that he had re-establish'd the Royal Race of the Amali in their primitive Lustre and given an account of 17 Generations of them from their first swaying the Scepter and finally that he had Collected into one Body what was before scatter'd through many Books Thus Father St. Marthe speaks of this History in his Life of Cassiodorus XVI Evagrius say the Schools was Native of Epiphania a City of Syria and liv'd in the Sixth Century of the Church He writ an Ecclesiastical History which he begins where Socrates and Theodoret ended that is about the Year 431. when the impiety of the Nestorians was Condemn'd by the Council of Ephesus and concluded it about the twelfth Year of the Emperor Maurice which was in the Year 597. Photius says That this History is very plain and exact The Emperors Constantine and Maurice greatly recompens'd this Author for all his Works and of which he speaks himself XVII Gregory de Tours born in Auvergne of noble Parentage He was one of the most pious Bishops and celebrated Writers of his Time His Genius led him so much to Learning and Piety that after Euphronius Arch-bishop of Tours's death he was rais'd to that See in the Year 572. and dy'd in 594. The French are endebted to him for the Knowledge of our first Kings whose History he has written in X Books and continu'd it down to his own Time He wrote also a great many other Books XVIII Bede sirnam'd the Venerable was born in the Year 673. in a small Village upon the River Tine in England He was brought up in a Monastery of St. Benedict where his Parents plac'd him but when Seven Years old He there read Philosophy Divinity Mathematicks and other curious Learning but above all he imbib'd the Practice of Christian and Religious Virtues He dy'd the 26th of May in the Year 735. Amongst several of his Works we have his Ecclesiastical History of England in V Books which begins with Iulius Caesar's Descent upon this Nation and ends with the Year 731. He has also written a Chronicle of VI Centuries and some particular Relations of the Lives and Martyrdom of divers Saints XIX Paul the Deacon was by Birth a Lombard and liv'd in the Eighth and Ninth Centuries He was first Deacon of Aquilea and afterwards Chancellor to Desiderius the last King of the Lombards When as this Prince was Conquer'd by Charlemagne Paul the Deacon was carry'd Prisoner into France where his great Knowledge and Learning procur'd him a great many Friends After various turns of Fortune which he had undergone he became a Monk of Mount-Cassin where he dy'd in the Ninth Century but in what Year is unknown He has written the History of the Lombards in VI Books the Acts of the several Bishops of Mets and the Lives of St. Arnold St. Cyprian and St. Bennet c. XX. Eginard Secretary to Charlemagne had divers considerable Employments in that Prince's Court. He had a great deal of Wit and Merit and renounc'd the World to become a Monk He writ the life of Charlemagne who had honour'd him with so particular Esteem and Affection He compil'd the Annals of France from the Year 741 to 829. There are some other small Tracts of his He dy'd in the Year 844. tho' some say sooner and some later XXI Freculphus Bishop of Lisieux liv'd in the Ninth Century This Prelate who had been Educated under the Order of St. Benedict was greatly commendable for his Doctrin and Piety He compos'd a Chronicle of which the first Part begins at the Creation and reaches down to our Saviour this consists of VII Books The second begins with the Incarnation of Christ and extends to the coming of the Franks and the Lombards about the Year 600. This comprehends V. Books He Addresses this Chronicle to the Empress Iudith Wâ—fe to Lewis the Debonnaire and Mother to Charles the Bald. He dy'd about the Year 852. XXII Luitpraâ—d Sub-deacon of Toledo Deacon of Pavia and at length Bâ—shop of Cremona liv'd in the Tenth Century and was says Cardinal Bellaâ—min in very great Esteem on account of his Learning and Wisdom Berengerius II. King of Italy sent him in quality of an Ambassador to Constantinople in the Year 946. to the Emperor Constantine Porphiriginâ—tes whence he return'd at the Request of the Emperor Otho in the Year 968. who sent him likewise to Nicephorus Phocas Under the Name of this Luitprand we have VI. Books of History which comprehend all the most considerable Transactions in Europe from the Emperor Arnâ—lphus down to his Time The Learned pretend that what follows the Fifth Chapter of the VI. Book does not belong to Luitprand but was written by another Author of the same Time who had a mind to continue his History They also reject his Book concerning the Acts of the Popes from St. Peter down to Formâ—sus Father Labbe is of Opinion That this History was wrote by a Germâ—n Monk towards the Year 895. The Spaniads father upon this Author a Chronicle of a parcel of fabulous Princes which had never been in the World Also Father Labbe would have this Chronicle sent to the Kingdom of Vtopia Generally speaking nothing is more faulty than these Chronological Successions not excepting the Fables of the Poets the Stories of old Women and of Amadis de Gaul XXIII Witikind a Benedictine Monk of the Abbey of Corby in Saxâ—ny liv'd in the Tenth Century the Year of whose death is unknown The moâ—t remarkable of his Works is his History of the Saxâ—ns in III. Books together with that of Henry King of Germany surnam'd the Fowler and of his Son the Emperor Otho This Hisâ—ory extends to the Year 973. when Otho dy'd XXIV Frodoard Abbot of Rheims writ a Chronicle which began at the Year 919. and ended with the Year 966. 'T is thought he dy'd much about the same time XXV Glaber Rudolphe a Fryer of St. Germains of Auxerre flourish'd under the Reigns of King Robert the Good and Henry I. his Son He has written an History which includes the time between the Years 990. and 1045. Neither the time nor place of his Death is known neverthâ—less he is of great Repute and was Author of the Life of St. William Abbot of St. Benigne of Dijon This Person was a great restorer of the Monastical Discipline of his Time He dy'd at Fecamp in Normandy the first of Ianuary in the Year 1051. XXVI Iohn Curopalate so call'd for being an Officer of the Houshold to the Emperor of that Name He is a Greek Author who compos'd a History from the end of the Empire of Michael Curopalate where Theophanes ended his to the beginning of the Reign of Alexis Comnenes Emperor of the Greeks that is from the Year 813. to 1081. George Cedrenus was a Grecian Monk that liv'd towards the middle of the Eleventh Century He has made an Abridgment of History from the beginning of the World to the Reign of Isack Comnenes who in the Year 1057.
Barberossa He has written a Chronicle of the Sclavonians which begins with the Conversion of the Saxons and the Neighbouring Nations under the Empire of Charlemagne and ends at the Year 1168. XXXVII Arnold Abbot of Lubec has continu'd this Work and carry'd it into the time of Otho IV. XXXVIII William the Little or of Newbury so call'd from his being of the College of that Town in England He was a regular Canon of the Order of St. Austin and liv'd in the Twelfth Century He compil'd V Books of the History of England which he begins with the Year 1066. When William the Conqueror got this Kingdom and ends with the Year 1197. What he relates down to the Year 1135. being that of his Birth he touches upon but very slightly but from thence forwards he treats of Matters with more care and more lagrely 'T is thought he might Die in the Year 1208. XXXIX Roger Hoveden born at York liv'd towards the Year 1200. it not being punctually known when he dy'd He descended from a noble Family and was Divinity-Professor in Oxford After he had left the Court of Henry II. he compos'd an History of his Country in two Parts beginning with the Year 731. where the Venerable Bede ended and having gone through to the end of the Reign of Richard I. surnam'd Caeur de Lion he began the Reign of King Iohn but finish'd no more than four Years of it XL. Nicetas Choniates a Greek Historian had considerable Employments in the Courts of the Emperors of Constantinople about the Twelfth Century When this City was taken by the French in 1204. he retir'd with a Daughter which he afterwards Marry'd at Nice a City of Bithynia and where he spent the remainder of his Days He compil'd an History or Annals from the Death of Alexis Comnenes which hapned in 1118. to that of Baudowin who dy'd in 1205. This History is divided into XXI Books and contains the most remarkable Transactions both in Greece and Asia XLI Conrade of Lichtkenaw otherwise known by the Name of the Abbot of Vsperg in the Diocess of Ausbourg liv'd in the Thirteenth Century He has compos'd a Chronicle which begins with Bel King of the Assyrians and reaches down to the Year of Christ 1229. which was the ninth Year of the Reign of Frederic II. This Work is nothing but a Collection out of divers Authors which he has rang'd at Pleasure and according to the Custom of those Times He was very Learned says Father Labbe in an Age where there was little or none to be found He dy'd in the Year 1240. after having been Abbot Twenty four Years XLII Iames of Vitry near Paris was a Person of singular Merit 'T is said he was Curat of Argentenit in the Thirteenth Century and after having follow'd the Crusade into the East where he was made Bishop of Acon that he was rais'd to the Cardinalship in the Year 1230. by Pope Gregory IX who also bestow'd on him the Bishoprick of Frescati He has given the Publick III Books of the History of the East and West whereof the First begins with the time when the Impostor Mahomet publish'd his ridiculous Religion and ends with the Year 1220. The Second treats of the Affairs of the East And the Third extends to the taking of Damieta There are other Writings of this great Man but which having no relation to Ecclesiastical History I have omitted 'em here XLIII Mathew Paris a Monk of the Order of St. Bennet and of the Congregation of Cluny at the Monastery of St. Albans in England was a Person very Learn'd and of extraordinary Piety He has written an History of England from the Year 1066 to 1250. which he afterwards continu'd to 1259. which was the Year of his Death The other Addition to the Year 1273. which was after the Death of Henry III. is suppos'd to have been made by one William Rishanger XLIV Vincent of Beauvais a Fryar of the Order of St. Dominic was Native of Burgundy and liv'd a considerable time at Beavais but was never Bishop thereof as some have falsely conjectur'd St. Lewis King of France honour'd him with a particular Esteem and assisted him moreover in the composing of his great Work which he divided into IV Parts Whereof the First is Speculum Doctrinale where he treats of all the Sciences from Grammar to Divinity The Second Speculum Historiale which comprehends all the remarkable Transactions from the beginning of the World to the Year 1254. An Anonymus Author has continu'd this History down to the Year 1494. The Third is Speculum Naturale being all Physicks and containing the State of Nature And the Fourth Speculum Morale wherein the Author treats of all kinds of Virtues and Vices XLV Nicephorus Calistus a Greek Historian who liv'd in the Fourteenth Century and under the several Reigns of Andronicus Paleologus the Elder Michael and Andronicus the Younger We have an Ecclesiastical History of his divided into XVIII Books wherein he relates all remarkable Matters from the Birth of Christ to the Death of the Emperor Phocas in the Year 610. This History was design'd to contain XXIII Books but we have now no more remaining of it than the Argument of Five which begins with the Empire of Heraclius and ends with that of Leo the Philosopher who dy'd in 911. This Work abounds with Fables and ought to be perus'd very cautiously Father Labbe says That among'st the Rags with which this Work is every where Patch'd you shall now and then meet with a peice of very good Stuff And Casaubon says That he sets no greater value upon the Leaves of this History than he would upon a Fig-leaf XLVI Nicephorus Gregoracius a Greek Historian who liv'd in the Fourteenth Century in the time of the Emperor Andronicus Paleologus the Elder and probably dy'd in the Reign of Iohn Cantacuzenes Emperor of Constantinople about the Year 1345. when that City was taken by the French He has compil'd XI Books of History which begin at the Year 1204. and end with the Year 1341. when Andronicus the Younger dy'd of whom it is pretended that he did not speak very Faithfully An Historian that is a Courtier is always byass'd to that Prince from whom he has receiv'd Favours This was the Case of Nicephorus Gregoracius He had liv'd a great while at the Court of Andronicus the Elder and observ'd how ill Andronicus III. treated that Prince his Grandfather insomuch that he forc'd him to resign his Throne to him and to become Monk This Nicephorus could by no means approve of and therefore when he comes to speak of this unnatural Grandson his Disgust sufficiently appears Vossius says That this Historian is neither to be Believ'd when he treats of Andronicus nor when he writes of Iohn Cantacuzenes Neque de Andronico solum sed de Cantacuzeno Mentitur Voss. de Hist. Grae. Lib. 2. Cap. 29. XLVII Iohn Villanius has written a History in Italian divided into XII Books which
more noble without doubt but on the other side he has strain'd them too far and has given us Reason to question Whether he has left us a Romance or a History Quintus Curtius might very well have spar'd to make Alexander so infamous as he does in some Places There are some priviledged Persons whom we ought to treat with Civility and Respect we may indeed relate their personal Faults but we must never offend their Dignity or debase their Greatness Quintus Curtius deserves to be commended for his Sincerity for he speaks the good and the bad of Alexander without being prepossess'd for the Merit of his Hero If one can find Fault with his History it is for being too Polite But nevertheless he has excelled in a pleasant and natural way of describing Manners That Character of Perfection which is conspicuous in those great Men is not to be found any more in the succeeding Ages VII Cornelius Tacitus was born of a Noble Family of Roman Knights and was raised to the highest Dignities in the Common-wealth He liv'd under the Empire of Vespasian and the succeeding Emperors with all the Reputation and Honour due to his Birth and personal Merit He was in Years when he set himself to Write and 't was under the Empire of Trajan that he composed his History of which we have but V Books left Afterwards he wrote his Annals great part of which have also been lost Besides those two Works he publish'd a Treatise of the Manners of the several Nations who in his Time inhabited Germany and the Life of Agricola his Father-in-law The Learned seem to be divided as to the Judgment that ought to be made of his Style yet the Truth is that Tacitus is an incomparable Writer The corruption of his Text occasion'd by the Ignorance of the Transcribers does perhaps make him more obscure than he would be of himself and this is the Opinion of Monsieur de la Mothe le Vayer But let some People say what they please the best way is to side with Vossius who finds so much Eloquence so much Correctness and so many Beauties in Tacitus that he does not stick to say that he is be best and wisest of Writers Quis enim non videt Dictio Taciti quam sit elegans quam tersa limata Et tamen major est laus ista quod nihil eo Scriptore vel cogitari possit prudentius The Emperor Tacitus Two hundred Years after the Death of Tacitus the Historian valued himself upon bearing the same Name with him and being descended from him He caus'd his Sâ—atue to be placed in all Libraries and to preserve his Works to Posterity he caused them to be Transcribed Ten times a Year But all the Care that Emperor used hath been in vain since of One and twenty Years of his History we have only the account of one left and V Books of about Thirty according to St. Ierom's Opinion The Great Duke Come de Medicis made choice of Tacitus among all other Historians as one from whom he expected more sound Precepts and Instructions for his Conduct and more solid Satisfaction to alleviate the Cares which are inseparable from the Government of a State when a Prince endeavours to merit the Title of Father of his Country Casaubon is quite of another Opinion and maintains in his Preface to Polibius that the Reading of Tacitus is most dangerous for Princes by reason of the many ill Examples which are scattered up and down his Works The Stile of Tacitus says Monsieur Rapin is not very proper for History for it is full of Starts and when it shines 't is like a Flash of Lightning which dazles more than it gives light Tacitus is a starting Wit that skips from one thing to another His Sense comprehended in few Words is too close for the Readers Capacity which is often pusled with it And because he does not follow Nature in what he relates and generally forgets that he Speaks to Men so he seldom instructs us as he should As for Example when upon the occasion of the Papian Law he relates the Original of Laws or when in another place he describes the Priviledges of Sanctuaries he does not trace things back to their beginnings he never explains things thoroughly nay sometimes he gives a false Account of them as when he takes upon him to describe the Iewish Religion in the fifth Book of his History His Style is also very improper for it which is a great Fault in an Historian whose primary Function is to instruct Tacitus is still more uneven than Sallust His Connexions are generally forced and the Thread of his Discourse very much Broke and Interrupted which is no small discouragement to the Reader who cannot follow him without putting himself out of Breath There can be no better and exacter Description than that which Tacitus makes of the Treat which the Empress Messalina gave to Silius her Favourite Gallant This was a Vintage Feast with all its Ceremonies the Season being then Autumn and favourable for that purpose Mirth Pleasure Effeminacy Wantonness Impudence Lewdness and Debauchery all in short is there described with an exqiusite Elegance and delicacy of Expression The particulars are related succinctly discreetly and withal in a very lively manner And nothing can be more judiciously placed to make by that gay Picture the Death of Messalina which follows soon after the more Tragical and full of Horror In short there are some happy Circumstances which give a particular Grace to every thing when a Man knows how to employ and place them as he should As for Figures Tacitus is not so scrupulous he seems to aim at nothing but to dazzle us The boldness of his Metaphors and other Tropes makes his Expression so high strained and troublesom Tacitus is an ill Husband of his Fire for he uses it every where his Colours are also too strong and glaring and because he is often too expressive in some things and does not Paint them to the Life he therefore seldom affects us A Description ought not to be too minute and particular but such as is the Description of the Isle of Caprea in the fourth Book of the Annals of Tacitus for we find in it the Reasons Tiberius had to retire thither towards his latter Days which makes it necessary and as it is Concise Polite Elegant and has nothing in it either Impertinent or Superfluous it may be said to be a perfect one Nothing can be finer than the Speech which Tacitus makes Tiberius Speak to the Senate upon the Reformation of Luxury in the third Book of his Annals Never did any Historian make a Prince Speak with more Dignity A Picture ought to be true and resembling wherein Tacitus is not very exact for he rather chuses to follow his own Fancy than imitate Nature and endeavours more to make fine Pictures than true ones If his Pictures can but please as that of Sejanus in the
himself in Prison The other Eight banished themselves This year the Consuls warred so successfully against the Aequi Volsci and Sabines as to deserve a Triumph Within 3 years after the Romans obtained another signal Victory over the Aequi and Volsci And now the Tribunes being more turbulent than ever nothing would satisfie them but the passing two Laws the one for permitting Marriages between Patritians and Plebeians and the other for making the Plebeians capable of the Consulship The first was passed but as an Expedient for the other it was proposed That six Governors should be chosen with Consular Authority three Patritians and three Plebeians who were stiled Tribuni Militum i. e. Military Tribunes V. Period from the Creation of the Military Tribunes to the Burning of Rome by the Gauls lasted 54 Years Years of the World Years before Christ. 3508. The first Military Tribunes who were created were only three Patritians whose Office expired at the end of 8 weeks and Consuls created afresh This year two new Officers named Censors were chosen out of the Patritians to estimate Men's Estates and to inspect into the Lives and Manners of Men And the Romans gained a Victory over the Volsci leading Cluâ—ius their General in Triumph Within 3 years after Sp. Melius by his Bounty to the Poor affected to be King upon which Q. Cincinnatus was again made Dictator and chose Servilius Ahala for the Master of his Horse who slew Sp. Melius in the Forum The Tribunes enraged at the Death of their Friend Melius caused Military Tribunes to be created for one year The next year Consuls were again created and a War carried on against Tolumnius King of the Veientes to whom the Fidenates had revolted This War proved so dangerous at first that the Romans were forced to create a Dictator but they obtained a signal Victory over their Enemies Corn. Cossus a Tribune in the Army killing the King Tolumnius and obtaining the Opima Spolia which he offered to Iupiter 442 It would be too long to relate the particular Wars which the Romans had with their Neighbours the Volsci Aequi Fidenates and Veientes to tell you of the several Dictators made in this time and of the Change of the Government from Consuls to Military Tribunes from them to Consuls again which ever and anon happened We think it sufficient to recite some of the most memorable Passages of these Times The Questors were increased from Two to Four but a long time e're they could get any Plebeians to be chosen into that Office The Military Tribunes were increased first from Three to Four and then to Six but a considerable time before they could get any Plebeians into the Number In this Period of Time the Slaves conspired to fire the City and seize upon the Capitol but were discovered and executed The Romans proclaimed War against the Veientes besieged the City Veii which was taken after 10 years Siege by Camillus who won over the Falisci by his Generosity to yield to the Romans and was for little or no reason afterwards banished After this the Galli Senones entred Italy under the Command of Brennus invested Clusium broke up thence marched towards Rome defeated the Romans at the Battel of Allia entred Rome killed several of the Senators as they sat in their Robes in the Senate-House and burnt the City all but the Capitol which still held out against them VI. Period from the burning of Rome by the Gauls to the War with the Samnites lasted 46 Years Years of the World Years before Christ. 3562. After Rome was burnt the Gauls laid Siege to the Capitol which they were nigh taking by Surprize in the night had not the Romans discover'd the Assaulters by the Cackling of some Geese Camillus who had been banished laying aside his private Animosities returned to Rome at the Head of 40000 Ardeans and expelled the Gauls He perswaded the Romans who were for removing to Veji to fix at Rome and rebuild it M. Manlius who had before saved the Capitol was accused of Aiming at the Sovereign Power and was condemned to be thrown down the Tarpeian Rock which was accordingly executed In this Period several Dictators were created among the rest one to drive a Nail on the right side of Iupiter's Temple in the Capitol and two others for the Assembling the Comitia Centuriata for the Election of Consuls who were never known to be created upon the like Occasions before Within this time the Tribes were increased the Aediles Curules appointed publick Stage-Plays instituted to appease their Gods in a sore Plague several Battels fought successfully against the Gauls the Aequi Volsci and Hetrurians a Plebeian Dictator was created a Law made That one of the Consuls should be a Plebeian and the Military Tribunes were for ever laid aside 78 years after their first Creation 388 VII Period from the War with the Samnites to the Wars with Pyrrhus King of Epirus This Period takes up 63 Years Years of the World Years before Christ. 3608. Hitherto the Romans had only to do with their next Neighbours but now increasing in Strength and Power they ventured to engage the Warlike Samnites a People above 100 Miles off Rome The occasion of this War was the Samnites falling upon the Campanians who sent their Ambassadors to Rome to put themselves and their Country under the Protection of the Romans Upon this the two Consuls marched against them and after an obstinate Fight Valerius one of the Consuls defeated them in Campania whilst the other Consul Cornelius by his ill Conduct in Samnium had like to have lost the Victory which was retriev'd by the Boldness of P. Decius a Tribune in the Army After these Defeats the Samnites made Peace and became one of the Roman Allies 342 The next War which the Romans made was against the Latines who aided the Enemies of the Samnites then in Confederacy with Rome Against them Manlius Torquatus and P. Decius Mus were sent by the Senate who came to an Engagement with the Enemy wherein Decius one of the Consuls was killed and Manlius the other Consul gained the Victory Manlius returned in Triumph but was received by the old Men only the young Men refusing to do him that Honour because he had beheaded his own Son for charging the Enemy thô successfully contrary to his Orders The next Consuls warr'd against the Latines overthrew them and Publius the Plebeian Consul was afterwards made Dictator in which time he procured three remarkable Laws to be made At last the Latines were wholly subdued and brought to an entire Submission Within this Period Publius Philo formerly Consul and Dictator was made Praetor and was the first Plebeian who attained to that Honour Minutia a Vestal Virgin was buried alive for Incontinency the Romans fought the Sidicini and defeated them the Gauls threatned to attack the Romans upon which a Dictator was created 170 Women were put to Death for the Art of Poysoning upon which a Dictator was created to drive
CHRONOLOGY Chap. I. Definitions Page 1. Chap. II. The Grounds of Chronology 9. The Testimony of Authors 9. Reasons of the uncertainty of Chronology 13. Certain means of Computing Times as 9. 1. By the Testimony of Authors 18. 2. By Eclipses and Aspects of the Planets 18. 3. Vndisputed Epochas 21. Chap. III. Of the Uncertainty Chronologers are at concerning the Year wherein our Saviour was Born 23. A Catalogue of Authors disagreeing in this point 25. Chap. IV. The Usefulness of Chronological Tables to Beginners Different Divisions of Times in order to help the Memory 34. § 1. First Division of the Times into two Parts 37. § 2. Second Division into three Parts according to Varro 38. § 3. Third Division into four Parts according to the Poets 40. § 4. Fourth Division according to the several Ages of the World 42. § 5. Fifth Division of Times into thirteen Parts 43. Chap. V. A New Division of Times or the 14 Royal Epocha's of Universal Chronology 44. Epocha 1. Adam or the Creation of the World 45. Epocha 2. Noah or the Vniversal Deluge 47. Epocha 3. The Vocation of Abraham 49. Epocha 4. Moses or the Written Law 51. Epocha 5. The Taking of Troy 53. Epocha 6. Solomon or the Temple finished 54. Epocha 7. Romulus or Rome Founded 56. Epocha 8. Cyrus or the Iews restor'd 58. Epocha 9. Scipio or the Carthaginians Conquer'd 62. Epocha 10. The Birth of IESUS CHRIST 65. Epocha 11. Constantine or the Peace of the Church 69. Epocha 12. Charlemaign or the Establishment of the new Empire 74. Epocha 13. Constantinople taken by the Turks and the Christian Empire of the East terminated 83. Epocha 14. King Charles II. Restor'd the ancient Government and Laws of England re-establish'd and Europe in a profound Peace 91. PART II. Introduction to History and a Character of Historians Chap. I. Of the several Benefits of History 97. Chap. II. Rules to be observ'd in Writing History 107. Chap. III. The manner of Studying History Of the Four ancient Monarchies and of the different kinds of Political Government 112. Chap. IV. Divisions of History 121. Art 1. The Authority of the History of the People of God contain'd in the Books of the Old and New Testament 126. The Order of the Books of the Old and New Testament 131. Art 2. Of Civil History 〈…〉 145. Chap. V. The most Celebrated Authors that have written of Church History 150 An Account of the Qualities Lives and Writings of each particular Author 151 c. Chap. VI. Of the most considerable Greek and Latin Authors of Civil Histoâ—y 175. § 1. Greek writers of History Their Qualities Lives and Writings and the Iudgments of Criticks upon them 177 c. § 2. Latin Writers of ancient History an Account of each Author and his Works with the Opinions of Criticks upon them 197 c. PART III. An Account of the Ancient Monarchies which preceeded the Birth of JESUS CHRIST Chap. I. An Account of the Church of God under the Old Testament 225 Sect. 1. The State of the People of God under the 22 Patriarchs 228. A Remark concerning the Origine of Nations 230. A Remark concerning the Heads of Families of the People of God 235. Sect. 2. The State of the People of God under the 22 Iudges or Leaders 236. Sect. 3. The State of the People of God under 22 Kings 239. The Succession of the Kings of Israel 244. Sect. 4. The State of the People of God in the Time of the 22 Ancestors of Iesus Christ 249. Chap. II. An Account of the Assyrian Monarchy 254. The State of the Assyrian Monarchy from Nimrod it's first Founder down to Sardanapalus which is about 1360 years 2â—â— The State of that part of the Assyrian Monarchy which was under the Babylonians from Belochus the first King to the Death of Belshazzar the last King which lasted 271 Years 260 The State of that part of the Assyrian Monarchy which was Govern'd by the Medes from Arbaces their first King to Cyaxares or Darius the Mede 261 Chap. III. Of the Persian Monarchy 262. The Succession from Cyrus to Alexander's Conquest 262 c. Chap. IV. Of the Grecian Monarchy 267. The History of Alexander's Conquests 267. to 279 The Kingdom of the Syrians under the Successors of one of Alexander's Captains 280 The Kingdom of Pergamos or Asia Minor erected by Antigonus one of Alexander's Captains 288 Chap. V. Of the Empire of China 291 Chap. VI. Of the Kings of Egypt 297 Sect. 1. The State of Egypt under 47 Kings surnam'd Pharaohs which lasted 1220. Years till it was conquer'd by Cambyses 299 Sect. 2. The State of Egypt under 11 Kings of Persia which lasted 193 Years viz. to the time it was subjected to Alexander 305 Sect. 3. The State of Egypt under the Greeks viz. Alexander the Great and the 12 Ptolomy's which lasted 301 Years that is till Augustus made Egypt a Roman Province 308 Chap. VII Of Sicyonia The Succession of its Kings c. 314 Chap. VII Argos The Succession of its Kings from Inachus to Perseus 316 Chap. IX Athens 317 Sect. 1. The State of Athens under 17 Kings for 488. Years 319 Sect. 2. The State of Athens under 13 perpetual Archontes which lasted 316 Years 321 Sect. 3. The State of Athens under 8 Decennial Archontes 322 Sect. 4. The State of Athens under annual Archontes which lasted 751 Years 322 Chap. X. Of the Kings of Troy 330 Chap. XI Of the Spartans or Lacedemonians 332 Sect. 1. The State of Lacedemonia under 14 Kings for 397 Years that is from Lelix to the Heraclides 333 Sect. 2. The State of Lacedemon under the Kings called Heraclides 334 Sect. 3. The State of Sparta under the Kings whose Power were restrain'd by the Gerontes 335 Sect. 4. The State of Sparta under the Kings with the five Ephori 336 Chap. XII Of Corinth The Succession of its Kings c. 343 Chap. XIII Of the Kings of Mycene 346 Chap. XIV The Kings of Thebes 348 Chap. XV. Of the Macedonians 352 Sect. 1. The State of Macedon under 20 Kings from Caranus to Philip the Father of Alexander 352 Sect. 2. The State of Macedon under Alexander 355 Sect. 3. The State of Macedon under 17 Kings after Alexander 355 Chap. XVI Of the Kings of Lydia to Croesus 361 Chap. XVII The Kings of Tyre till it was conquer'd by Alexander 363 Chap. XVIII Of the Italians Latins Romans and of the Fourth or Roman Monarchy 367. Sect. 1. The State of Italy under the Janigenae or Siculi which lasted 557 years 368 Sect. 2. The State of Italy under 15 Kings called Aborigines which lasted 577. from Janus to Romulus 369 Sect. 3. The Regal State of Rome which lasted 245 years 371 Sect. 4. The Consular State of Rome from Brutus the first Consul to the perpetual Dictatorship of Julius Caesar which took up the time of 464 Years divided into fifteen Periods 378 Period 1. From the Banishment of Tarquin to the first Dictator 379
of Times does not deserve our Application and that we must take out of History as much as we can without troubling our selves with a nice Marshalling of the Events according to the Order and Succession of Ages since after all this Order is very doubtful and uncertain I know very well that there are those who will give their Sceptism a free Scope upon this Matter and if their Opinion could prevail ancient History would be in little or no Esteem But it is not fit to depend upon the Judgment of those who never studied Things but superficially and whose Merit wholly consists in a pragmatical peremptory way of delivering their Opinions For if there be doubtful and obscure Things in Chronology there are also those that are undeniably certain and evident There are two Books in the World both Divine ones from whence Chronology draws its Certainty The first is the Book of the Scripture where we find the Years of the Patriarchs Judges Kings and Princes of the People of God whereby we are able to determine within a small Matter the Antiquity of the World and link almost together the whole Succession of Times except some few Breaks and Interruptions which proceed from the Silence of the Scripture and which we shall mark in the following Article But where the Scripture fails us Prophane History comes in to our Help so that we can precisely tell how long that Silence has lasted The other Book which is our second sure Ground for Chronology is that of Nature this as well as the first is the Work of God 1. This Book by furnishing us with the Motions and Aspects of the Sun and Moon and other Planets and above all the Eclipses which are so rightly called the publick celestial and infallible Characters of Times gives certain and demonstrable Arguments to Chronologers of the Times wherein a vast number of the most signal Events of History did happen For an Eclipse either of the Sun or Moon is such a characteristical and identical Mark of a Year that it is easy to distinguish it among an infinite number of others which makes Eclipses to be look'd upon as the most assured Grounds of Chronology Certainly nothing can so well characterize the Year of a Battle of the Foundation of a City or the Death of a Prince as an Eclipse that happens the same Day or some Days before or after Since by means of Astronomical Tables it is found that an Eclipse seen upon such or such a Day ought necessarily to have happened in such and such a Year This method is grounded upon Mathematical Demonstrations which is as much as if I had said That it is so certain and evident that Human Reason can never revolt against it By this it appears that in Point of Chronology a Man cannot be an exact Critick if he be ignorant of the use of Astronomical Tables for the Calculation of Eclipses Setting aside that this Computation of Eclipses is one of the greatest and most wonderful Effects of the Reach of Human Understanding and that there is an extraordinary Satisfaction in foretelling an Eclipse together with its Greatness and Duration fifty nay even a thousand Years before it happens methinks the great use they are of in History and Chronology is sufficient to recommend Astronomy to us by whose Help we arrive at the Pleasure of calculating them to a very nice Precision And therefore we must conclude that none but the dull and ignorant Despisers of all good Literature can entertain an Indifference for so fine and important a Knowledge Now since the Certainty which Eclipses give to History is infallible we must account our selves happy for the care Historians have taken to mention so great a number of them 'T is true their Diligence as to this Matter is particularly owing to the foolish Error of the ancient Heathens who look'd upon these Phenomena as Presages of the Death of some great Person or of the Fall of an Empire However when Historians have mark'd the Days wherein Eclipses did happen they have left at the same time assured Signs and Characters to know the Years of the Events which fell out about the same Time This is the Reason why the Eclipses mentioned by Historians have been so carefully collected by skilful Chronologers Calvisius makes his Chronology depend upon 127 Eclipses of the Moon and 144 of the Sun which he assures us he has calculated himself Thus by an Eclipse of the Sun mentioned by Iustin Lib. 22. Cap. 6. which happen'd when Agathocles the Tyrant of Sicily was crossing the Sea to go over into Africa against the Carthaginians it is found by an Astronomical Calculation That this was in the Year of the World 3634. and 316 Years before the Vulgar Aera on the Fifteenth of August 2. The great Conjunction of the two superior Planets Saturn and Iupiter whereby these two Stars having run through all the four Trigons meet again according to Kepler at the end of 800 Years in the same degree of the Zodiack would be also one of the most excellent Methods to distinguish and characterize the Times if Historians had taken notice of those rare and unfrequent Aspects Archbishop Vsher tells us That in the Year of the World 3998. two Years before the Birth of our Saviour there was a great Conjunction of those Planets such as never happens but once in 800 Years There have been but Eight of these great Conjunctions since the Creation of the World as one may see by Astronomical Calculations The last of them happen'd in the beginning of this Century in the Month of December 1603. 3. All the Aspects of the Planets which happen but seldom might serve also for natural Characters to mark the Times 4. But among these natural Characters some are called Civil or Artificial because invented by Men Such as the Solar and Lunar Cycles the Roman Indictions Easter the Leap-year Among the Iews the Iubilees and Sabbatical Years and among the Heathens the Combats and publick Games such as the Olympick which were always celebrated in a determined Time §. 3. Epocha's THe third Foundation of Chronology is drawn from certain constant Epocha's which none of the Chronologers and Historians ever called in question Those fixed Points in Chronology are like firm Places where one may stand and consider upwards and downwards the more slippery and dark Passages of History We have here set down 29 of those Fundamental Points which most Chronologers agree upon with relation to the Years of the Iulian Period and those that preceded the Birth of our Saviour I have borrowed them from Father Petavius a Jesuit a famous Chronologer Rationar Tempor par 2. lib. 1. cap. 15. which obliges me in imitation of that learned Man to range those 29 Epochs by the Years of the Iulian Period that we may use them as a common assured and standing Rule to direct us in the dark Places of Chronology Years of the Julian Period Years before Jesus Christ. 4676.
Ierom 3941. Iohn Carion 3944. Calvisius Helvicus Alstedius 3947. Origanus Argolus 3949. Scaliger Vbbo Emmius 3950. Cornelius a Lapide 3951. Beda Hermannus Herwart 3952. Landsperg 3958. Iohn Picus Count of Mirandola 3959. Luther Scultetus Iohannes Lucidus 3960. Beroaldus 3961. Sixtus of Siena Abbat Vrspergiensis Chrytreus 3962. Tostatus Melancthon Funcius 396â— Gerardus Mercator Opmeir 3966. Butting Santphurdius 396â— Bulingerus 3969. Nigrinus Pantaleon 3970. Brentzhein Bucholzer 3971. Theophilus of Antioch 3974. Bibliander 3979. Father Petavius 3984 Archbishop Vsher Tirinus Capellus Thomas Lydyat 4000. William Langius 4040. Tornelli Salianus Spondanus 405â— Labbe Muller 4053. Rabbi Moses 4058. Ioseph Son to Mattathias 4103. Laurence Codoman 4142. Riccioli according to the Hebrew and the Vulgar Bible 4184. Odiaton or Edwicon an Astronomer 4320. Cassiodorus 4697. Origines 4830. Adon of Vienna 4832. Methrodorus 5000. S. Epiphanius Bishop of Salamina 5029. Paulus Orosius 5049. Philo Iudaeus Sigibertus 5195. Isidorus of Sevil 5196. Philip of Bergama 5198. Eusebius of Cesarea 5200. Iohn Nauclerus 5201. Rabanus 5296. Albumazar an Astronomer 5328. Isidorus of Pelusium 5336. Petrus de Alliaco 5344. S. Augustin 5353. Theophanes 5500. Cedrenus 5506. Isaac Vossius 5590. Suidas 5600. S. Clement of Alexandria 5624. Riccioli according to the Septuagint 5634. Nicephorus of Constantinople 5700. Lactantius 5801. Philastrius 5801. Father Pezon 5868 or 5872. Onuphrius Panvinus 6310. Alphonsus King of Spain 6984. Of all these various Opinions we must of necessity take up with one for 't would be needless if not vain to pretend to a new one different from all the rest since it is not to be imagined but that among so many Systems there is some or other satisfactory and upon which one may depend For my part I have pitch'd upon the Opinion which places the Birth of our Saviour in the Year of the World 4000. The Reasons for this Choice are these 1. This space of Time is sufficient to explain and answer the Successions of the Patriarchs Judges and Kings in a Word all the History of the People of God which is the main thing to be considered in the choice of this Epocha Now some very learned Men have already made it out how those 4000 Years do exactly comprehend all the Series of Sacred History according to the Hebrew and the Vulgar Bible and besides that they fill up the Vacancies which the Silence of the Scripture has left towards the end of the Fourth Millenary the extent of which we cannot perfectly know without the Help of Prophane History or the Iewish History of Iosephus The PROOF Years of the World GENESIS contains the History of 2369 Years from the Creation of the World to Ioseph's death 2369. EXODVS comprehends the History of 145 Years reaching from the Death of Ioseph to the Year 2514. two Years before the going out of Egypt 2514. LEVITICVS takes in the Transactions of one Month and a half 2514 1 m. ½ The Book of NVMBERS contains the History oâ— 38 Years and a half that is from the second Month after the coming out of Egypt down to the Death of Moses or thereabouts 2552 7 m. ½ 'T is thought that JOB liv'd about this Time and that Moses wrote his History DEVTERONOMY contains the History of one Month and a half 2552 9 m. Therefore the Pentateuch or five Books of MOSES contain the History of 2552 Years and about nine Months 2552 9 m. The Book of IOSHVAH contains the History of 17 Years because it begins at the 41st Year after the coming out of Egypt and ends with the Death of Ioshuah 2570. The Book of IVDGES comprehends the History of 317 Years it begins at the Death of Ioshuah and ends at that of Sampson 2887. The History of RUTH happen'd under one of the Judges The First Book of SAMVEL contains the History of 101 Years because it begins with the first Year of the Administration of Heli towards the Year 2848. and ends with the Death of Saul in the Year 2949. However this Book does but add 60 Years to the History of the Book of Iudges because the forty Years of Heli's Government of which the first Chapters of the First Book of Samuel give the Particulars are included in Sampson's Time and therefore contained in the 317 Years of the Book of Iudges 2949. The Second Book of SAMVEL contains the History of David's Reign of about 40 Years 2989. The First Book of KINGS contains the History of Solomon's Reign and some Kings of Israel in all about 126 Years 3115. The Second Book of KINGS comprehends the History of 308 Years during which we see the Wars and Misfortunes of 16 Kings of Iuda and 12 Kings of Israel and the Downfal of those two Kingdoms But because the first Chapter of this Second Book concerning Ochosias and Iosaphat run back towards the Year of the World 3108. by that Reason the 308 Years reach no farther than the Year of the World 3456. The History of TOBIAH happens about this time The First Book of CHRONICLES is an Abridgment of the History of the World from Adam to the return from the Captivity Afterwards the Author resuming the History of David in particular pursues it at large till the time that Solomon was crowned King towards the Year of the World 2990. The Second Book of CHRONICLES contains the Sacred History from the Year of the World 2990. down to the Year 3468. at which time ended the 70 Years of the Captivity So that these two Books do but add 52 Years to the History of the People of God 3468. The First Book of ESDRAS contains the History of 82 Years beginning at the end of the Captivity of Babylon and reaching to the 20th Year of Artaxerxes Longimanus and the Year of the World 3550. The Second Book of ESDRAS contains the History of 31 Years as far as the beginning of the Reign of Darius Nothus in the Year of the World 3581. From the Year 3581. where ends the Second Book of Esdras the Scripture gives us no Account of what has happened during 250 Years This Silence and Vacancy cannot be supply'd otherwise than by the Help of Prophane History which about this time being clear and full of Light we may easily perceive that there are 250 Years from the end of the Second Book of Esdras down to the Maccabees or the Reign of Antiochus Epiphanes This Silence of 250 Years lasts to the Year of the World 3830. The Two Books of MACCABEES contain the History of 40 Years and so they lead us as far as the Year of the World 3870. The Holy Scripture fails us again in this Place where we find a Silence of 130 Years which continues till the Birth of our Saviour in the Year of the World 4000. This 130 Years Silence may be supply'd by the Hiâ—story of the Iews which Iosephus has probably extracted from the Journals of the High Priests 'T is plain by this Chronology of the Historieâ— Books of the Bible that the space of 4000
the Conduct of Themistocles defeat the Persian Fleet at Salamina Xerxes flies to Asia leaving Mardonius with three hundred thousand Persians in Greece 3471. The Battle of Plataea wherein the Persians are totally defeated by the Greeks under Pausanias and Aristides and Mardonius slain 3486. Artaxerxes Longimanus succeeds his Father Xerxes 465. 3430. Pindar the Poet born 529. 3450. Heraclitus the Philosopher flourished 500. 3470. Aeschylus the Tragedian flourished 480. 3490. Democritus the Philosopher flourished 460 3490. Hippocrates the Physician flourished 460. 3510. Euripides and Sophocles the Tragedians also Herodótus the Historian 3530. Haggai and Zechariah the Prophets also Socrates the Philosopher 3532. Alcibiades 3545. Malachi the Prophet 406. 3550. Aristophanes the Comedian 400. 3550. Ezra the Prophet 3565. Nehemiah the Prophet 385. 3556. Rome taken and sack'd by the Gauls deliver'd by Camillus the Dictator 394. 3560. Xenophon and Plato flourished 3585. Demosthenes Aeschines the Orators Diogenes the Cynick 3588. Philip King of Macedon Father to Alexander the Great began to Reign 362. 3588. Alexander the Great born Diana's Temple at Ephesus burnt 3606. Philip King of Macedon routs the Army of the Athenians at the Battle of Cheronea in which his Son Alexander then 18 Years of Age breaks through the Theban Troops Aristotle flourishes 344. 3615. Alexander invades Asia overcomes Darius Codomannus King of Persia and made himself Ruler of all Asia and thereby erects the Third Monarchy 335. 3626. Alexander after the Conquest of the Indies dies at Babylon 33 Years old His Generals divide his Kingdoms among them 323. Alexander being dead his Dominions are seiz'd by his chief Captains these were Ptolomy Seleucus Nicanor Perdiccas Antipater Cassander Lysimachus Meleager Eumenes Laomedon Leonatus Pytho Philetas Craterus Menander 3638. Seleucus Nicanor makes himself King of Syria Babylon c. 3626. Ptolomy took Egypt and Africa Aridaeus Alexander's Brother succeeds in Macedon routed by Perdiccas 3633. Cassander obtains the Kingdom of Macedon 3620. Crates the Philosopher Euclid the Mathematician flourished 3634. Agathocles King of Sicily began to Reign 3662. Seleucus having overcome Demetrius and Lysimachus becomes Monarch of Syria Babylon Asia c. 3668. Antiochus Soter his Son succeeds him 282. 3666. Ptolomeus Philadelphus King of Egypt began to Reign 284. 3690 to 3700. The LXXII Translators of the Bible call'd the Septuagint 3670. The War between the Romans and Pyrrbus King of Epirus 3686. The first Punick or Carthaginian War began A. V. Rom. Condit 489. 264. 3733. The second Punick War began A. V. C. 536. Hannibal the Carthaginian passes the Alpes and invades Italy 3734. Defeats Flaminius and the Roman Army Fabius Maximus the Dictator opposes Hannibal 3735. Aemilius Paulus and Terentius Varro with all the Roman Army defeated by Hannibal at Cannae 3737. Hannibal's Army by Wintering at Capua becomes Luxurious and Effeminate which gives the Romans advantage 3740. Scipio call'd afterwards Africanus chosen Proconsul of Spain at 24 Years of Age. 3746. Scipio passes over into Africa and by his Victories there obliges the Carthaginians to re-call Hannibal 3737. Syracusa taken by Marcellus Consul notwithstanding the vigorous Resistance owing to the ingenious Machines of Archimedes the Year of Rome 590. 213. EPOCHA IX 3750. Scipio or the Carthaginians conquered 200. This Epocha descends to the Birth of our Saviour and lasts 200 Years THe long Wars maintained by the Carthaginians against the Romans have made the Name of Carthage famous for ever The First lasted 24 Years It was begun upon the Account of the Mammertins who being attack'd by King Hieroi and the Carthaginians were assisted with great Supplies by the Romans The 2d Punick War lasted 17 Years It was fatal to Rome by the Losses she received from Hannibal in Italy but it had a glorious Issue in Africa where Scipio was very prosperous and gain'd a great Advantage He twice defeated the Enemy commanded by Asdrubal and Siphax King of Numidia The next Year after he routed Hannibal killed 20000 of his Men and took as many Prisoners with 11 Elephants After which Carthage besieg'd both by Sea and Land submitted upon Conditions very advantagious for Rome where Scipio entred leading Siphax in Triumph and merited the Sirname of Africanus in the Year of Rome 553. 3762. Hannibal flies to Prusias King of Bithynia where he Poisons himself for fear of falling into the Hands of the Romans 3763. Scipio the Younger born 3768. Scipio Africanus the Elder died 3775. Antiochus Epiphanes King of Syria began to Reign Rages against the Iews 3782. He plunders the Temple of Ierusalem and puts the Macchabees to Death 173. 3775. Hircanus the Jewish Captain 3784. Iudas Macchabaeus the Jewish Captain 165. 3779. Perseus King of Macedon wars with the Romans 3782. Paulus Aemilius overcomes Perseus and thereby the Kingdom of Macedon which had lasted 645 Years from Caranus to Perseus and had for the space of near 200 Years given Masters to Greece and all the East becomes now a Roman Province 168. 3801. The third Punick War begins 3805. The end of the third Punick War Carthage taken plunder'd and burnt down under the Conduct of the young Scipio Aemilius who wept over the City afterwards returned in Triumph to Rome with the glorious Sirname of young Africanus in the Year of Rome 608. 145. 3795. Terence the Comick Poet lived 3816. Scipio Aemilius arrives in Spain 3817. Numantia the second Terror of the Romans taken and destroyed 132. 3827. Mithridates King of Pontus who had great Wars with the Romans 4846. Aristobulus King of Iudea 102. 3866. The Civil War between Marius and Sylla began A. V. C. 666 82. 3867. Sylla returning from the Mithridatick War commits great Cruelties in Italy 3869. Is made perpetual Dictator which Office he voluntarily resign'd at 3 Years end 3873. Alexandra Salome governs the Iews 78. 3882. Aristobulus her Son succeeds 66. 3887. Ierusalem taken by Pompey 61. 3887. Marcus Tullius Cicero Consul of Rome 61. 3887. Cateline's Conspiracy detected 61. 3890. The Confederation or Triumvirate of Pompey Caesar and Crassus whence the Loss of Rome's Liberty is dated 58. 3895. Caesar conquers the Gauls 53. 3896. Caesar invades Britain 52. 3897. Crassus rifles the Temple of Ierusalem slain in Parthia 51. 3901. Caesar displeas'd with the Actions of Pompey and being deny'd the Consulate enters Italy with his Army which obliges Pompey to fly 47. 3902. The Battle between Caesar and Pompey at Pharsalia wherein Pompey is slain 46. 3903. Caesar made Dictator Corrects the Calendar 3907. Is kill'd in the Senate-house by Brutus and Cassius A. V. C. 710. 41. 3908. Brutus and Cassius being defeated at the Fields of Philippi kill themselves 3908. The Triumvirate of Mark-Anthony Lepidus and Augustus 3919. Anthony and Augustus having ruin'd Lepidus's Party quarrel with one another Anthony loses the Battle of Actium where the Mastery of the Universe lay at Stake Alexandria opens the Gates to the young Caesar. Cleopatria kills her self after Anthony and Egypt becomes a Roman Province 29. 3924. Rome being now
risen to the highest pitch of Greatness casts her self into Octavius Caesar's Arms who under the Name of Augustus and the Title of Emperor remains sole Master of the World Every Thing yields to his Fortune he is victorious both by Sea and Land he shuts the Temple of Ianus all the Universe lives in Peace under his Power and at last JESUS CHRIST is born upon Earth to reconcile Mankind to God his Eternal Father 0â— Virgil Horace and Ovid Lucretius Catullus Tibullus and Propertius flourished 3910. Herod afterwards stiled the Great made King of Iudea by the Roman Senate 3913. Ierusalem taken by Herod 37. EPOCHA X. 3950. The Birth of JESUS CHRIST 0. This Epocha reaches as far as the Peace given to the Church by Constantine and lasts 312 Years THe Time which GOD had determin'd to diffuse the Blessings of his Mercies upon Mankind and give a Saviour to the World being come the Holy Ghost formed in the Virgin 's Womb the Body of that Heavenly Child who was to reconcile the Plenitude of the Godhead with the Meanness and Subjection of Humane Nature God Almighty in order to bring the blessed Virgin from Nazareth her ordinary Abode to Bethleem where the Messiah was to be born according to the Prophets orders it so that the Emperor Augustus issued out a Proclamation to cause all the Families of his Empire to be Registred in their Birth-place Therefore Mary went to Bethleem with Ioseph her Husband who was of that Place and of David's Family and because all the Inns were full and no Lodging to be had any where they were oblig'd to take up with a Stable where the blessed Virgin in a cold Night brought forth our Lord and Saviour and laid him in a Manger That Night which Christians shall celebrate during all Ages has given us the Sun of Righteousness the Light of the Gentiles and the Glory of the People of Israel This Birth so dear and precious to all Mankind happen'd on the 25th of December in the Year of the World 3950. JESUS CHRIST is circumcised Eight Days after his Birth on the Kalends of Ianuary that is the First of that Month. JESUS CHRIST is worshipp'd by the wise Men offer'd at the Temple and afterwards carried into Aegypt Herod puts the innocent Children to Death He dies a miserable Death a little while after the Kingdom divided by Augustus between Archilaus Herod Antipas and Philip our Saviour being 2 Years old Ioseph returns from Egypt and dwells at Nazareth in Galilee JESUS CHRIST is 4 Years old Here the Vulgar Aera begins JESUS CHRIST being 12 Years old is found in the Temple sitting among the Doctors hearing them and asking them Questions 8. Augustus dies at Nola. Tiberius reigns in his Stead 14 Pontius Pilate Tetrarch of Iudea 26. JESUS CHRIST is baptized by S. Iohn 29. JESUS CHRIST suffers Death to reconcile Men to God his Father 33. S. Stephen stoned 34. Conversion of S. Paul 34. First Council held by the Apostles at Ierusalem touching a Difficulty started about Circumcision which is declared unnecessary 48. Ioseph of Arimathea is said to have preached the Gospel in Britain 35. Caius Caligula succeeds in the Roman Empire 37. Claudius Drusus Emperor 41. Comes into Britain 43. Nero began to Reign 54. Boadicea the British Heroine being abus'd by thâ— Romans raises an Army and kills 70000 61. Nero having a foolish Fancy to see a Mock-burning of Troy sets Rome on Fire and lays the Fault upon the Christians This was the Occasion of the first Persecution which was a dreadful one 6â— S. Peter and S. Paul suffer Martyrdom at Rome oâ— the same Day being the 29th of Iune S. Peter iâ— crucified and S. Paul beheaded 67 Galba Emperor 7 Months 69 Salv. Oâ—ho 70 A. Vitellius Emperor 70 Vespasian does a great deal of Mischief in Iudea and bring obliged to leave it he sends thither a littlâ— while after his Son Titus who takes and destroys Ieâ—rusalem Since that Time the Iews are dispersed aâ—â— over the World 70 Fl. Vespasian Emperor 71. Titus Vespasian Emperor 79 Fl. Domitian 81. He raised the second Persecution against the Christians 90. S. Iohn the Apostle is banished and confin'd to the Isle of Pathmos where he writes his Revelations 94. Cocceius Nerva Emperor 96. Vlpius Trajan 98. The third Persecution 99. The Temple Pantheon in Rome and 8 Towns in Galatia beaten down with a Thunder 110. Adrian or Hadrian Emperor 117. He came into Britain to repel a Rebellion there Builds a Wall cross from the River Eden in Carlisle to the River Tine near Newcastle against the Northern Picts 123. The fourth Persecution 124. S. Iustin a Philosopher embraces the Christian Faith for which he writes an Apology and afterwards suffers Martyrdom 126. Ierusalem restored by Adrian the Emperor who calls it Aelia The next Year the Iews rebel in Palestine and are defeated Adrian causes Figures of Swine to be engraven on the Gates of Aelia builds a Temple to Iupiter on Mount Calvary and another to Venus at Bethlehem 135. Antoninus Pius Emperor 138. S. Irenaeus Bishop of Lyons Disciple of S. Polycarp flourishes 156. Lucius of Britain the first Christian King in the World 157. Marcus Aurelius Antoninus the Philosopher Emperor 161. The fifth Persecution 166. Commodus Emperor 180. The Emperor Commodus the most cruel Man that ever lived being stung by a Gnat in the Bath causes â—he Bath-keeper to be burnt 180. The Goths begin to Invade the Southern Natiâ—ns 184. Sep. Severus Emperor 193. The sixth Persecution 202. A. Bastianus Caracalla Emperor 211. Op. Macrinus Emperor 217. Heliogabalus 220. A. Alex. Severus 222. Maximinus 235. A. Gordianus 239. The seventh Persecution 238. Philip the Arabian Emperor 244. Traj Decius 251. The Affairs of the Roman Empire are now very much embroiled The eighth Persecution 252. Gallus Emperor 252. Thirty Tyrants divide the Empire 253. Valerianus 255. The ninth Persecution 259. Gallienus 260. Claudius 267. V. Aurelianus 269. Zenobia after the Death of her Husband Odenatus King of Palmira a City founded by Solomon marches at the Head of her Armies and secures her Husband's Conquests to her Children Aurelian the Emperor obtains a Victory of Zenobia and leads her in Triumph the next Year to Rome This Princess was very learned and understood many Languages 272. A. Probus Emperor 277. The Franks over-run Greece make themselves Masters of Syracusa and having spoil'd the Coasts of Spain they return home These Franks were a German Confederate People inhabiting the Banks of the Rhine 281. A. Carus Emperor 283. Dioclesian 284. Constantine the Great born in Britain 292. The tenth Persecution under Dioclesian whose cruel Edict was proclaim'd at Nicomedia The Faith and Chastity of Christian Virgins are violated the Holy Books are burnt above two Millions of Souls suffer Martyrdom and among them the Empress Serena Dioclesian's Wife The Sacred History relates That the Executioners were sooner weary of putting them to Death than the Saints to suffer it 300. Every Emperor creates
not certainly known who compil'd this Book tho' some ascribe it to Samuel It represents the Republick of the Iews under the Dominion of Iudges counting from the death of Ioshua to that of Sampson It contains a Series of History of it may be 317 Years that is to say from the Year of the World 2570 to 2887. Therein the Israelites are to be found groaning under very severe Hardships God having delivered them over to the Power of their Enemies for the Punishment of their Idolatries VIII Ruth This Book whose Author is not known contains an Example of uncommon Piety and of the singular Providence of God Ruth a Moabitish Woman being not willing to forsake her Mother-in-Law follows her till she comes into her own Country where God so employs his Providence for the Welfare of Ruth that she marries for her second Husband Boas a very rich Man of that Country and becomes Mother of Obed Grand-father of David from whom our Saviour Iesus Christ descended according to the Flesh. There is no doubt but this History of Ruth hapned in the time of the Iudges 'T is said to be during the Administration of Samgar about 28 Years after the death of Ioshua IX The first Book of Samuel contains all that passed under the Governments of Heli and Samuel as likewise under the Reign of Saul for about the space of 101 Years that is from the Year of the World 2848 to 2949. X. The second Book of Samuel comprehends all the Reign of David during 40 Years XI The First Book of Kings contains the History of Solomon's Reign as likewise how his Kingdom was divided after his Death Afterwards it treats of Four Kigns of Iuda There is in this Book a Series of History for the space of 126 Years XII The Second Book of Kings contains the several Reigns of 12 Kings of Israel to the Destruction of that Kingdom and of 16 Kings of Iuda to the Captivity of Babylon This Book also relates wonderful Things of Elijah and Elisha his Companion It contains in all the History of 308 Years The Author of the First and Second Books of Kings is unknown but all together include the space of 597 Years XIII The First Book of the Paralipomenes or Chronicles XIV The Second Book of the Paralipomenes or Chronicles These two Books are so nam'd because they contain the Acts and other Circumstances which had been omitted in the foregoing Historical Books This Second ends at the Year of the World 3468. where ended likewise the 70 Years of Captivity when Cyrus gave Liberty to the People of Iuda to return into their own Country to build their Temple and the Walls of Ierusalem 'T is commonly thought that Esdras was Author of these two Books XV. The First Book of Esdras according to the common Opinion was written by the Person whose Name it bears It contains the History of the Captivity of the Iews with their Deliverance and Re-establishment in Iudea from the first Year of Cyrus his Reign to the 20th of Artaxerxes sirnam'd the Long-handed All which comprehends the space of 28 Years computing from the Year of the World 3468 to 3550. XVI The Second Book of Esdras was compil'd by Nehemiah It begins at the 20th Year of Artaxerxes and continues even to the beginning of the Reign of Darius his Son sirnam'd the Bastard which comprehends the History of the Iews during 31 Years and extends to the Year of the World 3581. XVII Tobit There are those that are of Opinion that Tobit the Father and the Son were the Compilers of their own History but this carries no Authority along with it Tobit was one of those Israelites that was transported out of Samaria by King Senacherib This Book includes several great Examples of Virtue and excellent Principles of Morality You may there observe Tobit faithful to God even under strange Trials His Charity the Care he had to bury the Dead his Patience after he had lost his Sight and finally his admirable Instructions of Piety to his Son Tobit the Son informs us with what Dispositions we are to engage in Marriage In a word the Providence of God towards all those that put their Trust in him shines throughout the whole course of this Book XVIII Iudith The Author of this Book is by no means known Huetius was of Opinion That it was writ during the Captivity in Babylon tho' the History of Iudith related in this Book hapned according to the Opinion of the Learned before this Captivity Thus it is thought that this wonderful Expeditâ—on of that Pious Widow who was 64 Years old when she cut off Holofernes's Head was transacted after King Manasses was Re-establish'd Iudith liv'd 41 Years after this bold Action that is to say to the Year of the World 3389. when she was 109 Years of Age. XIX Esther The History of Esther hapen'd under the Reign of Darius Son of Histaspes It is Ahasuerus who is all along mention'd in this Book The Composure of it is attributed to Mordecai but it appears to me that Esther might also have had a hand in it XX. Iob. It is thought that this Book was first written in Arabick and afterwards Translated into Hebrew by Moses The History of Iob can by no means be a Fiction the Persons and Nations therein mention'd by their proper Names the several Testimonies of Tobit Ezekiel and S. Iames together with the Sentiments of the ancient Fathers ought to convince us that this Story is true Iob was either before Moses or else at the same time with him and this History probably hapned during the Israelites being in the Desert because there is no mention made in it of the written Law XXI The Psalms These are commonly ascrib'd to David altho' there be many that are none of his and which have been written a long time after his Death as well by Esdras as other Prophets XXII The Proverbs of Solomon This Book was Compos'd by him whose Name it bears and contains excellent Precepts of Life as well in what relates to the Service of God as our duty towards our Neighbour XXIII Ecclesiastes also belongs to Solomon This Book decries perfectly the Vanity of the greatest Enjoyments in this World XXIV The Canticles or Song of Songs is also of Solomon This Book is altogether Mystical It describes in a very lively manner the incomprehensible Love of Christ towards the Church his Spouse as likewise the Churches return to Christ. S. Ierom observes that among the Iews none were suffer'd to read this Book till they had attain'd the Age of 30 Years so that we may say with this Father That Solomon writ his Proverbs for those that were just entred in the Paths of Piety his Ecclesiastes for such as were somewhat advanc'd But for his Canticles they requir'd a Mind altogether elevated and disengag'd from the Clogs of this World XXV The Book of Wisdom This Book contains the Spirit and many other Things of Solomon altho' in all
XLIII Malachi Prophesied after the re-edifying of the Temple He reproves the several Abuses which were crept into the Iewish Discipline As he is the last of the Prophets and that no more was to be expected till the coming of Iesus Christ he exhorts the People to stick to the Law of Moses till the Messiah should appear in the World XLIV The I. Book of Maccabees XLV The II. Book of Maccabees These two Books contain the State of the Church under the Third Monarchy which was that of the Greeks continuing Forty Years from the Death of Alexander the Great to that of Demetrius Soter The Second Book is an Abridgment of the Book of Iason who was one of the Iews of Cirena The Author of the First Book is not the Author of the Second as it appears to the Learned both from the difference of Style and different manner of counting the Years Secondly The New Testament contains 27 Books I. The Gospel according to St. Matthew was writ about 6 Years after the Death of Christ at the request of those Iews who had imbrac'd the Christian Faith St. Matthew from a Publican became an Apostle He has undertaken in his Gospel to relate the Royal Race of our Saviour and to represent him according to the Life he led in the Flesh wherefore he speaks chieflly as St. Austin remarks of those Actions and Instructions in which the Son of God has in a manner temper'd his Wisdom with his Divine Majesty that he might render the Example of his Life the more Imitable and Agreeable to our Weakness II. The Gospel according to St. Mark was written in the 3d Year of Claudius or the 43d of Christ according to the ordinary way of Reckoning that is 10 Years after our Saviour's Death This Gospel St. Mark writ at Rome at the request of the Christians of that Church and according to the Instructions he had receiv'd from St. Peter whose Disciple he had been He has follow'd St. Matthew in a many Things and in some places only abridg'd him nevertheless there are many Passages he has dwelt longer upon and observ'd many considerable Circumstances which St. Matthew omitted III. The Gospel according to St. Luke was writ by him 23 Years after Christs Ascension This St. Luke was a Physician and as he was very well acquainâ—ed with the Greek Tongue he has writ more elegantly than either St. Mark or St. Iohn He was not of the number of Apostles as was St. Matthew and St. Iohn but one of their Disciples in like manner as Saint Mark. IV. The Gospel according to St. Iohn the Son of Zebedee and Brother of St. Iames sirnam'd Major was written at Ephesus about the Year of Christ 96. and 63 Years after his Passion upon occasion of the Heresy of Cerinthus and Ebion both which maintain'd That Iesus Christ was but a Man whereupon all the Bishops of Asia and several others entreated St. Iohn to treat more largely on the Matter than the Three Apostles his Predecessors had done and to establish Christ's Divinity beyond Contradiction It was hereupon that Saint Austin observ'd That the other Three Evangelists had only trac'd Christ upon the Earth and as it were walk'd along with him in recounting the Actions of his mortal Life but that St. Iohn had soar'd like an Eagle above human Pitch and discover'd the Word even in the Bosom of God without being dazled with the Lustre of his Glory V. The Acts of the Apostles are properly the Birth and Establishment of the Church which was about the time of the Death of Jesus and the Accomplishment of all his Mysteries St. Paul is particularly celebrated in this History it having been writ by St. Luke who was his Disciple This Book contains the History of 29 or 30 Years from the death of Christ to the time St. Paul was carry'd Prisoner to Rome the first time which was in the Year 63. Which makes some believe that St. Luke wrote this Book at Rome at the same time The Epistles of St. Paul VI. His Epistle to the Romans is plac'd first not that it was writ first but according to the Dignity of the Place and the Church where it was writ The Subject of it is to abate the excessive Pride of the Iews and Gentiles and to unite under Jesus Christ as the Corner-stone by the Bonds of Grace and a Spirit of Humility This Epistle was writ from Corinth in the Year of Christ 57. and 24 Years after his Passion VII His First Epistle to the Corinthians he writ from Ephesus about the Year of Christ 57. and 24 Years after Christ's death Therein St. Paul lessens the Pagan Eloquence and Philosophy which the Corinthians so greatly admir'd He teaches 'em moreover how to prepare for the Communion c. VIII His Second Epistle to the Corinthians writ from Macedon near the same time with the First and sent them by Titus and St. Luke St. Paul therein chiefly admonishes the Corinthians to beware of false Apostles whom he attacks severely naming them Deceitful Workers and Ministers of the Devil IX His Epistle to the Galatians was writ to these People from Lesser Asia a little while after they had been converted by him upon account of false Teachers who had seduced them by persuading them that the Gospel would not be sufficient to save them unless they continu'd to Circumcise their Children and to submit to other Ceremonies of the Law He brings many Books out of Scripture to dissuade the Galatians from this Error and to convince them that they ought no longer to be Slaves under the Old Law but to enjoy the Freedom of the New This Epistle was writ from Ephesus in the Year of Christ 56. and 23 Years after his Passion X. His Epistle to the Ephesians writ from Rome when St. Paul was in Bonds there about the Year of Christ 62. and 29 Years after his Passion This great Apostle therein admonishes the Inhabitants of this Metropolis of Asia Minor not to give Ear to the Preachers of Iudaism who would not only have the Law join'd to the Gospel but also intermixt many other Fables with this Error XI His Epistle to the Philippians writ to the Christians of Philippi in Macedonia from Rome where St. Paul was then Prisoner Here this Holy Apostle professes a more than ordinary Affection for that People which he had Converted and who sent him thither considerable Subsistence when he was in want He exhorts them to continue always stedfast in their Faith to decline Disputes to love Prayer to be humble and charitable to each other to be unshaken in Adversity and to be always replenished with Peace and Joy XII His Epistle to the Colossians writ from Rome while he was Prisoner there in the Year of Christ 62. This People being of Phrygia not far from Laodicea having receiv'd the Faith they were afterwards not a little pester'd with ignorant Seducers who would needs intermix Iudaism and Philosophy with the Gospel St.
wiser for they did not allow every Body to compile their Histories The Pontiffs who had the care of Divine Worship and the Ceremonial part of their Religion had likewise the Charge of making their Annals wherein they were to take notice of the most famous Occurrences in their State from Year to Year This Cicero acquaints us with when he says Erat Historia nihil aliud nisi Annalium confectio cui rei Memoriae Publicae causa ab initio rerum humanarum usque ad Publ. Mutium Pontificem Maximum res omnes singulorum Annorum mandabat literis Pontifex Maximus Lib. 2. de Orat. These Annals also were very plain They contain'd no more than a Summary Account of Matters without entring into many Particulars It was the Genius of the antient Romans to affect Plainness They were more intent upon deserving Praise than hearing it and they never complimented one Man with what was only due to the whole Place A Glimpse of this primitive Simplicity may appear in their Fasti Consulares which was scarce any more than a downright Catalogue of the Roman Consuls These Reasons which we have given to doubt of the Truth of History ought not nevertheless to extinguish in us all sort of Belief for what Historians have written There are Rules before prescrib'd to direct us in antient History which are the very Quintescence of Criticism that is whatever good Sense or a sound Judgment could invent to precaution a heedless Reader against either the Ignorance Negligence or Insincerity of a Writer Into how many Errors would a Man fall if he had not some sort of regard to these Rules But since it is absolutely necessary for every body to be acquainted with the worth of an Historian before they read him I shall proceed to draw some faint Sketches of those that have been most famous in the World since it is my Intention here to be exact but not tedious CHAP. V. The most Celebrated Authors that have written of Church-History THE History of the Church under the Law is contain'd among the sacred Writers which we are never to question as we have said before yet whatever Esteem we may have for these Historians we are by no means forbid to make use of our Reason when we read 'em but are allow'd to Condemn or Approve 'em as we think fit Over and above the Books of the Bible which treat of the old Iewish Church we have also the Writings of Philo and Iosephus both which we shall say something of by reason of the excellency of their Works 1. Philo was a Iew of Alexandria who liv'd under the reign of Caius Caligula and who was Head of an Embassy which the Iews dispatch'd to that Emperor Amongst other Things he writ the life of Moses and Ioseph as also a Relation of his Embassy to Rome wherein he did not succeed Caligula being extreamly offended that the Iews had refus'd to have his Statue in their Synagogue This Author is altogether Platonick for he imitates so exactly Plato's Style that he has been term'd by some The Iewish Plato 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 aut Plato Philonem aut Philo Platonem imitatur In his Book he explains the Bible allegorically He is Eloquent and very Diffusive and his Moral comes very near that of the Christians 2. Iosephus surnam'd Flavius on account of the Emperor Vespatian was a Iew of the sacerdotal Race of the Asmonians He was born in the 37th Year of our Saviour and dy'd in the 93d He has written the History of the Iews from the Creation of the World to the twelfth Year of them This Work he entitles The Iewish Antiquities He has also written an Account of the Iewish Wars with the Romans and of the Sacking of Ierusalem He has likewise written his own life two excellent Tracts against Appion a Pagan and one concerning the Martyrdom of the Maccabees Photius says that Iosephus writ Nicely that he knew how to charm his Readers and that he has all along judiciously embelish'd his History with florid Descriptions and eloquent Harangues St. Ierom calls him the Titus Livius of the Greeks and Erasmus says That his History of the Death of the Maccabees is a Masterpiece of Eloquence Authors of the Church-History I. Hegesippus was a Iew that embrac'd Christianity He came to Rome in the Pontificat of Pope Anicetus and continu'd there till the time of Elutherius that is from the Year of Christ 165 to 180. He is the first Author which has compos'd a Body of Church-History which he divided into V Books and in which he relates the most remarkable Occurrences in the Church from our Saviour's Passion to the time wherein he wrote We have only some Fragments of this Work now remaining which Eusebius has Collected and inserted into his History Under the Name of Hegesippus goes an History of the Iewish Wars and of the Destruction of Ierusalem divided into V Books But says Du Pin it is certain that this Work does not belong to Hegesippus but to an Author who liv'd since Constantin Some attribute this History to St. Ambrose because of a Manuscript of it which the famous Father Mabillon found in the Library given by that Saint at Milan and which was therefore suppos'd to have been a Translation of his II. Iulius Africanus was born in Palestine He was deputed by the Emperor Alexander Son of Mammeus to settle the City of Emmaus which was afterwards call'd Nicopolis He wrote a Chronicle from the beginning of the World to the 3d Year of the Emperor Heliogabalus which he divided into V Books and wherein he briefly relates all the memorable Occurrences down to his Time This Work we have not at present under the Name of Africanus but Eusebius has got it almost all in his Chronicle with some few Additions and Corrections III. Eusebius of Caesarea was born in Iudea towards the end of the Empire of Galienus He was chosen Bishop of Caesarea in the Year of our Lord 313 or 314. He has compos'd several learned Treatises but we shall mention none but those which relate to History 1. His Chronicle which is an Abridgment of Universal History from the Creation of the World to the time when he liv'd which was about the 20th Year of the Reign of the Emperor Constantin This Work contains a great deal of Learning and had no doubt a prodigious deal of Pains and Study bestow'd upon it St. Ierom translated it through tho' we have his first Part but very imperfect 2. His Ecclesiastical History divided into X Books is the chief of all his Works He has there taken notice of all the most memorable Things that have hapned in the Church from the time of our Saviour down to when he wrote He there gives you an exact Account of the several successions of the Bishops in the chieâ—est Cities of the World as likewise of the best Church-Authors and their Books He also reckons up all the Heresies that have crept
I find that he was 56 Years of Age in the Year 1508. LX. Iohannes Trithemius Abbot of Spanheim and of the Order of St. Bennet had a perfect Knowledge both of divine and humane Sciences which appears by his Works amongst which there are several that appertain to History There is First his Chronicle of the Origin of the French and their Kings which comprehends the space of 1189. Years being from King Marcomire to Pepin Next we have his Chronicle of the Reigns and Succession of the several Dukes of Bavaria and Counts Palatin Then there is his Catalogue or Account of illustrious Personages which have been most famous in Germany with several others which I have omitted only I must take Notice that his Stenographia occasioned him to be Accus'd of Magick by those only who had not sufficiently consider'd the nature of his Work which contain'd some surprizing Methods of writing after an uncommon Manner Those who have given themselves the Trouble to consider of this Book have Laugh'd at the Ignorance of these People who thought it Consisted only of Speeches to raise the Devil LXI Hector Boetius a Scotch Doctor of Aberdeen Study'd at Paris at the same time with Erasmus He has written the History of Scotland in XIX Books which Iohn Ferrier a Piemonteze continu'd Boetius compos'd also an History of the Bishops of Aberdeen 'T is said he was alive in 1526. but the exact time when he dy'd is unknown LXII Centuriae Magdeburgenses In the last Age a certain number of very learned Men being Protestants of the City of Magdeburg in Germany set themselves to work to compile a general Ecclesiastical History Which with unexpressible Labour and Judgment they brought to Effect and beginning at the Apostolick Age shewed the Doctrin and Discipline of the Church in every Age of it as also the Changes that happen'd in every part of it This Work which the learned Bishop Montague calls an Herculean Labour for it was the first of the kind is a very compleat Account of all Ecclesiastical Affairs and has deserv'd a very large Encomium from the abovemention'd judicious Prelate as may be seen in the Preface to his Apparatus But it must however be confess'd that this Work hath a share in humane Frailty and is not entirely free from Faults LXIII Caesar Baronius a Cardinal was born at Sora in the Kingdom of Naples He has been famous both for his Piety and Learning He for twenty Years together held Conferences in the Church of the Oratory at Rome concerning Church-history He compil'd Annals of the Church which we have now Extant in XII Volumes He liv'd in the Thirteenth Century that is to say in the Year 1198. He undertook this great Work to oppose the Centuriators of Magdebourg Pope Clement VIII made him Cardinal in the Year 1596. and he would have been Pope had it not been for the Spanish Faction who always oppos'd him because he had mention'd little or nothing of them in his Ecclesiastical History the Sixth Volume of which they caus'd to be Burnt He dy'd the 30th of Iune in the Year 1607. when about 69 Years Old His History is on all Hands granted to be a very good and useful Work and were it not for his excessive partiality would be the most excellent in it's kind Henry Spondanus has made an Abridgment and Continuation of the Annals of Baronius They have also been continu'd by Father Brovius a Polish Fryar of the Order of St. Dominic as likewise by Father Olderic Riwald a Priest of the Oratory at Rome And Father Bisciola and divers others have also made Abridgments of him LXIV Anthony Godeau Bishop of Erasse and afterwards of Venice has been one of the most famous Prelates of this Age. He has written a History of the Church of which I shall say little because it is in every Bodies Hands only I must Affirm that it is Manag'd with a great deal of Judgment and Candour and worthy of an Author who was a Member and first Encourager of the Royal Academy in France We could not better close this Account of Ecclesiastical Writers than with the illustrious Name of Bishop Godeau who has done so great an Honour to his Country and particularly to the Clergy of France He dy'd the 21st of April in the Year 1672. I do not pretend here to have given an exact Account of Ecclesiastical Writers but I have nevertheless made it my business to follow those Catalogues that have been left us by Cardinal Bellarmin and Father Labbe under the Title of Index Historicorum Ecclesiasticorum Also I may well have fail'd in ranging them in that due Order which true Chronology would require yet I have chiefly follow'd Bellarmin except in Honorius of Autun's Life whom this Cardinal and Vossius make to be famous about the Year 1220. when he flourish'd about the Year 1120. which is an Error of full a hundred Years CHAP. VI. Of the most considerable both Greek and Latin Authors of Civil History BY the little I have said concerning each Ecclesiastical Writer it may sufficiently appear that the major part of Church-Authors have either wanted Ability or Sincerity to relate things as they ought yet at the same time however great their Incapacity or want of Integrity might be it will be as readily own'd that their Faults have been nothing in respect of those of the Civil Historians Among these you shall every where meet with the Violation of these two grand Maxims which an Historian ought chiefly to have regard to which are Never to tell a Lie Nor conceal a Truth If History were to be written only by honest Men it is certain that it would never stray from these essential Rules This Caution was once observ'd at Rome insomuch that the care of History was a publick Employment and entrusted only to great and learned Pens But at length with the Caesars Luxury and Flattery got the upper Hand and then we saw that Function which was look'd upon before as Sacred and August Usurp'd by Persons of neither Birth nor Merit Suetonius after Cornelius Nepos observes that the first mean Person that had the boldness to meddle with History was one Otacilius who from a Porter by means of his great Parts came to be Tutor to Pompey the Great as likewise that before him there were none that offer'd at writing History but those that were most considerable in the Common-wealth If I were allow'd here to Speak my Mind I should affirm that what has contributed most towards the corruption of History is the Complaisance that some particular Writers have had to publish Princes Lives whilst they Liv'd or soon after their Deaths Such Relations are Fruit which ought to ripen a long while before it is serv'd up to the Table For in Truth a Historian neither writes as he would nor he ought of a Prince that is living because there are few Princes that would suffer themselves to be represented as they live Truth
consequent thereupon All Mankind make up one sinful Mass of Perdition out of which God makes choice of a small number of Persons to compose the Heavenly Ierusalem These Elect are mix'd on Earth in the Church among the Men of this World whom God looks upon as Vessels of Wrath and abandons to his Justice These Carnal and Fleshly-minded Men together with the Infidels make up the Church of the Reprobate which in Scripture Language is called Babylon All that happens here on Earth is for the Sanctification of the Elect whose Assembly composes Ierusalem which is actuated by no other Principle than Charity whereas Babylon a Slave to its Lusts and Passions is under the Dominion of Concupiscence So that the Church the Object of our Lord's Mercy is the only thing which lasts in the World for ever All Things pass away all Things perish the most puissant Monarchies fall to decay The Church alone remains thô God sometimes seems to abandon it in order to purifie correct and prove it This is what may easily be collected from the whole Sequel of this Chronology where we shall find that all Empires have an End whilst the Church lasts always and Iesus Christ brings within the Pale of his visible Church all Nations of the Earth by virtue of the Cross. This made St. Augustine to say that Iesus Christ became Lord of the Universe not with the Sword in his Hand but on the contrary by having his Hands nailed to the Cross. His Words are Quid fortius manu hâc quae mundum vicit non ferro armata sed ferro transfixa Forasmuch as Christians cannot have any greater Interest than to be acquainted with the History of that Church whereof they are Members Their Curiosity methinks might induce them to enquire how the Church of God still subsists even when every thing else decays and submits to the Stroke of Fate or Time We can discover the Duration of Monarchies trace their Beginning Progress and End But the Church Militant here on Earth is what began and will end with the World What an amazing Sight is this Can any thing more excite the Curiosity of a Man of Genius than to know how this Church a Stranger here on Earth surrounded by so many Enemies and which so many Kings and Emperors attempted to destroy has still subsisted spight of all the Fury and Malice of Hell The Church of God under the Old Testament begins with the World and ends at Iesus Christ who is the Corner-Stone which under the Gospel reunites all Nations in his Church and which takes away that middle Wall of Partition which stood formerly between the Iews and the Gentiles It s Duration is according to some about 3950 according to others 4000 Years But since 't is difficult to trace the Succession of so many Years together without being bewilder'd we have assigned several Epochas which may serve as so many Points of Sight to direct us farther or as so many Breathing Places to rest in before we proceed We shall therefore consider the Iews to the Coming of Christ under four kinds of Governments The first is Patriarchal under 22 Patriarchs The second is Iudicial under 22 Iudges The third is Regal under 22 Kings The fourth is Sacerdotal under 22 Ancestors of Iesus Christ. Sect. 1. The State of the People of God under the 22 Patriarchs This State lasts 2453 Years that is from Adam the first of Men and the first of Patriarchs down to Moses the first Governor or Iudge of the Jews Years of the World Years before Christ. 1. 1. ADAM is created by God and lived 930 Years 3950 130. 2. SETH is born he lived 912 Years 3820 235. 3. Enos is born he lived 905 Years 3715 325. 4. Cainan is born he lived 910 Years 3625 395. 5. Malaleel is born he lived 895 Years 3555 460. 6. Iared is born he lived 962 Years 3490 622. 7. Enoch born he lived 365 Years and is Translated 3328 687. 8. Methusalah is born he lived 969 Years 3263 874. 9. Lamech is born he lived 777 Years 3076 1056. 10. Noah is born he lived 950 Years 2894 1558. 11. Shem is born he lived 600 Years 2392 1656. 12. The Deluge wherein all that had Life perished except Noah and his Family and the Creatures which he took with him into the Ark. 2294 1658. 12. Arphaxad is born he lived 438 Years 2292 1693. 13. Salah is born he lived 433 Years 2257 1723. 14. Eber is born he lived 464 Years 2227 1757. 15. Peleg is born he lived 239 Years 2193 1781. The Chaldeans the first Observers of the Stars 2169 1787. 16. Reu is born he lived 239 Years 2163 1819. 17. Serug is born he lived 230 Years 2131 1849. 18. Nahor is born he lived 148 Years 2101 1878. 19. Terah is born he lived 205 Years 2072 1948. 20. Abraham is born he lived 175 Years 2002 It is here to be observed That there are some who place the Birth of Abraham 60 Years later viz. in the Year of the World 2008 because as they gather from Gen. 12.4 he was but 75 Years old when he departed out of Haran which happened after Terah's Death who died in Haran in the 205th Year of his Age. This Opinion seems to have very probable Reasons on its side which inclined Archbishop Vsher and others to embrace it But let the Case be how it will â—e thought fit to make this Remark and to inform the Reader that notwithstanding this we chose to follow the Vulgar and more known Account that so our Chronology may be all of a Piece and the Thread of it be the better continued 2023. Much about the time it was that the Nations of the Earth being notoriously given up to Idolatry and the Worship of false Gods God thought fit to separate to himself a Chosen People from the rest of the Corrupted World Abraham was the Person made choice of to be the Head and Father of all the Faithful He always led a Plain and Pastoral but withal a Noble and Magnificent Life From his Loins proceeded the Saviour of the World Iesus Christ and he was the first Man whom God honoured with his Alliance stiling him his Friend 1927 2048. 21. Isaac is born he lived 180 Years 1902 2108. 22. Iacob is born he lived 147 Years 1842 2238. About this time Iacob understanding that his Son Ioseph whom he thought to have been dead was living and preferred to great Honour in Egypt went down thither as well to have the Comfort of seeing him before he died as to get a Subsistance for himself and Family because the Famine raged in all that Country except in Egypt The Scriptures inform us that Iacob's Family who went down into Egypt was in all 70 Souls 1712 2453. The Children of Israel remained in Egypt the space of 215 Years where they multiplied so exceedingly even amidst the Pressures of a very severe Bondage which they endured after the Death of Ioseph that they went thence
whom proceeded the Paphlagonians 3. Togarmath of whom came the Phrygians Iavan had four Sons 1. Elishah of whom came the Italians or the Inhabitants of the Fortunate Islands which were called Elisiae 2. Tarshish of whom proceeded the Cilicians the Capital City whereof is Tarsus 3. Kittim from whom descended the Cyprians of which the Capital City is called Cytinium The Hebrews give the Name of Chittim to all the Cities and Provinces which are upon the Sea-Coast for which Reason 't is said of Alexander the Great that he comes from the Land of Chittim and the same Name in Scripture is applied to Italy 4. Dodonim from whom came the Rhodians or rather the Dodoneans in Epirus These are the Families of the Sons of Noah after their Generations in their Nations and by these were the Nations divided in tho Earth after the Flood Gen. X. 32. And now after all this Account does it not appear that the World is but of a short Date We here find Laws first Enacted the Manners polished Empires founded and Arts invented The Earth we find peopled by little and little Experience improved and Mankind by degrees awaking out of the Slumber of Ignorance Husbandry then began to be in Use wild Beasts were caught and tamed for the Service of Mankind Abundance of Inventions and Sciences began then to appear and Nimrod the first Warrior and other of the first Heroes began to Signalize themselves Should we look beyond this Account which Moses has given us of the Origine of the World we shall meet with nothing but Darkness Obscurity and Chaos and no Wonder if Fables and Fictions be the Product of such Beginnings Whereas if we fix here we find Truth and Light and Certainty whereon to build some Assurance and to which we may give our free Assent and Consent A REMARK Concerning the Heads of the Families of the People of God JACOB had twelve Sons who were the twelve Heads from whence the twelve Tribes of the People of God proceeded By his Wife Leah he had six Sons 1. Reuben 2. Simeon 3. Levi. 4. Iudah 5. Issachar 6. Zabulon By his Wife Zilpah he had two Sons 1. Gad. 2. Aser By his Wife Rachel he had two Sons 1. Ioseph 2. Benjamin By his Wife Bilhah he had two Sons 1. Dan. 2. Nephthali Iacob who had a great deal of Esteem and Affection for Rachel continued the same Respect for her after her Death Therefore having only two Sons by her Ioseph and Benjamin he adopts the two Sons of Ioseph Ephraim and Manasses that so by placing these among the rest of his Sons he might give himself some Comfort for the small number of Children which he had by her 'T is upon this account that Iacob blessed Ephraim and Manasses as well as his own Children which he did after a strange and surprising manner Manasses was the eldest and therefore Iacob's Right Hand should have been laid upon him and his Left on Ephraim But the quite contrary happen'd which made Ioseph inform his Father of the Mistake supposing it had been through the Dimness of his Sight But Iacob tells him I know it my Son I know it Manasses shall become the Head of many People and he shall be great but his Brother Ephraim shall be greater than he and his Seed shall become a Multitude of Nations Gen. 48.19 These are the Heads of the Twelve Tribes of Israel and this is it that their Father spake to them and blessed them every one according to his Blessing he blessed them Gen. 49.28 Sect. 2. The State of the People of God under the 22 Iudges or Leaders This State lasts 426 Years that is from Moses the first Leader of the People of God to Saul the first of their Kings Among these there are six of the Leaders who were not Hebrews but Tyrants to whom God delivered his People to punish them for their Sins Years of the World Years before Christ. 2453. 1. MOSES begins to govern the People of God and leads them for the space of Forty Years 1497 2493. 2. IOSHVA governs the Iews and within six years about the year of the World 2499 setled them in the Promised Land 1457 2510. Ioshua dies having governed the People of God about 17 years after the Death of Moses 1440 The Elders govern the Iews who are obedient to God for the space of 15 years 2525. There is an Interregnum among the Iews for the space of six years during which time the People lived according as they thought fit They became corrupted in their Manners fell into downright Idolatry and provoked God to give them up to the Cruelty of their Enemies 1425 2531. I. The First Servitude which lasted Eight years 1419 3. Chushan-rishathaim King of Mesopotamia oppresses the People of God 2539. 4. Othniel frees the People of God from their Servitude 1411 2551. II. The Second Servitude which lasted Eighteen years 1399 5. Eglon the King of Moab oppresses the People of God 2570. 6. Ehud delivers the People of God He was a valiant Man and as the Scripture tells us was Left-handed 1380 2631. III. The Third Servitude which lasted Twenty years 1319 7. Iabin the King of Canaan oppresses the People of God 2651 8. Deborah who judged the Iews together with Barak defeats Sisera Iabin's General and delivers the People of God Iael Heber's Wife fastens Sisera's Head while he was asleep with a Nail to the Ground 1299 2671. IV. The Fourth Servitude which lasted Seven years 9. The Midianites oppress the Iews 2679. 10. Gideon defeats the Midianites and delivers the Iews from their Servitude 1271 After the Death of Gideon the Iews fall into Idolatry 2711. 11. Abimilech the Son of Gideon desiring to be made King kills his seventy Brethren and governs the Iews three years 1239 2714. 12. Tolah judges the Iews the space of three and twenty years 1236 2737. Iair governs the Iews the space of two and twenty years 1213 2741. V. The Fifth Servitude which lasted Eighteen years 1209 14. The Philistines and Ammonites afflict the People of God in the time of Iair's Government 2759. 15. Iephtha succeeds Iair delivers the Israelites from the Servitude of the Philistines and the Ammonites and governs the Iews six years The Scriptures take notice that this Man made a rash Vow to sacrifice the first who should give him the Meeting upon his Return from the Conquest who happen'd to be his own Daughter 1191 2765. 16. Ibzan succeeds Iephtha and judges Israel seven years 1185 2772. 17. Elon judges the Iews the space of ten years 1178 2782. 18. Abdon governs Israel the space of eight years 1168 2767. VI. The Sixth Servitude which lasted almost Forty years 1183 19. The Philistines afflict the People of God 2789. 20. Sampson when he was about Nineteen years old being inspired by God undertakes to defend the Israelites whom he judges for the space of twenty years and as far as he was able delivered from the Tyranny of the Philistines of
whom he killed great Numbers At last by the Allurements of a Woman he was made Prisoner by the Philistines had his Eyes put out and in Revenge pulled down an House upon himself and three thousand People of the Philistines 1161 2810. 21. Eli governs the Iews the space of forty years who was so remiss in the Government of his loose and disorderly Sons that he provoked God to Anger against him and upon hearing the News of his Sons Deaths and of the taking of the Ark he fell backwards from his Seat and brake his Neck by the fall 1140 2849. 22. Samuel succeeds Eli and governs the Iews the space of one and twenty years 1101 2879. The Israelites require Samuel to give them a King He gives them Saul who was about forty years old when he began to Reign 1071 Sect. 3. The State of the People of God under the 22 Kings This State lasted 481 Years from the beginning of the Reign of Saul the first King of the Jews to the end of the Reign of Zedekiah who was their last King Years of the World Years before Christ. 2879. 1. SAVL is anointed King by Samuel and reigns over Israel ten years Saul contrary to the Order of God spares Agag the King of the Amalakites at which God is offended and sends Samuel to acquaint him of his Displeasure who makes Amends for the Fault of Saul by causing Agag to be put to Death 1071 2889. The Army of Saul is defeated by the Phililistines his three Sons slain in Battel and he being very much wounded laid violent hands on himself 1061 2. DAVID having consulted the Oracle of God returned into Iudea where the Tribe of Iudah anointed him for their King being then about thirty years old Abner Saul's General takes his Son Ishbosheth to be King over the other ten Tribes But at last Abner being killed by Ioab and Ishbosheth after he had reigned five years being murdered by two barbarous Assassins Rechab and Baanah David became King of all Israel 2901. About this time it was that David fetched the Ark home and Vzzias who laid hold on the Ark to keep it from falling was struck dead 1049 2926. At this time David out of a Motive of Vain-glory caused Ioab to number the People for which Offence God sent the Plague among them which in three days time destroyed seventy thousand Men. 1024 2929. David at the Instance of Bathsheba and the Prophet Nathan makes his Son Solomon King the one being about seventy and the other about eighteen years old 1021 2930. David dies after he had reigned above forty years viz. seven and an half at Hebron and three and thirty years at Ierusalem 1020 2931. 3. SOLOMON when he first began his Reign married the Daughter of Pharoah and prays God to give him Wisdom 1019 2934. Solomon builds the Temple which David had designed to do but was prevented from it by reason of the Wars wherein he was engaged This temple began to be built the fourth year of his Reign 480 years after the coming out of Egypt and it was finished the beginning of the year of the World 2940 just 1010 years before the coming of Christ. 1016 2969. Solomon dies after he had reigned about forty years 981 4. Rehoboam succeeds his Father Solomon But this young King following the Counsel of the young Men and not that of the old Men who advised him to use his People mildly and with moderation in the beginning of his Reign returned a rough Answer to the Deputies of his People and by this imprudent Act lost the Kingdom of Israel For all Israel that is the Ten Tribes revolted from Rehoboam and took Ieroboam the Son of Nabat to make him their King Here began that fatal Division between the Kings of Judah and Israel which lasted for so many years after We will at present continue the Succession of the Kings of Iudah without intermixing any thing of the Kings of Israel that so we may avoid Confusion But after we have done with the Account of their Succession we think it proper to subjoin the Series of the Kings of Israel adding what happened most Remarkable in each of their Reigns 2986. Rehoboam dies after he had reigned seventeen years 964 5. Abijam a wicked King succeeds his Father and reigned three years 2989. 6. Asa a good King succeeds his Father and reigns one and forty years 961 3030. 7. Iehoshaphat a good King succeeds his Father and reigns five and twenty years 920 Elias the Man of God in a time of Dearth is fed by two Ravens by the Brook Cherith In this King's Reign Elias was taken up into Heaven and Elisha inherited a double Portion of the Spirit which rested on that Prophet and the Children who mocked Elisha were torn in pieces by two Bears 3055. 8. Iehoram a wicked King succeeded his Father and reigned eight years 895 3063. 9. Ahazias a wicked King succeeded his Father and reigned one year 887 3064. Athalia usurped the Throne of Iudah which she held the space of six years 886 In her time a dead Man who by chance was thrown into the Sepulcher of Elisha was raised to Life again by touching the Prophet's Bones 3070. 10. Ioash at seven years old was shewn to the People by the High Priest Iehoiada He was anointed King and reigned over Iudah the space of forty years During the Life-time of Iehoiada Ioash behaved himself regularly and governed well but after that Priest's Death he soon degenerated 880 Zacharias the High Priest was stoned to Death between the Temple and the Altar by the express Order of King Ioash whom he had reproved for his Misdemeanours 3110. 11. Amaziah a good King succeeded his Father and reigned nine and twenty years 840 3139. 12. Vzziah or Azarias after his Father was killed began to reign and his Reign lasted two and fifty years 811 In his Reign Isaiah began to Prophesy He prophecied for above the space of one hundred years Hosea prophecied in the time of Vzziah Iotham Ahaz and Hezekiah during the space of a whole Century Ioel prophecied about the same time Amos. 3191. 13. Iotham a good King succeeded his Father Vziah and reigned sixteen years 759 About this time Obadiah prophecied in Israel when Isaiah prophecied in Iudah Micah prophecied for the space of fifty years and upwards Ionah seems to have been sent much about this time to Nineveh 3207. 14. Ahaz a wicked King succeeded his Father Iotham and reigned sixteen years 743 This impious Prince renewed all the Abominations of Idolatry in Ierusalem which provoked the Lord to deliver him up into the hands of his Enemies 3223. 15. Hezekiah a good King succeeded his Father Ahaz and reigned nine and twenty years 727 In his Reign Sennacherib King of Assyria invaded Iudah sent Rabshokah to Ierusalem to threaten Hezekiah and the Iews But blaspheming the God oâ— Israel he sent a destroying Angel among the Assyrian Army who cut off in one night an
Israel twelve years He overcame the Moabites by Elisha's Miracle was besieged by the Syrians and afterwards slain by Iehu 899 In his time the Shunamite's Son was raised to Life by Elisha Naaman was cleansed of his Leprosy the Army of the Syrians was struck with Blindness a great Famine happened in Samaria the Syrians raised the Siege in haste and leave a great Plenty of Provisions behind them and the incredulous Lord who would not believe the Prophet Elisha who foretold this Plenty having the Charge of the Gate was trodden to death by the Croud 3063. 10. Iehu the Son of Nimshi was anointed King by a Prophet at Ramoth-Gilead Killed Iehoram and his Mother Iezebel and Ahaziah the King of Iudah and reigned over Israel eight and twenty years He killed all the Sons of Ahab destroyed the Worshippers of Baal but follows the Sin of Ieroboam and worshiped the Golden Calves 887 3091. 11. Iehoahaz a wicked King succeeded his Father Iehu and reigned over Israel seventeen years He was greatly oppressed by Hazael King of Syria but was reliev'd by Prayer 859 3107. 12. Iehoash or Ioash a wicked King succeeded his Father Iehoahaz and reigned over Israel sixteen years He obtained three Victories over Banadad King of Syria according to the Propheâ—y of Elisha who died in his Reign 843 3123. 13. Ieroboam a wicked King succeeded his Father Ioash and reigned over Israel one and forty years He recovered Hamath and Damascus from the Syrians but departed not from the Idolatry of Ieroboam the Son of Nabat who made Israel to sin 827 3164. Here happened an Interregnum which lasted Twelve Years after which 786 3175. 14. Zachariah a wicked King succeeded his Father Ieroboam and reigned over Israel six months He was the last of Iehu's Race and killed by Shallum 775 3175. 15. Shallum succeeds Zachariah and reigns only one month and is killed by Menahem 775 3176. 16. Menahem succeeded Shallum and reigned over Israel ten years He was invaded by Pul King of Assyria to whom he gave Money to settle him in the Kingdom 774 3187. 17. Pekahiah a wicked King succeeded his Father Menahem and reigned over Israel two years He was killed by Pekah 763 3189. 18. Pekah a wicked King succeeded Pekahiah and reigned over Israel twenty years and was killed by Hoshea 761 In his time Tiglath Pileser King of Assyria carried the People of Gilead and Galilee and the Land of Naphthali into Captivity 3210. 19. Hoshea the Son of Elah a wicked King succeeds Pekah and reigned 17 years He became Tributary to Shalmaneser but rebelling against him was carried away Captive with all the Ten Tribes in the year of the World 3227 before Christ 723. This Shalmaneser transplanted several strange People into the Country of Israel who worshipped Idols and afterwards being plagued made a mixture of Religions partly Heathen and partly Jewish 740 And now to this short View which has been given of the State and Condition of the People of God under the Government of their Kings it will not be amiss to add one or two Remarks REMARK I. IN the first place it may be observed from God's Dealings with his own People the Iews in this whole Period of Time how and after what manner he generally deals with Publick Communities and Societies of Men. So long as the Kings and their Subjects were Obedient to his Laws and served him with an upright Heart so long did he give them Peace and Prosperity at home and Success and Conquest abroad But when at any time they deviated from their Duty and set up an Idolatrous Worship instead of worshipping the only true God then he gave them over to the Will of their Enemies and made them who hated them to be Lords over them This is apparent in the whole Series of this History and what Samuel foretold and threatned upon the Establishment of their first King was abundantly verified upon them at last viz. That if they did wickedly God would destroy both them and their King For when the Measure of their Iniquity was filled and they had arrived to the highest Perfection of Impiety Human Nature was capable of then were they carried into Captivity their Temple and City defaced and themselves made Slaves to the Heathens whose Gods they had worshipped I need not Instance in any more Particulars since all the World knows and our own Nation has experienced that Publick Communities considered as such receive according to their Deserts their Rewards or Punishments even in this World REMARK II. IN the next Place it may be observed from the Revolt of the Ten Tribes how Dangerous and Prejudicial and of what ill Consequence Faction is in the State as well as Schism in the Church From Ieroboam down to Hoshea we find not so much as one good King who reigned in Israel The first King established his Usurpation by wicked and unlawful Methods and the rest continued it by as bad or worse They were all Idolaters and corrupted the People so far that at last they provoked God to throw them out of his Embraces to permit them to be led away into Captivity by Shalmaneser and to cut off the very Memory oâ— them from the Face of the Earth And if God as the Apostle speaks upon the like Occasion dealt thus with the Natural Branches his own peculiar People the Iews let not us then who by Nature were Branches of the Wild Olive Tree and were grafted contrary to Nature into the Good Olive Tree let not us I say be high-minded but fear For Faction in the State as well as Schism in the Church do in their own Nature tend to the Ruin and Destruction of both Sect. 4 The State of the People of God in the Time of the 22 Ancestors of Jesus Christ. This State lasted 590 Years that is from the end of the Reign of Zedekiah to the Birth of Jesus Christ who is that Corner Stone which united the two Covenant or Testaments This Genealogy is according to St. Luke's Account in the Third Chapter of his Gospel IT must here be observed That thô we are very well assured that these two and twenty Ancestors of Iesus Christ did live between the end of the Reign of Zedekiah and the Birth of the Messiah that is before the year of the World 3950 yet we are ignorant how many years each of them lived for History gives us no Light in the Case Nay 't is very probable that we should not have come to the knowledge of their Names had not St. Luke recorded them for us in the Third Chapter of his Gospel Potest fieri says St. Ambrose ut alii longaevam transegerint vitam alterius verò generationis viri immaturâ aetate decesserint i. e. 'T is probable that some of them were long-lived and others cut off by an untimely Death in the very Flower of their Age. 'T is upon this Account that we range these two and twenty Ancestors within the compass of
till the year of Christ 70 or according to the vulgar Account 67 at which time Vespasian laid Iudea waste but upon Intelligence of the Death of Nero he left Iudea and went to Rome Within a while after he sent his Son Titus who besieged and took Ierusalem The Famine was so great in that City towards the end of the Siege that a Woman was forced to kill her own Child to eat The Temple was burnt and Titus gave his Soldiers leave to riffe and burn the City At this time was fulfilled the Saying of our Saviour who foretold of Ierusalem that killed her Prophets That she should be destroyed and not one stone left upon another Phanias was High-Priest when Ierusalem was taken A. D. 70 and forty years after the Death of Iesus Christ. CHAP. II. An Account of the Assyrian Monarchy HAving in the preceding Chapter given you a short but exact Account of the State and Condition of the People of God from the Creation down to our Saviours time We shall now proceed to Prophane History where we must not expect to meet with that Accuracy and Exactness of Chronology which Moses and others of the Inspired Writers have observed in their Accounts In this and the three next Chapters we will Treat briefly of the Four Great Monarchies viz. The Assyrian Persian Grecian and Roman And afterwards we shall give you a short Account of the other Monarchies and Republicks which were Contemporary to them The Monarchy of the Assyrians is the first of the four but before we treat of it we think it not amiss to give you a short Description of that Country Assyria properly so called was a Country of a large Extent situated in Asia Major Bounded on the North by Armenia the Greater on the East by Media on the South by Susiana and Babylonia and on the West by the River Tigris which parts it from Mesopotamia which at present is called Diarbech But the Empire of the Assyrians or which is called Assyria Major was of a greater Extent for it took in Syria Mesopotamia Babylonia Persia in a word all Asia except the Indies This was the State of the Assyrians under Semiramis It has been observed that nothing is more intricate and difficult than to trace the first Beginnings of Monarchies which are commonly dark and obscure and full of Fables This is apparently true with respect to that of the Assyrian the first Rise of which is very hard to find out Authors are divided in their Opinions about it and as they differ very much in the Account they give us of its first Founder and of its Duration so they dissent as much in the Number and in the Names of the Kings who reigned over it Those who follow Herodotus as Vsher c. make Ninus to be the first Founder of it affirming the Chaldeans and the Arabs to have reigned in Assyria before his time They place the beginning of this Monarchy about the year of the World 2737 before Christ 1213. So that its Duration from that time to Belshazzar the last of the Assyrian Monarchs takes up 656 years Others who follow Diodorus Siculus such as Sethus Calvisius Petavius Helvicus c. make Nimrod to be the first Founder of the Assyrian Monarchy and place the beginning thereof in the year of the World 1788 before Christ 2162 so that the Duration of this Monarchy according to those Authors is about 1647 years Now thô the former Account seems most Authentick and carries the greatest Face of Truth yet we shall choose to follow the latter likewise in compliance to the generality of Historians and herein we shall first lay down the Succession of the Kings from Nimrod to Sardanapalus as they are copied from Theodorus Zuingerus by Gutberleth in whose time the Monarchy was divided into that of the Medes and Babylonians After which we will briefly relate the State and Condition of the Divided Monarchy under its separate Kings whose Names we will likewise give you from the same Author 1. The State of the Assyrian Monarchy from Nimrod its first Founder down to Sardanapalus which lasted about 1360 Years Years of the World Years before Christ. 1788. 1. NImrod the Son of Cush built the Tower of Babel laid the Foundation of the Assyrian Monarchy and reigned 56 years 2162 1844. 2. Belus reckoned by some the same with Nimrod reigned 65 years 2106 1909. 3. Ninus he built Nineveh which was founded by Ashur conquered Zoroaster King of the Bactrians and reigned 52 years 2041 1961. 4. Semiramis the famous Assyrian Heroine built Walls round about Babylon enlarged her Territories reigned 42 years and was killed by her Son Ninias 1989 2003. 5. Ninias or Ninus succeeded his Mother and reigned 37 years 1947 2040. 6. Arius reigned 30 years 1910 2070. 7. Aratius reigned 40 years 1880 2110. 8. Baleus or Balaneus reigned 30 years 1840 2140. 9. Armatrites reigned 37 years 1810 2177. 10. Belocus Priscus reigned 36 years 1773 2213. 11. Baleus Iunior he reigned 52 years 1737 2265. 12. Altades reigned 32 years 1685 2297. 13. Mamitus reigned 30 years 1653 2327. 14. Mancaleus reigned 30 years 1623 2357. 15. Sphaerus reigned 20 years 1593 2377. 16. Mamelus reigned 30 years 1573 2407. 17. Spartus reigned 40 years 1543 2447 18. Ascatades reigned 40 years 1503 2487. 19. Amyntas reigned 45 years 1463 2532. 20. Belochus junior reigned 25 years 1418 2557. 21. Belopares reigned 30 years 1393 2587. 22. Lamprides reigned 32 years 1363 2619. 23. Sosares reigned 20 years 1331 2639. 24. Lampares reigned 30 years 1311 2669. 25. Pannias reigned 45 years 1281 2714. 26. Sosarmus reigned 19 years 1236 2733. 27. Mitreus reigned 27 years 1217 2760. 28. Tautanes reigned 32 years 1190 2792. 29. Teuteus reigned 40 years 1158 2832. 30. Thyneus reigned 30 years 1118 2862. 31. Dercylus reigned 40 years 1088 2902. 32. Eupales reigned 38 years 1048 2940. 33. Laosthenes reigned 45 years 1010 2985. 34. Pyriciades reigned 30 years 965 3015. 35. Ophrateus reigned 20 years 935 3035. 36. Ophraganeus reigned 50 years 915 3085. 37. Ascarzapes reigned 42 years 865 3127. 38. Sardanapalus reigned 20 years He led a soft and effeminate Life and at last in the year of the World 3148 before Christ 802 Arbaces conspir'd against him besieg'd Nineveh and took it Sardanapalus to avoid the Shame of being taken by his Enemies burnt himself with all his Concubines and Riches in his own Royal Palace Upon his Death the Monarchy was divided 823 ☞ Our Countryman Mr. Tallents in his Chronological Tables takes notice that Iustin in his History saith This Empire lasted from the time of Ninyas or Ninus to Sardanapalus about 1300 Years which comes pretty near the Truth but makes no mention of the Kings who succeeded Ninus who grew Effeminate and Inglorious But the Names Tallents sets down out of Berosus Africanus transcribed by Eusebius which we think proper here to insert thereby to shew the Variety of Authors Opinions about the Names of these Kings
After Ninus he places 1. Arius Both the same with those in the former Catalogue 2. Aralius Both the same with those in the former Catalogue 3. Mamylus 4. Sparthaeus 5. Ascatades His Name is likewise mentioned in the former List. 6. Amyntas All these with a little Variation of a Letter or two are the same with those in the former Catalogue 7. Belochus All these with a little Variation of a Letter or two are the same with those in the former Catalogue 8. Balatores All these with a little Variation of a Letter or two are the same with those in the former Catalogue 9. Lamprides All these with a little Variation of a Letter or two are the same with those in the former Catalogue 10. Sosares All these with a little Variation of a Letter or two are the same with those in the former Catalogue 11. Lampraes All these with a little Variation of a Letter or two are the same with those in the former Catalogue 12. Panyâ—s All these with a little Variation of a Letter or two are the same with those in the former Catalogue 13. Sosarmus All these with a little Variation of a Letter or two are the same with those in the former Catalogue 14. Mithraeos All these with a little Variation of a Letter or two are the same with those in the former Catalogue 15. Teutamos All these with a little Variation of a Letter or two are the same with those in the former Catalogue 16. Teutaeus All these with a little Variation of a Letter or two are the same with those in the former Catalogue 17. Arabelus These are not in the List of Zuingerus 18. Chalaos These are not in the List of Zuingerus 19. Anabos These are not in the List of Zuingerus 20. Babios These are not in the List of Zuingerus 21. Thinaeos These four the same with those in the former List only Eupacmes here is there called Eupales 22. Dercylus These four the same with those in the former List only Eupacmes here is there called Eupales 23. Eupacmes These four the same with those in the former List only Eupacmes here is there called Eupales 24. Laosthenes These four the same with those in the former List only Eupacmes here is there called Eupales 25. Pyritiades 26. Ophrateus 27. Ephacheres 28. Acracarnes 29. Sardanapalus Notwithstanding the Darkness and Obscurity of these Times and the various Opinions of Authors about the first Founder and about the Names and Number of the succeeding Kings of the Assyrian Monarchy yet they afford us so much Light as to give us occasion to make these following Reflections REMARK I. THO' the Title of Monarchy belongs equally to all States that are under the Government of one single Prince who is stiled the Monarch of that State so govern'd yet in History it more peculiarly relates to the four great Monarchies of the World who succeeded each other and in their Turn conquered and gave Law to the other Petty Monarchies of the Earth REMARK II. THE first of these Monarchies was according to the joint Testimony of all Writers the Assyrian which by Historians both Sacred and Prophane is promiscuously stiled the Babylonian the Chaldean and the Assyrian Monarchy It was called the Babylonian Monarchy because of the Tower of Babel which Nimrod the first Founder of this Monarchy built and because a great many of its Monarchs held their Court at Babylon It was stiled the Chaldean Monarchy because Babylon was in Chaldea and several of its Kings were Chaldeans Lastly it is called the Assyrian Monarchy because Ninus after he had built Nineveh the Capital City of Assyria translated the Seat of the Empire thither REMARK III. FRom the Beginning Growth and Decay of the Assyrian Monarchy and of the other three we may once for all observe that the Providence of God thô unseen and unregarded had the greatest Share in advancing them from so small a Beginning to so great a Grandeur as to be at last the Terror and Scourge of the rest of the Inhabitants and Kingdoms of the Earth That the Designs and the Glory of this Supreme Being were all along carried on and promoted by these Humane Instruments even whilst they only thought of advancing their own private Interests and of enlarging their own Territories That when the Designs of this great King of Kings and Lord of Lords were once brought about and his Glory sufficiently signalized then he discarded those Instruments took the Empire away from them and bestowed it on another People This is so visible from the whole Series even of Prophane History that it needs no other Proof than the Considerate Perusal of what Historians have delivered to us about the various Changes and Revolutions that have happened in the several great Monarchies of the World Those who were the Greatest arrived by degrees to their Height from very small Beginnings and when they were there there they stopp'd some invisible Power giving a Check to their growing Greatness Afterwards we find that in the midst of all their Glory they have either dwindled away as they rose or else lost all they had been conquering for several Ages together within the compass of a few years or days And does not all this sufficiently prove an over-ruling Providence which takes care of all Human Affairs and disposes of Kings and Kingdoms as he thinks fit Having made these short and we hope useful Reflections we shall now proceed to give you an Account of the State of the Assyrian Monarchy as it was divided into that of the Medes and Babylonians Sardanapalus was conspired against by two of his Generals Arbaces and Belochus the former was made King of the Medes and latter King of the Babylonians The State of that part of the Assyrian Monarchy which was under the Babylonians from Belochus the first King to the Death of Belshazzar the last King which State lasts 271 Years Years of the World Years before Christ. 3148. 1. PHul Belochus after Sardanapalus reigned 48 years over the Assyrians 802 3196. 2. Tiglath Pileser reign'd 23 years His Name is mentioned in the Scriptures 754 3219. 3. Salmanasar succeeded reign'd 10 years 731 3229. 4. Sennacherib reign'd 7 years This was that King of Assyria mentioned in the Scriptures who brought an Army into Iudea besieged Ierusalem had his Army destroyed by an Angel retired in Confusion to Nineveh and was killed by his two Sons Adrammelech and Sharrizer who fled afterwards into Armenia 721 3236. 5. Assarhaddon succeeded his Father and reign'd 10 years 714 3246. 6. Merodach conquer'd Assarhaddon and reign'd 40 years 704 3286. 7. Ben. Merodach reigned 21 years 664 2307. 8. Nebuchadnezzar I. reign'd 35 years He in the 12th year of his Reign defeated Arphaxad King of the Medes by some called Dejoces who built the City of Echatane The next year he sent General Holofernes into the Land of Iudea who laid Siege to Bethulia and was beheaded by Iudith in his Tent. 643 3342.
9. Nebuchadnezzar II. stiled the Great succeeded his Father Nabopolassar This man besieged and took Ierusalem carried away Zodekiah and all his Nobles into Captivity rifled the Temple of its Vessels brought them to Babylon and placed them in the Temple of his God Bell. He dreamed a Dream of the Four Monarchies which Daniel explained erected an Image in Susa cast the Three Children into the burning fiery Furnace was puffed up with Pride at the Greatness of his Conquests and the Magnificence of his Buildings was deprived of his Reason and turned out to feed with Beasts was restored after 7 years and died after he had reigned 43 years 608 3386. 10. Evilmerodach succeeded his Father Nebuchadnezzar and reigned a little more than 2 years 564 3388. 11. Nerigloosser kill'd Evilmerodach and reign'd with his Son Laborosoarchod about 4 years The former was defeated by Cyrus and killed in Battel and the latter was slain for his Irregularities 562 3392. 12. Belshazzar Son to Evilmerodach and Grandson to Nebuchadnezzar succeeded In a Prophane Feast which he made he saw an Hand writing upon the Wall which Daniel explained and according to his Prophecy he was deposed and killed by his Soldiers and Cyaxares or Darius the Mede seiz'd upon the Throne Thus ended the Assyrian Monarchy which was translated to the Persians 558 The State of that part of the Assyrian Monarchy which was governed by the Medes from Arbaces their first King to Cyaxares or Darius their last Years of the World Years before Christ. 3148. 1. ARbaces having defeated Sardanapalus and taken Nineveh reigned over the Medes 28 years 802 3176. 2. Sosarmus reigned 30 years 774 3206. 3. Medidus reigned 40 years 744 3246. 4. Cardiceas reigned 13 years 704 3259. 5. Dejoces or Arphaxad reigned 53 years 691 3312. 6. Phraortes or Artynes succeeded his Father Dejoces conquered the Persians and reigned 22 years 638 3334. 7. Cyaxeres I. succeeded his Father was more Warlike than his Predecessors but was subdued by the Scythianss who ruled 18 years afterwards were made drunk by him and were killed He reigned 40 years 616 3374. 8. Astyages succeeded his Father and reigned 35 years This King sent his Son Cyaxeres and his Grandson Evil-Merodach who with a great Army of Horse and Foot made Incursions on the Frontiers of Media The Assyrians were beaten and forced to retire 576 3409. 9. Cyaxeres II. or Darius the Mede succeeded his Father and reigned 30 years This was he who conquered Belshazzar and began to lay the Foundation of the Persian Empire being during his Life called the Empire of the Medes and Persians but after his Death united by Cyrus 541 CHAP. III. Of the Persian Monarchy THE second of the four great Monarchies was the Persian which lasted from Cyrus the first Monarch to Darius Codomannus the last 206 years Years of the World Years before Christ. 3419. 1. Cyrus obtain'd the Kingdom of Persia by the Death of his Father Cambyses and the Kingdom of the Medes by the Death of his Uncle Cyaxeres and by this means founded the Persian Monarchy Cyrus died in the 70th year of his Age. But some say that being defeated by Tomiris Queen of the Scythians he had the Misfortune to fall under her just Vengeance who cut off his Head threw it into a Vessel full of Blood and insulted over him in these Terms Satia te sanguine Cyre i. e. Now Tyrant take thy fill of Human Blood 531 3421. 2. Cambyses succeeded his Father Cyrus and reigned over Persia 7 years and 7 months He was a cruel King killed his own Brother Smerdis crucified Polycrates and killed himself at last by his own Sword 529 3429. Oropastes the Magician usurps the Throne under the false Name of Smerdis but within a few months after was killed by seven great Lords who conspired against him Their Names we learn from Herodotus to be Otanes Hidarnes Megabizus Gobrias Aspatines Intaphernes and Darius 521 3430. 3. Darius I. Sirnamed Hystaspes one of the seven Lords who had killed Oropastes is acknowledged King by all the rest which he brought about by this Stratagem These Lords could not very well agree among themselves what Form of Government they had best have Otanes was for a Democracy Megabizus maintained that an Oligarchical Government would be most advantageous But Darius preferred a Monarchical State before either of the former and his Opinion met with the greatest Applause The Question then rose who should be their King since the Heirs-Male of Cyrus were extinct At last they agreed unanimously That the next morning by Sun-rising they should all mount on Horseback and the Man whose Horse neigh'd first should be acknowledged King Oebor Darius's Groom had the Art of making a Horse neigh when he pleased which Skill he then made use of in favour of his Master So that no sooner was Darius mounted but his Horse neigh'd the other Lords alighted did Obeisance to him and owned him for their King He reigned 36 years 520 In the beginning of his Reign he married Atossa the Daughter of Cyrus Widow of Cambyses and of a certain Grandee to whom she had been afterwards married This he did out of Policy to support himself in the Throne thereby insinuating that the Kingdom was not translated to a Stranger but to one of Cyrus's Family Within a while after Darius being returned from Hunting sprained his Foot as he alighted off his Horse There were a great many Egyptian Physicians then at Court who used their utmost Skill to ease the King but all to no purpose for he neither slept nor was his Pain abated for 7 days together At last Democedes a Greek Physician was called for who managing the Distemper according to the Grecian Method gave the Prince something to make him sleep and healed him in a few days The same Democedes was likewise Fortunate in curing the Queen Atossa of an Ulcer in her Breast Among other Favours which that Princess urg'd him to demand of her he intreated her to inspire the King with a Resolution of conquering Greece He had his Desire granted for Darius ordered fifteen of his chief Nobles to attend Democedes that they might take a View of the Cities of Greece which he intended to conquer Accordingly they departed from Susa the Capital City of Susiana in the Kingdom of Persia and passing through Phenicia to Sidon they furnished themselves with Provisions and embarked for Greece They took a View of the Sea-Ports drew Charts of the Coasts omitted nothing that might be of Use to their Design went as far as Italy and visited Tarentum At last Democedes being arriv'd at the Place he desir'd very cunningly gave his magnificent Attendants the slip who in the whole Expedition followed his Orders and by this means got to Crotona where his House was leaving the others to get home as well as they could Other Authors tell us that it was Hippias who instigated Darius against the Greeks But whâ—ther one or either of them occasion'd it 't
is certain that he sent a great Army against Greece which was defeated by Miltiades at the Battel of Marathon where 110000 Persians were cut off Darius likewise engaged in a War against the Scythians but was routed by them But he subdued the Rebelling Babylonians by the barbarous Policy of Zopyrus who was a great Favourite of Darius and to serve his Master was content to cut off his own Nose and Lips and so mangled fled to Babylon pretending his cruel Master had thus Rewarded all his Services which gaining him Credit with the Babylonians he found an opportunity of betraying them and their City to Darius 3465. 4. Xerxes I. succeeded his Father Darius and reigned 21 years Upon his first Accession to the Throne he was stirred up by Mardonius to engage in a War against Greece The Preparations for this War took up 10 years time after which he led so vast an Army against the Grecians that all Greece could scarce contain them He attack'd it both by Sea and Land His Land-Forces according to Herodotus were above Two millions three hundred thousand Men and his Naval Strength as Cornelius Nepos informs us consisted of a Fleet of Twelve hundred Long-Ships and Two thousand Ships of Burden All or most of this great Army was lost in this Expedition The first Defeat Xerxes met with was at Thermopylae where Leonidas and Three hundred Spartans killed Twenty thousand Persians After this he was routed at Sea near Salamis by Themistocles and forced to make his Escape in a Fisher-boat Mardonius his General burnt Athens and was shortly after routed and killed at Platea by Pausanias The same day Forty thousand Persians were killed at Mycale in Asia by Leotychidas and Xerxes himself at last was killed in his Bed by Artabanus Captain of his Guards Iosephus makes him to be the same with Ahasuerus who married Esther the Iew but others pretend Darius Histaspes was the Man 485 3486. 5. Artaxerxes I. succeeded his Father Xerxes and reigned 40 years He was famous for the Sweetness of his Temper and for the Greatness of his Courage He was Sirnamed Longomanus because his Right Hand was longer than the other He killed his Brother Darius supposing him by the false Accusation of Artabanus to have killed Xerxes and that Captain attempting to kill Artaxerxes was killed by him 464 3525. 6. Xerxes II. succeeded his Father Artaxerxes and reigned only two months For being made drunk at a Feast his Brother Sogdianus killed him as he slept in his Palace 425 7. Sogdianus succeeded and reigned only 7 months He was deserted by his Friends deceived by Oaths and Promises came to Darius Nothus and was killed by him 3526. 8. Ochus or Darius Nothus succeeded Sogdianus and reigned about 20 years 424 3545. 9. Artaxerxes II. Sirnamed Mnemon succeeded his Father Darius and reigned 43 years Cyrus Governor of Lydia rebell'd against his Brother Artaxerxes and being aided by the Spartans and other Greeks offered him Battel at Cunaxa where he was defeated and killed After the Fight was over the King ordered the Body of Cyrus to be looked out caused his Head and his Right Hand with which he had been wounded in the Engagement to be cut off 405 This Artaxerxes in imitation of Cambises caused such Judges as received Bribes to be flea'd alive and cover'd the Tribunals where they sate with their Skins that so the Judges might have constantly in view the Punishment prepared for all such Delinquents He had a Son named Arsames by one of his Concubines but Ochus his lawful Heir perceiving him to be very much in favour with the King killed him and soon after the King himself died with Grief at the loss of that Darling 3588. 10. Ochus who took upon him the Name of Artaxerxes III. succeeded his Father and reigned 23 years He being assisted by Mentor the Rhodian subdued and wasted Egypt rifled the Temples and carried away from them all the Books of Learning and History which Bagoas afterwards redeemed at a great Price Artaxerxes derided the Egyptian Gods and to revenge an Affront caused an Ox under which Figure their chief God Apis was worshipped to be sacrificed to an Ass. This King aided the Perinthians against Philip King of Macedon and at last falling sick was poisoned by Bagoas who being an Egyptian could not forgive the Affront put upon his adored Apis. This Bagoas bore a great Sway both in the Army and in the State and was the Person that placed Arses the youngest Son of Artaxerxes upon the Throne putting all the rest to Death 362 3611. 11. Arses succeeded and reigned two years and a few months But Bagoas understanding that this King intended to punish him for the Crimes he had committed prevented his Design by poisoning him in the third Year of his Reign 339 3641. 12. Darius Codomannus the Son of Arsamas was set up by Bagoas whom he poisoned upon suspicion that he designed to serve him as he had done his Predecessors He reign'd about 6 years 336 This was the Darius whom 3616. Alexander gave Battel to and defeated at the Granicum a River of Phrygia In this Engagement Alexander was in great danger of his Life his Helmet being cleft asunder by the stroak of a Scymeter but Clytus came in to his Defence and cut off the Hands of him who was going to repeat the Blow 334 The next year Darius offered Battel to Alexander near Issus a City of Cilicia seated upon the Mediterranean wherein he was defeated lost 50000 Men with his Baggage his Mother Sisigambis his Wife Statira his two Daughters and his Son Ochus who was not then above 6 years old Two years after this viz. 3619. Alexander gave Battel to Darius near Arbela a City of Assyria wherein 90000 Persians were cut off and Darius put to flight This was the last stroke Darius gave for the Maintenance of the Persian Monarchy He afterwards threw himself into the Hands of Bessus Governor of Bactria who traiterously imprison'd and murder'd him by which the Persian Monarchy terminated and that Empire became subject to Alexander who erected the Third or Grecian Monarchy whereof we are next to Treat 331 CHAP. IV. Of the Grecian Monarchy BEfore we shew you this mighty Monarch in his Grandeur it may not be amiss to speak a little of the Birth Character and Actions of Alexander before his Persian Expedition together with his surprizing Progress in the Conquest of the Eastern World 'T was in the year of the World 3595 before Christ 355 that Alexander the Son of Philip King of Macedon was born at Pella a City in Macedon His Mother Olympias while she was with Child of him dream'd That her Bowels were extended over all Asia which was verified in the Conquests made by the Son she at that time bore in her Womb. He was born with all the Endowments of an Heroick Spirit had a great and aspiring Soul a Temper full of Fire a lively Genius and thô impatient of Restraint was
mild enough to be prevailed upon by reasonable Advice till in the latter end of his Reign when the Persian Luxury had debauched him To these natural Qualifications his Father a wise and couragious Prince added an Education that finished this excellent Piece for in his tender years he was commited to the Care and Tuition of Aristotle that great Philosopher by whose Wisdom this Noble Prince was so far improved that An Philippo Patri aut Aristoteli magistro plus debuit Alexander is become a common Subject of Declamation in the Schools When he was but a Youth visiting his Father's Stables he saw the Horse Bucephalus whom when by reason of his fierceness none of the Grooms durst venture to ride he undertook to tame and leaping upon his Back rode him round the Ring his Father surprized and delighted with the Courage of his Son ran to him and with Kisses and Embraces bad him seek some larger Territories for Macedon was too straight to contain so great a Soul At the Age of 18 years he shewed a wonderful Courage in the Battel of Cheronesus against the Athenians wherein some say he saved his Father's Life and gained the whole Honour of that Expedition His Father Philip after he had gained many signal Victories in Greece was preparing for an Expedition into Persia but was hindred in it by Death being killed by Pausanias at the Wedding of his Daughter Cleopatra about the year 3615 and was succeeded by his Son Alexander who was at that time about 20 years of Age. Alexander to follow his Father's Example went to Peloponnesus and caused all the Confederated Cities of Greece to meet at Corinth where by the Consent of all except the Lacedomonians he was chosen Generalissimo of the Army raised against the Persians Soon after this viz. in the Spring of the year 3617 he marched through Thrace and made Incursions into the Country of the Triballians and Illyrians He had a bloody Engagement upon the Banks of the Danube and therein defeated Sirmus the King of the Triballians Upon occasion of this Battel a Report ran that Alexander was beaten which Demosthenes corrupted with Persian Gold so inculcated at Athens that the People believed it and Revolted But Alexander soon convinced them of their Mistake for having finished his Work by the Reduction of those Barbarians he returned to Greece and the Athenians were wise enough to beg his Pardon and obtained it but the Thebans despising his Threats were be sieged their City taken and ras'd to the Ground except the House of Pindar which Alexander caused to be saved and gave it to the Posterity of that excellent Poet. And now having satisfied his Honour and Revenge Alexander again bethinks himself of his Persian Expedition and passing into Peloponnesus he was again declared Commander of the Forces raised for that Service 'T was in this Journey that he gave a Visit to Diogenes the Cynick at Corinth and soon after the return from it that in a Dream he saw the High-Priest of Ierusalem who Exhorted him forthwith to go to the Conquest of the Persians wherein he assured him of Success And now all things being prepared Alexander gave away the Government of his Dominions to his Friends distributing to some Villages to others Boroughs and to others Sea-Ports and Territories and reserving little or nothing Perdicas asked him What he kept for himself To which he answered Hope And now leaving Antipater chief Administrator he set forward for Asia having 60 Long-Ships to transport his Army which consisted of 40000 Men whereof Parmenio was made Commander of the greatest part When he came into Asia he visited the Tomb of Achilles from whom on the Mother's side he was descended He said Achilles was doubly happy in having such a Friend as Patroclus during his Life and such a Panegyrist as Homer after his Death After this he passed the Granicum a River in Phrygia where he met with Darius at the Head of 100000 Foot and 20000 Horse drawn up in a Line of Battel The two Armies joined and a very sharp Engagement happened between them The Persians lost 20000 Foot and 2000 Horse and about as many more were taken Prisoners Darius and his Army which appeared so formidable were put to flight and Alexander gain'd this Victory with the Loss of only 100 Men. By this means an Avenue was opened into Asia and Alexander marched to Sardis the Capital City of Lydia which the Governor surrender'd to him with all the Treasures that were therein From thence he marched to Ephesus where he put an end to the Oligarchical Government of that Place and established Democracy in its stead After this he took Miletum by Storm which was a very strong Town and famous for the Colonies it sent out to the Neighbouring Islands But Halicarnasseus which stood out against him to the last Extremity was by his Orders demolished In a word within the compass of a year he became Master of all Phrygia Lydia Pamphylia Pisidia Paphlagonia and Cappadocia Years of the World Years before Christ. 3617. This Year Alexander signaliz'd by his second Victory over Darius in the Battel of Issus in which Engagement he received a Wound in his Thigh that hinder'd him from meeting with Darius whom he intended to have killed with his own Hand The Persians according to Iustin's Account were 400000 Foot and 100000 Horse But Quintus Curtius does not reckon above half so many In this Battel the Persians lost 100000 Foot but others say only 50000. Let the Loss be more or less Darius was put to flight and that he might not be discovered threw away his Imperial Mantle That which went deepest to the Heart of this unfortunate Prince was that his Mother Sisigambis his Wife Statira his two Daughters and his Son not above 6 years old were taken by the Conqueror But Alexander used them always like Queens paid them great Respect and for their Comfort assured them that Darius whom they supposed to be dead was still alive 333 Immediately upon this Victory Alexander sent Parmenio to make sure of Damascus the Capital City of Syria where Darius left incredible Riches and all the great Women and Princesses of Persia. The Governor without any Ceremony betrayed the City to him but Alexander was so just as to punish the Traitor and sent his Head to Darius as a Present There were 7000 Horse-Loads of Treasure in the place which amounted to the Value of above ten millions Sterling He marched into Syria where he deprived of their Estates all those who made any Opposition against him Biblus in Phenicia and Sidon were some time before they would surrender to him but were at length reduced and the Kingdom of Sidon bestowed by Hephestion Alexander's Favourite on Abdolominus a Gardiner who lived in the Suburbs of that City He subdued all Syria and Phenicia except Tyre which held out 7 months but at last was taken and 2000 of its Inhabitants hanged on the Sea-Coast He took Gaza
of the River Indus At Susa he married Statira the eldest Daughter of Darius and bestowed the youngest on his Friend Hephestion 3626. Some time after he left Susa and went to Ecbatane where he spent whole Days and Nights in Riot and Excess His Friend Hephestion died there of a Debauch in Drinking Alexander caused the Physician who had tended on this Favourite in his Sickness to be hang'd To divert the Grief he conceived at the Death of his dear Hephestion he carried on the War against the Cosseans He subdued them in the space of 40 Days thô they fled under the Covert of Mountains and were never conquered by the Kings of Persia. Afterwards he made his Army pass Tigris and marched towards Babylon The Caldean Astrologers met him and advised him not to go thither for it would be fatal to him but slighting their Advice he went thither and was received with great Shouts and Acclamations of Joy He built in Babylon a Dock capable of containing 1000 Sail of Ships and embarking on the River Euphrates he visited Arabia It was then that he laughed at the Caldeans saying He entred Babylon and went out of it again without any harm done him Thus in the height of his Confidence he sailed about the Lakes of Arabia 324 3627. And upon his return to Babylon gave himself wholly to his Pleasures and especially to immoderate Drinking The Journal of his Life represents him in his last Days as a Man drenched in Drunkenness and who did nothing but Eat drink and Sleep Potavit perpotavit crapulam edormiit solito more crapulam decoxit One day as he was offering Sacrifices to the Gods for the Victories he had gained he feasted himself and his Friends drank very hard and carried on the Debauch till late at Night When the King returned from this Feast a Physician of Thessalia invited him and his Company to come and drink at his House The King accepted the Offer and carried twenty of his Friends along with him There was in the Company one Proteas a Macedonian who was a great Drinker the King and this Man challenged each other to drink and at last the fatal Bowl came into his Hands which he drank off and with it his Death Some say there was Poison in that Bowl others that it was his immoderate and excessive Drinking which was the cause of that violent Fever which immediately seized him and within a few days hastened his End He died in the flower of his Age being but 33 years old and was equally lamented both by Greeks and Persians Sisygambis who survived all the Misfortunes of her own Family yet broke her Heart at the News of his Death And thus have we given you a summary Account of the Birth Education Rise Growth Heighth and Fall of this once Great Man We have briefly described what he did before and what he did after he became the Vniversal Monarch of Asia and as he thought of the whole World Considering the Extent and Largeness of his Conquests and the short space of Time he took up in effecting them we may see with what Reason the Prophet Daniel compared him to a Flying Leopard You see that within the compass of a very few years he added to his Petty Kingdom of Macedon Thrace Greece Egypt part of Arabia and of Africa Syria Pamphylia the two Phrygia's Caria Lydia Paphlagonia Assyria Susiana Drangiana Arachosia Gedrosia Aria Bactriana Sogdiana Parthia Hircania Armenia Persia Babylonia Mesopotamia and India But at last in the midst of all his Glory in the very centre of his Conquests he was cut off by an untimely Death and thô he boasted himself to be descended of the Gods and was adored by his Flatterers as One yet he found his Mistake perceived he was but a Mortal Man and that he must die like the rest of the Petty Princes whom he had conquered By him fell the Grecian Monarchy too after it had lasted about 6 years and 10 months For after his Death his Conquests were cantoned among his Captains each seizing on what Share thereof he could At first 't is said the Provinces were divided among thirty of them But at last they were reduced to four Principalities under four Princes Ptolemy had Egypt for his Share Seleucus reigned at Babylon and in Syria Cassander became Master of Greece and Macedonia And Antigonus had Asia Minor for his Part. The Reign and Successors of Ptolemy King of Egypt and the Reign and Successors of Cassander King of Macedonia we shall not treat of here since they belong more properly to another Place where in two distinct Chapters we shall be more particular in speaking to them In this Chapter we shall only give you an Account of the Successors of Alexander the Great who reigned in Syria and in Asia Minor Sect. 2. The Kingdom of the Syrians This Kingdom began under Seleucus Ninacor in the Year of the World 3633 before Christ 317 and lasted about 253 Years to the Year of the World 3886 at which time it was made a Roman Province by Pompey BEfore we give an Account of its Kings it may be proper to give you a short Description of the Country Syria formerly was a large Country in Asia including Assyria Mesopotamia Babylonia Phenicia and Palestina and it has oft been taken for the same with Assyria Some extended its Bounds as far as the Euxine Sea and hence we read of several Syria's in Holy Writ But if we cut off Assyria Mesopotamia and Babylonia from it then Syria is bounded on the North by the Mountain of Amanus which parts it from Armenia On the East by Mesopotamia from which 't is parted by the River Euphrates On the South by Arabia Petrea And on the West by part of Egypt the Phenician Sea Cilicia and a small part of the Mountain Amanus It is at present called Souria or Soristen is one of the finest Champain Countries in the World and abounds with pleasant Pastures Damascus was the Capital City of Syria which became a great Kingdom when the Empire of Alexander the Great was after his Death divided among his Generals Years of the World Years before Christ. 3633. 1. Seleucus Nicanor was the first King of the Syrians He was at first made General of the Cavalry afterwards became Master of Babylonia and Antigonus Master of Susiana 317 This Seleucus being assisted by Ptolemy the Son of Lagus by Cassander and Lysâ—machus defeated Antigonus who was the first King of Asia after the Death of Alexander He conquered India put Demetrius Poliorcetes to death in a Prison and killed Lisymachus in an Engagement Iustin tells us that the Seleucides were all born with the print of an Anchor on their Thigh And Historians say that never any Father loved his Children so passionately as this Seleucus for the Proof of which they relate this notable Instance His Son Antiochus fell sick of a violent Passion for his Mother-in-Law Stratonice Erasistratus his Physician perceiving it went
and told Seleucus that his Son's Distemper was Incurable How so said the King Because reply'd the Physician he is in love with my Wife Ah! said Seleucus to him I know you are more my Friend than to let my Son die and to hinder him from marrying your Wife Pray Sir replied Erasistratus were it your Case would you let him have yours Ay Ay said the King and all my Dominions to boot if his Life could not be saved without it Upon this the Physician unravelled the whole Mystery to him and told him in plain terms that Stratonice was the Person whom he so passionately lov'd Seleucus was as good as his Word called the People together and made a very pathetical Speech to them that they might not be surprized at such an unusual kind of Marriage For thô he had already a Son by his dear Stratonice yet he made no scruple to marry her to Antiochus his eldest Son and not a Man opposed it Thô this Complaisance was very irregular yet none can deny but Seleucus was a very great Prince He was killed by Ptolemy after he had reigned about 35 years 3668. 2. Antiochus Soter succeeded his Father and reigned about 12 years 282 3680. 3. Antiochus Theos the Son of Antiochus Soter and Stratonice reigned about 24 years His Sirname of Theos was given him by the Milesians because he had freed them from the Tyranny of Timarchus He was poisoned by Laodicea one of his Wives whom he had put away and afterwards recalled to Court 270 3704. 4. Seleucus Callinicus or Poron succeeded his Father and reigned about 20 years He died with a fall off his Horse This King aided by the Gauls engaged in a long War against Antiochus Hierax 246 3723. 5. Seleucus Seraunus succeeded his Father and reigned 3 years He was poisoned in Phrygia by his Lieutenant-Generals as he was marching to make War against Attalus 227 3726. 6. Antiochus the Great succeeded his Brother Seleucus being sent for from Babylon by the Aâ—my which was then encamped in Syria that so he might take Possession of the Kingdom He reigned about 36 years He was engaged in a War against several Nations First he waged War against Ptolemy Philopator King of Egypt was beat by him and sued for a Peace which Ptolemy very generously granted him Afterwards he carried on a War against the Romans by whom he was always worsted so that at last he was obliged to sue for a Peace This King likewise routed Malon received Hannibal invaded Greece and was defeated by Glabrio At last having his Treasures drained by these unsuccessful Wars to fill them up again he resolved upon rifling the Temple of Iupiter in Elimais but he was killed in the Attempt by the People of the Place Before his Death he nominated his Son Seleucus Philopator for his Successor 224 3763. 7. Seleucus Philopator succeeded his Father and reigned about 12 years He did little because the ill Successes of his Father against the Romans had exhausted his Kingdom This is that Seleucus mentioned in the Second Book of Maccabees where 't is said of him that because of the Respect which he bore to the High-Priest Onias he supplied the Temple with its necessary Sacrifices every year However Daniel stiles him Vilissimus indignus Decore Regio i. e. The basest and the worst of Men not worthy of the Royal Diadem 187 About the end of his Reign he was prevailed upon to send Heliodorus to rifle the Treasures belonging to the Temple of Ierusalem and it may be very well affirmed that his Weakness was the cause of those Troubles and Seditions which afterwards happened both in Church and State He was at last killed by Heliodorus 3775. 8. Antiochus Epiphanes or the Illustrious who had been carried to Rome as an Hostage after the Defeat of his Father Antiochus the Great made his Escape thence at the end of 3 years and Demetrius the Son of Seleucus was sent thither in his stead As soon as Antiochus was returned into Syria Heliodorus who would fain have been King killed Seleucus But Eumenes and Attalus outed Heliodorus and left Antiochus the Illustrious in quiet Possession of the Kingdom of Syria who reigned over it about 12 years He took away the High-Priesthood from Onias who was a Man of excellent Piety and bestowed it on the Impious Iason his Brother and the next year he took it again from Iason and bestowed it on his Brother Menalaus who gave more Money than the former for it Two years after this a Rumour being spread that Antiochus died in his Expedition against Egypt Iason raised great Disturbances in Ierusalem which caused Antiochus after he had defeated the Egyptians to exercise unheard-of Cruelties in Iudea and to carry away all their Treasures Afterwards Antiochus sent Apollonius into Iudea who one Sabbath-day killed a whole Congregation who were got together to offer Sacrifice Some say that he sent Lysias Gorgian Timotheus and other Commanders against the Iews who were all routed by Iudas Maccabeus Much about this time it was that this Iudas retired into the Wilderness choosing to live upon Herbs rather than defile himself with those prophane Meats which in all Parts were then sacrificed But at last Antiochus hastening out of Persia to Ierusalem with a Design to cut off all the Iews of that Place fell out of his Chariot bruised his whole Body and died of a loathsome Disease 175 3786. 9. Antiochus Eupator succeeded his Father and reigned about 2 years Lysias according to some but Philip according to others governed his Kingdom made a Peace with Iudas Maccabeus which was soon after violated About this time it was that Eleazar having assaulted an Elephant upon which he supposed the King was killed the Beast and was crushed to Death by the fall of him 164 Antiochus having taken Bethsura went against Ierusalem and made a Peace with the Iews but it being broke he caused the Walls to be demolished led away Menalaus along with him whom he put to Death as the Cause of all the War and put Alcimus into his Place 3788. 10. Demetrius Soter the Son of Seleucus Philopator having made his Escape from Rome came to Antioch put Antiochus and Lysias to Death and when he was King sent Bacchides into Iudea with Alcimus to whom he promised the High-Priesthood He afterwards sent thither Nicanor who made a League with Iudas Maccabeus but he having broke it was soon after killed by Nicanor This Demetrius reigned about 11 years 162 The People of Antioch rebelling against Demetrius took a young Man named Alexander who was said to be the Son of Antiochus the Illustrious and being assisted by the Neighbouring Kings set him upon the Throne 3799. 11. Alexander Epiphanes or Balas becoming Master of Ptolemais sent to Ionathan to make a League with him and settled him in the High-Priesthood which had been vacant 7 years and a half by the Death of Alcimus This Ionathan was the first High-Priest of the Race of
by the Syrians reigned over them 23 years But Antiochus Asiaticus and his Brother both of them the Sons of King Antiochus the Pious reigned over part of Syria of which Tigranes could not make himself Master They went to Rome to Petition for the Kingdom of Egypt which belonged to Setene their Mother and themselves too and continued their Suit for two years together Tigranes put Setene Sirnamed Cleopatra to Death in Prison and by this means the Title which Antiochus Asiaticus had to the Kingdom of Egypt and to part of Syria fell to the Ground In several Engagements Tigranes was defeated by Lucullus the Roman Consul who was Governor of the Province of Cilicia After this Pompey marched to Tigranes who was so much terrified at the very sight of him that he quitted his Diadem and with a great deal of Submission and Respect yielded himself to Pompey But he mov'd with Compassion put the Diadem again upon his Head re-established him in his Kingdom of Armenia upon certain Articles and made Syria a Roman Province This happened in the year of the World 3885 before Christ 64. Anno Vrbis Romae Conditae 688. 87 Having thus given you a short Account of the Kings of Syria from Seleucus the immediate Successor of Alexander the Great in that part of his Conquests down to Tigranes we shall in the next place give you a List of the Kings which reigned in Asia Minor who possessed another part of Alexander's Conquests Sect. 3. The Kings of Asia Minor or Pergamos PErgamos a City of Mysia situated on the River Caica in Asia Minor was the Capital City of a great State called The Kingdom of Pergamos which began about the year of the World 3634 before Christ 316 years It had eight Kings and lasted the space of 188 years Years of the World Years before Christ. 3634. 1. Antigonus one of Alexander's Captains who had Asia Minor for his Share marched against Eumenes routed and killed him being betrayed by his Veteranâ— Soldiers At last Antigonus was routed and slain by Seleucus King of Syria and Casander King of Macedonia He reigned 15 years 316 3649. 2. Demetrius his Son succeeded his Father Antigonus and reigned 15 years He was expelled Asia won Macedon but was expelled thence taken by Seleucus and within 3 years after died 301 3666. 3. Next after him succeeded Philaterus Intendant of the Finances of Lâ—simachus King of Thrace against whom he rebelled and became King of Pergamos in the 16th year of his Age over which he reigned 20 years 282 3688. 4. Eumenes succeeded his Brother Philaterus and reigned about 21 years He subdued several small Places round about Pergamos and defeated the Army of Antiochus the Son of Seleuchus near Sardes At last he died by immoderate Drinking 262 3709. 5. Attalus Nephew to Philaterus succeeded Eumenes and reigned 44 years 'T is said that he governed with so much Prudence and managed his Treasures so thriftily that his Subjects freely conferred on him the Title of King which his Predecessors presumed not to take up thô they did hold the Quality and Grandeur of One. He defeated the Gauls contrary to all Expectation At last he fell sick at Thebes and was removed thence to Pergamos where he died in a good old Age being about 72 years old 241 3753. 6. Eumenes II. the eldest Son of Attalus succeeded him and reigned 40 years His three Brothers Attalus Phileterus and Atheneus bore so much Respect as well as Love to the King their Brother that they becames his Life-Guards 197 3793. 7. Attalus II. Sirnamed Philadelphus succeeded his Brother Eumenes and reigned about 21 years He drove Orophernes and Demetrius Soter out of Cappadâ—cia and fully re-established Ariarathes in his Kingdom He was conquered by Prusias King of Bithynia who entred Pergamos robbed the Staâ—ues of the Gods and rifled the Temples Upon this Attaâ—us sent his Brother Atheneus to Rome to complain thereof to the Senate who ordered Prusias to forbear warring against Attalus Pâ—usias slighted the Orders of the Senate burnt the Temples made great Havock in the Neighbouring Countries and defied Attalus who had shut himself up in Pergamos The Senate sent a third time Ambassadors to make up a Peace between him and Attalus which at last was effected This Attalus was a great Friend to the Romans and a constant Favourer of Learned Men at length Peace and Idleness corrupted and spoiled this good Man who left his Kingdom to Attalus Philometor his Nephew 157 3813. 8. Attalus III. Sirnamed Philometor the last King of Pergamos succeeded his Uncle and reigned only 5 years He was a very cruel Prince put his nearest Relations and dearest Friends to Death not so much as sparing his Mother or his Wife In the Second Year of his Reign he retired into the inmost Parts of his Palace where he dressed himself in a very mean Habit let his Beard and Hair grow without cutting never appeared in Publick led a Life exempt from all manner of Pleasures and seemed to inflict a Punishment upon himself for the Crimes he had been guilty of Having thus quitted the Administration of the Government he dug in his Garden sowed Seeds and by an extravagant sort of Humour laid out his greatest Care in cultivating Venemous Plants such as Henbane Hellebore Hemlock Aconite c. He extracted the Juice and Liquor and gathered the Seeds of them of which he made a great many dangerous Presents to his Friends He became so skilful in the Art of Botany especially in whatever related to the Manuring of Plants that he composed a very curious Book upon that Subject wherein as Varro relates he set down the Season of Sowing and of Gathering the Seeds of Plants He applied himself to Founding of Metals became a great Master in that Art cast several Figures and made use of them in raising a Mausoleum to the Memory of his Mother At last being too eagerly set upon these sort of Exercises which exposed him continually to the Heat of the Sun or the Furnace he was seized with a violent Feaver and died on the seventh day of his Illness 137 Eudemius of Pergamus carried the Last Will and Testament of Attalus to Rome and gave the Diadem of the Kingdom and the Royal Robe to Tiberius Gracchus Tribune of the People By this Will Attalus made the People of Rome his Heir Populus Romanus bonorum haeres esto The Romans finding by their Common Law that his Kingdom was a part of his Demeans seiz'd thereon by virtue of these Words Let the People of Rome be the Heirs of my Demeans There was some Fault found with the Romans for putting such a Construction on his Will but having the Power in their own Hands they made it to be a good Title In this City it was that they first dressed Sheep-skins and of them made Parchment whereon they wrote before the Invention of Paper and hence came the Name of Parchment called in Latin Charta Pergamena CHAP. V. Of the
Kings No body knows whether these Dynasties which some look upon as Successive and which they range one after another be not most of them Collateral and of the same time or no. Diodorus Siculus says upon his Honour that for all the Care and Pains he took in consulting the Priests of Egypt about their Antiquities yet he could find nothing in them but what was very dubious and uncertain and that whatever has been published of Egypt before the taking of Troy might very well be reckoned as Fabulous What Credit then can we give to what the Greek Historians have related from the Egyptian Priests with whom it was very common to extol the Grandeur and Antiquity of their Nation by Romantick and surprizing Relations Shall we believe them when they confidently tell us that the Gods and Demi-Gods reigned in Egypt 34201 years before any Kings reigned there With such Stories as these did the Egyptian Priests amuse Diodorus Siculus when he consulted them about the Antiquity of their Kings In one word it seems very likely that the Egyptian Priests invented those Fabulous Reigns that they might not yield the Glory of their Antiquity to the Chaldeans or Babylonians who assigned several Myriads of Years to their Monarchy There was a kind of Emulation upon this Point between these two Nations which inclined their Historians to invent several Successions of Imaginary Kings This Emulation is what is very real the Signs whereof are very visible in the Writings of the Ancients Wherefore all that can be said of the first Government of Egypt with any certainty is that C ham the Son of Noah having planted it govern'd this Land for about 160 years and was succeeded by Mizraim otherwise called Osiris after whom a great number of Kings are named but with such a mixture of Fable that we shall not trouble our selves or the World with a frivolous Account to their Dynasties which Manetho would have us believe were 17 before Thetmosis or Amasis their first known King We shall omit likewise to speak of their State under their unknown Kings or under those who were stiled The Shepherd Kings and will begin our Account of Egypt with Thetmosis or Amasis who began to reign in the year of the World 2207 from whom we shall continue the Succession down to Cleopatra's Death when it became a Roman Province which happened about the year 3920. This takes up the space of 1713 years which being too large to consider all together we shall treat of under three distinct States viz. 1. Under 47 Kings who all were Sirnamed Pharaoh 2. Under 11 Kings of Persia. 3. Under the Greeks namely Alexander the Great and the 12 Ptolemy's his Successors Sect. 1. The State of Egypt under 47 Kings Sirnamed Pharaohs which lasted 1220 Years till the Year of the World 3427 when it was conquered by Cambyses King of the Persians Years of the World Years before Christ. 2207. 1. THetmosis or Amasis he drove the Shepherd Kings out of Lower Egypt who retired into Phenicia He had been before King of Thebais or Vpper Egypt and reigned about 25 years 1743 2232. 2. Chebron reigned about 13 years 1718 2245. 3. Amenophis reigned 20 years and 7 months 1705 2266. 4. Amesses the Sister of Amenophis reigned 21 years and 9 months 1684 2288. 5. Mephres reigned 12 years and 9 months 1662 2300. 6. Maphramuthosis reigned 25 years and 10 months 1650 2326. 7. Themosis reigned about 10 years 1624 2336. 8. Amenophis II. reigned 30 years and 10 months 1614 2367. 9. Orus reigned about 5 years He built the Pyramids of Egypt 1583 2373. 10. Thermutis or Acenchres reigned about 43 years 'T is said that this is that new King who knew not Ioseph and who oppressed the Israelites He gave order to the Midwives to kill the Sons of the Hebrew Women but this not being executed he injoined his Subjects to drown them In his Reign Moses was born laid in the River found and saved by Pharaoh's Daughter who brought him up as her own Child and by a signal Instance of Providence committed him to be nursed by his own Mother In this King's Reign Cecrops the Egyptian transplanted a Colony of the Saites into Attica and there laid the Foundation of the Republick of Athens 1577 2416. 11. Rathotis the Brother of Acenchres succeeded and reigned about 9 years 1534 2424. 12. Acencheres I. succeeded his Father Rathotis and reigned about 12 years 1526 2436. 13. Acencheres II. succeeded and reigned 13 years 1514 2449. 14. Armais succeeded and reigned about 4 years This was that Pharaoh to whom Moses and Aaron were sent by God to prevail upon him to let the Children of Israel go In his time Moses brought the ten Plagues upon the Egyptians and thô Pharaoh was harden'd by the nine first yet he was forced by the last to yield to their Request and the Egyptians pressed the Israelites to be gone However Pharaoh pursued the Israelites with a great Army but he and all his Men perished in the Red Sea whilst the Children of Israel passed over it as upon dry Ground 1501 2453. 15. Armesis or Ramesses succeeded and reigned one year 1497 2454. 16. Amesis or Ramesses Miamun succeeded and reigned about 21 years 1496 2475. 17. Armais succeeded and reigned about 45 years This is Danaus who being expelled the Kingdom by his Brother Egyptus went into Greece and laid the first Foundation of the Kingdom of Argos 1475 2520. 18. Amenophis III. succeeded and reigned in Egypt about 19 years 1430 2539. 19. Egyptus or rather Sethosis succeeded and reigned about 51 years He deposed Danaus but was so molested by him that his Daughters killed 49 of his Sons In his time Phenix and Cadmus came from Thebes to Egypt and thence went to Syria where they reigned over Tyre and Sidon 1411 2590. 20. Rampes or Rhampsaces succeeded and reigned about 61 years 1360 2651. 21. Amenophis IV. succeeded and reigned about 40 years 1299 2691. 22. Ammeneremes or Ammenepthes succeeded and reigned about 26 years 1259 2717. 23. Thuoris reigned about 7 years 1233 2724. Here happened a Dynasty of the Diospolites whose Kings are unknown and which lasted the space of 143 years 1226 2867. 24. Smendes reigned about 26 years 1083 2893. 25. Pseusenses reigned about 50 years 1057 2943. 26. Vaphres succeeded and reigned about 20 years He is by some called Mephercheres This is that Pharaoh who married his Daughter to King Solomon and gave her for her Portion Gezer a City belonging to the Tribe of Ephraim which he had taken from the Canaanites after he had put them all to Death 1007 2963. 27. Amenophis V. reigned 9 years 987 2972. 28. Sesonchis or Shishak succeeded and reigned 6 years It was this King to whom Ieroboam fled and with whom he tarried till the Death of K. Solomon After this Shishak marched from Egypt to Ierusalem rifled the Temple and carried away all the Treasures which were in the Royal Palace of Rehoboam the Son of
Artifices to raise an Insurrection among the Egyptians for which he was condemned by the King of Persia to drink Bull 's Blood of which he died 524 The next year Cambyses likewise subdued Ethiopia but carrying his Conquests too far it happened that his whole Army being then in a sandy hot and barren Country had like to have perished for want of Provision The Soldiers cast Lots among themselves and did eat every tenth Man upon whom the Lot fell The King of Persia being advertised of this horrible Disaster immediately broke up his Camp and quitted his Design At his return to Babylon he died but upon his going from Egypt he left a Governor over it named Ariandes By this means Egypt remained under the Dominion of the Kings of Persia. 3429. 2. Darius King of Persia reigned over Egypt 36 years 521 3464. 3. Xerxes King of Persia succeeded his Father Darius and possessed his Territories 22 years 486 3486. 4. Artaxerxes succeeded his Father Xerxes In his time Inarus King of Lybia and Son to Psammenitus caused the greatest part of Egypt to revolt and freed himself from the Tyranny of Artaxerxes He was made King by the Egyptians and called in the Athenians to his Assistance who were at that time before the Isle of Cyprus with a Fleet of 200 Sail. Artaxerxes upon notice of the Egyptians Revolt sent against them Achemenes or Achemenides with an Army of 400000 Foot and a Fleet of 80 Sail. But Inarus with the Assistance of the Athenians beat the Persians both by Sea and Land making great Havock of them and among the rest Achemenes himself was killed Artaxerxes upon the News of his Army's Defeat in Egypt sent fresh Forces thither under the command of Artabasus and Megabizus They were near 300000 strong defeated the Army of Inarus whom Megabizus wounded in the Thigh Inarus was put to flight and threw himself with the remainder of his Forces into Byblus a very strong City of Prosopis which is an Island in Delta form'd by two Arms of the River Nile very near its disemboguing it self into the Mediterranean By this Defeat Megabizus became Master of all Egypt except Byblus Within a year or two after the Persians turned the Stream of the River which formed that Island another way laid Siege to Byblus which surrender'd to them and all Egypt was again reduced and brought under the Subjection of Artaxerxeâ— There was still at that time another King named Amyrtes said to be the Son of Psammenitus He reigned in the Fens and Morasses where the Persians durst not set upon him His Forces were inur'd to Hardships and resolved to stand by him to the last Artaxerxes at the importunate Requests of his Mother yielded up Inarus to her Will and Pleasure who caused him to be hanged and 50 Grecians beside 464 3525. 5. Xerxes II. 6. Sogdianus both of them Kings of Persia did not reign one whole year 425 3526. 7. Ochus or Darius Nothus succeeded them In his time Amyrtes Saites freed almost all Egypt from the Tyranny of the Persians to whom he was an inveterate Enemy and reigned 6 years He was succeeded by Nepherites a King of a New Dynasty 424 3545. 8. Artaxerxes II. King of Persia. In his Reign Achoris King of the Egyptians raised Forces from all Parts to drive the Persians out of Egypt Achoris was succeeded by Psammuthis who reigned one year and he again was succeeded by Nepheretes the last King of the Dynasty of the Saites who reigned no more than 4 months Nectanebis the first King of the Dynasty of the Sabennites reigned 12 years Artaxerxes at last made a Peace with the Greeks intending to joyn theirs with his Forces for the Reduction of Egypt But the Misunderstanding which happened between Pharnabazus General of the Persians and Iphicrates Commander of the Athenian Forces occasioned the Designs of Artaxerxes to miscarry 405 Much about this time Eudoxus a Native of Cnidos a City of Caria in Asia Minor being then in great Repute obtained Letters of Recommendation from Agesilaus to Nectanabis King of Egypt desiring Leave to converse with the Egyptian Priests The King recommended him to Iconuphis Priest of Heliopolis and among these Priests it was that he wrote his Octaeteride 3581. Teos succeeded Nectanabis and reigned 2 years but sending his Son Nectanebos with an Army against Syria this treacherous Son by fair Promises and Presents won the Army over to his side and caused them to proclaim him King of Egypt Teos fled to the King of Persia who received him kindly and gave him the Command of an Army for the Reduction of Egypt by the help whereof he was re-established upon the Throne but having learned in Persia to live Luxuriously he lost his Life amidst his Debaucheries 369 3583. Nectanebos was scarce Master of Egypt but another as Ambitious as himself was proclaimed King at the Head of an Army of 100000 Men which he had raised But this Nectanebos notwithstanding remained in possession of the Throne being assisted by Chabrias who commanded the Army of the Athenians and by Agesilaus General of the Lacedemonians and reigned 12 years 367 3588. 9. Artaxerxes III. or Ochus King of Persia was the Person that opposed Nectanebos He sent a puissant Army into Egypt against him who in the end conquered and forced him to fly to Memphis where seeing he should be taken if he tarried long he changed his Habit and went for Sanctuary into Ethiopia Others say that he went in Disguise through Pelusium and came to Pella a City of Macedon And thus was all Egypt again reduced by the Persians This was that Artaxerxes mentioned ch 3. p. 266. who rifled Egypt of its Treasures and Libraries and affronted the Egyptian's God Apis as has been already related 362 3611. 10. Arses King of Persia. 3614. 11. Darius Codomannus the last King of Persia who was conquered by Alexander the Great Sect. 3. The State of Egypt under the Greeks viz. Alexander the Great and the XII Ptolemy's which lasted 301 Years that is to the Year of the World 3920 when Augustus after the Death of Cleopatra made Egypt a Province of the Roman Empire Years of the World Years before Christ. 3619. ALexander the Great marched into Egypt where he found the People disposed to put themselves under his Protection For the Persians were grown so intolerable by their Tyranny Avarice and Sacrileges that the Egyptians upon Alexander's Arrival soon shook off the Persian Yoke waited upon him at Pelusium and submitted to his Government Mazagases Lieutenant to Darius Codomannus and Governor of Memphis delivering up that City to Alexander In this Expedition Alexander visited the Temple of Iupiter Ammon where the Priests corrupted by his Gifts prepared the Oracle to declare him the Son of that God as has been already mentioned Whilst he was in Egypt he built Alexandria giving it his own Name and making it the Metropolis of the whole Country This was in the Fifth Year of his Reign and the
First Year of the CXII Olympiad When Alexander died his Bastard-Brother Arideus was proclaimed King but his Reign lasted not long for Alexander's Favourites shared his Conquests and Empires among them of which Ptolemy the Son of Lagus got Egypt for his Dividend 331 3629. 1. Ptolemy the Son of Lagus Sirnamed Soter reigned over Egypt about 35 years and then surrender'd the Government to his Son 321 3664. 2. Ptolemy Philadelphus About this time the Holy Scripture was translated into the Greek Language by LXXII Iews sent into Egypt by Eleazer the High-Priest at the Request of Ptolemy But there is some Dispute among the Learned concerning the exact time when this Version was made some placing it under the former but most under the latter of these two Kings for Demetrius Phalereus a Grecian who was a great Man under Ptolemy Lagi but not so powerful under his Son is generally supposed to have been the chief Promoter of that Work This Version has been generally follow'd ever since especially by the Romish Church and is that we usually call the Septuagint Ptolemy Philadelphus is also famous in the Learned World on account of the vast Library of no less than 200000 Volumes which he collected by the Assistance of Demetrius Phalereus He reigned near 40 years and died by excessive Drinking c. 286 3703. 3. Ptolemy Euâ—rgetes that is the Well-doer succeeded his Father Philadelphus and reigned 25 years 247 3729. 4. Ptolemy Philopator put his Father to Death succeeded him and reigned about 17 years This is that Ptolemy who was such an inveterate Enemy to the Iews as was before related in Chapter I. of this Third Part. Aelian tells us that he killed his Wife and Sister to please his Concubine Agathoclea who governed all and that he built a Temple to Homer 221 3746. 5. Ptolemy Epiphanes that is the Illustrious succeeded his Father when but 4 years old and reigned 24 years He likewise was a cruel Oppressor of the Iews Antiochus Sirnamed the Great who was then King of Syria upon the News of Philopator's Death broke the League which he had made with Egypt and associating with Philip King of Macedon they both resolved upon turning young Epiphanes out of his Kingdom and to share it between them 204 3770. 6. Ptolemy Philometor so called from that Dutiful Affection which he bore to his Mother Cleopatra succeeded his Father who died with Poison and reigned 34 years and 9 months This Philometor died in the Physicians Hands of the Wounds he had received in his Head by a fall off his Horse in that Battel wherein he conquered Alexander Balas King of Syria Cleopatra Sister and Wife to Philometor deceased was willing to insure the Kingdom to her Son but Ptolemy the younger Brother of Philometor who had reigned in Cyrene opposed it and made himself King A Party rose up against him in favour of Cleopatra but he to put an end to this Contest married Cleopatra his Brother's Widow and Sister to them both On the very Wedding-Day this new King killed Cleopatra's Son whilst she held him clasped in her Arms. Thus Ptolemy the younger Sirnamed Phiscon mounted his Brother's Bed and Throne 180 3805. 7. Ptolemy Phiscon or Euergetes II. was a very cruel Prince not only to his own Family as has been already observed but to all his Subjects He reigned about 29 years In the first part of his Reign he strangled the Grandees of Alexandria who had invited him to accept of the Crown he had no respect to either Sex or Age put away Cleopatra who was both his Wife and Sister and married her Daughter whom he had formerly deflower'd by force Within a while after he sent for his eldest Son who reigned in Cyrene and put him to Death for fear the Inhabitants of Alexandria should make him King after him The People were so enraged at this that they pulled down the Statues and defaced the Images of the King who charged Cleopatra his divorced Wife with this Fact Physcon in Revenge put the Son he had by her to Death and sent her in a Charger his Head Hands and Feet which he ordered to be served up at her Table on the Anniversary of that Queen's Nativity 145 3834. This year the barbarous King died and left the Kingdom to Cleopatra his Wife to whom he had been reconciled before his Death and gave her liberty of making which of her Sons she pleased King in his stead She would have had Alexander mount the Throne but the People constrained her to make choice of Ptolemy Lathurus to be Phiscon's Successor 116 8. Ptolemy Lathurus who was not very well beloved by his Mother became at last by her Intrigues odious to the Commonalty However he reigned together with Cleopatra 11 years At last he was so much hated by the People of Alexandria that he fled from them to Cyprus of which his Brother Alexander had been King for 8 years 3845. 9. Ptolemy Alexander succeeded but did not reign above one year For falling out with his Mother he grew jealous of her Intrigues and thereupon put her to Death The Inhabitants of Alexandria were so exasperated that they raised an Insurrection and forced the King to fly They sent Ambassadors to Cyprus to invite Lathurus back again He reascended the Throne and reigned after the Death of Cleopatra 7 years and 6 months When he died he left a Daughter behind him named Cleopatra who reigned 6 months 105 3854. 10. Ptolemy Dionysius Sirnamed Auletes because of his being a great Lover of Musick succeeded and reigned about 30 years Some say he was the Son of Lathurus He had a Share in the Civil Wars of Rome sided with Cato permitted him to take the Isle of Cyprus and drained all Egypt for the Money which he remitted to the Romans Upon this his Subjects rebelled against him and he fled to Rome where he gained Pompey's Favour who re-established him again on the Throne 96 3885 11. Ptolemy Dionysius II. succeeded his Father Auletes and reigned about 18 years His Faiher at his Death ordered by his Last Will and Testament that his eldest Son should marry his eldest Daughter and reign jointly together for it was then Customary among the Egyptian Kings for Brothers to marry their own Sisters Pompey after he had been defeated by Cesar in the famous Battel of Pharsalia fled into Egypt hoping he might find a secure Retreat with that young King for the Kindness he had shewed his Father in re-establishing him upon the Egyptian Throne But he was disappointed in his Expectation for Ptolemy misled by treacherous Counsellors meditated nothing less than the turning Cleopatra his Wife and Sister out of her Partnership in his Bed and Throne and to ingratiate himself as he thought with Cesar sent Septimius a Roman Refugee to murder Pompey upon his arrival Iulius Cesar pursued Pompey into Egypt where he heard the News of his being Assassinated He was very much troubled at it but however he endeavoured to
make up the Breach between the young Queen and King Ptolemy who afterwards took an Occasion to fall out with Cesar. They declared War against each other Cesar was like to have been cut off but at last Ptolemy was conquered and drowned in his flight After this Cesar became Master of all Egypt which he was not then willing to make one of the Roman Provinces For he bestowed this great Kingdom on his Mistress Cleopatra for some private Favours he had received of her and to secure the Government to her married her to the younger Brother of Ptolemy 65 3904. 12. Ptolemy Iunior reigned in conjunction with Cleopatra who had the entire Authority in her own Hands because her young Brother whom she had married was not above 11 years old 46 3909. Mark Anthony charmed with the Beauty of Cleopatra abandoned the War he was engaged in against the Parthians and waited upon that Princess into Egypt where he spent whole Days and Nights in Revellings and Banquetings Pliny makes mention of a Pearl worth 50000 l. which the Queen powder'd and made him drink off to excite him to Venery Whether this be true or no is not so certain as that Anthony married Cleopatra and bestowed upon her Phenicia the Lower Syria the Isle of Cyprus Cilicia Arabia and part of Iudea The Romans were very much offended that he should be so Prodigal of what was none of his own but belonged to them Anthony after he had with great Success conquered Armenia returned back to Egypt where he gave himself up to a thousand Extravagancies He stiled Cleopatra the Queen of Queens and Ptolemy Cesareon her Son he called the King of Kings He never afterwards marched out in any Expedition but took Cleopatra with him 41 3919. Augustus Cesar offended that Anthony had repudiated his Sister Octavia upon his marrying Cleopatra rendred him odious to all the Romans and made Preparations to carry the War into Egypt against that Queen who at Rome was accused of bewitching Anthony The next year a Sea-fight happened at Actium between Anthony and Augustus wherein the former was defeated Soon after they engaged by Land where Anthony's Army was again routed and he forced to fly and was abandoned by his Friends Anthony in despair of Success laid violent Hands upon himself and soon after Cleopatra did the same by applying an Asp to her Wrist as some Authors report By her Death the Kingdom of Egypt was reduced to a Roman Province in the year of the World 3920 before Christ 30 Anno Vrbis Romae Conditae 722. We should now give you an Account of the State of Egypt as it was a Province under LVIII Emperors viz. XLI Roman and XVII Eastern which lasted 667 years to the year of Christ 637 at which time Omar the second Calif and Successor of Mahomet conquered Egypt from Heraclius the Eastern Emperor by Amar one of his Generals But this we shall treat of in the next Volume wherein we shall give you a Succession of the Roman and Eastern Emperors CHAP. VII Of Sicyonia SIcyon was one of the most ancient Cities of the World It was situated in Peloponesus a Peninsula of Greece upon a Hill about two Leagues off the Sea 'T is from this City that Sicyonia a part of Greece derives its Name The Account of this State is the most Ancient of any in Europe but withal the Darkest and most Obscure However to give some Idea of Sicyon we shall consider it under two distinct States which lasted about 966 years Sect. 1. The State of Sicyon under XXVI Kings from Egialeus who began to Reign in the Year of the World 1900 to the 33d Year of the Reign of Zeuxippus in the Year of the World 2833 which lasted 933 Years Years of the World Years before Christ. 1900. 1. EGialeus reigned about 40 years 2050 1940. 2. Europs reigned about 35 years 2010 1975. 3. Telchin reigned about 15 years 1975 1990. 4. Apis reigned about 20 years 1960 2010. 5. Thelxion reigned about 40 years 1940 2050. 6. Egirus reigned about 32 years 1900 2082. 7. Thurimachus reigned 45 years 1868 2127. 8. Leucippus reigned about 53 years 1823 2180. 9. Messapus reigned 47 years 1770 2227 10. Peratus reigned 46 years 1723 2273. 11. Plemneus reigned 48 years 1677 2321. 12. Orthopolis reigned 63 years 1629 2384. 13. Melanthus or Marathon reigned 30 years 1566 2414. 14. Marathus reigned 20 years 1536 2434. 15. Echires reigned 55 years 1516 2489. 16. Chorax reigned 30 years 1461 2519. 17. Epopeus reigned 35 years 1481 2554. 18. Laomedon reigned 40 years 1396 2594. 19. Sicyon reigned 45 years from him Sicyonia took its Name which before was called Egialea 1356 2639. 20. Polybus said to be the Son of Mercury by the Daughter of Iupiter reigned 40 years 1311 2679. 21. Inachus or Ianiscus reigned 42 years 1271 2721. 22. Phestus reigned 11 years 1229 2732. 23. Adrastus reigned 4 years 1218 2736. 24. Poliphides reigned 31 years 1214 2767. 25. Pelasgus reigned 33 years 1183 2800. 26. Zeuxippus reigned 33 years 1150 Sect. 2. Years of the World Years before Christ. 2833. THE Second State of Sicyonia was governed by the Priests of Apollo on whom the Administration was devolved after the Death of Zeuxippus This State lasted only 33 years viz. to the year of the World 2866 at which time the Kings of Mycene seized upon this little Kingdom and annexed it to their own Dominions 1117 CHAP. VIII Argos THere were several Places of this Name but the Argos we treat of here was the Capital City of Argia or Argolidis It was situated on the Banks of Planizza which by the Latins was called Inachus Fluvius in Peloponesus Father Coronelli in his Description of the Morea tells us That this City formerly Dared the whole World to shew its Equal for Stateliness and Magnificence We shall consider this Kingdom under two States which lasted about 545 years Sect. 1. The First State of Argos under IX Kings began in the Year of the World 2093 which is 1081 Years before the first Olympiad Years of the World Years before Christ. 2093. 1. INachus reigned 50 years He is reckon'd by the Greeks to be the most Ancient of all the known Kings 1857 2143. 2. Phoroneus reigned 63 years He is said to be the first Law-maker 1807 2206. 3. Apis reigned 35 years He was a great Prince ruled in Egypt and was called Serapis or Osiris as the Greeks report and ruled also in Spain and Italy 1744 2241. 4. Argus reigned 70 years 1709 2311. 5. Criasus by others called Pâ—irasus reigned 54 years 1639 2365. 6. Phorbas reigned 35 years 1585 2400. 7. Triopas reigned 46 years 1550 2446. 8. Crotopus reigned 21 years 1504 2467. 9. Sthenelus reigned 11 years 1483 His Son Gelanor succeeded and was expelled by Danaus Sect. 2. The Second State of Argos under V. Kings called Danaides Years of the World Years before Christ. 2478. 1. DAnaus being driven out of Egypt by his Brother came into Argos and conquered
17. Codrus succeeded his Father Melanthius and reigned 21 years He for the safety of his People lost his own Life and by his Death gave them the Victory for the Oracle having predicted that the Party which lost their King should gain the Victory he disguised himself and secretly got into the Enemy's Camp where he purposely provoked them and received his Death for his Country's sake His two Sons Medon and Nileus contested the Kingdom which was the reason why the Athenians fearing that they should never have such another King as Codrus put an end to the Regal Power declared that Iupiter was the only King of the People of Athens and established Perpetual Archontes that is Governors or Magistrates who should have the Administration of the State during their whole Life and were only different from the Kings in Name and were accountable to the People 1090 Sect. 2. The Second State of Athens under XIII Perpetual Archontes which lasted the space of 316 Years Years of the World Years before Christ. 2882. 1. MEdon the Son of Codrus govern'd Athens 20 years 1068 2902. 2. Acastus governed 36 years In his time happened the famous Ionian Expedition For the Ionians being driven out of Peloponnesus by the Heraclidae and the Dorians under the Conduct of Neleus and Androclus Sons of Codrus took Ephesus and other Places in Asia Minor and called that part of it Ionia 1048 2939. 3. Archippus governed 17 years 1011 2956. 4. Thersippus governed 42 years 994 2998. 5. Phorbas governed 31 years 952 3029. 6. Megacles governed 30 years 921 3059. 7. Diognetus governed 28 years 891 3087. 8. Phoreclus governed 19 years 863 3106. 9. Ariphron governed 20 years 844 3126 10. Thespieus governed 27 years 824 3154. 11. Agamestor governed 11 years 796 3173. 12. Aeschylus governed 23 years 777 3174. At this time being 407 years after the taking of Troy 12 years before the building of Rome and 777 years before Christ the Olympiads began each containing the space of four years The first Olympiad was very famous for the Prize which Corebus the Cook won in a Race at the Olympick Games Here ended the time which Varro calls Fabulous because all that preceded the first Olympiad was mixed with a great many Fables And here began the Historical Time because some Rays of Truth began then to shine forth in History 3196. 13. Alcmeon governed 2 years and after his Death the Government of Athens was committed to Archontes or Governors who ruled only 10 years 754 Sect. 3. The Third State of Athens under VII Decennial Archontes which lasted 70 Years Years of the World Years before Christ. 3198. 1. CHarops the Son of Aeschylus governed 10 years 752 3208. 2. Esimedes governed 10 years 742 3218. 3. Clidicus governed 10 years 732 3228. 4. â—lippomanes governed 10 years 'T is said that he tore his Daughter's Adulterer into pieces with wild Horses for which he was Deposed He accoâ—ding to Suidas was the last of the Race of Codruâ— 722 3238. 5. Leocrates governed 10 years 712 3248. 6. Apsandrus governed 10 years 702 3258. 7. Eâ—yxias governed 10 years He was the last of the Decennial Archontes So that the whole space of Time from Cecrops the first King of Athens down to the end of the Government of Eryxius takes up 874 years After his Government was expired Democracy was established in Athens and the State was to be governed by Annual Archontes 692 Sect. 4. The Fourth State of Athens under Annual Archontes which lasted about the space of 751 Years Years of the World Years before Christ. 3268. CReon was the first 682 3269. Next to him succeeded Tlesias 681 Instead of giving you an Account of the Succession and Names of these Annual Archontes which would be both a tedious and an useless Undertaking it will be more proper to set down those particular Events which contributed to the Happiness or Misery of Athens and these we will bring under their proper Centuries without affixing the Time to every particular Event but only to such as are most remarkable Years of the World Years before Christ. 3300. In this Century flourished the Seven Wise Men of Greece viz. Solon Bias Thales Pittacus Periander Chilon and Cleobolus Besides these flourished Anaximander the Son of Praxidamus who was born in Ionia Pherecydes Bion Proconessus Epimenides Anaximenes and several others The Photians a People of Ionia set out a Fleet and went and built Marseilles Within a while after Pittacus of Mytelene one of the seven Wise Men of Greece was sent by his Countrymen into Troas to fight Phrino the Commander of the Athenians but was conquered Soon after Periander another of the seven Wise Men of Greece made a Peace between the Athenians and the Mytelenians Within this Century Cylon attempted to make himself King but failing of his Aim fled with his Accomplices to the Altar who contrary to Promise were all killed by Megacles the Archon of that Year which caused great Disturbances and Factions to arise Epimedides to free the City from the Plague erected that famous Altar mentioned in the Acts to the VNKNOWN GOD. A second War happened with the Megarenses wherein Salamis was recovered 650 3384. Pisistratus descended from Codrus became a Tyrant of his Country He won the Poorer sort and by their means made himself King He was expelled by Megacles and Lycurgus afterwards sent a counterfeit Minerva in a Chariot to admonish the People of Athens to restore him He married the Daughter of Megacles was restored ruled well for some time honoured Solon collected Homer's Verses and put them in Order built the first Library in Athens which Xerxes afterwards carried away He repudiated the Daughter of Megacles was again expelled by him but returned and was kindly received by the People 566 In the 4th Year of the 39th Olympiad Anno M. 3330 Draco was Archon and made such severe Laws that they were said to be written in Blood and 22 years after Solon ruled who repealed these Laws and made many excellent Alterations in the Athenian Government In this Century Thales of Miletum died and Anaximander his Disciple was the first who discovered the Obliquity of the Zodiack which his Master could never find out 3400. After Pisistratus his Son Hipparchus succeeded and after him his other Son Hippias Hipparchus was a great Favourer of Learned Men but Harmodius and Aristogiton killed him who were also killed themselves Leaena the Harlot bit off her Tongue that she might not discover the Accomplices Hippias became at last very Cruel for which he was banished Athens Upon this he fled to Darius and set him upon the Thoughts of conquering Greece Darius was so incensed against the Athenians that every time he supp'd he ordered one of his Servants to cry out Here Mâ—mento Atheniensium Pray Sir don't forget the Athenians By the Instigation of Hippias the Persians did invade Greece but were beaten at Marathon by Miltiades where Hippias was killed And when Xerxes the Son
by Lysander the Admiral of the Lacedemonians of which 10 Galleys with much ado escaped This Engagement which happened near Egos-Potamos in the Straits of the Hellespont gave Lysander an opportunity of blocking up Athens both by Sea and Land which he besieged so straitly that he obliged it to surrender to him And then he set up 30 Tyrants to rule there and granted the Athenians Peace upon Condition that they would demolish their Walls within 10 days Whilst these Tyrants had the Government in their hands they committed many and great Outrages Several of the Citizens were banished and their Estates confiscated by them Among the banished Citizens was Thrasybulus who fighting in his Country's Cause with the Assistance of only 30 Men first of all took the Fort Phylon in Attica afterwards his Force increasing he seized upon the Pyreum drove out the 30 Tyrants out of Athens notwithstanding Lysander came to their Relief restored the City to its former Constitution and caused an Amnesty to be made 'T is said these Tyrants in their short Reign put 1400 Citizens to Death among whom the Philosopher Socrates is reckon'd and banished above 5000 all for little or no Cause Canon and Athenian who was General for the Persians defeated Agesilaus who had a while before routed the Confederated Army of the Athenians Corinthians and Thebans near Cnidus in a Sea-Fight and with the Spoils he took fortified Athens The Athenians perceiving that the Lacedemonians were still Powerful by Sea sent Thrasybulus with 40 Sail of Ships against them He scoured the Seas took a great many Prizes and raised great Contributions wherever he came At last in a City of Asia Minor he permitted his Army to live so Licentiously that the Inhabitants were so far provoked as to kill a great number of them by Surprize in the night and beheaded Thâ—asybulus himself Iphicrates who succeeded him as Admiral of the Navy surprized Anaxibius the General of the Lacedemonians cut a great many of his Forces to pieces and Anaxibius himself fell in the Engagement In this Century Epaminondas the General of the Thebans routed the Spartans twice at Leuctra and was at last killed himself at Mantinea About the end of this Century Philip of Macedon engaged in a War against the Athenians from whom he took Amphipolis and Potidea and within a few years after Demosthenes made his first Oration against Philip. The Learned Men of most Note who flourished in this Century in Greece were Herodotus Thucydides and Xenophon Historians Euripides and Sophocles Tragedians Aristophanes the Comedian Socrates Plato and Aristoâ—le Philosophers Demosthenes the Athenian Orator Eudoxus the Astronomer and Diogenes the Cynick Years of the World Years before Christ. 3600. Just before the beginning of this Century began the Phocian or Sacred War which lasted 10 years This War was wag'd against the Photians who had â—obb'd Apollo's Temple and the Photians had for their Generals first Philomelus and after him Onomarchus Philip of Macedon having defeated the Athenians at Olynthus granted them Peace within two years after he aided the Thebans and routed the Phocians whereby he put an end to the Sacred War After he had conquered the Athenians Thebans and Phocians at Cheronea he was chosen General of the Grecians against the Persians but was killed before that Expedition After his Death Alexander brought an Army into Greece where there happened some Disturbances but being perswaded by Demades the Orator he pardoned the Athenians who had conspired with Attalus against him In this Century flourished Epicurus who at 32 years of Age taught his Philosophy at first at Mytelene and afterwards at Lampsacus 350 3650. About this time Demetrius Poliorcetes raised a great Army by Land and fitted out 250 Sail of Ships to Sea and parted from Ephesus with a Design to restore all the Cities of Greece to their ancient Liberty He retook Athens and set it at Liberty and reduced the greatest part of Greece under his Sovereignty Some time after the Athenians revolted from him and sided with Pyrrhus upon which he besieged Athens but broke up from before it being perswaded thereunto by Crates the Philosopher 300 In this Century flourished Aeschines Lycurgus Theophrastus Euclid Strato Lamsocenus Callimachus Zeno Citticus the Stoick Manetho Theocritus Berosus and several others 3700. In this Century there happened with respect to the Athenians but little of Moment They sent Ambassadors to crave Help of the Romans against Philip King of Macedon who warred against them 'T is said they sent another time three Ambassadors to the Senate and People of Rome to get off the Fine of 500 Talents imposed upon them for having pillaged Oropus Those Ambassadors were three Philosophers who flourished in this Century viz. Carneades of Cyrene the Academick Diogenes of Babylon the Stoick and Critolaus the Peripatetick It was observed that each of these Philososophers had a quite different Talent in Oratory Carneades expressed himself imperiously vehemently and rapidly Critolaus made a coherent even and methodized Speech And Diogenes in his Harangue seemed reserved modest and afraid to say too much This Air of Philosophy being a new Thing there was very dazling in the Eyes of the Romans and the Youth being charmed with the Conversation of those Philosophers were all for studying that Science But Cato the Censor who was of Opinion That Philosophy would soften the Temper of the Romans and make them less fit for War to which he designed to Discipline them dispatched these Philosophical Ambassadors from Rome and banished all Philosophers out of that City 250 In this Century beside the fore-mentioned Philosophers there flourished in Greece Aratus Archimedes the famous-Mathematician Theophanes Lesbius and others 3800. And now we shall conclude what we have to say on the State of Athens since in this Century it ended and began to be govern'd by the Romans of whose Government we shall have occasion to treat more largely hereafter 150 CHAP. X. Of the Kings of Troy TROY so famous for ten years Siege and so much celebrated by Homer and other Poets upon that account was a City of Asia Minor in Pbrygia seated on the River Xanthus about a League from the Egean Sea founded as some say by Dardanus as others by Tros It had no more than VII Kings under the last of which it was taken and burnt by the Grecians 317 years after its first founding Years of the World Years before Christ. 2450. 1. About this time Teucer reigned over the Trojans being their first King and reigned 21 years 1500 2471. 2. Dardanus the Son of Iupiter and Electra Teucer's Son-in-Law succeeded and reigned 31 years 1479 2502. 3. Ericthonius reigned about 65 years 1448 2567. 4. Tros the Son of Ericthonius and Astyoche succeeded his Father and built Troy which he called Troja after his own Name and Ilium after his Son Ilus's Name He warred with Tantalus and reigned about 63 years 1383 2630. 5. Ilus succeeded his Father and reigned about 40 years 1320 2670. 6.
among the Canonical Writings of the New Testament This City was at first called Ephyra afterwards Heliopolis i. e. The City of the Sun It was famous for its Painters Architects and Carvers and was built by Sisâ—phus Corinth in the several Risques of Fortune which it has run has appeared to the World under VI. distinct States Sect. I. The First State of Corinth under the Race of Sisyphus of which there were X. Kings which lasted 269 Years Years of the World Years before Christ. 2543. 1. Sisyphus The same with him who as the Poets tell us was condemned to the endless Labour or rouling a Stone up a Hill which no sooner was at the top but rouled down again to the bottom and so renewed his Labour 2. Glaucus the first Instituter of the Ishmian Games 3. Bellerophon He being guilty of Homicide fled to Argos where he was kindly received by King Pretus But it seems Sthenobea the Queen of Argos falling in Love with Bellerophon tempted him to lie with her but upon his Refusal accused him of tempting to violate her Chastity which by the way is much the same with the Story of Ioseph and his Egyptian Mistress Upon this Pretus was offended sent him into Lycia to his Father-in-Law Iolas with Orders to put him to Death But Iolas after several Trials of his Valour so admired him that he not only spared his Life but married him to his Daughter Philonoe 4. Orynthion 5. Phocus 6. Thoas 7. Demophâ—on 8. Propodas 9. Doridas Both Sons of Propodas and 10. Hyanthidas Both Sons of Propodas Under these two last Kings the Heraclides fell into Peloponnesus and became Masters of Corinth 'T is to be observed that History is so obscure about these first Kings that the exact Time and Duration of each Reign cannot be set down Sect. II. The Second State of Corinth under IV. Kings called Heraclides which lasted 144 Years Years of the World Years before Christ. 2812. 1. Aletes the Son of Hippotaâ— the Son of Antiochus who was Nephew to Hercules He reigned 38 years 1138 2850. 2. Ixion reigned 34 years 1100 2884. 3. Agelaus reigned 37 years 1066 2921. 4. Prymnis reigned 35 years 1029 Sect. III. The Third State of Corinth under VIII Kings called Bacchides which lasted 215 Years Years of the World Years before Christ. 2956. 1. Bacchis reigned 35 years 994 2991. 2. Agelaus reigned 30 years 959 3021. 3. Eudemus reigned 25 years 929 3046. 4. Aristodemus reigned 35 years 904 3081. 5. Agemon reigned 16 years 869 3098. 6. Alexander reigned 39 years 852 3137. 7. Telstes reigned 34 years 813 3171. 8. Aristomenes or Automenes reigned only one year 779 Sect. IV. Years of the World Years before Christ. 3172. The Fourth State of Corinth was under Annual Magistrates which lasted 121 Years viz. From the Year of the World 3172 to the Year 3293. At this time the Government was changed into Aristocracy For 200 of the Bacchides ruled in Common and only created a Prytanis every Year from among themselves till at last it fell under the Tyranny of Cypselus and Periander who reigned about 73 Years 778 Sect. V. Years of the World Years before Christ. 3245. The Fifth State of Corinth was that of the Re-establishment of their Liberty By this means it became a Free Republick and had a great Share in the Wars carried on by the Grecians against the Persians and in the Wars between the Athenians and Lacedemonians as has been already observed This State lasted about 439 Years Sect. VI. The Sixth State of Corinth was under the Romans of which we shall have occasion to speak when we come to the Roman Monarchy CHAP. XIII Of the Mycenians MYcene was a City of Peloponesus situated between Argos and Corinth It was founded by Lacedemon the Son of Semelé But the Kingdom of Mycene was founded by Perseus the Son of Danae after he had killed by an Accident his Grandfather Acrisius King of Argos So that this State is to be looked upon only as a Continuation of the Kingdom of Argos the Regal Authority being translated thence by Perseus to Mycene about the year of the World 2641 before Christ 1309. This Kingdom or State lasted 218 Years under VII Kings Years of the World Years before Christ. 2641. 1. Perseus reigned about 57 years Before he was King he did many great Exploits among the rest overcame the Gorgons three Sea-Monsters 1309 2708. 2. Sthenelus succeeded his Father and reigned 8 years 1242 2716. 3. Eurystheus succeeded his Father Sthenelus and reigned 43 years In his time lived Hercules said to be the Son of Iupiter and Alcmena who by Eurystheus was injoined to destroy divers Monsters in hopes that he would have been killed by them But he always returned home Conqueror which gave an occasion to the Story of the twelve Labours of Hercules Eurystheus jealous of the growing Greatness of this Hero made War against the Heracâ—idae wherein he and all his Sons was killed 1234 2759. 4. Atreus and Thyestes the Sons of Pelops and Grandsons of Tantalus reigned conjunctly the space of 8 years They had another Brother named Plisthenes who died whilst young and committed the Care of his two Sons Agamemnon and Menelaus to his Brother Atreus He married Aerope the Mother of these Children and Daughter to Minos with whom Thyestes was caught in the Act of Adultery Atreus was so enraged that he first banished his Brother then recalled him within a while after and having killed his Sons dress'd them and served them up to him to be eaten Hence arose the Proverb of Thyestes's Supper 1191 Atreus after the Death of Eurystheus became Master of all Peloponnesus and put the Heraclidae to flight 2767. 5. Agamemnon reigned 15 years He declared War against the Trojans in the Behalf of his Brother Menelaus After Troy was taken he returned home but was there immediately killed by Aegysthus and his own Wife Clytemnestra who lived in Adultery with Aegysthus 1183 2782. 6. Aegysthus the Son of Thyestes born in Incest after the Death of Agamemnon succeeded and reigned 7 years 1168 2789. 7. Orestes the Son of Agamemnon revenged his Father's Death upon Aegysthus and his own Mother Clytemnestra whom he slew After which he ran mad but was restored to his Senses at the Altar of Diana in Taurica He reigned 70 years over Lacedemonia and Mycene 1161 2859. Orestes left two Sons behind him viz. Tisamenes and Penthilus who were Dethroned by the Heraclidae as they were returning to Peloponnesus 1091 CHAP. XIV Of the Thebans BOEOTIA one of the States of Greece was bounded on the West by Phocis on the East by the Eubean Sea on the North by Locris and on the South by Attica and Megaris The Metropolis of this Country was Thebes but who built it is uncertain Calydnus is said to have reigned first in that Place after him Ogyges but last Cadmus But since the Account of the Thebans before the Reign of Cadmus is very obscure we shall pass that
by the Adriatick Sea on the East by the Egean Sea on the North by the Vpper Moesia and on the South by Epirus Achaia and Thessaly This Kingdom began in the year of the World 3137 under Caranus the Heraclide and lasted 645 years till it became at last a Roman Province We may consider this Kingdom under three distinct States Sect. 1. The First State of Macedon under XX. Kings of which Philip the Father of Alexander the Great was the last which lasted 477 Years Years of the World Years before Christ. 3137. 1. CAranus the Heraclide founded this Monarchy and reigned 28 years 813 3165. 2. Cenus succeeded and reigned 12 years 785 3177. 3. Thurimos succeeded his Father and reigned 38 years 773 3215. 4. Perdiccas I. succeeded his Father and reigned 51 years It seems he shewed the Place where he and his Successors should be buried 735 3266. 5. Argeus the Son of Perdiccas succeeded and reigned 38 years 684 3304. 6. Philip I. succeeded his Father Argeus and reigned 38 years 646 3342. 7. Aeropus the Son of Philip reigned 26 years He was carried in his Cradle against the Illyrians who thereupon were routed 608 3368. 8. Alcetas succeeded his Father Aeropus and reigned 29 years 582 3397. 9. Amyntas I. the Son of Alcetas succeeded and reigned 50 years 553 3447. 10. Alexander I. Sirnamed the Rich succeeded his Father Amyntas and reigned 43 years He slew the Persian Ambassadors who would have abused the Macedonian Ladies sent two Images of massy Gold to Delphos and Elis and would not be corrupted by the Persians but discovered all their Plots against Greece 503 3490. 11. Perdiceas II. the Son of Alexander succeeded and reigned 28 years 460 3518. 12. Perdiceas III. succeeded but reigned a short time being killed by 432 13. Archelans his Bastard Brother who succeeded and reigned 24 years 3542. 14. Orestes the Son of Archelans succeeded was committed to the Tutelage of Eropus who killed him and succeeded 408 15. Eropus the Governor of Orestes reigned about 6 years 3548. 16. Pausanias the Son of Eropus reigned only one year being put to Death by 402 3549. 17. Amyntas II. the Husband of Eurydice who ascended the Throne and reigned 24 years but had a troublesom time on 't 401 3573. 18. Alexander II. succeeded his Father Amyntas and reigned only one year He sued for Peace from the Illyrians and sent them his Brother Philip as an Hostage who was by them sent to the Thebans 377 3574. Ptolemy Alorites usurped the Throne but was killed by Perdiccas after he had reigned 3 years 376 3577. 19. Perdiccas IV. governed Macedon 5 years He was slain in a Battel fought against the Illyrians left his Son very young whereupon the Macedonians made his Brother Philip II. King within a short time after his Death 373 3588. 20. Philip II. ascended the Throne with a great many good Qualifications He was Courageous and Prudent and when he was Hostage at Thebes he dwelt with Epaminondas a great Philosopher as well as a great General His Conversation with so great a Man was of extraordinary use to him as appeared afterwards in the whole Sequel of his Life And it may be very justly affirmed that the Grandeur of the Kingdom of Macedon the Greatness of Alexander and perhaps the Grecian Monarchy was owing to the Instructions which Philip learnt from Epaminondas He reigned 26 years 362 This King made his Peace with the strongest but subdued the weakest Countries such as the Athenians Pannonians and Illyrians He set all Greece into Flames and took an opportunity from their Divisions of becoming their Master 3595. This year Alexander was born at the City Pella Some Authors tell us that on this very Day Philip received these three extraordinary Pieces of News 1. That Parmenio had defeated the Illyrians 2. That he had won the Prize at the Olympick Games And 3. That he had a Son brought into the World But the Learned Criticks have discovered that these Events were not at the same time What is most certain is that on the Birth-Day of Alexander the Temple of Diana at Ephesus was burnt by a Villanous Incendiary who was willing by this Act to render his Name famous or rather infamous to Posterity Great Care has been taken to smother his Name but Theopompus in his History tells us he was called Erostratus 355 3605. This year Philip besieged Perinthus a Town in Thrace but the King of Persia jealous of the growing Greatness of King Philip succoured the Perinthians which gave occasion to Philip to think of carrying on a War against the Persians Within a while after he set upon the Athenians and defeated them in the Battel of Cheronea where his Son Alexander about 18 years old signalized himself At last having made Preparations for the War against Persia he was slain at his Daughter's Wedding by Pausanias a young Macedonian to whom he had refused Justice 345 Sect. 2. The Second State of Macedon under Alexander the Great lasted only 13 Years Years of the World Years before Christ 3614. ALexander the Great raised Macedon to the highest Pitch of Grandeur for at last this mighty Conqueror within 12 or 13 years extended the Bounds of his Kingdom so far into Europe Asia and Africa that Macedon might then very justly have been stiled The Mistress of the Vniverse The Danube and the Black Sea bounded his Conquests Northward the River Hydaspes the Indian Sea the Gulphs of Persia and Arabia bounded them on the East and Cyrene the Capital City of Cyreniacum or Pentapolis in Africa bounded them Southward All this large Tract of Country was under his Dominions But having already treated of the Progress of his Conquests in speaking to the Grecian Monarchy chap. 4. we shall not trouble our selves or our Reader with any Repetitions 336 After Alexander's Death at Babylon there happened a long Contest between the Commanders about the Election of a Successor at last they agreed to salute Arideus King This Arideus was Alexander's base Brother whom King Philip had by a Comedian named Philinna Sect. 3. The Third State of Macedon under XVII Kings lasted 155 Years Years of the World Years before Christ. 3627. 1. ARideus was only a Titular King all his Authority being in the Hands of four Governors or Tutors viz. Perdiccas Python Antipater and Polysperchon When he ascended the Throne he took the Name of Philip Arideus and reigned only 6 years and 4 months for he was put to Death with his Wife Eurydice by the Order of Olympias Alexander's Mother upon her return into Macedon 323 3633. 2. Cassaneder succeeded him and reigned 19 years He returning at the Head of an Army from Peloponnesus besieged the Queen Olympias in Pydna forced her to surrender and put her to Death Afterwards he married Thessalonice the Daughter of Philip and made young Alexander the Posthumous Son of Alexander the Great with his Mother Roxana Prisoners in the Fort of Amphipolis Within a while after a League
was struck up between Ptolemy Cassander Lysimachus and Antigonus four of Alexander's Commanders upon these Conditions That Cassander should be Master of Europe Lysimachus of Thrace Ptolemy of Egypt and the other Countries of which he was in Possession till such time as Alexander the Son of Roxana arrived to years of Maturity but that Antigonus should still preside over Asia where the Greeks should live under their own Laws This League did not last long for each of them was for getting the whole Power to himself and this they thought the more feasible when he who was Sovereign over them all and whose Vicegerents they pretended to have been was once removed out of the way For Cassander no sooner understood that the People were well affected to Alexander and talked openly of seting him at liberty and placing him upon his Father's Throne but he ordered both him and his Mother to be put to Death privately Hercules another Son of Alexander the Great whom he had by Barsine the Daughter of Artabazus the Persian was invited from Pergamos into Macedonia by Polysperchon who envy'd Cassander's growing Greatness and was at the Head of an Army against him but when they were just ready to engage in Battel Cassander by large Promises won over Polyspherchon to his side who killed the young Prince and his Mother 317 Hitherto those who had seized upon Alexander's Conquests were contented to be stiled Governors of the Provinces but when the Blood Royal of Alexander was extinct each of them took upon him the Name of King thereby to create to themselves the greater Respect from their Soldiers Cassander when he died left three Sons Philip Antipater and Alexander 3652. 3. Philip succeeded his Father Cassander and scarce reigned a whole year for he died of a Consumption 298 3653. 4. Antipater I. and Alexander IV. succeeded their Brother and reigned a little more than 3 years The former of these killed his Mother Thessalonice because she favoured Alexander most thô she conjur'd him by the Breasts that gave him suck to spare her Life Upon this the two Kings fell out and Alexander to revenge this unnatural Crime sent for a Supply from Pyrrhus King of Epirus and Demetrius Polyorcetes of Peloponesus They came to an Engagement wherein both the Brothers were cut off 297 3656. 5. Demetrius Poliorcetes that is The City Taker usurped the Kingdom of Macedon after the Death of the Brothers and reigned 7 years He aimed at driving Lysimachus out of Thrace but was diverted from his Design at first by Pyrrhus King of Epirus who invaded Thessaly but having made Peace with him he raised an Army of 100000 Foot and 12000 Horse with a Fleet of 1500 Sail a greater Force than any had been raised since the Death of Alexander Which mighâ—y Force putting Seleucus Ptolemy and Lysimachus under some fear they entred into a Confederacy and prevailed upon Pyrrhus by their joint intreaties to violate the Peace Lysimachus from Thrace and Pyrrhus from Epirus invaded Macedon both at once and by that means Pyrrhus having taken Byrrhea was saluted King of Macedon by the Army of Demetrius 294 3663. 6. Pyrrhus reigned over Macedon only seven months For 287 7. Lysimachus claimed his Share in the Government and having driven Pyrrhus out reigned 5 years and an half Demetrius being turned out of Macedon at last threw himself into the Hands of his Son-in-Law Seleucus who received him kindly but made him his Prisoner at large where giving himself up to Hunting Drinking and Gaming he died within 3 years after Lysimachus was at last defeated by Seleucus in Phrygia where he was slain in Battel 'T is said that his Dog stood by his Carcase and guarded it from Fowls and wild Beasts 2669. 8. Seleucus puffed up with his Victory marched into Macedon over which he râ—igned only 7 months being treacherously killed by Ptolemy Ceraunus 281 9. Ptolemy Ceraunus after the Death of Seleucus took Possession of the Kingdom of Macedon Antigonus Gonnata the Son of Demetrius Poliorcetes opposed it but was defeated in a Sea-Fight and forced to fly into Beotia Ptolemy married his own Sister Arsinoe the Widow of Lysimachus being received by her into her own City named Cassandrea and afterwards killed her two Sons which she had by Lysimachus in her Arms. About this time a great many Gauls finding their own Country too narrow to entertain them marched in three Companies under three Leaders in quest of a new Country to settle in One Company was led into Thrace by Cerethrius another into Pannonia by Brennus and Acichorius and a third into Macedon by Belgius The last of these Ptolemy who thought himself as able to fight as to commit Villanies opposed and was defeated taken alive and slain by them 3671. 10. Meleager succeeded his Brother Ptolemy but within two months time was outed by the Macedonians who put in his stead Antipater the Son of Philip Brother to Cassander 279 11. Antipater II. he reigned only 45 days 3672. 12. Sosthenes a famous Macedonian raised the Youth of Macedon and marched at the Head of them against the Gauls he fought and defeated them and by this means delivered his Country The whole Army proclaimed him King but he refused that Title and would be only stiled their General He did not meet with the same good Success against Brennus another Leader of the Gauls who fell into Macedon plunder'd and ravaged all that lay in his way and at last defeated and routed Sosthenes himself He died after he had presided over the Kingdom about 2 years 278 3674. 13. Antigonus Gonnata the Son of Demetrius Poliorcetes having made Peace with Antiochus Soter marched into Macedon took Possession of that Kingdom and reigned over it 34 years He drove the Gauls whom Brennus had left behind him to guard the Passes and the Frontiers out of Macedon In his time the Gauls who marched in several Bodies before drew into one assisted King Nicomedes against Zypeus who had seized on part of Bithynia and having defeated Zypeus they settled upon the River Haly in that Place which afterwards from them was called Gallo-Grecia or Galatia Antigonus at his first Accession to the Throne met with some Disturbance first from Pyrrhus King of Epirus and then from Alexander the Son of Pyrrhus but within 2 or 3 years the Storm blew over and he was established in the quiet Possession of that Kingdom 276 3708. 14. Demetrius II. succeeded his Father Antigonus who rendred himself odious to the Etolians by inclining Agro the King of the Illyrians to aid the Mydionians who were besieged by the Etolians He became Master of Cyrene and all Lybia and died after he had reigned 10 years Upon his Death he left a Son behind him very young named Philip. Antigonus Sirnamed Doson because of the magnificent Promises of which he was very Liberal was constituted Governor to the young Prince He married his Pupil's Mother and by his Bounty and Clemency prevailed so far upon the
People that they made him King 242 3718. 15. Antigonus Doson the Governor of Philip reigned 12 years After the Death of Demetrius the Cities of Greece shook off the Yoke of Tyranny and joined themselves to the Republick of the Acheans Aratus the Sicyonian was a great Promoter of the Interests of the Acheans and freed Athens from the Dominion of the Macedonians The Etolians envying their Success joined in a War with Cleomenes King of Sparta against them upon which the Acheans finding themselves unable to resist so great a Power implored the Assistance of Antigonus Doson who repelled Cleomenes and gave him so great a Defeat that he was forced to fly from Sparta to Alexandria Antigonus used the Spartans extreme kindly and permitted them to enjoy their ancient Laws and Privileges but in the midst of all his Glory he was forced to march back to the Defence of Macedon which the Illyrians had invaded He defeated and put them to flight but straining his Voice too much in the Battel he burst a Vein and soon after died of a Consumption 232 3730. 16. Philip IV. the Son of Demetrius at the Age of 16 took the Government upon him which devolv'd to him by the Death of his Governor and Father-in-Law Antigonus and reigned 42 years 220 This King was a very Martial Prince warred against the Etolians and defeated them several times He was so far puffed up by the Success he met with that he aimed at nothing less than the becoming Universal Monarch of the whole World and was for pushing his Conquests to the very Walls of Rome Hence arose the War between the Romans and the Macedonians of which we shall have occasion to speak more particularly when we come to treat of the Roman Affairs which belong to this time 'T is enough at present to acquaint our Reader that Philip failed in his Design was beat several times by the Romans forced to make a Peace with them and was the Cause of hastening the Downfal of the Macedonian State In his time several Prodigies happened in Asia among the rest a great Earthquake which overthrew several Cities and swallowed up others From hence the Soothsayers prognosticated That the Roman Empire then in its Rise should swallow up the Empire of the Greeks At last Philip died of Grief and deputed Antigonus his Kinsman to be his Successor But his Son Perseus being certified of his Father's approaching Death by his Physician secured the Kingdom to himself 3772. 17. Perseus succeeded his Father Philip and reigned 10 years and 8 months 178 3782. This year Perseus having given the Romans great Provocations they engaged in a War against him and he prepared to oppose them He entred into an Alliance with Gentius King of the Illyrians and did all the Mischief he could to the Romans The day before that Battel wherein Perseus was entirely defeated Sulpitius Gallus Tribune of the Soldiers by the Permission of Paulus Emilius the Roman Consul made a Speech to the Army wherein he advised them not to be terrified if they saw the Moon in a total Eclipse that night from two a clock to four in the morning since it was no more than happened at other times according to the Calculations of Astronomy That very night the Eclipse did really happen which caused the whole Army to admire the profound Skill of Gallus and was a great Encouragement to them as it was the contrary to the Macedonians The next day they came to an Engagement wherein Perseus was defeated put to flight taken and carried to Rome to grace the Roman Triumphs and thereby ended the Kingdom of Macedon which became a Roman Province after it had lasted 645 years from Caranus the first King This happened 168 years before Christ in the first year of the 153d Olympiad Anno Romae Conditae 585. CHAP. XVI Of the Lydians LYDIA is a Country in Asia Minor of which Sardes was the City of greatest Account and where the Kings of the Lydians usually kept their Court. It was situated upon the Banks of Pactolus near the Mountain of Tivoli and was one of the most ancient Cities in the World Thô Lydia has been a State exposed to various Turns of Fortune yet History affords us but little Light therein The Kingdom of Lydia had XXII Kings who reigned the space of 505 years But of these we have no Account except of the first and the four last after them till Cresus the last of their Kings were five more Years of the World Years before Christ. 2733. 1. Argon or Agron the Son of Ninus or according to others the Son of Alceus reigned first at Sardes but of XVII of his Descendants we have no knowledge 1217 3150. 19. Adrysus reigned 45 years He was of the Line of Hercules 800 3395. 20. Alyattes I. reigned 14 years 755 3209. 21. Meles reigned 12 years 741 3221. 22. Candaules or Mirsilus the Son of Mirsus the last of the Line of Hercules reigned 17 years He was killed by Gyges with whom he saw his Wife too familiar 729 3238. 23. Gyges having usurped the Throne sent large Presents to Delphos attack'd Miletum and Smyrna and took the City of Colophon by Storm By this means the Kingdom of Lydia was translated from the Family of the Heraclidae to the Mermnades in whose Family it lasted the space of 170 years of which Gyges reigned 38. This Gyges was at first a Slave and kept the King's Herds from whence he rose up at last to be King 712 3276. 24. Ardis the Son of Gyges reigned 49 years In his time the Cymmerians a People of that Country which at present is called Lesser Tartary were driven from their Habitations by the Scythians marched out of Europe into Asia keeping still along the Sea-Coast and took Sardes the Capital City of Lydia 674 3325. 25. Sadiattes the Son of Ardis succeeded and reigned 12 years 625 3337. 26. Alyattes II. succeeded his Father Sadiattes and reigned 57 years He was the youngest Brother The Inhabitants of Sardes had recourse to the Clemency of Alyattes for Cyaxeres King of the Medes would have had them submit to him but Alyattes refused it from whence arose a War of 8 years between the Lydians and the Medes This King had by his Wife Carica a Son named 613 3394. 27. Cresus who reigned 14 years after the Death of his Father He was one of the richest and most potent Princes of the World made the Greeks his Tributaries conquered the Phrygians Mysians Thrasians c. 'T is said Esop so famous for his Fables lived in his time in Phrygia that Cresus sent for him to Sardes where he treated him with a great deal of Respect and that going from Sardes to Delphos he was by the Inhabitants of that Place thrown off a high Rock Cresus puffed up with his Prosperity asked Solon who gave him a Visit what he thought of his Glory and Grandeur Solon replied That no Iudgment could be passed upon the Happiness of
given him He upon his Grandfather's Advice left the People to choose what sort of Government they pleased who immediately made him King and being established upon the Throne he divided the People into three Tribes each Tribe into ten Curiae and each Curia into ten Decuriae Another Distinction which he made of the People was into Patritians and Plebeians He made choice of 100 of the former to assist him in the Government who were called the Senate Such as he enrolled in this Assembly were called Patres Conscripti the common Title of all Senators for ever after The next thing he did was to settle the Authority of King Senate and People After which he raised 300 young Men out of the Curiae to be a Guard to his Person and made choice of twelve Lictors to be his constant Attendants to punish Offenders and to obey his Commands His next Device to encrease the City was to get Wives for his Subjects whereupon by Advice of his Grandfather and the Consent of the Senate he proclaimed a Feast and Publick Games in Honour of Neptune which caused a great Concourse of Men Women and Children from all Parts In the midst of the Solemnity upon a Signal given the Romans with drawn Swords seized upon 683 Virgins for whom Romulus chose so many Husbands This Act incens'd their Neighbours who immediately prepared for a War against the Romans The Cities of Cenina Antemna and Crustuminum begun the War first but were defeated by Romulus for which he triumph'd and at his return marked out a Spot of Ground upon Mount Capitoline for a Temple â—o Iupiter Feretrius the Place where the Capitol afterwards stood The Sabines who were principally concerned in the late Affront were the most backward but withal the most formidable of those who warred against the Romans They marched against Rome under the Command of their King Tatius took the Capitoline and were very near giving a total Rout to the Romans But the Sabine Women whom the Romans had stolen and married put an end to the War made them Friends and the Sabines came and increased the number of the Inhabitants of Rome The Peace was made on these Terms First That Romulus and Tatius should reign jointly in Rome Secondly That the City should be still called Rome from Romulus but the Citizens Quirites from Cures the Native Place of Tatius Thirdly That the two Nations should be united and as many Sabines as pleased should be made free of Rome Upon this the Capitoline was taken in built upon and inhabited by the Sabines 100 of the principal Men among them being added to the Senate Tatius was soon after killed by the Lavinians and Romulus remained sole Monarch of Rome fought against the Fidenates and others with good Success But thô he was thus engaged in continual War yet he laid the Foundation of Religion and enacted several wholsom Laws At last he was killed as is supposed in the Senate-House and his Body carried away Piecemeal by the Senators who concealed the Murder and reported that he was taken up among the Gods He reigned 37 years After his Death there happened an Interregnum for a whole year but the People being dissatisfied at that sort of Government resolved upon Electing a new King Numa Pompilius a Sabine was chosen who at first refused but at last accepted of the Kingdom 3236. 2. Numa Pompilius succeeded Romulus and reigned 44 years 714 This good King had an opportunity by the Peace he enjoyed to compleat what his Predecessor had begun He first Disbanded the 300 Celeres who were the Guard of Romulus then built a Temple to Ianus brought in the Pontifices Ordained the Vestal Virgins and Instituted the Orders of the Salii and the Feciales and to gain the more Credit and Obedience to his Constitutions he pretended they were dictated to him by the Goddess Eggeria with whom he said that he had often and immediate Converse His Religion was chiefly the Pythagorean Besides those Religious Matters he made many good and wholsom Laws and by both softened the Genius of that rugged People and strengthened that City which had been founded upon War and Bloodshed One of the Principal Things he did was the Reformation of the Year which in Romulus's time was much out of Order 3279. 3. Tullus Hostilius the Son of that Hostilius who in the Reign of Romulus had behaved himself very valiantly against the Sabines in the Citadel was created King by Universal Consent and reigned 33 years 671 In his time the Albans robbed and pillaged in the Roman Territories and the Romans to revenge the Injury did the same to the Alban State upon which a War broke out between them Both Parties drew up their Army in Battalia but agreed at last that the Quarrel should be decided by a Combat of three Persons on each Side and the Conquering Party should have the Preeminence and Command over the other The three Horatii for the Râ—mans and the three Curiatii for the Albans undertook the Combat wherein two of the Horatii were killed outright and the three Curiatii were wounded the third Horatius by a Stratagem fought with and killed the three Curiatii and so went off Conqueror Tullus Hostilius warred against the Fidâ—nates and Veleâ—tes who had in the last War with â—iba drawn their Forces together at Fidenae with a Design of falling upon both Albans and Romans after they had weaken'd themselves in Battel He drew out an Army of both against them and routed them notwithstanding the Treachery of Suffetius the Alban General his Ally who after the Battel was condemned to be torn in pieces by Wild Horses for his double Dealing This King sent and demolished Alba transplanted the Inhabitants to Rome allowed them Mount Celius to live in and granted them all the Roman Privileges After he had conquered the Fidenates he warred with the Sabines and subdued them and began a War against the Latines which lasted several years At last he died some say by Lightning with his whole Family thô more probably by some Treasonable Practices 3312. 4. Ancus Martius the Grandson of Numa was made King and reigned 24 years 638 This Ancus was much of the same Temper with his Grandfather and was for restoring the Religious Ceremonies which had been neglected in the last Reign He was no great lover of Fighting but was at last forced to be a Warriour against his will For the Latines contemning him as a sluggish Prince made Incursions into the Roman Territories Upon this he was obliged to proclaim War against them according to the Ceremonies appointed by his Grandfather Numa He defeated them in several Rencounters forced them to sue for a Peace and obtained a Triumph over them Some of the Latines he transplanted to Rome and granted them the Aventiâ—e Hill to build upon and possess After this he fought with great Success against the Fidenates Sabines Veientes and Volsci whom he subdued Beside these great Actions abroad he did many at
raised great Disturbances in Rome which were soon quelled The Illyrians revolted but were reduced by Aemilius and Livius the Consuls X. Period from the beginning of the Second Punick War to the finishing of it by Scipio Africanus lasted 17 Years Years of the World Years before Christ. 3734. The Occasion of the second Punick War was the Success which the Carthaginians had in Spain and their taking Saguntum then in Alliance with Rome The Romans sent to demand the Carthaginians to deliver Hannibal their General up to them which being refused they declared War against them 216 The War being broke out Hannibal leaving Hanno to take care of Spain march'd at the Head of 50000 Foot and 9000 Horse directly towards Italy He first crossed the Pyrenaean Mountains into Gaul passed the Rhosne arrived at the Foot of the Alps and in 15 days passed those inaccessible Mountains with great Danger and Difficulty with the loss of above half his Army When he got footing in Italy he defeated Scipio one of the Roman Consuls at Pavia and his Collegue Sempronius in another Battel near the River Trebia From the Country of the Gauls Hannibal marched into Hetruria where at the Lake called Thrasymene he defeated the Romans again cutting off their whole Army and their Consul Flaminius with a Detachment of 4000 Men sent by Servilius the other Consul to join Flaminius before the Battel Upon these Defeats the Romans created Fabius Maximus Dictator who chose Minutius Rufus for his Master of the Horse This Fabius marched against Hannibal and wearied him out by Delays from whence he was called Cunctator but his Master of the Horse imprudently engaged the Enemy and had been entirely defeated if Fabius had not come in to his Assistance and brought him and the Army off The next year happened the famous Battel of Cannae wherein the Romans were defeated and Aemilius one of the Consuls killed with 50000 Men 2 Quaestors 21 Tribunes 80 of the Senatorian Order and a great many Knights This last Defeat caused a dreadful Consternation in Rome but yet they would not hearken to any Overtures of Peace Had Hannibal upon this Success marched directly to Rome he had in all probability compleated his Conquests but drawing his Army into Quarters of Refreshment in Capua his Soldiers grew Effeminate and ever after he declined in his Fortune for in the next Campagn he was defeated thrice by the Romans After this Hannibal had Tarentum betrayed to him and the Romans besieged Capua and took it thô attacked by the Enemy who came to its Relief and thô to divert them from their Design Hannibal marched towards Rome from whence he decamped without doing any thing At last Asdruhal the Brother of Hannibal was sent into Italy with Supplies but himself and Army was cut in pieces by the Romans under the Command of Livius and Nero the two Consuls Notwithstanding these Wars with Hannibal the Romans proclaimed and carried on a War against Philip King of Macedon In Sardinia they had great Success killing in one Battel 12000 Carthaginians taking many Prisoners among the rest Asdrubal Hanno and Mago Persons of Note Sicily revolted from the Romans but was at last wholly subdued by them Syracuse after 3 years Siege being taken by Marcellus and destroyed In Spain the Romans Affairs were managed with great Success by Scipio upon whose Death young Scipio afterwards Sirnamed Africanus was sent into Spain in the Quality of Proconsul Five years after this Scipio was made Consul sent into Sicily afterwards crossed into Africa re-established Masanissa King of Numidia upon his Throne having taken Syphax the Usurper Prisoner He gave the Carthaginians so much Disturbance that they were forced to recall Hannibal who upon his arrival in his Native Country had an Interview with Scipio but when no Accommodation could be made they came to a Battel wherein the Romans proved Conquerors and the Enemy forced to sue for a Peace which was granted them upon Terms very Honourable and Advantageous to the Romans And thus ended the second Punick War after it had lasted about 17 years XI Period from the end of the Second Punick War to the end of the Third and the Destruction of Carthage containing the space of 55 Years Years of the World Years before Christ. 3751. Soon after the Peace with the Carthaginians the Romans carried on a War against Philip King of Macedon which was occasioned by his entring into an Alliance with Hannibal after the memorable Battel of Cannae They had a fresh occasion to do this at the earnest Request of the Athenians and the Complaints of Attalus King of Pergamus and the Rhodians Sulpitius Galba the Consul was sent against him who defeated him several times and was near taking him by the Assistance of Attalus and the Rhodians he raised the Siege of Athens This year Furius the Praetor obtained a great Victory over the Gauls who had revolted and invested Cremona After this Quintus Flaminius the Consul was sent against King Philip who beat him out of the Streights whilst his Brother Lucius with Attalus regained several Confederate Towns Upon this the Treaty of Peace was set on foot but came to nothing till Philip being defeated at Cynocephalae was forced to beg Peace 199 About this time the Romans gained two signal Victories over the Gauls Within a year after some Disturbances were raised in Rome about the Oppian Law And soon after they had Wars with Antiochus King of Syria who was several times defeated by Scipio Asiaticus and Africanus the two Brothers and at last forced to a Peace upon very Dishonourable Terms Within 3 years after the War was ended against Antiochus Scipio Africanus was called to an Account by the Tribunes but came off Honourably and withdrew to Linternum in Campania where he liv'd retiredly After this the Romans had only some Petty Wars with the Ligurians Istrians Sardinians Corsicans and Celtiberians But within a short time had Wars with Perseus King of Macedon who broke the League which his Father Philip had made and was defeated taken Captive and led in Triumph by the Romans as has been already declared At last the Romans found a Pretence to begin the third Carthaginian War which was their being in Arms against Masanissa a Roman Ally Accordingly a War was proclaimed against them with a full Resolution utterly to destroy Carthage Three years together it held out against the Roman Consuls but in the fourth was taken and laid in Ashes by Scipio Aemilianus who by this Victory confirmed the Sirname of Africanus to him and his Heirs for ever Within this Period of Time the number of Praetors was increased from Four to Six Rome began to be Polished by the Conversation it had with the Grecians and Plautus and Terence two Comedians flourished the former brought Comedy the latter the Latin Language to very great Perfection XII Period from the Destruction of Carthage to the end of the Sedition of the Gracchi lasted 23 Years Years of the
memorable Actions against that King routed him and Tigranes King of Armenia often and in a short space reduced all Pontus except a few Places to the Romans About this time Spartacus the Gladiator having raised an Army of about 70000 Vagabonds and overthrown many of the Roman Commanders was conquered by Licinius Crassus the Proconsul in Apulia Whilst Lucullus was carrying on his Conquests over Mithridates and Tigranes Pompey was sent first to scour the Seas of the Pyrates who were sent out by Mithridates to infest the Italian Coasts which having done upon his return he was made Commander in Chief against Mithridates and his Allies Upon this he set upon his Expedition subdued Mithridates and Tigranes the latter of them made Peace with the Romans but the former being Deposed and made Prisoner by his Son Pharnaces got an honest Gaul to put an end to his Life Pompey marched against Darius the Median and Antiochus King of Syria for molesting the Roman Allies Afterwards he went into Iudea entred Ierusalem and made all Iewry Tributary to Rome At length he returned home loaded with Honour and Glory obtained a Triumph which lasted two days wherein appeared the Son of Tigranes with his Wife and Daughter Zozima the Wife of Tigranes himself Aristobulus King of Iudea the Sister of King Mithridates with her five Sons and some Ladies of Sâ—ythia Whilst Pompey was abroad a horrid Conspiracy was carried on at home by Catiline and his Accomplices which was discovered to Cicero the present Consul by Fulvia the Courtesan of Q. Curius one of the Plotters Upon this Catiline was banished several of the Conspirators apprehended and put to Death and the whole Plot was quashed by the Vigilance and Care of Cicero who was the first Man that was stiled the Father of his Country After these Disturbances Cesar who had been Questor and Aedile was made Pretor and afterwards attained the High-Priesthood Upon the expiring of his Pretorship he procured the Government of Spain prevailed upon Crassus a wealthy Man to be his Security for 830 Talents having run so far in Debt by his Profuseness returned to Italy stood for the Consulship and entred into a Combination with Pompey and Crassus who were stiled the first Triumvirate and managed the Affairs of Rome at their Discretion XV. Period from the First Triumvirate to the Dissolution of it by the Death of Crassus and Pompey and to the Perpetual Dictatorship of Cesar which takes in the time of 15 Years Years of the World Years before Christ. 3892. We are now arrived to that part of the Roman Affairs which make up a great part of their History but yet to keep to our proposed Brevity we shall relate only the principal Matters and that as briefly as possible The first Effect of this Triumvirate was the promoting Cesar to the Consulship one Bibulus being his Collegue As soon as Cesar was Cousul he confirmed all Pompey's Acts won the Commonalty over to him by preferring and enacting a Law for dividing certain Lands in Campania among such poor Citizens as had three Children or more procured the Province of Gaul to be assigned him for 5 years and accordingly at the end of his Consulship marched thither with four Legions 58 Before he went away he married his Daughter Iulia to Pompey procured his two Friends Gabinius and Piso to be made Consuls and Clodius one of the Tribunes In his Absence Cicero was banished by the Instigation of Clodius and Cato sent against Ptolemy King of Cyprus Cesar's first Enterprize was against the Helvetians whom he defeated and killed near 200000 of them After this he turned his Forces against Ariovistus King of Germany who had molested the Sequanians the Roman Allies had an Interview with him came to an Engagement and defeated him killing about 80000 Germans upon the Spot The next year Cesar marched against the Belgae who had confederated against the Romans gave them Battel defeated them and the rest bordering upon the Sea-Coast yielded After this he led his Army against the Nervians and cut them all in Pieces Upon the News of these Victories the Senate of Rome decreed a solemn Festival for 15 Days and this year Cicero was recalled from Banishment The next Spring Cesar designing for Italy sent out Servius Galba one of his Lieutenants against the Antuates Veragres and Seduni whom within a short time he defeated Soon after his return from Italy he marched against the Veneti and subdued them and about the latter end of the Campagn went against the Morini and Menapii but did nothing against them In the mean time Crassus and Sabinus two of his Lieutenants subdued the one the Sontiates and the other the Vnelli This Winter Cesar went to Italy took up his Head Quarters at Lucca where the Triumvirate entred upon new Measures and Pompey and Crassus being made Consuls continued Cesar five years longer in his Government in Gaul and assigned Syria and the Parthian War to Crassus and Africk and Spain to Pompey And by this time Cesar had got wherewithal to pay his Debts and make Presents to his Friends In the fourth year of Cesar's Expedition he fought an Army of Germans being 430000 strong defeated them entirely cast a Bridge over the Rhine relieved the Vbii returned and crossed the Seas to Britain made them submit and returned again to Gaul and reduced the Morini and Menapians The next year he crossed again into Britain gave them Battel defeated them and their General Cassivelan sent to him for a Treaty Upon his return into Gaul he relieved Q. Cicero one of his Lieutenants who was besieged by the Eburones The sixth Campagne Cesar reinforcing his Army with three Legions more and as many Auxiliaries as he could get subdued the Nervii Senones Carnutes and Menapii crossed the Rhine a second time marched against the Suevi turned his Arms against the Eburones returned to Gaul and put the Sicambri to flight who had set upon Cicero's Camp After this he fell afresh upon the Eburones and then called a Council in Gaul to punish all Revolters and for the supplying his Army with Necessaries Whilst Cesar was thus Successful in Gaul Crassus raised his Levies for the Parthian War in his Journey marched through Ierusalem rifled the Temple of its Treasure to the value of 10000 Talents fell upon the Parthians but was routed and killed by them Thus fell Crassus one of the Triumvirate and by this means gave rise to the Contests between the other two which soon after ensued Pompey kept at Rome and did all he could to lessen Cesar and to raise his own Esteem After the Death of Crassus great Contests happened in Rome Clodius was killed by his great Enemy Milo and Milo was banished to Marseilles Pompey was made Consul alone and afterwards took Scipio Metellus for his Collegue having lately married his Daughter Cornelia In the mean time Caesar carried on his Conquests in Gaul and in two years time compleated them He put in for the Consulship
begins with the time of Nembroth and ends with the Year of Christ 1348. This Author was a Florentine XLVIII Flavius Blondus a Native of Forli in Romania was Secretary to Eugenius IV. and divers other Popes He compos'd several Historical Works whereof there are X Books Romae Triumphantis III Romae Restauratae VIII Italiae Illustratae III Decads of the Roman History and a Treatise of the Origin and Actions of the Venetians This Author was a Philosopher who regarded Worldly-acquisitions but little insomuch that Fortune which seldom takes care of those sort of People suffer'd him so far to support his Character as to die Poor the Fourth of Iune in the Year of Christ 1463. Romae Pauper at Philosophum decuit Obiit says Father Labbe XLIX St. Antoninus Arch-bishop of Florence and a Fryer of the Order of St. Dominic liv'd in the Fifteenth Century with all the Reputation and Respect that his great Piety and Learning could procure him Amongst the rest of his Works there is one call'd Summa Historica an Historical Abridgment which consists of three Parts The First is from the beginning of the World to the Reign of Constantin The Second contains all remarkable Passages from Constantin to the Year 1198. being the time of the Pontificat of Innocent III. And the Third begins from thence and ends with the Year 1459. which was the time when he dy'd under the Pontificat of Pius II. and the Empire of Frederic III. L. Aeneas Sylvius who was Pope by the Name of Pius II. He was Born at Corsignano a Village of the Territory of Siena the 18th of October in 1405. After having been employ'd in several important Negotiations wherein he sufficiently demonstrated his great Abilities he was first made Bishop of Siena and then Cardinal by Calistus III. in the Year 1456. and afterwards that Pope being dead he succeeded him under the Name of Pius II. He has compos'd several Works all which denote his great Learning and Judgment but we shall only take notice of those that relate to History He has compil'd the History of the Council of Basile in II Books He also Abridg'd the History of Flavius Blondas There is also a Cosmography of his or the History of the whole World There is likewise his Europaean History which contains several remarkable Transactions in his time 'T is also believ'd that he wrote his own Life tho' it goes under the Name of Iohn Gobelin his Secretary He dy'd the 14th of August in the Year 1464. when about 58 Years Old LI. Laonicus Chalcocondylas an Athenian who liv'd in the Fifteenth Century He has written in Greek an History of the Turks in X Books which he begins with Othoman Son of Orthogulus who liv'd in the Year 1300. and carries it on to the Year 1463. When Mahomet II. was in War with the Venetians and Mathias King of Hungary It has moreover an Appendix which reaches down to 1565. LII B. Platina Native of Cremona according to Father Labbe and of Verona if we may believe Moreri was born in the Fifteenth Century His Name was not Baptist as some have thought but Bartholomew His quick Parts occasion'd him to be universally Esteem'd especially at Rome whither he went under the Pontificat of Pope Calistus II. and was very Munificently receiv'd by Cardinal Bessarion But Pope Paul II. became very much his Enemy and kept him four Months in Prison after which his Successor Sixtus IV. who knew him better bestow'd on him the Care of his Library in the Vatican He wrote the Lives of the Popes down to Paul II. which Work Onuphrius Panvinius a Fryar of the Order of St. Austin at Verona who liv'd in the Sixteenth Century continu'd to his time which was about the Year 1568. when he dy'd at Salermo Platina dy'd at Rome of the Plague in the Year 1481. LIII Anthony Bonfinius a Native of Ascoli liv'd towards the Year 1495. He was a very honest and laborious Man and had learnt almost all Languages It was at the request of Mathias Corvinus King of Hungary and Bohemia that he undertook the History of Hungary which he carry'd on to the Year 1495. It consists of IV Decads and half that is XLV Books LIV. Robertus Gaguinus Head of the Order of the Trinity was very much in favour with Charles VIII and Lewis XII of France where he had the keeping of the Royal Library He has compos'd several Works but the most considerable is his History of France in XII Books which reach down to the Reign of Charles VIII LV. Marcus Antonius Sabellicus Son to a Poor Farrier in Italy was a great Lover of Learning in which he made a considerable progress in a very short time We have a History of his from the beginning of the World to the Year of Christ 1504. And a History of the Affairs of Venice Paulus Iovius says that he dy'd at Venice in the Year 1506. LVI Iames Phillip of Bergamos of the Order of the Hermits of St. Austin was a Person of singular Merit and whom Pope Innocent VIII honour'd with a particular Esteem He compos'd a Chronicle which began at the Creation of the World and ended with the Year 1503. which was the Seventieth Year of the Age of this Author He liv'd afterwards Fifteen Years and dy'd about Eighty five Years Old in the Year 1518. LVII Iohannes Rauclerus a Noble-Man of Germany Son to Iohn Vergehau was Provost of the Church of Subingen and afterwards Professor of the Canon-Law in the University of that City This University was Founded by Count Everard afterwards First Duke of Wirtemberg in his return from Ierusalem in the Year 1477. Nauclerus was made Vice-Chancellor of it He has written a Chronicle from the beginning of the World to the Year 1500. which Nicolas Baselius continu'd down to the Year 1514. and which Surius likewise carry'd on farther to the Year 1574. The time of this Nauclerus his Death is Unknown LVIII Albert Krantz Doctor of Divinity and Dean of the Church of Hambourg liv'd towards the beginning of the Sixteenth Century He was a Man of great Learning join'd with admirable Piety The chiefest of his Works is an Ecclesiastical History entituled Metropolis wherein he treats of the Churches Founded and Restor'd by Charlemagne He has also compil'd an History of the Saxons in XIII Books Another of the Vandals in XIV and a Chronicle of Sweden Denmark and Norway which begins with Charlemagne and is carry'd on to the Year 1504. This Author dy'd the 7th of December 1517. which was the Year that Martin Luther first publish'd his Doctrin LIX Iames Wimphelinge a Priest of the Church of Spire and Professor in the University of Heidelberg liv'd in the beginning of the Sixteenth Century He was both Divine Orator Philosopher Poet and Historian He compos'd these Books viz. Epitome Imperatorum Rerum in Germania Gestarum De Episcopis Argentirensibus c. I could never meet with the time of his Death only
hundred fourscore and five thousand Men. In his time likewise the King of Babylon sent Ambassadors to Hezekiah who out of Civility shewed them the House of his precious Things and all his Treasury which gave an occasion to Isaiah of prophesying concerning the future Babylonish Captivity Nahum prophecied and comforted the Ten Captive Tribes The Angel Raphael was sent by God to attend young Tobias in the Journey he was to take 3252. 16. Manasses a wicked King succeeded his Father Hezekiah at the age of twelve years and reigned five and fifty years 698 3274. Manasses was taken and carried to Babylon in the two and twentieth year of his Reign But his Affliction made him reflect and humble himself in the sight of God upon which he was brought immediately back to Ierusalem where he reigned three and thirty years more 676 At this time happened the History of Iudith who cut off the Head of Holofernes and delivered the City of Betâ—uliah 3307. 17. Amon a wicked King succeeded his Father Manasses and reigned two years after him and was killed treacherously by some of his own Court 643 3309. 18. Iosias a good King at the age of eight years succeeded his Father Amon and reign'd one and thirty years He re-established the Worship of God throughout his Kingdom and exceeded in Virtue all the Kings who had went before him 641 3321. Iosias in the twelfth year of his Reign purged Iudah and Ierusalem from their Idolatry 629 Ieremiah began to prophecy and continued it for the space of near five and forty years Zephaniah Baruch Habakkuk and other Prophets belong to this time 3338. Iosias inconsiderately waged War with Pharaoh Neko King of Egypt wherein he was killed and all the Joy of Iudah was turned into Mourning 612 19. Iehoahaz or Shallum succeeded his Father and reigned three months Neko King of Egypt returning from Assyria deposed Iehoahaz and made his elder Brother Eliakim King in his stead turning his Name into Iehoiakim and carried Iehoahaz along with him Captive to Egypt where he died 3339. 20. Iehoiakim succeeded his Brother and reigned over Iudah eleven years 611 3344. This year Nebuchadnezzar King of Babylon took Iehoiakim Captive with an intention to carry him to Babylon afterwards having released him upon very hard Terms he left him at Ierusalem where he remained as his Vassal This Nebuchadnezzar carried away with him part of the Vessels of the Temple with several Children of the Blood Royal and several Persons of Quality among whom was Daniel and his Companions 'T is here we must begin to reckon the Seventy Years of Captivity 606 Daniel begins to prophesy being then very young 3350. Iehoiakim was kill'd by the Babylonians and cast out to be devoured by the Fowls of the Air and the Beasts of the Field 600 21. Iechonias or Iehoiachin succeeded his Brother Iehoiakim and reigned in Ierusalem the space of three months But Nebuchadnezzar carried him away to Babylon with his Mother and the principal Men of his Court among whom were Ezekiel and Mordecai the Uncle of Esther with all the Treasures of Iudah and all the Vessels of the Temple which remained He made his Uncle Mattaniah King and changed his Name to Zedekiah 3350. 22. Zedekiah the last King of Iudah reigned at Ierusalem the space of eleven years 600 Ezekiel began to prophecy the fifth year of his Captivity at Babylon and prophecied to the seven and twentieth year He was descended from the Race of the Priests 3360. In the eleventh year of Zedekiah Ierusalem was besieged taken and plunder'd by the Babylonians Zedekiah was taken in his flight His Children killed before his face his Eyes put out himself bound with Fetters of Brass and carried away to Babylon His Palace was burnt the Temple destroyed the Walls of Ierusalem thrown down and all the People of Iudah led Captive to Babylon where they remained till the year of the World 3419 before Christ 531. 590 Here follows the Succession of the Kings of Israel The State of the Ten Tribes under the Government of Nineteen Kings from the beginning of the Reign of Jeroboam to the end of the Reign of Hosea in whose time they were carried into Captivity by Shalmaneser This State lasted 258 Years Years of the World Years before Christ. 2969. 1. JEroboam the Son of Nobat was made King and reigned over Israel two and twenty years He to strengthen himself and to keep the People from revolting to Rehoboam set up two Golden Calves the one at Dan and the other at Bethel and by this means made Israel to sin 981 In his Reign a Man of God was sent out of Iudah who prophesied against the Altar at Bethel foretold the Ruin of it by Iosiah restored Ieroboam's wither'd Hand and was slain by a Lion for disobeying the Command of God in eating contrary to the Divine Prohibition at the old Prophet's House 2991. 2. Nadab a wicked King succeeded his Father Ieroboam and reigned two years He and all Ieroboam's Family were cut off by Baasha according as Ahijah the Shilonite had foretold 959 2993. 3. Baasha a wicked King succeeded Nadab and reigned over Israel four and twenty years He was engaged in a War with Asa King of Iuda walked in the Sin of Ieroboam and was threatned by Iehu the Prophet the Son of Hanani 957 3016. 4. Elah a wicked King succeeded his Father Baasha and reigned over Israel two years He was killed by Zimri as he was drinking himself drunk in Tirzab 934 3018. 5 Zimri succeeded Elah but was outed by Omri within seven days 932 6. Omri succeeded Zimri killed Tibni who opposed him translated the Royal Palace from Tirzah to Samaria and reigned over Israel twelve years 3029. 7. Ahab a wicked and idolatrous King succeeded his Father Omri and reigned over Israel two and twenty years He married Iezebel the Daughter of Ethbaal King of the Zidonians was a Worshipper of Baal killed the Prophets of the Lord was besieged by Benhadad King of Syria whom he overcame and sent away with Honour Caused Naboth the Iezreelite to be stoned to Death and unlawfully seized on his Vineyard and at last was seduced by false Prophets to go to Ramoth Gilead to Battel where he was slain according to the Word of the Lord spoken by Micaiah the Prophet 921 In this Kings Reign Hiel the Bethelite built Iericho He laid the Foundation thereof in Abiram his First-born and set up the Gates thereof in his youngest Son Segub according to the Word of the Lord which he spake by Ioshua the Son of Nun. 1 King 16.34 3050. 8. Ahaziah a wicked King succeeded his Father Ahab and reigned over Israel two years He was hurt by a fall sent Messengers to Baalzebub the God of Ekron to enquire whether he should recover or no Elijah meets and stops the Messengers denounces the Death of the King and brings Fire from Heaven upon his Messengers 900 3051. 9. Iehoram a wicked King succeeded his Brother Ahaziah and reigned over
590 years without assigning them an exact place in Chronology and herein we follow the rest of the Chronologers However we will connect the Succession of the Times together by some of the most considerable Events which happened in the Iewish History of which we will exactly set down the years Year ' of the World Years before Christ. 3360. 1. NERI He was carried Captive to Babylon with the rest of the People of God 590 3376. The three Children are cast into the fiery Furnace in Babylon and are miraculously delivered 574 3378. King Nebuchadnezzar as a just Punishment of his Pride was turned into a Beast was driven out of his Palace and after seven years is restored 572 3386. 2. SALATHIEL He was among the Captiv'd Iews at Babylon 564 About this time Ieconiah was advanced by Evilmerodach 3409. Daniel is cast into the Lion's Den from whence he was miraculously delivered by God 541 3419. 3. ZOROBABEL by the Permission of Cyrus who had conquered all the East lead the People back to Iudea to rebuild the Temple He was accompanied by Ioshua or Iesus the High-Priest and the poorer sort among the Iews were allowed some sort of Gratuity to undertake this Journey The King of Persia was inclined to deal thus kindly by the Iews because he was informed that it had been foretold by the Prophets that he should be the Man who should cause the Temple of Ierusalem to be rebuilt 531 3431. Haggai and Zachariah stir up the People to build the Temple the finishing of which had been hinder'd by the Enemies of the Iews 519 3433. The Temple was finished and dedicated in this year according to Iosephus 517 4. RHEZA 5. IOANNA 6. IVDAH 3492. Ezra or Esdras obtained Letters Patent from King Artaxerxes in the Seventh Year of his Reign for the carrying back a great many People into Iudea He return to Ierusalem saw â—â—d bewailed the Sins of the Priests Levites and People in marrying with the Idolatrous People of the Land made a deep Confession of their Sins to God and prevailed upon them to make a Covenant to put away their Strange Wives 458 7. IOSEPH 3505. Nehemiah obtained from the same Artaxerxes in the Twentieth Year of his Reign a Commission to build the Walls of Ierusalem He came thither repair'd and built them in two and fifty days thô Sanballat and his Companions used their utmost Power to hinder him He discharg'd the poor Iews from their Debts the Law was solemnly read by Ezrah and the Feast of Tabernacles kept Also a solemn Fast was kept and a Covenant made to put away the strange Wives to keep the Sabbath and to pay their Tythes This is the year wherein they begin to reckon the seventy weeks of Daniel 445 3518. Nehemiah returned to Artaxerxes according to his Promise 432 3526. He returns to Ierusalem reforms things that were amiss in his Absence concerning Tythes the Sabbath and strange Wives 424 8. SEMEI 9. MATTATHIAS 10. MAATH 3588. Malachi the last of the Prophets lived about this time He exhorted the People to reform and turn to God 'T is probable that he was Contemporary with Nehemiah 362 3618. About this time Alexander the Great defeated Darius the last King of Persia became Lord of all the East and in six years time carried his Conquests so far that Daniel in his mysterious Visions compares him to a Leopard which had Wings 332 11. NAGGE 12. ELI 13. NAHVM 14. AMOS 15. MATTATHIAS 16. IOSEPH 17. IOANNA 3731. Ptolemy Philopator reigns seventeen years in Egypt 'T was he who tormented the Iews of Alexandria so barbarously to turn them from the Worship of the true God Several of them at last yielded to him others redeemed themselves from his Tyranny by Money and those who stedfastly adhered to the Law of God were treated with the utmost Severity as may be seen in the Third Book of Maccabees 219 3763. At this time Heliodorus sent by Seleucus Philopator to spoil the Temple was whipt by Angels as appears 2 Maccab. c. 3. 187 3782. Antiochus Epiphanes prophanes the Temple and here begins the Abomination of Desolation spoken of by Daniel the Prophet 168 3783. Iudas Maccabeus routs Apollonius Seron Gorgias and Lysias the Captains of Antiochus 167 3785. He purged the Temple after it had been polluted three years together 165 18. MELCHI 3797. Ionathan the High-Priest is greatly honoured by King Alexander and destroys the Apostate Iews 153 3807. Simon made General and High-Priest took Gaza and the Tower upon Mount Sion in Ierusalem which had been built by Antiochus Epiphanes to command the Temple and levelled that part of the Mount 143 3815. Simon after he had govern'd the People about eight years was killed treacherously by Ptolemy in a Feast He sent some to surprize his Son Iohn Sirnamed Hircanus but he escaped and was made High-Priest in the room of his Father 135 This Iohn was besieg'd in Ierusalem by Antiochus Sidetes open'd David's Sepulcher and found vast Treasures therein 19. LEVI 3845. Aristobulus succeeded Iohn Hircanus was the first who after the Captivity took upon him the Diadem and Character of King He famished his Mother imprisoned all his Brethren except Antigonus whom he dearly loved yet killed him being deceived by Alexandra Salome his Wife He died of Grief she released Alexander and married him 105 3846. Alexander Iamnaeus succeeded Aristobulus took Ptolemais was twice routed by Ptolemy Lathurus took Gaza and destroyed it 104 20. MATTHAT 3872. Alexandra Widow to Alexander joined with the Pharisees as her Husband had advised her because they were in great Esteem with the People They ruled all under her and by degrees cut off the Chief of the Saducees who had counselled Alexander against them 78 3882. Aristobulus headed the Saducees routed the Pharisees and was made King 68 3887. The Temple and City were taken by Pompey And because Aristobulus had proved false to him he sent him Prisoner to Rome with Alexander and Antigonus his two Sons 63 21. HELI. 3902. The Civil Wars of Rome between Pompey and Cesar inclined the latter to release Aristobulus and to send him back to Ierusalem that he might prevail upon the Jews to declare against Pompey But he was poison'd by some of Pompey's Party and his Son Alexander was beheaded at Antioch His other Son Antigonus went to Rome represented the Misfortune which happened to his Father and his Brother and complained very much of Hircanus and Antipater However Antipater was so highly in Cesar's Favour that Hircanus was made High-Priest and Antipater Governour of Iudea 48 22. IOSEPH the Husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary 3913. Herod made King of Iudea and reigned over it 38 years 37 3948. This year Augustus made a Decree That all the Roman Empire should be taxed Ioseph went with the Virgin Mary from Galilee to Bethlehem where she brought forth our Blessed Saviour Iesus Christ. A REMARK IT is to be observed That the History of the Iews does not end here There were High-Priests
the Maccabees After this Demetrius raised Forces against Alexander but was defeated and killed by him By this means Alexander was established in the Kingdom of Syria over which he reigned 6 years 151 Demetrius the eldest Son of Demetrius Soter being willing to revenge the Death of his Father and to regain his Kingdom had great Success therein Apollonius join'd with him and was sent by Demetrius into Iudea to fight the Iews who were in League with Alexander Ionathan and Simon engaged him several times At last Alexander ravaged Syria Ptolemy Philopator and Demetrius marched against him where Ptolemy was wounded in the Engagement Within a few days after Alexander was killed by his Domesticks and Ptolemy upon the sight of his Head died for Joy 3805. 12. Demetrius Nicanor became at last sole King of Syria and suffered the Iews to live very peaceably Ionathan laid Siege to the Fortress of Ierusalem and Demetrius sent to have him come to him and give him an Account of that Action Ionathan still continued the Siege and pacified Demetrius by his Presents 145 No sooner had Demetrius Nicanor disbanded his old Forces having as he thought no further Occasion for them but Tryphon laid hold on the Opportunity to make young Antiochus Sirnamed the Divine King who was the Son of Alexander He endeavoured to make Ionathan his Friend who did him great Services 3807. 13. Antiochus the Divine set up by Tryphon but afterwards the latter being minded to be King himself instead of Antiochus and being afraid Ionathan should oppose him in his Designs surpriz'd and killed him Simon is Elected in his Place to be both General of the Army and High-Priest He several times defeated Tryphon who that he might the more easily usurp the Regal Dignity killed Antiochus 143 3809. 14. Tryphon the Vsurper In his time Demetrius Nicanor marched with his Forces into Media to strengthen himself against Tryphon where he was taken Prisoner by the General of the Army of the King of Persia and Media At last the Soldiers could not away with Tryphon and went over to Cleopatra the Wife of Demetrius who surrender'd her self and her Army to her Brother Antiochus Sedetes 141 3812. 15. Antiochus Sedetes took the Government upon him and reigned about 10 years He at first made a League with Simon the High-Priest and afterwards very dishonourably broke it sending Cendebeus against him whilst he went in pursuit of Tryphon who retired into Apamea which being taken he was killed there Simon the High-Priest being very old sent his Sons against Cendebeus who beat him This only served to foment the Jealousy of his Son-in-Law Ptolemy against the Father and his Children who killed the Father and two of his Sons in a Feast to which he had invited them In the Eighth Year of the Reign of Antiochus Sedetes there happened an Earthquake at Antioch at 10 a clock in the morning on February the 21st After this Antiochus with his Army were cut off in Parthia which gave way for his Brother Demetrius to remount the Throne 138 3822. Demetrius Nicanor reassumed the Throne after his return from the Parthians where he had been Prisoner But he had debauched himself so much among the Parthians and grew by his Pride so intolerable that neither his Soldiers nor his Subjects could endure him but chose themselves another King 128 16. Alexander Zebenna was the Man they Elected who was the Son of a certain great Merchant Demetrius was abandoned by all Men fled from one Country to another and at last was assassinated as he was going into a Ship But some say he was killed by his Wife Cleopatra Zebenna in his Prosperity proved ungrateful to his Friends and forgot his old Benefactor Ptolomy Physicon who had set him upon the Throne Ptolomy by way of Revenge assisted Antiochus Gryphus against him who defeated put him to flight and afterwards killed him 3826. 17. Antiochus Gryphus reigned 8 years very prosperously and all Syria enjoyed a profound Peace His Mother Cleopatra offended at her Son 's good Fortune upon his return from the War he had successfully ended against Zebenna presented him with a Glass full of rank Poison He excused himself out of Compliment and his Mother still urged him to drink it off At last he frankly told her That he was informed of her ill Will towards him and that she could not clear her Innocence better than by drinking up what she was so civil to offer him Upon this she was forced to drink off what she had prepared for her Son and so was poisoned Antiochus Cyzicenus declared War against his Brother Gryphus but was defeated by him 3835. 18. Antiochus Cyzicenus had the Fortune at last to defeat his Brother Gryphus who fled away and was turned out of his Kingdom which his Brother became Master of But no sooner was he King but he gave himself up to all manner of Pleasures and Debaucheries He associated with none but Comedians Buffoons Jugglers and Fencers He applied himself very seriously to the making of Puppets dance and became so great a Master in that Mechanical Art that he could make Figures of Birds to fly and run along as if they were natural 115 3856. 19. Seleuchus the Son of Antiochus Gryphus having raised Forces declared War against his Uncle Antiochus Cyzicenus They came to an Engagement wherein Antiochus was defeated His Horse carried him into the Enemies Camp and he for fear of being taken alive killed himself 92 3860. 20. Antiochus the Pious the Son of Antiochus Cyzicenus having escaped the Ambuscades which his Uncle had laid for him declared War against him after he had taken upon him the Diadem at Arada Seleucus was routed beaten out of all Syria and fled into Cilicia He was received there by the Mopseates who being enraged by the extravagant Contributions which Seleucus raised upon them burnt him in his Palace with two of his Friends Upon this Antiochus and Philip two Twin-Brothers of Seleucus in revenge of his Death besieged Mopsuesta took it by Storm and demolished it Antiochus the Pious marched against them and defeated them Antiochus was drowned in a River as he fled away and his Brother Philip reigned together with Antiochus the Pious and afterwards they endeavoured by War to decide which of the two should be sole Master 90 3861. 21. Demetrius Euceres the Son of Antiochus Gryphus was seated upon the Throne of Damascus by Ptolemy Lathurus But Antiochus the Pious opposed the new King being assisted by his Brother Philip's Forces Iosephus says that Antiochus the Pious was killed in a Battel against the Parthians 89 22. Philip and Demetrius Euceres both of them the Sons of Gryphus became Masters of the Kingdom of Syria Thus for these last years the Seleucides raising continual Commotions with each other for the Crown were at length cut off in several Battels The Syrians offended at these Disturbances called in Tigranes King of Armenia and submitted to his Government 3863. 23 Tigranes called in
Solomon 978 2978. 29. Spinaces reigned about 9 years 972 2987. 30. Persusennes reigned about 55 years 963 3042. 31. Sesonchis reigned 21 years 908 3063. 32. Osorthon reigned 15 years 887 3078. 33. Tachelotis reigned 13 years 872 3091. 34. Petubastes reigned about 30 years 859 3121. 35. Sebacon reigned about 12 years 829 3133. 36. Osorchon or the Egyptian Hercules reigned about 12 years 817 3145. 37. Tarak reigned 19 years 805 3164. 38. Psammis I. reigned about 19 years 786 3183. 39. Bocchoris Sirnamed Saites reigned in Egypt the space of 44 years 767 3227. 40. Sabacon or So the Ethiopian began to reign and having taken Bocchoris Prisoner of War caused him to be burnt alive and reigned in his stead 8 years This was that So mentioned 2 King 17.4 to whom Hoshea King of Israel sent Ambassadors to perswade him to pay no Tribute to the King of Assyria Upon which Sennacherib King of Assyria clap'd Hoshea into Prison and laid Egypt waste 723 3236. 41. Sevechus the same with Tirhakah mentioned by Isaiah the Son of Sabacon succeeded his Father and reigned about 28 years 714 3264. About this time there happened great Disturbances in Egypt the Regal Power was laid aside and the Kingdom governed by an Aristocracy of 12 Men for the space of 15 years 686 3279. 42. Psammeticus one of the 12 assisted by the Grecian Soldiers became sole King of Egypt and reigned 54 years In his time the Scythians having conquered Asia marched directly towards Egypt But when they were advanced as far as Palestine Psammeticus met them and by his Intreaties and Presents diverted them from their Design 671 3333. 43. Pharaoh Neco succeeded his Father Psammeticus and reigned 16 years He attempted to cut a River from the Nile to the Sinus Arabicus but failed in his Design and 120000 Egyptians perished in the Undertaking Herodotus tells us that he sent a Fleet out of Sinus Arabicus which lanching out into the South Sea sailed quite round Africa They entred the Mediterranean by Hercules Pillars called at present the Straits of Gibraltar from whence they sailed in a direct Course to Egypt where they arrived in the 3d year of their Voyage This was that King of Egypt who defeated Iosiah King of Iudah and killed him in Battel He was afterwards entirely defeated by Nebuchadnezzar King of Babylon who was very near conquering all Egypt Nebuchadnezzar pushed on his Conquests took from Neco all his Dominions which lay between the Nile and Euphrates and forced him to keep within the Limits of his own Territories 617 3350. 44. Psammis II. succeeded his Father Neco and reigned about 6 years But he died soon after his return from his Expedition into Ethiopia 600 3356. 45. Apries succeeded his Father Psammis and reigned about 25 years He was a great Warriour took Sidon by Storm and put all Phenicia into a very great Consternation At last he was absolutely defeated by the Cyrenians against whom he had waged War Upon this the Egyptians were for deposing Apries who sent Amasis to pacify them But instead of that they set up Amasis for their King Apries dispatched Patarbem to bring back Amasis but he succeeded not whereupon he had his Nose and Ears cut off as a Punishment of his Default by the Orders of King Apries Those Egyptians who hitherto had continued Loyal to the Interests of Apries were so offended at this barbarous Proceeding that they deserted him and went over to Amasis The two Kings had an Engagement near the Walls of Memphis in which Apries was defeated put to flight taken Prisoner confined in Said and afterwards strangled 594 Nebuchadnezzar laid hold on this Juncture of Affairs and whilst these Commotions and Disturbances were flaming in Egypt marched directly thither and conquered the whole Country He made a great slaughter among the Egyptians and put a vast number of them into Irons The Iews who were fled into Egypt to avoid the Fury of the Assyrians fell at the same time into the Hands of Nebuchadnezzar and shared the same Fate with the Egyptians 3381. 46. Amasis ascended the Throne and reigned 44 years In his time Cambyses King of Persia resolv'd upon the Conquest of Egypt and made Preparations for it 569 3426. 47. Psammenitus succeeded his Father Amasis but he reigned only 6 months being conquered by Cambyses King of Persia. 524 A REMARK Here we would desire our Reader to take notice that in the Names and Succession of these Egyptian Kings we have all along followed Petavius Helvicus and after him our Countryman Mr. Tallents 'T is true they differ in some Points from other great Authors but if they in the Account they give us or we in following them do Err it may be the more excusable since scarce two Authors agree exactly in the Names and Succession of these Kings so obscure is the History of these Times We after them have made Thermutis or Acenchres to be that Cruel Pharaoh who oppressed the Hebrews and killed their Male-Children and Armais to be that Pharaoh who reigned when Moses brought the ten Plagues upon Egypt and who pursued the Israelites into the Red Sea where he and his Army were drowned But others have made Ramesses Miamun to be the One and his immediate Successor Amonophis III. to be the Other Pharaoh Which of the two Accounts is most Authentick is very uncertain and perhaps neither of them is true For 't is probable that one and the same Pharaoh oppressed the Hebrews and pepished in the Red Sea The Scriptures determine nothing in the case but only tell us in general that it was Pharaoh who did this or that and Prophane History affords us but little Light to distinguish whether one or two or more Pharaoh's were concerned in the Business We determine nothing but leave the Reader to judge as he thinks fit only we thought it very proper to add this Remark to justifie our following Helvicus and Tallents in the Account we have given of the Names Succession and Chronology of these Egyptian Kings Sect. 2. The State of Egypt under XI Kings of Persia which lasted 193 Years viz. to the Year of the World 3619 at which time it was subjected to Alexander the Great Years of the World Years before Christ. 3426. 1. CAmbyses reigned after he had absolutely defeated Psammenitus who fled to Memphis where he was besieged The City was taken and Cambyses by way of Contempt ordered him to take up his Quarters in the Suburbs Psammenitus as an Addition to his Misfortunes often beheld the Princess his Daughter with several other Ladies of Quality in the Habit of Slaves who were forced to go and draw Water for the Persians She never went by him but she burst into Tears and made dreadful Exclamations This unhappy Prince likewise saw his Son with 2000 Egyptians of the same Age with him going to be executed with Ropes about their Necks and a Bridle in their Mouths At last he was removed to Susa where he endeavoured by several