deliverance This was resolved either out of fear as they pretended that he should get Aegypt into his power or because they contemned so great a person now unfortunate or rather to curry favour with Caesar Pompey then being received into a little boat as though to come to the King who stood on the other side of one of the mouths of Nile with his Army was treacherously slain when he could neither flye nor defend himself Is treacherously slain He covered his face with his gown and neither speaking nor doing any thing unbecoming him with a groan patiently received the stroaks So fell this great man being in War a most able Captain and in Peace except when he stood in fear of a concurrent equal full of modesty in the 58 year of his age and the very day preceding his birth-day and the third year of these unhappy differences His head was cut off and reserved as a present for Caesar his body was cast upon the shoar for every one to gaze at and afterwards being washed with Sea-water by Philip his Libertus or Freed-man who stood by it till all had looked their full he wrapped it in his own coat and burnt it with the rotten pieces of a Fisher's boat which he there found 32. Caesar having staid two dayes at Pharsalum on the third pursued Pompey lest he should renew the War and so came to Alexandria where his head and ring were presented to him He took the ring but was grievously offended at the sight of the head Dio lib. 42. and weeping which Lucan accounteth but feigned commanded it to be buried The news of Caesar's successe was not believed at Rome till he sent Pompeys ring thither Then was power given him by them there Caesar thereupon honoured at Rome to determin of his Enemies as he pleased and to make War where he would without asking leave of the People They voted him Consul for five years and Dictator not for half an one as was the custom but a whole year with the power of a Tribune for his life which thing was never granted to any before him He accepted these honours and entred upon his second Dictatorship But ere his departure out of Aegypt he was put to much trouble and danger For there being at that time a difference betwixtt young Ptolomy and his sister about the Government he stood much her friend which favour she is said to have purchased with the losse of her chastity His endeavours for her Pothinus the Eunuch Caesar de bello civili l. 3. Dio l. 42. Hirtius de bello Alexandrino Sueton. in Julio who now feared to be punished for the sedition he had raised about Pompey interpreted as sinisterly meant towards the King The Alexandrian War and thereby raised a dangerous War which yet though in Winter was prosperously ended by Caesar and the young King flying from his Camp was drowned too many of his followers pressing into and sinking the boat Caesar then gave the Kingdom to Cleopatra and to colour the matter caused her to take as an husband her younger brother but eleven years of age But she brought the Dictator himself a son not long after who by his permission she named Caesario and had kept him longer with her than nine moneths or else had followed him to Rome but that he was necessarily drawn another way by the means of Pharnaces who now had invaded Pontus his father's Kingdom Plutarch in Antonio Yet this woman after his departure is said to have been as familiar with his Enemy Cn. Pompey the eldest son of Pompey the Great 33. Caesar then went against Pharnaces and taking Syria in his way visited the Cities He restored Hyrcanus to the Priesthood in Judaea Josephi Antiquit lib. 14. cap. 15. though Antigonus the son of Aristobulus who being let out of Prison by him and sent home had been poysoned by Pompey's party sued to him for the Government He made also Antipater whom Hyrcanus had sent to joyn with Mithridates of Pergamus with 3000 horse Hirtius and who did good service in the Alexandrian War Governour of Judaea He promoted his own Kinsman Sexius Caesar from a Quaestorship to the Government of Syria A. M. 3958. V. C. 707. which Scipio father-in-law to Pompey had enjoyed the year before From Syria he sayled into Cilicia and thence marched with all speed against Pharnaces who out of fear sent several times to him about a Peace but he returned him onely good words that he might surprize him At length he gave him conditions which he neglected to perform Caesar overthroweth Pharnaces hoping Caesar would be called away and therefore he fell on Plutarch in Caesare Appian belli civil lib. 2. and overthrew him at the Hill Scotius where formerly Mithridates defeated Triarius within five dayes after his arrival and four hours after he had got a sight of his Army so that writing to a friend at Rome to note the celerity of this Enterprize he expressed it in three words Veni Vidi Vici Then receiving such places as Pharnaces had seized on and setling things in Asia as he passed exacting much money of the people he was called home into Italy by stirs which hapned in the Citie Returneth to Rome 34. He quieted the Seditions and the mutiny of his own Soldiers Plutarch in Caesare Dio lib. 42. Appian ut suprà A. M. 3959. V. C. 708. Lege Plutarch in Catone minore who flew high in their demands for a dismission and a payment of what he had promised them Then being declared Consul for the following year for that the year of his Dictatorship was out he passed over into Africk where Scipio Cato Labienus Petreius and others of Pompey's Captains were with Juba Suppresseth Pompey's friends in Africk He got the better in several battels Juba caused his slave to kill him and his young Son Caesar led in Triumph who being brought up in Italy proved an excellent Historian Cato at Utica stabbed himself having read over Plato his Phaedo of the Souls immortality The wound not being deep enough he died not presently but strugling betwixt life and death cast himself off from his bed and threw down a Geometrical Table which making a noise his son and servants rushed in and finding him in that condition his Freed-man who was a Physician began to put in the bowels which were untouched and sow up his belly But he coming to himself pushed him from him and tearing out his bowels inlarged the wound and died being a man of wonderfull Justice Severity and Magnanimity Caesar hearing of his death let fall some expressions which signified a great desire to have got him into his hands and hinted as was thought an intention of dealing mildly with him Petreius and Scipio also perished in Africk After these things returning to Rome he Triumphed four times over Gall Pontus Alexandria and Africk it being unlawfull to do it over
the multitude put upon a statue a Lawrel Crown tied with a white Ribband which was a royal Ensign the Tribunes commanded it to be taken away and the man carried to Prison but Caesar being vexed either for that the motion of the Kingdom succeeded not or as he pretended that the glory of refusing it was taken from him grievously rated the Tribunes and put them out of their Office At the solemnity of the Lupercalia which were celebrated on the fifteenth of February as Caesar sate in the Rostra Crowned in a purple Gown and in a gilded Chair Antony his Collegue running naked as the custom was amongst the Luperci came to him as a suppliant and in the name of the People of Rome offered him a Diadem which being twice set upon his head Caesar took off and laid in the Chair He answered Caesar seeming to affect the title of King that Jupiter alone was King of the Romans and sending the Diadem into the Capitol unto Jupiter commanded it to be registred how in the name of the people the Kingdom had been offered him and he would not take it This gave suspition that the thing was done by agreement and that he desired the title of King but would be as it were compelled to accept of it 3. A rumour was also at this time spred abroad that the Quindecimviri had found in Sibyll's books that the Parthians could onely be overcome by the Romans under conduct of a King and that at the next sitting of the Senate L. Cotta one of the Quindecimviri would move that Caesar might have the title â—ome gave out that he was indeed to be called Dictator or Imperator of the Romans but plainly King of the other Nations subject to their Empire These things drew envy upon him and the indignation of the great ones even of such as he had as to their particular well deserved of And that saying undid him Sylla nescivit literas non potuit dictare utterly thereby cutting off all hope that he would give over the Dictatorship Being sensible of the envy he had contracted he desired to haste out of the Citie but four dayes before the time appointed he was slain in the Senate-house by a conspiracy of above 60 Senators and Equites Though his death was portended several wayes yet he neglected it 'T is said that as he went down to the house that very morning that the names of the Conspirators were put into his hands but he folded them up amongst other papers and never read them A. M. 3961. V.C. 710. The chief of them were M. Brutus C. Trebonius C. Cassius and of his own party Decimus Brutus Is slain in the Senate-house Coming into the Senate-house which then was Pompey's Court thinking of the Parthian expedition as he sate in his Curule Chair they fell upon him and killed him with 23 wounds So he who had * Plinius lib. 7. cap. 15. fought fifty battels and killed 1192000 men in that Senate which he himself for the most part had chosen in the Court of Pompey and before Pompey's Statue so many of his Centurions looking on Cicero lib. 2. de Divinat fell by the hands of most Noble Citizens many of whom he had to his utmost gratified and so lay he that not so much as a friend nor slave came near his body 4. So great a man he was that Plutarch * In Caesare being judge there was none of the greatest and most admired Captains to whom the Gallick War alone did not demonstrate him equal in commendations both as a General and as a Soldier For whether we consider the Pabis Scipioes Metelli his Contemporaries or those that went before him as Sylla Marius and both the Luculli and even him whose glory for all warlike abilities reacheth to the skies Pompey himself the actions of Caesar excel all their exploits For sometimes he obtained greater glory for the inconvenience of the places wherein he made War sometimes for the greatnesse of the Countries which he subdued sometimes for the multitude and strength of his Enemies overthrown sometimes for the perfidiousnesse and barbarism of the Nations subdued sometimes for clemency shewed to the conquered or otherwhiles for his liberality towards his fellow-soldiers but alwaies in respect of the number of battels and of those that were slain For having caried on the War in Gall not fully ten years he took above 800 Cities subdued 300 several sorts of People and having ingaged at several times with three millions of men killed the third part and took the other alive So great was the affection of his Soldiers to him and their care to please him that whereas otherwise they were nothing better than others His character yet being invincible for his credit they would not refuse any danger This disposition in them he first bred and then maintained by conferring honours and rewards upon them wherein he spared nothing then by undertaking all dangers with them and refusing no labour His boldnesse indeed and courage considering that it proceeded from incredible desire of glory they admired not so much but his labour and toil which he indured above his strength did astonish them For he was of a thin habit of body pale and tender had a sickly head and was subject to the falling sicknesse or Epilepsie which first took him at Corduba But he took not an occasion of lazinesse from his want of health but by Expeditions most difficult journeys slendernesse of diet and by continuing abroad in the open air sought to drive away his disease and keep his body healthful Most commonly he slept as he was caried in his chariot or litter so that his sleep was not idle On the day time he was caried about the Forts Cities and Camps with a boy sitting by him who wrote down what he dictated and a Soldier with a sword standing at his back He made so great journeys that in his first Expedition from Rome in eight incampings he came to the River Rhodanus From his childhood he had learnt and practised riding so that putting his hands behind him upon his back he would sit an horse in his full speed which was very much for one that had his disease Moreover in that Expedition he exercised himself so that riding he would dictate several letters to two Secretaries or more He was a man ambitious of power and unsatisfied with any thing on this side Soveraignty but Victory pleased him not revenge nor cruelty in which respect Cicero to note his ambition and yet acknowledge his goodnesse of nature compared him to Pisistratus 5. The conspirators conscious of the greatnesse of the fact Vide Appian ut supra Patercul l. 2. c. 58. Dionem l. 44. fearing the worst secured themselves in the Capitol it being in the Senate strongly debated how it should look upon the thing and consequently upon them But for Antonius the Consul who also resolved when he should be able to punish
he removing into Aristobulus his private house and Aristobulus to the Court which covenant was solemnly sworn to Aristobulus by a battel dispossesseth his brother Hyrcacus and confirmed in the Temple But not long did this agreement hold being broken by the means of Antipater who being Governour at that time of Idumaea feared the power of Aristobulus and therefore endeavoured his destruction both by stirring up Hyrcanus and the most powerful of the Jews against him The famousnesse of Herod son of this Antipater causeth his original to be more enquired into Nicolaus Damascenus to flatter the said Herod derived his pedegree from the chief of the Jews which returned from Babylon but Josephus denieth that and reports him to have been an Idumaean born * Vide Euseb Eccl. Hist lib. 1. cap. 7. Others have delivered Lib. 14. c. 2. that this Antipater or Antipas was the son of one Herod the Priest of Apollo's Temple at Ascalon which City being invaded by the Idumaean thieves he was taken with other spoils out of the Temple and whereas his father was not able to ransom him was brought up after the manner of the Idumaeans and became very familiar with Hyrcanus the High-Priest Josephus saith that he was constituted Governour of Idumaea by Alexander the King and his wife and then minding his own interest entred into society with the Arabians Antipateâ— stireth up Hyrcanus to recover his just right Gazaeans and Ascalonites having purchased their friendship with great gifts He professed to the Jews that it was unjust that Aristobulus should be suffered to enjoy his usurped power from which he had cast down his elder brother and had deprived him of the prerogative of his age The same things he often incultated into Hyrcanus adding withall that his life was in danger except he would in good time save himself by flight for that the friends of his brother still consulted how they might rid him out of the way and establish the Kingdom upon the other 14. He being a plain and well-meaning man gave no great credit to these slanders but the other ceased not for all that to invent fresh accusations of Aristobulus as if he laid in wait for his life and at length hardly obtained of him to flie to Aretas King of the Arabians because his Country was nigh to Judaea Antipater went first to that King to get a promise from him not to betray his suppliant into the hands of his enemies And procureth him to flie to Aretas King of Arabia which being obtained he returned to Jerusalem and thence not long after taking Hyrcanus out by night by great journeys came to Petra where Aretas kept his Court. Being very great with the Arabian he laboured to perswade him to restore Hyrcanus and with his importunity and gifts at length prevailed Hyrcanus also promising if by his means he should recover the Kingdom to restore to him that Country with the twelve Towns which his Father Alexander had taken from him Aretas being drawn in by these promises undertook this Expedition with 50000 men and overthrew Aristobulus Josephus ut prius cap. 3. who being first forsaken of his followers who now fled amain to his brother retired to Jerusalem where the Arabian and Hyrcanus besieged him in the Temple The Feast of the Passover hapning during the siege Who besiegeth Jerusalem the Priests who onely remained with Aristobulus that the Sacrifices might not be omitted bargained with the besiegers for beasts to be sold them for that service but when they had let down the money from the walls were derided by them But this wickednesse the Historian observeth to have been punished with great storms and tempests which procured extraordinary scarcity of Corn. In this mean while Pompey the Great being diverted by the War with Tygranes in Armenia sent Scaurus his Quaestor as Appian calls him into Syria Idem cap. 4. A. M. 3941. Ol. 179. an 1. V. C. 690 Selencid 249. Aristob 6. who coming straight to Damascus taken then by Metellus and Lollius hasted without intermission into Judaea To him both parties sent to desire his friendship and help but though each promised as much as the other viz. 400 Talents yet he closed with Aristobulus being counted more free and rich and whose request was more easie to be fulfilled in driving away the Nabathaeans than that of the other to take the place which he held being so strong both of it self and by defence 15. Taking the money of Aristobulus he easily raised the siege denounceing to Aretas that he should depart except he would be declared an Enemy of the People of Rome But is beaten off by Scaurus and then returned to Damascus Aristobulus having gotten this advantage against his Enemies followed them with a great Army and joyning battel overthrew them at a place called Papyron about 7000 of them being slain and amongst the rest Cephalio the brother of Antipater But not long after Pompey came to Damascus and going about Coelesyria thither were sent to him Ambassadors from several parts Idem cap. 5. Aristobulus sent him an excellent present being a golden Urn of the value of 500 Talents which afterwards was dedicated by him amongst other things in the Capitol at Rome Shortly after were sent some to him from both the brothers Antipater from Hyrcanus Both brothers sent to Pompey to complain and one Nicodemus from the other to whom he answered that coming to Damascus he would hear the cause Thither was sent also an Ambassage of the Jews themselves who declared they were unwilling to live under Kings it being the custom of their Country to yield obedience to the Priest of their God and that though these two were of that race of Priests yet being desirous to change the Government into another form they thereby intended to enslave them Hyrcanus accused his brother of ambition and violence in that he had gone about to deprive him of his birth-right and the other excused himself by the necessity of the thing lest the Principality should have been transferred into another family by his heavy dulnesse which rendred him incapable of employment To Hyrcanus bare witnesse 1000 Jews which Antipater had brought for that purpose but to Aristobulus a Company of effeminate Gallants ridiculous to all for their fantastick bravery Pompey having heard them and disapproved of Aristobulus his violence dismissed them both kindly at present promising he would come to them as soon as he had inspected the affairs of the Nabathaeans Who sideth with Hyrcannus bidding them to be quiet in the mean time and using Aristobulus civilly lest he should stop up the passages But hereby he won nothing upon him for not expecting his promises he went to Delium and thence betook himself into Judaea 16. Pompey being offended with this carriage of Aristobulus Idem cap. 6. de bello lib. 1. cap. 5. took the Army which he had provided against the Nabathaeans
killed in prison The old King payed more than his fine and gave something to every Officer and Soldier after which he was accounted a Friend and Allie of the People of Rome 36. Pompey restored Cappadocia to Ariobarzanes gave him also Sophene and Gordene with Cabala a City of Cilicia and others A. M. 3940. V. C. 689. After this with some adoe he forced the Albanians and Iberians to beg Peace and then passing over the mountain Taurus made War upon Antiochus Comaginus and also Darius the Median either for that he had helped Antiochus Appian ut supra Dio l. 37 Plutarch ut prius or made War against Tigranes or Aretas King of the Nabathaean Arabs Then Phraates the Parthian affrighted at his great atchievements begged Peace which he granted not but sent Afranius into Gordiene to drive out his forces and restore it to Tigranes who about it had warred with the Persian Phraates hereupon invaded Armenia and Tigranes sent to Pompey for aid who being unwilling to begin a War with Phraates without an order from Rome sent three Commissioners to agree them Antiochus son of Antiochus Pius to whom Lucullus granted Syria his inheritance thought first of betaking himself to the Parthian yet upon second thoughts resolved to cast himself upon the good nature of Pompey But he having obtained it without a stroak put him beside it commanding him to content himself with Comagena though he had never ill deserved of the People of Rome for knowing he was not able to right himself he excused the matter saying it was not fit that Syria whence Tigranes had banished the posterity of Seleucus should now rather fall to it being conquered Pompey reduceth Syria into a Roman Frovince than to the Romans Appian Justin l. 40. A. M. 3942. Ol. 179. an 2. V. C. 691. Seleucid 250. who were Conquerours He refused flatly to give Antiochus what before he could not keep for he had layn in a corner of Cilicia fourteen years all the time that Tigranes enjoyed it lest he should again render it lyable to the incursions of the Jews and Arabians Therefore having overcome the Ituraeans and Arabians he reduced Syria into the form of a Province 37. Mithridates in the mean time had sent to Pompey to ask Peace offering to pay tribute but being willed to come to him he flatly refused and made great preparations to renew the War Appian After this Castor his Governour of Phanagoria a Port Town of Pontus revolted and calling the People to their liberty took the Castle held by Mithridates his sons whereof four he sent to Roman Garrisons Hereupon several places fell off which made him put many persons to death amongst whom were divers of his own friends and one of his sons Seing also that many revolted and his new Army had no heart to the service he sent to the Princes of Scythia to hasten their supplies sending his daughters to them with a convoy of 500 Horse but these men killing the Eunuchs who had molested them about the King caried away the women unto Pompey Yet such a courage still he had as to think of passing through Scythia and â—stria and joyning with the Galls of Europe to invade Italy hoping there to find many enemies of the Romans though Pompey coming out of Sâ—ria had through ambition done what he condemned in Lucullus Mithridates designing in his mind great things having reduced his Kingdom into the form of a Province whilst he was yet alive and provided for new opposition But his Army was startled at the news of his intentions hating the tediousnesse of the journy and having small hope to conquer those in Italy whom at their own doors they could not withstand Yet such was his authority as for a while they were quiet till his own son whom he had most loved and destined his successor became the procuror of their defection and his death 38. This was Pharnaces who either out of apprehension that this attempt upon Italy would cut off all pardon from his family or upon other grounds conspired against him The plot was discovered and though his Complices were tortured and put to death yet was he pardoned Orosius l. 6. c. 5. Dio lib. 37. Florus l. 3. c. 5. alii and betook himself to the fugitive Romans shewing them their danger in case Italy were invaded and then to the Army His son Pharnaces draweth the Army from him which with small trouble he drew to his party Mithridates coming to speak to them his own guard forsook him his horse as he fled was killed under him and Pharnaces saluted King having a piece of parchment put about his head in form of a diadem Mithridates seeing this from a high room sent divers to ask leave to depart who not returning he himself often desired it of his son but in vain who bidding him dye he cried out and prayed that he might hear one day the same words from his own children Then came he down to his wives daughters and concubines to whom when he had given poyson fearing he should be delivered up to the Romans he took some himself but having used much his body to antidotes such as yet are named from him it would not work though he walked much for that purpose whereupon he wounded himself but this not dispatching him soon enough He killeth himself he called one Bitaetus or Bithocus a Gall who the wall being broken had got in by whose hand partly and partly by his own he dispatched himself A man as one saith neither without good heed A. M. 3942. Patercul l. 2. c. 18. to be omitted nor spoken of in War most eager and fierce and alwaies of notable valour Sometimes in fortune all times in courage of highest rank in direction a good Captain in execution a good Soldier in hatred to the Romans another Hannibal finally the greatest King after Alexander in the judgment of Cicero This end came he to after the War had first commenced just 20 years for it began when Cn. Pompeius Strabo and L. Porcius Cato and ended now when M. Tullus Cicero the Orator and C. Antonius Nepos were Consuls in the 691 year of the City the second of the 179 Olympiad and the first of the reign of Hyrcanus 61 years before the birth of Christ A. M. 3942. 39. Pompey when the first tidings of his death came to him was near Jericho marching towards Jerusalem against Aristobulus King of Judaea who had displeased his elder brother Hyrcanus and usurped the Kingdom Hyrcanus complained of his brother to Pompey at Damascus Joseph Antiq. l. 15. c. 9. l. 14. c. 5 c. de bello l. 10. c. 5. Livius lib. 102. Plutarch in Pompeio Tacitus Histor l. 5. c. 9. Florus l. 3. c. 5. Dio l. 37. p. 36. C. who came thither to answer for himself Pompey used them both kindly telling them that as soon as he had dispatched some affairs
opportunity and powred out his men upon them willing his Soldiers to be sure that they killed Indutiomarus which being done things again were a little setled Whilest Caesar was thus imployed abroad Julia dieth in the Citie this year died his daughter Julia Pompey's Wife in Child-bed and the Infant whether Son or Daughter 't is as uncertain so immaterial with her Hereby was the bond of friendship betwixt them two broken and their mutual envy which thereby onely was restrained now wanted but an occasion to vent it self But Caesar foreseeing great stirs in Gall Caesar comment lib. 6. increased his forces subdued the Nervii brought under the Senones and Carnutes now changed into Chartres the Menapii also whilest Labienus reduced such as inhabited about Triers Then did he again crosse the Rhine because of the Conjunction of the Germans with the Galls and attempting something upon the Suevi to no purpose Caesar reduceth Revolters turned against the Eburones Whilest he harrazed their Territories the Sigambri set upon the Camp of Cicero then absent which they could not storm though they caused great consternation amongst his men and killed many After this he wasted again the grounds of the Enemy then called a Council in Gall for the punishment of Revolters and Providing the Army of necessaries drew it into its Winter quarters Stirs in the Citie 21. The following year produced great stirs in the Citie and those no lesse in Gall. For now were the times so altered Lege Appian de bello civil l. 2. as that Rome could not be found in Rome Nothing was managed by ancient equity and moderation all Offices were purchased by Money or else by Stones Clubs or Swords and the inconveniences of popular Government now grew ripe the name of a free State or Commonwealth covering the greatest injustice disorder and oppression of the peoples liberty The Consuls being debarred by the power of the Tricipitina from leading out Armies or waging Wars according to the antient right and custom made up their markets out of the publick Revenue or their Offices by indirect practices and therefore none of honour would seek after the Consulship Pompey connived at this hoping that a necessity of affairs would draw upon him the Dictatorship as some of his Creatures though not in his name did not stick to hint This year especially was there such an horrid contention amongst the Canditates all or most men of large consciences as for a long time no Consul could be elected and this heightned the matter that T. Annius Milo one of them being at great enmity with Clodius killed him as they met in the way not far from the Citie Milo killeth Clodius This fact the people ill resented and naughty and dissolute persons under pretence of searching for Milo's friends committed many outrages in Rome This turned indeed all men's eyes upon Pompey as the fittest person to redresse those evils and whilest they thought of making him Dictator Cato drew the Senate to this resolution A. M. 3953. Ol. 182. ann 1. V. C. 702. Ante Christ 50. that he should be made Consul alone that he might be called to an account for his male-admistration if need were Pompey made Consul alone and so he was made sole Consul without any President at all 22. First he sate in judgement alone and examined Milo's case he also made inquisition after such as had by indirect means procured Offices His Acts. Idem ibid. Plutarch in Pompeio Milo was defended by Cicero or rather should have been for the Orator was so terrified with Pompey's Soldiers and Clodius his friends that he could not proceed and is therefore said to have written that Oration afterwards which is now extant Milo then was banished with several others for other Crimes Livii Epitom lib. 107. Pompey having hitherto as it were executed the Office of Dictator took to him a Collegue Q. Scipio Metellus whose daughter Cornelia he had married These things being heard in the further Gall and a rumour spred that Caesar who now was in Italy The Galls hearing of these stirs rebel would be there retained by the motions in the Citie many of the Natives conspired for the recovery of their liberty and chose Vercingerotix for their Captain 23. Caesar though in the midst of Winter and forced to make his way through depths of Snow returned and came upon the Arverni at unawares He took several of their Towns Caesar comment lib. 7. but besieging one that was situated upon an high Hill he fought with disadvantage and was driven off with the losse of 46 Centurions From this siege he was called by the revolt of the Hedui and an insurrection of the Bellovaci and Labienus who had prosperously managed his affairs about Paris joyned with him Now most of the Galls being revolted he first overthrew Vercingetorix then pursued and besieged him in Alesia Caesar reduceth them a Town of the Mandubii which when the Galls were not able to relieve Vercingetorix according to his own offer was delivered up with Alesia and all their Arms. Then reduced he the Hedui the Arveni also yielded with divers others which being done he sent the Army away into its Winter quarters Hirtius lib. 8. In winter the Galls hatched a new conspiracy A new conspiracy Caesar therefore departing from Bibracte wasted the Territories of the Bituriges about Bourdeaux and of the Carnutes subdued also the Bellovaci with others C. Fabius also reduced some in the mean time and Caninius having routed several parties with him Caesar joyned and besieged Uxellodinum a Town of the Cadurci very strongly fortified by its situation He obtained this Town without striking one stroak by cutting the veins of a Fountain which served them with water After this the Cities of Aquitaine yielded and going to Narbon he disposed of his Army into their Winter quarters These things hapned in the eighth year after his coming into Gall Ser. Sulpitius Rufus Disappointed and M. Claudius Marcellus being Consuls wherein also were began those contentions betwixt him and his adversaries at Rome that shortly after brake into Civil wars which proved deadly in the end to the heads of both the factions and fatal to that form of Government which though labouring under mortal distempers was yet on foot 24. Caesar's carriage especially in his Consulship had rendred him very distastefull to the Senate Pompey on the other side by his fair demeanour had of late gained much upon it which Caesar being aware of desired leave to stand for a second Consulship in his absence This was granted him but he fearing the malice of his adversaries in case he were reduced to a private condition further importuned the Fathers that he might have his Government of Gall prorogued The grounds and occasions of the Civil Wars betwixt Pompey and Caesar casting about all manner of wayes to keep his Army till he should be Consul This was
hindred by Marcellus the Consul who had succeeded Pompey whereupon Caesar laying his hand upon his Sword said that that should obtain it for him Appian de bello civili lib. 2. Velleius Paterc l. 2. c. 48. This Marcellus was very bitter against him pressing hard that a Successor should be sent to him but this was crossed by Pompey either out of good nature or policy Such were designed Consuls for the ensuing year as were most opposite to Caesar viz. L. Aemilius Paulus and C. Claudius Marcellus Nephew to the former Consul by his brother Curio also an inveterate Enemy of Caesar was made Tribune Yet all these except Claudius were drawn aside by money Paulus by 1500 Talents and Curio who was much indebted by 100000 Sesterces Marcellus then urging that a Successor was to be sent to Caesar Curio stisly withstood it alleging that then ought Pompey also to dismisse his Army for that his power was equally dangerous to the publick liberty Pompey outwardly seemed willing and said he would disband his men but Curio fell foul upon him telling him that promise without performance was nothing and that he might seem to stand for the good of the Commonwealth and not carry favour with Caesar he desired that if they both refused to disband they should the one as well as the other be declared Enemies to the State 25. Pompey exceedingly netled hereat threatned him but he ceased not to urge the thing The Senate could have wished them both reduced but feared to disbâ—nd Pompey's Army looking upon Caesar as the more dangerous person Pompey sent now to him for the Legion he had lent him both of them being ordered into Syria to defend the Eastern parts now in danger by the overthrow of Crassus he sent him this Legion and another of his own but there being no need of them in Syria they wintred at Capua Those that brought them into Italy did ill Offices for Caesar and gave out as if his Army at his return would all revolt which though very false was believed by Pompey who thereupon neglected to provide for so dangerous a War as followed The next year C. Claudius Marcellus and L. Corn. Lentulus were Consuls and it was propounded to the Senate whether both Pompey and Caesar should lay down all power Though once it was carried that Caesar onely should when the Consul propounded it severally yet * Consule Appianum de bello civili lib. 2. pag. 446. Curio again putting it to the question it was carried against both by 348 voices Curio laboureth hard for Caesar Hereat the Consuls inraged left the Citie and gave Pompey power as from themselves to fight for his Countrey against Caesar which he seemed not altogether to approve Now Curio perceiving himself in danger and that he could do no more service for Caesar fled unto him 26. Curio being called to a Consultation would have had him presently to invade Italy but he chose rather first to make an overture of Peace as 't is said writing to his friends to procure though it were but two Legions with Gall within the Alps and Illyricum untill he should be Consul which though it seemed something reasonable to Pompey the Consuls would not admit of it Then wrote he to the Senate a menacing and bitter letter as it 's stiled by * Epistol ad familiar l. 16. Epist 11. Cicero who now was returned from Cilicia his Province which he governed a year and for his good service in the field was saluted Imperator and had a triumph decreed him by the Senate which these disturbances quite put off he saying that so an agreement were made he had rather follow the chariot of Caesar wherein after an honourable mention made of his own exploits he signified that he was willing to resign his power Dio l. 40. initio in case Pompey did the like otherwise he should retain his Forces and presently come to revenge those injuries which had as well been offered to himself as his Country At the reading of these last words all cryed out that War was denounced and they sent L. Domitius to succeed him in his Government L. Domitius sent by the Senate to succeed Caesar with four newly raised Legions For that Antonius and Cassius the Tribunes were of Curio's judgement the Consuls bade them depart out of the Senate lest their persons Sacrosanct as the term was by their Office should be violated who in a great rage departing that night fled towards Caesar So now began this famous Civil War in the fourth year of the 182 Olympiad the 705 of the City 47 before the birth of Christ A. M. 3956 the aforesaid C. Claudius Marcellus and L. Corn. Lentulus being Consuls 27. The Senate did not think that Caesar would return presently out of Gall as being unprepared for such an undertaking Lege Appian ubi supra Caesar de bello Civil l. 1. Dio l. 40. and therefore were more flow in their Levies but he ever judging expedition to be the greatest help in his undertakings resolved with five Legions to begin the work and take in the commodious places in Italy and so did he with admirable speed Ariminum and others This unexpected thing terrified the Senate and the People Caesar invadeth Italy which called to mind the sad effects of the Civil Wars betwixt Sylla and Marius Cicero would have had them sent to Caesar but the Consuls withstood it Then departed Pompey to the Army at Capua whom the Consuls presently followed The Senators being at their Wits end spent all that night in their house and at length followed Pompey to Brundusium A. M. 3956. Ol. 182. ann 4. V. C. 705. Hyrcani 15. Caesar at Corfinium met Domitius who was sent to succeed him whom he dismissed after he had received his Soldiers that now revolted to him Then followed he Pompey to Brundusium who had sent over the Consuls with part of the Legions into Epirus which he intended to make the seat of the Warre staying in the Town till the return of the ships Followeth Pompey to Brundusium to transport the rest of the Army Caesar attempted to storm the place but he withstood him till such time as he had shipped his men and so passed over to Dirrhachium 28. Caesar knew not well now what to do For hearing such concourse to be made to Pompey who drew to his party all the forces of the East and knowing his old Army to be in Spain his Province he feared to follow him over lest he should expose Italy to it and have an enemy at his back Appian ut prius Caesaris de bello civil l. 2. Plutarch in Caesare Pompeio Sueton in Julio He therefore returned to Rome having in the space of 60 dayes got all Italy into his hands without blood and breaking open the Treasury took out the money wich had layn there ever since the taking of the City by the Galls being reserved for
received a sad defeat in Britain 29. Consule Tacitum ubi suprà Capp 29 30 31. Xiphilin in Excerptis ex Dione Of late the Lieutenants of this Province had made but small progresse in their Conquests A. Didius Avitus the Successor of Plantius contenting himself with what was done before and Verannius who followed him making onely some excursions upon the Silures for he was prevented by death from any further service But now Paullinus Suetonius the Aemulator of Corbulo for Military glory had the chief Command and sought to equal the acts of the other in Armenia by chastizing and taming the Britains He set upon the Isle Mona now called Anglesey peopled with strong Inhabitants Suetonius in Britain subduing the Silures and the receptacle of all Fugitives where he was received with multitudes of men on the shore with women running about like furies with firebrands in their hands having their hair spred about their shoulders the Druides also the antient Seat of whom that Island was powring out plenty of curses The Soldiers something terrified at first being exhorted by their General easily broke through and dissipated this furious Company then placed he a Garrison in the Island and cut down the Groves where they were wont to offer mans bloud and consult their Gods by the entrails of some Captive But whilest these things were adoing news came to Suetonius of the revolt of his Province His Province revolteth For Prafatagus King of the Iceni that his Kingdom and family might be freed from molestation left Caesar his Heir together with his two daughters But it hapned far otherwise A. D. 62. Ol. 210. ann 1. V. C. 814. his Kingdom being wasted by Centurions and his house by Slaves his wife Boadicia otherwise called Boodicia Boudicia Vondica and Bunduica was whipped his daughters defloured his chiefest subjects spoiled of their Goods and Lands and his kindred counted no better of than slaves Provoked by these things and fear of worse when they should be reduced into the form of a Province they took Arms stirring up the Trinobantes to rebellion Others also joyned with them having heretofore combined to recover their liberty out of hatred to the old superannuated Soldiers who being planted as a Colony at Camalodunum committed grievous outrages against them and these were rather cherished by the Army than otherwise in hope of the like liberty for the time to come But this Colony not being fenced by any fortifications the founders having rather looked at the pleasantnesse of the situation than commodiousnesse of the ground the Britains accounted it no great matter to destroy it 30. The Camalodunians being terrified by several prodigies Tacitus ut suprà Capp 32 33. c. Sueton. in Narone cap. 39. desired aid of Catus Decianus the Governour in Suetonius his absence He sent them but 200 men and those but meanly Armed and they neglected still to raise any fortifications their Counsels being confounded by such as were ingaged in the plot Being then beset round by the Natives all things were burnt and destroyed Camalodunum the Colony destroyed and Petilius Cerealis coming to their relief with the ninth Legion was utterly defeated all the foot being cut in pieces and the horse with himself glad to run away to the Camp whereupon Catus passed over into Gall having by his avarice been the great cause of this defection The same defeat was given to Verulamium out of the ruins of which rose St. Albans a Town free of the Citie of Rome And Verulamium for the Britains passing by Castels and places of defence set upon such as were most obnoxious to their fury At both places were massacred 70000 persons none being taken or sold after the custom of War but either put to the sword hanged burnt or crucified as Malefactors Suetonius passed through the midst of his Enemies to Londinium now London a Town not then notable in respect of the Colony but for multitude of Merchants and plenty of Traffick very famous Perceiving it but badly provided of Soldiers although he once thought to make it the seat of the War he left it being not prevailed with to stay either by the prayers or tears of the Inhabitants For resolving with the losse of one Town to preserve the rest he took all along with him that could go and all others whom either Sex or Age or the pleasantnesse of the places detained were destroyed by the Enemy Having got together an Army of 10000 men he resolved to venture a battel with all expedition and for that purpose made his choice of convenient ground Boadicia carrying her two daughters in the Chariot with her about to the Companies told them it had been usual before for the Britains to fight under the conduct of women but she was now in another capacity than her Ancestors being not to fight for a Kingdom but as one of the ordinary sort to revenge her lost liberty her own stripes and the violence offered to her daughters As for her self she said she was resolved to win the field or die as for men they might live if they pleased and be slaves Suetonius on the other side considering the weight of the Enterprize was not silent 31. The Romans though far inferiour in number Tacitus ut priùs Capp 37 38. yet in Military knowlege and Discipline far exceeding the Britains put them to the worst and made of them great slaughter by reason of the difficulty of flight for those having brought their wives to behold the battel Suetonius defeateth the Britains in battel and be eye-witnesses of their valour they had placed them in Waggons about the Army Some reported that scarcely fewer then 80000 of the Conquered were slain and of the Conquerors about 400. and Boadicia ended her life by poyson Afterwards the Army being increased by a great supply sent over by Caesar wasted the Countrey with fire and sword which was also sorely oppressed by famine for being intent upon the War the Britains had neglected the sowing of Corn hoping also to enjoy the Provisions of the Enemy For all this they were not forward to ask Peace being incouraged by Julius Cassilianus who being sent to succeed Catus disagreed so far with Suetonius and so illed him to those at Rome that he wrote they must not expect an end of the War till some one was sent to succeed him attributing all mishaps to his unfitnesse and all successe to the good Fortune of the Commonwealth To view then the condition of Britain was Polycletus the Freed-man of Nero sent over who coming in with a great train seemed terrible to the Roman Soldiers but ridiculous to the Britains who burning with affection to liberty and as yet ignorant of the power of such wondred that the General and Army which had put an end to such a War would obey slaves Suetonius was commanded to deliver up his Army to Turpilianus Turpilianus succeeding him is slothfull who
force Appian de bello civili lib. 2. Caesar lib. 3. Plutarch in Pompeio Dio lib. 42. Not long it was ere she returned having furnished her self which her brother being aware of went and pitched his Tents near the Mountain Casius at the Pelusian mouth of the Nile where lying incamped Pompey being then beaten by Caesar at the battel at Pharsalum fled to him for defence and safeguard chusing rather to venture upon Egypt than any other place both for its nearnesse and strength and hoping upon the account of his Guardianship to be lovingly received The King then a very boy about 13 years old gave no answer to his message Pompey flying to him for succour is slain but those most potent about him consulting of it were perswaded by Theodotus his School-master to receive him but then that they might curry favour with Caesar to make him away A. M. 3957. Ol. 183. ann 1. V. C. 706. Hyrcani 16. C. Julio Caesare 2. P. Servilio Isaurio Coss so that being received with small civility into a little boat he was slain ere he got to the other side as is more largely expressed in the Roman story His head was reserved as a present for Caesar who coming to Alexandria though at the first he was very welcom and got much respect for his frequenting the publick readings of Philosophers yet exacting the debt owing by Auletes and not abstaining from the Treasure of the Temples for the payment of his Army he thereby incurred the great displeasure of the Towns-men all things being made worse by Pothinus who to his utmost ability incensed the superstitious multitude Caesar also accounting it to belong to himself as Consul and shortly after as Dictator to compose the differences of the Confederates of the people of Rome took upon him to judge the cause of the King and his sister which bred such disturbance as thereupon ensued a troublesom War 29. There were secret plots laid for his life which he being aware off Plutarch in Caesare Dio Caesar ut priùs was glad to spend whole nights in feasting to prevent them and gave way to Cleopatra to come to him who knowing he was no hater of women had sent to him to complain Caesar going about to reconcile brother and sister a War is â—â—â—â—ce raised by Pâ—â—hiaus the Eunuch and desire a conference At the sight of her he became her very slave and turned from being her Judge to her Advocate which thing so inraged the King perceiving her now to be got into the Palace that he rushed out to the people crying he was betrayed and pulling his Diadem from his head cast it on the ground A great stir arising hereupon he was caught by Caesars Soldiers and brought back into the house which the multitude thereat inraged now besieged and Caesar with promise to do whatsoever they would scarce appeased the tumult his men being unprovided for resistance having not expected any such occasion from those they accounted their friends Then taking Ptolomy and Cleopatra along with him A. M. 3958. Q. Fusto Caleno Publio Vatinio Coss he read over their fathers Will in publick audience which subjecting them to the tuition of the people of Rome whose Supream and absolute Magistrate he then was in execution of the said Will he gave to them two as husband and wife the Kingdom of Egypt and to their younger brother and sister that of Cyprus not leaving any thing to himself but willing rather to add something of his own such a fear at this time had seized on him The people hereby was quieted for a time untill Pothinus fearing he might be called to account for what had already passed kindled a new flame to divert it He first objected as well he might what an unworthy thing it was that the King should be called to answer and then added there was reason to suspect that whatsoever Caesar might pretend yet at length he would put all into the hands of Cleopatra He sent to Achillas General of all the Forces then lying at Pelusium alluring him by great promises in the Kings name to draw down the Army privily to Alexandria and he being not backward to cloze with him marched down with 20000 foot and 2000 horse Caesar had not strength enough to go out and meet him and therefore contained himself in the Citie yet commanded his men to be in readinesse and kept the King with him whose name he knew to be of great force amongst his people and that thereby this undertaking might appear rather to be the enterprize of a few dissolute and factious persons than any thing backed by his consent or Warrant The Alexandrian War 30. Achillas (a) Idem ibid. despising the number of Caesar's Soldiers after he had entred the Citie thought presently to have broken in upon him but he prevented this by blocking up the wayes and fortifying his house Then followed a sharp contention at the Haven the Alexandrians endeavouring to become Masters of the Fleet and thereby to cut off all Provisions and supplies from coming to him but he made a shift to burn all the Gallies from which the fire seizing upon the houses adjoyning consumed to ashes that famous (b) Plutarch in Caesare Orosius lib. 6. cap. 15. Library Collected by the care and diligence of the former Kings After this exploit so happily performed he placed a Garrison in (c) Caesar ut priùs Pharus an Island over against Alexandria ennobled by a famous Tower of the same name but three quarters of a mile distant from the Citie and after a few skirmishes sent about into Syria Cilicia and other places for aid Arsinoe the Kings younger sister got out to Achillas and joyntly with him managed the War yet with such contention for the Chief command as proved onely beneficial to the Soldiers whom both by gifts sought to oblige for the contest at length arrived at such (d) Hirtius de bello Alexandrino height that lying in wait for the life of each other he was slain by the help of one Ganymedes who having helped her in her escape was now preferred to be their General Pothinus all this while was not backward Achillas the General is slain and Pothinus put to death by Caesar but out of the Court sent messengers to Achillas to incourage him in his work which being discovered cost him his life and caused the King to be more nearly looked to Ganymedes at his entrance upon the Generalship stopped up the chanels which brought fresh-water into that part of the City where Caesar lay and with engines conveied salt from the Sea into the room of it thinking thereby to discourage the Enemy and force him out of his hold but Caesar though his Soldiers were at first daunted at it prevented the design by sinking of wells which abundantly supplied their necessities to the wonder of the Aegyptians who had no such invention By this time
a legion shipped by Domitius Calvinus with provisions and arms from Syria landed on the African shoar a little above Alexandria which Caesar understanding went with his Fleet unmanned to fetch them in and the Enemie having notice of it drew out also against him He receiving the men aboard had no mind to ingage because it grew towards night but a Rhodian Gally not keeping up with the rest of the Fleet Caesar defeateth the Alexandrians at sea was set upon whereby he was constrained to go in to the rescue and so caried himself that day-light onely was wanting to his compleating the Victory by utterly destroying the whole Navy of the Alexandrians 31. They notwithstanding this defeat in which and other wayes of late Idem ibid. they had lost no fewer than 110 Vessels yet being encouraged thereto by Ganimedes set themselves to the rigging of another Fleet which being in a readinesse Caesar brought his about the Island Pharos and set it in order against them Both sides being ready to ingage yet a narrow passage lying betwixt them each expected till the other should enter first as then having a better advantage until the Rhodians desired of Caesar leave to enter the Streight This once granted and done they were presently set upon and then relieved till a total engagement ensued in which the Aegyptians were worsted not a ship of Caesar's receiving any hurt and in their flight took in in Pharos Again where they were received by their friends and kept off the Romans for some time but a length were forced to quit the Island with great losse This being joyned to the main by two bridges one of them in like manner was forsaken by the Towns-men but the Romans attempting to gain the other through the rashnesse of some in their company were beaten off and forced tumultuously to betake themselves to their ships Appian de bello civili lib. 2. Caesar himself in the hurry was glad to leap into the Sea and the Enemy following to dive under water He casteth himself into danger and take breath now and then as he could till having swom almost a quarter of a mile he was taken up into a ship He lost 400 of his Legionary Soldiers in this skirmish as many ship-men and rowers yet neither he nor his Army were discouraged at all but were rather incited to redeem their losse by some other exploit which the Alexandrians taking notice of sent to him desiring he would dismisse their King whom now they professed they were ready to obey and if he should command them to be friends with him they would presently yield He knew there was neither any trusting of him nor them but considering that if he dismissed him they would be nothing the stronger and if he should become the head of their party the War would be more honourable he gravely admonished him to act nothing contrary to the interest of his People or his confederacy with Rome Letteth the King go and then gave him leave to depart though he pretended an unwillingnesse to leave him and notably counterfeited sincere friendship with feigned tears 32. Though he being returned was very earnest for carying on the War Hirtius ibid. yet they seeing themselves nothing amended by the accession of his name or presence which the Romans despised and that they profited nothing by any of their attempts were greatly discouraged Josephus Antiquit. l. 14. cap. 14 15. de bello l. 1. cap. 7. yet understanding that great supplies of men and provisions were coming to Caesar they resolved once more to take the Sea and cut them off And they did much hurt to those that came by water till he sent out his Fleet under the command of Tiberius Nero and restrained them But by Land came Mithridates of Pergamus from Syria Aid sent to Caesar accompanied with Antipater the Governour of Judaea and Father to Herod the Great bringing down with him a great power of men and pierced as far as Pelusium which also was taken with great pains and industry by assault Thence marching down for Alexandria he took in the Country in his way the Jews inhabiting those parts though at first they made resistance yet being brought over by Antipater upon the producing of the letters of Hyrcanus the High-Priest When Ptolomy heard this and that he had nigh already reached Delta a place not far distant from Alexandria knowing he must needs passe the River he sent out a party to oppose him there which he received prudently after the Roman fashion being intrenched in his Camp and easily sustained it's violence till seeing them very disorderly and with great boldnesse to assail his fortifications he issued out and killing a great number had utterly defeated the rest but that by their knowledge of the Country and by the Vessels which had transported them they secured themselves Whereupon rallying again they once more charged him and a fight ensued in that place called The Camp of the Jews in which engagement the wing commanded by Mithridates himself was sorely oppressed Being opposed overcometh and had been totally overthrown but that Antipater who led the other came in in good time to the rescue put to flight the Aegyptians and took their Camp which Mithridates confessed by letters to Caesar acknowleging Antipater to have been the author both of his safety and the Victory But now by this time was Ptolomy himself coming against Mithridates and Caesar also to fetch him off 33. Both went by Sea but Caesar first got to him and took him in with his victorious Army Ptolomy and Caesar encamped then seven miles asunder the former in an high and most fortified place by nature having a narrow River with exceeding high and precipitous banks betwixt him and the Enemy which though the Alexandrians defended yet Caesar's men got over the Horse by passing the Foard and the Foot by laying over a bridge made of long trees so that Caesar sat down not far from the Kings Camp The next day he stormed a Castle in a Village near adioyning the defendants whereof flying a main to the Camp his men had well nigh entred with them but coming to hand-strokes were beaten back being severally laid at both from the fortifications and the ships But Caesar espying a very high place which by reason of it's natural strength was litle looked to by the Alexandrians set certain Companies to get up there Caesar stormeth the Aegyptian Camp which being performed and a great cry raised on purpose round about the Romans brake in in several places and made great slaughter Most of the defendants fled upon the irruption and in great heaps leaped down into the trenches wherein they first being overwhelmed the rest with great ease got over amongst which was the King but coming to take boat so many pressed in after him A. M. 3598. that the Vessel sunk and he thereby was drowned Orosius lib. 6. cap. 16.
after he had reigned well nigh four years Together with him fell in this War though most after another fashion 20000 men Ptolomy is drowned 12000 were taken with 70 long ships and 500 of the Romans are said to have been slain Caesar in confidence and pursute of this Victory with the Horse marched presently to the City where he found now not any resistance Caesar taketh Alexandria the Citizens entertaining him in a suppliant posture whom he comforted and forgave 34. Having thus made an end of the War Dio lib. 42. he laied not Egypt to the Roman Empire but gave it to Cleopatra joyning to her in mariage to colour the businesse her younger brother as yet but eleven years old Appian de bello civili l. 2. but indeed subjecting all things to her will and power with whom he was so familiar as out of love to her he staied in Egypt nine moneths and had done it longer Plutarch in Caesare or else had taken her with him to Rome had he not been called thence by the urgent affaires of Syria and not long after she brought him a son whom by his permission she named Caesario Sueton in Julio At his departure he removed Arsione out of the Kingdom lest any disturbance should arise upon her account and left three Legions behind him for the security of these two Princes who being disrespected by their own People for their respect to him as yet were not confirmed in their seats 35. As for the Government Cleopartra reigned and acted alone without the control of any permitting her brother to enjoy the title with his life as yet Not long after Caesar's departure the eldest son of Pompey his Enemy coming to Alexandria she is (a) Plutarch in Antonio reported to have been as familiar and common with him yet upon Caesar's invitation (b) Sueton ut prius went with her brother to Rome where they were admitted as friends and allies for her a lodging was provided in his own house and having built a Temple to Venus Genetrix which he had vowed before the battel at Pharsalia he therein placed (c) Appian ibid. her effigies beside the Goddesse In the fourth year her brother growing towards a man Cleopatra poysoneth her brother she (d) Josephus Antiquit. l. 15. cap. 4. poysoned him to be at her own liberty After Julius Caesar was killed in the Senate house she stood ever firm to those that prosecuted the conspiratours to (e) Appian de bello civili l. 3 4. Dolobella at his request of aid she sent four Legions and had a fleet ready to put out had the weather served To Cassius who with menacing language demanded supplies she plainly refused to send any for that he had an hand in Caesar's death his threats only inciting her to go and meet Octavius Caesar and Antony who were then making an Expedition against him and his fellow Brutus the heads of their faction A. M. 3963. Ol. 184. an 3. V. C. 712. Hyrcani 22. M. Emilio Lepido 2. L. Munatio Planco Coss He getting knowledge of her intentions sent a strong party with 60 ships to hover for her about Peloponnesus but such a tempest seized on her Fleet that her design was broken and having received great losse and now fallen sick she was forced to return into Aegypt Antony after the overthrow of Brutus and Cassius Cometh to Antony in Asia who followeth her into Aegypt being left in Asia to settle the affaires thereof thither she repaired to him in a strange antick fashion and he who when he formerly served under Gabinius in Aegypt had cast a wanton eye upon her Plutarch ut prius Appian lib. 5. was now so smitten though 40 years old that he also became enslaved to her in his affections She ruled him and all his affaires and procured him out of hand to cause her sister Arsione to be made away who being formerly led in triumph by Julius Caesar after the Alexandrian War with the pity of all men had for her brother and sisters sake been then dismissed 36. Antony had no power but to follow her into Aegypt Plutarch Appian ut prius where they spent their time in nothing but extraordinary vanity and dalliance After his reconciliation to Caesar and the making up of the breach betwixt them by his marying of Octavia Dio lib. 49. Cleopatra fearing that this new wife might draw his affections from her self pretended to be almost mad in love with him practising upon her body in such sort that being reduced into a Consumption she seemed not to be able to live in his absence whereupon he gave over his intention of invading Parthia for that time and returned to Alexandria Not long after she begged of him that part of Judaea which bare Balm A. M. 3968. Ol. 185. an 4. V. C. 717. Herodis 3. M. Vepsanio Agrippa L. Canidio Gallo Cass Josephus Antiq l. 15. c. 5. and many other places and Countries which he bestowed upon her to the great distaste of the People of Rome who took it in high disdain as well that such vast possessions should be given her as that now he had divers children by her two of which beeing twins were named Sun and Moon Shortly after she accompanied him as far as Euphrates then making an Expedition into Armenia and taking Judaea in her way homeward that part thereof which Antony had given her together with Arabia she let out to farm unto Herod whom also either out of her filthy affection to him which she pretended or for some other end having formerly wished for an advantage against him to get his Kingdom she sollicited to the breach of the chastity of them both but he instead of giving her satisfaction consulted with his friends how to kill her and then being again terrified from that to do her honour waited on her home as far as Pelusium Antony having prospered in Armenia returned and entred Alexandria in triumph leading with him Artavasdes the King with his wife and children Plutarch Dio ut supra whom he earnestly laboured with to make them fall down before her as suppliants but to no purpose Then spent they their time in feasting he divided almost half of the Roman Empire betwixt her and her children she took upon her the name of Isis and he of Osiris and Father Bacchus having his temples crowned with Ivy and wearing buskins Their loose practices being drawn in that garb after the fashion of Bacchus in a chariot through the streets of the City 37. Sueton in Octavio Dio lib. 49 50. These foolish and loose practices brought great inconveniences upon them For Caesar Octavius and he fell presently of recriminating each other and Anthony not long after had the confidence to send to Rome to desire from the Senate a confirmation of his donations to her and her children which gave such offence that
his friends were forced to flie out of the City Plutarch in Antonio whereupon he sent thither again some to thrust Octavia his wife and Caesar's sister out of his house and took upon him to make War upon both People and Senate Caesar hereat inraged found out a way to incense the People against him by opening his will deposited in the hands of the Vestal Nuns wherein he had laboured to make Caesario the lawfull son of the Dictator named for Heirs his Children begotten on Cleopatra and commanded that notwithstanding he might die at Rome yet his body should be sent to her to Alexandria These things found to be true gained credit to others which were but reported as that in case he should get the better he would bestow Rome it self upon the Queen and translate the Seat of the Empire into Egypt War at Rome is decreed against it When Caesar then was ready for the War it was decreed against her and he was deprived of all his Offices which alone was thought enough at this time lest once declared an Enemy to the State the other with him should have been included in the same capacity of whom divers being men of great influence might have been driven through desperation to act more vigorously for him Hereby it was thought he would be sufficiently intangled resolving not to forsake her on any terms whatsoever and vulgarly accounted to be bewitched by her And to little lesse could these things practized by him amount to He is bewitched as it were by her He called her Queen Lady and Mistresse gave her Romans for her Guard who had her name ingraven on their Targets He went abroad celebrated Games sate in Judgement and sometimes rode with her and when she pleased to be drawn in her Chariot ran by her side amongst the Lackies She was so confident she should be Mistresse at length of the Mistresse of the World that if she would swear most religiously it should be by that Law or Sentence which she was about to pronounce in the Capitol 38. For all this ado yet in the preparation for the War Plinius Natural Histor lib. 21. cap. 3. Anthony mistrusted her and that so far as to have his meat tasted for fear of poyson She taking notice of it poysoned a Cup of drink and giving him it when he was about to set it to his mouth interposed her hand convincing him thereby how easie a matter it was for her to do that of which she was suspected to have an intention Yet suspecteth her and then sending for a Malefactour out of prison and giving him the liquor he died immediately This made him bold and confident of her and further enslaved his affections insomuch that that she ruled him in the management of the War For Canidius Plutarch ut priùs whom she had bribed to get leave for her to continue with him changing afterwards his mind She maketh him ingage at Actium or at least his language and advising him to send her back into Egypt and to go into Thrace or Macedonia Dio lib. 50. and there to decide the controversie in a pitcht battel she prevailed against him not onely to stay but made Anthony ingage at Actium in a Sea-fight yet providing rather for flight than victory Where he his defeated Ere it could justly be discerned which party would carry it she being impatient of delay A. M. 3974. Ol. 187. ann 2. V.C. 723. Herodis 9. Octavio Caesare 3. M. Valerio Messala Coss with her Golden Prow and Purple sayls giving a sign to her Aegyptians betook her self to flight which Anthony seeing made haste after her as fast as possible and being received on board neither saw nor was seen by her but sate him down in a sad and thoughtfull posture holding his head betwixt his hands and for three or four dayes so continued till arriving at Taenarus a Promontory of Laconia the women there that were intimate with her brought them together He passing over into Africk she returned into Egypt counterfeiting a triumph with her ship curiously adorned and melodious singing that she might be received of her Subjects the chiefest of which presently she put to death whom she knew formerly to have born no good will towards her and now to be elevated upon the report of the defeat received at Actium Confiscating their estates and rifling religious houses she heaped together a great Masse of Treasure raising forces therewith with all expedition and that she might draw into Confederacy the King of Media she sent him the head of Artavasdes or Artabazus the Armenian his Aemulator Then attempting a matter of greatest difficulty she conveyed ships over the Isthmus or Neck of Land which parting the Aegyptian or Mediterranean from the Red-Sea divideth Asia from Africk into the Arabian Bay She conveyeth ships into the Arabian Bay to seek out her fortune but is diverted by him intending to fly servitude and seek out some forein seat wherein to spend the remainder of her dayes But Anthony returning to her who as yet had heard nothing of the losse of his Land-Army they incouraged themselves and she changed her purpose Her ships were burnt by the Inhabitants of Arabia Petraea at the procurement of Q. Didius the President of Syria 39. But Anthony having notice that his Army had revolted to Caesar Plutarch in Antonio Dio lib. 51. withdrew himself in a sad and Melancholick posture from the sight of all men into the Island Pharos and then again within a while having disburthened himself of grief returned to the Court where they indulged their genius more than ever Many willing to die give their names and they spend their time in jollity those that were willing to die with them giving in their names and passing away their time together in nothing but feasting and jollity She gathered together divers sorts of poysons which she tried upon Capital Offenders and Brutes approving above all the biting of an Asp which she observed without any convulsion to cast the party into an heavy stupefaction with a moderate sweat upon the face and so to kill with an easie kind of languishment Before Caesar came down into Egypt against them She yet laboureth to curry favour with Caesar they sent several times to him She asked the Kingdom for her Children and without Anthony his knowledge sent him a Scepter a Crown of Gold and a royal Throne giving up her Kingdom to him as it were with those to gain respect He received them as a good Omen and returned to her openly threatning language yet underhand promised her impunity and the entire possession of her Kingdom if she would make away Anthony And fearing lest she might be brought to undertake some desperate design he sent one Thyrseus his Freed-man and a cunning fellow to her to make her believe he was in Love with her hoping that then besides the saving of the Treasure which she had
worse than did Agamemnon himself This hapned to Ilium in the later end of the 173 Olympiad about 1050 years after the first taking it by the Greeks 10. Mithridates receiving intelligence of the blow he had received at Orchomenus wrote to Archelaus to procure his peace on as good terms as he could To a Peace Sylla was not now averse being in great want of mony and receiving no recruits from the City where he was declared an Enemy and desiring above all things to carry back a good Army into Italy to revenge himself He offered Peace therefore on these conditions That he should deliver up all his Navy Forceth Mithridates to beg Peace all fugitives and Captives A. M. 3921. Ol. 174. an 1. V. C. 670. Seleucid 229. L. Cor. Cinna 4. Cn. Papirio Carbone 2 Coss restore the Inhabitants of Chios and others whom he had caried into Pontus remove his garrisons from all places whither he had brought them since the breach of the Peace pay all the charges of the War and be content with his Father's Kingdom All these conditions were agreed to save parting with Paphlagonia but the Ambassadors saying they could have had better terms of Fimbria drove Sylla into a great displeasure with a comparison so odious to him Shortly after Mithridates himself met him and found him so resolute as he gladly accepted all the terms So ended the first War with Mithridates being concluded by Sylla three years after his coming into Greece 11. Sylla required of Fimbria the Army to be deliverd up to him as held by no authority but was answered as having as little himself Appian Plutarch in Sylla Yet the Army denied to fight against that of Sylla and forsook Fimbria who thereupon sent a Slave to murder Sylla Fimbria's Army revolteth to him which was discovered He begged pardon and it was granted him so he would take ship and depart out of Asia but he said he had a better way and going to Pergamus there destroyed himself Sylla gave him to be buried saying he would not imitate the barbarism of Marius and Cinna towards his friends at Rome whom they deprived both of life and burial yet he kept in this mind but a while after his arival there whither he now hasted having fined Asia grievously for it's revolt He marcheth for Italy against his Enemies there and setled affaires according to present occasions He took Athens in his way whence he caried with him the Library of Apellicon the Teian in which were most of the Books of Aristotle and Theophrastus then not vulgarly known bought by him of the posterity of Nâ—leus to whom Theophrastus had given it He wrote to the Senate to which he recounted all the great services he had done and then how he had been rewarded by the party of Marius telling them plainly he would come and revenge both himself and the Publick by punishing the authors of the injuries not medling with any other either old or new Citizens The Senate hereat affrighted sent to treat with him offering their indeavour for his satisfaction if he would presently make knovvn his mind Cinna they ordered to stop his leavies but he onely returned them a plausible ansvver and proceeded designing himself and his Collegue Carbo Consuls again for the follovving year that there might be no need of going to Rome to a nevv creation He passed over some of his forces into Dalmatia there to fight Sylla but the hindermost vvere driven back by a tempest and they refused absolutely to fight against their Country-men so that those vvho as yet had not passed the Sea refused to go aboard Hereupon he going to speak vvith them an Officer vvho made vvay before him struck one of them vvho struck him again for vvhich offence he commanding him to be laid hold on a tumult arose vvherein he himself vvas ran through and so perished in his fourth Consulship and the 670 year of the City a man vvorthier to have died by command of the Conquereur than the fury of the Soldiers Carbo then continued Consul alone all the remaining part of the year 12. Cinna and Carbo had by a Lavv abrogated Sylla's command and procured War to be decreed against him before the Senate was affrighted into the offer of a mediation He answered that he would never be reconciled to such wicked persons as they desired he should but if the People of Rome would give them indemnity he should not oppose it yet he thought those that would come to him might be mose safe seeing he had at his devotion such an Army Hereby declaring sufficiently what his intentions were he also demanded restitution of his estate his antient dignity and honours but the messengers coming to Brundusium and there hearing of Cinna's death and the disturbance of the Commonwealth returned back to him Then crossed he the Sea to Brundusium with a Fleet of 1600 ships and 60000 men Being landed Landeth at Brundusium Metellus Pius who had absented himself from Rome for fear of Marius and Cinna came to him as also Pompey afterwards sirnamed the Great who though his father was no friend to Sylla yet coming now to him with some forces became afterwards his greatest favourite Besides these came Cethegus who having joyned with Cinna now begged pardon C. Norbanus and L. Scipio the Consuls with Carbo made all preparation for resistance The first tryal at arms was at Canusium where Norbanus lost 6000 men and fled to Capua Scipio through the treachery of his Army came with his son into the power of Sylla Defeateth Norbanus who dismissed them both After this Sulla sent to Norbanus to treat of Peace but perhaps being not thought serious had no answer returned back 13. He then passed on in Italy making havock of all things as Carbo did A. M. 3922. who getting into Rome procured Metellus and the rest that joyned with Sylla to be declared Enemies to the State Both parties sent up and down the Italian Cities labouring both by fair means and fowl to procure forces and so all this Summer was spent wherein the Capitol was burnt none knoweth how For the following year Papirius Carbo the third time and Marius son but adoptive as most probable to the old one were Consuls the later being but 27 years old A. M. 3923. Olymp. 174. ann 3. V. C. 672. In the Spring was Carinas the Lieutenant of Carbo overthrown by Metellus and Marius himself by Sylla and beaten into Praeneste where being close besieged and despairing of his own safety he wrote to Brutus then Praetor at Rome that he should under some pretext call together the Senate and kill those his Enemies P. Antisthius another Carbo L. Domitius and Mucius Scaevola the High-Priest which was with cruelty enough performed Metellus by his time having overthrown another Army of Carbo's Pompey defeated Marcius another of that party Sulla marched to Rome Entreth Rome which he easily entred many of the opposite
him in his Office After this he fell into another danger being accused by Vettius and Curius as a partner of Cataline yet appealing to Cicero that he had discovered some things to him he came off and revenged himself upon his accusers Then obtained he by lot as we said the Government of Spain and having contracted a vast debt Goeth Praetor into Spain put off his Creditors for that time by the interposition of sureties Coming into his Province he spent not his time in administring Justice A. M. 3944. V. C. 693. but pierced farther into the Countrey and subdued certain people before this untouched seeking matter for a Triumph which then to obtain he hasted to Rome But it being now the time for the Consular Comitia he had an extraordinary desire to that Office and begged of the Senate that he might stand for it by proxy for that he could not himself be present it being against the custom for any that was to Triumph to enter the Citie ere that day came for which as yet he was not provided This though against the Laws was not without president but could not now be granted Therefore he resolved rather to lose his Triumph than misse of the Consulship and coming to Town stood for it himself 46. Great contests hapned about this Office and he had not carried it but that Pompey at this time stood in need of it Obtaineth the Consulship by the means of Pompey For Idem ibid. Plutarch in Pompeio Caesare Lucullo Velleius Patercul l. 2. c. 20. Appian de bello civili lib. 2. Dio lib. 37. pag. 55. A. Livii Epitom lib. 103. the great ones envying his fame refused to confirm those conditions which he had granted to the Kings Governours and Cities of Asia Lucullus his Predecessor in the War with Mithridates who since his return had given up himself wholy to idlenesse and luxury for he first brought into Rome the extravagancy of buildings and feasting they stirred up by his authority to promote their opposition and he presently fell upon him together with Metellus Creticus who bore him malice also ever since the Piratick War Lucullus bade him report his matters singly and not as a Soveraign Lord expect they should all be confirmed without any consideration and whereas he had rescinded several of his acts he desired of the Senate that this might be considered of whether justly done or otherwise Cato Metellus Celer the Consul and Crassus defended Lucullus who boasted that the victory over Mithridates was his own and he obtained that his decrees which Pompey had repealed might be in force and those that Pompey made in reference to the Conquered Kings should be null and he hindred by the help of Cato a Law which he would have preferred about dividing grounds to his Soldiers Pompey being thus used in the Senate betook himself to the Tribunes one whereof L. Flavius that the Law for the grounds might more easily passe would have given the suffrage to all Citizens but Metellus the Consul so earnestly opposed it that though the Tribune cast him in prison yet would he not depart from his former sence which pertinaciousnesse of him and others when Pompey saw he desisted repenting too late that he had disbanded his Armies and exposed himself thus to the malice of his Enemies 47. At this time came C. Julius Caesar to Rome to stand for the Consulship Pompey joyned with him upon condition that he procuring the Consulship for him he would confirm his acts And whereas Pompey and M. Crassus had formerly been at odds ever since their joynt Consulship which they executed with great discord Pompey and Crassus made friends and they three make the conspiracy called the Tricipitina Caesar now made them friends A. M. 3946. Ol. 180. ann 2. V.C. 695. Hyrcani 5. and not onely so but they all three conspired together that nothing should be done in the Commonwealth which displeased any one of them which conspiracy say Writers was pernicious to the Citie the World and at length to themselves This conspiracy of these three principal persons Varro who wrote 490 books described in one book called it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Tricipitina or Three headed Diodorus Siculus fetcheth the Original of Caesarean matters from this year wherein he travelled into Egypt when young Ptolomy Dionysus was King With this conspiracy also Asinius Pollio begun his History of the Civil War For the falling out of Caesar and Pompey did not as most have thought procure the Civil Wars but rather their Conjunction which was designed to break in pieces the power of the Nobility as Plutarch observeth in the life of Caesar This was the 694th year of the Citie the first of the 180th Olympiad Herodes being Archon at Athens the 58th year before the birth of Christ A. M. 3945. Q. Caecilius Metellus and L. Afranius being Consuls SECT 6. SECT VI. From the beginning of the Tricipitina or first Triumvirate to the absolutenesse of Julius Caesar containing the space of sixteen years 1. CAESAR by the help of Pompey obtained the Consulship but not without the assistance of money also There were two other Competitors L. Lucerius and M. Bibulus whereof he was much for the former Caesar and also his adversaries purchase the Consulship having agreed with him that because he was lesse in favour Velleius l. 2. c. 33. Appian belli civilis l. 2. p. 435. Strabo lib. 12. p. 558. Plutarch in Caesare Lucullo Pompeio Livii Epirom l. 10. but very rich he should give money for them both through the Centuries But the Grandees understanding this and fearing if he had him for his Collegue he might do what he listed they caused Bibulus to offer more they themselves contributing to the expence which corruption Cato denied not to be for the good of the Commonwealth now brought by the means of such evil members into absolute danger and necessity Caesar confirmed Pompey's acts according to agreement neither Lucullus nor any other opposing it and Pompey procured that what honour Lucullus had promised to certain men of Pontus should not be confirmed by the Senate filling the City with Soldiers and by force casting him and Cato out of the Forum In this his first Consulship he sold alliances with Rome and also Kingdoms and to procure the favour of the Commons His acts therein preferred a Law for dividing certain grounds in Campania which had been preserved to defray publick charges to such Citizens as had three children or more This he caused to passe by force and compelled all Plebeians to swear to observe the Law and the Senators also though Cato urged them to refuse for they did it to save their lives he having caused the People to decree that it should be capital for any to deny it He had recourse to the People in all cases making little use of the Senate which he seldom called together Bibulus his Collegue
come over he could not pursue them but they presently sent to treat promising to give Hostages and do further what he should enjoyn them He accepted of their offer and some Hostages they delivered promising to give up the rest with conveniency But it hapned that the horse being come within kenning was driven by the tide the Moon now being at full to the Westward and forced back to the Continent the ships which brought over the Legions lying at Anchor by tempest were miserably shattered and no Provisions had Caesar brought over as not intending to Winter here The Britains having knowledge of these things agreed amongst themselves to break their promise concluding that if they could but intercept or destroy his Army besides getting much plunder they should not be invaded for the time to come They then set upon the seventh Legion as it was reaping Corn His successe but Caesar being informed by the Watch of a greater dust than ordinary that way suspected what the matter was and going to the rescue killed many and burnt their houses for a good compasse Hereupon they sent to him again for peace He required a double number of Hostages whom he commanded them to send over into the Continent for the Aequinoctial being near he would not in Winter trust himself and the Army in such weak Vessels Going on board about midnight he came safe to Land but 41 Vessels being driven the men were forced to Land at another place whereof 300 were presently besieged by the Morini His retreat who before had been reconciled to Caesar out of hope of some booty They were presently rescued and T. Labienus was sent to chastize the Rebels who being reduced to obedience he and L. Cotta harrazed the Countrey of the Menapii who hid themselves in the thick Woods Then was the Army led into its Winter quarters in Belgia The first expedition of Caesar into Britain fell out in the second year of the 181 Olympiad the 699th of the Citie 53 years before the birth of Christ A. M. 3950. Cn. Pompeius the Great and M. Licinius Crassus both of them the second time being Consuls 18. Caesar going into Italy according to his custom ordered a great Navy to be provided Having dispatch'd his businesse within the Alps Idem lib. 5. he went into Illyricum against the Pinistae who had invaded his Province After this having setled things amongst the Treviri or them of Triers who neither came to Councils nor were otherwise obedient he took ship at the Haven Iccius now Calis with five Legions and 2000 horse at Sun-set and being for sometime carried down by the Tide towards the right hand arrived again in Britain the next day by noon He returneth A. M. 3951. V. C. 700. The Natives seeing a great number of ships for in all there were 800 Vessels for that they had falsified their word all but two sorts of people who sent their Hostages over into Belgia for fear withdrew themselves into the Woods Caesar pursuing them took one of their Fortresses which they made onely with great Trees laid together and when he was busied in skirmishing word came that his Navy was shattered by another Tempest whereupon he retreated and took care for the repairing of such ships as were fit to be mended four being utterly lost in which work ten dayes were spent with the great labour of the Soldiers Drawing then up such as were repaired Cassivellaun General of the Britans and fortifying the Camp he returned In the mean time the Britains had made Cassivellaun whose Dominions lay North the River of Thames and with whom before Caesar's coming they had waged War their General against the Romans At first the Britains fighting from their Waggons put their Enemies to it and killed Q. Laberius Durius a Tribune but the day following the Romans recovered their credit putting the other to flight who had falln upon them as they were gathering forrage so as they durst not after this time meddle any more with them when in any considerable body Caesar passeth over the Thamâ—s 19. Then did Caesar passe the Thames the Soldiers wading over with their heads onely above water though the Britains had fastned sharp stakes under the bank and there made all opposition they could which was inconsiderable Passing on in Cassivellaun's Countrey he wasted it Cassivellaun or Cassibellin having dismissed all his Army except 4000 Waggons wherewith he much endamaged the Romans by making sallies upon advantage out of the Woods But the Triâ—obantes inhabiting those parts long after by the Saxons called Essex and Middlesex having had their King Imannentius killed by Cassivellaun for that Mandubratius his son had escaped to Caesar yielded themselves and desired that the young man being restored first to his Father's Kingdom might be protected against Cassivellaun This Caesar granted receiving 40 Hostages and Corn for his Army and these having protection given them others near adjoyning yielded themselves Then did Caesar take Cassivelaun's Town not far distant being onely a fortified place in the Woods He sent into Kent where four petty Kings Cingetorix Carnilius Taximagulus and Segonax reigned ordering them if possible to seize on Caesor's ships but Caesar having left to guard the Camp ten Companies of foot and 300 horse these repulsed them with great losse killing many of their men and amongst the rest Lugatorix a Captain of great account Cassivellaun beggeth peace and Caesar returneth into Gall. Cassibellaun hearing this and knowing the defection of the Trinobantes and the rest sent and begged peace of Caesar who being resolved for fear of insurrections in Gall there to vvinter for that Summer was now almost spent commanded him to deliver in Hostages ordered what Tribute Britain should pay yearly to the People of Rome commanded him not to offend Mandubratius nor the Trinobants and then drew down his Army to the Sea which he wafted over at twice for that he had many Prisoners and many ships had perished by Tempest The season being very good they came all safe to land and he quartered them about in several places because Provisions were very scarce in Gall. This second expedition of Caesar into Britain hapned the next year after the former L. Domitius Aenobarbus and Appius Claudius Pulcher being Consuls The Galls revolt 20. This Winter did most of the Galls revolt First the Eburones now inhabiting the Bishoprick of Liege by the instigation of Ambiorix their Prince who by treachery circumvented two of Caesar's Officers Q. Titurius Sabinus and L. Arunculeius Cotta with a whole Legion Idem ibid. He also besieged Q. Cicero who commanded the Legion that quartered amongst the Nervii who had their seats about Tournay in Flanders Dio lib. 40. But Caesar came in to the rescue and overthrew the Galls Labienus lying with another Legion about Rheimes the Treviri and Indutiomarus came to his Camp Orosius lib. 6. cap. 10. intending to destroy him but he took his
such another case of extremity Returneth to Rome For the Aerarium or Treasury in the Temple of Saturn was three-fold One wherein the tributes or customs gathered from Citizens and associates was kept as also booty got by Generals Rifleth the Treasury which was reserved for the ordinary expenses of Warre Another more private wherein the Vicessimae or twentieth parts gathered from them that were manumized were laid up for extraordinary causes And there was a third yet more private and sacred wherein money was treasured up for any extremity that might happen from the Galls and upon no other occasion might it be touched A. M. 3957. V. C. 706. bitter curses being laid upon him or them that should do or suffer it But Caesar did it though L. Metellus the Tribune did all he could to hinder it pretending that the People was discharged of the curse for that nothing more was to be feared from the Galls whom he had throughly subdued 29. Then went he into Spain where in a short time he brought all under though Pompey had there a strong Army under three Captains Petreius Afranius and Varro whom yielding he permitted to depart with all their Forces Goeth into Spain At this time he lost two legions in Africk under Curio and Antonius was overthrown in Illyricum by Dolobella one of Pompey's Officers But now M. Lepidus the Praetor of the City pronounced him Dictator and therefore he returned to Rome where the People being struck with fear he took upon him the Office and held the Comitia But finding it to be odious he laid it down again after eleven dayes and procured himself to be chosen Consul with Servilius Isauricus Then about the midle of Winter did he order all his forces to meet him at Brundusium Dictator for eleven dayes and then Consuâ— expecting in the City the beginning of January for his entring into the Consulship Caesar de bello Civili l. 2. Appian When he came to Brundusium though his forces were not all come together desiring to set upon Pompey at unawares he passed over with all he had viz. five Legions and 600 Horse although in the depth of Winter and without provisions Pompey now having eleven Italian Legions and 7000 Horse besides other supplies out of Greece and Asia Passeth over into Epirus But those five Legions and two that followed being landed he took Oricum and Appollonia without fighting one stroak and then matched streight to Dyrrhachium the magazin and granary of Pompey Both of them sate down by the River Apis Caesar expecting his other forces which at length Antony brought over though the Seas were watched by the other party and Pompey exercising his men who were raw and unexperienced Pompey hearing of Antonie's coming departed with his whole Army to the River Asparagus Caesar followed him and would have fought but he not stirring out of his trenches he marched back to Dyrrhachium which having on one side and Pompey on the other he was grievously straitned for provisions and above all things desired to fight In several skirmishes he had the better but in another considerable ingagement was shrewdly beaten and chased to his Camp which might have been taken and a period put to the Warre as he himself confessed had the Enemy known how to improve the Victory Pompey neglecting the advantage either through the advice of Labienus or his own inadvertency for that providence had otherwise determined Though some now advised Caesar to make use of the shame and anger of his Army which desired again to be led out to battel Cometh to the plains of Pharsalum to redeem it's credit yet he thought it most convenient to depart thence and so went into Thessaly whither Pompey followed him and pitcht his Camp on the fatal plains of Pharsalum not of Philippi as * L. 4. c. 2. 7. Florus falsly relateth and with him Manilius and Virgil. 30. Betwixt that Town and the River Enipeus was fought that great and famous battel betwixt these two great Captains who both of them are said to have wept in the heads of their Armies Vide Plutarch in Caesare Pompeio Appian ut supra considering that so many of the same Country and Nation should be slain brother fighting against brother to satisfie the ambition of two men The Armies stood for some time gazing on each other both being unwilling to begin till Pompey's Auxiliaries whom he had commanded to stand aloof off till such time as the Enemy should be broken and then give the chase as unwilling to have them ingage in the battel being wearied with expectation began to break their ranks Fearing they might cause his main body to do so too though he was unwilling at this time to fight and managed not his command with wonted alacrity he caused a charge to be founded his word being Unconquered Hercules and Caesar's Victorious Venus The battel was fought with great courage and admirable silence on both sides Where he overthroweth Pompey but Pompey's Army though greater by far being lesse experienced was at length broken and put to flight at the beginning of which fight all his Auxiliaries though great multitudes ran away as fast as might be whom Caesar onely suffered in the pursute to be slain commanding that all Italians should be spared Pompey betook himself to his tent and sate silent thinking of Ajax who was thus served in the siege of Troy till Caesar bringing his Legions to storm his Camp he took Horse and with four in his company rode as far as Larissa ere he stopped On Caesar's part were said to be slain 30 Centurions and 200 common soldiers but as others affirmed 1200. On Pompey's fell ten Senators amongst whom that Domitius who had been sent to succeed Caesar with about 40 Equites or Knights and of the common sort they that say most 25000 but Asinius Pollio who was in the Fight and one of Caesar's Captains in his Commentaries wrote but of 6000. 31. Pompey thought first of flying to the Parthian then to Juba into Numidia but being disswaded by those about him he resolved upon Egypt Plutarch in Pompeio Appian ubi supra Livii Epitom l. 112. Paterculus l. 2. c. 53. as a Country at hand Pompey flying into Aegypt powerful and the King whereof was ingaged to him in way of friendship as his Guardian Thither when he came and sent to be received the King being a boy Achillas Pothinus the Eunuch and Theodotus his Schoolmaster consulting about the matter one would have him received and another not but the last to shew his eloquence declared both their wayes to be bad and that he was to be received and then slain subjoyning Mortuum non mordere that the dead bites not which saying long after Patrick Grey traiterously suggested to Queen Elizabeth perswading her to put to death the Queen of Scots though he was sent from King James this Queen's son to work her
any Roman although he carried in Tables a representation of what he had done in the Civil Wars Then went he once more into Spain against Pompey's sons Pompey's sons in Spain A. M. 3960. Ol. 183. ann 4. V. C. 709. Hyrcani 20. to whom several had fled out of Africk where coming to fight near Munda his Army was struck with such fear as it was never nearer running It had fled but that he snatching a Target out of a Soldier 's hand went and ingaged the Enemy himself had 200 Darts thrown at him whereat his Officers being ashamed came on and he got the day 30000 of his Enemies being slain with two of their Captains Labienus and Varus Cn. Pompey also though he fled was taken and his head sent to Caesar 35. This year being that of his third Consulship which he exercised with M. Aemilius Lepidus being Pontifex Maximus or High-Priest he amended (a) Sueton. in Julio Plutarch in Caesare Dio l. 43. p. 226. E. Caesorinus de die natali c. 20. Macrobius Saturnal l. 1. c. 14. Plin. l. 18. c. 25. the Roman year which reformed by him is yet after him called Julian The Julian year Herein he used the skill of Sosigenes an excellent Mathematician of Alexandria where he learned this account though the Alexandrian Moneths consisted of 30 dayes apiece and five dayes were added at the end of every year in Astronomical Calculations SECT 7. and of Flaevius the Scribe in rectifying the Calendar Whereas now in the Moneth of February were intercalated 23 dayes he intercalated betwixt November and December two other Moneths containing 67 dayes so that this present year had fifteen Moneths and 445 dayes But this work seemeth to have been done before his last expedition into Spain After his return he (b) Dio ut suprà p. 236. c. laid down the Conshulship and bringing in a new mode of creating honorary Consuls for three moneths made Q. Fabius Maximus and C. Trebonius whereof the former dying in the last day of the year Caninius Rebilus obtained to succeed him for the few hours that remained whereupon Tully (c) Famil Epist l. 7. Epist 30. Caninio consule scito neminem prandisse nihil tamen eo consule mali factum est fuit enim mirifica vigilantia qui suo toto consulatu somnum non viderit calls him the most vigilant Consul for that he never slept during his Office Now were vast honours decreed him by the Senate Vast honours decreed to Caesar (d) Dio ut suprà Livius lib. 116. Appian belli civil lib. 2. as that he should be Dictator in perpetuum and have the stile of Imperator not in that sense as Generals were wont to have it given by their Soldiers after some worthy exploit but whereby the greatest Authority in the Commonwealth was signified For the Militia was to be wholely and solely at his disposal as also raising of money and all sorts of Magistrates even Plebeian were to be subject to him and swear to contradict none of his decrees SECT VII From the absolutenesse of Julius Caesar to the end of the second Triumvirate and the absolutenesse of Octavius Caesar or Caesar Octavianus the space of 15 years 1. CAESAR being now Consul the fifth time with M. Antonius whom he much favoured and promoted for that in his Tribuneship he so much stood for him to shun (a) Sueton in Julio Appian belli civil lib. 2. envy in the Citie thought upon making War upon the Getae and Dacae which had made inroads into Pontus and Thrace About this time young Castor the son of Castor by (b) Lib. 12. pag. 568. Suidas in voce 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Vide Gerard. Vossium de Historicis Graecis lib. 1. cap. ult Strabo called Saocondarius by the daughter of Deiotarus the King or Tetrarch of Galatia to whom Pompey gave Armenia the Lesse which gift the Senate having confirmed was taken away by Caesar because he took part with Pompey came to Rome to accuse his Grand-father He was sent by his father and mother together with Phidippus a Physician Deiotarus his slave who was corrupted by their promises to feign an accusation against his Lord that he would have killed Caesar vvhen he entertained him in his Tetrarchy King Diotarus defended by Cicero Deiotarus father and son vvho reigned together had at that time four Ambassadors in the Citie vvho offered their own bodies to Caesar for the safety of their Masters But Cicero being mindfull of the friendship and familiarity he had had vvith the old man made an Oration for him in Caesars house vvherein he premiseth that it vvas so unusual a thing for a King a real King for as for the Kings of Lacedaemon vvho vvere called to account by the impudent Ephori they vvere indeed no Kings having nothing but the title and therefore this can make nothing against this truth to be questioned for his life that before that time it vvas never heard of Deiotarus being acquitted by Caesar put to death his daughter as she had deserved together with her husband Castor Saocondarius that noble Chronographer concerning whom Gerard John Vossius is to be consulted in his Treatise of Greek Historians 2. Caesar in his last Consulship to (a) Joseph Antiquit lib. 14. cap. 17. gratifie Hyrcanus the High-Prtest and Ethnarcha of the Jews as also the Nation granted to him to enjoy and Govern the Citie of Jerusalem as he pleased which he might also fortifie with Walls To the Jews he granted also a freedom from the charge of Portage and Toll with an abatement of the publick Revenue in the second year of letting it out to farm In this second Julian year his Collegue (b) Appian bell civil lib. 2. Dio lib. 44. Censorin de die Natali cap. 9. M. Antonius procured by a Law that the Moneth Quintilis should in honour of his name be after it called July He now restored (c) Dio lib. 43. Strabo lib. 8. 17. Carthage and Corinth which two Cities had both in one year been destroyed by Roman Colonies sent thither The moneth Quintilis called July Now (d) Dio lib. 43. Appian belli civil lib. 2. Plutarch in Caesare Sueton. in Julio Livii Epitom lib. 116. the people had a great desire to be revenged on the Parthian for the losse of Crassus and his Army and to him unanimously the War was decreed and lest any stirs should be in his absence he was permitted to name all Officers that should be in the Citie for three years 'T is thought he would gladly have had the title of King though the people being against it he declined it For as he came into the Citie from the Hill Albanus where he had sacrifized some saluted him by the name of King which the people took ill whereupon he said he was not King but Caesar and all holding their peace he passed on sad and grieving And when one of
it though now he betrayed no such intention the fact had been approved of as done upon an Usurper and a Tyrant though they had not long before taken a solemn oath for his preservation and decreed such vast honours to him Antonius by putting them in mind that if he were judged deservedly slain all his acts were to be nulled and consequently the assignment of several Offices which he had of late made to several of them effected that no more was done than to decree an Amnestie or oblivion for all that was past An Amnestie voted by the Senate for which Cicero much laboured The offices were confirmed with this reason entered because it was requisite for the good of the Commonwealth and the day following the Senate meeting again decreed Provinces to the murderers viz. to M. Brutus Crete Afnick to Cassius to Thobonius Asia to Cimber Bithynia and Gall about Padus to Decimus Brutus After this Caesar's testament was opened wherein he made heirs three Nephews of his Sisters Caesar's Testament C. Octavius of three parts in four of his estate not of half onely Sueton in Julio Flor. l. 4. c. 4. as it 's found in Livy's Epitome and L. Pinarius and Q. Pedius of the other fourth part C. Octavius he adopted into his name and family and most of those that killed him he named amongst the Guardians of his son if one should be born to him As second heirs if the former should not possesse the inheritance he named Decimus Brutus and M. Autonius He also in his will gave no small matter to the Romans to be divided man by man as Plutarch writeth This moved the People out of measure to indignation against the Conspirators Antonius the Consul vehemently stirring up the multitude in his funeral Oration They were driven to that rage that after the burning of the Corps they were hardly disswaded from firing their houses and they tore in pieces one Cinna whom they mistook for another of that name that was one of them 6. Now the series of affaires bringeth us to Caesar Octavianus the adopted son of Julius He was grand-son to his sister Julia which woman was wife to M. Attilius Baâ—bus Octavius his heir and by him had a daughter that was maried to C. Octavius He was born in the Consulship of Cicero Appian de bello civili l. 3. Sueton in Augusto Dio l. 45. and lost his father who governing Macedonia died sodainly before he could stand for the Consulship when but four years old He accompanied this his great Uncle in the last Spanish War who ever kept him close to him in their travail and was now sent by him to Apollonia to study intending to take him along with him in the Parthian War There he heard of his death and the inheritance left to him His Mother and Father-in-Law Marcius Philippus were unwilling he should take the name of Caesar as subject to much envy but after some pause he resolved to the contrary and assuming the name of Caesar Octavianus made use of the good affections of his Uncles friends in Greece who accompanying him to the City he was met by a vast number of others from Rome Here after he had accepted of the adoption and confirmed it by the authority of the Praetor as the custom was he went to Antony whom he expected to have his friend and assistant in prosecuting his Uncle's Enemies But after some waiting he entertained him with great contempt and though he had got a great quantity of Caesar's money yet he denied to let him have any fearing he should grow into too much esteem Purchaseth the Love of the People Caesar hereupon sold his own inheritance to pay the legacy given to the People which procured him much love his Uncle's or Father's as now he must be called old Soldiers flocked to him whom he accepted of out of fear of Antony who now became every day more odious both to him to People and Senate 7. The Senate suspected Antony as intending to set up himself Appian Livii Epitom lib. 117. Dio l. 45. and he intended nothing more for which cause he resolved to have some Province assigned him Antony practizeth for his own advancement wherein he might get power To curry favour then he propounded to be considered Sextus Pompey who yet remained of the sons of Pompey the Great that beloved man that in requital for his fathers estate confiscated he might have an allowance out of the publick and command of the Seas with that Navy he formerly had This being received with great applause was enacted and so Pompey was called back into Sicily where he afterwards waged a great War against Caesar Antony perswaded Dolobella his Collegue a young man whom Caesar having ordained to be Consul after his departure out of the City when he was dead took the Office and inveighing against his benefactor would have had the day of his death stiled the birth-day of the City though he loved him not to ask Syria not of the Senate but the People hoping that after him he should not be denied such a request The difference increasing betwixt him and Caesar he desired to have the six Legions which lay in Macedonia and obtained them deceiving the Senate by a false rumour that the Getes hearing of Caesar's death had invaded that Province He baited them by preferring a Law against any one's being Dictator It was his design to bring these Legions over into Italy to awe and command all and that he might effect this he preferred by force a Law for changing of Provinces and thereby procured to his brother C. Antonius Macedonia which formerly had been assigned to M. Brutus and to himself the nearer Gall or Gallia Cisalpina which before was given to Decimus Brutus 8. The Senate would in no wise grant this whereupon he betook himself to the People When he had brought over his Legions part of them revolted to Caesar who now out of fear went up and down Italy gathering Soldiers out of the Colonies his father had planted With a considerable Army at length Antony marched into Gall whence he commanded Brutus to be gone who gave way to him then but departed to Muâ—â—na resolving there to stay and endure a siege for that he had some considerable strength and expected assistance Here Antony straightly besieged him which the Senate hearing of by Cicero's working especially who now began to speak and write his fourteen Orations in imitation of those of Demosthenes called Philipicks declared him an Enemy to the State which proved a means for the bringing in and preferring of Caesar Octavianus The hatred of him procureth young Caesar's preferment For though the Senate cared not at all for him as being generally of Pompey's faction Appian ut supra Dio l. 46. Plutarch in Antonio Cicero Philip. 5. Sueton in Octavio yet they resolved to make use of him for his Armies sake and therefore erected him a
statue made him a Senator though but nineteen years old decreed that he should be considered towards preferment as ten years older and gave him equal power with Hirtius and Pausa the Consuls whom now they sent to relieve Brutus They took Bononia but Antony being bold for that he had got the better in some skirmikes went and met Pansa whom he overthrew but returning carelesly into his Camp was worsted by Hirtius A littel after a great battel was fought near Mutina wherein Antony was quite defeated and fled to Lepidus then Proconsul in the further Gall. A. M. 3962. V. C. 712. Both the Consuls died of wounds Hirtius in Antonie's Camp and Pansa at Bononia Brutus being at this time spared by Caesar thought of departing with his ten Legions to M. Brutus and Cassius now in Greece but his Soldiers moved by the difficulty of the journy revolted the six new raised Legions to Caesar and the four of old Soldiers to Antony He then purposing with a small attendance to passe through Gall was taken at Aquilea and betraied by Capenus Sequanus Governour of the Countrey who sent his head to Antony Before this Appian Livius lib. 120. Cicero Philip. 11. Trebonius another of his Complices in Caesar's death excluding Dolabella whom the Senate had judged an Enemy from Pergamus and Smyrna was taken by him in the later place and after grievous torments had his head cut off which the Soldiers kicking about as a foot-ball did so abuse as no face was to be seen on it Not long after the death of Decimus Brutus Minutius Basilius another of the Conspiratours was slain by his slaves whom he had gelded in a great rage 9. Now the Senate having no need of young Caesar slighted him exceedingly Yet having no need of Caesar the Senate again slighted him decreeing the honour due to him unto Brutus whom he had relieved giving him very bitter taunts and denying him a Triumph Being sensible hereof and how most of them were of Compey's Faction Appian ut supra Livius l 119. Sueton. in Angusto Patercul l. 2. c. 62. Livii Epitom lib. 120. he began to tamper with Antony by Letters as also with Lepidus for a conjunction and sent 400 Soldiers into the City in the name of the Army to demand the Consulship for him Hereat the Senat straining hard one Cornelius a Centurion laying his hand on his Sword said This shall do it if you will not Then called he Antony and Lepidus into Italy whereat the Senate much startled and too late blaming their own rigidity decreed him Consul and whomsoever he would take to himself So he invaded the Consulship a moneth and five dayes before he was twenty years old and took Q. Pedius for his Collegue Then by a Law was fire and water forbidden to all that had an hand in the death of Caesar and their goods were sold The Senate was now so changed either through good advice or fear that in stead of slighting they advanced him above all example Vide Dionem lib. 46. They resolved that after his Consulship he should take place of all Consuls and though formerly they were displeased with his levying forces being a private man now they desired him to add to his Army and decreed to him the Legions of Decimus Brutus The City was committed to his care Livii Epit. l. 120. Appian bell civil l. 4. and power given him to act what he pleased Which procureth the Thumviraté though without the prescript of the Laws which he retained fifty six years till his death Not long after came Aemilius Lepidus and M. Antonius into Italy whom he met about Bononia and after a three dayes conference entred into confederacy with them which is famous by the name of the Triumvirate The Terms of the Combination 10. The terms of this Combination were That Caesar for the remainder of the year should leave the Consulship to Ventidius who formerly in the Social War when a Boy was led in Triumph and after that rubbed the heels of * Concurrite omnes Augures Aruspices Portentum inusitatum constatum est recens Nam mulos qui frecabat Consul factus est Mules for his living Idem ibid. Dio lib. 46. That a new authority of three men should be erected to take away civil dissentions which they three should execute for five years with Consular power for the Dictatorship was waved because of a Law lately preferred against it by Antony with authority to dispose of all Offices for that Term. That Antony should have as a Province all Gall except that of Narbon which Lepidus was to have with Spain and to Caesar was Africk with Sardinia and Sicily assigned other places beyond the Seas being left to another time They agreed further that their Enemies should be destroyed wherein the case of Cicero moved the greatest controversie For Antony would not meddle except he in the first place should be slain These Verses were scattered up and down the Citie Lepidus was content but Caesar stood much against it Gellius lib. 5. cap. 4. yet on the third day he assented an exchange being made for he yielding up Cicero Lepidus permitted his brother Paulus and Antony L. Caesar his Uncle by the Mother's side to be proscribed Lastly it was agreed that Lepidus should be Consul the following year instead of Decimus Brutus designed formerly by Julius Caesar He guarding Rome and Italy the other two were to make War upon Brutus and Cassius who now though at first without any decree of the Senate had seized on Macedonia and Syria Cassius in Laodicea besieged Dolabella who being judged an Enemy by the Senate for the death of Trebonius when the Citie vvas taken caused his Page to cut off his head and so ended his life being a man of no great solidity He vvas son-in-law to Cicero but after the divorcing of Tullia they fell into great enmity vvhereupon the Orator proved a back friend to him in the Senate reigning amongst the Fathers and the People with his Eloquence The effects of it 11. The first effect of the Triumvirate was a Proscription of some 300 persons of Equestrian and Senatorian ranks Appian Though the pretence was to revenge Caesar's death yet many were murdered for their rich Estates others out of malice and some for their convenient Houses and Gardens Amongst those of greatest note was Varro who now living to see and feel a second Tricipitina yet escaped with his life Cicero the man most aimed at by Antony for opposing him so vehemently in the Senate upon the Triumvirs their coming went to Sea but the winds being contrary and because he could not endure the shaking of the ship he returned saying he would die in his Countrey often preserved by him Being weary both of his flight and life Plutarch in Cicerone he came to a Village a little more than a mile distant from the Sea Here his servants
was in desperate condition by want of necessaries till fearing a defection for that some had revolted already or till being forced by the earnestnesse of his Soldiers he led them out to battel Both parties though Countrey-men were so greedy of ingaging that they neglected to use any missive vveapons and betook themselves to their Swords fighting with great animosity till at length Brutus his side was born down and put to the rout And Brutus after a defeat He escaped to an Hill where remaining all night when in the morning he saw no way of escaping Antony having made him sure lest he should renew the War he set his swords point to his left pap where the motion of the heart is felt and forcing it into his breast expired A. M. 3963. Ol. 185. ann 3. V.C. 712. Hyrcani 22. Ante Christ 40. This was the end of these two men by the same vveapons as some write wherewith they killed Caesar who had given them their lives and received them into favour after the battel of Pharsalum While they sought liberty by his death by that very means they lost that which they accounted such being indeed no other than a liberty for the common sort to run into extravagancies and for particular men to abuse their credulity and by flattery to procure power which they then would improve even Pompey himself as well as Sylla Cinna Marius and Caesar further than their Commissions extended With them perished the hopes of that called a Commonwealth which thenceforth never was more seen Appian As for the succeeding bickerings which the Triumviri had with young Pompey they were but inconsiderable in comparison of this War with Cassius and Brutus who having under their power all the Roman Empire from Macedonia to the River Euphrates with above 20 Legions 20000 horse 200 long ships and infinite sums of money so long as they remained the Commonwealth seemed though not at Rome as yet to be surviving 16. Caesar being indisposed for he had not his health this expedition and therefore was not in the first fight returned into Italy Caesar returneth to Rome Antony went into Asia to gather up money for the paiment of largesses promised to the Soldiers Here he squeezed out of the poor Inhabitants that little which was left them by Cassius and Brutus Appian belli civil lib. 5. Plutarch in Antonio Dio lib. 48. the followers of whom he also restored as he met with them except such as had an hand in Caesar's death In Cilicia he met with Cleopatra Queen of Egypt on whom he presently doated having formerly had much affection for her when yet a Girle at such time as he accompanied Gabinius into that Kingdom Antony followeth Cleopatra into Egypt Thither he now followed her having first sent a party of horse to plunder Palmyra a Town situate near Euphrates and laid most heavy Tributes and Impositions upon the Provinces After Caesar had recovered A. M. 3964. V.C. 713. according to their agreement at parting he set himself to divide Lands to the Army in Italy which hereby was put into a great combustion the number of Soldiers being so great that multitudes of Inhabitants were turned out and many Towns emptied to give place to those new comers who committed many outrages and had not purchased those Lands by any service to the State as was complained but by serving to inthrall it to the Dominion of three men Fulvia the wife of Antony and Lucius his brother now Consul envied Caesar this popularity with the Soldiers and contended earnestly that they ought to settle the Soldiers of Antony which was granted But herewith not contented they resolved to prosecute him with War She for that she desired her husband might be recalled thereby from Cleopatra concerning whom she had too much cause to be jealous of him and he out of desire to innovate pretending an indeavour to suppresse the Triumvirate and to reduce the antient form of Government and trusting much to the strength of his brother The Perusian War betwixt Caesar and the brother and wife of Antony 17. Much ado was made to reconcile them but to no purpose The antient Possessors of the grounds flocked to Lucius and the new ones to Caesar to whom Salvidienus coming out of Gall with great strength Appian Lucius went to oppose him but was diverted by Agrippa and reduced to such straights betwixt them two though Ventidius and Asinius two of Antonie's Captains were not far off that glad he was to betake himself for security to Perusia a strong Town where he was closely besieged by Caesar and his party He stood out very couragiously till forced by famine to yield to mercy then coming out first and casting himself into Caesar's hands he interceded for his Soldiers and desired all the blame might be upon himself he was received honourably and his Soldiers were pardoned at the desire of their Enemies The Town was to be plundred but by a mad-man A M. 3965. V. C. 714. who set his own house on fire and therein perished it was burnt down to the ground About this time was the first Ecloge of Virgil written who now was some 28 years old during the division of those Lands as clearly appeareth from it Vide Servium in locum the above mentioned L. Antonius and P. Servilius Isauricus being Consuls in the 713th year of the Citie and the third of the Triumvirate 18. After the Perusian War for so 't is called Caesar suspecting Antonie's affection towards him Appian to strengthen himself seized on Spain and Gall Caesar provideth for the worst though his Provinces taking occasion at the death of his Lieutenant vvhereby being 40 Legions strong he vvas able to graple vvith him if need should require But having no shipping he was at a losse as to Sea matters and therefore married Scribonia the sister of Libo father-in-law to Sextus Pompey from whom he hoped by this alliance if need were to obtain peace Antony this Spring moved from Alexandria where he had lived all Winter very loosely with Cleopatra as against the Parthians who now under conduct of Labienus had over-run Syria as far as Tyre Antonies carriage in the East Though this Town was set upon by them and he pretended he would relieve it yet he did not alleging a necessity of going to the War against Pompey who now hindred all Provisions from coming to the Citie and thereby caused a great dearth Dio lib. 48. he again excused himself why he came no sooner to that against Pompey because he was retained by the Parthian War Sayling then into Asia he had news of the event of the Perusian War and blamed much his wife and brother whence passing into Greece he met with her and his mother Julia whom Pompey having taken now sent safe to him Thence he sayled over the Ionian Sea where Aenobarbus delivered up all his Fleet and forces to him
not which the other took in ill part yet sent for him again For having laid out much upon the Fleet he intended to exchange it for some Italian Legions to be used in the Parthian Warr it being difficult for him to raise men in Italy which was subject to Caesar though by their last agreement both were left free there to make their Levies Antony and Caesar make a new agreement and prorogue their power Octavia coming over to her brother agreed them who then made the exchange and because the time of the Triumvirate set by the Senate was almost out prorogued their power for five years longer without any consideration had of the suffrages of the People So Antony departed into Syria Caesar deferring his Expedition into Sicily untill the following year 22. He determined to invade Sicily from three several quarters Lepidus Idem who now joyned with him was to invade it from Africk Taurus from Tarentum and he himself from Puteoli Pompey resolved to oppose him so many several wayes but at this time it needed not for Caesar's Navy was the second time wracked by a Tempest which so puffed up Pompey that he stiled himself Neptune's son But Caesar gave not over the enterprize for the same Summer having recruited his forces and mended his ships he put forth to sea and then though on Lepidus his part were lost two Legions overthrew Pompey's Fleet but was again worsted and yet landed 21 Legions and 2000 Horse besides 5000 lightly armed No great or memorable battel was there on Land but Pompey sent to his Enemy to know if he would fight by Sea fearing his Land-Forces He accepted of his offer and then finally defeated him having sunk 28 of his Vessels The rest were either taken or broken Pompey overthrown by Caesar seventeen onely escaped A. M. 3969. V. C. 718. and at the sight of this overthrow his Land-forces yielded to Caesar so that with his seventeen Vessels he fled to Antony from whom he expected protection having restored formerly his mother safe to him when in such a condition Messana still stood out but the Garrison at length yielded to Lepidus who granted to the Soldiers to draw them to his party the plunder of the Town equal with his own Having now by the addition of those Forces 22 Legions and a strong body of Horse under his command he pleased himself with thoughts of getting all Sicily into his hands to which he pretended a right as first invaded by him and he sought to hinder Caesar all he could from the possession of it 23. Caesar expostulated with him for his ingratitude but to no purpose Then found he means to draw away all his Army from him Appian ut supra Plutarch in Antonio Dio. l. 49. which now was something averse to Civil Warrs and satisfied of the greater worth of Caesar being moreover incensed against their General for making Pompey's Soldiers partakers with them in the plunder of Messana Yet though his Soldiers would have killed him did he save them alive but outed him of all power and banished him One head of the Tricipitina broken off so that thus fell one head of this Tricipitina Pompey not being persued by Caesar craved protection from Antony yet sent to the Parthian in case he should not be received by him Then thought he of seizing upon Syria and the parts adjacent upon a rumour of Antony's being overthrown whereupon he was pursued by his party and at last taken and killed at Midaius a Town of Phrygia as Dio writeth but as Florus and Appian at Miletus in the fourtieth year of his age fourteen years after the death of his Father Pompey killed Caesar at his return restrained roberies in the City setting watches therein and administred things in the antient way by annual Magistrates He burnt all letters written in time of War promising he would restore the Commonwealth as soon as Antony should return who he knew would also lay down the Magistracy all Civil Warrs being ended He was therefore received with luckie acclamations and had a Perpetual Tribuneship bestowed on him as invited by this honour to lay down his other power Concerning this he wrote privately to Antony who whilst Caesar was thus imployed about Pompey had called Cleopatra into Syria and there given her Phoenicia Caelesyria Cyprus a great part of Cilicia with part of Arabia Nabathaea Antony doateth on Cleopatra and so much of Judaea as brought Balsamum Then sending her home he marched into Armenia where yet he could do nothing for desire of her like himself but ever thought of returning to her which shortly after he did but was much troubled in his passage by the Parthians to whom his Army had revolted but that they killed such as first passed over to them 24. The year following and that wherein Pompey was slain Plutarch Dio. he was solicited by the King of Media in conjunction with him to make Warre upon the Parthian but was hindred by stirs which hapned betwixt Cleopatra and Octavia his wife who now returning to him out of Italy met with letters at Athens to stop her there he pretending necessary avocations by Warre Caesar then would have had her come to his house but she would go to her husbands where she educated both his children and her own as became her Then did Antony return into Armenia where he caught the King by a wile and brought him in triumph into Aegypt Now would he be called Father Bacchus His extravagancies in Aegypt as Cleopatra Isis who now was stiled by him Queen of Aegypt Cyprus Africa and Caelesyria Caesario whom she had by Julius Caesar being her partner in these Principalities But his own sons by her Alexander and Ptolomy he named Kings of Kings betwixt whom he did not onely part what Provinces he himself had but also Armenia Parthia and Media and to Cleopatra their daughter assigned Cyrene These things together with the disgrace of his sister provoked Caesar who made report of them to the Senate and People Hereby he incensed men's minds against Antony who shortly after went into Media and entered into league with the King thereof Caesar at the same time fought against several People of Illyrioum and the next year both provided for the Civil War betwixt themselves 25. Antony in way of recrimination to Caesar objected his putting Lepidus besides the Triumvirate and taking his Soldiers as those of Pompey to himself which ought to have been equally free for both and he challenged his part of the Soldiers raised in Italy Caesar and he fall out For Caesar besides what we formerly mentioned accused him of taking Aegypt as his Province Dio l. 50. Florus l. 4. c. 11. killing Pompey abusing Artavasdes the Armenian King to the great infamy of the Roman State but above all upbraided him with Cleopatra and what he had assigned to their children as also for that he owned Caesario as begotten by
induced with such diversity of affections and desires and because things hereby were brought to that passe that with difficulty could they be managed Now that he spake true he said the deeds themselves bore mention for as long as the multitude of the Roman People was not great nor much more considerable than their neighbours the State was in a good condtion and almost all Italy was subdued by them But after that passing out of Italy they went abroad into all Countries and Islands and filled all Seas and Lands with their name and power no good got they by it but first of all at home and within the walls riots being made they shook the Commonwealth and afterwards propagated the same mischief into their Enemies Therefore their City like to some great ship of burthen filled with a various multitude and destitute of a Pilot having been for many ages beaten and tossed with grievous waves now floted and having no stay was tossed here and there He desired him therefore that he would not still neglect her thus conflicting with Tempests for he saw how much water she had already taken in nor suffer the stay to be quite broken off for she was now battered and could not long subsist but seeing that the gods had presented him as an Overseer and Governour to his Countrey not to cast her off but as by his means she had a little recovered her spirits so for the ages to come she might remain in safety by the same means Having used these arguments drawn from the Thing he took others from the Man and shewed him his imminent danger in case he laid down his power in the several cases of Pompey Marius and Sylla Pompey he said having devested himself of his power was contemned and being laid at by his Enemies perished because he could not recover it He told him that his father meaning Julius Caesar going about the same miscarried The same had hapned to Marius and Sylla but that they were prevented by death though some said also that Sylla killed himself to prevent his Enemies 't is certain that many of his Laws began to be repealed whilest he yet lived In conclusion he told him he must expects many such as Lepidus Sertorius Brutus and Cassius This is the sum of Maecenas his speech in behalf of Monarchy whereof the beginning is lost as also the conclusion of that of Agrippa 7. These things sufficiently evidence that it was impossible in an humane way for the Empire to subsist in a Commonwealth so called and not onely that Democratical Government impracticable in one or more Nations considerable for wealth and of various interests but any one considerable Nation or more not to speak of one or a few Cities or places at present which must necessarily consist of multitudes of people diversly qualified variously inclined and very unequally possessed of wealth and honours Such having the Supream power in their own hands must needs foment several humours The rich and honourable must either not medle and so out of discontent watch for an advantage to alter things or if they do they will not be content with equal imployments When any extraordinary power is obtained such inforcements as were formerly mentioned will happen which being driven on by that ambition which is but natural to all mankind will drive either fear or desire into Monarchy A civil vvar especially produceth this and more especially when the quarrel is betwixt single persons and yet more especially is it inforced by a religious pretence under which Vizard the greatest deceit hath triumphed accompanied or ushered in by a sacrilegious asserting of approving providence whereby inviolable Majesty Oâ—der Propriety and all things excellent have been contaminated overturned and trampled on and yet a structure erected at length out of the materials of those very things which formerly were onely by the intruders accounted bad because they stood upon another ground But not onely in a Democratical way is it impossible for one or more considerable Nations to be governed but in an Aristocratical also For if the wealth and propriety of a Nation be diffused and not limited in the possessions of a few of the chiefest persons such would find a continual repugnancy in their subjects others thinking themselves as capable of power as they Hence quarrels and implacable enmities must arise and he who shall be best able will at length command the rest though he ought to have been their fellow subject and demonstrate a necessity of Monarchical Government 8. The affairs of the Graecians urged by Agrippa to make against Monarchy do much plead for it and evince the necessity of it For after that the multitude in the several Cities had rebelliously withdrawn themselves from that obedience An answer to Agrippa's argument drawn from the Greeks which both the Law of God and just title of succession challenged as due to their Kings who as Thucydides acknowledgeth governed them with Justice and Moderation how miserably were they inslaved by their fellow Citizens called by them Tyranni or Tyrants and forced to submit to Usurpers who punished them for their disobedience towards their rightfull Soveraigns Never were there such Tumults Seditions Civil Wars Massacres and Desolations as in and amongst those Cities which called themselves Commonwealths Such were the extravagancies of the multitude that the best men were rejected and bold impudent and sawcy fellows domineered who being corrupted with money bought and sold all that was of consequence and by their cunning speeches turned and led the rabble which way soever they pleased As for what Agrippa urged that they onely did things of moment after that the power came into the peoples hands those things of moment were amongst themselves and such as made them miserable they tearing one another in pieces in the Peloponnesian and other Wars breathing nothing but rage malice and revenge against one another Nothing of consequence did or could they do against the Barbarians as they accounted all besides themselves till reduced under the Monarchy of Alexander they became instruments in his hands Common danger ingaged them against Xerxes whose multitudes destroyed themselves but had it not been for the meer wisdom of Themistocles want of Order of Government and discretion had ruined them all in departing into Peloponnesus and foolishly applying themselves to the fortifying of the Isthmus Though they several times assisted the Ionians in their rebellion yet still at length were their endeavours defeated Cimon indeed got several victories and did notable exploits in a piratical way but what effects produced they The most that was effected at land was by Agesilaus but he having not done much was recalled for that many Cities having been allured with Persian Gold which never failed to corrupt the Councils overthrow the projects and disturb the affairs of these petty States by taking off the great Leaders of the rabble had conspired against Sparta But what great matters they could do against Monarchy
largenesse of the Empire and nearnesse of Enemies The Militia and money it was necessary to have a standing Army he would have levies made out of the porest and lustiest young men who being continually exercised and trained up in Military discipline all others were to be forbidden the use of Arms. Then for money which he shewed to be necessary for carying on of affaires in all Governments as well as under Monarchy he advised him to make money of all publick things gotten in War and let it out upon moderate interest to look well to the Mines and impose Tribute upon all Subjects it being reasonable that all should contribute to the expense of that which tended to the protection and good of all But there was no danger he said but men would be willing to pay seeing most of them should receive it back with advantage either by bearing Offices of Magistracy or Government or serving in the War especially when they understood that Caesar himself lived soberly and frugally not improving the publick expence to any private excesse Rome to be adorned 19. For the rest he would have him adorn Rome with all magnificence and set it out with all sorts of solemnities to make it in great reverence and esteem abroad No Nation was to have any power in it's own hands nor meet in any publick Assemblies of debate for that would procure disturbance for which reason neither was the Roman People The Provinces curbed he said to be permitted either to come together for passing of Judgement to the Comitia or any other Council for the enacting of any thing No City or People was to be suffered to use any excesse in buildings or in games none to use any peculiar coin weight or measure None were to send any peculiar message to him except the matter required his inspection but have recourse to the Governour of the place who was therewith to acquaint Caesar Ambassadors either from Enemies or confederate Kings or States were to have audience from the Senate that the power seeming to be in thâ— Senate they might see how many Enemies they should have if the case so required and matters being dispatched by consent of the Fathers the Majesty of the Empire would be the more established All of Senatorian rank he would have impeached before and judged by the Senate that Caesar might escape the envy of condemnation and others by so formal proceedings might be kept in awe How scandalous words to be thought of As for any scandalous words against himself he told him he should neither hear any accusation nor punish them For it was not good he said that he should believe that any one would injure him who hurt no body but did good to all for saith he bad Princes onely do this whom their guilty consciences make credulous Neither is it fitting to take those things ill which if true ought not to have been done and if false should be neglected and dissembled for that many by punishing them minister greater occasion of worse discourse His sense therefore of scandalous words was this that he ought to be higher than all injury and neither himself to fancy nor make other believe that any one durst be so sawcy How Traitors to be punished but that the same opinion of veneration was had of him as of the eternal gods If any plotted his destruction he would neither have him himself to judge nor sentence him but refer him to the Senate and if he were convicted to punish him as lightly as might be that his crime might gain belief But he here excepted such as having command of Armies made open insurrections who were not to be formally arraigned but punished as Enemies The Senate to be made use of 20. These things and most of the rest which concerned the Common-wealth he would have him propound to the Senate wherein all the members should have equal power of voting except any of them were accused If the party indeed were not as yet a Senator or but of the rank of a Quaestor all might have voices but it was against reason that he who never had been a Tribune of the People or Aedilis should passe sentence upon him that had born these Offices or that those should do it upon one of Praetorian rank or such an one upon a Consular person but it was fitting enough that those of Consular Dignity might judge all the several sorts and the rest their equals or inferiours Caesar himself was to be Judge in all Appeals made from the greater sorts of Magistrates his Procurators the Governour of the Citie Subcensor Chief Justices Overseers of Provisions or Proveditors and Masters of the vvatches for none ought to have so absolute a power but that appeal ought to lie from him Of these he ought to take Cognisance as also of the causes of Equites Centurions or prime Officers when the controversie is about life or reputation 〈◊〉 what Cases â—eals ought 〈◊〉 to Caeâ— For these Cases ought to be referred to him alone and for the fore mentioned causes none other ought to Judge them Yet to the hearing of them he might nominate some of the principal men of Senatorian or Equestrian rank or of Consular or Praetorian Dignity that he and they having had hereby experience one of another he might imploy them in other matters abroad In the Cases of greatest consequence he would not have him ask their opinions openly lest favouring their friends they might not speak freely their minds but their opinions were to be written down and then presently blotted out which secrecy would procure them to use all freedom He advised him in his affairs of Causes Letters businesse of Cities and Petitions of private men and in other things of Government to use the assistance of the Equites To refuse to hear no mans advice and to look at the Will and not at the successe both of Councellors and Soldiers as neither to envy the glory of military men For many fearing the envy of Princes and States have rather chosen to lose than gain in the Wars to provide for their own safety Military men not to be envied Wherefore he would not have him whom especially the event either as to profit or disprofit would concern in word others and indeed to envy himself 21. He desired him speak and do such things as he would have his Officers to think and practice for this would more easily teach them their duty men being led more by example than precept and the actions of Princes being especially pried into and more imitated than their threatnings feared The lives of others he should look into Rules for Caesar's General carriage but not greatly enquire what Crimes by others were detected he ought to punish but dissemble such as had no accuser and know how to correct mildly which in some cases doth more good than rigorous proceedings Then as for rewards he told him Deserving persons
their Governments but for a year And as soon as successors were sent them they were presently to depart the Provinces and not loiter in their return but come to Rome within three moneths The distribution of the Provinces was made on the Ides of January as may be gathered from Ovid who thought also that Caesar Octavianus had the Sirname of Augustus given him the same day which indeed was the fourth day after as appeareth from Censorinus 28. For the Provinces being divided and all things setled it was debated in the Senate whether he ought not to be called Romulus because he had founded the Empire but the other more venerable name of Augustus propounded by Munacius Plancus at length seemed best for sacred places and Temples consecrated by Augurs the Romans termed Augusta Caesar though he much desired that of Romuâ—us saith Dio yet perceiving he should be suspected of affecting the Kingdom omitted it and was sirnamed Augustus as greater than the nature of man could make him For those things are called Augusta Sirnamed Augustus which are most worthy of honour and most sacred wherefore the Greeks expresse it by 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as if thou shouldest say Venerable Thus Caesar alone got the whole power into his hands having both money for though he had his own separate from the Treasury yet did he use this at his pleasure and the Militia in his own hands When his ten years were out other five and when they were expired five more and these ended ten more and ten more after them were added so that he had his authority still continued for his life for which cause his Successors though they had the power setled on them for life yet at the end of every ten years solemnized as it were the renewing of it As soon as Caesar had but made his Oration about resigning his command and distributing the Provinces many honours were conferred on him as that Laurel should be planted before his gates in the Palatium and upon those trees Oaken garlands hung as for him who was a perpetual Conquerour of Enemies and preserver of Citizens The house of the Emperour also was wont afterwards to be called the Palatium or Palace not for that it was ever so decreed but because Caesar lived in the Palatium or Palatine hill and there was his Praetorium his house also received some dignity from the Mount it self because Romulus there lived therefore though the Emperour saith the Historian live elsewhere yet is his house called the Palatium or Palace But after he had done those things which he promised then was he called Augustus by the Senate and People From this day forward began the soveraign power and authority to be in the hands of one man which the Greeks called Monarchy Yet the Romans derived the Epoche of their Augusti from the Kalends of January of this year as Censorinus writeth who compareth with the 265 year of this Aera the 283 of the Julian ordination This seventh Consulship of Augustus Caesar and the beginning of his Monarchy fell out in the 727 year of the City the second of the 188 Olympiad the thirteenth of Herod the Great 25 before the birth of Christ A. M. 3978 he himself as it 's said the seventh and M. Vipsanius Agrippa the third time being Consuls 29. On this manner all the power of the People and Senate was transferred upon Augustus All power of Senate and People transferred upon him saith Dio. Lib. 55. p. 517. A. M. 3978. Ol. 188. an 2. V.C. 727. Herodis 13. For this notable translation and change in the Government there was a Law made which is famous by the name of Lex Regia after which it's convenient to make a little enquiry for the better information of Students in this great affair A Law may be so and is so called either for that a King made or preferred it or because it was made and enacted concerning a King or Kingly power In the first sense such Laws as were made by Romulus and his successors the antient Kings of Rome are by Lawyers called Legee Regiae whereof Dionysius Halicarnasseus hath recorded many and of which several have been already mentioned in their due places and in the (a) Tit. de mortuo inferendo l. 2. Code is yet extant a Law called Lex Regia concerning the burial of a woman with child so called because enacted by some ancient King But in the later acceptation is to be understood this Law whereby Regal and that absolute power was conferred upon Augustus by the Roman People The Law it self is not now extant in terms nor exemplified in any Author still remaining yet it is mentioned by Justinian in his (b) Lib. 1. Tit. 2. de Jure Nat. c. Institutions of Law who there writeth speaking of several sorts of Law that what pleaseth the Prince hath the vigour of a Law forasmuch as by the Lex Regia which was made concerning his power the People granted to him all it's command and authority By a Law called Lex Regia In the (c) L. 1. Tit. de Constit Principum Pandects he also mentioneth it well-nigh in these very words in a third (d) L. 1. sect cum itaque C. tit de Vet. Jure Enucleando place also expressing it to the same purpose that by an antient Law called Lex Regia all the right and all the power of the Roman People was translated into the Emperours authority therefore it is otherwise called Lex Imperii and Augustum privilegium As for Commentators upon both Institutions and Pandects with other parts of the Civil Law nothing is more acknowledged by them all as they have occasion 30. But as fot the interpretation of this Law some difference there hath been amongst Expositors who lived since the Civil Law was restored in the West A different manner of expounding it For some there have been ever since that time who rightly understood all manner of power and authority to be so by the Roman People transferred upon the Prince by that Law that they affirmed the People thereby deprived and made destitute of all power and authority Others thought power and authority indeed was given to the Prince to make Laws but so that by this concession the power of the People was in no sort diminished and the force of Plebiscitums and Senatusconsultums as well future as past was the same as formerly so that Prince People Senate and Commons had equal authority in this matter both these opinions being held as appeareth from Accursius Hostiensis and others But the later of them seemeth thence to have risen The Reason that they mistook this Lex Regia called also corruptly Lex Remnia for the Hortensian Law or rather thence as a late (a) Joh. Seldenus in Fletam Dissert cap. 3. sect 3. learned man judgeth that the Professors and Students of the Civil Law which was newly restored were fearful lest by asserting
that he was betrayed by Gallus Hostilianus Governour of the lower Maesia He perswaded him to fight in a fenny ground and then revealed his intention to the Enemy by whom he was beset and was shallowed up in a bog so as his body could never be found He was courteous enough to all but Christians and gave satisfaction to Senate and People He reigned two years and an half Gallus 4. Vibius Gallus Hostilianus succeeded him both in his Empire his malice towards Christians and his punishnent He clapped up an ignominious Peace with the Gothes unto whom he promised money a thing scarcely heard of before amongst the Romans and this not being long kept Eutrop. l. 9. Pompon Laetus Victor the Gothes and Scythians made incursions into Thrace Macedonia and Thessaly and also into Asia making great spoils in all places Many other Nations after their example rebelled and made havock of the Provinces the Parthians also peirced into Armenia and thence expelled Tiridates the King The Scythians proceeded so furiously that they seemed to carry all before them till that Aemilianus a Moor and who commanded the Legions in Pannonia by promises drew on his Soldiers against them and so repelled them that he invaded their Country for which service he was saluted Emperour by this Army Aemilianus Gallus hearing of this went presently against him but was slain together with Volusian his son and partner in the Empire Such was the end of him who persecuted the Church of God and chased away such holy men as praied for his peaceable and prosperous estate Euseb Hist l. 7. c. 1. Orosius l. 7. c. 21. The persecutions of the Christians in the dayes of Decius and Gallus were accompanied or followed with a most grievous Pestilence which so vehemently raged that there was scarcely any Province City or house but was almost wasted and ruined by it Gallus and Volusian his son reigned little more than one year Valerianus 5. Aemilianus enjoyed the dignity not long for another Army near the Alpes creating Emperour one Valerianus a man of noble descent Olymp. 258. an 1. V. C. 1006. A. D. 253. Laetus Orosius ubi supra Euseb Hist l. 7. c. 10. his Soldiers lest they should incur any danger or trouble killed him after three moneths Valerianus then taking the Government upon him in Rhaetia the Senate at Rome gave the title of Caesar to Gallienus his son He was at first very courteous to the Christians and so familiarly imbraced them that his Palace was filled with Professors of the Faith but afterward he was perswaded by the Master of the Aegyptian Sorcerers to slay them as Enemies to their Art and hinderers of it's operation in their presence so that he raised the eighth Persecution wherein many perished But God avenged the cause of his Saints upon him for going against Sapores the King of the Persians he was taken prisoner and could not be released notwithstanding the intercession of the Persian's confederates who alleged that the Romans the more they were overcome the more vehemently they ever resisted Sapores kept and used him as a stool to tread on when he got on horse-back and at length pulling his skin over his ears Gallienus tortured him to death Gallienus his son who all this time had reigned with him terrified hereat Orosius l. 7. c. 22. Eutrop. l. 9. stopped the Persecution of the Christians but many of the Romans who had been the instruments of the Emperours cruelty being to be punished as well as he many Nations fell like a flood upon the Roman Empire Gallienus giving up himself to all wantonnesse and luxury The Germans over-running Rhaetia and part of Italy came as far as Ravenna the Allemans also wasting Gall peirced into Italy Greece Macedonia Pontus and Asia were overwhelmed with an inundation of the Gothes and Scythians Dacia beyond Danubius was perpetually lost the Quadi and Sarmatae seized on Pannonia and the Parthians having got into their hands Mesopotamia made incursions into Syria 6. Gallienus neglected these motions answering alwaies concerning these matters Aurelius Victor Pollio de 30 Tyrannis Orosius ubi supra Pomponius Laetus as if notwithstanding them the Empire might flourish and do well enough He thus little minding the Commonwealth the Soldiers almost in all places chose them Emperours so that at this time there were no lesse than thirty Tyrants The most notable of these upstarts was Posthumus who reigned in Gall with great commendations ten years he used much moderatition expelled the Enemies and recovered Provinces All those thirty fell at length either fighting with one another or with the Emperour But Gallienus at last being contemned was slain having reigned six years together with his father and nine by himself A. V. C. 1021. A. D. 268. His Successor was Flavius Claudius a Dalmatian born according to his own desire Claudius and the will of the Senate who killing of the Gothes and other Barbarians to the number of 330000 men and sinking 2000 Vessels the Senate decreed him a Golden Shield to be set up in the Court and a Statue in the Capitol but to the great losse of the Commonwealth he was slain at Syrmium when he had scarcely reigned two years Orosius l. 7. c. 23. Into his place was advanced Aurelius Quintillus his brother Quintillus an excellent person but being too good they that set him up pulled him down because they could not bear his gravity and strictnesse Aurelianus killing him the seventeenth day after at Aquileia Then reigned Valerius Aurelianus born either at Syrmium or some place in Dacia of mean parentage Being by Claudius appointed to drive the Goths out of Thrace he was after his death saluted Emperour He was an excellent Soldier and restored the Empire well nigh to it 's former bounds He drove out the Gothes from about Danubius then returning to Rome and there punishing some Seditious persons he marched into the East to reduce those parts to their former obedience 7. In the dayes of Gallienus the Persians having subdued Mesopotamia and invaded Syria One Odenatus an inhabitant of Palmyra a Citie of this Countrey gathering together a company of Boors fell upon them and so ordered his affairs that he beat them out of Syria recovered Mesopotamia Orosius and incamped before Ctesiphon the Metropolis Being slain after this Conquest Zenobia his wife in right of her Children kept possession of the East together with Egypt Aurelianus now going against her in his way in Illyricum Euseb in Chron. Thrace and other places defeated such Enemies as he met Zozimus lib. 1. and then entring Syria after some trouble and danger overthrew and took the Queen her self near Antioch and then recovered all her Dominions But after his departure the Inhabitants of Palmyra killed his Garrison and revolted which calling him back he destroyed both the Citie and them therein sparing neither Sex nor age and after this recovered Egypt