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
effeminatenesse and luxury so that gluttonous (o) 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ventri indulgere 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 voluptatibus deditus and voluptuous persons (p) 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 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 â—arâ—haginians and then those that remained passed over to Rhegium in Iâ— where they built a Citie named Hyeâ—a 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 lâ—id by one Temâ—sius 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 Bâ—as 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 reâ—ected 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 meâ—n 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 foâ—rd 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 â—abinitus 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 adâ—oyning 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 iâ—tium 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
found to have passed from the Originall of Jubilies to the Dedication of the Temple which make up eleven Jubilies and eight years Ludov. Cappellus So the service therein began in the eighth year of the twelfth Jubilie or in the first year of the second week of the twelfth which seemeth agreeable to the Ceremoniall Law wherein most things consist in the number of 7 and are reckoned by Sabbaticall years and Jubilies And if we divide 3095 by 7 we shall find the Temple dedicated in the first year of the 442d week from the Creation almost twelve intire Jubilies after the Service thereof had been first appointed on Mount Sinai Solomon's Navy 43. About the same time Solomon built a Navie at Esion-gaber 1 Kings 1. on the shoar of the Red Sea in the Land of Edom. This furnishing with his own Subjects and the Tyrians then by reason of the situation of their Countrey the best Sailors in the World sent to him by Hiram he dispatched to Ophir once in three yeers for gold and other marchandise whence they brought him 420 talents The Country of Edom David had formerly subdued and thence Solomon his Son had the priviledge of building his Ships there Aeleth or Eloth called by other Writers Aelana and Aelanum was then a famous City seated upon the Arabian Gulf to part whereof lying about it it gave appellation As Esion-gaber was the Arcenall for building the Navie so this City seemeth to have been the Emporium or Mart-town and as long as the Edomites continued under the obedience of the Kingdom of Judah it is probable that thence Marchandise was transported to Petra the chief City of Arabia and so to Jerusalem But when the Edomites revolted which happened after the death of Jehosaphat the course was altered from Jerusalem to Rhino colura a City in Phoenicia upon Aegypt and there continued long till such time as the Ptolomie's with much adoe brought down the trade to Alexandria To effect this they made two Ports upon the borders whereof the one bare the name of Berenice and is mistaken by Josephus for Esion-gaber that lying at a great distance both from this and Elath which seemeth to be the same place mentioned in (d) Strabonem lege lib. 16. p. 780. D. 781. A. B. c. Vide Fullerum in miscellaneis Strabo by the name of * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Albus Pagus 44. As this Navigation of the Tyrians gave a beginning to their Fame in that Art so from it as is probably conceived came the name of the Red Sea or that of Edom first to be famous in other Countries Their Traffick increasing they might well send out Colonies into other parts and hence as Herodotus writeth the Sea-coast of Arabia might be inhabited by them but as for their coming from these parts to inhabit Phoenicia which opinion seemeth to have taken it's originall SECT 3. from the journey of the Israelites out of these Coasts it is a meer Fable Sailing out of the Arabian into the Persian Gulf the name of Red Sea might upon this occasion be given by them to both which is usually to be expounded of both in antient Writers the word Edom being changed into others of the same signification in severall Languages As for Ophir if we think this Country denominated from the Son of Sem or him from it either immediately by his habitation therein or rather mediately by the Tyrians imposing that name upon it which properly belonged to a place in Arabia then need wee not seek for it in America and feign strange circuits to have been made from the Red Sea round about Africk to sail thither as those who place it in that part of the World are forced to do His buildings 45. Solomon after the dedication of the Temple fortified Jerusalem with a treble wall and repaired Hazron the antient Metropolis of the Canaanites so did he Gaza of the Philistins he built Bethoron Gerar and the Millo or munition of Jerusalem He also built Megiddo in Manasseh on this side Jordan Balah in Dan and Thadmor which may be either Thameron in the Desart of Judaea mentioned by Ptolomy or Palmyra as Josephus thinketh situate in the Desart of Syria on the borders of his Dominions which being many Ages after rebuilt by Adrian the Emperour was named after him Adrianopolis He built for himself in thirteen years time a Palace and an house for his Wife the Daughter of Pharaoh After this he offered twenty Towns bordering upon the Tribe of Asher to Hiram King of Tyre as a reward for the assistance he afforded him in his buildings but he refusing them he placed Colonies therein And from his refusall the Country came to be called Cabul His incontinency and idolatry 46. In the later part of his reign he fell into great incontinency 1 Kings 11. and thence became accessory to abhominable Idolatry He loved many strange Women as together with the Daughter of Pharaoh Women of the Moabites Ammonites Edomites Sidonians and Hittites of the Nations wherewith the Children of Israel were forbidden to marry He had 700 Wives and 300 Concubines which turned his heart after other gods so that he went after Ashtaroth the goddesse of the Sidonians and Milcom the abhomination of the Amorites he built an high-place for Chemosh the abhomination of Moab in the hill before Jerusalem for Molech the abhomination of the Children of Ammon and so did he for all his strange Wives which burnt incense and sacrificed to their gods This provoked the God of Israel who had twice appeared to him insomuch that for his horrible ingratitude he determined evil concerning his Kingdom to be fulfilled in his Son Yet have we ground to judge well of his eternall condition seeing he made a recantation of his former errors and was used as a Pen-man of Scripture by the Holy Ghost His death He dyed after he had reigned 40 years A. M. 3025. being without parallel for Wisdom Magnificence and Humane Frailty A. M. 3025. SECT III. From the death of Solomon and the rent of the Kingdom to the destruction of the Kingdom of Judah 1. SOLOMON being dead Rehoboam his Son 1 Kings 12. by Naama an Ammonitish Woman reigned in his stead The Tribes when they met at Sichem to make him King petitioned for a relaxation of their burthens imposed by his Father to which he answered so churlishly despising the counsel of the antient and grave Men that ten Tribes revolted from him Ten Tribes fall off from Rehoboam and made King over them Jeroboam the Son of Nebat 2 Chron. 11. Ver. 13 14. who had fled into Aegypt for fear of Solomon after that God's intentions came to be known of giving him part of the Kingdom 2 Chron. 11. v. 13 14. With Rehoboam yet remained the two Tribes of Judah and Benjamin and the greatest part of the Levites who left their possessions and setled themselves
said to have begun his reign in the 27th year of Ieroboam 2 Chron. 26. King of Israel an Inter-regnum of twelve years must needs have passed betwixt his father's death and his beginning the Kingdom all this time having perhaps A. M. 3201. been governed by a Lieutenant or the High-Priest When he came to the Age of 16. all the people of Iudah took him and made him King in the room of his father and under him the State of Iudah much flourished He fought prosperously against the Philistins and Arabians that dwelt in Gur-Baal and Mehunims or Minaeans dwelling in Arabia the Happie upon the Red-Sea the Ammonites sought to him with presents and his name was great in those parts About his 35th year was celebrated in Greece the first Olympiad that great help to our understanding in the distinction of times He invaded the Priests Office in Offering Sacrifice and for that was strucken with Leprosie which continued upon him till his death living in an house by himself and Iotham his son ordering the affairs of the Kingdom He reigned 52 years Jotham 11. Iotham his son succeeded him who prevailed against the Ammonites 2 Chron. 27. and forced them to pay Tribute two years He became mighty A. M. 3253. because he prepared his wayes before the Lord his God he built the High-Gate of the Temple much on the Wall of Ophal Moreover Olymp. 5. an 4. Cities in the Mountains of Iudah and in the Forrests thereof Castles and Towers Under him his Predecessor and his two Successors prophesied Isaiah and Hosea Micah began in his time and Nahum also according to Iosephus prophesied the destruction of Niniveh which was fulfilled 115 years after though others think the beginning of these years should rather be placed in the time of his son A. M. 3269. Olymp. 9. an 2. 2 Kings 16. 2 Chron. 28. He reigned sixteen years and was succeeded by Ahaz his son Ahaz whose reign if it be compared with that of Pechah and Hosea Kings of Israel it will appear that he reigned seven or eight years with his father He did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord walking in the wayes of the Kings of Israel he made molten Images for Baalam burnt Incense in the Valley of the son of Hinnom burnt his Children in the fire Sacrificed and burnt Incense in the high places on the Hills and under every green Tree Because of this God stirred up Pekah King of Israel and Rezin the son of Remaliah King of Syria against him who invaded his Kingdom and did much hurt Rezin got Elath which Uzzias had recovered and built the King of Israel gave him a grievous overthrow the Edomites also afflicted him and the Philistins whom Uzziah had brought under made inroads upon him Suspecting his Estate because of these things he sent to Tiglath-Pileser King of Assyria for help presenting him with the Silver and Gold which was found in the Temple 12. Tiglath-Pileser accordingly came up and taking Damascus Nicol. Damascenus apud Iosephum Antiq l. 7. c. 6. killed Rezin in whom fell this Kingdom which having continued ten Generations and begun in a Rezin ended in one of that name Then turned he his Forces upon Pekah transporting into Assyria the Inhabitants of Gilead and Naphthali as formerly he had done those of Damascus But Achaz to procure those things having made himself his Vassal was yet never the better remained in great fear of him and still continued in his wickednesse He made his son Hezekiah for his three last years partner with him in the Kingdom and at the end thereof died having reigned together with his father and by himself 16 years Hezekiah Hezekiah succeeding A. M. 3276. Olymp. 12. an 3. opened the Temple which his father had shut and reformed the abuses in Religion He brake in pieces the brazen Serpent 2 Kings 18. 2 Chron. 29. c. because the Superstitious multitude fancying some Divine vertue therein gave it suitable Worship He shook off the yoak of the King of Assyria refusing to pay Tribute for which cause in his fourteenth year Senacherib being to make War upon Egypt led part of his Forces into Judaea Besieging Lachish Hezekiah bargained with him to depart but he brake his promise and sent Rabshakes with others to Jerusalem who blaspheming God and reproaching the King laboured to draw the people from their obedience This being to no purpose Rabshakes returned to him who had now departed from Lachish and besieged Libnah a strong Citie of Judah removing still nearer Jerusalem that he might seem to pursue what he had given in charge to Rabshakes to denounce against Hezekiah 13. But lying before Libnah news came that Tirhakah King of Aethiopia who as it seemeth had entred into conspiracy with the Egyptian against him was moving towards him at which he was so terrified that he brake up his siege and departed homewards Yet having a greedy mind towards Judaea he sent a blasphemous Letter full of threats to Hezekiah but he lost in one night by the stroak of an Angel 180000 men as some think being on his way towards Jerusalem and confounded hereat returned to Niniveh where he was slain by his two sons Adramelech and Sharezer as he was worshipping in the house of Misroch his God In the time of these dangers Esay 38.8 Hezekiah fell sick unto death the sentence of which he received from Isaiah the Prophet But by his prayers and tears he obtained a prolongation of life for fifteen years and in confirmation of the promise the shadow of the degrees which was gone down in the Sun-dyal of Ahaz was brought ten degrees backward and it followeth The Sun returneth ten degrees backward So the Sun returned ten degrees by which degrees it was gone down As for this Sun-dyal it's thought that in those ancient times the knowledge of Dyals was scarce amongst the Hebrews Yet is it possible that Achaz might have something of that nature though imperfect from the Babylonians who were of old much given to Astrology he being otherwise too curious an admirer of forrein things as appeareth in that he must needs have such an Altar made and erected at Ierusalem as he had seen at Damascus That the Sun went back hath been generally believed Gregory of Oxford but one of late hath gone about to prove that the shadow was lyable to reduction without retrocession of the great Luminary 14. 2 Chron. 32.31 The knowledge of this miracle coming to the Babylonians who by reason of their continual observation of the Heavenly bodies might have more occasion to take notice of it Merodach-Baladan their King sent to Hezekiah to congratulate his recovery desirous it 's likely of his friendship whom he had understood to be so much in the favour of God especially bearing no goodwill to the Assyrians He in a vain ostentation of his Wealth shew'd the Ambassadours all his Treasures
Churlish answer chose Jeroboam the son of Nebat of the Tribe of Ephraim to reign over them He being industrious in the work of Fortifications 1 Kings 11.12.13 14. 2 Chron. 11.13 had been made by Salomon Ruler over all the charge of the house of Joseph but the Lord after he was provoked by the Idolatry of Salomon sent Ahijah the Prophet to him to promise him ten Tribes which coming to the ears of the King he sought to slay him whereupon Jeroboam fled for his life to Shishak King of Egypt with whom he sojourned till Salomon's death Then he was sent for out of Egypt and accompanied all Israel as their Speaker in their addresse made to Rehoboam whom after they had rejected they made him King A. M. 30â—6 that the Lord might perform what he had promised by the Prophet 2. In the beginning of his reign he built up Shechem which had lyen waste well nigh 260 years from the time that Abimelech destroyed it This place being situated in Mount Ephraim he first made his habitation till he went over Jordan and built Penuel whence afterwards he also removed his seat to Tirza He forsook the Lord who promised him establishment if he would keep his Statutes and Commandments going about by carnal and wicked policy to secure his interest For lest his Subjects by going up to Ierusalem to Worship should be turned again from their obedience to him he set up two Golden Calves Setteth up to Golden Calves the one at Dan and the other at Bethel having learnt Idolatry towards this sort of Cattel in Egypt To that in Bethel he sacrificed instituting a Feast like to that of Tabernacles and though rebuked by a Prophet he was stricken with Leprosie and might have been convinced by other Miracles yet neither these things nor the many judgements of God against him and his Successors could reclaim either him or them Rejecting the Priests of the sons of Aaron and the Levites he made of the lowest of the people Priests for the high places He had War with Rehoboam continually and with Abiah his son who overthrew him in a great battel and slew 500000 of his men although he added a stratagem to the force of his numbers which doubled those of his Enemy compassing-in Abiah's Army whil'st he was speaking to it Some years after he died having reigned 22. Nadab his son succeeding him Nadab walked in the wayes of his father A. M. 3047. Asae 2. in his sin wherewith he made Israel to sin but in his second year he and all Israel besieging Gibbethon of the Philistins Baasa Baasa the son of Ahijah 1 Kings 15. of the house of Issachar conspired against him and slew him there 3. Nadab is said to have began his reign in the second year of Asa and to have reigned two years yet Baasa to have began to reign in the third year of Asa To this either must be said that Ieroboam made his son King whil'st he himself yet lived or else not reigning 22 years compleat but some part onely of the 22th year so that the far greater part of the first year of Nadab must fall in with the greater part of the second of Asa neither did Nadab reign two whole years but one with a piece of another and so the first year of Baasa will fall in with the greater part of the third of Asa For in this comparing of the times of the Kings of Judah and Israel is to be taken notice That 1. A year onely begun is taken for a compleat one 2. The fathers often yet living communicated the royal dignity to their sons 3. Some were twice inaugurated as Joram in the Tribe of Judah and Hâ—shea in that of Ephraim 4. That there were many vacancies especially in the Kingdom of Israel Baasa cut off all the posterity of Jeroboam Jeroboams posterity utterly destroyed not leaving one to pisse against the Wall according as Ahijah had foretold so that here Jeroboam's policy failed him the Golden Calves having pushed down his family When Baasa saw that Asa had restored Religion and for that cause many of his subjects revolted to him he had War with him all his dayes and in his fourteenth year built Ramah to restrain fugitives 2 Chron. 16. Asa to divert him hired Benhadad King of Syria who breaking the league formerly made with Israel came up with his forces and smote Jion a Citie of the Tribe of Asâ—er Dan of the Danites Abel-hethmaach of the Manassites and all Cinneroth with the Land of Napthali which forced Baasa to leave off building Ramah and return to Tirza He reigned 24 years 1 Kings 16. viz. 23 with part of another Elah slain by Zimri 4. Elah his son succeeded him in the 26th year of Asa A. M. 3071. and reigned two years at the end whereof his servant Zimri Asae 26. Captain of one half of his Chariots slew him at Tirzah as he was drinking in the house of Arza his Steward and the Prophesie of Jehu the son of Haneni was fulfilled against the house of Baasa that it should be made like to that of Jeroboam all of it being destroyed in like manner by Zimri Omri But Zimri himself reigned onely seven dayes for the people then besieging Gibbethon and understanding how things had passed at Tirzah made Omri the General of the Army King He presently led them against Tirzah and took it Whereupon Zimri withdrew himself into the Pallace and setting it on fire perished therein because he also walked in the steps of Jeroboam A Schism now followed for one half of the people chose Tibni Tibni the son of Gineth and four years imperfect as the Jews have it this division continued till at length Tibni dying A. M 3076. Omri reigned alone Asae 31. He is also said to have began his reign in the 31th year of Asa which must be understood of his reigning alone having slain Zimri in the 28th year beginning of that King After he had reigned six years at Tirzah he translated the seat of the Kingdom to Samaria which Citie he had built on an Hill bought of one Shemer from whom it took the name Having done worse then any that were before him he died after he had reigned twelve years Which if they be accounted from the death of Zimri and so contain his whole reign then reigned Ahab his son Vide Lud. Cappellum Chron. Sacr. pag. 179. and Successor but two years with him his 11th year falling into the 38 of Asa but if they be reckoned from the death of Tibni then must Ahab have reigned about five years together with him Ahab marrieth Jezebel 5. Ahab exceeded in wickednesse all his predecessors A. M. 3083. Asae 38. not onely living in the sins of Jeroboam but marrying Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal King of Sidon whose God Baal he served and worshipped For this 1 Kings 18.
afforded least advantage By Land no War arose that gave any sufficient advantage of inlarging their dominions further than to the disturbance of their next Neighbours they stirred not abroad nor gave their minds to any new Conquests Those that were Subjects were patient under the yoak and Equalls in power made no considerable quarrells till all Greece came to be divided in the old War betwixt the Inhabitants of Chalcis and Eretria Then to hinder them from growing great the affairs of the Persians were advanced till having cast out their Tyrants who all this while contenting themselves with the private power they had over particular places stirred not they got ground by little and little of the Eastern Empire Almost during this whole Period had they * No written Laws no written Laws Homer being witnesse who never useth the word * No written Laws Law throughout his writings †Joseph centra Apion l. 2. They were not generally governed but by indefinite Sentences and Praecepts of their Kings remaining a long time without any written Praecepts and referring all to the event according to which Judgment insued Such was the most antient condition of Greece in generall Now a particular account is to be given of the severall Kingdoms and States that were most considerable and contemporary with the Babylonian Empire SECT II. The Sicyonian Kingdom The Sicyonian Kingdom most ancient 1. THe affairs of the Sicyonian have the (a) Euseb in Chronic. August de Civit Dei l. 18. Pausan in Corinthiacis p. 49. Edit Graec. Francfurti 1583. first place allotted to them in Antiquity who inhabited a City situated upon the Bay of Corinth and the confines of Achaia Here Aegialeus began a Kingdom about 270 years after the universall Deluge 232 before the beginning of Inachus 1313 before the first Olympiad Aegialeus the first King the year of the World 1915 according to the Vulgar way of computation without taking in the 100 years formerly mentioned in the History of the Judges and the 859th year of Noah whilst Ninus reigned in Assyria A. M. 1915. From him the City was first called Aegialia and part of the Peninsula it self according to some SECT 2. which afterwards was from Pelops named Peloponnesus Europs Telchines Apis. He left his Kingdom to Europs his Son after he had reigned 52 years and Europs having reigned 45 was succeeded by Telchines He governed 20 and was followed by Apis who was so great that all within the Isthmus was from him called Apios When he had continued 25 years Thelxion his Son Thelxion succeeded him during whose reign all things were so prosperous and happie that being dead they worshiped him for a god by sacrifices Aegyrus and solemnizing games which as they say were first invented for his sake Him followed Aegyrus after he had reigned 52 years Aegyrus or Aegydrus Thurimachus Leucippus Peratus reigned 33 Thurimachus 45 Leucippus 53 who had onely a Daughter named Calchinia on which Neptune or rather Mesapus begat Peratus who was Heir to his Grand-father and governed 47 years Plemnaeus Orthopolis After Peratus followed Plemnaeus whose children all died as soon as they were born till Ceres came in the likenesse of a Woman and brought up Orthopolis who succeeded his Father having reigned 48 years 2. Orthopolis the twelfth King of Aegialea had a Daughter named Chrysorthe Coronus Corax Epopeus on which Apollo is supposed to have begot Corenus his successor Coronus left two Sons Corax and Lamedon Corax after he had reigned 30 years died without issue and Epopeus a Thessalian seized on his Kingdom Epopeus stole Antiopes the Daughter of Nycteus King of Thebes for which injury he was prosecuted with War by the Thebans A battell being fought he had the better but both the Kings were mortally wounded Nycteus presently died after he was carried home but left the tuition of Labdacus the Son of Polydorus and Nephew to Cadmus whose Guardian he had been to his Brother Lycus requesting of him to lead down another Army into Aegialea to revenge him upon Epopeus to punish Antiope if he could take her Lamedon but in the mean time Epopeus died also of his wounds being neglected and Lamedon the Son of Coronus obtained his Fathers Kingdom gave up Antiope to Lycus as Pausanias writeth though Apollodorus saith A. M. 2616. that Lycus took Aegialea and slew Epopeus Antiope in the way to Thebes fell in travell and brought forth Amphion and Zethus who being found and nourished by an Herdsman the former gave himself to Musick and the later to nourishing of Cattell and both afterwards revenged their Mother upon Lycus and his Wife Dirce from whose hard usage she had escaped and came to them 3. Lamedon maried Phenò the Daughter of Clytius an Athenian and undertaking War against Archander and Architeles the Achaeans sent for Sicyon the Son of Metion and Nephew of Erechtheus out of Attica to assist him Sicyon from whom the City was named to whom giving his Daughter Zeuxippe in mariage A. M. 2656. he left him also his Successor From Sicyon the City was named Sicyon and the Country Sicyonia He had a Daughter named Chthonophyle on which Mercury begat Polybus after whose birth she was maried to Phlias the Son of Dionysus Polybus Adrastus and to him bore Androdamas Polybus succeeding his Grand-father left also his Grand-Son Adrastus by his Daughter maried to Talaus King of Argos his Heyr who being expelled his own City had fled to him But he making his peace at home returned Janiscus and after his departure Janiscus or Inachus the Nephew of that Clytis whose Daughter maried with Lamedon came out of Attica and obtained the Kingdom Phaestus After Janiscus had reigned 42 years he gave way by death to Phaestus one vulgarly accounted the Son of Hercules who after eight years at the direction of an Oracle went over into Crete where he built a City of his own name Zeuxippus 4. After his departure Zeuxippus the Son of Apollo by the Nymph Syllis A. M. 2846. was King of Sicyon but reigned not long Hippolytus Nephew to Phaestus by his Son Rhopalus Hippolytus obtained his Grand-Fathers seat Against him Agamemnon King of Mycenae made War till he forced him to submit After four years succeeded Polyphides Polyphides Pelasgus and continued 31 then Pelasgus 20 and after this * Ex Castore Rhodio Chronographo Eusebius would have Zeuxippus to have begun his reign which after 32 years ended with the Kingdom The Priests of Apollo Carinus It having now continued the space of 962 years the Priests of Apollo Carnius obtained the Soveraignty and held it 33. SECT 3. Lacestades Phalces seizeth upon Sicyon But Pausanias writeth that when Lacestades the son of Hippolytus reigned at Sicyon Phalces the son of Temenus who had been King of Argos seized upon it with the Dores in the night time
a Chapel dedicated to him under the title of Jupiter Indiges Ascanius 7. Ascanius his son succeeded him who before was called Euryleon till his name came to be changed in their flight from Troy as Dionysius writeth Some thought him the same with the eldest son of Aeneas by Creusa and called Iulus from whom the family of the Julii took it's name but others accounted him younger Mezentius grew very high upon the death of Aeneas and besieging Lavinium forced the Latines to submit themselves but requiring all their wine to be yearly sent as a tribute into Hetruria they would not endure so harsh terms and encouraging themselves fell upon their Enemies at unawares and killing Lausus the King's son amongst many others forced him to submit to equal conditions Thirty years after the founding of Laviuium Ascanius led out a new Colony and built another City called Alba Longa built Alba Longa whither he betook himself A. M. 2852. ante Rom. 400. leaving the old to his Mother Lavinia who if his own Parent managed the Kingdom for him in his non-age He died in the 28th year of his reign and was succeeded by Sylvius whom some make his son others his brother saying that Lavinia being left with child by Aeneas Ascanius his Successors in Alba. for fear of Ascanius fled into the Woods and there was delivered of this child who from the place of his birth had the name of Sylvius Iulus the eldest son of Ascanius contended with him for the Kingdom but the people conceiving it to belong to him of right as the Nephew of Latinus gave the Priesthood to the other in whose family it thenceforth continued Frpm Sylvius all his Successors were Sirnamed Sylvii whereof the first after he had reigned 29 years was Aeneas Sylvius his Son Aeneas having reigned so many left Latinus his Successor whom after 51 followed Alba for 39. After Alba Capetus reigned 26 years Capys 28 Calpetus * A. M. 3081. or Carpentus 13 and then Tiberinus eight who being drowned in the River Albula bestowed on it the name of Tiber. After him Agrippa reigned 24 years then Alladius called also Aremulus and Romulus Sylvius 19 who was very wicked and tyrannical insomuch that he would counterfeit Thunder desirous to be accounted a god by his Subjects and justly perished by Thunder and inundation through excessive rains Aventinus succeeded him who gave name to one of the seven Hills and after 37 left Procas Sylvius his Successor 8. Procas the thirteenth King of Alba left two Sons A. M. 3209. Oziae 14. Numitor and Amulius whereof the later and younger violently thrust his brother from the Kingdom and that he might have no posterity to revenge the injury caused his son to be made away in a pretended hunting and his daughter Rhea to be devoted to the service of Vesta and a single life In the fourth year of her Priesthood as she was going to fetch water for the service of the goddesse she was light upon by some one and ravished some said by one of her lovers others by Amulius himself who came disguised upon her rather out of desire to make an occasion against her than for any affection but for credit of the cause the fact is laid upon Mars in whose grove it was committed and who came to her as 't is said in a terrible manner with Thunder and Lightning Rhea called also Sylvia and Ilia conceived with two boyes Rhea the daughter of Numitor bringeth forth Twins and when they were born she was either put to death or condemned to perpetual prison and they were thrown into the River A. M. 3235. Olymp. 2. an 4. Oziae 40. At the fall of the water they were left upon the dry ground and a Wolf moved with their cries came and suckled them with her teats till they were taken notice of by Faustulus the King's Herdsman who brought them home to his wife Acca Laurentia that had been newly brought to bed of a stilborn Child Some thought that Numitor aware of his brother's intention to make them away caused other two to be brought in their rooms and gave his two Nephews to be nourished by this Faustulus Others write that this Acca Laurentia was but the Paramour of the Herdsman and for the naughtinesse of her life called Lupa LupanarÃa amongst the Romans signifying brothel houses and Lupa a Strumpet whence the fable arose that the Children were nourished by a Wolf Their names were Romulus and Remus Romulus and Remus 9. The boyes grown up proved active and couragious suitably to their birth but being educated as was agreeable with the fortune and employment of their Foster-father they had occasion to fall out with the Herds-men of Numitor and Remus being taken prisoner was carried before the King Dionys. Now did Faustulus reveal the whole matter to Romulus concerning their Original who got together a company of Herds-men and therewith falling upon the Palace slew Amulius and restored their Grand-father to the Kingdom After things were setled at Alba the young men had a desire to build a Citie in the place where they had been brought up which their Grand-father well approving gave them the ground with such of his subjects as he knew to be of his brothers faction and all others that of their own accord would willingly go out in this new Colony Lead out a Colony Most of the Trojans gave their names whereof continued to the time of Dionysius almost 50 families the inhabitants of the place also as many as were left about Palantium and Saturnia were taken in and the multitude divided into two parts that by emulation the work might proceed with greater expedition But what was intended for a laudable contention grew to a greater inconvenience for hereby were two factions made which preferring the brothers each before the other raised in them ambitious desire of preheminence This soon appeared in that they could not agree about the place Romulus would have the Palatine Hill or Palantian to be taken in and Remus contended for Remuria though on the other they were educated The matter was brought before their Grand-father who advised them to go apart and observe the flying of Birds and to whom hapned the most lucky flight he should be accounted the Author of the Colony Romulus went to the Palatine Hill and Remus to the Aventine near adjoyning Remus first had six vultures come flying by him but Romulus his flock doubled the number so that both of them were saluted King and neither would give place to the other Remus killed 10. The contention grew so sharp as to proceed to a fight wherein Remus had the worst of it and was slain which Dionysius thinketh the most probable opinion Others write that he scoffed at the lownesse of the Wall which his brother had made saying it would easily be passed over by Enemies and therewith leaped over it himself for which he was presently
killed by one Celer who oversaw the work Romulus compassed in the Palatine Hill and made that the Rudiments of the Citie with an Heifer and a young Bullock joyned together plowing up a furrow where the Wall should be reared which use was afterwards observed by the Romans both in the building and razing of Cities This is the most common and received opinion about the Original of Rome Several opinions concerning the builder of Rome which some make built at another time and by other founders Cephalon Gergithius a most antient Historian wrote that it was built in the second age after the Trojan War by Romus one of the four sons of Aenaeas with whom many other Authors agreed Others made the founder of it to be Aeneas himself whom they will have come in company with Ulysses into Italy Aristotle the Philosopher wrote that part of the Achaeans themselves in their return from Troy were by Tempests driven upon Italy and forced to plant themselves in Latium Callias the Historian who Recorded the Acts of Agathocles mentioned a Trojan woman called Roma that being married to Latinus King of the Aborigenes bare to him two sons Remus and Romulus who building the Citie named it Rome after their mother Xenagoras reckoned up three sons of Ulysses by Circe Romus Antias and Ardea all which built Cities of their own name Dionysius of Chalcis with others would have this Romus to be the son of Ascanius some of Emethion and some of Italus by Electra the daughter of Latinus Besides these many other Greek Authors dissented about the founders of the Citie 11. Neither have Roman Writers agreed amongst themselves Some of them would have the sons of Aeneas to be founders of the Citie viz. Romulus and Remus others his Nephews by his daughter which he gave up as Hostages to Latinus King of the Aborigines Some write how Ascanius being left Heir by his father divided his inheritance with Romulus and Remus his brethren he himself built Alba and other Towns Romulus Capua so called from Capys his great Grand-father Anchisa from Anchises his Grand-father and that place afterwards called Janiculum which he named after his father Aeneas then lastly Rome after his own name which being afterwards desolate the Albans repeopled by a Colony led thither by Romulus and Remus According to this History this Citie should have been twice founded First not long after the Trojan times and then again in the fifteenth age after but more than this Antiochus of Syracuse mentioned a third Rome that must have been before the War of Troy writing that from Rome came a certain Sicilian fugitive to Morges the son of Italus King of Italy By reason of this uncertainty of the founders some whose prejudice against the Empire of the Citie moved them with envy accounted it no other than a receptacle and fortresse of Barbarians Fugitives and Vagabounds and were ready to call into question the History of Romulus as a meer invention made to hide the despicable Original of so great a Commonwealth 12. Whether it was a new Plantation or reparation of an old Town there is great variety of opinions concerning the time thereof Timaeus the Sicilian made its foundation contemporary with that of Carthage and the 38 year before the first Olympiad Several opinions concerning the time of the building But of those which seem to approach nearer to truth some place the foundation of it in the sixth Olympiad whereof Velleius Paterculus assigneth the first year others the third and Varro from the opinion of Tarcutius a most excellent Mathematician the fourth which opinion is followed by many Authors of great note besides Augustus Claudius Severus and Philip Emperours in their Saecular Games as Plutarch Tacitus Dio Gellius Censorinus Onuphrius Caesar Baronius Torniellus Joseph Scaliger and Jacobus Cappellus Solinus will have Pomponius Atticus and Cicero to reckon from the third year of this Olympiad but as Pliny Paterculus and Livy so Cicero varieth sometimes counting from the Calends of January of the foregoing one while of this and another of the following year M. Porcius Cato knowing that Rome was built something before the seventh Olympiad not standing upon minute and scrupulous deductions began the Aera of the Citie from the first of January that fell in the first year of that Olympiad and so the year of his own Consulship he said to be the 758 year of the Citie This Aera is followed by the Fasti Capitolini Solinus Eusebius Dionysius of Halicarnassus who taketh pains to prove the account good Polybius Sigonius Pighius Occo Goltzius Isaacus Casaubonus upon Polybius and others Fabius Pictor wrote that Rome was built in the eighth Olympiad the reason whereof as Cappellus thinketh is because Romulus might then have finished the Wall and Ditch some deriving the Aera of a building from laying of a foundation and others from the finishing of the structure Lastly L. Cineius as Dionysius informeth us held that the Citie was built in the second year of the twelfth Olympiad SECT 2. In this great variety of opinions we have rather more reason to approve that of Varro the most learned of all Romans A.M. 3252. Ol. 6. an 4. Jothami 6. Pekachi 7. which placeth the beginning of Rome in the fourth year of the sixth Olympiad the sixth of Jotham King of Judah and the seventh of Pekah King of Israel about the time that the Ephori were made at Sparta in the dayes of Charops the first Archon at Athens for ten years A.M. 3252. SECT II. From the building of the Citie to the destruction of the Kingdom the space of 245 years The founding of Rome 1. ROmulus being 18 years old laid the foundation of the Walls on the (a) Solinus cap. 2. Cicero de divin lib. 2. Plutarch in Romulo eleventh day before the Calends of May which answereth to the fourth of October after the Julian account betwixt the hours of two and three The Sun being in Libra and the Moon in Taurus Jupiter in Pisces Saturn Venus Mars and Mercury in Scorpio according to the Computation of Tarrutius the most noble of Mathematicians (b) De re Rustica l. 2. c. 1. Varro (c) Lib. 4. Fast Vide Joseph Scalig. de Emend temp l. 5. pag. 362. Ovid and several others write that Rome was founded on the Parilia or Palilia Festus telleth us that Parilia were so called a Pariendo from bringing forth those Stars in the head of Taurus or which make up the head of themselves as Gellius criticizeth against Tiro named Hyades and under which Rome was founded being also called Parilicium and Palilicium Sydus Servius noteth that Pales was the Roman Goddesse of fodder to whom a solemnity being observed on the eleventh of the Calends of May it had the name of Palilia Cappellus thinketh that according to the mind of Tarrutius the first year of the Citie commenced from the first of January and Capricorn in the new Moon
but retire to a private life and let the World see he could as readily obey as be obeyed after he had restored the honour to those from whom he had received it Having struck a great reverence of him into the Senate he assembled the People to whom after a great complaint against Tarquin and a recital of what good things he had performed for the Publick he offered to resign his place but was confirmed therein and after he refused to give ear to such as would have Tarquin dispatched with great acclamations brought home to his house by the multitude 30. Tarquin thus prevented of what he expected from the Patritians counterfeited repentance and a desire to be reconciled to the King which was easily obtained Covered with this Cloak he laid his designs anew and being continually sollicited by his wife to attempt something worthy of a Kingdom took his opportunity on a day when most of the people were out of the Citie with the Roabs of Estate and all Royal Ensigns as King to go to the Senate house There he presumed to call together the Fathers and such being Assembled as were appointed beforehand took possession of the Kings Seat Tullius having notice hereof unadvisedly with a few followers hasted thither admiring the young mans impudence whom seeing in his Chair he fell of rating and received as bad language then going about to thrust him out Tarquin took him up by the middle and haling him to the door threw him down the stairs into the Comitium The old man hardly recovering his spirits was led homewards when his daughter and Tarquins wife being come in her Chariot to see the event saluted her husband as King but told him his principality would be but uncertain except perfecting what he had begun he would send some who should overtake and dispatch Tullius He took her advice and the feat being done she presently returned home the same way In her passage when she came to the place where the body lay as yet almost gasping her Chariot driver stood still confounded at the sight and not having room to passe besides it Hereat she reviled him and caused him to drive her over it after she had first thrown her footstool at his head The place formerly called Cyprius Vicus Dionys Festus in voce Sceleratus Vicus was afterwards named Sceleratus from that occasion To this end came Servius Tullius after he had reigned 44 years a man just and moderate who abolished the envy contracted in his illegal assumption by his after acts and was thought if he had not been prevented to have intended to lay down his Office and restore absolute liberty with the care of the Commonwealth to the people which some of the Patritians perceiving took in the interest of Tarquinius that they might preserve their own power 40. Lucius Tarquinius obtained the Kingdom by violence Dionys lib. 4. Livius l. 1. Florus l. 1. c. 7. in the fourth year of the 61th Olympiad wherein Agatharchus was Victor when Heraclius or rather Heraclides was Archon at Athens Lucius Tarquinius sirnamed Superbus By his Tyrannical and imperious carriage he soon got the sirname of Superbus as that of Priscus for distinction was given to his Grand-father He would not suffer his Father-in-law's body to be buried publickly for fear it should give occasion to the people to rise against him saying that Romulus died without burial He murdered such as he suspected to favour the cause of Tullius and fearing what end his wickednesse might bring upon him got to him a strong Guard which continually attended his person A.M. 3471. V.C. 220. Olymp. 61. an 4. Cyri 26. He reigned onely by his own arbitrary will neither standing upon the consent of the Senate nor people As for the former he much dimished it by the murder of the richer sort whose wealth he seized on for his own use and resolved to chuse no more in that it might wear out and grow contemptible All controversies he decided himself assisted by his intimate friends and took cognizance of all offences so as he might kill banish or fine at his pleasure He sought to establish himself and confirm his Tyranny by great alliance marrying his daughter to Octavius Mamilius the greatest man amongst the Latines being descended from Telegonus the son of Ulysses by Circe and by false accusation and a cunning device caused them to stone Turnus Herdonius who had discovered to them his basenesse and vilanies He began a War with the Volsci which ended not with him His Wars but lasted above 200 years and subdued the Sabines who refused to obey him From the Volsci he took Suessa Pometia where getting much plunder he first cast in his head the design of building a Temple to Jupiter which his Grand-father had formerly vowed and afterwards the Citie Gaebii by treachery making Sextus his eldest son to counterfeit flight from him for hard usage whereby he was made their General and having according to the secret advice of his father who in imitation of Thrasybylus the Milesian carried the messenger into the field and cut down the tallest Poppies dismissing him without any other message put to death the most principal Citizens at length easily betrayed it into his hands After this he made peace with the Aequi and renewed the league with the Tuscans Then went he forward with the work of the Temple formerly designed 41. Tarquinius Priscus in his last War with the Sabines made a vow that if he got the Victory Buildeth the Capitol he would build Temples to Jupiter Juno and Minerva and with great cost had in his life time levelled the Rock and formed a plot for the building but died before he could finish the work Tarquinius his Grandson resolving to perfect what he had begun with the plunder of Suessa set on all sorts of work-men at which time as they were digging to lay the foundation a mans head was found bleeding afresh which belonging to one called Tolus thence the building had the name of Capitol He perfected a great part of the Temple The Capitol but could not consummate the work being prevented by Exile which was finished by the Citie in the third Consulship after its freedom It was seated upon an high Cragge eight Akers in compasse almost two hundred foot wide on every side and almost of the same length and breadth as differing onely in fifteen feet After it had stood 425 years from its Dedication it was consumed by fire in the dayes of Sylla when L. Scipio and Caius Norbanus were Consuls as Tacitus writeth Yet it rose again with greater cost and Ornament on the same foundation It s front looking toward the South had a Porch Hist l. 3. c. 14. or Gallery with three rows of Pillars on each side were also a double row the three Temples were contained within the same Walls the middle belonging to Jupiter and the other two to Juno and Minerva under the same
and Artaphernes reckoned by Ctesias amongst the seven Then in the Holy Scripture Esra 6.14 together with the edict of Darius in the second year of his reign the assent of Artashashta King of Persia is joyned which may well enough be taken for the said Artaphernes though others do otherwise expound the place And to add something not altogether so material the other Conspirators foreseeing how burthensome they should be to Darius which in what other way could it be than this bound him with an * Valer. Max. lib. 9. cap. 2. extern exempl 6. Oath most sacred amongst the Persians that neither with poyson sword any other violence nor by famine should he kill any of them though it proved not so sacred as to be inviolable 7. In the second year of Darius the building of the Temple which had been interrupted The building of the Temple proceedeth began again and proceeded The Samaritans bribed the Courtiers in the time of Cyrus to hinder the work and Cambyses having been formerly no friend to it when he came to reign stopped it by expresse command through the calumniation of such as bore the Jews no good will The Magician also forbad it upon the same account it being clear from Scripture that two several Princes named Ahasuerus and Artaxerxes withstood it and that betwixt the reigns of Cyrus and Darius Esra 4. But when the Adversaries now betook themselves to Darius expecting from him a countermand to the Jews who being reproved for their remissnesse by the Prophet Haggai were fallen again to build upon the foundation formerly laid he instead of any such inhibition sent them an expresse command not onely not to hinder but at his own cost to further the Structure allowing also to the Priests expenses for the daily Sacrifices The Jews therefore incouraged by this new Edict and confirmed by the Prophecies of Haggai and Zachariah proceeded prosperously in the building 8. In the same year had the Prophet Zachariah a Vision in which the Angel interceding for Jerusalem and the Cities of Judah mentioneth the Lord's having had indignation threescore and ten years The rise or beginning of these years Ludovicus Cappellus fetcheth from the destruction of the Temple For from the first Edict of Cyrus and the end of the Captivity to this time passed about eleven years Cyrus according to his account reigning but three after the taking of Babylon Cambyses together with the Magician eight and Darius one from which must be deducted so much as the removal of the Jews would require even so many as passed from the beginning of the Captivity to the desolation of the Temple and so the Temple lay desolate full Severity years Hence is observable that as the State and Policy of the Jewish Commonwealth was broken and much impaired eleven years before the destruction of the Temple so was it renewed at the end of the Captivity so many years before the re-edifying of it which hitherto had been attempted without successe but now renewed SECT 2. was happily finished in the sixth year of Darius as to the house it self though three years more seem to have been taken up in the building the porches and other appendices to it And as the greatest part of the holy Vessels were carried away in the Captivity of Jechoniah eleven years before the destruction of the Temple so were they sent back again so many years before the restauration of it Lastly this also is observed that as from the destruction of this typical Temple to the rebuilding of it passed Seventy years so from the Conception of Christ the true and spiritual Temple to the final desolation of the shadow or typical one at Jerusalem so many years passed precisely Seventy 9. Darius after his setlement in the Kingdom divided it into twenty Provinces which the Persians called Satrapies over each of which he constituted a Praesident The Empire divided into twenty Provinces withall appointing what tribute each Nation should pay For hitherto under the two former Kings nothing was appointed concerning tribute the several people contributing money by way of benevolence whereupon because of this new imposition they styled Darius an Huckster Cambyses a Lord and Cyrus a Father Cyrus was mild and used them as children striving to deserve well of them Cambyses was sharp and morose Intaphernes put to death and Darius by all wayes possible purveied for money The next thing memorable concerning Darius is his putting to death Intaphernes one of the Conspirators for abusing the Porters and violent intruding into the Palace contrary to the Capitulations agreed on amongst them Having an intention to go to the King they that kept the gate stopped him saying that he was with his wife which he thinking to be a lye drew his Sword Herod lib. 3. cap. 118 119. and cutting off their ears and noses then tyed the reigns of an horses bridle to their necks and let them go They presenting themselves in this case to the King he first suspected some treasonable design of all the six but finding that the rest knew nothing of the matter he put Intaphernes to death with all his sons except the eldest Vide Val. Maxim lib. 9. cap. 2. extern exemp 6. whom he granted to the intreaties of the Mother But not onely him but all the rest also who were burthensome to him another telleth us that he made away by a new kind of death All the Conspirators made away He caused many ashes to be laid betwixt some walls over which laying a rafter thereupon he feasted them very nobly but being fast asleep the floor fell and they therewith into the ashes where they perished If he destroyed them in this strange manner probable it is that he desired to be rid of them because of some power to which they might pretend by virtue of a previous agreement not enduring any incombrance or restraint upon his prerogative for that Soveraignty is impatient of any competition in the throne Babylon rebelleth 10. About the tenth year of his reign the City of Babylon rebelled against him having of late recovered that greatnesse of mind which sometime possessed it's Inhabitants Cyrus demolished not their walls Herod ut prius cap. 105. but left them intire with the gates standing which putting them in a posture of defence they took courage at the forein Wars of Cambyses and the stirs that happened about the Magi. He gathered his forces together with all speed and laid siege to it but they being resolved to stand out to the utmost chose every one a woman to make ready their meat and to save provisions killed all the rest of that Sex except their Mothers Then as if they had made themselves impregnable they derided the Persians saying they should be overcome when a Mule foaled And above nineteen moneths they held out notwithstanding all their attempts and devices At length in the 20th Zopyrus son to Megabyzus one of the chief
Gallies against Samus with 44 of which Pericles and his nine Colleagues sailing for Miletus ingaged with the Samâ—an Fleet consisting of 70 Vessels whereof twenty were laden with Soldiers at the Island Tragâ—ae 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 Dyrrachâ—im 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. Dioâ—orus ad â—lymp 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 invâ—sion 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
Physician in this sad distemper Now whereas by the Laws of Sparta such as had fled from a battel were not onely made incapable of Magistracy and of marriage with others who thereupon were noted with ignominy but were to be strucken by every one that met them walking in a dejected posture in Fools Coats with their beards half shaved there being many and powerfull who fled from Leuctra lest any inconvenience might follow upon their discontent Agesilaus procured that the Law for his time should be silent and without repealing obtain its antient vigour for the time to come Then to recreat the minds of the Soldiers he lead them out into Arcadia where industriously abstaining from fight he took a little Town of the Mantineans and made excursions into their Territories to give his Citizens a little hope and shew them that the fortune of Sparta was not altogether desperate 40. The Ephori made new Levies listing those now that were above 60. The Tegeatans Mantineans Corinthians Phliasians Achaeans and other Cities sent their numbers the Conduct of all which was committed to Archidamus Archidamus invadeth Boeotia because his father was not yet recovered The Thebans presently after the victory sent a Messenger Crowned to Athens to let them know their successe and demanded aid but the Athenians being not a little troubled at what had hapned gave him no audience Then sent they to Jason the Pheraean Prince of Thessaly who though he was otherwise employed with the Phocians yet came and when Archidamus had now invaded Boeotia procured a Truce betwixt them and thereupon the Spartan Army returned home This by Xenophon is related as done after the battel at Leuctra and because he maketh no mention of any Truce made by Jason betwixt them before the fight we may suspect a mistake in the time either of him or Diodorus A Truce is procured by Jason Prince of Thessaly who is presently after murdred by his brothers who relateth the story as before Jason returning home was murdred by seven young men having great designs in his head after he had partly by perswasion and partly by awe caused all Thessaly to receive him as General the Lacedaemonians having refused to send them aid to defend themselves from his power After his death his two brothers Polydorus and Polyphron Authors of his death were made Generals of whom the former was slain within a while by the later who turning his Principality into Tyranny held it but one year being then slain by his brother Alexander under pretence of revenging the death of Polydorus and overthrowing the Tyranny But he proved ten times more Tyrannical * Plutarch in Pelopida burying men alive convering them in beasts skins and so setting them before the Dogs to be devoured and killing others with Darts to make himself sport At length having a plot against his Wives brothers he was slain by them by her means and Tisiphonus the eldest of all the brothers succeeded who continued in the Government when Xenophon wrote his History 41. The Athenians considering that the Lacedaemonians still expected they should follow them in the Wars as formerly Xenoph. and would compell them thereto if they could thought it best for saving their credit to revive the peace formerly made with Artaxerxes They sent therefore fifty men about it to the Cities to take an Oath of them to this purpose That they would observe the Truce established by the King and confirmed by the Athenians and their Associates and if any injury should be offered to any that took the Oath to assist them with their full power All the States willingly admitted of it and received the Oath except the Eleans who after the example of the Thebans pretended that the Marganians Scilluntians and Triphyllians ought not to be set at liberty because they belonged unto them All Cities both little and great being by virtue of this peace to be set at liberty the Mantineans taking occasion thereat made a Decree to build their Citie again and to fence it with walls which formerly had been demolished by the Lacedaemonians They were agrieved that this should be done without their consent and sent Agesilaus to them to stop their proceedings but the Magistrates refused to call the People together to give him audience though a friend upon his fathers account telling him what was once deceed by the people could not be altered Some of the Arcadians sent and promised them assistance and the Eleans helped them with thirty talents of Silver At this time the inhabitants of Tegea fell out amongst themselves whilst some would have all the Arcadians meet together and choose some one man to be their Prince A Sedition at Tegea but others were for living under their own Laws onely and the maintenance of their liberty These at the first had the better of it Alias Diodorus vide but by the help of the Mantineans at length the other prevailed and killing some drove the rest of their Enemies to Lacedaemon to the number of 80. 42. The Lacedaemonians thought they were bound by Oath to revenge the cause of the Exiles upon the Mantineans who by falling on them had broken theirs and gave order to Agesilaus to invade them They by the advice of their friends the Arcadians contained themselves within their walls nevv built and suffered him to spoil their Country vvhich doing vvith great caution and warinesse yet without any losse of honour he returned home At this time it must be according to * In Arcadicis Pausanias who placeth it in the same year with the battel at Leuctra that by the perswasion of Epaminondas the Arcadians built them one City to inhabit destroying there many small Towns which thence had the name of Megalopolis Megalopolis built Aelian var. hist lib. 2. cap. 42. The fame of Ploto being now spread abroad the Thebans and Arcadians sent to him to desire his help not onely for the instruction of their youth and to teach Philosophy but also to prescribe them Laws for their Commonwealth At first he intended to go but asking the Ambassadors how their Superiours stood affected to an equal distribution of goods and honours and hearing they were utterly averse to such a constitution he thereupon refused to go to them At this same time also Epaminondas sent into Sicilie Italy as far as the Islands Euesperites and all over where the old Messenians dwelt Pausanias in Messenicis to invite them home into their antient Country which was restored to them and called after the old name Messene The Messenians recalled re-establisht Which restauration hapned 298 years reckoned from the first of the 28th Olympiad after the taking of Ira and their banishment in the third year of the 102 Olympiad Dyscinetas being Archon During all this time of their Exile they preserved intirely their antient Rites and the Dorick dialect unchanged which in our Age saith Pausanias by them and onely by them is
of Peloponnesus by Archias the Corinthian in the eleventh Olympiad Romulus then reigning at Rome and the Messâ—nian War being very hot in Peloponnesus This new Colony because of Archias and for that many followed him from Corinth owned that Citie for its Metropolis which at that time was most powerfull at Sea But many afterwards flocked out of other parts of Peloponnesus and by little and little the Citie of Syracuse so increased as it became not onely the greatest and most beautifull of all in Sicily but of Greek Cities whatsoever as Cicero affirmeth It contained as he writeth four great Cities the Island Acradina Tycha and Neapolis It s compasse was 180 furlongs having besides Suburbs two Ports very commodious for shipping being separated by the Island and grounds about it very fertile in some places rising into little Hills but compassed about with Fennes The first Inhabitants dwelt in the Island antiently called Ortygia then as the Citie increased the other parts were added whereof the latest was Neapolis As for the state of the Citie after it received a new beginning from Archias the form of the Commonwealth was without doubt the same that then was in the Metropolis under the Government of the Bâ—chiadae viz. Oligarchical bordering upon Aristocracie Afterwards the common people waxing heady outed the better sort of the possession of the grounds and seizing on the Government made bad to be worse as the sad changes and desolations will shew The Exiles by Herodotus called Gamori betook themselves to Gelon the Tyrannus of Gela who coming to restore them with an Army the people resisted not but received him into the Citie whereby obtaining the whole power he restored it not to the Nobility but made himself master of Syracuse This hapned at the time aforesaid and about 244 years after the Plantation of Archias 3. Gelon so used his power as he was loved by all and feared by none He every way much inlarged The acts and power of Gelon adorned and inriched the Citie out of all Conquered Towns he took the Noblest and worst disposed Citizens and brought them to Syracuse He procured the affections of almost all that dwelt in Sicily and so greatly strengthen'd himself that he was able with a Navy of 200 Triremes and as great an Army as all Greece could set forth against Xerxes to help the Graecians in the Median War and had gone to their assistance if they would either have granted him the Command of the Land Army or the Fleet. When he could obtain neither of those he imployed his forces against the Carthaginians who had been called into Sicily by the Egestans and on the same day wherein the Greeks obtained their victory at Salamine got so great an one over them at Himera a Maritime Town that his glory is thought to have equalled His successe against the Carthaginians if not exceeded the other of Themistocles At this time the Carthaginians were very powerfull and become Eminent whose affairs being by necessity to be joyned with such matters as relate to this Island of Sicily a more convenient place cannot be had to speak something as this work requireth of the Original and progresse of their Common-wealth The Original of Carthage 4. Carthage was a Colony of Tyre and Tyre of Sidon the most antient Metropolis of Phoenicia mentioned by Homer with commendation for ingenious industry who hath not one word concerning Tyre and built by Sidon the eldest son of Canaan Tyre was built about the 2747 year of the World and 240 years before Solomons Temple as (a) Antiquit. l. 8. c. 2. Josephus hath observed The Greeks thought it received its name from Tyrus the Founder and (b) Stephanus Byzantius Pollux lib. 1. some invented a fable of a Nymph called Tyros beloved by Hercules But Tsor in the Phoenician language signifying a Rock the situation it self sufficiently declareth the Original of the name which upon this account was communicated to three other places besides this eminent Citie viz. (c) Scylax in descriptione Phoenices vide Bocharti Canaan lib. 2. cap. 17. two in the Continent and another in the same Island Near the Island of this famous City stood Palaetyrus or Old Tyre mentioned by Joshua and called a strong Citie even at the division of the Land of Canaan which hapned about 200 years before the building of that whereof we speak Now (d) Antiquit. lib. 8. cap. 2. Contra Apionem lib. 1. Josephus maketh the Temple of Jerusalem to have been founded in the eleventh year of the reign of Hiram King of Tyre who was son to Abebaal by Josephus called Abibalus and by Eusebius Abelbalus Hiram or Huram according to the Hebrews by the Greeks called Irom and Syron for Horom by Eupolemus was a great friend to David and supplied Salomon his son with materials and work-men for building the Temple He also proposed hard questions to Solomon to be unfolded as Menander testified who translated the Tyrian Annals into the Greek language He strengthned and inlarged the Citie of Tyre as Dius also wrote and reigned 34 years After him his son Beleastartus reigned 7. and Abdastartus 9. who being slain by the four sons of his Nurse the eldest of them reigned twelve years Then Astartus the son of Baleastartus 12. his brother Astarimus 9. who was slain by his brother Phelles Phelles reigned but eight moneths being killed by Ithobalus the Priest of Astarta who reigned 32 years after him Badezorus his son 6. then Mettinus his son 9. and lastly Pygmalion 40. in the seventh of whose reign his sister Dido built the Citie of Carthage in Africk Therefore from the beginning of Hirams reign to the building of Carthage intervened 155 years and eight moneths and whereas the Temple was founded at Jerusalem in the twelfth of his reign from the building of the Temple to that of Carthage passed 143 years and eight moneths as Josephus collecteth from the Testimony of Menander the Ephesian in his first book against Apion The several opinions concerning the building of Carthage 5. But Appian in his History of the Punick Wars writeth that Carthage was built by the Tyrians 50 years before the destruction of Troy which precedeth the former date 360 years He nameth as founders Zorus and Carchedon according to the opinion of the Greeks who thought them the Captains of the Colony whereas Tsor or Zor was the name of the Metropolis and Carchedon of the new Citie Carthada signifying a New Citie in the Phoenician language as Solinus witnesseth Lib. 1. p. 48. Strabo again will have the Phoenicians to have led out Colonies as far as the Pillars of Hercules and planted some a little after the Trojan War upon the Maritime Coasts of Africk with which Virgil closing feigneth Dido to have reigned at Carthage at that time whereas she was 300 years later according to the Testimony of the Phoenician Annals so as Servius upon the Poet affirmeth the whole
story of Aeneas and Dido to be a fiction and utterly against the course of History Further Eusebius noteth that some accounted Carthage built 143 years after the destruction of Troy about the 2966 year of the World and the 23 of the reign of David 164 years or more before the time assigned to Dido by Menander It consisted of three parts For the reconcilement of these several assertions it must be considered that Carthage consisted of three parts viz. Cothon Megara and Byrsa whereof the first was the Port and the last the Citadel compassed about by the second called Magalia and Magaria but more truely Megara signifying properly in the Punick language dwellings in a strange Countrey 'T is conceived that these might be built at several times as that part about the Haven before the War of Troy the other some time within 144 years after the destruction of it which might rightly in respect of the other be called Carthada or New Town and lastly the Byrsa by Dido 166 years after For the Phoenicians being masters at Sea might according to their pleasure as they had occasion send out Colonies which they began to do from the time that Joshua expelled them out of the Land of Canaan The Greeks themselves believed that Cadmus made an expedition into Africk and there built many Cities as appeareth out of Nonius and he built the Citadel at Thebes about the time of Joshua In Procopius his age who lived under Justinian the Emperour about the 540 year of Christ the two Pillars were yet standing which those Canaanites erected that fled from the face of Joshua in that part of Africk called Tingitana as the inscription testified which we formerly mentioned and Eusebius writeth that these same Canaanites led Colonies into Tripolis in Africk Lastly amongst several other Cities built by the Phoenicians the most considerable after Carthage was Utica Utica some ten miles distant from it which Aristotle from the Phoenician Histories reporteth to be 287 years antienter than Carthage and Velletus Paterculus to have been built by the Tyrians a few years after Gades about the time of Codrus who being Contemporary with Saul this Citie obtained the name of Utica or Ityca that is saith Bochartus in the Phoenician language Old or Antient. The story of Dido 6. Dido was sister to Pygmalion King of Tyre wife to Sichaeus Menander Ephesius apud Josephum ut priùs Justin lib. 18. Appian lib. de bellis Punicis Servius in Aeneiad lib. 1. or Sicharbas their Uncle the Priest of Hercules Sichaeus being murdred by Pygmalion for his Wealth she out of hatred to or for fear of her brother fled into Africk with all she could take thereby disappointed the murderer of his prey The story goeth that coming into Africk she her Companions were repelled by Hiarbas the King of that place till they craftily desired to buy of him so much ground as an Ox's hide would compasse The Africans laughed at their folly and out of desire to see what use they could make of so little ground swore to make good the bargain The Phoenicians then cut the Hide all into one small thong with which they encompassed twenty furlong and thereon built a Castle thence said the Greeks called Byrsa But learned men explode this story of the Hide as a meer invention and a fable raised from a false explication of the word which in the Hebrew tongue is Bosra and signifying a fortified place or Castel is changed into Byrsa for the better sound because the Genius of the Greek language suffereth not S R to be joyned together Justin out of Trogus relateth that Hiarbas King of Mauritania sent for ten of the principal Carthaginians and required Dido in marriage threatning else to make War upon them At their return they told her he desired some one who might teach his people breeding and manners but none could be found that was content to leave his Countrey and joyn himself with the Barbarians whose lives were like to those of wild beasts She blaming them all exceedingly that they preferred their private commodity before the good of their Countrey to which if need required they ought their very lives they opened to her the whole matter saying that what she would impose upon others she ought not her self to refuse Being caught with this wile she long called on the name of Sichaeus her husband with many tears and great lamentation then taking three moneths time for the doing of what there was necessity for she made a pile of wood as though to make a Parentation to Sichaeus and appease his Ghost before her second marriage Having killed many beasts she ascended the Pile with a Sword in her hand and turning to the people said that now she was going to her husband and therewithall killed her self Before the name of Dido which some make to signifie Loved or Amiable Vide Bocharti Canaan lib. 1. c. 14. Simson ad A.M. 3132. and others more probably Wandring or Erratick she had that of Elissa betokening a Divine Woman or Virago The Latin word Virago in Greek written Ouirago is in Eusebius corrupted into Origo and being applied as a name to the Citie and not to the woman by a misunderstanding hath much perplexed Joseph Scaliger and others 7. Carthage then being re-edified or inlarged by Dido and the Colony she brought thither about the 3132 year of the World in the dayes of Johas King of Judah and Jehu of Israel 310 years after the destruction of Troy The form of Government at Carthage 97 before the first Olympiad and 120 before the building of Rome was at first under Monarchical Government but afterwards rejecting it indured many hazards and hardships which followed loose liberty whereof most are briefly recited by Justin in his eighteenth book and those that follow The (a) Polit. lib. 2. cap. 9. Philosopher compareth this Commonwealth with those of the Cretans and Lacedaemonians saying that it was mixed of Aristocracy and Policy as he calleth it (b) Lib. 16. Polybius saith it was composed of Kingly Aristocratical and Democratical Governments and (c) In Nycocle pag. 61. tolius operis editi Genevae 1636. Isocrates maketh it Oligarchical at home and in War Monarchical As two Kings at Lacedaemon had the first rank of Magistracie with equal power so at Carthage two persons by them called Suffetes and by Aristotle and Polybius and Corn. Nepos termed Kings yet onely nominal As the former were for life so these were but Annual in which respect (d) Lib. 10. Livie compareth them with the Consuls of Rome and their dignity being hereditary those were yearly elected out of any noble Families Such were especially preferred as were accounted most eminent for Virtue and able to defray the charges of their place Aristotle commendeth this above the Lacedaemonian custom all but that concerning their wealth imputing it as an error to the Legislator who ought another way to
this War depended the year following was Alexandria in Egypt built as Livy writeth whereas the foundation of this Citie was laid while Alexander was in Africk the year before the death of Darius and the fifth before this wherein C. Paetilius and L. Papyrius Mugilanus were Consuls This same year he maketh Alexander the King of Epirus to have been slain who being Uncle by the mothers side to Alexander the Great is thought to have undertaken an expedition into Italy out of emulation towards his Nephew that as the one was now Conquering the East so the other might endeavour to subdue the West having no lesse matter to work upon in Italy Africk and Sicily than the other found in Asia and Persia He was deceived by the Oracle of Jupiter of Dodona which bidding him beware of Pandosia and Acheron he knowing there was a Citie of the former name in Epirus and a River of the later thought himself so much the safer as he could get farthest off from these Being therefore sent for by the Tarentines he came into Italy and made War with the Brutii and Lucani from whom he took many Towns and 300 families which he sent as Hostages into Epirus He entred into a League with the Metapontini and Romans But the Brutii and Lucani recruiting themselves by the supplies of their neighbours re-inforced the War and set upon him near Pandosia a Town situate a little above Consentia the Metropolis of the Brutii near to which ran a River called Acheron Alexander King of Epirus slain in Italy Taking this River with his horse he was therein slain by a Lucanian and his dead body being carried down the stream into the Enemies quarters was mangled into pieces A certain woman whose husband and Children were taken prisoners by the Epirots got the pieces together and in exchange for her relations sent his bones to Metapontus whence they were conveyed into Epirus unto Cleopatra his wife and Olympias his sister whereof the one was sister and the other mother to Alexander the Great The Palaepolitans being conquered the Tarentines their allies proceed in the War and draw in the Samnites and Neapolitans 2. The Palaepolitans though assisted by the Samnites and Tarentines were overmatched so as glad they were to yield up their City and the Samnites lost three of their own Towns The Tarentines yet proceeded and drew both the Samnites and Neapolitans the other part of this Greek Colony afresh into the War wherein also the Inhabitants of Vestinus together with their allies ingaged themselves Whilst this War was but beginning great stirs hapned in the City There one L. Papyrius had given up himself to C. Publius as a slave to work out his fathers debt Being a young man of a beautiful body Publius attempted filthily to abuse him and when he would in no wise suffer this most grievously beat and tore his body with rods In this plight Papyrius got away and running to the People by declaring his condition so affected them that they procured the Fathers to decree that the Consuls should propose to them in the Comitia these two Laws the first That no man should be detained in bonds New Laws in favour of Debtors except for some misdemeanor till the time of his punishment the second that the money and goods not the body of the debtor should be responsible Whereupon all prisoners for debt were forthwith set at liberty The year following the Vestini were overthrown by Junius Brutus Scaeva the Consul who also took from them two Towns His Collegue L. Furius Camillus being sick in Samnium or the Country of the Samnites pronounced Dictator L. Papyrius Cursor the most famous Captain by far of those times who named Q. Fabius Rutilianus for his Master of Horse-men Papyrius being in Camp against the Samnites was forced to return to Rome L. Papyrius Cursor made Dictator for the renewing of his auspicia and at his departure commanded his Master of Horse-men not to stir out of the trenches to fight one stroak till he came back A. M. 3681. Ol. 114 an 1. V. C. 430. Alexand 13. but Fabius understanding that a notable advantage of doing something of consequence was presented from the Enemy fell upon the Samnites and made great slaughter of them The Dictator hearing of this in a great rage returned to the Camp and had put him to death but that he was rescued by the Army from which flying to the City Papyrius followed him and pressing sore to the Senate the necessity of discipline and authority Is hindred from punishing Fabius Rutilianus his Master of the Horse-men would not at all give way to the intreaties of the Fathers This forced M. Fabius the father of the party to appeal to the People and their Tribunes by which he hardly was drawn to pardon him though his authority was saved together with the life of Fabius through the intreaties of those who might justly have Commanded it as was confessed by himself 3. This severity of the Dictator so alienated the hearts of the Soldiers from him that it had well nigh cost him the losse of a battel which constrained him to be more Popular then afterward he overthrew the Samnites and harrazed their Country The Samnites overthrown This made them desire Peace but returning quickly again to their former enmity in the second year after they received another great defeat from A. Cornelius Aruina the Dictator Herewith they were so struck that they sent all the prisoners they had home to Rome with such plunder as they had taken and the dead body with the goods of him who had been the author of the revolt and who fearing to be given up had killed himself Desire Peace which is denied them The Senate onely received the men Livius lib. 9. with such goods as any Citizen could challenge for his own and denied them Peace At this C. Pontius a leading man amongst them took occasion grievously to enveigh against the injustice of the Romans and causing them to take arms led them presently near to a place called Caudium whence having apparelled ten Soldiers in the habit of Shepherds he sent them to Calatia where he heard the Consuls lay at present with a charge that when they should be asked where the Army of the Samnites was they should answer in Apulia besieging Luceria which it had already well nigh taken A rumour being already spred abroad of such a thing now obtained greater credit and the Romans accounted themselves by all means bound to succour Luceria and the rather for fear lest all Apulia should revolt Two wayes there were which led to Luceria One by the Sea side open and secure another through the Straights of Caudinum called Furcae Caudinae at this day Caudino and Forche Caudine ten miles distant from Benevento a place incompassed about with high mountains into which one could not enter They entrap the Roman Army at Furcae Caudinae nor depart
his children some warm water wherewith refreshed they fully recovered The Original of the Terentine Games and told their father how in a dream they had seen a certain god who commanded that at the altar of Pluto and Proserpina black coloured sacrifices furvae hostiae should be offered as also that Lectisternes beds made for the cause of sacrifice as whereon to lye down after the Roman fashion at a solemn feast and night games should be made Valesius seeing no altar in the place thought of making one when as his slaves were digging for that purpose they found one in the earth dedicated to Pluto and Proserpina Here then he sacrificed and three nights together because of the number of his children made Lactisterns and Games being afterwards from this thing named Manius Valesius Terentinus Zozimus writeth Trina Terentio celebrata trinoctialudo Anson that the Romans 100 years before being to fight with the Albans were admonished to build this altar in the earth and that having sacrifized they covered it But this passage concerning Valesius hapned about the twelfth year of Servius Tullius wherein he founded the Lustrum in the 188 of the City and the same wherein the Panathenaea were instituted or rather reduced to the course of five years being-formerly instituted by Theseus at Athens this being the third year of the 53 Olympiad The Terentine and Saecular Games confounded 19. This was the Original of Terentine Games which some have confounded with the Saecular For the next that were celebrated were made by Valerius Poplicola in the year following the banishment of Tarquinius which Zozimus calleth Games of Pluto and Proserpina and * Quem vide cap. 17. lib. de die Natali Censorinus from Antias the Historian giveth them the name of Saecular This confusion cast Censorinus into such a perplexity about the Saecular Games that he thus expresseth the incertainty of the Roman intervals of times and ages Some think the Roman ages to be distinguished by the Saecular Games which if it be so Which much perplexed Censorinus the manner of the Roman age is uncertain For concerning the intervals of times wherein these Games ought to be celebrated we are not onely ignorant how great they were formerly but what they ought to be for the time to come For Antias and other Historians with Varro and Livy have written that they ought to be made every hundreth year But on the contrary both the Commentaries of the Quindecimviri or 15 men and the edicts of Augustus testifie that they ought to be reiterated every hundred and tenth as * Certus undenos decies per annos Orbis ut cantus referatque ludos Ter die clarâ totiensque gratâ Nocte frequentes Horatius Flaccus also saith Further if we search the annals of antient times we shall yet be in greater uncertainty by far For Valerius Antias saith that the first Saecular Games were made after the banishment of the Kings 245 years after the building of Rome by Valerius Publicola But the commentaries of the 15 Men say that 298 years M. Valetius and Sp. Virginius being Consuls The second Games Antias will have made in the 305 year of the City but it s written in the Commentaries of the 15 Men in the 408 M. Valerius Corvinus the second time and C. Paetilius being Consul and so he proceedeth 20. * Hist Sacra Exotica ad A. M. 3491. Jacobus Cappellus dissolveth the difficulty in this manner The cause of this perplexity which troubleth Censorinus is this All Saecular Games are Terentine The difficulty resolved by Jacobus Cappellus but all Terentine Games are not Secular For some were made upon some occasion as those which Valerius Publicola made this 245 year of the City and Valesius about the year 188. These were Terentine Games but not Saecular Now the Saecular are of two sorts The greater Quindecim Diana preces virorum curet Horat. in carm Saeculari which perhaps thou mayst not call amisse * Vide Tacitum Annal. lib. 11. Quindecimvirales were celebrated at the distance of 110 years Of this kind the first were made by the command of the Quindecimviri in the 298 year of the City 110 years as it seemeth after the first Terentine Games made by Valesius So the Valesian shall fall in the 188 of the City The first of the Quindecimviri were made in the 298 year of the City the Second in the 408 the Third in the 518 and the Fourth in the 628. The lesser Saeculum or Age consisted but of 100 years instituted as it seemeth by L. Valerius after the banishment of the Decemviri that year being according to some the 300 of the City So the First Centenarie Games agree with the 305 Varronian year of the City the Second with the 405 the Third with the 505 the Fourth with the 605. 21. Though the Second of the Centenaries should have been celebrated in the 405 year yet whether it happened through the Gallick War or otherwise they were not till that following wherein M. Popilius Laenas the fourth time and L. Cornelius Scipio were Consuls as Zozimus writeth These Censorinus hath omitted and four more Observations concerning the Centenaries if credit be given to the inscription of a certain stone mentioned by George Herwart from which it should appear that before this year were celebrated three Saecular Games viz. in the 100 200 and 300 years according to the account of Pictor and the 105 205 and 305 according to that of Varro Two Solemnities also at the distance of 110 years as in the 188 and 298 after the account of Varro to which may be added those made by Poplicola extraordinarily in the 245 year So that the Games celebrated this year viz. in the 406 may rightly be called the seventh Games The Quindecimvirals or those of 100 years continued till Constantine's time who forbad them to be celebrated in the 1067 year of the City His son Constantius also prohibited the Centenaries which in his time fell in the 1100 year of the City Fifty seven years after the Heathen got leave of Honorius to celebrate the Terentine Games again in his sixth Confulship for which Claudian thanks him 200 years after they had been kept by Severus But to return these Third Saecular Games which gave occasion to this discourse and were celebrated in the 518 year of the City and the fifth after the first Punick Warre P. Cornelius Lentulus and C. Lâ—cinius Varus being Consuls were those of the Quindecimviri or of the interval of 110 years that we may note thus much for the information of Students 22. In the sixth year afer the first Punick War (a) Livius l 1. Eutropius l. 3. Plutarch in Numa the Temple of Janus was shut at Rome now the second time The Temple of Janus shut the second time The first divorce all things being in quiet and the Romans having no Wars any where after the reducement
intervening matters impertinent to his present purpose read the History of any Empire or Kingdom Contemporary to it by it self so he may likewise observe that the principal passages in all of them are linck'd together by Synchronisms not onely placed in the Margent but in the beginning or end of every notable Occurrence Thus I have briefly and with much sincerity couch'd together some of those Excellencies which amongst many others I have observed in this Institution of History of which if I may presume to give my private opinion though I am conscious to my self how little it ought to signifie to the World I think the work taken all together is for the order of it handsomly and judiciously contrived for its style perspicuous and for the learning in the several parts of History Antiquity and Chronology uncommon Those who desire a greater politenesse in the style may consider that the florid way of writing which hath undeservedly acquired so great a name to some of our own Age and Nation is nothing proper to an Historian and that our Author busied himself in matters more serious and of greater use he chose rather the plain but comely strength of the Dorique Pillar than the Effeminate though curious shape of the Corinthian For my own part I confesse that plainnesse and unaffected simplicity is pleasing to me and I think no Intelligent Person that goes upon businesse will leap Hedges out of the open and direct Road to Travel over Flowry Fields or painted Meadows AN INSTITUTION OF Generall History The First Part. BOOK I. CHAP. I. From the beginning of the world to the beginning of the first Empire 1. IN (a) Gen. 1.1 the beginning God created the Heaven and the Earth By (b) Heb. 1.3 Faith we understand that they were framed by his Word so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear Man created 2. Mans habitation being made and conveniently furnished the sixth day Gen. 1. c. then and not till then was he made of the dust of the Earth and God breathing into his nosthrils the breath of life he became a living Soul Being placed in the Garden of Eden and a meet help wanting to him Eve was framed of one of his ribs Of all the Trees of the Garden except that of the knowledge of Good and Evil they might safely eate and at such time as they should eat it they were surely to dye But the Serpent beguiled the woman Falleth who did eat thereof and giving to her Husband he also did eat Hereby they rendred themselves guilty of temporall and eternall death they were condemned to labour and sorrow and those not confined to their own persons but extended to their whole posterity involved with them in the same guilt the demonstrating whereof might seem the Scope of this present Work nothing having succeeded but vanity and vexation of spirit nothing but labour and travail under the Sun Expelled Paradise 3. Adam being expelled Paradise to till the ground begat of Eve his wife Cain and Abel though in what years is not expressed Abel was a Keeper of Sheep and Cain a Tiller of the Ground By Faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain by which he obtained witnesse that he was righteous and contracted such envy that his Brother slew him in the field Cain killeth Abel The voice of his blood cryed to God from the ground and drew down this punishment upon Cain besides that of the ground formerly laid upon his Father to be a Fugitive and Vagabond in the Earth Then departed he from the presence of the Lord and went into the Land of Nod where he built a City and called it Enoch after the name of his Son His Family was propagated to Lamech the fifth in descent from himselfe by whom the Jews * Vide Mererum in Gen. 1. Pererium have thought him to have been slain by reason of Lamech's words to his two wives that he had slain a man to his wounding and a young man to his hurt if Cain should be avenged seven fold then Lamech Seventy and seven fold Seth's birth After the death of Abel Adam begat Seth in the hundred and thirtieth year of his Age as Moses (c) Gen. 3. maketh expresse mention neglecting the account of time in the Family of Cain because his wicked race perished in the Flood the Church of God being to be continued in the posterity of Seth of whom also as to the flesh his Son himselfe was to proceed And posterity 4. In the race of (d) Gen. 1. Seth is laid down the account of years from the Creation to the Deluge For Seth being born when Adam was 130 years old begat * Here the word begat is to be understood in the same sense as the Hebrew 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and the Latin gignere which are applied to Mother as well as to Father and betoken birth rather than conception The Latin word genitus and natus signifie the same thing Tune ille Aeneas quem Dardanio Anchisae Alma Venus Phrygiae genuit Simoentis ad undas Vide Gen. 40.20 Mat. 11.1 Luc. 1.47 1 Pet. 2.2 Vide Plin. lib. 7. cap. 8. Enos at the age of 105 Enos being 90 begat Caixan and Cainan when he was 70 begat Mehalelec From the birth of Mehalelec to that of his son Jared passed 65 from Jared's to Henoch's 162. and thence to that of Methusalah 65. Methusalah when he begat Lamech was aged 187 years Lamech when he begat Noah was 182 and Noah at the time of the Flood had lived 600 years all which amount to the summe of 1656 each year of the Father's age being supposed compleat at the birth of his Son All these by divine providence for the propagation of Mankind obtained a very long time upon the Earth Though Enoch had the shortest yet he never died being taken up by God after he had walked with him 365 years Methusalah his son of all others arrived at the greatest age being 969 when he died Yet in a certain sense Adam lived longer than he for being created in his perfect strength and fit for generation he had the advantage of 60 years before which age we read none of them to have had any children Nature then requiring a longer time for maturity If 60 now be added to 930 years which he lived the number exceeds that of Methusala's age by 21. Seeing the World required it it cannot but be presumed that each of these begat other children and some of them before these here mentioned But such being but collaterall to that line Gen 5. A. M. 1656. which was to be brought down to Noah who was to continue the generation of Mankind and to re-people the Earth Moses upon that account had no occasion to make mention of them Man's wickednesse causeth a Deluge 5. In the 480
same man concerning whom Moses the Law-giver of the Jews wrote Xisythrus by one (f) Abydeaus apud Eusebium praeparat Evangel lib. 9. is related being forewarned of a Deluge by Saturn to have fled by Boat into Armenia where the waters decreasing he sent out Birds to discover dry Land which finding none returned to him again He is said by (g) Alexander Polyhistor apud Cyrill contra Julian lib. 1. a second to have escaped a great Deluge which hapned in his dayes being also forewarned by Saturn thereof by providing an Ark wherein with himself birds creeping things and beasts were preserved (h) Plato in Timaeo A third brings in an Aegyptian Priest declaring to Solon out of the monuments of Antiquity that before the particular Ogygian and Deucalionaean Deluges there was an universal one by which the Earth was much defaced (i) Lucian in lib. de dea Syra Another yet telleth a story like in all things to the History of Moses but that Deucalion is placed in the room of Noah The particular Deluges which hapned afterwards in Greece and other places have by the ancients been confounded with this and (k) Vide Gerard Iohan. Vossii Chronol Sacr. Isagog Dissert 4. cap. 3. Vide cuadem Dissert 5. c. 1. some think they did not in reallity differ from it Noah's progeny 9. Noah before the Flood begat three Sons Sem Ham and Japhet of which the last in order seemeth to have been the first in Nature although the contrary is defended and yet so as Cham is never accounted the eldest (l) Bochart Phaleg lib. 1. cap 1. Noah is with great probability thought to be Saturn so much talked of by the Heathen He is compared with Saturn for many things concur to perswade us to it He was the common father of all mankind after the Flood which thing is by Orpheus attributed to Saturn Not onely a just person as Saturn (m) Diodorus lib. 5. Aurelius Victor de orig Rom. was but a preacher of righteousnesse From the time of the Flood to the division of the Earth he had a natural Dominion over all mankind which space fitly answereth to the Golden Age under Saturn In that Age there was but one Language which Mythologists (n) Plato in Polit. so far extended as to make men beasts to have spoken in the same Dialect Noah is called an husband-man or in the Hebrew phrase a man of the Earth and Saturn's wife Rhea is the same with the Earth he (o) Servius in Virgil. Aenead 8. being also said to have taught Janus the use of the Vine and sicle in imitation of Noah who planted a Vineyard From Noah's once being overtaken with Wine the liberty of the Saturnals might proceed and from his cursing of Cham with servitude the custom (p) Athenaeus lib. 14. observed amongst the Romans during that solemnity of exercising servile Offices The occasion of the Curse was Cham's seeing his father's nakednesse and making a jest thereof and the Poets (q) Callimachi Hymni feign'd a Law made by Saturn that none should see the gods naked and go unpunished Saturn and Rhea are said (r) Plato in Timaeo to have been begotten of the Ocean and Thetis and thence the ancient Romans would have (Å¿) Vide Aurelium Victorem de orig Gentis Rom. ad initium the badge of Saturn to be a ship which things much accord with the History of Noah Saturn devoured all his Children but these three Jupiter Neptune and Pluto who divided the World amongst them as did Sem Cham and Japhet Cham is Jupiter Japhet Neptune Sem Pluto Of these Cham the youngest agreeth with Jupiter being named Jupiter Hammon Japhet with Neptune for that he had his portion in Islands and Peninsula's And Sem being for his goodnesse hated by idolaters might by them be condemned to Hell and termed Pluto The posterity of Sem. 10. Two years after the Flood Sem being an hundred years old begat Arphaxad who is rationally (t) Jacobus Cappellus in Hist sacra Exotica p. 34. thought his eldest Son although Elam and Assur be named before him the Scripture in Genealogies not alwayes observing the order of birth Arphaxad at the Age of 35 years begat a Son called Selah according to the Hebrew but the Greek Translation of the 72. maketh him at the Age of 135. to have begat Cainan which is followed by Luke in the Genealogie of Christ Much is said on both sides for these several readings but most likely it is that this Cainan was neither thought of by Moses the 72 Interpreters nor St. Luke but that by a mistake of the Transcribers he crept into the Copies of Luke and the 70. Beza had a Copy of Luke very antient and now in the publick Library of the University of Cambridge wherein he is not found and what is more he was not acknowledged by the primitive Church as appeareth by (u) Lib. 3. cap. 33. Vide de hac re Jacob. Capell Hist sacr erotic pag. 35. Geraâ—d â—ohan Vâ—ssiâ—n iâ— Dâ—ssâ—rt 〈◊〉 genere Jesu Christi ad aâ—or 5. Et Chromel sacr Isagog Dâ—ssert 5. cap. 2. Gregorium Angâ—m in Opuscuâ—s Bocharti Phaleg lib. â— c. 13. Usserii Chronicl sacra c. 6. Irenaeus That the Version of the 70. most antiently had him not is probably inferred from Josephus who though he wrote in Greek and usually followeth that Translation nameth him not neither doth Epiphanius against Haeresies nor Hierome in his Hebrew Traditions though he there discourseth of the differences betwixt the Hebrew and Greek Copies Neither is he read in all Copies of the 1 Chron. 1. In Moses he is no where to be found either in the Hebrew Text or the Chaâ—daean or Samaritan Versions Selah or Schelach at the Age of thirty years begat Heber from whom many think the Hebrews and the Hebrew tongue to be so named Heber being 34 years old begat Phaleg so called because in his dayes the Earth was divided The building of Babel 11. The division of the Earth was occasioned by the confusion of Languages and this by building of the Tower of Babel (x) Antiquit. lib. 1. c. 4. Josephus telleth us that God had several times admonished men to separate themselves and inhabit the Earth which they impiously taking in an ill sense as though he did it upon design to destroy them at the instigation of Nâ—mrod the son of Chus and Nephew of Cham who now ambitiously affected dominion over them agreed to build a stately Citie and a Tower which should reach to Heaven to defend them from danger in case another Deluge should overwhelm the Earth They came from the East into the Land of Shinar and there began their work Some put no other distinction betwixt the Citie and Tower but will have it onely a Citie adorned with Towers Others place them at a great distance from each other but it
the Mountains of Judaea Ammonite 4. and passing over Jordan made War upon the Moabites and Ammonites seized upon Basan Hesbon and all the Country lying between the Rivers Jabbok and Arnon in memory whereof one of their Poets wrote a Poem which Moses (a) Num. 21.27 hath inserted into his Writings Gergasite 5. The Gergasites seem to have continued about Geresa or Gadara over against Galile beyond Jordan (b) Mat. 8.28 Mark 5.1 Luke 8.26 till Christ's time Hivite 6. The Hivites dwelt in Mount Hermon towards the East of the Land of Canaan from whom descended the Gibeonites living nigh to Jerusalem and the Sichemites dwelling near to Samaria more towards the West Arkite 7. The Arkites inhabited Arca or Arce a City in Libanus mentioned by Josephus and Ptolomy Sinite 8. The Sinites had a City called Sin not far from Arce according to Hierome but Bochartus placeth them at Pelusium Sin signifying mud or clay as Pelos in Greek Arnadite 9. The Arnadites or Aradites seized upon the Island Aradus on the Coast of Phoenice at the motuh of the River Eleutherus and part of the neighbouring Continent where was Axtaradus Marathus and Laodicea The Zemarites Zemarite 10. or Semerites dwelt as it 's thought about Finesa a notable City of Caelosyria upon the River Orontes and built Semarajim in the Tribe of Benjamin And the Hemathites were seated about the City of Syria Hemathite 11. called Epiphania and not at Antiochia which is at too great a distance This was the Inheritance of the Sons of Canaan whose border was from Sidon as thou comest to Gerar unto Gaza as thou goest unto Sodome and Gomorrah and Admah and Zeboim even unto Lasha which some interpret Caesarea Philippi others Callichoë but Bocharius thinketh it to be Lysa a City of the Arabians in the mid-way between the Dead and Red Seas Thus was the Earth most antiently divided and possessed after the Flood How it hath since in the severall parts of it changed it's Inhabitants shall be discovered upon occasion as the Work will bear CHAP. II. Of the Babylonian Empire from the first founding thereof to it's utter subversion by Cyrus The beginning of Nimrod's Kingdom 1. AFter the division of the Earth Nimrod as we said the Son of Chus and Nephew of Cham fixed his seat at Babel and therein first began a Kingdom having joyned to it (a) Gen. 10.10 Erech and Accad and Calneh in the Land of Shinar By Erech the ancients understood Edessa and by Acâ—ad Nisibis But neither the names nor situation of these Cities do agree they being in that part of Mesopotamia which lyeth towards Armenia and very far from Babylon Therefore Erech is rather to be taken for Arecca a City of Susiana upon Tigris mentioned by Ptolomy which also seemeth to be the same with Arderica or Anderica (b) Lib. 1. c. 185. in Herodotus Ard in the Persian tongue signifying great And well Arecca might so be called which was so long that sailing up the River one should meet with it three severall dayes one after another as the Historian relateth Bochartus thinketh Accad called also Archad to have given name to the River Argad which ran through Sittacena a Province near to Babylonia since called Apolloniatis By Calneh which is also Calno and Cauno is to be understood that City by the Parthians re-built and called Clesiphon It stood upon Tigris three miles from Seleucia being the Metropolis of Chalonitis a Province denominated from it and mentioned by Strabo and others Babylon was exhausted by the building of Seleucia as Pliny (c) Lib. 6. c. 26. telleth us and the Parthians built or rebuilt Clesiphon in Chalonitis three miles off to drain Seleucia The beginning and duration of the Assyrian Empire 2. The duration of this Babylonian or Assyrian Empire till Sardanapalus is variously assigned the cause of which seemeth to be for that some derived the Originall thereof from the birth of Chus as Cappellus * Ad A. M. 1822. p. 45. thinketh and so Herodotus might assign 1520 years to the continuance of it Others from the beginning of the Babylonian Kingdom as Diodorus who reckoneth 1400 years to the death of Sardanapalus Some from the building of Ninive as Clesias who hath 1360. And lastly others from the death of Belus as Trogus and Eusebius who give to it 1300 years That Nimrod should begin his Kingdom within an hundred years after the Flood is not very probable as neither that the building of the Tower of Babel happened within that time which would have been too short a space for the propagation of mankind to so great multitudes An hundred years after the Deluge A. M. 759. Phaleg was born in whose dayes it was that the Earth was divided Some make the division to have been at the same time of his birth and thence his name imposed as from a thing already done or in doing Others assign it to the latter end of his dayes and will have his name prophetically given by his Father Lege Vossii Isag Chron. Dissert 5. c. 5 6. But there are not wanting who take a middle way betwixt these two and think the division made when he was come to ripenesse of age or in the middle of his years the number of which amounted to 239. When Alexander the great had conquered Babylon which fell out about the 3675th year of the World Callisthenes the Philosopher who followed him in his Wars Porphyrius apud Simplicium in Aristot de coelo lib. 2. at the desire of Aristotle his Kinsman inquired into the Antiquities of the Chaldaeans and could find no observations of any longer date then 1903 years which being cast back from the foresaid years fall in their beginning into the 1772 from the Creation the 116th from the Deluge and the 16th of Phaleg's life Nimrod named Belus 3. Nimrod the founder of this Empire was by his subjects named Beâ— or Belus which signifieth Lord or Soveraign That he was the ancient Belu's is thence proved that * Semiramis eam coâ—diderat vel ut plerique credidere Belus cujus regia ostenditur Curtius lib. 5. cap. 1. Berosus apud Joseph contra Aptonem lib. 1. Abydenus apud Euseb praep Evang. lib. 9. Dorotheus Sidoâ—is â—oâ—ta apud Julium Firmicum most of the old Writers accounted Belus the builder of Babylon although some attributed it to Semiramis herein relying upon the credit of Clesias which now is deservedly suspected by learned men and in no case worthy to stand in Competition with that of Berosus the famous Babylonian Priest who as Pliny saith had a Statue erected to his memory at Athens with a guilded tongue nor with that of Abydenus who also collected his Histories out of the Chaldaean Archives After Moses hath spoken of the four Cities which were the beginning of Nimrod's Kingdom we read that out of that Land of Shinar Assur went forth and
built Niniveh and the Citie Rehoboth and Calah and Pesen between Niniveh and Calah Some according to this Translation will have this Assur to have been the son of Sem who having built Niniveh Whether he built Niniveh and founded the Assyrian Kingdom Nimrod dispossessed him or his or some manner of way obtained and joyned it to the Babylonian as Julius Africanus hath delivered But others contend that this Assur is the name of the Countrey and not of a Man and that it is to be read And out of that Land went out Nimrod into Assur i. e. Assyria and builded Ninive c. Otherwise they think it would be out of the way for Moses to mention the son of Sem in this place where he is in hand with the Genealogie of Cham neither could it be peculiar to him to go out of this Land and build Niniveh seeing all mankind almost at the division of the Earth went out of it The last reading onely maketh the sense intire for how else could the four Cities properly be said to be the beginning of Nimrod's Kingdom except he added more unto it Lastly this seemeth very urgent that in Scripture Assyria is called the Land of Nimrod Mich. 5.6 4. He was a mighty Hunter before the Lord or therein none was to be compared with him things being said to be such before God as were so indeed or in an eminent manner He judging not according to outward appearance but as they are in their own natures By the means of Hunting it is probable that he made way unto his Monarchy Made way to his Kingom by hunting For under pretence of what was very necessary at this time when men were few scattered and lying abroad without defence against wild beasts which ever especially abounded about Arabia and Babylon he might gather a band of men and by such exercises which the Heathens (d) Xenophon de venatione in Cyropaedia by their practice as well as opinion shewed to be convenient for breeding of Warriours train them up till he converted their force from beasts to men What was performed by him seemeth to have been attributed to his successors Ninus is (e) Diodorus l. 2. p. 64. A. said to have gathered an Army of Arabians and therewith to have subdued the Babylonians which seemeth to have related to his Conquest of that Countrey For being a Chasaean and consequently an Arabian he might by the assistance of his own Countrey-men and Kindred effect it whom he (f) Bochartus l. 4. c. 12. rewarded with that Region beyond Tigris which thence was by the Hebrews called Chus by the Caldaeans Chuth Cissia by the Greeks and Chuzestan i. e. the Province of Chus by the Persians From his usurping the right of Noah some think the Fable to have sprung of Saturn being cast out of his Kingdom by Jupiter the word Nimrod signifying a Rebell and answerable to his carriage He is also judged to be the true Bacchus The true Bacchus this word being little changed from Bar-Chus that is the son of Chus Bacchus was the son of Jupiter and he was the Grand-son of Jupiter Hammon The most ancient name of Bacchus was Zagreâ—s which signifieth a strong hunter answerable to the Epithete given to Nimrod He undertook an expedition into the East wherein seem to be contained the Facts of Nimrod and his Successors Bacchus was feigned to be born at Nysa in Arabia and Nimrod was also an Arabian And not unlikely might Nimrod be thought to be over the Vines who first raigned at Babylon where was that most excellent kind of Wine dignified by the Ancients with the name of Nectar To the raign of Belus or Nimrod Athenaeus 65 years are given by Julius Africanus Ninus 5. Ninus his son succeeded him and canonized him for a God which gave as 't is said the first occasion to Idolatry He made a confederacy with Arieus His Conquests King of Arabia which Countrey withstood most Conquests and then invading Armenia forced Barzanes the King thereof to submit to his Vassallage Next he entred Media where he took and Crucified Phamus the King and then being pricked on by desire of glory and incouraged by his successe he subdued all the people of Asia in seventeen years except the Indians and Bactrians (g) Biblioth l. 2. p. 65. ex Ctesia Cnidio Justin lib. 1. the latter whereof under Conduct of their King Zoroastres or rather Oxgartes for Zoroaster the great Magician lived many ages after stoutly opposed him and yet at length were brought under as we have it from Diodorus who reporteth also that Ninus built Ninive which he so named after himself Ninive Whether he his father or any other built it A Citie it was of great bignesse strength and ornament being in compasse sixty miles of a Quadrangular form incompassed and fortified with a Wall a hundred foot high and of such a breadth as three Charriots might have been driven together a-breast upon it adorned also with Towers 200 foot in height The place of it is not agreed of and (h) Lege Bocharti Phaleg l. 4. c. 20. some think there were two Cities of this name one upon Euphrates in Comagena and another in Assyria beyond Tigris As for Ninus many things done both by his father and successors seem to be attributed to him He reigned 52 years and the manner of his death is diversly related (i) Orosius One saith he was shot with a Dart as he lay before a Town (k) Dinon apud Aelian var. Hist l. 7. c. 1. Another writeth that Semiramis his wife whom he had chosen for her admirable beauty and now doated on obtained leave to wear his Royall Robe and reign over Asia five dayes and then when she had got the power into her hands commanded one of the Guard to kill him But a (l) Diodorus ubi supra p. 76. D. ex Athenaeo aliis third His death onely relateth him to have been secured in prison Semiramis his wife counterfeiteth her son 6. He left a son by Semiramis named Ninyas who being but young she put on mans Apparel and counterfeiting his person as well as Sexe is reported to have done very great things part of which might rather be challenged by the two foregoing Kings and by some that followed her Justin ex Trogo lib. 1. Diodorus ut prius The resemblance of her son in all the lineaments and proportion of his body took away suspicion for the further prevention whereof she commanded the same kind of Garment to be worn by the people At length when she thought she had got fame sufficient she made her self known which detracted not from her glorie Her acts but added to the lustre of it She re-edified and inlarged Babylon incompassing it with a Wall made up of Brick Sand and a certain Clay or slime clammy like Pitch which there abounded and * Herodotus
that they had an Oracle that Ninivie should never be taken till the River first proved an enemy to it The River swelling with rain breaks the wall which he never could suspect But in the third year fell such rains that Euphrates or Lycus upon which some conceive that Strabo placeth the City and not Euphrates nor Tigris as others swelling with abundance of waters made a breach in the Wall twenty Furlongs in length At this the King utterly discouraged Sardanapalus burneth himselfe in his Palace as judging the Oracle to be fulfilled lest he should fall alive into the hands of his enemies he built a pile of wood in his Palace upon which he heaped his treasures and rich attire and making a little room in the midst wherein he bestowed himselfe his Concubines and Eunuchs set fire to the heap and so perished with this Company and the Palace Such was the end of him who placed all his felicity in his sensuall appetite which he would have also recorded in his (p) Athenaeus lib. 1. Epitaph and advised the Reader to imitate He is reported to have built but rather he restored two Cities of Cilicia in one day viz. Tarsus and Anchiala in the later of which was his (q) Strabo l. 14. Edit Causab p. 672. A. Haec habeo quae edi quaeque exsaturata libido Hausit at illae jacent multa praeclara relicta Epitaph à Cicerone versum Tusc l. 5. Quid aliud inquit Aristoteles in Bovis non in Hominis sepulchro incideres Haec habere se dicit quae neâ—vivus quidem diutius babebat quà m fruebatur Monument to be seen being a Statue of stone with the finger and thumb of the right hand joyned together as about to give a fillip Upon the Monument was written in Assyrian Characters Sardanapalus the Son of Anacyndaraca built Anchiales and Tarsus in one day As for thee Friend Eat drink and play for all things else are not worth this viz. that fillip In him this line of the Assyrians failed the Empire being divided into two Principalities after it had continued about 1400 years reckoned from the building of Babylon This fall of Sardanapalus hapned about the year of the World 3186 43 years before the first Olympiad 12. The (r) Diodorus l. 2. p. 81. A. besiegers understanding what was become of Sardanapalus presenly entred in at the breach and took the City Then investing Arbaces with a royall roabe Arbaces made King they created him King who rewarded them according to their deserts and allotted the Provinces to their severall Governours Belesis according to agreement having received the principality of Babylon Granteth Babylon to Belesis and understanding from an Eunuch how great treasure Sardanapalus had burnt with himselfe begged the ashes of Arbaces under pretence of having made a vow in the heat of the War to carry them to Babylon and therewith to raise a lasting Monument of the destruction of the Assyrian Empire He being ignorant of his covetous design graunted his request but when the matter was discovered referred his judgement to a Councill of Officers who condemned him to death Yet being desirous to begin his reign mildly he not onely remitted this punishment but permitted him to enjoy all the gold and silver already transported and what remained which amounted to many talents he conveied it to Ecbatane the chief City of the Medes (Å¿) L. 2. p. 816 Diodorus and (t) L. 6. p. 737. Strabo tell us how he levelled Ninus or Ninive with the ground Some (u) Jacob. Cappellus Hist Sacr. Exotica p. 170. Simson in Chronico ad A. M. 3187. think it was onely the Castle seeing the City had afterwards Kings if not comparable to the rest yet great and powerfull which they think might descend from Belesis What kind of Government was in Media 13. Herodotus (x) Lib. 1. c. 95. writeth how the Medes having freed themselves from the Assyrian yoak lived for many Ages without a King in way of a popular government But (y) Vide Droderum ut supra p. 84. Ctesias of Gnidus an Author of something a later date who served Cyrus the younger in his expedition against his Brother Artaxerxes and being taken prisoner in the Battell was for his excellent skill in Physick which he professed received into favour by the King and lived in good esteem in his Court 16. years pretending to transcribe his History out of the Records of Persia reported that Arbaces after the overthrow of the Assyrians Kings of Media according to Ctesias reigned 18. years and as he left the dominion of Asia to the Medes so also the Soveraignty over them to his Son Mandauces That Mandauces having reigned 50. years left the Kingdom to Sesarmus who reigned 30. Him followed Artias and reigned 50 then Arbianis 22 Arsaeus 40 in whose time the Cadusians revolted through the procurement of Parsodas the President of his Councill whom he had offended Artynes 22. Artibarnes 14 in whose reign the Parthians revolted and gave up themselves to the Sacae And last of all Astyages his Son who being overthrown by Cyrus the Empire was thereby devolved upon the Persians 14. That Ctesias out of design wrote things contrary to Herodotus is probable enough and that he is fabulous cannot be denied yet have we a succession of Kings elsewhere (z) Euseb in Chronico recorded though such an one as scarce in one name agreeth with that of his According to Eusebius Sosarmus is said to have succeeded Arbaces and continued 30 years then Medidus 40 Cardiceas 13 and then Deioces whom Herodotus will have to have first obtained soveraignty over the Medes For having as he (a) Lib. 1. c. 9 7 98 c. writeth an ambition that way he made himselfe popular by pretence to the love of Justice which then ran at a low ebbe amongst them for want of authority He first took upon him to decide the controversies of his own Village which performing with much equity and conscience thence became known to other parts and at length became so famous that few would bring their causes before any other Judge than him alone Being aware of this he withdrew himself giving out that no longer could he undergo such a burthen and thereby neglect his private affairs Hereupon robberies violence and oppression returned throughout the Country insomuch that the people gathering together from all quarters after a serious debate concluded there was necessity of having a King under whose protection every man living might the better minde his domestick matters Deioces how he got the Kingdom Deioces was chosen by universall consent who having got the power into his hands caused them to build a City for his residence which he called Ecbatane and having ruled with abundant severity 53 years left the Kingdom to his Son Phraortes Phraortes He after he had reigned 22 left for successor his Son Cyaxares who having
which the Priests from whom Herodotus had his information hid this and all other things that tended to the dishonour of their Countrey 19. Returning from Aegypt into Palaestine he besieged (p) 2 Chron. 32. 1 Kings 19. Esay 37. Lachish and thence removed to Libnah where he wrote a blasphemous Letter to Hezekiah For hearing that Tirhakah King of Aethiopia or Arabia by Josephus called Tharsices by Strabâ— Tearkon was coming against him in behalf of the Egyptians he removed for fear and God sent his Angel into his Camp who slew in one night 85000 men which thing as a plague was also recorded by (q) Apud Joseph ut supra cap. 2. Berosus Then returned he as God had promised Hezekiah with great consternation into his own Land where raging against the Jews that dwelt at Niniveh if credit be to begiven to the book of â—obâ— he was after 44 dayes slain in the Temple of his idol Nisroch by his two sons Adâ—amelech and Sharezer who fled for it into the Land of Ararat or Armenia and Esarchaddon his son reigned in his stead Esarchaddon the same with Assaradinus 20. This Esarchaddon is thought and that probably to be the same with Assaradinus mentioned by Ptolomy in his Catalogue of Kings and who subdued Babylon It is also thought that (r) 2 Kings 17. this is he who when he brought a new Colony into Samaria from Babylon Cathah Ana Hamath and Sepharvaim at the same time making an inroad into Judaea as 't is very probable took (Å¿) 2 Chron. 33. Menasseh the King thereof in the Thorns and carried him in Captivity into Babylon for it appeareth from both these passages mentioned in Scripture that at this time that Citie was subject to the King of Assyria After Esarchaddon or Assaradinus had reigned thirteen years Saosduchinus succeeded him according to Ptolomy Saosduchinus and not Meroâ—ach whom the general opinion will have being King of Babylon to have killed him and again overthrown the Empire of the Assyrians For this succession is founded upon a feigned (t) Pseudo-Metasthenes apud Annium vit Eâ—bensem fol. 221. De cujus fictis Authoribus vide Joh. Goropium Biblioth Hispan Tom. 2. pag. 356. Gaspar Barterium ibid. pag. 386. 407. 417. 431. Seth. Calvis Isagog Chronil cap. 28.29 Chron. p. 171. A. Non est germanum opus Pam. in Tert. Apol. n. 287. Author imposed on the World with several others of the same credit and therefore deserveth to be rejected The time of this Saosduchinus falling in with that of Deioces who according to Herodotus built Ecbatane the Metropolis of Media if any credit be to be given to the book of Judith we may judge him to be that Nabuchadonosor mentioned there to have overthrown Arphaxad King of the Medes and builder of that Citie in the great plains of Ragan After he had taken him in the Mountains he slew him plundred Ecbatane and then returned victoriously unto Niniveh where he feasted his Army for 120 dayes The year after entring into Consultation how to subdue the several Nations about him he ordained Holophernes his General who straitly besieging Bethsara a Town of Judaea by the wisdom and courage of Judith the Widdow of one Manasses of the Tribe of Ephraim was circumvented and had his head cut off in his Tent. Chuniladanus 21. Saosduchinus or Saosducmus having reigned twenty years Chuniladanus succeeded him thought also to be the same with Saracus mentioned by Alexander Polyhistor Against him came (u) Herodotus lib. 1.102 c. Phraortes the son of Deioces in revenge of his father's death after he had first of all others subdued the Persians and the rest of Asia But his good fortune here forsook him and he perished with the greatest part of his Army in the 22 year of his reign His son Cyaxares succeeding is said to have been more puissant then his Ancestors and the first that distinguished the people of Asia into several Provinces and Souldiers into their several ranks of Pike-men Horsmen and those that used Darts He fought with the Lydians at which time so great an Eclipse of the Sun hapned that the day seemed to be turned into night Having brought to his obedience all Asia beyond the River Halys he gathered his forces together and went against Nineveh with intentions to destroy the Citie He overthrew the Assyrians in battel and besieged the place but it hapned at this time that a great Army of Scythians having driven the Cimmerians out of Europe The Scythians obtain Asia 28 years under conduct of Madyes the son of Protothya called otherwise Judathyrsus their King still followed them and from the Lake Maeâ—is leaving the Mountain Caucasus on their right hand pierced into Media 22. Cyaxares hereby was constrained to raise his siege went and gave them battel but was overthrown and lost the Dominion of Asia which the Scythians having obtained marched straight for Egypt Psammetichus the King met them on their way when they had new entred Palaestine and by good words backed with money prevailed with them to go no further They enjoyed the Dominion of Asia 28 years after the expiration of which term managing their affairs with as great neglect as formerly they had used diligence in polling and rifling the Countrey the greatest part of them being entertained by Cyaxares were made drunken and slain and the King recovered his Dominion Loose it During these things (x) Polyhistor apud Cedrenum vide Usserium in Annot. vet Test ad A. M. 3378. Nabopolassar a Babylonian and General to the Assyrian King contracted affinity with Astyages the son of Cyaxares and Governour of Media Nebucadnesar the son of Nabopolassar marrying Amylis daughter to Astyages The effect of this alliance was that they joyntly set upon Baracus or Chynaladanus in Niniveh and taking the Citie slew him therein after he had reigned 22 years At this time the Prophecies against Niniveh seem to be fulfilled in its destruction For in the latter end of the Greek book of Tobiaâ— it is written that Nebuchadonosor and Assuerus took Niniveh Tobias being yet alive who is said to have lived 127 years or as the Latine hath it 99. 95 having already passed from the taking of Samaria at which time he was carried Captive with his father into Assyria by Salmanasar Nabopolassar 23. Chynaladanus being dead Nabopolassar or Nabulassar obtained his Kingdom in the 123th year of Nabonasar according to (y) Magn. Syntax l. 5. c. 14. Ptolomy whose Canon of Kings also as to the term of years collected from the particular reign of each directly answereth to this account (z) 2 Kings 23. 2 Chron. 35. Against him came up Pharoh Necho and took Carchemish a Citie situate upon Euphrates killing Josiah the King of Judah who attempted to stop his passage He holding this Town the (a) Berosus apud Joseph lib. 1. contra Apionem Governour of Coelosyria and Phoenicia revolted from the
Babylonian who being now unable to undergo the trouble of War made his son Nebuchadnesar King with him in his 17th year and sent him with an Army to subdue Egypt and Syria with him joyned (b) Alexand. Polyst apud Euseb praep Evang lib. 9. Asibares King of the Medes whom some think to be Cyaxares and others more probably Astyages his son In this expedition he made Jehojakin King of Judah his tributary and drew him from the obedience of Egypt which Necho taking in disdain came up against him and ingaging once more at Carchemiâ—h was overthrown and slain as may be gathered out of Scripture (c) Jerem. 46. Whilest Nebuchadnesar was prosecuting his victories overrunning all from the River of Egypt to the River Euphrates in the mean (d) Berosus apud Joseph ut priâ—s Antiqu. lib. 10. cap. 11. A. M. 3410. Olymp. 46. an 2. Romae 159. time his father being sick at Babylon died After he had reigned 21 years as it is now in the Catalogue Nebuchadnesar for which some learned men think 29 is to be read He understanding hereof disposed of the affairs of Egypt and other Countreys and giving order for the conveyance of the Judaean Syrian Phoenician and Egyptian prisoners he himself made haste through the desart and took possession of the Government reserved for him by the Caldaeans His great exploits and buildings 24. He distributed the Captives into Colonies about Babylon adorned the Temple of Belus which Semiramis had built with the spoyls repaired and increased the buildings of the Citie and fortified the Channel of the River that the Enemy should not make use of it against the Town He added a new Citie to the old and compassed both with three Walls of brick He raised divers remarkable aedifices built a new Pallace and about it a Garden or Wildernesse so much celebrated by the Graecians His wife being a Mede and according to the nature of her Countrey delighting in Mountainous Woody prospects brought him to imitate with Art what was wanting in the plains of Babylon This Garden was made four-square Vide Diodor. lib. 2. p. 70. B. taking up in compasse sixteen Acres in heighth equalling the Walls set with tall and beautifull Trees It was born up by stone-Pillars Curtium lib. 5. upon which a pavement of four-squared stones being laid Earth was heaped up in great quantity and Engines were made for the conveying of moisture out of Euphrates to water it The Trees that grew upon it were many of them eight Cubits in compasse at the bole and fifty foot high bearing fruit as plentifully as in their Native soyl 2 Kings 23. c. Jehojakim the King of Judah rebelling against Nebuchadnesar he came up against him wasted the Countrey and taking him cast him out unburied as the Prophet Jeremiah had foretold 2 Chron. 36. Four moneths after he also carried away Captive Jechonias or Jehojachim his son Jerem. 22. and made Mattaniah his Uncle King in his stead This Mattaniah whom he named Zedekiah rebelled against him notwithstanding his solemne Oath of fealty taken at his institution and therefore in the eleventh year of his reign he was also taken by the Babylonian had his eyes put out and was so carried to Babylon the Temple and Citie were burnt with fire and the people led into Captivity as will appear in its proper place His pride 25. Nebuchadnesar returning home was exceeding proud and puffed up at his successe He erected a great Image of Gold Daniel 3. in the Dedication whereof all his chief Officers were commanded to fall down and worship which was obeyed by all except three Jews Shadrach Meshach and Abâ—nâ—go the companions of Daniel For their punishment they were cast into a fiery Furnace heated seven times hotter then usual and so miraculously preserved from the fury of the flame that not an hair of their heads was sindg'd though it killed those that cast them in At this the King astonished by publick edict acknowledged Gods power and forbad the blaspheming of him Yet repented he not of his pride and notwithstanding a sufficient warning given him by God in a dream exalted himself in the conceit of the greatnesse and splendour of Babel which he had built for the house of the Kingdom by the might of his power and for the honour of his Majesty But the same hour as he was answered by a voice from Heaven the Kingdom departed from him Punished he was driven from men made to eat grasse as Oxen and his body was wet with the Dew of Heaven till his hairs were grown as Eagles feathers and his Nails like Birds Claws and seven times passed over him till he knew that the Most High ruleth in the Kingdom of men and giveth it to whomsoever he will And this time prefixed being expired seven years as most suppose though some reckon but three and an half counting for times Winter and Summer his reason returned to him with the glory of his Kingdom his Honour and Brightnesse his Councellors and his Lords sought unto him he was established in his Kingdom and excellent Majesty was added to him Therefore he shamed not by a publick writing to own the thing praised honoured and extolled the King of Heaven all whose works he confessed to be truth his wayes judgement and that those that walk in pride he is able to abase What is found recorded of him by the Heathen 26. Of these strange passages the Heathen were not utterly ignorant (e) Apud Euseb praep Evang. lib. 9. Abydenus wrote that being exceeding proud and going up upon his Pallace he was taken with a Divine fury This he had out of the Annals of the Caldaeans who fancied him to have been seized on with a prophetick spirit and so to have vanished (f) Apud Josâ—phum ubi priâ—s Megasthenes in his fourth book of Judaea endeavoured to shew how this King in valiant exploits exceeded Hercules by far that he subdued the chief Citie of Africk and a good part of Spain Diocles in his second book of Persia made mention of him and Philostratus both in his Histories of Phoenicia and India writing that he fought against Tyre thirteen years which 't is probable at length he took by composition and there placed Baal King in the room of Ithobalus What he did against this Citie God taking as service done to himself Ezek. 29. promised him the Land of Egypt for his wages which we must accordingly believe to have been paid At length having foretold that Babylon should be lost to Cyrus as Abydenus wrote he died after he had reigned 43 years being in Ptolomies Catalogue of Kings called Nabocolassar which may be corruptly written for Nabocodolassar Evilmerodach 27. Evilmerodach his Son succeeded him who lifted up the head of Jehoiakim King of Judah in the 37th year of his Captivity A. M. 3440. Olymp. 53. an 4. Romae condit 189. spake
years of age had a Son named Nachor And Nachor one when he was 29 called Terah or Thare Abram 2. Terah being 70 years old begat Abram Nachor and Haran Vers 26. Not that all these were born at the same time or are to be accounted in age as we find them in order What year of his Father he was born De istis lege Ludov. Cappellum Chronol Sacra notis ad Tabulam 5. Joh. Gerard. Vossii Isagog Chronolog Dissert 5. c. 6. Jacob. Cappell Hist Sacra Exotica ad A. M. 2003 multus alios priority in years not being constantly observed in Scripture but rather that of piety and true worth Haran is to be reckoned as the eldest who died at Ur of the Chaldees before his Father departed thence and left 3 children viz. one Son named Lot and two Daughters Milcah married to his Brother and her Uncle Nahor and Sarai or Iscah to Abram The second was Nahor Father to Chesed or Chased and so Abram the youngest because he was born not in the 70th as hath been thought but 130 year of his Father For Terah lived in all (a) Vers 32. 205 year and died in Charan Abram when he came out of Charran which (b) Acts 7. â—4 Stephen saith was after his Father's death was (c) Gen. 12.4 75 years old which being deducted out of 205 130 years will remain But if he was born in the 70 year of his Father then at his death was he 135 years old and having Isaac born to him when 100 in the Land of Canaan he must with him have returned back to Charran which seemeth very incredible or else he left it not at his Father's death as Stephen must make us believe he did 3. Abram therefore was born in the 130 year of his Father's life A. M. 2008. and the 2008th of the World as is clear from the ages of all his Progenitors taken at the births of their Sons and laid together About the 70 year of his age God commanded him to leave his Father's house SECT I. Gen 11.12 Acts 7. and come into the Land which he should shew him promising to make of him a great Nation to blesse him and in him all the Families of the Earth He obeying this command drew on his Father also with him He cometh from Ur to Canaan and so together with Lot the Son of Haran and Sarai Abram's wife they came from Ur of the Chaldaeans to Charran and dwelt there A. M. 2078. Dwelling there seemeth to intimate a longer stay than of one year so that some probably think 5 years to have been there spent For Terah now very old might detein them by his weaknesse they being unwilling to leave him till they saw him either recovered or dead But after his death mindfull of God's command they left Charran and came into the Land of Canaan Thence into Canaan This journey from Ur to Charran was the beginning of the 430 years of his and his posteritie's sojourning in a strange Land the promise also made to him being so many years before the promulgation of the Law in Mount Sinai as the Apostle Paul hath observed 4. The first place of Canaan in which Abram made any stay was Sichem Gen. 12. where God again appeared to him and renewed his Promise another of giving that Land to his Seed being added to it and in this place he built the first Altar to the Lord. Thence he removed towards the hilly Country and the Eastern tract of Luz afterwards called Bethel where he built another Altar and so proceeded into the Southern Coasts whence a Famine drove him into Aegypt Sojourneth in Aegypt There he sojourned and taught the Aegyptians Astrology which Josephus saith they were ignorant of till he communicated to them the knowledge of it and of Arithmetick His wife being beautifull for fear of his life he counterfeited himself her Brother so that Pharaoh began to cast his affections on her till plagued by God he was constrained to dismisse them both in peace Out of Aegypt then he returned to that place between Hai and Bethel where he built the second Altar Chap. 13. Now was he and Lot grown so rich that no longer could they conveniently live together Lot being departed to the Plains of Sodom God again renewed his promise to Abram which he more largely explained both as to the giving of the Land and the propagation of his Posterity After this as he was commanded he went and viewed the Land then pitch't his Tents in the Plain of Mamre neer Hebron where he built another Altar to the Lord. 5. At this time 4 Kings about the River Euphrates Chap. 14. viz. Amraphel King of Shinar oâ— Babylonia Arioch King of Ellasar thought to be Arabia because of a City upon the borders of that Country called Ellas Chedorlaomer King of Elam afterwards Persia and â—idal King of Nations thought to be many petty Kingdoms adjoyning to Phoenicia and Palaestine came and fought against the 5. Kings of the Pentapolis viz. Bera of Sodom Birsha of Gomorrah Shinab King of Admah Shemeber of Zebojim and the King of Bela afterwards called Zoar all who had 12 years served Chedorlaomer Recovereth Lot and the Booty from the 4 Kings and in the 1â—th rebelled They overthrew these five petty Princes led away much pillage and many Captives amongst which was Lot who then sojourned in Sodom Abram hearing this armed 318 servants and pursuing them recovered Lot and all the prey which he restored to the owners In his return Melchisedech whom some improbably make Sem King of Salem or Jerusalem Priest of the most high God brought forth Bread and Wine and blessed him to whom he gave the Tithes of all In this storie Abram is first called an Hebrew by Moses And there came one which had escaped and told Abram the Hebrew which word in Scripture is not found applied to any other before him 6. Some (d) Vide Bochartum Phaleg lib. 2. c. 10. think he was so called from Heber the Son of Salah and that this appellation onely was proper to his Family Why called an Hebrew because it kept the most antient or Hebrew tongue incorrupt But (e) Lege Ludov Cappell Chronol Sacra p. 111 c. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 others finding the word to signifie one that cometh from beyond the water or a Stranger think it was given to Abram upon no other account then because he came from beyond Euphrates None of Heber's Posterity being called so but onely he and some of his they think addeth much to their reason They conclude that the Hebrew language was not appropriate to Heber as a reward of his piety because those that descended of him used it not alwayes and to others besides his posterity it appeareth to have been natural They instance that Laban spake Syriack and the Canaanites and Philistins the Hebrew naturally as
in times of Rebellion and for their exercise to be as Thorns in their eyes and Goads in their sides The Canaanites being thus deprived of their ancient habitation by Joshua and the Israelites Many of them as is conjectured removing to the Mediterranean-Sea where they were known afterwards by the name of Phoenicians continued not all there but spread themselves abroad and sent Colonies far and wide into many places of Europe Asia and Africk concerning which that excellent book of Bochartus called Canaan is to be consulted That is remarkable which * A. M. 2555. Procopius mentioneth concerning Pillars erected in the Province of Africk In Vandalius called Tingitana with a Phoenician-inscription to this purpose We are they who fled from the face of Joshua the Robber the son of Nane How long this War continued till the division of the Land is not expressed in Scripture yet is thence to be gathered For Caleb being fourty years old when with others he was sent by Moses to search the Land was at the time of the Division as he saith 45 years older Now the Spies were sent out in the fifth moneth of the second year after their departure out of Egypt or sooner so that from that time to the entrance into Canaan followed almost 39 years the Israelites being fourty years in the Wildernesse which being deducted out of the said forty five six years and some few remain during which the War in Canaan must have continued The Clerouchia or division of the Land 19. The Clerouchia then or division of the Land fell out in the beginning of the seventh year from their entrance into Canaan and in the year of the World 2555 also beginning It continued about one year as some gather from the story First of all an inheritance was given to two Tribes and an half viz. the Tribes of Judah Ephraim Chap. 14.15 c. and the other half Tribe of Manasses Then met the Israelites together in Shiloh because seven other Tribes yet remained undisposed of Therefore certain men were sent from that place to bring a Survey of all the Land which could not be done in a few dayes and then after their return the division was perfected for all which no lesse then the space of a year seemeth necessary So there are from the beginning of the World to the end of this Division 2555 years Vide Ludov. Capellum in Chronol Sacr. containing just so many weeks of years as there are natural dayes in a year viz. 365. Or if we make a great year consisting of so many years as the solar year consisteth of dayes then have we six or seven such great years It is further observable that from the beginning of the World to the entrance of the Israelites into Canaan may be reckoned so many Jubilies of years viz. 52. as are dayes in the seventh part of a Solar year one onely excepted The War having endured six years they rested on the seventh wherein the Division was made as in the Sabatical year 20. The rise therefore and beginning of the Sabbatical year and of Jubilies some chuse rather to fetch from the first entrance into Canaan then from the division of the Land The rise of Sabbatical years and Jubilies For though they began not to sow the Land on this side Jordan till after the division yet before this had they taken possession of the Countrey lying beyond the River which was divided betwixt the two Tribes and the half whereof though it must be granted that those which were fit for War accompanied their brethren over Jordan according to the charge laid upon them by Moses yet is it to be supposed that those which stayed behind were nourished by the fruits of that soyl For Manna had already ceased and the Corn which the other reaped of the Enemies sowing being but gotten by degrees according as they Conquered the Countrey could scarce maintain them without sending for supplies to those that stayed beyond the River When they had ended the division the Children of Israel gave for an inheritance to Joshua that which he asked even Timneth Serah in Mount Ephraim where he built a Citie and dwelt therein Josh 18. The Tabernacle of the Congregation was set up at Shiloh by the whole Assembly As for the Levites they had no inheritance assigned them Chap. 20. but the Lord being their inheritance they were to live of Tythes Offerings Onely 48 Cities on both sides of Jordan were set apart for them to dwell in which were also to be Cities of refuge whither those that were guilty of casual homicide might fly from the avenger of bloud and there remain in security till the death of the High-Priest Joshua dieth Joshua being very old at the division is by the Jews said to have lived past the first Sabbatical year but to have died before the next arrived Some give to his government twenty years and some above Chap. 24. v. 29. Judge 11.8 but others think he died not long after the division There is no certainty thereof from Scripture but that he lived a hundred and ten years is expresly recorded The Israelites fall to idolatry 21. After Joshua and that generation were dead which had seen the wonders of the Lord another arose after them that knew not the Lord nor the works he had done so that the Children of Israel followed other gods serving Baal and Ashtaroth For this cause the anger of the Lord was hot against Israel and he delivered them into the hands of spoilers which spoiled them He sold them into the hands of their Enemies round about insomuch that they could not stand before them but whithersoever they went out the hand of the Lord was against them for evil as he had said and sworn Neverthelesse he raised them up Judges to deliver them out of the hands of those that spoiled them and yet they would not hearken to their Judges but went a whoring after other gods and bowed themselves unto them Hereupon the Lord resolved not to drive out thenceforth any Nations before them which Joshua left when he died that by them he might prove Israel whether they would keep his way and to teach them War Chap. 3. There were left five Lords of the Philistins with all the Canaanites the Sidonians and Hivites that dwelt in Mount Lebanon from Mount Baal Hermon unto the entring of Hamath The Children of Israel dwelt amongst the Canaanites Hittites Ammorites Perizzites Hivites and Jebusites they took their daughters to be their wives gave their daughters to their sons and served their gods Cushan oppresseth them 22. For this the anger of the Lord was hot against Israel Vers 8. and he sold them to the hand of Cushan-rishathaim King of Mesopotamia How long this was after the division the Scripture expresseth not Lud. Cappellus We read that he oppressed them eight years but some think it should be read in the
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 Gygâ—n or Gygnâ—n 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 mâ—ngled 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 Marcellâ—nus 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
thirteen years and him Amenophis who reigned 21 under whom Jacob died To him succeeded Mephres according to Eusebius but Manethon after him placeth his Sister Amesses or Amerses to which he giveth 21 years and 9 moneths After this reigned Mephres twelve years Mephramuthosis 26 and Thuthmosis or Thmosis 9. After him followed Amenophis otherwise called Palmanothis and Phamenophis who reigned 31 years and by some is accounted that Memnon whose image of stone at Thebes in Aegypt sounded like an Harp when the Sun-beams first in the morning beat upon it which is witnessed by many Authors of good credit To him succeeded Orus or Horus who reigned 38 years and to him Acenchres who reigned 12. Manetho maketh Acenchres the Daughter of Orus and giveth to her 12 years and one moneth after her he bringeth in Rathâ—tis her Brother to whom he giveth 9 yeas But after Acencheres Eusebius placeth Achoris and giveth to him but 7 years to whom succeeded Cenchres the twelfth King who being more wicked than his Praedecessors oppressed the Israelites most grievously and continued eighteen years in his tyranny A.M. 2508. till an end was put to it in the Red Sea The Israelites afflicted in Aegypt 9. Above Eighty years had they vexed the Israelites with insupportable burthens notwithstanding which they grew and increased exceedingly nay although order was given to drown all the Male Children lest growing too numerous they might in time of War joyn with their enemies else get them out of the Land with an high hand or because of a Praediction mentioned by Josephus that an Hebrew should be born who was to afflict and overthrow the Aegyptians That the Jews lived amongst them is ever acknowledged by their Historians accounting it an honour as all Nations do to have sent forth Colonies But to take away disgrace and to save the honour of their Country which to the Priests was ever most solemn abhominable lyes have been made and strange stories devised concerning their first coming into Aegypt and especially about their departure which briefly to relate seemeth agreeable enough to the nature of our design 10. Manetho an Aegyptian Priest and Historian pretending to describe the Originall of the Jews relateth that in the dayes of one of their Kings In 2º Aegyptiac apud Josephum lib. 1. contr Apionem Timaus by name Manetho his Lyes concerning the Originall of the Jews a certain ignorant people called Hycsos which signifieth Royall Shepherds or Captives as he himself interpreteth it from the Eastern parts with great confidence invaded Aegypt which easily obtaining without any force of Arms they burnt the City and Temples and raged against the Natives with Sword and Servitude At length they made them a King of their own stock named Saltis who coming down into the Country about Memphis imposed a Tribute upon the upper and neather Province and put Garrisons in convenient places Especially he took care of the Eastern Coasts being jealous of the Power of the Assyrians so that in the Principality of Sais Eastward from the River Bubastis he built up a City called antiently Anaris which fortifying with most strong walls he therein placed a Garrison of 240000 Men. When he had reigned nineteen years he gave place to Baeon who governed 44 after him Apachnas 36 with seven moneths then Apochis 61 Janias 50 and one moneth then Assis 49. Under those six first Kings they sore oppressed and endeavoured utterly to destroy Aegypt and 511 years had they power over it Afterwards the Kings of the Province of Thebes and the remaining part of Aegypt fell on them with a great and lasting War and by a King named Alisfragmuthosis were they overcome and driven up into a place containing the quantity of 10000 Akers of ground called Auaris The Son of this King Themosis by name attempted the taking of this place besieging it with 480000 Men but dispairing of successe agreed with them that leaving Aegypt they should go whither else they pleased so that departing with all their goods to the number of 240000 persons they travelled through the Desart into Syria for that they feared the Assyrians who then obtained the Empire of Asia and built them a City in the Country afterwards called Judaea which might suffice for so many thousands and named it Jerusalem 11. To this history taken out of the antient records Manetho addeth as he confesseth fabulous reports rife amongst the Vulgar mixing with the Israelites a multitude of Aegyptians languishing with Leprosie and other diseases which he relateth as having forgotten that the Shepherds left Aegypt 518 years before as may be gathered from the series of the Kings and the distance of time betwixt Themusis who reigned when the Shepherds departed and Amenophis under whom the Lepers went out the time of whose reign neither dareth he to define though he be exact in the years of other Princes as Josephus noteth Now this Amenophis forsooth was told by a Priest of the same name That he might see the gods if he would cleanse his Kingdom from Lepers and other unclean persons He being a very religious Man gathered all the infirm out of the Land to the number of 80000 whom he sent with others to cut stones on the East of the River Nile there being amongst them also some of the learned Priests infected with Leprosie Because favour was shewed towards them the Priest who would have had them destroyed feared much the displeasure of the gods as well against himself as the King and foreseeing they should have power over Aegypt for thirteen years he durst not tell the King so much but wrote a Book concerning the matter and then killed himself which cast the King you must know into a great melancholly 12. But being still desired to do something for the security of the diseased people he gave them Avaris the City of the Shepherds now not inhabited whither being entred and perceiving the place to be very advantagious for rebellion they made choice of Osarsiphus one of the Priests of Heliopolis for their Captain swearing to obey him in all things He presently established for Law that they should not worship the gods nor abstain from such creatures as were most sacred to the Aegyptians to marry with none but those that were tied to them by the same league and commanding many other things especially such as he knew contrary to Aegyptian customs he prepared for War Then sent he to the Shepherds at Jerusalem formerly expelled by Themusis to open their condition to them and to invite them to give their assistance against Egypt The Shepherds readily closed with the motion and all to the number of 200000 marched down to Avaris Amenophis much startled hereat especially because of the Praediction of the Priest committed his Son but five years old to a Friend and together with Apis and his other gods went into Aethiopia where he was received with all his multitudes of Subjects and was kindly entertained by the King who
made provision for them for these thirteen years The Solymitans or Shepherds with the unclean multitude made now great havock of all things in Aegypt burning Villages and Cities and raging against the sacred Animals with their Priests whom they compelled to be their Butchers and drave away naked the forementioned Priest still giving Laws and framing their Policy who being from Osiris the Heliopolitan-god called Osarsiphus now changed his name into Moses But at the end of the thirteen years Amenophis returned with great power out of Aethiopia and with the assistance of his Son Rampses fell upon the Shepherds and unclean multitude whereof killing many they pursued the rest as far as the borders of Syria 13. These ridiculous lyes are much more augmented by others Chaeremon Chaeremon his ridiculous Lyes who professed to write the History of Aegypt giveth the same name Amenophis to the King and of Rhamesses to his Son but addeth that the Goddesse Isis appeared to the former complaining that her Temple was destroyed by War That Phritiphantes a sacred Scribe told the King that if he would be freed from terrors in the night he must purge Aegypt from polluted Men he therefore gathering out 250000 diseased persons cast them out of his borders That the two Scribes Moses and Joseph the Aegyptian name of the former being Tisithes and of the later Petesephis became their Leaders and coming to Pelusium found there 380000 which Amenophis having left behind would not convey into Aegypt with those they struck up a league and undertook an Expedition against the Land Amenophis not expecting the issue of their attempt fled into Aethiopia leaving his wife big with child which lying hid in a Cave brought forth a Son called Messenes He when he came to age expelled the Jews to the number of 200000 into Syria and received back his Father Amenophis out of Aethiopia Lisimachus his malicious forgeries 14. Lysimachus an Historian going beyond the other two in the maliciousnesse of his lyes wrote that when Bocchoris reigned in Aegypt the people of the Jews infected with Leprosie Scab and other diseases resorted to the Temple to beg for their living and many being infected with this disease barrennesse fell upon the Land Bocchoris sending to the Oracle of Ammon about it received this answer that the Temples were to be cleansed from impure and prophane persons who were to be cast out into the Desart but the scabbie and Leprous should be drowned the Sun not enduring they should live which being done and the Temples purified fruitfulnesse would be restored to the Earth Bocchoris accordingly ordered the Priests to gather all the prophane out of the Temples and give them up to Soldiers who were to carry them into the Wildernesse and the Leprous and Scabbie to be wrapped in Lead and cast into the Sea which being drowned accordingly the other were exposed to perish in the Desart But those consulting for their own safety kept fires that night and strict watch then the day following a solemn Fast to God for their preservation On the next counsell was given them by a certain Man named Moses that they should march on in one body till they arrived at some good Soil Then commanded he them to be kind to no man to give bad counsell rather than good and overthrow the Temples of the gods as many as they should find which being approved of they travelled through the Desart and after much trouble came to a fruitfull Soil where using the Inhabitants very injuriously and rifling and burning the Temples they arrived at length in that Country since called Iudaea and building a City seated themselves there This City was at first called Hierosyla from the spoiling of the Temples but afterwards to shun the disgrace of the occasion they changed it into Hierosolyme and took the name of Hierosolymitans Apion his Lyes 15. Further than this Apion a Grammarian of Alexandria Josephus Lib. 2. contr Apionem as he counterfeited himself but born in Oasis a Town of Aegypt amongst severall other lyes against the Jews wrote that he had received from the eldest of the Aegyptians how Moses was a Heliopolitan and being brought up according to the customs of his Country changed the rites thereof at his own pleasure That he led the Leprous Blind and Lame out of Aegypt but fairly saith it was in the first year of the seventh Olympiad the same wherein Carthage was built by the Tyrians which happened about 150 years after Hiram the King of Tyre as apppeareth out of the Phoenician Annals with whom Solomon was contemporary He mentioned the same number of infirm persons as Lysimachus but addeth a reason why the Sabbath was so called Travelling six dayes together saith he on the seventh day they rested in Judaea for that they were sorely plagued with Ulcers in their privy parts and named it Sabboth from the Aegyptian word Sabbatosis which signifieth that disease Notwithstanding that he saith they finished their journey in six dayes yet he further writeth that Moses hid himself for forty dayes upon the Mount Sinai which lyeth betwixt Aegypt and Arabia whence coming down he gave Laws unto the Jews As for the Jewish Religion he was not ashamed to write that in their Temple was set the head of an Asse made of gold and of great value which being there worshipped was taken thence when Antiochus Epiphanes spoiled the place 16. Such absurdities were delivered by the Egyptians and those who out of desire to gratifie them have after their example endeavoured to conceal the truth to which Josephus in his two Books against Apion hath abundantly answered Severall reasons have moved them to corrupt their Originall Records Reason for these Lyes raised by the Aegyptians and others against the Jews The Israelites growing great in that Country out of it they returned to the promised Land by the stretched out arm of God to the great reproach of their cruel and imperious Lords The difference of religion raised also betwixt the two Nations as betwixt the Jews and the whole world mortall enmity whilst the one worshipped the onely true God and the base and degenerate spirit of the other fell down to things far inferior to themselves which difference some though but few persons discerning were ambitious to become Proselytes to the Jewish Doctrine Hence again arose such Envy that some descended to that indiscretion and weaknesse as to contradict their own most antient and authentick Writers The in-bred blindnesse of Men's minds increased by Paganish Education hath so far prevailed that the (b) As Diodorus Siculus in Eclog. lib. 34. 40. Tacitus Hist lib. 5. ad initium Justin. lib. 36. greatest part of Heathen Writers have in this contention sided with the Egyptians otherwise contemptible enough in their eyes and subscribed to what they have said concerning the Originall of the Jewish Nation though some (c) Strabo lib. 16. p. 761. Dion Cassius lib. 37. have not given credit to
he met with cowardise that of a Woman At length after nine years he returned home with much spoil where he refreshed and rewarded his victorious Army Here he was not idle but set himself to such works as he thought might eternize his name wherein he imployed none of his naturall Subjects but the Captives he had brought with him This the Babylonians not enduring brake out into rebellion and fortifying a place near the River held it out in despight of him till at last by composition they enjoyed a Seat which they called Babylon in remembrance of their own Country He raised up great heaps of stones and earth and to them removed such Cities as by reason of the lownesse of their situation were obnoxious to inundations from the River yet lest there should be want of water and for convenience of trade he caused Rivolets to be digged throughout the Land he also fortified the Country by a wall on the East and otherwise povided against invasions 21. For an ostentation of his greatnesse he caused such as being subdued held their Kingdoms of him or had received new Principalities at his hand at certain times to come down with their Presents His pride whom he otherwise used with much respect but being to go to the Temple or enter the City he would loose his Horses out of his Chariot and be drawn by four of these Princes At length having excelled all Men in Conquests and other Royall atchievements he fell blind and killed himself when he had reigned 33 years for which act he was the more admired by the Egyptians These amongst other things are reported of Sesostris before whose Statue many years after Darius the son of Hystaspes causing his own to be erected the chief Priest contradicted it alleadging that Darius had not yet excelled Sesostris in honourable actions with which freedom the King was well pleased and said Sethosis or Sesostris the second son to the other if he lived he would labour to come no whit short of him His son succeeded him of the same name and misfortune in the losse of his sight which to recover he was bid by an Oracle to wash his eyes in the Urine of some woman which never knew any other man then her own husband Beginning with that of his own wife he proceeded to make trial of the honesty of many others but found none effectual to the cure but the wife of a certain Gardiner which woman he then married and burnt all the rest Many after him followed in order till one Arnosis came to the Government who by his Tyranny made way for Actisanes Actisanes King of Aethiopia the King of Aethiopia He using his power with moderation put no Malefactor to death but cutting off their Noses sent them away into the Confines of Aegypt and Syria where he built them a Citie called from the maimednesse of the inhabitants Rhinocolura which was destitute of all sorts of provisions through the barrennesse and unhealthfulnesse of the place The soyl he chose on purpose that they might be diverted from idle and vitious courses by anxious and effectual care for a livelyhood which they got by a trade of fishing in the adjoyning Sea 22. After his death the Egyptians recovered the Soveraignty and created a King of their own Nation Mendes called Mendes He spent his life in making provision for death by a Sepulcher inimitable for Art which he made under the notion of a Labrynth according to which pattern they believed Daedalus to have framed that he made for Minos King of Crete wherein to keep the Minotaure After Mendes an Anarchy followed for a long time till one of ignoble extraction was made King After an Anarchy by the Egyptians named Cetes but by the Greeks Proteus who living in the time of the Trojan War had great skill in Astrology and the knowledge of winds whence and because the Kings of Egypt were wont to have several kinds of living Creatures Trees Fire and other things painted and worn about their heads the Greeks took occasion to invent that fable of his turning himself into all manner of shapes Remphis Remphis his Son and Successor spent his time in the improvement of his revenue and customes insomuch that he died far richer then any of his Predecessors having got together 400000 Talents of Gold and Silver Nileus from whom the Nileaas named The next who was any thing considerable was Nileus who because he took great care about bringing water from the River to furnish the Countrey changed the name of it from Egypt into Nile Chemmis first buildeth a Pyramid 23. The 8th from Nileus was Chemmis Diodorus who being born at Memphis reigned fifty years and built the greatest of the three Pyramids counted amongst the seven wonders of the World Herodotus writeth that the first King who gave his mind to this work was Cheops and that he prostituted his daughter to raise money for this purpose That the biggest was twenty years in building by no fewer then 100000 work-men towards the diet of whom the price of Onions and Garlick onely amounted to 1600 Talents of silver That his daughter of every one who had to do with her begged a stone and therewith built a little Pyramid near adjoyning Diodorus writeth that the basis of the greatest was on each side 700 foot broad Vide Phicium lib. 36. c. 22. the heighth above 600 foot and at the top it was six Cubits broad all of solid stone very hard and of an everlasting substance which he proveth for that the whole structure in his time remained unchanged and uncorrupted though raised 1000 years before But others which within this hundred years have travelled into Egypt relate how those monstrous buildings which stand 13 miles off from Memphis and look like Mountains at a distance are on the North-side much eaten and consumed with that wind the Etesian winds being there as much putrifying as the Southern in other parts These Piles of stone stand in a sandy place which affordeth not any quarries of stone some five miles distant from the Nile so that the work may well seem right miraculous though the Egyptians raised many fables thereupon But so many thousands of men were to be killed with this toil that one might be stately buried which yet they say hapned not to him For the people were so enraged hereat that his son durst not there bury him but laid him in another obscure and ignoble place And yet he could not contain himself but to his power must also imitate his father's madnesse Cephren 24. Cephren the brother of Chemmis succeeded him and reigned 56 years Herodotus though some would have his son Chabry's immediatly to have followed him Diodorus He spent his time the same way building another Pyramid in workmanship like to the former but much inferiour to it in compasse and largenesse being also buried in an obscure place for fear
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Peneus and Asopus were first called Hellenes being formerly known by the name of Graeci and the Countrey it self Hellas afterwards named Ptbiotis Homer owneth none by the name of Hellenes but those who with the Myrmidonae amongst others followed Achilles to the Siege of Troy neither any place calleth he Hellas SECT 1. but onely one in Thessalie mentioned by Strabo who knoweth not whether it be a Town or Country though he would gladly prove that by Hellas Homer understood the whole Nation Strabo is in no wise to be heard against Thucydides and Apollodorus whereof the former witnesseth Vide Strab. lib. 8. p. 370. A. that the Poet no where mentioneth the Barbarians because all the Hellenes were not yet known by one common name whom he might oppose against them and the later expressely saith that he onely called those in Thessalie by the name of Hellenes But though in Homer's time the whole Nation might begin to be called Hellenes and the Country Hellas yet clear it is from many witnesses that these names came out of Thessalie and were thence transferred to signifie the whole Nation and their Colonies placed elsewhere insomuch that prideing themselves as it were in it they wholly rejected the other of Graeci which signifying antient as it seemeth they had also out of Thessalie from the same people who were afterwards called Hellenes though the Poets despise it not as Callimachus Sophocles and others and the Latins still retain it taking no notice of the other in their Language whence these words Greece and Graecians are derived 2. Greece was not antiently inhabited in any setled or established way Thucyd. though in after ages it became so famous in it's flourishing Common-wealths Seats and habitations were often changed The most antient Greeks lived in an unsetled condition preying one upon another according to the power and strength of such as were not satisfied with their own fortune No commerce was there amongst them being in continuall fear one of another they lived onely from hand to mouth not regarding money or the improvement of their grounds knowing not how long they should enjoy any thing in present possessions so that no considerable City was there or any Fortifications of value Attica indeed was something priviledged by it's barrennesse and secured from such violent attempts as other parts were obnoxious to whence such as were disturbed elsewhere flocked thither and it grew so populous that not able to maintain the great numbers under which it groaned it poured out Colonies into Asia the lesse which made up the body of the Ionians Before the Trojan War nothing considerable was done abroad by the Graecians but at that time having got some power at Sea they were rendered capable of that expedition Nothing considerable done by them abroad till the Trojan War For Minos King of Crete A. M. 2773. whom Thucydides would make to have had the first and most antient Fleet of all others had not long before obtained the dominion of the greatest part of the Greek Sea and making himself Master of the Islands Cyclades cast thence the Carians and placed Colonies of his own therein over which he made his Sons Princes And to increase his Customs he scoured the Seas of Pyrats it being then the trade of those that lived upon the Coasts to passe over and make prey one of another which to the last could not be left by some as the Aetolians and Acarnanians amongst others 3. The Sea being cleared Cities began to be built upon the Coast both for trade and security whereas the more antient Towns stood at a good distance from the Sea Cities begin to be built upon the Sea-Coasts both in the Continent and Islands Then came it to passe that the weaker submitting themselves to the more powerfull for matter of profit or the other by strong hand procuring it from them some new and considerable Principalities were erected which rendred them fit for the Expedition against Troy wherein Agamemnon praesided as the most powerfull Prince then reigning especially at Sea Yet was there still such scarcity of money and of provisions that onely so many Forces did they carry over as they hoped the War might maintain and used those not all together and at the same time The Graecians maintained themselves by tillage and plunder at the Wars of Troy but employed them in tilling the Cherronesus and in depraedations whereby being thus dispersed the Trojans were the longer able to resist them which they could not have done had they been sufficiently furnished with necessaries and incontinently with all their strength A. M. 2821. fallen upon the City Ten years being consumed in this War great alterations were thereby produced in Greece For through their absence so long abroad seditions and tumults arose at home whence many at their return or afterwards were forced to seek out new habitations A long time it was ere the Country returned to quietnesse and settlement but at length it was inabled to send out Colonies as the Athenians into Ionia and the Islands of the Greek Sea Great changes caused at home by their so long absence the Peloponnesians and some other Cities into Italy and Sicily The Nation growing now stronger and wealthier daily Tyrannies or petty Kingdoms were erected in every place there being now a possibility of raising revenues and as any exceeded others in power or cunning they invaded the Governments of others which they made arbitrary whereas before Kingdoms were haereditary with a constant limited power that they seldom exceeded The Corinthians first eminent at Sea 4. The Corinthians first began to be famous at Sea being the first that used that sort of Gallies camed Triremes and fought a battel with the Corcyreans A. M. 3353. D. C 102. Manassis 50. 220 years before the beginning of the Peloponnesian War For being seated in the Isthmus they enjoyed thereby a constant Mart which filled them with wealth especially after the Sea was cleared of Pyrats and Traffick increased Long after The Ionians the Ionians got the start of the rest in navall glory making good progresse therein and had gone still further A. M 3462. but that Cyrus having broken in pieces the power of Croesus and subdued all as far as the River Halys forced them also after some strugling to submit themselves unto the yoak A. 3473. After them Polycrates and others Polycrates the Tyrant of Samus the Massilians and Corcyraeans obtained the greatest power at Sea the Aegyptians and Athenians with the rest being inconsiderable therein till these two States falling out Themistocles procured the Athenians to apply themselves more to Sea matters when they now also expected the coming of the Persian King Great commodity all these obtained by the power of their Navies either in getting money or new possessions for they subdued the Islands such especially labouring herein No War by Land whose native Soils
but A.M. 2908. for that both of them were descended of Hercules dealt not roughly with him but admitted him to partnership in the Kingdom So from thenceforth the Sicronians became Dores and were reckoned amongst the Argives This fell out 87 years after the destruction of Troy 120 before the first Olympiad A. M. 2908. SECT III. The Kingdom of Argos The Kingdom of Argos hath the second place if not the â—rst 1. THe (a) Euseb in Chronico second place in Antiquity belongeth to this Kingdom for which (b) Vide Ludov Vivem in Augustin de Civitat Dei lib. 18. cap. 3. A.M. 2149. some have not been wanting to challenge the first affirming that many years after the establishment of this Aegialeus began that of the Sâ—cyonians and certainly though Argos missed something of Sicyon in years yet in fame dignity power and riches it exceeded it Inachus first here began a Kingdom about 244 years after the beginning of the Sicyonian the 142 of the life of Abraham 676 before the destruction of Troy and 1082 before the beginning of the Olympiads From the Antiquity of Inachus came that proverb Inacho antiquior Inachus concerning which Erasmus is to be consulted in his Adages Phoroneus On his sister Melissa he begat Phoroneus and a daughter named Io which must not be confounded with the daughter of Jasus of a later date as she is wont to be by Mythologists After fifty years reign he left his Kingdom to his son Phoroneus who by (b) Pausan in Argolicis p. 58. some was thought the first man as the son of a River in that place called Inachus and consequently the father (c) Clemens Stromat l. 1. of Mortals and Author of Mankind He is said to have (d) Nonius built the first Altar unto Juno Against him and the Parrhasians the Telchines and Caryatae made War but being overcome betook themselves to the mercy of Wind and Sea and at length arrived in Crete as some or Rhodes as others say He obtained the Dominion of the whole Peninsula and of the Nymph Laodice (e) Orosius l. 1. cap. 7. Apollodorus lib. 2. begot a son called Apis and a daughter named Niobe which Jupiter loved the first of all women and on her begat Argus Phoroneus after he had reigned sixty years died and left his Kingdom to his son Apis. Apis. 2. Apis turning Tyrant commanded the Peninsula to be called after himself Apios and being circumvented by the wiles of Thelxion and Telchin A.M. 2260. died without issue after he had reigned 34 years Apollodorus saith he was killed for his Tyranny in Greece though some make him to have gone into Egypt and there dying to have been taken for a God and called Serapis but there being two Kings of this name besides him viz. one of Sicyon and another of Egypt most Mythologists confound them and attribute what was done by all unto one which thing is usual with the Greeks Apis dying after he had reigned 34 years Argus left for his Successor Argus his sisters son by Jupiter the King of Crete who lived about this time In that Island first reigned Cres who gave name to it and was one of those Curetes that were said to have hid Jupiter from his father Saturn who would have devoured his youngest son after the other and nourished him as also to have built the Citie Cnossos and the Temple of Cybele With this man many others are confounded according to the custom of Poets who have observed no distinction in ascribing to one what many did and fathering things of their own invention upon the common name of Jupiter Several particular men known to have had the name Jupiter 3. The first man known to have had this name was Ham the youngest son of Noah who was worshipped for a God under the title of Jupiter Hammon His Nephew Nimrod the first King of Babylon and Assyria was sirnamed Belus and often called Jupiter Belus In Crete lived (f) Euseb one very ancient that hath gone under this name although as many places have challenged him for their Native as (g) Vide Pausan in Messemus p. 143. 7. contended for the birth of Homer Some think that he who is reported to have been preserved and nourished by the Curetes or the Idaei Dactyli was more ancient than Niobe and therefore make a second Jupiter to have lived in Crete about 150 years after who because he was the first of this name known to have been extravagant towards women thence arose that saying that Niobe was the first woman beloved by Jupiter Aeolus the son of Hellen and Nephew of Deucalion who lived about Thessaly and gave name to the Aeoles became so famous with Posterity that they gave him the name of (h) Idem ibid. p. 154. 31. Jupiter and Neptune Picus King of the Aborigines in Italy father to Faunus and supposed to be begotten by Saturn after he had fled into Latium from his son Jupiter is also called Jupiter by (i) Apud Suidam one and Aeneas Jupiter Indiges by the Romans These are such particular men as are known to have had this name which hath been so far advanced as to signifie the best and chiefest Being whil'st such as at first were reverenced for their vertue or power at length were forgotten to have been mortals 4. Each Nation of old had its Native Jupiter who was either the Founder thereof or living in remote times was by that Generation which attributeth immoderate things to Antiquity elevated into a Deity Here is to be considered what Annius his Xenophon wrote in his Treatise of Aequivocals Whence so many as he calleth them The most ancient King of any great and Illustrious family was wont to be called Saturn the eldest son Jupiter and the most valiant amongst the Nephews or Grand-sons Hercules Jupiter the ancient King of Crete or some other by his great exploits and well-deserving of that Age might gain this credit to his name or the word Zeus in the Greek tongue signifying what Ham doth import in the other language the Original of this name may better agree with the name place and condition of the son of Noah As for Jupiter the younger who is supposed to have begotten Hercules on Alcmena the wife of Amphytrio appeareth a meer fiction so valiant a person as that Child proved inhancing the repute of his generation or if this Hercules was not the son of Amphytrion but begotten by some other man then was the name of Jupiter given to his father to take away the Odium of Bastardie it being an ordinary thing for such as were base-begotten to be fathered upon Jupiter Mars or Apollo From Argus the Citie took its name 5. From Argus the Citie was named (k) Hesychius Argos before called Phoronicum from Phoroneus who first gathered the people into it being before that dispersed and made them Laws for Government From him also
his Subjects took the name of Argi and Argivi and the whole * Lege Strabon lib. 3. p. 365. Peninsula named Apia before he would have called after himself Argos In (l) August de Civit. Dei l. 18. c. 6. his time Greece began to be full of Corn which being ascribed to his care and industry he was honoured after his death with a Temple and Sacrifice which worship was before given to one Homogyrus killed by a Thunder-bolt for that he had first yoaked Oxen in the Plow His brother (m) Apollodorus lib. 2. initio was Pelasgus said also to have been begotten by Jupiter on Niobe the father of Lycaon and who gave name to the Pelasgi a people that first inhabited Arcadia hence called Pelasgis Pelasgia afterwards spread (n) Dionys Halicarnass lâ—b 1. themselves throughout Greece and sent Colonies into Latium Argus on his wife Euadne the daughter of Strymon begat Jasus Peiranthus Epidaurus and Criasus Jasus begat Agenor Criasus the father of that Argus whom the Poets make all eyes though some report him the son of Arestor Criasus succeeded his father after he had reigned seventy years and Governed the Argives 54. Two of his brothers are added by Pausanias viz. Pirasus the same with Peiranthus and Phorbas Peiranthus first built a Temple to Juno at Argos wherein he placed her image made of a wild Pear-Tree and made his daughter (o) Argol p. 58. 17. Euseb praep l. 3. Evangel lib. 3. Callithya called also Callithoe and Io Priest thereof which Superstition being continued for many Ages all instruments publick and private were dated from such or such a year of her Successors as the custome hath been from those of the Kings or Magistrates in other places 6. That this Peiranthus reigned appeareth no where but in Pausanias who seemeth to make him the immediate Successor of Argus by the name of Pirasus Pirasus Phorbas Triopas But Phorbas succeeded Criasus and reigned 35 years after him Triopas 46. whose son Xanthus being Prince of some of the Pelasgi who went out from Argos seized first upon part of Lycia and there seated himself afterwards he passed over into the Island Isa then void of Inhabitants Diodorus Siculus lib. 5. pag 239. in margine notata A. which dividing amongst his followers he named Pelasgia in processe of time called Lesbos Pausanias maketh Jasus and Agenor the sons of Triopas Jasus and Jasus to have reigned at Argos though by Eusebius he be not reckoned amongst the Kings His daughter was the famous Io which being got with Child by Jupiter and thereupon through the displeasure of Juno turned out of her wits or into a Cow as the Poets sing passed over the straits of Thrace to which upon this occasion of her Metamorphosis was given the name of Bosphorus Then went she down into Egypt where restored to humane shape she brought forth her son Epaphus the builder of Memphis and was afterwards taken for a goddesse and called Isis Herodotus leading us out of the Labrynth of fables Lib. 1. ad initium relateth that the Phoenicians after their removal from the Red-sea where he thinketh them once to have inhabited to the Mediterranean applied themselves unto sailing and Traffick from Assyria and Egypt unto other places On a time coming to Argos which then excelled all Greek Cities on the fifth or sixth day after they had exposed their merchandise to sale many women came to their ships to buy what liked them and amongst the rest this Io the Kings daughter The Phoenicians encouraging one another laid hands on those they could catch and taking her with some others carried them into Egypt This by Herodotus is made one of the first grounds of envy betwixt the Asiaticks Greeks though he confoundeth her with the daughter of Inachus which is usual and the Greeks as Pausanias hinteth gave another account of her deportation 7. As Pausanias reckoneth Jasus amongst the Kings of Argos which after him was without doubt called Jasos (p) Stephanus and the Citizens Jasii so he nameth Crotopus Crotopus his brother Agenor's son for his Successor whom Eusebius will have to have succeeded his Grand-father Triopas His daughter Psamathe being with Child by Apollo after her delivery exposed the Infant which she named Linus It chanced to be devoured by wilde beasts whereat she was so troubled that her father perceiving it got out the matter and put her to death for which Apollo brought a plague upon the Argives who to pacifie him made great and solemn lamentation for the Child which is not to be confounded with the Poet Linus as some so order the matter Crotopus having reigned 21 years was followed by Sthenelas his son Sthenelas who held the Kingdom for 11. Galenor and then left it to his son Galenor In his time Danaus the brother of Egyptus King of that Countrey having 50 daughters refused to marry them to his brother's 50 sons because he was bidden by an Oracle to beware of a son in Law and therefore taking them away with him Apollodorus lib. 2. sailed to Rhodes wherein he built a Temple to Minerva Lindia and thence to Argos where he moved a contest with Galenor for the Kingdom Diodorus l. 5. p. 227. D. A.M. 2531. as descended of Epaphus the son of Io. Both pleading hard before the people the cause as doubtfull was put off till the day following at what time there came a Wolf and killed an Ox which was feeding by the Walls Apollod ibid. Pausan in Argolicis pag. 61. The people took the Wolf to signifie Danaus because a stranger and making this contest of the beasts a leading case decreed the Kingdom to the Egyptian Danaus 8. Danaus having obtained the Kingdom his brother Egyptus feared lest by the marriage of his daughters he might get too great alliance and strength and therefore sent down his 50 sons to Argos with an Army and command either to marry them or destroy him They perswaded their Uncle by fair means to receive them as sons in Law but he commanded his daughters that each of them should the first night kill her Bridegroom and gave them Poniards for that purpose They all obeyed him except Hypemnestra and some add Bebrice which dismissing Lynceus with advice to shift for himself was by her Father accused and brought to Judgment but acquitted by the Argives and afterwards had leave from him to receive again Lynceus now reconciled to him As for the rest of the Sisters they were bestowed upon such as in tryall of Masteries got the better and became so infamous that it was believed they were condemned in Hell to fill with water a Barrell which having an hole in it let out as much as it received in 9. From Danaus those who formerly had the name of Pelasgiotae were called Danai He built the Castle and his Daughters are said to have supplied the City with water by
digging of Wells although (q) Vide lib. 8. p. 376 371. Strabo proveth that by reason of it's situation it could never want the commodity of that Element Having reigned (r) Euseb Apollod 50 years he died and was succeeded by Lynceus who governed 41 and on Hypermnestra begat Abas his Successor Abas ruled 23 years and begat on his wife Ocalea the Daughter of Mantineus Acrisius and Praetus Acrisius and Praetus Twins They are said to have strugled in the womb and did it to purpose afterwards for the Kingdom Pausan in Argolicis Praetus first obtained and held it seventeen years but then was driven from Argos by Acrisius and forced to flye into Lycia to Iobas his Father-in-Law King of that Country From him he returned with armed hand seised upon Tyrâ—nthe and afterwards joyned battell with his Brother wherein they two are reported first of all others to have used Targets The battell ending with aequall successe they came to an accommodation and divided the Kingdom Acrisius was to stay at Argos and Praetus to enjoy Heraeus Midaea Tirynthe and the maritime parts Praetus had by his wife Sthenobaea a Son named Megapenthes and three Daughters which being taken with the fury of Bacchus Melampus the Poet is said to have cured Acrisius on Eurydice begat a Daughter named Danae Danae and consulting the Oracle about issue-Male was answered that he should have no Son but a Nephew by his Daughter that should procure his death Hereupon he shut up Danae with her Nurse in the ground but Jupiter turning himself into a golden shower thereby got to her Mother to Perseus and begat Perseus Both Mother and Son were put into an Ark and cast into the Sea which drave them ashore on the Island Seriphus where Dictys Brother to Polydectes the King educated the Boy Being grown up he made an Expedition into Africk where he slew the Gorgon Medusa being sent as the Fable goeth by Polydectes who sought to be revenged on him for hindering him from the Marriage of his Mother but Pansanias not at all regarding the Fable writeth that this Medusa was the Daughter of Phorchus and succeeded him in his Kingdom which lay upon the Lake Tritonis that she was wont to go out to hunt and fight with the Africans over which she reigned but Perseus coming against her with choise Forces out of Peloponnesus so that this Voyage must have been after his return thither and his Grand-Father's death she was entrapped by him and slain in the night He admiring her beauty cut off her head and caried it into Greece for a spectacle 10. Perseus after this married Andromeda Daughter to Cepheus by Cassiopeia who reigned at Joppe a maritime Town of Phoenicia having first saved her from being devoured by a Whale This by one is thus interpreted Conon apud Photium in Bibliotheca That Phoenix by her Father's consent took her away by force and carying her in a Ship called the Whale Perseus sailing that way and hearing her lamentations boarded the Ship and delivering her out of his hands married her After this he returned to Sisyphus where he revenged upon Polydectes the violence offered to his Mother and then with her and his wife went to Argos to see his Grand-Father who being afraid because of the Oracle Apollod lib. 2. departed into Pelasgia or Thessalie so called from the Pelasgi who were now removed thither out of Peloponnesus being a vagabond people and staying in no place where when Teutamias King of the Larissaeans made Games in honour of his deceased Father thither also came Perseus amongst other lusty and active young Men and slew his Grand-Father at unawares in the Game Perseus killeth Acrisius The Generall Councill of the Amphyctiones by a stroak of a quoit upon his foot after he had reigned thirty years 11. Some (Å¿) Lege Strabon lib. 9. p. 419 420. think that rather to Acrisius then to Amphyction the Son of Deucalion who 182 years before began his reign at Athens the founding of the famous Concill of the Amphyctiones is to be ascribed It seemeth probable that Amphyction first of all assembled it in Thessalie near the Streights of Thermopylae Pausanias writeth to have been the common opinion and that Acrisius thence transferred it to Delphos in Phocis where it for the most part assembled this place being the middle of Greece and (t) Lege Pausan in Phocicis as the Greeks thought of the World it self where was also the famed Oracle of Apollo Pythius For These Cities which at first had onely right to send their Deputies to the Coucill were such as either were seated in Thessalie or near unto it This was the chief Tribunall of all Greece for deciding of publick and most weighty causes betwixt the severall Cities and Common-wealths The authority thereof was very great insomuch as it's Decrees have sometimes been executed by the Sword with the great motions of severall States some or other scarce ever being wanting to undertake the work It used to meet twice a year and oftener if necessity required in the beginning of Spring and Autumne the Cities sending their Deputies three two or one according to their bignesse These were called Pylagorae because they met at Pylae a place near to the Temple of which they also had the oversight and praesided over the Games made in honour of Apollo Pythius every other year This Court continued for many Ages without change untill the time of Philip King of Macedon and Father of Alexander the Great who overthrowing the Phocians in the Sacred War for their Sacriledge outed them and the Lacedaemonians their assistants of their Priviledges of voting therein and transferred the right to his own Kingdom Long after Augustus Caesar innovated again by removing the Magnesians Maleans and others from their interest herein and making Nicopolis a City built by him in memory of his Victory at Actium free of that Society as Pausanias telleth us who hath also recorded that in his time which fell in with the reign of Antoninus Pius the Roman Emperour this Councill was still maintained and kept up consisting of thirty persons 12. Perseus after that dysaster which hapned to his Grand-Father A.M. 2693. was ashamed to return to Argos his Inheritance and therefore went to Tirynthe and changed Kingdoms with his Cousin Megapenthes He built Mycenae so called from his Sword 's * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Scabberd that fell from him in this place which thing he took as a sign that here he should build a City and making it his seat The Kingdom of Argos divided therein reigned 58 years About this time this Kingdom of Argos that had now continued about 544 years came to be divided into three parts For Anaxagoras the Son of Megapenthes contenting himself with a third of his half gave the other two to Melampus the Son of Amythaon and his Brother Bias u Apollod lib. 2.
Castor sons to Tyndareus King or Sparta Meleager and Argus who built the ship named after him Argo wherein they sailed and thence were afterwards called Argonautae Having all things in readinesse Pelias supplying Jason with all necessaries to be rid of him fearing he should call him to account for the Kingdom they set sail from Ioleus and came to Lemnus an Island in the Aegaean Sea whence they sailed to the Countrey of the Doliones Apollonius Rhodius l. 1. by whose King Cyzicus they were honourably received but thence lanching out by night were driven back by Tempest and being taken by him for the Pelasgi Lege Simsonium in Chronico ad A.M. 2743. with whom he was at feud he fell upon them and lost his life in the fight with many of his followers but his error once understood was magnificently buried by them From Cyzicus they came into Mysia where Hercules for want of skill in rowing brake his Oar and going into the Woods to provide another whil'st his companions rested themselves on the shoar it happened that Hylas his Boy drinking at a Fountain was intercepted by the Nymphs as the story goeth Crying out Polyphemus the son of Elatus who had married Laonome the sister of Hercules ran out to rescue him and meeting with Hercules went up and down seeking â—im in great perplexity so that they were left behind by their companions Theocritus in Hyla whom Hercules followed on foot to Colchos 17. Jason with the rest sailed to Colchos and by the treachery of Medea daughter to Aetes the King that fell in love with him became master of the Golden Fleece and returned home with her having finished his journey in four moneths They lived hapily at Corinth for ten years till Creon King of that Citie betrothing his daughter Glauce to him Medea was commanded to quit the place whereupon mad with anger she set the Palace on fire and slew her own three sons which she had by Jason as Euripides relateth the story Who as it 's probable too much indulgeth his poetick liberty the Corinthians having corrupted him with five Talents as an antient (y) Vide Parmeniscum scholiis ad Euripidem Historian hath discovered (z) Lib. 1. c. 2. Herodotus writeth in that a Messenger was sent from Colchos to demand Medea but he was put off with this answer that they of Asia had formerly stoln away Io from Argos As the Argonautae sailed by Athos and Samothracia they were driven by Tempest upon Sigaeum a Promontory of Troas (a) Diodorus l. 1. p. 171. where they found Hesione daughter to Laomedon King of Troy bound upon the shoar that she might become a prey to a Whale This Whale had been sent by Neptune to devour Passengers upon the Coast because (b) Vide Pindari interpret ad Nem. 3. Laomedon with money taken out of the Temples of Neptune and Apollo had built the Walls of the Citie and made no restitution Apollo had answered that no way could they be quit of the Whale but by the devouring of some one chosen out by lot which fell upon the Kings own daughter But Hercules moved with pity upon promise to have the maid and certain horses that never were handled undertook to kill the Whale which readily performing he trusted Laomedon with his wages till his return from Colchos Then he demanded them (c) Diodorus ibid. p. 175. by Iphicles his brother and Telamon whom he sent into the Citie but the King instead of restoring what he formerly detained imprisoned the Messengers and plotted the destruction of the whole company Priamus of all his sons was onely against this treachery and when he could not otherwise prevail sent in two swords to the prisoners wherewith they dispatching their keepers got out to their companions In revenge for this afterward Hercules took the Citie slew Laomedon and preferred Priamus for his integrity to the Kingdom 18. The Argonautae being returned into Greece Hercules (d) Idem pag. 178. took an Oath of them mutually to aid one another as also to chuse out some certain place wherein to meet and celebrate Games in honour of Jupiter Olympius This matter being left to his care and management Olympick Games instituted by Hercules he pitched on the plains of the Eleans lying upon the River Alpheus where he ordained exercises both to be performed on foot and hors-back appointed rewards to the Victors and sent abroad to give notice thereof to the several Cities which were all hereby wonderfully affectionated towards him But after Eurystheus had succeeded Sthenelus his father in the Kingdom of Mycenae he began to grow jealous of the strength and prosperity of Hercules and ceased not to presse him forwards into dangerous though glorious attempts He at first refusing went consulted the Oracle at Delphos which is said to have acquainted him with the pleasure of the gods that at the appointment of Eurystheus he should finish twelve labours and so attain to immortality Hereat he grew exceeding melancholy taking it in great disdain to be commanded by him which discontent arose to a Phrensie and in this distemper he killed the Children that he had by Megara and put her away but afterwards coming to his right mind resolved to venture himself and returned to Eurystheus for his orders His twelve labours 19. The * Diodorus l. 4. p. 219. B. first task imposed on him was to kill a Lyon in Nemea a Wood of Achaia whom no sword nor any other vveapon could peirce Being onely to be mastered by the hand he caught and strangled him then taking off his skin thenceforth wore it as a Garment The second thing injoyned him was to kill an Hydra with 100 heads like Snakes whereof when one was cut off two others sprung up in its room The third was to bring home alive the Erymanthian Boar at the sight of which beast upon his shoulders Eurystheus was so frighted that he ran for fear into a brasen Hogshead and in this expedition he also overcame the Centaures The next thing commanded him was to catch an Hart of marvelous swiftnesse with Golden horns which he effected but in what manner is not agreed on After this he drave away innumerable companies of Birds from the Stymphalian Fens which there and in other places devoured the Corn. Then cleansed he Augeas his stable not by carrying the Dung out upon his shoulders which indignity was intended him by Eurystheus but by the current of the River Peneus which he brought down thither for that purpose The seventh thing commanded him was to fetch a wilde Bull out of the Island Crete with which Pasiphaes is said to have faln in love and betwixt this and the next labour he helped the gods against the Gyants and pacifying Jupiter towards Prometheus loosed this man from the place vvhere an Eagle continually fed upon his Liver for his communicating to men the knowledge of fire The eighth task was to fetch
What hapned to his children and sent about to the principal Cities to beg harbour which none would afford them except the Athenians who placed them in Tricorinth one of the four parts of their City After some time when they were come to ripenesse of age and now bare themselves high upon the glory of their Father Eurystheus much more suspecting their growth lead down a great Army against them but assisted by the Athenians under conduct of their Cousin Iolaus and Theseus they overthrew and slew (h) Strabo l. 8. p. 377. him with all his Sons and then invaded Peloponnesus Now a Plague seized on the Country and the Oracle answered that it was because they returned thither before their time whereupon Hyllus returned as some say and went to Aepalius King of the Dorienses about Oeta by whom he was (i) Idem lib. 9. p. 427. c. adopted because by Hercules his means Aegymius had formerly recovered his Kingdom and thenceforth the Heraclidae became imbodied with the Dorienses Diodorus writeth that Hyllus provoking some one of his Enemies to a single Combat upon this condition that if he overcame then were the Heraclidae to be Masters of Mycenae if not they should depart for fifty years was slain and so they accordingly returned and kept themselves quiet for that time 24. Euristheus being slain after he had reigned at Mycenae 43 years (k) Euseb Atreus the son of Pelops succeeded him Atreus the son of Pelops who also at this time had the soveraignty of Argos This Pelops above an hundred years before for so famous a Man must not be omitted being the son of Tantalus Prince of Phrygia had made War upon Ilium where after he was put to the worst by Ilus the King he was forced to flye into Greece and coming to Pisa fell in love with (l) Diodorus lib. 4. p. 191. Hippodamia Daughter of Oenomaus Prince of that City who being warned by the Oracle to take heed to himself when she should take an husband had condemned her in his resolutions to perpetuall virginity Therefore he admitted no Suter but on this condition to run a race with him in the Chariot and if he won her not then to suffer death to which he brought many through the swiftnesse of his Horses till Pelops or Hippodamia for him corrupting the Chariot-driver obtained the Prize for grief of which the old man thinking now the Oracle to be fulfilled hanged himself Pelops Obtained Pisa with most of the Peninsula Pelops then obtained Hippodamia and Pisa with her after which by little and little he got most of the Peninsula into his possession called after him Peloponnesus wherein he reigned 58 years Of Hippodamia he begot many children by which he promoted his affairs more than power for by the marriage of them he insinuated into the Principalities of most of the Cities Amongst his Sons the most eminent were Atreus Thyestes and Plisthenes The two former he left his Successors and Plisthenes dying young left two Boyes to Atreus to be brought up called Agamemnon and Menelaus Atreus married their Mother by name Aerope the Daughter of Minos King of Crete with whom his Brother Thyestes committing Adultery he first banished and after recalling him feasted him with the flesh of his own sons 25. Some will have Atreus to have outlived Thyestes others say he died before him and being reconciled left him the Kingdom at his death on this condition to restore it to Agamemnon when he should come to age After Eurystheus his death it seemeth that he became Master of all Peloponnesus and opposed Hyllus who challenging any in his Army as was said to a single Combat Echemus King of the Tegoatae in Arcadia accepted the challenge and slew him He was very skilful in Astrology being by some reputed the first that discovered the motion of the Sun to be contrary to that of the Starry Heaven Agamemnon Menelaus (m) Servius and that observed the Eclypse of that luminary He adopted his two Nephews Agamemnon and Menelaus who succeeded him (n) Clemens in Stromat seventeen years before the beginning of the Trojan War Agamemnon a Man of prudence and courage obtained not onely Mycenae but Argos also with all as far as (o) Strabo ex Homero lib. 8. p. 377. Sicyon and Corinth and that Country then called Ionia and Aeglalea afterwards Achaia Menelaus got Laconia and their reigned at Lacedaemon For Castor and Pollux the sons of Tyndareus the King (p) Apollod dying before their Father he sent for him to Sparta and delivered up his Kingdom to him having first given him his Daughter Helena whom Paris the second Son of Priamus King of Troy by his wife Hecuba stealing away The Trojan War gave occasion to the famous ten years War and the ruine of that City concerning which something is to be spoken The Original of the Trojans 26. The first (q) Dionysius Halicarnasseus lib. 1. Diodorus lib. 4. p. 192. lib. 5. Man reported to have reigned in Arcadia was Atlas who inhabited about the Mountain of Caucasus and had seven Daughters which made up the Pleiades whereof on Electra Jupiter her husband begat Jasus and Dardanus Jasus lived unmaried but Dardanus had by his wife Chryse the Daughter of Palaus two sons Idaeus and Dimas who succeeded Atlas in his Kingdom Afterwards great inundations happening in this Country they were forced to divide the people into two parts whereof leaving one with Dimas in Arcadia with the other Jasus Dardanus and Idaeus left Peloponnesus and coasting by Eupope at length came into the Bay of Melane and arrived at a certain Island of Thrace called Samo-thracia from the Countrey and a Man's name who inhabited it one Samon the son of Mercury by the Nymphe Rhene Here finding no convenient habitation the greater part under the conduct of Dardanus for Jasus died in the Island being struck with a Thunder-bolt because he attempted the chastity of Ceres passed into Asia and landing in the Hellespont seated themselves in Phrygia Idaeus with part of the Army setled upon the Mountains which bore his name and Dardanus in that part of the Country since named Troas built a City of his own name having some grounds given him by Teucer the King of the place the Son of Scamander from whom the Country was called Teucris Dardanus and whose daughter Batea he married He succeeded him in his Kingdom and changed the name of his Subjects from Teucri to Dardani and built the City upon the Sea-side about the 2530th year of the World in the dayes of Sthenelaus King of Argos On Batea he begat his Son and successor Erichthonius called Erichthonius reported by (r) Iliad l. 20. Homer and others to have been exceeding rich and fortunate who on Callirhoë the Daughter of Scamander begat Tros Tros from whom the Country was named Tros succeeding him begat Ilus Ilus Assaracus and Ganymedes Ilus
succeeded him From Assaâ—acus descended Aeneas Ganymedes for his beauty was stollen by Tantalus King of Phrygia and Father to Pelops whence arose a War in which many lost their lives and Tantalus though the son of Jupiter by the Nymph Plota was beaten out of Paphlagonia Ilus built the chief City in the Plain which though the Latins called it Troja and we Troy which names most properly belong to the Country yet the Greeks constantly Ilium from him Against him and it Pelops made an Expedition Diod. ut susprà Vide Strabon l. 13. p. 587. C. and miscaried in the successe Laomedon as was said before Laomedon his Son succeeded him who seeking to defraud Hercules of his wages for killing the Whale which should have devoured his Daughter Hesione was outed of his Kingdom and life and Priamus his Son for his love to Justice was placed in his Throne Priamus 27. Podarces Sirnamed Priamus as Apollodorus writeth was exceeding rich and had a large dominion extending from Lesbus and Tenedos to the upper Phrygia containing (Å¿) Consulas omaâ—â—o Strabon l. 13. p. 184. nine divisions and many Towns besides He had Fifty Sons (t) Cicero Tuscul quaest l. 1. whereof seventeen were lawfully begotten His first wife was Arisba the Daughter of Merops on which he begat Aesachus Dismissing her he married Hecuba the Daughter of Dymas Cisseus or Sangarius all which are mentioned and by her he had Hector Paris Helenus Deiphobus and others Before she was brought to bed of Paris she dreamed that she was delivered of a firebrand which should consume to ashes the whole City (u) Apollod Priamus hereupon caused the child to be exposed on the Mountain Ida but by the procurement of his Mother he was educated amongst the Shepherds whom because he assissted against robbers and shewed himself very couragious The rape of Helena he obtained the name of Alexander He whether out of design or no is uncertain came to Sparta to the house of Menelaus the King and thence stole his wife Helena which some (x) Herod l. 1. c. 3. report he took away by force and that after the taking of the City but (y) Servius in Virgil. l. 10. others affirm of her as of all others thus taken away that it was not without her own liking Fearing he might be persued he carried her first to Sidon in Phoenicia where he married her and thence to Troy at which City they were scarce arrived before all Greece was in an uproare as if the whole Country had been overrun Agamemnon who was much concerned for his Brother possessing almost all Peloponnesus by his authority easily perswaded other Princes to engage in the quarrell He first assembled them at (z) Pausan in Achaicis A. M. 2812. Aegium a City of Achaia to consult about the management of the War where being chosen General they afterwards met at Aulis a Sea-town of Boeotia with their Ships and there sware never to return home till Troy should bee taken The names of the chief amongst the Greek Wariours 28. The chiefest of these renowned Warriours were (a) Vide Simsonium in Chron. Cathol ad A.M. 2812. c. Nestor who reigned in Messenia Ajax the Son of Telamon Prince of the Island Salamine Ajax the younger or the son of Oileus King of Locri over against Euboea Achilles the Son of Peleus by the goddesse Thetis whose principality was Pthiotis part of that Country afterwards called Thessalie Ulysses the son of Laertes King of Cephalenia Thoas the Aetolian Podalirius and Machaon Sons of the third Aesculapius and Nepolemus the Son of Hercules who now inhabited the Island Rhodes They made up amongst them a Navy of about 1000 ships and therein transported an Army of 120000 men From Aulis they failed to Lemnos and thence missing of Troy into Mysia which mistaking for their Enemies Country they began to make encursions into it and were beaten back by Telephes Prince thereof all but Achilles and Patroclus the former whereof sore wounded him and Thersander (b) Pausanias in Boeoticis General of the Boeotians here lost his life into whose room because his Son Tisamenus was but young they elected Peneleus A conflict presently ensued their arrival at Troy wherein Protesilaus was slain by a Dardanian as Homer calleth him either Hector or Aeneas and then the Greeks sent Menelaus and Ulysses Ambassadors to demand Helena Priamus calling a Council to deliberate about the matter Antenor was for delivering her up and so were the rest of the grave and antient Men though they attributed much to the beauty of the Woman but Antimachus being corrupted by the gold of Paris urged the contrary and not onely moved to have the message rejected but the messengers killed 29. Priamus though otherwise prudent enough rejected the counsel of the old men and out of indulgence to his son sent away the Ambassadors without any satisfaction Then both parties prepared for the War and another ingagement followed wherein the Greeks had the better who then dividing their forces left part to continue the siege and with the other Achilles who took with him Palamedes was sent to harraze the Countrey and cut off provisions from the Citie This he so well performed as he took 23 Towns vius and therein got much booty which was divided Whil'st Palamedes was with him carrying on the War in the Island Lesbos Ulysses envying him for his great wisdom wherein he seemed to overtop him circumvented him by treachery and by false suggestions procured him to be sent for to the Camp and stoned as a Traytor though he had exceedingly well deserved of the Army being a person of great courage which he also expressed at his death and yet so moderate and wise that he thereby allayed the too much heat of Achilles To him (a) Tacitus lib. 11. some attribute the invention of 16 Letters in the Greek Alphabet (b) Plin. l. 7. c. 56. others onely 4. but withall the ordering and ranking of an Army the watch word Guards and Dice to divert the Souldiers His death was grievously taken by Ajax the son of Telamon who for some time absented himself but especially by Achilles who took it so heinously that for a great while he would not be reconciled nor brought to fight having much more cause to be offended for this thing than the detaining of a woman from him by Agamemnon as the Poet sings who industriously omitteth whatsoever reflecteth upon Ulysses 30. Achilles determined not to fight till the Trojans should peirce as far as his own ships which at length happening Lege Simsonium in Chronico Cathol ad A.M. 2820. c. he first sent out Patroclus in his Armour who had desired it Patroclus with the Myrmidones Achilles his subjects put the Trojans to flight who now had begun to cast fire into the ships slew Pyraechmes with his own hand pursued Hector and smote Sarpedon King of Lycia about the
the City Sais near to Delta being by the Aegyptians called Nâ—uth To her he had formerly erected a Statue in Aegypt and he as they say first gave the name of Zeus to him whom the Latins called Jupiter As there were several Minervaes so also more (e) Varro de Analogia Vide Ludovic Viâ—em in Augustin dâ— Civitat Dei lib. 18. cap. 9. than one City known by the name of Athenae From this in Attica And Athenae the Citizens were by the Romans called Athenienses but another there was in Euboea built by Cecrops the Son of Erechtheus the Inhabitants of which went by the name of Athenaeâ— and a City in Naâ—bone a Province of Gaule near to Marseils called Atheneopolis and the Citizens Atheneopolitae There was also in Laconia a Town called by the name of Athenae Deucalion his story 3. In the dayes of (f) Euseb Cecrops Deucalion the Son of Prometheus reigned in Thessalie whose history being remarkable must be briefly touched Lapetus had three Sons Atlas Prometheus and Epimetheus For (g) Servius ad 8. Aeneiad the first One telleth us there were three that bore the name of Atlas One a Moor and the greatest of all another an Italian Father to Electra the third an Arcadian Father of Maia the Mother of Mercury all which the antients confound according to their custom The first (h) Diodorus l. 5. lived near to Mount Atlas to which for his great skil in Astrology is attributed the bearing up of the Heavens and he is also counted the Father of Electra Prometheus found out the instrument to strike fire and thereupon is said to have stolen fire from the Gods Deucalion his Son married Pyrrha the daughter of his Uncle Epimetheus and in his time (i) August de Civit. Dei l. 18. c. 8. Orosius l. 1. happened that great deluge in part of Greece which is known by the addition of his name that Country called most antiently and truly Hellas his seat near to the Mountain Parnassus being chiefly afflicted with it on which Hill he is thought to have saved many men by boats and thence the Fable to have risen of his repeopling the Earth But that we may note it altogether there are three particular Floods which we read to have hapned to this Country of Geece The first under Ogyges called the Ogygean deluge concerning whom we shall speak in the History of Thebes This fell 248 years before either of the other and overwhelmed Attica especially so that as Pererius will have it it remained waste 200 years after The next was this of Deucalion which happened 737 years before the first Olympiad and the (k) Diod. l. 5. p. 223. third fell 86 after it in the dayes of Dardanus and Cadmus His issue which is especially to be noted for a distinct knowledge of the several sorts of Greeks 4. Deucalion of Pyrrha his wife begat Hellen and Amphyction Hellen gave the name of Hellenes to his Subjects before called Graeci and of Hellas to the Country formerly named Pelasgia from the Pelasgi who there inhabited as Haemonia from Haemon the son of Pelasgus and Pyrrhaea from Pyrhar Strabo l. 8. He had three sons Xuthus Aeolus and Dorus. To Aeolus he left his Kingdom and sent the other two abroad to seek out seats elsewhere Aeolus grew so famous that the name of Jupiter and Neptune came to be given him Dorus inhabited the Country Histiaeotis Herod l. 1. Pausan in Achaicis about the Mountains Ossa and Olympus Xuthus after his Father's death was banished Thessalie by his other Brothers for stealing away a great part of his Fathers treasure and came to Athens where he married the daughter of Erechtheus on which he begat Achaeus and Ion. Achaeus getting aid from Athens and Aegialus went into Thessalie and recovered his Grand-Father's Kingdom but afterwards killing a man by chance he fled into Laconia Strabo ut suprà where his posterity continued till expelled by the Heraclidae and Dorienses as we shewed in the History of Tisamenus Ion being exceeding famous at Athens had a numerous progeny which for that Attica was now grown too full was sent out as a Colony into Peloponnesus whence they were thrust out by their brethren the Achaeans after they had denied them harbour as is formerly said and returned to Athens from which Citie they were afterwards led out into Asia by the sons of Codrus But these things hapned in after times The Council of Areopagus 5. In Cecrops his time (l) Euseb one maketh the Council or Senate of Areopagus to have had its Original though no clear light can we discover concerning the true beginning of it (m) Cicero offic l. 1. Plutarch Some write that it began under Solon but (n) Aristot another of a more antient date signifieth that it was a Court of Judicature before (o) Pausan in Atticis One deriveth the word from Mars in Greek Ares making him to have been first tried there for killing Halirrhodius the son of Neptune who offered violence to his daughter Alcippe Others would fetch a reason from the erecting of his Spear there or from this Suidas that the Court of Areopagus took Cognisance of slaughters which are usually committed with Swords or other Weapons of Mars Lastly some think it thence to have been named for that the Amazons when they fought against Theseus made Mars his Hill their Fortresse and there offered sacrifice to him * Euseb Cecrops died after he had reigned 50 years and because Erysicthon his son died before him Cranaus Cranaus the most powerfull man then at Athens succeeded him in the Kingdom He after he had reigned some seven years Pausan ut suprà A. M. 3507. was thrust out by Amphyction Amphyction the son of Deucalion and his son-in-law the founder as some have thought of the National Council of the Amphyctiones of which we have already spoken He is reported to have given entertainment to Dionysus or Bacchus who at this time as they say came into Attica and when he had reigned ten years was also expelled by Erichthonius Erichthonius 6. The father of Erichthonius was said to be Vulcan and his mother the earth because he was found in Vulcan's Temple upon the earth Apollodorus l. 3. with a Snake wound about his feet whence also they feigned that he had feet like Snakes and invented a Chariot wherein he might ride and hide them He instituted Games to Apollo and Minerva and having reigned 50 years left his Kingdom to his son Pandion Pandion who also after 40. gave way to his son Erechtheus Erechtheus He became a man of great account and whereas the subjects of Athens were before his time called Cecropidae thenceforth they were named after the place it self He made War upon the inhabitants of Eleasine Ion the son of Xuthus and his own Grand-son by his daughter being his chief Commander
in a Chariot they drove into the City sending some before to proclaim that the Athenians were to receive Pisistratus whom their goddesse Minerva esteeming above all mortals now in her own person reduced into her Castle This being acted with wonderful confidence the Citizens were so far besotted as to adore this woman for Minerva and received Pisistratus as brought by her whereby he recovered the tyranny about five years after his expulsion Restored 32. He married the daughter of Megacles according to agreement but having several sons already in the floure of their age and Megacles being supposed guilty of that hainous crime about the death of Cylon Herodot l. 1. not yet expiated lest he should put them beside their just expectations and his family be attainted he neglected to use her as his wife She concealing this for some time at length revealed it to her mother who told it to Megacles He took it in great disdain and reconciled himself to his Enemies consulting again how he might out him Forced out again which Pisistratus understanding departed of his own accord out of Attica and went to Eretria a City of Euboea in the third year of the 54th Olympiad about ten years after his restitution Ten other years he continued in exile at the end whereof by the advice of his eldest Son Hippias he laboured again for a recovery of his principalitie Scraping together all the money he could make he drew the Thebans and Argives into confaederacy with him and got Marathon a Town of Attica into his hands whither flocked to him from Athens and the Country round about those of his Faction He marched then against the City and put such to flight as came out against him And again recovereth the tyranny but fearing they might rally again he gave order to his Sons to ride after and bid them fear nothing so they would but get them to their own homes and be quiet Thus recovered he the tyranny once more which then he laboured to establish not by the shedding of blood from which he wholly abstained and therefore hath the best report of any of his condition but by seeking confaederates making himself a considerable revenew and taking the Sons of those his Enemies that remained in the City for Hostages sending them into the Isle Naxus to be bept Not long after his restitution he died for his whole reign including the exile amounted but to 33 years about the time that Croesus King of Lydia was overthrown by Cyrus in the second year of the 57th Olympiad A. M. 3460. and the 3460th year of the World SECT 5. 33. This onely could be reprehended in Pisistratus that he had cast the yoak upon his Countrey For such an one it was as had no great weight in it more than what lay in the minds of the Athenians not accustomed since the dayes of Theseus to stoop to Soveraignty Plutarch Diogenes Laertius Though he commanded them to apply themselves to husbandry contrary to what Theseus had done who gathered them out of the Countrey into the City that he might take them of from plotting against him yet required he no other Tribute than the Tenths of their profit which had wont to be payed to the former Kings He killed no man neither banished any he made spoil of no mans fortune or estate injured none by any contumelious demeanour abused neither the one Sex nor the other through any libidinous carriage The Laws of Solon with the order of Magistrates he left as he found and though he had most cause to be averse to him yet detained he him in Town when he would have been gone desiring his counsel and advice for the better Government of the Commonwealth contenting himself onely in having a power greater than the Laws in which respect Cicero was wont to call Julius Caesar who trode in his steps by the name of Pisistratus Gellius l. 6. c. ult Cicero 3. de Oratore Aelian lib. 13. c. 14. He was as learned as any in his time deserved very well of learning being the first that erected a publick Library Whereas Homer's Verses before this were scattered abroad and confused he purchased with Gold whatsoever of his works he could come by and setting on work the ablest Grammarians put them into that order of Iliads and Odysses in which they are now found to which work Solon is said to have contributed his diligence He had two sons Hippias and Hipparchus to whom he left the principality of Athens They for many years reigned as lovingly betwixt themselves so with moderation towards their subjects till the younger being slain by Harmodius and Aristogiton upon occasion of some injury supposed to be offered by him to the sister of Harmodius the other exasperated hereat grew severe towards the Athenians and for that was expelled by them four years after his brothers death and his Tyranny was utterly subverted But these things falling in with the reign of Darius the son of Hystaspes belong properly to another place SECT V. The most antient Kingdom and Commonwealth of Lacedaemon The first inbitants of Lacedaemon 1. THis Countrey was most antienly inhabited by a people called (a) Pausanias in initio Laconicorum Messenicorum Leleges so named from Lelex their King said to be an indigena or a natural of the place because it was obscure from what Countrey he and his people came From him this Region was called Lelegia and Lelegis He left two sons Myles and Polycaon whereof the former succeeded him in his Kingdom and the later marrying Messene the daughter of Tryopas King of Argos went and subdued that Countrey which from her he named Messenia Myles was succeeded by his son Eurotas who perceiving the water to stand in the grounds drew a Ditch from it to the Sea which draining the earth continued to be a River bearing his name He A.M. 2598. dying without issue-Male left his Kingdom to Lacedaemon the son of Jupiter and Taygeta from which woman the Mount Taygetus took its name For Lacedaemon married Sparte Sparta whence so called the daughter of Eurotas and when he came first to the Kingdom named the Countrey from himself and to the Citie which he built gave his wives name it being ever after most properly called Sparta when any distinction was made betwixt Countrey and Citie although it be also sometimes read Lacedaemon as in (b) L. 1. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Thucydides and Latine (c) Livius l. 38. Authors As for the Inhabitants of both places those of the Citie are by Herodotus Xenophon and Diodorus called Spartiati in opposition to those that lived up and down in the Countrey comprehended under the name of Lacedaemonians The Citie was built in the dayes of Crotopus King of Argos and Amphytrion of Athens 303 years before the destruction of Troy 711 before the first Olympiad A.M. 2518. 2. Amyclas the son and Successor of Lacedaemon
(d) Pausan ut suprà begat three sons which are recorded Argalus Cynortas and Hyacinthus of which the later as Apollodorus writeth being for his beauty the delight of Apollo was killed by him at unawares when they were at play Argalus succeeded his father and left his Kingdom to his brother Cynortas whose son and Successor was Oebalus from whence the Countrey was also called * Servius ad Georg. 4. Apollod l. 3. Pausan A. M. 2646. Diodorus Siculus Oebalia and Castor and Pollux by Statius Oebalidae fratres On his first wife he begat Hypocoon and Icarion and on his second Gorgophone the daughter of Perseus by Andromeda Tyndareus and widdow of Perieres his son Tyndareus The former and later after his death contended about the succession and Tyndareus having the worst of it was constrained to banish himself for many years till at length he was restored by Hercules who slew Hippocoon and his ten sons with a great number of the Spartans but on this condition delivered was the Kingdom to him to keep it for Hercules his own Children and restore it when it should be demanded Tyndareus of Leda the daughter of Thestius an Aetolian Castor and Pollux Helena begat Castor and Pollux called Dioscuri as the supposed off-spring of Jupiter and on her or some other a daughter named Helena The two sons being famous in their lives grew more renowned after their death having the esteem of gods and from them was named the constellation of Gemini Helena was she that made such a broil in the World being first stolne by Theseus afterwards married to Menelaus and from him stolne again by Paris who kept her till the destruction of Troy as hath been shewed Her two brothers dying before their father Menelaus Menelaus with her obtained the Kingdom of Lacedaemon through the special favour of Tyndareus A. M. 2809. who from amongst 29 suters all Princes of Greece made choice of him Lest those great ones should fall out amongst themselves he bound them all with an Oath to be Defendants to whomsoever he would give her which he did by the advice of Ulysses upon promise to assist him in his sute being one of the number This we do not find that he did but in way of requital procured for him Penelope the daughter of Icarius 3. Menelaus on a slave begot two base sons but by Helena had onely a daughter named Hermione which he married first to Orestes the son of his brother Agamemnon and again taking her from him gave her to Pyrrhus the son of Achilles It 's thought that Orestes killed Pyrrhus for after his death he presently resumed his wife and Menelaus once dead he added the Kingdom of Lacedaemon to his other two of Mycenae and Argos for the Lacedaemonians were more willing to receive him as their Prince than Nicostratus and Megapenthes the bastard sons of Menelaus Tisamenus his son succeeded him in his Kingdoms out of all which he was outed by the Heraclidae or posterity of Hercules as before was shewed by the help of the Dores with him the Achaeans being also banished who were Originally of Pthiotis in Thessaly for Achaeus their Progenitor was the son of Xuthus Grand-son to Deucalion by his son Hellen. The descent of the Heraclidae Procles and Eurysthenes obtain in Sparta Argos fell to Temenus by lot A. M. 2901. Crespontes got Messene and Lacedaemon became the portion of Procles and Eurysthenes the sons of Aristodemus who was slain at Delphos for Pausanias judgeth this the most probable opinion by the fraud of Pylas when they were preparing for the expedition Thenceforth the Lacedaemonians were accounted Dores who if formerly they were part of the Achaeans and going to Troy at their return were expelled by those that remained at home and so forced to seek out new seats and received the name of Dores from their Captain as Plato writeth then had they full as much right to the Countrey as the Heraclidae themselves the title of whom we have formerly shewn this change hapned 80 years after the destruction of Troy as Thucydides gathereth 327 before the first Olympiad in the dayes of Melanthus father to Codrus the last King of Athens the year of the World 2901. 4. The two brothers Eurysthenes and Procles were Twins and that so like as their mother not knowing them asunder was ignorant which was the eldest Lege Herodot l. 6. c. 52. and therefore the Lacedaemonians made them both Kings with equal power Both Kings with equal power onely because Eurysthenes was first washed and fed he was vulgarly accounted the elder and though their families were of the same dignity yet was his accounted something the more honourable In their minority Theras their Uncle by the Mother's side managed the Kingdom for them in obeying whom they ever agreed but in nothing else though Twins and so like one another This difference was in a manner propagated to their posterity which continued on both sides for many Generations downwards by the names of Eurysthenidae and Proclidae and being partakers in what is commonly accounted to bear no corrivals no wonder it is that emulation should be continued but much that for so long it kept within the bounds of civil concord After these two followed their two sons Helotae made slaves Agis for Eurysthenes from whom the Kings of this family were also called Agidae and Sous for Procles Plutarch in Lycurgo In their time it hapned that the Inhabitants of Helos a Town built by Helius the youngest son of Perseus were made slaves both they and their posterity to the Lacedaemonian State Strabo l. 8. pag. 363. 365. for whereas they as well as others had formerly the freedom of the Citie and were Members of the Commonwealth Agis took away that privilege and ordered them to pay Tribute to Sparta which refusing to do standing out they were thus punished all other slaves to that State though of what Original soever being called after them Helotae Agis dying was succeeded by Echestratus his son and Sous some years after Euseb left for his Successor his son Eurytion called otherwise Eurypon and Euryphon from whom the Kings of that family were also named Eurytionidae Echestratus was followed by Labotas his son and Eurytion by Prytanis in whose reign the first quarrel arose betwixt the Lacedaemonians and Argives Labotas being dead Doryssus his son succeeded him the Kingdom and in like manner after the death of Prytanis Eunomus his son continued the succession of that family 5. After Doryssus followed Agesilaus A.M. 3019. Euseb in Chronico Eunomus of the family of Procles still continuing who of a former wife begat Polydectes and of a later Lycurgus born 150 years before the first Olympiad Archelaus the son of Agesilaus succeeded his father Plutarch ut suprà and was accompanied in the Government by Polydectos who dying without issue left his inheritance to
p. 401. but the Aeonae upon their submission were suffered to continue and imbodie themselves amongst the Phoenicians Here he married Harmonia the daughter of Mars and Venus agreeable to which alliance the gods are said to have come down unto Cadmèa to the wedding Out of Phoenicia he first brought letters into Greece giving them their peculiar names and characters Diod. l. 3. p. 140. Lib. 5. p. 227 228. Multi alii fitted for the language of the place and thence they were called Phoenician though afterwards Pelasgian because the use of them was after they were brought over first made known to the Pelasgi 4. Of Harmonia Cadmus begot Polydorus his son and four daughters Semele Ino Antonoe and Agavë Idem l. 3. p. 147. On Semele Jupiter enamoured begot Dionysus or Bacchus who found out Wine and Ale and travelled throughout the then known World to reduce men to civility This he did with an Army both of men and women and after an Expedition of three years returned out of India first triumphing upon an Elephant Ino was married to Arhamas the son of Aeolus and grand-son of Hellen Apollod to whom she bore Actaeon that was devoured by his own Dogs Agave became the wife of Eetion to whom she bore Pentheus After Cadmus had reigned some time at Thebes he was called by the Encheleae who had Wars at that time with the Illyrians Polydorus and were bidden by the Oracle to send for him and Harmonia to be their Captains He left then the Kingdom of Thebes to his son Polydorus and having subdued the Illyrians reigned over them and begot another son called Illyrius who either gave or took name from that people The Poets feigned Cadmus and his wife to have been turned here into Snakes because they seem to have forgot their former civility and learnt barbarism 5. This is the sum of what the Greeks have delivered concerning Cadmus But What the Sidonians said of Cadmus though they for their own credit made him the son of a King yet the Sidonians whose Country-man he was denie this alleging that being their King's Cook he fled away with Harmonia a certain minstrel His time as it is computed falleth in with that of Joshua so that he seemeth to have led into Greece a Colony of those Canaanites or Phoenicians who were outed of their habitations by the Israelites His family may be gathered to have been that of the Kadmonites mentioned by Moses who were the same with the Hivites and called Cadmonim or Orientals because they possessed Mount Hermon the most Eastern part of Canaan taken for the East as Thabor for the West Hence came it to passe that Cadmus his wife was called Harmonia or Hermione and apparent why they were feigned to be turned into Snakes because an Hivite in the Syrian language signifieth a Serpent That he first brought letters into Greece is most probable 1. Because the antientest Greek letters in most things are like to the old Phoenician which the Samaritans at this day use 2. Their names are plainly Phoenician or Hebrew as may be instanced in Alpha Beta c. of which the Greeks were not ignorant as appeareth out of Varro For Crates the Philosopher disputing in Greece about some points of Grammar demanded why they said not Alpha Alphatos as well as Gramma Grammatos to which the Grecians answered that the names were not theirs but barbarous and Plutarch rendered this reason why Alpha is set before the rest by the Phoenicians because they called an Oxe by that name 3. The Greeks kept the same order of letters as the Phoenicians did being most antient as appeareth by some acrostick Verses of David and Jeremiah Cadmus brought over the Rites of Bacchus into Greece and thereupon is feigned to be Grand-father to him who lived many Ages before and indeed was Nimrod To this City built or re-edified by him he gave the name of Thebes of which name there was a place in Canaan mentioned by the Book of (a) Cap. 9. 50. Judges and by (b) Antiq. lib. 5. cap. 9. Josephus also written Thebae in the plural number so that an end may be put to that controversie about the original of the word which betokeneth mud or dirt But concerning all this Bochartus is to be consulted in the first Book of that admirable Work intituled Canaan Labdacus 6. Polydorus succeeding his Father marryed Nyctëis the daughter of Nycteus by which he had a son named Labdacus whom dying before he came at age he * A.M. 2601. left to the tuition of his father-in-law Nycteus had another daughter Antiope by name which Epopeus King of Sicyonia stole away whence a War insued wherein both of them received mortal wounds Pausan in Boeoticis Corinth and Nycteus dying left the tuition of the young King to his brother Lycus After Labdacus came at age Lycus restored faithfully the Kingdom to him wherefore the King dying also not long after Laius and leaving his son Laius a Child but of one year old having experience of his faithfulnesse he committed him to his protection Afterwards Amphion and Zethus the sons of Antiope Diodor. l. 4. p. 191. invaded Thebais in revenge for their mother's hard usage and Captivity she having been taken by Lycus in Sicyon or delivered up to him by Lamedon King of that Citie when he led down thither an Army at the desire of his dying brother to revenge him upon her and Epopeus as we before shewed Lycus meeting them in the field was slain in battel Thebes lost and the Child Laius had miscarried but that some well-wishers to his stock withdrew him out of the danger lest the posterity of Cadmus should be utterly extinct Amphion then and Zethus obtained the Kingdom said by Homer to have built Thebes which must be meant of the lower Citie distinct from Cadméa Amphion was so excellent a Musician that he is said to have made stones to follow him wherewith he built Towers about the Citie He married Niobe the daughter of Tantalus and sister to Pelops which brought him many Children but boasting her self mote fruitfull than Latona her self procured the destruction of them all For Apollo was commanded to kill the Boyes and Diana the Girles whereat she was struck with such stupidity as she is feigned to be turned into a stone and Amphion with all his family at length died of the pestilence Zethus having his young son killed at unawares by the mother pined away for grief so that both brothers being dead and their families ruined the Thebans restored the Kingdom to Laius the son of Labdacus 7. Laius married Jocaste the daughter of Menaeceus but was admonished by the Oracle to beget no Children because else he should be killed by his son which punishment Pelops had prayed might fall on him for stealing his son Chrysippus begotten on a Concubine Apollod Notwithstanding this he had a son but as soon as he was born
ever for peace and the restitution of Helena But Dionysius relateth out of Hellanicus that the lower part of the City being taken Aeneas with his associates that came from Ophyrynium and Dardanus to the aid of Ilium timely perceiving it retired into the Castle where were the Idols and much treasure protected by the most valiant Soldiers A. M. 2821. Hither also betook themselves such as escaped the fury of fire and sword and they easily repelled the force of the Enemy but Aeneas considering that the City could no way be preserved resolved to quit the Castle as might stand with the safety of the Company He therefore sent out with a guard the aged an infirm in the mean time diverting the Enemy and then marched out in order of battel when Neoptolemus and the Achaeans had now taken part of the Fortifications Whilst the Greeks were busied in plunder they all escaped to the Mount Ida where fortifying themselves the same night others flocked to them out of Dardanus Opyhrynium and the rest of the Trojan Towns expecting till the Enemy satisfied with the destruction of Ilium would draw off and return into his own Country 4. But the Achaeans having wasted the City and lesser Towns provided also to storm the Hills when a Treaty was desired by the Trojans It was there agreed that Aeneas and his Companions with such things as they had should depart out of the Country under safe conduct whereupon he first sent away his eldest son Ascanius with part of his associates whereof the greater number was Phrygians to the Lake Ascanius for that he was desired by the Inhabitants of that Country to be their King He continued not long with them for the Scamandridae with others of the family of Hector now dismissed out of Greece by Neoptolemus the son of Achilles coming to him he returned with them to Troy and restored them to their Father's Principality Aeneas with the rest of his children Anchises his Father and his houshold passed over the Hellespont into a Peninsula called Pallene whence he sailed to to the Island Delus thence to another named Cythera over against Peloponnesus Touching at the promontory Cinaethium so called for that Cinathus a Trojan was here buried they renewed their friendship with the Arcadians their kinsfolk and passed on to the Island Zacynthus which was so named from Zacynthus one of the sons of Dardanus Thence they came to Actium and so to Ambraciae from which Bay Anchises directed his course towards Batrotus an Haven of Epirus and Aeneas by land went two dayes journey to the Oracle of Dodoria which having consulted about new Seats in four dayes he came to the Navy at Batrotus From this Haven sailing towards Italy they touched upon some parts thereof but passing into the Straights of Sicilie they fell also upon that Island where leaving part of their Company they passed over and landed at Laurentum the place appointed to put an end to these wandrings This account Dionysius giveth us as most probable amongst others which he briefly toucheth Alexander the Ephesian as he is cited by Aurelius Victor wrote that Ilium being betrayed by Antenor Aeneas took his Father upon his back with his gods and his little son in his hand and thus loaded made towards Ida whither being suffered to come by the Greeks who were much moved at his piety he there built ships and by the advice of an Oracle came into Italy The piety of Aeneas is much spoken of and commended by many and amongst others by the pen of Xenophon that Attick Muse but some wrote that he joyned with Antenor in betraying the City 5. The Trojans landing at Laurentum there pitched their Tents in the place called Troy from this occasion distant from the Sea about half a mile Dionys l. 1. Livius l. 1. Taking their dinner on the ground some laid their meat on Parsley that there grew or as some said on crusts of Bread which afterwards they did also eat up and then understood that they had fulfilled the Oracle which bad them go so far Westward as till they should eat up their Tables and then take the conduct of a Sow which they should follow till she lay down and in that very place build a City Now was Latinus busie in War against the Rutuli his neighbours as some wrote he was first overcome by Aeneas and then made peace with him but others say he first sent to expostulate the injury offered him by these strangers in the invasion of his Kingdom and then understanding who they were agreed to give them all the ground lying five miles about the Hill where the Sow lay down upon their ingagement to assist him in his War against the Rutuli This accord made and Hostages delivered on both sides they soon utterly subdued the Rutuli and then built up the Trojan City which was called Lavinium as the Romans said Nam te jam septima portat Omnibus errantem terris fluctibus astaâ— Aen. 1. A. M. 3824. from the daughter of Latinus Virgil too much indulging his Poetick fancie in imitation of Homer bringeth Aeneas into Italy not till the eighth year after the destruction of Troy But Dionysius and Solinus out of the Annals of Cassius Haemina write that he arrived at Laurentum in the second year and the later saith with no more than 600 followers Aeneas succeedeth Latinus 6. Aeneas in the third year after his departure from Troy and the second of his abode in Italy reigned onely over the Trojans but the next brought him also the Kingdom of the Aborigines by the right of his wife Lavinia daughter to Latinus now deceased and the favour he had purchased of this people by his conduct against the Rutuli For they had again revolted through the procurement of a certain fugitive named Turnus who being the Nephew of Amata Latinus his wife out of indignation that a stranger should be preferred to the marriage of Lavinia before him at the instigation of Amata and others revolted to the Rutuli with a party of men which he commanded Livie maketh him King of the Rutuli and to have made War upon Latinus because he had first made him a promise of his daughter The Aborigines had the victory but lost Latinus in the battel Dionysius saith that Turuus was now also slain with many others but Livie will have him again to renew the War and to call in Mezentius King of the Hetruscans who was already jealous of the growing power of the Greeks Aeneas to oblige his new Subjects caused both them and his own Country-men to be called by the common name of Latini but ingaging in another great and bloody battel with Mezentius which night onely interrupted he was never seen more by some thought to be taken up to Heaven and by others drowned in the River Numicon This happened to him in the fourth year of his reign over the Latines and the seventh after the destruction of Troy He was honoured by
thereof to Rome after it had stood about 487 years according to the account of Dionysius which is to be preferred before the other of Livie or that of L. Florus an Author not to be relied on either as to Chronology or order and disposition of matters to say no more Alba destroyed 21. To this end came Alba through the power of it 's own Colony A. M. 3051. V.C. 100. Olymp. 31. an 4. Manassis 48. having flourished with riches numbers of Inhabitants and been the Mother of thirty Latin Towns After this Tullus having brought fully under the Fidenates moved War against the Sabines for robbing such Romans as used to traffick into the Country and refused to make restitution of the goods he overthrew them at the Wood called Malitiosa Sylva and forced them to beg peace Now also the Latines and Romans fell out because they refused to yield obedience to these who challenged it as due to their City which had conquered the Metropolis The War was managed for five years with great moderation onely besides continual depredations Hostilius punished Medallia for an example Livie which in the time of Romulus had received a Roman Colony Otherwise no battel was fought Pliny nor any Town taken and plundred which made both inclinable to peace Plutarch But at this time Tullus Hostilius died having reigned 32 years some say by Lightning with his whole Family for neglect of the Religion instituted by Numa but most believed him taken away by the practices of his Successor though Dionysius holdeth their opinion to be improbable 22. After the death of Tullus the state fell into an Inter-regnum Dionys l. 3. according to the custom Ancus Marcius and by the Inter-rex and Senate Ancus Marcius was elected King who being confirmed by the people A. M. 3366. V.C. 115. Olymp. 35. an 2. Josiae 6. began his reign in the second year of the 35th Olympiad wherein Sphaerus the Lacedemonian was Victor at what time Damasias was annual Archon at Athens He who according to what Festus writeth had the Sirname of Ancus from his crooked arm which he could not strech out in length was Grand-son to Numa Livius l. 1. by his daughter Pompilia She was married to Marcius the son of that Marcius who being the kinsman of Numa came with him to Rome Plutarch in Numa after he had earnestly perswaded him to take upon him the Kingdom being elected into the Senate after the King's death stood in competition with Hostilius for his place and missing of it laid violent hands on himself Marcius his son marrying Pompilia the daughter of Numa whether by Tatia or Lucretia is uncertain begot on her this Ancus Marcius who was five years old at the death of both his Grand-fathers Ancus considering that much of the superstition brought in by Numa was neglected set himself to restore the use thereof alleging to the people that the diseases Pestilence and other innumerable calamities which had lately fallen upon the City together with the disastrous end of Hostilius proceeded from neglect of their gods He advised them to return to Husbandry and other peaceable imployments neglecting violence and the profit that cometh by War The State being thus restored he thought as his Grand-father had lived so to passe his time free from all War and molestation but he found his expectation crossed for that he was compelled to be a warriour against his will and was never free from peril and tumult Scarce had he began to reign and had modelled the Commonwealth when the Latines contemning him as a sluggard and unfit for military imployment made depredations upon the Roman Territories Making preparation for War Livie writeth that he first denounced it sending to the Latins beforehand and now constituted the Office of the Feciales the Rules whereof he took from the Equicoli an antient people 23. He surprized Politorium a Town of the Latines Livius lib. 1. the Inhabitants of which he translated to Rome where for that the antient Romans inbabited the Palatine the Sabines the Capitoline Dionys l. 3. and the Coelian had been given to the new Denizons of Alba to them was granted the Aventine hill to inhabit other neighbours being added when within a while Tilene and Sicania were taken The Latines much concerned at this losse conspired against him for the Spring following but at several times he defeated their united powers and forced them to ask peace so did he the Fidenates Volsci Veientes and such Sabines as not yet having felt the strength of Rome sorely repined at the successe of an upstart City He laid a wooden bridge over the River Tiber and fortified the Janiculum on the other side with a wall having by a bridge united it to the City and in the midle of Rome he made a prison for Malefactors Neither did he onely extend the Pomaerium or Area of the City but inlarged it's dominion For having taken from the Veientes the Mesian Forrest his Territories reached to the Sea upon which at the mouth of Tiber he built a Town called Ostia to secure the profit of Navigation unto his Subjects for thither Commodities being brought by Ship were in lesser Vessels conveyed to the City Ancus Marcius reigned 24 years coming behind the commendations of none of his Predecessors either for the glory of Peace or War 24. Ancus being dead of a natural death as should seem by Historians save that Plutarch as was said included him in the number of those four that came to untimely ends the Senate received power from the People to order the affairs of the Commonwealth and created certain Inter-reges who holding the Assemblies for election The pedigree of Tarquinius Priscus L. Tarquinius was chosen King and began his reign about the second year of the 41th Olympiad wherein Cleonidas the Theban was Victor Eniochides being Archon at Athens A. M. 3390. V. C. 139. Ol. 41. an 2. Josiae 30. the 139th of the City and the 30th of Josiah King of Judah This man being of forein extraction what his Originall was why hee came to Rome and how he attained to the Kingdom is to be considered There was a Corithian Demaratus by name of the race of the Bacchiadae who trafficking much into Hetruria changed his Merchandise for Tuscan Commodities and thereby growing very wealthy when troubles arose at home by means of Cypselus his Tyranny with all his goods sailed from Corinth and fixed himself at Tarquinia a City of Hetruria where marrying a noble Matron of her he begat two sons called by the Hetruscan names of Aruns and Lucumon Aruns died without hope of issue Demaratus for grief followed him not long after so that Lucumo possessed of the whole Inheritance began to elevate his designs and to look after some place of Magistracy in his Country Here he received a repulse not being able to procure any mean Office at which sorely disdaining he heard that Rome received
strangers with great courtesie and gave them free admission unto honours He then resolved to remove thither with his goods and friends and after his arrival was much made of by Ancus to whom offering his Patrimony for the publick good as exceeding that of a private man he received freedom of the City for himself and followers with ground to build houses and for their sustenance Now he changed his name from Lucumon to Lucius and his wife from Tanaquil to Gaia Caecilia Festus in voce Gaia and from the place of his birth superadded that of Tarquinius During the reign of Ancus who chose him into the Senate he flourished in great esteem with him and in the favour of the people in War no man shewing himself more hardy nor in Council more dextrous prudent or successful and his integrity seemed such unto the King that he left him Guardian to his two sons whereof both were under age and one but yet an infant 25. He took advantage at the minority of the eldest as yet scarce fourteen years old He obtaineth the Kingdom whom sending out of the way under pretence of hunting he made a Speech to the People saith Livie wherein he plainly begged the Kingdom drawing to his private interest the example of Tatius and Numa whom being meer strangers they had chosen to reign over them whereas he was not absolutely such having lived a good space in Rome and been trained up both in civil and military affairs under Ancus He urged then his liberality towards them which things not being meerly pretended he obtained his end and was the first that came to the Government through his own ambitious seeking His first War was with the Latines from whom he took several Towns and amongst the rest Collatia His Wars over which he placed Governour his Nephew Aruns Tarquinius the posthume issue of his brother and Sirnamed Egerius from his poverty having no Patrimony and Collatinus from this place which Sirname continued to his Posterity Having forced the Latines to beg peace notwithstanding their supplies out of Hetruria he turned his Armes against the Sabines who after he had also forced to submit all Hetruria combined against him because he retained such prisoners as he had taken of the Auxiliaries sent by them to the Sabines It was decreed amongst them that what Town soever refused to joyn against him should not be accounted of their body and they presently possessed themselves of Fidenae a Roman Colony But he so ordered the matter that overthrowing them in sundry battels and preparing for another expedition they were humbled to purchase peace owned him for their Prince and as tokens of fealty and allegiance sent him the Ensigns of Soveraignty wherewith their Kings had wont to be adorn'd These were a Crown of Gold an Ivory Chair a Scepter on the top of which was an Eagle a Coat of purple wrought with Gold and a purple Gown pinked like to the Roabs of the Lydian and Persian Kings save that it was not four-square but of a semicircular figure Some write also that they sent 12 Axes for so many Cities it being their custom for every Magistrate in his own Town to have an Axe with Rods carried before him and in a common expedition twelve to be born before their General Others contended that Romulus used these Axes and Rods as a Badge of his Authority to punish Offenders but Dionysius replieth that Romulus might learn this custom of the Hetruscans and if not yet might Tarquinius have these sent to him seeing the people of Rome afterwards used to send Diadems and Scepters to such Kings as they confirmed which these Princes received although they had worn the same Ornaments before 26. In nine years he finished the Hetruscan War and then fell again upon the Sabines who alone contended with the Romans for superiority a vvarlike Nation possessing a large and fertile Countrey not far distant from Rome Over them he obtained his third Triumph and providing for another expedition they prevented him by their intreaties giving up themselves fully into his power whom he received on the same terms as formerly he had done the Hetruscans These were his military actions At the beginning of his reign that he might bind the people to him he chose out an hundred of the Plebeians He encreaseth the Senate who for valour or wisdom were most eminent and added them to the Senate which now first consisted of 300. Romulus at the beginning chose an 100 out of the first planters then added an 100 more of the most noble of the Sabines which with these of Tarquinius were called Patres conscripti and the last Patres minorum gentium Zonaras agreeth with Dionysius concerning the number of Senators made by Romulus adding that Tatius and he at first consulted with their Senators apart but at length they were joyned together so that those are not to be heard who will have but 200 in all during the time of the Kings and 100 afterwards added by Brutus He increased the number of the Vestal Nuns from four to seven The Vestal Nuns adorned the forum built the Walls of the Citie before patched up in haste with 4 square stones Cloacae or Common sinks whereof each was a Cart-load He caused the common sinks to be made for voiding the filth of the Citie into Tiber a work so admirable that Dionysius thinketh from the magnificence of it as from the Aqueducts and the high cawsied wayes the amplitude of the Roman Empire appeared and this is manifested from what C. Aquilius wrote that those sinks being once stopped the Censors spent 1000 Talents in cleansing of them In the Circus Maximus a place dedicated to the beholding of Games and exercises betwixt the Palatine and Aventine Hills he caused seats to be raised for spectators whereas before all stood and he distinguished their places according to their dignity 27. Tarquinius intended to add three Centuries of horsmen named after himself and his friends to the former three instituted by Romulus That King first chose 200 out of the three Tribes or Legions and after the taking in of the Sabines increased the Legions so that each contained 4000. whence it was called Quadrata as Festus observeth yet afterwards a Legion comprised full so many men as were found convenient for the service of the Commonwealth Actius Naevius But he was forbidden by Actius Naevius to change the constitution of Romulus and therefore without increase of the Centuries doubled the number of the men This Naevius was the most famous Augur that Rome ever knew and so well versed in his Art as he never missed in his predictions Tarquinius on a time to try him asked if that was possible to be done which he had in his thoughts who answering yea he laughed him to scorn saying that he had thought of cutting a Whetstone with a Razor which he held in his hand but Naevius still replying he should do it and bidding
that it now grew late he desired they would let them go out to wash The Persian Ambassadors killed and make themselves ready which done they should come again They assenting he dressed so many bare-faced young men in women's Clothes who being brought in when the Persians began to dally with them according to his command stabbed them with Daggers hid under their Clothes for that purpose Megabyzus hearing nothing of his Messengers sent one Prubares a Persian down with an Army to make diligent search after them but him Alexander easily took off by giving him his sister Gygaea in marriage with whom he had falln in love so that he suffering the matter to rest in silence no farther inquiry was made after it 14. The year following being the 16th of his reign Darius sent as Successor to Megabyzus Otanes the son of Sisamnes who took in the Cities Chalcedon Byzantium and Antander with the Islands Lemnos and Imber He himself was now returned to Susa whither he carried along with him Histiaeus Histiaeus who stood so much his friend at the Bridge of Ister Histiaeus having begun to build a Citie of his own in Thrace Darius out of colour of doing him honour and using his advice in his most important affairs drew him away from it knowing his great abilities and fearing his restlesse spirit There he continued for some years till not being able to hear so much talk of Empire and rule wherein he himself had no share he much preferred his antient Dominion though but over one Citie before this Real though plausible imprisonment and therefore sought how he might kindle a fire in Ionia that for his interest in that Countrey he might obtain to be sent thither to quench it and so with his liberty get some notable advantage for a great atchievement It hapned that his endeavours did but tend to the blowing up of that spark which was already kindled without his knowledge in Aristagoras his son in Law The occasion of the Ionian Rebellion who Governed Miletus in his absence The first rise was occasioned by the inhabitants of the Island Naxos who having banished some of their principal Citizens the Exiles fled to Anaxagoras for protection and succour He knowing not well of himself how to restore them Herod l. 5. c. 30. c. sent to Artaphernes the brother of Darius and his Lieutenant of Ionia then resident at Sardis proposing the Conquest of that Island to him and offering to subdue both it and all the rest of the Cyclades to the obedience of the Persian Empire Artaphernes acquainted the King with the businesse and he approving of it he lent him 200 ships under the conduct of Megabates his Kinsman A.M. 3500. Olyp 68. An. 4. V.C. 249. Daii 17. They sayled together towards Naxos and it hapned in the way that Megabates harshly used one of Aristagoras his followers for which he sharply rebuked him as having no authority to punish those under his command This the Persian took so hainously that he gave intelligence underhand to the Naxians of their coming who being forewarned were forearmed so that no good could Anristagoras do but spending his time to no purpose was forced at length to raise his siege For this fruitlesse attempt feating disgrace or worse from the Persians that he might prevent it he studied how to revolt and draw the Ionians into Rebellion 15. While he consulted with himself a Message came from Histians Idem c. 35. Polyanus lib. 1. who because the wayes were so watched that he could send no Letters shaved close the head of his trusty Slave and thereon with an hot iron ingraved such marks as served to make out his sence and after his hair was grown sent him to Miletus Aristagoras shaving his head again as he was commanded which was all the message that the slave carried by word of mouth presently and gladly apprehended the matter viz. that he should excite the Ionians to rebell Going now more cheerfully about his work that the Milesians might more readily receive the motion he restored them to a shew of liberty and to oblige the rest of the Cities by one means or other abdicated the power of their petty Princes or Tyrants as they were called But knowing how little able this strength would be to graple with the whole power of Asia which presently would be upon them he sayled to Lacedamon there to desire assistance from Cleomenes the King who refusing to intermeddle he thence went to Athens where as before he laid open the riches of Asia with the imbecillity of the Persians the present masters thereof and added that the Milesians as a Colony of the Athenians might justly expect relief from their hands 16. The conjuncture of affairs at present were such at Athens as he could not have had a more convenient opportunity Herodot l. 5. c. 96 97 98. It hapned that Hippias the son of Pisistratus being expelled from Athens had withdrawn himself to Sardis where he laboured with his whole might to make the Athenians odious to Artaphernes and bring the Citie into the command of Darius that so it might return to his own Dominion They sent their Ambassadors after him praying Artaphernes that he would give no credit to their Exiles but he urging them that if they meant to secure themselves they would receive Hippias they chose rather to become Enemies to the Persian and therefore compiled with the motion of Aristagoras The Athenians assist the Ionians They agreed to send out 20 ships under the command of Melanthius a man of principal note amongst them with which the Eretrians out of way of requital for aid formerly received from the Ionians joyned other 5. This was the beginning of those many evils which afterwards fell both upon the Greeks and Barbarians and of such Wars as ended not till in the destruction of the Persian Empire It fell out in the 19th year of Darius the second of the 69 Olympiad 501 before the Aera of Christ A.M. 3502. Aristagoras taketh Sardis 17. Aristagoras with this force went against Sardis which he easily took all but the Castle wherein Artaphernes secured himself A fire prevented the plundering of the Citie which was all turned into ashes by the means of a Souldier's burning one particular house The confusion being great Capp 99. c. the Persians and Lydians met together in the Market-place through which ran the River Pactolus having Golden Sands and imbodying themselves prepared to charge the Enemy which when the Gracians perceived they fled for fear to the Mountain Tmolus and thence to their ships lying at Coresus in the Territories of Ephesus Defeated in his retreat The Persians in the pursute slew a great part of them amongst whom fell Eualcides Captain of the Eretrians so much celebrated by Simonides the Ceian Poet and other eminent men those that escaped dispersed themselves through the Cities Aristagoras could not by any means
and when the Phoenicians began to tow their Fleet together to fall on they hoised up their Sails and departed After this pattern the Lesbians and a great part of the Ionians withdrew themselves onely the Chians stood to it who taking many of their Enemies ships lost more of their own and at length fled to Land Some of them running their Gallies on ground at Mycale went on foot by night unto Ephesus where the women then celebrating the Thesmophoria the Inhabitants taking them for thieves issued out and slew many of them But Dionysius having light on the Persian Gallies retreated not home knowing his own Country would go to wrack with the rest but going into Phoenicia there robbed certain ships of burthen of much wealth and thus inriched sailed into Sicilie 23. The Persians having thus done their work at Sea presently laid siege to Miletus which by undermining the walls and using all sorts of Batteries It is taken Idem ibid. Capp 18 c. they utterly destroyed in the sixth year after the Rebellion was first begun by Aristagoras Some of those Inhabitants which survived their Country together with the Samians transported themselves into Sicilie the rest being brought to Susa before Darius he without any punishment inflicted on them placed in the City Ampia situated where the River Tigris falleth into the Red Sea As for their grounds the Persians took to themselves the Champain Country and gave the Mountainous parts to the Carians of Pedasus Histiaeus seeing what was befallen Miletus with some Lesbians subdued Chius easily being weakened before Capp 26 c. whence with many Ionians and Aeolians he undertook an Expedition against Thasus but hearing that the Phoenicians were gone from Miletus into the other parts of Ionia he returned back to Lesbus Here his forces not trusting themselves he went over into the Province of Atarnes as it were thence and from the Territories of the Mysians adjoyning to gather forrage where Harpagas the Persian then lying with a considerable force Histiaeus taken and put to death ingaged with him in a fight at Malena and having cut off the greater part of his men took him alive Being carried to Susa unto Artaphernes they nailed his body to a crosse and sent his head as a present to Darius who was displeased that they had not presented him alive and caused his head to be buried as of a friend and one that had Well deserved of the Persians Now not onely Caria but all the Islands and Cities on the continent were also recovered without much trouble the most beautiful of the Boyes being made Eunuchs and of the Girls sent to the Persian Court. And thus the Ionians were subdued the third time once by the Lydians and twice by the Persians the tributes were established by Artaphernes according to Darius his former prescription and all things setled at the cost of the revolters 24. Two years after the destruction of Miletus and in the 26th of his reign Darius withdrawing the commissions of all his late Captains sent Mardonius the son of Gobryas who had married his daughter Artozestra Capp 43 44 c. with a great power to the Sea Mardonius coming into Cilicia sent away all his Land Forces towards the Hellespont and passing by Sea into Ionia there dissolved all the Tyrannies as they were called or powers of single men and brought in the Democratical Government into the Cities After this with his Fleet he subdued the Thasians and with his Land Army other Macedonians besides them that formerly obeyed his Master A. M. 3509. Ol. 71. an 1. V.C. 258. Darâ—i 26. but loosing from Acanthus and coasting by the Mountain Athos such a Tempest fell upon the Navie as sunk three hundred Vessels wherein perished above 20000 men Then quartering his Foot in Macedonia the Thracians called Brygi fell in upon him by night and killing many wounded him also whereupon he turned his Forces upon them and subduing them carried back the Army into Asia The year following Darius constrained the Thasians Capp 46 c. who were accused by their neighbours of having an intention to revolt to pull down their walls and carry all their ships to Abdera Then to try of what temper the Graecians were he sent throughout Greece to demand Earth and Water The Lacedaemonians and Athenians threw the Messengers into pits bidding them thence to take Earth and Water to carry to their Master Earth and Water demanded by the Graecians but the Inhabitants of Aegina and other Islands out of fear complied for which they were accused by the Athenian Ambassadors at Sparta as intending with the Persians to fight against Athens Hereupon Cleomenes one of the Kings was sent to chastize the principal revolters but such a contention fell betwixt him and his Colleague Demaratus about it as ended at length in the deprivation of the latter who thus unjustly outed of his Patrimony betook himself to Darius by whom he was bountifully entertained Darius sendeth forces into Greece 25. When Darius sent into Greece to demand Earth and Water he gave order to the Cities upon the Sea-coasts to build long ships and flat bottomed boats for the transportation of Horse The burning of Sardis by the means of the Athenians and Eretrians was thrice every time he went to meat still sounded in his ears Hippias the late Prince of Athens was yet provoking him against that City and at length procured forces to reduce him into his former place Under colour of restoring him Darius intended if possible to subdue all Greece and therefore removing Mardonius under whom the Fleet had of late miscarried he put in his room Datis a Mede and Artaphernes his brothers son to whom he gave in charge to lay waste Athens with Eretria and bring the inhabitants thereof prisoners into his presence In their passage they burnt Naxos took some Forces and Hostages out of the Islands and landed their Horse upon the Coasts of Eretria They prepared to fight but the Enemy keeping himself within the walls they strongly attempted the storming of the City for six dayes and on the seventh had it betrayed into their hands by Euphorbus and Philagrus two of the principal Citizens The Athenians hearing of their approach sent Phidippides a famous though ordinary Foot-post to Lacedaemon to desire that State to hasten their succorurs They resolved to send aid but said it was impossible speedily to do it for that they could not break the Law which forbad them to go forth on the ninth day of the moneth Or except the Moon was at the full Whilst they expected that season the Athenians made choice of ten Captains for the War and by this time the Persians now Masters of Eretria sailed into Attica wherein they were conducted by Hippias to the plains of Marathon as most convenient for Horse After the Athenians had taken the field the Plataeans came in to their aid but a great dispute there was amongst the
of their Enemies the Samaritans and others neither could their habitation in the Citie be secure nor the work of the Temple go on with safety and in what could all that Treasure be spent but in Fortifications So that we may even conclude sufficient Licence and Authority to be included in this Decree and that Esra began to build the Walls but was either hindred by other occasions or the negligence of the Jews or more probably the molestations of their Enemies who because the Licence was not expressed took thence occasion to interrupt the work till thirteen years after it was renewed and perfected by the procurement and industry of Nehemiah who obtained a confirmation rather of the former Edict than any new Decree So though Syrus had first of all granted Licence for the rebuilding of the Temple yet because the work was hindred by the Enemies of the Jews there was need of another Edict granted out by Darius As the decrees of these two Kings were in effect the same so also those were onely put in execution afterwards by Nehemiah because the execution of it as to the rebuilding of the Walls was either remitted by negligence or by malice of the Borderers 9. If so the beginning of the seventy weeks of Daniel fitly may be taken hence ending most probably in the death of our Savious Jesus Christ Daniel 9.24 Seventy weeks saith the Angel are determine upon thy people and upon thy holy Citie to finish the transgression and to make an end of sins and to make reconciliation for iniquity and to bring in everlasting righteousnesse and to seal up the Vision and Prophecy and to anoint the most holy Know therefore and understand that from the going forth of the Commandment to restore and to rebuild Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks and threescore and two weeks and the street shall be built again and the Wall even in troublous times And after 62 weeks shall Messiah be cut off but not for himself and the people of the Prince that shall come shall destroy the Citie and the Sanctuary and the end thereef shall be with a Flood and unto the end of the War desolations are determined And he shall confirm the Covenant with many in one week and in the midst of the week he shall cause the Sacrifice and the Oblation to cease and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate even untill the consummation and that determined shall be powred upon the desolate Thus the Oracle in which is contained a Prophecy concerning the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the coming of Christ who should bring unconceivable benefits along with him and yet at length be put to death not for himself but others and this should be all accomplished within 70 weeks of years which contain 490. Lastly it foretels that for that horrible sin of the Jews in murdering the Messias they should lose both Principality and Priest-hood and be punished with perpetual Exile and the utter and unreparable desolation of the Citie 10. Many are the opinions concerning the beginning and end of these seventy weeks amongst Chronologers Some begin them in the first year of the Empire of Cyrus and end them in the Nativity of Christ Others fetch their rise from the second of Darius Nothus Successor to Artaxerxes and conclude them with the destruction of Jerusalem by Titus Vespasian Some make them Commence from the 20 of Artaxerxes when Nehemiah obtained another Decree of him and to conclude with the passion and death of Christ and others will have them begin in the 20th year of Artaxerxes Mnemon and end in the desolation of the Citie by the Romans But many there are who rejecting all these with best reason fix the beginning of them in the seventh of Artaxerxes Longimanus and their conclusion in the death of Christ in which termination most of the Learned both ancient and modern agree 11. For if we seriously consider the account of time and judge of it according to the best approved Authors The beginning of Daniel's seventy weeks the three former opinions will be found either to exceed or come short of the number From the beginning of the Persian Empire to Christ's Nativity passed about 530 years From the second of Darius Nothus indeed to the destruction of Jerusalem near upon 490 years intervened but concerning any Edict made by that Prince there is not a word in Scripture From the 20th of Artaxerxes Longimanus to the death and passion of Christ are found 476. or 477. which come too short by thirteen of the 490. and betwixt the twentieth of Artaxerxes Mnemor and the destruction of Jerusalem are found but about 450. which come far short of the true account as also the Chronology of such as would fetch the rise of the 290 from the first of Darius Medus and the second or sixth of Darius the son of Hystaspes And although the Angel mentioneth the punishment to be inflicted on the Jews yet doth he not comprise it in the 490 years the end of which he signalizeth by the annointing and sufferings of the Mâ—ssias but assigneth half a week or of seven years for the accomplishment of those plagues which in such a quantity of time were to be inflicted upon his murderers Vide Ludovic Cappelli tabulas in Chron. Sacra 12. But if we reckon from this seventh of Artaxerexes Longimanus down by his Successors in the Persian Empire the Ptolomies of Aegypt after that of Alexander the Great and then by the Assamonaeans or Jewish Princes till we come at length to Herod the Great and so to Christ the just number of 290 we shall find accomplished at his death with such small difference as is pardonable to so many Authors handling so many things Or if we reckon by the years of the Olympiads and the building of Rome we shall find Christ to have died in the 490th year after the promulgation of this decree The seventh year of Artaxerxes Longimanus fell in with the second and third of the 80th Olympiad according to Eusebius and the 295 or 296th of the City from which continuing to the second year of the 202d Olympiad and the 785th of the City in which Christ was crucified 289 years or â—90 are precisely found so that farther we shall not enquire about these seventy weeks having therein already satisfied what this design and work requireth leaving the further enquiry thereof to the studious Reader and the judgement to the Learned 13. In the fifteenth year of Artaxerxes the Athenians having recalled Cimon whom for ten years they had banished by the Ostracism Thucyd. lib. 1. Diodorus ad Olymp. 82. an 3. sent him with a Fleet of 200 Sail against Cyprus subject to the Persian Sixty of these ships he sent into Aegypt to the aid of Amyrtaeus who still was up in the marishes and with the rest he set upon Citium a Town in the Island Plutarch in Cimone At
were lead against the King flatly refused to go any farther it being as they said no part of their agreement Clearchus went about to force his men to proceed but they as soon as he offered to go forwards cast stones at him and at his carriage beasts whereby he was forced to betake himself to a fair and politick way and to effect it which with trouble enough he did Cyrus gave out that he went against Abrocamas an Enemy of his who lay upon the River Euphrates about twelve encampings from thence that if he found him there he would be revenged on him and if he fled away they should deliberate what to do Hereupon though they suspected the matter yet they resolved to hold on and upon demanding more pay he promised them half as much more as formerly they had viz. a Darick and an half instead of one Darick to every Soldier All this while no man heard in publick they were led against the King 33. From Tarsus in five encampings he marched about 83 miles to Issos the last City of Cilicia well peopled large and rich and situated upon the Sea where he remained three dayes Hither out of Peloponnesus came to Cyrus 35 Lacedaemonian ships under the command of Pythagoras together with Tamos who brought from Ephesus 25 of Cyrus his ships wherewith he had besieged Miletus and Cherisophus the Lacedaemonian whom Cyrus had sent for and who brought with him 700 armed Foot Whilst the Army lay here the Graecian Mercenaries that served Abrocamus viz. 400 armed Foot revolted and came to Cyrus From hence in one encamping he came about eighteen miles to the Streights of Cilicia and Syria defended with a wall on each side betwixt which ran the River Kersos 100 foot broad The distance betwixt the walls was three furlongs admitting no passage by force the neither way toward the Sea being narrow and fenced with strong walls and the upper nothing but inaccessible Rocks in either wall there being set a gate This passage Cyrus suspecting to be stopped by Abrocamas sent for his ships to transport so many men as might force it but he upon hearing of Cyrus his coming into Cilicia returned with all speed out of Phoenicia to the King though reported to have an Army of 300000 men 34. From the Streights he marched in one encamping eighteen miles and upwards and came to Myriandrum a City of Syria inhabited by the Phoenicians upon the Sea being a place of traffick where many ships of burthen then rode in the Haven Here he remained seven dayes and Xenias the Arcadian Collonel with Pasion of Megara shipping themselves sailed homewards discontented as was thought because Cyrus suffered Clearchus to keep their Soldiers which refusing to go any further against the King removed into his Camp with intent to return into Greece From thence in four encampings he marched 75 miles to the River Chatos 100 foot broad which was full of great tame Fish which the Syrians counted gods and therefore suffered them not to be harmed no more than Pigeons The Villages wherein they encamped belonged to Parisatis being assigned her for her maintenance Thence in eight encampings he marched 168 miles to the River Euphrates whose breadth was 3 furlongs and upon which was built the great and rich Citie Thapsacus where the Army remained 5 dayes 35. Here it was openly declared to the Greeks that they were led against the King for which they were very angry with their Officers who they said they were sure knew it before for not acquainting them sooner with the design and refused to stir one foot forwarder except upon promise of as much as their Countrey-men had who formerly waited on Cyrus to his father 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 He promised to give every man five pounds of silver of the value of 14. l. 11. s. 8. d. sterling as soon as they came to Babylon and to continue their whole pay till they should be sent back into Ionia to which conditions most of them yielded and Menon prevailing with his Regiment to passe over the River first whilest the other were yet in consultation thereby to gain greater favour with Cyrus all the Army followed not a man being wet above the breasts in wading over so that this passage seemed to be miraculous and to portend more good to Cyrus than followed the River giving way to him which they of Thapsacus reported never to have been passed over on foot before but onely with shipping which Abrocamus had burnt to hinder him in the passage Thence in nine encampings he marched fifty parasangs or 187 miles and upwards through Syria and came to the River Araxes Here they stayed three dayes and made provision of victuals and then departing thence marched through the Wildernesse of Arabia 130 miles in five encampings having Euphrates on the right hand and proceeding through this Countrey came to the River Masca where they stayed three dayes in making provision for the army whence in 13 encampings they marched through the desart 90 parasangs or 337 miles and an half and came to the Straights 36. Proceeding in their journey hence they might discover the footings and dung of horses for a party had been sent of about 2000. which going before the Kings Camp burnt up the fodder and made havock of all things profitable for use Now came Orontes a Persian to Cyrus whom having sought to betray him in times past and pardoned by him attempted now to do the like but was discovered and put to death Marching still forward they proceeded in three encampings 45 miles through the Countrey of Babylon In the third encamping at midnight Cyrus set his men in order thinking his brother to be near and would give him battel the next morning The Graecians were in number 10400 Armed and 2400 Targetiers the Barbarians with Cyrus were ten Myriads or 100000 besides about 200 sythed Chariots From hence in order of battel he marched some twelve miles thinking the King would have fought that day because at the end of this half dayes journey he found a Trench cast five fathoms broad and three deep running up 45 miles into the Countrey as far as the Wall of Media where the four Chanels begin that derived out of the River Tigris fall into Euphrates This Trench the King caused to be made after he heard that Cyrus was stirring who now passing it without any disturbance he and all his Army were strongly perswaded that the King determined not to fight whence he had not so great care of his March the next day and the third day after he advanced sitting in his Chariot the most of his Army marched confusedly many of the Souldiers having their Arms laid upon the wains and carriage of beasts 37. Now it was time the Market was full and the place of encamping where they should quarter was at hand when Patagyas a Persian one of the faithfullest of Cyrus his Train was seen to come upon the spur his horse dropping with sweat crying
this was known at Athens they also sent Conon and others to him and with them joyned several other States as the Boeotians Corinthians and Argives Antalcidas sent from the Spartans to Artaxerxes who were weary of the power of the Spartans Antalcides declared how those that sent him were ready to imbrace a Peace upon such terms as the King pleased for that they would no longer contend with him about the Greek Cities in Asia thinking it sufficient that the rest which were elsewhere situated might be left to their own Laws and liberty he also laboured earnestly to render Conon suspected to the King alleging that at the King 's cost he onely promoted the affairs of his own Country seeking with his Forces to obtain as many Cities as he could for the Athenians to whom under-hand he went about to restore Ionia and Aeolia also This offer concerning the leaving of the Greek Cities to the King's disposal so nearly concerned his affairs that the other Ambassadors in no case admitting it for private respects returned home without any thing concluded of and though Teribazus durst not without commission joyn himself to the Lacedaemonians yet gave he privately monies to Antaclidas to enable them to build a Fleet wherewithall to constrain their adversaries to submit to an accommodation and laying hold of Conon committed him to custody till such time as going himself to the King he might know his pleasure concerning these things 71. Some have reported how Conon was carryed to the King Isocrat in Panegyr Aemil. Probus in Conone Diodorus ad Olymp. 97. ann 3. and by him put to death but others that he made an escape Whilst Teribazus was yet with the King he sent Struthas into Asia the lesse to take care of the Sea-Coasts who shewing himself very bitter against the Lacedaemonians for the evils which the Provinces had suffered of Agesilaus and favourable upon that account to the Athenians the Spartans sent over Thymbro to make War upon him He with 8000 men took Coressus the high hill some five miles distant from Ephesus whence he made excursions into the King's Dominions but Struthas lying not far from him with a great power of Horse besides Foot at such time as with a Party he was ranging about for booty fell upon him killed him amongst many others and putting the rest to flight took many the other securing themselves where they might best do it Xenoph. ut supra The year after the Lacedaemonians sending Ecdicus to the aid of the exiles of Rhodes with eight ships dispatched away with him one Diphridas with order to passe into Asia there to gather up the remnant of the Forces with which and as many more as he could raise he was to protect those Cities which had received Thymbro and to grapple with Struthas He acted accordingly and so ordered his affairs that he proved hard enough for Struthas and amongst other commendable actions took prisoner Tigranes his Son in Law as he was going with his wife to Sardis whom releasing for a great ransome he seasonably made use of the money for the payment of his Soldiers 72. Whilst these things passed betwixt Artaxerxes and the Common-wealth of Sparta he was also imployed about the affaires of Cyprus Diodorus ad an 2. Olymp. 97. Isocrates â—in Evagora which he strove to get into his hands There was in that Island one Evagoras of great birth being descended from those who first built Salamine the principal City therein who being lately expelled through a Sedition returned with a little force of Auxiliaries Artaxerxes looketh after Cyprus and expelling Abdemon the Tyrian who then had the power over the City and a great friend of the King of Persia made himself King of Salamine and within a short time growing very rich gathered forces and by the help of his son Protagoras subdued almost the whole Island But the Amathusians with the Solians and Citians stood out against him and by their Ambassadors sollicited Artaxerxes for aid accusing Evagoras for the death of Agyres who had been confederate with the King and offering him their help for the possessing himself of the whole Island He being jealous of the growth of Evagoras and considering how convenient this Island might be by reason of its situation for the promoting of his affairs at Sea by vvhich especially Asia could be defended resolved to assist them and dismissing the Ambassadors to their content gave order to the Cities upon the Sea-Coasts to build ships vvith all speed he himself travelling into the upper Provinces for the raising of a great Land Army 73. Till he had composed matters with the Graecians no considerable thing could he attempt upon Cyprus and though they favoured the cause of Evagoras in opposition to him yet their enmity one against another hindred that effect which their Union might have produced to the great impairment of his affairs The Athenians sent ten ships to the aid of Evagoras Xenoph. ut suprà but it hapning that Teleutias being sent by the Lacedaemonians at that time to succeed Ecdicus in the Fleet and to defend their interest in Asia Diodorus ad annum 2. Olymp 98. Plutarch in Artaxerxe met with them and intercepted them all whereby it hapned that those who were Enemies to Artaxerxes overthrew those who went to make War against him After this these two Commonwealths contending sore with each other at Sea to their mutual damage Antalcidas concludeth a peace with him at length Antalcidas was sent by the Lacedaemonians to the Government of the Fleet because they knew him to be in great grace with Teribazus He coming to Ephesus left Nicolochus his Lieutenant and according to his private instructions went with Teribazus to Artaxerxes about a peace towards whom he so behaved himself to please him casting off the Spartan gravity and not refusing to dance before him that the King who before could not endure the Spartans as counting them the most impudent of all men imbraced him with singular respect and courtesie 74. He concluded of a peace with him for the Lacedaemonian State Xenoph. Hellen lib. 5. Diodorus Plutarch ut priùs in case the other Graecians would not consent to such overtures as the King made and returned with Teribazus who giving notice that all who would might accept of the conditions which his master proposed they dispatched their several Deputies to him He shewing them the Kings Seals opened the Letters wherein was contained that Artaxernes the King accounted it meet that the Cities in Asia and the Islands Clazomenae since joyned to the Continent and Cyprus should be under his Dominion as for the other Greek Cities both great and small that they should be left to their own liberty except Lemnus Imbrus and Scyrus which having been subject to the Athenians time out of mind be thought it reasonable they should so continue Those that should not receive this peace he with the rest who would embrace
their heads how to make themselves masters of all Greece and finding that they heard ill for the peace concluded with Artaxerxes in which the interests of their Countrey-men were betrayed they sought for upon a new advice a fit opportunity to renew the War against the Persians and therefore now not unwillingly accepted of this confederacy with Gaus 80. At this time Artaxerxes made War upon the Cadusians Plutarch in Artax cum Diodoro ad Olymp. 98. ann 4. leading against them an Army of 300000 foot and 10000 horse He cast himself into great straights marching into a Countrey uneven rainy and bringing no Corn but nourishing onely its inhabitants with Pears Aples and such like fruits so that finding there no provision and not able to come by it from elsewhere the carriage beasts were killed for meat an Asses head could scarce be bought for 60 drachms Artaxerxes invadeth the Cadusians to no purpose the Kings set meals were laid down and very few horses remained the rest being all eaten up Then Teribazus under disgrace saved the King and his whole Army for there being two Kings of the Cadusians he himself went to one of them and sent his son to the other each of them signifying to him whom he went to that his Colleague had sent about a peace to Artaxerxes having left him out wherefore his advise was that they should send with him Ambassadors to treat and conclude a pacification first which being both deceived they did and a League was entred into by both apart Then returned he homewards and in the way to give a good example to others alighted from his horse and with Quiver and Target upon him travelled on foot over the mountainous and rough places and coming at length to a place called the Kings Inne compassed with pleasant Gardens and Groves because of the extremity of cold he gave leave to the Souldiers to cut down the Cypresses and other Trees which because they out of modesty refused he took an Axe and himself cut down the most beautifull But coming home and upon sence of his great losse both of men and horses suspecting he was contemned for his ill successe he slew many of his principal subjects of whom he thought he had cause to be jealous 81. The Cadusian War being finished he caused Teribazus to come to his tryal commending the matter to three of his most eminent Judges who upon consideration of what was alleged pro and con and of his former great merits absolved him to the satisfaction of the King who then bestowing on him the greatest honours expunged the name of Orontes his false accuser out of the Catalogue of his friends and cast upon him the greatest ignominy About the same time following herein the example of Cambyses his Predecessor he caused certain Judges convicted of unjust Decrees to be flead alive and their skins spread over the judgement seat where the rest heard and determined causes that they might have a constant Memento before their eyes Not long after Gaos the Persian Admiral who as before was said Diodorus ad Olymp. 99. ann 2. Gaos slain had entred into society with the Lacedaemonians and the King of Egypt whilest he was managing his revolt was slain by some that cunningly laid in wait for him One Tachos undertook the carrying on of his design and fortifying himself with an Army built a Citie in an high Rock upon the Sea called Leuca where was a Chapel dedicated to Apollo but he dying a little after great controversie hapned about the place betwixt the Clazomenians and Cumaeans whereof the former obtained it and thereby those rebellions in Asia fell of themselves and the Lacedaemonians thinking it best to intermedle no more with Persian matters gave their minds wholly to establish their power in Greece got into their hands several Cities by one means or other and not obscurely sought after the Empire of all Greece contrary to the form of the League made by the means of the Persian King at the procurement of Antaleidas amongst all the Graecians as Diodorus telleth us 82. Acoris the King of Aegypt Idem ad Olymp. 100. ann 4. who of late had entred into society with Gaus and before had given assistance to Evagoras against Artaxerxes as one who laid claim unto his Kingdom to strengthen himself raised a great Army of Strangers and for that he gave very good pay and sought otherwayes to deserve well of Military men many Graecians gave their names and listed themselves in his service Acoris of Egypt strengthneth himself against Artaxerxes But wanting still some famous and expert General he procured Chabrias the Athenian a man of great command and no lesse valour though without the consent of the people Artaxerxes made Pharnabazus now of late his Son in Law the General of his Forces who furnished with money made great preparations for the War and sent to Athens to complain of Chabrias who as he said by his service to the Aegyptian alienated the Kings affection from that State and desired that they would send Iphicrates to be a Captain in his Wars The Athenians being desirous to have both the King and Pharnabazus their friend presently recalled Chabrias and gave order to Iphicrates to assist the Persians 83. Pharnabazus spent several years in preparation for the War Idem ad ann 3. 2. Olymp. 101. of which Iphicrates being weary told him he wondred that he being so quick in speaking should be so slow in doing to which he answered that the reason was that he himself was master of his words but the King of his actions Artaxerxes against him The Graecians were again fallen into civil dissentions the former Peace being not long continued through the ambitious practices of the Lacedaemonians which Artaxerxes considering and how needful their help was to him in this Egyptian Expedition he sent to them to mediate and take up their differences which they all liked well and accepted except the Thebans At length after three or four years spent in preparation the King's Forces were drawn down into Ace a Town of Syria Pharnabazus and Iphicrates sent against Acoris where being a general Muster three were found 200000 Barbarians under the command of Pharnabazus and 20000 Greeks under the Ensigns of Iphicrates the Navy amounted to the number of 300 Gallies besides a great number of Vessels of burthen In the beginning then of Summer they marched for Aegypt the Fleet sailing along the Coasts and coming near the mouths of Nile found the Aegyptians furnished sufficiently for a War warning enough having been given them by the delay of Pharnabazus who as other Persian Generals having not the full disposal of things in his power was constrained to send to the King to know his pleasure concerning particulars whose answer not being quickly obtained at a great distance procured much slownesse in all Expeditions Idem ad Olymp. 101. ann 3. 84. Nectanebis the King of Aegypt for
came to Tyre the Inhabitants whereof refused to fight by Sea but yet let down none of their courage though 30 Messenges were come from Carthage to let them know that that State being hindred by a domestick War could not afford them any succour They sent their wives and children thither to be out of the danger being thereby the more willing to undergo any themselves which they little regarded making stout resistance but at length the City was taken one saith by treachery another by a stratageme but more by plain force Alexander himself alone first going down from the wooden Tower he had reared by a bridge laid upon the wall The Inhabitants though the Enemy had entred called one upon another and fortifying the narrow passages stood out still till the number of 7000 the most of those that fought were slain Tyre taken The Conquerour condemned the women and children that were found unto bondage the young men to the number of â—000 he caused to be hanged all along the shore or crucified as another telleth us which was accounted a servile kind of death because the Tyrian slaves had formerly conspired against their Masters and slain them all with their whole families leaving no free people alive except one Strato and his Son to whom and his posterity they committed the Kingdom Fifteen thousand the Sidonians saved upon the account of kindred they reckoning both Tyre and Sidon to have been built by Agenor from whom the City was again re-peopled and to such as had fled to the Temple of Hercules Alexander granted indemnity amongst which the King and his family were with some Carthaginians which were come for the honour of Hercules to the Metropolis A. M. 3673. Ol. 112. an 1. V.C. 422. Darii 5. Alexand. 5. This befel Tyre in the moneth Hecatombaon when Annicetus otherwise called Niceratus and Nicetas was Archon at Athens in the first year of the 112th Olympiad the fifth of Darius and the fifth of Alexander A. M. 3673. 42. During this Siege the Officers of Darius whch escaped from the battel at Issus with all those that followed them and the youth of the Cappadocians and Paphlagonians attempted to recover Lydia but Antigonus who there commanded for Alexander overthrew them thrice in several places At the same time also Aristimenes who was sent with some ships by Darius to recover the Coast of Asia lying upon the Hellespont was wholly defeated by a Fleet of Macedonians which Alexander had sent for out of Greece 43. Whilst Alexander lay before Tyre another Ambassage came to him from Darius who now offered him 10000 talents as a ransom for his relations and all Asia betwixt the Hellespont and the River Halys in Dower with his Daughter which conditions that he might incline him to receive he sets before him the difficulties of passing into the Eastern Countries and laid the losse of the last battel to the straightnesse of the place Darius sendeth new proposals to Alexander which he refuseth he sought to terrifie him by threatning to incompasse him in the plain Countries and bad him consider how impossible it was to passe the Rivers of Euphrates Tigris Araxes and the rest with things of the like nature The proposals being brought before a select Committee of Alexander's friends Parmenio who was now old and full of riches and honour said that if he were Alexander he would accept of them to which the King answered that so would he if he were Parmenio But he returned answer to Darius that he offered him nothing but his own and what victory and his own valour had possest him of that he was to give conditions and not to receive any and that having passed the Sea it self he disdained to think of resistance in transporting his Army over Rivers As for his Daughter he said he would marry her though without his consent and if he would taste of his humanity he should come and refer himself to him Darius having received this answer prepared himself anew for the War 44. Tyre being taken Alexander invaded Judaea resolving to bring all Palestine into subjection At this time Jaddus was the High-Priest there Euseb in Chronico Plin. lib. 12. cap. 25. Josephus Antiquit lib. 11. cap. 8. whose Brother Manasses married Nicaso the Daughter of Sanballat who had been sent from Darius to govern Samaria being both Sons to John called in Nehemiah Jonathan and Johanan who was Son to Jehoiada Manasses thus matching himself the people was displeased at it and thereupon Jaddus desired him to put away his wife not only the People but the Law so requiring it Hereupon he repaired to his Father in Law and told him that his wife was dear unto him but he must either part with her or his Priest-hood who answered that he would so bring it about that he should not onely be Priest but an High-Priest also A Temple built by Sanballat on mount Gerizim being minded to build for him upon Mount Gerizim near to Samaria a Temple like to that of Jerusalem which thing he would obtain to be confirmed by Darius Many betook themselves to Manasses being allured with the newnesse of the thing and the liberality of Sanballat but Alexander at that time passing the Hellespont the consultation thereupon was disturbed After Darius was beaten and retired back into Persia Sanballat revolted unto Alexander and going over to him with 8000 men though now very old desired of him leave to build his new designed Temple perswading him it would be for his interest that thereby the Jews being divided amongst themselves might be the lesse able to resist him Alexander yielding to his request he returned and falling with great industry upon the work he died not long after 45. This was at such time as Alexander lay before Tyre during which Siege Jaddus the High-Priest of the Jews refusing to break his Faith Alexander invadeth Judaea he sent round about to demand an Oath of Allegiance and assistance from the several Cities and amongst the rest the messengers came to Jerusalem Jaddeus or Jaddus the High-Priest answered That he had entred by Oath into society with Darius and whilst he lived he might not by any means break his Faith with which answer Alexander being moved after the taking of Tyre not of Gaza as Josephus thinketh for then he must have returned backwards hee invaded Judaea The High-Priest and People then looked for nothing but ruine but he imploring the assistance of God was warned in a dream to go out and meet him adorned with his Pontifical Vestments with the Levites and People as in a solemn Procession Alexander meeting this long train But his wrath is appeased lighted from his Horse and adored the Priest at which thing all the rest being amazed Parmenio asked him the reason thereof to whom he answered that he worshipped not the Priest but the God whom he served for that whilst he was yet in Greece and consulted about his Expedition
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
having marked them with some Barbarian Letters kept them as laughing stocks for derision They besought Alexander that as he had done by Greece so he would also deliver them from the cruelty of their Enemies He offered them to send them back but they rather chose to receive some grounds to live on than returning home to carry greater disgrace than comfort to their relations To each of them then he gave 3000 Drachms and 10 Garments with Cattel Sheep and Corn for the stocking of their grounds The next day he called a meeting of his Officers whom he told how there was no Citie more inveterate against the Graecians than that which had been the Seat of the Persian Kings and that therefore by the destruction of it they were to make a Parentation to their Ancestors The Town all besides the Palace he allowed the Souldiers to plunder who made a great slaughter of Captives and got unestimable riches in that place which heretofore of all they had been most secure Which he causeth to be plundered Entring the Castle he received the Treasure which there had been heaped up from the time of Cyrus the Great containing a great quantity of Gold and Silver Diodorus saith he took thence 120 Talents Gold being reckoned at the reckoning of silver part of which he employed in the present service of the War and the rest sent to Susa to be kept 67. Leaving a Garrison in Persepolis and a great part of the Army with the baggage there with 1000 horse and a party of foot he made an invasion into Persia Much rain fell and grievous Tempests ensued but he persevered in his purpose and also when they came to such places as were full of Snow and Ice and though the inhabitants fled from their Cottages to the Mountains He harrazeth the Countrey of Persia and killed his stragglers yet he brought them to submit and laying waste the Territories of Persia subdued also the Mardi a war-like Nation differing much from the customs of the other Persians and on the 30th day returned to Persepolis Then did he distribute gifts to his friends making no spare of Treasure and there he wintred four moneths rather enervating than refreshing his Army with the delicacies of the place For the celebration of his victories he offered magnificent sacrifices and feasted his friends Princely and to the feast admitted Courtisans Amongst the rest was Thais the Athenian the Mistresse of Ptolomy the son of Lagus She gave out that the King would atchieve a most gallant Enterprize if in a frollick he would with them set on fire the Palace and thereby in one moment overthrow the glory of the Persians by the hands of women This finding acceptance amongst the younger sort now in the midst of their Cups one amongst them desired that they might now revenge the injuries offered to the Temples of the Greeks with burning fire-brands which was seconded by others but yet they said that so great an affair did onely belong to Alexander Burneth in a frolick the Palace of Persepolis He being moved hereat was led out by Thais in a dance with the Minstrels and she receiving a fire-brand from him first set it to the Palace after which all the rest followed and so that structure was reduced into ashes Thus was the fury of Xerxes against Athens revenged by a Woman and Native of that Citie in the same way though accompanied with derision But Alexander afterward repented too late alleging that he should more grievously have punished the Persians by forcing them to behold him seated in the Palace and Throne of Xerxes Cometh to Pasargadae 68. From Persepolis he removed to Pasargadae a Citie founded by Cyrus the Great and the antient Seat of the Persian Kings which being delivered up to him by Gobases the Governour he therein found 6000 Talents Here he saw the Sepulchre of Cyrus in a Garden into which he commanded Aristobulus who wrote the story to enter Strabo lib. 15. pag. 730. who there found a golden Bed a Table and Cups with a golden Basket and great store of Apparel and Robes adorned with Pearl On this place Cyrus overthrew Astyages the Mede in his last battel and thereby obtaining the Soverainty of Asia in memorial of it built this Citie and a Palace which being by Curtius named Persagadae or Pasagada signifieth the Army of the Persians Gad turma Stephanus Then Alexander either by force or fair means became Master of all the other Cities of Persia about the time of the rising of the seven Stars from which the antients used to begin their Summer He placed over this Countrey Phrasaortes a Satrapa and then being minded to pursue Darius set forwards for Media where he heard he was Arrianus but being within three dayes journey of Echatane there met him Bisthanes the son of Ochus who reigned before Darius He cometh to Ecbatane He assured him that the King was gone thence five dayes before having taken with him 7000. or 8000 Talents and being accompanied with an Army of 6000 foot and 3000 horse 69. Dariuâ— staid at Ecbatane some time to receive such of his Soldiers as had escaped the battel and for the furnishing of them with Arms. He raised forces in the Neighbouring Nations What Darius did after the battel of Gaugamela and sent to the Satrapa of Bactria and the higher Countreys to retain them in obedience And he determined that if Alexander should stay about Babylon or Susae to continue in Media in expectation of some better change of fortune but if he should pursue him then to betake himself into Parthia or as far as Bactria and lay all the Countrey waste as far as he passed to cut off the provisions of the pursuer He sent therefore the women with all his Furniture and Carriages to the Caspian Straights and staid himself with such forces as he had raised at Ecbatane till such time as Alexander was within lesse then two hundred miles of him Then thought he of Bactria Curtius lib. 5. but fearing to be overtaken by Alexander against whose celerity no distance seemed to be sufficient he changed his purpose and though he fled yet prepared he himself rather for a fight than flight His Army consisted now according to Curtius of 30000 foot whereof 4000 were Graecians Commanded by Patron a man for his constant fidelity to Darius never enough to be commended and 3300 Bactrian horse under the Command of Bessus the Satrapa of the Countrey 70. Alexander being come to Ecbatane sent back towards the Sea the Thessalian horse and other associates bestowing on them besides their full pay 2000 Talents To Parmenio he gave in charge to bring all the Treasure out of Persia into Ecbatane to be committed to the trust of Harpalus whom he left with a Garrison of 6000 Macedonians besides some horse and of the associates Alexander pursueth him and then afterwards he ordered him to march through the
the Phrygiaes the Lydians also and Carians all but the Hallicarnassians and not long after Halicarnassus it self and then all the Maritime Coast as far as Cilicia After this he received a great overthrow at Issus in which his Mother Wife and Children were taken Phoenicia and Aegypt fell off from him At Arbela or Gaugamela losing a mighty Army consisting of all sorts of people he disgracefully was forced to flie then driven from his Kingdom wandring up and down and wanting due accommodations at last he was betrayed by his own servants and at the same time both a King and Captive was ignomniously bound in fetters and perished by the treachery of those from whom he should have expected safety as Arrianus writeth This hapned in the year that Aristophontes was Archon at Athens in the month Hecatombaeon vvhen he had lived about fifty years in the seventh year of his reign and the 203d of this Empire in the third year of the 112th Olympiad A. M. 3675 328 years before the ordinary Aera of Christ Contemporaries with the Persian Empire CHAP. II. The affairs of the Graecians amongst themselves during this Empire SECT I. Of such things as hapned from the beginning thereof until the Expedition of Xerxes Polycrates 1. IN the time of Cyrus the Great and afterwards lived Polycrates the famous Tyrant of Samus who from a small beginning arrived at such extraordinary power as no petty Prince of the Greekish Nation was ever accounted equal to him for worldly felicity The word Tyrannus or Tyrant whence derived and whom it signifieth 2. The word Tyrannus which we English Tyrant Suidas thinketh to have been derived from the Tyrrheni a people of Italy 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 because they were cruel and given to robbery Others thought it was derived of the City Tyre by means of it's riches and glory Most anciently the word was of no ill signification but was used in a good sense there being no discrimination betwixt King and it as * Aeneiad l. 7. Servius observeth For though Homer who never mentioneth Tyre either knew it not or would not use it yet the Poets who follow him call those Kings that lived before the Trojan times by the appellation of Tyranni Afterwards through the dissolute and cruel demeanour of some Princes and the antipathie of the Greeks towards Monarchy after they had generally erected Oligarchical or Democratical Governments it came to be taken in a bad sense Herein it is especially given to those who being once private persons enslaved their Citizens by invading without any just title the supreme power as to Polycrates Pisistratus Dionysius and Agathocles It 's also applied to the Children who succeeded their Fathers in the usurpation And it is also given sometimes to those who governed by the desire and consent of the People as Gelon of Syracuse betokening as to this particular a petty Prince or Regulus For it is seldom or never in antient Authors when it is taken in an ill sense found applied to any but the usurping Lords of Cities not any notable Kingdom and such Cities as had before been governed in the way of a Commonwealth And what is said of those Governours called Tyranni must be extended to their Government in the Greek language called Tyrannis which we english Tyranny SECT 1. though not in any ill sense wherein the Athenians used it not when they would have Solon to take the Tyrannis or Government upon him though the word was harsh This is hinted to take off any thoughts of the ignorant as if the word reflected upon Monarchy the best of Governments when all shall bee considered 3. Samus is an Island in the Mediterranean Sea lying over against Ionia Vid. Strabonem l. 14. not far severed from it containing in circuite scarce 100 miles so called from the heighth of it by the Antients in their Language On the West it looks towars the Island Icaria Samus called first Parthenia and afterward Dryusa but on the East the continent of Asia being near to Ephesus and the promontory of Mycale from which it is distant but five miles The most antient Inhabitants were Carians differing much from the Greeks both in language and manners But when the sons of Codrus led out Colonies from Attica Androclus one of them here setled one Vid. Heraâ—liâ— by which the City of the same name with the Island was built having a very large and commodious Haven It was presently much beautified with frequency of Inhabitants riches and multitudes of buildings and being very famous for the Temple of Juno which was especially worshipped in this place it was reckoned amongst the twelve Ionian Cities being partaker of the great Council of Panionium and counted not inferiour to Miletus Ephesus or Chius the most eminent amongst them Lib. 3. From Herodotus it should appear to have at first been governed by Kings the Inhabitants as he saith in the reign of Amphicrates making War upon Aegina which was hurtful to both sides and this was the cause that in the Age following the Aeginetans did as much by the Samian exiles which had retired into Crete But in what Age Amphicrates lived he doth not mention yet this is apparent from his words that the Samians because Islanders remained untouched by the King of Lydia and Persia when the other Ionian Cities in the continent were forced by them into subjection 4. But when Cyrus flourished in Asia and Pisistrates at Athens Herodotus lib. 3. cap. 39. Polycrates the Son of Aeaces one of their own Citizens offered violence to their liberty When first he seized on the Soveraignty he made his two Brothers Pantagnotus and Syloson partners with him but afterwards he slew the one and ejected the yonger and so having all the power in his own hands he contracted amity with Amasis Polycrates his exploits who at that time reigned in Aegypt In a short time his affairs so prospered that he became famous through Ionia and all Greece for wheresoever he made War he prospered with his 100 Biremes or Gallies with two ranks of Oars on a side and 1000 Archers invading all his neighbours without any difference for that he held it for a rule that he gratified his friend more by restoring what he had taken from him than if he had taken nothing away He subdued many Islands and many Towns in the continent The Lesbians coming to help their friends of Miletus with all their force he overthrew and took so many as served him to draw a ditch round about the walls of Samus His affairs being thus prosperous were not unknown to Amasis but being every day more prosperous than other at length Amasis suspected that his friend and allie for this prosperous Fortune would have some disastrous end and therefore he wrote to him and desired him that to make some certain change therein he would pick out that which was most dear to him His felicity and
Territories of Megara But things hapned otherwise than they expected for the Athenians left not the siege at Aegina but sent out of the Citie of Athens such as were both above and under age for the War to the aid of Megara which at length carried away the victory and forced the Corinthians to return home with great losse At this time the Athenians began to build their long Walls from the Citie to the port 12. After this arose a War betwixt the Phocians and the Dores The Lacedaemonians being Patrons to the later sent to their aid 11500 men which Army forced the Phocians and brought them to terms but being about to return home A War betwixt the Phocians Dores it dared neither do it by the Crissaean Sea or Gulf of Phocis nor through the Isthmus for fear of the Athenians and so staid in Boeotia for an opportunity especially being desired by some principal men of Athens who hating the popular Government hoped by the help of this Army to dissolve it and hinder the building of the long Walls which made much for the interest of the people But the Athenians hearing of this stop came out of the Citie to a man against them having with them 1000 Argives and a great number of other Allies so that the whole amounted to 14000. who when the Thessalian horse joyned with them gave battel to the Lacedaemonians near Tanagra a great and famous Citie of Boeotia not far from Thebes The Thessalian horse revolting to the Lacedaemonians they obtained the victory and then presently marching into Megaris wasted it and so returned home through the Istshmus Yet the Athenians resolving not to give way to Fortune 72 dayes after this defeat marched again into Boeotia to revenge themselves which by the overthrow of the inhabitants they reduced together with Phocis rased the Walls about Tanagra Idem ad ann 4 ad Olymp. 81. ann 1. and compelled the Opnutians of Locris to give them 100 Hostages of their richest men At this time they perfected their long Walls Aegina was yielded to them the Walls of which they pulled down took away their shipping and imposed Tribute upon them for the future And Tolmides their Captain coasting Peloponnesus with a Fleet burnt the Lacedaemonian Arcenal at Gythium took Chalcis a Town of the Corinthians and landing his men overthrew the Sicyonians in fight 13. But in Egypt the Athenians had bad successe Thucyd. lib. 1. Inarus being taken and Crucified and few of their men after six years returning home fifty Gallies also being sent to their relief were most of them taken and sunk by the Phoenicians Other Expeditions they made also with like successe save that they overtherw the Sicyonians again in battel which made them after three years willing to make truce with the Peloponnesians for five years by the advice of Cimon The Athenians forced by bad successe to make a Truce with the Peloponnesians whom being banished by the Ostracism they had recalled during which time they warred in (b) Diodorus ad Olymp. 82. ann 3. Cyprus under conduct of Cimon and in Aegypt in the service of Amyrteus the King with good successe (c) Thucyd. at prius After this followed the Holy War as they called it the Spartans taking the Temple at Delphos from the Phocians and giving it up to the Delphians from whom the Athenians again took it and restored it to the Phocians Afterwards the (d) Idem Diodorus ad Olymp. 83. ann 2. Boeotians revolte from the Athenians who thereupon in great indignation under conduct of Tolmides invaded them took Chaeronea and other Towns in which putting a Garrison and returning homewards light upon the Enemy who killed and took them all and amongst others Tolmides was slain They part with Boeotia Euboea revolts who had made this bold attempt contrary to the advice of Pericles the Son of Xanthippus who now had begun to grow eminent Hereat the Athenians exceedingly dashed to redeem their prisoners parted with all Boeotia and not long after all Euboea revolted from them their credit being now on the decaying hand To the recovery of this Island Pericles was sent who scarce being landed news came that Megara had also revolted and that the Peloponnesians were about to invade Attica 14. This constrained him to return Thucyd. lib. 1. Diodorus ad Olymp. 83. ann 3 ann 4. and the Peloponnesians accordingly invaded Atâ—ica under the command of Plâ—stonax the son of Pausanias the Lacedaemonian King They wasted all as far as Fleusine but Pericles there opposing them corrupted Clâ—andridas Counsellour to Plistonax with gold whereby they were deterred and returned home where Cleandridas was rewarded with death and Plistonax with banishment Pericles having so easily dispatched his affairs here returned into Euboea which he wholly reduced Pericles reduceth Euboea and various fortune inclineth both sides to an accommodation pulled down the walls of Chalcis and banished onely the Inhabitants of Hestiaea which he peopled with a Colony of his own Citizens This various fortune inclined both sides to an accommodation and procured a League to be made for thirty years betwixt the Athenians and Lacedaemonians with their allies on both sides whereby Nisaea Achaia Pagae and Tâ—aezene were set free by the Athenians and it was made lawful for any City that had not been associate with either part to joyn it self to which it best liked which Article afterwards was urged by them of Corcyra to Athâ—ns whereby they demonstrated that they ought not to deny them the liberty of association 15. Six years after a War arose betwixt the Inhabitants of Miletus and those of Samus about Priene a Town in Ionia under the Mountain Mycale Thucyd. Diodorus ad Olymp. 84. an 4. The Mâ—lesian affairs going down the wind they sent to Athens where they grievously accused the other with whom joyned also many of the Samians themselves who not being imployed in the Government desired to have it changed The Athâ—nians being perswaded by them manned out forty ships against Samus by which power Pericles restored the Popular Government exacted 80 Talents and taking for Hostages 50 Boys and as many Men which they kept in custody at Lemnus put a Garrison of their own into Samus it self Stirs in Samus Pericles victorious there But some of the Citizens who had withdrawn themselves into the continent entered into a conspiracy with the greatest in the Town and associating to them Pissuthnes the Governour of Sardis for the Persians with 700 Auâ—iâ—iâ—ries passed over by night into the Island and setting upon the People on a sodain of which they overthrew the major part and having their Hostages delivered to them by stealth out of Lemnus delivered up the Athenian Garrison with the Officers into the hands of Pâ—ssuthnes and brake out into open rebellion and drawing in the Byzantians to their party made War upon Miletus 16. The Athenians having notice of this presenly dispatched away 60
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
still proceed to incommodate their affaires Accordingly five Ambassadors were dispatched away Philip lulleth the Athenians asleep whereof one was Aeschines but coming into Macedonia they were there forced to stay till Philip had setled all things in Thrace according to his own pleasure and passed through the Pylae or Straights into Phocis The Athenians hearing of his coming notwithstanding the place were in great fear and caused all their goods to be brought into the City The Thessalians and Boeotians earnestly now desired of him that he would undertake the conduct of all Greece against the Phocians and on the other side the Ambassadors of the Phocians Lacedaemonians and Athenians earnestly dehorted him from the War He hearing both sides beeing accustomed to double dealing promised them he would do as all had desired and so making them secure hereby seized upon the Straights of Thermâ—pylae 25. The Phocians having sent to Lacedaemon for aid procured 1000 Footmen of heavy Armour which were commanded by Archidamus Diodorus ad Olymp. 108. an 3. Philip in conjunction with the Thessalians with a strong Army went down into Locris where finding Phalaecus restored to his Generalship he hasted to decide the controversie by action but the other lying at Nice and perceiving himself too weak to fight sent to treat with him and they agreed that he should have freedom to depart with his men whither he pleased Faith being given and received he departed with his Mercenaries to the number of 8000 into Peloponnesus He endeth the Phocian War and the Phocians being thus deserted were forced to yield So the War was ended by Philip without a stroak in the tenth year after the beginning thereof in the third year of the 108 Olympiad according to Diodorus when Archias was Archon but as * In Phocicis Pausanias writeth in the first of this Olympiad and in the government of Theophilus 26. Philip calling a Council of the Boeotians and Thessalians Diodorus ibid. it was resolved to remit the matter of the Phocians wholly to the judgment and sentence of the Amphyctiones Pausan ut prius They decreed that Philip as a reward for his good service should be enrolled in the number of themselvâ— and have the double voice which the Phocians formerly had That the Phocians should be debarred from the Temple That they should neither have Horse nor Arms till such time as they had repayed the money which they had stolen from Apollo All their Exiles and as many as were guilty of Sacrilege in their own persons should be accounted piacular and it might be lawful to take them out of any place The Phocians how punished by the Amphyctiones All their Cities were to be levelled with the ground and they reduced into Villages not exceeding the number of Fifty little Families apiece and distant a furlong one from another They were to pay to the Temple a yearly tribute of Sixty talents till the money stolen was made up But from this punishment Pausanias telleth us the Abaeans were excepted who alone had not contaminated themselves The Council then took order for restoring of the Oracle and for the establishment of peace in Greece and Philip having confirmed their Decrees imbracing them all with singular kindnesse returned into his own Kingdom flourishing with great glory both upon the account of Piety and Martial matters This Expedition made not a little for the enlargment of his Empire and the improvement of his design already laid to procure himsef to be chosen Captain General of Greece and to make War upon the Persians 27. Two years after and in the 17 of his reign he invaded the Illyrians his old Enemies with a potent Army took therein many Towns Diodorus ad Olymp. 109. an 1. wasted the Country and with rich booty returned into Macedonia Then went he into Thessalie where casting out the Tyrants out of the Cities he much won upon the People having a design hereby to make use of their favour as a decoy to bring in the affections of the rest And it failed not for their neighbours led by their example very readily entred into League with him The year after he prosecuted this design to a further advantage for Kersobleptes the King of the Thracians much distressing the Greek Cities in Thrace Idem ad an 2. he exhorted them to joyn together and with a strong force going against him overthrew the Thracians in several battels and forced them to pay the tenths of their Lands to the Kingdom of Macedonia Philip overthroweth the Thracians He built Forts in such places as were convenient for the bridling of their power whereby the Cities being delivered now from their fear most gladly imbraced his alliance and society The year after this Arymbas King of the Molossians died Idem ad an 3. who left a Son named Aeacides the Father of Pyrrhus but Philip deprived him of the Kingdom and gave it to Alexander the brother of his wife Olympias * Justin l 7. 8. Another saith that he deprived Arymbas yet alive and expelling him the Kingdom setled Alexander therein 28. The next Expedition Philip undertook Diodorus ad an 4. was against Perinthus a strong City situate upon the shore of the Propontis the Inhabitants whereof in favour of the Athenians crossed his designs With his utmost might he fell upon it continuing the storm without intermission by fresh men sent in the place of the dead or wounded Besiegeth Perinthus he built Turrets higher than theirs and with battering rams and mines brake down a part of the wall But the defendants being relieved from Byzantium manfully resisted and built a stronger wall in the room of that which was thrown down By this means the Siege being drawn on in length and great talk being in Asia of the power of the Macedonian Ochus the Persian King being now jealous of his power thought it wisdom to ballance him and for that purpse gave order to his Satrapaes upon the Sea Coasts to assist the Perinthians They uniting their Forces together gave them their utmost assistance which with the natural strength of the place inabled them to stand it out For it was seated upon the cliff of a Peninsula about a furlong in length the houses were thick and high rising one rank above another according to the ascent of the hill so that the whole Town represented the form of a Theatre Hereby though the wall was batterd down yet stopping the ends of the streets their defence was little diminished Marcheth thence to Byzantium which Philip perceiving and how all things necessary for the War were abundantly supplied from Byzantium he left a strong party under expert Captains to carry on the Siege and with the rest of the Army hasted against that City the inhabitants whereof having sent their men and arms to the Perinthians were thereby much straightned 29. By this time the grudges betwixt Philip and the Athenians were
forced to fly for his life and went into Crete There being courteously entertained by Minos he wrought many rare pieces of Architecture but at length so displeased the King in some thing which concerned Pasiphae his wife that he also fled thence into Sicily where he was entertained by Cocalus King of the Sicani then reigning at Inycus called also Camicus Some thought that by the means of Pasiphae he escaped by boat his Son Icarus accompanying him in another and that having invented sails whereas before oars onely were in use Icarus not managing his with skill enough his Vessel sunk and thereupon arose the Fable that they escaped with wings made of feathers waxed together and of the young man's soaring so high till the Sun melting the wax he thereupon fell headlong into that part of the Sea which afterwards bare his name Others thought Icarus was drowned as he took water But Minos getting notice whither Daedalus was fled pursued him with an Army and required Cocalus to give him up Cocalus returned him a satisfactory answer and invited him unto his house where he stifled him in a bath or else his daughters for the love they bore to Daedalus when they came to wash him which was the custom for women and maids to do unto guests according to Athenaeus instead of warm water poured on him scalding pitch He gave up his body to his men pretending he had slipped by chance into hot water and perswaded them to stay and plant in the Island where they built Minoa and Engyum now Gange the two first Greek Cities founded in Sicily as some note The Cretans afterwards in revenge for their King's death came and besieged Camicus five years to no purpose and were shipwrackt in their return upon the Coast of Italy where then resolving to stay and hide their disgrace they built Hyria betwixt Tarentum and Brundusium and from them descended the Iapyges and Messapii This passage concerning Minos the younger happened in the dayes of Hercules the Graecian an Age before the Trojan War 7. After Cocalus the several Cities because they wanted rightful and successive Kings as it seemeth and lived under loose Democracy became the prey of Tyranni whereof no Country was ever more fertil than this Island saith Justin Of these Ut supra Anaxilaus his Justice vied with the Cruelty of the rest and was not unrewarded For at his death leaving his children young whom he committed to the trust of Micythus his faithful slave his Subjects so prized his memory as they chose rather to obey him and suffer the Majesty of a Kingdom to be managed by a slave than desert his sons But if by these Tyranni be to be meant such as after the setlement of the Greek Colonies made themselves Masters of the Cities as we have no other ground than to believe the name of Anaxilaus sufficiently declaring it's original then Cocalus living an Age before the Trojan War and the first Greek Colony mentioned by Thucydides being planted in the * A. M. 2723. 11 Olympiad this after Cocalus is with great liberty used by Trogus or Justin several hundreds of years viz. five or six intervening betwixt Cocalus and those Tyrants For the Cities were many years after their founding governed by the People according to the custom of Greece till Phalaris usurped in the State of Agrigentum which Suidas writeth to have happened in the 52 Olympiad and Eusebius in the 54. This difference betwixt them may well be reconciled if with Cappellus we believe that Phalaris coming to Agrigentum there was kindly entertained for eight years A. M. 3441. Olymp. 54. an 1. V. C. 190. Evilmerodachi 2. at the end whereof took occasion from a guest and perhaps a Judge of Controversies to make himself Tyrant and the People slaves 8. Phalaris was born at Astypalea a City in Crete his Fathers name was Laodamus Phalaris the Tyrant who died whilst this his son was an infant He married Erythia and on her begat Paurolas a little before whose btrth being banished and deprived of the greated part of his estate he continued long in a desolate condition not knowing what to do till at length a Sedition being raised in the State of Agrigentum he was sent for by the weaker faction and in conclusion got all the power into his hands He kept the Tyranny by the same arts he first obtained it viz. fraud and cruelty for which cause he was grievously hated by many and his life laid at by those of whom he had well deserved Erythia continued all her life with her son Paurolas at Astypalea where though she was much importuned by many Suters yet she remained stedfast in fidelity to her husband The Citizens of Astypalea when they saw Phalaris had so advanced himself either for that now their hatred was allaied or out of fear of revenge sent to him to intimate that they had revoked what had been formerly done against him as unjust He despised not this late repentance but sent them his hearty thanks and rewarded them Having obtained a victory over the Leontines his son Paurolas sent him a Crown of Gold which he returned back unto his wife Erythia She was at length poysoned by Python one of her Suters inraged at a repulse which thing Phalaris took most impatiently 9. It hapned that one Perillus an Athenian and an excellent Statuary came to Agrigentum where shewing his rare skill he was kindly entertained by Phalaris He taking notice of Phalaris his cruelty framed a brazen Bull which being heated and a man put in his belly would by the roaring of him that was thus tormented Perillus and his brazen Bull. imitate the voice of a natural one Presenting him with this exquisite piece as incomparable for the torturing of men he admired his skill but detesting his wickednesse caused him first to make a tryal of it and excused himself to the Athenians who took it ill as having done nothing but what was just and meet If Perillus had onely made experiments Phalaris had satisfied all reasonable men but threatning his Enemies with this Engine and making good his word upom them as often as he could have occasion he thereby incurred and slighted the hatred of mankind At the same time flourished one Stesichorus a Poet of Himera who died eight years before Phalaris He wrote verses against the Tyrant and raised an Army animating the Inhabitants of Himera against him with whom joyned Conon a most leud and naughty man and divers others all which together with the Poet at length fell into his hands Conon was presently condemned to the Bull. He doubted at first what to do with Stesichorus but at length beholding his worth he not onely dismissed him unpunished but with large gifts and ever after mightily reverenced him both alive and dead insomuch as he desired the Himerians to build him a Temple and Altars offering for that purpose men money and all necessaries and most lovingly comforted
to stand to any award as he knew they would a more specious pretence might be obtained for the War They accordingly opposing it the Syracusians decreed to hold them as Allies and Confederates and also to be at peace with the Carthaginians but the two concerned Cities falling upon each other both Syracuse and Carthage was thereby drawn into the quarrel Hannibal then having both in Spain and Africk made great preparations Ad ann 4. the next year landed at Lilybaeum the most Southern Cape of Sicily towards Africk and setting upon the Selinuntians at unawares with a vast Army took their Citie in the 10th day of the siege wherein he made Captive 7000 persons 16000 being slain and 2600 escaped to Agrigentum He permitted Empedion and his kindred to people it anew Selinuns taken by the Carthaginians under condition of paying Tribute to Carthage This was the condition of Selinuns after it had stood 242 years from its first founding by the Megarians who being descended from Megara in Greece first came into Sicily under conduct of Lamis and built a Town upon the River Pantacius called Trotilus Thence Lamis departing with some of his Colony went to the Leontines and Chalcidians with whom having lived some time he was driven out by them and planting some Inhabitants in Thapsus after his death they left the place and under conduct of Hyblon the Sicilian King who betrayed the Countrey inhabited Megara and were called Hyblaeans After 245 years they were driven hence by Gelon of Syracuse but 145 years before this they sent out a Colony with Pammilus which built Selinuns 22. Hannibal from Selinus marched to Himera having a particular grudge against that place for his Grand-father's death And Himera Falling on it with all his might he was repulsed for a little time by the resolute valour of the Inhabitants but the Wall being beaten down with his Engines he shortly took it Many Women and Children had withdrawn themselves out of the Citie of those men which he took he carried up 3000 to the Hill where his Grandfather had been slain and there killed them being before used with all kinds of indignities then rased he the Citie which had been inhabited 240 years and dismissing his Mercenaries and Subjects of Sicily departed home where he was received with greatest expressions of honour and affection for having done in three moneths what other Captains would have required far larger time to effect After his departure Hermocrates the Syracusian who having been sent as General to the assistance of the Lacedaemonians was condemned to banishment in his absence through the malice of his Enemies returned with a considerable Force into Sicilie and to ingratiate himself with his Country-men repeopled Selinus and fell upon the tributaries of Carthage The more still to indear himself he took up the bones of those Syracusians that fell at Himera and in a cariage sent them to the City Diodorus ad Olymp. 93. an 1. well knowing that this would procure as love to him so envy and hatred to Diocles his main adversary who having been the Captain of the slain had taken no care for their burial Diocles much opposed their publick Sepulture but the People resolutely decreed it then banished him and yet they recalled not Hermocrates being lealous lest he should improve his power and abilities to the making of himself absolute He then being in despair of returning by fair means attempted to do it by force and getting in to the City was amongst his complices killed by the multitude 23. In the second year of the 93 Olympiad A. M. 3598. Ol. 93. an 3. V.C. 347. Idem ad an 2. the Syracusians sent to Carthage to complain of the late War and to desire that for the time to come they would forbear all hostility to which they returned an ambiguous answer and made all possible provision for an Army wherewith to subdue the whole Island Before they transported any Forces they sent a Colony thither which at the hot waters built a City and called it Thermae The year following they ordered Hannibal to go over as General who excusing himself by reason of his Age they joyned with him Imilco the son of Hanno one of the same Family These two Generals then made Levies throughout Africk Ad an 3. hired Soldiers out of Spain the Islands Baleares and Italy and got together an Army of 120000 men according to Timaeus but after Ephorus his reckoning 300000. As they were passing over the Syracusians met them and sunk fifteen of their Vessels but with the rest Hannibal passed safe over and fell upon the rich and stately City of Agrigentum which contained 200000 persons The Agrigentines wanted not assistance from their friends all the Greek Cities being deeply concerned in their welfare and the Syracusians gave the besiegers a considerable defeat who demolishing the Tombs and Monuments the better to get to the walls had thereby pulled down a Pestilence upon themselves saith Diodorus wherein Hannibal died But Imilco or Imilcar thereby not discouraged continued the Siege expiating the offence as he thought by sacrifizing a Boy to Saturn and drowning a company of Priests in the Sea as an offering to Neptune His Soldiers mutinying for provisions he supplied by taking of the ships which loaded with necessaries were sent from Syracuse to the besieged Hereby he starved them within And Agrigentum and constrained them to quit the City being guarded to Gela by armed men Imilcar found extrordinary rich plunder in it whereof some rarities he sent to Carthage amongst which was Phalaris his Bull though Timaeus the Historian carping at all others by denying that there was ever any such thing is justly censured by Diodorus For Scipio Africanus the younger 260 years after having destroyed Carthage restored this Engine to the Agrigentines with whom it was yet remaining when Diodorus wrote his History 24. Imilcar having after a Siege of eight moneths thus mastered Agrigentum a little before the Winter solstice destroyed it not presently that therein he might quarter his Soldiers that Winter All the Island was struck with great fear upon report of what had happened some of the Sicilians departed to Syracuse and others transported their wives and children with their wealth into Italy The Agrigentines being got safe to Syracuse accused their Captains as having betrayed their Country and the Syracusians were also blamed by the rest for having chosen such Generals as by their dishonesty had brought Sicilie into extreme danger A meeting being had at Syracuse and great fear of a War possessing all men's minds none dared to speak one word or give any advice All sticking at the matter at length stood up Dionysius the Son of Hermocrates and accusing the Captains of having betrayed Agrigentum Dionysius his tricks for making himself absolute earnestly moved the People to punish them forthwith and not stay the time prefixed by Law For this unlawful and seditious motion the Magistrates
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
it with Darts afar off whereof the greatest part being kept off by the boughes and leaves of the Tree the rest he received on his Target But the Indians drawing nearer Casteth himself into extream danger threw showers of Darts upon him and with stones broke his Helmet Being spent and not longer able to stand he fell upon his knees whereupon despising him they came to him and yet he so received them with his sword as two fell down dead before him and after this he killed their General who boldly set upon him then none would venture to approach nearer but plied it with Darts afar off By this time those three that mounted the wall after him were got down and fought stoutly for him of whom Abreas was shot in the face and fell the King also in the breast with an Arrow which piercing through his Armor near his Pap some affirmed that blood and breath issued together out of the wound and he swooned being covered by Peucestes with his shield Now the Macedonians brake into the Castle and put all to the sword sparing neither Sex nor Age. They carried their King out on a Target not knowing whether he was alive or dead but shortly after he came to himself and his wound was dressed some say by Critobulus the Physician others by Perdiccas out of which much blood issuing he swooned again and that very thing staunched the bleeding While he stayed a little in this place a report flew to the Army then lying with the Fleet at the meeting of the two Rivers Hydraotes and Acesines that he was dead and it gained such belief that the Letters he sent were taken but as counterfeit Therefore he hasted to the Camp where he presented himself to the view of them all there 25. Having escaped this great danger amongst the Malli for amongst them it was and not amongst the Oxydracae as some have mistaken and returned to his Fleet he sailed down the River and on the fourth day came to a place forsaken of its Inhabitants but convenient for to make some stay in Here he rested many days for the better curing of his wounds and employed his men this while in building of ships Hither the Malli and Oxydracae sent to ask pardon and submit themselves After which he sailed further and came to the confluence of Hydraotes and Acesines the former whereof loseth it self in the later Proceeding further he came through Acesines into Indus subduing a certain People in his way who lived in a Free State Saileth into Indus and here he made Philip Governor of the Malli and Oxydracae with all the Country down to this place wherein he also gave order for a City to be built Following on his voiage he arrived at the Country of the Sanbestae or Sabracae who living also in a popular way of Government were very populous and strong and hearing of his coming had got together 60000 Foot and near 8000 Horse but upon a sight of his Fleet they let fall their courage and sent fifty of their principal men to ask peace From this place on the fourth day he came to the seat of the Sogdae who also yielded themselves and here by the River Indus he caused to be built another Alexandria Upon which he buildeth an Alexandria and subdueth Musicanus which he furnished with convenient Havens and Arsenals Thence he sailed down with such expedition into the Country of Musicanus that he was upon him ere he heard of his coming therefore the Indian met him with such gifts as his Country afforded and gave up himself with all he had into his hands acknowledging his fault that he had no sooner done it 26. Having here commanded Teryestes whom he had set over the Paropamisadae to be put to death for abusing that People by a covetous and tyrannical Government he caused a Fort to be raised in the chief City of Musicanus wherein he left a Garrison because the place seemed very convenient for keeping the neighbouring Nations in obedience Leaving Musicanus in his former power though not authority he sailed down to the Praesti another Indian Nation over which ruled Oxycanus Here he stormed two Cities in one whereof their King being retired into the Castle sent to him to beg pardon but too late for ere the Messengers could come at Alexander two Towers fell down which made way for the Macedonians who entring and Oxycanus killed Oxycanus amongst the rest which being reported to the other Cities they all yielded themselves After this he came into the borders of the Brachmans whose King Sabus or Sambus caused the Gates of his principal City to be opened but afterwards revolted at the instigation of his Subjects some of whom paid dearly for it in a certain City wherein they were taken Sambus himself with thirty Elephants escaping Some of them were upon pain of death to answer to certain hard Questions which having done they were dismissed with rewards as Plutarch informeth us But ere this Musicanus had revolted against whom Pithon was sent who overpowering him took him prisoner He was Crucified in his own Countrey by Alexander's Command with all such Brachmans as had drawn him to revolt 27. Returning to the River Indus in the fourth day he came to a Citie of the Brachmans called Hamatelia the inhabitants whereof hearing that he was invincible poisoned the heads of their Arrows trusting to their own valour and the natural strength of the place He sent a party which by approaching their Walls and then retreating drew them forth by which stratagem of 3000 he took 1000. and killed 600. Many of his own men died and those who survived were brought into extream danger amongst whom was Ptolomy the son of Lagus He being almost ready to die the story goeth that Alexander in a Dream had an Herb shewed to him which drunk and outwardly applied helped against the poyson the truth being Strabo lib. 15. that the virtue of this plant was by some declared to him and this story feigned out of flattery For all this the besieged yielding had indemnity granted to them and then came Maeris King of the Island Pattalena which he gave up into the Conquerours power Alexander restored and sent him back commanding him to provide all necessaries for his Army but sailing down thither he found that he had left the Citie and retired to the Mountains with all his subjects both of Town and Countrey Alexander sent some hors-men to perswade them to return which accordingly diverse did Then did he order Hephaestion to build a Fort in the Citie and sent a party to dig Wells in that Coast of the Countrey which wanted water The Enemy fell upon these men out of the Wildernesse and killed many of them which forced the King to send others for a supply He sayleth to the Island Pattalena Now had he sayled almost 10 moneths when he came to Pattalena 28. At this Island the River Indus parteth into two
branches whereof both retained the name as far as the Sea it self Alexander taking the right hand sayled down that Channel his Army being led according to the custom near the Rivers side The next day arose such a Tempest as exceedingly distressed the Fleet some ships being driven so far as scarcely could they be recovered whereupon for some time the King stayed here at a ceatain Island and sent men on shore to take up some Natives to be their Guides Coming lower where the Chanel was very broad another Tempest forced them into a certain Creek where as great a fear seized on them and so much the greater because they were unacquainted with the occasion of it It hapned that the Tide being exceeding high as it is at this day at Cambaia Is distressed upon the water where the River Indus falls into the Sea all the grounds near the River were overflown except certain Hills which appearing like so many Islands to them the Macedonians swom and left their Boats When the water fell again the Vessels were left on the drie ground some being overwhelmed and others turned upon their sides But the River according to the course of the Tide overflowing again at the due time such Vessels as stuck fast in the Mud were lifted up unhurt but those that the water found otherwise placed were either dashed against one another or miscarried after some other fashion 29. Repairing his Navy as he could he sent before two Boats to make discovery of another Island below by the Indians called Cilluta but by him Scillastis near which he must needs sayl down into the Ocean Hearing that it was large and very Commodious to harbour in he gave order for the Fleet to go thither but he himself proceeded further to search whether there was easie passage at the River's fall for the whole Navy into the Sea Having passed some 200 furlongs he discovered another Island and then returned to the Fleet where having sacrifized to some gods he went back and performed this service to others after another fashion saying he was commanded so to do by the Oracle of Jupiter Hammon Sayling out of Indus into the Ocean he sacrifized Bulls to Neptune and after the burning of Incense cast out a Golden Vial with Golden Cups into the Sea Passeth into the Ocean praying for a prosperous voyage to his Navy which he intended under command of Nearchus his Admiral should sayl through the Ocean into the Persian Gulf and so up Euphrates and Tigris and that no mortal after him might passe the bounds of his expedition Then returned he up the River to Pattala whither he found Pithon come with the Forces purposing to leave half the Fleet at the Citie to this day called Pattala in Cambaia he commanded Hephaestion there to make an Haven and provision for shipping He himself sayled down the stream on the left hand which first lead him to a Lake where he left Leonnatus with most of the Soldiers and with 30 ships passed through this Mouth of Indus into the Ocean 30. His design was to see whether the Fleet might not best sayl this way into the Sea and he satisfied himself that it might Then did he Travel up the shore and caused Wells to be digged thereon to furnish the Navy with water Returning then to Pattala he sent part of his Army to dig more and going to the Lake he caused Havens to be made and provision for shipping he also left there a Garrison with necessaries for 8 moneths At this time the Etesian vvinds in this Countrey blowing from the South though in other places from other quarters hindred Navigation wherefore he was constrained to leave Nearchus at Pattala with the Fleet till they should cease He journeyed through the Countrey of the Arabitae or Arbitae to the River Arabius or Arbis digging pits on the shore for the use of the Fleet in its passage by these Coasts Nearchus the Admiral sayleth the Ocean Nearchus and his followers were two moneths after Alexander's departure driven out by the Inhabitants of Pattalena and compelled to begin their Voyage ere the season of the year well served Coming to the mouth of the River they were forced to cut through a Rock for some way such a Ditch as by the help of the Tide might convey their ships safe into the Ocean The Arabitae hearing of Alexander's approach fled into the Mountains so that without opposition he passed over the River Arabius and came into the Countrey of the Oritae of whom killing some and taking others because they had not submitted themselves he thence marched into the Borders of the Gedrosians with whom the Oritae had joyned but upon his approach sent and begged peace which he granted on condition that they would depart to their dwellings He set over them Apellophanes with whom he left Leonnatus one of the keepers of his body with a party of horse and foot to expect the coming of the Fleet and in the mean while to build a new Citie and settle the affairs of the Countrey 31. In his passage through the Countrey of the Gedrosians greate losse and damage hapned to him than in all his expedition through Asia besides because what for want of water by excesse of heat ill diet and hunger he carried not out the fourth part of those forces he brought into India Alexander passeth the Countrey of the Gedrosians with incredible difficulty Yet was not this losse sustained through ignorance for some tell us that he knew of the danger very well but hearing that this Countrey had been formerly invaded both by Semiramis and Cyrus whereof the former was forced to fly but with 30 Attendants and the later with 7. he had an itching desire to passe through it and in the glory of his adventure to excell them After incredible trouble undergone for 60 dayes he came to Pura the chief Citie where as it was time he refreshed his Army and thence marched towards the Borders of Caramania Hither news came that Philip Governour of the Oxydracae and of other Indians vvas killed by the Mercenary Soldiers but that his death vvas revenged upon them by the Macedonians vvhereupon he vvrote to Taxiles and Eudemus to take care of the Countrey till such time as he could send one to succeed Philip. Coming into Caramania not far from Persia he animadverted upon the Governour as upon Cleander and Sitalces vvho being sent to kill Parmenio had after his death committed grievous outrages upon the people in those parts He also punished Ozines and Zariaspes who had solicited the Persians to revolt and Heracon who had rifled the Temple at Susa here also he made Peucestes one of the keepers of his body they being before this seven in number In the mean time Nearchus having passed the borders of the Arabii Oritae Gedrosians Ichthyophagi came into the Persian Gulf and arrived at Armusia now called Ormus where understanding that his Master was but distant five dayes journy
professing that they would not depart till he had compassion on them On the third day perceiving them thus humbled he came forth to them and Callines after mutual weeping told him that it troubled them to know others received into his kindred and themselves excluded from it He answered that he received them also and so would call them thenceforth then he offered himself to be kissed by as many as would Being thus received again into favour they returned with great joy to their tents and afterwards were feasted by him together with Persians and others to the number of 9000 guests 36. He dismissed now such as were unserviceable for the Wars though some say it was not till a little before his death to whom he paid not onely their arrears but gave them money to bear their charges and a talent to every man besides He sent home with them Craterus his beloved friend to govern Greece and Macedonia in the room of Antipater who was to bring over a supply of men Then made he a progresse through several places and came to Ecbatane the chief seat of Media He cometh to Ecbatane in Media where Hephaestion dieth where Hephaestion by drinking got a Feaver and then impatient of a strict diet died of it in seven dayes In the absence of Glaucus his Physician who was gone to the Theater to behold the sports he eat his dinner and after it drank a cup of cold wine which as it was thought increased the distemper Alexander took his death most heavily fasted three dayes and refused to be comforted He commanded the Physician to be crucified bespoke an universal mourning wherein the Cities shared by the removal of their ornaments from the walls He ordered Perdiccas to convey the body to Babylon where he intended him a most sumptuous monument and refused to fill up his place of Captain of his Thousand friends lest his name should be forgotten by which he would have the Company still called Then for diversion he made War upon the Cossai a People bordering on the Oxii which having stood out against the Persians despised him also in respect of their valour and the strength of their Country situate upon the mountains of Media Yet for all this and the coldnesse of Winter he brought them under within 40 dayes 37. Having a great desire to sail the Caspian Sea he sent Heraclides with divers Ship-carpenters into Hyrcania to build ships and then he took his journy towards Babylon Being distant from the City two or three dayes journy the Chaldaeans sent to warn him that he should not come into the City for they were told by their god Belus that if he did it should be fatal to him He intended to follow their advise but being perswaded otherwise by Anaxarchus and other Graecians at length he resolved on the contrary Then they desired him that he would not enter with his face upon the West He cometh to Babylon but it being difficult not so to do by reason of the Fens about the City having slighted their former advice he also rejected this Being arrived he gave audience to Ambassadors sent to him now from all parts not onely out of Asia but from Africk and Europe also Out of Africk A. M. 3681. Ol. 114. an 1. Urbis conditae 430. Alexand. 13. from the Nations situate upon the Sea-Coasts as far as the Atlantick Ocean from Europe besides the Graecians Thracians Illyrians and Scythians from some Nations of Italy as the Brutii Lucani Tusci from Sicilie and Sardinia as also from the Spaniards and Galls then first known to the Macedonians but as for the Romans though some ranked them in the number yet have we no reason to give credit to their report At the celebration of the Olympick games he caused it to be proclaimed that all Greek Exiles might return home except such as were banished for Sacrilege or murther against which the Athenians and Aetolians onely made resistance Then celebrated he the funerals of Hephaestion with vast magnificence and sacrificed to him as an Heroe After this he made great preparations for shipping intending also to invade and conquer Arabia which hearing that it was no lesse than India he sent some to discover 38. While these preparations were making and an Haven in digging at Babylon he passed through Euphrates into Pallocopa a River which being supplied with water from the former thereby hindreth it from overflowing the Country Here he opened the passages made a new one towards the Lakes and coming into the borders of Arabia built there a City Then deriding the Chaldaeans for that he had both entred and sailed in safety from Babylon he thither returned and liking the City exceedingly intended to make it the seat of his Empire though it was but for a short space as it fell out Where he falleth into a Feaver For having sate up feasting and drinking very late one night as he was departing to go to bed he was again invited by Medius a Thessalian to another carowze where challenging and being challenged he drank so much wine as put him into a Feaver whereof he died the eleventh day Vide praeter Plutarchum Diodorum Senecae Epist 83. Athenaeum l. 11. c. 17. Macrobium Saturnal lib. 5. cap. 21. Some have delivered that he was poysoned by the procâ—rement of Antipater who suspecting he was through the malice of Olympias called out of Macedonia for no good towards himself sent his son Cassander with poyson to be delivered to Iollas and his other sons that then waâ—ed on the King Indeed Cassander was not at all favourable as he ought to â—â—ve been to the interest of Alexander's posterity as neither to his reputation and coming to him a little before his death he did but little strive to suit his humour For seeing the Barbarians adore him and being unacquainted with such asight he burst forth into laughing for which Alexander caught him by the hair and knocked his head soundly against the wall as Plutarch telleth us But as for matter of poison the long lying of his body in so hot a Country during the contentions of his Captains betraied no symptoms thereof and therefore others give no credit to the report Moreover the course of his sicknesse presenteth us with no such symptomes as it is described to us by Plutarch and Arrianns out of his Diaries 39. On the 18th day of the Macedonian moneth Daesius May the 12 he slept in a Bath because of his feaver The day following he returned to his Bed Chamber and spent it with Medius at Dice then being washed at night and having finished his devotions he supped something liberally and all the night was much distempered On the 20th day he washed and having finished a solemn sacrifice in the Bath heard Nearchus relate the story of his Navigation and of what he had seen in the Ocean On the 21th having done the same thing his Feaver increased and he had an ill night The day
to passe over with it into Asia and with the rest marched for Thessaly there to oppose Demetrius and the Greeks Stirs preceding the great battel There meeting and incamping with vast Armies neither of them would begin the battel expecting how things went in Asia till Demetrius was recalled thither by his father Lysimachus being landed there the Inhabitants of Lampsachus submitted to him whom he restored to their liberty stormed Sigeus and placed a Garrison there then he taketh in Phrygia upon the Hellespont and divers other places by the means of Docimus an Officer of Antigonus whom he had drawn over to him Prepelaus also whom he sent with a party to subdue the Cities of Aeolis and Ionia took other Towns Antigonus was at this time celebrating publick Games at Antigonia when hearing this news he presently broke them off and with all speed marched against Lysmachus Whom he reached and besieged him in his Camp for some time till he taking the opportunity of a dark and rainy night fled away Then hearing that Seleucus was drawing down his Forces from the upper Provinces he sent for Demetrius to come over with all expedition Seleucus had lately made peace with Sandrocottus or Androcottus who being a man of no quality had sollicited the Indians to revolt after the death of Alexander and to kill his Officers and thence took an occasion to subdue them under himself Bactria being subdued Seleucus had waged War with him but now for a Composure gave to him some Countrey lying upon the River Indus which Alexander had taken from the Arians and received 500 Elephants again of him in exchange Ptolomy with a compleat Army had come into Caelesyria where he reduced divers Cities but as he was besieging Sidon came a false report that Antigonus had overthrown Seleucus and Lysimachus and now was coming thitherward wherefore he made a Truce with the Sidonians for five moneths and returned but not long after came up again to that fatal ingagement with Antigonus 4. Plutarch in vita Demetrii Appianus in Syriacis The Forces of these several Princes were drawn down to be in readinesse against the Spring Antigonus had an Army of 70000 foot 10000 horse and 75 Elephants the contrary party had made up amongst them 64000 foot 1500 horse 400 Elephants and 120 Chariots Antigonus bragged that he would scatter the meeting of these Kings together as one might do the flocking of birds gathering Corn with the throwing of a stone but when they approached he was more melancholick than usual and was seen to discourse with his son in private in his Tent which he never used to do commended him also to the Army as his Successor This battel was fought at Ipsus a Town in Phrygia in which Demetrius leading the best party of horse ingaged with Antiochus the son and afterwards Successor of Seleucus whom he routed and put to flight but being too hot in the pursute undid all for retiring back he could not again joyn himself with the foot by reason that the Elephants were gotten between them Seleucus seeing this made as if he would have falln upon the Infantry thus destitute of the horse wherein his expectation failed him not for they fearing it part revolted to him and the rest were broken Antigonus slain in it and put to flight Antigonus standing his ground expected continually Demetrius to come to relieve him but in that expectation ended his life by a multitude of Darts thrown against him being now something above 80 years old Demetrius his son with 5000 foot and 4000 horse fled to Ephesus but there fearing his Soldiers might be some way false to him A. M. 3704. Ol. 119. ann 4. V. C. 453. Seleuci 12. Ptolom 23. he sayled to Salamine in Cyprus which he then held This fell out in the 3704 year of the World the fourth of the 119 Olympiad 23 years after the death of Alexander and six after their taking the Title of Kings upon them 5. The Conquerours parted his Dominions amongst them as we are told Iidem but it seems to have been chiefly Seleucus and Ptolomy who did not well agree about their prey and upon this account left a contention to their Successors Seleucus fell presently upon building Cities the first of which he called after himself Seleucia and the later to which he transferred the Inhabitants of Antigonia to the number of three thousand five hundred as we said before he called Antiochia either after his father or son's name for both are affirmed and this afterwards proved the Metrapolis of Syria Ptolomy after the death of Antigonus got Syria again with Cyprus Vide Usserium in prima parte Annal. pag. 461. and afterwards Cyrene also into his power and married his daughter Arsinoes unto Lysimachus as few years after his other to Agathocles the son Seleucus seeing that thus these two strengthned themselves in affinity The Alliances of the Kings thought not amisse to joyn also with Demetrius though gone down the wind and accordingly sent to him for his daughter Stratonice He receiving this unexpected Message sayled with her into Syria Passing by Cilicia which then Cassander held Plistarchus his brother cried out that he would invade his Territories and went strait to Seleucus to expostulate with him his being reconciled to the common Enemy But Demetrius landing went to Quinda where finding yet 200 Talents left in the Treasury he took them away and so went and met with Seleucus at Orossus who taking his wife away with him to Antioch Demetrius seized upon Cilicia and sent his wife Phila to Cassander her brother to purge him of those things laid to his charge by Plistarchus Notwithstanding Cassander he held Cilicia Plutarch ibid but Seleucus his son-in-law required that for a sum of money he would give it up into his hands which he refused and then he with some anger demanded Tyre and Sidon of him not being content though he held all from the Syrian Sea as far as India that his father-in-law should rest quiet with it A. M. 3707. Ol. 120. ann 3. V.C. 456. Seleuci 15. Ptolom 26. being sufficiently tossed with adverse fortune but he as stoutly denied this also saying that though he were a thousand times more overcome yet would he never purchase the affinity of Seleucus Cassander dieth and fortified the Cities with Garrisons The next year Cassander King of Macedonia died of a Dropsie which was so loathsom as Lice withall broke out of him after he had ruled that Countrey 19 years 26 after the death of Alexander A. M. 3707. 6. He left three sons by Thessalonice the daughter of Philip Idem ibid. in vita Pyrrhi Just lib. 16. and sister to Alexander Philip Antipater and Alexander The first succeeded his father but died presently of a Consumption Antipater coming after him killed his mother for that after her husbands death she seemed to favour his younger brother Alexander more than him in the
Mithridates King of Bithynia had seized on part of Asia Having with many battel 's recovered though not all his fathers Kingdom from divers which now begun severally to pluck the parts of so great a body he sent over a strong party under the Command of Patrocles beyond Taurus who took to himself Hermogenes for his Lieutenant He intended amongst other places to fall upon Heraclea a Citie of Pontus but the Inhabitants coming out and pacifying him he made a League with them Succeedeth his father and thence through Phrygia invaded Bithynia A. M. 3723. Ol. 124. ann 3. V. C. 472. Ptol. Philad 3. where in an ambush laid for him he was cut off though he fought stoutly with his whole Army after which Zipaetes the King built a Citie upon the Hill Lyperus which being called after his own name became famous and not long after he dying His Wars left his Kingdom to Nicomedes his eldest son Against him Antiochus being about to undertake an Expedition he craved help of those of Heraclea promising them to requite them with the like favour in their necessity which they took as an occasion to fall off again and break the League made with Hermogenes and partly by force and partly by purchase recovered divers places taken from them and attempting to do so by Amestris which one Eumenes held he chose rather out of anger to deliver up the Town to Ariobarzanes the son of Mâ—thridates than to self it to them Not long after Antiochus and Antigonus Gonatas being at difference and preparing for the War on both sides Nicomedes joyned himself with Antigonus against whom therefore the other thought first to try his strength Mithridates strengthning himself procured 13 Gallies from Heraclea which adding to his own Fleet he went against that of Antiochus but facing one another for some time they departed at length without a fight Antigonus Gonatas maketh a League with him 3. Antigonus Gonatas being resolved to venture for Macedonia where his father Demetrius Poliorcetes once reigned though he had once already been overthrown by Ptolomy Ceraunus who now held that Kingdom made a League with Antiochus This Prince might be the more willing to imbrace it by reason that the Gauls were now come into Asia brought by Nicomedes of Bithynia to help him against Zybaeas or Zipatus the younger who held from him whether his brother or no is uncertain the Maritime part of that Countrey After they had helped him to recover Bithynia they harrased all the Countreys far and wide He repelleth the Galls and thence hath the name of Soter and though they were but 20000. and of them but half fighting men yet struck they such a Terrour into all Nations on this side Taurus as most though they had never seen them submitted unto them But Antiochus as we have it from Appian repelled them from his Territories and thence for saving the Countrey harmlesse had the name of Soter or Saviour Pausan in Phocicis having before sent as aid into Greece 500 men against their Countrey-men under the conduct of Telesarchus the Syrian After this having married his daughter Apame to Magas King of Cyrene and brother to Ptolomy Philadelphus he was perswaded by his son-in-law to break the League which his father Seleucus had made with Ptolomy and invade Egypt Idem in Atticis but as he was about to do this and was gathering forces for it Ptolomy sent several parties of Soldiers into all the Countreys over which he reigned whereof some acting the parts of Robbers and others of Enemies diverted him from his purpose The last ingagement he was in that we read of was with Eumenes the first King of Pergamus near Sardis Strabo lib. 13. from whom he received an overthrow The Original of the Kingdom of Pergamus 4. For there was one Philetaerus an Eunuch born at Tios in Paphlagonia Strabo ibid. and belonging to Lysimachus who made him Keeper of his Treasure placed at Pergamus which he built very strong upon the Hill He continued very faithfull to him Pausan in Atticis till such time as Arsinoe caused him to murder Agathocles his eldest son at which he being troubled and thereupon she accusing him to her husband he revolted from him and sending to Seleucus offered himself and the money to him then in the troubles betwixt them two so cunningly behaved himself as he kept possession and alwayes fawning upon and obliging the next and most potent Prince remained Master of the place and Treasure for twenty years For Seleucus being murdered by Ptolomy Ceraunus he redeemed the body with a great sum of Gold and sent the ashes thereof to this Antiochus Soter his son This Philoterus had two brothers Eumenes and Attalus the former of which had a son of his own name who succeeded his deceased Uncle and having in his possession the places lying about Pergamus overthrew Antiochus who now it seemeth counted him an incroaching neighbour as we said before Antiochus also built a Citie in Syria which he called by his wives name Apamea and after that another of the same name called after his mother who was the daughter of Artabazus herein imitating his father At length having killed one son Prolog in Trogi Pomp. lib. 26. and nominated another his Successor he died after he had reigned 19 years A. M. 3742. the second of the 129 Olympiad Antiochus Theos from whom the Parthians revolt 5. Antiochus his son succeeded him Appian in Syriacis sirnamed Theos most prophanely by the Milesians because he rid them of Timarchus their Tyrant From him the Parthians first revolted who being as * Lib. 41. Justin out of Trogus tells us Exiles out of Scythia in the language of which Countrey Parthus signifieth such an one were very obscure under the Government of the Medes and Persians and being Conquered by Alexander when none of his Captains after his death would accept of the Soveraignty over them fell to the lot of Satagenor a stranger but a friend to the Macedonians They followed first Eumenes in the Civil Wars after his death Antigonus and then submitted themselves to Seleucus and his Successors till now they took occasion to revolt at the instigation of Arsaces His brother Tiridates Strabo lib. 11.5 Argathocles the Governour of these parts endeavouring filthily to abuse was slain and then the Macedonians were thence expelled At the same time Theodotus the Governour of the 1000 Bactrian Cities revolted also which the people of the East using for a pattern And the Eastern Provinces in like manner fell off from Antiochus He waged many Wars with Ptolomy Philadelphus till such time as both being weary they contracted an Alliance Ptolomy giving his daughter Berenice to the other who had two sons already Seleucus and Antiochus Cap. 11. vers 6. by Laodice his former wife Herein that Prophecie of Daniel is taken to be fulfilled which saith that in the end of
down the houses and walls round about and led away many women and children into captivity whilst Antiochus his Master was busie again in his attempts upon Aegypt 43. Excerpt Diodori per Val. For Ptolomy being stirred up by Aeulaius the Eunuch to attempt again the recovery of Coelesyria to prevent that he went down into Aegypt where putting him again to flight he might have destroyed all his men but riding to and fro himself to forbid it he thereby procured such love as he presently got into his hands Pelusium He getteth all Aegypt into his hands except Alexandria and not long after all Aegypt except Alexandria Ptolomy after this sent his Ambassadors to him with those of the Achaeans Athenians and others to excuse the matter and lay all the blame upon the Eunuch but getting no good thereby after he had spent some time carelesly without any further provision for his affaires he departed to his younger brother to Alexandria Justin lib. 24. Polybius Legat. 84. Livius l. 44 45. whom the Citizens there had made King after his overthrow The Alexandrians at first received him and made him partaker with his brother but afterwards for some distaste banished him again at which Antiochus took an opportunity as thinking it best to accomplish his designs by pretending to protect and reduce him into his Kingdom wherefore he engaged at Pelusium with Ptolomy the younger in a naval fight and getting the better on a sodain laid a bridge over the Nile and besieged Alexandria Ptolomy and Cleopatra his sister being in this danger A. M. 3835. Ol. 152. an 3. V. C. 584. Antioch Epiphan 6. Ptolom Philomet 10. sent Ambassadors to Rome to crave aid but he attempting once the walls and experiencing the strength of the places having sent his Ambassadors also to Rome after the other raised his siege About this time came the Ambassadors of the Rhodians to him to intercede whom he put off saying that his intent was onely to re-establish the elder Ptolomy which if the Alexandrians would admit of all things with his consent might be composed Presently after this leaving at Memphis Ptolomy the elder for whose sake he pretended to wage this War and giving up the rest of Aegypt to him he only left a strong Garrison at Pelusium and so departed into Syria concluding with himself that keeping this in his power the key of the Country he might safely suffer the two brothers to try out the quarrel Retreateth for the Conquerour being wearied beforehand would easily be brought under by him 44. The Ambassadors of Ptolomy obtained their desire Idem ibid. Polyb. Legat. 89. the Romans being jealous of the increasing power of Antiochus For C. Popillius Laenas with two others were sent with order first to go to Antiochus after that to Ptolomy and to denounce unto them that except they gave over the War him that was the hinderer of the Peace they would not account as their friend or allie Whilst they were on their way Ptolomy the elder bethinking himself what little cause he had to trust Antiochus sent to his brother and through the mediation of Cleopatra was reconciled to him and reigned with him the Alexandrians being willing to receive him because their City was much straightened for provisions by reason of the Warre Antiochus hearing this contrary to his former pretences was grievously fretted and then more eagerly than ever preparing for the War against them both sent a Fleet against Cyprus where Ptolomie's Forces were worsted and in the beginning of Spring marched down for Aegypt In Coelesyria the Ambassadors of Philometer met him and gave him thanks in their Master's name for that by his means he had obtained the Kingdom desiring he would continue his friend He returneth into Egypt and protect what he had helped him to and rather say what he would have done than by force to attempt it as an Enemy but he replied he would neither withdraw his Fleet nor Army except he had all Cyprus Pelusium and all the ground lying upon that Mouth of the Nile given up unto him and he set a day whereon at furthest he would have an answer to these conditions Livius ibid. Polyb. Legat. 92. Valerius Maximus lib. 6. cap. 4. Appian ut prius Popillius and his Companions hearing of his design Perseus of Macedonia being now overthrown made haste to get to him before he reached Alexandria and staying some time at Rhodes they came to him when he was but four miles off from the Citie upon the sight of whom he reached out his hand to Popilius but he being a severe man reached him the Tables wherein was written the Decree of the Senate which commanded him to abstain from War bidding him first to read them Having perused them he said he would consider with his friends what was to be done and then give an answer but Popilius after a certain insolent fashion made a Circle round about him with his rod and commanded him to answer before he went out of it at which the King being amazed after a little pause But is taken off by the Romans from further attempts said he would do whatsoever the people of Rome commanded and so within a short time prefixed grievously unwilling and sorrowing but judging it fit for the present to yield to the time he drew out his Forces from Egypt and Cyprus 45. After this he published an Edict 1 Maccab. 1. 2 Maccab. 6. commanding all throughout his Dominions to observe one and the same religion and relinquishing their own and former Rites to conform themselves to the religion of the Greeks under pain of death sending divers Overseers who should compel each people to the observation of his Order Into Judaea he sent an old man of Athens with order to defile the Temple and name it the Temple of Jupiter Olympius He persecuteth the Jews for their religion as that at Gerizim the Temple of Jupiter Hospitalis he commanded the sacrifices to be left off the Sabbath he prohibited he commanded them to defile the Sanctuary build up Altars Groves and Chapels to Idols to sacrifice Swine and other unclean beasts not to Circumcise their sons but to forget the Law Moreover an order was sent unto the Neighbouring Cities that they should force the Jews to partake of their sacrifices and kill those which would not come over to their Rites so that many by fear obeyed the Temple was polluted by the dalliances of the Gentiles the abomination of desolation viz. the abominable idol of Jupiter Olympius was set up therein the Scriptures burnt and a Decree published that with whomsoever they should be found or whosoever should approve them should be put death Many yet were they that stood out contemned the Kings Edict and defiled not themselves so that being inraged he caused divers to be brought before him to force them by Torments but they stood out couragiously and enduring the pains sealed the
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
Forces sent Bachides and Alcimus again into Judaea with the greater part of his forces who coming to Jerusalem to seek for Judas marched thence with 20000 Foot and 2000 Horse against him who had but 3000 men in all With these few he setting upon Bachides all of them forsook him but 800 with which yet he so charged him as fighting from morning till night he put to flight the right wing in which he stood but they of the left perceiving this followed him behind as he gave the charge and compassing him in slew him all his men then shifting forthemselves This hapned A. M. 3844. Maccabaeus is slain of the Greeks or Seleucidae the 152. in the second of Demetrius Soter and after he led the People from his Fathers death six years 62. A great famine then raging 1 Maccab. 9. almost all the Country submitted to Bachides that they might the more commodiously get bread and he made such wicked persons Governours as bringing to him the friends of Judas he mocked them and revenged himself upon them But such of them as remained and could do it assembled themselves together and chose Jonathan Sirnamed Apphus their Captain in the room of Judas his brother which Bachides hearing sought to kill him but he understanding thereof fled into the Desert Thecoa having sent his brother John Sirnamed Gaddis with a party to the Nabathaean Arabs Jonathan his brother chosen Captain in his room to desire they might leave their baggage amongst them He going down with it was met in the way by the children of Iambri from Medaba who killing him and those with him seized upon the prey but no great joy had they of their booty for Jonathan and his brother Simon hearing that they were about to make a great mariage and bring the bride from Medaba with great pomp being the Daughter of one of the noblest Princes of Canaan they went A. M. 3845. Ol. 155. an 1. V. C. 594. Seleucid 153. Demetr Sot 3. Ptolom Philomet 21. and hiding themselves under the covert of the Mountain when the Bridgroom and his friends came forth with Timbrels and instruments of Musick rose up out of the ambush slew many of them and took the spoil so having revenged the death of their brother they returned again unto Jordan When Bachides heard this he marched down and came thither with a great Army upon the Sabbath Day and Jonathan being beset behind and before with the Enemy and on each side with the River and Marishes encouraged yet his men to fight and lifting up his hand struck at Bachides But he declined the blow then seeing himself too weak for the Enemy he leaped into the River after he had slain 1000 of them and swom over with his men to the further side Bachides would not adventure to follow but returning to Jerusalem built up the strong Forts throughout the Land and placed therein strong Garrisons that thence making excursions he might endammage the Jews He fortified the Cities Bethsura and Gazara with the Castle at Jerusalem where he placed Soldiers with provisions and taking the sons of the chief of the Country for Hostages he secured them in the later 63. 1 Maccab. 8. The Ambassadors sent by Maccabaeus to the Romans were well received and entered into a League and society with the Romans which being written in Tables of brasse contained an ingagement mutually to succour and relieve each other Demetrius is forbidden by the Romans to hurt the Jews The Senate also wrote to Demetrius charging him no more to hurt or indammage the Jews being their confederates under pain of being prosecuted with War both at Land and Sea Not long after Alcimus the High-priest commanded the wall in the Temple which severed the Court of the People from that of the Gentiles to be pulled down which had been built by Zorobabel and the Prophets 1 Maâ—cab 9. whose monuments he began to pull down and destroy but at the same time he was so smitten that he could not open his mouth Alcimus his ill end being taken with a Palsie so as he could not speak nor give order concerning his house and died with great torment When Bachides saw that he was dead he returned unto the King Two years then did the Land continue quiet but at the end thereof certain wicked persons sent for Bachides to return telling him he might easily apprehend Jonathan and all his Company in one night at which message he arose with great haste and sent letters privily to his adherents to take them but they having notice of it took fifty of these men which had been the greatest sticklers and slew them Then Jonathan departing into the Wildernesse built up the walls of Bethbusin and fortified it which Bachides having notice of went down thither and closely besieged it but such was his entertainment from the besieged who getting out killed his men and burnt his engines that having lain before the place a long time to no purpose and seeing his journy to be frustrate he eased his stomach against those that had been the cause of his Expedition and putting to death many of them resolved to retreat into his own Country Jonathan having notice of this sent to him to treat of Peace and exchange the prisoners Bachides sweareth never more to molest the Jews which he gladly accepted of and made an oath never more to disturb him Returning then home he never brake it so that the Warre being removed Jonathan dwelt at Machmas or Michmash in the Tribe of Benjamin began to govern the People and destroy the ungodly out of Israel 64. Aritrathes the fifth of that name King of Cappadocia Excerpt Diori Siculi Polyb. maried as we said before Antiochis the daughter of Antiochus the Great She having no children by him at the first introduced two suppositions boyes Ariarathes and Orophernes he knowing nothing hereof but a little after growing fruitful she brought forth two daughters and a son called Mithridates and then acquainting her husband with what she had formerly done procured the two Counterfeits to be sent the one to Rome and the other into Ionia lest they should disturb the true one in his succession who being named Ariarathes and brought up in the fashions and customs of the Greeks obtained the Kingdom after his Fathers death Orophernes afterwards resolving to venture for it came to Demetrius complaining he was injuriously deprived of the Kingdom by his younger brother Orophernes one of suppositions brood getteth Cappadocia by the help of Demetrius and craved his assistance for the recovery of it He being offended at Ariarathes for the refusing the mariage of his sister the widdow of Perseus bargained with Orophernes for 1000 Talents and expelled Ariarathes from Cappadocia though he was helped by Eumenes King of Pergamus Orophernes having thus invaded the Kingdom behaved himself not like one who intended to secure it to himself in the love of his People but
though the other passing over the River Halys fired 300 of his Villages Afterwards came Callidius from Rome who though he shewed no Decree of the Senate yet said it was the pleasure of the Fathers The King overthroweth Murena that all acts of hostility should be forborn and afterwards he talked with Murena alone Yet did not Murena forbear so that the King judging that War indeed was intended resolved to look to himself and passing over the River overthrew Murena in battel who fled into Phrygia This Victory brought many over to the King's party and hereupon he drove all Murena's Garrisons out of Cappadocia Sylla now Dictator was not well pleased he should be thus disturbed and therefore sent A. Gabinius to command Murena in good earnest to forbear and reconcile the King to Ariobarzanes And the second Warre endeth Mithridates gave him his son of four years of age for an Hostage and received part of Cappadocia So things were setled again and the second War as Appian saith ended in the third year But some seven years after another was begun 22. Presently after the last conclusion he sent to Rome to have the conditions of the League recorded but the thing was neglected Ariobarzanes sent also to complain that he kept the greater part of Cappadocia from him whereupon Sylla commanded him to quit it which accordingly he did Afterward he sent again to desire that the League might be recorded but Sylla being now dead the matter was not as much as reported to the Senate Hereupon he underhand procured Tigranes King of Armenia his son in Law to invade Cappadocia The Warre again breaketh out and why whence he led away 300000 persons and there built a City to be the Metropolis of the Kingdom which from himself he named Tigranocerta i. e. the City of Tigranes L. Magius and L. Fannius who had fled to him from Fimbria's Army perswaded him to send into Spain and joyn in League with Sertorius which he did and had granted to him Bithynia and Cappadocia receiving from him as a Captain M. Varius or Marius one of his Officers Being now without hope of pardon he made all preparations possible and got together an Army out of divers Countries consisting of 140000 Foot and 16000 Horse wherewith the following Spring he invaded Bithynia which Country Nicomedes being dead without issue had a little before given by testament to the People of Rome Mithridates recovereth Bithynia which thing inraged him Cotta the Governour a man of little courage fled to Chalcedon and he got it all into his hands 23. In the 680 year of the City Appian ut supra Plut. in Lucullo L. Lioinius Lucullus and M. Aurelius Cotta being Consuls the former of them was sent against Mithridates with one Legion out of the City to which were joyned those two that belonged to Fimbria and two more so that in all he had an Army of 30000 Foot and 1600 Horse He found the King before Cyzicus a City of Propontis and presently besieged the besieger Lucullus besiegeth him besieging Cyzicus Hee drove him to such straights by the help of L. Manius who now again revolted that though having a great desire to the place he laboured much to take it yet through extreme famin he was forced first to send away the Horse and sick Footmen into Bithynia whereof 15000 were intercepted and then to flye himself with the rest that could escape the great slaughter made of them in their flight During this double siege Eumachus one of Mithridates his Captains made incursions into Phrygia subdued the Pisidae and Isauri and endeavoured to do the same by Cilicia till he was repelled by Detotarus one of the Tetrarchs of Gallo graecia But Lucullus improved his successe on land by several Victories at sea wherein he took divers of Mithridates his Commanders and hasted into Bithynia to overtake him And forcing him to flye persueth him into his Kingdom He flying with all speed for fear of this suffered most grievous shipwrack and had been cast away but that he was received into a Pirate's Vessel to which he was glad to commit himself in so great danger and at length after many difficulties got into his own Kingdom whither now Lucullus pursued him A. M. 3932. V.C. 681. having in his way taken in Bithynia and Paphlagonia He made all possible preparations for resistance sending for aid to Tigranes his son in Law and to his own son reigning in Bosphorus and hee sent Diocles with great gifts to the Scythians but he ran away to Lucullus In the space of a year hee got together 40000 Foot and 4000 Horse with which force he once or twice repelled the Romans and struck some terror into them But Lucullus sending out some Horse for provisions he also sent a party to interrupt them which fighting in a disadvantagious place was worsted Being now destitute of Horse he thought of removing from Cabira where he had wintred and communicated his intention to his friends They not expecting the sign began to pack up and send their baggage out of the Camp before day which the Army taking notice of thought much they should flye without any warning given and in great fear and disorder breaking out of the trenches ran away The King went about to hinder them but none taking notice of him he was born down in the crowd and being got on horseback betook himself also to flight and might have been taken but that the Romans were too busie in plundering the Camp though warned by their General to forbear And into Armenia 24. Mithridates first fled to Comana and thence into Armenia to Tigranes who admitted him not to his presence but caused him to be entertained like a King though in fenny and unwholesome places All Pontus except a few places yielded to Lucullus to whom also Machares King of Bosphorus sent a crown of gold and purchased the title of his friend and allie Afer this Lucullus pursued Mithridates into Armenia intending to fall on Tigranes King thereof if he gave him occasion by defending his Enemy Tigranes at this time was a very potent Prince having conquered several Nations He wrestred Asia from the Parthians transported many thousands of Greeks out of Cilicia and Cappadocia into a City built by him near Euphrates and called Tigranocerta be obtained Syria and Palestine displacing the Kings thereof as was acknowledged by Lucullus This made him intollerably proud so that when he rode he would have four of those Kings he had subdued to run beside him like Lackies and stand before him with their hands folded in token of subjection when he sate on his throne Lucullus sent to him Appius Claudius his wive's brother to demand Mithridates but he was then busied in Phoenicia in reducing some places which the Messenger made an opportunity in his absence secretly to withdraw from him many whom his intollerable pride had rendred impatient At his return he gave
having opposed his actions for some time to no purpose kept himself at home and stirred not for the remaining part of the year Caesar then governed alone and was much courted by the Equites or Knights who having farmed the custome desired an abatement of the rent The Senate refused to remit any thing but he did their businesse for them procuring the People to abate a third part By this and other wayes of shews and largesses By inveigling the People he procureth Gall for five years he so inveigled the multitude that he got Gall to be decreed to him for five years with four Legions and for the remaining part of the year spent it in seeking how to establish himself for the time to come 2. Knowing how considerable a man Pompey was to bind him faster to him He marieth his daughter Julia to Pompey and otherwise provideth for his own interest he gave him in mariage his daughter Julia. He procured two of his own creatures A. Gabinius and L. Calpurnius Piso whose daughter he had maried after Cornelia's death to be designed Consuls for the following year as also Vatinius and Clodius Tribunes though the later had abused his wife for he was a person exceedingly loose that way having in womens clothes crept into the meetings proper onely to that Sex for which he was accused as a breaker of the sacred customes by Cicero He appeared not against him though he put away his wife nay he helped him to his place as it 's thought out of opposition to the Orator who was wont to declame against the combination of the three great ones as pernicious to the Commonwealth and in way of requital for the help hee had afforded him in the procurement of Gall whither when the time of his Consulship was expired Euseb he departed This year was Titus Livius the Historiographer born at Padua Clodius the Tribune 3. Clodius out of malice to Cicero seeking for the Tribuneship whereas he was a Patrician thereby uncapable of the place he procured himself to be adopted by a Plebeian and so with the losse of his former dignity obtained it Then did he prefer a Law that whosoever had put to death any Roman Citizen unheard water and fire should be forbidden him which amounted to as much as banishment and set Cicero his day of appearance for putting to death Cethegus Lentulus and others of Catalines conspiracy unheard Pompey at first stood stifly for the accused saying he would rather dye himself than Tully should be hurt but Caesar took him off because Cicero having desired to go his Lieutenant into Gall upon Clodiuâ— his seeming willing to be reconciled had changed his resolution and hereby displeased him This is certain that he who was wont to defend others so earnestly was very timorous in his own cause which hapned also to Demosthenes and chose rather to depart the City Banisheth Cicero and late at night than undergo his trial A. M. 3947. V. C. 696. after that Pompey had forsaken him and the Consuls would give him little hopes After his departure Clodius banished him by decree of the People 400 miles from Italy demolished his Villages and his house on the plot whereof he built a Temple to Liberty and set his goods to sale He went to Thessalonica a City of Macedonia being by letters of the Senate commended to such Kings or Governours as into the Dominions of whom he might have occasion to come 4. Clodius having thus rid himself of Cicero for that Cato's presence was very troublesom to him sent him also out of the way under colour of doing him honour Sendeth Cato to spoil the King of Cyprus most unjustly of his estate He preferred a Law against Ptolomy King of Cyprus brother to Anletes of Aegypt for the spoiling him of all his estate and reducing that Island into the form of a Province though this man had nothing ill deserved He was indeed very vicious if that could have given them any right to what he had but the truth was Lege Plutarchum in Catone Minore Clodius had been taken by the Pirates and sending to him for money to redeem him he would part but with two talents and therefore he took this occasion to be revenged on him and Cato both together The King hearing of Cato's coming killed himself and some said that he cast his treasures into the Sea Cato sold his goods and brought a great sum of money into the treasury But by this time Pompey repented that he had forsaken Cicero for Clodius wanting other matter now to work on vexed all the great ones and repealed some things which he had done so that now he set himself to have him recalled Clodius withstood it but thereupon the Senate passed a Decree that nothing should be heard before his restitution was propounded Lentulus the Consul propounded it on the Calends of January but the matter being hindred several wayes was brought down to the People on the eighth before the Calends of February where was great endeavour used by T. Annius Milo and P. Sextius two other Tribunes for his restitution Clodius their Collegue taking some Fencers belonging to his brother Appius fell upon the multitude and killed many The Tribunes were wounded Cicero recalled and Q. Cicero brother of the banished newly returned from Asia which he had governed three years lay for dead amongst the slain Now the People began seriously to bethink themselves Milo ventured to draw Clodius by force to judgement and Pompey possessing himself of the Forum put the People to their suffrages who with universal consent voted his restitution The Senate decreed honour to such Cities as had entertained him and that his house and Villages should be re-edified at the publick charge So Cicero who had been banished the year before about the Calends of April returned this year in the moneth Sextilis or the day before the Nones of September and therefore was absent about sixteen moneths As Plutarch more rightly computeth than * A. M. 1948. Simpson who strangely forgetting himself blaming him for saying he returned in the sixteenth moneth contendeth that from the first of April to the moneth Sextilis or August of the following year intervene but fourteen moneths Now P. Cornelius Lentulus and Q. Caecilius Metellus were Consuls 5. Caesar having obtained of the People Gall within the Alpes Vide Caesaris comment de bello Gallco l. 1. Plutarch in Caesare Dionem l. 38. p. 78. E. and Illyricum with three Legions the Senate added that beyond the Alpes which in part we now call France with another Legion His first work was to repel the Helvetians now called Switzers who having burnt their houses and resolved to seek out more convenient habitations intended to passe over the Rhoane and so through his Province He having intelligence thereof hasted to Geneva and pulled down the bridge there They then sent to him to desire that they might passe
obtain their help but he refused A. D. 66. V. C. 818. The next after him that was put to death was Annaeus Seneca the Philosopher and Nero's School-master Seneca his School-master put to death not being convicted of any treason though accused by one Natalis as it 's thought to please Caesar such an earnest desire his Scholar had to dispatch him having formerly without effect attempted it by poyson Being commanded to dye he did it very chearfully though he was forced to seek for death several wayes For he had so starved himself with abstinence that he could not bleed and poyson would not work upon him but at length entering into a bath he was stifled with the fume of it having all this while discoursed even to his last according to his wonted elegancy such excellent things as being then taken from his mouth came afterwards abroad Such was the end of this excellent Philosopher concerning the character of whom Students are rather to trust to Cornelius Tacitus than to Dio if Justus Lipsius be a competent Judge Dio accuseth him of extortion adultery with Agrippina and what not He maketh him a Sodomite and to have taught his Scholar that wickednesse Lipsius his Apology for him against Dio. as also the cause and procurer of the death of Agrippina and a cart-load of other Calumnies saith * Quam consule in Comment ad Taciti Annal l. 14. omnino ad l. 15. Lipsius doth the idle man heap upon him contrary to the belief and mind of all men What cause was there of this hatred or what reward had he for lying for Seneca lived so long before him that he neither could injure him nor oblige him I believe saith he it was a certain perversity of judgement and manners which also set him keen against Cicero and all good men I desire that youth may take heed and so to gather the flowers of Antiquity from these fields that they do not also gather poison But as for what concerneth the riches and galantry of Seneca see Reader and read his excellent Treatise De vita beata which he wrote with no other design than to stop the mouthes of these Calumniators especially from the seventeenth Chapter Thus hath Lipsius prevented us in our Apology for this excellent person in whose vindication much might be said 36. Pompeia Paullina the wife of Seneca Dio calleth her a most noble woman perhaps the daughter of Pompeius Paullinus to whom Tacitus giveth the title of Consularis and who was set over the publick customs or imposts cut also her veins that she might die with him but Nero bearing her no malice as it happened sent some to stop the bleeding and recover her Seneca had another brother besides the father of Lucan who was also put to death This was Annaeus Novatus otherwise called Junius Gallio from his adoptive Father being also mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles and then Governour of Achaia Their Father was M. Annaeus Seneca a Rhetorician of Coruba in Spain whose Suasories and Controversies are yet extant joyned to his sons Works Nero proceeded in his madnesse and cruelties Acting the Stage-player still he was reviled at his return home by Poppaea his wife for which he kicked her great with child and thereupon she miscaried Then raged he against many of greatest note Nero killeth Poppaea amongst whom was Mela the father of Lucan who had formerly perished for the conspiracy and this allaied the grief which was conceived for the death of many others by the pestilence that now raged because they seemed thereby well delivered from the fury and rage of the Prince who now neither used choice nor measure in his slaughters Being puffed up with the successe of his cruelty he said that None of his Predecessors knew their power hinting also that he meant to destroy the remnant of the Senators It was believed he had a great desire to deliver up quick men to be devoured of an Aegyptian a monstrous eater of raw flesh or any other thing that was given him 37. Neither was there wanting to him luxury and effeminatenesse suitable to his cruelty nor any other vice whereby the truth of that saying of Domitius his father might appear who hearing of his birth said that Of himself and Agrippina could proceed nothing but accursed detestable Vide. Sueton. in Nerone c. 1 2 3 4 5. and to the dammage of the Commonwealth For in him seemed to meet and be conjoyned not onely all the vices of his own family which of late had been too pregnant of them but all the corruption of his Country from the beginning to his very time The heighth of his wickednesse He lengthened his feasts from Noon to Midnight accounting no use of riches but in the abuse of them Such he thought to be sordid and base as took account of their expenses and he extolled and admired his Uncle Caius for spending in so short a time so vast sums as had been hoarded up by Tiberius To Tiridates that came to Rome to take the Diadem from his hands he allowed an incredible sum for his daily expenses and as profusely gratified him at his departure He put on no garment twice plaid for vast sums at dice fished with a golden net when he journyed any whither he never had lesse than 1000 Caroches in his train Idem ibid. c. 31 32. Tacitus Annal. lib. 15. c. 42. and he caused his mules to be shod with Silver But his house exceeded all belief having built it out of the ruines of the City For length for pleasantnesse of groves and fish-ponds it was incredible garnished also with Gold and precious stones To the madnesse of this expence he was incouraged by one that made him fair promises of discovering a vast treasure in Africk which Dido the Queen flying out of Tyre should thence bring with her But being deceived as was likely with so foolish a project he took such courses as became Nero to recruit his coffers 38. When Tiridates was departed into Armenia he went into Greece there to act Tragedies to sing and run races in the Chariot Running in the Olympick Games although he fell from his Chariot yet he was rewarded with a crown as Victor He took from Apollo the Cyrrhaean Territory and defaced the place whence they were wont to receive Oracles killing men at the hole whence the blast came He attempted to cut through the Isthmus of Peloponnesus digging first himself and carying out the first basket of Earth upon his shoulders but with the same successe as others had before him When he was in Achaia news came from Cestius Gallus President of Syria concerning the rebellion of the Jews Being long vexed with the injuries of the Deputies and Governours they could no longer contain themselves Christ's blood lying heavy upon them and crying for vengeance they themselves executed part of it The Jews rebel For such robberies in the Country A. D. 67.
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 â—et 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
most holy Marty on the 20 of December as it is recorded in his Acta or the Memorials of him collected by Philo Whom he causeth to be cast to wild beasts at Rome Gaius and Agathopes who followed him from Syria to Rome concerning which as also three Epistles which go under his name the Dissertations of the most Reverend and Learned Arch-Bishop of Armagh are to be consulted 5. Ignatius being vexed by a tedious journey that his constancy might be shaken when he came to Troas or new Troy Consule usserium in notis ad Epist Ignatii ad Philadelphenos built not far from the place where that of Priamus stood understood that Peace was restored to his Church of Antioch This came to passe whilst Trajan stist continued there consulting about the Parthian War as appeareth from Malela the Historian of that City Tiberianus his letter to Trajan For Tiberianus the President of the chief Nation of Palestine moved the Emperour to moderation by this letter I am wearied with punishing and putting to death the Galilaeans who come before us under the name of Christians according to your Commands yet they cease not to reveal themselves for the slaughter And although I have laboured both by exhortation and threatnings that they might not dare to make known themselves to me as professors of that doctrine yet being prosecueed they do not cease I desire therefore that what your pleasure is in this kind your Majesty would please to certifie me * In voce 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Suidas mentioning also this message of Tiberianus unto Trajan Mitigateth the Persecution addeth that the Emperour forbad all his Subjects to punish the Christians Yet that this indulgence was not so universal but that it most especially concerned Palaestine Syria and other parts of the East where the Emperour then resided appeateth from Ignatius his deprecation that the persecution might cease when he was even to be brought into the Amphitheatre as the Acta or Memorials concerning him relate But besides this Letter of Tiberianus there is extant another of Pliny the younger who was moved to write to the Emperour upon the same occasion and for the same end 6. For being Propraetor of Bithynia the variety of cases in those that were accused troubled him As also the letter of Pliny Junior although Plin. Epist 97. l. 10. to comply with the iniquity of the times he declareth that such as stood out his threatnings thrice he commanded to be led to punishment He signifieth that out of such as had formerly been Christians but now worshipped the Images of the Emperour and the gods and blasphemed Christ he could not get any confession of any other fault or error than that they were wont on a day appointed before it was light to meet together and sing an hymn to Christ and bound themselves by a Sacramentum or religious oath not for any wickednesse but that they should not commit robbery theft or adultery that they should not break promise nor cheat Which being done they were wont to depart and meet again to eat promiscuously but innocently To get out the truth he tortured two women servants but could not find any thing justly chargeable though through his Ethnick pravity and desire to please the Emperour he termeth the faith Superstitio prava immodica or a naughty and immoderat superstition He addeth that it seemed to him a thing worthy of serious consideration especially for the number of those that were in danger for many saith he of every age and order and of both Sexes are brought and will be brought into danger For not onely hath the contagion of this superstition gone through Cities but also Villages and fields which as it seemeth might be stopped and corrected To be sure it 's clear enough that the Temples which were almost desolate begin to be frequented and the sacrifices of long time intermitted to be restored beasts for that is use now going off which till now scarcely any would buy Whereby it is easie to guesse what a multitude of men might be reclaimed if there were but place for repentance Thus Pliny to whom Trajan answereth that we may onely repeat the sum that Christians are not to be sought for but if accused and convicted except they recant to be punished concerning the absurdity and injustice of which Sentence Tertullian excellently argueth in his * Chap. 2. Apology most worthy to be read of all Christians 7. In the reign of Trajan died St. John the Apostle the time and manner of his death being uncertain The death of St. John the Apostle though all agree as to the place which was Ephesus (a) In Jovinian l. 1. Jerome referreth his death to the 68 year after the Passion of Christ which fell in with the third of Trajan and the 27 of December on the first Feria (b) Arabica Kirstenii apud Jacob. Cappellum ad A. D. 103. Others place it in the 71 after Christs Passion and the sixth of Trajan Dorothaeus Bishop of Tyre in his tract written concerning the lives ends and Martyrdoms of the Prophets Apostles and 70 Disciples writeth that being 120 years old yet living the Lord would so have it he buried himself (c) Ut supra in Mat. c. 20. Jerome alleged out of Tertullian that in the time of Nero though others say in the reign of Domitian he was thrown at Rome into a tun of hot boyling oil yet thereby took no harm but came out after this trial purer than he went in (d) In John tract 124. Augustine calleth him a Martyr by will Polycrates Bishop of Ephesus as (e) Lib. 3. c. 31. Eusebius allegeth sticketh not to call him a Priest a Martyr and a Doctor But that which (f) Ubi supra Augustine writeth of his end is strangest of all and let the credit thereof rest in the choise of the Reader How John caused at Ephesus his grave to be made and in presence of divers went in alive and being no sooner in and to their seeming dead they covered him Which kind of rest saith he is rather to be termed a sleep than death For that the earth of the grave bubleth or boyleth up after the manner of a Well by reason of John's resting in it and breathing a sign of his slumbring therein Though he died at Ephesus yet was not the succeeding Bishop much lesse any other Heir of that Authority which for so many years he had obtained in the Church as having many years outlived the rest of the Apostles For to the Apostles succeeded not Apostles nor universal Messengers of Christ of which sort John was for many years and he alone but Bishops every one circumscribed within his own limits In the dayes of Trajan and this third persecution was Crucified (g) Euseb l. 3. cap. 32. Simeon Cleophas Bishop of Jerusalem being 120 years old Justus a Jew succeeded him after whom some place
Zachaeus Tobias Benjamin and John in the 19th and last of Trajan In the eleventh of his reign was Euaristus Bishop of Rome Crowned with Martyrdom on the sixth of the Calends of November and Alexander succeeded him who also being Martyred in the 19th year on the fifth before the Nones of May (h) Euseb l. 3. cap. 35. Cistus had his seat according to Damasus And we must not forget that Heros succeeded Ignatius in the Sea of Antioch Gods judgements upon Trajan for his persecuting Christians 8. The persecution of the Christians drew down heavy judgements upon the Empire in the time of Trajan In the later end of his reign hapned most grievous Earth-quakes in several places by which four Cities in Asia three in Greece and three in Galatia were overturned Antioch also whilest he wintered there was grievously shaken whereby multitudes which for his sake had flocked thither perished by many sorts of deaths He himself was by an unknown hand drawn out of a window and continued in the open air till the Earth-quake ceased not daring to venture himself in any house for many dayes He was now marching towards the East and not being removed from his purpose proceeded crossed Tigris subdued Adiabene and peirced as far as Ctesiphon and Babylon Orosius lib. 7. cap. 12. Euseb Eccles Hist l. 4. but presently it came to passe through the sicklenesse of such as had revolted to him that he who had already devoured the whole East was forced to retreat to defend his own For the Jews 1 supposing him intangled in an inextricable Warre 2. Perswading themselves that by the Earth-quake was portended the ruin of the Roman Empire 3. Thinking that from the first of Cyrus to this present had but passed 483 years and consequently but one of Daniels weeks to be unfulfilled entred into a conspiracy and made incredible slaughters of the Romans using in several Countreys several Captains The Jews rebel whereof yet Barcocab was chief The fury of this rebellion fell upon Egypt Cyrene and Cyprus The manner of the outrageous Massacres they practised both upon Greeks and Romans was as hainous as the facts themselves though these hainous beyond all belief if not related by most credible and most impartial Writers Dio l. 68. They ate their flesh besmeared themselves with their bloud wore their skins sawed them asunder cast them to wild beasts made them kill one another c. Besides the particular butcheries which they committed throughout Egypt about Cyrene they slew 200000. and in Cyprus 250000. Trajan resolving to pursue them throughout his Dominions not as Enemies or Rebels of the Empire but as Creatures noxious to humane society with revenge suiting their former outrages sent Marcus Tubero with a great power both by Land and Sea 9. He neither in a short space nor without long and cruel hostility finished the War but he slew many Myriads of the Jews Partly for the better security of the Cyprians in time to come partly in memory of their former misery and the infamy of the Jews it was publickly enacted That no Jew though driven by Tempests thither should presume to set foot within their Coast upon pain of present execution as already condemned by his very appearance on that soil which had been tainted with the deadly venom of his Countrey-men Their carriage in the West made the Emperour suspect their brethren in Mesopotamia whereupon he commanded L. Quintius to banish them that Countrey and he joyning battel with them slew also a great number In the time of Trajan was Nero's golden house burnt and also the Pantheon by Thunder not the Pantheon of Agrippa as Scaliger and Cappellus note but perhaps that of Jupiter Ultor or Minerva Medica At length Trajan died in Cilicia of a flux in August Trajan dieth having reigned 19 years six moneths and 15 dayes in the 64th year of his age the first of the 224 Olympiad of the Citie the 870. A. D. 117. Quintius Niger and T. Vipsanius Apronianus being Consuls He was first of all Emperours buried in the Citie being so beloved that in succeeding times the people in their acclamations to their Princes would wish them the felicity of Augustus and the goodnesse of Trajan In his time flourished Plutarch Euseb in Chron. Lucian first a Christian and then an Atheist Plinius Secundus Suetonius L. Florus Cor. Tacitus and others Hadrian 10. Aelius Hadrianus or Adrian succeeded Trajan being the son of his Cousin German and born also in Spain in the Citie Italica near to Civil the birth-place of Trajan Xiphilinus ex Dione He was more ingaged to Plotina the Empresse than to her husband for his succession for she ere his death was published signed the Testament whereby he was made Heir and the Soldiers standing to him he took upon him the government in Syria where he was President At his first beginning he cut off all he suspected Aurel. Victor Spartianus Festus Rusus and restored Discipline to the Army He crossed the Seas into Britain where he reformed divers things and caused a Wall 80 miles in length first to be made to sever the Barbarians from the Romans He took the greatest pains of any Emperour in visiting the Provinces for coming into Britain out of Gall and Germany he also went into Spain then did he visit Mauritania Parthia Asia and Greece and by Sicily returned to Rome After this he went into Africk again and thence returning into the Citie once more into Greece thence into Arabia and so into Egypt He ever travelled on foot and without any thing on his head either in heat or cold For this travelling Florus the Poet twitted him to whom he as wittily answered 11. He overthrew the Sauromatae or Sarmatae inhabiting the Countreys now called Russia and Tartary but the greatest contest was with the Jews The principal cause of their rebellion was for that he built a new Citie and therein a Temple to Jupiter Capitolinus where Jerusalem stood and called the place after himself Aelia Capitolina and he forbad them to be Circumcised The Jews again rebel They were confirmed in their sedition by one who pretending he came down to them as a light from Heaven to save them from slavery and bondage saying he was the Star foretold by Balaam whence being called Barcocab he was first worshipped as the Messiah and anointed at Bitter a Citie in Africk but afterwards proving to be an Impostor they called him Barcozba or the son of a lye Dio wrote Lib. 69. p. 793. that the whole World was in a manner shaken with this Commotion of the Jews Hadrian sent the best Captains he had against them whereof the chief was Julius Severus who at this time governed Britain Albeit in the end he had the victory yet would he not have wished for many Triumphs at the same rate For very many of the Romans fell insomuch that Adrian writing to the Senate used not that beginning
Honorarii being but Titular Consuls yet it also respecteth authority and power as well as meer Title in that the Law of the Praetor whereof we have formerly spoken is called Jus Honorarium 24. As for the Jus Coloniae it is so termed by Tacitus also in those words Atin Italia vetus oppidum Puteoli Jus Coloniae Cognomentum à Nerone adipiscuntur Gellius distinguisheth it from the Jus Municipii after this manner But of Colonies there is another relation or alliance necessitudo For they do come extrinsically into the City Jus Coloniae neither do they stand on their own roots but are as it were begotten by the State and have Laws and Institutions not of their own but those of the Roman people Yet this condition although it be more obnoxious and lesse free is accounted better and more excellent for the amplitude and Majesty of the Roman people whereof these Colonies seem to be certain Images and resemblances and also because the rights of the Municipia are obscure and obliturated which by reason of ignorance the owners cannot use Lib. 1. c. 14 15. From this it appears that Colonies were free of the Citie in which respect Paterculus giving us account of the several Colonies that were planted till the time of Marius mixeth with them such places as to which freedom was given making it as it were the same thing If it had been otherwise there would not have been any comparison as to privilege betwixt Municipia and Colonies and it would have saved Gellius the labour of proving against the common belief that the Jus Municipii was greater Now as for the Jus Latii Cap. 47. Suetonius distinguisheth it from Jus Civitatis for speaking what Augustus did to several Cities he hath this expression amongst the rest Latinitate vel civitate donavit Spartianus in the life of Adrian saith Latium multis civitatibus dedit And Tacitus coming up to our Term saith of Nero Annal. l. 15. c. 32. Jus Latii Eodem anno Caesar nationes Alpium maritimarum in Jus Latii transtulit The Latines were ever counted of the kindred of Rome the Romans having descended from them and upon this account there was a stricter League and Alliance with them than any other people which injoyed not the freedom of the Citie 25. The Latines envying the rising fortune of Rome their Colony laboured to suppresse it but still were worsted and ever forced to submit Servius Tullius the sixth King of Rome breathing after glory in future times in imitation of the Council of the Amphyctiones in Greece and other publick conventions as we have formerly said perswaded both Nations to build at Rome a Temple or Asylum out the common expense Dionys Halicarn lib. 4. where the Cities meeting yearly should sacrifize hold a fair at certain times and if any contention hapned amongst them it might be composed in a religious manner by their fellow Cities Gathering money he built the Temple of Diana in the Aventine Mount the most eminent in the Citie and wrote down the conditions of the League with the manner of observing the Feast and Mart. And that they might not be abolished by the injury of time he ingraved the Decrees of the Council in a pillar of brasse The strict League and Alliance betwixt the Romans and Latines and the Cities which were partakers of this society which pillar continueth till our age saith Dionysius dedicated in the Temple of Diana inscribed with such Characters as Greece antiently used which is no light argument that Rome was not built by Barbarians Tarquinius the last King and Successor of Servius renewed this League and taking in the Hernici and Volsci appointed another place in the midst of all those Nations viz. a Mount near to the Albanians called also Mons Albanus where yearly Feriae or a Festival were to be celebrated and for that time in respect of the religion of the place and the Law made for that purpose they were all to abstain from all manner of violence and in common sacrifize to Jupiter Latialis and Feast together it being appointed how much each people should contribute and receive Of these Feriae and this sacrifice were partakers 47 people and in our age saith the Historian the Romans observe these Ferlae called Feriae Latinae and some contribute Lambs some Cheese some a certain quantity of Milk and others Cakes or Wafers made up with Milk The sacrifice is one Bull for all of whose inwards a certain portion is given to every people They sacrifize for all in general and the Romans preside at the sacrifice Those Feriae at first consisted but of one day which Tarquinius appointed After his banishment the people added another And about six years after when Peace was composed betwixt Patritians and Plebeians after the Creation of the Tribuni Plebis and Aediles a third was added at what time the League was also renewed with the Latines because that after the Peace made with them at the end of the War with Tarquinius whose part they took they had continued peaceable and faithful to the Romans during their confusions and seditions 26. * Lib. 6. Dionysius mentioning the renewing of this League giveth us the substance of it by which description our design is accomplished as to the Jus Latii The Contents of the League These things were contained in the League Let there be mutual Peace betwixt the Romans and Latines as long as the Heavens and Earth keep the same Station and let neither make War upon the other nor procure others to do it nor give free passage to such as would but to the utmost help each other infested by War and equally divide the prey and spoils Concerning private contracts let the controversie be judiciarily decided in the Forum of that People where the contract was made Let nothing be added to the conditions of the League nor taken away without the consent of the Romans and all the Latine People To this purpose a League was established betwixt the parties and sworn to by all sacred things This near confederacy is to be taken as explanatory of the Jus Latii including such a strong alliance as was not made with any but afterwards according to this prescript In processe of time the Latines came to have the freedom of the City When this freedom was given to them is somethimg obscure Dionysius so relateth the story of Cassius in whose second Consulship according to him this League was renewed as if at the same time was given to them the freedom of the City for Cassius to curry favour with the Hernici gave them the same league and when he would have in his third Consulship the Agrarian to passe he caused the Latines and Hernici to be present at the Comitia to cary it by the greater number of voices But if any such thing were it was done rather by his over forwardnesse to gratifie them and without the consent of the
him for a time in incouraging the Christians but afterwards plotting against him he also began a grievous persecution against the People of God changed the good Laws and laid heavy impositions on his Subjects Constantine being hereby constrained to make Warre upon him overthrew him in Pannonia and several times afterwards for that he had renewed the War both by Land and Sea most perfidiously and given the title of Caesar to Martinianus At length he forced him to yield his person and deliver up his Robe by the hand of his wife Licinius put to death which was Constantine's sister given him on purpose to oblige him He sent him to Thessalonica where he afterwards attempting new matters he commanded him to be slain 15. Thus did Constantine obtain the Monarchy of the Roman Empire in the nineteenth year of his reign the fourth of the 275 Olympiad A. V. C. 1077 Constantine obtaineth the Monarchy A. D. 324. Six years after in the 25 of his reign he repaired Byzantium and making it larger than ever caried from Rome the greatest part of the ornaments and of Christian Senators and calling it after himself Constantinople Buildeth Constantinople would have it also named New Rome and to be head of the Roman Empire with the same right as the other He first of all had designed to build a City near Sardis in Asia Vide Ludovicum in Augustin de Civitate Dei lib. 5. c. 25. Simsonium in Chron. cathol ad A. M. 3347. Joan. Baptistam Egnatium in Constantino l. 2. Rom. Principum afterwards begun one at Sigaeum a Promontory of Mount Ida in the Country of Troas The third time the design was begun at Chalcedon where walls were erected but fowls snatching up and carrying away the cords of the workmen to Byzantium a City of Thrace upon it the Emperour pitched This Town was first built in the third year of the thirtieth Olympiad Hesychius saith by a Colony of the Argives Ammianus by one of the Athenians Velleius saith it was a Colony of the Milesians and Marcianus Periegetos of the Megarians being so named from Byzas their Country-man and Captain of the Colony It stood right over against Chalcedon in a far better soil which made Apollo term the founders of the later blind men because they passed by so excellent a place It ran through various fortune according to that influence which Greece had into it's affaires as we have from time to time observed upon occasion Severus the Emperour almost destroyed it but by the Soldiers of Galienus it was brought to ruine and now restored and augmented by Constantine 16. This Empire being now in it's declining condition by reason of it's old age for all sublunary things are subject to the vicissitude of time and sorely distempered by inward heats into which want of hereditary Monarchy and the horrid licentiousnesse of a standing Army had thrown it as also labouring under so huge a bulk and so great a plethora as Nature could not well govern Constantine by translating thither the Imperial seat occasioneth the ruine of the Empire being forced as it were by Constantine to change its natural suitable and native air by so violent an alteration contracted it's mortal infirmity For as plants being transplanted out of their native soil into other regions divers in climate and quality retain little of their natural virtue so humane affairs especially Dominions and Empires by such great mutations lose their vigour and stability even also as we see it happeneth to several sorts of Animals For this cause the Senate would never consent to the Commons to depart from Rome to Veii though a place much more pleasant and commodious especially after Rome was burnt by the Galls All great and sodain mutations as to the body natural so to the body Politick are ever dangerous But this translation of the Imperial Seat to Byzantlum seemeth also to have given some occasion to a second error of Constantine whereby dividing his Empire into three parts to his sons of one great one he made three with a notable diminution of authority and strength For his sons falling out amongst themselves they so defeated one another as the Empire was exhausted and enervated amongst them 17. For although it sometimes a little recovered under one Prince yet remained it so lyable to divisions How this came to passe that it seldom happened but it was divided into Eastern and Western till at length Odoacer King of the Heruli and Turingi entering Italy with a great Army cast Augustulus into such straights that out of desperation he quitted the Western Empire which happened about the year 476. The Hunni ere this had passed over Danubius Alaricus King of the Vandals had taken Rome The Vandals first seized on Andalusia and afterwards on Africk the Alani on Lusitania now Portugal and the Gothes on the greater part of Spain the Angli on Britain and the Burgundians on Provence Justinian the Emperour by driving the Vandals out of Africk and the Goths out of Italy did a little repair these decayes but the effect thereof continued not long for about the year 710 the Armies and Heresie of Mahomet began to disturb the Eastern Empire and in a short time the Saracens over-ran Syria Aegypt Africk Sicily and Spain About the year 735 they also seized on several parts of Gall. Thus was the Western Empire by little and little torn in pieces and cantonized At length by a new title it came to Charls the Great in whose family it scarcely continued 100 years and then came to be Elective by seven Persons and so continueth rather a resemblance of an Empire than otherwise unto this day As for the Eastern it continued so weak that scarcely sometimes could it defend the Metropolis against the Saracens much lesse could it afford any assistance to the other and after the Saracens the Turks got ground of it by little and little till having for many years left the Emperours little more than an empty name at last Constantinople also was taken by Mahomet the Great No more at present by way of Anticipation either concerning the decay of the Roman Empire or of those particular Kingdoms Principalities and States that were cut out of it all which are referred to the method of another Volume But as we said the division of the Empire took it's original from the translation of the Imperial Seat to Byzantium it increased by plurality of Princes and came to perfection in the promotion of Charls the Great after which there was no communion of Government Laws Magistracy or Councils as had been before Now to our continuation of Ecclesiastical matters Bishops 18. In the second year of Decius was Fabianus Bishop of Rome crowned with Martyrdom on the fourteenth of the Calends of February The Sea was vacant for one year and then was chosen Cornelius whose election displeasing some Novatus ordained against him Novatianus The year following Cornelius was Martyred on
Keepers so much drink that they falling asleep with one of their daggers he cut the thongs Being loosed he stabbed the Cretians and escaped and afterwards to requite the womans kindnesse married her to his Son Gorgus 42. Ten years the Siege of Ira continued the Messenians enjoying the grounds at the foot of the Mountain as far as the River Neda thereby being better provided for to hold out But in the eleventh when Aristomenes was renderd by a wound incapable of taking such care about the watch as he had been wont in a rainy and dark night the sentinels secure of him betook themselves to their own homes Amongst those there was one whose wife in his absence entertained a certain Herds-man as a Lover who belonged to Emperamus a Lacedaemonian now at the Siege He being hid by his Paramour upon her husband's coming heard the man tell the Story how he and his fellows had forsaken their charge and slipping away therewith acquainted his Master Both the Spartan Kings were absent at this time but Emperamus unwilling to let slip so fair an opportunity led the Army thither and got into the Fortresse before he was discovered A.M. 3337. Ol. 28. an 1. V. C. 86. Manassis 34. When the matter was perceived The end of the second War a great contest there was betwixt the parties but Aristomenes seeing there was no hope of doing any good and willing to save what was left of the afflicted Messenians obtained liberty to depart and so Ira being taken the War ended after it had lasted sixteen years in the first of the 28th Olympiad when Auâ—osthenes was Archon at Athens A. M. 3337. 43. When the Arcadians understood of the taking of Ira they desired of Aristocrates their King to be led out either to restore their friends or die with them but he having formerly betraied them at the great Ditch was now also corrupted with money and refused to do it alleging there was none left to whom they could give assistance Yet when it was clearly known that they were alive they sent some before to comfort them then met them with clothes and meat as far as the Hill Lycaeus and kindly invited them to live amongst them Aristomenes boyling with hatred and revenge against the Lacedaemonians chose out of the Company 500 men whom he knew to be no whit desirous to outlive the fortune of their Country and asked them in the hearing of Aristocrates not knowing any thing of his treachery and the Arcadians whether they would venture their lives with him Upon their answer that they would he acquainted them with his design to march straight for Sparta which if he could surprize now that all it's strength was imployed in the plunder of Messenia then should he make an even exchange with the Lacedaemonians but if not death would be the worst that could happen Besides the Messenians 300 Arcadians gave their names to this Expedition but being stayed by reason that the entrails of the beast were not propitious Aristocrates punished for his treachery Aristocrates had time to give notice of the design to Anaxander King of Sparta The treachery was discovered after the return of the Messenger by some that suspected it and the letter sent back from Anaxander was red in the Assembly of the Arcadians wherein thanks was given to Aristocrates as well for the help he afforded the Lacedaemonians at the great Ditch as for this timely notice Hereat the multitude was so inraged as they stoned him out of hand cast him out unburied and erected a monument to his infamy with this note that Perjury cannot escape God They exhorted also the Messenians to throw stones at him who looked upon Aristomenes as expecting directions from him but he onely fixed his eyes on the ground and wept 44. The Messenians desired of Aristomenes to lead them out to seek some new place to inhabit but he denied it resolving to spend his dayes in doing as much mischief as he could to the Lacedaemonians onely his son Gorgus and Manticlus he offered to them Those that had kept Pylus and Methone with others which lived on the Sea-coasts went by ship to Cyllene the haven of the Eleans to seek out the rest The following Spring several places being proposed to go to Anaxilas who then reigned at Rhegium and was descended of one Alcidamidas a Messenian that after the taking of Ithome in the former War betook himself thither sent some to convey them into Italy After their arrival he told them he had continual War with the Zauclaeans a people of Sicilie that inhabited a fruitful and pleasant Soil which if they would help him to conquer he would put it into their hands A. M. 3339. Ol. 28. an 3. V.C. 88. Manassis 36. He then besieged them by Sea The Messenians passe into Sicily and the Messenians by Land whereby being distressed and the greater part of the wall now cast down they fled to the altars of their gods Anaxilus would have had them slain and their wives and children sold but the other unwilling to commit such cruelty against any Greeks for such they were the Town being first inhabited by Râ—vers and afterwards by others from several parts of Greece gave them liberty to continue and incorporating themselves into their body changed the name of the place from Zancle into Messene Aristomenes for some time continuing in Greece married his daughters very honourably whereof Demagetus Prince of Rhodes at that time took the youngest to wife having been advised by the Oracle to make choice of that man's daughter who was the best in all Greece He carried his daughter to Rhodes whence he intended to go to Ardys the son of Gyges then reigning in Lydia and thence to Ecbatane to Phraortes King of the Medes but death prevented him and he finished his dayes in that Island being found in the number of those few that lived and dyed in great glory SECT 6. Such as continued in Messenia made slaves 45. Messenia thus subdued by the Lacedaemonians was tilled by the common slaves amongst whom such of the inhabitants as there still remained were inrolled and became a proverb for their hard bondage being worse used than any because as some think the War was carried on with them not for glory and Empire but for life and safety not with a contention which people should rule but whether should be preserved The accession of this Countrey to their demesnes very much increased the power of Lacedaemon and so they held it for two hundred years till an opportunity was offered for the old inhabitants in despight of them to return This thing being brought to passe long after must be referred to another place as also because what further hapned betwixt the Arcadians Argives and this Common-wealth is not very material whatsoever we have further to observe concerning the Lacedaemonians SECT VI. The most antient Kingdom of Corinth Corinth first called Ephyra and built by
Sisyphus 1. THis Citie seated in the Isthmus of Peloponnesus Pausan in Corinthiacis had first the name of Ephyra and was built by Sisyphus whose posterity reigned here some 428 years in the dayes of Cecrops the first King of Athens and a little before Deucalions Flood about the 2486 year of the World He married Merope the daughter of Atlas by which he had four sons Glaucus Ornytion Thersander and Almas was accounted a very wise Euseb in Chron. A. M. 2486. and prudent man feigned also to have returned to life again that he might chastize his wife for not having performed what was due to his memory After he was once got up he would not return of a long time to Hell where he is also said by the Poets to roll a great stone up an Hill which continually tumbling down again keepeth him in constant toil having this punishment inflicted on him for discovering to Asopus his daughter stolne away by Jupiter Glaucus his eldest son was the father of Bellerophon and first celebrated Games in the Isthmus Ornytion begat Phocus who led a Colony into and gave name to the Countrey called Phocis after him and Thoas a younger son that continued at Corinth Thersander had two sons Coronus and Haliartus who being adopted by Athamas their Uncle on the father's side then reigning in Boeotia after he had lost his own two sons Phryxus and Helles and his daughter Ino with her two sons gave name to two places in that Countrey Almus called otherwise Halmus and Olmus the youngest son of Sisyphus had part of the Countrey of the Orchomenians bestowed on him by Eteocles the King and from him Almon or Olmon a place of Boeotia was so named Bellerophontes 2. Bellerophontes having committed man-slaughter at Corinth was forced to fly thence and went to Praetus King of the Argives whose wife Sthenobaea enamoured of his beauty tempted him to lie with her Apoliodorus A M. 2660. but he had the modesty to deny her wherewith she was so incensed as to accuse him to her husband of an intended rape Praetus taking it in great disdain to be so used by his Guest yet would not kill him but sent him to Iolas King of Lycia his wives father with Letters wherein he desired him to make the bearer away To fulfill his request Iolas first caused him to fight with the Chimaera a Monster that vomited fire not doubting of his destruction thereby but he mounting the horse Pegasus slew the Monster Then he sent him against the Solymi and Amazons whom he Conquered then caused some of the strongest young men he could procure to ly in ambush and fall on him which also he having slain Iolas admiring his valour gave him his daughter Philonoe to wife and when he died left him his Successor in the Kingdom of Lycia Concerning this Chimaera what should be meant thereby is scarce discernable The Chimaera (a) Servius in Virgil Aeneiad l. 6. Some have understood by it a Mountain in Lycia the top whereof vomited forth fire the middle part had Pastures full of Goats and the foot or bottom abounded with Serpents 'T is conceived he might make this Mountain habitable and thence be said to have slain the Chimaera which had a mouth like a Lyon middle parts as a Goat and the hinder parts like a Dragon (b) Plutarch de virtutibus mulierum Others again say that Bellerophontes gave occasion to this fable by killing one Chimaerus a Sea Captain who infested the Lycians with piracy the story being thence raised for that Chimaerus his ship had a Lyon painted on the prow and a Dragon on the deck and Bellerophon's Vessel called Pegasus might have a winged horse for its sign A third (c) Homer Iliad 3. Eust Isac in Lycoph p. 6. sort think three kinds of enemies to be signified by this Monster the Solymi Amazons and Lycians the former being for their valour compared to a Lyon the next for their nimblenesse in climbing of Rocks to a Goat and the last to a Dragon for their craftinesse in ambushes Lastly a (d) Lege Bocharti Canaan lib. 1. c. 6. modern and most learned Writer judgeth the three gods of the Solymi whom Bellerophon overthrew to have been painted in their Ensigns resembling a Lyon Goat and Dragon like the three heads of the Monster as 't is described by Hesiod 3. Bellerophontes being driven from Corinth Thoas the son of Ornytion obtained the Kingdom whom succeeded Demophon his son Pausan ut prius then followed Propodas whose two sons Doridas and Hyanthidas reigning both together Aletes the son of Hippotes son to Antiochus and Nephew to Hercules came down and subdued the Kingdom The Heraclidae having before this Vide Simsonium ad A.M. 2914. obtained Peloponnesus Aletes reserved this part for him who consulting the Oracle of Jupiter at Dodona was answered that he should then obtain it when a clod of Earth should be given him At his return this was fulfilled for begging some meat of an Herds-man he having nothing to give him offered him a clod which he gladly accepted saying Aletes aceepteth of a clod which became a proverb Who gave the name of Corinth to the Citie is uncertain but however Aletes out of gratitude to the Oracle 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 named it Corinth of Jupiter which gave occasion to the multitude to believe that Corinth the King that built it was the son of Jupiter wherein they so gloried and so often vaunted of it that nothing became more ridiculous and they were laughed at for it throughout Greece After Aletes the eldest of the family succeeded for several Generations The first was Ixion Euseb in Chronico Excepta Diodori per Georgium Monact inter lib. 5. 10. who reigned 37 years the next Agilaus who ruled as many Prumnis 35. and * A. M. 3048. Bacchis full so many who was so famous that where as he and all his Ancestors were called Heraclidae The Bacchiadae his Successors from him had the name of Bacchiadae The first after him was Agelas who governed thirty years the next Eudemus who reigned 25. then came Aristomedes who having ruled 35. left a Child behind him which his brother Algemon whom he had appointed Guardian deposed and held the Kingdom himself sixteen years After him followed Alexander for 25. whom Telestes the son of Aristomedes slew and obtained his fathers Kingdom which he held twelve years He was also slain by Arieus and Perantas his Kins-men and then Automenes reigned one year which being expired the Bachidae more than 200 in number seized on the Kingdom and Governed in common onely every year they created a Prytanis out of their own body to be in the room of the King and so they continued 90 years in the way of an Aristocracy Colonies of the Corinthians 4. During this term in the fourth year of the eleventh Olympiad A.M.
3730. Ol. 128. ann 2. V. C. 479. Antioch Sot 8. Ptol. Philad 10. M. Curio Deatato 2. L. Cornelio Lentulo Coss Polybius Diodorus ut suprà taking notice of the loose Carriage of the old Mercenary Soldiers and how they were ever inclining to mutinies he drew them out against the Mamertines who being Barbarians as the Greeks alwayes termed all besides themselves had seized upon Messene and dividing them from the rest which he kept with himself exposed them against the Enemie and suffered them every man to be cut off so that being rid of them he thenceforth Governed without any fear or trouble Three or four years after he set upon the Mamertines in good earnest who though they bare themselves high so long as their friends and associates continued Masters of Rhegium created much trouble to the Carthaginians Hiero being sole Magistrate falleth upon the Mamertines and compelled divers Towns to pay Tribute yet now since the defeat of them and especially after that Hiero had got into his power two places near unto them they were exceedingly straitned 28. Yet sent they out against him 8000 foot and 1000 horse under the Conduct of one Cios who calling the Soothsayers to divine what the issue should be they answered that he was to spend the next night in the Enemies Camp at which being much elevated he set his men in order and passed over the River Hiero sent 2000 choice Messenians A. M. 3735. and 500 others to get about the Hill Thorax and come upon their backs he in the mean time charging their front Here was maintained a sharp dispute till the 700 fresh men coming upon the backs of the Mamertines did great execution upon them so that being now compassed about they betook themselves to flight Cios the General fighting most valiantly received so many and great wounds that he swooned with too great expense of bloud and being taken alive was brought into the Camp of the Syracusians where all means possible were used for his recovery But it hapning that divers horses being brought out of the field he espied that on which his son rode amongst them whereat taking an apprehension of the young mans death in great trouble of mind he untied his wounds and thereby caused his own end as unwilling to outlive his son 29. The Mamertines upon the news of this defeat were minded to give up themselves Hannibal the Carthaginian General deceitfully tampereth with them and their Citie into the hands of Hiero. But it hapning that Hannibal the Carthaginian General being at that time in the Island Lipara heard of the overthrow and came over presently to congratulate Hiero as he pretended but indeed to circumvent him with his General craft in which he was well skilled and Hiero was so wrought upon as to give credit to him and ly still Then went he to the Mamertines and finding them ready to surrender turned them clearly from it and drew them to his own interest by bringing them relief into the Citie Hiero returning to Syracuse Polybius ibid. was for a reward of his great service saluted King by the consent of all men which Title he held to his last the space of 54 years Hannibal cunningly placed his Garrison in the Castle and thereby awed the whole Town so that the Mamertines then suspected him as much as Hiero and they hindring thus each other from gaining the place at length made an accord to carry on the War against it in common This Combination causing the other to bethink themselves of some forein aid They send to the Romans for aid they sent to the Romans desiring them to take the patronage of them their own Countrey-men as being Originally Campanians 30. The Message found no good entertainment with the Senate for that the fathers accounted it an absurd thing for them who had punished the perfidiousnesse of those that had seized upon Rhegium so sharply now to take upon them to protect those that were guilty and patterns of the same Crime and they could by no means be brought to consent unto it But the people who alone could do it being perswaded by the Praetor that it was high time to stop the proceedings of the Carthaginians A.M. 3739. Ol. 128. ann 3. V. C. 488. Antioch Sot 17. Ptol. Philad 19. who had almost swallowed up all Sicily and would use that Island as a bridge to passe over into Italy and being also made to believe how profitable it would be to their particular interests to undertake the War having suffered much by that late one with Pyrrhus and the Tarentines they decreed that aid should be sent them The next year was Appius Claudius accordingly sent over with an Army with which he put to the worst both Hiero and Hannibal and thereupon constrained the other to joyn himself to him against the Carthaginians This is called the Sicilian or the first Punick War which for that it falls into the History of the Romans more especially under whom thenceforth Sicilia was ever subject it must necessarily be referred thither as to its proper place It began A. M. 3741. the first of the 129 Olympiad in the 19th of the reign of Antiochus Soter the second King of Syria and the 21th of Ptolomy Philadelphus the second also of Egypt after the division of the Empire of Alexander the Great 22 years after the death of Agathocles in the 490th year after the building of Rome Appius Claudius Caudex and M. Fulvius Flaccus being Consuls SECT 1. CHAP. IX The affaires of the Romans Contemporary with the Empire of the Macedonians SECT I. From the War of Privernum to the first Punick War wherein the Romans first set foot out of Italy the space of 66 years 1. IN the year after the taking of Privernum was War decreed against the Paâ—aepolitans Livius lib. 8. War decreed against the Palaepolitans Palaeopolis stood not far off from the place where Neapolis now Napoli or Naples is seated and as some think there where at this day is seen il borgo de Chiara A. M. 3678. Ol. 113. ann 2. V. C. 173. Alexand. 10. The same people inhabited two Cities being descended from Cumae which was also a Colony of Ch. lcis in Enboea now called Negropont For the Cumani having a good fleet first passed to the Islands Menaria and Pathecusa and afterward ventured upon the Continent The Palaepolitans trusting to their own strength and counting of the treachery of the Samnites and the plague which now had seized upon Rome committed many Hostile actions against the Romans that inhabited the Countreys about Cumae and Falernus When L. Cornelius Lentulus and Q. Publius Philo were both Consuls the second time the Faeciales were sent to demand restitution who bringing from those Greeks more valiant in tongue saith Livy than in deeds a fiery and resolute answer it was resolved that War should be made upon them Alexandria in Egypt when built 2. Whilest