpreters to demand of him whom he invocated thinking it to be some God he mentioned to which he answered when compelled to speak that he named one whom rather then any thing he would have to speak with all Princes and being urged to explain himself told the whole story concerning the discourse betwixt him and Solon His life spared Herewith the Conquerour was so affected that considering the uncertainty of his own prosperous condition though the pile was already kindled yet commanded he the fire to be quenched and receiving him into his most inward counsels held him ever most dear and in great esteem for his wisdom wherein after such manifold experience he excelled This hapned in the fourth year of the 58 Olympiad the fifteenth year of the reign of Cyrus A. M. 3460. Olymp. 58. an 4. Cyri 15. A. M. 3460. 40. When the Ionians and Aeolians heard that Croesus Herodotus lib. 1. c. 141. c. with so little a ado was utterly subdued they sent to Cyrus offering to put themselves into his hands on the same terms as the Lydians were received but he returned them no satisfactory answer because of their refusal formerly to joyn with him All of them then except the Milesians those having yielded themselves made their application to the Lacedaemonians who refused to grant any aide but sent some to make discovery how matters went in Asia The Messengers finding Cyrus at Sardis according to order acquainted him with the pleasure of that Republick Not to suffer him to molest any of the Greek Cities He enquiring what the Lacedaemonians were presently sleighted them and answered That if the Gods preserved him they should have cause to bewail their own calamities and not busie themselves with what concerned the Ionians He committed Sardis to the custody of Tabalus a Persian to Pactyas a Lydian the Treasure of Croesâs and others and so set out for Ecbatane making little account of the Ionians against whom he intended to send some Lieutenant in comparison of Babylon the Bactrians Sacae and Egyptians upon all which he had cast an hungry eye with purpose to invade them After his departure Pactyas revolted Pactyas revolteth and drawing into Rebellion the Maritime Coasts besieged Tabacus whereat Cyrus being angry as esteeming it a plot of the Lydians Croesus fearing worse things might come upon them after an excuse of the generality advised him to take from them the use of Arms and enure them to effeminate courses whereby they would easily be kept under Cyrus according to his advise dispatched away with an Army one Mazares a Mede who finding Sardis deserted by Pactyas put in execution what Croesus had advised By this course was brought to passe that the Lydians to whom for valour no Nation in Asia could be compared grew infamous for
Lord as he slept in his Chamber and brought his head unto David Ishbosheth slain after seven years He rewarded them with death 1 Chron. 12. and was by the Captains and all the Elders of the Tribes anointed the third time King at Hebron over all Israel which government he held 33 years 2 Sam. 5.6 7. c. A little after this installment he took Jerusalem from the Jebusites and made it the seat of his Kingdom himself building and fortifying the Citie of Sion and Joab repairing the rest Then twice he overthrew the Philistins in Rephidim who came up against him after they heard he was made King 1 Chron. 12. c. The Ark of God he removed from Kiriath-Jearim to the house of Obed Edom the Gittite and thence after three moneths into Sion He purposed to build God an house but was forbidden because a man of bloud that work which was to be reserved for Solomon For besides his Wars in his younger time all the space betwixt this and the birth of Solomon seemeth imployed in Wars wherein he overcame the Philistins Amalekites Moabites Ammonites Idumaeans and Syrians The Borders of his Empire he very much inlarged not onely from Shihor of Egypt to the entring in of Hamath but also as far as Euphrates the utmost limits promised by God unto Abraham and onely possessed by him and his son and Successor Salomon David's adultery and murder 39. Salomon was the second son begotten on Bathsheba 1 Sam. 11.12 13. the wife of Uriah the Hittite with which woman David first committed Adultery and then for a cover added to it the Murder of her husband After he had been reproved by Nathan the Prophet he repented and wrote the 51 Psalm upon this occasion Punished Yet the Infant conceived in Adultery died as soon as it was born and though Salomon was born the next year at it's thought A. M. 2957. yet this sin escaped not without a further punishment For within awhile Davidis 14. his eldest son Amnon ravished his half-sister Tamar Amnon ravisheth Tamar and for that was killed by Absalom Some years after Chap. 15.16 17 18. Absalom by the advice and policy of Achitophel seized upon the Kingdom Absolom rebelleth David hereupon fled to God as his Rock of refuge and composed the 3d. and the 55th Psalms then opposing force to force overthrew Absolom in the Wood of Ephraim by Joab his General who thrust the young man through with a Dart as he hung in an Oak contrary to David's order who had charged all the Captains to deal gently with him for his sake This Rebellion was followed by a new sedition raised amongst the Israelites by one Sheba upon this occasion Chap. 19.20 because they had not the chief hand above the Tribe of Judah The conspiracy of Sheba in bringing back the King to his house but this was happily suppressed after Joab had procured the inhabitants of Abel to cut off Sheba's head 40. After these things several battels insued with the Philistins 2 Sam. 21. 1 Chron. 20. in one of which the last wherein he was present David hardly escaped the hands of Ishbi-benob one of the sons of the Gyant being rescued by Abishai his Nephew who slew the Philistin Not (c) 2 Sam. 24. long after tempted by Satan and his own ambition he numbred the people for which God being angry proposed to him three sorts of punishments David numbreth the people viz. Famine Sword 1 Chron. 20.7 or Pestilence as to which he chose rather to fall into the hands of God then of man Then God sent a Plague whereby perished in one day 70000 men but as the Angel was also about to destroy Jerusalem he was commanded to desist David at length having arrived at seventy years of Age was so decayed and spent by his many labours and troubles 1 Kings 1. that he could not receive any heat from Cloaths and therefore a young maid one Abisag 1 Chron. 28.29 a Shunamite was chosen out to lye in his bosom Adoniah his son taking advantage at this infirmity by the assistance of Joab the General and Abiathar the Priest seized upon the Kingdom Maketh Solomon King When he had notice thereof according to the prediction of God and his promise unto Bathsheba he established Solomon in his Throne and having given him a charge Dieth died about six moneths after when he had reigned over Judah alone in Hebron seven years and six moneths and in Jerusalem over all Israel and Judah 33 years in the year of the World according to the vulgar way of reckoning without taking in the 100 years formerly mentioned in the History of the Judges 2985. A. M. 2985. 41. David being dead and Solomon established in the Kingdom 1 Kings 2. Adonijah asked Abisag the Shunamite to wife and for that was put to death Solomon putteth Adoniah and others to death as affecting the Soveraignty Abiathar was removed from the Priesthood and Zadok of the Posterity of Phinehaz placed in his room as had been foretold by God against the house of Eli from which the Priesthood now returned Joab for fear fled to the horns of the Altar and there was slain by Benaiah who was made Generall in his stead Simei who had cursed David when he fled from Absalon was commanded to build him an house in Jerusalem and not to stir thence beyond the Brook Kidron upon pain of death which he after two years suffered having broken the order Chap. 3. Solomon within a year after his Father's death married the Daughter of Pharaoh after which offering 1000 burnt-offerings at Gibeon where the Tabernacle then rested God appeared to him in a dream and offered him whatsoever he would ask He asked onely wisdom to govern his people and neither riches nor honour with which God was so well pleased that he made him to excell therein all meer men and accumulated also the other upon himâ 42. Having all things in a readinesse for building an house to the Lord Chap. 6. Clemens Stromat lib. 4. for which David his Father had made large provisions Vaphres King of Aegypt supplying him with 80000 Men and Hiram King of Tyre with as many besides an Architect named Hypero whose Mother was an Israelitish Woman of the Tribe of Judah he laid the foundation of the Temple in the 4th year of his reign and the second day of the second moneth Zif The Structure being in building 7 years The building of the Temple the work began according to their computation who by reckoning the years of the Judges and the oppressions severally add 100 years to the Aera of the World in the 3089th year from the Creation entering was dedicated in the 3095th ending and in the 587th year after the departure out of Aegypt also ending from which if we substract those 40 they lived in the Wildernesse then 547 years will be
he thrust his feet in Iron fetters and exposed him as a prey to wild beasts Yet either by those that had this charge Diodorus l. 4. p. 185. A.M. 2695. or others that found him he was carried to Polybus King of Corinth who caused his feet to be healed from the swelling of which he had the name of Oedipus and brought him up Many years after when he was grown Laius either hearing some rumor concerning him or carried by natural affection went to enquire of the Oracle what had hapned to his son and at the same time it chanced that Oedipus having heard of some design against himself went thither also to enquire who were his true Parents They met in Phocis A.M. 2722. where Laius bidding the other somewhat imperiously to give way Oedipus moved with choler killed him being utterly ignorant who he was Creon 8. Laius being dead Creon the brother of Jocaste called also Epicaste seized upon his Kingdom Oedipus and kept it for some time till Oedipus explained the ridle of Sphinx T is Munster which the Boeotians also called Phix Apollodorus is feigned to have had an head and face like a woman the hinder parts like a Lyon and wings as a Bird and keeping upon the Hill Phicion Plutarch in lib. quòd bruta ratione utuntur or Phiceon so named from her she proposed ridles which whosoever could unridle should have Jocaste in marriage with the Kingdom but if not she presently devoured them Unridleth the ridle of Sphinx Her ridle to Oedipus was this what is it that which goeth both on two Legs three and four A.M. 2758. Many having lost their lives for a misinterpretation he expounded it to be meant of a man who when an Infant creepeth on hands and feet when arrived at ripenesse of age goeth upright on legs and when he cometh to be old useth a staff Some think her a deformed and savage kind of woman that living on prey used to lie in wait for passengers But Pausanias writing that she was the Bastard daughter of Laius others judge her to have been for her wisdom preferred to determine the pretences of such as claimed the Kingdom and that those who were cast in the tryal she punished with death which cruelty the Poets detesting raised the fable Because of her abilities this kind of Monster was made by * Clemens Strom. l. 5. the Aegyptians an Hieroglyphick of wisedom and strength in both wich Plutarch maketh her to have excelled 9. Oedipus then married Jocasta his own mother not knowing what she was to him and obtained the Kingdom of Thebes Diodorus telleth us that he had two sons by her Eteocles and Polynices with as many daughters but others say he had them by Euryganea the daughter of Hyperphas At length all came to light both that he had killed his father and married his own mother whereupon she presently hanged her self and his sons kept him up close for the filthinesse of the thing as some say though others will have him driven from Thebes and that going to Theseus King of Athens he there died a little after Polynices while his father was yet living went to Argos Pausan Diodorus Apollod where he married Argia the daughter of Adrastus but after his death returned to Thebes to succeed him in the Kingdom The two brothers then agreed to reign by turns Eteocles Polynices but Eteocles having the first course refused to yield up his power at the time prefixed so that Polynices was glad to return to Argos At the same time there hâpned to be with Adrastus one Tydeus the son of Oeneus who having killed a man in Aetolia fled also to him both these he kindly received and by direction of the Oracle making them his sons-in-law promised to restore them to their Countreys and Estates Beginning first with Polynices he sent Tydeus in Ambassage to Eteocles who caused fifty men to lie in wait for him by the way but he killed them all and returned safe to Argos Adrastus to revenge the injury made all possible preparation for a War and invited all the best Souldiers from all quarters to the expedition Seven Eminent Captains gave their names whereof Amphiaraus who had married Eriphile the sister of Adrastus was Chief though of so ancient a thing as this Theban-war there can be little certainty The Theban War 10. A.M. 2785. Having each of them his several Army or Company rather they marched to Thebes which they besieged and divided themselves according to the Gates of the Citie Eteocles made all preparations for defence assigning to every Gate its Officer and consulted Tiresias a Prophet then blind concerning the event of the War He answered that the Thebans should overcome if Menaeceus the son of Creon would devote himself as a sacrifice to Mars which he presently did killing himself before the Gates Diod. l. 4. p. 177. The Thebans then made a sally but were beaten back to the Walls which when the Argives approched Capaneus one of the seven Captains first of all others set to Ladders and mounted but he being killed the other retreated and many of them were slain in the pursute After this it was agreed that the two brothers in a single Combat should decide the quarrel and so doing they mutually fell by the hands of each other then followed a very sharp fight wherein all the Captains that followed Adrastus were slain and he onely escaped by the swiftnesse of his Horse Arion Yet this victory cost the Thebans so dear that being themselves almost ruined hence Cadmea victoria became a proverb This War fell out 28 years before that of Troy Laodamus 11. Eteocles leaving behind him a young son named Laodamus Creon the brother of Jocasta assumed the Guardianship of him and would not suffer the Argives to be buried till Theseus and the Athenians procured it Ten years after the War when Laodamus was now grown up the sons of those Captains that had been slain called Epigoni made an expedition against Thebes to revenge the death of their fathers The expedition of the Epigoni A.M. 2795. Consulting before-hand the Oracle of Delphos about the successe they were bidden to chuse Alcmaeon the son of Amphiaraus for their General which having done and marching into Thebais they wasted all the Countrey round about the Citie Hereupon the Thebans made a sally and a sharp conflict insued wherein Laodamus slew Aegialeus the son of Adrastus and was himself killed by Alcmaeon though Pausanias saith he escaped out of the fight and fled to the Illyrians After this the Citie was taken and with other plunder Pausan Tiresias the Prophet was sent as a present towards Delphos but drinking by the way presently died This is he SECT 1. Thersander who is said to have experienced both Sexes and lived seven Generations even from the dayes of Cadmus to this time The Epigoni having taken
roof 42. In the time of this Tarquinius another great blessing as it was counted hapned to the Romans A certain strange woman came to the King Sibyls offering to sell nine books of the Oracles of Sibyl which when he refused to buy at her rate she went away and burning three of them returned and demanded as much for the six Being derided for a mad woman she departed and burning half of them returned with the other three still asking as much as at the first whereat Tarquin astonished sent for the Augures to know her meaning who answered that the nine ought to have been bought and the three were to be purchased at the same Rate The woman after the sale and delivery vanished and never after could be seen Tarquin chose two men out of the Nobility to keep them to whom he allowed two publick servants After his expulsion the people Elected most Noble persons Sibyls books who all their lives executing this Office were freed from all other burthens both Military and Civil to whom onely it was lawfull to look in them No sacred thing was so carefully kept as these Sibylline Oracles They were consulted by decree of the Senate when the Commonwealth was disturbed by any seditions when any great overthrow was received in War or any prodigies hapned They were kept by the Decemviri or ten men appointed to this Office within a Vault under the Capitol in a stone Chest till they perished at the burning of the place Those that the Romans used afterwards were Copied out of such as belonged to other Cities and private persons wherein were some supposititious things which they distinguished by the difference of the Acrosticks 43. The woman that brought those books to Tarquin having the name of Sibylla and there being many found to whom it hath been given besides something is to be said of those women for distinction The first Sibylla or woman Prophetesse to which the * ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã Council of Jupiter was communicated as the word importeth was a Persian according to (a) Vide Ludov Vivem in Augustin de Civitate Dei lib. 18. cap. 23. Varro or else a Caldaean or an Hebrewesse born at Noe a Citie near the Red-Sea her name was Sambetha her father called Barossus and her mother Erymantha The second was a Lybian Themis of Delphos was the third The fourth was called Cumaea because she was born at Cimeriam a Town of Campania in Italy near to Cuma The fifth of Erythrae a Citie of Ionia in Asia at this day called Cabo Bianco The sixth was of the Island Samus her name being Phyto The seventh of Cuma and called Cumana her proper name being Amalthea according to some but Herophile and Demophila according to others Suidas calleth her Hierophile and saith she brought nine books to Tarquinius Priscus and demanded for them 300 Philippines being Gold Coyn of Philip King of Macedonia Pliny contrary to the common account of Writers mentioneth three books not nine and writeth that she burnt two of them But the eighth was called Hellespontiaca being born in the Trojan Countrey upon the Hellespont in a Village named Marmissus near to Gergetium which Heraclides of Pontus affirmed to have flourished in the dayes of Solon and Cyrus The ninth was a Phrygian and Prophecied at Ancyra The tenth was of Tibur by name Albanea being worshipped for a Goddesse at that place near the Banks of the River Aniene wherein her image is said to have been found holding a book in one hand These ten are reckoned by Varro There were several others also (b) Lib. 14. pag. 633. Strabo maketh two to have lived at Erythrae whereof the later flourished in the time of Alexander There was another of Colophon a Citie of Ionia Elissa and Cassandra the daughter of Priamus were accounted Sibyls There were also a Thessalian Marto the daughter of Tiresias the Theban and another of Epirus Moreover Carmentis the Arcadian the Mother of Evander and Fauna or Fatua the sister and wife of Faunus King of the Aborigenes in Italy might be reckoned in the number The siege of Ardea 44. In the work of the Capitol Tarquin employed the people and in other baser works wherewith he even tired them out so that to appease them and especially to recruit his own Coffers he made War against the Rutuli and besieged the rich Citie Ardea five German miles toward the East distant from Rome The quarrel he pretended to be for that they received the Roman Exiles and endeavoured to restore them but the true cause was his thirst after the riches of this most flourishing place once the Metropolis of the Rutuli While he lay before this Town taking great pains to gain it and the other as eagerly resisting yet so as he seemed to have hope to carry it an act of his eldest son Sextus occasioned both the freedom of the one and other Citie Dionysius writeth that he was sent to Collatia about some businesse concerning the War and going to the house of Tarquinius Collatinus his Kinsman Grand-son to Egerius the Nephew of Priscus he ravished his wife Lucretia Sextus Tarquinius ravisheth Lucretia the daughter of Lucretius a Noble Roman Livy and Aurelius Victor relate that the Courtiers drinking together in the Camp before Ardea and with them Tarquinius Collatinus the son of Egerius they fell severally on praising each one his own wife in so much as proceeding to an earnest dispute Collatinus said there needed not many words for that they might see within a few hours how far his Lucretia excelled them all and he desired them to ride to the several places and judge accordingly as they should find Being well heated with wine they agreed to this motion and away they rode They found not Lucretia junketting and idely spending her time as the Kings daughters in law but late at night hard at work amongst her maids so that by consent of all she far excelled the rest and Collatinus nobly entertaining his Guests returned with them to the siege 45. Now was Sextus Tarquinius inflamed with a lustfull desire after Lucretia because of her beauty and as it hapneth towards difficult or forbidden things the more because of her eminent chastity Within few dayes without the knowledge of her husband accompanied onely with one servant he returned to Collatia where being kindly entertained by her he was brought to his bed-chamber but when he thought all asleep having observed where she lay with a naked Dagger he went to her and laying his hand on her breast threatned her with death if she offered to stir He mixed threats with fair words but yet could not prevail till he told her he would first kill her and then his slave whom laying by her side he would report it was for having surprized her in Adultery with him whereby obtaining his prey in the morning he departed When he was gone she sent for her father from Rome and her husband from the Camp
first obtaining the Kingdom of Media 5. What time passed from the Conquest of Babylon and the beginning of his Monarchy unto his death is controverted amongst learned Writers Some reckon ten years or thereabouts and others but three of which number was once Joseph Scaliger who afterwards retracted it as an error but Ludovicus Cappellus hath renewed the assertion making it probable by arguments drawn from Scripture who therefore is to be consulted in his sacred * In notis ad Tab. 13. Chronology His issue Cyrus had issue two sons Cambyses and Smerdis or Tanaoxares with three daughters Atossa Meroe and Artystona to which Ctesias addeth Amytis Atossa and Meroe their brother Cambyses afterwards married and Darius Hystaspis obtained Artystona as also Atossa after the death of Cambyses Of the two sons to Cambyses he left his Kingdom and to Smerdis or Tanaoxares assigned the Government of Media Armenia and the Cadusians according to Xenophon Cambyses maketh War upon Egypt 6. Cambyses presently after he came to the Government made all possible provision for a War with Egypt the cause whereof is to be enquired after Herodotus telleth a story how he sent to Amasis King of that Countrey to desire his daughter Nitetis in marriage Lib. 3. cap. 1. which he not daring to deny because of the then formidable power of the Persians and not willing to gratifie him absolutely for that he conceived his daughter would be entertained but as a Concubine he found out a way as he thought to satisfie Cambyses A. M. 3476. Olymp. c. 2. an 4. V.C. 225. Cambysis 1. and yet keep his daughter There was one of Apries his predecessor's daughters yet unmarried her he sent to him under the name of his own who when she had sufficiently ingratiated her self with Cambyses told him how indeed she was nothing a kin to Amasis but begotten by his Lord and Master whereat the Persian conceived such indignation that to be revenged on him he invaded Aegypt But that which moved Cambyses to send for this woman seemeth something strange He had formerly desired from Amasis a Physician for the eyes the best that could be procured in Aegypt wherewith he gratifying him the man took it so ill of Amasis to be sent out of his native Country that in way of revenge he moved the matter to Cambyses concluding with himself that the King of Aegypt would not send his own daughter This was the saying of the Persians which Herodotus rather approveth than what the Aegyptians alleged that Cambryses was son to Nitetis the daughter of Apries and that the Persians ascribed that to the Son which beonged to the Father Vide Polyaenum lib. 8. because they would have Cambyses born of Cassanâane the daughter of Pharnaspes of the noble race of Achaemenes and yet he confesseth there was a report that besides Cassandane Cyrus kept Nitetis as his Concubine whom he most affected and that to revenge his mother upon her Cambyses when but young threatned and after his Father's death made War upon Aeâypt However things might go in reference to the daughter of Apries Cambyses seemeth to have invaded that Kingdom upon pretence of the right he had to it as Heir by conquest to Nebuchaânesar who subdued it though it revolted from his Successors which might be concealed from Herodotus by the Priests who spared not to invent lyes for a cover to the disgrace of their Country 7. While Cambyses was yet busie in his preparations Vide Herod l. 3. cap. 4 c. one Phanes an Halycarnassaean by birth taking something in distaste from Amasis whom he served fled out of Aegypt by ship and coming into Persia advised this King that for his better passage of the sandy Desarts he should send to the King of the Arabians for sale conduct who being no good friend to the Aegyptian Passâth throâgh the Sândie Desarts came and met him with Camels bearing abundance of water which was necessary for the sustenance of the Army in that hot and dry place Ere Cambyses could arrive in Aegypt Amasis had prevented captivity by a natural death and Psammenâtus his son having succeeded him expected his coming at Pelusium one of the mouths of Nile Here a battel being fought the Aegyptians were overthrown and fled to Memphis whither Cambyses sent after them to yield up themselves to him but they tare in pieces the messengers and then being besieged stood out for some time but at length the City was taken Conquereth Aegypt Psammenitus had his son put to death before his eyes to try his patience though the Conquerour too late repented of it and had given him his life with the Kingdom to govern as a Province had he not attempted new matters for which he was forced to drink Bulls blood and so died having reigned six moneths after his Father His extravagant practices 8. This work done in Aegypt Cambyses betook himself to extravagant practices The dead body of Amasis he caused to be brought forth to be beaten pinched and then burnt contrary to the practice as well of the Persians as Aegyptians who abhorred such a thing because the former accounted Fire a god the later a ravenous beast perishing with the thing devoured by it Then resolved he to make a three-fold War One upon the Carthaginians another upon the Ammonians or the Inhabitants of the place situate about the Temple of Jupiter Hammon and the third against the long-lived Aethiopians who inhabited Africk near to the Southern Sea He resolved to send a Fleet against the Carthaginians an Army of Foot against the Ammonians and as for the Aethiopians he would first send to discover their Country While his Messengers were dispatching towards Aethiopia he gave order to the Phoenicians who having yielded themselves were his onely strength at Sea to fight against Carthaâe which they flatly refused because that City was a Colony of their own and thereby this design was dâshed After the return of his messengers who brought him word how he was slighted by the Aethiopian King in great rage and haste he set forwards against him without all thought of victualling his Army commanding all his foot to follow His fruitlesse Expeditions except the Graecians When he was come to Thebes he sent about 50000 men against the Ammonians with command after they had spoiled them to burn the Temple and so he marched on with the rest of the Army But ere he had passed the fifth part of his journy all provisions failed and all the beasts that carried burthens were eaten up yet did he not now recollect himself but proceeded till they were constrained to eat up every tenth man and then returned he with great losse and disgrace to Memphis where he dismissed the Greeks from his service The forces sent against the Ammonians never reached thither neither ever returned being all overwhelmed as was reported in the Sandy Wildernesse 9. Cambyses at his return to Memphis found
Olymp 94 aâ 2. Justin lib. 5. In the 17th year of his reign he sent his son Cyrus born since he came to the Government down to the Sea-side as Satrapa or Lieutenant with a kind of power over the other his Lieutenants there and Captain General of all the forces which were wont to muster at the plains of Castolus giving him in charge to assist the Lacedaemonians in the War against the Athenians and by his help did they recover to the hopes of their former fortune When he had continued in his charge a year or two he grew so high that he killed his two Cousin Germans Autobaesaces and Mitraeus because they came not to him with their hands folded under their Clothes which Ceremony was onely observed in the presence of a King Cyrus for his misdemeanors sent for Their Parents of this complaining highly to his father and alleging how unjust it was to connive at such practices he sent for him to come to him alleging he was not well lying then incamped in the Countrey of the Medes against the Cadusians bordering thereupon who had revolted 25. Leaving the command of the Cities with all his Treasure Xenoph. ibid. and the assignment of his Tributes to Lysander the Spartan he went up taking along with him Tissaphernes as his friend with 300 Greeks under the leading of Xenias the Parrhasian His father lived not long after he came to him whom in his sicknesse Parasytis his wife having ruled him all his life loving Cyrus above her eldest son urged him to leave him his Successor A.M. 3600. Ol. 93. an 4. V.C. 349. as Darius the son of Hystaspes did Xerxes for that he was born to him being a King and the other but a private person But he thinking it not just refused to do it but left him those Cities over which he had made him Governour and his Kingdom to Arsaces Ochus dieth or Artaxerxes his eldest son and so died after he had reigned 19 years in the fourth of the 93th Olympiad the 27th of the Peloponnesian War now ending A. M. 3600. 403 years before the birth of Christ Arsaces then by the pleasure of his father Artaxerxes Mââmoâ succeedeth Clesias or his interest in the great ones obtained the Kingdom and changed his name into Artaxerxes being for the excellency of his memory sirnamed Mnemon When he had made sure his possession his wife Statira thinking it then time to revenge the death of her brother and the rest of her kindred caused Udiastes who slew Teritachmes to have his tongue drawn backwards through his neck and cut off and got his son Mitridates who had delivered the Citie Zaris into the hands of Teritachmes his son to succeed in his Government Not long after his fathers death Artaxerxes went to Pasargada Plutarch in Artaxerx there to be initiated by the Persian Priests in the royal mysteries There was a Temple dedicated to some warlike Goddesse thought to be Diana whose Temple he that was to be initiated entring must put off his own Clothes and put upon him a Garment worn by Cyrus the Great before he came to the Empire there was he to eat such a quantity of Figs to drink Milk mingled with Vinegar and perhaps used some other unknown Ceremonies Whilest the King was about these things came Tissaphernes unto him Cyrus attempting his brothers death and with him a Certain Priest who having been appointed tne instructer of his brother Cyrus had taught him the Magical Arts. He accusing him of treasonable practices had more credit given to him because Cyrus had resolved to set upon the King in the Temple and kill him as he should put off his Clothes some say he was apprehended upon this accusation others that he came indeed into the Temple and being hid by the Priest was discovered and taken Idem Xenoph Expedit Cyri lib. 1. 26. The King was minded to put him to death and out of reverence to his Family caused him to be bound in golden chains but their mother took him in her arms wrapped him in her hair laid her neck to his and with great lamentations and intreaties prevailed for his pardon Idem Xenoph Expedit Cyri lib. 1. and sent him back again into his former Province of Lydia and the Sea-coasts When he came there not at all contented with this command Is pardoned but nor so much as remembring that he was saved by his mother's intercession as that he was taken and bound by his brothers burned more than ever with a desire of reigning And to this purpose as secretly as he could gathered forces of the Greeks and under one pretence or other laid out for forein aid both far and near hoping to surprise his brother The Ionian Cities given up now into the hands of Tissaphernes revolted to him all except Miletus the Inhabitants of which he finding to practise the same killed some and drove away the rest who flying to Cyrus he besieged the City both by Sea and Land endeavouring to restore them Then wrote he submissively to his brother desiring he might have the Government of those Cities rather than Tissaphernes and herein he was furthered by his Mother Practizeth new matters who lying as it were his Lieger at Court made the best of all things Hence was Artaxerxes deluded suspecting nothing but accounting these forces to be kept together against Tissaphernes betwixt whom and Cyrus he little regarded though there were a War and the rather because Cyrus sent him the Tributes due from the Cities which Tissaphernes had formerly kept in his hands 27. Clearchus at this time being banished from Lacedaemon came to Cyrus who after conference with him admired the man Idem ibid. and gave him 10000 Daricks wherewith he levied an Army and passing out of Cherronesus wared upon the Thracians that inhabited above the Hellespont thereby greatly promoting the affairs of the Greek Cities insomuch that they willingly furnished him with money to maintain his Forces which were onely raised for Cyrus though thus employed for a cover to the design and till he could be in a readinesse There was also one Aristippus a Thessalian a guest of Cyrus who being overpowered by his Country-men of the contrary faction came to him and requested him to spare him 2000 Mercenaries and three moneths pay alleging that thereby he should be able to overcome his adversaries He granted his request and doubled both the number of men and sum of money desiring him withall not to agree with his adversaries till they two had had conference together and so this Army in Thessalie though not discovered was kept on foot and maintained for him Further he sent to Proxenus the Boeotian his friend to bring unto him as many men as he might under pretence of warring against the Pisidians who spoiled his Country and Sophaenetus the Stymphalian with Socrates the Achaean who likewise were both his Guests to come to him with
been of late advanced by the abilities of Philip the present King who though he might have pretended a cause where none was yet was there some occasion of offence given him though but counted a necessary allay to his rising fortune so terrible to the Persian Empire Vide Arrianum lib. 1. pag. 41. For when with great preparations he had besieged Periathus a Citie of Thrace Ochus gave order to his Lieutenants to assist the besieged which was so powerfully done as his design miscarried Yet he having brought all Greece to his beck and established his interest sufficiently in Europe resolved upon Asia and assembling the estates at Corinth procured himself to be declared General of all Greece for the Persian War for which he made mighty preparations imposing a certain number of Souldiers upon every Citie The next Spring he sent over as before him into Asia three Captains Parmenio Amyntas and Attalus under pretence of freeing the Greek Cities there which hapned the same year that Arses died and he lived himself not long after being stabbed by one Pausanias as he was solemnizing the nuptials of his daughter Cleopatra with Alexander King of Epirus Hereupon Darius who before studied how to turn the War into Macedonia thought himself secure despising the youth of Alexander his son and Successor who exceeded not the age of 20 years 20. But Alexander being a young man of a great and restlesse spirit and of wisdom valour far above his age overcame all difficulties both in Greece and Asia which his Enemies had raised getting himself to be chosen in a little time General of the one as his father had been and in the other suppressing betimes the sedition of the Army of Attalus by taking of him out of the way and most vehemently burnt with a desire of the Conquest of the Persian Empire from an endeavour after which he might by no means be diverted Having either by fair or foul means setled his matters in Europe Diodorus ad Olymp. 111. ann 3. Justin lib. 11. Arrianus lib. 1. he passed over into Asia two years after his fathers death and landed at Troas with a Fleet of sixty long ships He first cast a spear out upon the shore and leaped out in a frisking manner as taking possession of the Continent Then presently he made a visit to the Tombs of Achilles and Ajax to whom he made a parentation and mustered the Army he had brought over with him Concerning the number of Forces those that were there present themselves have not agreed in their relation but according to the greatest probability there were of foot 13000 Macedonians Alexander of Macedonia invadeth Asia of the Associates 7000. and 5000 Mercenaries besides of Odrysae Triballi and Illyrians 5000. and 1000 Archers with such as fought with Darts Of horse there were 1800 Macedonians 1800 Thessalonians and of other Graecians 600. besides a Guard of 900 Thracians and Paeonians Diodorus ad Olymp. 111. ann 2. 21. Darius after he had heard how Alexander was declared General of Greece and was much spoken of for his valour shook off his former security and buckled himself to preparation for resistance He got together a considerable Navy and raised great Forces for command of which he made choice of most expert Captains and amongst the rest of Memnon the Rhodian a man very excellent in Military matters whom he sent into Phrygia with a band of 5000 Mercenaries to reduce Cyzicus to his obedience He passed over the Hill Ida and on a sudden set upon the Citie and had well-nigh taken it but the Defendants making strong resistance he plundred the Territories adjacent and then retreated with much booty In the mean while Parmenio one of the three Captains sent into Asia by Philip and who stood close to the interest of Alexander took by storm Strynium a Town of Phrygia and sold the inhabitants From thence he went to Pitanes to attempt the same upon it but Memnon coming upon him struck such a terrour into his men that he was forced to raise his siege After this Callas with a band of Macedonians and Mercenaries ingaged with the Persians in a battel at Troas but being overmatched in numbers he was worsted and betook himself to Rhaeteum These things fell out before the passage of Alexander into Asia 22. After (a) Diodorus ad Olymp. 111. ann 3. Alexander was landed the Persian Captains met to consult about carrying on the War whom Memnon advised by no means to hazard a battel with him but to lay waste the Countrey before him thereby to hinder his march any farther for want of necessaries and then to passe all their Forces over into Macedonia and so to transfer the seat of the War into Europe This wholesom Counsel was rejected as below the Persian courage and a resolution taken to ingage so that gathering their forces together they marched into Phrygia towards the Hellespont and pitched their Tents upon the River Granicus which runneth through the plains of Adrastea intending it as a defence to them (b) Valer. Maximus l. 7. cap. 3. Exter Exemp 4. Pausan Eliac lib. 2. Alexander in his way thither passed by Lampsacus the inhabitants of which either having already revolted to the Persian or else suspected of such an intent he resolved utterly to destroy As he was thus minded Anaximenes an Historian of that place well known formerly to his father and also to him presented himself to him to whom he swore in so many words that he would not grant what he was about to ask which the other readily apprehending desired of him that he would destroy Lampsacus so that with his sharpnesse of wit beâng circumvented he was constrained to spare it against his will 23. Alexander having with great trouble and danger passed the River Granicus then (a) Diodorus ibid. ingaged with the Persians in a great and bloody battel wherein much valour was shewn on both sides The battel of Granicus Spithrobates a Persian Satrapa of Ionia and Son in Law to Darius a man of a great courage with a strong body of Horse fell upon the Macedonians whom no one being able to sustain Alexander himself grapled with him a fierce combat ensued he wounding the King who yet at length slew him But Rosaces his brother coming in upon Alexander gave him such a blow on the head as broke his helmet and lightly wounded him and a second had killed him outright but that Clitus Sirnamed Niger a Macedonian putting spurs to his Horse in good time cut off the hand of the Barbarian A great conflict then ensued betwixt the principal Persians and Macedonians and many of the former lost their lives upon the place amongst which of most special note were Atyxes and Pharnaâes brother to the wife of Darius and Mithrobarzanes Captain of the Cappadocians These being slain those that opposed Alexander began to flye and afterwards all the rest of the 100000 foot which the Persians brought
into Asia such an one appeared to him advised him to it and promised him successe Then going up to the City he ascended to the Temple and sacrifized according to the directions of the Priest who shewed him the Prophecy of Daniel wherein was foretold that a Graecian should obtain the Empire of the Persians He accounting himself the man rejoyced thereat and the next day offered to the People whatsoever they would ask of him who requested they might live after their own Laws and Customs that on every seventh year in which they sowed not they might pay no tribute and that such of their Country-men as inhabited Babylon and Media might also be left to their own Laws all which he readily granted them He offered them also if they would follow him the freedom of the exercise of their Religion whereupon many gave their names to the Expedition and then leading his Forces to the neighbouring Cities he was friendly received by them 46. The Samaritans met him in the way desiring him to visit their City Sicirna seated at the foot of the Hill Gerizim and inhabited by the Runagates of the Jewish Nation to honour their Temple with his presence and to remit to them also the tribute of every seventh year they sowing not therein for that they were Hebrews though not Jews as descended of Joseph and his two Sons Ephraim and Manasseh Curtius lib. 4. all which he referred to his return By this time his Officers had recovered several places that had revolted as Callus Paphlagonia Antigonus Lycaonia and Balacrus Miletus after he had overthrown Idarnes the Captain of Darius Cilicia he had committed to the care of Soscrates the Country about Tyre to Philotas the son of Parmenio who had delivered his charge of Cebestia to Andromachus that he might follow the Expedition All the Towns of Palestine he had got now into his hands except Gaza which Batis the Eunuch resolved to hold out against him He besiegeth Gaza This was a City distant from the Sea about two miles and an half of difficult accesse by reason of the depth of sand about it the Sea near unto it being very muddy being large seated upon an high Rock and compassed with a strong wall Hither having commanded Hephaestion to go before with the Fleet he came and sate down before it with all his Forces 47. Having viewed the situation of the City Diodorus Josephus Curtius Arrianus ut prius he resolved that light kind of earth to be fit for digging of mines which he commanded presently to be attempted and seeing that no wooden turrets could be erected by the walls because of the loosenesse of the sand he made a great heap of earth and stones to be laid which equalled the height of the walls on which he planted his Engines for batterie By the advice of Aristander his Prophet he contained himself for a time without the reach of the Arrows but the Arabians whom Batis the Governour called Baberneses by Josephus had hired issuing forth set fire to the Engines and beat away the Macedonians from the Mount he ran in with the Targetiers to the rescue and kept his men from running but he himself received a wound on his shoulder Afterwards those Engines being come by water with which he had taken Tyre he caused the whole City to be surrounded with mounts two furlongs broad and 250 foot high whereby conflicting both with Engines above ground and below at length after two moneths it was taken the wall being broken by a Mine at which breach the Macedonians entred Alexander himself led in his men and when his former wound was not yet quite cured received a bruise on his thigh with a stone The defendants stirred not from their places but fighting to the last were all slain to the number of 10000. The women and children the Conquerour made Slaves and furnishing the City with a new Colony gathered out of the places adjacent used it as a Garrison in the War Diodorus ad Olymp. 112. ana 2. Curtius lib. 4. 48. From Gaza he sent Amyntas the Son of Andremo with ten Gallies into Macedonia to make a Leavie of the stoutest young men and bring them over because the War though prosperous wasted his old stock of Soldiers and he could not so well trust foreiners as his own subjects Then marched he strait for Egypt He marcheth for Egypt and the seventh day after his removal from Gaza arrived at that place afterwards called Alexanders-Camp and came to Pelusium Here met him great multitudes of Egyptians who being weary of the insolence and avarice of the Persians expected his coming and gladly received him Placing a Garrison in Pelusium and commanding that the ships should sayl up the River to Memphis he having the Nile on his right hand came through the desart to Heliopolis and thence crossing the River unto Memphis which when he approached Mazaces the Persian Governour met him and delivered into his hands 800 Talents with all the royal houshold-stuff Here he sacrifized to all the Egyptian Gods and celebrated Games and then sayled down the River to the Sea and when he came to Canopus sayled about the Lake Mareotis betwixt which and the Egyptian-Sea he chose out a place whereon to build a Citie which he would have called after himself Alexandria 49. In this place towards the Sea and Haven stood there once a Village named Rhacotis When the figure of the new Citie was to be delineated Strabo lib. 17. for want of Chalk they marked out the ground with Meal which presently was seized upon by an innumerable company of Fouls of all sorts Plutarch in Alexandro that from the Sea and Lake came flocking thither Foundeth Alexandria and devoured it all Hereat the King was discouraged but his Prophets told him that it signified the Citie should he exceeding populous and wealthy and nourish all sorts of men He himself designed in what place the Forum should be and where the Temples that were to be Consecated to the Egyptian and Graecian Gods and herein used the skill of that noble Architect Dinocrates called also Stasicrates who was imployed by the Ephesians in restoring of their Temple formerly consumed with fire This afterwards Famous Citie was founded by Alexander in the fifth year of his reign and the first of 112th Olympiad the 417th of Nabonasar from which year the moneth Thoth as also the fifth of Darius the supputation of the years of Alexander is begun by Ptolomy the Mathematician and a Native of this Citie A. M.3673 329 years before the Aera of Christ 50. Leaving the care of his new designed Citie to fit Overseers he took a journey toward the Oracle of Jupiter Hammon Iidem situate in the vast sandy desarts of Libya because he had heard that Perseus and Hercules had formerly gone thither or to know his fortune Arrianus lib. 3. or that he might at least have occasion to boast of his
in the losse whereof he would be most troubled and make that away so that he should never more enjoy it He accordingly took ship and cast into the Sea his signet which was an Emrald set in a gold ring but it so hapned that a Fisher taking a very large fish presented it to him as onely worthy of it and in the belly of it his Servants when they cut it up found the signet Amasis hearing this took such assurance that an unfortunate end must follow such prodigious successe that lest hee should bee troubled with the miscariage of a friend and allie hee renounced his friendship 5. When Cambyses was raising his forces for his Expedition into Aegypt Polycrates sent to him underhand to desire him to send for some supplies who doing so he picked out such as he thought were most prone to rebellion and with them manned out two Triremes desiring of him that he would not send them back Yet they after the War withdrew themselves from Cambyses and vvent to Lacedaemon to desire aid of that State against the Tyrant vvhich vvas granted them either for that the Lacedaemonians vvere engaged to the Samians as these pretended because they had received supplies from them in the Messenian War or as the Spartans alleged not out of any kindnesse but malice to the Samians because they had in the Age foregoing intercepted certain presents sent by them to Croesus and to them from Amasis The Corinthians vvere also dravvn in having a particular quarrel of their ovvn the occasion vvas also given at the same time the Samians having taken from the Corinthians certain Boyes vvhich they vvere carrying from Periander their Tyrant to Alyattes King of Sardis to be made Eunuchs 6. The Lacedaemonians coming with a great Fleet to Samus besieged the City but endeavouring the storming of it were repulsed with some losse and having in vain spent forty dayes in the Siege so valiantly was it defended by Polycrates they then returned home into Peloponnesus A story went that Polycrates stamped some Lead and covering it over with Gold with it purchased the departure of the Lacedaemonians but this was the first Expedition which the Dores made against Asia Afterwards at such time as Cambyses fell sick that fell upon Polycrates which Amasis had forewarned him of At this time one Oraetes a Persian was Governour of Sardis Ionia Lydia and the Sea-coasts in the place of Haâpagus who either for that he was upbraided that he got not Samus so near to his Province into the King's hand or for that Polycrates slighted and gave no answer to a messenger which he sent to him both which are reported sought earnestly to work his destruction Knowing he had an ambition to become Master of Ionia and the Islands he sent to him to tell him that he heard how excellent things he cast in his head but that he wanted money to accomplish them wherefore he having now heard for certain that Cambyses determined to kill him offered to him that if he would receive him he should have half of the King's money which he had in his possession whereby he might get the Soveraignty of all Greece And if he doubted of his faithfulnesse he desired him to send one of his most trusty servants to whom he would give satisfaction 7. Polycrates with great joy received the message being greedy after money and to make the thing sure sent Maeandrius his Secretary over to Oraetes who knowing him a cunning and circumspect man filled several chests with stones and covering them at the top with gold thereby deceived him Polycrates was yet disswaded by all his friends from going over himself for that the Oracles were against it and his Daughter dreamed that she saw him up aloft in the air where he was washed by Jupiter and annointed by the Sun but he was angry with her for her importunity and notwithstanding all disswasions went over to Oraetes taking with him amongst others Democedes the Son of Calliphon of Crotone in Italy the most famous Physician then in his Country He went over into Magnesia as far as the River Maeander and then Oraetes laying hold of him nailed him to a crosse Of those that accompanied him Endeth miserably the Samians he dismissed telling them that they must account it for a great favour so to be used by him but all the Strangers and Slaves he took to himself and reduced them into the State of servitude This end had Polycrates with whom none of the Syracusian Tyrants or any other of Greece for magnificence were to be compared Maeandrius Him succeeded one Maeandrius his Vicegerent or Procurator of whom Herodotus telleth many stories and who by the help of Otanes the Persian Satrapa being removed by the approbation of Darius the Son of Hystapes Syloson the Brother of Polycrates succeeded Syloson Samus paying very dearly for it what by the War and the ensuing severity of Syloson When Syloson died Aeaces his Son succeeded him Aeaces by the favour of the Persians but was not long after thrust from his Tyranny when Aristagoras the Milesian drew all Ionia into rebellion against the Persians which hapned about the eighteenth year of Darius 8. In the second year of Darius and the first of the 65th Olympiad the inhabitants of Platea in Boeotia Eminius de rebus florentis Graeciae who never well accorded with their Neighbours the Thebans being now irritated with their continual injuries that for the future they might free themselves from such grievances sent and offered themselves to the Lacedaemonians who then were of greatest Authority in Greece as Allies and Dependents But they perceiving themselves to be at too great a distance from them to give any succours when need required advised them to have recourse to the Athenians as nearer to them and of sufficient ability to relieve them A League betwixt the Plataeans and Athenians They accordingly did so and contracted a straight league of Alliance with Athens which became a great eye-fore to the Thebans and all their party a long time after 9. In the third year of the 66 Olympiad and the 8th of the reign of Darius fell out great stirs at Athens which never ceased till they produced a change in the Government Pisistratus the famous Tyrant at his death left three sons Hippias Hipparchus Thessalus and the principality as it should seem from * De Politia Athen. Aelian Var. Hist lib. 8. cap. 2. Heraclides to them all though Hippias as the eldest had Supream Jurisdiction He had hitherto for the space of thirty years enjoyed his fathers Kingdom being loving and affectionate towards his brethren and moderate towards his subjects Hipparchus was accounted a wise man and lover of learning being something given to be amorous and Thessalus bold and head-strong Thucydides lib. 6. It hapned that Hipparchus fell in love with one Harmodius a young man of the Citie and sorely sollicited him to unlawfull dalliance who
Tyrant of Sicyon and Isagoras the son of Tisander Clysthenes being too weak for the other's faction Clysthenes changeth the names of the Tribes that he might engratiate himself with the people whereas they were before divided but into four Tribes encreased them unto ten and whereas formerly they were named from the four sons of Ion viz. Teleon Aegicor Argadaeus and Hopletes now he changed these for other Heroes which were 1. Hippothoon the son of Neptune 2. Antiochus of Hercules 3. Ajax of Telamon 4. Leon the Athenian Pausan iâ Atticis who according to the Oracle devoted his Daughters for the publick safety 5. Eâechtheus who slew Immaradus the Son of Eumolpus 6. Aegaeus 7. Oeneus the base Son of Pandion 8. Acamas the Son of Theseus 9. Cecrops and 10 Pandion 15. Isagoras envying Clysthenes that respect which hereby he obtained procured Cleomenes the King of Sparâa with whom he had contracted friendship during the War with Hippias to come once more against Athens He sent a Messenger first Civil Wars betwixt Isagoras and Clysthenes and presently procured him to be banished and yet came thither with an Army and besides many of the family of Alcmaeon formerly cast out with Clysthenes now also expelled 700 families proper for War under pretence of their being contaminated with them in the businesse of the death of Cylon Then endeavoured he to dissolve the Senate and commit their power to those of Isagoras his faction but both Senate and people resisting Isagoras and he with their men seized on the Castle wherein they were besieged two dayes On the third the Lacedaemonians with Isagoras had leave to depart but the rest were cast into prison and put to death Then was Clysthenes with the 700 families recalled who restored the Democratical Government to the Citie Clysthenes restoreth Solon's Laws as it was founded by the Laws of Solon 16. To Clysthenes is also ascribed the introducing of the Ostracism into the Athenian State Aelian Var. Hist lib. 13. cap. 24. Diodorus lib. 11. Plutarch in vita Aristid Periclis being generally granted to have been brought in a little after the banishment of the Pisistratidae For considering the calamities which had hapned in their time the Athenians for the time to come would have all of equal power and authority By the Ostracism therefore they forced absence from the Citie for ten years upon the most powerfull amongst them for Glory The Ostracism Nobility or Eloquence lest they should grow too great without any ignominy or disgrace they being neither deprived of Goods Lands or any thing save their presence at home for that time The form of it was this Each of the Citizens wrote the name of that man in an Oyster shell whence it had the name of Ostracism who seemed to him to be the most powerfull for the overturning of the Democracy and then brought the shell in as a suffrage into the place designed and so he that was found to have most written with his name was for ten years ordered to leave the Citie But two conditions were required that this judgement should stand in force That no fewer then 6000 should be at the meeting and the giving of suffrages and that those that gave them should be no younger than sixty years old The first that was banished by this Law was as Aelian tells us Clysthenes the Author of it though according to another Hipparchus Harpocration in ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã and Charmus Kinsman to Pisistâatus In after time Aristides because of that great Title Just given to him and Themistocles for his Military glory 17. But Cleomenes the Lacedaemonian King perceiving himself damnified both by word and deed from the Athenians Herodotus lib 5. cap. 4. c. raised forces throughout Peloponnesus intending though dissembling the matter to be revenged upon them and set up Isagoras as Tyrant over them He invaded one part and procured the Boeotians on one side and the inhabitants of Chalcis on the other Cleomenes to no purpose invadeth the Athenians to fall in upon other places The Athenians thus distressed on all sides yet first went against the Peloponnesians lying in Eleusine and when the Armies were about to joyn the Corinthians first bethinking themselves of the injustice of their cause withdrew themselves and so did Demaratus the son of Ariston King of Sparta and the Collegue of Cleomenes having never dissented from him formerly Then the rest of the associates seeing that the Kings agreed not betwixt themselves and the Corinthians were gone drew off also in like manner The Athenians then to be revenged fell upon the Boeotians of whom killing many they took prisoners 700 and then passing over into Euboea the same day chastized the Inhabitants of Chalcis in like manner Thus four times the Dores out of Peloponnesus came into Attica twice in a hostile manner and twice to the help of the Athenians First when they brought a Colony into Megare which was in the time of Codrus the second and third times to expel the Pisistratidae and now the fourth when Cleomenes with the Peloponnesians invaded Eleusine The Island Aegina 18. The Thebans and the rest of the Boeotians seeing themselves too weak for the Athenians desired help of the Inhabitants of Aegina an Island situated in that part of the Sea which severed Attica from Argolis being five miles distant from the former some eight in circuit and the Country of Aeacus whence the Aeacidae having a City of it's own name The Aeginetans bearing an old grudge to those of Athens and puffed up with a conceit of tweir wealth easily imbraced their society and when the Athenians were busie with the other passed over in their long ships into Attica and wasted the Coasts thereof The Lacedaemonians at this time understanding how they had been deluded by the Alcmeonidae their corrupting the women that gave out the Oracles and thereby their losse both of their old friends and all thanks also as to the Athenians hearing further by the Oracles which Cleomenes had brought out of the Citadel of Athens that that State should much distresse them and especially seeing how weak it was under Tyrants but now how it increased in strength after the recovery of it's liberty called back Hippias resolving to restore him He was ready at their call but then it hapned that Sosicles the Corinthian Ambassador and others of their confederates utterly disallowed of this practice and therefore seeing there was no hope of recovering his former condition he returned into Asia and there laboured with all his might to possesse Artaphernes the Satrapa of Lydia against the Athenians that they might be conquered by Darius his Brother They sent to Artaphernes to desire him not to give credence to their exiles but as when two or three years before when they sent to enter into society with the Persians he told them they must give Earth and Water as symbols of subjection which
had carried it in the Councel for a battel Yet did he not fight till his own day came and then ingaging overthrew the Enemy in that memorable battel 27. His father was Cimon Herod lib. 6. who in the Tyranny of Pisistratus departed from Athens and thrice obtained the Garland in the Olympick Games yet being reconciled to Pisistratus afterwards returned but after his death was slain by his faction His eldest son who was called after his Grand-father Stesagoras His Pedigree and Actions was brought up with their half Uncle Miltiades in the Chersonesus over which he was Prince His other son was this Miltiades so called after this his Uncle which dying without Children Stesagoras succeeded him but not long after was killed by one that counterfeited himself a fugitive and died also without issue Then did the Pisistratidae send Miltiades to succeed his brother in the Principality of the Chersonesus and there he ruled when Darius undertook the expedition into Scythia and he it was that gave the Ionians counsel to break the bridge and leave him there wandring with his Army Being setled he married Hegesipyla the daughter of Olorus King of Thrace but the Scythians provoked by Darius and making an excursion as far as the Chersonesus he daring not to withstand them fled and after their retreat was restored by the Thracians After some years Darius being angry with him sent a Fleet of Phoenicians to subdue the Chersoneus whereupon he fled with five Gallies from Cardia and came to Athens but as he fled the Phoenicians intercepted one of them and therein his son Metiochus who being presented to Darius received from him house lands and a Persian wife Being returned home he was accused for possessing the Tyranny of the Chersonesus but was acquitted and * Pausan lib. 8. having perswaded the Athenians to throw Darius his Messengers into the pit was afterwards declared by the people one of their Captains and thence had occasion to obtain this famous victory at Marathon 28. Miltiades flourishing in great glory and grace with the people Herod lib. 6. cap. 132. c. obtained of them 70 Gallies well manned not making known his intention but professing that he would much thereby benefit the State He sayled to the Island Paros one of the Cyclades in the Aegean-Sea and famous for the best Marble the inhabitants of which having assisted the Persians at Marathon His fruitlesse expedition to Paros he besieged demanding 100 Talents of them They would not hear of parting with money but made provision for resistance whereupon he harrazed their Territories and more closely besieged them and attempted the Citie for twenty dayes but leaping off from a Wall he hurt his Thigh and was forced to return home There when he was arrived he was accused by Xanthippus the son of Ariphron and father to Pericles his Emulator of Treason as having voluntarily miscarried in the Enterprise about Parus He could not be present himself to answer his Thigh now corrupting which held him in his bed but Stesagorus or Tisagoras his brother according to Cor. Nepos or rather other of his friends did it for him bidding the people remember the battel at Marathon and the taking of Lemnus which he having expelled the Pelasgiaus had subdued under the Athenian power The people spared his life but fined him fifty Talents which sum this expedition had cost them One tells us it was not out of any regard to his Crime so much Corn. Nepos in vita Miltiadis as having lately been under the Tyranny of Pisistratus they feared now the power of their own Citizens and him especially who having been much practised in Magistracy and power and enclined naturally to a love of it could scarce as they thought bear the condition of a private life so that though being called a Tyrant he obtained that power not by his own seeking but was ever found to be just moderate and humble yet having a great name for Military matters and thereby great interest they chose rather to condemn him though innocent than continually be in fear though they might have thought on the Ostracism He dieth in prison 29. After this Miltiades died in prison of the corruption of his Thigh Valer. Max. lib. 5. cap. 3. ext exempl ult Corn. Nepos in vita Cimonis Plutarch in Cimone as most have delivered his fine being yet upon the score upon which account the Athenians would not suffer his body to be buried till such time as his son Cimon offered himself to bonds in the room thereof As his father before him so he was unable to pay the fine and by the Laws of Athens could not be released untill he had done it He had then to wife his sister by the father's side as we are to take it named Elpinice * Vide Janum Rutgersium Var. Lect. lib. 1. cap. 9. Boecleri notas ad Cora. Nepotem it being lawfull for the Athenians to marry such One Callias there was in the Citie a rich man though of a vulgar cast who had gained much by the Mines he being in love with her offered Cimon if he would part with her to him to discharge the fine Cimon sleighted the offer but she avowed that she would not suffer any of Miltiades his Children to die in prison and that to prevent such a thing His son Cimon she would marry Callias if he would perform his offer Hereby Cimon was perswaded married her to him and the fine being discharged was set at liberty which he presently improved for his own advancement These things fell out not long after the battel at Marathon Xerxes invadeth Greece 30. Three years the Graecians had rest as from without so within themselves till the coming of Xerxes onely the War betwixt the Athenians and Aeginetans still depended untill common danger drew them to a composure As the Athenians had given most occasion to the invasion of Greece Vide Plutarchum in vita Aristidis so they bore the greatest burthen thereof and by the means of Themistocles one of their Citizens procured the overthrow and flight of Xerxes in that by his Stratagems the Peloponnesians were brought to fight and not suffered to depart to their several homes which would have brought certain destruction to them all Assistant to Themistocles was another of his Countrey-men named Aristides who though banished by the Ostracism through his procurement for that as they disagreed in temper Themistocles and Aristides so in their way of policy and Goverment Themistocles being quick bold crafty and easily changeable according to the juncture of affairs but Aristides constant and grave onely intent upon Justice and who neither in jest nor earnest would give way to lying scurrility or deceit yet now with others was recalled by his means for the safety of the Countrey and voluntarily laid aside all private quarrels which came into competition with the publick safety The sirname of Just
be drawn up at Gytheum and so easie to be set on fire Plutarch in Themistocle Val. Max. l. 6. c. 5. ext exem 2. Cic. Offic. l. 3. he much desired to have it done and told the people he had a thing of great moment in his head but such as was not to be divulged The People appointed Aristides to confer with him and if he approved it resolved he might prosecute it but he making a report that Themistocles advised a thing than which nothing was more profitable and more unjust he was commanded to desist 4. A little after these things Pausanias the Lacedaemonian famous for the Victory at Plataea was sent with a Fleet of twenty Peloponnesian Gallies Thucyd. lib. 1. and thirty of Attica against Cyprus where he took many Towns and Byzantium afterwards held by the Persians Diodorus l. 11. ad Olymp. 75. ann 4. He was very imperious towards the associates insomuch as he carried himself more like a Tyrant than a General and being sorely complained of to his Superiours he was by them recalled to give an account of it He gaped after the Kingdom of Greece and to that end entred into conspiracy with Xerxes whose Daughter he asked to wife and being accused of much favour shewed towards the Persians yet for that nothing could be proved he was dismissed having the government of the Fleet onely taken from him Pausanius holdeth intelligence with Xerxes Yet returned he to the Hellespont under pretence of the War to continue his intelligence with Xerxes but being expelled from Byzantium by the Athenian Soldiers he returned not to Sparta but staied at Troas and for that was again complained of as holding clandestine consultations with the Persians and not having any just and warrantable cause there to remain Hereupon he was called home by the Ephori the second time and cast into prison but appearing again to his tryal he was the second time dismissed 5. The Lacedaemonians sent Dorcis with others to succeed Pausanias in the Fleet but the associates would take no notice of him Thucydid Diodorus ut prius Plutarch Corn. Nepos in Aristide for Aristides the Just Captain of the Athenians so moderately behaved himself and wrought crosse to the actions of Pausanias that all the Cities of Asia hating the others pride joyned themselves to him so that he became the means of transferring the chief Command at Sea which together with that at Land also had hitherto been enjoyed by the Lacedaemonians unto his own Country-men the Spartans The Athenians by the means of Aristidâs draw the chief power to themselves at this time not being unwilling or opposing it in the least so ashamed were they of the carriage of their own Citizens The Athenians being thus advanced by the associates for their moderation under pretence of revenging the States upon Xerxes obtained also liberty to lay a Taxe upon them all how much money one and how many ships another should find Officers they appointed to receive the Tributes the sum of all which amounted to 460 Talents Delos was appointed for the Treasury and the place to meet in to deliberate of the Affairs of all the free States This assesse as Plutarch writeth was made by Aristides at the desire of the Graecians who relied upon his integrity and his moderation so much appeared herein that afterwards the Athenians inslaved the States and drawing the Tributes to their private use first doubled and then tribled the sum For now whereas the whole Tax imposed by him amounted but to 460 Talents Pericles added almost a third part as Plutarch reckoneth and increased it to 600. and after his death it was brought to 1300 Talents 6. The Athenians having setled the Tribute Thucyd. under the conduct of Cimon the son of Miltiades took from the Persians Etone a Town of Thrace situate upon the River Strymon which they deprived of its liberty Then expelled they the Dolopians out of Scyrus an Island in the Aegean Sea and therein planted a Colony of their own then waged they War with the Carystians in Euboea for denying them obedience which was composed and besieged the Naxians that had revolted from them whom they forced to submit The Naxians inslaved This being the first of all Greek Cities which contrary to the League was subjected to bondage after it others were as occasion served which was taken by the Athenians either for that they sent not the full Tribute or ships or would not serve in the War when affairs required it The Athenians also severely exacted what had been appointed and compelled such as refused having forgotten their former mildnesse now in power and carrying it very imperiously towards their associates whom they could order as they pleased And this was also effected by the Greeks themselves for to shun the labour of it most of them chose rather to send money than ships whereby the Athenians who had Vessels enough and alwayes in readinesse increased their strength and upon occasion found them unfit for resistance 7. In the mean time Pausanias who had been called home to Sparta Idem Plutarch in Themistocl Aristide Corn. Nepos in Pausania Diodorus ut suprà Plutarch Corn. Nepos Thucyd. Val. Max. lib. 5. cap. 3. extern exempl 3. gave not over his conspiracy against his Countrey though he changed his associates For he now sought to draw the Helotes or publick slaves into rebellion with the allurement of liberty and hereof being detected by one Argilius whom he had unchastly loved and now being sent with Letters to Artabanus suspected he carried a Warrant for his own death and so opening them discovered both his plot against himself and the State he took sanctuary in the Temple of Minerva and there the door being made up to which end his own Mother is said to have brought the first stone was starved to death After his death the Spartans sent to Athens to accuse Themistocles of the same Crime who being before this banished by the Ostracism lived at Argos in great esteem and was much envied by the Lacedaemonians for having done many things in his Countreys behalf which they looked upon as tending to their prejudice 'T is said that certain Letters were found in Pausanias his Coffers intimating a correspondence betwixt them for promoting the affairs of the Persian King which though he assented not unto yet discovered not the thing hoping Pausanias would either be deterred from his design The ends of Pausanias and Themistocles or the thing would come out some other way But the Spartans laying it heavily to his charge and his own Citizens envying his glory though he sought to purge himself by Letters yet was he condemned and the people perswaded to send some to lay hold of him and bring him up He perceiving this fled to Corcyra and thence to Admetus King of the Molossians with whom not being able to continue in safety he went to Artaxerxes Longimanus by
whom he was honourably received and bountifully entertained having three Cities given him one for bread another for wine and a third for victuals to which others add two more for Clothes and Linnen and died at length at Magnesia a natural death though some wrote that seeing he was not able to perform his promise to the King of Conquering Greece which by this time had many expert Captains amongst whom of most especial note was Cimon he poysoned himself And of Aristides 8. (a) Corn. Nepos Plutarch in Aristide Four years after the banishment of Themistocles died Aristides whose moderation and abstinency herein appeared that having born such Offices SECT 1. yet he died so poor that he scarcely left wherewith to be buried Thucyd. lib. 1. yet so gratefull was the State towards his memory that his Children were provided for at the publick charge Eight years after the battel of Plataea Cimon being sent out by the Athenians obtained in one day two notable victories at Sea and Land over the Persians at Eurymedon a River in Pamphylia which brought him and the State no little credit After this they fell out with the Thasians who by their Colonies had taken possession of the rich Mines of Silver and Gold The Thasians envied by the Athenians for the Mines which were in that part of Thrace lying upon Macedonia betwixt the two Rivers Strymon and Nyssus For these Mines the Athenians envied them and raised such a contention that they withdrew themselves from the association whereupon they presently commenced War against them and overthrew them in a Sea-fight and afterwards besieged them by Land The Lacedaemonians distressed The Thasians besieged sent to the Spartans desiring them to invade Attica thereby to divert the Athenians from them and having promised they were ready to perform it but that they were hindred by an Earth-quake which sorely afflicted them and whereupon the publick slaves called Helotes of the posterity of the Messenians took their opportunity Diodorus ad Olymp 77. ann 4. Thucyd. and rebelling seized upon Ithome in the Territories of Messenia being acted by that impression which Pausanias not long before had made upon them 9. The Spartans much distressed by this rebellion having lost 2000 men by the Earth-quake besides a great losse in their buildings after three years the Thasians were no longer able to hold out and yielded to such hard conditions as the Athenians laid upon them The Lacedaemonians proceeding but slowly in their War sent to the Athenians for aid which was sent them but through sinister suspicions they sent it back again and this was taken as an affront by the Athenians The beginning of malice betwixt the Athenians and Lacedaemonians who were very much moved at it This was the beginning of that mutual malice and enmity which thenceforth passed betwixt these two States and proved the rise of abundance of mischief For the Athenians presently after the return of their men forsook the League which they had entred into with the Spartans against the common Enemy and made an Alliance with the Argives their Adversaries in which they also comprehended the Thessalians And they that were besieged in Ithame at length in the tenth year being forced to yield and banished Peloponnesus by the Spartans the Athenians kindly received them with their Wives and Children and gave them Naupactus to inhabit which they had lately taken from the Locrians called * Vide Strah lib. 9. pag. 427. Ozolae A little after this another great accession was made to the strength of the Athenians and that with the detriment of the Spartans for the inhabitants of Megara Neighbours to the former being falln upon with War by the Corinthians betook themselves to them for aid though heretofore they had been the Allies of Sparta This opportunity the Athenians imbraced The beginning of the hatred betwixt Corinth and Athens and thereby got Megara into their hands with Paga a Mart-Town adjoyning to it and fortifying Megara as far as Nisaea upon the Sea therein placed a Garrison of their own And this was also the beginning of that inveterate hatred betwixt Corinth and Athens 10. During the War betwixt the Lacedaemonians and their slaves Diodorus ad Olymp. 78. ann 1. hapned another in Peloponnesus betwixt the Argives and the inhabitants of Mycenae upon this occasion The Mycenaeans standing high upon the antient Eminency of their Citie would not be subject to the Argives as the other Cities of Argolis were but would live according to their own Laws and Customs The Mycenaeans and Argives fall out having nothing to do with the Commonwealth of Argos Moreover they contended with them about the Temple and Rites of Juno challenged to themselves the Right of Administring the Nemaean Games and whereas during the War with Xerxes the Argives had made an order not to help the Lacedaemonians at Thermopylae except they would yield them part of the Command the Mycenaeans alone joyned themselves to them These things made the Argives jealous that their power increasing with the return of their antient spirit they would contend with them for Empire it self and therefore of a long time they desired to destroy their Citie SECT 2. Now seeing they had a good opportunity whilest the Spartans being busied at home could affoard them no relief they raised a great Army out of their own and the Neighbouring Cities and therewith setting upon them overthrew them Mycenae destroyed and laid close siege to Mycenae They stoutly resisted for some time but being exhausted by the War and the Lacedaemonians being busied with the Helotes and lately distressed by the Earth-quake not being able to relieve them the Defendants being most spent the Citie was taken and levelled with the ground the inhabitants being made slaves and the tenth part of them consecrated to the god of Argos So this Citie happy in more antient times a Nurse of famous men and renowned for worthy exploits was brought to destruction and continued desolate to the time wherein our Author lived 11. The difference raised betwixt the Athenians and Corinthians Thucyd. lib. 1. about Megara proceeded so far as the former invaded Peloponnesus and joyning battel with the Corinthians and Epidaurians were worsted Diodorus ad Olymp. 80. ann 2. 3. but engaging the second time at the Island Cecryphalea obtained a victory Not long after the War betwixt the Athenians and the inhabitants of Aegina was again renewed wherein the former obtained a great victory at Sea and took seventy Vessels from the Islanders and then besieged the Citie to the relief of which 300 men were sent out of Peloponnesus Now the Corinthians judging it a fit season to be doing something The difference betwixt the Athenians and Corinthians about Megara renewed for that they were both occupied in the War of Aegina and Egypt also where their Forces were assisting Inarus the son of Psammitichus against Artaxerxes invaded the
Gallies against Samus with 44 of which Pericles and his nine Colleagues sailing for Miletus ingaged with the Samâan Fleet consisting of 70 Vessels whereof twenty were laden with Soldiers at the Island Tragâae and obtained the victory and afterwards with the other part of the Fleet and a new supply of 40 ships sailing to Samus overthrew the Inhabitants and closely besieged them both by Sea and Land Pericles whilst things were thus ordering heard that the Phoenicians were coming to the relief of the besieged to meet whom he took away with him 60 Gallies and bent his course towards Caria after whose departure the Samians perceiving the Guards thinner than usual broke out of the Haven put to flight the ships that lay nearest overthrew the next and so recovering the mastery of the adjoyning Sea for 14 dayes exported and imported what they pleased But Pericles being returned with 60 other ships from Attica commanded by excellent Captains besides 30 others from Chius and Lesbus they were besieged closer than ever and being spent with the War The City yielded to him in the ninth moneth of the siege yielded up the City The conditions were hard enough viz. To demolish their Walls give Hostages deliver up their ships and pay the charge of the War Byzantium affrighted at this successe returned also to it's former obedience 17. Shortly after this fell out those motions which occasioned the Corinthian and so by consequence laid the foundation of the Peloponnesian War A. M. 3566. Olymp. 85. an 2. V.C. 314. Artax Longim 25. Thucyd. ut supra Diodorus ad Olymp. 85. an 2. about the second year of the 85th Olympiad and the 25th of the reign of Artaxerxes Longimanus The Inhabitants of the Island Corcyra who were a Colony of the Corinrinthians some 85 years after their plantation in that Island formerly called Phaeacus situate on the Illyrian shore and being very populous sent out a Colony which built a City called Epidamnus and afterwards Dyrrachâim but not without the leave of Corinth the Metropolis which at their request had assigned a Citizen of their own Phalius of the posterity of Hercules according to the Law and custome to be Prince of the Colony and out of the number of their own Citizens and other Dores made up the number This new Colony seated in a very convenient place in a short time flourished exceedingly and abounding with plenty of all things as usually it hapneth fell out of luxurie unto civil dissentions about the Government and hereat occasion being taken by their next neighbours the Taulantians who made War upon them suffered no little dammage Stirs at Epidamnus a Colony of the Corcyraeans At length the People incensed against the great ones expelled them the City who thereupon betaking themselves to the Taulantians procured them to distresse Epidamnus both by land and sea by which the people being straightned sent to the Corcyraeans their Founders and Patrons humbly to beseech them that by their authority they would make an accommodation betwixt them and their exiles and bring the Taulantians to cease their Hostility The Corcyraeans whether disapproving the cause or minding something else rejected their petition who then by direction from the Oracle at Delphos betook themselves to the Corinthians Founders of them both and gave up their Colony into their hands They were glad of this occasion and presently promised them all assistance being angry with the Corcyraeans who upon their good fortune were grown insolent and paid not the respect to them which was due from a Colonie to the Metropolis for they were so rich and strong that giving way to no City of Greece in the former respect they had also 120 Gallies readily furnished which drew envy upon them from the Corinthians insomuch that now by the help of their Friends they resolved to chastise them and sent a Party of Soldiers to defend Epidamnus together with new planters to be imbodied into the Colony Procure a falling out betwixt the Corcyraeans and the Corinthians their founders 18. The Corcyraeans took this heavily that they should intermedle with the affairs of their Colony and being sollicited by such exiles as had fled to them sent a Fleet to Epidamnus commanding it to receive the exiles without delay and cast out the new Planters with the Corinthian Garrison But the Epidamnians refusing to do it and the Corinthians making great provisions for the War they sent their Ambassadors to Corinth with some Spartans and Sicyonians to bear witnesse of the matter and offered to put it to a reference before equal Judges But the Corinthians neglecting their message as resolved for War they also made preparation for it They still continuing the siege before Epidamnus the Corinthians sent a Fleet of 75 Gallies armed with 2000 fighting men thither but leaving 40 for the carrying on of the siege Thucyd. Dioâorus ad âlymp 85. ann 3 4. vvith 80 more they ingaged vvith them in a Sea-fight near the Promontory of Actium The Corcyraeans victorious and got the Victory The same day Epidamnus vvas yielded to that party they had left at the siege and so hereby getting the dominion of the Sea far and vvide and grovving proud upon their good fortune they invaded the Territories of the allies of their Enemies to succour vvhom the Corinthians manned out another Fleet and landed an Army at Actium They pitched also there their Tents against them but Winter dravving on they both departed vvithout any act of Hostility the Corinthians all that year and the year follovving out of hatred to the other using all their endeavours for rigging a nevv Fleet and procuring plenty of rovvers out of Peloponnesus and other parts of Greece 19. The Corcyraeans before this time not joyned in alliance vvith any other State Thucyd. Diodorus ad Olymp. 86. an 1. novv began to look about them hovv they might strengthen themselves They sent to Athens desiring to enter into society vvith that State and to have assistance from it and the Corinthians having notice hereof sent their Ambassadors to oppose them The Corcyraeans vvere first heard making a large discourse They enter into society with Athens and then the Corinthians larger than they The matter vvas brought tvvice before the People vvhich at length resolved that a defensive League should be made vvith them of Corcyra that the one should assist the other in case they vvere assaulted by an Enemy but to make any invâsion assistance vvas denied lest they should break the Leagues formerly made vvith other States The Athenians resolved on this course for that they savv plainly they must have War vvith the Peloponnesian and therefore desired to have the Corcyraeans vvho vvere very povverful at Sea The design of the Athenians herein on their side and they thought it vvould be for their interest to have the Corinthians and their associates spend their stock upon those of Corcyra vvhich Island they also looked upon as very
fearfull plague as it is described by Thucydides who was sick of it as seldom hapned during the rage of which they plundred and wasted the Countrey all over Attica the second time invaded when it was seized with a fearfull plague Pericles returning to his former Counsel hindred the Citizens who were very desirous to issue out and fight and provided an hundred ships with which and fifty of the associates of Chius and Lesbus armed with 4000 foot and 300 horse he departed to Peloponnesus the Coasts of which he sore wasted and forced the Army to return home to defend it which they were willing to do also because of the plague after they had been in Attica fourty dayes After the return of Pericles his Army was sent under the Command of Agnon and Cleopompus against Chalcis and Potidaea at the later of which it was seized by the pestilence and greatly dimished and Agnon with 1500. which remained of 4000 returned home But the people being sore afflicted by the plague and War together were angry now against Pericles as him that moved them to take up Arms who calling them together sharply reproved them and they confessed what he said to be true and that he had advised them upon good grounds but being inraged at their private discommodities they fined him 80 Talents and banished him the Citie Diodorus and yet presently after according to the inconstant nature of the multitude recalled and created him General with full power 10. In the same Summer a Navy from Peloponnesus of an hundred Gallies fell upon Zâzynthus an Island addicted to the Athenians which wasting and being not able to do any more they returned home The Peloponnesians also in the end of Summer sent Ambassadors to the Persian King to desire aid who were also commanded to go to Sitalces King of Thrace to desire a League of confederacy with him but they were taken near the Hellespont by some Athenians through the assistance of Sadocus the Kings son and free of Athens and being brought thither in revenge for some Athenians Merchants and others slain in Peloponnesus they were put to death In Winter twenty Gallies were sent from Athens to Naupactus to secure the Straights lying betwixt Peloponnesus and Aetolia and other fix to Caria and Lycia to gather money under Command of Melesander who in a fight was there slain with part of his forces Potidaea delivered up to the Athenians Potidaea now also being in despair of any supply from Peloponnesus and sore afflicted with famine which raged so far as they are man's flesh yielded to the Athenians Of the besieged such as were Males had liberty to depart with one Garment apiece Females with two and a little provision The Citie being thus emptied was replenished with a Colony from Athens to which state this siege stood in 2000 Talents And so the second year of the War ended with this Winter 11. In the next Spring Archidamus the Lacedaemonian King marched against Plataea and besieged it The Plataeans sent to him to desire he would forbear to use any extremity against them Idem lib. 2. ad ann 3. but he returned them very harsh conditions Archidamus besiegeth Plataea which holdeth out requiring them to forsake the Athenians to give up their Citie and all they had for the time of War and in the mean time to go and dwell somewhere else promising that as soon as the War should be over they should have all entirely restored to them They desired a Truce till such time as they could send to the Athenians their associates and know their mind who being utterly against it they then sent Archidamus word that they were resolved to undergo whatsoever the chance of War should lay upon them for that they neither could nor would revolt from the Athenians He then fell of wasting their grounds and with all his might attempted the Citie which was as valiantly and powerfully defended by the Inhabitants No way taking at length the Spartans attempted it by fire which consumed most part of the Town leaving but a few houses for the Plataeans to live in Yet still the matter succeeded not and at length despairing to take the place by force they raised a Wall round about it which they fenced with a double Ditch to shut them in and leaving sufficient Guards departed home Before this the Towns-men had sent out to Athens all their uselesse Company This same year the Athenians fought with various successe in Thrace and Acarnania 12. In the later end of this Summer Idem in Pericle and the 6th Moneth of the year died Pericles of the Epidemical disease or the Plague as Plutarch reporteth though not by its sudden force as others but in a way of Consumption which if so Pericles dieth was extraordinary As he drew on towards his end some of the principal men of Athens that were left alive of his antient friends as they sate by him not thinking that he understood any thing discoursed much of his great and many victories and Trophies which he had erected placing therein the main of his commendation He understanding the discourse interrupted them saying that he wondred they should especially take notice of those things which fortune made common to him with others and make no mention of that which was most worthy and remarkable for No man saith he upon mine account hath put on a black Garment His commendation A man he was to be had in constant admiration not onely for his equity and mildnesse which he shewed in so many businesses of concernment and such enmities as were exercised against him but also for his greatnesse of spirit that this he especially charged upon himself not to indulge his anger in so great power or his malice neither to be implacable towards his greatest adversary and this seemeth to be the reason that he enjoyed the sirname of Olympius without envy because he was of so sweet a disposition in the greatest power preserved his life unblemished The great misse the Athenians had of him made them soon perceive what man he was whose power whilest alive they ill bore as dasling their eyes when dead and they had experience of others they confessed that no man could in that height of place have carried himself more moderatly or in that modesty more gravely and that height of power which used to be branded with the name of Tyranny appeared in him to have been the wholsom preservative of the Commonwealth such depravednesse of manners and excesse of wickednesse falling upon all things after his death which he weakning and keeping under as long as he lived procured that it exceeded not the strength of the remedy 13. The Summer following being the fourth year of the Peloponnesian War-rising Thucyd. lib. 3. initio the Peloponnesians and their confederates made the third invasion of Attica when Corn was now ripe under the Conduct of the same Archidamus which they wasted up
made the other party which affected Democracie very jealous Theramenes crying out that they intended to betray the Citie to the Enemy who now with 42 Gallies hovered about the Coasts The Traiterous designs of the 400. 72. Neither were these mere Calumnies for these 400 men for the most part desired to retain the Dominion over both Citizens and Allies but if not that yet to continue Masters of the Fleet and Fortifications and if this could not be obtained then to call in the Enemy to redeem their lives and part of the Citie with the ships and vvorks being resolved never to give way to the popular Government from which they could expect nothing but sudden destruction To this purpose they made the Wall upon the Piraeus with several Gates to let in the Enemy if need were But Phrynichus returning from Sparta whither he was sent Ambassadour though to no purpose was stabbed in the Forum by a conspiracy after which Theramenes and his party grew more bold and by the help of the Soldiers seized upon some of the Chief of the 400. Tumults at Athens whence ensued a very great tumult all being ready to fall one upon another and certain mischief had followed but that the antient men somewhat repressed the younger and Thucydides the Pharsalian then sojourning in the Citie laboured earnestly to perswade them crying out that they should not themselves destroy their Countrey now that the Enemy was ready to assail it and with much ado he kept them from offering violence to one another Theramenes also checked the Soldiers in the Haven but he giving way to it the new Fortifications there were demolished The next day the 400 met though in great fear and sent some of their number to appease the Soldiers saying that they would chuse 5000 men who from amongst themselves should chuse the number of 400 by turns to rule the State desiring they would not undo the Citie by compelling it to yield to the Enemy Herewith the minds of the Soldiers were somewhat quieted and with much ado they agreed that a general Assembly should be had at a certain day for an agreement but when the day came and the Assembly was scarce gathered together news came that the 42 ships under Command of Hegesandrides the Spartan held their course directly from the Coast of Megara to the Island Salamine 73. The Soldiers now concluded of the certainty of what Theramenes had told them and that these ships intending for the Piraeus it was good that the Fortifications were demolished and likely enough it was that Hegesandrides hovering so long about Epidaurus expected some good opportunity to fall on Athens Hereupon all the Assembly hasted to the Piraeus but the Fleet making towards Euboea at length came to Oropus which making them very sollicitous for Euboea wherein their hope onely remained they sent Thymochares with some ships to Eretria which he joyning to those that were in the Island made up 36 sayl He was forced to fight sooner than he intended by the fraud of the Eretrians who delayed to bring victuals to sell as they were wont and thereby drew the Soldiers further off from the Fleet and made great disorder so that the Peloponnesians setting upon them The Athenians defeated are seized with great consternation whilest out of good order quickly put them to flight They took 22 ships killing some and taking the rest of the men such as fled to Land and betook themselves to Eretria as to friends were killed by the Inhabitants then presently all Euboea except Oreus revolted to the Peloponnesians When tidings hereof came to Athens never did so great consternation seize upon them there no not after the overthrow in Sicily For the Army at Samus dissented from the Citie they had neither ships left nor men to serve in them and were broken into factions of which they could not foresee the event and the losse of Euboea was exceeding great because that Island furnished the Citie with more Commodities than Attica it self And their fear was increased by the nearnesse of it from which the Enemy might presently come and seize upon the Piraeus now destitute of ships which they did not onely think would be but imagined to be already done 74. And had the Enemy been a little bolder he might easily have done this and more Had he besieged the Citie it would have been more grievously broken by seditions and constrained to call home the Army at Samus and thereby he might have reduced with ease Ionia the Hellespont all the Islands and all as far as Euboea and so consequently all the Athenian Dominion into his power The contrary dispositions of the Athenians and Lacedaemonians But well was it for the Athenians that they had such an Enemy to deal with as the Spartans who were of so contrary dispositions they being speedy and bold in executing all their designs but these slow and something fearfull especially in Sea matters whereby they affoarded many opportunities to the Athenians These things are confirmed from instance in the Syracusians who being of the same nature as the Athenians were good enough for them at all assayes The Athenians in the midst of all their fears took yet all care possible for their Affairs furnishing out twenty ships and meeting together in Pnice the usual place for popular Assemblies they abrogated the power of the 400. and gave it to 5000. amongst whom some were to furnish the Commonwealth with Arms ordering that none should receive any wages for his imployment The power of the 400 abrogated and the Government most equally poised Many other meetings then succeeded in which certain Law-makers were chosen and other things decreed for the good of the State at which time Thucydides thinketh the Athenian Commonwealth to have been better than ever tempered and qualified a moderate and equal way being brought in betwixt the power of a few and that of the whole people A decree also passed for the restitution of Alcibiades and those with him Upon this change Pisander and the rest that adhered to Oligarchy fled to the Enemy 75. In the mean while the Peloponnesian Fleet lying at Miletus in vain expected money from Tissaphernes and the coming of the Phoenician Fleet on the other side Pharnabazus Lieutenant to the King upon the Hellespont promised them all kindnesse and in particular used his indeavour to draw all the Greek Cities within his Government from the society of the Athenians which Tissaphernes also had promised but performed like other things Mindarus the General of the Fleet moved herewith went from Miletus towards the Hellespont with a Fleet of 73 ships which Thâasyllus the Athenian understanding made after him with 55 Sail labouring to get before him Some stop was made by the way but nothing very considerable done till they came towards an engagement at Gnosema Sixteen Gallies of Athens were first met with by the Peloponnesians who took three of them and burnt another and
Polybiades was sent to command the Army who besieging the Olynthians at length forced them by famine to yield on these terms Olynthus taken by Olybiades To have the same Friends and Enemies with the Lacedaemonians and to follow them as associates whithersoever they should lead them in their Wars 28. In the mean time the Phliasians grown confident upon the absence of Agesipolis began to act very insolently and unjustly against the Exiles which of late they were made to re-admit The Exiles complained of them at Lacedaemon and they thereupon in their absence put a mulct upon them which understanding they still continued and praied justice from that State At length the Ephori resolved upon War and Agesilaus was sent against the Phliasians who thereupon offering largely to do all things fitting he refused them saying he must have deeds and not words to which now without further confirmation he could give no credit They asking what he would demand he required their Castle to be delivered up to him which being utterly refused he besieged the City They held out longer than he expected because the Magistrate suffered them not to eat above half of the ordinary proportion and by means of one Delphion who with 300 assistants imprisoned such as spake of a surrender But at length consumed with famine they desired a Truce to send Commissioners to Sparta to treat of Peace Agesilaus stomached that they should passe him by The Phliasians subdued by Agesilaus and therefore sending his friends to the City he obtained that the matter should be referred back to him He ordered that 50 should be chosen of the Exiles and as many others who should determine which Citizens should be suffered to live and which put to death and that then power should be given them to make Laws for the Government of the City Whilst these things should be done he left a Garrison in the Town and so departed having spent Twenty moneths in this businesse 29. All things thus falling out to the Spartans according to their wish they judged their Empire sufficiently established Xenoph. ut prius Diodorus ad Olymp. 100. an 3. Plutarch Corn. Nepos in Pelopide but another event as Xenophon gravely discourseth of divine vengeance taught the contrary it being clear both from the Histories of Greeks and Barbarians that God suffereth not to escape unpunished wicked and ungodly actions They had sworn not long before to leave the Cities to their own liberty and yet they kept in their hands the Citadel at Thebes and therefore being formerly invincible were now sufficiently plagued by those alone whom they had injured There was one Phillidas Secretary to the present Polemarchi of Thebes who being not at all suspected by his Masters went to Athens where the Exiles lay and there entered into a conspiracy with Mello one of them for the killing of the Polemarchi and recovery of their Countries liberty Mello and six others being let in by Phillidas were in womens apparrel brought in to the Polemarchi as Courtezans whilst they were drinking and celebrating the Feast of Venus at the end of their Office whom they stabbed with daggers hid under their clothes after which they did as much to Leontides the chief revolter as he lay in his bed Thebes recovered by the Exiles Mello being easily admitted to him without suspition Then went they to the common prison and killing the Keeper set at liberty their friends when now they called the people together and exhorted them to stand in defence of their native liberty They presently besieged the Castle wherein the Lacedaemonian Governour seeing the alacrity of the assailants was forced to yield upon this condition to go out with his Army and for that was put to death at his return to Sparta The Thebans then slew such as they could come by who sided with Leontides and too rigorously extended the same punishment to their children 30. The Ephori sollicited by the Exiles that fled to Sparta Xenoph. Plutarch and moved by the authority of Agesilaus who pretended a sufficient quarrel for that Archias and Leontides were slain sent Cleombrotus their King against the Thebans now in the depth of Winter He in his passage slew those whom Phillidas had let out of prison to the number of 150 who kept watch upon the mountains but did nothing farther considerable onely he left Sphodrias Governour of Thespae to raise new Forces and be a refuge to the discontented party amongst the Thebans and so returned Yet herewith were the Athenians exceedingly affrighted insomuch that one they put to death who had conspired with the Theban Exiles and condemned another who fled upon it The Thebans also despaired of being able to graple with the Lacedaemonians and therefore betook themselves to a politick device which was invented by Pelopidas and Gorsidas principal of the late Conspirators A Merchant was sent to Sphodrias then lying at Thespis a rash and ambitious man to perswade him to fall upon the Piraeus or Haven of Athens as a work very grateful to his superiours for thereby he should cut off the Athenian power at Sea and he might be sure the Thebans would not assist them being already too much incensed Sphodrias invadeth Attica by the cunning of some Thebans He pricked forwards by these conceits invaded Attica as far as Eleusine but there his design being known and his Soldiers unwilling to proceed any further as not sufficiently prepared for such an enterprize he was forced to return 31. The Athenians cast into prison the Spartan Ambassadors as conscious of such an unlawful act but they utterly renounced the least knowledge of it Xenoph. Plutarch and promising Sphodrias should answer it with his life they were content to expect the justice of the State upon him The Ephori called him to account indeed and yet though he appeared not was he acquitted to the great admiration of all men especially because of the author of his acquitment which was Agesilaus Agesilaus moved by his son Archidamus â procureth him indemnity whence the Athenians joyn with the Thebans For the King though at first he refused several times to hear any thing in his behalf yet Cleonymus the son of Sphodrias beloved by Archidamus made such means to him that at length being very indulgent to his children he excused the matter and saying he held Sphodrias to be an honest man and that the Commonwealth stood in need of such Soldiers he got him acquitted to his great dishonour The Athenians hereupon out of indignation joyned themselves to the Thebans and the Boeotians and they sent to the Cities under the command of Sparta to draw them to their party which they effected with most they groaning under the yoak of Lacedaemon They appointed a Common-councel to be held at Athens for carrying on the War made up of one out of every confederate City by which course and other wayes of self-denial the Athenians recovered much authority
having constituted their Captains Timotheus the Son of Conon Chabrias and Callistratus 32. The Lacedaemonians to counterwork them Diodorus ad Ol. 101. an 1. Xenopo Plutarch took off their severity from their Subjectts which had not yet revoked whereby they kept them fast to them and renewing Military discipline sent Agesilaus into Boeotia with a great Army for Cleombrotus liked not the cause so well as to ingage in it and thereupon he was forced to lay aside his excuse of superannuation being above 40 years older than one of ripe age and submitted to the employment The Thebans opposing themselves against him with the Athenians and others took an hill where by direction of Chabrias they received him carelesly with their shields let down to their knees and their lances advanced which courage of theirs as it seemed made him to retreat and so having done great damage to their Country and lost many of his men he returned leaving the Horse still to make excursions under the command of Phoebidas Several skirmishes then hapned after his departure in one of which Phoebidas himself was slain with 300 of his followers This made the Thebans take more courage and many then revolted to them The Spartans sent a party to reinforce the Garrison of Thespis and in the beginning of Spring prevailed with Agesilaus to undertake another Expedition which was performed to little purpose Agesilaus undertaketh another fruitless Expedition against the Boeotians He broke a vein in his sound thigh and the blood caused such an inflammation that though opening a vein at his ancle gave him some ease yet at his return he was forced to keep his bed for a long time the blood at the orifice having ran night and day till at length he swooned which stopped the flux of it The year after Cleombrotus was again sent out but the Thebans and Athenians disputing the passage with him in his way after he had lost 40 men he returned By these conflicts the Thebans were so exercised that they became excellent Soldiers as Autalcidas said jeeringly to Agesilaus at his return that he was very well rewarded by them whom without either will or knowledge he had taught to fight 33. The Confederates being met at Lacedaemon accused themselves of idlenesse for that they had not stroven with the Athenians at Sea and being now confident they could starve them in the City they rigged a Fleet of 70 ships for that purrpose And hereby they for some time as it were besieged Athens so that the Corn-ships durst not approach till Chabrias overthrew them in fight and brought in plenty of provisions The Lacedaemonians preparing to send new Forces into Boeotia the Thebans desired of their friends at Athens to invade Peloponnesus by Sea to divert them which they readily did under conduct of Timotheus the Thebans at the same time taking several Towns upon their borders The Spartans sent out one Nicolochus to Sea against Timotheus who not staying for six Gallies of Ambracia which he expected with 55 sail set upon the Athenian Fleet consisting of 60 and was worsted Hereupon Timotheus erected a Trophy but Nicolochus getting the six ships of Ambracia went and offered battel again and Timotheus not stirring erected another Trophy as a Conquerour But Timotheus mending his ships made up his Fleet above 70 Vessels and prevailed at Sea Xenoph. lib. 6. The Thebans having got all the Boeotian Cities into their power invaded Phocis to the succour of which Cleombrotus was sent from Sparta Diodorus and there the associates both of the one side and the other met but the Athenians thinking now that the Thebans became too potent by their assistance were desirous of a Peace The Lacedaemonians beaten The Thebans with 500 men went against Orchomenus held by a Garrison of the Lacedaemonians which sallying out against them a hot dipute ensued wherein although the Spartans were double the number yet they were beaten which thing had not happened in former Ages This added courage to the Thebans and their military glory daily increasing it now became evident that they strove for the Soveraignty of Greece With this year Hermeas of Methymna concluded his History of Sicily which consisted of 10. or according to some of 12 books 34. The next being the second of the 101 Olympiad Diodorus ad Olymp. 101. ann 2. the 30th of the reign of Artaxerxes Maemon Hippodamus being Archon Artaxerxes having a design to make War upon Egypt and to use the Graecians therein sent to perswade them to agreement The Thebans left out of the general peace They being weary of War consented to it all the Cities being to be set at liberty and the Garrisons drawn out onely the Thebans refusing to quit the Cities of Boeotia were not comprised in the League being very confident in their good fortune and much incouraged by several excellent good Soldiers amongst them the principal of which were Pelopidas and Epaminondas who from a poor Philosopher became the most renowned for martial affairs of all Greece This change produced great Commotions in the several Cities but especially in those of Peloponnesus which by the Lacedaemonians had been subjected to Oligarchy and now having the popular Government restored knew not how to use it moderately but by unjust decrees opposed many worthy men driving some into Exile and selling their goods Great stirs especially hapned amongst the Corinthians Megarians and Phliasians whilest those that were unjustly banished endeavoured by force or policy to restore themselves The peace continueth but a short time Those that were for Democracy were maintained by the Athenians and the Spartans assisting the Oâigarchical faction the peace was but for a small time observed by these two States whilest both favoured such as bare most affection to their form of Government and so they renewed the War Such is the fruit of Antimonarchical Government viz. nothing but sedition confusion and disorder 35. They (a) Xenophon Diodorus ad Olymp. 101. ann 3. contested first about the Zacynthians and afterwards in Corcyra where the Spartans besieging the Citie the Inhabitants almost all famished yet sallied out and killing Mnesippus their General with many others the rest hearing of the coming of Iphicrates the Athenian with a great Fleet with such plunder as they had got disgracefully raised their siege and departed Plataea and Thespis demolished At this time the Plataeans having a design to commit themselves to the Protection and Alliance of Athens the Thebans thereupon demolished the Town and not long after did the same by Thespis The ruin of Plataea is by (b) In Boeoticis Pausanias referred to the next year when Asteus was Archon in which also being the fourth of the 101 Olympiad hapned (c) Diodorus ad Olymp. 101. ann 4. Strabo lib. 9. p. 385. Pausan in Achaicis such Earth-quakes and Inundations of the Sea in Peloponnesus that Helice and Burae two Towns of the Achaeans were together with the
restored liberty to all Greece and brought matters to that passe that the Thebans fell upon Sparta and the Lacedaemonians had enough to do to preserve themselves and left not off till Messene being restored Pausan in Boeoticis he besieged their City Having said this the People affected with joy set up a laughter and none of the Judges dared to passe sentence 47. In the same year according to Diodorus but the next Xenoph. lib. 7. Diodorus according to Xenophon Epaminondas was sent again into Peloponnesus to the assistance of Arcadians Argives and Eleans who afresh had made War upon the Lacedaemonians The Lacedaemonians and Athenians had lately established a League betwixt themselves on these terms That each should command the Army five dayes in their course Epaminondas again invadeth Peloponnesus which before was solely left to the Spartans The Athenians hearing of the coming of Epaminondas sent Chabrias with an Army to stop his passage He coming to Corinth with the Lacedaemonians and other allies made up an Army of 20000 and then all joyning together fortified the passage into Peloponnesus making a ditch and a wall crosse the Isthmus from Cenchrea to Lachaeus But Epaminondas observing at what place the guards were weakest there with some difficulty brake thorough harazed the Country had Sicyon and other places delivered up to him but comeing to Corinth was gallantly repulsed by Chabrias who sallying out of the City and getting advantageous ground not onely sustained his charge but did good execution upon the assailants At this time 2000 Gaules and Spaniards were sent by Dionysius Tyrant of Sicilie to the aid of the Lacedaemonians who arriving at Corinth the Graecians to try their valour led them out against the Enemy They behaved themselves very well did good service against the Boeotians many of whom and their allies they slew for which receiving great commendations and rewards besides they returned in the later end of Summer into Sicilie 48. The Thebans being returned home the Athenians conceived indignation against them through the complaints of Lycomedes the Mantinean Xenoph. Diodorus ad Olymp. 103. ann 1. who urged it was an unworthy thing for the Arcadians being more noble as the onely antient Inhabitants of their Country and more deserving to be commanded by the other and follow them in the War Being much puffed up with such conceits The Arcadians fall out with the Thebans the Thebans began to be alienated from them and the Eleans bore them malice because they could not obtain of them the Towns which the Lacedaemonians had taken from them Things being at this passe came Phyliscus of Abydus sent from Ariobarzanes the Persian Satrapa with much money to perswade the States to Peace The Thebans yet would not come to any conclusion alleging that Messene ought to be exempted from the jurisdiction of the Spartans with which he being offended not enduring that old pretences should be again revived he left 2000 men already paid to the aid of the Lacedaemonians and returned into Asia The Arcadians having chosen Lycomedes their General sent him into Laconia with an Army where he took by storm Pallene and therein put to the sword 300 of the Lacedaemonian Garrison Soldiers To return the like unto them the year following the first of the 103 Olympiad wherein Pythrostratus the Athenian was Victor Archidamus was sent into Arcadia with the Confederates and a new supply of men sent from Dionysius He took Caryae and put all therein to the Sword and going on in his attempts Cissidas the General of the Sicilian Forces pretending he had staid his full time set him by Dionysius would needs be gone but in his way was circumvented by the Messenians and was forced to crave aid of Archidamus 49. He hastned to relieve him and in his march the Arcadians and Argives opposed themselves whom charging with great resolution he got a most famous victory killing 10000 of his Enemies without the losse of one man so that as the Priests of Dodona had sung that it should be a fight without tears to the Lacedaemonians yet the message being come to Sparta Agestiaus the Senators and the Ephori are all said to have wept for joy As this successe revived the spirits of the Spartans which had been almost extinct by the battel at Leuctra so as Diodorus telleth us the Arcadians now fearing their in-roads for their better security built them one great Citie twenty of the Menalian and Parrhasian Villages being taken in for the site thereof Megalopolis now built accoring to Diodorus though Pausanias will have Megalopolis built two years before The Thebans and Eleans onely rejoyced in the misfortune of their friends the Arcadians as tending to the humbling of them The Thebans casting much in their heads how to obtain the principality of all Greece resolved upon sending an Ambassage to the Persian King to contract a straight League and Alliance with him and assembling the Confederates they pretended a necessity thereof Pelopidas sent by the Thebans to the Persian King because Euthycles the Lacedaemonian was now with the King in behalf of that state They sent Pelopidas with others for the Arcadians Eleans Argives the Athenians also understanding hereof sent Timagoras and Leon. Pelopidas being very famous even in Asia for his valour by his demeanour got all the favour from the rest He urged the King with the merits of the Thebans who had never of all Greece born Arms against him or his Ancestors either of old in the Median War or of late in assistance to Agesilaus and he extolled their valour shewing that the reason why the Arcadians were of late overthrown by the Lacedaemonians was because of their absence For the truth hereof he appealed to Timagoras the Athenian whom being at odds with his Collegue he drew off to his party He obtained of Artaxerxes what he demanded viz. that Messene should be held exempted from the Jurisdiction of the Lacedaemonians the Athenians should abstain from the Sea and all the other Cities left to their own Laws Lastly that the Thebans should be esteemed the near Friends and Allies of the Empire 50. This employment got Pelopidas abundance of credit who not long after was slain in a victorious battel Getteth much credit by his Ambassie fought in the behalf of the Thessalians against Alexander the Tyrant but Timagoras returning home received a great Present from the Persian and being accused by his Collegue of siding with Pelopidas was put to death The Thebans though they had got what they desired of the King yet their design came to nothing for the Commissioners of the Cities first refused to take the Oath of this new League and then most of the Cities themselves after the example of Corinth the answer of which was that there was no need of this new Engagement This plot then of Pelopidas having not taken good effect Epaminondas thought of another to reduce the Arcadians and Allies to obedience
to take upon him the Dignity of King by the people Then King 6. For the Macedonians having lately received an overthrow from the Illyrians were much dejected thereat Diodorus ad Olymp. 105. ann 1. A.M. 3645. Olymp. 105. ann 1. V.C. 394. Ochi 2. Phe Paeones their neighbours made excursions and the Illyrians prepared for another terrible invasion The King of Thrace was minded to set up Pausanias and the Athenians Argaeus both sons of the late Usurper Aeropus having sent Mantias with 3000 men and a Fleet readily furnished for that purpose But Philip seeming nothing to be discouraged at these things by his good language wherein he was very able and his courteous deportment bare up the spirits of his people He amended military Discipline He Conquereth all difficulties and instituted the Macedonian Phalange Understanding the Athenians to have a great desire to recover Amphipolis and to have Argaeus established King he left that Citie to its own liberty The Paeonians and the King of Thrace he bought off with money and overthrew Argaeus at Methone assisted by Mantias the Athenian by which victory he mightily incouraged his men 7. The year after he made peace with the Athenians Diodorus ad Olymp. 105. ann 2. who readily accepted of it because he was content to quit Amphipolis giving him great commendations also for his clemency in that he had suffered the Reliques of their Army at Methone to depart with their lives and liberty into Attica when he had them at his mercy Being thus freed from the Athenian War hearing that Agis King of the Paeonians was dead he invaded and brought them into subjection to himself Then entred he the Countrey of the Illyrians with about 10000 foot and 600 horse whose King Bardylis sent to treat with him offering that each should retain such places as they already held but he returned answer that though he was also desirous of peace yet would he admit of no terms except the Illyrians would quit all the Cities which belonged to his Kingdom Bardylis then met with him with a strong Army and a great and bloudy battel was with great animosity on both sides fought wherein at length Philip had the victory and the Illyrians having lost above 7000 men were forced to relinquish all places belonging to Macedonia 8. After he had brought under all the Illyrians as far as the Lake Lychnitis and made an honourable peace with them Idem ad ann 3. he returned into Macedonia with great fame The year after for that the Inhabitants of Amphipolis had several wayes provoked him and ministred occasion of quarrels he went against them with a great force and having cast down the Wall with his battering Rams entred the Citie whence banishing all his Enemies he granted indemnity to the rest This place being very conveniently sited for his occasions in Thrace much conduced to the progresse of his affairs For hereupon he presently took Pydna and to ingratiate himself with the Olynthians the friendship of whom was very necessary for such as would grow great having taken Potidaea he gave up Pydna with the grounds belonging to it into their hands Crenidae changed into Philippi Then going to Crenidae he inlarged this Town with an accession of new Inhabitants and called it after himself Philippi Here were rich Mines of Gold which having been formerly neglected he now so far advanced as to bring him in yearly a Revenue of 1000 Talents which mightily tended to the advancement of his affairs and the Majesty of his Kingdom for now stamped he that piece of Golden Coyn called the Philipick raised great forces and afterwards with bribes drew many Graecians to betray their Countrey But he proceeded in his affairs with more confidence and freedom for that now the Athenians were busied in the Social War began this year and thereupon could not take such care as was necessary about the preservation of Amphipolis 9. The Social War which continued three years had it's original from the revolt of the Chians The Social War Rhodians Coans and Byzantians from the State of Athens The Athenians sent against them two Generals Chares and Chabrias who when they came to Chius found their the succours sent from other Cities and from Mausolus the Prince of Caria They fell upon the City Chares on the Land and Chabrias by Sea but the later whilst too boldly he ventured by himself into the Haven was slain and then the rest retreated without any thing done One * Corn. Nepos in his life telleth us that in this Expedition he was a private man but excelling the Commanders in Military skill and fame was more regarded by the Soldiers which thing proved his destruction For endeavouring first of all to enter the Haven when he had broken in none followed him so that being compassed with Enemies his Gally was sunck out of which casting himself he might easily as the rest did have swom to his friends and escaped but preferring an honourable death before an ignominious life fighting alone was slain in all fights having been daring though otherwise he was accounted slow and heavy 10. The year following for any thing we understand was spent altogether Diodorus ad Olymp. 106. an 1. or for the most part in preparations on both sides to decide the controversie in a Sea fight The Athenians having sent before under the command of Chares a Fleet of 60 ships sent other 60 after which they commited to the trust of Iphicrates and Timotheus two of the most noble in the City who were to joyn with Chares and in equal authority to manage the War On the other part the Confederates with 100 Gallies wasted the Islands Imbrus and Lembus and coming into Samus after they had harased the Country besieged the City both by Sea and Land and making depredations upon many other Islands under the jurisdiction of Athens got much money thereby But the Athenian Generals uniting their Forces resolved to besiege Byzantium which the Confederates understanding raised the siege at Samus to come and relieve it They were about to joyn in battel when sodainly arose a mighty Tempest which made Iphicrates and Timotheus decline the fight but Chares would not acquiesce in their opinion but sent to Athens and accused them to the People as wilfully having neglected a good opportunity of doing their Country Service which so incensed the heady multitude that they condemned them in many Talents Corn. Nepos relateth that Menestheus the son of Iphicrates and son Law to Timotheus was sent as General In vitis Timothei Iphicratis and they two as his Advisers That the action was about Samus wherein Chares miscarried and whereupon he accused them to the People That Iphicrates being quitted Timotheus was fined ten Talents which he being unable to pay departed to Chelus where dying the multitude repented of their rash judgment and remitting nine parts of the fine caused his son Conon to pay the other towards
retreated home and the Boeotians rejoycing they had wrought the destruction of so infamous a man returned into their own Countrey hoping his hap would deter others from the like Enterprize But the Phocians being perswaded by Onomarchus who himself had also been Fined by the Amphyctiones Diodorus ad ann 4. and therefore for his own ends stirred them up to continue the War resolved to perfect if possible what was begun and to that purpose created him General He as his Predecessor had done with large pay allured many unto him corrupted the Thessalians to quit the society of the Boeotians and invading the Territories of the Enemy took Thronium forced the Amphissians to submit and wasted the grounds of the Dorians he took Orchomenus in Boeotia but besieging Chaeronea was worsted by the Thebans and forced to retreat At this time the Thebans though deserted by the Thessalians sent over forces into Asia to Artabazus who had revolted from the King and now began to decline after Chares the Athenian had left him The War was renewed betwixt the Argives and the Lacedaemonians who had the better in a battel fought at Oâneae Chares going into the Hellespont took Sestus and Kersâblepâes the son of Cotys King of the Thracians bearing ill will to Philip of Macedonia Philip besiegeth Methymna a Town situate in Magnesia drew all the Cities of the Cherronesus to the party of the Athenians except Cardia into which the people were about to send Colonies Philip considering that the Methymnaeans suffered his Enemies to use their Citie seated in Magnesia for a refuge and as a place convenient for carrying on the War besieged it They held out against him for some time and in the siege he lost one of his eyes with a stroak of an Arrow but at length they desired to be dismissed with one sute of Apparel apiece and this being granted he destroyed the Citie and divided the grounds amongst the Macedonians 18. After this he was called into Thessaly by the Inhabitants against Lycophron Tyrant of the Pheraeans who in like manner desiring aid of the Phocians Phayllus the brother of Onomarchus was sent to assist him with 7000 men Is twice defeated by Onomarchus Him Philip worsted and expelled out of Thessaly Onomarchus then who had already attained the Dominion of all that Countrey in his mind with all his strength marched to the aid of Lycophron and overmatching Philip and the Thessalians in number of men overthrew them twice with great slaughter and sorely distressed Philip insomuch that hardly containing his Soldiers in obedience he presently retreated into Macedonia Onomarchus improving the credit this victory had got him overthrew the Boeotians and got Chaeronea Philip recruited himself and returned into Thessaây against the Tyrant Who getteth Chaeronea but is again utterly defeated by Philip and is hanged who being straightn'd sent again to Onomarchus promising if his affairs succeeded to do his work in the Cities of Thessaly Onomarchus with 20000 foot and 500 horse was ready at his call but ingaging in battel with Philip and the Thessalians was utterly defeated by the power and courage of the Thessalian horse and fled amain with such as could get away towards the Sea It hapned that Chares the Athenian hovering then about the Coasts with a Fleet saved many that took the Sea and swom to his ships But of the Phocians and their assistants 6000 were slain and as many taken amongst whom was Onomarchus whom Philip caused to be hanged and the rest to be drowned in the Sea as sacrilegious persons This battel hapned in the year wherein Mausolus the famous Prince of Caria died and Clearchus the Tyrant of Heraclea a Citie in Pontus was slain to whom succeeded his son Timotheus and reigned fifteen years Clearchus having obtained the Tyranny and his designs prospering imitated in all things Dionysius of Syracuse Vide Justin lib. 16. and inslaved his fellow Citizens very magnificently twelve years 19. The year after being the first of the 107th Olympiad Diodorus ad Olymp. 107. ann 1. wherein Smicrinus of Tarentum was Victor and Aristodemus Archon Phayllus was made General in the room of Onomarchus his brother He having plenty of money therewith allured not onely obscure men but the principal Cities of Greece to joyn with him in the War The Lacedaemonians sent him 1000 foot Phayllus succeedeth Onomarchus the Achaeans 2000. and the Athenians 5000. besides 400 horse Lycrophon and Pitholaus the Phaerean Tyrants after the death of Onomarchus being destitute of succour were forced to quit their power by Philip and gathering together 2000 men lead them to the service of Phayllus With such forces and those of his own he invaded Boeotia but was worsted several times first at Orchomenus where he lost many men then at the River Cephisus and again at Chaeronea After this he invaded the Locrians called Epicnemidii several of whose Towns he took and received some losse from the Boeotians who invading Phocis he came suddenly upon them and revenged himself And dieth of a Consumption But having conflicted long with a Consumption not long after in great pain as his impiety saith Diodorus had deserved he ended his life He left for his Successor Phalaecus the son of Onomarchus who being but young he joyned as Counsellour to him one Mnaseas his familiar friend The Boeotians falling by night upon them slew 200 of the Phocians with their Captain Mnaseas and within awhile in a fight at Chaeronea Phaloeus himself was also worsted and many of his followers were slain Philip of Macedon having restored the Thessalians to liberty by taking away the yoak of the Pheraean Tyrants which bound them ever after very fast to him and his son went towards the Pylae or Streights to make War upon the Phocians but the Athenians hindring his passage thence he returned with great honour into his own Kingdom 20. Whilest these things were adoing the Lacedaemonians being at Enmity with the Inhabitants of Megalopolis sent Archidamus their King to invade them who being too weak for them of themselves desired aid of their friends Stirs betwixt the Lacedaemonians and Megalopolitans The Argives Sicyonians and Messenians helped them with their whole strength and the Thebans sent them 4000 foot and 500 horse The Lacedaemonians had 3000 foot from the Phocians and 150 horse from Lycophron and Pitholaus by the assistance of which forces they took Orneae a Citie of Argolis before their Enemies could come to relieve it The Thebans afterwards coming down a battel was fought with equal successe after which the Argives departed to their several homes and the Lacedaemonians invading Arcadia took and plundred Elissus and returned unto Sparta After some time the Thebans had the better of it at Telphussa and after that in two battels more wherein they killed many of their Enemies but then again the Lacedaemonians by a notable victory recovered their credit and the Armies returning home a Truce was made betwixt
them and the Megalopolitans This was done whilest Phalaecus in Boeotia took Cheroieda and presently lost it again to the Thebans who then with a numerous Army entred and wasted Phocis and then having taken some inconsiderable places with much booty they returned into Boeotia 21. The next year the Thebans being spent with the Phocian War Idem ad ann 2. sent to Ochus the Persian King to desire a supply of money from him who without any difficulty or delay bestowed on them 300 Talents No memorable thing passed betwixt the Phocians and them this year which was spent in skirmishes and mutual depredations Two years after (a) Idem ad ann 4. Philip cast out again Pitholaus the Tyrant who had seized upon Pherae and setting upon the Cities of Thrace which belonged to Chalcis took by storm the Castle Zeira which he demolished forced other Towns to submit to his yoak (b) Anagraphe Olympiadum though upon desire of the Chalcidians Charidemus had been sent from the Athenians to help them then lying in the Hellespont The (c) Diodorus ad Olymp. 108. ann 1. Justin lib. 8. year following wherein was solemnized the 108th Olympiad whereof Polycles the Cyrenaean was Victor having great designs in his mind he hasted to get into his hands the Cities of the Hellespont and without any stroaks got Micylerne and Torone by treachery to be delivered up to him Now he quarrelled with the Olynthians because his affairs were improved by successe whom before he courted as fearing their power which had been ever too much for his predecessors 'T is said he pretended a quarrel because they received his two half brothers whom after he had taken in the Town he murdred all things being lawfull to him now that might any way serve his turn all his affections and passions being swallowed up in his ambition which made him not stick to break faith himself and by his Gold to tempt others to do it He thought it to no purpose to practise the winning of Olynthus till he had first inclosed all their power within the Walls Philip getteth Olynthus and therefore he first overthrew them in two battels and then besieged the Citie which attempting with many assaults and great losse of men at length it was betrayed into his hands by Euthycrates and Lasthenes the chief Magistrates whom he had corrupted with money He sackt it and sold the Inhabitants with the rest of the plunder whereby he much enriched himself and was enabled to buy in Cities which he dayly did having been advised by the Oracle at the beginning of his undertaking to make his assaults with silver spears insomuch that he boasted that his Kingdom was more increased by Gold than Arms. 22. The Athenians being sensible of his incroachments Diodorus ibid. jealous of his growing power and warily providing for the liberty of Greece supplied as they might such as he fell upon with war and now sent up down to the Cities to desire them to value their liberty punish capitally such as were treacherous amongst them The Athenians began to look to themselves promising them their alliance and utmost assistance in this work And now at length by the special advice of Demosthenes the greatest Wit and Orator of Greece they openly declared themselves his Enemies and undertook the quarrel But so far were the spirits of the Greeks degenerated that this endeavour of theirs could not counterwork the efficacy of his Gold so that having a mind to take a Town that was strongly fortified and one of the place telling him it could not be done he asked him if he thought it not possible for his Gold to get over the walls He had in all the Cities up and down his instruments and secret workers who sought for a little gain to undermine the fortune of their own Country After the taking of Oâynthus he celebrated the Olympick Games and feasted all Comers and entertaining them with great magnificence by this cunning ingaged many to betray their Faith 23. The following year the Boeotians and Phocians mutually preyed upon each other and several Skirmishes hapned betwixt them Idem ad an 2. which produced no great losse on either side But Phalaecus the Phocian General being accused to have stolen the sacred money was put out of his place and three Generals substituted in his room Democrates Callias and Sophanes who were to make inquisition about the money which was stolen and call the Trustees who had the management thereof to account The chief of the Trustees was Philo who being not able to give an account was racked and confessed many of his fellow thieves They had taken out of the Temple 4000 talents of gold after the rate of silver and above 6000 talents of Silver of such presents as Croesus and others had sent and there wanted not some who affirmed as much to have been rifled out of this Temple as Alexander afterwards found in the treasures of the Persians Phalaecus was about to search in the pavement for treasure hinted at by Homer but when the Soldiers came to dig near to the Tripos such Earthquakes hapned as deterred them from proceeding any further The Phocians assisted with these riches caried on the War and by this time had got into their hand three strong places in Boeotia The Boeotians crave aid of Philip. Orchomenus Cheronea and Corsias The Boeotians being much pressed herewith having lost very many men and wanting money sent Ambassadors to the King of Macedonia for aid Philip was very glad to find them in so weak a condition desiring to abate that Spirit which they had got at the battel at Leuctra yet he sent them a considerable number of men because he would not seem to be wanting to so religious a cause as vindicating the right of the Oracle At this time the Phocians building a Castle near Abae were fallen upon by the Boeotians and shifting for themselves into the neighbouring Towns 500 of them stepped by into a Chapel of Apollo near Abae A remarkable accident Fire being left in their tents seized upon some straw there whence a great flame arising caught hold at length of the Chapel and therein burnt alive those that had fled thither for an example as Diodorus accounteth it to all sacrilegious persons 24. Philip being now imployed in the War of Thrace which was to the great damage of the Athenians to lull them asleep promised he would enter into a straight league and alliance with them and pretending fair things so corrupted some of the chief Orators (a) Orat. contra Clesiphont Aescines accuseth Demosthenes and (b) Orat. ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã Demosthenes layeth the load upon Aeschines that a peace was made up which continued seven years (c) Idem ibid. Justin lib. 8. Demosthenes advised them to send away their Ambassadors to Philip with all speed to ratifie the League lest he delaying the matter according to his custom should
slew many They implored the assistance of the Argives Eleans Arcadians and Athenians The Athenians were perswaded by Demosthenes to send them aid who reigning in the Assemblies by the power of his tongue wrote also to the Kings Captains in Asia thence to oppose Alexander whom he called a boy and a fool But Alexander marching with speed into Boeotia the valour of the Athenians well abtaed and Desthenes himself grew very cool The Thebans uncertain what their allies would do and surprised with the Kings coming called a Council of Officers to consult what should be done where it was resolved to fight for their liberty and this was confirmed by the People which with great alacrity prepared for resistance though they might have had good terms of Alexander Who delayed also to do any thing that they might have time to advise for his mind being fully intent upon the Persian War he would gladly have been rid of all trouble on this side of the Seas But when he saw their wilfulnesse Whereupon he besiegeth Thebes he fully resolved to make this City a terror to the rest Yet he first offered indemnity to all such as would come over to him which they to crosse out of emulation caused to be proclaimed from an high Tower that if there were any who had a desire to joyn with the great King and the Thebans in vindicating the liberty of Greece and suppressing the Tyrant thereof they should repair unto them 39. Then fell he with all his might and skill upon the City which they as stoutly defended knowing else what would follow and encouraging themselves with their former successe at Leuctra and Mantinea they made resistance to the wonder and discouragement of their Enemies till at length Alexander perceiving a little dore to be left unguarded sent Perdiccas thither with a party who breaking into the City made way for the rest of the Macedonians He taketh Now were the Thebans on one side by them and the other by the Garrison in Cadmea which like a tempest fell upon them cut in pieces the Law of War not being allowed them because of that Proclamation they had made from the Tower The Graecians also that served under Alexander as the Phocians Thespians Plataeans Orchomeniââs and others bearing them malice spared them no more so that great slââghter was made they fighting it out to the last having no other regard to their lives than this to sell them at as dear a rate as possible There were slain 6000 Aelian * Var. hist lib. 13. cap. 7. by some mistake hath 90000 and 30000 were taken captives Alexander having buried all his slain to the number of 500 assembled a Council of the Graecians to which he referred what should be done with the Thebans There their Enemies urged against them that they had conspired with the Barbarians against the Graecians in the time of Xerxes had fought amongââ other allies of Persia against Greece and since that been acknowledged and ââwarded by his Successors as well deserving of them By these things they so incenced the Council as to decree the City to be levelled with the ground the Captives to be kild and such as had fled to be sought for and brought to punishment The King acquiescing in this severe sentence executed it accordingly And demolisheth it selling all he had taken except the Priests and those that had entertained his Father when he was young and their kindred with the posterity of Pindar the Poet whose house alone he left sâânding This famous City then was demolished the last day of the Fleuââââ Solemnities then celebrated by the Athenians the twentieth day of the moneth Bââdromion after it had continued in a setled condition almost 800 years 40. Alexander publishing an Edict whereby all Graecians were forbidden to receive the Theban Exiles the Athenians alone refused to obey it setting open their gates to them being then celebrating the mysteries of Ceres Hereat he was inraged and when they had sent to deprecate his indignation the second time The Athenians receive the Theban exiles which maketh a quarrel betwixt him and them forgave them onely on this condition to give up to him the ten Plutarch nameth but eight Orators who had stirred them up against him and the principal whereof were Demosthenes and Lycurgâââ ãâã People hereupon not knowing how to demean themselves Phociââ the Good who went ever crosse to Demosthenes in managing State affaires made a Speech wherein he would have perswaded the Orators to kill themselves like good Citizens rather than to bring their Country into danger but the People ill resenting this expelled him in a tumult At length Demades the Orator being hired by Demosthenes with five talents perswaded the People to mercy and so framed an answer to the King that it should signifie their readinesse to punish them if they should find them worthy thereof They sent him then to Alexander with order not onely to take up this matter but also to entercede for the Theban Exiles and obtain leave for them to receive them This he did by the power oâ his perswasions saith Diodorus In Phocione although Plutarch saith it was done by Phocion who after Alexander had cast away from him the former Decree and rejected the messengers was kindly received by him after the King had understood that his Father respected him He not onely admitted of his request but his counsel also that if he loved an idle life he should lay aside all thoughts of War but if he thirsted after glory he should transfer his Armies from the Greeks to the Barbarians Justin writeth that he gave them leave to keep their Orators but forced them to banish their Captains who going over to Darius much incommodated his affaires beyond the Seas Arrianus onely mentioneth Charidemus to have fled to the Persians 41. Alexander returned into Macedonia with his Army where consulting about the Persian War Antipater and Parmenio his choicest Warriours advised him first to marry and beget children and then to undertake the Expedition after he was provided of Heirs But he being of a most quick and active spirit and impatient of delay would not hear of any such thing seeing as he said he was now created General of Greece and had such Forces left him by his Father After then he had by proposing the commodities of such an undertaking inflamed the minds of his Soldiers with a desire thereof he sacrifized to his gods and solemnized the playes to Jupiter formerly instituted by Archelaus his Predecessor The solemnity continued nine dayes one being allotted to each of the Muses during which in his Royal Pavilion which had twenty beds to eat on he feasted the officers of his Army and the Ambassadors of the Cities He passeth over into Asia In the Spring all things being now ready he marched with his Forces towards the Hellespont They who account the least saith Plutarch reckon 30000 Foot and 5000 Horse and who
and severely prohibited Wine as much as to be tasted in in the Camp as Plato recordeth in his Laws This also Aristotle commendeth that for an incouragement to warfare they had a Law which gave liberty to a Soldier to wear so many Rings as he had served times in the field The People were by their natural constitution morose and surly obedient to their Magistrates The disposition of the people agreeable with their government tyrannical towards their Subjects most dejected in time of fear and cruel in anger resolute in their designs notwithstanding all force of flattery and so infamous for their breach of faith that the Punick faith or trust became a Proverb As for their greatnesse and Dominion the description thereof is to be left to it's proper place Now must their affaires abroad in Sicily and other parts be defined with the matters of that Island 12. At what time or upon what occasion the Carthaginians first came into Sicilie is uncertain (a) Decad. 1. lib. 4. Livie will have them first called in by the Sedition of the Islanders in the year that T. Quintius Sirnamed Cincinnatus as also Penno and Cn. Julius Mento were Consuls which was in the beginning of the Peloponnesian War the 323 year of the City 50 years after the passage of Xerxes into Greece and consequently as many from the Victory which Gelon got over them a grosse mistake (b) Lib. 18. Justin out of Trogus having first related their impious custom of pleasing their gods by humane Sacrifices addeth that the divine powers being therewith displeased or averse to them when they had long unhappily made War in Sicilie they translated it into Sardinia and there losing the greatest part of their Army received a grievous overthrow whereupon they banished Mazaeus their General by whom they had conquered a great part of Sicilie Mazaeus and done great matters against the Africans with that part of the Army which remained The Army taking this in great disdain sent to the City to desire a repealing of the Act of banishment and threatned by force to rescind it in case they were thereto constrained by a denyal of their sute Their message being despised they besieged the City and after a few dayes took it Mazaeus calling the People together complained of the injury excused the necessity of the War and inveighed against the contempt of his Victories He said he would pardon all but such as had been authors of the injurious Exile of their fellow Citizens and accordingly putting ten of the Senators to death he restored the City to it's Laws Not long after being accused of an intention to make himself absolute he was punished both for his paricide committed against his Country and his own Son as Justin termeth it whom being a Priest he had crucified for refusing to come to him before he had finished his superstitious rites and when he came appeared in his purple and other ornaments which Mazaeus thought unsuitable with the condition of him his Father Him succeeded Mago by whose industy the wealth dominion and reputation of the Carthaginians for matters of War increased Mago 13. Mago being the first who by ordaining military discipline Justin lib. 19 had laid the foundation of Empire and added to the strength of the City as well by introducing Virtue as the Art of War left two Sons behind him Asdrubal and Amilcar who by treading in his paths succeeded as well to the greatnesse as the Patrimony of their Father Under their conduct the State made War in Sardinia and fought against the Africans who demanded Tribute for the ground on which Carthage stood which also at length they constrained the Carthaginians to pay Asdrubal died of his wounds in Sardinia whose death was ennobled by publick mourning eleven Dictatorships as Justin calleth them by which seemeth to be understood no other than so many times sending out or commissionating as General with full power in the field yet so as to be under the commands of the State and four Triumphs and the Enemies of Carthage took heart as if with the Captain it 's force and power was also dead The Inhabitants of Sicilie then vexed with the continual injuries of the Carthaginians betook themselves to Leonidas the brother of the King of Sparta and a great War insued wherein both parties long strugled with various Fortune At this time came Ambassadors from Darius the Son of Hystaspes King of Persia commanding the Carthaginians to forbear offering humane Sacrifices and eating mans flesh requiring them to burn their dead rather than bury them Darius his message to the Carthaginians and demanding assistance against the Greeks with whom he was about to ingage in War They denied to afford any succours because of their continual Wars with their neighbours but obeyed him in the rest lest they should seem too stubborn saith Justin yet that they stood not to their word the testimonies of Plato Diodorus and Pliny do certifie Whilst these things passed Amilcar was slain in the War of Sicilie leaving three Sons Amilco Hanno and Gisgo Asdrubal also left so many viz. Annibal Asdrubal and Sappho Of these Annibal is mistaken for Annibal the great by one who hath made some short Notes upon * Margine ad l. 19. excus Londini pro Felice Kingstonio 1651. Justin and Amilcar his Uncle for Amilcar Barchas Father to the famous Annibal and Mago also for another of this name that lived * Vide infra paragr 53. many years after in the dayes of Dionysius the younger and Timoleon The Annotator wondreth what came into Justin's mind to make Annibal the great the son of Asdrubal and well he might if any such thing had been intended he also referreth the Reader to the life of Timoleon to find that Mago killed himself and was after his death nailed to a crosse because he fought unprosperously in Sicilie which Plutarch intendeth of another person Of this grosse mistake of one whosoever he was that took upon him to inform beginners Students in History are to take notice and beware 14. For this Amilcar seemeth no other than the very same that was slain in the battel fought with Gelon of Syracuse in the sixth year of Xerxes Son to Darius King of Persia from which was made a digression into the affaires of Carthage The great defeat of Amilcar With Amilcar perished 150000 Carthaginians the Captives that remained of his Army filled all the Cities of the Island and the State of Carthage was constrained to beg peace having as some say made this War at the instance of Xerxes that thereby the Greeks in Sicilie might be diverted from helping their Friends After this Herold l. 7. c. 153. Aelian var. hist lib. 13. c. 37. A. M. 3527. Ol. 75. an 3. V. C. 276. Xerxis 8. Gelon was offered the Kingdom of Sicilie but he generously refused it whereby he obtained the greater glory and love At length having setled all things
he such of them as he could light on Disappointed as also of those Citizens whom he knew to be most averse to him some he slew and others he expelled the Town Scarce were things setled when a message came from Imilcar inviting the Syracusians though conquered unto Peace Dionysius most gladly imbraced the offer He maketh peace with the Carthaginians so that it was made upon these terms The Carthaginians were to have subject to them besides their old Tributaries and Colonies the Sicani Selinuntians Agrigentines and Himerians and also the Gelaeans and Camarinaeans who might inhabit their Towns unwalled but be tributary to Carthage The Leontines Messenians and all Sicilians were to be free and the Syracusians subject to Dionysius All ships taken on both sides were to be restored These things confirmed Imilcar passed over into Africk having lost half of his Army by the Plague which so raged also in Africk as great multitudes both of the Carthaginians and their Associates fell thereby 28. Dionysius knowing that the Syracusians now eased of the War would busie their heads how to recover their liberty to prevent such a design fortified that part of the City called the Island which he caused to be inhabited with his own confidents he also divided the publick grounds to such as he thought fit and admitted strangers to equal privileges with the Citizens Having thus as he thought secured his estate he resolved to march against such Sicilians as he thought most assisted the Carthaginians and was about to besiege Erbesa when the Citizens of Syracuse now armed considering what an opportunity was put into their hands and repenting they had not assisted the Horsemen in their revoult resolved to declare for their liberty The attempt generally took the Citizens stood upon their defence and the Tyrant was besieged Another design against him for whose head a great sum of money was offered He was much cast down and thought to resign his power according as some advised him but Philistus turned his mind and made him resolve to venture all rather than do it Bethinking himself how he might circumvent the Citizens he sent to them pretending a willingnesse to quit all if they would but permit him to carry away his goods and at the same time he dispatched a message to the Campanians mercenary Soldiers of Campania in Italy offering them large rewards if they would stand by him The Syracusians consented he should depart with five ships and then as if their liberty was fully recovered grew secure remisse and idle disbanding some of their men neglecting their guards and taking their pleasure in the fields The Campanians allured by his prowises broke in to him some Troops of Mercenaries also came to his assistance Frustrated with which he set upon the Towns-men and easily putting them to flight recovered his power He hindred his men from killing and a great number flying to Aetna he sent to them offering them pardon which some imbraced and others refused to venture themselves upon it 29. When he had well re-setled himself he made War upon several Towns in Sicilie some of which he took and having an eye upon the Carthaginians His Wars strongly fortified his City of Syracuse He resolved with himself to make War upon them hoping that all those Towns which in time of Peace willingly submitted to their yoak would then revolt to him Understanding that in the Athenian War a line had been drawn before Syracuse from Sea to Sea and thereby accesse into the Country cut off with admirable celerity he raised a wall to prevent this for the time to come labouring himself amongst the workmen to cause them the more chearfully to undergo the toil Then did he make extraordinary provisions of all sorts of Arms compleatly furnished himself with shipping and hired Soldiers from all parts Thus provided he caused all the goods of the Carthaginian Marchants and others dwelling there to beseized by the multitude of the Syracusians Diod. ad Olymp. 95. an 3 4. to whom now he caried himself more mildly being very ready to begin the War especially upon so profitable terms Other Sicilian Towns followed his example out of hatred to the Cathaginians for their cruelty of whom such as were amongst them they unmercifully handled in way of requital which taught that State to deal more favourably afterwards with such as they took in remembrance of the vicissitude of humane affaires Then dispatched he a messenger to Carthage to denounce war from the people of Syracuse except they would set at liberty all the Greek Cities of Sicilie They were much struck therewith being exceedingly spent by Pestilence but rejected the terms and as they might made provision for resistance Dionysius besieged Motya one of their Colonies and chief Fortresse for War upon whose ships Imilco as yet not sufficiently provided made an attempt and beating up the Camp presently retired again so that Dionysius became Master of the Town 30. Ere he had taken Motya he besieged Aegesta Idem ad Olymp. 96. ann 1. the Inhabitants whereof would not betray their trust and made excursions into the Territories of their Friends But the Spring following the Carthaginians having created Imilco King sent him over with a vast Army wherewith he first wrosted Leptines whom Dionysius had commanded to attend his motions then took Eryx and presently recovered Motya He had Panormus betrayed to him A. M. 3609. Olymp. 96. an 1. V.C. 358. Artax Mnemonis 9. he took Lipara and after that Messana with his ships the Inhabitants having sent their Forces out of the Town to meet his Land-Army When he took Motya Dionysius brake up his Siege and retreated to Syracuse now hearing that he intended to set upon Catana both by Sea and Land he sent Leptines with the Fleet after Mago the Carthaginian Admiral and he himself marched by Land to meet with Imilco Leptines according to order made after as fast as he could and attaching the Enemie's Fleet at first sunk diverse Vessels but when he was now almost incompassed with Mago's ships which were in number 500. not able to fight at such disadvantage he was forced to fly out into the main and in his flight lost 100 Vessels Dionysius kept on his march intending to fight Imilco but was stopped by the intercession of his friends who feared lest in his absence Mago might with his whole Fleet set upon Syracuse and take it He therefore returned to the Citie and dispatched away Messengers into Greece and Italy for aid Syracuse besieged 31. Mago by Sea with nigh 200 ships and Imilco by Land with 300000 foot and 3000 horse besieged Syracuse who for that the Citizens refused to give battel wasted their grounds for 30 dayes and after that took the Suburbs of that part of the Citie called Acradina His Army was taken with a sudden Pannick fear and seized by a sore disease yet notwithstanding he drew a line for the Fortification of his Camp
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
third year after this the two orders were something reconciled by the plunder of a Town taken from the Volsci and especially by a Decree of the Senate for the publick pay of the Armies with brasse money before which time every one bore his own charges in the War But such was the contentious disposition of the Tribunes those grand incendiaries that they drew this into odium as grievous to such who had formerly maintained themseves in the Wars and now were to pay others They effected that for a time the pay was denied The first Plebeian amongst the Tribunes Military and after three years they procured one Plebeian P. Licinius Calvus to be chosen amongst the Tribunes Military wherein they mightily applauded themselves and readily permitted the pay of the Army to be gathered Licinius caried himself so well in the Office that for the year following all the Tribunes Military save one were Plebeians 30. For these several years the War abroad was carried on with the Hetruscans with various successe and Veii the principal of their Cities was besieged no lesse in compasse than Athens and exceeding wealthy being within twenty miles of Rome It 's Inhabitants called Veientes had in behalf of the Fidenates waged War with Romulus afterwards being conquered had seven times rebelled and ever perfidious in time of Peace alwaies wasted the Roman Territories They compelled the Fidenates also to rebel perswaded them to kill the Ambassadors and the Romans thither sent to inhabit for they vied with the Romans themselves for power and riches They had moreover injured the Roman Ambassadors and not once procured Hetruria to rise against the State wherefore the People offended with so many injuries resolved utterly to destroy Veii Whereas the Soldiers untill this time were wont in Summer onely to be abroad in War and winter at home in the City now were they constrained both Winter and Summer to continue the Siege The seventh year thereof drawing towards an end the Tribunes Military were blamed of remisnesse so that for the following year new ones were created in their rooms Furius Camillus Amongst them was Furius Camillus who having got much credit in the battel fought with the Aequi and Volsci under Posthumius Tubertus the Dictator was honoured other wayes as by being created Censor in which Office he caused the Bachellors to mary the Widdovvs of such as had lost their lives for their Country and first of all others obliged Orphans to pay Tribute for that the depending Wars especially the Siege of Veii vvere very chargable to the State Being novv Tribune Military the second time he did nothing against Veii Plutarch in Camillo it having fallen to his lot to represse the Falerienses and Capenates vvho disturbed the Romans in their enterprize Made Dictator At length in the tenth year of the Siege they created him Dictator as the most fit person they had to finish it 31. Camillus appointed Cornelius Scipio to be his Master of Horse-men and first overthrowing in a great battel the Falisci and Capenates went against Veii Finding it full of difficulty to take a place of such strength by storm Surprizeth Veii he wrought a mine up into it through which his Soldiers issuing he easily surprized it Being elevated by so great an atchievement whereby he had thus subdued the corrival of Rome in the tenth year of the Siege he triumphed in a Chariot drawn by four white Horses which his Country-men thinking proper onely to the King and Father of their gods were much offended at it and indeed no man neither before nor after him saith Plutarch assumed to himself so much honour Being offended with this cariage they found themselves as much concerned in another matter The Tribunes of the Commons proposed a Law for dividing asunder the Senate and People whereof the one should stay at Rome and the other remove to Veii this parting as they thought being a ready means for the enrichment of both by the possession of two such considerable Cities The Plebeians now many and rich vehemently pressed it and the Patricians judging it would prove the overthrow of the State as earnestly opposed the Law betaking themselves to Camillus Incurreeth the displeasure of the multitude for hindring the separation of Patritians and Plebeians and otherwise who put it off by diverting the multitude into other courses Having contracted an alienation of mind from them upon these accounts another thing cast him into an absolute hatred and that if not upon a just yet a plausible pretence He had made a vow that if he took Veii he would dedicate the tenth part of the plunder to Apollo but when the City was taken either because he was unwilling to displease the Soldiery or forgot it the thing was omitted After he had laid down the Office of Dictator he moved the People in it and the Priests reported that the sacrifices portended the anger of their gods which must be appeased by gifts so that the Soldiers who had already spent what they had got upon their necessary uses were forced upon oath to restore the tenth part wherewith a present was made to Apollo Because there was litle Gold in the City the women contributed their ornaments in way of requital whereof the Senate decreed that at their burial they should also be commended by funeral Orations which before this had not been in use 32. The Tribunes again moving for a separation the War with the Falisci opportunely fell out to divert the multitude for which Camillus was chosen Tribune Military with five others He besieging the Falerii who inhabited a strongly fortified City the School-master thereof drew out his boyes into his Camp and offered to give them up into his hands which treachery he so far detested as to cause the Paedagogue to be stripped and put rods into the hands of his boyes wherewith they drove him back into the Town Herewith the Falerii were so affected as they yielded and the Senate referring them for conditions to Camillus he onely fined them a sum of mony and received them with all the Falisci into friendship But the Soldiers who hoped to have inriched themselves with the plunder of this place inveighed grievously against him and now the Tribunes pressing again the Law for separation he used such freedom in opposing it that they out of revenge accused him of having pilfred the plunder in the Hetruscan War whereof some brazen dores had been as they said seen in his house The multitude now upon several accounts exasperated against him resolved to shew their spleen So that not having any way to evade their displeasure he went into exile He goeth into exile lifting up his hands towards the Capitol and praying that if he was unjustly and meerly by the lust and malice of the multitude banished they might sodainly repent it and that it might appear to all men how much the Romans stood in need of and desired his presence Being gone he
was fined 15000 Aera which sum in Silver made up 1500 Denarii For Ae s or brasse was then used for money and Denarius thence had the name for that it contained ten Asses thereof But within a while it fell out that Camillus was both missed any desired according to his wish 33. Many thousands of the Galls called Celtae finding their own Country too narrow for them with their wives and children left it to seek out new seats Some of them passing over the Sea pierced as far as the Riphaean mountains and placed themselves in the utmost limits of Europe others took up their habitation betwixt the Pyrenaans and the Alps near the Senones and Celtorii These a long time after having tasted of some Italian wine were furiously transported with a desire of inhabiting so rare a Soil as brought forth such fruit and passing over the Alps got into their power all that Country once belonging to the Etruscans and which reached from the Alps to both the Seas for that the Etruscans once inhabited all this Country Plutarch proveth thence that the Northern Sea was named Adriatick from Adria one of their Towns and the Southern Tyrrhenian from the Tyrrheni the same with Hetrusci At this time the posterity of those Galli Senones under the conduct of their King Brennus besieged Clusium a City of Hetruria The Galls besiege Clusium whose inhabitants sent to Rome desiring of that State to interpose by sending Ambassadors and Letters to their unjust oppressors The Senate performing this neighbourly part the Galls required part of the Territories of the Clusini who were as they said unable to manage them all and Brennus not condescending to any other conditions the Ambassadors all three of the Fabian family in great anger went into Clusium and caused the Inhabitants to make a sally out against the besiegers It hapned that in the fight Fabius Ambustus one of the three killing a Gall whilst he disarmed him was discovered whereupon Brennus conceiving just indignation broke up his Siege and marched towards Rome 34. Yet because he would not seem to proceed unjusty he sent thither requiring that the Ambassadors might be given up to him as having broke the Law of Nations But favour so far prevailed above equity that the matter being referred from the Senate to the People no satisfaction could be had from either Defeat the Romans at Alia nay the Ambassadors on the contrary were with three others created Tribunes Military for carying on the Warre Brennus then continuing his march and breathing revenge was met by the Tribunes at the River Alia eleven miles from the City who scarce striking one stroak quickly betook them to their heels and their Army after them The Galls persued them being amazed at the flight and cowardize of those who had already obtained for their valour a great name in the World but were astonished when they found the gates of Rome open and none upon the walls to make resistance for it had been resolved to quit the City and secure the Castel The greater part of the People departed into the adjoyning Country the rest possessed themselves of the Capitol all but certain old men of Senatorian degree who in their robes placed themselves in the Forum resolving to take such quarter as the disposition of the Enemy would afford them Brennus at first fearing some stratagem Come to Rome which is forsaken all but the Capitol after he perceived all to be clear entred the City His Soldiers were amazed to see the grave Senators sitting without fear in the Forum and hurt them not till one handling the long beard of M. Papirius the old man struck him with his staff upon the head whereupon the Gall slew him and then all the rest were killed with all of both Sexes and all ages that were found about the City which was also now burnt to the ground and the Capitol closely besieged 35. While the Galls lay before the Capitol A. M. 3615. Ol. 97. an 3. V. c. 364. Artax Mnemâ 15. they carelesly demeaned themselves as secure of any Enemy and were scattered into the Country adjoyning Camillus at this time living in exile at Ardea procured the Inhabitants of that City to issue out upon them and killed many which the Romans who lay at Veii understanding chose him for their General desiring him to forget injuries and succour his distressed Country He objected his condition of banishment and refused to act except by commission from those in the Capitol whom he considered to be the body of the Roman State yet surviving There was one Pontius Cominius who undertook to procure him leave from their friends in the Capitol whither by a strange adventure he got Camillus made Dictator passing by the Enemy and swimming the River till he came to the Rock which then he made a shift to climbe and having procured the Senate to pronounce Camillus Dictator returned in the same manner By this time as well the besiegers as besieged were well wearied both parties for want of provisions and the Galls by reason of a Plague which raged amongst them so as having once attempted to surprize the Castel by climbing up the Rock they were discovered by the crying of the Geese consecrated to Juno and repelled by the valour of one Manlius especially they agreed for fifty pounds of Gold to rise and depart Yet so covetous were they that they took out the Gold as it was weighing and added to the weight which being complained of Brennus cast in his Sword also crying Vae victis which afterwards became a proverb But in the mean time came Camillus and nulling this compact as made without his consent who before was Dictator and therefore alone had power of making Peace overthrew them in fight and did such execution upon them in pursute Overthroweth them rescueth Rome as what remained of them was overpowered and cut off by the Country Thus Rome which was unexpectedly taken by the Galls about the Ides of the moneth Quinctilis was more unexpectedly recovered about the Ides of February so that as Plutarch writeth the Barbarians held it seven moneths in the 365 year of the City and the sixteenth of Artaxerxes Mnemon Hindereth the multitude from departing to Veii 36. The Tribunes now renewed their importunity about removing unto Veii which caused the Senate to procure Camillus his holding of the Office of Dictator though contrary to the custome for the whole year He with gentle language appeased the multitude shewing them how unworthy a thing it was to forsake the seat of their Ancestors and of their Country rites which were appropriate to the same place for to inhabit a conquered and enslaved City Then was Rome rebuilt in great haste whereby afterwards it became rather an heap of houses than a well ordered Town and that the watercourses formerly laid in the streets now ran for the most part under private houses Camillus having laid down his
Arimaspi or Agriaspae called also Euergetae by Cyrus the Great Diodorus ut priùs Curtius lib. 7. cap. 3. Arrianus for that when he went against the Scythians they furnished him with Provisions in his great necessity He used them very curteously bestowing upon them Mony and as much Ground as they would ask which was not much And here he heard that Satibarzanes being returned from Bessus had withdrawn the Arii from obedience Against him he sent 6000 Greekish Foot and 600 Horse under the command of Erygius and others who joyning Battel with him he pulled down his Helmet and challenged any one to a single Combat Erygius accepting of the Challenge slew him in the place and then his Soldiers who had followed him rather by constraint The King marcheth against Bessus than out of any good will yielded themselves Alexander having staid among the Euergetae 60 days passed on and in his way subdued the Gedrosians the Drangi and Dragogi as also Arachosia where he got that Army into his power of which Parmenio had the command consisting of 6000 Macedonians and 200 Gentlemen besides 5000 other Greeks and 600 Horse 5. The next People he passed through were the Paropamisadae This being in the Winter-season Passeth the Mountain Paropamisus his Army suffered extreamly through the coldnesse of the Climate Thence he came to the Mountain Caucasus or Paropamisus as that part of it was call'd which he passed in 17 days A. M. 3677. Ol. 113 an 1. V.C. 426. Alexandri 9. and built some Cities about it Bessus had now in Bactria about 8000 of the Inhabitants up in Arms who thinking that Alexander would rather turn towards India than come against them kept with Bessus till they plainly perceived that the King invaded their Country Then they all betook them to their own homes and Bessus with his other followers passed over the River Oxus into the Country of the Sogdians being still accompanied with Spitamenes and Oxyartes in whose fidelity he confided Invadeth Bactria But Alexander invading Bactria after he had taken divers Cities had the whole Country yielded to him after which he passed to the great River Oxus but in his way was so distressed for water that his Army languished and when it came at the River so many drunk intemperately that he lost more men thereby than he had formerly done in any Battel Ere he passed the River he sent home 900 Macedonians and Thessalians the former being old and wounded and the later the remnant of the Volunteers those he rewarded and gave thanks to such of the rest that remained as were willing to serve in the Wars yet behind He passed over the River upon Skins and Bladders joyned together wanting materials to make a better Bridge and came to the place where he heard Bessus lay with all his Forces Bessus was now forsaken by his friends for Spitamenes conspiring against him with Dataphernes and Catanes snatched the Diadem from his head tore Darius his Roab from off his back and gave notice to Alexander that if he would send any of his Captains with some Forces they would deliver him up Alexander sent Ptolomie the son of Lagus Bessus delivered up to him and one of his Guard who brought him to his presence in an Halter whence he was delivered to Oxyartes the brother of Darius to be tormented to death in that place where he had most wickedly slain his Soverain his Lord and Master Curtius l. 7. Strabo l. 11 14. 6. About this time he utterly destroyed the City of the Branchidae with all its Inhabitants in revenge for a fault committed 150 years before For Xerxes flying out of Greece He destroyeth the Braachidae they betray'd the Treasures of Didymaean Apollo into his hands and for this not daring to stay behind they left Miletus and followed him who gave them this place where their Posterity dearly paid for their fault After this he marched to the River Tanais another than that which severeth Europe from Asia falling down from the Mountain Caucasus into the Hyrcanian Sea Here some of his Soldiers going forth to gather forage were intercepted by the Enemy which to the number of 20 or 30000 betook himself to an Hill and thence was beaten down and wasted to 8000 Curtius Arrianus yet with great difficulty and hazard to the King himself who received a wound in his thigh Cometh to Maracanda Thence in four days he marched in a Litter to Maracanda the chief City of Sogdiana where leaving a Garrison he over-ran the neighbouring Territories and shortly came an Ambassage from the Scythians called Abii who thereby gave up themselves into his power But in the mean time the Barbarians of Maracanda slew the Garrison of the Macedonians being together with the greatest part of the Sogdians drawn back by those that took Bessus who also drew to their party some of the Bactrians and Susians Alexander sent to suppresse them Spitamenes and Catenes who had delivered up Bessus but they confirmed them in their Rebellion and became Leaders in the Revolt giving out that the Bactrian Horse was sent for by the King on purpose to be made away 7. To reduce these Revolters Alexander presently sent Craterus who besieged Cyropolis the chief City so called because built by Cyrus the Great and he himself besieged another called Gaza which be took and put all of ripenesse of age to the sword for a terror to their Country-men After this he reduced several other Cities and then went to the assistance of Craterus against Cyropolis which was defended by 18000 men Here he lost many a valiant Soldier and by a stroak of a stone on his neck was fell'd down sensless but this increased his natural vigor so that out of indignation he set furiously on and presently took the place Eight thousand of the Inhabitants were slain and the rest retiring into the Castle shortly after yielded for want of water and then one City remaining onely of seven whither the Barbarians had fled he reduced that also in a short time Spitamenes now had shut himself up in Maracanda where he besieged the Macedonians in the Castle Against him he sent a Party and began to build a City upon the River Tanais which being raised in few days with a wall six miles in compasse he called after himself Alexandria Curtius ut suprà Justin l. 12. Arrianus l. 4. His design was to have a convenient Fortresse for the Invasion of Scythia which the Scythian King inhabiting beyond the River suspecting sent his brother with a party of Horse to beat away the Macedonian forces and demolish it Comming to the narrowest place of the River they not onely cast over their Darts but opprobrious speeches which so incensed Alexander as though he was extream ill and for some time had nor been able as much as to speak to his Soldiers yet he resolved to passe over against them Marcheth against the
purpose and afterwards resolved to go 3 dayes journey off into Gabiene for that the Armies were both much straightned for necessaries Eumenes hearing this sent some who as Fugitives should acquaint him how as that night he intended to fall in upon his Camp which he believing stayed expecting him and then did Eumenes make haste to get into Gabiene before him Antigonus seeing himself deluded marched after with great expedition and leaving behind the rest of his Army with a party got before him He presented then himself to his view upon the Mountains which Eumenes seeing and thinking he had all his Forces with him made an Alt and so they mutually deceived each other Here in the Countrey of the Paraetaceni they joyned battel wherein Eumenes had the better though the other got the advantage of ground but then his Soldiers beginning to be refractory would needs depart to their baggage The victory controverted and not stay to bury their dead Whereupon Antigonus doing this first the victory came to be controverted 16. Antigonus finding himself to have had the worst of it Diodorus ut suprà Plutarch in Eumene Cornel. Nepos went his way to Gamarga in Media where was plenty of Provisions and then Eumenes finding his Army in no good case to pursue him departed to Gabiene Here he divided his Forces into their Winter quarters not according to his own desire but the pleasure of the Soldiers for the old ones which had followed Alexander in his Conquests were grown so high as they would rather give Laws to their Captains than receive them Antigonus hearing this thought to surprize them on a sudden and for that they should know nothing of it resolved to take a by-way which yet was declared to Eumenes who not being able to call his Soldiers together so soon as was requisite betook himself to his seldom failing policy He caused fires to be made on the Mountains where the Enemy was to passe which they beholding thought he had there with him his whole Army and so took the common way after they were come into the midst of their journey Antigonus stayed one day to recruit his Army and Eumenes gathered in the mean time his Forces together which admired his prudence so much as they ordered him to be the Chief which made him come into the danger of life divers of the great ones conspiring against him which made him say he was amongst a company of wild beasts and caused him to make his Will and tear his Letters lest any of them that had wrote unto him should be troubled after his death This as it was faithfully done to his friends so was it also in good time as it after fell out 17. For shortly after Antigonus and he came to a Pitch-battel which decided the controversie though not for the Conquerour Eumenes lead into the field 36700 foot 6050 horse and 114 Elephants Antigonus brought 2â000 foot 9000 horse and 65 Elephants The Argyraspides or silver shields got the victory for they put all Antigonus his foot to flight and killed 5000 of them so that though Peucestes withdrew himself out of the fight with his own horse and 1500 more yet Eumenes with the losse of 700 on his side got the day But neither valour nor wisdom could befriend him for the place where they fought being exceeding dusty so as ones sight was taken away at a little distance Eumenes getteth the better Antigonus sends a party of his horse to plunder his Enemies baggage so that the Macedonians though Conquerors after the battel fell into a deep melancholy for the losse of their Wives and Children taken away and Teutamus first without the knowledge of any one sent to Antigonus who Covenanted with him to restore him all on condition Eumenes were delivered to him and they would all passe into his Camp whereupon the Macedonians But is betrayed by his men the 1000 which Peucestes commanded and most of the other Captains revoked and Eumenes having his hands tied behind him was delivered up his Army shamefully following him to the Tents of Antigonus leading it self in Triumph after him Antigonus for shame would not see Eumenes his old fellow Soldier in that condition but assigned him to Keepers at first requiring he should be strictly looked to but afterwards remitting that rigour till almost all perswaded him to make an end of him This he was loath to do and took 7 dayes to consult in but then fearing some Sedition might arise in the Army he commanded his dayly allowance of meat should be withdrawn saying he would never lay hands upon him Two or three dayes he languished in this condition and then the Army being to march And killed one was sent in and killed him without the knowledge of Antigonus so fell this brave man excelled in Military glory but by few Captains in the eighth year after the death of Alexander 18. Cassander having obtained of Antigonus 35 ships and 6000 men Diodorus l. 18. sayled with them to Athens which together with the Haven he had got into his power by means of Nicanor whom he had sent before-hand for that purpose Against him came Polysperchon intending to besiege him but his Provisions failing he left his son with a party in Attica and with the greatest part of the Army marched into Peloponnesus against the Inhabitants of Megalopolis who onely amongst the Cities had refused to take away their Oligarchy and had joyned with Cassander Here he had the worst of it and that brought him so into contempt as most of the Greek Cities revolted from him to Cassander and the Athenians seeing they could not shake off his Garrison agreed with him that he should retain the Fort Munychia till the War was finished with the Kings but that the Citie should be governed by one whom he appointed which was Demetrius Phalereus the Philosopher Theophrastus his Scholar who Governed ten years with moderation and was honored with 360 Statues Laertius in vita Phocionis Then Cassander making an expedition into Macedonia found there many friends The year after Polysperchon by the help of Aeacida King of the Molossians reduced Olympias with Alexander the son of Rhoxane her Grand-Child into Macedonia whereupon Eurydice the Wife of Aridaeus the King fortified herself and sent to Cassander for aid but the Macedonians fearing the Majesty of Olympias fell away from her Olympias destroyeth Aridaeus and his Wife and she with her husband being both committed to prison he was first made away and then Olympias sent her a Sword an Halter and Poyson to chuse which of them she pleased so she praying the gods that she might have at length such gifts sent unto her hanged her self with her Garter This hapned after Aridaeus had enjoyed the title of King six years and four moneths 19. Olympias killed Nicanor the brother of Cassander Diodorus l. 19. and destroyed the Sepulchre of his other brother Iollas and then chusing
they might revolt to him sent to Polysperchon and with vast promises secretly perswaded him to make away the young man which accordingly was performed Made away About this time Demetrius overthrew Ptolomy his Lieutenants in Cilicia and he to be revenged invaded Licia where he took some Cities after that sailed into Greece where he endeavoured in emulation to Antigonus to set the Cities at liberty but the Greeks not keeping their promise of sending money and corn having received Sicyon and Corinth from the Widdow of Alexander the son of Ephaestion who had revenged stoutly her husbads death and kept still these places he agreed with Cassander that each should retain such places as he had in his power and returned 26. Alexander had yet a sister living called Cleopatra Diodorus l. 20. ad Olymp. 118. formerly the Widdow of Alexander King of Epirus who making an Expedition into Italy perished against the Lucanians as Livie tells us and after that maried to Perdiccas whom also now being at Sardis Antigonus seems to have wooed But she inclining rather to Ptolomy stole out of Saxdis to go to him whereupon Antigonus took such order by the Governour of the Town that she was not onely stopped in her journy And Cleopatra their Aunt but by means also of some women secretly made away after which to colour the matter he put some of them to death and buried her body with royal magnificence Shortly after this Demetrius was sent into Greece to set the Cities at liberty which he accomplished at this time for Athens Demetrius Phalareus being driven out and conducted to Thebes where he lived till Cassander's death and then fled to Ptolomy After this Demetrius being recalled to make War in Cyprus thither he passed where he overthrew Menelaus Ptolomy his brother and Governour there and pursuing him to the City Salamine slew 3000 of his men and took 1000 and then besieged him in that place Ptolomy hearing of the defeat of his men came both with Sea and Land forces and ingaged the besiegers in battel Demetrius his Victories against Ptolomy whereupon Antigonus and then the rest take the title of Kings wherein though he overthrew that Wing against which he himself fought yet the other prevailing he was discomfited with the losse of 8000 men and all his ships save eight with which he fled away and Demetrius became Master of the Town and Island Idem ibid. Plutarch in Demetrio Justin lib. 15. A. M. 3698. Ol. 118. an 2. V.C. 447. Seleuci 6. Ptolom 17. Antigonus being elevated with this successe received the title of King given him by his friends and a Diadem set upon his head which title and honour he also gave to his Son Demetrius The Aegyptians also hearing this lest they should seem to be dejected for their losse gave the name of King to Ptolomy who thenceforth in all his Letters stiled himself so Neither now would the other great ones come behind these for Seleucus Cassander and Lysimachus after their example took upon themselves the same dignity and title all the near relations of Alexander being quite extinct CHAP. III. From Alexanders Captains taking the Title of Kings to the death of Seleucus the Surviver of them containing the space of 24 years 1. ANtigonus animated by his late successe against Ptolomy in Cyprus Diodorus ibid. now thought of no lesse than outing him also of Egypt it self wherefore recalling his son from the Island he commanded all his Forces to meet at Antigonia a Citie newly built by him upon the River Orontes in Syria as convenient for the lying in wait against the upper Provinces Egypt which afterwards Seleucus destroyed translated the Inhabitants to his Seleucia Antigonus leading the Land-forces himself committed the Fleet to his son which was to sayl along upon the Coasts with the Army as it marched Having good Provision both for men and beasts he marched through the desert the Navy went through great hazard at Sea but the Tempest ceasing in good time Antigonus his fruitlesse expedition against Ptolomy they came all together unto Nile Ptolomy by this time had so fortified the several mouths of the River as the Sea-forces could do no good though they removed from one to another and the Land-Army could not find any food at that time of the year the water being very high Moreover A. M. 3699. Ol. 118. ann 3. V.C. 448. Seleuci 7. Ptolom 18. Ptolomaeus in Regum Canone many fell away to the Enemy being allured with his promise of 2. l. to every common Soldier and a Talent to an Officer so that Antigonus was fain to retreat into Syria Ptolomy being exceeding glad hereof sent to his Confederates to acquaint them with his good successe and now having thus defended his Kingdom accounted himself rightly to enjoy it and hereupon some have accounted the beginning of his reign from this very time fixing it at 19 years distance from the death of Alexander 2. This want of successe allayed not the ambition of Antigonus For Diodorus ibid. he sent his son Demetrius presently against the Rhodians who had formerly displeased him by a denial to send him aid and ships For they endeavouring as near as they could to keep in with all these great ones yet were drawn by their private interest especially to favour Ptolomy from whose Kingdom they got the greatest part of their livelyhood by way of Traffick And as fruitlesse against Rhodes Demetrius according to his fathers command went and besieged their Citie lying before it nigh a whole year during which time he made all sorts of opposition he could till ordered by his father to make peace with them which they were prone to accept of though Ptolomy with others sent them Provisions A. M. 3700. Ol. 118. ann 4. V.C. 449. Seleuci 8. Ptolom 19. and supplies of men Departing from Rhodes Demetrius passed into Greece to restore the Cities which Cassander and Polysperchon had lately mastered through the absence of Antigonus his Forces Chalcis he freed from a Garrison of the Boeotians whom he also withdrew from Cassander's friendship joyned in society with the Aetolians and afterwards restored Sicyon Corinth Athens and other places to their freedom Cassander seeing things by the help of Demetrius to go well with Greece sent over to Antigonus to desire peace but he refused it except he would refer himself whole unto him He being affrighted at this sent to Lysmachus in Thrace to come and Consult with him and then they both dispatch away Messengers to Ptolomy and Seleucus to let them see how they were concerned also to resist Antigonus A Combination against him They hearkned willingly to the offers made unto them and joyned in Confederacy against him as their common Enemie promising great supplies for carrying on the War 3. Cassander thinking it good policy not to stay for the Enemy to come upon him but invade him first gave part of his Army to Lysimachus
by the Romans And Having other enemies and punished justly as Polybius observeth Lib. 5. excerpt 20. c. And though he had been reconciled to the Aetolians and used them as his friends and allies yet now without any pretence did he withdraw Lysimachia from their society and joyned it to himself after that Chalcedon and to gratifie his Son in Law Prusias of Bithinia enslaved the City of the Ciani though the Aetolians had sent them a Captain who commanded in chief Ibid. c. 2. which cruelty so incensed the Rhodiaus as ever after they became his Enemies and joyned with Attalus King of Asia against him Very stoutly did he deal with these his adversaries never being discouraged by any bad successe He had the worst of it in a battel at Sea near Chius but driving Attalus on Land and taking his ship though he had never lost so many men in any battel whatever before he ascribed the Victory to himself A. M. 3805. Ol. 145. an 1. V. C. 554. Ant. M. 24. Ptol. Epiph. 4. For all this War in which he was imployed by two powerful adversaries He ingageth against the Romans yet feared he not to undertake another with the People of Rome which now a few moneths after the end of the second Punick was decreed against him about fourteen years after his entring into confederacy with Hannibal of his own reign the 23 and the first of the 145 Olympiad A. M. 3805. 38. For though there had been a peace made Vide Livium lib. 31. yet it was conceived he had broken it by his molesting the Aetolians and other associates and of late by sending aid to Annibal in Africk and the Carthaginians The Athenians by their Ambassadors also called upon the Senate for help whose Territories he had wasted The grounds of the War on the Roman part and forced them up into the City The occasion of the War betwixt him and them was from the Acarnanians for two young men of that Nation coming to Athens chanced to go into the Temple of Ceres with the other company at the Feast being not initiated and for that reason were put to death as having committed an unpardonable offence though ignorantly they did it now this the Athamanians took so to heart as they procured Philip to make War upon them At the same time were come to Rome Ambassadors also from Attalus and the Rhodians complaining that the Cities of Asia were also molested by him so that now having little to do after the ending of the second Punick War the Senate unanimously made a Decree by virtue whereof Marcus Levinus the Vicepraetor was sent into Macedonia with 38 ships brought out of Sicilie by Cn. Octavius Afterwards came news further that he was about to take Athens and then it being proposed to the People the War through the perswasion of Publius Sulpitius * Galba the Consul to whom it fell by lot was decreed against him He had not besieged that City himself but sending down Philocles one of his Captains thither went and subdued the Chersonesus of Thrace Onely the Inhabitants of Abydus stood out against him and that with such resolution as following the example of the Saguntines in Spain they fought it out to the last Idem ibid. Polyb. excerpt lib. 16. and made an end of themselves after he had denied to receive them upon any other terms than yielding to mercy Yet Attalus and the Rhodians might have relieved them had they not loitered 39. Sulpicius the Consul coming to Apollonia Livius ibid. upon the desire of the Athenians sent C. Claudius Cento with twenty ships out of the Fleet which lay at Corcyra furnished with Soldiers to relieve their City He hearing that Chalcis was badly looked to though fortified with a Garrison of the Macedonians went thither took it with ease then plundering it set on fire and returned to the Piraeus or Haven of Athens Philip was now come down to Demetrias where hearing this news he passed over Euripus on a bridge and through Boeotia hasted to Athens thinking to surprise the Town but the Inhabitants having got notice of his coming Philip's fruitlesse Expedition against Athens stood upon their guard and then he perceiving his craft failed him betook himself to force but this being to no purpose the Romans coming in and the Soldiers of Attalus from Aegina wasting all about the Town and not sparing so much as the Sepulchers he went to Eleusine thinking there to get the Temple and Castle into his power but the guards being strong and the Navy coming to help from the Piraeus he marched thence to Megara and so to Corinth Hearing now that the Achaeans were met at Argos to consult how to resist Nabis Tyrant of Sparta he went down thither and came upon them unawares and promised he would make War upon him on condition they would but find him Soldiers to keep Oreus Chalcis and Corinth His design was to ingage them in the War against the Romans which they very well understood and therefore Cycliades the Praetor answered that it was not lawful to propose any other matter than that for which they were assembled and so a Decree being made for raising an Army against Nabis hee broke up the meeting 40. Nothing yet was done by the Roman Consul of himself but encamping upon the River Apsus between Apollonia and Dyrrhachium he sent L. Apustius his Lieutenant with a party to harrase the Enemies Country who performed what he went about taking divers Towns of Macedonia and then returned with much booty Philip being come home made all provision possible for the War and knowing the restlessnesse of the Aetolians for fear they might side with the Romans which yet they had not done sent his Ambassadors to the general meeting of them called the Panaetolium whither came also L. Furius Purpureo sent from the Consul and others from the Athenians He courteth the Aetolians The Macedonian being first heard advised them to remain in their society with him the Athenians inveyed bitterly against Philip as having broken the Laws of humanity and religion in violating their Sepulchers and Temple then Purpureo sheweth how the Romans had undertaken the War for them though they formerly made Peace without them and now how good an occasion was offered them of being restored into their friendship and society except they would rather perish with Philip. This inclined all their minds towards the Romans but Democritus the Praetor thought the businesse was to be put off to the next Council But his bad successe against the Consul maketh them joyn with the Romans But not long after Philip fought twice with the Consul and that so unprosperously as he had like to have been taken himself and then they imbraced the society of the Romans and invading Macedonia took and burnt Cercinium after which going into Perrhaebia Philip set upon them at unawares and killing many forced the rest to flie for
years they shall joyn themselves together for the Kings daughter of the South shall come to the King of the North to make an agreement But as it followeth she shall not retain the power of the Arm neither shall he stand nor his Arm c. For Philadelphus dying shortly after Appian in Syriacis Antiochus took again his former wife Laodice who being sensible of the injury and fearing her husbands inconstancy poysoned him after he had reigned 15 years 6. Laodice his wife kept his death close Idem ibid. Justin lib. 27. till such time as she had secured the Kingdom to Seleucus her eldest son sirnamed for his victories though of none but one we read Callinicus Seleucus sirnamed Callinicus and Pogon and from his beard Pogon The next thing she went about was to make away Berenice who understanding that some were sent to kill her shut up her self in Daphne a Town near Antioch and when she was besieged news flying about the Cities of Asia they commiserated her condition and out of respect of her Fathers and Grandfathers Dignity sent men to her relief But above all A. M. 3759. Ol. 133. ann 3. V.C. 508. Ptol. Euerget 1. her brother Ptolomy Euergetes being affrighted at her danger hastened out of his Kingdom with his whole power Yet ere any relief could come she was taken by treachery promise of safety being made to her and quickly slain at which base and unworthy act the Cities conceiving great indignation Ptolomy Euergetes revengeth the death of his sister Berenice provided a great Fleet and to revenge her death gave up themselves to Ptolomy who invading Syria slew Laodice seized upon Caelesyria with Seleucia got into his hands Syria Cilicia and the upper Provinces beyond Euphrates and almost all Asia even as far as Bactria Without doubt he had Conquered all Seleucus his Kingdom had he not been forced by a Domestick Sedition to return after whose departure Seleucus having prepared a great Fleet for the reducing of those Cities which revolted from him lost it in a great Tempest at the which they were so far from rejoycing that pitying him for this shipwrack they voluntarily returned to obedience 7. Rejoycing that he fared so well by his shipwrack he now made War upon Ptolomy but being overthrown fled to Antioch in great fear Idem ibid. being as destitute as before though he found not such relief For writing to his younger brother Antiochus He invadeth Ptolomy and thence is cast into great straights he craved his help offering him all Asia within the Mountain Taurus for a reward who though he was but yet fourteen years old being greedy of reigning imbraced this occasion and then behaved not himself as an helper or brother but like a robber intending to get the whole Kingdom He shewed incredible boldnesse in invading and snatching whence he had the Sirname of Hierax or Goshauck Ptolomy hearing of his aiding his brother lest he should have two to deal with at once made Peace with Seleucus for ten years and then Antiochus hiring the Gauls with them made War upon his brother in the other's stead in which he had the better of it Antiochus Hierax his brother rebeleth and they supposing Seleucus to be slain in the battel that cutting off all the Royal race they might be Lords of Asia turned their force against him that hired them so that Antiochus was glad to purchase his freedom with Gold and enter into society with his Mercenaries The two brothers being thus at odds and every one gaping after Asia Eumenes of Bithinia puts in amongst the rest and overthrowing the Gauls and after them Antiochus got a great part of it into his possession Idem lib. 41. Now also Arsaces hearing of the distresse of Seleucus perfected the revolt of the Parthians for invading that Country with a band of robbers he slew the Governour Andragorus and invaded the Principality and not long after seizing on the Kingdom of the Hyrcanians Arsaces perfecting his revolt establisheth his Parthian Kingdom so strengthened himself thereby that after some years he overthrew Seleucus and established his Kingdom Hence the Parthians accounting ever after the day of this Victory as the day of their liberty constantly observed it and Arsaces being no lesse memorable to them than Cyrus to the Persians Alexander to the Macedonians or Romulus to the Romans out of honour to him they called all their Kings by his name This beginning of Arsaces fell out in the first of the 135 Olympiad of the City 510 the second of Seleucus and the third of Ptolomy Euergetes A. M. 3761. 8. Idem lib. 27. Now understanding that Eumenes had got the greatest part of Asia into his power and both the brothers had even lost their Principalicies yet could they not agree but instead of opposing the forein and common Enemies sought the destruction of each other by renewing the War In the next battel Antiochus was overthrown and flying many dayes and not knowing how to bestow himself The two brothers renew the War and at length being wearied he went to Artamenes King of Cappadocia his Father in Law by whom at first being received very civilly he afterwards understood there was a plot laid against him and fled thence Whereupon not knowing where to be secure he betook himself to Ptolomy judging he might rather trust to him than his brother being as well he might be mindful of what he would have done to him or had deserved of him Ptolomy commanded him to be narrowly looked to but by the help of a certain whore with whom he had been too familiar he deceived his Keepers and got away Yet as he was flying he was slain by thieves Seleucus also almost at the same time being outed of his Kingdom and thrown by an horse ended his life Dye after he had reigned about twenty years A. M. 3779 the third of the 138 Olympiad 98 years after the death of Alexander 9. He left two sons Seleucus and Antiochus Seleucus Ceraunus of which the former succeeded according to his birthright in the seventh year of Antigonus Doson King of Macedonia and was Sirnamed Ceraunus Eumenes King of Pergamus who had got so much of Asia into his power now being dead of Drunkennesse Attalus his younger brother's son succeeded him and had got all on this side Taurus into his power which being understood by Seleucus Ceraunus he thought it concernd him to look about him Polybius lib. 4. Appian in Syriacis and with Achaeus whose Father Andromachus was brother to Laodice his wife passed over Taurus with an Army against him but then was poysoned in Phrygia by the treachery of Apaturius a Galatian and Nicanor after he had reigned scarce three years Achaeus to revenge his death presently slew the conspirators and then ordering the Army with great wisdom and courage recovered all on this side the Mountain Taurus which had been lost A. M.
at Sea but they coming in in good time his Fleet was worsted and chased as far as Ephesus 33. After this defeat he set himself with all his might to repair his Navy and left his son Seleucus in Aeolis to look to the Maritime Coasts Livius lib. 37. Livius the Roman Admiral coming into the Hellespont took Sestus and had done the same by Abydus had not Polyxenidas a Fugitive of Rhodes destroyed by Treachery all the Fleet belonging to that Island whereupon he raised his siege and departed Seleucus fell upon the Territories of Pergamus and then besieged the Citie it self Attalus being unable to graple with him in the field with whom also at length Antiochus himself joyned till hearing that the Roman and Rhodian Fleets were coming to relieve the place and worse than this that Lucius Scipio the Consul together with his brother the African was already in his march as far as Macedonia and preparing now to passe the Hellespont against him he sent to Aemylius Rhegillus who had succeeded Livius in the Fleet to treat of a peace He calling Eumenes from Pergamus and the Officers of the Rhodians to consult these were content to Treat but Eumenes being averse to it and urging that nothing could be concluded of before the coming of the Consul an answer to that effect was returned to the King who leaving his son still before Pergamus harrased the Territories of the Roman Confederates and taking divers places returned to Sardis Seleucus was presently beaten off and forced to raise his siege by 1000 foot and 100 horse sent to relieve the place by the Achaeans Hannibal worsted at Sea and Hannibal returning with ships from Syria was met by the Rhodians who put him to flight and caused him to be blocked up in Pamphilia 34. Antiochus from Sardis sent to Prusias King of Bithinia A. M. 3815. Ol. 147. ann 3. V. C. 564. Ant. Mag. 34. Ptol. Epiphan 14. to joyn in Confederacy with him against the Romans but he though he formerly hung in suspense yet of late was fully drawn to their party by the Letters of the Scipio's and an Ambassage sent from Rome for the same purpose Failing therefore in this enterprize he went to Ephesus to his Navy where concluding that no other way could he hinder the Consul's passing the Hellespont than by being strongest at Sea he resolved to try another battel and so set upon the Maritime Town near to Ephesus that the Romans coming in to succour their friends Polyxenidas his Admiral might have an opportunity to work some notable feat But he ingaging with 90 Gallies against Eumenes and the Rhodians who made up a Fleet together of about 83. being overmatched both in the valour of his men and the nimblenesse of his Vessels And Polycenidas defeated he lost 42 of his Navy 13 of which together with the men were taken having broken but two of the Romans and by meer chance carryed a Rhodian away with him to Ephesus The King now terrified at the message of this third overthrow madly drew out his Garrison from Lysimachia which might have given a stop to the passage of the Consul lest it should be cut off and raising his siege from before Colophonia departed to Sardis whence he sent into Cappadocia to Ariarathes his son-in-law for aid and all over else where he could bethink himself he raised forces neglecting in the mean time his true opportunities For Polybius Legat. 23. the Scipio's in the mean while came to Lysimachia Antiochus his imprudence where they were received with such plenty of all things as if Provision had been made for the Roman Army and thence marched through the Chersonesus of Thrace to the Hellespont where all things being in readinesse through the care of Eumenes they passed over without any disturbance into Asia He sendeth to the Consul about a peace 35. Antiochus being so besotted as toâly still and suffer the Consul quietly to come over was now exceedingly discouraged and sent out of hand to him and his brother to treat of peace with order also to deal in private with the African about it whose authority he knew would sway his brother to either side indifferently The Ambassador being arrived at the Roman Camp deferred the delivering of his message till the African's coming who was yet behind but after his arrival and audience given had these conditions set him To pay all the expences of the War of which Antiochus had been the cause and not onely quit the Cities in Aeolis and Ionia but all Asia on this side the Mountain Taurus Being no whit satisfied with the proposals he made no further overtures to the Consul but according to his instructions offered to his brother in case he would procure a peace on the terms proposed by his Master the restitution of his son who had been taken prisoner as much money as he would ask and more than that to be partaker of what the Kingdom it self would amount to The African answered that the discharging of his son would exceedingly oblige him and as for the rest had he kept Lysimachia in his hands fortified the passage into the Chersonesus of Thrace or at least had he opposed them at the Hellespont and then offered these conditions much might have been done for him As things now stood he advised to consider into what estate he had brought himself by all means to decline the War and refuse no conditions offered to him But he thought no harsher terms could be imposed upon one already Conquered and therefore casting off all thoughts of peace Rejecting the terms made what Provision he could possible for a battel 36. The Consul being desirous to do something before Winter which now drew on resolved He prepareth for a battel if possible to fight him though his brother the African falling sick had departed to Elea to whom Antiochus now to comfort him restored his son without any ransom which hapning as a Cordial to him in that condition he advised him in way of requital being able to do no more at present that he should not ingage in fight with his brother before his return to the Camp Being much moved with his authority he declined an ingagement to his utmost endeavour but the Consul still dogging him from place to place and being ready to storm his Camp for fear of utterly discouraging his men he was forced to draw them out (a) Livius ut supra Some say he had 70000 Foot and about 12000 Horse though others (b) Appian in Syriacis mention but 70000 in all with 54 Elephants The Consul brought into the field but 30000 whereof two being Macedonians were left to keep the baggage and sixteen African beasts placed in the rear for a reserve lest being worsted by the Indians they should break their ranks The battel was fought near Magnesia a Town situate at the Foot of the Hill Sipylus It hapned then that such a mist
1 Maccab. 7. 2 Mac. 14. and now was not received nor owned by the people because that in the dayes of Epiphanes he had defiled himself came to Demetrius with other Apostates and such like as himself and accused his Countrey-men especially the Hasmonaeans i. e. Judas and his brethren that they had cut off and banished his friends Bachides sent by him against the Jews whereupon he sent one Bachides a trusty friend with great forces into Judaea confirming the Priesthood to Alcimus whom he sent back with him All their design being arrived there was to get Judas into their hands divers Scribes going out to them to sollicit for peace being confident because the Priest was of the seed of Aaron he most wickedly and contrary to his Oath given slew sixty of them in one day then Bachides going from Hierusalem sent about and caused divers that had fled from him and many of the people whom being slain he cast into a great pit and so committing the Countrey to Alcimus to the defence of which he left him some forces he returned unto his King Leaveth Alcimus the High-Priest with some forces After his departure Alcimus striving to confirm himself in the Priesthood made great havock of the people to restrain which Judas went throughout the Countrey and compelled his party to shut themselves up within their holds and growing stronger he restrained their invasions so that Alcimus being afraid of him goes once more unto the King carrying along with him a Crown of Gold a Palm and of the boughs which were used solemnly in the Temple and seeing he could not have any more accesse to the holy Altar taking a fit opportunity when he was asked of the affairs of his Countrey accused the Asidaeans and especially Judas as seditious of depriving him of the Priesthood the honour as he said of his Ancestors and plainly affirmed that as long as Maccabaeus lived the Kings affairs could not be secure This being seconded by some ill-willers to the Jews Demetrius was inflamed and sending for Nicanor one of his chiefest Princes Who accusing Judas Nicanor is sent against him and a bitter Enemy to the Israelites made him Captain over Judea and sent him forth with a Command to slay Judas to scatter them that were with him and make Alcimus High Priest of the great Temple 60. When he was come thither and understood the courage and resolution of Judas his brethren and companions for the defence of their Countrey he feared to try the chance of War and sent to make peace with the people who having agreed unto the Covenants the two Captains came together to consult about the League Nicanor was so taken with Judas as he continued with him loved him in his heart and perswaded him to marry and beget Children and so remained constant in his affection to him till Alcimus perceiving it Nicanor at first much loveth Maccabaeus and understanding the Covenants which were made betwixt them took a third journey to the King told him that Nicanor had taken strange matters in hand and appointed Judas a Traitor to the Realm to be his Successor Demetrius being hereat displeased by Letters checked him for these things and commanded him in all haste to send Maccabaeus bound unto Antioch which grievously troubled him that he who had done no hurt should be thus used but conceving it necessary for him to comply with the pleasure of the King he waited for a convenient opportunity to accomplish it Then complained of by Alcimus seeketh his destruction Behaving himself thenceforth more roughly to him the other suspected something by the great change of his carriage and therefore gathering a few of his men withdrew himself from him but he followed him with a strong power to Hierusalem and drawing him out to talk with him had prepared some to seize on him yet he having notice hereof got away and would see him no more Seeing his design to be discovered he went and fought with him near Capharsalama in which he lost about 5000 of his men and the rest fled into the Citie of David After this he came up to Mount Sion and some of the Priests with the Elders of the people went forth of the sanctuary to salute him peaceably and shew him the burnt-offering that was offered for the King but he jeering hereat demanded Judas to be delivered unto him and they affirming with an Oath that they knew not where he was he stretching out his hand against the Temple swore that except Judas and his forces were delivered up he would when he should return in peace set the sanctuary on fire His blasphemous threats demolish the Altar and build there a stately Temple to Bacchus The Priests hearing this went in and standing before the Altar with tears begged of God that he would frustrate the mans intentions and be avenged upon him and his Host for his blasphemous words 61. Hearing that Judas was gone from Jerusalem into Samaria 1 Maccab. 7. 2.15 he went and pitched his Tents in Bethhoron where new supplies from Syria came to him the Enemy being in Hadasa 30 furlongs off with no more than 3000 men He would fain have fought on the Sabbath day which the Jews who were constrained to follow friendly dehorting him from with great blaspemy uttered against God he refused to hear them demanding if there were a living Lord in heaven who commanded that seventh day to be kept and saying he himself was mighty upon earth to command them to Arm themselves and to perform the Kings businesse He is slain in battel But coming to the ingagement he himself was slain first which when his Army saw they cast away their Arms and fled and the Israelites following the chace slew 30000. so that not one of the Army was left remaining Coming to the plunder of the field they cut off Nicanor's head and hands and carried them to Jerusalem where they were hung up before the Temple his tongue being cut in pieces and cast unto the Fouls The end of the second book of Maccabees Then they decreed that the 13th day of the 12th moneth Adar as the Syrians call it the day before Mardocheus his day should be observed every year as the Author of the second book of Maccabees tells us who with this story finisheth his work 1 Maccab. 8. 9. being the Epitome of the five books of Jason a Jew of Cyrene After Nicanor's death Judaea was quiet for some time and then Judas hearing of the power of the Romans and their compassion of the distressed and how much Demetrius stood in awe of them sent Eupolemus the son of John and Jason the son of Eleazer on an Ambassage to the Senate Bachides and Alcimus sent into Judaea against Judas that entring into society with them the People might be freed from the yoke of Demetrius and the Greeks But Demetrius hearing of the mischance of Nicanor and his
come without a dowry brought over to him the Army of Cyprus whereby thinking himself sufficiently strengthned against his brother he joyned battel with him but was forced to retire unto Antioch Cleopatra continuing here was besieged by Grypus and taken and then Tryphaena his wife and her sister required her to be delivered into her hands that she might put her to death as her enemy and emulator and though he refused it utterly as being against the custom of Warriours to rage against the weaker Sex especially when allied in blood so near as she was and protected by the religion of the Temple to which she fled yet she being more hereat enflamed as judging his answer to proceed from love rather than pity sent some Soldiers in who murdered her imbracing the image of the Goddesse And expelled out of Syria This was not left long unrevenged for Cyzicenus renewing the War and giving battel again to his brother now by the turning of the chance of War overthrew him and taking Tryphaena with her blood appeased the ghost of his wife and expelling Grypus out of Syria seized on the Kingdom 80. Antiochus Grypus fled to Aspendium Excerpt Diodori Siculi Josephus lib. 13. cap. 17 18. whence he got the sirname of Aspendius but the next year returning ordered the matter so with his brother The two brothers reign together that the Kingdom being divided he made him be contented with Coelesyria Both of them after this gave up themselves to nothing but idlenesse and luxurie onely preying upon each other as their opportunities served them which difference of theirs mightily conduced to the setlement of the affairs of the Jews Cyzicenus getting of Ptolomy Lathurus 6000 men went to relieve Samaria which Hyrcanus besieged by wasting his territories but to no purpose Afterwards it hapned that Lathurus being expelled Aegypt by his mother and she fearing that by the help of Cyzicenus he might recover his Kingdom she sent great supplies to Grypus Justin ut prius with Selenes for a wife whom she had taken from her son before his expulsion to provoke him thereby against his brother whence succeeded those civil Wars betwixt them concerning which we have onely the title left unto us in the Epitome of the 68 Book of Livie who related the story Grypus died first being slain by the treachery of one Haeracleon after he had lived 45 years Joseph ut supra cap. 21. and reigned 26 wherof 15 were in conjunction with his brother He left five sons whereof Seleucus his eldest and successor made War upon his uncle Cyzicenus for the Kingdom and overthrew him in battel after which the Horse of Cyzicenus ran away with him into his Camp wherein when he was about to be taken he killed himself after he had reigned eighteen years Porphyr apud Eusebium Seleucus after this obtained Antioch and the Kingdom but against him arose Antiochus sirnamed Eusebes Great stirs amongst their sons or Pius the son of Cyzicenus who having avoided his snares by the help of a certain Courtizan that extremely loved him went to Aradus where taking a Diadem he gathered forces and in one battel clearly overthrew him Seleucus then fled into Cilicia where being received by the Mopsuestians as they are called when he began to exact money of them had fire set to the house wherein he lay and was burned quick with those about him 81. Two twin brothers of Seleucus Antiochus and Philip Idem ibid. caried down forces to Mopsuestia which having taken in revenge for their brothers death levelled it with the ground Josephus ibid. but Antiochus Pius coming presently upon them overthrew them in fight Antiochus taking the River Orontes in his flight was drowned Philip escaping caried the title of King Appian in Syriacis and gathering again considerable forces strugled hard with Antiochus for the whole Realm till such time as Ptolomy Lathurus calling from Cuidus his fourth brother Demetrius made himself King at Damascus so that they joyning their forces together they both opposed Antiochus who though he manfully resisted yet was put to the worst and glad at last to flie into Parthia whence yet returning after two years he re-obtained Syria Philip being thus deprived of that Kingdom fell into contest with his other two brothers Demetrius Eucaerus and Antiochus sirnamed Dionysus for the Kingdom of Damascus and being driven into Beraea was there besieged by Demetrius Joseph Antiquit lib. 13. cap. 22 23. Straton the Governour of Beraea being Philip's friend calls in Zius the Arabian Captain and Mithridates Sinax who coming with a great power overthrew Demetrius raised his siege and taking him prisoner sent him into Parthia where he was honourably treated till his death and Philip marching to Antioch again as it 's said obtained the Kingdom of Syria or as is most probable part of it Antiochus Dionysus the younger brother getting Damascus into his hands made War against the Arabians and was slain in a battel with their King Aretas who then was chosen King by the inhabitants of Damascus and thereby obtained the Kingdom of Coelesyria The histories which onely give us hints of these things are so confounded as no certain thing concerning the ends of Antiochus Pius or Philip can be assigned yet this we find Justin lib. 40. that the Syrians taking occasion at these dissentions and Wars of the Seleucidae amongst themselves began to think of forein aides and cast their minds upon forein Kings At length they all agreed to make choice of Tigranes King of Armenia Tigranes getteth Syria who being called in held Syria for the space of 18 years and by his dealing with them made them know they had had no reason to rebel against their natural and rightful Princes 82. Antiochus Pius being outed thus by Tigranes of all Syria Appian in Syriacis Mithridaticis Justin lib. 40. Joseph lib. 13. cap. ult from Euphrates to the Sea and also of part of Cilicia lay hid in another corner of it which neither the Armenian nor Roman as yet touched and his wife Selene with her two sons reigned as it 's termed in Phoenicia with some part of the lower Syria till being besieged in Seleucia a City of Mesopotamia or Ptolomais she was therein taken by Tigranes and killed for that she endeavoured to recover Syria as justly she might out of his hands For fourteen years Tigranes governed the Country by one Magadates till such time as siding with his Father in Law Mithridates the Great of Pontus Appian in Syriacis against the Romans and overthrown by them he was forced to recall him with his Army Antiochus the son of Antiochus Pius sirnamed Asiaticus taking this opportunity insinuated himself into the Principality the Syrians being not unwilling Antiochus Asiaticus recovering it out of respect to the dignity of his family and Lucullus the Roman General whose work it was to drive Tigranes out of his new
for there Antiochus Appian in Syriacis who had put away his former wife upon the marriage of Berenice his sister now overcome with Love took her and her Children again into his Court whereupon she fearing yet his ficklenesse and another disgrace to prevent it procured him to be poysoned Hieronym in Daniel and conveyed his Kingdom to Seleucus Callinicus her eldest son Berenice she committed to two of the Chief of Antioch to be made away but the Lady when she heard that some were sent to kill her shut up her self in Daphna where being besieged the Cities of Asia Ptolomy Euergetes his Wars with Antiochus Theos moved with the remembrance of the Dignity of her family sent her aid and Ptolomy her brother marched in all haste possible to deliver her but ere she could be relieved she was circumvented by those that with an Oath promised her security and slain together with her young son Out of disdain at this unworthy act the Cities revolted to Ptolomy who entring Syria killed Laodice passed to Babylon Josephus contra Apion lib. 2. and got almost all Asia into his hands at which time he visited Jerusalem also where he offered many sacrifices of praise to God and dedicated gifts suitable to so great a victory The Kingdom of Syria had become a Province to that of Egypt in all probability at this time had he not been recalled by domestick troubles which being very urgent he left Cilicia to the Governance of Antiochus his great favourite to Xanthippus another of his Captains the Provinces beyond Euphrates and so plundring Seleucus his Kingdom of 40000 Talents of silver he carried down also many costly Vessels and Images of Idols to the number of 2500. amongst which were those which Cambyses had after his overthrow of Amasis and Psammiticus conveyed out of Egypt And therefore the Egyptians because after so many years he had restored to them their gods honoured him with the sirname of Euergetes 4. Seleucus provided a Fleet for the recovery of the places revolted Justin ut priùs but before he could come to use it lost it all by a Tempest which yet proved the greatest gain for the Cities out of commiseration of his estate and as if he had already sufficiently smarted for his paricide returned again to their obedience Being exceedingly encouraged and animated herewith as richer by his losse he then made War upon Ptolomy but as if he had been born for a laughing stock to fortune and not recovered the Kingdom for himself he was overthrown again in battel and as destitute of followers as after the shipwrack fled to Antioch when applying a remedy worse than the disease he sent to his brother Antiochus from his ravenous disposition sirnamed Hierax for aid and so Ptolomy fearing himself not to be able to graple with both His wife Berenice's hair giveth name to a Constellation made a Truce with him for ten years Whilest he was abroad in Asia his wife Berenice daughter to his Uncle Magas and betrothed to him as we said before vowed to consecrate her hair to the gods in case he returned safe and accordingly cutting it off laid it up in a certain Chapel whereupon Conon the Mathematician who flourished at this time out of flattery to them both feigned it to be taken up into heaven and invented that constellation which yet is known by the name of it In his time a Phoenix is reported the third time after the dayes of Sesostris and the next after them of Amasis to have flown being a bird sacred to the Sun accompanied with a great number of other birds admiring her new face to the Citie Heliopolis as Tacitus tells us Annal. lib. 6. who reports that the same thing hapned afterwards in the reign of Tiberius Paulus Fabius and L. Vitellius being Consuls To this Ptolomy fled Cleomenes the King of Sparta after his overthrow received from Antigonus Doson of Macedonia and the Achaeans Polyb. lib. 5. Flutarch in vita Cleomen who honorably receiving him and prizing him very much for his worth was much ashamed that he had suffered such a man to be defeated and promised to re-establish him but he died before he could bring it about after he had reigned 24 years in the 139th Olympiad within which Polybius * Sub fidem lib. 2. observes both Antigonus Doson and Seleucus Ceraunus King of Macedonia to have left the World and their Kingdoms to their Successors 5. His son succeeded him being sirnamed Philopater ironically if we believe Justin Lib. 29. 30. who out of Trogus accuseth him of making away both father and mother Certainly if we look at his general carriage and disposition he was likely enough to do it giving up himself to all luxury and effeminatenesse thereby neglecting his affairs whence he obtained the name of Tryphon Ptolomy Philopator A. M. 3783. Ol. 139. ann 2. V.C. 532. Antioch M. 2. Polybius lib. 5. Finding his brother Magas by his mothers means to be very great with the Army he made them both away by the means of Sosibius who was his greatest Counsellour and manager of his publick businesse His lazinesse and neglect encouraged Antiochus the Great to make War upon him for Coelesyria in which though he got the better yet can it not be ascribed to any thing of his he thinking of nothing lesse than preparation for resistance and whereas he had opportunity enough after the battel to have outed his Enemy of Syria yet being overjoyed that he had recovered Coelesyria onely he sent Sosibius to confirm the peace In his return out of Syria he went to Jerusalem and would needs see the inward holy places of the Temple but was smitten so with a blind horror that he fell and could scarcely be recovered to himself but departing home raged against the Jews at Alexandria Then with great earnestnesse returning to his a little intermitted jollities he doted so upon Agathoclea his Concubine that he killed his sister and wife Eurydice and forgetting all credit and Majesty spent the nights in filthinesse and the dayes in feasting These things at first privately acted within the Court Walls presently shamed nor at the publick view the impudence of the Strumpet containing it self in no bounds being increased by the favour of her brother Agathocles one of as filthy a life as her self and the Conjunction of her mother Euanthe who spent high and presumed much on the score of her Children's great grace with the King Henceforth these women not contenting themselves with the King possessed the Kingdom also and shamed not to appear in publick in great equipage to be reverenced As for Agathocles he reigned and not Ptolomy by the direction and advice of his two Assistants Mother and Sister disposing of Offices and Commands in the Army at his pleasure 6. Yet Polybius ibid. Plutarch in Cleomen had Ptolomy the strange fortune to overcome all difficulties he met with
his Inn the house of an Alexandrian Painter which when the Senate understood they sent for him and made as formal an excuse as possible that they had neither sent a Quaestor to meet him after the fashion of the receiving persons of his quality nor entertained him at the publick charge which hapned not by any neglect on their part but by reason of his sudden and secret arrival Then was he conducted from the Court to the publick House of entertainment and desired that laying off his unseemly habit he would move for audience and a Qaaestor was appointed to make him presents every day Philometor being expelled by his rebellious brother is restored by the Romans Euergetes or Physcon complaining they also give him relief At length according to his desire Polybius Legat. 113. Canuceius and Quintus were sent back with him to Alexandria who restored him to the Kingdom and made the two brothers assent to a division of it whereby Philometor was to hold Egypt and Cyprus and Euergetes possesse Cyrene the Covenant being most solemnly confirmed But Euergetes not being at all satisfied in his part hasted to Rome to reverse the agreement alleging that he gave not his consent freely at all but out of necessity of yielding to the times wherefore he desired of the Senate that Cyprus might be also adjudged to him with the addition of which his part would yet be far inferiour to his brothers Menethyllus being sent after him by Philometor replied that he ought not onely Cyrene but his life also to his brother so great hatred had he contracted from their subjects that with the wonder of all and beyond his hopes was that Kingdom bestowed on him and urged the agreement most religiously made and confirmed with faith given on both sides But Ptolomy denying stifly all this the Senate for that it seemed to them that the parting of the Kingdom was not yet fully concluded and especially thinking it to be for their interest that the division should be equal assented to his request and ordered T. Torquatus and Cn. Merula to go with him and put Cyprus into his hands For the Romans understanding now fully the strength of Egypt and considering what it might aspire to if united wisely made use of this difference and gratified the two brothers one after the other in their ambitious but imprudent desires 15. Departing out of Italy into Greece Polyb. Legat. 115.16.17 he there hired a strong band of men intending to sayl with them for Cyprus but the Roman Commissioners calling to mind the Decree of the Senate which was that they should reduce him without force perswaded him again to dismisse them and passe over to Cyrene and they in the mean time going to Alexandria would endeavour to perswade his brother to comply with the Senate and bringing him along with them meet him in the Confines of both Kingdoms He accordingly went to Crete where hiring 9000 Soldiers he passed over to Libyna where he expected to hear from Alexandria but the Romans there treating with his brother about a reconciliation and the yielding of Cyprus up to him something he assented to and put off others on purpose drawing out the time in length Fourty dayes with extraordinary entertainment he detained them at Alexandria during which time news came to Euergetes that the Cyrenians had revolted from him who understanding well the mind of his brother from his present carriage and seeing nothing suitable to royalty in Euergetes acting all things after a Tyrannical manner could not bring themselves to submit any longer to his Government Hearing this he sayled to Catabathmus thence to make for Cyrene in which place he found the Straights kept against him but sending some about to come upon the Defendants on their backs set upon them also himself and so cleared the passage but coming to Cyrene and ingaging with the Natives was worsted by them Whether he recruited himself again and recovered his Sovereignty here or no we have nothing from History to speak expresly but not long after he was in a capacity to attempt Cyprus being encouraged by the Senates renouncing their friendship with his brother upon his account where he was also overthrown by his brother and then besieged and taken in the Citie Lapithus Yet did Philometor spare him what for his innate clemency and brotherly affection and for fear of the Romans and not onely so but made a Covenant with him when Conquered wherein he restored him Cyrene and for Cyprus certain Cities with a quantity of Corn yearly and promised him his daughter in marriage worse than this being not accounted incest in that Countrey 16. Not long did they accord for Euergetes Polyb. Legat. 132. some two or three years after being incouraged by his former successe made another journey to Rome where in the Senate he made another loud complaint against his brother accusing him of plotting against his life for a witnesse of which design he shewed skars upon his body and aggravating the thing with all his might endeavoured to move the minds of all to compassion Two Ambassadors were present from Philometor to answer to whatsoever he should accuse him of but all mens ears were so filled with the others accusation that no place would be found for their defence so that they were instantly commanded to be gone and five Commissioners were appointed furnished all with Gallies to go and bring him into possession of Cyprus their Associates also both in Greece and Asia being written to and leave given to as many as would to assist him in the recovery of it Josephus Antiquit lib. 13. cap. 6. What was done as to the recovery of it through defect of History we are ignorant though some grounds we have to think he did not obtain the Island and no more do we hear of him till his brothers death Onias the Jew buildeth a Temple in Egypt In the dayes of this Philometor Onias the son of Onias the third High-Priest of the Jews seeing the Priesthood to be alienated from his family into that of the Hasmonaeans living in Egypt and having well deserved of the King in his Wars that he might eternize his memory petitioned him for leave to build a Temple in the Province of Heliopolis after the fashion of that at Jerusalem signifying that thereby would be better provided for the quiet of his Kingdom the Jews badly agreeing amongst themselves through the variety of their places of vvorship in that Countrey and misapplying the Prophecy of Isaiah Chap. 19. A. M. 3853. Ol. 157. ann 1. V.C. 602. Demet. Soteris 11. Ptol. Philom 29. concerning the spiritual Priesthood and reign of Christ to this his ambitions and unlawfull design His Petition was granted and in that Countrey built he a Temple resembling the true and lawfull one 180 furlongs distant from Memphis onely he put therein no Candlestick but hung up a Lamp in a Golden string which cast a light about like
and with other supplies out of Syria and the Legions which were at his command followed him Coming into Judaea and hearing he was in a Castle near Coreas he sent to him to come and speak him which he obeyed being advised by those about him to take heed of Warring with the Romans When he had disputed the case with his brother he returned to the Castle and so he did divers times willing to please Pompey and pretending a willingnesse to obey him in all things but providing still for the War fearing the Principality might be bestowed upon Hyrcanus And followeth Aristobulus into Judaea Lib. 14. cap. 7. Pompey in conclusion required him to deliver up into his hands the Garrisons and write to the Governours of them for that purpose which he obeyed also A. M. 3942. but then presently departed to Jerusalem there to prepare for War He followed him and in the way heard how Mithridates of Pontus was killed by his son Pharnaces His first nights quarters he took up at Jericho where the Trees grew that being cut distilled with the precious Balsamum and the next day marching towards Jerusalem Aristobulus forethinking what he had done came and met him offered him money and referred himself to his pleasure so that omitting War he would order things in a peaceable manner He pardoning him sent Gabinius to Jerusalem to fetch the money but he being shut out by Aristobulus his Soldiers returned empty handed which Pompey taking in great disdain committed Aristobulus to custody and went himself to the Citie There were two factions disagreeing from each other Cap. 8. that of Aristobulus brake down the bridge which went out of the Citie to the Temple and therein fortified themselves whereupon the other let in the Romans into the Citie and Palace Then did Pompey besiege the Temple filled up with the great toyl of his Soldiers the Ditch before it and then with Engines brought from Tyre battered the Wall taking occasion at the superstition of the Jews who thought it sinfull to do any thing on the Sabbath-dayes but defend themselves Besiegeth his party in the Temple and taketh it The greatest Tower being battered down the Romans broke in Cornelius Faustus the son of Sylla first entring the breach and then made slaughter of 12000. the Priests even then as they had done all the siege not neglecting to offer sacrifices and amongst the rest Absalom the Uncle and father-in-law of Aristobulus was taken being the youngest son of Hyrcanus Pompey with many followers entred into the Temple and looked on those things which it was unlawfull for any but the Priests to behold yet touched nothing he saw so great was his abstinency The Temple was taken as Josephus tells us in the third moneth and the fast day which was kept in memory of Jehoiakâm's burning the Roll in the 179 Olympiad C. Antonius and M. Tullius Cicero being Consuls A. M. 3942. about 62 years before the birth of Christ 17. Pompey restored the Priesthood to Hyrcanus Idem ibid. with the Government of the Countrey * Lib. 20. cap. 8. forbidding him the wearing of the Diadem because amongst several other services he had done him during the siege he had also kept the Countrey-men from taking up Arms for Aristobulus He restoreth the Priesthood to Hyrcanus forbidding him the Diadem and carrieth Aristobulus and his sons to Rome Then putting to death the Authors of the Sedition he made the Jews Tributaries to the people of Rome the Cities they held in Coelesyria he took away and subjected them to a Governour of their own and the whole Nation much elevated then with successe abroad he contracted within its own bounds Aristobulus his brother being the cause of all these troubles of the losing of the Countreys liberty to the Romans who within a short time exacted above 10000 Talents of it Idem lib. 14. cap. 10. de bello lib. 1. cap. 6. Pompey having left Syria to the Government of Scaurus with two Legions hasted to Rome leading Aristobulus bound thither with him with two sons and as many daughters One of his sons escaped in the journey and returned into Judaea where he got together a considerable power and awed his Uncle Hyrcanus unable to resist him and who when now he was about to repair the Walls of Jerusalem demolished by Pompey was forbidden to do it by the Romans But within a while Gabinius was sent from Rome to Govern Syria He undertook the War against him now having 10000 foot and 1500 horse at his Command but for all these he overthrew him not far from Jerusalem killing and taking 6000 of them and then besieged him in the Castle Alexandrium whither he had fled Leaving here sufficient strength for carrying on the siege he went and visited the Countrey His son Aristobulus escapeth and is defeated by Gabinius and he himself also getteth away from Rome causing divers Cities to be re-edified and then returning and more powerfully inforcing the siege Alexander yielded himself and the Castles which by his mothers advice to Gabinius were demolished lest they should nourish another War Gabinius then went to Jerusalem and established Hyrcanus in the Priesthood but cantonized the Countrey into five parts which he ordered to be governed by an Aristocratical way One division was to be governed by an Assembly at Jerusalem another by one at Gadaâa a third at Amathus a fourth at Jericho and a fifth by one sitting at Saphora a Town of Samaria The Jews very gladly imbraced this Government But Aristobulus not long after escaped from Rome and coming into Judaea ministred occasion of further trouble 18. Coming into his own Countrey Idem ibid. lib. 14. cap. 11. he presently found some who out of desire of innovation sided with him amongst the which was Pitholaus the Governour of Jerusalem who revolted to him with 1000 men A. M. 3949. Ol. 181. ann 1. V. C. 698. Hyrcani 8. He first seized upon Alexandrium and went about to re-edifie the Walls thereof but knowing that Gabinius had sent against him three of his Officers he departed toward Machaerus dismissing the unarmed multitude and making a choice of 8000 men The Romans following he gave them battel in which he fought stoutly till his men being overpowered 5000 of them were slain upon the place almost 2000 fled to an Hill not far of and a thousand with him breaking through the Enemy to Machaerus There he thought to renew the War having fortified the place but being besieged and holding it out two dayes he could no longer withstand but was taken and together with his son Aristobulus He is taken and sent back by Gabinius who it seems got away with him sent back to Rome where he was more narrowly looked to but his sons because Gabinius had so agreed with their mother in consideration of the delivering up of the Castles formerly mentioned were sent back by the Senate Then prepared Gabinius
forrage he set upon the rest with their Captain Whom he treacherously murdereth who though he resisted yet being overborn was slain most treacherously and Agathocles then forcing them to lay down their Arms got into his power the whole Army having aforehand stirred up his Soldiers against Ophellas by feigning that he lay in wait for his life Bomilcar seeketh to invade the Tyranny at Carthage and miscarrieth 14. Whilest Agathocles was in hand with this treacherous design Bomilcar having long intended but still out of fear deferred the invasion of the Tyranny communicating his intention to 500 Citizens and 1000 Mercenarieâ broke out into open Rebellion against his Countrey Having seized on the new Citie he thence invaded the old which caused great consternation at first whilest every one feared they had been betrayed into the Enemies hands but understanding the matter they presently made head against him who going on in his way made slaughters of all he met but what with opposing him in the streets and throwing down stones from the houses they drove him back again into the new Citie through the narrow wayes and there besieged him At length upon promise of pardon for what had passed an agreement was made and his followers by reason of the danger the Citie stood in were all dismissed without any punishment but he notwithstanding the faith given to him was most ignominiously and with great Tortures put to death 15. Idem ad ann 2 The year after Agathocles hearing that the Captains of Alexander had taken the Titles of Kings upon them for that he thought himself neither inferiour to them in power Agathocles taketh the title of King Territories or for valiant acts he called himself King in like manner yet took he not the Diadem being accustomed constantly to wear a Crown of Myrtles heretofore either for the Ceremony of some Priesthood or as * Aelian Var. Hist lib. 11. cap. 4. others have conceived by reason of baldnesse which rendred him exceedingly uncomely about the head Then to attempt something worthy of so great a Title he fell upon Utica near which taking 300 of the Inhabitants which upon his coming had been shut out when he could not perswade them to yield he framed an Engine A. M. 3698. Ol 118. ann 2. V. C. 447. Seleuci 6. Ptol. Lagi 17. to which he tied many of them and drawing it along to that place where he intended to break into the Town exposed them either to be shot to death by their friends or else if they within out of affection to them should forbear then could he easily enter The Defendants yet preferring their Countreys safety before that of a few private men when they could do no lesse repulsed the Enemy with all possible endeavour but for all this Agathocles broke in at another place and filled the Citie with slaughter no regard being had to any condition and after he had overcome them also in a Sea-fight placed a Garrison there and subdued all the Maritime Towns under his power Though he prospered thus in Africk yet was he sollicitous for Sicily where the Agrigentines had made some progresse in freeing the Cities but now of late had received so great a blow from his Captains that broke in pieces their design Just after the fight was over he arrived and making a progresse about the Island recovered most of the Towns onely he was repulsed with great losse from Centorippa and upon the same terms gained Appollonia Henceforth his affairs began universally to decline Returning into Sicily his affairs go down the wind both there and in Africk In Sicily Dinocrates got so great an Army of Exiles together that he durst not fight him though continually dared and dogged at the heels In Africk his son Arthagathus prospered very much at the first through the good fortune of Eumachus who subdued many places But the Senate at Carthage dividing their Army into three parties whereof one was to march for the Maritime parts another for the Inland and the last for the upper Countreys they thereby attained their ends viz. to lessen their number in the Citie which made all Provisions scarce by sending out 30000 men to contain their Allies in fidelity by giving them hopes of relief and which was the chiefest to force the Enemy also to divide his Army and so draw him down from Carthage it self 16. For Archagathus dividing his Army to oppose the Carthaginians in the several quarters lost almost the two parts thereof which he sent out under Conduct of two several Captains to the number of about 19000 men so that the Carthaginians reduced almost all places back to obedience all the Confederates revolted except a few and Archagathus being distressed for want of all things and the remainder of his Army in great terrour he sent to his father into Sicily to acquaint him in what posture matters stood and to desire speedy relief He seeing his affairs go down the wind in that Island was sollicitous how to leave it and 300 Vessels of the Carthaginians blocked up the mouth of the Haven so that he could not stir out But 18 Vessels coming in from Hetruria he perswaded the Masters thereof being friends to put out and then when the Carthaginians as he expected gave them the chace he fell in upon their Rear and beyond all hope got a victory over them boarding five of their Fleet which he took together with the Defenders Hereat encouraged he sent Leptines against Agrigentum knowing Xenodocus their General then to be out of favour with a great part of the Town and he seeing himself unable to graple with him stirred not out but provoked by the Citizens so that being worsted for fear of condemnation he fled to Gela. Agathocles now feasted the people for joy making himself common with all and giving them vvine to excesse so that their vvits being out when that once was in they might speak their minds and he thereby know their inclinations for he feared that after his departure they might call in Dinocrates and the Exiles and restore again the popular Government Being to return into Africk he maketh a Massacre at Syracuse Having by this means got out who they were that distasted his power he feasted them again by themselves with other 500 who bore the most noble minds and compassing them in with his Mercenaries slew them every man 17. Then sayled he over into Africk vvhere he found his Army in a low and desolate condition for vvant of necessaries Therefore resolved he to fight though far inferiour to the Carthaginians vvho sought rather to draw out the time in length knowing the condition of the Enemy but he leading down his men to their Trenches forced them to come out and give battel in vvhich he fighting valiantly yet vvas vvorsted vvith the losse of 3000 men After this a sudden calamity seized upon both the Armies by reason of mistakes For the Carthaginians offering the
hinteth At this Lustrum were cessed 271224 polls of Roman Citizens as appeareth from the Epitome of the 14 Book of Livie's History 17. The Roman name had begun to be famous before but was terrible after the overthrow of Pyrrhus In the second year after his flight (a) Livii Ep. l. 14. Eutrop. l. 2. Val. Max. l. 4. c. 3. ex 9. Ptolomy Philadelphus sent Ambassadors to congratulate with the Romans about their successe and to enter into confederacy with them They sent to do him honour Ptolomy Philadelphus by an Embasie maketh a confederacy with the Romans Ambassadors also to Alexandria where he received them most courteously and sent them back loaded with gifts At their return they brought the gifts though given to themselves in particular into the Treasury but the Senate commanded them to be restored In the third year after the departure of Pyrrhus the (b) Orosius l. 4. c. 3. Xonaras A. M. 3733. Ol. 127. an 1. V. C. 482. Seleucid 41. Antioch Sot 11. Ptol. Philad 13. Tarentines being neither able to drive out the Garrison he had there left under Milo nor procure Peace of the Romans desired aid of the Carthaginians wherewith giving the Romans battel they were overthrown Milo sensible how badly he was able to resist by leave from the Consul Papirius departed with his men and left the Castle which the Romans having got into their hands easily mastered the City the walls whereof they demolished Peace and liberty was granted to the Citizens and the two Consuls L. Papirius Cursor The Castle and Town of Tarentum taken most of Italy being now subdued and Sp. Cornelius Maximus both Consuls the second time triumphed having finished both the Tarentine War and that of the Samnites in the 481 or 482 year of the City as the Capitoline tables do shew The greatest part of Italy was now conquered an accession being made not onely of the Tarentines and Samnites but the Lucanians also and a little before of the Etruscans After this the (c) Livii Epit. lib. 15. Val. Max. l. 6 c. 6. exemp 5. Campanian Legion which without command had seized upon Rhegium was besieged and upon surrender was put to death The inhabitants of Apollonia in Illyricum sending Ambassadors to Rome the two Aeâiles Q. Fabius and Cn. Apronius beat them and for that were delivered up to the Apolloniates The Picentes were overcome and had peace given them SECT 2. Colonies were sent forth to Ariminum in the Country of the Piceni and to Beneventum till now called Maleventum in that of the Samnites About the same time was silver Coin first stamped at Rome brasse being used altogether till now the State having got much silver in a Castle of the Samnites as Xonaras writeth Silver money first stamped This hapned five years before the first Punick War as (d) Lib. 33. c. 3. Pliny computeth C. Fabius Pictor and Q. Ogulnius Gallus being Consuls in the fourteenth year of Antiochus Soter and the sixteenth of Ptolomy Philadelphus A. M. 3736 267 before the birth of Christ SECT II. From the First Punick War to that with Antiochus the Great in which the Romans first invaded Asia the space of 37 years 1. THe Umbri and Sallentini being newly subdued and the number of Quaestors being increased to eight the Romans took occasion to transfer their Armies over the Sea into Sicily and begun that which from the Island that gave both occasion to and was the seat of it is by Greek Writers called the Sicilian War There had the Mamertines most perfidiously seized on Messana The original of the Sicilian or first Punick War as is already related and thereupon were become Enemies to Hieron King of Syracuse who besieged them justly as thieves and murderers and had taken the City but that Annibal the Carthaginian cunningly diverted him with an intention to get it into his own hands as it came to passe for pretending fair things to the Mamertines as before to Hiero and sending them in provisions he possessed himself of the Castle They being thus cheated by him and now straightned by both who had joyned together against them betook themselves to the Romans for relief The Senate begun to be very sensible of the power of the Carthaginians who had now almost the whole Island in their hands and was jealous of their approach so near to Italy so that a just quarrel with them seemed very acceptable But so bad was the cause of the Mamertines as they could not in conscience undertake the patronage of it and gave them a denial A. M. 3740. Ol. 128. an 4. V. C. 490. Seleucid 49. Antioch Sât 19. Ptolom Philad 21. From the Senate the thing was brought to the People which besides it's antient use to debate matters concerning War had by the Hortensian Law obtained power by it's Plebiscita to bind the whole State The Praetors shewed what great profit would redound to the Commonwealth in general and particularly to private Citizens who having suffered much by the late Italian Wars were desirous by a new one to recruit their fortunes and therefore by a Plebiscitum they decreed aid to bee sent to the Mamertines in the 489 year of the City Q. Fabius Maximus Gurges the third time and L. Mamilius Vitulus being Consuls 2. In the year following and the Consulship of Appius Claudius Caudex and M. Fulvius Flaccus Appius was sent over with an Army to Messana to execute the commands of the People He first defeated Hiero then the Carthaginians and so raised the siege The succeeding Consuls Manius Octacilius and M. Valerius Maximus were ordered both and with all the Legions Hiero King of Syracuse being worsted maketh his peace with the Romans to passe into Sicily wherewith Hiero was affrighted into obedience perceiving that the Romans were most likely to remain Victors and made his Peace upon these terms To restore all their prisoners without ransom and pay 100 Talents of Silver The Romans imbraced his frienship the more readily for that the Carthaginians being masters at Sea they could not well send over provisions which they hoped might be supplied by him in good measure They also by this alliance thought themselves eased of the burthen of War and therefore the next year they sent over but two Legions Valerius the Consul from Messana had the sirname of Messala who also having taken Catana carried thence a new Sundial to Rome Papirius Cursor having thirty years before set up the first that ever was in that City A Dial brought out of Sicily to Rome This though not perfect the People used 99 years till M. Philippus their Censor set up a perfect one by it and about the same time Scipio Nasica being Censor first divided the equal division of the day into hours by water dropping out of one vessel into another And Barbers This Pliny relateth out of Varro who also reported that out of Sicily the first Barbers were brought
of Sardinia by T. Manâius Torquatus the Consul In the following year being the 520 of the City the first (b) Val. Max. l. 2. c. 1. exemp 4. Agellius l. 17. c. 21. Dionys Halicarn divorce was made by Sp. Carvilius Ruga who though he did it under a specious pretence of his wives barrennesse was ever ill-willed for it by the People This same year was M. Porcius (c) Cicero de Senectute born in the precincts of Tusculum who had the name of (d) Plutarch in Catone Cato for his wisdom Catus in the Roman language whence the diminutive Catulus signifying sagacious acute or ingenious And this year did Cn. Naevius the Poet (e) Agellius ut supra publish playes to the People Câ Naevius the Poet. who wrote also the first Punick war wherein he served in the most ancient kind of Verse called Saturnii Versus which were succeeded by the Fescennini some being with metre and some without He died in the 30 year after this and left a proud (f) Idem l. 1. c. 24. Epitaph of his own making which he commanded should be ingraven on his Tomb and Gellius hath recorded together with those of Plautus and Pacuvius 23. Five years the Temple of Janus continued shut and in the sixth was opened by a War with the Illyrians For Teuta Queen of that Nation Polybius l. 2. the widdow of Agron who for joy that he had prospered in his enterprises against the Aetolians drank so hard that he fell into a Pleurisie and thereof died elevated by her prosperity in Peace gave out commissions to her Subjects to rob all at Sea whomsoever they met with The Illyrians then having taken Phoenice a strong City of Epirus struck a great terror into all the maritime parts of Greece and setting upon the Italian Merchants some they robbed The Illyrians infest the Italians at sea others they killed and not a few they caried away prisoners The Romans having hitherto neglected all complaints against them when now many came together sent unto Illyricum Caius and Lucius Coruncani to inform themselves concerning these matters Teuta answered she would take care that no publick injury should be offered to the Romans but it was not the custom to hinder any from making what private commodity they could out of the Sea But saith Lucius the Romans have a good custom publickly to prosecute private injuries and to relieve the injured therefore we will shortly endeavour God willing to constrain thee to amend these customs The Queen took this liberty of speech so hainously that her womanish impotency and anger prevailed against the Law of Nations to have some sent after the Ambassadors who killed Lucius For this War was decreed against her Whence a War ensueth and both the Consuls of the 525 year of the City Cn. Fulvins Centumalus and L. Posthumius Albinus Consul the second time were sent into Illyricum Fulvius with the Navy and his Collegue with the Land-Army 24. Fulvius received Corcyra A. M. 3776. Ol. 137. an 4. V.C. 525. Sel. Callinici 18. Ptol. Euerg 18. Idem Justin given up into his hands by Demetrius Pharius then took he Apollonia and the Armies joyning the Consuls freed Dyrrhachium besieged by the Illyrians Then most of the Illyrick Cities were either taken or delivered up whereupon the Queen retired with a few followers to Rhizon a strong Town situate upon a River of the same name and the Spring following sent to Rome to desire Peace It was granted to her on these terms Peace is granted to Teuta the Queen To pay a yearly tribute to quit all Illyricum except a very few places and Not to sail beyond the River Quissus with more than two Barks and these unarmed For nine years the Illyrians continued in obedience till the 535 year of the City wherein rebelling they were again reduced by Aemilius Paulus and M. Livius the Consuls For Demetrius Pharius then their King forgetting the great favours received from the People of Rome wasted the Towns of Illyricum subject to the Romans and passed the bounds set by the League Aemilius within seven dayes took Dimalium and followed him to Pharus a Town of the Island Phario which he also took Demarius being fled to Philip King of Macedonia he seized on the rest of Illyricum which he ordered to pay a stipend to Pineus the son of Agron But thus was begun and finished the War with Teuta which Florus according to his custom breaking the order and series of time falsly placeth after the Gallicum Cisalpinum or that with the Galls inhabiting within the Alps. 25. For the same year wherein the Peace was made with Teuta A. M. 3777. V.C. 526. the promulgating of the Agragrian Law by C. Flaminius Tribune of the people brought this great The Seditious attempts of Flaminius the Tribune and dangerous War upon the Commonwealth There being a good quantity of ground Conquered within the Countrey of these Galls he preferred a Law for the dividing of it to the people man by man Q. Fabius Maximus being now Consul the second time stifly opposed it Sp. Carbilius his Collegue not stirring as (a) De Senect Cicero telleth us the Senate also laboured to crosse it but when in the Rostra Flaminius read the Law his father laying hands on him he obeyed and went down though he neither valued the Consul nor Senate nor yet was affrighted with the levying of an Army Nay the people about him was so overawed by paternal right that Lib. 5. cap. 4. Exemp 5. as Valerius Maximus writeth though the Assembly was thus disappointed not the least muttering was heard Whether the Law for division fully passed or not by reason of the interruption by old Flaminius yet this thing gave occasion to a new and great War as Polybius writeth who mistaketh the time by four years for as much as these stirs about the Agrarian fell not out in the 522. but the 526 of the Citie wherewithall the second Consulship of Fabius Maximus and that of Sp. Carnilius Maximus is joyned Indeed the first of Fabius fell in with the 521 year of the Citie two years before Teuta killed the Ambassador and two more at least before the finishing of the Illyrian War whence may be conjectured that as the mistake of Polybius might arise from want of distinction betwixt the first and second Confulships of Fabius so the error of Florus or him who ever wrote that System in placing the Gallick War before the Illyrian might proceed from an inconsiderate trust to the Authority of that excellent Author 26. The report concerning this Law awakened the Galls especially the Boii Occasioneth the War called Bellum Gallicum Cisalpinum who were nearest neighbours Concluding now that the Romans fought not so much for glory and dominion as out of a covetous design of inriching themselves they sent to the Insubres for aid exhorting them to remember what their Ancestors once
with his son Seleucus besieged Pergamus the Chief Citie of Enmenes the friend of the Romans was forced to raise his siege He sent to Aemilius the Roman Admiral now on those Coasts about peace who disowned any power of concluding it without the Consul Then did the Rhodians at Sea defeat his Admiral which was Hannibal a man out of his proper Element and afterward in a battel fought with Aemilius Eumenes and the Rhodians Antiochus affrighted at his bad successe at Sea maketh offers he fully lost the command of the Sea Affrighted herear he foolishly left Lysimachia which this year might have kept the Consul in action and adding one folly to another suffered Scipio to passe the Hellespont without interruption Now he offered to quit all places in Europe and such in Asia as were the friends of Rome to discharge half of the costs sustained by the Romans in the War and rather than not be quiet he was content to part with a portion of his own Kingdom These seemed but small things to the Consul who thought it just that he who had been the cause of the War Which are rejected should bear all the charges of it and not onely quit Ionia and Aeolis but leave all the Greek Cities to their liberty which could not be except he parted with all Asia on this side the Mountain Taurus The Ambassor had in charge to procure the favour of Africanus to whom was offered the restitution of his son taken prisoner and all that could be expected on this side the title of King if he would live with him But all private Offices of kindnesse onely would Africanus promise desiring him by all means to procure peace and when he had received his son not to fight till he should being now sick return to the Camp This caused Antiochus to delay fighting but the Consul followed and provoked him to give battel wherein his own Chariots Armed with Scithes being driven back upon his own men procured his overthrow He is overthrown and hath peace granted upon former demands After this peace was granted on the same terms as it had been offered to him before the battel And thus this War ended in a short time and lesse trouble than was expected the second Consul putting a period to it who in imitation of his brother took on him the sirname of Asiaticus 6. The year following wherein M. Fulvius Nobilior and Cn. Manlius were Consuls the former going into Greeco fell upon the Aetolians who now had taken from Philip Dolopia and Amphilochia with Athamania Livius lib. 38. and besieging Ambracia drove them once more to sue for peace They were referred by the Consul to Rome where the Ambassadors of Philip made great complaints against them upon the former account But the Rhodians and Athenians interceding once more for them their sute was granted on condition to pay 500 Euboean Talents at several paiments Peace granted to the Aetolians to restore all prisoners and have the same Friends and Enemies with the People of Rome 7. Cn. Manlius the other Consul was now in Asia where of that part taken from Antiochus much he conferred upon Eumenes and the Rhodians according to the result of the Senate This done he undertook an Expedition against the Gallograecians or Galatians Justin lib. 3. a People which having followed Brennus into Greece Manlius subdueth the Galatians after his death had 90 years before passed into Asia where they were so terrible as none denied them tribute before Attalus King of Pergamus They inhabited vast and high mountains and in that respect were with difficulty to be come at but the Consul by throwing darts especially at their huge bodies made great slaughter and subdued them Returning home through Thrace he had well nigh lost his booty by the inhabitants that lay in wait for it in the woody passages and hardly got leave to triumph because he had undertaken the War on his own head It is observed that luxury and idlenesse were first brought to Rome by his Army out of Asia through the provocations to effeminatenesse there found Luxury first brought to Rome by his Army and his loose and neglected Government 8. In the third year after the ending of the War with Antiochus and the same wherein he died envy procured the fall of those by whom the Victory was obtained For Scipio Africanus was accused of having defrauded the Treasury of the booty taken in the War Lege Livium lib. 28. Val. Max. l. 3. c. 7. exemp 1. Gellium Noct. Attic. l. 4. c. 18. and had a day set him by the Tribunes to answer it before the People It is not certain who was his accuser some mentioning M. Naevius and others the two Patilii Tribunes set on as some delivered by M. Porcius Cato the Enemy of Scipio The day of hearing being come Scipio Africanus called to account by the Tribunes and the Tribunes having taken their places in the Rostra the party entred the Assembly with a great train of Friends and Clients Silence being made he put on his triumphal crown and told the People how as that day he had overthrown Hannibal and the Carthaginians wherefore thinking it convenient for that time not to medle with any brawling businesse he would go and salute the gods in the Capitol A. M. 3818. Ol. 148. an 2. V. C. 567. Seleuci Philop. 1. Ptol. Epiphan 17. and give them thanks that as well that day as at other times they had given him both will and power to do eminent service for his Countrey Then he wished that such of them there present as thought it convenient would accompany him and pray that they might have such principal Officers Principes as he had been 9. Going up to the Capitol the whole Assembly followed him as also to all the temples in the City insomuch that the very Viators and Clerks left the Tribunes alone who also followed and from accusers turned admirers as appeareth from Valerius Maximus out of very shame The Tribunes accused him also grievously in the Senate and desired he might be brought to his answer He rising up produced the Books of accounts wherein was punctually set down all the particulars but he tore it in pieces before them all disdaining to give account for so small a matter in comparison of those vast sums he himself had brought into the Treasury His great spirit The next day of appearance he absented himself and his brother pretending his indisposition he was excused and another day appointed before which he withdrew himself to Linternum or Liternum a Sea Town of Campania For he clearly perceived under what envy he laboured He departeth to Linternum and is not condemned through the procurement of Gracchus it being also objected against him that he had spent in idlenesse all that Summer he lay in Sicily and his power with Antiochus who having discharged his son without ransom honoured him above all others
Achaeans After this A. M. 3857. Ol. 158. ann 1. V.C. 606. Ptol. Philom 33. Q. Metellus the Praetor sufficiently revenged the Commonwealth upon him for he overthrew him in a great battel whence he fled to Byzus a petty King of Thrace who delivering him up he led him in Triumph Is taken Metellus accounted most fortunate reduced Macedonia in this third Macedonian War into the form of Province which shortly after also hapned to Africk For even now was prosecuting with all earnestnesse the third and last Punick or Carthaginian War and the ruin of the Citie Carthage it self 18. Their opinion is not faulty who professe not to be able to find any Meritorious cause of this War in the Carthaginians theirs who affirm that Carthage was more hated for its competition of Empire than for any fault it had committed in those times The pretences for the third Punick War But there wanted not pretences For Lege Polyb. Excerpt lib. 33. Appian in Punicis Livii Epitom Lib. 49. c. Flor. lib. 2. cap. 15. Eutrop. lib. 4. Orosium lib. 4. cap. 22. divers times had Masanissa King of Numidia and the Carthaginians quarrelled about grounds upon the Borders and often had the Romans sent to take up the quarrel but especially of late not with indifferency had they judged for that the fault lay in Masanissa who being a great friend of theirs presumed too much upon their affection to himself and the jealousie wherewith he knew them prejudiced against the other The Ambassadors also that were sent to Carthage finding the Citie full and flourishing from that peace they had now enjoyed about fifty years and provided also for War as well as peace spake much of the danger which threatned Rome from it especially Cato who never came into the Senate but after that he had spoken his mind to any businesse added This I think and that Carthage is to be destroyed He was earnestly contradicted by Scipio Nasica who feared that this rival for Empire once being removed security would breed the destruction of the Commonwealth as it too truely proved this security being strengthned by luxury and avarice which the Asiatick Triumphs had brought in But Cato's reasons drawn from present danger so in the apprehension of the Senate over-ruled Scipio's forecast that they resolved upon a War and kept the resolution close till they could catch at a convenient opportunity and pretence 19. There being at this time three factions in Carthage one affected towards the Romans another standing for the true interest of the State it self and the third for Masanissa this later was expelled by the second and a Law made that they should never be again received Those men flying to Masanissa he sent Gulussa his son to intercede for them who being laid in wait for by Amilcar Samnis although he escaped yet thereupon the King besieged Horoscopa a Town he much desired which act was expresly against the articles of the League Asdrubal went with a great Army to raise the siege and a bloudy battel was fought wherein the Carthaginians were overthrown but more died of the Plague being incompassed near a Lake which by its noisom vapours corrupted the air Hereby the remnant were forced to yield and consent to a great Tribute with the receiving back of their Exiles and yet were they almost all slain by a party of horse sent against them out of revenge by Gulussa The Carthaginians therefore had now had an Army in the field and that against a confederate of Rome which was against the tenour of the last League This advantage the Romans took and ordered the Consuls to undertake the War though the other condemned those that had broken the League and most humbly offered any reasonable satisfaction M. Manilius Nepos and L. Marcius Censorinus being now on their journey it was answered that they should enjoy all as formerly if within 30 dayes they would send 300 hostages all sons of Senators or the principal Citizens to Lilybaeum and do what the Consuls should further command them The Carthaginians desirous to give satisfaction within the time limited sent the Children and when now the Consuls were landed at Utica which being a Sea-Town convenient for their purpose had been seized on before-hand thither they sent their Commissioners to wait on them and know their pleasure Censorinus the Senior Consul commending their diligence demanded all their Arms The Carthaginians being commanded to leave their Citie refuse to obey which without any deceit were delivered up Now with tears imploring mercy they desired to know their last doom and were commanded to leave their Citie which the Consuls had order to level with the ground and build another any where in their own Territories so it were but ten miles from the Sea This they received with great horrour and rage and all resolved rather to die than forsake or give way to the ruin of their antient seat and habitation 20. The Consuls delayed to begin the War as not doubting in the least but to take the Citie thus disarmed and naked at their pleasure But they found it not so for the Inhabitants acted by indignation and fury though at first scarce themselves setled their minds to resistance men and women working night and day in making of Arms. Where iron and brasse were wanting they made use of Gold and Silver and the women gave the hair of their heads to supply the defect of Tow or Flax. They made also Asdrubal whom before for fear of the Romans they had condemned their General in the field where he had already a good Army When the Consuls came against the Citie they found such resistance that they were discouraged and the resolution of the besieged increased hereby And the War beginneth They ingaged several times to their disadvantage and might have suffered much had not the Army been secured and brought off through the great wisdom and courage of Scipio Aemilianus who drew off also Pharneas the Master of the Carthaginian hors-men to his own party which things procured him an exceeding great name This year died Masanissa 90 years old leaving a son but of four years behind him and trusting his Kingdom with Scipio to be at his discretion disposed of to his Children This same year also died Cato being about 85 years of age Masanissa and Cato die and lived not to see the too much desired ruin of Carthage 21. The year following Calpurnius Piso the Consul and Mancinus the Admiral did no great matters besieging Clupea and Hippo a Town situate betwixt Carthage and Utica to no purpose Within Carthage Asdrubal Grand-son to Masanissa by his daughter being joyned in commission with the other Asdrubal without was accused by him as intending to betray the Citie to his Uncle Gulussa and having nothing to say for himself or being too slow in it was knocked on the head by a form in the Council-house Now at Rome were all mens eyes upon Scipio
the Enemy but as the Samnites formerly did by another after the defeat at Caudinum they refused to receive him After this Brutus defeated many thousands of the Lusitanians and overthrew the Gallaecians but Lepidus the Proconsul set upon the Vaccaei an harmlesse People of the hithermost Spain or Hispania Terraconensis for in the 559 year of the City Bad sucesse in Spain Spain was divided into Citerior or Terraconensis and Ulterior or Betiea and Lusitania two Praetors being yearly sent thither the number of which Officers was therefore upon this occasion increased to six by whom he was utterly defeated Causeth Scipio Aemilianus to be created Consul the second time These things so affrighted the Roman Soldier that he almost quaked at the sight of a Spaniard and at Rome men were seized with great fear and shame Therefore Scipio Aemilianus Africanus must be created Consul the second time as the onely refuge and hope of his Country 4. At the first he restored discipline the want of which had spoiled all but then coming to engage found the courage of the Enemy such that he resolved to fight no more but lay close siege to Numantia and govern himself according to the comportment of affairs At length the besiged greatly straightned offered to yield upon reasonable conditions He besiegeth Numantia and taketh it or fight if they might have battel given them which being denied having drunk strong drink on purpose they assailed the besiegers so fiercely that the Romans had run but that Scipio was the General At last they fired the City over their own heads and scarcely one of them remained to be led in triumph This famous City was seated in the hithermost Spain in the head of Gallaecia and the confines of the Coltiberians It had with 4000 men for the space of fourteen years saith Florus or twenty according to Strabo born the brunt of 40000 Romans and many times put them to shameful flight with great slaughter Scipio destroyed it after he had for a year and three moneths continued the siege fourteen years after he had so dealt with Carthage in the 621 of the City A. M. 3871 P. Mutius Scaevola and L. Calpurnius Piso Fruges both learned men being Consuls At this time a servile War was raised in Sicily by one Ennus a Syrian of Apamea A servile war in Sicily the slave of Antigenes of Enna Excerpt Died. Siculi lib. 34. Orosius l. 5. c. 9 It was followed by Calpurnius Piso the Consul and finished by P. Rupilius Nepos his Successor Twenty thousand slaves were by him slain in battel Ennus being cast in prison died it's said of the lowsie disease at Morgantia 5. Ever since the beginning of the Tarentine War to this time for the space of almost 150 years was there much modesty abstinence selfdenial valour and virtue amongst the Romans in general of which yet especially the Fabii Fabritii Marcelli Curii Metelli the Scipio's and Aemilii have left examples admirable to be commended to all posterity such were their cautious and politick yet just and noble carriage both at home and abroad But now the Asian Expeditions and Triumphs having brought in excesse and riot and the ruine of Carthage having taken away fear idlenesse with security by degrees stole in upon them and the infirmity of the Government after that fear which hitherto had preserved it safe was removed again effectually shewed it self For though after this time many a People was subdued and brought under and much glory gotten abroad yet was it stained by emulations jealousies and contentions at home and even by shedding the blood of one another in an open though civil feud which first came to passe while the former things were performed in Spain by Scipio 6. Tiberius Sempronius Gracchus son to one of the same name who had been twice Consul and once Censor by Cornelia an excellent woman Orosius l. 5. c. 8 9. Florus l. 3. c. 14. daughter of Africanus the elder Tiberius Gracchus raiseth a sedition about the Agrarian being Quaestor to Mancinus the Consul in Spain had an hand in the dishonourable Peace made by him for which being reflected on by the Senate or or at least thinking himself so to be acted now by shame and fear in distast of the Nobility as it 's said he cast in his head how to become gracious and popular with the commons Procuring himself to be chosen Tribune he preferred a Law forbidding any man to possesse above 500 acres of the publick grounds and ordering the overplus to be divided to the poor For Joh. Stadius Com. in Flor. l. 3. c. 14. such grounds as the People of Rome took from their Enemies they were wont if tilled to divide to their own Citizens if not arable they then let them out to farm by the Censors to Italians or the ordinary sort of Romans on condition that if they plowed them they should pay the tenth part of the Corn and the fifth of other fruits and if they bred up Cattel they were charged with a certain rent But it came to passe that by incredible impudence and licentiousnesse of the rich the Husband-men were outed of their antient possessions which by purchasing and other wayes they got wholly into their hands so that the Publick was defrauded of it's revenue and the poor of their livelyhoods For restraining the avarice of the rich the Lex Licinia and Sempronia were enacted Gracchus increased the former by adding that lest the Law should be wrested half should be given to the children and the rest divided to such poor as had nothing And if any went about to inlarge their portion by purchase Triumviri or three men should be yearly appointed to judge what ground was publick and what private 7. This netled the Nobility exceedingly who by virtue of this Law were to part with their inheritances and one of his Collegues Octavius by name Livii Epitom l. 58. Velleius l. 2. c. 3. opposed it for which he so handled him as glad he was to quit his place into which Gracchus chose Q. Mummius one of his own facton This severity being without president much alienated even the minds of the multitude from Gracchus who also perceiving there was not ground enough to quiet them all the expectation of whom he had now raised he offered a Law for distributing the money which Attalus King of Pergamus had left Proposing another Law for dividing of money together with his Kingdom to the People of Rome The Senate being assembled to consult what was to be done and all being of opinion that P. Mutius Scaevola the Consul should defend the Commonwealth by arms he refused to do any thing by force Hereupon Scipio Nasica taking up his gown under his left arm held up his right hand and bade every one that loved the State to follow him Up he went into the Capitol A. M. 3872. Ol. 161. an 4. V. C. 621. Ptol. Physc 14. being
statue made him a Senator though but nineteen years old decreed that he should be considered towards preferment as ten years older and gave him equal power with Hirtius and Pausa the Consuls whom now they sent to relieve Brutus They took Bononia but Antony being bold for that he had got the better in some skirmikes went and met Pansa whom he overthrew but returning carelesly into his Camp was worsted by Hirtius A littel after a great battel was fought near Mutina wherein Antony was quite defeated and fled to Lepidus then Proconsul in the further Gall. A. M. 3962. V. C. 712. Both the Consuls died of wounds Hirtius in Antonie's Camp and Pansa at Bononia Brutus being at this time spared by Caesar thought of departing with his ten Legions to M. Brutus and Cassius now in Greece but his Soldiers moved by the difficulty of the journy revolted the six new raised Legions to Caesar and the four of old Soldiers to Antony He then purposing with a small attendance to passe through Gall was taken at Aquilea and betraied by Capenus Sequanus Governour of the Countrey who sent his head to Antony Before this Appian Livius lib. 120. Cicero Philip. 11. Trebonius another of his Complices in Caesar's death excluding Dolabella whom the Senate had judged an Enemy from Pergamus and Smyrna was taken by him in the later place and after grievous torments had his head cut off which the Soldiers kicking about as a foot-ball did so abuse as no face was to be seen on it Not long after the death of Decimus Brutus Minutius Basilius another of the Conspiratours was slain by his slaves whom he had gelded in a great rage 9. Now the Senate having no need of young Caesar slighted him exceedingly Yet having no need of Caesar the Senate again slighted him decreeing the honour due to him unto Brutus whom he had relieved giving him very bitter taunts and denying him a Triumph Being sensible hereof and how most of them were of Compey's Faction Appian ut supra Livius l 119. Sueton. in Angusto Patercul l. 2. c. 62. Livii Epitom lib. 120. he began to tamper with Antony by Letters as also with Lepidus for a conjunction and sent 400 Soldiers into the City in the name of the Army to demand the Consulship for him Hereat the Senat straining hard one Cornelius a Centurion laying his hand on his Sword said This shall do it if you will not Then called he Antony and Lepidus into Italy whereat the Senate much startled and too late blaming their own rigidity decreed him Consul and whomsoever he would take to himself So he invaded the Consulship a moneth and five dayes before he was twenty years old and took Q. Pedius for his Collegue Then by a Law was fire and water forbidden to all that had an hand in the death of Caesar and their goods were sold The Senate was now so changed either through good advice or fear that in stead of slighting they advanced him above all example Vide Dionem lib. 46. They resolved that after his Consulship he should take place of all Consuls and though formerly they were displeased with his levying forces being a private man now they desired him to add to his Army and decreed to him the Legions of Decimus Brutus The City was committed to his care Livii Epit. l. 120. Appian bell civil l. 4. and power given him to act what he pleased Which procureth the Thumviraté though without the prescript of the Laws which he retained fifty six years till his death Not long after came Aemilius Lepidus and M. Antonius into Italy whom he met about Bononia and after a three dayes conference entred into confederacy with them which is famous by the name of the Triumvirate The Terms of the Combination 10. The terms of this Combination were That Caesar for the remainder of the year should leave the Consulship to Ventidius who formerly in the Social War when a Boy was led in Triumph and after that rubbed the heels of * Concurrite omnes Augures Aruspices Portentum inusitatum constatum est recens Nam mulos qui frecabat Consul factus est Mules for his living Idem ibid. Dio lib. 46. That a new authority of three men should be erected to take away civil dissentions which they three should execute for five years with Consular power for the Dictatorship was waved because of a Law lately preferred against it by Antony with authority to dispose of all Offices for that Term. That Antony should have as a Province all Gall except that of Narbon which Lepidus was to have with Spain and to Caesar was Africk with Sardinia and Sicily assigned other places beyond the Seas being left to another time They agreed further that their Enemies should be destroyed wherein the case of Cicero moved the greatest controversie For Antony would not meddle except he in the first place should be slain These Verses were scattered up and down the Citie Lepidus was content but Caesar stood much against it Gellius lib. 5. cap. 4. yet on the third day he assented an exchange being made for he yielding up Cicero Lepidus permitted his brother Paulus and Antony L. Caesar his Uncle by the Mother's side to be proscribed Lastly it was agreed that Lepidus should be Consul the following year instead of Decimus Brutus designed formerly by Julius Caesar He guarding Rome and Italy the other two were to make War upon Brutus and Cassius who now though at first without any decree of the Senate had seized on Macedonia and Syria Cassius in Laodicea besieged Dolabella who being judged an Enemy by the Senate for the death of Trebonius when the Citie vvas taken caused his Page to cut off his head and so ended his life being a man of no great solidity He vvas son-in-law to Cicero but after the divorcing of Tullia they fell into great enmity vvhereupon the Orator proved a back friend to him in the Senate reigning amongst the Fathers and the People with his Eloquence The effects of it 11. The first effect of the Triumvirate was a Proscription of some 300 persons of Equestrian and Senatorian ranks Appian Though the pretence was to revenge Caesar's death yet many were murdered for their rich Estates others out of malice and some for their convenient Houses and Gardens Amongst those of greatest note was Varro who now living to see and feel a second Tricipitina yet escaped with his life Cicero the man most aimed at by Antony for opposing him so vehemently in the Senate upon the Triumvirs their coming went to Sea but the winds being contrary and because he could not endure the shaking of the ship he returned saying he would die in his Countrey often preserved by him Being weary both of his flight and life Plutarch in Cicerone he came to a Village a little more than a mile distant from the Sea Here his servants
to Rome his brother made him a feast wherein were served up 2000 several dishes of fish the daintiest that could be found and 7000 sorts of fowl But he far exceeded this preparation at the Dedication of the Great Platter which he called Minerva's Target in which were mixed together the livers of Guilt-heads brains of Pheasants and Peacocks with the tongues of Phaenicopters and the small guts of Sea-Lampries fetched as far as the Carpathian Sea and the Straights of Gibraltar He would also eat meat taken from the hearth in time of sacrifice and fetched from Victualling houses either smoaking made ready the day before or half eaten And cruel 5. He was prone to the killing of any person and for any cause whatsoever Noble-men his School-fellows and contemporaries he deceitfully made away by degrees To one in a Feaver desiring a draught of cold water he gave poyson in it with his own hands He scarcely ever spared any of his creditors or others that asked him the money he ought One of them saluting him he sent away to be put to death and presently again calling him back for which the by-standers commended his clemency he caused him to be killed before his eyes saying that he would satiate his eyes with the slaughter of him and another that interceded for him he put to death with his two sons A certain Knight whom he commanded to be slain to save his life told him he had made him his heir whereupon he commanded his will to be produced in which finding that the man's Freedman was made coheir with him he caused them both to be put to death He was most cruel towards Mathematicians because they foretold his reign would be but short And to compleat all he was suspected to have killed his mother These vices onely seemed to put him in mind of his condition for else so great a stupidity had seized on him that if others had not known him to be the Prince he himself would quickly have forgot it He accounted all sharp that was wholesom liking of nothing but what was pleasant and fortifying himself onely with mirth and sottishnesse against all dangers he forgot all things past and regarded nothing present or to come not a word of Warre proceeded from him Vespasian put upon seeking the Empire the rumour and talk of which was forbidden in the City But he was within a short time rouzed by the coming of the forces of Vespasian who was by others put upon seeking the Empire being then Judaea 6. Vespasian that we may now prosecute the History of his actions in that Country after Titus had brought the Army to Ptolemais our of Aegypt His acts in Judaea Josephus de bello lib. 3. c. 5. c. with his forces united set upon Galile and at the first onset took Gedara which was burnt and destroyed Thence removing to Jotapata on the 21 day of May he took it by storm after 40 dayes though stoutly defended by Joseph the Historian Joseph was taken and kept to be sent prisoner to Nero but desiring to speak with Vespasian foretold him that he should loose him out of captivity but as Emperour After this bestowing his Armie at Caesarea and Scythopolis to refresh the Legions he himself went to Caesarea Philippi where he was entertained by Agrippa the King for twenty dayes Then went he about to subdue Tiberias and Tarichaea whereof the former yielded and was spared at the request of the King Idem l. 4. c. 1 2 c. but the later was taken by force and destroyed After this were Gamala Giscala and the Hill Itaburium taken and all Galile being reduced Vespasian and Titus returned to Caesarea The Jews fall out amongst themselves 7. The Jews were now imbroyled in civil dissentions whilst some desired Peace and others would not hear a word of it Idem ibid. c. 5 6. Parties were made and fought in every City and rash young men prevailed every where against the grave and elder sort who foresaw the calamity At first they robbed one another singly but at length turned thieves in whole troops committing such cruelties as equalled the misfortune received from the Romans At last the thieves loaded with plunder brake into Jerusalem where they not onely consumed the provisions of the People but filled the City with slaughters rapines and dissentions They cast the principal of the Citizens into prison and then put them to death unheard pretending that they intended to betray the City to the Romans yet for all this wickednesse they boasted of zeal for the Law of God and customs of their Country and thereupon were called Zealots Horrid outrages committed by the Zealots The People being about to rise against them they betook themselves to the Temple where they made one Phanias an ignorant fellow High-Priest though he was not of the order of Priests but they were opposed by Ananus who procured the People to rise against them and beat them into the inner part Hereupon they sent to the Idumaeans accusing Ananus of an intention to betray their Counntry and forasmuch as they fought for the liberty thereof and now were besieged they implored their assistance Twenty thousand came and being let into the City together with the Zealots committed horrid outrages against the Inhabitants They slew 8000 the first night and afterwards other 1200 of the chiefest amongst whom was Ananus besides an infinite number of the common sort then at length the Idumaeans perceiving the wickednesse of the Zealots and that they had falsely accused the Nobility set at liberty 2000 which they had imprisoned and returned home After their departure the Zealots renewed their slaughters and raged more cruelly than ever especially against such as they had found attempting to flye to the Romans 8. But they presently after fell out amongst themselves Idem l. 5. c. 3 4 5 6 c. by reason of one John who with a seditious party holding Giscala pretended to receive the conditions given him by Titus and stole away to Jerusalem There becoming the great Incendiary he now affected soveraign power but he was withstood by such as before this had been equal to him Though they thus disagreed yet herein they consented to spoil the People and Jerusalem being thus filled with tumults those that were without the City had liberty to rob and spoil and those whose Towns were hereby destroyed assembled together in the Wildernesse and uniting brake into other Temples and Towns so that there was no place in Judaea All Judaea languisheth in an unheard-of manner which did not languish in an unheard-of manner together with the mother City Vespasian excited by the seditious and intreated by the fugitives to save their Country prepared for the siege of Jerusalem and that he might not leave an Enemy at his back took in Gadara where 13000 were put to the Sword and all other places beyond the River except the Castle of Macheron He
such as refused in the old Camp After this the Romans mutining against Hordonius the command was given to Vocula and Herennius Gallus was made his Lieutenant Vocula in his first ingagement with Civilis had the worst but at length by good hap overthrew him the Vizard of his friendship to Vespasian being drawn of 12. The report of Vitellius his death through Germany and Gall doubled the War For now Civilis without any pretence of friendship to Vespasian Idem ibid. carried himself as an Enemy to the Romans and Vitellius his Soldiers rather wished for external servitude than his Goverment the Galls also took heart interpreting the burning of the Capitol to presage the destruction of the Empire The Treviri therefore now Inhabitants of Triers and the Lingones now of Langres revolted when all Gall was in a tottering condition and what was worse and unheard of the Legions proved unfaithfull and were corrupted For Vocula being slain they took an Oath for the Empire of Gall and to them other Legions in several places joyned themselves some being besieged upon necessity and afterwards cut in pieces by Civilis as they had deserved In the mean time Julius Sabinus one of the revolters taking on him the name of Caesar led a great and disorderly Company against the Sequani inhabiting the Countrey now called La Franche Contè who not refusing battel routed the multitude and put him to flight These things being reported at Rome rather with improvement all things seemed there to be lost whereupon Domitian the son of Vespasian and Mucianus addressed themselves to the War and four Legions were presently dispatched away towards Germany 13. By this time the Galls by the means especially of Julius Vindex began to consider of the power of the Romans and at length approved rather of a servile peace than a dangerous War Petilius Cerealis also gave the Treviri a great overthrow and most of the revolters returned to obedience After this he accepted of battel from Civilis and Classicus his companion in the beginning whereof he had the worst for the Legions began to be broken the horse was put to flight and the bridge over the River Mosella gained by the Enemy Composed by Petilius Cerealis but though he had now lost even all for want of heed yet he restored all by his diligence so as on the same day he took and destroyed the Enemie's Camp Domitian and Mucianus heard of the successe ere they came to the Alps and Mucianus perswaded Domitian against marching further knowing his ambitious and naughty humour which he had already betrayed whilest at Rome but his advice succeeding not he went with him out of compliance to Lyons whence as 't is said Domitian wrote privately to Cerealis to deliver up the Army to him that he might therewith seize on the Empire But perceiving he was despised for his youth he betook himself to such courses whereby he thought that his designs might best be covered During these stirs Vespasian was yet at Alexandria Afterwards both Civilis recruited his Forces through Germany and Cerealis also doubled his strength whereupon followed several fights the effect of which was a Peace For the Batavians were so chastized as glad they were to accept of it as Civilis of pardon both of which were offered by the Roman General The invasion of the Sarmatae 14. With the aforesaid revolt of the Germans at the same time saith * De bello Indaico lib. 7. cap. 23. Josephus agreed the boldnesse of the Scythians For those that are called Sarmatae in great multitudes having privily passed over Ister being violent and most cruel through the suddennesse of their invasion killed many of the Romans whom they found in Garrisons with Fonteius Agrippa the Lieutenant who valiantly resisted them and wasted all the adjacent Countreys with fire and sword Vespasian hearing of this and the wasting of Maesia sent Rubrius Gallus to chastize them by whom many being slain such as escaped returned home in great fear The War being thus ended the General taking care for the future fortified the places with stronger Garrisons that the passage might be utterly impassable to the Barbarians These first eruptions of the Barbarous Northern Nations are therefore more to be noted because at length they over-ran and destroyed the Roman Empire Now return we to the affairs of the Jews and the War managed by Titus The Zealots fall out amongst themselves 15. During the former transactions in the West Josephus de bello Judaico lib. 5. cap. 9. l. 6. c. 1. a faction was raised against the Zealots by one Simon the son of Giora who getting together a company of Thieves and Murderers that were assembled on the Hilly Countrey fell upon many Villages and Cities brought all Idumaea into his power wasted Judaea pitched his Camp against Jerusalem it self and became a great terror to the poor Inhabitants who were most cruelly oppressed by the Zealots within In the mean time such Idumaeans as had of late fled into the Citie and were become of John's party whom the Zealots had now chosen their Captain fell at odds with him detesting his cruelty and killing many of his men forced the Tyrant out of his Palace into the Temple but he and the Citizens fearing that by night he might fall out upon the Citie they let in Simon and then set upon the Temple but in vain After this Eleazar who once had been chief amongst the Zealots envying John his power withdrew some Soldiers from him and kept the inwardst part of the Temple whereby John was forced to fight both against Simon and him Hereby all things about the Temple were burnt up and Provisions destroyed which might have served them a long time and for want whereof they were oppressed with famine in the siege Titus besiegeth the Citie 15. But Titus in prosecution of his fathers orders came from Alexandria to Caesarea Idem Ibid. capp 2 3 4. where gathering together some forces with aids from the Neighbouring Kings he appointed the rest to follow him and marched towards Jerusalem accompanied with Tiberius Alexander who now began to be in principal favour and Joseph the Jew being for the truth of his prediction now released out of bonds He sate down within six or seven furlongs of the Citie a little before the Feast of the Passeover and therein shut up an infinite multitude which according to the custom flocked to that solemnity and hereby all Provisions were consumed in a short time The three factions upon sight of his great Army agreed to oppose it and issuing out made great disorder forcing the Romans to forsake their Camp and fly to the Mountains but they were repelled by the great care and industry of Tiâus But on the day of unleavened bread April the 14 Eleazar who kept the inward part of the Temple opening the Gates to the people which was desirous to sacrifize John sent many of his party in
amongst the rest with swords hid under their Cloaths who killing Eleazar and many of his faction seized also on that part of the Temple Idem ibid. Tacitus Hist l. 5. c. 12. and thereby the number of the factions was reduced to that of two That under John consisted of 8400. and the other under Simon of 10000 fighting men besides 5000 Idumaeans Notwithstanding the Enemy was at the Walls and to oppose him they a little joyned together yet did they break out the one upon the other and the poor people miserably suffered under both 16. The Citie being fortified with three Walls on every side Josephus de bello l. 6. c. 7 8 9 10 11. but where it was fenced with deep Valleys Titus having with much opposition placed his Engines battered the uttermost of them and breaking on the third of May into the Citie Breaking into it possessed all the North part as far as the Tower of Antonius and the Valley of Cedron Five dayes after he brake within the second Wall though the besieged made divers sallies They beat him out again but the fourth day after he recovered the place and prepared for the battery of the third Wall Yet he sent Joseph the Historian to them who exhorting them with many words to yield was entertained onely with scoffs and reproaches The people thinking to escape out of the Citie John and Simon stopped up all passages yet the famine increasing many came out whom being taken Titus caused to be Crucified to such a vast number that room was wanting for Crosses and Crosses for persons On the 12th of May he began four Mounts whereon to place his battering rams two near to the Castle Antonia where he hoped he might take the Temple and other two near the Monument of John the High-Priest where he thought he should with most ease break into the upper part of the Citie But John whose part it was to oppose the Romans in the former place cast down and burnt them two and two dayes after Simon did as much by the other though seventeen dayes had been spent in making them all He destroyed also many rams and engines and brake into the very Camp of the Romans but was repelled by Titus from Antonia who in a Council of Officers resolved now to compasse the whole City with a trench which with incredible diligence and celerity was finished in three dayes with thirteen forts to hinder the flight of the besieged and hinder the conveyance of relief into the City 17. The seditious were nothing herewith moved though the famine not only raged amongst the common sort but themselves also were pressed by it A certain Noble woman sod her child to eat it and such a mortality ensued that from the fourteenth of April to the first of July were caried out to be buried at the publick charge 115080 carkeises of the poorer sort Famine rageth as Titus was told by one Mannaeus who was appointed to pay the money Divers Noble men that fled to him certified him also that 600000 of the ordinary sort were cast dead out of the gates and others that were dead besides were innumerable for because they could not cary all out they laid them up in houses A bushel of corn was sold for a talent sinks and holes were raked to find old dung of Oxen to eat which much moved the Romans to compassion but the seditious were hereby nothing changed For Simon not obstaining from murders and rapines notwithstanding this lamentable condition killed Matthias the High-Priest by whom he had been let into the City with his three sons and sixteen others pretending that they purposed to flie to the Enemy Judas one of his own Officers hereupon weary of his cruelty attempted to betray a certain Tower whereof he had the charge to the Romans but being discovered was put to death with ten others of his complices John also being driven by necessity converted the Golden Vessels of the Temple with the sacred Money to prophane uses and was constrained to divide the Wine and Oil ordained for Sacrifices to his Soldiers 18. Titus cut down all the groves within a great distance of the City Idem l. 7. c. 1 c. and causing more mounts or scaffolds to be erected within 21 dayes on the first of July began to batter the wall of Antonia John that opposed him being beaten back and on the fift day broke into the Castle At this time many false Prophets suborned by the seditious told the multitude they must expect assistance from God and therefore though Titus often exhorted them to yield âet the deluded defendants refuse to yield they flatly refused boasting that they would rather endure all miseries The contest was earnest about the Temple The wall of the inward part thereof was too strong for the battering rams and the defendants valiantly resisted at the top the foundation of the gates could not be undermined and therefore Titus was constrained to set them on fire Yet was it his intention to save the Temple but on the tenth of August a certain soldier without any command nay against the command of his General moved as by an instinct from above cast fire into the buildings on the North side which catching the flame imparted it to the Temple it self notwithstanding all that Titus could do to quench it The Temple burnt on the same day of the same moneth that it was formerly set on fire by the command of Nebuchadnezar The Temple thus burning Titus was saluted Imperator by his Soldiers and the Tyrants with their companions fled into the City They now desired a parly with the General himself who checked them much for their obstinacy but promised them life if they would yield But refusing to commit themselves to his fidelity they required to depart the City with their wives and children wherewith being greatly angred he commanded to be proclaimed by a Crier that They should not look any longer for mercy 19. He permitted his Soldiers to plunder and burn the City Idem ibid. c. 14 15 16 17 18. but the seditious wretches got to the King's house where many had deposited their wealth and thence repelled the Romans They also killed of their own Country People to the number of 6400 and rifling the money got them into the upper and strongest part of the City called Sion where for all this danger they still most cruelly tyrannized Titus having considered the strength of the place provided engines to batter the walls and began so to do it on the seventh day of September Part of the wall being broken down the Tyrants were seized with great fear and amazement not knowing what to do Some said the East part of it was broken down others that the Romans were entred and that they saw them out of the Towers so that the power of God appeared in the overthrow of these wretches for they forsook the Towers which were their onely strength and
Then returning into the West Victor Orosius he bent his endeavours against Tetricus who reigned in Gall. Tetricus being vexed by his Seditious Soldiers desired him whom he termed Invincible to rescue him from such evils and betrayed his Army into his hands Euseb Hist l. 7. cap. 30. in Chron. Valerian growing proud upon such successe first of all Romans set a Diadem on his head and adorned himself with Gold and Pearl He began also to persecute the Christians but undertaking a War against the Persians he was slain betwixt Byzantium and Heraclea through the malice of his Secretary in the sixth year of his reign In his first year Agathias Hormisda the third Persian King began his reign which lasted but one year Him succeeded Varane and reigned three years and him followed Narses who continued 28. In his first year also died Plotinus the Platonist who deriding all religion perished through the just judgement of God by a filthy and painfull disease although he had chosen a pleasant and wholesom place wherein to live in Campania Firmicus lib. 1. Now also flourished Porphyrius his Scholar who of a Christian became a great Enemy to Christianity and wrote 15 books against it to which Eusebius answered in 30. of which 20 were extant in the time of Jerome but at this day not one Tacitus 8. There was an inter-regnum after the death of Valerian for 8 moneths Orosius lib. 7. cap. 24. Eutrop. lib. 9. the Senate and Army straining courtesie the one with the other at length the Senate made choice of Tacitus a man of Consular Dignity who in his sixth moneth died of a Feaver at Tarsus The Senate desired him that in case he should die presently he would not leave his Children his Successors Fl. Vopiscus but some man of approved worth and valour as the necessity of the State required This man was Probus Zozimus Pomponius Laetus yet notwithstanding Florianus the brother of Tacitus invaded the Empire but was cut off by Probus near Tarsus within the space of two or three moneths Probus Probus unwillingly receiving the burthen upon him managed the Government with great commendation He recovered Gall out of the hand of the Francones a people of Germany which now first seized on it after many bloudy battels and after this was ingaged in Civil Wars For Saturninus was saluted Emperour in Egypt who was overthrown also and killed also against his mind and the same successe he had against Proculus in Gall and Bonosus a Britain born He overthrew the Sarmatians subdued several barbarous Nations about Thrace by the terrour of his name onely quieted all Asia and forced the Parthian King to desire peace which he granted Returning afterward into Thrace he planted several barbarous people within the Roman Empire whereof some revolting he chastized and reduced them Now all things flourished exceedingly through peace and security which made him something slight the Soldiers who thereupon as he was marching through Illyricum against the Persians murdered him at Syrmium though he fled for safety into a fortified Tower That saying undid him Si vixero non opus erit ampliùs Romano Imperio militibus a speech of great despair for the Soldiers Witty and sharp speeches fallen from Princes have often given fire to Seditions Surely saith the most learned Viscount of St. Albans Princes had need in tender matters and ticklish times to beware what they say especially in those short speeches which fly abroad like Darts and are thought to be shot out of their secret intentions For as for large Discourses they are flat things and not so much noted Carus 9. M. Aurelius Carus of the Province of Narbon in Gall Olymp. 265. ann 3. V. C. 1036. A. D. 283. succeeded him who when he had created Caesars his two sons Carinus and Numerianus restrained the Sarmatians that upon the death of Probus threatned Italy But going against the Persians after he had recovered Mesopotamia and taken the two noble Cities of Parthia Ctesiphon and Cochis he was slain by a Thunder-bolt in his Tent near to the River Tigris Orosius Eutrop. Vopiscus Of his two sons Numerianus was with him and Carinus was left behind to look to Gall. Numerianus returning out of the East as Conquerour and lying sick in his Litter was killed by Arius Aper his father-in-law who gaped after the Empire Scarcely after some dayes was this wickednesse detected by the stench of the Carkase Diocletian and then the Author of it being also discovered Valerius Deocletianus who governed the family of Carus was chosen Emperour and rewarded Aper as he had deserved On the 15th before the Calends of December and 10 dayes after he entred Nicomedia in Purple From the beginning of this Diocletian the Egyptians began a new Aera fetching its rise from the new Moon of Thoth the preceding moneth August 29 which they called the Aera of Grace for some reason or other Cappellus observeth that the fluctuating and vitious Chronology of Baronius henceforth beginneth to be right For thinking saith he that he exhibited the years both of the true and received Aera of Christ in truth he exhibited neither the one sort nor the other Beginning the Aera of Diocletian from the 284 year of our Lord its true and right so that it be understood of the received not of the true Aera of Christ and the same is to be said concerning the years of the following Emperours But after this Carinus and Diocletian fought for the Soveraignty and Carinus after much ado was slain by his own Soldiers for his lasciviousnesse which made an end of a bloudy and laborious War 10. Diocletian then enjoyed the Dignity alone but great stirs arising in Gall Carausius also who was set to defend the Sea-Coasts from the invasion of the Franks and Saxons rather taking part with them than otherwise he was constrained to create Caesar Maximianus Herculeus Orosius ubi suprà cap. 25. Eutrop. lib. 9. Festus Rufus He suppressed the motions in Gall but commanding Carausius to be killed this man put on the Purple though a man of mean condition and seized upon Britain Achilleus rebelled in Egypt Africk was in trouble and Narses King of Persia invaded the Eastern parts Diocletian awakened with these dangers promoted Maximianus to be Augustus and they two adopted for Caesars Maximianus Galerius and Constantius Chlorus who married Theodora the wive's daughter of Herculeus and by her had six sons as the other the daughter of Diocletian Carausius valiantly held Britain for seven years and then was slain by Allectus who having kept possession of the Island three years was overthrown by Asclepiodorus Constantius fighting against the Allemans in Gall at first was worsted but afterwards got a great victory wherein 60000 of them are said to have been slain Maximianus Herculeus reduced Africk Diocletian himself besieging Achillens in Alexandria 8 moneths at length slew him therein gave up the
Military skill and valour was now gathering of greater Forces wherewith he intended to march into the higher Countries against the King himself but notwithstanding this and that it troubled him to leave Asia yet he resolved to obey acknowledging in his letter to the Ephori that then a General truly and justly commands when he is governed by the Lavvs and Magistrates upon vvhich account he said he vvould follovv the letter if not prevent it seeing they had set him a day and that he commanded not for himself but the City and Confederates although he had subdued a great part of Asia Agesilaus recalled out of Asia overthrovvn the Barbarians and had made great preparations for the War in Ionia He left Euxânus the Harmosâes of Asia vvith a guard of 4000 Soldiers but making all provision for his Country drevv over many out of the Cities to the Service Having passed the Hellespont into the Cherronesus he held the same vvay that Xerxes formerly had done vvhen in the mean time the Ephori and Aristodemus guardian to Agesipolis the young King vvith an Army of 15000 overthrevv that of the Leaguers consisting of 20000 vvhereof 13000 bore heavy Armour making great slaughter though they lost no more than eight of their number Care was taken that Agesilaus should have notice of this successe with the Confederates in Asia who grieved onely that Greece should destroy so many of it 's own Worthies As he passed through Thrace he would not ask any of the Barbarians leave to go through their Countries but onely sent to know whether he should passe as a Friend or an Enemy All friendly received and conducted him except the Tralles who having formerly sold the passage to Xerxes now also demanded of him 100 Talents and as many women He jeered at them asking why they came not to receive what was demanded and going forwards made great slaughter of them The King of Macedonia when he asked the question of him said he would consider of it so let him said he but in the mean time we will proceed in our journy which boldnesse so awed the King that he suffered him to passe quietly 15. Having passed through Thessalie notwithstanding all opposition by order of the Ephori he invaded Boeotia The Sun Eclypsed August 24. and Agesilaus invadeth Boeotia Where he obtaineth a Victory against the Leaguers judging alwaies obedience best though he could have wished and had intended first to have been better provided As he invaded Boeotia the Sun was eclypsed August 24 according to the Astronomical Table and he received the news of the overthrow of Pisander upon the Coasts of Asia by Pharnabazus and Conon the Athenian who being for his skil in Sea-matters in great request with the Persian improved his interest for the restitution of the Fortune of his Country Upon this report he put on a good countenance lest he should discourage his men telling them Pisander the Admiral was slain but that his Fleet had obtained the Victory But now in Boeotia when he was come near to Coronea the Leaguers opposed themselves against him being the Boeotians Athenians Argives Corinthians Euboeans Aenianes and both the Locrians with whom was fought such a battel as had not hapned in that Age. At the first onset Agesilaus had the better in one wing but the Thebans in the other and being in the pursute were forced to retire to help their friends where he charging upon the Front of the Thebans and not on the Rear as he might have done did great execution and was wounded himself notwithstanding the valour of his Guard consisting of Fifty stour young-men lately sent him from Sparta to do him honour At length he had the better of it and dismissed un-hurt 80 of the Enemies who had taken Sanctuary near hand after which he went to Delphos and consecrated the tenth of his spoils which amounted to no lesse than 100 Talents In the mean time Gylus the Polemarchus brake out into Locris where the Soldiers beeing greedy of plunder were fallen upon by the Inhabitants whom though they repelled at first yet night coming on they were so intangled that Gylus himself and very many others were slain and all of them had been lost but that the Alarm being taken by the Camp relief was thence sent to them After this the Soldiers were dismissed to their several homes and Agesilaus went by ship to Sparta Yet notwithstanding the War continued the Athenians Boeotians Argives and their Confederates making excursions from Corinth which they had made the seat of Warre and the Lacedaemonians with their allies from Sicyon 16. The Corinthians considering that their grounds were wasted and many of them slain because of their being so near to the Enemy but their Confederates free from these mischiefs the most and best of them desired Peace and began to consider of it amongst themselves This being understood by the Argives Boeotians Athenians and especially by such amongst themselves as had received the Persian Gold and caused the War they fearing Corinth would return again to the Lacedaemânians to prevent this they resolved to massacre all such as were for the Peace This they performed on a Festival when most were got together sparing none that took Sanctuary in religious places so that most of the elder sort were killed and the younger fled out of the City Many of them by the intreaty of their friends and upon the Oath of the Magistrates that they should be safe returned home within a short time but seeing plainly the City was in the way to ruine by the tyranny of those that governed Stirs at Corinth as that for Corinth it was to be called Argos the Laws of which City they must be forced to receive moreover being sensible that they had no more power at home than meer strangers some of them resolved it was better by attempting the freedom of their Countrey to die in the quarrel if it should fall out than to live in that slavish condition In prosecution hereof they let in Praxitas Governour of Sicyon for the Lacedaemonians within the long walls who having no great force with him fortified himself as well as he might which being understood at Argos they flocked out thence to assist their friends and the Lacedaemonians opposing themselves they came to a fight wherein after much difficultie and various Fortune the Lacedaemonians were conquerours making great slaughter of their Enemies This Victory was the more eminent for that so small a number had vanquished such multitudes after which they put to the Sword a Garrison of Boeotians which held the Haven called Lochaeus 17. Praxitas pursuing his Victory brake down part of the walls to make a passage for his men and then going on in the way towards Megara took two Towns wherein he left a Garrison and departed after which followed onely some light bickerings till at length the Lacedaemonians issuing out of Lochaeus with their friends besieged Corinth at which time the
Athenians fearing they might passe the long walls and invade their territories came out of the City with Masons and Workmen and repaired that part which was towards them The Lacedaemonians grudging that the Argives should flourish at home and prosper abroad sent Agesilaus with an Army against them who laying waste all their Territories brake through to Corinth and took the walls which the Athenians had repaired Agesilaus sent against the Argives his Brother Teleutias Admiral taking the ships and Arcenals upon the Gulf. Returning home he was not long after sent out again who when he came to Corinth thought to have surprised it but the Citizens aware of it called in a Garrison of the Athenians under the command of Iphicrates and thereby prevented him At this time Ambassadors came to him from several parts and amongst the rest from Boeotia to know what terms of Peace he would propound but he carried himself so high that he would take no notice of them though Pharax interceded out of an inveterate grudge he bare towards the Thebans But before their departure there came news that the party he had left in Lechaeus was defeated by Iphicâates at which unusual message being much affected he leaped out from his Throne and in all haste went to relieve them but in his way met with three Hors-men who acquainted him how late his assistance would be Hereupon he returned and the next day sent for the Ambassadors to hear what they had to say but they something incouraged at what had hapned and minding to requite him for his disrespect made then no mention of peace but desired leave to go to Corinth 18. He easily apprehending them told them they should the next day see their friends in the Town rejoycing and the defeat of his men which was the true cause of their desire to go to Corinth and accordingly wasting all about the Citie went to the Walls and having in vain provoked the Inhabitants to fight marched to the Lechaeus the place of the defeat after which he dismissed the Ambassadors not suffering them to go to Corinth His Army now beholding with their eyes the monument of the late mischance were sorely afflâcted having not at all been accustomed to such a sight onely the Parents Kindred and relations of the slain according to the Laconian custom seemed to rejoyce in the Calamity of their Countrey Having re-inforced the Garrison of Lechaeus he returned home his men shunning the light and sight of all men out of shame for what had hapned in this expedition contrary to their former fortune But Iphicrates after his departure in confidence of his good successe proceeded and reduced such places as had been taken by Praxitas Agesilaus Agesilaus sent to relieve the Achaeans After these things the Achaeans being put to it by the Acarnanians who endeavoured to wrest from them Calydone a Town formerly belonging to the Aetolians sent to Lacedaemon and expostulated with them for not assisting them who alwayes were ready to follow them into all places The State upon this complaint sent Agesilaus to aid them who invading Acarnania wasted the Countrey made prey of most of their Cattel and being opposed by them was much pur to it on the mountainous and precipitous places by Darts and Arrows but coming to hand-stroaks they were presently put to flight and 300 of them slain Then consumed he all things with fire and sword and attempted some Towns by the perswasion of the Achaeans but in vain Now Autumn growing on he could not be staid by their intreaties to prevent the Acarnanians from sowing their Corn telling them they were not well advised in their request for his intention being to return the next year how much more Corn they should have upon the ground by so much would they be the more desirous of peace 19. And according to his promise the Winter being over he returned at the report whereof the Athenians seated in a mid-land Countrey and thereupon more obnoxious to damage in their Corn and in great danger of losing their Towns made an agreement with the Achaeans and entred into a society of War with the Spartans This War being over the Lacedaemonians not thinking it safe to contend with the Athenians and Boâotians whilest the Argives were at their back they resolved to send their Forces against them The conduct of them falling to Agesipolis Agesipolis the other King sent against the Argives the other King he would not undertake it till he had consulted both the Oracle of Jupiter Olympius and that of Apollo at Delphos concerning the lawfulnesse of the War because the Argives desired a Truce but being satisfied therein he invaded and wasted their Territories yet ere long terrified with divers prodigies he retreated without any considerable thing done In the mean time Pharnabazus and Conon having overthrown the Lacedaemonians in a Sea-fight at Cnidus freed the Greek Cities from the Lacedaemonian Governours Pharâabazus and Conon their acts against Lacedaemon which Conon suggested to the other as the onely way to make them his own and not to attempt to deprive them of liberty which would force them to combine against him and thereby give him work enough He attempted Sestus and Abydus but Dercyllidas having secured them he lost his labour and gave order to Conon to procure a Navy from the Cities upon the Hellespont against the Spring being much incensed against the Lacedaemonians and resolving to invade their Dominions At Spring he did so and having strengthened the Enemies of Sparta as much as possible he furnished Conon with a Fleet and money to rebuild the long Walls of the Piraeus than which Conon perswaded him he could not do any thing more suitable to his own interest involved in the damage of the Lacedaemonians and gaining the good will of the Athenians The Spartans understanding that their own affairs must necessarily decline as much as those of Athens were advanced notwithstanding Teleutias brother to Agesilaus had recovered the Soveraignty of the Gulf of Corinth yet thought it necessary as much as in them lay to prevent it 20. Lest Conon should again recover the Islands to the Athenian state they thought good to advertise Teribazus another of the Persian Satrapaes hereof hoping either to draw him to their party or at least to procure that no more furtherance should be afforded to the design of Conon Antalcidas sent into Asia by the proposals of a peace to counter-work them To this purpose they sent Antalcidas to him to lay open these things and to try what could be done with him about a peace who according to his instructions to gain it the more easily fully left to his disposal the Greek Cities in Asia provided those without were but left to their own freedom Teribazus liked well of this but the Athenians Boeotians Corinthians and Argives having also dispatched away their Ambassadors upon report of his employment refused to assent upon their own private interests
The Senate filled The old Senate then being called over he chose into vacant places first such as since the last Censorship had born Curule Offices as each one had been first created then such as had been Aediles Tribunes of the Commons or Quaestors and lastly such had any spoyls hung up at home which they themselves had taken from the Enemy or had received a Civick Crown So 177 being thus chosen with universal approbation he presently laid down his Office 40. The Romans though the defeat at Cannae threatned them with no less than ruin The Romans quickly recovered their courage quickly recovered their courage When Varro being sent for to name a Dictator was near the Citie all Ranks went forth to meet him and though he was the cause of the overthrow gave him thanks that he had not despaired concerning the Commonwealth Philip King of Macedonia having expected the fortune of both parties after the battel of Cannae joyned in affiancy with Hannibal and this being discovered through the intercepting of his Ambassadors for to prevent his coming into Italy the Romans took order for the invasion of his own Territories Annibal and his party goeth down the wind in Italy and Spain At this time Hannibal was beaten at Cuma and constrained to raise his siege and from Nola the second time by the same hand Hanno having the same fortune at Grumentum In Spain the Scipioes so managed the War that they got ground being continually Superiors Asdrubal was ordered by the Senate at Carthage to passe into Italy but upon his departure they defeated him in battel and by this successe not onely overthrew the design of joyning with Hannibal but drew most of the Spaniards to their party still improving the victory 41. In Sicilie and Sardinia though several attempts were made by the Carthaginians and some revolts happened yet things proceeded in a good condition And in Sardinia In one battel in Sardinia 12000 were slain and many taken prisoners amongst whom were Asdrubal Hanno and Mago all noble Carthaginians Livius lib. 24. A year or two after the death of Hieron King of Syracuse who haveing been a fast friend to the Romans died at 90 years of age or more altered much the face of affairs For Hieronymus his Grandson succeeding him was for his wicked disposition quickly made away and then the Citie breaking into divers factions that which was most contrary to the Roman interest prevailed by the means of two inconsiderable men made Praetors Marcellus the Consul besieged Syracuse both by Sea and Land but was hindred from storming it by the skill and invention of that excellent Mathematican Archimedes In Sicily Marcellus besiegeth Syracuse He framed such Engins Lege Plutarch in Marcello Livium lib. 25. Val. Max. lib. 8. cap. 7. Extern Exempl 7. Ciceron Tuscul lib. 1. 5. De Finibus l. 5. as therewith to cast huge stones upon the Romans and great beams upon their ships He would set the ships upon one end overturn them and hoizing them up into the air after all the men and other things were falln out of them let them fall upon the Walls or return down into the Sea Such was the exactnesse of his skill both near at hand and afar of that neither by Sea nor by Land could they attempt a storm their Engins of battery being also dismounted by the force of his 42. Marcellus hereupon departed from the siege jeering his own Engineers Archimedes forceth him to depart and calling Archimedes by the name of Briarens He destroyed Megara one of the most antient Cities of the Island and falling upon the Army of Hippocrates as it was incamping it self killed above 8000 men After this he made incursions and drew several Towns from the Carthaginians He took Damippus the Spartan as he sayled from Syracuse about the redemption of whom coming often near the Walls of that Citie he observed a Tower negligently kept convenient for receiving of men because the Wall there might be easily mounted Taking the opportunity of Diana's feast wherein the Syracusians gave up themselves to Wine and sports he seized on this Tower and through it bestowing his men about the Walls easily became Master of the Citie Yet he surprizeth the City but cannot preserve Archimedes after three years spent in the siege He wept when he beheld the goodlinesse of it which notwithstanding his Commands for moderation in which he was eminent he knew would suffer much But more than the rest the death of Archimedes troubled him whom he most laboured to preserve Some wrote that this famous Artist busied in his Geometrical speculations minded not what was doing in the Citie but a Soldier coming to him and bidding him follow him to Marcellus he would not go till he had finished his probleme and demonstrated it whereupon the Soldier killed him Others reported that a Soldier rushing in upon him A. M. 3793. Ol. 142. ann 1. V.C. 542. Ant. M. 12. Ptol. Philop. 11. Belli Punici 7. he desired respite from death till he had finished his contemplation but the Soldier not at all regarding him slew him presently A third report went that as he was carrying his Mathematical instruments to Marcellus certain Soldiers came upon him who supposing it to be Gold he carried in the Vessel instantly slew him One of these wayes perished Archimedes who excelling all men in this noble skill deserveth as much of blame as he had of knowledge in that esteeming sordid and base the making of Engins and what served necessary uses he onely seriously studied the Science abstracted from Mechanick works The Scipios having Conquered almost all Spain are destroyed by dividing their forces and their death is revenged by Marcius and through this kind of greatnesse of mind refused to write any thing concerning those works which procured him his deserved fame and estimation 43. At this time the Scipioes in Spain having well nigh done their work and intending suddenly to make an end of the War unfortunately divided their forces and through the treachery of the Celtiberians were both cut off with almost their whole Armies The Roman interest hereby had been destroyed in that Countrey had not the remainders of the forces been kept together and preserved by L. Marcius a Tribune who revenged the death of the two Generals and his other Countrey-men by falling on the Carthaginians divided into two several Camps Secure and without any watch and suffering none to escape from one to give notice to the other slew 37000. and took 1830 with great plunder In Italy Hannibal had Tarentum betrayed to him by the Inhabitants the Castle still holding out Livius lib. 26. and the Romans laid siege to Capua The Romans besiege Capua Hither was Annibal called for aid but he made no great haste out of desire he had to take the Castle of Tarentum Bethinking himself how great scandal he should give to all his confederates in
case he did not relieve that Citie he marched thither and set upon the Roman Camp which was so well defended that he was repelled though assisted by the Inhabitants and his own Garrison he there had left Perceiving then that the Enemy would not be drawn out of his Trenches Hannibal having got Tarentum besiegeth the Castle in vain and and that he could not break through his Camp lest the new Consuls should intercept his Provisions he resolved to be gone Considering much whither he should go he resolved for Rome it self the head of the War designing at least by this Enterprize to raise the siege of Capua 44. His coming being heard of at Rome they were there variously inclined as to resistance Marcheth for Rome Some thought that all the Armies in Italy were to be sent for but Fabius Maximus would by no means hear of leaving Capua Therefore a middle way was taken to send for one of the Captains from the siege to the defence of the Citie Q. Fulvius then the Proconsul chusing out 15000 foot and 1000 horse out of the three Armies marched for Rome which he entred at the Gate Capena when Hannibal now lay incamped eight miles off the Senate lest his power should be diminished having decreed that if he came into the Citie he should have equal authority with the Consuls Annibal removing to the River Aniene three miles from the Citie with two thousand horse thence went to take a view of it Flaccus stomaching he should take this liberty and do it with ease sent out a party of horse which falling on made him retreat The day after and that following Hannibal on one side and Flaccus with the Consuls on the other drew out their forces for a battel when on both dayes fell such storms of hail and rain as the Armies could not joyn but when they had retreated into their Camps Is hindred from fighting by Tempests and departeth towards Rhegium a wonderfull serenity appeared This struck the Carthaginians with a religious awe and caused Hannibal to say that sometimes a Will and otherwiles fortune were wanting to him for the taking of the Citie Removing back then his Camp to the River Turia thence he proceeded to the Lake of Feronia which Goddesse had then a rich Temple there This he robbed and so marched through the Countreys of the Lucani and Brutii towards Rhegium and the Straights A. M. 3794. V. C. 543. where he well nigh had destroyed the Inhabitants unawares by the suddennesse of his coming Flaccus returned to the siege of Capua whither that Hannibal returned not was much admired The Campanians therefore despairing of any assistance from him Capua yielded Capua was yielded up The heads of the Rebellion 53 in number were put death 28 having before poysoned themselves at the command of Fulvius contrary to the Will of his Collegue Appius Claudius who would have had the matter determined by the Senate at Rome The common sort was sold and the Citie because situate in so good a soyl reserved for a receptacle of all sorts of Plow-men Labourers and Artificers without any shew of government of its own after it had stood about 260 years Paterculus lib. 1. These things hapned in the eighth year of the War being the 543 of the Citie the 1âth of Antiochus the Great and the 12 of Ptolomy Philopator P. Sulpicius Galba and Cn. Falvius Centumalus being Consuls 45. This year was sent into Spain Claudius Nero who having got Asdrubal the Carthaginian into a straight so as he might have cut off him and his Army Nero deluded by Asdrubal Livius lib. 27. Asdrubal promised he would draw all his Soldiers out of the Countrey but drew out the time in length by the interposition of his Punick faith till by little and he withdrew all his men out of the danger The Senate and People hearing this took it ill that Nero would thus suffer himself to be abused yet know they not whom to send to succeed him and when the Comitia were held for the creation of a Proconsul none appeared to stand for the Office A great sadnesse hereupon seized on the multitude When Publiu Scipio son to Publius Cornelius Scipio slain in Spain whom as we said he defended in battel a young man but of 24 years of age stood up in a place where he might be seen and professed himself candidate having the year before been made Aedilis though under age by the great favour and confidence of the People With great joy he was created by the suffrages of all but when they considered what they had done and especially thought of his age they were again much perplexed which he apprehending called them together and with such spirit and resolution promised them good successe Publius Scipio taketh upon him the government of Spain and exceedingly prospereth that they departed well satisfied judging many things to be in him which surpassed humane admiration for having good parts he could set them off to purpose Passing into Spain then this year the summer following he took new Carthage by storm a place of great consequence both for riches and situation by the same of which exploit together with his loving demeanour towards the natives he well improved the Victory 46. Hannibal at this time indulging his cruel disposition in wasting such Countries as he could not keep lost his credit and the Romans in Italy gained thereby This year M. Valerius Laevinus who had done good service against Philip of Macedonia was the second time in his absence created Consul together with Marcellus the fourth time Laevinus went into Sicily where taking the City Agrigentum he thereby brought the whole Island under the Roman jurisdiction The year following being the tenth of the War Tarentum was betraied into the hands of Fabius Maximus Laevinus recovereth all Sicily now Consul the fifth time with Q. Fulvius Flaccus who the fourth time bore this Office Marcellus for this year sometimes winning and sometimes losing with Annibal for that following being created Consul though he scarcely seemeth rightly created according to the Roman superstition though other whiles wary enough was cut off in an ambush A. M. 3797. Ol. 143. an 1. V. C. 546. Ant. M. 16. Ptol. Philop. 15. Belli 11. whilst with his Collegue T. Quintius Crispinus Marcellus slain accompanied onely with 220 Horse he went to view a place where he had a great desire to fight Hannibal Crispinus also received a wound whereof he died after he had named a Dictator for creation of the next Consuls 47. The year following Asdrubal was ordered to go out of Spain into Italy Asdrubal ordered to march out of Spain into Italy to the assistance of his brother Annibal This caused great carefulnesse in Rome by reason they knew not well whom to oppose against him At length M. Claudius Nero and M. Livius Salinator who lately had returned to the City after that being publickly disgraced
Citie to be plundred by the Soldiers and vexed all Egypt with proscriptions and slaughters Galerius was overthrown by the Persian King and fled to Diocletian who received him with great disdain and made him run in his Purple Robe for some miles before his Chariot Galerius much moved by this disgrace recruited his Army throughout Illyricum and Maesia and returning against Narses routed his Army took his Camp his Wives Sisters and Children many of his Nobles and great Treasure wherewith returning into Mesopotamia unto Diocletian he was then received most honourably for he had taken Ctesiphon subdued Assyria and recovered those five Provinces beyond Tigris which revolted from Trajan 11. After this were the Carpi Bastarnae and Sarmatians overthrown and divers other Nations quieted Diocletian now suffered himself to be called Lord and worshipped as a God He in the East and his Collegue in the West raised against the Christians the most heavy persecution that ever yet had hapned both for length and cruelty The tenth persecution The Soldiers were first begun with whereof all such as would not sacrifize to Devils were cashiered but the persecutors proceeded to such cruelty and rage that some were Crucified Orosius ut suprà Euseb Eccles Hist lib. 8. c. 3. c. others burnt alive others roasted with slow fiers and others pulled in pieces by having their limbs made fast to boughs of Trees which being brought together for that purpose were afterwards suffered to return to their natural position Some were starved to death many slain with the sword and many devoured of wild beasts Some were flead alive others beaten to death by hot burning iron rods and some returned to prison after their torments there to languish away Women were hung naked by one foot and some had their breasts feared no Sex no Age no condition was spared A terrible Earthquake followed in Syria which destroyed many thousands about Tyre and Sidon But in the second year of this persecution Diocletian perswaded his Collegue though unwilling that they both might resign the Empire to the two Caesars so that he being seized with a fowl disease after he had almost reigned twenty years put off the Purple at Nicomedia and Maximianus Herculius the same day at Milain The former withdrew to Salenae into his own Countrey and the later into Lucania Maximianus Galerius and Constantius Chlorus 12. The two Caesars Maximianus Galerius Orosius and Constantius Chlorus became Augusti after the resignation of their fathers in Law and first of all others parted the Empire between them To Constantius fell Gall Britain Eutropius l. 10. Spain Italy and Africk to the other Illyricum with Greece and Asia Galerius created Caesars his sister's two sons Galerius Maximinus and Severus The East he appointed to Maximinus and intended Italy for Severus if he could but take it from Constantius For this purpose he kept at Rome as an Hostage Constantine the son of Constantius by Helena a British woman as some say which he put away when he married the daughter of Maximianus But Constantine made an escape to his father Constantine Olymp. 271. ann 1. V. C. 1058. A. D. 306. who died at York in Britain not long after on the 25 of July in the third year of his reign he and his Collegue both the sixth time being Consuls in the 1058 year of the City the 306 of the ordinary Aera of Christ the first year of the 271 Olympiad ending His son Constantine in Britain was now saluted Emperour 13. The Praetorian Soldiers at Rome named Emperour Maxentius the son of Maximianus Herculius Idem who together with Diocletian had resigned the Government Against Maxentius Galerius sent Severus Aureiius Victor who besieging Rome was betrayed by his Soldiers and flying away was killed at Ravenna Now Maximianus Herculius out of desire to recover the Empire joyned with Constantine to whom he married Fausta his daughter by Eutropia Zozimus lib. 2. Orosius Euseb Eccles Hist lib. 8. Capp 14 15 16 17. then to obtain his design did he plot against both son and son-in-law but being frustrated by both hanged himself at Massilia now Marseils a Citie in France Maxentius his son and Galerius Maximinus otherwise disagreeing joyned in renewing the persecution against the Christians by Eusebius called the second which we understand of his age But Galerius Maximianus Augustus made Licinius his Collegue in the Empire in the fifth year after the death of Constantius in which year also Sapores the seventh King of Persia began his reign Galerius Augustus heightning the persecution of Christians by several cruel edicts rotted within and was eaten with vvorms vvhich crawled out of his belly so that the Physicians not able to endure the stench of his body vvere put to death Perceiving the hand of God upon him in his own and Constantines name he recalled his Edicts and at last miserably died This vvas the second persecution vvhich if it be joyned vvith the former both make up about 8 years But this rest scarcely continued 6 moneths for Maximianus being dead at Salonae Maximinus being nothing amended by so sad an example renevved the persecution His fury God chastized by putting him to flight before the Armenians vvhom he had provoked as also by pestilence and famine wherein by Gods Grace the humanity of Christians was as admirable as formerly their constancy had been Now the Roman Empire was under four Princes viz. Constantine and Maxentius sons of Emperours and Maximinus and Licinius new raised men 14. The chief men at Rome being wearied with the Tyranny of Maxentius sent for Constantine against him Canstantine in his journey by the benefit of a famous vision tasted of Christianity being formerly inclined towards it Eutrop. ubi supra Orosius The truth of the story he confirmed to Eusebius by an oath as that Historian telleth us in the History of his life and relateth it after this manner A little past noon he beheld the sign of a Crosse lively figured in the air with an Inscription in it Constantine converted containing these words In hoc vince In this overcome He said that both he and his whole Army did wonder at so strange a prodigy It 's further said that Christ appearing to him in a dream commanded him to make the figure of the Crosse which he had seen and to wear it in his Colours in the field Proceeding against Maxentiuâ he overthrew his forces four times although four times larger than his own at the later time Maxentius flying amain towards Rome was drowned in the River Maximinus published an Edict against Christians but was forced to sing a palinode twice although his flattery was as unprofitable as his threats for he died of an horrible disease at Tarsus Then did Constantine and Licinius enjoy the Empire together The former after his Victory over Maxentius was confirmed in the Christian Faith and owned Christ for the Author of his successe Licinius complied with