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
within a while he himself afforded matter for that office dying in the Isle Melos at his return homewards Demophon After his death Demophon the son of Theseus who together with his brother Achames both begotten on Phaedra followed Elphenor to Troy went to Athens and obtained the Kingdom As he returned Phyllis daughter to Sithon and Queen of Thrace fell in love with him Servius in Eclog. 5. Virgil and wood him for marriage He told her he would first go to settle his affairs at Athens and then come and marry her but staying somewhat long she had no patience to wait and thinking she was slighted hanged herself He stole the Palladium or image of Pallas from the Argives who brought it from Troy and in their return with Diomedes made encursions unwittingly into Attica being driven by night upon Phalerus and not knowing where they were He reigned about 34 years and then left his Kingdom to his son Oxyntes Oxyntes Aphidas Thymoetes who after twelve was succeeded by Aphidas his son who reigned but one year Then followed Thymoetes the fifteenth King Atheneus who being a Bastard is reported to have murdered Aphidas his brother and after eight years lost the Kingdom He was the last of the Erechthidae that reigned at Athens 18. It hapned that the State of Athens had War with the Boeotians about Celoenae a place seated in the confines of both Countries and it pleased the parties that their Kings should decide the quarrel in their own persons Thymoetes declined the combat and for that was deposed Melanthius a Messenian who was then driven from home by the Heraclidae accepted it Pausan in Atticis and overcame Xanthus the Boeotian King by a stratageme for when they came to fight he cried out Thou dost not justly Xanthus Frontinus Stratagem l. 2. c. 5. Exemp 41. but contrary to our agreement who accompanied with another person comest to fight against me a single man at which he wondering and looking back to see who should follow him Melanthius Melanthius ran him thorow with his Lance. He then reigned in the room of Thymoetes and at his death left Codrus his son his Successor who willingly offered himself to death for the safety of his Athenians Codrus the last King There were now distasts arisen betwixt the Heraclidae who held Peloponnesus Justin lib. 2. and them for that they harboured the Iones Strabo lib. 9. and other fugitives out of that Country and at length the Heraclidae intending to make War upon them consulted the Oracle beforehand concerning their successe which answered that they should have the better if they kept off their hands from the Athenian King and not otherwise They gave order to their men to beware of hurting him but he getting knowledge of the matter disguised himself and going into their Army by blows provoked them to kill him This being known they raised their Siege though some of them had already got into the City on whom then the Athenians had mercy and dismissed them without any harm This happened 486 years after Cecrops A. M. 2935. 114 after the destruction of Troy 35 after the return of the Heraclidae 293 before the first Olympiad A. M. 2935. The Archons for life Pausan in Messeniciis 19. After Codrus his death the people took away the title of King and gave the name of Archon with a diminished power to his Successor who might be called to an account for what he did though he kept the principality during life This was Medon the son of Codrus whom the rest of his brothers despising as weak and lame led out Colonies of the Ionians Idem in Achaicis Strabo l. 14. and some others Attica being now full into Asia The twelve Cities of Ionia and there founded the 12 famous Cities of the Ionians viz. Ephesus Miletus Priene Colophon Myus Teos Lebedus Claromenae Erythrae Phocaea Chius in the Island Chios and Samus in an Isle of the same name over against Ephesus which at first being subjected to several petty Princes at length joyned in one body politick and became very famous in after-ages Twelve other Archons succeeded Medon named from him Medontidae and in this condition the state remained unaltered for 315 years during which time there is little remarkable Euseb either concerning Princes or Commonwealth onely the time of Ariphron the 19th Archon fell in with that of Sardanapalus and Alcmaeon the son of Aeschylus was the last who dying when he had scarce reigned two years the people took another occasion to alter the Government for being weary of this perpetual power of their Princes they confined it to the space of 10 years This change being made about the beginning of the first Olympiad Archons for ten years A. M. 3248. Charops was the first that underwent it in whose time Dionysius of Halycarnassus will have Rome built Six others succeeded him in the power thus qualified whereof Hippomenes the fourth in order was the last of the posterity of Codrus being deposed for his cruelty to his daughter Suidas whom being defloured he shut up with an Horse that had no meat given him and so caused to be devoured quick The last of all the six was Eryxias Euseb who after he had Governed six years either died or being deposed for some Crime opened the Door to a new and greater innovation after 70 years continuance of the Decennal Government Annual Archons nine in number 20. The people still burning with a desire of greater liberty A.M. 3318. abolished quite the power of a single person and instead of him made nine Archons Lege Sigonium de Repub. Athen. Uttonem Emmium to be but annual a new Election being to be made every year out of those who for birth wealth or favour were most considerable in the Citie The first in order was properly called Archon as principal of the College and Eponymus because he signed the Calendar and all things that fell out in that year were said to be done he being Archon He had the care of their superstition to him it belonged to take Cognisance of differences arising about inheritances as also betwixt Husband and Wife Parents and their Children and Kinsfolks one amongst another Moreover he took care of Orphans and assigned them Guardians The second in order had the name of King who taking care also of another part of their superstition determined causes both Civil and Criminal or referred them to the greater Courts of Judicature The third was called Polemarchus who besides the charge of some religious customs had that of War committed to him whence he had his name was General of the Armies abroad and at home the Judge of strangers The other six were termed Thesmothetae being keepers of the Laws or Customs Judges in several Cases and had power to commit to prison all suspicious persons These were their distinct Offices Altogether
cut down the Paradise wherein the Kings of Persia when they came that way used to divert themselves burnt the hay which the Satrapaes had gathered for use in War and punished such Officers as by whom they had been abused 5. Ochus having notice of this longed to be revenged of all the Phoenicians but especially on them of Sidon and gathering his Forces together at Babylon set out thence against them In the mean time whilst he was on his way the President of Syria and Mazaeus Governour of Cilicia with joynt Forces set upon the Phoenicians but Tennes King of Sidon having received out of Aegypt a supply of 4000 Graecians over which Mentor the Rhodian was General with them and his Citizens together fell upon the Satrapaes worsted and expelled them out of Phoenicia Whilst things were thus carried there another War arose to the Persians out of Cyprus wherein were nine Cities of good account having the lesser Towns in their subjection and each of them a King but all Subjects to the Persian all which now imitating the Phoenicians revolted Ochus receiving tidings hereof wrote to Adrieus Prince of Caria who being newly come to the Government was by the tenure of his Principality a friend and associate in war to the Persian Empire to provide Forces both for Sea and Land against them who accordingly with great expedition making ready 40 Gallies and 8000 Mercenaries sent them into Cyprus under the conduct of Phocion the Athenian and Evagoras who heretofore had held the Island as King These two landing their men laid close siege to Salamine both by Land and Sea and the Island having been quiet of late and for that reason abounding with riches great numbers flocked out of desire of plunder from Syria and Cilicia insomuch that the number of the besiegers was doubled Hereupon all the other Cities submitted themselves onely Protagoras held out still and Evagoras thought by force to re-invest himself of that Kingdom devolved upon him from his Ancestors But at length Protagoras also submitting obtained Salamine still and Evagoras contented himself with a larger Dominion given him in Asia which ill governing he fled again into Cyprus and there taken was put to death Mentor the Rhodian offereth to betray Sidon to him 6. The King was on his march towards Phoenicia when Mentor the Rhodian understanding what strength he had and how unable the Rebels were to make tesistance sent one to him privately offering to betray Sidon into his hands and to do him especial service in the conquest of Aegypt being very well skilled in that Country and the River Ochus not onely promised him indemnity but a large reward if he would perform what he promised and placing his greatest felicity in the recovery of Aegypt sent to the chiefest of the Graecian States to desire aid The Athenians and Lacedaemonians signified their desire to retain amity and a good correspondence with him but at present could yield him no assistance but the Thebans sent him 1000 men the Argives 3000 and the Greeks in Asia willing to shew their readinesse furnished him with 6000. Before their arrival the King was got into Phoenicia and sate down not far from Sidon which the Inhabitants had by this time strongly manned within and fortified with a threefold large ditch and high walls besides a Fleet of 100 Gallies For they exceeded by far all their neighbours in riches 7. But Tennes their King had associated himself with Mentor to betray the City whom leaving therein with command of a part thereof for the better carrying on of the treachery he himself with 500 Soldiers went out pretending to go to the publick convention of the Phoenicians having with him 100 of the prime Citizens as his Counselors These he brought straight to Ochus Tennes King of Sidon joyneth with him and yet put to death by Ochus who put them all to death as authors of the rebellion and after them 500 more who came as Suppliants with Olives in their hands after he had understood from Tennes that the City should be surrendred to him without any conditions thereby to strike a terror into the other Towns After this Tennes easily prevailed with the mercenary Aegyptians to let him and the King into the Town which being done and Ochus having it in his power judging him now to be of no use to him he commanded him also to be slain The Sidonians before the King approached had burnt all their ships lest any private person should convey himself away during the Siege Sidon taken burnt by the Inhabitants Now seeing themselves betrayed and their City full of the Enemy which swarmed on every side they set fire on their houses and therein burnt themselves with their wives and children so that accounting slaves above 40000 are thought to have perished in the flames The King sold the rubbish thereof for many talents much gold and silver being found because it had flourished with great riches By this Tragedy of Sidon the other Cities being terrified yielded themselves unto the Persian 8. The (a) Diodorus â— Olymp. 107. ann 3. Auxiliaries out of Greece being come to Ochus after the taking of Sidon he set forward with his whole Army towards Aegypt (b) Solinus cap. 35. Aristus de 70. Interp. taking Jericho a City of Judaea as its probable in his way and drawing many Jews along with him in his Expedition Coming (c) Diodorus ibid. to the Lake Sirbonis he lost part of his Army in the Whirl-pits and Bogs through ignorance of the place and a length arrrived at Pelusium the first frontier-town which was held with a Garrison of 1000 men Now the King divided the Graecian Forces into three bodies and over each constituted a Captain of their own Nation and joyned a Persian with him the other Forces he kept in his own Command being greatly intent about the main businesse On the other side Nectanebus was not a whit discouraged Ochus invadeth Aegypt having in pay 20000 Graecians and as many Africans besides 60000 of his own Aegyptians and an innumerable Compapany of boats for the River But by his conceitednesse and want of skil he miscarried having formerly prospered whilst he used the conduct of the Graecian Captains but now his Fortune changing upon his sole managing the War for which he thought himself sufficiently able After then he had fortified his Garrisons with 30000 Aegyptians 5000 Greeks and half of the Africans he seized upon such places as were most advantagious for passage into the Country 9. Things standing thus betwixt them Nicostratus the Captain of the Argives getting some Aegyptians for Guides passed with the Fleet through a ditch and in a place something remote and out of sight landed his men and pitched his tents which being known by the Garrison a party issued out and fell upon them but the Graecians after a sharp contest slew their Captain and of them about 5000 nem Nectanebus upon report made of this
and down as long as their provisions lasted Archidamus the third time invadeth Attica In the mean time all the Island Lesbus except Methymna revolted from the Athenians having had a great desire to do it before the War but that the Lacedaemonians would not receive them A Fleet of fourty ships were then presently dispatched from Athens and War was denounced to the Inhabitants of Mitylene except they delivered up their ships and pulled down the walls SECT 3. which being denied War was made upon them their Gallies put to flight and the Haven blocked up Hereupon they desired a Treaty The Athenians besiege Mitylene and obtained truce to send an Ambassage to Athens about a Peace but in the mean while they sent underhand Ambassadors to Lacedaemon to desire a straight League and alliance with present aid The Ambassadors being ordered by the Spartans to stay at Olympia at the time of the solemnity of the 88th Olympiad pleaded there their cause and in the name of their City were received into the League and assistance out of hand was promised to them Another Expedition was then resolved on into Attica but the Spartans being ready at the Isthmus whereas their associates loitered and the Athenians then with a Fleet of 30 ships preid upon Peloponnesus they being advertized of the losse they sustained in Laconia returned home 14. Yet the Peloponnesians in performance of their promise made to the Mitylenaeans dispatched away a Fleet of 40 Gallies which found another from Athens to oppose it consisting of 100 for the Athenians now abounded in shipping having ready furnished 250 Gallies on which they expended much so as to defray their expences they now first of all were assessed exacting yet from their confederates the usual Tributes which they paid with much repining At the same time the Mitylenaeans and the rest of the Lesbians made War upon the Methymnaeans who persisted in their obedience to the Athenians These understanding of it sent at the latter end of Summer a band of men into the Island which drew a line round about Mitylene upon which Guards being set the Inhabitants were straightly besieged In Winter the Inhabitants of Plataea being greatly distressed for want of victuals and despairing of any aid from Athens resolved to break through the Enemies Fortifications though exceeding difficult to be passed and save themselves by flight Many for the difficulty of the thing changed their minds but 300 stood firm in their resolution and taking advantage of an exceeding dark and tempestuous night 212 with remarkable courage and constancy brake through and the rest being repulsed into the City came safe unto Athens Towards the end of Winter Salaethus was sent from Lacedaemon to Mitylene to encourage the besieged to hold out by promise of help and another Expedition to be made by the confederates into Attica And so the fourth year of the Peloponnesian War ended Attica invaded the fifth time and the Mitylenaeans yield 15. In the beginning of the fifth year the Peloponnesians sent 40 ships to Lesbus to the relief of the Mitylenaeans under the conduct of Alcidas and they themselves with an Army over which Cleomenes Uncle and Guardian to Pausanias their young King yet under age was Captain invaded Attica the fifth time which they most grievously distressed but hearing nothing from Lesbus that they liked and being in scarcity of victuals they returned the sooner into Peloponnesus The Mitylenaeans being sorely distressed in the same nature whether the Magistrate would or not yielded themselves to the mercy of the Athenians which the Peloponnesian Fleet understanding before they arrived at Lesbus went over to the Coast of Asia and there having cast many things in their heads without any thing of note performed returned through the perswasion of their General into Peloponnesus being from Lesbus in vain pursued by Paches the Athenian Captain He returning from the pursute setled things in Lesbus according to his own mind sent Salaethus the Lacedaemonian messenger whom he took in the Town with the authors of the revolt and some whom the Towns-men sent to intercede for them unto Athens staying there himself for further orders Salaethus was presently put to death and the people being called together to consult about the Mitylenaeans resolved at the instigation of Cleon a man of bitter severity that all those of ripe age should be put to death as well as they that were sent to Athens and all the women and children should be made bond-slaves and this decree was without delay sent to Paches to be put into execution A severe sentence against them But considering of this rash and cruel sentence they repented of what they had done and the next day met to advise further of it when again Cleon a man in great grace with them pressed vehemently the former decree But Diodotus one of a milder spirit opposed him and having endeavoured the day before to no purpose to do it now by very few voices carried it from him 16. Then was there dispatched a swift Galley with order if possible to get before that which carried the former Decree Reversed and command Paches to abstain from putting it in execution Yet the former arrived at Mitylene first having set forth a whole day before it but whilst Paches was considering of the sharpnesse of the Decree and how to perform it the latter arrived and so the lives of the multitude were saved being so near to destruction as scarce any thing nearer But to punish the revolt above 1000 of those whom Paches had sent to Athens as authors of it the People commanded to be put to death Mitylene was deprived of it's walls and ships all Lesbus except the Methymnaeans had hard conditions imposed upon them The fields were taken from all the owners of which the tenth part being dedicated to the gods the remainder was distributed to the Citizens of Athens the tillage thereof being left under a vast rent to the Lesbians and all such Towns as were now subject to the Mitylenaeans the Athenians reduced under their Dominions The same Summer they seized upon Minoas an Island lying before the shore of Megaris and the Port of Nisae and fortifying it made the Coasts more safe and convenient to all intents Plataea at length yielded and destroyed In the mean time those that were left in Plataea were forced by meer famine to yield themselves and City to the judgement of the Lacâ—daemonians who sent five men to hear their Orators and the Thebans their Enemies These men adjudged them all to death which accordingly was executed upon them to the number of 200 with whom were slain 25 Athenians found in the Town and the women adjudged to slavery The City for some time was given to some exiles to inhabit then scarce a year being past was by the Thebans utterly destroyed an Inne onely being built out of the ruines of the Temple of Juno and the Temple it self inlarged all the
also preserved uncorrupt and natural 43. The same year hapned such a Sedition and Massacre at Argos Diodorus ad Olymp. 102. an 3. as could never be paralleld in Greece That City was then governed in a Democratical way but the Orators so stirred up the People against the Nobility that some being accused An unparelled Sedition at Argos the fruit of Antimonarchical Government for fear conspired against the Popular Government to prevent their own ruine Being hereupon suspected and examined some fearing to be tortured made away themselves and one in the midst of his pains accused thirty of the most eminent in the City The common sort giveing credit to this accusation put all those to death unheard and confiscated their goods and then many others being accused who were wealthy they put them all to death and in this manner made an end of 1600. The Orators themselves now were afraid lest in this so general a Massacre they themselves also might unexpectedly miscarry and therefore ceased from their calumniations which being understood by the multitude as though they now forsook them they put as many of them to death as they could find in the City the vengeance of God thus repaying them 44. The next year the Lacedaemonians sent 1000 of their Citizens Idem ad ann 4. Xenoph. and 500 Argives and Boeotian Exiles under the command of Polytropus into Arcadia who there fortified Orchomenus but meeting with Lycomedes the Mantinean General of the Arcadians he was slain in battel with 200 men The Arcadians after this desiring help of the Athenians in vain procured it of the Boeotians who dispatched into Peloponnesus Epaminondas and Pelopidas to whom the other Boeotarchae of their own accord left the command of the Army When they were come into Arcadia all the Confederates made up the number of 50000 men but yet the Thebans were very unwilling to invade Laconia They considered that the Country was well fortified and that the Lacedaemonians terrible every where would fight more desperately at their own dores Epaminondas invadeth Laconia But the other pressing them much to it and some bringing word how the borders were desolate of defence and offering to conduct them into it at length they invaded it in four several bodies and bearing down all opposition met together at Sallasia whence they marched for Sparta it self burning and consuming all things in their passage Plutarch Corn. Nepos in Agesilao Six hundred years had the Dores now inhabited Laconia and for all this time not an Enemy had dared to appear in it so that this unusual sight caused great tumults in the City the women having never before seen as much as the smoak of War nor the men able to endure a Siege Agesilaus contained them within bestowing them as he found convenient in several places for the defence of the City which had no other walls than the bodies of it's Inhabitants He was much moved at the arrogance of the Enemy who challended him by name as the cause of these dissentions to come out and fight yet so contained himself as taking great pains for the preservation of his Country he shewed clearly that if he had not been the City could not have continued 45. The Boeotians laboured to provoke the Spartans to fight bidding them either do it or confesse themselves to be inferior to their Enemies to which they answered that when they saw occasion they would not fear to try a battel with them for all They left then the City and making great waste of all Laconia returned into Arcadia The Spartans in the time of this their extremity had promised liberty to such of their Slaves as would fight for them and sent to Athens to procure assistance from that State which the Ambassadors procured to be decreed especially by this motive that the Lacedaemonians had saved that City at the end of the Peloponnesian War when the Thebans were earnest for it's utter destruction Iphicrates sent to assist the Spartans They made choice of Iphicrates for the General in this Expedition who otherwise a man of excellent conduct yet is judged by Xenophon to have been far overseen in the management of this employment For having loitered at Corinth and the Thebans being about to return home he ought to have fortified Cenchrea where they had the most convenient passage and when he sent to spie whether they had passed Oneus His conduct is censured by Xenophon he sent both all his own and the Corinthian Horse whereas few had been sufficient to spie and better for a speedy retreat and hereby he lost no fewer than twenty men and the Thebans retuned without any great molestation The Lacedaemonians having got 4000 Auxiliaries besides 1000 Slaves newly manumitted and many men out of the neighbouring Towns thought themselves then fit to try a battel yet convenient for them first to send to the Thebans about a peace They offered it to them on these terms that Messene should be restored by them and the Laconians left to their liberty Most enclined to receive these terms till Archidamus rising up said that peace was not to be received upon such unequal conditions by them who were wont to give and not to receive it that Messene was justly destroyed 300 years before and could not be restored but to the great distresse and dammage of the Lacedaemonians 46. But Epaminondas having to his great honour restored Messene fully the grounds being divided Diodorus ad Olymp. 102. ann 4. and all things done after 85 dayes spent in this Expedition returned home and being in his way molested by Iphicrates pursued him home to the walls of Athens Epaminondus retutning questioned for his life But there was a Law at Thebes which made it capital for any one to retain the chief command longer than was in that case provided by the constitutions of the City new Magistrates being to be chosen the beginning of the new moneth Bacatius This Epaminondas knowing to have been made for the good of the City would not keep it to the dammage thereof and continued his command four moneths longer than his Commission warranted After his return he and his Colleagues were accused and he permitted them to lay all the blame upon himself They being hereby freed no man expected any defence from him as having nothing to say for himself He appearing denied nothing that his adversaries objected confessed what his Colleagues said to be true Plutarch in Pelopida Corn. Nepos in Epaminonda and refused not to undergo what the Law inflicted onely he made one request to them that this might be written upon his Tomb Epaminondas was punished with death by the Thebans because he constrained them at Leuctra to vanquish the Lacedaemonians whom before he was General Aelian var. hist lib. 13. cap. 42. none of the Boeotians durst once look on and for that in one battel he not only saved the Thebans from ruine but also
Carthaginians had the better A great part of the Africans were slain and the rest fled to a neighbouring Citie where not long after they yielded themselves Utterly defeateth them and the War endeth after three years and almost four moneths and Mathos was taken alive The subjects of Carthage now turned to obedience all except they of Hippacrita and Utica who being past hope of mercy from their inraged Lords seemed resolved to stand out but Hanno and Amilcar bringing their forces constrained them to submit to such conditions as the Carthaginians would lay upon them Mathos and those that were with him being carried to the Citie was used with all sorts of contumely and torment and so this Libyan War ended having lasted three years and almost four moneths being saith Polybius the most cruel and wicked that ever we heard of But it gave the Carthaginians occasion to repent of two great errors viz. Trusting so great a multitude of Mercenaries together when they were idle and the cruel and tyrannical usage of their subjects 16. The Romans that we may return to them the History of whom is our proper subject though they observed the League during these troubles and at length as was said gave the Carthaginians also reason to like well of their friendship yet thought they had some cause to be angry with them For such of their subjects as sayled from Italy into Africk they seized on lest they should carry Provisions to their Enemies and had at Carthage almost 500 of such kind of men in prison Yet when Ambassadors were sent to complain hereof they kindly dismissed all those in custody which so affected the Romans that they also sent them all their prisoners gave them all they asked and permitted their Merchants to carry them necessaries forbidding them to Traffick with their Enemies they also refused to hearken to such of the Carthaginian Mercenaries as having betrayed their trust invited them into Sardinia But though Polybius telleth us that this they did yet it appeareth from him also that this modesty continued but for a time For allured as it seemeth by this invitation they sayled thither which much offended the Carthaginians who thought that the place by far more right belonged to them so that they prepared to send forces into the Island The Romans took occasion hereat to decree War against them complaining that these forces were not designed so much against the Sardinians as themselves The Romans wrest Sardinia from the Carthagians with more Tribute which forced the other who found themselves in no good case to manage the War with them to give way to the time and quit not onely Sardinia but pay further to the Romans 1200 Talents This though submitted to at present bred such grudges and malice as at length brake out into another War a more dangerous and bloudy than the former as will appear 17. In the (a) Cicero Tuscul lib. 1. in Bruto Cassiodorus in Chronico year after the ending of the first Punick War the 514 of the Citie C. Claudius Cento and M. Sempronius Tuditanus being Consuls the year preceding the birth of Ennius the first Comedies and Tragedies were made by Livius Andronicus the Poet. This man being a Graecian born was rightly called Andronicus Comedies and Tragedies first Rome made by Livius Andronicus and sirnamed Livius from his Master Livius Salinator whose Children he taught and for his learning was manumitted by him (b) Lib. 17. cap. 21. Gellius saith that he now first at Rome taught playes about 160 years after the death of Sophocles and Euripides and 52 after that of Menander But whereas he is said by Gellius first to have made or taught playes as Rome it is to be understood of these two sorts of Poetry now mentioned (c) Lib. 2. c. 4. Valerius Maximus telling us that he drew the minds of the spectators to those shews from the use of Satires which by little and little succeeded that most antient and plain Roman sport of the Histriones brought out of Etruria as we shewed before for the stopping of the Pestilence through the command of the Oracle The Ludi Senici These Ludi Scenici were first managed with rude gestures Lege Livium l. 7. Casaub de Satira Romana and incomposed Songs called Versus Fescennini from Fescennium a City of Hetruria From these jocular speeches which at random were wont to be uttered at the Roman solemnities came the Satire as later in time so more elaborate and as for metre a perfect Poeme containing ridiculous things digested into Verse which they were wont to utter amongst themselves after the antient custom The Satire It differed as much from that of the Greeks as from the rest differeth Dramatick Poetry whereof the Romans at this time knew not so much as the name A Satire being afterwards variously handled by the Romans at length was reduced to two sorts which Fabius onely acknowledgeth The former was found out by Lucilius and the later ennobled by Varro Horace mentioneth two kinds of most antient Poetry one whereof they used in the praise of their gods as when they appeased Tellus with a sow-pig and Sylvanns with milk the other when in jest and sport they jeered one another being the same with the Fescennine Verses whence came the Satires to which Livius Andronicus added the playes of Comedies and Tragedies as was observed 18. Four years after A. M. 3769. Ol. 136. an 1. V. C. 518. Seleucid 77. Seleuci Callinici 11. Ptol. Euerget 11. were celebrated at Rome the third time the Saecular Games concerning which it is convenient to speak in this place that beginners may know the differences of Roman exercises These were called Ludi Magni The third Saecular or Terentine Games as others were in opposition to the Scenici and games made by private men and Ludi Terentini not Tarentini whereof Students are to beware from Terentus a place in the Campus Martius where they were celebrated But there were other games called also Terentini Ludi which some not considering have run into confusion and that more properly than these Saecular ones were and therefore the rise of them all is to be related There was one Valesius a man of prime note amongst the Sabines who living near Eretus and not far from Tiber in a great Plague Vide Valerium Maxim l. 2. c. 4. had two sons and a daughter which fell dangerously sick Amongst his prayers for them he heard a voice that they should recover if carying them to Terentus he would fetch them some warm water of Tiber from the altar of Pluto and Proserpina He thought the City Tarentum was meant and doubted how he should come by any Tiberine water in that remote part of Italy but resolving to be obedient he sailed down the River towards Ostia and late at night arrived at the Campus Martius where he understood there was a place called Terentus Landing here he gave
opportunity and powred out his men upon them willing his Soldiers to be sure that they killed Indutiomarus which being done things again were a little setled Whilest Caesar was thus imployed abroad Julia dieth in the Citie this year died his daughter Julia Pompey's Wife in Child-bed and the Infant whether Son or Daughter 't is as uncertain so immaterial with her Hereby was the bond of friendship betwixt them two broken and their mutual envy which thereby onely was restrained now wanted but an occasion to vent it self But Caesar foreseeing great stirs in Gall Caesar comment lib. 6. increased his forces subdued the Nervii brought under the Senones and Carnutes now changed into Chartres the Menapii also whilest Labienus reduced such as inhabited about Triers Then did he again crosse the Rhine because of the Conjunction of the Germans with the Galls and attempting something upon the Suevi to no purpose Caesar reduceth Revolters turned against the Eburones Whilest he harrazed their Territories the Sigambri set upon the Camp of Cicero then absent which they could not storm though they caused great consternation amongst his men and killed many After this he wasted again the grounds of the Enemy then called a Council in Gall for the punishment of Revolters and Providing the Army of necessaries drew it into its Winter quarters Stirs in the Citie 21. The following year produced great stirs in the Citie and those no lesse in Gall. For now were the times so altered Lege Appian de bello civil l. 2. as that Rome could not be found in Rome Nothing was managed by ancient equity and moderation all Offices were purchased by Money or else by Stones Clubs or Swords and the inconveniences of popular Government now grew ripe the name of a free State or Commonwealth covering the greatest injustice disorder and oppression of the peoples liberty The Consuls being debarred by the power of the Tricipitina from leading out Armies or waging Wars according to the antient right and custom made up their markets out of the publick Revenue or their Offices by indirect practices and therefore none of honour would seek after the Consulship Pompey connived at this hoping that a necessity of affairs would draw upon him the Dictatorship as some of his Creatures though not in his name did not stick to hint This year especially was there such an horrid contention amongst the Canditates all or most men of large consciences as for a long time no Consul could be elected and this heightned the matter that T. Annius Milo one of them being at great enmity with Clodius killed him as they met in the way not far from the Citie Milo killeth Clodius This fact the people ill resented and naughty and dissolute persons under pretence of searching for Milo's friends committed many outrages in Rome This turned indeed all men's eyes upon Pompey as the fittest person to redresse those evils and whilest they thought of making him Dictator Cato drew the Senate to this resolution A. M. 3953. Ol. 182. ann 1. V. C. 702. Ante Christ 50. that he should be made Consul alone that he might be called to an account for his male-admistration if need were Pompey made Consul alone and so he was made sole Consul without any President at all 22. First he sate in judgement alone and examined Milo's case he also made inquisition after such as had by indirect means procured Offices His Acts. Idem ibid. Plutarch in Pompeio Milo was defended by Cicero or rather should have been for the Orator was so terrified with Pompey's Soldiers and Clodius his friends that he could not proceed and is therefore said to have written that Oration afterwards which is now extant Milo then was banished with several others for other Crimes Livii Epitom lib. 107. Pompey having hitherto as it were executed the Office of Dictator took to him a Collegue Q. Scipio Metellus whose daughter Cornelia he had married These things being heard in the further Gall and a rumour spred that Caesar who now was in Italy The Galls hearing of these stirs rebel would be there retained by the motions in the Citie many of the Natives conspired for the recovery of their liberty and chose Vercingerotix for their Captain 23. Caesar though in the midst of Winter and forced to make his way through depths of Snow returned and came upon the Arverni at unawares He took several of their Towns Caesar comment lib. 7. but besieging one that was situated upon an high Hill he fought with disadvantage and was driven off with the losse of 46 Centurions From this siege he was called by the revolt of the Hedui and an insurrection of the Bellovaci and Labienus who had prosperously managed his affairs about Paris joyned with him Now most of the Galls being revolted he first overthrew Vercingetorix then pursued and besieged him in Alesia Caesar reduceth them a Town of the Mandubii which when the Galls were not able to relieve Vercingetorix according to his own offer was delivered up with Alesia and all their Arms. Then reduced he the Hedui the Arveni also yielded with divers others which being done he sent the Army away into its Winter quarters Hirtius lib. 8. In winter the Galls hatched a new conspiracy A new conspiracy Caesar therefore departing from Bibracte wasted the Territories of the Bituriges about Bourdeaux and of the Carnutes subdued also the Bellovaci with others C. Fabius also reduced some in the mean time and Caninius having routed several parties with him Caesar joyned and besieged Uxellodinum a Town of the Cadurci very strongly fortified by its situation He obtained this Town without striking one stroak by cutting the veins of a Fountain which served them with water After this the Cities of Aquitaine yielded and going to Narbon he disposed of his Army into their Winter quarters These things hapned in the eighth year after his coming into Gall Ser. Sulpitius Rufus Disappointed and M. Claudius Marcellus being Consuls wherein also were began those contentions betwixt him and his adversaries at Rome that shortly after brake into Civil wars which proved deadly in the end to the heads of both the factions and fatal to that form of Government which though labouring under mortal distempers was yet on foot 24. Caesar's carriage especially in his Consulship had rendred him very distastefull to the Senate Pompey on the other side by his fair demeanour had of late gained much upon it which Caesar being aware of desired leave to stand for a second Consulship in his absence This was granted him but he fearing the malice of his adversaries in case he were reduced to a private condition further importuned the Fathers that he might have his Government of Gall prorogued The grounds and occasions of the Civil Wars betwixt Pompey and Caesar casting about all manner of wayes to keep his Army till he should be Consul This was
For it is manifest that Cicero having read this Poem did translate it into Latine and joyned it to his works who was afterward put to death by the Triumvir Antonius and Antonius was overcome by Augustus who reigned six and fifty years Tiberius succeeded Augustus in whose reign our Saviour came into the World and the mystery of religion began to flourish and the people were changed Of which I suppose the chief of the Italian Poets hath thus sung 81. He meaneth Virgil Eclog. 4. whose Poem he reciteth concerning the Golden dayes foretold by Sibylla Cumaea by which name the Romans called all the Siybills because of the old Cumana or Cumaea whose Verses were burnt in the Capitol in the 671 year of the Citie and were supplied by other fetch 't from Erythrae and elsewhere as also concerning a Child that was to be born He ascribeth to this Child such Divine things as none can doubt but that he must be above a man whom Sibylla described by such expressions Now that such Verses could be feigned by Christians none can affirm but the grosly ignorant who know not that Virgil died several years viz. 18 before Christ was born Neither can it be thought he feigned it on his own head although we cannot say with Constantine or Eusebius that he did thus mystically involve and cover the truth lest the Emperour should be offended with him for writing that which was contrary to their Laws and Statutes established concerning their Gods or that we do believe that he foresaw the happy and glorious mystery of our Saviours coming but that he might avoid their cruelty and speak his audience in the accustomed manner Some of late also have rejected the Poems ascribed to these women as feigned by Christians because they seem to speak more plainly of Christ than the true Prophets do and exhibit rather an history of Christ already come than a Prophecy of his coming They think it contrary to the Word of God to think that these profound mysteries should be more clearly propounded to the Gentiles than to the Jews Some of late have also questioned them This also much moveth them for we will confesse the utmost that they perceive many of the antients in the most primitive times to have counted it the choicest work they could perform to help the heavenly truth by their fictions whereby the new doctrine might more easily be admitted by the Pagan wise men And as they cannot but most grievously reprehend this thing so not sufficiently can they admire the judgment of those Fathers who with such facility received these writings and as doubt not to produce testimonies from them to underprop the heavenly truth 82. But it is answered by way of utter denial that there were many in the Primitive times who sought to establish the truth by fictions and lyes and by challenge made for them to produce any one lye or fiction made or used by the most antient Fathers though for a good end Certainly they which in their disputations with the Pagans appeal to the testimony of the Sibylls deserve great commendations for their prudence And hence may it be proved that those testimonies were not forged because they in all conflicts more willingly had recourse to them than to any other For can we imagine them fools with whom these Fathers had to do They were as cunning and knowing as the best they were Philosophers Rhetors Professors of Arts States-men and most commonly such as enjoyed the greatest honours Where is it objected by any of these in the most Primitive times But in vain that these testimonies were feigned by Christians This answer would have been easie and ready and such as would instantly have stopped the mouths of Primitive Saints But the wisest and bitterest of the Enemies of Christians do not make any such reply in the most antient times knowing well enough these Oracles to which the Romans had ever recourse and which were known sufficiently to the whole World through which it ran for current that in the Books of the Sibylls was held forth that one should reign who came out of the East The clearnesse of these testimonies concerning Christ can make nothing against them for Esaâ—as spake not more evidently of Christ than Balaam who said that a Star should rise out of Jacob. Who dare prescribe to God a manner of prophecying as if it were not free to him to speak plainly or obscurely to Jew or Gentile or as if there were not in the Scripture most clear predictions concerning Christ But grant that the Sibylline Oracles are clearer Ought not those things which are predicted to the Gentilles corcerning Christ to be clearer because they wanted Moses and the rest of that learning which should direct them unto him that what here was wanting might be supplied by the perspicuity of these Oracles Although we ought not to judge of these Oracles by that light which at present appeareth For what things are most evident to us after the accomplishment were most obscure when they were predicted If any one had feigned them he would have made them industriously more obscure that they might seem written before the things were done and like to those Prophecies which are contained in the Scriptures These Heathen Prophets spake some times clearly according to the intention of God who overruled them but often abruptly It 's thought they prophecied as of old Balaam's Asse spoke and not otherwise did Hydaspes and the Sibylls speak clearly of the coming of Christ the Holy Spirit moving them and governing their tongues It appeareth (a) In Apolog. 2. p. 82. totius operis from Justin Martyr that it was forbidden upon pain of death to read Hydaspes Sibylla or the Prophets lest the People should attain to the knowledge of good things To these (b) Strom. l. 6. Clemens bringeth in St. Paul himself referring the Greeks Take ye also the Greek Books acknowledge Sibylla that she manifested one God and things to come Take ye also Hydaspes read him and you shall find the Son of God more clearly and openly described 83. To omit what might be and by others hath been produced out of * Vide August de Civit. Dei l. 10. c. 23. Lud. vivem in Locum Tertul. Apollog c. 21. Heathen Writers concerning the blessed Trinity for we may easily admit that God who was ever the God of the whole World and designed to do the Gentiles good also in the knowledge of himself might give to them such hints of the truth as afterwards might be improved for their welfare we shall come to the last testimony concerning Christ and that such an one as will reduce us to the course of our design After that Christ was risen from the dead Pilate made report unto Tiberius of the Person and Works of Christ and had sent his Disciples about to preach and work miracles for the conversion of the World Pilate who then governed in Judaea reported
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
Chron. 19 20 21. chap. travelling himself from Beersheba unto Mount Ephraim to accomplish it he also constituted Judges to whom he gave a pious and strict charge After this the Moabites Ammonites and a great multitude of others invaded him against which he first strove by Prayer to God and thereby obtained Victory his Enemies being so stricken with madnesse that they fell upon and slaughtered one another Afterwards intending to send Ships for gold to Ophir because he joyned with wicked Ahaziah King of Israel the Lord spoiled the works and the Ships were broken at Esion-geber Some think he made his Son Partner in the Kingdom it self having formerly been but his Vicegerent a year or two before he died He reigned 25 years or rather 24 with some odd months Joram 6. To Jehosaphat succeeded Joram being 32 years old 2 Chron. 21. A. M. 3109. to the best Father the worst Son who being established in his Seat made away all his Brethren and some of the Princes In his dayes the Edomites or Idumaeans who hitherto from the time of David had been in subjection to the Kings of Judah revolted They had heretofore been governed by a Vice-Roy chosen either out of themselves or the Jews but now they made themselves a King the Prophecie of Isaac the common Progenitor of both Nations being now fulfilled that though Esau should serve his younger Brother Jacob yet the time should come when he should break the yoak from off his neck Gen. 27.40 At the same time Libnah a City of the Priest's in the Tribe of Judah revolted because he had forsaken the God of his Fathers for having married Ahab's Daughter he followed the example of his house making high-places in the Mountains of Iudah and causing his Sujects to commit Idolatry therein Because of this 2 Chron. 21. vers 12. there came a Writing to him from the Prophet Elijah rebuking him for his sin and foretelling his punishment Elijah being before this taken up to Heaven the Jews have believed that this Letter was sent down thence Some think there was another Prophet of this name but most are inclined to believe that foreseeing before his assumption the Idolatry of this man he left this Letter with his Schollers to be delivered to him in due time According to the threatnings therein contained God first stirred up against him the Philistins and Arabians who making an invasion took away all his goods his wives and sons except Jehoahaz the youngest otherwise called Ahaziah and Azariah Afterwards God struck him with an incurable disease in his bowels which after two years came out of his body so that he miserably died having reigned eight years three whereof are to be reckoned in conjunction with his father He was buried without honour at Jerusalem not in the Sepulcher of Kings not desired missed nor lamented Ahaziah A. M. 3116. 7. 2 Kings 8. 2 Chron. 22. Ahaziah his son succeeded him who followed the steps of his Grand-father Ahab's wicked family and became a Patron of Idolaters But having scarce reigned one year he went down to Jezreel to visite his Uncle Joram King of Israel where they were both killed by Jehu 2 Kings 9. Joram being slain outright and Ahaziah dying shortly after of his wound at Megiddo Athaliah his mother seized upon the Kingdom Athaliah usurpeth Chap. 11. 2 Chron. 24. wherein to establish her self she destroyed all the Royal seed Onely Jehosheba the daughter of Joram and wife to Jehojada the High-Priest withdrew Joash an infant her brother's son and hid him six years in the house of God At the end of these years Jehojada brought him out to the people then seven years old and anointing him King slew Athaliah restored the worship of God and destroyed the house of Baal whose Priest Matthan he slew before the Altar Joas 8. Joas then succeeded his father after six years 2 Kings 12. A. M. 3122. who did what was good and just as long as Jehojada the Priest lived and through his advice took care to repair the Temple which now had stood 155 years But Jehojada being dead who lived 130 years the Jews observing that he the repairer of the Temple was born the same year that the builder thereof died Idolatry brake out afresh through his connivance The Prophets exclaimed against it in vain especially Zacharias the son and successor of Jehojada against whom Joas was so far transported beyond the bound's of piety gratitude to his father's memory that he commanded him to be stoned and that in the Court of the house of the Lord. Whil'st as he died he said The Lord look upon it and requite it So he did for after a years time the forces of Hazael King of Syria though but small invaded Judah destroyed all the Princes of the people and sent the spoyl to their King Joas himself they left very sick of great diseases but when they were departed from him his own servants conspired against him for the bloud of the sons of Jehojada the Priest and slew him on his bed in the 40th year of his reign A. M. 3160. 9. Amaziah his son succeeded him Chap. 14. who also seemeth to have reigned with him the three last years seeing he is said to have begun his reign in the second year of Joas King of Israel When he was confirmed in his seat 2 Chron. 25. A. M. 3160. he put those to death that slew his father sparing their Children according to the Law of Moses In his 12th year he undertook an expedition against the Edomites with 300000 of his own Subjects and 100000 Israelites which he hired for 100 Talents of silver But as he was about to begin his march a Prophet dehorted him from joyning to himself the Idolatrous Israelites so that he dismissed them and they returned home in great discontent He prospered against the Idumaeans but the Souldiers dismissed fell upon his Cities and smiting 300 of them took much spoyl Yet he at his return to amend the matter having brought home the gods of the Edomites set them up to be his gods bowed down before them and burnt incense to them The Lord being sore angry for this sent first a Prophet to him whom he rejected But burning with a desire to be revenged upon the Israelites he sent and defied Joas their King who admonished him to be well advised but this being in vain they met and joyned battel wherein Amaziah was taken and led back to Jerusalem the Wall of which Citie Joas demolished 400 Cubits and plundering the house of the Lord with the Kings house then departed Fifteen years after Amaziah lived but then having turned away from following the Lord a conspiracy was made against him in Ierusalem whence he fled to Lachish and there was slain by the pursuers after he had reigned 29 years Uzziah 10. He left a son named Uzziah and Azariah who succeeded him 2 Kings 15. but being
about him sent his Army before him about a year after his former expedition to besiege Jerusalem When he himself came to the Siege Jehoiachim came out to him with his Mother and Servants and yielded his person in the eighth year of Nebuchadnezar ending Then the Babylonian entring Jerusalem took away the Treasures found in the house of the Lord and the Kings house brake all the golden instruments which Solomon had made for the Temple and so caried Iehoiakim with his Mother Wives and Servants unto Babylon Besides those he transported all the best sort of the people from Ierusalem with the ablest and strongest for War from other places in which number was (e) Ezek. 1.2 3. Ezekiel the Priest the Son of Ruzi Iehoiakim in (f) 2 Kings 24.8 one place is said to have been eighteen years old when he began to reign but in another (g) 2 Chron. 36.9 onely eight A fault must needs be in the reading of one place of the two which may best be laid upon the former For if Iehoiakim his Father was 15 years old when he began to reign as some will have it then was he born to him in the 18th year of his age being otherwise according to this tenent absurdly made to have been begot in his 7 or 8th year 23. Nebuchadnezar made King over the Jews that remained Mattaniah the Son of Iosiah from whom he received an oath of homage and thereupon changed his name into Zedekiah Zedekiah He trode in the steps of his Brothers and Nephews the people also being with him incorrigible He rebelled against Nebuchadnezar taking part with the King of Egypt who maintained a quarrel with him therefore the Babylonian came up in the 9th year after his establishment took all the Cities of Iudaea except Ierusalem Lachish 2 Kings 25. and Azâ—ka which he also besieged The year following Pharaoh came with an Army to his assistance which Nebuchadnezar understanding went to meet him and he thereupon afraid to ingage retreated into his own Land Nebuchadnezar then returning sate down again before Ierusalem wherein famine at length prevailing and Zedekiah still refusing to yield though Ieremiah constantly advised him to do it in the end of his 11th year and the first day of the moneth it was broken into Zedekiah taken by the Caldaeans Zedekiah flying Jerem. 39. was overtaken and brought to Riblah where he first saw his Children and Friends slain and then having his eyes put out was carried to Babylon where he miserably ended his dayes 24. On the seventh day of the fifth moneth in the 19th year of Nebuchadnezar came Nebuzaradan Captain of his Guard and having got all things ready in two dayes set the King's House with the Temple and the rest of the buildings in the Citie on fire Jerusalem and the Temple burnt The same moneth all the Walls were demolished they that remained in the Citie A. M. 34â—5 Olymp. 48. an 4. Nebuchad 9. with those which before had revolted and the rest of the people together with the Treasures of the King and Princes and the Utensils of the house of the Lord did Nabuzaradan carry to Babylon So went Iudah into Captivity in the 12th year after the death of Iehojakim 390 after the death of Salomon and the Rent of the Kingdom which the Prophet * Ezek. 4.5 Ezekiel was commanded to represent by sleeping so many nights upon his left side the iniquity of the Children of Israel having from that time abounded to which the two years being added wherein the Captivity was compleated at the death of Gedaliah and eight Jubilies are therein contained 490 from the beginning of Saul so that the Kingdom of Iudah continued 10 Jubilies or 70 weeks of years so many as are given by Daniel to the Commenwealth of the Iews from its restitution to the Messiah From the building of the Temple 420. which therefore stood eight Jubilies with four weeks or in all sixty weeks of years from the entrance into Canaan 967. as Ludovicus Cappellus reckoneth containing 138 weeks from the departure out of Egypt 1007. during which time Satan was as it were bound and Gods people were free Lastly from the beginning of the World 3515. which make 502 weeks and 71 Jubilies with five weeks of years The concurrence of all these Accounts do mightily confirm the Discoverer in his opinion of their realitie 25. * Chap. 40. Jeremiah the Prophet had leave either to go to Babylon there to live honourably or to stay with the small remnant that were left in the Land The later of those he accepted and went to Gedaliah who being appointed Governour kindly imbraced him and gave encouragement to all the Jews left under his charge promising them favour and liberty so long as they remained obedient Subjects to the King of Babylon Chap. 41. But ere the year went about one Ismael a Prince of the bloud who during the War had kept himself out of the way with Baalis King of the Ammonites Godaliah the Governour slain slew Godaliah whil'st he lovingly feasted him at Maspha with others both Jews and Caldaeans in his Company The residue then of the Jews being without a Governour and fearing the revenge of their Lords and Masters were minded to fly into Egypt and caused the Prophet to inquire of the Lord for them Jeremiah answered that if they would remain in Judaea God would mercifully provide for them but if they offered to save themselves in Egypt Chap. 42.43 c. they should undoubtedly perish The Jews constrain Jeremiah to go down with them into Aegypt where they stone him They notwithstanding this warning went down and constrained him with Barach to accompany them where by the leave of Pharoh they inhabited near Tahpanes Here the Prophet often reprehending them for their Idolatry and foretelling both their destruction and the ruin of those that harboured them was by their wretched and ingratefull hands * Xonaras Tomo 1. Tertullian in Scorpiaco cap. 10. Jerem. stoned to death but is said to have been exceedingly honoured by the Egyptians so that Alexander the Great translated his bones into Alexandria In the 23th year of Nebuchadnesar who then besieged Tyre Nebuzaradan SECT 4. Captain of his Guard carried away the reliques of the Jews and Israelites to the number of 745. which was the last deportation Jerem. 52. And the Prophecies both of (h) Chap. 43.44 46. Jeremiah and (i) Chap. 29.30 31. Ezekiel confirm us in this belief The last deportation that the Jews in Egypt after Nebuchadnesar had subdued that Countrey were partly slain and partly carried away Captive to their own Countreymen with the Natives being nothing reformed by the formeâ— punishments inflicted either upon themselves or their Nation SECT IV. The Kingdom of Israel From the revolt of the Tribes to their final Captivity under Salmanasser Jeroboam 1. THe ten Tribes falling off from Rehoboam upon his
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
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
in case of necessity which they hoped they should not have much cause to need so as to be troublesome to them and desired them to hasten away to them their supplies for that they thought the Barbarian would not lose time after the report of their answer but presently invade them and they thought it most convenient to meet him in Boeotia 56. Mardonius having received this answer from Athens Herod lib. 9. in great wrath marched thitherwards out of Thessalie When he came to Thebes the Inhabitants advised him to go no farther for that he should never subdue Greece united together but stay there in a commodious place and corrupt with money those that were most prevalent in each City whereby he might divide the Graecians into factions and so easily mastering the dissenters subdue the whole Country But he not hearkening to this advice proceeded hoping by fires made in the Islands to give notice to Xerxes still lying at Sardis that he was again got into Athens which the Inhabitants upon his approach and the Peloponnesians deferring to send their succors again quitted and departed to Salamine He entered Athens the tenth moneth being now compleated after Xerxes had the possession of that City and having so done sent to Salamine to the owners of it once more offering them the same conditions he had formerly proposed by Alexander of Macedonia hoping that upon this extremity to which they were once again reduced they might change their stubbornnesse for a more complying disposition 57. But they were so far from harkening to what he offered that they stoned one Lycidas a Senator for saying it deserved to be taken into consideration and to be proposed to the whole body of the people and his wife and children were used in the same manner by the women Then sent they together with the Megarians and Plataeans seriously to expostulate with the Lacedaemonians for the non-performance of their promise whereby their Country was again exposed to the will and pleasure of the Enemy and plainly to tell them that except their associates would better stand to their word and dispatch away their succours in time they must needs provide for themselves apart for as much as yet a way was open for their entry into confederacy with the common Enemy The Ambassadors found them celebrating annual games and understood that the Peloponnonesians were onely intent upon their perfecting the wall at the Isthmus having no regard at all to them whereof they highly complained to the Ephori They promised them an answer the next day but deferred from day to day until after ten dayes the wall of the Isthmus was perfected 58. After this time came a man of Tegea to them and blaming them for their neglect of their allies convinced them of the vanity of the wall in case the Athenians should joyn with Mardonius for they could with ease convey him otherwise than by the Isthmus into Peloponnesus wherewith being startled in the dead time of the night and without privity of the Ambassadors they sent out 5000 men besides 7000 of the Heilots or publick Slaves under the conduct of Cleombrotus Tutor to Plistarchus the young King In the morning the Ambassadors came again to them expostulating as before whereto the Ephori answered that their succours were already on their way whom then the other understanding the matter followed and with them other 5000 gathered out of the places bordering upon Sparta Mardonius having intelligence how things went in Peloponnesus from the Argives Burneth Athens and goeth into Boeotia who all this while were of his party was something abashed having till now had some hopes of the Athenians their compliance for which reason he had spared their Territories But now he destroyed all he could both in City and Country and forsaking Attica as a Country dangerous to his Army by reason of the unevennesse of the ground and hard to be quitted sodainly in time of danger he returned into Boeotia a Champain Country and in alliance with him where in the Territories of the Thebans he pitched his Tents at the River Asopus bringing much dammage to his friends round about in taking up such things as were but necessary to the sustenance of his Army The Spartans in the mean time lying at the Isthmus the other Peloponnesians after their example came also thither whence they marched to Eleusine Thither came the Athenians from Salamine and joyned with them whence they followed Mardonius into Boeotia and sate down over against his Camp at the foot of the Mountain Cithaeron 59. The Greeks brought into the field 11 Myriads or 110000 according to Herodotus from which number (a) Diodorus Justin Orosius others take the odd thousands and make them just 100000. The number of the Persian Army Amounted to 30 Myriads or 300000 besides the Greek Auxiliaries which he conjectureth to have been about five Myriads more the 300000 are owned by Plutarch another (b) Aemilius Probus in Aristide numbereth but 200000 Foot 20000 Horse but Diodorus on the contrary saith that besides these Forces drawn out of Xerxes his Army Mardonius had out of Macedonia and Thrace and the associate States about 20 Myriads and that his whole Army contained 50 Myriads or 500000 men Mardonius when the Graecians were encamped Herodotus ut suprà sent a partie of his Horse to assail them which objecting cowardise to them and provoking them very light skirmishes ensued wherewith the Megarians were sore put to it being on disadvantagious ground but being relieved by 300 stout Athenians all others refusing a sharp encounter followed in which Masistius who commanded the Party of the Persians was slain A great contest followed about the body the Persians labouring with all their might to redeem it all the Persian Horse coming in to the quarrel and then the whole Army of the Graecians but at length they were fain to return without it and it was caried in triumph about the Greekish Camp This as it brought great sorrow to the Persians so the other were much elevated in their minds thereby and removed their Camp into the Territories of Plataeae whither Mardonius also followed them and encamped over against them both parties neglecting to fight onely excepting such Skirmishes as was made by the Persian Horse for ten dayes 60. On the eleventh it being palpable that the Greekish Army daily wasted by the revolt of many of their Countrymen and yet that the Persian groaned under it's own burthen Mardonius called a Council of his Officers to consult what was to be done Artabazus the son of Pharnaces a man of great Nobility and an emulator of the General contended with him urging that the best was to decline the fight and march to Thebes where they might have plenty of provision here wanting and whence by sending money into the principal Cities of Greece according to the advice formerly given by the Thebans they might dispatch the War with ease But Mardonius being more hot and
Olymp 94 aâ— 2. Justin lib. 5. In the 17th year of his reign he sent his son Cyrus born since he came to the Government down to the Sea-side as Satrapa or Lieutenant with a kind of power over the other his Lieutenants there and Captain General of all the forces which were wont to muster at the plains of Castolus giving him in charge to assist the Lacedaemonians in the War against the Athenians and by his help did they recover to the hopes of their former fortune When he had continued in his charge a year or two he grew so high that he killed his two Cousin Germans Autobaesaces and Mitraeus because they came not to him with their hands folded under their Clothes which Ceremony was onely observed in the presence of a King Cyrus for his misdemeanors sent for Their Parents of this complaining highly to his father and alleging how unjust it was to connive at such practices he sent for him to come to him alleging he was not well lying then incamped in the Countrey of the Medes against the Cadusians bordering thereupon who had revolted 25. Leaving the command of the Cities with all his Treasure Xenoph. ibid. and the assignment of his Tributes to Lysander the Spartan he went up taking along with him Tissaphernes as his friend with 300 Greeks under the leading of Xenias the Parrhasian His father lived not long after he came to him whom in his sicknesse Parasytis his wife having ruled him all his life loving Cyrus above her eldest son urged him to leave him his Successor A.M. 3600. Ol. 93. an 4. V.C. 349. as Darius the son of Hystaspes did Xerxes for that he was born to him being a King and the other but a private person But he thinking it not just refused to do it but left him those Cities over which he had made him Governour and his Kingdom to Arsaces Ochus dieth or Artaxerxes his eldest son and so died after he had reigned 19 years in the fourth of the 93th Olympiad the 27th of the Peloponnesian War now ending A. M. 3600. 403 years before the birth of Christ Arsaces then by the pleasure of his father Artaxerxes Mâ—â—moâ— succeedeth Clesias or his interest in the great ones obtained the Kingdom and changed his name into Artaxerxes being for the excellency of his memory sirnamed Mnemon When he had made sure his possession his wife Statira thinking it then time to revenge the death of her brother and the rest of her kindred caused Udiastes who slew Teritachmes to have his tongue drawn backwards through his neck and cut off and got his son Mitridates who had delivered the Citie Zaris into the hands of Teritachmes his son to succeed in his Government Not long after his fathers death Artaxerxes went to Pasargada Plutarch in Artaxerx there to be initiated by the Persian Priests in the royal mysteries There was a Temple dedicated to some warlike Goddesse thought to be Diana whose Temple he that was to be initiated entring must put off his own Clothes and put upon him a Garment worn by Cyrus the Great before he came to the Empire there was he to eat such a quantity of Figs to drink Milk mingled with Vinegar and perhaps used some other unknown Ceremonies Whilest the King was about these things came Tissaphernes unto him Cyrus attempting his brothers death and with him a Certain Priest who having been appointed tne instructer of his brother Cyrus had taught him the Magical Arts. He accusing him of treasonable practices had more credit given to him because Cyrus had resolved to set upon the King in the Temple and kill him as he should put off his Clothes some say he was apprehended upon this accusation others that he came indeed into the Temple and being hid by the Priest was discovered and taken Idem Xenoph Expedit Cyri lib. 1. 26. The King was minded to put him to death and out of reverence to his Family caused him to be bound in golden chains but their mother took him in her arms wrapped him in her hair laid her neck to his and with great lamentations and intreaties prevailed for his pardon Idem Xenoph Expedit Cyri lib. 1. and sent him back again into his former Province of Lydia and the Sea-coasts When he came there not at all contented with this command Is pardoned but nor so much as remembring that he was saved by his mother's intercession as that he was taken and bound by his brothers burned more than ever with a desire of reigning And to this purpose as secretly as he could gathered forces of the Greeks and under one pretence or other laid out for forein aid both far and near hoping to surprise his brother The Ionian Cities given up now into the hands of Tissaphernes revolted to him all except Miletus the Inhabitants of which he finding to practise the same killed some and drove away the rest who flying to Cyrus he besieged the City both by Sea and Land endeavouring to restore them Then wrote he submissively to his brother desiring he might have the Government of those Cities rather than Tissaphernes and herein he was furthered by his Mother Practizeth new matters who lying as it were his Lieger at Court made the best of all things Hence was Artaxerxes deluded suspecting nothing but accounting these forces to be kept together against Tissaphernes betwixt whom and Cyrus he little regarded though there were a War and the rather because Cyrus sent him the Tributes due from the Cities which Tissaphernes had formerly kept in his hands 27. Clearchus at this time being banished from Lacedaemon came to Cyrus who after conference with him admired the man Idem ibid. and gave him 10000 Daricks wherewith he levied an Army and passing out of Cherronesus wared upon the Thracians that inhabited above the Hellespont thereby greatly promoting the affairs of the Greek Cities insomuch that they willingly furnished him with money to maintain his Forces which were onely raised for Cyrus though thus employed for a cover to the design and till he could be in a readinesse There was also one Aristippus a Thessalian a guest of Cyrus who being overpowered by his Country-men of the contrary faction came to him and requested him to spare him 2000 Mercenaries and three moneths pay alleging that thereby he should be able to overcome his adversaries He granted his request and doubled both the number of men and sum of money desiring him withall not to agree with his adversaries till they two had had conference together and so this Army in Thessalie though not discovered was kept on foot and maintained for him Further he sent to Proxenus the Boeotian his friend to bring unto him as many men as he might under pretence of warring against the Pisidians who spoiled his Country and Sophaenetus the Stymphalian with Socrates the Achaean who likewise were both his Guests to come to him with
Hellen. lib. 3. Justin lib. 6. init and desirous to enjoy their liberty sent to the Lacedaemonians now the chiefest State in Greece desiring that being the Captains and Protectors of all Greece they would not neglect them Originally of the same stock but endeavour that they might enjoy their liberty retain their Lands and not utterly be destroyed as danger seemed to threaten them from Tissaphernes whom they had incensed by revolting from him to Cyrus They who were nothing contented with the doubling of their power by the accession of that of Athens lately subdued but still according to the nature of men desiring more began to cast in their heads how they might attain to the Empire of Asia being also encouraged by the retreat of their Countrey-men did not unwillingly receive the embassy but promising them speedy relief first sent to Tissaphernes desiring him not to offer any violence to the Greek Towns but he neglecting their Message and falling upon Cumae in the Territories of which he did much harm and took many prisoners they then created Thymbro their Captain General against the King giving him 1000 of their own Citizens and order to take up as many from amongst their associates as he should think convenient Thimbro sent to the aid of the Greek Cities falleth on Magnesia 54. Thimbro then with these marched to Corinth Diodorus Xenoph. ut priùs where making them up to the number of 5000. besides 300 Athenian horse he thence sayled to Ephesus Having there out of the Associates and others raised 2000 men more he removed and fell upon Magnesia a Town subject to Tissaphernes which he took at the first onset and presently after attempted Tralles a Town of Ionia but it being to no purpose he retreated to Magnesia which being Fortified with no Wall fearing that Tissaphernes might after his departure recover it he removed it to an Hill hard by named Thorax Then invaded he and harazed the Enemies countrey but hearing that Tissaphernes was coming towards him with a great power of horse he thought himself unable to graple with him and therefore returned unto Ephesus Not long after upon promise of pay he procured Xenophon his forces to joyn with him with which then he took the field against Tissaphernes whereupon Pergamus yielded to him together with Teuthrania and Halisarnia Governed by Eurysthenes and Procles who were descended from Demaratus the Lacedaemonian Other Towns also were delivered up to him and some he took by force till at length he sate down before Larissa called the Egyptian which attempting for some time to no purpose his Superiours at Lacedaemon were nothing satisfied with his management of the War so that he received orders from the Ephori to leave Larissa and remove the Army into Caria He obeyed and when he was come on his way as far as Ephesus Dercyllidas a man so famous for his rare invention and cunning Dercyllidas succeedeth him that he got the sirname of Sisyphus being appointed his Successor there met him and discharged him of his employment Returning home he was accused by the Associates for giving his Souldiers liberty to spoyl the friends and confederates of the State and for that was banished Xenoph. ibid. Justin lib. 6. init Diodorus ad Olymp. 95. an 2. 55. Dercyllidas taking the Army into his hands and not ignorant how he had to do with two Persian Lieutenants Tissaphernes and Pharnabazus who feared and hated each other lest he should be overmatched with both he resolved if he could to make peace with one of them He had conceived some distaste against the later for an affront he put upon him when he formerly served under Lysander in Asia wherefore he made peace with Tissaphernes upon certain conditions and lead his Army into Aeolis without any hurt to the confederates in the way which was under the Command of Pharnabazus where taking nine Cities in eight dayes and getting into his hands all the Cities of Troas he consulted by what means he might so quarter his Souldiers in Winter as not to be burthensom to the Associates as Thimbro was and yet prevent Pharnabazus from troubling the Cities with the excursions of horse of which he had good store He sent then presently to Pharnabazus to offer him either vvar or peace who making choice of a Truce for that he stood in fear of Phrygia which bordered upon Aeolis and where he had his seat he thereupon lead his forces into Bithynia to Winter there the other not being unwilling he should so do because the Bithynians were often troublesom to him 56. In the beginning of Spring Dercyllidas marching out of Bithynia came to Lampsacus where he met with three Lacedaemonians sent from the State to signifie to him the Prorogation of his Command for another year who also by order from the Ephori rebuked the Souldiers for the injuries offered by them to the associates in the time of Thimbro and commended them for their great moderation last year warning them for the time to come to which one of the Officers answered who had followed Cyrus that the Souldiers were one and the same but that the change of Generals produced a change in their behaviour The messengers being departed out of Asia he sent again to Pharnabazus offering him either peace or vvar as before who making the same choice he out off hand passed over the Hellespont and by the hands of his Souldiers amongst whom the work was divided fortified the Isthmus of the Cherronesus of Thrace with a Wall thereby to defend it from incursions of the Thracians who now had falln upon it and whom to repell he was sent for He so incouraged the minds of the Souldiers by hope of reward that the work being began in Spring was finished before Autumn being thenceforth a great advantage to the inhabitants After this he returned into Asia where visiting the Cities he found that the Exiles of Chius having seized upon Atarna there lurked and lived upon such booty as they could make out of Ionia wherefore he besieged the place though strong and well victualled and after a siege of eight moneths forcing them to yield he committed the care of the Town to Draco a Pellenian and returned unto Ephesus 57. In the mean while Pharnabazus after he had made Truce with him Diodorus ibid. Justia ibid. Pausan in Atticis Isocrates in Evagora ad Philip. went up to the King to whom he accused Tissaphernes as not having repelled the Lacedaemonians out of Asia but suffered them there to continue at his cost and damage alleging how unworthy a thing it was to fight more with money than Arms and to restrain an Enemy more with rewards than valour He advised him to make ready a Fleet and give the Command thereof to Conon the Athenian a man of great experience in things that concerned War who since the disaster of his Countrey sojourned with Evagoras the King of Cyprus Artaxerxes yielding gave him 500
into the field about 10000 being slainâ— and of the 20000 Horse 2000. Of Alexander his Army one (b) Justin ex Trogo reports nine Foot-men and 120 Horse-men to have fallen but (c) Plutarch ex Aristobulo another onely 34 in all amongst which were nine Foot-men The King by confession of all deserved most commendation for his valour and next to him the Thessalian Horse-men (d) Arrianus lib. 1. Arsites the Persian fled into Phrygia and there killed himself because through his advice he seemed to have been author of this overthrow 24. After he had refreshed his Army Alexander marched through Lydia Diodorus ut prius having Sardis delivered up to him and came to Ephesus where he dissolved the Oligarchical form of Government and set up a Democratical one in its room commanding the same to be done in all Greek Cities which he ordered to be left to their own Laws The Persians which had escaped at Granicus were come to Miletus with Memnon the Rhodian against which City he went and besieged it both by Land and Sea and by his Engines making great breaches in the walls the Inhabitants yielded themselves to his mercy to whom he gave both life and freedom but such Barbarians as he took he either slew or scattered them up and down in the quality of slaves A little after he dissolved his Fleet consisting of 160 Ships or more onely reserving a certain number for the conveying of Engines and other instruments for a siege amongst which were twenty Auxiliary Vessels belonging to Athens 25. Memnon after the taking of Miletus with the most considerable Persian Officers and a multitude of Mercenaries betook themselves to Halicarnassus the greatest and most elegant City in Caria which he took upon him to defend for the King to whom he sent as Hostages his Wife and Children and thereupon command was given to all the Maritime parts of Asia to obey him as their Captain General in the War Alexander seteth at liberty all Greek Cities Alexander in the mean time sent his Engines thither by water together with provision for his Army and marched himself by Land thitherwards with his whole Force setting at liberty in his way all the Greek Cities which he left to their own Laws and freed from Tribute professing that he undertook this Expedition for the freedom of the Greeks In his way he was met by Ada the Queen of Caria who after the death of her Husband Idrieus was deposed by her Brother Pexodarus She delivered up Alinda the strongest City in the Country wherein she dwelt into his hands and imploring his help for the recovery of the Kingdom adopted him for her son He despised it not and left her the Government of Caria over which he declared her Queen by which courtesie the Cities being overcome sent him Crowns of gold and delivered up themselves into his power 26. Orontobates a Persian Son in Law to Pexodarus after his death kept possession of Halicarnassus Diodorus Arrianus ut supra with whom Memnon the Rhodian and other Persians after the taking of Miletus joyned themselves Alexander now besieged it and with all his might endeavoured the taking of it by assault but such was the pertinaciousnesse of the defendants that they held him out and making a sallie had given him a defeat if the old Soldiers buckling their Arms to them had not come in in good time He taketh razeth Halicarnassus and repulsed them with great slaughter after which the Soldiers forsook the City and so he took it and levelled it with the ground The Castle he fortified with a wall and a notable ditch in which for the defence of Caria he left 3000 forein Foot and 200 Horse under the command of Ptolomy and restored to his adoptive Mother Ada the Principality of the Country From thence he proceeded towards Lycia and Pamphylia that reducing the Sea-Coasts into his power he might render the Enemies Navy unserviceable to him which he in a good measure performed and came in the midst of Winter into Mylias a Region of Phrygia where he entred into League with the Ambassadors sent to him from Phaselis and the lower Lycia who surrendred all the Cities into his hands Afterwards he went into Phaselis where he stormed a Castle built by the Pisidians to infest the Country 27. Whilst (a) Arrianus lib. 1. he here remained he understood of a plot against his life by Alexander Aeropus called also Luncestes from Lyncus a Town of Epirus as it 's probable who was promised by Darius the Kingdom of Macedonia The treason of Alexander Lyncestes and 1000 talents of Gold besides if he could any way procure his death His Mother had by letters advised him to take heed of him and the thing being confessed by Asisines a Persian whom Darius under a shew of a Message to the Governour of Phrygia had sent to deal with him in this matter he committed him to custody not thinking it safe to put him to death lest thereupon some trouble should follow in Macedonia From Phaselus he marched to Perga on the shore of the Pamphylian Sea concerning which many ancient Historians reported that it by an extraordinary providence gave way to him and herein Josephus hath rather been too credulous whereas (b) Strabo lib. 14. at a low water the place used to be dry and gave way to passengers only Alexander hapning to come thither in Winter-season and trusting all to the goodnesse of his Fortune would march through before the water was fallen off so that his men waded all the day in water up to the navel (c) Arrianus ibid. Subduing all in his passage at length he came to the Lake of Ascania in Phrygia and thence in five Encampings to Celaenae the Castle of which being held by the Satrapa of Phrygia with 1000 Carians and 100 mercenary Graecians after 60 dayes truce in which they had in vain expected relief from Darius was yielded unto him 28. In Celaenae he left a Garrison of 1500 Soldiers and declaring Antigonus Satrapa of Phrygia went forward for Gordium having wrote to Parmenio to meet him there with his Forces who accordingly came Curtius lib. 3. Arrianus lib. 1. 2. Plutarch in Alexand. Justin lib. 11. Curtius l. 3. c. 2. and there arrived also a supplie of 1650 men out of Greece This Gordium a City in Phrygia had been the regal City of Midas the Son of Gordius King of this Country concerning whom notable Stories are related and herein was a Temple of Jupiter wherein Alexander heard that there was a yoak belonging to Gordius the bands of which whosoever could untie the Oracles promised him the Empire of all Asia When he had taken the Town he came into the Temple He cutteth in two the Gordian knot and asked for the yoak which being brought to him when he could not find the ends of the thongs which were hid amongst the knots lest his
Syria most capable to receive his multitudes and opportune for the horse to charge in and for some time here he continued but Alexander delaying his march he was perswaded by his Courtiers that he dared not to adventure any further or look him in the face and because Winter approached he would lose no time and therefore sending away his money and stuff of most value with such as were not fit for War unto Damascus he hasted into Cilicia where he supposed Alexander to have possessed himself of the difficult passages as not daring to try battel in open field Supposing that he pretended sicknesse and hid himself in the straights he passed over the Mountain and went to Issus most imprudently passing by and leaving him at his back Taking this place and therein such of the Enemy as being sick and weak were there left he cut off their hands and then searing their Arms sent them away to tell their King what they had seen for he thought now the Enemy to have left Issus and fled for fear of him and for that reason hasted over the Hill Pinarus thinking to fall upon him in the Rear Alexander knowing for certain that he was passed by took thence occasion to encourage his Souldiers who now could not be overmatched by multitudes and sending a party of horse to view the straights returned thither by night and repossessed himself of them Then refreshing his men for the rest of the night he set a strong watch upon the Rock and in the morning went down into the path and set his Army in order for a battel The battel of Issus 34. This being done the Armies joyned ere long and Alexander seeing where Darius was made towards him which when Oxyathres the brother of Darius saw to prevent him he placed a Company of most valiant hors-men before the Chariot which cut off many of Alexander his men who pressed forwards But the Macedonians giving way to none in valour with great violence broke in amongst them and then a mighty slaughter followed and a great heap of Carkases lay before Darius his Chariot Many of the most noble Captains amongst the Persians fell some of the Macedonians and Alexander himself received a wound in his Thigh Darius his Chariot horses being wounded with spears began to fling threatned the overturning of him when fearing he should be taken alive he leaped out and mounting an horse ready for him he cast away his Royal apparel and shifted for himself after which his horse was put to the rout and ran away The Infantry discouraged herewith made no considerable opposition the great multitudes being unserviceable in so straight and precipitous a place and being put to the rout so hindred the flight and trode one another down that more damage accrued hence than from the meer strength of the Enemy Of the Persian horse Arrianus writeth 10000 to have been slain and of the foot 90000. with whom others consent as to the number of the horse but as to the foot there is little agreement some accounting more and others lesse 40000 are reported to have been taken 35. Of Alexander's men 504. Curtius saith were wounded 32 foot-men were slain and of hors-men 150. which some reckon lesse by 20. though another increaseth them to 300. Alexander following the Chace was forced to passe with his phalange over the Enemies dead bodies and with 1000 horse did great execution but was not able to reach Darius who rode upon a Mare that had a Foal left at home and therefore ran with more speed he being accustomed to have some kept for such necessities His Tents were easily taken and therein his Mother Wife Son and two daughters but of money not above 30000 Talents the rest being sent before-hand to Damascus The women hearing that Alexander was returned with the Robe of Darius made great lamentation which he understanding sent Leonatus to them to put them out of fear as to his death to promise them the maintenance of their former dignity and a Visit from him to be made the next morning As soon as it was light he went to them with Hephaestion his greatest favourite both whom when the Mother of Darius saw and knew not which was the King she made reverence to Hephaestion as seeming to her from the worth of his Clothes to be the greater person which when she understood to have been amisse was troubled at it and asked his pardon to which he answered smiling Be not troubled Mother for he also is Alexander A. M. 3672. Olymp. 111. ann 4. Darii 4. Alexand. 4. This battel of Issus was fought in the moneth Maemacterion Nicostratus or Nicocrates being Archon at Athens in the fourth year of the 111 Olympiad the foâ—â—th of the reign of Darius and the fourth of Alexander A. M. 3672. 36. Alexander after this victory marched for Syria and sent Parmenio before him to Damascus to seize upon Darius his Treasure Curtius lib. 3. which by Cophenes the Keeper thereof was betrayed into his hands and for that was rewarded with death by one of his Complices who sent his head to Darius Of Coyn here was found 2600 Talents besides 500 pound weight of Bullion and a World of other riches Of men and women 30000 were also taken with 7000 beasts that carried burthens Darius his Lieutenants revolt to Alexander Then was Parmenio sent to seize upon the Persian Fleet and others to take in the Cities of Syria which upon the report of the successe of the battel at Issus was easily done the Governours of Darius yielding themselves with their Treasures As Alexander travelled into Syria many petty Kings met him adorned with their Diadems Justin lib. 11. Curtius lib. 4. whereof some he received into friendship and others he deprived of their principalities as they had deserved of him When he came to the Citie Marathon he received Letters from Darius wherein he desired the ransom of his Wife Mother and Children with some other conditions of peace but such as rather became a Conquerour than one that had now been thrice shamefully beaten His offers scorned by Alexander not vouchsafing in his direction to Alexander the Title of King He disdained his offers justified his War from the invasion of Greece by the former Persian Kings and the treachery of Darius himself who hired one to murder him as Philip his father had formerly been by some set on by them He promised him his relations without Ransom if he would come himself as a Suppliant for them and safe conduct he both knowing as he said to overcome and shew favour to the Conquered And the next time he wrote he bad him remember that he did it not onely to a King but to his own King also 37. Alexander marched to Byblus Arrianus lib. 2. Curtius lib. 4. Justin lib. 11. which yielded to him upon composition and thence to Sidon the inhabitants of which being so hardly used formerly by Ochus in hatred
knowledge of it In the midst of the way he encountred Ambassadours sent to him from the Cyrenaeans Diodorus ad Olymp. 112. ann 2. who brought a Crown with other great gifts amongst which were 300 excellent horses trained up and taught for the War which receiving in good part he entred into confederacy with them Two great dangers especially to be met with in this journey viz. want of water in so dry a place Justin lib. 2. and of being overwhelmed by heaps of sand which the South-wind threw upon 50000 of Cambyses his army he escaped wonderfully by abundance of rain which is said to have falln whereby the way was made more firm and passable Goeth to the Temple of Jupiter Hammon and two Crows are reported to have been his Guides and in the night-time when they could not be seen by their croaking to have given notice which way they tended When he arrived at the Temple the Priest either hired to it or mistaking the Greek language as it is thought saluted him by the name of Jupiter's son Hereupon he took the name upon him and to his Mother Olympias as well as others wrote with that Title She facetiously checked him for slandering and bringing her in danger with Juno by making her an Whore to Jupiter By the terrour hereof he hoped to do wonders with the Barbarians Gellius lib. 13. cap. 4. because Hammon was painted with the upper parts like a Ram and the nether like to a man he also would appear to be horned for which reason amongst the Arabians he obtained the name of Dulcarnaijn When he received an answer satisfactory as he pretended he returned into Egypt the same way he came or as another wrote by a more direct one towards Memphis 51. Being come to Memphis he received many Embassies from Greece whence also came a new supply of Forces viz. 400 Greekish Mercenaries from Antipater and 500 horse out of Thessaly Arrianus Curtius Justin Josephus de bello lib. 2. Antiquit. lib. 11. cap. â— The neighbouring Cities he exhausted for the peopling of his new one which he ordained should be the Metropolis of Egypt Amongst other sorts of people the Jews also whose fidelity he approved were inrolled inhabitants having equal privilege with Graecians and obtaining the name not onely of Alexandrians but of Macedonians also and to the Souldiers of Sanballat the Cuthaean who followed him into Egypt caused he Lands to be assigned Thebais which Province he committed to their defence He greatly desired to see not onely the remoter parts of Egypt but Aethiopia also but the War depending yet with Darius hindred him and therefore disposing of Egypt he removed in the Spring thence to Tyre in Phoenicia Curtius Over Egypt he left Aeschylus the Rhodian and Peucestes the Macedonian with 4000 Souldiers and the care of the River Nile he committed to Polemon with 30 Gallies As for the Civil Goverment he left it to Dolaspes the Egyptian to rule according to the antient Laws 52. Ere his departure he understood of the death of Andromachus the Governour of Syria whom the Samaritans burnt alive With all expedition then he removed to revenge his death but being on his way the murderers were delivered up to him whom he punished according to their deserts and placed Memnon in his room Taking the Citie Samaria he gave it to the Macedonians to inhabit but the Countrey about it to the Jews Eusebius for their fidelity to him with immunity from Tribute Coming to Tyre Josephus contra Apionem lib. 2. he celebrated Games as he had done at Memphis and sacrifized again to Hercules and nominating several Governours over the places already Conquered took his journey towards Euphrates 53. Darius having understood of his design to find him out whithersoever he should go gave out orders for all his Forces to meet at Babylon Arrianus Curtius c. whereof some consisted of such Nations as rather seemed to fill up the names of men than to make resistance This Army being almost greater by the half than that which perished at Issus many wanted Arms which were sought for with all diligence Some have reckoned 1000000 foot and 400000 horse bedes 200 Chariots and 15 Indian Elephants whereas Alexander his Forces amounted but to 40000 foot and 7000 horse In the moneth Hecatombaeon Alexander came to Thapsacus where he found two bridges on the River Euphrates but such as reached not quite over to the further side Mazaeus was sent thither to hinder his passage with order also if he could not do this to spoyl and destroy all things in his way but upon his approach he made haste away Alexander passeth Euphrates and Alexander then making up the bridges transported over all his Forces and so proceeding through Mesopotamia having Euphrates and the Armenian Mountains on his left hand made for Babylon not the nearest way but that which was more convenient for provision and moderation of heat As he went forwards he was given to understand by some Scouts which he took that the King had pitch't his Camp on the further side of the River Tigris And Tigris with intentions to hinder his passage but coming thither he neither found him nor any opposition at all This River was so swift being upon that account by the Persians called the Arrow that by the violent force of its stream it drave many weighty stones before it and those that lay in the bottom were made so round and well pollished by continual rolling that no man was able to fight on so slippery a footing so that the Macedonian foot-men to wade the River were forced to enterlace their Arms thereby making one weighty body to resist the fury of the stream so deep the Chanel was on the further side that to keep their Bowes from being weâ— as also their Arrows and Darts they were inforced to lift them above their heads so that Darius might here have easily resisted the Macedonians and given a check to the fortune of the Conquerour had not the fate of the dying Persian Empire besotted his mind and deprived him of all common prudence 54. Having though with great danger passed the River without any losse save of a little of the Baggage he led on through Assyria having on the right hand the River Tigris and on the left the Gordian Mountains On the fourth day after his passage Mazaeus sent a party of 1000 horse upon him which was easily repelled by the Paeonian Captain Ariston who slew their Captain and bringing his head to Alexander demanded a Cup of Gold as his fee according to the custom of their Countrey to whom he replied smiling That an empty one was due but he would give him one full of good liquor Two dayes he here continued giving orders for a march the next morning but it hapned that in the first watch the Moon was Eclypsed and seemed of a bloudy colour An Eclypse of the Moon discourageth his
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
sister of Pericles who though a young man yet eminent for his Nobility Riches and Favour with the people bare a secret grudge against the Lacedaemonians for that despising his youth and having no regard to the antient friendship betwixt them and his family which his Grand-father having dissolved he sought to restore by kindnesse shewed to the prisoners taken in the Island made use of Nicias and Laches in the conclusion of the League before him which he thought was much to the prejudice of his honour Are incensed by Alcibiades 41. He cried out that their design was first to suppresse Argos and then to do as much for Athens and at this time there being no good agreement betwixt the Argives and Spartans he sent to them privately exhorting them as they tendered their own safety to enter into a League with Athen. They who were now not consulting how to become masters of others but how to save themselves were well pleased with his message and though they had Ambassadors now resident at Lacedaemon about the League with that State yet did they send away others to Athens together with the Eleans and Mantineans to make one offensive and defensive with them there The Lacedaemonians hereat were at a stand seeing well that such a Combination tended to their hurt To keep in with the Athenians the Ephori thought that more was done already than stood with their honour or profit others held it the wisest course seeing they had done so much not to stick at a little more but rather by giving full satisfaction to retain the friendship of that State which was more to be valued than all the rest of Greece This resolution prevailing such were sent away to Athens as had most affection to peace who said in the Senate that they came with full Commission to conclude all excused the League entred into with the Boeotians as having been done onely to pleasure them in the regaining of Panactus and assured them of the readinesse of their State to give all satisfaction being much grieved that things went otherwise than according to their pleasure Alcibiades taking notice that they said in the Senate that they came with full Commission to conclude feared that thereby the people might be drawn to a peace interposed by a notable stratagem Who hindreth the peace by a notable stratagem He perswaded the Ambassadors of his friendship towards their Citie and advised them to take heed that their absolute power to conclude might not be known to the Commonalty lest the multitude should thereupon grow peremptory and yield to nothing except they could draw them to unreasonable conditions 42. The Ambassadors believed him and ordered their speech to the people according to his directions Hereupon he took the advantage which their double dealing afforded and openly inveighed against them as men of no sincerity come for no other purpose than to draw the people from strengthning themselves with friends intending to withdraw the Argives and their adherents to their own alliance as already they had done the Boeotians though contrary to their Oath Then he commended the cause of the Argives Eleans and Mantineans to the people which was much moved having had before no good opinion of the Lacedaemonians but an Earth-quake intervening before they came to the question Nicias laboureth for it nothing was done that day At the next meeting Nicias perswaded them to let him first go to Lacedaemon to know their minds concerning the League with the Boeotians whether or no they would renounce it and their friendship with Amphipolis and restore Panactus in such a condition as it ought But Xenares the Ephorus and his party was so strong that none of these things could be procured onely the peace with Athens was again sworn to to gratifie Nicias who was sensible how he should be blamed at his return being accounted also the cause of the League After his return the Athenians made a League with the Argives Eleans and Mantineans for 100 years at large described by Thucydides but tending to the mutual assistance of each other Hereby nothing in terms was done derogatory to the League with Sparta and the Corinthians though the Allies of Argos yet refused to be comprised in it as in the former betwixt the Argives Eleans and Mantineans alleging that the former Convention was sufficient which did not oblige them joyntly to make War upon any one though to defend one another This they said for that they seemed to find reason to forsake these Confederates and to apply their minds afresh to the Lacedaemonians 43. This Summer the 90th Olympiad was celebrated from the solemnity of which the Lacedaemonians were kept by the Eleans being forbidden the Temple The Lacedaemonians kept from the Olympick exercises and offering sacrifice for which a Guard was set because they had not paid a Fine of 2000 Minae imposed upon them by them according to the Olympian Law for putting some men into the Castle Phorycus and the Town of Leprea during the Olympian Truce They sent their Ambassadors to excuse the matter but nothing was done so that they sacrifized at home which bred very ill bloud betwixt them After this solemnity the Argives and their Confederates sent to Corinth to perswade them there to imbrace their party but the Ambassadors of Sparta being there and it being much debated an Earth-quake hapned and so they returned without any successe In Winter hapned a fight betwixt the Heracleots of Trachine placed there by the Spartans to their losse and part of the Thessalians with others wherein they were worsted and many of them slain amongst whom Xenares the Lacedaemonian General With these things the 12th year of the War ended 44. The next Summer Alcibiades with some forces out of Attica and the assistance of Argos Alcibiades marcheth into Peloponnesus marched into Peloponnesus which passing over he came to Patrae where he dealt with the Inhabitants about building a Wall thence unto the Sea intending also of himself to build another as far as Rhium in Achaia but the matter was hindred by the Corinthians Sicyones and others who would have been endamaged thereby The Argives made War upon Epidaurus upon light occasion thinking that if that Town was but subdued they should be more safe from the Corinthians on that side and the Athenians would have a readier way to send them aid from Aegina Whilest they were busie about a peace Ephamidas the Corinthian threw this in their dish that what they made words of that they contradicted by their deeds and upon that account they drew back their Army But no conclusion coming of the Treaty they invaded the Territories of Epidaurus again and wasted the third part thereof The Lacedaemonians were twice abroad with their Armies this Summer but were recalled by their superstitious Ceremonies The Athenians also sent the Argives 1000 men under Conduct of Alcibiades but they having drawn away their forces and having no imployment for
themselves and the Ambassadors sent to them had asserted the Generals were all divided in their opinions what to do but Alcibiades hot and youthful was for their proceeding to which Lamachus at length assenting his desire was obtained They then landed and seized upon Catana attempted Camarina in vain when Alcibiades received orders to come and plead his cause at Athens about the Hermae Then again recalled his Enemies having obtained it should be so In truth he was condemned beforehand but to colour the matter he was sent for to plead and that must be with bonds laid upon him He was aware of the danger and departed straight to Lacedaemon with intention to teach the Athenians what person they had compelled by unjust Judgment to forsake his Country and betake himself to their Enemies After this was known sentence of death was published against him of his Partners many whether justly or no Thucydides much questions being put to death without proof already in the City The Syracusians stand on their Guard 53. The Syracusians though not fully perswaded of the design of the Athenians against them at first and thereupon not so well provided as they might have been yet made all possible provision for resistance The two Generals after the departure of Alcibiades by a stratagem drew them out of the Citie and in the mean time brought their Forces near unto it and worsted them when they sallied out but without any great losse sustained on either part and then drew off to their Winter quarters at Catana and Naxus The Syracusians incouraged by Hermocrates one of their new Generals a wise man who had forwarned them of the design of the Athenians sent to Sparta and Corinth for aid strengthened their Fortifications made excursions to Catana where they wasted the grounds plundred and burnt part of the Athenian Camp which was empty Both sides laboured to draw the Camarinaeans to their side but in vain yet many Cities especially in the in-land imbraced the society of the Athenians who sent also this Winter to the Carthaginians to procure their amity the Cities upon the Tyrrhenian shore they also drew in and all Sicily was now divided into these two factions The Corinthians readily resolved to send aid to the Syracusians and sent some of their own with their Ambassadors to Sparta to procure as much for them from that State The Corinthiâ—â—â— and Sparâ—â—â—s send them 〈◊〉 The Spartans made difficulty at first to do it for fear of giving the Athenians offence but hearing from Alcibiades what their designs were who was come thither upon the publick faith at his perswasions resolved also upon sending Forces under the Command of Gylippus they also imbraced his Counsel concerning renewing the War and fortifying Decelea a Castle in Attica At the same time the Athenian Generals sent to Athens for money and hors-men which was readily decreed to be sent Herewith the 17th year of the War was ended 54. The next year the Argives and Lacedaemonians preyed mutually upon one another in Peloponnesus In Sicily the Athenians with their whole force and new supply of horse sayled to Syracuse about which they seized upon many places and several skirmishes ensued about the fortifications wherein the Athenians had the better Then was the Athenian Fleet conveyed into the Haven of Syracuse whence great contention ensued and Lamachus one of the Generals assisting his friends was slain The Syracusians endeavouring the recovery of Epipolae were repelled by Nicias who thence drew a double work against the Town and strengthened himself by the accesse of Confederates and store of provision The besieged receiving no assistance from Peloponnesus parlied with Nicias but the matter succeeding not they made choice of new Captains whilest Gylippus was not now far off but despised by Nicias for the small number of his men In Greece the Spartans distressed the Argives who were assisted by the Athenians with thirty ships These made excursions into the Territories of Epidaurus so that the League which had so long continued betwixt them and Sparta though in a doubtfull condition was now openly broken and the War resumed and that more by their fault than any blame of the Lacedaemonians if Thucydides be judge 55. Gylippus arriving at Syracuse disturbed the work of Nicias about the Wall and changed the constancy of his good fortune Thucyd. lib. 7. who yet was not discouraged thereby but proceeded in his utmost endeavours for the service of those that sent him making preparation for Sea-matters wherein the Athenians seemed to excell all others hereupon ensued several skirmishes with various fortune and the remaining of Summer was spent on both sides in increasing their forces and procuring aid Demosthenes and Eurymedon joyned in Commission with Nicias Nicias writing to Athens for supplies new Levies were made and Demosthenes and Eurymedon joyned in Commission with him whereof the later was sent in mid-winter with ten Gallies and a great summe of money into Sicily and the other staid till Spring to get ready what was remaining twenty ships they also ordered to attend the motions of the Peloponnesians These things being known the Spartans and Corinthians calling upon their Confederates provided for the invasion of Attica accordingly as Alcibiades had advised With these things the 18th year of the War ended 56. In the beginning of the Spring the Peloponnesians under the Command of Agis the Spartan King invaded Attica where they fortified Oecalea a place some twelve miles distant from Athens and as much from the Borders of Boeotia The Athenians sent thirty ships to waste Peloponnesus and sixty with five of Chius into Sicily under Demosthenes his command Out of Peloponnesus were sent to the aid of the Syracusians from Sparta 600 men from Corinth 500. Sycion 200. out of Boeotia 300. to which the Corinthian Gallies lying at Naupactus were ordered to be a Convoy At Syracuse the affairs of the Athenians through the skill and valour of Gylippus and Hermocrates went down the wind who being also much distressed at home by the excursions out of Decelea yet kept up their spirits to the admiration of all men After Demosthenes had arrived in Silicy and heard of the miscarriages of their Fleet at Sea he blamed Nicias that he had not as soon as he came applied all his endeavour to Syracuse the head of the War and caused him to agree to set upon Epipolae a difficult and craggy place where falling on in the dark night they could not discern betwixt friend and foe all speaking in the same dialect The Athenians defeated at Syracuse and thereby great slaughter being made of them partly by themselves and the Enemy the Athenians received a great defeat The Generals hereupon consulting together were not of the same opinion Demosthenes now was for departing away speedily out of the Island seeing all things hapned crosse therein though he had been the cause of the fight on the other side Nicias who had laboured
made the other party which affected Democracie very jealous Theramenes crying out that they intended to betray the Citie to the Enemy who now with 42 Gallies hovered about the Coasts The Traiterous designs of the 400. 72. Neither were these mere Calumnies for these 400 men for the most part desired to retain the Dominion over both Citizens and Allies but if not that yet to continue Masters of the Fleet and Fortifications and if this could not be obtained then to call in the Enemy to redeem their lives and part of the Citie with the ships and vvorks being resolved never to give way to the popular Government from which they could expect nothing but sudden destruction To this purpose they made the Wall upon the Piraeus with several Gates to let in the Enemy if need were But Phrynichus returning from Sparta whither he was sent Ambassadour though to no purpose was stabbed in the Forum by a conspiracy after which Theramenes and his party grew more bold and by the help of the Soldiers seized upon some of the Chief of the 400. Tumults at Athens whence ensued a very great tumult all being ready to fall one upon another and certain mischief had followed but that the antient men somewhat repressed the younger and Thucydides the Pharsalian then sojourning in the Citie laboured earnestly to perswade them crying out that they should not themselves destroy their Countrey now that the Enemy was ready to assail it and with much ado he kept them from offering violence to one another Theramenes also checked the Soldiers in the Haven but he giving way to it the new Fortifications there were demolished The next day the 400 met though in great fear and sent some of their number to appease the Soldiers saying that they would chuse 5000 men who from amongst themselves should chuse the number of 400 by turns to rule the State desiring they would not undo the Citie by compelling it to yield to the Enemy Herewith the minds of the Soldiers were somewhat quieted and with much ado they agreed that a general Assembly should be had at a certain day for an agreement but when the day came and the Assembly was scarce gathered together news came that the 42 ships under Command of Hegesandrides the Spartan held their course directly from the Coast of Megara to the Island Salamine 73. The Soldiers now concluded of the certainty of what Theramenes had told them and that these ships intending for the Piraeus it was good that the Fortifications were demolished and likely enough it was that Hegesandrides hovering so long about Epidaurus expected some good opportunity to fall on Athens Hereupon all the Assembly hasted to the Piraeus but the Fleet making towards Euboea at length came to Oropus which making them very sollicitous for Euboea wherein their hope onely remained they sent Thymochares with some ships to Eretria which he joyning to those that were in the Island made up 36 sayl He was forced to fight sooner than he intended by the fraud of the Eretrians who delayed to bring victuals to sell as they were wont and thereby drew the Soldiers further off from the Fleet and made great disorder so that the Peloponnesians setting upon them The Athenians defeated are seized with great consternation whilest out of good order quickly put them to flight They took 22 ships killing some and taking the rest of the men such as fled to Land and betook themselves to Eretria as to friends were killed by the Inhabitants then presently all Euboea except Oreus revolted to the Peloponnesians When tidings hereof came to Athens never did so great consternation seize upon them there no not after the overthrow in Sicily For the Army at Samus dissented from the Citie they had neither ships left nor men to serve in them and were broken into factions of which they could not foresee the event and the losse of Euboea was exceeding great because that Island furnished the Citie with more Commodities than Attica it self And their fear was increased by the nearnesse of it from which the Enemy might presently come and seize upon the Piraeus now destitute of ships which they did not onely think would be but imagined to be already done 74. And had the Enemy been a little bolder he might easily have done this and more Had he besieged the Citie it would have been more grievously broken by seditions and constrained to call home the Army at Samus and thereby he might have reduced with ease Ionia the Hellespont all the Islands and all as far as Euboea and so consequently all the Athenian Dominion into his power The contrary dispositions of the Athenians and Lacedaemonians But well was it for the Athenians that they had such an Enemy to deal with as the Spartans who were of so contrary dispositions they being speedy and bold in executing all their designs but these slow and something fearfull especially in Sea matters whereby they affoarded many opportunities to the Athenians These things are confirmed from instance in the Syracusians who being of the same nature as the Athenians were good enough for them at all assayes The Athenians in the midst of all their fears took yet all care possible for their Affairs furnishing out twenty ships and meeting together in Pnice the usual place for popular Assemblies they abrogated the power of the 400. and gave it to 5000. amongst whom some were to furnish the Commonwealth with Arms ordering that none should receive any wages for his imployment The power of the 400 abrogated and the Government most equally poised Many other meetings then succeeded in which certain Law-makers were chosen and other things decreed for the good of the State at which time Thucydides thinketh the Athenian Commonwealth to have been better than ever tempered and qualified a moderate and equal way being brought in betwixt the power of a few and that of the whole people A decree also passed for the restitution of Alcibiades and those with him Upon this change Pisander and the rest that adhered to Oligarchy fled to the Enemy 75. In the mean while the Peloponnesian Fleet lying at Miletus in vain expected money from Tissaphernes and the coming of the Phoenician Fleet on the other side Pharnabazus Lieutenant to the King upon the Hellespont promised them all kindnesse and in particular used his indeavour to draw all the Greek Cities within his Government from the society of the Athenians which Tissaphernes also had promised but performed like other things Mindarus the General of the Fleet moved herewith went from Miletus towards the Hellespont with a Fleet of 73 ships which Thâ—asyllus the Athenian understanding made after him with 55 Sail labouring to get before him Some stop was made by the way but nothing very considerable done till they came towards an engagement at Gnosema Sixteen Gallies of Athens were first met with by the Peloponnesians who took three of them and burnt another and
might never be able more to handle spears but row with oares and having taken the two Gallies of Andrus and Corinth to cast headlong all the men into the Sea the perswader to this being Philocles Hereupon it was resolved that they should all be put to death except Adimantus who had withstood the Decree of cutting off the hands All of them put to death except Adimantus which sentence was accordingly executed Lysander then sailing about to the Cities under the Athenian power dismissed the Garrison Soldiers and all others he found with charge to get them to Athens under pain of death which crafty policy he used to fill the City with men that it might not be able long to endure a Siege for want of Victuals When they of the City heard the news they were affected accordingly bewailing not onely the fortune of the slain but their own also expecting now that should be done to themselves which heretofore they had done to the Melians a Colony of Sparta and to the Histiaeans Scionaeans Toronaeans Aeginetans and many other Greek Cities not in way of revenge for any injury but out of indulgence to their own lust for that they rejoyced in other mens miseries Yet as grief would give way to prudence they took care for fortifying the City against a Siege in which they could not look for any assistance from elsewhere all their Confederates except the Samians having forsaken them and such as they had banished from their dwellings being again restored to those places which they had filled with Colonies of their own 90. Lysander having taken away Democracy brought in the power of a few into all the Cities Herein he dealt with much cruelty and ambition putting in such men onely as were his creatures that he might obtain an unlimited power or Tyranny over all Greece and sending for Land forces from Sparta Lysander besiegeth Athens both by Sea and Land he besieged Athens both by Sea and Land The Athenians continued so resolute for a long time that till many were already dead of famine not a word was heard of asking Peace Then Ambassadors were sent to Agis the Spartan King about it who referred them to Sparta having as he said no commission to entertain their overtures Thither then they went offering that they might gain the friendship of Lacedaemon to part with all places besides the City and Piraeus where they would retain the Fortifications but they had for answer that if they seriously desired peace they must repair home and not return till they had better advised of the matter Hereat the Athenians were much abashed thinking now of nothing but servitude none daring to propose the demolishing of the walls for the Lacedaemonians having offered them Peace upon these terms Archestratus for advising them to embrace it was imprisoned and it was decreed that it should be unlawful to mention it for the time to come Theramenes then procured to be sent to Lysander to get out what his intention was whether to enslave them or to have the walls demolished and thence he returned not till the fourth moneth that in this time they might be constrained to resolve of something At his return SECT 4. he said he could get no other answer but that they must send again to Sparta and thereby he procured himself and others to be sent with full authority for concluding a Peace 91. The Ambassadors of the Confederates being assembled at Sparta many of them especially the Corinthians and Thebans urged that no composition was to be made with them but that Athens should be destroyed but the Spartans would not give way to it saying it was not their intention to destroy a City which in the greatest dangers of Greece had done the greatest things for it's deliverance They then without much delay made peace with them upon these terms That the long walls and the fortifications of the Piraeus should be demolished that they should deliver up all their ships except twelve receive their exiles follow the Lacedaemonians both by Sea and Land in the Wars Which yieldeth and have the same Friends and Enemies with them Some at the return of the Ambassadors would have refused these terms but the far major part siding with Theramenes accepted of them Lysander then seized upon the ships and the walls upon the sixteenth day of the moneth Munichion on which they had formerly overthrown the Persians at Salamine and went about to alter the Government which the People strongly resisted insomuch that he sent back to Sparta to complain of them saying they had broken the League in that their walls were not demolished and though no worse thing was yet decreed against them though pressed by some yet this made them willing to receive any thing The walls demolished and the Gallies burnt Then sent he for all the Pipers out of the City to whom joyning those in his own Camp at the noise of their instruments he caused the walls to be demolished and the Gallies to be burnt the Confederates making great solemnity as if that day gave beginning to the liberty of Greece Herewith the 27th year and the War it self ended which being carried on for so long a time with most various fortune dubious and inconstant events with infinite charges all sorts of contests and the ruine of so many Captains as had not perished in all the Wars of Greece besides was finished by the politick industry of one man A. M. 3600. Ol. 93. an 4. V. C. 349. Darii Nothi 19. Belli Pelop. 27. whom some thought thereupon they could not sufficiently admire in the 780th year after the end of that of Troy in the fourth of the 93d Olympiad the nineteenth of Darius Nothus who died presently after the conclusion of the Peace A. M. 3600. SECT IV. From the end of the Peloponnesian War to the beginning of the reign of Philip King of Macedonia containing the space of 44 years 1. THe year following being that wherein the 94th Olympiad was celebrated in the course of which Crocinas the Thessalian got the prize Xenoph. ut prius Endicus was Ephorus at Sparta and Pythadorus Archon at Athens whom yet the Athenians did not so account because that the Oligarchy being brought in this year they esteemed it as anarchical As soon as the long walls and the Piraeus were demolished by the command of Lysander thirty men were chosen to make Lavvs by vvhich the Commonvvealth might be governed After their creation and investiture in the povver they deferred both to publish or vvrite the Lavvs but constituted the Senate and other Magistrates at their pleasure The 30 Tyrants at Athens Then first they laid hold of all such as had under the Democracy lived by informing and false accusing of others vvhich vvas not displeasing to honest men So that those being condemned by the Senate they vvere put to death But aftervvards they began seriously to lay their heads together hovv they might
Nothâ— 12. eloquent tongue and great reputation for wisdom perswaded the people to change the Commonwealth and elect Magistrates by lot whereas formerly they were left to the suffrages of the people The former way inclined to Oligarchy The State new modelled by Diocles. but by this admission was given to the meanest and unfittest person to Govern which ill agreeth with the fame of Diocles his wisdom Some think that the multitude having got a promise from the great ones in the late danger in case they would well demean themselves now wrested this Law from them that Diocles perswaded the Nobility and the better sort to give way to the time for avoiding some greater mischief and then he with his Collegues having power from the whole State as Diodorus addeth form'd this new Commonwealth with convenient Laws whereby this liberty was bounded and other things defined as they thought but falsly made for publick good This Diocles was in punishment of vice rigid and inexorable and yet most just in what was deserved by any man His Laws were so well thought of by the vulgar that many Cities of Sicily received them on their own accord the whole praise of the invention being given to him though he had others joyned with him in the work that were excellent for wisdom and prudence In after-times one Cephalus under Timoleon and Polydorus under Hieron were deputed to the making of Laws but neither of them were accounted Legislators but both Commentators upon him who in the form of his speech was something short and obscure 19. Diocles amongst other Laws ordained Diod. ad Olymp. 91. ann 4. that it should be Capital for any man to come into the Forum or place where the people was wont to meet with his Arms and that neither the plea of ignorance nor any other excuse should stand him in stead that so offended Afterwards it hapned that he himself having issued out against the Enemy who made incursions as he returned with his sword heard of a tumult in the Forum and so went direrectly thither not thinking what he had about him Being for this reprehended by a private man as breaking his own Laws he cried out he would do no such matter but establish them with his blood and therewithall killed himself In the Commonwealth thus new modelled by him 't is uncertain what order there was or what method was observed in acting There was a Senate consisting of 600 men as we understand from Diodorus but the fame of it was very obscure and the power as may be gathered exceeding small which maketh it be so seldom mentioned The multitude was sole Lord of all and dayly meeting together created the chief Magistrates disposed of the Militia placing and displacing Officers therein decreed War made peace contracted Leagues and Alliances exercised power as to life or death granted Indemnity banished and recalled at their pleasure Other things of lesser moment were left to Magistrates which were various as in other popular Commonwealths They were annual as the Generals abroad 2. 3. 4. or more as the people pleased the General at home who was over the Militia of the Citie in time of peace and had great authority Others were chosen by lot as Judges Treasurers Censors and such like amongst which were also those that oversaw the matters at Sea the Citie having an excellent site for trading But things could not thus long stand the Government being such and wherein the wisest sort could do least and the foolish unexperienced rabble was most powerfull though having no skill in State affairs they little minded what they did and onely aimed at their private advantage Hereby they were easily led aside by one who cunningly though underhand Dionysius inslaveth Syracuse wrought his own designs For scarce were 8 years passed over from the overthrow of the Athenians when Dionysius the son of Hermocrates a man of a subtile head and deep dissimulation so fooled the multitude as obtaining from it a Guard for his person he invaded the Tyranny in the fourth year of the 93th Olympiad the very same that the Citie of Athens was yielded up to Lysander How this was effected must more particularly be related to let the reader behold the danger of Antimonarchical Government and the happinesse of a people under that of hereditary Kings How this was effected by degrees 20. The Citizens of Aegesta who had entred into League with Athens against the Syracusians and been cause of the Athenian War by reason of the controversie betwixt the Selinuntians and them about some grounds were in great fear after the overthrow of their friends to be called to account quitted those grounds for which they had contested But their adversaries not resting satisfied with the restitution of these Territories but seizing also upon part of the adjoyning Region they sent to Carthage for help giving up themselves into their protection The Carthaginians were very desirous to be masters of this Citie so fit for their purpose of Conquering Sicily but on the other hand they stood in fear of the Syracusians who had so lately grapled with and worsted the power of Athens Yet their ambition prevailing they promised them aid which they committed to the care of Hannibal then one of their principal Magistrates giving him Commission to make War if the case should so require After the death of Amilcar the affairs of Carthage had been managed by his and his brothers sons being six in number Justin lib. 19. under whose conduct War was made upon the Moors and Numidians and the Africans were also constrained to remit the Tribute which had been formerly paid them for the site of the Citie Now it was that this great numerous family being dangerous to the liberty of the Citie by doing and judging all things 100 Judges were chosen from amongst the Senators who received an account from the Generals at their return from the War that by this awe they might so manage affairs abroad as having an eye upon Justice and the Laws at home To Amilcar in Sicily succeeded his son Amilco who having good successe in the War both by Land and Sea on a sudden lost his Army by the force of Pestilence for which disaster there was a sad mourning at Carthage as it is largely described by Justin and he at his return killed himself Hannibal was his brothers son being the Grandson of Amilcar by his son Gesco or Gisgo as * Ad Olymp. 92. ann 3. Diodorus informeth us 21. Hannibal having an inbred hatred against all Greeks A.M. 3595. Olymp. 92. ann 3. V.C. 344. Darii Nothi 14. and an earnest desire by his own acts to redeem the credit of his family was glad of an opportunity to gratifie his Countrey and near upon seventy years after the overthrow and death of his Grand-father undertook the employment He first sent to the Syracusians referring the matter betwixt the two Cities unto them that the Selinuntians refusing
kept with Heraclides who was suspected to have raised a Sedition and put him out of his Court so as the Philosopher was glad to take up his quarters with the mercenary Soldiers amongst whom also slanders were spred concerning him whence he signified his condition to his friends at Tarentum in Italy who with much adoe prevailed with the Tyrant to send him home safe Such was the entertainment of Plato with Dionysius both father and son 42. Though Dionysius had left to him an hereditary War with the Carthaginians yet giving up himself wholly to luxury and sluggishnesse Diodor. ad Ol. 95. an 2 c. he was unfit to manage publick affairs and therefore made peace with them But Dion being now at Corinth together with Megacles his brother and Charicles the General of Dionysius raised as many Mercenaries as he could which not in number passing 500 Plutarch in Dione he transported in two ships of burthen into Sicilie Dion invadeth Sicilie leaving Charicles or rather Hercules behind to bring after more ships such was his courage that he durst venture with so inconsiderable a force upon so great a power After his landing mulitutdes flocked to him as he passed through the Island and out of Syracuse it self whom Dionysius in suspition had disarmed To them he gave weapons having brought many over with him for such a purpose By the time he got unto the City he was 5000 strong which he easily entred notwithstanding the opposition of those Captains that Dionysius had left there who at this time was upon the Coasts of Italy Upon his declaring to the People that he came to restore them to their antient liberty they made him and Megacles their chief Generals with with full power Dionysius seven dayes after returned and got into the Castle which standing in the Island was severed from the rest of the City whence he sent for Ambassadors to treat of Peace that he might gain time The People overreached sent their Commissioners whom he kept with him till seeing the Citizens negligent and carelesse by reason of their hopes he poured out his Mercenaries upon them but Dion with much labour repelled them and slew 800 men After this he sent again to desire a Treaty but Dion answered that his onely way to obtain peace was to lay down his power and content himself with certain honours whereat he was much vexed and took counsel how any way he might revenge himself 43. Philistus whom he had made Admiral fought with the Syracusians now not inferiour to him in number of ships and losing the day lost also his life having either killed himself because he would not be taken or been tormented to death after he fell into his Enemies hands both which are said Then did Dionysius offer half of his Kingdom to Dion A. M. 3649. Ol. 106. an 1. V.C. 398. Ochi 6. Philip. 5. and afterward was content to quit it all but he was answered by him that he must leave the Castle and be content with certain goods and honours and it was agreed that with his movables and Mercenary Soldiers he should have leave to passe into Italy The People hardly granted this as being confident to subdue him by force but he leaving some stout men to defend the Castel departed in the twelfth year of his Reign with his treasure and rich stuff into Italy undiscovered by Heraclides He expelleth Dionysius who ere this arrived out of Peloponnesus with a good force and was set over the Navy Heraclides being much blamed for this that he might re-ingratiate himself perswaded one to stir up the multitude to an equal division of the grounds which being opposed by Dion he out of emulation procured him ill-will and caused the People to create 25 Praetors whereof he himself was chosen one Dion's Mercenaries by this new Model deprived of their pay desired him to use their help in revenging himself upon his ingrateful Country-men He then took upon him to be their Leader Is disobliged and marched away to Leontium The Syracusians pursued and opposed them in their way but being forced with losse to retire the Leontines received him with much honour gave to the Soldiers their arrears and made them free of their City 44. But ere long there was an occasion for the recalling of Dion The Soldiers whom Dionysius had left in the Castle of Syracuse Redeemeth Syracuse being distressed by want of provisions resolved over night that the next day they would yield it up but that very morning appeared a Fleet sent to their relief over which Nipsius a Neapolitan had the command The Syracusians issuing forth against it had the better but then growing secure and giving up themselves to gormandizing and drunkennesse Nipsius thought a good opportunity to be offered for the redeeming of his credit and fell upon the City sending some over the wall who killing the sentinels opened the gates for his Soldiers The new Captains of the Syracusians being drunk could take no order for resistance so as great slaughters were made in every place the Garrison Soldiers issuing out of the Castel and great plunder with many prisoners were taken away Now the Citizens saw that no help remained for them but onely in Dion to whom they sent begging of him that laying aside all thoughts of private injuries he would now succour his distressed Country He being armed by precepts of Philosophy against private grudges marched for Syracuse and was met by a number of old men women and children who with lamentable cries implored his help As the Garrison Soldiers were busie in plunder and had set the houses near the Forum on fire he brake in upon them distributing his men to the several quarters of the City They fell upon them all in disorder and burthened with plunder killed 4000 and so forcing up the rest into the Castel cleared all 45. Dion having atchieved much honour by this act was made General of the Land Forces but Heraclides his emulater still retained his Admiralship Envied This vexed him so Corn. Nepos in Dione that he gave out some words that a Common-wealth could not be well governed by many which procured him great envy as if he thereby signified that he would get the Soveraignty over all He studied not how to palliate the matter but sought to cary on all things by an high hand and in a way of force and either procured Heraclides to be made away or connived at those whom he formerly hindred from doing it after which he seized on the goods of his Enemies and distributed them to his Soldiers Plunged into great difficulties But presently again money failing him and having none to run upon but his friends he was constrained either to lose them or his Soldiers who being also displeased for want of pay the common People might safely revile him affirming that the Tyrant was not to be endured Whilst he with thoughts of these things tormented himself
away 23. The same year that Poplicola died the Sabines provided of numerous Forces invaded the Roman Territories as far as the City walls The Consuls taking the field against them Posthumius was entrapped in an Ambush and escaping narrowly himself lost many of his men which defeat struck the Citizens with great terror who now ran to the walls expecting the Enemy would fall upon the City But nothing being attempted in this kind they marched out resolving to redeem their credit and Posthumius much more concerned in honour than the rest so behaved himself as he made amends fully and both the Consuls obtained a notable victory which had been compleated by the slaughter of all the Sabines if the darknesse of night had not interposed The Senate ordered the Consuls to return in pomp Menenius with full honour in triumph sitting in a Chair drawn in way of a Chariot but Posthumius because of his late defeat in a more humble manner which the Romans called Ovation so named saith Festus or Paulus from him as he from Verrius from the letter O which the Soldiers in way of joy were wont to eccho at their return from a Victory or corruptly pronounced for the Greek word Euaste as Dionysius conjectureth Ovation differed herein from a Triumph properly so called Ovation what that the General entred not the City in a Chariot but on foot before his Soldiers Dionys for the Robe interwoven with Gold he onely wore the Praetexta toga the ordinary habit of Consuls and Praetors neither had he a Scepter but onely Laurel and on his head a wreath of Myrtle when the War had not been denounced or finished without bloodshed The Sabines beg Peace The year following wherein Sp. Cassius Viscellinus and Opiter Virginius Tricostus were Consuls the Sabines were overthrown in a great battel at Cures 10300 being slain and about 4000 taken which defeat caused them to beg peace and purchase it with Corn Money and part of their grounds Whilst Sp. Cassius did this good service against the Sabines his Colleague subdued the Camarinaeans who had revolted and having put to death the Authors of the injury sold the rest and razed their City 24. The year that followed being the first of the 70 Olympiad wherein Nicaeas of Opus a Town of Locri was Victor Myrus executing the Annual Office of Archon at Athens had for Consuls Posthumius Cominius and T. Largius Now all the Latines to the number of thirty several Cities saith Livie conspired against Rome by the procurement of Mamilius Octavius son in Law to Tarquinius who at present was with him at Tusculum though Valerius the Roman Ambassador pretended to answer to such accusations as were made and laboured to disswade the several People of Latium In the mean time also the Slaves at home contrived how to seize upon the Capitol and burn the City but were discovered and nailed to crosses The following year wherein Ser. Sulpitius Camerinus and Manius Tullus Longus were Consuls a Faction in Fidenae having received some men from Tarquinius killed or expelled their adversaries and caused the Town to revolt from the Romans The Senate would not make War upon the Latines in general knowing many amongst them were inclined to Peace and thought it sufficient to block up Fidenae for which they sent out Manius with a strong Army The besieged implored assistance of the Latines who in their generall meeting heard also the complaints of Tarquinius and though they were much importuned by some amonst them yet they onely ordered Ambassadors to be sent to demand the reception of the King and the removal of the siege from Fidenae which was done also meetly to gain time giving the Romans a year to consider of the matter and taking so large a space for to make preparations Tarquinius his endeavours for the recovery of his Kingdom in case the overture were rejected Tarquinius and Mamilius having little hopes to prevail this way seeing that the minds of the generality were averse from War endeavoured to bring his right about in an easier way by raising in Rome an unexpected and intestine difference betwixt the rich and poorer sort 25. For at this very time as Dionysius writeth a great part of the common People especially the indigent and such as were burthened by usury did not like of the present state of affaires which dissatisfaction was caused by the extravagant course of Creditors who seizing upon the bodies of their Debtors used them no better than Slaves purchased with money Tarquinius not being ignorant hereof sent certain of his friends with Gold who gave them some in hand promising more after the King's restitution and procured thereby a conspiracy of many poor Citizens with such Slaves as had been offended with their Masters the year before for the severity shown towards their fellows The matter was discovered to Sulpicius who after he had returned a denyal though very civilly to the Latin Ambassadors by a wile drew the Conspirators into the Forum where incompassing them about he put them all to the Sword The stirs being thus allaied for a time the Consuls of this and the following year looked abroad and A. M. 3504. Ol. 96. an 4. V. C. 253. Darii 21. Postumus Cominius Auruncus T. Lartius Ruffus Coss in the next Fidenae was yielded up to T. Largius Flavus Hereat the Latins were exceedingly startled and now all railed on their principal men for that no order had been taken for relief of the Town Tarquinius and Mamilius so improved this opportunity that all the Cities 24 in number as they are reckoned by Dionysius decreed War against the Romans ingaging that none should forsake their associates nor make Peace without common consent sealing it with an oath and direful curses against such as should break the League who were to be held as Enemies by all the rest They gave liberty to Tarquinius and his son in Law to levie what Forces they thought convenient and that they might have some kind of pretence sent a message to Rome whence the Senate returned a stout and resolute answer War with the Latines in his behalf 26. Great were the preparations of the Latines the Romans sending round about could make no friends and yet were not dejected but trusting to their domestick strength alone were thereby rendred much more resolute and couragious as such upon whom lay a necessity of being â—aliant But a great difficulty was found in listing Soldiers for the poor and those that were surcharged with debt of which there was a great number being cited would not appear saying they had nothing to do with the Patritians except their debts were remitted by Decree of the Senate nay some talked of leaving the City and exhorted one another not to stay in that place where no good thing was communicated to them The Patritians by good words laboured to appease them but all in vain so that the Senate fell into a serious debate about so weighty a
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
treason commanded her to deparr his Camp After this the Dahae who had revolted by the procurement of Dataphernes delivered him up and returned to obedience and Craterus with Polysperchon having finished the War against the revolters in a short time they all met at Bactra Alexander was now so puffed up as to require divine honours from his followers which Callisthenes the Philosopher stifly refusing to give him felt the effect of his ambition 12. It hapned that the King hunting on a time one Hermolaus a Gentleman of his guard and Scholar to Callisthenes killed a wild Boar which Alexander himself intended to have struck for which he was beaten by his Command The young man bearing the disgrace most heavily as also Sostratus his inward friend they conspired with others of the Guard to kill the King Curtius ut supra Plutarch in Alexand. Orosius lib. 3. cap. 18. Arrianus lib. 4. which to perform they agreed that one night they would all watch together It was long ere they could so change their courses as to bring this about but at length having done it it chanced that the King sate up drinking all that night so then the matter being frustrated was revealed by one of them and they were all stoned to death Now whether any of them accused Callisthenes as some reported or Alexander did it himself he was made away though as to the manner of his death they who were present themselves agreed not in their relation Callisthenes put to death with others for treason Callisthenes was the Scholar of Aristotle and the son of his Cousin germane of so severe a temper that he could not order himself according to his Master's directions who when he sent him to Alexander advised him Either very pleasantly or very rarely to converse with him Valer. Max. lib. 7. cap. 2. that so he might be either more acceptable for his discourse or safe by his silence Aristotle also himself seemeth to have been threatned in a letter written by the King to Antipater in Macedonia 13. Alexander had ere this time resolved to make War upon India and bound his Conquests with the East That he might not leave any impediment at his back he commanded 30000 men to be raised out of the Provinces that he might have them both as Soldiers and Hostages Out of a conceit of the glory of the Expedition he adorned the shields of his Soldiers with silver plates their Horses with golden bridels and their Armour was set out with gold and silver Alexander marcheth for India Leaving then Amyntas in Bactriana with 3500 Horse and 10000 Foot he set forwards in the Spring leading an Army of 120000 men In ten dayes he passed over Caucasus and came to Alexandria which he had caused to be built in the Country of the Parapomisadae whence he marched to the River Cophenes and sent to Taxiles to meet him who came with such presents as India afforded Dividing now his Army with one part of it he sent Haephestion and Perdiccas another way with command that when they came at the River Indus they should provide things necessary for passing over it He with the other invaded the Aspians Thyraeans and Arasacans and crossing the River Choë the first City he came at opposed him He himself and Ptolomy the son of Lagus were wounded in the storm but he took the place and putting all the Inhabitants to the sword burnt it In the Country of the Aspians he got a booty of 40000 men and 230000 head of cattel whence marching toward the Gruraeans Curtius Justin lib. 12. with difficulty he passed over the River Gruraeus Invading the Assacenians he took the City Massaga the King whereof being lately dead his mother Cleophis reigned and by the prostitution of her body to Alexander procured a confirmation in the Kingdom 14. After this he took Bazira and Nora was forsaken by it's defendants who betook themselves to a strong rock called Aornos This place was exceedingly fenced by it's wonderful height and the River Indus which ran by one side of it as also by deep pits and craggie rocks by reason whereof the report went that Hercules himself attempted but could not take it The story of Hercules inflamed the King with a desire to master it who having first taken several other places brought his forces and by means of an old man who shewed him the onely passage closely besieged it By incredible diligence he filled up the ditches so as he could bring his men to fight but yet he was not able to storm the Rock and therefore resolved to starve them out leaving a way for their escape and they seeing his resolution took the advantage but many were slain in the persute Taking order then for the full clearing of the Country he passed on to the River Indus near to which he hunted Elephants and continuing in the plains thirty dayes for the refreshment of his Army sacrificed to his gods and celebrated games and exercises Now Hephaestion and Perdiccas had finished all things necessary for passing the River and not of this onely but others also with one almost and the same labour For divers Rivers runing through India as besides Cophenes Coes and Indus Hydaspes Acesines Hyarotis Hyparus and Ganges they so framed the boats as they might easily be taken in pieces and being conveied in cariages be as easily upon occasion again joyned together 15. In the eleventh year of his reign and the fourth after the death of Darius Crosseth the River Indus in the Spring Alexander passed over the River Indus and was received above his expectations For Omphis or Mophis A. M. 3679. Ol. 113. an 3. V. C. 428. Alexand. 11. King of the Country had perswaded his Father when yet living to submit himself and now having suceeded in the Kingdom met him in the way and gave it up into his hands who restored it to him and permitted him to assume the name of Taxiles common to all Kings of that Country of what family soever Coming to Taxila the Metropolis he was sumptuously entertained and receiving great gifts gave also very liberally to the disdain of those about him of whom Meleager in his cups congratulated with him that at length in India he had found a man worthy to receive from him in way of free gift 1000 Talents Alexander remembring how he had repented the killing of Clytus contained himself but not impertinently answered him that Envious men are nothing else than their own torment The next day Abisarus King of the Indians inhabiting the mountains and who together with Porus had wars with Taxiles by Ambassadors gave up himself and Kingdom Alexander leaving a Garrison in Taxila marched towards the River Hydaspes beyond which reigned Porus Thinking by the terror of his name to affright this Prince into obedience he sent to him beforehand willing him to pay tribute and meet him on the frontires of his Kingdom to which he answered that he
would do the later onely and that armed Near unto Porus reigned another of his name and his Nephew who out of hatred to him sent Ambassadors and gave up all he had into the hands of Alexander 16. Curtius ut prius Diodorus Arrianus l. 4. Orosius l. 3. c. 19. Plutarch in Alexand. The boats formerly spoken of being conveyed from Indus to the River Hydaspes Alexander with Taxiles several other great persons of the Country and 5000 Indians more came thither Barsaentes the Governour of the Drangae being presented to him in his way whom he afterwards put to death for his treason towards Darius On the opposite bank of the River lay Porus with an Army very great indeed though the dissention of Writers about the numbers almost equalize the bignesse of it He had his Elephants ready to affright the Horses and keep the Army from landing which Alexander perceiving made as if he intended to passe the River at the place over against which Porus stood And Hydaspes leaving some there to make a noise as if he still remained and in a dark and rainie night got into a little woody Island which lay lower down the River whence in the morning though with much difficulty through the rising of the water by abundance of rain recovered the further bank where he defeated a Party led by Porus his Son who by some is said in this ingagement to have lost his life Porus understanding this drew down his battel in the form of a City whereof the Elephants being many in number were as walls They grievously distressed the Macedonians for some time and the Indians continually retired to them as a bulwark but at length being driven up close together they made great slaughter of the Indians themselves whom Alexander also encompassing with his men did great execution upon them Porus himself a person terrible to encounter his height as is said being five cubits and his bredth such as his Armour extended it to the proportion of two lusty men fought himself most valiantly and encountering Alexander hand to hand slew his Horse under him so that he was saved meerly by the interposition of his Guard many of his men having fallen at his side 17. Porus gave not over as long as he had any to stand to him when all had left him he retreated on his Elephant most stately to behold As many of the Indians were slain in the chace as had been in the battel by reason that Craterus and others who had been left behind came over afresh to the persute Alexander having a great desire to save their King out of respect to his great valour sent after him Taxiles the Indian whom perceiving to come towards him he ran at him with his lance as his ancient Enemy But others being still sent and amongst the rest Meroes an Indian Porus hearing his voice and being sore distressed by thirst stood still and then alighted from his Elephant Alexander coming on spake to him first and asked him what the thing was vvhich he desired to whom he ansvvered that he might be used like a King The other replied that this should be done for his ovvn sake Overthroweth and taketh Porus. and bad him ask for his own commodity what he pleased to which he made answer that all things were contained in his former demand With this the Conquerour was so well pleased that he received him into the number of his friends and restored to him his Kingdom inlarged with new Territories Alexander hoping that by his late Victory all India was laid open to him intended to sail into the Ocean and perceiving there was in this place much wood he caused such a quantity to be cut down as might suffice for the building of ships He gave order also for the building of two Cities one in the place where the battel was fought which he called Nice and another on the other side of the River named after his Horse Bucephalus who here died being about thirty years old 18. Leaving Craterús to perfect these Cities upon the River Hydaspes he marched into the Country adjoyning to that of Porus Curtius lib. 9. cap. 1. which having subdued he bestowed on him and also the Kingdom of the younger Porus who out of fear of his Uncle had now fled with as many as he could draw after him to the Gangaridae After this he subued several Nations beyond the River Hydraotes and invaded the Cuthaeans who together with the Ocydracae and Malli opposed him of whom in the siege and storming of the City Sangala perished 17000 and about 70000 were taken Captives These Cuthaeans had a Custome that when any man died his wife was to be buried with him to which the wickednesse of one woman that poysoned her husband gave occasion The City Sangala was destroyed and their Lands given to certain Indians who lived in the form of a Commonwealth and had formerly given themselves up into the hands of the Conquerour This severity made other Cities without any resistance surrender themselves Sopithes yieldeth Then advanced he into the Kingdom of Sopithes who meeting him with his two Sons with a Rod of Gold adorned with precious Sones delivered up into his hands himself his children Kingdom and all he had Having received back his Kingdom Aelian Hist animal l. 8. c. 1. he magnificently entertained Alexander and his whole Army Amongst several other presents he gave him 150 Dogs begotten of Tigers as is reported and of strength and activity as appeared by four of them which were let out upon a Lion extraordinary for strength and bignesse 19. Ere Alexander stirred from this place Curtius lib. 9. Diodorus Arrianus Hephaestion returned to him from his expedition having subdued India in a great compasse that way he was sent whom he received with honor suitable to his worth Afterward he departed into the Kingdom of Phegeus or Phegelus who also submitted himself and receiving the Conqueror entertained him very magnificently After two days he marched toward the River Hyphasis or Hyparis taking Phegeus and Porus along with him The River Hyphasis the Eastern limit of his Expedition At the River side he enquired of Phegeus what Countries lay beyond it He answered That there was a vast Wildernesse of 11 or 12 days journey and next to that ran the River Ganges beyond which inhabited besides others the Gangaridae over whom reigned Agyrammes or Xandrames provided of 20000 Horse 200000 Foot above 2000 Chariots and about 4000 Elephants These things seeming incredible to the Macedonians he asked Porus of the truth of them who confirmed what the other had said as to the strength of that King but withall added That being by a Barber begotten on the Queen who had killed her Husband that he might reign he was for this cause despised by his People Alexander now considered the labors and perils undergone by his Soldiers who from the beginning of his reign had followed him eight
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
the name of the Kings published an Edict for the abolishment of all such Oligarchies as since the passing of Alexander into Asia had been erected in any of the Cities which by virtue hereof he restored to their former liberty hereby to oblige and keep them from yielding to Cassander In the same name he also wrote to Eumenes upon whom he confirmed his former Government and bestowed more Cassander laboureth for Macedonia Eumenes is stirred up to stand for the King's interest beseeching him that together with himself he would take upon him the protection of the King's house if he pleased in Macedonia but rather in Asia against Antigonus who now had visibly revolted from it Moreover he wrote to the Treasurers in Cilicia to furnish Eumenes with money and to the Argyraspidae or the old Soldiers with Silver Shields to obey him in all things Olympias also by letters desired his help owning him as the most faithful of those remaining who could assist against the ruine and desolation of her family 12. Eumenes not able to stay any longer in Cappadocia because Menander was sent from Antigonus against him hasted into Cilicia where the Argyraspidae being 3000 in number joyned with him Fearing the envy of the Macedonians for that he was but a Stranger of the Cherronesus of Thrace he caried it with great civility towards all and made himself but equal to the other Captains To contain them in order Diod. Plutarch Corn. Nepos in Eumene Polyaenus Stratagem l. 4. he feigned that Alexander had appeared to him in a dream sitting upon his Throne and commanding as formerly in compliance wherewith he caused a Throne to be erected in a Tent as for the King whereon was also laid a Diadem and Scepter and here the Council of Officers were alwaies to assemble Then sending his friends abroad he raised many men the report of the largnesse of his pay drawing Soldiers out of Greece it self Ptolomy and Antigonus sent to take off the Argyraspidae and Teutamus one of their Captains was perswaded by them but was reduced to his former resolution by Antigenes his Collegue and the common Soldiers were quieted by Eumenes who came upon them while yet they were in fear of Antigonus who threatned that except they would deliver him up he would come and destroy them with his Army After this Eumenes marched into Phoenicia intending there to provide shipping that if need were he might have entercourse with Polysperchon He also intended to rescue Phoenicia out of Ptolomie's hands but finding himself unable to accomplish this design he began his march through Coelesyria and passed on till he came to Carrae near Babylon Who marcheth to Carrae where he took up his Winter quarters 13. Antigonus having overthrown at Sea Polysperchon's Navy and attempted something against the Governours near the Hellespont now hasted to make a full conquest of Asia He chose out of all his Army 20000 Foot and 2000 Horse wherewith for expedition he marched with speed into Cilicia to supresse Eumenes his forces ere he could get them together which caused the other sooner to depart into Phoenicia whence he marched to Carrae Whilst he here remained he sent to Seleucus Governour of Babylon A. M. 3688. Ol. 115. an 4. V.C. 437. Ptolom 7. and Pithon of Media for aid against the enemies of the Kings to which they answered that they were ready to assist the Kings but not him who was condemned by a Council of the Macedonians and they solicited the Captains of the Argyraspidae to forsake him but in vain After this he resolved for Susa To Susa thinking to get aide out of the upper Provinces and money out of the Treasury and thither he came with much difficulty Seleucus having so drowned his Camp that he was forced to get off his men with boats It hapned that the Governours of the Provinces were at this time gathered together with many forces against Pithon who having slain Philotas had placed his own brother Eudramus in his stead Fearing the like might be attempted against themselves they armed and having overthrown him in battel drove out of Parthia to Babylon The Governours of the upper Provinces joyn with him where he fled to Seleucus for relief Having formerly sent them Letters from the Kings he now also solicited them for aid when thus met together to which they agreed and came dovvn These were Peucestes Governour of Persia one of the Keepers of the late King's body and now chosen by the rest for their Generalissimo Polemon of Caramania Sibyrtâ—us of Arachosia Stasander of Aria and Drangiana Andrabazus who was sent from Oxyartes Governour of the Parapomisadae and Eudamus or Eudaemon Governour of the Oxydracae and Malli who brought with him out of Indâ—a 120 Elephants besides other Forces which he got into his hands after he had slain Porus the King Their united Force consisted of above 18700 foot and 4600 horse which being joyned to Eumenes his Army made up a considerable body 14. They had falln out about chusing a new General had not Eumenes his former device of setting up Alexander's Pavilion and Throne prevented it whither he perswaded them to repair and rule in common after which he took as much money out of the Treasury at Susa as his wants required Antigonus marcheth against him In Spring Antigonus being come into Mesopotamia marched to Babylon A. M. 3689 Ol. 116. ann 1. V. C. 438. Ptolomaei 8. where joyning in Confederacy with Seleucus and Pithon he received some Forces from them and passed the River Tigris Eumenes hearing of his coming went down to Pasitigris where he fell upon such of his Soldiers as were got over the River which he filled also with Carkeises and took 4000 prisoners Antigonus therefore bent his course another way to the Citie Badaca situate upon the River Eulaeus whence he journeyed through the Countrey of the Cossaeans with great difficulty hardship into the habitable parts of Media where he refreshed and quieted his men now ready to mutiny by reason of their teadious journey Eumenes marched into Persia where the whole Army was Magnificently entertained by Peucestes the Satrapa who now thought to establish himself in the Chief power but by the great cunning of Eumenes together with the other Captains was retained in his former condition and brought to a greater observance of him Antigonus following him into Persia he returned to meet him but feasting his Army he drunk so excessively that a great distemper thereby contracted stopped him for some dayes and then was he carried in a Litter out of the noise till such time as the Front would not march without him in the head of them He was therefore constrained to lead them and shortly after to frame the battel in his Litter which Antigonus saw and laughed at it 15. Four dayes were spent in light skirmishing during which time Antigonus endeavoured to draw away Eumenes his men They meet but to no
out 100 of his chiefest friends put them to cruel deaths Killeth Nicanor and others But he hearing she was arrived in Macedonia marched out of Peloponnesus against her whereupon she made Aristonous her General and commanded him to meet Cassander she betaking herself with Alexander her Grand-son his Mother and others into Pydna hoping she should have many assistants but she was deceived For A. M. 3690 Ol. 116. ann 2. V. C. 439. Ptolom 9. Cassander besieged her by Land and Sea Aeacida was coming to assist her but by his means his men fell away from him and banishing him his Countrey joyned themselves and Kingdom to the other others in Macedonia intended to aid her but fearing Cassander fell off also to him and as for Polysperchon in whom rested now all her hope Callas being sent against him corrupted also most of his Soldiers The siege therefore lasted without any let till famine so prevailed in the Citie as many of the Defendants came out and she was then driven by necessity to yield very hardly obtaining promise of safety to her person Afterwards he caused such as whole Kinsfolks she had put to death to accuse her to the Macedonians who naturally hated and now incensed by them She is also murdred by Cassander condemned her Then did he send some of her friends to her willing her to fly but she denied it and resolved to plead her cause before the people so that he fearing their affections might be moved towards her sent some Soldiers to kill her They were so struck with her Majesty as they returned without doing their errand but then some the friends of whom she had made away came in and slew her not at all amated or behaving herself otherwise than as the Mother of Alexander whom she had out lived for eight years 20. Pithon the Governour of Media envying Antigonus his power and greatnesse laboured to draw most of the Soldiers now in their Winter quarters to his own party Pithon put to death by Antigonus intending to establish himself which Antigonus being aware of gave out that he would commit the East unto him and by divers friendly Letters drew him to him after which he got him condemned in a Council of his Associates and put him to death Then marched he into Persia being received by the Inhabitants as King for that now without controversie he was Lord of Asia Here calling a Council he confirmed divers in their Governments and amongst the rest Sibyrtius of Arachosia to whom he delivered 1000 of the most turbulent Argyraspides who had delivered up Eumenes under pretence to serve him in the Wars Who ordering matters as he pleaseth in the East but indeed to destroy them giving him secret order to expose them to ruin that so they might never see more Macedonia nor the Greek Sea Perceiving Peucestes to be in great favour here he removed him from the Government to the great grief of the people and then got the Treasure at Susa into his hands out of which he made 25000 Talents Thence he journeyed to Babylon where Seleucus the Governour royally entertained him but offering to punish a certain Officer of the Army without his knowledge he called him to an account for the Revenues of the place Seleucus denied to account saying that place was given him by the Macedonians for his faithfull service performed to Alexander but the Contest grew sharper everyday so as he remembring and fearing the case of Pithon Seleucus flyeth into Egypt with fifty horse in his Company fled into Egypt Antigonus was glad he had gotten Babylon and that without any violence offered to his antient friend but being told by the Chaldeans that if he let him go he should get all Asia into his power and he himself should die in a battel against him he sent some to pursue him but in vain 21. Seleucus being courteously entertained by Ptolomy sent his friends into Europe to stir up Cassander and Lysimachus against Antigonus who suspecting some such matter sent also to retain them in his friendship but they entred into confederacy together with Ptolomy against him and all three sent their Ambassadors to him as he was now marching towards upper Syria to demand that Cappadocia and Lycia might be restored to Cassander Governour of Caria Maketh the Captains combine against Antigonus Phrygia upon the Hellespont to Lysimachus all Syria to Ptolomy and Babylon to Seleucus and to divide all the treasure he had got into his hands since the death of Eumenes with them and the other Macedonians who had lost their Governments To this he answered sharply and that he was already pteparing for Ptolomy so that the Ambassadors returning without any effect they made great preparations both by Sea and Land He understanding how full his hands would be sent about to the chief States to retain them in friendship and also to hire more Soldiers he himself went into Phoenicia where he besieged Tyre used great endeavour for the making of ships and took in Joppe and Gaza Aristodemus also he sent into Laconia who there by the permission of the Lacedaemonians raised 8000 Soldiers and joyned Polysperchon and Alexander his son in confederacy with him of whom the former was made General of Greece and the later he desired to go over to Antigonus who going accordingly in an assembly of the Army accused Cassander for that he had put Olympias to death had committed Rhoxane and her son to custody maried by force Thessalonica the daughter of Philip and sister of Alexander and so plainly affected the Kingdom of Macedonia moreover that he had re-edified Thebes destroyed by Alexander and restored the Olinthians whereupon he was declared an Enemy except he would amend what was amisse and obey Antigonus and set all the Graecians at liberty and so Alexander rewarded with 500 Talents was sent back Not long after he revolted to Cassander being for that declared General of Peloponnesus and shortly after was traiterously slain by the Sicionians 22. Seleucus in Cyprus prospered against the party of Antigonus Diodorus ut prius and Polyclitus his Lieutenant overthrew Theodotus his Admiral both at Sea and Land after which Ptolomy and Antigonus met and conferred together but to no purpose Cassander shortly after fearing Antigonus might passe over into Europe to divert him sent an Army over into Caria to help those Cities which were confederate with Seleucus and Ptolomy Cassander the Governour there joyning with him which Antigonus fearing left Demetrius his son in Syria with order to entrap Ptolomie's forces if they should march that way and for that he was but then 22 years old left 4 grave men his friends to counsel and direct him Upon his coming to Caria Cassander the Governour having too great a burthen upon him made a Peace on condition to keep his place and gave his brother for an Hostage whom yet he getting again out of his hands he presently revolted after which
especially to spy his Camp He entertained nobly the Ambassadors and to deter them from any warlike attempts shewed them his strength at Land and Sea but they were so far from being afraid as having an itching desire after prey they stirred up their Companions to endeavour the attaining of that which they saw no wayes in words diminishing the goodlinesse of any thing By night therefore they set upon his Camp but he being aware of some such thing had withdrawn his Army and all things into the Wood Defeateth other Galls therefore they go and endeavour to plunder the Navy but are so repelled thence with such slaughter as the credit of the victory over them procured Antigonus his quiet not onely from them but his Neighbours round about him About this time these Gaules which parting at Dadania from Brennus and going into Thrace Idem ibid. Livius lib. 38. had at several places passed the Sea into Asia where uniting again under 17 Captains of which Lutatius and Leoporius were Chief they helped Nicomedes against Zypaeas who held part of Bithynia and after he was overcome wasting the Countrey far and near divided the Kingdom with him and fixed themselves about the River Halys in that place which since has been known by the name of Gallograecia or Galatia A.M. 3727. the third year of the 125 Olympiad the Romans being now engaged in the War with Pyrrhus Plutarch in Pyrrho Justin ut suprà 4. But Pyrrhus having finished his fruitlesse expedition into Italy and Sicily after six years and being returned home now wanting money sought an occasion to divert and maintain his Army He made therefore an excursion into Macedonia having strengthned himself with a supply of some Gaules where he took divers Towns 2000 Soldiers revolted to him then marching against Antigonus himself joyned battel with him The Gauls on Antigonus his part fought very valiantly but those which governed his Elephants being compassed in yielded themselves and the beasts after which the foot being affrighted Pyrrhus making sign to them and calling by name the Officers But is expelled by Pyrrhus drew them all over to his own party Antigonus fled but kept some of the Maritime Towns still in his possession and Pyrrhus became Master of the upper part of Macedonia and of Thessaly For all this Antigonus gave not out but retiring to Thessalonica there recruited himself with Mercenary Gaulls and then endeavouring to re-establish himself was again defeated by Ptolomy the son of Pyrrhus so that again retiring to hide himself Pyrrhus jeered him and called him impudent A. M. 3731. Ol. 126. ann 3. V. C. 480. Antiochi Soteris 9. Ptolom Philadelphi 11. because for all this he put not on a Coat but wore the purple still He in way of return compared Pyrrhus to a Gamester which could throw the Dice well but knew not how to improve his chance for he knew how to Conquer Kingdoms and get Victories but could not improve his Victory nor retain what he had Conquered as it had hapned as to this Kingdom before and now also shortly followed 5. Scarce two years did Pyrrhus hold Macedonia for Cleonymus the Spartan being rejected by his Citizens from being King in the room of his father Who endeavoureth to restore Cleonymus procured him to march down against his Enemies He went down thither with an Army of 25000 foot and 2000 horse and wasting their Territories deferred the entring of the Citie till the next day out of contempt of the small number of the Defendants who taking that occasion and making what means they could for resistance especially the Women hindred him a little from entring and when entred his horse being killed under him forced him notwithstanding to retreat During his absence Antigonus Genatas recovered again the Cities of Macedonia and taking it for granted that after he had done his work in Laconia he would return again thither thought it best to hasten into Peloponnesus and prevent him Being come to Argos Pyrrhus provoked him to fight for the Kingdom but Embassadors came to them both from the Town desiring they would depart from their Citie and not suffer it which was observant of both to come into the power of either Antigonus obeyed and sent his son to them for an Hostage Pyrrhus pretending he would entred the Citie in the night being let in by Aristeus whereupon Antigonus was sent for He sent in a strong party Areus King of Sparta was at hand with 1000 Cretians and other Lacedaemonians Pyrrhus marched up into the Market-place and there saw a brasen Bull and a Wolf standing in a fighting posture set there in memorial of Danaus his election and ejection of Gatenor 1200 years before which startled him sore for that it had been told him by an Oracle that he should die when he should see a Wolf and a Bull fighting together Hereupon he would have retreated but fearing the straightnesse of the Gates sent to his son Helenus to break down part of the Wall and come in but he mistaking brought his men and Elephants through the Gate which stopped so up the way that Pyrrhus in his coming back could not passe and that occasioned his death 6. He being sore crouded what by them those at his heels and the Enemy and sensible of his danger endeavoured by force to remove the later Plutarch Then receiving a wound through his Brigandine with a Lance turned himself against him that ran at him Is slain at Argos This was the son of a poor Woman who beholding the fight from the house and seeing him ingaged thus with Pyrrhus took up a stone with both her hands and cast it down upon the Kings head which brusing the Vertebraes of his Neck he fell down from his horse after which his head was cut off by one Zopyrus A.M. 3733. Ol. 127. ann 1. V. C. 482. Antiochi Soteris 11. Ptol. Philad 3. Justin lib. 26. It being brought to Antigonus by Alcyoneus his son who rejoyced at the sight of it he checked him and wept over it and after caused it and the body to be magnificently burned his bones being put in a Golden Urn he delivered to his son Helenus to carry them to his brother Alexander into Epirus and then receiving his Army dealt very well with all his friends After this the Cities of Peloponnesus were betrayed to Antigonus which caused great stirs in that part of Greece the Gaulls revolting from him he cut off at Megara besieged Athens and notwithstanding that Patroclus from Egypt and Areus the King of Lacedaemon came to relieve them Antigonus recovering Macedonia presently loseth it again yet he kept all Provisions from them and after they had long stood out came to composition whereby he placed a Garrison in their Fort Museus which yet not long after he drew forth again Areus for want of necessaries was forc'd to return home but they met again afterwards at Corinth where Antigonus
Achaeans themselves they absurdly decreed that on no other condition would they have Peace with them except they forsook the society of the Messenians The Epirotes and Philip after audience given to the Ambassadors willingly received the Messenians into the alliance but as for the Aetolians not at all wondering at their cariage for that it being but agreable to their custome of piracy and robbing A. M. 3785. Ol. 140. an 1. V. C. 534. Ant. Mag. 4. Ptol. Philopat 3. their custome something excused the badnesse of the action they resolved still to keep Peace with them But Scerdilaidas the General of the Illyrians making an agreement with the Aetolians about his part in the booty with them invaded Achaia and took the City of the Cynaethenses being betrayed by some Exiles which their Citizens had lovingly received again but to pay for their ingratitude these Exiles were put to the sword as well as the rest and their City was burnt down to the ground upon the report of the Macedonians coming into Peloponnesus Philip marching down the Social War is decreed against the Aetolians For Aratus had sent to Philip again for aid who came presently with an Army down to Corinth where the Commissioners from the several associated Cities met him and unanimously decreed a War against the Aetolians in the first year of the 140 Olympiad as Polybius telleth us and about that time that Hannibal took Saguntum 22. Whilst Philip was about Corinth great stirs hapned at Lacedaemon by reason of him For such as were his Enemies there caused some of his party lest they should tell how they stood affected to be slain and afterwards the Ephori who had brought the People to decree a continuance in the league with him to be murdered as they were sacrifizing and then joyned their State to the Aetolians and after they had heard of Cleomenes his death in Aegypt made a new election of Kings whereof one was Lycurgus an obscure man and not of the race of Hercules having lived in way of a Free State about three years ever since they were set free by Antigonus till this time when their liberty so called had bred great strife and emulation Philip coming to Aegium to the general meeting the Achaeans renewed the leagues and confederacies formerly made with his Ancestors Changes at Lacedaemon and then with a great deal of credit he returned into Macedonia there to make provisions for the War where spending the Winter in levying Forces and fortifying that Country against forein attempts he also so dealt with Scerdilaidas as hee drew him over from the Aetolians to his own party by reason they had not made him partaker of the booty as they had covenanted with him During this time several associates were sent to for assistance in the War and amongst the rest the Messenians who though they gave the occasion of it yet answered being overpowered by the Praetors of the Aetolians that seeing Phygalea was situate in their borders and belonged unto them they would not assist in the War except it was first taken out of the hands of the Aetolians Lycurgus the Lacedaemonian King getting some Forces together invaded the borders of the Argives and took several Towns they not standing at all upon their guard expecting no acts of Hostility from their friends as they counted them and then was War proclaimed by the Aetolians against the Achaeans They were much elevated being now in a flourishing condition the other on the contrary were put to it for that Philip in whom was their chiefest hope was onely yet providing for the War the Epirotes would do nothing till they saw him begin and the Messenians remained neuters but shortly after the marching of Philip from Macedonia revived their drooping spirits 23. For having got together an Army of 15000 Foot and 500 Horse Polybius ut supra he departed from Macedonia for Thessalie and Epirus intending through them to invade Aetolia Coming into Epirus he was perswaded there by the Inhabitants to set upon the City Ambracus and recover it which the Aetolians had gotten out of the hands of the Epiortes to which he was so unwise as to agree and thereby lost the opportunity of finishing the Warre presently by neglecting to invade the inland Countries of Aetolia and by harkening to the Epirotes who more regarded their private profit than the publick good In the mean time in Peloponnesus things went on in favour of the Aetolians for though they had been repulsed with some losse from Aegira a City of the Achaeans yet Euripidas the General of the Eleans made inrodes upon divers of the associates got much booty and took divers Towns with the Castle of the Dimaeans Lycurgus the Lacedaemonian took Atheneus a Town belonging to the Megalopolitans and Aratus son to the other the Captain of the Achaeans could hire no Soldiers because behind already with much pay and with fear and indiscretion managed the businesse Scopas the Praetor of the Aetolians through Thessalie invaded Macedonia Scopas the Aetolian invadeth Macedonia where wasting all with fire and sword about Pieria he thence went to Dium which the Inhabitants thereof not staying his coming he burnt and overthrew the images of the Kings Philip by this time had taken Ambracus in the space of forty dayes and thereby satisfied the greedy desires of the Epirotes then hearing what Scopas had done in Macedonia he passed speedily over the Bay of Ambracia and through Acarnania invaded the Aetolians 24. Pitching his tents before Phaeteas Idem ibid. after many sharp skirmishes he received that Town upon composition And Philip Aetolia and overthrew a party of 500 Aetolians who were coming to relieve it after which as he was wasting the Country the Ambassadors of the Achaeans came to him desiring help He promised to take their businesse into consideration and marched for Metropolis the Inhabitants of which flying into the Castle he burnt the Town and thence moving towards Conope some Horse endeavoured to hinder him from passing the River but finding it to be in vain retired into the Town and after this none daring any more to shew themselves he passed unmolested through the Country taking many Towns and Castles the walls of which he demolished onely Oeniadae he resolved to fortifie Whilst he thus imployed himself news came from Macedonia that the Dardanians had resolved to make an invasion whereupon judging it requisite to look home he dismissed the Achaean Ambassadors with this answer that as soon as he had provided for the security of his own Kingdom he would use his best endeavour to relieve them Returning that way he came with great journeys he passed through Epirus and when he had arrived at Pella the Dardanians hearing of his return disbanded their Army and then he presently marched back into Thessalie intending to passe away the remaining of the Summer at Larissa Dorimachus now being created Praetor of the Aetololians invaded Epirus and harrasing the
no injury in making that invasion for that he had but recovered his right alleging much the Conquests of those parts by Antigonus Cocies and the possession of them by Seleucus and that Ptolomy the first waged not War with Antigonus for his own particular but to help Seleucus to the Sovereignty of that Province but above all he pressed the common agreement of all the Kings made at that time when Antigonus was overthrown wherein by Lysimachus and Cassander all Syria was decreed to Seleucus His Plea for Caelesyria On the contrary Ptolomy's Commissioners aggravated the height of the injury offered to him by the unworthinesse of closing with the treasonable practices of Theodotus and affirmed that Ptolomy the son of Lagus intended the Dominion of Syria to himself and joyned with Seleucus on no other terms than that indeed all Asia should be his but Syria fall to his own share Such like objections and replies as these were made often to no purpose but that which put the greatest stop to the Treaty was the comprehending of Achaeus in the League The answer of Ptolomy's Commissioners and the Treaty ends without effect which Ptolomy stickled hard for and the other as impatiently heard crying out of the unworthinesse of the thing that he should protect or make any mention of Rebels Winter being thus spun out with these discourses and Spring drawing on Antiochus intending to set upon the Enemy both by Land Sea drew together his Forces to the taking in of what remained unconquered of Syria and Nicolaus on the other part as the Egyptian General with Perigerâ—â— the Admiral made all possible provision for resistance 17. Antiochus going to Marathus there entered into Confederacy with the Aradians then entring Syria through Theu-prosopos came to Berytus in his passage taking in Botris Hostility thereupon in Spring is renewed whereby Antiochus getteth much and burning Trieres and Calamus The Mountain Libanus straightning much the passage betwixt it and the Sea and almost making it impassible Nicolaus with a party also placed himself in the straights not doubting but to stop Antiochus there but he dividing his Forces and having his Fleet constantly near him caused it first to ingage with the Egyptian in which fight both sides came off on equal terms but Theodotus beating back the Enemy upon the Mountain got over and then cleared the passage below for the King He after this came near Sidon with his Army but judging it to no purpose to set upon the Town very strong with men and full of Provisions he gave order to Diognetus his Admiral to go with the Fleet to Tyre and marched to Philoteria situate upon the Sea of Tiberias which he took together with * Called by Josephus Bethsan in the Tribe of Manasses through whose grounds Jordan flows Scythopolis Now he conceived great hopes of the perfecting his work being come into a Countrey plentifull of Provisions so that placing Garrisons in these two Cities he took in Atabyrium by a Stratagem making as if he fled before the Inhabitants but having men lying in wait who arose against them and then the whole Army with such violence as put them into a great fear and they yielded up the place After this Karaeus one of Ptolomies Chiefest of Officers revolted to him Hippolochus the Thessalian brought over with him 400 horse and the Arabians moved by his successe joyned themselves to him Shortly after he took in Galatis and Gadara beyond expectation because of the strength thereof but the Inhabitants terrified at his preparations yielded themselves then hearing that a great number of Enemies had met at Rabath-ben Amon or Rabatana a Citie in Arabia and thence made incursions into the Territories of his friends he marched thither and striving by force in vain to be Master of the place at length he effected it by stopping the course of water for want of which it was then surrendred Then leaving a strong Garrison here and sending Hippolochus and Karaeus to Govern the Coasts of Samaria he went to Ptolemais and there took up his Winter quarters Ptolomy in the Spring following taketh the field 18. Ptolomy to give him a stop prepared against the Spring a great Army and then marched from Alexandria with 70000 foot 5000 horse and 73 Elephants and came to Pelusium Antiochus hearing this gathered his Forces together amounting to 72000 foot 6000 horse and 102 Elephants Ptolomy proceeding on his journey came to Gaza and thence near to Ruphia the first Citie of Syria except Rhinocerus as one cometh from Egypt and Antiochus passing by that place shortly after pitched his Tents at first within ten furlongs of the Enemy and the next day partly for the commodiousnesse of the ground and partly to embolden his Soldiers approached within five furlongs of them Being so near several skirmishes fell out amongst those which on both sides issued forth for provisions and Theodotus the Aetolian after a most bold adventure taking but two in his Company for that he had been in Ptolomy's Court and knew his manner of life went out in the dusk of the evening and not being known got into the Kings Tent where he used to give audience and though he missed of him being in a more obscure place yet wounded he two which waited there and killing outright Andreas his principal Physician escaped back in safety to his own Camp having onely failed of his purpose for want of informing himself when the King was wont to take his rest For five dayes continued these two Princes in this posture and then both resolved to try the matter in a set battel A pitch't battel 19. Ptolomy first drew out his men and then presently Antiochus ranged his in battel aray against him Each of the Armies had two wings wherein the two Kings met each other guarded with Elephants betwixt which the fight was begun after Antiochus had caused the charge to be sounded their manner being first with their Trunks to thrust each other and strive for the ground and then after that for the one by force to remove the other's Trunk and to fall upon him like a Bull The manner of the fighting of Elephants and gore his sides Few of Ptolomies beasts would fight at all for that being Africans they could neither endure the smell nor noise of those of India so that the ranks being disordered by them his left Wing was quite broken by the charge of the Enemy and put to flight Echecrates who commanded in the right stayed first for the ingagement of the former then seeing that his Elephants would not fight gave order to Phinidas Commander of the Mercenary Greeks to invade his opposites and he himself also wheeling about to be out of the danger of the beasts fell upon the Flanks and Rear of the Enemie's horse so that both together they made them all being Arabians and Medes to give ground and put all the Wing to flight thus being even with Antiochus
and with other supplies out of Syria and the Legions which were at his command followed him Coming into Judaea and hearing he was in a Castle near Coreas he sent to him to come and speak him which he obeyed being advised by those about him to take heed of Warring with the Romans When he had disputed the case with his brother he returned to the Castle and so he did divers times willing to please Pompey and pretending a willingnesse to obey him in all things but providing still for the War fearing the Principality might be bestowed upon Hyrcanus And followeth Aristobulus into Judaea Lib. 14. cap. 7. Pompey in conclusion required him to deliver up into his hands the Garrisons and write to the Governours of them for that purpose which he obeyed also A. M. 3942. but then presently departed to Jerusalem there to prepare for War He followed him and in the way heard how Mithridates of Pontus was killed by his son Pharnaces His first nights quarters he took up at Jericho where the Trees grew that being cut distilled with the precious Balsamum and the next day marching towards Jerusalem Aristobulus forethinking what he had done came and met him offered him money and referred himself to his pleasure so that omitting War he would order things in a peaceable manner He pardoning him sent Gabinius to Jerusalem to fetch the money but he being shut out by Aristobulus his Soldiers returned empty handed which Pompey taking in great disdain committed Aristobulus to custody and went himself to the Citie There were two factions disagreeing from each other Cap. 8. that of Aristobulus brake down the bridge which went out of the Citie to the Temple and therein fortified themselves whereupon the other let in the Romans into the Citie and Palace Then did Pompey besiege the Temple filled up with the great toyl of his Soldiers the Ditch before it and then with Engines brought from Tyre battered the Wall taking occasion at the superstition of the Jews who thought it sinfull to do any thing on the Sabbath-dayes but defend themselves Besiegeth his party in the Temple and taketh it The greatest Tower being battered down the Romans broke in Cornelius Faustus the son of Sylla first entring the breach and then made slaughter of 12000. the Priests even then as they had done all the siege not neglecting to offer sacrifices and amongst the rest Absalom the Uncle and father-in-law of Aristobulus was taken being the youngest son of Hyrcanus Pompey with many followers entred into the Temple and looked on those things which it was unlawfull for any but the Priests to behold yet touched nothing he saw so great was his abstinency The Temple was taken as Josephus tells us in the third moneth and the fast day which was kept in memory of Jehoiakâ—m's burning the Roll in the 179 Olympiad C. Antonius and M. Tullius Cicero being Consuls A. M. 3942. about 62 years before the birth of Christ 17. Pompey restored the Priesthood to Hyrcanus Idem ibid. with the Government of the Countrey * Lib. 20. cap. 8. forbidding him the wearing of the Diadem because amongst several other services he had done him during the siege he had also kept the Countrey-men from taking up Arms for Aristobulus He restoreth the Priesthood to Hyrcanus forbidding him the Diadem and carrieth Aristobulus and his sons to Rome Then putting to death the Authors of the Sedition he made the Jews Tributaries to the people of Rome the Cities they held in Coelesyria he took away and subjected them to a Governour of their own and the whole Nation much elevated then with successe abroad he contracted within its own bounds Aristobulus his brother being the cause of all these troubles of the losing of the Countreys liberty to the Romans who within a short time exacted above 10000 Talents of it Idem lib. 14. cap. 10. de bello lib. 1. cap. 6. Pompey having left Syria to the Government of Scaurus with two Legions hasted to Rome leading Aristobulus bound thither with him with two sons and as many daughters One of his sons escaped in the journey and returned into Judaea where he got together a considerable power and awed his Uncle Hyrcanus unable to resist him and who when now he was about to repair the Walls of Jerusalem demolished by Pompey was forbidden to do it by the Romans But within a while Gabinius was sent from Rome to Govern Syria He undertook the War against him now having 10000 foot and 1500 horse at his Command but for all these he overthrew him not far from Jerusalem killing and taking 6000 of them and then besieged him in the Castle Alexandrium whither he had fled Leaving here sufficient strength for carrying on the siege he went and visited the Countrey His son Aristobulus escapeth and is defeated by Gabinius and he himself also getteth away from Rome causing divers Cities to be re-edified and then returning and more powerfully inforcing the siege Alexander yielded himself and the Castles which by his mothers advice to Gabinius were demolished lest they should nourish another War Gabinius then went to Jerusalem and established Hyrcanus in the Priesthood but cantonized the Countrey into five parts which he ordered to be governed by an Aristocratical way One division was to be governed by an Assembly at Jerusalem another by one at Gadaâ—a a third at Amathus a fourth at Jericho and a fifth by one sitting at Saphora a Town of Samaria The Jews very gladly imbraced this Government But Aristobulus not long after escaped from Rome and coming into Judaea ministred occasion of further trouble 18. Coming into his own Countrey Idem ibid. lib. 14. cap. 11. he presently found some who out of desire of innovation sided with him amongst the which was Pitholaus the Governour of Jerusalem who revolted to him with 1000 men A. M. 3949. Ol. 181. ann 1. V. C. 698. Hyrcani 8. He first seized upon Alexandrium and went about to re-edifie the Walls thereof but knowing that Gabinius had sent against him three of his Officers he departed toward Machaerus dismissing the unarmed multitude and making a choice of 8000 men The Romans following he gave them battel in which he fought stoutly till his men being overpowered 5000 of them were slain upon the place almost 2000 fled to an Hill not far of and a thousand with him breaking through the Enemy to Machaerus There he thought to renew the War having fortified the place but being besieged and holding it out two dayes he could no longer withstand but was taken and together with his son Aristobulus He is taken and sent back by Gabinius who it seems got away with him sent back to Rome where he was more narrowly looked to but his sons because Gabinius had so agreed with their mother in consideration of the delivering up of the Castles formerly mentioned were sent back by the Senate Then prepared Gabinius
he promised to restore when they should come to age by borrowing money of Merchants robbing of Temples but especially by calling the People together and acquainting them how he was most ready to endure any hardship but it pitied him for the People therefore he advised all that feated themselves and estates to depart which when the richest and most out of favour had done he procured them to be cut off and confiscated all their goods Then manumitting all slaves that were fit for the Wars he shipt his men in sixty Vessels and getting out into the Main whilst the Carthaginians knew not his design escaped them by the darknesse of the night and though they chased him all the way yet arrived he in Africk with his Army in safety 8. Once arrived he burnt his ships as well to take away from his Soldiers all hope of escape thereby to heighten their valour as also having no great Army Being landed he burneth his ships lest for the defence of the Navy it should be divided Then fell he upon two Cities immediately which he took the Soldiers being incouraged at the sight of so pleasant and rich a Country but suffered none of his Army to lye there but destroyed the places lest his men shoul relie upon them as a refuge The Carthaginians were wonderfully daunted at the first report of his landing The Carthaginians at first daunted concluding he durst not venture over except he had first by destroying their Army made all sure in Sicilie but understanding the whole affaires from some messengers sent from the Fleet they gathered courage blamed their Sea-officers who having the Sea in their power had suffered the Enemy to land and made choice of two Captains Hanno and Bomilcar thinking that their enmity towards each other which had been intailed upon them would prove the commodity of the Commonwealth though indeed therein they were mistaken These two Generals thought not fit to stay for their associates but muster as many of their own Citizens as would make a shift and so raising 40000 Foot and 1000 Horse with 2000 Chariots they encounter the Enemy Agathocles his men many of them wanting Arms he made them counterfeit ones to be so esteemed a far off and perceiving them to be discouraged at the number of the Carthaginian Horse he procured many Owls to be let go in the Camp which birds being taken to bring alwaies good luck with them the Soldiers were therewith so cheared Are overthrown by him that they resolutely set upon the Enemy and brake presently the body of Horse The Charets they drove for the most part back amongst the Foot which they charged also with such resolution that the wing where Hanno commanded was discomfited and he himself slain Bomilcar his Collegue understanding this having formerly wished for some good opportunity to invade the Tyranny which the most eminent men of Carthage were many times forced to do for the avoiding of those censures and punishments constantly inflicted upon them for the least miscariage of fortune by the heady rable thinking now an occasion to be presented to him as it were from Heaven he resolved to take hold of it And for that he thought it most convenient for him that the Enemy should not be overthrown but an awe continued upon his Citizens he retreated by little and little suffering the Sicilians to prevail and at length drew off his men to an hill whence they all fled as fast as they could to Carthage having lost of their number 1000 men and killed of the Greeks but 200. 9. The Carthaginians now shut up in their City and besieged by Agathocles though they had caried with them above 20000 pair of manicles in their Chariots to bind the Greeks over whom they promised themselves an easie victory very much discouraged and laying the blame of the misfortune upon the neglect of their superstition sent great gifts to Hercules the god of the Tyrians from whom they were issued and for that they had redeemed their own children of late by others gotten elsewhere from being sacrifized to Saturn they presently offered up to him 200 boyes of the chiefest amongst them for Nobility being put into the hand of the Statue and thence falling down into the hollow of it full of fire They sent also to Amilcar into Sicilie for aid who receiving the news caused it to be given out that all the Sicilian Army was cut off and earnestly thereupon urged the besieged to a surrender of Syracuse shewing them to inforce the matter the iron-work of the ships wherein the Army had passed over which indeed the Carthaginians had taken up into their Vessels after the burning of the Fleet. But the chief men amongst the besieged stayed the rest from yielding though Antander the brother of Agathocles was so faint-hearted as to be for the delivering up the City and cast 8000 of the contrary faction and the friends of the exiles out of the Town But within a few dayes arrived a Gally from Agathocles to give them knowledge of his successe which being pursued by the Carthaginians and the People flocking to the Haven to gaze the walls were so forsaken that Amilcar taking his opportunity got some of his men over Amilcar raiseth his siege from Syracuse but an Alarm being given they were either slain or forced headlong down the fortifications Amilcar hereat discouraged raised his siege and sent a supply of 5000 men over to Carthage 10. Agathocles in this mean while took divers places in Africk and fortifying his Camp before Tunis wherein he also left a strong Garrison marched further and besieged Adrymis and drew into society with him Elymas the King of the Africans The Carthaginians having notice of this turned all their forces upon Tunis which they besieged having first become Masters of his Camp but he hereupon leaving a great part of his Army still before the Town Agathocles prospereth exceedingly in Africk went with the rest to an high hill whence he might easily be seen by both the Carthaginians that lay before Tunis and also by the Inhabitants of Adrymis and there making abundance of fires deceived them by this stâ—atagem at both places For the besiegers thought he was coming with a great Army to relieve Tunis and therefore raised their siege out of hand and departed to Carthage the besieged of Adrymis out of a strong apprehension that new supplies were coming to the Enemy yielded the Town Then took hee Thaepsus by storm and divers other places and having now got into his hands about 200 Towns went higher up into Libya The Carthaginians took another occasion at his absence to besiege Tunis but he thereupon returned as before but overcame them by a stratagem of a clean contrary Nature with the former for he commanded that no fires now should be made and marching very fast fell upon them at unawares and cutting off 2000 took very many prisoners and forced the other to betake them to
most beautifull of their Captives as a sacrifize to their gods it hapned that the fire thence vvas driven to their Tents vvhich being covered vvith Reed and Straw easily catched it and as easily vvere consumed vvhence it came to passe that all things vvere in great confusion But the vvorst of it vvas that the Africans vvhich had fought vvith Agathocles coming now over to them the Scouts seeing them gave an Allarm A strange accident which maketh great disorder in both the Camps as if all the Greeks taking their advantage of the fire vvere coming against them so that flying in great confusion they killed and trode dovvn one another mistaking one another for Enemies and having thus dispatched 5000 of their Company all run away to Carthage vvhere they vvere received vvith great trembling by their friends lest that vvith them the Enemy should enter The Africans vvhich vvere coming over being affrighted at the burning of the Camp retreated vvhich being seen also by the Greeks they gave notice to Agathocles that the Carthaginians vvere coming against him so that he drew out his men in great fear and terrour who meeting the Africans and they taking one another for Enemies they killed and slew all they could during the night season till such time as 4000 being slain the rest retreated to the Camp Agathocles after this seeing himself too weak now to graple with the Carthaginians Agathocles despairing of his affairs in Africk intendeth to fly away with his youngest son and thereby his affairs to be desperate in Africk resolved to return into Sicily and considering that the Enemy having the command at Sea would not suffer the Army to passe away quietly he resolved with his younger son Heraclides and a few more to passe over secretly and leave Archagathus behind him whom he was jealous of because of the report raised of him that he had to do with his Step-mother 18. But Archagathus having notice of his intention which he took in marvailous evil part communicated it to several of the Officers who raising a mutiny presently in the Army Agathocles was seized on and made sure in Fetters The eldest hearing of it raiseth a mutiny wherein Agathocles is bound in Fetters but being loosed escapeth away and both his sons are killed by his Army which maketh its own terms A little after it hapned that an Allarm was made in the Camp as if the Enemy approched which made all Arm themselves and run out and amongst the rest the Keepers of Agathocles whom then the multitude seeing in such a condition cried out presently that he should be loosed which being done he forthwith took Boat with a few attendants leaving both his sons behind him The Army understanding this killed them both and then agreed with the Carthaginians for 300 Talents to restore the Towns yet in their hands and that such as would should receive pay in their service And such as did so had the terms performed but those that out of hope of succour from Agathocles held out the places being all forced to yield their Captains were Crucified and the common Soldiers being bound in Fetters were forced with their hard labour to repair that Countrey which formerly they had helped to depopulate 19. Thus the Carthaginians obtained peace after four years Divine vengeance hurrying Agathocles to punishment after that perfidious murder of Ophellas his two sons being slain on the same day and by the hands of his Soldiers After his arrival in Sicily he went presently to Aegesta a Town confederate with him whence wanting money he exacted much Treasure but they grumbling and complaining thereof all the poorer sort he brought forth and slew at the River Seamander and then tortured the rest with all sorts of torments to make them confesse what they had Some he broke upon the wheel others he shot of from Engines as stones Some had their ancles cut off His horrid cruelty towards the Estians and endured other cruel torments He invented a kind of punishment also something resembling Phalaris his Bull being a bed of iron wherein one being put was burnt or fried to death by fire put underneath Rich women had their ancles broken with iron tongs others their breasts cut off Some out of terror burnt themselves in their houses and others hanged themselves so that the whole flower of the People being absolutely destroyed he sold the children to the Brutii in Italy and utterly to destroy the name of the City called it Dicaeopolis and Peopled it with fugitives Hearing then that his sons were slain in Africk to be revenged on the Soldiers he sent commands to Antander his brother to kill all their friends and kinsfolks at Syracuse wâ—ich he readily performing no sex nor age was spared but so horrid a massace committed that as well old and decrepit men as young infants were included in the slaughter Such as were thus murdered lying on the Sea shoar none durst bury them though never so nearly related so that the Sea washing them away was coloured with the blood carying along with it a note of this cruelty to other parts at a good distance Diodorus ut supra ad ann 3. Agathocles continued his progresse up and down the Island strengthning Towns and raising money but Pasiphilus his Captain despising him now for the lownesse of his fortune fled over to Dinocrates and withdrew the Army also from him This cast him into such despair that contrary to his former boldnesse he sent to Dinocrates offering to quit the Tyranny and restore the Government to the People so he might have but two Castles to maintain himself on Out of despair he offereth to lay down his power but Dinocrates intending to obtain the Tyranny himself rejecteth it and earnestly pressed him to admit of the conditions But he gaping after the chief power himself and unwilling to be reduced again to the estate of a private Citizen being now though but accounted Captain of the Exciles as a King indeed in regard of the great extent of his power and command put him off with one pretence or other still till Agathocles smelling out his device sent some to accuse him to the Army and sending to Carthage made Peace with them on these terms to restore all the places to them they formerly had in Sicilie and for this in way of requital to receive 500 Talents of Gold and a great quantity of Corn. 20. Furnishing then himself with a small Army Idem ad ann 4. he went against Dinocrates and his Exiles who seeing the little number he brought with him being but about 5000 Foot and 800 Horse in comparison of themselves amounting to 25000 Foot and 3000 Horse gave him battel The dispute at first was very sharp but shortly some 2000 of the Exciles revolting to the Tyrant so encouraged his men and discouraged those they had forsaken who thought them to be more than indeed they were that they were easily put to flight though so
Aemilianus looking on him as destined to end the War and whereas he sought but the Aedileship and it was against the Law for him to be chosen Consul so young being but 36. whereas the Law required 43 it was dispensed with for this time Scipio Aemilianus made Consul though under the Consular age and then was he made Consul who so ordered the matter though not wholy during his Consulship as he demonstrated the people not to have conceived vain hopes concerning him 22. For restoring Discipline which had gone much to wreck through the neglect of Piso he soon after took that part of Carthage called Megara and drove the Inhabitants into the Citadel or Byrsa Then securing the Isthmus leading to the Citie he cut off all Provisions from out of the Countrey and blocked up the Haven but the Citizens with incredible industry cut out another passage into the Sea whereby at certain times they could receive necessaries from the Army without Scipio therefore in the beginning of Winter set upon their forces lying abroad whereof he slew 70000. and took 10000. Taketh Carthage so that now no relief could be obtained from without In the beginning of Spring he first took the Wall leading to the Haven Citho and then the Forum where was a most lamentable spectacle some being killed by the sword and other wayes others half killed by the fall of houses or by fire or half buried in the earth or having one Limb torn from another Six dayes the siege of the Citadel continued On the seventh it was desired by some that all who would come forth should have their lives which being granted to all but revolters some 50000 yielded A. M. 3859. Ol. 158. ann 3. V.C. 608. Ptol. Physconis 1. and afterward Asdrubal himself who was reviled for it by the revolters who set fire to the Temple and therewith burnt themselves as also by his wife which threw her self with her two Children into the flames 23. Then was the Citie destroyed being 22 miles in compasse and so big that the burning of it continued 17 dayes The Senate at Rome receiving the news joyfully sent ten of their own Rank whom they joyned with Scipio for disposing of the Countrey They ordered none of Carthage to be left and that it should never be rebuilt Which is razed laying heavy curses on those that should do it All the Cities which assisted it in the War were to be razed and the grounds given to the friends of the People of Rome SECT 4. the rest of the Towns were to be tributaries and governed yearly by a Praetor All the Captives were sold except some of the chief And such was the destruction of this renowned City so famous once for command and Empire and rival to Rome it self after it had stood about 700 years in the fourth after the beginning of the War the 608 of Rome the third of the 158 Olympiad and the fifth of Ptolomy Physcon A. M. 3859 Cn. Cornelius Lentulus and L. Mummius Nepos being Consuls SECT IV. From the destruction of Carthage to the War with Mithridates King of Pontus which afforded the occasion to the first Civil War the space of 58 years 1. THis year was fatal not onely to the greatest City of Africk but of Greece also Corinth that famous Mart-town being levelled with the ground The Achaean war and the destruction of Corinth The occasion was given by the Achaeans themselves Lege Velleium Patercul l. 1. c. 12. Florum l. 2. c. 16. Livii Epitom lib. 6. c. 51 52. Pausan in Achaicis de aere Corinthio Plinium l. 34. who violated the Roman Ambassadors though whether by word or deed is uncertain who were sent to dissolve their Communality and leave the Cities to their own peculiar Laws which because of this union and fellowship had been too formidable They had also in conjunction with the Boeotians and those of Chalcis made War against the Lacedaemonians the friends and allies of Rome because they would not be subject to them Upon these grounds the Senate decreed the War which Metellus as yet in Macedonia first undertook who drawing down his Army through Thessaly into Boeotia there overthrew Critolaus then took Thebes with Megara and coming to the Isthmus was there treating of Peace when L. Mummius the Consul came into this his Province He overthrew Diaeus the Achaean General after which he entred Corinth and razed it because there the Ambassadors had been abused The men were slain and the women and children sold A. M. 3859. Ol. 158. an 3. V.C. 608. Seleucid 167. Ptol. Physcon 1. with all such slaves as the Achaeans had manumitted for the Wars As Scipio who destroyed Carthage as his Grand-father before him for conquering it had the sirname of Africanus and Metellus for his reducing Macedonia that of Macedonicus so this year Mummius for this successe obtained the Sirname of Achaicus Mummius thence sirnamed Achaicus and according to the custom having others joyned with him reduced those parts and all Greece with Epirus into the form of a Province called afterwards Achaia not Greece because the Greeks were subdued when the Achaeans had the chief command as Pausanias writeth 2. Now was it 74 years since the Romans in the second year of the second Punick War entred Spain in an hostile manner and since that time especially since the departure of Scipio Africanus the elder many had the risings and struglings of that People been of all others most impatient of the yoak Now was Viriaetus up in arms who of a shepherd became a robber and of a robber a General over such-like as himself Viriatus up in Spain and made the Romans work sufficient for the space of 14 years in which time he defeated many Armies Q. Fabius Maximus Semilianus or rather Aemilianus being brother to Scipio Aemilius and adopted by Fabius Maximus after some successe was yet by him brought to such straights Vide Appianum in Ibericis Florum l. 2. c. 18. as glad he was to ask Peace upon equal terms which Caepio the Consul of the following year refusing to stand to received orders from the Senate accordingly to prosecute the War Caepio attempted at unawares to destroy him Is destroyed by Caepio but he escaped and sending Ambassadors to treat of Peace Caepio so wrought on them that returning they murdered him to their own shame and the Consul 's small credit in his bed 3. But a more dangerous War than this threatned from Numantia a town of no great bignesse yet peopled with most valiant though but few Inhabitants Before Viriatus his death they had foiled Q. Pompeius the Consul several times and forced him to condescend to a dishonourable Peace Orosium l. 5. c. 7. Patercul l. 2. c. 4. which though he denied was sufficiently proved and by favour onely he escaped that punishment which fell on Mancinus who being constrained to accept of the same terms was delivered up to
Asia and the War against Mithridates and Tigranes might be committed to him The Nobility conceived great indignation against this Law as which did manifest injury to Lucullus Glabrio and Marcius but especially out of an high jealousie of Pompey's greatnesse to whom now even all the Roman Empire was subject having these Provinces laid to his former with the same power of Peace and War and making what friends and enemies he pleased and chiefly for that he had Jurisdiction over all Armies whatsoever which things had never before been conferred upon any single person But the Commons with great alacrity imbraced the Law Cicero the Praetor pressing it exceedingly who having formerly set himself to defend the Nobility now had betaken himself to the vulgar sort And C. Julius Caesar who of late had been Quaestor is said to have favoured it that he might have the people more inclined afterwards to commit extraordinary commands to himself 33. It being now the 688 year of the Citie A. M. 3939. V. C. 688. the 64th before the birth of Christ the fourth of Aristobulus King of Judaea M. Aemilius Lepidus and L. Volcatius Tullus being Consuls Pompey undertook the expedition He first sent to Mithridates offering him good terms but he sleighted them Idem ibid. Plutarch in Pompeio Lucul because he hoped to have Phraates the Parthian on his side yet when he heard that he had first made a League with him on the same conditions as were offered to Sylla and Lucullus He offereth the King terms to no purpose he himself then sent and asked peace Pompey commanded him to lay down Arms and deliver up all Fugitives vvho fearing they should be given up and the other Soldiers mutining for being about to be deprived of their help a great trouble insued which he evaded by saying that he onely sent to make an espial and by swearing that he never would be reconciled to the Romans because of their insatiable avarice Then marched Pompey into Galatia where meeting with Lucullus much ado there was betwixt them Stirs betwixt Lucullus and him Lucullus said the War was finished and that the Commissioners sent from Rome were to decide the businesse and when Pompey would not hear of this he reviled him with an immoderate thirst after power Pompey again objecting covetousnesse to him so that the accusations could on neither side be denied Lucullus gave out commands as yet in power but Pompey by his Edicts forbade them nulled all his Acts and at length drew away most of his men But at his return he was received with great honour by the Senate carrying with him amongst his booty gotten in Pontus many * Isidorus Orig. l. 6. c. 3. books wherewith he furnished his Library which ever stood open to Greeks especially He also first brought * Plin. l. 15. cap. 25. the Cherry-Tree out of of Pontus from a Citie of which Region it was called Cerasus into Italy 34. Mithridates had now got together a considerable Army but coming to ingage with Pompey was inferiour to him in all skirmishes Dio. Appian Plutarch ut suprà Pompey considering how the King had wasted all the Countrey on purpose to straighten him for Provisions went into Armenia the lesse subject to Mithridates who fearing he might get that Countrey into his hands followed him thither First here Mithridates had hopes to starve him but was disappointed with considerable losse and was himself encompassed with a Trench 150 furlongs about Hearing that Marcius was joyned to Pompey who had Provisions at will he fled away having first killed all such as were sick and uselesse He defeateth Mithridates about him But Pompey pursued and prevented him from passing over Euphrates then forced him to fight in the night being surprized and at unawares The Moon being low and on the backs of the Romans so lengthened their shadows that his Soldiers thinking them nearer than they were shot most of their Arrows without doing any execution He lost many thousands but he himself brake out with 800 horse whereof but 300 stayed with him Then wandring through the Woods with his horse in his hand he light of some Mercenaries and about 3000 foot by which he was conveyed into a Castel where he had laid up much Treasure Hence he sent to Tigranes who refused to receive him laying to his charge that by his means Tigranes his son by the daughter of Mithridates had rebelled against him Who flieth to Cholcos and offering 100 Talents for his head He fled therefore to Cholcos which formerly he had subdued 35. Pompey followed him to Cholcos thinking he vvould not have stirred thence And thence into Scythia but he passed into Scythia vvhere partly by force and partly by perswasion he made the Princes thereof of his party bestowing his daughters in marriage upon them For he had now vast designs in his head though outed of his Kingdom even no lesse than of passing through Thrace Macedonia and Pannonia and so over the Alps into Italy Pompey departing from Cholcos and escaping the ambushes laid for him by the Albanians and Iberians marched into Armenia against Tigranes vvho vvas resolved novv not to fight for that having had three sons by Mithridates his daughter tvvo of them upon provocation he had already killed and he that remained rebelling also vvas now after an overthrow received from his Father fled to Pompey This son prevailed that his Ambassadors were not heard Tigranes submitteth to Pompey who câ—me to ask Peace But Pompey marching against the City Artaxa Tigranes yielded it up to him Patercul l. 2. c. 37. and afterwards without sending any beforehand came into his Camp and giving up himself with all he had into his hands made him umpire betwixt him and his son who would not so much as rise up to him or give him any respect though Pompey used him very civily Pompey left him his inheritance of Armenia with a great part also of Mesopotamia allowing the son to reign in Gordena and Sophena and expect the rest after his father's death but deprived him of all the Provinces he had subdued and fined him 6000 Talents of Silver for the charge he had put the People of Rome to in the War The conditions set him So he not onely quitted part of Cappadocia and Cilicia but also all Syria and Phoenicia from Euphrates to the Sea which he had got into his hands Liv. Epitom l. 101. with part of Cilicia after he had ejected Antiochus Pius as is said before in the reign of this unfortunate King Tigranes the son was very refractory unwilling his father should have the treasure adjudged to him by Pompey that he might be able to pay his fine Being minded to make away his father and for that cast into prison where therein also he sollicited the Parthians against the Romans His rebellious son put to death he was reserved for a Triumph and after that
statue made him a Senator though but nineteen years old decreed that he should be considered towards preferment as ten years older and gave him equal power with Hirtius and Pausa the Consuls whom now they sent to relieve Brutus They took Bononia but Antony being bold for that he had got the better in some skirmikes went and met Pansa whom he overthrew but returning carelesly into his Camp was worsted by Hirtius A littel after a great battel was fought near Mutina wherein Antony was quite defeated and fled to Lepidus then Proconsul in the further Gall. A. M. 3962. V. C. 712. Both the Consuls died of wounds Hirtius in Antonie's Camp and Pansa at Bononia Brutus being at this time spared by Caesar thought of departing with his ten Legions to M. Brutus and Cassius now in Greece but his Soldiers moved by the difficulty of the journy revolted the six new raised Legions to Caesar and the four of old Soldiers to Antony He then purposing with a small attendance to passe through Gall was taken at Aquilea and betraied by Capenus Sequanus Governour of the Countrey who sent his head to Antony Before this Appian Livius lib. 120. Cicero Philip. 11. Trebonius another of his Complices in Caesar's death excluding Dolabella whom the Senate had judged an Enemy from Pergamus and Smyrna was taken by him in the later place and after grievous torments had his head cut off which the Soldiers kicking about as a foot-ball did so abuse as no face was to be seen on it Not long after the death of Decimus Brutus Minutius Basilius another of the Conspiratours was slain by his slaves whom he had gelded in a great rage 9. Now the Senate having no need of young Caesar slighted him exceedingly Yet having no need of Caesar the Senate again slighted him decreeing the honour due to him unto Brutus whom he had relieved giving him very bitter taunts and denying him a Triumph Being sensible hereof and how most of them were of Compey's Faction Appian ut supra Livius l 119. Sueton. in Angusto Patercul l. 2. c. 62. Livii Epitom lib. 120. he began to tamper with Antony by Letters as also with Lepidus for a conjunction and sent 400 Soldiers into the City in the name of the Army to demand the Consulship for him Hereat the Senat straining hard one Cornelius a Centurion laying his hand on his Sword said This shall do it if you will not Then called he Antony and Lepidus into Italy whereat the Senate much startled and too late blaming their own rigidity decreed him Consul and whomsoever he would take to himself So he invaded the Consulship a moneth and five dayes before he was twenty years old and took Q. Pedius for his Collegue Then by a Law was fire and water forbidden to all that had an hand in the death of Caesar and their goods were sold The Senate was now so changed either through good advice or fear that in stead of slighting they advanced him above all example Vide Dionem lib. 46. They resolved that after his Consulship he should take place of all Consuls and though formerly they were displeased with his levying forces being a private man now they desired him to add to his Army and decreed to him the Legions of Decimus Brutus The City was committed to his care Livii Epit. l. 120. Appian bell civil l. 4. and power given him to act what he pleased Which procureth the Thumviraté though without the prescript of the Laws which he retained fifty six years till his death Not long after came Aemilius Lepidus and M. Antonius into Italy whom he met about Bononia and after a three dayes conference entred into confederacy with them which is famous by the name of the Triumvirate The Terms of the Combination 10. The terms of this Combination were That Caesar for the remainder of the year should leave the Consulship to Ventidius who formerly in the Social War when a Boy was led in Triumph and after that rubbed the heels of * Concurrite omnes Augures Aruspices Portentum inusitatum constatum est recens Nam mulos qui frecabat Consul factus est Mules for his living Idem ibid. Dio lib. 46. That a new authority of three men should be erected to take away civil dissentions which they three should execute for five years with Consular power for the Dictatorship was waved because of a Law lately preferred against it by Antony with authority to dispose of all Offices for that Term. That Antony should have as a Province all Gall except that of Narbon which Lepidus was to have with Spain and to Caesar was Africk with Sardinia and Sicily assigned other places beyond the Seas being left to another time They agreed further that their Enemies should be destroyed wherein the case of Cicero moved the greatest controversie For Antony would not meddle except he in the first place should be slain These Verses were scattered up and down the Citie Lepidus was content but Caesar stood much against it Gellius lib. 5. cap. 4. yet on the third day he assented an exchange being made for he yielding up Cicero Lepidus permitted his brother Paulus and Antony L. Caesar his Uncle by the Mother's side to be proscribed Lastly it was agreed that Lepidus should be Consul the following year instead of Decimus Brutus designed formerly by Julius Caesar He guarding Rome and Italy the other two were to make War upon Brutus and Cassius who now though at first without any decree of the Senate had seized on Macedonia and Syria Cassius in Laodicea besieged Dolabella who being judged an Enemy by the Senate for the death of Trebonius when the Citie vvas taken caused his Page to cut off his head and so ended his life being a man of no great solidity He vvas son-in-law to Cicero but after the divorcing of Tullia they fell into great enmity vvhereupon the Orator proved a back friend to him in the Senate reigning amongst the Fathers and the People with his Eloquence The effects of it 11. The first effect of the Triumvirate was a Proscription of some 300 persons of Equestrian and Senatorian ranks Appian Though the pretence was to revenge Caesar's death yet many were murdered for their rich Estates others out of malice and some for their convenient Houses and Gardens Amongst those of greatest note was Varro who now living to see and feel a second Tricipitina yet escaped with his life Cicero the man most aimed at by Antony for opposing him so vehemently in the Senate upon the Triumvirs their coming went to Sea but the winds being contrary and because he could not endure the shaking of the ship he returned saying he would die in his Countrey often preserved by him Being weary both of his flight and life Plutarch in Cicerone he came to a Village a little more than a mile distant from the Sea Here his servants
such as refused in the old Camp After this the Romans mutining against Hordonius the command was given to Vocula and Herennius Gallus was made his Lieutenant Vocula in his first ingagement with Civilis had the worst but at length by good hap overthrew him the Vizard of his friendship to Vespasian being drawn of 12. The report of Vitellius his death through Germany and Gall doubled the War For now Civilis without any pretence of friendship to Vespasian Idem ibid. carried himself as an Enemy to the Romans and Vitellius his Soldiers rather wished for external servitude than his Goverment the Galls also took heart interpreting the burning of the Capitol to presage the destruction of the Empire The Treviri therefore now Inhabitants of Triers and the Lingones now of Langres revolted when all Gall was in a tottering condition and what was worse and unheard of the Legions proved unfaithfull and were corrupted For Vocula being slain they took an Oath for the Empire of Gall and to them other Legions in several places joyned themselves some being besieged upon necessity and afterwards cut in pieces by Civilis as they had deserved In the mean time Julius Sabinus one of the revolters taking on him the name of Caesar led a great and disorderly Company against the Sequani inhabiting the Countrey now called La Franche Contè who not refusing battel routed the multitude and put him to flight These things being reported at Rome rather with improvement all things seemed there to be lost whereupon Domitian the son of Vespasian and Mucianus addressed themselves to the War and four Legions were presently dispatched away towards Germany 13. By this time the Galls by the means especially of Julius Vindex began to consider of the power of the Romans and at length approved rather of a servile peace than a dangerous War Petilius Cerealis also gave the Treviri a great overthrow and most of the revolters returned to obedience After this he accepted of battel from Civilis and Classicus his companion in the beginning whereof he had the worst for the Legions began to be broken the horse was put to flight and the bridge over the River Mosella gained by the Enemy Composed by Petilius Cerealis but though he had now lost even all for want of heed yet he restored all by his diligence so as on the same day he took and destroyed the Enemie's Camp Domitian and Mucianus heard of the successe ere they came to the Alps and Mucianus perswaded Domitian against marching further knowing his ambitious and naughty humour which he had already betrayed whilest at Rome but his advice succeeding not he went with him out of compliance to Lyons whence as 't is said Domitian wrote privately to Cerealis to deliver up the Army to him that he might therewith seize on the Empire But perceiving he was despised for his youth he betook himself to such courses whereby he thought that his designs might best be covered During these stirs Vespasian was yet at Alexandria Afterwards both Civilis recruited his Forces through Germany and Cerealis also doubled his strength whereupon followed several fights the effect of which was a Peace For the Batavians were so chastized as glad they were to accept of it as Civilis of pardon both of which were offered by the Roman General The invasion of the Sarmatae 14. With the aforesaid revolt of the Germans at the same time saith * De bello Indaico lib. 7. cap. 23. Josephus agreed the boldnesse of the Scythians For those that are called Sarmatae in great multitudes having privily passed over Ister being violent and most cruel through the suddennesse of their invasion killed many of the Romans whom they found in Garrisons with Fonteius Agrippa the Lieutenant who valiantly resisted them and wasted all the adjacent Countreys with fire and sword Vespasian hearing of this and the wasting of Maesia sent Rubrius Gallus to chastize them by whom many being slain such as escaped returned home in great fear The War being thus ended the General taking care for the future fortified the places with stronger Garrisons that the passage might be utterly impassable to the Barbarians These first eruptions of the Barbarous Northern Nations are therefore more to be noted because at length they over-ran and destroyed the Roman Empire Now return we to the affairs of the Jews and the War managed by Titus The Zealots fall out amongst themselves 15. During the former transactions in the West Josephus de bello Judaico lib. 5. cap. 9. l. 6. c. 1. a faction was raised against the Zealots by one Simon the son of Giora who getting together a company of Thieves and Murderers that were assembled on the Hilly Countrey fell upon many Villages and Cities brought all Idumaea into his power wasted Judaea pitched his Camp against Jerusalem it self and became a great terror to the poor Inhabitants who were most cruelly oppressed by the Zealots within In the mean time such Idumaeans as had of late fled into the Citie and were become of John's party whom the Zealots had now chosen their Captain fell at odds with him detesting his cruelty and killing many of his men forced the Tyrant out of his Palace into the Temple but he and the Citizens fearing that by night he might fall out upon the Citie they let in Simon and then set upon the Temple but in vain After this Eleazar who once had been chief amongst the Zealots envying John his power withdrew some Soldiers from him and kept the inwardst part of the Temple whereby John was forced to fight both against Simon and him Hereby all things about the Temple were burnt up and Provisions destroyed which might have served them a long time and for want whereof they were oppressed with famine in the siege Titus besiegeth the Citie 15. But Titus in prosecution of his fathers orders came from Alexandria to Caesarea Idem Ibid. capp 2 3 4. where gathering together some forces with aids from the Neighbouring Kings he appointed the rest to follow him and marched towards Jerusalem accompanied with Tiberius Alexander who now began to be in principal favour and Joseph the Jew being for the truth of his prediction now released out of bonds He sate down within six or seven furlongs of the Citie a little before the Feast of the Passeover and therein shut up an infinite multitude which according to the custom flocked to that solemnity and hereby all Provisions were consumed in a short time The three factions upon sight of his great Army agreed to oppose it and issuing out made great disorder forcing the Romans to forsake their Camp and fly to the Mountains but they were repelled by the great care and industry of Tiâ—us But on the day of unleavened bread April the 14 Eleazar who kept the inward part of the Temple opening the Gates to the people which was desirous to sacrifize John sent many of his party in
in vain seeking to escape hid themselves in caves and privies The Romans entering put all to the Sword and burnt the houses with all that fled to them for safeguard Titus commanded both the Temple and City to be utterly razed by a plow brought over them Titus commandeth the Temple and City to be utterly razed according to the custom onely the West part of the wall with three Towers for their strength and beauty he preserved A. D. 71. Ol. 212. an 2. V. C. 823. to bear testimony of the statelinesse of the City to posterity They would have crowned him as a Conquerour for this work but he refused the honour denying he was the author of it for that he onely served God herein who by it demonstrated his wrath against the Jews To such an end came this famous City on the eighth day of September in the second year of Vespasian he and Titus his son being Consuls 38 years after the death of Christ the Blood of whom now fell heavy upon them It had been taken in all six times by Asochaeus or Shishack King of Aegypt Nebuchadnesar Antiochus Epiphanes Pompey Herod and Sosius and now by Titus but twice onely was it destroyed viz. by Nebuchadnezar and Titus It was first built saith Josephus by Melchisedeck King of Salem and afterwards inlarged by David It was destroyed by the Babylonians 1468 years and six moneths after the founding of it and 477 years and six moneths after it had been taken by David from the Canaanites By Titus Vespasian it was destroyed 1179 years after David took it but from it's first founding to it's last destruction intervened 2177 years 20. John and Simon having hid themselves were taken and the former being condemned to perpetual prison the other was reserved for a Triumph The rest of the thieves and seditious were discovered one telling of another and were all slain Of those which during the whole War were taken captives the number amounted to 97000 and of those that perished in the siege to 1100000. ' o heavy was the guilt which lay on them for the death of Christ and such were the horrid enormities committed by them that we have reason to agree with Josephus who thought Lib. 6. c. 16. that if the Romans had delayed to come against them the City would either have been swallowed up of the Earth or have perished by some Deluge or else by Thunderbolts and Lightning have undergone the punishments of Sodom whose Inhabitants they exceeded in wickednesse A year after was Lucilius Bassus sent Lieutenant into Judaea Idem l. 7. c. 25 26 28 29 30 31. who taking the Army of Cerealis Vitellianus took the Castle of Herodian and of Machaerun beyond Jordan Not long after Vespasian wrote to Liberius Maximus the Governour to sell all the Land of the Jews upon whom wheresoever they lived he imposed a yearly tribute to be paied into the Capitol it being that they were wont to pay into the Temple at Jerusalem The War finished by Sylva About a year after Publius Sylva succeeded Bassus then dead and finished the War taking the strong Castle of Massada from Eleazar who held it with 960 hacksters who upon his motion set fire on the Castle and all their goods and then killed themselves Many such as these flying out of the Country came to Alexandria in Aegypt where they sollicited the Jews to revolt but were by them delivered up to the Romans and those of them that then escaped were afterwards taken Vespasian hearing of their attempt gave order to Lupus Governour of Alexandria The Temple of the Jews in Aegypt destroyed to demolish the Temple of the Jews built in Aegypt in times past by Onias brother of the High-Priest which he neglecting to do onely spoiled it of some consecrated things and shut it up But Paulinus his Successor utterly bereaved it of all and so shut it up that he made it inaccessible and without any shew of Religion 343 years after it was first built by Onias 21. But the Jews of Cyrene were also infected with a distemper of madnesse There one Jonathan a Weaver led many of the simple sort into the Wildernesse promising to shew them signs and wonders but by the chiefest of the Jews the matter being discovered to Catullus Governour of those parts A sedition of the Jews in Cyrene he sent Soldiers who slew most of them and not long after Jonathan himself was taken Catullus a covetous man procured him and others to accuse many unjustly whom having slain and seized on their estates he caried him to Rome where following the same trade Joseph the Historian was also accused but Vespasian having found out the deceit caused Jonathan first to be whipped and then burnt alive Catullus at present escaped through the mildnesse of the Emperour but not long after fell into grievous anguish of mind imagining he saw the ghosts of those he had slain and his bowels rotted away from him that he died miserably Thus far hath Josephus communicated to us the affairs of the Jews Vide Euseb Eccles Hist l. 3. c. 9 16. who being kindly entertaind by Vespasian was honoured with a Statue and his Books were thought worthy of the publick Library For the truth of his History concerning the Wars he had the testimony of the Emperours King Agrippa and others Titus would have the certain knowledge of these Wars delivered unto the World by his Books onely The end of Josephus his History Josephus contra Apionem lib. 1. Antiquit. l. ult c. ult commanding them to be published with the privilege of his own hand And King Agrippa wrote 62 Epistles wherein he testified of the true History delivered by him But his Jewish Antiquities he finished not till the thirteenth of Domitian when he himself was 56 years old as he testifieth at the end of that Work The Lex Regia renewed in behalf of Vespasena 22. To Vespasian was renewed the Lex Regia and the same power that Augustus Tiberius and the rest enjoyed was confirmed to him as hereditatr A fragment of this Law which evinceth that absolute power we formerly proved to have been in the Emperours is yet extant after this manner Let it be lawful for him to make a League with whom he pleaseth as it was lawful to Divus Augustus Tiberius Julius Caesar Augustus and Tiberius Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus The Lex Regia renewed to Vespasian c. As also to hold the Senate make report dismisse and make Senatus Consulta by reporting and separation as it was lawful to Divus Augustus Tib. Julius Caesar Augustus Tib. Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus Moreover when as by his will authority Ex tabula aenea in basilica Lateranensi alta palmos 9. lata 5 digitos 3 crassa in Inscrip Gruteri pag. 242. Et ex Antiq. Epigrammatum libro apud Hottomannum l. de Legibus Romanis command or mandate or he being present the
thing He herewith extreamly displeased betook himself to his Chamber where in a roule he wrote down the names of such as he would have killed and amongst them those three in that order we mention them had the first places them followed a great number of Senators the goods of whom he intended to distribute amongst the Fencers and Soldiers to purchase mirth and jollity from them and defence from these This writing he laid upon his bed where he did not suspect that any would come at it But a little boy with whom he was wont to play coming thither took it up and went out with it in his hand whom Martia meeting and taking up in her arms Lege Herod ubi supra Eutrop. l. 8. Xiphil ex Dione Aurel. Victor fearing it might be something of consequence read it and thereby discovered the matter which she presently imparted to the other two They all concluding that haste was to be made Martia gave him poyson and when that succeeded not they hired one Narcissus to strangle him So Commodus died who by his Lieutenants overthrew the Moors and Dacians and bridled Pannonia Germany and Britain which would have thrown off the yoak He died on the last day of the Julian year the 32 of his age when he had reigned almost 13 years A. V. C. 945. He is murdered A. D. 192 he himself the seventh and Helvius Pertinax the third time being Consuls 35. The Conspirators did not make known his death till they had made means for a Successor and then gave out that he died of an Apoplexy which was easily believed because of his voluptuous life Herodian l. 2. He upon whom they pitched was Helvius Pertinax an old Soldier who had done good service in Britain where he was near killing by his Soldiers but severely corrected their insolence He had been thrice Consul yet being thus delivered from the danger he was in by Commodus considering the meannesse of his birth he would have declined the burthen Helvius Pertinax but it was put upon him by the Senate and the Army acknowledged him He gave great hopes of an excellent Prince behaving himself modestly and suitably towards all men Olymp. 242. an 4. V.C. 445. A.D. 192. He restrained Promoters took away divers tolls and gabells lately imposed and restrained the rapines and insolence of the Soldiers This troubled the guards exceedingly who being so much the more sensible of the change brought upon them by strict discipline as they remembred the liberty given them by Commodus resolved to make tryal of another and an end of Pertinax In the strength of this resolution they set upon and killed him though he had like so excellent a person gravely and stoutly admonished them of their duty He died in the 85 day of his reign and the 69 year of his age Q. Sosius Falco and C. Julius Erucius Clarus being Consuls 36. Now that we may briefly carry on the series of Ecclesiastical matters Bishops whence we left them In the second year of M. Aurelius Philosophus died Anicetus the Bishop of Rome and Soter being the 13th of this Sea succeeded him according to Damasus In his 10th year Soter died and was succeeded by Eleutherius In the 6th of Commodus died Eleutherius on the 7th before the Calends of June Maternus and Bradua being Consuls in which year Commodus and Cleander to overturn the power of the Consulship created 25 Consuls for which Cleander was afterwards punished being carried to Rome amongst the worst sort of slaves In the following year Eleutherus was succeeded by Victor an African Commodus the fifth time and Glabrio being Consuls Touching the purity of the Church of Rome at this time Aegesippus thus wrote (a) Euseb Hist lib. 4. cap. 22. When I came to Rome I stayed there till Anicetus was chosen Bishop whose Deacon was Eleutherius whom Soter succeeded after him Eleutherius In all their successions and in every one of their Cities it s no otherwise than the Law and the Prophets and the Lord himself preached Irenaeus also wrote Now (b) Euseb l. 5. cap. 6. Eleutherius was the 12th Bishop from the Apostles after the same order the same Doctrine and Tradition of the Apostles truely taught in the Church at this day continued in our time From Marcus the first Bishop of Jerusalem from amongst the Gentiles some reckon 13 Bishops unto Narcissus of whom are many things reported He (c) Idem lib. 5. cap. 11. lib. 6. c. 8 9. was accused of an hainous crime and although he was innocent yet left he his Church and fled into the Wildernesse where he continued a long time In the mean while his accusers were wonderfully plagued from above to the example of all perjured persons After his departure Dios was Bishop unto the reign of Severus as is gathered from Epiphanius After Cornelius was (d) Idem lib. 4. c. 20. 24. Theophilus Bishop of Antioch he wrote of Elemental Institutions and dedicated them to Autolycus Also against the Heresie of Hermogenes and Marcion After him followed Maximinus and then (e) Idem lib. 5. c. 19. 22. Serapion After Celadion in the Church of Alexandria (f) L. 4. c. 20. l. 5. c. 9. Agrippas was Bishop about the 8th year of Marcus and governed 12 years Him succeeded (g) L. 5. c. 9. 20. Julianus in the first of Commodus and governed 10 years Then followed (h) L. 5. c. 22. l. 6. c. 26. Demetrius who continued 43 years 37. During the reign of Commodus were several Synodes or Councils held against the Heresie of Montanus and about the Celebration of Easter Because before this time Councils were but few Councils we would not give any account of them in a scattered manner but now shall briefly recite from the first of all such as hapened untill the end of Commodus The (a) Acts 1. Apostles immediately after the ascension of our Saviour returned from Mount Olivet to Jerusalem and there assembled together for the election of one to succeed in the room of Judas the Traitor where they chose Mathias This is the first Council The (b) Acts 6. second was summoned of the Apostles and Disciples at Jerusalem about removing the tumult risen betwixt the Graecians and Hebrews about their Widows wherein they chose seven Deacons as they are called by Ecclesiastical Writers The (c) Acts 15. third was held by the Apostles Elders and Brethren at Jerusalem concerning circumcision and observation of the Law where it was resolved that the faithfull should abstain from bloud from that which is strangled and from fornication the which they published by their Letters unto the Churches of Antioch Syria and Cilicia The fourth was held by James Bishop of Jerusalem Paul (d) Acts 21. and the Elders at that Citie also where for removing of suspition and winning of the brethren it was decreed that Paul should clear and purifie himself according to the Law yielding
Caesar though to the Senate he had acknowledged him for his own son Antony bewitched by Cleopatra so far as not to be able to rule himself wrote to the Senate to have those things confirmed which he had setled upon her and her children The two Consuls Cn. Domitius and C. Sosius being much for him were forced to leave the City and get over to him who now also having raised great forces sent to Rome to drive Octavia out of his house and if taking his opportunity he had this Summer invaded Italy he might in all probability have put an end to the quarrel For Caesar was not yet provided wanting money exceedingly which he now exacted throughout Italy But this delay herein helped him that men's minds were more and more bent against Antony especially after Caesar had published his Testament A. M. 3973. Ol. 187. an 1. V. l. 722. Herodis 8. wherein he disposed as formerly to his and Cleopatra's children and ordained that though he should dye at Rome his body should be sent to her at Alexandria it was also reported that he meant if his matters prospered to give her Rome and transfer the seat of the Empire into Aegypt Hereupon the Warre was decreed against her and he was devested of his Triumvirate Vide Dionem ubi supra but not declared an Enemy for fear of those with him For then must they necessarily have been included in the same capacity and so driven upon desperate Councils to them therefore rewards were promised if they would forsake him and hereby was he thought rendred more inexcusable in that being unhurt he should make War for an Egyptian woman against his Countrey Then did the one draw all the East and the other the West to his party Caesar had ready 250 ships of War 80000 foot and 12000 horse Antony had 500 such like ships Their preparations for war very big and stately with 100000 foot and also 12000 horse The King of the Medes also sent him aid which being not sent back and Antony also recalling his forces he had left with him for the protection of that Countrey the Parthian became Master of that Kingdom and Armenia also was lost 26. The following year Agrippa being sent before by Caesar Idem Plutarch in Antonio took divers ships coming to Antony with Provisions Antony worsted and molested him exceedingly upon the Sea wherewith Caesar incouraged passed from Brundusium into Epirus to a Promontory whereof that lieth near the Bay of Ambracia sending his forces he took in Corcyra so did Agrippa the Island Leucas near to Actium with Patrae and Corinth Titius also and Taurus routed Antonies horse Then several persons of note fell off from Antony Sosius was beaten and lost his life at Sea and Antony himself was also worsted by a guard of Caesars Being much troubled hereat Canidius would have perswaded him to send away Cleopatra and decide the quarrel either in Thrace or Macedonia for that he was stronger in Land forces But though his navy had been twice worsted and he had lost many ships yet she obtained of him to fight at Sea providing withall all things as for a fight For four dayes the Sea was so rough with winds that it hindred them from fighting but on the fifth they joyned and then Caesar's ships being light could easily tack about and invade Antonies which were unwieldly and of little use Cleopatra wearied with long expectation ere it could certainly be known how things would go with her gilded deck Purple sayls A. M. 3974. V. C. 723. Herodis 9. Ante Christ 29. and sixty light Egyptian Gallies fled away which Antony seing presently followed forsaking his men and running away who ought to have animadverted upon such as did so Overthrown at Actium in a Sea-fight His Soldiers fought most valiantly notwithstanding the basenesse of their General who getting into Cleopatra's Gally went and sate by himself in a deep silence Patercul l. 2. c. 85. holding his head with both his hands till at the tenth hour they were partly perswaded and partly constrained to submit it being confessed that in this fight they behaved themselves like to and executed the Office of the best General and their General played the part of a run-away Soldier From this victory of Caesar at Actium a Promontory of Epirus Several * Dio. Suetonius Aurelius Victor Authors date his Monarchy which lasted from the second of September whereon the battel was fought to the 19th of August on which he died 44 years wanting 13 dayes Now was hee himself the third time Eutropius and M. Valerius Messala Consuls in the 723th year of the Citie the second of the 187 Olympiad and the seventh of Herod King of Judaea as Josephus gathereth the 29th before the Aera of Christ A. M. 3974. 27. His Land forces could scarcely believe his flight Plutarch in Antonio having such an Army left to him intire and for seven dayes were so constant to him that though the thing was clearly known they rejected Caesars messages but being now over-taken by him and forsaken of their Leader Canidius Patercul lib. 2. cap. 87. Dio lib. 51. who had posted away after Antony they yielded and were taken into Caesar's Army Then did Caesar go to Athens His Land forces yield to Caesar where he put to death Cassius Parmensis one of those that slew his Uncle and setling the affairs both of Greece and Asia determined to vvinter in Samus but was called into Italy by Agrippa to quiet his Soldiers who now mutinied He sailed then to Brundusium but the Senate meeting him there he went no further and having dispatched his businesse within thirty dayes returned into Asia Antony for some time lived disconsolately by himself Cleopatra conveyed ships over into the Red-Sea intending there to seek her fortune she had thought also of flying into Spain They both sent to Caesar she that her Children might have Egypt granted them and he that he might be permitted to live privately at Athens She sent him a Golden Crown and Scepter with a royal seat privily to curry favour and he though openly he threatned her secretly promised her safety and her Kingdom if she would kill Antony who was also advised by * Joseph Antiq l. 15. c. 10. Herod of Judaea to do as much by her 28. They sent again to him the first and second time and he gave up to him Turullius a Senator and one of the murderers of Julius Caesar He putting the man to death returned no answer neither the second time when he sent Antyllus his son to him with much Gold which he received Dio lib. 5. Plutarch in Antonio But with her he still dealt sending Thyrsus his Freed-man to her to make her believe that he was in love with her hoping she might kill Antony and preserve her Treasures which she threatned to burn if she came into any danger Now going down into
Egypt he sent Cornelius Gallus before him who seized on Paraetonium the Chief Citie on that part near Africk and Pelusium the other strongest Town towards Syria did Cleopatra betray to him secretly forbidding the Alexandrians to go out against him Antony once fought prosperously against his horse and the second time was beaten then he sent him a challenge which Caesar refused saying that if Antony so pleased there were 1000 wayes lying open for his destruction Wherefore bethinking himself that he could not die with more credit than in battel he resolved to oppose Caesar both by Sea and Land but Cleopatra procured that both his Navy and horse revolted Hereupon he returned into the Citie crying out that he was betrayed by her for whose sake he had taken up Arms. She being afraid of him departed to her Monument and sent some to tell him she was dead pretending fear of Caesar Upon which message he resolving to follow her wounded himself in the belly The wound not quickly dispatching him she sent for him up into her Monument whither he was pulled up by her self and two women being willing to live now that she was alive Antony killeth himself and hoping he might possibly recover But he shortly after died willing her as well as she could to provide for her self and not grieve for him but rather rejoyce in that he had been the most famous of men as also most powerfull and now being a Roman was not through lazinesse overcome by a Roman Such was the end of this man who through desire of fame became the Author of sad Tragedies to his Countrey who in the use of his power greatly abused it and was not onely overcome by a Roman but also by a Woman and then so behaved himself that he could not be excused from lazinesse effeminatenesse and luxury all which things checked that goodnesse of disposition supposed once to be in him and left Cleopatra little cause to rejoyce for any real glory that might accrue unto him 20. Caesar endeavoured to get Cleopatra into his hands that he might lead her in Triumph He easily obtained Alexandria Dio ut suprà Sueton. in Octavio Plutarch in Antonio Orosius lib. 6. cap. 19. Patercul lib. 2. cap. 87. Florus lib. 4. cap. 11. Livii Epit. lib. 133. Julian ad Themistium the Inhabitants whereof he pardoned but put to death Antyllus the son of Antony and some others He viewed the body of Alexander the Great and out of honour to his memory set on it a Golden Crown and strewed it with flowers but touching it he broke off a little piece of the Nose and refused to see the bodies of the Ptolomies though the Alexandrians much desired it saying he had a mind to see the King and not dead men Cleopatra dealt with her Physician to dispatch her but being terrified by Caesar upon the account of her Children she gave it over and did all she could but in vain to work upon his affections when he came to see her So doth Cleopatra her self and Egypt is made a Province Then did she give him an Inventory of her goods and he promised her fair things thinking thereby that he deceived her though he himself was deceived For she understanding that she was reserved for a Triumph prevented it by a voluntary death as is in the History of her Kingdom related Caesar made Egypt a Tributary Province and would have conferred the Government thereof upon Arius the Philosopher who formerly had taught him but he refusing the imployment he gave it to Cornelius Gallus a man of obscure birth Caesario the son of Cleopatra by Julius Caesar had by his mother been sent towards India with a great sum of money but at Rhodes his Governour perswaded him to return as now being to expect the Kingdom Caesar consulting what to do with him Ariaeus alluding to * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that prudent sentence of Homer said 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 To have many Caesars is not good and so he was sent after his mother A. M. 3975. Ol. 187. ann 3. V.C. 724. Herodis 10. Ante Christum 28. Whilest these things were doing at Alexandria was M. Tullius Cicero son of the Orator Consul at Rome taken in by Caesar to blot out the ignominy of betraying his father in the room of Licinius Crassus where he published Caesar his Collegue's Letters concerning the overthrow of Antony and put them up over the pleading place where his father's head had formerly been set But this overthrow and death of Cleopatra hapned in the 14th year after the death of Julius Caesar the third of the 187 Olympiad the 724 of the Citie 28 before the birth of Christ A. M. 3975. 294 after the death of Alexander the Great under whom as the Macedonian Empire began so now in Cleopatra and not till now it was quite extinct and here the Contemporaries with it receive their period AN INSTITUTION OF General History The First Part. BOOK IV. The Roman Empire CHAP. I. From the absolutenesse of Octavius to the death of Tiberius containing the space of 66 years 1. THE Roman Empire had now swallowed up the Macedonian The Grandeur of the Roman Empire with such Kingdoms and States as were at all considerable and Contemporary with it whereof though some might retain a shew of liberty yet were they but in a condition of vassalage except the Parthian Kingdom which as yet acknowledged no subjection and when it did being forced thereto for the most part by intestine divisions not long continued in that acknowledgement 2. This Empire now laboured under it's own weight and like to some unwieldy thing staggered by reason of the turgency of it's inward burthen without any extraneous violence it was grown up to an athletick habit and had already sufficiently manifested the danger of this constitution For being all head and no body it wanted those limbs which by direction from a superiour sense could secure it's progresse or indeed being all body and no head It laboureth under it's own own weight it was void of that influence which effecteth an orderly motion and is necessary for the subsistence of life it self The proper fruits of Popular Government were now grown fully ripe Every one would command and none would be ruled yet every man challenging a part in the Supreme power none enjoyed it much and therefore but few were really sollicitous for the upholding of it as Popular any further than some private interests led them The heady multitude indeed was violently caried on in it's desires after the chief command but some desired it rather that others might not enjoy it holding this Principle to oppose all rising though excellent persons whatsoever Others tickled with an humour of ruling and in intellectuals above their fellows set themselves to please the rabble by maligning other men crying up liberty and equality extolling the justice of the Agrarian and vaunting of great matters intended to be done